Yet these remarks also come after Iranian officials had downplayed the seriousness of last weeks attacks on the parliament building and monument to Ruhollah Khomeini, suggesting that ISIL had little recruiting reach inside the country. The persons who were directly involved in the shootings and bombings are believed to have been Iranian nationals, though some had also reportedly traveled to Syria and Iraq to fight for ISIL in regions where the Sunni militant group controls territory.

Tehran and particularly the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps have recruited thousands of fighters for Shiite militant groups operating in Syrian and Iraq, some of which have sworn allegiance to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The recent revelations about ISIL affiliates highlight a competing trend and raise questions about the effect of Iran-backed sectarian conflict on local populations. But they also potentially give Iran further incentive and justification for cracking down on those local populations, specifically the already-persecuted Sunni minority.

This is something that the Center for Human Rights in Iran warned about in a statement on June 7. The Center noted that whenever the Iranian state has perceived external threats, the intelligence establishment, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), has seized the opportunity to further infringe upon the civil rights of the Iranian people.

The statement went on to say that just as international authorities should not be selective in their criticism following such tragic events as the attacks that killed 17 people and wounded dozens of others, neither should Iranians exploit such incidents for political purposes. But the statement acknowledged that this is already happening, and it specifically referred to Iranian officials blaming critics of the security forces for supposedly encouraging the country to let down its guard in the midst of the threat from foreign-linked terrorists.

But the security establishment is notorious for its criminalization of peaceful activism, independent journalism, and so on. Sometimes these things are conflated with terrorism and other serious crimes, as evidenced by the number of peaceful activists who have been sentenced to long prison sentences or even death for charges such as enmity against God, a category technically reserved for persons who use deadly weapons in opposition to what the Iranian regime considers to be an Islamic way of life.

On its own, this fact raises questions about the nature of the arrests that have been carried out since the Tehran terrorist attacks. Reuters reported on Friday that Iranians had already arrested 41 people from various provinces as a direct result. Authorities alleged that each arrestee was connected to the attacks, although it was not clear whether any evidence had been produced to substantiate this claim.

Iranian security forces routinely arrest people on the basis of the barest suspicion and hold them in detention without charge for weeks or even months while interrogating them and attempting to build a case. This sort of practice is familiar to cases of political imprisonment including Western nationals like the Washington Post reporter Jason Rezaian, who was released in a prisoner swap coinciding with the implementation of the Iran nuclear deal in January of last year. Additionally, the Green Movement leaders Mir Hossein Mousavi and Mehdi Karroubi have also been denied charges or trial despite having been held under house arrest since 2011 and being subject to promises from President Hassan Rouhani that they would be released under his administration.

In using the terrorist attacks as grounds for dismissal of criticisms of an ongoing domestic crackdown, Tehran is continuing a pattern of denying past wrongdoing while perpetuating the same trends. These trends include not only repressive methods of law enforcement but a particular pattern of judicial punishment, including outmoded practices like amputation and a world-leading rate of executions.

President Rouhani is poised to begin his second term in office in August, and the number of executions carried during his first have by most accounts exceeded 3,000. Some analysts followed Rouhanis own narrative in suggesting that his May 19 reelection would provide the Iranian president with the political capital to begin to exhibit the moderate domestic behavior that had been expected of him following his first election four years ago. But this development does not appear to be coming to pass, as evidenced by the ongoing security crackdown and the fact that at least 20 people had been executed in the three weeks immediately following Rouhanis reelection.

The Tower reported upon this statistic last week and added that Rouhanis record with respect to executions is worse than that of his acknowledged hardline predecessor, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. It also noted that the year 2015 saw the highest number of confirmed executions in Iran since 1989. The year prior to that, the Islamic Republic had carried out a massacre of political prisoners, primarily targeting the opposition group known as the Peoples Mojahedin Organization of Iran and killing an estimated 30,000 people in the course of about three months.

The 1988 massacre was subject to a veil of secrecy for many years as the regime steadfastly denied its responsibility for past killings and discouraged any conversation thereof. But that veil began to lift last year with the release of an audio recording in which the late Ayatollah Hossein Ali Montazeri described the massacre as the worst crime of the Islamic Republic. Yet this only led to certain authorities including President Rouhanis Justice Minister Mostafa Pourmohammadi to defend the killings. In fact, Pourmohammadi had declared a leading role in them and declared last year that he felt proud of having helped to carry out Gods command of death for the PMOI.

Furthermore, the regime went on to run another member of the 1988 Death Committee, Ebrahim Raisi, as a candidate for president, challenging Rouhanis bid for reelection. In case this was not sufficient to demonstrate the regimes lack of remorse or shame regarding its history of politically motivated killings, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei broke his own silence over the 1988 massacre on June 4, describing it as an appropriate response to threats to the regimes survival, for which that regime has been unfairly judged. The Center for Human Rights in Iran quoted Khameneis speech in a report last week.

Shortly after making this declaration and thereby defending the regimes direct culpability for politically motivated killings, the supreme leader issued comparatively vague accusations against the United States, accusing it of being responsible for the creation of ISIL. That the US joined the anti-ISIS coalition is a lie. Theyre against an unrestrained ISIS but agree with a controlled #ISIS, Khamenei said on Twitter, without further explanation, according to US News and World.

Al Jazeera notes that Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif quickly followed up on this commentary by levying similar accusations against regional rival Saudi Arabia and saying that it was actively propping up terrorist groups on both the eastern and western borders of Iran. These statements appear to reflect further Iranian efforts to politicize the Tehran terrorist attacks, at a time when the regime is facing down renewed emphasis by the White House and its allies on Iranian human rights violations and support for terrorism.

This foreign policy rhetoric also comes at a time when mutual conflicts against ISIL are increasingly causing Iran and the United States to butt heads in Syria and Iraq. The USA Today reported on Tuesday that Iran-backed militias are striving to secure Syrian supply lines as ISIL loses ground. Meanwhile the Washington Post indicates that it is US backed forces, namely the Syrian Democratic Forces, that are closing in around Raqqa, ISILs de facto capital.

Under these competitive circumstances, Iran stands to benefit greatly if it can make itself look like a more legitimate opponent of ISIL, compared to the United States. And this claim is in turn made more plausible if the Islamic Republic can deflect legitimate criticisms of its own sectarianism, Islamic extremism, and associated domestic abuses.
SRINAGAR -- A young man was killed and several others injured in Indian-controlled Kashmir on Friday in anti-India clashes that erupted during a gunbattle between rebels and government forces in the disputed region, officials and witnesses said.

Inspector-general of police Muneer Ahmed Khan said government forces cordoned off southern Arwani village on a tip that at least two Kashmiri rebels were hiding there.

The fighting began when the militants began firing in an attempt to break through the siege, Khan said.
Israel Police are reporting there was an attempted terrorist attack near Damascus Gate in Jerusalem. The knife-wielding terrorist was neutralized by security forces at the scene.

One victim is reportedly in serious condition and has been transferred to Hadassah Hospital in Mt. Scopus.
Three terrorists armed with semi-automatic weapons and knives struck in two different parts of Jerusalem's Old City, Friday night, critically wounding 23-year-old border policewoman Hadas Malka, who later succumbed to her wounds.

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All three terrorists, Palestinians from the West Bank, aged 18-19, were shot and killed at the scene by security forces.

Jerusalem terror attack (:  ")

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Scene of the attack

Body of the one of the terrorists (Photo: Ohad Zwigenberg)

Malka had been evacuated in critical condition to Hadassah Mt. Scopus Hospital for emergency medical treatment after the attack.

Four others were moderately and lightly wounded.

According to reports from the scene, two terrorists opened fire at a police force near Sultan Suleiman St. while the third terrorist stabbed Malka near the Damascus Gate.

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Border police at the scene of the attack

Jerusalem district police commander Yoram Halevy described the attack, saying, "At one scene, near Sultan Suleiman St., two terroristsone armed with a semi-automatic weapon and the other a knifeattacked police. Police responded and killed both attackers at the scene. Several meters away, at the Damascus Gate, an additional terrorist stabbed a border policewoman, critically wounding her. The terrorist was shot by other officers in the area."

According to MDA, two members of security forces were wounded, with another border policeman sustaining light injuries to his eye. Additionally, a 22-year-old man and a 40-year-old man were evacuated to Shaare Zedek Medical Center in moderate condition after sustaining gunshot wounds to the torso and limbs, respectively.

Weapon from the attack

Jerusalem District Police Commander Yoram Halevy and Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat at the scene (Photo: Alex Kolomoisky)

According to Halevy, "We are in the third part of Ramadan and as we near the end of the holiday, the more sensitive the situation becomes. We will have to make difficult decisions such as whether or not to allow people to come to Jerusalem, if we should allow them to pray in such large numbers, which can lead to terror attacks.

"We will conduct a situational assessment tonight with security forces and it is possible that there may be serious consequences in regards to the issue of Ramadan, which only ends in ten days."

According to sources in the security establishment, the style of attack conducted Friday evening is reminiscent of the combined attack which killed border policewoman Hadar Cohen last February.
Students and experts from the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) discovered agricultural installations carved into the bedrock that were most likely used as part of an ancient industrial area.

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The site was discovered during excavations near Route 65 in the Galilee. The location also housed a synagogue decorated with a mosaic floor and was inhabited during the Bronze Age, some 4,000 years ago.

Photo: IAA

"As we expanded the excavation with the students, we found more and more installations, and it would appear that these are not for private use, but rather a real industrial zone, from the Middle Bronze Age (1,800 BCE) or from the Roman-Byzantine period (5th-2nd centuries CE)," said Yoav Zur, the IAA director of the excavation.

According to Zur, "There is no doubt that these installations were used to process agricultural products from the vicinity, but it is still unclear what these were. These facilities may have been used for wine production or mustard oil. Talmudic sources attest to the production of oil from the mustard plant that grows in the area and was a source of income for the residents of the Jewish village of Hukok."

Students working at the site (Photo: IAA)

During the Roman and Byzantine periods (1st-7th centuries CE) there was a Jewish village in the area complete with a Byzantine-style synagogue, decorated with unique mosaic floors depicting biblical scenes.

At the foot of Hukok is a spring, whose abundant waters were a major reason for the existence of a settlement at the site over the ages. In the future, Israeli authorities plan to develop the site for the benefit of the general public.
Following the terror attack at the Damascus Gate in which border policeman Hadas Malka was killed, the Prime Minister held a conference call with the Minister of Internal Security, the Police Commissioner and other security officials, and received a briefing about the incident.

Prime Minister Netanyahu accepted the recommendation of the Minister of Public Security and the Police Commissioner, and decided to cancel the permits for immediate family visits from the West Bank. However, permits for entry into Israel were left in place for Ramadan prayers.
YORK  A 53-year-old York man is being held in the York County Jail as prosecutors have asked that his post-release supervision be revoked.

Last year, James J. Gusich was sentenced to prison for felony terroristic threats.

Prosecutors said he threatened state patrol officers and health care workers at York General Hospital when he was taken there after a car accident. They said he told a health care worker that he was going to kill her and her family. And it was noted that earlier contacts with Gusich prompted them to believe the threats were credible.

He was sentenced to a term of two years in prison with three years of post-release supervision.

At the time of sentencing, the prosecution cited his long criminal history, which includes convictions of voluntary manslaughter and burglary in Cook County, Ill. For the manslaughter conviction, he was sentenced to prison for 18 years, for the burglary he was sentenced to four years in prison.

They also cited convictions of burglary and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle in Walker County, Texas. He was sentenced to a term of 2-4 years for the burglary conviction and five years for the other conviction.

Now there are allegations that he violated the terms of his supervised release, which means more prison time could be possible.

Judge James Stecker continued Gusichs first hearing, so the defendant would have an opportunity to speak with his court appointed counsel.
Khamenei continued, Officials should distance from foreign enemies and their foreign elements During the 2009 incidents, there were people on the streets chanting against the revolution and religious beliefs, and we faced major difficulties as we did not distance ourselves from such elements.

In reference to the Iran nuclear deal, he said, we could have not trusted the enemy, but in some cases and for some reasons, such as not providing any pretexts to the Americans, we backed down and of course there were no pretexts and we suffered.

We trusted the officials who followed up this issue, as we do today, as we consider them our men and believers in religion. However, in this regard, since we believed the words of our counterparts, voids were left and the enemy is currently taking advantage of, he added.

Khamenei emphasized, It is obvious that the US is not fond of Irans Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) and Quds Force, and they will be placing conditions, for example for the IRGC to not exist, the Bassij to not interfere, act like this and that in foreign affairs and such other remarks. However, in complete contrast to the enemy, all our officials must boost Irans symbols of strength, such as the armed forces, the IRGC and Bassij, and all other believers. The honorable president in his speech said actions should be taken, yet he is the main individual, along with his team, to implement these measures.

He also spoke of the threats for the regime posed by social media, An avalanche of immoral issues that are against our national interests, right and wrong context, right and wrong information, and even half-intelligence are provided to the society. This must be controlled.

However, a new wave of attacks on Rouhani has begun to weaken him, after Khamenei targeted him and authorized a fire at will attack. Fire-at-will inspired attacks on Rouhanis government by Khamenei clearly shows the Iranian regimes stand-off in the midst of crises.

State-run Mehr news agency, reported on June 12, that Mohammad-Nabi Habib, head of Motalefeh, warned Rouhani, saying, Rouhani needs to know that sedition is regimes red line. So, he must be careful when selecting his colleagues. Regime should not be hit twice by the same cause. Reminding Rouhani of Khameneis criteria on picking cabinet members, Habibi then required Rouhani to explicitly declare that the 2009 sedition and seditionists are his red line, particularly with regard to picking his cabinet members.

Habib also referred to the Iran nuclear deal, The United States violates in all flagrancy the nuclear deal, said adding and not only did it not lift the sanctions, but added new ones as well, and called Iran the center of terrorism. Now after the nuclear deal, the US is expecting the government to pay even more. Adopting UNs 2030 guidelines, joining FATF and following its orders, signing a nuclear-deal-like missile agreement, introducing the resistance front as the regions terrorists, and removing Khomeini and revolution from public culture are the prices that must be paid so as to compromise with and satisfy the United States. Moreover, its not clear if thats all that should be paid, according to Resalat newspaper.

Javan newspaper wrote, One of the main figures behind the 2009 sedition has said that we must accede to international obligations so the extremist (fundamentalists) wont take charge. The Revolutionary Guards linked newspaper then adds it seems that agreeing to such treaties like the 2030 is along the same line and its not unlikely that the same ideology has put that on Rouhanis table. For instance, when 2030 agenda requires that violent content be removed from educational texts, it means that such stories as the one related to martyr Fahmideh as well as Qurans Jihad verses have to be removed from Irans school books. In a word, it means nothing but going backward. The state-run newspaper also called on Rouhani to declare opposition to the UNs 2030 agenda.

Javan newspaper also states in its June 22nd editorial, that applying sanctions for destabilizing activities shows that theres no imaginable end to US sanctions against the Islamic Republic. Its quite clear that moving along the compromise path will bring about more unimaginable, unpredictable costs.

Referinh referred to Rouhani and his followers as, those who in fear of paying a high price for challenge are seeking to adopt a compromising policy and move the Islamic Republic away from resistance and standing against the hegemonic system.

Rouhanis reaction was to say in May 19th election, it was not a selection from between two or more candidates, but it was choosing one of two ideologies, and people chose one. There are some who dont tolerate, and dont try to raise their tolerance, either.

Although Rouhani refers to two ideologies, they are very much the same, as keeping the regime in power is their main goal.
The sharing economy has transformed the way people utilise their properties, giving them a viable means of generating extra income and providing enriching experiences for travellers.

With the aim of connecting home hosts with the newest products and services, the Australian Home Hosting Expo recently announced its inaugural expo, which will be held at the Melbourne Showgrounds on November 25.

There is a market for companies to provide innovative products and services to set peoples listings apart, said Suzette Sutton, founder of the Australian Home Hosting Expo. In Australia, an average of 68% of homes are either owned or mortgaged so [the] client-base for home hosting platforms is a significant part of the Australian population.

The disruption of the accommodations industry has been firmly cemented by the launch and rapid growth of Airbnb. Additionally, Australia is now seeing a burgeoning market aimed at tapping into this booming industry.

Every host, whether they are listed on an online platform, or house swap or house sit, endeavours to provide a unique experience for their guests, Sutton said.

Aside from offering travellers the chance to live like a local, Sutton suggests bringing a personalised experience to guests. These include unique decor and furnishings, local knowledge about things to see and do in the area, transportation information, in-house conveniences such as coffee machines and babysitting services, as well as extra little touches that will set each host apart from run-of-the-mill hotel accommodations and other hosts.

There are plans for the Australian Home Hosting Expo to be held in other cities, like the Gold Coast, Sydney, and Perth in Australia, as well as Auckland in New Zealand.

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Melbournes Airbnb Hosts Make Up To $150,000 Annually

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Irans reacted by blaming the USA, Israel, and Saudi Arabia. Some say that Tehrans domestic and regional policies contributed to the incident, citing it as a classic case of Iranian regime blowback.

The conventional wisdom suggests that Iran would remain immune to ISIS as a global terrorist threat. Given Irans majority Shia population and the fact that ISIS is a deeply anti-Shia cult informed by an extremist Sunni neo-Wahhabism, it has been widely assumed that Iranian recruits to ISIS would be difficult to find. writes Nader Hashemi, Director of the Center for Middle East Studies at the University of Denver in his article for Newsweek.

He writes that that Iranian Kurds were behind the ISIS attack in Tehran, and adds, Marginalized, angry and alienated populations exposed to salafi ideology are susceptible to ISIS recruitment.

Sunnis comprise about eight percent of Irans population, representing Arab, Baluchi, Turkmen and Kurdish minorities. Unemployment and discrimination plague them, and they live on Irans periphery.

Its been reported that a small number from these groups have joined ISIS as a result of similar socio-economic factors that pushes ISIS recruitment elsewhere. According to Mashallah Shamsolvaezin, the distinguished Iranian journalist, border towns and villages and tribes along Irans east, west and southern borders are poor and vulnerable to extremism, and this produces social conditions where young unemployed men can be wooed and recruited.

Hashemi writes, ISIS has a genocidal view toward Shia Muslims. Partly because of this, Iran and its proxies are fighting ISIS on various battlefields across the Middle East. At the same time, Irans sectarian foreign policy has indirectly contributed to the rise ISIS.

Tehrans support for the Shia majority has marginalized the Sunni people, and indirectly added to the appeal of ISIS.

The advent of the war in Syria was also a contributing factor, as ISIS didnt exist in 2011, when the Arab Spring protests reached Syria. Protests were mostly peaceful, slogans were chanted that confronted the 41-year rule of the House of Assad. However, the protests were met with state-sanctioned repression that escalated into crimes against humanity. The conflict that followed turned into the worst refugee crisis of the 21st century and resulted in the killing nearly half a million people.

The Assad regime  backed by Iran (and Russia)  bears the lions share of responsibility for this state of affairs. It is from the killing fields of Syria that the ISIS variant of salafi-jihadism arose and expanded, writes Hashemi.

Iran claims that by supporting Assad it is fighting ISIS and Al Qaeda. But, from the beginning of the conflict Iran backed the Assad regime, and the problem of ISIS didnt exist in the early months of the Syrian uprising.

Irans critical role in Syria has significantly contributed to the spread of sectarianism across the Middle East: ISIS has been a key beneficiary of this. Now the blowback has come to Tehran, writes Hashemi, who adds, ISIS is fundamentally the product of political authoritarianism in the Sunni Arab world. Its theological home is in Saudi Arabia. The legacy of political tyranny in the Arab world, buttressed by the consequences of the US invasion of Iraq, created social conditions that allowed this extremist cult not only to emerge but also to proliferate. Irans role in this equation has been generally unrecognized.

Iran indirectly contributed to the expansion of ISIS with its domestic policies of discrimination against ethnic/religious minorities and its sectarian foreign policy in Iraq and Syria. Iran is feeling the repercussions of its own behavior.
Ahmedabad: Sabarmati Ashram, which served as epicentre of the country's freedom struggle during Mahatma Gandhi stay there, will celebrate its centenary tomorrow in presence of Bapu's grandson and former West Bengal Governor Gopalkrishna Gandhi.

Mahatma Gandhi lived in the ashram, situated on the banks of Sabarmati river here along with his wife Kasturba from 1917 and 1930.

The Ashram trust has planned several programmes, including opening of two permanent galleries at the Ashram, tree plantation and release of two books on Gandhi, to mark the event.

"The Ashram which came into existence on June 17, 1917, will complete 100 years tomorrow. We have invited Gopalkrishna Gandhi to grace the centenary celebrations to be held at the Ashram tomorrow," Sabarmati Ashram Preservation and Memorial Trust director Tridip Suhrud said today.

As per the schedule posted on the Ashram's website, Gopalkrishna will inaugurate two galleries titled 'My Life is My Message' and 'Charkha.' He will also release two books titled 'Letters to Gandhi' and 'Pioneers of Satyagraha.'

"'My Life is My Message' gallery will have various exhibits depicting Mahatma's entire life. 'Charkha' gallery will showcase various models of charkha (spinning wheels) from across the country," Suhrud added.

As per the official website of the Ashram, this historic place was home to Gandhi from 1917 until 1930 and served as one of the main centres of the freedom struggle.

Gandhi launched the famous Dandi march from the ashram on March 12, 1930 and had wowed not to return there until the country achieved freedom.


Washinton: The United States has accused a Chinese-based company of acting as a front for laundering money on behalf of a sanctioned North Korean bank and has filed a complaint seeking $1.9 million from it, US prosecutors said on Thursday.

Mingzheng International Trading Limited has facilitated prohibited dollar transactions through the United States on behalf of the Foreign Trade Bank, a North Korean bank, and laundered the proceeds, the U.S. Attorney`s Office in the District of Columbia said in a statement.

The $1.9 million forfeiture action "represents one of the largest seizures of North Korean funds by the Department of Justice," it said.

The sum was transacted in 2015 by Mingzheng, based in the Chinese city of Shenyang, via wire transfers, using their Chinese bank accounts, the statement said.

Mingzheng could not be immediately reached for comment

In March 2013, the U.S. Treasury Department placed the Foreign Trade Bank under sanctions linked to proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. It described the bank as a state-owned entity that "acts as North Korea`s primary foreign exchange bank," the U.S. prosecutors` statement said.

China`s foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said the country opposed, in principle, the use of unilateral sanctions outside the scope of United Nations Security Council resolutions.

"The foreign trade bank mentioned by the United States is not on the list of U.N. sanctions for North Korea, so we oppose any country using their own so-called domestic laws to implement long arm jurisdiction," he told a regular news briefing.
Caracas: Two protesters, both aged 20, died Thursday during anti-government demonstrations in separate regions of Venezuela, bringing the total deaths in more than two months of protests to 72, officials said.

Prosecutors said they were investigating the death of Jose Perez, a student in the western town of Rubio who was "shot in the face" during a demonstration.

The incident occurred when a group of students was attacked by government supporters on motorcycles "who fired 40 shots at random," local council president Walter Chacon said.

Separately, the public ministry said it was investigating the death of Luis Vera in the northwest city of Maracaibo, who was "at a demonstration when he was shot". The 37-year-old gunman was caught and will be brought before a preliminary proceedings court.

Near-daily protests against President Nicolas Maduro began on April 1, with demonstrators demanding his removal and the holding of new elections.

The demonstrations have often turned violent with more than 1,000 people injured so far, prosecutors say, and more than 3,000 arrested, according to the NGO Forum Penal.

Protesters blame Maduro for an economic crisis that has caused desperate shortages of food, medicine and other basic goods, as well as soaring crime rates.

Maduro says the crisis is a US-backed conspiracy.

He has launched moves to set up an elected assembly to reform the constitution in response to the protests, but his opponents say that is a ploy to cling to power.
Washington: The U.S. administration on Friday was unable to provide any update on a report by Russia`s defense ministry that it may have killed Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in an air strike near the Syrian city of Raqqa last month, a White House official said.



There was no initial independent confirmation that Baghdadi had been killed. The U.S.-led coalition fighting against Islamic State militants said it could not confirm the death, and several Iraqi officials told Reuters they were skeptical.
China: The man who set off a self-made explosive device outside a Chinese kindergarten killing eight people and injuring 65 others on Thursday had a neurological disorder and had scrawled words for death on the walls of his home, officials said on Friday.

The 22-year-old man, surnamed Xu, was among those killed in the blast near the entrance to the kindergarten in Xuzhou, a city in the coastal province of Jiangsu, police said in a briefing shown on state television.

The official Xinhua news agency said police were considering the act a "criminal offence".

Xu had dropped out of an unnamed school due to his neurological condition and rented an apartment near the kindergarten, China Central Television said.

"Self-made explosive device materials were found in his apartment, and on the walls in many places were handwritten words such as kill, death, destroy and terminate," it said.

Two people died at the scene of the blast and six more died from their injuries in hospital. Xinhua reported on Thursday night that eight people were in a critical condition.

Pictures circulating on Chinese social media showed about a dozen women and children lying on the ground in what appeared to be the immediate aftermath of the blast.

One video showed an injured woman with scorched clothing staggering unsteadily, while others sat on a floor holding crying children in their arms.

Reuters could not independently verify the authenticity of the videos. None of those injured were children or teachers, Xinhua said.

"When I arrived, the scene was messy, both adults and children were lying on the ground. I felt very scared," a local shopkeeper Wei Xunying, who rushed to the site, told Reuters on Friday.

China`s Ministry of Education issued a statement demanding that education officials strengthen security around schools to ensure the safety of students and teachers.

Local authorities said that contrary to early reports the blast did not occur while parents were picking up children after school, according to the People`s Daily.

Explosives are relatively easy to obtain in China, home to the world`s largest mining and fireworks industries.

Violent crime is rare in China compared with many other countries, but there have been a series of knife and axe attacks in recent years, many targeting children.
Islamabad: Pakistani security forces on Friday killed two militants who were allegedly planning a terror attack during a religious gathering of minority Shia Muslims.

Paramilitary Punjab Rangers conducted an intelligence- based operation early this morning in Dera Ghazi Khan area of Punjab.

In the exchange of fire, two terrorists were killed who were planning a terror attack during a gathering of Shiite Muslims observing the martyrdom of Hazrat Ali, the army said.

The raid was part of Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad against the supporters and remnants of militants after they were expelled from the tribal region, according to the army.
New Delhi: Indian shuttlers HS Prannoy and Kidambi Srikanth continued their giant-killing acts at the Indonesia Open Super Series Premier on Friday by defeating reigning Olympic and World champions Chen Long of China and Wang Tzu-wei of Taiwan in their respective men's singles quarter-final matches at the Jakarta Convention Center (JCC).

Prannoy, who defeated Malaysian legend Lee Chong Wei yesterday, shocked the world number eighth from China in a grueling three-game slugfest. The 24-year-old Indian won the match 21-18, 16-21, 21-19 in one hour and 15 minutes.

It was their fourth meeting, with the former world number one leading 3-1.

He thus became the first Indian player to defeat the big three of Lin Dan, Lee Chong Wei and Chen Long. In 2015 French Open Super Series, Prannoy defeated the Chinese great Dan in three games, 14-21, 21-11, 21-17, to announce his arrival in the big stage.

The 25th-ranked player's upsets in these two successive days will be remembered for a long time in Indian badminton.

He will play the winner of Japanese Kazumasa Sakai and Briton Rajiv Ouseph in the semi-final.

But it was a relatively easy outing for his Indian compatriot Srikanth, who beat higher ranked Wang (19) in straight games, 21-15 21-14 in just 37 minutes. It was their second meeting, and the head-to-head record now stands at 1-1. Wang had won their previous meeting at Chinese Taipei Open in 2015.

The 22nd-ranked Indian will play Wan Ho Son in the semi-final. The South Korean defeated Taiwanese Tien Chen Chou 21-15, 21-17 in another quarter-final match.

Srikanth survived an intense match yesterday to beat fourth seed Denmark's Jan O Jorgensen 21-15, 20-22, 21-16.
New Delhi: India's largest telecom company Bharti Airtel on Friday accused newcomer Reliance Jio of predatory pricing and demanded that operators be paid more for calls terminating on their networks as also the right to retain customers through incentives.

United against rival Jio, the three incumbent operators -- Airtel, Vodafone and Idea Cellular who met the inter- ministerial group (IMG) individually -- said the current call connect charges or IUC of 14 paise/minute is below cost and needs to be corrected.

Idea argued that Interconnection Usage Charges (IUC) - paid by one telecom operator to another for connecting phone calls - need to be correctly determined to "prevent predatory voice pricing environment".

It also said that the Jio's free offerings had impacted the industry "adversely" and suggested imposition of floor rate for both voice and data tariffs to check "predatory pricing".

"Only solution is to have floor prices for voice, SMS and data services so mobile telecom businesses generate adequate profit to invest and then compete based on quality of service," Idea said citing markets like Sri Lanka and Bangladesh which have imposed floor prices for mobility services.

Idea further said that the four big operators have cumulatively lost Rs 8,200 crore of revenue in the second half of last fiscal as compared to the first half. The free offerings had driven the industry on path of degrowth, it said in its presentation.

Airtel alleged that Jio had adopted "predatory pricing" approach specifically aimed at winning market share by providing services below cost. This has severely hit the industry's revenue, net income and return on capital employed, Airtel pointed out.

"To prevent abuse of below cost termination charges, it is recommended that the present IUC should be corrected and fixed at full cost incurred by the terminating operator," Airtel said in its presentation to the IMG.

It further said that telecom regulator Trai should be "restrained" from any further reduction in IUC till the matter is finally adjudicated in court as it would cause "irreparable financial loss" to Airtel and other operators.

The Sunil Mittal-led company emphasised that operators should continue to have the "right to retain customers" through offers and discounts.

Jio had earlier alleged that incumbent operators were lining-up customised retention offers to influence subscribers who want to shift to a rival network. It had termed such methods as being "unfair and deceptive", and claimed that the offers were being presented to customers "surreptitiously" on one-to-one basis and not available to the general public.

Airtel further said an investment of Rs 2 lakh crore would be needed by 2020 to achieve the goal of creating infrastructure for Digital India, but that the key players critical for driving the digital opportunity were under "severe financial stress".

The incumbents also spoke in one voice on reduction of levies like licence fee, spectrum usage charges and GST.

Vodafone sought deferment of mobile termination charges review by two years till "market stabilises", and said that these rates should reflect "full cost recovery".

Its prescription for the failing industry health included doing away with spectrum usage charge (SUC) altogether or reducing it to 1 percent; cutting Universal Service Obligation rates to 3 percent with sunset date; and lowering of GST rate to five percent (from 18 percent).

Airtel has sought reduction in licence fee to 3 percent and bringing SUC to uniform one percent rate. It has also pitched for relaxed spectrum pay-outs with five year moratorium, and lower GST rates.

The IMG, constituted to suggest policy reform to mitigate sector's financial stress, has been holding dialogue with individual operators this entire week.

Today's presentation by Airtel, Vodafone and Idea, winds up the week long discussion that IMG held with all the telecom operators individually.

Earlier this week, the IMG met senior executives from Reliance Jio, Reliance Communications, Tata Teleservices and Aircel. It has also held discussions with telecom PSUs Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd too.

The IMG also met four major lenders, including SBI, who voiced concerns over "stress" in the telecom sector and flagged possibility of defaults by debt-laden operators.

The incumbent operators have been vocal about the onslaught of free voice and data offers by the aggressive newcomer Reliance Jio and its impact on the industry's revenue in 2016-17.

Earlier this week, Jio had ascribed the financial stress in the telecom sector to existing operators like Bharti Airtel and Idea running businesses on debt and investing heavily in unrelated sectors.

It alleged that incumbent operators have been reluctant in infusing equity and hence the financial stress is their own creation - a charge that was vehemently refuted by the three operators today.

The large operators have cited Rs 4.6 lakh crore cumulative debt, and are making a case for urgent relief measures like extension on payment of deferred spectrum liability, and cut in levies.

Trai met all the operators yesterday to discuss the industry's financial difficulties and measures that can be taken to ease the situation.
New Delhi: RBI Deputy Governor S S Mundra on Friday said public sector banks may require more than Rs 10,000 crore capital infusion from the government than budgeted for the current fiscal on account of higher provisioning for bad loans and haircut on stressed assets.

"I think the finance minister has always been mentioning if there is a need we will find resources," he said on the sidelines of an event organised by Assocham.

The process of NPA resolution and capitalisation are closely associated, Mundra said, adding that, it appears banks may need additional capitalisation post the exercise.

Asked about quantum of haircut to be taken by banks for resolution of stressed assets, Mundra said: "There is no question of maximum or minimum haircut. Haircuts have to be taken depending on need and requirement (for resolution)."

Various solutions may emerge as part of insolvency process, he said. It could be merger, restructuring and haircut, or provisioning may be required depending on the structure which is finally adopted under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC).

Earlier this week, the RBI has identified 12 stressed accounts each having more than Rs 5,000 crore of outstanding loans and accounting for 25 percent of total NPAs for immediate referral for resolution under the bankruptcy law.

When asked about the names of the 12 accounts, he said, Internal Advisory Committee (IAC), comprising a majority of its independent board members, will come out with the list at an appropriate time.

The banking sector is saddled with non-performing assets (NPAs) of over Rs 8 lakh crore, of which Rs 6 lakh crore is with public sector banks (PSBs).

On consolidation, Mundra said, it is purely a commercial decision and once the decision is taken it will reach the regulator for approval.

"I think these are business decisions which are to be taken by respective bank managements, owners. At right point of time where it needs review by the regulator, it will come. RBI comes into the picture much later," he said.

It is to be noted that Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had announced capital infusion of Rs 10,000 crore for the current fiscal in line with the Indradhanush scheme.

As per the scheme, public sector banks need to raise Rs 1.10 lakh crore from markets, including follow-on public offer, to meet Basel III requirements, which kick in from March 2019.

This will be over the Rs 70,000 crore that banks will get as capital support from the government. Of this, the government has already infused Rs 50,000 crore in the past two fiscals and the remaining will be pumped in by the end of 2018-19.

Additional allocation will be provided as may be required, Jaitley had said.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday allowed domestic drug manufacturer Cipla, which recently arrived at a settlement with Swiss pharma major Roche over a lung cancer drug, to withdraw its petition on the patent row.

The apex court was informed that the two companies on May 30 had arrived at a settlement before the Delhi High Court to close the patent dispute between them over the drug erlotinib hydrochloride, manufactured and sold by Roche under the name of Tarceva and Cipla's Erlocip.

Cipla had filed a petition challenging the High Court's November 27, 2015 order holding that it had infringed Roche's patent in a lung cancer drug.

However, after the May 30 settlement, Cipla moved the apex court seeking to withdraw the Special Leave Petition (SLP) filed against the 2015 decision.

Cipla's lawyer mentioned the matter before a bench of Justices R K Agrawal and S K Kaul and said both the firms -- Cipla Ltd and F Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd-- have arrived at a settlement over the dispute and now they do not want to pursue the SLP.

The bench, which took up the matter today itself, allowed the application seeking permission to withdraw the petition.

Hours after the court proceeding, a joint statement was issued stating that "Cipla and Roche/OSI confirm that they have reached an agreement regarding the ongoing patent disputes relating to the anti-cancer medicine Erlotinib Hydrochloride.

"As part of the agreement, the companies have ceased all relevant patent litigation on this product and Cipla has acknowledged the validity of the patent rights of Roche,? the statement issued by the Swiss Pharma said.

A division bench of the high court had held that Cipla's lung cancer medicine, Erlocip, was one polymorphic form of the erlotinib hydrochloride compound, which may exist in several forms, and Roche's patent claim was not limited to any one such version.

While Cipla's Erlocip, launched in 2008, costs Rs 1,600 per tablet, Roche's Tarceva cost Rs 4,800 per tablet. Roche was granted the patent in India for erlotinib hydrochloride on February 23, 2007.

The high court had also imposed a cost of Rs five lakh on Cipla. The bench has remanded the case to the single judge for rendition of Cipla's accounts for determination of profits from sale of Erlocip.

The verdict of the division bench had come on the pleas of Cipla and Roche, both of which had challenged the single judge's order of September 7, 2012.

The single judge, in his order, had held that Cipla was not infringing Roche's patent and had refused to grant any injunction against the Indian company.

The single judge had also refused to revoke the patent of the Swiss company as sought by Cipla.
New Delhi: Tata Motors on Friday said a committee of the board will meet next week to consider raising Rs 500 crore through non-convertible debentures (NCDs).

"The company is desirous of offering the eighth series of its rated, listed, unsecured, redeemable NCDs aggregating to Rs 500 crore," the Mumbai-based auto major said in a regulatory filing.

In this regard, a duly constituted committee of the board would meet on June 21, it added.

The NCD issuance is pursuant to the approval of the shareholders at the company's 71st AGM last year.

The company, however did not disclose reasons for raising the capital.

Tata Motors shares were trading 1.53 percent higher at Rs 455.30 apiece on BSE today.
New Delhi: Kairali - The Ayurvedic Healing Village will soon be hosting Indias first, Ayurveda-based Chefs Retreat, Healing RecipesBack to Roots from July 3, 2017, to July 6, 2017, in Palakkad, Kerala.

Designed through 120 years worth of collective experience of the experts at Kairali and some of Indias leading culinary minds, the idea behind Healing Recipes- Back to Roots is to create this fascinating platform that brings forth ancient food wisdom and philosophy presented through modern culinary practices. It is an endeavour to help people realise how food can be their biggest investment for happiness and wellness.



Speaking at the unveiling of the concept, Chef Manjit Singh Gill said, Food is the single, most important investment that we make every single day of our lives, and yet modern times has seen food being defined as junk and unhealthy. A thought I completely disagree with. How can something that heals and nourishes be harmful? Hence, it is imperative that we revisit our approach to food, to ingredients and cooking techniques. Healing Recipes  Back to Roots, for me, is that one platform that will help you rethink food.



Healing Recipes- Back to Roots has been put together under the mentorship of legendary Chef Gill and Ayurveda-expert-author of The Ayurvedic Cookbook and Jt. Managing Director, Kairali Ayurvedic Group, Mrs Gita Ramesh.

This inaugural season has also been endorsed by some of the renowned names in the industry and will have expert chefs such as Mexican expert Chef Vikas Seth, progressive cuisine guru Chef Abhijit Saha and Indian cuisine specialist, Chef Chetan Sethi conducting specially designed classes.



Mrs Ramesh added, The first chapter of Healing Recipes-Back to Roots is a conscious effort at food sustainability. It is an attempt at showcasing how age-old philosophy and culinary practices still hold relevance in modern times.



Talking about the need for platforms that advocates sustainability and wellness, Chef Seth said, Healing Recipes- Back to Roots is a window into the world of food for chefs and others alike to experience the various culinary trends that have held centre-stage in the past five years: be it Clean Eating, Farm to Table, even foraging for unknown ingredients and practices.



Healing Recipes is a three-day event where residents will get to interact with Ayurvedic doctors and chefs, attend specially-curated masterclasses, explore local cuisine, learn the trick of growing vegetables and spice, organically, and master the art of making gourmet meals that are nourishing and indulging.

Healing Recipes is an exciting journey that starts from the farm and culminates as a breathtaking dish on the plate. It is an opportunity to discover the wonders of food, philosophies and the culture of taste, said Ms Madhulika Dash Curator & Co-Founder, Healing RecipesBack to Roots.


New Delhi: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Friday denied that it has carried out a search or raid on Delhi's Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia.

The Agency said that it only visited the Aam Aadmi Party's house in connection with a case.

Stung by what it called a "raid", the AAP today dubbed the central investigative agency as "Centre's Bureau of Intimidation".

CBI officials said they "visited" the residence of Sisodia to seek clarification about a preliminary enquiry (PE) against him relating to alleged irregularities in a social media event by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal called 'Talk to AK'.

A team of CBI officers visited Sisodia's AB-17, Mathura Road residence in central Delhi in the morning and recorded his statement in connection with the PE registered against him and other unnamed state government officials on January 18.

The CBI officials left Sisodia's home in the evening.

Reacting to Aam Aadmi Party leaders' criticism that the CBI had raided Sisodia's house, the central agency clarified that "it is not a raid but a move to seek clarification on certain issues in a PE".

According to rules, no search or raid can be conducted under a PE.

"There is no raid or search at the premises of Sisodia. The visit of the CBI team is to seek clarification on certain issues relating to the ongoing enquiry," CBI Spokesperson RK Gaur told IANS.

In a tweet, Sisodia said, "We have done nothing wrong, ready to face any probe. Will keep working for Delhi's development without fear."

Addressing a press conference, senior AAP leader Sanjay Singh said the "raid" on Sisodia's residence signalled the Narendra Modi government's "resolve" to not let the AAP regime in Delhi work.

"So, did they (CBI) come for tea?" Singh asked.

Displaying exasperation, Singh told the media that instead of the "daily harassment", the Centre should simply suspend the Delhi government.

The CBI, constituted as an autonomous body, had also raided the Delhi Secretariat in 2015, prompting Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to call Prime Minister Narendra Modi a "coward and a psycopath".

The government denies influencing CBI.

Singh said 'Talk to AK', a programme to interact with the public, was held using the services of a public relations company, which did not charge the government. He said no tender was floated for the event as platforms such as Facebook, YouTube and Google have no competition.

Reacting to AAP's allegation on central government, Delhi BJP Chief Manoj Tiwari said: "The CBI has been investigating the matter for quite some time now and today (Friday) it has given an opportunity to Sisodia to file his statement. He must cooperate with the agency."

The CBI had registered the PE in January this year on the basis of a complaint filed by the Vigilance Department of the Delhi government.

It was alleged in the complaint that a consultant of a well-known PR company was hired by the Delhi government to promote the event and that a Rs 1.5-crore proposal was prepared for this purpose.

The `Talk To AK` campaign was an interactive session of the Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, through which people could reach out to the AAP leader through social media.

(With Agency inputs)
Jaipur: A Delhi-bound Jet Airways plane from Leh, with 125 passengers onboard, today made an emergency landing at the Jaipur International Airport (JIA) as it was unable to land at the destination due to bad weather and was running low on fuel, an airport official said.

The aircraft landed safely and all passengers were safe, he said.

The plane from Leh reached Delhi but it could not land there due to adverse weather conditions, JIA director J S Balhara said.

The aircraft was hovering over Delhi but bad weather could not allow it land, as a result it ran short of fuel following which it was diverted to Jaipur, he said.

The plane landed safely here, he added.
New Delhi: The Aam Aadmi Party (AP) on Friday termed the recording of Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia`s statement by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) at his residence as BJP`s "revengeful action" and "dirty politics".



"I want to say this to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and our Prime Minister that if you have so much hatred against AAP and Delhi government, then force this government out. But please don`t defame a hard working minister, don`t defame our party. This is dirty politics," senior party leader Sanjay Singh said addressing the media.



The senior leader said that BJP`s aim was to finish anyone who spoke against them, be it political parties or a media outlet. "By doing all this, the central government is trying to disrupt the good work of the Delhi Government."



Singh said that recently a channel was raided by the CBI for doing impartial work. "CBI has recommended shutting down of the channel. This has become CBI`s role now," he said.



Singh was referring to recent CBI raids at the residence of NDTV co-founder Prannoy Roy and the NDTV network offices.



Speaking to reporters, Delhi Minister for Rural Development Gopal Rai said the government would soon form "Village Development Board" to carry out development work in villages. Under the programme, Rs 2 crore has been allocated for each village.
Visakhapatnam: JC Diwakar Reddy, the Telugu Desam Party lawmaker who has been banned by six airlines after he allegedly created a ruckus at the Visakhapatnam Airport yesterday after being denied a boarding pass for arriving late by IndiGo, has refused to apologise for his unruly behaviour.

Spicejet, GoAir, Jet Airways, Vistara airlines today joined Indigo and Air India to put the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) MP under no fly list for his unruly behaviour with a staffer at the Vishakhapatnam airport.

The move came after Indigo airlines approached the Federation of Indian Airlines (FIA) to ban Reddy from Jet Airways, Go Airlines, Spicejet and other members of the FIA.

Meanwhile, Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju today ordered an investigation into the Vizag incident involving the TDP MP.

Reddy has, however, rebuffed the charges of creating ruckus at the Visakhapatnam airport and said he did not misbehave with any official of Indigo.

The TDP MP said that there were a number of people standing at the counter when he reached the airport, who had not been granted the boarding pass.

"I never abused... never slapped anyone... There is no need at all for me (to say sorry). There is no sorry at all," Reddy, 73, was quoted as saying by NDTV.

The TDP MP also categorically denied that he had lost his temper or assaulted anyone at the airport. Instead, he accused private airlines of fleecing passengers.

Diwakar Reddy is a Lok Saha MP from Andhra Pradesh's Anantapur constituency.

IndiGo, which initially refused to comment till it probed the incident, later said in a statement that Reddy was supposed to board a flight from Visakhapatnam to Hyderabad at 8:10 am, but he reached only 28 minutes before the scheduled departure.

According to aviation regulator norms, check-in counters for all domestic flights are supposed to close 45 minutes before departure.

A CCTV footage of the incident shows Reddy, who is from the same party as the Civil Aviation Minister Gajapathy Raju, arguing with airline officials, picking up a printer and then slamming it on the check-in desk, rushing behind a senior airline official and pushing him.

He is the second lawmaker to be grounded in three months; Shiv Sena's Ravindra Gaikwad who allegedly assaulted an Air India official was the first.

The Gaikwad incident had prompted the government to come up with a no-fly list to bar abusive passengers.

On March 23, the Air India registered two FIRs against Gaikwad for hitting an Air India staffer with his slipper over sitting issue and for forcibly holding the flight and delaying it for 40 minutes.
New Delhi: The country's exports rose by 8.32 percent to USD 24 billion in May, even as the trade deficit shot up to nearly 30-month high of USD 13.84 billion, mainly due to increase in gold imports.

Strong performance by petroleum, engineering, textiles and gems and jewellery sectors propelled the country's exports growth during the month.

India's exports stood at USD 22.1 billion in the corresponding month a year ago.

The total outward shipments had registered a 19.7 percent growth in April this year.

India's imports too increased by 33 percent to USD 37.85 billion in May this year.

Nearly three-fold jump in gold imports at USD 4.95 billion led to widening of trade deficit during the last month. It was USD 6.27 billion in May 2016.

The previous highest level for trade deficit was in November 2014 when it was recorded at USD 16.86 billion.

Commenting on the figures, exporters body FIEO exuded confidence that the shipments will continue to record positive growth in the coming months.

"The exporters are of the view that the timely support will help in giving further fillip to this growth trend. Challenges with regards to currency appreciation and protectionism should also be looked into by the government," the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) President, Ganesh Gupta, said in a statement.

The country's merchandise exports during April-May period of the current fiscal too recorded a growth of 13.83 percent to USD 48.7 billion.

Imports too rose by 40.63 percent to USD 75.74 billion, leaving a trade deficit of USD 27 billion.

"Exports have been exhibiting positive growth for the last eight months," the commerce ministry said.

During May, major commodity groups of export having a share of 72 percent in total export basket which have shown positive growth over the corresponding month of last year are engineering (8.25 percent), gems and jewellery (6 percent), Petroleum Products (24.92 percent) and textiles (8 percent).

Further, the ministry's data said that oil and non-oil imports last month grew by 29.54 percent to USD 7.69 billion and 34 percent to USD 30 billion, respectively.
New Delhi: Switzerland on Friday ratifies automatic exchange of financial account information with India, 40 others. Information sharing will begin in 2019.

Switzerland's Federal Council will notify date from which automatic info exchange will begin while the decision is not subject to referendum.

Before first automatic exchange, Switzerland will check whether India, other jurisdictions meet confidentiality and data security standards.

With PTI Inputs
London: Britain said on Friday that no deal could be struck on exiting the European Union unless the future relationship with the bloc was taken into account.

Prime Minister Theresa May wants to negotiate the divorce and the future trading relationship with the EU before Britain leaves in March 2019, followed by what she calls a phased implementation process to give business time to prepare for the impact of Brexit.

"As we set out in the Article 50 letter, our view is that withdrawal agreement and terms of the future relationship must be agreed alongside each other," a spokesman for Britain`s Brexit ministry said.

"We believe that the withdrawal process cannot be concluded without the future relationship also being taken into account," the spokesman said. "The withdrawal and future are intimately linked."

While May has repeatedly said she wants a special and deep partnership with the club Britain joined in 1973, she has also laced her assurances with threats that a breakdown of talks could harm security cooperation.

Since her gamble on a snap election failed a week ago, May has come under pressure from some in her own party to change her approach to Brexit talks.

Her spokesman said Britain would not change its stance on Brexit, though May told her lawmakers she would seek a broader consensus in the party on her approach.

The Brexit ministry said it wanted to move ahead on securing the rights of EU citizens in the United Kingdom and UK citizens in the European Union.

"That has always been our first aim and that is what we will do," the spokesman said. "We want to end the anxiety facing 4 million citizens."
Paris: French president Emmanuel Macron is holding a series of meetings with European leaders in Paris, as Brexit negotiations are due to start next week.

Macron successively meets today with Dutch Prime minister Mark Rutte, Estonian Prime minister Juri Ratas and has a working lunch with Spanish head of government Mariano Rajoy.

The French presidency's office says Macron will detail his agenda for Europe. Defense and security issues, migration and climate change are among France's priorities for an EU summit scheduled next week.

Newly elected Macron campaigned on a strong pro-European stance.

He notably proposed the idea of a shared budget for the countries that use the euro currency to allow for joint investments, provide emergency financial help, and help the eurozone better react to a financial crisis.
London: Under mounting pressure after a botched election and facing criticism for not meeting victims of a London tower block blaze sooner, British Prime Minister Theresa May visited the injured in hospital on Friday as the death toll rose to 30.

Opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, London mayor Sadiq Khan, Prince William and Queen Elizabeth, 91, have all visited residents from the 24-storey Grenfell Tower destroyed on Wednesday as many slept, and anger is growing in the community.

May has been criticised from within her own Conservative Party over her response and she pledged on Thursday to hold a public inquiry into the fire at the social housing block which was home to about 600 people. The toll is expected to rise.

May met victims privately at a central London hospital on Friday and had expressed her sorrow on television on Thursday after meeting emergency services personnel.

"She should have been there with the residents. You have to be prepared to receive people`s emotions, and not be so frightened about people," former Conservative cabinet minister Michael Portillo told the BBC.

Khan wrote to May on Friday, saying residents felt increasingly enraged and frustrated by the slow response from the authorities.

"The local community feels their grief has been made worse by the lack of information about their missing family members and friends," he wrote. Residents in other blocks with the same exterior cladding as Grenfell Tower were concerned, he wrote.

"People are terrified that the same thing could happen to them," Khan wrote in the letter.

May`s response has been contrasted with that of Corbyn, who hugged locals at the estate during his visit on Thursday, and the royals who met residents and volunteers on Friday.

TERRIBLE

"That`s one of the most terrible things I have ever seen," Prince William said of the tower`s blackened shell.

Some desperate residents pleaded to speak to the queen and her grandson about their plight and the fate of missing children as they left the site, with William promising he would return.

There has been growing fury on the low-rent estate where residents wanted answers on why the fire was able to spread so rapidly and why complaints about safety had been ignored.

However, Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson took to Facebook to attack Labour politicians for "political game playing", defending his record regarding the fire service as mayor of London between 2008-2016.

"Any attack on emergency services performance is outrageous politicking by Labour," he said.

London police said an investigation, led by a detective from its homicide and major crime unit, would examine whether criminal offences had been committed although they said there was nothing to suggest the fire was started deliberately.

Commander Stuart Cundy said they had been able to remove the remains of only 12 victims from the building.

"Sadly, it is expected that the total will rise and it is not expected that any survivors will be found," he said. Police have said it could take months to search the building and some victims might never be identified.

Locals were expected to stage a march in Kensington, where social housing tenants live cheek by jowl with billionaires in one of Europe`s richest districts, from 3 p.m. (1400 GMT) while a rally to demand justice for the victims was due to start in the government district of Westminster at 1700 GMT.

While the disaster has prompted an outpouring of generosity, there was also anger at politicians as the charred tower was cast as a deadly symbol of a divided society.

May had also drawn criticism during the election campaign for seeming wooden and reluctant to engage in open debate with political rivals and voters, but local government minister Sajid Javid, responsible for housing policy, defended her on Friday.

"What she wanted to do was to speak to the people working on the ground on the recovery operation, the rescue operation to make sure that they`ve got everything they want and see how she could help," he told Sky news.

May failed to win an outright majority in the June snap election and is now battling to strike a deal with Northern Ireland`s Democratic Unionist Party to support her government.
Berlin: Germany on Friday lashed out at Washington over new sanctions against Russia that target the planned Nord Stream two gas pipeline to Europe.

The new penalties, approved by the US Senate on Thursday, include a paragraph that threatens to penalise European companies that push ahead with energy export programmes with Russia.

Those include the Nord Stream 2 pipeline which would pump Russian gas under the Baltic Sea directly to Germany.

"It is strange that in the sanctioning of Russia`s behaviour, with regards to the US elections for instance, that the European economy should become a target of American sanctions. That must not happen," said Chancellor Angela Merkel`s spokesman Steffen Seibert.

He added that Merkel shared the concerns raised by Germany`s Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel and Austrian Chancellor Christian Kern who charged in a joint statement Thursday that the measure brings a "completely new and entirely negative quality to European-US relations".

In a hard-hitting statement, the German and Austrian said they "cannot accept the threat of extra-territorial sanctions against European companies that participate in the expansion of European energy supplies", adding that this would "violate international law".

They accused Washington of using the sanctions to squeeze Russian gas supplies out of Europe in favour of US energy exports.

"The aim is to secure jobs in gas and oil industries in the US," said Gabriel and Kern.

"Political sanctions should not be mixed up with economic interests," they warned, stressing that "Europe`s energy supply is Europe`s business and not that of the United States".

"We decide who delivers energy to us and how, according to rules of openness and economic competitiveness," said Gabriel and Kern.

The bill as originally introduced was exclusively about slapping new sanctions on Iran. But lawmakers attached a bipartisan amendment on Russia to it early this week.

The addition came with the White House deeply embroiled in crisis over whether Trump`s campaign team colluded with a Russian effort to sway the 2016 election.
Berlin: Seyran Ates' vision of a liberal mosque where all Muslims can pray together women and men, Sunni and Shiite, straight and gay turned into reality Friday as dozens of people came together in Berlin to inaugurate a new house of prayer.



Ates, a well-known women's right activist and lawyer, preached in front of the crowd which filled the mosque. A female imam from the United States, Ani Zonneveld, called for prayer as the faithful kneeled behind her in rows, all turned in the direction of Mecca.



"I couldn't be more euphoric, it's a dream come true," Ates, the 54-year-old daughter of Turkish guest workers in Germany, told The Associated Press this week with a smile.



Ates fought for eight years to establish a place of prayer where progressive Muslims in Germany can leave religious conflicts behind and focus on their shared Islamic values. The mosque is the first of its kind in Germany, she said.



"This project was long overdue," Ates said. "There's so much Islamist terror and so much evilness happening in the name of my religion ... It's important that we, the modern and liberal Muslims, also show our faces in public."



The mosque is named Ibn-Rushd-Goethe-Mosque, combining the names of medieval Andalusian philosopher Ibn Rushd and German writer Johann Wolfgang Goethe. It is located on a busy shopping street in the immigrant neighborhood of Moabit, which is dotted with Indian and Vietnamese restaurants and Middle Eastern cafes.



Visitors looking for a minaret or trying to follow the call of the muezzin will search in vain. For now, the mosque occupies a big room on the third floor of an old red brick Lutheran church.

"To get started, we've rented this room for one year," Ates said.



More than 4 million Muslims live in Germany, the majority from Turkey but also from the Balkans, the Middle East and Northern Africa.



Most started coming to Germany in the 1960s as workers to help rebuild the economy after World War II. While it was Germany's intention to send them home after a few years, many stayed and brought over their families. Germany has also taken in more than a million refugees since 2015, most of them Muslims from war-torn countries such as Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan.



Relations between the country's majority Christian population and the Muslim minority traditionally have been complicated. They have been strained by several terror attacks in Germany by Muslims in the name of the extremist Islamic State group. Raids and bans of radical Muslim associations and arrests of extremist suspects have become commonplace.



Ates said the new mosque will be a place of liberalism where everyone is welcome and equal. Women don't have to wear headscarves, can preach as imams and call the faithful to prayer just like men.



"There won't be any hate preaching against democracy here," Ates said. Instead, followers can express doubt about their beliefs and approach their religion with sense and reason instead of blind devotion, she said.



Ates, who was shot and almost died while working as a counselor for Turkish women in 1984 and was attacked by an enraged husband, waved aside any potential worries about threats or criticism from more conservative Muslims.



"I've received a few messages via social media, mostly full of expletives," she said. "But 95 percent of the feedback has been beautiful and positive."



Turks, Kurds, and Arabs alike have donated money, businesspeople have called to offer help with creating signage and advertisements and several Middle Eastern restaurants were delivering free food for the Iftar, the breaking of the Ramadan fast on Friday night, she said.



Ates' sister brought 30 prayer rugs from Istanbul a few weeks ago, and an Indonesian interior architect has offered her services to refurbish the 90-square-meter (970-square- foot) room.



For the future, she and the seven colleagues who supported her project from the beginning, the dream of building a real mosque with several prayer rooms for believers of all the different Islamic sects as well as an academy devoted to the education of liberal imams, male and female.



Beyond that, Ates is already working on her next big project.



"I will start studying Islamic theology and Arabic in Berlin this fall," she said. "I want to become an imam myself."
Mumbai: A special Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA) court on Friday found six persons guilty in the March 1993 Mumbai serial blasts case, including underworld don Abu Salem. The serial blasts left 257 people dead, 713 seriously injured and destroyed properties worth Rs 27 crore.

Those found guilty are: Abu Salem who was extradited from Portugal in 2005, Mustafa Dossa who was deported from the UAE, Mohammed Tahir Merchantalias Tahir Takla, Karimullah Khan, Riyaz Siddiqui and Feroze Abdul Rashid Khan, said Public Prosecutor Deepak Salve.

Another prime accused, Abdul Qayyum was acquitted of all the major charges.

However, all accused were acquitted for the charge of waging war against the nation.

Salem was accused of transporting weapons from Gujarat to Mumbai.

The gangster also handed over to actor Sanjay Dutt, who was an accused in the case for illegally possessing weapons, AK 56 rifles, 250 bullets and some hand grenades at his residence on January 16, 1993. Two days later on January 18, 1993, Salem and two others went to Dutts house and got back two rifles and some rounds.

Mustafa Dossa masterminded the landing of explosives including RDX in India and sent some youth to Pakistan to acquire arms training.

Dossa was convicted on charges of conspiracy and arranging landing of the explosives - around 3,000 kg of RDX, along with his associates in Raigad.

Abdul Qayyum was acquitted of all charges in 1993 Mumbai blasts case. Court ordered his release on personal bond.

Another accused Firoze Khan was convicted under charges of conspiracy and murder under sections of IPC, TADA and Explosives Act.

Accused Tahir Merchant was also convicted in 1993 Mumbai blasts case by the Mumbai TADA court.

The special court here convicted Karimullah Shaikh in the blasts case.

Mumbai TADA court believed that Dossa, Salem, Merchant and Firoz Khan were among the main conspirators of 1993 blasts case.

The court set the next hearing date on June 19, to decide the date for argument on quantum of sentence.

According to the prosecution, in order to avenge the demolition of Babri Masjid, members of the crime syndicate under the fugitive don Dawood Ibrahim along with other absconding accused Tiger Memon, Mohammed Dossa and Mustafa Dossa hatched a conspiracy to commit terrorist acts in India.

The prosecution said that the object of the crime was to commit terrorist acts with an intent to overawe the Government of India, to strike terror on the people, alienate section of the people and to harm the communal harmony.

The blasts took place at Bombay Stock Exchange, Katha Bazaar, Lucky petrol pump near Sena Bhavan, opposite Passport office near Century Bazaar, Fishermen's colony at Mahim Causeway, at basement of Air India Building, Zaveri Bazaar, Hotel Sea Rock, Plaza Theatre, Centaur Hotel (Juhu), Sahar Airport (Bay no.54) and Centaur Hotel (near airport).

This was the first-ever terrorist attack in the world in which RDX (Research Department Explosive i.E cyclotrimethylene trinitramine) was used on such a large-scale after the Second World War.

The court, in all, recorded statements of around 750 prosecution witnesses and 50 witnesses. Three accused including Salem confessed to their crime during investigations carried out by the CBI over the years in the blasts case.

Earlier, in the same case, the Special TADA Court had convicted 100 accused, including Yakub Abdul Razak Memon who was hanged on July 30, 2015.
New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Portugal on June 24 and The Netherlands on June 27 to take bilateral economic, trade and other relations with these two countries forward.

MEA official spokesperson Gopal Baglay said, "My first announcement is about the forthcoming visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to The Netherlands on June 27.

This will be a working visit. Prime Minister Modi will hold official talks with the Prime Minister of Portugal- Antonio Costa and is also expected to call on the King of The Netherlands.

We are working on several documents to strengthen India-Portugal economic, scientific and cultural engagements and we expect to finalise and sign these documents essentially which are in the nature of memoranda of understanding.

"Asserting that India and Portugal enjoy good relations, Baglay said New Delhi has given a new momentum to the relationship when Prime Minister Costa visited India in January.

"As you know, India and Portugal enjoy an environmental relation, the two countries share historic and common cultural ties with a strong people to people connect. The visit of the Prime Minister Costa to India in January 2017, had imparted a new momentum to the relationship.

During the forthcoming visit of the Prime Minister Modi to Portugal, we look forward to continue that momentum. We look forward to a useful, productive and successful visit of the Prime Minister Modi to Portugal on June 24," he added.Sharing more about Prime Minister Modi`s visit to The Netherlands, Baglay said that the visit assumes significance as India and The Netherlands are celebrating 70 years of establishment of diplomatic relations this year.

"Prime Minister Modi will be visiting The Netherlands on June 27. The visit assumes significance as India and The Netherlands are celebrating 70 years of establishment of diplomatic relation this year- This will also be a working visit.

During his visit, he will also meet the Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte and will hold official talks there too. Relations between India and The Netherlands are warm and friendly, while economic relations form the core of these relations.

The Netherlands is the leading foreign investor in India as a large number of Dutch companies are active in India. Summarily, a significant number of Indian companies are based in The Netherlands, so we look forward to boosting economic corporation and relations, bilateral trade and relations, and also cooperation in other areas too....," Baglay added.Bagley also spoke about Prime Minister Modi`s visit to Washington D C, where he might have an interaction with the Indian community there.

"You already know about the Prime minister`s visit to the United States, which we had announced a few days earlier. From Portugal, the Prime minister will travel to the United States, and from there, he would travel to The Netherlands," Baglay said.It will be Prime Minister Modi`s first meeting with President Donald Trump, whose presidency began on January 20 this year.

Describing India as a true friend of the U. S, Trump had invited Prime Minister Modi to visit the country after both leaders had a telephonic conversation in January this year. The two leaders have spoken over phone at least thrice since the latter assumed office.
Islamabad: Pakistan on Friday claimed that the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has rejected India's request to delay proceedings of Kubhushan Jadhav's case until December.

Pakistan through its consulate in Netherlands came to know that the ICJ ordered India to submit a response by September 13, Dawn newspaper quoted Attorney General (AG) Ashtar Ausaf Ali as saying.

Jadhav, 45, was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court in April.

"The ICJ has written a letter to Pakistan informing us of their decision," the attorney general said.

"India had asked the ICJ to offer it time till December to file pleadings in the Jadhav case, however, "the court has dismissed their request," Ali said.

"India had adopted the stance that the matter was one of life and death, but Pakistan had stated that the ICJ is not a court of appeals."

"The ICJ is supposed to conclude whether or not Jadhav can receive consular access, for which a time period of two to three months is more than enough to file a response,? he said.

Dawn reported that sources privy to the information noted that Pakistan will submit its response to the ICJ in December, while the court proceedings will begin in January 2018.

In a hearing of the case on May 18, a 10-member bench at the The Hague-based ICJ restrained Pakistan from executing Jadhav.

India moved the ICJ against the death penalty on May 8. The next day, the global court stayed the sentence as a provisional measure.

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.
New Delhi: The Indian government on Friday dismissed the claims made by Pakistan as per which the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has turned down New Delhi's plea to give it six months of time to file its plea in the ongoing Kulbhushan Jadhav case.

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) official spokesperson Gopal Baglay confirmed that the matter was heard by the ICJ on June 8, but added that it was not a full seating of the court, which took place earlier.

He said it was just that the president of the ICJ met the representative of both India and Pakistan to discuss the timeline of the case.

"What transpired in the meeting was the timelines which were discussed and as a result of these timelines or discussion, we submitted to the court for an early and expeditious proceeding in the matter and also pointed out a precedence of a case where four months had been given to one of the parties to submit its pleadings which is called the memorial," Baglay said.

Baglay said that after the submission by both countries in the regard to the timeline, the court directed India to submit its memorial in September 13 this year and have asked Pakistan to submit its counter-memorial by December 13, 2017.

"This is the factual situation. I don't think the report is being quoted accurately and reflected either in the submission of India or the decision of the court," he said.

Baglay further said that India itself asked for four months of time and after the submission of memorial by both the countries, the court will take decision on the same.

"Whether the hearing will take place in January or not, that is the decision the court will take after assessing both the memorial and counter memorial. At this stage, it is premature to say when the hearing will take place," he added.

Pakistan has claimed that India's request to give it six months time to file its plea was turned down by the ICJ.

Pak's Attorney General (AG) Ashtar Ausaf claimed, "India asked the ICJ to offer it time till December to file pleadings in the Jadhav case, however, the court has dismissed their request. The ICJ has written a letter to Pakistan informing us of their decision."

"India had adopted the stance that the matter was one of life and death, but Pakistan had stated that the ICJ is not a court of appeals."

"The ICJ is supposed to conclude whether or not Jadhav can receive consular access, for which a time period of two to three months is more than enough to file a response,? he said.

Dawn reported that sources privy to the information noted that Pakistan will submit its response to the ICJ in December, while the court proceedings will begin in January 2018.

In a hearing of the case on May 18, a 10-member bench at the The Hague-based ICJ restrained Pakistan from executing Jadhav.

India moved the ICJ against the death penalty on May 8. The next day, the global court stayed the sentence as a provisional measure.

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.
New Delhi: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led NDA is likely to announce its candidate for the upcoming presidential elections on June 20, said an ANI report.

As per the report, the NDA coalition's yet-unannounced presidential nominee will file the nomination papers for the poll by June 23.

The government formally began its outreach on Friday with the opposition on the presidential election with Union ministers Rajnath Singh and M. Venkaiah Naidu meeting Congress President Sonia Gandhi.

The two-member team later met CPI-M General Secretary Sitaram Yechury, Prakash Karat and Brinda Karat to seek the party's support.

The opposition, however, remained apprehensive as the BJP's two-member team did not disclose the name of their presidential nominee.

"The BJP leaders did not give any name to Congress President Sonia Gandhi but they wanted us to reveal the name of our candidate. We were expecting them to disclose the name so that we can discuss it in our party and other opposition parties," Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad, who was present at the meeting, told the media.

Singh and Naidu are part of the three-member team constituted by Bharatiya Janata Party President Amit Shah for discussion with political parties for the presidential polls.

They also met with senior L K Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi to discuss the candidate for the next President of India.

While the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister has assured Naidu that his party would stand by the decision of the Prime Minister, Pawar told him that he would come to Delhi and discuss the issue.

Meanwhile, BJP ally Shiv Sena floated the name of eminent agriculture scientist M.S. Swaminathan for the top job if its "first choice" RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat was not acceptable.

According to the reports, the NDA will chair a meeting before June 20 to decide on the name of presidential candidacy. The nominee name will be announced with the general consent of allies.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Modi and 74 union ministers would take part in the International Yoga Day events across 74 cities on June 21.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) Government has made grand plans for the forthcoming International Yoga Day.

The Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (AYUSH) has been working tirelessly to make the International Yoga Day functions across the country and world a grand success.

Prime Minister Modi would take part in the Yoga Day function in Uttar Pradeshs capital Lucknow where AYUSH Minister Shripad Naik would also be present.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah would perform Yoga in Ahmedabad. Home Minister Rajnath Singh would attend the Yoga Day function in Himachal Pradeshs Sujanpur Tihra. Information and Broadcasting Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu would be present in Delhi.

Union Ministers Ravi Shankar Prasad, Nitin Gadkari, J. P. Nadda, Smriti Irani, Dharmendra Pradhan and Piyush Goyal would take part in International Yoga Day functions at Patna, Nagpur, Chandigarh, Kochi, Bhubaneswar, Visakhapatnam respectively.

AYUSH Ministry is working day and night to make the International Yoga Day a big success not only at national level but also at international level. It has written letters to different Ambassadors and Embassies and urged to make the event successful.

International Yoga Day is celebrated annually on 21 June since its inception in 2015. Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his UN address had suggested the date of 21 June, as it is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and shares special significance in many parts of the world.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Portugal, the Netherlands and the US beginning June 24, during which he will hold talks on key bilateral issues including boosting of trade and security ties.

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay said Modi would visit Portugal on June 24, the US on June 25 and 26, and the Netherlands on June 27.

The Prime Minister, who will be going to only Washington DC during his US trip, will hold talks with President Donald Trump on regional security situation as also ways to enhance cooperation in bilateral areas of strategic importance.

In the US, he will have a community event as well as a meeting with the business leaders.

Ahead of the US tour, Modi will visit Portugal, where he will hold talks with his Portuguese counterpart Antonio Costa.

"We are working on several documents to strengthen India-Portugal economic, scientific and cultural engagements and we expect to finalise and sign these documents essentially which are in the nature of memorandum of understanding," Baglay said.

He said the ties with Portugal were given a new momentum when Prime Minister Costa visited India in January this year and the two sides look forward to continue that momentum.

"We look forward to a very action-filled, useful, productive and successful visit of the Prime Minister," he added.

On Modi's visit to the Netherlands, the spokesperson has said India and he Netherlands are celebrating 70 years of establishment of diplomatic relations this year and therefore, the trip is more significant.

During his visit, the prime minister will meet Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte.

Describing economic relations as the core of the bilateral ties, Baglay has said the Netherlands is a leading foreign investor in India and strengthening economic corporation and boosting bilateral trade will be among the focus areas of the prime ministerial visit.
New Delhi: The AIADMK on Friday said that it would clear its stand on the upcoming Presidential Poll in couple of days. AIADMK leader and Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker M. Thambidurai on Friday met Union Information and Broadcasting Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu here.

Earlier today, Naidu and Home Minister Rajnath Singh met Congress president Sonia Gandhi to hold discussions over presidential candidate.

Though Thambidurai described his meeting with Naidu as a courtesy call, but it is believed that the duo may have discussed the upcoming presidential polls.

Naidu has been assigned by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah to meet with the Opposition parties to seek their support for the probable Presidential candidate of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley are also tasked to hold parleys with the Opposition over the Presidential candidate.

When asked the purpose of his visit on a day when the BJP is seeking consensus for presidential candidate, the Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker said, "It was just a courtesy call.

Nothing political was discussed.""As far as presidential election is concerned, our party will take appropriate decision.

Our Chief Minister, along with other senior ministers, will have discussions on this and decide within two days," he added.Both Naidu and Singh will also meet Communist Party of India (Marxist) general secretary Sitharam Yechury to discuss over the same issue.

Both of them have already spoken to Nationalist Congress Party`s (NCP) Praful Patel and Bahujan Samaj Party`s (BSP) Satish Mishra.

Naidu on Thursday spoke to Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief Chandrababu Naidu over the same.The TDP chief said that his party will stand by Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s decision in this regard.The last date of nomination is June 28.
New Delhi: President Pranab Mukherjee invited Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat for lunch on Friday at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the saffron outfit said.

Bhagwat, who was in Rudrapur yesterday for the Sangh's volunteer education and training programme, reached the national capital today for the meeting, RSS sources said.

The timing of the meeting, which comes just ahead of the presidential election, has triggered speculation in some political quarters.

The RSS said it was a pre-decided courtesy meet and there was nothing to read into it.

Earlier too, Bhagwat had called on Pranab Mukherjee to extend Diwali greetings.

Both Bhagwat, whose name was proposed by Shiv Sena for the next president, and the incumbent Mukherjee have ruled out themselves from the race for the top constitutional post.
Singapore: Singapore's Senior minister of State for Defence and Foreign Affairs Maliki Bin Osman will visit New Delhi to attend the 9th India-ASEAN dialogue early next month, the Indian High Commission here said on Friday.

The dialogue, to be held from July 2-4, is an annual international conference of political and economic leaders, and opinion-makers of the ASEAN countries with their Indian counterparts to discuss intensification and broadening of political, strategic, economic and civil society interaction in the region.

Maliki will also hold bilateral meetings with his Indian counterparts in external affairs and defence ministry in New Delhi.

The talks will also set the stage for the visit of Singapore Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen to India later this year for India-Singapore annual defence ministers' dialogue.

These meetings are in addition to regular ongoing annual staff talks between the Army, Air Force and Navy of the two countries.

"India is taking steps to further facilitate bilateral exercises in India with the Singapore armed forces. We have just conveyed that Singapore armed forces personnel going to train in India under bilateral agreement will be given gratis visa," Indian High Commissioner to Singapore Jawed Ashraf told PTI.

Meanwhile, defence officials from the two countries are preparing for the 25 years of the Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercises (SIMBEX).

India-Singapore defence relations are set to deepen further, after the 12-day deployment of India Naval ships and the visit of Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Sunil Lanba to Singapore in May for the International Maritime Review to mark 50 years of Singapore Navy and bilateral exercises SIMBEX, he said.

India is also preparing to host Singapore's Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan later this year as part of the high-level bilateral meetings between the two countries.

Details of the ministerial visits are being worked out.

"India and Singapore will continue to maintain a high momentum of engagement across the broad spectrum of their bilateral relations to expand and deepen the strategic partnership between the two countries.

"There have been several important developments in the recent past, including the Amravati capital city project. Singaporean companies are looking keenly at opportunities arising from implementation of Goods and Services Tax in India," Ashraf said.
New Delhi: The final resting place of Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader Ashok Singhal, known as one of the architects of the movement that led to the demolition of the Babri Masjid, will soon be turned into a tourist hub.



Singhal, who was charge sheeted in the 1992 Babri Masjid demolition case by the CBI, died in 2015.



After his death, his ashes were preserved in a monastery in Himachal Pradesh for around six months. In June last year, the ashes were immersed in Tandi Sangam, the intersection of the rivers Chandra and Bhaga in the Lahaul region of Himachal, as the VHP leader had wished.



Tandi Sangam is the focus of the Tourism Ministry which plans to give a facelift to the area through the Chandrabhaga Development Board.



It will also be included in the Himalayan Circuit, one of the 13 circuits planned by the ministry as part of its plans to promote tourism in India.



"It is a beautiful place, but inaccessible for six months because of extreme conditions. With the Rohtang tunnel to be completed soon, we are planning to make it a tourist attraction. Also, Singhalji's ashes were immersed there, so it gains special significance for us," Tourism Minister Mahesh Sharma, who visited the area earlier this week, told PTI.



Sharma also said the place gained significance because the Chandrabhaga River is considered the purest after the Ganga for immersions.



"The river is also mentioned in multiple Hindu scriptures. The plan is to promote the place as a spiritual and religious destination," Sharma said.



Sources in the ministry said the plan was to develop the ghats at the intersection or 'Sangam' on the lines of those by the Ganga in Varanasi and Haridwar.



Some hotels will also be built in the area, they said.



Also, for the first time, the central ministry will take over the Chander-Bhaga Sangam Park, which was mostly organized by a local organization, the Chander-Bhaga Sangam Park Samiti. The local group will advise the ministry on the development of the area, the sources said.
Amazon reached an agreement to acquire upscale US grocer Whole Foods Market for $13.7 billion, including debt, the companies announced Friday.

Whole Foods, which has faced pressure from activist investors, will continue to operate stores under its brand and will be led by co-founder and chief executive John Mackey, the companies said. The deal is expected to close in the second half of 2017.
Srinagar: The militants who ambushed a police party near Achabal town in south Kashmir on Friday disfigured the faces of the six policemen, including a Station House Officer (SHO), slain in the attack before walking away with their weapons, police said.

Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashker-e-Toiba (LeT) has claimed responsibility for the attack in Anantnag district, that came hours after security forces killed one of the group's top commanders.

In a barbaric act, the terrorists shot at the policemen with their assault rifles after overpowering them. The policemen who retaliated bravely, however, could not break the trap laid by the terrorists.

The terrorists first overpowered them, then fatally shot them in their faces from close range and escaped with their weapons.

A sub-inspector, identified as Pulwama-resident Feroz Ahmad Dar, a driver and four other policemen, who were on a routine round in their jeep, died in the attack, Director General of Police SP Vaid told PTI here.

The incident took place when Ahmed was on his way to the police station at Achabal after completing his duty in Anantnag.

As per a senior police official, the LeT wanted to take revenge for the Arwani encounter in which their local commander, Junaid Mattoo, is believed to have died.

Police sources said 10-15 heavily-armed militants attacked the police party, led by SHO Feroz Ahmed Dar, near Thajiwara and also looted their weapons. The police were not travelling in a bulletproof vehicle.

32-year-old Ahmed was a father of two daughters aged six and two.

A pall of gloom descended on Anantnag police station when Ahmed's wife and aged parents came to receive his body. He was quite popular in South Kashmir police division and had recently organised an Iftar party.

The other deceased officers include constables Sharik Ahmad and Tanveer Ahmad (Budgam district), Sheraz Ahmad (Achabal), Asif Ahmad and Sabzar Ahmed (Anantnag).

The encounter at Arwani in Bijbehara area broke out this morning and all the three militants are believed to be dead. No bodies have been recovered so far.

Army has been moved out and was combing the area, officials said.

Last month, the LeT had issued a stern warning to policemen in the Valley "to quit and return home forthwith, otherwise be prepared to die".

The incident saw immediate reaction from political parties including former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah who blamed the PDP-BJP government led by Mehbooba Mufti for the present crisis.

"It seems that South Kashmir is slipping everyday from the hands of the state government. I hope somebody in New Delhi wakes up now," Omar said.

CPM leader Mohammed Yusuf Tarigami said the incidents in South Kashmir were a clear example of lawlessness prevailing in the entire area.

State Congress chief GA Mir said it was a very sad incident.

"It shows that the state government has completely failed in controlling the situation. I wonder when will the Union Home Ministry wake up," Mir said.

(With Agency inputs)
Jammu: A 34-year-old Army jawan was killed when Pakistan troops violated ceasefire in Jammu and Kashmir's Naushera sector in the wee hours on Friday.

According to ANI reports, the jawan lost his life in the cross-border firing from Pakistan forces in Naushera at 5:15 am today.

The jawan was identified as sepoy Naik Bakhtawar Singh and hailed from Punjab.

There have been a number of ceasefire violations along the international border and the Line of Control this year.
Srinagar: At least six policemen, including an SHO, were gunned down by militants in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag district on Friday.

The victims included station house officer Feroz Ahmad Dar of Achabal police station. The driver and four other officers who were also killed.

They were attacked while they were on a routine patrol in their jeep, PTI reported. The SHO hails from Pulwama.

Militants managed to flee the spot after looting their weapons.

Pakistan-based Lashker-e-Taiba could be behind the attack as they wanted to take revenge of the Arwani encounter, said a senior police officer.

The attack comes a day after, militants killed two more policemen in the Valley.

Two civilians were also killed, including a woman, in two separate incidents on the same day.
New Delhi: Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Friday said chief ministers in Jammu and Kashmir often turned into "semi-separatists" when out of power, a remark seen as a veiled attack on NC leader and former CM Farooq Abdullah.

Singh, questioning the "conviction" of separatists, said they drew privileges such as air ticket concessions, sought subsidised treatment in hospitals or "lobbied" for their offspring in Delhi's "corridors of power".

"Despite this, they refused to abide by the Constitution of India," the minister said.

The MP from Udhampur in Jammu said separatism was never an "ideology" in Kashmir, but "more of a convenience than conviction".

"Many of the mainstream parties (in the state)...When they are out of power become semi-separatists. When they are chief ministers they go to the extent of challenging the home minister of India (saying) why don't you bombard the terror camps in Pakistan. Once they are shunted out of power, they become wiser overnight," he said.

"I bet, you again restore them to power and again they will start swearing by India and swearing Jammu Kashmir as a part of India. So this is the character of separatism and semi-separatism," the minister of state in the Prime Minister's Office said.

His remarks were read as an attack on Abdullah, who was defeated in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls. His son, Omar, who was heading the National Conference government in the state, also lost power in 2014.



Farooq Abdullah, elected from Srinagar in a by-poll in April this year, had recently spoken out in support of people who threw stones at security forces in the state.

In the past, too, Singh had accused Abdullah of speaking the "language of separatists".

The minister was speaking at a seminar on the Indus water Treaty Conference organised by the Global Counter Terrorism Council.

He said had Jawaharlal Nehru as Prime Minister given "full control" to his Home Minister, Vallabhbhai Patel, to manage Kashmir, the situation would have been different today.

"Jammu and Kashmir became subject to a series of blunders and vested interests of the polity from time to time...History records what it describes as the infamous Nehruvian blunder over Kashmir," he said.

He attacked the Congress, saying "those who have been at the helm of affairs for the last 60-70 years" cannot be "absolved" of responsibility.

"After all, the buck has to stop somewhere," he added.

He said in his conversation with Kashmiri youth, he asked them to listen to separatists, but also question them if their sons were among the stone pelters.

"They (separatists) want their neighbour's child to become a stone pelter," he said.

"I could read out the names of these families who are lobbying in the corridors of powers in Delhi to get their children enrolled in different services though they don't subscribe to the Constitution of India," he said.

He pointed out that 14 students from the Valley cleared the civil service examination this year and referred to 11 officers from Kashmir who recently graduated from the Indian Military Academy.

"This was the Kashmiri youth's conviction in the Indian Constitution," he said.
New Delhi: Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander Junaid Mattoo and one of his associates were gunned down by security forces in an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam sector on Friday, a media report said.

The gunfight erupted on Friday morning when terrorists attacked security forces in Arwani village of Kulgam.

A joint team of the Army and the CRPF had cordoned off the village and a search operation was on to flush out the militants.

At least two to three LeT militants were believed to be trapped after the security forces cordoned off the area.

"As the security forces closed on the hiding militants, they fired at the security forces triggering an encounter," IANS quoted an official as saying.

Meanwhile, civilian protests have started in the village to disrupt the operation against the hiding militants, the report said.
Srinagar: The authorities on Friday again blocked high speed mobile internet facility in the Kashmir Valley following heightened tensions after a youth`s death in firing by security forces.

The internet speed on fixed landline broadband connections was also reduced.

There was tension after a youth, Naseer Ahmed injured in the firing on Thursday in Srinagar, succumbed to his injuries on Friday.

Naseer was hit by a bullet in the chest at Rangreth on the city outskirts when a stone pelting mob clashed with Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) troopers.

He was shifted to super specialty Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) but succumbed to his injuries.

Authorities said blocking the internet has become necessary to prevent uploading of inflammable pictures and posts on social media sites by anti-social elements.

Heavy deployment of police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel has been made in Srinagar and other sensitive places to prevent post-Friday prayer protests called by the separatists.
Kulgam: A massive cordon and search operation is currently underway at Arwani village in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam district after security forces received intelligence inputs about the presence of suspected terrorists in the area on Friday.

According to ANI, the three suspected terrorists are believed to be holed up in a house in the area.

Today's operation comes a day after terrorists attacked a police patrol party in Srinagar's Hyderpora area and injured two policemen.

On the same day, Pakistani troops violated a ceasefire in Naushera Sector along the Line of Control (LoC) and the Indian Army retaliated strongly and effectively.
Thiruvananthapuram: A student magazine of a college in Kerala has courted controversy for publishing a poem that allegedly questions the chastity of Kunti, the mother of the Pandavas in the epic Mahabharata.

The five-line poem, 'Chodyam' (question), has been penned by a student of the Manjeri-based NSS College. It questions why the topic does not feature in television debates.

Right-wing group, Hindu Aikya Vedi, has slammed the government-aided institution for publishing the poem, which it alleged has hurt the sentiments of the Hindu community.

College Principal Azad Malaattil told PTI that it was not their intention to hurt any sentiments.

"If sentiments have been hurt, we express our apologies," the principal said.

The magazine was brought out a couple of days ago and instructions have been given not to circulate further copies, he said.

The poem comes close on the heels of the publication of a magazine by the 125-year-old Brennen College of Thalassery which contained a caricature allegedly depicting a man and a woman in a compromising position in a theatre when the national anthem is being played.

The Akhil Bharatiya Vidhyarthi Parishad has filed a complaint before the Kannur SP seeking action against the Thalassery college authorities.

The magazine was published by the Students' Federation of India (SFI), a pro-CPI(M) students' union.

The magazine, 'Pellet' was brought out by the SFI activists as part of the 125 year celebrations of Brennen College, the alma mater of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

However, when contacted, college principal Murlidas told PTI that there was nothing wrong with the magazine, adding that certain drawings in it could cause a misunderstanding, "if viewed from a narrow-minded perspective".

The BJP demanded an apology from the SFI for "insulting the national anthem" and said the magazine should be withdrawn immediately.

BJP general secretary K Surendran told reporters that not only the Left students' outfit, but the college staff council as well as the principal were responsible for the incident.

(With Agency inputs)
Kochi: After successfully overseeing completion of work on 13 km of Kerala`s first metro -- Kochi Metro -- "Metro man" E. Sreedharan on Friday said he wants the proposed Light Metro project in the state to become a reality.

The first phase of the Kochi Metro will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday.

Sreedharan on Friday talked about the Light Metro project while overseeing last-minute arrangements for the commissioning of the Kochi Metro.

Light Metro is a proposed Rs 6,728 crore project to be implemented in Kozhikode and Thiruvananthapuram.

He said that he will not be involved in the second phase of the Kochi Metro as the Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) is fully capable of going forward on its own.

"Of course I will be always available if they (KMRL) need any help. But now my wish is to see the proposed Light Metro in Kozhikode and Thiruvananthapuram become a reality. It has to happen now or it will never happen. I want to be associated with the Light Metro project," said Sreedharan.

Work on Kochi Metro began in 2012 after the Oommen Chandy government entrusted the project to Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, with its principal advisor Sreedharan overseeing it.

The first phase is 25 km long of which 13 km is completed and ready to run. The remaining 12 km will be completed in portions and the entire stretch will be operational in another two years.

Elaborating on the Kochi Metro, Sreedharan said there will be some inconveniences in the beginning but things will change when the second phase opens.
Mumbai: It's always 'better late than never', even in clearing exams.

This has been proved by the Mumbai civic body's 23 class IV employees, including two women, all aged between 30 and 50, who recently cleared their class X examination.

Their determination has not only made them a role model for other such employees in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), but also paves way for their salary increment and improves their chances of getting promotions, Assistant Municipal Commissioner Udaykumar Shiroorkar said.

"Ever since the news of their success has spread, the confidence of other such employees has also gone up. I am flooded with requests to enrol them in school for the next academic year, which is a good sign," said Shiroorkar, who spearheaded the campaign to improve the literacy level among the civic body's class IV workers.

He said the idea to enrol the workers for studies came to his mind last year when he visited the Dongri Municipal School and learnt that it was going to shut down due to non-availability of students.

"I discussed the idea of going to school with a few class IV BMC employees who are working as sweepers, manhole cleaners and road and pipeline repairmen. I convinced them to work during the day and study at night, to which they readily agreed and started their studies at the Dongri Municipal School," the official said.

Nilesh Sawant (37), a road maintenance worker with BMC, who got 62 per cent in the Maharashtra Board's Secondary School Certificate (SSC) class X examination this year, said, "I am a matriculate today and all the credit goes to Shiroorkar saheb without whose support it would not have been possible."

"He persuaded us to study, he filled up our forms and helped us in studies, including arranging for the stationery," he said.

Shiroorkar, who recently felicitated the 23 workers, also appreciated their commitment in taking up the studies.

"The two women workers, Jayshree Kamble and Kalpana Jadhav, travel a distance of around 44 kms every day to work and after that they attended the school. Their efforts are paying back now," he said.

Kalpana Jadhav, the mother of a seven-year-old boy, said she has now realised the importance of education.

"I had to quit school in 1998 because of my family's financial constraints. The situation forced me to take up the class IV job. But now that I have realised the importance of education, I would make sure that my son never quits his school," she said.

Jayshree Kamble is happy that she has cleared the class X exam.

"Me and my entire family are thankful to Shiroorkar. I am happy that now I will be acknowledged as a literate person in our department," she said.
Mumbai: Bharatiya Janata Party President Amit Shah arrived on a much-anticipated three-day visit to the city on Friday, the highlight of which will be a meeting with ally Shiv Sena President Uddhav Thackeray.



He was received at the Mumbai airport by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and his cabinet colleagues, BJP state President Raosaheb Danve, BJP city chief Ashish Shelar, party MPs and MLAs, and a massive crowd of enthusiastic party activists.



Though his agenda is being kept under wraps, speculation is rife on whether he would discuss the prospects of a snap mid-term poll in the state.



The political atmosphere in the state is highly charged with the recent farmers agitation, an increasingly confrontationist ally, a belligerent opposition and even pressure from within party ranks.



According to sources, the party may consider the idea of jumping into a mid-term poll coinciding with the crucial assembly elections due in neighbouring Gujarat by the year-end.



On record, the party has declared it is "ready" for a snap poll tomorrow and is supremely confident of romping back to power independently.



Shah is currently on a three-month nationwide tour covering all states to take stock and strengthen the party organisation across India, as part of the three-year celebrations of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in power under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.



In Mumbai, he is expected to hold a series of meetings starting with Fadnavis and his cabinet ministers at `Varsha` the Chief Minister`s official residence, with state legislators and MPs at Sahyadri Guest House, and party leaders and activists at the Garware Club involving top and lower rung cadres.



Besides, he will meet leaders of the allies including Thackeray with whom he is expected to discuss and solicit Shiv Sena support for the upcoming Presidential elections.



He will also meet top leaders of (allies) Republican Party of India (A), Rashtriya Samaj Party, Shivsangram Party and Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana to ascertain their views on various political issues.
Mumbai: BJP chief Amit Shah on Friday landed in Mumbai on a three-day visit and headed straight for Shivaji Park where he paid floral tributes to Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray, a gesture seen as an attempt to smooth the ruffled feathers of his party's oldest saffron ally.

Political observers are attaching special significance to Shah paying a visit to Bal Thackeray's memorial as it came days after the Sena warned of taking an "independent stand" on backing a candidate in the presidential election.

Shah's earlier visit to Mumbai as BJP president did not include a trip to Shivaji Park.

Shah is also visiting 'Matoshree', the Thackerays' residence, on Sunday to meet Sena president Uddhav Thackeray.

The BJP chief's upcoming meeting with Thackeray comes amid repeated attack by the Sena on its senior ally and Prime Minister Narendra Modi over a host of issues including the Army's surgical strike, farm loan waiver and amid the talk of a possible snap assembly poll in Maharashtra.

The Shiv Sena had backed Congress's presidential nominees--Pratibha Patil and Pranab Mukherjee-- against official NDA candidates in the last two elections.

Shah landed here this morning as part of his extensive tour programme of various states to expand BJP's footprint.

After coming out of the airport, Shah accepted the greetings of BJP workers who had gathered outside. The BJP president then visited Shivaji Park to offer floral tributes to Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji, B R Ambedkar, Veer Savarkar and Bal Thackeray.

He also interacted with some editors and is scheduled to formally address the media tomorrow.

Shah also met Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and BJP ministers in the Maharashtra government, besides party MPs, MLAs and state unit office bearers.

Tomorrow, Shah would meet the core committee members of the state BJP unit.

On Sunday, he will attend a meeting in connection with Deendayal Upadhyaya's birth centenary year celebrations. Upadhyaya was one of the tallest leaders of Bhartiya Jana Sangh, the forerunner of BJP. He will also review the progress of various programmes aimed at strengthening the party at the booth level.
Mumbai: Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) counsel Deepak Salve on Friday said that 1993 Mumbai blasts were carried out to avenge the demolition of Babri Masjid in Ayodhya on December 6, 1992.

A special Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA) court earlier in the day convicted underworld don Abu Salem and others in connection with the 1993 blasts case.

Addressing media after the court`s order, Salve said, "Mustafa Dossa conducted a conspiracy meeting in Dubai which was attended by Dawood Ibrahim and others.

They hatched a conspiracy of Mumbai blast to take revenge of Babri Masjid demolition.

"He further added that "the accused used to travel between Dubai and Pakistan for arms and ammunition training where Pakistan had given them green channel entry.

Their targets were Indian politicians, high officials and Hindus".257 people died while 713 others were injured after a series of bomb blasts rocked Mumbai City onMarch 12, 1993.

Salem was convicted under charges of conspiracy and terror activities but was acquitted of some charges of TADA which he was framed initially.

Accused Riyaz Siddique also convicted under TADA and other charges, but court believed prosecution failed to prove conspiracy charges against Riyaz.

Accused Mustafa Dossa was found guilty of conspiracy, murder and terror activities in the case.Accused Firoz khan was convicted under charges of conspiracy and murder under sections of IPC,

TADA and Explosives Act.Other accused Tahir Merchant, Karimullah Shaikh were also convicted. Accused Abdul Qayyum was acquitted of all charges in the case.

Court ordered his release on personal bond.However, all accused were acquitted for the charge of waging war against the nation.The court has set the next hearing date on June 19 to decide the date for argument on quantum of sentence.
Mumbai: Though a TADA court on Friday convicted second set of accused in the 1993 Mumbai blasts case, there would be no "closure" as long as Dawood Ibrahim, the main conspirator, remains at large, former top cop M N Singh said.

The Mumbai court today convicted six persons including gangsters Mustafa Dossa and Abu Salem. In the earlier phase of trial, a hundred accused including Yakub Memon were convicted.

"There is no final closure yet. Full sense of justice is denied to the victims due to government's inability to bring Dawood and other main conspirators to justice," said Singh, a former Mumbai Police Commissioner.

Speaking to PTI, Singh, who was joint commissioner of police in Mumbai in 1993, said today's verdict is on the expected lines.

"But, in my view it's not justice to the victims who died in blasts, because the main conspirators Dawood Ibrahim, Tiger Memon, Anees Ibrahim and Mohammad Dossa are still in Pakistan and our government failed to bring them to book," he said.

"There is absolutely no chance" that Dawood will ever be brought back, and therefore there would be no closure, the retired IPS officer said.

"It shows our investigation was right," said K L Bishnoi, former additional director general of police.

Bishnoi, then a DCP, was a part of the investigating team which made initial arrests and recorded confessions of some of the accused including the actor Sanjay Dutt.

"We are happy with the verdict," said Suresh Walishetty, one of the chief investigating officers of the case.

Walishetty also said that while deciding the sentence for Abu Salem, the court would not be bound by the extradition treaty between India and Portugal (from where he was extradited in 2005). The treaty is between two governments and not with the court, he said.

The court is going to hear arguments on quantum of sentence from the next week.
Mumbai: Retired IPS officer Rakesh Maria, who headed the probe in the 1993 Mumbai serial bomb blasts, on Friday welcomed the conviction of six persons, including mastermind Mustafa Dossa and gangster Abu Salem, in the case.

A special TADA court today convicted six persons in the case. While Dossa was convicted on charges of conspiracy and murder, Salem was found guilty of transporting weapons from Gujarat to Mumbai ahead of the blasts.

"People who hatched the conspiracy with Dawood Ibrahim in Dubai got convicted. It is a good judgement and I am satisfied with it," Maria, the former police commissioner of Mumbai, told PTI.

"People like Dossa and Salem, who got convicted today, were involved in planning, conspiracy and finance in the Mumbai blasts," Maria alleged.

"The investigation which our team carried out was accepted by the judiciary. This shows our investigation was right," he said.

Maria credited the Mumbai police team who did "massive work day and night".

A series of 13 blasts in quick succession ripped through various locations of India's financial capital on March 12, 1993 and the suburbs killing 257 people and injuring around 700.

The prime targeted locations included the Air India Building, Bombay Stock Exchange, Zaveri Bazar, then existing five star hotels, Hotel SeaRock and Hotel Juhu Centaur, and others leading to damage of public and private property worth Rs 27 crore.
New Delhi: The Prime Minister's Office has called a meeting of senior officials of the ministries of finance and corporate affairs on Monday to review the progress in resolution of NPAs in the light of recent action taken by the Reserve Bank on stressed assets.

Prime Minister's additional secretary P K Mishra is scheduled to take stock of the resolution of non-performing assets (NPAs) or bad loans which have reached unacceptably high level, sources said.

The banking sector is saddled with NPAs of over Rs 8 lakh crore, of which Rs 6 lakh crore is on the books of public sector banks (PSBs).

The meeting is also likely to be attended by RBI Deputy Governor Viral Acharya, sources said.

Ministry of Corporate Affairs Secretary Tapan Ray, who happens to hold additional charge as secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, and Financial Services Secretary Anjuly Chib Duggal are among the senior officials who will present the preparedness of institutional side including National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) to handle resolution process.

RBI is likely to spell out detailed measures to rein in NPAs and share a possible timeline to bring them down to the acceptable level.

Earlier this week, RBI identified 12 accounts for insolvency proceedings with each of them having over Rs 5,000 crore of outstanding loans, accounting for 25 percent of total NPAs of banks.

These 12 accounts would qualify for immediate reference under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), RBI said.

The Reserve Bank had set up an Internal Advisory Committee (IAC), comprising a majority of its independent board members, to advise it with regard to the cases that may be considered for reference for resolution under the IBC.

The IAC, the apex bank said, arrived at an objective, non-discretionary criterion for referring accounts for resolution under the IBC.

In particular, the IAC recommended for IBC reference of all accounts with fund and non-fund based outstanding amount greater than Rs 5,000 crore, with 60 percent or more classified as non-performing by banks as of March 31, 2016.
New Delhi: The central government has made it a must to quote the Aadhaar for opening bank account and financial transactions of Rs 50,000 and above in a bid to curb black money.

All existing account holders have also been asked to submit Aadhaar to banks by December 31, 2017, failing which accounts will become invalid.

Income Tax department has also warned people against indulging in cash transaction of Rs 2 lakh or more saying that the receiver of the amount will have to cough up an equal amount as penalty.

The government had banned cash transactions of Rs 2 lakh or more from April 1, 2017, through the Finance Act 2017.

The newly inserted section 269ST in the Income Tax Act bans such cash dealings on a single day, in respect of a single transaction or transactions relating to one event or occasion from an individual.

"Contravention of Section 269ST would entail levy of 100 percent penalty on receiver of the amount," the tax department had said in a public advertisement in leading dailies.

In the 2017-18 Budget, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had proposed to ban cash transaction of over Rs 3 lakh. This limit was lowered to Rs 2 lakh as an amendment to the Finance Bill, which was passed by the Lok Sabha in March.
Jaipur: The Rajasthan government officials and employees who have completed 15 years in service or attained 50 years of their age and whose integrity is suspicious and work unsatisfactory may lose their job.



Rajasthan Chief Secretary O P Meena, in an order, has asked all department heads to identify those employees or officials who have lost their "utility" required for public welfare jobs.



He has directed all departmental heads to complete the process within three months and apprise the department of personnel.



Drawing the attention to the rule 53(1) of Rajasthan Civil Services (Pension) Rules 1996, the order says that those officers or employees who have completed 15 years of service or completed 50 years of age, whichever is earlier, and who have suspicious integrity and unsatisfactory work record or are unable to carry out their work due to some disabilities can be removed from the job.



Such officers or employees can be removed with three months notice or on payment of three months salary and allowances with immediate effect from state civil services, the order said.
New Delhi: NASA's new telescope James Webb Space will search for signs of extraterrestrial life on Earth-sized planets of the recently discovered TRAPPIST planetary system, as well as on Jupiter's moon Europa, the US space agency said today.

The James Webb Space Telescope is designed to complement and extend the scientific capabilities of other NASA missions such as the Hubble Space Telescope. It will be the most powerful space telescope ever built.

"From the very first galaxies after the Big Bang, to searching for chemical fingerprints of life on Enceladus, Europa, and exoplanets like TRAPPIST-1e, Webb will be looking at some incredible things in our universe," said Eric Smith, James Webb Space Telescope Director at NASA Headquarters in Washington.

"With over 2,100 initial observations planned, there is no limit to what we might discover with this incredible telescope," said Smith.

The broad spectrum of initial observations will address all of the science areas the telescope is designed to explore, from first light and the assembly of galaxies to the birth of stars and planets.

Targets will range from the solar system's outer planets such as Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune, and icy Kuiper Belt to exoplanets to distant galaxies in the young universe.

"These observations by the teams of people who designed and built the Webb instruments will yield not only amazing science, but will be crucial in putting the observatory through its paces and understanding its many capabilities," said Ken Sembach, director of the Space Telescope Science Institute in the US.

(With PTI inputs)
New Delhi: The US space agency NASA has released a clear view of the south polar region of Jupiter, the largest planet in the solar system.

The image was captured by NASA's Juno spacecraft on May 19, 2017, from about 29,100 miles (46,900 kilometers) above the cloud tops.

According to the space agency, the spacecraft was over 65.9 degrees south latitude while racing away from Jupiter following its seventh close pass of the planet when JunoCam captured the clear view of the planet.

The image was processed to enhance color differences, showing the amazing variety in Jupiters stormy atmosphere. Four of the white oval storms known as the String of Pearls are visible near the top of the image.

In the picture, one orange-colored storm can be seen at the belt-zone boundary, while other storms are more of a cream color.
Chennai: The DMK staged a walkout for the third consecutive day on Friday from the state assembly over the issue of alleged horse-trading of AIADMK MLAs.

Leader of Opposition M K Stalin led the walkout after he and deputy DMK leader in the House Duraimurugan argued with Speaker P Dhanapal over the issue in which remarks made by them were expunged by the chair after Finance Minister D Jayakumar made an intervention.

Textiles Minister O S Manian said the Opposition party trying to raise the issue was not appropriate.

When some DMK members who were walking out objected to it, Dhanapal said the minister was only reiterating his ruling of June 14.

Yesterday too, DMK made a vain bid to raise the same issue and walked out after Dhanapal disallowed their plea holding that the matter was sub-judice and based on media reports. DMK's allies Congress and IUML too had walked out on the issue.

On June 14, the alleged pay-off kicked up a storm in the Assembly which eventually led to en masse eviction of DMK members. They later staged a road blockade outside the state secretariat and were briefly detained by police.

The matter related to purported claims by O Panneerselvam camp MLA S S Saravanan in a TV 'sting' operation about alleged pay-offs to ruling party MLAs ahead of the February 18 trust vote that was won by incumbent chief minister K Palaniswami.
Chennai: Nalini Sriharan, one of the convicts in the assassination case of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, has started a hunger strike in Vellore prison demanding that she be shifted to a jail here.



According to reports reaching here, Nalini had sought to be shifted to a jail here so that she could oversee the work relating to her daughter Harithra`s wedding.



Harithra is living in the UK and plans to visit Chennai for her wedding.



Nalini`s application for parole was rejected by the prison authorities.



She began her hunger protest on Thursday. The jail officials were not available for comments.



Nalini was sentenced to death by a special court for her involvement in Gandhi`s assassination at Sriperumbudur near Chennai on May 21, 1991.



The sentence was commuted to life imprisonment after Sonia Gandhi, the former Prime Minister`s widow, petitioned for clemency -- for the sake of Nalini`s daughter.



Nalini, an Indian, had accompanied the Sri Lankan woman suicide bomber who blew up Rajiv Gandhi with concealed explosives.



Nalini, who was a close friend of an LTTE operative known as Murugan, another accused in the case, later gave birth to the girl in prison.
Hyderabad: Main opposition Congress on Friday said it would meet Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and work with other Opposition parties on the ground against the alleged involvement of TRS government in irregularities in different "illegal" land registrations here.

Congress would consult its leaders in Lok Sabha (Mallikarjun Kharge) and Rajya Sabha (Ghulam Nabi Azad) to meet Singh, who is now preoccupied with Presidential election, to press for a CBI inquiry into the lands issue, P Sudhakar Reddy, Deputy Leader of Congress in Telangana Legislative Council, told reporters.

A Congress delegation, led by state Congress president N Uttam Kumar Reddy, met Governor ESL Narasimhan yesterday and sought a CBI inquiry.

Congress would work with other parties and people's organisations to fight against the alleged irregularities in land registrations, he said.

Sudhakar Reddy demanded that the TRS government summon a special session of legislature to discuss the land registrations issue, besides important matters related to agriculture.

The state government has not announced annual debt plan and not even convened a meeting of state level bankers committee (SLBC) to discuss loan disbursement to farming sector, he alleged.

The state government sought to bring in an ordinance to check the menace of spurious seeds in a cabinet meeting tomorrow, but a Bill can be passed if a special session of legislature is convened, he said.

Dismissing the Congress allegations on "illegal" land registrations, state Irrigation Minister T Harish Rao yesterday said the Opposition party is only indulging in "mud-slinging" and false propaganda.

Congress should come out with concrete details and proofs to substantiate its allegations, he had said.

Sudhakar Reddy and Opposition leader (Congress) in Legislative Council Mohd Ali Shabbir condemned the reported comments of state IT Minister K T Rama Rao against the Congress on alleged corruption and "non-performance during its long rule".
Darjeeling: The northern West Bengal hills remained tense on Friday as Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) supporters indulged in widespread arson to protest a police raid on party chief Bimal Gurung's house that was carried a day before.

According to media reports, GJM supporters torched a panchayat office at Mirik, a hydro electric supply office at Lodhama in Darjeeling and a health centre in Rimbik-Lodhama in the wee hours today.

Late on Thursday night, protesters had set the Gayabari station, declared as a heritage site by the UNSECO, on fire.

On Thursday, they had set ablaze a railway station, a police outpost, a state transport bus and several vehicles, including one belonging to a media house.

On Friday, all the hotels remained shut, said tourists.

A long queue could be seen at the bus station as tourists and hotel workers prepared to leave the hills. Local administration arranged bus services so that stranded tourists could get to Siliguri.

According to a railway official, the toy-train services of Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) has been suspended in view of the strike for the safety of passengers, staffs and the property of the DHR.

The GJM announced an indefinite general strike from Monday in the hills encompassing Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts and the Dooars (foothills of the Himalayas covering stretches of Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar district) protesting against the Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's decision to make Bengali language compulsory in state-run schools.

The strike was called even as the Chief Minister assured that the new rule would not be imposed in the hill districts.

In Kolkata, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee blamed intelligence failure for the fresh unrest in the hills, where the GJM sponsored shutdown entered the fifth day.

(With Agency reports)
Kolkata: Amid continuing unrest, sporadic violence and demonstrations in the north Bengal hills, a delegation of Gorkha Janamukti Morcha lawmakers on Friday met West Bengal Governor Keshri Nath Tripathi to inform him about the situation in the region.



Meanwhile, the Calcutta High Court, citing its 2013 judgement terming bandhs/shutdowns as illegal, ordered the state government to submit an interim report within two weeks on the damage of public property in the recent act of violence.



"Three of our MLAs - Amar Singh Rai, Sarita Rai and Rohit Sharma - went to meet the governor today (Friday) to inform him about the present situation in the hills and the demand of the local people," GJM General Secretary Roshan Giri told IANS.



"I am not completely aware of the conversation between them as I am in Delhi. The Governor should be made aware of people`s suffering in the hills and the state government`s extreme measures to curb any form of movement in the region," he said.



After Thursday`s massive clash between police and the GJM activists following a raid at the Party chief Bimal Gurung`s house, the Darjeeling hills continued to be tense with rallies and counter rallies, both by the Morcha activists and state ruling party throughout Friday.



Early on Friday morning, the GJM supporters torched a panchayat office at Mirik, a hydro electric supply office at Lodhama in Darjeeling and a health centre in Rimbik-Lodhama.



Accusing police of high handedness and oppression, the women wing of GJM took out a rally in Darjeeling town in the afternoon.





The activists carrying Indian national flag were seen shouting slogans in demand of the separate state of Gorkhaland. However, they were stopped mid way by police and central forces.



Countering the GJM rally, the Trinamool Congress members took out a protest rally in Darjeeling district`s Mirik sub-division, a party stronghold after its victory in the recent municipal elections.



Blaming the GJM for continuous violence and arson in the hills, the participants in the rally demanded the removal of Gurung.



Slogans like "Bimal Gurung Dur Haato" (Bimal Gurung Go away) were shouted from the gathering.



Taking a swipe at Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, BJP`s National General Secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya accused the state government of not keeping the promises made during the formation of Gorkha Territorial Administration (GTA) in the hills.



Meanwhile, the activists of the Gorkha National Liberation Front, a Trinamool Congress ally in the last state assembly election, and Jana Andolan Party (JAP) hit the streets supporting the GJM-sponsored indefinite shutdown in the hills.



"The state government`s policy is alienating them more and more from the people in the hills. This is not a good sign," JAP chief Harka Bahadur Chettri said, and urged the state government to start a discussion with the local parties in the hills.



"It seems that there is a clash of ego between the state government and GJM. there should be meetings and discussions in the hills to sort out the situation. No political solution can be achieved through police action," he added.



In the hills, hotels mostly remained shut throughout the day.



A long queue could be seen at the bus station as tourists and hotel workers prepared to leave the hills. Local administration arranged bus services so that stranded tourists could get to Siliguri.



Many tourists including those who came from abroad, complained about not getting proper food or transport to go to the plains.



"We have been waiting for a long time to come here in Darjeeling. We were very excited. But when we actually reached here, there is no trains, no tea, no rope way because of the shutdown," said American tourist Adam.
Midnapore: Two minor siblings were burnt alive while their mother suffered serious injuries after their uncle allegedly torched their house locking them up inside in Midnapore West district, police said on Friday.

The incident occurred at Sundarpur village under Ghatal police station area apparently as a fallout of a long standing land dispute between Kazi Ismail, the accused, and his step-brother Sheikh Hashem.

Police said that Hashem's son Rajib Ali (13) and daughter Reshmi Khatun (16) were charred to death after Ismail allegedly locked their house from outside last night when they were sleeping and set the house on fire.

The children's mother Fatema was sent to a Kolkata hospital with 90 per cent burns.

Ismail was absconding and the police have detained his mother and sister for questioning.

Hashem was not at home at the time of the incident as he works as a Carpenter in Mumbai.

Infuriated villagers ransacked Ismail's house and set it on fire, police said.
Darjeeling: Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) leader Bimal Gurung on Friday accused the West Bengal Police and the government of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of unlawfully attacking his house and the party office.

"Administration has unlawfully attacked in my house and our party office in the instruction of Mamata Banerjee. Such an attack on the house of GTA Executive and in a registered political party office is very much dangerous for democracy," Gurung said.

Gurung alleged that Trinamool Congress (TMC) cadres entered his home with the help of the police and the administration.

"TMC cadres entered in my house with the help of the police and the administration. It is a dangerous political game. The way the TMC has done politics with the CPI-M, the BJP and the Congress, in the same way, they are acting in the hills," he said.

Gurung appealed to all people to be united for this final fight.

"I appeal to everyone to be united for this final fight. Mamata Banerjee cannot suppress our demand," he added.

Our party members and opposition parties will reply to that atrocity, Gurung added.

Yesterday, police recovered a cache of arms, arrows and cash during raids conducted conducted at various GJM locations.

Earlier, as many as six parties including the GJM and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) adopted a resolution for a separate Gorkhaland state.

The TMC did not attend the meeting.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is monitoring the situation in Darjeeling.

The BJP has accused the state government of alienating the Gorkha community and creating in them an identity crisis.

"The Gorkhas belong to India, but the state government has alienated them to such an extent that they have lost belief of belonging to this country. It is the identity crisis which has initiated such violence," BJP state vice president Chandra Kumar Bose told ANI.

Bose held the state government responsible for the escalated tension in Darjeeling and said that the ruling regime cannot solve this issue by simply providing some funds and forming the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA).

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has branded the GJM protest as 'abhorrent' and appealed to the people of the region to maintain peace. The GJM supporters are also protesting against the alleged imposition of Bengali in the schools of the hills.
Geneva: About 100,000 civilians remain trapped behind Islamic State lines in Mosul with a U.S.-backed government offensive to recapture the Iraqi city entering its ninth month, the United Nations refugee agency UNHCR said on Friday.



Islamic State snipers are shooting at families trying to flee on foot or by boat across the Tigris River, it said.



"These civilians are basically held as human shields in the Old City," said the UNHCR representative in Iraq, Bruno Geddo, referring to Mosul`s historic district where the militants are besieged by Iraqi government forces.



"There is hardly any food, water, electricity, fuel. These civilians are living in an increasingly worsening situation of penury and panic because they are surrounded by fighting."



The offensive to retake Mosul, Islamic State`s de facto capital in Iraq, started on Oct. 17 with air and ground support from a U.S.-led international coalition.



Iraqi government forces regained eastern Mosul in January, then a month later began the offensive on the western side that includes the Old City.



The Old City "is a very dense labyrinth, a maze of narrow alleyways where fighting will have to be done on foot, house by house," said Geddo.



"ISIS (Islamic State) snipers continue to aim at people trying to flee because there is this long-standing policy of executing people trying to flee the territory of the caliphate," he said.



The fall of Mosul would, in effect, mark the end of the Iraqi half of the "caliphate" that Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi declared in a speech from an historic mosque in the Old City three years ago, covering parts of Iraq and Syria.



Moscow said on Friday its forces may have killed Baghdadi in an air strike in Syria last month, but Washington said it could not corroborate the death and Western and Iraqi officials were sceptical.



About 200,000 people were estimated to be trapped behind Islamic State lines in Mosul in May, but the number has declined as government forces have thrust further into the city.



About 800,000 people, more than a third of the pre-war population of the northern Iraqi city, have fled, seeking refuge with friends and relatives or in camps. UNHCR has provided many with shelter, food and other necessities.



Geddo voiced deep concern about "collective punishment" of families whose relative may have been an IS fighter.



"Collective punishment means in a deeply tribal society that you see evictions, destruction of property, confiscation of property for families perceived as being associated with ISIS because one family member might have been having that link.



"This is a very critical point for the future of Iraq. Because it is essential to uphold the rule of law, to pursue those who committed crimes through the court system, the judicial system, rather than applying tribal custom," he said.
Toronto: The Canadian accused of helping Russian intelligence agents break into email accounts as part of a massive 2014 breach of Yahoo accounts may waive his right to fight a U.S. extradition request, his lawyer said on Friday.

Karim Baratov`s lawyer Amedeo DiCarlo said he is in discussions with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and U.S. prosecutors in Washington about the case and will announce a decision at a hearing due on July 7.

Baratov, a Canadian citizen born in Kazakhstan, was arrested in March on U.S. charges that he was paid to break into at least 80 email accounts by Russian intelligence agents who masterminded the 2014 theft of data from some 500 million Yahoo Inc user accounts.

He is the only one of four people charged in the case currently in custody. Two others are Russian intelligence agents, according to U.S. authorities, and the third is Alexsey Belan, one of the FBI`s most wanted cyber criminals.

Baratov has been denied bail and remains in an Ontario jail, with judges ruling that he is a flight risk.
Karachi: A 16-year-old Hindu girl's alleged abduction and conversion in Pakistan has created an uproar among the minority community, a media report said on Friday.

Ravita Meghwar had been abducted from the Syed community of Wanharo village near Nagarparkar in the southeast Sindh province on June 6.

Yesterday, she along with her 'husband' Nawaz Ali Shah, met with local journalists in Umerkot to "inform" them of her consent in the conversion and marriage, Dawn reported.

The girl, demanding protection for herself and husband, said that she had not been kidnapped but had eloped with Shah, the report said.

She claimed to have embraced Islam in the presence of Pir Mohammad Ayub Jan Farooqui, an Islamic preacher, near the Samarro town of Umerkot district, it said.

However, the Hindu community, along with the girl's family, has insisted that she was kidnapped and forced to convert, the report said.

Her father Satram Das Meghwar alleged that influential members of the Syed community had kidnapped his daughter after giving sleeping pills to the family.

He alleged that despite frequent appeals, Thar police did not take any actions to trace the girl till she was forced to convert, the report said.

According to the marriage certificate issued by the preacher, "The girl is 18 years old, can marry the person of her choice and her Islamic name is Gulnar", the report said.

However, her primary school certificate shows that Ravita is only 16-year-old as she was born on July 14, 2001.

The PML-N member of national assembly from Thar and chief of the Pakistan Hindu Council, Dr Ramesh Kumar Vankwani, has expressed his concern over the alleged abduction and the subsequent conversion of Ravita.

"A Hindu girl below 18 years of age cannot be converted according to the Hindu Marriage Act," he was quoted as saying by the report.

Terming the abduction of the girl an attempt to vitiate the peaceful and harmonious atmosphere of Thar, activists from various communities and political parties have demanded the early recovery of the girl and her production before a court of law, the report added.

Scores of people have questioned the validity of the marriage certificate issued by the cleric and condemned the incident on social media, demanding a probe into the incident.

Earlier, an FIR was registered on the girl's request at the Dano Dhandal police station against four persons. Syed Nawaz Ali Shah, Syed Noor Ali Shah, Mohammad Nohrio Junejo and Sher Ali Junejo.
[June 15, 2017] Infiniti Research Identifies Potential Cyber Attack Risks Faced by the Medical Devices Industry and Methods to Counter Them

The growing incidence of ransomware attacks in the UK and Indonesia has aroused a concern for cyber-attacks on medical devices across the globe. New technology is being adopted by the manufacturers of medical devices which will help in better diagnosing of health conditions. However, Infiniti Research notes that while digitalization has improved the overall performance of medical devices, at the same time it has exposed the industry to events like hacking, malware, and cyber-attacks. This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170615006112/en/ Infiniti Research helps companies in the healthcare industry identify new market opportunities. (Graphic: Business Wire) Market Trends Most medical devices have electronic records of the patient's medical history, the medicines prescribed, as well as information on allergies and other vital facts. Mishandling of this confidential data will attract financial loss for the hospitals and hamper the lives of the patients. These problems have driven medical device manufacturers to start making their products ransomware proof and safe proof them from probable attacks faced from hackers and malwares. Medical devices like insulin pumps and pacemakers have higher exposure to hacking and malware attacks due to the wireless technology employed in these devices, making them an easy target for hackers. Read more: https://www.infinitiresearch.com/thoughts/steps-keep-medical-devices-ransomware-proof



Market opportunities With more than 100 million personal health records being compromised, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has set up guidelines for medical device manufacturers as well as the healthcare facilities providers.

In its recent assessment of the medical device industry, Infiniti Research notes the FDA recommendations say that medical device inventory, change management systems, and other networked servers and workstations need to be monitored closely. Devices which are running on unpatched versions of Windows should be upgraded to the relevant security patched version of the Windows. Vulnerability scans also need to be conducted on a regular basis, which will help in identifying devices that are liable to malware attack. Involving the third-party managers and medical device vendors in the risk management process and prioritizing patches for medical devices are other steps recommended to prevent cyber-attacks. Request a brochure and see how Infiniti's insights can help you Infiniti's Medical Device Research Portfolio The medical devices industry is witnessing constant growth with technical advancements and the development of improved medical devices. With improved technology, comes new challenges, such as protecting against medical device hacking. Due to these challenges, organizations are increasingly turning towards market intelligence to find solutions to face major changes in trends and enhance the efficiency of their operations. Recent medical device studies from Infiniti Research include: Medical Reimbursement and Health Economics for Wound Care Dressings View study: https://www.infinitiresearch.com/casestudy/medical-reimbursement-health-economics Assessment of the Radiography Systems Market View study: https://www.infinitiresearch.com/casestudy/market-intelligence-study-helps-medical-devices-manufacturer-assess-radiography-systems-market Market Intelligence Study for the Orthopedic Devices Market View Study: https://www.infinitiresearch.com/casestudy/competitive-intelligence-orthopedic-devices-market 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/20170615006112/en/

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Santiago: The Chilean government has declared a state of emergency to facilitate the search for two miners trapped for a week in a mine in the country's south.

"With this step we intend to reinforce all efforts being made to find the trapped miners," said Interior Minister Mahmud Aleuy. The mine is in the town of Chile Chico, in the Aysen region, about 1,000 miles (1,600 kilometers) south of the capital, Santiago.

By declaring a state of emergency, as is normally done after a disaster or natural catastrophe, the government is able to accelerate relief efforts and place the regional army commander in charge of rescue operations.

"As it has been seven days, we need to strengthen the participation of all state institutions to see how we can speed up the work," Aleuy said.

The accident took place June 9 as the two miners were working with heavy machinery following flooding in the Delia II pit of the Cerro Bayo mine, operated by Canadian firm Mandalay Resources.

There has been no contact with the trapped miners.

President Michelle Bachelet promised in a Twitter message Friday that all Chileans would "work tirelessly to find our miners in Chile Chico," adding, "They are not alone."

More than 60 mine-rescue specialists are working around-the-clock to reach the trapped miners, under what the authorities say are extremely difficult circumstances.

Some of the 60 were involved in the dramatic rescue efforts in 2010 after a mine collapse in northern Chile left 33 workers trapped 2,000 feet (600 meters) below the surface. They were successfully rescued after 69 days below ground.

The National Geology and Mining Service (Sernageomin) has confirmed the presence of water in the Chile Chico mine. It estimates that the trapped men are probably some 800 feet (250 meters) below the surface, in a network of galleries that stretches 6,200 feet (1,900 meters).
Washington: The White House has confirmed that President Donald Trump will announce his administration's review of the country's new policy toward Cuba on Friday.

The President will travel to Miami on Friday to "make an announcement on US-Cuba policy", said deputy White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders at a press conference.

When asked whether Trump is planning to announce the naming of an ambassador to Cuba anytime soon, Sanders said that she was not certain what the plans are on that subject or whether it would be included in the President's Friday announcement, reports Efe news.

Several US media outlets had reported the date and site for the announcement of the result of the review of Washington's Cuba policy that Trump promised when he took office, a policy that to date has included greater rapprochement with the communist island and was initiated by his predecessor Barack Obama.

In his search for votes in Florida during the presidential campaign, Trump toughened his stance on Cuba and promised to rescind many of Obama's measures.

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said earlier this week at a hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that Trump wants to allow business activity and trade with Cuba to continue as much as possible because he appreciates the benefits that this opening provides for the Cuban people.

However, the administration wants to ensure that it is not involuntarily or directly providing financial help to the Raul Castro regime and that it is not violating the law, Tillerson said on Tuesday.

"As we're developing these business relationships and as we're enjoying the benefits on the economic and development side, are we inadvertently or directly providing financial support to the regime? Our view is we are," Tillerson said.

"And the question is ... how do we bring that back into compliance with longstanding statutory obligations?" he added.

It is anticipated that Trump will also urge the Cuban government to improve its respect for human rights, according to information provided by Tillerson.
New Delhi: India is in touch with all the countries which can help in locating 39 Indians, believed to have been abducted by terrorist outfit ISIS in Iraq in 2014, the government said today.



Responding to a question on the issue, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay said Sushma Swaraj had met representatives and families of these 39 Indians early this month.



"We are in touch with all nations who are helping us or who can help us. All possible steps are being taken. As of now we have the information that the people are alive. We have no such information to suggest that they are not alive," Baglay said.



The families said they had last heard from the men on June 14, 2014, when they all called home to say they were being taken away by ISIS fighters.
Moscow: Russia`s Defence Ministry said on Friday it was checking information that a Russian air strike near the Syrian city of Raqqa may have killed Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in late May, Russian news agencies reported.

The air strike, targeted a meeting of IS leaders and was carried out on May 28, the agencies cited the ministry as saying.

"According to the information which is now being checked via various channels, Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, who was eliminated by the air strike, was also present at the meeting," RIA news agency quoted the ministry as saying.
Marwi City: The Philippines military said on Friday that some of the Islamist militants who stormed Marawi City in the south of the country last month may have mingled with evacuees to slip away during the battle that has raged for nearly four weeks.

Brigadier General Restituto Padilla said security had been tightened in the cities of Iligan and Cagayan de Oro and the authorities there were on the lookout for suspicious characters who might "attempt to sow some confusion or sow terror".

"We`re not denying that there`s probably a few who may have slipped along with the evacuees from Marawi going to Iligan and Cagayan de Oro," he told reporters in Manila, while OV-10 aircraft in Marawi pounded an area where militants have been holed up since May 23.

The military says that up to 200 fighters, most of them from local insurgent groups that have pledged allegiance to Islamic State but also some foreign fighters, are holding out, using civilians as human shields and mosques as safe havens.

The attempt by hundreds of well-armed militants to overrun and seal off the city has alarmed governments across Southeast Asia, which fear that Islamic State - losing ground in Iraq and Syria - is trying to establish a foothold in their region that could bring a rash of extremist violence.

The defence ministers and military chiefs of Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines will meet in the Indonesian town of Tarakan, on Borneo island, on Monday to discuss the threat and agree on steps to coordinate better to confront terrorism.

A port town, Tarakan is just south of the Malaysian side of Borneo and looks out across the sea to Mindanao in the southern Philippines, a sprawling island that has been plagued by insurgencies and banditry for decades.

Philippines military spokesman Padilla told reporters that talk of fighters planning attacks in neighbouring towns was based on "misinformation that`s being spread by the enemies" and in fact their capacity was severely reduced.

In a battle assessment on Friday, the military said those still in the town were also weakening.

"Enemy resistance continues to dwindle and enemy-held areas continues to get smaller as troops advance," it said, but giving no indication of how long it might take to retake the town.

Previous deadlines to defeat the insurgents were missed.

More than 300 people have been killed in the battle for Marawi, according to official estimates, including 225 militants, 59 soldiers and 26 civilians.

A politician who has led rescue and relief efforts said on Thursday that residents fleeing Marawi had seen at least 100 dead bodies in an area where the fighting had been fierce. The military said it could not confirm that number.
Bangkok: A man who 'hated the military' has been arrested for carrying out last month`s blast at an army-run hospital, the junta said Friday, the first time officials have suggested a motive for the attack.

The blast occurred on the third anniversary of the junta`s 22 May coup and struck a VIP waiting room inside a military-owned hospital in Bangkok, wounding 21 people.

Deputy junta leader Prawit Wongsuwan told reporters on Friday that an unnamed 62-year-old man had been detained for carrying out the blast.

"He did it absolutely," Prawit, a retired general, told reporters, adding the man "hated the military".

He also said the man was suspected of planting small bombs "three to four times since 2007".

Bangkok`s criminal court later named the suspect as Wattana Phumret, a retired engineer, and issued an arrest warrant for a series of charges including attempted murder and possession of explosives.

It is not clear when Wattana was detained though police said he is being held by the military.

The junta has granted itself the power to detain anyone incommunicado for seven days but suspects are frequently held for longer periods before authorities announce their arrest.

Despite a veneer of stability Thais remain divided and uncertain over the future, three years after the ousting of the elected government of Yingluck Shinawatra.

Over the past 10 years Thais have witnessed repeated rounds of deadly protests, a string of short-lived governments and two military coups that deposed elected leaders.

The country has a long history of bomb attacks on symbolic dates -- carried out by militant political factions or separatists linked to an insurgency in the Muslim-majority south.

The junta says its 2014 coup -- the 12th time generals have successfully seized power -- was needed to bring stability and root out corruption.

But critics say the military is deeply hostile to ousted premiers Thaksin Shinawatra and his sister Yingluck, whose parties have won every poll since 2001.

Prawit declined to say whether the arrested man belonged to any political faction.

Local media reported he had pictures at his home of Thaksin, who lives in self exile overseas.

Yingluck, who is currently on trial for negligence and faces ten years in jail, said her Pheu Thai party has always condemned violence.

"I am confident that he (Thaksin) does not back violence and the Pheu Thai party has already condemned (this attack)," she told reporters.
New York: US President Donald Trump has mocked FBI investigators of not being able to find any evidence related to the probe of a possible collusion between his team and Russia during 2016 Presidential election.

Trump said that "nobody has been able to show any proof yet"."After 7 months of investigations & committee hearings about my `collusion with the Russians`, nobody has been able to show any proof. Sad!," Trump tweeted.

With President Trump`s instructions, Vice President Mike Pence has hired Richard Cullen, his own lawyer to represent the U.S. President in the special counsel investigation and congressional inquiries into Russia`s role in the 2016 election, the CNN reported.

Richard Cullen is a former Virginia attorney general and a former US attorney for the eastern district of Virginia.



Trump criticized media reports that special counsel Robert Mueller is investigating him for obstruction of justice as a part of a wider probe into alleged meddling by Russia in the 2016 presidential election and possible collusion between the Kremlin and Trump`s campaign, saying Americans are watching "the single greatest WITCH HUNT in American political history."

"They made up a phony collusion with the Russians story, found zero proof, so now they go for obstruction of justice on the phony story. Nice," it added.Meanwhile, Mueller has sought interviews with three Trump administration officials who weren`t involved in Trump`s campaign.

Those officials are Dan Coats, the director of national intelligence, Michael Rogers, the head of the National Security Agency and Richard Ledgett, the former NSA deputy director, according to reports.
Ankara: Turkey on Thursday summoned U.S. Ambassador in Ankara, John Bass, to the Foreign Office on after American authorities issued arrest warrants for President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's bodyguards.

Anadolu news quoted a Foreign Ministry statement as saying that it summoned the American ambassador "upon learning that the U.S. authorities have issued arrest warrants for some Turkish citizens and some of the security personnel of our president, due to the incident that took place in front of the Turkish ambassador's residence in Washington, D.C. on May 16th."

"It has been conveyed to the ambassador that this decision taken by U.S. authorities is wrong, biased and lacks legal basis," the statement said.

The move came after the U.S. authority issued arrest warrants for 16 people, including 12 bodyguards of the Turkish President, over an incident in May, outside Turkey's Washington embassy. Several people were injured in a brawl during Erdogan's visit to the U.S.

A video of the protest showed security guards and some Erdogan supporters attacking a small group of protesters with their fists and feet, according to reports.

The ministry said in its statement that it also told Bass "that the brawl in front of the Turkish ambassador's residence was caused by the failure of local security authorities to take necessary measures; that this incident would not have occurred if the U.S. authorities had taken the usual measures they take in similar high-level visits and, therefore, Turkish citizens cannot be held responsible for the incident that took place."

"The ambassador of the United States of America in Ankara has also been informed that the tolerance of the U.S. authorities towards the so-called protesters to approach as close as a few meters to the Turkish residence with flags and symbols of terrorist organization and their assault to innocent citizens, as well as the lack of any action taken against the U.S. security personnel who assaulted the security guards of our minister in front of the chancery run counter to any understanding of justice," it added.
Ankara: The U.S. Senate`s decision to impose new sanctions on Iran is an "unquestionable" violation of a nuclear deal reached in 2015 between Tehran and six major powers including the United States, Iranian media quoted a senior Iranian official as saying.



The Senate approved on Thursday the sanctions on Iran over its ballistic missile program and other activities not related to the international nuclear agreement.



"The U.S. Senates move is unquestionably in breach of both the spirit and the letter of the nuclear deal," Ali Akbar Velayati, a senior adviser to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was reported by media as saying on Friday.



"The Iranian committee tasked with monitoring the accord will certainly examine the congressional move and come up with a decent response."



The U.S. legislation still must pass the House of Representatives and be signed by President Donald Trump to become law.



Trump has in the past called the nuclear agreement between Tehran and the major powers "the worst deal ever negotiated". Under the deal, Iran agreed to curb its nuclear programme in return for the lifting of nuclear-related sanctions.



The United States and its regional ally Saudi Arabia accuse Iran of subverting regional security. Iran also accuses its arch foes, Washington and Riyadh, for promoting Islamist militancy in the region.



"America is trying to cover up the repeated defeats it has suffered from Iran in Iraq and Syria, Velayati said.
[June 15, 2017] AHF Promotes "One Community, One Love" at Columbus Pride

AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), the largest global AIDS organization, is proud to once again join the LGBTQ community in celebrating the 2017 Gay Pride season through its planned participation in more than two dozen Pride events across the country. Founded in Los Angeles as AIDS Hospice Foundation in 1987 to provide a facility for terminally ill AIDS patients in California, AHF is celebrating its 30th Anniversary this year and continues to support LGBTQ equality and the expansion of health care services to treat people living with HIV/AIDS. At festivals throughout the 2017 Pride season, AHF will give away free condoms, share information on STD prevention and treatment, and provide free HIV testing. This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170615006131/en/ AHF's "One Community, One Love" custom-wrapped bus is scheduled to appear in Pride parades in U.S. cities including Brooklyn (6/10); Long Island (6/11); Washington, DC (6/10); Columbus, OH (6/17); Houston (6/24); New York City, NY (6/25); San Diego (7/15); Oakland, CA (News - Alert) (9/10); Dallas (9/16); Atlanta, GA (10/14); and Las Vegas (10/20). (Photo: Business Wire) At the Columbus Pride parade on Saturday, June 17, AHF staff, patients and advocates will take part in the annual parade that steps off at 10:30 AM at Goodale & High and ends at Genoa Park and Washington Blvd. AHF is proud to support the LGBTQ community in the Columbus area through its AHF Healthcare Center located at 815 W. Broad St. Suite 350 and its Out of The Closet Thrift Store at 1230 N. High Street, where 96 cents of every dollar earned ges toward supporting AHF's delivery of HIV/AIDS services.



"Our AHF staff and patients always look forward to joining with the LGBTQ community in celebrating life and being out and proud at gay pride celebrations across the country each year. Our presence at this year's Pride is particularly meaningful for us as we mark our 30th Anniversary of providing care to people living with HIV and AIDS," said AHF President Michael Weinstein. "After 30 years of being on the frontlines in the fight against AIDS, we remain grateful to be able to provide access to medical care and breakthrough treatments that have allowed people with HIV to live longer, healthier lives and to help prevent transmitting the virus to others. Today, we are currently providing care to over 740,000 patients around the globe and we're working to expand our operations internationally to be able to help even more people." In addition to providing free HIV testing and giveaways at Pride festivals nationwide, AHF patients, volunteers and staff will also march with its signature "One Community, One Love" Pride bus wrapped with smiling faces that represent the diversity of LGBTQ individuals and families. The bus is scheduled to appear in Pride parades in U.S. cities including Brooklyn (6/10); Long Island (6/11); Washington, DC (6/10); Columbus, OH (6/17); Houston (6/24); New York City, NY (6/25); San Diego (7/15); Oakland, CA (9/10); Dallas (9/16); Atlanta, GA (10/14); and Las Vegas (10/20).

For a complete list of Pride festivals in which AHF will participate in 2017, visit www.ahfparticipate.org. For more information on AHF Healthcare Center locations, AHF Pharmacy, and Out of the Closet Thrift Stores, visit www.hivcare.org, www.AHFpharmacy.org, and www.outofthecloset.org. AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), the largest global AIDS organization, currently provides medical care and/or services to over 720,000 individuals in 36 countries worldwide in the US, Africa, Latin America/Caribbean, the Asia/Pacific Region and Eastern Europe. To learn more about AHF, please visit our website: www.aidshealth.org, find us on Facebook (News - Alert): www.facebook.com/aidshealth and follow us on Twitter (News - Alert): @aidshealthcare and Instagram: @aidshealthcare. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170615006131/en/

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Amazon is Buying Whole Foods for $13.4bn

Amazon has agreed to buy the upscale grocery chain Whole Foods for $13.4 billion, as the online retailer looks to conquer new territory in the supermarket aisle and bolster its own food delivery service Amazon Fresh. VentureBeat asked, what does this mean for Instacart, which Whole Foods invested in last year and has a partnership with?

Ag Startup Engine Announces Initial Investments

Ag Startup Engine, located at the Iowa State University Research Park, has made an initial seed investment in Nebullam, an aeroponic and machine learning technology company for crop producers. Nebullam, which is currently in the ISU Startup Factorys 52-week program, combines aeroponic and machine learning software technology for crop and micro-green producers. ASE has also made a follow-on investment in Performance Livestock Analytics, a cloud-based application for livestock producers. PLA joined the ASE in October 2016 while raising its initial seed round.

Monsanto & Atomwise Partner to Use AI for Discovery

Monsanto and Atomwise have formed a research collaboration to increase the speed and probability of discovering and developing new crop protection products using artificial intelligence. Atomwise develops artificial intelligence systems for molecular discovery. Through this research collaboration, Atomwises AtomNet technology will employ deep learning algorithms and supercomputers to analyze millions of molecules for potential crop protection products.

Iowa AgriTech Accelerator Hires Executive Director, Announces Class of 2017

The Iowa AgriTech Accelerator has added Megan Vollstedt as its new executive director. Megan brings with her more than six years of experience in the startup community, having most recently served as senior corporate communications editor for Workiva, says the program. It also listed its Class of 2017 members, which will begin the program on July 10 in Des Moines:

WISRAN , Sunnyvale, CA, measures the time variations of farming activities to identify and manage revenue leaks.

Pyursolutions , Los Angeles, CA, develops natural and non-toxic bio-degradable pest solutions.

Rabbit Tractors, Ann Arbor, MI

Hintech, St. Joseph, MO

Phenomics Labs, Burnsville, MN

Hampton Creek Rebrands by Making a Name Switch

Hampton Creek is back in the news this week, debuting a new name and branding style for its vegan products. The company now goes by the name Just and has relocated any mention of Hampton Creek to the back of some packages. Its website is now http://www.eatjust.com/, also. Read more here.

BlueCart Acquires Hospitality Tech Company Sous

Cloud-based e-commerce platform BlueCart, which offers customer management solutions for restaurants and suppliers, has acquired restaurant administration platform Sous. Read more about the deal here.

World Economic Forum Names Indigo as Technology Pioneer

Indigo, the microbial seed coating startup, was chosen among hundreds of candidates as one of the World Economic Forums Technology Pioneers. The World Economic Forums Technology Pioneers are early-stage companies involved in the design, development, and deployment of new technologies and innovations that are poised to have a significant impact on business and society. The full list of the 30 recognized Technology Pioneers can be viewed here.

UC Davis is Weighing Pig Personality to Tackle Housing Issues

Researchers at UC Davis are examining pig behavior and distinctive personality traits to assist the pork industry with developing housing systems that better suit new legislative requirements and consumer demand for increased animal welfare. The studys findings will be used to create a housing structure that allows pigs to roam about while also protecting them from aggressive herd mates. Currently, sows are separated from one another and confined to their own stall for up to 45 days after artificial insemination to protect the pregnancy, and again during birthingand weaning. Read more here.

Geosys Launches Partnership Program to Address Agricultural Challenges

Geosys, a provider of agronomic decision support tools, has unveiled a new challenge called Geosys Labs. Through the program, it will make its global database of satellite imagery and weather data available to initiatives dedicated to addressing the growing challenges facing the agriculture industry. Geosys is requesting applications via its website from companies, NGOs, and universities interested in establishing a partnership for a proof of concept project. While there is no specific limitation on the number of projects, qualifying partners must address one of the following objectives:

Improve the measurement of sustainable practices in agriculture

Provide affordable risk management solutions for smallholder farms

Increase transparency within the agriculture supply chain

Revolutionize the future of agriculture and farming technologies

Agrilyst Unveils Trusted Advisor Network

Agrilyst is putting together a Trusted Advisor Network to help connect experts with growers who need assistance. Every day, our customers ask me for recommended engineers, pest management experts, food safety consultants, designers, greenhouse systems experts, and all kinds of other experts. And now, were making it incredibly easy for growers to find great service providers, Allison Kopf, founder and CEO, wrote in a recent email. If youd like to be listed on its network, contact Allison at akopf@agrilyst.com. All applicants will have to provide customer references and spots are limited, so reach out to claim your spot early.

Organic Industry Plans to Crack Down on Fraud through Task Force

The Organic Trade Association is working on creating a best practices guide to help verify compliance of organic products in the international market. Last month, The Washington Post published an article describing how three shipments of allegedly organic corn and soybeans were imported to the US from Turkey despite their lack of compliance.

New Food Safety Project between Europe and China to Tackle Food Fraud

The Institute for Global Food Security has launched a new food safety project in the EU and China to improve food legislation and inspection oversight will increasing access to information in both regions. Backed by a 10 million ($11.17m) award from the European Horizon 2020 Program and the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology program, it will include state-of-the-art technologies like a virtual laboratory. Read more here.

China and US Finalize Deal for US Beef Imports

The first shipment of US beef imports is already on its way to China now that the countries have finalized a deal, which includes a number of requirements. The animals must be traceable to a US farm using a unique identification system, the cattle must be 30 months of age or younger, and the slaughtering process must include careful controls. Read more here.

Apply now for the Accenture Innovation Awards 2017 Challenge

The Accenture Innovation Awards Program of 2017 is officially open for registration. The program is open to entrepreneurs as well as corporate startups and concepts to register between now and July 31st, 2017 This year, the Innovation Awards are rewarded across eleven categories: Health & Wellbeing, Future Food Solutions, Perfect Cities, Delightful Consumer Experience, Safe & Secure Society, Seamless Travel & Transport, Intelligent Enterprise, Clean & Affordable Energy, Skills to Succeed, Financial Services Reinvented and Circular Economy.

Other News Thats Fit to Chew
YEREVAN, JUNE 16, ARMENPRESS. The exclusive project of ARMENPRESS entitled Yerevan Bestseller brings the top ten bestselling books of Yerevan every week.

Edgar Harutyunyans Unfound Chamomiles is this weeks bestselling book of Yerevan. This is the second book of the author. Unfound Chamomiles is about human relationship, love, friendship and betrayal.

Mark Arens Where Wild Roses Bloom is this weeks 2nd bestselling book.

Oscar Wildes The Picture Of Dorian Gray comes next in the bestselling list. Dorian Gray is the subject of a full-length portrait in oil by Basil Hallward, an artist who is impressed and infatuated by Dorian's beauty; he believes that Dorian's beauty is responsible for the new mode in his art as a painter. Through Basil, Dorian meets Lord Henry Wotton, and he soon is enthralled by the aristocrat's hedonistic worldview: that beauty and sensual fulfillment are the only things worth pursuing in life.

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas is ranked 4th in the list. It is a 2006 Holocaust novel by Irish novelist John Boyne. Unlike the months of planning Boyne devoted to his other books, he said that he wrote the entire first draft of The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas in two and a half days, barely sleeping until he got to the end.

Flowers For Algernon by David Keyes comes next. The short story, written in 1958 and first published in the April 1959 issue of The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction, won the Hugo Award for Best Short Story in 1960.

Milan Kunderas The Unbearable Lightness of Being is ranked 6th. It was published in 1984. The book chronicles the fragile nature of an individual's fate, theorizing that a single lifetime is insignificant in the scope of Nietzsche's concept of eternal return. In an infinite universe, everything is guaranteed to recur infinitely. In 1988, American director Philip Kaufman released a film adaptation.

The Alchemist by Brazilian author Paulo Coelho comes next in the list. It was first published in 1988. Originally written in Portuguese, it became an international bestseller translated into some 70 languages as of 2016. An allegorical novel, The Alchemist follows a young Andalusian shepherd in his journey to Egypt, after having a recurring dream of finding treasure there.

Over the years there have been film and theatrical adaptations of the work and musical interpretations of it.

Fahrenheit 451 is a dystopian novel by American writer Ray Bradbury, published in 1953. It is ranked 8th in this weeks list. It was translated to Armenian by Lusine Haroyan.

It is regarded as one of his best works. The novel presents a future American society where books are outlawed and "firemen" burn any that are found. The book's tagline explains the title: "Fahrenheit 451  the temperature at which book paper catches fire, and burns ..."

The novel has been the subject of interpretations focusing on the historical role of book burning in suppressing dissenting ideas.

Goodbye, Bird by Aram Pachyan comes next in the list. The novel was first published in 2012. It is the first work of the author, describing the inner reflections of a bird of a man who was demobilized from the Army.

Spencer Johnsons Who Moved My Cheese concludes the list. Published on September 8, 1998, Who Moved My Cheese is a motivational business fable. The text describes change in one's work and life, and four typical reactions to those changes by two mice and two "little people," during their hunt for cheese. A New York Times business bestseller upon release, Who Moved My Cheese? remained on the list for almost five years and spent over 200 weeks on Publishers Weekly's hardcover nonfiction list. It has sold more than 26 million copies worldwide in 37 languages and remains one of the best-selling business books.

Bookinist and Hay Girk bookstores, as well as Edit Print and Zangak publishing houses were surveyed for the project.

Article by Angela Hambardzumyan
YEREVAN, JUNE 16, ARMENPRESS. Turkeys foreign ministry summoned U.S. Ambassador in Ankara John Bass after the U.S. authorities issued arrest warrant for President Recep Tayyip Erdogans security detail over their attack on peaceful protesters in Washington D.C., Anadolu reports.

Official Ankara said the decision on arresting Turks is wrong, biased and lacks legal basis.

The ministry told Ambassador John Bass that the brawl in front of the Turkish ambassadors residence was caused by the failure of local security authorities to take necessary measures; that this incident would not have occurred if the U.S. authorities had taken the usual measures they take in similar high-level visits and, therefore, Turkish citizens cannot be held responsible for the incident that took place.

The foreign ministry said the decision was made without impartial and independent investigation.

During a press conference on June 15, Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and D.C. Police Chief Peter Newsham announced that arrest warrants have been issued for the arrest of 12 members of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogans security detail and Turkish police officers in connection with the May 16 attack on peaceful protesters in front of the Turkish Ambassadors residence in Washington, D.C.

As Ive said before, I condemn this attack. It was an affront to our values as Washingtonians and as Americans and was a clear assault on the First Amendment. As Americans, the First Amendment grants us the right to assemble and protest peacefully, and here in D.C., we are committed to safeguarding and protecting that right, Mayor Bowser said during the press conference.

Supporters of Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan have attacked peaceful protesters in Washington D.C. The demonstration, which began at Lafayette Square at noon, was organized by a coalition of organizations, including the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) and the American Hellenic Council. Several different groups, which included representatives from the Armenian, Greek, Kurdish, and Assyrian communities, participated in the protest, while President Erdogan met with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House. Later it was reported that Recep Tayyip Erdogans security detail were the attackers of the peaceful protest.
YEREVAN, JUNE 16, ARMENPRESS. The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) welcomed, as a meaningful step toward justice, Washington, DC Mayor Muriel Bowsers and Police Chief Peter Newshams in-depth investigation that led to 18 arrest warrants  including a dozen against Turkish President Recep Erdogans bodyguards -- in connection to the May 16th attacks on peaceful protesters outside the Turkish Ambassador's residence, ANCA reports.

We commend the efforts of Mayor Bowser, Chief Newsham and all the law enforcement agencies involved in taking this step toward bringing the perpetrators to justice, and look forward to continuing to work with the relevant authorities to identify all involved, said ANCA Exective Director Aram Hamparian. Law enforcement is doing its part; now its time for the Trump Administration to take action and demand that Turkey lift any claims to diplomatic immunity for those involved in this crime, so that criminal proceedings can move forward and justice can be served.

During a June 15 press conference, DC Police Chief Peter Newsham announced the names of the dozen members of Turkish President Erdogans security detail who have been charged with the attacks. Two Turkish-Americans have already been arrested for assault, and two Turkish Canadians have also been charged.

In response to a question from The Armenian Weekly, Chief Newsham acknowledged that investigators are looking into the role of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in the May 16 attack, but indicated that, despite the available video and other evidence, there is not yet sufficient probable cause to seek his arrest.
YEREVAN, JUNE 16, ARMENPRESS. Armenias Deputy Minister of Economic Development and Investments Emil Tarasyan had a meeting with Vice-Chairman of Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (ICCIMA) Mr. Karbasi, press service of the Ministry told Armenpress.

During the meeting both sides attached importance to expanding the Armenian-Iranian commercial cooperation, increasing the trade turnover volume, creating favorable conditions for businessmen of both states and eliminating existing technical barriers in trade.

Agreement was reached to exchange information on non-tariff regulations in mutual trade which will raise the awareness of businessmen of the two countries and will contribute to increasing export volumes.

Emil Tarasyan presented the advantages on carrying out economic activity in Armenia and the opportunities to enter new markets.
YEREVAN, JUNE 16, ARMENPRESS. Patriarchal locum tenens of the Armenian Patriarchate of Istanbul Archbishop Garegin Bekchian, who is currently in Germany, will return to Istanbul on June 20.

Upon returning to Istanbul, I expect Archbishop Ateshyan to submit his written resignation. We will inform our community about the resignation through media, Bekchian told Agos.

He said he will convene Spiritual Council upon arrival.

After the Councils session we will meet with Istanbuls Governorate [officials] and we will notify them about our decisions. After that, we will convene another assembly on forming a steering body, Bekchyan said.

Archbishop Bekchyan  Primate of the Armenian Diocese of Germany  was elected as locum tenens of Istanbuls Armenian Patriarchate on March 15. After his election, The Patriarchal Vicar Archbishop Aram Ateshyan refused to step down, which resulted in confusion and tension. After some time however, the Vicar announced he will resign, and invited Archbishop Bekchyan to Istanbul.
YEREVAN, JUNE 16, ARMENPRESS. The US State Department will continue working with law enforcement agencies amid the investigation of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogans security details attack on protesters in Washington D.C., State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert said at a press briefing.

She quoted Secretary of State Rex Tillersons earlier statement on the matter The charges filed against 12 Turkish security officials send a clear message that the United States does not tolerate individuals who use intimidation and violence to stifle freedom of speech and legitimate political expression. The State Department will continue to work with law enforcement and the relevant legal authorities in the case. When an outcome is reached, the department will determine if any additional steps will need to be taken.

Asked if the US will request the extradition of the bodyguards from Turkey, she refused to answer.

Our focus is to work with law enforcement officials to ensure that those who are responsible for the violence are held accountable for those actions, she said.

Earlier arrest warrants were issued by US law enforcement for 12 bodyguards of the Turkish president.
YEREVAN, JUNE 16, ARMENPRESS. The State Revenue Committee has introduced a facilitated mechanism in customs checkpoints under the one-window principle for exports of seasonal Armenian agricultural products.

The customs officials have been specifically tasked to provide assistance and consultation for external business operators.

The facilitation of the procedure comes after the Prime Ministers relevant directive.

Exporters are urged to contact the first deputy chairman of the SRC  060 544 344, or the call center  060 544 444 in case of any problems during the procedures.
YEREVAN, JUNE 16, ARMENPRESS. A dozen security guards for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan are now wanted by D.C. police, who on Thursday declared them criminal suspects and accused them of attacking peaceful protesters during a visit to Washington last month, The Washington Post reports.

There are numerous reports on this topic in the US media with the photos of security guards together with a note WANTED.

There was such a poster also during a press conference of Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and D.C. Police Chief Peter Newsham during which they announced that arrest warrants have been issued for the arrest of 12 members of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogans security detail and Turkish police officers in connection with the May 16 attack on peaceful protesters in front of the Turkish Ambassadors residence in Washington, D.C.

As Ive said before, I condemn this attack. It was an affront to our values as Washingtonians and as Americans and was a clear assault on the First Amendment. As Americans, the First Amendment grants us the right to assemble and protest peacefully, and here in D.C., we are committed to safeguarding and protecting that right, Mayor Bowser said during the press conference.

Earlier it was reported that two Turkish-Americans have already been arrested for assault, and two Turkish Canadians have also been charged.

Supporters of Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan have attacked peaceful protesters in Washington D.C. The demonstration, which began at Lafayette Square at noon, was organized by a coalition of organizations, including the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) and the American Hellenic Council. Several different groups, which included representatives from the Armenian, Greek, Kurdish, and Assyrian communities, participated in the protest, while President Erdogan met with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House. Later it was reported that Recep Tayyip Erdogans security detail were the attackers of the peaceful protest.
[June 15, 2017] AHF Promotes "One Community, One Love" at Wilton Manors Stonewall Pride

AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), the largest global AIDS organization, is proud to once again join the LGBTQ community in celebrating the 2017 Gay Pride season through its planned participation in more than two dozen Pride events across the country. Founded in Los Angeles as AIDS Hospice Foundation in 1987 to provide a facility for terminally ill AIDS patients in California, AHF is celebrating its 30th Anniversary this year and continues to support LGBTQ equality and the expansion of health care services to treat people living with HIV/AIDS. At festivals throughout the 2017 Pride season, AHF will give away free condoms, share information on STD prevention and treatment, and provide free HIV testing. At the Wilton Manors Stonewall Pride parade on Saturday, June 17, AHF staff, patients and advocates will take part in the annual parade that steps off at 4:00 PM from the south end of Wilton Drive. AHF is proud to support the LGBTQ community in Broward County through its AHF Healthcare Centers, wellness centers, dental clinic, Out of the Closet Thrift Stores and AHF Pharmacies, where 96 cents of every dollar earned goes toward supporting AHF's delivery of HIV/AIDS services. "Our AHF staff and patients always look forward to joining with the LGBTQ community in celebrating life and being out and proud at gay pride celebrations across the country each year. Our presence at this year's Pride is particularly meaningful for us as we mark our 30th Anniversary of providing care to people living with HIV and AIDS," said AHF President Michael Weinstein. "After 30 years of being on the frontlines in the fight against AIDS, we remain grateful to be able to provide access to medical care and breakthrough treatments that have allowed people with HIV to live longer, halthier lives and to help prevent transmitting the virus to others. Today, we are currently providing care to over 740,000 patients around the globe and we're working to expand our operations internationally to be able to help even more people."



In addition to providing free HIV testing and giveaways at Pride festivals nationwide, AHF patients, volunteers and staff will also march with its signature "One Community, One Love" Pride bus wrapped with smiling faces that represent the diversity of LGBTQ individuals and families. The bus is scheduled to appear in Pride parades in U.S. cities including Brooklyn (6/10); Long Island (6/11); Washington, DC (6/10); Columbus, OH (6/17); Houston (6/24); New York City, NY (6/25); San Diego (7/15); Oakland, CA (News - Alert) (9/10); Dallas (9/16); Atlanta, GA (10/14); and Las Vegas (10/20). For a complete list of Pride festivals in which AHF will participate in 2017, visit www.ahfparticipate.org.

For more information on AHF Healthcare Center locations, AHF Pharmacy, and Out of the Closet Thrift Stores, visit www.hivcare.org, www.AHFpharmacy.org, and www.outofthecloset.org. AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), the largest global AIDS organization, currently provides medical care and/or services to over 720,000 individuals in 36 countries worldwide in the US, Africa, Latin America/Caribbean, the Asia/Pacific Region and Eastern Europe. To learn more about AHF, please visit our website: www.aidshealth.org, find us on Facebook (News - Alert): www.facebook.com/aidshealth and follow us on Twitter (News - Alert): @aidshealthcare and Instagram: @aidshealthcare. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170615006140/en/

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YEREVAN, JUNE 16, ARMENPRESS. Recently in San Francisco at the initiative of Calix, the provider of leading technological solutions, the Customer Advisory Board meeting has taken place, which consists of the technical directors and senior vice-presidents of such world-famous companies like Verison, IQNET, EATEL and etc. The Ucom representatives were amongst the above-mentioned Council members, Ucom told Armenpress.

A couple of years ago we actually bestowed a special honor to Ucom, which won a Calix Innovation Award amongst over 1000 Calix customers, and our company played a key role in the deployment of Ucoms fixed network. Ultimately as we continue our partnership, Ucom already has major initiatives in NGPON 2 technology, one of the most cutting edge and the most transformational technology, that exists around the world right now, Geoff Burke, Senior Director of Corporate Marketing at Calix, said.

The Customer Advisory Board (CAB) is the voice of the service provider community responsible for strategic input, feedback and guidance to Calix. The CAB represents diverse markets and actively leads dialogue with Calix senior leadership on matters related to (but not limited to) market disruptions, business challenges, technology and service evolutions.

New technology developed by Calix enables us to upgrade the current speed of 1 gigabit/sec in fixed network to the 10 gigabit/sec. Moreover, it will be possible to provide new services via three types of the existing networks in Armenia, but not in a separated way, but rather via one common infrastructure. New solution will lead both to the capital investment costs reduction and the decrease in operational expenses, which will certainly be beneficiary for our customers, says Gevorg Gevorgyan, Technical Director at Ucom.

The representatives of major worldwide telecom companies have discussed the technical specifications of the network transformation, the ways of operational complexity reduction, how to deliver an elevated subscriber experience and reinvent the subscriber premise. The members spoke of the future joint development plans for fixed and mobile networks, elaborated on the next-generation network capabilities and what benefits it can provide for the companies like Ucom and Verizon, which develop their own OTT solutions.

It is due to Calix technologies that our customers have access to fixed internet and receive TV-signal. The partnership with it is continuous. At this stage we are testing an innovative solution, which will enable our customers to enjoy higher internet speeds and better television quality, says Tigran Safaryan, the Director of Marketing and Communications at Ucom.
YEREVAN, JUNE 16, ARMENPRESS. Armenias minister of energy infrastructures and natural resources Mr. Ashot Manukyan briefed President Serzh Sargsyan on June 16 about the ongoing reforms of the energy branch, expected results, ongoing programs and opportunities of solving existing issues.

The minister notified the president about the process of regional cooperation programs, namely the construction of the Iran-Armenia and Armenia-Georgia high voltage overhead power lines, the Presidents Office told ARMENPRESS.

President Sargsyan tasked to boost the works and do everything to complete the programs under the defined schedule, and emphasized that these programs have important significance for both the safety and reliability of Armenias energy system, and providing the countrys involvement in regional programs.

In this context, the minister reported about the large-scale modernization and renovation process of high voltage power network substation and the expected results.

The minister touched upon the nuclear power plants 2nd power blocks operational extension and modernization program, presented the implemented works and further actions. The president attached importance to the program and tasked to keep the matter under constant supervision and draw proper attention to the quality of works aimed at increasing security of the plant.

The minister also presented the provisions of the amended 2036 prospect development concept of the energy sector.

Ashot Manukyan briefed the President on the prospects of development of green energy in Armenia, namely the ongoing programs in the direction of solar, wind as well as solid waste processing power, as well as prospects of regional cooperation.

The President tasked to speed up the evaluation works for alternative options for households in settlements which havent been gasified, with a priority being bordering communities.
YEREVAN, JUNE 16, ARMENPRESS. Tvapatum 2017 (Digital Storytelling) media conference of the Media Initiative Center this year is focused on discovering the secrets of medias success in the digital environment, media management, medias changing functions, new mechanisms of monetization, effective tools for designing and branding modern media platforms, media-social media cooperation.

The two-day conference will host 6 international guest speakers  leading professionals in media management and branding, 6 Armenian media projects will be presented at the event.

Under the headline Armenian Mosaic, Director of ARMENPRESS news agency Aram Ananyan will deliver remarks on topic Future of media and the age of robots.

On the first day of the conference, speakers Natalia Loseva, from Moscow State University, and Grzegorz Piechota, from Harvard Business School, presented their views on development prospects. They mainly focused on the topic of fake news in media flows, as well as new media trends, threats and opportunities. The discussion was also related to the role of social networks.

Natalia Loseva said one of the common trends in the field is that the material must be presented to the user correctly and in a high-quality so that the users engagement will be long-term.

Tvapatum 2017 two-day conference will last until June 17.
YEREVAN, JUNE 16, ARMENPRESS. Armenias GDP growth in the first quarter of 2017 amounted 6,5%, finance minister Vardan Aramyan told a press conference on June 16.

I think this is a quite good indicator, taking into account the fact that we had targeted a 3,2% growth for this year and we have numerously repeated that 3,2% is the minimal threshold which we will strive for, the minister said.

Industry, services and commercial branches mostly contributed to the GDP growth.

In January-Aril of 2017 the economic activity indicator of Armenia amounted 5,7%. Again industry and service branches mostly contributed to economic activity. We dont expect significant decrease of economic activity indicators in the coming months, he said.

Exports continue to display progressive growth compares to imports. According to Vardan Aramyan, a bit more than 16% exports indicator was recorded in five months, while the imports indicator amounted a bit more than 14%.
YEREVAN, JUNE 16, ARMENPRESS. Azerbaijan prepares to another large-scale military exercise scheduled on June 19, which is a violation of OSCEs 9/12 decision and the Vienna document. According to those documents, the country conducting military exercises is obliged to inform the other countries that have signed the documents, including Armenia.

Spokesperson of MoD Armenia Arttsrun Hovhannisyan told Armenpress that Azerbaijan has not kept Armenia informed about the planned exercises.

Azerbaijan was obliged to inform the Vienna document participant states about it in advance, but it did not do so, Hovhannisyan said.

Starting from June 19 Azerbaijani armed forces will conduct large-scale military exercises. According to the press release of the defense ministry of Azerbaijan, nearly 23 thousand military personnel, 120 tanks and armored vehicles, 180 artillery and missile systems, UAVs and other military equipment will be engaged in the exercises. The exercises will last until June 24.

Azerbaijan conducted a similar large-scale military exercise in April, 2017. That time Azerbaijan had not fulfilled its international commitments as well. The Armenian side had alerted about the breach, mentioning that the OSCE must be aware of violations of international documents. Conducting another large-scale military exercise just a few months later is nothing else but demonstration of power and an attempt to distract its own people from domestic problems.
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Baked snacks manufacturer Wholebake has been given the go-ahead for a 14m factory development in North Wales as it aims to grow its turnover to 40m in the next few years.

The business, which produces a range of goods including flapjacks and 9bar-branded snack bars, is to build a 14,300 sq m food manufacturing plant with warehousing, distribution and office facilities; and a wellbeing unit with a gym for staff and their families.

Wholebake has been granted planning permission by Denbighshire County Council to build the factory in Corwen, where it already has a 2,400 sq m factory that will continue to be used. It also operates a smaller plant in Wrexham and a separate HQ in Chester.

In its planning application, the business said it lacked room for expansion and storage at its current sites, and had to rely on ferrying raw materials and products between Corwen and the warehouse at Wrexham, which it described as unsustainable as it is generating too many vehicle trips.

Wholebake said it had increased turnover from 4m in 2003 to 26m currently, and aimed to grow this to 40m by 2019, when the new factory is expected to come on line.

The firms application said Wholebake was regularly approached by potential customers wanting it to manufacture existing products and help develop their brands, but had been forced to turn down four out of every five of these due to space constraints.

The company wishes to appeal to young challenger brands, existing household names as well as retailer private label, and impress with a well thought out and smart site, offering unique and flexible capabilities, stated the application. There is therefore a need to ensure that manufacturing space, offices, and staff amenities are presentable and have the ability to provide modern flexible production lines.

It added that product innovation had been a massive part of Wholebakes success and that to maximise future margins the businesses needed new processes, skills, facilities and training and development to ensure it maintained its competitive edge.

The Economic and Business Development Officer at Denbighshire council said: From an economic and business development point of view, we are pleased to see this development presented.

The potential increase in employment from 122 to 255 full-time jobs is particularly welcome and it is to be hoped that these will be recruited locally in the county.
Amazon is to acquire grocery business Whole Foods Market in a deal valued at $13.7bn.

The two businesses announced a merger agreement under which Amazon will acquire Whole Foods Market in an all-cash deal valued at $13.7bn, including Whole Foods Markets net debt.

Whole Foods Market operates more than 465 stores throughout the UK, Canada, and in 42 US states. The business, which turned over around $16bn last year, will continue to operate stores under the Whole Foods Market brand and source from trusted vendors and partners around the world.

John Mackey will remain CEO of Whole Foods Market, which will continue to be based in Austin, Texas.

Millions of people love Whole Foods Market because they offer the best natural and organic foods, and they make it fun to eat healthy, said Amazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos. Whole Foods Market has been satisfying, delighting and nourishing customers for nearly four decades  theyre doing an amazing job and we want that to continue.

Amazon has just expanded its Amazon Fresh delivery service  which includes a range of in-house bakery products - to 42 postcodes in Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire. The service, which launched in the UK over a year ago, enables Amazon Prime members to have a range of fresh goods including fruit and veg, dairy and meat delivered to their homes.

Whole Foods operates nine stores in the UK - seven in London, one and Glasgow and one in Cheltenham.

Whole Foods Market co-founder and CEO John Mackey said the partnership was an opportunity to maximise value for Whole Foods Markets shareholders, while at the same time extending our mission and bringing the highest quality, experience, convenience and innovation to our customers.

Completion of the deal, expected to close in the second half of this year, is subject to approval by Whole Foods Markets shareholders, regulatory approvals and other standard closing conditions.

Incredibly difficult

Fraser McKevitt, head of retail and consumer insight at analysts Kantar Worldpanel, said the news was in some ways a tacit admission from Amazon that food retail is incredibly difficult as a purely online player.

Although online grocery shopping has grown rapidly it is still a fairly niche option for food shopping, with just over a quarter of Brits shopping online for groceries during the past year.

Amazon is committed to cracking the grocery market, and a business like Whole Foods brings with it many of the crucial ingredients the e-commerce giant has been missing in its other forays into food and drink, he said.

The power of a physical presence on the high street to grow a brands reputation and credibility is particularly important in grocery, where consumers want to be able to see the quality of the items theyre buying first hand.

Bricks and mortar stores would enable Amazon to expand its options for ordering, pick-up and delivery, added McKevitt.

It was a view echoed on Twitter by Dennis K Berman, financial editor of the Wall Street Journal: Amazon did not just buy Whole Foods grocery stores. It bought 431 upper-income, prime-location distribution nodes for everything it does.
This is the traditional Fire Triangle

This is an updated Fire tetrahedron

"The fire tetrahedron represents the addition of a component, the chemical chain reaction, to the three already present in the fire triangle. Once a fire has started, the resulting exothermic chain reaction sustains the fire and allows it to continue until or unless at least one of the elements of the fire is blocked."

"To stop a combustion reaction, one of the three elements of the fire-triangle has to be removed.



 Without sufficient heat, a fire cannot begin, and it cannot continue..

 Without fuel, a fire will stop.

 Without sufficient oxygen, a fire cannot begin, and it cannot continue. "

The political equivalent of a Fire could be "Movement".

A fire needs all three of these conditions before combustion can begin. The absence of any one of them prevents a fire. In putting out fires, most methods involve either removing one or all three.An updated version of the triangle is the Tetrahedron, which adds the condition of a chemical chain reaction.So how do you stop a fire?Why would anyone want to post an article on fire, which is documented numerous times over and over on the Web? Well, to stretch a point of course. Fires are somewhat akin to political discourse except they must follow the laws of physics.However, in politics there are no such physics laws Oxygen could be equivalent to Media, Newspapers, TV or Website. Heat could be equivalent to Passion on any given subject. Fuel could be the equivalent of a Audience.If you have Passion and access to the Media you don't need an Audience to make noise, but you do need an Audience to createIf you have two of the three things but lack an Audience, how do you attract one to get the Fire or Movement started? You need to generate someto attract the Audience.Can you think of any way to attract attention?Wear a clown suit. (Bobby Tony and his ego)Keep telling people how smart and educated you are.Make outrageous statements in hopes of gathering a crowd.Keep repeating buzzwords and cliques in hopes people will believe you.Align yourself with other people who are also seeking an audience. (Trump and the Media)The list could go on and on but you get the point if you realize that without an audience there will be no movement. You would just be singing to yourself in the shower.Money is the equivalent of the Chain Reaction which is used to increase the attention via media.So just like a fire, you can remove one of the three components and it will smolder down to a pile of ashes. It remains to be seen if we have a voting populace that just enjoys the show or really wants to build a fire or just put one out. Since I started this post one Republican candidate, Rick Perry has dropped out. I suspect it was the lack of Media Attention and Audience.
Chief Deputy Charlie Rose

Beaufort County Sheriff's Office

On June 12, 2017 at about 6:00 pm Vidant Beaufort Emergency Department personnel contacted the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office to report receiving a gunshot victim in their department. Deputies responded to find a 13-year-old Asheville, North Carolina boy suffering from a single gunshot wound.Deputies began an inquiry into the shooting and learned the victim and his grandfather were on a pontoon boat in Sydney Creek just off Chocowinity Bay. Both the victim and his grandfather were shooting 22 caliber rifles towards the east bank of Sydney Creek when they reported seeing a person on the bank who also fired a gun in their direction. After the shooting stopped it was discovered the boy had been struck and the grandfather immediately transported him to the Emergency Department.Within an hour after the report Investigators located the person seen on the bank by the victim and his grandfather. The Chocowinity man told Investigators he was in his yard when he heard shots and could hear bullets flying past him in the direction of his house. He reported making two attempts to get the attention of the two persons on the boat to get them to stop shooting in his direction. When those attempts failed, he fired warning shots to get their attention and after those shots the boat left the area.Based on eyewitness accounts, physical evidence and the victims wound Investigators determined the victim was struck by a ricocheting bullet. The case will be forwarded to the District Attorney's Office for further review.The family reports, as of today the victim did not require any surgery and has been released from the hospital and is expected to make a full recovery.
[June 15, 2017] Anritsu Company Introduces OBSAI RF Analysis Capability for Handheld Analyzers to Create Comprehensive Base Station Test Solution

MORGAN HILL, Calif., June 15, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Anritsu Company continues to address the emerging test requirements associated with 4G base stations with the introduction of OBSAI RF Analyzer software that expands the measurement capability of its industry-leading handheld analyzers. With the software installed in the handheld analyzers, wireless carrier engineers, technicians, and contractors responsible for solving interference and PIM issues can identify interference sources on the radio uplink from the ground, thereby lowering OpEx (Operational Expense) by reducing the use of tower climbing crews. As part of its commitment to provide the most comprehensive field test solutions, Anritsu also announces an update to its CPRI RF Analyzer software for its handheld solutions. The firmware update and introduction of the OBSAI RF Analyzer option solidify Anritsu's position as the provider of the widest range and highest performing OBSAI and CPRI instrument portfolio on the market. The new OBSAI Analyzer allows users to conduct RF-based measurements over a fiber optic link to locate interference affecting an RF module (RFM) by tapping into the fiber link between the RFM and baseband module (BBM). The Anritsu handheld instruments will decode the OBSAI protocol IQ data and convert it to RF data. The solution supports all OBSAI Link Rates, including Line Rate 8x (6.144 Gbps). With the software installed, the analyzers support 5 MHz, 10 MHz, 5 MHz, and 20 MHz RP3 bandwidths.



Among the OBSAI measurements available with the new option is a spectrum mode that can be used to test the OBSAI link in real time. Additionally, field technicians and engineers can monitor for intermittent interference over a specifiable recording time using the Spectrogram mode. All OBSAI Analyzer measurement functions can be performed from ground level. After testing and reviewing the results, a determination can be made on the need for a tower crew. The OBSAI option has features that make it easier for field technicians and engineers to more efficiently test base stations. A Multi Trace Display allows up to four RP3 addresses associated with each of the four potential carrier traces to be shown simultaneously. A Dual Display  Spectrum Ability shows multiple RP3 addresses in two displays, which is beneficial when conducting diversity testing and system RF loading. To display multiple RP3 addresses in two displays, users can select the Dual Display - Spectrogram. Users can select one active RP3 per display for waterfall measurements with this display.

The new OBSAI Analyzer can be integrated into the BTS Master MT8220T, MT8221B, and MT8222B models, Site Master S3xxE analyzers, Spectrum Master MS2712E and MS2713E handheld spectrum analyzers, and Cell Master MT821xE instruments. The analyzer portfolio can also be integrated with the CPRI RF Analyzer software. With the new firmware, the CPRI RF Analyzer option supports Samsung Remote Radio Heads (RRHs), as well as the most recent radios from Ericsson, Nokia/ALu, and Huawei. About Anritsu Anritsu Company is the United States subsidiary of Anritsu Corporation, a global provider of innovative communications test and measurement solutions for 120 years. Anritsu's "2020 VISION" philosophy engages customers as true partners to help develop wireless, optical, microwave/RF, and digital solutions for R&D, manufacturing, installation, and maintenance applications, as well as multidimensional service assurance solutions for network monitoring and optimization. Anritsu also provides precision microwave/RF components, optical devices, and high-speed electrical devices for communication products and systems. The company develops advanced solutions for 5G, M2M, IoT, as well as other emerging and legacy wireline and wireless communication markets. With offices throughout the world, Anritsu has approximately 4,000 employees in over 90 countries. To learn more visit www.anritsu.com and follow Anritsu on Facebook, Google+, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube. To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/anritsu-company-introduces-obsai-rf-analysis-capability-for-handheld-analyzers-to-create-comprehensive-base-station-test-solution-300475008.html SOURCE Anritsu Company

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Following a courageous battle from dementia and interstitial lung disease, Thad Morris McGahey completed his earthly journey in the early morning of June 14, 2017.Morris was born in Beaufort County (Washington, NC) in October, 1937. His parents were the late Ernestine Morris McGahey and Enoch Ward McGahey. His older sister, Betty Lou Dixon and husband, Horace (Red) Dixon are deceased. His much-loved nephews (Dale Dixon and Gary Dixon) and brother-in-law, Stuart B. Moore are deceased.Morris was educated at the Mother of Mercy Catholic School and public schools (Washington), Oak Ridge Military Academy, and North Carolina State University. Following his high school graduation, Morris served in the US Air Force and was stationed in France for three years. It was during this time that he discovered a love for travel and an appreciation for the different countries he visited.Returning to the United States, Morris enrolled at North Carolina State University. He liked to tell the story that in preparation for entering college, he took the SAT in a building on the banks of the Seine River in Paris, France.In February, 1962, Morris married his high school sweetheart and best friend, Sally Ann Day. They often expressed their gratitude for the 55 years they had together. Two sons were born from this union - John Morris McGahey and children Sophie Lee McGahey, Morris Stuart McGahey, Sally Elaine McGahey, and Michael James McGahey (Fuquay Varina) and James Duncan McGahey and wife Melissa Freeman McGahey of Washington. Morris was truly a family man who enjoyed the time he had with his family and extended family. He found pleasure in building doll houses, sand boxes, play houses, tire swings, a diving platform for the river and other "play time" fun equipment for his children and grandchildren.Morris taught us the value and joy of work. He began his lifetime of work as a newspaper boy (age 9) with the Washington Daily News. Later he would work framing pictures for Bell Jewelry Store and other local establishments. Following graduation from NC State, he joined Burlington Men's Wear Division (Product Development and Evaluation Manager) where he became known as the Divisional "Trouble Shooter" when problems arose in the dyeing of fabric. During his career, he also worked with Knit Away International Knits (Director of Dyeing/Lab Manager), JP Stevens (Plant Manager-Technical Superintendent) and completed his work at National Spinning in Washington as the Cotton Dyeing Coordinator and Environmental Engineer.Morris was a man of tremendous energy and enthusiasm for learning new things. He studied and earned his Building Contractor's License and began building homes as a much-loved hobby. He said his grandfather, Collidge G. Morris, asked him at a young age to build him some steps for a storage building and the steps outlasted the building. As the owner of NEW HOMES ASSOCIATON, he built homes at Long Beach, Washington and Cypress Landing, North Carolina, with his sons John and James.Morris was a man of many interests and talents. He restored a 1930's cedar racing outboard runabout boat named "Sally Anne" and donated it to the NC Maritime Museum. He worked with the Cub Scouts (Southern Pines) on the Pinewood Derby, the Boy Scouts (Wallace) by teaching classes needed for merit badges. He was President of the Wallace-Rose Hill Band Boosters and a member of the Rotary Club (Wallace). He was ordained a Deacon in the Presbyterian Church at Starmount Presbyterian (Greensboro) and also served as Deacon at First Presbyterian Church (Washington). He taught Sunday School at Starmount Presbyterian, Wallace Presbyterian and First Presbyterian in Washington. At Starmount Presbyterian and Wallace Presbyterian, he served as a youth advisor with his wife. He was a humble man, an avid reader, a life-long learner, appreciated good music, always had a dog or two or three, and enjoyed the Pamlico River and being outside with nature.His presence in our family will be missed. He leaves behind to cherish the memories of meaningful times together his sister-in-law, Mary Day Moore (Tarboro), his brother-in-law and sister-in law, Ted and Lou Day (Washington), his "Dixon" nieces, Sue Dixon Kasopsky (Mike), Carol Dixon and Angela Dixon (Apex), his "Day" nieces and nephews, Stu and Lisa Moore (Tarboro), Teddy Mac Day, Kate and Martin Purvis, Suellen and Sean Weaver (Washington) and his cousins Mary Anne Shell (Newport News, Virginia) , Sara Overton Hunter (Bob- Lake Junaluska), Nancy Overton (Jacksonville, Florida) and Mary White Evans (Summerville, South Carolina) and a host of long-time friends.Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 17, 2017 at the First Presbyterian Church in Washington with Rev. Lee Kinney officiating. The family will receive friends following the service in the church fellowship hall.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church Deacons' Fund, 211 W. Second Street, Washington, NC 27889 or to the Betsy Bailey Nelson Animal Shelter, 3931 Hwy. 264 East, Washington, NC 27889.Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.paulfuneralhome.com Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington is honored to serve the McGahey family.
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.
Universities have increased spending, but very little of that increased spending has been related to classroom instruction; rather, it is being directed toward non-classroom costs. As a result, there has been a growth in academic bureaucracies, as universities focus on hiring employees to manage or administer people, programs, and regulations. Between 2001 and 2011, these sorts of hires have increased 50% faster than the number of classroom instructors. This trend...has become ubiquitous in...American higher education. (p.2). [Data draws on WSJ article "Deans List: Hiring Spree Fattens College Bureaucracy-And Tuition."]

American campuses have drifted away from academia and toward administration. The shift badly impacts the traditional mission of both college and students. Ideally, college infuses knowledge and critical thinking through a free flow of ideas. But modern campuses are ideological battlefields where real debate is discouraged. Ideally, students are exposed to a wide range of perspectives. Instead, "incorrect" views are silenced because they are punished. Students are the main losers.Administrative bloat bears significant responsibility for the decline in educational quality and civility. The decline is partly due to the diversion of scarce funds from academia to administration and partly due to the ideological slant of administrative policies rooted in identity politics, such as mandatory sensitivity training on race. Identity politics occurs when people identify as a class based on secondary characteristics, such as gender, rather than as individuals with a shared humanity; some classes are seen to be at war. The policies expressing identity politics create conflict and impoverish education.Todd J. Zywicki and Christopher Koopman of George Mason University recently published an intriguing study entitledThey observed,The situation is worsened by the fact that administrators tend to be highly paid. The 2012-13 " Administrators in Higher Education Salary Survey " conducted by the College and University Professional Association for Human Resources found the average annual salary of a "Chief Executive Officer of a System" in a two-year institution to be $291,132; in a four-year institution, $370,470; in a doctoral context, $431,575. Annual salaries may not render an accurate picture, however, as they do not include benefits or non-salary compensation. The Boston Globe, for example, stated that the President of the UMass system received at least $769,500 in annual compensationSince administrators must comply with federal or state regulations, most of them also have paid staff. The average hourly wage for an administrative assistant at the University of California is $20.98 per hour or $839 a week based on a 40 hour week or roughly $43,600 annually By contrast, a 2015-16 report from the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) found the average salary of a tenured professor at a public college to be $78,762. Another AAUP report , however, indicated a sharp decline in tenured instructors.Colleges heavily favor less expensive instructors, especially part-time adjunct professors or graduate students. The AAUP stated that , as of 2011, adjunct and part-timers composed 70 percent of college faculties. Adjuncts typically earn between $20,000 and $25,000 annually and have few to no benefits . They are widely considered to be less qualified and less committed than their tenured counterparts, which further deprives students of quality education.Data can obscure the sense of the human cost of bloat. Consider an example.In June 2016, UMass-Boston notified nearly 400 adjunct instructors that their jobs could be eliminated; the instructors constituted 30 percent of the faculty. In April 2017, a WGBH News headline declared Harvey Silverglate of the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education explained that administrators wereSilverglate called thisSome classes may have been necessary for students to graduate.Silverglate added, "UMass is hardly an outlier. Nationally, adjuncts have been replacing tenured faculty at a rate that threatens the heart of the educational system."All institutions need administration. But the bureaucratic nature and ideological bent of many college administrations is damaging academic freedom and flow of ideas that learning requires. Again, this is particularly true of policies based on identity politics. An example is the censorship of ideas, words, and attitudes that are deemed "offensive." In practice, whatever subjectively offends "marginalized" students is censored without regard to the impact on the others.Professors are not exempt, as the progressive Bret Weinstein recently discovered at Evergreen State College. Weinstein was waylaid in his classroom by a mob of screaming students because he objected to a student campaign to exclude whites from campus for a day. He called it racist. This offended the organizers . Weinstein was subsequently forced to teach his class in a park because he was not safe on campus. The college President declined to suspend Weinstein but agreed to comply with most other demands put forth by the outraged students, whom he called "courageous."Dissenting students fare no better and often retreat into silence for self-protection.Because of "offended" students, works of classical literature by white males are discarded. Some law schools no longer teach about rape. Less than one third of top colleges require history majors to take a single course in American history because it is considered racist. Students are being denied exposure to necessary ideas.Administrative bloat also crowds out core university functions. Because of administrative bloat, class sizes swell. Universities have innovated to cut corners instead of improve education. They turn to online courses and competency-based education, where students teach themselves and prove their mastery of the material, to cope with shrinking faculty numbers. Students are denied the guidance and mentorship of committed educators.Administrative bloat is directly opposed to academic excellence and the intellectual well-being of students.
A cocaine-addicted truck operator fired from his job at an Alberta coal mine cannot claim discrimination over his dismissal, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled Thursday.

In an 8-1 decision, the country's highest court upheld lower court rulings, saying Ian Stewart was fired for breaching his employer's drug policy, not because of his addiction.

Stewart drove a loader at a mine operated by the Elk Valley Coal Corp., which owns five mines in B.C. and the Cardinal River mine south of Hinton in Alberta. Stewart had worked for the company for nine years.

"The mine operations were dangerous and maintaining a safe worksite was a matter of great importance to the employer and employees," the court said in its decision.

Stewart's loader collided with another truck on the worksite in October 2005.

After testing positive for drug use, Stewart admitted to company officials he used cocaine on his days off and said he thought he was addicted to cocaine. He said that before the collision, he had been in denial about the addiction.

Elk Valley Coal fired him.

Company policy breached

Stewart appealed to the Alberta Human Rights Tribunal, arguing he was discriminated against on the basis of a disability, namely an addiction, contrary to Section 7 of the Alberta Human Rights, Citizenship and Multiculturalism Act.

The tribunal held that Stewart was terminated for breaching the policy, not because of his addiction. The decision was affirmed by the Alberta Court of Queen's Bench and by the Alberta Court of Appeal.

The Supreme Court also agreed.

Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin wrote that while Stewart "may have been in denial about his addiction, he knew he should not take drugs before working and had the ability to decide not to take them, as well as the capacity to disclose his drug use to his employer.

"Denial about his addiction was thus irrelevant in this case."

In his dissenting opinion, Justice Clement Gascon said the company did not go far enough to accommodate Stewart's addiction.

"None of the employer's efforts at accommodation provided [Stewart] with accessible accommodation during his employment, and those efforts failed to consider his individual circumstances in a dignified manner, so the employer cannot be said to have discharged its duty to accommodate him as an employee up to the point of undue hardship."

The appeal was dismissed.
Financial Aid

Report: We Don't Need More Financial Aid; We Need Better Processes

Some three million students drop out of college citing financial reasons. Yes, much of that is because they don't have enough money to pay for their education; but clunky technology and processes also turn out to be a big part of the problem. A new report from Tyton Partners examines how students "get lost" in the financial aid process and how institutions can become more "student-centered" for better outcomes without "adding a single dollar" to the amount of financial aid they make available.

Tyton is an investment banking and strategic consulting firm covering several segments, including education. Beginning last year and armed with a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the company worked with three professional associations for college administrators  the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, the National Association for College Admission Counseling and the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators  to understand what's impairing the United States higher education financial aid system and to develop some possible solutions.

A report, "Finding a Fit: The Evolution of Student-Centered Financial Aid," analyzes perspectives from a survey of 2,700 postsecondary faculty and administrators in admissions, financial aid and registrar's roles. Overall, the biggest impediments for students regarding financial aid at their institutions were:

Insufficient availability of aid; Lack of student engagement; and Lack of awareness.

In addition, the report asserted, these obstacles "reinforce each other." If students think a school has insufficient aid, they may be "less motivated to pursue all the necessary steps to get aid." Likewise, if students don't know that aid that is available or what the process is for obtaining it, that may come across to administrators as "low student engagement." And when aid "is in fact limited, it can lower the number of people receiving aid and the amount of aid each person receives," which will result in "lower awareness within the student body."

The systems used by schools to process financial aid exacerbate these problems, the report stated. Poor student communication, in particular, is a difficulty  however one that could potentially "be changed and adjusted without necessarily expanding budgets." Most respondents (88 percent) said they use e-mail to update students on the status of their financial aid application. Yet, only 56 percent reported that they considered that the "most effective method" for communicating. Nearly two-thirds (62 percent) said their student information system is the standard means for communication, but less than half (30 percent) considered it optimal. And while only 9 percent use texting, nearly five times as many survey participants (44 percent) said it was the most effective way to interact with students.

As one respondent told the researchers, "[Students] would say that the way we communicate with them is the biggest problem. They do not read or respond to e-mails, letters or phone calls."
Villiger Cigars has announced the return of the La Flor de Ynclan line. Originally a Cuban Vintage brand, Villiger previously launched a Dominican version of La Flor de Ynclan back in 2007. That cigar was eventually discontinued. The revived La Flor de Ynclan line will make its debut at the 2017 IPCPR Trade Show in Las Vegas.

La Flor de Ynclan is made at the ABAM factory in the Dominican Republic and was a project spearheaded by Villiger Soehne AG Chairman Heinrich Villiger and Master Blender Jose Matias Maragoto. Maragoto had come from Cuba and at the time was an unknown cigar maker. Today, Maragoto oversees all of Villigers products made in the Dominican Republic.

When Villiger Cigars first released La Flor de Ynclan, a small production of the cigar was released. Villiger was not satisfied with the final result that was released and opted to cease production. At that time the tobacco was set aside and Maragoto began working to tweak the blend.

The new La Flor de Ynclan features an Ecuadoran wrapper, Indonesian binder and a filler blend of Nicaraguan and Dominican tobaccos. The cigar will be available in three sizes: Robusto, Torpedo, and Churchill  each available in 25-count boxes. Pricing is set between $11.00 and $12.00.

Packaging wise, Villiger La Flor de Ynclan is being updated and will sport a look similar to what was introduced on the SanDoro line.

Heinrich Villiger stated: The La Flor De Ynclan cigar has been an ongoing labor of love for us. We feel that there is a difference between a good and a great cigar, Matias Maragoto and I hope you feel the same. commented Heinrich Villiger, in a press release.

At a glance, here is a look at the Villiger La Flor de Ynclan:

Blend Profile

Wrapper: Ecuadorian

Binder: Indonesian

Filler: Nicaraguan, Dominican

Country of Origin: Dominican Republic (ABAM)

Vitolas Available

Robusto: 5 x 50 (SRP $11.00)

Torpedo: 6 x 52 (SRP $12.00)

Churchill: 7 x 48 (SRP $13.00)

Photo Credits: Villiger Cigars North America
[June 15, 2017] Mrs. Freshley's Takes Snacking To New Levels With FINAL FANTASY XIV: Stormblood Partnership

THOMASVILLE, Ga., June 15, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- When FINAL FANTASY XIV: Stormblood is released next week, fans of the critically acclaimed online game will have the opportunity to experience its virtual world in a new way. Through a partnership with national snack brand Mrs. Freshley's, players can use FINAL FANTASY XIV: Stormblood imagery printed on Mrs. Freshley's packages to unlock exclusive game play power and participate in an epic, year-long sweepstakes that runs from June 15, 2017 through May 15, 2018. Power-packed Honey Buns

During this period, packages of Mrs. Freshley's single-serve Chocolate Cupcakes, Grand Iced Honey Buns, and Original Jumbo Honey Buns will feature FINAL FANTASY XIV: Stormblood graphics with unique markers that activate an interactive, augmented reality display using the Blippar smartphone application. After purchasing a specially marked Mrs. Freshley's snack and downloading the Blippar app, fans can scan or "blip" the package imagery to register and unlock an exclusive FINAL FANTASY game code. This code generates a virtual quintet of power-packed honey buns that can be used in play. Users can scan up to 3 packages a day, with a total of10 redemptions over the course of the promotion.



Chance to Win a Trip to San Diego

Blipping the package automatically enters users into the Mrs. Freshley's FINAL FANTASY XIV: Stormblood Sweepstakes. One lucky grand prize winner will receive a trip for two to San Diego to attend the nation's premier comic convention July 18 - 22, 2018. More than 100 other FINAL FANTASY XIV: Stormblood prizes will be awarded. Users will receive one sweepstakes entry per day. "Video games are extremely popular, especially with our fan base," said Meredith Butler, Mrs. Freshley's brand manager. "FINAL FANTASY is a well-known franchise that delivers a quality experience from each game's release. Combining Mrs. Freshley's innovation and quality with FINAL FANTASY's amazing graphics, strong characters and trendsetting style makes for a natural partnership that fans are sure to love."

You can find FINAL FANTASY XIV: Stormblood Mrs. Freshley's treats in convenience stores and vending machines nationwide. To keep up with the promotion, follow Mrs. Freshley's on social media @MrsFreshleys or Facebook.com/MrsFreshleys. For official sweepstakes rules, please visit www.mrsfreshleys.com. About Mrs. Freshley's Mrs. Freshley's, an award-winning brand synonymous with innovation, quality and great taste for more than 20 years, is available in grocery retailers, convenience stores and the vending market nationwide. A Flowers Foods brand with more than 50 different snack cakes and pastries, everyone is sure to enjoy Mrs. Freshley's go-to classics or find a new favorite. Visit www.mrsfreshleys.com for product information, recipe ideas and more. FINAL FANTASY, FINAL FANTASY XIV, FFXIV, SQUARE ENIX, and the SQUARE ENIX logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd.

STORMBLOOD is a registered trademark or trademark of Square Enix Co., Ltd. For more information:

Greer Hackett

The Zimmerman Agency

[email protected]

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mrs-freshleys-takes-snacking-to-new-levels-with-final-fantasy-xiv-stormblood-partnership-300475015.html SOURCE Mrs. Freshley's

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FRIDAY, June 16, 2017 (HealthDay News) -- Here's some compelling evidence that Americans have become a sedentary bunch: Research suggests that the average teen is no more active than the average 60-year-old.

Researchers analyzed data from more than 12,500 people of various ages who wore activity tracking devices for seven straight days as part of national health surveys conducted between 2003 and 2006.

The study found that physical activity levels among children and teens were lower than previously thought. The World Health Organization recommends at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity a day for children ages 5 to 17.

But in the study, more than 25 percent of boys and 50 percent of girls aged 6 to 11 and more than 50 percent of males and 75 percent of females aged 12 to 19 did not reach the WHO guidelines, according to the researchers from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore.

"Activity levels at the end of adolescence were alarmingly low, and by age 19, they were comparable to 60-year-olds," senior study author Vadim Zipunnikov said in a Hopkins news release. He is an assistant professor in the department of biostatistics.

"For school-age children, the primary window for activity was the afternoon between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.," Zipunnikov said. "So, the big question is, how do we modify daily schedules, in schools, for example, to be more conducive to increasing physical activity?"

The study also found that the only increases in physical activity levels occurred among young adults during their 20s. Activity levels fell through midlife and older adulthood.

In all age groups, males tended to be more active than females. However, after midlife, men's activity levels fell sharply compared to females. And among adults aged 60 and older, men were more inactive and had lower light-intensity activity levels than females.

The researchers also identified different times throughout the day when activity was highest and lowest among the different groups. They said this information could help boost physical activity by targeting times with the least activity, such as during the morning for children and teens.

The study was published online recently in the journal Preventive Medicine.

While WHO recommendations focus on moderate-to-vigorous activity, even low-intensity physical activity should be encouraged, the researchers suggested.

"The goal of campaigns aimed at increasing physical activity has focused on increasing higher-intensity exercise. Our study suggests that these efforts should consider time of day and also focus on increasing lower-intensity physical activity and reducing inactivity," Zipunnikov said.

More information

The U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute has more on physical activity.
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New York, June 16, 2017Authorities in eastern Ukraine should do everything possible to locate freelance journalist Stanyslav Aseyev, who has been missing from his home in the city of Donetsk since June 3, according to news reports and his employer.

Aseyev contributed on a freelance basis to the Ukrainian service of the U.S.-government-funded Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty under the pseudonym Stanyslav Vasin, RFE/RL representatives told CPJ. He had been expected to visit his mother on June 3 and was due to file his next dispatch for RFE/RL the same day, but did neither, according to press reports. Friends and relatives who looked for him at his apartment that day reported that the door appeared to have been forced, and that a laptop computer was missing.

A friend of Aseyevs, former Ukrainian lawmaker Yegor Firsov, first reported Aseyevs disappearance on his Facebook page, and said he had information through unofficial sources in Ukraines conflict-ridden east that the journalist was detained by pro-Russia separatists from the self-proclaimed Donetsk Peoples Republic (DNR). Separatists have made no statements to confirm or deny this claim.

An unnamed source with the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU, by its Ukrainian acronym) told the independent Ukrainian television station Hromadske that the SBU was trying to locate the journalist, and added, We know, more or less, where he is detained. Yesterday, Firsov told RFE/RL that Aseyevs mother had stopped responding to phone calls, raising concerns about her wellbeing.

We call on Ukrainian authorities to employ all resources at their disposal to find and ensure the safety of Stanyslav Aseyev (Vasin), CPJ Europe and Central Asia Program Coordinator Nina Ognianova said. All parties to the conflict in east Ukraine should respect the vital role journalists play in bringing the news to the public.

In addition to RFE/RL, Aseyev has contributed to a number of Ukrainian publications, including the independent online newspaper Ukrainska Pravda, the weekly magazine Ukrainski Tyzhden, and the analytical newspaper Dzerkalo Tyzhnya, all based in the capital, Kiev.

He covered daily life in the east of the country, writing under the penname Stanyslav Vasin because of the risk of reporting for western or western Ukrainian publications from areas of eastern Ukraine controlled by Russian-backed separatists. At least five journalists and two media workers have been killed on the job in Ukraines east since fighting between Ukrainian security forces and pro-Russia rebels began in 2014.
Child care workers are protesting the latest example of Washington, D.C.s flawed legislation. The Nations Capital recently became the first jurisdiction to require child care workers to get a college degree. By December 2020, lead teachers at child care centers will have to obtain an associates degree, and child care directors will have to obtain a bachelors. Even home-based providers and assistants will have to complete a Child Development Associate program.

It will be difficult for many current child care center employees to go back to school to comply with the new requirements. In response, child care workers are holding regular demonstrations against the new requirement, saying provisions are overly prescriptive and seem out of touch to people who have built careers in the field.

The unintended consequences are all too predictable. Some who do manage to complete their program and obtain the necessary degree will realize that they can take their new credentials and make more money working in public schools. Instead of increasing the number of skilled child care center workers, this requirement could lead some of the best and brightest to leave for a different sphere of education.

Families will pay a heavy price when this requirement takes effect, as it will make child care in the District even more expensive. According to a report from the Economic Policy Institute, D.C. already has the most expensive care of any state, pegging the average monthly cost for infant care at almost $1,900. Research from the Mercatus Center found that education requirements for lead teachers that were less stringent than the D.C. standards increased the price of infant care by 25 and 46 percent per child. Even if a lower price response would make child-care a prohibitive expense for many D.C. families.

As well as the expense, D.C. parents are also grappling with wait lists. The D.C. Fiscal Policy Institute estimates that in 2015 there were daycare slots for only one third of D.C. infants and toddlers. That is 7,610 licensed slots for 22,000 children under age three. Adding more requirements to child care centers regulatory burden will not lead to the proliferation of more centers starting up and increasing the number of slots available to harried working parents.

The more likely scenario, and one which played out to some extent when a similar requirement was imposed on preschool teachers, is that the larger, more professional networks of child care centers will be able to weather these new requirements while smaller independent centers will struggle or shut down. A market for child care centers that becomes more concentrated does not seem like a recipe for reining in soaring child care costs.

Parents might respond to higher prices or more competition for slots by shifting away from center-based care to informal arrangements or home-based providers (although their prices will likely rise as well due to the requirements). This is not necessarily uniformly bad, if parents prefer these arrangements due to affordability or more flexibility, but it runs counter to one of the stated goals of the new requirement of increasing the provision of high quality center based care with more educated workers.

The new credential requirements will make care more expensive, and could cause some current child care centers and workers to leave the profession. These problems will be met for calls for higher child care subsidies for families or more scholarship funding for workers, which would lead to further price increases. Mayor Bowser already announced a $15 million proposal that includes competitive grants for child care providers to expand or open new centers, and additional proposals for increasing subsidies will likely follow.

Relaxing onerous zoning regulations that increase rents for child care centers could reduce another significant component of costs for child care centers. So would rethinking adult-child ratios or maximum group sizes, 4:1 and a maximum of 8 for centers caring for infants, which result in high personnel costs. One analysis of the D.C. child care landscape found that personnel expenses and rent accounted for 82 percent of provider spending.

No one wants hard-working parents to struggle to find child care options. Washingtons new requirements, an attempt to mandate affordability and quality without trade-offs, are a step in the wrong direction. They would start another cycle of mandates and subsidies that would keep qualified workers out of the profession and put affordable child care out of reach for more families.

Charles Hughes is a policy analyst at the Manhattan Institute. Follow him on twitter @CharlesHHughes.

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While competition between the U.S. and China, the world's two largest economies, is bound to occur, it should not necessarily lead to conflict, said U.S. Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis on a recent trip to Singapore.

The United States seeks an instructive, results-oriented relationship with China, said Mr. Mattis. We believe the United States can engage China diplomatically and economically to ensure our relationship is beneficial, not only to the United States and China, but also to the region and to the world.

It is critical for the maintenance of an inclusive global community that all Asia-Pacific nations abide by international law. For example, the United States remains committed to protecting the rights, freedoms and lawful uses of the sea, and the ability of countries to exercise those rights in the strategically important East and South China Seas.

The scope and effect of China's construction activities in the South China Sea differ from those in other countries in several key ways, said Mr. Mattis. This includes the nature of its militarization, China's disregard for international law, its contempt for other nations' interests, and its efforts to dismiss non-adversarial resolution of issues.

We will continue to fly, sail and operate wherever international law allows, and demonstrate resolve through operational presence in the South China Sea and beyond."

We oppose countries militarizing artificial islands and enforcing excessive maritime claims unsupported by international law, said Secretary Mattis. We cannot and will not accept unilateral coercive changes to the status quo.

We will continue to fly, sail and operate wherever international law allows, and demonstrate resolve through operational presence in the South China Sea and beyond. Our operations throughout the region are an expression of our willingness to defend both our interests and the freedoms enshrined in international law, said Mr. Mattis.

The United States seeks to cooperate with China as much as possible. And where we disagree, said Secretary Mattis, we will seek to manage competition responsibly because we recognize how important U.S.-China relations are for the stability of the Asia-Pacific.
Amazon (AMZN) is buying Whole Foods (WFM) for $13.7 billion, the companies announced on Friday.

In a statement Friday morning, the online retailer said it would buy the high-end grocer for $42 per share, more than the $33.06 per share Whole Foods closed at on Thursday.

The deal is Amazons biggest deal ever, topping the $1.2 billion the company paid for online footwear retailer Zappos in 2009.

After the announcement, Whole Foods shares were up 27% to trade at $41.99 per share. Amazon shares were up 3.4% in early trade on Friday to trade at around $996 per share.

Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos said, Millions of people love Whole Foods Market because they offer the best natural and organic foods, and they make it fun to eat healthy.

Whole Foods Market has been satisfying, delighting and nourishing customers for nearly four decades  theyre doing an amazing job and we want that to continue.

John Mackey, the CEO of Whole Foods, will remain CEO of the company and its headquarters will remain in Austin, Texas. The companies expect the deal to close in the second half of this year.

Earlier this week, Mackey made headlines after calling activist hedge fund investors Jana Partners greedy bastards in an interview with Texas Monthly. Jana Partners earlier this year disclosed it had acquired an 8.3% stake in Whole Foods and said it would seek talks with company management. Yahoo Finances Julia La Roche estimates Jana made $260 million on its position in Whole Foods.

Back in April, Bloomberg reported that Amazon had weighed a bid for Whole Foods in 2016, though Bloomberg reported that the companys discussions never turned into a concrete plan.

For Whole Foods shareholders, the last few years have been trying. Over the last five years, shares of the grocery are down 30%, and the stocks closing price on Thursday was roughly 50% below the more than $60 per share the stock traded at back in October 2013.

Whole Foods shares have had a tough couple years. (Source: Yahoo Finance)

Amazons deal for Whole Foods comes as the online retailer has made ever-larger moves into the grocery and fresh-food space, which has been a battleground for online retailers that have been trying to shakeup the grocery space for years.

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This deal also follows Amazons initial forays into its own physical retail locations, as the company has opened up a few bookstores across the country, most recently in New York City. Also recall that back in December 2016, Amazon released a video previewing what it called Amazon Go stores, in which customers would enter the store, pick out goods, and simply leave with their Amazon accounts being automatically charged via mobile phone.

Amazons desire, then, to move its retail operations offline and into more traditional brick-and-mortar channels has been made clear in recent years.

Following the announcement of Amazons deal for Whole Foods, shares of Walmart (WMT) were down about 6% after the retailer concurrently announced a deal to acquire menswear brand Bonobos for $310 million cash.

Walmart has in recent months begun to more directly challenge Amazons business, namely its Prime membership offering by giving customers smaller minimum order sizes to qualify for free two-day shipping. Last year, Walmart bought online retailer Jet.com for $3 billion.

Shares of grocer Kroger were down 13% in early trading after the Amazon-Whole Foods deal was announced. Sprouts Farmers Market, a smaller organic grocer that competes with Whole Foods, was also down 11% in early trade on Friday.


[June 16, 2017] Softchoice's Keystone Managed Services Ranked Top 3 in the World

Softchoice (News - Alert), a leading North American IT solution and managed service provider, is thrilled to announce it has once again been named one of the world's top managed service providers on the 2017 MSPmentor 501 list. Softchoice placed 3rd on the global ranking of the world's top managed service providers (up from 4th in 2016). "Continuing to climb this list year after year is a testament to the dedication and amazing work of our Keystone Managed Services team who consistently deliver world-class mentorship and support for our customers," said Vince De Palma, President and CEO, Softchoice. "Through Keystone, we resolve our customers' issues faster, we enable them to embrace the agility of public cloud without the risk, and we empower them to learn as they go in the ever-changing world of IT." Softchoice's Keystone Managed Services provides instant technology support, IT mentorship, and actionable insights to more than 750 organizations worldwide, enabling them to manage risk and costs, and make informed business decisions. Through Keystone's portfolio, Softchoice allows organizations to evolve from traditional operations to encompass hybrid IT, enhance end user productivity, and ease the complexity of adopting disruptive technologies like public cloud. Keystone Managed Servies provide a range of enterprise grade support across 35,000+ client devices and the cloud, across leading technologies from Microsoft, Amazon Web Services, Cisco, Dell (News - Alert)-EMC and NetApp. All Keystone customers are supported by the Keystone Technical Support Center (KTSC) - a North American-based team that provides 24x7 technical support, remote monitoring and management, and IT mentorship.



"When you call the KTSC - you don't go to a phone tree, you don't go to an entry-level person - you go straight to a technology certified engineer who can help resolve your problem right then and there," said Todd Simpson (News - Alert), Vice President of Managed Services, Softchoice. "What really sets Keystone apart is we also encourage our customers to call us when they don't have a problem - when they just need guidance on best practices or advice on enabling a new feature or technology function. In fact, more than half of the calls we get aren't actually about helping to fix something, they're requests for mentorship." The MSPmentor501 ranking is based on the results of an annual survey open to managed service providers worldwide. Close to 2,000 MSPs participate in the survey every year. Softchoice's move into the 3rd spot on the 2017 MSPmentor 501 is the latest acknowledgement of their growing advanced managed services capabilities, which are also backed by a CompTIA Managed Services Trustmark, a Cisco Master Service Provider certification for cloud and managed services, and hundreds of advanced technology certifications.

About Softchoice As a leading North American provider of IT solutions and managed services, Softchoice combines the efficiency and reliability of a national IT supplier with the personal touch and technical expertise of a local solutions provider. Softchoice's holistic approach to technology includes solution design, implementation, asset management, and cloud and managed services, as well as access to one of the most comprehensive and cost-effective technology distribution networks in North America. With over 1,600 employees, Softchoice manages the technology needs of thousands of corporate and public sector organizations across the United States and Canada. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170616005418/en/

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Doctors caring for Otto Warmbier, the American student imprisoned in North Korea for 17 months, said on June 15 that the 22-year-old is in a state of unresponsive wakefulness.

Warmbier was detained as he was leaving Pyongyang in January 2016, and was subsequently sentenced to 15 years of hard labor on the grounds that he attempted to steal a banner containing political slogans.

On June 13, Warmbier was medically evacuated from North Korea, reportedly in a coma, and flown to Cincinnati. The Warmbier family told the Washington Post that the North Koreans suggested Ottos condition was due to a case of botulism that he contracted after his trial, combined with the effects of a sleeping pill. Fred Warmbier, Ottos father, has refuted that account. He told Fox News that his son went into a coma the day after his sentencing, and had remained that way for more than a year before his evacuation (though his family only found out a week ago).

Warmbiers doctors say they did not find any current signs of botulism in his system. Instead, theyre suggesting he suffered extensive brain damage  Warmbier has neither spoken nor demonstrated any purposeful movements since returning to the US.

"This pattern of brain injury is usually seen as result of cardiopulmonary arrest where the blood supply to brain is inadequate for a period of time resulting in the death of brain tissue," Dr. Daniel Kanter, director of the Neurocritical Care Program at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, said in a press conference, according to CNN.

Warmbiers state of unresponsive wakefulness most likely means that he can open his eyes and has functioning reflexes, but is unresponsive to commands and other tests of consciousness. This is different than a coma, in which a patient is technically asleep and keeps their eyes closed.

Until 2010, Warmbiers condition was generally referred to as a vegetative state, but many doctors saw the term as pejorative, since it suggested that a patient was somehow similar to a vegetable. The term actually dates back to the 1800s, when anatomist and pathologist Marie Francois Xavier divided the human nervous system into animalic and vegetative functions. Vegetative, according to this early definition, included many involuntary, automatic functions, like the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. The animalic processes were the ones that helped a person perceive and understand their environment  intellect, locution, senses, etc.

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The modern conception of a vegetative state was first put forth in a 1972 paper as a way to describe medical patients whose sleep cycles and automatic functions continued somewhat normally, but who didnt exhibit any awareness of their own self or external environment. But in the last five to 10 years, the term "unresponsive wakefulness syndrome" has increasingly been used instead of "vegetative state" to avoid negative associations.

A 2013 review of cases of unresponsive wakefulness syndrome suggests that patients in this state have neuronal function levels that remain below the threshold required for them to experience consciousness. Their chances of recovery therefore depend on how far their neuronal activity is from this necessary level.

Doctors have thus far declined to speculate on Warmbiers prognosis.

NOW WATCH: What its like living in North Korea  according to a North Korean defector





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Equinix Inc.EQIX recently got a contract from the cloud computing arm of Alibaba Group BABA, Alibaba Cloud, wherein it will offer the latters cloud services via its International Business Exchange (IBX) data centers. With this agreement, Alibaba becomes the latest member of Equinixs Cloud Exchange, after Amazon AMZN, Microsoft MSFT and Alphabet Inc. GOOGL aka Google.

Per the agreement, Equinix will provide high-performance direct network access to Alibaba cloud via Equinix data centers in five markets worldwide, including Hong Kong, Silicon Valley, Sydney, and Washington, D.C.

With this collaboration, Equinix will assist Alibaba customers get the benefit of its cloud services, such as secure connection, outstanding scalability and infrastructure dependability.

Cloud Exchange provides seamless, on-demand and direct access to multiple clouds, across multiple global networks. These virtual circuit connections allow customers to use the cloud of their choice with dedicated, low-latency connections.

In addition, this partnership will enable Alibaba to expand the reach of its cloud platform and provide private connectivity to corporate customers, globally, in an uncongested and cost-effective manner. Moreover, Equinix helps to manage multiple connections through a single port, in turn, making it easier for customers to access the Alibaba Cloud Platform.

Alibaba needs to buck up as competition in the cloud computing market is intense, particularly with players like Amazon already ruling, and Microsoft and Alphabet determined to strengthen their positions in the fast growing segment.

We believe that the recent deal is beneficial for both the companies. By using Equinixs Cloud Exchange, Alibaba will be able to expand its footprint in Asia, particularly China, and address rising demand for cloud services in the continent.

The increase in demand is also evident from the findings of the U.S. International Trade Administration, according to which Chinese cloud market is likely to touch $20 billion mark by 2020, witnessing a compounded annual growth rate of 40%.

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Thus, an increase in public cloud services would automatically boost data center demand. This will ultimately benefit Equinix by bringing in more contracts, thereby bolstering the companys revenues.

Currently, Equinix carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Shares of Equinix have been steadily treading higher on a year-to-date basis. The stock returned approximately 20.9% compared with the Zacks REIT-Equity Trust industrys decline of 5.7%.

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These firms are cashing in on the $1.4 trillion student loan crisis

Hit the brakes before you contact a debt settlement company to grapple with your student loans  some may be in hotter water than you are.

NerdWallet, a personal finance website, compiled a watch list of 130 entities, representing approximately 100 companies, that provide debt management and consolidation services for student loan borrowers.

In all, about 44 million people owe more than $1.4 trillion in college loan debt. More than 4 million debtors were in default last year , up from 3.6 million in 2015.

Debt settlement companies charge borrowers a fee to complete and submit paperwork to the Department of Education in order to help students consolidate their loans.

The catch is that this information is already available free of charge from the Education Department. Borrowers can also contact their lenders directly for consolidation and income-driven repayment options  and they can apply for them for free. And while many of these companies work with federal loans only, some also handle private loans.

The firms NerdWallet highlighted are facing enforcement actions and lawsuits from state attorneys general, liens for back taxes and other woes of their own, according to the analysis.

"Some of these firms are charging upfront fees, monthly retainers or a percentage of a borrower's total balance to put them into programs borrowers can apply for on their own for free," said Brianna McGurran, who specializes in student loans at NerdWallet.

Tip-off to suspicious behavior

Alarm bells should go off if a debt relief company asks for your Social Security number, demands your student loan ID information or asks you to grant power of attorney so that it can make payments on your behalf, McGurran explained.

"If you don't trust the company you're working with, cancel the contract and ask for a refund, change your bank account passwords and other personal details and tell your loan servicer what's going on," she said.

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Additionally, you can file a complaint with your state attorney general, the Federal Trade Commission and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, as all three regulators are watching this issue.

Note that these debt relief agencies are different from non-profit credit counseling services, such as the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, which charge no or low fees for reviewing your household finances and negotiating your debt repayment.

The American Fair Credit Council, a trade association that represents debt settlement service providers, did not immediately return a phone call seeking comment on NerdWallet's findings.

Financial self-care

The worst thing you can do when you can't afford to pay is to ignore your creditor, industry observers say.

"It's easier to negotiate with your original creditor than if the debt gets sent off to a collection agency," said Katie Brewer, a certified financial planner and owner of Your Richest Life in Dallas.

Indeed, federal loan borrowers who default may have their debt sent to a collection agency.

A federal direct student loan goes into default if you haven't made payments for at least 270 days.

The consequences of doing so are ugly: Your entire unpaid balance may come due. You may also lose eligibility for repayment programs, and your tax refunds and wages may be garnished.

Further, you may not be able to purge the debt if you file for bankruptcy. You would have to prove in court that repayment would impose an undue hardship on you.

The best move is to start a dialogue with your lender or your student loan servicer before you become delinquent on your loans.

Ask them about deferment or forbearance, which will allow you to temporarily stop making payments or to reduce the amount you pay for a specified period of time.

Federal student loans are also eligible for income-driven repayment plans, which cap what you pay each month based on your income. They also offer forgiveness of the remaining balance if you aren't fully paid up by the end of the repayment period.

Just be careful who you enlist to help you on your journey to becoming debt-free.

"Find your loan servicer and reach out to them first," McGurran said."They're being paid to help you repay your loans."

Watch: Student loans will drag on the economy





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This is not your grandmothers Tupperware party. India Hicks is working hard to change the image of the at-home direct-sales business model.

I looked at the wholesale and retail markets, and I felt they were fairly broken, Hicks tells me in the video above. I felt the landscape was shifting and was intrigued by the idea of going back into the heart of the home [to sell].

The 49-year-old author and former model brings an aristocratic flair to her eponymous lifestyle brand, which launched in 2015.

Hicks is goddaughter of the Prince of Wales, granddaughter of Britains last viceroy in India and bridesmaid of the late Princess Diana.

Her direct-sales business of clothing, handbags, jewelry and accessories tends to attract a well-heeled crowd. Theyre buying into the Hicks lifestyle, which is reflected in her products. Clients can choose from hundreds of items, including $54 scented candles, a $150 gold-finished necklace designed by Hicks, and a $480 leather handbag.

Direct sales goes retro-chic

Of course, Hicks is not the first to try to make direct sales chic again.

Stella & Dot helped pioneer the modern-day Avon Lady in 2007. Now 10 years old, the company recently added skincare to its line of accessories and beauty products. To date, San Franciscobased Stella & Dot has paid an estimated $400 million dollars in commissions to its 50,000 stylists. Founder and CEO, Jessica Herrin, made the Forbes self-made women to watch list in 2016 with an estimated net worth of $135 million.

But unlike Stella & Dot, Hicks brand is built on her personal taste and lifestyle.

Im inspired by so many things, Hicks explains. Im very blessed to have had a multi-dimensional and varied life.

Hicks grew up in England and has been living on Harbour Island in the Bahamas with her partner and five children for the past 20 years. She says says her extensive travels and love of the outdoors is what inspires her collections.

While Hicks declined to provide figures, she says sales at her company tripled last year and that 2017 is going strong.

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The tribe is growing

Hicks tribe of sellers has grown from just three brand ambassadors at launch to 2,000 today. They run the gamut from women in corporate America to stay-at-home moms to philanthropists.

Her business model follows the industry standard. Sales people earn a commission, and theres a one-time fee to get started. Sales starter kits range from $99-$749.

Ambassadors receive a minimum of 25% of their sales, plus product discounts and perks, such as attending India Hicks birthday bash in New York City or being invited to Harbour Island where Hicks hosted a dinner last year for the best-performing ambassadors.

New Yorkbased marketing consultant Dagmara Szulce joined the tribe 10 months ago.

With all my clients complaining about their retail businesses declining, I felt Indias idea of reinventing the direct-selling business was a breakthrough one, and I was eager to learn the new business model.

Szulce says being an ambassador has helped her grow her own sales through event marketing, e-commerce and social media.

The mother of two especially likes how hands-on Hicks is with her company. She came to my apartment in New York City to help raise sales during my trunk show!

Szulce hopes to grow her India Hicks sales into a larger, online business in the next year or two.

And, in another twist, ambassadors can choose to donate a percentage of their sales to the charity of their choice. Hicks pledges to match a portion of the donation. For Szulce, that charity is Citymeals on Wheels.

While most sales people join for a side-business, Hicks sees a growing number of her ambassadors trading in their careers to grow their India Hicks businesses full-time.

I see them as my partners, Hicks says. Were mentoring one another as women, and were supporting each other in growing this business together.
(Wikimedia Commons)

Much of the stock markets strength this year seems fueled by strong corporate earnings growth, analysts argue. First quarter earnings jumped 15% year-over-year, which was the the best showing in five years.

But Bank of America analysts are reflecting on those results with some concern.

In a research note titled As good as it gets, analyst Savita Subramanian notes that she expects second quarter earnings growth to slow to 9%. The Wall Street consensus is even more modest, anticipating 6% growth.

Subramanians peers warn this could be a problem for stocks.

Earnings growth may have peaked for the cycle, according to BofA fixed income analyst Martin Mauro. Although expectations are for S&P earnings growth to easily surpass the rate of US economic growth, our forecast for Q2 EPS growth of 9% may not be welcome news to the market, since it would represent a deceleration from Q1s 13% level.

All of this comes as the Federal Reserve is tightening monetary policy, which analyst argue is bearish for stocks.

And while stocks still look inexpensive relative to bonds, if the Fed follows through with further rate increases, that situation could reverse, he added.

Meanwhile, Washington is another wild card, according to Mauro.

The equity market expects some measure of tax reform or infrastructure spending, he said. If no signs of that appear later this year, we think stocks may suffer.

The market is vulnerable

Estimates for next quarter have already come down 2% over the course of first quarter earnings season, according to Subramanian, already reflecting some subdued enthusiasm.

Subramanian added a warning that crowded stocks where there is a lot of interest are susceptible in periods of de-risking and rebalancing. This is particularly a risk for tech stocks.

Meanwhile, high expectations for these widely-held stocks could present risks during second quarter earnings season. Bank of America explained that the most overweight stocks tend to sell off more on negative results than less widely-held stocks. According to their research, companies with more than a 50% overweight in active managers holdings that missed on both EPS and sales in the first quarter underperformed by 0.7 percentage points more over the next five days than other stocks that missed.

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Continued earnings growth is important, particularly at the markets current elevated valuation.

As RBCs Jonathan Golub explained, valuation for the S&P as measured by the price/earnings (P/E) multiple currently stands at 17x, which is above average.

But its not all bad news.

Golub notes that the current pace of earnings growth helps support that valuation.

We have to differentiate between economic growth and earnings growth, and right now, earnings growth is pretty strong, according to Golub.

Furthermore, he explains that its not unusual for P/E multiples to continue expanding in the later part of cycles.

Another positive regarding earnings: Even though 2017 earnings estimates are about 0.9% lower relative to where they stood at the beginning of the year, that marks the smallest downward revision since 2009.

In other words, analysts forecasts of earnings are not deteriorating like they usually do.

Nicole Sinclair is markets correspondent for Yahoo Finance.

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Former President Barack Obama may have begun normalizing relations with Cuba, but President Donald Trump will be re-tightening regulations regarding travel.

In a briefing to reporters, senior White House officials said Trump would announce changes to current Cuban policy that the administration hopes will prevent American dollars from hurting Cubans.

The officials said that the previous policy under Obama was enriching Cuban military and intelligence services that contributed to oppression.

The White House arrived at its new policy after consulting with Congress and numerous Cabinet secretaries, and concerns for human rights were a major factor. When asked, White House officials did not say why the administration did not hold similar thinking for Saudi Arabia, which also has a history of human rights abuse.

Changes for travelers

These changes will affect Cubas burgeoning tourist industry that has lured Americans who had long been attracted by the island just 90 miles from Florida but impossibly out of reach thanks to long-standing sanctions.

The Trump administration will keep 12 categories of acceptable travel that include family, journalism, and religious activities. However, the administration will take away what it considers a loophole: individual people-to-people visits that were considered educational under the Obama detente.

Coupled with the loose enforcement and self-reporting of Cuba travel, this policy was abused to enable unofficial tourism, the officials said. Under the Trump administrations future regulations, only educational groups will be able to facilitate these people-to-people interactions.

The senior White House officials said Trump would direct executive branch agencies to ratchet up enforcement of this banned tourism through regulations. Though Trump will announce his new policy this Friday, nothing will change until the agencies implement those regulations. The White House did not give a timetable.

What you need to do if you go

For travelers, when this does happen, it means records of financial transactions and movements must be carefully logged and may be audited by the State Department to ensure the tourism ban is strictly enforced.

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One important thing of note: You can still bring back cigars and other otherwise-banned Cuban products as long as the value is less than $100.

If youve already planned a trip, the officials said the new regulations will account for those situations, so those travelers may not be out of luck. More information will be available on the WhiteHouse.gov in the future, and will be delivered by Trump himself soon.

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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afp trump accuses ex fbi director comey of cowardice over leaks

If there is one thing the White House has sought to hammer home about the FBI investigation into Russia's meddling in the 2016 election, it is that President Donald Trump was not a subject of it.

The point was so important to Trump that he repeated it in his letter firing FBI Director James Comey.

"I greatly appreciate you informing me, on three separate occasions, that I am not under investigation," he wrote.

When Comey told Congress last week that he had, in fact, confirmed to Trump on at least two occasions that he wasn't under investigation, Trump and his allies said they felt "vindicated," even though the investigation into his campaign team was ongoing. And they continued to rail on "innuendo" that the president's interactions with Comey were unethical or illegal in any way.

But when The Washington Post reported on Wednesday night that Robert Mueller, the special counsel overseeing the FBI's probe, was investigating whether Trump obstructed justice, the talking points circulated by the Republican National Committee did not dispute the accuracy of the report. Neither did Trump's lawyer, Marc Kasowitz.

According to Axios and The Daily Beast, that's at least partly because Trump's aides and people close to him know that Comey's version of events  that Trump asked him for loyalty, to back off the investigation into former national security adviser Michael Flynn, and to announce publicly that Trump himself was not under FBI investigation  is most likely accurate.

Similarly, White House officials "assume [Trump] did, indeed, ask Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats and Mike Rogers, head of the National Security Agency, if they could help derail the Flynn probe," Axios' Mike Allen reported. "They also assume he said similar things to other officials."

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Having fielded Trump's requests, Comey was likely to have sensed that the president would not let the FBI get in the way of clearing his name and would pressure those he considered allies to find ways to intervene on his behalf. Even if Comey didn't predict as much, however, he made clear in his testimony last week that he took Trump's comments about the Flynn investigation  "I hope you can see your way clear to letting this go"  as an order.

Which is all to say: Comey  who has said he documented every interaction with Trump because he was often "stunned" by the president's overtures  couldn't announce publicly that Trump was not under FBI investigation because the likelihood that he soon might be increased with every public and private comment Trump made about the Russia probe.

'The president did this to himself'

"Keep him away from Twitter, dear God, keep him away from Twitter," one Trump aide told The Daily Beast when asked about the White House's game plan. "The president did this to himself."

Trump's obsession with clearing his name most likely muddied the situation even further. The angrier he became with Comey for refusing to say publicly that he was not a subject of the investigation, the more he tweeted about it and asked the people around him to interfere.

At that point, as Trump had essentially built an obstruction-of-justice case against himself, for Comey to testify publicly that Trump was not being investigated would have been shortsighted and, as The Post made clear on Wednesday, ultimately incorrect.

"Just to be clear, for you to make a public statement that he was not under investigation would not have been illegal, but you felt it made no sense because it could potentially create a duty to correct, if circumstances changed?" Republican Sen. Marco Rubio asked Comey last week.

"Yes, sir," Comey replied. "We wrestled with it before my testimony where I confirmed that there was an investigation. And there were two primary concerns. One was it creates a duty to correct, which I've lived before, and you want to be very careful about doing that. And second, it's a slippery slope, because if we say the president and the vice president aren't under investigation, what's the principled basis for stopping?"

trump comey shake hands

'He seems committed to uncovering any cover-up'

Comey had already made that mistake once, when he announced last summer in a highly publicized press conference that the FBI was closing its investigation into Hillary Clinton's use of a private email server and wasn't recommending criminal charges. His decision to take it upon himself, rather than leave it to the Department of Justice, to close the Clinton email probe severely damaged his reputation with both Democrats, who thought he'd gone rogue, and Republicans, who felt he'd let Clinton off the hook.

The precedent Comey had set for radical transparency about the Clinton probe also compelled him to tell Congress, 11 days before the election, that the FBI was reopening the case after finding new, potentially consequential documents. They were ultimately immaterial to the investigation, and the FBI did not alter its initial findings that Clinton did not commit a crime.

Comey has insisted he would not handle the Clinton probe differently if given the chance to do it over. But he's been far less willing to comment on the counterintelligence investigation into Russia's election interference than he was about the email probe  perhaps because he noticed that remaining silent tended to be the most effective way of getting Trump to talk.

"The Russia-Trump collusion story is a total hoax, when will this taxpayer funded charade end?" Trump tweeted on May 8.

The next day, Trump fired Comey. He later acknowledged  both to Russian diplomats and to NBC's Lester Holt  his aim was to make the "Russia thing" go away.

"What is most remarkable is that the president has willingly created this self-portrait," Bob Bauer, a White House counsel under President Barack Obama, wrote in Lawfare last month.

"As scandals-in-the-making go, this one may become famous for featuring the president as the principal witness against himself: he seems committed to uncovering any cover-up."

NOW WATCH: What its like living in North Korea  according to a North Korean defector





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Heres a look at some of the stocks the Yahoo Finance team will be tracking for you today.

Shares of Whole Foods Market (WFM) are soaring after news that Amazon (AMZN), whose stock is also up, plans to buy the struggling chain for $13.7 billion. Yahoo Finance is covering all the angles, so check out our coverage.

Its a different story for Alphabet (GOOGL) as investors react to news that Google is awaiting word from the European Union on an antitrust fine that some say could be as high as 10% of the companys annual revenue. Last year that was around $90 billion, meaning Google faces a record fine.

Government contractor Booz Allen Hamilton (BAH) is getting hammered after a regulatory filing that revealed the company is facing a federal civil and criminal investigation focused on its finances. Raymond James downgraded the stock from outperform to market perform this morning on the news.

And Snap (SNAP) is  snapping back a bit after dropping nearly 5% Thursday, back to its IPO price of $17 a share. Investors remain worried about the threat presented by Facebooks (FB) Instagram.

And finally, heres a sweet one: Nestle (NESN.VX), the Swiss confectionery maker has put its US business up for sale. Nestle hopes to shed sugary treats like Butterfingers and Nestle Crunch bars citing Americans changing tastes and a preference toward healthier snacks. The American arm of the company could be worth as much as $3 billion.
Fox News anchor Ainsley Earhardt typically spends her mornings discussing the news. But on Thursday, the Fox and Friends co-host made some of her own: She wore pants on air.

Earhardt appeared in a bright green pantsuit and a ruffled white blouse. While people who dont watch much Fox News might wonder why her outfit is making headlines, regular viewers will know that, until recently, it was very unusual to spot one of the networks female anchors in anything but a skirt or dress.

Some viewers are speculating that recent increase in on-air pants has to do with the removal of ex-CEO Roger Ailes and resignation of former co-president Bill Shine.

Sign up: Click here to subscribe to the Broadsheet, Fortune's daily newsletter on the world's most powerful women.

While Fox News has repeatedly insisted that it has never had a formal policy banning female reporters from wearing pants, Gretchen Carlson once told a radio show that she wasn't allowed to wear them while hosting Fox and Friends. And earlier this year, former Fox personality Jedediah Bila told the hosts of The View that she wasnt given a pants option during her time at the network.

Story continues

Earhardt, who has occasionally worn pants before, isn't the first host to switch-up her wardrobe. Jenna Lee, Sandra Smith, and Kimberly Guilfoyle have all appeared on-air with covered legs in recent weeks. According to New York Magazines Gabriel Sherman, Suzanne Scott, who was promoted to president of programming after Shines departure, is actually encouraging the networks female talent to wear pants.

See original article on Fortune.com

More from Fortune.com
Afghanistans main intelligence agency says it has formally asked Pakistan to hand over three suspects in a deadly bomb attack on a provincial governor's residence in January.

Masoum Stanakzai, the chief of the National Directorate of Security (NDS), unveiled on June 15 the results of an investigation into the blast in the southern city of Kandahar.

We have officially given the names of three people involved in this attack to Pakistani authorities to demand their handover to Afghanistan, he said. We are determined to punish everyone involved in this attack. We have established their involvement in planning this attack. We have passed on all the important information to nab them.

Thirteen people were killed in the bombing, including five diplomats from the United Arab Emirates and seven Afghan officials including Kandahar Provinces deputy governor.

Stanakzai said his organization investigated the attacks with the help of counterterrorism authorities from United Arab Emirates and the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigations.

Stanakzai said an Afghan cook working at the residence was responsible for carrying out the bombing using remote-controlled, military-grade explosive devices.

He said two Taliban militants promised the cook $30,000 and a house in Pakistan if he carried out the attack successfully.

Stanakzai added that the attack was organized by the Taliban leadership council based in the southwestern Pakistani city of Quetta.

The Taliban has denied involvement. Nafees Zakaria, the spokesman for Pakistans Foreign Ministry, told Radio Mashaal they are looking into the reported Afghan request.

With reporting by dpa and Pajhwok

ab/sg/as/fg
English Danish

Aalborg, Denmark, 2017-06-16 08:45 CEST (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

Summary

Financial performance in Q1 2017/18

The profit before tax for Q1 2017/18 was DKK 0.1 million, as compared with a loss of DKK 4.1 million in Q1 2016/17. The loss after tax was DKK 0.9 million compared with a loss of DKK 3.7 million for Q1 2016/17.

Total assets amounted to DKK 2,893.9 million at 30 April 2017 against DKK 2,852.9 million at 31 January 2017. Consolidated equity stood at DKK 1,296.8 million at 30 April 2017, corresponding to a solvency ratio of 44.8%.

Breakdown by segment:

DKKm Property development Asset management Unallocated Profit/loss Profit/loss before tax 4.5 -1.6 -2.8 Balance sheet Development projects 955.8 - - Completed properties under asset management - 1,174.0 - Other asset management projects - 108.7 - Other assets 320.7 259.4 75.3 Total assets 1,276.5 1,542.1 75.3 Tied-up equity 711.3 527.9 57.6

Outlook for 2017/18

Management still expects a profit of DKK 100-120 million before tax for 2017/18, assuming a return on equity ratio of about 15% for the Groups property development activities.

This forecast is based on Management's expectations, including time estimates, for a number of specific projects. Several of the Groups major development projects have been sold in whole or in part and are expected to contribute to the current financial years results, including Strdet, Kge, Denmark, and the Amerika Have residential project in Copenhagen, Denmark. TK Development is recording good progress on the individual projects.

Property development

TK Development handed over a retail park of about 3,200 sqm in Oskarshamn, Sweden, to the investor in the first quarter of 2017/18. In addition, TK Development sold a few minor plots of land and also generated fee income on a few projects.

Major development projects:

Construction of BROEN Shopping, the new shopping centre in Esbjerg, Denmark, has been completed, and the centre opened as scheduled on 10 April 2017. The current occupancy rate is 91% of the total space (Q4 2016/17: 88%).

The construction project in Kge, Denmark, is moving ahead. The project will be handed over to the investor in three phases. The first phase, comprising a cinema and restaurants, was completed in May 2017 and will be handed over to the buyer in July 2017. The main part of the project is still expected to be completed and handed over in autumn 2017, while a minor part is scheduled for completion in 2018. The retail project, of which 88% has been let (Q4 2016/17: 86%), has been sold under a conditional sale agreement to Finnish-based Citycon together with the parking facilities. The sale to Citycon is still expected to have a significant positive impact on results for the 2017/18 financial year as the completed part of the project is handed over to the investor.

Construction of the Amerika Have residential project in Copenhagen, Denmark, was completed shortly after the reporting date, and the apartments that have been sold were handed over to the buyers in May 2017. 114 of the 121 apartments have been sold (Q4 2016/17: 104).

Construction of the third phase of the Bielany residential project in Warsaw, Poland, is progressing according to plan, as is the pre-completion sale. 54% (Q4 2016/17: 45%) of the residential units have been sold.

Asset management

The portfolio of completed properties in this business area, including joint venture projects, consists of 156,700 sqm and represented a value of DKK 1,593.1 million at 30 April 2017. Based on the current occupancy rate, annual net rent corresponds to a return on the carrying amount of 4.4% (Q4 2016/17: 4.3%). Based on full occupancy, the return on the carrying amount is estimated at 6.2% (Q4 2016/17: 6.2%).

Detailed development and operating plans have been drafted for each property, and the plans are generally progressing as planned.



The expectations stated in this interim report, including earnings forecasts, are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ from the guidance provided. Expectations may be impacted by factors generally affecting the sector as well as the factors referred to under Risk management and in note 2 to the consolidated financial statements in the Groups annual report for 2016/17, Accounting estimates and judgments, including the valuation of the Groups project portfolio.

Any questions regarding this interim report may be directed to Frede Clausen, President and CEO, tel. +45 8896 1010.
English Danish

Sole source request will allow transition toward long-term stockpiling of Bavarian Nordic's smallpox vaccine

COPENHAGEN, Denmark, June 16, 2017 - Bavarian Nordic A/S (OMX: BAVA, OTC: BVNRY) today announced notification from the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) that a request for proposal (RFP) will be issued for the procurement of lyophilized IMVAMUNE.



As cited in the formal notification: "The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR), Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) and Acquisition Contracts Management and Grants (AMCG) intend to use other than full and open competition to award a sole source contract to Bavarian Nordic, A/S. for procurement of lyophilized IMVAMUNE, a lyophilized smallpox vaccine."

"We are very happy to see this announcement from BARDA. This initial request, which is in line with our expectations, will allow us to begin the transition from our liquid-frozen formulation, to freeze-dried IMVAMUNE. The long term stability of this new formulation will allow the U.S. Government to fulfill their stated goal of protecting a large, at risk, population," said Paul Chaplin, President and CEO of Bavarian Nordic. "For more than a decade we have been proud to partner with the U.S. government and assist with their biopreparedness. We remain ready to do so and look forward to continuing our relationship well into the future."

The link to the full request can be found here:

https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=5a9a035b917210ff0025c05226dbdb62&tab=core&_cview=0.

About Bavarian Nordic

Bavarian Nordic is a fully integrated biotechnology company focused on the development, manufacturing and commercialization of cancer immunotherapies and vaccines for infectious diseases, based on the Company's live virus vaccine platform. Through long-standing collaborations, including a collaboration with the U.S. government, Bavarian Nordic has developed a portfolio of vaccines for infectious diseases, including the non-replicating smallpox vaccine, IMVAMUNE, which is stockpiled for emergency use by the United States and other governments. The vaccine is approved in the European Union (under the trade name IMVANEX) and in Canada. Bavarian Nordic and its partner Janssen are developing an Ebola vaccine regimen, which has been fast-tracked, with the backing of worldwide health authorities, and a vaccine for the prevention and treatment of HPV. Additionally, in collaboration with the National Cancer Institute, Bavarian Nordic has developed a portfolio of active cancer immunotherapies, including PROSTVAC, which is currently in Phase 3 clinical development for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer. The company has partnered with Bristol-Myers Squibb for the potential commercialization of PROSTVAC. For more information visit www.bavarian-nordic.com or follow us on Twitter @bavariannordic.

Forward-looking statements

This announcement includes forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside of our control, that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning our plans, objectives, goals, future events, performance and/or other information that is not historical information. All such forward-looking statements are expressly qualified by these cautionary statements and any other cautionary statements which may accompany the forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances after the date made, except as required by law.

Contacts

Rolf Sass Srensen

Vice President Investor Relations (EU)

Tel: +45 61 77 47 43

Seth Lewis

Vice President Investor Relations (US)

Tel: +1 978 341 5271

Company Announcement no. 17 / 2017
English Finnish

SATO Corporation, Press Release, 16th June 2017 at 11:15 am

The queue for the 68-unit SATO StudioHome pilot building that will be completed in Vantaa later this year has been lining up since last year. The home renting will kick off in earnest in August. SATO is looking for residents with strong motivation to take part in brainstorming ideas for housing and communal activities in the building. Spaciousness for the mini-sized one-bedroom apartments has been achieved not only with a new approach to design but also with a focus on communal areas.

The idea of communal housing that was first voiced at an innovation camp for general upper secondary school students is about to become reality in the Martinlaakso district of Vantaa. SATO's first StudioHome of 68 units will be completed towards the end of the year and the new residents will be moving into their StudioHomes before Christmas.

According to SATO President and CEO Saku Sipola, the StudioHomes came into being in response to the need for affordable and community-oriented housing solutions.

"Clever design has resulted in homes that seem markedly more spacious than their floor area would indicate. The sleeping and living areas have been clearly separated. Despite the official floor area being small, in terms of function the homes are one-bedroom units. The skilfully designed communal areas along with a residential base who we hope will create a good housing concept let all residents have access to living spaces outside their own apartments, Sipola says.



Personal living space can be significantly increased simply by opening the front door in the StudioHomes. The ground floor of the building houses a laundry room as well as a large communal lounge doing double duty as a coffee shop and shared living room for the residents while the top floor features a spacious terrace, sauna and lounge with fireplace. The StudioHome communal areas allow neighbours to interact, thus creating the foundation for shared activities.

Risk paid off

Monica Aro, Vice President, Development at SATO says that SATO clearly took a calculated business risk in launching this innovative communal housing project.

"I am happy to report that the risk has already paid off. We have been contacted by dozens of customers interested in renting these homes," she says.

The residents envisioned for the StudioHomes are people who are interested in contributing to a sense of community and extending their living space beyond their own walls. Respect for the wishes and privacy of each resident is still a paramount consideration in building this new housing concept.

"The idea of what makes a home is changing and we hope to find for our pilot building residents who want to be part of this change. A variety of tools are in place in the StudioHomes to encourage and guide the residents towards communality and interaction. Of course, it is ultimately up to each resident to decide for themselves the extent to which they wish to become involved in communal activities," Aro notes.

Pilot project provides direction for affordable and different housing innovations

Housing production in Finland is reaching record levels at present. Demand is high for affordable homes situated in growth centres. The StudioHome building in Vantaa also represents experimentation with a new kind of affordable housing concept that makes the most of the floor area within the home and also expands living spaces to the communal areas.

"Finland needs a broader range of housing options because the needs and wishes of people vary from one to the other and are constantly evolving in step with urbanisation. StudioHome is a response to one set of needs that puts a premium on a sense of community, new kinds of homes and affordable monthly rent. We have other reasonably priced and comfortable housing concepts in the pipeline as well," Sipola points out.

"Of course we are hoping that StudioHome will provide a hub for communal housing ideas and concepts that at the next stage will benefit our customers elsewhere as well.

StudioHome in brief:

StudioHome had its inception in the ideas generated within the SATO innovation team and the SATO JuniorHome project for upper secondary school students, in which the notions of community and living space expansion beyond one's own walls rose front and centre.

The pilot building rising on Raikukuja street in the Vantaa district of Martinlaakso under exceptional planning permission contains a total of 68 homes. The homes have an official floor area of 15.5 square metres. This is augmented by a sleeping loft of 6.3 square metres, which in terms of function make the homes one-bedroom units. The monthly rent is 500 + water charge.

The two-stage application process will kick off in August 2017 and the residents will be able to move into their new homes before Christmas.

More information:

Monica Aro, Vice President, Development, phone 0201 34 4006 or 0400 458 309, monica.aro@sato.fi

www.sato.fi/en





SATO is one of Finland's leading lessors of rental apartments. SATO aims to offer full options for rental housing and an excellent customer experience. At the end of 2016, SATO owned a total of 25,300 rental apartments in Finland's largest growth centres and in St. Petersburg.

We contribute to sustainable development and initiative through our operations, and engage in open interaction with our stakeholders in order to produce added value. We operate over the long term and profitably. We increase the value of housing assets through investments and divestments and through our repair activities.

SATO Group's net sales in 2016 stood at EUR 263.0 million* in accordance with the new reporting practices, its operating profit stood at EUR 267.2 million and its profit before taxes was EUR 219.4 million. The value of SATO's investment assets is EUR 3.4 billion.

*Net sales have been changed in accordance with the new reporting practices.
tyrion wrote:

Thanks. A lot to think about. For the long term, what are your thoughts on Michigan's brand value outside of the US?



Posted from my mobile device

We can talk about this for a while but the way I see it, the only reason either program would make sense is if you are planning to stick around that particular GEO area after graduation. You don't go to INSEAD if you want to live/work in the US and going to Ross to end up in SE Asia is not the best plan either. I think you really have to decide on where you want to be Geographically. If you want the most options then INSEAD is your choice. Pick Ross only if you are planning to stick around the US.As to your question, I think University of Michigan would be well known for a number of their Undergrad and Mech Engineering degrees just in terms of awareness. However, in the long term, you would leverage your professional network and your industry connections. I would hope you would not have to rely on your bschool network 10 years after graduation - it is a long shot and usually is not very productive that far out.Overall, I think most of the folks from Ross are in the US. I know of a few at least that were offered great positions in Europe (and they could not find anything better in the US, so they have moved on but it is a small number - around 5% annually take jobs outside of the US. (Wharton is 15% for example and that's one of the highest numbers). The reason for the low numbers is anyone who goes to bschool in the US usually wants to stay here afterwards or changes their mind to come back. I know I did - all my friends were in the US, my new network was here and everything that I have built/setup back home was mostly coming apart as I did not have the bandwidth to maintain it or keep in touch. BSchool is a very rigorous experience and you have to make some trade offs.Getting in touch with some current students is always helpful. Reach out to Admissions team and see if they can connect you. Something may sway you.Good Luck!_________________
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Amazon started its life as an online bookseller, presenting a new way to shop for books without visiting a store. These days the company sells practically anything you can ship including books, groceries, hardware, and Amazons own line of hardware that you can use to read eBooks, watch videos, play games, and shop from Amazon. The company is also one of the biggest players in the field of cloud services infrastructure.

But the company also recently started opening its own bricks and mortar book stores in a handful of locations. More recently the company opened a grocery/convenience store concept designed to make shopping simpler.

And now? Amazon is acquiring specialty grocery store chain Whole Foods.

The company announced plans to buy Whole Foods for $42 per share, for a total value of about $13.7 billion.

Its not entirely clear what Amazons end goal is here, but according to the press release announcing the deal, Whole Foods will continue to operate stores under the Whole Foods Market brand and the companys headquarters will remain in Austin, Texas. Whole Foods CEO John Mackey will continue to run the grocery chain.

Bloomberg notes that Whole Foods had been facing pressure to find a buyer and this deal allows the company to do that while retaining current leadership. Meanwhile, this acquisition would be the biggest ever made by Amazon. Up until now that honor belonged to the 2009 Zappos deal, which saw Amazon spend $1.2 billion to acquire the online shoe seller. The next biggest acquisition came in 2014, when Amazon acquired video game streaming company Twitch for nearly $1 billion.

Amazon has come a long way since it was just a company known for selling things over the internet. And the Whole Foods acquisition is hardly the companys first foray into the grocery space: the Amazon Pantry service provides discounts when you add eligible food and househould products to a box, and the AmazonFresh grocery service lets you buy groceries and have them delivered.

With Whole Foods set to join the Amazon family when the deal closes in the second half of 2017, itll be interesting to see how the Whole Foods brand influences Amazons existing offerings and how Amazons influence affects Whole Foods bricks and mortar stores around the country.

Whole Foods also has a pretty good reputation for treatment of its workers. Amazon doesnt. So another thing to keep an eye on will be the way the two corporate cultures mesh.

In the brief time since the deal was announced, Amazon stock prices have gone up, while competing grocery store chains have seen their prices fall.

Meanwhile, one of Amazons chief rivals is also announcing an expansion: Walmart is spending $310 million to acquire mens apparel company Bonobos. The deal isnt nearly as noteworthy as the Amazon/Whole Foods announcement, but at a time when Amazon is expanding into bricks-and-mortar and Walmart is trying to increase its internet retail revenue, its noteworthy that both companies announced acquisitions today.
Allen earns dean's list recognition at Lincoln Memorial University

HARROGATE, Tenn. -- Alex Allen of Windsor has been honored with dean's list recognition at Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) for the spring semester of 2017.

To be placed on the dean's list, the student must be a full-time undergraduate and have a 3.5 grade point average for the semester. Allen is a sport management major at LMU.

Mueller recognized at Lawrence University honors and awards dinner

APPLETON, Wis. -- Katie Mueller, daughter of Eric and Melinda Mueller of Charleston, was recognized by Lawrence University at its recent annual honors and awards dinner held on May 22.

Mueller received the $4,250 Edwin N. and Ruth Z. West Scholarship, a merit award for students "of exceptional promise." She is a 2016 graduate of Charleston High School.

Founded in 1847, Lawrence University integrates a college of liberal arts and sciences with a nationally recognized conservatory of music, both devoted exclusively to undergraduate education.

Miller graduates from the University of Findlay

FINDLAY, Ohio -- Mandi Miller of Arthur has graduated from the University of Findlay with a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.

Miller was invited to walk in the University's commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 6. More than 1,100 graduates earned doctoral, master's, bachelor's or associate degrees for the academic year 2016 - 2017.

University of Illinois Springfield graduates announced

SPRINGFIELD -- A total of 1,836 students earned degrees from the University of Illinois Springfield at the conclusion of the spring semester on May 13, 2017, pending completion of university requirements.

Effingham: Christopher Brown, BA, English, Magna Cum Laude; Cole Buehnerkemper, BBA, Business Administration; Erica Feldhake, BA, Economics.

Mattoon: Jamie Packer, BS, Biology, Magna Cum Laude.

Shelbyville: Amy Clarey, MA, Human Services.

Sullivan: Tessa Welty, BSW, Social Work.

Tuscola: Daniel Guthridge, BS, Computer Science.
Buy a smartphone from a wireless carrier in the United States, and theres a pretty good chance that itll be locked to that carrier, making it difficult to switch from Verizon to AT&T, for example, while keeping the same phone.

The situation is pretty much the same in Canada for now. But starting in December, Canadas Radio Television and Communications Commission will require that all phone sold in the country will have to be unlocked when provided to customers. And if you want to unlock a phone purchased before December, carriers will have to let you do that for free starting on December 1st.

The move will make it much easier for customers to switch carriers without the need to buy a new phone or pay a penalty to unlock their existing device.

Of course, carriers still have other ways to lock you into a contract: the new CRTC rules will make it easier to take a device with you when you go, but you may still have to pay an early cancellation fee.

The CRTC also adopted a few other new rules, including one that allows customers who sign up for a new wireless service to cancel their contract as long as they do so within 15 days and return their device in near-new condition, having used less than half their monthly usage limits.

In other words, when you sign up for a new wireless contract, youve got 15 days to kick the tires to see if it meets your needs. If youre not happy during that trial period, the carrier cant charge you for canceling the contract.

via CBC and The Globe and Mail
Residents of the European Union no longer have to pay roaming fees when traveling to another EU member country with a few exceptions.

As promised, the EU has adopted new Roam Like at Home rules that let travelers pay the same prices for talk, text, and data that they would if they were using their phone in the home country.

Carriers can still charge you fees if you go over a data limit, but the fees are capped at a much lower rate than they used to be. And if you spend more time abroad than you do in our home country over a 4-month period, you carrier may charge you extra.

Some budget wireless carriers also have permission to charge a small amount in roaming fees.

Note that the new rules do not apply to travelers visiting an EU member country from a non-member nation. So, depending on your wireless carrier, you may still be better off buying a new SIM card when traveling from the US to Europe.

Travelers from the United Kingdom can still benefit at least until Brexit is complete. Overall, the new Roam Like at Home rules affect residents of 28 countries.
Irans Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has accused the U.S. of destabilizing the Middle East by providing support to extremist groups active in the region.

In one of his latest tweets on Monday, the Supreme leader claimed that the U.S. president accuses Iran of terrorism, while terrorism in this region has American roots.

In a separate tweet, he wrote that (the) U.S arms a terrorist group is what causes instability before asking Who created ISIS? The U.S.!

President Donald Trump is fond of using tweeter to share his opinions but he is yet to reply to Khameneis tweets.

A terrorist attack claimed by ISIS on Iran last week killed at least 17 people.

Trump commented that one reaps what it sows. States that sponsor terrorism rick falling victim to the evil they promote Trump twitted in reference to Washingtons long standing accusation that Iran supports terrorist groups.

Khamenei said the U.S. and its allies engagement in the Middle East to fight terrorism is a lie and referred to them as the source of instability in the Middle East. He stressed that relations between the American and Iranian governments would continue to be at a standstill because most of our problems with them cannot be resolved.

Among the problems affecting the normalization of ties that have broken since the 1979 Islamic Revolution is the American government being against an independent Iran and the existence of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

In another development, the Iranian Intelligence Minister has assured members of the parliament that there is no longer a single active terrorist cell in the country. The assurances came a week after Iran suffered its first deadly terrorist attack in many years.
To address the fear and insecurity expressed by rheumatology patients on being switched from a biologic to a biosimilar treatment for their arthritis, the Danish Rheumatism Association has participated in a national programme designed to ensure patients received independent information about biosimilars, along with closer monitoring of prescriptions to provide reassurance about their safety. The results of this initiative were presented today at the Annual European Congress of Rheumatology (EULAR) 2017.

When the first biosimilar was approved in Denmark in 2015, the national council for the use of expensive hospital medicines (Radet for Anvendelse AF Dyr Sygehusmedicin, RADS) announced that they found the biosimilar infliximab equal to the original reference product (Remicade) in efficacy and safety. Based on this, RADS made a recommendation for hospitals to use the less expensive infliximab biosimilar for both treatment-naive patients and patients already on Remicade, unless there were medically justified reasons not to do so.

By the first quarter of 2016, this biosimilar covered around 97% of infliximab consumption in Denmark.2 There are now two biosimilars approved by the national authorities in Denmark, and used in the treatment of patients with arthritis.

Although the switch to a biosimilar would obviously save money for the healthcare system while ensuring the same benefits for patients, this decision caused considerable insecurity among patients, who were afraid of biosimilars and their effectiveness and safety profile. Also, physicians did not seem comfortable about explaining the principle of biosimilarity; hence, patients remained uncertain about the change that had been introduced to their treatment.

Patient anxiety was further aggravated by hospitals and regions in Denmark putting different information on biosimilars on their websites.

An initial small study of how this shift from biologic to biosimilar had taken place in different regions, conducted by the Danish Rheumatism Association, revealed that although most patients were told about the change in their treatment, they received a lack of information from their doctors about the new biosimilars.

Also, while nearly all patients on a biological drug are registered in a national database, which records which drug the patient has been prescribed, it is not registered on a batch-level, which makes it more difficult to monitor safety.

"In order to change this situation, we started a dialogue with politicians and the authorities on a national level and hospital administrations on a regional level," said Ms. Lene Mandrup Thomsen from the Danish Rheumatism Association, Gentofte, Denmark. "The purpose was threefold: to improve the registration of biologics and biosimilars on a batch-level, the provision of more independent patient information and the involvement of patients in the decision-making process," she explained.

The new national plan, launched in August 2015 and implemented throughout 2016, consisted of four parts:

1) Monitoring efficacy and safety of biologics and biosimilars on a batch level2) Information campaign targeting both health professionals and patients3) Digital solutions to aid easy reporting of side effects from health professionals and patients4) Focus on monitoring patient safety by the authorities

In addition to this national plan, hospitals on a regional level have invited a representative from the Danish Rheumatism Association to participate in a working group, with the objective of including the patient perspective in future national recommendations for the use of biological drugs and biosimilars.
The drug trastuzumab emtansine (Kadcyla) will soon be routinely available for patients in England with an advanced type of breast cancer.

NHS England has announced that a discounted deal has been agreed with the manufacturer Roche, which has been backed by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) who previously judged the drug as too expensive.

Professor Arnie Purushotham, Cancer Research UK's senior clinical adviser, said that he was delighted to see the three organisations working together to make it available for patients.

Research has shown that the drug can benefit women with a type of breast cancer called HER2-positive that has spread to other parts of the body, can't be surgically removed and has stopped responding to other treatments.

"NICE recognises that this cancer drug is beneficial for these patients and cost-effective for the NHS, but it is also a kinder treatment option," said Purushotham.

On average Kadcyla gives patients an extra 6 months of life, but importantly it offers improved quality of life and fewer side-effects compared to other treatments.

More than 46,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in England each year, with the disease responsible for over 9,000 deaths annually.

It's estimated that over 1,000 women each year with advanced HER2-positive breast cancer will now have routine access to Kadcyla.

The full price for a course of treatment with the drug is around 90,000 per patient. But the terms of the agreement reached between NHS England and Roche are not being disclosed.

NICE last reviewed Kadcycla in 2015, deeming it too expensive for routine funding, though it has been available via the Cancer Drugs Fund (CDF) since 2013. When the CDF was redesigned in 2016, all the treatments available through it have been subject to review to see whether they should be funded routinely on the NHS.

Today's announcement means that Kadcyla will be permanently funded in England, removing uncertainty for patients and giving doctors a further treatment option.

The drug was approved for use in Scotland earlier this year. The NHS in Wales and Northern Ireland usually follow NICE decisions.

NHS England chief executive Simon Stevens said that the decision between the NHS and Roche required tough negotiation and flexibility, but he believes it offers a good deal for both patients and taxpayers.

While this will be seen as a positive decision, the way new drugs are made available on the NHS is a widely debated topic.

Patients, clinicians and charities remain concerned about the introduction of a potential 20 million a year cap on drug price by NHS England and NICE, which could cause delay of life extending drugs reaching patients.
Credit: Human Brain Project

Life is full of emotional highs and lows, ranging from enjoying an activity with a loved one and savoring a delicious meal to feeling hurt by a negative interaction with a co-worker or that recent scuffle with a family member. But when we let emotions from one event carry on to the next, such spillover can color our impressions and behavior in those new situations - sometimes for the worse.

Researchers at the Center for Healthy Minds at the University of Wisconsin-Madison are discovering what happens in the brain when such emotional spillover occurs and, for the first time, are able to pinpoint areas directly responsible. Their findings are published in Psychological Science, a journal of the Association for Psychological Science.

Using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), a technique that produces a magnetic field that can temporarily "knock out" or inhibit activity in specific parts of the brain, the team discovered that when the lateral prefrontal area of the brain (a region known for executive function) was inhibited by the stimulation, participants showed more emotional spillover. In the experiment, they measured this by collecting people's ratings and first impressions of neutral faces they saw immediately after faces that were smiling (prompting positive emotions) or fearful (prompting negative emotions).

The findings, supported by a grant from the National Institute of Mental Health, are part of larger efforts to understand the complexity of the brain and what types of mental training or activities can best improve emotional reactions known to promote higher levels of well-being. TMS therapy is approved for depression by the FDA, and this work may shed light on why stimulating parts of the prefrontal cortex is successful in improving the ability to regulate negative emotions.

"It was interesting because participants saw the emotional faces very briefly," says Regina Lapate, Center for Healthy Minds collaborator and current postdoctoral researcher at the University of California, Berkeley, who led the work. "And when asked afterward, they didn't think that they had been influenced by it in their ratings. Having their prefrontal cortex disrupted generated spillover onto their unrelated events that followed. Emotional spillover can happen without us being aware of it."

The team discovered that when the lateral prefrontal cortex was intact (when the brain was not inhibited by TMS), the person did not show spillover when viewing subsequent neutral faces. And when the opposite occurred - when the lateral prefrontal cortex was inhibited by TMS, emotional spillover occurred more frequently and with greater intensity. Three days later outside of the laboratory, participants still showed that emotional bias when asked to rate the same neutral faces, suggesting that the negative emotional spillover they first showed in the laboratory produced long-lasting, biased first impressions.

"If your first impression of someone is formed when you're experiencing emotional spillover from a previous context, that negative impression may stick," Lapate adds.

In addition, research on mindfulness meditation has been suggested to improve emotion regulation and connectivity between the prefrontal cortex and more emotion-centered areas of the brain such as the amygdala. If scientists know that there's a causal relationship between these areas of the brain, they can more accurately tailor interventions to target these areas and improve well-being.

"We are excited about this experiment because it demonstrates the causal role of the prefrontal cortex in regulating emotional behavior," says Richard Davidson, William and James Vilas Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry who worked on the study and directs the Center for Healthy Minds. "It invites the possibility that strategies that promote prefrontal engagement may have beneficial consequences for emotion regulation."

Next on Lapate's agenda is to test whether the reverse works - can TMS stimulation that increases neural firing in the prefrontal cortex lead to a decrease in negative emotional spillover? At the University of California, Berkeley, she'll continue exploring that question as well as how the lateral prefrontal cortex as a whole changes the neural coding for positive and negative information.

Meanwhile, the team at UW-Madison will further examine how contemplative practices may change emotional spillover and target these areas as measured by neural activity recorded in a brain scanner.

More information: Regina C. Lapate et al. Inhibition of Lateral Prefrontal Cortex Produces Emotionally Biased First Impressions: A Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Electroencephalography Study, Psychological Science (2017). Journal information: Psychological Science Regina C. Lapate et al. Inhibition of Lateral Prefrontal Cortex Produces Emotionally Biased First Impressions: A Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Electroencephalography Study,(2017). DOI: 10.1177/0956797617699837
This photo shows the headquarters of Oregon's Driver and Motor Vehicles Division on Thursday, June 15, 2017, in Salem, Ore. In a move hailed by LGBT rights groups, Oregon became the first state in the U. on Thursday to allow residents to mark their gender as "not specified" on applications for driver's licenses, learner's permits and identity cards. (AP Photo/Andrew Selsky)

In a move hailed by LGBT rights groups, Oregon became the first state in the US on Thursday to allow residents to mark their gender as "not specified" on applications for driver's licenses, learner's permits and identity cards.

Under the new rule approved by the Oregon Transportation Commission, Oregonians who select the new option will have an X appear instead of M or F on those cards. The rule, which takes effect on July 3, is a first for the U.S., David House, spokesman for Oregon's Driver and Motor Vehicles Division, or DMV, told The Associated Press.

"It's fitting that this is before us during Pride Week in Oregon and Pride Month around the country," said Commissioner Sean O'Hollaren. "It's something that we should do because it's the right thing to do."

The DMV said the new rule, which the commission passed unanimously, came about after a Multnomah County judge in June 2016 allowed Jamie Shupe, a Portland resident, to legally change to "non-binary" gender.

"There's a little more truth and justice in the world today," said Hayley Gorenberg, deputy legal director of Lambda Legal, the oldest and largest national legal organization that advocates for the civil rights of lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgender people.

Gorenberg said in a statement that when appearances don't appear to match gender markers on ID cards, people "endure insults and psychological trauma that could largely be averted if they had an option to use a gender marker that does not contradict who they are."

Lambda Legal said that nationally, people have been harassed and even assaulted after presenting IDs to police, hospital workers, employers, airport staff, bank tellers and others that don't match their gender identity or expression.

DMV Administrator Tom McClellan choked up as he read letters of support to the commission, including from someone who encountered an embarrassing situation while going through a body scanner at an airport, and the security officer didn't know whether to push the blue button for a male passenger or a pink one for a female one.

House said Oregon is the first state or jurisdiction in the U.S. to create this option, but is not the first on the continent, and that the Canadian province of Ontario implemented the X option earlier this year.

"It's exciting to see Oregon's Department of Motor Vehicles adopt this change. We know gender is a spectrum and some people don't identify as male or female," said Nancy Haque, co-executive director of Basic Rights Oregon, the state's largest nonprofit LGBTQ advocacy group.

The group said other cultures and other countries that recognize non-binary genders include India, Bangladesh, Australia, New Zealand and Nepal.

In California, the state Senate by a 26-12 vote passed a bill on May 31 to add a third gender option on state IDs, sending it to the state Assembly. The California Family Council, a conservative Christian group, opposes it, arguing that "government documents need to reflect biological facts for identification."

The DMV said it studied state laws, updated computer systems, worked with law enforcement and courts and changed administrative rules to implement the change and comply with the Multnomah Court's order. Judge Amy Holmes Hen ruled that "The sex of Jamie Shupe is hereby changed from female to non-binary."

Shupe was quoted last year by The Oregonian/OregonLive as saying: "I was assigned male at birth due to biology ... My gender identity is definitely feminine. My gender identity has never been male, but I feel like I have to own up to my male biology. Being non-binary allows me to do that. I'm a mixture of both. I consider myself as a third sex."

 2017 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Disabled people need housing that is safe, warm and easily maintained, with good access to transport and health services, but large numbers of New Zealand's disabled population are living in the most deprived areas, in rental housing where it is damp and cold.

The close relationship between housing and health has been well documented in New Zealand, but is of particular concern for the elderly and disabled, which is the focus of a new paper in the New Zealand Medical Journal written by my colleague Jacqueline McIntosh and myself.

The 2013 Disability Survey identified that almost 24 percent of New Zealanders have a disability. Disability increases with age and in the survey nearly 60 percent of people aged over 65 were disabled.

Projections created using the latest census data show that the disability rate is set to rise over the next 20 years. The big increases are projected to fall into two main clusters: the 1539 years age group and most significantly the 65 and over age group, which is projected to double, with significant increases in the number of people aged over 85.

The 2013 Disability Survey indicated that 43 percent of disabled Maori and 49 percent of disabled Pacific Islanders live in the most deprived areas of New Zealand, compared with 17 percent of disabled European/Other and 18 percent of disabled Asian people. A similar pattern emerges in the location of the non-disabled population.

The survey included questions about house dampness and warmth. The results show that 33 percent of disabled Maori find their house damp, compared with 23 percent of Pacific Islanders, 21 percent of Asian people and 14 percent of European/Other. In all ethnic groups and in all age groups, higher percentages of the disabled population are occupying houses they find difficult to keep warm compared with the non-disabled population.

Home ownership is decreasing and rental housing in general would appear to be in worse condition overall than owner-occupied housing. The 2014 New Zealand General Social Survey showed that people living in rented housing were more likely to have a problem with dampness or mould (12 percent) than people living in housing that was owner-occupied (3 percent). Similarly, 35 percent of people in rented housing indicated their house was always or often colder than they would like, compared with only 15 percent of people in their own houses.

The elderly and disabled who are wealthy will always be able to live in housing that is both warm and dry. But, as home ownership decreases, and a potentially less wealthy older generation emerges, the challenge will be to provide those who are poor with housing that improves their health outcomes rather than causing them to deteriorate.

The 2013 Disability Survey found Maori and Pacific Island groups had higher-than-average disability rates. In general, Maori and Pacific Island households are larger than standard New Zealand houses can accommodate. Historically, New Zealand has neglected the needs of these groups in the design and supply of social housing, catering mainly for the nuclear family of two parents and two children. But the growth of non-European populations is likely to mean more multigenerational families living together, so provisions should be made to facilitate this and avoid overcrowding.

There is also a shortage of quality rental housing suitable for the elderly and disabled population who require small, affordable and accessible units.

It is considered unlikely the market will address either shortfall.

With the current housing stock requiring significant modification and upgrading to successfully accommodate the elderly and disabled, the future is bleak. For quality rental housing to be truly affordable for the elderly and disabled poor, there needs to be a subsidy. One of the key questions is who will provide that subsidy?

New Zealand's poorest and most vulnerable are living in the worst conditions and this demands research that specifically quantifies the physical and psychological effects of low-quality housing on the elderly and disabled, in order to direct policy to address current and prevent future health impacts.
A study by Wits scientists and peers has revealed that South Africa has the highest prevalence of hypertension in southern Africa.

South Africa also has the largest number of people whose blood pressure is still not controlled, even whilst on treatment.

These were among the findings of a pape titled "Stark Regional and Sex Differences in the Prevalence and Awareness of Hypertension: An H3Africa AWI-Gen Study Across 6 Sites in Sub-Saharan Africa" published in Global Heart today.

Hypertension is abnormally high blood pressure. It is a condition in which the force of the blood against the artery walls is too high. This causes the heart to work harder than normal, which is dangerous.

Professor Michele Ramsay of the Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience at Wits and Dr Osman Sankoh from the International Network for the Demographic Evaluation of Populations and Their Health (INDEPTH) published the ground-breaking study, which reports on the prevalence of hypertension in approximately 10,000 older people at six sites across sub-Saharan Africa. The study also assessed awareness and control of blood pressure.

Dr Stuart A. Ali, Project Manager and Researcher at the Institute, says: "This knowledge provides a platform from which we can explore the environmental and genetic contributions to cardiovascular disease in Africa."

This was a first-of-its-kind cross-sectional study and it revealed astounding results  there were stark differences in the prevalence, awareness, and control of high blood pressure in the cohort studied. Prevalence of hypertension ranges from:

Prevalence of hypertension ranges from:

15 percent in the west of southern Africa

25 percent in the east of southern Africa

between 42 percent and 54 percent in South Africa

Pooled analysis also showed some gender differences. For men, only 40 percent were aware of their hypertension condition. Of those who knew and were being treated, only 39 percent had controlled blood pressure. For women, the picture was better with 54 percent being aware of their hypertension condition, and of those undergoing treatment, 51 percent had controlled blood pressure.

South Africa has the highest prevalence of hypertension and also the largest number of people whose blood pressure is still not controlled, even whilst being on treatment

Cardiovascular diseases, particularly hypertension, are considered diseases of the aging population. Increased life expectancy from access to antiretroviral treatment to those with HIV is expected to increase the incidence of hypertension. Consequently, non-communicable diseases, including hypertension, need to be prioritized and managed to reduce the public health burden and avert a new epidemic in Africa.

This research supports the need for regionally tailored interventions. For example, whilst the east of Africa shows lower levels of hypertension, possibly due to being in the early phases of an epidemiological and health transition, levels of awareness and control are also low.

"Further detailed research is necessary if we are to stop the ticking time bomb of hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases," says Ali.

More research is needed to establish systems in health facilities that will increase the proportion of patients with controlled blood pressure. Improved treatment quality and increased adherence to anti-hypertensive treatment will facilitate management of this potential epidemic.

More information: F. Xavier Gomez-Olive et al. Stark Regional and Sex Differences in the Prevalence and Awareness of Hypertension, Global Heart (2017). Journal information: Global Heart F. Xavier Gomez-Olive et al. Stark Regional and Sex Differences in the Prevalence and Awareness of Hypertension,(2017). DOI: 10.1016/j.gheart.2017.01.007
"Money can't buy happiness," the popular proverb states, but the way people feel about their financial situation and how they behave regarding their money can have profound effects on health and well-being, says new USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology Assistant Professor Reginald Tucker-Seeley.

His current research focuses on financial well-being across the cancer continuum, from prevention to end-of-life care. In this work, he goes beyond capturing socioeconomic circumstances using traditional measures of socioeconomic status, such as income and education, and attempts to discern how an individual's financial situation affects their physical and mental health and behaviors.

"Financial well-being describes how socioeconomic status is actually lived," said Tucker-Seeley, who most recently was an assistant professor of social and behavioral sciences at Harvard University before arriving at USC in May. "For instance, you and I could report the same income on a survey, but we may live that income very differently. Measures of financial well-being attempt to drill down into that lived experience."

Financial well-being

Tucker-Seeley described the three main domains in his model for measuring financial well-being: material, or the resources one has; psychosocial, or how one feels about those resources; and behavioral, or how an individual uses those resources. The multifaceted concept has already shown its potential to provide deeper insights for intervention and policy development, he added.

"Even after we control for traditional measures of socioeconomic status like income and education in our statistical models, we still see a significant association over and above the traditional measures of socioeconomic status. That's telling us that indicators of financial well-being are robust correlates of health," he said. "Measures of financial well-being help us better clarify socioeconomic intervention targets. We can be more precise about the area we're defining, measuring and intervening."

Another possible advantage: Study participants may be more likely to answer financial well-being questions than traditional income questions, Tucker-Seeley added.

"People may not tell you how much they make, but surprisingly we have found that they will tell you if they're having problems paying their bills, if they are worried about their financial situation or if they are satisfied with their current financial resources," he said.

Finding his academic calling

After receiving his bachelor's degree in accounting from the University of Tulsa in Oklahoma, Tucker-Seeley's career began in the finance department of a managed health care company in St. Louis and then as an internal auditor at Saint Louis University. However, an undergraduate study-abroad experience at London's Richmond College sparked an interest in the social sciences that stuck with him, and he began pursuing a master's degree in counseling and family therapy part-time while working at Saint Louis University.

Eventually, he returned to being a full-time student, but during his clinical internship at the Washington University Student Health and Counseling Service, he realized that being a practicing therapist also wasn't his calling. Luckily, around that time he happened to read an article on the bio-psycho-social approach to health written by a professor in the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences at Harvard's T.H. Chan School of Public Health. The article helped Tucker-Seeley realize that he wanted to conduct research on the social factors that influence health outcomes.

"I was conducting research for my thesis and really loved the research process; I actually minored in research methodology while at Saint Louis University," he said. "Additional reading on the bio-psycho-social approach to health provided the language for what I was interested in and introduced me to the phrase 'social determinants of health.' I remember reading those papers thinking, 'I have to study the social determinants of health.'"

He did just that. Pursuing what has turned out to be his true calling, Tucker-Seeley completed both a master's degree and doctorate at the Harvard School of Public Health. After that, he completed a postdoctoral fellowship in cancer prevention and control at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard School of Public Health. He later received a joint appointment at both institutions as assistant professor of social and behavioral sciences.

"If you look back at my journey, it may look a bit plannedthe fact that I'm interested in financial issues and well-being and psychosocial issues, and I have a background in accounting and mental healthbut at the time, it was not a planned journey," Tucker-Seeley said.

Real-world impacts via policy work and teaching

In addition to continuing his work on financial well-being at USC, Tucker-Seeley will also have the opportunity to apply his knowledge in the federal policymaking environment as one of the 2017-18 Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health Policy Fellows. Beginning in September, he will spend four months taking part in a health policy "boot camp" to learn about the federal health policymaking process and then spend another eight months working with a congressional or executive office and providing expertise on health policy issues. He will then return to USC for the second year of the fellowship to complete a related research project.

"Learning how federal health policy gets made was an incredibly attractive part of this fellowship," Tucker-Seeley said. "Since I'm interested in how health policy affects different racial/ethnic and socioeconomic groups, I'm especially looking forward to seeing how policies addressing health disparities are created."

Tucker-Seeley is also looking forward to teaching at USC Davis. Inspired by his service on the Commission for Health Advocacy and Equity in Rhode Island, he created a course called "Measuring and Reporting Health Disparities" at the Harvard School of Public Health. The now 3-year-old case-based learning course takes students through the process of developing health disparities reports for a state or large city.

While working with the commission, he learned about state health policy and the necessary intersectoral collaborations necessary to address health disparities, he said.

"Learning to translate research on the social determinants of health for policy efforts to reduce disparities are critical skills for our students, so I developed the course to give students an opportunity to learn and practice those skills. I love teaching it and I'm excited to bring the course to USC and engage with students on health disparities across the life course."
CHARLESTON -- A Coles County jury deliberated just more than a half-hour before convicting a man of having marijuana he planned to sell.

The jury reached its verdict after hearing evidence that the defendant, Reginald X. Burpo, had marijuana in his vehicle and later admitted to police that he was selling the drug.

Burpo, 26, for whom court records list an address of 1812 12th St. Apt. B, Charleston, was charged with possession of a cannabis with intent to deliver after his arrest for allegedly planning to sell marijuana on March 6.

According to records in the case, officers with the East Central Illinois Task Force drug investigation unit and Mattoon police located and stopped Burpo's vehicle because of a warrant from an earlier case.

The search that followed led to the discovery of just more than four ounces of marijuana and several hundred dollars in cash, which Burpo later admitted were both for drug sales, the records say.

The jury's verdict came at the end of two-day trial during which Burpo represented himself and didn't present any evidence.

Instead, his contention was that he didn't do anything illegal, claiming state law against having marijuana conflicted with federal laws.

Circuit Judge Brien O'Brien granted prosecution objections to Burpo's proposed jury instructions based on that argument, however.

O'Brien denied a prosecution request to revoke Burpo's bond and allowed him to remain free on bond until sentencing. The judge scheduled a sentencing hearing for July 26.

The charge of which Burpo was found guilty is a felony offense based on the allegation of plans to sell at least an ounce of marijuana. The conviction can bring a prison sentence of two to five years or up to 2 1/2 years of probation.

Coles County Assistant State's Attorneys Joy Wolf and Daniel Guido prosecuted the case.

Another case charging Burpo with possession of cannabis with intent to deliver remains pending. In that case, he's accused of having marijuana he planned to sell on Dec. 17 and Jan. 11.
Killer T cells surround a cancer cell. Credit: NIH

"How long do I have, doctor?" For many cancer patients, following the initial shock of their diagnosis, thoughts quickly turn to estimating how much precious time they have left with family and friends or whether certain treatments could prolong their life.

While current methods of estimating mortality can be crude, patients with bowel cancer could soon more accurately predict their chances of survival, thanks to a new web calculator 'QCancer Colorectal Survival' developed by academics at the University of Nottingham and medical software company ClinRisk Ltd.

The new tool, which can be accessed by doctors and patients alike, is intended to help people make more informed decisions around treatment and manage expectations following diagnosis.

Research to test the accuracy of the new calculator, published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ), has shown that the tool can reliably predict both absolute survival rates for men and women with colorectal cancer.

The calculator also allows patients to update their mortality risk based on how long they have survived following a diagnosis of cancer.

The tool was developed by Professors Julia Hippisley-Cox and Carol Coupland in the University's School of Medicine using the QResearch database, which gathers patient data from approximately 1500 general practices across England through the Egton Medical Information Systems (EMIS) clinical computer system.

Professor Hippisley-Cox said: "Current methods of estimating survival tend to be unreliable and sometimes patients can be given a fairly misleading and unnecessarily gloomy prognosis based only on the grade and stage of their cancer, only to find that in reality they live much longer than these crude predictions when other information is taken into account.

"The good news is that this new calculator which doctors and patients can access will offer a far more realistic estimate. We understand that not everyone will want to do this, of course, but some patients are very keen on this approach so it's an individual choice."

Current methods of predicting survival are based on simple averages based only on age or the grade and stage of the cancer in the wider population.

The new tool looks at a range of additional risk factors including the patient's, smoking history, body mass index, family history, other illnesses and treatments such as aspirin or statins as well as other information including whether they have had surgery or treatments such as chemotherapy to deliver a far more personalised prognosis.

The team used information from more than 44,000 patients from 947 practices to develop separate equations for men and women aged between 15 and 99 years old when diagnosed with bowel cancer.

They then tested the equations by using them retrospectively to predict the outcome at one year, five years and 10 years after diagnosis for 15,214 bowel cancer patients from 305 different GP practices and 437,821 colorectal cancer patients from the national cancer registry.

The results indicated that the team has devised strong models for the prediction of cancer survival outcomes. They were also able to provide conditional survival estimates which show how mortality risks change over time, which are particularly important among patients where the initial prognosis is poor due to late stage disease.

For example, a 38-year-old woman with stage 4 advanced bowel cancer might decide to estimate her survival with or without surgery and chemotherapy to help assess the potential value of the treatment.

Using the web calculator, she could see that her chance of surviving for five-years without any treatment would be just 6 per cent; with surgery that would increase to 23 per cent and with both treatments it would be 45 per cent.

This compares with the published five-year survival of 66 per cent based solely on her age or the eight per cent chance based solely on her cancer stage.

Assuming she has both treatments and survives for a year following her diagnosis, her five-year conditional survival would increase to 57 per cent.
US intends to protect Azerbaijan from threats of Iran

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pv magazine, which specializes in news about solar energy, published an article noting that the Republic of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh Republic/NKR) plans to explore its potential of solar power.

The government of the disputed region in South Caucasus, which is officially known as the Republic of Artsakh, announced it will conduct a study to assess its solar potential, the article reads, in particular.

The writer of this article noted that this study was requested by NKR Prime Minister Arayik Haroutyunyan.

According to the article, the government of Armenian also supports the photovoltaic (PV) projects in Artsakh.

Armenias Ministry of Energy Infrastructures and Natural Resources has also published a call for tenders for a 55 MW solar power project in May.
CHARLESTON -- Earlier convictions for driving under the influence of alcohol meant prison time was required for a man most recently accused of driving while intoxicated last month.

William G. Orr, 52, for whom court records list an address of 2321 Champaign Ave., Mattoon pleaded guilty to a charge of aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol in connection with a traffic stop on May 8.

With the agreement reached in his case, Orr received the minimum sentence possible, three years in prison.

In addition to requiring prison time, his earlier convictions also meant he faced up to 14 years in prison, twice the normal maximum sentence for the offense.

The charge to which Orr pleaded guilty accused him of driving with a blood alcohol content of 0.213 percent, or more than 2 1/2 times the minimum legally needed for a DUI conviction.

The latest offense took place about seven months after he received a probation sentence for a guilty plea to a felony charge of driving while license revoked. Orr was unsuccessfully discharged from that sentence, based on his latest conviction.

Coles County Circuit Judge Brien O'Brien also ordered Orr to pay about $1,500 in fines and court fees. The judge based the sentence on a plea agreement that Assistant State's Attorney Tom Bucher and Public Defender Anthony Ortega recommended.

In other cases in court recently, O'Brien also accepted guilty pleas from:

Constance D. Eaton, 34, for whom records list addresses of 750 Eighth St., Charleston, and in Greenville, to a charge of possession of a controlled substance alleging she had a prescription painkiller on Aug. 5.

Eaton was sentenced to 2 1/2 years of probation, the maximum probation term for the conviction that also could have resulted in a one- to six-year prison term.

Probation terms included an evaluation for substance abuse treatment and payment of about $1,600 in fines and court fees. Jail time was stayed, which means Eaton won't have to serve it unless she violates her other probation requirements.

O'Brien accepted a plea agreement that Assistant State's Attorney Joy Wolf and Ortega recommended.

Sheri L. Conlin, 21, whose address on record is 1004 Shelby Ave., Mattoon, to a charge of possession of a controlled substance alleging she had morphine on April 5.

Conlin was sentenced to two years of first offender probation, which will result in no record of a conviction if she completes it successfully.

Probation terms included a substance abuse treatment evaluation, about $1,600 in fines and fees and stayed jail time. Wolf and Assistant Public Defender Jesse Danley recommended the plea agreement.
YEREVAN.  A trial was held Friday into the case of extraditing Armenian citizen Hrachya Harutyunyan, who is serving a prison sentence in Russia, to Armenia.

No information has yet been obtained in connection with the dates for his transfer, the Ministry of Justice of Armenia informed Armenian News-NEWS.am.

The impediment of the financial commitments, with respect to Harutyunyans being handing over to Armenia, already has been eliminated.

Not carrying out the financial compensation requirement, which was made to him, was an obstacle before the extradition of this Armenian prisoner.

The truck, which Hrachya Harutyunyan was driving, crashed into a passenger bus in July 2013, in Moscow Oblast (province), Russia. The accident claimed 18 lives. The Armenian driver was sentenced to 6 years and 9 months in prison.
YEREVAN.  The Prime Minister of Armenia, Karen Karapetyan, on Friday received, the chairman of the Management Committee of Russian natural gas company Gazprom, Alexey Miller.

The PM lauded the cooperation with Gazprom and the ongoing programsby way of Gazprom Armeniatoward the development of the natural gas energy sector of Armenia, the press office of the government informed Armenian News-NEWS.am.

Stressing that Gazprom is a reliable partner of Armenia, Miller, in turn, noted that gas supply to the country has recorded a comparative growth so far in 2017. Furthermore, he assured that Gazprom will continue to fulfill all the tasks that are set before the company.

Subsequently, the interlocutors discussed the course of cooperation, investment projects, prospects for expansion, and activities of Gazprom company.

Also, they reaffirmed their commitment to further develop the partnership.
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan remains one of the worlds most intractable and long-standing territorial and ethnic disputes, the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe or the U.S. Helsinki Commission said in a report on Karabakh.

The fragile no-peace, no-war situation in the Karabakh conflict poses a serious threat to stability in the South Caucasus region and beyond, the report says.

Although the Nagorno-Karabakh dispute is often branded as a frozen conflict, it remains prone to rapid escalation, as demonstrated by the tragic Four Day War of April 2016. The flare-up in violence along one of the most militarized areas in the post-Soviet space took the international community by surprise and underscored the reality that the tense status quo is not sustainable, the documents reads.

The renewed hostilities initially appeared to reinvigorate the peace process. Baku and Yerevan agreed to a Minsk Group proposal to establish an OSCE investigative mechanism for incidents along the line of contact, more than double the small number (currently six) of OSCE field observers, and exchange information about missing persons. However, reports suggest the terms of these agreements remain largely unimplemented, apparently due to differing perspectives by the sides on sequencing of the de-escalator steps relative to a larger diplomatic process, and whether implementation of the steps suggests a hardening of the status quo, the Helsinki Commission says.

According to the authors of the report, OSCE should continue to pursue confidence-building and risk reduction measures and early warning mechanisms to encourage transparency and predictability, while stemming further outbreaks of violence and aiming to reduce their severity if and when they do break out.

Analysts differ in proposing inside-out versus outside-in approaches to resolving the conflict, with the former placing the onus on the Armenian and Azerbaijani leaders to drive toward a settlement and the latter on international actors. Few assess that Armenia and Azerbaijans political leaders can break out of the cycle of harsh recriminations in the near term, however. The leaders domestic political vulnerabilities make such change even more difficult as the conflict has become a rhetorical tool capable of inflaming popular sentiments as a distraction from other challenges facing their societies, the report continues.

Clearly, among external actors, Moscow plays a singular role in any long-term and definitive resolution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. While U.S. officials publicly report that Moscow generally works cooperatively with its co-chair partners in the Minsk Group, it remains unclear the extent to which Moscow views the uneasy status quo as serving its own geopolitical interests. Turkeys role will also be extremely important in any settlement, given its close relations with Azerbaijan and potential economic significance to Armenia, the Helsinki Commission notes.

Ultimately, the essential element to achieving a definitive resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict will be finding the political will both at the level of the parties to the conflict, as well as those external actors with significant influence and interests in the regionto take steps in that direction, while minimizing the risk of further violence in the interim, the report concludes.
The delegations of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and Iran have concluded the work on the text of the temporary agreement leading to the creation of a free trade zone. The subsequent round of talks will be held from June 13 to 14 in Tehran, Iran.

Pursuant to the temporary agreement, the sides will observe the basic principles of the WTO, ensuring the most favored nation regime and the national regime in regard to all the goods within the framework of the trade between the EAEU and Iran.

The agreed draft agreements prescribes that all the levies connected with the import of goods should not exceed the cost of the services provided for customs clearance.

These levies cannot be an indirect protection for national products or means for imposing additional taxes on the import or export. This requirement is one of the most important ones in the WO law, ensuring the predictability of the trade regime between the countries.

The EAEU and Iran will soon continue the talks on liberalizing the mutual access to the market of goods, while the tariff obligations still need to be agreed on.

It is supposed that within the framework of the temporary agreement, the import duties will be lowered to the maximum amount of goods, up to 200 commodity positions from both sides. If the EAEU countries and Iran consider the preferential trade effective, switch to the full-format free trade zone may be possible in the future. The temporary agreement will be signed for three years.

According to Member of the Board, Minister for Trade of the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC), Veronika Nikishina, the fact that Iran, which is a NATO member state, has taken up the obligation to observe the trade regime on the level of the demands of that Organization, is unprecedented.

It is especially valuable that in the event of a successful conclusion of the negotiation process and entry into force of the temporary agreement, Iran will apply the obligations for that regime in respect of the entire bilateral trade and not only of the goods, for which preferential tariffs will be agreed. All the countries of the Union already work according to the WTO rules, that is why that was a unilateral concession from the side of the Iranian colleagues, this demonstrating their interest in the liberalization of our trade regime, Nikishina noted.
AIHF Welcomed New Board at AIHce Expo 2017

The American Industrial Hygiene Foundation officially welcomed the board during the conference in Seattle.

The American Industrial Hygiene Foundation (AIHF) announced in a release that it has welcomed its new Board of Trustees at last week's AIHce conference and expo in Seattle. The foundation recently awarded a total of $131,800 in scholarships to 51 industrial hygiene students, according to the report.

The board now includes President Deborah I. Nelson, Ph.D., CIH; President-Elect Cynthia A. Ostrowski, CIH; and Vice President Kathleen S. Murphy, CIH.

During the conference, the board hosted the 31st Annual FunRun, in which more than 250 professionals and family members participated. The proceeds of the run go to future scholarship recipients.

"The board is happy to announce that after receiving fourteen FunRun sponsorships, revenue is ahead by 45 percent over 2016 and we are committed to keeping up this momentum," said Nelson. "AIHF's mission is to enable talented students to complete their educations in industrial hygiene and related disciplines. They are the future of protecting worker health."
ASSE Launching Global Instructor Program Next Week

"Our program involves a rigorous process to attract and retain the best safety instructors," explained ASSE President Tom Cecich, CSP, CIH. "We want to ensure a high-quality learning experience that safety professionals find beneficial."

The American Society of Safety Engineers is launching a new Global Instructor Program next week at the Safety 2017 conference in Denver. Saying safety and health professionals worldwide face changing demands and expanding roles that require continuing education and skills updates, the society will be authorizing its first group of global instructors there.

More than 20 ASSE members who already underwent specific training in Kuwait or Dubai last year, when ASSE began to build the program, will be accepted into the new instructor network on June 20 at a kickoff meeting at the Hyatt Regency Denver. They are experienced instructors who are qualified to teach courses in ASSE's Risk Assessment and Global Safety Management certificate programs in what ASSE calls the key markets of India, Nigeria, and the Middle East.

"This is not only a significant development for ASSE, but also for the occupational safety and health profession worldwide," said ASSE President Tom Cecich, CSP, CIH. "Industry professionals deserve opportunities to advance their safety careers through continuing education. We have been offering extensive training and professional development programs in the United States, and now we're taking some of that abroad."

Each member of this initial group of global instructors has more than 10 years of teaching experience in the safety and health field; they will be under contract for one year with a three-year extension possible after an annual review. "Our program involves a rigorous process to attract and retain the best safety instructors," Cecich explained. "We want to ensure a high-quality learning experience that safety professionals find beneficial."

The group's members are expected to teach their first courses by the end of 2017.
CHARLESTON -- Local state legislators gave an update on the ongoing state budget impasse on Thursday as they prepared to return to Springfield next week for a series of special sessions called by Gov. Bruce Rauner.

State Sen. Dale Righter, R-Mattoon, and State Rep. Reggie Phillips, R-Charleston, gave this update during a lunch hosted by the Charleston Area Chamber of Commerce Diplomats at the Unique Suites Hotel.

Both Righter and Phillips noted that the governor has called back legislators for a series of special sessions starting on Wednesday, as the current fiscal year reaches its June 30 conclusion. Without a resolution to the impasse, the state would enter its third fiscal year without a permanent budget in place.

Righter said he drove to Chicago on Wednesday to help present a Republican balanced budget proposal, which includes a four-year property tax freeze and pension and workforce compensation reforms. He said this proposal would cap state budget outlays at $36 billion, with some exceptions, and keep it there for four years.

Phillips said some Republican legislators want to cap outlays at $32 billion. However, he said this level would only be possible by making large social service cuts that are politically unfeasible with Democrats controlling both the House and Senate. He said the state is already expending well more than $36 billion per year now.

Still, Righter said the Republican proposal calls for roughly 5 percent across-the-board cuts to most state agencies and statewide offices. He said higher education would take a 10 percent funding reduction under this proposal, but there would be $250 million in new money for K-12 education.

"We can live with that 10 percent cut for Eastern Illinois University," Phillips said, adding that this cut is less than some proposed in the past and would still yield an estimated $36.7 million in state revenue for the university.

Phillips said an income tax increase, possibly by 4.95 percent, will likely be needed to win Democrat support for a budget proposal. Righter added that Democrats have indicated their support for a permanent income tax increase, but the Republican proposal calls for a four-year limit on this increase.

Righter said Senate Democrats presented a budget proposal of their own on May 23, but he said this proposal is not balanced. He said passing an unbalanced budget will add to the state's growing backlog of more than $14 billion in unpaid bills.

Adopting the Republicans' proposed compromise budget is better than the alternatives, Righter said. He said the state does not have the cash flow in place for another stopgap budget and cannot continue indefinitely without a permanent budget in place.

"If nothing happens, then there is no money going out. Schools, university, community colleges, nothing, not a dime," Righter said.
Open Water Powers battery that "drinks" in sea water to operate is safer and cheaper, and provides a tenfold increase in range, over traditional lithium-ion batteries used for unpiloted underwater vehicles. The power system consists of an alloyed aluminum anode, an alloyed cathode, and an alkaline electrolyte positioned between the electrodes. Components are only activated when flooded with water. Once the aluminum anode corrodes, it can be replaced at low cost. Credit: Open Water Power

The long range of airborne drones helps them perform critical tasks in the skies. Now MIT spinout Open Water Power (OWP) aims to greatly improve the range of unpiloted underwater vehicles (UUVs), helping them better perform in a range of applications under the sea.

Recently acquired by major tech firm L3 Technologies, OWP has developed a novel aluminum-water power system that's safer and more durable, and that gives UUVs a tenfold increase in range over traditional lithium-ion batteries used for the same applications.

The power systems could find a wide range of uses, including helping UUVs dive deeper, for longer periods of time, into the ocean's abyss to explore ship wreckages, map the ocean floor, and conduct research. They could also be used for long-range oil prospecting out at sea and various military applications.

With the acquisition, OWP now aims to ramp up development of its power systems, not just for UUVs, but also for various ocean-floor monitoring systems, sonar buoy systems, and other marine-research devices.

OWP is currently working with the U.S. Navy to replace batteries in acoustic sensors designed to detect enemy submarines. This summer, the startup will launch a pilot with Riptide Autonomous Solutions, which will use the UUVs for underwater surveys. Currently, Riptide's UUVs travel roughly 100 nautical miles in one go, but the company hopes OWP can increase that distance to 1,000 nautical miles.

"Everything people want to do underwater should get a lot easier," says co-inventor Ian Salmon McKay '12, SM '13, who co-founded OWP with fellow mechanical engineering graduate Thomas Milnes PhD '13. "We're off to conquer the oceans."

"Drinking" sea water for power

Most UUVs use lithium-based batteries, which have several issues. They're known to catch fire, for one thing, so UUV-sized batteries are generally not shippable by air. Also, their energy density is limited, meaning expensive service ships chaperone UUVs to sea, recharging the batteries as necessary. And the batteries need to be encased in expensive metal pressure vessels. In short, they're rather short-lived and unsafe.

In contrast, OWP's power system is safer, cheaper, and longer-lasting. It consists of a alloyed aluminum, a cathode alloyed with a combination of elements (primarily nickel), and an alkaline electrolyte that's positioned between the electrodes.

When a UUV equipped with the power system is placed in the ocean, sea water is pulled into the battery, and is split at the cathode into hydroxide anions and hydrogen gas. The hydroxide anions interact with the aluminum anode, creating aluminum hydroxide and releasing electrons. Those electrons travel back toward the cathode, donating energy to a circuit along the way to begin the cycle anew. Both the aluminum hydroxide and hydrogen gas are jettisoned as harmless waste.

Components are only activated when flooded with water. Once the aluminum anode corrodes, it can be replaced at low cost.

Think of the power system as type of underwater engine, where water is the oxidizer feeding the chemical reactions, instead of the air used by car engines, McKay says. "Our power system can drink sea water and discard waste products," he says. "But that exhaust is not harmful, compared to exhaust of terrestrial engines."

With the aluminum-based power system, UUVs can launch from shore and don't need service ships, opening up new opportunities and dropping costs. With oil prospecting, for example, UUVs currently used to explore the Gulf of Mexico need to hug the shores, covering only a few pipeline assets. OWP-powered UUVs could cover hundreds of miles and return before needing a new power system, covering all available pipeline assets.

Consider also the Malaysian Airlines crash in 2014, where UUVs were recruited to search areas that were infeasible for equipment on the other vessels, McKay says. "In looking for the debris, a sizeable amount of the power budget for missions like that is used descending to depth and ascending back to the surface, so their working time on the sea floor is very limited," he says. "Our power system will improve on that."

Nailing the design

The OWP technology started as the co-founders' side project, which was modified throughout two MIT classes and a lab. In 2011, McKay joined 2.013/2.014 (Engineering System Design/Development) taught by MIT professor of mechanical engineering Douglas Hart, a seasoned hardware entrepreneur who co-founded Brontes Technologies and Lantos Technologies. Milnes, who was previously a systems engineer at Brontes and co-founded Viztu Technologies, was Hart's teaching assistant.

The class was charged with developing an alternate power source for UUVs. McKay gambled on an energy-dense but challenging element: aluminum. One major challenge with aluminum batteries is that certain chemical issues make it difficult to donate electrons to a circuit. Additionally, the product of the reactions, the aluminum hydroxide, sticks to the electrode's surface, inhibiting further reaction. Continuing the work in 10.625 (Electrochemical Energy Conversion and Storage), taught by materials science Professor Yang Shao-Horn, the W. M. Keck Professor of Energy, McKay was able to overcome the first challenge by making a gallium-rich alloyed aluminum anode that successfully donated electrons, but it corroded very quickly.

Seeing potential in the battery, Milnes joined McKay in further developing the battery as a side project. The two briefly moved operations to the lab of Evelyn Wang, the Gail E. Kendall Professor of Mechanical Engineering. There, they began developing electrolytes and alloys that inhibit parasitic corrosion processes and prevent that aluminum hydroxide layer from forming on the anode.

Setting up shop at Greentown Labs in Somerville, Massachusetts, in 2013where the company still operates with about 10 employeesOWP further refined the power system's design. Today, that power system uses a pump to circulate the electrolyte, scooping up unwanted aluminum hydroxide on the anode and dumping it onto a custom precipitation trap. When saturated, the traps with the waste are ejected and replaced automatically. The electrolyte prevents marine organisms from growing inside the power system.

Now OWP's chief science officer, McKay says the startup owes much of its success to MIT's atmosphere of innovation, where many of his professors readily offered technical and entrepreneurial advice and allowed him to work on extracurricular projects.

"It takes a village," McKay says. "Those classes and that lab are where the idea took shape. People at MIT were doing strong science for science's sake, but everyone was keenly aware of the possibility of bringing technologies to market. People were always having those great 'What if?' conversationsI probably had three to four different startup ideas in various stages of gestation at any given time, and so did all my friends. It was an environment that encouraged the playful exchange of ideas, and encouraged people to take on side projects with real prizes in mind."

This story is republished courtesy of MIT News (web.mit.edu/newsoffice/), a popular site that covers news about MIT research, innovation and teaching.
The potential to harm local birdlife is often used to oppose wind farm development. But research into how birds die shows wind farms should be the least of our concerns. Credit: www.shutterstock.com

People who oppose wind farms often claim wind turbine blades kill large numbers of birds, often referring to them as "bird choppers". And claims of dangers to iconic or rare birds, especially raptors, have attracted a lot of attention.

Wind turbine blades do indeed kill birds and bats, but their contribution to total bird deaths is extremely low, as these three studies show.

A 2009 study using US and European data on bird deaths estimated the number of birds killed per unit of power generated by wind, fossil fuel and nuclear power systems.

It concluded, "Wind farms and nuclear power stations are responsible each for between 0.3 and 0.4 fatalities per gigawatt-hour (GWh) of electricity while fossil-fuelled power stations are responsible for about 5.2 fatalities per GWh."

That's nearly 15 times more. From this, the author estimated that wind farms killed approximately seven thousand birds in the United States in 2006 but nuclear plants killed about 327,000 and fossil-fuelled power plants 14.5 million.

In other words, for every one bird killed by a wind turbine, nuclear and fossil fuel powered plants killed 2,118 birds.

A Spanish study involved daily inspections of the ground around 20 wind farms with 252 turbines from 2005 to 2008. It found 596 dead birds.

The turbines in the sample had been working for different times during the study period (between 11 and 34 months), with the average annual number of fatalities per turbine being just 1.33. The authors noted this was one of the highest collision rates reported in the world research literature.

Raptor collisions accounted for 36% of total bird deaths (214 deaths), most of which were griffon vultures (138 birds, 23% of total mortality). The study area was in the southernmost area of Spain near Gibraltar, which is a migratory zone for birds from Morocco into Spain.

Perhaps the most comprehensive report was published in the journal Avian Conservation and Ecology in 2013 by scientists from Canada's Environment Canada, Wildlife Research Division.

Their report looked at causes of human-related bird deaths for all of Canada, drawing together data from many diverse sources.

The table below shows selected causes of bird death out of an annual total of 186,429,553 estimated deaths caused by human activity.

Mark Duchamp, the president of Save the Eagles International is probably the most prominent person to speak out birth deaths at wind farms. He says, "The average per turbine comes down to 333 to 1,000 deaths annually which is a far cry from the 2-4 birds claimed by the American wind industry or the 400,000 birds a year estimated by the American Bird Conservancy for the whole of the United States, which has about twice as many turbines as Spain."

Such claims from wind farm critics generally allude to massive national conspiracies to cover up the true size of the deaths.

And in Australia?

In Australia in 2006 a proposal for a 52-turbine wind farm plan on Victoria's south-east coast at Bald Hills (now completed) was overruled by the then federal environment minister Ian Campbell.

He cited concerns about the future of the endangered orange-bellied parrot (Neophema chrysogaster), a migratory bird said to be at risk of extinction within 50 years. The Tarwin Valley Coastal Guardians, an anti wind farm group that had been opposing the proposed development.

Interest groups have regularly cited this endangered bird when trying to halt a range of developments.

These include a chemical storage facility and a boating marina. The proposed Westernport marina in Victoria happened to also be near an important wetland. But a professor in biodiversity and sustainability wrote, "The parrot copped the blame, even though it had not been seen there for 25 years."

Victoria's planning minister at the time, Rob Hulls, described the Bald Hills decision as blatantly political, arguing the federal conservative government had been lobbied by fossil fuel interests to curtail renewable energy developments. Hulls said there had been "some historical sightings, and also some potential foraging sites between 10 and 35 kilometres from the Bald Hills wind farm site that may or may not have been used by the orange-bellied parrot."

Perhaps the final word on this topic should go to the British Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. It built a wind turbine at its Bedfordshire headquarters to reduce its carbon emissions (and in doing so, aims to minimise species loss due to climate change). It recognised that wind power is far more beneficial to birds than it is harmful.

This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.
A prototype gamma-ray spectrometer designed and built by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) researchers is shown with a meteorite, part of an asteroid that fell to Earth in 1922. Lab scientists are making test measurements on the largely iron and nickel meteorite because it is composed of material similar to what is expected to be found on an asteroid known as 16 Psyche located in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. LLNL scientists are working with the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory to build a gamma-ray spectrometer for a 2022 NASA Discovery mission to Psyche. The meteorite, which was discovered in Odessa, Texas, is from the University of New Mexico meteorite collection. Credit: Carrie Martin

In a few years, an instrument designed and built by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) researchers will be flying hundreds of millions of miles through space to explore a rare, largely metal asteroid.

The Livermore gamma ray spectrometer will be built in collaboration with researchers from the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory for the first-ever visit to Psyche, the largest metal asteroid in the solar system.

"It's scientifically interesting because it is thought to be a planetary core, a remnant of a collision during the early stages of the development of the solar system," said LLNL physicist Morgan Burks, who heads the Lab team.

"We believe that exploration of the Psyche asteroid could increase our understanding of the hidden cores of Earth, Mars, Mercury and Venus," Burks said.

The principal investigator for the Psyche mission, Lindy Elkins-Tanton of Arizona State University, has noted that the exploration of Psyche will permit scientists to "literally visit a planetary corethe only way humankind ever can." The NASA Discovery mission to Psyche is led by Arizona State University (ASU).

Since Psyche's largely iron and nickel metallic composition resembles Earth's core, the study of the asteroid could help researchers better understand how a planet's layers, such as crusts and cores, separate.

Asteroids are rocky space bodies that orbit around the sun and range in size from tiny dust particles to upward of 600 miles in diameter.

Named for the Greek goddess of the soul, the Psyche asteroid, like most asteroids, resides in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. This asteroid belt is home to more than 1 million other asteroids larger than a half-mile in diameter, along with many smaller ones, according to NASA estimates.

The purpose of the Lab's gamma ray spectrometer on the mission will be to determine the elemental composition of Psyche's surface. Although the asteroid is primarily composed of iron and nickel, other elements of interest include silicon, potassium, sulfur, aluminum, calcium, thorium and uranium.

"Psyche's surface releases a large number of gamma rays that are induced by cosmic ray bombardment," Burks said. "By measuring the energy of the gamma rays with high resolution, it is possible to determine the composition of the planet's surface. Each element gives off a unique gamma ray signature."

Lab scientists will work with collaborators from the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (JHAPL) and together the team will integrate the gamma ray spectrometer with a neutron spectrometer for the space flight.

The new gamma ray spectrometer (GRS), dubbed the GeMini-Plus, will be the second GRS designed and built by LLNL for space exploration within the past 13 years.

In 2004, the Mercury MESSENGER (short for MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry and Ranging) was launched into space with a suite of seven instruments, including an LLNL-developed GRS.

LLNL scientists perform assembly work on a prototype gamma-ray spectrometer that is undergoing tests as part of an effort to design and build an instrument to fly aboard a NASA mission to the 16 Psyche asteroid. Credit: Carrie Martin

The Mercury MESSENGER GRS and other instruments journeyed through the hostile environment of space to the innermost planet in the solar system for about 6  years and more than 4.8 billion miles.

Once there, the spacecraft took measurements for about four years during more than 4,000 orbits in the broiling surroundings, where the sun is 11 times brighter than on Earth and the temperature can reach 400 degrees Celsius (752 degrees Fahrenheit).

To ensure the germanium-based spectrometer operated properly, Lab researchers devised a thermal and mechanical cooling design that allowed the crystal to live at -200 degrees Celsius (-330 degrees Fahrenheit), while rejecting 98 percent of the infrared heat and energy from Mercury.

"The GeMini-Plus for the Psyche mission benefits from years of research and development from the Mercury MESSENGER project and other Lab GRS instruments. In effect, we're leveraging the R&D that we achieved during the MESSENGER preparation and flight," Burks said.

The new GeMini-Plus will be the fourth generation of high-purity, germanium-based gamma ray spectrometers  following the Cryo-3, the Mercury MESSENGER GRS and the original GeMini. The latter instrument has been commercialized by Tennessee-based ORTEC, a subsidiary of AMETEK.

About the size of a loaf of bread, the new GeMini-Plus will be built by LLNL over the next three years. It will be comparable in size and power to MESSENGER GRS.

Burks heads a small team of Lab researchers, including Lena Heffern, a graduate of California State University, Chico, that is currently building and testing the prototype GeMini-Plus instrument. Development of the instrument is set to begin this fall.

The shuttle-bus-sized spacecraft that will journey to Psyche will be built by Space Systems Loral from the Bay Area. It is expected to be launched in 2022 from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida and arrive at the asteroid in 2026. GeMini-Plus will operate for about one year.

The Livermore instrument is one of three key scientific instruments for the Psyche mission, with ASU building a multispectral imager and UCLA delivering a magnetometer to measure the asteroid's magnetic field. The Pasadena-based NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory is responsible for mission design, operations and science planning.

There has long been a synergy for some scientific instruments, such as gamma-ray spectrometers, for applications in outer space exploration and back on Earth for homeland security applications, such as to detect nuclear materials.

"The technologies that we're developing have a wide range of applications on Earth and in space," Burks said. "What we develop for basic research also allows us to do important national security applications. In turn, the national security advances we achieve help us further our basic research."

Officially known as 16 Psyche (the number designates the order in which it was discovered), the asteroid was first found in 1852 by an Italian astronomer. Some 130 miles (or 210 kilometers) in diameter, it is one of the 10 most massive asteroids in the asteroid belt.

The Psyche visit is one of two asteroid missions that NASA announced in January would be funded through its Discovery Program. Under the second mission, another robotic spacecraft, dubbed Lucy, will explore six Jupiter Trojan asteroids that are fossils of planet formation and could supply important clues to the earliest history of the solar system.
Emergency workers search debris that fell at the base of the fire-gutted Grenfell Tower in London, Friday, June 16, 2017, after a fire engulfed the 24-story building Wednesday morning. London firefighters combed through the burned-out public housing tower Thursday in a grim search for missing people as police and the prime minister launched investigations into the deadly inferno, with pressure building on officials to explain the disaster and assure that similar buildings around the country are safe. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)

The devastating fire that struck a high-rise tower in London may have been so powerful that it destroyed much of the DNA evidence needed to identify its victims.

As firefighters keep searching the charred ruins of the Grenfell Tower public housing complex with sniffer dogs and drones, Metropolitan Police commander Stuart Cundy said there was "a risk that, sadly, we may not be able to identify everybody."

Experts said the intensity of Wednesday's fire at the 24-story building will make naming victims extremely difficult, drawing comparisons to the 2001 World Trade Center terror attacks in New York, where 40 percent of the victims were never identified.

"When you have a fire that takes hold like that, that is literally an inferno. You get a lot of fragmentation of bodies, charring of bones and sometimes all that's left is ash," said Peter Vanezis, a professor of forensic medical sciences at Queen Mary University in London.

He said the temperature of the blaze at Grenfell Tower was comparable to a cremation.

"The longer a fire burns, the less chance you have that there will be enough DNA left to test," Vanezis said. Still, he said if people were protected by any surrounding furniture or debris, it's possible there might be some viable DNA.

Vanezis said the best chance to identify victims may be if officials find any remaining bits of teeth or bone, which are usually the last parts of the body to be destroyed. He said sophisticated techniques could be used to amplify the DNA, but noted such tests can only identify a person's family, not the individual.

Vanezis added that medical devices like a pacemaker or any artificial implants could be used to identify people by finding their registration details.

Emergency workers wheel away a body from the fire-gutted Grenfell Tower in London, Friday, June 16, 2017, after a fire engulfed the 24-story building Wednesday morning. London firefighters combed through the burned-out public housing tower Thursday in a grim search for missing people as police and the prime minister launched investigations into the deadly inferno, with pressure building on officials to explain the disaster and assure that similar buildings around the country are safe. (Rick Findler/PA via AP)

Another complicating factor is that much of the DNA material that would normally be used to help pinpoint victimslike toothbrushes or combswere probably also incinerated in the blaze.

"Even if we get some DNA, the question will be, do we have anything to compare it to?" said Denise Syndercombe Court, a forensic science expert at King's College London.

In those cases, Syndercombe Court said experts would need a DNA sample from other family members or need to see if there are any reference samples available elsewhere, like a hospital blood or tissue test.

Syndercombe Court said even tiny fragments of teeth or bone could help, explaining that DNA tests can be run on as few as 10 to 20 cells. She said many identifications would probably be done via dental records, predicting that such samples would be more likely found from people who died of smoke inhalation, rather than those killed by the fire itself.

Syndercombe Court said the testing process would likely take months, as officials scour through remains, search for things like comparison DNA and go through a lengthy verification process.

"People won't want to give up easily," she said, adding that officials would likely also encounter other obstacles, like trying to find people who weren't expected to be at the tower or differentiating between siblings where little DNA remains.

The timing of the fireafter the recent deadly attacks in Manchester and Londonalso doesn't help.

"The capacity of labs to do this kind of testing is limited," Syndercombe Court said. "They're already working on forensic evidence from Manchester and London. This just adds to the backlog."

As of Friday, London police said 30 people have died in the Grenfell blaze. Britain's Press Association has reported that some 70 people are still missing after the fire, based on a compilation of verified reports.

 2017 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
In the last decade, 7 million hectares of boreal forest in Eastern Canada have been destroyed by the voracious insect known as the spruce budworm. And the outbreak is heading south again this spring, leaving devastation and fires in its wake.

Take a walk in the boreal forest of Eastern Canada these days, and chances are you'll hear the sound of millions of caterpillars taking a dump. They're the spruce budworm, and they're on the move.

"It's a bit yucky," said Patrick James, a spatial ecologist with a doctorate in forest ecology who's a professor of ecological modeling in the department of biological sciences at Universite de Montreal.

"If you walk in the woods in an area that's being severely defoliated, it sounds like rain," said James, 37, who has a new scientific paper published on the budworm phenomenon. "It's all of their frass, the bug poo, falling through the canopy of the trees."

More than that, it's devastating the economy.

"There's a huge consequence for the forest industry," James said. "The budworm changes the composition of the forest, it denudes the trees and leaves behind huge areas of standing dead and dry timber. Most of those trees don't get harvested, they don't go to the sawmill, profits aren't made."

Budworm outbreaks will cost the industry in New Brunswick alone an estimated $3 billion to $4 billion over the next 30 years, according to a 2012 study by University of New Brunswick researchers. Timber revenue will be lost, so will jobs, and the consequences will amplify as budworm, grown into dime-size moths, head south.

And in their wake comes something else: fire.

In his study, published in February in the U.S. journal Ecological Applications, James shows that defoliation increases the risk of natural fires igniting eight to 10 years after a budworm outbreak  especially now, in the spring, before summer fire season starts. Interestingly, this risk actually decreases in the years immediately after an outbreak, since the "greenup" of ground vegetation keeps the soil moist and less likely to ignite.

Predicting the risk

For his study, James looked at defoliation data stretching back to 1963 in two vast ecosystems in eastern and central Ontario. These results suggest that fire management agencies, which normally rely on weather indicators, could also include defoliation data to better predict areas of high fire risk. Knowing when and where the fire risk is increased due to the budworm can lead to pro-active techniques like "salvage logging," harvesting dead trees from areas already defoliated.

"If you can reduce the amount of budworm-killed forests in an area, you would then reduce the risk of fire ignition, which would then reduce the probability of having large forest fires," James said.

The issue of how budworm affects fire is expected to become even more important in the future as both fire and insect activity is expected to increase due to climate change. However, how the interact and what sort of damage may result, remains uncertain.

Spruce budworm outbreaks happen every 35 years or so; the last one peaked in the early 1980s and the latest one began in Quebec in 2006. Natural Resources Canada warned last fall that while the impact is greatest on Quebec's North Shore and in the Gaspe and Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, where 7 million hectares have been defoliated, budworm has been spotted in New Brunswick and may spread to the Acadian Forest.

The process works like this. First, the budworm larvae eat away at the tops of trees balsam fir, black and white spruce. After several years, the dead treetops break off in the wind and their debris builds up on the branches below. Lightning strikes the dry material, which ignites, while meanwhile down on the forest floor an accumulation of needles lies ready to ignite, too.

Hovering on the border

Unseen in urban environments like Montreal, the budworm are nevertheless getting closer. They can be spotted in Quebec's Mauricie region, an hour north of Trois Rivieres, and around Ville Marie, south of Rouyn-Noranda in the Abitibi region.

Where are the moths headed next?

"We're at an interesting point in the outbreak," said James. "Last year it increased, but at a slower rate. In Quebec's North Shore region, around Baie-Comeau, the budworm ate all they could, and with radar we detected great clouds of them on the move, migrating on the wind to areas that hadn't been so heavily affected, largely towards the south to the Lower St. Lawrence, the Gaspe and New Brunswick."

The moths are now "hovering on the New Brunswick border around Campbellton," he added, referring to a mass infestation that hit there last summer, when millions of larvae turned into moths and flew into town or were carried there by the wind, covering everything for miles around. "With that development, I would expect there'll be more activity in northern New Brunswick this year."

Can't the budworm be killed before they do their damage? Yes, but it's very expensive.

In the 1950s, authorities tried to contain budworm outbreaks by spraying infested areas with DDT. With that toxic method no longer an option, authorities now resort to a budworm-specific bacteria called Bt. The problem is price: DDT cost only a few cents per hectare to spray, whereas Bt costs $40 per hectare. "If you have $1 million worth of wood, it will cost you $1 million to spray it," James said. "The cost is prohibitive."

An early-warning system

There may be another solution, much cheaper: budworm tracking. Three summers ago, Canadian Forest Services appealed to the public to help track budworm in eastern Canada. Several hundred "citizen scientists" now lure, trap and count moths in six provinces, as well as Maine, uploading the data on an app and sending the dead moths to Natural Resources' main research laboratory in Fredericton, N.B.

It's a kind of early-warning system, suggesting how and where moths "disperse" and in what number. "The value is two-fold," said James, who's involved in the program at an analytical level, using spatial modeling and genetics. "It helps us understand if budworm populations are increasingly locally, which is a problem, or are migrating from somewhere else, flying in and then dying, which is less of a problem."

In the end, knowing more about the spruce budworm  its life cycle, its behaviour, its migratory patterns  will help make its infestations easier to control. And once they're better understood, plans can be made to cope with the pesky beasts when they arrive.

The urgency is greater than ever, James said.

"We're now in the 10th year of the current outbreak, with 7 million hectares of forest in Quebec alone that has been defoliated and directly affected by the spruce budworm. The last outbreak (in the '80s) peaked at 45 to 50 million hectares," he said.

"So it's pretty clear to me: Things are going to get worse before they get better."

More information: Patrick M. A. James et al. Lagged cumulative spruce budworm defoliation affects the risk of fire ignition in Ontario, Canada, Ecological Applications (2017). DOI: 10.1002/eap.1463 Journal information: Ecological Applications
Startups with at least one female founder build companies where nearly half the staff are women, a study found.

With an average of 48 percent female workers, women-led firms have nearly twice the industry average and outpace some of the nation's largest tech companies in gender diversity including Google (31 percent), Facebook (33 percent) and Uber (36 percent), according to the study by online startup investing platform FundersClub that surveyed 85 U.S.-based tech startups.

Alex Mittal, co-founder and chief executive of FundersClub, said startups are key to addressing gender diversity in the workplace because the ones that succeed may someday be big companies. (Most of the startups surveyed had fewer than 20 employees).

They "have the potential to become huge - they're great agents for change," said Mittal, a co-author of the study.

The study also examined the effect of female tech founders on leadership and engineering teams. Women made up 38 percent of executives at firms with at least one female founder - 2.4 times the average at startups with no female founders. At women-led firms, females made up 23 percent of the engineering teams - 2.3 times the average at firms led by men.

Women in the industry say the survey's findings are no surprise.

"Top female talent is more attracted to work on a team where they can see themselves in leadership and know that is respected in the company," said KJ Erickson, CEO of Simbi, a service exchange platform.

Natalia Oberti Noguera, founder and CEO of Pipeline Angels, a network of women investors, noted that the survey did not address race.

"How many of those women founders are white women?" she said. "It would've been even more exciting if this report had included race and gender together."

A 2016 study found that only 0.2 percent of venture deals from 2012 to 2014 went to startups led by black women. Lauren Schulte, founder of Flex Co., agreed that gender is just one part of the diversity equation.

She recalled attending a Los Angeles gathering for women founders that attracted more than 200 women, but few of color.

"There were only two black women and maybe four Asian women; the rest of women were predominantly blonde and very attractive," Schulte said. "This is not representative of the people that are out there."

Diversity - gender, race, age, among others - is crucial to being competitive in the startup world, Schulte said. It "can bring a richness to problem solving that you can't get if you have 10 people who are clones."

2017 Los Angeles Times

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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chinadaily.com.cn | Updated: June 15, 2017

The opening ceremony of China's first Sino-German Youth Innovation Cooperation Entrepreneurship Week project was held in Taicang, East China's Jiangsu province, on June 13.

Major Chinese and German officials declare the opening of China's first Sino-German Youth Innovation Cooperation Entrepreneurship Week. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Around 100 delegates from Germany and 300 representatives from universities, research institutes and businesses in Jiangsu province attended the event.

Around 100 delegates from Germany and 300 representatives from universities, research institutes and businesses in Jiangsu province attended the event. [Photo provided to China Daily]

The project that was aimed to encourage Chinese and German youth business talks and exchanges in key technology sectors. As scheduled, the opening ceremony of the event, China-Germany young entrepreneur forum, the China-Germany youth start-up competition award ceremony, road performances and field study tours on in Taicang during June 13 and 14 and gave a press conference, one-on-one investment and trade fair in Nanjing and Changzhou from June 15 to 16.

Several high-profile officials spoke at the ceremony, including Wang Qin, head of Jiangsu Science and Technology Department, Shen Mi, Party Secretary of Taicang, Volker Rieke, director general of the European and International Cooperation in Education and Research of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research in Germany.

Shen Mi, Taicang Party secretary [Photo provided to China Daily]

According to Taicang Party Secretary Shen Mi, Taicang has attracted more than 260 German-funded projects worth more than 20.5 billion yuan ($3 billion) in the last 20 years, which have produced revenues of more than 40 billion yuan.

The joint commission conference on Sino-Germany sci-tech innovative cooperation, as he put it, which was co-organized MOST and the Federal Ministry of Education and Research in Germany, and hosted in either country in turns according to the agreement, served to be a platform of enormous significance for their strategic partnership. Taicang was selected as the city right after Beijing to give the conference this year, and he hoped Chinese and German youths to take this opportunity and continue promoting bilateral relation.

Taicang has become so important to Sino-German relations that it was the second city in China after Beijing to be selected as a host venue for the Joint Commission Conference on Sino-German Sci-Tech Innovation Cooperation, a state-level event organized by China's Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) and Germany's Federal Ministry of Education and Research, Shen added.

The city's influence has been growing since 2008, when China's Ministry of Commerce and Germany's Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy selected Taicang as a pilot city for boosting business exchanges between the two countries.

Taicang has Germany's third largest center in China after Beijing and Shanghai and the eighth largest in the world outside of Germany itself.

Taicang was also the first Chinese city selected to be a model city for collaboration between Chinese and German small- and medium-sized businesses and is the only base providing China-Germany intellectual rights protection.

The county-level city was also included in China's macro plan for promoting cooperation on innovation with Germany.

The 2017 China-Germany Forum: Shaping Innovation Together, which was targeted to further talks on the "German Industry 4.0" proposal and to help promote China-Germany cooperation in the intelligent sectors, principally manufacturing, smart automobiles, innovation and entrepreneurship, was just completed in Berlin on June 1, and Taicang, in a key role, showcased its reinforced ties with Germany at the event.
News

Microsoft Expands Surface Device Distribution

Microsoft announced increased market availability of its lightweight Surface Laptop and Surface Pro devices today, as well as its Surface Studio desktop computer.

Last month, Microsoft hosted a New York City education event to announce its new Surface Laptop device, which runs the new Windows 10 S operating system designed for students or others wanting a more locked-down environment. Windows 10 S has some similarities to Google Chrome OS for Chromebooks in that some things are fixed, and the OS keeps things up to date automatically for the user, which is conceived as optimal from a security standpoint.

For instance, Windows 10 S provides access only to Windows Store applications, which have been vetted for security (the OS does not run older Win32 apps). It runs Bing as the default search engine (other search engines are accessible via saved tabs, though). Microsoft Edge or Internet Explorer is the only permitted browser on Windows 10 S, so browser choice is restricted.

Windows 10 S may not be the top choice for organizations as the OS doesn't support domain joins with local Active Directory, although Azure Active Directory use is permitted (see "Windows 10 S Resources" support here). While the Surface Laptop runs Windows 10 S, it's still possible to upgrade the OS on the machine to Windows 10 Pro, which does support domain joins to Azure AD and will run Win32 apps.

It's possible for Surface Laptop users to make the switch from Windows 10 S to Windows 10 Pro for free until Dec. 31, 2017. Thereafter, it'll cost about $49 to make that switch.

Surface Laptop Market Expansion

The Surface Laptop and Surface Pro devices are currently available in 25 markets worldwide. The Surface Laptop, available in four color options, will be expanding to 17 new markets in "the coming months," according to Microsoft's announcement. The new markets will be "Australia, Austria, Canada, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, HK, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, and the UK."

Surface Laptops come with an option to get a one-year subscription to Office 365 Personal with 1TB of OneDrive storage space, but the software has to be activated within 180 days of activating Windows. This Office 365 Personal offer will end on Oct. 15, 2017.

Eventually, Surface Laptop Windows 10 S users are expected to use so-called "Office on Windows Store" applications, which are currently at the preview stage. Windows 10 S users can run Office on Windows Store applications during the preview period using Office 365 Personal, Office 365 Home, Office 365 Education Plus and Office 365 Education E5 editions. When out of preview, Office on Windows Store apps for Windows 10 S will be supported on Office Home & Student 2016 and Office Home & Business 2016 editions, too.

Surface Pro and Surface Studio Expansion

The Surface Pro device runs the Windows 10 Pro OS. Its outstanding feature is a promised 13.5 hours of battery life (the Surface Laptop is said to get 14.5 hours). The Surface Pro also features a more responsive Surface Pen tool. Surface Pro models with support for LTE high-speed wireless access will be "coming later this year."

Surface Studio, Microsoft's big-screened device aimed at graphic designers, is getting a market expansion. In addition to being available in the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, the Surface Studio is arriving today in "Austria, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, and the UK."

Today, Microsoft initiated a limited-time $850 device upgrade offer that's available through Microsoft Store retail outlets in the United States or Canada for individuals willing to trade in qualifying Surface Pro devices. The offer also applies to individuals trading in Apple MacBooks or iPads, according to the announcement. This trade-in offer will end on July 31, 2017.
Lee Hsien Yang (right), younger brother of Singapores prime minister Lee Hsien Loong, leaves the Supreme court on April 10, 2017. AFP PHOTO / ROSLAN RAHMAN

Lee Hsien Yang has questioned the role of the Ministerial Committee that the Singapore government had said was set up to deliberate on exploring options for the house of the late Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew.

The secret committee is focusing solely on challenging the validity of the demolition clause in his fathers final will, said Hsien Yang on his Facebook page on Friday (16 June). The committee is entirely uninterested in exploring options for the house at 38 Oxley Road, he added.

Why does it take a committee of the highest paid ministers in the world to challenge a clause reiterating this well-known and publicly stated wish of our father? Is this not a matter for the family courts? Hsien Yang said.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong released on Thursday a summary of statutory declarations to the Committee, which outlined his views about the deeply troubling circumstances concerning the making of the final will on 17 December 2013, among other issues.

In the summary, PM Lee said the demolition clause first appeared in the first will made on 20 August 2011. The late Lee wanted the removal of the clause and it was subsequently removed in the penultimate two wills (fifth and sixth), he said. But the clause somehow found its way back into the Last Will, he added.

In point 37 of the summary, PM Lee said, In fact, there is no evidence that Mr Lee (Kuan Yew) even knew that the Demolition Clause had been re-inserted into the Last Will.

The Demolition Clause in the Last Will is now being used by Dr Lee Wei Ling and Mr Lee Hsien Yang to claim that Mr Lee (Kuan Yew) was firm in his wish that the house at 38 Oxley Road be demolished, and that he was not prepared to accept its preservation or contemplate options short of demolition, said PM Lee, adding that there is no basis for their claims.

In a separate post on Facebook earlier Friday, Hsien Yang also referred to the demolition clause.

Paragraph 7 (demolition clause) of the Will was drafted at LKYs direction, and put into language by Lee Suet Fern his daughter in law and when he was satisfied he asked (Kwa) Kim Li (of Lee & Lee) to insert it into his will, said Hsien Yang.

Related articles:
The number of violent Islamist extremists in Sweden has soared from 200 in 2010 to "thousands", intelligence agency Sapo said Friday, while noting that only a handful were deemed able to carry out a terror attack. "We would say that (the number) has gone from hundreds to thousands now," Sapo chief Anders Thornberg told news agency TT in an interview, describing the situation as "serious". "This is the 'new normal' ... It is a historic challenge that extremist circles are growing," he said. He stressed, however, that only a few of the "thousands" had both the intention and ability to carry out a terror attack. A 2010 Sapo report estimated the number of violent Islamist extremists in the Scandinavian country at 200. Thornberg attributed the rise primarily to the propaganda machine of the so-called Islamic State (IS), which has united different groups of Islamist extremists. "We used to have different circles. We had radicalised (people) from North Africa, the Middle East and Somalia, but they were all separate," he said. Thornberg said Sapo now receives around 6,000 intelligence tips a month concerning terrorism and extremism, compared to an average 2,000 a month in 2012. Sapo has previously said that about 300 people from Sweden are known to have travelled to Syria and Iraq to join IS since 2012. Jihadists or sympathisers from Sweden have been linked to several terrorist attacks in recent years. On April 7, an Uzbek national who had shown sympathies for jihadist groups including IS used a stolen truck to mow down pedestrians on a busy shopping street, killing five people and injuring 15. And a Swedish national, Osama Krayem, has been charged with terrorist murders over the 2016 Brussels metro bombing.
Taiwan fiercely criticised the United Nations on Friday after its students were barred from visiting a public hearing in Geneva as Beijing seeks to further isolate the island internationally. It comes after Taiwan was excluded from a major World Health Organisation meeting last month under pressure from China, which still sees the island as part of its territory. Cross-strait relations have worsened drastically since Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen took power last year, with Beijing cutting off all official communication with Taipei. Taiwan's foreign ministry said Friday that it had protested to the UN over the latest incident. "The UN claims to respect freedom for all, regardless of race, nationality, political or other identities... to serve the political purpose of a particular member nation goes against its mission," it said in a statement. The foreign ministry confirmed that a Taiwanese professor and three students had not been allowed to listen in on a UN Human Rights Council session at the UN's headquarters in Geneva. According to Chinese-language website UP Media, security officers told labour relations professor Liuhuang Li-chuan of Taiwan's National Chung Cheng University and her students that their passports were invalid documents. They said that "Taiwan is not a country" and that the group needed China-issued identification, the report added. Liuhuang sought help from the director-general of the UN Office at Geneva, Michael Moller, but said on her Facebook page that Moller told her nothing could be done as "Taiwan isn't following the 'one China' policy". "Am I speaking to a spokesman for China?" Liuhuang wrote on her Facebook page. A UN spokeswoman in Geneva told AFP: "(Moller) simply said that the UN does not recognise Taiwan and therefore, UN Geneva will not allow persons with Taiwanese ID documents onto its premises." She added: "Mr Moller did not make any other comment." President Tsai has refused to agree that Taiwan is part of "one China", which Beijing says is a pre-requisite for maintaining relations. The democratic island views itself as a sovereign country, though it has never formally declared independence. It has been governed separately since Nationalist forces under Chiang Kai-shek fled there in 1949 after losing a civil war on the mainland. Chiang still saw himself as leading the "Republic of China", which remains Taiwan's official name. Taipei held the "China" seat at the UN until 1971, when recognition was switched to Beijing. The governments in Taipei and Beijing insist that countries can recognise only one of them as legitimate, and most have sided with China as its global and political clout has grown. Taiwan participated in some international forums when cross-strait relations improved under former president Ma Ying-jeou. But since Tsai took the leadership, it has been repeatedly shut out. Beijing is also pressuring Tsai by trying to woo Taiwan's dwindling allies. Panama, for example, announced Tuesday that it was breaking diplomatic ties with Taiwan and recognising China instead. Taiwan is left with only 20 ally states, including the Vatican, and many analysts predict that number will shrink further.
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Explainer: Dealing with the loss and damage caused by climate change

Posted on 16 June 2017 by Guest Author

This is a re-post from Carbon Brief

Scaling down our emissions and building resilience against climate change can only take us so far. Some negative impacts and damages are now unavoidable. The inevitable consequences of human-caused climate change have collectively come to be known as loss and damage.

First emerging decades ago as a relatively obscure plea by small island states, loss and damage has now gained recognition as the third pillar of international climate policy, after mitigation and adaptation. But turning the concept of loss and damage into something more tangible for countries bearing the brunt of extreme weather or rising seas has proved more fractious.

As the latest UN climate change conference gets underway in Bonn, Germany, this week, Carbon Brief charts the journey of loss and damage through the international policy apparatus, and looks at the role that climate science (and scientists) can play in addressing it.

Climate risk

From contributing to shrinking the worlds glaciers to boosting flood risk in southern England, climate change is having discernible impacts across all continents and oceans.

While its hard to pin a dollar value on damages, economic models suggest climate change already costs hundreds of billions in damages globally during the 20th century through lost crops, rising seas and more extreme weather.

Looking ahead, the consequences will worsen as temperatures climb further. And with those facing the greatest risks often the least able to absorb the damage, climate change is expected to exacerbate economic inequalities and erode progress on reducing poverty.

The surest way to avoid future climate impacts is to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that drive them  known as mitigation. But even with efforts to limit warming to well below 2C above pre-industrial times  the ambitious goal set out in the Paris Agreement  some climate impacts are unavoidable because of the warming already baked into the system.

Strengthening flood barriers, planting trees, using new crop varieties and other forms of adaptation can complement mitigation by helping to build resilience. But the capacity for humans and nature to adapt is not indefinite. In other words, there are limits to adaptation.

The societal and financial costs of climate impacts that can no longer be avoided tend to be grouped under the catch-all term loss and damage. Saleemul Huq, a senior fellow at the International Institute for Environment and Development, explains to Carbon Brief:

Loss refers to things that are lost for ever and cannot be brought back, such as human lives or species loss, while damages refers to things that are damaged, but can be repaired or restored, such as roads or embankments.

Warsaw Mechanism

An intuitive understanding of loss and damage has been, informally at least, part of international policy discussions since the very early days.

In 1991, even as the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was being drafted, the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS)  a negotiating group of nations facing some of the worst climate change risks  highlighted the need to address loss and damage for vulnerable countries. The group proposed establishing an international insurance pool that could, for example, compensate victims of projected sea level rise.

It took another 16 years for loss and damage to be included in a formally negotiated UN text, however. As part of enhancing adaptation action, the 2007 Bali Action Plan called for:

Disaster reduction strategies and means to address loss and damage associated with climate change impacts in developing countries that are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change.

At the UN climate talks in Cancun, in 2010, countries agreed on a two-year work programme to consider various approaches to addressing loss and damage in developing countries.

Then In 2012, in Doha, all parties finally agreed to establish a formal mechanism on loss and damage. Arriving 19 years after the birth of the UNFCCC, the Warsaw International Mechanism to address loss and damage in a comprehensive, integrated and coherent manner was a pivotal moment in the issues long running history.

Liability and compensation

The Warsaw International Mechanism on Loss and Damage came into being in 2013. It acknowledges that loss and damage associated with the adverse effects of climate change includes, and in some cases involves more than, that which can be reduced by adaptation.

The mechanism, and the Executive Committee responsible for overseeing it, was assigned several tasks. These can be broadly grouped into several categories, including: enhancing knowledge and understanding of loss and damage; strengthening dialogue and coordination; and enhancing action and support, including finance and technology.

Not only did the Warsaw mechanism give a sense of purpose to the long-floundering discussions around loss and damage, but it also, in a sense, stripped the topic of its taboo.

But while the Warsaw mechanism established the all-important groundwork upon which loss and damage could be discussed more thoroughly, it arguably shied away from the debate around blame and liability. For decades, developed nations had tiptoed around the idea, concerned that it could lead to compensation for those feeling the impacts of the decades of pollution for which they, the richer nations, had been largely responsible.

The Paris Agreement in 2015 moved this particular issue forward somewhat. Developed countries agreed to include loss and damage in the agreement, but only with an added clause that the specific article which relates to loss and damage does not involve or provide a basis for any liability or compensation. As for how international policy should treat loss and damage, there was little in the way of extra clarity, says Dr Daithi Stone, a scientist at the Lawrence Berkeley Lab studying the changing risk to human and natural systems. He told Carbon Brief just after COP21 in Paris:

[Paris included] a very explicit statement that [loss and damage] is not liability or compensation. [But] it is still unclear, I think, coming out of Warsaw, Cancun and Paris exactly what loss and damage is under the UNFCCC process.

Some legal scholars have even suggested that the paragraph about liability and compensation in the Paris text is sufficiently vague that it does not prevent liability and compensation entirely. They suggest that the Paris Agreement, in fact, leaves all options open for loss and damage.

Adaptation

Rewind to before the Paris Agreement, and another issue of contention around the Warsaw mechanism had been that it wasnt permanent. Its initial two-year workplan of activities was set to expire in 2016, when the mechanism as a whole would be subject to review.

Another issue unpopular with many was that the Warsaw mechanism also incorporated loss and damage as a subcategory of adaptation, rather than in its own right. This was seen as symbolically important to many countries, who argued loss and damage warranted recognition as the third pillar of the UNFCCC.

The Paris Agreement set these two issues largely to rights, making the Warsaw mechanism permanent and including loss and damage as its own separate article, on an equal footing with mitigation and adaptation. As Stone told Carbon Brief in 2015:

Supposedly, the funding that weve been talking about with adaptation is now separate from loss and damage. So, loss and damage is really standing out on its own.

Extreme weather

While loss and damage as a concept is slowly taking shape, how it should it be dealt with remains a far thornier issue to resolve.

Extreme weather  for example, heatwaves, hurricanes and floods  offers, perhaps, one of the most tangible ways to view loss and damage because of their often devastating impact on society.

Through the rapidly growing field of research known as event attribution, scientists have a way to gauge whether climate change has altered the chances of particular types of extreme weather occurring. For example, such studies have shown that rising temperatures doubled the risk of the torrential rains behind the Louisiana floods last August and that climate change was responsible for 70% of heat-related deaths in Paris during the 2003 heatwave.

Attribution studies can look ahead, too, using scientists projections of how climate change will unfold in different parts of the world. A recent study worked out that a repeat of the severe floods caused by Hurricane Sandy in 2012 could be up to 17 times more likely by 2100, for example.

But while it is easy to see how event attribution could be treated as motivation to reduce emissions, using it in a loss-and-damage context is more difficult, says Dr Rachel James, a climate modeller specialising in African climate change with the Environmental Change Institute at the University of Oxford. She tells Carbon Brief:

Climate change attribution seems to be a recurring topic of discussion in connection with loss and damage. But its also very difficult to talk about.

The results of attribution studies could have big political implications, James explains. Developed countries fear that attribution evidence will be used to try to push for compensation and in this context, any mention of the science might be assumed to have a vested interest. She says:

This is quite an awkward position for scientists: just speaking about your research can be seen as a political intervention.

Dr Rachel James of the Environmental Change Institute, University of Oxford, discusses the role of science in the discussion around loss and damage.

Attribution could, in theory, be used in a broader sense to indicate impact hotspots and prioritise funding. But this, too, can be problematic, because scientists can only make confident attribution statements if the climate data for a given event and part of the world is of a high enough quality, James explains:

This could leave out vulnerable people, who might experience climate change impacts, but without evidence to attribute it to climate change due to uncertainties or limited data availability.

Using event attribution may also place too much emphasis on exposure to extreme weather, when there are other drivers of vulnerability that need to be addressed, James adds.

Loss and damage has so often been conflated with the notion of compensation that it can be hard to conceptualise what it could involve beyond this. If not compensation, then what?

Changing risk

Taking the theme of attribution more broadly, theres a role for it in aiding our understanding of how climate change is altering risk, says James:

If we are going to be prepared, we need to understand how climate change is influencing the probability of extreme weather eventsClimate change attribution is one way of investigating these changes in probability.

In instances where climate change is shown to be altering the risk of damages, these can be collected together to build an evidence base to underpin loss-and-damage discussions, says Dr Friederike Otto, a senior researcher at Oxfords Environmental Change Institute, who has been behind a lot of important recent attribution research. She explains in the video below:

We know that the largest damages are through extreme weather events[By] linking event attribution with the damages we see and say[ing] which ones of those are made more likely by climate change (and it is by no means all of them), we can get an inventory of the impacts of anthropogenic climate change, which can then inform the loss-and-damage debate.

Dr Jan Fuglestvedt from CICERO on calculating historical contributions to global emissions and Dr Friederike Otto from the University of Oxford on the role attribution can play in loss and damage.

Research questions

Alongside attribution science, work is underway on a number of other topics that will equip countries to deal with losses from climate change, while steering clear of compensation.

In the video above, Dr Jan Fuglestvedt, research director at the Centre for International Climate and Environmental Research (CICERO) in Oslo, explains how assessing historical responsibility is likely to play a role in future discussions. But countries contributions to climate change will be strongly dependent on the method chosen for doing this, he says.

Separately, the Paris Agreement determined that a task force should be set up to figure out how to deal with the problem of displacement. The members have already been picked, and had specific tasks assigned. The task force is due to hold its first meeting during the Bonn talks (1819 May), where members will begin preparing a draft work plan. Topics on the table include identifying legal, policy and institutional challenges, good practices and lessons learned.

The Paris Agreement also outlined eight specific areas of action to support the task of averting, minimizing and addressing loss and damage associated with the adverse effects of climate change. The list includes early warning systems and resilience-building.

At the Marrakech COP22 summit in 2016, a year on from Paris, the executive committee of the Warsaw mechanism approved a follow-up five-year work plan on loss and damage.

What started out as a broad statement of intent has some extra detail now that countries have submitted their views on what the overall objectives of the mechanism should be. The plan now is for the committee to draft a workplan over the summer, with details of specific activities, to be discussed in Bonn at the next Conference of the Parties (COP) in November.

With a list of priorities that covers slow-onset events (e.g. sea-level rise), risk management, and migration, climate scientists can contribute to policy discussions on loss and damage, says James. The opportunities may not always be obvious, however, because the UNFCCCs calls for evidence may be written in a different sort of language, she tells Carbon Brief:

For example, there was a call coming out on slow-onset events, which, in the UNFCCC language, means sea-level rise, glacial retreat, ocean acidification, desertification. And perhaps the people who are experts in those areas may not even realise that theyre doing work thats relevant.

Finance

Over the next five years, finance is also expected to be a theme, though how this will materialise remains woolly at present. The Warsaw mechanism will be reviewed again in 2019, which will, in particular, include a technical paper looking at potential sources of financial support for addressing loss and damage, as well as how to access this support.

Julie-Anne Richards, international policy manager at the Climate Justice Programme, tells Carbon Brief:

Given the urgent need, and the delays already behind us, the WIM [Warsaw international mechanism] needs to start work immediately on how to raise in the order of $50 to $100 million in the very near future. This work should include exploring options for finance that are not currently tapped (what are often called innovative or alternative sources of finance). These might include a global fossil fuel extraction levy, or aviation levies, or financial transaction taxes. There are a number of ways of raising funds that wont come from government treasuries, and will instead come from the industries that are causing climate change.

On that topic, a side-event is scheduled for COP23 in November, also to be held in Bonn, to discuss financial instruments and tools to address the risks of loss and damage with a focus on highlighting innovative tools/schemes.

A the same time, how to deal with non-economic losses caused by climate change presents a perennial problem, says Harriet Thew, a postgraduate at the University of Leeds focusing on loss and damage. UN climate negotiators are not social workers, she tells Carbon Brief, and can, therefore, find the topic intangible. She says:

At the moment, the focus is quite heavy on the economic categorisation of loss and damage, and we want to highlight the things that people value that can be damaged by climate change or lost to climate change that arent accounted for in these assessments.

Defining point

Discussions about loss and damage have evolved as the necessity for them has crystallised, but its clear that a huge number of questions remain.

While the concept of loss and damage has arguably come a long way, the specifics have not. On the opening day of the Bonn talks this week, for example, the Maldives, on behalf of AOSIS, once more highlighted the need to not only address loss and damage, but also to define it. A full 26 years after AOSIS first proposed loss and damage, this is slow progress by any standard.

However, the talks taking place in Bonn over the next fortnight will take on a distinctly technical flavour, as parties largely attempt to further flesh out the rulebook for putting the Paris Agreement into action. This means the far meatier topic of loss and damage is not officially on the negotiating agenda until the next COP in November, also in Bonn, when the Executive Committee of the Warsaw Mechanism reports back on its progress.

Having gained considerable traction on the issue in recent years, many will be working hard over the next two weeks to prepare the ground for more substantive progress later in the year, and to remind governments loss and damage is an issue they cant shy away from.
Healthcare Trust of America, Inc. (NYSE: HTA) is the largest dedicated owner and operator of MOBs in the United States, comprising approximately 25.1 million square feet of GLA, with $7.4 billion invested primarily in MOBs. HTA provides real estate infrastructure for the integrated delivery of healthcare services in highly-desirable locations. Investments are targeted to build critical mass in 20 to 25 leading gateway markets that generally have leading university and medical institutions, which translates to superior demographics, high-quality graduates, intellectual talent and job growth. The strategic markets HTA invests in support a strong, long-term demand for quality medical office space. HTA utilizes an integrated asset management platform consisting of on-site leasing, property management, engineering and building services, and development capabilities to create complete, state of the art facilities in each market. This drives efficiencies, strong tenant and health system relationships, and strategic partnerships that result in high levels of tenant retention, rental growth and long-term value creation. Headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, HTA has developed a national brand with dedicated relationships at the local level. Founded in 2006 and listed on the New York Stock Exchange in 2012, HTA has produced attractive returns for its stockholders that have outperformed the US REIT index.
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Once youve hired an employee, you need to get them settled and in sync with the company. Part of that process is establishing their goals: Are they looking to develop certain skills? Do they need certain resources to accomplish their tasks. To find out what questions elicit the most informative responses, we asked members from the Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC) this question:

What is the most productive question you can ask a new employee regarding their goals while at your company?

Heres what they had to say:

Asking About Employee Goals

1. Whats the First Thing on Your List?

Once a new employee understands the scope and expectations of their new role, a good way to empower them right off the bat is asking them what they would tackle first on their list for the company. Their response reveals an opportunity to map out a strategic plan that is in sync with your expectations for them. ~ Peggy Shell, Creative Alignments

2. What Would You Like to Learn?

Employees want to be engaged. If they arent being tested and arent learning on the job, their passion and work ethic will begin to drop. Asking a new hire what theyd like to learn will help you understand how to put them in a position to learn and remain passionate about their work. Its important to keep that dialogue going as they grow as an employee and their interests expand. ~ Abhilash Patel, Recovery Brands

3 . What Would You Be Doing in Two Years If Our Company Didnt Exist?

If you ask someone their goals for the next year, theyll give you an answer they think you want. Instead, ask them about their professional aspirations. You can take that discussion, and see if there is alignment between their goals and what theyre doing today. If yes, great. If not, have a candid discussion about how they can build skills they want while delivering the work the business needs. ~ Aaron Schwartz, Modify Watches

4. What Do You Need to Accomplish Your Goals

The most productive question to ask a new employee regarding their goals is what they need to accomplish them. For instance, if I was just appointed director of sales, I may request a digital marketing budget, an administrative assistant and an assistant director. Id also like to make the request ahead of time for additional needs  such as more staff or increased ad budget  based on performance. ~ Kristopher Jones, LSEO.com

5. How Will You Measure Goal Accomplishment?

Companies are setting goals for their staff, but I found it was important to ask what each employee had as their own goal and how they would track accomplishment of those goals in relation to their work? It is a discussion that opens the door to help me understand what I can provide to help them, which, in turn, builds loyalty. ~ Cynthia Johnson, Ipseity Media

6. Where Do You Want to Go From Here?

We believe encouraging employees to cultivate knowledge and expand their horizons can only be good for our company. I ask new employees how we can help them to grow in their careers  courses they want to take, areas of the business they want to learn  and make my best effort to help them achieve their goals. ~ Vik Patel, Future Hosting

7. What Part of the Job Do You Like Most?

After a new employee has been with the company for a few weeks, I like to ask what his or her favorite parts of the job are in addition to their goals. Some employees get nervous if their goals are different from what they think the company will need, but everyone talks about what they like doing. By asking both, you can get a more complete picture, and that can be valuable as the company grows. ~ Ajay Gupta, Stirista
When you own your own business, you are often so preoccupied with the day to day operations that you rarely have time to manage your own money. Small business leaders do a great job wearing multiple hats at work, but it is very common for them to drop the ball when it comes to managing their affairs.

Small business owners are also drivers of immense economic value in the United States. The Bureau of Labor Statistics found that small firms and startups were responsible for the creation of three million jobs in a single year. Despite that impressive jobs statistic, according to the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), only 39 percent of small businesses make a profit in their lifetime. That means it is vital for the owners of those businesses to plan for the future and manage their finances to prepare for any interruptions in profit.

This is just as true for the American population as a whole. Studies show that 50 percent of Americans have less than a months salary saved for a rainy day. If you own a business that number might sound all too familiar. Personal savings often get funneled into the company to support new initiatives or cover costs.

Many business owners tend to engage with accountants and financial advisors for asset planning, while partnering with lawyers on legal matters, though in todays increasingly complex business climate a combination of these partners may be ideal. Jeffrey David Katz, of law firm JDKatz, advises, Clients should be vigilant in reviewing their current and future plans with their counsel and financial advisor. Current and former planning techniques may already be out of date, and plans should be amended as appropriate.

Tips for Managing Small Business Finances

Below are some insights from industry professionals to help you get started on a more sound long-term financial strategy, and to help you understand what partners you can take.

Find the Experts

Unless you are an accounting whiz, you probably pay someone else to do all of the books for your business. This kind of division of labor is necessary for efficiency and quality, yet people rarely take the same approach for their own money. Having a team of experts on your side is the best way to secure sound financial advice.

Since wealth management is a complex field, your dream team of partners should include financial advisors, lawyers, real estate experts, and as many other verticals as needed to advise on the many aspects of your portfolio. Whatever you decide works best for your needs, be sure to research the companies you plan to partner with to ensure they are credible experts.

Have a Strong Tax Strategy

It may seem like a no-brainer, but for many newer business owners, the tax code is a daunting set of rules that leads to nothing but audits and financial woe. It does not have to be that way, however. Financial writer Darla Mercado details the reality of personal tax planning, In a perfect world, entrepreneurs would pay their estimated state and federal taxes, including Social Security and Medicare levies, on a quarterly basis. In reality, its easy to overlook these payments, especially if your cash flow is hard to predict.

Again you will want to find experts, specifically in tax law, to help you navigate the complexities of owning your own business. Recent political discourse has opened up a lot of conversations about tax policy, but at this point, it is still unclear as to how tax law will change in the coming year. Stay close to qualified experts in tax policy so you can plan your contributions throughout the year.

Plan Your Legacy

Katz explains how the regulatory climate is increasing the importance of effective estate planning. Various proposals are currently working their way around Capitol Hill, and this is an evolving area of estate planning, which individuals should be aware. In short, these proposals could increase the taxes paid by many Americans, transforming the estate tax into an income tax.

Additionally, Katz shares how recent changes in tax law allow trusts to hold IRAs, and defer distributions to the beneficiaries over their life expectancies instead of over the compressed five-year period. While you may not benefit directly from planning out your estate, you can have peace of mind knowing that you have left accounts in good order and in such a way that they will continue to be useful and provide for surviving family.

For business leaders, financial management is often just another responsibility to add to a growing list. In order to stay on top of it and plan better for the future, it helps to rely on the expertise of informed and credible parties that can help you find the strategy that would best for you.
International Relations, Social Movements  June 16, 2017  Benjamin Selwyn

The 2017 British general election has generated the beginnings of a qualitative-change in the relationship between the Labour Party, much of British society, and parliament. That transformation can be understood as the emergence of a permanent reformation.

Labours much better-than expected support raises the distinct possibility of its victory in the next election. Against all the odds  the polls, the hostile right-wing press, expectations within the Labour Party itself  Jeremy Corbyn led the party through a brilliantly coordinated campaign, presided over the biggest swing to Labour since the earth-shaking 1945 general election, and placed socialist ideas firmly back on the political agenda.

The significance of the Labour surge is not, primarily, a question of a shift in the balance of political power in parliament. It is much more profound than that. Labours campaign let the proverbial genie of class politics out of the bottle.

The Genie of Class Politics

For decades that genie has been kept prisoner. First, under Margaret Thatchers momentous attack upon the trade union movement and her declaration that there was no such thing as society. Second, under Tony Blairs third way progressive policies were framed as benign gifts to the poor, to be delivered in a context where Labour was, in Peter Mandelsons infamous words, intensely relaxed about people getting filthy rich. Blairs New Labour discouraged any revival of working class militancy. For example, he famously opposed and beat back the Fire-Fighters strike for a 30K a year wage. Thirdly, following David Camerons Conservative-led coalition, austerity was imposed with a vengeance, with working class communities bearing the brunt.

During the election campaign Corbyn was relentless in his critique of the wealth-gap in the UK. The campaign gave confidence to the millions of people, who voted Labour, that an alternative to austerity is possible.

While the Tories won the election, Theresa Mays authority is shattered, and the Tories are weakened. But, whenever the next election comes, the Tories will be much better prepared. They will, in all probability, have replaced May with a leader who can communicate effectively with the press and public. They will have a fully costed Manifesto. Their attacks on Labour will be sharper and better coordinated. So what about Labour?

Labours result has put Corbyn firmly at the head of the party for the foreseeable future. The key dynamic is not, however, within the parliamentary Labour Party. It is among the partys 500,000+ membership and its support base.

The hung parliament represents a breathing space for Labour, and a chance for it to consolidate, build upon, and strengthen its base. A core ingredient of Labours victory was the unprecedented volunteer mobilization across the country to campaign and canvass for the party. While the hugely successful Bernie Sanders campaign was built over two years, Labours election campaign was put into action over less than two months.

Can Labour Continue Its Momentum?

The question is, how can Labour increase the momentum of this campaign so that it can prevail when it faces a better-organized Tory party at the next election?

There are a number of things that Labour can do. First, it must continue to increase its membership base. Given the success of the campaign it is not unrealistic to aim for a membership of 1 or even 2 million people. Members should be encouraged to contribute financially to the party. A 1 or 2 million-strong party, with each member contributing 10 a month, would generate the new-found resources with which to finance its momentum.

Secondly, membership and support for the party cannot be based, simply, on the electoral cycle. The culture-ideology of neoliberalism  self-seeking individualism  has sunk deep roots in the UK (and across much of the world). Labour needs to help generate a counter-culture of solidarity and community to combat neoliberal ideology. A mass, subs-paying membership, can contribute to financing a counter-cultural movement. Labour Party branch meetings will, quite obviously, be a place to discuss local and national politics. But they must be so much more. Tens of thousands of artists, intellectuals, and musicians support Labour. Branch meetings can be a place for a counter-cultural flowering, where members and supporters can meet. Well-financed local Labour parties can support myriad cultural events (for example, showing films such as I Daniel Blake with discussions).

Thirdly, Labour must engage in an ideological insurgency. The Tory mantra during the election was that Labour are fiscally irresponsible and that there is no magic money tree to pay for Labours projects. Let us leave aside that, in response to the global financial crisis, the Bank of England and the UK Treasury collaborated to create 375-billion of new money through quantitative easing. There is a real need for something approaching a Labour Party membership and supporter education which explains the rationale of alternative economic and social policies.

Fourthly, there is a need for a combination of defensive and offensive campaigning, at the local and national level. Defensive campaigns will range across issues such as defending the National Health Service (NHS) and schools against cuts and privatization. Offensive campaigns will probably include those to reinstate free education, to cease arms-sales to dictatorships (such as Saudi Arabia) to protect the environment, and ensure clean air for all. Given the Tory party austerity-addiction and their desire to privatize everything in sight, these campaigns will, more likely than not, be permanent as long as the Tories are in power.

Fifthly, and crucially, struggles and strikes by workers need to be supported and stimulated. Theresa May leads the weakest Tory party government since the Edward Heath government in the early 1970s. Strikes will not only contribute to weakening it further, but can also be part of the generation of a solidarity-based counter-culture.

The Labour Party sees itself as a family. The massive surge in support for it during the election represents the political crystallization of the yearning for a

different form of government, democracy and society. The five points above could represent the first steps of Labours permanent reformation. When it gains political office that reformation will need to be ramped up all the more. 
The city is easy to navigate for English-speakers, but knowing a few key phrases in Slovak will help.

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Bratislavas main train station, Hlavna Stanica, has a reputation for being chaotic, which is not helpful in making a good first impression of the city. Once a visitor reaches Old Town, the charm of the cobbled streets and outdoor restaurants makes the city feel cosy and friendly.

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The only problem is getting there.

We decided to test the route that a visitor would take from the perspective of someone with full knowledge of English, a few phrases of Slovak, and no clue of the city.

Our team consisted of one native-English speaker and one native-Slovak speaker. We conducted the mini experiment without a map or cell phone, relying only on public transportation instructions and the advice of locals to get from the train station to the city centre.

How to handle Bratislavas train station

Main railway station, Bratislava (Source: Jozef Jakubco, SME)

On walking through the doors of the train station, our first idea of how to get to city centre was to head for the trolleybus stop immediately in front of us. We

Useful tip When buying a ticket for travel within Bratislava, only the time validity is important. You can change buses, trams, and trolleybuses without limit within the time frame of the 60-minute ticket. The times correspond to the displayed scheduled duration, so time spent in traffic will not affect it. Be sure to validate your ticket immediately upon entering the bus, tram, or trolleybus. Fines for expired or unvalidated tickets can cost you over 50.

found English instructions on the ticket kiosk explaining that we could pay with coins or by card for a one-way ticket. The ticket prices were accompanied by the amount of time that they were valid, and the instructions for stamping the tickets on the trolleybus were posted in English on the side of the kiosk.

But not everything was clear. We could not readily find the meaning of the zones for the tickets validity, and even the instructions that we did find were nearly hidden. After approaching a few people with questions, we realised that the trolley buses leaving the station actually go in the opposite direction of the city centre. The tram, we were told, will take us to the city centre.

While the trolleybuses seemed easy to use, the names of the stops did not correspond to a map. Had we not been redirected to the tram connection on the other side of the train entrance, we may have ended up at the parks or forests on the edge of Bratislava, like Zelezna Studienka.

Read also:

Read also: Tracing the brooks and springs of Bratislava Read more

Even if we had not found a local to help us, we could have visited the information windows inside the station. Although most of the people working on the day of our experiment spoke only Slovak, we were easily directed to one representative who could answer all of our questions in English.

Back-tracking toward the train station, we soon found signs pointing down the stairs to the tram connection, which has maps and directions in English as well as German. We even checked the route that we planned with a teenager waiting nearby, and he recommended taking tram number 1 to the Safarikovo Namestie stop.

video //www.youtube.com/embed/t6etdvg6iLE

On the tram we were able to look for the notice of our stop on a digital sign and listen for a recorded voice announcing the stops in English. When we got off at Safarikovo Nam, we saw a map and tourist instructions in English. We imagined there could be more information, though, that a traveler in the Old Town might want to quickly find.

Breezing through Bratislavas Old Town

Are there any ATMs nearby? we asked a few passersby. One person tried speaking to us in English but eventually reverted to Slovak as she pointed in the

Useful tip When in town, stop by a tourist information centre for free maps and for information about events and accommodation.

direction we should walk. We continued until we came across the usual reliable post - the person working the coffee kiosk.

Since we were approaching Old Town-proper, we knew we were likely to encounter more English speakers. Plus, shopkeepers and waiters are used to giving instructions to tourists - even if they sometimes to do so with a laugh. From here we found the closest ATM, about 200 metres from our tram stop.

(Source: Gabriel Kuchta, SME)

Asking about the Bratislava airport

Everything had been easy to find until that point, so we thought that we might try asking something that cannot be answered with a street sign. To add another

Useful tip Purchase a 60-minute ticket for zones 100+101 to get to the airport from the train station or city centre. From the train station, take bus 61 toward Letisko. From the city centre, take tram 4 to Trnavske Myto and change to bus 61 to reach the airport.

variable to our experiment, we wandered away from Old Town. The question we posed to pedestrians: How we might get to the Bratislava airport from here?

Hurrying passersby ignored us, and we figured we would have better luck if we approached people who were stopped and waiting for the buses and trams. Even this was not always successful. One woman told us, as she continued waited for her bus, that she did not have time to talk.

Undeterred, we soon found a Slovak-speaker who could understand our request and was so eager to help that he nearly called a taxi to the airport. Another friendly stranger, who told us that he did not know much English, still made the effort to explain the route to us.

Bratislava airport (Source: Tomas Benedikovic)

When in Slovakia, try some Slovak

We had the best luck with locals when we (in this case, the native-English speaker of the team) tried speaking Slovak. The woman who told us she had no time as she waited for the bus? We had approached her while speaking English.

No matter how poorly we mispronounced Prepacte? (Excuse me?), and even when people shook their heads to our Hovorite po anglicky? (Do you speak English?), they still stayed to answer our questions.

If we were willing to embarrass ourselves in Slovak, locals were willing to offer their advice.

Practicing these phrases on your way to Bratislava might even make that Hlavna Stanica seem a little less chaotic.
Mayor of Gemerska Poloma Miroslav Michalka was offering alcohol, coffee and chocolate for votes from local Roma.

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One year behind bars, a fine of 300 and a five-year ban on running for public office, was the sentence the Specialized Criminal Court imposed on Miroslav Michalka, the Mayor of Gemerska Poloma in the Roznava District.

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Michalka, was found guilty of trying to buy the votes of the local Roma community in exchange for alcohol, coffee and chocolate through local Roma, Matej Kucerak, before the local elections in 2014, according to the criminal complaint.

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Both were accused by a member of the municipal council, Stanislav Kucerak, Matej's brother.

I was participating in this corruption and I am willing to accept punishment for that, Stanislav Kucerak told The Slovak Spectator in May 2017. However, we cannot allow mayors to buy Roma votes for coffee and chocolate.

The court, despite the contradicting testimonies of the witnesses, pronounced Michalka guilty.

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Read also: One step forward, two steps back Read more

He is the first mayor convicted of buying votes in Slovakia. The ruling is not yet valid and the mayor has appealed.

The Court also sentenced Matej Kucerak to one year and imposed a fine of 160. Matej Kucerak did not comment on the judgment.
Bratislava hosts the annual reunion of historical railway engines and vehicles.

The historical steam engine 475.196 dubbed Her Ladyship (r) with two other vintage engines when presented during the reunion in 2005. (Source: www.vyhrevna-vrutky.sk)

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The so-called Old Depot or Rendez in Bratislavas borough of Raca will host another national reunion of historical railway engines and vehicles between June 17 and 18. Visitors will be able to see historical railway vehicles not only from the whole of Slovakia but also from the museum at the Austrian Strasshof and the collections of the Hungarian and Czech rail companies. But the biggest stars will be the engines that played in the Hollywood blockbuster Peacemaker featuring George Clooney and Nicole Kidman.

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The event, with the official title 19th National Reunion of Historical Railway Engines and Vehicles - Rendez 2017, is organised by the Slovak railway companies ZSSK, ZSK, ZSSK Cargo and railway clubs from Bratislava.

We decided to support this unique event not only with the presentation of our historical railway rolling stock, but we will also provide shuttle traffic from the Main Station to the Old Depot, said Filip Hlubocky, CEO of ZSSK, as cited in a press release.

The Slovak historical rolling stock will be represented at the event by two steam engines, seven diesel engines and two diesel wagons. But the primary stars will be the steam engine 475.196 dubbed Her Ladyship and the diesel engine T 679.1312 dubbed Sergey. Both of them featured in the Hollywood blockbuster Peacemaker. This movie was also filmed in Bratislava, which at that time was used to portray Vienna.

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Read also: Bratislava as a film scene Read more

There will be a rich cultural programme including the presentation of participating engines at the turntable (Saturday, June 17 between 12:30 and 14:00), night photography of historical engines (only on Saturday evening), rides on an historical steam engine, tram and bus and also concerts and re-enactment fights from WWII.

More information including the timetable of the shuttle transport can be found at www.mdc.sk, but only in Slovak.
The case from 2013 is still waiting to be resolved.

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Four years have passed since the police intervention in Moldava nad Bodvou that left dozens of people injured.

The Interior Ministry's investigation found no violation of the law on the police side and the prosecutor for the Presov region accused some Roma of false testimony and false accusations, public broadcaster RTVS reported.

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The whole case of the police raid has been on the Constitutional Court table since April 2016. Until today judges had not set a date for the session. The Roma people are ready to turn to the European Court of Human Rights.

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Back in 2013, about 50 police officers in approximately 20 cars rode into the Budulovska Roma settlement, part of Moldava nad Bodvou, late in the afternoon of June 19, and proceeded to raid the dwellings of the residents. The police detained 15 people and about 30 others are reported to have been injured by the police during the raid.

Some of the injured people were treated at the emergency room of the Moldava hospital, and a 6-month-old child who fell unconscious during the raid was hospitalised in Kosice. The childs condition was not connected with the raid, the hospital doctors said, as reported by the Sme daily.

Based on all available information and the inspection of the raid scene there is a strong suspicion that the police might have inappropriately used means of enforcement and violated the respective legal measures during the raid, ETP Slovensko wrote.

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Read also: Police deny claims of inappropriate police action at Roma settlement Read more

The raid was preceded by a conflict involving some of the settlements inhabitants with a police patrol on the night of June 16, after a party which was organised by the locals, the ETP Slovensko and Equity civic associations. The conflict resulted in the police detaining two of the local Roma, with one being released four days later and the other remaining in custody, Sme reported. Both are being prosecuted in connection with the conflict during which a police patrol car was partially damaged.
Thousands of people showed interest in the presidents office.

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For the third time, President Andrej Kiska opened the doors of his residence, the historical Grassalkovich Palace. The day was chosen to be symbolic as it was the same date as his inauguration in 2014.

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I guess that my voters and citizens should give me school report." Kiska explains he is not the one to judge his work, as quoted by the Aktuality portal. "I am trying to do my best to persuade people that having a president makes sense," he added for Aktuality.

More than four thousand people took the opportunity to visit the presidents office. Among them were students on an organized school trip for this day. The children were interested in the atmosphere of the palace, as a teacher, Mariana Oravcova, from Surany explained for Aktuality.

A new introduction this year was a guided tour of the palace, concerts by the students from the Conservatory in Bratislava and short presentations about the work that goes on in the palace. Visitors also enjoyed the performance of the guards and military music.

Another first was that visitors were allowed to stand on the balcony of the palace and the Chapel of Saint Barbora was also accessible. The programme continued at the back courtyard of the palace with shows of weaponry, police techniques and the presidential limousine.
This is the first confirmed case of the red-footed falcons returning to Slovakia.

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A record number of critically endangered red-footed falcons nested in Slovakia last year  five pairs. They raised 19 baby falcons, 16 of which had radio rings put on their legs. Thanks to that, ornithologists confirmed that two females returned to the original locality and that this is the first case confirmed by tracking of young returning in Slovakia. The two female birds were given names - Monika and Majka.

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Ornithologists consider this situation unique because of the high mortality of baby falcons. During the first year of their life, 70 to 80 percent of falcon babies die, according to statistics.

Reasons are various  natural predators, lack of food, exhaustion during migration, explained Roman Slobodnik from Raptor Protection of Slovakia for the reason for the high mortality rate.

Both females will probably help the nesting pairs, as is typical for this species. Red-footed falcons live in colonies, created by nesting pairs and helpers. After an exhausting return from Africa (about 20,000 kilometres), they divide into couples. The females sit on the eggs and males bring them food for about a month.

After a baby falcon hatches, only the parents feed it but the helpers protect the nests. Later, the helpers also help feed the young. This kind of help is not typical only for falcons but also for kingfishers and roller birds, Jozef Chavko from Raptor Protection of Slovakia stated.
Financial Aid

Report: We Don't Need More Financial Aid; We Need Better Processes

Some three million students drop out of college citing financial reasons. Yes, much of that is because they don't have enough money to pay for their education; but clunky technology and processes also turn out to be a big part of the problem. A new report from Tyton Partners examines how students "get lost" in the financial aid process and how institutions can become more "student-centered" for better outcomes without "adding a single dollar" to the amount of financial aid they make available.

Tyton is an investment banking and strategic consulting firm covering several segments, including education. Beginning last year and armed with a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the company worked with three professional associations for college administrators  the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, the National Association for College Admission Counseling and the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators  to understand what's impairing the United States higher education financial aid system and to develop some possible solutions.

A report, "Finding a Fit: The Evolution of Student-Centered Financial Aid," analyzes perspectives from a survey of 2,700 postsecondary faculty and administrators in admissions, financial aid and registrar's roles. Overall, the biggest impediments for students regarding financial aid at their institutions were:

Insufficient availability of aid; Lack of student engagement; and Lack of awareness.

In addition, the report asserted, these obstacles "reinforce each other." If students think a school has insufficient aid, they may be "less motivated to pursue all the necessary steps to get aid." Likewise, if students don't know that aid that is available or what the process is for obtaining it, that may come across to administrators as "low student engagement." And when aid "is in fact limited, it can lower the number of people receiving aid and the amount of aid each person receives," which will result in "lower awareness within the student body."

The systems used by schools to process financial aid exacerbate these problems, the report stated. Poor student communication, in particular, is a difficulty  however one that could potentially "be changed and adjusted without necessarily expanding budgets." Most respondents (88 percent) said they use e-mail to update students on the status of their financial aid application. Yet, only 56 percent reported that they considered that the "most effective method" for communicating. Nearly two-thirds (62 percent) said their student information system is the standard means for communication, but less than half (30 percent) considered it optimal. And while only 9 percent use texting, nearly five times as many survey participants (44 percent) said it was the most effective way to interact with students.

As one respondent told the researchers, "[Students] would say that the way we communicate with them is the biggest problem. They do not read or respond to e-mails, letters or phone calls."

These results were in response to the question, "How do you connect with students to update them on the status of their financial aid application?" Source: Tyton Partners, "Finding a Fit: The Evolution of Student-centered Financial Aid."

In a scenario that opened the report, texting and smartphone apps are at the heart of solution proposed by Tyton as a replacement for current practices. In the example, a student uses her phone to fill out a one-page form that's sent off to every school that has accepted her. In response, she receives a series of personalized text messages asking her to update personal information or submit additional data or documentation. As she awaits the outcome from each school, she's notified about possible scholarships she's eligible for based on her profile, which she can apply for with a screen swipe. Eventually, she receives an alert from each institution laying out how much aid she would receive and how much she would need to pay out of pocket. Acceptance happens with a click. In subsequent years of her college career, the process becomes even simpler. She simply needs to update certain details.

That's far from the way the financial aid process works currently, the report pointed out. "Instead, the process is fraught with confusion, misinformation, and technical challenges. It starts at the very beginning, as thousands of students fail to fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), which is the gateway to federal financial aid and the first step in the financial aid process. The other steps in the process are also problematic: verification of the students and parents financial records is challenging, schools have difficulty reaching students and getting them to respond, award letters are often hard to understand, and scholarships remain unused and undiscovered, even though there are thousands of students who are in desperate need of more money to help pay for college."

According to the report, shifting from status to what's possible will require schools to:

Improve their communications with students by bringing texting into the mix;

Set up and deliver financial aid education and training programs for incoming and existing students;

Revise how financial aid awards are relayed (and make those communications easier to understand);

Coordinate changes and improvements to the financial aid system among different departments for greater cohesion; and

Place financial aid services in locations on campus where students hang out and are more likely to reach out for help.

The report is available with registration on the Tyton Partners site.
Baby boomers will transfer a jaw-dropping $30 trillion in wealth to their heirs over the next 30 to 40 years, and a lot of that wealth will be in the form of IRAs and employer-sponsored plans. Baby boomers widely used these plans to reduce their tax bill over their lifetime, but once you begin withdrawing money from them, the IRS will come knocking for its share.
Does science inspire fiction or does it work the other way around? In the case of medical technology, the long-running TV and film series Star Trek has increasingly been inspiring researchers worldwide. Two teams were recently awarded the Qualcomm Tricorder X Prize for developing handheld devices that can diagnose a range of diseases and check a patients vital signs without invasive tests  inspired by Star Treks medical tricorder device.

In the show, a doctor would use the tricorder and its detachable scanner to quickly gather data on a patient and instantly work out what was wrong with them. It could check organ functions and detect diseases and their causes, and also contained data on a range of alien lifeforms. But how close are we really to using such devices (assuming we dont need them to diagnose aliens)?

The main aim of the two prizewinners is to integrate several technologies in one device. They havent created an all-in-one handheld machine but they do both represent significant steps forward.

The main winner, known as DxtER and created by US firm Basil Leaf Technologies, is actually an iPad app with artificial intelligence. It uses a number of non-invasive sensors that can be attached to the body to collect data about vital signs, body chemistry and biological functions. The runner-up technology from Taiwans Dynamical Biomarkers Group similarly connects a smartphone to several wireless handheld test modules that can analyse vital signs, blood and urine, and skin appearance.

The judges said both devices nearly met the benchmarks for accurately diagnosing 13 diseases including anaemia, lung disease, diabetes, pneumonia and urinary tract infection. These are the most successful efforts weve seen to bring so many functionalities into a single, user-friendly, portable diagnostic system.

Part of the success is due to the development of a variety of technologies that make up such all-in-one systems, although they still have some way to go. Probably the most advanced are mobile vital signs monitoring devices. For example, the ViSi Mobile System can remotely monitor all core vital signs including blood pressure, blood oxygen, heart rate and electrical activity, and skin temperature. It uses electrocardiogram (ECG) sensors attached to the chest and a pressure sensor in cuffs on the thumb and arm, both attached to a wearable wrist unit that feeds all the signals wirelessly to desktop or mobile device, with the same accuracy as conventional intensive care equipment.

Story continues

All the various sensor data from a system such as this then needs to be turned into meaningful readings  and that requires specialist software. For example, the Airstrip Technologies software can pull in information from hundreds of different types and brands of patient monitors and other equipment, as well as medical records, scan results and even messaging apps, to display a full picture of patients changing condition in real time.

Portable imaging technologies are another element needed to assess a patient and present the relevant information. For example, there are already miniaturized USB-based ultrasound probes that can connect directly to a smartphone to provide instant ultrasound images. With the quality of mobile cameras and image processing capabilities continually improving, this technology is likely to get even better in the near future. This could mean instant X-ray scans or skin abnormality diagnosis using pattern recognition software.

Data and diagnosis

But vital signs information and images arent enough for a fully automated device that can tell you whats actually wrong with a patient. The most mature technology we have in this area is for diabetes monitoring. Portable home blood glucose meters that can test a drop of blood on a paper can already be connected to mobile apps to allow diabetes sufferers to assess the severity of their condition.

Meanwhile, completely non-invasive methods for measuring glucose that dont involve finger pricking to get a drop of blood are under development. These include analysing sweat or the interstitial fluid located a few micrometres below the skins surface (above the pain-causing nerves).

Shutterstock

A number of innovative companies around the world are focusing on using similar handheld systems to diagnose other diseases, including HIV, tuberculosis, bacterial infections and cardiovascular disease. These rely on the key enabling technology of microfluidics, which uses specially designed microchips to manipulate tiny amounts of liquid.

Commonly known as lab-on-a-chip technology, this allows you to reduce a complete clinical laboratory testing system to a device a few centimetres across. You can take a sample, prepare it for testing (for example by isolating bacteria in the blood) and identify and measure the microbe present.

But while there has been significant progress in the developing bits and pieces of a tricorder, there is still work to do putting them altogether in a genuinely handheld package. Various equipment needs to be miniaturised and we need more progress in portable computers so they can handle all the information and data required for a complete picture of a patients health condition. We also need more development of the more thorough diagnostic features, such as the lab-on-chip and portable imaging systems, and less invasive testing methods. We may not have a tricorder in our hands yet, but we are definitely getting closer.

This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.

The Conversation

Despina Moschou receives funding from the British Council-Newton Fund Institutional Links. She is also Managing Director and co-founder of the medical diagnostics company DxOnBoard Ltd.
The AAMC, joined by 21 health professional education and practice organizations, filed a June 12 amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court opposing the governments applications for a stay of the lower courts injunctions against the executive order barring entry of individuals from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen.

The brief expresses concern that allowing the orders suspension of entry to take effect will exacerbate the nations health-professional workforce shortages, inhibit advances in medical care, and constrain collaboration needed to undertake effective biomedical research and manage global threats to public health.

The brief argues that the executive order threatens to upset the carefully balanced and highly regulated immigration processes authorized by Congress, on which the U.S. health care and research enterprises rely. Teaching hospitals, which have a special role in ensuring our nations health security, rely heavily on physicians and scientists from other countries in caring for vulnerable populations, responding to attacks of violence, and containing infectious diseases like Ebola. Sudden changes in the handling of visa applications and widespread backlogs also present a significant risk to the annual residency match and to the ability of highly-skilled and rigorously-vetted physicians from other countries to provide care in U.S. communities experiencing physician shortages.

In sum, the brief asserts there is a direct link between fair and efficient immigration processes and the nations ability to deliver high-quality care, discover medical breakthroughs, and protect public health.

In a June 12 statement, AAMC President and CEO Darrell G. Kirch, MD, noted, Suspending entry of highly talented and skilled medical and research professionals into the United States on the basis of their nationalities would ultimately undermine the health security of our nation, especially as we face a looming physician shortage. When we close our borders to highly skilled health professionals, we also are closing them to collaboration, discovery, and better national and global health.

The court is expected to make a decision on the governments applications for a stay before it concludes its current term in late June.
Your headline and story Comey testifies he was fired over Russian probe, barely mentions that fired FBI director James Comey admitted under oath he told President Trump on three separate occasions that he was not, and never had been, the subject of any intelligence agency investigation regarding collusion with the Russians.

You should have led with that.

For months on end, the Albuquerque Journal/Associated Press have pushed the narrative that people associated with the Trump campaign were being investigated for colluding with the Russians. The revelation that the whole thing was a complete fabrication is cast off in one sentence, deep in the article, and then its off to the races with your next drummed-up accusation that Trump committed obstruction of justice.

In his testimony, Director Comey called the media seagulls chasing bread crumbs who almost always get it wrong when citing unnamed sources. Despite this just criticism, Comey himself failed to correct the record and allowed, even encouraged, a false, fake, slanderous story to continue unabated for months. Given that he refused to set the record straight about his boss, despite being requested to do so, the Russian investigation may have indeed figured into the decision to fire Comey, but not for the reasons you state.

Here is what I found interesting: Comey testified that members of the Senate and Congress also knew that President Trump was not, and had never been, under investigation. We should ask why our own senators, (Martin) Heinrich and (Tom) Udall, perpetrated the collusion narrative for lo these many months, when, according to Comey, they must have known all along it was a lie. Has Senator Heinrich allowed our president to be slandered in order to keep his base happy and increase fundraising? A review of his public statements on this matter is certainly in order. In any case, Heinrichs current accusations regarding obstruction of justice should be treated with skepticism, as coming from a partisan grandstander.

Regarding this latest lie du jour, Trump committed obstruction of justice, your headline might be, Comey admits under oath that President Trump did not obstruct the Russian investigation.

Instead, Comey testified that Trump told him he wanted the investigation to continue and wanted to know if anyone in his circle was implicated.

Or how about, Comey states under oath that President Trump never asked him to stop the Michael Flynn investigation, but rather expressed to him, once and in private, that Flynn was a good guy and he hoped there was a favorable outcome  a sentiment that Trump had expressed the next day at a press conference, just as after the election he said he hoped theyd go easy on (Hillary) Clinton.

Last but not least, your headline could read, Comey outs himself as an FBI leaker. We look forward to future headlines on this particular topic.

Cmon, folks, given his less than illustrious track record, it really shouldnt be difficult for both Democrats and Republicans to agree that James Comey deserved to be fired.
There are some basic truths that hold even during the Trump-inspired meltdown of the modern media.

In one of the latest examples of our information crisis, CNN took a story this week about how a friend of Donald Trump said after a meeting at the White House that he thought the president was considering firing Robert Mueller. Then the network sloppily repackaged the story so it could report that Trump was, in fact, thinking about terminating the special counsel. Then CNN got a whole bunch of people to comment  from pundits and reporters to elected officials  and used those quotes to serve as the new jumping off point for a days worth of stories.

And when House Speaker Paul Ryan objected and pointed out the whole story was manufactured by the media, CNN anchors tried to justify their boo-boo by saying that some conservative pundits like Ann Coulter have called for Muellers removal and insisting that the White House had yet to deny the story.

You know liberals are busted when theyre desperate enough to seek cover behind a rhetorical arsonist like Ann Coulter.

What in the world has happened to my profession? It seems that many journalists  especially those in the New York-Washington echo chamber  are so personally offended by the idea of Trump being president, and so embarrassed that they missed the big story of how someone like Trump could get elected, that theyve thrown out the rule book and forgotten everything we were ever taught by crusty old editors about double-sourcing and triple-checking.

Yet, certain truths still apply:

 The best-written columns, and the most credible newscasts, are the ones we most agree with.

 The best constructed and most persuasive arguments are the ones that share our position.

And finally  thanks to the opinion storm following James Comeys testimony  we can add to the list:

 In any he said, he said situation, the more believable person is the one we support.

 And while its up to the criminal justice system to make the punishment fit the crime, you will find lawyers who  guided by partisanship  can find a crime to fit a president.

If you like Trump, you thought Comey lied from start to finish. If you dislike Trump, you believed the former FBI director told the truth from beginning to end.

One exception to that rule  and a refreshing one at that  is retired Harvard Law School professor Alan Dershowitz, who didnt let his opposition to Trump (he claims to have voted for Hillary Clinton) stop him from offering straight legal analysis.

On CNN, Dershowitz argued that Comeys testimony revealed no evidence of a crime. The president has the legal authority to stop an FBI investigation and thus there can be no obstruction of justice. The fact that there have been so many other lawyer-pundits trying to argue otherwise  while standing on shaky constitutional ground  shows just how far weve drifted off course.

Exhibit A: CNN senior legal analyst Jeffrey Toobin, a Harvard Law graduate himself who has insisted all along  before much of the facts are in  that this is a clear-cut case of obstruction of justice that may ultimately lead to impeachment.

This is where Trumps critics go astray. They mix together  in one pot  the legal term obstruction of justice and the political concept of impeachment. The former has a much higher standard, and operates within much narrower parameters, than the latter. All you need for impeachment is 218 votes in the House of Representatives. Proving obstruction of justice, or even charging someone with that crime, is much more difficult.

So says Elizabeth Foley, a sharp-as-nails lawyer and law professor at Florida International University. During an appearance on CNNs Fareed Zakaria GPS, Foley did to the host, and Harvard Law professor Lawrence Tribe  a vocal supporter of Hillary Clinton and early Trump critic  what a sushi chef does to raw fish. Foleys main point was that, under existing federal code, it is not clear that an FBI investigation is one of the procedures that an individual can be charged with obstructing.

Zakarias response was to meekly plead with Foley not to get too technical.

Not to get too technical, but the evidence shows that Trumps persecutors  in the media, Congress and the nations law schools  have gone off the rails. Theyre not thinking clearly. In some cases, theyre not thinking at all.
WASHINGTON  The Republican gospel of cutting taxes and government services to the bone doesnt lead to economic growth; it leads to crisis and decline. Just ask the people of Kansas, who finally have seen the light.

If House Speaker Paul Ryan and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell dont heed the Kansas lesson, they deserve to have their majorities stripped away in next years midterms. And they wont be able to claim they werent warned.

The states are supposed to be laboratories for testing government policy. For five years, Kansas Republican governor, Sam Brownback, conducted the nations most radical exercise in trickle-down economics  a real live experiment, he called it. He and the GOP-controlled Legislature slashed the states already-low tax rates, eliminated state income tax for most owner-operated businesses and sharply reduced vital government services. These measures were supposed to deliver a shot of adrenaline into the heart of the Kansas economy, Brownback said.

It ended up being a shot of poison. Growth rates lagged behind those in neighboring states and the nation as a whole. Deficits mounted to unsustainable levels. Services withered. Brownback had set in motion a vicious cycle, not a virtuous one.

Last week, finally, the Legislature  still controlled by Republicans  overrode Brownbacks veto of legislation restoring taxation to sane levels. The nightmare experiment is coming to an end.

The return to sane taxation will go a long way toward erasing a billion-dollar deficit. More revenue-raising measures may be needed, however, since education funding under Brownback was reduced to levels that the state Supreme Court recently ruled unconstitutional. It is unclear whether a $488 million increase for the schools over the next two years  which Brownback may still veto, or try to  is enough to satisfy the court.

Republican leaders in Congress will probably try to ignore the Kansas fiasco or say Brownbacks implementation was flawed. But that would be unfair. All Brownback did was apply what passes for mainstream Republican orthodoxy these days: Cut taxes, eliminate regulation, shrink government, then stand back and watch as economic growth soars.

It just didnt work.

It never works. Republicans cannot point to an instance in which this prescription has led to the promised Valhalla of skyrocketing growth. Before Kansas, they could at least argue that the program had only been attempted partially and piecemeal, never in full and unadulterated form. After Kansas, that excuse is gone.

Eliminating business income taxes for owner-operated companies was supposed to induce entrepreneurs to move to Kansas from other states. It didnt. It turned out that business owners take more than taxes into account when they decide where to locate. They want good health care and first-rate schools for themselves and their employees. They want modern, well-maintained infrastructure. In short, they want a healthy, functioning public sector.

It also turns out that business owners do not decide whether to expand capacity or add employees based solely on the tax rate they must pay. Much more important is whether there is enough demand to justify such growth. If there is not  and the Kansas economy under Brownback was woefully sluggish  then tax savings will not be put to productive use.

The Kansas Republicans who voted to abandon Brownbacks dead-end policies have been described in news stories as moderate, but many are actually quite conservative. They just decided to put reality before ideology.

President Trump and the Republican-led Congress, however, threaten to run Brownbacks experiment on a national scale, with predictably disastrous consequences. White House budget director Mick Mulvaney proposes amputational cuts to the social safety net and bureaus such as the State Department and the Environmental Protection Agency. And Trumps tax reform plan proposes, among other cuts, to slash the top tax rate for pass-through businesses  basically, owner-operated firms such as the Trump Organization  from 39.6 percent to 15 percent.

Claims that such action will lead to a surge in economic growth never had much credibility. Now, after the Kansas experiment, they have zero.

Its tempting to say fine, go for it, let the whole country see that the policy prescriptions championed by the Republican Party lead to nothing but a world of pain  except for the wealthy, who get to pad their bank accounts. But this is no academic exercise. Real people will suffer needlessly.

The GOP trembles before tax-cut guru Grover Norquist, who wants to reduce government to the size where I can drag it into the bathroom and drown it in the bathtub. But it is failed trickle-down ideology that deserves to be snuffed out. And not just in Kansas.
A man suspected of shooting and killing four people and wounding another in northern New Mexico on Thursday evening was arrested by deputies later that night.

Damian Herrera, 21, was taken into custody in connection with the four deaths and injury that took place at three locations in Rio Arriba and Taos counties, New Mexico State Police spokeswoman Lt. Elizabeth Armijo said.

All of these people are believed to be victims of gunshots, Armijo said. At this point, Damian Herrera, we believe, is the sole suspect.

She said three people were killed in Vallecitos and one in Tres Piedras, and one person was critically injured in Abiquiu.

There were no victims names, possible motives or possible connections immediately available, Armijo said at around 10 p.m.

State Police sent out an alert on Herrera earlier Thursday night, notifying the public that he was wanted and that residents of surrounding areas should be on alert and use caution.

Herrera was found by Rio Arriba County sheriffs deputies in the vehicle listed in the State Police alert and arrested.

There was a pursuit and he was taken into custody right about the junction of U.S.84/285 where it splits, she said. There was no major incident, gunfire exchange, between officers and Damian. He was taken into custody without any major injury or incident.
SANTA FE  A former state Children, Youth and Families Department employee is being investigated for fraud and embezzlement for allegedly purchasing more than 100 cell phones for people who did not work for the department.

CYFD officials started looking at 2016 spending data earlier this year and found that telecommunications officer Cindy Martinez, a 17-year CYFD employee, may have ordered 116 cell phones from Verizon Wireless for people who were not CYFD employees, according to a State Police search warrant affidavit filed in District Court Thursday.

The phones along with their monthly cell service, cost CYFD over $55,000 in 2016, according to the affidavit.

Martinez was the point of contact between CYFD and Verizon for several years, the affidavit says. She would send CYFD employee information to the state Department of Information Technology, which would then send the information to Verizon, the company contracted to provide cell service to state employees.

Verizon sent the phones to Martinez, who would give the phone to the employee, according to the document. There was no oversight for this process, the affidavit says. Cindy was considered the authority for any and all orders.

CYFD financial specialist Alisha Martinez analyzed information for phones bought in 2016 and found that Cindy Martinez was ordering phones for employees who did not exist in some cases, the affidavit says. In other cases, the employee listed was a duplicate of another employee with a slightly different spelling of the name. Some phones ordered for an employee allegedly werent given to that employee. CYFD officials called some of the numbers that the department was paying for and asked the person who answered if they worked for CYFD.

None of the persons contacted worked for CYFD, the affidavit says.

Before State Police got involved, a copy of a list of the 116 devices was shown to Cindy Martinez and an explanation was requested, the affidavit says. She did not provide an explanation and immediately resigned Feb. 10. No charges have been filed in the case.

The affidavit says that a State Police agent met with CYFD officials May 19. Investigators have obtained Verizon records for the CYFD account between January 2012 and February 2017, according to the affidavit.
he Trump administration has started the process of potentially reducing the size of Bear Ears National Historic Monument in Utah, with a recommendation to revise the monuments boundaries from Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke.

The Bear Ears monument faced opposition from Utah politicians and others before President Obama granted the designation. Those opponents have continued to be vocal as the presidential view of public lands has changed under a new administration.

Theres a debate, in other words, about the fate of the latest piece of southern Utahs spectacular scenery scattered with important Native American cultural sites to come under National Park Service protections.

But there was, and is, no debate in any meaningful sense of the word about Obamas designation in 2013 of the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument in northern New Mexico, which includes the amazing Rio Grande Gorge and the 10,000-foot-high Ute Mountain among its 242,000 acres.

The Rio Grande del Norte was supported by a broad coalition of groups, not just environmental advocates.

Here are some of the members of the Rio Grande del Norte Coalition, which pushed for creation of the monument:

 From the business perspective: the Taos County and Mora Valley Chambers of Commerce, The Taos Business Alliance, the Taos Tourism Council and more than 150 local businesses.

 From the hunting, fishing and conservation perspective: Trout Unlimited, the New Mexico Wildlife Federation, Southwest Consolidated Sportsmen, New Mexico Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, and the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership.

 From the environmental perspective: Amigos Bravos, Audubon New Mexico, New Mexico Wilderness Alliance, the Sierra Club, the Taos Land Trust, the Wilderness Society and the Western Environmental Law Center.

 Also: the League of United Latin American Citizens, the Hondo Mesa Community Association, New Energy Economy and Organizers in the Land of Enchantment (OLA).

People in northern New Mexico came together to support the national monument. That, and the impressive natural features it contains, should be enough to protect its existence as the argument over public lands continues on the national level.

When Obama created the national monument, Taos Mesa Brewing Company  not far from the gorge  came up with a celebratory brew, christened Rio Grande del Norte National Monument Pale Ale. Samples were sent to the president and others in Washington, D.C., as a token of appreciation,

The Trump administration should look elsewhere if it wants to expand its challenge to Obamas national monument designations. Trump doesnt drink, but maybe Taos Mesa Brewery can promise another special beer for those who do partake  if the new administration just decides to leave well enough alone.
A graduate of the United World College-USA in tiny Montezuma outside Las Vegas, N.M., has become the subject of worldwide campaign  but for tragic reasons.

Giulio Regeni, an Italian who completed the international baccalaureate schools two-year program in 2007, was murdered in Egypt about 16 months ago. His body was found in a ditch on Feb. 2, 2016, nine days after he had disappeared. Regeni was a doctoral student at Cambridge University in England and was in Cairo for academic research on trade unions since the fall of former strongman president Hosni Mubarak.

The body showed evidence of torture  broken ribs, burns and cuts. The Italian interior minister said last year that an Italian autopsy indicated that Regeni, 28, suffered inhuman, animal-like, unacceptable violence before he died.

The murder and the Egyptian governments continued failure to bring anybody to justice in the case  and suggestions that the government had a role in Regenis death or a cover-up  has become a cause celebre, not only in Italy, but also around the world, straining relations between Italy and Egypt.

The case made international headlines again just last month when Regenis parents called on Pope Francis to seek information about the killing of their son from Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi during a papal visit to Cairo.

Apparently, the pope did as requested, telling reporters during his flight back to Rome:  From the Holy See, I have looked into this situation, also because Giulios parents asked me to do so. The Holy See has taken some steps. I will not say how or where, but we have taken some steps.

The UWC-USA in Montezuma, founded in 1982 by industrialist and philanthropist Armand Hammer and part of a global system of schools in 17 countries, is now doing its part for the campaign that Amnesty International launched under the banner Verita per Giulio Regeni  Truth for Giulio Regeni.

In his honor, UWC-USA has created The Giulio Regeni Alumni Award.

Jose-Pablo Salas Rojas, the colleges associate director of alumni relations, said the award is intended to recognize alumni who have displayed their power to make a difference through the same kind of commitment and humanity demonstrated by Regeni, and whose accomplishments, affiliations and professional career honor the UCW mission.

That mission includes bringing together students from around the world to use education as a force to unite people, nations and cultures for peace and a sustainable future. UWC-USA has about 250 students and its incoming class represents 99 nationalities.

Salas Rojas, from Costa Rica, is a 2006 graduate of UCW-USA, a year ahead of Regeni, whom he got to know as a student. After his own graduation, Salas Rojas visited Regeni in his northern Italy home town of Fiumicello.

He was a very lively person, Salas Rojas told me. He was very curious to learn about people. Giulio was also enthusiastic about languages and knew Arabic. He loved Egypt and took many trips there to do his Ph.D., said Salas Rojas.

Regeni had a clownish side, loved cooking and was an extremely loving human being, he said. The Italian was no extrovert, but he would really put himself on the line for anybody.

You could rely on him, Salas Rojas said

And he really did embody our mission  he took it on himself to carry out education as a force for change.

Murder mystery

The questions about Regenis death start with the date of his disappearance after a routine text to his girlfriend  Jan. 25, 2016, the fifth anniversary of the commemorative date for the Egyptian revolution that brought huge crowds to Cairos Tahrir Square and led to Mubaraks downfall.

Critics say the current Sisi government has cracked down on past anniversary gatherings and that police had been conducting raids to intimidate anyone planning to demonstrate in 2016. And unions  the topic of Regenis research  had helped spur the 2011 revolution.

Also, Regeni had written an article about a public trade union meeting in which he called the Sisi government repressive and said that the fact that there are popular and spontaneous initiatives that break the wall of fear is significant and represent in and of themselves an important push for change,  according to the British newspaper The Guardian.

Reuters has reported that, when he disappeared, Regeni was picked up by police, then taken to a Homeland Security compound, which the Egyptian government denies. The news services Cairo bureau chief had to leave the country after being threatened with prosecution. The New York Times quoted a witness who described seeing Regeni taken away by security officers and an official who said, They figured he was a spy. After all, who comes to Egypt to study trade unions?

Press accounts indicate that various murder theories floated by Egyptian officials  that Regeni was killed in a road accident, by a kidnapping gang or during a drug deal or a crime of passion  have fallen apart, and note that his case fits in with numerous instances of people disappearing while in custody of the Egyptian authorities. His murder has also been characterized internationally as an attack on academic freedom.

Recent developments

There has been no let up in debate over the case as the Italian government continues to press for more information. About a month ago, the office of Egypts prosecutor-general announced that it had handed over files and records in the case requested in March by a Rome prosecutor.

Theres even a new report in which an Egyptian tycoon suggests some other country interested in isolating Egypt is behind the murder. One quote from the interview: Do you know what it means to have half a million Italian tourists disappear? But Salas Rojas said, Its a clear human rights case at many levels.

The first Giulio Regeni Alumni Award was given out at Mays graduation ceremony in Montezuma to alumnus Bhushan Tuladhar of Nepal, a leader in his countrys environmental movement and chief technical advisor for South Asia for UN-Habitats Urban Basic Services Branch, a United Nations program.

Salas Rojas said naming the award after Regeni is a very small contribution to keep the spotlight on his case.

Its the simplest thing we can do to keep the campaign alive.
Albuquerques public high schools will carry the anti-overdose drug naloxone under a plan approved this week.

The proposal passed unanimously with little discussion during an Albuquerque Public Schools board committee meeting Wednesday night.

APS Government Affairs and Policy Director Carrie Robin Brunder told board members that the district was motivated by recent legislation that expands access to the overdose treatment.

Under the plan, high school nurses will receive training on proper use of naloxone, also known by the brand name Narcan. The drug is administered through a nasal spray or injection to counteract overdoses of heroin and other opioids.

Vicki Price, APS director of counseling, told the Journal that the district has not seen any opioid overdoses at schools, but its sensible to stock naloxone as a precaution.

She cited the states growing opioid problem: In 2014, a record 536 New Mexican died of drug overdoses  the second-highest per-capita rate in the nation. Only West Virginia fared worse.

Unlike alcohol or other drugs, you have a short window to respond to an opioid overdose, Price said. This is just a precaution that could save a life.

The cost for the naloxone kits should be relatively low, Price said, though she did not know the exact amount.

In December 2016, the Albuquerque City Council voted to budget at least $7,500 to carry naloxone in publicly accessible city buildings.

Rio Rancho Public Schools also started storing the drug this year at middle schools and high schools.
A month after he was struck by a vehicle while walking across Montgomery NE, Olivier Kamndon is still in an intensive care unit at University of New Mexico Hospital.

Although his condition is officially described as satisfactory, Lutheran Family Services Program Director Tarrie Burnett said some of his injuries seem pretty permanent.

Lutheran Family Services has a contract with the federal government to work with refugees like Kamndon who arrived in New Mexico late last year. He and his family fled their war-torn homeland of Central African Republic and hoped to find peace and safety in the United States.

Kamndon, who is in his late 40s, was learning English and had landed a maintenance job at the Jewish Community Center to provide for his wife and their eight children. News stories about the hit-and-run crash on May 15, which deprived the family of its breadwinner, has spurred a wave of support from the Albuquerque community.

JCC Executive Director David Simon said staff at the Jewish Community Center have donated nearly five months worth of sick leave to Kamndon, which means he will continue to receive a paycheck for that period. The center has also taken four of Kamndons eight children, ages 5 through 11, into its summer camp program. Volunteers are shuttling the children from their apartment near Montgomery and Carlisle NE to the JCC, near Wyoming and Academy NE.

They should hopefully have a great summer, and it will take some strain off Mrs. Kamndon, Simon said.

Well-wishers concerned about Kamndon and his family have donated thousands of dollars to help them with living expenses.

The outpouring has been immense, Burnett said.

She said the money that has been contributed to the Lutheran Family Services fundraising website will be used to cover housing and other basic expenses for the Kamndon family.

Brianna Sabans, a volunteer who has worked with the family members since shortly after they arrived in Albuquerque in October, has a fundraising website and has organized a meal train for volunteers to take food to the family.

That has been a godsend. It takes a burden off his wife and eldest daughter to cook for the large family, Sabans said.

Melinda Forward, who teaches one of Kamndons sons at Del Norte High School, also has a fundraising site and a group from the New Beginnings Church of God at Montgomery and Carlisle held a carwash and burrito sale on May 20 to help the family pay rent.

Samantha Ramos-Montanez, 19, who police say was driving the car that struck Kamndon, has been charged with leaving the scene of an accident with great bodily harm.
SANTA FE  Starting today, students in New Mexico will enjoy new legal protections ensuring they can get a meal in the lunchroom even if their parents havent paid the bill.

And school districts will face new limits on physically restraining students.

Those laws are among more than 80 that take effect today after passing the Legislature this year in the 60-day regular session.

The new laws touch on drug overdoses, improving high-speed internet access and dozens of other topics.

At least two pieces of legislation, supporters say, are the first of their kind in the country.

The Hunger-Free Students Bill of Rights Act, for example, has generated interest across the nation, and a similar bill has been introduced in Congress.

The New Mexico measure  Senate Bill 374, sponsored by Senate Majority Whip Michael Padilla and Sen. Linda Lopez, both Democrats from Albuquerque  prohibits schools from publicly identifying or stigmatizing students with unpaid cafeteria bills. Schools are also required to serve a meal meeting federal standards to any student who asks, regardless of ability to pay, unless a parent wants the meal withheld.

The law, Padilla said, allows students to focus on their studies rather than their stomachs.

Also described as the first of its kind is a law aimed at addressing New Mexicos high rate of opioid overdose deaths.

The law, House Bill 370, calls for making naloxone  a medicine that reverses the effects of opioid overdoses  more widely available. Law enforcement officers must now carry it, for example, contingent on their agencies having enough funding and medicine available.

Everything we can do to save a life we need to embrace, Rep. Sarah Maestas Barnes, R-Albuquerque, said in an interview.

The legislation had bipartisan sponsors  Maestas Barnes; Rep. Rebecca Dow, R-Truth or Consequences; and Rep. Derrick Lente, D-Sandia Pueblo.

Not every bill passed by lawmakers this year goes into effect today: Some have specific start dates written into them, for example. But today is the effective date  90 days after the session ended  for most legislation.

Among the bills taking effect today are measures that:

 Limit the use of physical restraint and isolation on students. Schools may use physical restraint or seclusion only if the students behavior is a serious physical danger to someone else and if less-restrictive measures arent likely to help.

House Bill 75 was sponsored by Reps. James Smith, R-Sandia Park, and Deborah Armstrong, D-Albuquerque.

 Ban the use of therapy aimed at changing a young persons sexual orientation. Senate Bill 121 was sponsored by Sen. Jacob Candelaria and Rep. G. Andres Romero, both Albuquerque Democrats.

 Aim to expand access to high-speed internet, especially in rural areas. A variety of bills address that topic.
WASHINGTON  President Donald Trump acknowledged for the first time Friday that he is under federal investigation as part of the expanding probe into Russias election meddling. He lashed out at a top Justice Department official overseeing the inquiry, reflecting his mounting frustration with the unrelenting controversy that has consumed his early presidency.

I am being investigated for firing the FBI Director by the man who told me to fire the FBI Director! Witch Hunt, the president wrote on Twitter.

His morning missive apparently referred to Rod Rosenstein, the deputy attorney general whose role leading the federal investigation has become increasingly complicated. The White House has used a memo he wrote to justify Trumps decision to fire FBI Director James Comey, but that Trump action may now be part of the probe. Thursday night, Rosenstein issued an unusual statement complaining about leaks in the case.

Trump advisers and confidants describe the president as increasingly angry over the investigation, yelling at television sets in the White House carrying coverage and insisting he is the target of a conspiracy to discredit  and potentially end  his presidency. Some of his ire is aimed at Rosenstein and investigative special counsel Robert Mueller, both of whom the president believes are biased against him, associates say.

Dianne Feinstein, top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, said she was increasingly concerned that Trump will fire both Mueller and Rosenstein.

The message the president is sending through his tweets is that he believes the rule of law doesnt apply to him and that anyone who thinks otherwise will be fired, Feinstein said. Thats undemocratic on its face and a blatant violation of the presidents oath of office.

Aides have counseled the president to stay off Twitter and focus on other aspects of his job. They have tried to highlight the positive reviews he received Wednesday when he made a statesman-like appearance in the White House to address the nation after Rep. Steve Scalise was shot during a congressional baseball practice.

Yet Trumps angry tweets on Friday underscored the near-impossible challenge his advisers and legal team have in trying to get him to avoid weighing in on an active probe.

The president has denied that he has any nefarious ties to Russia and has also disputed that hes attempted to block the investigation into his campaigns possible role in Russias election-related hacking. It was unclear whether his tweet about being under investigation was based on direct knowledge or new media reports that suggest Mueller is examining whether the president obstructed justice by firing Comey.

The tweets came shortly after Rosenstein issued his unusual statement that appeared to be warning about the accuracy of such reports.

Americans should be skeptical about anonymous allegations, Rosenstein said. The Department of Justice has a long-established policy to neither confirm nor deny such allegations.

The department would not comment on the record on whether Trump, who has repeatedly complained about leaks on the case, requested the statement. But a department official said no one asked for the statement and Rosenstein acted on his own. The official demanded anonymity because the official was not authorized to be named discussing the deliberations.

Trump has told associates he has the legal authority to fire Mueller. What is clear is that he could order the Justice Department to ax Mueller, which may result in Rosensteins departure and would certainly intensify the uproar over the investigation. Though some in the White House have preached caution, fearing a repeat of the firestorm over Comeys firing, many in Trumps orbit  including his son Donald Trump Jr. and adviser Newt Gingrich  have deemed Mueller biased and worthy of dismissal.

Several White House officials and Trump associates insisted on anonymity in order to discuss the presidents views of the unfolding investigation.

Rosenstein has been overseeing the Russia probe since shortly after Attorney General Jeff Sessions recused himself. But Rosenstein, too, may ultimately have to hand off oversight given his role in Trumps decision to fire Comey.

Earlier this month, Rosenstein told The Associated Press that if anything that I did winds up being relevant to his investigation then, as Director Mueller and I discussed, if theres a need from me to recuse, I will.

Trumps tweets came after the top lawyer for his transition team warned the organizations officials to preserve all records and other materials related to the Russia probe. An official of Trumps transition confirmed the lawyers internal order, which was sent Thursday.

The order from the general counsel for the transition team casts a wide net on documents that could shed light on ties between Trumps presidential campaign and representatives of Russias government. The order also covers separate inquiries into several key Trump associates including former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn, campaign adviser Paul Manafort, foreign policy aide Carter Page and outside adviser Roger Stone.

The White House has directed questions for details to outside legal counsel, which has not responded.

Vice President Mike Pence has also hired a private lawyer to represent his interests in the expanding probe. Pence headed the Trump transition until Inauguration Day.

Trumps personal lawyer, Michael Cohen, also has retained an attorney to represent him. Cohen has worked for Trump since the mid-2000s and was active in the campaign. He has already been subpoenaed by the House intelligence committee.

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Associated Press writers Steve Braun, Sadie Gurman, Eric Tucker, Mary Clare Jalonick and Vivian Salama contributed to this report.

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Follow Julie Pace at http://twitter.com/jpaceDC and Jonathan Lemire at http://twitter.com/JonLemire
FARMINGTON  A Farmington man is accused of pulling a knife on a woman, kidnapping her by forcing her into his recreation vehicle and raping her.

William Thompson, 47, was charged June 9 in Farmington Magistrate Court with first-degree felony kidnapping and criminal sexual penetration (armed with a deadly weapon), a second-degree felony, according to court records.

Thompson has no legal representation, according to court records.

Farmington Police Department officers were dispatched around 12:35 a.m. on April 29 to the intersection of McCormick School Road and East Murray Driver on a report of a female who claimed she was kidnapped and raped, according to the arrest warrant affidavit.

The woman was interviewed by police after being transported to the San Juan Regional Medical Center to have a sexual assault examination performed.

She told police she was drinking wine with a friend at the friends home when Thompson showed up.

He agreed to take the woman to the Texas-New Mexico state line, and she got in his van with him, according to court documents.

The two drove to his RV in the Mom and Pop RV Park at 901 Illinois Ave., where Thompson allegedly pulled a knife out and held it to the womans throat, according to court documents.

The woman accuses Thompson of holding her at knifepoint and directing her to enter the RV.

Thompson then allegedly pushed the woman onto the bed, held her face into the mattress and raped her, the affidavit states.

After Thompson laid down on the bed and fell asleep, the woman told police she grabbed her belongings and ran out of the RV.

Thompson was taken into custody and interviewed by detectives at the Farmington Police Department.

He told police the woman was looking for a place to stay for the night and that he and the woman had sexual contact, according to court documents.

When the detective told Thompson the woman accused him of rape, he asked police if they were serious, the affidavit states.

Thompson then signed waivers for police to search his van and RV, according to court documents.

He was in custody at the San Juan County Adult Detention Center this morning on a $50,000 surety bond.

A preliminary hearing for Thompson is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Wednesday in Farmington Magistrate Court.

Joshua Kellogg covers crime, courts and social issues for The Daily Times. He can be reached at 505-564-4627.



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LONDON  Thirty people have been confirmed dead as a result of the blaze that ripped through a London tower block, police said on Friday, as Queen Elizabeth II and Prince William visited survivors.

Many residents are still missing and the death toll was expected to grow higher, Metropolitan Police Commander Stuart Cundy said.

The bodies of 12 people were recovered and are at a mortuary, while one person died at hospital. The rest of the deceased are still in the building.

It is very hard to find the words to express how those families affected must be feeling, and it is our job to work tirelessly to provide them with the answers they so richly deserve, Cundy said.

A priority of each and every one of us involved in the ongoing operation at Grenfell Tower is to recover and identify all the victims, he said.

The cause of the fire was still unknown, but police said there was nothing to indicate it was started deliberately.

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince William met survivors, volunteers, local residents and community workers at a fitness center in Kensington, which is providing emergency accommodation for those affected by the fire in nearby Grenfell Tower.

Prime Minister Theresa May also met survivors on Friday in a private visit to a London hospital, Downing Street said, adding that she spent about an hour with patients and staff.

The visits come amid an atmosphere of acrimony and confusion.

A speech given on Thursday near the tower by London Mayor Sadiq Khan was interrupted by hecklers, who said that the fire could have been prevented.

Also on Thursday David Lammy, a lawmaker from the opposition Labour Party, called for a criminal investigation of possible corporate manslaughter as anger grew over reports that fire-safety concerns were ignored.

Both Prime Minister May and Labour opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn visited the site on Thursday, with May calling for a full inquiry into the blaze.

Police said six victims had been provisionally identified, adding that they were still unable to estimate the number of people missing.

Police said on Friday that 24 people are still being treated following the fire, with 12 remaining in critical care.



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CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas  Every weekend a group of people from different walks of life gathers to feed the homeless in Corpus Christi.

The Corpus Christi Caller-Times reports they do it for social justice.

They do it because they know homelessness could happen to them  or maybe because it did.

They do it because of their religious beliefs.

Some do it simply to give back.

Tacos Not Bombs began feeding the homeless and low-income families about seven years ago.

Every Sunday the group gathers at Artesian Park and brings home-cooked meals, drinks, clothes and gently used books to donate.

People enjoy it because the food is coming from someones kitchen, said Chris Phelan, a contractor and Tacos Not Bombs member. So, the love is there. Its family recipes.

Hundreds show up for the buffet-style feast.

Recently, the group also started to volunteer to cook and serve meals on Saturdays at the Corpus Christi Metro Ministries Loaves and Fishes Cafeteria.

(Tacos Not Bombs) started as an anti-war statement, Phelan said. If we could afford to buy bombs and drop them on people then we could afford to feed the poor here.

Since then, the purpose of the group and its efforts have evolved, he said.

We have built relationships with these folks that have been coming around for years, Phelan said. A lot of these people are the most marginalized people on the streets. Sometimes these are people that cant go to a shelter to get food.

Everyone eats with us, he said. There are no requirements. Anyone in the community can come out and eat.

The group plans about a week in advance what kind of food theyll bring for the next gathering.

Jacob Hernandez, an entrepreneur and Tacos Not Bombs member, said some of the meals served have included enchilada casserole, rice and beans and barbecue. Most meals include dessert and a snack the recipient can take with them for later.

People look forward to it; people start lining up early, Hernandez said. People are usually grateful that we are there every Sunday because without us there some of them wont eat.

Hernandez said there are at least 30 active members and volunteers in the group  and theyll welcome more.

We need more help. The people need it and the streets need it, Phelan said. We dont have regular meetings or anything. If you want to be part of it, you can come and youre involved.

The men said the groups purpose is simply to help.

Tacos Not Bombs also tries to do outreach and give out information about any other resources people may need, like veterans services.

Sherry Rader Boehme and her husband saw the groups efforts featured on TV a couple of years ago and decided to help, she said.

She is a retired school teacher from North Texas and when she moved to Corpus Christi she was eager to volunteer.

When I joined a year ago we served around 50 to 60 men, women and children each week. Our numbers have increased to between 120 to 150 each week, Rader Boehme said. It is a lot of work to prepare for those numbers, but we do it from our heart. We love to see the happy and fulfilled faces on all of our friends.

She became a part of the group because she wants to see people have something to look forward to each week.

We want them to have a meal to feed their hungry bodies, and smiles and some conversation to know there are people who do truly care about them, she said.

Tacos Not Bombs will continue to volunteer at Loaves and Fishes Cafeteria every fourth and fifth Saturday of the month, Corpus Christi Metro Ministries CEO Patty Clark said.

I believe that our partnership is a model for others to follow, Clark said. I invite other groups to join us as we seek to feed and serve the least, the last and the lost in our community.

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Information from: Corpus Christi Caller-Times, http://www.caller.com

This is an AP Member Exchange shared by the Corpus Christi Caller-Times
The Russian military said Friday it is investigating whether an airstrike in the Syrian desert has killed Abu Bakr Baghdadi, Islamic States self-described caliph.

The death of one of the worlds most-wanted jihadist leaders would be a military victory for Russia and a setback for the militants, who are battling for control of strongholds in Iraq and Syria, including their de facto capital in Raqqah.

If confirmed, Baghdadis death will be a powerful blow to the IS. It has been retreating on all fronts, and the death of its leader will accelerate its demise, tweeted Alexei Pushkov, the head of the upper house of the Russian parliaments committee for information policies.

Igor Korotchenko, a member of the Russian Ministry of Defenses Public Council, an advisory board, said the death of the Islamic State leader would dramatically change Russias operation in Syria, speeding their war on terror. It fundamentally changes the course of the military operation, because the command center, the brains of the organization is destroyed, and the remaining terrorists will be less effective, he told the Russian newspaper, Evening Moscow.

Baghdadi, whose real name is Ibrahim Awwad Ibrahim Ali Badri Samarrai, may have been killed when the Russian Air Force struck a meeting of Islamic State leaders on May 28 outside Raqqah, according to a statement released by the Russian Defense Ministry.

According to information which we are checking through various channels, the leader of the Islamic State, Abu Bakr Baghdadi was at the meeting and the strike destroyed him, the statement said, adding that the Russian military was still investigating.

Among other militant leaders killed in the raid, according to the statement: Abu Khadji Mysri, Ibrahim Naef Khadj and Suleiman Shauah.

Baghdadi, believed to be in his early 40s, has a $25-million U.S. bounty on his head.

U.S. officials said they could not immediately say whether the Russian strike had killed Baghdadi. We cannot confirm these reports at this time, said Col. Joe Scrocca, a spokesman for the U.S.-led coalition.

We have no information to corroborate those reports, related to Baghdadis death, said Pentagon spokesman Capt. Jeff Davis.

Even senior Russian officials said Baghdadis death had not been fully confirmed. I dont have 100 percent confirmation on this information, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said.

He added that the Russian military was examining reports that the U.S. was boosting its military presence in the south of Syria near the borders with Jordan and Iraq.

There have been previous reports of Baghdadis death, only to be followed by the shadowy militants reappearance somewhere.

Raqqah has been under attack by American-backed Kurdish and Arab ground forces in recent weeks, with support from a U.S.-led coalition of Western and Arab air forces. The Russian defense ministry statement said the U.S. was warned of the May 28 strike.

It was unclear whether the Russian military had targeted Baghdadi, or learned of his presence at the gathering after the strike.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported airstrikes south of Raqqah May 28 that killed 18 people, including 10 Islamic State fighters. The local activist group Raqqah is Being Slaughtered Silently reported that 17 civilians were killed in a strike that day in the same area.

Baghdadi declared Islamic States caliphate in Syria and Iraq in June 2014, days after capturing Mosul, Iraqs second largest city.

He has since remained underground, silent even after one of his closest associates  the extremist organizations spokesman, Abu Muhammad Adnani  was killed in an airstrike in August. The last time Baghdadi spoke out was in an audio released Nov. 3, in which he urged followers to defend Mosul against an offensive launched the month before by the Iraqi armed forces and the U.S.-led military coalition.

His silence since has led to rumors that he was wounded or killed. A number of reports claimed the leader had holed up in a safe house in Baaj, near the desolate border of Iraq and Syria. But when Iraqi forces swept through the area earlier this month, there was no sign of Baghdadi. Iraqi military commanders believed he was somewhere in the deserts of eastern Syria.



(Ayres reported from Moscow and Hennessy-Fiske reported from Beirut. Staff writer W.J. Hennigan contributed from Washington, D.C. Nabih Bulos contributed reporting from Erbil, Iraq.)



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Copyright  2017 Albuquerque Journal

LA MADERA  Residents of the small Rio Arriba County community of La Madera say they never would have suspected that one of their neighbors could go on a shooting rampage, leaving five people dead.

Its just a very tragic situation, because they were good people and good neighbors, said 77-year-old Carol Hite, who lives across the street from where police say 21-year-old Damian Herrera shot his stepfather and brother to death and critically injured his mother, who later died at a hospital.

They werent people that were always causing trouble or anything like that, Hite said. I think I still cant quite wrap my head around that it actually happened.

Police apprehended Herrera after he crashed a stolen truck during a police chase north of Espanola on Thursday night.

But before he was captured, police said, Herrera killed two other people he encountered at random  an archaeologist who gave him a ride near Tres Piedras and a man who just happened to stop for gas at an Abiquiu store the same time Herrera did.

None of the victims had a chance, State Police Chief Pete Kassetas said at an afternoon news conference in Espanola.

First Judicial District Attorney Marco Serna in Santa Fe said the killings rocked northern New Mexico to its core.

Herreras family members who were shot in La Madera on Thursday afternoon were identified as Maria Rosita Gallegos, known as Brenda, 49; welder Max Trujillo Sr., 55; and Brendon Herrera, 20, a student at UNM-Taos who worked at the Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort.

Trujillo and Brendon Herrera died at the scene. Gallegos was on life support but died late Friday afternoon, according to Rio Arriba County Sheriff James Lujan.

After the shootings in La Madera, police said, Damian Herrera, who doesnt have a criminal record, fled in a pickup truck and next killed Michael Kyte of Tres Piedras.

Kyte was a recently retired U.S. Forest Service archaeologist who was giving Herrera a ride after he ran out of gas, authorities say. Police were called to the scene in Tres Piedras at 5:45 p.m.

Sheriff Lujan said Kyte was a victim of circumstance.

Herrera stole Kytes truck and took a wayward path to his next killing, according to what police said he told them.

He drove north from Tres Piedras to Antonito, Colo., then circled back through Chama south to Abiquiu. There, police said, Herrera shot Manuel Serrano, 59, of Youngsville, a small community west of Abiquiu, about 8:15 p.m.

Surveillance video described in the criminal complaint charging Herrera indicates that Serrano and Herrera were both getting gas at pumps outside the Abiquiu store. But its unclear from the complaint why Herrera shot Serrano, who worked in security at the nearby Georgia OKeeffe Home and Studio.

Herrera was driving south on U.S 84 north of Espanola when Rio Arriba deputies picked up his trail and initiated a pursuit.

A State Police official said he was driving too fast for a curve, veered into oncoming traffic and then swerved to avoid the cruiser of a State Police officer responding to the Abiquiu shooting. Herrera overcorrected and crashed into a tree about 8:30 p.m.

State Police said Herrera got out of the truck, ran toward deputies and started a fight, trying to disarm a deputy. At some point in the struggle, the deputys gun went off, according to the State Police account.

After a second deputy used a Taser on Herrera, he was brought under control and arrested.

Police said the apparent murder weapon, a .38-caliber revolver, was found in the stolen truck.

Sheriff Lujan said Herrera was also armed with a large hunting knife when he charged deputies.

Authorities dont have a motive for the shooting of family members. The court complaint says that earlier Thursday, Damian Herrera had taken a family pickup truck without permission. When he returned, he was confronted by Trujillo.

It all went downhill from there, Lujan said.

Jimmy Ortega, who lives near where the family members were shot, said Gallegos daughter, Carissa, about 16 years old, witnessed the shootings and ran to his house to call 911. Ortega wasnt home but said his wife was.

When they were small, they were good kids, and the best of the two was Brendon, Ortega said. He was a hard worker. Anyone that needed help cutting weeds, doing whatever, he was willing to do it  and not for pay. Thats the kind of guy he was.

Ortega said he hadnt seen Damian in awhile, and he had heard that he may have recently lost his job at the Ojo Caliente spa.

I dont know what happened, Ortega said. He just snapped. To be able to kill your mom and your brother.  La Madera will not be the same. You hear these stories in faraway places, but when it happens close to home it hurts.

Herrera faces five open counts of first-degree murder.

Looking haggard and bruised, he appeared from the Rio Arriba County jail in Tierra Amarilla by video for arraignment Friday morning in Espanola Magistrate Court. He was ordered held without bail.

Shooting starts

The criminal complaint describes the start of the shootings:

When deputies were called to La Madera about 3:30 p.m., they found Herreras sister, Carissa. She said she was inside the home with Brendon and her mother when she heard three or four gunshots outside. She followed the others outside and saw Trujillo on the ground in front of the house with wounds in his chest.

She went back inside to call 911 but couldnt find the phone, then tried administering CPR to Trujillo.

Carissa Herrera said she saw Brendon and Damian struggling over possession of a handgun. She said Damian had Brendon pinned against a wall by the carport and saw Damian shoot his brother in the neck. He then shot his mother as she came to Brendons aid. The report says Damian shot his mother in the head while she pleaded with her son not to shoot her.

Deputies found a rifle on a couch and discovered that the glass to a gun locker in the master bedroom had been shattered.

Other people were on or near the property at the time of the shootings.

Witnesses said that Damian Herrera appeared to be calm and  blank stared, as if he knew exactly what he was doing, according to the report.
SANTA FE  A lawsuit filed by top New Mexico legislators that challenges the legality of Gov. Susana Martinezs vetoes of 10 bills will proceed, but it could take months to resolve.

In determining the case should move forward, state District Judge Sarah Singleton set an Aug. 11 hearing in the case and ordered Governors Office attorneys to file a written response next month.

Three top-ranking Democratic lawmakers attended Fridays court hearing, and one of them, Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth, D-Santa Fe, told reporters after the hearing that it was a first step in the case.

We need to get this issue resolved, Wirth said.

The lawsuit argues that the 10 bills in question  all approved during the 60-day session that ended in March  should be declared to be law despite Martinezs vetoes, because the governor did not follow proper procedures. She either took too long to act on the bills or did not provide a sufficient explanation for the vetoes, the suit claims.

At stake are bills dealing with industrial hemp research, local government broadband expansion, drug testing for racehorses and allowing computer science to count toward math and science requirements for New Mexico high school students.

Martinez, the states two-term Republican governor, has insisted the vetoes were lawfully done and criticized Democratic legislative leaders for spearheading the lawsuit.

As weve said all along, this is yet another example of out-of-touch Santa Fe trial lawyers wasting time and taxpayer money going to court when they dont get what they want, Martinez spokesman Michael Lonergan said Friday.

However, Wirth insisted the court challenge is not politically motivated. It was authorized by the Legislative Council, a group of top lawmakers that includes both Democratic and Republican members.

This would apply to the executive, regardless of party, he said after Fridays hearing. This is about separation of powers.

Since Martinez vetoed the bills, Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver has declined to chapter them into law. If successful, the lawsuit would compel that action, a needed step for the bills to take effect.

Albuquerque attorney Paul Kennedy, who is representing the governor in the case, asked the judge for at least 30 days to file a written response to the Legislatures lawsuit, saying the case has significant factual and legal complexity.

Singleton, who is also presiding over a high-profile education funding case, ultimately granted the request but questioned the need for depositions and other types of pretrial evidence-gathering.

House Speaker Brian Egolf, D-Santa Fe, expressed concern that additional delays could put off the potential implementation of the vetoed bills, including the computer science proposal. That bill passed both the House and Senate during this years session with just four no votes.

To me, the urgent ones are the ones that are going to effect the schools and the kids, Egolf said.

Legislators also filed a separate court challenge against Martinez in April over the governors line-item vetoes on a $6.1 billion budget bill. The state Supreme Court ultimately declined to weigh in on that case.
Against a backdrop of uncertainty on the federal level, four insurance companies still plan to sell individual policies in New Mexico through the state exchange in 2018.

The firms this week filed their proposed 2018 rates under the Affordable Care Act with the New Mexico Office of the Superintendent of Insurance, a spokeswoman confirmed Thursday.

Insurers that have submitted initial filings for the upcoming year are Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Mexico, Molina Healthcare of New Mexico, New Mexico Health Connections and CHRISTUS Health Plan.

Thats without knowing whether former President Barack Obamas plan will be gutted or if President Donald Trump will support government subsidies for low-income individuals.

About 55,000 New Mexicans purchased individual policies on the exchange this year.

OSI will post next years initial filings on its website later this month.

Its a two-step process, said Heather Widler, OSI spokeswoman. The carriers can revise their rate structures (for bronze, silver and gold plans) in a second filing in the summer  or withdraw.

Not only does the public get a chance to clap their eyes on policy features and costs and make comments, but so do competitors.

In the meantime, OSI staffers are evaluating the submissions and often have questions for insurers about justification for their plan prices.

Not everyone who goes through the exchange qualifies for a subsidy, but some people go through the exchange anyway because it provides tools to compare policy features, Widler said.

So far, New Mexico insurers are bucking a trend in a number of markets that have seen carriers drop out altogether. According to the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, New Mexico is one of 10 states projected to have three or more insurers selling individual policies through their exchanges.

CMS said that nationwide, 47 counties are projected to have no exchange-based insurers next year. Its also projected that as many as 1,200 counties  nearly 40 percent of counties nationwide  could have only one issuer in 2018.
GREENVILLE, Texas  Two bounty hunters killed in a point-blank shootout with a Minnesota fugitive at a Texas car dealership were offered $3,000 to apprehend the felon, according to a police report.

Private investigators Fidel Garcia Jr. and Gabriel Bernal would have collected the payout if they had succeeded in taking Ramon Michael Hutchinson, 49, into custody.

Instead, the three men exchanged about 20 shots with Hutchinson on May 30 inside a glass office at the Nissan showroom, leaving the two private investigators and their target dead. Cellphone video recorded by people inside the dealership showed Hutchinson pull a handgun from his waistband as the bounty hunters approach. He dropped the gun, fought with the two men but was able to retrieve and start firing. Customers and employees are heard screaming as they run for cover.

A Minnesota bail-bond company had hired Garcia and Bernal to find Hutchinson, of St. Paul. They traced him to the dealership in Greenville, about 50 miles (80 kilometers) northeast of Dallas, after he skipped a court hearing in Minnesota on felony charges.

A Greenville police officer searched Garcias vehicle after the shooting and found papers with Hutchinsons personal information and printed email exchanges that indicated $3,000 would be paid for his capture, according to the police report, obtained this week by The Dallas Morning News.

Hutchinson apparently appeared unannounced the night before the shooting at the Greenville home of a woman with whom he had three children, the report said. The woman had been to the Nissan dealership to buy a new car and returned with Hutchinson the next day to trade in her old one.

A Greenville officer found the woman screaming and kneeling over his body following the shooting. The officer had to physically remove the woman from the building, the police report said.

Hutchinson had been sought since March when he failed to appear for a court hearing in Hennepin County, which includes Minneapolis. He was facing several charges that included assaulting a law enforcement officer.

___

Information from: The Dallas Morning News, http://www.dallasnews.com
PHOENIX  Phoenix police have arrested an 18-year-old man in the shooting death of a 17-year-old in a home.

Police say James Lee and the victim knew each other, but police havent released a possible motive or other details in the Thursday morning shooting.

Lee was booked into jail on suspicion of second-degree murder.

Its not immediately known whether he has a defense attorney who could comment on the allegations.
DENVER  Officials confirmed Colorado health authorities have stopped monitoring the plume of groundwater contaminated with PFCs at levels exceeding a federal health advisory limit that is spreading south. This widens the challenge of dealing with the perfluorinated chemicals, or PFCs, which do not break down and have been linked to birth defects, cancers and other health harm.

The Denver Post reports (http://dpo.st/2sjAHwy ) Pueblo leaders Thursday say they expect tracking of contaminated water to continue as PFCs seep south.

Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment records show state tests for PFCs in drinking water have not been done since November 2016. The records also show CDPHE hasnt measured PFCs in groundwater since February.

CDPHE officials confirm they stopped sampling water because EPA funding that enabled the tests ran out.
A person was treated for a small cut Thursday night after being hit by shrapnel kicked up when a deputy shot at a charging dog in Auburn, the Nemaha County Sheriff's Office said in a news release.

The Nebraska State Patrol is investigating the injury of the person, who was not the dog's owner, as the sheriff's office looks into both the shooting and whether the owner was harboring a dangerous dog.

Around 6 p.m., the deputy went to a home near Eighth and N streets to investigate a reckless driving complaint and was talking to the suspected driver, the release said.

That's when the suspect's dog broke free from its chain and ran aggressively toward the deputy, the release said.

The deputy then shot at the dog, and a piece of shrapnel ricocheted and hit a third party, who initially declined medical attention but later went to the hospital at the request of authorities, the release said.

The Nebraska State Patrol said Friday that the dog was hit in the tail and survived.
CLIFFSIDE PARK, N.J. (AP)  A man is looking forward to celebrating Father's Day a week after his first meeting with his 40-year-old daughter, who tracked him down following decades of questions.

Daughter Jyll Justamond says she was working with limited information from her mother: that her father's first name was Al, he was Italian and he worked at a bar called Neary's in the 1970s.

In April, she made a post in a Facebook group for Palisades Park, where the now-defunct bar was located. That led her to the former owner, who told her he knew exactly who she was looking for.

I said, 'I know this is crazy, but do you happen to know a guy named Al that worked or you in 1976, 1977?' Justamond told ABC News. He said, 'Oh, you mean Al Annunziata.'

Annunziata said shortly after that he received a message asking, Are you Al?

She said, 'You might know my biological mother. Her name is Linda,' Annunziata told WCBS-TV. And now I'm really scared, my heart is pounding.

Annunziata, a 63-year-old from Cliffside Park, said when Justamond's mother got pregnant four decades ago she told him someone else was the father. He said he believed her, but the idea that the child might have been his had lingered.

Of all the years this has been going on, it's been out there as a burning question, he said. It was never resolved.

After a paternity test proved that he was her father, Justamond traveled to New Jersey from Littleton, Colorado, to meet him on June 11.

This just the beginning, he said. I'll never let her out of my life, ever.

 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.
A supervisor at a city multigenerational center who saved a man from choking; a teenager who spends much of her time volunteering to help children and the homeless; and two Albuquerque police officers who calmed and assisted an elderly couple who were burgled, were honored Friday for their efforts by Mayor Richard J. Berry.

Thomas Gallagher, supervisor of the North Domingo Baca Multigenerational Center, was notified that center regular Norman Malm, 86, had suddenly become unresponsive while eating lunch. Gallagher instructed an employee to immediately call 911 and get a defibrillator ready.

Norman was slouched over in his chair, ice blue and clammy, recalled Gallagher, who first performed the Heimlich maneuver on Malm and then began doing CPR. I got to compression number 22 and he gasped. I rolled him on his side, did a finger swipe to clear his mouth of debris and removed a brussels sprout that he had apparently swallowed whole and had lodged in his esophagus.

About the same time, the Albuquerque Fire Department arrived and took over, Gallagher said.

Berry named Gallagher as the Employee of the Week and praised his quick thinking and action. Malm could not be in City Hall Friday for the ceremony. He was traveling to visit his grandchildren.

With everything she is involved in, its not clear when 17-year-old Nainika Ravichandran has time to sleep.

The Sandia Preparatory School graduate who will attend the University of New Mexico was named by Berry as Volunteer of the Month.

She began volunteering when she was 11 years old, joining her mother at Roadrunner Food Bank. She has since donated more than 1,100 hours to an array of nonprofits, particularly projects that help children and the homeless.

At Sandia, she was president of Helping Hands. The student organization raised money to buy new shoes for economically disadvantaged from the Mission Avenue Elementary School, and made blankets for children at Cuidando Los Ninos and for people struggling with homelessness.

Ravichandran also volunteers with the UNM Foundations Refugee Well-Being Project, where she tutored refugee children to help them adjust to their host country, and where she organized a clothing drive on their behalf.

Ravichandran, who wants to become a surgeon, has volunteered in the emergency department at Presbyterian Healthcare Services and completed an internship at the New Mexico Orthopaedic Surgery Center.

Albuquerque police officers Paula Mauser and William Velasquez were named Fridays Heroes for their service to Kendal and Jacqueline Hayes, both 88, whose vehicle was broken into and personal items stolen while they were traveling through Albuquerque.

The officers could see that the elderly couple was clearly upset. They carried the Hayes remaining luggage up to their third-floor hotel room, arranged to have their vandalized vehicle moved to a safe spot in front of the hotels entrance, and remained with them long enough to calm them from their ordeal.

We welcome suggestions for the daily Bright Spot. Send to newsroom@abqjournal.com.
We can help you make sense of the agribusiness industry, extending from chemicals and fertilizers used as inputs into agriculture, to the commodities, food and by-products that are an output to farming, with policy and regulation applied at every step of the value chain.
Korea Telecom executive Lee Dong-myeon recently spoke with AT&T Chief Strategy Officer John Donovan about the two companies working together on the development and rollout of 5G technologies. They met up at Korea Telecoms Technology and Convergence Center in Seoul, South Korea, but the details of what they spoke about were not revealed as of this writing. Korea Telecom is already hard at work developing and building out a preliminary 5G network, and reportedly plans to show it off at 2018s Winter Olympics, set to take place in South Koreas Pyeongchang province. AT&T is said to start offering its own take on pre-standard 5G in select markets later in that same year under the name of Network 3.0 Indigo.

While Korea Telecom is the local leader in the development of 5G and stands to roll out its network before competitors, AT&T boasts a distinct advantage in software-defined networking and network function virtualization, two key technologies that will allow traditional network equipment to host 4.9G networks with minimal conversion, and eventually be easily made over into 5G stations. These two technological approaches are compatible with virtually any network and network equipment worldwide, making it easy for Korea Telecom to adapt it to its own equipment. If the two are working together, it could mean a number of things for worldwide 5G development. One of the most likely scenarios would be the two offering each other financial and logistical aid during development and deployment, though virtualized joint networking and even the development of a cross-compatible 5G sub-standard are also quite possible.

Korea Telecom is not working exclusively with AT&T on 5G development; it is also collaborating with Verizon and even managed to show the fruits of the pairs labor recently when the worlds first hologram call was completed over a test 5G connection with Verizons help. Verizon, meanwhile, managed to get a 1.6Gbps network live in field testing at the recent Indy 500 event in Indianapolis. This sort of globetrotting approach seems to be defining the development of 5G. Worldwide players like Nokia and Ericsson are signing early 5G development, testing, and deployment deals with carriers worldwide, which is another factor that could lead to a cross-compatible standard for commercial 5G.
Google has filed an application to trademark the word #teampixel with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The listing for the trademark filing on the USPTO website does not divulge too many details except that the application was filed on June 9th and the trademark will cover mobile phones; smartphones and advertising and marketing services provided by means of marketing communications, namely, social media, internet marketing, and sharable or viral communications channels. But we can surely dig up these two aspects to come up with some theories about what Google might be planning.

The application mentions that the #teampixel trademark is for mobile phones and smartphones which clearly refers to the Pixel series of smartphones and is unlikely to cover the Pixel C. Google debuted the smartphone series last year with Pixel and Pixel XL and is now rumored to be working on successors reportedly codenamed Walleye and Taimen. Now you might be wondering what exactly the trademark has to do with Pixel series phones and this is exactly where it gets difficult to speculate but there are some possibilities. The first and most sensible one is that #teampixel seems to be related to customer support meant for Pixel users. Google released both Pixel phones with 24/7 dedicated live customer support which is accessible directly from the phone. It allows users to connect with support staff either via chat or call and also the ability to share phones screen. Now, it is quite possible that Google might be thinking of taking it to the next level and beyond just the smartphone. As the second aspect of the trademark filing talks about marketing communication and social media, #teampixel might be related to offering real-time live support via social media platforms like Twitter where users can connect quickly and even when they dont have access to their Pixel device.

As for the second possibility, it might have something to do with the promotion where Google encouraged Pixel users to click photos and share them on social media using #teampixel. The Pixel was the highest-rated DxOMark smartphone camera until the HTC U11 took over by a single point, and as Pixel successors are also said to focus on cameras, there might be an even bigger promotion from Google to get users to showcase the Pixels photography capabilities. Its entirely unclear what Googles plans are yet for the trademark, but filing a trademark does not mean that Google will actually be granted the patent for the term.
The Xiaomi Mi Note 3 is due to be released this fall, and the latest rumor is pointing towards it using the Snapdragon 836 chipset, instead of Qualcomms current high-end flagship the Snapdragon 835 SoC. The Mi Note 3 isnt the first device to be rumored to sport the Snapdragon 836, Samsungs Galaxy Note 8 is also rumored to sport this chipset over the Snapdragon 835. And if Qualcomm goes to Samsung once again to produce this chipset (like it has with the Snapdragon 820 and 835), its very possible that Samsung would have exclusivity over it again. The Xiaomi Mi Mix 2 is also slated to sport the Snapdragon 836, seeing as Xiaomi will likely announce the two together, and both will likely sport relatively the same specs, aside from the displays, cameras and batteries.

The Snapdragon 836 isnt a huge upgrade over the Snapdragon 835, as you can tell by the small bump in numbers there. Its basically an overclocked Snapdragon 835  based on the information that is currently available. That was the same difference between the Snapdragon 820 and 821 last year, so there is precedent here. The Snapdragon 835 is already a pretty powerful process, thats also good on battery life. Xiaomi has used the Snapdragon 835 in its Mi 6 smartphone that it announced back in April. Xiaomi was the first to launch a smartphone with this new chipset in China.

Xiaomis Mi Note 3 has some pretty big shoes to fill. After the very successful Xiaomi Mi Note 2 from last year. The Mi Note 2 got a bit of flack for having a curved display, many thought it looked like a Galaxy S7 Edge, due to that curved display. The Mi Note 2 also had 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage in the global version. Although the impressive part about the global version was the fact that it actually had support for virtually every 4G LTE band used around the world, that included all of the bands in the US (even T-Mobiles band 12 that a lot of unlocked smartphones forget to support). Now the Mi Note 3 has a tall order, to be a better smartphone than its predecessor, but the Snapdragon 836 might make it a tad easier.
Google has rolled out a new update to Toontastic 3D, adding two fresh content themes to the storytelling app that the search giant released in January of this year. One of the themes is inspired by Disneys and Pixars new movie, Cars 3, that has been released this week. The Cars 3 theme allows kids to create their own cartoons with some of the characters from the animated film, including Lightning McQueen and Mater, along with new characters such as Jackson Storm, Cruz Ramirez and Miss Fritter. This update also includes two settings from the film: the Florida 500 raceway and the Thunder Hollow demolition derby. Behind-the-scenes tour of Pixar Animation Studios is also included in the app, providing kids a glimpse into how Pixar makes animated movies. However, you can add the Cars 3 characters and settings to your cartoons only until September 30.

The second theme is based on the Fruit Ninja video game that is developed by Halfbrick. The Fruit Ninja theme introduces characters and playsets from the YouTube Red Originals Series Fruit Ninja Frenzy Force, also by Halfbrick Studios. Like the Cars 3 theme, this one also allows users to make their own episodes with the heroes Peng, Seb, Niya and Ralph to take on Clean Bee. The updated release of Toontastic 3D is now available to download from the Play Store.

Toontastic 3D is a part of Googles efforts to offer content focused on kids, including the YouTube Kids app. The Toontastic storytelling app is designed to help kids draw, narrate, and record their own cartoons. Its features include a giant toy box full of pirates, robots, and other kinds of villains. The app provides 3D drawing tools to let you design your own characters and it also lets you combine dozens of built-in songs to your soundtrack. An idea lab filled with playful stories, characters and settings to spark the kids imagination is also included. Kids have since created 2.5 million cartoons  equivalent to 24,000 hours of content created by kids  using the app. To use Toontastic 3D, you must only select a setting and choose your characters. The app then records your animations and voice into a cartoon video as you move your character on screen.
Vivo may be close to commercializing optical fingerprint sensors in smartphones, with the Dongguan, Guangdong-based original equipment manufacturer (OEM) already having a working prototype of a device with an in-screen fingerprint reader, as suggested by a short video that leaked online earlier this week. Having originally appeared on Weibo, the four-second clip shows a device that resembles the Vivo X9 and X9 Plus, lacking both a physical home button and a rear-mounted fingerprint scanner. The author of the video apparently still managed to unlock the smartphone with their fingerprint by simply placing their thumb on a part of the display panel showing a fingerprint icon. The clip itself is a strong indication that the BBK Electronics-owned tech giant may be releasing a device with an in-screen fingerprint reader in the near future, with the source of the leak also stating that the company will be the first in the world to do so, while the first non-Chinese OEM to implement that technology in its products will be Apple, presumably with the upcoming iPhone 8 lineup thats scheduled to be announced later this year.

If the video is legitimate  and a functionality like this could be faked with an always-on display feature of any device  its possible that the consumer electronics manufacturer commercializes an optical fingerprint reader with the upcoming successors to the Vivo X9 and X9 Plus that were originally announced in November 2016. The same industry insider also reiterated recent reports that the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Note 8 wont ship with this technology, without providing more details on the matter. Other sources previously claimed that the South Korean consumer electronics manufacturer wont commercialize mobile in-screen sensors before spring 2018 and the Galaxy S9 series, despite the fact that the company has been working on such a solution since at least last year and was originally expected to implement it into the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus that were released in late April.

Vivo recently announced a Shanghai event thats scheduled for June 28, though the firm didnt disclose its contents, leaving open the possibility of it announcing a smartphone with an optical fingerprint reader. Refer to the source link below to watch the short video of the supposedly functioning prototype of such a handset.
The Xiaomi Mi MIX was one of the more interesting smartphones of 2016, and the company has just reconfirmed that its successor is on the way. Xiaomis CEO, Lei Jun, said earlier this year that the Mi MIX 2 will be announced before the end of the year, and that it will ship with even less bezel than the first-gen product, and the company has just reconfirmed that, while it seems like a second Xiaomi-branded, bezel-free phone might arrive as well, read on.

Xiaomi shared the Xiaomi Mi MIX 2 info via its official Weibo (Chinese social network) page, and according to The Android Soul, yet another bezel-free phone will arrive before the Xiaomi Mi MIX. That handset will, reportedly, look similar to the Xiaomi Mi MIX 2, but it will be considerably more affordable. Are we looking at the Xiaomi Mi MIX 2 Lite maybe? Well, its possible, though according to rumors, that second smartphone will belong in the companys Redmi line of smartphones, hence its affordable price point. In any case, the company now definitely confirmed that the second-gen Mi MIX phablet is on the way, though we still do not know when exactly will it arrive. The Xiaomi Mi MIX was announced in November last year, so it is quite possible, even probable, that the XIaomi Mi MIX 2 will launch in Q4 as well, maybe even in the same month as its predecessor, well just have to wait and see what happens.

The Xiaomi Mi MIX 2 will probably ship with a huge display just like its predecessor, the Xiaomi Mi MIX comes with a 6.4-inch panel, so chances are that the Mi MIX 2 will sport that very same panel, or at least something similar to it. The device will probably launch in both 4GB and 6GB RAM variants, unless Xiaomi decides to go for the 8GB RAM model as well. Qualcomms Snapdragon 835 or the yet-unannounced Snapdragon 836 will fuel this phablet, and the device will probably be made out of metal and ceramic, just like the Xiaomi Mi MIX. Android Nougat will probably come pre-installed on the Xiaomi Mi MIX 2, and on top of it, youll be able to find Xiaomis MIUI OS.

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United Airlines is back in the news after video emerged of an employee apparently pushing a passenger to the floor of Houstons George Bush International Airport in 2015. The security camera video of the event was just made public and rapidly made the viral video rounds. In the video, a ticket agent, Alejandro Anastasi, is shown in an altercation with a passenger. The passenger, then 71-year old Ronald Tigner, fell backward and lay motionless for several minutes. Tigner is suing United Airlines for $1 million.

According to Tigners lawyer, Tigner was denied passage through the TSA checkpoint because his boarding pass was smudged. Tigner had asked Anastasi for assistance getting a new boarding pass. Anastasi reportedly laughed at Tigner, saying, Cant you see Im busy? Tigner then told Anastasi to wipe that smile off your face, and then its alleged Anastasi pushed him to the floor.

United said in a press statement after the videos release: We have seen the video from 2015 that shows completely unacceptable behavior by a United employee. This employee was terminated from United in August 2015 following the incident. The conduct shown here does not reflect our values or our commitment to treat all of our customers with respect and dignity. We are taking a thorough look into what happened here and reaching out to our customer to profusely apologize for what occurred and to make this right.
President Trump announced Friday that he is "cancelling the last administration's completely one-sided deal with Cuba" and replacing it with a new policy that seeks to both promote human rights as well as drastically limit travel to the country. His speech comes roughly a year after Barack Obama unveiled his own Cuba policy designed to strengthen U.S.-Cuba relations.

"To the Cuban government, I say put an end to the abuse of dissidents. Release the political prisoners. Stop jailing innocent people ... We will enforce the ban on tourism, we will enforce the embargo, we will take steps to make sure that investments flow to the people" so they can begin to build and invest in their future. ... We challenge Cuba to come to the table with a new agreement that is in the best interest of both their people and our people."

Go deeper: What to know about his new policy.
The Trump administration has released a fact sheet on his administration's new Cuba policy, which revises Obama's Cuba deal, minutes before he began his speech in Miami. Here's what's changing:

The U.S. embargo against Cuba will be reinforced. U.S. companies will only be allowed to have business ties with non-government-related small businesses there.

American tourism in Cuba is banned again, with the exception of educational travel and group travel.

The new policies require reporting on Cuba's progress toward "greater political and economic freedom."

The policy gives the Departments of the Treasury and of Commerce 30 days to being the process of issuing new regulations, after which the changes will take effect.
16 June 2017 16:27 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

The new idea developed by the Armenian authorities, aimed to militarize the country, seemingly failed to gain support among the Armenian population.

The new Nation Army concept, promoted by the Armenian authorities, is raising concerns among some observers, claiming that the country, already one of the most heavily militarized in the world, is giving the army too much influence over the shaping of its future, EurasiaNet states in its recent article.

Defense Minister Vigen Sargsyan launched the Nation Army program in October 2016. The concept is going to potentially allow the total mobilization of society in the service of national security.

All the governmental bodies, civilians and anybody else must correctly carry out their role in the defense of the country, Sargsyan said while presenting the program. The minister also noted that the military will assume a greater role in Armenias economic sphere.

So far, the Armenian government has introduced several specific initiatives related to the concept. One of them, I Have the Honor, targets for the university students of Armenia  they are proposed to pass military training and then serve in the army for three years as officers. Notably, their service period will be extended for a year in this case  currently Armenians serve in the army for two years.

Another program, called I Am, is designed for those recruits who wish to serve on the border  that means mainly in the occupied territories of Azerbaijan. In this case, they will serve same three years and will get five million drams ($10,360) at the end of the service.

The new concept by the government shortly became the cause of discontent among ordinary Armenian citizens and civil rights activists.

The Nation-Army concept is part of a trend in Armenia in which the state is raising not a citizen, but a soldier, Edgar Khachatryan, head of the NGO Peace Dialogue, told EurasiaNet. And in the future, this citizen would not stand up for his or her rights, but would carry out orders... This is the shortest way to establishing a military dictatorship, and I see things trending in that direction.

In addition, the Armenian authorities adopted the law obliging each working Armenian citizen to contribute 1,000 drams (about $2) per month so that those, who have suffered while serving in the Armed Forces of Armenia, can receive a small compensation for the crippled health and life. This law also caused strong criticism among citizens of Armenia who complained that the government is robbing its poor population while military officers get rich.

The Armenian government presents the Nation Army concept as way to address problems with corruption in the conscription process, in which Armenians from wealthier families tend to get out of military service by paying a bribe.

However, people in Armenia have another look at the issue. This is just a project aimed at getting poor people to serve in the military [and not leave the country], Artur Sakunts, a rights activist and head of the Helsinki Citizens Assembly told EurasiaNet. The children of oligarchs will again avoid service in the army, corruption will not cease, [and] generals will continue to grow rich at the expense of the army.

Currently, Armenia is the third most militarized country in the world, and it seems that the countrys government seeks to fully militarize the Armenian population, apparently against neighboring Azerbaijan, whose 20 percent of territory it keeps under occupation. All the military rhetoric by the Armenian government spark resentment in the Armenian society, whilst the authorities ignore this and continue to forcibly militarize the country.

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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
16 June 2017 11:00 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

Armenian armed forces killed an Azerbaijani soldier on the contact line of troops on June 16.

The serviceman of Azerbaijans Armed Forces, soldier Shahveledov Sultan, was killed during suppressing the provocation of the Armenian Armed Forces, Azerbaijans Defense Minister reported.

The leadership of the Defense Ministry expressed its condolences to the family and relatives of the martyr.

Over the past 24 hours, Armenias armed forces have 129 times violated the ceasefire along the line of contact between Azerbaijani and Armenian troops by using large-caliber machine guns and an infantry fighting vehicle.

Despite a ceasefire agreement achieved between the sides, Armenia regularly shells the Azerbaijani positions in an effort to tense the situation. Despite the calls of Azerbaijani side, as well as the international community to follow the armistice, Armenia continues its destructive actions hereby showing its disrespect to the peace process.

Since a war in the early 1990s, Armenian armed forces have occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan's territory, including Nagorno-Karabakh and seven surrounding regions. More than 20,000 Azerbaijanis were killed and over 1 million were displaced as a result of the large-scale hostilities.

Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding districts.

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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
16 June 2017 17:36 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

In far 1994, after the most intensive military activities in Nagorno-Karabakh, Azerbaijan and Armenia agreed to a ceasefire and signed the relevant document. Unfortunately, time has shown that the agreement doesn't present any significance for the Armenian government.

Constant ceasefire violations and provocations that the Armenian side commits every day on the frontline are the clear evidence of that. The Armenian army uses mortars of various caliber, sniper rifles and large-caliber machine guns during ceasefire breaching.

The tensions on the frontline increased in April last year, when the frontier positions of Azerbaijan were subjected to heavy fire of large-caliber weapons, mortars and grenade launchers by Armenian army. To protect the civilian population, the Azerbaijani Armed Forces launched counter attacks and liberated several strategic heights and settlements.

However, the loss in the so-called Four Day War did not diminish the ardor of the aggressor Armenia, thus the provocations have not ceased, but even intensified. Now, the Armenian side violates the ceasefire 100-150 times on average a day, and the muzzles of Armenian machine guns are aimed not only at the Azerbaijani military positions, but also at the frontline settlements where peaceful civilians live.

Moreover, the aggressors often commit arsons in the occupied Azerbaijani territories, particularly in summer, which also spread to villages located near the contact line of Armenian-Azerbaijani troops. By committing such provocations, the Armenian side deliberately seeks to cause harm to Azerbaijani people by making life at the border difficult and risky for them. Villages in Agdam, Fizuli, Jabrayil, Tartar and other Azerbaijani regions frequently face such destructive acts by Armenian soldiers.

It is also noteworthy that the Armenian militaries on frontline have even more intensified provocations during the OSCE Minsk Group's visit to the region. This has resulted in the death of an Azerbaijani soldier during suppression of the Armenian provocation on June 16.

Thus, although the OSCE Minsk Group constantly calls the sides to refrain from the use of force, prevent any further escalation in the conflict zone and return to peaceful negotiations, the Armenian side turns a deaf ear to all these calls and continues shelling the Azerbaijani side.

Azerbaijan, the country that for over two decades suffers the occupation of 20 percent of its territory by Armenian armed forces, has repeatedly voiced readiness to settle the conflict through direct negotiations with Armenia, in mediation of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs. However, the Armenian side is constantly trying to make up reasons to avoid a constructive dialogue and preserve the status quo in Nagorno-Karabakh.

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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
16 June 2017 18:23 (UTC+04:00)

By Amina Nazarli

A high economic development is not just about alleviating poverty, but also about ensuring sustainable growth and economic opportunities for all. As many economies struggle to recover, some have focused their efforts on achieving a Green Economy, an economy that results in improved human well-being and social equity, while significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities.

The term Green Economy was first coined in a pioneering 1989 report for the Government of the United Kingdom by a group of leading environmental economists, entitled Blueprint for a Green Economy.

There is no internationally agreed definition of Green Economy and at least eight separate definitions were identified in recent publications.

Experts of international organizations, including the UN believe that the Green Economy can help to ensure a more sustainable growth of the global economy, reduce poverty and unemployment.

For Azerbaijan, along with the above factors, it is also an opportunity to provide a faster transition to an independent from energy resources model of the economy.

The government of Azerbaijan is now looking to implement a policy that will bring about the countrys transition to a low-carbon, resource efficient and socially inclusive economy.

Two Strategic Road Maps of Azerbaijan approved in late 2016 - on the production and processing of agricultural products and on the production of consumer goods at the level of small and medium enterprises - also reflect the issue of a gradual transition to a Green Economy.

So, in 2018, Azerbaijan will study the possibility of introducing the principles of the "Green Economy" in agriculture, and after 2025 will begin developing a legal framework for the transition of small and medium-sized businesses to the "green economic model."

Now Azerbaijan is increasingly proposing to introduce a "green tax" on the utilization of old household appliances and electronics, as well as toughen penalties for environmental pollution.

Deputy Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Novruz Guliyev earlier pointed to existence of a problem with payment of fees for damage to the environment. He said that such contributions were actively paid in Azerbaijan in 1990s, but now, compared to that period, very little money is coming into the budget. Given that the country's economy is based on the petrochemical industry, reducing the level of environmental pollution is quite an urgent issue.

Within the framework of the new economic policy of Azerbaijan, it is often said about the possibility to connect to existing production chains, which will be more beneficial than the formation from scratch of the full production process of a particular product. This is because the connection to existing production chains, first, can help to save on the marketing of goods and bringing of goods to world markets. The active promotion of the Made In Azerbaijan brand began relatively recently, and if local products, for example in the agricultural sphere, have already proven themselves, then in case of creating high-tech products, Azerbaijan will actually have to promote its products from scratch, convincing the markets of its advantages.

Secondly, the connection to the existing production process is much cheaper, requires less financial costs, and thirdly, it is not so demanding in terms of highly skilled labor and the availability of a high-tech industry.

By connecting to existing production chains, Azerbaijan can focus on "clean technologies", which will not only create additional jobs, but will also open new markets for the country, where such technology is in demand.

Azerbaijan is already making efforts to reduce the negative impact on the environment and the development of "green technologies", including alternative energy sources and related technologies. Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Huseyngulu Bagirov said that the republic plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to the atmosphere by 35 percent and to receive 30 percent of energy from renewable sources until 2030.

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Amina Nazarli is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli

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16 June 2017 13:03 (UTC+04:00)

By Sara Israfilbayova

Belarus will host the 9th International Investment Forum "Success of the Mill" on June 30.

Representatives of companies and entrepreneurs working in Azerbaijan are invited to participate in the Forum, according to Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Foundation (AZPROMO).

The Forum participants will have the opportunity to visit investment and innovation projects in the region. The Forum will bring together leading companies from more than 40 countries around the world, including representatives of the authorities, chambers of commerce and industry and the diplomatic corps.

During the event, there will be held meetings on topics "Innovation: from production to science", "Development of culture and tourism" and "Mogilev-free economiczone."

Cooperation of Belarus and Azerbaijan in the economic sphere has been developing dynamically over the past decade. The main priorities of this cooperation are production cooperation, joint projects in the fields of science and technology, as well as investment cooperation.

Belarus exports to Azerbaijan mechanical production, woodworking, tires, foodstuff, medicine, household appliances, dishes and other goods. Azerbaijans exports to Belarus mainly consist of products made of aluminum, products of petrochemical, engineering and agriculture.

Azerbaijans first ever Trade House was opened in the Belarusian capital Minsk, on May 26.

Trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Belarus increased by 21.5 percent and amounted to $6.34 million in January 2017, as compared to the same month of 2016, according to Azerbaijans State Customs Committee.

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16 June 2017 16:53 (UTC+04:00)

Chairman of Azerbaijan Railways Javid Gurbanov and Director General of Baku international Sea Trade Port Taleh Ziyadov attended the 10th Astana Economic Forum.

The event also featured the fourth International Transport and Logistic Business Forum New Silk Way, Azertac reported.

The Azerbaijani delegation attended Historical Competition between the Sea and Land in the Direction of East-West: New Silk Road session of the business forum.

Representatives from the worlds economic community, including heads of state, business leaders and figures from the scientific world, have come together in the capital of the Republic of Kazakhstan for the annual Astana Economic Forum.

The Forum is best known as a platform for international dialogue that enables constructive discussion of economic development issues concerning both Central Asia and the entire world in relation to changes witnessed in the global economy.

As part of the Astana Economic Forum 2017, a Plenary Session was held with the participation of the Head of State, a meeting with the world's leading experts and economists, including Nobel laureates.

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16 June 2017 11:32 (UTC+04:00)

By Laman Ismayilova

Candy Lady brand presented its "Pure Harmony" collection at Azerbaijan Fashion Week.

The stunning outfits designed by Olga Barabanschikova combined the smoothness and dynamics, brightness and calm colors that remind you once again about the main thing  harmony.

Head of Belarus Fashion Week Yanina Goncharova and Olga Barabanschikova admired the beauty, culture and architecture of Baku, hospitality of the Azerbaijani people. As part of their visit to Baku, the fashion experts held a number of meetings with colleagues from Azerbaijan.

Thanks to the joint work of Belarus Fashion Week (PR and communications "Open podium") and Azerbaijan Fashion Week, designers of two countries have new opportunities to present their works.

Media partners of the event  Trend.az, Day.az, Milli.az, Azernews.az

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Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova

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16 June 2017 14:39 (UTC+04:00)

By Laman Ismayilova

Istanbul has hosted a night of Azerbaijan organized by the Culture and Tourism Ministry as part of the 2nd Istanbul International Tourism Film Festival.

The Istanbul International Tourism Film Festival is a cultural event about tourism films that takes place every year in the city, The festival aims to help these films find a broader international audience.

Diplomats, representatives of the Istanbul Tourism Film Festival, well-known film directors and screen writers, as well as NGOs and media representatives attended the event.

The gala evening featured the screening of a promotional film on Azerbaijan's tourism potential, culture, and socio-economic development, Azertac reported.

The night then continued with a fascinating concert program.

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Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova

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16 June 2017 17:39 (UTC+04:00)

By Laman Ismayilova

Days of Azerbaijani Culture kicked off in Samarkand, Uzbekistan on June 15.

The event was co-organized by the Azerbaijani Embassy in Uzbekistan, Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center, Azerbaijani National Cultural Center and Samarkand State University, Azertac reported.

The Days aim to promote Azerbaijan's rich culture, as well as to develop friendly relations between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan.

Various events, including concert featuring Azerbaijani and Uzbek folk music, conference and photo exhibition are organized as part of the event.

The photo exhibition displays Azerbaijans picturesque nature. The traditional Azerbaijani house, set in the park, offers visitors national souvenirs, carpets, national musical instruments.

Booklets in Uzbek language about Azerbaijani history, culture, live and activity of Azerbaijans national leader Heydar Aliyev was also presented to guests of the event.

The diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan were established in October 1995. The two countries have signed over 100 bilateral documents.

The trade turnover between two countries amounted to $19.2 million in January-April 2014. Goods worth $11.67 million were exported to Uzbekistan while the import from Uzbekistan amounted to $7.53 million in the reported period.

The trade turnover between the two countries after the exhibitions almost doubled, and further work in this direction is underway.

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Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova

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16 June 2017 15:45 (UTC+04:00)

By Laman Ismayilova

Baku will mark the International Day of Yoga on June 18.

The International Yoga Day is celebrated annually on June 21 and was declared to be internationally recognized by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on December 11, 2014.

Yoga is a 5,000 year old Indian physical, mental and spiritual practice. The word "Yoga "means union of the individual consciousness or soul with the Universal Consciousness or Spirit.

The project aims to promote healthy lifestyle and supports the Foundation helping children with cerebral palsy.

The charitable festival invites everyone to support the Fund by voluntary contribution. All the money collected on this day will be transferred to the Foundation

Yoga Day will start at 7:00 on Baku Boulevard. Participants will enjoy free yoga classes as well as lectures about healthy lifestyle, beauty and self-development.

Handicrafts, natural cosmetics and the different eco-friendly products will be available during the event.

Vegan food, smoothie bar, tea corner will left no one indifferent.

The concert program within the fest will open with performance of "LES GARDIENS DU SILENCE" band . They will present their first album during the event.

The event is organized by Yoga Shahi that is engaged in promoting healthy lifestyle, and is also known for the project "Urban Yoga", "Sunset Yoga" and festivals devoted to the first and second Day of Yoga in Baku.

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Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova

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16 June 2017 15:31 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

Resolving the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is possible only within the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, taking into account the right of peoples to self-determination, Former U.S. ambassador to Azerbaijan Matthew Bryza told reporters in Baku on June 16.

Armenia keeps the Azerbaijani lands under the occupation, said Bryza, adding it is necessary that Armenian troops withdraw from those lands and the parties reach an agreement.

The former ambassador noted that there is no trust between the conflict sides, they do not believe in the sincerity of each other and this hampers settlement of the conflict. Complex compromises are needed for the conflict to be resolved, Bryza said.

"The only way is if the U.S. and Russia, with participation of the EU, are able to provide political support to the leadership of Azerbaijan and Armenia in the conflict resolution," Bryza said, adding that Nagorno-Karabakh is one of the few issues, on which the U.S. and Russia have a common position and are ready to act together.

The framework agreement [Madrid Principles] has existed for 10 years already, said Bryza, adding it is necessary to complete this process.

Bryza noted that when he served as an OSCE MG co-chair, the co-chairs made progress, because the presidents of the U.S. and Russia  George W. Bush and Dmitry Medvedev  paid more attention to the conflict and directly participated in its settlement.

"At that time, Russias Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov creatively approached this issue, and he also encouraged the co-chairs to take a creative approach," noted Bryza.

Bryza added that neither Azerbaijan, nor Armenia is interested in the resumption of hostilities on the line of contact. At the same time, he noted that the deployment of heavy weapons to the line of contact, such as the OSA missile systems, can contribute to resumption of hostilities.

Bryza said he doesnt expect progress in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflicts resolution until the presidents of Russia and the U.S. make their personal contribution to its settlement. "They should put this conflict to the agenda of the Russia-U.S. relations, but now the relations are not at a proper level," he said.

The Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict hinders the economic development of the South Caucasus and security in the region, he stressed.

Azerbaijan and Armenia fought a lengthy war that ended with signing of a fragile ceasefire in 1994. Since the war, Armenian armed forces have occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan's territory, including Nagorno-Karabakh and seven surrounding regions. More than 20,000 Azerbaijanis were killed and over 1 million were displaced as a result of the large-scale hostilities.

While the OSCE Minsk Group acted as the only mediator in resolution of the conflict, the occupation of the territory of the sovereign state with its internationally recognized boundaries has been left out of due attention of the international community for years.

Armenia ignores four UN Security Council resolutions on immediate withdrawal from the occupied territory of Azerbaijan, thus keeping tension high in the region.

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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

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16 June 2017 18:11 (UTC+04:00)

By Kamila Aliyeva

The Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE), also known as the U.S. Helsinki Commission, published a brief report on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

The report, released on June 15, reads that the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict remains one of the worlds most intractable and long-standing territorial conflicts.

The history of the conflict dates back to the beginning of the twentieth century. The active phase of the conflict, a full-scale war between the newly independent Armenia and Azerbaijan, began in 1991 and lasted until the Russia-brokered ceasefire in 1994.

The authors of the report said that in this period Armenian separatist declared independence, stressing that it is still unrecognized by international community.

Armenia claimed important strategic gains as a result of the conflict, with Yerevan seizing full control of Nagorno-Karabakh and all or part of seven surrounding provinces that the international community continues to recognize as part of Azerbaijan, the report said.

Nagorno-Karabakh conflict has remained unresolved since 1994, with fighting being erupted periodically along the 160-mile line of contact. Since 1994, there have reportedly been over 7,000 ceasefire violations, according to the report.

April 2016 marked the most serious outbreak of violence over the past two decades. The so-called Four Day War took the lives of at least 200 people, the authors of the report noted.

The conflict saw Azerbaijan take control of two strategic heights in addition to other modest gains, representing the first change to the status quo since the 1994 ceasefire, said the report.

The report stressed that the OSCE Minsk Group has long been trying to achieve the settlement of this long-term conflict.

The document sets out the Madrid Principles, which list the basic points, as well as the position of Russia and the United States towards this conflict.

The policy of the United States towards the region has in many ways been framed by the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, with the U.S. supporting the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan while recognizing that the future status of Nagorno-Karabakh should be settled through negotiations, the report said.

Since the 1990s, the U.S. Helsinki Commission has examined the prospect for the conflicts resolution and the plight of IDPs in a number of hearings and briefings. The Commission constantly supports the activities of OSCE Minsk Group in this direction.

However, the authors suggest that the terms of most agreements remain largely unimplemented. Regardless, the authors of report are confident that the OSCE should continue to pursue trust-building and risk reduction measures.

The report underlined the importance of Turkeys role in any settlement, given its close relations with Azerbaijan.

The U.S. Helsinki Commission is an independent agency of the U.S. Federal Government. For 40 years, the Commission has monitored compliance with the Helsinki Accords and advanced comprehensive security through promotion of human rights, democracy, and economic, environmental, and military cooperation in the 57-nation OSCE region.

The conflict between two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding regions. More than 20,000 Azerbaijanis were killed and over 1 million were displaced as a result of the large-scale hostilities. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations.

Armenia still controls fifth part of Azerbaijan's territory and rejects implementing four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding districts.

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Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva

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16 June 2017 10:42 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

Combat engineer units of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces conducted tactical and special exercises on June 15, Azerbaijans Defense Ministry reported.

The exercises were held in accordance with the plan approved by Defense Minister, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov.

During the exercises, the units completed the tasks on transition into the state of combat readiness, movement forward to the areas of concentration and deployment on the territory, and preparation for the engineering support of offensive operations.

The exercise directors and the Army command highly appreciated the practical training, skills and capabilities of military personnel.

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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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

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16 June 2017 14:02 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

Azerbaijan will hold large-scale exercises in order to inspect combat readiness, organization of command and control of troops and means, including their interoperability in conditions close to combat, Azerbaijans Defense Ministry reported on June 16.

The exercises, to be held in line with the plan approved by Azerbaijani President, Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Ilham Aliyev, will start on June 19.

The six-day exercises will involve up to 23,000 military personnel, 120 tanks and armored vehicles, 180 rocket and artillery systems of different calibers, multiple launch rocket systems and mortars, 30 combat aircrafts of various purposes, as well as new types of electronic warfare assets and unmanned aerial vehicles.

The Azerbaijani Army, which today is considered the most modern army in the Caucasus, consists of Air Force and Air Defense Forces, the Navy, and the Land Forces.

Today, Azerbaijani Army is one of the most powerful, highly disciplined armies in the world and the leading army in the region, which is equipped with modern military machinery.

The skills and combat readiness of the Azerbaijani army are growing year by year, as the countrys Armed Forces regularly conduct military exercises. The army building process in Azerbaijan is progressing as well.

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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

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16 June 2017 14:56 (UTC+04:00)

By Kamila Aliyeva

An international conference on "South Caucasus in the international arena: Cooperation and competition in the region and around it" kicked off in Baku on June 16.

Director of the Center for Strategic Studies under the President of Azerbaijan Farhad Mammadov, addressing the event, spoke about the cooperation of the South Caucasus countries and interests of the important regional and global players in the region.

He noted that Azerbaijan and Georgia enjoy a strategic cooperation, laid by the national leader of the Azerbaijani people, Heydar Aliyev, and continued by President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev.

Mammadov said that Baku and Tbilisi jointly implement a number of regional projects, which made possible the supply of Azerbaijani energy resources to the world market. He further mentioned that the construction of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway has practically been completed, which will give additional impetus to the development of the economic cooperation in the region.

He reminded the conference participants that one country in the region  Armenia - has not chosen a policy of integration and cooperation, but isolation and occupation.

Mammadov noted that Armenia has been continuing its occupation policy for over 20 years, as a result of which over 1 million people in Azerbaijan became refugees and IDPs. The activities of the OSCE Minsk Group, for almost 30 years, has not brought any results or helped to find a solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

He also underlined that the UN Security Council adopted resolutions calling on Armenia to immediately withdraw troops from Azerbaijani territories, but this requirement has not yet been fulfilled.

Mammadov said that the unresolved Nagorno-Karabakh conflict hinders the development of the region, and as long as Armenia continues to keep the Azerbaijani territories under occupation, economic cooperation with that country and its involvement in regional projects will be impossible.

The head of the Political and Social Affairs and Public Relations Division of the EU Delegation to Azerbaijan, Denis Danilidis, noted that the EU attaches great importance to cooperation with Azerbaijan.

Danilidis, who addressed the event, said that Azerbaijan is an important partner of the EU in the field of energy, and European countries are interested in Azerbaijani energy resources.

He further stressed that the EU doesnt want to restrict cooperation with Azerbaijan only to the energy sector and the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The EU has an interest in cooperation with Azerbaijan in many other spheres of the economy, in education and culture, in the field of human rights and other directions.

He also recalled that in early June, Baku hosted Azerbaijan-EU Business Forum, which brought together European companies interested in developing business in the country.

Azerbaijan can play an important role in the development of intercultural dialogue, considering that representatives of different nationalities and religions live here in peace and harmony, according to Danilidis.

The EU is now trying to find an individual approach to each of the regional countries, offering them different forms of cooperation depending on their requests, he added.

Vice President of the Chinese Institute of International Relations Xu Jian, for his part, said that Azerbaijan in recent years has become an important transit center in the Eurasia region.

He noted that a number of important transport projects with the participation of Azerbaijan are now being implemented. The international North-South Railway Corridor Project, which will allow transportation of goods from northern Europe and Russia to the countries of the Persian Gulf and beyond, is also being implemented.

Jian stressed that Azerbaijan is an important country in the region with the largest economy, population and territory in the South Caucasus and it plays a special role within the framework of the Chinese initiative "One belt - One way."

He noted that China has a willingness to support Azerbaijan in its efforts to diversify the economy. China is ready to offer Azerbaijan both investments and its technologies and innovations in this issue, according to Jian.

Matthew Bryza, former deputy assistant secretary of state for European and Eurasian affairs and former U.S. ambassador to Azerbaijan, told journalists on the sidelines of the event that providing access to energy resources, their access to the market and delivery to consumers is a part of U.S. foreign policy.

Meanwhile, according to Bryza, the U.S. does not set a task of controlling energy resources, and even U.S. energy companies are not controlled by the government.

He added that as part of this strategy, the US supported the implementation of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) and Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum pipeline projects, and is currently supporting the Southern Gas Corridor (SGC) project.

The event was also attended by Program Director of the Valdai Foundation Andrey Sushentsov, Director of the Turkish Center for Eurasian Studies Alev Kylych and representatives of research institutes of Germany, Iran, Georgia, Kazakhstan, etc.

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Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva

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16 June 2017 15:17 (UTC+04:00)

By Laman Ismayilova

Azerbaijan's State Migration Service identified as many as 1,856 foreigners, who violated residence legislation and rules of temporary or permanent stay in the country in May, 2017.

Residence of 220 people in the country was legalized, while lost documents of 27 foreigners for temporary or permanent residence were replaced with new ones.

The State Migration Service received 7,667 applications for extension of stay of foreigners and stateless persons, applications for permits for temporary and permanent residence, as well as acceptance, rejection, and restoration of citizenship, granting refugee status and citizenship, as well as granting permits for self-employment in the country or its extension.

In connection with penalizing administratively, decisions were made on 887 persons not being allowed to leave the country, 458 persons being allowed to leave the country. In addition, the State Migration Service restricted the entry of 264 persons to the country in May.

About 56,600 applications by foreigners upon registration on place of stay were received during the last month.

Foreigners and stateless persons arriving in Azerbaijan for a period exceeding 10 days should register with the Migration Service, providing a copy of the person's ID to the Migration Service personally, or via email within 10 days.

This service is free and application forms are available at the Migration Service, regional offices of the Service, and at www.migration.gov.az. The registration is also possible through contacting by e-mail [email protected] .

The Migration Service will immediately register foreigners at the place of their stay and present written notification to the receiving party within one working day.

Foreigners can be registered for the period provided in their visas, or for 90 days under the visa-free regime.

After changing the place of residence, registration must be renewed. These easy steps can exempt visitors from penalties and deportation.

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Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova

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16 June 2017 17:09 (UTC+04:00)

By Amina Nazarli

President Ilham Aliyev received a delegation led by EU Commissioner for the European Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn on June 16, who is on a visit to Baku to participate in the process of negotiations on a new agreement on strategic partnership between the EU and Azerbaijan.

Recalling with satisfaction his last visit to Brussels in February, the head of state said that fruitful discussions and negotiations were held within the framework of this visit, and stressed that these talks once again demonstrated a unified approach to further expansion of cooperation.

Noting that the EU is a reliable partner of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev stressed that the ties between the two are of a strategic nature and are designed for many years. He brought to the attention that the cooperation between the two sides continues in conditions of stability and security.

Noting that the agenda of the cooperation with the EU covers extensive issues such as political dialogue, economic cooperation, energy and other spheres, President Aliyev stressed Azerbaijan's readiness to make efforts for further expansion of the relations.

Hahn touching upon the last visit of President Aliyev to Brussels, noted that the visit was successful, adding that it was after this visit that negotiations on a partnership agreement between Azerbaijan and the EU began, and that negotiations continue in a constructive spirit.

The EU Commissioner said that the EU is interested in stability in neighboring countries, and Azerbaijan plays an important role from this point of view in the region and on a wider area.

During the meeting, issues of simplifying the visa regime between Azerbaijan and the EU, as well as the current state of cooperation in the field of energy and transport, were discussed, and good prospects in these areas were underlined. The meeting also exchanged views on regional issues.

Country's Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov also received a delegation led by Hahn, where the sides held a comprehensive discussion on the next round of Partnership Agreement negotiations between the two sides. They expressed their hope that the draft of partnership agreement will be finalized by EUs Eastern Partnership Summit to be held in the end of the year. It was also stated that the next round of negotiation is scheduled to be held in July 2017.

Development perspectives of the EU-Azerbaijan relations, as well as issues of mutual interests were discussed at the meeting.

Mammadyarov stressed that holding the draft agreement negotiations in constructive and intensive manner is a positive sign. He also added that political and trade aspects of the draft agreement were discussed at the current round of negotiations.

Furthermore, he briefed guests about the negotiation process on the settlement of Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno Karabakh conflict, which remains main threat for the entire region. He added that existence of military forces of Armenia in the occupied territories of Azerbaijan and Armenian policy to maintain status quo, which is based on occupation, doesnt allow achieving progress in the conflict resolution process.

The Minister stressed the importance of a unified approach by EU with respect to the resolution of protracted conflicts based on the principles of respecting to the territorial integrity and sovereignty of states within internationally recognized borders, as it is enshrined in the Global Strategy of EU.

In turn, Hahn pointed out that pragmatic and practical cooperation does exist between Azerbaijan and the EU in the fields of transport, trade, connectivity and energy.

As part of his trip Hahn visited the Baku International Sea Trade Port. He noted that "the Baku port has the potential to become the central transport and logistical hub of Eurasia."

Azerbaijan also hosted another EU representative, Director for Russia, Eastern Partnership, Central Asia and OSCE at the European External Action Service (EEAS) Luc Devigne, who was visiting the county within next round of negotiations on Azerbaijan-European Union partnership agreement.

The delegation met with Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov, where the sides expressed their satisfaction with the constructive and intensive pace of negotiations on the draft partnership agreement. It was noted that at this round of negotiations main focus of discussions was political and trade issues.

They expressed their hope that as a result of the talks conducted in an atmosphere of mutual understanding the draft partnership agreement will be finalized by the Summit Meeting of the European Union Eastern Partnership countries to be held at the end of this year.

At the meeting the sides also exchanged views on the current status of relations and prospective development of cooperation between Azerbaijan and the EU. It was noted that recently held Azerbaijan  EU Business Forum provided new opportunities for further development of mutually beneficial economic, trade and investment cooperation.

The sides expressed confidence that during the visit of Johannes Hahn, the Commissioner for European Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations, fruitful discussions will be held on various aspects of Azerbaijan-EU cooperation with a particular focus on transport, trade, connectivity issues.

The European Council adopted a mandate for the European Commission and the high representative for foreign affairs and security policy to negotiate, on behalf of the EU and its member states, a comprehensive agreement with Azerbaijan in November 2016.

The new agreement should replace the 1996 partnership and cooperation agreement and should better take account of the shared objectives and challenges the EU and Azerbaijan face today.

The agreement will follow the principles endorsed in the 2015 review of the European Neighborhood Policy and offer a renewed basis for political dialogue and mutually beneficial cooperation between the EU and Azerbaijan.

The new agreement envisages the compliance of Azerbaijans legislation and procedures with the EUs most important international trade norms and standards, which should lead to the improvement of Azerbaijani goods access to the EU markets.
16 June 2017 16:55 (UTC+04:00)

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Laos Saleumxay Kommasith will pay a visit to Azerbaijan, Azertag reported.

As part of the visit scheduled for June 18-20, the FM will hold a number of meetings with the officials of the country.

Saleumxay aims his coming visits at strengthening the relations and cooperation between Laos and the country.

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16 June 2017 18:14 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Joseph Dunford, during the hearings on the budget of the Department of Defense in the House of Representatives of the Congress, noted the great role of Azerbaijan in the US operation in Afghanistan.

He recalled visiting Azerbaijan in February and meeting with the countrys leadership, according to a message posted on the Departments website.

Answering a question about the role of Azerbaijan as one of the U.S. allies in the region in the operation in Afghanistan, Dunford thanked the country for providing help with Afghanistan, mentioning access through Azerbaijan to get to Afghanistan.

Dunford further said that today theres no need to increase that access.

The peacekeeping contingent of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces has been serving under the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan since November 20, 2002.

Azerbaijan also allowed the NATO planes carrying non-combat loads for a mission in Afghanistan to fly through Azerbaijan's airspace and to use the country's airports. About 40 percent of all cargo destined for the NATO mission in Afghanistan pass through Baku.

Meanwhile, the Pentagon will send almost 4,000 additional American soldiers to Afghanistan, RIA Novosti has reported citing Associated Press.

Earlier it was reported that President Donald Trump gave the Pentagon Chief James Mattis authority to determine the number of American military personnel in Afghanistan.

Currently it makes about 8,400 militaries. Sending of additional 4,000 American soldiers to Afghanistan is expected to be announced next week.

The coordinated aid programs of the United States and European states aim to assist Afghanistan in establishing sustainable peace and development.

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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

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16 June 2017 10:31 (UTC+04:00)

By Trend

Liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies from the US to the Eastern Europe, which were launched last week and gas supplies from Azerbaijan expected starting from 2020, are very important for European energy security, a source in the Bureau of Polish Energy Minister told Trend.

The source reminded that Poland has built LNG terminal in the port of Swinoujscie, which is a crucial component of Polish energy security strategy. According to the source, on 17 June 2016, the Swinoujscie LNG terminal received the first commercial delivery of LNG from Qatar. On 25 June 2016, the Arctic Princess LNG tanker delivered the first spot shipment of LNG from Norway, and on 8th of June 2017 was a historical moment as the first US originated natural gas came to Central Eastern Europe, a market traditionally perceived as Russian influence zone.

Those dates mark the opening of a new stage in energy security for Poland and the Central Eastern Europe countries, and I believe that American LNG has a crucial role to play here, the source said.

According to the Polish Ministry data, the terminal is designed for the reception and re-gasification of 5 billion cubic meters of natural gas per year, in the first stage with potential of expansion up to 10 billion cubic meters per year.

It is the first such project in Central and Eastern Europe and the only one of such magnitude to be situated at the Baltic entry from the Danish straights, the source in the ministry said.

Speaking about future gas supplies from Azerbaijan, the source noted that any new source of gas coming to Europe is an opportunity. He went on to add that the concept of the Southern Gas Corridor project supplied by Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan and potentially gas from Eastern Mediterranean region would contribute to security of supply and creation of liquid joint energy market of the EU.

Therefore, Poland supports any initiative which will contribute to increased competition, our experience with abuses of dominant position by supplier is something which is not desired, the source said.

He did not specify when the next tanker with the US LNG is expected to come to Poland and if such supplies will be regular, noting that this is a question for the CEO of Polish state-controlled oil and natural gas company PGNiG.

I believe that politicians should not interfere in commercial activities, but of course United States as strategic ally of Poland and American companies are welcome to contribute to Polish energy security through direct supplies of LNG. If the offer of regular supplies will be commercially attractive it will surely be carefully assessed, the source said.

Meanwhile, according to the source, Polish plan for diversification of sources and suppliers should not be perceived strictly in commercial terms.

Current developments in external dimension of EUs energy security show that the will to pursue the goals of Energy Union is decreasing. We observe mild approach in antitrust proceeding towards Gazprom, commitments proposed in Market Test procedure are far from satisfying, he said.

The source went on to add that recent decision to create alternative legal regime for Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline from Russia is also worrisome.

This clearly shows that whole Central Eastern European region needs an alternative. Not contractual, but physical supply from new partners, like Norway and US, he said, adding that therefore Polish strategy can be narrowed down to the point in which the Government wants to create ability for the region to have that alternative.

Commenting on the possible resale of the US LNG coming to Poland, the source stressed that any interested party is welcome to use the import infrastructure created as Northern Gate consisting of LNG Terminal and interconnection with Norwegian Shelf.

Meanwhile he noted that, of course Polish neighbors are in most comfortable position, adding that Polish TSO is currently constructing complimentary to Northern Gate interconnection projects with Slovakia, Ukraine, Lithuania and Czech Republic.

----

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
16 June 2017 09:44 (UTC+04:00)

By Trend

President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday Russia was ready for a constructive dialogue with the United States, Reuters reported.

"We do not view USA as our enemy," Putin said during his annual question-and-answer session with Russian citizens. Moscow and Washington can cooperate on issues including the non-proliferation of weapons and the Syria crisis, he added.

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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
16 June 2017 11:34 (UTC+04:00)

By Kamila Aliyeva

Zurab Abashidze, Special Representative of the Georgian Prime Minister for Relations with Russia, and Grigory Karasin, Russian Deputy Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, will hold next meeting in Prague in the first decade of July.

This was stated by Abashidze in Tbilisi on June 16, TASS reported.

An agreement has been reached with Mr. Karasin that the next meeting will be held in Prague in the first ten days of July, he said adding that initially, this meeting was proposed to be held in Prague in late June.

Concrete practical issues of cooperation between the two countries in the spheres of trade, economy, transport, culture, humanitarian problems and issues accumulated over the past months will be considered at the upcoming meeting, according to Abashidze.

Representatives of the Foreign Ministries, Georgian and Russian Ministries of Economy and Transport Departments will also attend the talks as it was at previous meetings of this format.

Tbilisi broke diplomatic relations with Moscow in 2008. The relations between Georgia and Russia have pushed all limits when Georgian troops launched military operations to retake the breakaway Abkhazia and South Ossetia regions on August 8, 2008. Russian armed forces entered the regions to stop the military attacks by Georgian troops. After four days of tense fighting, Georgian forces were expelled from South Ossetia and Abkhazia.

Both sides agreed to a ceasefire on August 12. Tbilisi immediately cut all diplomatic ties with Russia just a while after the bloody skirmish.

Abashidzes first meeting with Karasin took place in December 2012. Later, the senior diplomats held meetings in the Czech capital of Prague between 2013 and 2016, with the latest of them on October 19, focusing on cooperation in trade, economy, transport, culture, humanitarian and current issues.

In late 2016, the parties confirmed that they intend to continue to pursue the normalization of relations.

---

Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
16 June 2017 17:02 (UTC+04:00)

By Kamila Aliyeva

The marine transportation costs from Iran, Qatars sole breathing space, have sharply increased following the Saudi-led blockade of Qatar.

Over the past few days, sea freight prices have increased four times and reached $2,000 per container, as Saudi Arabia and its allies imposed sanctions on Qatar, Ahmad Sadeghian, Iran's official spokesman said, Tasnim news agency reported.

He slammed the skyrocketing shipping prices terming the move by ship owners in southern regions of the country as creating black market.

He is sure that the rise in prices will have a negative impact on Iran's exports to Qatar, as Turkey expands its exports to the Middle East country of the Persian Gulf.

Several Arab countries including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt cut off diplomatic relations with Qatar, accusing the latter of supporting ISIS, Al-Qaeda and other terrorists and destabilizing the situation in the Middle East. They were later joined by Libya, Yemen, the Maldives, Mauritius and Mauritania, with Jordan and Djibouti announcing they would lower the level of diplomatic contacts with Qatar. Senegal and Chad recalled their ambassadors from Doha.

Doha denied allegations over its support to terrorism and extremism adding that the diplomatic rift was based on "baseless fabricated claims."

Qatar expressed its readiness for a dialogue to solve the crisis and denied to take counter-action measures against its neighbors.

Qatar, a small peninsular nation of 2.5 million people, was importing 80 percent of its food requirements from bigger Gulf Arab neighbors before they cut ties with it. Turkey and Iran have been providing food and water supplies to Qatar after the crisis occurred.

---

Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
In life, as in literature, the more complex character is the more compelling and the more realistic. We may crave heroes but we end up with humans.

The cardboard figure of unblemished rectitude, who performs impeccably under pressure and is impelled only by the purest motives, gives way to a real person, with all the inevitable blemishes and failings that human nature is heir to.

So it is with James Comey, the fired FBI director.

The nation's first introduction to Comey came a decade ago, with his dramatic account of racing to the hospital room of then-Attorney General John Ashcroft to head off an effort to pressure the gravely ill Ashcroft to reauthorize a secret surveillance program.

Testifying before the Senate Judiciary Committee, Comey described the tense scene as top White House aides arrived at Ashcroft's room in an unavailing effort to secure his signature. FBI agents, dispatched by, yes, then-FBI Director Robert Mueller, were posted outside the door to prevent Comey's ouster as he faced down the president's men.

This was Comey as superhero, able to leap up hospital stairs in a single bound. It was Comey as resolute public servant, leader of a brave band prepared to quit rather than waver in defense of the rule of law.

"I couldn't stay, if the administration was going to engage in conduct that the Department of Justice had said had no legal basis," Comey testified. "I just simply couldn't stay."

Comey, the sequel, presents a figure more nuanced, imperfect -- and realistic. The fired FBI director may have an aw-shucks demeanor ("Lordy, I hope there are tapes") but he exposed himself as a Washington operator and survivor, with all the bureaucratic maneuvering and sail-trimming that entails.

This Comey didn't confront. He navigated, walking the treacherously narrow path between his desire not to alienate the new president and his mounting alarm at Trump's heedlessness of proper boundaries.

Thus, according to Comey's account, he found himself at an uncomfortably intimate dinner with the president in the Green Room, seeking to defuse Trump's demand for loyalty first with stone-faced silence, next by acceding to the president's oxymoronic "honest loyalty."

As Comey recalled, "I decided it wouldn't be productive to push it further."

Less than a month later, left alone with the president in the Oval Office, Comey again ducked a direct challenge. As Comey testified, when Trump expressed his "hope" that Comey could drop the case against fired national security adviser Michael Flynn, the FBI director lunged for their common ground: "He's a good guy."

Asked why he did not rebuff the president, Comey offered, "Maybe if I were stronger I would have. I was so stunned by the conversation that I just took it in." This was not Comey the brave but Comey the self-protective bureaucrat. He didn't confront, but he did write a memo to the file.

Nor was this the first administration in which Comey chose his battles with an eye to political realities. When former Attorney General Loretta Lynch asked him to call the Hillary Clinton email probe a "matter," not an "investigation," Comey testified, "I just said, all right ... this isn't a hill worth dying on."

And then there is the matter of Comey's bank shot leak, from him to Columbia law professor Dan Richman to, anonymously of course, The New York Times -- all in the service, Comey testified, of seeing a special counsel appointed. Not exactly the behavior of a Boy Scout, unless there is now a Merit Badge in Machiavelli.

That is not to say that Comey was wrong to get out the word about his chilling encounter. It's just that his aura of by-the-book self-righteousness comes with a slightly less honorable tinge. Comey has managed to infuriate both Democrats -- with his imperious decision to assume an outsize role on the Clinton, ahem, matter -- and Republicans, a decade ago and now.

Listening to Comey's testimony called to mind Benjamin Wittes' account of a conversation when, Comey, still in his job, expressed "palpable" concerns about deputy attorney general nominee Rod Rosenstein, a career prosecutor who had managed to keep his political appointment under Republican and Democratic presidents.

"Rod is a survivor," Comey observed. As Wittes paraphrased: "You don't get to survive that long across administrations without making compromises."

Did Comey recognize something of himself? Once he was, or presented himself as, the archetype of unyielding probity, now he has morphed into something more complex -- less heroic, more flesh-and-blood. This Comey is more flawed and, perhaps for that very reason, more believable.
16 June 2017 17:21 (UTC+04:00)

By Kamila Aliyeva

Bahrain's ambassador to Russia, Ahmed al-Saati, said that the countries of the Persian Gulf threatened Qatar with new sanctions in case of its refusal to fulfill their demands to stop supporting terrorism.

"Should Qatar continues to change the topic and travels to the world powers such as Washington, Moscow, the European Union, to proceed the same policy and to buy the position of these countries through trade and military deals, we have other trump cards to protect our rights, and we will not just look at this," Saati said in an interview with RIA Novosti.

He pointed out that the Gulf countries gave Doha time to correct its mistakes, because of its unwillingness to negatively affect the Council of Cooperation of the Arab States of the Persian Gulf, which consists of the six Arabian monarchies, including Qatar.

Several Arab countries including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt cut off diplomatic relations with Qatar, accusing the latter of supporting ISIS, Al-Qaeda and other terrorists and destabilizing the situation in the Middle East. They were later joined by Libya, Yemen, the Maldives, Mauritius and Mauritania, with Jordan and Djibouti announcing they would lower the level of diplomatic contacts with Qatar. Senegal and Chad recalled their ambassadors from Doha.

Doha denied allegations over its support to terrorism and extremism saying that the diplomatic rift was based on "baseless fabricated claims." Qatar expressed its readiness for a dialogue to solve the crisis and denied to take counter-action measures against its neighbors.

---

Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz




First up, Joe Biden is thinking about dropping tariffs against China. But theres a spy in prison this morning that helps us understand why he shouldnt. Ill explain.





Your second brief, If youre looking for a good paying job, you might consider being a CEO for a health insurance company. One executive made $142M dollars last year. Let's talk about that.





And as always, Im keeping an eye out for developing stories. Put this one on your radar. Mexican cartels are grooming American kids online and paying them cash to traffic illegals or run drugs across the border. Ill share details.





If you enjoyed this episode of the President's Daily Brief, remember to subscribe and listen daily at podfollow.com/pdb.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
CHECK OUT: Which Celebrity Rocked The Travel Style Fashion Dona

We picked a few celebrities who rocked their travel styles on Thursday evening. Let us spot who looked how.

The new mommy Rani Mukherji was seen smiling with all her grace at the airport and she was wearing a pretty sheath dress with multi-colour stripes. The white canvas shoes were too cool and went well with the dress and she made the look cooler with the black shoulder-bag.

Wait, wait! Is that a new tattoo we see on her left wrist?

Hrithik Roshan was spotted at the Mumbai airport with sons Hrehaan and Hridaan. The dad-son trio was seen in their coolest avatars.

Hrithik was wearing a casual attire which included a tee from Society 6 with a pair of jeans. The Roshan juniors were also in cool-clads and we totally loved them.

Kalki Koechlin was spotted at the airport while returning from an event in Kolkata. She looked very pretty in her casuals. She wore a black tank top with a pair of track pants and a white jacket. She completed her travel look with a pair of sneakers and a backpack.

Apart from the other stars, there were celebrity love-birds spotted at the airport last night. They too looked great.

Among the love-birds, we spotted mommy-to-be Esha Deol with husband Bharat Takhtani on their way to Greece. The duo was all set for their 'babymoon' vacation.

Esha looked great in her pre-natal travel attire. She was wearing a black top and trousers with a white shrug. The would-be dad did not look less handsome in a dark grey tee and blue denims.

Shahid Kapoor with wife Mira was also seen in their travel mode. They were seen in travel casuals that looked great.

Mira was wearing black and grey casuals while Shahid sported a black leather jacket on a grey tee and blue ripped denims. Mira carried a red handback which stole the show.

Tell us whose travel look you liked or disliked.
HARRISON  The National Weather Service has confirmed that an EF-2 tornado churned into western Nebraska from Wyoming, killing horses, injuring two people and damaging buildings before dissipating.

The service said Wednesday evening that the twister formed around 5:10 p.m. Monday about 15 miles north of Torrington, Wyoming, and ended 52 minutes later about 8 miles south-southwest of Harrison. It packed winds ranging from 111 to 135 mph.

It killed and injured horses and injured one person while damaging a ranch north of Torrington and injured one person while damaging a homestead 13 miles southwest of Harrison.

Meteorologists from the weather service in Cheyenne also confirmed two twisters caused damage near Bayard and Alliance.

At 7:13 p.m. east of Bayard, a brief EF-1 tornado damaged the Chimney Rock Villa Nursing Home, the weather service reported.

About six minutes later, a tornado rated an EF-2 touched down northwest of Bayard and traveled 39 miles to south of Alliance.

On its path, it took off the roof and destroyed the walls of a farmhouse northeast of Bayard, damaged outbuildings, rolled a mobile home and hit a warehouse at the Alliance airport, the meterologists reported.
Modified On Jun 16, 2017 11:55 PM By Raunak for Volkswagen Polo 2015-2019

The Polo Mark VI steps up its game in almost every imaginable aspect thanks to its new Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) platform.

Volkswagen took the wraps off the all-new sixth-generation Polo at a special event which was held in Berlin, Germany on June 16. The new 2018 Polo will go on sale in most European countries along with the Latin American markets and China this year.

(In Picture: Fifth-gen Volkswagen Polo)

The 2018 Polo has not been confirmed for the Indian market yet. And it might not even make it here considering its based on the relatively expensive MQB platform and VW Groups partnership with Tata Motors to utilise the latters new AMP platform for the developing markets in the near future. The outgoing Polo was based on VWs PQ25 platform.

Even if VW decides to launch the sixth-gen Polo in India, dont expect it in the country until the second half of 2018. Heres what the new Polo has to offer.

(In Picture: Fifth-gen Volkswagen Polo)

Dimensions

Length : 4,053mm ( 81mm more than the fifth-gen Polo)

: 4,053mm ( than the fifth-gen Polo) Width: 1,751mm ( 69mm wider than the fifth-gen Polo)

1,751mm ( than the fifth-gen Polo) Height: 1,446mm ( decreased by 7mm compared to the fifth-gen Polo)

1,446mm ( compared to the fifth-gen Polo) Wheelbase: 2,564mm ( 94mm more than the fifth-gen Polo)

2,564mm ( than the fifth-gen Polo) Boot Space: 351-litres (71-litres more than the fifth-gen Polo)

If the new Polo ever makes its way to India, the overall length will be trimmed just under 4 metres like what Honda did with the Jazz - keeping the hatchback tax-friendly by subtly reducing the width of the bumpers.

Platform

(In Picture: Official Sketch Of The 2018 Volkswagen Polo)

The sixth-generation Polo uses the smaller avatar of the Volkswagen Groups famed Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) platform  MQB A0. While the Seat Ibiza which was revealed at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show became the first small car from the VW Group to be based on the MQB platform, the 2018 Polo will be the first small car from VW to feature the same platform. This platform will also underpin the upcoming second-gen Vento/Polo Sedan as well.

(In Picture: 2018 Seat Ibiza)

Design

The 2018 Polo has adopted the same formula seen in newer cars nowadays  put the wheels to the extremities along with a low-slung silhouette and relatively wider profile. The MQB platform has helped the Polo achieve all these attributes effortlessly with its flexible nature.

(In Picture: Fifth-gen Volkswagen Polo)

Compared to the previous version, the 2018 Polos nose dives in, which in turn pushes its face further down with a relatively elongated bonnet.

It has a typical VW grille which is flanked by the rectangular-ish headlights. The full-LED headlamps feature a snake-like LED daytime running lamp (DRL) which is likely to double as turn signals as well.

Also, like the current crop of VWs, the DRLs merge with the horizontal slat in the grille and enhances the sense of width.

If you place the current hatchback next to the latest one, youll find that the side profile is relatively busy this time around. Theres a very sharp line that runs from the headlamps and merges with the window line. Then, theres another line which starts from the A-pillar and runs through its entire silhouette of the car. (check out the images above and below)

However, the defining design element of the Mark VI Polo is its arrow-shaped 'tornado' double sided shoulder line. (check out the image below)

The tornado line begins from the rear and swoops rapidly before ending where the front fender and the door meet. The tornado line makes the new Polo shoulder-heavy and imparts pseudo width to the already wider sixth-gen model.

The A-pillar is raked more sharply than the outgoing model and the hatchbacks relatively short overhangs make the sixth-gen model look bigger than it actually is. The front fenders are small thanks to its huge and pronounced wheel arches, theres even a hint of the previous-gen BMW 3 Series here!

At the rear, it looks Polos traditional squarish-ish tail lamps and the rear bumper-mounted licence plate remain. Theres a new character line which runs across the width of the hatchback passing through the LED tail lamps before finally merging with the tornado line. (check out the image below)

All in all, the new Polo looks wider, meaner and low along with a pressed down face. The substantial gain in length, width and wheelbase has really helped the 2018 Polo gain a sportier low-slung appearance.

As we mentioned before, the cabin of the 2018 Polo will be similar to the final production-spec version the of the Polo-based SUV, the T-Cross Breeze. (check out the image below)

Features

Offers Full-LED headlamps with LED daytime running lights and LED tail lamps

Large panoramic sunroof

Up to 18-inch alloy wheels (Polo GTI)

Volkswagens second-gen full-digital instrument cluster called Active Info Display makes its debut with the 2018 Polo. Not only will this be a segment-first feature, it will also be customisable like Audis Virtual Cockpit

Gets VWs latest-gen, glass-encased range of infotainment systems with display size ranging from 6.5 to 8.0-inches.

D-shaped flat-bottom steering wheel is identical to the outgoing model

'Air Care Climatronic' system with air quality sensor and allergen filter

Wireless charging for smartphones (optional inductive aerial connection)

Passive keyless entry with push-button engine start-stop

14 body colours and 13 dash pad colours on offer (white dash pad of the Polo GTI shown below)

Optional 300-watt sound system from Beats in the special Polo Beats model

The Euro-spec Polo also receives active safety tech and comfort features such as front assist, city emergency braking, pedestrian monitoring, active cruise control, park assist among others

Mechanicals

In all, the Euro-spec VW Polo will have nine engine options

Petrol: 1.0-litre MPI in two states of tune (65PS and 75PS), 1.0-litre TSI in two states of tune (95PS and 115PS), VWs all new 1.5-litre TSI EVO (150PS) with ACT (active cylinder deactivation) and 2.0-litre TSI (200PS) which will be limited to the Polo GTI

(In Picture: 2018 Volkswagen Polo GTI)

Diesel : 1.6-litre TDI in two states of tune (80PS and 95PS)

: 1.6-litre TDI in two states of tune (80PS and 95PS) CNG : 1.0-litre TGI (90PS) (makes its debut on this nameplate)

: 1.0-litre TGI (90PS) (makes its debut on this nameplate) Transmission options include 5- and 6-speed manuals and 7-speed DSG (dual-clutch automatic)

If it ever enters the Indian market, the sixth-gen Polo is likely to be powered by the 1.0-litre TSI (95PS or 115PS) motor and the 1.5-litre TDI diesel (90 PS and 110PS)

Stay tuned to CarDekho as Volkswagen releases more information on the new Polo in the coming months.

Must See: Fiat Argo Revealed Completely

Read More on : Polo on road price
New Jersey Resources Corporation, an energy services holding company, provides regulated gas distribution, and retail and wholesale energy services. The company operates through four segments: Natural Gas Distribution, Clean Energy Ventures, Energy Services, and Storage and Transportation. The Natural Gas Distribution segment offers regulated natural gas utility services to approximately 564,000 residential and commercial customers throughout Burlington, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, and Sussex counties in New Jersey; provides capacity and storage management services; and participates in the off-system sales and capacity release markets. The Clean Energy Ventures segment invests in, owns, and operates commercial and residential solar projects situated in New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New York. The Energy Services segment offers unregulated wholesale energy management services to other energy companies and natural gas producers, as well as maintains and transacts a portfolio of physical assets consisting of natural gas storage and transportation contracts in the United States and Canada. The Storage and Transportation segment invests in natural gas transportation and storage facilities. It provides heating, ventilation, and cooling services; holds commercial real estate properties; and offers solar equipment installation, and plumbing repair and installation services, as well as engages in the water appliance sale, installation, and servicing activities. The company was incorporated in 1981 and is headquartered in Wall, New Jersey.
Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. manufactures and sells cellulose specialty products in the United States, China, Canada, Japan, Europe, Latin America, other Asian countries, and internationally. The company operates through High Purity Cellulose, Paperboard, and High-Yield Pulp segments. Its products include cellulose specialties, which are natural polymers that are used as raw materials to manufacture a range of consumer-oriented products, such as liquid crystal displays, impact-resistant plastics, thickeners for food products, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, cigarette filters, high-tenacity rayon yarn for tires and industrial hoses, food casings, paints, and lacquers. The company also offers commodity products, such as commodity viscose pulp used in woven applications, including rayon textiles for clothing and other fabrics, as well as in non-woven applications comprising baby wipes, cosmetic and personal wipes, industrial wipes, and mattress ticking; and absorbent materials consisting of fluff fibers that are used as an absorbent medium in disposable baby diapers, feminine hygiene products, incontinence pads, convalescent bed pads, industrial towels and wipes, and non-woven fabrics. In addition, it provides paperboards for packaging, printing documents, brochures, promotional materials, paperback books or catalog covers, file folders, tags, and tickets; and high-yield pulps to produce paperboard and packaging products, printing and writing papers, and various other paper products. The company was founded in 1926 and is headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida.
MONTREAL  Racine Mayor John Dickert is spending this week in Montreal at the annual meeting and conference of the organization hell soon become president and CEO of, the Great Lakes & St. Lawrence Cities Initiative.

The conference, which runs from Tuesday night through Friday morning, is asking both federal and local governments to take action to preserve their fresh water supply.

Though the release named Dickert as the organizations successor, the mayors spokesperson, Gretchen Herrmann, said the date Dickert will assume that role depends on the retirement of current Executive Director David Ullrich. That will also determine the date of his resignation as Racines mayor, which has also not yet been announced.

The GLSLCI is a coalition of 130 cities from the United States and Canada with a combined population of over 17 million. Dickert announced his intention to step down as mayor and lead the GLSLCI on March 27.

In the release issued Thursday morning, Dickert urged these continued efforts from societys leaders.

It is not the time for complacency, Dickert said. Our commitment to the spirit of the Paris Agreement is going to have to be proven at the city level, as it ultimately always has been, with or without federal backing. Ensuring clean and safe water is our responsibility to our children and future generations.

Dickerts support for the Paris Climate Change Agreement comes in light of President Donald Trump removing the United States from the global climate deal, citing his desire to negotiate a better deal. The United States was one of three countries to withdraw from the agreement, along with Nicaragua and Syria.

Dickerts support for the deal was recently echoed by all three official candidates to succeed him, Rep. Cory Mason (D-Racine), Pastor Melvin Hargrove and Wally Rendon. All three said they would prioritize protecting the environment as mayor, if elected.

The special election to replace Dickert cannot be scheduled until his resignation takes effect. Once Dickert steps down, the City Council could call for the general election between 62 and 77 days in the future or schedule it on a future election day.
Don't fight hate with hate: Tributes pour in for Jo Cox funeral

Tributes have flooded in for MP Jo Cox whose funeral was held on Friday morning.

The private service for family only was held in her local constituency of Batley and Spen. Hundreds lined the street in Heckmondwike and Batley as the cortege passed. In a statement, her family said they had been "overwhelmed and touched by the love and support people have shown us".

Cox died on 16 June after she was attacked in her constituency.

Brendan Cox, the MP's husband, issued a message of hope to those grieving the Nice terror attack, details of which emerged hours before the funeral began. 84 people were killed on the French riviera and 18 people critically injured.

Cox posted on Twitter saying he was "thinking of all victims of hatred today".

He said: "Jo would ask us not to fight hate with hate but draw together to drain the swamp that extremism breeds in."

Jo wld ask us not 2 fight hate with hate but draw together 2 drain the swamp that extremism breeds in.Thinking of all victims of hatred 2day  Brendan Cox (@MrBrendanCox) 15 July 2016

Christians on the Left, a campaign group affiliated to Cox's own Labour party, called on people to "breathe deep before we tweet or speak".

On the day of Jo Cox's funeral, let's take a breath, & pledge in this strange season to breathe deep before we tweet or speak #disagreewell  ChristiansontheLeft (@ChrLeft) 15 July 2016

A number of Cox's colleagues in the Labour party paid their tributes to her. David Lammy, MP for Tottenham and a Christian, said:

An important message on the day of Jo's funeral. All my thoughts and prayers are with you Brendan and your family. https://t.co/LCYtjOqNju  David Lammy (@DavidLammy) 15 July 2016

A number of other Christian MPs also tweeted their condolences:

Today we say goodbye to Jo Cox. I shall remember her laughter, energy &courage, not how she was taken from us.#moreincommon #LoveLikeJo  Mary Creagh (@MaryCreaghMP) 15 July 2016
Otto Warmbier 'unresponsive', has been in coma for a year

Otto Warmbier, an American college student imprisoned in North Korea, has been returned to the US with severe brain injuries and in a state of 'unresponsive wakefulness', doctors have said.

The 22-year-old arrived back in the US on Tuesday after being detained in the pariah state since January 2016.

But Dr Daniel Kanter, senior intensive care director at the University of Cincinnati, said Warmbier 'shows no sign of understanding language, responding to verbal commands or awareness of his surrounding'.

Kanter told a press conference: 'He has not spoken.

'He has not engaged in any purposeful movements or behaviours.'

North Korea said Warmbier had been released on humanitarian grounds after he was sentenced to 15 years hard labour for trying to steal a propaganda sign.

North Korean officials said the American had been ill since he was arrested March 2016 from botulism  a type of poisoning caused by bacteria that can lead to paralysis  and lapsed into a coma after taking a sleeping pill.

His family said they only found out about the illness last week and refuted the North Korean's explanation. They said they wanted all to know they and their son had been 'brutalised and terrorised by the pariah regime'.

Speaking at a news conference on Thursday father Fred Warmber said he felt 'relief that Otto is now home in arms of those who love him and anger that he was so brutally treated for so long'.

The New York Times quoted a senior US official as saying Washington recently received intelligence reports that Warmbier had been repeatedly beaten in custody.

The Warbier family's local church have been praying for them ever since Otto's arrest last March.

The pastor, Eric Miller, has yet to meet Warmbier, but some members of his congregation have known him since he was a child.

'We've been praying for him, his parents, and now the people transporting him back home,' Miller said according to Cincinnati.com.

'It's overwhelming to learn that he's been in a coma for a year,' Miller added.

Of Otto's parents, Cynthia and Fred Warmbier, he said: 'I can't even begin to put myself in their shoes.'

He went on: '[Warmbier's imprisonment] has touched people's lives in our church setting. It touches a lot of people in our community in a variety of ways. I think God hears our prayers.'
The disastrous fire in Grenfell Tower, a tower block of public housing in London, in which at least 30 and possibly many more people were killed could not have come at a better time for Jeremy Corbyn, the leader of the opposition to Theresa Mays Conservative government. Corbyn is a natural hugger of potential voters, whereas May is notand what establishes the depths of a persons compassion for victims more indisputably than a hug? Corbyn senses that he is but a compassionate gesture or two away from occupying Number 10 Downing Street. Corbyn says that he is very angry at what happened, which he links to what is known as fiscal austeritythat is, when government spends only 108 percent of tax revenue, instead of the much higher percentage that he favors. He skated over the part played by the public sector in the tragedy, in which the tower took flame and burnt like an Australian forest fire in the dry season.

Grenfell Tower was erected as public housing in 1974. Like all such towers (4,000 of them in Britain) erected at the time, it was an aesthetic blot on the townscape, irredeemably hideous, and also destructive of the possibility of civilized sociability. One reason that Grenfell Tower was refurbished at a cost of more than $10 million shortly before the fire occurred was to improve its appearance slightly, to make it look less Soviet. There was, of course, only so much that could be done in this direction.

Unfortunately, the cladding used to insulate the building, protect it from rain, and improve its appearance was highly flammable, and it was attached to the building in such a way that it acted as a kind of chimney once the fire began. The local borough council owned the building but had devolved its management to a non-profit-making management quasi-company that was, in essence, in the public sector, though it paid its senior staff, in effect local-government civil servants, private-sector-sized salaries. This effectively public-sector management firm was responsible for choosing the refurbishment and for guaranteeing and certifying that the work done was safe, though similar such work had previously caused fires in buildings like Grenfell Tower. It hired a private contractor, the successor to a company that had previously gone bankrupt after a large claim had been made against it for defective work.

The quasi-public-sector management company, by all accounts, had disregarded the tenants repeatedly voiced concerns about the lack of proper fire precautions in the building. My experience of public-sector housing authorities, when I was a doctor with many patients who lived in public housing, was that they were stone deaf to all justified tenant complaints, unless someone like me made firm representations on the tenants behalf. These authorities were unutterably heartless and dishonest, as well as incompetent. They had to be protected from their clients by bulletproof glass.

The horrible fire, however, which is among the most terrifying anyone has ever witnessed, is being used to demand more public expenditure, raised and administered by the same kinds of people who brought such joy to the residents of Grenfell Tower.

Photo: Getty Images
Fire is usually a sign that the free marketplace has failed; the lethality of fire spurred developed countries to introduce codes and regulations to prevent it. Thats why two recent fire disasters in the Westone in California last year that killed 36 people and one in London this week that killed many more than the 30 people now identified are so shocking and unacceptable.

In an earlier industrial age, indifference to human lifeas well as plain ignorance about basic safety provisionscaused terrible suffering. In 1911, the Triangle Shirtwaist fire in downtown Manhattan killed 146 people. The factorys owners thought that it was economical and convenient to keep workers locked inside. The building, which still stands, was fireproof; the people were not.

Keeping people safe from fire at their workplaces and in their homes was one of the modern Wests first truly reformist causes. After the Shirtwaist fire, New York State enacted new laws requiring emergency exits and fire extinguishers, as well as better building materials. Much of the country and the developed world followed.

Though the West knows how to prevent fire today, it doesnt always take the necessary steps, particularly in the Third World countries that now produce much of what it consumes. One hundred and one years after the Triangle tragedy, in 2012, the Tazreen Fashion fire in Dhaka, Bangladesh killed at least 117 people. The factorys owners, who supplied Western clothing chains, thought it economical to skimp on emergency exits. Young women and girls in Bangladesh did not have what we take for granted: well-enforced laws to govern capitalisms worst impulses.

But the West, too, fails all too frequently at home. Usually, this failure is due not to inadequate laws, but to poor enforcement. In 1990, Julio Gonzalez, angry at his ex-girlfriend, torched the Happy Land nightclub in the Bronx, killing 87. It was the worst New York fire since the Triangle blaze, though it was code enforcement that led to the disaster: the nightclub, from which there was no way people could escape in an emergency, was already in violation before the fire, and inspectors had ordered it shut down nearly two years earlier. The city, back then, turned a blind eye to music and dance clubs favored by its growing immigrant community. Thirteen years later, 100 people died in another nightclub fire, in Rhode Island, this one set off by fireworks and foam. Again, the fire was the result of lax enforcement. The club was supposed to have sprinklers, and state law prohibited indoor fireworks.

Last winter, failure to enforce decades-old policies resulted in the death of 36 people in Oakland. The owner of Ghost Ship, an artists collective, allegedly had converted the warehouse he leased into illegal apartments and a club; he faces trial for manslaughter. Here, too, local officials knew about the hazard and did nothing about it. Since the fire, art-scene folk around the country have lamented the subsequent enforcement of fire codes, with inspectors shutting down hip spaces from Baltimore to Denver to prevent similar disasters. Complying with boring old regulations is not free-spirited, but neither is being trapped in smoke.

The London fire early last Wednesday morning, though, may be different. In this case, if early reports are correct, the law, rather than enforcement of the law, was inadequate. Several news reports have indicated that Britain allows building owners, whether public or private, to clad high-rise apartment buildings, such as the 24-story Grenfell tower, in flammable synthetic material, not all that dissimilar to the foam that helped spread fire through the Rhode Island nightclub.

This cladding material is banned for high-rise use in the U.S. and Germany, and for an obvious reason: it appears that the cladding accelerated the fire and prevented egress from a 1970s-era building with just one staircase. Poor egress appears to be another failure of law: one safety expert said that his non-British colleagues were staggered to learn that Britain doesnt require more exits from high-rises. The death toll from the Grenfell fire is still climbing; better laws likely could have prevented dozens of deaths.

Many regulations are just plain silly. New York, for example, prohibits dancing in bars that dont have a cabaret license. Liz Hurley said that she supported Brexit because of European rules on light bulbs. But dumb regulations dont discredit the need for regulation. The fact that a regulation costs money isnt an automatic argument against it; building extra stairwells costs money, but the cost is worth the benefit. In this case, Britain failed at a core function of government: protecting vulnerable people.

Without a robust rule of law, the West will see a further erosion of support for capitalist institutions and for capitalism itself. By late last week, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn proposed requisitioning wealthy foreign investors London homes for use by families made homeless by the Grenfell fire. Expropriation of property is surely a sign that a government has failedbut it is the result, not the cause, of multiple previous failures.

Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images
From where I sit in my second-floor hotel room on Colbjrnsensgade, a block from Copenhagens central railway station, I can look out the window at a shabby little storefront across the street. BOBBYS KIOSK, reads the sign. Big letters spell out the merchandise for sale. VIN. L. SPRIT. In other words: Wine. Beer. Spirits. Its after midnight, and the shop remains open. It was Bobby, if thats really his name, who sold me the wine Im drinking now, a Chilean sauvignon blanc that cost 45 Danish kroner, or about $6.50. Its a perfectly decent wine.

Ive been to this city a dozen times but somehow never noticed how easily available booze is in Denmark, compared with Sweden and Norway, where I live. Within a block or two of my hotel, there are several holes in the wall like Bobbys that, in addition to candy and potato chips, sell alcoholic beverages until well into the night. In this regard, Denmark is a lot like Spain, Italy, and many other European countries.

For people in some U.S. states, this is nothing to write home about. Late one night a few years ago, when I was in Baton Rouge on business, I couldnt fall asleep and decided to walk over to a nearby 24-hour Walmart. I was stunned to discover that, at 4 AM, thanks to Louisianas lack of restrictions on package sales, I could pick up not only a pair of socks or a lawnmower but all the vodka, gin, or scotch I wantedand at affordable prices. Baton Rouge looked like a sleepy town, but the liquor laws seemed to me the height of sophistication.

By contrast, one morning when I was Philadelphia, I left my hotel on what I assumed would be a simple mission: getting a bottle of wine to have with lunch. After searching much of the neighborhood around Rittenhouse Square without success, I finally found a store on Locust Street. It was about 10:30 AM on a Sunday, but the place didnt open until noon. It was obviously a state-run outletspacious and antiseptic-looking. As I later learned, Pennsylvania law permitted the sale of wine and spirits only at these commonwealth-owned emporia, which, on Sundays, were prohibited from opening in the morning.

These laws obviously have deep historical roots. As I reflected while traipsing around the City of Brotherly Love, the French Catholics who settled Louisiana had very different ideas about drinking from the Quakers who founded Pennsylvania (though, as it turned out, the Keystone States severe laws have less to do with William Penn than with the killjoy attitude of a teetotaling governor, who, when Prohibition ended in 1933, was determined to keep its spirit alive). Yet its baffling that these differences persist. Since my frustrated quest in Philadelphia, Ive discovered that (a) almost everybody in Pennsylvania loathes its liquor laws, yet (b) somehow major reform has proved impossible. This year, to be sure, restrictions were slightly loosenedsome outlets, for example, will now be allowed to open at 11 on Sundays. Hallelujah!

If you really want to see some nanny-stating on the hooch front, though, go north. In Sweden, if youre in the market for wine or spirits, youve got to track down a Stockholm-run Systembolag, where the hours are tight and the prices high. Then theres Norway, whichthough nearly the size of Californiacontains only 270 government-run stores (Vinmonopol, or wine monopolies) where you can buy wine or liquor. The 350-square-mile municipality where I live contains exactly one pol. Closed on Sundays, it shutters at 5 PM Monday through Wednesday, at 6 Thursday and Friday, and at 3 PM on Saturday. As for the prices, lets just say that Norwegians regularly drive to Sweden for better deals. While you can get 1.75 liters of Smirnoff vodka at a Walmart in Baton Rouge for $19.95, less than half that amount of the same product, 700 ml, costs the equivalent of $25.17 in Sweden and $35.36 in Norway. Why? Because.

The other night, at a Copenhagen bar with a friend, I wondered aloud how it is that, with such disagreeable alcohol laws in Sweden and Norway, Denmark should be so much more reasonable. He shrugged. Denmark is really in Europe. Sweden and Norway arent. That explanation makes as much sense as any other.

Photo by Allison Shelley/Getty Images
The British Red Cross has launched a London Fire Relief Fund to raise money to support those affected by the fire which engulfed Grenfell Tower on Wednesday.

The British Red Cross is also one of a number of charities whose staff and volunteers have been offering help and support to people affected by the fire on the scene.

So far 30 have been confirmed dead after the fire destroyed the tower block in Kensington, however this number is expected to exceed 60, with police suggesting that some victims may never be identified.

Officials said today that 24 people remained in hospital, 12 of whom were in a critical condition.

The British Red Cross said it has been asked by Kensington and Chelsea council to help co-ordinate fundraising in an appeal to support the residents and neighbours of the Grenfell Tower.

It said that money donated will be given to people affected by the fire, including those who have lost everything, to buy the things they need to give themselves and their families as much normality as they can get at this extraordinarily difficult time.

The British Red Cross said it will be leaning on its experience of co-ordinating emergency fundraising after the 7/7 bombing and more recently in Manchester and after the London Bridge attack. It said it will be working with the local authority to create a mechanism to distribute funds to those in most need.

It said that the fund is likely to follow a similar model to Manchester, with the British Red Cross using its experience in fundraising and working closely to support the council to develop the best mechanisms.

Mike Adamson, chief executive of the British Red Cross, said: The people living in Grenfell Tower have suffered an unimaginable tragedy. Our hearts go out to all those who have lost so much.

We have already seen the incredible outpouring of support from the local community, greater London and the whole country.

We are now launching this national appeal, together with Kensington and Chelsea Council, to support those people who have lost everything, so they can receive financial help as soon as possible.

As well as launching this appeal we are also keen to use our convening power to bring partners together to work out the best way to raise funds and distribute them.

We thank the UK for their continued generous support and overwhelming show of humanity in this time of need.

Charities working on the scene

Yesterday the British Red Cross said it had volunteers on the scene, offering support there.

Jon Pewtner, Red Cross senior emergency response officer, said: Nine volunteers from the British Red Cross are providing practical and emotional support, including breakfast items, at a rest centre for residents affected by the terrible fire this morning.

More are on standby to provide further support to emergency services throughout the day.

The atmosphere here is tense  people are worried about loved ones and many are coming to the realisation that they have lost their homes.

The community is rallying round, with residents collecting food, drink and clothes, and everyone is asking each other if they can help, or if they need food. There is a good, strong community spirit.

Muslim Aid said yesterday that it was responding to the situation and volunteers had already gone to the area, to offer help to the nearby Almanaar Muslim Centre and churches which are taking in those made homeless by the tragedy.

The Salvation Army was also one of the charities offering support on the ground. It had its emergency response vehicles on site to offer support to all emergency service crews and provide guidance to members of the public looking for places of rest and safety.

It said that Salvation Army volunteers were on hand to man its emergency response van while local Salvation Army corps (church) members were coordinating donations of food and refreshments for emergency services and donations of items such as toiletries for use by the designated rest centres.

It has also opened its own emergency appeal.

Homelessness charity Shelter said its priority was to work with partner organisations to offer free housing advice sessions to anyone whose home had been lost or damaged. It also encouraged anyone affected or in need of free housing advice to call its helpline.

Fundraising elsewhere

Justgiving announced yesterday that over 1.6m had been raised from victims of the fire, a number which has continued to rise considerably.

The Big Give is match funding donations raised for victims of Grenfell Tower Fire through the Kensington & Chelsea Foundation, in order to provide emergency and ongoing support to residents. It says it has raised over 1m so far, with over 60,000 of matched funds remaining.

Meanwhile, producer Simon Cowell has said that he intends to record a charity single to help the victims of the fire.

Cowell, who lives in the same London borough as the tower, tweeted yesterday: We hope to confirm a record tomorrow which will raise some money for the many people affected by this tragedy,

A special Night of Comedy will also be held at the Hammersmith Apollo in aid of people affected by the fire, it has been announced.

The line-up for the event which is due to take place on 27 June includes Jo Brand, Kevin Bridges, Alan Carr and Michael McIntyre.

Composer Hans Zimmer has also said he will donate proceeds of his London concert that took place last night at Wembley Arena.
Once an individual has used the Fundraising Preference Service to notify a charity that they would like to stop hearing from them charities will have 28 days act, the Fundraising Regulator said.

Speaking at an even held by the Institute of Fundraising Technology group in London last night, Daisy Houghton from the Fundraising Regulator confirmed that the Fundraising Preference Service would go live on 7 July 2017 and said that, once a suppression request had been made by a member of the public, the charity in question will have 28 days in which to cease contacting that person.

Houghton said that the 28 day timeframe was the minimum amount of time we can expect charities to action a suppression request, but said the public would also be warned that timeframe may not be achievable for some charities, particualrly in the case of direct mailing campaigns.

Once that initial 28 day window has passed, if an individual has continued to hear from that charity, the FPS will issue it with a follow-up notification.

A follow up request will only come through to you if a member of the public has still had communications from you after 28 days. There is text on the public facing side of the website that says it may take some charities longer, said Houghton. Particularly if its a postal appeal, but 28 days is the minimum amount of time we can expect charities to action a suppression request.

Houghton later said that, if a charity continued to repeatedly contact an individual who had suppressed it through the FPS and ignored its 28 day follow up request, the Fundraising Regulator itself would be powerless to issue that organisation with a fine.

But Houghton said repeated contact from a charity to an individual signed up to the FPS would be treated as a section 11 breach of the Data Protection Act and could be followed up by the Information Commissioners Office.

She said that all registered charities in England and Wales would be able to be suppressed by a member of the public through the FPS, but said that charities would not be charged for the service. Instead, the system will be funded by the regulators levy on fundraising spend and by registration fees.

Charities will be allowed three active users per organisation

According to Houghton, each organisation will be allowed three active users per organisation who will be registered on the FPS portal. Alongside signing some terms and conditions, the active users will be required to register their email address within the system, as those three users will be the one receiving the suppression notifications from the system.

Each user can then automate how often they receive a suppression notification email from the FPS  be that instantly, daily or weekly. Once a notification is received, Houghton said that the notification will appear in an active users inbox, however the notification itself was only an alert and all suppressions will have to be managed from the FPS website.

Syrenis Ltd, the external company which has designed and will manage the technical aspects of the FPS for the Fundraising Regulator, said it would be supporting charities to sign up to the FPS through guidance, webinars, videos and a 24-hour helpline.

Charities will also be able to place their organisational logo on the FPS, as well as 200 characters of information describing your organisation and the work that it does to help members of the public differentiate on the system.

FPS purely transactional website for public

Houghton also said that the FPS will be a purely transactional website for the members of the public, as the regulator is assuming that most people are coming there only to sign up for the service.

In Fundraising Magazine

She said that an individual will be able to either register themselves on the FPS, or sign up for someone else on their behalf and that an individual would be able to suppress three organisations per request.

The FPS will allow individuals to identify the channels they wish to suppress and the various charities through either their name, logo, or registered charity number. Once registered, the individual will then be issued with a code from the FPS either through SMS or email, just like with internet banking, said Houghton.

Houghton admitted, during a question and answer session, that the Fundraising Regulator had not made any projections about how many people will sign up to the FPS, either in the first year, or indeed at all. However, she said the regulator would know relatively quickly, within three months or maybe less of launch how popular the system is likely to prove.
Theres a silent scourge creeping around newsrooms, one with origins in trade publications and tech-led new media: non-compete agreements. In their most typical form, these agreements bar reporters and editorial staff members from working at competing publications for a period of six months to a year after they leave. Publications that use them argue they need non-competes to cover the cost of the training they provide employees. Some even argue their reporters are privy to trade secrets.

This is absurd.

For the media companies that wield them, non-compete agreements are a risk-free insurance policy against a competitive labor market. For the reporters who sign them, theyre just another barrier to job mobility in an increasingly precarious industry. These contracts keep beat reporters from the few jobs they are most qualified for and have the best chance of getting. They effectively ask reporters to commit to six months of unemployment to change jobs within their profession.

I know this because a non-compete I signed on my first day at legal news website Law360 in 2013 later derailed my career. After two years and a promotion at Law360, during which time colleagues left for a variety of competing publications, I accepted an offer in the fall of 2015 to join the Reuters legal news team covering the business of law. I considered the move to be a step up in my career. During my second week at the new job, a lawyer from Law360 wrote in a letter to the general counsel of Reuters that I was at risk of violating my non-compete and nondisclosure agreement. He asked that Reuters take immediate steps to ensure I did not use the critical and sensitive proprietary information I obtained at Law360. I never found out what Law360 meant by that: Theres no secret sauce to scouring court filings in search of a good story.

For the reporters who sign them, non-compete agreements are just another barrier to job mobility in an increasingly precarious industry.

Reuters fired me two days later, citing my lack of disclosure of the non-compete. Today as a freelancer, Im making about 40 percent less than my starting salary at Reuters, which included generous overtime and health insurance, among other benefits.

Law360 removed its non-compete provision from editorial employment contracts a year ago in a settlement with the New York Attorney General following an investigation into the potential illegality of the clauses. For me and other reporters who were blocked from taking new jobs, the move was welcome but too late.

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Many media outlets have not been fazed by the AGs investigation. Last week, BuzzFeed revealed that social and video news company NowThis News requires low-level staff members to sign non-compete agreements barring them from taking jobs at Mic, Vox, BuzzFeed, Vice, CNN, Complex, VaynerMedia, and Conde Nast. This week, CNN reported that the conservative website Independent Journal Review has asked all staffers, including entry-level employees making $35,000 per year, to sign a non-compete that bars them from working at any competing business for six months after leaving.

Mashable also has a non-compete agreement for all of its employees. A copy of the agreement stipulates that editorial employees not work for a competitor for six months after leaving. The list of competitors is long, and includes The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, BuzzFeed, The Verge, Vice, Business Insider, Re/Code, Vox, Wired, Fast Company, and HuffPost.

Its worth noting that none of the contracts negotiated by New Yorks top journalism unions, the NewsGuild (which represents Thomson Reuters, The New York Times, and Time Inc.) and Writers Guild of America East (representing The Intercept, Gothamist, and Slate), contain non-compete provisions. Law360 reporters voted to unionize with the NewsGuild last summer; the organizing effort was catalyzed by the companys decision to enforce its non-compete against me.

There are plenty of other non-compete agreements that dont get reported on. Since I was fired, Ive heard from several reporters, many at financial or technical trade publications, who have been asked to sign non-compete agreements as a condition of their employment or before getting a raise. Some of these agreements only bar them from working at competing trade publications, but others prohibit moves to larger general-interest publications like Bloomberg.

A representative for NowThis told BuzzFeed its non-compete clauses have never been used to prevent employees from taking other jobs, and a spokesman for Mashable told me the same. That shouldnt comfort any journalists: I remember a Law360 HR representative telling me the same thing on my first day in 2013. (A representative for Law360 did not respond to my request for comment on its non-compete agreements and my particular case.)

Since I was fired, Ive heard from several reporters, many at financial or technical trade publications, who have been asked to sign non-compete agreements as a condition of their employment or before getting a raise.

If these companies dont plan to enforce their non-compete agreements, theres no compelling reason to have them in the first place. But theres the rub: They might use them. Theres no guarantee they wont suddenly decide to enforce the contracts if business needs change.

If and when they do, most journalists will have little recourse. When executives sign non-compete agreements, theyre usually making a salary that would allow them to mount a legal challenge with little difficulty. After I was fired, I spoke with many lawyers who told me Law360s contract was probably illegal. I did not, however, have $50,000 to cover the cost of proving it in court.

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Reporters typically arent shy about speaking truth to power, but when its truth to the power that pays us, we tend to err on the side of caution. Matters are made even more complicated by non-defamation clauses within some reporters employment agreements. Mine at Law360 barred me from cast[ing] negative light on the company or any of its corporate partners during my employmentor any time thereafter.

Employment lawyers are often quoted saying the kinds of sweeping non-compete agreements used for low-level editorial employees are unenforceable. Unfortunately, a non-competes enforceability matters far less than its potential chilling effect. I know reporters who have consulted lawyers before switching from one low-paying job to another, just to make sure they dont get sued.

After I lost my job at Reuters, the legal risk associated with me because of the non-compete agreement was enough to block me from other opportunities in the legal news market. I wasnt able to begin one of my current steady freelancing jobs, at Bloomberg Law, until Law360s contract was lifted via its settlement with the New York Attorney General nine months later. Had the state authority not intervened, I would have had to wait a full year from when I left Law360.

Journalists and journalism both benefit when reporters and editors can change jobs and gain exposure to different news-gathering and writing styles across publications. We shouldnt need to hire lawyers to do so.

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Stephanie Russell-Kraft is a Brooklyn-based freelance reporter covering the intersections of religion, culture, law, and gender. She has written for the New Republic, The Atlantic, Religion & Politics, and Religion Dispatches and is a regular contributing reporter for Bloomberg Law. Follow her on Twitter: @srussellkraft.
IDEX Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, provides applied solutions worldwide. The company operates through three segments: Fluid & Metering Technologies (FMT), Health & Science Technologies (HST), and Fire & Safety/Diversified Products (FSDP). The FMT segment designs, produces, and distributes positive displacement pumps, small volume provers, flow meters, injectors, and other fluid-handling pump modules and systems, as well as offers flow monitoring and other services for the food, chemical, general industrial, water and wastewater, agricultural, and energy industries. The HST segment designs, produces, and distributes precision fluidics, rotary lobe pumps, centrifugal and positive displacement pumps, roll compaction and drying systems, pneumatic components and sealing solutions, high performance molded and extruded sealing components, custom mechanical and shaft seals, engineered hygienic mixers and valves, biocompatible medical devices and implantables, air compressors and blowers, optical components and coatings, laboratory and commercial equipment, precision photonic solutions, and precision gear and peristaltic pump technologies. This segment serves food and beverage, pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical, cosmetics, marine, chemical, wastewater and water treatment, life sciences, research, and defense markets. The FSDP segment designs, produces, and distributes firefighting pumps, valves and controls, rescue tools, lifting bags, and other components and systems for the fire and rescue industry; engineered stainless steel banding and clamping devices for various industrial and commercial applications; and precision equipment for dispensing, metering, and mixing colorants and paints used in retail and commercial businesses. IDEX Corporation was incorporated in 1987 and is headquartered in Northbrook, Illinois.
06/16/2017

Doctors treating Otto Warmbier, the American college student who was detained by the North Korean regime while on a group tour there last year, said today that he is suffering from a severe brain injury and is in a state of "unresponsive wakefulness."



The regime returned 22-year-old Warmbier to the United States on Tuesday, after he spent 17 months in a North Korean prison for allegedly trying to steal a government poster during his trip. The United States Department of State warns that numerous foreigners are held in detention in North Korea for extended periods of time without charges.

Tourism in North Korea

Americans are allowed to visit the secretive country, but there are many reasons to be wary of tour groups promising safe vacations to North Korea. As Warmbier's imprisonment over a poster shows, North Korea imposes unduly harsh sentences for actions that would not be considered crimes in the United States, the Department of State warns would-be tourists.

Gary Locke, a former U.S. ambassador to China, has said that North Korea uses Americans in detention as bargaining chips. Independent human rights organizations have also warned that Americans face danger of being arrested and used as political pawns by the North Korean government.

All of which makes the advertising hawked by the tour group that Warmbier had traveled with the more puzzling.



The company that brought Warmbier to North Korea addresses safety concerns on the North Korea FAQ section of their website.

How safe is it? Extremely safe!

Among the safest destinations on earth

Young Pioneer Tours, a tour group founded by a 36-year-old British man named Gareth Johnson, promises tourists worldwide the chance to visit unusual, off-the-beaten path locations at an affordable price. The company's North Korea tour starts and ends in China, which Warmbier had reportedly been visiting when he decided to add an unplanned North Korea excursion to his trip.

In online marketing materials, Young Pioneer Tours describes North Korea as a country with excellent beer and fascinating sites, though they warn that customers cannot travel alone and must always be accompanied by guides.

Despite what you may hear, North Korea is probably one of the safest places on earth to visit, says a post on the tour company's North Korea FAQ page. Tourism is very welcomed in North Korea, and thus tourists are cherished and well taken care of. We have never felt suspicious or threatened at any time.



Even during tense political moments, tourism to the DPRK (Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea) is never affected, the company adds. The North Korea FAQ page makes no reference to Warmbiers January 2016 arrest at the Pyongyang International Airport as he was trying to board a plane home with his Young Pioneer Tours group. The company has not yet returned an interview request from ConsumerAffairs.

A "speedy and satisfactory outcome"

Public statements that the company made shortly after Warmbiers arrest suggested that they tried to free him from detainment, though Young Pioneer Tours stopped short of criticizing the North Korean government for imprisoning Warmbier or condemning his arrest. In fact, when the media first learned that an American tourist had been arrested at the North Korean airport for not-yet-known reasons, Warmbiers tour guide speculated that Otto was in trouble for an incident that occurred at their hotel.



"What happened, happened at the hotel and my belief is that Otto kept it to himself out of hope it might go unnoticed," Young Pioneers tour leader Charlotte Guttridge told Reuters at the time.

In a confession that Warmbiers father said was likely coerced, he appeared on state television the following month to say that he tried to steal a propaganda poster from the hotel where he stayed in exchange for a financial reward. Regime officials later released footage showing a person removing a poster from a wall, but poor lighting makes it impossible to verify the identify of the person in the video.



Warmbier was ultimately convicted of hostile acts against the North Korean government after an hour-long trial and sentenced to 15 years of hard labor. Human Rights Watch Asia director Phil Robertson described Warmbiers arrest and sentence as political hostage-taking, echoing warnings made by United States officials that American visitors are at risk of being arrested at random.



When North Korea gets into a diplomatic dispute with the U.S. government, they like to grab any American they can find and use them as bargaining chips, Robertson said.



None of those political or human rights warnings were mentioned on the Young Pioneer Tours Instagram page, which around the time when Warmbiers ordeal made national news was instead showing tour leaders saluting in the Chilbo Sea or next to national statues, enjoying the view outside their high-rise hotel in Pyongyang, drinking local beer and learning how to make Kimchi. Company founder Gareth Johnson told VICE in an interview later that year that he could not discuss Warmbiers situation out of respect for his family.



But on a person identified by the website TripAdvisor as a company representative did discuss Warmbier's case and defended the tour groups safety record.



We are fully aware of the recent sentencing of Otto Warmbier that was announced by KCNA on Wednesday the 16th March 2016, a company representative wrote on the travel review website. We are continuing to work closely with relevant authorities to ensure a speedy and satisfactory outcome for Mr Warmbier. During eight years running tours into the DPRK, and many other countries this is the first incident of its kind to ever occur on one of our trips.



The representative added: Whilst the DPRK may be a unique and at times controversial destination, all guests are warned about the dangers of the country, and we feel that our record of one detainment from 7000 people in eight years supports this.

Tour groups can't ensure safety

That speedy and satisfactory outcome that Young Pioneer Tours claimed it was working on never happened. Doctors said in a news conference Thursday that Warmbier has not "engaged in any purposeful movements" since arriving home.



The North Korean government claims that Warmbiers condition resulted from taking a sleeping pill after suffering botulism, but his family and doctors cast doubt on that scenario.



The Department of State last year wrote that at least 16 Americans have been detained in North Korea. Americans who have been imprisoned and later released publicly described being kept tiny dark cells with little food or water. A 2014 United Nations investigation found that North Koreas own citizens are often starved, tortured, raped and executed while in detention.



Being a member of a group tour or using a tour guide will not prevent North Korean authorities from detaining or arresting you, the Department of State website adds. Efforts by private tour operators to prevent or resolve past detentions of U.S. citizens in the DPRK have not been successful.
Testing for Alzheimers disease can be a long, costly, and tiresome process for patients, but researchers from Brigham and Womens Hospital have been working to make the testing process easier on patients.

The group has developed a blood test that would evaluate the level of tau -- the leading protein in the brain associated with Alzheimers -- before a patient is even showing signs or symptoms of the disease.

A blood test for Alzheimers disease could be administered easily and repeatedly, with patients going to their primary care office rather than having to go into a hospital, said Dr. Dominic Walsh. Ultimately, a blood-based test could replace cerebrospinal fluid testing and/or brain imaging. Our new test has the potential to do just that.

Though the test is currently in the testing stages, Dr. Walsh is calling it a transformative breakthrough based on the early results.

How it works

Tau is a protein in the brain that is most typically associated with Alzheimers. Though tau can develop through a number of different related molecules, the researchers were able to create a model that differentiates between the individual types of tau to ensure that the blood test comes up with the most accurate result.

The researchers have conducted two trials so far with participants from Harvards Aging Brain Study and the Institute of Neurology in London. The first group consisted of 65 participants and the second group had 86.

Everyone involved in the study donated samples of plasma and cerebrospinal fluid, which helped the researchers look at the breakdown of the tau protein and see exactly what was linked to Alzheimers.

In both tests, the researchers found one strand of tau -- NT1 -- that was effective in predicting and identifying cases of Alzheimers.

The next step for the researchers is to open the test up to larger groups of participants to further test its effectiveness on a wider sample. However, these early results proved to Dr. Walsh and his team that they could be on the right track.

Weve made our data and the tools needed to perform our test widely available because we want other research groups to put this to the test, he said. Its important for others to validate our findings so that we can be certain this test will work across different populations.

Fighting Alzheimers

While this blood test could potentially change the way doctors go about diagnosing Alzheimers, fellow researchers have made strides this year in an effort to better diagnose and treat the disease.

In late September, researchers from the Clinical Memory Research Unit at Lund University in Sweden developed a new brain imaging technique that would help doctors make the most accurate Alzheimers diagnoses.

The researchers used a PET scan to evaluate the level of tau in the brain by administering a marker for the protein before the test. The researchers found this new test to be more successful than traditional Alzheimers screening methods.

If the patient has tau in certain parts of the brain, the marker will detect it, said researcher Oskar Hansson. The result -- whether Alzheimer tau is present or not -- is very clearly visible on the PET images.

On the treatment front, researchers found success with a clinical trial for a drug being developed to treat Alzheimers.

Amyloid is another protein often found in the brain with Alzheimers, and researchers from Biogen and Eisai worked to develop BAN2401 -- an anti-amyloid drug. Though unsuccessful in initial tests, this new and improved version of the drug was found to slow the progression of Alzheimers in the studys clinical trial.
The U.S. Virgin Islands is advancing plans to improve its visitor experience for cruise ship passengers, according to a prepared statement following the recent meeting a local task force.

Following a meeting of the Ports of the Virgin Islands - Charlotte Amalie Task Force, U.S. Virgin Islands Governor Kenneth E. Mapp said: "We are competing in a changing, dynamic environment and are in need of a complete shake-up of our business models. We need to develop not only what people want today, but also anticipate their future needs. The key is to respond to visitors even before they realize what they need. That's what this task force is all about."

A deadline to establish a harbor transportation service in the Charlotte Amalie Harbor had been extended to June 23, 2017, because of the strong interest of the potential contract, and because of the high volume of inquiries and questions the Department had handled, including site visits by prospective bidders, said a statement.

Task force members agreed, according to a press release, with the need for the RFP process to allow for multiple operators, possibly operating vessels of varying sizes, and that the contract period should be extended beyond three years in light of the capital investment required.

The evaluation and selection process is now expected to be complete by the end of August, contract execution by the end of October, and service possibly implemented by the end of the year.

Discussions also focused on the importance of dredging the Charlotte Amalie Harbor to accommodate larger class vessels and raising the $12 million investment funding for this project.

Commissioner of Tourism Beverly Nicholson-Doty noted positive recent meetings with Carnival Corporation and MSC Cruises.

The task force proposed the establishment of a berthing committee to optimize the use of all five berths on St. Thomas. They also proposed the need for improving communication with U.S. Customs and Border Protection and congressional officials to secure additional officers for seaports and airports.

A similar task force is being developed for the island of St. Croix and will launch in the fall.
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) has announced that the Norwegian Joy has arrived at its homeport of Shanghai, after making maiden calls in Singapore, Qindao, Shenzen and Hong Kong.

Norwegian is extremely proud to welcome the newest addition to our fleet, the Joy, to her home port of Shanghai, said David Herrera, president of NCLH China. "The Norwegian Joy's arrival demonstrates our commitment to the Chinese cruise market. She was custom-built with Chinese cruise guests in mind.

Designed to appeal to the modern Chinese family, the Joy features what the cruise line calls the first race track at sea in addition to virtual reality experiences, international dining options, and staterooms designed for multigenerational families traveling together.

On a preview voyage, Norwegian welcomed more than 1,700 VIP members and guests of Alibaba Group (Alibaba), the worlds largest online and mobile commerce company.

The Joys christening ceremony is slated to take place June 27 in Shanghai with the so-called king of Chinese pop Wang Leehom.

Year-round cruises from Shanghai start on June 28 with a season of sailings from Tianjin from August 26 to September 15.
When youre young, vivid daydreams can occupy all the space in your head. Yet when you grow up, the clouds you once soared can seem farther away. The princess you saved from the towering castle? Just an imaginary past. Your shiny armor is now rusted in the effort to fight off a scaly financial dragon. Had I been exposed to better tools when I made my education choices, my journey toward the future I wanted and the financial reality I could live with would have been so much easier.

Debt makes everything real

According to Filenes research, 7 in 10 students graduating from college have student loan debt, averaging over $30,000. Seventy-seven percent of students that graduate college under the age of 40 regret not planning out how to manage their student loan debt. Meanwhile, 50% dont even know what they borrowed, and 28% didnt realize they even had student loans.

These numbers are alarming; credit unions should be concerned about their members who may soon face the burden of student debt. With support and cooperation from Credit Union Student Choice, Filene recently had the opportunity to test its Debt Dragon prototype at a Wisconsin high school. The theory of this prototype tool is that with it, students and family members can avoid insurmountable burdens of debt by better understanding the impacts of debt before they take it on.
NAFCU Annual is in full-swing in Hawaii celebrating its Golden Anniversary. Of course the event is filled with lots of fun and reminiscing, but theyve also learned a lot over the past 50 years and theyre passing that wisdom along to us.

It seems like you cant make it through the week anymore without hearing something about millennials, that usually leads to a sigh or a shake of the head of someone on the leadership team but the keynote speaker, Jeff Havens took and fun an interesting approach to the topic that left the generationally divided audience all laughing. We laughed as he made jokes about having multiple TV remotes, getting in line behind someone paying with a check, or our demands to have everything right now because weve all had those feelings (or been annoyed by them) and guess what. Thats perfectly normal! Millennials arent the first group be labeled lazy and they wont be the last. So weve got it all out on the table, our generational differences, but now what?

No matter how many different generations you have working for you, your workforce can be divided up into young and old. And there are some key factors about each group that the other needs to know and understand so that meeting at a halfway point can happen. That compromise is crucial for success because neither group is right all the time. There are many ways in which you can meet halfway but Im sharing my favorite 3 below:

For the young: some business practices exist for a good reason. For the old: Dont view new ideas or questions as an attack on current practices or your authority. For the young: some things move slower than you wish they did. For the old: Some things move faster than you wish they did. For the young: Advancement is a process, not a right. For the old: Advancement is a process that never stops.

No matter your age, you have a wealth of knowledge to bring to the table at your credit union and understand how your generational differences impact how that knowledge is shared, interpreted and implemented is important to the long term success of the credit union.
CUNA President/CEO Jim Nussle applauded credit unions for their efforts in serving seniors in an editorial published on LinkedIn Thursday.

June 15 has been declared World Elder Abuse Awareness Day by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations since 2006.

It is unfortunate that we need such a day but inspiring that there are so many willing to advocate with, and on behalf of seniors who may vulnerable to abuse, Nussle wrote. Americas credit unions are dedicated to meeting the financial needs of all consumers, and serving the seniors in their communities is an important part of their mission.

Nussle noted that advocates from around world are gathering today in Washington, D.C. for the third Global Summit on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

At todays summit, staff from North Carolinas State Employees Credit Union will be on the agenda to discuss financial abuse issues plaguing older adults and the legislation that could address the issues affecting our seniors, Nussle wrote. I applaud State Employees Credit Union for dedicating their time to advocate on this important matter.
Talking Points:

New Zealands manufacturing sector was in rude health in May

The Performance of Manuf acturing Index rose to 58.5, a 16-month high

However , NZD/USD s gains after the fact werent huge

See what the trading community makes of the currencies you like, and those you dont, at the DailyFX sentiment page.

The New Zealand Dollar only got a small lift Friday following the release of a very encouraging snapshot of manufacturing activity.

The Performance of Manufacturing Index registered at 58.5 for May. In the process, it rose very strongly from Aprils upwardly revised 56.9 and hit its highest point for 16 months.

Analogous to the Purchasing Managers Indexes released elsewhere, the indicator is compiled by the business advocacy body BusinessNZ. In its logic, any reading above 50 signifies an expansion for the sector in question, so a 58.6 read is very healthy indeed and price action in NZD/USD duly reflected that.

BusinessNZ said that new orders had seen their highest combined three-month level of expansion since 2004 in the period to May. Employment in the sector was at its highest since October 2014.

However, the NZD boost was far from huge and the data come against a backdrop of some pressure for the currency.

It had had already been reined in this week by some weaker-than-expected official growth figures. The key Official Cash Rate has been at a record low of 1.75% since November 2016. It is thought likely to stay there at least for the remainder of this year. The next RBNZ policy meet is on June 22.

--- Written by David Cottle, DailyFX Research

Contact and follow David on Twitter: @DavidCottleFX
Brookdale Senior Living Inc. owns, manages, and operates senior living communities in the United States. It operates in three segments: Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care, and Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs). The Independent Living segment owns or leases communities comprising independent and assisted living units in a single community that are primarily designed for middle to upper income seniors. The Assisted Living and Memory Care segment owns or leases communities consisting of freestanding multi-story communities and freestanding single-story communities, which offer housing and 24-hour assistance with activities of daily living for the Company's residents. This segment also operates memory care communities for residents with Alzheimer's and other dementias. The CCRCs segment owns or leases communities that provides various living arrangements, such as independent and assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing; and services to accommodate various levels of physical ability and healthcare needs. It also manages communities on behalf of others. As of December 31, 2021, the company owned 347 communities, leased 299 communities, and managed 33 communities on behalf of others. Brookdale Senior Living Inc. was incorporated in 2005 and is headquartered in Brentwood, Tennessee.
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited, a pharmaceutical company, develops, manufactures, markets, and distributes generic medicines, specialty medicines, and biopharmaceutical products in North America, Europe, and internationally. The company offers sterile products, hormones, high-potency drugs, and cytotoxic substances in various dosage forms, including tablets, capsules, injectables, inhalants, liquids, transdermal patches, ointments, and creams. It also develops, manufactures, and sells active pharmaceutical ingredients. In addition, it focuses on the central nervous system, pain, respiratory, and oncology areas. Its products in the central nervous system include Copaxone for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis; AJOVY for the preventive treatment of migraine; and AUSTEDO for the treatment of tardive dyskinesia and chorea associated with Huntington disease. The company's products in the respiratory market comprise ProAir, QVAR, ProAir Digihaler, AirDuo Digihaler, and ArmonAir Digihaler, BRALTUS, CINQAIR/CINQAERO, DuoResp Spiromax, and AirDuo RespiClick/ArmonAir RespiClick for the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Its products in the oncology market include Bendeka, Treanda, Granix, Trisenox, Lonquex, and Tevagrastim/Ratiograstim. Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited has a collaboration MedinCell for the development and commercialization of multiple long-acting injectable products, a risperidone suspension for the treatment of patients with schizophrenia. The company was founded in 1901 and is headquartered in Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel.
Wisconsins domestic partner registry would be shelved under a proposal approved Thursday.

The Joint Finance Committee voted 12-4 to adopt Gov. Scott Walkers proposal to eliminate domestic partner benefits for state employees, affecting some 4,400 state workers and saving an estimated $4.4 million over two years.

But the committee went further, prohibiting additional registrants on the statewide domestic partner registry for same-sex couples starting six months after the budget takes effect. It also prohibits local government public employees from receiving benefits for their registered domestic partner and the partners dependents.

The statewide domestic partner registry and state government domestic partner benefits were created in the 2009-11 state budget to address same-sex couples who werent allowed to marry under a state constitutional amendment. The U.S. Supreme Court has since legalized same-sex marriage.

Republicans said ending the statewide registry was a matter of fairness for opposite-sex couples.

Unlike the state domestic partnership registry, state government domestic partner benefits were available to opposite-sex couples as well. Of the 4,400 state workers who receive such benefits 78 percent are opposite-sex couples.

Democrats argued there are many reasons why couples choose not to get married, including the loss of a spouse. They noted other Big Ten conference states provide domestic partner benefits, so getting rid of the option eliminates an employee recruitment tool.
Sauk County Circuit Court Judge Michael Screnock, who once worked on a team of lawyers to defend Gov. Scott Walkers collective bargaining law against lawsuits, is joining the 2018 race for a seat on the state Supreme Court.

Screnock, who was appointed to his judgeship in 2015 by Walker, announced his bid for the states highest court Friday  a day after Justice Michael Gableman, whose first term on the court expires in 2018, said he would not be seeking re-election.

I want to thank Justice Gableman for his service to the Wisconsin judiciary and his commitment to the rule of law. I share that commitment along with the belief that it is the role of a judge to say what the law is and not what it should be, Screnock said in a statement. Judges must respect the different roles of the court and Legislature and should not legislate from the bench.

A message left by the Wisconsin State Journal on Thursday for Screnock was not returned and spokesman Nathan Conrad said Screnock was on the bench in Sauk County on Friday and unavailable for interviews.

Two other candidates have already entered the 2018 race: Madison attorney Tim Burns and Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Rebecca Dallet.

Though the race is technically nonpartisan, candidates are usually backed by liberal or conservative interest groups. Burns and Dallet are both are backed by liberals, while Screnock is expected to be backed by conservatives.

Burns tweeted Friday that his competitor is part of a 40 year right wing movement to destroy workers rights, our democracy and our middle class economy.

Meanwhile, Dallet sought to draw a contrast between her and her opponents.

It seems like we have two candidates on the extremes who think we should politicize the Supreme Court, and one  Judge Dallet  who thinks judges should be fair and impartial, said Todd Miller, spokesman for Dallet.

Conrad said the same could be said of Dallet.

It is telling that Judge Dallet, who spent her time at the beginning of the month pining for support and approval at the (Democratic) convention, would stoop to politicizing this race the day a qualified candidate has entered rather than focus on the issues at hand, Conrad said.

He also said Burns is entitled to his opinions and uninformed knee-jerk reaction to a qualified member of the judiciary entering this race.

Judge Screnocks life-long pursuit of community involvement speaks for itself and he is excited to discuss the upcoming race, his judicial philosophy, and the future of the Wisconsin Supreme Court with the people of Wisconsin, Conrad said.

Both Burns and Dallet appeared at the Democratic Party of Wisconsin convention earlier this month, and Burns has not hid his liberal leanings on the campaign trail thus far. He also has given thousands to Democratic candidates in the past.

Dallet has given to the re-election campaign of Justice Shirley Abrahamson, who is backed by liberals, and to the campaigns of Dane County Judge Julie Genovese.

Its not clear if Gableman will fill the remainder of his term that expires in July 2018. If he steps down before then, Walker would make his third appointment to the Supreme Court since 2015.

Sauk County native

Screnock is a native of Sauk County who has worked for the cities of Reedsburg, Washburn and Ashland in various roles. In 2007, he joined the law firm of Michael Best & Friedrich and worked there before his appointment. He lives in Reedsburg.

Screnock was part of a group of attorneys that assisted the state Department of Justice in defending Walkers signature Act 10 from legal challenges. The legislation sharply curtailed the collective bargaining rights of most public workers.

Screnock wrote in his judicial application for the Sauk County post that he was heavily involved in developing legal strategy, researching related legal principles, and drafting briefs in defense of the law. The state Supreme Court and an appeals court upheld the law.

Screnock received his law degree from UW-Madison and a masters of business administration from Eastern College in Pennsylvania.

According to campaign finance records, Screnock gave $20 to the campaign of former Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen in 2009.
Nearly all of us have some point in our life at which our path forward has been shaped by an inspiring teacher.



Each year, Dalhousie celebrates just some of those amazing teachers  be they faculty members, lecturers, grad students and others  with its suite of University-Wide Teaching Awards.



In addition to the Alumni Association Award of Excellence for Teaching (Dals top teaching award), there are particular awards to celebrate graduate supervision, diversity in education, academic innovation, early-career excellence and more. The nomination process, managed by the Centre for Learning and Teaching, seeks candidates from across the university, with winners chosen by various selection committees.



Look for more detailed coverage on some of these winners on Dal News this fall, when the honourees will be receiving their awards.

Alumni Association Award of Excellence for Teaching

Vivian Howard (School of Information Management)



Vivian Howard, this year's recipient of the university's top teaching award, first joined Dal in a full-time role in 1999 as one of the original instructors in the then newly launched Bachelor of Management program. Since then, she has built a reputation as an outstanding teacher and community leader. An associate professor in the School of Information Management, Dr. Howard is being recognized for her scholarly contributions on teaching and learning and for her commitment to community engagement and helping boost retention efforts for international students. She has also provided consistent support for peers across faculties on major initiatives such as the development of the Indigenous Studies minor, which launched in the fall of 2015.



Academic Innovation Award

Diane MacKenzie (School of Occupational Therapy)



Diane MacKenzie, an assistant professor who has taught in the School of Occupational Therapy since 2000, led the development of a mandatory interprofessional health simulation used within the Faculty of Health Professions and the Faculty of Medicine. That simulation, which included video scenarios, questions, debriefing sessions and extensive evaluations, has won praise from faculty and students alike for its effectiveness in preparing future health professionals to face some of the challenges of collaborative clinical practice (conflict resolution, etc). Said one nominator of Dr. MacKenzies simulation: It clearly demonstrates the art of what is possible and places Dalhousie as a national leader in interprofessional education.



Award for Excellence in Education for Diversity

Lisa Goldberg (School of Nursing)



Lisa Goldberg, an associate professor in the School of Nursing, is receiving Dals award for education for diversity. In particular, Dr. Goldberg is being celebrated for her work enhancing Dals Nursing curriculum by applying the Caring Science approach to teaching and mentorship. These changes provide more opportunities for students to have exposure to important considerations in the health-care system, like the needs of LGBTQ+ individuals. Wrote one nominator: She creates a safe space for students to discuss issues of heteronormativity, sexism, racism, ableism, etc. Within this space of diversity dialogue, she is able to address issues of socially constructed marginalization so that students can continue their own journey of present and life-long learning about diversity.



Early Career Faculty Award of Excellence in Teaching

Mike Smit (School of Information Management)



An associate professor in the School of Information Management, Mike Smit is this years recipient of Dals award celebrating exceptional teaching and educational leadership at the onset of ones career. A two-time Dal alumnus (both a bachelors and masters degree in Computer Science), Dr. Smit was cited by the selection committee for his strong commitment to students, the high standards he sets for learning, and his concern for individual student success. The selection committee writes that the praise and thanks Dr. Smit has received from his students, speaks to the impact [his] instruction has had on their education.

Award for Excellence in Graduate Supervision

Sherry Stewart (Department of Psychiatry)



Sherry Stewart, professor in the Department of Psychiatry with cross-appointments in Psychology & Neuroscience and Community Health & Epidemiology, is being celebrated for her sustained and energetic commitment to graduate supervision. A faculty member at Dalhousie for nearly 25 years, Dr. Stewart takes to her role as mentor and role model to her students with great pride; more than one letter of support in her nomination package used the phrase best supervisor ever. Her students told the selection committee that she makes research fun, is always approachable and giving of her time, and showcases a great love and enthusiasm for her work.



Contract and Limited-Term Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching

Jennifer Grek Martin (School of Information Management)



A lecturer in the School of Information Management, Jennifer Grek Martin is receiving Dals award celebrating teaching from contract and limited-term faculty. The selection committee was impressed by Dr. Martins breadth of teaching experience with positive student and peer feedback, as well as her commitment with curriculum design and creative learning. In a short period of time, the committee writes, [Grek Martin has] built an outstanding portfolio and has demonstrated evidence of leadership beyond the expectations of contract and limited-term faculty.



Presidents Graduate Student Teaching Award

David Beitelman (Department of Political Science)

Sarah Greening (Department of Chemistry)



PhD candidates David Beitelman and Sarah Greening are each receiving the universitys award for graduate student teaching. Beitelman, from the Department of Political Science, impressed the selection committee with how his students have benefitted from his unique ideas, entertaining professional lectures, pedagogical innovation and great efforts to support students expressing their individual views. Greening, from the Department of Chemistry, was cited for her innovative lab teaching efforts for students of diverse backgrounds, as well as her exemplary leadership and role as a volunteer in the community.


AIM-listed forecourt and food-to-go retailer Applegreen has appointed Niall Dolan - currently head of the companys corporate finance & treasury - as its new chief financial officer with effect from 1 July.

Dolan joined the business in May 2015, having been CFO of ISS Ireland Ltd for five years. He holds a Masters in accounting from University College Dublin and qualified as a Chartered Accountant with PwC in 1998.

He will succeed current CFO Paul Lynch, who is stepping down from his role at the end of June.

Chief executive officer Bob Etchingham said: "Niall has been a valuable member of our senior team since he joined us, prior to the 2015 IPO. He has gained wid#e and valuable experience in his career to date and has demonstrated an ability to contribute to the strategic direction of the business and work with colleagues at all levels. We wish him well in his new role".

Chairman Danny Kitchen said: "Niall's appointment follows a wide-ranging search process and the internal appointment confirms the strength and depth of the management team now in the Applegreen business. This will serve the company well in the future.

At 1022 BST, the shares were down 1.5% to 435p.
UK police are set to open a criminal inquiry into the massive fire which led to the deaths of at least 30 people in the Grenfell Tower flats this week.

Emergency services have been trawling through the building in north London for the third day in an attempt to locate more bodies with hope diminishing of finding any more survivors.

The death toll is expected to rise in the coming days, with the London Fire Brigade saying it may take weeks to conduct a full search of the tower block.

In addition to the Scotland Yard investigation, Theresa May also vowed to initiate a public inquiry into the causes of the blaze, which erupted late on Tuesday night and raged for a full 24 hours.

While six of the victims have been provisionally identified by security services, London Metropolitan police chief Stuart Cundy said that there was "a risk that sadly we may not be able to identify everybody".

Emergency services have been trawling through the building in north London for the third day

"We as the police, we investigate criminal offences - I am not sitting here and saying there are criminal offences that have been committed, that's why you do an investigation, to establish it."

Anger is growing from members of the local and national community as to why the fire spread so quickly, with many calling into question whether fire and safety regulations were adhered to in the construction and recent refurbishment of the tower.

The 10m refurbishment which was completed in 2016 is likely to come under particular scrutiny, with claims that the cladding used on the outside of the building was made from a cheaper flammable material.

While PM May called for the public inquiry, she was also criticised for her visit to the fire scene on Thursday, which did not include speaking to any of the survivors of the tragic incident.

Labour MP Harriet Harman and former Tory minister Michael Portillo were among those who expressed their criticism of the PM.

Portillo said: The Prime Minister would have been shouted at by the residents, but she should have been willing to take that. You have to be prepared to receive peoples emotions and not be so frightened about people.
A report from the Office for National Statistics revealed a marked decrease in the number of adult smokers last year even as demand for e-cigarettes increased.

In 2016, only 15.8% of adults in the UK smoked; a clear reduction from 2015 when 17.2% did so.

"In 2016, 17.7% of men in the UK were current smokers which was markedly higher in comparison to 14.1% of women" the report said, with adults between the ages of 18 to 24 experiencing the sharpest decline in smoking since 2010.

The general decline of cigarette smokers in the UK could be due to a number of measures and efforts by the government to clamp down on smoking. In 2015, for example, shops were banned from openly displaying cigarettes and in May of 2016 reforms to EU laws on selling tobacco were introduced.

In a continuation of that trend, earlier this year the government clamped down further on cigarettes by ordering retailers to phase out logos and bright colours in 12 months. Packets of 10 cigarettes and bags of tobacco smaller than 30g have also been banned, and a pack of cigarettes now costs at least 8.81

The report's findings also revealed that millions were now using e-cigarettes as an alternative. According to ONS: "2.9 million individuals in Great Britain used e-cigarettes in 2016. Those aged 16 to 24, were more likely to have tried an e-cigarette, compared to older age groups."

Major cigarette brands have invested in e-cigarettes with the likes of Imperial recruiting cannabis expert Simon Langelier to its board as a non-executive in an effort to accelerate the company's move into vaping, smoke free nicotine products and cannabis.

Earlier this year, former deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg also championed cannabis, claiming "cannabis would improve public health".

Scotland and Wales saw the largest decrease in the ranks of current smokers.
Rolls-Royce Holdings issued a pre-close trading update on Friday, as it prepared to meet investors over the next fortnight at the Paris Airshow - and ahead of its half year results on 1 August - claiming it had started the year well, with all businesses performing in line with expectations.

The FTSE 100 company said that as a result, group expectations for first half revenue, profit and free cash flow remained unchanged from that provided at its annual general meeting in May.

Looking at the year as a whole, the board described mixed market conditions, but said it remained focussed on the delivery of its engine production ramp up, the continued execution of its transformation programme and growing its free cash flow.

Full year expectations for revenue, profit and free cash flow were unchanged from those outlined in February.

The companys 2017 outlook excluded the year-on-year effect of foreign exchange translation on its reported results, the board added.

Its guidance at this stage of the year was unchanged, and if rates remained unchanged from those seen recently, the impact of the average year-on-year movement on the translation of its overseas subsidiaries results would improve full-year reported revenues by around 400m and improve reported profit before tax by around 50m.

2017 has started well, although we have a great deal more to do to deliver the full year, said chief executive Warren East.

As expected, near term cash flow performance remains challenging as we continue to invest in transforming and growing the business to benefit future years.

East said news updates around events such as the Paris Airshow were increasingly expected to reflect Rolls-Royces transition from a period of above-trend order book growth to one of operational delivery.

Our ramp up in large engine production is progressing well, reflecting the significant investments in manufacturing capability in recent years.

Across the wider group, all our businesses continue to focus on transformation activities and are benefiting from our increased focus on pace and simplicity.
The FTSE 100 on Friday recouped some of the losses from the prior day but still finished the week worse off than when it started, and underperforming its smaller sibling as supermarket groups reeled in the wake of Amazon's roaring new blitz into the grocery sector.

After news broke that the US online retail giant had agreed to take over premium grocery group Whole Foods, Tesco, Sainsbury's and Marks & Spencer were sent staggering lower as investors feared Amazon new potential to accelerate its attack on the industry.

Tesco's shares initially spiked on the back of strong first-quarter results but when jagged lower on Friday afternoon when news broke from the US of Amazons $13.7bn purchase.

Investors in Tesco and Sainsbury's fear Amazon could knock them off their perch as Britains number one and two supermarkets, said analyst Jasper Lawler at London Capital Group.

Amazon has an existing relationship with Morrisons, which saw its shares dip sharply before later outperforming those of Tesco and Sainsburys.

"Whole Foods has just 9 stores in the UK so the impact on Morrisons (which has its own tie-up with Amazon) should not be too significant, and if anything could support Morrisons if it signals how Amazon might be able to help it grow market share," said Neil Wilson at ETX Capital.

Travel and tourism companies were among the risers as data from the Office for National Statistics showed UK tourism continues to boom thanks to the weak pound, enticing more visitors from around the world to the UK and strongly boosting spending.

Some 3.7m people visited Britain from overseas in April, up 19% year on year, the ONS said on Friday, with overseas residents making 42% more visits to the UK for holidays.

Thomson travel owner TUI, InterContinental Hotels and EasyJet all rose but Premier Inn owner Whitbread gave up its early gains.

BHP Billiton was lifted by the appointment of Ken MacKenzie to succeed Jac Nasser as chairman of BHP Billiton with effect from 1 September following Nassers retirement.

MacKenzie - who has extensive international business experience gained during his 23 years at Australian packaging company Amcor - joined the BHP board as a non-executive director in September 2016 and is a member of the Sustainability Committee.

BHP has been under pressure from activist investor Elliott Management in recent months to improve returns and earlier this week the hedge fund said whoever BHP appointed at chairman should "review" and "upgrade" the mining group's board of directors, citing the backing of several other major shareholders.

Market Movers

FTSE 100 (UKX) 7,447.80 0.38%

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Responsible electives raise funds for under-resourced hospitals

Published On Fri 16 Jun 2017 by Dominic Younger

Medical students from the University of Dundee have raised tens of thousands of pounds for hospitals in Africa during Responsible Electives in Malawi and Zambia.

Electives are a period of study in which medical students can learn hands-on experience almost anywhere in the world.

A group of 10 students from Dundee chose to participate in the Responsible Electives programme and in the course of this have raised over 16,000 for Nkhoma Hospital in Malawi and St. Francis Mission Hospital in Zambia as part of their elective.

Dr Katy Daniels, Electives Lead and Clinical Teacher from the School of Medicine, said, We are immensely proud of the contribution our students have made to these hospitals.

The Responsible Elective programme has meant partnering our world-class students with low-income hospitals and allowing them all to benefit from the experiences each can bring to the other. Every student had a fundraising target of 1000 and this subsequently went towards renovations, medical equipment, and scholarships to train new staff at the hospitals.

Andrew Duncan, one of the students who went to Malawi, said, I was keen to do my elective at Nkhoma because we could care for the patients in a way we cannot in the UK. We were faced with diseases you dont often see here such as Malaria, HIV and Tuberculosis (TB) and we had to learn the local language, Chichewa, to help perform consultations.

The Responsible Electives will continue next year with growing numbers participating and the students continuing to raise more money for the under-resourced hospitals.

For media enquiries contact:

Dominic Glasgow

Media Relations Officer

University of Dundee

Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN

Tel: +44 (0)1382 385131

Email: d.w.glasgow@dundee.ac.uk
By Paul Brown

Donald Trump cannot rewrite history, and no matter what he says or does the Paris agreement to limit climate change will survive and is even stronger as a result of Trumps rejection. This is the verdict pronounced by a former U.S. vice-president turned climate campaigner as Al Gore spurns Trump for a failed attempt to derail the energy revolution.

Speaking in London last night, Gore said: I was worried when the president of my country announced he was making an announcement about climate change, that if he hauled the U.S. out of the Paris agreement other nations would use it as an excuse to follow.

There has been no such cascade. Indeed, no-one else has left. What we have seen is increasing support for the agreement from across the world, and within the US expressions of solidarity from American governors, mayors and business.

No matter what President Donald Trump says, no-one can stop the energy revolution now.

Improving Lives

Gore was speaking at the Royal Geographical Society in London at a ceremony to present the 2017 Ashden Awards. Ashden gives financial prizes and practical assistance to organizations across the world which promote renewable energy, providing cleaner air and sustainable transport. So far 200 groups, improving the lives of 80 million people, have been honored.

Gore, who first came to the Ashden Awards 10 years ago, served as U.S. vice-president for eight years from 1993, and represented the U.S. in Japan when the Kyoto Protocol was signed in 1997. He was also present at the conclusion of the Paris agreement in 2015.

He now campaigns on climate issues and, with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, was awarded the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize.

Gore told the Ashden winners that the sustainability revolution, as he called it, was one of the great moral causes of human history. It was like many of the movements of the pastthe abolition of slavery, winning womens suffrage, ending apartheid in South Africa and gaining civil rights in America.People said it could not be done, it met all kinds of fierce resistance, but in the end these causes triumphed.

It boils down in the end to what is right and what is wrong. It is clearly wrong to destroy the Earth for future generations. It is wrong to use the sky as an open sewer. It is right to give future generations hope and to give them a clean and sustainable future.

In a direct repudiation of President Trumps own view of climate change, Gore said the overwhelming scientific evidence was that global warming was already here and a dangerous threat to the Earth.

The greatest advocate of all, Mother Nature, is telling us what a mess we are creating, Gore said. He spoke of how the Earths water cycle was being disrupted, sea levels were rising and diseases spreading.

Bypassing Fossil Fuels

But he believed it was possible to change and to save the situation. Human civilization had begun with the agricultural revolution, then in the 19th century the industrial revolution, followed in our lifetimes by the digital revolution. Now it was the sustainability revolution that was under way.

It was happening across the world in rich and poor countries alike. Solar power was bringing electricity to parts of the world that had never seen electric light. People in parts of Africa and Asia were bypassing the fossil fuel age altogether.

For a long time, Gore said, it had seemed that change was too difficult to achieve and could not be completed in time to avoid catastrophe. But then things had begun to move much faster than you thought they ever could.

He described the strides being made in China and India on renewable energy, particularly on adopting solar power and producing electric cars. Already we are seeing carbon dioxide emissions stabilize. There is a hint they are beginning to decline. Maybe we have just reached the tipping point, he said.

Reposted with permission from our media associate Climate News Network.
RACINE  No longer are wood shop classes restricted to making bird houses and chairs. Park High School students donated a tiny house Thursday to Veterans Outreach of Wisconsin for the organizations upcoming tiny house veteran village.

This 128-square-foot tiny house was created by the Park SkillsUSA throughout the 2016-2017 school year. It will join the eight existing houses in the future James A. Peterson Veterans Village, 1624 Yout St.

For a lot of years to come, many veterans who wouldnt otherwise have a home are going to call this home as we help them rehabilitate, said Jeff Gustin, co-founder and director of Veterans Outreach. This is huge.

For the houses unveiling ceremony, Park teachers and Racine Unified School District Superintendent Lolli Haws accompanied three students that contributed the most time toward the project.

I had a lot of free time on the side, said Cruz Avila, a junior at Park, who was one of the most involved students. I just wanted to find a way to help out, and I wanted to do something at school and actually be comfortable.

Avila is enrolled in R.O.T.C. and plans on joining the Air Force after high school, so he said building a house for a veteran was something that meant a lot to him.

Sophomore Raishein Thomas got involved through technical education teacher Tom Stapleman. Thomas said he and a friend decided to give the project a try after finding out about it.

I just slowly became addicted to helping them, Thomas said. He estimated there were 40 to 50 students in total that helped out.

Students worked on the house during the school year for anywhere from an hour after school to four hours on the weekends, according to Gilberto Lopez, Jr., a junior at Park.

Joe Pascucci, department chair for technical education at Park, said he would not be opposed to doing similar projects in future years. Horlick High School and Case High School also constructed tiny houses last year.

As the academies in Racine evolve, and students start to pick directions that interest them, Pascucci said. Were hoping to do more project-based learning projects like this in the future. We just dont want (students) to sit at a desk. At a certain point they have to get involved with something like this.

When the veterans village opens, Veterans Outreach plans to house up to 15 homeless veterans. We expect it to be at capacity by winter, Gustin said, though there is no set opening date yet.

However, the village is not designed to let veterans live there permanently. The houses have electricity, but no water or bathrooms to encourage veterans to get out and meet people at the planned village community center.

The end goal is financial security and their own permanent, stable housing, Gustin said. Well get them there, however long it takes, as long as theyre making positive strides.
The Trump administration is using a deliberate and systematic approach to undermine, weaken and disempower Americas most vulnerable communities. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys (EPA) proposed budget cuts are a clear-cut example of this attack. The cuts will gravely reduce the ability to enhance communities across the U.S.including low-income communities made up of white, black, Latino, indigenous and Asian Americans, in urban and rural settings alike.

Now that Trumps appointed leader of the EPA testified on Capitol Hill Thursday, it is important to understand the consequences of the actions they want to take. The bottom line is that real people will get sick and many will prematurely die. Communities, particularly our most vulnerable, will greatly suffer if these cuts happen.

The road the Trump administration is taking us down puts us full-speed in reverse. Almost like a scene from Back to the Future, their actions would embrace a time when rivers caught fire and air pollution darkened the skies over our cities. A time when many communities of color were relegated to the back of the bus, and their voices did not have an influence in the decision-making process. Yep, the good ol days were actually not so good for many of our citizens.

It is no secret on where the Trump administration is getting their ideas. They are running a systematic playbook put together by the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank that has been around since the 1980s and is well funded by the infamous Koch brothers, among other individuals and corporations.

Their main office is just steps from the United States Capitol and the halls of Congress, where they wield unparalleled influence. Executing this game plan is a far cry from the help the little guy and drain the swamp mantra the president continues to tout. If you want to see what they will try to do next, just take a look at their report.

The EPAs proposed 2018 budget slashes protections, and slashes the workforce made up of good and honest people working long and difficult hours to uphold them. These protections are in place for a reason, each having been thoroughly developed after years of public input from millions of individuals across the United States.

They are in place to protect us from harmful air and water impacts from industry polluters. They are there to responsibly clean up and enhance designated toxic areas. And they are there to protect us from the deadly impacts of climate change happening now and lessening these impacts for our kids in the future. In essence, these protections are in place for people and made by the people.

One of the initiatives the proposed budget takes a major axe to is the EPAs brownfields job training program, which couples workforce development with environmental cleanup efforts in communities burdened with a legacy of industrial pollution.

Take Detroit, where a local group called the Green Door Initiative utilized EPAs program to create a technician jobs training program in 2011. Their training allowed their community to address extreme unemployment and underemployment among African American men in particular, while at the same time addressing high levels of pollution.

The training turned over 200 individuals with structural barriers to employment into assets for their local economy and providers for their families. This initiative continues to pay dividends to this local community by ridding the city of problematic toxic land and creating jobs for members of this vulnerable community.

Among other consequences, the proposed elimination of EPAs Office of Environmental Justice (my former office) will disempower our most vulnerable, like the Southeast Community in Newport News, Virginia.

For decades, this community has faced dire air quality thanks to a local power plant pumping coal-dust into the atmosphere. A few years ago they were able to take an EPA environmental justice small grant and turn it into a multi-year advocacy campaign to raise awareness and establish a scientific footing for concerns about the neighborhoods disproportionate asthma rates.

This grant funding taught the community how to better protect their health and also enhance the Southeast Asthma Network, allowing for greater reach, with the addition of new partnerships and shared resources.

These programs pay big dividends for local communities. Spartanburg, South Carolina, is undergoing a transformation from a contaminated, low-income area into a livable and vibrant community. In 1998, EPA awarded the community a $20,000 grant. The community has leveraged that into more than $270m in private and public funding through partnerships with more than 140 organizations.

Much of this work has been led by local leader, Harold Mitchell, who started a Spartanburg non-profit organization called the ReGenesis Project. ReGenesis worked with government and industry to clean-up the Arkwright municipal dumpsite, a former fertilizer plant, and six brownfield and Superfund sites.

They demolished 184 substandard public housing units and built more than 500 new, single-family and multi-family units for rental and homeownership. The community has seen the addition of community health centers, job training and employment programs and increased retail development. The community is also launching a 35-acre solar farm, which will create job opportunities and lower electricity bills for local residents.

What we are currently seeing from the Trump administration is a disconnect from what hard working everyday citizens are asking for and a strategic approach that is extinguishing the hope of our most vulnerable communities. While we should be providing them with upward mobility, this administration is removing basic protections and opportunities for our fellow humans and countrymen.

I know these programs work. I have seen it across communities of all colors and creeds. Lets focus on revitalizing our most vulnerable communities. We have an incredible opportunity to support the vision of these communities and focus on building them up, strengthening our country from the ground up. We need to do everything we can to lift our most vulnerable communities and move them from surviving to thriving.
The controversy over the health risks of

glyphosate, the active ingredient in Monsantos weedkiller Roundup, has taken a surprising turn.

Dr.

Aaron Blaira lead researcher on the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) committee that classified glyphosate as probably carcinogenichas been accused of deliberately withholding unpublished research that he admitted would have altered the cancer agencys widely cited 2015 review.

The news comes as a surprising development in light of Monsantos

multi-district cancer lawsuits. Plaintiffs across the U.S. claim that they or their loved ones developed non-Hodgkins lymphoma due to exposure to glyphosate, pointing to the IARC cancer classification.

But a new Reuters investigation could rock the ongoing cases. Citing obtained documents, reporter Kate Kelland writes:

Blair knew the unpublished research found no evidence of a link between glyphosate and cancer. In a sworn deposition given in March this year in connection with the case, Blair also said the data would have altered IARCs analysis. He said it would have made it less likely that glyphosate would meet the agencys criteria for being classed as probably carcinogenic.'

The IARC never considered the data because the agency has a rule against using unpublished data to asses a substances carcinogenicity. The data came from the Agricultural Health Study (AHS), on which Blair was a senior researcher, and sat unpublished for two years before IARC assessed glyphosate. He told Reuters that the information was not published in time because there was too much to fit into one scientific paper.

However, Monsanto told Reuters that Blair deliberately concealed the data. The company did not provide specific evidence of it being hidden. Two other experts, not connected to Monsanto, also did not understand why the data was not published.

Blair called the accusations that he deliberately did not publish the data to avoid consideration by IARC absolutely incorrect. And Reuters reported the IARC is sticking with its findings despite the new data about glyphosate.

The current debate over glyphosate all started in March 2015 when the IARC, the cancer research arm of the World Health Organization (WHO), concluded that the herbicide should be classified as probably carcinogenic for humans. However, other international bodies have refuted the IARCs conclusion, including the European Food Safety Authority as well as the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nationsanother body of the WHO. Monsanto has also adamantly contested the IARCs findings.

The IARCs conclusion has stirred an international row, from the European Unions decision on whether to renew glyphosates license over health risks, to Californias decision in March to designate the herbicide as a known human carcinogen under the states Proposition 65.

EcoWatch reached out to experts and consumer groups for comment on the Reuters story.

Michael Hansen, senior scientist at Consumers Union, said the Reuters report was a grossly misleading story attacking Dr. Aaron Blair and criticized the way the Agricultural Health Study cited in the story was interpreted. Reuters omits the fact that the data from the other epidemiology studies (all case control studies), and the meta-analyses, clearly show a statistically significant increase in non-Hodgkins lymphoma with glyphosate exposure.

In addition, the animal studies are very clear and show increases in cancer, including lymphomas, he noted. An analysis by Dr. Christopher Portier late last month  demonstrated that there were eight additional tumor sites with statistically significant increases due to glyphosate exposure, that European Food Safety Agency and European Chemical Agency failed to identify due to their scientifically flawed analysis.

Hansen also said that Reuters discussion of the AHS ignores the unknown latency period for non-Hodgkins lymphoma exposureor how long it takes between initial glyphosate exposure and the development of the cancer, and we dont know how many years the AHS considers.

Even if the updated AHS study did follow the population for 20 years, Id argue that it still not would be definitive, since the latency could be a bit longer, say up to 25 years, he said.

Bottom line, this misleading article strongly supports Monsantos view that glyphosate is not associated with NHL.

Genna Reed, science and policy analyst at the Union of Concerned Scientists Center for Science and Democracy, defended IARCs assessment.

It is the responsibility of the independent experts composing IARCs working groups to apply rigorous standards and select appropriate evidence to best analyze the risks of possible carcinogens, Reed said.

Monsantos effort to advance unpublished data and imply that a working group member intentionally concealed glyphosate data furthers its concerted campaign to undermine the credibility of IARC and to shift scrutiny away from its flagship herbicide.

Wenonah Hauter, executive director of Food & Water Watch, said, the latest development in the battle over glyphosate shows once again why we need a different approach to evaluating the safety of the chemicals used in our food system.

Rather than pitting individual scientific studies against each other in a courtroom after people are sick, we need a precautionary approach that would require long term safety testing of GMO crops and the herbicides used to grow them before they are allowed on the market, Hauter concluded.

Ken Roseboro, editor and publisher of The Organic & Non-GMO Report, believes the bigger story is that 300 plus million pounds of glyphosate are used in the U.S. each year and that it is increasingly found in air, rain and streams as well as our foods and bodies.

There is also a mounting body of research documenting its negative impacts on soil and beneficial soil organisms, plants, insects such as bees and human beings, Roseboro added. People who say glyphosate is safe remind me of experts in the 1960s who said tobacco is safe. Some day people will look back and be horrified that pesticide poisons like glyphosate were used to produce our food.
Pa. Dems could flip the House of Reps. Here's what that might mean.

elections
BEER-SHEVA, Israel...June 16, 2017 A motor mechanism that has been attributed primarily to early development in babies and toddlers can also help older adults improve movement accuracy, according to new research from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU).

In an article published this week in Scientific Reports, the researcher shows that an infant's exploration-exploitation process can work in older adults, as well.

"In early development, babies seem to make random movements in all directions until they learn to purposefully reach for objects," says Dr. Shelly Levy-Tzedek, a lecturer in the BGU Department of Physiotherapy, Leon and Matilda Recanati School for Community Health Professions. "Their movements are variable until they find a solution for the problem at hand, like reaching for that Cheerios bit. When they find a good movement plan, they exploit it."

In the study, the arms of older adults (ages 70+) were connected to a sensor that measures the rotation of the arm at the elbow. Participants were then asked to make rhythmic movements of the forearm in a "windshield wiper" motion while trying to maintain certain speeds and arm amplitude, with and without visual feedback.

At first "their movements were too slow and too small," says Dr. Levy-Tzedek, who is also head of BGU's Cognition, Aging and Rehabilitation Lab and a member of the University's ABC Robotics Initiative. "We then encouraged them to make movements that were larger and faster, and their performance on the original task improved significantly."

The researchers hypothesized that older participants would not be able to maintain an increase in speed and amplitude of movement over time due to fatigue, but were surprised to discover that making mistakes helped improve future task performance. They also found that once a better movement pattern was established, the variability dropped. Making exaggerated movements actually helped them fine-tune their control.

"We haven't tested it directly in physical therapy, but perhaps getting older adults to make exaggerated movements can help fine-tune their performance on specific tasks that they find difficult to accomplish otherwise," says Dr. Levy-Tzedek.

###

The study was funded by the Brandies Leir Foundation, Bronfman Foundation, Promobilia Foundation, the Israeli Science Foundation, and the Helmsley Charitable Trust.

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.
Life is full of emotional highs and lows, ranging from enjoying an activity with a loved one and savoring a delicious meal to feeling hurt by a negative interaction with a co-worker or that recent scuffle with a family member. But when we let emotions from one event carry on to the next, such spillover can color our impressions and behavior in those new situations - sometimes for the worse.

Researchers at the Center for Healthy Minds at the University of Wisconsin-Madison are discovering what happens in the brain when such emotional spillover occurs and, for the first time, are able to pinpoint areas directly responsible. Their findings are published in Psychological Science, a journal of the Association for Psychological Science.

Using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), a technique that produces a magnetic field that can temporarily "knock out" or inhibit activity in specific parts of the brain, the team discovered that when the lateral prefrontal area of the brain (a region known for executive function) was inhibited by the stimulation, participants showed more emotional spillover. In the experiment, they measured this by collecting people's ratings and first impressions of neutral faces they saw immediately after faces that were smiling (prompting positive emotions) or fearful (prompting negative emotions).

The findings, supported by a grant from the National Institute of Mental Health, are part of larger efforts to understand the complexity of the brain and what types of mental training or activities can best improve emotional reactions known to promote higher levels of well-being. TMS therapy is approved for depression by the FDA, and this work may shed light on why stimulating parts of the prefrontal cortex is successful in improving the ability to regulate negative emotions.

"It was interesting because participants saw the emotional faces very briefly," says Regina Lapate, Center for Healthy Minds collaborator and current postdoctoral researcher at the University of California, Berkeley, who led the work. "And when asked afterward, they didn't think that they had been influenced by it in their ratings. Having their prefrontal cortex disrupted generated spillover onto their unrelated events that followed. Emotional spillover can happen without us being aware of it."

The team discovered that when the lateral prefrontal cortex was intact (when the brain was not inhibited by TMS), the person did not show spillover when viewing subsequent neutral faces. And when the opposite occurred - when the lateral prefrontal cortex was inhibited by TMS, emotional spillover occurred more frequently and with greater intensity. Three days later outside of the laboratory, participants still showed that emotional bias when asked to rate the same neutral faces, suggesting that the negative emotional spillover they first showed in the laboratory produced long-lasting, biased first impressions.

"If your first impression of someone is formed when you're experiencing emotional spillover from a previous context, that negative impression may stick," Lapate adds.

In addition, research on mindfulness meditation has been suggested to improve emotion regulation and connectivity between the prefrontal cortex and more emotion-centered areas of the brain such as the amygdala. If scientists know that there's a causal relationship between these areas of the brain, they can more accurately tailor interventions to target these areas and improve well-being.

"We are excited about this experiment because it demonstrates the causal role of the prefrontal cortex in regulating emotional behavior," says Richard Davidson, William and James Vilas Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry who worked on the study and directs the Center for Healthy Minds. "It invites the possibility that strategies that promote prefrontal engagement may have beneficial consequences for emotion regulation."

Next on Lapate's agenda is to test whether the reverse works - can TMS stimulation that increases neural firing in the prefrontal cortex lead to a decrease in negative emotional spillover? At the University of California, Berkeley, she'll continue exploring that question as well as how the lateral prefrontal cortex as a whole changes the neural coding for positive and negative information.

Meanwhile, the team at UW-Madison will further examine how contemplative practices may change emotional spillover and target these areas as measured by neural activity recorded in a brain scanner.

###

This study was supported by National Institute of Mental Health Grants R01-MH43454 (to R. J. Davidson), P50-MH069315 (to R. J. Davidson), F32-MH113347 (to R. C. Lapate), and MH095984 (to B. R. Postle).

All materials have been made publicly available via Open Science Framework. The complete Open Practices Disclosure for this article is available online. This article has received the badge for Open Materials.

The article abstract is available online at http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0956797617699837.

The APS journal Psychological Science is the highest ranked empirical journal in psychology. For a copy of the article "Inhibition of Lateral Prefrontal Cortex Produces Emotionally Biased First Impressions: A Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Electroencephalography Study" and access to other Psychological Science research findings, please contact Anna Mikulak at 202-293-9300 or amikulak@psychologicalscience.org.
Increase in marijuana use reported for adults over the age of 26 in states with less regulated medical marijuana programs

June 15, 2017 -- Adult marijuana use rose significantly in states that passed loosely regulated medical marijuana laws (MMLs) according to a new study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health and Columbia University Medical Center. Highest increases were reported among adults ages 26 and over. Little change was found in past-month marijuana use among adolescents or young adults between the ages 18 and 25. The findings are published online in the journal Addiction.

Adults 26 years of age and older living in states with less regulated medical marijuana programs increased past-month marijuana use from 4 percent to 6.59 percent after the laws were enacted. No significant change was found in the prevalence of cannabis use disorder among adolescents or adults after states enacted medical marijuana laws, regardless whether programs were highly regulated or "loose."

Using data from the National Survey of Drug Use and Health from 2004-2013 the researchers analyzed trends over time with particular emphasis on age groups. This included obtaining prevalences of marijuana use outcomes at the state level by year and whether the enacted laws included a highly regulated ("medicalized") or less regulated ("non-medical") program. Participants were classified as having marijuana abuse or dependence based on DSM-IV criteria.

"In addition to the increase in rates of marijuana use among this age group, we found that the magnitude of impact on rates of marijuana use was greatest among heavy users," said Silvia Martins, MD, PhD, professor of Epidemiology at the Mailman School of Public Health, and senior author. Findings showed an annual increase in near-daily users of 2.36 percent.

There remains concern that with the increase in prevalence of marijuana use, especially heavy use, there will be a proportionate increase in the percent of the population meeting diagnostic criteria for cannabis use disorder. "If this is the case, states with non-medical or lax programs may bear the brunt of this increase, especially among adults over age 25," noted Arthur Robin Williams, MD, fellow, Department of Psychiatry at Columbia, and first author of the study.

However, it may be too early to detect trends regarding the prevalence of cannabis use disorder as the time lag between initiation of marijuana use, escalation of use, and meeting diagnostic criteria for the disorder is often several years.

"We believe our current, largely negative findings however cannot definitely rule out impending increases in cannabis use disorder without further study. The effects of changes in marijuana use prevalences might only be reflected with analyses conducted in future years with more data points," said Dr. Martins.

As of the November 2016 election, 28 states and Washington D.C. had legalized the use of marijuana for medical indications through the passage of medical marijuana laws either by voter initiative or legislative action. Additionally, 8 states and Washington D.C. (all of which allow for medical marijuana) have now fully legalized the recreational use of marijuana by adults over age 21. In addition to differing combinations of these laws, states also vary tremendously in regulations guiding their programs and participant eligibility.

Drs. Martins and Williams recommend further investigation of key aspects of regulation that are currently lacking among non-medical programs. These include active physician oversight, requiring participation in state-licensed dispensaries, and the use of state-licensed products as they may have greater influence on individual morbidity and social costs than the mere passage of medical marijuana laws.

"While the United States has entered a new era of marijuana control policy over the past two decades, our findings strongly suggest researchers should not treat all states with medical marijuana laws uniformly," said Dr. Martins.

###

Co-authors: Julian Santaella-Tenorio and Christine Mauro of Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health and Frances Levin of Columbia University Medical Center.

The study was supported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) grants R01DA037866 and T32 DA007294.

Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health

Founded in 1922, Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health pursues an agenda of research, education, and service to address the critical and complex public health issues affecting New Yorkers, the nation and the world. The Mailman School is the third largest recipient of NIH grants among schools of public health. Its over 450 multi-disciplinary faculty members work in more than 100 countries around the world, addressing such issues as preventing infectious and chronic diseases, environmental health, maternal and child health, health policy, climate change & health, and public health preparedness. It is a leader in public health education with over 1,300 graduate students from more than 40 nations pursuing a variety of master's and doctoral degree programs. The Mailman School is also home to numerous world-renowned research centers including ICAP and the Center for Infection and Immunity. For more information, please visit http://www.mailman.columbia.edu.
Himchan Park and Min-Soo Kim of DGIST have developed TrillionG, a computer model that generates synthetic data for simulating real-world applications that use giant graphs. TrillionG is faster than currently available synthetic graph generators and uses less computer resources, such as memory and network bandwidth.

Graphs are used to model data in a way that clarifies the relationships between entries. Each individual entry into a graph is known as a node, while the relationships, or connections, between these entries are known as edges.

The need for super graphs to process huge amounts of data is greater than ever before. Google's PageRank algorithm, which ranks websites in Google's search engine, is a good example. It represents the web as a giant graph, with nodes representing each individual webpage and edges representing the links from one page to another. Facebook's Apache Giraph graph processor maps all users of the social media site with more than one billion nodes. Their connections with each other reach more than one trillion edges.

The performance of giant graph algorithms and systems needs to be tested, but this requires the availability of data. Real data can't be used due to privacy laws. So fabricated, or synthetic, data needs to be generated instead. But synthetic data does not always follow the same relational rules as real data. Also, currently available synthetic graph generators require the use of supercomputers, using several thousand server computers connected via a high speed network, due to the exceptionally large amount of data being analyzed.

Park and Kim proposed a new model for graph generation. It is a compromise between two other currently available models that require significant computational time and memory space. The new model reuses data that is kept in a very compact form and in a very fast computer cache memory during graph generation, making it more efficient and effective than existing models.

TrillionG generates more realistic synthetic data than both previous models and can also generate larger graphs. In addition, it can generate similar-sized trillion-edge graphs in a shorter period of time (two hours) using less computer resources (ten standard personal computers).

"Through extensive experiments, we have demonstrated that TrillionG outperforms the state-of-the-art graph generators by up to orders of magnitude," write the researchers in their study published in the Proceedings of the 2017 ACM International Conference on Management of Data.

The team expects that TrillionG could generate synthetic graphs the size of the human brain connectome, which consists of 100 trillion connections between neurons, using 240 standard personal computers. IT companies and universities could also use large-scale synthetic graphs as an essential tool for developing and evaluating new graph algorithms and systems.

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Patient perspective to be included in future national recommendations for the use of biological drugs and biosimilars

To address the fear and insecurity expressed by rheumatology patients on being switched from a biologic to a biosimilar treatment for their arthritis, the Danish Rheumatism Association has participated in a national programme designed to ensure patients received independent information about biosimilars, along with closer monitoring of prescriptions to provide reassurance about their safety. The results of this initiative were presented today at the Annual European Congress of Rheumatology (EULAR) 2017.

When the first biosimilar was approved in Denmark in 2015, the national council for the use of expensive hospital medicines (Radet for Anvendelse AF Dyr Sygehusmedicin, RADS) announced that they found the biosimilar infliximab equal to the original reference product (Remicade) in efficacy and safety. Based on this, RADS made a recommendation for hospitals to use the less expensive infliximab biosimilar for both treatment-naive patients and patients already on Remicade, unless there were medically justified reasons not to do so.

By the first quarter of 2016, this biosimilar covered around 97% of infliximab consumption in Denmark.2 There are now two biosimilars approved by the national authorities in Denmark, and used in the treatment of patients with arthritis.

Although the switch to a biosimilar would obviously save money for the healthcare system while ensuring the same benefits for patients, this decision caused considerable insecurity among patients, who were afraid of biosimilars and their effectiveness and safety profile. Also, physicians did not seem comfortable about explaining the principle of biosimilarity; hence, patients remained uncertain about the change that had been introduced to their treatment.

Patient anxiety was further aggravated by hospitals and regions in Denmark putting different information on biosimilars on their websites.

An initial small study of how this shift from biologic to biosimilar had taken place in different regions, conducted by the Danish Rheumatism Association, revealed that although most patients were told about the change in their treatment, they received a lack of information from their doctors about the new biosimilars.

Also, while nearly all patients on a biological drug are registered in a national database, which records which drug the patient has been prescribed, it is not registered on a batch-level, which makes it more difficult to monitor safety.

"In order to change this situation, we started a dialogue with politicians and the authorities on a national level and hospital administrations on a regional level," said Ms. Lene Mandrup Thomsen from the Danish Rheumatism Association, Gentofte, Denmark. "The purpose was threefold: to improve the registration of biologics and biosimilars on a batch-level, the provision of more independent patient information and the involvement of patients in the decision-making process," she explained.

The new national plan, launched in August 2015 and implemented throughout 2016, consisted of four parts:

1) Monitoring efficacy and safety of biologics and biosimilars on a batch level

2) Information campaign targeting both health professionals and patients

3) Digital solutions to aid easy reporting of side effects from health professionals and patients

4) Focus on monitoring patient safety by the authorities

In addition to this national plan, hospitals on a regional level have invited a representative from the Danish Rheumatism Association to participate in a working group, with the objective of including the patient perspective in future national recommendations for the use of biological drugs and biosimilars.

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Abstract Number: OP0328-PARE

NOTES TO EDITORS:

For further information on this study, or to request an interview with the study lead, please do not hesitate to contact the EULAR congress Press Office in the Goya Room at the IFEMA, Madrid during EULAR 2017 or on:

Email: eularpressoffice@cohnwolfe.com

Onsite tel: +44 (0)7786 171 476 / +34 91722 3115

Twitter: @EULAR_Press

Youtube: Eular Press Office

About Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases

Rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) are a diverse group of diseases that commonly affect the joints, but can also affect the muscles, other tissues and internal organs. There are more than 200 different RMDs, affecting both children and adults. They are usually caused by problems of the immune system, inflammation, infections or gradual deterioration of joints, muscle and bones. Many of these diseases are long term and worsen over time. They are typically painful and Iimit function. In severe cases, RMDs can result in significant disability, having a major impact on both quality of life and life expectancy.

About 'Don't Delay, Connect Today!'

'Don't Delay, Connect Today!' is a EULAR initiative that unites the voices of its three pillars, patient (PARE) organisations, scientific member societies and health professional associations - as well as its international network - with the goal of highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and access to treatment. In Europe alone, over 120 million people are currently living with a rheumatic disease (RMD), with many cases undetected. The 'Don't Delay, Connect Today' campaign aims to highlight that early diagnosis of RMDs and access to treatment can prevent further damage, and also reduce the burden on individual life and society as a whole.

About EULAR

The European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) is an umbrella organisation which represents scientific societies, health professional associations and organisations for people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases throughout Europe. EULAR aims to reduce the burden of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases on individuals and society and to improve the treatment, prevention and rehabilitation of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases. To this end, EULAR fosters excellence in education and research in the field of rheumatology. It promotes the translation of research advances into daily care and fights for the recognition of the needs of people with musculoskeletal diseases by the governing bodies in Europe through advocacy action.

To find out more about the activities of EULAR, visit: http://www.eular.org
The results of an educational programme implemented by the Galician Rheumatology League (LRG), presented today at the Annual European Congress of Rheumatology (EULAR) 2017, showed that providing education and advice to people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal disease (RMD) and their employers can make a significant difference to the ability to work.

Each employee with an RMD had 1 session with a psychologist and 1 session with an occupational therapist to identify their individual difficulties in continuing to be active at work. Peer support from the LRG was also key in creating a secure environment for employees, who found relief in seeing other people with RMDs maintain a sustainable work life.

An LRG health professional also gave personalised advice to employers about RMDs, the specific needs of these employees, how to make it easier for them to stay at work, and how to minimise their work difficulties due to their chronic condition.

"Most employers lack information on how RMDs interfere with an employee's ability to work and how best to make the necessary adaptations to not lose this person from their workforce," said lead author Mr. Francisco Javier Carreira Roca from Liga Reumatologica Espanola (Spanish Rheumatology League), Madrid, Spain. "Our programme has demonstrated that these kinds of actions can increase the number of employees with RMD in work," he explained.

The Eurobarometer states that over one-fifth (22%) of the general population currently has, or has previously experienced long-term muscle, bone and joint problems, such as rheumatism and arthritis.

This means that 10 million people are affected in Spain, and more than 600,000 people in the autonomous region of Galicia where the LRG works.

Around 50% of people with RMDs are currently unemployed because of their condition; only some of them have the legal work incapacity recognised and receive a pension. This means that RMDs not only affect health, but also socio-economic status. Most of these people could stay at work and are willing to do so if some arrangements are made like cutting down hours, work place adaptations, and a flexible schedule.

During 2016, out of 14 employees included in this pilot programme, 5 could stay at work or return to work. "Because of our programme, there was an increase in the employees' self-confidence in their capacity to stay at work, and their awareness about which of their limitations were solvable," Mr. Carreira Roca added.

The key objectives of the LRG programme were:

To make the employer more aware of the positive aspects of keeping all employees including people with RMDs not just at the work place but at full capacity, to avoid both absenteeism and presenteeism

To help the employer know more about the specific needs of people with RMDs and the necessary adaptations for each of them

Keep people with RMDs at work with the best possible conditions for both the employee and the employer, as efficiently as possible

The programme included an occupational therapist who has treated the employee and knows about their needs, going to their work place to view the actual conditions, identify manageable obstacles and talk to the employer. An architect specialised in accessibility then offers specific architectural and ergonomic solutions to make the necessary adaptations to the work place.

###

Abstract Number: OP0318-PARE

NOTES TO EDITORS:

For further information on this study, or to request an interview with the study lead, please do not hesitate to contact the EULAR congress Press Office in the Goya Room at the IFEMA, Madrid during EULAR 2017 or on:

Email: eularpressoffice@cohnwolfe.com

Onsite tel: +44 (0)7786 171 476 / +34 91722 3115

Twitter: @EULAR_Press

Youtube: Eular Press Office

About Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases

Rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) are a diverse group of diseases that commonly affect the joints, but can also affect the muscles, other tissues and internal organs. There are more than 200 different RMDs, affecting both children and adults. They are usually caused by problems of the immune system, inflammation, infections or gradual deterioration of joints, muscle and bones. Many of these diseases are long term and worsen over time. They are typically painful and Iimit function. In severe cases, RMDs can result in significant disability, having a major impact on both quality of life and life expectancy.

About 'Don't Delay, Connect Today!'

'Don't Delay, Connect Today!' is a EULAR initiative that unites the voices of its three pillars, patient (PARE) organisations, scientific member societies and health professional associations - as well as its international network - with the goal of highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and access to treatment. In Europe alone, over 120 million people are currently living with a rheumatic disease (RMD), with many cases undetected. The 'Don't Delay, Connect Today' campaign aims to highlight that early diagnosis of RMDs and access to treatment can prevent further damage, and also reduce the burden on individual life and society as a whole.

About EULAR

The European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) is an umbrella organisation which represents scientific societies, health professional associations and organisations for people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases throughout Europe. EULAR aims to reduce the burden of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases on individuals and society and to improve the treatment, prevention and rehabilitation of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases. To this end, EULAR fosters excellence in education and research in the field of rheumatology. It promotes the translation of research advances into daily care and fights for the recognition of the needs of people with musculoskeletal diseases by the governing bodies in Europe through advocacy action.

To find out more about the activities of EULAR, visit: http://www.eular.org
EMBARGOED UNTIL [09.00 GMT Friday 16th June 2017, Warsaw, Poland] New data analysis presented today at the annual Global Forum on Nicotone (GFN) meeting demonstrates the potential of the low risk tobacco product snus in reducing the impact of tobacco related disease and death in Europe.

The latest evidence, presented by Peter Lee, epidemiologist and medical statistician, indicates that snus is at least 95% safer than smoking. Analysis by Lars Ramstrom, snus researcher in Sweden, shows that if snus were made available in Europe - where it is currently banned with the exception of Sweden - and similar use levels to Sweden were adopted, up to 320,000 premature deaths could be avoided among men every year.

Snus, a smokeless powdered tobacco, is more popular than smoking in Sweden. Its availability has led to a reduction in smoking and smoking related diseases with the 2017 EC EuroBarometer survey showing only 5% of Swedes being daily smokers compared with the European average of 24%. Correspondingly, Swedish men have Europe's lowest level of tobacco-related mortality, 152 per 100,000 compared with the European average of 373 per 100,000.

While 46% of deaths due to smoking result from respiratory diseases such as lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and pneumonia, there is no evidence that risk of these diseases is increased by using snus. Nor does snus appear to increase the risk of other smoking related diseases including heart disease, stroke and a range of cancers.

In addition, the public health benefits of snus vs. cigarettes are not only much lower, but the role of snus in both reducing initiation of smoking and increasing cessation of smoking is a key element in defeating the actual cause of tobacco-related ill-health caused by the cigarette.

Current European legislation does not allow snus to be marketed in any European country except Sweden. However, due to strong evidence behind its potentially life saving benefits, The New Nicotine Alliance (NNA), a UK consumer group supporting access to safer nicotine products, is calling for its legalization and has joined legal action case against the banning of snus, which has now been referred to the European Courts of Justice.

Gerry Stimson, Chair of the NNA stated, 'Snus is a tobacco product that has consistently been proven to be less harmful to health than cigarettes. The ban on snus limits smokers choices of safer alternatives and has a significant negative impact on public health'.

In its fourth year, the Global Forum on Nicotine is the only international conference to focus on the role of safer nicotine products that may help people switch from smoking. The theme of this year's meeting 'Reducing Harm, Saving Lives' is focused on examining the role of safer nicotine products in reducing the global health burden of smoking.

The tobacco epidemic is one of the biggest public health threats, killing more than 7 million people a year.ii There are currently 1 billion smokers worldwide, with nearly 80% of them living in low and middle income countries, where the burden of tobacco-related illness is greatest.

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About GFN

The Global Forum on Nicotine (GFN) is the only international conference to focus on the role of safer nicotine products that may help people switch from smoking. First established in 2014 by the independent public health consultancy Knowledge-Action-Change (KAC), this is the fourth year that the conference has been run - each time in Warsaw, Poland.

About Knowledge-Action-Change (KAC)

KAC is an independent public health consultancy committed to the development and promotion of evidence-based policies and interventions in the field of substance use and related areas of public health and public policy.

Its founders (Prof Gerry Stimson and Paddy Costall) have long experience in research, service delivery and policy development in the field of drugs, alcohol and tobacco.

For further information please contact:

Priya Lakhani-Quiling

GFN Press Officer

E: press@gfn.net.co

T: +447957 234 632

Kasia Kowalczyk

Knowledge Action Change

E: press@gfn.net.co

T: +48660 44293

References

EuroBarometer No 458 May 2017, Report, Attitudes of Europeans towards tobaccoelectronic cigarettes. Last accessed 25/05/17

World Health Organization. http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs339/en/
An International team from China University of Geosciences, University of York and Lomonosov Moscow State University have studied the impact of wildfire on testate amoebae -- one of the dominant microbial groups in peat bogs. The biologists' research has been published in the peer-reviewed journal Applied Soil Ecology.

Testate amoebae significantly affect biochemical processes in peatland ecosystems. However, little is known about the effect of such wildfires on microbial components of bog ecosystems.

Testate amoebae are unicellular organisms, largely enclosed by a shell. They comprise up to half of all microbial biomass in peatlands. Changes in their community structure under fire exposure can have significant impacts on the structure of food webs since alteration of one important food web component influences all the others. Presence of testate amoebae in a local ecosystem also has an effect on intensity of the silicon cycle.

Silicon is the second (after oxygen) most common chemical element in the crust of the Earth. However, only a few organisms have learnt to include this inorganic silicon into their cell composition, using it as a material of construction and also for performing many physiological functions. Some groups of testate amoebae (namely, that ones, which use silica plates for making their shells, laying these plates on the surface of the shell like roof tile) could "dissolve" solid silicon-containing components from the environment and produce out of them plates, used for constructing their shells. In other words, testate amoebae constitute one of the links in the silicon cycle.

The scientists chose a peatland in the northeast China, exposed to wildfire several years ago, as an object of research. The territory investigated consisted of heavily and slightly burned areas (due to the fact that firemen managed to put out a fire on a part of the bog). This provided the opportunity to compare communities of testate amoebae from parts exposed and non-exposed to fire.

It was found out that fire led to significant changes in the structure of the testate amoeba community. That microorganisms, which make their shells out of sandgrains, survived, while, the others, using silica plates synthesized inside the cells to make the shells, died. The scientists assumed that amoebae, making their shells out of sandgrains, are more resistant to high temperatures, since their shells are thicker and more solid due to these grains of sand.

Professor Yuri Mazei from the Department of Hydrobiology at the Faculty of Biology of the Lomonosov Moscow State University has described the method of investigation of testate amoebae:

"At first testate amoebae are separated from a soil or moss substrate. After that the flask with this suspension is intensively shaken up and passed through a number of filters so that only amoebae shells and small suspended particles are left. Afterwards, the final filtrate is put under a light microscope. Sometimes scientists use a scanning electron microscope in order to identify species."

Researchers from the Lomonosov Moscow State University, the University of Yorkand the University of Penza have previously proved that studies of testate amoebae's communities could be an effective tool for reconstructions of climatic changes in the past. The results obtained in this study will also allow the consideration of modern processes when conducting paleoecological reconstructions in burned peatlands.

Yuri Mazei comments on the project results: "In peatland columns there are often layers, containing charcoal, showing that the ecosystem burned at that time and these layers can contain testate amoebae. However, if you want to correctly reconstruct climate in such a layer, it's necessary to understand how testate amoeba communities respond to wildfire in current conditions. Our research has identified these peculiarities for the first time, which should improve existing approaches to palaeoreconstructions".

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At least 156 people in Bangladesh were killed during the past week by landslides and floods caused by heavy rainfall. NASA calculated the amount of rain that has fallen using data from satellites.

Monsoon rainfall has been especially heavy over this area that includes southeastern Bangladesh, northeastern India and western Burma (Myanmar). This disaster follows quickly on the heels of deadly cyclone Mora which hit the same area a couple weeks ago.

This rainfall analysis was made at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland using NASA's near-real time Integrated Multi-satellitE Retrievals for GPM (IMERG) data. GPM is the Global Precipitation Measurement mission satellite and constellation of satellites that are managed by both NASA and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency or JAXA.

Those IMERG data were assembled during the period from June 12 to 14, 2017. The heaviest rainfall accumulation estimates by IMERG were located over southeastern Bangladesh. IMERG estimates indicated that landslide inducing rainfall totals there were greater than 510 mm (20 inches).

Monsoon rainfall is expected to continue to effect the area. IMERG rainfall totals have been adjusted to reflect observed values in other similar extreme rainfall events.

For more information about GPM, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/gpm

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A team of scientists has developed a method to create structures whose building blocks are a millionth of a meter in size by encoding DNA with assembly instructions.

The work, described in the journal Nature Communications, manipulates the sequencing of DNA to offer an intricate and innovative approach to synthesize materials at the most fundamental level.

"Sequential programmability is a powerful addition to the self-assembly toolbox that will prove useful in creating the tiniest of materials," explains Yin Zhang, the paper's lead author and a graduate student at New York University's Center for Soft Matter Research. "It brings some of the advantages of the biological use of controlled sequential assembly using molecules, nucleic acids, and proteins to a new design scale."

NYU physics professors Paul Chaikin and Jasna Brujic as well as Nadrian Seeman, an NYU professor of chemistry, co-directed the research.

Both natural and human-made structures are built sequentially -- from cells to skyscrapers. Like Russian nesting dolls, assembly takes place on the inside before commencing on the outside.

However, when making materials on a micrometer scale, or about one hundredth of the width of a strand of human hair, scientists face challenges unfamiliar to engineers and manufacturers.

While many methods have been adopted to manipulate such tiny particles, these approaches all have notable shortcomings in assembling structures.

The NYU team sought to overcome these hurdles with a new approach: encode the instructions of assembly within the building blocks and let these building blocks self-organize into a prescribed structure in a pre-determined sequence.

To do so, it deployed different strands of DNA, each coated on a droplet of oil in water, where they then "talked" to each other through DNA-mediated interactions. Specifically, the scientists placed four "flavors" of droplets--labeled B, C, D, and E--into water. They then added an "initiator" droplet, A, which began the sequencing process. Here, the DNA strand on A initiates a chain of events in which it displaces one of the paired strands on B, whose released strand moves to activate C, the next droplet in the sequence, and so on. The process results in a droplet chain, ABCDE.

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The study's other authors were Center for Soft Matter Research post-doctoral fellows Angus McMullen, Lea-Laetitia Pontani, and Xiaojin He as well as Ruojie Sha, a post-doctoral research fellow in NYU's Department of Chemistry.

This work is supported by the Department of Energy (DE-SC0007991, DE-SC0000989), the National Science Foundation (EFRI-1332411, CCF-1526650) as well as NSF's MRSEC program (DMR-1420073), the Army Research Office (MURI W911NF-11-1-0024), and the Office of Naval Research (N000141110729).
Chinese urbanization has profoundly contributed to the whole country's economic growth, social advancement and life improvement. Parallel to this process, however, China has confronted a series of problems, such as loss of agricultural land, reduction in biodiversity, unaffordable urban housing, problematic transportation, uneven regional economic development, etc. Despite of these difficulties, still China has to continue its way towards urbanization but in a new mode. That is, Chinese New Urbanization mode which has already been set as the central task for China to completely recognize a well-developed society by 2020. Nevertheless, two critical yet not solved questions decisively influencing China's urbanization agenda still persist: What is the highest stable urbanization level that China can reach? When can China complete its urbanization? In fact, these two questions have already been widely studied. But due to each study's inherent limitation, there are prominent differences or even contradictions among these existing research conclusions, which resulted in the policy makers' struggling to decide which conclusion should be set as the foundation for formulating China's New Urbanization plans. To tackle this challenge, a Chinese research team has recently proposed a multi-dimensional system dynamic (SD) simulation model of Chinese urbanization from the perspective of complexity. This model enables users to examine the complex process of Chinese urbanization in a dynamic perspective. Through robust model verification and validation against historical data, this model, compared with the existing ones proposed by other scholars, has much higher reliability, credibility and practicality. Through this model the policy makers can generate more scientific policies and development schemes for China's New Urbanization towards 2050.

A paper explaining the details of the model and its application has been published in 2017?6?issue of SCIENCE CHINA Earth Sciences. Its title is "Chinese urbanization 2050: SD modeling and process simulation", with Prof. Gu Chaolin from the School of Architecture, Tsinghua University as the first author and corresponding author, and the principle investigator in this research project. The research team successfully applied the SD modelling approach to understand Chinese urbanization process. It not only gives details of China's urbanization mechanism constrained by environmental sustainability in a comprehensive view but also its representation in full mathematic expression. In addition, the research put forward an SD modelling framework customized to China's New Urbanization (Figure 1) which specifies the model's mathematic logic, the structure of the subsystems for SD modelling and the modelling techniques for simulating the interactions among these subsystems. With robust model validation, the paper finally presents us with the ultimate urbanization levels China can achieve in multiple scenarios.

It is hold by the research team that there are three key challenges in parallel with the application of SD modelling to Chinese urbanization process. The first one is to quantify the underlying urbanization mechanism with high accuracy while the second is to justify the model's validity with convincing evidence in the context of China. And the last one is to insure the flexibility of the model's applicability so that it can support urbanization policy making with high scientificity. In the modelling process, the causal-loop diagrams of the sub-systems representing each dimensions of the mechanism are assembled into stock and flow diagrams, including main factors and subsystems such as industries, population, cities and towns, education, etc. (Figure 1). Then, supported by packages including DYNAMO, iThink, Vensim and Powersim, the theorized Chinese urbanization process is modeled using SD methodology. The conformity of the model is validated against the historical data from 1998 to 2013 while the model's stability and degree of confidence are justified by differential equation approach. To increase the model's applicability, two critical elements including GDP growth rate and family planning policy fundamentally concerned in China's New Normal era are considered. With combinations of different values of these two parameters, the ultimate urbanization level and the year in which it can be achieved in a series of scenarios are simulated and explained.

The research is funded by the key project of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 41590844) and the independent research program of Tsinghai University (Grant No. 2015THZ01). The proposed framework of Chinese urbanization process is expected to quantitatively analyze the underlying mechanism of Chinese urbanization and its ultimate urbanization level with systematic view and scientific foundation. With no doubt the generated conclusions will provide all the tiers of governments in China reliable evidence for policy making and policy implementation throughout the process of China's New Urbanization.

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For more information, please refer to

GU ChaoLin, GUAN WeiHua, LIU HeLin. Chinese urbanization 2050: SD modeling and process simulation. SCIENCE CHINA Earth Sciences, 60(6): 1067-1082, doi: 10.1007/s11430-016-9022-2

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11430-016-9022-2
Scientists have revealed that certain disease-causing bacteria get their resistance genes in a complex process involving bacterial 'sex'; this can potentially lead to a more targeted effort in preventing the spread of antibiotic resistance

To win the war against antibiotic resistant super bugs, scientists seek to find the origin of resistance genes. Further, they try to identify how the genes are introduced to disease-causing bacteria - so-called pathogens. Identifying where resistance genes come from and how they spread somewhat compares to finding patient zero in an outbreak, which is not an easy task.

For more than 30 years, scientists have proposed that resistance genes actually originate from the microorganisms producing the antibiotic. But even though this has been a hypothesis, scientists have not been able to find direct proof of this transfer.

Now, research conducted at The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability - DTU Biosustain - at Technical University of Denmark for the very first time shows that antibiotic resistance genes originate from the same place as the antibiotic compounds, i.e. from a group of soil bacteria called Actinobacteria.

The study is now published in Nature Communications.

More than three fourths of all current antibiotics used to treat human infections are produced by Actinobacteria, which at the same time carry antibiotic resistance genes.

In these experiments, the researchers surprisingly found that many resistance genes in disease-causing microbes (gram negative pathogens) were very similar to resistance genes found in Actinobacteria. Especially in one case, the genes were 100% identical.

"It has been suspected that pathogens can obtain resistance genes from Actinobacteria for half a century. So now with the 100 % identical genes we find the smoking gun," says Postdoc Xinglin Jiang from DTU Biosustain.

Gram negative pathogens constitute a big group of different species; amongst others pseudomonas, which can cause lung and urinary tract infections.

At first, it was difficult to imagine how pathogens can acquire genes from Actinobacteria, because they are so different and not at all related with each other. But by investigating the DNA sequence around the resistance genes, the team figured out how the resistance genes transfer occurred through a new mechanism named "carry back", where the pathogen basically has a primitive form of "sex" with the Actinobacterium and takes up its resistance genes after it dies.

This gene transfer by carry back could in principle happen where pathogens come into contact with Actinobacteria, like in an animal farm or in soil polluted with untreated hospital waste. In this way, the pathogen can become resistant and endanger human lives in the next round of infection.

Understanding the origin is hence key to counteracting the spread of antibiotic resistance, explains Senior Researcher Tilmann Weber from DTU Biosustain:

"We can't stop this gene transfer, but when you know, which resistance genes pathogens may harbor, you can personalize the antibiotic treatment. Also, with this knowledge you can try to develop new antibiotics with other properties that the pathogens don't have a defense against."

Bacterial sex act reveals the mechanism:

By following the DNA-transfer, scientists for the very first time showed an unknown mechanism called carry back in which pathogens were able to snatch genes from far-related bacteria via the carry back mechanism. Here is how, in short, the carry back process works:

1. The Gram negative pathogen injects its DNA into the Actinobacteria. Gram negative bacteria naturally have an ability called conjugation by which bacterial cells can inject their own DNA into other bacterial cells. It is called the bacterial equivalent of sex, because it is usually used to exchange gene information between Gram negative bacteria. But sometimes Gram negative bacteria can also use this mechanism to inject DNA into far-related Gram positive bacteria like Actinobacteria.

2. Inside the Actinobacteria, the injected DNA recombines with the host's DNA containing resistance genes. After the Actinobacterium dies, the recombinant DNA is released into the environment.

3. Lastly, the injected DNA can act as "gluing DNA" and mediate the uptake of resistance gene back to the pathogens through a phenomenon called natural transformation.

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Friday, June 16, 2017

Even though humans have a 100% mortality rate, less than 30% of us make any end-of-life plans. What will get adults to discuss and plan for their eventual demise? Put some fun in funeral planning to get people to discuss this serious topic.

Announcing the inaugural Before I Die Albuquerque Festival, to be held Friday, October 20 to Tuesday, October 24, 2017 at various locations around Albuquerque, New Mexico. The five-day festival offers multiple activities for people to openly think about, talk about and do something about our mortality.

The evolving schedule of events, many of which are free or low-cost to attend, include:

Prelude to Eternity festival kick-off party with Death Over Dinner discussions

A panel of local funeral directors discussing What You Need to Know Before You Go

Daily Death Cafe discussions at various settings around town

A tour of historic Fairview cemetery (established 1881)

Panel discussion Making Plans to Live Well Until We Die on medical care and end-of-life issues

Yoga class From Child Pose to Corpse Pose: Life, Death, Yoga and Spirituality

Movie matinees at the Guild Theater, featuring The Seventh Seal and Harold and Maude

Earth, Air, Fire & Water: A Celebration of Cremation and Art with local artists selling their works in ceramics, paper and other media

Day of the Dead educational events at the National Hispanic Cultural Center

By providing space and opportunities to openly discuss end-of-life issues, we can improve the percentage of those who plan ahead and take actions to address our mortality, said festival coordinator Gail Rubin, CT, a pioneering death educator, award-winning author and TED speaker.

Right now, more than 70% of our loved ones will scramble to pull together information and make expensive decisions under duress of grief, and it doesnt have to be that way, she added.

Before I Die festivals are part of a growing social movement to foster reflection about how we as individuals and as a society manage death and dying. Before I Die festivals have drawn thousands to events in Cardiff, Wales (UK), Indianapolis, IN and Louisville, KY. This will be the first such festival west of the Mississippi.

The Before I Die Albuquerque festival is being held in partnership with the nonprofit organizations Oasis Albuquerque and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at the University of New Mexico. Other sponsors and partners are welcome to connect with hundreds of Albuquerque baby boomers, seniors and younger generations through these festival activities.

This is a great opportunity to join other sponsors reaching the lucrative baby boomer market on end-of-life issues in a fun, upbeat series of presentations and events, said Rubin. Call 505.265.7215 today to join in the success!

Event coordinator Gail Rubin works with companies and organizations that want to connect with baby boomers concerned about end-of-life issues. A featured speaker at TEDxABQ in 2015, shes the author of three books on end-of-life issues, including A Good Goodbye: Funeral Planning for Those Who Dont Plan to Die and KICKING THE BUCKET LIST: 100 Downsizing and Organizing Things to Do Before You Die. In a previous lifetime, she was a public relations professional and an event planner.

Part of the proceeds from Before I Die Albuquerque will be donated to charitable partner Albuquerque Oasis. Oasis is a 501c(3) nonprofit organization that promotes healthy aging through lifelong learning, active lifestyles and volunteer engagement. A portion of sponsorship fees may be tax-deductible as charitable donations.

Find more information online at: http://agoodgoodbye.com/upcoming-events/before-i-die-abq/

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A Cambridgeshire farmer who poured slurry on land to stop it being used by illegal ravers has said he was forced to act after police 'stood around and did nothing'.

Farmer David Rolls said he was furious with police inaction after an illegal rave was attended by around 150 people on his land.

Fearing for the safety of his animals after dangerous litter was left on the field, Mr Rolls called the police in the hope they would be moved along.

Riot police and other officers arrived at the scene just after 1am but revellers did not leave the site until almost 12 hours later.

Mr Rolls was reportedly left furious after police 'stood around' as the illegal ravers partied in his field between the villages of Arrington and Longstowe, near Cambridge.

'Stood there watching'

Mr Rolls told Cambridge News that four riot vans and various other police cars turned up but they 'just stood there watching.'

He said: "The police said it was too dangerous to let them drive off.

"So they just stood around. My neighbour came to help and drove a tractor with slurry into the field. Police said if the slurry went on them, the police, my neighbour would be done for assault.

"I am in a right state," Mr Rolls said.

"My livelihood is at stake with damage to my crops with broken bottles everywhere. I grow grass for hay and if I harvest it with broken glass in it the horses that eat it could die.

"The ravers are ignorant idiots who dont realise the damage they have caused because they are ignorant.

"I am furious at the police. They did nothing to protect us. Ive probably lost tens of thousands of pounds from this."

'Great deal of disruption'

Rural organisation the CLA has advised farmers and landowners to reduce the risk of any illegal activity occurring in empty and remote buildings by ensuring they are secure and regularly monitored.

The organisation says that access to land should be restricted wherever possible by the use of locked gates.

CLA East Regional Director Ben Underwood said: Illegal raves cause a great deal of disruption to local communities, with the resulting mess causing considerable harm to both wildlife and the environment.

These illegal gatherings can also create unnecessary problems for landowners, who could fall victim to considerable clean-up costs and expensive repairs to outbuildings.

We urge farmers and landowners to help the Police by reporting any suspicious activity, as early intervention and good local intelligence can prevent these illegal events from taking place.

Officers find it much harder to shut down a rave once it has already started so if you spot anyone suspicious on rural land or a number of unfamiliar vehicles in your area, then please report any such activity on the non-emergency number of 101 as soon as possible.
Global trade in dairy products is expected to show a second year of modest growth (+1%), alongside an expected 1.4% increase in world milk production.

According to the 2017 Food and Agriculture (FAO) Food Outlook Report, most of the global increase in production is anticipated to originate in Asia, particularly India and other countries in the Middle East.

As these regions have limited involvement in the global marketplace, this is unlikely to have much bearing on world prices.

Production in the US, the third largest global exporter, is set to expand 2% while only moderate growth is expected in the EU.

However, overall growth in exportable supplies will be somewhat tempered by Oceania.

Production in New Zealand fell during the 2016/2017 season and lack of reinvestment is expected to maintain lower production during the 2017/2018 season.

Overall, supplies from the key exporting regions is expected to grow by approximately 0.6%, equivalent to just under 1.6 billion litres.

Increasing import demand will therefore be important for maintaining market balance in 2017. China and Australia are both expected to import more following a second year of decline in domestic milk production. Russia, Mexico and the Philippines are also expected to increase their import requirements.

Trade across the dairy product categories will not follow the same trends however; WMP exports are expected to decline while SMP, butter and cheese exports all look to increase.

SMP trade is forecast to recover as the EU will divert production to exports rather than intervention, while butter and cheese trade is projected to show sustained growth on the back of solid demand.
The National Farmers' Union has explained that it is wary of imposing too much regulation on soil protection rules.

The NFU's vice president Guy Smith was responding to a question from Nuffield scholar and organic dairy farmer William Armitage.

He said that British arable farmers are 'killing their soils' and are not doing enough to protect them, with soil mineral levels depleting.

Mr Armitage said: When you look at the quality of food since the 1940s, its dropped by 40 per cent in terms of mineral density.

Im afraid an awful lot of arable farmers have killed their soils, theres no soil biology and without soil biology we cannot have mineral transfer from the soil to the crop.

Lower standard imports

Guy Smith said the farming union 'will be the first' to actively encourage farmers to use better soil protection methods and thus minimise environmental impact.

But he said the NFU is wary of imposing too much regulation on the matter because it would encourage imports from countries with lower standards than the UK.

The impact of that is simply to import more product from parts of the world where they dont have such stringent levels of environmental regulation, Mr Smith said.

That makes no sense to me I do not want to put a throttle around farmers necks.

'Worrying lack of knowledge'

A report suggests the the UK places little importance on soil, resulting in a 'worrying lack' of knowledge around it.

The All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Agroecology for Sustainable Food and Farming said that although 95 per cent of the UK's food comes from the soil, the political agenda does not reflect this and current policy is insufficient in protecting soil for future generations.

Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer, who led the inquiry panel, said: "Healthy soil is vital both here and around the world.

"Failure to tackle current problems will lead to catastrophic environmental, economic and social breakdown.

"Reversing the loss of soils, along with restoring knowledge and interest in soil, are essential first steps to sustainable food production."

The report says that as the UK population is set to rise to some 70 million people by 2030, the issues outline will need to be taken seriously or the pressure on agricultural system may prove 'devastating'.
HCP Inc. (PEAK 6.07%), National Grid (NGG 7.03%) and Procter & Gamble (PG 3.44%) have what it takes to make them solid additions to retirement portfolios. They provide a nice combination of dividend-friendly cash flow and market-leading dividend yields, and each has reasons they could enjoy future bottom-line growth with less volatility than the broader stock market. If you're looking for promising dividend stocks for your income portfolio, these stocks are a good place to start your search.

Betting on aging baby boomers

Todd Campbell (HCP Inc.): If you're looking for a perfect income stock to tuck into your retirement portfolio, HCP Inc. might do nicely. The company is a real estate investment trust (REIT) that owns senior housing properties, medical office buildings, and life science buildings. With aging baby boomers boosting demand, HCP should be able to return plenty of money to investors via dividends over the coming decade.

Recently, HCP divested its struggling skilled-nursing assets to focus on core assets, and as fellow Fool Matthew Frankel pointed out, this allowed management to pay off debt set to mature prior to 2019, giving it more financial wiggle room to do deals.

Senior housing makes up 44% of HCP Inc.'s portfolio, and while rents generate a lot of its revenue, it gets about 40% of its top line from partnerships with big players in senior housing, including Brookdale Senior Living. About 22% of its portfolio is medical office buildings, and about 2% is life sciences buildings. As you can see in the following chart, this balance has allowed the company to steadily increase its dividend payments.

In the future, the company thinks it has billions of dollars worth of deals it can do that can grow funds from operations (FFO). Ultimately, that's good news for its dividend yield, which, by the way, is already a very respectable and retirement friendly 4.7%.

Strong dividends -- plus a special dividend kicker

Rich Smith (National Grid): Investors seeking dividend stocks for retirement can't go too wrong investing in the utilities sector. By definition, a utility stock is a stable business -- probably even a monopoly in the region where it operates -- and it's so insulated from competition that the government usually needs to regulate it to rein it in.

That's the kind of strong business I want to own, and National Grid is a great example of why you should consider investing in utilities, too. Priced at just 16.2 times forward earnings and paying a 4.7% dividend yield, National Grid makes money selling natural gas and electricity to customers in the U.S. and U.K., two developed markets whose growing need for energy won't be going away any time soon.

You may have noticed that National Grid's forward P/E ratio is a whole lot higher than its trailing P/E ratio -- currently just 4.7. There's a good reason for that. Earlier this year, National Grid sold a 61% interest in its U.K. gas distribution business to a consortium led by Australian investment bank Macquarie. This sale, valued at $17.8 billion, yielded a $7.5 billion profit for National Grid, dramatically inflating the company's trailing earnings and depressing its trailing P/E. (A further profit may be expected if and when National Grid succeeds in securing the sale of a further 14% interest in the gas unit to this same consortium).

What this means for dividend investors is that they can expect to receive a $5.42-per share special dividend paid out of cash generated from the sale -- and potentially, further special dividends if the secondary sale occurs -- on top of National Grid's already generous 4.7% yield. Additionally, going forward, National Grid has begun spending more than $1 billion on share buybacks, which should support the stock's price even as it reduces the share count and boosts earnings per share -- which could, in turn, permit higher, more regular dividend payouts in the future.

For investors who love dividends, it doesn't get much better than this.

Benefit from 60 years of dividend increases

Dan Caplinger (Procter & Gamble): Retirement investors like dividend stocks for their combination of income and growth, but one thing that they need from a stock is reliability in making dividend payments year in and year out. That's where Procter & Gamble shines, because the consumer-products giant has boosted its annual dividend every single year for more than 60 consecutive years. The company's 3% dividend increase that it first paid last month helped keep the stock's yield above 3%, and further demonstrated P&G's commitment to returning capital to shareholders.

Yet despite a recent slump in sales growth, Procter & Gamble has more going for it than just a good dividend yield. The consumer giant has recently gone through a substantial internal review to identify its strongest brands and make sure that it's dedicating enough resources toward building those brands. By jettisoning non-core businesses, P&G can increase productivity, and combined with gains in internal efficiency and cost reductions, the resulting boost to the bottom line can drive further share-price gains.

P&G's size makes it hard to produce the same growth rates that smaller rivals can achieve. However, for those with realistic expectations, Procter & Gamble has the ability to contribute both income and growth to retirement portfolios for years to come.
Yes, you can transfer your domain to any registrar or hosting company once you have purchased it. Since domain transfers are a manual process, it can take up to 5 days to transfer the domain.

Domains purchased with payment plans are not eligible to transfer until all payments have been made. Please remember that our 30-day money back guarantee is void once a domain has been transferred.

For transfer instructions to GoDaddy, please click here.
Plant breeders and agrochemical groups were eager to show off new improved varieties and pesticides at the Cereals 2017 event in Lincolnshire  with the aim of helping growers face a likely future fall in farm subsidies.

New cereal and oilseed rape varieties could offer growers the chance to cut costs as farm payments are under pressure with Britain set to leave European Union.

Seed companies were focusing on new varieties with higher yields, better marketability and good disease resistance to give growers a helping hand.

See also: Cereals 2017: Wheat and beet could be hit by extended neonic ban

Something extra

Les Daubney, marketing director of breeders Limagrain UK, said the company is looking to add something extra to new varieties, such as better septoria disease resistance, as with its winter wheat, Sundance.

With high risk varieties, growers need to use top-of-the range products and timing is critical, whereas with better resistance comes more flexibility and the possibility of cutting costs, he says.

Sundance has the highest resistance to wheats most yield-sapping disease on the AHDB Recommended List, and it could offer growers the change to use just one SDHI fungicide rather than two and so help trim costs.

The variety has the highest resistance rating of septoria at 7.3, ahead of the next best Siskin at 6.8, and there is enough seed this autumn to drill 2-3% of the certified seed market.

Two of the groups oilseed rape varieties Architect and Annalise offer resistance to turnip yellows virus meaning that using an autumn insecticide to control virus-carrying aphids in the autumn is redundant.

Both come up for AHDB recommendation this autumn with reasonable quantities of the hybrid Architect available to drill this autumn.

Adding value

Fellow plant breeder KWS stressed that growers need varieties which can add value, give a high yield and have a good agronomic package.

Growers want varieties with more than just higher yields. They want ones which they can easily sell, are worth more and have no obvious weakness, said KWS managing director Andrew Newby.

The groups variety, Kerrin, is available this autumn and has the joint highest yield on the Recommended List, is even more consistent than one of its parent Santiago and is expected to take 7% of the seed market this autumn.

Its breadmaking variety, Zyatt, is the highest yield milling wheat with the second highest protein content behind Crusoe, and could take share away from the runway millers favourite Skyfall this autumn.

The group is also offering a German elite or E milling wheat Montana with a price premium of up to 25/t over other milling wheats, and it expects over 100 growers will be drilling the variety this autumn rather than 26 this season.

New gravity

Skyfall breeder RAGT has a new feed wheat variety Gravity coming up for recommendation this year with a yield 2% higher than the current top yielders.

Simon Howell, group UK managing director, said as milling price premiums have narrowed to 5-8/t from 25-30/t a few years ago some growers are turning their attention to feed wheats.

With the pressure on milling wheat premiums growers are looking back to high yielding feed varieties, he said.

The variety has a good specific weight above 76kg/hl with good yellow rust resistance and an average septoria resistance score.

Seed treatment

The worlds biggest agrochemicals group, Syngenta, has the first wheat seed treatment with an SDHI fungicide on offer this autumn plus two new high-yielding feed wheat varieties and a new hybrid winter barley.

Gary Mills-Thomas, managing director of Syngenta UK and Ireland, said the group had a number of products to help growers improve productivity.

We are looking at how we can help farmers to lift output in terms of new products, better spray applications and the better use of data, he said.

The groups new wheat seed treatment Vibrance Duo, which contains the new SDHI sedaxane plus an older fungicide, fludioxonil, is said to improve rooting and therefore yield.

It will be an advantage in dry conditions and with late drilling, as it produces plants which are more robust, Mr Mills-Thomas added.

The new seed dressing, costing about 20/ha, will be more expensive than the groups single-purpose Beret treatment, but offers advantages in rooting and disease control.

The groups two new feed wheat varieties Shabras and Savello will be widely available this autumn as will its new hybrid winter barley Sunningdale. All three varieties are new entrants to the current Recommended List.

Hard-milling Shabras is the joint top yielder, while Savello is the highest-yielding soft-milling feed wheat in the northern region and so could be of interest to the Scottish distillers.

New hybrid winter barley Sunningdale is slightly earlier to mature than stablemate Bazooka, and could be attractive to growers in northern England and Scotland.

Pipeline

Another agrochemical giant Bayer has a new blackgrass herbicide in the pipeline along with new products for potatoes and sugar beet.

With likely lower subsidies growers will need to become more efficient and we hope to be the go-to company in term of advice, said Mike Muncey, managing director of Bayer Crop Science UK.

The group has an improved version of its Atlantis (iodosulfuron + mesosulfuron) blackgrass herbicide for use this spring which gives 10% better control of the grassweed and is said to be the best post-emergence product to control bromes.

This product, Monolith, takes one of the two components of Atlantis, mesosulfuron, and adds propoxycarbazone, which has good contact activity and some residual action against the grassweed.

In addition, Bayer hopes to complete its takeover of Monsanto by the end of this year and this will give it a much bigger footprint and offering of oilseed rape varieties in the UK.

European focus

Dow AgroSciences, which is in the process of merging with fellow American group DuPont, said its focus is very much on Europe for its array of new products.

John Humphreys, UK and Ireland managing director, said its focus is very much on Europe especially for its new herbicide and new fungicide products.

Two of our big blockbuster new products are designed for Europe, said Mr Humphreys.

These include the Arylex family of herbicides (halauxifen) which was first launched as Pixxaro in a mix with fluroxypyr in 2016 and then as Zypar in 2017 mixed with florasulam. A new fungicide, Inatreq, which has a novel mode of action, is due to be launched in 2019.

Ed Ford who farms 600ha in Essex said he had used Zypar this spring and was pleased by its effectiveness and timing flexibility.

He had been reluctant to invest too much in his winter wheat due to a very dry spring, and only applied Zypar with his T2 fungicide spray on 19 May.

After the herbicide spray, cleavers started to wilt after 48 hours and it also gave good control of cranesbill, he added.




Haiti - FLASH : Reminder to the candidates that failed to the bac





The Ministry of Education, reminds the general public, the educational community and the candidates concerned in particular, that the second session of the baccalaureate examinations for those that failed will be held from 21 to 24 August 2017.



To this end, candidate registrations already under way since 5 June continue until June 20, 2017 of the same month in all the Departmental Directorates of Education (DE).



All candidates who are registered in Terminale (philo) are entitled to take part in these exams.



Documents to be submitted at the time of registration :



- Card of participation in past exams or certificate of MENFP;

- Two recent passport photos;

- Participation fee of 750 gourdes per candidate.



The Ministry wishes to recall once again that candidates that failed can not participate in the session of new candidates scheduled for July 2017 and that they must register for the session of those taht failed.



This decision responds to the need to have better management of the flow of candidates for the exams of the bac and to find the Centers of exams most appropriate for the passing of the exams, specifies the Ministry.



HL/ HaitiLibre


















Parkhill honored with Order of the Long Leaf Pine

BRCC President Molly Parkhill receives Order of the Long Leaf Pine from BRCC Chairman John McCormick.

Blue Ridge Community College President Molly Parkhill received the prestigious Order of the Long Leaf Pine at a surprise ceremony during her retirement reception at the Thomas Auditorium Gallery at BRCC Thursday.

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BRCC Board Chair John McCormick Jr. presented the award to Parkhill on behalf of Sen. Chuck Edwards, who was unable to break away from the legislative session in Raleigh in time to present the award.

Parkhill retires from the presidency on June 30 after 31 years of service to Blue Ridge Community College, the past 10 as president.

This is the highest honor you can be given in the state of North Carolina as a citizen from the legislature, McCormick said.

It means a lot to me, Parkhill said. I was very much surprised. I wasnt expecting this recognition. Im very humble, very honored. I have been very blessed to be able to serve Blue Ridge Community College for 31 years and have the opportunity to serve as president for the past 10.

I cant take credit for what this institution has meant to the community in Henderson County and Transylvania County and the dedicated faculty and staff. I am so blessed to be a part of it and to be able to leave this fine group of faculty. This awards really for them.

The Order of the Long Leaf Pine was signed by Gov. Roy Cooper and presented to Parkhill on behalf of Sen. Edwards and Reps. Chuck McGrady, of Hendersonville, and Cody Henson, of Rosman. Edwards, McGrady and Henson recommended Parkhill for the honor.

To be considered for the award, candidates must undergo a rigorous nomination and evaluation process, making the award one of the most distinguished accolades in the state of North Carolina. Established in 1963, the award is bestowed upon those who have a long and extraordinary record of service to North Carolina. Originally, the award was created in order to promote and interest in North Carolina as recipients of the award traveled to many functions, meetings and public appearances and had great influence with their high stature.

Induction into the order makes the honoree an ambassador of North Carolina entitled to propose the "North Carolina toast in select company anywhere in the free world."

Here's to the land of the long leaf pine

The summer land where the sun doth shine

Where the weak grow strong and the strong grow great

Here's to "down home," the Old North State!
Washington : Karnataka-born ISIS operative Mohammed Shafi Armar has been declared global terrorist by US Treasury Department, Washington`s strict sanctions blacklist.

His name has now been added to the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the US Treasury Department which enforces economic sanctions programmes, primarily against countries and groups of individuals, such as terrorists and narcotics traffickers.

It blamed him for cultivating dozens of IS supporters involved in building the group`s operations in the country.

The SDGT designation aims to notify the international community that the three have committed or pose a significant risk of committing acts of terrorism,` the department said in a statement.

Designations expose and isolate organizations and individuals, and result in denial of access to the US financial system, it added, as per AFP.

The sanctions can be either comprehensive or selective, using the blocking of assets and trade restrictions to accomplish foreign policy and national security goals of the US.

The department officially named three senior ISIS men  Mohammad Shafi Armar, Oussama Ahmad Atar, and Mohammed Isa Yousif Saqar Al Binali  as Specially Designated Global Terrorists.

Armar is said to be a native of Bhatkal in Karnataka and had reportedly joined banned terror outfit Indian Mujahideen initially.

Later, he started helping ISIS to spread in India and supposedly recruited at least 30 men for the dreaded Islamic State terror group.

Armar was said to have left for Pakistan along with his elder brother after crackdown on IM cadres.

After a fight with Bhatkal brothers, including Riyaz, the founder of IM, in Pakistan, Armar is believed to have created Ansar ul Tawhid, which later pledged its allegiance to the ISIS.

There have been many reports of him having been dead in a drone attack or crackdown by the allied forces, as per PTI.

However, every time intelligence agencies began giving credence to such reports, his name or voice cropped up in intercepts.

Tech savvy, Armar has been operating on Facebook and other personal messenger services to contact, brainwash and recruit youths from India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

His links to the ISIS were also the highlight of the interrogation of Yasin Bhatkal, who was arrested near the Nepal border in 2013.

Armar first came on the radar of investigation agencies when the NIA was probing suspected ISIS cadres in Ratlam of Madhya Pradesh.

During the interrogation of alleged ISIS operatives, it emerged that Armar was motivating and radicalising Muslim youths in India.

He was said to have been recruiting youths for the Jund ul Khalifa-e-Hind through online radicalisation.

The NIA had chargesheeted him along with five others for allegedly conspiring to carry out terror strikes in the national capital and also during ardh kumbh in Haridwar.

On the other hand, Belgian-Moroccan national Atar was named as the man who established the ISIS network in Europe responsible for a number of deadly strikes, including in November 2015 attacks in Paris.

Atar also allegedly recruited and mentored two of the bombers in the March 2016 attacks in Brussels.

The third man, Binali, is a Bahraini who has appeared in ISIS videos trying to recruit other Bahrainis to the group, the state department said.

Source : Zee News
Naadi forecast is one of the methods of knowing the future. It is stated in this naadi forecast that 65 to 75 nations will have to face any type of calamities every day. Natural calamity or anarchy like situation might commence at the same time. In such horrific times, we will have to be ready to help our Hindu brethren. If we help the public then only Hindu organisations can win their trust and thereafter we will be able to make them active for establishment of Hindu Rashtra. Hence wherever any calamity strikes, we will have to try to help Hindus collectively. At the time of flash floods in Uttarakhand 3 devout Hindu organisations had helped them collectively. During the earthquakes in Nepal, 5 organisations in Bharat and 5 from Nepal collectively handled the situation. Sometimes we will have to be prepared for all kinds of challenges.

Notice : The source URLs cited in the news/article might be only valid on the date the news/article was published. Most of them may become invalid from a day to a few months later. When a URL fails to work, you may go to the top level of the sources website and search for the news/article.

Disclaimer : The news/article published are collected from various sources and responsibility of news/article lies solely on the source itself. Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS) or its website is not in anyway connected nor it is responsible for the news/article content presented here. Opinions expressed in this article are the authors personal opinions. Information, facts or opinions shared by the Author do not reflect the views of HJS and HJS is not responsible or liable for the same. The Author is responsible for accuracy, completeness, suitability and validity of any information in this article. 
The AAA Mobil Five Diamond Waldorf Astoria Chicago and Conrad Chicago have appointed Tod Chambers as Managing Director of the two premier luxury properties located within The Magnificent Mile. In his new dual role, Chambers will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the luxury 215-room and 287-room hotels, both owned by Laurence Geller, reporting directly to Pascal Duchauffour, Area Vice President of Operations-Luxury Hotels, The Americas. Drawing on more than 25 years of experience with the Hilton brand, Chambers will serve as Managing Director of the Waldorf Astoria Chicago and Conrad Chicago, playing a key role in the day-to-day operations of the two luxury properties. Prior to this complex role, Chambers most recently served as General Manager of The Roosevelt New Orleans, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel. Under his direction, The Roosevelt won multiple accolades for highest guest satisfaction, as well as increasing profitability and RevPAR index. Before joining The Roosevelt, Chambers served in a plethora of managerial roles at Hilton properties across the United States, including Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, Pittsburgh, and Nashville, before serving as the opening Hotel Manager at the Hilton Americas Houston. Named General Manager of The Year by Hiltons Luxury Division for four consecutive years from 2012 to 2015, Chambers brings with him irrefutable merit and a promise to elevate the level of excellence at these two cherished Chicago properties.
Free ebooks and courses for hotel schools are only some of the benefits of becoming a member of EUHOFA, networking, grants to support wider inter-school projects, preferential fees for accreditation and the annual congress are some of the others.

The International Association of Hotel Schools (EUHOFA) is one of the most prestigious and oldest associations of hotel schools in the world, with the aim and vision of contributing to the professional education and training of the hospitality industry through promoting new developments and ideas in education and training and examples of best practice. The association has over 200 members in some 30 countries ranging from Finland to New Zealand via Europe, Middle East, Africa, North America and Australasia. The membership includes internationally renowned hotel schools that offer education and training at vocational and university levels.

The association holds an annual congress, that for 2017 is being hosted by the Fondazione Campus, in Lucca, Tuscany, Italy from November 7-12. This congress with the title "The Emotion of Tuscan Hospitality" will be held at the Renaissance Tuscany Il Ciocco Resort and Spa Hotel. As with all congresses this will provide the opportunity for networking, developing closer cooperation between members, enjoying and learning from a high quality academic programme as well as enjoying the experiences of Tuscan hospitality.

EUHOFA has been working in close cooperation with number of international hotel and hospitality organisations to bring specific benefits in support of their members pursuit of excellence in education and training. These organisations include The American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute, eHotelier, the number one ranked International hospitality web portal, HOSCO, one of the world's leading organisations for bringing together and creating networking and contact opportunities for employers and employees, and the Institute of Hospitality, the internationally recognised professional body for hospitality managers.

These prestigious organisations are providing significant benefits to members that include access to free e-books from the catalogues of both AHLEI and eHotelier, up to 30% discounts on annual membership (HOSCO) and significant discounts for the professional accreditation and endorsement services of the Institute of Hospitality.

The hospitality industry is recognised as being one of the fastest growing industries in the world, where the demand for professional skilled staff is increasing almost exponentially and the need for excellence in education and training has never been more in evidence. EUHOFA provides the contacts, the networking and the opportunities for hotel schools across the world to be able to work in developing the very best of hospitality education and training.

For further information see www.euhofa.xyz.
Decision to postpone local polls draws mixed reactions in Tarai

The governments decision to postpone local level elections in Province 2 until September 18 has drawn mixed reactions in Tarai districts.
A year or two after I graduated from college, I took a short vacation and went to Provincetown, Massachusetts, which I had heard was a gay destination (I was a late bloomer). On the first day there, I was riding my bicycle down Commercial Street when a guy on the sidewalk whistled at me and yelled out "Sexy legs!" At that moment, two things happened: First, I almost tumbled head over wheels into the car driving ahead of me; and, second, I knew the freedom and pleasure every straight high school kid who ever sat on a park bench in the afternoon sun kissing the boy or girl they were going steady with had felt. That feeling of "I don't care who's looking, this is a rite of spring, and if it bothers you, too bad" was available to me for the first time. Powerful stuff for a closeted young man who was fraternity president just a few years earlier. It was my first gay destination and in the early 1980s, I had found a comfort level, freedom and a sense of community I had never experienced.

As an analyst and observer of the hospitality industry, I often save articles and file them in folders in a library on my laptop. There are several items in my LGBT Travel folder that fit this article, and as it is now Gay Pride Month, they keep coming. Two of these articles stand out. First is a New York Times article from May 30, 2014 titled Finding Comfort and Safety as a Gay Traveler. The other is from the Advocate Magazine's website dated Nov. 29, 2016, titled Have We Outgrown Gay Hotels? The New York Times article addresses the frustration of encountering homophobia while traveling, especially from employees of the hotels and restaurants we are patronizing. The article offered practical tips about how LGBT couples and individuals can have a greater chance of enjoying their vacation travels by doing some research. The author rightfully points out the varying perspectives held by the target audience: "Some people simply won't go to places that are known to be homophobic. Others feel that they deserve to go wherever they want, and perhaps even feel empowered by refusing to stay away."

The more recent Advocate article was prompted by the sale of Maui's only "gay" hotel, which was converted to an adults-only hotel but not strictly LGBT. As the article states, "No one could decide if the closing of Maui's only gay-specific hotel meant that the island was becoming less of a destination for queer travelers or if LGBT people had so successfully integrated into life on the island that queer spaces were no longer necessary. The hotel's general manager added: "It seems LGBT couples are feeling more comfortable staying at mainstream resorts, adding that the Sunseeker Hotel's longtime gay guests began to drift to other hotels when they returned to Maui. Recently, progressive heterosexual guests supplemented some of that lost revenue, but not enough to maintain that business model."

And this is the gay travel paradox: As acceptance and comfort levels (which can still vary greatly with geography) grow between LGBT travelers and the communities they visit, is there a need, a desire, and a feasible business plan for LGBT-targeted and gay- or lesbian-exclusive hotels and destinations? Further, are the responses to this question generation-dependent? Have LGBT Millennials had a sufficiently different life experience than LGBT Baby Boomers such that the Boat Slip's afternoon Tea Dance, a Provincetown institution, will one day go the way of the Ringling Brothers' circus?

I conducted some non-scientific research during the recent Memorial Day weekend. On the Sunday afternoon of that weekend, I decided to go to the pool deck at my condominium building. The complex has 350 units and perhaps 50 to 75 units represent GLBT households. In the pool were about 15 young gay men in their 20s breaking all the rules: drinking in the pool, playing loud music, and generally acting like any group of 25-year-olds. I spoke with a few of them about this article, gave them a sense of the world I grew up in, and asked if they would share their thoughts about gay vs. mainstream travel habits. I was somewhat surprised to learn how well-traveled they were for such young men. They gave me examples of their experiences in Mexico, Singapore, Thailand, Europe and Argentina. They noted some "common sense" attitudes about gay hotels and gay-friendly destinations:

There is safety in numbers. When eight or ten friends are travelling together, they don't really consider the destination's gay-friendliness. Just as they "took over" the condominium swimming pool that afternoon, they feel comfortable to be themselves in a group at most hotels or restaurants. When travelling to destinations that are not particularly gay-friendly, they will look for a gay-friendly hotel, especially to find out the "lay of the land" in terms of where to go and what to avoid. When travelling to a popular gay-friendly destination, they will stay at a hotel that offers preferential access. For example, one couple planned to stay at a hotel in Mykonos this summer that also has a nightclub with a drag show, for which hotel guests receive complimentary admission nightly. They noted that while cruises are not their preferred vacation option, they would be most interested in taking a gay cruise with RSVP Gay Cruises or Atlantis Events, two of the leading companies that sell out entire cruise ships for the week to the gay male market (Olivia Cruises does the same for lesbian cruise fans). Such environments, they felt, would be more customized to their style of relaxation and entertainment.

As mainstream hospitality providers increasingly target the GLBT market, Tambourine.com noted in a June 2, 2017, post that having an LGBT-friendly reputation is one of the top three factors gay or lesbian travelers consider when choosing a hotel. In a recent blog post of One Mile at A Time, the gay blogger, Lucky, points out a gay traveler's pet peeve: That so many hotels default by assumption that the person you're traveling with must be your wife/husband of the opposite sex. Below a photo of a welcome note addressed to Mr. and Mrs. Schlapping, he writes the following.

"More so than ever before, people travel with all kinds of companions. There are married same sex couples, people traveling with friends, people traveling with a boyfriend or girlfriend, etc. Unless you know who the second guest is, hotels shouldn't try to guess, in my opinion. Either address the welcome letter just to the primary guest, or address the primary guest by name and add an "& Guest." C'mon hotels, is it that hard?"

It appears that we may have reached a "tipping point" in many destinations where the demand for "gay-only" accommodations is not sufficient to support such businesses, especially from younger LGBT travelers. However, if we look at the L, G, B, and T separately, we can find different needs. A Boston Globe article from April 26 of this year examines the particular needs of the transgender community today, which resemble my generation's experiences in the 1970s and 1980s.

"Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender young adults are significantly more likely than their heterosexual and cisgender peers to harbor suicidal thoughts and behaviors, and to attempt suicide, often related to bullying. So this summer, Mitchell expects to find himself in Provincetown, of all places. He and a handful of other young adults are coming from Southern states to Ptown, long an LGBT mecca, to experience something they haven't before: a welcoming work and social environment."

Yet economics and social change are threatening the future of this and other "gay" destinations. From June 2017's Vice Magazine:

"Now it's all changed. Like so many resort towns that were once refuges for outcasts, artists, and queers, Provincetown is expensive. It's too expensive for the young people; practically the only ones left on the beach are old folks like me, or lesbian and gay families with their kids, who started to appear somewhere in the late 1990s, putting a lid on the lasciviousness. No longer do the Smith College girls get jobs as servers for the summer, sharing a run-down house for Memorial Day (known as "baby dyke weekend"), roiled with romance and breakup drama. Now, the shops are staffed by Eastern Europeans here on J-1 visasliving God knows wherewhile the Smith girls take internships in career-track positions since, after all, they can flirt respectably anywhere now."

The author, E. J. Graff, jokes about a "negative" side effect of social progress:

Today straight people don't mind coming down here, not just to gawk, but to vacation. Our beach has been invaded by oblivious tourists who seem not even to notice that we're there, who spread out vast towels on our (traditionally lesbian) beach with their equally clueless kids, trailing those Styrofoam-like beach noodles and blow-up toys, unafraid, ignoring us as if we were normal.  It's the price of acceptance."

We may have lost our haven, but now, everywhere else, it's OK to be gay. Maybe that's a decent trade.

As with many social changes, impacts and consequences are not limited to one industry or sector. This month, when most Gay Pride celebrations take place around the world, "old time" activists are lamenting the "corporatization" of the events. Thirty years ago, raising funds and organizing activities for GLBT awareness on any large scale were seedlings of ideas that grew on the coattails of feminism in the work place and race-based civil rights progress. The current friction and growing pains are well detailed in the 220 comments provoked by a June 8, 2017 article in the Washington Post by Justin William Moyer titled, Activists Say Capital Pride Overtaken by Corporations and Rich Gay Men. While such problems and paradoxes were unimaginable just a generation ago, many sectors of the economy, as well as individual business entities can be best prepared to capitalize on these changing trends by understanding their sources and more accurately forecasting their future direction.

Reprinted with permission from Hotel Management magazine.

Leora Halpern Lanz

LHL Communications

Horwath
Page Content



World Environment Day (WED) was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972 and is celebrated on or near 5 June each year. Earlier this week, to mark the occasion, Canada, the global host country for WED2017, co-hosted a reception with ICAO at the UN agencys Montreal Headquarters to celebrate the WED2017 theme of Connecting People to Nature.

Speaking at the event, ICAOs Secretary General Dr. Fang Liu noted that the UN 70th General Assembly had designated 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development. She took the opportunity to highlight how transport, eco-tourism and national parks are intimately linked.

Aviation provides incomparable global tourism connectivity to protected areas all over the world, Dr. Liu explained. Tourists choosing to visit national parks are often eco-oriented and concerned with the environmental impact of their travel, including their CO 2 footprint. ICAO, its Member States, and the aviation industry are working together to address this issue through many of our ongoing programmes.

The ICAO Secretary General also stressed that many international airports are located near or at protected areas or ecological sanctuaries, and that special planning, construction and operation of such infrastructure is required in order to suitably respect the local ecology.

The development and operation of airports needs to be fully integrated with the natural environment and adhere to a series of environmental protection policies and practices, she underscored, and we should seek to achieve this balance not only by considering the air transport component of travel, but also via a carbon-free total travel approach. With this vision and these priorities in mind, we should celebrate World Environment Day together and work towards ensuring aviations sustainable future.
Page Content



Montreal, 5 June 2017  ICAO Council President Dr. Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu brought a clear and determined message to global airline CEOs today concerning aviations Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation, or CORSIA.



We should dispel any concerns that any recent developments on the Paris Agreement will negatively impact our shared planning for effective and globally aligned aviation emissions mitigation, President Aliu underlined, and I would urge you all to enthusiastically and promptly promote the CORSIAs full implementation. This global agreement demonstrates not only concrete leadership and social responsibility on climate change, but also simple and sound economic sense for airlines all over the world.



The statements came during the ICAO Presidents keynote address to the International Air Transport Associations Annual General Meeting, now ongoing in Cancun, Mexico. Last October, world governments endorsed the CORSIA at ICAOs 39th Assembly, with countries representing over 80% of international flight operations volunteering to participate as early as its pilot phase in 2021.



Since that time, Saudi Arabia, Gabon, El Salvador and most recently Nigeria have also signalled their intention to join, meaning that some 90% of international operations will be covered by the CORSIA when it launches, President Aliu stressed.



Since the agreement forged at its Assembly last October, ICAO has been working to ensure the timely implementation of CORSIA, including the definition of its Emissions Unit Criteria, Monitoring Reporting and Verification (MRV), and the Registry framework which will be needed.



Once it launches, the CORSIA offsetting results will complement the other main emissions reduction measures being pursued by governments and the air transport sector through ICAO. These are presently focused on accelerated tech innovations, streamlined operations to decrease fuel burn and noise, and the development and deployment of sustainable alternative jet fuels.

Resources for Editors

ICAO CORSIA: Resources and FAQs



About ICAO

A specialized agency of the United Nations, ICAO was created in 1944 to promote the safe and orderly development of international civil aviation throughout the world. It sets standards and regulations necessary for aviation safety, security, efficiency, capacity and environmental protection, amongst many other priorities. The Organization serves as the forum for cooperation in all fields of civil aviation among its 191 Member States.



Contacts



Anthony Philbin

Chief, Communications

aphilbin@icao.int

+1 (514) 954-8220

+1 (438) 402-8886 (mobile)

Twitter: @ICAO



William Raillant-Clark

Communications Officer

wraillantclark@icao.int

+1 514-954-6705

+1 514 409-0705

Twitter: @wraillantclark


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
Early rains bring joy to farmers in Bajhang (Photo feature)

Farmers in Bajhang district have heaved a sigh of relief with early rainfall after two years of drought in the region.
Reforming the Indian Health Service

By Rep. Kristi Noem (R-South Dakota)

For years, federal reports have documented shocking cases of mismanagement and poorly delivered care within the Indian Health Service  more often referred to as the IHS. The agency was left to make improvements on its own, but even with consistent funding increases, it produced an unacceptable level of care.

Babies have been born on bathroom floors and with no doctor present. Surgical equipment has been washed by hand. Staff have interacted with patients even though their certifications have lapsed. Even now, years after many of these problems were identified, some IHS hospitals in South Dakota continue to run afoul of basic care standards, with one facility facing the loss of critical financial support just over a month ago because of the poor levels of care being delivered. Nowhere in the world is this kind of care acceptable  especially not in our backyards.

This May, I introduced the Restoring Accountability in the IHS Act , which fundamentally changes how the IHS operates. At its core, this legislation is about putting patient care first.

In many cases, improving care begins with recruiting better medical staff and hospital leadership. Most IHS facilities in South Dakota are located in remote areas and the incentives to move there  let alone relocate ones family there  havent been adequate. My legislation provides stronger incentives for new hires, including relocation reimbursements when employees move to high-need areas and an expanded student loan repayment program. The bill also works to take advantage of volunteer labor, removing some of the barriers that currently inhibit medical professionals from volunteering at an IHS hospital or clinic. And when it comes to firing employees who fail to support the patients theyre there to serve, we give the IHS greater authority to do so.

Rep. Kristi Noem on YouTube: Noem Leads Colleagues in Introducing IHS Reform Bill

Beyond hiring and firing, the Restoring Accountability in the IHS Act aims to improve patient care through greater oversight. That means new standards for timeliness of care, restrictions on bonuses, and reporting requirements to help identify staffing needs, measure patient care, and detect any misuse of funds.

Enough is enough. We need to move swiftly, yet deliberately, with these reforms. Ive been working very closely with my counterparts in the Senate to advance the Restoring Accountability in the IHS Act through both chambers at the same time. Im hopeful this will help streamline the process and enable us to get President Trump a bill sooner.

Lives have been lost because of whats happening. Big adjustments need to be made  and they need to be made quickly. Im committed to this process and to working together to ensure tribal members receive the care their families need.

Join the Conversation
Burma Coal-Powered Cement Plant Starts Production Despite Local Opposition

The Mawlamyine Cement Limited (MCL) in Kyaikmayaw Township, Mon State. / Mon Htaw

MOULMEIN, Mon State  A 5000-ton cement factory has started commercial operations in Kyaikmayaw Township, Mon State, despite opposition from locals over the coal-fired plant that will fuel it.

Mon State Chief Minister Dr. Aye Zan confirmed on Thursday the US$400 million project, run by Mawlamyine Cement Limited (MCL)a joint venture between Thai firm Siam Cement Group (SCG) and Pacific Link Cement Industrieswill be fueled by a coal-fired power plant built within the compound.

According to officials of Mon States Myanmar Port Authority, nearly 200,000 tons of coal has been shipped from Moulmein Port to the plant along the Attaran River. Locals fear the plant will pollute the area and have protested about a lack of consultation.

Mon State Parliament Deputy Speaker Dr. Aung Naing Oo has called for new environmental and social impact assessments (EIA/SIA) in accordance with the environmental conservation regulations introduced by the government in 2015, but the state Chief Minister U Aye Zan said the EIA/SIA report published in 2014 was still valid.

The government introduced environmental conservation regulations in 2015, which specified more details. But they conducted the EIA/SIA report at that time, so it is valid, U Aye Zan told reporters after the state Parliament session on Thursday.

On Feb. 18, about 7,000 locals from seven villages near the factory staged a protest against the coal-fired power plant. In April last year, locals sent a petition with 3,780 signatures to the Presidents Office, demanding the termination of the coal-fired power plant project.

Lawmaker Min Aung Mun of Kyaikmayaw Township (2) asked about the contribution of profits from MCL cement factory to regional development funds during a state Parliament session on June 15.

In the contract signed with the previous government, the company agreed to donate 2 percent of its profits one year after it had broken even, said the lawmaker.

But Min Htan Aung Han, the state minister for electricity, energy, and industry, replied that the plant started production on April 1 but had not yet profited, meaning contributions toward regional development had not been made.

Lawmakers have complained the contract does not specify how long it would take for the company to break even.

Mon State Chief Minister Dr. Aye Zan said he would review the contract and coordinate with the Myanmar Investment Commission (MIC) to amend it if necessary.

I think [lawmakers] misinterpret the contract. Perhaps it means 2 percent of annual profits will be contributed, he told the press.

According to minister Min Htan Aung Han, MCL spent 62 million kyats in 2014, 1.6 billion kyats in 2015, 323 million kyats in 2016 and 338 million kyats in 2017 on corporate social responsibility works since it started the project in 2014.

Raw materials for the cement factory come from Mt. Pyataung in Kyaikmayaw Township.

Translated from Burmese by Thet Ko Ko.
Burma Policeman in Bogale Township Charged Under Monogamy Law

Bogale Police Station. / Facebook

PATHEIN, Irrawaddy Division  A police sub-lieutenant in Bogale Township was detained on Tuesday after his second wife filed a complaint under the Monogamy Law.

Police sub-lieutenant Nyi Nyi Aung dated a government teacher in the township. The two later eloped, after which she discovered he was already married and had children.

Police Capt. Ngwe Soe confirmed the detention at the township police station.

The teacher moved in with her parents after discovering her husband was already married. Nyi Nyi Aung continually showed up at her home and school, disturbing her and leading her to file the complaint, according to her neighbors.

As soon as she found out he had a wife and kids, she moved in with her parents. But he would not accept the separation, a neighbor told The Irrawaddy, on the condition of anonymity.

An investigation is ongoing. If the sub-lieutenant is found guilty, he will be punished according to the police code of conduct and be brought to court.

Designed and endorsed by nationalist monk group formerly known as the Association for Protection of Race and Religion or Ma Ba Thanow called the Buddha Dhamma Charity Foundationthe legislative package known as the race and religion protection laws, which included the monogamy law, was approved by the Union Parliament on Aug. 31, 2015 under U Thein Seins administration.

The law targeted Muslim men as Ma Ba Tha falsely attributed Muslim polygamy to an increasing Muslim population in the country. In practice, the law has been applied to Buddhist men who are unfaithful to their wives.

The law allows a third party to file complaints against extramarital affairs and prescribes an imprisonment of up to seven years and/or a fine.

Translated from Burmese by Thet Ko Ko.
Burma Satirist Released But Detention of Chief Editor Continues in Article 66(d) Case

U Kyaw Min Swe is pictured outside court on Friday after the hearing. / Thet Htun Naing / The Irrawaddy

RANGOON  The Voice Dailys satirical columnist Ko Kyaw Zwa Naing has been officially absolved from defamation charges under Myanmars controversial Article 66(d) of the Telecommunications Law, but the publications chief editor U Kyaw Min Swe was denied bail by a Bahan Township judge on Friday morning.

An army official brought charges against the pair for publishing an article in March that satirized the countrys armed struggle and peace process. Both journalists were detained by Yangons Bahan Township police on June 2, with trial proceedings being initiated the following day.

U Kyaw Min Swe and Ko Kyaw Zwa Naingalso known by his pen name British Ko Ko Maungpledged to meet bail in line with Section 497(1) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, which states that any person arrested without a warrant or summoned to the court can request temporary release with the permission of a judge. The attempt was dismissed by judge Daw Thara Phi Aung, who stated that the two journalists had failed to provide in a timely manner a medical recommendation that would justify the granting of bail.

During Fridays court hearing, lawyer U Myo Thein presented evidence of similar cases from other regions in Myanmar in which bail was granted, which he said set a precedent for the release of U Kyaw Min Swe.

Moreover, U Kyaw Min Swes legal team stated that the editor has required prescriptions for stomach ulcers and liver issues while in Yangons Insein prison. Lawyer and legal adviser U Khin Maung Myint requested a document stating as much from an Insein cell official, but he told the court that the individual reportedly would not cooperate.

Lawyer U Myo Thein relayed a contact number for Insein Prison to the judge at the court hearing, recommending that she call and confirm U Kyaw Min Swes health condition. This Irrawaddy reporter was present at the court and noted that Judge Thara Phi Aung did not appear to make a phone call before declining bail to the defendant.

The judge emphasized that Article 66(d) does not require that bail be granted to the accused.

Ko Kyaw Zwa Naing, who was released, spoke to reporters near the entrance of the court after having his handcuffs removed. He stated that police had reportedly requested the opinion of the ministry of transport and communications concerning whether his prosecution was necessary.

Because the article was published in printrather than onlinea decision was reportedly made that defamation charges under the Telecommunications Law were unfitting. Yet, as the individual responsible for The Voice Daily as a media outlet, he said it was also determined that the prosecution of U Kyaw Min Swe would proceed.

I was put in jail almost 14 or 15 days before the court decided whether the trial would continueAlthough there has not been a conviction by a court in this case, [U Kyaw Min Swe] has had to spend time in jail. I am really sorry for Ko Kyaw Min Swe and I will stand with him, Ko Kyaw Zwa Naing told reporters.

Nearly 100 journalists came to Fridays court hearing for U Kyaw Min Swe, wearing white armbands embossed with the phrase Freedom of Press. The Committee for the Protection of Myanmar Journalists also distributed flyers to the public in downtown Yangon, outlining their position on Article 66(d), and its implications for netizens.

Since the Telecommunication Law was enacted in 2013, nearly 70 defamation cases have been filed under the statute, according to a local research group led by Maung Saung Kha, a poet who was jailed under the same charge in 2016.

On Thursday, three Magwe-based journalists were charged with violating Article 66(d) by a village administrator for a social media post which accused a village of building huge brick kilns, raising environmental and legal concerns.
Burma Tail of Crashed Military Aircraft Found

The tail of a crashed Y-8 military aircraft was found. / Office of the Commander-in-Chief / Facebook

YANGON After more than a week of search operations, part of the tail of a crashed Y-8 military aircraft was found in the sea on Thursday morning.

According to a Facebook statement issued by the Burma Army, plane debris was stuck in the net of a local fishing trawler that had joined the search along with other local fishers and Navy vessels. It was found seven and a half miles away from Daweis Myinkhwa Bay.

Military ships used sonar to confirm that there was debris underwater, some of it 35 meters below.

It turned out to be a piece of the tail from the Y-8-200F transport plane that went missing after it crashed into the Andaman Sea last week, with Flight No. 5820 emblazoned on it.

Only a plane wheel had been recovered prior, while the fuselage still remains missing.

The Y-8 plane was carrying 122 soldiers, family members and crew on a weekly flight from Tanintharyi Divisions Myeik to commercial capital Yangon. A total of 90 bodies have been recovered, so far.

Burma Army Chief Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing told reporters at a ceremony to accept donations for victims of the tragedy on Sunday at Naypyidaw Command that it is the most serious accident that the military has faced.

I feel deeply sorry about this incident. [Such an accident] never happened in the history of the military. It is a serious loss. I never expected it, never dreamed this could happen. It makes me very sad, he said.

The cause of the crashed plane is still unknown, although the military is cooperating in an investigation with the Chinese manufacturer of the plane.

The search for victims and debris continues.
Burma Three Magwe-based Journalists Charged Under Article 66(d)

Three journalists were charged under Article 66(d) of Myanmars Telecommunications Act.

YANGON  Three reporters based in Magwe Township were charged by a village-tract administrator under Article 66(d) of Myanmars Telecommunications Act.

U Htay Lwin, administrator of Mel Hla Taung village-tract filed a complaint with Magwe Township No. 2 Police Station against U Tin Shwe, editor-in-charge of local media outlet MGY News and Yatha Sone Journal, and reporters Ma Pu Pwint Nay Chi and Ma Zar Za San of the same outlet.

Police Sub-Lt Zaw Min Oo confirmed the complaint: We have contacted [the journalists] to make an investigation, he said.

U Tin Shwe said he wrote a post about brick kilns in a village in Mel Hla Taung village-tract on his Facebook page on May 28, questioning their legality as the Magwe divisional government restricts brick kilns due to environmental concerns.

U Htay Lwin, administrator of Mel Hla Taung village-tract, accused U Tin Shwe of publishing misinformation as he mentioned the wrong village in his Facebook post, according to the police.

He said U Tin Shwe wrongly named the village where brick kilns were found as Myin Kin village, when it in fact was Thinbaw Seik village, damaging the reputation of Myin Kin village.

I heard that I have been charged, but police have not yet informed me. Ma Zar Zar San was charged because she wrote a comment under my post. But, I dont know why Ma Pu Pwint Nay Chi was charged, U Tin Shwe told The Irrawaddy.

Ma Zar Zar San commented under U Tin Shwes post that the violation of the ban on brick kilns was unacceptable.

Since the enactment of the Telecommunications Act in 2013, there have been around 70 cases filed under Article 66(d)seven under the previous government and more than 60 under the new governmentaccording to a local research group led by former prisoner Maung Saung Kha, a poet who jailed under the same charge in 2016.
Burma UN Rights Expert Urges Myanmar to Protect Detained Rohingya Children

Rohingya refugee children a makeshift school at a camp in Coxs Bazar, Bangladesh on April 10, 2017. / Mohammad Ponir Hossain / Reuters

Myanmar should guarantee the rights and medical care of children from the Rohingya Muslim minority detained in an army crackdown launched in October, a UN human rights investigator said on Thursday.

Children as young as 10 were among hundreds of men detained on charges of consorting with Rohingya insurgents, Reuters revealed in March, citing a previously unreleased police document.

Thirteen juveniles were among more than 400 arrested since Oct. 9, when insurgents attacked police posts in northwestern Rakhine State, near the border with Bangladesh, according to the police document, dated March 7.

The insurgent attacks led to the biggest crisis of leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyis first year in power, prompting some 75,000 Rohingya to flee the subsequent army crackdown to Bangladesh.

Speaking at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Yanghee Lee, the organizations special rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar, said children should not be arbitrarily deprived of their liberty and the government should guarantee their right to timely proceedings.

I remind the government that children should be detained strictly as a last resort, for the shortest appropriate period of time, and must be treated with humanity and respect in a manner which takes into account their age, said Lee.

She also urged the government to investigate the death of a child who, according to the government, died because of ill health in February. The government did not report the death until last week, she said.

In April, a deputy executive director of the UN childrens fund (UNICEF), Justin Forsyth, sought the release of the children while on a visit to Myanmar.

The United Nations, in report based on interviews with Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, said Myanmars security forces had committed mass killings and gang rapes against Rohingya during their campaign, which could amount to crimes against humanity.

The military has denied the accusations, saying it was engaged in a legitimate counterinsurgency operation.

Myanmars ambassador in Geneva, U Htin Lynn, did not directly address the issue of the detained children, limiting his remarks to say that the Convention of the Rights of the Child applied equally to all children in Myanmar.

Lee also called on Myanmar to fully cooperate with a recently established UN fact-finding mission to investigate the alleged human rights violations by the military.

Suu Kyi has opposed the mission, saying this week it would create greater hostility between the different communities.

On Thursday, ambassador U Htin Lynn echoed her comments:

It will not help solve the problems Myanmar is facing in Rakhine State  We are ready to work with the international community on any advice or arrangements should they constitute part of the solution, not part of the problem.
GMR to pay out land compensation in July

GMR Upper Karnali Hydropower, the developer of the much-awaited Upper Karnali Hydropower Power Project, is planning to start distributing compensation to landowners in July. The 900 MW project is spread over Dailekh, Surkhet and Achham districts in western Nepal.
Editorial The Failed UN Mission in Myanmar

UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Renata Lok-Dessallien at a Yangon press conference in Nov. 2016. / Hein Htet / The Irrawaddy

This week we saw two news headlines related to a failed UN mission in Myanmar.

The first read that Renata Lok-Dessallien, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, would be leaving her post prematurely, before the end of the typical five-year term.

Internal UN documents prepared for the new UN Secretary-General described the Myanmar office as glaringly dysfunctional with strong tensions between different parts of the UN system, BBC News reported earlier this week.

Reliable news sources reported that Lok-Dessallien had been criticized for not doing enough regarding human rights abuses in Myanmar. In fact, this is not the only issue. It is just tip of the iceberg.

The UN in Myanmar is not only dysfunctional. It also faces structural problems and lacks a core strategy or a coherent policy for how to counter the challenges that Myanmar faces.

Yangon-based diplomatic sources also say the chain of command between the UN office in Myanmar and the UN headquarters is unclear.

If the UN cannot fix these existing issues and reposition itself to engage in Myanmar, there is a huge risk that it will become more and more irrelevant in the country, which needs outside assistance. Watching this saga play out, some have said it is time to shake the coconut trees.

The other UN news story was in regards to Daw Aung San Suu Kyis visit to Sweden and her comments that a UN probe into alleged human rights abuses by Myanmars military against the Rohingya people last year would inflame ethnic tensions. The State Counselor said she would only accept recommendations from a separate commission led by former UN chief Kofi Annan.

There has been international pressure to look into abuses in Rakhine State, but why does the UN not also send a fact-finding mission to the areas of conflict in northern Myanmar? To be effective, it must be sensitive to local issues and take them into account.

This is not the first time we have encountered uneasy relations between the UN and Myanmar. The former repressive regimes had many issues with the UN body.

In the past, several UN human rights special rapporteurs and special envoys were appointed to visit Myanmar but later denied visas to enter the country.

Appointed UN special envoys such as Razali Ismail and Ibrahim Gambari faced heavy criticism and media exposure regarding alleged biases and business involvements as they had tried in vain to negotiate between ruling generals and then opposition party leaders led by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. They landed in rough waters.

Special envoy Razali Ismail, for instance, was dogged by controversy stemming from his 30 percent stake in a Malaysian firm that had a contract with the regime to make electronic passports.

He left the job unfinished and Gambari took over.

The former Nigerian diplomat replaced Razali as special envoy but he was no more successful than his predecessor. He was ridiculed for taking part in a government-organized rally and activists and opposition members accused him of accepting lavish gifts from generals  an allegation that could not be confirmed but nonetheless, damaged his credibility early on.

His role as an impartial adviser was called into question by both sides, and Western influence was prevalent at the time. Indeed, the US was more important than the UN, as Washington threw its support behind the opposition, pressuring the regime and calling for the country to open.

The UNs lack of success in the past can be seen in the statements they issued at the time, rife with platitudes such as: It is a source of disappointment that these visits did not yield tangible outcomes.

Similarly criticized was UN special envoy Vijay Nambiar who was appointed under Ban Ki-moon.

Embedded with former President Thein Sein and his peace team, Vijay Nambiar was seen in conferences but left many wondering what his purpose was. What were his mandates? What was the UN mission?

Not surprisingly, Nambiars final departure did not end well.

In December last year, Vijay Nambiar said State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi should listen to her inner voice and ask the people of Myanmar to rise above their ethnic, religious and other differences and to advance human dignity, harmony and mutual cooperation between all communities. This followed well-organized militant attacks on security forces on Oct. 9, 2016.

Nambiar appealed to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to visit Maungdaw and Buthidaung, where the majority of the Rohingya Muslim population lives.

The Myanmar Presidents Office spokesperson fired back, saying his statement ignored what had happened on the ground  the killing of nine policemen and looted ammunition.

The spokesman said that urging a countrys leader to do something was an act of interference. Nambiar left, but diplomatic sources believed that the appointment of Nambiar and his contribution in Myanmar were nearly catastrophic (to put it mildly).

Asking Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to visit the strife-torn area was insensitive and Nambiar showed how out of touch he was despite five years spent going in and out of the country.

Myanmars troubled relations with the UN are ironic considering that the country produced a top UN diplomat in the 1960-70s, when U Thant was the first non-European to serve as UN Secretary-General. He played a part in helping to resolve several international issues including the Cuban missile crisis and the war in the Congo.

Myanmar is going through a critical and fragile political transition. But capable and knowledgeable people with institutional memory are not being appointed to the country.

Myanmar faces not only challenging political issues and crises but also humanitarian crises where the UN has failed. Today, many Myanmar people view the UN as irrelevant and hardly capable of addressing the countrys existing issues.

As the US under President Trump loses its focus on Asia and Myanmar (one of Obamas foreign policy success stories), it is time for the UN to do some soul searching and look to Myanmar with a fresh perspective and new energy, if the political will is there.

There is no question that Myanmar has both potential and challenges, and it is time for the UN to engage with a more comprehensive Myanmar policy.

There are many areas the UN can help with including raising economic, social, cultural and human rights standards, as well as increasing access to health, education and political rights. Furthermore, the UN can engage in issues such as climate change, peace building and sustainable development.

Myanmar could be a UN success story if the organization appointed an effective coordinator  with extensive knowledge of the country; experience dealing with a powerful army, ethnic leaders, government officials and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi; and an understanding of the nuanced and complex situation on the ground.

It is time to shake up the coconut trees.
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By Juan Cole | (Informed Comment) |  

BBC Monitoring translates the remarks of Russian President Vladimir Putin broadcast on Rosiyya 1 TV on Thursday.

He responded to the remarks last week of former FBI director James Comey in his testimony before the senate, deploring Comeys assertion, without offering any proof, of Russian interference in the US election.

Putin misrepresented the allegations against Russia as simply the broadcast of the Kremlins views, saying We have our own opinion and we are expressing it openly. Its not some underground undermining activity, but we are expressing our opinion.

What is being alleged is that Russian government outlets such as RT and Sputnik deliberately spread largely false but damning stories about Hillary Clinton, which were picked up by fellow travelers such as Breitbart and other alt-Neonazi websites and then spread around to millions of unsuspecting voters via Facebook and Twitter, especially in states that might be close. The hacking of the Democratic National Committee emails and those of Clinton campaign director John Podesta was in service of generating these negative stories, and is alleged to have been coordinated with Russian intelligence if it wasnt actually directed by it. There was, in short, a Russian government-directed disinformation campaign that aimed at voter suppression through discouraging Democrats from going to the polls.

It is a complex theory of disinformation cascade and may or may not be true. But it cannot be refuted by simply insisting on Russias right to broadcast the views of the Kremlin.

Putin then tried the typical propaganda trick of changing the subject, charging that the US is constantly doing propaganda abroad and funding non-governmental organizations. He said that in private conversations with world leaders, everyone complained about US interference in their politics.

The idea that the US funds non-governmental organizations to make revolutions is a conspiracy theory. The US AID and other funding agencies like NGOs because of the theory that emerged during and after the 1989 East Bloc revolutions that societies with numerous NGOs are more likely to turn and remain democratic. The local version of the Girl Scouts is not being funded in hopes they will make a coup.

Besides, Putins charge that the US interferes in other peoples elections (which is not untrue) does not address the questions of whether or how Putin interfered in the 2016 American election. Two wrongs dont make a right.

Putin said he found the idea that Comey wrote down his conversations with Trump and then found a way to leak them via a friend to the press very strange. What is the difference between the FBI head and Mr Snowden then? In this case, he is not the special services head, but a rights activist who defends a certain position.

Putin then joked, By the way, if he is persecuted in this relation, we will be ready to give him too political asylum in Russia. He should know this.

Source: Rossiya 1 TV, Moscow, in Russian 0903 gmt 15 Jun 17

It is amusing to think of Comey, an information hardliner who called Ed Snowden a traitor, as himself a whistle blower. He tried to strong arm Apple into unencrypting all our phones, opening us to hackers. In this regard, Putin makes a fair point. But the rest of his remarks on this issue came across as sleazy.

-

Related video added by Juan Cole:

RFE/RL: Putin Compares Comey To Snowden, Offers Asylum
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By Karen J. Greenberg | ( Tomdispatch.com) |  

This is a war against normal life. So said CNN correspondent Clarissa Ward, describing the situation at this moment in Syria, as well as in other parts of the Middle East. It was one of those remarks that should wake you up to the fact that the regions the United States has, since September 2001, played such a role in destabilizing are indeed in crisis, and that this process isnt just taking place at the level of failing states and bombed-out cities, but in the most personal way imaginable. Its devastating for countless individuals  mothers, fathers, wives, husbands, brothers, sisters, friends, lovers  and above all for children.

Wards words caught a reality that grows harsher by the week, and not just in Syria, but in parts of Iraq, Afghanistan, Yemen, Somalia, and Libya, among other places in the Greater Middle East and Africa. Death and destruction stalk whole populations in Syria and other crumbling countries and failed or failing states across the region. In one of those statistics that should stagger the imagination, devastated Syria alone accounts for more than five million of the estimated 21 million refugees worldwide. And sadly, these numbers do not reflect an even harsher reality: you only become a refugee by crossing a border. According to the U.N. Refugee Agency (UNHCR), in 2015 there were another 44 million people uprooted from their homes who were, in essence, exiles in their own lands. Add those numbers together and you have one out of every 113 people on the planet  and those figures, the worst since World War II, may only be growing.

Rawya Rageh, a senior crisis adviser at Amnesty International, added troubling details to Wards storyline, among them that deteriorating conditions in war-torn Syria have made it nearly impossible to find bread, baby formula, or diapers leaving survivors at a loss for words (and just about everything else). Meanwhile, across a vast region, families who survive as families continue to face the daily threat of death, hunger, and loss. They often are forced to live in makeshift refugee camps in what amounts to a perpetual state of grief and fear, while the threat of rape, death by drone or suicide bomber, or by other forms of warfare and terror is for many just a normal part of existence, and parental despair is the definition of everyday life.

Resignation Syndrome

When normal life disintegrates in this way, the most devastating impact falls on the children. The death toll among children in Syria alone reached at least 700 in 2016. For those who survive there and elsewhere, the prospect of homelessness and statelessness looms large. Approximately half of the refugee population consists of young people under the age of 18. For them and for the internally displaced, food is often scarce, especially in a country like Yemen, in the midst of a Saudi-led, American-backed war in which civilians are commonly the targets of airstrikes, cholera is spreading, and a widespread famine is reportedly imminent. In a Yemeni scenario in which 17 million people now are facing severe food insecurity, nearly two million children are already acutely malnourished. That number, like so many others emerging from the disaster that is the twenty-first-century Middle East, is overwhelming, but we shouldnt let it numb us to the simple fact that each and every one of those two million young people is a child like any other child, except that he or she is being deprived of the chance to grow up undamaged.

And for those who do escape, who actually make it to safer countries beyond the immediate war zone, life still remains fragile at best with little expectation of a sustainable future. More than half of the six million school-age children who are refugees, reports the UNHCR, have no schools to attend. Primary schools are scarce for them and only 1% of refugee youth attend college (compared to a global average of 34%). Startling numbers of such refugees are engaged in child labor under terrible working conditions. Worse yet, a significant number of child refugees are traveling alone. According to the United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF), at least 300,000 unaccompanied and separated children were recorded in some 80 countries in 2015-2016 easy prey for traffickers and others who abuse and exploit them.

Such children, mired in poverty and dislocation, are aptly described as growing up in a culture of deprivation and grief. At least since the creation of UNICEF in 1946, an agency initially focused on the needs of the young in the devastated areas of post-World War II Europe, children at risk have posed a challenge to the world. In recent years, however, the traumas experienced by such young people have been rising to levels not seen since that long-gone era.

A heartbreaking story by Rachel Aviv in the New Yorker catches the extremity of both the plight faced by child refugees and possible reactions to it. She reports on a group of them in Sweden, largely from former Soviet and Yugoslav states, whose families had been denied asylum and were facing deportation. A number of them suffered from a modern version of a syndrome once known as voodoo death, in which a child falls into a coma-like trance of severe apathy. Doctors have termed this state resignation syndrome, an illness that is said to exist only in Sweden, and only among refugees. Fearing ouster and threatened with being deprived of the ties they had already formed in that country, they simply turned off, physically as well as emotionally.

While this is certainly not the first time grief has engulfed parts of the world, children have felt the brunt of its woes. By its nature, warfare breeds destruction, dislocation, and grief. But Americas never-ending war on terror, its longest war, has contributed to the instances of trauma suffered globally among children and continues to undermine their chances for recovery.

As psychologists and psychiatrists who specialize in grief have found, it takes time as well as help to absorb and deal with such trauma and the grief for lives lost and worlds destroyed that follows in its wake. Psychiatrist Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, who famously identified the five steps involved in reacting to grief, has underscored the time it takes to recover from such traumatic experiences. Unfortunately, for refugee children and those uprooted in their own lands, there is usually no time for such a recovery, no safe space in which to experience those five steps. Instead, year after year, the trauma, like the wars, simply persists and intensifies.

One thing seems guaranteed: children who suffer long-term trauma are likely to develop physiological and psychological symptoms that persist into adulthood, rendering it hard for them to parent in a healthy and supportive way. And in this fashion, the wounds of the wars of the present will be handed on to the future. In the technical language of the experts, Adverse childhood experiences increase the chance of social risk factors, mental health issues, substance abuse, intimate partner violence, and adult adoption of risky adult behaviors. All of these can affect parenting in a negative way, and so perpetuate a cycle of dysfunction and trouble.

The Living Casualties of This New Age

There are many ways to think about this twinning of trauma and childhood, which is becoming such a signal part of our age. After the era of the concentration camps in Nazi Europe, psychoanalyst Bruno Bettelheim, who had himself spent almost a year in one, studied the effects of trauma on those who survived exposure to extreme deprivation and the constant threat of death. Adults, he concluded, face the possibility of schizophrenia and the destruction of their personality structures, but children, he wrote, faced worse: the destruction of the self before the ego even came into being. Having been exposed to extreme situations, they ended up feeling overwhelmed, powerless, and deprived of hope. Many of them had also been forced to grow up without parents who might have helped them through the trauma. Worse yet, some of those he studied had actually seen their parents  or siblings  killed.

What he learned remains, unfortunately, applicable to children in our moment. Isnt it time to begin paying more attention to the cost of losing so many children to the forces of deprivation, soul-crushing devastation, and the culture of death at both a global and the most personal of levels? Isnt it time for the rest of us to begin to imagine just what millions of damaged children will mean both for our world and for the world they will inherit as adults? Some of them, of course, will rise above the damage done to them in their youth, but many will not and so will lead lives of loneliness, confusion, and pain, and will potentially pose a danger both to themselves and to others.

As Bettelheims work, which almost anticipated Swedens resignation syndrome, suggests, the early years of the twenty-first century are hardly the first age of grief, nor will they likely be the last. They are, however, ours to deal with and their ravages are already evident not just in the Middle East, but in the rest of the world, too. In Europe and the United States, terrorist attacks tied ideologically to the war on (and of) terror and targeted against civilians, continue to undermine the sense of security to which the citizens of such countries were until recently accustomed. Children are not only part of this cycle of death and destruction, but in a recent instance  the suicide bombing in Manchester, England  were its target, as they also have been elsewhere, as in the abduction of hundreds of young girls by Boko Haram in Chibok, Nigeria, in 2014. Meanwhile, teenage boys are being targeted as recruits for ISIS in Syria, Iraq, and elsewhere.

Strikingly, the United States has shown remarkably little concern for the children of the war-torn and violence-ridden areas of the Greater Middle East. Those young people could be thought of as the worst of the collateral damage from the years of invasions, occupations, raids, bombing runs, and drone strikes, including the children or youthful relatives of targeted, designated American enemies like Anwar al-Awlaki.

This lack of concern is strikingly reflected in the anti-refugee policies of the Trump era. Refugee children refused admission to the U.S. and other advanced countries and, forced to live in a state of limbo, are being harmed. Such policies and bans are exactly the opposite of whats needed to heal the world and move forward. Recently, as if to make just that point, an old photograph of a child has been appearing on Twitter over the caption Denied refuge and murdered in Auschwitz: the human cost of refugee bans. As a signal of what to expect from the U.S. in the age of Trump, consider his administrations proposed budget, which calls for a cut of more than $130 million in funding for UNICEF, the signature agency providing relief and services to children in need globally.

The U.S. and its allies may one day defeat ISIS and other terror groups, but if whats left in their wake is only bombed-out, unreconstructed landscapes and millions of uprooted children, what kind of victory will that be? What kind of future will that ensure?

There will be no winning, not truly, if the crisis of grief, the crisis of the children who are the living casualties of this new age, is not addressed sooner rather than later. For every dollar that goes toward a weapon or the immediate struggle against terror outfits, shouldnt another go to the support of those children, to the struggle to stabilize their lives, to provide them with homes, education, and care of the sort that they so desperately need? For every short-term prediction about the possible harm refugees could bring to a country, shouldnt there be some consideration of what the children who are taken care of will want to give their new homelands in return? Shouldnt some thought be given to the world that the rejected or deported young, if left in distress, will someday create?

In Sweden, where the problems of traumatized refugee children have now been studied for more than a decade, the recommendation of psychiatrists and other experts to that countrys policymakers was simple enough: A permanent residency permit is considered by far the most effective treatment.

The loss of childhood, the crippling effects of trauma, the narrative of grief, and the cruel removal of any sense of hope or of a secure future have been seeping into global discourse about children for many years now. Isnt it time to begin to see their global crisis for what it is: one of the major threats to a stable future for the planet?

Karen J. Greenberg, a TomDispatch regular, is the director of the Center on National Security at Fordham Law School. Her latest book is Rogue Justice: The Making of the Security State, out in paperback this May. She is also author of The Least Worst Place: Guantanamos First 100 Days. Rose Sheela and CNS interns Anastasia Bez, Rohini Kurup, and Andrew Reisman contributed research for this article.

Follow TomDispatch on Twitter and join us on Facebook. Check out the newest Dispatch Book, John Dowers The Violent American Century: War and Terror Since World War II, as well as John Feffers dystopian novel Splinterlands, Nick Turses Next Time Theyll Come to Count the Dead, and Tom Engelhardts Shadow Government: Surveillance, Secret Wars, and a Global Security State in a Single-Superpower World.

Copyright 2017 Karen J. Greenberg

Via Tomdispatch.com
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By Michael Brune | ( Otherwords.org ) |  

The White House may have accidentally sparked a revolution in efforts to address climate change.

If it makes you mad that President Trump announced that hell withdraw the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement, good. If that makes you outraged and disgusted, even better.

We have good reason. Even for a president whose administration has quickly earned a reputation for reckless and morally bankrupt policies, this appalling decision stands out, and the reaction both here and abroad has been withering.

For the rest of the planet, the message is clear: Donald Trump has zero interest in being the leader of the free world, much less in international cooperation to solve global problems. In the dark and self-destructive world view of Steve Bannon and Donald Trump, the U.S. has no allies  only competitors. We dont win unless other nations lose.

For those of us who do care about our planets future, what happened on June 1 should be a movement-defining moment. Hold tight to your anger and dont fall to your fears is how Bruce Springsteen put it in his song Wrecking Ball. Trumps action is unforgivable, but it should only make us more determined to protect our future.

The most important thing to remember is that although Trump can try to slow climate progress in the U.S., hes powerless to stop it.

Its true that the anti-environmental ambitions of his administration have exceeded almost everyones worst expectations. Equally extraordinary, though, is the administrations astounding refusal to accept reality  and I dont just mean the reality of climate change. I mean the reality of 21st century America.

Every day, more U.S. cities, states, and corporations are committing to reducing carbon emissions and adopting clean, renewable energy.

Just before Trumps announcement, three additional coal plants came offline, including the two biggest ones remaining in New Jersey. The next day, more retirements were announced in Missouri, along with a massive investment in new locally sourced wind power. This announcement was followed by the largest purchase of electric school buses in history, in Southern California.

Want more?

More than 200 mayors have adopted the Paris agreement since Trumps announcement. And just hours after Trump claimed he represents Pittsburgh, not Paris in his address on withdrawing from the Paris deal, Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto announced his support for a goal of powering Pittsburgh entirely with clean and renewable energy by 2035.

And hes not alone. The city of Portland, Oregon just officially committed to transitioning to 100 percent clean, renewable energy. Dozens of other cities have committed to going 100 percent clean, and more than 60 U.S. mayors have pledged their support for a community-wide clean-energy transition.

Trumps withdrawal also provoked a response from corporate America, which correctly sees climate disruption as a serious economic threat. More than 1,200 businesses, colleges, and others joined a We Are Still In agreement regarding the Paris accord.

Meanwhile, former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced a $15 million contribution to help fund the operations budget of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, which coordinates the Paris pact.

So, yes, progress on achieving our emissions reduction goals will continue. In fact, progress may actually be faster as a result of Trumps decision  because we all just got a big bucket of ice water dumped over our heads.

Michael Brune is the executive director of the Sierra Club. Distributed by OtherWords.org.

Via Otherwords.org



Related video added by Juan Cole:

CGTN America: New study reveals details of climate change in China
Ottawa, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - June 16, 2017) - Carube Copper Corp. (TSXV: CUC) is pleased to report the appointment of two new directors at its Annual General and Special Meeting ("AGM") held in Carp, Ontario, on June 16, 2017.

Tony Manini is a geologist with over 30 years of diverse experience in the resource industry. His background covers a wide range of commodities in more than 20 countries and includes technical, commercial, senior management and executive roles in exploration, project evaluation, business development, strategy and operations with Rio Tinto, Oxiana - OZ Minerals, Tigers Realm Group and EMR Capital.

Tony is a founder and CEO of private incubator company, Tigers Realm Group and a co-founder of resource private equity firm, EMR Capital. Tigers Realm Group has listed three highly successful exploration companies, each of which has made a major discovery and is in studies and/or development stage (Tigers Realm Coal - ASX; Nexgen Energy - TSX and Asiamet Resources - AIM). He is currently Executive Chairman of Asiamet Resources Limited and an Executive Director of EMR Capital.

He has been closely involved in the discovery and development of the Sepon copper and gold mines in Laos, the early stage acquisition and development of the Prominent Hill IOCG copper-gold mine in South Australia, brownfields discoveries in the Golden Grove VHMS district in Western Australia and the discovery of the Okvau IRG gold district in Cambodia.

Yale Simpson is the Co-Chairman of Exeter Resource Corporation which has agreed to be acquired by Goldcorp in a transaction valued at approximately $247 million. He is a professional geologist with a Bachelor of Applied Science (Geological Engineering) from the University of British Columbia. Yale has more than 30 years' experience as a senior geologist, exploration manager and CEO of companies involved in precious metals projects in Australia, Africa, Eastern Europe and South America. Those companies include Pennzoil Company, Chevron Exploration, Australmin Holdings, Argosy Gold Mines and Black Swan Gold Mines Ltd. He was Co-chairman of Extorre Gold Mines Ltd., a successful spinout from Exeter, which was bought by Yamana Gold Ltd. in 2012. His particular expertise is in strategic resource planning, financing and corporate communications. Yale is currently a director of Rugby Mining Limited, and Chairman of Adamera Minerals Corp.

Results of Voting

More than 52% of the record date outstanding shares of the Company were represented at the meeting by proxy or in person. All of the matters submitted to the shareholders for approval set forth in the Company's Notice of Meeting and Information Circular dated May 1, 2017, were approved by more than 95% of votes cast; including the re-election of Alar Soever, Vern Rampton, Marz Kord, Jeffrey Ackert, Greg LeBlanc, and Mark Pfau as directors.

The appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as auditors was confirmed unanimously.

The Stock Option Plan and the RSU/DSU Plan and the reservation for issuance of the maximum number of shares permitted under the plans were approved by 95% of the disinterested shareholders.

The officers of the company remain:

Mr. Alar Soever, P. Geol. Chairman of the Board, Independent Director

Mr. Jeffrey Ackert, B.Sc. (Geology) President and Chief Executive Officer, Director

Dr. Vern Rampton, Ph.D, P. Eng Executive Vice President of Corporate Development, Director

Mr. John McNeice, C.A., CPA. Chief Financial Officer

Mr. Chris Irwin, B.A., LL.B. Corporate Secretary and Counsel

Mr. Darrell Munro, BB.A, LL.B Corporate Administrator

Additional Corporate Information

In other corporate news, the company announced the award of 329,565 Restricted Share Units @ $0.115 per Unit to certain officers and consultants along with 250,000 common share purchase options @ $0.10 per share to each of Messrs. Manini and Simpson, valid until May 15, 2022. The company will also pay off certain indebtedness by issuing common shares at a deemed price of $0.115 per share in lieu of cash to Wallbridge Mining Company in the amount of $250,000 (2,173,913 shares) and Irwin Professional Corp in the amount of $50,000 (434,783 shares) thus enabling the company to immediately apply more resources to its aggressive drill programs in Jamaica. The settlements are subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange and upon issuance, the shares will be subject to a four month hold period.

Wholly Owned Projects

Carube is focused on the exploration and development of copper and gold projects in Jamaica and Canada. In Jamaica, Carube Copper holds a 100% interest in 11 licenses, totalling 535 square kilometres. In Canada, it holds a 100% interest in three porphyry copper-gold-molybdenum properties, totalling 492 square kilometres within the Tertiary-aged Cascade Magmatic Arc in southwestern British Columbia. Carube is currently drilling on its Bellas Gate Project in Jamaica where it intersected over 300m of copper and gold mineralization in the summer of 2016.
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - June 15, 2017) - Desert Star Resources Ltd. (TSX VENTURE:DSR) ("Desert Star" or the "Company") is pleased to announce it has signed a definitive agreement dated June 15, 2017 (the "Agreement") with Capstone Mining Corp. ("Capstone") to acquire 100% of the Kutcho high grade copper-zinc-gold-silver project ("Kutcho").

The consideration for the acquisition of Capstone's wholly-owned subsidiary Kutcho Copper Corp. (the "Acquisition"), which owns Kutcho includes C$28.8 million in cash plus such number of common shares in Desert Star, such that, subsequent to the completion of the Acquisition and any concurrent financing, Capstone will own 9.9% of the issued and outstanding shares of Desert Star.

Desert Star also announces the results of an updated Prefeasibility Study ("2017 PFS") prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 for the Kutcho project. The base case estimate of this study generates an after-tax net present value (NPV) at an 8% discount rate of C$265 million and an internal rate of return (IRR) of 27.6% using metal prices of US$2.75/lb copper, US$1.10/lb zinc, US$17.00/oz silver and US$1,250/oz gold and a currency exchange rate of 0.75 USD/CAD.

In connection with the completion of the Acquisition, the Company proposes to significantly strengthen its management team and board members with a number of new appointments including Mr. Stephen Quin, President & CEO of Midas Gold Corp. and former CEO of Sherwood Copper Corp., Mr. Bill Bennett, former BC Mines Minister and Allison Rippin Armstrong, former VP of Sustainability for Kaminak Gold Corp. Additional proposed appointments and complete bios are described further below.

"The acquisition of the Kutcho project represents a transformational growth opportunity for the company and its shareholders," stated Vince Sorace, President & CEO of Desert Star Resources. "We believe Kutcho is an exceptional opportunity, with significant near-term upside potential in both the project economics and expansion of the existing mineral reserves and resources. Desert Star is guided by an experienced board, management and technical team with experience in project development, permitting and finance, all committed to working closely with First Nations, local communities and all levels of Government. We look forward to advancing Kutcho to a fully permitted status with strong First Nations, community and regulator support."

Project Overview

The Kutcho project is located in northern British Columbia, approximately 100 kilometres east of Dease Lake and Highway 37, and consists of one mining lease and 46 mineral exploration claims encompassing 17,060 Hectares.

Mineralization at Kutcho comprises three known "Kuroko-type" volcanic massive sulfide ("VMS") deposits aligned in a westerly plunging linear trend. The largest deposit, Main, comes to surface at the east end of the trend, with Sumac followed by Esso down plunge to the west.

Over C$50 million of historical project expenditures that provided the basis for the 2017 updated PFS. Desert Star's study includes parameter changes consistent with current market conditions, such as capital expenditures, operating costs, metal prices and foreign exchange rate.

2017 PFS Highlights

Pre-tax NPV (8% discount rate) of C$423 million and IRR of 34.6%

After-tax NPV (8% discount rate) of C$265 million and IRR of 27.6%

Life of mine ("LOM") net pre-tax cash flow C$801 million and LOM free cash flow (after-tax) C$533 million

12 year mine life with 2,500 tonne per day production rate for a total life-of-mine payable production of 378 million pounds of copper and 473 million pounds of zinc, plus by-product gold and silver

Average annual production of 33 million pounds of copper and 46 million pounds of zinc, plus by-product gold and silver

Initial capital costs, including 15% contingency, for a 100% owner-operated mine are estimated at C$220.7 million excluding sunk capital to the start of construction

Operating costs of C$73.72/tonne of material milled

Unit operating costs of US$1.60/lb copper excluding by-products, and US$0.59/lb copper net of by-products

Pre-tax payback of 3.3 years and post-tax payback of 3.5 years

Probable Mineral Reserve(1) at a 1.5% copper cut-off grade of 10.4 million tonnes averaging 2.01% copper, 3.19% zinc, 0.37 g/t gold and 34.61 g/t silver. A 1.5% Cu cut-off grade was used for mineral reserve estimation and is based on the 2011 mine plan.

Proposed Work Program

Desert Star has developed plans to advance the Kutcho project from the 2017 PFS to a fully permitted project with a feasibility study completed by the end of 2019. This work includes additional geotechnical work on the deposits, a drilling program to collect metallurgical samples and upgrade a portion of the inferred mineral resources to the measured and/or indicated categories so they could potentially be included in future studies, additional metallurgical test work to optimize metallurgical parameters, and environmental baseline studies.

Potential Exploration Upside

Significant exploration upside has been identified through historic work including several priority drill ready targets prospective for the discovery of new deposits including:

mineralized drill intersections along strike and down plunge to the west from the Esso deposit (one of three VMS deposits comprising the Kutcho project) including 7.2 metres @ 1.96% copper, 5.24% zinc, and 18.0 g/t silver in DDH 94-B3;

the FW Zone, a relatively narrow sulphide lens (2 to 5 metres thick) that lies beneath the Main Zone and currently has an historic estimate* - prepared as an internal document for Esso in 1979, of 230,000 tonnes averaging 1.47% copper, 5.52% zinc, 0.4 g/t gold and 43.7 g/t silver.

In addition, there is favourable untested stratigraphy east of the Main Zone, and on the southern portion of the property where the Kutcho time equivalent sulphide horizon is fold repeated.

*A Qualified Person has not completed sufficient work to classify the historic estimate tabulated above as current mineral resources and the issuer is not treating the above mineral estimates as current mineral resources. The historic estimate is uncategorized and does not use the categories ("inferred", "indicated" or "measured" mineral resource, or "probable" or "proven" mineral reserve) set out in Sections 1.2 and 1.3 of NI 43-101 as defined by the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum, are not compliant with the NI 43-101. The historical estimate is relevant to obtain a reference to mineral potential present on the property. The Company has not undertaken any verification of the historical data upon which the historical estimates are based on.

Advisors

The company has engaged the following advisors:

Fort Capital as its financial advisor in connection with the Acquisition

Macquarie Capital Markets Canada Ltd. as its financial advisor and lead agent with regard to any acquisition financing

C3 Alliance Corp as a strategic advisor on Community and First Nations engagement, project permitting and government relations

JDS Energy & Mining Inc. as its lead technical consultant

Farris, Vaughan, Wills & Murphy LLP as its legal advisor

2017 PFS Assumptions & Economic Results

A detailed analysis and update of capital expenditures and operating costs was conducted and compared to a previous Preliminary Feasibility Study for Kutcho prepared for Capstone in February, 2011 by JDS Energy & Mining Inc. entitled "Kutcho Copper Project Prefeasibility Study British Columbia" (the "2011 PFS"). The economic results of the 2017 PFS are summarized in Table 1 with parameters provided in Table 2 and all-in cash costs are shown in Table 3.

Table 1: Economic Summary (Base Case Scenario) Item Unit Value LOM Net Operating Income C$M 1,088 LOM Net Pre-tax Cash Flow C$M 801 Average Annual Pre-tax Cash Flow C$M 86 LOM Income Taxes C$M 267 LOM Free Cash Flow (after-tax) C$M 533 Average Annual Free Cash Flow C$M 63 Pre-tax NPV (8% discount rate) C$M 423 Pre-tax IRR % 34.6 Pre-tax Payback Years 3.3 After-tax NPV (8% discount rate) C$M 265 After-tax IRR % 27.6 After-tax Payback Years 3.5

Table 2: Operating and Capital Costs Parameters Parameter Unit 2011 PFS 2017 PFS UG Mining OPEX C$/t mined 27.37 41.89 OP Mining OPEX C$/t mined 1.84 1.93 Processing C$/t milled 18.44 20.79 Equipment Leasing C$/t milled 4.21 1.66 G&A C$/t milled 10.37 10.86 Total Operating Cost C$/t milled 63.23 73.72 Initial Capital (incl. contingency) C$M 187.4 220.7 Sustaining & Closure Capital (incl. cont.) C$M 26.1 67.1 Total Capital Cost C$M 213.5 287.8

Table 3: All-in Cash Costs (Base Case Scenario) Description Unit Life of mine total C$/lbs Copper UG Mining (incl. equipment leases) C$M 419 1.11 OP Mining C$M 3 0.01 Processing C$M 217 0.57 Equipment Leasing (power plant) C$M 17 0.04 G&A C$M 113 0.30 Refining & Transport C$M 193 0.51 Royalties C$M 38 0.10 Sustaining & Closure Capital C$M 67 0.18 Total C$M 1,067 2.82 All-in Cash + Sustaining Cost (net of by-product) 0.97 US$0.72

Economic Sensitivities

The 2017 PFS contemplates several sensitivity scenarios that demonstrate Kutcho's robust economic nature under a variety of scenarios, which are summarized in Table 4.

Table 4: Commodity Price Sensitivity - Scenario Summary Case Cu

(US$/lb) Zn

(US$/lb) Au

(US$/oz) Ag

(US$/oz)

Forex

(US$:C$) After-tax

NPV-8%

(C$M) After-tax

IRR

(%) After-tax

Payback

(years) A 2.50 1.00 1,125 15.30 0.725 211 24 3.9 B (Base Case) 2.75 1.10 1,250 17.00 0.750 265 28 3.5 C 3.00 1.20 1,375 18.70 0.775 316 31 3.3

The 2017 PFS was conducted under the overall supervision of Gord Doerksen, P.Eng. of JDS Energy & Mining Inc. Mr. Doerksen is the VP Engineering at JDS and an independent qualified person under National Instrument 43-101 who has verified and approved the technical and scientific information related to the 2017 PFS and the 2011 PFS, and prepared the economic analysis included in this news release.

Mineral Reserves & Mineral Resources

Measured and Indicated Mineral Resource (including Reserves) at 1.5% copper cut-off grade is 11.3 million tonnes averaging 2.19% copper, 3.28% zinc, 0.39 g/t gold and 36.7 g/t silver.

The portion of this Mineral Resource that converted to Probable Mineral Reserve(1) is 10.4 million tonnes averaging 2.01% copper, 3.19% zinc, 0.37 g/t gold and 34.61 g/t silver;

Table 5: Mineral Reserves & Mineral Resources (at 1.5% Cu Cut-off Grade) Classification Tonnes ('000) Grade Contained Metal Cu

(%) Zn

(%) Au

(g/t) Ag

(g/t) CuEq(2)

(%) Cu

(Mlbs) Zn

(Mlbs) Au

(Moz) Ag

(Moz) Probable Reserve(1) 10,441 2.01 3.19 0.37 34.61 2.92 463 734 0.10 11.60 Mineral Resources Measured (M) 5,421 2.15 2.86 0.34 31.4 2.92 256.6 341.8 0.06 5.46 Indicated (I) 5,859 2.24 3.67 0.45 41.6 3.31 289.2 473.5 0.08 7.83 M&I Resource 11,280 2.19 3.28 0.39 36.7 3.11 545 816 0.10 13.30 Inferred Resource(3) 1,090 1.74 2.04 0.35 30.7 2.32 42 49 0.00 1.10

(1) A Probable Mineral Reserve is the economically mineable part of an Indicated Mineral Resource, and in some circumstances a Measured Mineral Resource, demonstrated by at least a Preliminary Feasibility Study. This study must include adequate information on mining, processing, metallurgical, economic and other relevant factors that demonstrate, at the time of reporting, that economic extraction can be justified. (2) Copper equivalencies are based on commodity prices of $2.75/lb Cu, $1.10/lb Zn, $17.00/oz Ag and $1,250/oz Au and recoveries of 84.7% Cu, 75.7% Zn, 48.0% Ag, 41.2% Au. Actual economic parameters, including recoveries, are subject to change as additional test work and studies are completed. (3) The economic analysis contained in the 2017 PFS does not include inferred resources.

Cut-off Grade Sensitivities

As part of the 2017 PFS update, a new calculation for the cut-off value was conducted that returned a mill-head NSR (including recoveries) cut-off value of $74/t excluding royalties and sustaining capital. This converts to a 0.8% copper cut-off, including by-product credits. Tables 6-9 demonstrate the sensitivity to cut-off grade for the Measured, Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resources of the Main, Esso and Sumac deposits.

Table 6: Main Measured & Indicated Resources(4) by COG Cut-off Grade (%Cu) Tonnage

(Kt) Grade Cu

(%) Zn

(%) Au

(g/t) Ag

(g/t) 0.50 16,476 1.69% 2.27% 0.31 27.30 0.75 15,803 1.74% 2.32% 0.31 27.81 1.00 14,472 1.81% 2.42% 0.32 27.65 1.25 12,340 1.93% 2.55% 0.33 28.89 1.50 9,464 2.10% 2.72% 0.34 31.32 1.75 6,817 2.29% 2.89% 0.36 32.84 2.00 4,430 2.51% 3.03% 0.38 34.78

Table 7: Main Inferred Resources(4) by COG Cut-off Grade (%Cu) Tonnage

(Kt) Grade Cu

(%) Zn

(%) Au

(g/t) Ag

(g/t) 0.50 1,234 1.38% 2.22% 0.38 28.82 0.75 1,198 1.40% 2.24% 0.38 29.20 1.00 1,019 1.49% 2.36% 0.39 30.20 1.25 664 1.69% 2.60% 0.42 31.42 1.50 464 1.84% 2.83% 0.43 31.55 1.75 260 2.02% 2.94% 0.42 32.00 2.00 94 2.32% 2.98% 0.40 31.67

Table 8: Esso Measured & Indicated Resources(4) by COG Cut-off Grade (%Cu) Tonnage

(Kt) Grade(1) Cu

(%) Zn

(%) Au

(g/t) Ag

(g/t) 0.50 2,823 2.10% 5.07% 0.54 51.99 0.75 2,604 2.22% 5.35% 0.57 55.02 1.00 2,381 2.35% 5.63% 0.60 57.98 1.25 2,081 2.52% 5.91% 0.63 61.61 1.50 1,816 2.69% 6.18% 0.66 64.78 1.75 1,556 2.87% 6.42% 0.70 68.12 2.00 1,329 3.04% 6.70% 0.72 71.36

Table 9: Sumac Inferred Resources(4) by COG Cut-off Grade (%Cu) Tonnage

(Kt) Grade(1) Cu

(%) Zn

(%) Au

(g/t) Ag

(g/t) 0.50 8,734 1.00% 1.32% 0.16 15.96 0.75 6,610 1.12% 1.38% 0.18 18.27 1.00 4,042 1.27% 1.42% 0.21 22.30 1.25 1,785 1.46% 1.57% 0.26 26.55 1.50 656 1.67% 1.46% 0.29 30.12 1.75 140 1.93% 1.45% 0.36 35.56 2.00 33 2.19% 1.90% 0.41 48.18

(4) Mineral Resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.

Acquisition Agreement Summary

Desert Star to acquire 100% interest in Capstone's wholly-owned subsidiary Kutcho Copper Corp. which holds 100% interest in the Kutcho project

Desert Star to pay Capstone C$28.8 million cash upon closing

Capstone to become 9.9% shareholder of Desert Star at the completion of the Acquisition

The shares issued to Capstone, will be restricted from sale for a period of two years from the date of issuance. Upon termination of the pooling restrictions, Capstone must give the Company written notice of its intention to sell any of the Purchased Shares, and Desert Star will have a 10-day right to designate the purchaser of such shares.

For so long as Capstone holds at least 5% of the issued and outstanding shares of the Company, Capstone will retain the right to: Appoint one director to Desert Star's board; and Participate in any subsequent security offerings on a pro-rata basis in proportion to Capstone's beneficial ownership interest in the Company's outstanding shares immediately prior to such offering

If the closing of the Acquisition has not occurred on or before August 31, 2017, either Capstone or the Company may elect to terminate the Agreement

Management and Board Appointments

In addition to the existing management, technical team and advisory board members, Desert Star will be strengthening management and boards with the following appointments:

Allison Rippin Armstrong - Community & Environment

Ms. Allison Rippin Armstrong has 20 years of experience working in permitting, regulatory processes and environmental compliance for resource companies, Indigenous organizations and NGOs. Most recently, Ms. Rippin Armstrong served as the Vice President, Sustainability for Kaminak Gold Corporation, which was acquired by Goldcorp Inc. in 2016 for $520 million. Ms. Rippin Armstrong's experience includes roles in environment, lands and permitting for the Ekati Diamond Mine, Dene Nation and numerous resource proponent companies for projects in the NWT, Nunavut, Saskatchewan, Alberta and Ontario. Ms. Rippin Armstrong has also participated as an industry representative in the development of draft regulations with the federal government.

Stephen Quin - Director

Stephen Quin was appointed president, chief executive officer and a director of Midas Gold, Inc. effective January 1, 2011 and guided the Company through the completion of the acquisition of the Yellow Pine deposit, which forms a core asset in the Stibnite Gold Project, the creation of Midas Gold Corp. and its combination with Midas Gold, Inc. in April 2011, the 2011 TSX listing of Midas Gold Corp., and subsequent advancement of the Stibnite Gold Project and fundraising to support the work thereon.

Prior to joining Midas Gold, Mr. Quin served as president and chief operating officer of Capstone Mining Corp. ("Capstone"), a mid-tier copper producer with mines in Canada and Mexico and, before that, as president and chief executive officer of Sherwood Copper Corporation ("Sherwood"), which was amalgamated into Capstone in November 2008. As president and CEO of Sherwood, Mr. Quin led that company through the exploration, feasibility, permitting, mine financing and construction of the Minto Mine and subsequent operations, resource increases and production expansions. Mr. Quin also led Sherwood's acquisition of Western Keltic Mines, Inc., the then owner of the Kutcho project, and Sherwood's subsequent evaluation of the Kutcho project that led to the completion of the 2011 PFS. Prior to joining Sherwood, Mr. Quin was Executive VP at Miramar Mining Corporation, where he was responsible for exploration, business development and investor relations for 18 years, and notable milestones included the acquisition of the Con gold mine in NWT, the acquisition and exploration of the Hope Bay gold project in Nunavut and the creation of Northern Orion Exploration and its acquisition and advancement of the Agua Rica copper-gold-molybdenum porphyry copper project and the San Jorge copper project, both in Argentina.

Bill Bennett - Director

Bill Bennett was a government MLA in British Columbia for 16 years in the Riding of Kootenay East. In addition to holding portfolios for Local Government and Tourism, Mr. Bennett was named BC Mines Minister 3 separate times over his 16 years, and is known across Canada for his knowledge of the mining industry in BC, and has significant experience with all natural resources issues and with First Nations issues. He led the BC government's efforts over many years to restore BC's competitiveness for exploration investment, including having improved the BC Ministry of Energy & Mines permitting process and helping to launch BC's First Nations mine revenue sharing program. Mr. Bennett has a BA from the University of Guelph and a law degree from Queens University.

Jay Sujir - Director

Mr. Sujir is an independent business advisor to the mining industry, and a lawyer and Partner in Farris, Vaughan, Wills & Murphy LLP's Mining and Securities groups. He has over 30 years of experience acting for mining and other natural resource companies and is a member of the British Columbia Advisory Committee of the TSX Venture Exchange. Mr. Sujir has served as, and is currently a Director of several junior exploration and mining companies, including Leagold Mining, Red Eagle Mining and Excelsior Mining Corp.

Brad Mercer - Director

Mr. Mercer is a geoscientist with over 33 years of experience managing mineral exploration programs and feasibility evaluations of mineral properties focused in the Americas and is currently Senior Vice President, Exploration at Capstone Mining Corp. Mr. Mercer leads the exploration team at Capstone, credited with discovering nine copper-gold deposits in six years at the Minto Mine, Yukon, and is currently continuing success at the Cozamin Mine in Mexico. In addition to successes at the Minto and Cozamin mines, Mr. Mercer lead teams credited with the discovery of the Moly Brook molybdenum deposit and the Unknown Brook gold deposit, both located in Newfoundland, Canada. It is anticipated that Mr. Mercer will serve as Capstone's appointee to the board of Desert Star.

Peter Meredith - Technical Advisory Board

Mr. Meredith served as the Chief Financial Officer of Ivanhoe Mines Ltd. (now Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd.) from June, 1999 to November, 2001 and from May, 2004 to May, 2006, and as Deputy Chairman from May, 2006 to April, 2012. He also served as the Chief Executive Officer of SouthGobi Resources Ltd. from June, 2007 to October, 2009. During his tenure with the Ivanhoe Group of Companies ("Ivanhoe") he participated in raising more than US$4 Billion to advance the business interests of various companies within the group. Prior to joining Ivanhoe, Mr. Meredith spent 35 years with the accounting firm Deloitte & Touche LLP where he was a Senior Partner. He has extensive experience in regulatory compliance and corporate finance, with an emphasis on public resource companies and is a member of the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants. He has served on the Board of Directors of many companies, including but not limited to, Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd., Great Canadian Gaming Corp., China Gold International Resources Corp Ltd., SouthGobi Resources Ltd., Ivanhoe Energy Inc., Entree Gold Inc., Ivanhoe Australia Ltd., Asia Gold Corp., Besra Gold Inc. (formerly Olympus Pacific Minerals Inc.) and Jinshan Gold Mines Inc.

Additional Items

Completion of the Acquisition is expected during Q3 2017 and is subject to a number of conditions precedent, including, without limitation, the receipt of all regulatory approvals, including the acceptance of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange"). As this is an arm's length transaction and will be treated as a "Fundamental Acquisition" pursuant to the policies of the Exchange, the Company is not required to seek approval from its shareholders.

In connection with the closing of the Acquisition, all of the 2,500,000 share purchase warrants issued in connection with the closing of the Company's private placement of units announced on May 1, 2017, will automatically terminate in accordance with their terms.

Trading in the common shares of the Company has been halted in accordance with the policies of the Exchange and will remain halted until such time as all required documentation has been filed with and accepted by the Exchange and permission to resume trading has been obtained from the Exchange.

Qualified Person

Gord Doerksen, P.Eng., a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, has read and approved all technical and scientific information contained in this news release. Mr. Doerksen is Vice President Technical Services for JDS Mining and the lead Author of the 2017 PFS.

Rory Kutluoglu, B.Sc. P.Geo., a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, has read and approved all technical and scientific information contained in this news release. Mr. Kutluoglu is the Company's Vice President Exploration.

The QPs verify that sufficient data verification was conducted for the 2017 PFS and that this data is adequately representative of the project.
Vancouver, British Columbia (FSCwire) - FIORE EXPLORATION LTD. (TSXV: F.V) (OTCQB:FIORF) ("Fiore") Fiore and GRP Minerals Corp (GRP) are pleased to announce that they have entered into a Letter of Intent (LOI) to combine their respective businesses to create a new Nevada based, gold production and development company (the Transaction). The combined company, to be renamed Fiore Gold Ltd. (Fiore Gold), will be anchored by the fully permitted and producing Pan Mine, and will be mandated to pursue growth opportunities to create a new Nevada-focused mid-tier gold producer. All figures are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise noted.

Highlights of Fiore Gold

Controls 78.4 square miles of highly prospective ground on the Battle Mountain-Eureka Trend including: The Pan Mine which hosts an NI 43-101 Measured & Indicated oxide heap-leach resource of 434,000 ounces of gold (30.0 million tons grading 0.014 opt). After project rehabilitation, trial mining and ROM leaching, Pan ramped up to >10,000 tpd in May 2017. Gold production from January through May 2017 totalled 4,300 ounces Fiore Gold anticipates that the production profile of Pan holds significant expansion potential with development drilling and incremental capital expenditures; The Gold Rock project, located 8 miles to the south-east of Pan and hosts a historic NI 43-101 resource of 343,000 ounces of Measured & Indicated (19.9 million tons at a grade of 0.017 opt) and a further 409,000 ounces categorized as Inferred (33.6 million tons at a grade of 0.012 opt); The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Gold Rock project is expected to be approved in early Q4/2017;

Both the Pan Mine and Gold Rock project are located within the highly prospective Battle Mountain-Eureka trend in Nevada, and each possesses significant exploration potential;

The Golden Eagle project in Washington State hosts a historic NI 43-101 resource of 1.92 million gold ounces of Measured & Indicated (43.0 million tons at a grade of 0.045 opt) and a further 284,000 ounces categorized as Inferred (11.6 million tons at a grade of 0.025 opt);

The drill-ready Cerro Tostado and Pampas El Penon gold and silver exploration projects in Chile;

Highly-experienced board and management team with proven record of success and extensive access to technical, operational and capital markets support;

Positioned for growth and mandated to pursue further consolidation opportunities in the United States.

Tim Warman, CEO of Fiore, stated The acquisition of GRP and its portfolio of assets in the Western US is a milestone development for both companies that will immediately position Fiore Gold as a leading growth-focused US based gold producer. We are excited with the potential at Pan and Gold Rock and we look forward to working with the existing GRP team to pursue this extraordinary opportunity.

Transaction Summary

The LOI sets out the indicative terms upon which Fiore will acquire GRP. It is anticipated that the Transaction will be completed by way of plan of arrangement. The exact form and structure of the Transaction will be determined following advice from Fiore and GRPs respective legal and tax advisors and may include a structure whereby GRP acquires Fiore.

The Transaction is conditional upon Fiore completing an equity financing for minimum gross proceeds of $17 million (the Concurrent Financing). The Company has retained a syndicate of agents, co-led by GMP Securities L.P. and Eventus Capital Corp. and including Haywood Securities Inc. for this Concurrent Financing to conduct a best efforts private placement of subscription receipts (the Subscription Receipts) at a price of $0.305 per Subscription Receipt. The net proceeds will be used for expansion of the Pan Mine leach pads, drilling at both Pan and Gold Rock, general corporate expenses, working capital and production expansion. Proceeds from the Concurrent Financing will be placed in escrow pending completion of the Transaction and satisfaction of the escrow release conditions.

Following completion of the Transaction, but excluding the Concurrent Financing, it is expected that Fiore shareholders will own approximately one third of Fiore Gold, with GRP shareholders owning two thirds of Fiore Gold. Based upon these parameters and a proposed financing price of $0.305 per Fiore share, an aggregate of 98,129,565 (undiluted) shares of the combined issuer will be outstanding, with GRP shareholders receiving shares of the combined issuer on a one for one basis and Fiore shareholders receiving .265 of a share for each Fiore share held.

Upon signing of the definitive agreement (the Definitive Agreement), Fiore will also advance $6 million to GRP by way of secured loan.

The Transaction is also subject to finalization of the transaction structure, completion of the Definitive Agreement, and completion of confirmatory legal due diligence. Following completion of the Definitive Agreement, the Transaction will remain subject to any necessary court, shareholder, stock exchange, and regulatory approvals. Trading in the common shares of the Company has been halted in accordance with the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange (the Exchange) and will remain halted until such time as all required documentation has been filed with and accepted by the Exchange and permission to resume trading has been obtained from the Exchange. It is anticipated that Fiore and GRP will enter into the binding Definitive Agreement on or about June 23rd 2017.

Pan Mine

GRPs primary asset is the fully permitted and operating Pan Mine, located on the Battle Mountain-Eureka trend in Nevada, where over 100 million ounces of gold have been produced historically. The Pan Mine consists of a fully operational leach facility with permitting, and infrastructure in place to support a 70,000 ounce per year gold operation.

Significant progress by GRP over the past year has resulted in an improved understanding of the deposit, enhanced grade control practices, and an optimized mine plan. In addition, GRP has completed over 45,000 feet of new resource drilling, established rigorous grade control protocols and stabilized the leach pads to designed infiltration rates; all culminating in the successful mine restart in March 2017.

Over US$200 million has been spent on exploration and the development of the Pan Mine to date, including the completion of 127 drill holes for 45,665 feet by GRP in 2016.

A Feasibility Study level Technical Report is currently being completed by SRK Consulting (U.S.), Inc., entitled NI 43-101 Updated Technical Report, Pan Gold Project, White Pine County, Nevada. The updated Technical Report will confirm an estimate of resources at the Pan Mine of 434,000 ounces of gold in the Measured and Indicated categories and 72,000 ounces of gold in the Inferred category and is also expected to contain a yet to be finalized estimate of ore reserves. Details of the foregoing minieral resource estimate are as follows:

Mineral Resource Statement for the Pan Gold Deposit, White Pine County, Nevada, USA. February 10, 2017 - SRK Consulting (U.S.), Inc.

Model Area Cutoff Grade Category Mass Contained Grade Contained Metal Au (oz/t) kt Au (opt) Au (koz) Total Multiple Measured 9,021 0.018 159 Indicated 21,044 0.013 275 Measured & Indicated 30,065 0.014 434 Inferred 5,670 0.013 72 North and Central 0.005 Measured 4,708 0.018 87 Indicated 8,731 0.014 126 Measured & Indicated 13,439 0.016 213 Inferred 2,054 0.012 25 South 0.004 Measured 4,312 0.017 72 Indicated 12,313 0.012 149 Measured & Indicated 16,626 0.013 221 Inferred 3,616 0.013 47

- Mineral Resources are not Mineral Reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. There is no certainty that any part of the Mineral Resources estimated will be converted into a Mineral Reserves; - Resources stated as contained within a potentially economically minable open pit; pit optimization was based on an assumed gold price of US$1,350/oz, North and Central area recoveries of 62% for Au and a Southern area recovery of 85% for Au, a mining cost of US$2.00/t, an ore processing and G&A cost of US$3.55/t, and a pit slope of 50 degrees in the North and 45 degrees in the South and Central Areas; - Resources are reported using a gold cutoff grade of 0.005 oz/t in the North and Central Areas and 0.004 oz/t in the South Area; and, - Numbers in the table have been rounded to reflect the accuracy of the estimate and may not sum due to rounding.

Gold Rock Project, Nevada

GRP, in its 50,000-acre contiguous land package, also owns the highly prospective Gold Rock Project, located 8 miles southeast and contiguous to the Pan Project. GRP has delineated at least nine distinct exploration targets through recent geochemistry and geology work programs. The Gold Rock Project has a historical resource consisting of 343,000 ounces of gold which were categorized as Measured & Indicated (19.9 million tons at a grade of 0.017 opt/t) and a further 409,000 ounces of gold which were categorized as Inferred (33.6 million tons at a grade of 0.012 opt). This resource was reported by Gustavson Associates in April 2012 at a resource cut-off grade of 0.004 opt Au using a US$1,255 per ounce gold price. Fiore is not treating this historical estimate as a current mineral resource as no qualified person has done sufficient work to classify the historical estimate as a current mineral resource.

Golden Eagle Project, Washington

In addition to its Nevada assets, GRP also owns the Golden Eagle Project in northeastern Washington State, 10 miles west of Kinross Kettle River Mine and Mill. The Golden Eagle Project has a historical resource consisting of 1.92 million ounces of gold which were categorized as Measured & Indicated (43.0 million tons at 0.045 opt of gold) and a further 284,000 ounces of gold which were categorized as Inferred (11.6 million tons at 0.025 opt of gold). This resource was prepared by Snowden Mining Industry Consultants for Midway Gold in July 2009 at a resource cut-off grade of 0.01 opt Au using a US$750 per ounce gold price and 85% gold recovery. Fiore is not treating this historical estimate as a current mineral resource as no qualified person has done sufficient work to classify the historical estimate as a current mineral resource.

Fiore Gold Board of Directors and Officers

Upon completion of the Transaction, Fiore Golds board of directors will consist of six members, with both Fiore and GRP each having the right to nominate three individuals. Tim Warman will be appointed CEO of Fiore Gold, with Ken Brunk appointed COO and Fritz Schaudies as CFO. In addition, Frank Giustra, Paul Matysek and Brian Paes-Braga will be appointed to the Fiore Gold Advisory Board.

Advisors and Counsel

Fiore Management & Advisory Corp. is acting as financial advisor to Fiore. Farris, Vaughan, Wills & Murphy LLP is acting as legal counsel to Fiore. Haywood Securities Inc. is acting as financial advisor to GRP. Miller Thomson LLP and Dorsey & Whitney LLP are acting as legal counsel to GRP.

Cumulative fees of 3.0% shall be payable in shares to certain parties in connection with the Transaction.

The technical information in this news release has been prepared in accordance with the Canadian regulatory requirements set out in NI 43-101 and was reviewed by Ken Brunk, President and CEO of GRP Minerals Inc., the Qualified Person under NI 43-101 who supervised the preparation of the technical information in this news release. Scientific and technical information extracted from historic reports are qualified by those reports in their entirety.

The mineral resources stated for the updated 2017 Pan Gold Deposit were estimated using current CIM standards, definitions and guidelines and applying NI 43-101. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. The estimate of mineral resources may be materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, sociopolitical, commodity prices, or other relevant issues. The quantity and grade of reported Inferred resources in this estimation are uncertain in nature and there has been insufficient exploration to define these Inferred resources as Indicated or Measured mineral resource and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in upgrading them to an Indicated or Measured mineral resource category.

The Pan Mineral Resource Statement was prepared by J.B. Pennington, MSc., C.P.G., and Justin Smith, BSc., P.E., SME-RM, both of SRK Consulting (U.S.), Inc., Reno, Nevada, and provides a classification of resources in accordance with CIM Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves: Definitions and Guidelines, November 27, 2010. Mr. Pennington and Mr. Smith are Qualified Persons, and are independent of GRP for purposes of NI 43-101 and have approved the contents of this news release.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the U.S. Securities Act) or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.
TORONTO, June 16, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cartier Iron Corporation (CSE:CFE) (Cartier Iron or the Company), is pleased to announce that it has signed a Letter Agreement to earn 55% of Incienso Property (Incienso Property or the Property), located in the Coquimbo District, III Region, Chile.

The Letter Agreement pertains to 31 mining concessions owned by a Chilean private corporation, Compania Minera La Rubia S.A., that total 4,112 hectares (41.1 square km). The Property is located approximately 23 km from the coastal city of La Serena in III Region, Chile in an active exploration area, and borders Anglo American plc concessions to the West; Minera Mandalay concessions to the east; and Teck-Cominco concessions to the north and north-east.

The terms of the Letter Agreement are summarized in Table 1:

Table 1: Terms of the Letter Agreement

Stage Event Cartier La Rubia Cash Exploration Common Interest Interest Payments Spend Shares Earned Retained US$ US$ Issued 1 Sign Letter of Intent 0 % 100 % $ 15,000 2 Sign Definitive Agreement and Receive Exchange Approval 0 % 100 % $ 50,000 3 First year after Stage 2 0 % 100 % $ 50,000 $ 500,000 250,000 4 Second year after Stage 2 0 % 100 % $ 75,000 $ 500,000 250,000 5 Third year after Stage 2 0 % 100 % $ 125,000 $ 500,000 250,000 6 Fourth year after Stage 2 55 % 45 % $ 150,000 $ 500,000 250,000 Totals $ 465,000 $ 2,000,000 1,000,000

The Incienso Property hosts a series of mesothermal-epithermal veins in diorite, tonalite, and granodiorite host rock intrusions. Veins are present in two principal orientations that parallel local structural discontinuities. The northwest-southeast set of veins varies between 0.7 m to 3.0 m in true width, and have been mapped across surface exposures for up to 2.0 km. The northeast-southwest vein set has similar widths but appears to be more restricted in extent and surface exposure. Rudimentary underground development has been carried out on two of the vein zones; however, only a small amount of material has been mined, judging by the size of waste-dumps at the portals.

There are six primary exploration zones, separated by elevation and by the vein system(s) upon which they are focused. Table 2 shows results from channel/chip samples obtained across selected veins from Goldberg (2010)1. Sample widths are true widths.

We are very happy to be involved with the Incienso Property, remarked Cartier CEO Tom Larsen, and are looking forward to evaluating the Property with Minera La Rubia S.A. for real mining potential as we aggressively embark on a 2-month due diligence period.

Table 2: Summary of Historic* Channel/Chip Samples (after Goldberg, 20101)

Sector Elevation Vein Host Vein Samples m Set Rock Goldberg (2010) Campamento 610 NE-SW Granodiorite 3.94 g/t Au over 2.7m 1.25 g/t Au over 2.8m 14.0 g/t Au over 1.5m Incienso Inferior 883 NW-SE Granodiorite 2.44 g/t Au over 0.5m 43.4 g/t Au over 1.3m 8.9 g/t Au over 0.5m El Torro 887 Unknown Granodiorite 42.9 g/t Au over 1.0m 41.3 g/t Au over 0.6m 25.0 g/t Au over 1.0m Incienso Superior 994 NW-SE Granodiorite 1.1 g/t Au over 2.0m 18.1 g/t Au over 1.70m 53.5 g/t Au over 1.55m 70.6 g/t Au over 1.30m 218.4 g/t Au over 1.40m Picado Blanco 939 NW-SE Diorite 1.90 g/t Au over 1.20m 1.84 g/t Au over 0.30m 18.4 g/t Au over 0.7m Zanja Superior 1072 NW-SE Diorite 11.8 g/t Au over 0.20m 2.1 g/t Au over 0.50m 3.68 g/t Au over 0.50m *This data was sourced from an historic report.

According to the Letter Agreement, Cartier Iron has sixty days to execute a due diligence program prior to negotiating a Definitive Agreement. This work is expected to commence in early July, 2017, and will include a legal-title search with systematic property-wide reconnaissance mapping and resampling of surface and underground vein exposures.

1 Guerra, E. (2010). Informe de Avance Geologico Prospecto el Incienso. Goldberg Ltda, Las Condes, Santiago, Chile. Private Report, Minera La Rubia S.A., La Serena, Chile

About Cartier Iron Corporation

Cartier Iron is an exploration and development Company focused on discovering and developing significant iron ore resources in Quebec, and is evaluating a potentially significant gold property in Chile. The Company's iron ore projects include the Gagnon Holdings in the southern Labrador Trough region of east-central Quebec.

The technical information in this news release was prepared by Jim Steel MBA P.Geo. a Qualified Person under NI 43-101 standards.

Please visit Cartier Iron's website at www.cartieriron.com.
TORONTO, June 16, 2017 /CNW/ - IAMGOLD Corporation ("IAMGOLD" or the "Company") today provided the remaining assay results from its 2017 infill drilling program at the Saramacca project, located 25 kilometres southwest of its Rosebel Gold Mine ("RGM") in Suriname. Assay results have now been received from the entire 2017 delineation drill program consisting of 113 drill holes totaling 19,689 metres, including 35 drill holes totaling 5,523 metres reported herein. With the receipt of all assays, the geology and deposit models are being updated in support of an initial National Instrument 43-101 resource estimate expected for completion by the third quarter 2017.

The drill hole assay intersections are provided in Table 1 and include the following highlights:

SMDD17-154: 6.5 metres grading 10.45 g/t Au

SMDD17-159: 10.0 metres grading 7.62 g/t Au

SMDD17-166: 34.5 metres grading 2.23 g/t Au

SMDD17-168: 41.0 metres grading 5.56 g/t Au

Craig MacDougall, Senior Vice President, Exploration for IAMGOLD, stated: "With the receipt of the final assay results from the recently completed infill drilling program, we are now focused on updating the geology and resource models to support an initial resource estimate anticipated for completion in the third quarter. It is important to note that we believe significant exploration upside remains with potential to expand existing and discover additional resources with further exploration. Once again, I congratulate the exploration team for the well-executed and safely-completed drilling program as we advance the project towards the next important milestone."

Added IAMGOLD's President and CEO Steve Letwin, "Our exploration team has done an outstanding job to complete the drilling program as quickly as they have, with a maiden resource estimate only a few months away."

2017 Exploration Program

The 2017 50 x 50 metre infill drilling program has confirmed the presence of multiple mineralized structures within an approximately 2-kilometre long and 600-metre wide corridor. Mineralization occurs in the near surface oxidized weathering profile to depths ranging from 50 to 100 metres, as well as deeper in the primary sulphide zones. Mineralization remains open along strike and at depth and will be tested in future drilling programs. In the deposit area, three mineralization styles are recognized from the drilling completed to date: breccia hosted mineralization characterized by jigsaw, crackle and matrix supported breccias; shear hosted mineralization characterized by well-developed pyritic disseminations and stringers; and irregular pyrite-quartz-carbonate veins which locally carry high gold grades.

Preliminary engineering and permitting studies are underway to support and develop future exploitation scenarios.

About the Saramacca Project

The Saramacca project is strategically located approximately 25 kilometres southwest of the Rosebel Gold Mine milling facility. Mineralization is hosted in the Paramaka Formation within the lower part of the Marowijne Greenstone Belt, which is dominated by metamorphosed dacite, rhyolite, basalt and andesite lithologies in the project area. These are traversed by the regional, northwest trending Saramacca shear zone, an important deformation zone for the localization of gold mineralization.

The Saramacca property has been explored since the 1990's principally by Golden Star Resources Ltd. ("Golden Star") and later as a joint venture between Golden Star and Newmont Mining Corporation. Much of that work focused on the discovery and delineation of Anomaly M, which was the subject of successive auger and diamond drilling programs with over 50 diamond drill holes and over 200 auger holes completed in the anomaly area. Evaluation of this work suggests an exploration target potential of between 8 and 40 million tonnes grading between 1.0 and 1.8 g/t Au for potentially 0.5 to 1.4 million contained ounces of gold. The potential quantity and grade are conceptual in nature and insufficient exploration work has been completed to date to define a mineral resource. The property will require significant future exploration to advance to a resource stage and there can be no certainty that the exploration target will result in a mineral resource being defined.

On August 30, 2016, the Company signed a letter of intent with the Government of Suriname to acquire rights to the Saramacca property, with the intent of defining a National Instrument 43-101 mineral resource within 24 months. The terms of the letter included an initial payment of $0.2 million, which enabled immediate access to the property for Rosebel's exploration team to conduct due diligence, as well as access to the data from previous exploration activity at the Saramacca property. On September 30, 2016, having been satisfied with the results of the due diligence, the Company ratified the letter of intent to acquire the Saramacca property and subsequently paid $10 million in cash and agreed to issue 3.125 million IAMGOLD common shares to the Government of Suriname in three approximately equal annual instalments on each successive anniversary of the date the right of exploration was transferred to Rosebel (December 14, 2016). In addition, the agreement provides for a potential upward adjustment to the purchase price based on the contained gold ounces identified by Rosebel in National Instrument 43-101 measured and indicated resource categories, within a certain Whittle shell within the first 24 months, to a maximum of $10 million.

The Saramacca project falls within the "UJV" area as defined in an Agreement with the Government of Suriname announced on April 15, 2013. The Agreement establishes a joint venture growth vehicle under which Rosebel would hold a 70% participating interest and the Government will acquire a 30% participating interest on a fully-paid basis.

Qualified Persons and Technical Information

The drilling results contained in this news release have been prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101").

The "Qualified Person" responsible for the supervision of the preparation, verification and review of the technical information in this release is Ian Stockton, MAusIMM, FAIG, RP. Geo., Exploration Manager for IAMGOLD in Suriname. He is considered a "Qualified Person" for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101 with respect to the technical information being reported on. The technical information has been included herein with the consent and prior review of the above noted Qualified Person.

The information in this news release was reviewed and approved by Craig MacDougall, P.Geo., Senior Vice President, Exploration for IAMGOLD. Mr. MacDougall is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.

The sampling of, and assay data from, drill core is monitored through the implementation of a quality assurance - quality control (QA-QC) program designed to follow industry best practice. Drill core (HQ and NQ size) samples are selected by the IAMGOLD geologists and sawn in half with a diamond saw at the Rosebel mine site. Half of the core is retained at the site for reference purposes. Sample intervals may vary from half a metre to one and a half metres in length depending on the geological observations.

Samples are transported in sealed bags to FILAB in Paramaribo, Suriname, a representative lab of ALS. FILAB is an ISO 9001 (2008) and ISO/IEC 170250 accredited laboratory. Samples are weighed and coarse crushed to <2.5 mm, and 350-450 grams is pulverized to 85% passing <100 m. Samples are analyzed for gold using standard fire assay technique with a 50 gram charge and an Atomic Absorption (AA) finish. IAMGOLD inserts blanks and certified reference standard in the sample sequence for quality control. Samples representative of the various lithologies are collected from each drill hole and measured for bulk density at the site RGM laboratory.
Govt launches bid to measure Everest height

The Department of Survey has begun it own measurement of Mt Everest to ascertain the actual height of the worlds tallest peak.
Kim Yeon-soo, vice president of the Seoul National University Hospital, vows his head to apologize its mistaken diagnosis of death of activist Baek Nam-gi during a media briefing at the hospital in Seoul, Thursday. / Yonhap



By Jung Min-ho

Seoul National University Hospital (SNUH) admitted, Thursday, it had made a mistake in determining the cause of death of an activist who died following a protest march in 2015.

SNUH said it officially changed the cause of death of Baek Nam-gi to external injuries from being hit by a police water cannon from cardiopulmonary arrest from natural causes.

Baek, who participated in an anti-government protest in Seoul two years ago, was knocked down by a police water cannon and remained comatose for 10 months until his death.

But Paek Sun-ha, the SNUH doctor who was in charge of his treatment, sparked controversy by denying that the 69-year-old farmer died from being hit by the water cannon, which brought thousands of people to the streets in protest.

Protesters criticized the doctor for toeing the line with former President Park Geun-hye by "twisting science."

Apparently concerned about the same criticism, SNUH vice president Kim Yeon-soo told reporters its decision to change his cause of death is "not politically motivated."

"I want to apologize to the victim's family who have suffered for such a long time," he said. "We will create an ethics committee to ensure that such incidents will never happen again."

Baek Doraji, the daughter of the late activist, welcomed the decision to correct the document and expressed her relief.

She also noted her family will proceed with administrative procedures for her father's death, which they hesitated carrying out because of the previous "completely nonsensical" diagnosis.
Kwon Cheol-nam / Courtesy of The Hankyoreh



By Kim Bo-eun





A North Korean man who defected to the South is requesting to return home.

The man identified as Kwon Cheol-nam, 44, spoke at a press conference organized by the Christian Pastors for Peaceful Action in front of the U.N. Human Rights Office in central Seoul, Thursday.

Kwon, who arrived in the South in November 2014, claimed he was persuaded to come here by a broker, who said the government would provide him a home and job.

In the North, Kwon lived with his wife and son and sold medicinal herbs. However, after coming to the South, he claimed he worked at a greenhouse, where he suffered discrimination and wasn't paid properly.

"If anyone wishes to return to one's home country, measures must be taken from a humanitarian perspective to enable it," Pastor Lee Jeok, who heads the civic group, told The Korea Times.












A visitor to Lotte World Tower's observatory in Jamsil-gu, Seoul, checks foggy air contaminated with fine dust in January 2017. / Korea Times file



By Ko Dong-hwan



Residents can monitor Seoul's air quality more closely after lead and calcium levels in fine dust clouds were made available online from Thursday.

The National Institute of Environmental Research (NIER) is showing on Air Korea, a Korea Environment Corporation website, how much the skies above Seoul and North and South Gyeongsang provinces are contaminated with the chemicals. Seoul's monitoring is done from the city's Eunpyeong-gu and the provinces from Ulsan's Jung-gu in South Gyeongsang Province.

The update follows the launch of the service at Baengnyeongdo Island  the nation's northwestern endpoint close to the inter-Korean border  Gyeonggi Province and South and North Chungcheong provinces in 2015, and Jeju Island and South and North Jeolla provinces the following year.

The figures in nanograms per cubic meter are updated every two hours, showing an average figure in units of two hours, 24 hours and one year.

"The readings will be used to find the causes of air pollution above particular regions across the country and evaluate the hazardous level of the chemicals on humans," a NIER official said.

Lead can accumulate in the blood, bones and cells, affecting the nervous system. It also can cause seizures and cognitive disorders. The World Health Organization defines 500 nanograms per cubic meter as lead's maximum standard for air safety.

Calcium, although not harmful to health, can indicate other air contamination.
Govt postpones polls in Province 2

A hard-pressed Sher Bahadur Deuba government on Thursday decided to postpone the local elections in Province 2 until September 18 as part of its effort to bring the agitating Rastriya Janata Party-Nepal (RJP-N) on board the poll process.
Indian, Chinese envoys call on PM Deuba

Indian Ambassador to Nepal Manjeev Singh Puri called on Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba on Friday.
Cleveland, OH Brazil found Brazil found Essure such a risk that its national health agency banned the permanent sterilization device this past February. Finland is the second country to follow suit. Given the fact that thousands of women have been seriously injured by Essure, isnt it time the U.S. followed these two forward-thinking countries?

Women worldwide are looking to Brazil as a role model: the country stood up to Bayer and appears to care more for its citizens than big pharma. As for Finland, it is known to have an exceptional health care system, with its goal to lengthen the active and healthy lifespan of citizens [and] to improve quality of life.According to Bayer, Essure has pulled out of Finland due to slow and declining sales. Probably closer to the truth, medical issues associated with Essure have sparked more awareness worldwide. This writer predicts that Canada and/or Australia will be next up: In May 2016 Health Canada drafted a safety review to look into potential risks of using the device. In March 2017 Health Canada slapped a black box on the permanent birth control system, with the following warning:[Essure] has the potential for various adverse events (perforation, improper device location, persistent pain, hypersensitivity reactions) that may lead to surgical removal of the device. The warning also stresses the need to use alternative contraception until an Essure Confirmation Test is performed three months after implantation to verify correct location and retention of the insert.Perhaps Essure in Canada, like Finland, will be pulled due to slow and declining sales. Because according to Bayer, Essure still has a positive benefit-risk profile and is safe to use.Tell that to Cynthia (not her real name). Given the choice of Essure and full hysterectomy, she would definitely choose the latter. But five years ago, she went with the former. This is her story.Soon after I had the Essure implanted I had pain in my lower abdomen, severe menstrual cramps and abnormal super heavy bleeding. I got bloating, fatigue, skin allergies, hair loss, chronic pain, headaches, weight gain and severe backpain. My doctor said I had fibromyalgia, but why did I have this? He might as well have said its all in your head, as other women with Essure problems have been told.Then I started having allergic reactions to medications, even over-the-counter headache pills. The doctors just said they had to watch it. The doctors finally told my husband there was nothing wrong with me and it was in my head. We never put 2 and 2 together until we started finding out that there were other women who were having the same symptoms that I had. Then I had an ANA test that was positive, meaning that I could have an autoimmune disease such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis or scleroderma. Last year I had a miscarriage so this time the doctors looked more closely. The Essure had migrated [from the fallopian tube] and implanted into my uterus. I am scheduled for a complete hysterectomy this August. I am so furious with Bayer, knowing how their device can damage women yet they choose to take profit over our safety. Essure should be taken off every market, everywhere.
If the Trump administration wants to bring back American coal jobs, it's got its work cut out for it.

Global coal production plunged by the largest percentage on record in 2016 amid flat demand for energy and inroads by cleaner sources of power, the oil major BP reported Tuesday. Coal production worldwide fell by more than 6 percent as the black rock's share of world energy production fell to its lowest level since 2004, according to BP's annual Statistical Review of World Energy.

Slower economic growth in China and a move away from coal in North America and Europe dimmed the fuel's prospects, resulting in a second straight year of decline. Worldwide, coal's share of the world's energy consumption fell for the second year in a row, down 1.7 percent to 28.1 percent.

A large part of the reason is that the amount of energy the world consumed barely budged  it grew only 1 percent in 2016, BP's chief economist, Spencer Dale, said in comments accompanying the report.

"That's the third consecutive year where we've had growth of 1 percent or so, which is roughly half the rate we've seen over the previous 10 years," Dale said. Almost half of that 1 percent came from China and India, which have been industrializing rapidly over the past two decades.

RELATED: The Twilight of American Coal and the Rise of Renewables

And while non-hydroelectric renewable sources like wind and solar power made up only 4 percent of the world's energy in 2016, they made up almost a third of the increase in primary energy consumption. That tracks with an April report by the UN Environment Program and analysts from Bloomberg New Energy Finance and Germany's Frankfurt School, who reported that renewable power made up 55 percent of new electric capacity last year as prices for those technologies fell sharply.

Despite coal's slump and the boom in renewables, fossil fuels still account for more than three-quarters of the world's energy. But that's down from about 85 percent in 2015, and renewables, hydroelectric and nuclear power are expected to make up half the growth in energy supplies in the next two decades, BP said.

The combination of flat demand, reduced coal use, and more renewables coming online meant the amount of planet-warming carbon dioxide from energy use grew only a tenth of 1 percent in 2016. That's the third year in a row emissions have been effectively flat, and the lowest emissions growth of any three-year period since the early 1980s, BP concluded.

In this year's report, BP reiterated its support for the Paris climate accord, in which nearly every country pledged to reduce CO2 emissions, or at least emissions growth. That declaration comes two weeks after President Donald Trump  who was elected in part on pledges to revive the staggering US coal industry  announced that his administration would pull out of Paris.

RELATED: A High-Profile 'Clean Coal' Project Staggers, as Trump Seeks to Slash R&D Funds

But sending more Americans down into the mines may be an uphill climb: US coal production dropped 9 percent in 2016, with more power plants shifting toward cheap natural gas, and BP expects global coal consumption to peak in the mid-2020s.

China  now the world's biggest source of carbon emissions  saw its coal consumption fall by 1.6 percent as its economic growth slowed. And Britain burned less coal in 2016 than at any time since the early years of the Industrial Revolution: For one day in April, the country's electric power sector used none at all, BP said.

Originally published on Seeker.
This article was originally published at The Conversation. The publication contributed the article to Live Science's Expert Voices: Op-Ed & Insights.

The Hillary Step, a rocky outcrop at 8,770m, just beneath the summit of Everest (8,850m), has finally succumbed to gravity and partially collapsed. At least it has according to mountaineer Tim Mosedale, who climbed the mountain this year. His claim has been refuted by the chair of the Nepal Mountaineering Association, however, sparking a debate which looks set to rage for some time yet. The definitive answer, after all, is located only a few metres short of the top of the world.

Named after Sir Edmund Hillary  the first to reach the summit of Everest, with Sherpa Tenzing Norgay, in May 1953  this rocky structure certainly has a noble heritage in mountaineering circles. It is the last major obstacle encountered on the South Col route before reaching the summit.

But it also famed in geological circles. It is, or was, formed of a resistant limestone band along the base of the Qomolangma Formation which dates back to the Upper Cambrian or Lower Ordovician age. These rocks feature tiny remnants of crinoid ossicles (stems of sea lillies) that originally lived in a shallow tropical ocean 450m years ago and can now be found on the summit of Everest.

If the Hillary Step has indeed collapsed, the rockfall will have altered the standard route to the top. And this may result in increasing congestion as parties queue up to get to the summit during the brief period of stable, pre-monsoon climbing conditions in May. As Mosedale told Planet Mountain:

It's easier going up the snow slope and indeed for inexperienced climbers and mountaineers there's less "climbing" to be done, making it much easier for them. However, it's going to form a bottleneck. The Hillary Step often formed a bottleneck but some years ago they fixed an up and a down rope. In the current state it would be difficult to safely negotiate down where the step used to be on account of the huge unstable rocks that are perched on the route.

The end of an era?

Ultimately, however, the demise of the Hillary Step would be but a small blip in the long-term process of Himalayan mountain building. The collision and ongoing convergence of the Indian plate into Asia results in convergence across the Himalaya of about 18-20mm per year and an average uplift rate of the mountains of about 3-4mm per year.

As the mountains are driven upwards by these tectonic forces, climatic and geographic forces  such as rain and snowfall, and glacial and river incision  conspire to bring them back down through erosion.

The tectonic forces have been winning this battle for at least 25m years and the highest Himalayan peaks now reach nearly 9km above mean sea-level. The steeper the cliff faces, the more subject they are to rockfall and avalanches, and seasonal freeze-thaw cycles are important factors in making the rocks unstable. The collapse of the Hillary Step would be just one minor event in the broad scheme of uplift and erosion along the Himalaya.

Recent previous examples of large-scale rockfalls include the massive rockfall on the west flank of Annapurna IV (7,525 metres) in spring 2012, which resulted in debris blocking the course of the upper Seti river in Nepal. A lake built up behind the blockage and a few days later, on May 5, 2012, a massive mud-flow cascaded down the valley burying villages and killing 72 people. The flows reached as far as Pokhara, the second city of Nepal.

During the Gorkha earthquake (magnitude 7.9) in Nepal on April 25, 2015, hundreds of rockfalls resulted from the intense ground shaking, sending boulders the size of houses tumbling down to the valleys and villages below. It has been hypothesised that this earthquake might have done for the Hillary Step.

Perhaps the worst example was the massive rockfall that occurred on the south face of Langtang Lirung following the May 12 aftershock. The landslide originated from high on the south face of Langtang Lirung and the resulting rockfall completely buried the village of Langtang, killing at least 300 people.

In 1991, a large rockfall also occurred near the summit of Mount Cook in New Zealand, reducing its height from 3,764 metres to 3,724 metres. During June 2005, a series of major rockfalls caused most of the granite south-west pillar of the Aiguille de Dru in the French Alps (commonly known as the Bonatti Pillar) to collapse, wiping out one of the most famous Alpine rock climbs of all. The scar of this rockfall was more than 500 metres high and 80 metres wide.

All part of the process

Everest at sunset from the Gokyo valley. (Image credit: Shutterstock)

But the story of mountains is a very, very long one  and it contains a great many twists and turns. The India-Asia plate collision has been going on for at least 50m years. The tectonic forces push them up and erosion tries to wear them down.

Everest is continually being jacked up by this under-thrusting of the Indian plate and, as long as India continues to push north, indenting into Asia, the Himalaya will continue to rise. As long as the Himalaya continue to rise, the forces of nature will erode them away and attempt to reduce these magnificent mountains back down to sea-level. And as long as that happens, they will keep changing shape. Long may tectonic forces prevail in this battle.

Mike Searle, Professor of Earth Sciences, University of Oxford

This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article. Follow all of the Expert Voices issues and debates  and become part of the discussion  on Facebook, Twitter and Google +. The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher. This version of the article was originally published on Live Science.
Invalid ballot: Candidates teach people how to vote

The Nepali Congress and the CPN-UML, the main competing forces in the upcoming phase of local elections in Shitalganga Municipality, have started teaching voters how to cast the ballot correctly with an aim to reduce the number of invalid votes.
by Jess Nelson , June 15, 2017

New research released by the Global Cyber Alliance (GCA) reveals that American healthcare providers have incredibly low adoption rates of Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting and Conformance (DMARC), an email protocol that can protect brands from impersonation attacks.

Email authentication and deliverability is an extremely technical realm in email marketing, with varying acronyms that can be confusing even to a veteran marketer. SPF (Sender Policy Framework) and DKIM (Domain Keys Identified Mail) are traditional email protocols that authenticate the sender and increase deliverability, but DMARC is a newer protocol that substantially improves email security as well.

DMARC is an email authentication and reporting protocol that builds on SPF and DKIM, making it easier to identify spam and phishing messages.

The lack of DMAR implementation in the healthcare industry is particularly concerning, considering the plethora of confidential information that healthcare providers have access to, including social security numbers, financial data, and health history.

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Not a single hospital analyzed by GCA was determined to be experiencing the full benefits of DMARC.

Only six out of the nations 50 largest public hospitals are protecting their email domains from being hijacked by cybercriminals, according to GCAs report. Furthermore, at least half of the top 48 for-profit hospitals have not deployed DMARC protocol to defend against phishing attacks.

Only one hospital currently using DMARC has it deployed at a level that prevents spam from being delivered into the inbox according to GCA. Twenty-seven other hospitals have implemented DMARC, but they only monitor emails instead of stopping suspicious content.

"As cyber threats mount against healthcare providers, deploying DMARC is an essential solution to protecting their patients' data privacy," states Philip Reitinger, president and CEO of GCA. "The protocol has been proven effective, and deployment can reasonably be done by organizations of all sizes, making it an invaluable resource for hospitals who need to protect their patients' digital health. I strongly encourage healthcare organizations to use this protocol to its fullest capacity."

Considering the 400% increase in impersonation attacks quarter-over-quarter, per a recent Mimecast security report, every company should be placing DMARC high on their priority list.
by George Simpson , Featured Contributor, June 15, 2017

What are we to think of JPMorgan Chase pulling its ads on Megyn Kellys upcoming interview with Infowars' Alex Jones, who claims that everything from 9/11 to the shootings in Newtown Conn. and Aurora, Colo. are media hoaxes?

Who can argue with Kristin Lemkau, JPMorgans chief marketing officer, when she said on Twitter that as an advertiser, she was repulsed that Kelly would give a second of airtime to someone who says Sandy Hook and Aurora are hoaxes?

Or you can see the move as a major wuss-out and a bigger threat to freedom of the press than any self-righteous (and self-serving) concern about the World According to Alex Jones.

In this age of instant social media reactions, who can blame a brand for wanting to avoid "punishment" in some way for Kelly amplifying Jones' voice and perhaps bringing new converts to his smarmy way of thinking? But although she pretty much dropped the ball on Putin, Kelly's goal, I think, is to expose what a nut case Jones is and how dangerous it is that he has the President's ear.

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For every firebrand who takes to social media to condemn a brand's underwriting a POV he doesn't like, there are countless many more (probably more in the profile of the JPMorgan Chase customer) who doesn't bother with social media, but quietly appreciates that JPMC has the stones to hang in there --and in the long view, help make sure probing journalism survives.

There is a disturbing trend in this country, especially on campuses, to acquiesce to the loudest and most threatening voices that use disruption as a form of censorship. So controversial voices are silenced -- but at the expense of learning. This posture assumes that audiences have no critical thinking skills and are vulnerable to points of view that they don't like or somehow challenge the status quo as the protesters would like it to be.

Combine this with the absurd notion that we should never as a society discuss issues that might be perceived as micro-aggression by this group or that, and we run the risk of crushing the First Amendment.

Does this mean I am OK with everyone having easy access to ISIS videos or speeches by white supremacists, or propaganda from the far right, which thinks there are only two sexual orientations? Well, yeah, I am. I am more afraid of censorship than being accused of promoting "hate" because I choose not to use every possible means to eradicate it.

My view is don't even go there if it offends you -- and if you read it or watch it, then make up your own mind if you think there's any real truth or value there.

Throughout history, societies have condemned or even banned and burned books they thought somehow inappropriate, only to have them surface again and do no lasting harm.

I hate to see brands act as functional censors because they are too thin skinned to take a little heat when they help promote freedom of speech.
by Sarah Mahoney @mahoney_sarah, June 15, 2017

The outlook for J. Crew, once the golden child of specialty retailers, keeps getting worse. Besides poor results and the news that Millard Mickey Drexler would step down as CEO, the latest is that S&P Global Ratings has downgraded the company, classing J. Crews latest debt restructuring move as distressed.

While a group of Crews creditors has agreed to the restructuring, the ratings group says it is lowering the Crews corporate credit rating. "We view the transaction as distressed because the participating note holders will receive significantly less than par value," writes Helena Song, S&P Global Ratings credit analyst. And once the transactions are completed, which is expected in mid-July, it says it expects lower the corporate credit rating to Selective default.

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S&Ps ratings change comes on the heels of J. Crews recent announcement that its quarterly revenues dipped 6% to $532 million, with J. Crew same-store sales dropping 12% to $428.5 million. (That follows a decline of 8% in the first quarter of last year.)

And it appointed West Elms James Brett as new CEO, replacing Drexler, who continues as chairman. The news took many in the industry by surprise: Drexler, who helmed the Gap during its high-flying years, is considered one of the most innovative retailers in the business. And under his guidance, J. Crew flourished, going public in 2006, andcatering to its sophisticated-prep audiencepeaking in growth around 2012.

But observers arent holding out much hope. Recent management changes appear to be little more than rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic, writes Neil Saunders, managing director of GlobalData Retail, in his recent report on the company.

He contends that one of the retailers biggest problem is the lingering perception that its clothes arent worth the money: Many consumers still see the full price offer as bad value for money, leading to extensive discounting, and explaining why its factory stores continue to do well.

There have also been complaints from customers that quality has declined, and the departure of creative director Jenna Lyons earlier this year signals a still-uncertain fashion path.

Overall, J Crew is a business that appears to be financially broken, mostly thanks to its high debts, adds Saunders. The brand is not completely dead... and now needs a team that can rekindle many of the things that once underpinned its success. This is a task that needs to be tackled with the utmost urgency.
by Laurie Sullivan @lauriesullivan, June 16, 2017

Amazon has agreed to acquire Whole Foods market for a whopping $13.7 billion, giving the online retailer a solid presence in grocery brick-and-mortar stores. The news was announced Friday.

Until now the company has tested the grocery concept with two AmazonFresh Pickup sites and an Amazon Go Store in its hometown of Seattle.

Millions of people love Whole Foods Market because they offer the best natural and organic foods, and they make it fun to eat healthy, said Jeff Bezos, Amazon founder and CEO, in a prepared statement.

Whole Foods will continue to operate stores under the Whole Foods Market brand under the leadership of CEO John Mackey, according to the companies. The headquarters will remain in Austin, Texas.

Completion of the transaction is subject to approval by Whole Foods Market's shareholders, regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. The companies expect the deal to close during the second half of 2017.

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While there was no mention in the official announcement of combining services, the potential to create a cross-services company would enable consumers to buy online and pick up products in stores in many more locations. It also will add the ability to delivery groceries to many more areas across the United States.

Whole Foods has about 465 locations, about 444 in the United States, 12 stores in Canada, and nine stores in the United Kingdom. There are 87,000 employees in 12 regions, according to the company.

Whole Foods Market will give Amazon the footprint and customer base that otherwise would have taken years to build out, wrote Colin Sebastian, analyst at Baird Equity Research, in a research note published Friday. "We also expect Amazon to connect Prime memberships (including Prime Now) and last-mile delivery, forging a dual-track Grocery strategy," he wrote. "Moreover, we believe that Grocery is a key element of Amazon's strategy to drive transactions through Alexa, Echo devices and other connected devices (IoT, such as refrigerators)."

The deal not only has sweeping implications for cross-channel sales, but also in the advertising and marketing industry.

When then WPP CEO Martin Sorrell spoke about the impact Amazon would have on the online advertising industry, it's unclear whether he knew that Amazon would soon announce the multibillion-dollar deal.

Sorrell, during a summit at Stanford University in May 2017, pointed to Amazon and said the company would increasingly become a competitor to Google, as well as others. Some analysts estimate revenue from Amazon's advertising platform at about $2.5 billion. Morgan Stanley forecast that revenue will reach about $5 billion within a couple of years, he said.
by Larissa Faw , June 16, 2017

American Express is teaming with a group of agencies to introduce The "Get Business Done" campaign to support its small business Open program.

Ogilvy developed the overall campaign strategy, TV, radio and social media elements, while DigitasLBI handled the digital display portion of the campaign.

Mindshare and DigitasLBi were responsible for media buying and M Booth handled the PR.

The campaign is based on American Express's new survey that identifies struggles workers face in the office, such as a third spending nearly 1,200 hours a year in meetings they would call pointless" and 88% pretending to understand office jargon when they really have no idea what it means.

One TV spot tracks various ways workers say no to business ideas, such as "It's not Millennial enough" and "I hate to play devil's advocate" before explaining that American Express makes saying yes easier.

The advertising campaign includes 15- and 30-second TV commercials, radio ads on national stations throughout the U.S. and a complementary social campaign.
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President Bhandari and ILO Director General Ryder hold talks

President Bidya Devi Bhandari on Thursday met with International Labour Organization (ILO) Director General, Guy Ryder, on the sidelines of the World of World Summit held as part of the 106th Session of the International Labour Conference.
The following companies are subsidiares of Johnson & Johnson: 3Dintegrated ApS, ALZA Corporation, AMO (Hangzhou) Co. Ltd., AMO (Shanghai) Medical Devices Trading Co. Ltd Beijing Branch, AMO (Shanghai) Medical Devices Trading Co. Ltd Guangzhou Branch, AMO (Shanghai) Medical Devices Trading Co. Ltd., AMO ASIA LIMITED, AMO Asia Limited (Korea Branch), AMO Asia Limited Taiwan Branch (Hong Kong), AMO Australia Pty Limited, AMO Australia Pty Limited (New Zealand Branch), AMO Canada Company, AMO Denmark ApS, AMO Development LLC, AMO France, AMO Germany GmbH, AMO Groningen B.V., AMO International Holdings Unlimited Company, AMO Ireland, AMO Ireland Ireland Branch, AMO Italy SRL, AMO Japan K.K., AMO Manufacturing USA LLC, AMO Netherlands BV, AMO Nominee Holdings LLC, AMO Norway AS, AMO Puerto Rico Manufacturing Inc., AMO Sales and Service Inc., AMO Singapore Pte. Ltd., AMO Spain Holdings LLC, AMO Switzerland GmbH, AMO U.K. Holdings LLC, AMO United Kingdom Ltd., AMO Uppsala AB, AUB Holdings LLC, Abott Medical Optics, Acclarent Inc., Actelion Ltd, Actelion Pharmaceuticals, Actelion Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Actelion Pharmaceuticals Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Actelion Pharmaceuticals US Inc., Actelion Treasury Unlimited Company, Akros Medical Inc., Albany Street LLC, Alios BioPharma, Alza Land Management Inc., Anakuria Therapeutics Inc., Animas Diabetes Care LLC, Animas LLC, Animas Technologies LLC, AorTx Inc., Apsis, Aragon Pharmaceuticals, Aragon Pharmaceuticals Inc., Asia Pacific Holdings LLC, Atrionix Inc., Auris Health, Auris Health Inc., Backsvalan 2 Aktiebolag, Backsvalan 6 Handelsbolag, Beijing Dabao Cosmetics Co. Ltd., BeneVir BioPharm Inc., Berna Rhein B.V., BioMedical Enterprises Inc., Biosense Webster (Israel) Ltd., Biosense Webster Inc., Branch of Johnson & Johnson LLC (RU) in Kazakhstan, C Consumer Products Denmark ApS, CSATS Inc., Calibra Medical LLC, Campus-Foyer Apotheke GmbH, Carlo Erba OTC S.r.l., Centocor Biologics LLC, Centocor Research & Development Inc., Cerenovus Inc., ChromaGenics B.V., Ci:Labo Customer Marketing Co. Ltd., Ci:Labo USA Inc., Ci:z Holdings, Ci:z. Labo Co. Ltd., Cilag AG, Cilag GmbH International, Cilag Holding AG, Cilag Holding Treasury Unlimited Company, Cilag-Biotech S.L., CoTherix Inc., Coherex Medical Inc., ColBar LifeScience Ltd., Company Store.com Inc., Conor MedSystems, Cordis International Corporation, Cordis de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Corimmun GmbH, DePuy Hellas SA, DePuy International Limited, DePuy Ireland Unlimited Company, DePuy Mexico S.A. de C.V., DePuy Mitek LLC, DePuy Orthopaedics Inc., DePuy Products Inc., DePuy Spine LLC, DePuy Synthes Gorgan Limited, DePuy Synthes Inc., DePuy Synthes Institute LLC, DePuy Synthes Leto SARL, DePuy Synthes Products Inc., DePuy Synthes Sales Inc., Debs-Vogue Corporation (Proprietary) Limited, Dutch Holding LLC, ECL7 LLC, EES Holdings de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., EES S.A. de C.V., EIT Emerging Implant Technologies GmbH, Ethicon Endo-Surgery (Europe) GmbH, Ethicon Endo-Surgery Inc., Ethicon Endo-Surgery LLC, Ethicon Inc., Ethicon LLC, Ethicon PR Holdings Unlimited Company, Ethicon Sarl, Ethicon US LLC, Ethicon Women's Health & Urology Sarl, Ethnor (Proprietary) Limited, Ethnor Farmaceutica S.A., Ethnor del Istmo S.A., FMS Future Medical System SA, Finsbury (Development) Limited, Finsbury (Instruments) Limited, Finsbury Medical Limited, Finsbury Orthopaedics International Limited, Finsbury Orthopaedics Limited, GH Biotech Holdings Limited, GMED Healthcare BV, GMED Healthcare BV (Branch), Global Investment Participation B.V., Guangzhou Bioseal Biotech Co. Ltd., Hansen Medical Deutschland GmbH, Hansen Medical Inc., Hansen Medical International Inc., Hansen Medical UK Limited, Healthcare Services (Shanghai) Ltd., Hickory Merger Sub Inc., I.D. Acquisition Corp., Innomedic Gesellschaft fur innovative Medizintechnik und Informatik mbH, Innovative Surgical Solutions LLC, J & J Company West Africa Limited, J&J Pension Trustees Limited, J-C Health Care Ltd., J.C. General Services BV, JJ Surgical Vision Spain S.L., JJC Acquisition Company B.V., JJHC LLC, JJSV Belgium BV, JJSV Manufacturing Malaysia SDN. BHD., JJSV Norden AB, JJSV Produtos Oticos Ltda., JNJ Global Business Services s.r.o., JNJ Holding EMEA B.V., JNJ International Investment LLC, JOM Pharmaceutical Services Inc., Janssen Alzheimer Immunotherapy (Holding) Limited, Janssen BioPharma LLC, Janssen Biologics (Ireland) Limited, Janssen Biologics B.V., Janssen Biotech Inc., Janssen Cilag C.A., Janssen Cilag Farmaceutica S.A., Janssen Cilag S.p.A., Janssen Cilag SPA, Janssen Development Finance Unlimited Company, Janssen Diagnostics LLC, Janssen Egypt LLC, Janssen Farmaceutica Portugal Lda, Janssen Global Services LLC, Janssen Holding GmbH, Janssen Inc., Janssen Irish Finance Unlimited Company, Janssen Korea Ltd., Janssen Oncology Inc., Janssen Ortho LLC, Janssen Pharmaceutica (Proprietary) Limited, Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Janssen Pharmaceutica S.A., Janssen Pharmaceutical K.K., Janssen Pharmaceutical Sciences Unlimited Company, Janssen Pharmaceutical Unlimited Company, Janssen Pharmaceuticals Inc., Janssen Pharmaceuticals Inc. Japan Branch, Janssen Products LP, Janssen R&D Ireland Unlimited Company, Janssen Research & Development LLC, Janssen Sciences Ireland Unlimited Company, Janssen Scientific Affairs LLC, Janssen Supply Group LLC, Janssen Vaccines & Prevention B.V., Janssen Vaccines Branch of Cilag GmbH International, Janssen Vaccines Corp., Janssen-Cilag, Janssen-Cilag (New Zealand) Limited, Janssen-Cilag A/S, Janssen-Cilag AG, Janssen-Cilag AS, Janssen-Cilag Aktiebolag, Janssen-Cilag B.V., Janssen-Cilag Farmaceutica Lda., Janssen-Cilag Farmaceutica Ltda., Janssen-Cilag GmbH, Janssen-Cilag International NV, Janssen-Cilag Kft., Janssen-Cilag Kft. Branch Office, Janssen-Cilag Limited, Janssen-Cilag Manufacturing LLC, Janssen-Cilag NV, Janssen-Cilag OY, Janssen-Cilag Pharma GmbH, Janssen-Cilag Pharmaceutical S.A.C.I., Janssen-Cilag Polska Sp. z o.o., Janssen-Cilag Pty Ltd, Janssen-Cilag Pty Ltd (Branch), Janssen-Cilag S.A., Janssen-Cilag S.A., Janssen-Cilag S.A. de C.V., Janssen-Cilag de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Janssen-Cilag s.r.o., Janssen-Pharma S.L., Jevco Holding Inc., Johnson & Johnson, Johnson & Johnson (Angola) Limitada, Johnson & Johnson (China) Investment Ltd., Johnson & Johnson (China) Investment Ltd. Beijing Branch, Johnson & Johnson (Egypt) S.A.E., Johnson & Johnson (Hong Kong) Limited, Johnson & Johnson (Ireland) Limited, Johnson & Johnson (Jamaica) Limited, Johnson & Johnson (Kenya) Limited, Johnson & Johnson (Middle East) Inc., Johnson & Johnson (Middle East) Inc. (DHCC Branch), Johnson & Johnson (Middle East) Inc. (JAFZA Branch), Johnson & Johnson (Middle East) Inc. Service Center (DAFZA Branch), Johnson & Johnson (Mozambique) Limitada, Johnson & Johnson (Namibia) (Proprietary) Limited, Johnson & Johnson (New Zealand) Limited, Johnson & Johnson (Philippines) Inc., Johnson & Johnson (Private) Limited, Johnson & Johnson (Thailand) Ltd., Johnson & Johnson (Trinidad) Limited, Johnson & Johnson (Vietnam) Co. Ltd, Johnson & Johnson - Societa' Per Azioni, Johnson & Johnson AB, Johnson & Johnson AB Eesti filiaal (Branch), Johnson & Johnson AG, Johnson & Johnson AG (Zuchwil Branch), Johnson & Johnson Belgium Finance Company BV, Johnson & Johnson Bulgaria EOOD, Johnson & Johnson China Ltd., Johnson & Johnson Consumer (Hong Kong) Limited, Johnson & Johnson Consumer (Thailand) Limited, Johnson & Johnson Consumer B.V., Johnson & Johnson Consumer Health Care Switzerland Branch of Janssen-Cilag AG, Johnson & Johnson Consumer Holdings France, Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc., Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. (Dominican Republic Branch), Johnson & Johnson Consumer NV, Johnson & Johnson Consumer Saudi Arabia Limited, Johnson & Johnson Consumer Services EAME Ltd., Johnson & Johnson Del Paraguay S.A., Johnson & Johnson Dominicana S.A.S., Johnson & Johnson Enterprise Innovation Inc., Johnson & Johnson European Treasury Unlimited Company, Johnson & Johnson Finance Corporation, Johnson & Johnson Finance Limited, Johnson & Johnson Financial Services GmbH, Johnson & Johnson Financial Services GmbH (Branch Office), Johnson & Johnson Gateway LLC, Johnson & Johnson Gesellschaft m.b.H., Johnson & Johnson GmbH, Johnson & Johnson Guatemala S.A., Johnson & Johnson Health Care Systems Inc., Johnson & Johnson Health and Wellness Solutions Inc., Johnson & Johnson Hellas Commercial and Industrial S.A., Johnson & Johnson Hellas Consumer Products Commercial Societe Anonyme, Johnson & Johnson Hemisferica S.A., Johnson & Johnson Holding GmbH, Johnson & Johnson Inc., Johnson & Johnson Industrial Ltda., Johnson & Johnson Innovation - JJDC Inc., Johnson & Johnson Innovation LLC, Johnson & Johnson Innovation Limited, Johnson & Johnson International, Johnson & Johnson International (Belgian Branch) (European Logistics Center), Johnson & Johnson International (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., Johnson & Johnson International (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. (Branch), Johnson & Johnson International Financial Services Unlimited Company, Johnson & Johnson K.K., Johnson & Johnson Kft., Johnson & Johnson Korea Ltd., Johnson & Johnson Korea Selling & Distribution LLC, Johnson & Johnson LLC, Johnson & Johnson Lda, Johnson & Johnson Limited, Johnson & Johnson Limited (Sri Lanka Branch), Johnson & Johnson Luxembourg Finance Company Sarl, Johnson & Johnson Management Limited, Johnson & Johnson Medical (China) Ltd., Johnson & Johnson Medical (Proprietary) Ltd, Johnson & Johnson Medical (Shanghai) Ltd., Johnson & Johnson Medical (Shanghai) Ltd. Beijing Branch, Johnson & Johnson Medical (Suzhou) Ltd., Johnson & Johnson Medical B.V., Johnson & Johnson Medical Devices & Diagnostics Group - Latin America L.L.C., Johnson & Johnson Medical GmbH, Johnson & Johnson Medical Korea Ltd., Johnson & Johnson Medical Limited, Johnson & Johnson Medical Mexico S.A. de C.V., Johnson & Johnson Medical NV, Johnson & Johnson Medical Products GmbH, Johnson & Johnson Medical Pty Ltd, Johnson & Johnson Medical S.A., Johnson & Johnson Medical S.C.S., Johnson & Johnson Medical S.p.A., Johnson & Johnson Medical SAS, Johnson & Johnson Medical Saudi Arabia Limited, Johnson & Johnson Medical Taiwan Ltd., Johnson & Johnson Medikal Sanayi ve Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Johnson & Johnson Medikal Sanayi ve Ticaret Limited Sirketi (Ankara Branch), Johnson & Johnson Medikal Sanayi ve Ticaret Limited Sirketi (Izmir Branch), Johnson & Johnson Middle East - Scientific Office, Johnson & Johnson Middle East FZ - LLC (Lebanese Branch), Johnson & Johnson Middle East FZ-LLC, Johnson & Johnson Middle East FZ-LLC (Ghana Branch), Johnson & Johnson Middle East FZ-LLC (Kenya Branch), Johnson & Johnson Middle East FZ-LLC Branch (TSO) (Saudi Arabia Branch), Johnson & Johnson Morocco Societe Anonyme, Johnson & Johnson NCB (Belgian Branch), Johnson & Johnson Nordic AB, Johnson & Johnson Pacific Pty Limited, Johnson & Johnson Pakistan (Private) Limited, Johnson & Johnson Panama S.A., Johnson & Johnson Personal Care (Chile) S.A., Johnson & Johnson Poland Sp. z o.o., Johnson & Johnson Poland sp. z o.o. oddzial w Warszawie "Consumer", Johnson & Johnson Private Limited, Johnson & Johnson Pte. Ltd., Johnson & Johnson Pte. Ltd. Korea Branch, Johnson & Johnson Pty. Limited, Johnson & Johnson Romania S.R.L., Johnson & Johnson S.A., Johnson & Johnson S.A. de C.V., Johnson & Johnson S.E. Inc., Johnson & Johnson S.E. d.o.o., Johnson & Johnson SDN. BHD., Johnson & Johnson Sante Beaute France, Johnson & Johnson Services Inc., Johnson & Johnson Surgical Vision Inc., Johnson & Johnson Surgical Vision India Private Limited, Johnson & Johnson Taiwan Ltd., Johnson & Johnson UK Treasury Company Limited, Johnson & Johnson Ukraine LLC, Johnson & Johnson Urban Renewal Associates, Johnson & Johnson Vision Care (Shanghai) Ltd., Johnson & Johnson Vision Care Inc., Johnson & Johnson Vision Care Ireland Unlimited Company, Johnson & Johnson d.o.o., Johnson & Johnson de Argentina S.A.C. e. I., Johnson & Johnson de Chile Limitada, Johnson & Johnson de Chile S.A., Johnson & Johnson de Colombia S.A., Johnson & Johnson de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Johnson & Johnson de Uruguay S.A., Johnson & Johnson de Venezuela S.A., Johnson & Johnson del Ecuador S.A., Johnson & Johnson del Peru S.A., Johnson & Johnson do Brasil Industria E Comercio de Produtos Para Saude Ltda., Johnson & Johnson for Export and Import LLC, Johnson & Johnson s.r.o., Johnson Y Johnson de Costa Rica S.A., Johnson and Johnson (Proprietary) Limited, Johnson and Johnson Sihhi Malzeme Sanayi Ve Ticaret Limited Sirketi, LTL Management LLC, La Concha Land Investment Corporation, Latam International Investment Company Unlimited Company, Legal Entity Name, MDS Co. Ltd., McNEIL MMP LLC, McNeil AB, McNeil Consumer Pharmaceuticals Co., McNeil Denmark ApS, McNeil Healthcare (Ireland) Limited, McNeil Healthcare (UK) Limited, McNeil Healthcare LLC, McNeil Iberica S.L.U., McNeil LA LLC, McNeil Nutritionals LLC, McNeil Panama LLC, McNeil Products Limited, McNeil Sweden AB, Medical Device Business Services Inc., Medical Devices & Diagnostics Global Services LLC, Medical Devices International LLC, Medos International Sarl, Medos International Sarl succursale de Neuchatel (Branch), Medos Sarl, MegaDyne Medical Products Inc., Menlo Care De Mexico S.A. de C.V., Mentor B.V., Mentor Deutschland GmbH, Mentor Medical Systems B.V., Mentor Partnership Holding Company I LLC, Mentor Texas GP LLC, Mentor Texas L.P., Mentor Worldwide LLC, Micrus Endovascular LLC, Middlesex Assurance Company Limited, Momenta Ireland Limited, Momenta Pharmaceuticals, Momenta Pharmaceuticals Inc., NeoStrata Company Inc., NeoStrata UG (haftungsbeschrankt), Netherlands Holding Company, NeuWave Medical Inc., Neuravi Limited, Novira Therapeutics, Novira Therapeutics LLC, NuVera Medical Inc., OBTECH Medical Sarl, OGX Beauty Limited, OMJ Holding GmbH, OMJ Ireland Unlimited Company, OMJ Pharmaceuticals Inc., Obtech Medical Mexico S.A. de C.V., Omrix Biopharmaceuticals Inc., Omrix Biopharmaceuticals Ltd., Omrix Biopharmaceuticals NV, Ortho Biologics LLC, Ortho Biotech Holding LLC, Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical LLC, Orthospin Ltd., Orthotaxy, PT Integrated Healthcare Indonesia, PT. Johnson & Johnson Indonesia, Patriot Pharmaceuticals LLC, Peninsula Pharmaceuticals LLC, Pharmadirect Ltd., Pharmedica Laboratories (Proprietary) Limited, Princeton Laboratories Inc., Productos de Cuidado Personal y de La Salud de Bolivia S.R.L., Proleader S.A., Pulsar Vascular Inc., Regency Urban Renewal Associates, RespiVert Ltd., RoC International, Royalty A&M LLC, Rutan Realty LLC, SYNTHES Medical Immobilien GmbH, Scios LLC, Sedona Singapore International Pte. Ltd., Sedona Thai International Co. Ltd., Serhum S.A. de C.V., Shanghai Elsker For Mother & Baby Co. Ltd, Shanghai Elsker Mother & Baby Co. Ltd Minghang Branch, Shanghai Johnson & Johnson Ltd., Shanghai Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Sightbox LLC, Sodiac ESV, Spectrum Vision Limited Liability Company, Spectrum Vision Limited Liability Partnership, SterilMed, SterilMed Inc., Surgical Process Institute Deutschland GmbH, Synthes Costa Rica S.C.R. Limitada, Synthes GmbH, Synthes Holding AG, Synthes Holding Limited, Synthes Inc., Synthes Medical Surgical Equipment & Instruments Trading LLC, Synthes Produktions GmbH, Synthes Proprietary Limited, Synthes S.M.P. S. de R.L. de C.V., Synthes Tuttlingen GmbH, Synthes USA LLC, Synthes USA Products LLC, TARIS Biomedical, TARIS Biomedical LLC, TearScience Inc., The Anspach Effort LLC, The Vision Care Institute LLC, Tibotec LLC, Torax Medical Inc., UAB "Johnson & Johnson", UAB Johnson & Johnson Eesti Filiaal (Estonian Branch), Vania Expansion, Verb Surgical, Verb Surgical Inc., Vision Care Finance Unlimited Company, Vogue International, Vogue International LLC, Vogue International Trading Inc., WH4110 Development Company L.L.C., XO1, XO1 Limited, Xian Janssen Pharmaceutical Ltd., Xian-Janssen Pharmaceutical Ltd. Beijing Branch Office, Xian-Janssen Pharmaceutical Ltd. Shanghai Branch Office, Zarbee's Inc., and Zarbee's Naturals.

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Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA, a health care company, provides products and services for dialysis, hospitals, and outpatient medical care. It operates through four segments: Fresenius Medical Care, Fresenius Kabi, Fresenius Helios, and Fresenius Vamed. The Fresenius Medical Care segment offers products and services for patients with chronic kidney failure. This segment provides dialyzers, hemodialysis machines, and related disposable products, as well as dialysis-related services. The Fresenius Kabi segment engages in the therapy and care of therapy and care ill patients. This segment offers IV drugs, including intravenously administered generic drugs for oncology, anesthetics, analgesics, anti-infectives, and critical care; parenteral and enteral nutrition products; infusion solutions and blood volume substitutes for infusion therapy; biosimilars, a biological medicine for autoimmune and oncology diseases; medical devices and disposal used to administer IV generic drugs, infusion therapies, and clinical nutrition products; and transfusion products for collection of blood components and corporeal therapies. The Fresenius Helios segment operates 90 hospitals, approximately 130 outpatient clinics, and 6 prevention centers in Germany; and 49 hospitals, 88 outpatient clinics, and approximately 300 risk prevention centers in Spain. This segment also provides services in the field of fertility treatments through 33 clinics and additional 39 sites across 10 countries on 3 continents. The Fresenius Vamed segment manages projects and offers services for hospitals and other health care facilities. This segment provides project development, planning, and turnkey construction services, as well as maintenance, technical management, and operational management services. The company was formerly known as Fresenius SE and changed its name to Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA in January 2011. Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA was founded in 1912 and is headquartered in Bad Homburg vor der Hohe, Germany.
This year's edition of 'Sallafest 2017' which is expected to bring various Muslim communities on one platform to celebrate the breaking of the 30-day fast in the month of Ramadan was officially launched last Tuesday on the Chapter O Street, Nima in Accra.

The sixth edition of the annual musical event which will take place on June 26 at Nima is being organised by EXP Ghana, in collaboration with award-winning Ghanaian music group, VVIP, and Chapter O.

The launch ceremony which attracted a number of personalities, sponsors and other artistes was performed by the chief of Nima, Alhaji Nii Futah.

As usual, this year's event will witness performances from VVIP, as well as other hiplife artistes.

Launching this year's 'Sallafest', Alhaji Nii Futah, in his address, threw light on the importance of Ramadan, saying that it is a month for Muslims across the globe to be more generous.

He prayed for Allah's mercy to see through every dream of the organisers so the successes they chalk serves as a great motivation for others to replicate across other Muslim communities.

Reggie Rockstone, who spoke on behalf of the VVIP, stated that the musical concert is about showcasing young talents in the community and putting them upfront while the big artistes put the icing on the cake.

He added that the members of VVIP believe that the people of Nima contributed immensely towards their success and that there is the need to also come out with an event such as 'Sallahfest' as a means of giving back to the community.

On his part, the Country Director of EXP Ghana, Abdul Aziz Amankwa, mentioned that before the concert, there will be prayers in the morning, followed by the feast in which 27,000 people will be fed.

The event will be climaxed with a carnival in the evening headlined by VVIP and performances from about 25 Ghanaian 'A list' artistes.

Abdul Aziz Amankwa concluded by urging Muslims to go by the dictates of the religion so as to ensure a fruitful celebration.

By George Clifford Owusu
RJP-N reiterates its position to continue struggle

Rastriya Janata Party-Nepal (RJP-N) has reiterated its decision to continue its protest programmes and not to take part in the second phase of local level elections slated for June 28.
The spotlight and controversy surrounding the Central Regional town of Denkyira Obuasi will linger for a long time after a mob lynched Major Maxwell Mahama on suspicion he was an armed robber.

The story is told of how the people moved to the present location after being compelled to abandon their old abode.

The reason? Buildings and other structures had reportedly turned into a chain and pieces of rock and until recently, people were barred from stepping foot in the area, known as Apaaho.

Nhira FM's Ohemeng Tawiah has been digging into the history of the town to establish the facts behind the towns history.

Denkyira Obuasi attracted global attention when residents pounced on a military officer and beat him to death in broad day light on the fateful Monday of 29th May, 2017.

Major Mahama had committed no crime except for the people suspecting he was an armed robber.

The incident, according to sources, had been preceded in 2012, by the killing, in similar fashion, of three men, believed to be national security operatives.

Nhyira News was told of how the old Denkyira Obuasi town was once cursed by an unknown person who had cited residents for unfair treatment at the towns original location.

That curse, according to mythical accounts, turned residents and the entire community into standing rocks shaped in human sizes.

When they resettled at the present place, residents were barred from the old site, for any reason.

The chief and selected elders, however, offered sacrifices to their ancestors there every two years.

With time, the area, covering about four miles square has grown into a thick forest.

Eighty-six year old Nana Kwadwo Nsowah is an elder of Denkyira Obuasi.

He tells how me how only the chief and few elders were allowed to access the old community on two-year basis.

We used to call it Abosomso.

The chief, queenmother and selected elders go there every two years to perform rituals

There is a small stream on the way to the place. No-one is permitted step in it.

'Nananom' will not eat neither will they urinate or even spit during the sacrifice, he narrated.

According to Nana Nsowah, the entire old Denkyira Obuasi community except the household of an Obaapanin from the Aduana turned into rocks.

The unidentified elderly woman and her household were spared of the curse because she received the unidentified man suffering from Chicken Pox well.

Everybody is said to have turned into rock except the household that accepted him

We are told the bigger stones represent men and the small ones are females

There are rocks shaped like women pounding fufu.

Luckily for me, I have been able to access Apaaho without offering a sacrifice.

The prohibited land, though has been covered by thick forest, is now open to human visit.

The Diaso parish of the Roman Catholic Church attends prayer retreat at one side of the rock every month.

But some elders of new Denkyira Obuasi want the area developed into a tourist site to generate income for the community, as echoed by Chief Linguist, Nana Kwabena Asare.

He says: This will attract tourists from within and outside Ghana if it is developed

The local economy will see improvement

Trading activities will increase here

Even unmarried persons can have life partners.

His call is endorsed by caretaker chief and a former assemblyman for Modaso Electoral area, Nana Kofi Okyere.

Our doors are open to all potential investors.

In fact, we will support from whoever wants to help develop the site, he said.
This article is written against the backdrop of the increasing cases of human rights violations of Ghanaians, particularly, female domestic workers in the Gulf States. The violations have become so alarming that it should be deemed necessary for us to make a commitment to change the situation if not to end the suffering and flight of our unsuspecting young females to the Gulf States.

Hardly a week passes by without sordid tales of inhuman treatments and even murder of Ghanaians working as domestic servants in the Gulf States in the news and on social media. This article thus focuses on abuse of female Ghanaian domestic workers in the Gulf States since they appear to be among the highly vulnerable and most exploited and the exploitations are numerous and wide ranging in nature.

In Saudi Arabia, for instance, a young Ghanaian female domestic worker was reportedly hanged to death recently apparently by the employer because a house door had hurt the fingers of the employers child who had been left in the care of the maid. The former Ghana Ambassador to Kuwait, Alhaji Said Sinare, narrated in a radio interview, how a 19-year-old Ghanaian girl had her whole body burnt and then abandoned by her employer. He described the experiences that Ghanaian domestic workers go through in Kuwait and in the other Middle Eastern countries as very bad, terrible and dangerous.

In the Gulf States domestic servants are molested and maltreated even for requesting for payment of wages and food from their employers. Some trafficked ladies even end up spending months in deportation centres for agitating for better working conditions. These ladies are held in desert prisons for so long apparently for their own protection until they receive air tickets either from their families or reluctant agents. Those who cannot bear the inhuman treatments are reportedly becoming mad.

These young women travel to the Gulf States after having been recruited by licensed and unlicensed agencies with mostly fraudulent offers of jobs in the domestic service or hospitality industry, only to be subjected to forced labour. Forced labour often means unpaid wages, excessively long working hours without rest days in sub-standard or unsafe conditions, confiscation of passports, little freedom of movement, deception, intimidation and physical abuse as well as sexual violence. Eye witnesses describe the situation of some of the ladies as equivalent to modern day slavery, disguised as international migration, because some of these ladies are sold like slaves on a slave market in an American movie.

Even though exact official statistics about the population of Ghanaian domestic workers in the Gulf States are not available, the Ghana Immigration Service, according to the Ghanaian Times, is said to have observed an unusually increasing high number of young Ghanaian women traveling to the Gulf States in recent past. An investigation by the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) (Ghanaian Times 03. March 2015), also revealed that over 2000 young women who were trafficked to the Gulf States over a five month period in 2015 by fake recruitment agencies under the pretext of securing them job opportunities in the hospitality industry were left stranded. In fact the number of young female Ghanaians leaving for the gulf has even shot up tremendously as previous source countries including Uganda, Ethiopia, Indonesia and Kenya, have banned or suspended the trafficking of its people into these states following a series of reported abuse cases of its citizens working in these countries.

As the number of Ghanaian women being trafficked increases so are complaints of inhuman treatments and cries for help from exploitation becoming plentiful and louder. Not only are these individual experiences tragic but these cases cast a slur on the image of the country as a whole. There is also a potential security threat to Ghana should migrant youth fall into the hands of terrorists and religious fundamentalists.

It must, however, be mentioned that Ghana government over the years has done its bid to prevent human trafficking and to better the conditions of trafficked women working as domestic workers in other countries. It has, for instance, among others, legislated the Human Trafficking Act 2005, amended in 2009, issued a legislative instrument to implement the human trafficking act, signed several international conventions on domestic workers, established Human Trafficking Management Board (HTMB) and an Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU) in the Ghana Police Service.

These measures, however, appear not sufficient given that complaints about human right violations of domestic workers in the Gulf seem to be increasing. It is for this reason that I call on my fellow Ghanaians to assist in mobilizing State and non-State actors for a joint action against human trafficking along the lines of the demands United Nations Global Initiative to Fight Human Trafficking (UN.GIFT) aimed at prevention of trafficking in persons, protection of victims of human trafficking, and prosecution of trafficking offenders

In order to p revent trafficking in unsuspecting persons to the Gulf States and protect those already working there, it is important to educate and raise awareness about fraudulent recruitment agencies and about the dangers of such travels. This would also require establishing proper structures to educate and document all citizens before they leave abroad for work. In this connection the government and all other stakeholders should join forces with media houses to provide public awareness campaigns to save lives.

In the wake of numerous reports of deplorable working conditions, human rights violations, exploitation and abuse at the workplace of Ghanaian domestic workers it would not be farfetched to demand a total ban on the export of domestic workers or prevent trafficking in domestic workers, even if temporary, so as to allow space for other permanent sanguine measures to be explored. Several other countries have already tried this measure before, and their citizens seem to have benefited somehow from it. This can also be enforced with the need for exit permits, e.g. from the labour department, and police reports, as a pre-requisite for visa acquisition, especially, for those traveling to work in the domestic and hospitality industry in the Gulf States. We also recommend effective management of labour migration to weed out unscrupulous agents through fresh vetting and accreditation of all recruitment and employment agents hiring workers for jobs in these countries. Our parliament should also help to develop a policy document that will outline the standard measures required to safeguard Ghanaian migrant workers before they leave the country and while abroad.

Violations of human rights of domestic workers in the Middle East are not isolated cases limited to Ghanaians alone. Citizens of other countries, including Mexico, Ethiopia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Indonesia, India, Sudan, Kenya, etc., working as domestic workers in the Gulf have also had cause to complain about their maltreatment.

Consequently it is time for the government of Ghana to liaise with these countries for a concerted approach by raising it at international fora, for instance, at the international human rights council. This is to achieve the object of getting the Gulf States to commit themselves to a genuine political will to protect  in law and practice  the most vulnerable workers, i.e. migrant domestic workers, in their societies.

In addition to that the Ghanaian Foreign Minister should be prevailed upon to engage her counterparts in the Gulf States in bilateral agreements and negotiations in addressing complaints about the poor working conditions and abuse of the human rights of Ghanaian domestic workers. We also want to call on the government to open up labour attaches in key receiving countries with re-occurring issues in need of regular monitoring and assurance.

For an effective response to the increasing numbers of trafficking of female domestic workers to the Gulf States by unscrupulous agents it is important for the state to complement its prevention efforts with measures aimed at prosecuting trafficking offenders with stiff punishments to deter other potential offenders. There is also the need on the part of the government to put in place measures to facilitate the rehabilitation and reintegration of trafficked victims as well as provide decent jobs for all.

Ghana must demand from the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection to develop action plans for the operationalization of the various laws concerning human trafficking and domestic service as well as conventions that Ghana has signed and ratified. There is indeed a dire urgency for serious action against human trafficking in the country.

As the saying goes a country that is committed to its citizens inspires patriotism and sacrifices on their part. The female domestic workers suffering from abuses in the Gulf States are Ghanaians who deserve not only our sympathies but our readiness to defend for ever the cause of their freedom and of rights.

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15.06.2017 LISTEN

Ghanaians in London, UK will this Friday 16th June 2017 register their displeasure with a massive demonstration against President Nana Akufo-Addo for the poor handling of the economy, social and among others security issues in the country.

There are plans to greet the President, who is visiting the UK, with a huge protest.

Ghanaian Civil society groups in the UK are also expected to part take in this demonstration.

Come out in your numbers to register your displeasure.

Ghana must not be allowed to sink into lawlessness and insecurity any more.

In unity we build a stronger nation. Be part of this concern. This is not about politics but reality facing our country. Let us face President Nana Akufo Addo as citizens not spectators.

Venue: Central Hall, Westminster, Storey's Gate, London, SW1H 9NH

Time: 17:00

Come and let us engage the President. Ghana our mother land you are the Victor. God bless our Homeland Ghana.
15.06.2017 LISTEN

Kumasi, June 15, GNA - The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has underlined the need to aggressively push towards adding more value to the nation's cocoa.

This, he said, was necessary to assure both the farmers and the state of reasonably good returns.

He was speaking, when the Management of the Cocoa Processing Company (CPC) paid a courtesy call on him at his Manhyia Palace in Kumasi.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu urged a scale up of the effort to increase local processing of the beans and consumption of cocoa products.

One way of doing this, he said, was to include cocoa products in the menu of the school feeding programme.

The Asantehene indicated that the health benefits for the school children would be enormous.

The advocacy to get more Ghanaians to develop strong taste for cocoa products comes amid a tumble of the price of the commodity - the mainstay of the economy on the international market.

It is estimated that less than 0.5 per cent of the country's annual cocoa production is consumed locally, something seen as 'too low'.

The King counselled the CPC management to adopt best practices to enable the company to efficiently - optimally operate so that there would be returns on investment.

It should see to it that the demands of consumers were met, he added.

Dr. Frank Asante, Managing Director of the Company, appealed to the Asantehene to back the campaign to encourage consumption of cocoa products.

He spoke of the training of people to make chocolate products on their own to help boost production and consumption.

GNA

By Dorothy Frances Ward, GNA
15.06.2017 LISTEN

Wa, June 15, GNA - Mr Sulemana Alhassan, the Upper West Regional Minister, said the region has comparative advantage in cotton, sheabutter and cashew production and it is looking for investors to partner government to develop those sectors.

Government and the international community should also consider investing more in road infrastructure to promote internal and external trade between people in the region and neighbouring countries, he said.

Mr Alhassan was speaking on Wednesday during a visit to Wa by Ghana's designated envoys to interact with stakeholders and discuss the potential investment opportunities to enable them to market the region abroad.

He urged the diplomats to market the region on its priority areas in their respective countries to contribute significantly to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo's vision of inclusive and integrated industrialisation policies and agricultural revitalisation.

Mr Alhassan said previous governments had made efforts to improve infrastructure development but the region still remained the least developed compared to others in the country.

He said more than 80 per cent of people in the region were into both subsistence and commercial agriculture, depending largely on rainfall to cultivate crops such as maize, millet, rice, soyabeans, groundnuts, cotton, yam, cowpea and sorghum.

Mr Alhassan said the region was endowed with arable land which helped in animal husbandry while the Black Volta and Sissili River could be developed into small scale irrigation systems as well as for aquaculture purposes to advance the economic fortunes of the region.

On education, Mr Alhassan bemoaned the falling standards in recent years and appealed to the envoys to encourage investors into the sector to help improve standards.

Mr Alhassan mentioned the Wa-Naa Palace, the Gwollu Slave Wall and the Wechiau Hippopotamus Sanctuary as some of the tourist centres in the region which could be developed to bring in more revenue.

The envoys advised the stakeholders to try to identify countries which had interest in their development priority areas and partner with them for the implementation of projects.

They appealed to the government to make the Wa Airport functional for air travellers while the district assemblies provided decent toilet facilities in the communities to stop open defecation in order to attract investors.

On education, they called for the provision of more technical and vocational institutions to promote the industrial development efforts and employment to the youth.

GNA

By Bajin D. Pobia, GNA


The Bolgatanga District Court, presided over by His Worship Osman Abdul-Hakeem, has remanded another set of five persons in Prison custody, for threatening and molesting three old women they suspected to be witches, at Gare, in the Talensi district in the Upper East Region.

The Court also granted a Bench Warrant to the Police for the arrest of one Tarebon who is on the run.

Their remand comes just two days after some five suspects were remanded in Police custody in connection with the lynching of an old woman, in the same Talensi district.

On Thursday June 15, 2017 Police in Bolgatanga brought five persons, including a 29 year old Evangelist, Akwesi Ali Baba, before the Bolgatanga Court over an alleged witchcraft accusation. They are to reappear in Court on June 30, 2017 .

Presenting the facts in Court, Police Prosecutor, Inspector Gilbert Boaten Addae said the four other suspects, Doug Sapak, Mba Gudabe, Missah Samlate, Malupaaya Mbanyia are farmers.

The Evangelist has been charged with publication of false news intended to cause fear and alarm to the public. The others were charged with threat of death, unlawful entry and causing unlawful damage.

On June 6, 2017, at about 6:00am , the 29 year old Evangelist accused the three old women of being witches and based on that, the other accused persons and others, led by one Tarebon, who is on the run, organised and attacked the three women and threatened to kill them.

The old women managed and ran to the Palace of the Gare Chief, to report the accusations leveled against them.

The accused managed to whisk the women from the Chiefs palace to meet a Witch Doctor at Yeliwongo, a borders town between the Bongo district in the Upper East and the Republic of Burkina-Faso. While there, the women were subjected to a trail ordeal at the hands of the Witch Doctor for three days.

On June 9, 2017, the accused brought the women back to Gare and told the Chief that the women have been confirmed to be witches by their witch Doctor at Yeliwongo and that, they were sending the women to Gambaga for another trail.

The Chief refused them their desire and asked them to release the women, which provoked them (accused), who threatened to kill the women, and for that reason, the Chief decided to keep the women in his Palace.

The accused went to the rooms of the women in search of a pot the Evangelist had told them they had been bewitched them with.

A concerned resident who heard of the incident, reported the case to the Police. Police proceeded to the scene, but the accused persons run away on seeing the Police, but were later arrested later.

On June 15 the Evangelist was also arrested at Pelungu upon a tip off. He appeared in Court with a swollen eye, which he might have had from the people who apprehended him before the Police arrived at the scene.

Ebo Bruce-Quansah, Bolgatanga
A report by the Public Interest and Accountability Committee (PIAC) has questioned the whereabout of more than $40 million which was not accounted for by the Ghana Gas Company Limited.

The Company in 2016 paid only $9.3 million out of receivables of $56 million from the sale of raw gas to the state. The outstanding $46.7 million was not accounted for.

Technical Manager of PIAC, Mark Agyemang, has asked Parliament to demand from management of the Company how the money could be traced.

The PIAC report also raised issues about why the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) was made to fund the Western Corridor roads among others.

The 2016 allocation and utilisation shows GNPC was given GHC88.5 million which represents 38.64% for the total petroleum revenue for the year 2016. In actual fact, this is the lowest that GNPC has received since 2011 and it was able to cover only 95% of their cash requirement," he observed.

He explained that this development necessitated GNPC relying on its cash reserves to finance the additional 3% of its cash requirement.

Notwithstanding this, there was 38% year-on-year in the staff course of GNPC from $10.2 million in 2015 to %16.4 million in 2016. An amount of $12.64 million was used in refurbishing GNPCs landed properties in Accra, Takoradi and Tema.

An additional amount of $7.58 million was also spent on the Western Corridor roads project and here PIAC has queried GNPC regarding the last item, he said.

Joseph Winful

According to Chairman of (PIAC), Joseph Winful, all the organisations involved; Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Volta River Authority (VRA) and Ghana Gas Company are owned by the state and the authority that directs the funds has nothing to do with management.

So if we are looking at the way we should be managing our state organisations to make them efficient then we should be looking at the management.

I was not worried about the receivables, my worry was how much we have gotten from the oil and how we spent the money, he bemoaned.

He suggested that government should examine the type of capacity GNPC has to buy compared to other players in the oil and gas industry to ensure there is value for money.

Benjamin Boakye

Contributing to the discussion, Executive Director of African Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP), Benjamin Boakye recommended that parliament becomes more efficient to forestall such development.

The product of PIAC is going to feed into the work of parliament and parliament is supposed to extract that accountability from people who are not performing their roles.

This will ensure that the resources are managed more prudently and efficiently, he said.

He bemoaned the cycle of general mismanagement as government companies are dealing with themselves and there are debts that are not settled between the entities.

If the government wants to do business, it must do business with any other entity which is responsible for its liabilities and pay or move away from doing business," he maintained.

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Abubakar Ibrahim
The Interior Minister says government is engaging with some security experts to address cases of mob injustice across the country.

Ambrose Dery said the hankering of Ghanaians for mob attacks is an innate tendency that will require a thorough study to have it solved.

He told Raymond Acquah on UPfront on JOYNEWS channel on MultiTV Thursday, the government is holding an open dialogue with the relevant authorities on the matter.

If you take mob action it has existed in Ghana right from my childhoodit is in our psyche so we are engaging prominent security activists to see what we can do about the situation, he said.

There is an upsurge of instant injustice meted out to persons alleged to be criminals. The perpetrators take the law into their own hands and enact violent justice on alleged criminals.

This type of justice, while not an everyday occurrence, is common in both the rural and urban areas of Ghana.

Hundreds of Ghanaians have lost their lives through this practice.

A most recent one that attracted the attention of Ghanaians was the lynching of a senior military officer, Major Maxwell Adam Mahama, who was on national assignment in the Central Region.

The officer was clobbered and stoned on May 29 by residents of Denkyira-Obuasi in the Region while on his routine jogging, the police have said.

He was allegedly mistaken for an armed robber when he was spotted with a gun and was lynched for two grueling hours upon a tip-off by a snail seller.

A day before Major Mahamas murder, three Ghanaians were lynched in a similar fashion at Kasoa also in the Central Region by residents for allegedly stealing two mobile phones.

Experts have said mob justice is festering because of a severe lack of faith in police forces as well as in the judicial system.

The repetition of these attacks has created a situation where there is a culture of fear in the country. Many Ghanaians are afraid for their safety.

Although the Interior Minister said the social climate in the country is responsible for mob injustice, he said the government is working to safeguard the citizens.

The feeling of fear exist [but] our goal is to make Ghanaians feel safe, Mr Dery said.

Watch the full show below



Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com
Hotel development activity in Africa is still rising in the face of the continents economic problems, showing a 13% increase in 2017, according to the annual survey by W Hospitality Group.

The ninth edition of its Hotel Chain Development Pipelines in Africa has 36 international and regional contributors reporting almost 73 000 rooms in 417 hotels. The figures have grown each year, more than doubling since 2009.

This year Marriott International, boosted by its merger with Starwood, comes top of the table in terms of number of rooms planned. But AccorHotels continues to lead  just  by the number of hotels in its pipeline.

By country, Egypt is in first place with the highest number of hotel rooms in the on-site construction phase.

The report, along with all the challenges of developing new hotels in Africa will be discussed by industry leaders and government officials at the seventh Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF) in Kigali, in October.

The 7th AHIF will take place in Kigali, Rwanda from October 10 to 12 and, running alongside AviaDev - an airline route development conference - will bring together some of the leading executives from the world of aviation and hotels as well as top government officials and politicians, according to Jonathan Worsley, chair of Bench Events, the conference organiser.

Line-up

There is a speaker line-up of over 70 senior industry professionals from leading hotel chains, consultancies, designers, local owners.

Our line-up this year is comprehensive and exciting - everything from sustainable development and hard economics, to first-hand practical advice from leaders in their field, plus unique networking opportunities, said Worsley.

With AviaDev, an airline route development conference, taking place simultaneously in the same venue, its a joint forum that provides a valuable opportunity to look at the expansion of travel across the continent from a strategic perspective.

AHIF attracts more than 500 high-calibre executives from 45 countries and has already seen many new deals made. The opening day sees the impact of global economic trends on Africa high on the agenda. How to meet the current challenges within the sector will be discussed by leading figures including Alex Kyriakidis, president and managing director, Middle East and Africa of Marriott International, and political analyst Daniel Silke.

Investment, connectivity, and security will also be explored and further highlights include detailed analyses of hotel revenue performance. In addition, there will be an African market focus  region by region.

The last day kicks off with innovations and trends in hospitality  from international to local; mainstream to boutique. Therell be a stakeholders roundtable plus a closing session on finance.
54-year-old Annie Southerland was caught allegedly stealing clothes from a donation box outside of Saint Anthony Catholic Church, located in Lakeland, Florida, the incident was caught by a surveillance camera.

On Sunday, May 14 and on Saturday, June 3, are the two times Annie is believed to have stolen clothes from the church. The surveillance footage shows Annie driving to the back of the Catholic church, opening the donation box, emptying it of all the bags of clothes and placing the donated clothes into the back of her white Ford Taurus.

The church contacted the police after becoming suspicious of the missing clothes, they showed the police the footage showing the theft. The police were able to identify the clothes thief to be Annie after tracing her cars number tags back to her.

On Wednesday, June 7th, Annie Southerland was arrested and charged with burglary and grand theft, she is being held in Polk County Jail on a $1,500 bond.
Sajha set to bring 12 new buses

Sajha Yatayat has signed an agreement with Ashok Leyland, an Indian automobile manufacturer, to buy 12 deluxe buses and one semi-floor bus.
I am deeply concerned and ashamed about how we as a people have allowed hypocrisy to cloud our sense of judgement and reasoning on the Major Maxwell Mahama issue when we as a people have taken everything for granted. On the 1st of March, I published an article both on my blog and on modernghana entitled Mob Justice, A Pain in The neck of the Rule of Law. (Click the link to check it out https://elormtalent.blogspot.com/2017/02/mob-justice-pain-in-neck-of-rule-of-law.html ) but the culture of I dont care has brought some unbearable consequences to those in authority and now they are running helter-skelter to deal with the mess.

Before I begin, I entreat all readers of this article to have an open mind as I have and see the issues from the angles I will be hitting it from. This are deep waters I am about to enter and I will try as much as possible to tread cautiously, although not cautiously enough to leave stones unturned. I am fully aware of the hatred I may receive after I am through with this piece of thought. That notwithstanding, truth must always be told no matter how painful it might be. I will not be bothered also by the several tags I may receive just for speaking the truth. I write this not to put more tears on the faces of the bereaved family, but to straighten out a few rough edges.

To start with, I must say categorically and emphatically that, I condemn the various events that led to the catastrophe we are dealing with in this times especially the murder. No person deserves to die a horrible death as such no matter how evident the conviction levelled against such a person is. It is barbaric, uncivilized and woefully wrong for someone to be lynched in such gruesome manner.

That notwithstanding, I am particularly not in the least happy about how we have handled the Maxwell Mahama issue. Why do I say this? Is this the first time someone has been lynched and gruesomely murdered by a mob in this country? Secondly, have the law taken its course in the uncountable incidents of mob justice in this country? Are the victims of the previous lynches not human beings and more importantly citizens of this country? Why then is Maxwell Mahama different from his predecessors many of whom have not even merited a police enquiry? I am aware you have an answer to all the above questions. I was glad to hear renowned pastor Mensah Otabil say that the Majors murder was a part of our culture on display. He says, we lynch people every day and nothing is done about. Thus Major Mahamas lynching was part of a culture we have nurtured. This is unarguably true due to the numerous victims I have cited above.

Many are they who have been accused of witchcraft, same sex relationship, armed robbery, theft and what have you. Many of these victims of mob action are never regarded by the law enforcement agencies. There have also been several people who have in one way or the other lost their lives in the line of duty such as police officers, presidential press corps members among others, but none have I recalled that a former president has offered to cater for their families neither have I recall any government intervention in the survival of their loved ones apart from the pension due them. I can unequivocally state that, all this feeling of sympathy towards the family of Maxwell Mahama reveals the spirit of two-facedness we have embedded into our culture. Is it because his uncle is a former president of the republic or what are we trying to tell ourselves? Why should Maxwell Mahama be given a preferential treatment when nobody can ascertain the truthfulness of the stories being told?

According to the suspended DCE, he was protecting some Chinese illegal miners in the area that led to his gruesome murder. Although his statements are unsavoury the time he uttered them, we must not be quick to discard off such an allegation. In the same stratum, the military high command claims that he was working as a part of the galamsey taskforce that was set up under the ex-while Mahama administration. Who is telling the truth? The fact that he is part of a taskforce does not mean his work in the area was in the interest of the state. We all know how money and women can have an influence on even the most perceived righteous and incorruptible mind. These are very powerful tools that are aiding in the breeding of corruption in our country today. Can someone say unequivocally that Maxwell is incorruptible? No because no human is incorruptible. This case is a two-edged case and needs to be solved as such. The first part is the murder of Major Maxwell Mahama. The second is what led to the murder of the Major. The second aspect is very critical. I am not talking about what happened the morning he was killed. I am talking about a full investigation into the activities of Mahamas squad because that to me is the source of the murder. The fact that they are there as part of a galamsey taskforce does not mean there cannot be any incident of foul play. Every action is a reaction to a previous action they say. This is very important because during the morning of the incident, Major Mahama himself infringed upon a few military codes of conducts. That is why I think Mr. President erred in decorating the fallen Major to a Major.

He failed to carry his radio along knowing very well hes the leader of the squad and his help may be needed anytime, he was suppose to take along his radio, something he failed to do which raises a lot of question about his discipline which the military high command has made us to believe so far is nothing but superb. Why did he take his gun and cell phone along and saw no need to take his radio knowing very well that the phone may not get network at all locations? He, per the stories we have heard failed to release his duties to the next in command. If he were to have done it, he would have told them where his jogging would end and how long he is expected to be out.

Who wears jeans to a 10-20km jogging anyway?

An officer in a helpless situation is supposed to defend himself with anything at his disposal. This is natural law. In Mahamas instant, he chose to allow his assailants to take his firearm from him, something which to the best of my knowledge is forbidden in the military. That was an action of a bad soldier.

As we all cry Justice for Maxwell Mahama, we should know that as a people, we have become hypocrites. Justice for Mahama would be an even more injustice to those who were victims of mob action and their deaths were not investigated and the perpetrators dealt with according to the laws of the land. If Mahama deserves justice, so does that poor boy or girls mother or grandmother that was wrongly accused of witchcraft and was instantly given justice. In the past few days after the Mahama incident came to the public domain, many other incidents of mob action have been reported all across the country. I can bet on it that, none of the reported incidents would receive the needed logistics to bring the perpetrators to book as that of Mahama? Very soon, if the police would say something at all, it will be that they were unable to fish-out the culprits and that is the end. These are some of the laxities in the system and law enforcement that has fuelled and funded the growth of mob justice in our country in the first place.

Do not get me wrong, I am not in any way saying that the culprits in the Mahama case should be left to walk our streets free. No. I am just saying that the situation whereby the majority poor and vulnerable in society are left at the mercy of injustice whilst the minority few always use the resources of the country to get justice for themselves is wrong. It is high degree theft. Mahama being a soldier does not in any way make him more special. As per the laws of this country in chapter five, article 17(1) of the 1992 constitution of Ghana, we are all born equal before the law and we are suppose to be treated as such. Major Maxwell Mahama is not in any way better than the St. Pauls Senior High student that was lynched some time back for engaging in same sex intercourse. Neither is he better than the woman who was stripped naked and lynched in the Kejetia market in Kumasi. They are all citizens and deserve justice.

If the police can arrest and arraign before court forty-two (42) suspects of the case in just four days, they have no excuse in solving other crimes in our country.

Justice offered to a few is an injustice to the many. May the Almighty grant all victims of Mob Injustice who lost their lives a peaceful rest in his bosom.

Kpedator Elorm

Teacher, Tokuroano D/A Primary A

 June2017
Predictably, I have been incurring the wrath of the brassbound NDC Party loyalists for relentlessly criticising the erstwhile NDC administration on its failure to circumscribe the sleazes and corruptions which somehow brought economic meltdown.

Indeed, I have been facing an avalanche of criticisms, fairly and unfairly, for condemning what I sincerely view as a violation against Ghanaians inalienable human rights and the right to development.

However acerbic and unfair the criticisms, I will continue to shrill and highlight the ostensive canker, because I extremely detest individuals who prefer to indulge in corrupt practices. This is because corruption violates the inalienable human rights of citizens.

Ironically, in spite of their unpardonable coarse governance which brought about their humiliating defeat in the 2016 general election, the NDC faithful are holding a phantom hope that they will soon bounce back and recapture power from the NPP Party in 2020.

With all due respect, the NDC Party stalwarts are living in a denial. They have indeed lost touch with the reality.

The fact of the matter is that their problems are deeper than what they are actually trying to portray to their aggrieved supporters.

In any case, I, for one, do not anticipate their early return to power, indeed, not anytime soon, judging from the unbridled sleazes and corruptions which culminated in economic hardships.

The uncontrolled corruptions, the arrogance of power and the irreversible incompetence which resulted in economic collapse are still fresh in the memories of discerning Ghanaians.

Apparently, the harsh economic conditions which the NDC government wilfully imposed on Ghanaians will indeed take a long time to obliterate from memories.

In fact, if we mull over the greedy politicians and other public servants corrupt practices, we can only conclude that the vast majority of the modern day politicians apparent preoccupation is to manipulate their way into power and then pursue their vested interests.

As a matter of fact and principle, some of us cannot end our arousing disgust anyhow and anytime soon, given the erstwhile NDC governments risible proclivity, irrevocable incompetence and corrupt practices, which nonetheless destabilised Ghanas macroeconomic indicators.

It must, however, be emphasised that discerning Ghanaians cannot remit their fury in condemnation over the disputatious NDC apparatchiks ridiculous claim that the NPP government is messing up the country in barely six months, and for that matter, they are on course to recapture power in 2020.

Let us be honest, it is about time the unrepentant propagandists or manipulating politicians changed their seemingly dreary antics, get a firm grip of the issues which are relevant to the masses and come out with pertinent policies and solutions that can propel Ghanas advancement.

Given the wanton sleazes and corruptions which took place in the previous NDC administration, we can reasonably infer that misunderstanding of true patriotism exists in the minds of the vast majority of the modern day politicians, who would more often than not, choose party and personal interests over the national interests.

Paradoxically, however, in Ghana, greedy and corrupt officials are held in high esteem by the ever so nodding party loyalists for stealing from the national purse at the expense of the suffering masses.

It would, however, appear that we, Ghanaians, and Africans as a whole, are possessed with bootlicking characteristic of a morally degraded mind which dislikes anything that comes with honesty and integrity.

Thus, our leaders, having first-hand knowledge of our obsequious compliance and hero-worshipping nonsense, tend to take us for granted and continue to dip their hands into the national coffers as if there is no tomorrow.

Let us be honest, and rightly so, we definitely need attitudinal and behavioural change, for we must not and cannot keep on electing and hero worshipping individuals who are so corrupt and cannot see their backsides from their elbows.

K. Badu, UK.
In 1953, the then Apartheid Government in South Africa introduced the Bantu Education Act which was designed to train Africans to be fit only in black community or for certain forms of labour (labourer, worker, and servant only) in the European community. The African was not to receive a training which can enable him to integrate the European community. But the emergence of some organizations such the South Africa Students Organization (SASO) helped to raise the political consciousness of many students.

Hence in 1974, when the language of Afrikaans alongside English was made compulsory as a medium of instruction in schools, black students began to mobilize themselves. On June 16 1976, between 3000 and 10000 students mobilized by the South African Students Movements Action Committee marched peacefully to demonstrate against the racist governments directive in Soweto.

Unfortunately this peaceful protest by unarmed students turned violent when police opened fire and massacred many of them. Anger at the senseless killings inspired retaliatory action on the part of protestors.

The aftermath of the events of June 16 1976 had dire consequences for the Apartheid government. Images of the police firing on peacefully demonstrating students led an international revulsion against South Africa as its brutality was exposed, and gave impetus to the struggle against Apartheid.

In 1982, the 6th congress of the All Africa Students Union (AASU) declared June 16 as African Students Day to pay tribute to the victims of June 16 1976 barbaric happenings. Since then, AASU has been commemorating the Day as such. And in 1991, the then Organization of African Unity (OAU) now African Union (AU) adopted the Day as African Child Day to honor the falling heroes of the Soweto Uprising in 1976 and, also, to raise awareness of the continuing need for improving the education provided to African children.

The commemoration of June 16 should be for Africans, a moment of reflections on their educational systems stemming from colonialism. The time is now for genuine reforms and democratization of education in Africa. An education based on African realities and interests. African leaders have a collective responsibility to redeem the continent from the doldrums of poverty, diseases and general economic hardships through uniting the continent.

Halt to discrimination and racism!

Education for all!

Signed:

Peter Kwasi KODJIE

Secretary General

All-Africa Students Union (AASU)

www.aasuonline.org/ Email: [email protected]/Mobile: +233(0)242879028

PO BOX M274, Accra- Ghana
The National Operations Commander of the Vehicle Retrieval Task Force, Daasebre Kwabena Ahenkorah, has revealed that some officials who claimed to be working with the Director of Operations at the Presidency are sabotaging the teams efforts to retrieve state cars allegedly stolen by individuals.

He told Accra-based Kasapa FMs Fiifi Banson on Thursday 15 June in an interview that those officials claim they have done their own investigations and have concluded that the cars retrieved do not belong to the state, hence should be returned to the individuals.

According to him, their action is defeating the work of the task force that has done painstaking work to identify state cars in the hands of individuals.

He said: These officials who claim they are working with Lord Commey are preventing us from meeting him to tell him our findings. They keep attacking some of us because we are retrieving cars.

Whenever we retrieve the cars, they would also come with a counter-claim that those cars do not belong to the state and so we should return to the owners. For this reason some of us have stopped retrieving state cars from people.

Meanwhile, Mr Ahenkorah has revealed that an auto mechanic who was contracted by the Mahama administration to repair state-owned vehicles acquired 10 of such vehicles: four (4) Toyota Land Cruisers, four (4) brand new Pickups, one (1) Toyota SUV and a VW Passat, at abnormally low prices.

According to Mr Ahenkorah, two SUVs have been retrieved from the mechanic, Mr Asem Emmanuel, at Olebu-Ablekuma, a suburb of Accra. He said Mr Asem Emmanuel had diverted several state vehicles that were sent to him for repairs into his own garages.

He said the mechanic admitted to buying state vehicles at very low prices from elements of the previous administration.

Receipts covering the purchase of the said vehicles showed that the four brand new Double Cabin Pickups were bought at a total sum of GHS18,000 while each of the four Toyota Land Cruisers was bought at GHS2,000 totalling GHS8,000. Mr Ahenkorah said it is only the Toyota V8 that was sold to Mr Asem Emmanuel at GHS30,000.
16.06.2017 LISTEN

Accra, June 15, GNA - Mr Benito Owusu-Bio, a Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, has said a legislative amendment is needed to current mining laws to seal the inadequacy and address illegal mining.

He said due to the unregulated nature of the operations of such miners, government kept losing a vital avenue for accruing tax revenues.

'The idea of artisanal mining solution would need legislative amendment to our current laws and legislation so that we are able to plug the loop holes in our laws that the illegal miners are using as a means to abuse the current regime,' he said.

Mr Owusu-Bio was speaking to the Ghana News Agency on the sidelines of a report presentation on Artisanal and Small Scale Gold Coast Mining in Ghana, organised by the Gold Coast Refinery Limited on Thursday, in Accra.

The presentation of the final report will add value to the production of gold and assist government in finding solutions to issues in the mining sector.

The stakeholder consultation brought together financial institutions amongst other investors to brainstorm on the findings.

He said refining gold in Ghana would add value and fetch higher dividends from gold.

Mr Paul Asimenu, the Legal Consultant to the Gold Coast Refinery Limited, said the company said the continuous export of raw gold denied the country of all associated benefits and by-products of refining such as silver, platinum, palladium and copper.

He said policy initiatives aimed at adding value to raw materials in the mining industry have largely not been realised.

He said aside the benefits derived from gold, government needed to make the environment sustainable in the refinery process.

Mr Asimenu said the Government must have rules and regulations that would enable the small scale miners to form cooperatives and operate in an orderly manner which would go a long way to prevent the country's water bodies from being polluted.

GNA

By Kwamina Tandoh/ Priscilla S. Djentuh, GNA
Accra, June 15, GNA - Africa's largest cargo operator, Ethiopian Airlines, has inaugurated its state of the art Cargo Terminal-II during the Second ICAO Global Air Cargo Development Forum which will be hosted by Ethiopian from June 27 to 29.

Covering a total area of 150,000 m2 area of land, the new Cargo Terminal includes facilities such as Dry Cargo Terminal warehouse, Perishable Cargo Terminal with cool Chain Storage, fully automated with latest technology ETV (Elevating Transport Vehicle), G+2 office building, apron area which accommodates 5 additional big freighter aircraft, sufficient truck parking apron as well as employees canteen and wash rooms.

Mrs Hanna Atnafu, Manager Corporate Communications, Ethiopian Airlines said the new Cargo Terminal was also fitted with different climate chambers for storage and handling of temperature sensitive products such as fresh agricultural products, pharmaceuticals and life Science Products.

Mr Tewolde GebreMariam, the Group CEO Ethiopian Airlines said: 'Infrastructure development being one of the four pillars of our fast, profitable and sustainable growth strategic roadmap, Vision 2025, we have been making massive investments in infrastructure projects to modernise and expand our cargo facilities at a total cost of USD 150 million.'

He said the new Cargo Terminal-II combined with their existing Terminal-I 'would give us a total tonnage capacity of around 1 million per annum which is the largest in the continent of Africa'.

'Moreover, upon completion of the second phase, which adds 600,000 tonnes annual uplift capacity, Ethiopian Cargo and Logistics Services will have one of the world's largest cargo terminals; a capability equivalent to cargo terminals in Amsterdam Schiphol, Singapore Changi, or Hong Kong,' he added.

He said the investment and the resulting massive cargo facilities along with the 6 modern B-777F fleet and 2 B-757F would create adequate air cargo transporting capacity for the fast growing export and import demand of the continent which was critically essential in the socio- economic development of the African countries.

Ethiopian Cargo and Logistics Services operates eight dedicated freighters to 39 global freighter destinations in Africa, the Gulf, the Middle East, Asia and Europe with an average daily uplift of 650 tons on top of the belly hold capacity, 150 tons, to over 95 destinations globally.

The Services has recently won 'Cargo Airline Award for Network Development' at Brussels; 'African Cargo Airline of the Year' and many more.

GNA
16.06.2017 LISTEN

Accra, June 15, GNA - The Alliance for Integrity has launched a book christened: 'Ensuring Compliance-A Practical Handbook for Businesses in Ghana.'

The 76-page book, which comprises 21 articles from 19 authors, and grouped in three sections, addresses common issues faced by companies in designing and implementing various compliance and anti-corruption measures in organisations.

Mr Michael Boadi, Member of the Awareness Creation Working Group, Alliance for Integrity said the book covered the Ghanaian legal framework as well as global anti-corruption laws.

It also focussed on key questions pertaining to what constitutes corruption, offences as per global anti-corruption regulations and implications of non-compliance.

He said the book was useful for businesses that wanted to start their own compliance management systems or upgrade existing systems based on local and global best practices.

'The publication is a good tool for peer-to-peer learning and strengthening their supply chains in order to ensure their own growth and sustainability,' he added.

Dr Nicole Maldonado, Head of Development Co-operation at the German Embassy, said Ghana remained a strong partner of Germany and that the German government recognised the relevance to jointly engage against corruption and strengthen its cooperation with the private sector.

'This year marks 60 years of co-operation between Ghana and Germany and as Germany hosts the Presidency of the G20, we should all expect closer collaboration with Africa,' she added.

In an address read on behalf of Mr Ibrahim Mohammed, Minister of Business Development commended the Alliance for Integrity and government of Germany for implementing the initiative in the country and that government was aware of the devastating effects of corruption to both the private and public sectors.

The Minister was of the view that although the country improved in the World Bank's Doing Business Report rankings from a position of 111 to 108 out of 190, from 2016 to 2017, a lot more needed to be done by all stakeholders to eliminate corruption and make the country more competitive.

GNA

By Kodjo Adams/William Fiabu, GNA
Godwill Arthur Mensah/ Gideon Ahenkorah, GNA

Accra, June 15, GNA - A Tree Tenure Policy would soon roll-out to provide farmers the legal right to claim ownership of commercial trees planted on their farms and those that grow naturally, Mr Musah Abu-Juan, the Forestry Technical Director of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, has announced.

The policy is one of the initiatives being championed by the Ministry to mitigate the menace of deforestation in the country.

The other policies are Forest Investment Programme, REDD+ Strategy, Voluntary Partnership Agreement as well as the Natural Resources and Environmental Governance.

Mr Abu-Juan made this known at the maiden Cocoa and Forests Initiative Roundtable Conference, in Accra, on Thursday, which is being facilitated by the World Cocoa Foundation and IDH to solicit inputs into Framework of Action against forest degradation.

The policy is one of the measures being fashioned out by the Ministry and the Forestry Commission to encourage tree planting and reverse the rate of forest degradation.

Mr Abu-Juan blamed the deteriorating nature of the country's forest reserves on the fact that farmers were not motivated to plant trees because hitherto trees were cut down and used by some governmental bodies without adequate compensation.

This, he explained, discouraged farmers from cultivating the habit of tree planting which undermined the efforts of the Ministry and the Forestry Commission to promote tree planting in the country.

Mr Abu-Juan said 60 per cent of the trees used for various activities in the country were from illegal sources which, he thought, made it prudent for the Tree Tenure Policy to be considered to help reverse the trend.

He said: 'The plan will also ensure that, farmers take care of trees that grow naturally because they would also have a share upon harvest'.

The Forest Technical Officer explained that any tree which was not planted by anyone deliberately was also owned by government irrespective of where it is located therefore the public had no legal rights to cut it down.

The consultative forum which was hosted by the Ministry saw more than 15 cocoa companies, COCOBOD, the Forestry Commission and civil society organisations that deliberated on measures to end deforestation and forest degradation in the cocoa value chain.

The initiative was launched in London on March 16, by the IDH-The Sustainable Trade Initiative, World Cocoa Foundation, 12 cocoa companies and the Prince of Wales' International Sustainability Unit.

So far, more than 30 cocoa companies worldwide had signed onto the initiative since its launch. GNA
Accra, June 15, GNA - Mr Harrison Nukpor, the winner of the National Lottery Authority`s (NLA) 'Lucky Hands Promotion Draw' has described his triumph as a 'fluke'.

The winner of the 87,125 cedi-brand new Hyundai Elantra Saloon car explained that he had intended sending money via his mobile phone to someone but he mistakenly sent airtime instead.

Mr Nukpor, who received his prize at the forecourt of the NLA, said he then started texting his way towards the grand prize when part of the airtime was sent back to him.

He staked the lottery for about 600 times to have the edge over his 302,000 competitors, which eventually paid off.

The grand-prize winner, who hails from Akasti in the Volta Region, advised Ghanaians to stake lotto with the NLA and stand the chance of winning an award just like him.

They should shun illegal lotto operators, especially 'Banker to Banker', advised.

Many other prizes in the draw are a trip to Dubai with a total budget of GHE12,000.00; television sets and 100 pieces of smart phones valued at GHE55,000.00.

The Director-General of the NLA, Mr Kofi Osei-Ameyaw, who presented the award to Mr Nukpor, stated that the winner of the trip to Dubai would, subsequently, receive his money to be able to take off.

He explained that those who won the television sets and the mobile phones had already been presented with their prizes.

Mr Osei-Ameyaw said a few days ago, 11 Lottery Courts across the country were inaugurated as a result of the Legislation of the Lotto Act 722; within which sanctions and penalties had been stipulated to punish illegal lotto operators.

He explained that Lottery was a specialised field, hence the need for certain courts to be designated as lotto and lotto related matters.

He said the aim of the Lottery Courts was not to witch-hunt anybody, but to bring on board citizens and non-citizens who were involved in the business of illegal lotto operations.

This, he said, was to encourage them to obtain legal licences to enable them to pay their due share of taxes for the Government to carry out developmental projects for the benefit of all.

'When the immediate past Chief Justice announced the 11 Lotto Courts throughout the country, I made a plea and pledged that there will be an amnesty for about six months for all those involved in the illegal lotto operation and lotto-related activities to come forward and register with the NLA,' he said.

'What we are saying is that, Ghanaians, through their Parliamentarians, enacted this Act of Parliament and for that matter, compliance with the Act is critical.

'Those who are operating lawfully and are paying their taxes are feeling cheated by those who are not paying the taxes.'

He said the failure of these people to comply with the Law deprived the nation requisite revenue that the country needed for development.

Mr Osei-Ameyaw, therefore, called on all lotto and lottery related businesses to comply with the directive within the six months Amnesty period.

GNA

By Amadu Kamil Sanah, GNA
16.06.2017 LISTEN

Accra, June 15, GNA - The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) on Thursday said it has received 63 Ghanaians, all males, have been deported from the United States for committing various offences.

An official statement signed by Deputy Superintendent of Immigration Michael Amoako-Atta, Acting Head of Public Affairs Unit of the GIS and copied the Ghana News Agency, said preliminary reports indicated that, some of the deportees had previously been indicted of drug offences, theft cases, whilst others who applied to seek for asylum, had their application refused hence their deportation.

The statement said the deportees were taken through disembarkation process and other formalities by the Service, and later handed over to the Bureau of National Investigations for debriefing and then to National Disaster Management Organisation who gave them some stipends for transportation to their homes.

'The deportees landed at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) at about 8:00am in the morning of Wednesday, June 14, 2017, onboard Special flight, Omini Air International flight number B762 from New York directly to Accra.

'In the same flight were some Liberian nationals who had also been indicted for similar offences and were been deported to their home country,' it added.

US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) removed 63 Ghanaian nationals to Ghana and 12 Liberian nationals to Liberia in accordance with their final orders of removal.'

Those removed, according to US Embassy statement, were found ineligible to remain in the United States for reasons including; overstaying their visas or committing crimes whilst there.

They were ordered to be removed by an immigration judge, the Embassy said.

'As mandated by law, ICE carried out their lawful removal orders,' the statement explained, that it was the US Government's policy to attempt to have individuals under removal orders return to their home countries by flying on regular commercial flights, except in special cases where flights were chartered.

'ICE Air Operations conducts special charter flights to accommodate certain individuals, including those who failed to co-operate with efforts to remove them via commercial flights.'

It said the US Embassy worked to facilitate the legitimate travel of international visitors to the United States and the proper use of visas by Ghanaians.

It said the quick repatriation of deportees would contribute to the ability of the Embassy to facilitate the future travel of Ghanaians to the United States.

GNA
STM may get licence if it fulfils conditions

STM Telecom Sanchar may be granted a unified licence allowing it to provide mobile service using CDMA and GSM networks if it clears all outstanding dues and complies with specified conditions, the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) said.
Accra, June 15, GNA - Madam Gifty Twum Ampofo, the Deputy Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, on Thursday said engagement among various stakeholders on children development should go beyond verbal collaboration but include resource mobilisation.

Madam Ampofo said securing meaningful participation from people, especially at the community levels required resources materials, financial, human to make significant impact on the agenda to ensure that the Ghanaian child grow to become the desired adults.

The Deputy Minister was speaking at a symposium to commemorate the Day of the African Child organised by Compassion International Ghana on the theme: 'Accelerating Protection, Empowerment and Equal Opportunity for Children.'

It also forms part of the celebration, which falls on Friday June 16, to raise awareness of the continuing need for improvement of education provided to African children.

The Deputy Minister said the protection of children from all forms of violence was integrated into all the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) ranging from gender equality to protection from economic exploitation.

Madam Ampofo noted that 'the indicators to accelerate the protection of child include the need to reduce all forms of violence and related death rates, including ending abuse, exploitation, torture, and trafficking of children, as well as promoting the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensuring equal access to justice for all'.

She said the country had shown good progress in providing a safe environment for the development of children by ensuring a sound policy, conducive legal environment and the implementation of practical interventions.

Madam Ampofo said to ensure the empowerment and equal opportunity; there was the need to target social and economic groups to ensure that no child was ignored.

She said, for the country to achieve the SDGs related to children's right, it was dependent on meaningful engagement between various stakeholders like duty-bearers, the right holders, monitoring/accountability agencies and partners.

Reverend Philip Tutu, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Society of International Ministries Ghana, said the right of the Child included the right to life, family life, recreation and education adding, these rights needed to be protected.

Rev Tutu said a child with disability must be given effective access to healthcare and education to achieve their full potential.

He said the voice of the African children must be heard and respected in all matters concerning their lives.

He said children's views should be sought before making decision that affected them.

Rev Tutu said the African child occupied a privilege and unique position in the society, which pointed to the fact that their potentials needed to be developed to thrive in the atmosphere of love.

He commended Compassion International Ghana for their immense support for liberating children from poverty.

Mr Padmore Baffour Agyapong, the Country Director of Compassion International Ghana, said Compassion International Ghana had been working in Ghana over the last 12 years, ministering to more than 74,000 children across six regions of the country.

Mr Agyapong said more than 90 per cent of child-related abuse received were sexual abuse while 96 per cent constituted girl-child victims.

He said there was always the need to talk about the issues concerning children because they believed that every child was born with certain potentials needed for national growth but the environment contributed to their effectiveness.

Compassion International Ghana is global child development organisation that is releasing children from poverty in Jesus' name.

GNA

By Julius K.Satsi, GNA
16.06.2017 LISTEN

Accra, June 15, GNA - Participants at the end of a Regional Integration Policy Dialogue have called for the separation of the Regional Integration Ministry from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ensure commitment and dedication to work.

A communiquA issued by the participants said for Ghana to benefit from the ECOWAS agenda and to sustain her highly cherished historic leadership role in Pan-Africanism, regionalism and African unity, there was the critical need to review the merged ministries.

It cited the success of the East African Community, arguably the most progressive regional economic community in Africa, which was fast developing into East African Federation as a result of the establishment of the Ministry of East African Community Affairs in each member state.

The two-day forum was organised by the Centre for Regional Integration in Africa in partnership with the African Capacity Building Foundation on the theme; 'Bringing ECOWAS Home for National Development' and chaired by Mr James Victor Gbeho, past President of the ECOWAS Commission.

The objective of the policy dialogue was to facilitate the much needed interface between policy makers and national stakeholders from the private sector and civil society to promote awareness and to generate consensus with a view to accelerating the domestication of the ECOWAS agenda for national development.

The communiquA said the merged ministry could not ensure the domestication, implementation and monitoring of regional initiatives within member states of ECOWAS to benefit the citizens.

It said the focus and structure of the current Ministry of Foreign Affairs was not on development and integration but on consular matters and external relations with foreign countries.

It said the diplomatic personnel of ministries of Foreign Affairs was thus handicapped in handling integration issues particularly as the officers had career expectations of being posted abroad to build a career in the field of diplomacy.

Given the impact of the deepening of the ECOWAS integration process at the national level, the transformation of the Executive Secretariat into a Commission in 2007, adoption of 'Vision 2020' and the African Union Agenda 2063, the concept of ECOWAS national offices merging with ministries would appear to be a misnomer, if not an anachronism, the communiquA said.

It recommended that the ECOWAS countries should add value to their raw materials through industrialisation adding that Ghana's one district, one factory concept was a step in the right direction.

GNA

By Iddi Yire, GNA
16.06.2017 LISTEN

Patience Gbeze, GNA

Accra, June 15, GNA - The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) on Thursday said it had received a total number of 63 Ghanaians, all males, who had been deported from the United States of America (USA) for committing various offences against the laws of the United States of America.

An official statement signed by DSI Michael Amoako-Atta, Acting Head of Public Affairs Unit of GIS and copied the Ghana News Agency, preliminary reports indicated that, some of the deportees had previously been indicted of drug offences, theft cases, whilst others who applied to seek for asylum, had their application refused hence their deportation.

The statement said the deportees were taken through disembarkation process and other formalities by the Service, and later handed over to the Bureau of National Investigations for debriefing and then to NADMO who gave them some stipends for transportation to their homes.

'The deportees landed at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) at about 0800 hours in the morning of Wednesday, June 14, 2017, onboard Special flight, Omini Air International flight number B762 from New York directly to Accra.

'In the same flight were some Liberian nationals who had also been indicted for similar offences and were been deported to their home country,' it added.

United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) removed 63 Ghanaian nationals to Ghana and 12 Liberian nationals to Liberia in accordance with their final orders of removal.'

Those removed, according to US Embassy statement, were found ineligible to remain in the United States for reasons including; overstaying their visas or committing crimes while in the United States.

They were ordered to be removed by an immigration judge, the Embassy said. 'As mandated by law, ICE carried out their lawful removal orders'.

The statement explained that it was the U.S. Government's policy to attempt to have individuals under removal orders return to their home countries by flying on regular commercial flights, except in special cases where flights were chartered.

'ICE Air Operations conducts special charter flights to accommodate certain individuals, including those who failed to cooperate with efforts to remove them via commercial flights.'

It said the U.S. Embassy worked to facilitate the legitimate travel of international visitors to the United States and the proper use of visas by Ghanaians, adding that the quick repatriation of deportees would contribute to the ability of the Embassy to facilitate the future travel of Ghanaians to the United States.

GNA
16.06.2017 LISTEN

Twenty Senior High Schools alongside churches and individuals in the Eastern Region have been recognized for making a regular blood donation to save lives.

They were presented with prizes at the World Blood Donors Day celebration held in Koforidua.

Manya Krobo SHS, which emerged the highest blood donor in the region, having donated 399 pints last year, received an LCD projector and laptop computer.

Koforidua Secondary Technical High School during the period gave out 243 pints, while Nkawkaw SHS donated 214 pints.

They were each presented with an LCD projector.

Mr. Solomon Bawa, an individual, on record to have donated blood 40 times, was also honoured, together with Ms. Innocentia Tenke of the Ghana Education Service and Mr. Eugene B. Boateng, a contractor, for donating blood 10 times each.

Dr. Kwame Anim Boamah, Medical Director of the Koforidua Regional Hospital said a total of 22,556 pints of blood was donated in the region, last year.

This fell short of one percent of the regions population, required to assure the place of adequate bloodstock.

He, therefore, encouraged the people  religious organizations and institutions to accept to voluntarily donate blood to the facilities.

Ms. Comfort Asante, the New Juaben Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), rallied all to join the campaign to aid the facilities to respond to emergencies to save lives.
Former President Jerry John Rawlings has declared his extraordinary interest in environmental protection and contribute towards safeguarding it for the next generation.

The high incidence of "galamsey" or illegal mining in recent times, have been on several discussions and heated debates for some time now and has perplexed the minds of the general public in Ghana.

Though galamsey affects many facets of life, one area in which its impact is being felt most is the pollution of rivers and water bodies. The extent to which rivers have been polluted exerts significant pressure on individuals who live near and depend on river bodies as source of drinking water and livelihood.

Pushed by this worrying development, Mr. Rawlings plans to hold a public symposium on the environment at the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences Auditorium at 5pm on Wednesday June 21, 2017, ahead of his 70th Birthday celebrations on Thursday, June 22.

Dr. Peter C. Acquah, former Executive Director of Ghanas Environmental Protection Agency, will deliver the main address on the theme Protecting and safeguarding the national environment for generations.

According to a statement issued and signed by Dr. Anthony Dzegede, a member of the former Presidents 70th Birthday Planning Committee noted, other panelists will be drawn from the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Ghana Institution of Geoscientists (GIGS).

The symposium is being held in honour of former President Jerry John Rawlings who has taken special interest in the protection of Ghanas environment --. Ghana is facing many environmental challenges and it is evident that climate change will worsen the spate of environmental degradation further if some bold and urgent interventions are not made.

The Directive Principles of State Policy of the 1992 Fourth Republican Constitution of the Republic of Ghana, as they relate to the environment (Art. 36 (9) and Art. 41 (k)), have constituted the basis for the management of the environment of the country in recent years. Caring for the environment is a shared responsibility for all citizens of the country. The symposium seeks to boost continuous dialogue and awareness creation on the natural environment of the country.

It is also noteworthy that in spite of the steady decline in the countrys environment, there have been some limited successes in the interventions made to respond to the degradation. It is therefore imperative for Ghana to take urgent steps to reverse the decline, build on the successes made and utilize the opportunities, benefits and co-benefits to be derived in tackling environmental degradation and climate change, in particular.

It is envisaged that the symposium will serve as a platform for Ghanaians to deepen the discourse on the need for enhanced management of the national environmental resources and their sustainable use; to illustrate that taking care of the environment is a shared responsibility; and thirdly to enhance awareness of some of the benefits, co-benefits and opportunities to be derived from addressing the environmental challenges.

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com
YaoundA (AFP) - Two civilians have been killed in a suicide attack in Cameroon's restive Far North, an area regularly targeted by Boko Haram jihadists, local sources told AFP early Friday.

The incident, which took place on Thursday evening, saw a female bomber entering Limani on the border with Nigeria and blowing herself up "behind the town's public school," a source close to the security services said.

"There were three people killed: two civilians and the bomber," the source said. Details of the attack were confirmed to AFP by a member of the local vigilance committee.

In recent weeks, the restive Far North region has seen a resurgence in Boko Haram attacks after months of relative calm.

Last week, a soldier was killed in an attack in Kolofata, 20 kilometres (12 miles) west of Limani, and in early June, nine civilians died in a double suicide bombing in the same town.

In another incident on Thursday morning, one member of the vigilance committee in a village near Kolofata was killed and nine others wounded in a friendly fire incident, according to the source close to security officials.

"The army made a mistake. They fired a rocket-propelled grenade towards a group of vigilantes" in the mistaken belief they were jihadists.

Made up of local residents, these vigilance committees aim to inform security forces of any suspicious activity in a bid to prevent attacks by Boko Haram, which has been waging an insurgency since 2009.

Though Boko Haram was born in Nigeria, the Islamic State-affiliated group has carried out frequent attacks in Cameroon, Chad and Niger, prompting the formation of a regional force to fight back.

Some 200,000 Cameroonians from the Far North region have fled their villages in fear of the violence.
The UK-Ghana Chamber of Commerce (UKGCC) in partnership with Developing Markets Association will be hosting the first UK-Ghana Trade & Investment Forum of 2017 as part of activities to further strengthen the business bond between Ghana and the UK.

The two-day event will be held from 27-28 June 2017 in London, and will provide a platform for UKGCC and its members to forge new opportunities within the trade sector.

The forum will afford participants the opportunity to engage with high-ranking Ghanaian government officials, policy-shapers and potential commercial partners. Attendees will be briefed on the economic and political prospects for Ghana and the UK respectively, followed by plenary sessions focused on the key economic sectors that Ghana wishes to promote.

The CEO of Ghanas Investment Promotion Centre, Mr. Yofi Grant is expected to give a keynote address at the prestigious event. Confirmed speakers and panelists include: CEO of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation, Dr. Kofi Koduah Sarpong, Minister of Railways Development, Hon. Joe Ghartey among a host of others.

Mr. Grant said, This Investment and Trade forum will leverage on the long-standing experience and traditional business relationships that exists between the UK and Ghana. But more importantly, it will also give a platform to further consolidate new opportunities which have opened up both in Ghana and the UK for enhanced trade and investment. He went on to say, Ghana is ready and open for business and we are very excited about it.

Mr. Tony Burkson, CEO of the UKGCC, is equally enthused about forum and the potential for the bilateral trade relationship of the future. During my time here in Ghana, I have seen the immense opportunities for bilateral trade with the UK. I am very much looking forward to the forum and the initiatives being brought to fruition. The UK-Ghana Chamber of Commerce continues to be a useful resource and platform for companies looking to build a bigger trade relationship between Ghana and the UK.

Established in 2016, the UK - Ghana Chamber of Commerce (UKGCC) was launched to facilitate and promote the ever-increasing need for collaboration between SMEs and large multi-national corporations operating in the UK and Ghana. The UK-Ghana Trade and Investment Forum will be held from the 27th to 28th of June 2017 in London.
THE ASHANTI Regional First Vice Chairman of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has lost his plush three-bedroom house to a ferocious inferno.

Nana Kwasi, who is currently gunning for the Ashanti Regional NDC chairmanship position, witnessed the horrific spectacle of fire consuming his house at about 1:00 pm on Thursday.

The posh-looking house, which is situated at Achiawkrom near Ejisu in the Ashanti Region, was totally gutted by the blaze, which according to eyewitnesses, ran at top speed.

Personnel of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) reportedly rushed to the place to help douse the inferno but the damage had already been done by the time they arrived.

Eyewitnesses who spoke to this paper said Nana Kwasi and his family were in the house when suddenly the fire started from one of the rooms.

What triggered the blaze could not readily be figured out, but people who rushed to the scene to offer assistance suspected an electrical fault.

They said some people in the neighbourhood saw a thick smoke and so they rushed to the house and assisted Nana Kwasi to take his children to safety.

According to them, some few items were also taken from the house but attempts to douse the inferno failed to yield the intended results as it consumed the house.

Nana Kwasi is one of the key NDC men in Kumasi and the Ashanti Region in general, and intends to contest for the chairmanship position of the NDC in the region.

FROM I.F. Joe Awuah Jnr., Kumasi




Some youth in the Savelugu-Nanton municipality of the Northern Region have locked up the office of the municipal chief executive (MCE).

The youth, numbering over 50, went to the Municipal Assembly and sealed off the entire building which made the workers stranded.

A police officer who was stationed at the assembly was locked inside the building when he refused to come out of it.

Security personnel escorted the Savelugu-Nanton MCE, Hajia Ayishetu Seidu, to officially report at her office on Wednesday.

The municipal coordinating director handed over the mandate of the assembly to Hajia Ayishetu Seidu on Wednesday in a short ceremony amidst security protection.

The MCE, after her confirmation, has not been able to commence work due to continuous protests by the youth in the municipality.

They warned the MCE not to come to the area despite the fact that she had been confirmed by the assembly members following her appointment by President Akufo-Addo.

Information gathered indicated that on several occasions, the youth had prevented the MCE from coming to the assembly to commence work.

Speaking to DAILY GUIDE, the leader of the youth, Zakaria Karim, said they would resist any attempt by the government to impose the MCE on them.

According to him, Hajia is not a registered voter in the Savelugu constituency and that she was never part of the campaign which brought the NPP back to power.

He indicated that Hajia Ayishetu did not contribute to the winning of the party in Savelugu  neither in cash nor in kind.

Mr Zakaria Karim stated categorically that they would not open up the office for the MCE and threatened that should the party insist that they would bring military and police to open the offices, they would be ready for them (security agents).

He appealed to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to immediately revoke the appointment of Hajia Ayishetu Seidu for peace to prevail in the area.

FROM Eric Kombat, Savelugu




President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo recently told a group of German investors that Ghana was open for business in the light of the reforms his administration had put in place within the last five months to make room for more foreign investment.

Speaking on Tuesday in Berlin at an event organised by the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, the President, who spoke on the theme, Ghana, A Rising Star of Africa,' said his administration was bent on building a business-friendly economy that would enable Ghana become a prosperous nation, beyond aid.

He noted that over the last five months, certain key measures had been directed at achieving fiscal responsibility and discipline, addressing corruption and unresponsive bureaucracies, and focusing on the productive sectors of the economy to improve the business environment.

The foregoing, he intimated, were all aimed at attracting private investment, both domestic and foreign, into Ghana, adding that Ghana, by those, would become a land of opportunity for private capital.

Targets

President Nana Akufo-Addo disclosed that by the end of this year, Ghana would be an easier place to conduct business with all transactions at her ports becoming paperless.

He said all internal custom barriers at the ports would be a thing of the past by the beginning of September.

As part of the process of formalising the economy, we will implement a digital property addressing system for Ghana this year, and also issue biometric national identification cards to residents this year, so that every resident will have a unique identification number.

Those of you who have been to Ghana might discover that you might be able to take a taxi and simply give an address, instead of our traditional the second left after the big tree and right where the woman roasts plantain, he added.

Jobs

President Akufo-Addo reiterated his commitment to creating the space for the private sector to create jobs for Ghanaians.

Our industrial regeneration, through our policy of 1-District-1-Factory, our agricultural revival, through the programme for Planting for Food and Jobs, targeted infrastructural development, especially of our roads and railways, and promoting access to digital technology, are going to be the main avenues for job creation, he stated.
Two years on

Gorkha, the epicentre of the great earthquake, still wears a look of devastation. Taking a walk outside the district headquarters, one can see houses in ruins, and people living in huts even after more than two years since the tragedy.
Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, Minister of Communications, has inaugurated a 10-member board of trustees for the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC) at a short ceremony in Accra.

The board members, who were inaugurated by Justice George Boadi, was charged to assist GIFEC to achieve its mandate.

Members include Kennedy Agyapong, chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Communication; Issa Yahaya, Chief Director, Ministry of Communication; A. Kofi Asante, acting Administrator/CEO; Joe Anokye, acting Director General, NCA; Ken Gomado, Finance Director, Vodafone Ghana; William Tetteh, Head of Capital Project, MTN Ghana; Ernest Brown, president of GISPA; Emmanuel Adjei, Head of Legal, Airtel and Sylvia Owusu Ankomah, Director of Regulatory at Tigo.

In her inaugural speech, the minister said she was happy with the mix of competences on the Board, and was very confident that they could provide the needed oversight for the management of GIFEC.

She stated that GIFEC was one of the important agencies under her ministry.

The minister, who is also the chairperson of the board, charged GIFEC to live up to its mandate as established by law and ensure that no community was left behind in its universal access programme.

In the view of the communication, the Board must also consider new areas of Information and communication technologies for development (ICT4D) like Software development, projects incubation and innovation to expand the scope of the operations of GIFEC.

She informed the Trustees that the Electronic Communications Act would be reviewed very soon to reflect the new mandate of GIFEC.

The minister called on GIFEC to collaborate with National Information Technology Agency (NITA) and tasked GIFEC to make use of the Broadband Infrastructure being deployed by NITA, stressing that as we share our resources we would be able to extend our reach.

She congratulated the Trustees on their nomination to serve on the Board by their respective Mobile Network Operators (MNOs).

Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, Mr. Tetteh thanked the Minister and President Nana Addo for the honour done them.
Shirley Ayorkor Botchway, Minister of Foreign Affairs & Regional Integration, has tasked newly-appointed ambassadors and high commissioners to employ economic diplomacy to attract investments and tourists into Ghana from their duty stations.

Making the call at a five-day seminar organized by her outfit recently for the new ambassadors, Ms Botchway said Ghana's diplomatic missions and envoys would do Ghana proud if they market the country abroad.

You will also be required to leverage Ghana's democratic and governance credentials, respect for the rule of law, the peace and stability of the country for the past two decades, to engender international goodwill and solidarity in order to attract trade, investment, scientific and technological transfer, among other areas of critical endeavour, for the development of the country.

Noting that the role of the Heads of Mission would be critical in such endeavour, she said: You should be mindful to attract genuine investors and tourists into Ghana and not those who will subvert our economy, destroy our environment and pollute our culture and national moral fibre.

She said economic diplomacy means conducting trade intelligence, obtaining phyto-sanitary, regulatory and import requirements of your respective countries and bringing to Ghana, partners who were willing to add value to our raw materials.

She noted that in the search for wider markets, the envoys must especially pay attention to intra-African and Afro-Asian trade, adding that the dynamics of the world economy had changed dramatically over the past two decades with the South East Asian countries now a theatre of fierce competition for trade and investment even from the advanced countries.

The Minister therefore encouraged envoys, who were going to Asian countries to re-double their efforts in order to take advantage of the immense benefits that Ghana could derive from countries such as South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the BRICS countries of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa for Ghana's socio-economic transformational agenda.

Ms Botchway said that her outfit had prioritized a number of missions for serious and comprehensive rehabilitation, outright purchase or construction of new properties subject to the release of funds, this year, adding that fortunately, the Ministry has secured a $50 million bridge facility from Societe Generale for this purpose.

Furthermore, she said she had directed the re-establishment of the Economic, Trade and Investment Bureau (ETIB) at the Ministry, adding that that would realign the Ministry's objectives to achieving government's economic diplomacy agenda.

It is all about re-directing the focus of our diplomatic activities to reap economic benefits that will impact positively and raise the standard of living and welfare of the Ghanaian people.



By Samuel Boadi

[email protected]
The minority National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Parliament has accused the government of using the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) to witch-hunt its political opponents, who are legitimately employed to work with the agency.

The minority has also accused the current acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Justin Kodua Frimpong, of blatantly abusing his powers and spewing lies about employees legitimately employed under the agency.

At a press conference yesterday to react to a recent press conference held by the current acting CEO on detected 'ghosts' who had supposedly been employed in 2016 by the NDC administration and had cost the nation a whopping GH50 million, the minority, led by the spokesperson on Youth and Sports, Kobena Mensah Woyome, challenged the new CEO to publish names of all the purported 'ghost' workers, their Ezwich numbers, the YEA numbers, their various modules, the districts and the regions in which they work for the whole nation to verify.

According to the minority, the claim by the acting CEO could not be true because there is complete digital audit trail of all monies from the Consolidated Fund Account at the Bank of Ghana (BoG) to the bank accounts of all the youth engaged under the various modules.

He added that the Agricultural Development Bank (adb) has the bank account details of every single recipient of government monies from YEA.

We are challenging the current management to publish the said audit report of the Internal Audit Agency it keeps referring to, together with the written responses of staff who were cited or implicated in the said report, the minority declared.

Mr. Woyome questioned how management could withhold allowances for five months and expect all affected persons to be at post every day of the week.

The minority also explained that by their investigations, 2,999 beneficiaries were not at post at the time of the audit and not the over 16,000 quoted by Mr Kodua Frimpong at his press conference.

The NDC said since Mr. Kodua Frimpong took over as acting CEO in February, he had sacked all the 10 regional directors employed during the era of the party from their posts and replaced them with regional youth organisers of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).

The minority further indicated that apart from the sacking of the 10 regional directors, the acting CEO during his press conference also gave strong indication that the current administration intended to transfer huge numbers of staff en bloc across the region.

The current management has taken another intriguing action that seeks to transfer huge numbers of staff en bloc across the regions. We are not happy about these transfers because recent events have given us the cause to believe that these transfers are designed to remove affected staff from their offices and quickly replace them with friends, family and political apparatchiks of the new management, as it happened in the unfortunate cases of the regional directors, Mr Woyome said, adding that for an agency with a mandate to employ the youth, these movements will set the agency back six months in lost time and productivity because it is an agency that has recruited, trained, employed and deployed 62,000 Ghanaian youth in 2016.

By Thomas Fosu Jnr


Seven persons, who were among 12 people declared wanted by the police for allegedly playing various roles in the gruesome murder of Major Maxwell Adam Mahama, have been arrested from their hideouts.

They are Nana Kwodjo aka Nana Edjo; John Boakye, Unit Committee Member; Kweku Brefo, aka Daddy; Kaja Rasta; Kwodwo Anima and Sarah Mensah.

The seven persons reported themselves to the police at Diaso in the Central Region after being declared wanted by the police a few days ago.

However, five persons  Yaw Amankwa aka Bullar, the main suspect; Kweku Diesel, a motor rider; Tikwa; Kenkeba and Atipar, are still wanted by the police.

A police source at the CID headquarters in Accra told DAILY GUIDE that the police had increased its intelligence to fish out all the suspects for their alleged involvement in the murder of the army officer.

The source said various district and divisional commanders across the country had been given details of the wanted suspects to look out for them to assist in investigations.

It will be better for them to report themselves because we are poised to get them apprehended since they can run but cannot hide, the source added.

So far 59 suspects have been arrested in connection with the murder of the soldier, who was promoted posthumously by President Akufo-Addo from the rank of Captain to Major.

Major Mahama was lynched by residents of Denkyira-Obuasi after being struck down by bullets by the wanted persons.

According to an autopsy conducted on the late Major Mahama's body, his assailants shot him twice before lynching him.

Two bullets were lodged in his body, a pathologist at the 37 Military Hospital who conducted the autopsy discovered.

He had also suffered a fractured skull when the crowd descended upon him with cudgels, clubs, cement blocks and other deadly weapons.

Three people, led by Yaw Amankwa, are suspected to have fired the gunshots at the soldier.

Major Maxwell Mahama was killed on Monday, May 29, 2017 by residents of Denkyira-Obuasi in the Upper Denkyira East District of the Central Region.

The Director General in-charge of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service, DCOP Bright Oduro, told the media that police investigations revealed that at about 8am, the army officer, who was then the commander of a military detachment based at Diaso to check the activities of illegal mining (galamsey) in the area, left the detachment base for a 20-kilometer jogging.

At about 9:25 am, he got to the outskirts of Denkyira-Obuasi where a number of women were selling food items by the roadside.

He was said to have bought some snails from one of the women and as he was taking money from his pocket to pay for the snails, the woman from whom he bought them (snails) and a few others saw his sidearm tucked on his waist and soon after he had left, one of the women telephoned the assemblyman of the area, William Baah, to report what she had seen.

Without verifying the information, William Baah  who is also in police custody  allegedly mobilized the town folks to prepare to attack a suspected armed robber who had been sighted by the traders on the outskirt of the town.

The prosecuting officer said the suspects met Major Mahama, near the Denkyira-Obuasi cemetery and without giving him the opportunity to identify himself, attacked him with the lethal weapons, killed and burnt part of his body.

( [email protected] )

By Linda Tenyah-Ayettey




Three persons believed to have played a role in the murder of the development chief of Ardeyman, in the Greater Accra Region, Nii Tettey Sarbah, have been arrested by the Kwabenya police.

The suspects are Asafoatse Nii Quaye Kortey aka Cobra, 39-year-old carpenter, Rahim Yakubu, 20-year-old cattle rearer and Musah Mohammed, 28-year-old scrap dealer.

They were said to be lodging at Richview Hotel at Aboom Junction when the police apprehended them on Monday, June 12, 2017 at about 11:10 am.

The police said they retrieved a pistol, sharp knife and other weapons concealed in two school bags.

A BMW and Suzuki unregistered motorbikes allegedly belonging to the suspects, were also retrieved.

An eyewitness account indicated that the suspects were arrested by four fully armed police officers from the Atomic Police Station, having lodged in the hotel to allegedly launch an attack on another victim said to be a journalist.

Nii Tettey Sarbah was found in a pool of blood in his room with gun and machete wounds on Friday, June 9, 2017.

The assailants reportedly launched an attack on him at dawn when he and other family members were performing some purification rituals to lift the ban on noise making ahead of the Homowo festival.

The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Accra Regional Police Command, ASP Efia Tenge, at a news briefing, said the police had begun rigorous investigations into the death of the chief.

She said on June 12, 2017, the three were arrested at Ridgeview Hotel, Kwabenya, based on police intelligence.

ASP Efia Tenge averred that the police found a pistol and 17 rounds of ammunition on Asafoatse Nii Quaye Kortey aka Cobra.

The three suspects and others now at large, armed with AK 47 rifles, pistols, machetes and clubs, allegedly fired indiscriminately and as a result, the three persons sustained various degrees of injury.

Police investigation revealed that the suspects chased the traditional ruler, who reportedly entered the room of a relative for safety, fired a shot at him and inflicted machete wounds on him.

The suspects, who realized that he was dead, allegedly dumped the body in another room and bolted.

One of the victims, who sustained gunshot wounds, was treated and discharged, while another victim, who was shot in the left arm, is still receiving treatment at the hospital.

ASP Tenge confirmed that the police discovered four empty AK 47 shells, 12. 9mm empty shells, one empty cartridge and one live cartridge.

( [email protected] )

By Linda Tenyah-Ayettey


Ghana defender Lawrence Lartey is almost at the exit door at Ajax Cape Town but clubs are lining up for their signature.

The former AshGold skipper has fallen down the pecking order and his contract runs out this summer.

Maritzburg United have shown interest and there are snippers that Sundowns will be willing to take him on at a cut price.

The Ghanaian is on holidays in Ghana and will likely sort out his future in the coming days.
16.06.2017 LISTEN

The Akufo-Addo led government has been dared to launch fresh investigations into the infamous 12 kilos of cocaine bust in the United Kingdom involving Ghanaian/Australian woman, Nayele Ametefe.

NPP made a lot of noise when they were in opposition and now in government they should open another investigations to unravel every mystery if they are serious about what they said  Mr. Akrasi Sarpong, former Boss of Narcotics Control Board (NACOB).

I dare them to investigate it. They have to be responsible. They made much noise. They are in government and can do it with ease.I am reminding them of their promise he pointed it on UTVs Adeakyi Bia.

Nayele Ametefe who was sentenced to eight years, eight months imprisonment after pleading guilty of illegally importing narcotics by the Isleworth Crown Court in London in 2015, was arrested at the Heathrow Airport.

Official reports indicate she managed to travel with the huge quantity of cocaine through the VIP lounge at the Kotoka International airport in 2014 but was arrested on arrival at her destination.

The Narcotics Control Board (NACOB) under Mr. Akrasi Sarpong came under intense criticism for failing to prevent the drugs from leaving the country even though his outfit at the time claimed it collaborated with the British government on this bust.

The then minority in parliament called for a bi-partisan committee to investigate circumstances under which Ametefeh had access to the VIP lounge.

Mr Akrasi Sarpong however believes all these can be done once the NPP is in government and claimed he concealed some of the drug peddlers.
This week Senior Director of Government Relations at Newmont Ghana, Ama Bawuah has called on the government to find an alternative means of clamping down on the menace of galamsey.

Ama Bawuah said, Ghana is not just for me, its for all of us, and we must all come together to stop galamsey and its effects on our water bodies.

She said, "unemployment is a driving force for galamsey. There must be efforts to look for a source of livelihood for the mother with a baby on her back, and the father who has to feed his family.

The Chief Executive Officer of Stanbic Bank Ghana, Alhassan Andani, said looking at the trends of technology in the financial sector, in the next ten to fifteen years, bank buildings may be non-existent. We are evolving so quickly that everything that used to be done in the banking hall, is in the palm of our customers now.

He said the collaboration between banks and other everyday institutions is making the switch to digital banking faster than one may have thought 10 years ago.

This weeks episode of the Executive Lounge features 5 of some of the best interviews in season 2 of the Executive Lounge. The executive lounge airs on Saturday at 6pm and a repeat on Sunday on the Joy News Channel on MultiTv and on DSTV channel 421.
The chief Justice nominee Justice Sophia Akuffo has rejected calls for the scrapping of the Ghana School of Law.

Im not one of those who subscribe to [calls that] Ghana School of Law be scrapped, she told the Appointments Committee of Parliament Friday during her vetting.

According to her, the Ghana School of Law is a professional training facilitywhere the theories learnt in classrooms are supposed to be taught from a more practical point of view.

Touching on the controversial issue of lawyers advertising on social media, Justice Akuffo said she considers the act despicable.

I Am a 67-year-old woman and I believe that dignity at the bar is as important as dignity at the benchthe idea of lawyers touting themselves on Facebook is distasteful and aside that the law is clear and the law is against touting. Lawyers can have websites but the law doesnt allow for advertising on social media, Justice Akuffo told the committee.

Her comment comes in the wake of the suspension of popular Human Rights lawyer Francis Sosu for advertising on Facebook by the General Legal Council.

His suspension sparked a debate amongst a section of the public and some lawyers who argued that the law preventing legal practitioners from advertising was outmoded and needed to be repealed.

Profile

The Chief Justice nominee Justice Sophia Akuffo has promised to leave a legacy that will ensure every Ghanaian feels secured to resort to the courts to settle disputes.

She said her utmost priority in terms of vision is to produce quality judges who will resort to technology to dispense justice to all.

Im sure people have been asking what my vision is, it is to ensure quality judges delivering quality justice with technology, Justice Akuffo said during her vetting Friday, June 16, 2017 before the Appointments Committee of Parliament.

She promised to look into the working conditions of judges as she takes over the judiciary from her predecessor Justice Georgina Theodora Wood, who retired June 7, 2017.
16.06.2017 LISTEN

Aggrieved Savelugu youth of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), have admitted pelting stones at armed police who opened fire on them while they were trying to lock out the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of the area, Hajia Ayishetu Seidu on Thursday.

Abdul Karim Zakari ,disclosed that some members of the party who were at the assembly premises as a result, have suffered various degrees of injuries warning that they will not back down on their request for the appointment of the embattled MCE to be revoked adding that they have been betrayed by the president and leadership of the party.

According to them, they have been let down by the President himself who promised he was going to reward loyalty only to give a position to someone who is complete alien to the two constituencies in the area.

We were promised by the President that he will consult polling station executives in choosing an MCE for the area but this one was not done. We can work with anyone in the constituency but not Hajia Ayishetu Seidu. If the President continues to allow her in the office, we will vote against him in 2020 because he has disappointed us, a leader of the group, Abdul Karim Zakari disclosed on Accra-based Okay FM.

We will continue resisting her continuous stay in the office until her appointment is revoked. She has never contributed in kind or in cash to the development of the party. She cannot reap where she has not sown and we will not allow that to happen. Anytime we hear she is in the office we will storm there and force her out. There are others who are known in the constituency who contested with her and were interviewed, they should pick one of them for peace to prevail, he added.

We hear she is comes to the office with armed police escort. We are not worried but if she can continue coming under the armed escort for the next four years, so be it but we will also expect her to come under a similar escort to campaign for the party in 2020 because we will not do that, he concluded
UML students protest poll deferral in Province 2

Main opposition aligned student wing, All Nepal National Free Students Union (ANNFSU) staged a protest programme against the government decision to postpone the local level elections in Province no 2 in the Capital on Friday.
The Chief Justice nominee Justice Sophia Akuffo has described lawyers advertising on social media as distasteful.

Justice Akuffos comment comes in the wake of the suspension of popular Human Rights lawyer Francis Sosu for advertising on Facebook by the General Legal Council.

His suspension sparked a debate amongst a section of the public and some lawyers who argued that the law preventing legal practitioners from advertising was outmoded and needed to be repealed.

But speaking at Parliaments appointments committee during her vetting Friday, Justice Akuffo said allowing lawyers to advertise is wrong and breaches the laws and ethics guiding the noble profession.

Am a 67-years-old woman and I believe that dignity at the bar is as important as dignity of the judiciarythe idea of lawyers touting themselves on Facebook is personally distasteful to me and aside that the law is clear and the law is against touting.

Lawyers can have websites but the law doesnt allow for advertising on social media, Justice Akuffo said adding that there are jurisdictions that permit the use of social media in legal work but she is yet to study that.

Profile

Sophia A.B. Akuffo has been a Judge of the Supreme Court of Ghana for the past two decades.

Sophia Akuffo trained as a lawyer under Nana Akufo-Addo who had her Masters in Law (LLM) from the Havard University in the United States.

She has been a member of the Governing Committee of the Commonwealth Judicial Education Institute and the Chairperson of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Task Force.

In January 2006 she was elected one of the first judges of the African Court on Human and Peoples Rights initially elected for two years, she was subsequently re-elected until 2014 and is at present serving as Vice-President of the Court.

She has written The Application of Information & Communication Technology in the Judicial Process  the Ghanaian Experience, a presentation to the African Judicial Network Ghana (2002).

One of her famous cases is when she presided over the Montie 3 in 2016.
Chief Justice nominee Justice Sophia Akuffo has indicated that she is very much concerned about her integrity.

In addition to her integrity, she said she is also passionate about the development and stability of Ghana.

Ms Akuffo was nominated as Chief Justice of Ghana by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Akufo. If passed by the Appointments Committee after her vetting, she will replace Justice Theodora Georgina Wood who has retired.

Speaking during her vetting on Friday, 16 June, Ms Akuffo said: I am passionate about integrity, I am passionate about the development and stability of our country. I was young enough but old enough to see the ushering in of Ghana from Gold Coast. I started school in Gold Coast and I finished school in Ghana

I am extremely passionate about everything to do with Ghana, and I am extremely proud of the strides we have made under the current constitution. It has its legal issues and problems but we have managed to work with it and hopefully the part that needs amendments will one day be amended and we will move on to the next level.

The other thing I will like to say is that I believe that even if in our endeavours, whether in the work place or in our personal lives, we cannot hit total perfection, we can strive to reach it, so, in terms of my attitude to work, I have always believed that one must always ask the question: Is this as good as it gets or can it get better? And if it can get better, how is that to be done?

She added: Because of some of my past employment experiences, I have also come to believe in systems, in having proper protocols, proper procedures, spelt out operations systems, so that whether some individual is there or not what needs to be done gets done because all the wisdom is not on somebodys head and if somebody suddenly leaves an employment life must go on as though the person is still around.
An Accra High Court has ordered the re-arrest of two Chinese Nationals accused of engaging in illegal mining after it emerged they were unable to meet their bail conditions.

The two  Gao Jin Cheng, 45 and Lu Qi Jun, 39 - together with Aisha Huang and two others were granted a GHS 500,000 bail with one surety two weeks ago.

Per the bail conditions, the suspects were to hand over their passports and all other travelling documents to the Courts Registrar for onward transfer to the Director General of the Ghana Immigration Service.

But as Joy News Joseph Ackah-Blay reports from court on Friday, these two men are yet to meet the bail conditions although they have already been released.

The presiding judge, Justice Charles Edward Ekow Baiden did not find the development flattering.

He questioned how the two suspects were released when they had not met the bail conditions.

"I am asking you, how you managed to get them free even though they failed to meet the bail conditions. You are an officer of the court and could have applied for variation when you were faced with a challenge," he queried the State Attorney.

He then rescinded the bail granted the two, directing that they be re-arrested and taken back to the Nsawam prison where they had been kept prior to the court granting the bail.

Justice Baiden ordered that they remain in the prisons until they are able to submit their passports as directed earlier.

But one of the lawyers for the suspects Bernard Owiredu told the court the two misplaced their passports on the day they were arrested.

He said the Court Registrar and Immigration officers had been duly informed about the development.

The two men were arrested immediately after the proceedings.

Hearing of the case continues on July 6, 2017 where the State is expected to open its case.

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | NSA
Thursday, 15 June 2017, Accra, Ghana  The African Innovation Foundation (AIF) today announced the top 10 nominees who will be contending for the 2017 Innovation Prize for Africa (IPA), to be awarded in Accra, Ghana on 18th July 2017. Innovators from nine African countries including Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Kenya, Liberia, Morocco, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda and Zimbabwe have been shortlisted for the prestigious Prize.

This years innovators have demonstrated incredible proficiency through innovative solutions addressing challenges in agriculture value chain, health care, energy, communications, service industries as well as surveillance using drone technology.

This years cream of the crop underwent a rigorous selection process by a renowned panel of judges including corporate, academia, technology and scientific experts representing top African innovation influencers.

We are pleased to share with you the names of our IPA2017 nominees as we continue on our mission to catalyse the innovation spirit and unlock untapped potential in Africa. For the first time, this years nominees include innovators from Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia and Zimbabwe. Moreover, given the instrumental role African women play in transforming Africa, it is thrilling to see more women among the 10 nominees with game changing innovations. By providing platforms to recognize innovation excellence in Africa and mobilizing for African innovators, we continue to live up to our credo of engaging, inspiring and transforming. The inspiring stories of these nominees remind us that innovation and African-led solutions are indeed the answer to Africas growth and prosperity. said Walter Fust, AIF Chairman of the Board.

Now celebrating its sixth year under the theme African Innovation: Investing in Prosperity, IPA is the premier innovation initiative in the African continent, offering a grand share-prize of US$185 000 and incentives to spur growth and prosperity in Africa through home-grown solutions.

IPA has seen tremendous growth in applications and increasing interest from both innovators and innovation enablers over the years. To date, IPA has attracted more than 7500 innovators from 52 African countries, making it a truly Pan African initiative. IPA 2017 edition witnessed a record number of entries from over2530innovatorsacross 48 African countries. The Foundation has supported past winners and nominees with approximately US$ 1 million to move their innovations forward. Due to exposure generated by IPA, past winners have gone on to secure over US$30million in investments to grow and scale their businesses.

Over the years, IPA has stimulated impactful and market-oriented innovations aiming at changing lives and transforming Africa. In this sixth edition, we want to promote more investment in home-grown innovations as well as intra-African collaboration and trade to allow the scaling up of viable innovations across borders. Were excited for the opportunity to work with our partners to ensure the innovations of the 10 nominees will be available to African markets and beyond. We invite you to join us and unlock the potential of African innovators, starting by investing in these 10 nominees. said Pauline Mujawamariya Koelbl, IPA Director.

AIF will host the IPA 2017awards ceremony and its second Innovation Ecosystems Connector on 17 and 18 July in Accra, Ghana. The event will focus on how innovation enablers and businesses can leverage funding streams, investments and resources that are critical to unlock potential of African innovators. Participants at the IPA Awards will get an opportunity to attend the official opening of IPA2017, experience the innovation marketplace, join high-level roundtable discussions, Zua Hub meet-ups, and networking activities, ending with a celebration of African ingenuity when the IPA 2017 winners will be announced. See key activities listed below.

This premier innovation event will be hosted in collaboration with the Government of Ghana, represented by the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI), Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), and Ghana 60 Years On Planning Committee. The IPA has received the highest endorsement from H.E. President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the President of Ghana, who will deliver the keynote address during the Awards ceremony.

To find out more about activities and partnership opportunities, visit http://event.innovationprizeforafrica.org/

Find below the shortlisted top 10 IPA nominees and a summary of their innovations. These selected nominees will pitch their innovative projects to the esteemed IPA panel of jurors (see http://innovationprizeforafrica.org/ipa-jurors/ ) during the closed pitch sessions on July 15th and 16th in Accra]. Following their pitch, three winners will be selected and announced during the Awards ceremony slated for 18 July 2017 at the Movenpick Ambassador Hotel, Accra.

Innovations in communications and smart solutions

1. Peris Bosire, Kenya: FarmDrive

FarmDrive is a financial technology company that has developed a mobile phone based application that collects data and provides an alternative risk assessment model for small holder farmers. While the continent remains largely dependent on agriculture, one of the biggest challenges facing smallholder farmers is access to credit or finance. Most financial institutions are reluctant to grant credit to farmers because their risk assessment models flag small farmers as being very risky. FarmDrive has developed a new methodology for assessing credit worthiness of farmers that has led to higher acceptance rate of loan applications by farmers while maintaining a very low default rate. This could have the effect of significantly boosting agricultural production on the continent while helping financial institutions cost effectively increase their agricultural loan portfolios.

2. Nokwethu Khojane, South Africa: Lakheni, Turning Social Capital into Buying Power

Lakheni is a social and business model innovation which seeks to aggregate low-income households into buying-groups in order to negotiate favourable discounts for goods and services supplied to these households. Most poor people end up paying for goods and services at a unit price that is usually much higher than the unit price paid by other people with more disposable income. This is because as goods and services are packaged into smaller and smaller units to make them affordable, they become less economically efficient and end up costing higher than if one was to buy in bulk or in larger units. In essence, thepoor end up paying a poverty premium. Lakheni solves this problem by aggregating poor households into a buyers market by leveraging mobile technology.

3. Omolabake Adenle, Nigeria: Voice Recognition and Speech Synthesis Software for African Languages

This is a software solution that can understand and digitize spoken African languages, and synthesize speech from African languages presented as digitized text. Digitizing African languages in this way allows Africans to interact with hardware devices such as mobile phones, and digital services such as call-center applications by speaking their local language. The software can be integrated into a wide range of devices and third-party software applications. While voice recognition and speech synthesis software have been developed for various Western and Asian languages, there has been very limited commercial application or academic research for African languages. The difficulty lies in modelling tonality present in most African languages and limited data resources for language modelling. This innovation opens up opportunities for Africans with low literacy levels to also enjoy the benefits of the digital revolution.

4. Nzola Swasisa, Democratic Republic of Congo: Lokole

Lokole, is a device that enables access to efficient email communication anywhere with cellular coverage at a price that is one hundred to one thousand times cheaper than accessing email via regular cellular bandwidth costs. Lokole achieves this firstly by creating a shareable local area network where up to a hundred users within a 25 meters radius can access the network and share the costs. Secondly, it contains advanced algorithms that compress email and also schedules uploads and downloads of data to when data bundles costs are at their cheapest. Costs per user could be as little as $0.01/person/day. More than 71% of the African population doesnt have access to efficient communications. Lokole solves this communication problem and enables many communities to access efficient communication for the first time. Applications of Lokole include: health (remote-doctor), education (remote-teacher), commerce (purchase orders via email), business (attachment documents) and many more.

Leveraging artificial intelligence and mechanical solutions

5. Badr Idriss, Morocco: Atlan Space

Atlan Space develops software technology that is then deployed to manage the operations of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones. The software is currently tested for use in managing operations in detecting illegal or harmful maritime activity such as illegal fishing or oil spills over wide expanse areas. UAVs operated by this software can be launched and deployed into monitoring operations without having an aircraft operator. Also, by using Artificial Intelligence they are able to collect data, analyze and produce actionable reports. African governments face numerous challenges in monitoring activities and operation over wide areas. This includes border patrols, deforestation, animal poaching and maritime activity. The software allows for the deployment of UAVs at a very cost effective price without need for highly skilled human intervention and over a wide number of uses.

6. Aly El-Shafei, Egypt: Smart Electro-Mechanical Actuator Journal Integrated Bearing SEMAJIB

The patented innovation (SEMAJIB) presented by Dr. El-Shafei, is a smart bearing which is versatile and can change its characteristics as it operates. It consists of a magnetic bearing imbedded in an oil-filled journal bearing, thus forming the smart controllable bearing. The flooding of the bearing with oil is a game changer as the purpose of bearings has traditionally been to expel oil. There is a significant improvement in turbine performance using the SEMAJIB particularly in single line combined cycle plants, as well as conventional generator technology. The device is designed to be used to support energy generating turbines and can be used to improve efficiency and reduce costs of generating energy in Africa.

Discoveries in healthcare solutions

7. Dougbeh-Chris Nyan, Liberia: New Technology for Rapid Detection of Many Infections Using Only One Test

This is a rapid diagnostic test that can detect and simultaneously differentiate at least three to seven infections at the same time within 10 to 40 minutes. In most African countries, there is a lack of sophisticated diagnostic devices and limited expertise in high-tech diagnostics. This hinders the clinical decision-making ability of healthcare providers. This test provides a solution to this clinical problem. The innovation is easy to use in any setting and particularly in rural areas. Additionally, the device is able to detect and distinguish multiple infections which bear the same symptoms for instance, when a patient has yellow fever, malaria, and Ebola. Whereas most testing methods take 3  7 days, this device gives test results in 10  40 minutes. This would provide a significant step in the detection and management of infectious diseases on the continent.

8. Olanisun Olufemi Adewole, Nigeria: Sweat TB Test, A non-invasive rapid skin test to detect Tuberculosis

Sweat TB Test, is a non-invasive rapid diagnostic test to detect tuberculosis (TB). TB is second only to HIV/AIDS as a leading cause of death in Africa. Available methods are high tech; cannot be deployed in rural centres, dependent only sputum which sometimes may not be collectible and considered messy by patients. It is also time consuming with patients making repeated clinic visits before a diagnosis is made. Delay in diagnosis and missed diagnosis of 3million TB cases occur leading to continuous spread of the disease. Sweat TB Test leverages on TB specific marker in sweat of patients, to produce a point- of- care test to detect TB, within ten minutes, without any needle prick. In simple steps, reports are read and patients commenced on medication as needed at the same clinic visit. It has the potential to contribute towards effectively controlling TB, reduce TB related deaths and holds promise to prevent drug resistance TB in Africa.

9. Gift Gana, Zimbabwe: Dr. CADx

Dr CADx is a software solution that helps doctors and health care workers diagnose medical images more accurately. Due to the scarcity of radiologists on the continent, most medical images are read by general doctors or other health care workers who lack expertise and end up misdiagnosing more than 30% of the cases that they review. As a result, millions of patients fail to get the right treatment or the treatment is delayed leading to more complications and even death. Dr CADx uses deep learning to interpret medical images and achieve an accuracy of 82% an improvement over the 70% average for radiologists. Dr CADx is designed to work in low resource settings with poor internet connectivity opening it up for use in many rural settings in Africa.

10. Philippa Ngaju Makobore, Uganda: Electronically Controlled Gravity Feed Infusion Set (ECGF)

The Electronically Controlled Gravity Feed Infusion Set (ECGF) is medical device designed to accurately administer intravenous (IV) fluids and drugs by controlling the rate of fluid flow based on feedback from a drop sensor. Over 10% of children admitted to East African hospitals need immediate infusion therapy. Findings from the FEAST trial indicates that over-infusion in children increased the absolute risk of death by 3.3 % at 48 hours. Erroneous delivery rates can result into serious adverse effects.

The ECGF solves this problem as it is very easy to operate and has key safety features which include alarms for rate of infusion (rapid or slow), total volume (over or under) and faulty sensors. A battery utilizing a hybrid (AC mains and solar) charging bed powers the device. The ECGF has the potential to save lives by providing accuracy and safety at 8% the cost of a brand-new infusion pump.

About the African Innovation Foundation (AIF)

AIF works to increase the prosperity of Africans by catalysing the innovation spirit in Africa.

About the Innovation Prize for Africa (IPA)

IPA is a landmark initiative of the AIF and its goal is to strengthen African innovation ecosystems through supporting a culture of innovation and competitiveness, whilst spurring growth of innovative, market-driven African solutions to African challenges.

IPA has been successfully celebrated in African major capitals representing African regions: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (2012), Cape Town, South Africa (2013), Abuja, Nigeria (2014), Skhirat, Morocco (2015) and more recently in Gaborone, Botswana (2016).
16.06.2017 LISTEN

A poem by Kenneth Gyamerah to commemorate the Celebration of the Day of the African Child

I am an African Child

I am not an African because of my skin colour.

I am not an African because I was born in Africa by African Parents

I am an African because Mama Africa was born in me.

I am limitless because I have great gifts and talents

Africa is my home and I'm proud of my root.

Africa is not a country

Africa is a continent just like Asia, Europe and America

Mama Africa is blessed with a youthful population -vibrant youth who are willing to risk everything to have a decent shot of life.

Mama Africa is not poor

We need foreign trade instead of foreign aids

Mama Africa needs strong and working institutions instead of strong men.

As an African child, I believe that I'm not too young to run.

As an African Child, I believe in Africa!

I envision an Africa which will be a beacon of hope and opportunities

I see an Africa where everyone will live in harmony regardless of tribe, religion or colour.

Sometimes, as an African child, I cry every dawn because of the way our leaders are running affairs.

Corruption is the chronic disease of Africa

As an African child, I will do my best to cure the disease of corruption.

Oneday, Africa will be borderless

There will be free movement in Africa .

I don't see myself as a Ghanaian or South African,

I see myself as an African.

So call me the African Child.

Give the African Child an opportunity and they will deliver.

I believe in Mama Africa

Africa arise!

Whether you are from the East, West, South or North.

We are one people with one common goal.

God bless the African Child.
Maseru (Lesotho) (AFP) - Lesotho's new prime minister took office Friday at the head of a coalition government, three years after he was targeted by a putsch and two days after the murder of his estranged wife.

Thomas Thabane's All Basotho Convention (ABC) party won snap elections on June 3 but failed to get an outright majority, leading it to negotiate joint rule with the Alliance of Democrats (AD), Basotho National Party (BNP) and Reformed Congress of Lesotho (RCL).

But his inauguration was marred by the murder of his estranged wife Lipolelo, 58, who was gunned down on Wednesday night in a village near the capital Maseru.

Thabane's new coalition government comes into office with the hope of ending the political uncertainty of party splits and fragile coalitions that have long dogged the mountain kingdom.

He said it was disturbing that Lesotho was increasingly becoming notorious for its failed governments and that it was time to change.

"I sincerely hope that political reforms will bring stability in Lesotho and ensure that Lesotho governments last for a normal five-year term," he said in his inaugural speech.

The new alliance replaces the government of Pakalitha Mosisili, a seven-party coalition plagued by infighting and corruption.

'Senseless killing'

Mosisili's government was toppled in March and elections triggered after opposition parties called a vote of no-confidence which he lost.

At the ceremony, which was held inside a stadium in Maseru, Thabane thanked his predecessor "for facilitating the smooth transfer of power" and said the two would "remain friends forever."

Thabane, 78, previously served as premier of this nation of two million people after the 2012 elections but was forced to flee to South Africa following an attempted military coup two years later.

In his speech, Thabane commented for the first time on the killing of his estranged wife.

"I am mourning her death and (the) senseless killing of people like this... is one of many challenges that I am faced with as a new prime minister," he said.

The gunning down of Thabane's wife just two days before he took office created a sense of confusion in the tiny poverty-stricken country which is completely surrounded by South Africa.
Chief Justice nominee, Sophia Akuffo has promised to do her best to deliver efficient justice to minimize incidents of people punishing suspects in their own ways.

Answering questions by members of Parliaments Appointment Committee Friday, she said: "as justice delayed is justice denied, justice hurried is justice buried" maintaining that the right processes must be adhered to, in ensuring the delivery of quality justice.

There is an upsurge of instant injustice meted out to persons alleged to be criminals. The perpetrators take the law into their own hands and enact violent justice on suspects.

A most recent one that attracted the attention of Ghanaians was the lynching of a senior military officer, Major Maxwell Adam Mahama, who was on national assignment in the Central Region.

The officer was clobbered and stoned on May 29 by residents of Denkyira-Obuasi in the Region while on his routine jogging, the police have said.

The Interior Minister has said government is engaging with some security experts to address cases of mob injustice across the country.

Interior Minister, Ambrose Dery

Ambrose Dery said the hankering of Ghanaians for mob attacks is an innate tendency that will require a thorough study to have it solved.

Mob action has existed in Ghana right from my childhoodit is in our psyche so we are engaging prominent security activists to see what we can do about the situation, he said.

He added that government is holding an open dialogue with the relevant authorities on the matter.

Speaking about how the judiciary can contribute to minimizing the occurrence, Justice Sophia Akufo said although the phenomenon has nothing to do with the judiciary, effective justice delivery can help to deal with it.

She explained that a lot of the time, aggrieved parties see those who have wronged them walking free without understanding the processes so they resort to seeking self-help to get justice.

Mob justice is people beating people, but land guard which is a form of self-help is rampant because there is a failure in the case management, she said.

Justice Akuffo said the judiciary would work hard to strike the balance between delayed and hurried justice.

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com
Director of Operations at the Presidency is a Position limited to the operations that complement the everyday affairs of the Presidency. The powers that come with it do not transcend the perimeters of the Flagstaff House, yet Lord Commey is carrying himself as the overlord of government, apportioning to himself authority that does not belong to him.

I, Mawuko, can state on authority that Lord Commey is taking from an NDC bigman at the Lotteries GHs250,000 (two hundred and fifty thousand Ghana Cedis), weekly, under the pretext of keeping him in his position, and that is happening on the blindside of the new CEO. How much is that man stealing that he is willing to give so much as ransom to Lord Commey?

At the Port, Lord Commey is acting as the NPA Boss, overseeing the smuggling of finished fuel products with the help of crude customs officers like one Oduro, and so on. In fact, the tankers that belong to NDC officials, Asiedu Nketia et al, are given priority over the NPP haulers because the former can afford to pay him bribes in the tens of thousands of dollars.

It is not surprising that he is defending the NDC thieves as people who had supported the NPP financially. What criminality! The tankers are labelled for export, but the loads get diverted and sold locally, causing major financial losses to the State.

Where is EOCO to investigate? Where is the National Security? Where is BNI? Where is the Police?

Lord Commey is doing all that and more in the name of President Nana Akufo-Addo. The irony is that Mr President has no knowledge about that. Lord Commey is even exceeding his extended limits by inviting to his office businessmen, CEOs of companies, Police Commanders, Directors and other high profile employees of Ministries, heads of security institutions, bending them to bend the laws to favour him.

I say to those Customs officers who out of fear kowtow to him that they are fools. In fact they are stupid. They should know that they are to report to their commanders and not to a crook whose responsibility is to make the Presidents life easier. I say to the Police officers that they are to report to their commanders and not to the charlatan who steals government property in broad daylight.

The Police, National Security operatives, and others who come to him for favours must be ashamed of themselves. They must deal with their commanders only. They have no business doing at the Flagstaff House or anywhere that Lord Commey may want them to meet him.

Lord Commey has already sold some of the confiscated vehicles that Abronye DC fought to have brought back to the State. That was done on the blind side of the Presidency, too, much like he did with NPP motorcycles post 2012 elections, and just like he did with other items before elections 2016.

Mr President, Lord Commey is collapsing your government, believe it or not. The sooner you do something about it the better for the NPP and your outfit, Sir. We all fought in our own ways to ensure that you became President, please do not allow a selfish yellow character as Lord Commey destroy your efforts and ours.

Be on standby for more revelations from this pen. The word corruption was crafted to fit Lord Commey more appropriately than John Mahama, his brother, Zoomlion, David Amankwah, and hundreds of others who have caused financial losses to the State. Lord Commeys corruption is unprecedented and massive!

#RemoveLordCommeyNow
Chief Justice nominee, Sophia Akuffo says the countrys legal training will suffer if the Ghana School of Law is scrapped as being clamoured for.

The Harvard-trained lawyer said the School provides practical legal training to students which is absent in the various faculties of law where Bachelor of Law degrees are obtained.

Speaking before Parliaments Appointments Committee Friday, the Supreme Court judge said the universities educate students academically on the law which is not sufficient to make one a lawyer.

The Ghana School of Law is a professional training facility and that is where the theories learnt in classrooms are supposed to be taught from a more practical point of view, she said.

There have been suggestions that the Ghana School of Law be completely scrapped for the various faculties of law to take over its functions.

Some of the calls are borne out of the challenges of LLB holders face in getting admitted into the Law School.

The enrollment process is said to be riddled with favouritism and corruption.

Outspoke law lecturer at the University of Ghana, Kwame Gyan in 2015 said the Law School has underserved its purpose of providing young lawyers with the requisite skills.

He said public confidence in the School is low because of the needless bureaucracies at the school which stall academic progress.

Founding Dean of the University of Professional Studies (UPSA) Faculty of Law, Professor Kwame Frimpong also said the School cannot provide the legal needs of the country.

He said the current situation where students will have to journey especially from Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region to Accra to attend the law school is unsustainable.

What I think we should do is, we should scrap the Ghana School of Law which is just a schoolso [that] the law school will not teach courses but will be an examining body acting for and on behalf of the General Legal Council, he said.

Although she believes those arguing for the closure of the law school have a genuine case, she said that is not the best way forward.

I am not one of those who subscribe to the Ghana School of Law being scrapped, Sophia Akuffo said, adding systems must be put in place to make it effective.

When we were in law school it was such a seamless transition that some of us thought the Ghana School of Law was part of the University of Ghana, she said, adding training from the school has helped her.

Instead of the theory of procedure, you are doing the practice [especially]; how to draw a charge and you are taught how you are going to marshal evidence to support that charge, she said.

She promised to improve the efficiency of the school to provide legal training that meets the needs of the country.

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Austin Brakopowers | [email protected] | Instagram: @realbrakopowers
The Chief Fisherman of Ngyeresia, a fishing community near Sekondi, Nana Kwesi Ackon has appealed to government to as a matter of urgency,halt light sea fishing and pair trawling activities as it had been done in Tema to enable fishing expeditions flourish in the community.

Government must therefore ban the importation of special fishing nets which trap fishes including small ones which may reproduce to replenish the sea.

According to him, light sea fishing had become a major economic setback to fisher folks in the community thereby crippling their efforts to cater for themselves and their children to complete their education.

Nana Ackon was speaking to the Ghana News Agency(GNA) on the sidelines during a-one-day sensitization forum at Ngyeresia, a predominantly fishing community in the Sekondi/Takoradi Metropolis of the Western Region.

The programme which was dubbed,"Saving Our Pearls Of The Future", was organized and sponsored by Engage Now Africa(ENA), an international Non-Governmental Organization(NGO) which seeks among other things, to eradicate poverty and modern slavery in Africa.

The Chief Fisherman told the GNA that fisher folks used to experience a bumper catch after their fishing expeditions but the situation had dwindled drastically due to the advent of sea light fishing.

This situation, he noted, had brought untold hardships to the community thereby threatening their very survival since there is no alternative means of livelihood for the community.

The Director of Engage Now Africa(ENA) in charge of Children's Education, Mr.David Kofi Awusi ascertained from the forum that children in the community do not pursue education due to lack of funds,watching of Kumkum Bagya, a Chinese film on romance.

It also came to light that school children patronize funeral celebrations and spend precious hours outside their homes during the night. Teenage pregnancy was also rife as parents shirk their responsibilities.

On the way forward,Mr.Awusi said would institute a scholarship package to promote education in the community and also asked the chief to release land to construct a library project to engage school children.

He urged government to enforce the bye-laws which prohibit the activities of sea light fishing in the country.

Mr. Awusi asked parents not engage their children in child labour but rather child work in order not to jeopardize their future.

A Resource Person with the NGO, Nana Ebo Koomson, told the parents that children under 18 years must not be allowed to drop out of school to engage in sea fishing.

He intimated that elsewhere in advanced countries, children who desire to go into fishing as their occupation, even hold first degrees from tertiary institutions which helps to invest their finances into other lucrative ventures.

Nana Koomson said ENA had already engaged 8 Districts in the Western Region for the first time with the Ngyeresia community as the second point of call.

He impressed it upon the parents to invest in the education of their children and reap the benefits in future.

The Chief of Ngyeresia,Nana Kwamina Awortwe thanked the NGO for such a laudable initiative to ensure that their children are enrolled in schools and continue to the highest level to become responsible citizens in society.

In an open forum, some of the parents admitted that the mortality rate was higher in fishing communities since their occupation was not a life-long one and therefore appealed to themselves to take keen interest in the education of their children.
Where wild things are

The government has recently doubled the compensation amount for human casualties and property damage caused by wild animals that venture out of protected areas.
Nairobi (AFP) - Four people were killed and 11 injured when a passenger bus struck a roadside bomb in northeast Kenya on Friday, officials said, the most recent in a string of such attacks.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the blast, but in recent weeks Somali-led jihadists have stepped up roadside bombings in border areas, killing dozens, mostly police officers.

The bus was travelling between Lafey and Elwak in Mandera county close to the border with Somalia when an improvised explosive device detonated.

"The vehicle was using a prohibited road which is classified as dangerous because of proximity to the border. We had discouraged vehicles from using this road," he added.

"We have lost four people in the incident while 11 others are injured," said regional commissioner Mohamud Saleh.

Mandera county governor Ali Roba said a local chief was among the dead.

Four people -- three of them aid workers -- died in a roadside bombing close to the Dadaab refugee camp earlier this month, while last month saw a spate of bombings that left 20 police dead and others injured.

Roba blamed Al-Qaeda aligned Shabaab militants for the attack saying on Twitter that it was another example of the group's "default mode of senseless killing" after targeted attacks on Christian civilians in past years had "failed... to divide us along religious lines."
Rabat (AFP) - Nightly clashes between protesters and Moroccan security forces in the flashpoint city of Al-Hoceima over the region's marginalisation are turning more violent, a witness and a news website said Friday.

"Around 100 residents gathered on an avenue (on Thursday night) to demonstrate. Security forces intervened in strength," said one witness, contacted by telephone.

"They were hitting people. Youths dispersed into sideroads and started throwing stones, while the police used tear gas," the source said, adding that women were also attacked and several protesters hurt in running battles.

Le Desk, a news website, said: "The nightly confrontations... are turning into a riot... into pitched battles with police, with stones being thrown and tear gas fired."

A local official in Al-Hoceima blamed youth protesters for the clashes and said a policewoman was wounded.

"As usual a small group of youths, teenagers and minors went out on the streets to demonstrate. The security forces asked them to disperse but they were pelted with stones," the source said.

"It was an avalanche of stones that fell on the security forces and the police had to retaliate with tear gas. A policewoman was injured in the head," the source added.

The stepped up protests come after a court on Wednesday sentenced 25 demonstrators and suspected members of their grassroots movement to 18 months in jail each, according to their defence lawyer.

The Al-Hirak al-Shaabi, or Popular Movement, has been holding protests for weeks in the neglected Rif region of northern Morocco, demanding jobs and an end to corruption.

The demonstrations have been taking place at night, after the breaking of the daytime fast observed during the holy Muslim fasting month of Ramadan.

Hirak leader, Nasser Zefzafi, was arrested on May 29 and is in custody in Casablanca awaiting trial, along with other leaders of the movement.

Al-Hoceima has been rocked by worsening social unrest since the gruesome death in October of a fishmonger, who was crushed in a rubbish truck as he tried to retrieve swordfish that had been thrown away by the authorities because it had been caught out of season.

Demands for justice snowballed into the wider grassroots movement.

Meanwhile authorities have banned a demonstration called for by activists and labour unions to mark the anniversary next Tuesday of the June 20, 1981 food riots that shook Casablanca.

Around 100 people were killed 36 years ago in a police crackdown on protesters in Casablanca who were demonstrating against an increase in the cost of food.

Authorities have banned the commemoration of the riots, fearing the event could lead to further "disturbances".
Your destiny should be your headache. If you ever want to make your dreams a reality, you must not leave it in anyones custody. Your life is in your hands. Whether it would be any better or worse, it is your choice to make. In this life, youre on your own.

However, no man is an island. Though youre on your own, you cant live this life all by yourself. Reaching the top is not a lone journey. Even though we are supposed to take our destinies into our own hands and create the future we want to live in, we cant do everything on our own.

We need helpers. We need friends and partners. People matter. They need us as much as we need them. People need to help us overcome the challenges of building our dreams. When those dreams are built, theyll in turn help solve the challenges of people. We need people to help people!

Success is far from a one-man baton race. We need others to watch our backs as we climb lifes ladder. We cant do everything all by ourselves. We will sometimes need to delegate. At other times, we will need others to lead us to places we couldnt have accessed on our own. The larger the size of your friends, the larger the size of doors that can open for you.

You cant climb to the top of lifes ladder all by yourself. Your success in this life will largely be dependent on your network because success is teamwork. No one ever reached lifes peak all on their own. Behind them were a host of great people who contributed one way or the other. Behind every great dreamer [in public] are even greater dreamers in their closet.

Your life is in your hands but you would still need helping hands to make the best out of it. Though youre on a lone journey to make the best out of your life, make friends while youre at it. Its over-ambition that makes us want to walk this life all alone. Sadly, walking alone will get you nowhere. Youll needlessly bear burdens others could have borne for you.

Walking this life all alone is such a chore. You need independence but building a great network can give you what independence could only promise you. God made man for man!

Travel down the corridors of history. All the great men who ever lived were able to reach the top not because they came from another planet but because they made use of people from this planet. Talk about Jesus and his disciples. Talk about King David and his mighty men. The list goes on and on.

Success doesnt mean youre greater than everybody. It simply means youre building a network of everybody to be great. A great network of helpers can give you value no amount of money can.

Build fruitful friendships. Respect everyone you meet on the street. Great men dont wear tags. Treat people that you cross paths with right. Be honest with them. If theres any help they need that you can give, just give expecting nothing in return. God will never come down to hand your blessings to you. Hell always use another man!

Back in the day when I used to teach in St. Roses SHS in Akwatia, I quite remember how I gave each student the utmost respect. I taught them from the depth of my heart and inspired them from the height of my mind. I did all those with no expectations. Many years on, they have become such a core part of my dreams; volunteering for Scribe at the least opportunity.

When God gives a man a dream, He adds a team that would make that dream a reality. That man would meet every team member as he journeys on. It depends on how he would treat them. At all cost, try to keep the people you meet on your way in this life unless they dont want to stay.

Can you imagine the biblical Josephs breakthrough came through a man he had met in prison? This gentleman who happened to be Pharaohs chief butler mentioned him to the king and that was it! There are similar stories of how people met others who held the key to their promise door.

Build your network. Be sociable. Make [good] friends. Be active in the social media space. Have your say in WhatsApp groups you are in. Make some new friends. Learn something new about their profession. In this life, youre on your own but never walk alone. If you try to walk alone, youll needlessly die alone. Be like Liverpool. Haha.

All through my stay on University of Ghana campus (Commonwealth Hall), I came across an average of over thirty (30) roommates. Thanks to perching which could illegally allow rooms to accommodate a lot more people. Fast forward to today. I can recall how quite a number of these roomies have rendered priceless help to me. Your network will give you what you cant access with your hard work.

The size of your network will cut down the size of your hard work. If you want to go nowhere, depend on your hard work. If you want to go somewhere, depend on your network!

Dont depend wholly on others. Dont depend wholly on yourself either. If you want to remain an island, lifes headaches will sooner or later flood you. Your future is in your hands but youll need other hands to create that future. Need I say more?

The writer is a playwright and Chief Scribe of Scribe Communications (www.scribecommltd.com), a writing company based in Accra. His upcoming play is TRIBELESS.
16.06.2017 LISTEN

Accra, June 16, GNA - MTN Ghana, as part of its 21 days Y'ello Care Programme, has donated over 200 reading and text books to the Kwashiman Cluster of schools in Accra.

The books, which comprises of various subject reading books, novels, dictionaries, among others were to provide the children a variety of areas to read around and help develop their reading skills.

Mr Joseph Dogbe, Senior Manager, Business Risk, MTN, said the initiative which was in collaboration with the Ghana Education Service was part of the company's corporate social responsibility to give back to the society every year.

He said MTN over the years had developed interest in the education sector, and as such this year their major objective as a company was to focus on the importance of reading among basic school pupils.

'We at MTN believe that if children develop the habit of reading at the very early stages of their education, it would become part of them and they would grow to become very brilliant students, since reading would sharpen their minds and make them smart students as well.'

There was the notion that Ghanaians do not have the habit of reading, but we would make sure this project is sustainable into the future, by putting a programme in place to inspire the children to derive maximum benefit from books, he noted.

Mr Dogbe expressed the hope that the book would be used for its intended purposes, so that the children in the school would derive maximum benefit from them.

The schools that benefitted from the books included Kwashieman 1 Basic, Kwashieman 2 Primary and KG, Kwashieman Anglican Primary A and B, St Luke KG, Prince of Peace Catholic and McCarthy Hill Basic Schools.

Mr Korletey Michael, Head Teacher of Kwashieman 1 Basic School, expressed appreciation to MTN for the support, saying that it was going to help compliment what the school already has.

He said it would go a long way to help the students, assuring that the books would be made available to the pupils at the school's library, and they would ensure that the children make good use of them.

The Y'ello Care initiative is an annual staff volunteer programme that involves community services that runs across the MTN Group footprint from June 1 to June 21. It was instituted 10 years ago and has grown to become one of the key activities on the MTN calendar.

This Year's programme on the theme: 'Investing in Education for All' would give MTN staff another opportunity to brighten lives through work.

GNA

By Hafsa Obeng, GNA
Cape Coast, June 16, GNA - Final year students who were among the 22 students rusticated by the University of Cape Coast (UCC) have not been cleared by the authorities of the University to enable them leave campus after writing their final examination.

Normally, final year students are expected to be cleared from all debts and possession of materials including books belonging to the University, before leaving campus but authorities are unwilling to do so for the students.

Mr K. O. Amponsah Dadzie, counsel for the 22 rusticated students therefore sought relief from a Cape Coast High Court where the case is pending to submit a supplementary affidavit on the current development.

The Court presided over by Mr Justice William Boampong, accordingly granted the relief.

Counsel for the University, Mr Solomon Gyasi however, argued that the relief being sought by his learned colleague was a gimmick to unduly delay judgment on the case.

The parties were in court to set a date for the ruling on the substantive matter, but it was adjourned to Thursday, June 29, due to the latest development that the University had refused to clear the affected students.

It could be recalled that violence broke out between students of the University of Ghana (UG), Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and the University of Cape Coast (UCC) on Friday March 17.

This led to severe injuries to three students as well as the extensive destruction of both public and private properties belonging to the school and some lecturers.

The University authorities constituted an eight member committee to investigate the incident and recommend disciplinary action which resulted in the rustication of the students who are mostly executives of the Atlantic Hall Junior Common Room.

The others are the hall-week Planning Committee members of Atlantic Hall.

The Committee's reasons were that they disregarded the authority of the University and were negligent in their duties, thus leading to non-compliance with directives from the Dean of Students.

Some old students of Atlantic Hall took the matter to the law courts and on Tuesday May 23, an interim injunction restraining University authorities from preventing the 22 students from writing the end of semester examination was granted.

The court further ruled that UCC should also refrain from interfering in any way whatsoever with the academic work of the students.

GNA

By Afedzi Abdullah, GNA
By Robert Anane/Christielove Basmel Aborchie

Accra, June 16, GNA - The Government would soon organize pilgrimages for Christians to enable them visit Holy sites around the world.

This is to make such travels easier for Christians who feel the need to embark on them.

Mr Samuel Kofi Ahiave Dzamesi, Minister of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, said at a press briefing in Accra on Thursday, that whilst faith and believe were personal pursuits 'these values have implications for our national development, social cohesion and peaceful co-existence.

He said one of the means of getting citizens to participate in nation building, was to allow space for inner spiritual expression, adding, 'the nexus of cohesion and meaningful coexistence, is the platform for worship without conflict with state law'.

Mr Dzamesi said the government was mindful of concerns of the Christian community to be given the opportunity to visit historical and religious sites that had a strong connection with their faith.

He said the sites, whilst they signified expressions of testimony in many ways, created a clear understanding of the growth and spread of the religion.

The Minister said whilst Christians in the country have been going on pilgrimage to the State of Israel, such individual efforts did not enable a lot of Christians to undertake the pilgrimage.

Mr Dzamesi said under the Ministry, much more organized and systemized Christian pilgrimages would be organized.

He said the Ministry had set up two sub-committees, namely the planning and screening committees, composed of members of recognized Christian bodies.

Touching on the nature of the pilgrimage, the Minister said adherents should belong to a church that was also registered with a recognized Christian body.

'There would be a maiden pilgrimage consisting of not more than one hundred persons from the various churches of the Christian bodies,' Mr Dzamesi, said, adding that this initial pilgrimage by the Ministry would inform subsequent arrangements.

The Minister said the Ghanaian authorities were presently discussing with the Embassy of The State of Israel, to ensure the success of the pilgrimage.

He said the initial fee for the pilgrimage per person was $2,700(two thousand seven hundred dollars) or its equivalent in Ghanaian cedis, adding that the fee was much less than that paid elsewhere.

Mr. Dzamesi cited some highlights as the renewal of Baptismal promises, Renewal of wedding promises in the church of the miracle of Cana, the ceremony of the awarding of the Jerusalem Pilgrim certificate.

The Minister said the pilgrimage programme of the Ministry was not to the state of Israel alone, but would cover countries where Christian pilgrimages were undertaken.

He urged Christians and all other stake-holders to help make the programme a success.

GNA
The Ministry of Food and Agriculture is working with stakeholders to have the ban on vegetable exports to the European Union lifted in the next three months. Thats the assurance from the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Dr Afriyie Akoto.

The ban was imposed on some vegetables exported to the EU as a result of the failure of exporters to meet international quality standards.

The ban was placed by the food and veterinary Office of the European Commission for some vegetables mainly pepper, eggplant, and gourds. This was attributed to several interceptions due to the presence of harmful organisms in exported produce.

The ban was until December 2016 but has been further extended to December 2017.

A team from the EU is however due to visit the country in Sepetmber for an assessment towards a possible review of the ban and Dr Akoto Afriyie is confident the country will pass the test for the ban to be lifted.

He said The European Union has come up with certain conditions based on which the ban will be lifted. So we are making sure that the actions will be taken. In addition to that we are taking steps to comply with the EU regulations and also trying to restructure our own internal arrangements as well as getting the right personnel manning activities at the ports of entry and in the various regions.

So Im very confident that with all the work weve done so far in collaboration with the stakeholders we are prepared now to receive the delegation from the EU to audit in September so that the ban can be lifted and enable business to go on.

Dr Afriyie Akoto also blamed the ban on the negligence of some stakeholders and advices that all play their role to reverse the ban.
Paris (AFP) - Exiled DR Congo opposition leader Moise Katumbi on Friday said he was planning an "imminent" return after the UN asked President Joseph Kabila to guarantee he could campaign for election.

"I am going to go home. My return is imminent," said the powerful businessman and ex-governor of mineral-rich Katanga province.

"I return with a UN guarantee," Katumbi told a news conference. "I must go home to campaign and save the Congolese people."

Katumbi early this month filed a complaint with the UN Human Rights Committee in Geneva saying he had been forced into exile in a bid to "keep (him) away from the presidential elections" due to take place by year's end.

He left the country in May 2016 to seek medical treatment but faces trial if he returns for the alleged recruitment of mercenaries.

He has also been sentenced to three years in jail in a real estate dispute and authorities have ordered him arrested if he returns from abroad.

The prominent government critic said he had turned to the UN because the judiciary in his country had been "manipulated" by the state.

Katumbi's 36-page June 2 complaint to the UN lists a series of wrongs allegedly committed against him, including "arbitrary" trials, police harassment and the arrest of his supporters.

In a letter dated June 13 the UN asked the DR Congo government "to take all the necessary measures to ensure" Katumbi "can return to Democratic Republic of Congo and can participate, freely and safely, as a candidate, in the presidential elections."

The letter, shown to the media by Katumbi's lawyer Eric Dupond-Moretti, also asked the government to guarantee "his right to freedom and safety by protecting him from any form of arrest or arbitrary detention".

Katumbi is a former Kabila ally who broke with the ruling party in September 2015, and a year later was named as a presidential candidate by the G7 group of opposition parties.

But Kabila failed to step down at the end of his mandate last December, sparking tensions across the vast mineral-rich nation of 71 million people.
Hankey (South Africa) (AFP) - South Africa buried the "spirit" of one of its first rebel leaders Friday, 200 years after his death in Australia, where his bones were never found.

A traditional ritual was performed by indigenous elders to bring Khoi San chief Dawid Stuurman's spirit home, and a coffin symbolically carrying the spirit was buried on Friday in his rural hometown of southern Hankey.

Stuurman, the last Khoi San chief, resisted British colonial rule so was jailed at Robben Island from where he escaped three times before being sent to Australia in a convict ship to serve his term.

He died in Sydney in 1830 and is believed to have been buried under the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

But efforts to recover his remains were fruitless, forcing authorities to resort to so-called spiritual repatriation.

A noisy crowd of 300 people, wearing traditional Khoi San and Xhosa clothing, converged behind a Hankey school in Eastern Cape province to witness the unveiling of the tombstone and the reburial of the spirit.

Khoi San men in headgear made from lion or leopard tails and wearing lion skin shawls, led the ceremony.

After song and dance, as well as the chanting of revolutionary poetry, the wooden coffin draped in leopard skin was lowered into the grave.

A clergyman sprinkled water over it using an ox-tail.

Described as the "last chief of the Hottentots" in eulogies, Stuurman was buried a few hundred metres from a Khoisan heroine, Saartjie Baartman.

Known as Africa's "Hottentot Venus", she was paraded in circuses in 19th century Europe like a sexual freak because of her large buttocks and genitals.

Stuurman died in Australia and was buried under the Sydney Harbour bridge, Khoi traditional chief Joseph Kreeling, said Friday.

Great grandfather back home

A symbolic burial ceremony of Khoi San leader and freedom fighter David Stuurman was held in Hankey, South Africa, some 200 years after his death in exile in Australia.

"We are here to celebrate and commemorate the life of a fearless, bold Khoi San hero," said Kreeling.

"This closes a chapter which used to bother the Khoi San people. We are very happy our great, great grandfather is here today with us," said Chief Kreeling.

Stuurman was born in 1773 in the Gamtoos River Valley in the Eastern Cape.

His activism started over conflict with his farm owner boss, Johan Vermaark. Unhappy with the way blacks were treated by whites, he organised his people and rebelled against the establishment.

At one point Vermaark tied him to a cart, brutally whipped him, sprinkled salt on his open wounds and left him in the sun to dry, according to the eulogy read at the graveside.

"It's an emotional day for all South Africans, but most important for the Khoisan people," said Christian Martin, a Khoi activist and senior politician in the ruling ANC party.

Martin was part of an eight-man delegation which travelled to Australia this week to repatriate Stuurman's spirit.

In 2013 Martin vowed not to cut his hair until Stuurman's remains or spirit were brought home. On Friday he knelt on the dusty ground next to the grave as traditional leaders and politicians took turns to shave off his dreadlocks.

Four white doves were set free at the gravesite as a sign of peace.
Lope national park (Gabon) (AFP) - For several months, electric fences have been put up in Gabon as part of a new programme to stop the country's 40,000 forest elephants from destroying crops.

So far three electric barriers have been built but dozens more are required, Professor Lee White, the British-born director of Gabon's national parks agency (ANPN), told AFP.

"I want 500 barriers," said White to emphasise that others methods had failed to stop the huge animals from trampling over villagers' fields in the west African country.

"We have already tried putting up chilli and even bee hives (to protect farming areas) but all these methods did not work," said White, who has been compared to Tarzan by the magazine National Geographic due to his work in the jungle.

Huge efforts have been made to conserve Gabon's forest elephants and the remaining rainforests of equatorial Africa that they inhabit, but people living side-by-side with the animals are upset about the destruction of their crops and economic losses.

The elephant menace

"The rural population are angry with the elephants, it is a problem that has long been neglected," said White.

Gabon is home to over half of Africa's forest elephants, who are highly valued by poachers because their ivory is tinged with pink and is very hard.

It is the poaching that has encouraged elephants to move closer to villages, according to White, and that has led to farmers being killed by elephants, with little compensation for the families.

In one village close to the Ogooue river and Mount Brazza in Lope national park, a new electric fence powered by solar panels is up and running, protecting a lush green plantation.

The technology has been imported from Kenya and does not come cheap: the enclosure cost about 53,000 euros, according to a fence guard.

Gabon may be a major oil producer on Africa's west coast but the authorities have struggled to provide funds to pay for more fences, as requested by Professor White.

The ANPN will try to reduce the cost of the next barriers to around 15,000 euros, White said, and villagers have backed the idea in the hope of protecting their livelihoods.

"The food is safe, the elephants do not destroy it anymore," said one farmer, describing how she can now safely grow her potatoes, bananas and tropical root vegetables, secure inside the fence.

Elephants under threat

The dense tropical rainforests of the Minkebe national park in northern Gabon are on the front line of a war with poachers.

Bordered by Cameroon and Congo, the Belgium-sized area has been a target for central African gangs looking to make some quick cash from Africa's white gold.

More than 25,000 elephants in Minkebe were killed by poachers between 2004 and 2014 -- around 80 percent of the park's total forest elephant population -- according to a study in February by Duke University in North Carolina.

The stark reduction in forest elephant numbers in Minkebe reflects the shocking slaughter of elephants elsewhere.

According to the first ever pan-African survey of savanna elephants last year, the Great Elephant Census, numbers of savannah elephants are estimated to be about 352,000, down from 1.3 million in 1979.

In Gabon, it is hoped that if the electrified fences initiative expands then that will help ensure villagers and their elephant neighbours can live happily beside each other.
16.06.2017 LISTEN

Yes, it is too early to be critical of the presidency and government of His Excellency President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. However, it said, the determinability of the great yield of a corn is by its germination or an excessively successful market day begins in the early morning.

I have been compelled by what a fellow Ghanaian-Londoner told me this morning to rush out this publication. When I met him at work at around 06:30 hours, I inquired if he would be attending todays conference organised to welcome President Nana Akufo-Addo to the United Kingdom, his first visit since his election to the presidency. This interacting conference is being organised by Ghanaians in the United Kingdom to give them the opportunity to hear from their President and to ask him questions or offer him suggestions and advice.

This fellow Ghanaian told me he will not attend although he passionately supported the candidacy, campaign and election of Nana Akufo-Addo to become the president of Ghana. When I asked him his reason for failing to attend, he said, Nana Akufo-Addo, enkoyie, 3nhunuso meaning, President Akufo-Addo is not performing to expectation or he does not know what he is doing. Much as I encouraged him to attend to ask him questions bothering him or to offer him advice, he said it was pointless going for the presidents administration is not doing well.

I might not have published this article if he was the only Ghanaian complaining about the governance of President Nana Akufo-Addo but many are. When we phone to Ghana, many are those complaining about the situation as getting worse  increase in armed robberies, lawlessness, insecurity and worsening conditions of living. Some of them do express regret in voting for the NPP because to them, their expectations seem not to have been met, or with the current direction of things, never will they realise their high expectations of President Akufo-Addo redeeming Ghana from the devastating institutional corruption, economic hardships and abuse of power by those in authority hence the opening proverbs cited above.

Why are people getting frustrated? Why have the very people who voted NPP so soon lost confidence in them? What has President Akufo-Addo done to warrant such loss of, or waning, confidence, in his administration?

The President had better send his trusted confidantes to the ground to find out for him why many people have started losing confidence in him and his administration. He should send people who will report back to him what the people are actually saying but not the sweet lies he may want to hear but the bitter truth he may dread of hearing.

I had decided to curtail my political writings to concentrate on my Kumawu chieftaincy dispute and other personal issues however, since I supported then presidential-candidate Nana Akufo-Addo and the NPP to come to power, I share the collective responsibility to ensure that the government and the president do perform to the admiration of the greater majority of Ghanaians.

I shall continue to constructively criticise, or bring to the attention of, the President, the concerns of the people in the hope that he will succeed to bring economic relief, safety and security to the suffering Ghanaian masses.

I shall continue to contribute my widows mite to make sure President Nana Akufo-Addo emerges outstandingly successful based on the following three reasons.

I supported him with all my heart and might, publishing articles canvassing Ghanaian electorates to vote for him and attacking his detractors

I have my siblings, relatives, friends and fellow suffering Ghanaians in Ghana. I owe them a duty to ensure that their life gets better as long as I encouraged and persuaded most of them to cast their votes for Nana Akufo-Addo and NPP with the promise that things would get much better under President Nana Akufo-Addo Since the Chairman of the Council of State that advises the President, Nana Otuo Serebuor II, is the paramount chief of Juaben (Ashanti) traditional area, my maternal place of birth, and he is on very good terms with the grandchildren of my Asiampa ancestors, I have to make sure he succeeds with distinction in his advisory job. For if President Akufo-Addo fails, Juabenhene will have also automatically failed.

Therefore, since it does not belong to he who is leading to redirect their steps, I shall from time to time convey the truth to the attention of the President regardless of how he will react to my admonitions, constructive criticisms or chastisements.

Why are people like Hon. Kennedy Agyapong, Kwame Baffoe alias Abronye DC and a host of others expressing doubts about the NPP government? They are all having some reservations which are signs of bad omen.

NPP has equally the potential to slide into all the negativities of the NDC if care was not taken but this is what the discerning Ghanaians will resist at all cost.

Is the President failing because of his style of governance? Is he being overly democratic to be good for nothing? Is he practising laissez faire type of government? For one thing I know is he is not a dictator. I shall discuss his style of governance in my next publication. I hope is not doing too much talking of being strict whereas indeed, he is not!

Rockson Adofo

(Written on Friday, 16 June 2017)
United Nations (United States) (AFP) - Mali's foreign minister on Friday pressed the UN Security Council to quickly adopt a resolution endorsing the creation of a special force to fight the jihadists increasingly plaguing North Africa's Sahel region.

The minister, Abdoulaye Diop, expressed the "deep concern" of Malian President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, who heads a five-nation regional grouping known as the G5 Sahel, over the "difficulties" slowing approval of the resolution.

He urged members to adopt it "without delay."

The G5 -- comprised by Mali, Niger, Chad, Mauritania and Burkina Faso -- agreed in March to form a 5,000-strong anti-jihadist force, but sought Security Council authorization before activating it. The force would collaborate with the UN peacekeeping force in Mali known as MINUSMA.

Keita said adoption of the resolution would "send a strong and unequivocal signal from the international community to terrorist groups and traffickers of all types."

But a French-introduced resolution to provide political and financial support to such a force has been resisted by the United States, which says the resolution is too vague and believes a simple statement, rather than a resolution, would suffice.

As the leading financial contributor to UN peacekeeping operations, Washington also wants to tighten overall spending.

Diop, the Malian minister, also urged the UN to provide "adequate" material, staffing and financing for MINUSMA.

Jihadists gaining strength

The mandate of the UN mission, with its 12,000 blue-helmeted troops, will expire at the end of this month unless the UN renews it. The force has been coming under ever more frequent and deadly attack from jihadists in the region.

Mahamat Saleh Annadif, who heads the UN peacekeeping mission in Mali, urged member countries to shore up MINUSMA's resources, saying it needs armored vehicles and at least 10 more helicopters.

He warned that "terrorists" are gaining strength and extending their reach in the region, notably in central Mali.

He said he was ready to sign a partnership agreement with the G5 Sahel force.

French Ambassador Francois Delattre said the mandates of MINUSMA and the G5 force are "completely complementary."

He told reporters that talks on the French resolution were moving ahead and that "a strong majority of the council is in favor of our text."

In the latest signs of regional instability, two civilians were shot dead on Friday while working in fields in central Mali by armed men on motorbikes.

Also, a Malian soldier was killed in a mine explosion on Thursday, and Malian customs and police checkpoints were set on fire near the Niger and Burkina Faso borders. Defense Ministry sources blamed jihadists.
Vice President of IMANI-Ghana, Kofi Bentil suspects, the mandatory fee for towing services by the National Road safety Commission is an attempt to swindle the public.

According to him, there are existing laws that mandate Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies to provide towing services in their respective jurisdictions.

The Road Safety Commission has announced effective July 1, 2017, vehicle owners and motorcyclists will pay compulsory annual fees, tied to the acquisition of road worthy certificate, to cater for towing services.

The announcement has generated a chorus of disapproval from the public.

Chief Policy Analyst at the Ghana Institute of Public Policy Options (GIPPO) Dr. Charles Wereko-Brobby on Thursday, called on the president, Nana Akufo-Addo to immediately halt the implementation of the policy.

Commenting on the issue on the super Morning show on Joy FM Friday, June 16, 2017, Mr. Kofi Bentil who is also Executive Director at Bentil Consulting says the policy is an attempt to extort money from motorists.

There is no proof paying this money which constitutes insurance will make these people do the actual work of towing.

The Road Safety Management Limited (RSML), a private company incorporated in 2011 which together with four other unnamed allied companies, have been awarded the contract to tow disabled vehicles from the roads across the country.

Information available to Joy News indicates the RSML and its allied companies will be allocated 85 percent of the funds, NRSC 5 percent, Ghana Police Service 5 percent, Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) 2.5 percent while the remaining 2.5 percent will go to the Ministry of Finance.

However, Kofi Bentil says: There is a lot evidence that some of the people involved in this particular scam have a long track record of collecting money for doing things that they havent done.

This is not about people who want to do the workthe National Road safety Commission does not want to do any work; they want to sit back and distribute the money.

The contract is for a period of 20 years but renewable after every two years. The funds collected are to be lodged into a special Towing Service Account.

Questions relating to whether the payments will be tied to number of vehicles towed and how the activities of the towing services are going to be monitored are yet to answered.

Click attached audio to listen to the discussion .



Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Jerry Tsatro Mordy | Email: [email protected], Twitter: @jerrymordy
We refer to the article published in the Daily Searchlight Newspaper on Friday 3rd March 2017 and subsequently on GhanaWeb on Sunday 5th March 2017 by Columnist Kwame Asare Nyinpong alleging that OmniBank has almost sealed a deal with the Bank of Ghana for the sale of its shares in Ghana Interbank Payment and Settlement Systems (GhiPSS).

We wish to state that the said publication is false and malicious.

OmniBank neither has interest nor intentions of acquiring GhiPSS or any shares therein. Moreover, the Bank has not and does not intend to enter into an agreement with any entity including the Bank of Ghana to acquire GHiPPs. It is worthy to note that all Banks in Ghana including OmniBank use the GHiPPS platform for their payment services and will continue to use that platform for its payment services for as long as it remains relevant to its business.

We as a bank will continue to strengthen our enviable brand by offering bespoke products to our customers especially SMEs. The journey to our tremendous growth and current status which has resulted in winning many awards including eight (8) awards both locally and internationally in the year 2014 alone is public knowledge.

With our vision of becoming a bank, we were issued a Universal Banking license in July 2016 after complying with all legal and regulatory requirements.

The above referenced publication is baseless and therefore urge all our cherished customers and the general public to disregard the said publication.

We assure our customers of our continuous support to the development of their businesses and the provision of rapid and exceptional banking services to them.

For further information, contact our Call Centre on 0307 086 000 or visit our website www.omnibank.com.gh
Some facilities at the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) caught fire Friday evening, Myjoyonline.com has gathered

The fire is reported to have gutted one of the stores of the state broadcaster before spreading to the other facilities within the premises.

No casualty has been recorded.



Some fire fighters are on the scene to douse the inferno which is raging.

The cause of the horrific blaze at the state broadcaster has yet to be established.

But journalists from other media houses have been barred from entering the premises of the Corporation to cover the incident.

More soon...

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com
Nollywood actor, Gideon Okeke, may not have much to offer to God but with words of thanksgiving, it will go a long way in touching many lives.

The actor has just disclosed that a certain lady sent him a private message telling him to be prayerful that she had a bad dream about him and he appreciated her for the message.

While driving home after rehearsals around the Lekki axis in Lagos, he tried to step on his breaks while getting to the traffic but he was shocked that his break failed and he crashed his jeep.

People of God, its testimony time because God is good. A certain lady sent me Im driving home from rehearsals after about 5-6 hours and was tired. Now driving home at the lekki traffics, I stepped on my break and wow, it failed me. I have been in the movies to know when this can happen but this one, I never saw it coming, he shared.
Bitcoin Tumbles Most in More Than Two Years After Record Run

Bloomberg

Stay away from Bitcoin  its complete garbage

Marketwatch

Bitcoin Just Crashed

Fortune

Exchanges face cyberattacks

CNBC

Bitcoin price falls nearly 20% in 24 hours

A fall of 19% for bitcoin over the past 24 hours, along with a surge of volatility across all the crypto currencies, has brought out the doom merchants once more.

I actually love it when the mainstream media slams bitcoin.

It means opportunities to invest, as the masses are easily swayed by such emotive language.

Especially when most people dont understand what these assets actually are yet.

But for those that have invested and might be feeling a tad nervous, I want to reassure you that the stories about the death of Bitcoin have been around almost as long as bitcoin itself.

There is even a website dedicated to tracking how many times Bitcoin has died. 135 times at the latest, according to bitcoinobituraires.

Check it out for yourself when you have a moment.

The website was set up by people in the community getting sick of being told by non-experts that bitcoin is a bubble, is dead, is a scam, is not real money, etc.

But Bitcoin and the entire crypto industry has not only survived, but thrived.

And Im confident it will continue to do so.

Why?

Because it is developing something that is truly a big deal.

In fact, many developers see it as the way the internet was meant to be.

An ultra-low cost, highly secure, decentralised system where you are ultimately in control of your assets, your information and your privacy.

Unless you like having banks charge you fees and Facebook selling your data. And you enjoy settlement agents charging you $600 to transfer title on your house, and are happy filling out health records every time you see a new medical provider.

Then you probably also like paying accountants $2,000+ to do your company accounts, and feel good about the governments ability to track your money. Not to mention paying $20+ every time you buy and sell a stock, or paying lawyers to complete paperwork on already-agreed transactions..

Then sure, you wont like bitcoin or the crypto asset industry!

Cryptocurrencies are a long term investment.

You have to treat this as a long term investment, and be willing to stand such short term volatility and mainstream negativity.

The moment the mainstream press get behind how wonderful it all is, then I fear you will have missed the boat on this once in a life time investment opportunity.

If youre interested in learning more about Bitcoin and the potentially massive profits offered by the emerging crypto asset sector, start by going here

Regards,

Ryan Dinse,

Contributing Editor, Money Morning
A2 Milks [ASX:A2M] share price has risen by 8.66% today following upgraded revenue forecasts.

What caused the ASX:A2M Share Price to rise?

A2s increased sales is due to demand for its baby formula product in China. This led the company to forecast an increase of NZ$20 million in income, putting annual revenue at a total of NZ$545 million.

The demand stems from the partnership with Synlait Milk, a New Zealand-based company of which a2 purchased an 8.2% stake in earlier this year. a2 stated the two companies were working closely to boost the production schedule in order to meet growing demand from China.

This also coupled with an evaluation of the companys marketing costs, particularly in China. Previously, a2 expected to up costs by NZ$15 million in the second half of 2017 FY, but has since revised this to only a NZ$10 million increase. This was attributed to changes in the phasing of the marketing investment.

What now for a2?

Following a strong full year earnings report, a2 will be looking to bolster its success into the 2018 period. It has already been an over-performing stock this year, and will no doubt want to continue to capitalise on opportunities moving forward.

Currently, the company relies on the daigou supply channel, which roughly translates to buying on behalf of. This is a system whereby individuals purchase goods locally (in Australia or New Zealand) and then ship them to buyers in China. a2 is also trying to penetrate traditional supply channels though, pushing for e-commerce and retail store affiliates.

Regards,

Ryan Clarkson-Ledward,

Junior Analyst, Money Morning

PS: If youre looking for other Australian companies capitalising on Chinas ongoing success, you need to read Sam Volkerings report, Three Aussie Sectors Primed to Soar in 2017.

The Chinese economy is set to be 25% bigger than Americas by 2020, and Australian companies are poised perfectly to capitalise.

Dont miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Get your free report right now by clicking here.
Whats been happening to the price of bitcoin in the last 24 hours? Well for the risk-averse its been crashing. Bitcoin in the last day is down from a high around US$2,750 to US$2,300 at the time of writing.

Around 12 June it was trading at US$3,000. In those last three days that makes for a fall of 23.3%.

By the time you read this is could be lower stillmaybe even below $2,000!

Or it might not be.

But 23.3% in a couple of days? Wow, thats a pretty hefty fall.

Mainstream media all over the world is now reporting the crashing price of bitcoin. And we can hear the chorus of naysayers proclaiming, This is it! The bubble has burst, this is the end of bitcoin and this cryptocurrency fad.

If you happen to be in that camp then you clearly miss the point to what this is all about. But thats OK; well help educate you. Well help convert you to a believer

For a start, this is pretty common fare for bitcoin. The reason for last nights fall is because thats how bitcoins price has fluctuated for years. Its same old, same old.

Its a high-risk, early stage, volatile new asset class. I could go back to 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 or 2015 to give you examples of major falls in price. But I wont. Instead Ill just show you in the last year how many times bitcoin has seen price corrections bigger than 23.3%.

On 18 June 2016 Bitcoin was worth US$777.74. By 23 June it was worth US$758.49. Thats a 27.6% fall.

On 5 January 2017 Bitcoin was worth US$1,190.78. By 12 January it was worth US$758.96. Thats a 36.2% fall.

On 16 March 2017 Bitcoin was worth US$1,256.12. By 25 March it was worth US$907.26. Thats a 27.7% fall.

On 25 May 2017 Bitcoin was worth US$2,757.37. By 27 May it was worth US$1,914.67. Thats a 30.56% fall.

What does this tell us about the recent falls? Everything. It tells us that you shouldnt be too concerned. In fact, we think its just another buying opportunity.

After every major fall bitcoin has then shot up to higher highs. Until the next major fall. And then higher highs. And then another fall. Yet over the last year it continued to outperform any other asset class in the world.

And what about the next bitcoin?

And the price of Ethereum? The cryptocurrency people call the next bitcoin? Well its price falls are just as bad. The price of Ether (Ethereums token) is mainly exchangeable with bitcoin. Hence when bitcoin falls, the price of Ether falls too. But if you look at the actual rate of Ether per bitcoin, its not as bad.

Last night around 0.14 bitcoin would buy you one Ether. At the time of writing its now around 0.13 bitcoin to secure you one Ether.

But the uneducated simply look at the price of Ether against fiat currency. And calling it the next bitcoin really isnt all that accurate if you dont know what youre talking about.

For a start Ether isnt a currency. So it will never be like bitcoin in that sense. Ether is a fuel. Its an energy source. It helps power the Ethereum blockchain and smart contracts. Bitcoin has the intention of being useable in the real world as a currency. Ethereum has the intention of being the energy source of the Ethereum network  like oil.

And if you think more about it like that, you start to see its potential.

Ask yourself, how was real wealth built back in the early 1900s? When oil was the most important commodity in the world, who really took all the wealth? The Saudis are the most obvious answer. Thats because they owned all the land that had all the worlds major oil reserves.

Well, imagine having a chance to own that oil today. You dont need to be a Saudi sheik to get a crack at it, either. You can be an everyday person with the open mindedness to see the future.

And that future is Ethereum. As its network grows and there are more real-world use cases for it, the value of the Ether that powers it will increase.

Talk about oil wealth in the 20th century  talk about Ethereum wealth in the 21st.

At least thats the view we take on it all.

Jens and Bill hate it, but they just dont get it

But this future isnt going to be a walk in the park. One of the core principles of cryptocurrency is its decentralised nature. That means its free from central bank interference and government control.

This is what makes cryptocurrency so appealing. However, this does not please central banks or governments. Cryptocurrency is a threat to the power and control of these centralised powers.

And thats exactly why central banks and governments want a bigger say in how cryptocurrency works.

Jens Weidmann is the head of the Central Bank in Germany, the Bundesbank. And Jens doesnt like bitcoin or cryptocurrency. He thinks it will worsen future financial crises. And he blames its decentralised nature. Jens thinks central banks know whats best for everyone, and he doesnt like the thought of currencies outside their control.

For a start, Jens must clearly believes there will be another crisis. The fear of a fresh crisis is one reason why theres already been a flight away from central bank-controlled money and into cryptocurrency. But Jens must not have figured that out yet.

He thinks that central banks should issue their own cryptocurrency instead. He thinks its safer for everyone. In other words Jens actually likes cryptocurrency  just not ones that he and his cronies in the Bundesbank cant manipulate.

Were pretty sure Jens missed the memo that people like cryptocurrency because the central bank cant touch it. They like it because government cant influence it. They like it because its decentralised.

Its not just Jens who wants to get their grubby mitts on cryptocurrency.

Australian opposition leader Bill Shorten also has grand plans for it. You see, Bill thinks that bitcoin is a safe haven for terrorists. He said on Tuesday,

There are two things we simply do not know enough about to deal with properlyI refer to the use of the digital currency bitcoin and the use of the dark web, a network of untraceable online activities and hidden websites, allowing those who wish to stay in the shadows to remain hidden.

This is a ploy for the Australian government to spy on and monitor every citizen and their activities. They love to use the threat of terror to push the thumb down harder on their citizens.

Australia is fast becoming the ultimate nanny state. Theyre the modern form of Big Brother  and its another reason why the world is switching to bitcoin and cryptocurrency.

The government can try and stop it. The central banks can try manipulating it. But its decentralised. Its out of their reach. Its bigger than government. And its bigger than the traditional financial system.

Its like nothing else weve seen before. And its going to be the biggest shake up to traditional wealth and power the world has ever seen.

Regards,

Sam
Bocce ball courts at Twain Harte Meadows Park View Photo

The community events calendar is filling up with events, fundraisers and celebrations.

Tonight is opening night for Calaveras High School for an outdoor production of Rodgers and Hammersteins Oklahoma! The performance is in the upper field at Calaveras High School, at 7:00 pm each night through Sunday. Details are in the event calendar here.

Tonight is the Twain Harte Mountain Air Market from 4:00 pm till 7:00 pm. Certified Farmers Market in Angels Camp is Friday from 5:15 pm to 8:00 pm and the Peaceful Valley Farmers Market is also Friday from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Saturday morning is the Sonora Certified Farmers Market.

Saturday and Sunday Tuolumne County Master Gardeners are hosting Polystyrene Collection Days. Polystyrene or Styrofoam (trademarked brand polystyrene) needs to be free of tape, tags, labels and food and the food-grade polystyrene needs to be separate from the packing grade. The volunteers will be set up on Microtronics Way next to the Waste Management Recycling site from 9am to 4pm and on Sunday, June 20, from 10am to 2pm at Waste Management, Inc. Microtronics Way. More details are in the event listing here.

Get your tickets and treat yourself to a delicious tri-tip lunch to help support the Sonora Kiwanis. More details about the meal and what the Kiwanis do are in the event listing.

If you find yourself over in Amador County this Saturday, specifically in Fiddletown, stop by the Fire Safe Fair. Firefighters with both the Amador and Pioneer Fire Protection Districts will help you learn how to keep your homes safe. Amador Sheriffs will be signing people up for the emergency alert system Code Red. There will be a ribbon-cutting at noon to celebrate the community-funded Shower Room at the Fire Station. More details about the event are in the event listing.

Saturday evening in Twain Harte is Concert In The Pines. The first of nine Saturday evenings filled with musical performances by local bands on the Eproson Park stage near the open bocce ball courts. More details are here.

The 35th Annual Celtic Heritage Celebration is also this weekend Saturday from 11 am to 11 pm and Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm at the Calaveras Fairgrounds in Angels Camp.

Be prepared for very hot weather, stay cool inside at the Sonora Regal Theater, movie times are here, or at the local cooling centers in Tuolumne or Calaveras Counties.
Sacramento, CA  Republicans are crying foul over a move by California Democrats to create additional requirements for recalling a member of the legislature.

Allegations are that Democrats made the changes to protect a southern California Senator, Josh Newman, who is under fire in his district for supporting the recent gas tax increase. There has been a movement to place a recall initiative before voters in the coming months.

Typically, changes to election policy go through extensive review, but instead some alterations were slipped into the new $125-billion budget that was approved this week.

The changes would create a 30-day period for voters to withdraw signatures, give time for the Department of Finance to estimate the cost of a recall, require counties to verify every voter signature, etc.

Republican Assemblyman Jim Patterson says, What the legislature did was use the legislative process for a cheap political stunt to try and change, which they have done, election law to protect one of their vulnerable members.

The change will likely push off a recall vote until the June primary election next year, rather than a special election occurring beforehand. The special elections typically have fewer voters turning out than the primary election, and Republicans will likely come out to vote regardless. So, if pushed to next year, there may be a better chance for him to hold his seat.

If Newman lost his seat, Democrats would no longer have a super-majority in the Senate.
Riverside, CA  A judge has ruled a legal challenge against Californias law allowing terminally ill people to obtain prescriptions for life-ending drugs can proceed.

The lawsuit was filed by a group of doctors who object to End of Life Law, which the state legislature and Governor Jerry Browned signed in 2015 and became law in 2016. The judge heard arguments from both sides Friday and the state attorney general had sought to have the lawsuit dismissed during the hearing. However, Riverside County Judge Daniel A. Ottolia instead ruled to move ahead with the lawsuit. He scheduled an October 20 conference to set a trial date.

California is one of a number of states with such legislation, along with Oregon, Washington, Vermont and Montana.
The presidential system of government in Nigeria defines the political organization of this country. According to the structure of this organization, the President is the Head of States. The version of this system of government in Nigeria has its advantages and disadvantages! Take a look at a few facts about Nigerian Presidential system that you should know!

Features of Presidential System of Government in Nigeria!

- You can see a clear separation of power! The government is divided into executive, legislature, and judicial branches.

- The President of Nigeria can be removed by impeachment! The constitution of Nigeria gives this right to the citizens if they do not trust their leader!

- The legislature and the president are responsible to the people of Nigeria. Its citizens have a right to know what is happening in the system.

- There is no recognized official opposition!

- The constitution is the highest legislative document in Nigeria. Nobody can be above the constitution and other laws!

- Ministers answer to the president of Nigeria.

- Members of the executive branch of power can`t be the members of the legislature. The same rule applies to the members of the legislature!

- The President of Nigeria has a right for a veto! It means that he can reject any legislative bill. After that, the bill can be rewritten and passed into law without the presidential approval!

Advantages of Presidential System of Government in Nigeria

- It provides freedom from the legislative interruption!

- It can provide a lot of advantages to citizens! It does not offer many benefits to party loyalists. Therefore, it`s hard for one party to take full control of the government!

- The members of the government take personal responsibility for any action! There is no collective responsibility in the government!

- The constitution is the highest legislative document in the country!

- The constitution provides clear responsibilities for the Judicial, legislative and executive branches of power!

- This system allows using specialists regarding power. For instance, they can become ministers of the government! An engineering specialist can become a health minister even without medical or law diploma!

- Any party influence can be avoided. The president is not a member of any party. At the same time, he/she can avoid appointing the loyalists of any party to his/her cabinet!

- The constitution provides a clear separation of power.

Disadvantages of Presidential System of Government in Nigeria

- Lobbying of some laws in the government for tips. It provides an unfair advantage to some non-political personas.

- Lobbying is a part of corruption!

- Appointed ministers can be arbitrarily dismissed.

- The system consists of too many ministers. Therefore, it`s difficult to monitor them. Moreover, it`s extremely expensive to support this army of ministers, advisers, and other service members.

- The President of the country is an extremely powerful figure. It combines the responsibilities of the Head of State and Head of Government.

President of Nigeria

READ ALSO: National Directorate of Employment Recruitment 2017

Therefore, the most powerful figure in Nigeria according to the constitution is the president of Nigeria. But who can become a president of Nigeria? Can you?

Requirements to become a president of Nigeria:

- A person must be a citizen of Nigeria and born in Nigeria!

- He/she must be at least forty years old!

- He/she should be a member of a political party or sponsored by a political party!

- He/she must have at least a School Certificate!

Presidential System in Nigeria  What are the responsibilities of a president?

- He/she signs law bills;

- He/she can refer a law bill back to the National Assembly;

- He/she can refer a law bill to the Supreme Court to decide its constitutionality;

- He/she can summon the Parliament or National Assembly;

- He/she must appoint the Supreme Court of Justice;

- He/she must appoint diplomats, ambassadors, plenipotentiaries and consular representatives;

- He/she can pardon from any fines or penalties;

- He/she can call a national referendum;

- He/she receives official representatives from other countries (like ministers, presidents, ambassadors, etc.);

- He/she has a right to veto any legalization bill.

Presidential System of Government Conclusion

The presidential system of Nigeria gives almost all the power to the president of the country! Nevertheless, it can also be a main disadvantage of the system. The president can have too much power in this particular government system. Therefore, there is a high probability of abuse of power!

READ ALSO: NPower registration closing date 2017

Source: Legit.ng
- JAMB has blacklisted 72 Computer Based Test (CBT) centres

- The centres were used for the 2017 UTME across the nation

- The blacklisting JAMB says is necessary to uphold exam standards in Nigeria

In a bid to ensure that the future of education attains the international standard, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has blacklisted 72 Computer Based Test (CBT) centres.

The centres were part of the 600 used for the 2017 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in Nigeria.

JAMB made the announcement on Wednesday, June 14.

Is-haq Oloyede, registrar of the board, said the blacklisting of some of the centres was due to their alleged involvement in extortion and organised examination malpractice during the UTME.

A few others are technically deficient, the examination body said.

On Thursday, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) commended JAMB for the action.

The President of the union, Biodun Ogunyemi, told the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos that the owners of the blacklisted centres should also be prosecuted.

According to Premium Times, the affected centres are situated in 18 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Below is the full list of the blacklisted CBT centres and their offences.

READ ALSO: Notorious kidnapper Evans drops another bombshell as detectives recover gold ring worth $75,000 from his house

REVEALED! 72 CBT centres blacklisted by JAMB

READ ALSO: Evans' sister, girlfriends helped police arrest him

READ ALSO: Former MASSOB leader attacks Nnamdi Kanu, moves for peace with northern leaders

READ ALSO: Fani-Kayode reveals how and why MKO Abiola was murdered (Video)

REVEALED! 72 CBT centres blacklisted by JAMB

Applicants lament bitterly over JAMB registration hassles on NAIJ.TV

Source: Legit.ng
- This is a Nigerian fraudster who duped a Brazilian through impersonating former CBN governor, Paul Ogwuma

- He deceived the Brazilian banker, one Nelson Sakaguchi, to the tune of $242million with promise of investing in airport in Abuja

- He was arrested and jailed in the days of Obasanjo's presidency through the fiery pioneer EFCC chairman, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu

Ever heard that Nigeria is endowed with rich human and natural resources? A lot of people hear human resources and think more along the lines of those people who have been able to use their brains, talents and potentials to do things which have improved the nation in terms of the economy and caused her to stand indeed as the giant of Africa.

What about those who used their brains and talents to dispossess others of their hard-earned money without the aid of a gun? Not just referring to the everyday pickpockets or fraudsters, but the mafias of the 419 game. One of them is Emmanuel Nwude.

For those familiar with the exploits of this fraudster of intercontinental repute, this is one conman who went beyond conning individuals to the level of conning a national bank of a country all the way across the continent. Emmanuel Nwude is a notable advance-fee fraud (what is referred to as 419) and was a former Director of Union Bank of Nigeria.

Emmanuel Nwude who defrauded a Brazilian to the tune of $242million

The deal which made him famous was his defrauding a Brazilian man, Nelson Sakaguchi, a Director at Brazil's Banco Noroeste based in Sao Paulo of $242million, $191 million in cash and the rest in form of outstanding interest between the space of three years, 1995 and 1998. This fraud case was one of the largest in the history of banking, second only to the looting of the Iraqi Central Bank by Qusay Hussein and Nick Leeson's trading losses at Barings Bank.

READ ALSO: FG announces vacancies for 7,500 young graduates through FIRS

Of course he did not accomplish such a feat singlehandedly but had accomplices in the persons of Emmanuel Ofolue, Nzeribe Okoli, and Obum Osakwe, along with the husband and wife duo, Christian Ikechukwu Anajemba and Amaka Anajemba. Not only that, he also had access to high quality GPRS that enabled him to impersonate Paul Ogwuma, the then Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria. Standing in the shoes of this personality, he successfully convinced Sakaguchi to invest in a new airport project in the nation's capital, Abuja, in exchange for a $10 million commission. Coming from a CBN Governor, who would turn such an offer down?

Sakaguchi, who was in charge of all international areas was made to believe he would benefit from a $187 million ministry of aviation contract which had an overriding interest of $13.4 million. All he had to do to get this benefit was to facilitate its execution by contributing financially. Sakaguchi swallowed the bait, hook line and sinker, and began pumping in Noroeste's money, without approval from his superior officers, into accounts designated by the conmen.

Through tales that the contract money was ready for payment and supported by fake letters purported to have emanated from the office of the then governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Paul Ogwuma, Nwude and his fellow collaborators urged Sakaguchi on for more funds and, in the process, fleeced Banco Noroeste extensively.

This deal, Legit.ng learnt, went on successfully for a while until August 1997 when the Spanish Banco Santander wanted to take over the Banco Noroeste Brazil. When a joint board meeting was done in December of that year, an official from Santander Mr. Antonio Horta who was also the president-designate of the proposed Santander Noroeste Group, inquired into why a large sum of money which amounted to 40 percent of Noroeste's total value and half of their capital, was sitting in the Cayman Islands unmonitored.

He noted that the discrepancies observed in the balance sheets for offshore deposits of foreign currency was within the operations of the office directly under Sakaguchi's control. Horta demanded an explanation from one of the bank's two managers of operation and control, Mr. Jayme Margues de Souza, who in turn, requested the bank's accounting manager, Mr. Pedro de Carvallo, to investigate the discrepancies.

How a Nigerian fraudster, Emmanuel Nwude, defrauded a Brazilian $242million through impersonating CBN governor

This led to intensive criminal investigations in Brazil, Britain, Nigeria, Switzerland, and the United States. The investigation, conducted while Sakaguchi was on vacation, revealed how he facilitated the fraudulent misappropriation of a sum of $242 million. When he was questioned by Margues on 11 February 1998 on this discovery, Sakaguchi merely admitted he lost between $9 million and $12 million of the bank's money by acting as a trader.

This development led to a full-scale audit of the transaction done by Sakaguchi. However, since the sale could not await the outcome of the investigations, the Simonsen and Cochrane families, the owners of Banco Noroeste, paid the $242 million bill themselves, but even that did not stop the Banco Noroeste from collapsing in 2001.

READ ALSO: My Anambra juju failed me - Evans

The audit was carried out by the bank's audit department and its external auditors, PricewaterhouseCoopers. But before the audit report was submitted, Mattos, Margues and other executive officers from its internal audit and legal departments held a meeting with Sakaguchi on 11 February 1998. At the meeting, the troubled banker admitted that he had invested Banco Noroeste's money in the construction of an airport in Nigeria although he refused to state the exact amount.

But he argued before his interviewers that the investment was profitable and would certainly deliver huge returns for the bank. He also admitted he made payments to a mee de santo, which means a voodoo priestess, apparently for spiritual assistance on the deal he entered into with Nwude and his collaborators.

The huge sum involved in the saga, as well as countless other reports of similar frauds they had done and the dirty image they gave Nigeria, eventually spurred the President Olusegun Obasanjo administration into taking decisive action to cage the conmen. At the instance of President Olusegun Obasanjo, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was created by the Nigerian National Assembly in 2002 and by February 2004, he was arrested along with his allies and charged in the Abuja High Court with 86 counts of fraudulently seeking advance fees and 15 counts of bribery related to the case. As most people would do in their position, they all pleaded not guilty.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo established the EFCC that arrested him in 2004

They were immediately warned off of bribing the court staff by Abuja High Court Judge Lawal Gumi, after he alleged that money was going around. The defense team assured that nothing would be done to bring scandal to the administration of justice.

By July 2004, Judge Lawal Gumi threw out the case, claiming that since the crime did not take place in Abuja, he had no jurisdiction over it, and said that the proper place for the case would be the Lagos High Court, being the location from which the acts were perpetrated.

The defendants were immediately rearrested after stepping outside the courthouse and the case was moved to Lagos. In 2005, Emmanuel attempted to bribe Nuhu Ribadu, then head of EFCC with $75,000 cash and was charged in connection with the attempted bribery in addition to the attempted kidnapping of a prosecution witness. In July 2005, one of the accomplices, Amaka Anajemba, spilled the beans and admitted to aiding the fraud. She was then sentenced to two and a half years in prison and ordered to repay $25.5 million.

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Eventually, Emmanuel Nwude and Nzeribe Okoli pleaded guilty after hearing the testimony of one of the prosecution witness from Sakaguchi, in hopes of getting a more lenient sentence. They were sentenced to 29 years in prison collectively, with Nwude receiving five concurrent sentences of five years, totaling 25, and Okoli receiving four. All of Nwude's assets were confiscated to be returned to the victim and a $10 million fine was imposed to be paid to the Nigerian federal government. It was the first major conviction for the EFCC, even though he was released from prison in 2006.

As soon as he was released, he made moves to recover some assets via a lawsuit, claiming that some of the assets were acquired before the offense was committed. Between 2006 and 2016, he was able to reclaim no less than $167 million and the case is still yet to be concluded.

As if that was not enough, on August 19, 2016, there was an attack in the town of Ukpo in the Dunukofia area by over 200 people, apparently due to a land dispute with the neighboring Abagana community. Four policemen were shot, and Emmanuel Okafor, a security guard at a construction site, was killed. The Anambra state police command alleged that Emmanuel Nwude was a ringleader, and arrested him on 27 count charges including murder, attempted murder and terrorist attacks. He is still in custody and the case is yet to be concluded, just like the previous one.

Watch this Legit.ng video as this Nigerian says if government wants him to steal he would steal

Source: Legit.ng
At a crossroad located in Pen Cinema, Agege area of Lagos, groups mainly made up of men, gather around different newspaper stands, arguing away.

Going closer to the stands and one realizes that the bane of the debate is Nigeria's 2017 budget.

Having stayed 6months before getting signed, Nigerians are trying to make sense of the situation on ground, wondering what the chances of implementing the budget are.

The headlines of the major dailies for this Friday, June 16, share the concerns of the people in the streets, even as a closer look is taken as to the politics of having the budget signed.

Nigerians gather around different newspaper stands, arguing away

READ ALSO: Acting President Osinbajo appoints 10 Nigerians into CCB board

Saraki, Dogara attack Osinbajo

The bane of the debate is Nigeria's 2017 budget

We begin this day's review with The Nation which bears the headline: "Osinbajo's budget remarks faulty, say Saraki, Dogara"

News paper review: Saraki, Dogara attack Osinbajo's, says Acting President's remarks are faulty

Acting President Yemi Osinbajo yesterday drew the ire of Senate President Bukola Saraki and Speaker Yakubu Dogara over his comments on the National Assemblys increase of the budget from N7.28 trillion to N7.44 trillion.

At plenary in both chambers, Saraki and Dogara said the lawmakers did not overreach themselves by jacking up the budget.

The Senate would not surrender its constitutional powers to the executive, Saraki said, in reaction to an issue raised by Deputy Senate Leader Bala Ibn NaAllah.

The House of Representatives, Dogara noted, would not be a rubber stamp. He was reacting to an order on the breach of privilege brought by Abubakar Lawal (Adamawa).

The Presidency will seek the Supreme Courts interpretation on the issue, it was learnt last night.

Vanguard bears the same budget story on its frontpage, with the title: "N-Assembly, Osinbajo clash over 2017 budget"

News paper review: Saraki, Dogara attack Osinbajo's, says Acting President's remarks are faulty

The Senate said, yesterday, it would not concede its constitutional powers to the executive arm of government. Saraki, Dogara and Osinbajo.

The declaration came on a day Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, also said the House would not serve as a rubber stamp to the executive arm.

Both arms of the National Assembly were reacting to a statement made by Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, that the National Assembly had no powers to introduce new projects into the budget.

Osinbajo had alleged: This last budget, the President presented it last December. Despite the assurances that it will be passed by February, it was not, until May.

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As it turned out, we were quite disappointed that it took a bit of time before it was approved. And thereafter, we had to go into negotiations with the National Assembly in order to get it right.

Now, there are these two broad issues about who can do what.

The first report is about who can do what. When you present a budget to the National Assembly, it is presented as a bill, an appropriation bill.

Secondly, do not introduce entirely new projects and all of that or modify projects. This is something that we experienced last year and this year again. It now leaves the question about who is supposed to do what?

The Guardian bears another major headline: "Militants give northerners October 1 to quit Niger Delta".

News paper review: Saraki, Dogara attack Osinbajo's, says Acting President's remarks are faulty

A coalition of Niger Delta militant groups rose from a meeting in Port Harcourt, Rivers state yesterday ordering all northerners to quit the oil-rich region.

The militants threatened to attack all oil wells owned by northerners in Niger Delta before October 1, 2017.

The groups, under the aegis of the Coalition of Niger Delta Agitators, berated the Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo, Inspector General of Police, Department of State Services and the Army for not arresting those who issued an ultimatum to Igbo to leave the north.

This development has stoked the tension that is threatening to tear the nation apart.

The government which has initiated a peace process may have to increase its parleys with stakeholders to avert the threats to the Nigerian union.

At the joint meeting between the Coalition of Niger Delta Agitators and youth leaders across the region to review the state of the nation, the militant leaders demanded an immediate return of oil blocs owned by northerners to the Niger Delta people.

The Punch bears the headline: "Alleged corruption: EFCC set to reopen probe of CCT chair"

News paper review: Saraki, Dogara attack Osinbajo's, says Acting President's remarks are faulty

There were strong indications on Thursday that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission would reopen investigation into allegations of corruption against the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, Justice Danladi Usman.

Sources at the anti-graft agency in Abuja said the commission had started screening all outstanding petitions against the CCT Chairman.

Below is a Legit.ng video in which Nigerians react to the recently signed budget.

Source: Legit.ng
- Ibrahim El-Zakzaky has been in detention with his family and some top members for over a year after a clash with the Nigerian Army

- Lai Mohammed, the minister of Information and Culture, said he is not in detention but protective custody

More than a year after his territory was raided, Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, the leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, has remained in custody despite rulings by the court in his favour.

As call for his release has continued, the presidency has revealed that the sects leader is in a protective custody.

The minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, said El-Zakzaky was still in detention because the federal government was yet to build a house for him.

El-Zakzaky has been in custody for over a year

Mohammed, who spoke during a programme on Channels Television, said the court ruled that El-Zakzaky should be released but this was after his house had been rebuilt.

Mohammed said there was the need to keep him because no one wanted to accept him as a neighbour.

READ ALSO: What Bukola Saraki's victory means for Nigeria - Ubani, Zikirullahi

He said the federal government is keeping him safe and that he is not in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) as was being speculated.

To him, the federal government cannot be accused of disobeying court orders regarding El-Zakzaky and the former National Security Adviser, Colonel Sambo Dasuki (rtd).

I think there is a lot of deliberate misunderstanding on these issues.

Number one, if a judgment is given and that judgment is appealed, you cannot accuse the government of violating that order if the appeal has not been decided.

In the case of El-Zakzaky, how many Nigerians know that El-Zakzaky is not in prison custody, police custody or DSS custody?

El-Zakzaky is in a house with his family. This is the honest truth.

He is in what is called protective custody. The court ruled that he be released after his house has been rebuilt but nobody wants to accept El-Zakzaky as a neighbour.

So, we have been unable to build the house. So, where do we release him to?

In the case of Dasuki, every government will always thread this very thin line between personal liberty and national security.

And I think you must give the government the credit to determine what is national security. In the case of Sambo Dasuki, the issue is a grave one.

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If the person is in possession of $1.2 billion; there are records that he moved in one day $1.2 billion in two transactions - we know the banks he moved them to.

And you refused to tell us what you have done with that money, I dont think it would be prudent to jeopardise the national security of a whole nation because of the individual freedom of one person.

Because with $1.2 billion, you can destabilise a whole country.

You see, all those who have been disturbing us about rule of law or the other, I just wish they would have the opportunity to be in government for a short time and they will see how difficult it is to balance personal freedom with national security, he said.

Watch this video and hear what Nigerians think of the country currently:

Source: Legit.ng
- Faisal Shuaib disclosed that on a per state basis, approximately 2,400 women and children die every month from preventable diseases

- The NPHCDA boss noted that a reduction in the number of deaths of women and children per state on a monthly basis would show that healthcare delivery was improving in the country

- Life expectancy in the country was revealed to be 53 and 56 years for men and women respectively in 2015

The executive director of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA), Faisal Shuaib, has disclosed that as a result of poor access to basic healthcare, Nigeria loses 3,000 children and women daily to preventable diseases, Premium Times reports.

According to Mr. Shuaib the countrys poor health system is also responsible for the death of some children in Nigeria before they reach the age of 5.

The healthcare boss made his comments while speaking at a workshop on the Implementation of the Primary Health Care Under One Roof policy, in Abuja on Thursday, June 15.

READ ALSO: EFCC refutes Sarakis prosecution, disowns Rotimi Jacobs

He stated: Primary Healthcare remains the foundation for reasonable and sustainable changes to the poor health indicators in the sector, since it deals with these preventable diseases.

Nigerias poor health outcome in critical areas is best reflected by the fact that approximately 3,000 women and under five children die daily in the country.

This implies that in each state represented here, approximately 2,400 women and children die every month, 80 per day, from causes which are preventable.

We are expected to deliver on results and we will be held accountable for our performance, and the most important evidence of our performance will be seen in the reduction in deaths of pregnant women and children in our respective states and nationally, during our tenures.

Asishana Okauru, director general of the Nigeria Governors Forum who also spoke at the event lamented over the countrys poor quality of healthcare.

According to Okauru, Nigeria contributes up to 10 percent to maternal mortality in the world even though it constitutes only 2percent of the worlds population.

He disclosed that in 2015, life expectancy in the country was 53 and 56 years for men and women respectively.

Speaking on what was hoped to be achieved from the meeting, he said: We are here today on a different but related together with a number of strategic partners this time, focused on ensuring the political commitment of our Governors to the implementation of the Primary Health Care Under One Roof policy.

Part of our objective is to ensure that boards are properly constituted and adequately funded.

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Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that investigations carried out by a non-governmental organization, the Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC) revealed the poor and dismal state of Nigerias healthcare system most especially its Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs).

Watch this Legit.ng TV video of Nigerians speaking against N1,500 budget budget for health per person

Source: Legit.ng
- Political commentator, Reno Omokri, says the quit notice issued by the northern youths has the backing of the northern leaders

- Omokri questions why those who made the declaration are yet to be arrested

- The political commentator states that countries who expelled people of other regions have suffered greatly from such hostile actions

Former aide to ex-president Goodluck Jonathan, Reno Omokri, has warned that the quit notice issued to Igbos by a coalition of northern youths will have disastrous consequences for northern Nigeria in the future.

READ ALSO: Evans' sister, girlfriends helped police arrest him

Omokri gave the warning in a video on Friday, June 16, which was uploaded on Facebook.

The former presidential aide who argued that the quit notice issued by the northern youths had the backing of the northern leaders, questioned why those who made the declaration were yet to been arrested for making such utterances.

Omokri said that countries who had expelled people of other regions have suffered greatly from such hostile actions.

He recalled that in 1972 after Idi Amin Dada of Uganda expelled the Asians from the country; the economy of Uganda sank and is yet to recover from that setback many years after.

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He also said the same befell Zimbabwe when Robert Mugabe in the year 2000 expelled white farmers from the country.

Omokri said the quit notice issued Igbos in the north would have similar consequences in the region, adding that the northerners need the Igbos more than the Igbos need the northerners.

Watch the video below:

Meanwhile, the clamour for an Igbo president in 2019 as a condition to discard the Biafra agitation has suffered a setback following a poll which shows that majority of Nigerians do not support the idea.

Legit.ng recalls that the Ohaneze Ndigbo Youth Council recently called for an Igbo presidency in 2019 which it gave as the one condition to support one Nigeria and abandon the Biafra agitation.

The youth wing of the apex Igbo group gave this condition in a statement on Tuesday, June 13.

The group insisted that if an Igbo person is not allowed to be president in 2019, the Igbos would leave the country by 2020.

The group insisted that if an Igbo person is not allowed to be president in 2019, the Igbos would leave the country by 2020.

However, the outcome of a recent poll shared by political commentator, Kayode Ogundamisi, shows that the aspiration of the group may not be a reality anytime soon.

According to the poll 87% of Nigerians were opposed to the idea of an Igbo president in 2019, while just 13% supported the idea.

In the Legit.ng TV video below, Major Mark Okoro, a veteran soldier who fought in the civil war narrated his experience during the war in 1967.

Source: Legit.ng
1. Yes. Taxpayers are funding its operation; they should have a voice in the naming process.

2. Yes. The city should operate with a spirit of inclusivity. Residents will be responsive.

3. No. Public input can be problematic; rejection of suggestions can be divisive for residents.

4. No. Residents elect council members to make decisions on their behalf. No input is needed.

5. Unsure. Its hard to say whether public input would be more of a benefit or a hindrance.

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- The attack was carried out by a female bomber and this led to the death of three while others sustained injury

- Cameroon and Nigeria have constantly faced attacks from Boko Haram

A three-year-old child is among the latest casualties recorded from an attack on Limani, a border community between Nigeria and Cameroon in the night of Thursday, 15.

Chief Bisong Etahoben announced the saddening incident through his Twitter account saying: 3-year-old infant killed, 3 individuals seriously wounded and four others with light injuries after last night su*cide bomb attack in Limani.

The incident happened in Limani, a border town between Nigeria and Cameroon

His claim was confirmed in a report by The Guardian which put the figure of the dead at three and disclosing that the attack was carried out by a female bomber.

The report said the female bomber blew herself up behind a school in the town.

Like Nigeria, Cameroon has been facing attacks from the Boko Haram terrorists.

Legit.ng recently reported that two Boko Haram bombers who attacked the city ended up getting killed in their own explosion while another one was shot dead by the army.

Cameroon based investigative journalist, Bisong Etahoben, announced the attack in a tweet he made on Tuesday morning.

Watch this video of some children narrating their experience about Boko Haram attacks:

Source: Legit.ng
- A coalition of three Igbo groups shortlist 11 prominent Igbo politicians for president in 2019

- The groups say more persons will pass through screening by the Igbo Presidency Project Committee

- The coalition states that the Igbo leaders who recently held a meeting with acting president, Yemi Osinbajo, do not represent Ndigbo in any form but their personal interests

The Immediate past first lady, Patience Jonathan, has been shortlisted among other prominent Igbo politicians to run for president in 2019 by a coalition of Igbo groups.

READ ALSO: Notorious kidnap kingpin Evans drops another bombshell, says he was once a victim of kidnap

The Igbo groups, which shortlisted the personalities include; the World Igbo Youth Congress (WIYC) the Igbo Students Association (ISA) and the South-East Women Professionals (SWP).

The coalition, according to Daily Post, said it shortlisted the following persons as presidential candidates of Igbo extraction as listed below:

1. Deputy Senate president, Chief Ike Ekweremadu,

2. Former Anambra governor, Peter Obi,

3. Imo state governor, Rochas Okorocha,

4. Former Abia Governor, Orji Uzor Kalu,

5. immediate past first lady, Dame Patience Jonathan,

6. Air Comodore Ebitu Ukiwe, (rtd.),

7. Lt. Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika (rtd.),

8. Oby Ezekwesili

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9. Prof. Pat Utomi,

10. Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu,

11. Senator Anyim Pius Anyim,

12. Senator Hope Uzodinma,

It said more persons will pass through screening by the Igbo Presidency Project Committee.

The groups said they will align with the position of the Ohanaeze Youth Council Worldwide to begin an aggressive campaign for Igbo presidency, adding that funds will be mobilized across the world for their campaign.

They also declared that the Igbo leaders who recently had a meeting with acting president, Yemi Osinbajo do not represent Ndigbo in any form but their personal interests.

The groups made the statement in a communique signed by Dr. Ugwu Francis, Deputy President General, WIYC, Comrade Francis Njoku and Glory Izuora, President and secretary, respectively of ISA, and Dr. Mrs. Nkem Nwuzor and Dr. Mrs. Helen Dike-Orji on behalf of the SWP.

The communique read in part: We are outraged over the recent self-serving visit of some Igbo leaders to the Aso Villa Abuja. While we respect their right as Nigerians to visit any place of their choice, we are against the use of such trips for the pursuant of personal glory and goals.

We observed with dismay that rather than present basic issues affecting the Igbo nation, they merely went there singing songs of Nigeria unity.

It is a common knowledge that Ndigbo are grossly marginalized in every sphere of the nation, including the position of presidency.

These cries of marginalization have consistently fueled Biafra agitation and the only way to end these agitations is to demonstrate, not just in words, but in practical terms that Ndigbo are part owners of the Nigeria project.

Consequently, we declare that those hosted by Osinbajo did not represent Ndigbo in any form but their personal interests.

Meanwhile, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has described the south-east delegation which recently held a meeting with acting president, Yemi Osinbajo, as a group of Igbo politicians who are sympathetic with the APC administration.

The pro-Biafra group in a statement issued on Thursday, June 15, by its media and publicity secretary of IPOB, Emma Powerful, said the delegation was neither a representative of the views of people of the south-east nor could it speak for Biafra agitators, The Sun reports.

It said the meeting was a senseless gathering of what it called a few compromised political jobbers from Igbo states.

The group maintained that any dialogue with the federal government which does not include any agreement on a referendum on the Biafra Republic was a waste of time.

Watch as IPOB members sing and clap at Nnamdi Kanu father's palace in Afara Ukwu

Source: Legit.ng
- Governor Ayodele Fayose promises that his presidency wont be like that of the current government that has brought nothing to Nigerians

- Fayose says he is loved by Ekiti people because of the many developmental projects that he has executed in the state

- The governor predicts that Segun Oni and Kayode Fayemi would fail if they contest the 2018 governorship election in Ekiti state

Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti state has boasted that he would become the next president of Nigeria by taking over the reins of power from President Muhammadu Buhari.

READ ALSO: Abiola was murdered with 'Abuja tea' - Femi Fani-Kayode (Video)

Fayose made the statement on Friday, June 16, when he spoke at a meeting with political office holders at the Governments House, Ado Ekiti, the Vanguard reports.

He said he wants to be the next president of Nigeria, promising that his administration wont be like that of the current government that has brought nothing to Nigerians.

I have penchant for taking powers; that one in Buharis hand. I will take it. Im going straight to that villa. Im the next president.

I want to be the next president of Nigeria. My own wont be this change that has brought nothing, we are going to represent the people well and tell them the truth," he said.

The governor stated that he is loved by Ekiti people because of the many developmental projects that he has executed in the state, according to the Punch.

He predicted that former governors Segun Oni and Kayode Fayemi would fail if they contest the 2018 governorship election in the state.

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He said: Just because Ayo Fayose has won a second term to become governor of Ekiti, some people also think they can come back now, but I want to tell them that it is not possible.

"I am the man wholeheartedly loved by Ekiti people because of the many developmental projects that have brought great infrastructural and developmental advancement to Ekiti.

If you go around Ekiti, you will see my handiwork dotting every nook and cranny of the state. This is why I am the man who every Ekiti people will follow in 2018.

Meanwhile, the immediate past first lady, Patience Jonathan, has been shortlisted among other prominent Igbo politicians to run for president in 2019 by a coalition of Igbo groups.

The Igbo groups, who shortlisted the personalities include; the World Igbo Youth Congress (WIYC) the Igbo Students Association (ISA) and the South-East Women Professionals (SWP).

The groups said they will align with the position of the Ohanaeze Youth Council Worldwide to begin an aggressive campaign for Igbo presidency, adding that funds will be mobilized across the world for their campaign.

They also declared that the Igbo leaders who recently had a meeting with acting president, Yemi Osinbajo do not represent Ndigbo in any form but their personal interests.

In the video below Legit.ng asks Nigerians if Governor Fayose is the right man to rule Nigeria. Watch responses.

Source: Legit.ng
- Governor Nasir El-Rufai has said that the lives and property of Igbos in Kaduna state are very safe

- El-Rufai made the statement in reaction to a claim that Igbos are being killed in Kaduna

- The governor said Igbos must disregard false reports regarding turbulence in Kaduna state

Governor Nasir El-Rufai has assured the Igbo community of their safety in Kaduna state.

The re-assurance became pertinent, following the audio message alleging killing of Igbos in the state.

El-Rufai gave his word at a joint press conference with leadership of Igbo community in Kaduna on Friday, June 16.

The Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to governor El-Rufai, Mr. Samuel Aruwan, said, The attention of Kaduna State Government has been drawn to an inciting picture and audio message stating, that some Igbos relocating to Eastern Nigeria were ambushed and killed in Kaduna State.

According to the audio being circulated in Igbo language, the Igbos in question were ambushed in a luxurious bus conveying them to Eastern Nigeria.

READ ALSO: Buhari's health: Fani-Kayode says President might be dead

El-Rufai has assured Igbos in Kaduna state that their security will not in any way be compromised

The man behind the mischievous narrative, who also claimed to be at the scene, went further to lie, that the attackers slaught*red Igbos, including women and children and that their corpses were burnt along with the luxury bus.

The so-called eyewitness then appealed to all Igbos residing in Kaduna and rest of the North to relocate to their states of origin, and to also avoid travelling enmass considering mass killings that awaits in the North.

It is clear that some dark forces are bent on sowing and creating panic in our communities. As you can see, we are here with the leadership of the Igbo community in Kaduna State. The story is entirely false and mischievous. The Igbo community in Kaduna is safe, like all our communities. Nobody is being attacked and nobody is relocating in fear.

The Kaduna State Government, under the leadership of Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, will continue to uphold and defend the right of every resident of the state to live in peace. Our state is a safe place for all that choose to call it home.

The government vigorously condemns the use of social media for purposes of incitement, falsehood and to cause distress to citizens.

El-Rufai's assurance to the Igbos is coming few days after the coalition of northern youths gave the Igbos in the not a quit notice.

Following their controversial statement urging Igbos to leave the north, the Arewa youths are about to taste the wrath of the 19 northern governors.

Governors of the nineteen northern states on Wednesday, June 7, disowned the coalition of Arewa Youths.

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Borno governor and chairman of the Northern States Governors Forum, Kashim Shettima, spoke on behalf of his colleagues in Maiduguri.

The governors said they were in touch with heads of security agencies and had taken measures that will guarantee the rights of all Nigerians to live in the 19 States in the three geo-political zones, within the north.

The governors also called on security agencies to arrest the youths and probe the motive behind the call, saying the call by the youths was a suspicious act that fell in line with recent trend of arms catch, coup rumors which may not be coincidental.

Below is a Legit.ng video showing the havoc wreaked in a recent clash in Southern Kaduna.

Source: Legit.ng
Editor's note: As Muslims closely move to the end of the Ramadan month, it is important to embrace the new lifestyle and maintain it even after Ramadan ends.

Ramadan is gradually inching to an end as it enters its last 10 days. It has been an opportunity for Muslims to retrace their steps back to Allah by engaging in prayers and supplication.

As Ramadan encourages the best of behaviour and attitude, many Muslims have had to jettison some of their immoral and sinful activities in order to be pure while they are fasting.

READ ALSO: Where exactly is President Muhammadu Buhari - FFK

While some people might have found it easy to do away with sinful activities, others find it torturous but still abstain from those things in order to get the best rewards Allah has promised.

As Ramadan slowly rolls down, some Muslims might start to relish the prospect of returning to some of the sinful things they have abandoned during the holy month. If you ask them, they might say it was a temporary abandonment and that they were too used to it to completely abandon it.

For others, the 30-da fast is the maximum they can go without engaging in sin. There argument might tilt to the position that leaving hose things behind was due to Ramadan and since Ramadan has ended, they can return to their oil lifestyle.

Thus it is thoughts and opinions that this that makes the end of Ramadan look like the beginning of sin. Muslims who have left drinking and smoking return back to the bars immediately fasting ends with a renewed vigour to make up for the lost days.

Some people who fornicate or engage in extra-marital relationship and who suspended it during Ramadan may start relishing the prospect of returning to it and hooking up with that lifestyle they have missed.

Is Ramadan a temporary break from sin?

Ramadan is not a break-away from some of these things Allah has condemned. Rather it is to show that that sinful lifestyle that seems so impossible to let go can actually be suspended and ultimately done away it. The one month period is a sort of a tutorial or a dress-rehearsal that with dedication, focus you can live the life of a true Muslim.

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One question every Muslim should ask himself is that is it only during Ramadan that you require Allahs blessing? Dont you want the same blessing all year round? Is Allah not deserving of your servitude? Shouldnt you build on your dedication during Ramadan during other periods? Dont you feel a sense of satisfaction dedicating more time to Allah and knowing you areon the right path?

Prophet Muhammad said in one of his hadith: "Ihsan is to worship Allah as if you see Him, and if you do not achieve this state of devotion, then (take it for granted that) Allah sees you."

May Allah make the religion easier for us

Watch a Legit.ng TV video below of how Ramadan is affecting price of items in the market

Source: Legit.ng
- A Nigerian Army officer has allegedly suffered a case of mistaken identity

- The officer was alleged to have brutalised a civilian in an hotel in Aba

- Sources however say the officer accused of the brutality was not involved in the affray

Like the recent case in Nigeria's neigbouring country, Ghana, where an Army officer was lynched after a false alarm was raised, a Nigerian Army Officer, Olusegun Ijimakinwa has also allegedly suffered a case of mistaken identity.

READ ALSO: South-east groups shortlist Patience Jonathan, Ike Ekweremadu, 9 others for president

Lieutenant Ijimakinwa was said to have been wrongfully identified as the officer that beat up a civilian in an hotel in Aba, Abia state.

Lieutenant Ijimakinwa was said to have been wrongfully identified as the officer that beat up a civilian in an hotel in Aba

Michael, who posted the incident on Facebook said: "My dear friends,the name of this Army man is Ijimakinwa olusegun, his base is in ABA. The other pictures that are displayed below is a civilian and a businessman,and his name is Lawson. He was beaten brutally by this Army man and his boys,in a Nite Club at ABA over the weekend"

Sources tell Legit.ng that Ijimakinwa who was at the hotel during the fight was not in anyway involved in the affray.

The source who asked not to be mentioned said the fight had already been settled by a lieutenant identified as A.O Amusa before Ijimakinwa came on the scene.

He also said that because they could not identify the officers involved and Lt Ijamakinwa was the officer they could identify, Lawson and his friend Joseph Michael went on Facebook and erroneously downloaded the picture of Lt Ijamakinwa and his wife.

Going further, the source further disclosed that the scuffle started after the civilian assaulted an army officer in a civilian clothe (not Ijimakinwa).

The civilian identified as Lawson was said to have 'pushed the army officer' out of his way and this eventually degenerated into an argument which resulted in the affray.

The source added that it was a normal public brawl which was only sensationalised when it was discovered that an army officer was involved.

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However, when Legit.ng contacted Luxury City Hotel, Aba, the scene of the fight, the manager of the hotel said she was not on ground on the said day and as such could not comment.

But on the other hand, the Commander of 14 Brigade Ohafia in Abia state had swiftly set up an inquiry to investigate the incident for appropriate action.

Legit.ng however welcomes eye witnesses to share their account of the incident.

Legit.ng had earlier reported that an officer identified as, Ijimakinwa Olusegun, allegedly beat up a businessman simply identified as Lawson because he mistakenly hit him at a crowded club.

According to Facebook user Joseph Michael the military man and his friends beat up Lawson at a night club in Aba.

Michael claimed that the businessman was brutalized because he mistakenly touched the officer.

Here are some comments that questioned accuracy of the incident.

Meanwhile, Legit.ng TV went to the street to ask Nigerians what they think about the Nigerian Police Force.

Source: Legit.ng
- About 290,000 applications have hit the N-Power job portal 3 days after the portal was opened

- The recruitment portal opened on Wednesday, June 14

- The senior special assistant to the president on job creation, expressed displeasure with wrong data fed into the portal by applicants

No fewer than 290,000 applications hit the N-Power job portal on Friday, just three days after the portal was opened, a Presidential aide said on Friday.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Job Creation, Mr Afolabi Imoukhuede, gave the information during an interactive session with the first batch of the schemes beneficiaries in Edo at the Urhokpota Hall, Benin City.

According to him, 200,000 graduates are already participating in the scheme while the next batch of 300,000 will be engaged from the new applicants.

READ ALSO: South-east groups shortlist Patience Jonathan, Ike Ekweremadu, 9 others for president

The recruitment portal opened on Wednesday and 290,000 applications have entered as at this morning. The next recruitment will be very competitive.

If we do validation of data and any applicant fails at the point of recruitment he or she has lost the chance, he said.

He expressed displeasure with the wave of wrong data fed into the portal by graduate applicants and said such problems were discouraging.

Imoukhuede told the volunteers that while the scheme was making efforts to assist them to validate their entries it would not do same for the next batch of recruits.

The Federal Government is spending N6billion on stipends to current beneficiaries every month and the amount is not a childs play.

It is a lifeline to lift you out of unemployment and out of poverty. This is a serious business to reduce unemployment and you have to maximize this chance, he advised the youth.

The SSA advised applicants to file their applications by themselves and ensure that the information asked for in the application is correct and verifiable.

He acknowledged the challenges encountered by volunteers in the scheme which were largely caused by them and called on the new applicants to ensure that they did not make same mistakes.

Imoukhuede also said that many of the applicants residing in the rural areas stood better chance of being recruited as emphasis would be on residence of the applicants to curb rural-urban migration.

We do not encourage state re-deployment because the scheme is unlike the National Youth Service Corps. Anyone who is not ready to do volunteer job in his state of domicile should not bother to apply, he added.

The Presidential aide announced that deployment of the non-graduate applicants successful from the screening of applications received in 2016 would be done in batches from July/August 2017.

The Social NPower Program was created by the Federal Government of Nigeria in order to decrease the rate of youth unemployment.

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The main aim of this program is to ensure that young graduates and non-graduates are equipped with professional skills and special tools to lead them to entrepreneurship and innovations.

It can stimulate and improve the economy in Nigeria.

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
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said Monday that Japan is ready to cooperate with Chinas One Belt, One Road cross-continental infrastructure development scheme, under certain conditions.

Speaking at a forum in Tokyo on Asias future, Abe said those conditions would include harmony with a free and fair Trans-Pacific economic zone, alluding to the terms of the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade pact, to which Japan is a signatory but China is not.

The One Belt, One Road initiative, put forward by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013, would involve massive investment to connect up both a land-based economic belt based off the ancient Silk Road and a maritime corridor spanning from China to Southeast Asia, India, Africa and Europe.

Xi has said he wants to create a big family of harmonious coexistence through the project, but skeptics see it as a bid to position China as a viable alternative to U.S. global leadership.

Abe lauded the initiatives potential to connect East and West as well as the diverse regions found in between.

ut he cautioned that it is critical for infrastructure to be open to use by all, and to be developed through procurement that is transparent and fair.

I furthermore consider it essential for projects to be economically viable and to be financed by debt that can be repaid, and not to harm the soundness of the debtor nations finances, Abe said, adding Tokyo is ready to extend cooperation from that perspective.

The statement may be part of efforts to foster warmer relations with China as Japan seeks to host a postponed trilateral summit with the leaders of China and South Korea by the end of the year.

It also comes amid speculation that the United States could be considering joining the China-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, a move that would likely put pressure on Japan to follow suit.

In response to Abes remarks, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said, We believe the One Belt, One Road initiative can be a new platform and a testing field for China and Japan to achieve mutually beneficial cooperation and common development. Hua also reiterated Chinas insistence that OBOR is committed to being a series of projects committed to fair and transparent rules of international trade and investment.

However, cooperation is still tentative, and nothing is formalized yet. Instead, China and Japan are directly competing for port rights along the OBOR  including Sihanoukville Autonomous Port in Cambodia, the Port of Colombo in Sri Lanka, and Thilawa Port in Myanmar.
The US will likely have lighter bullets, titanium machine guns, tactical augmented reality, better ground and air drones and better armor as upgrades for large hundreds of thousands of soldiers over the next ten years. There will be some exoskeletons but the advanced TALOS strength boosting hard exoskeleton will likely only be deployed for a few hundred special forces.

1. Bigger but lighter bullets effective out to 1200 meters instead of 300 meters

The US Army is testing new guns and ammunition to replace the M4/M16 assault rifles. The 5.56 mm ammunition is not as lethal the in the over 300 meter range where many modern firefights are taking place.

Textron Systems, a private defense industry company, conducted a caliber study using a specially designed .264 (6.5 mm) caliber cartridge which they said resulted in terminal effects greater than 7.62 mm NATO out to 1,200 meters in both their carbine and machine gun.

Data provided by the company showed the machine gun is 7 pounds lighter than the 7.62 mm M240L with 800 rounds of their lightweight ammunition, lowering the combat load by 27 pounds.

2. Titanium 50 cal machine guns ar 60 pounds instead of 86 pounds

The US Army has created a lightweight Titanium version of its iconic .50-cal machine gun designed to better enable Soldiers to destroy enemies, protect convoys, mount weapons on vehicles, attack targets on the move and transport between missions. The new weapon is 20-to-30 percent lighter than the existing M2, will be made of durable, but lighter weight titanium, Army officials said. This made a 60 pound version of the current 86 pound weapon. These guns might also benefit from lighter weight bullets

The machine gun is currently used on Humvees, tactical trucks, M1 Abrams tanks, Strykers, some Navy ships and several aircraft such as CH-47 Chinook cargo helicopters and UH-60 Black Hawks. The gun can also be mounted on a tripod on the ground by infantry in a firefight or combat circumstance; the M2 has a solid range and can fire at point targets up to 1,500 meters and destroy area targets at distances up to 1,800 meters.

They fire 500 rounds per minute.

3. New non-newtonian fluid armor could have one third the weight of regular armor

Non-Newtonian fluids are made with substances like cornstarch. They are gooey and oozy to a gentle touch, but become as hard as steel when struck. In an academy lab, Cadet Hayley Weir mixed up batches of her secret formula, a viscous black goo. She says its less like science and more like baking a cake.

The substance is put in vacuum-seal bags normally used for leftovers and flattened into a quarter-inch layer.

That is layered into a wafer with Kevlar fabric.

A quarter-inch thick design repeatedly stopped a round fired from a 9mm handgun and multiple shots from a 44 magnum.

It could potentially lighten the average 26-pound body armor kit worn by servicemen in the field by as much as two thirds.

4. Tactical Augmented Reality

A new technology called Tactical Augmented Reality, or TAR, is now helping Soldiers precisely locate their positions, as well as the locations of friends and foes, said Richard Nabors.

It even enables them to see in the dark, all with a heads-up display device that looks like night-vision goggles, or NGV, he added. So in essence, TAR replaces NVG, GPS, plus it does much more.

The eyepiece is connected wirelessly to a tablet the Soldiers wear on their waist and its wirelessly connected to a thermal site mounted on their rifle or carbine.

If a Soldier is pointing his or her weapon, the image of the target, plus other details like the distance to target, can be seen through the eyepiece.

5. More and better ground and air based drones

Some larger air based drones would be cheaper and easier to operate than helicopters. There will be tablet and wearable electronic control of drone converted A-10s and other older combat planes.

Networked soldiers will call in artillery and other support.
Life seems to be getting back to normal. But under the surface, the war ripples on. Nearly every family has someone who has disappeared, been tortured, is fighting or has died.
What could not be more obvious and very troubling is the fact that those in control of this government are caught up in a state of paralysis, one of their own making; going from day to day just reacting to conditions that suddenly emerge around them. They have absolutely no vision of the direction that this country should take going into the future.

What is the plan that this Trump-led government is following? Sure he and his GOP cohorts say that they want to create jobs, improve our system of healthcare, repair and rebuild the infrastructure, and initiate tax reform. That's great and that's what the American people have been hearing for a long time but do we hear anything about specific steps that they intend to take to make those initiatives come to fruition?

In contrast, China, which will soon become the top economic power in the world, is currently following its 13th consecutive 5-year plan which is based on achieving continuous economic growth. Its leaders emphasize the need for "strategic vision" in developing the government's key priorities. China is investing hundreds of billions of dollars in building infrastructure for countries all over the world while the U.S. government can't even figure out how to fund the repair of its own crumbling infrastructure.

What the current U.S. government is doing is no more than wishful thinking, hoping that these things will be achieved through some sort of minor miracle. Right now America, because of this backward, shallow-thinking government and leaders, is like a ship on the high seas with a badly damaged rudder and a faulty compass going around in circles and getting nowhere.

Captain Trump and his motley crew are certainly not burning the midnight oil working furiously to develop programs and legislation to achieve key objectives. There are no deadlines to meet, there seems to be no sense of urgency, and this government could be described as "a vast wasteland."

Does anyone think that the members of this Congress are actually accomplishing anything of substance to earn their pay? The members of the Senate and the House receive salaries of $174,000 per year; the House and Senate majority and minority leaders receive $193,400 and the Speaker of the House $223,500. Note I said they "receive" salaries, I didn't say they earn them.

Trump and his Republican minions are clearly in a state of confusion on how to proceed with their generalized objectives largely because doing so is beyond their capabilities. With that said, let's just move Trump aside for a time and pretend that there is a different president in charge; one that would have the experience and knowledge to pursue these important initiatives. How would he or she go about it?

First of all let's not refer to this overall plan as, "How to make America great again" and, instead, refer to it as "A plan to solve America's most pressing problems."

Here are the key issues/priorities that we all know need to be addressed; jobs, healthcare, infrastructure, and tax reform. Now let's show how the efforts to implement necessary programs to meet these key objectives should be organized by utilizing high level study groups.

Each of these four study groups should be started roughly at the same time, not phased in separately over a period of time because they are all so critically important. Each would include some of the best and brightest Americans who are at the top of their respective professions and are extremely well-qualified to help to advance each particular initiative.

A chairman would head each group, an individual very knowledgeable about the issue at hand, who is well-respected, not a politician or one known to be strongly connected to any political party; someone with the reputation of Robert Mueller who was just recently named as Special Prosecutor in the Russian investigation.

Groups should include about 20 participants in order to get a wide array of opinions and ideas from different perspectives. They should be selected by the chairman and recruited from the various fields which are directly related to the specific category to be studied.

Health care: representatives from hospitals, top level physicians and surgeons; also individuals from the private insurance industry, Medicare, Medicaid, Obamacare and the Veterans Administration health care system. Connections to be made with organizations such as the American Medical Association, American Academy of Family Physicians and the American Nurses Association, as well as others.

Members of Congress would serve only as observers, on call to document the process and then issue a report to Congress when it's time for that body to provide appropriate legislation and funding for the necessary programs.

Infrastructure: the U.S. Corps of Engineers plus highly knowledgeable persons that have extensive knowledge relative to highways, waterways, dams, the electrical grid, as well as other areas of national infrastructure. To be really effective this repair and rebuilding effort would have to be a joint venture between the business sector and the U.S. government.

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From The Nation

With a clenched fist held high and the promise of a "movement of the people," Chokwe Antar Lumumba asked the voters of Jackson, Mississippi, to elect him as their mayor in a race he pledged would lead to the transformation of a Deep South city in a deep-red state. Victory for his civil-rights-inspired, labor-backed campaign for economic and social justice would "send shock waves around the world," said the 34-year-old human-rights lawyer as he vowed to make Jackson "the most progressive city in the country."

Too radical? Too bold? Not at all. Backed by a coalition that included veteran activists who fought segregation, along with newcomers who got their first taste of politics in Bernie Sanders's 2016 presidential campaign, Lumumba won 55 percent of the vote in a May Democratic primary that saw him oust the centrist incumbent mayor and sweep past several other senior political figures in Mississippi's largest city. A month later, he secured a stunning 93 percent of the vote in a general election that drew one of the highest turnouts the city has seen in years.

That victory renewed a radical experiment in community-guided governance and cooperative economics that his father, the veteran radical activist Chokwe Lumumba Sr., began during a brief mayoral term that ended with the senior Lumumba's untimely death just eight months after his own 2013 election as mayor. Governing magazine speculates that the younger Lumumba's tenure "may offer striking evidence of a nationwide trend: strongly progressive policies being pushed in big cities, even in deep red states." That's true. Unfortunately, Lumumba's June 6 win didn't get anything close to the media attention accorded a handful of special elections for US House seats in districts that are so solidly Republican that Donald Trump was comfortable plucking congressmen from them to fill out his cabinet.

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This is the frustrating part of Lumumba's "shock waves around the world" calculus: His election should have sent a shock wave. The same holds true for the election of progressives in local races from Cincinnati to St. Louis to South Fulton, Georgia, in a season of resistance that began with the Women's March on Washington and mass protests against President Trump's Muslim ban but has quickly moved to polling places across the country.

The list of victories thus far on this year's long calendar of contests -- mayoral, City Council, state legislative, and even statewide -- is striking. Many of them are unprecedented, and most are linked by a growing recognition on the part of national progressive groups and local activists that the greatest resistance not just to Trump and House Speaker Paul Ryan but to right-wing governors could well come from the cities and states where the day-to-day work of governing is done. Municipal resistance is crucial because these Republican governors often do the bidding of the Koch brothers and the corporate-sponsored American Legislative Exchange Council.

Inspired not merely by their opposition to Trump but in many cases by the experience of the Sanders campaign, these next-generation progressive candidates -- often running with the backing of Our Revolution, the national group developed by Sanders backers -- share a belief that effective opposition begins with saying "no" but never ends there. They recognize that an alternative vision can be proposed and put into practice in communities where taxes are levied, services are delivered, commitments to fight climate change are made, resolutions to establish sanctuary cities are adopted, and questions about poverty, privatization, and policing are addressed. "Our nation will only change from the grassroots up," says Dan Cantor, national director of the Working Families Party, which backed Lumumba as well as the progressive winners of a hotly contested primary for Philadelphia district attorney, a statewide race for the top education post in Wisconsin, and a New York election that saw a Trump-backing GOP district pick a resistance-preaching union activist for an open legislative seat.

Cantor is right to suggest that these victories make a powerful case that a new resistance-and-renewal politics is sending a signal to conservative Republicans and cautious Democrats alike about the ability of bold progressive populists to win in every part of the country. That's why it is so worrisome that these electoral shock waves have been crashing against the wall of ignorance and indifference that surrounds a Trump-obsessed Washington media.

Even before the 2016 elections, the national media were far too focused on Beltway intrigues. When the Trump-centric punditocracy hang on the 45th president's every tweet, election results that cannot be tied directly to what's happening in Washington barely exist in their eyes. This is a damaging phenomenon: Even in an era of rapidly evolving social media, the validation that comes from traditional media coverage should not be underestimated. In the none-too-distant past, things changed because down-ballot races were closely monitored for evidence of the zeitgeist; the tangible signs of electoral progress for civil-rights campaigners in the late 1960s came initially in the form of election results for the mayoralties in places like Gary, Indiana, and Cleveland, and they inspired the next wave of campaigns in cities like Atlanta and New Orleans. City Council elections in Berkeley, Madison, and Ann Arbor in the early 1970s revealed the political potency of radical movements and lowered voting ages, just as Harvey Milk's 1977 election to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors told us that LGBTQ Americans were transforming urban politics. And a remarkable series of election results in 1983, beginning with Harold Washington's election as mayor of Chicago, signaled the rise of a "rainbow coalition" that would inspire not just the Reverend Jesse Jackson but a young community organizer named Barack Obama.

Lumumba's big win in Jackson and similar breakthrough victories across the country are powerful indications of today's emerging resistance. His overwhelming primary victory occurred on the same day that progressive Cincinnati Councilwoman Yvette Simpson shocked even herself when her "power of we" campaign finished first (ahead of a conservative incumbent) in that city's mayoral primary. Annie Weinberg, electoral director of Democracy for America, which has waded into dozens of down-ballot contests, said the message is clear: "In 2017, voters are ready to make cities everywhere into bastions of resistance to the Trump regime by electing bold progressive leaders who run on, and are committed to fighting for, racial and economic justice."

Weinberg's point was confirmed on May 16, when Philadelphia Democrats nominated veteran civil-rights lawyer Lawrence Krasner for district attorney. Krasner, who had defended Occupy Philadelphia and Black Lives Matter protesters, beat a crowded field of contenders with a campaign that promised to make the City of Brotherly Love a model for criminal-justice reform. Along with victories last year by Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx in Chicago and Orange-Osceola State Attorney Aramis Ayala in Orlando, Florida, Krasner's win reflects the political appeal of new approaches to policing -- ones first voiced by protesters on the streets of American cities, and that the Trump administration and too many politicians in both parties continue to callously dismiss. The headline of a Philadelphia Daily News column by Will Bunch announced: This wasn't just a primary victory. This was a revolution. The columnist saw in Krasner's victory "nothing less than the stirrings of a whole different kind of revolution from the city that gave America the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights -- a revolution aimed at finally undoing a draconian justice regime that had turned the Cradle of Liberty into a death-penalty capital and the poster child for mass incarceration."

A similarly revolutionary result came in St. Louis on April 4, when Natalie Vowell won a citywide school-board seat with an intersectional campaign that focused not just on education policy but addressed the housing, employment, and criminal-justice issues that often determine whether students succeed. A Sanders delegate to the 2016 Democratic National Convention, Vowell promised to "empower parents across the economic spectrum and stop equating poverty with apathy."

Developing detailed platforms that recognize the links between local, state, and national issues has characterized these recent victories. Winning candidates have made opposing Trump a local issue, with commitments to defend immigrants and fill the void created by federal budget cuts; but they have also rejected the austerity, deregulation, privatization, and intolerance of statehouse Republicans. For example, Dylan Parker is a 28-year-old diesel mechanic and member of the Quad Cities chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America. In 2016, Parker was a Sanders delegate; in early April of this year, he was elected to the City Council of Rock Island, Illinois, with a campaign that updated the "sewer socialist" municipal politics of the 1930s by focusing on providing universal high-speed Internet access and expanding Rock Island's publicly owned hydroelectric power plant. Two weeks later, another DSA member, khalid kamau (who lowercases his name in the Yoruba tradition that emphasizes community over the individual), was elected to the City Council of South Fulton, Georgia. A Black Lives Matter and Fight for $15 organizer and also a Sanders delegate, kamau campaigned on a bold economic and social-justice vision that seeks to make the newly incorporated community of South Fulton "the largest progressive city in the South."

In Scott Walker's Wisconsin, April voting saw Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Evers win a statewide nonpartisan race after being targeted by conservative backers of the "school choice" schemes favored by Education Secretary Betsy DeVos. While his challenger embraced DeVos and called her selection a "positive development" for education, Evers challenged the Trump appointee's promotion of "taxpayer-subsidized parochial or private schools that are part of the choice program" and said DeVos should be paying attention to public-school students. "We need her to be an advocate for those kids," explained the teachers' union ally, who calls for the increased funding of public education, especially for schools serving African-American, Latino, and rural students. Evers won 70 percent of the vote in a state that narrowly backed Trump last fall.

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They're young, feminist, and antiwar. But Rehumanize International, a women-led, non-profit organization headquartered in Pittsburgh, is also pro-life, and that's what got them removed as a co-sponsor of the July 1 "Pittsburgh March Against War."

The May 23 decision was made by the Pittsburgh Peace Roundtable, a coalition of progressive and socialist groups that is organizing the march. A Roundtable statement said that Rehumanize was dropped as a co-sponsor because "The coalition aims for a march focused on opposing U.S. wars and imperialism and desires messaging that fits this theme. Upon closer examination, we have found the outspoken anti-choice viewpoint consistently expressed by Rehumanize to be inconsistent with what we desire to accomplish as a group."

Wrong. What the antiwar movement desires to accomplish is to end war. Dropping Rehumanize will impede that goal. Shortly after the May 23 vote, Aimee Murphy, Executive Director and founder of Rehumanize, sent the Peace Roundtable an e-mail. She wrote that she was disappointed by the Roundtable's decision. She believes that Rehumanize could help broaden the peace movement by bringing in groups and individuals the peace movement has not been reaching, including millions of Americans who are pro-life.

She's right. The antiwar movement needs everyone it can get. The task ahead of us is staggering. After nearly sixteen years, the US is still at war in Afghanistan. US troops are in Iraq and Syria. The US is assisting Saudi aggression in Yemen. Our unmanned drone aircraft kill innocent civilians in Pakistan, Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, and Somalia. At present, antiwar activism (which largely sat out the Obama years) is a teeny-tiny movement. Can peace activists afford to exclude people and groups who want to end US wars?

This is the third time this year that Rehumanize International has been excluded from an antiwar march. Rehumanize was also excluded from the January 21 Women's March on Washington and the New York City Women's March to Ban the Bomb to be held on June 17. Rehumanize got the bad news from New York and Pittsburgh in the same week.

Organizers of the New York and DC marches echoed Roundtable concerns, Peace Roundtable internal e-mails accuse Rehumanize International of concealing its pro-life character when it joined the Roundtable; harassing women outside abortion clinics (which Rehumanize calls being "sidewalk advocates for life" or, more whimsically, "sidewalk sidekicks"); and redirecting women seeking abortions to so-called "Crisis Pregnancy Centers" which masquerade as abortion providers but which pressure women not to have abortions.

Some Roundtable members have flatly declared that they refuse to work with a pro-life organization under any circumstances. In fact, since the May 23 Pittsburgh vote, two groups have proposed written statements that, if adopted, would expressly bar pro-life groups from co-sponsoring the Pittsburgh March Against War.

Rehumanize deserves our support because Rehumanize shares our commitment to peace. Many members of the Peace Roundtable do not believe this. They believe that Rehumanize pretends to be an antiwar organization in order to "infiltrate" peace groups so as to advance an antiabortion agenda.

Although antiwar activism is not its sole focus, Rehumanize is unquestionably against war. The reason Rehumanize opposes both war and abortion is because it follows a "Consistent Life Ethic," the brainchild of Roman Catholic Cardinal Joseph Bernardin. This means that Rehumanize also opposes the death penalty (as many of us do too), euthanasia, and stem-cell research. Its consistency separates Rehumanize from "pro-life" hypocrites on the Right who care only about fetuses and to hell with everyone else.

Defenders of women's reproductive rights are no less principled and consistent. They believe that attacks on women's right to choose are attempts to control women through force. They regard both war and attacks on choice as acts of violence. The only difference is that attacking the right to choose is a form of violence directed specifically against women.

The peace movement's job is not to settle the abortion debate, even were that possible. The peace movement's job is to end war. We do not have to become pro-lifers to work with Rehumanize. I happen to be pro-choice. But I will partner with Rehumanize or any group that is hostile to war.

Our movement is not going to agree on everything. Not all of the members of the Peace Roundtable even agree on what ought to be noncontroversial: commitment to democracy and human rights. The antiwar movement rightly condemns US war crimes in Syria, but some Pittsburgh peace activists routinely deny the war crimes of the Syrian dictatorship. If we can work with apologists for Bashar al-Assad, then we can work with pro-lifers.

President Donald Trump. The antiwar movement has got to decide who our real enemies are: President Donald Trump (who wants to bump up military spending by $54 billion) and the Pentagon--or pro-lifers? If we refuse to march with pro-life allies, then we are saying that we are willing to have militarists prevail.

I worry about a pattern forming. Will the peace movement exclude one group after another after another? What will happen when libertarians and paleoconservatives turn up at our meetings? Both are antiwar but pro-capitalism. Will they be turned away by the socialists in the peace movement?
Writing in Reason magazine, Ronald Bailey asks (and tries to answer) a question you've probably been hearing a lot lately and may have silently asked yourself: "Are Robots Going to Steal Our Jobs?" Bailey takes an optimistic view. "[A]s we look ahead now to the end of the 21st century, we can't predict what jobs workers will be doing, he writes. "But that's no reason to assume those jobs won't exist."

Bailey has history on his side. On the other hand, the question is certainly worth taking seriously.

Technological advances have historically ended up creating more jobs than they eliminate and increasing the aggregate wealth and power of the societies which adopt them. Oral Messengers and Backpack Wheat Carriers Union, Sumer Local #1, probably lobbied against the adoption of writing and the wheel, but it's hard to envision a path from Sumer to modern civilization that doesn't include them. And by comparison to the kings of Sumer, the lowest quintile of any developed society today live like, well, kings. Technological advancement makes more things available to more people more cheaply. Technological stagnation produces social stagnation a la the Dark Ages.

Will the current era of automation culminate in the opposite of historical results -- mass unemployment, a dramatic increase in the wealth and power gap separating rich and poor?

Or are we at the doorway to a "post-scarcity" era, a product of what Ray Kurzweil calls the Law of Accelerating Returns, in which work as we know it becomes highly optional because the necessities and minor luxuries of life get so cheap that we're free spend the bulk of our time doing whatever we please instead of scrabbling for food, shelter, clothing, and cable television?

The answer may not be quite so binary. Maybe things will just keep slowly getting better, or maybe they'll start slowly getting worse.

But my guess is that if we can successfully shed the burden of our most regressive and wealth-draining social institution -- political government, aka the state -- before it drags us down into global totalitarian slavery or nuclear suicide, the future will look a lot more like the latter than like the former.

In the US, government leeches more than third of GDP directly out of the productive sector and into its political schemes, and kills still more of the productive sector's potential with regulation.

The democratization of technology (these days you can make things in your garage or on your desktop that could only be made in a large factory 50 years ago) and the rise of economic networks that can at least potentially function beyond the reach of state taxation and regulation represent an opportunity to take back the future. Let's seize that opportunity.
From LA Progressive

By Kevin Zeese and Margaret Flowers

The shocking election result in the United Kingdom -- the Conservatives losing their majority and the creation of a hung Parliament; and Jeremy Corbyn being more successful than any recent Labor candidate -- cutting a 20-point Theresa May lead down to a near tie -- gives hope to many that the global shift to the right, fueled by the failures of governments to meet the basic needs of their population and growing economic insecurity, may be ending.

Corbyn is a lifelong activist whose message and actions have been consistent. He presented a platform directed at ending austerity and the wealth divide and was openly anti-war. There are a lot of lessons for the Labor Party in the UK from this election but there are also lessons for people in the United States. We review what happened and consider the possibilities for creating transformative change in the United States.

The Corbyn campaign showed that a political leader urging a radical progressive transformative agenda can succeed. Many in his own party, the neo-liberal pro-war Blairites, claimed Corbyn could not win, tried to remove him from leadership, and sabotaged and refused to assist his campaign.

Corbyn showed he could win the leadership of the UK in the future, maybe sooner than later. While Theresa May is in the process of forming a minority government with a small radical conservative party from Northern Ireland, there has already been a backlash, mass petitions and protests against it and UK history has shown in similar circumstances that the second-place finisher, may, in the end form the government. Corbyn is taking bold and radical actions. He is preparing to present a Queen's speech in which he will say that he and his party are "ready to serve" and will continue to push his program through Parliament. He is calling on other parties to defeat the government in Parliament.

Corbyn did better than any recent Labor leader. Jonathan Cook, a British political commentator, writes in "The Facts Proving Corbyn's Election Triumph" that Corbyn received 41 percent of the vote against May's 44 percent. This was a big improvement in Labour's share of seats, the largest increase since 1945. Cook points out that Corbyn won more votes than "Ed Miliband, Gordon Brown and Neil Kinnock, who were among those that, sometimes noisily, opposed his leadership of the party." Even Tony Blair does not look all that good compared to Corbyn, Cook recounts:

"Here are the figures for Blair's three wins. He got a 36 percent share of the vote in 2005 -- much less than Corbyn. He received a 41 percent of the vote -- about the same as Corbyn -- in 2001. And Blair's landslide victory in 1997 was secured on 43 percent of the vote, just two percentage points ahead of Corbyn last night.

"In short, Corbyn has proved himself the most popular Labour leader with the electorate in more than 40 years, apart from Blair's landslide victory in 1997."

Bhaskar Sunkara, the founding editor of Jacobin, writes that Corbyn was not only campaigning against the Tories and Theresa May, but battling his own party -- yet he still "won":

"This is the first election Labour has won seats in since 1997, and the party got its largest share of the vote since 2005 -- all while closing a 24-point deficit. Since Corbyn assumed leadership in late 2015, he has survived attack after attack from his own party, culminating in a failed coup attempt against him. As Labour leader he was unable to rely on his parliamentary colleagues or his party staff. The small team around him was bombarded with hostile internal leaks and misinformation, and an unprecedented media smear campaign.

"Every elite interest in the United Kingdom tried to knock down Jeremy Corbyn, but still he stands."

The Blairites were taught a lesson by Corbyn. Many of his harshest critics are now changing their tune and embracing Corbyn. Hopefully they will join in creating a party in Corbyn's image -- a party for the many, not the few. Corbyn has rebuilt the mass base of Labor. The party is now the largest in Europe with half a million members. It is time for the "leaders" of Labor to follow the lead of the people and of Jeremy Corbyn.

Sunkara argues Corbyn demonstrated that a winning campaign strategy is "to offer hopes and dreams to people, not just fear and diminished expectations." In current US terms that means it is insufficient just to oppose Trump, a positive vision for the future that shows what a candidate and party stand for is needed, e.g. it is not just enough to defend the failing Affordable Care Act and oppose the Republican's American Health Care Act, you must stand for something positive: National Improved Medicare for All. This is one example of many.

Sunkara provides more detail:

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U.S. assistance to the Saudi-led coalition has included providing weapons, sharing intelligence, targeting assistance, and aerial jet refueling. "If they stop the refueling, that would stop the bombing campaign literally tomorrow," says Iona Craig, who frequently reports from Yemen, "because logistically the coalition would not be able to send their fighter jets in to carry out sorties without that help."

The U.S. has also provided "cover" for Saudi violations of international law. On October 27th, 2015, Saudi Arabia bombed a Yemeni hospital operated by Doctors Without Borders. The airstrike went on for two hours, reducing the hospital to rubble. Ban Ki Moon, then Secretary General of the UN, admonished the Saudi government for attacking a medical facility. The Saudis responded that the U.S. had similarly bombed a Doctors Without Borders hospital, in Afghanistan's Kunduz province, which indeed the U.S. had, earlier that same month, on October 3, 2015. The U.S. airstrikes continued, in fifteen minuteintervals, for an hour, killing 42 people and likewise reducing the Doctors Without Borders hospital to rubble and ash.

How would the U.S. military train the Saudis to prevent the accidental killing of civilians? Would they teach Saudi pilots the military parlance used when U.S. drones hit an intended target: the pools of blood that sensors detect, in place of what was once a human body, are called "bugsplat." If someone attempts to run from the site of the attack, that person is called a "squirter." When the U.S. attacked the Yemeni village of Al Ghayyal, on January 29th, 2017, one Navy Seal, Chief Petty Officer Ryan Owen, was tragically killed. That same night, 10 Yemeni children under 13 years of age and six Yemeni women, including Fatim Saleh Mohsen, a 30 year-old mother, were killed. U.S. fired projectile missiles ripped apart Saleh's home in the middle of the night. Terrified, she scooped up her infant and grabbed the hand of her son who was a toddler, deciding to run out of the house into the darkness. Was she considered a squirter? A U.S. missile killed her almost as soon as she fled. Will the U.S. train the Saudis to engage in U.S. exceptionalism, discounting the lives of alien others, giving priority, always, to so-called national security for the nation with the most weapons?

Over the past 7 years, I've noted a steady increase in U.S. surveillance of Afghanistan. Drones, tethered blimps, and complex aerial spying systems cost billions of dollars, apparently so that analysts can "better understand patterns of life in Afghanistan." I think this is a euphemism. The U.S. military wants to better understand patterns of movement for its "High Value Targets" in order to assassinate them.

But my young friends in the Afghan Peace Volunteers, (APV), have shown me a life-giving kind of "surveillance." They conduct surveys, reaching out to the neediest families in Kabul, trying to establish which families are most likely to be hungry because they have no means to acquire rice and cooking oil. The APV then work out ways to employ widows to sew heavy blankets, or compensate families that agree to send their child laborers to school for half a day.

I told my young friends in Kabul about the dire straits Yemeni youngsters face. Now, along with conflict driven starvation, the nightmarish spread of cholera afflicts them. Save the Children has warned that the rate of cholera infection in Yemen has tripled over the past 14 days, with an average of 105 children contracting the disease every hour -- or one every 35 seconds. "It's too much for us to learn these statistics," my young friends gently responded upon learning about the staggering numbers of Yemeni people who could die from starvation or disease. "Please," they asked, "can you find someone we could get to know, person to person, through a skype conversation?" Two friends in Yemen said that even in the major cities, Yemenis are isolated in terms of international communication. After the APV learned that the conversation they envisioned might not be possible, a few days passed before I heard from them. Then a note arrived, saying that at the end of Ramadan, the month during which they've been fasting, they typically take up a collection to help share resources. They asked me to entrust their collection, meager though it might be, to two Yemeni human rights advocates in New York who are more or less marooned there. This Yemeni couple wonders when commercial flights to Sana'a, Yemen's largest city, might resume. The APVs, who understand all too well what it means to face an uncertain, precarious future, want to alleviate hunger in Yemen.

They set an example of what could be done, - what should be done, rather than make hideous preparations to target, maim, torture, starve and kill other people. We should, individually and collectively, do all that we can to prohibit U.S. supported Saudi-led coalition onslaughts against Yemeni civilians, encourage a silencing of all the guns, insist on lifting the blockade, and staunchly uphold humanitarian concerns.


Tepotzotla'n, 2017

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One Friday, Jonathan Revusky and I went to see lucha libre. On a night featuring Valiente, Mistico, Misterioso, Rey Cometa, Euforia, Rush, Virus, Fuego, Stigma, The Panther, Blue Panther Jr., Tiger and Puma, etc., Arena Mexico only truly erupted at the appearance of Samuel Polinsky, a 6-foot-4, bleached blonde 28-year-old from Monroeville, Pennsylvania.



Before arriving in Mexico in May of 2016, Polinsky had wrestled in the US, England, Germany and Italy while calling himself Bill Callous, Buddy Stretcher, Sam Elias and Sam Adonis. With the last, he cultivated an obnoxiously narcissistic California surfer dude persona, but it wasn't until the election of Trump that Polinsky hit pay dirt.



Before each match, Sam Adonis prances out waving a large American flag with Trump's face in the middle. Enraged, the crowd rise from their seats to scream obscenities, in English even, and to salute the loud-mouthed villain with a middle finger or bras d'honneur. Bout over, they throw popcorn or coins in Sam's direction as he taunts them.



"He came as the representative of the United States, a faithful supporter of its politics. Coming to you all, Saaaaam Adonis!" the announcer screamed. ["Llego el representante de Estados Unidos, fiel seguidor a sus polticas. Llega con ustedes, Saaaaam Adonis!"]



On this night, Sam had the canton on the fly end of his Stars and Stripes, which made it even more wrong and flippant. Arriving from the States, his family actually sat at ringside. In the ring, one of his opponents ripped the flag from Sam to use as a muleta, so the tall gringo obligingly lunged at it repeatedly as the crowd mirthfully shouted, "Ole'!"



During the match, Sam was thrown from the ring several times, and even tossed once beyond the barricade separating fans from performers. With such a palpable hostility, I actually feared for the man's safety, but it was just fun-and-game and cathartic theater. Right in front of me, a guy in a KISS cap, worn backward, was a kinetic bundle of hatred, and he predictably exploded when Sam and his partners were allowed to win. At the end of the night, however, many of these angry fans would ask for Sam's autograph or take a photo with him.







By his own admission, Sam Adonis was inspired by the Iron Sheik, an Iran-born wrestler who riled up American crowds with an Iranian flag, often with "IRAN" on it to drive the point home. Incongruously, the Iron Sheik wore a keffiyeh, and his previous alias was The Great Hossein Arab. Iranians, duh, are not Arabs, but some people must become cartoon a**holes to make a buck. Other Muslim villains in American wrestling include the Iraq-born Sheik Adnan Al-Kaissie, the white Georgian Sheik Ayatollah Blackwell and the black Canadian Abdullah the Butcher.



By showing up in Mexico at all, Sam Adonis presents Mexicans with a live target that can be cursed, punched, kicked and generally humiliated, and though this pinata does fight and insult right back, Sam is in a weakened position and entirely at their mercy, simply because he's in their house. Unlike Trump, Sam can't deport anybody, but they can certainly kick him out. By speaking Spanish, however, Sam's shown himself to be a gracious immigrant and, deep down, a lover of Mexico.



Eschewing naturalism, pre-Hispanic art in Mexico tended to be stylized, symbolic or grotesque, and this impulse has survived in their lucha libre, Day of the Dead and Dance of the Old Men, etc. They understand masks.



The greatest Mexican wrestler of all time is El Santo. The Silver Masked Man also appeared in 52 films, in which he fought headhunters, zombies, Mafiosi, Martians, Wolf Man, Dracula, The White Shadow, The Evil Brain, Dr. Frankenstein, Frankenstein's daughter, female vampires, she-wolves and karatecas, etc. Dead since 1984, El Santo is being resurrected online, with fake movie posters featuring the Mexican superhero fighting Trump as a Nazi, vampire or zombie, etc. Among the titles are Santo vs. The President of Terror and Santo and Blue Demon [another famous Mexican wrestler] Against the Son of a b*tch and his Fuckin' Wall.



After Trump was elected, there was a movement to boycott American businesses in Mexico, but each Starbucks, McDonald's, Burger King, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Carl's Jr. and Dunkin' Donuts I passed was packed, and it was hardly unusual to see the American flag on clothing. In Tepotzotla'n, I ran into a chubby dude in a muscle T with silhouettes of a soldier and helicopters over the Stars and Stripes, and "THANK YOU" beneath it, and in a Mexico City dive, Nueva Oficina, I spotted a young man at the bar with a small American flag sticking out of the front pocket of his pants. At Mexican cinemas, the top 28 grossing films for 2017 are all American, with The Fate of the Furious, Beauty and the Beast, How to be a Latin Lover, The Boss Baby and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 leading the pack. The most popular Mexican movie, Mientras el Lobo No Esta', languishes at 34th place. Hating Trump, Mexicans are still enamored of the USA.



Speaking of Trump, Sam Adonis told the Associated Press, "I embrace the fact that he is a villain. He's going to do what he has to do and what he thinks is right. If you don't agree with him, that doesn't really bother him. He's going to push forward with what he thinks is right, and the fact that he's embraced his public perception, whether it's good or bad, I have respect for that."



Like millions of other Americans, Sam believed Trump to be genuine and uncompromising. To the San Jose Mercury News, however, Sam hinted at a deeper insight, "He's kind of embraced his position, as you like me or you don't, but I'm not changing. It is almost a professional wrestling mentality and I have a sympathy for that." So there you have it. Trump has a professional wrestling mindset.



Jesse Ventura, a wrestler turned politician, has repeatedly pointed out the similarity between American politics and professional wrestling. In 2010, Ventura said, "Politics today is pro wrestling. It is pro wrestling, and you know what I mean by that? I mean by that that the Dems and Repubs in front of you [reporters] and in front of the public is going to tell you how they hate each other, and how they're different, but as soon as the camera is off, in the backroom, they're all going out together, and they're all buddies cutting deals. It's just like pro wrestling. In front of the public, we hate each other, we're going to rip our heads off, but in the locker room, we're all friends. I'm suggesting politics is fake."



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From The Hill

In the 2018 midterm elections Democrats have a strong chance of regaining control of the House of Representatives, and performing significantly better than expected in Senate elections, because Republicans are cursed by tying their fate to the historically unpopular President Donald Trump.

The best way to describe American politics in 2017 is that there is an anti-Trump wave gathering steam across the nation, with his disapproval ratings in a recent Gallup poll reaching 60 percent. The GOP curse is the Democrat's blessing. Vehement opposition to Trump will powerfully drive voter turnout in 2018.

The best way to describe international politics in 2017 is that there is a wave of disapproval of Trump and far-right extremism throughout the democratic world. Austria roundly rejected the far right in its latest presidential election. Then the Netherlands rejected far-right extremism. Then French voters rejected the far-right candidate for president, Marine Le Pen, who was publicly touted by Trump before she was crushed by the landslide victory of Emmanuel Macron.

In Britain, conservative Prime Minister Theresa May was humiliated in a snap election after she moved to the right by aggressively championing Brexit and appealing to voters of the far-right UKIP party.

Shakespeare wrote there is a tide in the affairs of men which taken at the flood leads on to fortune. The tide of the right, the far right and the alt-right has ended and reversed across America and throughout the democratic world. The dark cloud over the Trump presidency appears poised to engulf the Republican Party in the 2018 elections.

GOP members of the House of Representatives will be tarred and tainted by the radical, extreme and cruel RyanCare bill that was drafted in secret and rammed through the House. Even Trump, who lavished praise on the RyanCare bill when it passed the House, now describes it as "mean," leaving House Republicans out on a politically disastrous limb.

For those who have not figured out that the Tea Party movement has more in common with King George III than the American patriots in 1776, consider the shameless giveaway to big banks stealthily passed on a party-line vote in the Republican House while Americans were watching former FBI Director James Comey call Trump a liar, during an investigation of a Russian dictator's cyber war attack seeking to elect a Republican president.

Countless Republican candidates in 2018 will be tainted and tarred by a greed-inspired banking bill that ends many financial protections for Americans that were created after the last financial crisis, which was largely caused by policies of the previous Republican president and his GOP allies in Congress.

As Marine Le Pen created a curse for the right in France, Donald Trump creates a similar curse for Republicans and the right in America.

The mathematics of the Trump curse for Republicans are simple. Trump threatens them with losing support from his base in GOP primaries, which pressures them to support positions that are anathema to the strong majority of Americans who deplore the Trump presidency and are hyper-motivated to vote against Republicans in general elections.

Ronald Reagan would be outraged by cyber war from Russia designed to attack our democracy, but some Republicans, in some cases fairly, will be attacked for supporting a coverup of the Russian crime against America to protect Trump, the beneficiary of the Russian crime.

I will have more to say about the Georgia special election soon. For now, if Democrat Jon Ossoff is elected to fill the vacant House seat, there will be panic throughout the GOP. In the last four elections, that seat has been won by Republicans with margins of 23, 32, 29 and 99 percent.

As Americans endure the highly unpopular one-party rule of a Republican Congress, led by highly unpopular GOP leaders who tightly embrace a historically unpopular Republican president, the Trump curse will plague Republicans in the 2018 midterms.
Congress Switchboard: 202-224-3121

"Yes, the Internet can be used for something other than extracting value and data from human beings. Rob Kall is here to show us how to leverage the power of networks to actually network."



Douglas Rushkoff, Digital thought leader, author of Present Shock
Congress Switchboard: 202-224-3121

"The bottom-up revolution is fueling tremendous change in politics, commerce, and how people relate to each other. Rob Kall's book Bottom-Up provides a powerful guide to how organizations can understand and tap bottom-up's power. "



Craig Newmark, founder of Craigslist
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What's new PussyKat?

(Image by Karla G) Details DMCA



While fact checking the marijuana renaissance we found a cannabis oriented magazine featuring a pot advocate described as a transgender woman and featured on the cover.

Transgender is not the same as transsexual and a friend who has had the medical procedures has proclaimed, "If you haven't gone through it you shouldn't speak about what you don't know".

If the cover subject hasn't had the operation then that person is just a cross dresser and should celebrate Father's Day this Sunday.

Missing information about transsexuals is rampant in the mainstream media. Media urban legend stories imply that the sex-change procedure is reversible.

Completely untrue according to the transsexual pioneer we asked.

Are kids being accurately informed on this topic or are they being duped?

Even this columnist confuses the two terms. A transgender is just a cross dresser who may or may not be taking hormones.

If they are misinformed shouldn't people who want a chance to offer the truth to youngsters be given a way to express their particular point of view?

If a concerted effort is made to stifle criticism is it accurate to proclaim that freedom of speech still exists in the USA?

When harsh criticism is eliminated from the debate, isn't a one-sided argument too prejudicial?

Since transgenders are getting so much coverage, shouldn't an opposing opinion be sought out by the mainstream media that allegedly wants to present both sides of the issue?

If a M-F can't bear children and if F-M people can't father a child, won't the medias' fascination with sex-changes eventually mean that the proponents will die out?

If a man in his late 60's has a sex-change operation will the patient expect to attract a virile young man for a lifelong relationship or is it just a blatant example of self-deception?

In a world full of fake news isn't the abundance of sex-change journalism stories proof that sensationalism is out of control in most of the mainstream media?

For this year's Father's Day, on behalf of our friend, we call on all of America's managing editors to make an effort to learn the ghastly truth about this trend before publishing any related fake news.

As much as we would like to see quality journalism about this trending topic, we won't hold our breath nor will we ever believe the "it's a reversible"change" propaganda.

Have a Happy Father's Day to all who passed the paternity test.
From Wallwritings

At 2:30 in the morning of June 17, 1972, 45 years ago this weekend, five men were arrested as they attempted to place wire taps in the offices of the Democratic National Committee in the Washington, D.C. Watergate hotel and office complex.

Those arrests are being recalled after 45 years, as President Donald Trump faces his own potential Watergate scandal. Both ABC News and MSNBC are airing Watergate specials this weekend.

History has shown that the Nixon-authorized break-in was a colossal act of paranoid misjudgment. Nixon did not need the break-in to win. Utilizing his presidential platform, Nixon campaigned vigorously as a foreign policy expert, traveling in 1972 to China (February 21) and the Soviet Union (May 22).

The 1960s frightened insecure politicians like Nixon, but the radical passions of that era made even more voting enemies than it did adherents.

In spite of the slowly growing media attention to Watergate, Nixon won an easy victory, trouncing his Democratic opponent, South Dakota Senator George McGovern (below), sweeping the national electoral college, except for the state of Massachusetts and the District of Columbia.



Senator George McGovern

(Image by silbigread) Details DMCA



Trump had more reason to stretch outside the law to win, if indeed, that is what he did, because unlike the incumbent Nixon, he was a nobody from reality television.

Still, the suspicion grows daily that "Watergate Two" threatens, thanks to news stories like this one Thursday from The Washington Post.

"The special counsel overseeing the investigation into Russia's role in the 2016 election is interviewing senior intelligence officials as part of a widening probe that now includes an examination of whether President Trump attempted to obstruct justice, officials said. "The move by special counsel Robert S. Mueller III (shown at top) to investigate Trump's conduct marks a major turning point in the nearly year-old FBI investigation, which until recently focused on Russian meddling during the presidential campaign and on whether there was any coordination between the Trump campaign and the Kremlin. Investigators have also been looking for any evidence of possible financial crimes among Trump associates, officials said."

Then-FBI Director James B. Comey, starting in January, told President Trump that he was not personally under investigation. Current officials say that changed shortly after Comey's firing.

Interview requests are believed to have been issued by Mueller to "Daniel Coats, the current director of national intelligence, Mike Rogers, head of the National Security Agency, and Rogers's recently departed deputy, Richard Ledget." Others may have been questioned, as well.

In his appearance before the Senate Intelligence Committee Comey testified "that he had informed Trump that there was no investigation of the president's personal conduct, at least while he was leading the FBI."

If Mueller decides to pursue an obstruction of justice case against Trump, testimony from Comey and other officials, the Post writes, "could become central pieces of evidence."

Next Page 1 | 2 | 3

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Ill admit that Im a bit shocked by the reaction to the news this morning. I opened Twitter to see everyone going ballistic over the latest moronic and self-incriminating Trump tweet (although I will say that todays was quite a doozy). Amazon absorbing Whole Foods into its conquest for global domination is taking up a significant amount of bandwidth too. As is the Russian militarys claim that they are the 4,678th person to kill ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi (a report seemingly comes out every other month that someone has killed himBaghdadi has died more times than anyone in human history). Today is certainly a big news day, but Im a bit shocked at how quickly this item from last night has been swept under the rug.

BREAKING: #APNewsBreak US official says Pentagon to send almost 4K additional US forces to Afghanistan; announcement as early as next week.  The Associated Press (@AP) June 16, 2017

Four thousand American men and women are being deployed to a warzone that has claimed a seemingly infinite amount of lives throughout human history. And for what? Sure, terrorist attacks are no doubt being planned inside its borders. But that rings true for Pakistan. For Saudi Arabia. For Belgium. For America itself. The fact is that the greatest terror threats to the Western world typically reside inside our own borders.

Also, read that tweet again. Who is sending troops into one of the biggest clusterfucks in the history of mankind? Not the commander-in-chief, but the Pentagon. That is because our president has abdicated one of his chief responsibilities in order to spend more time whining on Twitter. Military men and women are some of the most prideful people on Earth, and retreat is a difficult thing to accept for a group of commanders with the greatest resources in the world at their fingertips. The military industrial complex ensures that the army is never bereft of options. This is the lesson we have failed to learn from Vietnam.

America has tricked itself into believing that we are not at war. Well, not conventional war. Barack Obamas dramatic escalation of drone warfare has been well-documented, but we seem to believe that this means that American troops are no longer in harms way. This is false. As of April 2016, we had around 5,000 soldiers in Iraq. Later that year we sent another 600 to help retake Mosul from ISIS. When Donald Trump took office, the United States had 15,000 troops deployed across Syria, Iraq and Afghanistanand now that number has reached nearly 20,000.

Where is the outrage? Barack Obama defeated Hillary Clinton mainly because he voted against the Iraq War and she didnt. Donald Trump was elected in large part because of his isolationist stances. Bernie Sanders gained a bunch of momentum with his promise to pull America back from the world stage and focus more on domestic politics. By all accounts, we should be infuriated at this latest decision to escalate our endless war in an eternally war-torn country. But were not.

Because were hypocrites. Americans dont pay attention to the international stage, and that is exemplified in our attitudes towards the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Afghanistan is a hopeless endeavor, and multiple empires, throughout history, have learned that the hard way. However, when it comes to public opinion, our attitudes dont match reality. In 2014, 75% of Americans said that the Iraq War was not worth the costs. In 2015, 54% of Americans believed that the United States has not made a mistake in sending military forces to Afghanistan. These two figures are a logical contradiction. These wars are intrinsically linked, and by all accounts, both have been quagmiresyet Americans only wholly disapprove of one.

I believe that this is because it reveals an uncomfortable truth about the American people: we like war. We know that the media goes nuts for it, but we are not much different. The Iraq War was an unadulterated imbroglio, and the outcry against it dominated press coverage for the better part of a decade, which had a direct influence on public opinion. However, Afghanistan became a much less publicized war the moment we invaded Iraq, and our general attitudes about war direct our beliefs on that theater more so than any specific knowledge of what exactly we are doing there.

And what are we doing in Afghanistan? Why are we escalating a conflict that has already lasted twice as long as the Vietnam War? The Pentagon has remained unsurprisingly mum on this subject, but Daulat Waziri, a spokesman for Afghanistans defense ministry, said that the United States knows we are in the fight against terrorism. We want to finish this war in Afghanistan with the help of the NATO alliance.

How do we finish the war in Afghanistan? What does victory look like? Who rules a peaceful Afghanistan? How do we end terrorism? These are questions that have not been answered in over a decade of bloodshed. I know that we are all jaded by Americas seemingly endless War on Terror, but this is not normal even by our hyper-imperial standards. The longest war in U.S. history prior to Afghanistan came in the Phillippines during the early 1900s, and that lasted 14 years. We are approaching year 16 in Afghanistan with no end in sight and no concrete explanation of what victory looks like.

When you go to a casino to play poker, there is a strictly enforced rule that people who are not playing in the hand cannot comment on the action. This is because its far easier to read what is going on when you are not personally involved, as you are able to remove emotion and personal bias from your conclusion. The American system was devised so that a civilian government would oversee the military to ensure that we do not get bogged down in wars that cannot be won. Our chief civilian commander has abdicated his responsibility to manage our armed forces, but dont blame Donald Trumphes just following the lead of the populace that elected him.

Jacob Weindling is a staff writer for Paste politics. Follow him on Twitter at @Jakeweindling.
Inside Gaming: Demolition of Fremont Landmarks Scheduled, NJ Revenue Up

June 16, 2017 Martin Harris

This week's installment of Inside Gaming shares news regarding the scheduled demolition of a block of buildings in downtown Las Vegas including two long standing casinos (now closed), reports on a positive month of May for Atlantic City, and follows up on the story of a woman who thought she won nearly $43 million in a New York slot machine only to be rewarded with a steak dinner.

Demolition of Las Vegas Club and Mermaids Set for July

Vital Vegas this week shared an update regarding activity happening in downtown Las Vegas, specifically the block bordered by Fremont and Main where the currently closed Las Vegas Club, Mermaids Casino and Glitter Gulch gentlemen's club are located.

Demolition of all three structures, along with a parking garage, two more towers and an office building, is scheduled to begin in mid-July in order to make way for the building of a new hotel-casino by owners Derek and Greg Stevens. The Stevens brothers currently own and operate both The D Las Vegas and Golden Gate Hotel & Casino, also located in downtown Las Vegas.

The multi-phase leveling of the block's structures is scheduled to be completed by November 2017.

Preparation for the demolition has involved careful handling and planned-for restoration of some iconic signage associated with the properties, including the famous "Vegas Vic" and "Vegas Vickie" neon signs. Some of the signs will go back up, while others will be given away as part of the new casino's promotions, explains Vital Vegas.

One other interesting piece of business also will be happening at both the Las Vegas Club and Mermaids prior to the demolition. Both properties will be reopened temporarily later this month to offer brief periods of slot play in order to satisfy a gaming regulation requirement that slot play be made available to the public at least eight hours every two years.

For those curious to make one last visit to the two clubs, the planned-for temporary opening is set to occur June 27-28.

The Las Vegas Club first opened way back in 1930 and was the site of the first neon sign on a hotel-casino in Las Vegas. The Las Vegas Club closed in August 2015. Mermaids first opened as the Silver Palace in 1956, going through several name changes before becoming Mermaids Casino in 1999. Famous for fried Twinkies and other sweet treats, Mermaids closed its doors in June 2016.

New Jersey Casino Revenue Up for May

On Wednesday came a new monthly report on casino revenues from the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, and the numbers were positive as the state's casinos collectively enjoyed a 2.5 percent increase in revenues year-over-year.

Revenue from the seven operating casinos totaled $208.3 million for May, up from $203.3 million in May 2016. Not counting the now-closed Trump Taj Mahal (which closed in October 2016) the increase is even higher among the seven casinos  10.7 percent year-over-year.

Adding to the boost was online gaming revenue, up 27.3 percent over a year ago to total about $21.1 million for the month.

Casino revenue is up for the year-to-date as well, with the $971.8 million through the first five months of 2017 representing a 1.8 percent increase.

"With a solid performance to date and now on the cusp of the busy summer season, the Atlantic City casino industry seems well positioned to capitalize on these positive trends," commented NJDGE director Dave Rebuck as reported by the Press of Atlantic City.

Looking at individual casinos, only Bally's Atlantic City was down for the month and just slightly, decreasing 0.3 percent.

Meanwhile Caesars Atlantic City enjoyed the largest percentage increase of 23.6 percent, followed by Tropicana Casino & Resort Atlantic City's 20.7 percent increase. As usual, the Borgata led the way with its casino win of over $68.3 million, nearly a third of the overall total.

Woman Sues New York Casino for Not Awarding $42.9 Million Slots Win

Last November we shared the story here of a patron of the Resorts World Casino in New York who thought she'd hit a $42.9 million jackpot on one of the casino's slot machines, but was informed instead that the machine had malfunctioned and she would not be collecting the windfall. As a consolation, the casino offered her a free steak dinner.

At the time the patron, Katrina Bookman, and her lawyer indicated their intentions to file a lawsuit against the casino. On Wednesday they followed through on that intention, filing a suit alleging Resorts World Casino was "negligent" with the maintenance of their machine and caused "mental anguish" to Bookman, reports CNN Money.

The complaint additionally names the casino's parent company Genting New York LLC and slot machine maker International Game Technology as defendants. Bookman's lawyer "says he plans to seek at least $43 million in damages."

Photo: "Mermaids, Fremont" (adapted), Mark Hardie, CC BY 2.0.
Tyler Groth Wins WSOP Event #25: $1,000 Pot-Limit Omaha

June 15, 2017 Jan Kores Christian Zetzsche Contributor

Iowa's Tyler Groth triumphed in Event #25: $1,000 Pot-Limit Omaha after edging out a 1,058-player field to take home the $179,126 first prize along with his first WSOP bracelet. "I am an O8 [Omaha Hi-Lo] player and took on a lot of great PLO players. I am in shock. I am really shaking," he said.

The 32-year-old came back for the final day third in chips with 11 players remaining. Nobody had a better start to the finale than Groth, who hit a full house twice and got paid for both of them, finding himself atop the leaderboard soon.

Ultimately, Groth had also the strongest finish, but his journey towards the title wasn't all smooth for him as the former broker and now-professional player experienced some tough moments on his way to victory.

Event #25 Final Table Results

Place Player Country Prize 1 Tyler Groth United States $179,126 2 Jonathan Zarin United States $110,655 3 Allan Le United States $78,372 4 Darren Taylor United Kingdom $56,224 5 Igor Sharaskin Russia $40,862 6 Adam Brown United States $30,090 7 Daniel Spencer United States $22,456 8 Mark Zullo United States $16,986 9 Casey Carroll United States $13,026

The remaining 10 players merged to a single table when Darren Taylor knocked out Jesse Chinni. Ten-handed play carried on for quite some time, with several doubles delaying further eliminations. In the end, it was former November Niner Bruno Politano who bubbled the official final table. Representing Brazil, the 888 Ambassador came back as the shortest stack and fought bravely, but he eventually parked in tenth place. Politano's aces were cracked by Allan Le, who flopped a diamond flush to send Politano to the rail.

At that time, Groth was already downed to a short stack. Groth lost the vast majority of his chips in a collision to Darren Taylor when he flopped the bottom set of sixes against a set of kings, only to see the fourth six in Taylor's hand, preventing him from improving to quads.

But Groth bounced back, sending Casey Carroll to the payouts in ninth place. The cards were turned face up preflop, with Carroll ahead with aces against kings. Groth, however, spiked another king on the flop.

Mark Zullo was a third victim in a row to exit with aces in their hands. Zullo's elimination was a sour one. He was all in on the flop with the top set but Igor Sharaskin had flopped a flush draw and he hit a third club on the turn to bust Zullo in eighth place.

After laddering up three positions on the last table, short stacked Daniel Spencer finally left the tournament in seventh. Spencer's double suited one-gapper airballed the board, leaving the pot to Taylor's ace-high.

Sitting next to each other, Groth and Taylor were setting the pace of the final table, both maneuvering big stacks. But it was the start-of-day chip leader Sharaskin took care of Adam Brown who walked away in sixth.

Fresh on the back of his third place in the $565 Pot-Limit Omaha Event, Sharaskin wasn't meant to top his previous result. He ended up all-in on the turn with a huge draw only to find himself drawing dead, running into Groth's full house.

"I hope my name gets known after this."

Groth's already huge stack was boosted massively as he controlled more than a half of the chips in play with four players remaining. Next to leave the table was Darren Taylor, who suffered in a set-under-set cooler, with Allan Le holding the best hand and also blocking Taylor's chances for quads.

Le was the only player on the final table who previously reached the pinnacle of the WSOP, with the 2016 $1,500 Mixed PLO/8; Omaha/8; and Big O title under his belt. Le was second in chips, trailing to Groth's monster stack while Jonathan Zarin handled the smallest stack.

Zarin, however, had already doubled several times during the day, and the key confrontations kept going his way. Zarin doubled through both Groth and Le, and his tenacity eventually cost Le a heads-up chair. Le ran kings into a flopped two pair of Groth and couldn't recover on either turn or river.

Well, you know, you got an ace-deuce double-suited hand. I was just going to play position. I knew he was gonna push, so all I needed to do was nail a flop ... and I hit the flop. That was when I probably felt I gonna win. I hope my name gets known after this, Groth analyzed the hand in hindsight.

Groth was on his way for the bracelet, coming to the final duel with more than a five-to-one chip lead. Zarin, however, remained relentless. He scored a double and then won another major pot to reduce the gap, but Groth never gave up the lead and soon regained the ground when he rivered a straight. Soon after the Level 29 started, it was all over. Zarin met with another unlucky river card, when he triple barreled for all of his chips with a full house. Groth, however, held aces and an ace on the river brought him a bigger full house to help him finally deny Zarin's resistance.

You played great, take it easy, Zarin added before heading to the payout desk. He received $110,655 for his efforts but the spotlight was on Groth who became the newest WSOP first-time winner.

Originally from Stone Lake, Iowa, Groth now lives here in Las Vegas, pursuing his poker career. "I moved here to finally give live pro a go. I had an online career, and in 2011..." he said, pointing at the Black Friday events. "I literally quit my job and I was like, you know what, no more bosses, I am going back to poker. This is my first real run, that was probably my eighth or ninth World Series Event."

While Groth had previously notched only one cash worth $2,906 at the WSOP Circuit, his first reward from the major series is much thicker as the champion collected $179,129 for his fine performance. "The only time I felt pressure was when we first sat down at that table and there was lights, and it took a while to get into the zone, Groth added.

Sharelines "I am in shock, I am really shaking." Tyler Groth wins #WSOP $1,000 pot-limit Omaha event.
After the epic three-part spectacle of the 'Monks Saga', this week's return to Doctor Who's more standard "monster of the week" faire was a little jarring. Fan favorite writer Mark Gatiss is back, and this week's alien de jour was Ice Warriors, last seen a few seasons ago in a Russian submarine. I'm a big fan of the classic series Ice Warriors, and so I'm always happy to see them return. That said, I didn't love their last outing all that much. It felt like Gatiss and Steven Moffat were trying to turn them into Klingons: noble aliens with a warrior code. That's already sort of what the Sontarans are in the Whoniverse. This episode sees further development of that mythology. However, with added jingoistic Victoriana on display, it feels like this new code makes more sense. After all, British imperialism and invading aliens do tend to go well together.

A NASA probe in present day discovers a message written on the surface of Mars. The message is 'God Save The Queen'. Intrigued, the Doctor, Bill and Nardole go to investigate. They arrive on Mars in the middle of the Victorian era. In doing so they discover an Ice Warrior who appears to have befriended a group of British Imperial soldiers. They call the warrior Friday, in reference to Robinson Crusoe. They are all marooned on Mars, given the damage to Friday's ship. The soldiers accompanied him with the promise of riches, natural resources, and new firepower, but things don't appear to have gone as planned. Attempts to repair the ship are slow, and the expected resources are failing to materialize. What's more, after the TARDIS lands, it suddenly flies off with Nardole in it, leaving Bill and the Doctor on their own. And it appears Mars might not be the dead planet the soldiers believe it to be

"It harkens back to the plot of 'The Power of the Daleks'"

The Jules Verne/H. G. Wells/Zulu vibe of this story is fascinating. Gatiss has always had a hand for penning unusual episodes that play brilliantly to period mood (see The Crimson Horror). The playfulness the Victorian era inspires in his language is delightful. The characterization of an Ice Warrior as helpful, but hinting at duplicity, is interesting, and works rather well. It harkens back to the plot of The Power of the Daleks. However, a few of the plot twists seem contrived, and the story is so densely packed with information that its hard for any of it to sink in. As a result, the episode feels rushed.

Visually the scene and costume design is strong. The Ice Warriors look great, the titular 'Ice Empress' is creepy and cool, and a welcome (feminist) addition to canon. The way the Ice Warriors' weapons kill people is also trippy as heck. What's more, guest actors like Ferdinand Kingsley add a fun touch of class to proceedings. However, no matter how well it is presented, the denseness of the story still comes off as problematic. Because of the pacing, none of the new lore feels like it has all that much weight to it. Though, in his defense, the way Gatiss uses said lore to resolve the story is dramatically satisfying, and doesn't feel like a cop out. Throw in a few bits of fan service, and another surprise Missy cameo, and you have a story that, more or less, works, even if it doesn't blow the lid off all expectations.

A few of the plot contrivances are a little bit, well contrived, the pacing is too brisk for comfort, but enough of what is going on functions that it's hard to mind too much. Empress of Mars will likely go down in Who history as a fond oddity, ending up on a few eccentric's off-beat favorites lists. The long-term viewer could be excused for wanting to push forward to next week though, where classic series writer Rona Munro pens a story called The Eaters of Light
PR-Inside.com: 2017-06-16 17:57:01

A.M. Best Affirms Credit Ratings of Caisse Centrale de Reassurance and CCR RE

A.M. Best

Alex Rafferty, ACA, +44 20 7397 0285

Financial Analyst

alex.rafferty@ambest.com

or

Ghislain Le Cam, CFA, FRM, +44 20 7397 0268

Director, Analytics

ghislain.lecam@ambest.com

or

Christopher Sharkey, +1 908 439 2200, ext. 5159

Manager, Public Relations

christopher.sharkey@ambest.com

or

Jim Peavy, +1 908 439 2200, ext. 5644

Director, Public Relations

james.peavy@ambest.com

A.M. Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) of A+ (Superior) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating (Long-Term ICR) of aa of Caisse Centrale de Reassurance (CCR) (France). Concurrently, A.M. Best has affirmed the FSR of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term ICR of a of CCR RE (France). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable.

The ratings of CCR reflect its strong risk-adjusted capitalisation, good operating performance, and excellent business profile in France. The ratings also factor in the explicit unlimited guarantee provided by the Republic of France to CCRs State-backed business.

CCRs risk-adjusted capitalisation remains strong, supported by a conservative earnings retention policy and the backing of the French State. CCR offers reinsurance coverage for natural catastrophe, terrorism and other exceptional risks with the explicit support of the French State, its sole shareholder, in the form of unlimited stop-loss reinsurance.

Losses associated with floods in France during May/June 2016 were the principal driver of CCRs technical and operating performance for 2016, with the combined ratio increasing to 103% in the year from 68% in 2015 (as calculated by A.M. Best). However, following a release of equalisation provisions, the group recorded a consolidated net profit of EUR 141 million in 2016, compared with EUR 218 million in 2015, with profitable operating performance across each of the groups segments in 2016. Several years of benign catastrophe experience in France have allowed CCR to build a track record of good technical and operating performance, although prospective results remain subject to volatility due to exposure to potentially large market losses.

CCR maintains a unique position as the main reinsurer of natural catastrophe risks underwritten in France with an estimated market share of around 90%. A.M. Best expects the company to retain its strategic importance to the French State as a provider of reinsurance for risks typically considered uninsurable.

In 2016, CCR created CCR RE, in order to segregate CCRs open-market reinsurance portfolio from its French State-backed reinsurance operations. The establishment of the subsidiary was followed by a portfolio transfer on 31 December 2016 of CCRs open-market reinsurance activities. CCR RE was established to underwrite the CCR groups open market business from January 2017, covering life, non-life and a number of specialty lines internationally.

The ratings of CCR RE factor in its strategic importance to the CCR group, both in terms of contributing material volumes of premium income to CCR on a consolidated basis, and as an outlet to keep abreast of market developments and to maintain an active presence in segments in which the need for State support may arise. CCR RE is strongly integrated into CCR, sharing resources and leveraging the organisations existing governance and risk management frameworks.

The ratings of CCR RE also consider the companys solid standalone risk-adjusted capitalisation and good business profile, which benefits from the long-established CCR brand. A.M. Best expects CCR RE to generate robust earnings over the medium term, albeit driven by investment returns, as CCRs open-market portfolio, now underwritten by CCR RE, has produced underwriting losses over the last five years with a five-year average (2012-2016) non-life combined ratio of 110% (as calculated by A.M. Best). Weak non-life performance has, however, been partially offset by continued profitable returns on the life portfolio. While A.M. Best notes that CCR REs immediate focus remains on rationalising its underwriting portfolio and diversifying its natural catastrophe exposures, this may prove challenging considering the prevailing weak market conditions, and A.M. Best will continue to monitor the companys progression against its business plan.

This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on A.M. Bests website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see A.M. Bests Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Understanding Bests Credit Ratings. For information on the proper media use of Bests Credit Ratings and A.M. Best press releases, please view Guide for Media - Proper [..].

A.M. Best is the worlds oldest and most authoritative insurance rating and information source. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.

Copyright  2017 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/201706160054
PR-Inside.com: 2017-06-16 09:28:02

Sole source request will allow transition toward long-term stockpiling of Bavarian Nordic's smallpox vaccine

COPENHAGEN, Denmark, June 16, 2017 - Bavarian Nordic A/S (OMX: BAVA, OTC: BVNRY) today announced notification from the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) that a request for proposal (RFP) will be issued for the procurement of lyophilized IMVAMUNE.



As cited in the formal notification: "The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR), Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) and Acquisition Contracts Management and Grants (AMCG) intend to use other than full and open competition to award a sole source contract to Bavarian Nordic, A/S. for procurement of lyophilized IMVAMUNE, a lyophilized smallpox vaccine."

"We are very happy to see this announcement from BARDA. This initial request, which is in line with our expectations, will allow us to begin the transition from our liquid-frozen formulation, to freeze-dried IMVAMUNE. The long term stability of this new formulation will allow the U.S. Government to fulfill their stated goal of protecting a large, at risk, population," said Paul Chaplin, President and CEO of Bavarian Nordic. "For more than a decade we have been proud to partner with the U.S. government and assist with their biopreparedness. We remain ready to do so and look forward to continuing our relationship well into the future."

The link to the full request can be found here:

https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=5a9a035b917210ff0025c05226dbdb62&tab=core&_cview=0.

About Bavarian Nordic

Bavarian Nordic is a fully integrated biotechnology company focused on the development, manufacturing and commercialization of cancer immunotherapies and vaccines for infectious diseases, based on the Company's live virus vaccine platform. Through long-standing collaborations, including a collaboration with the U.S. government, Bavarian Nordic has developed a portfolio of vaccines for infectious diseases, including the non-replicating smallpox vaccine, IMVAMUNE, which is stockpiled for emergency use by the United States and other governments. The vaccine is approved in the European Union (under the trade name IMVANEX) and in Canada. Bavarian Nordic and its partner Janssen are developing an Ebola vaccine regimen, which has been fast-tracked, with the backing of worldwide health authorities, and a vaccine for the prevention and treatment of HPV. Additionally, in collaboration with the National Cancer Institute, Bavarian Nordic has developed a portfolio of active cancer immunotherapies, including PROSTVAC, which is currently in Phase 3 clinical development for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer. The company has partnered with Bristol-Myers Squibb for the potential commercialization of PROSTVAC. For more information visit www.bavarian-nordic.com or follow us on Twitter @bavariannordic.

Forward-looking statements

This announcement includes forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside of our control, that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning our plans, objectives, goals, future events, performance and/or other information that is not historical information. All such forward-looking statements are expressly qualified by these cautionary statements and any other cautionary statements which may accompany the forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances after the date made, except as required by law.

Contacts

Rolf Sass Srensen

Vice President Investor Relations (EU)

Tel: +45 61 77 47 43

Seth Lewis

Vice President Investor Relations (US)

Tel: +1 978 341 5271

Company Announcement no. 17 / 2017

This announcement is distributed by Nasdaq Corporate Solutions on behalf of Nasdaq Corporate Solutions clients.

The issuer of this announcement warrants that they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein.

Source: Bavarian Nordic A/S via Globenewswire


CHS Inc. (CHSCP) - Oil & Gas

PR-Inside.com: 2017-06-16 20:29:48

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HTF Market Intelligence Consulting Private Limited

Unit No. 429, Parsonage Road Edison, New Jersey USA - 08837



CRAIG FRANCIS

Partner Relations & Marketing Manager

+1 (206) 317 1218

email

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# 891 Words

Unit No. 429, Parsonage Road Edison, New Jersey USA - 08837Partner Relations & Marketing Manager+1 (206) 317 1218

HTF Market Intelligence released a new research report of 32 pages on title 'CHS Inc. (CHSCP) - Oil & Gas - Deals and Alliances Profile with detailed analysis, forecast and strategies.SummaryCHS Inc. (CHS) is an integrated agribusiness company, which provides grain, foods and energy resources to businesses and consumers. It is a cooperative owned by farmers and ranchers and their member cooperatives across the US. The company provides a broad range of products and services, from initial agricultural inputs such as farm supplies, crop nutrients, crop protection products and fuels, to agricultural outputs that include grains and oilseeds, grain and oilseed processing, renewable fuels and food products to patrons both domestically and internationally. The company also operates petroleum refineries and pipelines through which it produces, markets and distributes refined fuels, propane and lubricants. It also provides business solutions including insurance, financial and risk management services. CHS is headquartered in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota, the US.CHS Inc. (CHSCP) - Oil & Gas - Deals and Alliances Profile provides you comprehensive data and trend analysis of the company's Mergers and Acquisitions (M&As), partnerships and financings. The report provides detailed information on Mergers and Acquisitions, Equity/Debt Offerings, Private Equity, Venture Financing and Partnership transactions recorded by the company over a five year period. The report offers detailed comparative data on the number of deals and their value categorized into deal types, sub-sector and regions.GlobalData derived the data presented in this report from proprietary in-house Oil & Gas eTrack deals database, and primary and secondary research.Scope- Financial Deals - Analysis of the company's financial deals including Mergers and Acquisitions, Equity/Debt Offerings, Private Equity, Venture Financing and Partnerships.- Deals by Year - Chart and table displaying information encompassing the number of deals and value reported by the company by year, for a five year period.- Deals by Type - Chart and table depicting information including the number of deals and value reported by the company by type such as Mergers and Acquisitions, Equity/Debt Offering etc.- Deals by Region - Chart and table presenting information on the number of deals and value reported by the company by region, which includes North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa and South and Central America.- Deals by Sub-sector - Chart and table showing information on the number of deals and value reported by the company, by sub-sector.- Major Deals - Information on the company's major financial deals. Each such deal has a brief summary, deal type, deal rationale; and deal financials and target Companys (major public companies) key financial metrics and ratios.- Business Description - A brief description of the company's operations.- Key Employees - A list of the key executives of the company.- Important Locations and Subsidiaries - A list and contact details of key centers of operation and subsidiaries of the company.- Key Competitors - A list of the key competitors of the company.- Key Recent Developments - A brief on recent news about the company.Reasons to BuyGet detailed information on the company's financial deals that enable you to understand the company's expansion/divestiture and fund requirements- The profile enables you to analyze the company's financial deals by region, by year, by business segments and by type, for a five year period.Understand the company's business segments' expansion / divestiture strategy- The profile presents deals from the company's core business segments' perspective to help you understand its corporate strategy.Access elaborate information on the company's recent financial deals that enable you to understand the key deals which have shaped the company- Detailed information on major recent deals includes a summary of each deal, deal type, deal rationale, deal financials and Target Company's key financial metrics and ratios.Equip yourself with detailed information about the companys operations to identify potential customers and suppliers.- The profile analyzes the company's business structure, locations and subsidiaries, key executives and key competitors.Stay up-to-date on the major developments affecting the company- Recent developments concerning the company presented in the profile help you track important events.Gain key insights into the company for academic or business research- Key elements such as break up of deals into categories and information on detailed major deals are incorporated into the profile to assist your academic or business research needs.Make an enquiry before buying this Report @ https://www.htfmarketreport.com/enquiry-before-buy/237494-chs-inc-2 Table of ContentsList of Tables 3List of Figures 4CHS Inc., Oil & Gas, Deals By Year, 2011 to YTD 2017 5CHS Inc., Oil & Gas Deals By Type, 2011 to YTD 2017 6CHS Inc., Oil & Gas, Deals By Region, 2011 to YTD 2017 7CHS Inc., Oil & Gas, Deals By Sector, 2011 to YTD 2017 8CHS Inc., Oil & Gas, Deals Summary, 2011 to YTD 2017 9CHS Inc., Oil & Gas, Deal Details 10Asset Purchase 10CHS Completes Acquisition Of Remaining 25.571% Stake In NCRAs Refinery In McPherson, Kansas From Growmark And MFA Oil For US$351 Million 10Equity Offering 11CHS Completes Public Offering Of Shares For US$517.5 Million 11CHS Completes Public Offering of Shares For US$492.5 Million 12CHS Completes Public Offering Of Preference Shares For US$420 Million 14CHS Completes Public Offering Of Class B Preferred Shares For US$283 Million 15Acquisition 17.ContinuedBuy this report @ https://www.htfmarketreport.com/buy-now?format=1&report=237494 Contact Us:CRAIG FRANCIS (PR & Marketing Manager)sales@ htfmarketreport.com Ph: +1 (206) 317 1218
PR-Inside.com: 2017-06-16 23:35:11

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FSCwire / Press ReleaseThe following press release was disseminated by FSCwire for Findev Inc.--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---Toronto, Ontario (FSCWire) - Findev Inc. (TSX Venture:FDI). has issued a press release with the following headline:Findev Inc. (Formerly TransGaming Inc.) Announces Second Consecutive DividendTo view this press release on the FSCwire website, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser:If you would prefer, you can also view this press release as a PDF file, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser:For more information on Findev Inc., or to see additional press releases issued by this company, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser: http://www.fscwire.com/public-company/Findev Inc.Source: Findev Inc. (TSX Venture: FDI, WKN: A2DHVX, ISIN: CA31773A1075)Date: June 16, 2017Time: 5:35 PM EDT--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---The story mentioned above was issued on behalf of Findev Inc. and disseminated through FSCwire.About FSCwireFSCwire (a division of Filing Services Canada Inc.), is a global newswire dissemination, SEDAR, SEDI, and EDGAR / XBRL service provider.FSCwire is a full service global newswire dissemination company and is fully approved by all exchanges in Canada and the U.S. Press releases can be distributed for all sizes of public, private or not for profit companies and any other organization requiring news distribution. In addition to individual companies; public relations, communications and investor relations firms trust FSCwire to distribute press releases for their respective clients.In addition to newswire dissemination FSCwire also offers EDGAR, XBRL, SEDAR, SEDI, and additional services for publicly traded companies. For more information, please go to our website: http://www.fscwire.com Maximum News Dissemination by FSCwire. http://www.fscwire.com Copyright 2017 - FSCwire (a division of Filing Services Canada Inc.)
PR-Inside.com: 2017-06-16 09:05:12

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FSCwire / Press ReleaseThe following press release was disseminated by FSCwire for Friday Night Inc--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---Calgary, Alberta (FSCWire) - Friday Night Inc (CSE:TGIF). has issued a press release with the following headline:Friday Night Inc, Formerly QuikFlo Health Inc. Announces Name Change, Share Consolidation, Closing of Acquisition of Las Vegas Medical Marijuana Interests, Private Placement Closing and Management ChangesTo view this press release on the FSCwire website, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser:If you would prefer, you can also view this press release as a PDF file, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser:For more information on Friday Night Inc, or to see additional press releases issued by this company, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser: http://www.fscwire.com/public-company/Friday Night IncSource: Friday Night Inc (CSE: TGIF, FWB: 1QF, ISIN: CA74840V1004, WKN: A2ABE2)Date: June 16, 2017Time: 3:05 AM EDT--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---The story mentioned above was issued on behalf of Friday Night Inc and disseminated through FSCwire.About FSCwireFSCwire (a division of Filing Services Canada Inc.), is a global newswire dissemination, SEDAR, SEDI, and EDGAR / XBRL service provider.FSCwire is a full service global newswire dissemination company and is fully approved by all exchanges in Canada and the U.S. Press releases can be distributed for all sizes of public, private or not for profit companies and any other organization requiring news distribution. In addition to individual companies; public relations, communications and investor relations firms trust FSCwire to distribute press releases for their respective clients.In addition to newswire dissemination FSCwire also offers EDGAR, XBRL, SEDAR, SEDI, and additional services for publicly traded companies. For more information, please go to our website: http://www.fscwire.com Maximum News Dissemination by FSCwire. http://www.fscwire.com Copyright 2017 - FSCwire (a division of Filing Services Canada Inc.)
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PR-Inside.com: 2017-06-16 09:43:30

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Market Data Forecast

USA



Abhishek

Manager (International Business Development)

+1-888-702-9626

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# 602 Words

USAManager (International Business Development)+1-888-702-9626

Latin America Autoimmune Monoclonal Antibodies Market is expected to reach USD 1,758.3 million by 2021 from USD 1,299.7 million in 2016, growing at a CAGR of 6.23% during forecast period 2016-2021. Irregular functioning of humans immune system results in autoimmune disorders. Overproduction of self-reactive immune cells (such as antibodies & T-cells) damage regular functions of /cells/tissues/organs. This lead to different autoimmune disorders such as systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and others diseases. Typically, drugs are used as a treatment to cure autoimmune disorders. The adverse effects associated with drugs has made switched to concentrate on monoclonal antibodies.Full report at: http://www.marketdataforecast.com/market-reports/latin-america-autoimmune-monoclonal-antibodies-1174/ Monoclonal antibodies have the ability to offer less toxic and more efficient therapeutic alternatives to treat autoimmune diseases. Recent years have seen the emergence of monoclonal antibodies being used to treat wide array of diseases that are related to immune response. These antibodies are mono-specific comprising of identical immune cells which are clones of a single parent cell and are directed towards a specific cellular target. Thus monoclonal antibodies due to its customizable nature can be used to treat the self-reactive immune cells not impacting the normal ones.Presence of healthcare regulations & procedures to promote early treatment of diseases using advanced therapeutics and growing number of public policies to support early screening & effective treatments for various diseases are driving the growth of autoimmune monoclonal antibodies market in Latin America. However, limited accessibility of monoclonal antibodies therapeutics, and lack of awareness among patients about advanced therapeutics are limiting the growth of autoimmune monoclonal antibodies market in Latin America.Latin America Autoimmune Monoclonal Antibodies market is segmented based on source, application, and end user. Based on source, the market is further sub-segmented as Murine, Chimeric, Humanized, and Human. Among these, humanized segment is expected to command the largest share in Latin America Autoimmune Monoclonal Antibodies market, by source in 2016. Based on application, the market is further segmented as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Multiple Sclerosis, Transplant Rejection/Graft Versus Host Disease, and Others. Of these, rheumatoid arthritis application is anticipated to command the major share in Latin America Autoimmune Monoclonal Antibodies market, by application in 2016. Based on end user, the market is further segmented as Hospitals/Clinics, Research Institutes, and Diagnostic Laboratories. Among these, Hospitals/Clinics segment is expected to hold the major market share in Latin America Autoimmune Monoclonal Antibodies market, by application in 2016.Request sample: http://www.marketdataforecast.com/market-reports/latin-america-autoimmune-monoclonal-antibodies-1174/request-sample On the basis of geographical areas, Latin America Autoimmune Monoclonal Antibodies market is segmented as Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico.The key players in Autoimmune Monoclonal Antibodies market include, GlaxoSmithKline plc (U.K.), AstraZeneca plc (U.K.), F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. (Switzerland), Bristol-Myers Squibb (U.S.), Johnson & Johnson (U.S.), Innovent Biologics, Inc. (China), Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Ltd. (Japan), Amgen Inc. (U.S.), Biogen Inc.(U.S.) , and UCB Company (Belgium).About Market Data Forecast:The publisher of this report is Market Data Forecast whose forte lies in Market research and Business Intelligence. Handling both individual and corporate clients across multiple business domains they offer syndicated/customized research to suit the clients research objective. Their research reports section offers a wide variety of market studies ranging from all-encompassing comprehensive market studies to product specific niche markets covering North America among other regions of the global market as well. For more info kindly visit, www.marketdataforecast.com Contact:Abhishek ShuklaSales Manager (International Business Development)Market Data ForecastDirect Line: +1-888-702-9626Mobile: +91 998 555 0206Mail: abhishek@ marketdataforecast.com Visit MarketDataForecast Blog @ http://www.marketdataforecast.com/blog/ View latest Press Releases of MDF @ http://www.marketdataforecast.com/press-releases
"Browse And Choose From Our World Class Research Reports"

PR-Inside.com: 2017-06-16 09:48:36

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Market Data Forecast

USA



Abhishek

Manager (International Business Development)

+1-888-702-9626

email

http://www.marketdataforecast.com/





# 677 Words

USAManager (International Business Development)+1-888-702-9626

CT scan (Computed Tomography) is an imaging of the body that uses tomography and digital geometry to generate a 3D image of the internal organs of a body. The evolution of CT scanners has advanced to the point where the number of slices per rotation no longer is the benchmark for performance. With the advent of high-speed and multi-slice CT scanners, healthcare providers have changed their approach to imaging, diagnosis and treatment of patients as new ways for clinical applications in such areas as trauma, vascular, pediatric, and cardiac imaging are possible due to the higher speeds at which scanning can be done. CAD software has been pivotal in bringing new applications to CT, for example, making cancer detection possible with CT.Full report at: http://www.marketdataforecast.com/market-reports/north-america-ct-scan-market-1434/ The multi-slice feature has evolved CT from simply a diagnostic tool into an interventional modality. The innovation cycle of CT has become indeed very short with new and cutting-edge technology is getting introduced in the market with each being more efficient and faster. There is an increasing demand for high slice CT. The high slice CT scan is expected to improve the clinical utility considerably, as the introduction of 256 slice scanner, which has a detector width of 10 to 12 cm would help in scanning organs, including brain, heart, entire joints, and lungs and liver, within a single rotation. It is also expected to have the feature to scan the heart with a single heartbeat.Some of the main factors driving industry growth are rapidly growing demand for bedside imaging, home healthcare, and growing use of CT scan to assess the accuracy of post interventional medical procedures, medical implants and anatomical confirmation. Increasing prevalence of diseases such as cancer, orthopedic, cardiovascular and dental disorders will also enhance the growth of the market. Other drivers of growth include the growing demands from governments for premium healthcare delivery. Significant advances in imaging technologies promise to improve wellness through quicker and more precise detection of medical conditions. A rising fiscal deficit is expected to hinder the growth of CT scan market. Also, CT imaging radiation dose continues to be an area of concern. A lot of patients and medical associations have raised this issue and raised their voice against the possible side-effects of CT scanning. The industry continues to try to reduce exposure while ensuring image quality.The North America CT Scan Market is segmented based on its types. There are three types, namely Low-slice, Mid-slice and High-slice. Low-Slice Type has been segmented into Single Slice CT Scanners and Dual Slice CT Scanners. Mid-Slice Type has been segmented into 6 Slice, 10 Slice, 16 Slice And 32 Slice. And High-Slice Type has been segmented into 40 Slice, 64 Slice, Open Versions, and Cardiac CT. On the basis of geography, the global market is analyzed under regions namely United States and Canada. North America is expected to dominate the overall market in the next five years owing to the presence of premium healthcare infrastructure, established reimbursement framework and high healthcare affordability in this region.Request sample: http://www.marketdataforecast.com/market-reports/north-america-ct-scan-market-1434/request-sample Some of the major players in this market are GE Healthcare, Hitachi Medical Corporation, Hitachi Medical Systems America, Inc., NeuroLogica Corporation, Neusoft Medical Systems Co. Ltd., Philips Healthcare, Shenzhen Anke High-Tech Co., Siemens Healthcare, and Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation.About Market Data Forecast:The publisher of this report is Market Data Forecast whose forte lies in Market research and Business Intelligence. Handling both individual and corporate clients across multiple business domains they offer syndicated/customized research to suit the clients research objective. Their research reports section offers a wide variety of market studies ranging from all-encompassing comprehensive market studies to product specific niche markets covering North America among other regions of the global market as well. For more info kindly visit, www.marketdataforecast.com Contact:Abhishek ShuklaSales Manager (International Business Development)Market Data ForecastDirect Line: +1-888-702-9626Mobile: +91 998 555 0206Mail: abhishek@ marketdataforecast.com Visit MarketDataForecast Blog @ http://www.marketdataforecast.com/blog/ View latest Press Releases of MDF @ http://www.marketdataforecast.com/press-releases
PR-Inside.com: 2017-06-16 22:05:12

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FSCwire / Press ReleaseThe following press release was disseminated by FSCwire for ParcelPal Technology Inc.--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---Vancouver, British Columbia (FSCWire) - ParcelPal Technology Inc. (CSE:PKG). has issued a press release with the following headline:ParcelPal Announces Grant of Stock Options and Resignation of DirectorTo view this press release on the FSCwire website, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser:If you would prefer, you can also view this press release as a PDF file, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser:For more information on ParcelPal Technology Inc., or to see additional press releases issued by this company, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser: http://www.fscwire.com/public-company/ParcelPal Technology Inc.Source: ParcelPal Technology Inc. (CSE: PKG, FWB: PTO, OTC Pink: PTNYF)Date: June 16, 2017Time: 4:05 PM EDT--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---The story mentioned above was issued on behalf of ParcelPal Technology Inc. and disseminated through FSCwire.About FSCwireFSCwire (a division of Filing Services Canada Inc.), is a global newswire dissemination, SEDAR, SEDI, and EDGAR / XBRL service provider.FSCwire is a full service global newswire dissemination company and is fully approved by all exchanges in Canada and the U.S. Press releases can be distributed for all sizes of public, private or not for profit companies and any other organization requiring news distribution. In addition to individual companies; public relations, communications and investor relations firms trust FSCwire to distribute press releases for their respective clients.In addition to newswire dissemination FSCwire also offers EDGAR, XBRL, SEDAR, SEDI, and additional services for publicly traded companies. For more information, please go to our website: http://www.fscwire.com Maximum News Dissemination by FSCwire. http://www.fscwire.com Copyright 2017 - FSCwire (a division of Filing Services Canada Inc.)
PR-Inside.com: 2017-06-16 16:33:01

This announcement is distributed by Nasdaq Corporate Solutions on behalf of Nasdaq Corporate Solutions clients.

The issuer of this announcement warrants that they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein.

Source: Songa Offshore SE via Globenewswire









# 173 Words



Reference is made to the press releases as of 25 November 2016 and 14 June 2017 regarding incentive programs established for employees. Songa Offshore SE has today purchased 22,523 shares for the Long Term Incentive Program. The shares have been purchased at an average price of NOK 32.29.Before distribution to the employees, the Long Term Incentive Program holds 22,523 shares.16 June 2017Limassol, CyprusThis information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.
Online gifting store, GiftsbyMeeta a leading gifting startup is under the process of partnering with the international gifting firms and other local stores to offer its overseas customers the quick access of gifts on the same day basis same as the domestic customers are getting in India.

International Gifts Delivery Online

PR-Inside.com: 2017-06-16 09:36:55

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Gifts by Meeta

Gifts By Meeta 10MG Road, 1st Floor, New Delhi Opp. Metro Pillar No. 47, Near to Sultanpur Metro Station, New Delhi



Subhash Yadav

SEO Expert

9555695556

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https://www.giftsbymeeta.com/send-gifts-abroad-from-india





# 488 Words

Gifts By Meeta 10MG Road, 1st Floor, New Delhi Opp. Metro Pillar No. 47, Near to Sultanpur Metro Station, New DelhiSEO Expert9555695556

GiftsbyMeeta, June 16, 2017, New Delhi, India: - The recent move came in the light of the fact that there is a huge chunk of NRI and overseas customers at GiftsbyMeeta and due to the delivery of orders from Indian warehouses they have to wait for at least two days. New agreements with local stores and vendors will enable GiftsbyMeeta to make the delivery in the earliest possible time.Millions of Indian citizens are living across the globe but yet they love to celebrate the festival that belongs to their motherland and there is a great number of online request for online gift on the occasions like Diwali, Holi, Online Rakhi Gifts ( https://www.giftsbymeeta.com/rakhi-gifts) , New Year, Mothers day, Valentines Day and so on from overseas locations. The impeccable festive collection at GiftsbyMeeta and the strong delivery network attracts the overseas customer on almost every significant occasion that makes GiftsbyMeeta the most favored name for their gifting needs.The NRI customers are the greatest resource of our company and along this fact, we abide to offer them the hassle free and pleasing gifting services. The recent move to partnering with international gifting firms that have already been started will give them the same day delivery of so many products which currently not possible due to the dispatching from India based warehouses. The focus areas are being those countries with the higher number of Indian residents and other places where we have already associated gifting vendors such as South Africa and Australia. The NRI customer loves to celebrate their native festivals wherever they are and we have already a great share of total revenue generated during any significant festive seasons that the NRI communities celebrate globally. And the aggressive promotions, quicker delivery at international places, the increased number of customized products, targeting of international customers will help us to boost the revenue in multifold. About the Company: - GiftsbyMeeta.com was started in 2013 by Meeta Gutgutia, wife of Mr. Vikash Gutgutia, owner of FNP group. The company with more than one million gifting articles is now one of the leading online gifting stores with worldwide delivery Network.The gifting firm based in New Delhi has the largest number of NRI and south Indian customers than other players in the same business domain. With the unmatchable expertise in offering event specific and location-centric presents, it allows the customers to have the access of midnight delivery of gifts in more than 100 cities and same day delivery in 400 cities across the nation. The customized products designed exclusively for a particular location allow the customers to get the gifting articles matched with their own traditions, local style and needful for their any local festivals in India. The business footprints of GiftsbyMeeta is continuously under expansion and along these lines, the company is partnering with the international store and gifting firms to provide the same day gifts delivery in more than 100 countries.
PR-Inside.com: 2017-06-16 08:03:01

AMSTERDAM, Netherlands, June 16, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Constellium N.V. (NYSE:CSTM) (Euronext Paris:CSTM) ("Constellium" or the "Company") today announced that its Annual General Meeting of Shareholders for 2017 was held yesterday. The voting results are published on our website: http://www.constellium.com/aluminium-company/governance/annual-general-meetings

Mr. Nicolas Manardo was appointed as a new Non-Executive Board Member of the Company.

The following directors were re-appointed: Mr. Jean-Marc Germain as Executive Board Member and Mr. Guy Maugis, Mr. Werner Paschke, Mr. Michiel Brandjes, Mr. Phillippe Guillemot, Mr. John Ormerod, Ms. Lori Walker, and Ms. Martha Brooks as Non-Executive Board Members.

About Constellium

Constellium (NYSE:CSTM) (Euronext Paris:CSTM) is a global sector leader that develops innovative, value added aluminium products for a broad scope of markets and applications, including aerospace, automotive and packaging. Constellium generated 4.7 billion of revenue in 2016.

www.constellium.com
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.




WI Drug Testing Consortium post accident testing

Contact

Wisconsin Drug Testing Consortium

***@widrugtesting.com

888-784-8842



Photo:

https://www.prlog.org/ 12646771/1 Wisconsin Drug Testing Consortium888-784-8842

End

--With summer coming the number of work-related accidents increase and when there is an accident on the job, time is of the essence. It is important to make sure the employee receives any medical care he needs first, but also to conduct post-accident testing for drugs and alcohol. Wisconsin Drug Testing Consortium provides convenient testing options, whether it is after an accident or if there is reasonable suspicion of drug use.Whether the on-the-job accident was major or minor, businesses need to comply with these federal guidelines regarding post-accident testing:Test the injured employee within 32 hours for drug use. Test the injured employee within eight hours for alcohol use. Drive the employee to the drug or alcohol testing site since the business would be liable if the worker causes an accident. The employee should remain off the job until the test results are complete.While employers must conduct post-accident testing on workers, there are other times when managers and supervisors feel a drug test is necessary based on someone's behavior. When a supervisor has reasonable suspicion of drug or alcohol use, there are strict Department of Transportation guidelines to follow.If a supervisor has a suspicion of drug use, it needs to be documented why the supervisor thinks the worker is impaired. Then another manager needs to observe the employee and document what is noticed. Then talk to the employee. If the employee admits to feeling impaired because of a new medication, for example, the worker can be placed on light duty for the adjustment period. If the employee denies a problem, the supervisor can then ask for the worker to submit to a drug test.DOT supervisory training is mandatory in Wisconsin to recognize reasonable suspicion. WDTC offers an online program that supervisors can take at their own convenience. The certification lasts for three years.Whether it is post-accident testing or due to reasonable suspicion, WDTC offers affordable, convenient drug testing options for businesses of all sizes, including DOT owner operators (O/O) consortiums Wisconsin Drug Testing Consortium is an Accredited Third Party Administrator (C-TPA), and specializes in Consortium Management; a variety of drug testing methods, including urine, hair and fingernails;post-accident testing; pre-employment drug tests; criminal background checks; supervisor training programs to keep employees compliant with DOT regulations;pre-employment DOT physicals; and paternity DNA testing. Headquartered in Green Bay, WDTC has offices in Appleton, Fond du Lac, Stevens Point, Madison and Escanaba, Mich. Call 920-393-4168 or visit www.widrugtesting.com for more information.View original post on Post-accident testing here.
With The Stasi Child (Minotaur, Aug.), Young launches a mystery series set in 1970s East Germany.

How did you come up with the idea for The Stasi Child?

Id been a news editor at the BBC for more than 25 years and I was fed up with the joband they were fed up with me. As a safety valve, I started writing songs and eventually toured Germany with a band about a decade ago. Most of the places that booked us were in the east, and in between gigs I read Anna Funders Stasiland. The ghost of the old East Germany was still very apparent in many of the buildings and made a huge impression on me. A few years later, when I was doing a creative writing masters, we had to come up with ideas for several opening chapters to novels, to illustrate things like characterization, plot, and setting. The one I chose for setting was the opening chapter to Stasi Child. My tutor liked it so much that she encouraged me to abandon my original novel plan and stick with Stasi Child.

What misunderstandings do Westerners have about East Germany?

Many see the communist and capitalist divide in very black-and-white termsthat the former was evil and the latter was wonderful. Thats a simplistic and misguided view. While no one would defend the Stasi and the killings at the wall, there are things about East Germany that some of its former citizens misseven though most would not want to turn the clock back. Many who grew up there praise the excellent childcare and sense of community, particularly if their families did not fall afoul of the regime.

In what ways did East Germany differ from other police states?

It had one of the highest standards of livings in the Eastern bloc. Prices were controlled, rents were low, so although there were shortages of some things in the shopsbananas were only available once or twice per yearpeople generally were not short of money. The other main difference is perhaps that its people were German first and communist second.

What has the reception in Germany been?

Weve had a good response internationally, but the exception is Germany, Im afraid. The feedback to my agents seems to be that they dont trust an Englishman writing about a difficult time in their history. But friends have seen German people reading the English version of the bookand its even on sale at the Stasi prison museum in Hohenschonhausen. So Ive not given up hope that eventually a German publisher will pick up the series and make a success of it.
Milkweed Editions has created a poetry prize to honor a young poet who died just before the Minneapolis-based literary nonprofit press published his debut collection.

The press announced Thursday that it is partnering with the Alan B. Slifka Foundation, a private family foundation based in New York City, to launch the Max Ritvo Poetry Prize. Ritvo died of cancer, at 25, less than a month before Milkweed published his critically-acclaimed debut collection, Four Reincarnations, in September 2016. PW gave Four Reincarnations a starred review, declaring that its poems "sizzle over the all-too-brief fire of [Ritvo's] hungry and staggering imagination.

The prize will be awarded annually to an author of a debut collection of poems. This years recipient will receive $10,000 and his or her collection will be published in April 2018, making it, a Milkweed noted, the most lucrative first-book prize offered in this country by an independent literary press.

Submissions for the inaugural prize will be accepted by Milkweed between July 1 and August 31. The winner will be announced on December 1. The final judge for this year's prize is the poet Henri Cole, who has chosen five first readers to assist him in determining the winner: Ruth Awad, Graham Barnhart, Lauren Cook, Allison Pitinii Davis, and Jordan Zandi.

In a release, Milkweed publisher and CEO Daniel Slager said: Max Ritvo came into the Milkweed family like a ball of fire last year, and publishing Four Reincarnations has been profoundly energizing for us all. I can think of no better way to honor Max and his legacy than a first-book poetry prize, which will honor outstanding accomplishment in the art form he excelled in, enriching American letters for years to come.
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There is definite sales growth for 4KTV sets in Europe but the rate at which the market is developing is still far away from China, according to research from Dataxis.





The analyst found that nearly 12 million 4KTVs were sold in Europe during 2016, just over double the figure for the previous 12 months. The main area for sales were the UK and Germany, each contributing two million, closely followed by France (1.7 million), Russia (1.4 million) and Italy (880 000).In 2016, 4KTV represented 22% of 53 million of TV sets sold in Europe compared with only 10% the year before. However, Dataxis noted that the European 4KTV set market remains far below China where more than 25 million 4KTVs were sold in 2016. Furthermore, Dataxis estimates that two-fifths of TV shipments were 4K for the first quarter of 2017 against a third of sales for 2016.Looking to the future, Dataxis estimates that 4K TV sales in Europe will reach 17 million by the end of 2017. It predicts that 4K sales in Europe will continue to increase rapidly despite the lack of 4K content and price drop and adds that the democratisation of 4K made by the manufacturers and the dynamism seen in the Chinese market show that 4K sales are bound to rise in Europe in the coming years.
A U.S. administration official has been quoted as saying the Pentagon will send almost 4,000 additional troops to Afghanistan, hoping to break a stalemate in the 16-year war.

The unidentified official said on June 15 that the decision could be announced as early as next week, according to the Associated Press.

The bulk of the extra forces will train and advise Afghan troops, the official said, while a smaller number would be assigned to counterterror operations against the Taliban and Islamic State group.

Asked about the report, a Pentagon spokesman said, "No decisions have been made."

U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis told U.S. lawmakers on June 15 that President Donald Trump has given him the authority to establish troop levels in Afghanistan.

U.S. media have reported that Mattis will recommend sending another 3,000-5,000 U.S. troops to break what he has called a "stalemate" between U.S.-backed government forces and the Taliban.

The United States currently has about 8,400 troops in Afghanistan.

Based on reporting by AP


Human Rights Watch (HRW) has urged a European Union official visiting Azerbaijan to press President Ilham Aliyev to free unjustly imprisoned political activists, journalists, and government critics.

Aliyev and Johannes Hahn, the commissioner for European neighborhood policy and enlargement, held talks in Baku on June 16. They discussed issues including Baku-Brussels cooperation and partnerships in energy and trade, a statement on Aliyev's website said.

In a joint statement on June 15, HRW and the International Partnership for Human Rights (IPHR) said that Hahn should also urge Aliyev to lift restrictions on activists released from prison and reform laws that severely curtail fundamental freedoms.

"Commissioner Hahn should make human rights concerns a priority when he meets with President Aliyev," said Giorgi Gogia, South Caucasus director at Human Rights Watch. "He should make it clear to President Aliyev that without an end to the authorities' crackdown on dissent, there cannot be a genuine partnership between his government and the European Union."

The statement from Aliyev's office did not mention whether they discussed human rights at the talks, but Aliyev was cited as saying: "We are ready to make efforts to widen our relations with the EU."

Hahn's visit comes a day after the European Parliament adopted a resolution criticizing Azerbaijani authorities' arrest of journalist Afqan Muxtarli and calling for the release of activists arrested on politically motivated grounds.
BAKU -- An activist of Azerbaijan's opposition Popular Front Party (AXCP) has been sentenced to four years in prison after a trial that he said was politically motivated.

The Baku Court for Serious Crimes on June 16 found Fuad Ahmadli guilty of giving to a third party illegally obtained personal data of a mobile operator's clients, and sentenced him the same day.

Ahmadli was arrested in August 2016 and charged with stealing the personal data of clients of mobile operator Azerfon, where he worked at the time.

Ahmadli told the court that the verdict was unfair and said the case against him was politically motivated, suggesting it was punishment for his activism.

"By handing down this this unfair and ordered-from-above verdict you are adding yourselves to history's dark pages," Ahmadli said, addressing the court.

Critics of longtime President Ilham Aliyev's government say authorities in the oil-rich Caspian Sea state frequently seek to silence dissent by jailing opposition activists, reporters, rights defenders, and civil-society advocates on trumped-up charges.


Within days of being swept up in a wave of arrests on espionage charges last month, at least four Azerbaijani soldiers and a retired military officer died in custody. The circumstances of their deaths are shrouded in secrecy.

Azerbaijan's government and military have refused to comment on the deaths, news of which emerged shortly after authorities in May announced the spy scandal.

Journalists who initially reported on the deaths have been warned by the Prosecutor-General's Office to stop. And most relatives of the dead soldiers are reluctant to speak to journalists, with some expressing fear about their own safety if they do.



The silence, Baku's poor human rights record, and the way Azerbaijan's military hastily buried the soldiers without letting relatives see their bodies, have fed rumors that the suspects were tortured to death while being interrogated.

Spying For Armenia

The spy scandal came to light on May 7 when a joint statement was issued by the State Security Service, the Prosecutor-General's Office, the Interior Ministry, and the Defense Ministry.

It said authorities had "opened a criminal case against a group of military personnel and civilians in Azerbaijan" on charges of "treason against the state."

The statement said members of the spy ring had worked for the intelligence services of archrival Armenia "at various times in the past" and "for their own interest."

It also said they provided "state secrets" to Armenia, which Azerbaijan has been locked in conflict with over Nagorno-Karabakh for decades. The two countries fought a bloody war in the 1990s over the breakaway region of Azerbaijan, which is populated mainly by ethnic Armenians and is now controlled by Armenian-backed separatists.

Secretive Arrests

Azerbaijan's authorities have not named any individuals accused in the spy case or specified how many suspects were arrested and charged.

But Ilham Ismayil, a former State Security Service officer, told RFE/RL that a total of 42 people were arrested in raids during May -- mostly in the Terter region.

Ismayil told RFE/RL that the spy scandal stemmed from an incident in late 2016 when a group of Armenian military officers allegedly were allowed to cross from Nagorno-Karabakh and travel behind Azerbaijan's front lines with the help of Azerbaijani officers.

He said some Armenian officers were given Azerbaijani military uniforms to wear and that they traveled to the center of Terter -- a city that was heavily damaged by Armenian forces during the Nagorno-Karabakh war in the early 1990s.

State Security Service chief Madat Guliyev said the roundup of spy-ring suspects was ordered by President Ilham Aliyev after investigators under Guliyev's command provided evidence to both the president and the Defense Ministry. Based on that evidence, the Defense Ministry took action.

Neither the State Security Service nor Azerbaijan's government has publicly disclosed the nature of the intelligence the suspects allegedly provided to Armenia.

And, so far, there have been no public court hearings for any of the suspects.

Suspicious Deaths

Yadigar Sadiqov, a politician from the opposition party Musavat, has suggested that the deaths in custody of so many suspects just days after their arrests is highly suspicious.

"We don't believe they died of natural causes," Sadiqov wrote in a May 20 opinion column for the Baku-based online newspaper Bastainfo.com.

Sadiqov also suggested many people in Azerbaijan assume the suspects were tortured to death, noting that "across social media, there are people saying the government was justified to torture and kill" them.

In each case, the suspects were detained in raids close to the contact line that separates Armenian-backed and Azerbaijani forces near Nagorno-Karabakh.

Within days, their dead bodies were returned to their home villages and buried by soldiers who did not allow relatives to see them.



Opposition media in Azerbaijan that have reported about the deaths and burials have been officially warned they would be prosecuted for revealing "state secrets" if they published any more information about the spy case that wasn't officially released by state institutions.

With the exception of a cousin of one dead soldier who spoke only on condition of anonymity because he feared retribution from authorities, relatives of the deceased suspects have refused to talk to RFE/RL or other media organizations.

Amnesty International confirms that it has received complaints from sources within Azerbaijan alleging that the soldiers were tortured to death.

But Levan Asatiani, Amnesty International's campaigner on the South Caucasus, says his organization cannot immediately confirm the torture claims because Azerbaijan has become a "closed country" that blocks the work of international human rights researchers.

"We have not been able to verify those reports regarding soldiers and torture in the military," Asatiani explained. "But Amnesty International generally has concerns about torture and ill treatment in Azerbaijan -- specifically in the penitentiary institutions and the detention facilities."

He said Azerbaijan has a well-documented history of using torture to induce false confessions from political prisoners who are lawyers, journalists, and opposition activists.

"You could say that the use of torture is a trend in Azerbaijan," Asatiani said.

Hasty Burials

Namized Safarov, a Baku-based human rights lawyer, told RFE/RL that a retired military officer named Saleh Qafarov was arrested on treason charges in early May at his village of Aydinqyshlaq in the Gabala region.

Safarov said Azerbaijani soldiers returned Qafarov's body four days later for burial in the village, but Qafarov's relatives never saw his remains and were not allowed to attend the burial.

Since then, Safarov said, Qafarov's family has faced "heavy harassment" from other villagers angered by the treason allegations. Qafarov's children have been expelled from school.



Imran Cabbarov, the head of the local government in Aydinqyshlaq, confirmed that Qafarov died in custody.



"He died and was buried," Cabbarov told RFE/RL. "Only law-enforcement bodies can talk about it. If he committed such a crime as treason, it would serve him right."



Bastainfo.com and the Berlin-based independent website Meydan TV reported similar circumstances when the bodies of other suspects in the spy case were returned to their villages.



Temkin Nizamioglu, a 24-year-old lieutenant from the Ordubad region near Azerbaijan's southern border with Iran, was one of at least three active military officers reportedly arrested in the case.



Nizamioglu was buried in his village of Darkend by Azerbaijani soldiers who returned his body.



"It's true that his body was brought to the village for burial, and according to the soldiers who brought him, he had heart problems and died in a hospital," the village's municipal chief, Raqib, said.



The body of officer Elcin Quliyev was delivered for burial in his town of Terter on May 18 shortly after he was arrested in the spy case.



A cousin of Quliyev, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told Meydan TV that the soldiers who returned his body didn't give the family any details about the cause of his death.



"They just said they were investigating the issue and would inform us about the cause of his death when that investigation is finished," the cousin said.



Mehman Huseynov, a military officer from the village of Agkend in the Terter region, also died in custody within days of being arrested in the spy case.



Local residents refused to allow Huseynov to be buried in the village cemetery because of the treason accusations against him.



Meydan TV also reported that a 32-year-old soldier named Elcin Mirzaliyev was buried in his village of Shalig in the Ucar region, within days of being arrested in the case.



That report said Mirzaliyev died on May 25 and was returned to his village the next day by soldiers who buried him without allowing relatives to see his body or attend his burial.



The head of Shalig's municipality, Arif Ahmadov, confirmed that Mirzaliyev was buried but would not give any details about the cause of his death.

There have been anonymous claims on social media that other Azerbaijani soldiers have died in custody after being arrested for treason in the spy scandal.

RFE/RL could not confirm the veracity of those reports or attest to the reliability of the sources.

Written by RFE/RL correspondent Ron Synovitz, with reporting from RFE/RL's Azerbaijani Service.
Vladimir Putin has always been a very good storyteller.



First he told a story about how he was the man who restored order, saved Russia from the chaos of the nineties, battled the oligarchs, and brought unprecedented prosperity.



Never mind that Putin benefited handsomely from the chaos of the nineties and was busy creating his own oligarchy to replace the one he vanquished.



People bought the story anyway, and enough were content to trade their political freedom for stability and prosperity.



And when that story ran its course, and the people started getting restless, Putin spun a new tale.



He annexed Crimea, invaded the Donbas, menaced the West, and told Russians that they were a mighty great power that was reclaiming its pride of place in the world.



This new story was a big hit.

Russians appeared willing to trade political freedom and prosperity for the promise of empire.



Putin's popularity soared and he looked invincible.



But the euphoria from Putin's Crimea drug finally appears to be wearing off.

And, if one thing was clear from Putin's lackluster live call-in program yesterday, it was this:

For the first time, it seems that the great storyteller has run out of good stories to tell the Russian people.

And that puts us in uncharted territory as Russia enters a volatile political season.

We may be about to see Putin without a legitimizing myth.



We may be about to get our first look at the emperor without any clothes.

Keep telling me what you think on The Power Vertical's Twitter feed and on our Facebook page.

NOTE TO VIEWERS: The Daily Vertical will not appear on June 19-20 as I have a speaking engagement in Munich. The normal schedule will resume on Wednesday June 21.
The European Union on June 15 agreed to offer Moldova 100 million euros in economic aid provided it steps up anti-corruption efforts.

The aid, including 60 million in loans and 40 million euros in grants, is needed to stabilize and reform Moldova's economy and will supplement resources provided by the International Monetary Fund and other multilateral banks, the European Council said.

But the aid is conditioned on Moldova fighting corruption in Chisinau. The EU wants Moldova to make sure it has a multi-party parliamentary system, follows the rule of law, and protects human rights in return for the aid.

More specifically, Moldova must ensure efficient, transparent, and accountable public finance management, establish ways to prevent corruption and money laundering, and supervise the financial sector.

The EU also wants to forge ahead with a free trade pact similar to one it has signed with Ukraine, giving Moldova an EU option.

But Moscow opposes the trade pact and Moldova's pro-Russia President Igor Dodon insists the EU deal has failed to deliver the benefits promised, and is pushing for re-establishing economic cooperation with Moscow.

Based on reporting by RFE/RL's Moldovan Service and AFP


The European Union has urged international partners to coordinate any new sanctions against Russia, a day after the U.S. Senate proposed additional measures against Moscow that drew a sharp rebuke from Germany and other allies.

A spokeswoman for the European Commission told the Reuters news agency on June 16 that it was "important for possible new measures to be coordinated between international partners to ensure their impact internationally and to maintain unity among partners on the sanctions."

The U.S. Senate voted overwhelmingly on June 15 for new sanctions on key sectors of Russia's economy and cementing into law existing sanctions on Russia over its aggression in Ukraine and alleged meddling into the 2016 U.S. presidential campaign.

Russia denies acting to influence the U.S. election but the U.S. intelligence community in January issued an assessment affirming that Russian President Vladimir Putin "ordered an influence campaign" to benefit the candidacy of Donald Trump.

Germany and Austria strongly objected to a key provision in the Senate's legislation, saying it could hurt European businesses involved in a project to bring Russian natural-gas supplies to Europe.

The provision enables the United States to impose sanctions on European firms involved in financing Russian energy-export pipelines to Europe, including the Nord Stream 2 pipeline that is being built under the Baltic Sea to provide Russian gas to Germany.

The pipeline project was conceived by Russia and Germany as a way to avoid sending gas to Europe through an existing pipeline that runs through Ukraine, which has proved to be unreliable at times because of a long-running spat between Kyiv and Moscow over the cost of gas and other contract terms.

Addressing reporters in Berlin on June 16, German government spokesman Steffen Seibert described the U.S. move as "peculiar."

Seibert said it was "strange" that sanctions intended to punish Russia for meddling in the U.S. elections could also lead to penalties against European companies.

He added that Chancellor Angela Merkel shared the concerns raised by the German and Austrian foreign ministers who charged in a joint statement that the U.S. measure brings a "completely new, very negative dimension into European-American relations."

"Europe's energy supply is a matter for Europe, and not for the United States of America," the ministers, Sigmar Gabriel and Christian Kern, said on June 15.

With several major European companies involved in building the new Nord Stream pipeline, they said that "we can't accept the threat of illegal and extraterritorial sanctions against European companies" posed by the Senate bill.

Half of the cost of the new Nord Stream pipeline is being paid for by Russian gas giant Gazprom, while the other half is being shouldered by a European group including Royal Dutch Shell, an Anglo-Dutch enterprise, French provider Engie, OMV of Austria, and Germany's Uniper and Wintershall.

The United States in the past has cautioned its European allies against building the Nord Stream 2 project, saying it would increase European dependence on Russian energy supplies, but it hasn't previously attempted to interfere with plans to move the project forward.

Natural Gas Ambitions?

The Austrian and German officials said one motive behind the Senate bill may be an attempt to help U.S. natural-gas suppliers at the expense of their Russian rivals. The United States recently started shipping liquefied natural gas to Poland and has ambitions to cultivate other European customers.

Meanwhile, the Kremlin said it had an "extremely negative attitude" toward the proposed new U.S. sanctions and considers the discontent expressed by Germany and Austria "understandable."

Legislation passed by the Senate on June 15, which included tougher new sanctions against both Russia and Iran, aimed at punishing Russian President Vladimir Putin for his countrys alleged meddling in the 2016 U.S. presidential election and making Tehran pay a price for its "continued support of terrorism."

The bill will now be sent to the House of Representatives for approval before being sent to President Donald Trump for his signature.

By tying Iran and Russia together, Congress has made it more difficult for Trump to oppose the action as the president, who has been highly critical of Iran, would have to reject the tougher sanctions against Tehran if it rejected other parts of the legislation.

The vote came a day after U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson made a plea for patience from lawmakers in relation to Russia, saying the administration feared being "handcuffed" by the new measure.

The United States and European Union have imposed a series of sanctions on Russia over its armed takeover of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula in 2014 and its backing for separatists in a war that has killed more than 10,000 people in eastern Ukraine.

With reporting by AP, dpa, Reuters, and Interfax
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Current and past world leaders praised former German Chancellor Helmut Kohl as a "friend of freedom" and the "very essence of Europe."

Kohl, who led Germany for 16 years, died on June 16 at age 87 at his home in the western city of Ludwigshafen in the state of Rhineland-Palatinate. The cause of death was not immediately announced.

Kohl served as chancellor of West Germany from 1982 to 1990 and of a reunited Germany until 1998.

Chancellor Angela Merkel, once considered a Kohl protege, said the former leader was "the right man at the right time" during the tumultuous changes sweeping through Eastern Europe at the end of the 1980s.

Merkel, who grew up in communist East Germany and was appointed by Kohl to her first ministerial position after reunification, added that Kohl had a strong impact on her personally, saying he changed her life "decisively" and "I am personally very grateful that he was there."

Speaking in Rome, Merkel said Kohl skillful statesmanship helped win over Germany's neighbors and made certain the peaceful reunification of the country

Former U.S. President George H.W. Bush on June 16 described Kohl as "a true friend of freedom" and "one of the greatest leaders in postwar Europe."

"Helmut hated war -- but he detested totalitarianism even more," Bush said in a statement.

"Working closely with my very good friend to help achieve a peaceful end to the Cold War and the unification of Germany within NATO will remain one of the great joys of my life," said Bush, who was president from 1989 to 1993.

Former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev also lauded Kohl as "an outstanding person."

"He warned the West against disregard for Russia's interests," Gorbachev said in a statement posted on the website of his foundation. "Helmut Kohl always took a large and profound interest in Russia, its history, and Russian-German relations."

Former U.S. President Bill Clinton said he was "deeply saddened" by the death of "my dear friend" whose "visionary leadership prepared Germany and all of Europe for the 21st century."

According to the Russian state-run Interfax news agency, President Vladimir Putin sent a telegram of condolences to the German president, citing Kohl as a "highly reputed statesman, one of the patriarchs of European and world politics."



"I was lucky to know Helmut Kohl in person. I profoundly admired his wisdom and the ability to make well-considered, far-reaching decisions even in the most difficult situations," said Putin, a fluent German speaker who spent several years in East Germany as a KGB officer.

Kohl played a key role in promoting European integration and introduction of the common currency, the euro, during his 16 years in office, the longest term ever for a democratically elected German chancellor.

Kohl in 1999 praised both Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev and European leaders for their roles in enabling reunification of East and West Germany at ceremonies marking the 10th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, calling it a "magnificent European concerted action."

European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker described Kohl as the "very essence of Europe."

"Helmut's death hurts me deeply. My mentor, my friend, the very essence of Europe, he will be greatly, greatly missed," Juncker said on Twitter.

European Council President Donald Tusk, a former Polish prime minister, posted on Twitter that he would "always remember Helmut Kohl. A friend and a statesman who helped reunite Europe."

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg tweeted that Kohl was the "embodiment of a united Germany in a united Europe."

"When the Berlin Wall fell, he rose to the occasion. A true European," Stoltenberg wrote.

French President Emmanuel Macron called Kohl a "great European."

"An architect of united Germany and Franco-German friendship: with Helmut Kohl, we have lost a great European," he wrote on Twitter.

Kohl was born on April 3, 1930, in Ludwigshafen. He rose through the ranks Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party before becoming chancellor in 1982.

After losing an election in 1998, Kohl stepped down as head of the CDU and took a less visible role in politics amid a campaign-finance scandal.

He remained a member of the Bundestag before retiring in 2002. In recent years, he had been confined to a wheelchair, his speech impaired after his jaw was paralyzed in a fall in 2008.

With reporting by AFP, dpa, AP, and Reuters
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.
Kosovo's political war wing may have won the fight in recent parliamentary elections, but the rise of the Vetevendosje party may be a sign it has lost the battle.

Voters in the June 11 poll showed their frustration over a lack of economic progress and a deep level of corruption by punishing the country's main parties, which they feel have failed to make progress on issues such as an unemployment rate that hovers at around 30 percent in one of Europe's poorest countries.

A coalition of the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) (which President Hashim Thaci used to lead before resigning to become head of state), the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo, and the Initiative for Kosovo took 34 percent of the ballots cast.

All of the parties are led by former members of the Kosovo Liberation Army, which led the guerilla insurgency against Serbian forces in the late 1990s in a war where an estimated 10,800 Kosovar Albanians and some 2,200 Serbs were either killed or disappeared.

Vetevendosje, a leftist political movement that translates as Self-Determination Movement, was a surprising second-place finisher with 27 percent -- more than double its showing in the last elections in 2014 -- making it the largest single party in the next parliament.

Both sides celebrated deep into the night after the election results were announced, fittingly at opposite ends of a pedestrian street in the heart of Kosovo's capital, Pristina.

But analysts say PDK is unlikely to find enough support elsewhere in the legislature to cobble together a government, while Vetevendosje has taken its result as a mandate for it to form a cabinet to lead the country.

"Politics and government have caused many divisions and disunity among the people of Kosovo. We are interested in healing and closing these open wounds of the citizens," party leader Albin Kurti told RFE/RL in an interview on June 15.

"And this union should be a union for change -- unity for the good of our country," the 42-year-old politician added. "And we are convinced that we should be leading this charge."

Voting For Change

Though it has been somewhat of a party on the fringe since being established in 2005, Vetevendosje is anything but an unknown quantity in Kosovo.

Amid struggles caused by the uncontrolled privatization of public enterprises, economic stagnation, and simmering tensions with Belgrade and ethnic Serbs upset with Kosovo's declaration of independence from Serbia in 2008, the party set itself up as the voice of autonomous social and economic justice.

"There was a massive youth vote for Vetevendosje who see some hope and who want to see some policy changes," says Naim Rashiti, head of the Balkans policy research group in Kosovo.

The party seems willing to oblige.

It has railed against perceptions of deep-rooted corruption, striking a chord with voters who had tired of the country's carousel of political leaders comprised of alleged war crimes suspects and internationally appointed administrators.

In the anticorruption watchdog Transparency International's 2016 Corruptions Perception Index, Kosovo ranked 95th out of 176 countries listed worldwide and was near the bottom in Europe, scoring higher than only Ukraine, Moldova, and Russia.

"I voted for Vetevendosje because they had a concrete plan and they will stick to their principles, which they had before the campaign and will keep after the campaign," says Burbuqe Morina, a 40-year-old sociologist in Pristina.

"The difference between them and the rest is that they are correct, loyal, and the party members are not corrupt."

Maybe more importantly, Vetevendosje became a symbol of opposition to the status quo through its disruptive actions in the previous parliament.

Its supporters at one time released tear gas inside parliament and threw firebombs outside it to protest the deals with Montenegro and Serbia, issues that toppled the previous government to spark the snap elections earlier this month.

Kosovo declared independence without Serbia's consent and Belgrade and Moscow have yet to recognize it as a separate country. The United States and most Western states are among the more than 100 countries that recognize Kosovo's independence.

'No Negotiations'

The election results are "hardly surprising, given Vetevendosje is the only voice that does not represent the largely unaccountable, incompetent, and often predatory politico-economic elite that has dominated Kosovo for the past two decades," political analyst and author Andrea Capussela says.

Capussela adds that while the party's practices do have "clear nationalist overtones," its administration of Kosovo's capital, which it has governed since 2013, "seems to have been relatively competent and transparent."

While many leaders of the PDK-led coalition are associated with the so-called war camp, Kurti has evolved into somewhat of a hero of the peace movement in Kosovo.

He was imprisoned by the Serbian regime during the war. After he was released, he returned to politics to tackle what he saw as the long-standing political and economic problems of postwar Kosovo.

Vetevendosje has also pushed a platform of excluding the involvement of the European Union or other unelected international consultants in deciding the future of the people of Kosovo.

This attracted voters given the biggest issues surrounding the vote were a pair of agreements signed in 2015 -- one setting the border with Montenegro and another with Serbia that increases powers held by ethnic Serbs in Kosovo.

Those issues have helped stall reforms in the legislature and angered the electorate in a country where about one-third of the population is under the age of 15.

"Vetevendosje must address the economic destitution of Kosovo created by years of market reforms and privatization of public wealth, deteriorating educational infrastructure, and social and medical services that have performed worse than the parallel underground institutions that existed under Serbian rule," analyst Piro Rexhepi wrote in a June 12 opinion piece in The Guardian newspaper.

He added that Vetevendosje must change its approach to negotiations with Serbia and the EU, in which Kosovo has been treated not as the victim of Serbian state violence but as the perpetrator.

"Sticking to its slogan of 'No negotiations' without acknowledgments of the Serbian state's war crimes in Kosovo is important, not only for Kosovo but for all past and ongoing state-sponsored crimes that are silenced through the politics of 'reconciliation,'" he wrote.
Helmut Kohl, the German chancellor who oversaw the historic reunification of Germany, has died at the age of 87.

Kohl served as chancellor of West Germany from 1982 to 1990, and of a reunited Germany to 1998, the longest-serving German chancellor since Otto von Bismarck.

Kohl overcame the doubts of Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev with pledges that NATO troops and weapons would not be deployed in East Germany and agreed to limits on the size of the army of the united Germany. He also approved large-scale financial aid for Soviet economic reforms.

Kohl played a significant role in promoting European integration and strongly advocated including the postcommunist states in both the European Union and NATO. Along with his friend, French President Francois Mitterrand, Kohl worked to make the European Union an equal partner with the United States.

Germany's reunification is the achievement which Kohl believed would keep his name alive in German history.

'German European and European Germans'

After the Berlin Wall fell in 1989, most German leaders proposed a federation between the two halves of the country. Kohl seized the chance to push for real reunification. After months of negotiations with Moscow and neighboring European countries, reunification finally came on October 3, 1990.

Kohl praised both Gorbachev and European leaders for their roles in enabling reunification at ceremonies marking the 10th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall.

"This was an [instance] of magnificent European concerted action, which was not agreed upon in the individual countries, but it was the desire for freedom which became pronounced in Europe," Kohl said.

"And for me personally, there is a dominant feeling of utter gratitude to all those who had the courage, who had the foresight...I have experienced that the visionaries are the true realists in history. This is a message to be remembered."

One of the strongest obstacles to reunification was fear both within and outside of the country that a unified Germany would someday lead to a revival of German nationalism.

Kohl promoted a view of German patriotism that stressed the country's obligations to a united Europe. At the 10th anniversary ceremonies, Kohl articulated his view of what it is to be German.

"This [unification of Germany] is not a deviation from living German patriotism." he said. "We shall not give up our identity as a nation in Europe. And Thomas Mann formulated this timelessly: we are German European and European Germans."

Leaving In Scandal And Disappointment

Reunification brought many problems. East Germany's decrepit industries were unable to compete in a capitalist economy. Millions of people in East Germany lost their jobs. The Kohl government transferred tens of billions of dollars to prop up the region and rebuild the infrastructure.

Kohl abandoned a pledge that reunification would be completed without increased taxation. He introduced a solidarity tax in western Germany to help finance recovery in the east.

Most of eastern Germany remained a blighted region as the Kohl era came to an end in 1998. Unemployment was around 17 percent compared with 10 percent in western Germany. Kohl had promised he would turn eastern Germany into a "flowering landscape." His inability to do so was a great disappointment to him.

Kohl was considered Europe's leading statesman when he lost power in 1998. His reputation was tarnished within a year by revelations he had broken the law by accepting secret campaign contributions. Kohl admitted that he had done wrong but refused to identify the secret contributors.

He was forced to resign his post as honorary chairman of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) -- which he had led for 25 years -- and paid a heavy fine to avoid prosecution.

Kohl expressed his anger and frustration in June 2000 over what the scandal had done to his reputation.

"Out of someone who is an honorary citizen of Europe -- that is a title given to me by the state and by European government leaders -- they want to make someone who is close to being a criminal," Kohl said. "And I consider that a scandal."

Catholic Upbringing

Helmut Michael Kohl was born on April 3, 1930, in the industrial city of Ludwigshafen. His father was a civil servant and he was raised in a community that stressed Roman Catholic and conservative values. He held a doctorate in history from the University of Heidelberg.

Away from politics, he had a folksy and sometimes bumbling image expressed in his love of simple food cooked at home by his wife, Hannelore, whom he married in 1960. He retired into virtual seclusion when his wife committed suicide in 2001. She suffered from a rare disease that made her sensitive to light and forced her to live in semidarkness.

World War II shaped Kohl's commitment to a united Europe bound by a common currency and common political organizations. Kohl was in a military training camp at Berchtesgaden at the end of the war and never saw conflict, but his older brother was killed in action and his home city of Ludwigshafen was bombed several times.

His political career began at the age of 16 when he joined the CDU -- a party founded in the closing days of the war by Catholics and Protestants. In 1969, he was chosen premier of the state of Rhineland-Palatinate -- at 39, the youngest leader of any German province.

Kohl's first bid to be chancellor in 1976 failed when he lost to the Social Democrats led by Helmut Schmidt. He won the job six years later in 1982.

Kohl kept his government and party on a tight rein, and those who crossed him soon found themselves in the political wilderness. His easygoing manner concealed sharp political skills that enabled him to dominate his party and his government.

Kohl remained a member of the German parliament until elections in 2002 despite the disgrace over the secret contributions to the CDU.
Police in Pakistan said on June 15 that they arrested a man who was driving his pet lioness through the streets of Karachi after a video of him and the big cat went viral on social media.

A video viewed over one million times on Facebook shows a docile lion lounging in the back of a pick-up truck, restrained by a leash and collar, as curious onlookers walk past in the city of about 20 million people.

Saqlain Javed, a local pet dealer, was arrested on June 14 but later freed on bail, police said. Javed said he was taking the animal to the vet and had all the required permits and documentation.

"We have freed the accused on bail but registered a case of negligent conduct with an animal," Muqadas Haider, a senior police officer said.

Javed has a license to run a personal zoo and raise lion cubs, but is not allowed to transport lions on city streets and near markets where such animals can endanger lives and property, police said.

Based on reporting by AFP and Reuters
Pakistan says security forces have raided a militant hideout in the central province of Punjab, triggering a shootout in which two suspects were killed.

The military said on June 16 that the two suspects killed overnight in the district of Dera Ghazi Khan were "planning terrorist action during a religious activity."

It didn't provide further details.

The raid comes as Muslims are observing the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.

In the northwestern city of Peshawar, gunmen opened fire on a police patrol late on June 15, killing three officers.

Furqan Bilal, a senior police official, said one attacker was also killed by police while two others fled the scene.

Peshawar was the site of a Taliban assault on an army-run school in December 2014 that left more than 150 people dead, most of them children.

Based on reporting by AP, Dawn, and AFP
The Russian Defense Ministry says the leader of the extremist group Islamic State (IS), Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, may have been killed in a Russian air strike in Syria late last month.

The ministry said on June 16 that it is checking information suggesting that Baghdadi was killed in an air strike on the southern outskirts of Raqqa early on May 28.

The U.S. Defense Department said it had no information confirming that Baghdadi had been killed in a Russian air strike.

"We have no information to corroborate those reports," Pentagon spokesman Navy Captain Jeff Davis said.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said he did not have "100 percent confirmation," and the Kremlin declined to comment directly.

The Russian Defense Ministry said the strike killed about 330 people, including several senior IS figures.

It said the strike targeted a meeting at which IS members were discussing routes out of Raqqa, a main IS stronghold where the extremist group is under pressure from an offensive by U.S.-backed Syrian forces.

The attack was launched after Russian forces in Syria learned of the meeting ahead of time, the ministry said on Facebook.

"According to information that is now being checked via various channels, also present at the meeting was Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, who was eliminated as a result of the strike," it said.

The United States was informed in advance about the place and time of the strike, the Russian military said.

IS overran large parts of Syria and northern Iraq in 2014, terrorizing civilians and carrying out atrocities.

Its fighters now appear close to defeat in their main strongholds -- Raqqa in Syria and Mosul in Iraq.

Russia and the United States, which back opposing sides in the six-year-old war in Syria, are conducting separate air campaigns.

The U.S.-led coalition is targeting IS militants, while Western officials say Russian strikes have mainly targeted other opponents of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government.

Russia has given Assad crucial military and diplomatic aid throughout the war, which started with a government crackdown on protests in 2011 and has killed more than 400,000 people.

The most recent public video footage, from 2014, shows Baghdadi declaring his "caliphate" from the pulpit of Mosul's Grand al-Nuri mosque.

Baghdadi -- a 46-year-old Iraqi born Ibrahim al-Samarrai -- broke away from Al-Qaeda in 2013.

The director of the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights cast doubt on the report Baghdadi may have been killed, telling the Reuters news agency that according to his information Baghdadi was in another part of Syria at the end of May.

"The information is that as of the end of last month Baghdadi was in Deir al-Zor, in the area between Deir al-Zor and Iraq, in Syrian territory," Reuters quoted Rami Abdulrahman as saying.

With reporting by RIA Novosti, TASS, Interfax, Reuters, and AP
Two activists from Russian opposition leader Aleksei Navalny's Anticorruption Foundation (FBK) have fled to Ukraine after state media regulator Roskomnadzor launched investigations against them.

Vladislav Zdolnikov, an FBK IT consultant, and activist Aleksandr Brusentsev crossed into Ukraine on June 15.

The activists told the BBC that Roskomnadzor suspected them of illegally blocking access to some websites by using a vulnerability of the government's system for blocking banned websites.

Ukraine's Border Guard Service said on June 15 that two members of Navalnys foundation had asked for political asylum. However, the activists told the BBC that they had not asked for asylum and were not planning to do so.

They said they planned to stay in Ukraine temporarily until the situation around Roskomnadzor's allegations was cleared up.

Navalny and at least 1,500 of demonstrators were detained on June 12 in Moscow and other cities across Russia for participating in a wave of unauthorized anticorruption protests.

Navalny was jailed for 30 days, which an appeals court reduced to 25 days on June 16.

With reporting by BBC
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that the "excessive demonization" of Soviet dictator Josef Stalin "is one means of attacking the Soviet Union and Russia."

Putin made the comments in the last of four installments of a series of interviews that he gave to U.S. filmmaker Oliver Stone, which was aired on June 15.

Putin said Russia's critics use Stalin's legacy "to show that today's Russia carries on itself some kind of birthmarks of Stalinism."

The Russian president did not elaborate on what he considered to be "excessive" criticism of Stalin, who ruled the Soviet Union from the mid-1920s until his death in 1953 and who was responsible for the deaths of 15 million to 30 million Soviet citizens through executions, labor camps, and avoidable famines.

In the past, Putin has praised Stalin as an "effective manager," and Stalin's reputation in Russia has been growing steadily since Putin came to power in 2000.

A poll in April by the independent Levada research center found that 25 percent of Russians consider Stalin's repressions "historically justified," while another 13 percent said they knew "nothing" about Stalin's crimes.

Forty-seven percent of respondents agreed "it is better to speak less about the repressions and not to dig up the past."
ON MY MIND



The choreographed televised spectacle versus the defiance of the street.



The master of the universe versus the maverick revolutionary.



Vladimir Putin versus Aleksei Navalny.



Welcome to the battle for Russia's future.



Putin is saying he's making Russia great again.



And Navalny is saying we can do much better than this.



On this week's Power Vertical Podcast, we look back at the optics of this past week, which appear to be a microcosm of the battle ahead. It will be a test of wills, a contest of images, and a competition of narratives.



Joining me will be co-host Mark Galeotti, a senior research fellow at the Institute of International Relations in Prague, a visiting fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, and author of the blog In Moscow's Shadows; and Moscow-based journalist and playwright Natalia Antonova, an editor at OpenDemocracy-Russia.



Also on the Podcast, Mark, Natalia, and I will discuss Russia's youth rebellion and the teenagers who are taking on the Kremlin.



It should be a good show, so be sure to tune in later today!



IN THE NEWS



The Russian Defense Ministry says the leader of the extremist group Islamic State, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, may have been killed in a Russian air strike in Syria late last month.



U.S. Vice President Mike Pence has hired a lawyer to oversee his response to inquiries into possible collusion between Russia and President Donald Trump's 2016 campaign.



The U.S. Senate has overwhelmingly approved legislation that included tougher new sanctions against Russia and Iran, making it more difficult for President Donald Trump to ease existing restrictions without congressional approval.



The U.S. Senate also voted to allow the U.S. space agency NASA to continue using Russian-made rocket engines in an amendment to legislation imposing new sanctions on Russia.



Two Russian opposition figures from Aleksei Navalny's party asked for political asylum at the Ukrainian border on June 15, Ukraine's Border Guard Service said.



The chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff says Russia is "each and every day" undermining the credibility of the U.S. commitment to NATO and its ability to respond to the alliance.



Russia has accused the U.S.-led coalition of deploying missiles against Syrian government troops at a base in the east of the country where rebels fighting the Islamic State group are being trained.



Supporters of Akhtem Chiygoz, the head of the Crimean Tatar Mejlis who has been held by Russian authorities since January 2015, say a Russian court in the annexed Ukrainian region of Crimea has rejected a request that Chiygoz be allowed to see his mother, who is reportedly dying of cancer.



Authorities in Russia's Chechnya region say they have dropped charges against a man who was handed over by Belarus, despite warnings that he could be tortured or killed in Chechnya.



Russian political activist Ildar Dadin has been fined after reading aloud from the Russian Constitution on Moscow's Red Square outside the Kremlin.



Russian media reports say prominent actor Aleksei Batalov, a screen star of the Soviet period known as The Thaw, has died at the age of 88.



The European Union on June 15 agreed to offer Moldova 100 million euros in economic aid provided it steps up anticorruption efforts.



WHAT I'M READING



Russia's Showdown With The West



In a piece on the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace website, Eugene Rumer argues that "the break between Russia and the West is not a passing phase, but a long-term condition that will shape the course of European security for the foreseeable future."



Putin's Secret French Getaway



In Time Magazine, Simon Shuster looks at The Secret French Hideaway Where the Putin Family Spends Its Time and Fortune.



Hybrid War In The 1930s



In a piece for War On The Rocks, Ian Johnson, a postdoctoral fellow at the Clements Center for National Security, looks at Soviet efforts to subvert U.S. democracy in the 1930s.



A Bigger Hack Than Suspected



Bloomberg is reporting that Russia's breach of U.S. electoral systems before last year's election, which hit 39 states, was more widespread than previously believed.



The Plot Against America



Mark Galeotti of the Institute of International Relations in Prague has a piece in Tablet -- The 'Trump Dossier,' Or How Russia Helped America Break Itself -- in which he argues that "Getting Trump elected was not Putins goal. The Kremlin just wanted to sow discord and delegitimize the United States democratic institutions."



Ukraine's Main Enemy



In a piece on The Atlantic Council's website (originally published in Russian in Zerkolo Nedeli), Naftogaz Ukraine's CEO Andriy Kobolyev argues that to win the war with Russia, Ukraine must defeat corruption.



The Children's Rebellion



In The New York Review of Books, Masha Gessen, author of the book The Man Without A Face: The Unlikely Rise Of Vladimir Putin, looks at Russia's youthful rebels.



Death In The UK



Buzzfeed has an investigative report, From Russia With Blood, looking at a series of assassinations in the UK that are suspected of being tied to the Kremlin.

NOTE TO READERS: The Morning Vertical and The Daily Vertical will not appear on June 19-20 as I have a speaking engagement in Munich. The normal schedule will resume on Wednesday June 21.


Two Russian opposition figures from Aleksei Navalny's party asked for political asylum at the Ukrainian border on June 15, Ukraine's Border Guard Service said.

"Men arrived at the checkpoint and after showing foreign passports of the Russian Federation, immediately expressed their intention to seek protection on Ukrainian territory due to political harassment in Russia," the service said.

Border agents screened the two men along with Ukraine's SBU security service and determined that they belonged to the opposition bloc led by Navalny, which has been persecuted for its political activity.

Both men were allowed to cross the border and were sent to the migration service, Ukrainian authorities said, without providing the men's names.

Navalny and at least 1,500 of his followers were arrested on June 12 in Moscow and other cities across Russia for unauthorized anticorruption protests. Navalny was jailed for 30 days.

With reporting by 112.international


U.S. Vice President Mike Pence has hired a lawyer to oversee his response to inquiries into possible collusion between Russia and President Donald Trump's 2016 campaign.

Pence's office announced on June 15 the decision to hire Richard Cullen, the chairman of McGuireWoods LLP law firm.

Cullen is known for representing high-profile clients, and was also involved into the Iran-Contra and Watergate investigations.

The announcement came after media reported that Trump was being investigated by special counsel Robert Mueller for possible obstruction of justice.

Mueller is overseeing an FBI inquiry into alleged Russian interference in the presidential election and whether there was any collusion by Trump's campaign.

Trump, who denies any collusion with Russia, said on Twitter that the move was the latest action in a "phony story."

In a subsequent tweet, Trump denounced "the single greatest WITCH HUNT in American political history -- led by some very bad and conflicted people!"

Trump hired his own lawyer last month to handle Russia-related inquiries by the FBI and U.S. congressional committees.

Based on reporting by AP, Reuters, and the BBC


KYIV -- Ukrainian authorities say they have detained suspects linked to the assassination of former Russian lawmaker Denis Voronenkov.

In a statement on June 16, the National Police said that "investigative steps" including searches and detentions were conducted in the eastern city of Pavlohrad. The police did not say how many suspects were detained or identify them.

Voronenkov, a former member of the Russian State Duma who defected to Ukraine and became a critic of President Vladimir Putin, was gunned down in broad daylight in Kyiv on March 23.

Police said the alleged killer, Crimean-born Ukrainian national Pavlo Parshov, 28, was a secret Russian agent who passed himself off as a Ukrainian soldier. Parshov died in the hospital after being shot by Voronenkov's wounded bodyguard.

Ukrainian President Petro Porioshenko called Voronenkov's killing "an act of state terrorism by Russia." Officials in Kyiv have said they believe it was one of a series of killings and attempted killings carried out in Ukraine on behalf of Russian security services.

Earlier this month, a man from Russia's Chechnya region posing as a French reporter shot and wounded a Chechen transplant to Ukraine who fought on Kyiv's side against Russia-backed militants in eastern Ukraine. The victim's wife shot the attacker.

Last July, Belarusian-born journalist Pavel Sheremet was killed in a car bombing in which authorities claim to have found Russian traces. However, they have not provided evidence to prove that to the public, and police say they are looking into all possibilities.

Moscow has denied any involvement in the attacks.
KYIV -- British authorities are examining whether Ukraine's former tax chief, a Ukrainian citizen who may also hold a British passport, committed crimes for which he could be prosecuted in the United Kingdom after a court in Ukraine ignored evidence they provided, according to the British Embassy in Kyiv.

Roman Nasirov, the former chief of Ukraine's Fiscal Service and an ally of President Petro Poroshenko, was arrested in Ukraine on corruption charges in March, a move that was heralded as a landmark win for anticorruption officials in the country's fight against entrenched graft.

But in the ensuing trial, prosecutors have struggled to have all evidence, including that provided by Britain, heard by the Kyiv court. That prompted the British Embassy to take the extraordinary step of announcing on June 16 that it will consider other possible prosecutorial options against the tax chief.

"We are deeply concerned about the recent decision in Kyiv's Solomiansky court, where evidence provided by the UK in relation to the case against Roman Nasirov was ruled inadmissible and disregarded," the British Embassy in Kyiv said in a statement published on its social-media accounts.

"The U.K. authorities will now review the facts and consider if criminal offenses have been committed by a British citizen which may be tried in the U.K."

The embassy went on to say Nasirov's case underscored Ukraine's "urgent need for progress towards a reformed, independent, and transparent judicial system and the swift introduction of specialized anticorruption courts with strictly vetted judges capable of properly trying high-profile corruption cases."

Ukrainian prosecutors accuse Nasirov, who was removed from his post on March 3, of defrauding the Ukrainian state of 2 billion hryvnyas (about $77 million) to the benefit of fugitive Ukrainian lawmaker Oleksandr Onyshchenko.

Nasirov has called the case against him "politically motivated" and said he will fight to prove his innocence.

His arrest marked the first detention of such a high-ranking current or former Ukrainian official since the country's pro-Russian president, Viktor Yanukovych, was overthrown in 2014, and a pro-Western government came to power.
KYIV -- A court in Kyiv has resumed hearings in the in-absentia treason trial of former President Viktor Yanukovych.

Yanukovych's lawyer Vitaliy Serdyuk again asked Judge Vladyslav Devyatko to formally request that Russian authorities set up a video-link for his client, who is in Russia.

Devyatko rejected the lawyer's request, saying that the court had ruled earlier that Yanukovych can take part via any video-link available on the Internet -- meaning that a formal request is not needed.

Yanukovych abandoned office in late February 2014 and fled to Russia in the face of protests triggered by his decision to scrap plans for a landmark deal with the European Union and improve trade ties with Moscow instead.

Dozens of people were killed when his government attempted to clamp down on the Euromaidan protests.

Yanukovych is accused of treason, violating Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and abetting Russian aggression.

After he fled, Russia seized Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula and fomented separatism in eastern Ukraine, where a war between the government and Russia-backed separatists has killed more than 10,000 people.

The preliminary hearings started on May 5 and were adjourned twice as Yanukovych's defense continued to insist that the court must formally ask Russia for assistance to set up the video-link.
Uzbek human rights defender and opposition activist Nuriddin Jumaniyazov died in prison last year, a human rights activist says.

The chairwoman of the Paris-based Fiery Hearts Club Human Rights Association, Mutobar Tojiboeva, told RFE/RL on June 16 that Jumaniyazov died at the age of 69 on December 31, 2016. According to official documents, the cause of death was tuberculosis and diabetes, Tojiboeva said.

Tojiboeva said Jumaniyazov was not married and his body was given to relatives in a remote part of the Karakalpakistan region, so the outside world did not find out about his death.

"Our organization is currently looking into the circumstances of his death," Tojiboeva said.

Jumaniyazov and a colleague, Fahriddin Tillyaev, were sentenced to eight years and three months in prison each after a Tashkent court convicted them of human trafficking in March 2014.

Human rights organization condemned the trial and the verdict, saying the case was politically motivated as both Jumaniyazov and Tillyaev were members of the opposition Erk (Freedom) party.
Piaggio Vehicles Pvt Ltd (PVPL) of Italian Piaggio Group has officially launched Porter 700 expanding its initiative in the last mile transportation category. Porter 700, with a payload capacity of 700 kgs, a cargo deck of 30 sq ft, high standards in design and best in class mileage is priced at INR 3.40 lakhs. It comes in with an new design which is adapted for Indian conditions and planned on the basis of Piaggios ongoing customer feedback program.

Porter 700 is an upgraded version of the Porter 600 that has been on sale for the past few years. It comes in a dynamic design. It is a capable pick-up with efficient acceleration and highest ground clearance in its class at 218mm.

In terms of dimensions, the Porter 700 measures 3,544mm in length, 1,460mm in width, 1738mm in height and sits on a wheelbase measuring 1,820mm. The cargo deck is 1,950mm in length and 1,400mm wide with 30 sq ft loading area. The pick-up is able to tackle city roads and highways while taking gradients with ease as it offers superior grade ability at (21%). Porter 700 comes in with a BS IV compliant 652 cc single cylinder engine that generates 14.75 hp peak power and 40 Nm peak torque. Fuel efficiency is at 26 kmpl.

Boasting of an Italian styling, Porter 700 gets twin headlamps which not only add to its looks but also ensures safer night time driving. It also gets 5 speed floor mounted Synchromesh gear box.

Offered with 2 years/70,000 kms extended warranty, Porter 700 competes with other established models in its class among which is the Tata Ace and Mahindra Jeeto. It is produced at the company plant in Baramati, Maharashtra and will be seen at the companys 350+ dealerships across India by next week.

News Release
On World Environment Day, Salman Khan announced the launch of his own range of cycles, under the brand Being Human. At the launch event, gave a speech on road safety.

This is what he said  I think cycles are okay but motorcycles are really dangerous for them (youth) and for other people around. We shoot in Film City, so I see on the highway people racing and recklessly. Back in the time, there used to be races at the reclamation, I lost a friend of mine. I am against that. If you want to race, do that on the racing tracks. Dont use main roads and out yourself and others, who are traveling with you, in danger.

the crashed car of Salman khan

The irony here is, Salman was once convicted by a sessions court of driving his car over a footpath in a drunk state which resulted in the death of 1 and four others, who were asleep on the footpath.

The judge did not believe Salman Khan that he was not the one who was driving the car at the time of accident, it was his driver. The judge did not believe him and convicted him. Judge Deshpande also charged Salman Khan with culpable homicide and awarded a sentence of 5 years. But the verdict was overturned couple of months later by the High Court and Salman Khan was acquitted of all charges.

Salman Khan with the Suzuki Gixxer SF

As per the verdict, all charges against 49 year old Bollywood actor have been dismissed. Bombay high court judge Anil Ramchandra Joshi announced the verdict in presence of Salman and his family. He stated  The appeal is allowed and the decision of the trial court is quashed and set aside. Salman Khan is acquitted of all charges. The prosecution failed to establish [the charges] beyond reasonable doubt.

Now the high court has said that key evidence  including testimony from a policeman who has since died  was not reliable. The state of Maharashtra is expected to appeal the verdict in a higher court.
Cognitive behavioral therapy, which traditionally includes regular, and often weekly, visits to a clinician, is recommended by the American College of Physicians and other organizations for treatment of chronic insomnia.

For military personnel, internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy appears to be an effective alternative to meeting regularly with a therapist, although it is about half as effective as traditional methods, according to results of a study conducted by Daniel Taylor, University of North Texas professor of psychology and director of UNT's Sleep Health Research Laboratory.

Taylor received a $1.16 million grant from the U.S. Department of Defense for the study, which was affiliated with the STRONG STAR Consortium, a federally funded network of national experts seeking the best ways to treat behavioral health problems impacting post-9/11 service members and veterans. The study was published in SLEEP, the official journal of the Sleep Research Society.

Chronic insomnia is defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders as sleeping poorly at least three nights a week for a month or longer, despite adequate opportunity for a full night's sleep. It is "a significant problem in the military," said Taylor, who noted that military personnel often develop insomnia because of rapidly changing schedules and deployments that keep them constantly on alert.

Chronic insomnia is a strong risk factor for post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and substance abuse, absenteeism and occupational accidents, Taylor said. Treatment of insomnia may not only improve sleep in these soldiers, but also improve these other conditions, he said.

"About 10 percent of deployed military personnel take sleep medications, which are effective for short-term treatment of insomnia in civilian populations. For deployed military personnel, the side effects such as grogginess, slowed cognitive processing and slowed reaction time can be dangerous," Taylor said.

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One hundred soldiers at Fort Hood who had chronic insomnia were recruited for Taylor's study. All completed one week of sleep monitoring by keeping sleep diaries and wearing activity monitors.

One third of the participants met with clinicians at Fort Hood for cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia once a week for six weeks, while another third received the therapy via the Internet once a week for six weeks. Both the in-person and Internet therapy had the exact same content, with the Internet lessons presented as audio recordings accompanied by visual graphics and animations. A third control group of participants was contacted by the researchers every other week during the six weeks, but did not receive cognitive behavioral therapy.

Taylor discovered that the study participants who received in-person cognitive behavioral treatment for their insomnia reported significantly greater improvements in sleep quality -- as determined by the sleep diaries and activity monitors -- than those who received the Internet therapy. Both groups had greater improvements in sleep quality than those who did not receive cognitive behavioral therapy.

He noted that that cognitive behavioral therapy is "a multifaceted intervention that can be difficult to administer without the benefit of a therapist." Additional training in the therapy for behavioral health providers in all branches of the military is needed, he said.

In a previous study of civilians with insomnia, Taylor and his research team discovered that cognitive behavioral therapy led to significant improvements in sleep efficiency, with the research subjects' use of sleep medication declining from 87.5 percent before therapy to 54 percent afterward, although the subjects weren't required to stop taking their medication.

Kristi Pruiksma, a STRONG STAR collaborating investigator and clinical psychologist, served as a clinician on Taylor's study. She said the benefits of the online therapy include easy access to the treatment and flexibility in times for completing the sessions, which "is really helpful for those juggling work and family demands."

"The online program can also be done from home rather than at a military behavioral health clinic, which some service members may avoid due to concerns about stigma," said Pruiksma, an assistant professor of psychiatry at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio).

"Successful treatment has a real impact on patients' daily lives. An important next step will be to figure out who is able to achieve good benefits from the online program and who is likely to need additional assistance from a therapist," she said.
New research conducted at the University of Kansas Medical Center could make treatment for gastrointestinal cancers safer -- while also helping to mitigate the dangers of nuclear accidents and terrorist attacks.

The research, led by Subhrajit Saha, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Department of Radiation Oncology at KU Medical Center, began more than five years ago when his team embarked on a quest to understand the biology behind radiation-induced gastrointestinal syndrome (RIGS) -- a serious risk for people being treated for stomach, pancreatic, colorectal and other cancers in the abdominal area.

RIGS prevents the body from absorbing nutrients and often causes nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. RIGS occurs primarily when radiation treatment for these abdominal cancers destroys healthy tissue in the GI tract, especially the outer layer of the intestines, known as the epithelium. And when the epithelium is lost, bacteria can spill into the body and cause sepsis, which can kill a patient. Because there is no drug treatment for RIGS, doctors must turn to radiation to treat their patients, which requires them to use extreme caution up to the point of compromising on the necessary treatment. This is of specific concern to cancer patients as more than half of patients treated with abdominal radiotherapy are affected by RIGS.

"That's why when the colon is involved, doctors don't want to treat with radiation," said Saha. "And often they can't use aggressive doses of radiation even for other organs in the area because of the sensitivity of the epithelium. They have to be very, very careful."

RIGS also occurs when people are subjected to radiation through a nuclear accident or a nuclear attack. "This is hugely significant -- the government has been investing in research for an effective countermeasure for terrorism involving radiation," says Saha. "The problem is, it's hard to treat someone post-radiation because the damage happens so fast, and the patient typical dies in seven to 10 days."

Macrophages, the Pac-Men for cellular debris, help intestinal stem cells regenerate

While Saha was still at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York, his research team began with the knowledge that one reason RIGS is so hard to treat is that the abdominal area of the body has a high turnover of intestinal stem cells. Cells like these that divide quickly are especially susceptible to damage from radiation because their DNA gets more exposed.

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To figure out how to get around that, the researchers needed to know more about the biology of the epithelium, specifically how intestinal stem cells (ISCs) renew and proliferate. They published their first discovery six years ago, after they injected radiation-injured mice with stromal cells, a mixture of different cell types that make up connective tissue, and found that they stimulated intestinal stem cell regeneration and lessened the damage done by RIGS.

Now they knew that ISCs depend on the stromal niche to reproduce new cells, and of the different types of stromal cells, the macrophages were critical. Macrophages are white blood cells that eat up cellular debris, especially infected cells.

"We knew that macrophages are the missionaries of the immune system," said Saha. "But we learned they also assist in organ growth, repair, and regeneration."

The question was how?

Solving the mystery of intestinal stem cell renewal

The first question for Saha, who had by then moved to KU Medical Center, was whether macrophages can help intestinal stem cells self-renew and multiply. The researchers had read studies showing that WNT proteins -- a family of proteins that regulate the proliferation of cells, and related signaling -- were very important for the intestinal stem cell renewal and proliferation. Moreover, they have found that macrophages also release these WNT proteins.

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To learn more, the researchers set up a mouse model to halt the release of all 19 varieties of WNTs specifically produced by macrophages. They found that mice without macrophage-derived WNT were much more sensitive to radiation and had more severe intestinal injury from radiation compared to mice who had not been treated. "This told me that macrophage-derived WNT is important for intestinal resistance to radiation," said Saha.

For Saha, this discovery made for one of his best days in the lab, but it also was just the first finding. Additional studies showed that damage could be repaired in mice treated with macrophages capable of releasing WNT proteins. The intestinal epithelium was repaired, and the intestinal stem cells were also rescued.

Multiple subsequent studies have since reinforced their findings. They have confirmed that WNT release by macrophages is essential to the regeneration of intestinal stem cells and repair of epithelial tissue. Interestingly, in mice not exposed to radiation, WNTs don't seem critical to keeping the intestines healthy. But where there is a need for regeneration, they become critical.

"We were very much surprised," Saha said. "Macrophages are known for immune system surveillance, but now we know that they can get involved in organ repair."

It's all in the packaging

Working in collaboration with Andrew Godwin, Ph.D., deputy director of the University of Kansas Center Center, and his team, Saha's team also observed that macrophages release the WNTs via extracellular vesicles, tiny sacs of membrane released from the surface of cells. "That was not known," said Saha. "Now we know how WNTS are transported in the system."

Armed with this knowledge, researchers can begin to think about developing therapies using macrophage-derived WNT to allow doctors to treat gastrointestinal cancers more aggressively and lessen the damage done in the event of a nuclear mishap. Their study was published last year in Nature Communications.

Saha's team is currently working to develop small molecules that can modulate these macrophages to augment their role in regeneration. "We are confident that we can come up with an answer for the mitigation of acute radiation syndrome very soon," he said.
New King's College London research reveals a 39 per cent drop in physical assaults -- both between patients and towards staff -- following the introduction of a smoke-free policy at the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLaM).

Published in The Lancet Psychiatry, the study has important implications for the introduction of smoke-free policies, not only in psychiatric hospitals but also in other institutions such as prisons.

Smoking within psychiatric hospitals has long been a cultural norm, and is thought to be a major reason why people with mental health problems die 15-20 years earlier than the general population. Despite this, smoke-free policies have previously been hampered by concerns, especially from hospital staff, that physical violence will increase.

In 2013, the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommended the introduction of smoke-free policies in acute, maternity and mental health services, with on-site help for patients -- whether they want to stop smoking or not -- to manage their withdrawal symptoms.

As part of SLaM's policy, smoking is prohibited in the buildings and grounds of its four south London hospitals, smokers are offered stop smoking treatment such as nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and patients are allowed to use e-cigarettes.

The researchers from King's College London, SLaM, University of Nottingham and University of York, analysed incident reports of physical assaults 30 months before and 12 months after the smoke-free policy was introduced.

During this study period, there were 4,550 physical assaults, with 2,916 towards staff and 1,634 between patients.

Researchers found a 39 per cent reduction in the number of physical assaults per month following the introduction of the policy. This was after accounting for general and seasonal trends and a range of factors that could also have influenced the rates of violence. For example, the number of patients on the wards each month who were male, of a younger age and detained under the Mental Health Act.

Dr Debbie Robson, Senior Post-Doctoral Researcher in Tobacco Addiction at King's College London, said: 'Hopefully our findings will reassure staff that introducing a smoke-free policy does not increase physical violence as is often feared. We believe there are a number of possibilities why rates of violence actually decreased. Historically, cigarettes have been used as a tool to manage patient behaviour and patients often coerce their peers into handing over cigarettes. To support the introduction of the smoke-free policy SLaM invested in new treatment pathways for smokers and a staff training programme, which may have contributed to changing the culture of how staff and patients interact.'

Mary Yates, Nurse Consultant and smoke-free lead at the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, added: 'Tobacco withdrawal often prompts restlessness, irritability and a fixation on finding opportunities to smoke, and hospital staff understandably mistake this as a sign of worsening mental health. Smoking during a period of tobacco withdrawal only serves to reinforce this misinterpretation, as patients will appear calmer and less irritable as nicotine levels are topped up. This is incorrectly taken as evidence that smoking is therapeutic and necessary to prevent agitation.'

This study was undertaken at the NIHR Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care (CLAHRC) South London, where a team of researchers are investigating ways to help people with severe mental illness to improve their physical health.
It was long thought that gastric ulcers and other digestive woes were brought about by stress. But in 2005, clinical fellow Barry J. Marshall and pathologist J. Robin Warren were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for recognizing the role of Helicobacter pylori in gastritis and peptic ulcer disease.

Now physicians can point their collective fingers at H. pylori when it comes to a host of gastric maladies in their patients.

With this in mind, researchers from the Mel and Enid Zuckerman School of Public Health at the University of Arizona conducted a study into whether U.S. physicians consistently adhere to American College of Gastroenterology guidelines for caring for and managing patients with H. pylori infections. Guidelines include when and how to test for H. pylori, as well as when and how to treat the pathogen once someone has been infected.

Caring for and managing these patients is important not only because of the serious potential morbidity associated with H. pylori infections, but also because these infections are linked to gastric cancer.

Through an online survey of gastroenterologists in the U.S., the researchers found that physicians' adherence to a number of the current ACG guidelines was low. The results were published online April 27 in the journal Preventive Medicine.

Eyal Oren, UA assistant professor of epidemiology and one of the senior authors of the study, says that most physicians followed the guidelines for testing patients they suspected of having H. pylori infection when the patients came to them with likely risk factors, such as a previously diagnosed peptic ulcer or dyspepsia.

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"You shouldn't be testing everybody, but if there are reasons to believe that a test for H. pylori may come back positive, and it does come back positive, you should go on to treat," says Dr. Traci Murakami, previous gastroenterology fellow at the UA and graduate of the clinical and translational research graduate certificate at the Mel and Enid Zuckerman School of Public Health, now an assistant clinical professor of medicine at the University of Hawaii, Manoa, and lead author of the study.

In fact, the researchers found that a higher proportion of physicians than in years past treat patients after a positive H. pylori test, with 84 percent of the respondents indicating they would do so, Oren says.

However, only 58 percent of physicians checked to ensure that the bacterium has been eradicated after treatment, according to the study. This finding is of particular concern, Murakami says, because if the bacterium is not eradicated after the recommended therapy, it could indicate potential resistance to drugs of choice.

"Only half of gastroenterology physicians check for eradication," Murakami says. "I think that's key because knowing if a patient eradicated the H. pylori versus whether they still have the infection may indicate that they may have a more resistant type of H. pylori that didn't respond to the initial antibiotic and would require different antibiotics to eradicate it."

Also of concern, the study found that 6 percent of physicians weren't asking patients about antibiotics that they previously had taken. That information could alert the clinician to the potential for drug resistance. Nor were physicians testing for resistance, according to the study. However, testing for drug resistance is not cheap or simple, so it's not routinely done, Oren says.

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Given that H. pylori is a human pathogen and linked to an increase in gastric cancer risk, some have called for its global eradication. However, some people are colonized with H. pylori from birth and experience no ill effects from it until much later in life, if at all.

No matter, the researchers concluded that the "adaptation of a 'test, treat and retest strategy' to confirm eradication after treatment is an area that could be improved."

H. pylori is a risk factor and designated as a carcinogen by the World Health Organization.

"If we could identify it early and identify it in more people, we might be able to reduce the risk of people developing stomach cancer in the future," Murakami says.

The research was funded by the Art Chapa Foundation for Gastric Cancer Prevention.
An intervention at a free clinic that included comprehensive care for hearing was able to provide recycled, donated hearing aids to low-income adults, according to a study published by JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery.

Free clinics play an important role in providing health care to uninsured and underinsured individuals. A 2010 survey reported that there are more than 1,000 free clinics providing health care to approximately 1.8 million Americans annually. Aileen P. Wertz, M.D., of the University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, and colleagues examined the feasibility and outcomes of a partnership between a free independent clinic (Hope Clinic, Ypsilanti, Mich.) for indigent patients and an academic medical center (University of Michigan Health System) in providing hearing aids.

The program (Hope for Hearing) secured donated hearing aids, which were obtained by placing advertisements and through direct purchases via funding provided by a $5,000 intramural grant. During the study period, a total of 84 hearing aids were donated. Seventeen hearing aids (20 percent) were purchased with grant funding; the remainder were donated. Supplies required to make ear molds were also purchased with grant money.

A total of 54 patients had audiograms performed. The patients were provided with free audiograms, hearing aid molds, and hearing aid programming, as well as follow-up appointments to ensure continued proper functioning of their hearing aids. Since 2013, a total of 34 patients have been determined to be eligible for the free program and were offered hearing aid services. Of these, 20 patients (59 percent) have been fitted or are being fitted with free hearing aids. The value of services provided is estimated to be $2,260 per patient.

"Comprehensive audiologic care including donated hearing aids can be effectively delivered to indigent patients in a well-established free clinic and academic medical center collaboration. The opportunity for low-income patients to benefit from hearing rehabilitation at minimal personal cost can represent an effective extension of safety net services," the authors write.

Limitations of the study include the small sample size.
When states suffer a widespread loss of jobs, the damage extends to the next generation, where college attendance drops among the poorest students, says new research from Duke University.

As a result, states marked by shuttered factories or dormant mines also show a widening gap in college attendance between rich and poor, the authors write.

Yet simple economics aren't the only factor at play, the authors write. Poor students in economically stricken states don't avoid college simply because they can't afford it. Instead, widespread job losses trigger adolescent emotional problems and poor academic performance, which, in turn, puts college out of reach, say the authors, whose research is published in the June 16 issue of Science.

"Job loss has led to increased inequality in college-going not just because people lose income, but because they are stressed out," said Duke economist Elizabeth Ananat, one of the paper's lead authors. "Losing your job is traumatic, and even if a community is adding new jobs, jobs aren't interchangeable."

During the 2016 presidential race and since the November election, attention has focused on economically distressed regions where technology and globalization have obliterated jobs, and where worries run high about the next generation's future and about growing inequality.

Some economists promote higher education as the natural remedy. According to this view, inequality will disappear as more young people choose college rather than "following their parents' footsteps to the now-closed factory," the authors write.

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The new study tests that theory empirically, and finds it flawed.

"Our whole narrative as a country has been, creative destruction will push kids toward more profitable, growing industries," Ananat said. "But if kids are stressed out and parents are stressed out, they may not be as nimble as we imagine people being."

The authors compared job loss rates during middle and high school years with college attendance rates a few years later, at 19 years of age.

In states that suffered a 7 percent job loss, college attendance by the poorest youth subsequently dropped by 20 percent, even when financial aid increased. The pattern also persisted across a wide range of states, despite variations in public college tuition rates.

"Rather than clearing a path to new educational opportunities in deindustrializing areas, job destruction knocks many youth off the path to college," the authors write.

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The research points to a need for more rigorous job retraining programs, which could lessen the trauma of job loss for the whole community.

"Bringing back jobs that technology has replaced is not necessarily possible or desirable," Ananat said. "Imagine if we had insisted on subsidizing the buggy-whip industry."

"But that doesn't mean we must abandon everyone to a terrifying future. Instead we could actually support people in getting new jobs."

The new research also found that while job loss lowered college attendance among poor whites, the decline was even steeper for poor African-Americans.

Furthermore, after widespread job losses, suicide and suicide attempts among African-American youths rose by more than 2 percentage points.

"What happens with African-Americans are the same things that happen to working class white people -- just worse," Ananat said.

"Yes, there have been losers from the changing economy." Ananat said. "But white working class people and African-American working class people are in the same boat due to job destruction. Imagine the policies we could have if folks found common ground over that."

The research was supported by a grant from the Russell Sage Foundation to Ananat and Anna Gassman-Pines, an associate professor of public policy and psychology and neuroscience at Duke. Ananat and Gassman-Pines teach at Duke's Sanford School of Public Policy and are faculty fellows at the Duke Center for Child and Family Policy.
To reduce accidents caused by fatigue driving, HKBU Computer Science scholar Professor Cheung Yiu-ming and his team have developed a system that detects drowsy drivers and alerts them simply using a generic smartphone.

To reduce accidents caused by fatigue driving, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) Computer Science scholar Professor Cheung Yiu-ming and his team have developed a system that detects drowsy drivers and alerts them simply using a generic smartphone. This invention clinched two top prizes at the 45th International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva in April 2017. The research team has already submitted a patent application to the US for the system.

The new approach adopts a smartphone's real-time video to track and analyse the facial features of a driver, in particular the changes in his eyelids and head position, which are prominent fatigue symptoms. With this system pre-installed in a generic smartphone, a driver just has to put it near the steering wheel with the front camera facing him in his normal driving position. When the camera captures features like drooping eyelids, drowsiness or even nodding off, an alarm is automatically set off. To ensure that the driver is awakened, the driver has to turn off the alarm either by voice or by hand.

Professor Cheung Yiu-ming said this method requires only a smartphone without any additional devices or sensors. It is cost-effective, simple to operate, portable, detects accurately, highly reliable, and supports online system updates. As the system can activate the rear camera of the smartphone, it can also be utilised as a normal driving recording system, as used by many drivers now.

Professor Cheung said that the results of fatigue driving should not be underestimated. According to US government statistics, fatigue driving accounts for 31% of road accidents involving heavy vehicles in the USA. An investigation in the US also found that economic losses caused by fatigue driving totalled US$3 billion per year.

He said the new system is suitable for all drivers, but especially for professional drivers and machinery workers who have long working hours. He added that the system may also interest corporations with a vehicle fleet, or insurance companies. There is no similar product currently available on the market, making it potentially applicable to act as a driver assistance system to enhance road safety as well as appealing to the consumer market.

Professor Cheung said that fatigue-driving detection systems are currently installed only in a few luxury models offered by car manufacturers. Those systems require additional devices and sensors installed in a vehicle, making them non-portable, expensive and difficult to fit system updates, thus not beneficial to general drivers.

The fatigue driving detection and alarm system developed by Professor Cheung won the Gold Medal with Distinction in the Computer Science Category and the Swiss Automobile Club Prize at the 45th International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva in April 2017.
Over 80% of all matter in the universe is made up of material scientists have never seen. It's called dark matter and we only assume it exists because without it, the behaviour of stars, planets and galaxies simply wouldn't make sense. Here is what we know about it, or rather, what we think we know.

What is dark matter and why is it invisible?

Dark matter is completely invisible. It emits no light or energy and thus cannot be detected by conventional sensors and detectors. The key to its elusive nature must lie in its composition, scientists think.

Visible matter, also called baryonic matter, consists of baryons  an overarching name for subatomic particles such as protons, neutrons and electrons. Scientists only speculate what dark matter is made of. It could be composed of baryons but it could also be non-baryonic, that means consisting of different types of particles.

Most scientists think that dark matter is composed of non-baryonic matter. The lead candidate, WIMPS (weakly interacting massive particles), are believed to have ten to a hundred times the mass of a proton, but their weak interactions with "normal" matter make them difficult to detect. Neutralinos, massive hypothetical particles heavier and slower than neutrinos, are the foremost candidate, though they have yet to be spotted.

Sterile neutrinos are another candidate. Neutrinos are particles that don't make up regular matter. A river of neutrinos streams from the sun , but because they rarely interact with normal matter, they pass through Earth and its inhabitants.

There are three known types of neutrinos; a fourth, the sterile neutrino, is proposed as a dark matter candidate. The sterile neutrino would only interact with regular matter through gravity .

"One of the outstanding questions is whether there is a pattern to the fractions that go into each neutrino species," Tyce DeYoung, an associate professor of physics and astronomy at Michigan State University and a collaborator on the IceCube neutrino observatory in Antarctica, told Space.com.

The smaller neutral axion and the uncharged photinos  both theoretical particles  are also potential placeholders for dark matter.

There is also such a thing as antimatter , which is not the same as dark matter. Antimatter consists of particles that are essentially the same as visible matter particles but with opposite electrical charges. These particles are called antiprotons and positrons (or antielectrons). When antiparticles meet particles, an explosion ensues that leads to the two types of matter cancelling each other out. Because we live in a universe made of matter, it is obvious that there is not that much antimatter around, otherwise there would be nothing left. Unlike dark matter, physicists can actually manufacture anti-matter in their laboratories.

Related: Image Gallery: Dark matter across the universe

Why do we think dark matter exists?

But if we cannot see dark matter, how do we know it exists? The answer is gravity, the force exerted by objects made of matter that is proportional to their mass. Since the 1920s, astronomers have hypothesized that the universe must contain more matter than we can see because the gravitational forces that seem to be at play in the universe simply appear stronger than the visible matter alone would account for.

"Motions of the stars tell you how much matter there is," Pieter van Dokkum, a researcher at Yale University, said in a statement (opens in new tab). "They don't care what form the matter is, they just tell you that it's there."

Astronomers examining spiral galaxies in the 1970s expected to see material in the center moving faster than at the outer edges. Instead, they found the stars in both locations traveled at the same velocity, indicating the galaxies contained more mass than could be seen.

Studies of gas within elliptical galaxies also indicated a need for more mass than found in visible objects. Clusters of galaxies would fly apart if the only mass they contained was the mass visible to conventional astronomical measurements.

Different galaxies seem to contain different amounts of dark matter. In 2016, a team led by Van Dokkum found a galaxy called Dragonfly 44 , which seems to be composed almost entirely of dark matter. On the other hand, since 2018 astronomers have found several galaxies that seem to lack dark matter altogether.

The force of gravity doesn't only affect the orbits of stars in galaxies but also the trajectory of light. Famous physicist Albert Einstein showed in the early 20th century that massive objects in the universe bend and distort light due to the force of their gravity. The phenomenon is called gravitational lensing . By studying how light is distorted by galaxy clusters, astronomers have been able to create a map of dark matter in the universe.

A vast majority of the astronomical community today accepts that dark matter exists.

"Several astronomical measurements have corroborated the existence of dark matter, leading to a world-wide effort to observe directly dark matter particle interactions with ordinary matter in extremely sensitive detectors, which would confirm its existence and shed light on its properties," the Gran Sasso National Laboratory in Italy (LNGS) said in a statement (opens in new tab). "However, these interactions are so feeble that they have escaped direct detection up to this point, forcing scientists to build detectors that are more and more sensitive."

Despite all the evidence pointing towards the existence of dark matter, there is also the possibility that no such thing exists after all and that the laws of gravity describing the motion of objects within the solar system require revision.

Dark matter appears to be spread across the cosmos in a network-like pattern, with galaxy clusters forming at the nodes where fibers intersect. By verifying that gravity acts the same both inside and outside our solar system, researchers provide additional evidence for the existence of dark matter and dark energy. (Image credit: WGBH)

Where does dark matter come from?

Dark matter appears to be spread across the cosmos in a net-like pattern, with galaxy clusters forming at the nodes where fibers intersect. By verifying that gravity acts the same both inside and outside our solar system, researchers provide additional evidence for the existence of dark matter. (Things are even more complicated as in addition to dark matter there also appears to be dark energy , an invisible force responsible for the expansion of the universe that acts against gravity.)

But where does dark matter come from? The obvious answer is that we don't know. But there are a few theories. A study published in December 2021 in The Astrophysical Journal argues that dark matter might be concentrated in black holes , the powerful gates to nothing that due to the extreme force of their gravity devour everything in their vicinity. As such, dark matter would have been created in the Big Bang together with all other constituting elements of the universe as we see it today.

Stellar remnants such as white dwarfs and neutron stars are also thought to contain high amounts of dark matter, and so are the so-called b r own dwarfs , failed stars that didn't accumulate enough material to kick-start nuclear fusion in their cores.

Dark matter in the center of a galaxy (Image credit: Mattia Di Mauro (ESO/Fermi-Lat))

How do scientists study dark matter?

Since we can't see dark matter, can we actually study it? There are two approaches to learning more about this mysterious stuff. Astronomers study the distribution of dark matter in the universe by looking at the clustering of material and the motion of objects in the universe. Particle physicists, on the other hand, are on a quest to detect the fundamental particles making up dark matter.

An experiment mounted on the International Space Station called the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (opens in new tab) (AMS) detects antimatter in cosmic rays. Since 2011, it has been hit by more than 100 billion cosmic rays, providing fascinating insights into the composition of particles traversing the universe.

"We have measured an excess of positrons [the antimatter counterpart to an electron], and this excess can come from dark matter," Samuel Ting, AMS lead scientist and a Nobel laureate with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, told Space.com. "But at this moment, we still need more data to make sure it is from dark matter and not from some strange astrophysics sources. That will require us to run a few more years."

Back on Earth, beneath a mountain in Italy, the LNGS's XENON1T (opens in new tab)is hunting for signs of interactions after WIMPs collide with xenon atoms.

"A new phase in the race to detect dark matter with ultra-low background massive detectors on Earth has just begun with XENON1T," project spokesperson Elena Aprile, a professor at Columbia University, said in a statement (opens in new tab). "We are proud to be at the forefront of the race with this amazing detector, the first of its kind."

The Large Underground Xenon dark-matter experiment (opens in new tab) (LUX), seated in a gold mine in South Dakota, has also been hunting for signs of WIMP and xenon interactions. But so far, the instrument hasn't revealed the mysterious matter.

"Though a positive signal would have been welcome, nature was not so kind!" Cham Ghag, a physicist at University College London and collaborator on LUX, said in a statement. "Nonetheless, a null result is significant as it changes the landscape of the field by constraining models for what dark matter could be beyond anything that existed previously."

The IceCube Neutrino Observatory, an experiment buried under the frozen surface of Antarctica, is hunting for the hypothetical sterile neutrinos. Sterile neutrinos only interact with regular matter through gravity, making it a strong candidate for dark matter.

Experiments aiming to detect elusive dark matter particles are also conducted in the powerful particle colliders at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (opens in new tab)(CERN) in Switzerland.

Several telescopes orbiting Earth are hunting for the effects of dark matter. The European Space Agency's Planck spacecraft , retired in 2013, spent four years in the Lagrangian Point 2 (a point in the orbit around the sun, where a spacecraft maintains a stable position with respect to Earth), mapping the distribution of the cosmic microwave background, a relic from the Big Bang, in the universe. Irregularities in the distribution of this microwave background revealed clues about the distribution of dark matter (opens in new tab).

In 2014, NASA's Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope made maps of the heart of our galaxy, the Milky Way , in gamma-ray light, revealing an excess of gamma-ray emissions extending from its core.

"The signal we found cannot be explained by currently proposed alternatives and is in close agreement with the predictions of very simple dark matter models," lead author Dan Hooper, an astrophysicist at Fermilab in Illinois, told Space.com.

The excess can be explained by annihilations of dark matter particles with a mass between 31 and 40 billion electron volts, researchers said. The result by itself isn't enough to be considered a smoking gun for dark matter. Additional data from other observing projects or direct-detection experiments would be required to validate the interpretation.

The James Webb Space Telescope , launched after 30 years of development on Dec. 25 2021, is also expected to contribute to the hunt for the elusive substance. With its infrared eyes able to see to the beginning of time, the telescope of the century won't be able to see dark matter directly, but through observing the evolution of galaxies since the earliest stages of the universe, it is expected to provide insights that have not been possible before.

Additional resources

You can read more about dark matter on the website of the U.S. Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab), which runs high-energy experiments in cutting edge particle colliders with the goal of discovering particles that would fill the gaps in our understanding of the universe. The European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN ), the largest particle physics laboratory in the world, is also on a quest to find missing dark matter particles. NASA discusses the difference between dark matter and dark energy in this article .

Bibliography

NASA, Dark Energy, Dark Matter

https://science.nasa.gov/astrophysics/focus-areas/what-is-dark-energy

Clegg, B. Dark Matter and Dark Energy: The Hidden 95% of the Universe, Icon Books, August, 2019

CERN, Dark Matter

https://home.cern/science/physics/dark-matter

This article was update on Jan 28, 2022 by Space.com Senior Writer Tereza Pultarova.
Eclipse sequence

Imelda Joson and Edwin Aguirre

If you're thinking of photographing the total solar eclipse on July 2, 2019 (opens in new tab), check out this guide from eclipse photography experts Imelda Joson and Edwin Aguirre. Here is a photo guide with some of Joson and Aguirre's work, and tips for getting the perfect shot.



This panel shows the various stages of the solar eclipse. The so-called diamond ring marks the beginning of totality (third from the left) and the end of totality (third from the right). Joson and Aguirre assembled this sequence from individual still frames they took of the March 29, 2006, total solar eclipse near El Salloum, Egypt.

Image scale for DSLR cameras

Imelda Joson and Edwin Aguirre

Joson and Aguirre created this photo illustration, which is adapted from the diagram by Fred Espenak, an astrophysicist emeritus at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center who specializes in eclipse predictions (earning him the nickname "Mr. Eclipse"). The diagram shows how the size of the sun's image varies in the frame of a digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera with a full-frame (35-mm format) sensor, depending on the focal length of the telephoto lens or telescope used. In DSLRs with smaller, APS-C sensors, the relative size of the solar image will appear about 1.6 times larger because of the cropping of the camera's field of view. As a result, you can use a lens of shorter focal length to produce the same image scale of the sun as in the full-frame version.

White-light photography setup

Imelda Joson and Edwin Aguirre

To image the sun in "white light" (plain visible light), Joson and Aguirre use a DSLR camera coupled with a 3-inch (7.6-centimeter) apochromatic refractor telescope (apochromatic telescopes use special glasses to eliminate color fringes in the image). The telescope is shown fitted with a safe solar filter, in this case, a metal-coated glass filter, on the front (objective) end. This setup is ideal for capturing the partial phases of the eclipse. A solar filter is necessary only when any portion of the sun's disk is visible. At the start of totality, sky watchers can remove their solar filters (and solar viewing glasses). But be sure to immediately replace the solar filter (and solar viewing glasses) once totality ends.



Related: How to View a Solar Eclipse Without Damaging Your Eyes

Helpful imaging accessories

Imelda Joson and Edwin Aguirre

The best way to attach your DSLR camera body securely to the telescope focuser is to use an appropriate T-ring for your camera brand (check with your local camera retailer) and a 1.25-inch (3.2 cm) nosepiece adapter. To minimize vibrations, use an electronic cable release to operate the shutter.

Point-and-shoot digital cameras

Imelda Joson and Edwin Aguirre

If you don't have a DSLR camera, don't worry  you can use your automatic point-and-shoot pocket camera to take decent pictures of the partial eclipse through a properly filtered telescope. With the solar filter mounted securely to the telescope, insert a wide-field eyepiece, and hold the camera lens close to it. Use the camera's built-in LCD screen to center the sun. Zoom in as needed. WARNING: Attempting to photograph the sun without a proper solar filter can cause eye damage, and can also ruin your telescope and/or camera.

Smartphone eclipse photography

Imelda Joson and Edwin Aguirre

You can also use your smartphone camera or other mobile devices to take decent shots of the partial eclipse through a solar-filtered telescope. That way, you can text, email or share those images with friends via social media. Joson and Aguirre captured this snapshot of the sun using a Samsung Droid Charge smartphone's 8-megapixel camera. They held the phone over the eyepiece and used the camera's autofocus and auto-exposure modes to take the shot. Note the tiny sunspots visible on the solar disk.

Smartphone telescope adapter

Imelda Joson and Edwin Aguirre

A better and steadier way to secure your smartphone to the telescope eyepiece is to use a commercial bracket to attach the phone to the eyepiece. Shown here is the Smart Phone Adapter from Meade Instruments, which can accommodate several models of the iPhone 6 and Samsung Galaxy, and retails for $19.99. Do-it-yourselfers can 3D-print their own homemade brackets.

Solar projection method

Imelda Joson and Edwin Aguirre

The simplest and safest way to observe the partial stages of the eclipse is with a pinhole camera. The tiny solar image projected by the pinhole onto a shaded white piece of cardboard will be safe to look at. You can also use your unfiltered telescope (or one side of your binoculars) to project a magnified image of the sun's disk onto the cardboard that you can safely view and photograph. Be sure to cover the telescope's finder scope and the unused half of the binoculars, and do not let anyone look through them. This scene was taken in the suburbs of Boston during the partial solar eclipse on Dec. 25, 2000.

A very long total solar eclipse

Imelda Joson and Edwin Aguirre

During totality, the sun's outer atmosphere, called the corona, blazes forth in all its glory. Joson and Aguirre captured this view of the corona on July 11, 1991, along the eclipse track's central line in Baja California Sur, Mexico. Their observing site was located in Cabo Pulmo, a small coastal community facing the Gulf of California and situated northeast of Cabo San Lucas. The duration of totality there was an incredible 6 minutes and 53 seconds, with the sun 83 degrees high in the sky. (The point directly overhead from the horizon, called the zenith, is 90 degrees.) That was the longest total solar eclipse that Imelda and Edwin will ever get to see in their lifetimes. They used a Meade 1,000-mm f/10 Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope and a Nikon F2A manual SLR camera for this 1-second exposure on 35-mm Kodachrome 200 slide film.

Blackout over the Caribbean Sea

Imelda Joson and Edwin Aguirre

Joson and Aguirre photographed the total solar eclipse of Feb. 26, 1998, in the Caribbean Sea, between Aruba and Curacao, from the deck of the MS Veendam, a Holland America Line cruise ship. They enjoyed being immersed in the moon's dark shadow for nearly 3 minutes and 43 seconds, with the sun about 61 degrees high in the sky. Imelda and Edwin used a Meade 1,000-mm f/10 Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope and a Nikon F2A manual SLR camera loaded with 35-mm Kodak Royal Gold 400 color print film.

Last total solar eclipse of the 20th century

Imelda Joson and Edwin Aguirre

From a crowded mountaintop in Harput, Turkey, Joson and Aguirre captured this view of the sun disappearing behind the moon on Aug. 11, 1999, using a Meade 1,000-mm f/10 Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope and a Nikon F2A manual SLR camera loaded with 35-mm Kodachrome 200 slide film.

Spectacular Baily's beads

Imelda Joson and Edwin Aguirre

As the sun's brilliant edge disappeared behind the moon's rugged limb, beads of sunlight shone briefly through deep lunar valleys during the 1999 eclipse in Turkey. The effect is known as "Baily's beads," after English astronomer Francis Baily, who explained the phenomenon in 1836. Note the neon-pink prominences around the moon's silhouette in this photo by Joson and Aguirre.

Chromosphere and inner corona

Imelda Joson and Edwin Aguirre

Totality lasted 2 minutes and 10 seconds in Harput, Turkey, in 1999, with the sun 53 degrees high in the sky. In this photo snapped by Joson and Aguirre, the pitch-black lunar disk is outlined by the soft bluish glow of the inner corona as well as the pink chromosphere layer and solar prominences (the large, bright features protruding from the sun's surface).

First total solar eclipse of the new millennium

Imelda Joson and Edwin Aguirre

A long total solar eclipse  the first of this millennium  crossed southern Africa on June 21, 2001. Joson and Aguirre photographed the event along the eclipse path's central line, at a private farm outside Lusaka, Zambia. The duration of totality at the site was about 3 minutes and 35 seconds, with the sun 31 degrees in the western sky. Imelda and Edwin used a Meade 1,000-mm f/10 Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope and a Nikon F2A manual SLR camera loaded with 35-mm Kodak Royal Gold 400 color print film for this portrait of the corona, which exhibited a circular outline that is typical of the sun's outer atmosphere during maximum activity in the sunspot cycle.

Diamond ring, 2006 in Egypt

Imelda Joson and Edwin Aguirre

For the March 29, 2006, total solar eclipse, Joson and Aguirre traveled to Egypt, near the border with Libya. They observed the event from the Libyan Plateau, which overlooks the Egyptian city of El Salloum and the Mediterranean Sea. This view shows the diamond ring at second contact, which marked the start of the nearly 4-minute-long totality. Imelda and Edwin's imaging setup consisted of a Canon EOS 20D DSLR camera attached to a Takahashi FS-78 f/8 apochromatic refractor, which was fitted with a Thousand Oaks Optical solar filter and mounted on a Meade LXD75 equatorial mount. The exposure time was 1/800 of a second at ISO 400.

Close-up of prominences, March 2006

Imelda Joson and Edwin Aguirre

Joson and Aguirre took this close-up view of the solar prominences protruding from behind the moon's disk during the March 2006 eclipse in Egypt. The exposure time was 1/800 of a second at ISO 400.

Single exposure of the corona, March 2006

Imelda Joson and Edwin Aguirre

Totality lasted 3 minutes and 57 seconds near El Salloum, Egypt, with the sun 62 degrees high in the sky. This is a single 1/60-second exposure of the corona at ISO 400 taken by Joson and Aguirre in March 2006.

Corona composite, March 2006

Imelda Joson and Edwin Aguirre

Joson and Aguirre used Adobe Photoshop to digitally combine three separate exposures of the March 2006 eclipse (1/800, 1/60 and 1/30 second at ISO 400) to bring out structural details in the corona. The corona's long equatorial streamers and fine polar brushes are typical of the sun at minimum activity in the 11-year sunspot cycle.

Second diamond ring, March 2006

Imelda Joson and Edwin Aguirre

The diamond ring at "third contact," or the moment when totality ends. Joson and Aguirre captured this view from Egypt in 2006. The exposure time was 1/800 of a second at ISO 400.

Eclipse crowd, March 2006

Imelda Joson and Edwin Aguirre

More than 1,000 eclipse enthusiasts from all over the world gathered near El Salloum, Egypt, to witness the March 29, 2006, total solar eclipse. Observers of the Aug. 21, 2017, total eclipse may experience similar overcrowding at popular tourist spots along the eclipse track, not to mention monstrous traffic jams on major highways and bridges on eclipse day.

Corona, July 2010

Imelda Joson and Edwin Aguirre

No two total eclipses look exactly alike; each one has its own "personality." During the July 11, 2010, eclipse, totality lasted 4 minutes and 35 seconds over Tatakoto atoll, a tiny coral island in the South Pacific that is part of French Polynesia's Tuamotu archipelago. At that time the sun was positioned 36 degrees above the islands lagoon. Joson and Aguirre overexposed the inner corona to help bring out the long, faint equatorial streamers and fine polar brushes, which are characteristic of the corona at minimum sunspot activity.

Diamond ring and prominences, July 2010

Imelda Joson and Edwin Aguirre

Joson and Aguirre captured this view of the diamond ring and prominences on July 11, 2010, from the Tatakoto atoll in French Polynesia's Tuamotu archipelago using a tripod-mounted Takahashi FC-60 apochromatic refractor and a Canon EOS 7D DSLR camera.

Diamond ring and prominences, July 2010

Imelda Joson and Edwin Aguirre

The sun reappears on the opposite side of the lunar disk, signaling the end of totality. Joson and Aguirre captured the moment in July 2010 using a Takahashi FC-60 apochromatic refractor and a Canon EOS 7D DSLR camera. You do not have to wait for a total solar eclipse to view solar prominences. You can enjoy watching and imaging them practically every clear day using a hydrogen-alpha telescope, such as Meade Instruments' PST and Coronado SolarMax II series.

Eclipse viewing, July 2010

Imelda Joson and Edwin Aguirre

Regardless of whether there is an eclipse or not, you should always use a proper solar filter when gazing at the sun. Regular sunglasses and photographic polarizing or neutral-density (ND) filters are not safe for visual use on the sun. Here, Joson and Aguirre watched the sun's growing crescent through solar viewers after successfully witnessing totality on Tatakoto atoll in the middle of the South Pacific in 2010.

Coronado-iOptron H-alpha setup

Imelda Joson and Edwin Aguirre

Joson and Aguirre's hydrogen-alpha imaging setup consists of a Coronado SolarMax II 60-mm double-stack telescope and a ZWO ASI174MM monochrome CMOS camera mounted on an iOptron AZ Mount Pro. A hydrogen-alpha solar telescope filters all but one specific wavelength of light emitted by the sun's hydrogen atoms, centered at 656 nanometers.

Hydrogen-alpha sun 1

Imelda Joson and Edwin Aguirre

Joson and Aguirre captured a wealth of details in the sun's chromosphere on July 30, 2016, using the Coronado SolarMax II 60-mm double-stack telescope and a ZWO ASI174MM monochrome CMOS camera mounted on an iOptron AZ Mount Pro. They used FireCapture software to capture the frames, AutoStakkert!2 to stack them, RegiStax for wavelet processing and Adobe Photoshop CS6 for sharpening and colorizing the final image. Note the long, snake-like, dark filament that extended thousands of miles across the sun.

Hydrogen-alpha sun 2

Imelda Joson and Edwin Aguirre

Joson and Aguirre obtained this hydrogen-alpha view of the sun on July 28, 2016, using the Coronado SolarMax II 60-mm double-stack telescope and a ZWO ASI174MM monochrome CMOS camera mounted on an iOptron AZ Mount Pro. In addition to the dark filaments, you can see small bright splotches on the sun, called plages, as well as wavy, hair-like structures called spicules.





Editor's Note: If you snap an amazing picture of the July 2, 2019 total solar eclipse and would like to share it with Space.com's readers, send your photos, comments, and your name and location to spacephotos@space.com.
A Chinese satellite has split pairs of "entangled photons" and transmitted them to separate ground stations 745 miles (1,200 kilometers) apart, smashing the previous distance record for such a feat and opening new possibilities in quantum communication.

In quantum physics, when particles interact with each other in certain ways they become "entangled." This essentially means they remain connected even when separated by large distances, so that an action performed on one affects the other.

In a new study published online today (June 15) in the journal Science, researchers report the successful distribution of entangled photon pairs to two locations on Earth separated by 747.5 miles (1,203 km). [The 18 Biggest Unsolved Mysteries in Physics]

Quantum entanglement has interesting applications for testing the fundamental laws of physics, but also for creating exceptionally secure communication systems, scientists have said. That's because quantum mechanics states that measuring a quantum system inevitably disturbs it, so any attempt to eavesdrop is impossible to hide.

But, it's hard to distribute entangled particles  normally photons  over large distances. When traveling through air or over fiber-optic cables, the environment interferes with the particles, so with greater distances, the signal decays and becomes too weak to be useful.

In 2003, Pan Jianwei, a professor of quantum physics at the University of Science and Technology of China, started work on a satellite-based system designed to beam entangled photon pairs down to ground stations. The idea was that because most of the particle's journey would be through the vacuum of space, this system would introduce considerably less environmental interference.

"Many people then thought it [was] a crazy idea, because it was very challenging already doing the sophisticated quantum-optics experiments inside a well-shielded optical table," Pan told Live Science. "So how can you do similar experiments at thousand-kilometers distance scale and with the optical elements vibrating and moving at a speed of 8 kilometers per second [5 miles per second]?"

In the new study, researchers used China's Micius satellite, which was launched last year, to transmit the entangled photon pairs. The satellite features an ultrabright entangled photon source and a high-precision acquiring, pointing and tracking (APT) system that uses beacon lasers on the satellite and at three ground stations to line up the transmitter and receivers.

Once the photons reached the ground stations, the scientists carried out tests and confirmed that the particles were still entangled despite having traveled between 994 miles and 1,490 miles (1,600 and 2,400 km), depending on what stage of its orbit the satellite was positioned at.

Only the lowest 6 miles (10 km) of Earth's atmosphere are thick enough to cause significant interference with the photons, the scientists said. This means the overall efficiency of their link was vastly higher than previous methods for distributing entangled photons via fiber-optic cables, according to the scientists. [Twisted Physics: 7 Mind-Blowing Findings]

"We have already achieved a two-photon entanglement distribution efficiency a trillion times more efficient than using the best telecommunication fibers," Pan said. "We have done something that was absolutely impossible without the satellite."

Apart from carrying out experiments, one of the potential uses for this kind of system is for "quantum key distribution," in which quantum communication systems are used to share an encryption key between two parties that is impossible to intercept without alerting the users. When combined with the correct encryption algorithm, this system is uncrackable even if encrypted messages are sent over normal communication channels, experts have said.

Artur Ekert, a professor of quantum physics at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom, was the first to describe how entangled photons could be used to transmit an encryption key.

"The Chinese experiment is quite a remarkable technological achievement," Ekert told Live Science. "When I proposed the entangled-based quantum key distribution back in 1991 when I was a student in Oxford, I did not expect it to be elevated to such heights!"

The current satellite is not quite ready for use in practical quantum communication systems, though, according to Pan. For one, its relatively low orbit means each ground station has coverage for only about 5 minutes each day, and the wavelength of photons used means it can only operate at night, he said.

Boosting coverage times and areas will mean launching new satellites with higher orbits, Pan said, but this will require bigger telescopes, more precise tracking and higher link efficiency. Daytime operation will require the use of photons in the telecommunications wavelengths, he added.

But while developing future quantum communication networks will require considerable work, Thomas Jennewein, an associate professor at the University of Waterloo's Institute for Quantum Computing in Canada, said Pan's group has demonstrated one of the key building blocks.

"I have worked in this line of research since 2000 and researched on similar implementations of quantum- entanglement experiments from space, and I can therefore very much attest to the boldness, dedication and skills that this Chinese group has shown," he told Live Science.

Original article on Live Science.
A cone-shaped plume of fire and smoke erupted from the floor of the Utah desert today (June 15), during a static test fire of a rocket motor for NASA's next-generation Orion human spacecraft.

The motor will be part of the Orion abort launch system, which would jettison the crew capsule to safety if something went wrong with the primary rocket during launch. The motor rested in a specially designed test stand so that the columns of flame from the engines' four nozzles shot skyward, reaching an expected height of 100 feet (30 meters).

The test took place on schedule at 1 p.m. MDT (3 p.m. EDT/1900 GMT), at Orbital ATK's facility in Corinne, Utah, about 80 miles (128 kilometers) north and slightly west of Salt Lake City. Orbital ATK is also designing and building the twin, five-segment solid rocket boosters NASA's next-generation heavy-lift rocket, the Space Launch System (SLS). [The Orion Space Capsule: NASA's Next Spaceship (Photos)]

A static fire test of the abort motor for NASA's Orion human space capsule, conducted by Orbital ATK on June 15, 2017. (Image credit: Orbital ATK)

"It was a great test," Steve Sara, Orbital ATK's launch abort motor program director, told Space.com. "It was fun to watch, it was a good day to see it, and it was a lot of work that came together for a successful test."

The abort motor engine for the abort flight system on NASA's Orion human space capsule, undergoing on a static fire test at the Orbital ATK facility in Corinne, Utah. (Image credit: Orbital ATK)

The static fire only lasted 5 seconds, or about as long as the engine will need to fire in the event of an emergency during launch. In case of an emergency  such as the SLS rocket exploding  the abort system would propel the Orion craft away from the rocket.

"We at Orbital ATK are very proud to work with NASA and Lockheed Martin on the Orion Launch Abort System, and to provide a motor that is so integral to astronaut safety," Charlie Precourt, vice president and general manager of Orbital ATKs Propulsion Systems Division and former NASA astronaut, said in a statement from the company. "The importance of our crews safety and well-being cant be stressed enough."

A wide view of the static engine test location, seen from the viewing area on the Orbital ATK campus in Corinne, Utah. (Image credit: Orbital ATK)

The launch abort motor is more than 17 feet tall, 3 feet in diameter and can deliver 400,000 pounds of thrust in 0.125 seconds, according to the company. By itself, the abort system can eject the crew capsule to an altitude of up to 300,000 feet (91,400 m). The abort system contains two additional motors: the attitude-control motor (also being built by Orbital ATK) and the jettison motor.

Today's test included an increased number of acoustic sensors compared to previous tests. The acoustic vibrations created by the engine create a hostile environment for the other systems on Orion. "I think anyone who has been to a rock concert knows about harsh acoustic environments," said Sara, who spoke with reporters ahead of the test. The data collected during today's test will help other Orion engineers adapt their systems appropriately.

Sara told Space.com the team will analyze data collected during the test and dissect the engine "to be sure that they performed as we thought they would."

The launch abort motor ahead of the static fire test. The motor is over 17 feet long, three feet wide, and has four nozzles that expel the ignited propellant. (Image credit: Orbital ATK)

This is the first of a series of three planned static test fires of the abort motor; the next test will take place in late 2018, according to the company. Those will be followed by a test of the abort system during flight conditions, called the Ascent Abort-2 Flight Test (AA-2). This test will involve a mock Orion vehicle and a specially built Orbital ATK rocket (rather than an actual SLS rocket), Sara told reporters. That test is scheduled to take place at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida, in 2019.

The Orion human spaceflight system underwent its maiden test flight in December 2014, although it was not, at the time, qualified to fly humans. NASA has announced that it will send Orion on another uncrewed mission around the moon in 2019. That flight will also be the first test launch of the SLS.

Editor's Note: This article previously stated that Orbital ATK is building the engine for the SLS, which is incorrect; the company is building the rocket's twin five-segment solid rocket boosters.

Follow Calla Cofield @callacofield. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook and Google+. Original article on Space.com.
Paul Maley and Ted Blank, members of the International Occultation Timing Association, observed the occultation of Kuiper Belt object 2014 MU69 on the morning of June 3, 2017, from the Karoo desert near Vosburg, South Africa. Their target field was in the constellation of Sagittarius.

The team behind the New Horizons space probe's historic close flyby of Pluto recently pulled off a challenging observation of the spacecraft's next target.

On the night of June 2, the mission scientists pointed dozens of ground-based telescopes toward an object called 2014 MU69, which lies about 1 billion miles (1.6 billion kilometers) beyond Pluto. The team was watching carefully as the object crossed in front of a distant star (an event known as an occultation), illuminating the region immediately around MU69 for just 2 seconds.

The New Horizons spacecraft is scheduled to fly by 2014 MU69 on Jan. 1, 2019, and taking observations during the occultation allowed the scientists to scan the area for hazards that could damage the spacecraft, according to a statement from NASA. The data could also give the scientists information about the object's size, reflectivity and other characteristics, NASA officials said. [Destination Pluto: NASA's New Horizons Mission in Pictures]

The feat was "the most technically challenging and complex stellar occultation observation campaign ever attempted," according to the NASA statement. The event was visible from a limited region on Earth that included Argentina, South Africa and a large swath of open ocean.

In Argentina, New Horizons scientist Alex Parker sets up a telescope to begin collecting data on the stellar occultation of 2014 MU69 on the night of June 2, 2017. (Image credit: Kai Getrost)

The New Horizons team was able to obtain observation time on more than two dozen fixed-based telescopes inside the occultation visibility path, but bad weather could have easily obscured the view from any of those locations. So the team also brought another 25 portable telescopes into the viewing area, according to an earlier statement. The telescopes were separated by anywhere from 6 to 18 miles (10 to 29 km) to increase the odds that at least a few of them would capture quality data. But in the end, all 54 telescope teams reported collecting data, according to NASA.

"A tremendous amount had to go right to correctly execute such a massive observation campaign, but it did," said New Horizons principal investigator Alan Stern, of the Southwest Research Institute in Boulder, Colorado. "The main goal of these observations was to search for hazards; the secondary objective was to try to glimpse the occultation of MU69 itself, in order to learn its precise size. Scouring all the dozens of datasets for these two objectives is going to take us a few weeks."

Four members of the South African observation team scan the sky while waiting for the start of the 2014 MU69 occultation, early on the morning of June 3, 2017. They used portable telescopes to observe the event, as MU69, a small Kuiper Belt object and the next flyby target of NASAs New Horizons spacecraft, passed in front of a distant star. (Image credit: Henry Throop/NASA/JHUAPL/SwRI)

Scientists discovered MU69 in 2014, but much about it remains unknown, including its specific orbit, according to the statement. The researchers are using data from the Hubble Space Telescope and the European Space Agency's Gaia mission to try to pin down the path of this space rock, and with data from those two missions, the scientists were able to predict when and where the June 2 occultation would be visible.

MU69 will eclipse a background star twice more this summer, on July 10 and July 17. These occulations will provide two more chances for the New Horizons team to observe MU69 eclipse a background star this summer.

A map of the projected path of the 2014 MU69 occultation shadow, on July 10 (left) and July 17, 2017 (Image credit: Larry Wasserman/Lowell Observatory)

For the July 10 occultation, the team will utilize the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA), a joint project between NASA and the German Aerospace Center that consists of observation equipment mounted on a high-altitude airplane. SOFIA can observe occultation events while flying over the open ocean and goes above clouds that would obscure the view from the ground. SOFIA has also been used to observe Pluto's occultations of background stars.

For the July 17 occultation, the New Horizons team will once again rely on mobile, ground-based telescopes positioned in the Patagonia region of Argentina. On that day, MU69 will eclipse a particularly bright star, which should allow the researchers to see even more potential debris in the area around the object.

The New Horizons probe zoomed past Pluto in July 2015, and in July 2016, it was approved for a second mission to fly by 2014 MU69.

Follow Calla Cofield @callacofield. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook and Google+. Original article on Space.com.
While it plans to someday host a moon colony and space station, the proposed space-based nation Asgardia is starting small: The project will launch its first satellite this fall to store data for the nation's newly selected citizens. Some 200,000 were chosen from the more than 500,000 applicants.

During a press conference in Hong Kong on June 13, Asgardia's founder, Igor Ashurbeyli, revealed concrete details about the satellite: Asgardia-1 will be deployed from Orbital ATK's Cygnus OA-8 resupply spacecraft launching in September. The satellite is 10 x 20 x 20 centimeters (3.9 x 7.9 x 7.9 inches) and has eight batteries and four deployable solar arrays. It will orbit at up to 500 kilometers (310 miles) above Earth. Texas-based space-services firm NanoRacks acts as the satellite's prime contractor and operator.

Someday, Ashurbeyli said, he hopes to create a planetary-defense constellation that will help protect against asteroids, solar flares and human-made space debris; this satellite is just the first step. [Gallery: Private Space Stations of the Future Imagined]

The interior of a space colony as visualized for the space-based nation Asgardia. (Image credit: James Vaughan/Asgardia)

During the conference, Ashurbeyli also described plans for a space station and moon colony. "We plan to have this station in space and on the moon," he said. "It will be a four-level orbital station. I think the technical details will be defined by the Ministry of Science, which I hope we will have in the autumn of this year."

Ashurbeyli didn't provide additional details, but Asgardia has released imagery of the potential off-Earth locations. One image shows a rotating-wheel space station alongside an interplanetary rocket, and another shows, presumably, the interior of that space station with a wall of windows, a canal and greenery. The rocket has a habitation module and a lunar lander that looks like a cross between the NASA Orion spacecraft and the 1960s Apollo program lunar lander.

The approved applicants for Asgardian citizenship will be invited to vote on a constitution for the space-based nation on June 18. At that time, Ashurbeyli said, the organs of the proposed state  the ministries, parliament and executive branch  should be created. Ashurbeyli is calling June 18 Asgardian National Unity Day, and the date will be a public holiday if the state is realized.

More than 500,000 people applied for Asgardian citizenship online within 20 days when the project was announced in October last year. The organizers removed ineligible people, such as children, and were left with almost 200,000 people from about 200 countries. (Now, the website lists more than 210,000.) The approved applicants have each received personal certificates of Asgardia and can vote to approve the lawyer-designed constitution on June 18. The constitution was published on June 13. [Incredible Technology: How to Build a Space Station Colony]

Of the citizenship applicants, 80 percent are men, and the largest demographic comprises 18- to 35-year-olds. While there are applicants from almost every country on Earth, China has the most applicants, followed by Turkey, then the United States and then Italy. People can register as prospective Asgardians on the website.

Asgardia is being funded by Ashurbeyli's nonprofit Aerospace International Research Center (AIRC), based in Vienna. He said he expects that once Asgardia's constitution is approved, the state will be built by its citizen volunteers and Asgardia will become self-funding. Ashurbeyli said he expects to file for United Nations recognition by April 2018, if Asgardia's parliament and government have been set up and the satellite launched before then, he said during the conference.

Asgardia's first satellite, Asgardia-1, will launch in September from Orbital ATK's Cygnus spacecraft, which will be bringing supplies to the International Space Station. (Image credit: Asgardia)

In the meantime, AIRC owns Asgardian intellectual property. The company will collect, analyze and fund ideas and startups in space technology for the benefit of Asgardia. Ashurbeyli is also offering 300KB of free data storage on board Asgardia-1 for Asgardian citizens. Family members, up to a maximum of 400,000 people, will get 200KB. Another 1 million people will get 100KB.

"Sixty years after the launch of the first-ever artificial satellite, Sputnik, our own space satellite, Asgardia-1, will mark the beginning of a new space era, taking our citizens into space in virtual form, at first," Ashurbeyli said.

Ram Jakhu, the director of McGill University's Institute of Air and Space Law in Montreal, is the Asgardia project team legal expert. During the conference, he told the press that the Asgardian data stored on Asgardia-1 would be subject to U.S. privacy laws. The Asgardians' data will also be stored on future Asgardian satellites.

Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook and Google+. Original article on Space.com.
The RD-180 engine in the first stage of the Atlas 5. An amendment to a Senate sanctions bill will allow continued imports of Russian engines for civil and commercial launches.

Updated 4:30 p.m. Eastern.

WASHINGTON  Senators overwhelmingly passed an amendment to an Iran-Russia sanctions bill June 15 to fix language some argued could have prevented NASA and others from launching missions on rockets that use Russian engines.

In discussion on the Senate floor June 15, several senators said a provision of S. 722, a bill that imposes sanctions on both Iran and Russia for their destabilizing actions in the Middle East and elsewhere, would have prevented the importation of Russian rocket engines for use on civil and commercial launches.

That provision requires the president to impose sanctions on organizations that work with the defense and intelligence sectors of the Russian government. Those sanctions include a ban on procuring goods and services from those organizations.

The senators, as well as industry sources, said that language would have the effect of banning imports of engines from NPO Energomash, a Russian company that supplies the RD-180 engine used on United Launch Alliance's Atlas 5 and the RD-181 engine used on Orbital ATK's Antares. Energomash also provides engines for Russian vehicles, including those used for military launches.

The original bill included an exception that would have allowed continued import of Russian engines for U.S. national security launches under terms of previous defense authorization bills. However, senators argued that the bill would have blocked import of those engines for civil and commercial launches, with consequences for NASA and others.

"Without passage of Amendment #250, we lose a tremendous portion of our access to space," said Sen. Cory Gardner (R-Colo.) during debate on the Senate floor. Gardner was referring to an amendment he introduced that established an exemption to the sanctions for Russian engines and other hardware used for civil or commercial launches.

"Without this bipartisan amendment, multiple missions on the books today, multiple missions that are already planned today, will be delayed or even cancelled, and would be subjecting the U.S. taxpayers to significant cost increases," he said. He cited a number of examples, from launches of weather satellites to commercial cargo and crew missions to the International Space Station.

Among the amendment's cosponsors was Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) "It corrects what was not intended, but unless corrected, would be disastrous, not only for NASA, but for all of our burgeoning commercial space industry," he said.

Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) said he supported ongoing efforts to end reliance on Russian engines, but argued against the hard cutoff that the bill would effectively create. "I think it's important, over a very short time, that we get off of purchasing Russian rockets," he said. "But we need that transition period."

Gardner said NASA had discussed the bill's consequences with his office and supported his amendment. "NASA contacted my office yesterday and said of Amendment #250, 'We believe this provides us the flexibility to maintain our commitments to our national space program,'" he said.

NASA spokesman Bob Jacobs said the agency could not discuss the details of its discussions with Gardner or other senators, but was grateful for their efforts to pass the amendment. "We appreciate the strong, bipartisan support we received as part of the amendment that ensures the continued safe and peaceful exploration of space for current and future missions," he said.

Gardner and other senators argued that they were correcting an unintended consequence of the bill, with Nelson calling the amendment "technical" in nature. However, Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), a strong critic in recent years regarding reliance on Russian engines, spoke out against the amendment.

"Have no doubt about what this amendment is, my dear colleagues and friends: it is a giveaway to the Russian military industrial complex," he said, claiming it was backed by a "collection of lawmakers, executives and lobbyists" who support extending purchases of Russian engines.

McCain argued that NASA should follow in the footsteps of the U.S. Air Force, which is funding development of new rocket engines to end national security dependence on the RD-180. "NASA needs to the same," he said, a sentence he repeated twice for emphasis.

He admitted, though, that the amendment was likely to pass, and he was correct: senators voted 946 to approve the amendment, before passing the entire bill 982. The bill now goes to the House.

One of the companies affected by the amendment, Orbital ATK, welcomed its passage. "Orbital ATK is pleased with the continued bipartisan support for our nation's space programs and happy to continue to support our NASA customer," company spokesperson Sean Wilson said.

This story was provided by SpaceNews, dedicated to covering all aspects of the space industry.
A robotic Russian cargo ship arrived at the International Space Station Friday (June 16), delivering tons of fresh food and other supplies for the orbiting lab's crew.

The Progress 67 spacecraft linked up with the space station in a smooth docking at 7:37 a.m. EDT (1137 GMT) as both vehicles sailed 258 miles (415 kilometers) over the Philippine Sea.

"Progress completes as smooth a journey as you can imagine," NASA spokesman Rob Navias said during live commentary. [The Space Station's Robotic Cargo Ship Fleet (Photo Guide)]

The Russian-built Progress 67 (far left) is seen by an HD camera on the International Space Station just before docking to deliver 3 tons of supplies for the outpost's crew on June 16, 2017. (Image credit: NASA TV)

The Progress spacecraft is carrying more than 3 tons (2.7 metric tons) of fresh food, fuel and other vital supplies for the space station's Expedition 52 crew. The craft parked itself at the aft end of the station's Russian-built Zvezda service module.

"The cargo vehicle is now in a gentle, but very firm embrace thanks to the station," cosmonaut Fyodor Yurchikhin of Russia, who commands the station's Expedition 52 crew, radioed in Russian to flight controllers at Roscosmos, the Russian space agency.

Progress 67 is the third robotic cargo ship to either arrive at or depart from the space station in recent weeks. On Sunday (June 11), an Orbital ATK Cygnus cargo ship re-entered Earth's atmosphere and burned up as planned to end its resupply mission. A SpaceX Dragon cargo ship arrived at the space station on June 5 and is expected to parachute back to Earth on July 2.

Progress 67 launched to the station Wednesday (June 16) from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, sparking a deadly fire that killed one worker and injured another at the Baikonur Cosmodrome. A fragment of the Soyuz rocket that launched the cargo ship ignited grass on the Kazakh steppes, starting the blaze, according to a BBC News report.

Email Tariq Malik at tmalik@space.com or follow him @tariqjmalik and Google+.Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook and Google+. Original article on Space.com.
Statement by Ahmed Boukhari, Representative of the Frente POLISARIO to the UN Special Committee on Decolonisation-C24 13 June 2017 United Nations

Mr President,

On behalf of the Sahrawi people, I would like to thank you for the opportunity to address this important Committee where our country is still on its agenda as the last African colony.

Morocco has been occupying our country since 1975 in flagrant violation of the resolutions of the African Union, the General Assembly, the Security Council, the opinion of the International Court of Justice of 16 October 1975 and the recommendations of the Special Committee contained in the report of the mission that it had sent to Western Sahara in May 1975.

The crimes that it has committed and continues to commit against our people are unspeakable and history will judge them fully someday and reveal their tragic dimensions.

From day one,Morocco resorted to the use of prohibited weapons such as NAPALM with which it bombed the locality of Um Dreiga in February 1976, the Sahrawi Guernica. Dozens of our fellow citizens were executed in the desert and buried in mass graves, some of which were discovered in 2013 and exhumed in the presence of the UN.

Six hundred civilians and 151 soldiers captured on the battlefield are still unaccounted for. Some were thrown from helicopters. Dozens of our fellow citizens, women and men, are still victims of violence, rape, torture, harassment, in several cases leading to death in prisons or during the repression of demonstrations. More than sixty political prisoners have been held in Moroccan prisons for years, including Gdeim Iziks group, whose members were sentenced to life imprisonment by the military court of a politically motivated occupying country.

The specific report of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights of September 2006 states that human rights violations by Morocco are due for the most part to the fact that the Sahrawi people have not exercised their right to self-determination.

To cite the most recent testimony, the Human Rights Committee, in its conclusions adopted on 2 November 2016 (CCPR/C/MAR/CO/6 referred to in the recent report of SG S/2017/307 of 10 April, (I quote):

itsconcern about continued reports of torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment perpetrated by the Moroccan State inWestern Sahara (unquote). The UN Special Rapporteur on Torture, Juan Mendez, who visited Western Sahara in 2013, reached the same conclusion.

Many observers and journalists who tried to come to the occupied territorywere expelled. In paragraph 72 of the report, the UN Secretary-General says that, (I quote): The Government of Morocco confirmed to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights that some 187 foreigners were forcibly expelled from Western Sahara under the argument of (I quote) undermining national security(unquote). No witnesses are allowedto see what is happening in this open prison.

Morocco admits only part of the truth when it confirms, according to paragraph 73 of the report, that 776 demonstrations of protest against the occupation took place last year in Western Sahara, of which 66 according to Morocco were suppressed by force. In paragraph 75, the report says, (I quote) Sahrawis continue to be discriminated against in their economic, social and cultural rights and that little has been done for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara who are not consulted on the exploitation of their natural resources (unquote).

Mr President,

The Sahrawi people are victims of a colonialist attack that has lasted 42 years. We have faced armed aggression on the battlefield where thousands of Sahrawi martyrs have fallen in defence of the right to live in our free and sovereign country. In 1979, Mauritania signed a peace accordand ended its occupation of the south of our country. Sixteen years later, when the United Nations and the African Union asked us in 1991 to have trust in the peaceful way, the referendum on self-determination, we responded positively to the call. Having declared the independence of our country on 27 February 1976 and having been a Member of the Organisation of African Unity since 1984, accepting the referendum was a tangible proof of cooperation.

Where is the referendum today? Who obstructs it? We have been waiting for 25 years.

The facts show that Morocco accepted the solution of the referendum with the option of independence and manoeuvred to involve the UN and the Organisation of African Unity in a shampoll, by granting the right to vote to thousands of Moroccan settlers who were transferred to our country during and after the military invasion. The UN and the OAU did not want to legitimise the fraud. That is why Morocco ended its participation in the process in April 2004, but we still hear it saying that the self-determination referendum was abandoned by the UN because it considered it unrealisable. This attribution to the UN is simply false. Each year, the Security Council extends the mandate of the UN Mission for the referendum in Western Sahara. Since 2015, the African Union has been calling on the UN to establish a date for the self-determination referendum. The UN has a list of voters and a detailed plan contained in the Houston Agreements that the two parties had negotiated and signed in 1997. The UN can hold the referendum within three to four months. The only thing needed is political will.

The failure of the Security Council to respond to the Moroccan obstruction of the referendum has undermined the credibility of the UN and has led Morocco to believe that it has been granted a right to impunity. In fact, the UN Mission is today a prisoner of the occupying power that forces it to look the other way, not even to inform New York of facts of extreme gravity that took place. Its cars still have Moroccan registration numbers.It is the only peacekeeping operation created since 1978 that has no prerogatives to protect human rights. It cannot interact with the population or the human rights defenders. On 16 March of last year, its political and civilian components, 87 officials, were expelled by Morocco within a 48-hour threatening deadline. In his briefing to the Security Council meeting on 17 March, Mr Feltman, UN Deputy Secretary-General for Political Affairs said, We see this action [expulsion] as contrary to the international obligations of Morocco under the Charter and the Agreement on the Status of the Mission with regard to MINURSO.

Morocco has refused since 2012 to continue direct negotiations with the Frente POLISARIO in contravention of Security Council resolutions. A year later, in 2013, it declared as persona non grata the former Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General, Ambassador Christopher Ross. In January of this year, it demanded his resignation, which it obtained. In March 2016, it prevented SG Ban Ki-Moon from visiting the occupied territory where MINURSO is based;it publicly denigrated him and then expelled the civil and political component of MINURSO.

In August last year, Morocco took us to the brink of a military confrontation when it decided, in violation of the terms of the ceasefire, to build a roadfor commercial traffic to Africa in the ElGargarat area, which is a zone restricted by the military agreements with the UN.

The situation created in the area led the Security Council to ask the UN SG in the latest resolution 2351 (2017) to examine and seek solutions to the problem created by Morocco in ElGargarat.

In this resolution, the Security Council called for the direct negotiations between us and Morocco to be held without delay and wanted the Secretary-General to submit to it a clear roadmap within six months. Morocco has done its utmost to delay the designation of the new Personal Envoy of the SG and thereby the negotiations.



In the meantime, the African Union of which our country is a MemberState admitted Morocco last January after signing and ratifying the Organizations Constitutive Act. Article 4 of the Act stipulates that the borders of the Member States of the Union are those existing on achievement of independence. Morocco obtained its independence in 1956. This means that it must withdraw from the territories of another State of the Union, which it has illegally occupied since 1975. This would enable the resolution of the conflict. Facts and Moroccan official statements in recent months show however that Morocco will not respect what it has signed and ratified. We have within the African Union a Trojan horse that stands once again to threaten continental unity and security. At the same time, Morocco does not miss any opportunity to denigrate the African Union in order to prevent the natural and institutional cooperation between the Union and the United Nations to achieve a just solution to a conflict that is on the agenda of the two organisations.

Mr President,

The Sahrawi people have full confidence in the work of the Committee.

The General Assembly each year adopts a resolution calling on the Committee to follow closely the question of Western Sahara. This requires that it is only logical to go to the field. The last mission was sent on 12 May 1975, 42 years and a month ago. I reiterate our invitation and our full cooperation with that mission.

In addition, Mr President, we believe that it would be useful for the Committee to decide on a date for the special meeting on Western Sahara that has already been agreed. This will serve to bring the subject to the daylight and torelease it eventually from the invisible chains of silence.

Furthermore, I would like to convey to the Committee our desire that it takes a decision on the plundering of the natural resources of our countrysuch as phosphate and the fishing ground. The plunder annually gives Morocco around $ 5 billion, which serves to strengthen the occupation and, hence, to take us farther away from peace. We have filed lawsuits against some foreign companies involved in the plundering, and hopefully the European Union will be able to respect international law and the ruling of its Supreme Court of December last year in which it made it clear that Western Sahara is not part of Morocco. According to the Court, it is (I quote), a distinct and separate Territory(unquote). This means that the natural resources of our country should not be involved in any commercial transaction with the occupying power.

Mr President,







The Committee has on its agenda a highly sensitive conflict that saw 16 years of bloody war, which has brought insecurity and instability to the whole region. Solving it is fundamental because the risk of regression is real. There is a people that continue to see that their country is under illegal occupation in the XXI century, while being forced to live under repression in the occupied territory, or in exile or on the brink of the resumption of war. The international community should not accept failure. It has the means that it should use to put an end to this injustice.

Morocco must come to the next negotiations, which the Security Council has called upon us to do, in a spirit of honest cooperation free from hidden agendas and delaying tactics, so that a just and lasting solution can be achieved by the UN and the AU to a question of decolonisation that will undoubtedly serve to restore stability and security in our region.

The Committee, in keeping with its decolonising mandate, will contribute to making this just solution possible.

Thank you very much! (SPS)

062/090




O n June 16, 2016, Jo Cox MP was shot and stabbed by a far-Right extremist. But as her husband Brendan Cox so aptly puts it, it was a self-defeating act of terrorism. It was designed to silence her voice but has instead made sure that millions of others hear it, he says. It was supposed to unleash hatred but has instead created an outpouring of love.

Today marks a year since Jos death. This weekend people will gather to celebrate her memory. More than 118,000 events are set to take place in what is expected to be the biggest expression of national unity since the Diamond Jubilee. We hope these events give us all a moment  as Jo talked about in her maiden speech  to focus on the things we have in common, says Cox. I also hope they are fun, full of energy and laughter. Thats what Jo would have wanted. Heres how you can get involved:

Brixton Street Party

Corrance Road will be filled with music and dancing, food, games and homemade jerk chicken galore.

Info: Tomorrow, 12-6pm, Corrance Road, SW2

Dance4Jo at Tower Bridge Moorings

A troop of dancers will perform a routine on the opposite bank from where Jo and Brendan Cox lived in their houseboat.

Info: 4, Tomorrow, 3.30pm, 31 Mill Street, SE1

The Great Big Picnic

Rounders, rugby and hula-hooping. For those feeling less competitive, there will also be Pimms.

Info: Tomorrow, 11am-7pm, Clapham Common, SW4

London Bankside Great Get Together

Close to the scene of the London Bridge attack this party will have live music and even a bark off.

Info: Sunday, 12-9pm, SE1

Jo Cox remembered around the world 1 /10 Jo Cox remembered around the world Trafalgar Square Thousands of Londoners packed in to Trafalgar Square to remember Jo Cox Paris President of the French National Assembly Claude Bartolone delivered a speech in tribute of the late MP New York a minutes silence was observed near the United Nations building Glastonbury festival goers also held a minutes silence at the Park Stage in Worthy Farm. Edinburgh Friends and former colleagues held an event at Portobello Beach Dublin Crowds gather by Haipenny Bridge in Dublin to remember murdered MP Jo Cox Brussels Mourners in the Belgian capital laid white roses at the Bourse Batley Crowds gathered in Batley, West Yorkshire where Jo Cox was MP

Coffee morning at JW3

Tulip Siddiq MP will share her memories of her friend Jo. Donations of non-perishable food will be given to Camden Foodbank.

Info: Sunday, 10-11am, 341-351 Finchley Road, NW3

Gallery Trail at the V&A

Discover objects at the V&A which celebrate Jos belief that we are far more united and have far more in common than that which divides us.

Info: Sunday, 11am-5pm, Victoria & Albert Museum, Cromwell Road, SW7

Bake Off at Red Cross Garden

Bring along your masterpiece to win a prize donated by Borough Market.

Info: Sunday, 11.30am-4pm, 50 Redcross Way, SE1

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

Organised by the Olympic Park legacy team and City Hall, Mayor Sadiq Khan is expected to attend.

Info: Sunday, 12-6pm, E20

The Last Leg special

The Last Leg is doing a special episode starring Tony Blair.

Info: 9pm, tonight, Channel4

Sign the guestbook

Tell us what you believe unites us as a country online. Ed Sheeran thinks its fish and chips and Stephen Fry thinks its our optimism.

Info: greatgettogether.orgguest-book

To find out about events in your area, visit nvite.com/community/thegreatgettogether

greatgettogether.org
C oldcut

Sept 21, Village Underground, EC2 (020 7422 7505, villageunderground.co.uk)

The electronica pioneers mark their 30th anniversary with a special show that will see them using clever technology to synchronise their visuals to their music live.

Lorde

Sept 27, Alexandra Palace, N22 (0870 444 5556, alexandrapalace.com)

With a huge buzz around her second album, out today, the Kiwi pop wonder has made tickets available for the opportunity to hear the new songs in a major London space.

Sundara Karma

Oct 5, O2 Academy Brixton, SW9 (0844 477 2000, o2academybrixton.co.uk)

This anthemic indie quartet from Reading sent their debut album into the top 30 at the start of the year and are now big enough to play at this large venue.

Ride

Nov 7, O2 Forum Kentish Town, NW5 (0844 847 2405, o2forumkentishtown.co.uk)

While Liam Gallagher stokes interest in his solo work, Oasis bassist Andy Bell is back in his old band, who this week released their first album since 1996.

Harry Styles

April 11-12, O2 Arena, SE10 (0844 824 4824, the02.co.uk)

Theres been plenty of enthusiasm for the solo classic rock stylings of One Directions most recognisable star, so hes announced a couple of arena dates to follow his autumn theatre shows.
A n extraordinary 2.2 million has been raised in two days by the Evening Standards appeal for the Grenfell Tower victims.

The enormous generosity of Londoners has seen thousands of people donating to our Dispossessed Fund, with money continuing to pour in.

The first payments are being made over the next 48 hours to community groups providing frontline help.

Cash awards will follow to residents who were uninsured to help them replace their possessions. The fund will also cover the cost of funerals for the deceased, if required.

TO DONATE TO THE FUND CLICK HERE

Further help came as the British Red Cross today launched a UK-wide appeal, after a request from Kensington and Chelsea council, for the dozens of casualties and hundreds of residents left bereaved, traumatised and homeless by the fire, which broke out in the early hours of Wednesday.

How your money will help Money donated to the Dispossessed Fund is being allocated to voluntary organisations, churches and community centres providing frontline help in west London. This is the quickest way to deliver immediate help to as many people as possible in the first instance. Beneficiaries include the ClementJames Centre and the Rugby Portobello Trust, each receiving 5,000 today. A further seven organisations will receive funds tomorrow. Payments will follow to residents affected by the fire to enable them to replace clothes and possessions. Families of the bereaved will also be offered financial help to cover the cost of funerals. The London Community Fund, which administers the Dispossessed Fund for the Standard, is setting up an online application form for people to apply for immediate hardship funds. Further help will be provided as residents are rehoused.

This morning 24 people, including 12 in critical care, remained in hospital.

The latest donations to our Dispossessed Fund included:

1.4m from 23,500 donors via JustGiving and the Dispossessed Fund's own site

250,000 from NEX Group (formerly known as ICAP)

250,000 from Sky

100,000 from The Sun

Vodafone to match up to 100,000 in donations made via JustTextGiving.

50,000 from Burberry.

Composer Hans Zimmer donated the proceeds of last nights concert at Wembley Arena.

Donations to the Dispossessed Fund, which is administered by the London Community Foundation, have already been made by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry, Pret A Manger and law firms Allen & Overy and Linklaters.

Microsoft and Adobe are matching staff donations. Bucket appeals have also been set up in branches of Morrisons, Tesco and in National Rail stations.

London Community Foundation chief executive Russell Delew said it would do everything in our power to help bring the community back to where it was before the fire.

An emotional woman touches the wall of tributes today / AP

The London Community Foundation would like to thank all those who have supported the Evening Standard Dispossessed Fund in the aftermath of the devastating fire at Grenfell Tower, he said.

Londons community spirit and generosity have shone through when local people need it most.

Our 20 year record of supporting Londons most disadvantaged groups and communities has ensured that we can react swiftly in these difficult circumstances.

Grenfell Tower Tribute Wall

"Whilst we provide immediate assistance, the London Community Foundation is also about the long term, and we will continue to support the people of Grenfell Tower.

The Vodafone Foundation will match fund up to 100,000 of text donations made to the Dispossessed Fund. To donate you can text GREN88 10 to 70070.

Helen Lamprell, corporate & external affairs director at Vodafone UK, said: Our hearts go out to the families affected by the Grenfell Tower fire.

"Vodafone staff from local stores will continue to help people in the area stay in touch with their loved ones and support the community over the coming days.

Zimmer, famed for his scores for The Lion King and Gladiator, was met with thundering applause and a standing ovation when he made the announcement to hand over the proceeds from last nights concert at Wembley Arena to the fund..

Second vigil in Notting Hill for Grenfell Tower tragedy 1 /13 Second vigil in Notting Hill for Grenfell Tower tragedy Emotions run high as people attend a candle lit vigil outside Notting Hill Methodist Church near the 24 storey residential Grenfell Tower block in Latimer Road, West London Getty Images People light candles as they observe a vigil outside Notting hill Methodist Church following the blaze at Grenfell Tower, a residential tower block in west London AFP/Getty Images People attend a vigil at Notting Hill Methodist Church near Grenfell Tower Getty Images People attend a vigil at Notting Hill Methodist Church near Grenfell Tower Getty Images Friends hug each other at a vigil to those killed, dead and missing and also to the emergency services and volunteers after the Grenfell Tower block fire Nigel Howard A woman lays flowers at a vigil to those killed, dead and missing and also to the emergency services and volunteers after the Grenfell Tower block fire Nigel Howard People arrive for a vigil at Notting Hill Methodist Church near Grenfell Towe Getty Images A small child tapes flowers to railings at a vigil to those killed, dead and missing and also to the emergency services and volunteers after the Grenfell Tower block fire Nigel Howard A woman leaves flowers as people arrive for a vigil at Notting Hill Methodist Church near Grenfell Tower Getty Images Reverend Mike Long leads a vigil to those killed, dead and missing and also to the emergency services and volunteers after the Grenfell Tower block fire Nigel Howard

Describing London as his second home, the German turned to his orchestra and said: I havent discussed it with you lot yet, but I am sure youll be fully behind this.

Ill donate the proceeds to the victims of the fire. My daughter Zoe was there helping out last night and she told me all these stories that made my heart heavy.

The British Red Cross will draw on its experience of emergency fundraising after the 7/7 terror attacks on London in 2005 and the recent atrocities in Manchester and London Bridge.

Chief executive Mike Adamson said: The people living in Grenfell Tower have suffered an unimaginable tragedy. Our hearts go out to all those who have lost so much.

We have already seen the incredible outpouring of support from the local community, greater London and the whole country.

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We are now launching this national appeal, together with Kensington and Chelsea council, to support those people who have lost everything, so they can receive financial help as soon as possible.

As well as launching this appeal we are also keen to use our convening power to bring partners together to work out the best way to raise funds and distribute them.

"We thank the UK for their continued generous support and overwhelming show of humanity in this time of need.

Nick Paget-Brown, leader of Kensington and Chelsea council, said: The generosity of the British pubic has been truly overwhelming so we are very grateful indeed that the British Red Cross has stepped in to lend its muscle and expertise to the relief operation.

You can give 5 or 10 by phone by texting GREN88 + amount to 70070 (eg GREN88 5)

To donate online visit www.dispossessedfund.org.uk
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Germany has come up with a new approach to joint defense operations and East European fears of the renewed Russian threat. The Germans have quietly agreed to experiment with integrating combat brigades from smaller EU (European Union) members. Initially this means a Romanian mechanized infantry brigade will become part of the German Rapid Response Forces Division and a Czech Rapid Deployment Brigade will join the German 10th Armored Division. This gives East European allies (all NATO and EU members) the extra assurances that mutual defense pledgees will be honored and, unofficially, enable East European troops to observe up close and on a daily basis, how willing and able the German armed forces are to move east to defend a European ally (rather than invade Russia, which is all the Russians can remember). This sort of thing is nothing new and efforts at such integration have been going on, and increasing, since the end of World War II in 1945. This integration approach is, however, more ambitious than earlier efforts.

After NATO was created in 1948 European nations expected their armed forces to regularly operate closely with those from other European nations. That effort expanded after the Cold War ended in 1991 and NATO members sharply reduced their armed forces and cut defense spending. It was an economic matter at that point.

In 1993 the European Union was created and it found itself in the midst of a crises next door in the former communist state of Yugoslavia, where a civil war had broken out. The EU was meant to be an economic/political union but despite the existence of NATO, the EU has purely European and had more European nations as members than NATO did. Plans were soon underway to establish some EU military cooperation alliances as well.

By 2000, fresh from the peacekeeping crises in the Balkans, the EU succeeded in gathering a considerable number of assets for its new Rapid Reaction Force but found that post-Cold War European nations lacked much in the way of support forces. That was because most of what they had was already pledged to NATO. So the new EU force was mainly from larger nations. The contributors included Britain (an armored brigade, a marine brigade, 72 warplanes, an aircraft carrier, two SSNs, four surface warships and five support and amphibious ships), France (12,000 troops including tank and engineer brigades, 75 warplanes, 12 warships including an aircraft carrier), Germany (13,500 troops), Italy (6,000), Spain (6,000), Netherlands (5,000) and smaller contributions (totaling 12,000) from Greece, Austria, Finland, Sweden, Belgium, Ireland, Portugal and Luxembourg. Denmark was the only EU member to refuse to contribute but Turkey, seeking to join the EU and long a member of NATO offered a mechanized brigade and 30 warplanes.

This EU force quickly evolved into EU Battlegroups, a system where by the Rapid Reaction Force members arranged to take turns contributing two or three battlegroups) (a reinforced combat battalion) to be available for six months for quick deployment. This went into effect in 2005 and is still operational. After 2014 the focus turned towards potential emergencies involving the new Russian threat. That encouraged Germany to offer an integration option, which several East European nations expressed an interest in.
Apparently al Shabaab has again become the most deadly Islamic terror group in Africa. For three years (2014-15) Boko Haram in Nigeria and (after 2013) ISIL (Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant) were killing more people in Africa. But in 2016 Boko Haram was much weaker after a massive counterattack by a coalition of Nigerian troops, local volunteers and soldiers from neighboring countries. ISIL was also much reduced everywhere. Meanwhile al Shabaab was still operating. In 2016 al Shabaab related violence led to about 4,200 deaths compared to 3,500 for Boko Haram and even fewer for ISIL.

Things Go South In The North

Since 2015 there has been a lot more violence in the far north (Puntland) because many al Shabaab (and nearly all local ISIL members) fled there for refuge and took advantage of local (Puntland) clan feuds to establish a presence. That violence continues but it all began in October 2015 when an al Shabaab faction declared itself the local branch of ISIL. This was mainly about clan politics, as was the recent ISIL seizure of the port of Quandala. The Puntland government has been distracted by the endemic clan warfare of Somalia and unable to spare the troops to suppress this new ISIL group. Meanwhile Puntland was also feuding with Galmudug, an autonomous region of Somalia just south of Puntland. Galmudug was formed in 2006 and has a population of about 1.8 million. Northern Somalia broke away from Somalia in the 1990s to form Puntland (2.5 million people) and Somaliland (3.5 million). The 2015 ISIL appearance there was a side effect of territorial disputes. In 2014 Puntland cut diplomatic relations with Somalia over a Somali plan to reunite the northern province of Mudug at the expense of Puntland. Back in the 1990s clan wars in Mudug caused the province to be divided. The northern part joined Puntland while the southern half did not. Now Somalia wants to reunite Mudug and Puntland sees that as aggression. Somalia says it will work with the UN to do it peacefully but Puntland still sees it as a land grab. Meanwhile some of the Mudug clans in the Puntland want to join with the Mudug clans in Somalia to form a separate state and are willing to fight Puntland over the issue. At the same time Puntland is threatened by Somaliland because of territorial disputes. This gave the new ISIL faction near the coast the opportunity to grab and hold onto Quandala, population 19,000 and 550 kilometers south (across the Gulf of Aden) of Yemen. Those clan feuds in Puntland continue, as does the ISIL presence.

With all this chaos in Puntland ISIL released a video in early 2016 in which a former al Shabaab member urged Somalis to come join ISIL and help destroy al Shabaab. Most al Shabaab members have rejected ISIL and remained loyal to al Qaeda. But several dozen al Shabaab men did leave and join ISIL. There have been some skirmishes between this ISIL group and al Shabaab but with this video ISIL openly declared war on al Shabaab. The ISIL problem began in 2015 when a growing number of dissatisfied al Shabaab members responded to ISIL recruiting efforts and joined with other dissident al Shabaab men to create several small ISIL groups in Somalia. Al Shabaab said those who joined ISIL were traitors and will still kill them. This has made all foreign members suspect because most Somali members want nothing to do with ISIL. Thats because al Shabaab was founded as a Somali nationalist organization and al Qaeda respected that. ISIL did not and wants to conquer the world. In late 2015 ISIL in Somalia clashed with al Shabaab several times and lost most of its new recruits to death (in battle) or desertion. This helped the security forces and peacekeepers but they dont like to publicize this. With more foreign al Shabaab members deserting and going public about it, the internal problems of al Shabaab became widely known.

June 14, 2017: In Mogadishu five al Shabaab armed with a car bomb and guns men attacked a restaurant next to a heavily guarded hotel compound. This turned into a siege as the gunmen took hostages and held them overnight. Before dawn the next day Somali commandos freed fifty hostages and killed the last of the attackers. Over 30 people died. Al Shabaab made a similar attack on a hotel compound in January that left 28 dead.

June 11, 2017: An American UAV attacked an al Shabaab base in Middle Jubba, 300 kilometers southwest of Mogadishu and killed at least eight of the Islamic terrorists. The airstrike was followed up by a Somali commando raid to capture survivors, identify the dead and gather intel. This was the first such airstrike since March, when American commanders in the region were given much more independence in choosing and attacking Islamic terrorist targets in Somalia. In the past any UAV operations in Somalia required approval by lawyers and senior government officials back in the U.S. first. Sometimes permission was not granted or was but by then the target was no longer available.

Meanwhile back in Mogadishu a UAE (United Arab Emirates) diplomat offered the Somali president an $80 million bribe to turn against Qatar in a current diplomatic dispute. The bribe was turned down but the Somali leader made a case for allowing Somalia to be neutral in this matter. Somali needed all the foreign aid it could get and Qatar and other Gulf States were major donors as was Turkey, which was siding with Qatar. Then there was the United States, which was also trying to maintain good relations with all concerned and would not appreciate it if anyone used large bribes to cause more unrest in Somalia. This crises began on June 5th with an unexpected escalation in an Arabian dispute that could threaten Somali access to foreign aid from wealthy Gulf States as well as the growing Turkish presence in Somalia. It began when Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the UAE and Bahrain cut diplomatic, economic and military relations with tiny Saudi neighbor Qatar. Ambassadors were expelled, borders were closed and Qatar was made to feel very unwelcome. Yemen and several other Moslem nations followed suit. The expulsion comes after years of criticisms regarding Qatari support for Islamic terrorism and the perception among Arab states that Qatar could not be trusted. Cutting ties with Qatar is partly retaliation against the Qatar based and subsidized al Jazeera satellite news network which often reports on real or imagined (depending on who you ask) bad behavior by Sunni Arab governments and their security forces. Qatar also openly supports Palestinian terror group Hamas, although Qatar recently ordered some senior Hamas leaders to leave Qatar for another sanctuary. Al Jazeera reporters have a hard time avoiding arrest (or worse) in Egypt and other Moslem states but they are often abused by Islamic terror groups as well. Qatar is also seen as siding with Iran in the current struggle between Shia Iran and the Sunni Arab nations led by Saudi Arabia. This sort of behavior is not uncommon in the region and the small Arab Gulf states like Qatar, Kuwait and the member states of the UAE have survived for centuries using these methods. One could say Qatar has been too successful and the current unpleasantness is the price of that success. As is the local custom secret meetings will be held, demands discussed and agreements made. How long this takes will depend on how long Qatar can last without its usual providers of all the food and just about everything else. The expulsion cut off half of that immediately and a naval blockade would be disastrous. About 40 percent of imports came via Saudi Arabia.

Qatar does have local allies. Iran offered to ship food and other emergency supplies to Qatar and Turkey has offered to send 3,000 more troops to the small base Turkey already has in Qatar, along with a few hundred troops. Turkey is a major customer (over $700 million a year) of Qatari natural gas and Qatar has invested some $20 billion in Turkey. Qatar has assured the United States that the American bases and about 10,000 military personnel in Qatar were safe. Turning to Iran was obvious but Turkey is a more interesting case. Turkey is establishing a military base in Qatar to support Turkish peacekeeping and efforts in Africa (especially Somalia) and relations with the Arabian states. Turkey is less eager to get too close to Iran. Meanwhile Somali leaders and businessmen want to protect their fragile diplomatic and commercial relationships in the Persian Gulf as much as possible.

June 9, 2017: In Baidoa (250 kilometers southwest of Mogadishu) fourteen people were killed (most of them civilians) when soldiers guarding a food distribution site were attacked by another group of soldiers seeking to steal some of the food aid. The thieves fled and distribution of food soon resumed. The new government promised aid donors that more would be done to reduce the theft of badly needed food and medical supplies. Apparently the security forces were ordered to open fire on thieves even if the culprits were soldiers or police.

Further south in Kenya local police arrested two Kenyans and four Somalis that were wanted for participation in violence and theft committed on both sides of the border. Some of it was al Shabaab related but much of it was just the usual gangster stuff. The six were apparently involved in some planned terror attacks on the Kenya side of the border.

June 8, 2017: In the north (Puntland) a large force al Shabaab gunmen attacked an army base in the Galaga hills and killed about 70 people, most of them soldiers. The government reported that over a hundred Islamic terrorists died in the battle and subsequent pursuit by army reinforcements. Apparently the attackers included local men from a clan fights to maintain a certain autonomy in the nearby Armo district. Some members of this clan went south to join al Shabaab and returned. Other al Shabaab members and Somali ISIL members will make such deals with local clans in Puntland to obtain some sanctuary.

In Mogadishu an al Shabaab roadside bomb went off but apparently missed its intended target and there were no casualties.

June 6, 2017: In the south, across the border in Kenya, a vehicle hit a landmine and four passengers, including two foreign aid workers, died.

Off the north coast, Yemeni Shia rebels again threatened commercial shipping entering or leaving the Red Sea and that brought more foreign warships to the Gulf of Aden and the Somali coast as well as the Red Sea coast of Yemen. The latest threat appears to involve putting several heavily armed rebel fighters on one of the many local cargo or fishing boats that operate along the coast and then have the Shia fighters fire RPGs at seagoing tankers or cargo ships. In late 2015 government forces regained control the Bab Al Mandab strait, in the Gulf of Aden, between Yemen and Djibouti and astride the shipping lanes leading to the Red Sea. This included the peninsula that extends into the Bab Al Mandab strait. This made it easier to monitor ships coming through, especially those that might be carrying Iran arms shipments. More important to the Arabs (and Egypt) was the fact that rebel control of the Bab Al Mandab strait was a potential threat to Suez Canal traffic. The canal fees are a major source of income for the Egyptian government. Saudi Arabia also exports oil and imports many other goods via that narrow (40 kilometers max) strait. Government forces also seized control of Perim Island, which is in middle of the straits and normally contains a coast guard base. The small Shia garrison fought to the death in a battle that lasted a few hours.

May 30, 2017: In Hiran (200 kilometers north of Mogadishu) Bishar Mumin Afrah, a senior al Shabaab leader, accepted the government amnesty and surrendered to an army unit in the area.

May 29, 2017: Many communities in northeast Uganda are objecting to the armys decision to withdraw 2,700 soldiers from the Karamoja region for peacekeeping duty in Somalia. The Ugandan civilians are worried that Karimojong tribal cattle raiders will return when the troops leave. 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 26, 2017: Off the north coast Somali pirates attempted to seize a Mongolian trawler but the crew called for help and a South Korean warship showed up and the pirates fled. The trawler had a crew of three South Korean 18 Indonesians.

May 24, 2017: In Mogadishu an al Shabaab bomb went off killing five civilians and wounding six more. Further south, just across the border in Kenya, al Shabaab set off two roadside bombs that killed seven Kenyan policemen patrolling their side of the border. The explosion also killed a civilian bystander.

May 23, 2017: Off the north (Puntland) coast Somali pirates seized an Iranian fishing boat. This was a seagoing boat that pirates use to go farther from shore to capture much larger ships. So far this year there have been about twenty incidents of Somali pirates threatening smaller vessels in coastal waters. Most of these attacks fail but in at least five cases so far the pirates have taken small coastal transports and held them for ransom (or been forced to let the ships go because the ship was making local deliveries and had already arranged protection from some local group.)

Elsewhere in Puntland a renegade al Shabaab faction (that now considers itself part of ISIL) set off a bomb in the coastal town of Bosasso, killing five people.
Natural Gas Services Group, Inc. provides natural gas compression services and equipment to the energy industry in the United States. It fabricates, manufactures, rents, and sells natural gas compressors and related equipment. The company primarily engages in the rental of compression units that provide small, medium, and large horsepower applications for unconventional oil and natural gas production. As of December 31, 2021, the company had 2,023 natural gas compression units in its rental fleet with 418,041 horsepower. The company also engages in the design, fabrication, and assembly of compressor components into compressor units for rental or sale; engineers and fabricates natural gas compressors; and designs and manufactures a line of reciprocating compressor frames, cylinders, and parts. In addition, it is involved in the design, fabrication, sale, installation, and service of flare stacks and related ignition and control devices for the onshore and offshore incineration of gas compounds, such as hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide, natural gas, and liquefied petroleum gases. Further, the company offers customer support services for its compressor and flare sales business; and exchange and rebuild program for small horsepower screw compressors. Its primary customers are exploration and production(E&P) companies that utilize compressor units for artificial lift applications; E&P companies that focuses on natural gas-weighted production; and midstream companies. Natural Gas Services Group, Inc. was incorporated in 1998 and is headquartered in Midland, Texas.
American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. operates as a specialty retailer that provides clothing, accessories, and personal care products under the American Eagle and Aerie brands. The company provides jeans, and specialty apparel and accessories for women and men; and intimates, apparel, activewear, and swim collections, as well as personal care products for women. It also offers graphic tees and other clothing products under the Tailgate brand name; and menswear products under the Todd Snyder New York brand name. As of January 29, 2022, the company operated 880 American Eagle stores, 244 Aerie brand stand-alone stores, and five Todd Snyder stores in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Hong Kong. It also ships to 81 countries through its Websites; and offers its merchandise at 260 locations operated by licensees in 28 countries, as well as provides products through its Websites ae.com, aerie.com, and toddsnyder.com. American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. was founded in 1977 and is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Vipshop Holdings Limited operates online platforms for various brands in the People's Republic of China. It operates in Vip.com, Shan Shan Outlets, and Others segments. The company offers women's apparel, such as casual wear, jeans, dresses, outerwear, lingerie, pajamas, and maternity clothes; men's apparel comprising casual and smart-casual T-shirts, polo shirts, jackets, pants, and underwear; and skin care and cosmetic products, including cleansers, lotions, face and body creams, face masks, sunscreen, foundations, lipsticks, eye shadows, and other cosmetics-related items. It also provides shoes and bags, which comprises casual and formal shoes, purses, satchels, luggage, duffel bags, and wallets; handbags; apparel, gears and accessories, furnishings and decor, toys, and games for boys, girls, infants, and toddlers; sportswear, sports gear, and footwear for various sporting activities; home furnishings, such as bed and bath products, home decor, kitchen and tabletop items, and home appliances; and consumer electronic products. In addition, the company offers food and snacks, beverages, fresh produce, and pet goods; beauty products; and internet finance services, including consumer and supplier financing, and microcredit. Vipshop Holdings Limited provides its branded products through its vip.com and vipshop.com online platforms, as well as through its internet website and cellular phone application. Further, it offers warehousing, logistics, product procurement, research and development, technology development, and consulting services; software development and information technology support solutions; and supply chain services. Vipshop Holdings Limited was founded in 2008 and is headquartered in Guangzhou, the People's Republic of China.
Megyn Kelly (left), Alex Jones (right). Photo: Getty Images; AP

After the backlash over Megyn Kellys upcoming Sunday interview with conspiracy theorist and Infowars founder Alex Jones, NBC News executives have reportedly been scrambling to overhaul Kellys interview with the Sandy Hook massacre denier. According to Page Six, NBC News has reedited the interview with Jones in an attempt to be tougher on him, and has also invited Sandy Hook families onto the program.

As Page Six reports, Kelly personally called Sandy Hook families to ask them to appear on her program as a way to counter Joness claim that the massacre was a hoax. The move comes shortly after many (including Jones himself) called on Kelly not to run the interview, J.P. Morgan pulled out as an advertiser, and Kelly was dropped as a host for the Sandy Hook Promise Foundations annual anti-gun-violence gala.

The upcoming episode of Sunday Night With Megyn Kelly will now reportedly include an interview with Neil Heslin, the father of 6-year-old Jesse Lewis, who was killed in the massacre. However, other Sandy Hook parents reportedly refused to appear on her program, as they didnt think appearing on her show would do enough to counter Alex Jones venom. Yet, a source told the gossip column, Everyone on the show believes its vitally important that the piece conveys the immense pain that Jones has caused the Sandy Hook families.

Jones has been instrumental in spreading the conspiracy theory that the 2012 shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut  in which 20 children were killed  was a hoax. Hes also played a key role in inspiring and giving a platform to other truthers, many of whom have harassed the families of the victims, as detailed in a 2016 New York Magazine story.

Jones reportedly took issue with Kellys interview, as he thinks it makes him look bad. Page Six reports that he announced on Thursday night that he secretly recorded the sitdown with Kelly because he knew it was all crap. A few hours later, he released the recording in a video online, after explaining, Ive never done this in 22 years, Ive never recorded another journalist, but I knew it was a fraud, that it was a lie.
Silicon Valley knew well the aggressive corporate culture key to Ubers global dominance  and all about that cultures downsides.

Tech workers had seen it in lawsuits filed against the ride-hailing service, candidates turning down jobs at the San Francisco company and those fleeing the firm amid a drumbeat of scandals and critical news articles. So the 47 structural and policy recommendations handed down by attorneys to the ride-hailing company Tuesday werent revelatory.

But for venture capitalists, the stark assessment underscores a growing concern: As company founders have amassed historic amounts of funding in the last five years, they have also attained greater control and autonomy. That has allowed entrepreneurs including Uber co-founder and chief executive Travis Kalanick to pursue aggressive tactics and foster cultures that trouble workers and investors  with limited checks on their power  for longer than ever before in the tech industry, observers say.

Are we as investors giving up too much of the store to entrepreneurs? said Jonathan Tower, who recently founded investment firm Catapult VC after working at TriplePoint Capital. Maybe during this boom period, weve become too founder-friendly.

Had Uber been created in a different era of the tech industry, the 8-year-old firm probably would have been publicly traded by now  or at least nearing the day of an initial public offering.

And many of the changes that former U.S. attorney general Eric Holder and Tammy Albarran put forward would have long been in place. Those would include substantial performance reviews for senior executives, an oversight committee on the board of directors, a well-oiled human resources department and clear guidelines on romantic relationships between employees.

Such bureaucracy, which often comes as large startups prepare for an IPO, has long been seen as a curb on growth by entrepreneurs who prioritize fast decision-making and rapid expansion.

You dont want to snuff out that germ of innovation at an early stage, Tower said.

But despite Uber reaching more than 12,000 employees, Kalanick  who announced Tuesday that he would take an indefinite leave of absence  has been able to delay the introduction of accountability measures typical for companies of its size. Boundless cash from investment firms around the world has given companies leeway to stay private. Venture-capital fundraising alone has topped $55 billion (U.S.) in three straight years, according to research firm Preqin.

With no shortage of investors knocking at the door, the power of any single one has also taken a hit, according to venture capitalists. That limits the amount of oversight they can exercise.

They are chasing the same deals, pushing up the valuations and softening deal terms, Tower said.

Uber, like many tech companies, has different classes of shares that give some owners  founders and early employees  more voting power. Some Uber shares allow the owner to cast a single vote, while other shares come with 10 votes.

Uber is a private company and it is not clear how many of those super-voting shares Kalanick owns, or the extent to which he and other insiders control the firms super-voting shares. A company spokesperson did not respond to questions about share structure and Kalanicks voting power.

But analysts say Uber is like other big tech companies  including Alphabet, Facebook and chat-app maker Snap Inc.  in that Kalanick controls a majority of Uber votes either by himself or with fellow board members (co-founder Garrett Camp and early employee Ryan Graves).

Natasha Lamb, a managing partner at investment firm Arjuna Capital, said this type of share structure makes it easier for problems to fester.

Ubers record on sexual harassment, diversity and company culture has been a big hit to their brand, Lamb said. You run into these issues because of culture and the voting structure entrenches that culture.

Dovi Frances, who runs the SGVC startup investment firm out of Beverly Hills and sits on six corporate boards, said he recognizes that entrepreneurs can get carried away. He tries to protect against that by passing on investment opportunities where he has doubts about leadership.

I dont want to impose restrictions on them driven by the fear of them doing the wrong thing, said Frances, whose investments include SoFi, OpenGov and Wondermall. Im investing in them because I know they are going to do the right thing.

He said he spends enough time with managers of the companies in which he invests that he can spot when somebody is losing their moral balance. He also demands transparency about issues only visible deeper inside the company, such as a junior manager engaging in tawdry behaviour.

I expect senior management to bring it up, especially when it comes to sensitive issues like gender inequality, he said. These are supercharged issues today and I definitely want to be aware.

Why it took former employee Susan Fowlers blog post complaining of a sexist workplace to ignite an investigation into Ubers culture rather than an earlier board action isnt clear.

But Kalanick was allowed to start operating in a vacuum the second his company raised $258 million in 2013 from GV, the investment arm of Google parent company Alphabet, said Amit Shah, a partner at Artiman Ventures. That and subsequent investments probably diluted the influence of early board member Bill Gurley, a general partner at venture capital firm Benchmark. GV declined to comment and Benchmark didnt respond to a request to comment.

In the high times, when youre a hot company, you can get away with anything, Shah said. Its a delicate balance  what makes Silicon Valley tick is the lack of too much structure, and the way current public-company boards have to operate is a nightmare for business.

The lack of diversity on Ubers board, which recently picked up a female member in media impresario Arianna Huffington, may have contributed to lax oversight, too.

Its something Silicon Valley has been grappling for years, Tower said of diversity. Its moving in the right direction.

Julie Goodridge, chief executive of Boston-based NorthStar Asset Management, has asked companies including Facebook and Alphabet to change their share structures so that every share has the same voting rights. Though many outside shareholders supported that proposal at the companies recent annual meetings, the proposals predictably failed to win a majority of shareholder votes.

That, she said, could be problematic for the companies in the long term. If Alphabet, Facebook or Uber limit the influence of many investors and shareholders, they risk missing out on valuable insight that could help them avoid reputational problems.

Lamb of Arjuna Capital noted that Google is now under investigation by the federal Department of Labor for allegedly underpaying women. Shareholders have raised the issue of a gender pay gap at the company for two years, she said.

If the company had been more proactive, maybe they wouldnt be in this predicament, Lamb said. Despite the fact that shareholders have expressed concerns about gender pay equity and other good governance issues, with the structure of these companies, were not able to effect change through a vote.

Advisers to technology companies point to Uber as an extreme example and say that it shouldnt be the basis for sweeping changes in how the industry treats founders.

The overwhelming majority of the time, the founders are the ones best equipped to make big decisions for a company, said Jonathan Greechan, co-founder of business incubator Founder Institute. If anything, (the Uber case) just highlights that the best founders hire to fill the gaps in their shortcomings and it doesnt seem like Uber did a great job of this  or simply didnt empower those people to properly do their job.

Investors Lamb and Goodridge said despite their misgivings, Uber may continue on the same path as Alphabet, Facebook and others with control consolidated among Kalanick and a few others. Despite that, there should be continued demand for Uber shares.

People would totally buy Uber shares if the company went public, Goodridge said. A lot of people, all they care about is short-term performance.

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NEW YORKUnemployed and depressed, Robert Samuel turned to Craigslist. It was iPhone release day in 2012 and, looking to make a few bucks, he offered to hold an Apple loyalists place in line for $100. Apple fever was strong and Samuel quickly found a taker and rushed to the Fifth Ave. shop in New York. The man who hired him ended up being able to score the smartphone online but paid him anyway.

I was going to leave, Samuel recalled. It was actually a customer who prompted me to stay, proposing, Why dont you sell your spot?

Samuel realized he had stumbled on a money-making scheme and called his friends to join him in line. By the end of the day, the crew had sold four spots and five milk crates, which exhausted Apple fans bought to sit on. The day of waiting earned Samuel enough money to buy his own iPhone 5.

I always call myself an accidental entrepreneur, said Samuel, 41. This was never meant to be. Today, hes the chief executive officer of Same Ole Line Dudes LLC, a professional line-sitting service with dozens of employees, all independent contractors.

A Brooklyn native, Samuel went to the citys public schools and left Pace University one semester short of graduating. He spent his career working a slew of customer service, retail and security jobs, which he credits with preparing him for the customer-facing business he now runs.

Same Ole Line Dudes, or Line Dudes for short, charges $25 (U.S.) for the first hour of waiting and $10 for every additional half hour. Theres a minimum of two hours and a $5 hourly surcharge for inclement weather, either below freezing or about 38 C. The line sitters get 60 per cent of the fee, plus tips. Line Dudes fields 60 to 100 requests a month and experiences an uptick in the summer from tourists.

At first, Samuel wasnt sure the business was sustainable. It wasnt until the summer of 2013, a year after the iPhone sit, that he started actively using the Line Dudes Twitter account, which he had set up a few months earlier. I wasnt even taking myself seriously, he said. I was throwing paint on the wall and calling it something when it dried.

Then, the Cronut was invented.

Samuels business surged when Dominique Ansel, a world-renowned pastry chef, combined the croissant with the doughnut and started selling an extremely limited supply at his SoHo bakery. Every day, Samuel would post on Craigslist offering to stand in line for the thing. With more clients than he could handle, he recruited his friends to stand in line with him, since the bakery limited the number of Cronuts per customer. He charged $60 to purchase and deliver two Cronuts, which retailed for $5 apiece.

Reporters noticed that Samuel and his buddies were at the bakery daily and his line-sitting services made the local news. He once delivered Cronuts to a customer in Baltimore, who paid for his round trip on Amtrak.

As word spread, people started calling us for other stuff, Samuel said. He began waiting in line for Saturday Night Live tapings, for famous speakers, for anything that created a queue. By early 2014, Samuel had launched a website for booking line-sitting appointments but still felt unsure about leaving his day job. He finally made running Line Dudes his full-time gig in January.

Hamilton was Samuels next Cronut. The Broadway musical about the American founding father was selling out and scalpers were making thousands of dollars a ticket. People desperate to get in would line up at the midtown theatre, even in the dead of winter.

Thats when Samuel ordered the Line Dudes-branded tents that became his companys calling card. Line sitters bring these along when they have to spend at least eight hours outside or wait overnight, and in bad weather. The little, bright yellow tents are fixtures at sample sales and Instagram-famous restaurants, as well as Broadway ticket lines.

We had been waiting in zero-degree weather for Hamilton tickets, Samuel said. I didnt want to put myself at risk and my team at risk, so we needed to have something that protected us from the elements. In strong winter winds, it can feel several degrees warmer inside the tents than outside and theyre not a bad marketing vehicle, either.

Samuel expects the sitters to carry a spare phone battery, a chair for sits of up to four hours and a sleeping bag for more than four. Phones are typically loaded with Netflix, Hulu and a deep music collection. One line sitter, a law student, spent a long Hamilton wait studying for the bar, his tent filled with textbooks.

When Line Dudes started, it was just that: a bunch of dudes Samuel was friends with, who would wait in line when he couldnt take a job. Today, it includes neighbours, college students, retirees, veterans, soon-to-be lawyers, single parents  anyone punctual and willing to stand in line. The company has about 35 independent contractors on staff at any given time and is always adding more.

A woman called me, she was 65 years old, and she was like, Am I too old to work for you?  Samuel said. But my oldest employee is my 71-year-old neighbour, who once waited in line for Hamilton tickets for two days. We gotta help her up, but shes one of our best team players, he said.

Sitters are generally personable. They pass the time making friends with the people around them, whom Samuels calls the line family. Occasionally, mostly at concert and theatre venues, the Line Dudes are mistaken for scalpers and building a line family around you helps to set the record straight. We squash that, he said.

Things go awry, like when a client orders one sitter and then shows up with two friends to take over the spot. We will not relinquish the spot to you if you come with people and you wont receive a refund, Samuel said. He has no tolerance for line cutting. Every once in a while, a line sitter wont show up or will come too late to get a good spot. In cases like that, Samuel usually waives the fee and offers the customer a free sit in the future.

Despite his large staff of contractors, Samuel is very much a one-man operation. He maintains the website, assigns line sitters to jobs, handles the finances and fields press requests, which are frequent and often international. A handful of more senior line sitters help handle the flow of emails and phone calls from customers. Samuel has declined to take on investors, though he said hes had many offers.

The beauty of this is that its low-overhead, he said. I work out of my living room. We pay for branded hats, we pay for the tents, the business cards.

A self-described micromanager, Samuel credits his meticulous attention to detail with the companys success but acknowledges it has curbed expansion. He regularly gets requests for his services in other cities, mainly San Francisco, Los Angeles and Atlanta, but currently operates only in New York. I know that growth should be on my radar, he said.

In the meantime, hes working to perfect his services in the city and add clients. He encourages his staff to try everything they stand in line for, to bring a certain expertise to their services. Samuel has seen Hamilton seven times and tried every flavour of Cronut. He can recommend the best cookie dough at DO and offers a spirited review of Dear Evan Hansen. When people call, I know what Im talking about, he said. It can be a museum, a milkshake, or cookie dough. While he tries most of these things, Samuel himself stands in line only a few times a month, when no other sitter is available to take the gig.

That expertise, he says, puts Line Dudes a step ahead of the competition, which is somewhat limited. Line sitters can be ordered through TaskRabbit and, as Samuels once was, Craigslist, but theres no venture-capital-funded, blockbuster line-sitting company out there. Because the Dudes are familiar with the services and products theyre waiting for, they can guide clients in understanding how long the wait is expected to be, what they should try and what demands their attention. This guidance is particularly useful for tourists, in town for a limited time with cash to burn.

Theres no line Samuel wont stand in, but there is a request that boggles his mind, even five years in: paying someone to stand in line for a free product. Line Dudes were recently hired to hold picnic tables at Brooklyn Bridge Park. In another instance, they were paid $65 for a three-hour wait to obtain a free Star Wars poster. If they want to pay for it, we will go, he said.

In a sea of requests for tickets, doughnuts and milkshakes, the Dudes occasionally get more serious work. The company has been hired for the last two years by parents to wait in line at a New Jersey pre-kindergarten program that aims to teach children compassion and respect. Fewer than 100 spots are available and they waited for more than two days on behalf of clients, a sit of almost $1,000 a person.

Its something meaningful. Its not a food item, its not the latest gadget, Samuel said. I hold that very dear.

Such sits are rare. About 40 per cent of Samuels business comes from waiting in line for confections (note the Instagram generations love of sweets) and restaurants, 30 per cent from Broadway tickets, 20 per cent from sample sales and the rest from concert lines. Because most of the Line Dudes time is spent at retail spaces, they often get to know the staff and can develop mutually beneficial relationships. The cookie-dough confectioners at DO appreciate the business they bring in and offer them free scoops, Samuel says. The Dudes charge a flat price of $50 to get their name down on a restaurant waiting list, plus $10 for every additional one to two people.

These businesses know the money (people) spend on us  imagine what they will spend once they get in the store, Samuel says. If theres a party of 10 people, thats a big tab, thats a huge tip for the waitress. One hand washes the other.

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Sears Canadas stock price continued to slide Wednesday, following reports that it is preparing to file soon for creditor protection, which could see the retailer slim down and restructure or sell everything off and shutter the chain.

The retailers stock price has dropped nearly 22 per cent in the last five days, after the company reported dismal first-quarter earnings that included a significant doubt warning about the future of the company.

That slide continued Wednesday, when the stock touched $0.66 cents a share in early trading, down more than 70 per cent over last year.

Sears did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The company employs about 16,000 people across Canada, at 94 department stores, 23 Sears Home stores and 10 outlets.

Many of the department stores anchor prominent mall properties in Canada, including CF Fairview Mall, Scarborough Town Centre, Pickering Town Centre, Erin Mills Town Centre, Oakville Place Mall and Oshawa Shopping Centre.

Among the malls with Sears stores are many that struggled to fill spaces left by the abrupt departure of Target Canada in 2015, less than two years after launch.

Lawyer Lou Brzezinski, a partner in the commercial litigation group at Blaney McMurtry LLP that represents eight Sears Canada landlords and several suppliers, says he considers Sears a better candidate for liquidation than restructuring.

The big difference between U.S. department store Targets 2015 departure from the Canadian market and a possible Sears restructuring or liquidation is the element of surprise, according to Jeffrey Berkowitz, president, Aurora Realty Consultants Inc., a retail tenant consultancy firm with offices across Canada and internationally.

Target had much more of a shock effect on the market because it was not widely expected that they would file and close at such an early stage in their development in Canada, so contingency plans were not in place, Berkowitz said.

With Sears, contingency discussions have been going on with landlords for some time.

Berkowitz said its highly unlikely that, should a liquidation take place, the Sears stores would be bought up as a whole. He expects most Sears spaces that hit the marketplace would be broken into smaller pieces, as happened with Target spaces that werent taken over by retailers like Walmart.

I would be very surprised if there would be somebody willing to step in and take over all the Sears locations, said Berkowitz.

Prior to Wednesdays decline, Sears Canada Inc. stock had already been listed at less than $1 (U.S.) a share for more than 30 days, triggering a warning letter from the Listing Qualifications Department of the NASDAQ Stock Market LLC.

The NASDAQ requires listed companies to maintain a minimum bid price of $1 per share. The company has 180 calendar days to regain compliance.

In the first quarter reported last week, revenue at Sears Canada was down $90 million, or 15 per cent, to $505.5 million, and the company pointed to conditions raising significant doubt as to the companys ability to continue as a going concern.

The company has posted recurring operating losses and negative cash flows from operating activities in the last five fiscal years, with net losses beginning in 2014.

Retailers that cannot meet their financial obligations can seek protection from creditors under the Companies Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA) while they restructure. Filing allows them to continue operating as they take actions to try to return to profitability, which can include selling assets, closing or selling unprofitable stores, laying off staff, and typically paying suppliers and other creditors a percentage of what they are owed.

Sometimes the result is a complete closure  as in the case of Target, which liquidated its inventory and shuttered 133 stores. In other cases, it can leave the company leaner and more competitive, albeit with a smaller number of stores.

Even if Sears does file, it would likely want to continue honouring the commitments it has made to consumers to preserve its goodwill and brand, according to Robert J. Drake, a member of the restructuring and insolvency group at Goldman Sloan Nash and Haber LLP.

It would be a death spiral if tomorrow they said, Were going to cancel our Kenmore warranties, because then no one is going to buy a Kenmore appliance, said Drake, who believes Sears is a candidate for restructuring.

Without people buying Kenmore appliances, youre just further starving Sears of any money going towards it and its possible restructuring.

Not honouring its obligations to customers would also undermine the companys ability to sell off pieces to a private equity group or other potential purchaser, said Drake.

The massive goodwill that Sears has as a brand strikes me as something that shouldnt be squandered, he said.

Its possible the scenario could be different if a customer has ordered an item that is not in stock and not a Sears brand, according to experts.

Suppliers will certainly be nervous and a prudent supplier will want to know where their guarantee of payment is coming from, since Sears has announced it cant get enough financing to carry on business, said Ira Smith, an insolvency and restructuring expert and founder of Ira Smith Trustee & Receiver Inc.

Amid the sea of red ink in the first quarter earnings report at Sears Canada was a beacon of hope  same-store sales were up 2.9 per cent, a sign that efforts to streamline and rebrand the chain under executive chairman Brandon Stranzl are resonating with consumers.

We have monumentally improved the stores at Fairview, Promenade, Lime Ridge, Mapleview, Guelph, Newmarket and Oshawa, with others in the greater GTA in process. Sears.ca is totally revamped and modernized, according to spokesperson Vince Power in a recent e-mail exchange.

Sears is committed to its customers, and we will continue to keep them and the commitments we make to them as top priorities.

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A day hardly passes without the U.S. retail industry sustaining fresh wounds as malls and outlets shut their doors. Americans are still shopping, though  online, in their pyjamas  and physics dictates that their new stuff, and old stuff, go somewhere.

Welcome to the renaissance of self-storage.

While retail chains go belly up and hedge funds place bets on commercial mortgages used to finance dying malls, the mini-warehouse industry has set records for construction spending in each of the last six months. Venture capital firms are making big bets on startups that help consumers manage their physical belongings  on the cloud. And some industry players are drooling at the prospect of buying shuttered department stores and turning them into drive-through storage centres.

And why shouldnt they? Thats the whole meaning of life, isnt it? the late, great comedian George Carlin mused in a famous bit. Trying to find a place for your stuff.

Beyond existential concerns, industry insiders say the ongoing self-storage building boom traces back to the financial crisis, when funding for new construction of any kind dried up. Builders are still catching up with a backlog of demand from those fallow years; investors, meanwhile, noticed that the assets performed well through the recession, and started buying storage centres as a hedge against future downturns.

The facilities are cheap to build and require very little labour to staff  so much so that local governments in New York and Los Angeles have sought to limit new projects, arguing that the storage industry is eating up real estate that could otherwise serve manufacturing and logistics companies that produce more jobs.

For owners, low operating costs and high demand have translated into fat margins. Public Storage, the largest storage operator, booked $538 million (U.S.) in revenue during the first three months of this year, against $149 million in operating costs. Thats good for a gross margin of 72 per cent  more than double that earned by Equity Residential, the huge apartments landlord.

These guys are making money hand over fist, said Chuck Gordon, chief executive at SpareFoot, an Austin, Texas-based startup that lets storage customers comparison shop online.

Lately, those rich profits have convinced a handful of venture-backed startups that they can win customers by offering more service at comparable cost. That includes Clutter, a Los Angeles-based company which employs teams of in-house movers to carry your surplus stuff to and from warehouses, on demand. It also photographs stored items and uploads images online, to make it easier for customers to get their stuff when they want it. Theyll cart your ski gear away in the summer and ship it to your hotel in Aspen ahead of your winter vacation.

Its always been our vision to transform the way you manage your belongings, said Ari Mir, CEO of the Los Angeles-based company.

Theres so much excitement around the new storage industry that it seems as if the only ones urging caution are the largest operators. They see a coming drop in consumer spending, one that will in turn result in less need for more space for your stuff.

Life Storage, a publicly traded landlord based in Williamsville, N.Y., has said its done shopping for newly constructed facilities. Public Storage CEO Ronald Havner, meanwhile, warned on his most recent earnings call that the American consumer is stretched and or under stress.

Investor interest in the storage industry has made the expense of buying facilities in major markets less appealing, said Ari Rastegar, founder of Dallas-based Rastegar Equity Partners.

Converting big-box retail into storage  now thats sexy, he said. Maybe, or maybe not. But its certainly ironic.

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Torontos women-only spa chain Body Blitz has recently come under fire for a policy that prohibits some transgender women from using the facilities. Now, women in the trans community are speaking out against the policy as well as the way the spa has handled the backlash.

On June 9, Weronika Rogula posted on Facebook that she would no longer visit Body Blitz because they had cancelled her trans friends appointment due to the spas no male genitals rule. The post sparked a social media outcry, and led Body Blitz to respond two days later via Facebook, stating that because we are a bathing-suit-optional environment, our current policy is to ensure all clients are comfortable in an environment with nudity, including minors and that they are hiring a civil rights professional over the summer to help us with a clear and fair policy.

More angry comments ensued, both for and against the policy, and by June 13, Body Blitz had removed the statement, along with its review system, which had been flooded with comments decrying the policy as discriminatory.

The Star reached out to Body Blitz for comment and received the same response sent to other media outlets: We support the LGBTQ community and recognize that this is a sensitive issue. However, because Body Blitz Spa is a single-sex facility with full-nudity, we are not like other facilities. We recognize that this is an important discussion for single-sex facilities to have and we will seek to find a satisfactory resolution.

Trans actor and athlete Savannah Burton finds the word comfortable used in the spas original Facebook response particularly galling: It says they want to make everybody comfortable, but what about trans people? Its not making trans people comfortable by any means.

Cassandra James, a trans model and activist, agrees: You dont get to be uncomfortable. Its not about you. This is an act of hate. James found her hometown of Toronto far more conservative than her new city, Los Angeles. Theres a really healthy amount of visibility and a sense of normalcy for trans people: here we exist, we have jobs, we are members of every kind of community and society here without being erased.

In Toronto, people only want to talk about how youre trans, or they wanted you to be invisible. Its difficult enough to make choices around your own body without people telling you what to do or participating in whats actually an entirely private experience.

Rachael Kriss, a trans woman who works in IT and does corporate diversity training, left a critical comment on Body Blitzs statement, along with a negative review, only to find both deleted. Its removing me, and my humanity. My existence has been erased, she says. She is concerned about Body Blitzs penis-based policy because it focuses on body parts, not gender. These types of policies are dehumanizing, Kriss says. Im me, regardless of what parts I may or may not have. Everybody needs to be respected for themselves, for who they are inside, not by what they have outside.

Trans woman Susan Gapka, founder and co-chair of the Trans Lobby Group, says that trans women are especially vulnerable in recreation spaces such as spas. Gapka herself avoided joining a gym for many years out of fear of harassment, and only recently started going: Im really not there to make a political statement. Im there to use the service. Its gone OK, but Ive had to be very cautious.

Gapka said Trans Lobby Group is considering lodging a formal human rights complaint against the spa. The Ontario Human Rights Code protects gender identity and gender expression.

Back in the day, people would say, do you want gay people teaching your children? Now its moved from gay people to trans people, adds Burton. We cant let this kind of hatred and ignorance get any traction because whatll be the next? You could start banning trans people from anything.

Moving forward, it is essential that Body Blitz carries out a policy review, Gapka says, and that trans people be involved. Were more than our body parts: were human beings with wants and needs and if we get to know each other and tell our story and we relate to each other, well start to understand each other and communicate better, she says. Im hoping that will be the positive outcome.

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Mariam Shirazi believes food is the best entry point to learning about another culture, so during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan shes been inviting strangers to her house to share a meal with her.

Food is a universal language and a great way for people of different cultures and backgrounds to bond, says Shirazi, 25, a masters student studying statistics, tells me at her home over Iftar, the meal eaten at sundown to mark the end of a fasting day.

Wanting to dispel Muslim stereotypes and educate others on Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar in which Muslims fast from dawn to sundown, she created Experience Ramadan, a site that lets people around the world sign up to attend or host an Iftar. One week into Ramadan, she had already connected 120 people across North America with Muslim hosts to share a meal.

I arrived at her familys house in Markham at 8 p.m., an hour before Iftar, along with another couple who heard about Experience Ramadan through their church. The kitchen is aflutter with activity as Shirazis siblings and parents prepare platters of Pakistani specialties: meat dumplings topped with creamy lentils; salads; chicken pakora with tamarind sauce and cilantro-mint raita; ground chicken and beef wrapped in puff pastry; and dahi puri, crispy bread pockets filled with potatoes, chickpeas and yogurt. Shirazi laughs that these are the appetizers, and the main is still cooking.

The affable host was inspired to create Experience Ramadan a day before the holiday started at the end of May, when a guest speaker at her mosque spoke about the importance of honouring neighbours, whether close friends or strangers. She created the site later that night and spread the word over social media, not expecting much of a response. But so far, the site helped set up more than 100 Iftars across North America, in cities such as San Francisco, Austin, Tex., New York and Toronto, plus one in London, England.

We eat and the family answers my questions about Ramadan: The daily fast not only includes food but also the intake of water, and observers also have to abstain from vices such as gossiping. Fasting isnt mandatory (children, the elderly and those who have medical conditions often dont partake) so in lieu of fasting, the Islamic Society of North America suggests a $10 donation to charity. Iftar is the catch-all term for the meal that ends the daily fast, so it can be as simple as dates and water; takeout for the time-crunched observer; or, in the case of a hardcore home cook like Shirazi, a spread that could feed the neighbourhood block.

The dates of Ramadan, May 26 to June 24 for 2017, change yearly according to the Islamic calendar. Shirazis family jokes that Ramadan during the winter is the best since the short days equal short fasts.

After the appetizers, we follow her family to the basement to watch them perform nightly prayers. We then head back to the dining room for the main: two giant platters of spicy chicken biryani so good that I couldnt help but ask for extras to take home. By now, its closing in on 11 p.m. and in four hours the family has to get up for suhoor, the morning meal eaten before the break of dawn that signals another day of fasting.

Marking the end of Ramadan is Eid-al-Fitr, a holiday gathering of families, friends, food and music. Since were nearing the end of Ramadan, I asked Shirazi to share her favourite Eid recipe with Toronto Star readers. She prepared what she considers to be her essential Eid dish, a milky, custard-like dessert mixed with vermicelli, nuts and dried fruit called sheer khurma.

If theres one Eid food I can think of that weve had since I was a kid, it was the sheer khurma, she says. Everyone will have their own version of it and I got this recipe from my oldest Aunt. Its like turkey on Thanksgiving; you have to have the sheer khurma.

The dessert is chilled, milky and slightly sweet with crunch from pistachios and almonds. It was the perfect way to end the night as we quickly said our goodnights so the Shirazi family could get some rest before dawn.

While Experience Ramadan is still in its infancy, Shirazi would like to one day expand the site beyond Ramadan to match people with others celebrating or observing holidays of different religions and cultures throughout the year  like an AirBnB for holiday gatherings.

I said to my friend at the start that if I could just to get one family to host one person, I would have accomplished my goal, shes says. This has been an overwhelmingly positive experience and Im glad people can learn as much about my culture as I have about theirs.

Sheer Khurma

This popular Eid dessert served throughout nations such as India and Pakistan can be served warm or chilled, but the latter is how Shirazi serves it. Each household will have their own version: my coworkers add cardamom to theirs, I once had a version with cinnamon, some recipes call for chopped dates or rosewater, and some home cooks like a lot of vermicelli in theirs. Feel free to experiment and add your own flavourings.

The kind of vermicelli used in this recipe isnt the flat noodles used in pho but rather ultra thin, threadlike noodles that are golden brown in colour (theyre also called seviyan in Hindu and Urdu). Find these noodles at Asian or Middle Eastern grocers. The rice flour acts as a thickener, but can be omitted by simmering the mixture a few minutes longer.

1 tbsp (15 mL) ghee, plus more as needed

2 tbsp (30 mL) golden raisins

 cup (60 mL) nuts such as pistachios and slivered almonds

8 cups (2 L) milk

 cup (60 mL) granulated sugar

1 tbsp (15 mL) rice flour or ground white rice

150 g (5oz) thin vermicelli, torn into smaller pieces

cup (175 mL) evaporated milk

 cup (175 mL) sweetened condensed milk

Pinch of saffron

In a large pot over medium heat, heat ghee. Add raisins and cook until they plump up. Remove raisins from heat and set aside.

Add more ghee if pan is dry. Add nuts and toast until fragrant and slightly browned, but not burnt. Remove nuts from heat and set aside.

Using same pot over medium heat, bring milk to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Cook, continuing to stir, until milk has reduced to about three-fourths of its original volume.

Whisk in rice flour and sugar until dissolved. Add vermicelli, evaporated milk and condensed milk. Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, for 20 to 30 minutes, or until milk mixture reduces to a syrupy consistency.

Stir in saffron, raisins and toasted nuts, reserving some raisins and nuts for garnish if desired.

Transfer to a serving bowl and serve immediately, or chill to serve cold.

Makes 6 to 8 servings.

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In 1938, Dany Assafs great grandfather was a member of the Muslim community that established Canadas first mosque in Edmonton, Alberta. Today, his legacy continues with Assaf joining a group of Toronto-based Muslims who have set up some of the countrys first public celebrations of Ramadan.

Iftars  the meal with which Muslims open their fasts  have been hosted at Torontos City Hall, Nathan Phillips Square, and Mississaugas Celebration Square.

Big crowds of Muslims and non-Muslims across the city have been welcomed to hours-long festivities with comedians, spoken word poets, Toronto Symphony Orchestra, fireworks, and lots and lots of food.

Assaf was the organizer of Fast in the 6, an iftar held at Nathan Phillips Square on June 9. He wanted to host a public free event in the soul of the city, and after a quick conversation with the Mayor (he was immediately on board) set up the celebration that he thought would reflect the true diversity, unity and prosperity of the city.

I wanted this to be the Canadian-Muslim equivalent of the Santa Claus parade, said Assaf, which is to say that no matter what faith or background you are, it was something you can enjoy. In that case its to enjoy the spirit of Christmas; for us, it was to enjoy the spirit of Ramadan.

The premise was to experience Muslim culture in a genuine and open way to showcase the common principles Islam shares with all faiths: sacrifice, sharing and being grateful.

The rise in Islamophobia and hate crimes against Muslims across the country has been of increasing concern to Assaf and Mohammed Hashim, a member of the Toronto and York Region Labour Council and organizer of the iftars at Toronto City Council and Mississauga. These public events were created to counter such narratives of hate and distrust.

Through these public events we wanted to tell the Muslim community you belong here, this is your space, your city, your city council and your country, said Hashim, but also to let the rest of the country know that were inclusive and welcoming and want them to join us in our celebrations.

Hashim found it inspiring and moving to hear the call to prayer given in city council chambers for the very first time. The iftar was co-hosted by Councillor Neethan Shan, who saw it as a way to prove that City Hall belongs to us all.

At the public iftar held in Mississauga, representatives of a local synagogue, church and gurdwara were all present to help the Muslim community break their fast. I cant remember Ramadan being quite so open, said Sanaa Ali-Mohammed, a visitor to the event. It makes everything more normal, said her friend Sabiha Sumra. The sight of hundreds of people praying together in the open space outside Mississaugas City hall was, for many, a first-time experience.

Every community matures at a certain time, and often gels because of crises, said Hashim. Now, its the natural evolution of that conversation to say that we really need to be able to claim Canada and embody everything this country has given to us which is tolerance, compassion and inclusivity.

Proof of the manifestation of these feelings can be seen in the over enthusiasm for such events from politicians to community members and sponsors alike.

Here at City Hall we have hosted events that celebrate various religions including Christianity and Judaism, said Mayor Tory, it should be no different when it comes to the Muslim faith.

For Assaf, Fast in the 6 was a true Canadian effort.

A city that celebrates Ramadan in this time is a city that is safe for everybody.

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The relative fairness of monthly detention reviews for immigration detainees was called into question Thursday in a testy exchange between the lawyers for a West African man who has been in maximum-security jail without charge for nearly four-and-a-half years and an Immigration and Refugee Board member.

Jared Will, who is representing Ebrahim Toure  a failed refugee claimant who has been behind bars since February 2013 because the government has been unable to deport him  objected to the fact that the governments representative, who acts as a kind of prosecutor at the quasi-judicial hearing, had not disclosed evidence cited to justify Toures continued detention.

Suzy Kim, the board member hearing the case, appeared to be taken aback by Wills objection.

Kim said the governments oral submissions are regularly accepted as evidence in detention reviews, which are intended to be less formal than court proceedings.

Kim asked whether Will had disclosed the notes he had in front of him, for instance.

I dont have disclosure obligation because Im not detaining anyone, replied Will, visibly frustrated.

Decisions in detention reviews are typically made immediately following a hearing, but on Thursday Kim said she would deliver her decision in writing within a reasonable time frame.

Prior to the hearing Will  who is also in the midst of a Federal Court challenge to the entire immigration detention system  had made formal requests to have Toures removals officer cross-examined at the hearing and for the officer to disclose his notes. Both requests were denied.

Mr. Toure is detained, Will said at one point amid the heated back-and-forth. Hes in a maximum-security jail and he has a heightened right to complete disclosure of any and all information.

Kim said she saw no basis for the hearing to be used as a fishing expedition.

I dont need documentation from the minister to accept what the minister is saying about what has happened so far, she said.

According to the rules of detention review hearings posted on Citizenship and Immigration Canadas website, hearings officers are obliged to provide disclosure to the person being detained or their counsel.

But immigration lawyers previously interviewed by the Star said disclosure is routinely withheld from detainees and the governments hearsay evidence is often accepted as fact at detention reviews, where government-appointed board members decide whether an immigration detainee should be released or jailed another 30 days.

As part of an investigation into Canadas immigration detention system published earlier this year, the Star interviewed 15 immigration lawyers, all of whom criticized the detention review hearings as procedurally unfair and stacked in the governments favour.

You couldnt walk into a criminal or civil court in this country that would not provide notes and documents upon which they were relying to make a decision, said Macdonald Scott, an immigration consultant also on Toures legal team who spoke to the Star after the hearing. This board seems to feel fit to do so and does so repeatedly.

Toures lawyers have told the government that if he is not released they will be seeking a habeas corpus application in Superior Court  the same legal remedy with which they won the release of seven-year immigration detainee Kashif Ali in April.

We will seek justice in a venue where they follow the law, Scott said.

Toure, 46, says he is from The Gambia, where he was born to a Gambian father and Guinean mother. He came to Canada on a fake passport before applying for refugee status in his actual name. He says he has never had any legitimate identity documents. Because he cant prove his citizenship, neither The Gambia nor Guinea will take him back.

The government accuses Toure of not co-operating with his removal. But Toure said he would like to be deported and he has given immigration officials everything he has. Immigration authorities have asked Toure to provide a DNA sample, which he has thus far refused because he said he doesnt trust them.

The governments representative said Thursday they need Toure to provide them with legitimate identification so they can obtain a travel document from Gambian authorities.

Ebrahims not a magician, Scott said. He cant produce documents that dont exist.

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Pssst, whos that girl?

Because there she is. And there she is. And there she is again.

Ogling Const. Leslie Nyznik at the CC Lounge & Whiskey Bar. Sidling up next to him, cooing coquettishly at the Pravda Vodka Bar. Jumping into the back seat of a cab with him  uninvited  headed for the Brass Rail.

The girl who cried rape.

The girl, 36-year-old woman, who has accused three off-duty Toronto police officers of having oral sex and intercourse with her when she was too drunk, perhaps drugged, to consent, as she slipped in and out of consciousness.

Nine days into the trial, the Crown closed its evidence late Thursday afternoon. Within a heartbeat, the defense opened theirs, Harry Black calling his client, Nyznik, to the witness stand.

Rewind Nyzniks testimony a bit and the complainant makes her first appearance of significance in this narrative a few days earlier, pulling up in her vehicle alongside his cruiser, parked at a lot on Shuter Street, where Nyznik and partner Const. Sameer Kara were writing up their notes.

Read more: Officer Elias Tissawak emerges as the one good guy in police sex assault trial: DiManno

Nyznik knew the woman, a parking enforcement officer, only casually because they all worked out of 51 Division. Kara was actually her friend, close enough that hed invited her to a Rookie Buy Night scheduled for later in the week.

Whilst conversing, the woman  as a sexual assault complainant her identity is protected by a publication ban  mentioned what she was planning to wear at that event, organized primarily by Nyznik as a welcome ritual for a new recruit fresh out of police college.

She was going to wear a really short skirt, you know, for easy access, is how Nyznik, recalled her remark  a direct quote.

We just kind of laughed about it.

Back to the CC Lounge, where those January 16, 2015 festivities began.

About a dozen, 13, 14 cops gathered, some already having imbibed a few in a room at the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel, which Nyznik had reserved earlier in the day, thoughtfully providing about 30 mini-bar size bottles of booze to get the evening launched. Booking the room was a precautionary measure. There was going to be no drinking and driving . . . to be responsible, Nyznik explained under questioning from Black.

The plan was for Nyznik to spend the night at the hotel with Kara and Const. Joshua Cabero.

The complainant did not attend at the hotel. She joined the party  all male except for one female officer  around 8:45 at the CC Lounge. Platoon participants in the Rookie Buy Night  the scrubeenie was expected to pay only for the first round  had each ponied up $25 for dinner and drinks. The pre-booked arrangements carried a $650-tab for bottles of vodka, whiskey, beer and the food.

Nyznik said he was standing around, shooting the breeze with colleagues, when a detective spotted the complainant, asking: Whos that? Nyznik explained she was a parking enforcement officer. Why is she here? the detective wondered. Nyznik: Kara invited her.

Nyznik didnt take much further notice of the woman until she approached him. She kind of just appeared beside me. He said hi and introduced her to the detective. Then she apparently got a case of the mums.

I felt kind of weird, Nyznik told court. She wasnt saying anything. She was just smiling at me, tilted her head, didnt say a word.

Weirded out enough that Nyznik mentioned it to one of the other officers. He shuffled away towards Kara. She shuffled likewise.

Coming up to 9 p.m., when dinner was formally concluded, Nyznik told the gang he was heading across the street to Pravda. Outside, he saw the complainant with Kara, who was having a smoke.

At Pravda, the group was warmly greeted by the bar manager, a woman Nyznik had previously dated. We remained friends.

The manager led the group to the second-floor bar, invited Nyznik up first to another vodka fridge area to have a shot, and then poured rounds.

Returning to the second floor, Nyznik testified he saw the complainant sitting at the bar with Kara. It looked like she was ordering some sort of drink.

Kara was already four sheets to the wind. He was heavily intoxicated, Nyznik said. He was that way when I was at CC and it continued at Pravda.

In fact, Kara was so hammered that another cop, Elias Tissawak, who last week took the stand as a witness for the prosecution, bundled him up, stuffed him into a cab and delivered him back to the hotel, helping him into bed, where Kara promptly fell asleep.

Nyznik testified he spent most of the next 90 minutes chatting with his former girlfriend, never actually saw Kara leave.

It was as he came up the stairs, after a trip to the washroom, that the complainant loomed into his vision again. She locked arms with me. Said Kameers gone back to the hotel. He was supposed to be my babysitter. Hes gone back to the hotel, so youre going to be my new babysitter tonight. 

Nyznik was taken aback. Okay, whatever. His testimony yesterday: I just found it a bit odd. First of all, that language, that Im going to be her babysitter. I barely knew her. I just found that whole encounter  thats why I left and went back upstairs.

But Nyznik had apparently clocked the woman, at least to the extent that he noted her behavior. She was very friendly and flirtatious with the guys, bouncing around, going guy to guy, talking to them. She was very, very happy.

He said happy in a wink-wink sort of way, implying well-lubricated.

The state of the complainants intoxication has, in fact, been a core theme at this judge-alone trial.

The woman has admitted to having eight drinks that night and is seen on footage from various security cameras appearing to enjoy herself. Interestingly, investigators were never able to recover any video from the Pravda part of the bar-crawl. Lawyer Black has further characterized the complainant as the aggressor in whatever sexual escapade later transpired, accusing her of inventing the hotel room orgy to which she testified last week out of morning-after remorse and fear that her reputation would be left in tatters if word ever got out.

The woman has adamantly denied this.

Anyway, it was Nyznik who suggested the dwindling party move on, because, when I go out, I like to try out different venues. He announced: Im going to go up to the Brass Rail, and, if anyone wants to join me, thats where Im going.

Black: At any point in time, did you invite (the complainant) to come to the Brass Rail?

Nyznik: There was never any point where I invited her to go to any of the bars. At no point to go to the Brass Rail. Thats a bar where women take their clothes off. I never gave any indication that I wanted her to go.

I barely knew her and Im not going to invite her to an adult strip club.

Black reminded the witness that, in her testimony, the complainant quoted Nyznik as saying to her: Are you all right with going to the Brass Rail?

Nyznik: I never said that.

He walked out of Pravda with Tissawak, another officer, and the complainant. Which surprised me, that she was coming. But he said nothing to her.

They briefly checked out another bar nearby, which wasnt open yet. I knocked on the door and whoever was working recognized me. They said, come on in, its freezing outside and if youd like a drink, we can give you a drink, but the bar doesnt open until 11:30. We declined that because there was nobody there and we left.

So they hailed a cab, Brass Rail-bound.

The complainant settled into the back seat, next to Nyznik.

And thats as far as court got Thursday.

Nyznik, Kara and Cabero have each pleaded not guilty to a charge of sexual assault.

The trial continues Friday.

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Toronto police now have 90 people in custody and expect to arrest 35 more after conducting dozens of raids targeting a gang called the Driftwood Crips.

The gangs main operation is drug trafficking and the arrests led to the seizures of 193 fentanyl patches, with a street value of $38,000, and 194 fentanyl pills, valued at about $15,000, Insp. Peter Moreira told a news conference Friday.

Fentanyl is a rising problem within this province and country, and this is a significant seizure, said Moeira.

The investigation was also the first of its kind to offer social services to those arrested.

Moreira said the integrated gun and gang task force has partnered up with external social service agencies to offer those charged with a chance to seek help.

He said this was a unique approach to the investigation, and that task force will be continuing to work with social services to develop strategies to prevent young peoples involvement in crime.

We started the conversation with young people and I think thats one of the more important things with our success, he said.

Of the 90 arrests, 41 were from Toronto. Moreira said he expects there will be 35 more arrests and that there are still more outstanding investigations.

The arrests are related to the Driftwood Crips, which has been the subject of an investigation called Project Kronic since May 2016. Almost 500 charges were laid including drug trafficking, sexual assault, kidnapping, robbery, and firearm offences.

Eighteen firearms and more than $177,000 in Canadian cash was also seized.

Moreira said the gang operated in cells across Ontario and parts of Saskatchewan and Alberta. He also said there was a hierarchy operating in correctional facilities.

The Special Investigations Unit was called in to investigate one of the arrests at Jane St. and Shoreham Dr. after a 60-year-old man suffered a serious facial injury.

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WARNING: Extremely graphic content

Goodness, what a skank!

That, of course, would be the sexual assault complainant, as portrayed by one of the three off-duty cops accused of carnally besieging her during a hotel room bacchanal.

Or, looked through the other end of the testimonial prism, the officer in the witness stand Friday had been the skank on that hotly disputed night two-and-a-half years ago. Whats the male equivalent of skank? Skunk?

Never touched that woman, Const. Leslie Nyznik asserted on Friday  at least not with his hands. Only his penis. Four times only with his penis, four times she put it in her mouth, ravenous to perform oral sex upon him. And so dexterous had this lustful woman been, that she was able to, simultaneously, have missionary sex with another officer, Const. Joshua Cabero, while using her other hand to rub and grope yet another cop, the zonked-out Const. Sameer Kara.

In your version of events, its almost as if she sexually assaulted you, Crown attorney Philip Perlmutter suggested scornfully to the witness. Nyznik: No, I would disagree with you there.

Read more:Toronto cop in sex assault trial tells court it was female colleagues idea to have sex with 3 men

Nyznik had already described how, as he stood between two beds in a room at the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel, the complainant, lying next to Kara on the other bed, had reached out with her right hand, unzipped his trousers, pulled out his penis and placed it in her mouth. Her back towards Kara, the woman pawed with her other hand at him. Cabero, emerging from the bathroom, said: Looks like youre having a party, can I join you? Woman: Sure!

A trinity of constable sex partnersat once. Not just consensually either, but insistently.

Ravishingly, as the aggressor-in-chief.

Perlmutter, incredulously: Youve got to be a contortionist to do what youve described.

Nyznik, Kara and Cabero have each pleaded not guilty to one charge of sexual assault at the judge-alone trial. Only Nyznik has thus far stepped up to the plate, er, witness stand. Karas lawyer, Alan Gold, has told the court he will not call any evidence when the trial resumes Monday. Pat Ducharme, representing Cabero, said hes not yet decided.

On his second day of testifying, 40-year-old Nyznik was taken by defense lawyer Harry Black through the events of January 16 to 17, 2015, after the complainant, a parking enforcement officer, joined a platoon from 51 Division for Rookie Buy Night, a pub crawl that shifted from the CC Lounge & Whiskey Bar to the Pravda Vodka Bar to the Brass Rail. Nyznik was continuing his account from Thursday, in which hed related how the woman had turned her attentions to him after an over-intoxicated Kara had been humped out of CC by a cop colleague and deposited at the Westin, in the room Nyznik had earlier reserved for himself, Kara and Cabero.

Nyznik insisted he was not keen on the woman joining the dwindling group  certainly hadnt invited her  as they tootled on to the Brass Rail. She just jumped into his cab, after observing that its been a while since shes had good sex.

At the Brass Rail, Nyznik said he leaned in to the complainant and remarked that girls dont usually come to strip clubs. Why did you come? And she responded by saying that she doesnt mind girl strip clubs and could appreciate a girls naked body and if I wanted to bring a girl back to the hotel, she would have no objections.

Surprised by that, mostly because hed never suggested bringing her back to the hotel room.

At the peeler bar, Nyznik was greeted by the manager as a familiar customer. A stripper Nyznik had just met in the washroom came over to their table and struck up a conversation. Nyznik admitted to Black that he pretended their group was an adult film crew up from Miami. I said (to the stripper), why dont you come back to the hotel for a private audition? Then I said jokingly (to the complainant) maybe you could be so kind to film this and we could show Sameer later on because hes asleep. To which the complainant (her name is protected by a publication ban), retorted: Why do I have to be the one that videotapes it? Why cant I join in? 

A bit later, Nyznik testified, the complainant said to him: Do you know that I love giving blow jobs? She said, Im the best. I said, oh yeah? How good are you on a scale of one to 10? She said, Im a 10 out of 10. But since Ive had a few things to drink tonight, Id be a nine-point-five.

Pretty much after that comment she said, But do you know what I really want?  No, whats that? Nyznik said the complainant said she wanted him and his colleague Joshua Cabero to perform a graphic sexual act together on her and she insisted it be performed over Sameer Kara while he was passed out.

Cut to the chase, the complainant accompanied Nyznik and Cabero to the hotel room, Nyznik apparently startled that the woman was sticking to them.

Nyznik agreed that he was still thinking about having sex with the stripper when she got off work at 2 a.m. Hed already struck out with an ex girlfriend, the Pravda manager.

The thumbnail version of what Nyznik claims ensued: The complainant and Nyznik tried unsuccessfully to rouse Kara; the complainant got grabby with Nyzniks penis; Cabero wants in ; the complainant performed oral sex on Cabero; the complainant had missionary sex with Cabero; Nyznik lay down on the other bed alongside Cabero and watched while the complainant had intercourse with a suddenly come-to Kara, riding him.

She sees me watching and then she waved me back over, smiling . . . . She began to give me oral sex.

More oral sex still, later, for Nyznik, whod declined intercourse (Are you going to f--- me?), and he ejaculated on the womans chest.

Whew.

Nyznik told Cabero he wasnt going to call the stripper after all.

I fell asleep.

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Sharoon Thomas moved his cloud software operation from India to Silicon Valley in October 2015 after it was hand-picked by a high-profile venture capital fund.

He arrived to California on a business visa that restricted him to developing his business idea and didnt allow paid work. The visa also didnt give him a chance to become a permanent resident in the U.S.

Last summer, with the escalating anti-immigration and nationalist rhetoric from then presidential front-runner Donald Trump, Thomas approached Toronto-based Extreme Venture Partners, a technology venture capital firm.

In early June, Thomas, 29, settled in Toronto and his company Fulfil is already recruiting two sales executives to promote its software, which help distributors and retailers manage their inventories along with other e-commerce products.

Toronto is the worlds most welcoming city. It is so diverse that I feel right at home, said the native of Cochin, who has travelled and worked in Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Spain, the United States and United Kingdom.

Even before Trump was elected, the U.S. (immigration) did not have provisions for startup entrepreneurs. After Trump, I felt I made a wise decision to apply to Canada. Entrepreneurs already have to deal with a lot of uncertainty. The last thing we need is have our immigrant status questioned.

The relocation is an example of a growing interest among entrepreneurs in choosing Canada over the U.S., thanks to political uncertainty south of the border under President Trumps administration, which has made a travel ban against six Muslim-majority countries, currently being challenged in court, and a wall along the Mexican border priorities.

Thomas said a wealth of IT talent and lower startup costs give Toronto an edge, and that stability is an important consideration for entrepreneurs in selecting a location.

According to Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada, as of March 15, more than 100 foreign entrepreneurs have been approved for permanent residence in Canada under the Start-up Visa Program since its inception in 2013.

These entrepreneurs represent more than 60 startups launched in Canada through this program, in which candidates are heavily vetted for their business ideas and acumen.

In total, these pilot entrepreneurs received over $3.7 million in investment capital from 32 venture capital funds, six angel investor groups and 14 business incubators designated by Ottawa. Applications are being processed in a little over five months on average.

Some startups created under the visa program have already been acquired by larger companies, an indicator of success for a new venture. TalentBuddy, an online school that focuses on teaching web development, was taken over by San Francisco-based Udemy last year. Huzza, a Vancouver-based video-streaming company, was bought out by Kickstarter in February.

The evaluation of the pilot shows that it has largely met its goals, said Immigration Department spokesperson Carl Beauchamp. Successful start-up visa applicants from a diverse range of countries have launched their companies across a number of industries. Some . . . are quickly becoming established companies.

Ray Sharma, Extreme Venture Partners CEO, said inquiries from potential startups have surged since Trump came to power and the growing pool of interest allows his company cherry-pick the best of the best.

We want to bring American companies to Canada, said Sharma, whose new Extreme Accelerators program hopes to fund up to 50 international startups along with providing mentorship, access to resources and connections for follow-on funding.

Canadas progressiveness and multiculturalism makes its citizenship the most valued in the world. That goes beyond business.

If successful, up to five members of the startup team selected under Extreme Accelerators, as well as their families, can be permanent residents, said Sharma.

Hamid Akbari, CEO of Blanc Labs, a Toronto-based software startup, said political climate played a huge part in his decision to come to Canada over the U.S.

We had to choose between the two countries. I came when (George W.) Bush was president. The administration had these policies with Iran. It was a tough situation, said the Iranian native, 40, who first came to Canada to pursue his doctoral degree at York University in 2005.

The challenge in the U.S. now is its unpredictability. We dont like uncertainty. We like stability.

Since Blanc Labs was established in 2013, it has expanded its operations to Colombia, Venezuela and the U.S. It now hires 20 employees and 150 software engineers and scientists around the world.

Clarification  June 16, 2017: This article was edited from a previous version that said Blanc Labs currently has 150 software engineers and scientists on contracts around the world. In fact, they are all employees.

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A possible 6,000 accident victims can now band together to try and get their money back from a law firm alleged to have double dipped from their settlements.

Ontarios top court ruled Thursday to uphold the class action certification for a case against personal injury law firm Neinstein & Associates LLP that is accused of taking more fees from its former clients than Ontario law allows.

The hotly anticipated ruling by the Ontario Court of Appeal could have wide-ranging ramifications for personal injury lawyers in the province because it shines an increasingly glaring spotlight on Ontarios contingency fee system  you dont pay unless we win.

In simple terms, lawyers working on contingency cannot take a sum of money called costs in addition to an agreed-upon percentage fee they take out of a final settlement. The court ruled that the case against Neinstein can move forward as a class action.

The court, drawing on information presented to it during the hearing earlier this year, stated there appears to be widespread non-compliance in Ontario with the Solicitors Act when it comes to protection of contingency fee clients and the allocation of costs.

Class counsel Peter Waldmann said Thursdays ruling brings his client, accident victim Cassie Hodge, and other former clients of the Neinstein firm one step closer to seeking remedies in this case.

Hodge, a mother of two from Brooklin, Ont., developed chronic pain after a December 2002 car accident. She hired the Neinstein firm. When the case settled, the final account rendered to her included charges for legal fees of $30,326 and costs of $30,000. She was also charged for $48,924 of disbursements, which included $4,008 for photocopies, $2,791 for laser copies, and $1,372 for interest recovery, the court of appeal ruling said.

Hodge alleges she was left with a fraction of her $150,000 settlement.

Rejecting arguments that a class action lawsuit would violate clients privacy, the three-judge panel at the court of appeal said court records submitted as part of the attempt to certify the case as a class action were filled with examples of how the Neinstein firm took costs.

The record on appeal is replete with examples of final accounts showing party-and-party costs payable to (the Neinstein firm), in addition to a percentage of the award and settlement, the court ruled.

The ruling said determining if costs were taken from former clients would be a simple matter.

An ongoing Star investigation found that personal injury lawyers in Ontario routinely take their fees then also take the costs, which the Divisional Court judge who earlier heard the case has called double dipping. As a result, the Star story said, many Ontario residents have been overcharged thousands of dollars and likely do not know it.

Earlier this year the Law Society of Upper Canada made changes to the referral fee system and the way lawyers can advertise their services. The provinces legal regulator has now turned its attention to the remaining piece of the puzzle  contingency fee agreements.

Now that the decision has come down in Hodges favour, Waldmann said the next step was to put in his submissions to ask Neinsteins firm to pay the legal bills for the Court of Appeal challenge that they launched in 2016.

Originally, a Superior Court judge refused to certify the Neinstein case as a class action. Then a Divisional Court reversed that decision, and then the Neinstein firm took the case to the Court of Appeal.

Waldmann said he will arrange to go before a case management judge who will adjudicate the merits of Hodges claim along with the claims of other former clients.

Counsel for the Neinstein firm did not immediately return the Stars request for comment. The firm has 60 days to ask for permission from the Supreme Court of Canada to appeal. It is rarely granted.

Members of this class action include any client of the Neinstein firm and Gary Neinstein who has signed or amended a contingency fee agreement or arrangement after Oct. 1, 2004 and who has paid their bill. The class does not include clients whose fees were approved by a judge or have had their fees assessed by the court or who have settled a claim with respect to their contingency fee agreement, the ruling said.

In Thursdays ruling justices Alexandra Hoy, Eileen Gillese and David Brown said that in Hodges case, the Neinstein firm kept the costs and the firm did not get a judges approval to do so.

Ms. Hodge was the successful party in this court and the court below, the ruling said.

In addition to cost-taking, the court of appeal said Hodges case had several issues in common with other potential members of the class action.

Those common issues included determining whether costs should be ordered to be repaid and whether other former clients had contingency fee agreements similar to Hodges.

The ruling said there appears to be no dispute that the contingency fee agreement signed by Hodge violated the Solicitors Act, the law that governs how Ontario lawyers can charge fees.

Another common issue, according to the decision, is whether the Neinstein firm committed a fiduciary breach by not disclosing to clients that the contingency fee agreements they signed were in violation of the Act.

An additional common issue is whether punitive damages should be awarded to Hodge and other class members.

One of the issues many in the legal community agree on is that the language the Solicitors Act uses concerning contingency fee agreements is confusing. The court of appeal stated the wording has created difficulties for lawyers and clients for many years and this case represents another struggle to make sense of the Act.

Claire Wilkinson, president of the Ontario Trial Lawyers Association, said it has been known for sometime that the Solicitors Act, which governs agreements between lawyers and clients, is poorly drafted. As this decision makes apparent, the poor drafting has created unnecessary uncertainty for lawyers, clients and the court. Hopefully this decision will spur on a much-needed regulatory overhaul to bring greater certainty to lawyers and their clients.

Malcolm Mercer, chair of the Law Society of Upper Canada committee looking at contingency fee agreements and other issues, said the ruling addresses legislation that exists now. He said he expects a report to come out this fall with recommendations to simplify the Act to make it work more effectively.

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Ontario will receive $435 million in federal funding over three years to create 11,200 new child-care spaces, support early years programs and provide training for staff.

The new spaces will be on top of the 100,000 spots to open over the next five years that have already been promised by the Ontario government.

Our partnership with the Government of Canada helps us build a strong, affordable, quality early years and child-care system for all Ontario families, said Indira Naidoo-Harris, the Ontario minister responsible for the early years.

When our children have the best possible start in life, we all benefit. This is an investment in our future.

At the start of the week, the federal government announced it had worked out three-year child-care deals worth a total $1.2 billion with all provinces and territories, save for British Columbia and Quebec.

Research shows that there are positive relationships between quality early learning and child care, parental labour market participation and child development outcomes. This is particularly true for vulnerable children, said Jean-Yves Duclos, the federal minister of families, children and social development.

Of the $435 million, $300 million will be given to municipalities to create licensed child-care spaces, boost subsidies for low-income families, or for building renovations and retrofits. Its meant to be a flexible fund so municipalities can best address the needs in their communities, said a spokesperson for Naidoo-Harris.

Almost $120 million will go to Ontarios Early Years Centres for programming and also to create new locations. The remaining $15 million will be used for professional development for early childhood educators and also to help those seeking ECE credentials to return to school.

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Talk about the booze talking.

LCBO workers are stepping up pressure on the government-owned alcohol monopoly with an ad blitz and a new website, Liqileaks, aimed at pressuring Queens Park to settle the labour dispute.

With 8,000 members of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union ready to strike June 26, a newspaper ad appeared Friday along with an online countdown clock till job action.

Illustrated with a colour photo of Liquor Control Board of Ontario president and CEO George Soleas, the half-page ad notes he has a six-figure salary and a full-time job, but makes over 84 per cent of his LCBO retail employees work part-time.

In a video statement on Friday afternoon, Soleas said workers have to appreciate the new retail environment in which we operate.

Thats a reference to Premier Kathleen Wynnes expansion of wine, beer, and cider to scores of Ontario supermarkets, which increases competition for the LCBO.

It is unfortunate that the union has chosen a timetable which raises the possibility of a potential labour disruption at one of our busiest times of the year, the LCBO president said.

Our customers need to be able to plan ahead, particularly as we approach the Canada Day long weekend when many plan activities with family and friends.

Along with blasting Soleas, who earned $386,731 in 2016, OPSEU wants Ontarians to share their feelings about the LCBO on a website that pays homage to WikiLeaks.

Whats your LiqiLeak? it asks at www.liqileaks.ca .

If youre an LCBO shopper or employee, we want to hear from you. How do you feel about the way LCBO management treats its workers? What do you think about how LCBO President George Soleas is making it even harder on his employees?

The site also takes aim at Wynne.

She talks about good jobs, but shes OK with two-hour shifts at the LCBO. Our premier has been making a big deal about creating good jobs, but she has nothing to say about the terrible way the LCBO, a company she controls, treats its employees, it states.

Half of them get fewer than 20 hours of work a week. Some work every day for weeks in a row just to scrape by. And, even if theyve worked for the LCBO for 10 or 15 years, theyre no closer to getting a full-time position, the site continues.

Thats not right. A successful Crown corporation like the LCBO should be setting an example for Ontario. And Premier Wynne has to tell them to do it.

Finance Minister Charles Sousa is castigated on the site as well.

Our minister of finance told the LCBO to jack up its profits by 10 per cent this year and it looks like he didnt care how they did it. Hes OK with the fact that the LCBO has gone after its employees to come up with the money, it says.

On Monday, Wynne pointed out that its a good idea for government to set an example in terms of good labour practice.

So we are absolutely working to be a model and well have to let current negotiations unravel as they do, said the premier, emphasizing she has no direct role in the talks, but is mindful of looming labour reforms that could outlaw some of the LCBOs practices.

Still, she was asked if there would be a political price to pay if liquor store workers are on strike on the Canada Day long weekend.

Im sure there will be those who will try to do that  blame me  but again theres always more than one issue on the table at a given time, said Wynne.

We will keep our fingers crossed that they reach an agreement soon.

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ST. PAUL, MINN.A Minnesota jury ended its fourth day of deliberations Thursday without a verdict in the manslaughter trial of a police officer who killed a black motorist.

Officer Jeronimo Yanez shot 32-year-old Philando Castile during a traffic stop last July 6 in a St. Paul suburb. Yanez, who is Latino, fired seconds after Castile informed the officer that he was carrying a gun. Castile had a permit for the firearm.

Yanez testified Castile was pulling the gun out against his instructions and he feared for his life. Prosecutors insist Yanez never saw a gun and had plenty of options short of shooting Castile, an elementary school cafeteria worker they say was never a threat. Witness testified that the gun was in the pocket of Castiles shorts when paramedics pulled him from the vehicle.

Read more:

Officer in Philando Castile shooting did what he had to do, defence attorney says

Minnesota officer testifies Philando Castile had hand on gun when shot

Jurors began deliberations after hearing closing arguments on Monday. Thursdays deliberations passed quietly, with no sudden hearings or requests to review evidence. On Wednesday, the apparently deadlocked jury was summoned to court by the judge and told to keep deliberating.

On Tuesday, jurors requested another look at dashcam video captured by Yanezs squad car that shows the shooting. The jury also watched a replay of the video that Castiles girlfriend, Diamond Reynolds, livestreamed on Facebook beginning seconds after Castile had been shot. Reynolds and her then-4-year-old daughter were in the car when Castile was shot.

The squad-car video shows a wide view of the traffic stop and the shooting, with the camera pointed toward Castiles car. While it captures what was said between the two men and shows Yanez firing into the vehicle, it does not show what happened inside the car or what Yanez might have seen.

The 12-member jury includes two black members. The rest are white. None is Latino.

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BERLINHelmut Kohl, one of the towering figures of European politics whose greatest achievement is considered the skilful reunification of a divided Germany, has died at 87.

Kohl, who was chancellor first of West Germany and then of a united Germany from 1982 to 1998, combined a dogged pursuit of the European idea of unity with a keen instinct for history.

Less than a year after the November 1989 fall of the Berlin Wall, he spearheaded the end of Germanys decades-long division into East and West, ushering in a new era in European politics.

The close bond that Kohl built up with other world leaders helped him persuade both anti-Communist Western allies and the leaders of the collapsing Soviet Union that a strong, united Germany could finally live at peace with its neighbours.

Helmut Kohl was the most important European statesman since World War II, former U.S. President Bill Clinton said in 2011, adding that Kohl answered the big questions of his time correctly for Germany, correctly for Europe, correctly for the United States, correctly for the future of the world.

Former U.S. president George H.W. Bush said the world had lost a true friend of freedom.

Working closely with my very good friend to help achieve a peaceful end to the Cold War and the unification of Germany within NATO will remain one of the great joys of my life, Bush said.

While physically imposing, Kohl moved nimbly in domestic politics and among rivals in his conservative Christian Democratic Union, holding power for 16 years until his defeat by centre-left rival Gerhard Schroeder in 1998.

That was followed by the eruption of a party financing scandal which threatened to tarnish his legacy.

Born on April 3, 1930, in Ludwigshafen, a western industrial city on the Rhine, Kohl joined the Hitler Youth but missed service in the Nazi army. As a 15-year-old, he was about to be pressed into service in a German anti-aircraft gun unit when Second World War ended. His oldest brother, Walter, was killed in action a few months earlier.

A Roman Catholic, Kohl joined the CDU shortly after its postwar founding. He became governor of the western state of Rhineland-Palatinate in 1969.

Kohls first attempt to unseat Social Democratic Chancellor Helmut Schmidt failed in 1976, but Kohl seized his chance six years later, taking power on Oct. 1, 1982 when a junior coalition party switched sides.

Once viewed as a provincial bumbler, Kohl combined an understanding of the worries of ordinary Germans with a hunger for power, getting elected four times. Only Otto von Bismarck, who first unified Germany in the 1870s, was chancellor longer, for 19 years.

Kohl was helped in securing German unity by his friendships with French President Francois Mitterrand and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, who approved NATO membership for a united Germany and agreed to pull Soviet troops out of East Germany.

It was real luck that, at that difficult time, leading nations were headed by statesmen with a sense of responsibility, adamant about defending the interests of their countries but also able to consider the interests of others, able to overcome the barrier of prevailing suspicion about partnership and mutual trust, Gorbachev said Friday in a message of condolences released by his foundation.

In a poignant gesture of reconciliation in 1984, Kohl held hands with Mitterrand during a ceremony at a First World War cemetery in Verdun, France.

Chancellor Angela Merkel, once Kohls protegee, said Germans could be grateful for the trust her predecessor established with other nations leaders, from Washington to Moscow, from Paris to Warsaw.

Speaking from Rome, Merkel said Kohls decision to take advantage of the pro-democracy protests sweeping through the Eastern bloc in the 1980s demonstrated his acute political instincts.

He held fast to the dream and goal of a united Germany, even as others wavered, she said.

Like millions of others, I was able to go from a life under a dictatorship to a life of freedom, Merkel added. He will continue to live in our memories as a great European and as the chancellor of reunification.

Kohls legacy includes the common euro currency that bound Europe more closely together than ever before. Kohl lobbied heavily for the euro, introduced in 1999, as a pillar of peace  and when it hit trouble more than a decade later, he insisted there was no alternative to Germany helping out debt-strapped countries like Greece.

Kohl linked his dedication to a united Europe to his roots in a part of Germany close to France and his boyhood memories of wartime. He celebrated the European Unions eastward expansion in 2004 with a speech declaring that the most important rule of the new Europe is: There must never again be violence in Europe.

Still, the blooming landscapes that Kohl promised East German voters during reunification were slow to come after the collapse of its communist economy, and massive aid to the east pushed up German government debt. He also drew criticism for failing to embark on economic reforms.

Kohl was married for 41 years to Hannelore Renner, an interpreter of English and French who stood firmly but discreetly by his side. They had two sons, Peter and Walter.

In July 2001, Hannelore killed herself at 68 in despair over an incurable allergy to light. In 2008, Kohl married Maike Richter, an economist some 35 years his junior.

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WASHINGTONU.S. President Donald Trump acknowledged for the first time Friday that he is under federal investigation as part of the expanding probe into Russias election meddling. He lashed out at a top Justice Department official overseeing the inquiry, reflecting his mounting frustration with the unrelenting controversy that has consumed his early presidency.

I am being investigated for firing the FBI Director by the man who told me to fire the FBI Director! Witch Hunt, the president wrote on Twitter.

His morning missive apparently referred to Rod Rosenstein, the deputy attorney general whose role leading the federal investigation has become increasingly complicated. The White House has used a memo he wrote to justify Trumps decision to fire FBI Director James Comey, but that Trump action may now be part of the probe. Thursday night, Rosenstein issued an unusual statement complaining about leaks in the case.

Trump advisers and confidants describe the president as increasingly angry over the investigation, yelling at television sets in the White House carrying coverage and insisting he is the target of a conspiracy to discredit  and potentially end  his presidency. Some of his ire is aimed at Rosenstein and investigative special counsel Robert Mueller, both of whom the president believes are biased against him, associates say.

Dianne Feinstein, top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, said she was increasingly concerned that Trump will fire both Mueller and Rosenstein.

The message the president is sending through his tweets is that he believes the rule of law doesnt apply to him and that anyone who thinks otherwise will be fired, Feinstein said. Thats undemocratic on its face and a blatant violation of the presidents oath of office.

Aides have counselled the president to stay off Twitter and focus on other aspects of his job. They have tried to highlight the positive reviews he received Wednesday when he made a statesmanlike appearance in the White House to address the nation after Rep. Steve Scalise was shot during a congressional baseball practice.

Yet Trumps angry tweets on Friday underscored the near-impossible challenge his advisers and legal team have in trying to get him to avoid weighing in on an active probe.

The president has denied that he has any nefarious ties to Russia and has also disputed that hes attempted to block the investigation into his campaigns possible role in Russias election-related hacking. It was unclear whether his tweet about being under investigation was based on direct knowledge or new media reports that suggest Mueller is examining whether the president obstructed justice by firing Comey.

The tweets came shortly after Rosenstein issued his unusual statement that appeared to be warning about the accuracy of such reports.

Americans should be skeptical about anonymous allegations, Rosenstein said. The Department of Justice has a long-established policy to neither confirm nor deny such allegations.

The department would not comment on the record on whether Trump, who has repeatedly complained about leaks on the case, requested the statement. But a department official said no one asked for the statement and Rosenstein acted on his own. The official demanded anonymity because the official was not authorized to be named discussing the deliberations.

Trump has told associates he has the legal authority to fire Mueller, a move that might first require firing Rosenstein and would certainly intensify the uproar over the investigation. Though some in the White House have preached caution, fearing a repeat of the firestorm over Comeys firing, many in Trumps orbit  including his son Donald Trump Jr. and adviser Newt Gingrich  have deemed Mueller biased and worthy of dismissal.

Several White House officials and Trump associates insisted on anonymity in order to discuss the presidents views of the unfolding investigation.

Rosenstein has been overseeing the Russia probe since shortly after Attorney General Jeff Sessions recused himself. But Rosenstein, too, may ultimately have to hand off oversight given his role in Trumps decision to fire Comey.

Earlier this month, Rosenstein told The Associated Press that if anything that I did winds up being relevant to his investigation then, as director Mueller and I discussed, if theres a need from me to recuse, I will.

Trumps tweets came after the top lawyer for his transition team warned the organizations officials to preserve all records and other materials related to the Russia probe. An official of Trumps transition confirmed the lawyers internal order, which was sent Thursday.

The order from the general counsel for the transition team casts a wide net on documents that could shed light on ties between Trumps presidential campaign and representatives of Russias government. The order also covers separate inquiries into several key Trump associates including former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn, campaign adviser Paul Manafort, foreign policy aide Carter Page and outside adviser Roger Stone.

The White House has directed questions for details to outside legal counsel, which has not responded.

Vice-President Mike Pence has also hired a private lawyer to represent his interests in the expanding probe. Pence headed the Trump transition until Inauguration Day.

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Looking political reality right in the face: its true Bernie Sanders and Jeremy Corbyn lost. But their vanquishers  Hillary Clinton, Theresa May  seem far more hangdog. One of Canadas great left-wing figures, Madeleine Parent, said, If we learn something from defeat, we never really lose. In that vein 

Truisms of the past have vapourized. Socialism is no longer a term to avoid. Bernie didnt shrink from it and it seems to have intrigued voters, especially the young, rather than alienating them. Corbyn stuck with his antiwar position, even as terror burst out in Manchester and London, and it appears to have hurt May more than him. Whats typical of clueless left-wing parties, like our NDP, is that they ditched the term socialism at the very moment  2013  when it no longer would damage and would probably benefit them.

Age isnt relevant. The two old guys got the biggest youth boost. They didnt get it because theyre old. Age just didnt matter.

This is my favourite: the chasm between hard-headed, pragmatic party officials and short-sighted idealistic members. The New York Times said: The base wants it all, the party wants to win. Thats exactly wrong. If the party (elected members and paid staff) wanted to win, theyd have backed Sanders over Clinton: hed have creamed Trump and they knew it. In the U.K., theyd have stopped ceaselessly undermining Corbyn, and hed almost surely have beaten May.

What the pros actually value over winning elections is keeping their jobs. The base wants it all only in the sense of reversing the deterioration in their lives and in the prospects of their children. Theyre not into storming heaven.

The dread mainstream media arent so dread. Tony Blair won for the left by cravenly courting Rupert Murdochs editorial support. Corbyn didnt bother and got about the same vote percentage as Blair at his best. The tussle between social and mass media seems to be tipping toward the former. Clinton was brazenly backed by all the mainstream media (MSM) and it didnt help her against Trump. In fact, Trump may be the only politician still obsessed by what the MSM say.

Being yourself works, if you really are yourself and not some tortuous result of reverse political engineering. This appealing state is known as authenticity. Sanders and Corbyn have been themselves for so long they no longer have to pause and recall who theyre supposed to be. Clinton never did work it out. This relates to the much discussed theme of populism.

This is a populist moment, but neither Sanders nor Corbyn are seizing it as populists. They havent changed in order to jump on board; theyre socialists and this equips them for the populist mood, which exists because of the widening gulf between most people and the arrogant rich.

But they come by their version of populism honestly, ie., uncalculatedly. In a way the moment simply caught up to them. The sign of populists is often opportunism: they see a mood and fit themselves to it, as Huey Long did in the 1930s (and in the movie), and as Trump did: he assessed a moment and slotted himself in.

Its why Sanders would have destroyed him  the fakery wouldve been patent. Corbyn is even less populist, he represents a somewhat bourgeois district. But hes an honest socialist, always has been, and that puts him near enough.

Implications for the NDP. None of the leadership candidates has grasped either the socialist or populist lessons. Charlie Angus appears best suited, starting with his look, but he seems the most Blairite, playing the, How you gonna pay for all that? card, which is basically a right-wing trope.

Tommy Douglas had the answer: if its a real need, generally acknowledged, the government will somehow find the money; they always do. But Angus is a Jack, not a Tommy, NDPer. He loves invoking Jack Laytons name  and Jack aspired to Blairism. Hed seen it work in the U.S. and U.K. The night he celebrated his breakthrough to official opposition leader, he spared not a word for the plight of the people, whod now find themselves under a harsh right-wing majority.

Forget about starting new left-wing parties. You can actually work within corrupt cadavers like Labour and the Democrats, aspire to take them over, and move on to power. Id never have believed it but the evidence is there.

Rick Salutins column appears every Friday.

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The current discourse around Muslims in the West is impoverished by its myopia. The left tends to focus solely on rising Islamophobia, while those on the right only want to talk about Islamic radicalization. The reality is that both are serious problems that our society must grapple with simultaneously.

As the recent incidents in London and Manchester have shown, Islamic radicalization continues largely unabated. At the same time, anti-Muslim bigotry continues to surge. Indeed, Statistics Canada recently reported that hate crimes against Muslims in Canada more than tripled between 2012 and 2015. Both Islamic and right-wing extremism are feeding off each other in a vicious feedback loop.

We see with the continuing controversy over prayer in schools and the previous attempt to implement the Quebec Charter of Values, which some think the answer is to further marginalize religion (i.e. Islam) from the public sphere.

This is a mistake, as was noted in the early 1900s by the sociologist Emile Durkheim. Durkheim, himself an atheist, argued the sense of belonging that religion provides serves an important social function, especially in a capitalistic society that increasingly worships the cult of the individual. If Muslims are not allowed to publicly engage with their faith, more will retreat online to find that sense of belonging, right into the hands of groups such as Daesh (also known as ISIS or ISIL).

But the Muslim community also needs to re-examine its approach. During this current period of Ramadan, mosques around the country will give countless sermons and raise millions of dollars. But the sad fact is that none of this will do much to counter either radicalization or the negative perceptions of Islam that persist today. The reality is that many young Muslims susceptible to radicalization will not be at the mosque, and neither will right-wing Islamophobes.

What we need is a comprehensive cultural approach to draw in both those at risk of being radicalized, as well as those who currently harbour fear of Muslims.

Art has the unique power to instill either affection or fear in people for generations. Because of Jaws, which was released more than 40 years ago, people are still petrified of sharks, even though scientists have long debunked most of its claims.

And it is no coincidence that public opinion about same-sex marriage in the U.S. completely flipped during the period that shows like Will & Grace, Glee, and Modern Family dominated the airwaves. The Canadian show Little Mosque on the Prairie was a good start, but it has been off the air for half a decade and nothing has followed in its footsteps.

In the aftermath of the tragedy in Manchester, Ariana Grande held a benefit concert featuring some of the worlds top pop stars. What if there were multi-platinum Muslim artists on the stage creating a counter narrative of Islam?

Imagine if even a fraction of the money Muslims donated at their local mosques was instead directed at providing Muslim artists the opportunity to tell stories that not only humanize them, but expand even Muslim minds on what it means to be a complicated Muslim living in modernity.

What if Muslim artists have it in them to make the next Star Wars, Harry Potter or Friends? To become the next U2 or write the next Hamilton? What kind of impact would this have?

It should be clear to everyone by now that our current approach to fighting both Islamic and right-wing extremism have failed. As noted recently by Reza Aslan, Bigotry is not a result of ignorance, its a result of fear. And fear is impervious to data, fear is impervious to information. The only way that youre gonna dissipate that fear is by getting people to know someone that theyre afraid of.

But for many in our population, the only Muslims they see are on TV or in movies shouting Allahu Akbar and blowing themselves up. This needs to stop. But it wont stop unless we support more Muslims making art themselves.

Nadir Shirazi is the creator and executive producer of MultiFacet, an anime series under development that explores extreme forms of religion and secularism: www.themultifacetfaq.com .

Sachin Maharaj is a PhD candidate and Canada Graduate Scholar in educational policy at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto.

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Re: Study finds upside to cops in school, June 15

Study finds upside to cops in school, June 15

A study finds that a police presence in high schools reduces student stress, risks of bullying and harm, improves attendance and makes teens feel safer and better able to learn.

Who wouldnt want that? The Latinx and Afro-Latin America Abya Yala Education Network for one. They argue that the lived experience of some students should outweigh the findings of an independent study. I mean, what is a study anyway, but a collection of the lived experience of many distilled into data.

Who wouldnt want independent data? Gita Rao Madan, a masters degree student at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education for one. Madan says its really important to think about what kind of data we consider to be valid.

For some individuals and groups, that will only be data that supports what they already believe. After all, some groups oppose police in schools and some individuals have signed a petition against this practice, so why bother with a study?

You know who wants a police presence in schools? Students who want to learn. That is what the study says, and isnt that what school is for?

Kevin Clink, Brampton

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Re: When feminisms wonders arent for all women, Opinion, June 15

When feminisms wonders arent for all women, Opinion, June 15

Theres no foundation to Azeezah Kanjis smearing of Israeli movie star Gal Gadot as someone who supports violence against the women, children and men of Palestine . . .

Any death of a civilian is deeply regrettable, but lets not be obtuse to how the Hamas terror group commits double war crimes by firing rockets at Israeli daycares, homes and hospitals while hiding within and adjacent to Palestinian residential areas, United Nations schools and mosques. These are bona fide war crimes in violation of international law, yet Kanji excuses Hamas flagrant violations of the Geneva Conventions.

Lets not forget that Hamas initiated the conflict in 2014 when it kidnapped and murdered three Israeli teenagers in the West Bank. Furthermore, Hamas fired thousands of rockets at Israel and carried out deadly assaults on Israelis by digging terror-attack tunnels. Just this week, a Hamas-dug tunnel was found under a United Nations relief agency school.

Israel and Egypt rightly enforce a blockade of Gaza (in adherence to international law) as a means to prevent Hamas from re-arming itself and from carrying out attacks on its civilian populations. The only materials that are restricted from entering Gaza are those that have potential dual uses that can be retrofitted as weaponry.

Gadot is a perfect example of feminism. She proudly and bravely served her country in the Israel Defence Forces, where she endured a gruelling three-month boot camp, served for two years in the army and was a combat trainer.

Kanjis anti-Israel commentary was not worthy of publication.

Mike Fegelman, executive director, Honest Reporting Canada, Toronto

Azeezah Kanji ignores the fact that Hamas, a terrorist organization, is responsible for the tragic situation in Gaza. Using resources and weapons from the brutal, anti-woman Iranian regime, Hamas has rolled back womans rights and called for woman and children to be used as human shields in Gaza.

Its disappointing youve given a platform to someone who ignores these issues so they can advance a bigoted, divisive campaign to delegitimize Israel. Ironically, by dismissing the threat Hamas poses to innocent Israelis and Palestinians alike, Kanji ignores the root causes of this painful conflict and the tragic situation in Gaza. Her biased attack on Israel does nothing to relieve the suffering caused by Hamas terrorists.

Joan Cohen, Toronto

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Honda Motor Co. Ltd. (HMC) - Get Free Report announced another recall on Friday.

The Japanese automaker is offering to replace the 12-volt battery sensor in approximately 1.5 million Accord vehicles from the 2013 to 2016 model years free of charge. Honda has received four reports of engine compartment fires, according to a news release. There were no reported injuries related to the incidents.

The battery sensors is on the negative battery cable in the engine compartment. The sensor monitors the battery's charge to notify the driver of issues with the battery or charging system. The seal for the sensors in the affected Affords may be insufficient in protecting the device against moisture, according to the release.

"Over time, moisture intrusion may bring road salt or other electrically conductive substances inside the battery sensor, leading to corrosion and eventual electrical shorting of the sensor," the company said in a statement. "A shorted sensor can heat up through electrical resistance, potentially resulting in smoke coming from under the hood or, in the worst case, a fire."

Honda was the worst-hit car manufacturer by Takata Corp.'s exploding airbags recall, which began in 2013. The automaker announced on Monday that it had linked a 12th death in the United States to the rupture of a Takata driver's airbag inflator in a 2001 Honda Accord in June 2016 in Florida. Of the 12 linked deaths to faulty airbags, 11 fatalities occurred in Honda vehicles.

Honda will begin notifying owners of affected Accord vehicles about the most recent recall by mail at the end of the month.

Despite the recall affecting more than one million vehicles, the recall is nowhere near the largest. Here are the largest recalls in the industry.
Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. (BABA) - Get Free Report is often referred to as the Amazon.com (AMZN) - Get Free Report of China.

But when it comes to the grocery business, Amazon should be called the Alibaba of the U.S. because it's playing catch up.

On Wednesday, Amazon inched closer to taking over Whole Foods Market Inc.'s (WFM) 470 stores when the $13.7 billion deal was approved by Whole Foods shareholders and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

While Amazon has grand plans to update Whole Foods' stores with technology, improved logistics, and a food delivery network, Alibaba has already been there and done that. The Chinese e-commerce giant has been updating the food shopping experience in China with its Hema grocery stores for the past two years.

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"The Amazon-Whole Foods deal is a total validation of our strategy," Alibaba Head of External Affairs Brion Tingler told TheStreet when the deal was first announced in mid-June. Both players are learning that when you hit a certain level of success in online sales, the next step is to help offline players better utilize their strengths, he said.

Alibaba has coined a specific term for transforming physical stores to combine the best of offline shopping and online shopping: New Retail. Alibaba wants to update stores to give customers the option to order any item they see to their doorstep while still at the store. In other words, you could buy lunch at noon at a store, while also ordering seafood to arrive at your house at 6 p.m.

Revamping brick-and-mortar stores instead of just focusing on e-commerce is important because e-commerce is only about 15% of China's total $5 trillion retail market, Alibaba vice chairman Joe Tsai said in the company's latest earnings call. The other 85% is still brick-and-mortar shopping. "The traditional way of thinking about retail vs. e-commerce is that they work against each other, where e-commerce is cannibalizing retail," he told TheStreet. "But it doesn't have to be that way."

Alibaba has a solid presence in the China supermarket scene, with a 32% stake in Sanjang Shopping Club Ltd. and an 18% stake in the Lianhua Supermarket chain. Alibaba is now running multiple brick-and-mortar China-based supermarkets that utilize two-thirds of their space for traditional retail needs and one-third of their space as an omnichannel fulfillment operation, Tsai said. The stores are doing 15,000 orders online per day. "That's really made the retail space more efficient, or increasing the sales-per-square-food of this retail space," Tsai claimed.

Tigress Financial Partners CIO Ivan Feinseth said he believes Amazon will do exactly the same thing with Whole Foods that Alibaba has done with supermarkets in China. "It makes a lot of sense," he said. "Amazon is all about clicks and bricks," he added in reference to Amazon's expanding presence into the brick-and-mortar scene.

Before diving into the Whole Foods transformation process, Amazon has been experimenting with its own form of New Retail with its eight existing brick-and-mortar bookstores, with five more locations scheduled to open in 2017. These stores bring together the best of offline and online shopping. Customers get the benefit of being able to physically touch and flip through books, but Amazon is also able to use customer purchasing data to determine what books are worth stocking the stores with. In addition, tech updates mean customers can take a picture of any book in the store and the Amazon app will bring up information on the book.

Amazon also uses its bookstores to sell other products, such as bookbags or water bottles, that are popular and highly rated on its online marketplace. "Amazon is trying to surround the customer with Prime memberships, its credit card, these bookstores," Feinseth said. "It's a way to try to create customer loyalty in a time when people just want the best price."

In addition to supermarkets, Alibaba has also transformed department store Intime, a chain of stores and shopping malls which Alibaba paid $2.6 billion to fully acquire in January after having first bought a stake in it about three years ago. Data from Intime and Alibaba's Taobao consumer-to-consumer shopping website revealed that consumers were more likely to buy the well-known, bigger name brand cosmetics like Estee Lauder when shopping in the physical store, but preferred the niche cosmetic brands from Korea and Japan when shopping online. "That's very informative," Tsai said. "It could tell us more about how we will do our merchandising decisions in the department stores."

Rather than acquiring or investing further in other retail companies, Alibaba is hoping these successful early examples of the positive effects of the New Retail strategy will serve as prototypes that encourage other retailers to come to Alibaba for help, Tsai said. "So what they bring to the table is they'll have retail locations that are in good spots, good locations, and we'll bring in the technology and the data and the know how...Our intention is to run a capital-light strategy, but initially, you need to develop some prototypes so that people can see how they work and then they will be more inclined to work with you."

This is an important distinction between Alibaba and Amazon's brick-and-mortar transformation strategy.

Alibaba has never been keen to own everything, opting to empower other players instead, while Amazon has always opted to own as much of its operations as it can. This difference is most notable in their delivery methods, with Alibaba relying on about 3,000 delivery companies in China, while Amazon builds its own trucks and even planes. Now that it has prototypes of the New Retail strategy at work, Alibaba hopes it can simply partner with retailers in the future to help them increase sales. Meanwhile, Amazon opted to fully acquire Whole Foods.

Feinseth said retailers should be willing to try almost anything because the traditional retail model is dead, and they have to change something. New Retail lets people touch and test out products in the store, but it also gives them efficiency and competitive pricing by allowing them to order items to their house or check for better prices online, he said. "I think it's a brilliant strategy," he said of New Retail. "I think retailers will be coming to Alibaba for help -- both in China and globally," he said.

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Alphabet's (GOOGL) - Get Free Report Verily Life Sciences LLC joins Novartis AG (NVS) - Get Free Report and the European Investment Fund in a joint $300 million venture that will back Medicxi's novel biotech fund.

The fund, known as Medicxi Growth1 (MG1), will provide a financial backbone to European growth companies in life sciences, a sphere that has grown brittle due to the lack of funding.

"There is a clear unmet need in Europe for growth stage investment - this has led companies to look to the U.S. for these funds or to partner early and or generally suboptimal early exit through partnering or M&A," said Francesco De Rubertis, co-founder and Partner at Medicxi.

In order to receive an investment from MG1, a company must have at least one asset that is in a Phase 2 trial that Medicxi believes will become a licensed pharmaceutical product and addresses "unmet medical needs." Medicxi will be looking to invest in both public and private companies. A contribution from the European Investment Fund will leverage Medicxi's monetary spending to Europe-based companies.

Medicxi is a life sciences-focused investment firm, originally created as Index Ventures, an international venture capital firm with offices in London, San Francisco, Geneva, and St. Helier, the capital of the English Channel island of Jersey. Index transformed into Medicxi after a 2012 investment in Index Life VI by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) - Get Free Report and Johnson & Johnson's (JNJ) - Get Free Report Janssen subsidiary. In addition to Medicxi Growth 1, Medicxi is actively investing its other recent fund, Medicxi Ventures 1, which focuses on early-stage companies, and managing the entire portfolio of all prior Index life sciences investments.

Giuseppe Zocco, co-founder of Index Ventures, will spearhead the fund's investment ventures. According to De Rubertis, co-founder and partner at Medicxi, Giuseppe Zocco's past experience with growth stage companies will prove to be a useful asset.

"The backing by Novartis and Verily is extremely exciting for us. We look forward to inspiring and insightful sessions of the Scientific Advisory Board," De Rubertis added in a press release. "We believe these meetings will greatly benefit our portfolio companies."

The union of Novartis, Verily, and Medicxi each bring a different dynamic to the health and life science sector. Verily, formerly known as Google Life Sciences, is owned by Google holding company Alphabet and focuses on the intersection of technology and health in disease management and prevention whereas Novartis's scope falls on a macro-view of global health. The two will each serve a part on the Scientific Advisory Board that aids the MG1 fund.

"This is the first time that both Novartis and Verily are backers in a life sciences investment fund," said De Rubertis. "Senior executives from both Verly and Novartis will be sitting on the fund's Scientific Advisory Board, bringing together the experience and perspectives of these two key industries to jointly drive forward innovation in healthcare."

MG1 joins the Medicxi Ventures 1 fund, an index that focuses on companies that are in their preliminary business stages. The formation of this new fund will accelerate growth for companies that are already established. Medicxi also manages the entire portfolio of Index life science investments.
Nestle SA (NSRGY) - Get Free Report shares rose the most in more than a month Friday after the world's biggest food company said it may sell its U.S. confectionery business.

The Swiss consumer goods giant will explore strategic options for its U.S. confectionery business, it said Thursday after markets closed in Switzerland. The unit could be worth as much as $3 billion, according to some analysts, with Jefferies putting the price tag between $1.5 billion and $2 billion.

Nestle's US confectionery business had sales of around Sfr900 million ($923 million) in 2016. It primarily includes chocolate brands such as Butterfinger, BabyRuth, 100Grand, SkinnyCow, Raisinets, Chunky, OhHenry! and SnoCaps, as well as local sugar brands such as SweeTarts, LaffyTaffy, Nerds, FunDip, PixyStix, Gobstopper, BottleCaps, Spree and Runts. It also comprises the international chocolate brand Crunch.

The review is expected to be completed by the of the year and does not include Nestle's Toll House baking products, "a strategic growth brand which the company will continue to develop in the U.S. market," it said.

Nestle shares rose were up 1.67% in Zurich, the biggest gain since May 4, to change hands at Sfr82.35, extending a 6.11% gain over the past three months.

Nestle said it remains committed to the U.S., with sales of Sfr26.7 billion in 2016, the U.S. is its largest market. The confectionary business represents just 3% of U.S. sales.

Nestle products can be found in 97% of U.S. households, it said, under brands such as Purina,Nestle Pure Life, Coffee-Mate,Gerber and Stouffer's.

Jefferies analyst Martin Deboo expects interest from tertiary players and private equity, but would not rule out a consolidating move by Hershey (HSY) - Get Free Report or Mars, he wrote in a Thursday note.

"Hershey and Mars have 25% & 22% of the combined US chocolate and sugar market respectively," Deboo wrote. "Nestle has 6%. Mondelez has 4% ex. gum. We would expect the FTC to scrutinize chocolate and sugar separately, as the competitive structures are different."
European automaker stocks rose Friday after industry data showed strong growth in passenger car registrations during May, amid a broad market expansion, although sales in the U.K. fell sharply during the month.

The European Automobile Manufacturers Association said total car registrations rose 7.7% in the EU and European Free Trade Area during May, with double digit gains for some countries, although the U.K. extended its recent slide with an 8.5% fall in registrations for the month.

Germany, Spain, France and Italy all posted decent gains, ranging between 8.2% and 12.9%, while Ireland, Greece and Cyprus all saw a fall in registrations.

Renault (RNSDF) , Fiat Chrysler (FCAU) - Get Free Report and Daimler (DDAIF) made the most out of the expansion, with double-digit volume gains, while each also managed to take a larger piece of the collective pie.

The world's largest maker of luxury cars, Daimler, led the pack of European manufacturers after posting 14% growth in registrations and adding 40 basis points to its market share.

Its stock was up 0.17% during early trading in Frankfurt, to 65.33, although underperforming the 0.83% rise in the Stoxx Europe 600 Auto & Parts index.

Shares of Renault were up by 1.9%, to change hands at 83.59, after the French firm grew volumes by 10.4% and added 30 basis points to its market share.

Fiat Chrysler stock added 0.5% to 9.64 during early trading after the Italian-American firm came near to the top of the table with an 11.9% increase in registrations and a 30 basis point rise in market share.

BMW (BMWYY) posted the slowest growth among major European automakers after May registrations rose by just 2.6%, while it gave up around 30 basis points of market share.

Shares of BMW rose by 0.60% to 83.95, also underperforming the gain seen in the Stoxx Europe Auto index, reducing the luxury carmaker's year to date loss to 5.4%.

American auto giant Ford (F) - Get Free Report saw registrations rise 4.1% although it too lost around 30 basis points of market share.

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now.
Alphabet Inc. (GOOGL) - Get Free Report could be hit with a record fine from the European Union's antitrust regulator, according to reports.

The watchdog looks set to impose a record fine on Google for manipulating its search results to favor its own comparison-shopping service, the Financial Times reported citing people familiar with the matter.

The fine looks set to top the 1.06 billion ($1.18 billion) imposed on Intel (INTC) - Get Free Report in 2009, which was also imposed for abusing market dominance.

The maximum fine is capped at 10% of Alphabet's total revenues of $90 billion last year, and calculated as up to 30% of Google's shopping revenues times the number of years of abuse.

The EU has mounted a seven-year investigation into Google's practices - focusing on whether the technology group has exploited its dominance in general search to give preference to its other services - such as shopping, travel and local search - to the detriment of its competitors.

Google offered three settlement offers between 2013 and 2014 but each was rejected. Google has previously expressed that it is confident it can win an appeal in the European courts, with general counsel Kent Walker saying the commission "lacks evidence" in a November blog post.

Alphabet stock was marked 0.14% higher in Friday premarket trading. Shares closed at $960.18 Thursday.

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The United States Postal Service denied J.C. Penney Co. Inc. (JCP) - Get Free Report CEO Marvin Ellison's assertion made earlier this week, which was first reported by TheStreet, that it would be the one to hold back future e-commerce growth.

A USPS spokesman said in an email to TheStreet that the agency's "unrivaled network and infrastructure" will "enable" and "facilitate" e-commerce's "future growth," pointing out that its workers delivered 154 billion pieces of mail to the U.S. in 2016.

"The Postal Service continually adapts to a dynamic marketplace," the spokesman said on Friday. "We operate an extensive and integrated retail, transportation, processing and delivery network to serve residential and commercial customers."

At a Piper Jaffray conference on Wednesday, Ellison said e-commerce companies' like Amazon Inc. (AMZN) - Get Free Report biggest challenge ahead is the USPS in particular, as it delivers more packages to homes in the U.S. than any other shipper.

"Fulfillment costs are increasing dramatically because we have UPS (UPS) - Get Free Report , FedEx (FDX) - Get Free Report and USPS as the three main entities to ship and fulfill orders and they're not increasing capacity to deliver at the same rate e-commerce is growing," Ellison said.

He said this will cause a supply and demand issue "that's going to be apparent here pretty soon."

J.C. Penney's shares fell 3.4% to $4.85 at Monday's close.

Visit here for the latest business headlines.

Editors' pick: Originally published June 16.
Facing a July 7 deadline from Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc. (WBA) - Get Free Report over the company's deal to buy Rite Aid Corp. (RAD) - Get Free Report , there is increasing expectation the Federal Trade Commission aims to resolve its antitrust review of the drugstore chain merger before the July 4 holiday.

With only two sitting members, both Chairman Maureen Ohlhausen and Democrat Terrell McSweeny must vote to challenge the deal before July 7 or Walgreens is free to consummate the deal, according to an agreement the companies have with the commission.

An FTC decision could come the week of June 19 or June 26.

If the FTC sues to block the deal, Walgreens has promised fight the agency in court.

Rite Aid shares closed around $3 Friday, down from this year's high of $8.60 on Jan. 18 as the market has generally perceived that the FTC is likely to ask a judge to kill the transaction.

There have been a number of signs that the the parties recognize the transaction faces long odds with regulators.

Fred's Inc. undefined the week of June 12 secured more than a half-billion dollar increase in the financing commitment from its lenders, a move likely taken to bolster the FTC's confidence that the Memphis-based drug store chain has the wherewithal to buy and operate more than 1,000 stores that will have to be divested from Rite Aid for Walgreens to win antitrust approval.

Buying the divested stores would more than triple Fred's size, and the FTC has seen several retail divestiture packages fail in recent because the buyers could not find success with the acquired assets. Asked whether the additional funding commitment was secured at the FTC's request, a Fred's spokesman declined to comment.

Fred's shares fell 1.5% to $10.35 early Tuesday afternoon. Walgreens' shares fell 1.4% to $78.71.

Fred's original financing agreement was disclosed on December 19, 2016 when the company was expected to acquire up to 865 Rite Aid stores. Fred's agreements now call for it to acquire up to 1,200 Rite Aid stores if the FTC orders Walgreens to spin them off.

A number of news reports have warned that the FTC appears increasingly likely to file a lawsuit challenging the Walgreens-Rite Aid deal.

Walgreens and Rite Aid executives have made disclosures indicating the companies' officials recognize the $15 billion deal's increasingly long odds.

Wall St. also has indicated acceptance of the notion that the FTC won't clear the transaction.

And in an update on the merger to employees Monday, June 5, Rite Aid's chairman and CEO and the CEO of Rite Aid Stores wrote in a downcast tone on the deal's prospects. Also that day, Walgreensdeclined to issue additional debt securities to replace notes that had to be redeemed if the Rite Aid transaction did not close by the beginning of this month. Walgreens declined to issue new notes to pay for the deal.

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Global Payments Inc. provides payment technology and software solutions for card, electronic, check, and digital-based payments in the Americas, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific. It operates through three segments: Merchant Solutions, Issuer Solutions, and Business and Consumer Solutions. The Merchant Solutions segment offers authorization services, settlement and funding services, customer support and help-desk functions, chargeback resolution, terminal rental, sales and deployment, payment security services, consolidated billing and statements, and on-line reporting services. This segment also provides an array of enterprise software solutions that streamline business operations of its customers in various vertical markets; and value-added services, such as point-of-sale solutions, and analytic and engagement tools, as well as payroll and human capital management services. The Issuer Solutions segment offers solutions that enable financial institutions and retailers to manage their card portfolios through a platform; and commercial payments and ePayables solutions for businesses and governments. The Business and Consumer Solutions segment provides general-purpose reloadable prepaid debit and payroll cards, demand deposit accounts, and other financial service solutions to the underbanked and other consumers, and businesses under the Netspend brand. It markets its products and services through direct sales force, trade associations, agent and enterprise software providers, referral arrangements with value-added resellers, and independent sales organizations. The company was founded in 1967 and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.
Bahrain and Tunisia are looking to deepen their relations and broaden their cooperation across all fields, especially the tourism sector.



Shaikh Khalid bin Humood Al Khalifa, chief executive officer of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA), received today Mohammed Bin Yousif, the Ambassador of the Republic of Tunisia to Bahrain.



During the meeting, Shaikh Khalid stressed on the importance of bilateral relations and further enhancing areas of cooperation between both countries.



The Tunisian Ambassador expressed his gratitude to Shaikh Khalid for his warm welcome, valuing BTEAs constant efforts in enhancing the relations between both countries, further stating that Tunis aims to work alongside the kingdom to achieve the same goal. - TradeArabia News Service


Norwegian yesterday launched its first nonstop transatlantic flight from Stewart International Airport to Edinburgh Airport in Scotland. This is the first of five routes that will operate from the airport. The airline's other routes to Ireland, Northern Ireland and Norway will launch in July.

Norwegian yesterday launched its first nonstop transatlantic flight from Stewart International Airport to Edinburgh Airport in Scotland. This is the first of five routes that will operate from the airport. The airline's other routes to Ireland, Northern Ireland and Norway will launch in July.

Stewart International Airport will also be the home of Norwegian's newest crew base  its third in the United States. The airline will station two Boeing 737 MAX aircraft and 30 pilots and flight attendants at the Orange County airport to accommodate the new service offering, with plans to hire additional crew later in the year.

"Four years ago, Norwegian's low-cost long-haul flights revolutionized transatlantic travel, and we are pleased to pave the way once more with our long-anticipated service from Stewart International Airport to several destinations in Europe," said Thomas Ramdahl, Norwegian's Chief Commercial Officer. "Serving two destinations from New York allows us to reinforce our commitment to U.S. growth by bringing more tourists to the region and creating even more American jobs."

"Today's inaugural Norwegian flight signifies the launch of a new era that will be transformative for Stewart International Airport and the Mid-Hudson Valley region in terms of jobs, tourism, and economic development," said Port Authority Executive Director Pat Foye. "The airport's connection to new international destinations offers exciting opportunities for our customers and growth for the airport and the region."

As the second-largest employer in the Hudson Valley region, Stewart International Airport employs approximately 2,700 people and generates $450 million in annual economic activity. With this new air service, the estimated total economic impact is expected to result in the creation of an estimated 230 jobs per year, $13 million in total wages and $36 million in overall economic activity.

"Tourism is integral to New York State's economy, supporting more than 900,000 jobs and generating billions in spending each year, and we are excited to welcome Norwegian and its many international travelers to Stewart Airport," Gavin Landry, Executive Director of Tourism, Empire State Development, said. "I would encourage visitors to explore all that's unique to New York State: our world-class parks, museums and historic attractions, and experience the fine restaurants and craft beverage destinations in the picturesque Hudson Valley and throughout Upstate New York."

"Scotland is more connected than ever before through transport and digital channels, giving it a louder voice within key markets. The United States is our biggest international market, and last year we saw an 18 percent increase in the number of visitors from North America along with a 40 percent increase in spend," Malcolm Roughead, Chief Executive of VisitScotland, said. "Not only is it exciting to see Norwegian add direct flights between three new destinations in the US and Edinburgh, but these low-cost transatlantic fares also come at a time when the exchange rate is already making Scotland a very appealing destination and this will undoubtedly generate a great deal more interest among US travelers."

"Just in time for Edinburgh's famed festival season, we are delighted to be working with Norwegian and VisitScotland to introduce new direct flights from the U.S. into Scotland's capital. Edinburgh's legendary festivals are celebrating their 70th anniversary this year so these new route launches couldn't come at a better time and give more Americans the chance to experience all the special events taking place this summer," said Paul Gauger, Executive Vice President, Americas for VisitBritain. He added, "Scotland is an extremely popular destination for Americans and Edinburgh is the perfect home base to explore Scotland's bustling cities  including Glasgowwhich is less than an hour away  and its breath-taking highlands and islands."

Norwegian's new flights to Edinburgh will operate daily during the summer and three times per week (Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays) during the winter with fares currently available at Norwegian.com/us for as low as $99 one-way, including taxes. The lowest fares to Scotland and all of Norwegian's destinations can be found by using the airline's low fare calendar. Additionally, passengers on all of Norwegian's routes are eligible to join Norwegian Reward, the airline's frequent flyer program and can earn CashPoints every time they fly, stay at a hotel or drive a rental car.

Overall, Norwegian now offers 52 transatlantic flights from 13 U.S. airports to Denmark, France, Ireland, Italy, Norway, Spain, Swedenand the United Kingdom, as well six routes to the French Caribbean, totaling 58 routes out of the United States. Upcoming 2017 launches from the U.S. include: Providence to Edinburgh (June 16), Hartford to Edinburgh (June 17); Newburgh/Stewart to Belfast (July 1); Newburgh/Stewart to Dublin (July 1); Providence to Belfast (July 1); Providence to Bergen (July 1); Providence to Cork (July 1); Newburgh/Stewart to Bergen (July 2); Newburgh/Stewart to Shannon (July 2); Providence to Dublin (July 2); Providence to Shannon (July 3); Orlando to Paris (July 31); Fort Lauderdale to Barcelona (August 22); Denver to London (September 16) Seattle to London(September 17); Providence to Guadeloupe (October 29); Providence to Martinique (October 30); Newark to Rome (November 9) and Los Angeles to Rome (November 11). Upcoming 2018 launches from the U.S. include: Oakland to Rome (February 6).

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Many people have been left without pipe-borne water in northern and eastern parts of Trinidad and some areas in Tobago.

The Water and Sewerage Authority indicates this is a result of an impact to twelve of its plants due to adverse weather, which has caused flooding in some areas.
Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Andriy Parubiy, who is on a visit to Washington, hopes that the U.S. administration will decide on the provision of defensive weapons to Ukraine before the end of this year, which can be either positive or negative.

He told journalists on Thursday after a meeting with Speaker of the United States House of Representatives Paul Ryan, an Ukrinform correspondent reported.

"We discussed, actually, an increase in the funding [to help Ukraine] in the budget [of the US] for 2018 and, of course, we discussed the issue of providing Ukraine with lethal defensive weapons," the Verkhovna Rada chairman said.

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One Ukrainian soldiers was killed in the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) zone in eastern Ukraine over the past day.

Ukrainian Defense Ministry's Spokesperson for ATO issues Andriy Lysenko said this at a press briefing on Friday, an Ukrinform correspondent reported.

Ha also said that since the start of the Russian aggression in eastern Ukraine, 2,696 Ukrainian soldiers were killed and 9,903 were wounded and injured.

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Qatar has lifted the ban on the imports of poultry products from Ukraine.

This has been reported by the State Service of Ukraine for Food Safety and Consumer Protection.

"Qatar has lifted restrictions on the imports of poultry products from Ukraine. The State Service of Ukraine for Food Safety and Consumer Protection received the corresponding notification from the Embassy of Ukraine in the State of Qatar, reads the report.

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Within the framework of the Kazakh-Ukrainian Business Council, an agreement was reached between the two countries on export-import cooperation.

Ukrainian Vice Prime Minister  Minister for Regional Development, Construction, Housing and Utilities stated this at the 13th meeting of the joint interstate Ukrainian-Kazakh commission for economic cooperation.

According to Zubko, the Development Bank of Kazakhstan is ready within the Kazakh-Ukrainian Business Council to consider the sale of products under the projects with significant export potential. Namely, it concerns exports of railway carriages and locomotives.

Also, the Export Insurance Company KazakhExport stated it is ready to support export supplies of Kazakh non-raw goods to Ukraine by providing insurance and financing for Kazakh exporters and their Ukrainian buyers.

In addition, Vice Prime Minister Zubko informed that the parties agreed to expand cooperation in the field of IT technologies and the development of startup projects within the framework of the state program Digital Kazakhstan.

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The number of hostages, citizens of Ukraine held captive by militants in Donbas, has increased and already amounts to 129 people.

First Deputy Ukrainian Parliament Speaker, the representative of Ukraine in the humanitarian subgroup of the Trilateral Contact Group for settlement of the situation in Donbas, Iryna Gerashchenko said this in an interview with Fakty newspaper, published on Friday.

"Unfortunately, their number is increasing (129 hostages) due to the civilian population. Recently, pro-Ukrainian people in the occupied territories are sent to prison under a far-fetched pretext. They want to have more people in prison to blackmail Ukraine," she said.

As known, until recently 128 hostages were reported to be held captive by militants in Donbas.

ish
President Petro Poroshenko emphasizes the importance of new solutions for the changes in the healthcare system of Ukraine.

The President said this in a speech at the solemn event on the occasion of the Day of Medical Worker at the Mariinsky Palace, the press service of the Head of State reported.

According to the President, the healthcare system inherited from the USSR and preserved for all these years is totally unsuitable to the new social and economic realities.

Poroshenko reminded that the main aspects of the reform have already been proposed. The Government considered these proposals, made amendments and submitted to the National Council of Reforms.

The President urged the medics to examine all the proposals thoroughly to ensure flawless healthcare reform in the second reading that will allow changing the situation in the healthcare sphere drastically in a very short term.

The key idea is to achieve the situation when quality and accessibility of medical aid will be based on real economic growth; to create reliable financial guarantees for both patients and doctors, Poroshenko said.

ish
Prime Minister Hun Sen on Wednesday lifted a travel ban on former opposition leader Sam Rainsy in place since October.

In an interview with Radio Free Asia, the former president of the Cambodia National Rescue Party said he was willing to go to prison for his cause, but stopped short of saying he would return ahead of next years general election.

Rainsy was already in self-imposed exile when the travel ban, which called on airlines to deny Rainsy access to air travel, was signed in October 2016.

Tek Reth Samrach, the official in Hun Sens cabinet who signed the order, could not be reached.

Sok Eysan, ruling Cambodian Peoples Party spokesman, said the party leadership saw Rainsy as a coward who would not risk serving time in prison by returning to the country.

Rainsy is wanted by the authorities over years-old defamation conviction and other charges for which he has yet to go to trial.

Nobody treated him badly. If he hadnt said wrong things, nobody would have taken action against him, Eysan said.

He added that, unlike before the last general election, in 2013, when Rainsy was allowed to return to the Kingdom after receiving a royal pardon, the same actions would not be taken this time.

Yim Sovann, CNRP spokesman, welcomed the removal of the ban.

We welcome this order because [Rainsy] is a Cambodian citizen. He has rights, power, and a duty to serve the country and people. So I think the order is a positive move, he said.

He would not confirm whether Rainsy planned to return to Cambodia to face the charges against him.
Cambodias local commune elections held earlier this month saw a nearly 90 percent turnout of registered voters, an increase on previous years that was noted by speakers at a recent forum held in Washington organized by the Stimson Center. The opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party won more than 400 seats out of 1,646, from only 40 in the 2012 elections. Brian Eyler, the Stimson Centers Southeast Asia program director, said it was rare to see such a high turnout in a democracy, which showed that Cambodians were eager to exercise their democratic rights.
A longtime observer of Cambodian politics has said that the ruling Cambodian Peoples Party led by Prime Minister Hun Sen is prepared to do whatever necessary to hold on to power at the general election in 2018.

Of course, they would prefer to win fairly; that looks better internationally. But I think the CPP is prepared to do whatever necessary to hold on to power, said Sebastian Strangio, author of Hun Sens Cambodia, during an interview last week at an event organized by the Stimson Center in the aftermath of local elections earlier this month that saw the opposition gain ground against the longtime incumbent.

They have all the tools that they need to ensure that they hold on to power in the next elections, he added.

Strangio, a former reporter at the Phnom Penh Post, said the CPP felt threatened by increasing support for the opposition.

The CPP has made it clear that it sees politics as a zero sum game, he said. Or the CPPs continuation of power as congruence with the nations continued stability and prosperity and the oppositions takeover would be tantamount to a return to instability and conflict and civil war.

So, I think they are ready to do whatever they need to do to maintain their hold on power, he added.

In the months leading up to the June 4 commune elections, Hun Sen issued warnings of a return to civil war if the opposition came to power.

Elizabeth Becker, a journalist and author of When the War Was Over, said the recent elections, in which the opposition increased the number of local councils under its control ten-fold, were a positive sign for the future.

It sets the stage for an equally strong competition in the national election next year, which is why everybody has been watching it so carefully, she said.

Courtney Weatherby, a researcher at the Stimson Centers Southeast Asia program, said the CPP was becoming more cautious about issues that could damage its support base, such as environmental degradation and corruption.

At the same time, we also saw some shifts in the Cambodian Peoples Party in the way they are identifying themselves on this issue. After the 2013 election, with those losses, Hun Sen directly appointed Say Sam Al to the Ministry of Environment, Weatherby said.

Meas Ny, a researcher, told VOA Khmer that political tensions would likely grow ahead of the vote next year.

When the CNRP sees such a strong increase in their support, I expect there will be storms, not just any storm, but thunder and lightening.

However, Sok Eysan, CPP spokesman, denied that the CPP would exert pressure against opposing forces ahead of the election.

Any political party strives to win by all means, he said. The CPP also strives using all means, but those are not illegal, he said.

Eysan said the prime minister only meant to provide an explanation of what could happen if the CPP lost the election. This explanation was not a threat against the opposition, he said.

Strangio said that the international community would be watching the Cambodian election closely for evidence of foul play.

The U.S. is obviously going to scrutinize the process next year as it did with the commune elections, he said. And it will condemn any undemocratic behavior by either party.
Cambodias highest court has summoned an environmental activist who has protested the controversial Areng Valley hydropower project over alleged forest crimes he is said to have committed in 2015.

A local human rights monitor said on Tuesday that Ven Vorn was seeking legal aid ahead of the hearing, scheduled for June 21.

Some organizations have few lawyers and limited resources. But I still have hope that I will find him a lawyer, said In Kongchet, provincial coordinator for local rights group Licadho.

Vorn was accused of illegally taking timber from the Areng Valley in January 2015. He maintains he only used legal timber and the wood was used to construct a visitor center in the valley in the hope of attracting ecotourism in the future.

Kongchet said Vorn had remained active in the community since he was charged. He is still very active in environmental protection, defending the Areng Valley. He has a fearless mind, he said.

Vorn could not be reached for comment.

In March, Vorn was sentenced by the Koh Kong Provincial Court to serve one year in prison for the alleged crime, but was given a suspended sentence for time served in pre-trial detention.

In September, the Appeals Court upheld the decision against him. He was also sued by Thmor Baing district authorities for his work with local environmental group Mother Nature, whose co-founder Alex Gonzalez-Davidson was deported from Cambodia in February 2015.

Three of Mother Natures activists in Kandal province were reportedly in a separate incident intimidated by the authorities while organizing an anti-sand dredging protest in Saang district.

Local authorities denied the claims.
Music Time in Africa is VOAs longest running English language program. Since 1965, this award-winning program has featured pan African music that spans all genres and generations. Ethnomusicologist and Host Heather Maxwell keeps you up to date on whats happening in African music with exclusive interviews, cultural information, and of course, great music -- including rare recordings from the Leo Sarkisian Library of African Music.
Afghanistans intelligence chief said three suspects in a bombing in southern Afghanistan in January that killed several diplomats, including an ambassador, are now living in Pakistan.



Masoom Stanekzai, chief of the National Directorate of Security, said the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), as well as the United Arab Emirates government assisted Afghanistan in the investigation into the attack on the Kandahar governors house that killed 11 people. Five of those were diplomats from the UAE, including the UAE ambassador to Afghanistan Juma al-Kaabi. Afghan casualties included two politicians, a diplomat and a deputy governor.



Stanekzai said his government has shared details of the investigation with Pakistan and asked for the three suspects to be handed over.



"I do not want to [publicly] identify these three persons because of fear that they might disappear," he added.



Nafees Zakaria, the spokesman for Pakistans Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said blaming Pakistan for the fugitives does not help the situation. Instead, he said it helped those who do not want peace in Afghanistan.

Pakistan, he added, had nothing to gain from instability in Afghanistan. If Afghanistan is unstable, Pakistan will be unstable, he said.



The January attack was carried out by a chef in return for a promise of $30,000 as well as a house in Pakistan, according to Stanekzai.



Sayed Mahboob Aga, the chef, told investigators that he met the three men in Chaman, a Pakistani town bordering Afghanistan in Baluchistan province. He said he brought back two types of explosives, TNT and RDX, and hid them in couches in the governors house.



Stanekzai said Afghan authorities arrested 65 people as part of their investigation and questioned the former governor of Kandahar.



The Taliban denied carrying out the attack, blaming it on local rivalries instead.
Grief turned to outrage Friday over a deadly high-rise tower fire in London amid reports that materials used in the building's renovation could have fueled the inferno that left dozens dead and missing as it decimated the public housing block.



Engineering experts say outside insulation panels installed on the 24-story Grenfell Tower may have helped the fire spread rapidly from one floor to the next. The Guardian newspaper reported Friday that contractors installed a cheaper, less flame-resistant type of paneling in the renovation that ended in May 2016.



Tensions were high Friday two days after the overnight fire gutted the huge housing block, killing at least 30 people and leaving dozens missing and hundreds homeless.

Scuffles broke out near the Kensington and Chelsea town hall offices as demonstrators chanting "We want justice!'' surged toward the doors.



London has a chronic housing shortage even in the best of times, and those left homeless by the fire  already angry over what they see as government inequity and incompetence  fear being forced out of the British capital.



The Grenfell Tower housed about 600 people in 120 apartments. Britain's Press Association reported that some 70 people are still missing after the fire.



London Mayor Sadiq Khan said people were frustrated by the lack of information about the missing and the dead as well as a lack of coordination between support services. Residents who survived the tower blaze lost everything and have no idea where they are going to live or how they will get back on their feet.



"The scale of this tragedy is clearly proving too much for the local authority to cope with on their own,'' Khan said in an open letter to Prime Minister Theresa May.



After meeting with Grenfell survivors on Friday, May announced a 5 million pound ($6.4 million) fund to help them and expressed sorrow for their plight. The package includes a guarantee to rehouse people as close as possible to where they previously lived  a poor neighborhood surrounded by extreme wealth.



"[This aims] to give the victims the immediate support they need to care for themselves and for loved ones,'' May said.



But the Conservative leader still struggled to overcome accusations that she lacked compassion because she had failed to meet with victims on her first visit to the devastated site. Police surrounded May as she left a church Friday following the meeting with survivors and protesters shouted "Shame on you!'' and "Coward!''

Using drones and sniffer dogs, firefighters continued to search the burned-out housing block that looms over the low-income community in west London.



The fire, which started just before 1 a.m. Wednesday, surprised many as they slept and the speed with which it spread shocked fire experts.



Metropolitan Police commander Stuart Cundy responded to fears that the number of dead could exceed 100 by saying: "I really hope it isn't.''



London Police have launched an investigation to determine whether any crimes contributed to the blaze. May on Thursday announced a public inquiry while Khan called for an interim report on the fire to be published this summer.

Grenfell Tower is a public housing project owned by the local government council and managed by a nonprofit known as the Kensington and Chelsea Tenants Management Organization. The group last year completed a 10 million pound ($12.8 million) renovation that included new outside insulation panels, double-paned windows and a communal heating system.

Aluminum composite panels essentially consist of two thin layers of aluminum sandwiched around a lightweight insulating material. Standard versions use plastic such as polyethylene for the core, while more expensive variants use fire-resistant material.



The Guardian newspaper reported Friday that Omnis Exteriors supplied the aluminum composite material used in the cladding. The newspaper quoted company director John Cowley as saying the building used Reynobond PE cladding, which is 2 pounds cheaper ($2.56) per square meter than Reynobond FR, which stands for "fire resistant.''



The International Building Code calls for the use of fire-resistant cores in buildings over 40 feet (12 meters) tall to slow the spread of flames.



The company that installed the exterior cladding, Harley Facades, issued a statement this week saying the panels are "commonly used'' in refurbishing buildings. It did not address the exact makeup of the panels.



"It would not be appropriate for us to comment or for others to speculate on any aspect of fire, or its causes, in advance of these inquiries,'' managing director Ray Bailey said. "At this time, we are not aware of any link between the fire and the exterior cladding to the tower.''

Families searching for loved ones have blanketed the area near the tower with posters. Whole families are said to be among the missing.



Nearly 110 families made homeless from the blaze are being housed at hotels in west London. Churches and community centers are providing meals and support, and donations of clothing, toys and household supplies are flooding in.



Queen Elizabeth II and Prince William visited an aid distribution site Friday for the tower's residents and met with volunteers.



It may take some time though, before the families of the victims know the fate of their loved ones.



Forensic experts said the fire at Grenfell was so hot it could be compared to a cremation, which is going to make it difficult to identify those who lost their lives.



"When you have a fire that takes hold like that, that is literally an inferno. You get a lot of fragmentation of bodies, charring of bones,'' said Peter Vanezis, a professor of forensic medical sciences at Queen Mary University in London. "Sometimes all that's left is ash.''

Vanezis said the best chance to identify victims may be if firefighters find bits of teeth or bone, medical devices like pacemakers or artificial implants.



"The longer a fire burns, the less chance you have that there will be enough DNA left to test,'' Vanezis said.



Even amid the chaos and the frustration, some found a moment to seek unity. A special service was held Friday afternoon at the al-Manaar Muslim Cultural Heritage Centre to pray for the victims  and for the families waiting for news.



"Obviously, the longer people have to wait, especially finding out what happened to their loved ones, [that] can create anger,'' said Abdurahman Sayed, Chief Executive Officer of al-Manaar. "We're just really anxiously waiting for the authorities really, [to see] what they are going to do.''
The Associated Press is quoting an anonymous Trump administration official as saying the Pentagon will send almost 4,000 additional American forces to Afghanistan to assist the South Asian nation in its fight against a renascent Taliban insurgency.

That number is similar to previous reports from other Trump administration officials.

A Pentagon spokesman, however, told the Reuters news agency when asked about the AP story that no decisions have been made about deploying the additional troops.

The AP report said Defense Secretary Jim Mattis could make the announcement about deploying the troops as early as next week.

Mattis to set troop levels

A U.S. official said earlier this week that U.S. President Donald Trump has given Mattis the authority to set troop levels in Afghanistan.

Mattis told the Senate Armed Services Committee Tuesday the U.S. is not gaining in the fight to stabilize Afghanistan, and he vowed to present a strategy to Congress by mid-July.

The defense secretary also acknowledged that the Trump administration is in a strategy free time concerning Afghanistan.

He called on Congress to provide the Pentagon with a budget, not a continuing resolution that is passed on time, in order to push the U.S. military through readiness shortfalls while maintaining a support role in two wars.

Congress needs to see a plan

Republican Senator John McCain, the chairman of the committee, said Congress needs to see a plan on how the U.S. can move forward in Afghanistan.

Mattis equated winning in Afghanistan with the Afghan governments ability to handle the enemys level of violence, which he said will require a residual force of U.S. and allied forces to train Afghan troops and maintain high-end capabilities.

The defense secretary said the U.S. cannot quit on Afghanistan because problems that threaten the U.S. and its economy arise out of ungoverned spaces.

Carla Babb contributed to this report.
The Australian Broadcasting Corp. has alleged that two Chinese businessmen, who donated money to three of Australias major political parties, have links to the Chinese Communist party. The ABC documentary aired earlier this month and claimed to undercover how Chinas Communist Party was secretly infiltrating Australia.

The program said Australias main intelligence agency had warned that espionage and foreign interference are occurring here on an unprecedented scale, with the potential to cause serious harm to this nations sovereignty, its security and  our political system.

The story prompted other reports into suspected ties between Australian politicians and financial donors from China.

'Wild and morbid' imaginations

The allegations have infuriated Chinas Ambassador to Australia, Cheng Jingye, who accused media organizations of having wild and morbid imaginations.

Speaking at an Australia-China Business Council meeting at Parliament House in Canberra, Cheng said the claims were groundless.

In Chinese, we call it cook up the overnight cold rice, which means repeating the same old stuff again and again, he said. Maybe the producers of the program believe that those groundless allegations may turn (out) to be true after repeating a thousand times. The main purpose as I see it is to instigate China panic.

Focus on trade

In the audience for Chengs speech was Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop, who had earlier this week been questioned by opposition lawmakers over Chinese donors to the governing Liberal Party.

Bishop, however, made no reference to the controversy in her address, focusing instead on growing social and economic links between the two nations.

China is Australias biggest trading partner, and commercial ties between the two nations grow deeper every day.

Chinas appetite for resources, most notably iron ore and coal, helped Australia avoid the worst of the global financial crisis. Analysts believe that as the mining boom fades, Australias future prosperity depends on Chinese demand for its education and tourism services, as well as manufacturing and agricultural products.
Like most teenagers in Mosul, Iraq, Dhyab Idris Abdulghani dropped out of school once Islamic State (IS) militants took over and changed textbooks into pro-violence treatises.

During their nearly three-year rule of his area, he sold ice cream and juice from a cart on the street.

Then the war for Mosul came to their neighborhood. As Iraqi forces pushed in, the 17-year-old and his family ran. He held a small cousin while IS militants fired at them from behind.

Two weeks later, IS bullets still whiz down the street near where the teenager's body lay slumped against a wall amid personal effects of other civilians shot down. Childrens shoes, photo albums and spare clothes are scattered over bloodstains in the rubble.

Its 40 degrees Celsius on Thursday and Hazzam Abdulghani cant tell if the rotting corpse is that of his nephew, but then, he spots prayer beads in a pocket. He holds them in the air and shouts: Damnation on Daesh!

Inside IS territory, the Arabic acronym Daesh is forbidden, but where Iraq is in control, only the pejorative term for the jihadist group is used.

Continued fire

Hazzam Abdulghani's brothers, two other uncles of the dead 17-year-old, duck their heads and race across the street as IS continues to fire.

These were his prayer beads, Abdulghani said. We need to call an ambulance to take him away.

Its been 13 or 14 days, the other uncles say, seeming more shocked at the state of their nephew's body than his death. They had tried to search this spot since he went missing, but it was an active war zone closed off by the military until now.

We are dying in so many ways, Abdulghani said. We are dying by airstrikes, mortars and sniper fire. We are dying because we have no food or clean water.

I have a friend in the Old City whose two babies starved to death, adds his brother. The three men nod. This is not an unusual story these days.

Hazzam Abdulghani calls his nephew's father by cellphone to say the body of his eldest son, Dhyab, hadbeen found.

We will bury him, but dont bring his mother, he said. Its too much.

Not found

A few blocks away, a family waits listlessly in a small patch of shade near a makeshift military base. Civilians arent allowed further into the battle zone.

Less than a week before, the family had fled IS, even though they were confident Iraqi forces would soon win the neighborhood.

There was no food and there was gunfire everywhere, said Waffaa Mohammad, as Sergeant Hussain el-Ghorabi of the Iraqi Federal Police joins the family.

My cousins house was hit by an airstrike, she tells him. There are 23 bodies still under the house.

Only one small boy of 8 years old survived, adds another cousin.

Ghorabi explains the procedures for finding lost bodies and gives Mohammad a number to call. If they arent here by noon, call me, he said.

Mohammad appears dubious. The family had been waiting on the edge of the war zone for four days. They are all dead, she said. We just want their bodies. Nothing else.

Next phase

It is not clear when the next and potentially final phase of the battle for Mosul will begin.

This is the Old City, explains Hazzam Abdulghani, drawing a map on the top of an upside down garage pail as he waits for authorities to pick up his nephews body. Along the outside, there are parking lots. Even civilians cant drive inside.

Military trucks and Humvees could never squeeze in, he said.

The areas that Iraqi forces have recently won may be larger than the Old City, he adds, but not nearly as many families were inside.

The United Nations estimates that 100,000 civilians may still be trapped in the Old City, ISs last and most tightly held stronghold here. More than 230 civilians have been killed by IS sniper fire in recent weeks, and hundreds of others from airstrikes, according to the U.N.

Civilians who have fled IS in Mosul say the death tolls are far higher.

And the coming battle could prove to be the most difficult fight Iraqi and coalition forces have faced to date, adds Ahmed Ghalibi, a soldier with the Emergency Response Division, an Iraqi front-line fighting force.

They will fight like someone who will die, he said, leaning on his truck under a bridge, where civilian families gather to be transported out of the war zone after they flee. They have lots of guns that they havent used yet.

The remaining IS militants in the Old City, he explains, are their best fighters, holed up with their families and bent on killing as many people as possible before they die.

The Old City is all but completely surrounded, Ghalibi added, but front lines are fluid, as IS occasionally advances into areas it once fled.

New, or rarely used tactics may become more commonplace as militants become more desperate, he said. They expect homes, and sometimes refugees, to be wired with bombs, more homemade chemical weapon attacks, and militants forcing families to help them try to escape.

When ISIS started, they were attackers, Ghalibi said. Now they are defenders. They are defending their families, their religion and their lives.



Photos by VOA's Heather Murdock in Mosul, Iraq
In Cameroon, the case of a bishop found dead earlier this month has sparked calls for a wider investigation into what the country's Catholic authorities say has been a string of suspicious clergy deaths. Two other priests were also found dead in the past month.

Worshipers at a Catholic church in Oveng, on the outskirts of Yaounde, held a memorial service for Jean Marie Benoit Bala. Oveng is Bishop Bala's birth place.

The 59-year-old bishop disappeared from his residence in Bafia, central Cameroon, on May 31. His car was found the next day 60 kilometers away on the bridge over the Sanaga river. A note found in the car said Je suis dans leau  I am in the water.

The case was initially reported as a suicide. However, fishermen discovered Bala's body three days later. The government ordered an investigation, stating that a criminal hand (foul play) was suspected.

Marc Joseph Ongba, the late bishops uncle, was among the mourners at the memorial service. He said they shall continue to mourn Bishop Bala until they are told what happened to him. They are devastated by his death, he said.

The Episcopal Conference of Cameroon Bishops now says Bala was murdered. Reverend Jervis Kebei Kewi read the declaration.

"We recall with sadness the murder of several other prelates, members of the clergy and consecrated persons whose assassination under similar circumstances has never been explained up to this day," he said. "We strongly feel that the clergy in Cameroon are particularly persecuted by some obscure and devilish forces."

Two other priests died in the past month. Father Armel Djama, rector of the Minor Seminary in Bala's own diocese, and a priest in southwestern Cameroon, Augustine Ndi, were found dead in their rooms.

The episcopal conference said the priests had recently spoken out on controversial issues like corruption and public health.

When reached by VOA, police in the central region of Cameroon declined to comment on the investigations.

Is history repeating itself?

For some, the recent events recall a string of mysterious clergy deaths in Cameroon from 1988 to 1991, during which one bishop, six priests, and three nuns were all found dead. The results of those investigations were not made public.

The recent cases are being followed closely in the capital. Yaounde resident, Bennen Buma Gana, said "we are all worried. We are all troubled. Why are the bishops being killed?"

The National Communication Council has instructed reporters not to publish editorials on the deaths until investigations are complete, but the story continues to make headlines in the local press.

Yaounde resident, Christophe Mbape, said the government should make sure results of the investigations are published to stop the suspicion that has been going on for a very long time.

However, Claude Ndjono Bikoun, a lawyer of the Cameroon Bar Council, said the law does not compel prosecutors to present their findings.

He said public opinion does not determine how, why, when, and the pace courts or commissions set up to investigate cases should work. He added that all judicial inquiries should be carried out in total serenity without external influences.

Authorities have not given a timeline for the investigations.
China is responding to pressure to work with other countries that claim rights to a vast disputed sea by voicing support for Indias proposed tsunami alert system.

Indias Ministry of Earth Sciences is working on a South China Sea warning system that would transmit data to Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia after any earthquakes threaten those countries with a towering tsunami that could wipe out coastal populations, multiple Indian media outlets have said since May.

An Indian Ocean tsunami that hit India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Indonesia and Myanmar among other countries in 2004 killed at least 230,000 people. Beijing has chided India before over use of the South China Sea, but the Chinese foreign ministry says improved early warnings would help every sides interests.

Regional interest

Its not an India-specific initiative from what I remember, so given that background we may not be surprised that the Chinese have not reacted adversely, said Brahma Chellany, professor of strategic studies at the New Delhi-based Center for Policy Research.

South China Sea states may have discussed the tsunami warning system with New Delhi before the plan was made public, Chellany added.

Regional interest in a tsunami warning system, the Chinese presidents reputation at home and international pressure on Beijing may have further prompted the consent from China to India, experts say.

Beijing claims more than 90 percent of the 3.5 million-square-kilometer South China Sea, overlapping the exclusive economic zones of Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan, Vietnam and the Philippines. Since a world arbitration court ruled last year against the legal basis for Chinas maritime claims, Beijing has sought talks with other players.

No India claim to South China Sea

India does not have a claim to the sea, which is prized for its fisheries, fossil fuel reserves and shipping lanes.

But when Vietnam and Indias state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corp. agreed to explore off the Vietnamese coast more than a decade ago, China strongly objected, said Richard Cronin, a Southeast Asia Program fellow with The Stimson Center think tank in Washington.

China has always had an opposition to foreign interference in its domestic affairs, of course, and also in regional affairs, and India, although its part of Asia, is perceived as an outside actor in terms of the South China Sea, said Jonathan Spangler, director of the South China Sea Think Tank in Taipei.

China and India have quite a complex relationship, Spangler said. They have their own territorial disputes along their land borders, and thats been true for a long, long time.

India and China dispute two border areas. China also frets over India because it has the worlds second largest population and is historically backed by Western powers. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi wants a stronger role for his country internationally, particularly in economic matters around Asia.

India to deploy buoy

The tsunami warning system may be set up in Vietnams exclusive economic zone, where the two countries are looking for gas, Cronin said. Some parts of the sea are considered less disputed than others, Spangler said, and that would be one.

India is apparently planning to deploy just a big buoy with sensors, suggesting that India is giving more hype to Chinese approval than seems warranted, Cronin said.

Of course it may be a symbolic gesture by China, but a small one, he said. The idea that China deigns to grant India permission means no change in Chinas expansive and illegal claims.

Countries from Southeast Asia to Washington dispute Chinese construction of artificial islands for military use, giving itself a lead in controlling the sea.

Chinas nod to the Indian warning system will likely be a one off, said Jay Batongbacal, director of the Institute for Maritime Affairs and Law of the Sea at the University of the Philippines, Metro Manila.

Beijings often virulently worded, state-managed Global Times newspaper online has quoted a Chinese analyst calling the warning system an expression of India sticking its hand into South China Sea affairs.

But China may have calibrated the go-ahead to India to show off its conciliatory maritime policy before a Chinese Communist Party congress late this year when President Xi Jinping is expected to seek another term as chairman, Batongbacal said.

Theyve been trying to polish up their image (over) the past year because the coming congress is an important time for Xi Jinping and his consolidation of power, so I think that theyre trying to show that this foreign policy has been working, he said.

Beijing may react more harshly when India actually sets up the warning system, Spangler said.

China will start trials this year on its own system, which it is coordinating with a Pacific Ocean tsunami alert setup under UNESCOS Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, the official Xinhua News Agency in Beijing said.
The U.S.-led coalition in Syria is closely monitoring Turkey's arming and training of a Syrian militia in northern Syria and asking Turkey instead to return the region to control of local residents, coalition sources told VOA.

U.S. Army Colonel Joseph Scrocca, spokesman for the U.S.-led coalition's Operation Inherent Resolve, told VOA that the coalition "feels strongly that any land seized [from Islamic State] should be returned to the people and governed by local representatives from that area."

The coalition's focus is on defeating IS in Syria and Iraq, and "we urge all of our partners and allies to do the same," Scrocca said.

'National army'

Scrocca's comment came as the Turkish military is working to establish a "national army" for rebel Free Syrian Army (FSA) fighters to operate in northern Syria's Jarabouls and al-Bab areas.

The two areas were seized from IS during a Turkey-supported operation known as Euphrates Shield, which involved Turkish troops and tanks and some FSA factions.

The operation began in August 2016 and ended in March, and the area along the Turkey-Syria border remains under the Turkish army's control.

Syrian Kurds see Turkey's presence as a de facto occupation. Turkish officials say more than a million residents have returned to their homes and the IS presence on the Turkish-Syrian border has been eradicated.

"Once we have created a safe zone, the Syrians will be able to establish their national army, so they can feel safe," Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in May.

Turkish officials said the expanded FSA unit has 10,000 to 12,000 fighters and will be prepared to carry out defensive and offensive operations inside Syria.

"They will show their difference in possible future operations and they will be successful," the Anadolu Agency, a news agency headquartered in Ankara, quoted one Turkish military official as saying.

Training of FSA members

Metehan Demir, a Turkish defense and military analyst, told VOA that training of FSA members started in March, when the government prepared two military camps in Turkey's Hatay and Kilis areas.

Turkey's official news agency said the unit was being trained in how to use weapons, including mortars, rocket launchers and machine guns.

"Hatay camp is especially very well-organized for this purpose," Demir said.

He said Turkey would most likely use the new FSA unit to try to counter the increasing influence of Kurdish YPG forces who are leading the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in a major battle for the IS stronghold of Raqqa.

While the United States supports the YPG and sees it as a key Syrian partner in the fight against IS, Turkey opposes its role and considers it a terrorist organization linked to Turkish-Kurdish separatists inside Turkey, known as the PKK.

"The message from Ankara to Washington is clear," Demir said, "Don't cooperate with YPG, because we are training a new FSA that can do a better job."

U.S. officials have not commented on Turkey's reinforcement of the FSA.

After the U.S. announced last month that it was sending arms to the SDF for the Raqqa operation, Erdogan warned that Turkey would not remain idle and watch the YPG gain in strength. He said Turkey would "exercise its rights under the rules of engagement."

Not likely to align

Analysts say it is unlikely that U.S. forces will align with the Turkey-backed FSA.

"By all reports, the U.S. military does not believe that the FSA forces being trained by Turkey are anywhere near ready to carry out the Raqqa-related mission that SDF/YPG forces are performing," Alan Makovsky, senior analyst for the Center for American Progress and a former U.S. State Department official, told VOA.

Kurdish officials say they are concerned that Turkish-supported militias will ultimately attack their areas and disrupt the Raqqa operation.

"Turkey should cease its involvement in Syria and focus on resolving its internal problems, especially with its Kurds," Salih Muslim, co-chairman of the Syrian Kurdish Democratic Union Party, which provides political direction to the YPG, told VOA.

Muslim accused Turkey of supporting extremist groups to stop Kurdish aspiration for autonomy, and he pleaded with the U.S. for more support.

"Our focus will be to liberate Raqqa and bring back security to it," Muslim said. "America has by now realized how important Syrian Kurds are for the region's stability."

The U.S. in recent months has tried to prevent direct confrontations between Turkey and the YPG. When Turkish planes and artillery attacked YPG bases in April, U.S. troops began patrolling the Syria-Turkey border and tensions eased.

And Turkey's influence on the FSA does not extend deep into Syria, analysts say. Rebels south of the Turkish-controlled area in Syria are reportedly severing ties with the FSA and former self-styled militias that are becoming aligned with the U.S.-led coalition.

"Turkey's biggest challenge over the long term might be consolidating its hold on the territory it now holds," Makovsky said. "Based on the internal fighting and defections among FSA forces in al-Bab, it will need a far more reliable proxy than the FSA forces it now commands."
The leader of Colombia's Marxist FARC rebel group said on Thursday all the group's weapons will be handed over to the United Nations by June 20 as planned, part of a peace deal to end more than 52 years of war.

The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) need to give up the last 40 percent of their arms, as agreed last year with the government of President Juan Manuel Santos. Nearly 60 percent of their arms were handed over by Tuesday.

"We have taken the political decision. We respect the agreement and we will implement it, whatever it takes," FARC leader Rodrigo Londono, known as Timochenko, told Reuters.

Under the accord, rejected in a public referendum but pushed through by congress, the FARC will become a political party and most fighters will receive an amnesty after explaining their actions publicly.

Londono said the FARC were discussing internally the name of their future political party, which could be ultimately decided at a FARC congress in August.

"We are working with the date of August, the middle or the end of August. It could also be the beginning of September," he said, declining to say which options for names were on the table.

"The Congress will decide all these things ...democratically," he said.

Londono was speaking after discussing the peace process together with Colombia's Foreign Minister Maria Angela Holguin, in a rare joint public appearance outside Colombia by a member of the government and a FARC leader.

Asked on stage by Norwegian Foreign Minister Boerge Brende to describe some of the more personal moments of the talks, Londono recalled the time he sustained a heart attack in the middle of negotiations in Havana and was "resuscitated by Cuban doctors."

"Afterwards I received a personal card from President Santos wishing me well. It meant a lot to me," Londono, visibly moved, told the audience.

At the very beginning of the process, FARC leaders had difficulty discussing among themselves whether to participate in the process, he said.

"We could not talk on the radio. We could get killed just to talk on the radio. We could not meet to discuss," said Londono.

On the main stumbling blocks were for the peace process, the Colombian foreign minister said that the key was for Colombian farmers to feel they would be better off cultivating legal crops rather than coca, the crop used to produce cocaine.

"We must be able to give farmers the possibility of earning a living legally, instead of cultivating coca. We must substitute crops and remove the landmines," said Holguin.

Colombia ranks second after Afghanistan on the list of countries with the most landmines, according to the NGO International Campaign to Ban Landmines.

"We are in a very difficult phase. Applying the accord is often more complicated than doing the deal in the first place," she said.

Asked the same question, Londono said that reintegrating guerrilla fighters in society was key. Also, "we must remove violence from the exercise of politics," he said.
Chinas recent detention of Wu Xiaohui, head of the massive insurance conglomerate Anbang Insurance company, is seen by some as a crucial turning point in Chinese President Xi Jinpings crackdown on wealthy corrupt business people, or big crocodiles as they are called here.

But that turning point is not without its risks, analysts note, given that Wu is said to have powerful political backers and millions of policy holders.

Until recently, Anbang Insurance company was on a global buying spree. The company claims to have nearly $300 billion in assets and was behind some of Chinas most high-profile overseas acquisitions in recent years, including the purchase of the Waldorf Astoria hotel in New York City. It also tried to buy Starwood Hotels, has ties on Wall Street and has been linked to a potential deal involving U.S. President Donald Trumps son-in-law, Jared Kushner.

Wu not only connected himself with those in power and influence overseas, but at home as well from high-ranking party members to state owned banks. Political analyst Hu Xingdou said Wus arrest is a new milestone for Chinas anti-graft crackdown.

This highlights that the countrys financial sector is now under heavy graft scrutiny. The detention of Wu Xiaohui, as a symbolic figure, ushers in the fight against [corrupt] red generations and the industries they work in, Hu said.

Wu doesnt necessarily belong to the so-called "red second generation"  the children of Chinas revolutionary leaders  but through marriage he is the grandson-in-law to late leader Deng Xiaoping. The two, however, were reportedly divorced recently.

Political analysts said he is also supported by another heavyweight backer, Zeng Qinghong, former vice-president and right-hand man of Jiang Zemin.

Anti-corruption effort



The financial sector is the most corrupt sector of all as it is highly monopolized by the state. That, Hu said, gives room for well-connected people, who have political backers, to pull strings and reap huge gains, for example, in the forms of sweetheart loans.

Wus detention, analysts note could be part of a genuine effort to clean up the sector and to send a message to others in the industry. According to the New York Times, in its most recent financial disclosure, nearly three-fifths of Anbangs assets were overseas.

Chinese regulations stipulate that insurers cannot put more than 15 percent of their assets overseas.

Christopher Balding, a professor at Peking Universitys HSBC Business School, said while Anbang was at the very least pushing the boundaries of regulatory limits, so were other companies that were the same size.

I don't see anything that Anbang has done differently than anyone else that would warrant detention and so that seems to raise the possibility that there are other factors at play besides strict business issues, he said.

Some believe Wus detention could be part of a larger political struggle.

Chinas crackdown on big crocodiles has been gaining steam for more than six months. And one key development, said China leadership analyst Willy Lam, was the abduction of Xiao Jianhua from Hong Kong.

Xiao Jianhua was what the Chinese call a white glove. A broker for powerful families. Xiao Jianhua was apparently friendly with the family of Zeng Qinghong and other clans, Lam said. It is well known that Xi Jinping is now in a power struggle with the Shanghai clique, including Jiang Zemin and Zeng Qinghong.

Cause and effect



Political connections aside, the potential impact the handling of Anbang could have on society is perhaps even more of a concern. Anbang is not just an insurance company, but is really a massive wealth management company. And any mishandling of it brings big risks.

The people who bought insurance from Anbang, these are not peasants or urban workers, most of them are middle class families. Some with college education. It will be a big problem. They will definitely make a big noise and hold demonstrations, Lam said.

Lu Siqi, a professor of economics at Peking University, said while it is still too early to tell whether Wu may have manipulated capital markets, or if his political backers were illegally involved in some way, authorities will take measures to avoid unnerving investors.

The Chinese government will ensure financial stability  a precondition for its clean-up of the mess left behind by the nations financial crocodiles. Shall this jeopardize financial stability, the regulator may resort to some measures, but they won't be extreme or drastic, he said.

If it doesnt get handled properly, however, the companys 35 million policyholders and share investors will take the first and direct hit, Lu said. And the government may be further forced to step in with a bailout plan  a tab which will eventually be paid by taxpayers.
At one of the most treacherous and least restored stretches of Chinas Great Wall, a line of pack mules halted upon emerging from the gloom of a dense forest draped in mist and dew.

Laden with 150 kg (330 pounds) of bricks each, the seven animals finally began moving in response to the coaxing and swearing of their masters, eager to gain altitude before the sun climbed high in the sky.

For more than a decade, mules have been crucial in the effort to restore Jiankou, a serpentine 20 km (12 mile) section of the wall about 70 km (44 miles) north of central Beijing that is notorious for its ridges and perilous slopes.

The path is too steep and the mountains are too high, so the bricks can only be transported by mules, said local mule owner Cao Xinhua, who has worked on Great Wall restoration projects in the mountains north of Beijing for 10 years.

Old bricks, new bricks

Where they could, workers used the original bricks that had broken off the wall over the centuries. When they found none, they used new bricks made to exacting specifications.

We have to stick to the original format, the original material and the original craftsmanship, so that we can better preserve the historical and cultural values, said Cheng Yongmao, the engineer leading Jiankous restoration.

Cheng, 61, who has repaired 17 km (11 miles) of the Great Wall since 2003, belongs to the 16th generation in a long line of traditional brick makers.

A government clampdown on pollution has forced the closure of almost all brick-making factories in Beijing and nearby provinces, Cheng said.

If he ran out of bricks, Cheng added, he would have to look for bricks left elsewhere or request the central government to consider reopening some brick factories.

Arrows nock

Famed for its rugged beauty, Jiankou, which is Chinese for an arrows nock, or notch for a bowstring, was built in the twilight years of the Ming dynasty in the 1600s, but is young compared with other sections dating back two millennia.

Intensive repairs on the Jiankou section in the past year have been led by the district government keen to preserve the walls natural beauty and shore up its disintegrating steps.

The restoration began in 2005 and is now in its third phase, making slow progress because the uneven terrain allows use only of basic tools such as chisels, hammers, pickaxes and shovels.

Authorities meticulous approach followed widespread outrage last year sparked by botched restoration efforts on some stretches.

Authorities in the northeastern province of Liaoning, home to a 700-year-old section of the wall, paved its ramparts with sand and cement, resulting in what critics said looked more like a pedestrian pavement.

Soon after, the State Administration of Cultural Heritage said it would investigate any improperly executed wall preservation projects.

A tenth of the wall built during the Ming dynasty has been repaired, said Dong Yaohui, vice president of the China Great Wall Association.

In the past, we would restore the walls so that they would be visited as tourist hot spots, he said, by contrast with todays objective of repairing and preserving them for future generations. This is progress.
The Trump administration has officially ended an Obama-era effort to give the undocumented parents of U.S. citizens and permanent residents temporary reprieve from deportation and allow them to work legally.

A Texas court blocked the 2014 program known as Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA) before it went into effect, so the U.S. Department of Homeland Securitys announcement late Thursday does not end any protections in place.

The agency said Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly signed a memorandum rescinding DAPA because there is no credible path forward to litigate" the policy.

But in a move that briefly sowed confusion, the administration simultaneously said it would continue a similar program known as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), begun in 2012. The program has granted work permits and temporary reprieve from deportation to hundreds of thousands of young adults who came to the country as children without authorization.

Vow to end DACA

As a candidate, Donald Trump vowed to end DACA on his first day in office; later statements took a less dramatic tone. Four months into his tenure, a statement reinforcing that the program remains in place was immediately viewed as reassuring by some analysts, immigrant activists and DACA recipients.

However, on Friday, White House and Homeland Security officials told The New York Times that the parts of the news releases that referred to DACA were only meant to clarify that the program was still in place, not that the administration had made a resolute decision.

There has been no final determination made about the DACA program, which the president has stressed needs to be handled with compassion and with heart, said Jonathan Hoffman, the assistant secretary for public affairs at DHS.

A senior White House official said the DAPA decision was to meet a court deadline, and not intended to affect DACA. The official did not know whether the White House was still reviewing DACA but said, "Quite frankly, immigration is something that needs to be resolved by Congress."

Both DACA and DAPA were created at the executive branch level, and are not enshrined in legislation, which made them easier to issue but just as easy  at a technical level  to rescind. Neither policy provided a path to citizenship.

An injunction by a Texas judge in 2015 blocked implementation of DAPA, which would have been open to about 3.6 million people, while the lawsuit was ongoing. The case made it to the Supreme Court, which deadlocked in a 4-4 decision in 2016, leaving in place the lower-court ruling that blocked DAPA.

Hispanic caucus

The Congressional Hispanic Caucus, which hours before the DHS announcement Thursday had requested clarification from the agency on DACA-related policy, on Friday accused the administration of sowing "fear and anxiety" in immigrant communities with its policies.

Their announcement to keep DACA, while revoking DAPA and deporting family members, is deceitful and is another effort to keep immigrant families feeling uncomfortable about their place in America," CHC's chairwoman. U.S. Representative Michelle Lujan Grisham, a New Mexico Democrat, said in an emailed statement.

The Trump administration has, since January, rolled back many of the previous administration's immigration-related policies.

Though the policy to protect undocumented immigrants who arrived as children had supporters in both political parties, that approval did not extend to DAPA.

Republican Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas on Friday called it a "deeply irresponsible policy from the start" and a "blatant attempt by the president to circumvent Congress."

"I'm glad to see Secretary Kelly take it off the books," Cotton added.

A crackdown on illegal immigration was a pillar of Trump's presidential campaign. Notably, executive orders issued in January made more undocumented immigrants susceptible to deportation and demanded the hiring of 15,000 border and immigration enforcement agents.

I think we need to fight like hell to keep DACA around, said Philip Wolgin, who heads the the immigration division at the Center for American Progress, a progressive research and advocacy organization.

Nearly 800,000 young, undocumented immigrants are covered by the program, and there is importance in lifting that up, making sure we protect it and continuing to fight, he said.

I wouldnt say this is the end of the road in any way," Wolgin added.
Foreign fishing in Indonesian waters has long been a concern for the government, for which it has recently taken a literally explosive approach: blowing up illicit fishing boats. But Susi Pudjiastuti, the countrys wildly popular Minister of Marine Affairs, lobbied the United Nations last week to declare illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (IUUF) an organized crime, signaling growing frustration and a new approach from Jakarta.

That said, even if the U.N. takes this step, Indonesia faces an uphill battle in protecting its fisheries. As the worlds largest archipelagic nation, it has somewhere between 15,000 and 17,000 islands and many kilometers of unsecured coastline. President Joko Jokowi Widodo created a task force to address illegal fishing in October 2015, which reports directly to him and gives the Navy, the National Police and the Maritime Security Agency wide jurisdiction to deter illegal fishing by any means necessary.

But the fleet and law enforcement personnel are still small given the scale of the problem, which costs Indonesia, by one estimate, $3 billion a year.

Surprisingly empowered task force

Task forces, or Satgas (satuan tugas in Bahasa Indonesia) are almost a punchline in Indonesian governance because they are created for a wide variety of issues and often with unclear mandates. But the fishing task force feels different, according to Mas Achmad Santosa, head of the IUUF Fisheries Task Force.

This is the first time for Indonesians that the president has set up a task force and it actually works well, Santosa told VOA. Every element needed for enforcement is there: investigators [from the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fishery, Marine Police, Coast Guard, and Navy], prosecutors under the attorney generals office, and several experts from fields like money laundering and environmental law.

There are about 60 dedicated members of this task force, but they work closely with the above institutions so their effective numbers are larger, Santosa said.

The task force only directly prosecutes cases with elements of serious crime, said Santosa, and they have prosecuted 42 such cases over the last year.

But our fleet is far from sufficient, we must admit, Santosa said. Compared to our oceans, which are huge, the technology is limited. They only have four patrol boats, for instance.

Since Jokowi took office in 2014, Indonesia has blown up over 300 illegal fishing boats, taking out 81 near Ambon over a single weekend last April. The eye-catching strategy has become something of a local tourist attraction. Its symbolic impact, though, could be larger.

Blowing up boats is just one of our treatments. But we hope it creates a general deterrent effect, Santosa said.

Charismatic leader

Indonesia's Fisheries Minister Susi Pudjiastuti, known as Bu Susi, is a high school dropout turned entrepreneur with a knack for viral photo opportunities (smoking on a paddleboard, sleeping in an airport) and a no-nonsense style that has raised the profile of her relatively obscure ministry.

Its very important to have a strong leader, and she is a person of integrity who leads by example, Santoso said.

Foreign fishing is concentrated in Maluku, Sumatra, and the Indian Ocean, according to the maritime ministry. Beyond that, there are also illicit Indonesian vessels that engage in what Santoso calls unsustainable fishing that will destroy ecosystems. So international cooperation is not a silver bullet; the task forces inroads on domestic fishing will be equally important, and somewhat harder to attack in such a spectacular manner.

Domestic agenda

The Peoples Coalition for Fishery Justice (KIARA) has urged the maritime ministry to revise regulations that they say hinder the development of the local fishing industry.

Today the biggest challenge faced by coastal communities, especially fishermen, is the investment from and development through foreign capital, KIARA secretary-general Susan Herawati Romica told VOA. For instance, she said, on the island of Gili Sunut, Lombok, there are 109 households who have been displaced by construction on a Singaporean beach resort to more dangerous cliffside areas.

Today, 90 percent of Indonesian fishermen are traditional fishermen with vessels that average below 10 gross tons, she said. They rely heavily on marine and coastal areas, but they still face major challenges in accessing the coast.

According to KIARA data, there have been at least 34 recent cases of mine reclamation or development that have displaced local communities. To that end, we say, if the country wants to push fisheries to provide the maximum benefit to coastal communities, then access to the sea [for local communities] should be guaranteed by the state.
The United Nations estimates that 100,000 civilians may still be trapped in the Old City of Mosul, Iraq, the Islamic States last and most tightly held stronghold here. More than 230 civilians have been killed by IS sniper fire in recent weeks, and hundreds of others from airstrikes, according to the U.N. Civilians who have fled IS in Mosul say the death tolls are far higher.

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A U.S. Navy sailor who prompted a multinational search after going missing last week has been found alive aboard his own ship.

"He was located in an engineering space," Navy spokesman Lt. Loren Terry told VOA on Thursday. "The circumstances are under investigation."

Navy officials said Gas Turbine Systems Technician 3rd Class Peter Mims disappeared June 8 while working on the guided missile cruiser USS Shiloh as it conducted operations in the Philippine Sea about 465 kilometers east of Okinawa, Japan.

The U.S. Navy's 7th Fleet, which operates in the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean, said U.S. and Japanese ships and aircraft searched for the sailor, presumed to have fallen overboard, for 50 hours. The search covered roughly 14,245 square kilometers of the Philippine Sea.

Officials suspended the ocean search Sunday, but USS Shiloh crew members continued to search the vessel.

"We are thankful to have found our missing shipmate and appreciate all the hard work of our sailors and Japanese partners in searching for him," said Rear Adm. Charles Williams, the commander of Carrier Strike Group 5. "I am relieved that this sailor's family will not be joining the ranks of Gold Star Families that have sacrificed so much for our country."

Mims has been transferred to the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan for a medical evaluation, according to the 7th Fleet.

Carrier Strike Group 5 includes the USS Reagan, USS Shiloh and destroyers USS Barry, USS McCampbell, USS John S. McCain and USS Mustin, according to a Navy website.

Guided missile cruisers such as the USS Shiloh typically operate with about 350 people aboard ship.
French President Emmanuel Macron promoted his pro-European views in a series of meetings Friday with leaders of The Netherlands, Spain and Estonia in Paris, as Brexit negotiations are set to start next week.

Macron met with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte and Estonian Prime Minister Juri Ratas and had a working lunch with Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy. Estonia will lead the work of the 28 EU member states for six months starting from July.

Defense and security issues, migration and climate change are among France's priorities for a European summit scheduled next week.

In a joint statement in the Elysee courtyard, Macron said his meeting with Rutte helped define "common goals" of France and The Netherlands for the Brexit negotiations led by the EU executive body.



Rutte stressed that "Brexit also means that we have to protect our citizens from the economic impact that might happen.''



The newly elected Macron campaigned on a strong pro-European stance. He notably proposed a shared budget for the countries that use the euro currency to allow for joint investments, provide emergency financial help and help the eurozone better react to a financial crisis. It would be managed by a newly created joint finance minister for the eurozone.



Rajoy agreed that "we must start discussing about the [eurozone] budget," but stressed it's a long-term goal.



Macron pushed for a Europe that protects its citizens through cooperation on defense and security but also by providing them with high standards of welfare.



The French leader called on European authorities to do more to solve the issue of low-paid workers coming from central and eastern Europe to work in the continent's western nations, including France, on temporary assignment.



"We must change the rules,"he said, insisting that the situation is generating unfair economic competition.
The greatest human swimmer of all time, Olympian Michael Phelps, is diving into his next competition - when he takes on the worlds greatest swimmer in a race during Shark Week on the Discovery Channel next month.

Shark Week is a popular event during which the American cable channel airs shark-related content. The annual programming began airing in 1988.

According to the Discovery Channel, the Olympic champion will be getting a crash course on everything 'shark.'

Theyll dispel the myths and common misconceptions, teach him how to safely dive with sharks  including how to stay calm when a hammerhead swims two feet above his face  and will get Michael Phelps up close and personal with the incredible power of a great white, the company said in a news release.

Phelps retired from competitive swimming in 2016 after the Rio Summer Olympics. During his career, he won 23 Olympic gold medals and held 39 world records.

Still, that will not likely be enough to take on sharks, which can swim about 10 times faster than humans.

They are one of the fastest and most efficient predators on the planet: Sharks, Discovery wrote. He is our greatest champion to ever get in the water: Michael Phelps. But he has one competition left to win. An event so monumental no one has ever attempted it before. The worlds most decorated athlete takes on the oceans most efficient predator: Phelps V Shark  the race is on!

Discovery wasnt clear exactly how Phelps, now 32, will take on the great white or what strokes he will use when he is in the water. Its also unclear how Phelps will avoid ending up as a snack for the fierce predator.
American tourists strolling the ample squares and narrow streets of colonial Havana may not know it, but from novelist Ernest Hemingway's famed Floridita bar to Sloppy Joe's eatery, they are probably patronizing businesses owned by Cuba's military.

It is that lucrative line of business that President Donald Trump will target when he rolls out his new Cuba policy Friday in Miami, the heart of the country's hard-line exile community, according to U.S. officials who have seen a draft presidential memorandum.

Trump will significantly restrict U.S. companies from doing business with some military-linked enterprises, the officials said.

"Any ban on using military-owned tourism facilities would make it very difficult to bring groups larger than seven people, because for logistical reasons you need to work with the government," said Collin Laverty, president of Cuba Educational Travel.

The number of Americans traveling to Cuba, mostly in large groups because of U.S. regulations, has nearly tripled in recent years and was expected to reach around 400,000 in 2017, according to U.S. travel agencies.

Trump's expected limits on U.S. business deals will target the Armed Forces Business Enterprises Group (GAESA), a conglomerate involved in all sectors of the economy that is led by General Luis Alberto Rodriguez, reportedly President Raul Castro's son-in-law.

That is bad news for the pro-engagement U.S. politicians and hundreds of businesses that flocked to Cuba in the last few years in search of new opportunities.

Lone hotel deal

The only hotel deal struck to date may prove the last for now, at least in the capital. Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, which is owned by Marriott International, signed on to manage a Gaviota hotel in Havana under the Sheraton brand, which opened in 2016.

Gaviota is part of GAESA, and tourism development projects in Havana and other choice locations are almost exclusively in its hands.

U.S. Gulf Coast ports and the Port of Virginia, which have signed letters of intent to work with the new Mariel container terminal, will most likely have to look elsewhere for shipping partners because it is controlled by Almacenes Universales, another GAESA company.

The terminal feeds a surrounding Chinese-style development zone that allows investors 100 percent ownership and that was visited by dozens of U.S. business delegations beginning in 2015, though no deals were signed. It also is controlled by Almacenes Universales.

GAESA does not run Cuba's airports, or its cruise ship terminals, meaning U.S. airlines and cruise operators might not be directly affected, but it does control the marinas.

All the state hotels, stores and eateries in colonial Old Havana are owned by Habaguanex, which was recently taken over from the city historian's office by GAESA.

GAESA began modestly enough in the 1980s as an effort to bring modern management to the civilian sector mired in the ways of Soviet-style administration.

It has grown dramatically over the last decade since Raul Castro took over for his ailing and now deceased older brother, Fidel.

Today GAESA boasts dozens of companies that control 40 percent to 60 percent of the Caribbean island's foreign exchange earnings, according to Cuban economists.

GAESA's books, like those of other state-run companies, are not public.

Military's self-interest

Some Cuba experts and diplomats believe the military is feathering its own nest and perhaps preparing to cash in if the government falls.

But others believe revenues flow to the cash-strapped state.

A former British ambassador to Cuba, Paul Hare, who lectures at Boston University's Pardee School of Global Studies, said the military was viewed as a guardian of the Revolution.

"Their function is to ensure that private Cubans and foreign investors do not undermine the principles of 'socialism,' " he said.

The holding company controls virtually all of the thousands of stores, supermarkets and malls in the country that sell imported products ranging from food and beverages to clothing and appliances, and hundreds of gas stations and eateries.

That means when you enter a shop in Cuba to purchase a bottle of water, soda or beer, you probably are patronizing a military establishment.

If you want to rent a condominium or satellite TV service, you have to go through a GAESA company.

The holding company also controls two banks and all credit card and money transfer transactions through Fincimex. RAFIN, the conglomerate's mini-hedge fund, owns shares in the telecommunications monopoly ETECSA.
Venezuelan legislators and opposition leaders on Thursday staged protests against President Nicolas Maduro aboard buses and trains in the capital of Caracas in an effort to bypass blockades of street demonstrations by security forces.

Maduro's adversaries have for more than two months been holding marches and rallies that are routinely cut short by troops and police, resulting in violent clashes that have left nearly 70 people dead.

"Our message is going to travel all the stations of the subway," said opposition deputy Juan Mejia before boarding a Caracas subway train. "Our message will reach all those Venezuelans who have expressed a desire for a different country, but who have to go out and get their daily bread to help their family."

Mejia said that employees of the Caracas subway system, which has for years been closely controlled by the ruling Socialist Party, had made announcements over loudspeakers warning of delays due to "a group of opposition sympathizers."

Maduro's critics say he is seeking to forge a dictatorship through a legislative superbody known as a constituent assembly that is to be elected on July 30 in a vote that opposition leaders say is rigged in favor of the Socialists.

Maduro, who was elected after the death of his mentor Hugo Chavez in 2013, says the wave of protests is an effort to overthrow him and blames the opposition for the scores of deaths. He says the constituent assembly will help the country escape a crippling economic crisis.

Another group of deputies boarded city buses that run through Caracas and nearby cities and explained to passersby their view that the constituent assembly "formalizes the dictatorship."

Activists also organized a 6:00 a.m. visit to the headquarters of the National Electoral Council, which the opposition accuses of favoring Maduro's government, to put up posters with messages such as "CNE accomplice of the

dictatorship."

It was the first time during the current wave of demonstrations that protesters were able to reach the doors of the institution, because previous marches to the headquarters have been blocked by security forces.
Vietnams most wanted human rights and environmental activist, Bach Hong Quyen, is safe and considering taking up residence outside his homeland, he told VOA's Vietnamese service after weeks on the run from authorities who issued a warrant for him in May.

I feel quite safe, Quyen said earlier this week, speaking to VOA from an undisclosed location. I dont think the Vietnamese police can find me."

Quyen had been evading police before they announced they would attempt to serve a rare "wanted" warrant on the influential bloggers home in Ha Tinh province on May 11. At the time, Bui Huong Giang, Quyen's wife, told VOA that police were tracking" her husband throughout Vietnam, although she said she did not know his whereabouts.

He told VOA that his family remains under surveillance and harassed. My wife and children were stopped and searched on the way to school by plainclothes police officers who said they were from Hanoi.

VOA contacted police in Vietnam about the latest developments in the case but received no reply. Human rights blogger Le Anh Hung, who is a VOA Vietnamese service contributor, said that he thought the authorities choreographed the process of serving the warrant at Quyens home to allow him time to leave the country.



Authorities launched a nationwide manhunt for the 28-year-old activist, who was accused of "disturbing public order" because he helped organize an April 3 environmental protest over the government's response to an April 6, 2016 toxic spill from Formosa Ha Tinh Steel Corporation. Police had harassed organizers of the first anniversary protest, including Quyen, the day before.

The toxic discharge continues to be a sensitive topic, one that Vietnam's government tries to play down. Residents of Ha Tinh and three other central coast provinces are still recovering from a fish kill caused by the discharge from Formosa Ha Tinh Steel. The spill has come to be seen as the event which took the environmental movement into the mainstream. The Taiwan-owned company accepted full responsibility for the fish kill and pledged to pay $500 million in damages for dumping wastewater laden with phenol, cyanide and iron hydroxide into the sea.

Several organizations and foreign embassies are offering me help to avoid arrest,Quyen told VOA.



Quyen says he is now deciding whether or not to go to another country. I might decide to stay free in another country and continue to help the people in Vietnam, he said.

Quyen believes that in issuing the warrant for him, the Vietnamese government was aiming at stopping the voices of the local people and local fishermen who lost out in the Formosa incident The warrant has, however, strengthened the resolve of activists, he said.

This report originated on VOA Vietnamese
Pakistan aims to tighten security for the thousands of Chinese nationals working in the country after a Chinese couple was abducted and later allegedly killed by Islamic State raising safety concerns about major economic projects that Beijing has undertaken to benefit both countries.

Pakistani officials said they will form thousands-strong police protection forces and keep a closer watch on the movements and whereabouts of Chinese nationals. The move comes after a kidnapped Chinese couple was allegedly murdered by suspected Islamic State (IS) loyalists in southwestern Balochistan.

The air is heavy and there's a sense of fear and insecurity among the Chinese community living in Pakistan after the IS episode, said Hasan Askari, a prominent security analyst.

IS presence

Pakistan's government, which has firmly and repeatedly denied the presence of IS on its soil, strongly condemned the incident and vowed to boost security measures for its Chinese brothers.

Pakistan said last week that its counterterrorism forces had destroyed a major IS foothold in the province.

This is an unfortunate event, Sarfaraz Bugti, home minister for Balochistan, told VOA while disputing the presence of IS. Yes, Islamic State is trying to establish a territorial presence through its terror allies such as Laskhar-e-Jhangvi, but these groups should not be mistaken for Islamic State.

Protecting an investment

China has invested $50 million in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which will connect China's Xinjiang region to Gwadar's deep-water seaport with a huge rail, road, communications and energy network designed to facilitate trade and generate economic opportunities and jobs.

The initial phase has brought an influx of Chinese workers, particularly in violence-hit Balochistan, which lays at the heart of the CPEC project but is dealing with separatist groups and extremists.

According to a recent Reuters report, about 4,000 Chinese citizens are in the country for CPEC and another 1,000 are involved in a variety of other businesses.

I feel secure and have been running my salon business successfully, Ching Liu, a Chinese businesswoman in Islamabad, told VOA. But I cannot vouch the same for my community who live in different cities, especially in Balochistan and Sindh.

Military analysts believe to prove security measures effective, government's biggest challenge would be how it overcomes militancy.

Despite a sharp decline in terrorist attacks in Pakistan recently, Islamic State seems to have picked up its pace, particularly in Balochistan.

Last month, a suicide bomber attacked the convoy of prominent politician Abdul Ghafoor Haideri in Mastung, killing 25. IS claimed responsibility.

Economic interests

Pakistan's government said it is vigilant and prepared to remove any security obstacles to safeguard the CPEC, Chinese citizens and the economic interests of both countries.

The government is very well aware of the security challenges related to CPEC projects, Minister of Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal told VOA. A force of 9,000 security personnel under Pakistan's Army has been deployed in Balochistan to provide a security cover.

Pakistan's Navy commissioned a special maritime security task force last year to protect Gwadar's port.

Balochistan, particularly Gwadar, has also seen a significant increase in military presence. Other provinces intend to beef up security for the same reasons.

Sindh, Pakistan's southeastern province, has announced plans to create 3,000 security posts to protect CPEC projects and foreigners, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab have similar plans.

The government also aims to stop the misuse of business visas. Pakistan said the slain Chinese couple had business visas but were preaching Christianity in the increasingly conservative Muslim country.

Better security system needed

Analysts suggest the government has to be extra vigilant and need to devise a better security and data-analyzing system.

The government doesn't have a system to monitor and gather full data on those Chinese citizens who get visas in an independent capacity as compared to those who work in Pakistan on CPEC-related projects, analyst Askari told VOA.

China has reiterated that the slayings will not affect relations between old allies and that cooperation to counter terrorism and safeguard economic interests will continue.

China will further strengthen counterterrorism cooperation with the international community to ensure peace and stability of the region and beyond, a statement from the Chinese Foreign Ministry reported by Pakistani media.
The Pentagon said Friday that the defense secretary has not yet decided how many U.S. troops to commit to the fight in Afghanistan.

Defense Secretary James Mattis "has made no decisions on a troop increase for Afghanistan, wrote Pentagon spokeswoman Dana White. As he said throughout the week in testimony, the revised Afghanistan strategy will be presented to the president for his approval in the coming weeks.

Whites statement Friday was in response to a story by The Associated Press, quoting an unnamed Trump administration official as saying the Pentagon would send 4,000 additional American forces to Afghanistan.

That number is similar to previous reports from other U.S. officials, who have told VOA that the secretary and his commander on the ground are looking at deploying between 3,000 and 5,000 additional American troops to assist the South Asian nation in its fight against the Taliban insurgency.

Those U.S. officials explain that the new Afghanistan strategy would require a total of about 5,000 additional international forces in the war-torn country. Nearly all are expected to be Americans, with several hundred additional troops from coalition allies.

The AP report said Mattis could make the announcement about deploying the troops as early as next week. The Pentagon did not explicitly deny that a troop number announcement was in the works, saying only that any decisions about troop numbers will be made only after consultation with the interagency, the Afghan government, NATO allies and coalition partners.

U.S. President Donald Trump gave Mattis the authority to set troop levels in Afghanistan on Tuesday, according to the defense secretary.

Mattis told the Senate Armed Services Committee on Tuesday that the U.S. was not gaining in the fight to stabilize Afghanistan, and he vowed to present a strategy to Congress "by mid-July."

'Not winning'

The additional troops are seen as important for a mission that top commanders admit is not succeeding.

"We are not winning in Afghanistan right now, and we will correct this as soon possible," Mattis said.

Mattis equated "winning" in Afghanistan with the Afghan government's ability to handle the enemy's level of violence, which he said would require a "residual force" of U.S. and allied forces to train Afghan troops and maintain high-end capabilities.

Afghan analyst Andrew Wilder at the U.S. Institute of Peace said it was unclear whether sending an additional 4,000 U.S. troops to Afghanistan would be effective in turning back the insurgency.

Instead, he said, the U.S. should better define its overall strategy with specific objectives.

Wilder added that the U.S. should remain focused to keep Afghanistan from becoming a safe haven for terrorist groups.

Mattis has said the U.S. cannot quit Afghanistan, because that would allow the rise of "ungoverned spaces" in the country, which could be exploited by groups that threaten the United States.

But Republican Senator John McCain of Arizona, the chair of the Armed Services Committee, stressed that Congress needed to see more of a plan about how the U.S. would move forward in Afghanistan.

"We want a strategy, and I dont think thats a hell of a lot to ask, McCain said Tuesday.
An explosion at a kindergarten in eastern China that killed eight people and injured dozens more Thursday afternoon was a deliberate attack by a mentally unstable man, Chinese state-run media reported.

The Xinhua news agency, citing police, reported that investigators found bomb-making materials in the suspected bomber's home, along with the words "death" and "end" scrawled on the walls.

Police said the 22-year-old man, who had a history of mental illness, lived and worked near the kindergarten. He reportedly was suspended from his school because of a nervous system disorder.

He was killed in the blast outside the Chuangxin Kindergarten in Xuzhou's Fengxian county. The attack occurred at 4:50 p.m. local time as parents were waiting to pick up their children at the end of the school day.
Police in Washington have issued arrest warrants for 16 people, most of them Turkish security agents, for their alleged role in assaulting protesters outside the Turkish ambassador's home in Washington during an official visit by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The incident, which left nine people injured, sparked outrage in the United States. VOA's Zlatica Hoke reports that Turkey Thursday condemned the warrants and blamed U.S. authorities for failing to prevent the altercation.
The head of Qatar's human rights committee has denounced moves by several Arab states to isolate his country as "collective punishment" and has appealed to United Nations experts to investigate the impact of the blockade.

Ali Bin Samikh al-Marri says the isolation of the Persian Gulf emirate is worse than injustices that were imposed by the Berlin Wall.

He spoke on Friday in Geneva, saying his group was taking action through the United Nations and requesting a "fact-finding commission" and deployment of U.N. rights investigators to Qatar.

He appealed to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and others to lift their measures, which include cutting of diplomatic ties with Qatar and a ban of Qatari planes from the Arab nations' airspace. The Arab states accuse Doha of supporting terrorism.
Five police were killed Friday when rebels fighting against Indian rule ambushed a police vehicle in Indian-controlled Kashmir, while two civilians were killed and several others injured in clashes that erupted during a gunbattle between rebels and government forces in the disputed region, officials and witnesses said.

Senior police officer S.P. Pani said militants sprayed gunfire at the police vehicle in the southern Achabal area. All five officers onboard were killed.

No other details were immediately available.

On Thursday, two police officers were killed in two separate shootings by suspected rebels in Srinagar, the region's main city, and in the southern Kulgam area.

At the funeral of one of the slain policemen on Friday, hundreds of people chanted slogans calling for Kashmir's freedom from Indian rule.

Earlier Friday, government forces cordoned off Arwani village in the south on a tip that at least two Kashmiri rebels were hiding there, said inspector-general of police Muneer Ahmed Khan.

Fighting erupted when the militants began firing in an attempt to break through the siege, Khan said.

Villagers said soldiers blasted at least two houses with explosives.

As the fighting raged, thousands of people in the village and neighboring areas ignored the government security lockdown and marched to Arwani in an attempt to help the trapped rebels escape. They hurled rocks at the troops and chanted slogans against Indian rule.

Police said a young man and a teenage boy were killed and at least five others were wounded in the crossfire between the government forces and rebels. However, villagers dismissed the police version, saying the casualties occurred when Indian forces fired live ammunition, shotgun pellets, and tear gas to disperse the protesters.

Authorities suspended mobile internet services in Kashmir and cellphone service in some areas of southern Kashmir, fearing activists would mobilize anti-India protests in the region.

Protests against Indian rule followed by clashes were also reported in other areas of the region. Several people were reportedly injured.

In recent years, Kashmiris, mainly youths, have displayed open solidarity with anti-India rebels and sought to protect them by engaging troops in street clashes during military operations against the militants. The anti-India protests and clashes have persisted despite the Indian army chief warning recently that "tough action" would be taken against stone throwers during counterinsurgency operations.

Separatist leaders who challenge India's sovereignty over Kashmir called for a general strike on Saturday to protest the killings.

Also on Friday, Indian soldiers fired at a taxi after it ignored orders to halt at a checkpoint in northern Bandipora, Khan said. Two civilians received bullet injuries but were reported to be out of danger.

Nuclear-armed rivals India and Pakistan each administer part of Kashmir, but both claim the Himalayan territory in its entirety. Rebel groups have been fighting since 1989 for Kashmir's independence or merger with neighboring Pakistan. Nearly 70,000 people have been killed in the fighting and the ensuing Indian crackdown.

Anti-India sentiment runs deep among the region's mostly Muslim population and most people support the rebels' cause against Indian rule.

India has accused Pakistan of arming and training the rebels, which Pakistan denies.

Rebel groups have largely been suppressed by Indian forces in recent years and public opposition to Indian rule is now principally expressed through street protests.
A newly passed Senate bill that would impose additional U.S. sanctions on Iran faces uncertain prospects for passage in the House, whose members are expressing differing views about its efficacy.

Hours after the Senate approved the Countering Irans Destabilizing Activities Act in a near-unanimous 98-2 vote Thursday, the Houses majority Republican leaders had not said when they will act on it. The bill also would sanction Russia for interfering in the 2016 U.S. election, a charge Moscow denies.

The Senate bill would impose financial restrictions on people involved with Irans ballistic missile development and with the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Strong bipartisan support

The legislation won strong bipartisan support from majority Republicans and minority Democrats who see Irans ballistic missile activity as destabilizing to the region, and who accuse the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of involvement in international terrorism.

Iranian leaders say their ballistic missile program is defensive in nature. They also say Iran is the victim of international terrorism rather than the perpetrator.

The Senates proposed Iran sanctions got a mixed response from House members who spoke to VOAs Persian Service at a Washington event Wednesday night, before the bill won final Senate approval.

The lawmakers were attending a dinner held by the Endowment for Middle East Truth (EMET), a U.S. research group that educates American policymakers who want to strengthen the U.S.-Israel alliance.

Republican Congressman Scott Perry said he wants to ensure the Senates bill is strong.

We have to look at it, Perry said. My concern would be that (the sanctions) would be too weak, especially regarding Iran. Thats really the focus; Russia is an afterthought. Somebody at some point is going to have to take some action if (the Iranians) keep heading in the direction that we suspect they will head.

Another Republican Congressman, Mark Meadows, said some House members have doubts about the effectiveness of U.S. sanctions in dealing with Iran.

As you look at the sanctions, typically they are not as impactful as (those of) the European Union, Meadows said. Typically, having the EU involved has a greater impact in the (Mideast) region. Were cognizant of that, but were looking at all the options.

Democratic Congressman Juan Vargas had a more upbeat view of the Houses prospects for adopting the Senates measures against Irans ballistic missile program and the IRGC.

I certainly support those measures, and I think a lot of Democrats will too, he said. The bill will have bipartisan support.

No administration position yet

The Trump administration has not expressed a position on the Iran sanctions proposed in the legislation, which President Donald Trump would have to sign before they become law. But his administration has imposed several sanctions on Iran in recent months to punish it for carrying out a January ballistic missile test and for committing alleged human rights abuses.

The White House also is reviewing whether to re-impose Iran sanctions that Trumps predecessor, Barack Obama, lifted under the terms of the 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and six world powers.

Israel's criticism

In a speech at Wednesdays EMET event, Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Ron Dermer sharpened his criticism of the 2015 deal, saying it has paved Irans path to a nuclear bomb because it automatically lifts restrictions on Iranian nuclear activities after a number of years.

So the clock is ticking, the sands are coming out of that glass, and time is literally on their side, Dermer said. Iran wont need to sneak in or break in to the nuclear club, in a few years, they can just walk in.

The Obama administration said the 2015 deal blocks Irans path to a bomb by forcing it to freeze activities or damage infrastructure needed to develop nuclear weapons.

Israel, which is widely believed to be nuclear-armed, sees an Iranian nuclear weapon as a threat to its existence because of repeated calls from Iranian leaders for the destruction of the Jewish state.

Israel and the Trump administration must deal with the fallout (from the 2015 agreement), and we will deal with the fallout, Dermer said. We will deal with it because we must. Deal or no deal, America and Israel must stop Irans clear path to the bomb. The Israeli diplomat did not elaborate.

Iran says its nuclear program is designed for peaceful medical research and electricity generation.

This report was produced in collaboration with VOAs Persian Service.
One hunted terrorists in the 1990s for the FBI and later helped build a case against 9/11 suspect Zacarias Moussaoui.

Another headed the federal task force investigating the Enron corporate scandal of the 2000s.

A third has argued more than 100 criminal cases before the Supreme Court as the Department of Justices deputy solicitor general.

They are among the team of high-powered lawyers Special Counsel Robert Mueller hired recently to examine Russian interference in last years U.S. presidential election, and to determine whether there was collusion between Moscow and Donald Trumps campaign staff before he was elected president in November.

In total, Mueller has hired 13 lawyers since his appointment a month ago, and he plans to add several more, said his spokesman, Peter Carr.

More investigators to join team

The investigation, said Peter Zeidenberg, who served as an assistant special counsel in the 2005 investigation of former White House aide Scooter Libby, could eventually include dozens of FBI agents and a significant number of prosecutors.

The high-caliber hires have attracted attention for the lawyers depth of expertise. They underscore the stepped-up investigation by Mueller, who took over May 17, eight days after President Trump fired FBI Director James Comey.

Trump has repeatedly dismissed the Russia investigation as a witch hunt, and declared nobody has been able to show any proof that he or his campaign team was involved in any improper activities with Russian officials.

On Thursday, the president lashed out at Muellers team, saying the probe is being led by some very bad and conflicted people  an apparent allusion to reports that several people hired by Mueller have made contributions in the past to Democratic candidates political campaigns.

Kushner, ex-Trump aides under scrutiny

As part of his investigation, Mueller is examining the finances and business dealings of Trumps son-in-law and adviser, Jared Kushner, and several other associates, The Washington Post reported.

When Mueller was appointed special counsel last month, Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein gave him a fairly broad mandate, with responsibility to investigate links and any coordination between the Trump campaign and the Russian government, and any matters that arise or may arise directly from the investigation.

Its not unlimited, but its pretty darn broad, Zeidenberg, the former prosecutor, said of Muellers authority.

In probing the Trump associates finances, prosecutors will look to see whether any financial improprieties indicate a motive to collude with Russia, Zeidenberg said.

Follow the money to find collusion

People say youre looking for collusion, and not all this financial fraud, Zeidenberg said. Well, from a prosecutors standpoint, the financial fraud could very well be the motive for the collusion.

The Mueller teams expertise ranges from financial fraud to counterterrorism to complex white-collar investigations.

Among his early hires were three partners, all former federal prosecutors, like Mueller, with deep litigation experience, poached from the law firm he left last month, WilmerHale: James Quarles, Jeannie Rhee and Aaron Zebley.

Before joining WilmerHale in 2014, a week after Mueller, Zebley spent more than 15 years as a federal prosecutor and FBI agent handling terrorism and national-security cases such as the 1998 bombing of the U.S. embassy in Tanzania and the Moussaoui case after the September 11 attacks in 2001.

Quarles joined the firm in 1975 after serving as an assistant prosecutor on the Watergate special prosecution task force. Rhee had been a deputy assistant attorney general before joining the private firm.

Highly experienced federal lawyers

Several others come from the ranks of the Department of Justices career lawyers.

Andrew Weissmann, a 26-year Department of Justice veteran, has held a variety of senior positions: chief of the departments fraud section, head of the Enron Task Force from 2002-2005, and general counsel for the FBI when Mueller led the bureau.

Another much-noticed legal heavyweight on the team: Michael Dreeben, who, as deputy solicitor general for more than two decades, has litigated more than 100 cases before the Supreme Court and argued before all but one of the nations 13 regional courts of appeal.

Zeidenberg called Dreeben one of the top legal appellate lawyers in the country.

John Malcolm, another former federal prosecutor now with the Heritage Foundation, said Dreebens expertise could greatly benefit the Mueller team.

Having Michael Dreeben on speed dial [close at hand], to be able to ask him questions about whether a particular set of facts could arguably fit within the parameters of a criminal statute would be a valuable tool to have, he said.

Questions of independence

Muellers hires have not been without controversy. At least three lawyers working on his team, Quarles, Rhee and Sean Berkowitz, another former Enron Task Force director, have made generous campaign donations almost exclusively to Democratic candidates over the years, according to campaign records.

The disclosure has led Trump allies to question Muellers independence.

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich tweeted Thursday: Mueller is now clearly the tip of the deep state spear aimed at destroying or at a minimum undermining and crippling the Trump presidency.

But outside Trumps closest circle, Mueller, who has served under two Republican and two Democratic presidents, enjoys broad bipartisan support. And Rosenstein, responding to concerns Trump may order him to fire Mueller, told a Senate panel this week that he saw no reason to dismiss him.

Nick Akerman, a former Watergate assistant special prosecutor, said the partisan attacks on Mueller recall a smear campaign Republicans waged against Watergate Special Prosecutor Archibald Cox in the 1970s.

Cox was a solicitor general for John F. Kennedy, he was a Democrat, Akerman, now a partner at the Dorsey law firm in New York, said. They tried to raise exactly the same issues with members of our prosecution team and staff.
Special Counsel Robert Mueller, who is investigating whether President Donald Trump tried to obstruct justice, also is reportedly probing the finances and business dealings of the president's son-in-law, who is one of the president's top advisers.

The Washington Post reported Mueller's probe into Kushner's financial transactions Thursday.

Previous Post articles have mentioned Kushner's meetings with the head of a Russian state-owned development bank. Kushner's lawyers say he will cooperate with investigators.



After a series of Twitter posts Thursday assailing reports that a special counsel is investigating obstruction of justice allegations against him, Trump took to Twitter again Friday. He continued to denounce ongoing congressional investigations into his campaign and Russia, reiterated his disdain for the news media and touted what he perceived as his administration's successes.

At an off-camera briefing for reporters, White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders referred questions about the presidents latest tweets to Trumps personal attorney.

The tweets potentially could put the president into deeper legal peril.

It looks grossly inappropriate for the president to be bad mouthing a special counsel investigation looking into his actions and that was created by his own deputy attorney general, said Bradley Moss, a lawyer specializing in litigation relating to national security, federal employment and security clearance law.



Special Counsel Mueller likely will be archiving these various Twitter rants as supplemental evidence for the obstruction investigation, Moss, who also is deputy executive director of the James Madison Project, told VOA.

Mark Corallo, a spokesman for Trump's personal attorney Marc Kasowitz, reacting to the news stories that prompted the Trump tweets, blamed the FBI for leaking information regarding the president, which he called "outrageous, inexcusable and illegal."

Several news reports said Mueller plans to interview key U.S. national security officials about Trump's comments seeking an end to the investigation of contacts his first national security adviser, Michael Flynn, had with Russia's ambassador to Washington, Sergey Kislyak.

Based on accounts of people familiar with the investigation, the reports say Mueller plans to interview Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats, National Security Agency (NSA) Director Michael Rogers and former NSA Deputy Director Richard Ledgett.



The reports say one focus of Mueller's investigation is presidential conversations with Coats and Central Intelligence Agency director Mike Pompeo in late March, in which Trump reportedly asked them to intervene with then-FBI Director James Comey to ask him to halt his probe of Flynn. A day or two later, Trump reportedly called Coats and Rogers to ask them to publicly deny the existence of any evidence that Trump aides had illegally colluded with Russian officials to help Trump win the election.



According to the news accounts, neither Coats nor Rogers complied with Trump's requests. It was not known whether Ledgett talked with Trump, but he wrote an internal NSA document recounting Trump's request to Rogers.

Coats and Rogers told a Senate panel a week ago they did not feel pressured by Trump to intervene in the case, but declined to say what Trump asked them to do.

The former director of the Department of Homeland Security, Jeh Johnson, is scheduled to appear June 21 in an open session before the House of Representatives intelligence committee, which is looking into Russian activity during the 2016 U.S. election campaign.

The Senates intelligence committee already has interviewed Johnson about the matter.

The president fired Flynn in February after just 24 days on the job when he learned that the former Marine lieutenant general lied to Vice President Mike Pence about his conversations with Ambassador Kislyak.

Trump fired Comey last month, saying "this Russia thing" was on his mind when he made the decision to oust the nation's top law enforcement official while Comey was leading the FBI's probe into Russia's meddling.



About a week later, Mueller, another former FBI director, was appointed, over Trump's opposition, as special counsel to lead the criminal probe.

The White House confirmed on Thursday that Mueller was interviewed  presumably about again running the FBI -- the day before he was named as special counsel to investigate Russian meddling in last year's presidential election.



News accounts this week said Trump was considering firing Mueller from his special counsel role, but the White House eventually said he does not plan to.

Comey testified before a Senate panel last week that Trump spoke privately with him several times, including by telephone and at White House meetings.



Comey said he believed Trump was trying to get him to drop an investigation of the president's former national security adviser, and that White House officials spread "lies, plain and simple" to cover up the reason for his dismissal.
Teen vaping, which has been skyrocketing, fell dramatically last year in the United States.



A government survey released Thursday suggests the number of high school and middle school students using electronic cigarettes fell to 2.2 million last year, from 3 million the year before.



Health officials have worried about the booming popularity of vaping products among kids and the potential impact on adult smoking rates in the future.



"It certainly is a public health win,'' said Brian King, an expert on smoking and health at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.



It's the first decline CDC has reported in teen vaping since the agency began tracking it in 2011. The findings echo a recent University of Michigan survey, which also detected a decline in 2016.



It's unclear why teen vaping fell last year, and it's too soon to know if the numbers will continue to drop.

One possibility may be a growing push to ban sale of e-cigarettes to minors, including a federal regulation that took effect in August. Another may be the influence of ad campaigns by the government and other organizations to discourage kids from smoking, the CDC said.



E-cigarettes may also be losing their novelty among teens, said Matthew Farrelly, a tobacco control researcher at RTI International.



Studies suggest many kids who vape use the products less often than kids who smoke cigarettes  a sign that vaping seems to be more social and experimental, some experts said.



"These products were new and novel and now we're starting to see that change,'' said Robin Koval, president of Truth Initiative, a public health education organization that runs anti-tobacco ads.



E-cigarettes are battery-powered devices that provide users with aerosol puffs that can contain nicotine. Research has found kids like to vape flavorings like strawberry and bubble gum, though often in nicotine-free versions.



They're generally considered a less dangerous alternative to regular cigarettes. But health officials have warned nicotine in e-cigarettes is harmful to developing brains.



The CDC study is based on a questionnaire filled out annually by about 20,000 students in grades 6 through 12. It focused on "current users''  kids who said they had used a tobacco product within the 30 days before they answered the survey.



It found an overall decline in use of vaping devices, traditional cigarettes and other tobacco products. Based on the survey responses, the CDC estimates that the number of middle and high school students using tobacco products fell to 3.9 million last year, from 4.7 million the year before.



Adolescent cigarette smoking has been falling for many years, but the decline in e-cigarette and hookah use was more remarkable.



In 2011, 1.5 percent of high school students said they'd recently vaped. That jumped to 16 percent in 2015, and it's become more common than cigarette smoking. But it dropped to about 11 percent last year, the CDC said.



For middle school students, about 5 percent said they'd recently vaped in 2015. That fell to about 4 percent last year, the study found.
The Trump administration is suspending regulations aimed at cutting dangerous methane gas emissions from oil and natural gas wells.

The Interior Department is indefinitely putting on hold methane trapping rules imposed on wells on federal lands.

The Senate rejected the suspension last month, prompting the department to act on its own.

An Interior official said the regulation is a "significant regulatory burden that encumbers American energy production, economic growth and job creation."

The Environmental Protection Agency wants a two-year delay on separate rules requiring oil and gas producers to monitor and capture methane gas leaks.

EPA chief Scott Pruitt said the federal regulations duplicate state regulations that he said can do a better job.

Methane gas traps heat in the atmosphere and contributes to climate change.

Both sets of federal rules were implemented in the closing months of the Obama administration and were criticized by the oil and gas industry as burdensome job killers.

But Mark Brownstein of the Environmental Defense Fund said lifting the rules takes away what he said are protections that make natural gas a clean-burning fuel.

"Disregarding the will of the people, the interests of taxpayers and legal safeguards, all in the name of doing the bidding of the oil and gas industry, is shameful," Brownstein said.
President Donald Trump heads to Miami Friday to announce a rollback of Barack Obama's attempt to normalize relations with Cuba. While Trump is not expected to go so far as to break diplomatic relations that were restored in 2015, travel and business restrictions are expected to be put back in place. VOA's Carol Guensberg gives us perspective on the US-Cuba relationship.
President Donald Trump continued a campaign on Twitter on Friday against the investigations into possible links between his campaign and Russia.

Trump said he was "being investigated for firing the FBI Director by the man who told me to fire the FBI Director! Witch Hunt."

It was unclear whether the president was referring to Special Counsel Robert Mueller or Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein. Reporters who shouted questions for clarification after Trump stepped off Marine One on his return to the White House on Friday from a Miami trip got no answers.

The latest social media outburst by the president on his personal Twitter account came after a Washington Post report that Mueller is looking into the financial transactions of Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, who is a senior adviser to the president.

Mueller's investigation also includes the question of whether Trump tried to obstruct justice.

There is wide consensus that Trump is not doing himself any legal favors by repeatedly referring to it on Twitter.

"President Trump is hurting his own case every time he goes on [Twitter]," said a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Democrat Patrick Leahy of Vermont, on MSNBC.

A Republican senator on Friday also expressed hope Trump would refrain from discussing the Russia investigation.

"Frankly, I think the president should stop talking about it," Missouri Senator Roy Blunt told KMBZ, a Kansas City-area radio station. "I think the president needs to get on with the work that is so important that he do and at this point now let this investigation run its course."

The top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, Dianne Feinstein of California, said, "The message the president is sending through his tweets is that he believes the rule of law doesn't apply to him and that anyone who thinks otherwise will be fired."

Feinstein added, "That's undemocratic on its face and a blatant violation of the president's oath of office."

She also echoed concern that the president will try to fire Mueller and Rosenstein.

Representative Adam Schiff of California, the ranking Democrat on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, warned that Trump would be overstepping his authority by taking such action.

If Trump were to fire Mueller and Rosenstein, "Congress must unite to stop him, without respect to party, and for the sake of the nation," Schiff said in a statement.

Talk of recusal

The Democratic National Committee, in a statement Friday, said that Rosenstein, who has authority over Mueller, needs to recuse himself from the Russia investigation and that control of the investigation should not be given to another presidential appointee.

The Justice Department on Friday said any such of consideration of recusal was premature.

"As the deputy attorney general has said numerous times, if there comes a point when he needs to recuse, he will. However, nothing has changed," Justice Department spokesman Ian Prior told VOA.

Rosenstein on Thursday night issued an unusual and puzzling public warning about stories attributed to anonymous sources.

"Americans should exercise caution before accepting as true any stories attributed to anonymous 'officials,' particularly when they do not identify the country  let alone the branch or agency of government  with which the alleged sources supposedly are affiliated," Rosenstein said in a short statement released by the Justice Department.

"Americans should be skeptical about anonymous allegations. The Department of Justice has a long-established policy to neither confirm nor deny such allegations."

It's unclear why Rosenstein issued the warning or whether anyone prompted him to do so.

Rosenstein wrote a memo last month noting concerns about Comey's handling of the Hillary Clinton email investigation that the White House initially used to justify the removal of the FBI director.

In another sign the investigation is expanding, lawyers for the Trump transition team issued a memo Thursday instructing those who worked for the transition to preserve documents in anticipation that investigators will request those materials for the probe into Russian interference into last year's presidential election.

VOA's Masood Farivar contributed to this report.
2017 was described as the year that right-wing populists would take charge in Europe, echoing the election of President Donald Trump in the United States. But it has not played out like that at the polls.

Centrist Emmanuel Macron scored a crushing victory in France, and the far-right UK Independence Party was all but wiped out in Britain as the ruling Conservatives lost their majority.

Analysts think Trump may in fact be hindering Europe's populist right.

British Prime Minister Theresa May was the first foreign leader to visit Trump in January. Media on both sides of the Atlantic focused on the warm reception as the two leaders held hands on the grounds of the White House, but the encounter may have cost May at the polls.

Britain suffered a series of terror attacks before last week's election, the latest at London Bridge, which killed seven people. Initially, Trump offered the United States' support, but he later used Twitter to criticize the mayor of London. That led many voters to question Britain's approach, said Ian Dunt, editor of the website politics.co.uk.

"It's not a tangible thing, but you just get a sense of the national debate swinging back around a little bit, becoming more wary of America again," he said.

Le Pen's defeat

In April, Trump appeared to endorse French far-right candidate Marine Le Pen after the terrorist shooting of a police officer in Paris. Macron soundly defeated her. Polling suggested many French voters disliked Le Pen's praise of Trump, said Catherine De Vries of the University of Essex.

"It did play a role in the sense that it hindered her chances because of the example that Donald Trump was setting in the United States, which was not necessarily perceived as positive," she said.

Trump's decision to pull out of the Paris climate agreement also alarmed Europe.

Competing force

"And I think many voters are now realizing and asking themselves: Would voting for anti-establishment right-wing candidates in Europe do them any good?" De Vries said. "I don't think it's the end of right-wing populism. I do think that they're not necessarily the only mobilizers of anti-establishment sentiment. And they just find themselves in competition."

That's competition with a new political breed: populist yet centrist. But not all of Europe is converted.

Trump remains popular in the east, in countries like Poland. The president will visit Warsaw next month. No visits are planned for Paris or Berlin  and his proposed state visit to London is on hold.

Analysts say it is a mark of the growing gulf between Washington and Western Europe.
Saying he was "canceling the last administration's completely one-sided deal with Cuba," President Donald Trump on Friday began undoing some parts of his predecessor's historic opening to the island nation.

The new measures included tighter restrictions on tourism travel and a prohibition of financial dealings with entities tied to Cuban military and intelligence services. Cuba's military conglomerate GAESA is estimated to control more than half the country's economy.

Watch: Trump Recasts Cuba Policy, Slams Castro

In a speech at Miami's Little Havana district, flanked by Vice President Mike Pence, Florida Republican Senator Marco Rubio and other leading politicians of Cuban descent, Trump said he took steps toward fulfilling a campaign promise that helped him win last November's election in the battleground state of Florida, where the Cuban-American vote was instrumental in pushing him over the top.

"America has rejected the Cuban people's oppressors,'' he told a cheering crowd at the packed, sweltering Manuel Artime Theater, named after a leader of the ill-fated Bay of Pigs invasion. "I do believe that the end is in the very near future."

WATCH: Trump on new Cuba policy

"We will enforce the ban on tourism. We will enforce the embargo. We will take concrete steps to ensure that investments flow directly to the people so they can open private businesses and begin to build their country's great, great future," Trump said.

The Cuban government said Friday in a statement that it reiterates its willingness to continue with respectful dialogue and cooperation on issues of mutual interest with the U.S. The statement said Cuba and the U.S. have demonstrated in the last two years that they can cooperate and live together civilly, respecting differences and promoting that which benefits both countries and peoples.

Cuba warned, however, that the U.S. should not expect Cuba to make concessions on its sovereignty and independence, nor will it accept any type of such conditions.

Some policies remain

White House officials, however, said many of the changes that occurred under former President Barack Obama would remain in place.

According to senior administration officials, Americans will still be able to travel to Cuba under approved categories, but there will be stricter enforcement to ensure travelers fit those categories.



WATCH: Trump message to Cuban leadership

Americans will be permitted to bring back souvenir items such as rum and cigars. Commercial flights between the United States and Cuba will continue, and diplomatic relations will not be affected, though Trump will not name an ambassador to Havana.

Obama had halted the so-called "wet foot/dry foot" policy that had allowed Cubans who arrived on U.S. shores to apply for work permits that could eventually lead to citizenship  a move that will not be touched by Trump's rollback.

Policy pushback

Obama initiated the move to normalize relations with Cuba and ease a long-standing trade embargo in 2014. He argued it was time to adopt a policy of engagement with the Cuban people because the decades-old embargo of the communist nation had failed to bring change to the island.

In 2016, he traveled to Havana to meet President Raul Castro, but not his brother Fidel, who led the overthrow of Cuban dictator Fulgencio Batista more than half a century earlier.

Several Obama-era officials derided the partial Trump rollback, arguing that more restrictive policies send the wrong signal to America's friends and adversaries alike.

"I think history shows that the surest path to progress is through engagement. We've seen it in Vietnam, across Europe in World War II, in Iran and Burma, where our people-to-people diplomacy paved the way for change on the ground," said Brett Bruen, who served as Obama's director of global engagement.

"Raul Castro and those in power in Havana are not going to loosen their grip on power because we tighten our grip on the island," Bruen told VOA. "It's only going to cut off paths to opportunity and strengthen the arguments they're making that the U.S. is not a partner for the Cuban people."

Support on human rights

While business interests have cautioned against any move that would weaken growing U.S.-Cuba trade ties, Republicans' reactions have been strongly supportive of Trump's moves. House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce of California, in a statement sent to VOA, said the United States must stand with the Cuban people in their fight for basic freedoms.

"President Obama's new course with the Castros led to more brutality, more repression, and more political arrests in Cuba," Royce wrote. "The administration is right to sideline the Cuban military and make human rights and internet access top priorities."

Some Cuban-Americans praised the symbolism of Trump's rollback, if not the substance.

"The Castro regime has done nothing about human rights," said Mike Gonzalez, who as a youth in Cuba listened surreptitiously with his family to VOA shortwave radio broadcasts.

Gonzalez, now a fellow at the conservative Heritage Foundation in Washington, likened Trump's Little Havana appearance to President Ronald Reagan's famous Cold War speeches.

"The Brandenburg Gate speech by Reagan, where he said, 'Mr. [Mikhail] Gorbachev, tear down this wall,' in 1987, is being remembered this week because the 30th anniversary just passed, and many people are saying,'Yeah, I heard that in East Berlin, and that was powerful,' " Gonzalez said. "We don't have to be the world's policeman but we have to make clear to all tyrants that we are on the side of the people they oppress."

Administration officials said the changes would not go into effect immediately. The Treasury and Commerce departments will have 30 days to draft new regulations, and it will take an unspecified amount of time before implementation can take place. "It will take as long as it takes," said one official.
President Donald Trump on Friday will begin rolling back some of his predecessor's actions that were meant to engage Cuba after more than a half-century of isolation by the United States.

The policy goes into effect tomorrow, but the policy directs the creation of new regulations so the actual impact occurs when those regulations go into effect, a senior White House official told reporters on Thursday evening.

Watch: Trump Expected to Tighten US Cuba Policy

The actions, to be unveiled by the president in Miami's Little Havana district on Friday, will tighten travel restrictions for Americans and ban doing business with the island nation's military conglomerate, GAESA, which is estimated to control more than half of the Cuban economy.

The driver of Trump's policy is that the actions taken by the previous administration of Barack Obama were enriching the Cuban military and intelligence services, said the senior official at the White House.

Opportunity to change'

Washington hopes the Cuban regime will see this as an opportunity to change reforms that they paid lip service to a couple of years ago, but has not been implemented to the benefit of the Cuban people, said the official.

Measures will be enacted to restrict the flow of money from the United States to Cuba and the existing statutory ban on tourism will be strictly enforced, effectively ending individual people-to-people travel, meaning that any American going to the island will have to be part of a group, a U.S. official explained.

Supporters of President Obama's opening to Cuba say reinstating tougher travel and business restrictions will have the opposite of their intended effect.

Brett Bruen, who as director of global engagement in the Obama administration played a role in loosening the policy of isolating Cuba, said Trump's policy will not only set back relations with Cuba, but with much of Latin America.

For decades our policy was a hindrance to efforts to forge closer ties with countries across the hemisphere, and under President Obama's leadership, we were able to take that obstacle off the table and to engage more effectively in countries like Brazil, Nicaragua Honduras, Bruen said. Returning to the days of barriers and blockades will hurt American foreign policy, it will hurt American companies, and ultimately we will bear the brunt of the consequences.

Trump administration officials briefing reporters Thursday said some things will not change.

Some things remain

There will be no intention in new regulations to be drafted to disrupt the existing business that has occurred intended to give relief to Americans who have made significant recent investments in Cuba and there aren't any changes on regulations for Americans to legally bring back such popular items as rum and cigars, according to a White House official.

U.S. officials say the president is keeping a campaign promise to crack down on Cuba due to increased human rights abuses.

The Trump administration has been criticized for not taking a consistent approach on human rights globally.

A senior administration official Thursday rejected that charge, saying Cuba is being singled out because it's a repressive regime in this hemisphere.

But Marguerite Jimenez, senior associate for Cuba at the Washington Office on Latin America, called the policy reversal fundamentally misguided.



There is no question that Cuba ought to do more to permit its citizens full freedom of expression and association, Jimenez said. However, a return to failed policies of the past will inevitably halt progress and only make life more difficult for Cubans on the island.

The United States imposed an embargo on Cuba, a former Spanish colony in the Caribbean, in 1960, two years after communist revolutionary Fidel Castro ousted dictator Fulgencio Batista.

Failed sanctions

Subsequent decades of sanctions failed to remove Castro and his brother, Raul, from power.

Obama re-established diplomatic relations, a move that will not be affected by Trump's measures.

There will also be no return to the so-called wet-foot, dry-foot policy, which Obama ended after 20 years shortly before he left office in January.

Its end meant that Cuban nationals who were able to touch American soil could stay and become permanent residents after one year while those caught at sea were returned to the island nation.
The United Nations refugee agency reports more than 100,000 Iraqis may still be held hostage by Islamic State militants in western Mosul. The UNHCR warns conditions in the old city are worsening for the civilians trapped there.

The Iraqi military offensive to retake Mosul from Islamic State was launched on October 17. The battle got off to a good start as the militants were ousted rather quickly from their stronghold in the east. After claiming that part of the city, Iraqi forces embarked on a major push in February to recapture the more densely-populated western part, where the situation is more difficult.

The war there is being waged largely in the densely populated old city, which is a maze of narrow alleyways. Fighting is being conducted on foot and by going house to house.

The U.N. refugee agency representative in Iraq, Bruno Geddo, said the Iraqi military must take great care because the risks for the civilian population from both the fighting and IS are immense. He said the militants, whom he called ISIS, are using civilians in the old city as human shields.

The civilian population is being taken, moved by fighters with them to be used as human shields," he said. "And ... ISIS snipers continue to aim at people trying to flee because there is this long-standing policy of executing people trying to leave the territory of the caliphate.

Geddo said food, water, fuel and electricity are scarce as people become increasingly poor.

The UNHCR reports 667,000 people are displaced by the war. Most are living in camps, but many prefer to stay with family and friends or live in damaged and abandoned buildings outside Mosul.

Geddo said the UNHCR opened its 13th camp two weeks ago to accommodate the growing numbers of people fleeing Mosul. He said his agency has assisted more than one-half-million people, providing essential items such as blankets, mattresses, kitchen sets, buckets and flat containers for liquids known as jerry cans.
The U.N. Security Council Thursday urged the parties to the conflict in Yemen to work towards a peace settlement to prevent the country from slipping further into a humanitarian catastrophe.

In a lengthy statement agreed to by all 15 council members, it expressed deep concern about the recent outbreak of cholera and the growing possibility of famine.

The Security Council emphasizes that the conflict in Yemen will only be resolved through the resumption of an inclusive political process, and calls upon all parties to the conflict to engage constructively and in good faith to overcome obstacles and find a peaceful solution, council president Ambassador Sacha Llorentty of Bolivia said in reading the statement.

Peace efforts stalled

A Saudi-led coalition supporting President Abdu Rabu Mansour Hadi began its war in Yemen in March 2015, battling Iranian backed Shiite Houthi rebels who hold the capital, Sana'a.

U.N. efforts to find a peace agreement have stalled, with the secretary-general's special envoy reporting to the council two weeks ago that the key parties are still not ready to embrace the concessions necessary to reaching a comprehensive settlement.

Hunger and disease

Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis grows.

U.N. Humanitarian Coordinator for Yemen Jamie McGoldrick said Thursday that the number of suspected cholera cases has risen to more than 140,000 half of them children and nearly 1,000 deaths.

Less than half of the country's medical facilities are functioning, making even basic treatment scarce.

The country also has become the world's largest food insecurity crisis, with more than 20 million people struggling daily to get enough to eat. Nearly 7 million are on the brink of famine, as food prices surge due to the coalition imposed blockade of the country's main ports. Add to that the nearly 1 million civil servants who have not been paid in months, and the purchasing power of scores of families has been severely reduced.

U.N. officials have repeatedly made the point that Yemen's looming famine is entirely manmade.

Yemen is not facing a drought, like other countries do, Auke Lootsma, the country director for the U.N. Development Program in Yemen told VOA. Yemen is facing the direct consequences of a war that has also led to the situation of the current food insecurity.

Shortage of funds

In its statement, the Security Council stressed the importance of keeping all of Yemen's ports functioning as a critical lifeline for humanitarian support and other essential supplies.

The U.N. has appealed for $2.1 billion to assist Yemenis this year, but has received less than one-third of that amount, threatening its ability to continue feeding some 4 million people each month beyond September. After that, humanitarian coordinator McGoldrick says, the prospect of famine will be a reality.

The situation is very dramatic, Lootsma added. This war has to stop, because there is a direct link between the suffering that the Yemeni people are going through and the fact that this war continues to rage across the country.
The president of the U.N. conference drafting what could be the first treaty to ban nuclear weapons expressed confidence Thursday that with the necessary political will more than 130 countries supporting the initiative can reach agreement by the July 7 target.

Elayne Whyte Gomez, Costa Ricas ambassador to the U.N. in Geneva, told the opening of negotiations on a draft treaty circulated May 22 that delegates were representing their countries, but they were also united together in historic commitment to finalizing a treaty.

None of nuclear powers supports treaty

Last December, U.N. member states overwhelmingly approved a resolution calling for negotiations on a treaty that would outlaw nuclear weapons, despite strong opposition from nuclear-armed nations and their allies.

Not one of the nine countries believed to possess nuclear weapons  the U.S., Russia, Britain, China, France, India, Pakistan, North Korea and Israel  is supporting a treaty.

Instead of adopting a ban, the United States and other nuclear powers want to strengthen and reaffirm the nearly half-century-old Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty.

The NPT, considered the cornerstone of global nonproliferation efforts, aims to prevent the spread of atomic arms beyond the five original weapons powers: the U.S., Russia, Britain, France and China.

It requires non-nuclear signatory nations not to pursue nuclear weapons in exchange for a commitment by the five nuclear powers to move toward nuclear disarmament, and to guarantee non-nuclear states access to peaceful nuclear technology to produce nuclear power.

Haley: 'Be realistic'

U.S. Ambassador Nikki Haley said March 27 when talks began on the nuclear weapons ban treaty that there is nothing I want more for my family than a world with no nuclear weapons, but we have to be realistic.

She asked if anyone thought North Korea would give up its nuclear weapons, stressing that North Koreans would be cheering a nuclear ban treaty and Americans and others would be at risk.

But U.N. disarmament chief Izumi Nakamitsu told Thursdays opening that negotiations to achieve the clear, legal prohibition of nuclear weapons ... are truly historic.

Nuclear disarmament has been the longest sought objective of the United Nations dating back to the very first resolution adopted by the General Assembly in January 1946, she said.

We have seen some impressive gains since that time, Nakamitsu said. Yet, it has been more than 20 years now since the United Nations disarmament bodies have produced a multilateral legally binding instrument on nuclear weapons.

Need for progress

She said the need for progress is clear and urgent, pointing to the deteriorating international security landscape, new awareness of the devastating consequences of using nuclear weapons, and the modernization of nuclear arsenals by some countries.

The draft treaty, among other things, says states would pledge never to develop, produce, manufacture, acquire, possess, transfer, receive, stockpile, test or use nuclear weapons or explosives. They would also endeavor to prohibit any stationing, installation or deployment of any nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices on their territories or in their jurisdictions.

We are confident the treaty can be completed and adopted by July 7, the final day of negotiations, said David Solimini, spokesman for the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons. Once the treaty is adopted countries are free to join.
U.S. and Chinese diplomatic and defense chiefs will meet Wednesday for a security dialogue that Washington says will focus on curbing North Korea's nuclear and missile programs.

The talks in Washington will involve U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis, as well as China's top diplomat, State Councilor Yang Jiechi, and General Fang Fenghui, chief of state of the People's Liberation Army, the U.S. State Department said.

It will be the inaugural session of the U.S.-China Diplomatic and Security Dialogue, a framework launched by President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping during a summit in Florida in April.

The State Department said the aim was "to expand areas of cooperation while narrowing differences on key diplomatic and security issues."

U.S.-China ties have warmed since the April summit, in spite of continued U.S. concerns about China's pursuit of territory in the South China Sea and a large trade imbalance.

Tillerson has said North Korea will top the agenda next week and made clear that Washington wanted more help from China in pressing Pyongyang to abandon its weapons programs, calling Chinese efforts so far "notable" but "uneven."

The focus on North Korea has been sharpened by dozens of North Korean missile launches and two nuclear bomb tests since the beginning of last year.

North Korea says it is working to develop a nuclear-tipped missile capable of hitting the United States, and this week Mattis called it the "most urgent" threat to U.S. national security.

China is party to U.N. economic sanctions on North Korea.

But it remains the country's main ally and trading partner and has been reluctant to impose the sort of punishing measures experts say are needed to get Pyongyang to abandon its weapons programs.

On Tuesday, Tillerson said Washington was considering imposing "secondary sanctions" on foreign firms doing business with North Korea and had been in discussions with Beijing about the activities of entities inside China.

A Washington think tank said this week that North Korea's effort to circumvent sanctions was complex but could be defeated by targeting relatively few Chinese firms.

The U.N. Security Council expanded targeted sanctions against North Korea this month in the first such resolution agreed by the United States and China since Trump took office.

Washington has been pushing for even tougher steps, including an oil embargo, bans of North Korea's airline and overseas workers, and interception of its cargo ships.
The United States has expressed concern about a disaster relief center Russia is operating in Serbia, which some Western groups and military analysts see as a subtly disguised military base set up by the Kremlin to spy on U.S. interests in the Balkans.

The U.S. deputy assistant secretary of state for European and Eurasian affairs, Hoyt Brian Yee, discussed "the so-called humanitarian center" in Serbia recently with lawmakers on Capitol Hill.

Yee said the United States was concerned about the Russian base in Nis, close to Serbia's border with Kosovo, "not so much for what it is now, but what it might become if it receives what Russia has been asking from Serbia, which is some kind of special status, a protected diplomatic status or immunity."

Addressing a Senate hearing last Wednesday on malign foreign influences in southeastern Europe, Yee said, "We don't believe Russia has good intentions from our standpoint, in our context, which is trying to help the Balkans move close to its goal of integration with Europe."

"We believe Russia is trying to prevent that path," Yee said, answering a question from Senator Chris Murphy, a Connecticut Democrat.

The U.S. and the European Union have spent years working to bring an enduring peace to the Balkans, and to integrate the region into the Euro-Atlantic community of nations. Every country around Serbia is currently either in NATO or wants to join the Western alliance.

The Russian center in Nis, opened in 2012 near an airport, is relatively close to the 4,000-member NATO peacekeeping force in Kosovo, the former province of Serbia that declared its independence in 2008. International troops stationed in Kosovo include 600 Americans.

The concerns about the Russian installation in Serbia is that it could become an outpost for Kremlin spies and, in effect, a command center for Russia's disruptive response to EU enlargement and NATO's expansion in the region. Russia has always supported Serbia's refusal to recognize Kosovo as a sovereign state.

Serbian control

The State Department's Yee said the United States opposes granting diplomatic status or its equivalent to Russians based in Nis.

"We believe it's important," Yee testified Wednesday, "and we share this with the government of Serbia, that Serbia has the full control of its territory and facilities on its territory. If it allows Russia to create some kind of a special center for espionage or other nefarious activities, it will lose control over part of its territory."

Russia has denied it wants to create a military installation in Serbia.

Democrats and Republicans in the U.S. Senate have taken a bipartisan approach in their opposition to Russia's efforts to strengthen its influence in the Balkans.

Senator Ron Johnson, a Republican from Wisconsin, told VOA's Serbian service that he thought Moscow had been "doing everything in its power to destabilize the nations in the region and prevent them" from taking more pro-Western positions.

Johnson pointed to Montenegro, NATO's newest member and one of the former Yugoslav republics that border Kosovo, as an example of Russian interference.

Coup plot

Prosecutors in Podgorica have accused Russia and its agents of funding a coup plot that was to have been carried out last October, on Montenegro's election day. The plotters allegedly intended to kill Prime Minister Milo ukanovic in order to derail the small Balkan nation's bid to join the Western alliance.

Twenty suspects linked to the coup plot were arrested last year on election eve. Western powers and intelligence agencies have said Russia's involvement in the attempt to overthrow Montenegro's government was clear, and even ukanovic, a socialist who stepped down as prime minister 10 days after the election, said there was "a strong connection of a foreign factor" in the country's political developments. The Kremlin has denied all such accusations as "absurd."

Prosecutors in the Montenegrin capital said Russia "did far more than interfere" in elections. If Moscow's plan had succeeded, they said, it would have been "an act of war."

Johnson, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations subcommittee on Europe and regional security cooperation, said the United States and the EU must pay closer attention to the Balkan nations.

"We've got a great opportunity to integrate those nations into the EU and Western democracies," Johnson said. "If we don't show leadership, if we don't pay attention, they could just as easily slip under Russia's domination."

Sanctions vote

The Wisconsin lawmaker was one of 98 senators who voted this week to reinforce and extend U.S. sanctions against Russia. He and Murphy testified this week that they expected sharp budget cuts planned for the State Department would be set aside before any final agreement on a U.S. spending plan was reached.

"We've got to send a very clear signal to Russia that they cannot continue down this path of their aggression, their efforts of destabilizing, interfering in democratic elections around the world, including here in America," Johnson said.
The United States is accusing a Chinese company of laundering funds from a North Korea bank through U.S. financial institutions.

U.S. officials have filed a complaint and are asking a court to seize $1.9 million Mingzheng International Trading Limited improperly moved on behalf of Foreign Trade Bank, a sanctioned, state-owned North Korea financial institution.

The North Korean bank is prohibited from engaging in transactions with the U.S. financial system under sanctions imposed in response to North Koreas nuclear weapons development.

The U.S. Justice Department said the case would represent one of the largest seizures of North Korean funds by the agency.
In 2003, Roger Thurow was a journalist assigned to cover the looming famine in Ethiopia. Upon arriving in the country, he was given a warning by a World Food Program worker who told him that looking into the eyes of someone dying of hunger becomes a disease of the soul.



Thurow soon found that to be all too true. While visiting the emergency feeding tents he met a little boy named Hagirso who was five years old and weighed under 14 kilograms when his dad carried him in from their village.

He was severely malnourished and basically disappearing, Thurow recalled. That haunted me. Hagirso, the whole setting, everything that was going on in the emergency feeding tents and just the magnitude of the famine. It was the first famine of the 21st century. Whats wrong with us that we brought famine into this new millennium of ours?



Ten years later, Thurow returned to see what had happened to Hagirso. He found the boy was physically stunted, only coming up slightly above an adults waist and was cognitively stunted, learning at a first grade level.



You just have to wonder, what might they have accomplished? What might they have achieved for all of us in the world, were they not stunted? he said. The lost chance of greatness for one child becomes a lost chance for all of us.



On Thursday, Thurow was one of three experts testifying before the U.S. House of Representatives subcommittee meeting on the ongoing food crisis in Yemen and the African nations of Nigeria, South Sudan and Somalia. Labeled the worst food crisis since World War II, an estimated 28 million people now need humanitarian assistance.



In all four countries, drought or climate challenges are being exacerbated by war.



The bottom line and the biggest takeaway is that conflict is driving these famines, said Rep. Chris Smith, R-New Jersey, the chairman of the subcommittee. The farmers of Africa are extraordinary. They can grow anything, plus they have this wonderful arable land that goes unplanted because of conflict. And the humanitarian help cannot get to them because of the soldiers and the militias. There has to be an all-out effort to end this war.



Aid funding cuts



In May, the U.S. House of Representatives successfully added $1 billion to the omnibus appropriations bill specifically to address the famine through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).



Many, however, voiced concerns over a budget blueprint proposed by President Donald Trump that would cut USAID funding by 31 percent and consolidate it within the Department of State.



The presidents budget that was introduced into the Congress worries me because they propose to cut a lot of hunger programs, not only overseas, but even in our own country, said Tony P. Hall, executive director emeritus at the Alliance to End Hunger. And so it worries me because it will hurt. I think Congress will be against a lot of those cuts, but were very concerned.



Smith said the dire warnings about proposed cuts to USAID and foreign assistance are overblown. I dont think the budget cuts are going anywhere, he said. Ive been in Congress 37 years. The next budget that I see arriving on Capitol Hill that becomes anything but a talking point will be the first. He added of Congress: Were the ones who write the budget.



Julien Schopp, director for humanitarian practice at InterAction, who testified at the hearing, said the future uncertainty of U.S. funding for humanitarian relief offers the ideal time for other countries to step up.



The humanitarian need, if you look at the global picture, is growing, growing, growing in terms of dollar amounts and number of people that need to be assisted, he said. So we need to talk more to the Gulf countries, talk more to China, to talk more to non-traditional donors. Because at some point its not going to be possible for the U.S. and Europe to continue carrying that load.



More help needed



Smith agreed, saying hed like to see U.S. partners do more to address the food crisis. We ask that more of our international partners and friends kick in far more money than they have. Were glad theyre helpful, but they could be more helpful, he said.



During his recent trip to Uganda and South Sudan, Smith had the opportunity to meet with Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni. During the meeting, he handed the Ugandan leader a copy of Roger Thurows book, The First 1,000 Days. The book argues that children must be protected from malnutrition, disease and other ailments for the first 1,000 days of their lives to ensure a bright future for themselves, their communities and the world.



My message to all of Africa, all the world including the U.S., is: get the first 1,000 days right, protect mother and baby, supplement it with food and nutrition and supplementation and vitamins; youll have a healthier planet because all of us will be that much stronger, Smith said.
U.S. authorities moved on Thursday to seize a Picasso painting given to American movie star Leonardo DiCaprio and the rights to two Hollywood comedies, as they filed complaints to recover about $540 million they say was stolen from the 1Malaysia Development Berhad sovereign wealth fund.

The U.S. Justice Department filing was the latest legal action tied to alleged money laundering at the fund set up by Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak in 2009 to promote economic development. In the complaints, the department alleges more than $4.5 billion was taken from 1MDB by high-level fund officials and their associates.

"This money financed the lavish lifestyles of the alleged co-conspirators at the expense and detriment of the Malaysian people," Kenneth Blanco, acting assistant attorney general, said in a statement. 1MDB could not be immediately reached for comment.

Najib has denied taking money from 1MDB or any other entity for personal gain, after it was reported that investigators traced nearly $700 million to bank accounts that were allegedly in his name.

The assets U.S. authorities are seeking to seize include the rights to Dumb and Dumber To, a 2014 comedy starring Jim Carrey, they allege was financed with tens of millions of dollars stolen from 1MDB, and the 2015 film Daddy's Home, starring Will Ferrell. Last year, U.S. authorities moved to seize rights to the 2013 film The Wolf of Wall Street, which starred DiCaprio.

The three films were produced by Red Granite, a company founded by Najib's stepson Riza Aziz. Red Granite said in a statement it was in discussions with the Justice Department "aimed at resolving these civil cases and is fully cooperating."

U.S. authorities accuse Jho Low, a Malaysian financier, of laundering more than $400 million stolen from the fund through an account in the United States, where he and his friends used the money to pay for lavish parties, gambling and yachts.

Despite the civil allegations, U.S. authorities have not charged Low with any crime.

Low did not immediately respond to a request for comment sent to his Hong Kong-based company Jynwel Capital.

Artwork, Oscar for DiCaprio

Authorities said that in 2014 Low used $3.2 million diverted from a 1MDB bond sale to buy a Picasso painting for DiCaprio.

"Dear Leonardo DiCaprio, Happy belated Birthday! This gift is for you," a friend of Low's wrote in a note.

Low also used $9.2 million diverted from 1MDB bond sales to buy a collage made by the New York artist Jean-Michel Basquiat which was also given to DiCaprio. DiCaprio and Low signed a note in March 2014 absolving the star of "any liability whatsoever resulting directly or indirectly from these art-work," according to the filings.

A spokesman for DiCaprio said in an emailed statement on Thursday the actor last July "initiated the return" of gifts he had received from financiers connected to the 1MDB case. The spokesman said DiCaprio also returned an Oscar won by actor Marlon Brando which was given to DiCaprio by Red Granite "to thank him for his work on The Wolf of Wall Street," the statement said.

DiCaprio's spokesman said the star accepted the gifts to raise funds in an auction for his environmental foundation.

Complaints against 1MDB

Fraud allegations against 1MDB go back to 2009, the Justice Department said, and the fund is subject to money laundering investigations in at least six countries, including Switzerland and Singapore.

The complaints allege that officials at 1MDB, their relatives and other associates allegedly laundered the funds using complex transactions and shell companies with bank accounts located in the United States and abroad.

That allowed the origin, source and ownership of the funds to be hidden and ultimately passed through U.S. financial institutions, with the money being used to buy and invest in assets in the United States and overseas, according to the complaints.
The White House lacks a unified plan to increase the government's borrowing cap as a likely September deadline is drawing near, said Mick Mulvaney, director of the Office of Management and Budget.

A failure by Congress to raise the debt ceiling could send dangerous shock waves through the global economy. The federal government could be at risk of defaulting on obligations such as interest payments on bonds as well as temporarily halting benefit programs.

The White House budget director suggested in an interview Thursday with reporters that neither the Trump administration nor Capitol Hill lawmakers had set their terms for an agreement.

"It's fair to say we haven't settled on a final way to address the debt ceiling any more than the Hill has," Mulvaney said.

The former South Carolina congressman added that none of this was necessarily "unusual."

Possible extension

Under the current borrowing restrictions, the government has already been taking extraordinary measures and will likely be unable to pay its bills at some point in September. But Congress still has a recess scheduled in August that could create time pressures. Private analysts say the debt ceiling deadline could be extended into October.

Mulvaney said he would like to see the debt ceiling raised in July.

But Trump administration officials still have yet to resolve internal differences on the best strategy to increase the legal cap on government debt, which already exceeds $19.8 trillion.

Mulvaney suggested he would like to have any increase in the borrowing authority be attached to other spending changes, a move that could attract Republican support but alienate Senate Democrats. President Donald Trump's budget proposal seeks to beef up spending on the military and border security while cutting many social programs.

Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin has indicated he would like a "clean" bill to raise the debt ceiling, so it would not have to be tied to any spending changes, but Capitol Hill conservatives are resisting the idea.

"Secretary Mnuchin believes it needs to be clean. I think the vast majority of the Republican conferences would not agree," said Representative Mark Meadows R-N.C., chairman of the Freedom Caucus, a group of strongly conservative House Republicans.

Mulvaney said Mnuchin would ultimately be in charge of handling the debt ceiling push "once we do settle on our formal policy, if we do."

A 2011 standoff between Republicans and the Obama administration over the debt ceiling led to tighter controls on spending. That standoff was not resolved until the 11th hour and prompted Standard & Poor's to impose the first-ever downgrade to the country's credit rating.

Talks with lawmakers

The administration is also engaged in talks with House and Senate Republican leaders about what kind of increase they could possibly pass. Mulvaney said the issue was not a source of division inside the White House or the Republican Party.

The discussions involve whether the House should increase the debt limit enough to last through the 2018 election or the president's first term.

"It would be foolish of us to come up with a policy devoid of having talked to the Hill," Mulvaney said.

Congress also faces pressure to pass a budget in September for next fiscal year, as well as to address administration priorities that include a tax code rewrite and the proposed repeal of former President Barack Obama's 2010 health insurance law.

Failure to pass spending bills could cause a government shutdown and cause nonessential government agencies to close. Trump suggested on Twitter last month that he might welcome a shutdown to help shake up the government.

Mnuchin told the Senate Budget Committee this week that "at times there could be a good shutdown," though he cautioned it's not the administration's "primary objective."

With action on the budget front otherwise stalled, the House Appropriations Committee on Thursday approved the first of 12 spending bills, an $89 billion measure that contains generous increases for veterans programs and Pentagon construction projects.

But the White House and its GOP allies  much less opposition Democrats  haven't come up with an overall plan for implementing Trump's promises to increase the Pentagon budget and advance more than $500 billion worth of annual domestic agency spending bills.
In this years surveys for Top Workplaces, three executives earned top marks from their employees in terms of their leadership. Great American Restaurants Jon Norton was the highest-rated chief among large companies, Carfaxs Dick Raines led the midsize category, and Crosby Marketings Raymond Crosby was tops among those heading up small companies.

None of the three is entirely self-made. Two of them  Norton and Crosby  inherited the top position from their respective fathers after a lifetime of learning the ropes. The third, Dick Raines, was a second-time CEO installed by a larger corporation following a buyout.

But each one had to work his way to the top in his own unique way. Heres what we can learn from their experiences.

Jon Norton  Great American Restaurants

Norton inherited Great American Restaurants from his father, Randy Norton. But he did so only after proving his worth.

Norton came from a business-minded family. But the family business has not always been restaurants. Before GAR, the family ran a rendering plants for six generations, processing discarded chemicals, fat from butchered animals, cooking grease from restaurants and other detritus into industrial fats and oils and other products.

Raymond Crosby , president and CEO of Crosby Marketing Communications. (Marvin Joseph/The Washington Post)

His first job as a kid was to take a knife and scrape gum off the bottom of all the restaurant tables. It is not uncommon for employees to start simply and work their way up. We absolutely have a lot of people who want to start as a server and get into management, he says.

He says he was a horrible cook. At one point in his late 20s, when he had a Masters in Business Administration and experience at a fancy stock brokerage, he asked his father to make him a financial manager, a cushy job at the firms corporate office. His father turned him down, and sent him to the kitchen. I was the proverbial owner-son that didnt belong in the kitchen, so it was a fun process to earn everybodys respect, Jon Norton says of the experience.

Butcher and grill cook were the hardest. People still tell stories about my struggles in those areas, he says.

Now, as boss, he isnt shy about picking up a broom. Norton did just that during a recent stop at the Silverado restaurant in Annandale. I dont do it to show that Im doing it, he said. It was just bothering me that there were chips on the floor.

He refuses to say he runs 13 locations. Instead, he insists the chain is composed of 12 restaurants and a bakery. The next opening, though, will be No. 14. Im a little superstitious, he says.

RAYMOND CROSBY  CROSBY MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS

For Crosby Marketing chief executive Raymond Crosby, running a business has always been about instilling a sense of family.

He started in a sink-or-swim business. His first job was selling ads for the 26th-rated radio station in the Baltimore area. Its was all commission, so you either had it or you didnt.

Dick Raines, chief of Carfax. (Marvin Joseph/The Washington Post)

Crosby Marketing was a family business from Day One. His father, Ralph, founded the firm in 1973 after buying two small tourist publications, Rambling Through Annapolis and Rambling Through Georgetown, and Raymonds mother joined to help with ad sales. Raymond became employee No. 4 of what was then called PR Associates.

Ralph Crosby, now 83, remains chairman. Dad can still outwork just about anyone I know.

New hires become part of the clan. Crosby tries to treat employees like family, even letting them take extended time off to deal with problems at home. If youre committed to the company, and one of our core values is care and commitment to others, were going to walk that walk when its time, he says.

Dick Raines  Carfax

Carfax CEO Dick Raines projects a certain reserved demeanor, which can be good, given the uncertain territory he must tread as he helps his vehicle history firm adapt to the Internet age.

He became Carfaxs eighth employee in 1993 before most people had heard of the Internet. Raines was installed as chief executive after the then-tiny firm had been bought by Canadian media company Blackburn Marketing Services. At the time, the company delivered its reports to car dealerships through fax machines. Raines had already led several database businesses before his arrival.

He wasnt afraid of change. Raines pushed Blackburn to market its data directly to car buyers, a potentially bigger market. Blackburn was a conservative media company not used to the risk.  I was all about getting to the consumer, Raines says. Blackburn eventually sold the company in 1999, and Raines stayed on to test his new ideas.

He made a big bet. Raines wanted to build a distinct brand, so he embarked on an advertising binge that could have sunk the company. We were between $5 million and $10 million in revenue then, and we did a $20 million ad campaign, Raines said. It paid off within a year.

He refuses to stand still. A business like ours is evolving rapidly, Raines says. If youre not flexible enough to sort of evolve with those changes, you wouldnt like it.

He lets his Tesla do the driving. He often relies on the cars autopilot feature during his commute to work.
President Trump has refused to release his tax records, something done by every U.S. president dating back to Richard Nixon. (KENA BETANCUR/Agence France-Presse via Getty Images)

The pressure is growing to force President Trump to turn over his tax returns. The other day, for example, 200 members of Congress filed a suit in federal court, arguing that voters and lawmakers have a right to know whether Trumps businesses are violating the Constitutions emoluments clause, which bars the president from accepting payments from foreign countries.

The lead Senate plaintiff in the suit, Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), said that the legal effort could force release of the presidents tax returns and other business documents during the discovery stage of the litigation.

By failing to release his tax returns  reflecting payments and benefits from foreign powers  President Trump is thumbing his nose at the American people and the Constitution, Blumenthal told my Washington Post colleague Tom Hamburger. He is violating the Constitution by accepting foreign government payments and benefits without consent from Congress  which cant consent to what it doesnt know.

But Trump hasnt filed a tax return for 2017, the year he became president and the emoluments clause began to apply to him. So even if we got his earlier returns, we wouldnt know what he has done since taking office Jan. 20.

As for the argument that seeing his returns would expose Russian connections, should they exist: Ive written before, his old tax returns, should they ever see the light of day, are unlikely to tell us much about any possible personal foreign entanglements. Those might show up, if they exist, in the filings of the hundreds of companies that make up the Trump empire. But Trumps personal returns are unlikely to show them.

Protestors take part in the "Tax March" in New York to call on President Trump to release his tax records. (KENA BETANCUR/Agence France-Presse via Getty Images)

[Why were unlikely to find any Russia connection in Trumps tax returns]

But seeing his old returns would tell us something especially relevant about a president who wants to radically reshape our tax code.

It would show us how much and in what ways Trump has personally benefited from the legal loopholes scattered throughout the current system, and what impact the changes hes proposing would have on him personally.

Trumps tax returns would also let us see, I suspect, that a good part of the tax payments that showed up on Trumps leaked partial 2005 federal return was refunded to him in later years.

When the first two pages of that return became public in March, he and his backers took victory laps because the return showed him paying $36.5 million of income tax and having made about $153 million during the year.

Among the boasters was Donald Trump Jr., who tweeted about his fathers 2005 payments at least three times and at a May campaign rally in Montana told a heckler that his fathers 2005 return shows that, You can do it all. You can be successful, [and] you can pay your taxes.

However, for reasons Ill get to in a bit, I think theres a very good chance that Trump got a major portion of his 2005 tax refunded to him in 2006 and later. If Im right, it means that a good part of the 2005 payments that Trump and Trump Jr. and other Trump types boasted about amounted to temporary loans to the Treasury Department, not tax payments as we normally think of them.

If so, that would be yet another example of how Trump has gotten a free ride  okay, in this case a reduced-fare ride  on his income taxes.

Getting refunds like the ones I think Trump got is perfectly legal. But for us to see the 2005 tax payments but not subsequent refunds leaves us with a misleading picture.

Should these refunds exist  I think they do, but I cant prove it  they would show up on post-2005 tax returns that we havent seen and that Trump refuses to disclose. Seeing whether he got refunds on his 2005 taxes is yet another good reason for us to want to see Trumps returns, which presidents and presidential candidates had been providing since the days of Richard Nixon.

[The most shocking part of Trumps tax returns isnt the $916 million lose everyone is talking about]

Wed find out about possible refunds of Trumps 2005 taxes by looking at the Other Credits line on the second page of those returns and seeing whether he took credits on IRS Form 8801.

I emailed Trumps tax attorney and the White House several weeks ago asking them to respond to my theory about Trump having gotten refunds in subsequent years. The law firm to which Trump tax attorney Sheri Dillon belongs sent a quick and courteous no comment response. My email to Trump spokeswoman Hope Hicks went unanswered.

So Im relying on my own analysis, which is based on information and guidance that I got from about half a dozen tax experts, some of whom Ive worked with for decades in the course of writing about taxes. Some of the experts I consulted for this column are tax practitioners; some are theoreticians. Their political preferences range from pro-Trump to socialist.

Okay. Now, here we go.

If you look at Trumps partial 2005 return, which made its way to veteran tax journalist David Cay Johnston (with whom I worked at the Detroit Free Press in the 1970s), who gave it to the Rachel Maddow Show and put it into the public domain, you see three telling things.

First, you see the words Client Copy on the second page, which raises the possibility that the partial return was sent by someone in Trumps camp with access to Trump documents. Because it puts Trump in a good light, this wouldnt shock me.

Second, you see that most of the income tax Trump paid  $31.6 million out of $36.5 million  arose from what he owed as a result of the alternative minimum tax, a provision of the tax code intended to make sure high-income people pay at least some taxes.

Third, you see that Trump used $103.2 million of losses from previous years to reduce his taxable 2005 income. Those losses were lower than his total taxable income. This almost certainly means that he had no losses left to write off, because had more write-offs been available, Trump could have used them to lower his tax bill.

Now, let me try to make sense of all this for you.

The only other Trump tax filings that are public  partial 1995 New York, New Jersey and Connecticut state returns  show that back then, he had an astounding $915 million of losses that he could use in future years to offset income for federal, New York state and New York City income tax purposes.

The 2005 return indicates to me that Trump used up his losses in 2005  he showed $48.6 million of taxable income after subtracting the aforementioned $103.2 million of losses. Im assuming that from 1996 through 2004, he wiped out his taxable income for federal, New York state and New York City purposes by using the $915 million in losses, which were generated by the collapse of his real estate-casino empire in the 1980s and 1990s and were probably supplemented with paper losses generated by a special tax code provision that benefits real estate professionals such as Trump.

Now, Ill give you a simplified version of why I think  but hasten to say, yet again, cant prove  that Trump recovered a good part of the $31.6 million of alternative minimum tax that he paid for 2005.

[Trumps most enduring  and unbefitting  trait]

The AMT, as its known, has become a plague to middle-income and upper-income types who live in states with high income and real estate taxes. Thats despite the fact that when Congress created the AMT in 1969, its goal was to stop a handful of rich people from avoiding income taxes altogether. Over the years, however, Congress failed to modify the AMT sufficiently to keep it from ensnaring millions of middle- and upper-middle-class taxpayers.

It turns out there are two separate types of alternative minimum tax. Most people  including me  who pay AMT on top of their regular income tax do so because state and local income taxes and the real estate taxes on our personal residences arent deductible under the AMT the way they are for regular tax purposes. That leads to the AMT being higher than our regular tax, and the difference between the AMT and regular tax gets added to what we owe Uncle Sam.

That kind of AMT payment  arising from what tax techies call an exclusion preference  isnt refundable.

But judging from Trumps tax return, it looks like the vast majority of the additional tax he paid as a result of the AMT arose from what are called deferral preferences. And that most of the $103.2 million of losses he carried over from previous years were deductible for regular income tax purposes in 2005 but not for AMT purposes.

Under the tax laws, Trump can get refunds, over multiple years, up to the refundable portion of the 2005 AMT that he paid. Which was probably the vast majority of his AMT.

For instance, lets say that Trump had the same income in 2006 that he had in 2005 but didnt have the $103.2 million of losses from previous years.

Because the AMT is assessed at a 28 percent rate and the top regular rate in 2006 was 35 percent, Trumps regular income tax would probably have been $6.5 million to $7 million higher than his AMT would have been. This would have yielded him a $6.5 million to $7 million refund, with refunds coming in future years when his regular tax was higher than his AMT.

To be sure, part of Trumps 2005 AMT probably comes from not being able to deduct real estate taxes on his personal residences. That exclusion preferences part of his AMT wouldnt be refundable.

But the vast majority of Trumps AMT appears to be from deferral preferences  especially since its unlikely that he paid any significant New York state or New York City income taxes from 1996 through 2004 because the losses he carried over from previous years would have been deductible for New York state and city purposes and would probably have wiped out all or virtually all of his New York income.

Given the size of the numbers were dealing with, his personal real estate taxes and any personal income taxes he might have paid outside of New York are probably rounding errors, at most.

So unless Trump started running up big losses post-2005, when his losses dating back to the 1990s were all used up, it looks like his regular income tax (at a 35 percent top rate in 2006 and 39.6 percent in recent years) would have exceeded his 28 percent alternative minimum tax.

This means that a good part of the AMT that he paid in 2005 would likely have flowed back to him as credits in subsequent years. Hence my conclusion that although Trump paid $36.5 million of federal income tax in 2005, his ultimate income tax cost for the year was considerably lower. Thats the bottom line. Or at least, I think it is.

Of course, theres only one way to find out for sure, and thats to view Trumps post-2005 tax returns. If they somehow show up at ProPublica, whose mailing address is 155 Avenue of the Americas, 13th floor, New York, N.Y. 10013, Ill be more than happy to look at them. Even if they prove me wrong.

Cezary Podkul of ProPublica and Alice Crites of The Washington Post contributed to this report.
As the crisis at Uber reached a critical moment this week, a familiar voice filled the companys San Francisco headquarters. Board member Arianna Huffington  the onetime pundit and digital publisher with a distinctive Greek accent  addressed employees, emerging as the most visible leader of a company trying to recover from months of self-inflicted wounds.

But where many saw a company that exemplified the worst of the tech industrys male-dominated bro culture, Huffington had concluded that there was an additional reason for the rampant sexual harassment and other unprofessional conduct reported at the company: a work-life balance gone disastrously awry.

She had publicly warned of the dangers of coddling brilliant jerks at Uber, but she also worried that Uber  and Silicon Valley generally  had developed what she called a workplace culture fueled by burnout.

(Daron Taylor,Jhaan Elker/The Washington Post)

Its one of the delusions that drives modern workplaces, especially here in the Valley  that burnout is necessary for growth and success, she said in a statement to The Washington Post. Thats why it was important to lose always on and working longer from the cultural values, especially given that we now have the data that proves conclusively that being always on and working longer, far from enhancing performance, lead to terrible consequences.

Her view carries special weight in light of the announcement Tuesday that chief executive Travis Kalanick would be taking an indefinite leave and the resignation of one of Huffingtons colleagues on the board, billionaire David Bonderman, who stepped down after making a widely criticized quip about women during an event intended to address the companys problems with sexism and sexual harassment.

[Uber CEO Travis Kalanick takes leave amid sweeping changes at company]

The flurry of moves, coming after months of executive departures at Uber, left Huffington with an uncommonly prominent role for a board member. Her concerns about employee well-being also dovetail with her latest professional incarnation as a self-described sleep evangelist and the founder of a company that sells products to help promote rest and a healthy relationship with work. The company also promotes a suite of corporate training programs and a media platform.

Uber, if it follows Huffingtons lead, could provide a test case for her belief that work-life balance, sufficient sleep and meditation can improve employee well-being and lead to better behavior  and better corporate performance.

Skeptics might argue that  regardless of a better work-life balance  for Uber to improve, it needs a profound change in attitude toward what is acceptable behavior in the workplace. And Huffingtons approach might also conflict with the data-driven, coffee-fueled start-up culture that is endemic to Silicon Valley.

Huffington friend Kenneth Lerer, a venture capitalist who co-founded the Huffington Post with her in 2005, offered a cautionary note about the risk inherent to trying to re-engineer how companies work.

Uber got to where it is because of its culture. But Uber cant continue to grow and flourish if it continues with its same culture, Lerer said. If you take the culture out of Uber, might it not succeed? Only time will tell.

There are already signs of a possible backlash. When Huffington in an appearance on CNBC last week praised Kalanick for having begun to meditate in stressful moments, the remark prompted criticism that the new approach was unlikely to remedy the many problems at a company built in his image. They also noted that his choice of a venue, a company lactation room, was a space typically reserved for nursing women.

The mission of combating burnout is one that Huffington has embraced with characteristic fervor, writing books on the importance of rest and founding Thrive Global, described as a corporate and consumer well-being and productivity platform.

It offers an online course on well-being and sells luxury sleep aids such as silk sleep masks for $39.95 each and, for $100, a cellphone charging station shaped like a tiny bed that makes putting our smartphones to bed a regular part of our nightly ritual.

As Huffington pushes for a reformed corporate culture, the stakes are high for Uber. The company has prided itself on the breakneck growth that allowed it to upend the taxi industry while spreading to 75 countries and building nearly $70 billion in estimated investor value.

Ubers board on Sunday adopted 47 recommendations from a sweeping report by former U.S. attorney general Eric H. Holder Jr.  a list that includes new policies devoted to family leave, employee compensation and responsiveness to allegations of sexual harassment.

But unanswered, for now, is whether a kinder, gentler and better-rested Uber workforce can thrive in the cutthroat fight for global supremacy in a ride-hailing market where rivals already are making inroads. Business experts say such radical revamping of companies can bring unintended consequences.

There is evidence, experts say, that happier workforces are more committed to their jobs. This is something that could be crucial to Uber at a time when many in Silicon Valley  especially women  are expressing distaste for the company even as Huffington and other board members promise sweeping workplace improvements.

[The big problem for Uber now: Attracting talent]

The data all depends on whether or not this translates into the employees sense of work satisfaction and commitment, said James R. Bailey, a management professor at George Washington University. If they impact job satisfaction and organizational commitment  those are the two concepts used in the literature  if it does that, yes, it increases productivity. Thats beyond a shadow of a doubt.

Huffington, 66, a Greek immigrant born Ariadne-Anna Stasinopoulou, has shown a durable talent for invention and reinvention. She has written more than a dozen books, opined from the right, opined from the left, run for governor of California and co-founded a news organization that bears her last name  a remnant of her marriage to Michael Huffington, a former member of Congress, whom she divorced in 1997 after having two daughters with him.

She spent more than a decade leading the Huffington Post, which caught the rising digital wave to challenge entrenched news organizations for online readers. Huffington and the other founders sold the company, which recently shortened its name to HuffPost, for $315 million to AOL in 2011. She stayed as executive editor for five years more before stepping down in August. She announced the founding of Thrive Global that month.

Huffingtons role at Uber  she was the first female board member at the company founded in 2009 when she was appointed last year  had begun to grow sharply after a February blog post from former employee Susan J. Fowler detailing what she said was her own terrible experience with sexual harassment at Uber.

That night, Huffington tweeted about Fowlers blog post, announcing that, after she spoke with Kalanick, the company was launching a full independent investigation. Uber the next day hired Holder to lead the inquiry and, a week later, created a committee of three board members to oversee it. Huffington was one of them and soon began meeting privately and publicly with women at the company to hear their concerns.

As the only woman on the Board at the time, in addition to helping oversee the Holder investigation I wanted to be available to everyone in the company who wanted to talk to me, she told The Post. Thats why I shared my email address at the all hands [meeting] back in February and went on to meet with employees in person at different offices.

Her role grew yet again when Bonderman abruptly quit the board Tuesday night after furious employee backlash to a remark he made at the employee meeting that day, joking that the addition of female board members would lead to more talking.

Huffington tried to laugh off the joke at first, amid audible gasps in the crowd, but employees soon emailed in the hundreds, demanding Bondermans resignation. When he acceded a few hours later in an apologetic statement, Huffington  and not the company or the board as a whole  issued a personal statement praising his decision.

Read more about Uber:

Yet another crisis for Uber: Six vacant executive jobs, and no active CEO

Uber is being sued by a woman who was raped by a driver in India

What is the Rooney Rule that Uber just adopted?
New York City Ballet offered three big pieces of music on its second program at the Kennedy Center Opera House, but only two big ballets. A third work, Christopher Wheeldons American Rhapsody, was spirited but inconsequential. Yet as the evenings opener on Thursday, it introduced a good question to consider over the programs duration: How best to deploy dance against musical accompaniment of great power?

In Wheeldons work, the music in question is George Gershwins landmark jazz opus Rhapsody in Blue. American Rhapsody was what Gershwin meant to title it, before his brother Ira suggested the change. The choreography struck me as the music did Leonard Bernstein; he once described it as a string of separate paragraphs stuck together with a thin paste of flour and water. I dont share this view of Gershwins composition (indeed, Bernstein followed his initial take with praise). But the dancing, glitzy as it was, was a mixed bag without a plan.

Its chief impression was busyness. Wheeldon created it in 2016, his first work for New York City Ballet following the success of his An American in Paris on Broadway, and he leans heavily on legs. Theres lots of kicking. There are other obvious effects rather than interesting ones, as when a dancer collapsed joint by joint in time with the instrumental licks. Solos by Lauren Lovette and Unity Phelan were full of melting loveliness. Yet it all passed like dashed-off impressions. At the end, the cast amassed to form a human skyline. Like the abundance of blue in the costumes and decor, we get it. But its an oddly static closing, and a dead end. So what? The more inspired urban buzz and vitality, and the genuine feeling, were left to the New York City Ballet Orchestra, led by Andrew Litton, with Elaine Chelton triumphing on piano.

Balanchines The Four Temperaments, which followed, was a useful contrast. To this big score  Paul Hindemiths fluent, brilliantly constructed work, commissioned for the ballet  Balanchine brought restraint, with minimal but penetrating dance images. Hes deconstructing ballet and putting it back together right before our eyes, and the celebratory conclusion, which on Thursday was presided over by the majestic Teresa Reichlen, feels earned. Youve just witnessed a barn raising.

Perhaps its an unfair comparison with Wheeldon, Balanchine being Balanchine, after all, and The Four Temperaments (1946) being one of his classics. But this program offered a second example of dance existing successfully alongside emphatic music: Justin Pecks The Times Are Racing. It premiered earlier this year in New York, and with its nervous agitation and desperate pulling-togetherness it feels like a response to the election.

Justin Pecks explosive choreography is evident in The Times Are Racing. (Paul Kolnik)

In their jeans, cutoffs and sneakers, the dancers look like us, but perfect: young, socko athletes, gorgeously urban-chic. (Humberto Leon of Opening Ceremony designed the clothes.) Theyre also wonderfully supportive. They form tight circles, swirl protectively, allow the rebels their freedom, sweep them back into the fold. The music is by Baltimore-based electronic composer Dan Deacon from his album  America , and its driving and loud. Its not going to be to everyones taste, but I found it intriguing, with layers of tension and stormy weather and distant, plaintive voices. It suited Pecks explosive choreography, springing from a well of authentic feeling and from new, wondrous experiments with the dancers he knows best. Tiler Peck slipped like raw silk through a duet with Daniel Applebaum. Filling in for an injured dancer, Justin Peck dove into a dynamite tap duet with Taylor Stanley, spinning on the toes, bounding with a sense of overwhelm they cant contain. In this work, Pecks fierce young guts  hes 29  have poured out all over the floor. Everything was left on the stage. Its a good way to make a point.

The New York City Ballet repeats this program Saturday at 1:30 p.m. in the Opera House. The company performs an alternate program of works by Justin Peck, Balanchine and Alexei Ratmansky, Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 1:30 p.m. 202-467-4600. kennedy-center.org.
Leonard Glenn Francis, a.k.a. Fat Leonard, is a Malaysian defense contractor who supplied U.S. Navy vessels in Asia for a quarter-century and pleaded guilty in January in U.S. federal court to bribing scores of Navy officials. (Obtained by The Washington Post)

Fat Leonard ran a lot of corrupt schemes with the help of the U.S. Navy, but one of the strangest may be the time he was granted U.S. diplomatic immunity.

For more than a year, the Singapore-based defense contractor bribed the naval attache at the U.S. Embassy in Manila to enable his firm to smuggle maritime cargo into the Philippines under U.S. diplomatic cover, according to federal court records.

The illicit deal granted the contractor, whose real name is Leonard Glenn Francis, diplomatic clearance for his ships to visit Philippine ports without being subject to inspections, custom duties or taxes from local authorities, the records show.

Federal prosecutors say Francis exploited his diplomatic protection to bring armed Nepali soldiers  known as Gurkhas  into Philippine waters to serve as private security guards. At one point, Francis employed about 30 Gurkhas to deter pirates in Southeast Asia, according to two former business associates.

The unusual arrangement is revealed in a plea deal between the Justice Department and the naval attache, Michael George Brooks, a Navy captain who was assigned to the U.S. Embassy in Manila between 2006 and 2008. He has since retired.

On Friday, Brooks, 59, was sentenced to 41 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Janis L. Sammartino during a hearing in federal court in San Diego.

Brooks, a resident of Fairfax Station, Va., had previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery. He has admitted to accepting prostitutes, family vacations and other favors from Francis while he was stationed in the Philippines.

Brooks is one of 21 Navy officials who have been charged or convicted in the case, which has emerged as the worst corruption scandal in Navy history. Prosecutors and Navy officials have said more than 200 people are under scrutiny, including 30 admirals.

[The Navy officials Fat Leonard took down]

Franciss company, Glenn Defense Marine Asia, held contracts worth hundreds of millions of dollars to resupply and refuel U.S. Navy vessels in Asia. A Malaysian citizen, Francis was arrested in a sting operation in San Diego in 2013 and has since pleaded guilty to defrauding the Navy of at least $35 million. Four of his employees have also pleaded guilty.

Under its contracts with the Navy, Glenn Defense was responsible for providing port security for U.S. vessels and for helping to protect sailors during port visits. Court records do not specify whether Francis sought to use the Gurkhas to provide security for U.S. ships or personnel.

Ethan Posner, an attorney for Francis, said that Glenn Defense and Mr. Francis are very proud of their long history of securing naval vessels and naval personnel throughout the Pacific. He declined further comment.

The Gurkhas were often deployed aboard the Glenn Braveheart, a former British warship that Francis bought and refurbished, two former business associates of Francis told The Washington Post. When in port, Francis would sometimes turn the Braveheart into a giant party boat, with prostitutes in the wardroom to entertain U.S. officers, court records show.

In his plea agreement, Brooks has admitted to giving Francis sensitive Navy documents about warship deployments, rigging Navy business for his firm and working to undercut his competitors. In emails, the military officer repeatedly referred to Francis as boss.

In exchange, Francis supplied prostitutes for the Navy captain on dozens of occasions, according to the plea agreement. Brooks would arrange for paid sex by emailing Francis in coded language, referring to prostitutes as mocha shakes or chocolate boosters.

In May 2008, court documents show, Francis spent more than $50,000 on hotel rooms and alcohol during an epic party in Manila to entertain Brooks and a half-dozen senior officers from the USS Blue Ridge, the command flagship for the Navys 7th Fleet.

The party unfolded over four days at the Mandarin Oriental and the Makati Shangri-La hotels, where the Navy officers drank the entire inventory of Dom Perignon champagne and were entertained by a rotating carousel of prostitutes, according to court filings by prosecutors.

Brooks, who lived in Manila with his family, would show up at the party at the end of each day with his own prostitute, according to prosecutors.

Attorneys for Brooks did not respond to multiple requests for comment. In a court filing, his lawyers said he made a serious mistake and lost his moral compass by becoming involved with Francis.

During his time in the Philippines, they said, Brookss relationship with his wife and children became frayed, and he became especially vulnerable to the allure of the partying culture of the Philippines and the draw of Leonard Francis.

Besides Brooks, federal agents are investigating Franciss connections to several other U.S. diplomatic personnel who served as naval or defense attaches at embassies in Southeast Asia, according to sources familiar with the case.

In February, the Navy announced that it had reprimanded and fined a rear admiral, Adrian Jansen, the former naval attache to Indonesia and defense attache to China, for accepting wine and meals worth more than $5,000 from Francis.


Kathryn Hahn as Chris and Kevin Bacon as Dick in "I Love Dick." (Jessica Brooks/Amazon Prime Video)

Late in the first season of the TV series I Love Dick, which director Jill Soloway adapted from Chris Krauss 1997 novel of the same name, two men have a drink and a conversation. The men are Sylvere, an academic married to a woman named Chris, and an artist named Dick, with whom Chris has become madly, feverishly and increasingly publicly obsessed. Chris has been writing letters to Dick and posting them all over their tiny town. Dick is miserable and furious.

Sylvere is jealous. Whats the matter  you dont like being a muse? he asks.

Most of the time, Dick is a cowboy stoic. Now, though, hes drunk and exhausted. Can I tell you the truth? he asks, his voice dropping with shame. Its humiliating.

Its a much milder response than that of the real-life academic Dick is based on, Dick Hebdige, who sent a cease and desist letter to Kraus after the novel was published. He later called the book despicable and compared Krauss intrusion into his life to the presss stalking of Princess Diana.

Men like Dick do not expect to find themselves used in someone elses work, in large part because the role of muse is one traditionally occupied by women: In ancient Greece, the word denoted a demigoddess, one of nine daughters of Zeus who inspired all creative activity, from writing history to creating erotic poetry. Human muses, too, tend to be female  feminist art activists Guerrilla Girls asked, Do women have to be naked to get into the Met. Museum? citing the fact that, as of 2012, 5 percent of artists included in the museums modern collection were women  compared with 85 percent of its nudes.

In theory, at least, most of those women sat for their portraits, but then there are the muses who did not consent to being captured: Dante catches a glimpse of Beatrice, and she spends the rest of Western literary history leading tours of hell.

Dicks humiliation and Hebdiges outrage are appropriate responses to finding yourself in someones art unwillingly  but Hebdiges comfort in voicing that outrage, and the critical response that Kraus received for the book, display a gendered double standard toward artists and muses that has changed little in the 20 years since I Love Dick was published.

[I Love Dick takes an enthrallingly provocative (and funny) approach to female desire]

The outrage was not limited to Hebdige: I Love Dick is a book not so much written as secreted, according a 1998 Bookforum review, suggesting the novel as the product of some gross biological process instead of artistic and literary effort. This breed of attack is familiar to women who write; Joanna Russ includes it among the tactics she discusses in her 1973 book How to Suppress Womens Writing. Assertions that the work indicates the authors bad character and hence is primarily of scandalous interest, she says, is one of the ways in which the culture tells women that they arent really writers  just self-interested girls transcribing their gossip. And so Krauss use of her personal life was seen as derivative instead of inspired.

Men criticizing female artists for making the details of a private interaction public are not limited to Hebdige: John Mayer, too, was humiliated when Taylor Swift wrote a song about their relationship called Dear John, about him playing around with a girl too young to be messed with. (The interviewer did not ask him whether he had considered Jessica Simpsons feelings before describing her as sexual napalm in a 2010 Playboy interview.)

Another one of Swifts muses, former One Direction member Harry Styles, dropped a self-titled solo debut on the same day that Soloways I Love Dick was released on Amazon.com. (Amazon chief executive Jeffrey P. Bezos owns The Washington Post.) Styles was publicly good-natured about Swifts 1989, which included a track shamelessly named Style: Shes really good, so theyre good songs, he said during a 2015 interview. He did, however, also co-write a track called Perfect for One Direction in which he wonders whether his would-be lover is looking for someone to write your breakup songs about.



Harry Styles performs at the Roxy Theatre in May in West Hollywood, Calif. (Emma Mcintyre/Getty Images For Siriusxm)

On Harry Styles, Styles claims a muse of his own: Townes, as in Townes Adair Jones, a 20-year-old UCLA student he reportedly went on a blind date with in late 2016. She never saw herself as a West Coaster / moved all the way cause her grandma told her, Townes / better swim before you drown,  goes one of the verses on his song Carolina.

[How Harry Styles solved the post-boy-band reinvention riddle]

According to the Daily Mail, which broke the story of her identity, Styles and Jones know one another through mutual friends, but she didnt get a warning that she was about to become international news: Jones discovered that Styles had written the song when her dad called to let her know. He had heard it along with the rest of the world, when Styles debuted it on the Today show.

Theres been no discussion as to whether Jones, like Hebdige and Mayer, might be humiliated: the tone of the media coverage around her is uniformly breathless with jealousy. The teen magazine J-14 assesses this situation as Legit the ultimate goal, right? and a Seventeen headline calls her Lucky AF. Who wouldnt want to be so desirable that she gets to be the woman who inspires an artist to make his art?

Well, someone who wanted to have a private life, perhaps. Jones hasnt responded to publications asking her for comment, but a friend of hers  or maybe a friend  spoke anonymously to the Daily Mail. Her father gave an interview about the song to his local news channel. They got about 15 seconds out of him before Jones called to tell him what he was and wasnt allowed to say.

It does start to sound humiliating, doesnt it?

Styless choice to name a woman without asking her  especially one who doesnt have an established public persona of her own, or the same platform to speak back about him  feels deeply uncomfortable. He and Swift and Mayer can trade shots in the cover stories of major magazines, but if Jones makes the choice to speak, shell get called grasping and likely end up as little more than tabloid fodder. (Remember Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garners nanny, Christine Ouzounian?)

Its hard not to wish that Styles could have been more empathetic in his imagining of what writing about Jones might do to her and her life. Its particularly been a blow to longtime fans who loved Styles before he was trying to establish his rock-and-roll bad-boy bona fides. He can give sound bites about respecting teenage girls all he wants, but knowing who the girl is ruins [Carolina], says longtime Styles fan Yvonne Popplewell, whos in an online One Direction discussion group with me. As a fantasy, its fun, but the idea that Harry made this girl so easily identifiable means  its someones real life that I have to consider. Shell forever be Harrys muse before her own person.

I Love Dick and Harry Styles deal in obsession and abjection: They celebrate the kind of desire so overwhelming that it makes us feel vulnerable, unbearably exposed. But where Styles is given the freedom to write about a girl who will only ever be considered lucky to have gotten his attention, Krauss book remains an act of defiance. Its humiliating, Dick says on screen, and hes not wrong: Its embarrassing to want things, but its also embarrassing to be wanted. (Theres a reason the phrase is the object of my affection.) The question is, when will a woman be allowed to say so? And how much longer after that until she is believed?
Betsy Roddy of Los Angeles, California, looks at a 1910 newspaper story describing how her great-grandmother, Sonora Smart Dodd, organized the first Father's Day that year in Spokane, Washington. Dodd is considered the Mother of Father's Day. (John Rogers/AP)

This Fathers Day, Betsy Roddy will write two cards: one to her dad, and the other to her late great-grandmother, Sonora Smart Dodd.

The second card is a century-old family tradition honoring the Mother of Fathers Day.

Sunday is the 107th Fathers Day celebrated in the United States since Dodd created the holiday in 1910. As a result, she is the one responsible for those annual gifts that may be embarrassingly silly-looking neckties or finger paintings crafted by tiny hands.

Its a tradition Dodd decided to start as she sat in a Spokane, Washington, church on Mothers Day 1909, listening to a sermon about  what else?  Mothers Day.

And it bugged her, Roddy recalled with a laugh as she sat in her living room in Los Angeles, California. She thought, Well, why isnt there a Fathers Day? 

This 1940s family photo shows Dodd, who wanted to honor, in part, her own father, who raised her and her five siblings after their mother died. (Betsy Hillerman Roddy and Barbara Hillerman Lieske/Via AP)

Dodd and her five younger brothers, after all, had been raised by their father after their mother died in childbirth in 1898.

William Jackson Smart became a farmer after fighting in the Civil War. He not only held down both parental roles but also did it with leadership and love, his daughter always said, and she believed he ought to get some credit.

So she worked tirelessly with the local clergy and got the YWCA on board, and they had their first Fathers Day in Spokane in 1910, said Roddy, displaying a copy of the River Press of Fort Benton, Montana, which reported on the event.

Although that story predicted the celebration would go nationwide by the next year, Fathers Day was slow to catch on. Dodd spent the next 62 years asking everyone  including presidents and store owners  for support.

Finally, in 1972, President Richard Nixon declared the third Sunday of June a federal holiday honoring dads. Dodd, who died at age 96 in 1978, had lived to see her dream come true.

The Mother of Fathers Day was a painter, poet and businesswoman, running a funeral home with her husband while raising the couples only son, a future father named Jack.

I take a great deal of pride in that renegade spirit that she clearly had, said Roddy, a 55-year-old marketing director.

Dodd worked for 62 years to push for recognition of Fathers Day. Dodd lived to see President Richard Nixon declare it an official U.S. holiday in 1972. (Jeff T. Green/AP)

The only child of an only child and recently widowed after 24 years of marriage, Roddy never had children of her own. That not only leaves her with the title of Great-Granddaughter of Fathers Day but also assures she is the last direct descendant of the holidays creator. Roddy has never talked about her great-grandmother publicly until now.

As a child, Roddy said, she loved her great-grandmother deeply, visited her every year and treasures the poems, books and notes she gave her.

But back then, Roddy says, she took Fathers Day for granted, thinking that the elaborate celebration, including the special card for her great-grandmother, was just something her family did. Even as an adult, she has generally kept quiet about being the ultimate Fathers Day insider, leaving it to her mother to spread the word.

But no more.

Its time for me to pick up the baton and carry it proudly, she says with a smile. Im the last direct descendant. The legacy is here, which is an honor.
Alex Jones, the conspiracy theorist and founder of the far-right Infowars media operation, has posted excerpts of his pre-interview calls with NBC Newss Megyn Kelly in which she appears to promise that she will go easy on him in their upcoming television interview.

Jones, who agreed to the interview but has since demanded the segment not air, leaked audio of the surreptitiously recorded calls on YouTube and Infowars.com in an apparent effort to hold Kelly to her promise of a softer approach.

My goal is for your listeners and the left, you know, who will be watching some on NBC, to say, Wow, thats really interesting, she says on one of the recordings, which were edited by Jones. Its not going to be some gotcha hit piece, I promise you that.

[How Alex Jones is preparing his base for the Megyn Kelly interview]

Kellys interview with Jones, scheduled for Sunday night on her new magazine-style program, has been the subject of controversy for the past week. NBC and Kelly have been under fire for giving Jones  the progenitor of many bogus and outlandish claims  a prime-time spot to air his views. But NBC calls Jones a newsworthy figure who has received the endorsement of President Trump and that its report will accurately portray him.

Kelly said in one of the calls that she would allow Jones to see interview footage in advance, an unusual offer. TV journalists typically dont show interviews to their sources before they air.

In Joness case, however, the suggestion is moot since he recorded the interview with his own cameras in an effort, he said, to hold NBC News accountable.

On his radio program and Internet platforms, Jones has made assertions that the U.S. government was involved in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and that Hillary Clinton masterminded a pedophile ring out of a District pizza restaurant. He has also pushed the false notion that the murder of 20 first-graders and six educators at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., was a hoax.

As a candidate in 2015, President Trump appeared on Joness program and praised the host, saying, Your reputation is amazing. I will not let you down.

Jones has apologized for his Pizzagate claims under threat of a lawsuit from the restaurants owner. He has not backed down from other, widely discredited claims, although he has tried to temper his assertions about Sandy Hook. In one of the calls with Kelly, he says, In hindsight, I think it probably did happen. He also says, I have had debates where I showed both sides. I believe people died there.

An NBC executive who spoke on the condition of anonymity said Friday that Joness release of the calls wont change the networks plans. He characterized Kellys preliminary conversations with Jones as standard for reporters  an attempt to make a reluctant interview subject comfortable, and not a promise to portray Jones in any particular light.

A network statement said: Despite Alex Jones efforts to distract from and ultimately prevent the airing of our report, we remain committed to giving viewers context and insight into a more controversial figure, how he relates to the president of the United States and influences others, and to getting this serious story right.

One national advertiser, JPMorgan Chase, has pulled out of the Jones-Kelly broadcast, but NBC hasnt faced a widespread sponsor boycott, despite calls for one from advocates of the families of Sandy Hook victims. The families have threatened legal action against NBC News if the interview airs.

An NBC station in Connecticut whose viewing area includes Newtown has decided not to air the program, according to an internal station memo obtained by TVNewser.

Joness lawyer, Randall Wilhite, asserted during a court hearing in April as part of Joness custody battle with his ex-wife that Jones is playing a character and is a performance artist. He compared him to Jack Nicholson playing the Joker in a Batman movie.

Kelly references the custody trial in one of her calls to Jones: The comments I heard from you during the course of that trial and the plea to the media to be respectful to you and your kids just reminded me youre just like anybody, she says. Youre a dad. You go through the same things we go through.
Courtney Snowden, deputy D.C. mayor for greater economic opportunity, at an event in 2015. (Evelyn Hockstein for The Washington Post)

A top official in the cabinet of Mayor Muriel E. Bowser (D) is under scrutiny for a second time by the D.C. inspector general, this time over allegations that she used her government staff for babysitting and acted inappropriately when dealing with private companies that included a client of her former lobbying firm, officials familiar with the matter said.

D.C. Deputy Mayor for Greater Economic Opportunity Courtney Snowden, the subject of the latest investigation, featured prominently in a separate inspector-general probe last month. That investigation found that Snowden and other government officials received preferential treatment from then-D.C. Public Schools Chancellor Kaya Henderson, who allowed them to circumvent the citys school lottery.

[Snowden probed in placement of her child at sought-after school]

Snowdens involvement in another inspector-general case comes at an uncomfortable moment for Bowser, who is already coping with the fallout from multiple ethics probes that reach the top level of her administration, including the school-lottery scandal and a D.C. Council investigation of alleged contract steering that concluded earlier this week.

Snowden acknowledged the second investigation Thursday and said she has been questioned by officials working for D.C. Inspector General Daniel Lucas. She declined to comment on what they discussed, saying investigators told her not to disclose the information.

Im aware of an investigation. I dont know when the reports coming out, and I havent seen it, she said. Ive been directed not to discuss anything that I was questioned about. I cant talk about it until theres a final report, so when I get that, Ill be delighted to talk to you about it.

A current and a former city official familiar with the matter said the conduct under investigation took place in 2015, not long after Bowser appointed Snowden as her top deputy for workforce and small-business development and chief liaison to impoverished neighborhoods east of the Anacostia River.

The officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss a pending investigation, said the inspector general is examining allegations that Snowden used her staff for child care in and outside her office, including making an intern babysit her son on at least one occasion.

The investigators are also seeking to determine whether Snowden violated city ethics rules when dealing with private companies as deputy mayor, the officials said. Among those companies is Google, a client of the Raben Group, the public-affairs and lobbying firm where Snowden worked before joining city government. It is not clear what aspects of Snowdens relationships with the companies are being examined.

A spokeswoman at the Raben Group declined to comment, saying the company was not aware of the investigation until Friday afternoon and was still learning about the matter. Google officials did not respond to requests for comment.

The accounts of the current and former city officials are amplified in a letter D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson (D) wrote to Lucas.

In the May 17 letter, obtained by The Washington Post, Mendelson wrote he had heard from several sources that investigators had questioned a number of people regarding allegations that Ms. Snowden attempted to secure business for former clients and used a government car for personal business, in addition to the babysitting allegation.

Mendelsons letter asked that the investigation be made public when it is complete.

Deputy Inspector General for Business Management Jaime Yarussi declined to comment, saying the office cannot confirm or discuss pending investigations. At the conclusion of a probe, the inspector general typically produces a report that is circulated to the mayor and council members and often made public.

Bowser spokeswoman LaToya Foster declined to comment on the specifics of the case, because it is ongoing.

The administration always cooperates fully with the Office of the Inspector General, Foster said in a statement. However, we do not comment on our direct interactions with the Inspector General. The deputy mayor and her staff have received both standard and additional ethics training in 2015, 2016 and 2017.

The latest investigation adds to the cloud that has been building around Bowsers cabinet amid a series of ethics probes over the past two months.

Last month, The Post reported that a confidential inspector generals report found Snowden and D.C. City Administrator Rashad M. Young were among a select group of government officials whose children were placed directly into coveted public schools by Henderson, skirting the rules of the notoriously competitive school lottery.

[Secret report shows special treatment for top city officials]

Earlier this week, a D.C. Council committee voted to release evidence from a months-long investigation into whether mayoral officials tried to steer millions of dollars in contracts to a political donor while firing city employees who stood in the way.

The committees chairwoman, council member Mary M. Cheh (D-Ward 3), released a report alleging that Young had acted to benefit the contractor, Fort Myer Construction. Cheh also said there is evidence that a District employee illegally leaked information to Fort Myer about a competitors bid. She referred her findings to the inspector generals office, which is reviewing them.

[Bowser says she wont investigate evidence of illegal leak in contracting]

Young said he had not tried to favor Fort Myer and denied that he did anything improper by intervening in the contracting process, saying he simply intended to ensure that it was conducted fairly.

Bowser said Chehs suggestion that an illegal leak of information had taken place was a wild accusation that she did not plan to follow up on.
The District will allow U.S. citizen children of nonresident immigrants to gain access to city-sponsored assistance in paying college tuition, part of a legal settlement with a student who was blocked from receiving critical education funds because of her mothers immigration status.

The 18-year-old D.C. Tuition Assistance Grant (DCTAG) program, designed to boost college attendance by giving D.C. residents up to $10,000 a year to attend public schools outside of the city, previously required a students parents to have legal residency to access the funds. The lawsuit argued that the rule discriminated against U.S. citizens who would otherwise be eligible for the programs help, contravening DCTAGs main goal.

[A U.S. citizen is denied college aid  because of her mothers immigration status]

The settlement reached this week ends a lawsuit that the Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund (MALDEF) filed on behalf of Natalia Villalobos, who was born and raised in the District and graduated from one of the citys high schools in 2015. Villalobos applied for a grant and made plans to use the funds at an area community college, but program administrators twice denied Villaloboss application because her mother is not a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident.

Villaloboss mother, a native of El Salvador who was granted temporary protected status because of conditions in her home country, has lived and worked in the city legally for more than two decades but has no path to apply for a green card or citizenship. The original D.C. tuition grant rules appeared to make it impossible for children of such an immigrant to access the grant money.

Our Constitution doesnt understand two types of citizen, based on who your parents are, said Burth Lopez, a staff attorney with MALDEF based in the District. At its core, this case and each of these cases are about fairness. I think thats compelling. But the idea that we all have access to this American Dream through education, that we want to remove barriers to that dream and that opportunity should depend squarely on what the student has or has not done are also part of this story.

In a statement explaining the settlement agreement, the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE), which administers the tuition program, said that Villalobos will receive $5,000 that she would have been granted to attend community college had her application been accepted.

OSSE understands the financial challenges associated with accessing higher education and is grateful for the opportunity to help make postsecondary education more affordable for thousands of D.C. residents through the DCTAG program, the agency said in a statement. With this understanding, OSSEs intent has always been to extend the reach of DCTAG to help make college affordable for as many District residents as possible, while ensuring that only D.C. residents receive DCTAG funds.

The citys settlement applies just to the local program but adds to the growing list of litigation and legal questions about tuition-assistance eligibility for the children of immigrants living in the United States.

U.S. citizens with undocumented parents have challenged and altered state policies that they say deny equal access to college aid programs or in-state tuition rates in Florida and New Jersey. State lawmakers and university-system officials in 16 states  including New York, California and Texas  have granted all students who graduate from state high schools the ability to access in-state tuition rates.

At least 5 million children who are U.S. citizens live in mixed-status households, according to an analysis by the Center for Migration Studies of Census Bureau data from 2013. Mixed status is a term used to describe families in which members are a blend of natural-born and naturalized U.S. citizens, legal and undocumented immigrants, refugees and those granted asylum. The share of children born to families with at least one immigrant parent grew from 13.4 percent in 1990 to 25.5 percent in 2015.

Opponents of including immigrant students or U.S. citizen children of immigrants in state college-aid programs argue that finite resources and coveted seats in public colleges should be reserved for those who are in the country legally.

A Georgia court ruled in January that undocumented students who graduated from state high schools and have been granted federal protection from deportation can attend the states colleges at in-state tuition rates. Georgia continues to bar undocumented immigrant students from enrolling at its top-tier state colleges and universities, effectively putting those campuses off limits for the estimated 3,000 undocumented students who graduate from Georgia high schools each year, the New Yorker magazine reported.

In a similar case set for September in the South Carolina Court of Appeals, MALDEF plans to present arguments as part of a lawsuit challenging the states tuition rules that require U.S. citizen children of undocumented immigrants to pay out-of-state tuition rates, which can be three times as high as in-state rates.

It is unclear how many people will benefit from the change in eligibility rules for the D.C. tuition program, as the OSSE does not collect or maintain data on the reasons that student applications to the grant program are denied. During the 2015-2016 school year, the last year for which data is available, DCTAG covered some college costs for 4,525 students and deemed 137 student applicants ineligible, or about 3 percent.

Villalobos, now 19, has enrolled at Montgomery College in Maryland and will begin classes next semester, where she plans to study business and child development in hopes of one day owning and operating a child-care center.

For me, this wasnt about the settlement, Villalobos said. This wasnt about them changing the policy, just for me. I know that I am not the only one going through this. This was about whats fair.
Teachers and staff at a D.C. charter school voted Thursday to unionize, the first time a charter in the District has taken such a step.

The educators at Cesar Chavez Public Charter School at Chavez Prep Middle School in Northwest voted 31 to 2 to form a union, which they say will help secure more resources for students, give them a say in school decision-making and create job security.

Were excited for the opportunity to work alongside our school board and our principal to make a school that were really proud of into the envy of the district, Christian Herr, a science teacher, said in a written statement.

Chavez Prep Principal Kourtney Miller said the schools board and leadership do not plan to fight the unionization effort. They plan to begin collective bargaining soon.

I am proud of the work we have done as a team this year, and I look forward to increasing that collaboration, Miller said.

Most charter schools in D.C. and across the country are not unionized. Charter advocates often argue that not having a union allows them to experiment with teacher pay and work schedules, such as having a longer school year.

But some charters, like Chavez Prep, are taking a different approach. The American Federation of Teachers said it now represents 234 charter schools nationwide, including Chavez.

Miller said she hopes the formation of the union will not take away the schools flexibility on hiring teachers and selecting curriculum.

We enjoy our flexibility, and take pride in that, Miller said.
Democratic lawmakers and environmental advocates have been pressing Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R) to speak out more forcefully against President Trumps climate policies. (Patrick Semansky/AP)

Marylands Democratic members of the House of Representatives have joined the chorus of environmental advocates urging Gov. Larry Hogan (R) to denounce President Trumps climate policies, including his decision this month to withdraw from the Paris climate agreement.

The seven lawmakers sent a letter to Hogan on Thursday, two days before he is scheduled to begin a week-long trade mission to London and Paris, asking him to vocally and forcefully reject Trumps actions.

We believe Maryland can play a consequential role in upholding the goals of the Paris Agreement, the letter said. We hope you will join us in seizing on that opportunity.

The Democrats said they are also concerned that Hogan could unwind the Obama administrations fuel-economy standards for cars and its Clean Power Plan, which aims to reduce carbon dioxide emitted by power generators.

Hogan, who did not endorse Trump in 2016 and said he did not vote for him, has largely resisted pressure from Democrats to speak out publicly against the Republican president, who is deeply unpopular in Maryland.

Environmental activists and several Democratic state lawmakers called on Hogan this month to join an alliance of state and city leaders who have pledged to uphold the goals of the Paris climate accord.

After Trumps decision to pull out of the international pact, Hogan spokeswoman Amelia Chasse said that the action was not a decision the governor would have taken. But Hogan has questioned the need for Maryland to join the multistate alliance, noting that he signed legislation establishing carbon-reduction goals for the state that are stronger than those in the Paris agreement.

[Hogan urges Congress to reject bay cuts as activists press him to join climate pact]

On Friday, Chasse responded to the letter from congressional Democrats by saying that some politicians havent been paying attention to the governors strong record of environmental leadership. She said the governor has clearly stated his commitment to combating climate change  not in form letters, but in real, concrete actions that the administration has taken.

Chasse cited Hogans support for measures to promote electric cars and incentives for using renewable energy, as well as his decision to maintain Marylands involvement with the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, which involves nine states and caps the amount of carbon pollution power plants can emit.

The letter to Hogan was signed by Reps. Anthony G. Brown, Elijah E. Cummings, John Delaney, Steny H. Hoyer, Jamie B. Raskin, C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger and John Sarbanes. Rep. Andy Harris, the only Republican in the states congressional delegation, did not add his name to the list.
A.R. Gurney, who portrayed the fading culture of the Eastern WASP aristocracy in such mordantly comic plays as The Cocktail Hour and Love Letters and became one of the most widely produced dramatists of his generation, died June 13 at his home in Manhattan. He was 86.

His literary agent, Jonathan Lomma, confirmed the death. The cause was not known.

Mr. Gurney worked for years as a teacher before he found major success in the theater in the 1980s with The Dining Room, which was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize.

Like many of his plays, it examined the furnishings, customs and emotional fragility of upper-middle-class society in vignettes spanning several decades. The play established Mr. Gurney as a major playwright and brought comparisons to the fiction of John Cheever  whose works Mr. Gurney also adapted for the stage.

In the play, a college student brings a camera into the dining room of his aging aunt Harriet, who is pleased to display her crystal and cutlery. Then he explains the anthropological purpose of his visit: Well, you see, were studying the eating habits of various vanishing cultures. For example, someone is talking about the Kikuyus of northern Kenya. And my roommate is doing the Cree Indians of Saskatchewan. And my professor suggested I do a slide show on us.

A.R. Gurney in 2016. (Mike Pont/Getty Images for American Theater Wing)

Us? Harriet says.

The WASPs, the nephew replies. Of the northeastern United States.

It was a culture Mr. Gurney knew well, as a scion of privilege and tradition in Buffalo, where he, his parents and seven of his eight great-grandparents were born.

Most of my plays are very close to home, he told Playbill in 2010. That was very much my family on stage.

At a time when many of the characters of other playwrights were cursing and throwing things around the stage, Mr. Gurney found a niche as the decorous adult of the theater, with his intelligent, provocative, bitterly humorous plays.

As a chronicler of contemporary Americas most unfashionable social stratum  upper-middle-class WASPs, New York Times drama critic Frank Rich wrote in his review of The Dining Room, this playwright has no current theatrical peer.

Mr. Gurney became one of the most prolific dramatists of his time, with more than 50 plays to his credit. He sometimes had two plays in production and a third in the works.

A.R. Gurney in 2011. (Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Drama Desk Awar)

With The Cocktail Hour, first produced in 1989, Mr. Gurney wrote perhaps his most personal play, about an aspiring playwright, John, who returns home to tell his skeptical parents, Bradley and Ann, that he has written a play called The Cocktail Hour.

Bradley: Thats a terrible title . . . To begin with, its been used.

John: T hats The Cocktail PARTY, Pop. Thats T.S. Eliot.

Bradley: Even worse. We walked out on that one.

Ann: This is The Cocktail Hour, darling . . . You invite people to a cocktail party. A cocktail hour is family. Its private. Its personal. Its very different.

Bradley: Nobody will know that. It will confuse everyone. Theyll come expecting T.S. Eliot, and theyll get John. Either way, theyll want their money back.

Also in 1989, Mr. Gurney premiered perhaps his most widely produced work, Love Letters, a two-person play that debuted on Broadway with Colleen Dewhurst and Jason Robards. It focuses on an aging man and woman who read letters written over a period of 50 years, revealing their hopes, regrets and deepest emotional scars.

Love Letters received glowing reviews, was a Pulitzer finalist and has been produced on television three times. It has been performed by stars such as Elizabeth Taylor, James Earl Jones, Laura Linney, Julie Harris and William Hurt.

WASPs do have a culture  traditions, idiosyncrasies, quirks, particular signals and totems we pass on to one another, Mr. Gurney told The Washington Post in 1982. But the WASP culture, or at least that aspect of the culture I talk about, is enough in the past so that we can now look at it with some objectivity, smile at it, and even appreciate some of its values. There was a closeness of family, a commitment to duty, to stoic responsibility, which I think we have to say werent entirely bad.

Albert Ramsdell Gurney Jr. was born Nov. 1, 1930, in Buffalo. His father owned a real estate and insurance business.

Mr. Gurney, who was known as Pete throughout his life, wrote his first play in kindergarten and made it clear that he had no interest in joining his fathers business. He attended the private St. Pauls School in Concord, N.H., and graduated from Williams College in Williamstown, Mass., in 1952. (He was two years behind another major figure of the stage, Stephen Sondheim.)

After serving in the Navy, Mr. Gurney went to the Yale School of Drama, receiving a masters degree in 1958. He taught at a private school before joining the faculty of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he taught literature, drama and the humanities for more than 25 years.

In the meantime, he wrote plays in the summers and had little success at first. He had a minor breakthrough in 1971 with Scenes From American Life.

He did not write The Cocktail Hour until after his fathers death in 1977.

He didnt like at all what I wrote, Mr. Gurney said in 2007. He felt I was betraying, revealing things I shouldnt reveal, embarrassing the family and using language which he thought was vulgar and unattractive.

Survivors include his wife of 60 years, the former Molly Goodyear of New York and Roxbury, Conn.; four children; a brother; a sister; and eight grandchildren.

Mr. Gurney also published three novels and continued writing plays until the end.

He handed in a play last week, his agent, Lomma, said in an interview. Its title is Final Follies. 

Although seemingly about a small stratum of U.S. society, Mr. Gurneys plays have proved popular around the world, in cultures far removed from the old Eastern elite.

Ive been occasionally nailed by the critics for limiting my sights to a small entity, Mr. Gurney told the Los Angeles Times in 1998, but Ive always believed that if youre accurate and true to what youre writing about, the play will have a larger human dimension. People are people.
German Chancellor Helmut Kohl and U.S. President Bill Clinton in 1995 at a joint news conference at the White House. (Paul J. Richards/AFP/Getty Images)

Helmut Kohl, the West German political leader who became an unlikely international statesman when he helped unite communist East Germany with the West after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 and served as chancellor of a unified Germany for much of the 1990s, died June 16 at his home in Ludwigshafen. He was 87.

Mr. Kohls party, the Christian Democratic Union, confirmed the death in a tweet but did not provide other information.

After succeeding the worldly Helmut Schmidt as chancellor in 1982, Mr. Kohl was sometimes perceived as a clumsy politician with an uninspiring speaking style and a penchant for public-relations gaffes, such as his insistence that President Ronald Reagan visit the German military cemetery in Bitburg, where members of the Waffen-SS were buried.

Mr. Kohls legacy seemed to change overnight with the collapse of the Berlin Wall on Nov. 9, 1989. For 28 years, the wall had stood as one of the most visible symbols of separation between Western Europe and the communist bloc of Eastern European countries. Mr. Kohl seized the opportunity to transform himself into a leader of international stature.

Many Germans on both sides of the wall that divided the nation during the Cold War found Mr. Kohls shambling, diffident manner a comforting relief from the countrys charismatic style of politician during Adolf Hitlers reign, although it had become nearly taboo in the post-Hitler period.

Kohl and President Ronald Reagan at the Berlin Wall in West Berlin in 1987. (Roland Holschneider/European Pressphoto Agency)

When Mr. Kohl made a dramatic appearance before 50,000 East Germans in Dresden just six weeks after the fall of the Berlin Wall, he was greeted with tears and chants of our chancellor. He drew roaring approval from East German residents by saying, When the historic moment allows it, let us have the unity of our country.

He added, We wont leave our countrymen in the lurch.

Mr. Kohl made good on that promise by welcoming East Germans into the West with an expensive but powerful gift  agreeing to let East Germans exchange their virtually worthless communist marks for West Germanys valuable Deutsche marks on a one-to-one basis. Economists argued that he was risking his countrys most cherished asset, but the bet paid off in political calm and stability. Mr. Kohl was elected chancellor four times and held Germanys top political office until 1998.

He was careful to position his countrys expansion and reunification in the postwar structures of the European Union and NATO, devoting much of his energy to reassuring France, Britain, the United States and the Soviet Union that Germany still knew its place.

We are not a world power, and I consider it foolish to dream world-power dreams, he said immediately after Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev gave his surprise endorsement of German unity in 1990.

During the Cold War, a divided Germany had played host to the most destructive weapons and most concentrated collection of forces on the planet. The new Germany, Mr. Kohl told his partners, would be a successful merchant with a modest diplomatic front, a limited military and a deep fear of getting involved in international conflicts.

Mr. Kohl repeatedly promised that the new nation would be a European Germany, without any ambition of creating a German Europe.

British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and Kohl in 1989. (Wolfgang Eilmes/European Pressphoto Agency)

His greatest moment, according to Harvard University historian Charles S. Maier, came in a speech to the West German Parliament on Nov. 28, 1989, in which Mr. Kohl outlined a plan for unification.

In drafting his speech, he consulted no foreign leaders except President George H.W. Bush. The French and British, suspicious that Germany might try to dominate Europe, pushed the United States to disavow Mr. Kohls plan, but the Bush administration embraced it wholeheartedly.

Unification was completed by October 1990 in part because Mr. Kohl initiated payments of billions of Deutsche marks to the Soviet Union to withdraw troops from East Germany.

He allayed the fears of his Western European allies by committing a unified Germany to NATO and other European institutions. He called German reunification and the European Union two sides of one coin and successfully promoted the euro as a common European currency.

In reality, German reunification proved extremely expensive. Residents of the former East Germany struggled with high unemployment rates and neo-Nazi violence. Psychological and sociological differences continued to divide the country.

As East and West Germany came together to create a new country, united for the first time since the fall of the Third Reich, political support in Western Europe and the United States was tempered by concern over the depth of change in a society that spawned the Holocaust.

Mr. Kohl had through most of his political career been visibly discomfited by discussions of Germanys decimated Jewish heritage. He often spoke of the need to normalize German culture and emerge finally from decades of self-doubt and blame. But during the reunification period, Mr. Kohl reached for a more balanced tone as he searched for a way forward.

I can understand the anxieties people have, he said. We have our history, the crimes committed by the Nazis in the name of the German people, dark periods. But in the last 40 years we have proved ourselves. We would like to be a normal country in Europe. Talk of the Fourth Reich is talk of things that will not happen again.

Still, Mr. Kohl was deeply worried about the idea that Germans would continue to grow up thinking of themselves as some sort of moral monsters. When plans for a Holocaust museum in Washington were being discussed in the late 1980s, Mr. Kohl looked for ways to ameliorate its message and sought to have the museum include a section on modern Germany  a proposal that got nowhere.

Helmut Michael Kohl was born to conservative Catholic parents on April 3, 1930, in Ludwigshafen, a small city on the Rhine River in western Germany. His father worked for the local tax and revenue office and also fought in both world wars.

Mr. Kohls early life was shaped by the bombing raids of Allied planes during World War II. He exhumed dead bodies from ruined buildings and, during the closing months of the war, was a member of the Hitler Youth. His only brother, Walter, died in 1944 at age 19 while serving in the German army.

In 1956, when he graduated from the University of Heidelberg, Mr. Kohl became the first member of his family to receive a college degree. He received a doctorate in political science in 1958.

Mr. Kohl quickly became a well-known figure in the Christian Democratic Party (CDU) and by 43 was the partys national chairman.

He classified people as supporters or opponents and reportedly even trained his German shepherd, Igo, to wag his tail at the words Christian Democrat. The command Soz  Mr. Kohls word for Social Democrats and others to the left of his party  caused the dog to bare its teeth and snarl.

In 1976, Mr. Kohl lost an election as West German chancellor to Schmidt, a member of the Social Democratic Party. Six years later, as Schmidt faced a political crisis, Mr. Kohl won the chancellorship after building a coalition with the Free Democratic Party, Germanys liberal party.

In office, Mr. Kohl seemed at times to lack the historical sensitivity required for such a high-profile job. One of his greatest stumbles was the controversy surrounding his 1985 visit with President Reagan to a German military cemetery in Bitburg.

The state visit by Reagan was intended to celebrate the normalization of relations between the United States and Germany on the 40th anniversary of the end of World War II. But a public-relations disaster ensued when it was revealed that the cemetery contained the graves of 49 members of the Waffen-SS.

Secretary of State George P. Shultz wrote years later in The Washington Post that Mr. Kohl exerted tremendous pressure on Reagan to go through with the visit. Ultimately, they visited the cemetery and the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp.

Mr. Kohl told Time magazine at the time of the Bitburg protest, If we dont go to Bitburg, if we dont do what we jointly planned, we will deeply offend the feelings of our people, Mr. Kohl told Time magazine. This has nothing to do with the glorification of the Nazis.

For much of his career, Mr. Kohl was accompanied by his wife of 41 years, the former Hannelore Renner. She suffered from a painful and incurable skin condition that forced her for years to live in a shaded house and avoid sunlight. She committed suicide in 2001.

The relationship between Mr. Kohls sons, Walter and Peter, was known to be difficult, especially after their father married Maike Richter, 34 years his junior, in 2008. The sons were not invited to the wedding.

Mr. Kohls new wife shielded him from public view, and only a few trusted friends had access to the former chancellor during his final years.

In 1998, Mr. Kohl resigned from the chancellorship after voters rejected his party in the election, citing high unemployment and other problems.

It marked the end of an era for many younger Germans for whom he had been the only chancellor they had ever known, hence giving him the nickname the Eternal Chancellor.

Almost immediately after his resignation, Mr. Kohl was entangled in a financial scandal involving several million dollars in illegal donations to the CDU.

His party faced sharp penalties and lost political credibility, in part because Mr. Kohl refused to mention the names of his donors. The scandal deepened when it was revealed that many files were missing or destroyed.

Mr. Kohl at first deflected blame for the scandal, but in 2001 he agreed to pay a fine of about $143,000 and to acknowledge a breach of trust. In return, prosecutors dropped criminal charges.

Members of his party were tarred by their association with Mr. Kohl, but he picked a protege from the former East Germany, Angela Merkel, who echoed his views and style  governing with a stiff spine and a sure sense of what Germanys limitations should be.

Mr. Kohl hoped to be remembered for unifying the two Germanys and ushering the united country into the international community.

We Germans have learned from history, he said. We are a peace-loving, freedom-loving people. There is only one place for us in the world: at the side of the free nations.

Marc Fisher contributed to this report.
Obituaries of residents from the District, Maryland and Northern Virginia.

Almami Cyllah, elections and human rights officer

Almami Cyllah, 65, a promoter of free elections and human rights as an officer in such organizations as Amnesty International and the International Foundation for Electoral Systems, died May 3 at a hospital in Freetown, Sierra Leone. The cause was cancer, said a colleague, Zalie Zeidenberg.

Mr. Cyllah, who lived in Hyattsville, Md., and Sierra Leone, was a native of Makeni, Sierra Leone. From 1982 to 1994, he was the Washington-based chief of Amnesty Internationals Africa program. He later held other positions with the organization and served with the International Foundation for Electoral Systems in Haiti, Kenya and Washington from 2001 to 2014.

Raymond Fuller, auditor, program analyst

Raymond Fuller, 87, a retired federal auditor and program analyst, died May 24 at a care center in Silver Spring, Md. The cause was congestive heart failure, said his wife, Sara Fuller.

Mr. Fuller was born in East Orange, N.J., and moved with his family to Washington as a child. He began his federal service with the Army Audit Agency. He later worked for the Defense Contract Audit Agency and the old Council on Wage and Price Stability before retiring in 1981. He was a longtime Silver Spring resident, a volunteer with the Boy Scouts and an elder of the Takoma Park Presbyterian Church. He was also a woodworker.

Norman Waks, certified public accountant

Norman Waks, 88, a certified public accountant who retired in 1992 as managing partner of the Louis C. Grossberg Co. in Bethesda, Md., died April 27 at a hospital in Rockville, Md. The cause was pneumonia, said a granddaughter, Melissa Waks.

Mr. Waks, a resident of Germantown, Md., was born in Winthrop, Mass. He was an accountant in Washington with the firm then known as Horwath & Horwath before joining Grossberg in 1959.

John C. Cool, development adviser

John C. Cool, 90, who mined for gold in Australia and for tin in Malaysia and served as a development adviser in American Samoa, Laos, Nepal, India, Pakistan, the Philippines and Thailand, died April 6 at a hospital in Fairfax County, Va. The cause was congestive heart failure, multiple myeloma and other complications, said a son, Jonathan Cool.

Mr. Cool, who lived in Oakton, Va., was born in Massillon, Ohio. For 55 years, beginning shortly after World War II, he worked in 10 countries for such organizations as the State Department, the Ford Foundation, the Aga Khan Foundation and Winrock International, a nonprofit organization aimed at the empowerment of disadvantaged persons.

Since 1990, he had been based in Washington. He was a senior program officer for Winrocks Asia Division and an adviser for the Asian Forestry Program. In retirement he built a library for a book collection of more than 20,000 volumes.

 From staff reports
Kim Pham LaRocque is charged with murder in the shooting death of her husband. (Fairfax County Police)

Kim Pham LaRocque was a suburban mom with nothing more serious on her record than a speeding ticket when she phoned 911 saying she had found her husband unresponsive in their Vienna bedroom.

The call about the death of Eric John LaRocque came at 6:34 p.m. on July 31, 2015. Its one of the few points of agreement in competing narratives that will soon come before a Fairfax County jury: Kim LaRocque is either a calculating killer or the victim of a legal nightmare.

While her children slumbered in the next room, prosecutors say, Kim LaRocque, 36, slipped into the bedroom and fired a bullet into the back of her 33-year-old husbands head as he slept. She then pulled drawers out to make it look like a robbery, they say.

For her part, Kim LaRocque has never wavered in proclaiming her innocence, allowing herself to be questioned extensively by police without an attorney present and making no effort to flee even after detectives pointedly told her that they believed she was the killer, her attorney Peter Greenspun said at a bond hearing.

Whats more, Greenspun said that she had little motive, earning more than $120,000 a year in a position with Fannie Mae and having no debt, drug problems or other issues. He said the state lacks proof.

There is simply no evidence here other than, Judge, its a serious case and we think she did it,  Greenspun said in court.

[Vienna engineers death investigated as homicide]

But after an exhaustive, months-long investigation in which prosecutors used a special grand jury to ferret out facts, they believe that they have enough evidence in a case that involves two alleged affairs, explicit text messages, a phone sting and a missing gun. LaRocque is slated to stand trial on murder and weapons charges Monday in Fairfax County Circuit Court.

The slaying has shocked family, friends and neighbors, many of whom saw a successful couple with two beautiful children, now 3 and 4. Kim LaRocque has a masters degree in finance from Virginia Tech.

Eric LaRocque worked as an engineer at Fairfaxs Dewberry company. He enjoyed biking, kayaking and other sports.

He loved his children. He valued the outdoors. He wanted his children to grow up valuing nature, said his mother, Mary Lou LaRocque of Plattsburgh, N.Y. He was a friend to everybody.

Kim LaRocque told relatives who stayed with the couple that her husband was sick and would not be going to work on the morning of the day she placed the 911 call, Greenspun said at the bond hearing. She then commuted to Fannie Mae.

Assistant Commonwealths Attorney Ryan B. Bredemeier said at the same bond hearing that Kim LaRocque texted her sister at one point to check on him. When the sister knocked on the bedroom door and got no response, she texted back to ask whether she should go in.

Oh, no, let him sleep, Bredemeier said Kim LaRocque texted back. Dont bother him.

When Kim LaRocque arrived home that evening, she greeted her family and then went to the bedroom to change and check on her husband, Bredemeier said. She told police that she took a step or two into the room before noticing lots of blood and calling 911.

But Bredemeier said doubts were cast on her account after prosecutors called the special grand jury to investigate the case in February 2016. Bredemeier said unnamed witnesses testified that Kim LaRocque went into the bedroom for about a minute and shut the door before calling 911.

Bredemeier said Kim LaRocque had the opportunity to kill her husband when she was home with him and their children the night before. Her relatives had gone to a casino in Maryland and didnt return until the morning.

Investigators who arrived at the home found Eric LaRocque in bed on his side, Bredemeier said. The fatal shot was fired from close range and the bullet traveled through the wall of the bedroom and caught in a childs onesie in the next room, he told a judge.

Police recovered a .357-caliber gun from a closet in the bedroom that belonged to the LaRocques, but Bredemeier said they never found the murder weapon: a .40-caliber handgun.

Bredemeier told the judge that Eric LaRocque had borrowed a .40-caliber handgun from one of his wifes brothers but it was never returned. The gun, along with Eric LaRocques cellphone, were the only items that police determined were missing after the slaying.

Eric LaRocques death drew an outpouring of grief from his co-workers and friends. Kim LaRocque publicly mourned him, changing her Facebook profile image to a photo of a button that read Forever in our hearts and had her husbands initials.

Greenspun said in court that the way his client soldiered on with her life was evidence of her innocence. She cooperated with police and continued working her job, raising her children and allowing her in-laws to visit with their grandchildren.

But investigators would grow suspicious of her. They found a reason she might want her husband dead  evidence that they say shows she was having an affair with a co-worker at Fannie Mae.

Bredemeier said prosecutors have suggestive text messages between her and the co-worker.

Could you fly down to Charlotte and rub my back? he read from one sent by Kim LaRocque to the co-worker. That would be amazing. Bad idea. I would.

Greenspun wrote in court filings that the man participated in a sting call to Kim LaRocque and would be a key witness for the prosecution. Court documents dont detail what she told the co-worker during the phone call or what his testimony might be.

Greenspun said in court that the defense can prove she did not have an intimate relationship with the man, leaving the prosecution with little motive. He hinted that the defense believes that there is more to the case.

We have our own theories about what may have occurred here but they dont in any manner involve Ms. LaRocque, Greenspun told a judge.

In another wrinkle, Kim LaRocques alleged affair is not the only indiscretion in the case. Based on case filings, a judge said at a hearing Friday, Kim LaRocque was aware before the slaying that her husband had an alleged affair that dated from 2014.

Greenspun and prosecutors declined to comment for this article.

In May 2016, Kim LaRocque was indicted on charges of murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. She was initially denied bond, but in an unusual move in a first-degree murder case, a judge set bail at $250,000 over prosecutors objections at a subsequent hearing.

Given the premeditation in this case and the use of a firearm, I submit that she is an extreme danger to the community, Bredemeier told a judge to no avail.

Greenspun said in court that Kim LaRocque hopes to prove her innocence at trial and win custody of her children, who have been staying with their paternal grandparents in New York.

For now, Mary Lou LaRocque said she and the children FaceTime with Kim LaRocque every night  an awkward arrangement between an alleged killer and the victims mother. She said that it is difficult but that she has no choice. Our goal is to do whats best for his children, she said.
Miza Saleh stands with her daughter, Nora Alshareef, 20, on June 6 while talking about the shooting deaths of Northwest High School students Artem Ziberov, 18, and Shadi Najjar, 17. (Matt McClain/The Washington Post)

At least two gunmen appear to have targeted a pair of Maryland high school students killed on the eve of their graduation this month  firing at least 30 rounds at the students car that was stopped along a quiet suburban cul-de-sac just before 11 p.m., Montgomery County police officials said Friday.

The victims  Artem Ziberov, 18, and Shadi Najjar, 17  suffered a total of 14 gunshot wounds. One had 10 wounds; the other four.

Based on our experience, based on what we know about the victims, we believe they were targeted, said Capt. Darren Francke, commander of the major crimes unit at the Montgomery Police department just north of Washington. We believe there was more than one shooter.

The June 5 slayings of Najjar and Ziberov were stunning in their brutality and timing. Both students had been on the honor roll at Northwest High School in Germantown and were set to walk across the stage at their graduations the next day. Friends have widely described them as smart and pleasant  with few, if any, known enemies.

For reasons still unclear, Najjar drove to a Montgomery Village neighborhood, miles from his home, and parked along the edge of Gallery Court, a short street of 18 homes. His friend Ziberov was in the passenger seat. One or both teens probably knew members of another party that met them there, police officials said.

The scene in Montgomery County, Md., where the two teens were shot in what police suspect was a targeted killing. (Dan Morse/The Washington Post)

The attackers unleashed a barrage of gunfire, prompting at least one 911 call. When officers arrived, the other party was long gone, the young men were dead and the Hondas motor was still running.

Police officials have since released limited information  in part because they dont want to damage their investigation and in part because they have reached a limited number of conclusions.

Its a challenging case, Francke said, because there is a lot of forensic evidence and data we have pulled. We have to sort through that carefully. But we dont have any eyewitnesses that have come forward yet.

Detectives are piecing together a timeline of what the teenagers did in the hours leading to the killing, and what their plans may have been for the balance of the night.

We have a good deal of information, but I cant comment on it, Francke said at a news conference Friday.

Asked if drugs or drug purchases may have played a role in the slayings, Francke would say only that detectives are looking into many scenarios. They would have no normal course of business in that neighborhood, on that street, he said of the two teens.

His detectives are still trying to learn why, then, they went there.

1 of 18 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad  We are hurting, deeply so, and we are angry: Photos from funeral of Artem Ziberov View Photos Loved ones recall the humor and intelligence of Northwest High School senior, one of two teens slain in a Maryland suburb of Washington. Caption In June, loved ones recalled the humor and intelligence of the high school senior, one of two teens slain in Montgomery County, Md. A fourth suspect was charged in the killings last week. June 10, 2017 Student Amanda Eye, left, is hugged by English teacher Ginny Beverly during funeral services for Artem Ziberov at Neelsville Presbyterian Church in Germantown, Md. Ziberov was one of two teens fatally shot in June. Kate Patterson for The Washington Post Wait 1 second to continue.

Were looking at different social-media platforms to try to determine what the victims were doing, who they were talking to, and what they may have been into, Francke said.

Police found 30 ammunition casings  from bullets of at least two different calibers  at the crime scene. Francke said neither he nor other detectives could recall a recent shooting scene in Montgomery County with that many casings found.

He again appealed to the public for help. Someone out there has information that we need, he said.

There are individuals with critical information in this case, he added. To those that are holding it, do the right thing, the safest thing, and speak with the police.

[Teens killed on eve of graduation]

Francke said there has been no indication this was a hate crime or motivated by race or nationalities.

Asked if the targeting of the victims could have been the result of an impromptu meeting  spurred, for example, by an argument at a red light  Francke said the evidence does not suggest that.

Based on the crime scene, that doesnt seem likely, he said.

Investigators also are talking to the victims family members, who are going over events of the last six months to try to come up with information or interactions that might be helpful. Both families have been very cooperative, Francke said.

Police declined to say which victim had 10 gunshot wounds. But Francke stressed that the total doesnt necessarily establish anything about an intended target and may reflect that there were different shooters firing guns.

There are indications that one of the victims was targeted, but detectives cant draw a firm conclusion yet, because they are still gathering information. Detectives dont know if more than one car was used by the shooters, according to Francke.

The commander doesnt believe  based on what his investigators have learned about the victims  that they were into any behavior that would have drawn in assailants from outside the region or the state. I think the shooters are local to the Washington area, he said. We dont have any reasons to believe they are somewhere else. Whatever issues the victims had with them were local to area.

It is unclear if detectives have found surveillance video that could help them. They have received, from a resident of the cul-de-sac, an audio recording captured by his surveillance system of the sound of the shots being fired. Detectives have studied this  listening to the shots and listening for any background noises.

Crime-scene investigators recently dusted the back door of Najjars residence for fingerprints, trying to determine if someone who might be connected to the homicides had tried to break into the home. That line of investigation has not yielded information. I dont think it amounted to anything, Francke said.

A core of major crimes detectives is working the case  part of as many as 60 investigators and crime scene technicians playing a part in interviewing people and analyzing evidence, according to police officials.

Anyone with information is asked to call 240-773-TIPS (8477) or 240-773-5070.
Protesters gather for a demonstration in Lafayette Square to denounce on May 1. (Win Mcnamee/Getty Images)

The nations battle lines over immigration enforcement deepened Friday after Homeland Security Secretary John F. Kelly rescinded an Obama-era memo that sought to shield millions of parents of U.S. citizens and others from deportation.

Kelly was fulfilling part of a campaign promise that President Trump had made to overturn  on his first day in office  two of former president Barack Obamas controversial memos on illegal immigration.

The rescinded memo was never implemented, and it is the subject of an ongoing federal lawsuit over whether Obama had the authority in 2014 to even issue the order.

But the Trump administrations action late Thursday spurred fears that the president would also revoke the second memo, which protects undocumented immigrants brought here as children, and that the administration would target families indiscriminately for deportation.

This action by President Trump demonstrates to us that they have no compassion, they have no common sense, they have no humanity, said Angelica Salas, executive director of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles.

Homeland Security Secretary John F. Kelly. (Susan Walsh/Associated Press)

Kelly rescinded the memo at the deadline for the parties to decide how the lawsuit should proceed. In his statement, Kelly said there was no credible path forward for the program Obama had proposed.

I applaud President Trump, said Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who filed the lawsuit that halted the 2014 memo. I am proud to have led a 26-state coalition that went all the way to the Supreme Court to block this unlawful edict.

Kelly said the second program, the 2012 Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals initiative, would remain intact. The program has transformed the lives of nearly 800,000 undocumented immigrants brought to the United States as children, allowing them to avoid deportation and work and drive legally.

That reassurance from the administration drew mild criticism from Trump supporters who favor increased immigration enforcement.

Many protested last week when data released by the Department of Homeland Security showed the agency has issued thousands of new permits under the 2012 program, despite Trumps campaign-trail promise to eliminate it.

As a candidate, the president called both programs illegal executive amnesties.

Dan Stein, president of the Federation for American Immigration Reform, whose backers are ascendant in the Trump administration, praised Kellys rescission of the 2014 initiative but said it calls into question the legitimacy of DACA, as well.

Advocates for immigrants said Kellys action was a stark reminder of the landscape facing the estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants in the United States and, especially, in Texas, which also recently passed a law to crack down on sanctuary cities. It takes effect Sept. 1.

Lawyers and activists say they are battling Immigration and Customs Enforcements attempts to deport immigrants, including a college student in Georgia who won a federal court battle this week to avoid deportation and a janitor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology with a clean criminal record and who is the parent of two U.S. citizens.

On Tuesday, the nations top immigration enforcement official warned that undocumented immigrants should look over their shoulder.

But in Boston, the MIT janitor said he didnt want to live that way. Francisco Rodriguez, the 43-year-old father of two U.S. citizen children, said he has no criminal record and would have applied for Obamas 2014 program if it had been allowed to proceed.

Instead, he watched as Texas filed a lawsuit that temporarily halted the program. Then the Obama administration appealed all the way to the Supreme Court, finally losing last June.

Rodriguez said ICE had granted him several stays of deportation after he lost his asylum case but told him Tuesday that he has to prepare to go home. He has until July 13 to show up with a plane ticket to his native El Salvador.

He said he fled that country in 2006 after gangs tried to extort money from his construction company. In his country, he was a mechanical engineer. Now he cleans laboratories and offices for one of the best universities in the world.

This is very sad, he said of his pending deportation. But I know thats the new politics that we have with the new government. They say they could protect families. But theyre against the families.


Homeland Security Secretary John F. Kelly attends a Cabinet meeting with President Trump in the Cabinet Room of the White House. (AP)

Homeland Security Secretary John F. Kelly announced late Thursday that he has rescinded an Obama-era memo that sought to shield millions of parents of U.S. citizens and others from deportation.

Kellys act fulfills part of a campaign promise that President Trump had made to overturn two of Barack Obamas controversial memos on illegal immigration. The rescinded memo was never implemented and is the subject of an ongoing federal court battle waged by Texas and other states that opposed Obamas program.

Thursday marked the judges deadline for the parties to set a timetable to resolve the case. Instead, Kelly rescinded the memo, saying on the departments website that there is no credible path forward in court.

However, Trump has let stand Obamas 2012 memo that has granted reprieves from deportation to nearly 800,000 undocumented immigrants who arrived as children.

[A tiny Texas border city is leading the charge against the states immigration crackdown]

(Gillian Brockell/The Washington Post)

Thursday, Kelly said the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, known as DACA, would not change.

This rescission will not affect the terms of the original DACA program as outlined in the June 15, 2012 memorandum, the department said online. Kelly said he made the decision after consulting with the U.S. attorney general.

Thursday also marked the five-year anniversary of the DACA memo, which quickly drew attention on Twitter.

They chose the fifth anniversary of DACA to do this, Cecilia Munoz, a former senior White House staff member under the Obama administration, posted on Twitter.

But no change to DACA, thankfully, wrote Philip Wolgin, managing director for immigration for the Center for American Progress.

Others cheered Kellys decision, which many saw as long overdue.

Trump had vowed to overturn both memos on his first day in office, calling them illegal executive amnesties that sought to bypass Congress.

The restoration of our republican form of government advances, Tom Fitton, president of Judicial Watch, posted on Twitter. Next up, end lawless Dreamer amnesty for illegal alien children and adults.

[ICE announces largest anti-gang crackdown in agency history]

The rescinded 2014 memo would have granted work permits and reprieves from deportation to 4 million parents of U.S. citizens and green card holders, provided that they passed a criminal background check and met other requirements. It also would have expanded the number of undocumented immigrants who came here as children who could apply for DACA.

A federal judge in Texas temporarily halted that program in a ruling that triggered a fierce court battle that ended when the Supreme Court deadlocked a year ago, crushing immigrants hopes.

However, Trump has waffled on whether to revoke the 2012 program, which has aided the hundreds of thousands of undocumented immigrants who came to the United States as children, allowing them to legally work, obtain drivers licenses and pay in-state tuition at colleges and universities across the country.

The Trump administration has continued to issue new work permits under that program and renewed thousands of others. In April, Trump told PBS that ending the program was a very difficult subject for me.

However, his administration has made no apologies about pursuing stricter immigration enforcement. Unlike under Obama, the Trump administration is arresting more undocumented immigrants with no criminal records and pursuing a wall on the southwestern border.
Christian Jacobs, 6, puts flowers on graves as people visit Arlington National Cemetery in observance of Memorial Day on May 29. Christians father, U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Christopher James Jacobs, died during a training exercise in 2011. (Matt McClain/The Washington Post)

The U.S. Army has broken off negotiations with Arlington County over a long-planned land exchange to aid the expansion of Arlington National Cemetery, after a dispute over what the county would allow on land it would control adjacent to the burial ground.

The Army, which runs the military cemetery, will go forward on its own to turn the site of the former Navy Annex around the Air Force Memorial into space for 40,000 to 60,000 additional graves and inurnments for the cremated remains of deceased veterans, their spouses and dignitaries. The $274 million southward expansion should mean the cemetery will be able to handle demand until about 2050.

The land exchange would have involved Arlington giving the Army control of Southgate Road and Joyce Street, in exchange for getting a compact piece of land nearby that is controlled by the military. The county wanted to use the land it would have acquired for what it called county or public uses  possibly storing its vehicles, building a fire station or creating a museum.

But the Army, which needed control of the roads in order to remove Southgate Road as a barrier to the cemetery, did not want to hand over its land parcel to the Arlington government out of concern that the county would place a heavy-duty maintenance facility there.

Brian Stout, the countys federal liaison, said that although he assured the Army that plans for a heavy-duty maintenance facility had died with the cancellation of the Columbia Pike streetcar, federal negotiators couldnt get comfortable with the countys planning process.

The Army did not respond to repeated requests for comment Friday. But the cemeterys superintendent, Katharine Kelley, said in a statement to Congressional Quarterly Roll Call that the Army made every reasonable effort to negotiate [the] land exchange . . . [but was] never able to reach an agreement where the Army was comfortable with the countys several proposed projects for land adjacent to future burial space.

No negotiations have been held since late last year. Kelley informed county manager Mark Schwartz that it was moving forward without an agreement last week, Stout said.

Under a provision in the fiscal 2017 defense authorization law, quietly passed in December, the cemetery now has the authority to condemn county land that is needed for the expansion.

Schwartz said in a statement that the local government will focus on getting fair compensation for the five acres the cemetery intends to buy. The cemetery will also acquire about seven acres of land owned by the state of Virginia, located between Columbia Pike and I-395.

Lance Allen, president of the Foxcroft Heights Civic Association, which represents the small neighborhood just south of the Navy Annex land, said residents support the cemeterys expansion, but are worried about traffic, which he described as dangerous and a nightmare.

Drivers from the heavily used Columbia Pike cut through three small streets  Oak, Ode and Orme  on their way to Southgate Road, which is the southern access route into Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, he said.

A new Southgate Road will be realigned by the Army and run parallel to those three small streets. The federal government will also straighten Columbia Pike, with money set aside three years ago.

The roadway realignment and the additional state and local land will increase the size of the cemetery, where more than 400,000 people are buried or interred, from 624 acres to 662 acres.

The cemetery has conducted about 7,000 burials each year since 2004, and its been running low on space for years. In 2013, it began a 27-acre expansion in its northwest corner that will provide about 27,000 new grave sites, which is expected to handle demand through the mid-2030s.

An April report from the Secretary of the Army said that, without additional land, the military may have to tighten eligibility requirements in order to control demand enough to allow burials to continue through 2050.
Tom Perriello, a former congressman and a candidate for the Democratic Partys gubernatorial nomination, gives his concession speech at the State Theatre on June 13, 2017, in Falls Church, Va. (Molly Riley/AP)

The defeat of Tom Perriello, who ran as a populist with the backing of Sen. Bernie Sanders in Tuesdays gubernatorial primary in Virginia, marked a loss for the progressive wing of the Democratic Party.

But the results had more to do with timing and the strength of the states party apparatus than with ideology, analysts say.

Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam, who beat Perriello for the Democratic nomination by 12 percentage points, had the backing of nearly every Virginia Democrat elected to state and federal office  the result of years of cultivating relationships. And he outspent Perriello by $1.4 million on advertising, affording himself a heavy television presence  especially in the costly metropolitan Washington market  in the last weeks before the election.

Perriello, a former one-term congressman, jumped into the race in January hoping to overcome Northams structural advantage by riding a wave of anti-Trump and national progressive energy, bolstered by endorsements from Sanders (I-Vt.) and Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.).

[To shake up Democratic Party, progressives turn to Virginia primary]

But it was too little, too late.

The lesson here was you cannot get in a race very late and underfunded against a candidate who has been raising money and organizing for a long time and who has every meaningful endorsement from the Democratic Party, said Jennifer Duffy, who monitors gubernatorial contests for the nonpartisan Cook Political Report. I dont think this has anything to do with progressivism.

Perriello was unable to raise millions of dollars in small donations, even with the help of national progressive groups that sent fundraising pitches to millions of potential donors. He relied on a few wealthy donors to write six-figure checks and lent himself $150,000 in the campaigns final days.

Meanwhile, Northam was airing ads touting his endorsements from unions, abortion rights groups and other progressive organizations, showcasing his background as a doctor and an Army veteran and calling President Trump a narcissistic maniac.

[Why this Democratic doctor calls Trump a narcissistic maniac]

Perriellos internal polling showed him plunging 12 points in the final week of the campaign, mostly in vote-rich Northern Virginia, after Northam won the endorsement of The Washington Post editorial board and outspent Perriello on advertising by 2 to 1, according to Ian Sams, Perriellos spokesman.

In what became a high-turnout, low-information election, the spending disparity made a real difference in giving voters just enough information about Ralph to help him win, Sams said. It was a competitive advantage we couldnt overcome.

1 of 14 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad  The scene during the Virginia primary election View Photos Voters head to the polls to choose nominees for Virginia governor. Caption Voters head to the polls to choose nominees for Virginia governor. June 13, 2017 A voter enters a polling place at George Washington Middle School in Alexandria, Va. during the Virginia primary election. Astrid Riecken/For The Washington Post Wait 1 second to continue.

Democratic primary voters also seemed disinclined to rebel against the state party establishment. Outgoing Gov. Terry McAuliffe and U.S. Sens. Tim Kaine and Mark R. Warner are beloved by Virginia Democrats. And all three backed Northam.

The real story, at least on the Democratic side . . . is people are generally happy with their leadership, said David Turner, Northams spokesman.

Perriellos campaign found it an enormous challenge. Its hard to break through against an entire unified state Democratic Party operation, and we knew that from the beginning, Sams said.

In the primary, Perriello did exceptionally well with rural voters, sweeping the southern and western parts of the state, while Northam claimed the more populated urban crescent of Northern Virginia, Richmond and Hampton Roads. He also did well among African Americans  a key Democratic constituency.

Throughout his campaign, Perriello argued that Virginia Democrats need to retool their approach to attract greater numbers of rural, young and minority voters after squeaker races for governor in 2013 and the U.S. Senate in 2014.

But that message was undercut by the partys winning streak. Democrats hold all five statewide offices and won the state in the past three presidential contests  Virginia was the only Southern state to back Hillary Clinton in the election in November.

Perriellos embrace of the progressive agenda  increased taxes on the wealthy to fund free community college, universal prekindergarten and paid family leave  made him a darling of the movement, as well as a favorite among some mainstream national Democrats. He slammed the corporate influence in politics and refused to accept donations from Dominion Energy, the states largest political donor and a contributor to Northam.

Northam embraced programs he thinks can win support from Republicans, such as state funding for technical apprenticeship programs. A pediatric neurologist who championed reproductive rights and gun control, Northam could not be easily cast as an establishment villain.

Because Northam and Perriello held similar views on policy, voters were left with a nuanced choice between styles: pragmatic or aspirational.

They were both what I would call mainstream progressives. One may have been more progressive on economic issues, [and] one may have been progressive on guns and choice, said Jesse Ferguson, a Democratic operative with roots in Virginia.

Perriellos defeat seemed to call into question the power of the Democratic Partys progressive wing, which has been trying to push candidates leftward as the party navigates the Trump era.

[Democrats united, GOP appears in disarray after Va. primary]

Progressive have lost other high-profile races this year, including special congressional elections in Kansas and Montana and contests to chair the Democratic National Committee and California Democratic Party.

Their bark may be worse than their bite, said Geoffrey Skelley, an analyst at the University of Virginia Center for Politics. They have a lot more work to do if they want the reality of their influence to match what they think their influence is.

Progressive activists say they left a mark, although Northam won.

There would have been an unquestioned victory for progressives had [Perriello] won, said Adam Green, co-founder of the Progressive Change Campaign Committee, which is aligned with Warren and backed Perriello. But big-picture, unlike several years ago, its now very hard to find a Democratic primary where there is not competition to claim the mantle of progressivism and one-up each other on strong positions like $15 minimum wage. And thats what we saw in Virginia.

Perriello supporters seem to be coalescing around Northam, although some environmentalists are withholding support, demanding that he denounce two gas pipeline projects, as Perriello did.

As he goes into the general election campaign against Republican Ed Gillespie, Northam is Virginias first Democratic gubernatorial nominee to support measures including the $15 minimum wage, some form of free higher education and drivers licenses for immigrants living in Virginia illegally.

The GOP is already attacking Northam as extreme. A $5 million PAC funded by the Republican Governors Association started spending on digital ads the day after the primary, setting up a website called tooliberalralph.com.

Northams spokesman disputed that Perriello had nudged the lieutenant governor to the left.

He has always advocated for an increase in the minimum wage, and hes always advocated for working families, Turner said. What voters wanted . . . is someone who had a proven record of getting stuff done in Richmond.
COLOMBIA

FARC leader: All arms will soon be turned in

The leader of Colombias FARC rebels said Thursday that all of the groups weapons will be handed over to the United Nations by June 20 as planned, part of a peace deal to end more than 52 years of war.

The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia need to give up the last 40 percent of their arms, as agreed last year with the government of President Juan Manuel Santos. Nearly 60 percent of their arms were handed over by Tuesday.

We have taken the political decision. We respect the agreement and we will implement it, whatever it takes, said FARC leader Rodrigo Londono, also known as Timochenko.

Under the accord, rejected in a public referendum but pushed through by the Congress, the FARC will become a political party and most fighters will receive an amnesty after explaining their actions publicly.

 Reuters

ISRAEL

Netanyahu vows to push for gas pipeline

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised Thursday to promote plans for an ambitious Mediterranean undersea natural gas pipeline project in a bid by his country to become a key European energy supplier.

Israel is hoping to export much of its newly discovered natural gas to Europe via a proposed 1,350-mile undersea pipeline to Cyprus and Greece.

Its something were very excited about, Netanyahu said on a visit to Thessaloniki, Greeces second-largest city.

Greece and Israel are also planning an undersea electricity cable link and are considering a Mediterranean data cable.

 Associated Press

SERBIA

Leader nominates first female prime minister

Serbias president nominated Ana Brnabic for the post of prime minister Thursday, opening the way for her to become the countrys first female and first openly gay head of government.

Brnabic, a manager not affiliated with a party, will succeed Aleksandar Vucic, who won the presidency in April. The 250-seat parliament will debate Brnabics nomination next week. Vucics allies hold an overwhelming majority, so the vote is largely a formality.

During her ministerial stint, Brnabic sought to reform Serbias bloated administration, a key condition for membership in the European Union.

 Reuters

Rescue ships pick up 1,000 migrants in Mediterranean: Humanitarian rescue ships picked up more than 1,000 migrants from nine rubber and wooden boats off the coast of Libya on Thursday, Italys coast guard said. The Vos Hestia, operated by Save the Children, rescued more than 100 migrants, most of them from Bangladesh, from a rubber dinghy about 21 miles off Libya in international waters. Arrivals of migrants to Italy are up almost 18 percent over the same period last year, Italys Interior Ministry said.

Ex-Guatemalan vice president will accept extradition to U.S.: Former Guatemalan vice president Roxana Baldetti said she is willing to face down criminal charges in the United States, a week after U.S. prosecutors sought her extradition for alleged drug trafficking and other offenses. Im going to show my face in the United States, and am prepared to present myself to resolve my situation, Baldetti told a hearing addressing the U.S. extradition request via video link. At the hearing, Baldetti, who is in prison in Guatemala, where she is being tried for crimes including money laundering and illicit enrichment, denied U.S. prosecutors charges of criminal association and conspiracy to traffic drugs. She was arrested in 2015 along with former president Otto Perez in one of the biggest corruption scandals in Guatemalas history.

Romanian ruling party to introduce no-confidence vote: Romanias ruling party moved to introduce a no-confidence vote against its own government after it withdrew support for Premier Sorin Grindeanu but he refused to resign. The chairman of the Social Democratic Party, Liviu Dragnea, said Grindeanu, in office since January, failed to implement the partys program. Grindeanu said he will resign only after President Klaus Iohannis nominates a replacement from his party. Iohannis, a rival of the Social Democrats, said through his spokeswoman that he will start the process only once Grindeanu quits or loses a confidence vote.

 From news services
ISRAEL

3 Palestinians killed after attacks on police

Three Palestinians armed with an automatic weapon and knives attacked Israeli officers on duty near Jerusalems Old City in twin attacks at two locations Friday evening, critically wounding one before they were fatally shot.

It was the latest in a wave of Palestinian attacks on civilians and soldiers that erupted in 2015. The attacks have subsided in recent months. There has been a string of recent attacks near the Old City, however.

Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said a Palestinian stabbed a female officer in her 20s, critically wounding her. Other officers opened fire, killing the attacker.

Nearby, Palestinians fired at officers with an automatic weapon and attacked them with knives before officers returned fire, killing them.

Since September 2015, Palestinian assailants have killed 42 Israelis. In that time, some 250 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire.

 Associated Press

El SALVADOR

Flooding kills 3, displaces hundreds

Flooding from intense rains has left three dead, displaced hundreds, damaged bridges and inundated more than 150 homes in El Salvador.

Civil Protection Director Jorge Melendez said emergency operations centers had been activated in all municipalities. Melendez said Friday that more than four inches of rain had fallen in the past 24 hours.

Among the dead is a 19-year-old student who was asleep when one of the walls of her home collapsed in rural Olocuilta township about 15 miles southeast of the capital, San Salvador. A 55-year-old man died when a tree fell on him, and another person drowned trying to cross a swollen river.

 Associated Press

FRANCE

Macron urged to stop pressure on migrants

Prominent French actors, lawmakers and others are appealing to President Emmanuel Macron to stop pressure on migrants again converging on Calais after the closure of a wretched camp that came to symbolize Europes migration crisis.

The national rights ombudsman this week denounced mounting pressure on the estimated 500 to 600 migrants in the port city, a magnet for people fleeing war and poverty and trying to reach Britain. He said they are being barred access to water and routinely awakened throughout the night.

The performers and others published a letter to Macron on Friday and launched a petition urging a dignified migration policy and an end to a sort of manhunt against the migrants.

The local administration said in a statement that it is trying to fight migrant smuggling and preserve public order.

 Associated Press

Two bodies found in Mexican resort of Cancun: Authorities in the resort city of Cancun found two dismembered bodies Friday and a gunman was killed in a shootout on a downtown boulevard, just days ahead of a regional gathering that is to include top Latin American diplomats. The bodies of two men were found in two suitcases in a marshy area just beyond Cancuns tourist zone, according to the prosecutors office in the Caribbean coast state of Quintana Roo. Late Thursday, one gunman was killed and two were wounded in a shootout with police. The Organization of American States is to hold its general assembly in Cancun from Monday to Wednesday.

Lobsters must not catch cold before cooking, court says: Italys highest court ruled that lobsters must not be kept on ice in restaurant kitchens because it causes them unjustifiable suffering before their death by fine dining. Judges accepted a complaint by an animal rights group against the owner of a restaurant near Florence who kept live crustaceans on ice. Upholding a sentence by a lower court, the Cassation court said the fact that lobsters are usually cooked alive does not mean they can be mistreated beforehand.

Canadas top court maintains tough stance on trial delays: The Supreme Court of Canada affirmed its tough stance on criminal trial delays in a unanimous ruling that dismissed drug-trafficking charges in a case that took five years for a trial to be set. In a landmark decision last July, the court set out timelines to ensure the right of an accused to a timely trial. That decision has led to hundreds of cases being thrown out and raised concerns that the rights of victims are not being adequately considered.

 From news services
Frederick J. Ryan Jr. is publisher and chief executive of The Washington Post.

Katharine Graham, the iconic former publisher of The Washington Post, was born 100 years ago Friday. We remember her on this centennial not only for her deep and lasting contributions to The Post, but also for her unwavering commitment to the journalistic values that continue to guide news organizations across the country.

Mrs. Grahams role as the first lady of American journalism was never preordained, but today, nearly 16 years after her death, her legacy is inseparable from The Post, just as The Post will forever be linked to Mrs. Graham. Her rise to lead the newspaper and the greater Washington Post Co. was a formative part of the companys history; that history in turn serves as a source of strength as the news organization charts its course through new and challenging times.

[Katharine Graham at 100: Inside the making of one of the greatest Washington memoirs ever]

While not directly involved in the day-to-day management of the company until 1963, Mrs. Graham had a front-row seat to newspapering through her father, Eugene Meyer, who bought The Post at a bankruptcy auction in 1933, and her husband, Philip L. Graham, whom she succeeded as publisher after his death. In those days, The Post was an underdog. Through grit and determination, and through strong management and a competitive mind-set, the Grahams turned it into the preeminent newspaper in the nations capital and one of the most respected newspapers in the country.

In her Pulitzer Prize-winning memoir, Personal History, Mrs. Graham recalled how years of inaction from the Washington Star  the regions self-satisfied and complacent market leader  ultimately led to its downfall, even after heroic efforts to save it. I cant help but imagine that memory running in the back of her mind when The Post took its first steps into the digital era with the launch in 1995 of Digital Ink, a predecessor to washingtonpost.com.

Mrs. Graham was determined never to let The Washington Post fail. She instilled that deeply held principle in her son Donald E. Graham and her granddaughter Katharine Weymouth  the chairman and publisher, respectively, who made the difficult decision in 2013 to sell The Post to an owner who shared their passion for the mission that Mrs. Graham held dear. Today, she would be proud to know, The Washington Post is thriving.

In her first decade as publisher, working with Executive Editor Ben Bradlee, Mrs. Graham faced some of the most severe threats to an independent press in U.S. history. In 1971, she had the courage to publish the Pentagon Papers, a secret history of the Vietnam War. She made that decision even though The Post Co. was going public the same week, and despite threats to its licenses to operate television stations.

She continued to face the specter of retaliation by the Nixon administration  including one now-famous threat involving a big fat wringer  as The Post published Bob Woodward and Carl Bernsteins reporting on the 1972 Watergate break-in and its ultimate ties to the White House.

While the challenges we face today are different from those Mrs. Graham encountered decades ago, the values that guide our decision-making remain the same. The media landscape is changing more rapidly than ever, and many newsrooms around the country are struggling to fund their operations. The rise and weaponization of fake news by those who wish to advance agendas at odds with the facts are among the latest threats facing our industry and society.

We hold on to Mrs. Grahams courage of her convictions as we continue pursuing the kind of accountability journalism for which The Post has long been known. Real journalism  the kind Mrs. Graham worked so hard to protect  is more important than ever. Readers understand that when they see reporting from The Washington Post, they are seeing the truth as nearly as the truth may be ascertained, to steal a line from Mrs. Grahams father.

Just as she was a publisher of the news, Mrs. Graham was a subject of the news. She took setbacks along with success and never let them derail her, or The Post. She was a shrewd business executive in an industry where few women of her generation were able to rise to her rank. And her love for The Post was abundantly returned by the organization she so cherished.

But what we will remember most about Mrs. Graham is that she was fearless. In times like these, that might be her most important lesson of all.
Red Deer stand in in Richmond Park in London. The ornithologist Richard Prum argues that beauty, song and and genetic fitness are not always entwined. (Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

Nick Romeo is a critic and journalist whose work has appeared in the New Yorker, the New Republic, and other publications.

Can female preferences shape the behavior and appearance of males? This is a scientific question with a long, controversial history.

Shortly after the 1871 publication of Charles Darwins The Descent of Man, a biologist named St. George Mivart wrote a review criticizing its proposed theory of sexual selection: Mivart refused to believe that the preferences and choices of females could constitute a selective pressure that shaped the behavior and physiology of male animals. Relying more on Victorian male prejudice than scientific reasoning, Mivart concluded that the instability of vicious feminine caprice could never shape the evolution of males.

Darwin, however, believed that female preferences could in fact shape the evolution of ornamental traits in males (deer antlers, peacock feathers and the like). He even described sexual selection occurring through the mechanism of female agency: The male Argus Pheasant acquired his beauty gradually through the preference of the females during many generations for the more highly ornamented males, he wrote in Descent.

[How come we have a mind?]

"The Evolution of Beauty: How Darwin's Forgotten Theory of Mate Choice Shapes the Animal World - and Us," by Richard O. Prum (Doubleday)

Darwins was a minority opinion, and it remains one to this day. Alfred Russel Wallace, the co-discoverer of evolution by natural selection, first articulated what has become a dominant view  that female animals simply prefer traits that are proxies for health and fitness. Beauty, in short, is just a sign of good genes, and females select mates on this basis alone.

A new book by Yale University ornithologist Richard O. Prum revives and expands Darwins provocative notion that beauty and genetic fitness are not always entwined. In The Evolution of Beauty: How Darwins Forgotten Theory of Mate Choice Shapes the Animal World  and Us, Prum develops a theory of aesthetic evolution that shows how the females of many species select male traits not for their fitness value but simply because they are pleasing.

This might sound like an esoteric distinction within evolutionary biology, but its consequences are far-reaching. If animals prefer mates based on criteria that are not simply proxies for genetic fitness, then evolution is a far more expansive process than generally imagined. It can even accommodate some maladaptive features and behaviors, so long as they have sufficient aesthetic appeal.

Darwin and Prum present evolution as more than an engine that selects organisms with adaptive advantages. They claim that sexual selection operates in part through individual aesthetic preferences for songs, dances, displays, ornaments and even behaviors. Animals are not only shaped by the natural world, they also shape their own evolution through their preferences.

It makes sense that an ornithologist would be a champion of the aesthetic dimensions of evolution. Prum has observed more than a third of the roughly 10,000 species of birds in the world. The vast variety of distinctive avian colorations and song patterns is difficult to explain solely in terms of adaptive fitness. The club-winged manakin, for instance, is a species from the Ecuadorian Andes that sings by rubbing its wings together at high frequencies. These wing songs require evolutionary changes that are actually maladaptive. While other species of birds have hollow bones, the club-winged manakins have solid ulnas that help enhance the sound production of their wing songs. This decreases their flight capacity and efficiency, but these disadvantages seem to be offset by the mating opportunities that the songs create.

This is just one of many examples. Spotted bowerbirds from Australia have precise preferences for the types and colors of materials they use to build bowers, the ornamental structures they use to attract mates. One species favors a particular shade of royal blue, while another uses an optical illusion known as forced perspective that makes objects appear to be a different size than they actually are. The birds are not simply advertising their physical strength by collecting bower construction materials that are more difficult to find. They use very common materials  the skill is in the arrangement. There is no compelling evidence that bower decorations are costly, honest signals of male quality, Prum writes. Rather, they appear to vary like any other aesthetic styles among species. Males with better-constructed and more elaborately decorated bowers are rewarded with more mating opportunities.

[Review: How the Mind Works, by Steven Pinker]

The particulars of avian architecture, courtship dances and songs are thus somewhat contingent and arbitrary. Rather than functioning as signals of health or genetic quality, these complex behaviors develop over generations through the selective pressure of countless individual choices by avian females. Prum argues convincingly that the subjective experience of animals  the pleasure they take in aesthetic display  is a major evolutionary force. What is less clear and never really considered is whether animals are conscious of this pleasure and what it means when we say they experience beauty.

Prum opens his argument with avian examples, but he closes it by considering how the same principles might have shaped human evolution. He speculates that a broad range of features and behaviors  such as deweaponized canine teeth, eyebrows and pubic hair  may have originated through aesthetic evolution. Perhaps human females preferred some of these traits in males on purely aesthetic grounds: Its hard to account for eyebrows as a highly functional indicator of genetic quality.

Prum is particularly eager to emphasize the role that female mating preferences may have played in human evolution, as if feminist arguments were simply waiting for the imprimatur of a biologist. While some of these conjectures are more plausible than others, the book is a major intellectual achievement that should hasten the adoption of a more expansive style of evolutionary explanation that Darwin himself would have appreciated.
Will millennials save the West?

Many commentators seem confident that the answer is yes  that young peoples left-leaning values will be a moderating influence on their insular, xenophobic, right-wing parents. But this complacency may be misplaced.

Young people  or at least a large swath of them  do appear to be growing more left-wing. On several key metrics, though, they also appear to be growing more illiberal, and more radical.

In Britain, young voters showed up en masse last week to help crack the Conservative Partys comfortable majority in Parliament. Newspapers hailed the youthquake, in which they exacted revenge upon the fusty, nationalistic elders whod chosen to bolt the European Union.

About 6 in 10 voters under 35 reported voting for the leftist Labour Party, which opposed Brexit last year and more recently wooed young people with promises of free college, higher taxes on the wealthy and greater spending on health care. Just a quarter of this age bracket voted Tory.

The numbers were roughly the reverse for voters over 65.

An election day poll found other huge gaps between older and younger voters on a range of questions signaling left-wing values and progressivism (such as attitudes toward feminism, environmentalism and the Internet), as political scientist Pippa Norris noted recently.

These trends have been compared with those in the United States, where millennials are also supposed to be the last bulwark against undemocratic Trumpian values.

After all, we came of age during the Great Recession and its aftermath. This has shaped our worldview and made us more skeptical of unfettered capitalism and the establishment. Hence the Bernie bromance, which also came with promises of free college, higher taxes on the wealthy and more generous government health care.

Here in France, many of the already traditionally leftist young have recently drifted further leftward, too. In the first-round presidential elections in the spring, a plurality of the youngest voters chose far-left, Communist-allied Jean-Luc Melenchon.

In second, however, was the far-right candidate: Marine Le Pen, leader of the anti-immigrant, anti-Europe National Front party, who champions law and order and economic patriotism. In fact, Le Pen has stronger support among the very young than the very old. (In the subsequent runoff election, Le Pen did about as well among the young as she did among voters overall.)

In the 1990s, the voters of the National Front were first of all elderly, says Stephane Wahnich, a political science professor at Universite Paris-Est Creteil. Today, he says, the most enthusiastic National Front members are far and away those under 30.

French youths have been increasingly drawn to extremes, he says, because they have little economic mobility and few job opportunities. Additionally, the bogeymen of generations past  Nazism, communism  seem less alarming to a cohort so far removed from World War II and the Cold War.

Therefore to vote for political parties that are ideologically close to these sensibilities poses fewer and fewer problems because many do not make the link, he says.

The French case has parallels with other Western democracies.

As I have written before, research by Roberto Stefan Foa and Yascha Mounk based on the World Values Survey has found that both Americans and Europeans have become more distrusting of their political institutions, more cynical about the worth of democracy and liberal democratic values, and more politically extreme over time.

This is especially true of millennials.

In fact, millennials are the most politically radical generation ever recorded by the World Values Survey, as measured by whether respondents place themselves as either a 1 or a 10 on a 1-10 left-right scale.

In economic extremis for years, we have now gone to extremes.

Perhaps what many have been mistaking for growing progressivism among millennials in Britain and the United States is merely the lefty flavor of the populism to which the young, even more than the old, are increasingly drawn.

Arguably, the most salient characteristic of the lefty candidates whom millennials idolize is not so much their leftiness, but their anti-establishment, at times barn-burning populism. During the U.S. presidential campaign, Bernie Sanders railed against globalization nearly as much as Donald Trump did. His millennial-beloved British analogue, Labours Jeremy Corbyn, espouses far nuttier and more troubling beliefs (including past praise of Fidel Castro, Hugo Chavez and Moammar Gaddafi).

As Mounk has suggested, the proper way we should perhaps think about political divides going forward is not so much left vs. right or liberal vs. conservative. Rather, its something more akin to belief in a closed society vs. an open one, nationalism vs. internationalism.

The jury is out on where my generations views will land, but defenders of the West might want to start working on Plan B.
Sally Kohn is a writer and a CNN political commentator.

Growing up in the 1970s and 1980s, I developed the impression that churches were usually centers of social justice. Of course, some religious groups have opposed efforts for integration and equality. But as a kid, I didnt know that. I thought all preachers were like the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and all parishioners were protesters. Then I grew up. Now, as a lesbian and an activist for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights, I have encountered religious organizations that stand in staunch opposition to justice for all. The Catholic Church was  and remains  a prime example.

[The pope who is unsettling the church in order to set it aright]

James Martin wants to change all that. Martin is a Jesuit priest and writer who has spent years providing spiritual counsel to LGBT Catholics. In June 2016, when a shooter killed 49 people and wounded dozens of others in a gay nightclub in Orlando, Martin was surprised that few Catholic leaders spoke out against the attack and the underlying hatred of the gay community. In response, he posted a video on his Facebook page calling for a new and improved relationship between the Catholic Church and the LGBT community. The video went viral and is the basis for Martins new book, Building a Bridge: How the Catholic Church and the LGBT Community Can Enter Into a Relationship of Respect, Compassion, and Sensitivity.

As a secular Jewish lesbian, I found Martins book to be a lovely glimpse at church-community relations buttressed by an enlightening collection of uplifting scripture. The problem is that Martin doesnt adequately address the deep ecclesiastical and theological roots of the Catholic Churchs anti-gay antagonism. And so his book reads like a solution to a problem he fundamentally misunderstands.

"Building a Bridge: How the Catholic Church and the LGBT Community Can Enter into a Relationship of Respect, Compassion, and Sensitivity," by James Martin (HarperOne)

I appreciate that Martin means well. He wants the Catholic Church to literally practice what it preaches and apply the teachings and philosophy of Jesus to everyone in its flock, including LGBT people. Martin calls for more understanding and conversation between LGBT Catholics and the institutional church, which he analogizes as a two-way bridge. For Martin, the building blocks of that bridge are respect, compassion, and sensitivity  to be shown by the church toward the LGBT community and vice versa.

[Why I wrote about the Catholic Church and the LGBT community]

Those values of respect, compassion, and sensitivity, which guide the form and structure of Martins book, come directly from the Catechism of the Catholic Church. But Martin negates the rest of the passage in the 1992 Catechism, which refers to men and women who have deep-seated homosexual tendencies. The Catechism continues: This inclination, which is objectively disordered, constitutes for most of them a trial.

Martin notes the contradiction only in glossing over it, making the excuse that the churchs homophobic language relates to the orientation, not the person  a difference without distinction to most LGBT people as well as those who take their hateful cues from the church text. But either way, when the church asserts that gay people should be treated with respect, compassion and sensitivity, its plainly not a statement based in equality and thus dignity, but rather disorder and thus pity. In grounding his book this way, Martin inadvertently reminds us about the churchs deep-seated prejudices and undermines his entire point.

Certainly much has changed for the better, as Martin capably illustrates. Some bishops have already called for the church to set aside the phrase objectively disordered,  and Pope Francis and several of his cardinals and bishops can use the word gay, as they have done several times during his papacy. Thats all well and good. Martin says the church should use respectful language and suggests that it should welcome LGBT people because were fun, which is true. We are. But what about supporting the full inclusion and equal dignity of healthy, happy, sexually active LGBT Catholics? Is that a bridge too far?

Heres where Martin gets caught. In preposterously suggesting that the historically maligned and marginalized LGBT community should meet the Catholic Church halfway on this metaphorical bridge of respect, compassion and sensitivity, he argues that in the institutional church, the hierarchy operates from the position of power and therefore LGBT Catholics are called to treat those in power with respect, compassion, and sensitivity. 

Within the Catholic Church, that hierarchy is exclusively male. Not out of habit but by design; the hierarchy of the church gives more power and authority to men. No matter how devout they are, women cannot become leaders in the Catholic hierarchy. This is institutional misogyny that reinforces and rationalizes misogyny in society as a whole, a misogyny that also manifests in the enforced gender codes and norms underlying sexism and homophobia.

The same is true for the privileging of celibacy within the church. Except in parts of Latin America, the Catholic Church hierarchy is celibate  which implicitly suggests that holiness and sexuality are at odds with each other. Is it any wonder that the Catholic Church remains one of the most dominant forces fighting even the most basic forms of contraception access in rich and poor nations around the globe? Cultural anthropologist Gayle Rubin writes about the charmed circle of sexuality, where a few types of sex and sexuality are accepted while everything else is to varying degrees condemned. Sex for procreation between monogamous heterosexual married couples is accepted by our society, as it is by the church. Its easy to map the churchs institutional hierarchy on top of societys sexual hierarchy. Its also easy to see how the churchs shaming of anything outside that hierarchical charmed circle seeds shame in society more broadly.

At a fundamental level, the Catholic Church perpetually associates sexuality with sin in ways that make stigmatizing any non-normative sexuality all the more likely. Of course, that stigma has been dealt in some directions more than others. The church remains more vocal in its condemnation of women who have had abortions than of the men protected within its own institutional hierarchy who have perpetrated the sexual abuse of children. Indeed, in a book ostensibly about sexuality and the church, only once that I noticed did Martin mention the sex abuse scandals  and that was in the context of pleading with LGBT Catholics to find compassion for the bishops who have to deal with the fallout from such cases. But I found it hard not to think about the priest sex abuse cases and the implicit hypocrisy underlying Martins text. To paraphrase Jesus, let those who are not objectively disordered cast the first stone.

Beyond the most superficial gestures and rhetoric of respect, compassion and sensitivity, Martin doesnt address the sorts of lives he envisions for LGBT Catholics. Should they be celibate? Not marry? Exactly how welcome does Martin think they should be? Absent these details, Martin risks promising merely the illusion of equal dignity. LGBT Catholics dont just want the lip service of respect, they want actual equal treatment. Either Martin doesnt know the difference or hes unwilling to do more than dip his toe into the subject.

Of course, if the Catholic Church treated the LGBT community with even superficial respect, compassion and sensitivity, that would be a big step  and make a significant impact on the lives of LGBT Catholics whose family members have been taught by the church to hate them and who have been taught to hate themselves. But for the church to truly respect LGBT people and their rights would require upending the sex and gender hierarchy on which the Catholic Church is largely built, a hierarchy it seems to cling to even more fiercely the more it seems antiquated in the society around it.

Martin may realize this. He ends his book with a series of biblical passages for study and, finally, a prayer of his own creation  offered for the comfort of LGBT Catholics and those who love them. So please, God, help me remember my own goodness, which lies in you, Martin writes. Which inadvertently points to the futility of his quest  and suggests that in addressing the problems the institutional church has caused in their lives, LGBT people must bypass the church and look directly to God.
As Confederate monuments are taken down all over the South, a quiet battle over history and identity continues in Northern Virginia. After two years of intense and acrimonious community debate, the Fairfax County School Board is scheduled to decide July 27 whether to change the name of J.E.B. Stuart High School. Although late to the historical reconsideration game, the school board should follow its peers. Abandon the name. Abandon the legacy. Build something better.

To name a school for someone is to honor that person, to publicly recognize his virtues and bravery. J.E.B. Stuart was a Confederate general, reportedly brilliant and brash, and responsible for many military victories. But no matter how great his skills, in the end, they were used in service of one defining objective: fighting a war in defense of slavery, one of our countrys darkest and most immoral legacies. It doesnt matter if he was, as his supporters say, a Renaissance man who loved his family or if he eschewed owning slaves. None of these traits absolves him of standing on the wrong side of history, of protecting an institution that ruined so many lives.

To date, the school boards record is fairly dismal. The public engagement process began with a disorganized Internet-based survey that missed significant portions of the community. The board hosted a community town hall, where small-group breakout sessions produced pro and con lists that incited arguments and served little purpose. Finally, the board appointed an ad hoc committee, which submitted its final reports a few weeks ago. Rather than producing a unified, systematic document, however, the committees final reports simply reproduce its members ideological divides.

Historical reconsideration is a complex task. We must consider a persons contributions and failures, virtues and vices, all within the context of time. As a graduate student at the Woodrow Wilson School at Princeton University , I witnessed such a process when Princetons Board of Trustees appointed a special committee to reconsider Wilsons legacy. Wilson is a controversial figure. As president of Princeton, he transformed an intellectually lethargic campus into a renowned institution of higher learning, yet he also opposed the admission of African American students. As president of the United States, Wilson restricted child labor, fought for womens suffrage and proposed the League of Nations, but he also expanded segregation in the federal workforce, devastating careers and economic opportunity.

Princeton decided not to change the name of the school; however, it used the historical reconsideration process to delve into issues of identity and inclusion. The outcome was an expanded commitment to diversity that has included a new dean, additional programming and several campuswide initiatives. Princeton has also sought to broaden the historical narrative by acknowledging Wilsons failings and shortcomings.

Supporters of keeping the Stuart name have cited Princeton as a model, arguing that compromise is possible. Keep the name, they say, but expand the factual narrative. Keep the name, but name the gym or the auditorium after a person of color. But this false equivalency misses the massive difference in positive impact between these two figures. Woodrow Wilson, despite his flaws, was a transformative leader for Princeton and the United States. Stuarts primary impact was winning military victories for an army fighting to keep people in bondage.

Martin Luther King Jr. said the ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. In a time of national crisis, Stuart chose to defend a cause centered on the foundation of inequality between races. Nearly 100 years later, the Fairfax County School Board chose to honor, rather than disavow, his legacy by naming a high school after him. Amid desegregation, the move surely sent a powerful signal to African American students already feeling insecure about their place in the community.

Today, J.E.B. Stuart High School is extremely diverse, with a population that is about three-quarters students of color. These students go to a school named after a man who fought for rebellion over unity, bondage over freedom, injustice over equality. The school board has a chance to fix this. Lets hope that in this moment of controversy, they know where to stand.
Not long ago, the United States led the world in confronting climate change. By the end of the Obama administration, thanks in part to the White Houses dogged persistence and nuanced diplomacy, 195 countries had signed the Paris climate accord.

For the first time, in a truly global pact, every country that contributes more than 1 percent of the worlds greenhouse gases, except Russia and Iran, agreed to reduce emissions. But President Trump has recklessly signaled that the United States intends to withdraw from that agreement.

A spokesman for Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R) said, This is not an action the governor would have taken.

That tepid ambivalence is not leadership.

True leaders picked up the reins of responsibility Trump relinquished. Twelve governors  from both major parties  put politics aside, joined forces and recommitted themselves to doing all they can to save our planet.

Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D), Delaware Gov. John Carney (D) and D.C. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser (D) all signed on.

Marylands governor? Absent.

If this were Hogans only transgression when it comes to Marylands natural resources, he might be excused. Unfortunately, it is the latest in a string of failures that threatens to make Marylands reversals on safeguarding the environment almost as abrupt and unconscionable as the presidents. Criminal referrals for environmental investigations, for example, have plummeted since Hogan took office  not because violations are down, but because there are fewer inspectors to find and report violations.

While governors along the East Coast sought deeper emissions cuts through the nine-state Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), Hogan led the charge to block those changes. The Maryland legislature implored the governor to stand up to Trumps budget cuts, yet Hogan stood silent as federal funds and programs to clean up the Chesapeake Bay were slated for elimination, jeopardizing a generation of progress to protect our states most valuable environmental asset. Even after environmental advocates and the General Assembly committed the state to reducing emissions 40 percent below 2006 levels by 2030, Hogan vetoed the Maryland Clean Energy Jobs Act, but legislators secured the votes to override his veto.

This deficit of state leadership could not come at a worse time. Every high schooler learns that the United States federalist structure was designed as a check on unfettered executive power.

Thats what Brian E. Frosh (D) is doing as he leads attorneys general from across the nation to stop Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitts assault on our natural resources. Thats what University of Maryland President Wallace D. Loh is doing when he commits to eliminating carbon-based energy purchases by 2020. And thats what conservation groups including the Maryland League of Conservation Voters, Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Sierra Club and Maryland Climate Coalition are doing when they obtain veto-proof majorities for environmental action in the General Assembly.

Its also what governors along the Eastern Seaboard are doing  Democratic and Republican, from New Yorks Andrew M. Cuomo (D) to Massachusettss Charlie Baker (R) and Vermonts Phil Scott (R). Its what then-Maryland Gov. Martin OMalley (D) did when he jump-started Marylands clean-energy economy and helped launch the RGGI. This is what the framers expected states would do if the nation faced an existential threat.

Hogan has alternated between silence and standing in the way. He likes to say he isnt bothering himself with the politics of Washington. But indifference is inexcusable. For Maryland, restoring and conserving our natural resources are not just about symbolic stances and principles of federalism, they are also about public safety and the economic vitality of our state.

For an Eastern Shore that relies on agriculture and tourism, climate change presents a fundamental threat to those economies in ways that virtually no other state except California can appreciate. Maryland has, thanks to the majestic twists and turns of the Chesapeake Bay, a magnificent 3,200-mile-long coastline. So when it comes to extreme storms, coastal erosion and rising sea levels, climate change presents a peril to Maryland that few other states can fathom. When our state and our country need clarion leadership, our governor remains silent. The next generation needs us to speak up.

The writer served as policy director to first lady Michelle Obama and senior adviser at the State Department under Secretary Hillary Clinton and Secretary John F. Kerry.
John Pomfret is editor-at-large at SupChina and author of The Beautiful Country and the Middle Kingdom: America and China, From 1776 to the Present.

In April of last year, to mark National Security Education Day, a series of posters went up in an alleyway near my home in Beijing. The 16 panels, tantalizingly titled Dangerous Love, told the story of a comely Chinese civil servant, Little Li, who meets a Western man at a dinner party. The man, David, claims to be a visiting scholar but is actually a foreign spy. He cozies up to Little Li and purloins Chinese state secrets. In one of the final panels, we see Little Li sitting handcuffed before two police officers. The moral: There are spies everywhere, beware!

This year the competition to root out foreign spooks and their Chinese co-conspirators has spread nationwide. Educators in Jiangsu province rolled out a set of elementary school textbooks featuring games such as find the spy. Authorities in Beijing offered cash rewards to citizens who reported foreign intelligence operatives and their Chinese lackeys. State media across China warned of an increasingly severe national security situation.

[How religion returned to China after Mao]

Its unclear whether these campaigns will actually dig up any moles. Nonetheless, these now-yearly endeavors underscore what remains a vital goal of Chinas government: to shore up the snitch society that has kept the Communist Party in power since its early days. From the founding of the Peoples Republic of China, people have been expected to report on their friends, relatives, teachers, classmates and co-workers because it was they who knew the most private thoughts of their loved ones. In China, the stool pigeon is the true hero of the revolution.

"No Wall Too High: One Man's Daring Escape from Mao's Darkest Prison," by Xu Hongci (Sarah Crichton/FSG)

The results of these campaigns are well-known. In the early 1950s, the Communists dispatched millions to labor camps and executed millions more on the basis of evidence culled from those near and dear to them. During the Anti-Rightist Campaign, which started in 1957, 600,000 people were sent to jail, many because they had been denounced by those around them. Another low point was the Cultural Revolution, from 1966 to 1976, when the lives of millions more were ruined by snitches who outed friends, relatives and neighbors for reading Western books, praising Western countries or, heaven forbid, watching an old Western movie.

One of the best ways to gain an understanding of the type of society the Communists created in China  and its legacy today  is through the memoirs of people who survived these campaigns. Jung Changs Wild Swans remains a classic. But there are other equally moving books, such as Prisoner of Mao by Bao Ruowang, A Single Tear by Wu Ningkun and Li Yikai, and Life and Death in Shanghai by Nien Cheng, who immigrated to Washington after she was released from the Chinese gulag and lived there until she died in 2009.

Now we can add another masterpiece to this list: No Wall Too High: One Mans Daring Escape From Maos Darkest Prison, by Xu Hongci. Xus memoir, which was translated and edited from the Chinese by the writer Erling Hoh, tells the story of an idealistic Communist Party member who falls afoul of the revolution when his expectations for a democratic China run headlong into Maos totalitarian regime. In 1957, Xu was sentenced to Chinas gulag after he and a few classmates publicly criticized the Communist Party for its (at the time) slavish devotion to the Soviet Union, for holding fake elections with only one party-approved candidate, and for its harsh persecution of those who had hoped that Maos revolution meant freedom, not repression. Xu was denounced by his girlfriend and his schoolmates.

[Escape From Camp 14: One Mans Remarkable Odyssey from North Korea to Freedom in the West, by Blaine Harden]

Thus begins the story of Xus 16-year life in the gulag. Throughout his odyssey, Xu suffered at the hands of his fellow inmates, who received extra food or a lighter workload in exchange for speaking ill of him. He was slapped into solitary confinement, beaten, made the subject of mass struggle sessions and threatened with execution. Xus journey in Maos gulag finally ended in 1973, when he achieved the impossible: He escaped from prison and from China, fleeing to the relative freedom of the then-Peoples Republic of Mongolia. Xus translator, Hoh, is not wrong to claim that Xu is the only known escapee from Maos prisons.

What distinguishes Xu from many other Chinese memoirists is that while many of them were bystanders caught up in the events, Xu was a true believer who passionately wanted to make a contribution to his country. He joined the underground Communist Party before the 1949 revolution at the age of 15. And in the first years following Maos victory he participated in the often-bloody land reform movement and supported the partys goals.

But, like many well-meaning acolytes of the regime, Xu became the prey of the Communist Party, which turned on its young. To crush Xu, the party relied on those around him  first his friends and girlfriend and later his fellow inmates  to report on his inner thoughts and to implicate him in an endless series of thought crimes, which essentially revolved around his undying desire to be free.

Whats amazing is that throughout his 16 years in jail, Xu remained unbowed and convinced of the righteousness of his cause. He tried to escape four times, and he details each attempt and all the other dramatic events of his imprisonment with a painstaking sense of historical responsibility. Despite the constant surveillance and ratting, Xu held few grudges among the wardens and prisoners who persecuted him so; he knew who was to blame. People become evil at the enticement of others, he observed. If theres hadnt been a Mao Zedong, Im sure there wouldnt be lackeys.

After Chinas opening to the West, Xu was allowed to return to China from Mongolia. With his Mongolian wife, he settled back in his home town, Shanghai. In 2008, a version of Xus memoir was first published in Chinese in Hong Kong. That year, Xu died.

In 2012, the writer Erling Hoh found the memoir in a library in Hong Kong. Hoh contacted Xus family and obtained Xus unedited manuscript. He discovered that the Chinese version had been censored by a Chinese journalist and party member who had toned down Xus acerbic criticism of the state. Hoh then re-translated the entire 600 pages of the original manuscript, whittling it down to a compelling read.

Chinas latest binge of vigilance against spies and other enemies is a reminder that those who seek to empower the snitch society remain active. To be sure, China has progressed since the dark days of the 1950s and 60s when its labor camps were stuffed full of class enemies. Still, if you have any doubts about the tenacity of the hold that Chinas repressive system exerts on its people, ponder for a bit the fate of Lee Bo, the Hong Kong bookseller who published the Chinese edition of Xus book. In the spring of 2016, just as China was ramping up its National Security Day campaign, Chinese agents kidnapped Lee from Hong Kong and smuggled him over the border into China. There Lee was held for several weeks incommunicado and ordered to stop publishing books that exposed the troubled history of the Chinese Communist Party.
Todd Sterns June 2 op-ed, The world will rally. It has to, reported that 194 other nations are parties to the Paris climate agreement. If true, this would leave only two other nations, and now the United States, as non-parties.

However, a quick check of the United Nations website giving ratification status demonstrates that only 147 nations are actually parties to the agreement. A nation that is a signatory is not legally bound by the agreement. In essence, a signatory is just thinking about joining.

Russia, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, Colombia, Egypt and Switzerland are among the signatory nations that have not ratified the agreement.

The United States is a signatory to many treaties and agreements it has never ratified, including the U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child.

There are approximately four dozen nations whose leaders signed the agreement but whose legislative bodies have not agreed to be bound. The United States is far from the only nation giving this agreement a second thought.

Michael Farris, Purcellville
President Trump now finds himself exactly where he doesnt want to be: under investigation by a dogged, highly respected prosecutor who owes him no personal or political loyalty. And the president has only himself to blame.

Trump let off some steam Thursday morning by issuing a couple of angry statements on Twitter: They made up a phony collusion with the Russians story, found zero proof, so now they go for obstruction of justice on the phony story. Nice. And then: You are witnessing the single greatest WITCH HUNT in American political history - led by some very bad and conflicted people!

Someone please take away his phone.

Not for the first time, Trump gives a false impression of whats really going on. He pretends there has already been a finding that there was no collusion between anyone involved in his presidential campaign and the Russian attempt to meddle in our election. No such conclusion has been reached.

To the contrary: Thanks to The Post, we now know that collusion is only one of three subject areas that the FBI investigation, now led by special counsel Robert S. Mueller III, is exploring.

(Patrick Martin,McKenna Ewen/The Washington Post)

Another is, indeed, the possibility that Trump may have obstructed justice in his repeated efforts to quash the investigation. How could any prosecutor fail to pursue this line of inquiry? Trump fired FBI Director James B. Comey, sent out spokespeople and surrogates with a far-fetched cover story to explain the dismissal, and then told NBCs Lester Holt that the real reason for the firing was Comeys pursuit of the Russia investigation. Trump also bragged to visiting Russian diplomats that getting rid of Comey relieved him of great pressure because of Russia.

Those very public actions and statements alone cry out for investigation. But Comey has testified under oath that in a private meeting, Trump raised the investigation of fired national security adviser Michael Flynn  part of the larger Russia probe  and said, I hope you can see your way clear to letting this go, to letting Flynn go. Comey said he took this hope, coming from the president of the United States, as a direction.

Trump also reportedly asked Director of National Intelligence Daniel Coats and CIA Director Mike Pompeo to intercede with Comey on the Flynn case, then later asked Coats and National Security Agency chief Michael S. Rogers to state publicly that Trump was not personally under investigation. Apparently, none of the officials complied with these requests.

In sworn testimony on Capitol Hill, Coats and Rogers declined to speak about their conversations with the president  though it is doubtful they had any legal right to keep mum. According to The Post, Mueller plans to interview both officials soon and also plans to question Richard Ledgett, who until recently held the No. 2 job at the NSA.

To me, this looks, walks and quacks like a pattern. Perhaps it does to Mueller as well.

Finally, we know that Muellers investigators are also looking for any evidence of possible financial crimes among Trump associates, as The Post phrased it. It goes without saying that discovering any money flows between Trump campaign officials or advisers and Russian government-linked individuals or institutions would be explosive. That is why investigators want to know more about a meeting between Trumps son-in-law, Jared Kushner, and executives of Vnesheconombank, a Russian state-owned development bank now under U.S. sanctions.

Those are the prongs of the investigation  that we know of. Attention is focused on the question of obstruction simply because so much of Trumps campaign to deep-six the investigation has been conducted openly, at full volume. I dont know whether the FBI and Muellers crack team of prosecutors have any solid evidence of collusion or shady financial deals. If they find none, Im certain Mueller will forthrightly report that fact  but only after completing a proper investigation, which takes time.

Other presidents have managed to compartmentalize investigations and go about the business of governing, but Trump seems consumed by the Mueller probe. His tweet about a WITCH HUNT conducted by bad people is just a Trumpian version of what appears to be the official White House line  that this is somehow a partisan attempt to delegitimize the Trump presidency.

But it is not. As Trump still struggles to acknowledge, the U.S. intelligence community is fully convinced that Russia carried out an attack on our democracy. We need to know what happened so that we can ensure it never happens again. Why would the president object to a thorough investigation  unless he had something to hide?

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.
MARYLAND AND the District sued President Trump on Monday, and on Wednesday 196 Democrats in Congress agreed to file their own lawsuits against the president. Each claim that Mr. Trump has violated the Constitutions emoluments clause, which bars government officials from accepting any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince, or foreign State without Congresss consent. The president still owns Washingtons Trump International Hotel, which has drawn business from foreign officials since Mr. Trump was elected. This has resulted, Maryland and the District argue, in unconstitutional payments that harm local facilities that must compete with the presidents hotel. Members of Congress, meanwhile, argue that they have not been consulted, as the Constitution requires.

Since its drafting, the emoluments clause has been a provision of interest primarily to constitutional scholars. It is unclear who can bring an emoluments clause case; Maryland and the District face a high hurdle in persuading federal judges to entertain their suit, as do a group of minority-party lawmakers acting without the consent of the whole legislature.

In the end, the courts may not solve the financial questions raised by Mr. Trumps election. What should he do about the clear conflict-of-interest issues raised by the Trump International Hotel, not to mention the rest of his properties? More broadly, what should the public expect billionaire presidents to do to limit impropriety or the appearance of impropriety?

In most cases, the only reasonable, ethical course is creating a blind trust. Assets should be sold off and transferred into an account run by people with independence from the president. For billionaires whose wealth is mostly in paper assets, this would likely be sufficient to relieve most ethical concerns.

But Mr. Trump rejected this approach. Selling off real estate can take more time than liquidating stock holdings. It would raise its own ethical flags  who is buying, and at what price?

Mr. Trump proposed an alternative in January, including a promise to donate all Trump hotel profits derived from foreign governments. Unfortunately, Mr. Trump has not met his own standard. Late last month, congressional investigators revealed a Trump Organization pamphlet showing that his hotel business probably would not account for the money it gets from various kinds of government-owned enterprises and other foreign state entities.

Then there are the standards Mr. Trump has neither set nor met. For example, he should take no profit from foreign sources on any of his properties, not just his hotels. He turned over day-to-day control of his business to others, but two of those people are his sons; it is unreasonable to expect family members to maintain the proper distance. It is fine for presidents to spend time at their own property, but if that has the effect of benefiting their bottom line  the Mar-a-Lago membership fee recently doubled to $200,000  then they should keep their distance.

If Mr. Trump insists on keeping his business, its operations should be run by caretakers. Mr. Trumps current arrangement calls for no new foreign deals, but he should proscribe new domestic enterprises as well. Finally, there must be far more transparency. Mr. Trump should release not only his tax returns but a detailed, complete accounting of his businesses and ties.

Courts may not make these things happen. But voters should expect no less.
THE TREASURY DEPARTMENT has produced the proposal for financial regulatory reform that President Trump ordered up four months ago, pursuant to his claim that were going to be doing a big number on Dodd-Frank. Because Dodd-Frank is the shorthand title of an overhaul of Wall Street regulation adopted by a Democratic Congress and signed by President Barack Obama in response to the panic of 2008, advocates of a more stable and resilient financial sector had been dreading Mr. Trumps attempts to roll it back.

Were their worries justified? Certainly the most concerning aspect of the Trump Treasury document is its disparagement of the various mechanisms Dodd-Frank created to ensure that financial institutions are adequately capitalized. Perhaps more than any other measure a government might take, none is more effective, in terms of reducing systemic risk, than requiring systemically important banks to hold a balance-sheet buffer large enough to withstand even a catastrophic recession. Yet the Treasury plan calls on the Federal Reserve to soften the terms of its annual stress tests of bank capital, or even make them biennial , ostensibly to liberate lending. No doubt tighter capital requirements may have tamped down lending, but swapping growth for stability is an acceptable trade-off in view of the disastrous buildup of risk that pre-crisis regulations permitted.

Somewhat more plausible is the documents endorsement of a regulatory off-ramp for well-capitalized banks  that is, large institutions could qualify for relief from much of Dodd-Frank if they were to hold at least a 10 percent capital buffer. A similar idea is at the heart of the Dodd-Frank repeal that passed the House on June 8. While that bill, known as the Financial Choice Act, is otherwise studded with unwise giveaways to the financial industry, the basic idea of trading regulatory relief for solid capital has promise, provided that the capital buffer is, indeed, high-quality and subject to rigorous and regular review. Also reasonable was Treasurys call for a somewhat looser regime for credit unions and community banks; these institutions were not significant sources of systemic risk before the crisis and still arent today.

Whats most striking about the Treasury plan, and the Choice Act, is how little chance they actually have of resulting in a big number on Dodd-Frank. True, much regulatory loosening can be accomplished through executive-branch action, as Treasury noted in its report. In particular, big banks are likely to profit from proposed technical changes to how regulators calculate their leverage ratios. Yet nothing more fundamental  such as weakening the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, a long-standing demand of both the GOP and Wall Street  can be changed without 60 votes in the Senate. Republicans dont have them. Also notable was the Treasury plans silence on reforming the housing-finance system, which has been in institutional limbo since the de facto nationalization of the Federal National Mortgage Association and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation nearly a decade ago. Treasurys report repeatedly declares its intention to revitalize the mortgage market, but without reform of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, any such efforts will remain insufficient.
Michael A. Needham is chief executive of Heritage Action for America.

Anyone who thinks real compassion is found in a federal government program hasnt spent much time at the post office. Thats the central insight motivating the inclusion of the state waiver from the Obamacare program in the House-passed American Health Care Act. And its the reason President Trump was wrong to call the bill mean.

Almost everyone is frustrated with the process of repealing and replacing Obamacare that has played out this year. Conservatives are most justified in their frustration. After consistently being told the Republican Party was unified in the objective of repealing Obamacare lock, stock and barrel, weve had our worst suspicions confirmed about the cynicism of so many in Washington.

That frustration, however, does not let us off the hook for cool-headed analysis of the legislation being formed.

The House-passed American Health Care Act would be an important step forward in taking power away from indifferent federal bureaucrats and giving states the opportunity to truly experiment in how they insure older and sicker patients.

Some states, no doubt, would opt to stay within the onerous progressive mandate structure of Obamacare. Their citizens would, unfortunately, experience the cold bureaucracy of government programs.

Other states, however, would choose to loosen the bureaucratic regulations imposed by Obamacare in favor of allowing innovation and personalized products that cover only what is needed by the consumer, not what is prescribed by Washington. Think of what a difference that would be from the status quo under Obamacare, in which one-third of counties now have only one insurer on Obamacare exchanges.

This is not to say the Senate should rubber-stamp the House-made product. But as the Senate does its work, conservatives are going to be watching closely three critical demands.

First, it is vital that the Senate preserve the flexibility to allow states to get out from under Obamacare. Many conservatives would prefer the Senate maintain and improve the deal brokered by House Freedom Caucus Chairman Mark Meadows (R-N.C.) and Rep. Tom MacArthur (R-N.J.). Others suggest jury-rigging Obamacares Section 1332, which was created to allow a state such as Vermont to move past Obamacare toward single-payer insurance.

Regardless of which path is taken, conservatives will not support any legislation that does not empower states to move out of the costly and burdensome rules and regulations of Obamacare.

Second, the Senate absolutely must maintain the significant entitlement reforms made in the House bill to Medicaid. Obamacares unsustainable expansion of Medicaid to able-bodied adults at an enhanced federal match rewarded states that prioritized Medicaid populations least in need over states that declined the expansion to focus their programs instead on the most vulnerable. The House bills effort to roll back the enhanced match for this population and establish per capita caps on Medicaid spending would end these perverse incentives and begin the work of establishing a sustainable financing model for Medicaid. This entitlement reform was among the bills greatest achievements, an important point in favor of an Obamacare repeal conservatives otherwise rightly deemed insufficient.

Finally, some are suggesting the Senate will not repeal all of Obamacares taxes due to the Senates Byrd Rule, which requires that the bill not increase the deficit. The concern stems from the Senates misguided inclination to keep additional Obamacare spending on the books. If that happens, senators will argue they have no choice but to preserve some of Obamacares financing provisions. That will be a non-starter for a lot of conservatives.

The American Health Care Act does not fully repeal Obamacare. Passing it will not fix Americas broken health-care financing system. That task will remain urgent. For the United States to have health insurance markets worthy of our nation, it will require ending the enormous tax preference given to purchasing health insurance negotiated by your boss rather than yourself. It will require freeing the country from the regulatory burdens created by Obamacare and decades of other forms of federal meddling.

Nonetheless, the House-passed American Health Care Act was a step forward. And its most important insight  that true compassion lies not in Washington, but across this country in local communities where neighbors know and care for each other  should be the central insight the Republican Party brings to all future debates.
The sudden embargo on Qatar pushed this month by the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia has peeved the State Department and Pentagon, drawing sharp criticism of those two close Persian Gulf allies.

The Qatar flap has also opened a fascinating window on the inner workings of the Trump administrations foreign policy. Its a rare instance in which Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, the quiet man on the Trump team, appears to have persuaded the president to back off his initial course and, as a White House official put it, let Rex handle it, at least for now.

The June 5 announcement of the anti-Qatar blockade surprised the United States on several levels, officials said. It was a diktat, without clear demands or a pathway to resolution. The timing was awkward, coming soon after President Trump had attended a regional summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, at which Qatar appeared to be a valued participant, and just as the United States was launching the final phase of its campaign to clear Islamic State extremists from Raqqa, Syria.

Some senior U.S. officials saw the Qatar boycott plan as half-baked, escalating a feud among allies that might have unintended consequences, and potentially benefiting Iran and other common adversaries. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis feared the blockade might jeopardize U.S. operations at Al Udeid Air Base, south of Doha, the most important U.S. military hub in the region.

Yousef al-Otaiba, the UAE ambassador to Washington, acknowledged the State and Pentagon criticism of his countrys action. But he argued in an interview that the United States should see the issue as an opportunity to reduce Qatars support for extremism in the region, rather than as a crisis that needs to be defused.

Otaiba said that a formal list of demands to Qatar hadnt been completed yet, because of coordination among the four main boycotters, Egypt, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The message to Qatar will be: If you want to be part of our team, heres a clear list of things you have to do. Otaiba added that many of the demands would focus on pledges Qatar made in 2014 to reduce support for opposition groups in neighboring countries.

When the blockade was announced, there was an obvious disconnect in U.S. policy. Tillerson said June 5 in Australia: We certainly would encourage the parties to sit down together and address these differences. He wanted to de-escalate this Arab family feud before it got too hot, and potentially violent.

But Trumps instinct was to side with the Saudis and Emiratis. He tweeted June 6: During my recent trip to the Middle East I stated that there can no longer be funding of Radical Ideology. Leaders pointed to Qatar  look! That was hardly even handed. On a broader level, Trump is said to believe that the United States shouldnt try to solve problems for Middle Eastern countries and should instead let the natural order play itself out, as one official put it.

But over the subsequent 10 days, Trump decided to give Tillerson responsibility for negotiating a solution. Partly, that reflects the White Houses deference to Tillersons decades of personal relationships in the gulf, and probably also its appreciation that the former ExxonMobil chief stays out of the news.

Tillerson noted his long experience in the region in a comment June 6 in New Zealand, as the crisis was festering: I have been in dealings with the Qatari leadership now for more than 15 years, so we know each other quite well. I know the father emir well. I know the current emir well. Hes equally familiar with Saudi and UAE leaders.

Mattiss concern partly reflects his desire to concentrate fire on the Islamic State. Commanders say the final conquest of Raqqa, which began more than a week ago, is going better than expected. The U.S.-backed assault force numbers more than 40,000, with somewhere between 35 and 50 percent local Arabs, and the rest Kurds. Theres fragile liaison with the disparate combatants in eastern Syria  Russians, Iranians, Turks and the Syrian regime. The United States wants to deconflict (as in its near-daily professional and responsive contacts with the Russian military over Syria), not complicate matters with regional feuds.

Qatars defense minister, Khalid bin Mohammed al-Attiyah, told me in an interview Wednesday that in the negotiations ahead, Qatari officials will have maneuvering space to get to a deal that does not jeopardize our sovereignty.

If that happens, this Arab family quarrel is on the way to getting resolved  and the argument to let Rex handle it will gain strength in an administration thats still learning the diplomatic ropes.

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Over the last eight years, gun sales have soared and gun control laws have stalled. Now the NRA is fighting a battle its already won, and ignoring the real interests of gun owners. (Bonnie Jo Mount/Washington Post)

In the winter of 2008, shortly after the election of Barack Obama, my fiancee and I stopped into a local gun shop in Austin to buy ammunition for target practice, a hobby we enjoyed once or twice a month. Though we hadnt asked, the clerk behind the counter told us that all the AR- and AK-style rifles were back-ordered. We could get on the waitlist, he offered, but the delay might be a couple of months  if its still even legal to buy one then.

Eight years later, gun rights in America appear not only to have survived the Obama administration but to have thrived. Gun sales broke records almost every year of the past eight. As president, Obama signed legislation allowing guns onto Amtrak trains and into national parks, where they were previously prohibited, and his executive orders after the Sandy Hook massacre had no perceptible effect on most gun owners. Then we elected Donald Trump  a long-shot candidate who earned an endorsement from the National Rifle Association before he had even consolidated the support of his own political party. In April, Trump became the first sitting U.S. president since Ronald Reagan to address the NRAs annual meeting. He told the cheering crowd that he was their true friend and champion in the White House and proclaimed that the eight-year assault on your Second Amendment freedoms was over.

Perhaps the NRA shouldnt have cheered. For years, the gun lobby has built its narrative around the idea that powerful forces in government are conspiring to ban and confiscate privately owned guns. That premise drove gun owners to sporting-goods stores, as well as to the polls. Trumps election, coinciding with conservative majorities in both houses of Congress and on the Supreme Court, has tanked gun sales and undermined the NRAs most effective messaging. And with several Republican congressmen targeted this past week in a shooting in suburban Washington , the familiar political rhetoric about guns now seems dissonant.

When the NRA sells T-shirts depicting a rifle-wielding eagle above the slogan Because you cant fist fight tyranny, the implication is that you can fight tyranny (however you perceive it) with guns. It should be no surprise that someone would shoot democratically elected representatives when weve been told for decades that thats the patriotic redress to political grievances. How will the NRAs anti-government message resonate in the absence of a gun-grabbing bogeyman, and when its own A-rated politicians are targeted by gun violence? And who will represent gun owners actual interests while the NRA chases an antagonistic strategy that now seems entirely played out?

The idea that the NRA speaks with one voice for Americas 100 million gun owners has never really been credible. The organization claims to have 5 million members, a figure that cant be independently verified and that doesnt jibe with its magazine circulation. That tally also includes people like me: intermittent NRA members who joined as a prerequisite for something else. (Local gun clubs, certain insurance policies and even some employers require NRA membership or subsidize it as a benefit.) In any case, the political agenda of the organization doesnt necessarily reflect the will of rank-and-file members. Of the 76 directors who lead the NRA, annual-dues-paying members elect only one. A small committee nominates candidates to fill the other 75 positions, for which only lifetime members may cast votes.

Still, theres no denying the NRAs huge political influence over the past few decades. Its Political Victory Fund scores candidates at every level of government, and an endorsement can be extremely valuable  in the 2016 election cycle, the NRA dumped millions of dollars into key races. By flexing its political muscle, the NRA has blocked funding for federal gun violence research, stalled presidential appointments and killed every significant piece of gun-control legislation introduced in Congress since the federal assault weapons ban of 1994.

Having won battles against universal background checks and the federal assault weapons ban, the group has moved on to champion less-popular causes. Here in Texas, affiliates of the NRA have voiced support for the right to carry guns in college classrooms, courthouses, mental hospitals and zoos , and the right to carry a gun with no license or training whatsoever.

But who really wants this stuff? In August 2016, a young man identified himself to the New York Times as the only remaining member of Students for Campus Carry at the University of Texas at Austin (where about 40,000 undergraduates are enrolled). Ive observed half a dozen open-carry demonstrations in the vicinity of the Texas State Capitol  the clusters of men with semiautomatic rifles slung across their chests are conspicuous but not numerous. A 2015 University of Texas/Texas Tribune poll found that only 32 percent of Texans wanted looser gun laws; a 2016 poll in Utah found that only 24 percent of Utahns supported legalizing permitless carrying. These are policies in search of a constituency.

Legislators in deep-red Texas, Louisiana and South Carolina were still considering permitless-carry legislation this spring, after similar bills failed in New Mexico, Virginia, Utah and South Dakota. The bills were widely unpopular and were vocally opposed by law enforcement, but they all had the support of NRA-affiliated state organizations. Gun violence prevention advocates in Texas and Louisiana told me that, behind closed doors, Republican legislators encouraged them to keep up the fight, in the hopes that public pressure would ease these bills to an early death in committee. Thats exactly what happened. (Supporters of permitless carry in Texas have hopes that the legislation could get another chance during this summers special session, but Gov. Greg Abbott didnt include it on his 19-point agenda.)

That the policies are unpopular and incite protest can be spun as a plus for the NRA in the post-Obama era. You wont find anybody spontaneously marching in the streets in favor of gun confiscation or a broad ban on civilian gun sales. If the NRA wants to produce evidence of anti-gun activism, it needs to provoke it. Suggest guns in dormitories or guns in bars or a bill to allow domestic abusers to keep their guns, and of course somebody will show up wearing a sandwich board or swinging a dildo in protest.

Meanwhile, many new gun owners seem content (or compelled) to stand apart from the NRA and establish their own organizations. These include the National African American Gun Association; the Pink Pistols, an LGBT gun group; Trigger Happy Firearm Instruction, described by its founder as a movement for African American women; and the Black Womens Defense League . Some of these growing groups (such as the Liberal Gun Club) have articulated specific policy positions, but most have very broad vision statements about inclusion or empowerment.

Faced with an evolving political climate, the NRA appears now to be doubling down on strategic antagonism. Casting about for a new enemy to replace Obama, the group recently turned its attention to People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), which it compares to al-Qaeda . While the NRA focuses on PETA, perhaps one of these emerging groups can take up issues more relevant to many gun owners.

(Sarah Parnass/The Washington Post)

Almost every gun owner will tell you that they prioritize safety. Theyre usually talking about their own practices in the way they handle guns. And to their credit, most gun-related organizations Ive encountered, including the NRA, offer information or training on the safe handling of firearms to prevent accidents. But what about consumer safety? The NRA has fought efforts to regulate gun and ammunition manufacturing, or to grant any federal agency the authority to mandate a safety recall for firearms. In some instances, gunmakers have known for years about defects in their products that have caused injuries and death, but have delayed issuing a recall. Nearly every other industry in the United States is subject to regulatory oversight for product safety, and the firearm industry should be no different. But when legislators express support for emerging technology that could make guns safer, the NRA labels them anti-gun.

Another meaningful initiative that a membership organization for gun owners could pursue is suicide prevention. In 2014, I wrote about a small campaign organized by gun enthusiasts and suicide prevention experts in New Hampshire. Part of the idea was that gun owners should, as a matter of course, temporarily take firearms away from friends or relatives experiencing emotional distress (during a divorce or a job loss, for example). The idea is no more offensive than the notion of taking away a friends car keys when hes had too much to drink. One has to wonder why the NRA, an organization that emphasizes safety, hasnt embraced efforts like this one. The NRA has recently exhibited a little interest in suicide prevention, though it isnt an issue they emphasize. When NRA spokespeople address suicide, its usually to dismiss the demonstrable fact that easy access to guns is a risk factor.

A third useful role for a socially responsible gun club could be to work with government to help keep guns out of the wrong hands. It might sound preposterous today to suggest that a firearms enthusiast group might support strict recordkeeping on gun sales or a waiting period for purchases, or might help the government write legislation to restrict civilian access to battlefield weapons. But it has happened before, in the 1920s and 30s . The group was called the National Rifle Association.

Twitter: @GermanGlassEye

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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

Vice President Pence turned 58 on the same day that two senior intelligence officialsfielded questions before a Senate committee about the FBIs ongoing Russia probe  and one day before fired FBI director James B. Comey appeared before the same committee to discuss why he believed President Trump had acted inappropriately.

The back-to-back rounds of testimony were merely the latest signs of a presidency in the grip of tumult. But flying down to Houston that morning for an astronaut event, Pence didnt seem to have a care in the world.

His staff had decorated the middle cabin of Air Force Two with a festive tableau of balloons and streamers and greeted him with a warbling rendition of Happy Birthday.

What are you all doing? the vice president asked with a smile, opening his arms wide and taking in the scene with a combination of faux-surprise and subdued delight. This is out of control.

Trumps administration did seem to be spiraling out of control, but Pence was  literally and figuratively  1,400 miles away from the maelstrom in Washington, projecting his de facto stance of serene confidence or willful oblivion, depending on ones perspective.

(Jenny Starrs/The Washington Post)

Such is life for Pence, who has earned his bosss support and confidence one laudatory and skim-milk utterance at a time. On Monday, when the president held his first full Cabinet meeting, Pence set the tone by describing working for Trump as the greatest privilege of my life  setting off an avalanche of obsequiousness as the remaining officials took turns lavishing praise on their leader.

But Pences political balance-beam routine is showing signs of strain, according to a portrait of the vice president culled from interviews with 17 aides, advisers, friends, allies and Republican operatives. The vice president himself declined requests for an interview.

[Pence hires outside counsel to deal with Russia probe inquiries]

As the Russia investigation continues to expand, for example, Pence took steps this week to protect himself, hiring former U.S. attorney and Virginia attorney general Richard Cullen as his own outside legal counsel, just as Trump has retained attorney Marc Kasowitz.

The vice presidents advisers are also discussing bringing on an additional aide to help with strategy  probably either Nick Ayers, a senior strategist to Pence who is chairman of the vice presidents newly launched leadership PAC; Marc Short, who currently heads up legislative affairs in the White House; or Marty Obst, the former manager of Pences Indiana gubernatorial campaign who is executive director of Pences leadership PAC.

The moves seemed aimed, in part, at returning the vice president to his most comfortable role  supporting and defending the president  while also helping to insulate him from the turmoil that has enveloped the White House. Some believe that the vice president is being ill-served by the chronic chaos inside the West Wing and could benefit from a more forceful advocate on his staff.

Its tough to be Donald Trumps vice president, because Trump says flamboyant things and then if youre the vice president, you have to go on TV and defend things that are hard to defend, said Stephen Moore, an economist for the Heritage Foundation who served as a senior adviser to the Trump campaign. He does it incredibly skillfully.

Vice President Mike Pence and his wife, Karen, look over their pet rabbit, Marlon Bundo, as they speak during a May 9 event celebrating National Military Appreciation Month in Washington. (Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post)

But one senior White House official cautioned against the toxic brew of a vice president whos happy to be the No. 2.

One of his greatest strengths is that he never says no  but its important that he not be a yes man, the official added, speaking on the condition of anonymity to offer a more candid assessment.

[Karen Pence is the vice presidents prayer warrior, gut check and shield]

Pence suffered two high-profile embarrassments that have served to define his role in the administrations early months: First, when he was misled about former national security adviser Michael Flynns contacts with the Russians, and again last month when Trump publicly contradicted him about his reasons for firing Comey.

One Pence loyalist described himself as at his wits end, adding: There are some organizational gaps.

One senior White House adviser said Pence was exasperated with the West Wing communications shop, which sent him out with a half-baked talking point to explain Comeys ouster. But Pences office argues that Trump never undermined Pence with his public comments suggesting he fired Comey over the Russia probe; the president, the Pence team said, was simply adding more context to his decision and that it is not the vice presidents place to explain Trumps decision-making process.

The vice president stands by his comments and enjoys a great working relationship with all departments within the White House, said Jarrod Agen, a Pence spokesman.

Although Trump and Pence enjoy a warm personal relationship, Pence allies say he faces two stark challenges. First, in a West Wing filled with competing factions vying for supremacy, the best interests of the vice president sometimes get lost. Perhaps more importantly, they say, Pence is simply too loyal and willing to parrot the White House message, even at his own potential peril.

One former Pence adviser described the vice presidents role within the White House as more of a super senior staffer than an empowered executive. Pence, who has an office in both the West Wing and the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, is often seen floating in the hallways that connect to the Oval Office, not unlike other staffers. Another former aide mentioned Pences almost military-style orientation toward authority.

Faced with the revelation that Flynn had misled him over contacts with Russians, for instance, Pence had to be urged by staff to forcefully voice his frustrations with Flynn to the president, according to two people with knowledge of the incident.

And while aides said Pence does give Trump his honest and unvarnished counsel in one-on-one meetings, some Pence allies privately wish he would be bolder in asserting his opinions in the group debates the president enjoys.

The flip side, of course, is that by publicly keeping his opinions close, the vice president  who, for instance, urged the president to withdraw from the Paris climate accord but did not crow about his victory  has not only engendered good will with Trump but also managed to often steer clear of the sniping and power struggles that plague the administration. Pence has found a way to execute the balance between having enormous influence and being an honest broker, which is a hard thing to pull off, said Ralph Reed, founder of the Faith and Freedom Coalition.

[Shadow president or mere shadow? Pence seeks to reassure allies unnerved by Trump]

The vice president  who routinely tamps down talk of a future President Pence  raised suspicions among Trump loyalists when he launched Great America Committee, his leadership PAC, in mid-May just a week after Trump fired Comey and during a moment of particular political danger for the president. Though the group had been long-planned and approved at the highest levels of the White House  the outside group can, for instance, help pay for travel expenses related to campaigning  the timing was inauspicious. Some in the West Wing wondered if the vice president was trying to position himself at the expense of Trump, and Roger Stone, a longtime confidant of the president, took to Twitter. No Vice President in modern history had their own PAC less than 6 months into the Presidents first term, Stone wrote. Hmmmm.

Pences leadership PAC team had originally planned a bigger rollout, which they quickly scrapped, and both Ayers and Obst stressed to Trump aides that the group had been in the works for several months and was intended solely to help the vice president push the administrations agenda across the country.

People cant have it both ways, said Kellyanne Conway, counselor to the president, in defending Pence. They cant say hes loyal to a fault and then also say hes somehow competing with the president.

He will also focus on outreach to various conservative groups, and in August is planning a four-country trip to South America to focus on trade and security issues.

This summer, Pence will ramp up his fundraising efforts for various Republican Party committees and will begin helping individual GOP candidates campaign and raise funds during the August recess and into the fall. He is expected to campaign with Ed Gillespie, the Republican nominee for governor in Virginia.

Trump initially chose Pence, in part, because he looked like a vice president out of central casting  a sort of generically handsome politician, with a close-cropped helmet of white hair and a compact physique that seemed to recall an iconic, Republican male from a bygone era.

But under Trump, Pence, who heaps plaudits on Trump and frequently refers to his broad-shouldered leadership, has in some ways become a parody of a deferential vice president  a servant in waiting, eager to serve his masters whims. One Republican operative remembers a meeting with business leaders in the Roosevelt Room, to which Pence arrived late. Though there was an open seat at the table reserved for Pence near Trump, the operative recalled, the vice president stood on the outskirts of the room like a staffer before waiting for a break in the conversation to take his seat.

Others say differences in background and temperament have also prevented Pence from ever becoming a true Trump confidant. The president, after all, habitually evaluates others based on their personal wealth, and Pence  who joked on the campaign trail that he and Trump were separated by a whole bunch of zeros  can never compete with Trumps mogul friends.

People familiar with the interactions between the two men say the president often finds ways to remind Pence who is the ultimate boss. He jokingly yet repeatedly ribs Pence for, as Indiana governor, endorsing Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Tex.) over him in the states primary and often teases Pence about his far smaller crowd sizes  a quip Pence himself has deployed.

[Pence remains above the fray, but is he outside the inner circle?]

One person recalled that sometimes, when Pence speaks in a meeting, the president offers him a verbal pat on the head. Wasnt he a great pick? Trump will say, with the tone of a dad whose kid finally said something useful.

Joel Goldstein, a vice presidential expert and law professor at St. Louis University, noted that Pence seems to enjoy significant face time with Trump and serves as a liaison to Capitol Hill, but added that he can come off as sort of a sycophant in chief.

He runs a real risk in that so often his celebration of Trump is focused on how great Trump is, and not on the substance of the specific policies hes trying to sell, and so I think that can end up making him look like hes just sort of weak and not presidential and not dignified, Goldstein said.

But so far, Pence has accepted the rigors and challenges of his job with a serenity that some friends and aides attribute to his Christian faith.

Pences official portfolio includes a commission to investigate voter fraud, the National Space Council and serving as president of the Senate. Allies say he was instrumental in helping Trump settle on Supreme Court Justice Neil M. Gorsuch and in a number of key Cabinet picks, including Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley and Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue. He also helped revive the stalled House health-care legislation after it imploded on the first try.

During a frenzied day when it looked like Trump might withdraw from the North American Free Trade Agreement, Pence served as a conduit to the business community, of which many members called to voice their alarm. I hear you, he told the worried executives. Ill be right back to you.

And once Trump had decided to remain in the agreement, Pence again reported back, telling them matter-of-factly, Its been taken care of. Pence, one Republican operative noted, never tried to claim any credit for the presidents reversal.
President Trump, denouncing what he called his predecessors terrible and misguided opening to Cuba, outlined a new policy Friday that seeks to curb commercial dealings with the government in Havana and to limit the newfound freedom of U.S. citizens to travel to the island.

Effective immediately, I am canceling the last administrations completely one-sided deal with Cuba, Trump told an enthusiastic audience, heavily weighted with members of South Floridas Cuban American community who opposed former president Barack Obamas normalization of relations with the communist government of President Raul Castro.

Away from the tribulations of Washington, where he is bombarded with questions about investigations of his administration and regularly tweets his outrage, Trump appeared buoyed by the change of subject and adulation from a crowd that chanted his name.

Speaking in a packed theater in the heart of Miamis Little Havana, he ticked off a litany of past and present examples of Cuban government repression, and said that Obamas easing of restrictions on travel and trade had not helped the Cuban people.

Those days are over, Trump said. Now, we hold the cards.

The details of Trumps new policy remain unwritten. In a presidential directive he signed at the end of his speech, he ordered the Treasury and Commerce departments to draw up new regulations to replace elements of Obamas policy changes. White House officials said that actual changes remain months away.

U.S. business leaders and a number of lawmakers  Democratic and Republican  immediately criticized the proposed reversals. In a statement issued by his office, Rep. Eric A. Rick Crawford (R-Ark.), whose state seeks increased access to the islands $2 billion agricultural imports market, called Trumps approach failed, outdated, and isolationist.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce said Trumps reversals would limit the possibility for positive change on the island and risk ceding growth opportunities to other countries that, frankly, may not share Americas interest in a free and democratic Cuba that respects human rights.

But others, particularly Cuban American members of Congress, hailed the new measures. Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) said the Obama opening only emboldened an oppressive dictatorship to tighten its stranglehold over its citizens and had led to greater repression, more arrests of political dissidents, less freedom and diminishing economic opportunity for its citizens.

Trump was introduced at Little Havanas Manuel Artime Theater in brief speeches by Vice President Pence, Florida Gov. Rick Scott (R), and Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) and Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Fla.), both of whom flew to Miami aboard Air Force One and were thanked in Trumps speech for their policy input.

I want to express our deep gratitude to a man thats really become a friend of mine, Trump said of Rubio, who ran against him in last years GOP presidential primary race. Hes one tough competitor.

The presidents remarks were laden with anti-Castro rhetoric, much of it harking back to the Cold War, and with promises not to ease pressure on Cuba until it liberates all political prisoners and holds free, democratic elections.

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Those are standards Trump has not set for other repressive governments, such as Saudi Arabia, with which his administration has moved to improve relations. We will not be silent in the face of communist oppression any longer, said Trump, who has sought and claimed improved relations with communist governments in China and Vietnam.

He indirectly addressed those contradictions by saying that we all accept that all nations have the right to chart their own paths, and Im certainly a very big believer in that. So we will respect Cuban sovereignty, but we will never turn our backs on the Cuban people.

On Friday evening, Cubas government issued a statement that struck a measured, relatively conciliatory tone, characterizing Trumps moves as a setback in relations between the two countries.

The statement said Cuba remained willing to continue respectful dialogue on topics of mutual concern, but said the United States government was in no position to be giving lectures on human rights issues, criticizing American racial discrimination and U.S. military interventions abroad.

Cuba said it would not accede to Trumps demands for sweeping change.

Any strategy aimed at changing Cubas political, economic and social systems, whether through pressure or coercion, or employing more subtle methods, will be doomed to failure, the statement said. The statement did not attack Trump personally, saying the president had been poorly advised by Cuban American extremists.

In Havana, as word began to trickle out that the new American president had canceled some of the widely popular Obama measures that brought more U.S. visitors to the island, the responses appeared overwhelmingly negative, at least in an unscientific poll of a dozen or so residents, small business owners and employees in Old Havana.

Some of the reactions were profane and unfit to be published. But a kind of collective groan went out across the neighborhood, as one of the citys busiest tourist areas feared it would take a direct hit if fewer Americans arrived.

Were the ones who are going to lose, said Anni Perez, a 21-year-old waitress at an upscale, privately owned cafe with sidewalk tables and a new espresso machine.

Trump only vaguely referred to actual policy changes, saying that we do not want U.S. dollars to prop up a military monopoly that exploits and abuses the citizens of Cuba and that his administration would strictly enforce the law.

In a fact sheet and briefings by White House officials, the administration said the new policy would prohibit any commercial transactions with Cubas economically powerful military, whose involvements include controlling a major portion of the tourism sector. U.S. citizens would be barred from staying in military-owned hotels, although they are free to stay in private homes or nonmilitary-owned lodgings.

Tourist travel has been prohibited for decades, but Americans were long allowed to travel in groups, licensed by the Treasury Department, for specific purposes such as education, religion, professional conferences and sports. Under the Obama changes, individual Americans could self-declare their compliance with the Treasury regulations and travel alone. A new category of people to people exchanges provided a loophole under which many Americans have visited Cuba over the past two years.

Under Trumps proposed changes, the people to people category will revert to group-only travel. Although the regulations have yet to be written, senior White House officials, who were authorized to brief reporters on the condition of anonymity, said that other categories of authorized travel will remain open to individuals. The new regulations are also expected to call for stricter enforcement of Treasurys role in auditing whether Americans are doing what they say they are doing in Cuba.

But much of the Obama policy will remain the same, including maintaining the diplomatic relations established between the two governments, the ability to use American credit cards in Cuba, U.S. airline flights and cruises to the island, and commercial ventures in areas such as communications that do not include the military.

Although Trump called on Cuba to return . . . fugitives from American justice, he did not announce any measures to address the handful of American fugitives who in most cases have resided in Cuba for decades. Again speaking in generalities, he said, We will keep in place the safeguards to prevent Cubans from risking their lives to unlawful travel to the United States, an apparent reference to Obamas elimination of the wet-foot, dry-foot immigration policy that had made Cubans reaching this country automatically eligible for permanent residence and early citizenship.

Before the closing days of his presidential campaign, Trump vacillated on what he thought about Cuba. In the 1990s, he called the late Fidel Castro a killer and a criminal. But in a 2015 interview, he said the Obama thaw was fine.

The concept of opening with Cuba  50 years is enough, he said, although we should have made a stronger deal.

But Trumps views appeared to harden as the election drew near. In a Miami speech last September, he said that his administration would stand with the Cuban people in their fight against communist oppression, and that change under his administration would come right away.

Last year, I promised to be . . . a voice for the freedom of the Cuban people, he said in Fridays speech. You heard that pledge . . . and here I am, he said.

I guess it worked, right? Trump said of his remarks in September 2016. Boy. Florida, as a whole, and this community that supported us, like  by tremendous margins.

As word of Trumps proposals began to emerge this week, Benjamin Rhodes, a former senior Obama official who negotiated much of the thaw with Cuba, said it was important to focus on what would not change, including diplomatic relations, bilateral cooperation in areas such as narcotics trafficking and immigration, the elimination of the wet-foot, dry-foot policy, and some if not all of the travel expansion.

But Trumps changes, he said, would harm Cubas growing private sector. In addition, he said, they could lead to a strategic problem, as Russia and China have moved to expand their military and economic cooperation with Cuba.

Cuba is about to receive its first major Russian oil shipment this century, and Moscow has pledged a $2 billion investment in the Cuban railroad. China is selling computers to the island, and Brazil has funded a state-of-the-art port in the Cuban city of Mariel.

In Latin America, which long opposed U.S. isolation of Cuba, Obamas opening was the most popular thing the United States has done in a generation, Rhodes said.

A statement Friday from the Foreign Ministry in Mexico, where Deputy Secretary of State John J. Sullivan is expected to attend a meeting of the Organization of American States next week, reiterated that countrys friendship and solidarity with the Cuban people and its readiness to continue working with the Cuban government.

DeYoung reported from Washington. Nick Miroff in Havana contributed to this report.
Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke is reassigning dozens of top career officials within his ranks, a shake-up that appears to be the start of a broad reorganization of a department that manages one-fifth of all land within the United States.

The decision to move members of the Senior Executive Service (SES) is legally permitted only after a political appointee has been in office for 120 days; Zinke wont reach that mark until June 28. But the letters that three dozen or more Interior officials got Thursday night  one of which was obtained by The Washington Post  provides them with 15 days notice of their job change. The notice means their reassignments could take place at the earliest date that is legally permissible.

An official with the Senior Executives Association, which represents 6,000 of the governments top leaders, said the reassignments at Interior could involve as many as 50 people.

The shake-up comes two weeks before agencies across the government must submit initial plans to the White House showing how they intend to reorganize, reduce their workforce, assess which programs are necessary and look for changes that save money.

The exact number of Interior letters sent was not immediately clear Friday, but the push appears much broader than what Republican and Democratic administrations have pursued in the past. Administrations usually wait until the Senate has confirmed appointees that oversee individual agencies within a department; at this point, Zinke remains Interiors only Senate-confirmed appointee.

The President signed an executive order to reorganize the federal government for the future and the Secretary has been absolutely out front on that issue, Interior spokeswoman Heather Swift said in an email. Personnel moves are being conducted to better serve the taxpayer and the Departments operations through matching Senior Executive skill sets with mission and operational requirements.

The officials who received notices include Interiors top climate policy official, Joel Clement, who directs the Office of Policy Analysis, as well as at least five senior officials of the Fish and Wildlife Service  nearly a quarter of that agencys career SES staff. Among the Fish and Wildlife officials are the assistant director for international affairs, Bryan Arroyo; the Southwest regional director, Benjamin Tuggle; and the Southeast regional director, Cindy Dohner.

Other moves include the transfer of the Bureau of Land Managements New Mexico state director, Amy Lueders, to Fish and Wildlife, and the reassignment of Bureau of Indian Affairs Director Weldon Bruce Loudermilk, acting assistant secretary of Indian affairs Michael S. Black and acting special trustee for American Indians Debra L. DuMontier. Some National Park Service leaders also are being reassigned.

[Interior secretary recommends Trump consider scaling back Bears Ears National Monument]

Dan Ashe, who headed the Fish and Wildlife Service under the Obama administration and worked at the agency for more than two decades, said in an interview that having closely watched every transition since Ronald Reagan took the helm of the federal government from Jimmy Carter in 1981, anything at this scale is unprecedented.

Ive never seen anything like it, Ashe said, adding that the officials being moved from posts at Fish and Wildlife have records of exceptional service.

The Senior Executive Service was established in 1978 to create a mobile group of senior executives who could take on the most important, complicated jobs in the government, according to Max Stier, president and chief executive of the nonprofit Partnership for Public Service.

Stier said Friday that while the idea was to move these officials among agencies and better compensate them, it never fulfilled that vision because pay caps meant they got more responsibility without additional pay. Ninety-two percent of SES officials come from within government, he said, and only 8 percent change agencies once they reach SES rank.

In phone calls to SES officials at the Bureau of Land Management on Thursday, according to an individual briefed on the matter, BLM acting director Mike Nedd informed them that Zinke liked the idea of moving officials between agencies.

Clement was informed that he would go to the Office of Natural Resources Revenue, which collects royalty payments, according to two individuals familiar with the move, while Fish and Wildlifes chief of law enforcement, Bill Woody, is slated for the BLM.

The notices were issued by Interior Associate Deputy Secretary James Cason, who also served in Interior under President George W. Bush.

Stier said it would be appropriate if Interior officials want to reallocate the resources of the department against their priorities, but they are prohibited from targeting employees because of their beliefs or the work they carried out under President Barack Obama.

Its one thing to say were trying to do different things, he said Its another thing to say theyre going after people for their political views or the policies of the prior administration.

[Trump proposes sharp cuts at Interior while pushing for more drilling on public lands]

But one conservative activist said Zinke has done the right thing by putting leaders in place who can carry out President Trumps agenda at an agency with senior officials really important to the operations of the place.

I think its reasonable, said Chris Edwards, director of tax policy studies at the libertarian Cato Institute. We all know that government employees can resist action and hope theyre going to wait out the Trump administration. If part of the reason people in, say, ranching states vote for Republicans to get a softer touch [from the government], why wouldnt the administration put in people who will have a softer touch?

SEA President Bill Valdez said in an email that based on the limited information we have right now, it appears the changes at Interior are being executed according to applicable law and regulation.

SEA will monitor this situation to ensure that these personnel decisions are indeed being lawfully executed and are being made in the best interests of the government and taxpayers, Valdez wrote.

According to the associations handbook, the 120-day moratorium on moving senior career staffers promotes a get acquainted opportunity and prevents the reassignment of a career senior executive at the beginning of each new administration, without adequate knowledge of the abilities of the employee involved.

A reassignment requires a 15-day notice, while a relocation requires a 60-day notice; individuals can move earlier if they waive the right to these time restrictions. SES personnel can appeal their reassignments to the Office of Special Counsel if they think they have been singled out unfairly.

Senior career officials are also being moved at other agencies, in part because of reorganization efforts. At the Energy Department, for example, the Office of International Climate and Technology is being eliminated.

David Sandalow, who served as acting undersecretary of energy under Obama and oversaw the international climate office as the Energy Departments assistant secretary for policy and international affairs, said in an email that career officials are being unfairly penalized under the new administration.

Civil servants deserve our thanks, not the disrespect theyre being shown by the Trump administration, said Sandalow, now the inaugural fellow at Columbia Universitys Center on Global Energy Policy. At Interior, they protect national treasures. At the Energy Department, they invest in innovative technologies. The White House should be supporting their work, not trying to deconstruct the administrative state. 
(The Washington Post)

The unfolding drama over Russian meddling in the 2016 election and President Trumps handling of ensuing investigations has transfixed Washington  and bored Mather Lindsay.

Probably a little overdone, Lindsay, a 46-year-old economist and father of three girls, said during lunch this week at the Salt Factory Pub. What grabbed Lindsays attention was the GOPs stalled legislative agenda  in particular, the promised overhauls of the tax code and the nations health-care law.

Trumps self-inflicted wounds are my biggest disappointment, Lindsay said. He has squandered a huge opportunity to get all that done.

Someone, he added, needs to take his Twitter away.

Republicans in this wealthy community on the outskirts of Atlanta  and in traditionally right-leaning suburbs nationally  are facing a reckoning. So far, they have been willing to stomach a torrent of Trump outbursts and worrying twists in the Russia probes, but they are beginning to wonder if their patience is worth it.

A crucial test of that patience will come Tuesday in Georgias 6th Congressional District, home not only to well-educated, mostly white Republicans but also to what has become the most expensive House race in history.

The outcome here will be seen primarily as a referendum on Trump  and a window onto the possible, with Democrats trying to score their first victory in the Trump era and pave the way to 2018, when they hope to take advantage of Trumps unpopularity and Washingtons gridlock to win back the House.

The district, a historically ruby-red swath of suburbia that has evolved in recent years with an influx of younger, educated professionals along with immigrants, mirrors many of the communities where the fiercest midterm battles are expected to play out next year.

Unlike the smattering of other special elections this year in which Republicans have prevailed, these dynamics have yielded a high-stakes contest for both parties.



Downtown Roswell, part of the 6th Congressional District. (Kevin D. Liles/For The Washington Post)

In recent weeks, tightening polls in the race have escalated the tension. Republican Karen Handel, a socially conservative fixture in state politics, is running against Democrat Jon Ossoff, 30, a well-rehearsed former Capitol Hill staffer who has politely nodded to the anger on the left without embracing it.

A record turnout is expected: About 120,000 people have already voted, according to Georgia officials  nearly a quarter of registered voters here.

For Republicans, who have held this seat since 1979, when Newt Gingrich won the first of 11 terms, the moment is fraught with anxiety. While their core voters may be shrugging off Trump-Russia questions for now, party leaders are skittish about whether they will pay a steep price for months of inaction.



Mather Lindsay, right, in downtown Roswell, Ga., this week. Lindsay lives in Georgia's 6th Congressional District, where residents will vote in a special election Tuesday to fill the empty seat of Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price. (Kevin D. Liles/For The Washington Post)

Conversations with more than a dozen voters here revealed a Republican electorate that remains generally supportive of Trump. They are, after all, aiming to replace a representative who won the district overwhelmingly last year and who now works for the president: Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price. But notably, these voters rarely echoed Trumps populist roar about fake news or his gripes about the special counsel looking into his role in the Russia investigation.

What they want is what they were pledged  more-affordable health care, tax cuts, new roads and bridges, an economy that feels as strong as the numbers seem to show.

This district has been extremely hard on Trump, said Jonathan Huddleston, 30, a supporter of Trump and Handel, while he ate lunch at Zest, a sushi and tapas cafe in Roswell. Its establishment, very establishment, and thats how its run.

Huddleston said that the GOPs agitation is driven by Trumps style as much as his record.

What Trump said on the campaign trail and what hes been doing havent been the same because he hasnt gotten enough support from Congress. So hes tried with the executive orders, he said. While I know itll all happen in time, thats not how everyone around here sees it.



From left: Sharon Huddleston, Stephanie Christiansen and Jonathan Huddleston dine in downtown Roswell this week. (Kevin D. Liles/For The Washington Post)

Atop the list of voter concerns: efforts by the Republican-controlled Congress to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. The House-passed legislation, which is unpopular in polls, has slowed in the Senate.

Huddlestons mother, Sharon, who leans toward Democrats, said she can almost feel the unrest in the air. People are tense about whats going on with coverage for preexisting conditions, she said. Theyre tense about how were being seen in the world.

Also on voters minds are unfulfilled promises to cut taxes and build new infrastructure projects. Those with limited investments said financial gains have been difficult to come by.

Its been a little bit tough, said William Almgren, a 54-year-old Republican who was waiting tables at the pub. Burly and wearing an apron, he said he moved to Atlanta decades ago from New York for a back-office job, but that went away. So here he was. Im a survivor, he said, and I bought a house in Roswell back in November 98, so Ive got that.



William Almgren, who waits tables at a pub in downtown Roswell, voted for Trump, but hes not 100 percent in with Trump. (Kevin D. Liles/For The Washington Post)

Almgren, who has traces of an outer-boroughs accent, said he voted for Trump but hes not 100 percent in with Trump. He needs to calm down, stop the sensationalism.

When the economys doing well, the country does well, he said. My advice is: Remember that.

Across the street, in sunglasses and pushing her young daughter in a stroller, was Allison Thorne, 39. A mother of two, she watches the hipster-favorite television network Vice along with One America News Network, an upstart conservative channel.



Allison Thorne in downtown Roswell this week. Thornes views of President Trump are mixed. (Kevin D. Liles/For The Washington Post)

Thorne said that her politics tend to be on the libertarian side of the Republican spectrum, even though she does not identify with either party these days.

I dont watch Russia Today, she joked. We dip our toes in the water, but not in that end.

Thornes views on Trump are mixed, and she isnt thrilled about either candidate in the 6th District.

It makes me uncomfortable when people call Trump dumb. But I cant help but thinking hes in over his head, she said. He probably thought itd be like it always was, his little kingdom, and hes figuring out thats not how government works.



Republican candidate Karen Handel and Democratic candidate Jon Ossoff talk earlier this month at WSB-TV studios in Atlanta, moments before their debate began as part of Georgia's 6th Congressional District special election. (Christopher Aluka Berry/Reuters)

Ahead of Tuesday, Thorne said she is exhausted and disillusioned over Trump, the media, the constant squabbling in Washington and the barrage of negative ads on TV.

Im tired. It never stops, she said. Would I like to see things get done? Yes. But I doubt they will.

Handel has uneasily navigated this environment, dismissing Russia-related controversies as noise and fundraising alongside Trump. Yet in a district that Trump barely won, her pitch has tended to veer away from the president and toward classic Republican priorities.

What they are focused on is whats happening with the economy, the rollback of regulations, Handel said of voters this week during a stop at Rheas, a casual hamburger restaurant in Roswell.

On health care, Handel has been careful to balance her bases desires and moderates fears about wholesale change. She told reporters here that the status quo is unacceptable but pointedly refused to embrace the legislation that sits before the Senate, saying it is not perfect.



Karen Handel, the Republican candidate in Georgia's 6th Congressional District race, greets patrons at Rheas restaurant in Roswell this week. (Kevin D. Liles/For The Washington Post)

When asked about Trumps use of Twitter, Handel flashed a tight smile.

Look, some of you have known me. Im a little more measured about things, and sometimes thats a prudent approach, she said.

Amid the heavily nationalized atmosphere, Handel has also played up her local ties and her time as Georgias secretary of state  and skewered Ossoff for living outside the district.

Nevertheless, Ossoff has seized on Handels fragile hold on Republican voters and courted them with centrist platitudes, all while rousing the Trump resistance movement that has come to see his cause as their own  and raising more than $23 million in the process.

Whenever he has been asked in recent months whether he supports House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), Ossoff has said, as if on cue, that he has not given it an ounce of thought. At debates, Ossoff has been more inclined to bemoan wasteful spending than to talk up progressive totems championed by other millennial Democrats.

Ossoffs approach to Russia has been cautious. He has not hammered the notion of possible conspiracy or collusion but mostly pressed for an independent investigation to move forward.

I dont think were there, Ossoff told a public radio station last month when asked about some Democrats calls for impeachment. We need a full and transparent and independent assessment.

That strategy, combined with GOP angst, has given Ossoffs supporters confidence that he could become the first Democrat to score an upset during Trumps presidency  and a model of how to win back the House.

Sharon Huddleston, who has lived in Roswell for 27 years, said she is willing to give Ossoff a chance: Anybody whos going to have fresh eyes on the situation would be better.

A pair of Democratic teachers  Michael Leonard, 51, and Elizabeth Ervin, 31  were at the Waffle House in Chamblee this week, a more Democratic and diverse stretch of the district, and said most Democrats were motivated simply to stop Trump. They resisted predicting victory since special elections can be strange.

Most of my students, who are adult immigrants, are pretty scared, Ervin said. A lot of people are actually pretty scared.

Leonard, for his part, has had enough. Im tired of seeing all of them  Ossoff, Handel, Trump  and Ill be glad when its over with. Im sure Im not alone, he said.

Leonard wished politics would be more about solving problems: Im open to Republican ideas on health care since its so darn expensive. But lets not abolish the law.

The district is not all conservative cul-de-sac communities, dotted with gourmet doughnut shops, shiny SUVs and manicured lawns. There are transplants with various ethnic backgrounds. Chamblee is majority Hispanic and has a thriving Asian community. Blue-collar workers are all over, constructing soon-to-open Whole Foods supermarkets or working in retail.

Some of these voters said they dont think much about Trump  or Russia, either. Its all about paying bills.

Theres not much flowing capital, said Donald Hunt, 48, who works at a mill company, as he stopped by Old Brick Pit Barbeque in Chamblee. Hunt wouldnt say whom he will choose. Trump is out there, but I dont think about him all of the time. Russia? Cmon, its all about China, man.



Donald Hunt, a mill worker, in Chamblee, Ga., this week. Trump is out there, but I dont think about him all of the time, he said. Russia? Cmon, its all about China, man. (Kevin D. Liles/For The Washington Post)

Still, the election is likely to be decided by Republicans.

At Rheas, Handel made a beeline toward Malone Dodson, 79, a retired Methodist minister who supports her. For her, he represented the rare reliable  and friendly  voter. He gave her a hearty handshake.

Faith, health, living condition and the economy, those are my issues, Dodson said as he sat down with his sandwich. My take on Trump is: Better to leave him alone. Hell straighten out and be fine.

Asked about the Russia investigation, Dodson said: Quit paying attention to that and see the big picture. We need a good economy, good defense and good jobs, and Trumps doing it.



Malone Dodson dines at Rheas restaurant in Roswell. Dodson said he thinks President Trump is doing a good job working on a good economy, good defense and good jobs. (Kevin D. Liles/For The Washington Post)

Back on the pub stool across town, there was no such enthusiasm. Lindsay said he planned to vote Republican on Tuesday, but he wasnt committing to the party beyond that.

Im all for disruption, but most people are getting fed up with the circus show, he said.

And if Trump cant get going on policies, Lindsay suggested that voters could disrupt him.

It does make you wonder about whether single-party government makes sense, he said. Sometimes, if the pendulum swings too far one way, it swings back.

Read more at PowerPost
The outlawed Lords Resistance Army has stepped up attacks in Congo close to the South Sudanese border as a U.S.-supported regional task force pulls out, the U.N. humanitarian office said in a report Friday.

Forty rebels from the group, which is led by Joseph Kony, kidnapped 61 civilians in a June 7 raid in the Tanganyika mining area near Garamba National Park in Haut-Uele province, the report said, citing local civil-society and aid workers.

The civilians were released after being forced to move goods and food looted by the LRA, and an unknown number of villagers subsequently fled to the nearby town of Gangala Nabodio.

There had been no LRA-related displacement for more than five years in the province, the United Nations said. But aid workers were now worried about the safety of people across a vast area.

Since the end of the mission of the Regional Task Force (RTF), which was mandated to eliminate the LRA, the security situation has seriously deteriorated in the Garamba National Park, the U.N. report said.

One international nongovernmental organization involved in protecting civilians canceled its missions this week due to insecurity, it said.

The United Nations has reported a surge this year in LRA abductions of girls and boys around ages 12 to 13, as well as elephant poaching in Garamba National Park. A clash with Congolese armed forces in March killed one army officer and three LRA fighters.

Konys rebels battled Ugandan forces for about two decades, becoming notorious for their brutality and for kidnapping children for use as fighters and sex slaves.

In about 2005, they were ejected from bases in northern Uganda and what is now South Sudan and retreated to an area of jungle straddling the borders of South Sudan, Congo and the Central African Republic, where the task force continued to track them.

The United States said in March that it was switching to a broader African security mission and removing U.S. Special Operations forces specifically focused on fighting the LRA, declaring success in reducing the group to fewer than 100 active members.

The African Union asked the United Nations to take on the hunt for the LRA, and the U.N. special representative for Central Africa, Francois Lounceny Fall, has said the LRA may thrive after the U.S.-backed force leaves.
Chinese police said Friday that they think a 22-year-old school dropout planted a homemade explosive device outside a kindergarten, killing eight people including himself.

Written on a wall near the school was a manifesto-style rant: Giving birth is a crime, it said, adding that India, China and Bangladesh will not meet a good end.

The explosion took place at 4:48 p.m. Thursday outside the kindergarten in the city of Xuzhou, in the eastern coastal province of Jiangsu, as mothers gathered at the school gates to pick up their children.

There was speculation initially that the source of the blast might have been a gas cylinder at a streetside food vendor, but it now appears that the explosion was the latest in a long series of puzzling and disturbing attacks on schools in China in recent years, perpetrated by people with grievances against society or with mental health issues.

Although other attacks were aimed at young children, the manifesto, if confirmed to be written by the perpetrator, would suggest that mothers might have been the target this time.

Medical workers transport a person injured in an explosion outside a kindergarten in eastern China's Jiangsu province. (Li Xiang/Xinhua via AP)

The explosion was caused by a homemade explosive device, Pei Jun, deputy head of the Jiangsu public security office, said at a news conference, blaming a man he named only as Xu, who died at the site.

[China urged to come clean about its grotesque level of executions]

Police said their investigation, together with DNA testing, had helped identify Xu. They said he had dropped out of school with autonomic dysfunction, a disorder that can cause heart and breathing problems, and went on to work and live near the kindergarten.

Materials for making an explosive device were found at his room, and words such as die were written on the wall, Pei said. At this point, we believe the case is solved.

There was no confirmation that the manifesto was written by the bomber.

An image circulating on social media purported to show the manifesto written on the wall of Xus home. Later, another photo was circulated of the same piece of wall, with the words removed. It could not be immediately confirmed whether those photos were genuine.

Crime equals giving birth, two people commit a crime, two people die, group commits a crime, group dies, country commits a crime, country dies, ethnic group commits a crime, ethnic group dies, India, China and Bangladesh, none will meet a good end, the statement said, handwritten in Chinese characters.



Police said 65 people were wounded in the attack, eight seriously, of whom four remain in critical condition. Many appeared to be mothers.

Videos circulating on social media showed women, some motionless and others barely moving, lying on the ground among pools of blood.

The attack happened before the children were let out of the school, and no teachers or pupils were among the victims, authorities said. But one video showed two very young children who were apparently wounded  one cradled in a womans arms and another lying on the ground  and who may have been waiting for elder siblings to emerge from the school.

Clothes and shoes were also seen strewn across the ground.

Although the videos could not be verified, they appeared to be from the same location as other footage posted by state media that showed ambulances arriving, stretchers being wheeled out and police securing the scene.

[U.S. plans to deport Chinese college student for voyeurism]

Sociologists say the attacks on schools and young children are a result of the strains of a society undergoing rapid change, with rising inequality and huge pressures on young people to compete and succeed. Also cited are a lack of support for the mentally ill and a dysfunctional legal system, in which people who feel they have been treated unfairly or have suffered injustice have few avenues to seek redress.

Police said two people died at the scene and six died at a hospital.

Li Meijin, a professor in the department of criminology at the Peoples Public Security University of China in Beijing, said many such attackers appear to be men in the prime of their lives who may be struggling to cope with pressure or difficulties.

Socially isolated individuals are more likely to commit crimes, she added. If they cant get effective help or theres no good way for them to vent their feelings, they may become reckless in desperation and take revenge on society.

I am wondering if we should have more ways for people to file a complaint or appeal, she added.

Last month, a dozen Chinese and South Korean children, all between ages 3 and 7, died after their kindergarten bus driver lit a fire on his bus, police said. The man was apparently angry that his overtime and night shift pay had been cut, police told state media.

With China maintaining strict control of firearms, most of the other attacks have involved knives or other sharp implements, such as last years assault on an elementary school in northern China that left seven children wounded.

[China struggles to handle a public health crisis: Domestic violence]

Between 2010 and 2012, at least nine separate attacks on elementary schoolchildren in China left at least 25 people dead and more than 100 wounded. The weapons included knives, a hammer, an ax, a cleaver and a box-cutter.

In addition to blaming mental illness, police have ascribed the incidents to motives ranging from an employment dispute to vengeance by a disgruntled suitor spurned by a woman.

The attacks on children are perhaps even more troubling in a society in which many parents have only one child, thanks to four decades of draconian family planning policies.

Such attacks have prompted the government and schools to beef up security, posting guards and installing gates and barriers outside campuses. On Friday, the Ministry of Education issued a fresh directive instructing schools to carry out a comprehensive investigation of security risks.

Among other things, it said schools should look at former personnel who may have been dismissed, individuals with mental illness and illegal street stalls in the vicinity.

Guns are banned in China, and official data shows that violent crime is relatively uncommon in the country compared with other parts of the world; Chinas murder rate, for instance, is less than one-fifth that in the United States. However, experts question the accuracy of the Chinese data and say many crimes go unreported.

Shirley Feng, Luna Lin and Yang Liu contributed to this report.

Read more:

Stop making our children sick: Beijing parents act against smog

Horrors of one-child policy leave deep scars on Chinese society

China one-child policy compounds toll on parents who lose a child

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world

Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news


Emergency workers wheel away a body from the fire-gutted Grenfell Tower in London. (Rick Findler/AP)

Fury and frustration with the governments handling of a fire in a public-housing high-rise that claimed at least 30 lives boiled over Friday, with protesters storming a local council office and berating Prime Minister Theresa May when she visited near the scene of the blaze.

Shame on you! people shouted at May as she rushed into a waiting SUV and was quickly driven away, with police struggling to hold back dozens of angry demonstrators.

Earlier, members of an impromptu protest pushed their way past security and into the council building of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea  the super-posh section of London where Grenfell Tower, once home to 600 people, burned through the night Wednesday.

Many of the protesters held aloft posters bearing the faces of the missing and chanted, We want justice! They left the building soon after entering. But hundreds of people remained outside. Protesters also marched on Whitehall, the street that runs past the office of the prime minister, and later through the upscale neighborhood of Notting Hill, where they called on residents to join them.

The fast-rising tensions came amid new revelations about potential cost-cutting in the refurbishment of the tower, which may have contributed to the astonishing speed with which it burned.

They also came as police acknowledged that they do not know how many people died in the blaze and may never be able to identify all of the victims.

Authorities raised the death toll to 30 on Friday, up from 17 on Thursday, as relatives and friends expanded frantic searches for missing loved ones.

(Karla Adam,Sarah Parnass/The Washington Post)

Sadly I do believe that those numbers will increase, London Police Cmdr. Stuart Cundy told reporters. He said 24 people were being treated in hospitals, including 12 in critical care.

For three days, survivors and relatives of the dead or missing have been pressing for answers about whether inadequate safety systems or substandard construction material could have contributed to a blaze that climbed up the building faster than people could flee.

Residents had long demanded that the local council and the management company do more to improve their buildings safety. But they say their pleas for help went unheeded.

Cundy said there was no indication that Wednesdays fire was started deliberately. But investigators were still studying why the flames raced so quickly through the 24-story building in west London. In the burned-out hull, forensic teams and others picked through the wreckage apartment by apartment in the 120-unit tower.

Outside, a steady stream of prominent well-wishers arrived, including Queen Elizabeth II and her grandson Prince William.

[Proud to be a Londoner: Acts of kindness after the deadly Grenfell Tower fire]

As the queen was leaving the area, a man held up a poster of two siblings, about 3 or 4 years old, pictured in harnesses and yellow climbing helmets  both of whom are missing. He called out to the queen, saying he was a friend of the family. She appeared to acknowledge him, then left.

The monarchs visit upped the pressure on May, who was heavily criticized for meeting with emergency workers but not with relatives or survivors Thursday. Her office cited security concerns as the reason.

Late Friday afternoon, the prime minister visited a local church and announced a 5 million-pound fund  more than $6 million  to help victims families. But May, who only narrowly managed to stay on as prime minister after a bruising election last week, was roundly booed. Many in the crowd blamed her ruling Conservative Party for years of cuts and deregulation that they said had contributed to the disaster.

Britains Guardian newspaper reported Friday that the cladding panels used in last years renovation of the building were about $2 per square meter cheaper than a fire-resistant model. The Times of London reported late Thursday that the type of cladding used on the tower had been banned in U.S. high-rises because of safety concerns.

The contractor that carried out the renovations, the management organization and the council have all denied wrongdoing, saying last years work complied with fire safety codes.

May ordered a public inquiry Thursday into the causes of the blaze. London Mayor Sadiq Khan has pressed for findings to be released by summers end, citing safety concerns among tens of thousands of residents who live in other high-rises across Britain.

With the death toll from Grenfell Tower expected to rise, perhaps substantially, those looking for missing answers and missing people were growing increasingly anxious.

On Friday, the streets around the tower were filled with posters bearing photos of toddlers, mothers with their daughters and entire families.

My friend Khadjia lives on the 20th floor of Grenfell Tower . . . we cant get through to her, read one, posted on a bus stop.

Have you seen Jessica Urbano? read another, which said the curly-haired girl is 12 and instructed anyone with information to contact her parents.

Some parents who were separated from their children while fleeing the inferno were clinging to the hope that they would be found alive.

In the early hours of Wednesday morning, Genet Shawo fled her apartment with her husband and children Luca, 3, and Isaac, 5. But a neighbor, who volunteered to bring Isaac down the buildings single staircase, lost track of the boy in the smoke.

My neighbor said he would hold him and bring him down, she told Londons Evening Standard. But when I got outside I realized Isaac wasnt there.

I am praying he managed to get out somehow or someone else saved him, she said.

Authorities have said there is no chance that anyone else will be found alive in the building, which burned for some 48 hours after the blaze began.

But some said they were still holding out hope.

Theres hope for everyone, said JoJo Badano, 17, as she added a picture of her missing friends to a display board already crowded with posters. You just have to keep trying to find them.

Her friends, Yasi El-Wahabi, 21, and his sister Nurhuda El-Wahabi, 15 or 16, lived on the 21st floor.

Badano said she would sometimes walk home from school with her brother and Yasi, who liked to tease her.

Oh, Im going to tell your brother youre being bad,  she said hed joke.

In his missing-person picture, Yasi has a slight smile and is wearing his baseball cap backward.

Yasis younger sister Nurhuda, whose long, dark hair reaches the middle of her back, is an extremely funny girl, always in the source of laughter, Badano said.

Soran Karimi, 32, a security guard, was also looking for missing friends. He said he hadnt slept in 50 hours, and his giant roll of tape had worn thin as he put up poster after poster of a missing Lebanese family who lived on the 22nd floor.

The mother, Nadia, works as a teacher, and her husband works in the food hall at a Marks & Spencer department store. They have three girls  the youngest is 3.

We are putting pictures up, hoping they are alive, Karimi said as he taped four missing-person posters  different shots of the family  to the side of a utility box.

Weve been to all the hospitals, we have gone to all the churches, community centers, he said. We put pictures everywhere just hoping that someone might recognize or know them.

Read more:

What the Grenfell Tower fire tells us about Londons housing crisis

In 20 years, British politics went from being about class to being about age

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world

Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news
An Iraqi federal police officer patrols the Bab al Jadid district in the Old City of Mosul, Iraq, on June 1. (Alaa Al-Marjani/Reuters)

In the last square mile of Islamic State territory in this city, terrified families trapped in their basements are bracing for a final ferocious showdown.

As many as 150,000 residents are crammed into Mosuls Old City, as Islamic State fighters fortify their positions in the warren of narrow streets and alleyways.

With no safe drinking water, sickness and disease are spreading as food and medicine run dangerously low. Mortars fired by security forces trying to dislodge the militants rain down, while airstrikes tear down buildings in the packed neighborhood, one resident said by phone from the besieged area.

But attempting to escape is just as dangerous, with militants determined to keep civilians as human shields and gunning down hundreds who have tried to flee in recent weeks  men, women and children.

I think the chance of us dying on our way out of the city is higher than the chance of us dying in our houses, the resident said, speaking on the condition of anonymity for fear of Islamic State reprisals. We are living in a state of horror and siege.





The punishing eight-month battle for the city has taken place in heavily populated neighborhoods, leaving entire streets in ruins. Islamic State militants are now nearly entirely contained in the Old City, where more hardened foreign fighters have arrived in recent weeks as their territory shrinks, residents say.

In the middle of the historic city center lies the Great Mosque of al-Nuri with its iconic leaning minaret, where Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi declared a caliphate three years ago. The fighters have hunkered down in surrounding alleys  nine or 10 in each, according to another resident who recently fled  and zip around on motorcycles.

[Thousands of Iraqis have fled Mosul, but this American family moved in]

Lt. Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander of the U.S.-led coalition backing Iraqs fight with airstrikes and military advisers, recently described Mosul as the toughest urban warfare he has witnessed, or even read about, during his 34 years of service. But Iraqi and U.S. military officials expect the final push into the Old City to be more brutal still as the militants make a last stand.

Massacres of civilians attempting to leave have deterred many from trying. In the worst incident, more than 100 people were gunned down near the citys Pepsi factory this month. The militants also confiscate identity cards; some men are scared to leave without them because security forces might suspect they are Islamic State fighters.

The Old City resident said his extended family of 20 recently ran out of the three months of food they had stored, but managed to purchase about 22 pounds of flour for $170. They eat a single meal every day at sunset.

Thats the luxurious life, he said. Many cant even find that.

Residents risk mortar fire to wait in line for muddy well water that is causing diarrhea and hepatitis A, he said. If they can find wood to burn, they boil the water before drinking it, he said.

Around 10 to 15 civilians die each day in bombings, he said. Militants demand that the doors of homes are kept open so that they can access rooftops to fight, bringing terror to residents inside who fear they could be accidentally killed in airstrikes by the U.S.-led coalition or Iraqi forces. The buildings are old and unstable, and several can be torn down in a single strike, he said.

We pray that there is no strike near us, not just on our house, but near us, because the result will be the same, he said. There are lots of families trapped under the rubble.

Col. Ryan Dillon, a coalition spokesman in Baghdad, said the integrity and density of buildings are taken into account before airstrikes are conducted, as are Islamic State tactics of gathering people in houses used for fighting positions.

Those who do escape gather at designated locations for screening by security forces and evacuation. Many are dehydrated, malnourished and injured when they arrive, according to medics. All are traumatized.

Its death, death, death, red death, said 22-year-old Ahmed Haitham. We havent seen the sun for the past month. Eighteen people were killed in an airstrike in the house next to his a day earlier, he said. His family still had food, but others said hunger had forced them to leave.

[One mans escape from an Islamic State mass execution]

The provincial council sent a request to the federal government and the U.S.-led coalition for an airdrop of essential food supplies two months ago but has not received a response, said Hussam al-Abar, one of its members. Dillon said the coalition has not received such a request.

Estimates of the number of people trapped in the Old City range widely. Abar put the number at 45,000, while Lise Grande, the United Nations humanitarian coordinator for Iraq, said between 120,000 and 150,000 are inside. The major concern is water, she said. Food is short, the electricity is off most of the time, and there are severe shortages of medicine.

Ahmed Mohammed, 32, fled the Maidan neighborhood of the Old City two weeks ago with his wife and two children, ages 4 and 2. Having run out of milk for the children, they had little choice, he said.

It took him two days to get from his house to the security forces, despite it being a distance of only a few miles. The family traveled from house to house to evade the militants, who stop people in the street they suspect are trying to flee.

We started at 2 a.m. and went to houses recommended by friends, or friends of friends, he said. Now Im talking to relatives inside  they say they wont try to leave after Zanjili, he added, referring to the mass killings at the Pepsi factory.

Before he left the city, Islamic State militants were reinforcing around the Grand Mosque of al-Nuri, with more fighters from the Caucasus arriving in the area recently, he said.

Maj. Gen. Najim al-Jabouri, the head of Nineveh Operations Command, said the Islamic State fighters in the city include about 300 to 400 foreigners and about the same number of locals.

Dillon put the total number at less than 1,000.

Federal police forces reached the outskirts of the Old City months ago but stalled as they hit the dense neighborhoods and have suffered persistent counterattacks. With the offensive from the south stuttering, Iraqi troops repositioned to begin a new attack from the north in May, moving in to choke off the Old City.

They are the hammer, and we are the anvil  be a strong anvil, Lt. Col. John Hawbaker, who heads the advise and assist mission for federal police forces, told U.S. paratroopers on lookout at a base less than two miles from the mosque, as forces began their new offensive to surround the Old City.

But the anvil was shaken this past week when dozens of Islamic State fighters penetrated police lines in a well-planned counterattack, briefly taking ground.

Still, the final push for Mosuls Old City is expected soon, Iraqi commanders say. A small area around the Jumhuiya hospital is the only territory outside of the Old City still to be recaptured.

Tell the security forces to reach us quickly, the Old City resident pleaded. If this lasts until the end of the month, many people will die.

Read more:

Bulldozers have become more crucial  and more vulnerable  in the fight against ISIS

Smoke-filled pool halls are back in Mosul. After ISIS, we seek joy.

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world

Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news
President Trump put fresh pressure on the second-highest-ranking official at the Justice Department on Friday, raising concerns among the presidents critics that Rod J. Rosenstein could be in danger of being fired, while others argued that if he stays he should recuse himself from his role overseeing the special-counsel probe that has engulfed the White House.

I am being investigated for firing the FBI Director by the man who told me to fire the FBI Director! Witch Hunt, the president said on Twitter.

Rosenstein, the deputy attorney general, had written a memo castigating James B. Comey before Trump dismissed the FBI director  a memo that the White House at first said was critical to the decision, before Trump suggested it was irrelevant because his mind was already made up.

A career prosecutor who entered the administration with a reputation as a meticulous, nonpartisan lawyer, Rosenstein has been buffeted in his short time on the job by political storms  and now the extraordinary spectacle of being singled out on social media by the president.

Rosenstein, the former U.S. attorney in Maryland, was forced to take over supervision of the Russia investigation because Attorney General Jeff Sessions had recused himself.

And it was Rosenstein who appointed Robert S. Mueller III as the special counsel to lead that investigation after Comey was fired.

With the revelation this week by The Washington Post that Trump was under investigation for possible attempted obstruction of justice, Rosenstein finds himself caught in an awkward pincer  stuck between the wrath of a president who could fire him and questions about his own future role supervising Mueller when he could become a witness in the special counsels probe.

Rosenstein could eventually be questioned by Mueller about his memo on Comey and what motivated Trump to ask him to write it.

Rosenstein, 52, has said little publicly, but a cryptic statement he released late Thursday captured some of the strain and frustration he is probably feeling about the numerous unauthorized leaks about the Russia investigation that have angered the president, according to several of his colleagues and friends.

Americans should exercise caution before accepting as true any stories attributed to anonymous officials, particularly when they do not identify the country  let alone the branch or agency of government  with which the alleged sources supposedly are affiliated, Rosenstein said. Americans should be skeptical about anonymous allegations.

Jack Goldsmith, a Harvard University law professor and a senior Justice Department official in the George W. Bush administration, immediately tweeted, And the Deputy Attorney General should have better judgment.

Tim Maloney, a Maryland lawyer who has worked with Rosenstein, said he is going to handle the decision of whether to recuse himself in the oversight of the special counsels Russia investigation by the book.

Knowing Rod, hes on the phone, hes going to consult established DOJ policy, and hes going to review prior opinion examining what his proper role is, Maloney said. He is not going to allow Trump to bully him into recusing himself or not recusing himself.

Rosenstein sees no reason at this point to recuse himself, the Justice Department said Friday. As the deputy attorney general has said numerous times, if there comes a point when he needs to recuse, he will, Justice Department spokesman Ian Prior said in a statement. However, nothing has changed.

But Rosenstein has privately told people at the Justice Department, as ABC News first reported, that he may need to step aside from his role supervising the special-counsel investigation, according to officials familiar with the conversations.

If Rosenstein were to recuse himself, the responsibility of overseeing the special counsel would fall to the departments third-highest-ranking official, Rachel Lee Brand, who was confirmed a month ago to be associate attorney general.

[Former Bush official Rachel Brand takes over No. 3 position at Justice Dept. ]

If Trump ordered Brand to fire Mueller and she refused, the responsibility to oversee the special counsel would fall to Dana Boente, the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, according to a presidential executive order. Boente is serving as the acting head of the Justice Departments national security division.

After Boente, the responsibility would fall to the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina and then the U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Texas.

You begin to wonder if it is going to be a domino effect here where it is just one person after another, said Andrew Graham, a longtime Maryland defense lawyer who worked with Rosenstein. Someone is going to have to conduct this investigation.

Sen. Dianne Feinstein (Calif.), the ranking Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, said Friday that she is increasingly concerned that Trump will try to fire Rosenstein and Mueller.

The message the president is sending through his tweets is that he believes the rule of law doesnt apply to him and that anyone who thinks otherwise will be fired, Feinstein said in a statement.

There is also a third scenario besides dismissal and recusal. Rosenstein could quit.

It is an option he has apparently considered in the recent past. Rosenstein threatened to resign after the White House cast him as a prime mover of the decision to fire Comey and suggested the president acted only on his recommendation, a person close to the White House, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter, told The Post last month.

Read more:

Special counsel is investigating Trump for possible obstruction

Special counsel is investigating Jared Kushners business dealings

Trump is officially under investigation. How did we get here?
President Trump will announce a new policy toward Cuba Friday that prohibits any commercial dealings with Cubas economically powerful military and somewhat limits the freedom of U.S. citizens to travel to the island, but leaves in place many changes implemented by his predecessor.

In a speech to be delivered in the heart of Miamis Little Havana, where an older generation of Cuban Americans has long objected to normalization of relations with the communist government of President Raul Castro, Trump will declare an end to the Obama administrations policy of appeasement, a senior White House official said.

The basic policy driver, another official said, was Trumps concern that the previous policy was enriching the Cuban military and the intelligence services that contribute so much to repression on the island. Any benefits of an opening to Cuba, the official said, should go to the Cuban people.

Through civilian-run holding companies, the Cuban military owns or controls much of the economy, particularly the tourism sector. Former president Barack Obama had allowed some transactions with the security services on grounds that money would trickle down to individual Cubans who gained employment and more contact with the outside world.

Significantly, the new directive will not affect those elements of the normalization begun by Obama in December 2014 that are popular with younger Cuban Americans and others who have taken full advantage of them. Unlimited family travel and money sent to private Cubans on the island will remain unchanged.

Three officials who briefed reporters ahead of Trumps address, on White House-imposed condition of anonymity, said no policy changes would go immediately into effect. Instead, a new presidential directive will order the Treasury and Commerce departments to begin within 30 days to write new regulations that reverse some of those Obama implemented to ease the U.S. embargo against Cuba that has remained in place for nearly 60 years. Only Congress can lift it.

Asked whether companies that have already signed Cuban contracts, such as Starwood Hotels and Resorts, should expect to lose money, an official said, that will be handled in the specifics of regulations by Treasury and Commerce. But the administrations intent, the official said, is not to disrupt existing transactions that have [already] occurred.

Regulations allowing U.S. commercial flights and cruise ship to travel to Cuba will not be affected, the officials said. Diplomatic relations established by Obama will remain.

The restrictions on dealing with the military could significantly affect American travel, although the military has already begun to reorganize its ownership of some businesses and entities in anticipation of such changes. Airbnb, which has built a multimillion-dollar business among Cubans who rent out rooms to foreign visitors, is not affected by the new policy. Americans will also still be allowed to bring back unlimited amounts of Cuban products  including rum and cigars  for personal use.

But the ease with which U.S. citizens have been able to travel to Cuba over the past two years could also be affected by a significant change in Treasurys control over their activities. Although the U.S. government does not technically prohibit Cuban travel, Treasury regulations under the embargo prohibit the expenditure of U.S. dollars without a special license. Successive presidents have eased and tightened that prohibition, and Obama significantly loosened it by allowing individuals to self-declare the purpose of their travel in one of a dozen allowed categories, including for educational, commercial, or support for the Cuban people purposes.

While tourist travel remained officially banned, Obama also allowed a broad category of people to people visits to Cuba. Trumps new directive still allows individual travel in all but that category, and reverts to an earlier policy of requiring people to people visits only in a Treasury-licensed group.

While Americans have long been required to be able to authenticate the purpose of any visit to Cuba, and to keep receipts and records for five years, the rules were rarely enforced. The White House officials indicated Trump would call for a tighter enforcement.

The officials said that the aging Cuban government, in which Castro is due to be replaced next year by a designated successor, can return to favor with the United States by improving its human rights record, including lifting restrictions on dissent, releasing political prisoners and moving toward democracy.

Trump has conspicuously shied away from emphasizing human rights concerns in other countries with similarly dismal records, including Saudi Arabia. During his visit to Riyadh last month, he said he had not come to lecture about any countrys internal policies.

Asked why he appears to have a different attitude toward Cuba, an official said that the president has made clear that he will call out repressive regimes in this hemisphere, and fulfill a promise he made last year on the campaign trail to reverse elements of what he called Obamas bad deal with Havana.
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With violent right-wing-led protests in Venezuela now entering their third month and amid the spread of social unrest and acts of looting in the countrys working class areas, growing fissures are emerging within the chavista government of President Nicolas Maduro.

Among the more significant defections from among former government loyalists is that of Major General Alexis Lopez Ramirez, a top military adviser to Maduro, who resigned last week as secretary of the countrys National Defense Council. Lopez had previously served as the commander of the Venezuelan army and the head of presidential guard of Maduros late predecessor, Hugo Chavez.

The retired general said he had quit his post due to my disagreement with the way of proceeding to summon a national constituent assembly. Maduro has called for an election next month of a special assembly to rewrite the Venezuelan constitution.

The move is largely seen as a maneuver aimed at deflecting the rising popular anger and laying the foundations for some kind of accommodation with elements of the right-wing opposition.

Under the existing constitution, however, the power to convene such an assembly rests with the Venezuelan electorate, by means of a popular referendum, not with the president. Moreover, Maduro has stacked the deck by reserving a portion of delegates to be selected not by means of universal suffrage, but rather picked by various social sectors, including neighborhood councils, unions and other organizations controlled by the ruling PSUV (United Socialist Party of Venezuela).

The resignation of General Lopez poses a serious political threat to the government to the extent that it reflects broader disaffection within the military. From its very origins, the chavista movement, behind its populist and even socialist pretensions, has rested heavily on the military. Chavez was himself an army colonel who first gained national exposure by means of an abortive military coup in 1992, six years before he was first elected president.

While Maduro, who assumed the presidency after Chavezs death in 2013, has no such military background, senior active and retired officers continue to dominate his governments most important ministries and make up half of the countrys governors. The senior officer corps has also been among the principal beneficiaries of the wholesale corruption that has characterized Bolivarian socialism, controlling key areas where illicit profits are to be made, including ports, food distribution and the control of foreign exchange.

In the face of the mass protests called by the right-wing opposition coalition, the MUD, the government has rested ever more heavily on the armed forces. Under Plan Zamora, instituted last April, it has assumed the power to declare martial law throughout the country, and protesters, including those accused of looting, have been brought before military courts.

Until now, the indications of military opposition had been restricted to lower-ranking officers. In April, the government announced the arrest of four junior officersthree first lieutenants and a captainfor conspiracy and planning terrorist actions. And the previous month, three army lieutenants who declared their opposition to Maduro sought asylum in Colombia. The right-wing opposition has claimed that scores of officers have been placed under arrest, but this has not been confirmed.

Henrique Capriles and other MUD leaders, while centering their protests on the demand for Maduros ouster and the convening of immediate elections, have repeatedly pitched their appeal to the military command, invoking its duty to protect the constitution and essentially calling for a coup.

Also continuing to express opposition to the governments policies is Venezuelas attorney general, Luisa Ortega Diaz, who publicly called Wednesday for Venezuelans to reject the call for the constituent assembly after the Supreme Court rejected her demand that eight of its justices be impeached for conspiring against the republican form of government. Among the charges she presented was the courts decision in late March to usurp the power and functions of the opposition-controlled National Assembly. Her opposition to the action at the time led the court to back down.

Ortega, a long-time chavista, has also initiated the prosecution of lower-ranking military personnel for acts of repression, which has led to disquiet within the ranks and leadership of the Venezuelan armed forces.

Maduro and his closest allies have responded angrily to Ortegas latest intervention. Vice President Tarek El Aissami attacked her on his Twitter account, demanding that she stop this fascist opposition, which now has you as its chief, from keeping on murdering people.

The death toll since the beginning of the latest round of mass protests two months ago has risen to at least 80. Among the latest deaths were those of a protester struck down by a truck at a street barricade Wednesday night in Miranda state and a police supervisor shot dead by masked protesters at a road blockade in Merida state.

Washington is attempting to exploit the violenceand no doubt its intelligence agencies are fueling itto pursue regime change and the installation of a new government that would be even more compliant with the demands of Wall Street and the US-based oil corporations.

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, the former head of ExxonMobil, whose predecessor company Standard Oil controlled Venezuelan oil for decades before its nationalization in 1976, told the House Foreign Affairs Committee Wednesday that the State Department is currently working with the US Treasury Department to compile a very robust list of individuals in the Venezuelan government to be targeted with sanctions.

Reuters news agency reported that the Trump administration is also considering punishing sanctions against Venezuelas state oil company PDVSA. A ban on Venezuelan oil imports to the US would plunge the already shattered Venezuelan economy into an unprecedented crisis. Oil exports are the source of 95 percent of the countrys foreign earnings, and the US is Venezuelas largest market, accounting for 40 percent of total sales.

If such measures are taken, it will spell an intensification of the hunger, mass unemployment and impoverishment already facing Venezuelan workers. The Maduro government has responded to the countrys economic crisis by shifting the burden onto the working class, slashing imports of vitally needed food and medical supplies to meet debt payments to Wall Street bondholders and defend the wealth of the Venezuelan bourgeoisie.

All sides, from the Maduro government to the right-wing opposition to the US government, confront the threat of the unraveling political situation in Venezuela giving rise to revolutionary social upheavals from below. The concern is that the increasingly frequent bouts of protest and looting in working class and poor neighborhoods can coalesce into a mass upheaval along the lines of the so-called Caracazo, the 1989 revolt that shook Caracas in response to a draconian IMF-dictated austerity package imposed in the face of falling oil prices.

The emergence of dissidents in the Maduro government is part of a bid to fashion a new national unity government with the aim of heading off such a revolt from below.

Elements of the Venezuelan pseudo-left such as the group Marea Socialista, which previously subordinated itself to the Chavez and Maduro government, joining the ruling PSUV, are aligning themselves with these efforts, voicing criticisms of Maduro while seeking to divert any independent movement of the working class back behind the political machinations of the bourgeoisie.
Infowars host Alex Jones is taking new measures to set things straight about his interview with NBC News' Megyn Kelly, which is set to air Sunday.

On Thursday night, Jones leaked audio of what he says was his private, pre-interview conversation with Kelly online to clarify what he referred to as "misrepresenting" him in the official interview.

"I've never done this in 22 years, I've never recorded another journalist," Jones said in a video posted to Twitter, teasing the leak. "I've never done this, but I knew that it was a fraud, that it was a lie."

In the audio, Kelly is heard saying, "This is not going to be a contentious, sort of 'gotcha' exchange." Then in a preview of the televised footage, Jones is seen talking with Kelly about the 2012 Newtown, Conn., shooting, with Jones calling Kelly "an anti-gunner."

Watch news, TV and more Yahoo View, available on iOS and Android.

The host also called out the "mainstream media," including The Hollywood Reporter, for its recent coverage of his sit-down with Kelly. Jones claimed that his words were taken out of context and heavily edited in promo clips for the interview. "I got it all on tape, sweetheart," he said during Thursday's Infowars show. "I did it to protect myself so I can show what she really did."

"What are they going to do, when I've got the tapes of what really happened?" Jones added, saying that Kelly acted like she was "obsessed with him." "It was worse than in college in a topless bar when women try to get you to pay for a dance."

Exclusive Sneak Peek @RealAlexJones @megynkelly The Interview! Full Interview to be released tonight on https://t.co/5KtICEUspi #NBCFakeNews pic.twitter.com/haeQxMrm74



- Rob Dew (@DewsNewz) June 15, 2017



Kelly has received backlash from the families of the victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting for choosing to broadcast her interview with Jones. On Tuesday, an anti-gun violence organization founded by parents of children killed in the 2012 shooting dropped Kelly as host of an event in Washington.

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"Our goal in sitting down with him was to shine a light, as journalists are supposed to do, on this influential figure and, yes, to discuss the considerable hoods he has promoted with near impunity," Kelly has said about her decision to feature Jones.

CNN chief Jeff Zucker said Thursday that marketing for Kelly's sit-down with Jones has been "unfortunate."

"I think the issue here is the way that they have thus far presented it has not led to the belief that he's held to account as much as somebody who spews such hatred and nonsense needs to be," he continued. "If you're going to do this story, the tease needs to be you holding up a picture of the dead kids at Sandy Hook and saying, 'How dare you?' And I think their marketing of this has thus far been unfortunate."

NBC has not yet responded to a request for comment on the leaked audio.

Read more: Alex Jones Responds to Megyn Kelly Interview Uproar: "It's a Bunch of PR"
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Amazons planned purchase of organic-food chain Whole Foods for $13.7 billion is one more sign that the born-and-raised online retailer wants to be the singular place Americans go to shop, even if that means walk-in stores.

For grocery shoppers, Amazons move is likely to bring more food choices and lower prices. The existing Whole Foods stores give Amazon a bigger distribution network for its delivery business, so they will be able to reach more customers.

Amazon can be expected to work to deliver better value to grocery customers, both online and within the brick-and-mortar space, says Mark Hamrick, a senior economic analyst with Bankrate.

The deal, which is expected to close in the second half of this year, would give Amazon access to 460 Whole Foods locations in the U.S., Canada, and Britain.

In key ways, Amazon already has tried to disrupt the supermarket industry by experimenting with home grocery delivery and by setting up pickup spots for online orders.

Amazon has played in the grocery space for years, but this latest move signals that the online giant is more focused on the industry and looking to dramatically disrupt how Americans buy food.

Making Food Shopping More Convenient

Consumers love the idea of skipping the checkout line and ordering food from their laptop or mobile deviceto be delivered at a time thats convenient for them.

AmazonFreshs website is easy to use and information-richwith a click you can access even more nutritional information about the various foods for sale than youre likely to easily find in a supermarket.

In Seattle, Amazon is experimenting with two locations with kiosks where shoppers can pickup online grocery orders.

Walk-in supermarkets are responding to Amazon by upping their delivery game. Kroger and Walmart having begun testing door-to-door delivery in certain locations, and regional supermarket giant Publix is testing home delivery in certain areas of the Southeast.

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Traditional chain supermarkets are also trying out other services that make grocery shopping less of a time-eating chore. Walmart offers a click and collect system called Online Grocery Pickup in more than 30 states: Consumers buy online and drive to a Walmart store to pick up their bagged orders at designated times for no fee. Krogers ClickList service, available at 300 stores, works the same way.

Driving Prices Down

AmazonFreshs real boon to consumers is its food delivery, but its low prices are another draw.

AmazonFresh is a low-cost leader when it comes to shelf-stable packaged foods, says Burt Flickinger III, managing director at Strategic Resource Group, a consumer industry consulting firm based in New York City.

These cheaper foods include condiments such as ketchup and mustard, canned foods, pasta, cereals, and health bars. Flickinger says Amazons prices on these foods are 12 to 20 percent lower than those at Jet.com, an e-commerce site owned by Walmart.

One way Amazon keeps prices low is by unbundling large packs of food, like the kind you see at warehouse clubs such as Costco, and selling the components individually, says Sam Gagliardi, head of e-commerce at IRI Worldwide, a market research firm in Chicago. In this way Amazon is able to pass the savings on to its customers. Amazon also sells baby food at cost to entice busy parents to become loyal customers, according to IRI.

Access to good value, ironically, comes at a cost. To shop at AmazonFresh, you have to be a Prime member, which costs $99 per year. You also have to pay an AmazonFresh a $15 monthly fee that covers unlimited orders of $40 or more. If your order comes to less than $40, there is a $10 delivery fee.

Bringing the Future to the Food-Shopping Experience

Amazon's approach could eventually influence the operation of walk-in stores.

Last year the retail giant announced the opening of a new grocery store prototype in Seattle with no checkout lanes. Instead of paying at a cashier (self-checkout or otherwise) customers will simply grab what they want and leave, without ever engaging with an employee. This would work through a smartphone app and sensors placed throughout the store. Payment would be automatic through an app link to a customers mobile-payment service. The opening of this store, originally scheduled for March, has been postponed for technical reasons.

But customers who want a futuristic shopping experience right now can try Alexa, the digital assistant that lives in Amazons Echo smart speaker and other devices.

If you realize youre out of milk, you can ask Alexa to add it to your AmazonFresh order or any other grocery list. If theres any uncertainty as to what you exactly want, Alexa will list a handful of related products with prices that you can pick from. And Amazon is using other devices to make reordering the stuff you use easier, too. The newest version of its Dash Wand includes Alexa capabilities, which the company hopes will encourage more Prime members to order more kinds of items more often.





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Kristi Bailey may have given her son life, but five years later, the child returned the favor after remembering a catchy jingle on what to do in case of an emergency.

When the Ohio mom collapsed in her home on May 3, her 5-year-old son Jackson knew exactly how to help.

Read: Mom Hilariously Pranks Daughter Who Just Woke Up From Nap: Time for School!

"You call nana, daddy, 911, if mommys on the floor, Jackson Bailey-Kleinpaste said.

Bailey and her husband Todd taught their son the song so he could help in the event of an emergency, and were not expecting him to actually use it.

But that's exactly what he did last month when Kristi suffered an ectopic pregnancy, the condition in which a fertilized egg plants itself outside of the uterus, and collapsed.

She was on the floor, Jackson said. She was very sick and she had to go to the hospital.

Kristi's condition was so dire that she said goodbye to her family members in fear of dying.

Its hard because I lost a baby, Kristi said. If Jackson hadnt called his dad and his grandma like we had taught him, over a year ago, then I wouldnt be here.

Read: Pregnant Mother Killed After Son, 6, Accidentally Ran Her Over With Minivan: Report

This past weekend, the Worthington Fire Department gave Jackson a Hero of the Day Award and a special fireman's hat as a reward for his quick thinking.

What the firefighters did in putting a positive spin, honoring him like that, and making him know he was my hero, was amazing, Bailey said.

Watch: Mom Mails Son Bag of Trash He Didn't Take Out Before Leaving for College

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From Redbook

The whole labor and delivery process almost (almost!) feels like a cake walk compared to having to find the right person to care for your child. The struggle was especially real for these moms who hired - and then had to fire - their OOC nannies. Beware: OMG-worthy content ahead.

"She would ask to borrow my clothes and suggest we go out for dinner."

"After a year of working for us, I had to fire my eight-year-old son's babysitter. When I first interviewed her she seemed bookish and responsible, but almost immediately after I hired her, things got weird. She was in her early 20s and it seemed she was more interested in becoming my friend than maintaining a professional relationship. Right off the bat, she would do things like ask to borrow my clothes or suggest we go out for dinner together. I always declined, and really started to question if she was the right fit, but a few of the moms who were often at school pick-up commented to me about how on top of it she seemed - always making sure my son was polite and held his hand crossing the street. So I let it go, but then things went to a whole new level. My son was struggling with his reading, and even though we had a plan in place with his teachers about how to best support him, his nanny would force him to read for hours (I guess she was bookish!). My son would be in tears. I talked to her about it, and told her it wasn't necessary for her to get involved with his school work beyond what his teacher assigned. After that, she did everything she could to avoid communicating with me and would only text my husband. At the end of the school year, I told her we no longer needed her services." Andi, 32, Montclair, NJ

"It became obvious these ladies had zero experience with infants."

"I have twin eight-month-old girls, so it'd be fair to say I'm a neurotic first-time mom. I keep my girls on a rigid schedule and have an explicit set of instructions for everything - you know, so I can maintain my sanity! That proved to be a problem with my nannies. To rewind: As I was preparing to go back to work, I was having a heck of a time finding someone with twin and infant experience. I found a lead - a set of sisters - through a mom group, and in desperation, I hired them on the spot. When they started, I shared the routine I had the girls on for feeding, changing, sleeping, and activity time. We decided to install a nanny cam, and I realized they weren't really following my instructions. At first, I was open to some of the things they were doing, because I was new to the mom thing. But after the girls started sleeping through the night, and I wasn't such a zombie, it became obvious that these ladies had zero experience with infants. When the babies started solids, one of them said to me, 'I'm nervous because I haven't done this in awhile.' So I started monitoring the nanny cam super closely while I was at work. When I saw something that bothered me, like when they didn't follow the nap schedule, I would bring it up, and they would actually lie about it and say they were following the instructions. At that point, I gave them one-week's notice and let them go." Lauren, 35, White Plains, NY

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"I caught her out in the neighborhood on her cell phone with my daughter in her stroller when she should have been at home sleeping."

"I had to fire the first nanny I hired to care for my daughter. For one, it was a major personality conflict. She was moody and would often not look at me when I spoke to her. And then I realized she was not respecting my wishes when it came to certain rules I had, like about making sure my baby was in the crib for her naps. Once I caught her out in the neighborhood on her cell phone with my daughter in her stroller when she should have been at home sleeping. My husband and I felt strongly that if she didn't listen to us on basic things, what else would she do? There was just a terrible energy, and it made us uncomfortable. Because we felt nervous about the whole situation, we ended up telling her that our needs changed. I didn't have the guts to get into anything with her, but I think she got the hint because she never asked us for a reference." Monica, 40, Westchester, NY

"It got to the point where she was over 15 or 20 minutes late every day."

"When I had to get rid of my kids' babysitter, it was such a bummer. Overall, she was a really sweet lady who had a sense of humor my kids loved and was great at keeping them active and entertained. So everyone always asks why I let her go. Well, she was watching my kids over the summer. I work in a very intense environment where being late is not tolerated. Every morning, my babysitter would show up late. I was understanding initially-a flat tire, bad traffic, a call from a family member who wasn't well - but it got to the point where she was over 15 or 20 minutes late every day. I told her how important being punctual was since if caused me to be late to work and it was starting to have negative consequences for me professionally. For a short time she got a little better - rolling in just a few minutes after the time she was supposed to arrive - but then it went back to the usual and I just couldn't buy the excuses anymore. It was a sad parting. I wish she could have just learned to listen to her alarm clock a little better." Megan, 29, Melbourne, FL

"My nanny had been canvassing the school playground for other jobs."

"I sort of felt indifferent about my kids' babysitter. She got the job done and I knew my kids were safe, but she wasn't over-the-top friendly. When I got home, she would usually say a brief goodbye and beeline for the door, or if I would text her throughout the day to see how things were going she would usually respond in one-word answers. Still, my kids were old enough to express themselves, and they told me repeatedly that they were fine with her. One night, I was at a school event and one of the parents came up to me to ask me why I was no longer using my nanny and if I would recommend her. I was a little taken aback and confused. It finally came out that my nanny had been canvassing the school playground for other jobs. I was pretty surprised and brought it up to her the next day and her response was that she preferred working with younger kids. It was all odd, and because I could no longer trust her I told her that we would have to let her go." Jess, 35, Reno, NV

"We hired our nanny because she spoke Spanish - but it turned out she lied."

"Okay, this is super strange, but my husband fired our nanny because she couldn't speak Spanish. Here's the back story: My husband is from Mexico and speaks the language of his native country fluently. I am from a town in Oklahoma that isn't much more than a cornfield, so I do not speak Spanish. When we had our son, it was really important to us that he had an awareness and appreciation of my husband's culture, namely by being bilingual. However, my husband often travels for work so there isn't always someone around who can speak Spanish to him, so we decided to hire a Spanish-speaking caregiver to help reinforce the language when my husband was away. During the interview process, I felt an immediate connection to the last woman I met with. When I asked her if she spoke Spanish, she affirmed that she did. I never thought to question her anymore about it, and hired her right away. The first few weeks were fine, but about a month into her employment my husband got home before I did and when he started speaking to the nanny in Spanish she didn't respond. Her eyes got wide and she was frozen in place. After a few awkward minutes, she finally admitted to my husband that she did not speak the language but desperately needed a job so she had lied about it. My husband told her on the spot that we couldn't keep her on. We joke about it now, but at the time it felt so unreal that sometimes I still cannot believe that happened." Tiffany, 38, Chicago, IL

"She called my kids 'evil monsters' on social media."

"When my daughter started kindergarten, she needed someone to watch her part-time. I had a set of friends who were willing to do a sitter share - I used the sitter for three days and they used her for the other two. To be honest, I never really loved the woman, but it was so hard finding someone reliable who wanted to work part-time, so I just went with it. The first red flag was that whenever we needed to communicate, she always did it via text. She never liked to have conversations in person. Once, I called to talk to her about a schedule change and she didn't answer the phone but immediately texted me. My plan was to make it through the school year and then find someone else, but that plan went out the window when I happened to do a little social media stalking of her one night. Her Facebook account was private - I couldn't see pictures or her personal status updates - but for some reason, anything she was tagged in showed up on her feed. On one status update where she was tagged it said: 'Waiting for my bestie to finish work so we can hang.' Her comment shocked me. It said: 'As soon as I'm done watching the evil monsters I'll be there.' I took a screen snapshot and texted it to her and said that I would no longer be needing her. She never responded. Needless to say, my friends also let her go." Bianca, 29, Dallas, TX

"My daughter was getting too attached to her."

"This is a little embarrassing to admit, but I fired my nanny because my daughter was getting too attached to her. I would get home from work and my daughter would have no interest in seeing me and would even cry hysterically when the nanny would have to leave. It got to the point where I had such serious working mom guilt that I told the nanny we no longer needed child care. I felt pretty bad about it after the fact." Tara, 41, New York, NY

"She had been using our Uber account when she wasn't watching our child."

"My nanny was sort of a thief, so I had to let her go. Basically, after only working for us for three months she said she deserved a raise because she had 'proven herself.' When we hired her, we had never discussed any performance-based raises, especially within that short amount of time. When we sat down with her and talked about it, she seemed indifferent and like she didn't really care that we declined giving her raise, but I had a bad feeling. Over the next six months, we caught her lying about money on multiple occasions. She would say she took our four-year-old out to lunch or for a treat, and needed extra money for that. We had no problem compensating her, but she could never provide any receipts and our child would always tell us they never ate anywhere. It was like she was charging us for little things because we hadn't given her more money. The final straw came when I realized she had been using our Uber account when she wasn't watching our child. We had given her the login for emergencies. When we mentioned it to her she said it had been a mistake and that she had forgotten to switch to her account. But at that point, all of the odd money stuff left a bad taste in our mouths and we told her that we would need to part ways." Jordan, 30, Sacramento, CA

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In the world of American Gods, its only appropriate that a spider deity would be making some extra bucks on the side as a tailor. Sure enough, thats where we find Anansi, aka Mr. Nancy (Orlando Jones), in the freshman season finale of Bryan Fullers adaptation of Neil Gaimans bestselling novel. In this exclusive clip from the episode, which airs June 18 at 9 p.m. on Starz, road-trip partners Mr. Wednesday (Ian McShane) and Shadow Moon (Ricky Whittle) enjoy Nancys hospitality  and his sweet taste in threads  while they discuss their next steps. (Warning: The NSFW clip contains several variations on the f-bomb.)

Specifically, Shadow wants to know how theyre going to move on from the fact that he just saw Wednesday chop off a guys head in the sixth episode. Spill blood together; that binds you to him, Mr. Nancy tells a very irate Moon, who would much rather sever his ties to his employer after watching him sever the Roman god Vulcans head. You just gonna piss me off, so I think that violated the terms of our agreement. Even the promise of a Nancy-woven suit cant seem to win him over. Cmon, Shadow, at least try it on. Youre gonna like the way you look  Mr. Nancy guarantees it.

American Gods airs Sundays at 9 p.m. on Starz.

Read more from Yahoo TV:
At least 300 people have been killed in the northern Syrian city of Raqqa, ISISs de-facto capital, since March in what UN war-crimes investigators have called a staggering loss of civilian life.

The surge in fatalities coincides with intensified airstrikes by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a group of U.S.-backed Arab and Kurdish fighters, against the Islamic State in Raqqa. The SDF launched an offensive last week on the city, which has been under ISIS control since 2014; SDF fighters claimed a number of key neighborhoods in the western, eastern, and northern parts of the city.

But the offensive has come at a cost. In addition to destroying almost every important building in Raqqa, the operation has put many civilians in the line of fire and displaced thousands of others.

The intensification of airstrikes, which have paved the ground for an SDF advance in Raqqa, has resulted not only in staggering loss of civilian life, but has also led to 160,000 civilians fleeing their homes and becoming internally displaced, Paulo Pinheiro, the UN Commission of Inquiry chairman, said Wednesday at the UN Human Rights Council.

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Karen Abuzayd, the American commissioner on the UN panel, told Reuters approximately 300 deaths have been caused by coalition airstrikes; U.K.-based monitor Airwars puts the estimate at closer to 600. Its a death toll the UN Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs warned could rise, noting last week that between 50,000 to 100,000 people are believed to remain in the city.

Concern over civilian casualties isnt limited to Raqqa. Human-rights groups criticized the U.S. last week for its airstrikes targeting al-Qaeda militants in the Syrian city of Aleppoa March offensive the U.S. military concluded resulted in only one civilian fatality, but which other monitors claim killed dozens.

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Human-rights groups are also calling attention to the U.S.-led coalitions use of white phosphorus in operations against ISIS in Iraq and Syria. Though the coalition claims the substance is a smokescreen to help civilians escape ISIS-controlled areas safely (the group has been known to target civilians attempting to flee), Human Rights Watch warned its use could pose a high risk of horrific and long-lasting harm in crowded cities like Raqqa and Mosul and any other areas with concentrations of civilians.

Indeed, though white phosphorus is not considered a banned chemical weapon and can be used in the battlefield, Amnesty International said the substance can reignite weeks after its been deployed, causing injuries that burn deep into the muscle and bone.

Read more from The Atlantic:

This article was originally published on The Atlantic.
A high-profile gay rights case in Hong Kong went to appeal Thursday, closely watched by campaigners who say the socially conservative city is lagging in equal rights.

The British woman fighting the case is known to the court only as QT and was refused a spousal visa because she is in a same-sex partnership.

Major international companies including Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs and Credit Suisse last week made an application to submit evidence to the Court of Appeal, saying they wanted to give a "more rounded picture of the issues", emphasising their commitment to diversity and desire to hire top talent from around the world.

But the court refused their request, saying evidence they put forward was likely to repeat grounds already being presented by QT's legal team.

Human rights barrister Dinah Rose argued Thursday that even though gay marriage is not recognised under Hong Kong law, that did not mean same-sex couples in a civil partnership or married in a foreign jurisdiction should be denied the rights of heterosexual married couples.

Heterosexual spouses are eligible for "dependant" visas which allow them to enter Hong Kong and to work.

Rose characterised such treatment as "a form of discrimination" that goes against the city's core values and the principle of equality.

"We are dealing with real people, who have a real relationship and who have suffered a significant disadvantage because of their sexuality," she said.

QT came to Hong Kong in 2011 after she entered into a civil partnership with a woman known as "SS" in Britain.

SS was moving to Hong Kong for a new job.

But QT was denied a dependant visa and was given instead a visitor visa, which does not allow her to work.

She was later granted a 12-month visa under exceptional circumstances which did allow her to work, Rose said, but added that was still "less favourable" treatment.

QT lost a legal challenge at the High Court last year after a judge ruled that equating same-sex unions to married status was "not permissible" under Hong Kong law.

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Rose said that people in polygamous marriages are allowed to bring in one of their spouses as a dependant, even though such relationships are not recognised in Hong Kong.

Immigration law does not explicitly mention gay couples, but states that only the "spouse" of a person permitted to work in the territory may apply for a dependant visa.

Judge Andrew Cheung said Thursday gay people were treated "differently" in Hong Kong because of current marriage law.

"I'm of course not saying gay people are not protected in Hong Kong," he told the court.

"All I'm focusing on is in terms of the right to marriage."

Rights campaigners in the region were galvanised last month when a court in Taiwan ruled in favour of gay marriage.

The hearing continues and is due to last for two days.
China's civil aviation authority has fined Dubai-based Emirates airline for violating safety rules and banned it from adding new routes in the country for six months.

On April 17, an Emirates plane flew at the wrong height over the city of Urumqi in far-western Xinjiang, causing "serious flight conflict," the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) said in a statement.

In another "unsafe event" also over Urumqi on May 18, an Emirates plane lost radio communications during its flight, the regulator said.

The leading Middle Eastern airline was fined 29,000 yuan (4,270 dollars).

Emirates was previously barred from adding new planes and routes in China for six months after a January 2016 incident where a plane landed with low fuel.

The CAAC said its officials recently met with Emirates representatives to assess operations of the airline in the country in recent years.

At the meeting, Emirates executives briefed the CAAC on its own internal investigation and proposed corrective measures.

Earlier this week, the authority said it had "zero tolerance" for "security risks" and would introduce new methods to prevent accidents.

Emirates offers 38 weekly flights to and from China, providing connections to over 150 cities in the world.
CNN gave Mr Trump more coverage than any other Republican candidate: AP

The head of CNN has launched an attack on Donald Trump and other politicians for creating an environment in which journalists are more at threat then most people realise.

[It is] unconscionable and dangerous and they should know better, said Jeff Zucker.

During the election campaign, Mr Zucker was frequently criticised for the huge amount of free air time he came to Mr Trump. The New York tycoon, who led the Republican field after he announced his candidacy, received markedly more coverage than other candidates, a move that underscored his appeal both to viewers and advertisers.

CNN president Jeff Zucker calls politicians' attacks on the media shameful and dangerous https://t.co/OibnvQiuSe  Michael Calderone (@mlcalderone) June 15, 2017

Yet during the campaign, CNN was also among those media outlets that Mr Trump frequently denounced for producing what he called fake news. Mr Trump described the media as terrible people and scum.

In a breakfast meeting with reporters, Mr Zucker accused Mr Trump and others of helping create a toxic and dangerous environment for the media.

Weve been dealing with this in a very real and heightened way over the last 18 months, he said.

He spoke after Montana congressman Greg Gianforte, recently pleaded guilty to body-slamming a newspaper reporter who had asked him a question the night before his special election victory.

This is what happens when you try to delegitimise an institution that is trying to do its job, Mr Zucker said, according to the Associated Press.

It is shameful on the part of the administration and other politicians to cause a frenzy against something that is guaranteed in the Constitution of the United States.

It does a disservice to this country and its position in the world and allows a heightened sense of rhetoric against journalists and media organisations.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Sometime just over 40,000 years ago, the last surviving cousins of the modern humans, Homo Neanderthals, likely met their Homo sapiens kin in the modern-day Moravia region of the Czech Republic, a new paper suggests. It is based on the excavation of 10 layers of sediment in a cave in the region that date back to between 28,000 and 50,000 years old.

The Pod Hradem Cave in the eastern Czech Republic was first excavated in 1956-1958, and again in 2011-2012. The advanced techniques used during the second excavation revealed portable art objects, never-before-seen in the region, as well as raw materials that suggest long-distance travel. The dig turned up over 20,000 objects that include animal bones, stone tools, and weapons, as well as an engraved bone bead  the oldest of its kind found in Central Europe.

In the early layers the items weve found are locally made flakes, possibly used by small communities living and hunting in the vicinity to kill animals or prepare food, but around 40,000 years ago we start to see objects coming from long distances away. Dating from this same time we unearthed a bead made from mammal bone. This is the oldest portable art object of its type found anywhere in central Europe and provides evidence of social signaling, quite possibly used as a necklace to mark the identity of the wearer. So between these two periods, weve either seen a change in behavior and human movement or possibly even a change in species, Duncan Wright, an archaeologist from Australian National University who was a co-author of the paper, said in a statement Wednesday.

Read: Pre-Humans Split From Apes In The Mediterranean, Not Africa

Modern humans, or Homo sapiens, are thought to have first arrived in Europe about 45,000 years ago. And the evidence from Pod Hradem suggests an increase in human mobility around the same time. Tools and artifacts recovered from the layer that is about 48,000 to 45,000 years old were made using the material available locally.

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Weve found that somewhere between 40-48,000 years ago people became highly mobile. Instead of moving short distances near the cave where they lived, they were walking for hundreds of kilometers [miles] quite often. We know that because we found various artifacts where the raw material comes from 100-200 kilometers away. The artifacts were also made of different materials from different regions. Some from the North-West, some from the North, some from the East, Ladislav Nejman, an archaeologist from the University of Sydney and lead author of the paper, said in the statement.

StoneTool

Photo: Miroslav Kralik

The presence of artifacts likely means that groups of people, Neanderthals and Homo sapiens, camped in the area from time to time. And it's quite possible that the two different species of humans met in this area, Wright said.

That remains to be confirmed, however, and to test that, samples have been sent for analysis. A new technique, called ancient sediment DNA analysis, will be used for the test. It examines DNA that has been preserved in the sediment and can determine species without the presence of bones.

Read: Oldest Human Remains Ever Found In Morocco

The thousands of years represented in the different layers of sediment also revealed information about how the climate changed in the region during that time.

The climate changed quite often from warmer to colder, and vice versa, but at all times it was much colder than the interglacial period that we have lived in for the past 10,000 years, Nejman said.

The paper, titled Hominid visitation of the Moravian Karst during the Middle-Upper Paleolithic transition: New results from Pod Hradem Cave (Czech Republic), appeared online in the Journal of Human Evolution.

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Residents stand outside the kindergarten gate Residents stand outside the gate of a kindergarten, where an explosion occurred a day earlier, in Fengxian in Chinas eastern Jiangsu province on June 16, 2017. (Photo: Greg Baker/AFP/Getty Images)

An explosion rocked a kindergarten in eastern China on Thursday, killing at least seven people and injuring dozens, authorities said, as state media published images showing bloodied and unconscious victims.

The explosion happened at the schools gates, police in the city of Xuzhou said in a statement.

Images circulating online showed that the force of the blast tore peoples clothes off and one woman was seen clutching her child, who is in tears.

Public Security Minister Guo Shengkun ordered a prompt investigation into the cause and demanded enhanced checks of possible risks at densely populated venues, the official Xinhua news agency said. His deputy was dispatched to the area to conduct the probe.

At least seven people were killed and 66 injured, including nine seriously, according to Xuzhou city government. Two died at the site of the explosion and five while being treated.

Xinhua said children were leaving school when the blast occurred, but the Fengxian county government said class was ongoing and teachers and students were not among the casualties. (AFP)

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Seasoned lawyers with a depth of experience that includes the investigations into Watergate, Enron and the bombings of the US embassies in east Africa wont be intimidated by the intense spotlight, experts say

Mueller himself is a former FBI director, a Republican, and a marine awarded a Purple Heart for wounds sustained in Vietnam. Photograph: Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images

Even before the special counsels inquiry has begun in earnest into links between the Trump campaign and Moscow, the team Robert Mueller is building provides clues about which way the investigation is heading.



One is a veteran of the Watergate investigation, and Donald Trump  like Richard Nixon  was reported on Wednesday to now be under investigation for obstruction of justice. Other team members have specialities that could point toward where Mueller is looking after taking over control of the investigation from the FBI: money laundering, financial fraud and Russian organised crime.

Donald Trump has been reported to be contemplating the dismissal of Mueller, who was appointed by the deputy attorney general, Rod Rosenstein, on 17 May just over a week after the president sacked the FBI director, James Comey. Witness interviews have yet to begin, and the special counsel headquarters are still being established in an office block on Washingtons D Street, but Trump used Twitter early on Thursday morning to denounce the investigation  or perhaps the attendant media coverage  as the single greatest witch hunt in American political history  led by some very bad and conflicted people.

The tweet and similar attacks launched by surrogates in recent days suggest Trumps strategy will be to assail the integrity of the investigators from the onset.

Even in the highly partisan climate in the US, that will be an uphill struggle. Mueller is a Republican, a marine awarded a Purple Heart for wounds sustained in Vietnam when his unit ambushed by the Viet Cong in 1969. He was appointed FBI director in 2001, took office a week before the September 11 attacks and was generally acclaimed for his service. When Barack Obama took office, he asked Mueller to serve an extra two years beyond the normal 10.

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A succession of senior Republicans leapt to Muellers defence on Thursday and warned Trump against any attempt to get rid of him. Rosenstein, who has the power to sack Mueller, told the Senate that without good cause he would not consider it and it would not matter to me what anybody said.

Three members of the team he has hired so far have been reported to have made election donations to Democrats, a fact that has become another avenue of attack for Trump supporters. But one of the three also made donations to Republicans, and the proportion of Democratic supporters is not significantly out of line with the general population.

It is the specialities of Muellers team that is more likely to be a serious concern to the Trump camp, since they point to a wide-ranging inquiry that will look into all aspects of Trumps complex links to Russia.

One of the more recent recruits is reported to be Lisa Page, a justice department trial attorney with a substantial record of investigating Russian and former Soviet organised crime and in particular its reputed godfather, Semion Mogilevich.

Mogilevich associates are reported to have owned condos in Trump Tower in New York, and the father of Trumps business partner in the Trump Soho hotel, Felix Sater, was a Mogilevich lieutenant.

Vladimir Putin is known to use oligarchs and organised crime bosses as instruments of Kremlin influence abroad.

This pick really shows that Mueller recognises that Russian organised crime and sophisticated financial transactions involving them are going to be right at the centre and Page is definitely a leading expert there, said Scott Horton, a US lawyer with experience of working in eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union.

Another sign that the Mueller team will take a follow the money approach is the recruitment of Andrew Weissmann, an organised crime expert who oversaw lengthy cases in the US district court for the eastern district of New York focused on the citys mafia families and their infiltration of Wall Street.

Weissmann formerly led the FBIs fraud unit and the taskforce that unpicked the complex financial dealings of Enron, after the giant energy cooperation collapsed in December 2001. It was the most complex white collar crime investigation in FBI history and led to the convictions of the firms top management.

What is striking to me is that his team is a counter-intelligence team and is a money fraud, banking, laundering-type team. Andrew Weissman did the Enron cases, which is all about following the money trail, said Paul Rosenzweig, a former deputy assistant secretary for policy in the homeland security department.

Another legal heavyweight Mueller has recruited is Michael Dreeben, a former deputy solicitor general who has argued more than 100 cases before the US supreme court. Rosenzweig described him on the Lawfare blog as quite possibly the best criminal appellate lawyer in America and said he represented even worse news for Trump last week than Comeys damning testimony.

Mueller has brought with him three members of his law firm, WilmerHale, who have justice department and law enforcement backgrounds. One of them is James Quarles, who was part of the Watergate taskforce and focus on irregularities in GOP campaign finance.

Another WilmerHale lawyer is a former FBI agent, Aaron Zebley, a cybersecurity specialist who, according to Wired magazine, was part of the bureaus I-49 counter-terrorism unit, which helped track down the bombers who blew up the US embassies in east Africa in 1998. He worked at a counsel at the justice departments national security division before following Mueller to WilmerHale.

The third member of the WilmerHale trio is Jeannie Rhee, who was deputy assistant attorney general in the Obama administration and is an expert on the intersection of criminal law and government.

This is a team with wide expertise that is really top notch, said Karen Greenberg, the director of the Center on National Security at Fordham University. These are people who have a number of competencies who have dealt with fraud and corruption and who know government well. All of them know obstruction of justice and many have worked with Mueller and with each other before.

As for the hostile scrutiny the special counsel team is likely to endure as the investigation gets going, Greenberg predicted they were equal to it.

These are seasoned attorneys, she said. They have faced challenges out there before dealing with corporate corruption ... starting with Mueller, who came into office days before 9/11. They have been through things every bit as stressful and tough as this.

Those on both sides hoping for a swift resolution to the investigation may be disappointed: special counsel investigations can take years before coming to any conclusions. If Mueller did find evidence of potential criminal charges, a sitting president is unlikely to be indicted, so the ball would be passed to Congress for a possible impeachment  extremely unlikely while Republicans continue to control both houses.
Mr Trump has described the investigation as a 'witch hunt': Getty

Donald Trump has said that he is being investigated for possible obstruction of justice over his decision to fire the FBI Director who was heading a probe into possible collusion between his election campaign and Russia's alleged effort to interfere with the 2016 election.

Earlier this week, it was reported that in the aftermath of the firing of James Comey, Robert Mueller, the man appointed to take over the probe as special investigator, had began looking at whether Mr Trump's behaviour represented an obstruction of justice. Mr Mueller has reportedly already scheduled interviews with several senior intelligence officials. Mr Trump's lawyer denounced the development and accused the FBI of leaking material.

Now, Mr Trump has suggested that he is indeed being investigated. "I am being investigated for firing the FBI Director by the man who told me to fire the FBI Director! Witch Hunt," he wrote on Twitter.

I am being investigated for firing the FBI Director by the man who told me to fire the FBI Director! Witch Hunt  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 16, 2017

It is believed he was referring to Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, who appointed Mr Mueller as special prosecutor to investigate the Trump campaign. In the immediate aftermath of Mr Comeys firing, the White House made public, memos from Mr Rosenstein and Attorney General Jeff Sessions that made a case for getting rid the FBI Director. There has certainly been no indication that Mr Mueller told Mr Trump to fire Mr Comey.

The President's words of apparent confirmation come after a week of reports from Washington that his firing of Mr Comey, who was heading up a probe into his former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn and his possible ties to the Kremlin, had led the investigation to broaden its scope.

In another tweet earlier on Friday, Mr Trump had said: After 7 months of investigations & committee hearings about my 'collusion with the Russians,' nobody has been able to show any proof. Sad!

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The Associated Press said Mr Mueller was among the candidates Mr Trump interviewed to replace Mr Comey. A day later, Mr Rosenstein appointed Mr Mueller, who was at the helm of the FBI during the September 11 attacks, as special counsel.

The tweets are the latest in a week of angry social media responses by the President over a report by the Washington Post that Mr Mueller was looking into whether he had obstructed justice.

The Twitter storm comes as it emerged Vice President Mike Pence had also hired a personal lawyer to represent him in the intensifying investigation. Mr Pences office confirmed he had retained Richard Cullen, a former Virginia attorney general and US attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, to assist in responding to inquiries from Mr Mueller.

Mr Mueller's investigation appeared to be reaching a broadening circle of current and former officials. The Post said investigators had requested interviews with CIA Director Dan Coats, National Security Agency chief Michael Rogers and Richard Ledgett, the former NSA deputy director. Recent news reports have suggested Trump sought all three officials' help in pressuring FBI Director James Comey to drop his investigation into Mr Flynn.
President Donald Trump: AP

American travellers hoping to take a trip to Cuba are going to have a difficult time doing so going forward, roughly a year after airlines opened up commercial flight routes to Havana.

Thats because President Donald Trump, making good on a 2016 campaign promise, is expected to announce Friday a review and overhaul of US-Cuba policy unveiled by Barack Obama in 2015.

The changes will include rolling back provisions that made it easier for individual Americans to travel to Havana, and American companies who made investments in the country in the past couple of years may see regulatory changes as well, senior White House officials told reporters during a conference call.

American tourist travel was never technically speaking legal, and the White House says that they are generally making changes to travel categories so that it will be harder to abuse loopholes to go do things like hang out on Cuban beaches. Family travel will still be legal alongside other categories like permissions for journalism travel to the island nation. The US wet foot dry foot policy to protect Cuban refugees who land on American shores will not be altered.

The White House says that the revised regulations will send a strong human rights message to Cuban President Raul Castro, and that the Cuban government will be able to negotiate with Washington to ease regulations should it choose to. The embassies opened during the Obama administration will not be closed, and diplomatic relations wont be changed significantly under the new policy.

The primary goal, according to the White House, is to push the Cuban government to adopt stronger human rights protections, to release political prisoners, and to ensure that any economic advancement benefits the Cuban people instead of the military. A main concern is that Mr Obamas White House made it too easy for money spent by American companies and individuals to flow to Cuban government sources instead of benefiting regular Cubans.

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What specific changes the Cuban government would have to make to their human rights approach in order to begin loosening relations again was not made clear. Cuba will also not be reclassified as a state sponsor of terrorism under the new policy.

When asked why the administration is setting up stricter regulations on trade and travel with Cuba over human rights after visiting Saudi Arabia during Mr Trumps first official visit abroad, White House officials said that the administration plans on fighting for human rights. Saudi Arabia, like Cuba, is well known for human rights abuses.

The White House has been working on the Cuba announcement since February, when the President instructed his national security advisor to start an interagency review. The review included several interested parties including the Treasury Department, the State Department, the Department of Commerce, the Department of Agriculture, and the Department of Transportation.

Members of Congress were also consulted, and the White House said that Democrats were included in that effort. Florida Senator Marco Rubio, who campaigned viciously against Mr Trump during last years Republican primary, played a central role in the drafting of new Cuba policy.
The capture of two Georgia fugitives accused of killing two prison guards this week has calmed most area residents, but the prisoners have left at least two people terrorized even as they return to their cells.

Not long before authorities tracked them to an area outside Nashville, cops say Donnie Rowe and Ricky DuBose tied up a husband and wife and held them at gunpoint in their own home.

Watch: 2 Inmates on the Run After Killing 2 Prison Guards During Transfer: Cops

According to Bedford County Sheriff Austin Swing, Row, 43, and DuBose, 24, on Thursday entered the unnamed couple's Shelbyville home after their car broke down nearby.

"They wrestled with the man and took control of him," Swing told WSMV. "They said they put guns to both of their heads."

For three hours, the couple endured the threats and angry demands of the fugitives, all while believing their lives could end at any moment.

Swing said Row and DuBose ate a beef stew the woman had prepared, took the mans boots and clothing, and some jewelry.

By 5 p.m., the fugitives left the home and stole a black Jeep, cops say. The couple was then able to untie themselves.

"Somehow the couple broke free and notified authorities and that was absolutely critical," Josh DeVine with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigations told reporters.

The home invasion led authorities to hunt down the Jeep, which they reportedly discovered driving down I-24 and engaged in pursuit.

Rowe and DuBose reportedly then crashed the Jeep before fleeing into the woods.

The pair was eventually captured in the rural community of Christiana, Tennessee, according to Georgia Bureau of Investigation spokeswoman Nelly Miles, thus bringing a multi-day manhunt that spanned multiple states to a close.

A hefty reward had been offered for information leading to the arrest of the prison-breaking duo who fled custody after two Georgia prison guards were overpowered and murdered.

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Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills had announced Thursday the reward had been upped to $130,000.

In a statement, Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal praising those involved in capturing the men.

"Rest assured, justice will be served. My sincere thanks to our local, state and federal law enforcement officers who assisted in the manhunt," Deal wrote.

Watch: Cops: Escaped Inmate Posed for Photo With Mustang Convertible Before He Took It

Georgia Department of Corrections Commissioner Greg Dozier also released a statement.

"We are relieved to know that these two dangerous individuals have been taken off the streets, and the public is out of harm's way," said Commissioner Dozier. "They will be brought to justice swiftly for their heinous crime against our Officers."

Watch: Inmate Arrested For Stealing Escapes Jail by Crawling Out of Bathroom Ceiling

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A massive manhunt for two escaped inmates ended Thursday night when the "dangerous beyond belief" fugitives were captured in Tennessee, authorities said.

Donnie Rowe, 43, and Ricky DuBose, 24, were caught after leading officers on a chase in Murfreesboro.

The intense search for Rowe and Dubose began Tuesday after guards Christopher Monica and Curtis Billue, both officers at Baldwin State Prison, were shot to death during the inmates' escape.

Earlier Thursday, the two are believed to have tied up a couple in Shelbyville and stole a Jeep and firearms, WSMV-TV reported.

A hefty reward had been offered for information leading to the arrest of the prison-breaking duo who fled custody after two Georgia prison guards were overpowered and murdered on Tuesday.

Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills had announced early Thursday that a reward for the pair's captrue had been upped to 15,000.

Watch: Cops: Escaped Inmate Posed for Photo With Mustang Convertible Before He Took It

Family members had come forward, begging the men to give up.

"I am begging you, baby, to please turn yourself in," Brenda Tarver, a relative of Dubose's by marriage, told WGCL. "We dont want anything bad to happen to you. I talked to your daddy last night (Tuesday), your daddy says to tell you to turn yourself in. Please, before this ends badly."

Dubose's father also reached out.

"He needs to stop (running)," said Rocky Dubose told the Atlanta CBS affiliate from his home in Texas. "Ricky, please stop man. Brother, they gonna kill you, if you dont give yourself up. I promise you."

Federal, state and local authorities worked to find the pair, who investigators believed were driving a white pickup truck that was stolen from an industrial site 25 miles from where they first fled custody.

It was near there where Sheriff Sills said the men ransacked a house in Madison near where they dumped a green Honda they allegedly carjacked after first fleeing custody.

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The intense search for Rowe and Dubose began after guards Christopher Monica and Curtis Billue, both officers at Baldwin State Prison, were shot to death during the inmates' escape.

"They are dangerous beyond description," Sheriff Sills said at a press conference Tuesday.

Both men were serving lengthy sentences for armed robbery and other crimes.

Watch: Inmate Arrested For Stealing Escapes Jail by Crawling Out of Bathroom Ceiling

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The China-backed Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank wont be getting into the coal business.

Thats according to AIIBs vice president Thierry de Longuemar. Speaking in Beijing ahead of the banks second general assembly on the South Korean island of Jeju this week, de Longuemar said that the China-backed rival to the World Bank and other development banks would adhere to the kind of environmental rules guiding investments at those Western-dominated institutions.

There are things it wont finance, like coal-fired power plants, he told AFP.

Bank officials had said earlier this year that they would avoid investments in coal, but then acknowledged that member states in the bank were still wrestling with the issue. But the AIIBs apparent resolve to forgo coal power plants  if it is adhered to  would be yet another sign of headwinds for coal, a big contributor to greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change.

Nearly every country in the world  except Syria, Nicaragua, and the United States  is in the Paris climate pact, which seeks to curb emissions in the developed and developing world alike. In many places, especially the United States, renewable energy like wind and solar power has become more competitive, undermining the economic case for coal-fired electricity. (And cheap natural gas in the United States only makes coals woes worse.)

The United States is not part of the AIIB, which has 77 member nations, and expects to have 85 by the end of 2017. Washington sought to keep allies from joining the initiative, fearing it would give Beijing undue leverage in the developing world, but partners like Britain and Germany quickly signed up regardless. China holds a 28 percent stake in it, followed by India with eight percent. It is chaired by a former Chinese vice minister of finance, Jin Liqun.

You cant deny that its a Chinese initiative, de Longuemar told AFP.

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So far, the Asian bank has funded a number of projects, from a natural gas infrastructure initiative in Bangladesh to a dam safety project in Indonesia. The bank approved $1.7 billion in loans in 2016, with plans to increase lending to $2.5 billion this year. But to date, none of the projects have been a part of Chinas One Belt One Road initiative meant to connect Beijing with the West.

But just because the AIIB says it plans to steer clear of coal doesnt mean that China is out of the business entirely. There are other pots of Chinese money underwriting big investments across southeast Asia and Central Asia, including the New Silk Road Fund and the New Development Bank (the so-called BRICS bank), and they dont seem to have the same environmental standards as AIIB. In Pakistan alone, Beijing plans to invest tens of billions of dollars in energy projects, including coal-fired power plants.

Unlike those other funds, which are meant to help realize Chinese President Xi Jinpings dream of connecting China to Europe across Central Asia, the AIIB is meant to be a truly multilateral institution, the bank official said.

It will not act as an instrument of the Chinese government, De Longuemar said.

China has a higher interest in the success of this institution. But to say that it is a Chinese bank rather than an international bank would be a big exaggeration, he said.

Photo credit: ALEX WONG/Getty Images
This week, President Donald Trump will reportedly announce the re-imposition of certain economic sanctions on Cuba that were unwound during the recent diplomatic thaw between the United States and its southern neighbor. This re-imposition is not a return to the previous comprehensive embargo meant to strangle the Cuban economy. Rather, it is the smart use of U.S. economic power to continue to put pressure on the Castro regime for its continued human-rights abuses, even as Americans interact directly with the Cuban people.

President Barack Obamas decision to partially unwind the Cuba sanctions program was driven by an understandable desire to relax that program. The comprehensive sanctions imposed against Cuba during the height of the Cold War helped contain what had been the most dangerous regime in the Western Hemisphere to America and its allies around the world. Yet following the collapse of the Soviet Union this threat  and the need to impose comprehensive sanctions that punished the Cuban people  diminished.

The Obama administrations unwinding of sanctions was meant to empower the Cuban people by fostering civil society, increasing people-to-people contacts, and encouraging the development of the nascent Cuban private sector. The ultimate goal of this relaxation was to improve relations between the two countries and to set the stage for a peaceful democratic transition in Cuba.

But while certain U.S. businesses have increased their presence in Cuba and U.S. visitors traveling under general licenses authorizing people-to-people contacts (read: mostly tourism) have increased since 2014, the Castro regime has continued its long-standing practice of brutalizing its own people.

In March 2016, in the lead up to Obamas visit, the Castro regime arrested more than 300 dissidents as part of a broad crackdown on opposition forces, according to Human Rights Watch. Likewise, over a seven-month period in 2016, independent observers received almost 8,000 reports of arbitrary detention. These recent examples build on decades of human-rights abuses by the Castro regime, including the killing of tens of thousands of its own citizens since it took power in 1959.

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Further, the relaxation of sanctions has benefited many of the most odious elements of the regime. For example, the Cuban military keeps tight control over much of the tourism industry; U.S. hospitality companies that are attempting to build out the countrys tourism infrastructure provide the military with a substantial source of revenue. In 2016 for example, Starwood hotels, with explicit permission from the Obama Administration, began managing hotels owned by the Cuban military. Likewise, Gaviota, the military-run tourism company which already makes hundreds of millions of dollars off visitors every year, has significantly increased its revenue since the sanctions loosening, and aims to double the amount of hotel rooms under its control in the next three years, spurred in large part by U.S. visitors to the island.

It is time for the Trump administration to remedy these shortcomings. Imposing new, targeted economic restrictions could create more leverage to pressure the Castro regime to relax its oppressive behavior, as well as limit the ability of the regimes most undesirable elements to fill their coffers. Any new prohibitions should prohibit U.S. investments and business partnerships with the Cuban military and security services  including Cuban companies owned by the military  under existing general license authorizations enacted as part of the Obama administrations unwinding. While such restrictions may not fully cut certain institutions within the Cuban government off from benefits associated with increased U.S. business in Cuba, they will limit how much profit these entities see.

In addition, to incentivize the regime to change its behavior, the administration should make clear that this new economic pressure will only be lifted if the Castro regime stops abusing human rights and cracking down on legitimate political and civil activities.

Despite alarmist arguments that the Trump administrations re-imposition of certain sanctions is an ill-fated attempt to return to U.S. Cold War-era policies, this increase in sanctions pressure represents the smart use of American economic power. U.S. policymakers routinely adjust sanctions programs to ensure maximum effectiveness. Because the unilateral unwinding has significantly benefited the Cuban military and oppressive elements of the regime, it is perfectly appropriate to adjust this program to limit their ability to enrich themselves.

More broadly, the Trump administration appears to have learned one of the core lessons of recent sanctions-unwinding episodes: relieving certain sanctions pressure on rogues does not mean we need to give up all of our economic leverage. In the case of Iran, for example, providing sanctions relief as part of the nuclear deal does not mean we are hamstrung in using our economic power to combat Irans support for terrorism, and recent actions by the administration and Congress to target the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps illustrate that even in the post-JCPOA context, the United States can employ powerful economic tools against Iran.

So too in the case of Cuba. Providing sanctions relief to empower the Cuban people does not mean we should give up our ability to pressure the Castro regime. Hopefully the administrations new Cuba policy is a step in this direction.

Photo credit: STR/AFP/Getty Images
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After years of heated debate, oil started flowing through the Dakota Access Pipeline for the first time this summer. But a recent ruling from a federal judge has put its future in question once again.

US District Court Judge James Boasberg has ruled permits for the controversial oil pipeline were issued without proper consideration of its environmental impacts, and must be reconsidered. He has yet to rule on whether oil transport will be shut down in the interim.

The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe has long protested the construction of the 1,168-mile pipeline, which runs within a half-mile of their North Dakota reservation. The tribe argues the pipeline threatens cultural and historical sites, desecrates sacred waters, and poses an environmental threat to the reservation.

Former President Barack Obama halted construction on the pipeline in 2016, pending an environmental impact statement from outside analysts.

President Donald Trump, however, ordered the US Army Corps of Engineers to issue permits for its construction shortly after his inauguration.

White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer said at the time that the president was "very, very keen" to maximise use of America's natural resources.

Its good for economic growth, its good for jobs, and its good for American energy, he said.

Now, Mr Boasberg says the permits were issued without proper consideration of the environmental impact statement. In particular, the Corps failed to adequately review the pipelines effect on fishing rights, hunting rights, environmental justice, or the controversial nature of its construction.

To remedy those violations, the Corps will have to reconsider those sections of its environmental analysis upon remand by the Court," the judge wrote.

A later ruling will decide whether pipeline operations must cease in the interim.

Now parties (tribes and DAPL) have to present remedy options. Which means --- we COULD see the Dakota Access pipeline get shut down! 2/3  Dallas Goldtooth (@dallasgoldtooth) June 15, 2017

This is the Standing Rock Sioux tribes third attempt to block the pipeline through legal action. Last summer, thousands of people gathered near the construction site to try to shut down the pipeline through protest. The Army Corps shut down the protests in February.

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Tribe Chairman Dave Archambault II called the judge's ruling a significant victory.

The previous administration painstakingly considered the impacts of this pipeline, and President Trump hastily dismissed these careful environmental considerations in favour of political and personal interests, he said in a statement.

The chairman added that he would ask the court shut down pipeline operations immediately.

The ruling against #DAPL doesn't change that the pipeline is still underway & that @StandingRockST's Indigenous sovereignty has been ignored  Women's March (@womensmarch) June 15, 2017

Other members of the tribe, however, were hesitant to declare victory.

Chase Iron Eyes  an attorney for Lakota Law, which represents some of the tribe members  says he felt hopeful when Mr Obama halted the pipeline's construction in 2016. But now that Mr Trump has allowed it to be completed, he has little hope the tribe's circumstances will change.

"I live right here on Standing Rock, and when that pipeline breaks, its my children who are going to suffer," he told The Independent. "Unless something gives me an objectively reasonable indication that circumstances could be changed then Im going to take these things with a grain of salt."

The court victory, he added, rings hollow now that the pipeline is already in the ground.

I cant pin down anything other than a good vibe coming from the fact that something went our way," he said. "Something probably should have gone our way before construction began.

The US Army Corps of Engineers did not respond to a request for comment.
Desmond Napoles, 10, joined the Brooklyn Pride parade. (Photo: Pamela Wong/BKLYNER/Facebook)

June is Gay Pride Month, and for Desmond Napoles  a boldly out 10-year-old who became a viral sensation in 2015 after strutting for hours in a rainbow tutu as a part of New York Citys Pride March  that means a full schedule.

We have our future, drag queen Crystal Demure said by way of introducing the lanky blond boy to a tender-hearted crowd on June 12 in Manhattans West Village, where masses had gathered to mark the one-year anniversary of Orlandos Pulse nightclub massacre. Desmond took to the stage, alongside legendary drag queen Rollerena. He was there for a task that felt heavy beyond his years: to read some of the victims names.

Jerald Arthur Wright Amanda Alva Darryl Roman Burt II, he read quietly, dressed in mourning drag of a beaded black crepe dress and black flowered hairnet. The crowd embraced Desmond, as the LGBT community does wherever he goes.

For gay men of a certain age, many of us werent able to come out until we were at least 18 if not in our 30s or 40s, event organizer Jay Walker, of the group Gays Against Guns (GAG), explained to Yahoo Beauty at the memorial. So the fact that the world has changed in such a way that this child can know himself so fully, and that his parents can support him so fully that he can be fearlessly out, is a huge, huge thing to most gay people, regardless of gender.

Desmond was a special guest at a New York memorial to remember victims of the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando. (Photo: Beth Greenfield)

That was beautifully apparent just a week earlier, when Desmond (who is officially 10 as of June 23rd) brought some precocious-child realness to the NYC Legacy Ball in Brooklyn, slaying the crowd from the runway in a Keith Haring-inspired ensemble. And then there was Brooklyn Pride, just days before the Pulse memorial, when the pint-sized inspiration could not take 10 steps through the street festival in his native borough without being stopped by adoring fans.

Desmond! called out many gay, lesbian, and transgender grownups, a fair share of them men in tutus similar to the one that Desmond wore, along with light-up high-tops and a fuchsia sheath dress, for the occasion.

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Receiving nearly as much adoration from folks in the crowd were Desmonds parents  admired by adults who wish theyd had the same support when they were LGBT children themselves.

For me, the most emotional part is that his father brought him to the [Legacy Ball], and to see hes embracing his individuality in such an amazing way, explains one middle-aged man who posed for a selfie with Desmond during the Brooklyn festival. I wish Id had a father like that  and family  who was not making fun of me if I started dancing but would embrace or encourage me. Its beautiful.

Adds Desmonds mom, Wendy, in between helping her son apply bright-red lipstick and encouraging him to pose for adoring photographers, A lot of times its just people expressing that they wish they couldve had a childhood like that, and couldve been as free. Theyre really inspired because things are changing, and it gives them some hope. Hes like a symbol of the future, that things are getting better.

Desmonds mom, Wendy, applies his lipstick at a Brooklyn Pride event. (Photo: Beth Greenfield)

Both of Desmonds parents  Wendy, a currently unemployed human resources manager who was close to a gay uncle who died of AIDS in 1994, and Andrew, who works for a software company  say they were raised in nonreligious, open-minded families and that it wasnt such a leap for them to come to terms with their sons emerging orientation. He came out in kindergarten, says Andrew. He went into school identifying as gay.

The more difficult parts of the family equation, they say, have been the following: managing the critical and often hurtful reactions of strangers (People who feel that they have the right to somehow judge how we live or how I parent, says Wendy); seeing Desmonds reactions as he discovers the suffering of LGBT people throughout history  something hes insisted upon learning about, mainly through intense AIDS-related documentaries such as How to Survive a Plague and United in Anger; and the further complication of dealing with the fact that Desmond has Aspergers and ADD.

Thats far more challenging than [his being gay], says Andrew, who also has Aspergers. He was bouncing off of walls, and though we tried not do, we had to medicate him in kindergarten, because it was just too much.

Then theres this surprising fact: Even though its 2017 and they live in New York City, the family has been unable to find specific, formal support for families of gay children  only those for gay adolescents or teens, or children who identify as transgender.

The Facebook page Desmond Is Amazing celebrates his spirit.

If he were a transgender child, then there would be more support, says Wendy, who has been plugged into PFLAG and other groups, including the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, which welcomed Desmond into its Brooklyn Pride contingent for the recent march. But, his mom adds, he was really adamant that he didnt want to be a girl, he just wanted to dress in drag.

And, as Andrew adds, that was by the time he was 6 years old.

They supported his desire and took him to drag shows and the annual Pride events, and then, after waiting a year longer than Desmond had wanted, they allowed him to join the 2015 NYC Pride March, when he was just 8 years old. While media images from that day drew plenty of harsh critics  including Rush Limbaugh  it inspired much praise, too, particularly from the LGBT world, which, Andrew said, has just grabbed him and sucked him in.

His son, whose public appearances now get catalogued by Wendy on an official Desmond Is Amazing Facebook page that was started by a family friend, has loved every minute of it.

It felt good, because now everyones watching my videos, he says. [It makes me feel] very noticeable and good. Desmond explains that he deflects any criticism he might feel coming from his peers by being funny, noting, I just make everyone laugh at school, because I make jokes.

Still, the lack of family support, on a larger level, has been troubling, Wendy explains. I think its an old-fashioned idea, but its like, Well, until they hit puberty, and How do they know for sure? [Gay children] is kind of a taboo subject, I guess People will say, Oh, hes been oversexualized or He shouldnt know about sex, when it has nothing to do with it. Its his identity.

The fact that Desmonds parents understand that basic concept is extremely important when it comes to his well-being, explains Caitlyn Ryan, director of the Family Acceptance Project at San Francisco State University, who says that children will typically self-identify as gay as young as 6 years old and that the average age of having a first crush, gay or straight, is 10.

In studies as early as from the 1970s, you will find adults speaking in retrospect, saying, I knew when I was 5, Ryan tells Yahoo Beauty. But that reality has somehow not yet fully translated into modern-day awareness.

I think people think everythings just fine for gay youth and only an issue for adolescents, she says. And she confirms that, in addition to there being a real lack of disseminated facts about gay youth, services for LGBT youth are surprisingly hard to find  mainly because, historically, parents were viewed as being a rejecting presence rather than a supportive one.

From the beginning, families were not seen as part of the solution, Ryan explains, noting that the main thrust of LGBT youth support, historically, has been protecting young people from harm, rather than a wellness approach. And so adjusting to families being supportive is a huge task, as people are still thinking of it as a phenomenon.

Ryan is a clinical social worker with 40 years of experience working with the LGBT community, and her research-based materials and assessment tools have focused on improving the health and well-being of LGBT children and their families since founding the project with Rafael Diaz in 2002.

She expounds on this idea in a recent piece for the Temple Political & Civil Rights Law Review, Generating a Revolution in Prevention, Wellness & Care for LGBT Children and Youth, noting that a sweeping change is needed when it comes to the approach to LGBT youth support. Perceptions of family reactions drove the way that services developed and evolved within LGBT youth support programs and mainstream health and mental health services. Providers saw part of their role in rendering services and care as protecting LGBT youth from harm, which included protecting them from their parents and families.

One way to change the perception of what LGBT kids need in the way of support, Ryan says, is to focus, through education and health services, on the fact that sexual orientation is part of normative childhood development. Instead, she says, its too often relegated to sexual behavior. Its not about sex, its about relationships and really seeing who you are and people like you. Its about human relationships  which can be social, emotional, spiritual, as well as romantic and sexual.

Which is, luckily, how Desmonds parents understand his identity. There are more children like this, but theyre not out and not in the media, Ryan says. Although there has been a slow but steady flow of books geared toward kids like Desmond  including the newly released Sparkle Boy picture book, by LGBT childrens book pioneer Leslea Newman, children need more. Until we take seriously that its a normal part of development, she notes, it wont be incorporated in services, training, or education. There will also continue to be a lack of more informal support, such as playgroups or support groups.

Regarding Wendys belief that her son would have more support if he were transgender, Ryan says thats likely the case. A large point is that providers just discovered gender diversity in children recently, so thats become an emerging field of practice. At the same point, she says, there hasnt been an awareness among people that kids identify as gay at around 6 and up.

Desmond and his family, for their part, are doing everything they can to help raise that awareness. And that goes for people of every age, whether they are kids looking for role models, parents looking for others going through the same thing, or gay or lesbian adults who see this 10-year-old as a beacon of hope.

It represents a sea change in the way that LGBT kids grow up, says activist Jay Walker. Its everything to us.

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Berlin (AFP) - Germany on Friday accused Washington of hurting European power companies through its new sanctions against Russia that target the planned Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline to Europe.

The new measures, approved by the US Senate on Thursday, include a threat to penalise companies that provide "goods, services, technology, information or support" for the construction of Russian energy export pipelines.

The US bill directly spells out its opposition to the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, while explicitly stressing that "the US government should prioritise the export of United States energy resources in order to create American jobs, help United States allies and partners, and strengthen United States foreign policy".

Berlin lashed out at the impact of the sanctions on European companies involved in the construction of the pipeline which would pump Russian gas under the Baltic Sea directly to Germany.

"It is strange that in the sanctioning of Russia's behaviour, with regards to the US elections for instance, the European economy should become a target of American sanctions," said Chancellor Angela Merkel's spokesman Steffen Seibert.

"That must not happen."

- US vested interest? -

He added that Merkel shared the concerns raised by German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel and Austrian Chancellor Christian Kern, who charged in a joint statement Thursday that the measure brings a "completely new and entirely negative quality to European-US relations".

They also accused Washington of using the sanctions to squeeze Russian gas supplies out of Europe in favour of US energy exports.

Separately, France's foreign ministry called on Washington to respect the need for coordination with its European allies before deciding new sanctions.

"For several years, we have stressed the difficulties that extra-territorial legislations could generate," said a spokesman at the French foreign ministry, referring to measures that could have a spillover effect to countries besides the one directly sanctioned.

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"On issues linked to security and European industrial policies, we hope that the United States respect necessary coordination, including within the framework of the G7."

Russian energy giant Gazprom is building Nord Stream 2 in cooperation with Anglo-Dutch Shell, Germany's Uniper and Wintershall, Austria's OMV and France's Engie.

The project bypassing conflict-torn Ukraine and also Poland would double the flow of the Nord Stream pipeline currently linking Germany and Russia.

But it has sparked criticism within the EU, with members including Italy and Poland accusing Germany of selfishly seeking a reliable energy supply route from President Vladimir Putin's Russia while pressuring other countries to back sanctions against Moscow over the crisis in Ukraine.

Former US vice president Joe Biden has also called the planned pipeline a "fundamentally bad deal for Europe" as it locks in greater reliance on Russia.

But Germany's Gabriel and Austria's Kern said Washington's intention was purely economic.

"The aim is to secure jobs in gas and oil industries in the US," said Gabriel and Kern.

"Political sanctions should not be mixed up with economic interests," they warned, stressing that "Europe's energy supply is Europe's business and not that of the United States".

"We decide who delivers energy to us and how, according to rules of openness and economic competitiveness," said Gabriel and Kern.

"We cannot accept the threat of extra-territorial sanctions against European companies that participate in the expansion of European energy supplies", they said, adding that this would "violate international law".

Gazprom's vice president Alexander Medvedev also charged that the US had a vested interest in hurting the project.

"With regards to the introduction of sanctions, they don't hide the fact that it's an anti-competition tool to favour US gas deliveries in Europe," he said according to Russian news agencies.

The US bill as originally introduced was exclusively about slapping new sanctions on Iran. But lawmakers attached a bipartisan amendment on Russia to it early this week.

The addition came with the White House deeply embroiled in crisis over whether Trump's campaign team colluded with a Russian effort to sway the 2016 election.
New York (AFP) - A 20-year-old US woman was convicted of involuntary manslaughter Friday for ordering her teenage boyfriend to follow through on his long-planned suicide and for failing to save him from harm.

Michelle Carter broke down in tears and sobbed into a tissue during the 20-minute juvenile court hearing in Massachusetts, which is likely to break new ground in a state that has no law against encouraging someone to commit suicide.

Conrad Roy, 18, was found dead from carbon monoxide poisoning in his pickup truck in a parking lot in July 2014.

The trial heard that Carter and Roy exchanged hundreds of text messages in which the young woman, who was 17 at the time, urged him to follow through on his plan to kill himself, to conceal it from his parents and lie to his mother.

But Judge Lawrence Moniz said it was her instruction to Roy to get back into the vehicle -- during a telephone call after he stepped out -- and her failure to sound the alarm that was crucial to the conviction.

Failure to take reasonable steps to alleviate the risk to another "can result in a charge of manslaughter," he noted in his decision.

"This court, having reviewed the evidence and applied the law thereto, now finds you guilty on the indictment charging you with the involuntary manslaughter of the person Conrad Roy," Moniz told the packed court room.

Carter, who waived her right to a jury trial, faces up to 20 years in prison. She will remain on bail until sentencing on August 3 in Taunton, south of Boston.

In the closely-watched case, legal experts had questioned whether Carter's actions were enough to secure a conviction under involuntary manslaughter.

The defense argued that Roy had been on a path to suicide "for years" and sought to minimize Carter's role in her boyfriend's life, saying the pair were in a "long-term texting relationship" and had met in person only a handful of times.

The judge agreed that Roy had been "struggling" and "took significant action" himself, such as extensive research, securing a generator, water pump, parking his vehicle in an unnoticeable area and starting the pump.

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- 'No action' -

"However he breaks that chain of self-causation by exiting the vehicle, he takes himself out of the toxic environment," Moniz said.

He did the same thing during previous attempts on his life, pausing to tell someone -- first a parent and then a friend who got him help.

But it was different when he told Carter, in July 2014.

"Instructing Mr Roy to get back into the truck constitutes wanton and reckless conduct by Miss Carter, creating a situation where there is a high degree of likelihood that substantial harm would result to Mr Roy," the judge said.

In subsequent text messages to friends, Carter admitted to hearing him coughing and the loud noise of the motor, the judge noted.

Prosecutors told the trial that the defendant stayed on the telephone listening to her boyfriend as he died in the truck.

"She called no one," Moniz said, despite knowing where he was and having his family's telephone numbers. "And finally, she did not issue a simple additional instruction: 'get out of the truck'."

The judge rejected a theory of involuntary intoxication raised by psychiatrist Peter Breggin, a defense witness who testified that Carter's own medication would have hindered her state of mind.

Conrad Roy's father, who has the same name as his son, welcomed the verdict, and thanked the judge before bursting into sobs.

"This has been a very tough time for our family," he told reporters.

"In reality there are no winners here today," prosecuting attorney Katie Rayburn said.

"Two families have been torn apart and will be affected by this for years to come. With that being said, we fervently hope that today's guilty verdict will bring some measure of justice to the friends and family of Conrad Roy."
Hawaii quickly challenged President Trump's second travel ban: Getty

The Governor of Hawaii is looking forward to the seemingly inevitable Supreme Court showdown between his states Attorney General and Donald Trumps administration over the Presidents controversial travel ban.

That contest became a virtual certainty just this week when the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a freeze originating in Hawaii on Mr Trumps proposed ban. Governor David Ige says that the diversity in his state is something to be celebrated  not curtailed  and that his state government is willing to push back against the isolationist impulses coming out of the White House.

Hawaii is a very special place. We are a community of minorities. Our legacy is that we have welcomed wave after wave of immigrants to our state, and they have all contributed greatly to the sense of community, Mr Ige told The Independent.

The court decisions over the travel ban have clearly upset the President, with his administration already on its second attempt to halt incoming travel from several predominantly Muslim countries. The executive order would prohibit incoming travellers from Yemen, Syria, Sudan, Somalia, Iran and Libya for 90 days and all refugees for 120 days while the US government reviews vetting procedure looking for possible improvements.

As for the Hawaiian islands, they have an extensive history of immigration that has contributed to the rich cultural diversity there. It is one of just four US states where residents of European ancestry dont add up to a majority, and many of the residents there descend from Asian settlers who came to work on sugarcane plantations starting in the late 19th and early 20th century. Even today, more than one in six residents in the state are immigrants, providing billions of dollars in tax revenue and more than $31bn (24bn) in consumer purchasing power.

Located in the central Pacific, Hawaii is geographically distant from the US, but houses the military base that fell victim to the largest military attack on American soil in history. Even after those Pearl Harbour attacks by Japan  which served as a catalyst for the US to join the Second World War  the state refrained from joining American mainland states in widespread detainment of Japanese immigrants there. Just 1 per cent of the island states Japanese-origin population ended up in internment camps during that war.

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It is with that backdrop that Mr Ige's administration decided to push back against the travel ban Mr Trump has championed as a means of boosting American security. Aspects of that ban that appear overtly aimed at specific nationalities and religions dont vibe with politicians in a state that is perhaps best known for its laid back surfing culture, colourful leis, and beautiful beaches.

Certainly we felt compelled to take a stand against the executive order which, to us, is clearly focused on national origin and religious basis, Mr Ige said.

The 9th Circuit Court decision this week affirms the decision by a federal judge in Hawaii to temporarily block Mr Trumps travel ban just before it was to be implemented.

Mr Trump has said the ban is in the security interests of the US, but in their ruling the 9th Circuit Court went against the ban on statutory grounds, saying that the President had exceeded the authority Congress had granted his office to make national security judgements.

An earlier decision by the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals blocking the ban said that the executive order violated the First Amendments religious protections. The judge in that case wrote that the federal governments argument for the travel ban drops of religious intolerance, animus, and discrimination.

Mr Trump has also not seemingly helped himself with tweets about the proposed bans. One in particular, sent in response to the London Bridge terror attack earlier this month, said: Thats right, we need a TRAVEL BAN for certain DANGEROUS countries, Mr Trump wrote, not some politically correct term that wont help us protect our people!.

The President has repeatedly called on the Supreme Court to reinstate his travel ban  and faced a awkward moment on Thursday in visiting the court to for the investiture of new Justice Neil Gorsuch, whose Senate confirmation in April was his first major accomplishment. Mr Trump was due to speak to the Supreme Court justices before the event, as former presidents have traditionally done.

The Trump administration has moved to amend the start date of the travel ban  which was introduced in March  with the 90-day limit having been set to expire on Wednesday. The White House have said that the start dates would not start until the court injunctions are lifted. The Supreme Court has also recently given the Trump administration more time to file papers responding to the 9th Circuit Court ruling, possibly delaying any decision.

As for Mr Ige, he said he wouldnt mind if the nations highest court hear arguments from his state on the matter of the ban.

We look forward to the Supreme Court taking up the issue, we are committed, he said. We do believe that it has an impact on our community, and we wanted to make certain that the most important tenants of the Constitution are upheld.
(Yahoo News photo illustration; photos: AP, Getty)

The words on everyones lips in Washington in recent weeks have been health care, as congressional Republicans work to craft a bill to replace the Affordable Care Act. But theres a catch  very few people in Washington actually know what is going to be in this critical piece of legislation.

Enter Yahoo News Health Care Declassified, where we will attempt to take you inside this often complicated debate, dispelling myths and giving you the facts about how Congress will affect your health care coverage.

Following in the footsteps of their House colleagues, who passed the Affordable Health Care Act, Republicans in the Senate are carefully guarding the drafting process and expect to offer Americans affected by the law little opportunity to learn what the new bill will mean for their coverage.

The AHCA, which President Trump called mean after initially praising its passage, would result in 23 million Americans being uninsured, according to a Congressional Budget Office report. The Senate opted to move away from that bill, at least initially, and craft its own version. But only a handful of senators have been involved in the process and many members, including some Republicans, are unaware of what the final bill will look like and what effect it may have on American health care.

Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., summed up the frustration that many lawmakers, interest groups and everyday Americans are feeling at the process in a viral rant last week.

We have no idea whats being proposed, McCaskill said during a meeting of the Senate Finance Committee. Theres a group of guys in a back room somewhere that are making these decisions. There were no hearings in the House. I mean, listen, this is hard to take.

McCaskill directed some of her anger toward Finance Committee Chair Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, who has been deeply involved in the health care debate. Despite saying Thursday that he hasnt seen the text of the bill, Hatch has maintained that the first priority should be securing enough votes on the matter and not giving the public enough time to scrutinize the bill.

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Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.) on April 5, 2017, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. (Photo: Zach Gibson/Getty Images)

Well, I think were not worried so much about that as we are getting it together so we can get a majority to vote for it, Hatch said, according to Talking Points Memo.

It is unclear, however, when the Senate will even reach that point. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., has long been committed to passing a version of the health care bill by Congress customary July 4 recess.

But Politico is reporting that this deadline may be undoable, with less than two weeks left before the holiday break. That deadline is a shift from McConnells initial goal of passing a bill by the end of June.

You know, I thought that was a stretch anyway, Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va, told Politico of that late June goal.

Moore Capito is part of the working group that is attempting to hammer out a deal on the matter that will cover such hot-button issues as Medicaid expansion and coverage for people with pre-existing conditions while trying to bring down premium prices.

Yet she is one of the Republican members who have said that they dont know what the final bill will entail. Other key stakeholders, including Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price, have admitted they too havent seen text from the proposed legislation.

Senate leaders are hopeful that passage of the bill, which they say will happen sooner rather than later, will spur on the House to take up their version of the law and send it to Trump. But it is unclear whether that will happen.

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Process draws criticism from nonprofits and governors nationwide

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (left) (R-Ky.) answers questions from reporters following the Republican caucus policy luncheon at the U.S. Capitol April 25, 2017. (Photo: Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Senate Democrats arent the only ones fed up with the shroud of secrecy surrounding the new draft of the Republicans health care bill. A bipartisan group of seven governors and numerous patient advocacy groups including the American Heart Association and the March of Dimes have asked Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to open discussion of the legislation, so far to no avail.

According to the LA Times, the patient advocacy groups asked to meet with McConnells office about the bill anytime between Friday and June 22, only to be told that the senator was too busy to hear their concerns.

The Senate staff generally dont know anything, Dick Woodruff, vice president of the American Cancer Societys advocacy arm, told the LA Times. There are so few people who understand what is going on that having meetings isnt particularly productive.  This is such a closed process.

However, the group of governors, which includes Gov. Kasich of Ohio and Gov. Bullock of Montana, took a more public approach with their complaints about the process of drafting the bill, sending an open letter to both McConnell and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer pleading for the process to be bipartisan and requesting that the Medicaid provisions in the House version of the bill be altered.

We believe that, first and foremost, Congress should focus on improving our nations private health insurance system, the letter states. Improvements should be based on a set of guiding principles, included below, which include controlling costs and stabilizing the market, that will positively impact the coverage and care of millions of Americans, including many who are dealing with mental illness, chronic health problems, and drug addiction.

The governors letter also emphasized disappointment in the health care bill passed by the House last month.

Unfortunately, H.R. 1628, as passed by the House, does not meet these challenges, the letter states. It calls into question coverage for the vulnerable and fails to provide the necessary resources to ensure that no one is left out, while shifting significant costs to the states.  Taylor Rogers



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GOP senators struggle to explain how the health care bill will work

Sen. John Boozman (R-Ark.), left and Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas). (Photos: Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg via Getty Images  Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

Senate Republicans floundered this week as they answered questions from Vox about their secret health care bill.

Since the text of the bill is still not publicly available, Vox asked eight Republican senators to explain their goals and the inner workings of the new health care policy. The senators could point to specific desired outcomes but stumbled when it came time to explain how the policy would work.

The Republicans did all offer up a list of several different problems brought about by Obamacare that they hoped the bill would solve.

Sen. John Boozman and Sen. Ted Cruz both expressed hope that the new bill will bring down premiums, while Sen. Rob Portman said hes not suggesting premiums will go down, but they wont go up as much.

Meanwhile, Sen. Roger Wicker said the replacement plan will encourage more freedom, and Sen. Chuck Grassley said that it will bring certainty to the insurance market.

For Sen. Shelby Moore Capito, its the goal to protect the people with preexisting conditions [and] protect people with Medicaid. Sen. Lisa Murkowski said that she hopes for greater access and lower costs, and Sen. John McCain told Vox that one of the big problems that the bill is trying to solve is trying to get to 51 votes.

Both Portman and Grassley cited the loss of insurers in state health care markets. Grassley noted that the bill would allow insurers to know what the government policy is, giving the companies the certainty they needed.

But the senators struggled to explain how their bill would tackle those problems.

For instance, when Vox asked Boozman how the bill would bring down premiums, he replied, Its working together and coming up with a bill that does that. Vox later asked Boozman again to explain how the bill would reduce costs, to which he said, Again, thats what were trying to work through. Identifying the solutions that will work.

And when Vox asked Wicker to describe how the bill would rescue a system teetering on the brink, he explained why the current system was failing but did not explain how the bill would save it. When Vox pressed him for details, he said, For the reasons Im giving you, calling it a very comprehensive answer.

Murkowski expressed obvious frustration with the Republicans lack of progress on the bills text, noting, I cant show to my constituents back home anything concrete because we dont have anything. Weve been talking about ideas.

Whats the Senate bill going to look like? Murkowski said. I dont know.  Julia Munslow



President Trump hosts a working lunch with members of Congress, including Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski (left), to discuss administration plans to reform the Affordable Care Act. (Photo: Mike Theiler-Pool/Getty Images)

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Read more from Yahoo News:
Tehran (AFP) - Iran on Friday condemned new sanctions adopted by the US Senate and vowed to respond with "reciprocal and adequate measures".

Tehran "will take reciprocal and adequate measures to guarantee its national interests", foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Ghassemi said, quoted by ISNA news agency.

He did not elaborate.

The Senate on Thursday overwhelmingly passed tough sanctions on Iran for its alleged "continued support of terrorism" and the bill has been sent to the House of Representatives for approval.

The new restrictions impose mandatory sanctions on people involved with the Islamic republic's ballistic missile programme and those that transact with them.

It also applies terrorism-related sanctions to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, and re-enforces aspects of the arms embargo on Iran.

Ghassemi retorted that the measure against Iran's ballistic missile programme was "totally illegal and illegitimate".

"Iran's armed forces will continue to defend the country's security and interests," the foreign ministry spokesman said. "Iran's ballistic programme is totally legitimate."

There continues to be strong resistance in Washington to the 2015 nuclear deal Iran signed with world powers, with many lawmakers still unhappy with the deal.
For a long time now, both J.K. Rowling and Stephen King have been waging their own private Twitter wars against Donald Trump.

Look: Here's a selection of J.K. Rowling's most brutal Trump burns, and here are some of Stephen King's. They've practically turned trolling the president into an art form.

Nowadays, though, they're pooling their resources.

SEE ALSO: J.K. Rowling reveals exactly what she'd like to happen if Trump visits Britain

It started earlier this week, when Stephen King discovered he'd been blocked by Trump  and Rowling stepped in to lend a hand.

Trump has blocked me from reading his tweets. I may have to kill myself.  Stephen King (@StephenKing) June 13, 2017

I still have access. I'll DM them to you. https://t.co/MhibEYDBTg  J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) June 13, 2017

Thanks. Maybe it's a hoax. I'm good either way. I'll always have Pence, hahahaha.  Stephen King (@StephenKing) June 13, 2017

Well, guess what? J.K. Rowling has been true to her word.

On Thursday afternoon, she tweeted King with the following screengrab:

.@StephenKing On a sliding scale of Annie Wilkes to Cujo, what level of delusion do you reckon we're at today? pic.twitter.com/vmPwdS47Ks  J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) June 15, 2017

"A sliding scale of Annie Wilkes to Cujo". Brilliant.

At the time of writing we're still waiting on King's response, but frankly it's just a matter of time...
It appears that U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions is a very forgetful man.

Sessions testified before the Senate Intelligence Committee on Tuesday, and for anyone watching, there was a reoccurring theme littered throughout the testimony.

SEE ALSO: All hail James Comey's 'resting Comey face'

"I don't recall," Sessions repeated over and over again when asked questions about alleged interactions with the Russian government and President Trump's firing of former FBI director James Comey.

Sessions said it so many times, some questioned how the top lawyer for the United States could possibly hold a job while being so forgetful. The repetitive phrase also got the attention of the internet, and now, Sessions has his very own song.

Song a Day artist Jonathan Mann churned out this quick tune, highlighting the many times Sessions didn't recall his memories on Tuesday.

And while Sessions saying I dont recall was the highlight of the day, Sen. Kamala Harris line of tough questioning also left a strong impression, despite her being continuously interrupted.

Apparently, that made Sessions a little nervousand so a hook was born.
SAN FRANCISCO  At least four people have died, including a gunman, following a shooting at a UPS facility in San Franciscos Potrero Hill neighborhood on Wednesday morning, police confirmed.

The unidentified gunman shot a total of five people around 9 a.m. local time before turning turning what acting chief Toney Chaplin described as an assault pistol on himself when police entered the building.

Police confirmed the shooter was wearing a UPS uniform, but did not confirm whether he was employed by the delivery company. At least one employee recognized the shooter as a fellow UPS worker, The San Francisco Chronicle reported. Police say they believe he is the sole suspect.

Police have lifted an advisory for residents to avoid the area and shelter in place.

The company is saddened and deeply concerned about affected employees, family members and the community we share, a UPS statement read. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those touched by this incident.

Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center had reported multiple admissions from the shooting, according to San Francisco Chronicle journalist Filipa Ioannou.

brent andrew, spox for Zuckerberg SF General Hospital, says theyve had multiple admissions from UPS potrero shooting and "we expect more"  Filipa Ioannou (@obioannoukenobi) June 14, 2017

Several witnesses shared their accounts of the incident on Twitter:

#UPS worker tells @KCBSNews the shooting in the well-known SF UPS building was on 3rd floor, fire alarm sounded and people fled building.  Stan Bunger (@BungerKCBS) June 14, 2017

Just witnessed an active shooting at UPS in SF. UPS workers ran on bus screaming for driver to go. Police en route #UPS #shooting #wtf #sf  Jessica Susan (@Susan__ly) June 14, 2017

Shots fired at the UPS in Potrero Hill in SF. Lots of police activity and people running for cover. Apparently it is one of the drivers.  Michelle Zatlyn (@zatlyn) June 14, 2017

These employees on the roof were rescued by police pic.twitter.com/3C1NTcAr8o  Kevin Wood (@megakwood) June 14, 2017

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

Story continues

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Police investigate a shooting scene after a gunman opened fire on Republican members of Congress during a baseball practice near Washington in Alexandria, Virginia, on June 14, 2017.

Investigators gather at Eugene Simpson Field.

Police investigate the shooting scene.

Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) briefs members of the media near Eugene Simpson Stadium Park.

A police officer mans a shooting scene.

Police make way for an ambulance.

Rep. Joe Barton (R-Texas), center, and his sons, board the Rayburn subway in the basement of the Capitol.

U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks (R-AL) talks to reporters.

People gather near the scene of the shooting.

A member of the Alexandria Police runs up the street near the scene.

Police investigate after the shooting.

A police officer stands near a damaged vehicle.

Police tape cordons off the scene.

Investigators gather near the scene.

Police investigate the scene.

Alexandria police gather near the crime scene.

Investigators and emergency personnel gather adjacent to Eugene Simpson Field.

This article originally appeared on HuffPost.
The U.S.-Australia relationship, once rock-solid, has taken something of a hit under President Donald Trump. There was the first phone call between the two leaders, during which Trump berated Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull over a refugee deal that was reached with U.S. President Barack Obama. Then, there was their meeting in New York in May, when the two announced they get along great, a statement that was derided back in Australia. And now there is leaked audio from Wednesdays media ball at Parliament House in Canberra, which was meant to be off the record.

It was beautiful, Turnbull jokes, mocking one of Trumps favorite words. It was the most beautiful putting-me-at-ease ever.

The Donald and I, he goes on, we are winning, and winning in the polls. We are winning so much. We are winning like we have never won before. We are winning in the polls. We are! We are! Not the fake polls. Not the fake polls. Theyre the ones were not winning in. Were winning in the real polls. The online polls. They are so easy to win.

I have this Russian guy, he added. Believe me, it is true. It is true.

We take this with the good humor that was intended, the U.S. Embassy in Canberra said, which is, of course, exactly how Trump takes jokes made at his expense.

Photo credit: BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images
Lyle Jeffs

Polygamist Mormon sect leader Lyle Jeffs has been captured in South Dakota after being on the run for almost a year.

The FBI had been looking for him since June 2016 when he escaped from house confinement in Utah after slipping off his GPS ankle monitor. He had been placed on house arrest while awaiting trial for his alleged involvement in a multimillion scheme to defraud the USs food stamps programme.

After he escaped, the FBI had issued a $50,000 reward and a wanted poster saying that Mr Jeffs should be considered armed and dangerous.

The bureau announced its capture in a Thursday morning tweet: #ARRESTED: FLDS leader Lyle Jeffs in custody after nearly a year on the lam.

Mr Jeffs became the leader of his Mormon sect, the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, after his notorious older brother, Warren Jeffs, was jailed .

The Jeffs' church split off from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the 1930s after the Mormon establishment rejected polygamy.

Prosecutors accused Mr Jeffs and other sect leaders of instructing followers to buy items with their food stamp cards and give them to a church warehouse where leaders decided how to distribute products to followers.

Food stamps were also cashed at sect-owned stores without the users getting anything in return and the money was then diverted to front companies and used to pay thousands for a tractor, truck and other items, prosecutors have said.

The defendants denied wrongdoing and said they were sharing food as part of their communal living practices.

Mr Jeffs was the last of the defendants in the food stamp fraud case still behind bars when US District Judge Ted Stewart reversed an earlier decision and granted his release in June 2016. Prosecutors argued Mr Jeffs was a flight risk.

While Mr Jeffs was a fugitive, nine of the 10 other people charged in the high-profile February 2016 bust accepted plea deals. Charges against one man were dismissed.
Hundreds gather for a "Unity, Peace and Prayer Rally" at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Arlington, Texas, where Rev. Dwight McKissic is senior pastor. (Photo: Fort Worth Star-Telegram via Getty Images)

When a black pastor submitted a statement condemning white supremacy to the Southern Baptist Convention for review this week, the resolutions committee swiftly denied it and moved on.

A revised version of the resolution ultimately passed, but only after considerable internal and outside pressure forced the denominations president to step in.

Its not uncommon for the committee to turn down a resolution, said Rev. Dwight McKissic, the Texas pastor who submitted the proposal.

When that happens, you can either accept it or challenge it by asking the convention in session to request that the resolutions committee bring your resolution to the floor to be voted on, McKissic told HuffPost. So I chose to challenge it.

The Southern Baptist Convention, the countrys largest Protestant denomination, convened on Tuesday and Wednesday in Arizona for its annual meeting, during which church leaders discussed denominational issues, made budget decisions, and voted on resolutions outlining their theological and social stances on various issues.

Every year, a 10-person resolutions committee reviews proposals and determines which issues will be voted upon at the meeting. Just one of the committees members is black this year, McKissic said.

The pastors original resolution, a draft of which he posted on Southern Baptist blog site SBC Voices in May, denounced the alt-right movement  the beliefs of which include white supremacist rhetoric  as a toxic menace. It urged the convention to oppose its totalitarian impulses, xenophobic biases, and bigoted ideologies that infect the minds and actions of its violent disciples.

It referenced the curse of Ham as the root of white supremacy in the Christian context. This once-touted theory was used in the justification of slavery and racial segregation and claimed that God through Noah ordained descendants of Africa to be subservient to Anglos.

The committee initially refused to consider the resolution. After McKissic challenged the committees decision, convention attendees voted on whether to instruct the panel to reconsider, which would require a two-thirds majority. The vote failed.

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After that I took my seat, McKissic said. I could live with that because everything had gone by the rules.

Barrett Duke, the head of the resolutions committee, told The Atlantic that he was aware that feelings rightly run high regarding alt-right ideology, but didnt clarify what those feelings were. We share those feelings, he said. We just werent certain we could craft a resolution that would enable us to measure our strong convictions with the grace of love, which were also commended by Jesus to incorporate.

But resolutions rarely go for a vote in their original forms, McKissic said. Duke confirmed to The Atlantic that the committee hadnt reached out to McKissic to work on a revised version.

The decision made at #SBC17 to not denounce white supremacy is hurtful.  Jackie Hill Perry (@JackieHillPerry) June 14, 2017

Duke did not immediately respond to a request from HuffPost for comment.

After internal debate and social media backlash, the convention decided to vote on whether to challenge the committees decision once again. And once again, the vote failed to reach a two-thirds majority.

I just want clarity from the president of the Southern Baptist Convention about whether we condemn, as a convention, racism, said Rev. Garrett Kell, a white pastor in Virginia, addressing SBC president Rev. Steve Gaines from the microphone Tuesday night.

Gaines responded, CNN reported, by saying: Ill speak for myself. I dont know that I can speak for everyone in this room, but I believe God loves everyone. I believe there is only one race and that is the human race.

The Southern Baptist Convention has long grappled with issues of racial equality. The denomination first apologized in 1995 for its role in upholding the practice of slavery. Since then, the denomination has passed resolutions supporting racial reconciliation and calling on Christians to stop displaying the Confederate flag.

Just when the denomination seemed poised to forgo an opportunity to categorically denounce white supremacy, a group of Southern Baptist leaders quickly got to work on a new draft of the resolution, which Gaines personally endorsed.

The final resolution, unambiguously titled On The Anti-Gospel Of Alt-Right White Supremacy, finally went to the floor for a vote on Wednesday and passed.

The resolution condemned every form of racism, including alt-right white supremacy, as antithetical to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It didnt mention the curse of Ham, which Duke said would be redundant.

McKissic said he was satisfied with the final resolution and hoped it would be a stepping stone for further action on racial justice. But he added that until the convention repents the curse of Ham by name, the denomination will continue to be haunted by its racist past.

The damage was done by taking three votes on something that was a no-brainer, McKissic said. Whats the reason they couldnt so readily say that white supremacy is wrong and the alt-right is evil? Many of us are asking that question.

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The first arrest of the day during protest in Portland yesterday.

Mike Hastings, a decorated Vietnam Medic, passionately exhorts the police to avoid hurting the demonstrators.

One of the 'Proud Boys' in the demonstration.

A womanholds a sign with the 'Pepe' meme, a sign of the alt right.

'Based Stickman' autographs a flag for an admirer.

A tender moment in the Trump rally.

A demonstration organized by Joey Gibson, of Vancouver, claimed to support 'free speech' and Donald Trump; two contrary demonstrations -- one by Antifa 'Black Bloc' protesters -- opposed them as being 'alt-right' and fascist; and a fourth showed organized labor's opposition to Trump and the alt right.

'Based Spartan', a well-known brawler in the alt-right community.

A Portland statue is redecorated by the Antifa bloc.

"Based Spartan's" tattoos.

The "Kekistan" flag, an alt right meme.

This article originally appeared on HuffPost.
Democratic Senator Kamala Harris may have been interrupted again by her Republican colleagues during a hearing because she is a woman, some have suggested.

When asking Attorney General Jeff Sessions about his refusal to answer questions regarding discussions he may have had with Donald Trump, Republican senator John McCain interjected, suggesting that Ms Harris should give Mr Sessions time to respond to her queries.

The witness should be allowed to answer the question, Mr McCain said.

Republican Senator Richard Burr, chairman of the committee, quickly responded, telling Ms Harris to let him answer.

Mr Sessions testified publicly as part of the committee's ongoing investigation into whether Trump campaign officials conspired with the Russian government to influence the 2016 presidential election. During the hearing, the attorney general  a close adviser to Mr Trump during his presidential campaign  rejected accusations that he may have colluded with the Russians. He also repeatedly refused to discuss his conversations with the President.

Ms Harris appears to have been the only senator that was interrupted and scolded throughout the proceeding, even though many senators, including Democrat Mark Warner, the ranking member of the committee, also interrupted Mr Sessions responses to questions.

Jeff Sessions giggling as Kamala Harris is cut off AGAIN by the male committee chair is disgusting  Makayla Haussler (@makayinthehauss) June 13, 2017

A similar exchange had occurred last week at a Senate intelligence committee hearing that involved hours of aggressive questioning of top intelligence and law enforcement officials.

Again at the plea of Mr McCain, Mr Burr admonished Ms Harris for cutting off Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, telling her to be more courteous in her questioning.

The chair is going to exercise the right to allow the witnesses to answer the question, and the committee is on notice to provide the witnesses the courtesy  which has not been extended all the way across  extend the courtesy for questions to get answered, Mr Burr said.

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Of course they interrupt the black woman. And she did the best job out of anyone. #JeffSessions #KamalaHarris  Noel (@Frogerta) June 13, 2017

Several critics of Mr Burrs comments have raised the issue on social media of whether gender has played a role in the interruptions.

On Tuesday, Democratic senator Ron Wyden tweeted that Ms Harris was again doing her job.

She was interrupted for asking tough questions. I was not interrupted, Mr Wyden said.

News outlets have already named Ms Harris a potential contender for the 2020 presidential election, although she has avoided discussing her future ambitions.

A few hours after the hearing concluded, Ms Harris tweeted, The women of the United States Senate will not be silenced when seeking the truth, along with a link to a fundraising page for female Senators.
Russian scientists have discovered a dinosaur species that lived in the water and which they have called highly unusual  its something straight out of Mongolian mythology.

The pliosaur lived about 130 million years ago during the early Cretaceous Period, and, a study in the journal Current Biology found, it represents an evolutionary step between the species of its kind that lived during the Cretaceous and the ones that lived in the period just before that, the Jurassic. It also paints a picture of a group of reptiles that were much more diverse than previously thought.

Read: What Do We Know About Dinosaur Sex?

Pliosaurs are marine dinosaurs known for their short necks and huge heads. But the study found the new fossil shows a cranial structure that is closer to a different group called polycotylids, defined by their more elongated heads and smaller teeth. Pliosaurs had large heads and teeth because they were eating large prey, but the shape of this particular ones head suggests it was eating fish and squid.

This underscores the ecological diversity of [pliosaurs] and reveals a more complex evolutionary history, the study says  one that has more layers than their single iconic representation as gigantic apex predators of Mesozoic marine ecosystems.

Luskhan-itilensis-reconstruction

Photo: Andrey Atuchin/Lomonosov Moscow State University

Luskhan-itilensis-reconstruction-2

Photo: Nikolay Zverkov/Lomonosov Moscow State University

In addition to their massive heads anchored on comparatively stumpy necks, pliosaurs are known for having big teeth and strong jaws. They lived in prehistoric seas all over the globe, including locations around modern-day Europe, the Americas and Australia.

The skeleton of this new pliosaur, Luskhan iitilensis, was found in 2002 on the shore of the Volga River in western Russia. Its name is a tribute to Mongolian mythology, referencing a spirit and master of water known as luus-khan as well as using the ancient name for the river, Itil.

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Read: Will Jurassic Park Ever Happen in Real Life?

The fact that its head structure is so close to a different group of marine dinosaurs, the long-headed polycotylids, is an example of whats called convergent evolution, in which unrelated animals evolve similar characteristics because they are adapting to similar environments. This effect can be seen particularly in winged creatures like insects and birds.

The new discovery has shown that ecomorphological diversity of pliosaurs was wider and their evolutionary history is more complicated than previously thought, study co-author Nikolay Zverkov, from Lomonosov Moscow State University, said in a statement.

They werent just the top predators feasting on big prey; they were also snacking on medium-size meals.

For a long period of time there has been almost no information, concerning the Early Cretaceous pliosaurs, Zverkov said. However, the discoveries of the last years allow to close this gap.

Related Articles
Rod Rosenstein and Rachel Brand are sworn in before the Senate judiciary committee on Capitol Hill. (Photo: Aaron P. Bernstein/Reuters)

WASHINGTON  At her March confirmation hearing in front of the Senate judiciary committee, Associate Attorney General Rachel Brand was asked about privacy rights, mandatory minimum sentences, her commitment to enforcing the Voting Rights Act and several other policy issues.

But she was not asked about the Russia probe.

Thats the very hot potato the former Bush administration lawyer will find herself holding if Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein is fired, resigns or recuses himself from the apparently expanding case. The Justice Department is investigating Kremlin efforts to influence the 2016 election and whether President Trumps campaign was involved, but now the probe is reportedly looking into whether Trump attempted to obstruct justice by firing FBI Director James Comey.

During the March hearing, the senators repeatedly asked Rosenstein to affirm his commitment to the departments independent investigation into Russia, and pressed him to commit to appoint a special counsel to lead the probe. Apparently, none of them realized that three months later the deputy attorney generals position could look so precarious, and that Brand could find herself in charge.

For now, Rosenstein has the ultimate authority over special counsel Robert Muellers independent investigation because Attorney General Jeff Sessions recused himself from the probe after it was revealed he had undisclosed contacts with Russias ambassador. (Muellers probe is independent from the Justice Department, but Rosenstein controls its resources and has the power to fire Mueller if he deems there is good cause.)

But Rosensteins future now seems uncertain. Trump tweeted Friday that the Russia probe is a witch hunt and complained he is being investigated for firing the FBI Director by the man who told me to fire the FBI Director! Thats an apparent dig at Rosenstein, who wrote a memo criticizing Comeys handling of the Hillary Clinton email probe. After Trump abruptly fired Comey in May, the White House at first attributed the decision to Rosensteins recommendation. Later, Trump dismissed that explanation, saying he fired Comey for being a showboat. Comey testified under oath that he believes Trump fired him because of the Russia investigation.

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I am being investigated for firing the FBI Director by the man who told me to fire the FBI Director! Witch Hunt  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 16, 2017

Trumps tweet has sparked concerns on the Hill that the president may dismiss Rosenstein as a way to thwart Muellers Russia investigation, which now reportedly also includes a personal investigation of Trump for allegedly obstructing justice.

ABC News reported Friday that Rosenstein has acknowledged that he may need to recuse himself from the probe even if Trump does not fire him. He told Brand, the third in command at the Justice Department, that she would be responsible for Muellers probe if he recuses himself, according to ABC. The Washington Post reported that Rosenstein sees no reason to recuse himself at this time.

Brand, a former clerk for Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy, is a well-respected conservative lawyer who ran the Justice Departments Office of Legal Policy under President George W. Bush. The Harvard-educated lawyer is the first woman to hold the No. 3 job at the Justice Department. After leaving the Bush Justice Department, she became the chief counsel for regulatory litigation at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, a role Democrats have criticized in the past as suggesting a pro-big business slant. She addressed those criticisms in her hearing.

When I was at the Chamber of Commerce, I had a client, the Chamber of Commerce and, as a litigator there, my job was to file lawsuits and file amicus briefs on behalf of that client, she said. If Im confirmed to this position, of course, Ill have a very different role, Ill have a different client. My client will be the United States and my role will be to serve the public interest and the interest of justice, representing that client as best I can.

During her hearing, Brand was also questioned on her views of the bulk collection of data by the NSA. In the past, she defended the program as a member of the nonpartisan Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board as potentially necessary to thwart terrorist attacks.

Brand, a native Iowan and descendant of Dutch dairy farmers, also spoke of her commitment to the Constitutions principles of limited federal government and the separation of powers in broad terms. She avoided getting drawn into any political debates, such as when Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., asked her about whether she believed there was a public interest in addressing climate change.

Senator, I think youre asking me for a personal judgment on the policy question and Im not sure thats relevant to the way I would do my job as a law enforcement official in a law enforcement agency, she replied.

Though little is known about her thoughts on the Russia probe, lawyer Benjamin Wittes, a close friend of Comeys, tweeted Friday that he has confidence in Brand. Wittes has been a big advocate for the independence of the Russia probe.

I think very highly of Rachel, who is a friend, a patriot, and a person in whom I have confidence.  Benjamin Wittes (@benjaminwittes) June 16, 2017

If Trump does fire Rosenstein, the Senate Judiciary Committee may not approve a replacement unless he or she vowed not to shut down the special counsels investigation, which means Brand could find herself in charge of it for the foreseeable future.

If the president thinks he can fire Deputy Attorney General Rosenstein and replace him with someone who will shut down the investigation, hes in for a rude awakening, Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., said in a statement Friday. Even his staunchest supporters will balk at such a blatant effort to subvert the law.

Feinstein is the ranking member on the judiciary committee that would approve any Justice Department nominations.

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The Rolling Stones played in Cuba last May, after decades in which their music was either banned or ignored by the tyrants in Havana. They were right to be afraid. As crowds surged out of the concert grounds, a dozen young men began a call-and-response chant: Who made this possible? Obama made this possible!

Former President Barack Obama didnt really summon Keith Richards, or turn Cuba overnight into a paradise of freedom. But emotion, and the momentum behind such symbolic moments, is powerful on an isolated island. President Trumps strident announcement in Miami, by contrast, included a promise to peel back parts of the terrible and misguided deal Obama struck with Cuba. The president instead asked Cuba to come to the table with a new agreement that is in the best interest of their own people, but his restrictions will likely stop real progress on the island, even if they were greeted in Florida with shouts of We love you, Donald!

Tump talked tough, saying that we now hold the cards in the relationship with Cuba, but he may have just traded those cards away. His speech was tough, demanding free elections and the return of American fugitives, but his actual changes are just partial restrictions and minor retrenchments  a nothingburger, compared to what Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., and other hardline Cuban-American voices had requested. Trumps real policy is obvious for what it does not do. U.S.-based airlines will continue to fly to Cuba, American cruise ships can continue to call in Cuban harbors and there will be no return to the wet foot/dry foot policy that allowed Cubans immediate and unrestricted immigration if they succeeded reaching United States soil. The biggest change limits Americans to one visit per year, with fewer ways to justify that travel.

The only art in this deal was Trumps careful targeting of the Cuban military. The armed forces are more than just custodians of security in Cuba. They play a large role in the economy, controlling an estimated 40 to 60 percent of the nations GDP. Holding companies run by the army  one of Cubas only functioning bureaucracies  dominate tourism. Flying to Santiago de Cuba on Gaviota airlines? Then your pilot is usually a Cuban air force officer seconded to the tourism business as a way of attaining his monthly flight time. That lobster restaurant at the historic fort overlooking Havana? The manager is an army colonel in a floral print shirt. Gaviota buses and Gaviota hotels are everywhere on the island, and it is just one small part of GAESA, the military conglomerate that oversees much of Cubas food production, transportation and energy distribution. The military recently went as far as seizing the historic real estate of Old Havana, the heart of Cubas tourism engine, for itself, a sign of how desperately the Castro regime seeks to control the economic high ground of the future.

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The Rolling Stones on stage at a free concert last May in Havana, Cuba. (Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Trump will ban business with all of these pseudo-military companies, and argued that profits from investment and tourism flow directly to the military. But the truth is much the reverse: Thanks to its tourism engagement, the military in Cuba is now the single-largest contractor of private sector Cubans, buying their services to support tourism and selling them goods to spawn more business. That air force pilot probably doesnt even have a military plane to fly. It is regular Cubans who are now starting to dominate their own military-industrial complex.

The radical growth of the Cuban economy since Obamas reforms is undeniable, and should be encouraged. Hundreds of thousands of Cubans have found new employment, and tourism has been the forward edge. In the case of Airbnb alone, $40 million has been paid to Cuban hosts in two years, giving many families a tenfold increase in their incomes  in some cases a 100-fold increase. Obamas reforms were accelerating the formation of a middle class in Cuba. The norms, expectations, and demands of that middle class were becoming crucial to the islands transformation. Thousands of companies now exist in the space once occupied only by the Marxist state  but Trumps policy will, in attempting to shrug off the military sector, simply end up weakening the survival and escape strategies of millions of Cubans.

Yes, the Cuban government takes money from tourism and pays for a repressive police apparatus. But the benefits of the tourism sector  economic independence from the regime, solid incomes, a chance to eat and clothe their kids  actually give Cubans more room to object, speak, protest, and free themselves. Escaping from the Cuban state begins with escaping from its economic control, and building new business and norms. Trump missed a chance to double down on the business-first strategy he himself has always advocated. It may be satisfying to denounce the true and brutal nature of the Castro regime, but 54 years of embargo already proved how ineffective that strategy is. Two years of Obamas engagement did more to pry Cuba out of its shell than anything else. Engagement worked exactly because the Castro dictatorship gives no one their rights.

Patrick Symmes is the author of The Boys from Dolores: Fidel Castros Schoolmates from Revolution to Exile.

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The father of Otto Warmbier, a North Korean prisoner released Tuesday, blamed former President Barack Obamas administration for not doing enough for his sons faster release from the isolated country.

Last March, North Koreas Supreme Court sentenced Warmbier to 15 years in prison with hard labor for stealing a political banner from a staff-only section of a Pyongyang hotel where he was staying. At the time the U.S. said it was working to secure Warmbiers release.

Read: Why Is North Korea So Isolated?

He returned to the U.S. in state of coma after being detained in North Korea for over 17 months. He remained hospitalized after the flight carrying him landed in Ohio.

"The question is, 'Do I think the past administration could have done more?' I think the results speak for themselves," Fred Warmbier, the 22-year-olds father said Thursday.

"We met everyone in the last administration from [then-Secretary of State] John Kerry to... our senators, our congressmen... Those were our efforts," Fred said.

North Korea said Warmbier fell into a coma after contracting botulism and taking a sleeping pill last March. However, Fred rejected the countrys explanation for his sons condition.

"Even if you believe [the North Korean] explanation of botulism and a sleeping pill causing the coma, and we don't," Fred said. "There is no excuse for any civilized nation to have kept his condition secret and denied him top-notch medical care for so long."

Fred also said they followed the Obama administration to keep a low profile. The Warmbier family kept quiet "on the false premise that (North Korea) would treat Otto fairly and let him go."

Warmbiers father noted that the State Department under Trump administration was negotiating pretty tough with them."

"[Trump] told me a little bit about [Secretary of State] Rex Tillerson and [Special Representative for North Korea Policy] Joe Yun. You know, they teamed up, and they made things happen. You know, [the president] was very candid," Fred said. "To be honest with you, I had avoided conversations with him. Because to what end?  But I did take the call and it was gracious and it was nice and it felt good and I thank him for that."

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Read: American Detained In North Korea Gets Help From Trump Administration

Fred also said ex-NBA star Dennis Rodmans ongoing trip to the reclusive country did not aide in his sons release. It was widely speculated that Rodman would take up the issue of U.S. citizens detained in North Korea. However, Rodman reportedly said the issue was not my purpose right now.

Meanwhile, doctors treating Warmbier at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center said he suffered extensive loss of brain tissue. He opens his eyes but does not show signs of understanding language or responding, Dr. Daniel Kanter, professor of neurology and director of the Neurocritical Care Program said.

"This pattern of brain injury is usually seen as result of cardiopulmonary arrest where blood supply to (the) brain is inadequate for a period of time, resulting in the death of brain tissue," Kanter said.

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Mr Castile's killer was acquitted on all charges related to his death

The Minnesota police officer who killed Philando Castile last year during a traffic stop has been acquitted of all charges he faced over the gruesome death that was broadcast live.

Jeronimo Yanez shot Mr Castile after the black motorist informed him that he had a gun in his car. Mr Castile was licenced to have the weapon, and had been told to inform officers of the firearm in those situations for his safety.

Mr Yanez was fired from his position on the police force following his acquittal.

Mr Castile's mother spoke to the media after the decision, expressing anger and sorrow with the verdict.

"There has always been a systemic problem in the state of Minnesota, and me thinking, common sense that we would get justice. But nevertheless the system continues to fail black people", she said. "I am so disappointed in the state of Minnesota".

Mr Yanez and his family, meanwhile, quietly slipped out of the courthouse and into a van before leaving without taking question. Jurors similarly declined to comment on the verdict.

Mr Castile's death last year was a flash point in the debate over police treatment of black Americans in the country, after a string of videos showing police shooting unarmed black men had shocked the country and captured headlines. Like those shootings and deaths, Mr Castile's was caught on tape and sparked widespread protest. Unlike many of them, his was posted live on Facebook by his girlfriend, who was in the passenger seat of the car.

The Minnesota jury acquitted Mr Yanez of one count of second-degree manslaughter, and two counts of intentional discharge of a firearm that endangers safety. He faced the latter charges because Mr Castile's girlfriend and her four-year-old child were in the vehicle with him.

That jury heard two different narratives during the two weeks long trial. Their decision followed 27 hours of deliberation.

Prosecutors painted Mr Yanez as a nervous officer who lost control. He pulled the trigger too quickly after learning about the firearm, and that he was partially driven to do so because he suspected Mr Castile of a crime.

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Mr Yanez testified that he feared for his life when Mr Castile grabbed for his firearm, even though he was told not to.

"I thought I was going to die", Mr Yanez testified on the fifth day of testimony in his trial. I had no other choice. I was forced to engage Mr Castile. He was not complying with my directions".

The video capturing Mr Castile's death is gruesome. In it, he can be seen gasping for air and slumped over to the right of his seat. Mr Yanez is seen with his gun drawn and pointed at him through the window. Writhing in apparent pain, Mr Castile's white shirt is stained deep red with blood from the five rounds he was hit with.

That video sparked protests around the country, and renewed charges that racial bias persists in America's police force. The vast majority of police officers who have killed unarmed or innocent black men have not been prosecuted for those actions, or have been acquitted.
Moscow (AFP) - Russian President Vladimir Putin lifted a little of the secrecy Thursday around his grandchildren and mockingly offered ex-FBI chief James Comey asylum during his annual televised chat with the Russian people.

But the Kremlin strongman appeared rattled when facing tougher questioning from journalists at the end of the four-hour phone-in event, angrily accusing a BBC reporter of supporting jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny.

Putin also refused to be drawn on whether he will stand for a fourth term in 2018.

During the television show aimed at a domestic audience, Putin insisted the latest US sanctions over alleged election meddling are efforts to "contain Russia".

The US Senate voted overwhelmingly to approve further sanctions against Russia on Wednesday.

"The United States is not our enemy," Putin said, but he complained of Russia facing sanctions "throughout all of our history" from global partners who fear a "serious competitor".

He also jokingly suggested offering political asylum to fired FBI director James Comey -- who had been overseeing the bureau's Russia investigation -- likening him to fugitive NSA leaker Edward Snowden, who has asylum in Russia.

"If he (Comey) is persecuted, we would be ready to offer him asylum in Russia. He should know this," Putin said.

- 'Staged questions' -

At one point in the carefully choreographed live show, the screen displayed some rather caustic questions from viewers sent in by text message.

"Putin, do you really think people believe this circus with staged questions?" asked one viewer, following reports of secret rehearsals held outside Moscow for people reading questions to the camera.

Close to the end of the show, a presenter read that question to Putin, however, suggesting the producers want to counter perceptions the show is stage-managed.

The president insisted the questions are "definitely not prepared."

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Some of the texted questions to Putin urged him not to run for re-election next year when he is expected to seek a fourth term.

One message said simply: "Goodbye, Vladimir Vladimirovich."

Putin was asked whether there would be another annual phone-in -- implying that he would be in power after 2018 polls.

But he dodged the question, saying enigmatically: "If there is a phone-in, it will be live."

- Attack on Navalny -

Asked by the BBC whether he sees Navalny as a political competitor following nationwide protests organised by the Kremlin critic, Putin lost his cool, however.

He told the reporter from the British independent broadcaster, "When I heard you were from the BBC, I didn't doubt for a moment you would ask precisely that question because it's in a certain sense propaganda of the people whom you support."

For more news videos visit Yahoo View, available on iOS and Android.

Continuing his practice of not referring to Navalny by name, Putin accused him of using "these protests as an instrument for provocations and exacerbating the situation for self-promotion."

Navalny has been sentenced to 30 days behind bars after being detained on Monday ahead of an unauthorised protest in Moscow against government corruption that saw hundreds arrested. It followed a similar protest on March 26.

- Putin the grandfather -

Cautiously lifting the veil on his closely-guarded personal life, he revealed to Russian media for the first time that he has grandchildren, while saying he wants to keep them out of the spotlight so they can grow up "normally".

The president earlier talked of having grandchildren to film director Oliver Stone in a documentary released this month in the United States but not yet shown in Russia.

On the phone-in show, Putin said that one grandson was born recently, to applause in the studio, while another is "already in preschool".

"The thing is, I don't want them to grow up like hereditary princes, I want them to grow up to be normal people," Putin said in explaining the secrecy around his family.

"If I mention ages and names, they would be identified and never left alone."

Otherwise it was business as usual with Putin talking to young mothers in poor housing and hard-hat labourers, and being introduced to a newborn baby by a doctor.

The president admitted the number of Russians living in poverty has grown in recent years while noting that "the recession has ended" and the economy has seen "modest" growth over the last three quarters.

According to official statistics, last year almost 19.8 million Russians were living below the poverty line -- 13 percent of the population.
A Maine woman was bitten by a rabid raccoon that latched onto her thumb and wouldnt let go.

Terror-stricken, 21-year-old Rachel Borch screamed as the mad animal clawed and scratched her.

Read: Raccoon Steals College Student's Phone and Runs Off With It After He Tried to Film Critter

On her knees, she managed to drag herself to a puddle, where she submerged the raccoon and held it down until it stopped squirming.

I didnt think I could strangle it with my bare hands, she told the Bangor Daily News. With my thumb in its mouth, I just pushed its head down into the muck.

Borch said she was attacked while out jogging on a narrow, wooded trail near her home in Hope, on the states central coast.

The raccoon was ahead of her on the track, and came bounding toward her. I knew instantly it was rabid, she said.

Suddenly, it was at her feet. I knew it was going to bite me, she said. Protectively, she put out her hands.

Thats when the raccoon launched itself at her and clamped down on her thumb.

I dont know how she had the presence of mind to take it and drown it in a puddle, Hope Animal Control officer Heidi Blood told InsideEdition.com Thursday.

Its the craziest thing, she said, laughing.

Read: Good Samaritan Saves 6-Year-Old Boy From Vicious Raccoon Attack

The young womans father collected the animal carcass and delivered it to the Maine Warden Service, Blood said. Tests concluded the raccoon was rabid.

Borch was sobbing as she freed her thumb and ran for home. She was terrified, she said.

Oh, God, what if I just start foaming at the mouth and cant find my way home, she remembers thinking.

Her mother took her to a nearby hospital. She has received tetanus, antibiotic and rabies vaccine injections.

She has one more round of shots to go.

If there hadnt been water on the ground, I dont know what I would have done, she told the paper. It was really just dumb luck.

Story continues

Watch: City Works to Free Raccoon With Head Stuck in Sewer Grate

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A report by the Department of Transportation (DOT) Wednesday said complaints against U.S. airlines surged by 70 percent in April, the same month when video footage of a passenger being forcibly removed from a United Airlines plane April 9 went viral.

"In April, DOT received 1,909 complaints about airline service from consumers, up 70.0 percent from the total of 1,123 filed in April 2016 and up 68.6 percent from the 1,132 received in March 2017," the report said.

The June 2017, Air Travel Consumer Report also said the reporting carriers canceled 1.6 percent of their scheduled domestic flights in April as compared to the 0.9 percent cancelation rate in April 2016. However, the April 2017 figures were down from the 1.8 percent rate recorded in March 2017.

In April, the Department received 12 complaints alleging discrimination  nine complaints regarding race, one complaint regarding ancestry/ethnicity, one complaint regarding color, and one complaint regarding sex. This is an increase from the total of four recorded in both April 2016 and March 2017, the report read. According to the department, a total of 66 disability-related complaints were received in April, up from both the 52 complaints received in April 2016 and the 56 complaints received in March 2017

Read: Dying Passengers Partially Naked Body Dragged From American Airlines Flight

The spike in complaints was followed by the public reaction to the United Airlines passenger-dragging incident highlighting the ill-treatment of the customers by the airlines in the country.

On April 9, David Dao, who was dragged from his seat on a flight from Chicago to Louisville, Kentucky by airport officers, suffered a broken nose, a concussion and lost two teeth. United Airlines' and Dao's attorneys reached a settlement over the incident, but neither of them disclosed the terms, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Paul Hudson, founder of the passenger rights group Flyersrights.org, according to a report, said the Dao incident may have given the passengers the confidence to speak up about how airlines are treating them. A lot of people have realized that things are bad and that they can complain about it," said Hudson, whose group has more than 60,000 members.

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Read: Did United Airlines Flow A Plane In Unsafe Condition 23 Times?

After the April 9 incident, United Airlines announced substantial changes to serve its customers better. In a press statement, it assured it would not ask its customers seated on the plane to give up their seat involuntarily unless safety or security is at risk. The airlines also said it would ensure crews are booked onto a flight at least 60 minutes prior to departure. The airlines also said it would "empower [its] employees to resolve customer service issues in the moment."

Apart from the United Airlines fiasco, many such incidents were reported in the same month involving arguments between passengers and flight crew. In a similar episode, a three-minute clip went viral showing a woman crying and asking for the pushchair of her baby after an argument with a crew member of American Airlines on April 21. Another passenger came to the woman's defense and threatened to punch the flight attendant, who in turn challenged the passenger to hit him.

Leslie Scott, an American Airlines spokeswoman, said the incident was sparked by a dispute over whether the woman could bring the pushchair into the cabin or not, the Guardian reported.

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Moscow (AFP) - Russia on Thursday accused the US-led coalition of deploying missiles against Syrian troops at a garrison in the east of the country, where rebels battling the Islamic State group are being trained.

In a statement, the defence ministry said the "United States has moved two HIMARS multiple rocket launchers from Jordan to the Al-Tanaf US special forces base."

That suggested that the equipment would be used for strikes against Syrian government forces, the statement added.

"Deploying any type of foreign weapons on Syrian territory... must be approved by the government of the sovereign country," it said.

"Forces of the US-led anti-IS coalition have repeatedly issued strikes on Syrian government forces fighting IS near the Jordanian border.

"It's not hard to guess that similar strikes will be continued against contingents of the Syrian army in the future using HIMARS," it said.

In Washington, a US Defense Department confirmed the deployment of the HIMARS system to the base, but did not say how many.

Russia has conducted a bombing campaign in Syria in support of President Bashar al-Assad since September 2015, and last week branded a coalition strike on pro-regime fighters an "act of aggression."

Last week the Pentagon credited Russia with helping to calm tensions in southern Syria after a US jet shot down a pro-regime combat drone that had fired at coalition forces.

In the first incident of its type, the pro-regime drone on fired what turned out to be a dud bomb at US-led coalition forces close to the coalition's At-Tanaf garrison near the Jordanian border.

Pentagon spokesman Navy Captain Jeff Davis said then that any escalation in hostilities between the coalition and the pro-regime forces had been avoided thanks mainly to Russia's influence.

The HIMARS system, mounted on a lorry, fires GPS-guided rockets with a range of 70 kilometres (43 miles).

Another version of the system fires small GPS-guided missiles with a range of 300 kilometres, but it is not know which type has been deployed.
Georgias voting systems are susceptible to hacking, and the state has dragged its feet addressing the issue, Politico reported Wednesday. The report arrived ahead of the state's forthcoming election, which was scheduled for next week.

The race will fill the seat vacated by Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price. The race pitted Democrat Jon Ossoff , a first-time candidate, against Republican Karen Handel, who was previously Georgias Secretary of State. According to the Washington Post last week, the June 20 special House race in Georgias sixth district has become the most expensive in history.

READ: Russia Hack US Election? Comey Says Russians Targeted Hundreds Of US Entities

Elections in Georgia are overseen by a central hub at Kennesaw University called the Center for Election Systems, which was founded in 2002. Politico spoke to security experts that found the systems easy to hack into.

I was absolutely stunned, just the sheer quantity of files I had acquired, said Logan Lamb, a former cybersecurity research told Politico about testing the vulnerabilities of Georgias system.

Last year Lamb was able to collect registration records for the states 6.7 million voters; multiple PDFs with instructions and passwords for election workers to sign in to a central server on Election Day; and software files for the states ExpressPoll pollbooks  electronic devices used by poll workers to verify that a voter is registered before allowing them to cast a ballot, Politico reported.

The center also didnt immediately report to the state the vulnerabilities Lamb told them about, according to a March report from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Lamb found some other weaknesses and was concerned that other hackers had been there before him and had installed malware. Lamb went to state officials and was ignored.

A motion filed by the Executive Director Marilyn Marks of a constitutional liberty group, the Rocky Mountain Foundation and other activists to use paper ballots instead of the electronic system was denied. In their motion, the activists said the voting system is uncertifiable, unsafe and inaccurate.

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The Journal-Constitution reported that the Center said they are working on the issues.

The Intercept released an NSA document in the beginning of June that showed Russian attempts to hack the presidential election were more substantial than previously known. The NSAs analysis outlines spear-phishing, a technique where spoof e-mails are used to try and get the recipient to click links or open attachments that contain malware. The attacks targeted an election software company and 122 local election officials.

Bloomberg reported Tuesday that cyber attacks by Russian hackers affected 39 states.

READ: With Rodman In North Korea, US Blames Country For Hacking Spree That Started In 2009

This Georgia election takes on a special significance given the money that has poured into the district from national donors and its outsized coverage. President Donald Trump has tweeted often about the race and visited Georgia to fundraise for Handel. Ossoff has exceeded expectations in the district that has been in Republican control for decades. Ossoff came just short of winning the seat outright in the first round of voting, forcing a run-off with Handel.

The two previous House races this year received increased coverage, with Democrats framing the contests as referendums. The races in Kansas and Montana saw an increased amount of funding. Both races were in comfortably Republican districts and ultimately won by the GOP.

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The US Senate voted to impose new sanctions on Russia. President Vladimir Putin speaks in Moscow's Red Square on 9 May 2017: YURI KOCHETKOV/AFP/Getty Images

The Senate voted in an overwhelming majority to sign into law new sanctions on Russia, undermining Donald Trump's ability to lift them and signalling that Republicans and Democrats are putting politics aside.

The bill now goes to House for a vote and ultimately to Mr Trumps desk for signature - .

With a 98-2 vote, the Senate showed that it is in the national interest to penalise Russia for its interference in the 2016 election, Eddie Fishman, a nonresident Fellow at the Atlantic Councils Dinu Patriciu Eurasia Center, told The Independent.

The bill is actually regarding sanctions against Iran, with the amendment for Russia having been added in a 97-2 Senate vote on Wednesday, a move which Executive Director of the Center for National Interest Paul Saunders told The Independent was very significant.

Most Republicans would have been reluctant to vote for a stand-alone Russia sanctions bill because it could be seen as a knock against the President, explained Mr Fishman.

The ongoing FBI, House, Senate, and now Special Prosecutor investigations involving Mr Trump, his campaign team, and alleged ties to Russia, as well as reports that two US-based diplomatic compounds could be returned to Moscow have all triggered concern over the administrations stance.

Mr Saunders said that Senate Democrats were not ready to move on Iran sanctions without the Russian amendment so the addition of it shows a political understanding between the parties.

Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen said that the bipartisan amendment is the sanctions regime that the Kremlin deserves for its actions.

It is time to respond to Russias attack on American Democracy with strength, with resolve, with common purpose and with action, Republican Senator John McCain said.

Chuck Schumer, the ranking Democrat in the Senate, said the bipartisan nature and broader coverage of the bill shows that Russian President Vladimir Putin will not escape reproach.

Despite how quickly the bill moved through the Senate - just one week of debate - there was little knowledge in the way of a House timeline.

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Mr Saunders said there is a widespread concern regarding Russia across parties but re-election in 2018 is certainly a concern for many members of Congress and that could affect the timing and how House members vote, said Mr Saunders.

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson had urged Congress not to pass the bill despite the need to address issues with Iran because it would limit diplomatic maneuvering, according to Foreign Policy

The relationship between the United States and Russia is at an all-time low and its getting worse, he said, adding that passing the bill would not help move the constructive dialogue he built further along.

The White House said it thinks the existing sanctions against Russia are effective, which could mean they do not support the Senate bill that expands them.

The issue, as Mr Saunders pointed out, is the Senate bill expands sanctions on Russia to include railway, mining, energy, and finance sectors and the more you broaden [economic] sanctions, the larger the number of stakeholders involved in those sanctions.

The new bill targets one of Russias big projects - a natural gas pipeline that circumvents Ukraine and directly feeds the rest of Europe.

It also includes language putting sanctions on anyone involved in "malicious cyber activity," the supply of arms to Bashar al-Assads regime in Syria, and the Russian intelligence community.

The legislation sends a very, very strong signal to Russia, the nefarious activities they've been involved in, Senator Bob Corker, the Republican chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said as lawmakers debated the measure.

However, many do not expect the bill to pass the House without some changes being made, possibly softening the bill so that the Trump administration can sign it without diplomatic damage.

The timing of the House vote will be key, according to Mr Saunders who agrees with Mr Tillersons assessment.

A longer debate could leave room for the House Republican leadership and the White House to coordinate on a strategy and improve relations with Moscow in the interim or get leverage.

If the House ultimately decides not to pass the bill, Mr Fishman said it would be a be a betrayal of their responsibility to defend America's national security.
Richard Spencer, the leader of the "alt-right," responded Wednesday to the Southern Baptist Convention's vote to condemn the political movement at an annual convention in Phoenix, Arizona. In his response, he referenced Jesus, Paul and questioned whether or not the convention had read the Bible.

Jesus never complained about "racism." Paul enjoined slaves to return to their masters. Have these fundies ever read their Bibles? https://t.co/6OUOHsICdL  Richard Spencer (@RichardBSpencer) June 15, 2017

The convention voted formally to "decry every form of racism, including alt-right white supremacy as antithetical to the Gospel of Jesus Christ" and to "denounce and repudiate white supremacy and every form of racial and ethnic hatred as a scheme of the devil," according to the Associated Press Wednesday.

Spencer had tweeted his support for the denomination's decision not to condemn the alt-right when it was announced Tuesday. He subsequently mocked reports that the convention was getting back together to draw up a new resolution.

These guys really excel at submission. https://t.co/XRzrwlDa52  Richard Spencer (@RichardBSpencer) June 14, 2017

Spencer coined the term "alt-right" and has been the most outspoken leader of the white nationalist political movement after the election of President Donald Trump. At Trump's inauguration on Jan. 20, Spencer was punched in the head by an anti-fascist protester during a video interview. He is a controversial figure who was kicked out of the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in February and lead a white nationalist torch rally opposing the removal of a Confederate statue in May, according to the Washington Post at the time.

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READ: Southern Baptist Convention Denounces 'Alt-Right' White Supremacists Following Backlash

Rev. William McKissic, a black Southern Baptist from Arlington, Texas, drew up the initial proposal for the Southern Baptist Convention that was rejected. He made an unsuccessful plea for reconsideration on the floor of the Phoenix meeting on Tuesday. In his resolution, McKissic called for the convention to reject "retrograde ideologies, xenophobic biases and racial bigotries of the alt-right that seek to subvert our government."

Barrett Duke, who leads the resolutions committee, balked at bringing McKissic's resolution to a vote on Tuesday on the basis that it contained broad language "potentially implicating" conservatives who do not support the "alt-right" movement.

The backlash was swift. The Southern Baptist Convention is the second largest Christian body in America after the Catholic Church and was formed in the 19th century in part to defend slaveholders. In recent years the SBC has tried to distance itself from its racist to overcome its racist history.

READ: What Is Antifa? Anti-Fascist Movement Clashes With Alt-Right

Thabiti Anyabwile, a black Southern Baptist pastor, was critical of Duke's decision, tweeting emphatically that "any 'church' that cannot denounce white supremacy without hesitancy and equivocation is a dead, Jesus denying assembly."

Any "church" that cannot denounce white supremacy without hesitancy and equivocation is a dead, Jesus denying assembly. No 2 ways about it.  Thabiti Anyabwile (@ThabitiAnyabwil) June 14, 2017

In an emergency late-night call, the participants of the convention returned to the assembly hall and Steve Gaines, the president of the Southern Baptist Convention, won approval to consider a new resolution on the topic Wednesday. After the convention voted yes to the new resolution condemning white supremacy and the "alt-right," the assembly hall burst into a standing ovation from the 5,000 participants.

Duke on Wednesday apologized personally to McKissic for the way the resolution was handled. He also made a general statement apologizing "for the pain and confusion that we created" and explaining that the committee was concerned that the resolution was giving the appearance they were hating their enemies.

Duke said the committee members "share your abhorrence of racism" and were grateful for the chance to "speak on alt-right racism in particular and all racism in general."

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Photo: (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

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Photo credit: Instagram / @sungil_l

From Delish

If you can't get enough of this summer's obsession with pretty drinks, then you're in luck: Starbucks has unveiled a new ombre offering this week. It's called the Sangria Red Tea and Instagram is going completely nuts over it. (How the internet has the ability to pick up all of these pretty new drinks at once, we'll never know  but the excitement is real.)

# #starbucks #sangriaredtea # A post shared by  | Bella Bae (@baevely_hills) on Jun 13, 2017 at 9:50pm PDT

- ,     Sangria  ,        Sangre    ...   ,    A post shared by Todo Va Bien (@suerte_11) on Jun 14, 2017 at 6:11am PDT

Though the exact ingredients are pretty elusive (they aren't listed on the brand's official website or social channels), we have a pretty strong grasp on what's most likely inside the cup thanks to customers who've ordered it. On top, the red layer looks extremely similar to the Teavana Berry Sangria Herbal Tea that was offered during the summer of 2016, and the orange drink at the bottom appears to be orange juice. Inside, there's also a mix of what looks like orange and apples slices - and maybe even grapes, too.

Watch how it comes together:

If you've already grabbed your keys to go get one, put them back down! Unless you live in South Korea, this drinkable sunset is sadly out of reach.

Starbucks, among other brands, is known for unveiling exotic flavors in locations outside of the U.S., which can be frustrating for anyone who likes to try new things.

~  New fav summer drink  Starbucks Sangria Red Tea  The best part is eating all the fruit  # A post shared by Kieun Choi () (@kieunchoi) on Jun 12, 2017 at 1:21am PDT

Nadie puede resistirse a nuestros #FrappuccinosPeruanos!  ya tienes tu favorito?  #frappuccino #starbuckslover #starbucks #starbucksperu A post shared by Starbucks Peru (@starbuckspe) on Mar 2, 2017 at 7:42am PST

However, to distract you from all of the beautiful drinks you can't have, Starbucks recently teamed up with Lady Gaga to create two new colorful drinks as a part of their "Cups of Kindness" campaign. So ... we guess that you can just Instagram that.

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Diane Keaton recently received the American Film Institute's 45th Life Achievement Award. Hollywood's biggest stars showed up to the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles to celebrate the life and career of the legendary actress. Steve Martin and Martin Short kicked off the festivities at the AFI tribute. The two comedians got the event off to a hilarious start, saying, "We're here tonight to honor actress, director, and climate change denier, Diane Keaton." While Steve and Martin dominated the beginning of the show, they also returned later for a romantic serenade. Sitting on both sides of Keaton, the guys sang, "The Way You Look Tonight," before leaning in and kissing each other. There were plenty of other stars on hand, like Morgan Freeman, Al Pacino, and Lisa Kudrow. As is tradition, any time there are that many Hollywood stars at an event, there is a one Trump joke minimum requirement. Jane Fonda had the honor this time, saying, "So tonight, in her honor, I'm wearing white. It's not just the color of Donald Trump's cabinet" Most of the night was full of people saying wonderful things about Keaton, and some not-so-wonderful things. Her Annie Hall co-star, Woody Allen, jokingly said, "She's never succumbed to any face work or anything. She's very uncompromising. She prefers to look old." At the end of the night, the woman of the hour went onstage to thank everyone. Although, the idea of getting up and speaking in front of everyone seemed ridiculous to her. Keaton said, "Who cares what I have to say. I mean, it's all been said! I just feel horrible about the fact that I have to do this. And I have no interest in it whatsoever." So the legendary actress decided to sing a song before gracefully leaving the stage.
Nikos Giannopoulos with President Trump and first lady Melania Trump in the Oval Office. (Photo: Shealah Craighead/courtesy White House)

WASHINGTON  Presidential photo ops are normally a staid affair, but Rhode Island teacher Nikos Giannopoulos brought some unique flair to the Oval Office when he met with President Donald Trump.

Giannopoulos carried a black lace fan that he unfurled alongside Trump at the Resolute desk in order to, as he put it in a Facebook post, celebrate the joy and freedom of gender nonconformity. Giannopoulos met Trump with a group of other teachers on April 26, but he only received a copy of his picture with the president this week. Since he posted the photo on Facebook on Thursday, it has gained widespread attention and, as of this writing, was shared over 2,600 times.

I walked into the Oval Office, I was probably like the fourth person to walk in, Giannopoulos told Yahoo News in a Friday phone interview. I kind of popped open my fan just to be kind of a little bit sassy, as I am prone to being.

According to Giannpoulos, Trump immediately took notice of the fashion accessory.

I started fanning myself and he complimented the fan actually, so that was his first sentence to me. It was basically, Oh, I like the fan. And then he also told me that I was very stylish, Giannopoulos said.

Giannopoulos teaches 11th and 12th graders in the special education program at Beacon Charter High School for the Arts in Woonsocket, R.I. He was invited to meet with Trump after winning the 2017 Rhode Island Teacher of the Year award. Giannopoulos went into the Oval Office with the winners from other states.

A gay man who identifies as queer because he finds the term to be more inclusive, Giannopoulos said the clothing and accessories he wore to the Oval Office were a nod to gender and sexuality issues. He explained the symbolism in a Facebook post that he shared shortly after meeting Trump in April.

I wore a rainbow pin to represent my gratitude for the LGBTQ community that has taught me to be proud, bold and empowered by my identity  even when circumstances make that difficult. I wore a blue jacket with a bold print and carried a black lace fan to celebrate the joy and freedom of gender nonconformity, Giannopoulos wrote. I wore an anchor necklace in honor of the state of Rhode Island, whose motto Hope was inspired by Hebrews 6:19  We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.

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While Trump has expressed support for the gay community, since he took office in January, he has faced substantial criticism from LGBTQ rights advocates. Several officials appointed to his administration have been staunch opponents of LGBTQ rights and federal agencies have rolled back protections and programs designed to help the community. While President Barack Obama issued proclamations honoring Gay Pride month each June, Trump has not done so this month.

Nevertheless, Giannopoulos said Trump encouraged his fan display in the oval office. After Giannopoulos and the other teachers entered the Oval Office, they approached Trump for individual photos. Giannopoulos said he had his fan out and one of Trumps handlers told him to put that away. He ignored the instruction and went up to the president.

I was like, Oh, do you mind if I use the fan? And he said, Not at all. So, I went ahead and did my pose and we shook hands and I went on my way, Giannopoulos said.

Official White House photographer Shealah Craighead took the shot in which Trump and Giannopoulos were accompanied by first lady Melania Trump. Giannopoulos said the president and his wife were both polite and kind. Their interaction was brief and Giannopoulos said he did not have time to discuss the symbolism of his attire with Trump. Still, he thinks the president was aware that he was visibly queer. Even though his experience with Trump was positive, Giannopoulos said he remains very concerned about the White Houses positions on LGBTQ issues.

Ultimately, what I found is that, you know, on a person-to-person level Trump was very polite to me. He complimented my style, Giannopoulos said. I was visibly queer and I think he knew that. I dont think that there are necessarily personal biases at play here, but the political situation is very volatile and Im very concerned about the  policies that are being pushed by the current administration.

If Giannopoulos had more time to talk to the president, he said, he actually would have discussed another issue entirely.

I was invited to the White House because Ive dedicated myself to my students and to a life of public service as a public educator. And Im very concerned that the future of public education is not a bright one, Giannopoulos explained. It has nothing to do with the students or the teachers and everything to do with the policies that are being put in place. So, if I could say anything at all to the president, it would be to invest in public schools, invest in public school students and invest in public educators.

Read more from Yahoo News:
If you were planning on lounging at an Old Havana hotel anytime soon, you might want to start looking at other destinations. President Donald Trump will announce on Friday plans to tighten restrictions on Cuba, turning back former President Barack Obamas reforms, CNN reported Thursday. Trump will also sign a directive aimed at changing course on Cuba policy.

Trump wants to limit American travel to the island and ban Americans from transacting with the business arm of the Cuban military called Grupo de Administracion Empresarial S.A. (GAESA). This wing of the military controls many businesses, especially ones geared towards tourists. The Miami Herald reported Monday, that the GAESA may control as much as 60 percent of the Cuban economy.

READ: Google Launches Servers In Cuba: Can The Internet Giant Catalyze Change In The Communist Stronghold?

The administration is attempting to shake up the Cuban government, which has a track record of human rights violations. The staunch policy Trump took during the campaign is coming to fruition and mimics Cuba hardliners like Republican Florida Senator Marco Rubio.

The policy the Trump administration is announcing regarding Cuba based on President Trumps core conviction that what the Cuban exile community is asking for is right and just, the White House said in a written statement to Politico Thursday. The oppressors of the Cuban people are the Cuban government who have increased repression on the island against dissidents and Ladies in White since reestablishing diplomatic relations. Prior to that, it was not clear to some if the Obama policy toward Cuba would work; today it is clear that the Obama policy toward Cuba does not.

Trumps new policies will be similar to the old policy of embargo, which some critics say wasnt a productive strategy of shifting power in Cuba.

Havana

Photo: REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini

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Despite the assertions of its advocates, the embargos harshness has never correlated with improvements in human rights, said Christopher Sabatini an op-ed in the New York Times Thursday. The worst crackdown in modern Cuban history was in April 2003, when the Cuban government rounded up 75 human rights activists and independent journalists and sentenced them to an average of 20 years in prison. That was precisely when the embargo was at its tightest, under George W. Bushs administration, when even Cuban-Americans were restricted in how often they could travel to the island to visit relatives or send them money.

Though travel to Cuba is technically banned by federal law, educational trips were allowed as part of Obamas thawing of relations with Cuba. Those trips were intended as a sort of an education cultural exchange, but there wasnt much oversight of individual trips, according to Politico.

READ: Donald Trump's DC Hotel Makes Money From Foreign Governments, Suit Alleges

Trumps directive will include enforced oversight, travelers will have to keep strict itineraries and track of who the pay. Trump also wants the Department of Treasury to regularly audit U.S. business dealings with Cuba to ensure that the Cuban military isnt getting any American dollars.

Trumps policy wont be quite as strict as before, visas can still be purchased and the U.S. will keep its embassy open.

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Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein testifies before a Senate Appropriations subcommittee hearing on the Justice Department's fiscal 2018 budget: AP Photo/Alex Brandon

An unusual statement from the Department of Justice has many in Washington scratching their heads.

Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein recently issued a statement telling Americans to be sceptical about anonymous allegations.

Americans should exercise caution before accepting as true any stories attributed to anonymous officials, particularly when they do not identify the country  let alone the branch of government  with which the alleged sources supposedly are affiliated, he said.

The statement  which came without context or reference to any story in particular  left many feeling confused. Some suggested the statement signalled an upcoming scoop, while others thought it was made at the behest of the White House.

What an odd statement - that feels consistent with the White House's recent war on leaks, Jonathan Lemire, White House reporter for The Associated Press, tweeted.

The statement is indeed in keeping with President Donald Trumps rhetoric about anonymous leaks, which he has called fabricated lies and falsely deemed illegal.

The real scandal here is that classified information is illegally given out by intelligence like candy, Mr Trump tweeted in February. Very un-American!

Americans should also exercise caution before accepting as true lies about firing of FBI Director & defamation of a war hero special counsel pic.twitter.com/KQUPpppcAI  Preet Bharara (@PreetBharara) June 16, 2017

The Trump White House has been subject to numerous embarrassing leaks since the firing of former FBI Director James Comey. Anonymous leakers have claimed Mr Trump asked his former FBI director to pledge his loyalty, and pressured him to drop an investigation into one of his former staffers  allegations Mr Comey confirmed in his Senate testimony.

The latest such leak came via The Washington Post, which reported on Wednesday that the Justice Department is investigating Mr Trump for obstruction of justice. The Post cited five anonymous individuals briefed on the interview requests for the investigation.

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The news caused Mr Trump to lash out about the investigation  and seemingly confirm its existence.

I am being investigated for firing the FBI Director by the man who told me to fire the FBI Director! he tweeted. Witch Hunt.

The tweet may be a reference to Mr Rosenstein, who previously wrote a memo supporting Mr Comeys firing and is now assisting in the Justice Departments investigation. Mr Rosenstein has reportedly told colleagues he may need to recuse himself from that investigation.

The statements from both men come as Washington struggles to make sense of investigations into the Trump campaign's potential ties to Russia  and the White House's ever-changing response to those investigations. But Adam Blickstein, the former Pentagon public affairs strategic planner, says the recent statements are "extraordinary" even in this context.

Rosenstein puts out an incredibly bizarre statement that reads more like a muddled Trump speech than a DOJ release. Meanwhile Trump himself confirmed hes under FBI investigation for obstruction of justice, an investigation Rosenstein may need to recuse himself from given he's potentially a key witness," Mr Blickstein told The Independent.

"The bottom line is someone who claims to definitively know what this all means or where the news cycle will be in 24 hours also likely thinks 'The Mummy' will win Best Picture at next years Oscars," he added.
President Donald Trump is growing his brand in China.

According to a report from the Associated Press, the Chinese government has approved nine Trump trademarks it had earlier rejected, in whole or in part. The latest development is likely to add to the growing controversy over Trumps potential conflicts of interest, and especially charges that he could be in violation of the emolument clause of the U.S. Constitution, which is supposed to prevent a sitting president from gaining a financial benefit from foreign nations.

There are now three lawsuits alleging the president is violating the Constitution by refusing to put his assets into a blind trust; Trump has put his son in charge of managing his many business dealings. Trumps new Washington hotel is a particular sore spot, since many visiting delegations stay there. One was filed by nearly 200 Congressional Democrats Wednesday; a joint one was filed by the attorney generals of Washington, D.C. and Maryland; and a similar suit was filed by the watchdog Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington.

Benefitting from foreign governments, whether through hotel bills or the granting of trademarks, lie at the center of all these cases. In the case of the China trademarks, records dont show why these requests were initially rejected or why they were reconsidered.

According to AP, Trump now has the potential rights to use Chinese versions of Trump-branded socks, advertising, and beauty salon services, among other products. He has the English-language rights to services like watch repair and jewelry he can use in the future. A New York Times review of 10 trademark databases in April showed that Trumps company, now run by his two adult sons, has 157 trademark applications pending in 36 countries.

Beijing has now granted 39 Trump trademarks since the president took office. It has also granted his daughter, Ivanka, at least seven new trademarks since she joined her fathers White House. There has also been scrutiny into her Chinese factories, after labor-rights activists were detained while inspecting one of the plants where Ivanka-branded shoes are made.

Trump Organization lawyer Alan Garten said the company has not authorized anyone to discuss and is not aware of anyone having discussed Donald J. Trumps status as either a presidential candidate, President-elect or President of the United States with any representative of the Chinese government in charge of or with the authority to grant trademarks, Garten wrote in a June 9 letter to eight Democratic senators who have raised concerns about conflicts of interest due to Trumps business dealings there.

Photo credit: JOHANNES EISELE/Getty Images
US soldiers arrive at the site of a suicide car bombing in Afghanistan: WAKIL KOHSAR/AFP/Getty Images

Donald Trump has given the Pentagon complete authority to set troop levels in Afghanistan, hours after his Defence Secretary suggested the US was losing the war.

Defence Secretary James Mattis told Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defence that the President had delegated him complete authority over the number of troops, as he had previously done for the conflicts in Syria and Iraq.

The day before, Mr Mattis had told the Senate Armed Services Committee that the US was not winning the war in Afghanistan.

The Taliban had a good year last year, and theyre trying to have a good one this year, he said. Right now, I believe the enemy is surging.

Many felt the Secretary was hinting he wanted to send more troops to the country. General John Nicholson, the top US commander in Afghanistan, said earlier this year that he needs a few thousand more troops in the fight against Isis, the Taliban, and other militant groups.

In a statement on Wednesday, however, Mr Mattis said his newfound authority "does not in itself change the force levels for Afghanistan".

"Rather, it ensures the Department of Defence can facilitate our missions and align our commitment to the rapidly evolving security situation, giving our troops greater latitude to provide air power and other vital support," the Secretary continued.

The number of troops in Afghanistan was capped at around 8,400 under President Barack Obama  a significant drop from the 100,000 he deployed in 2011.

Some in the Pentagon have complained that the Obama White Houses troop management system prevented them from acting quickly, and obscured the true number of troops in the country. In some instances, the military would call in private contractors or temporary forces to avoid exceeding Obama-imposed troop limits.

Critics of Mr Trumps plan, however, feel it represents the Presidents growing leniency with the military.

As a private citizen, Mr Trump railed against the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, calling them a waste of lives and money. As President, however, Mr Trump has increasingly deferred to military leaders in making strategic decisions.

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The former businessman quickly agreed to launching an air strike on Syria in April, and subsequently handed over control of troop levels in both Syria and Iraq to the Pentagon.

Asked whether the US can have success in Afghanistan, Mattis answers: "Yes it is achievable," argues against "an arbitrary timeline"  Ryan Browne (@rabrowne75) June 14, 2017

Ned Price, senior director of the National Security Council under Mr Obama, added that the decision to deploy troops should be made in concert with political, economic, and development agencies  not just the military.

Failing to do so can be a detriment to our strategic goals for the country or region in question and, in places where brave Americans are deployed, place our men and women in uniform at greater risk, Mr Price told The Independent.

More than 2,300 Americans have been killed and more than 17,000 have been wounded in Afghanistan since the war began in 2001.

Mr Mattis told the Armed Services Committee he hoped to brief them on a new plan by mid-July.
Presidents often say that the hardest thing they have to do, and their most sacred responsibility, is to decide to send troops into harms way. Presidential candidate Donald Trump declared two months before the 2016 U.S. election that this is the most difficult decision you can possibly ever make and that there is no greater burden that anybody could have. Apparently, the decision is so difficult and burdensome that President Trump has now opted to avoid it altogether.

On Tuesday it was widely reported that Trump had given Secretary of Defense James Mattis the power to determine U.S. force levels in Afghanistan. This revelation comes after reports in April that the Defense Department had been similarly authorized to determine force levels in Iraq and Syria. During that time  and to further hide the reality of war from Americans  the Trump administration inexplicably stopped disclosing major conventional troop deployments to Iraq and Syria, a practice generally upheld by the past three presidents. Today, the U.S. military each quarter reveals the number of Pentagon contractors (including those who are U.S. citizens) in Iraq but, absurdly, not the number of actual service members.

This latest transfer of commander-in-chief-like powers from the White House to the Pentagon is unprecedented for such a consequential decision, and it establishes a dismal model for the remainder of the Trump presidency and for future presidents as well. Trump is not simply further delegating authority in line with his boasts of giving military commanders total authorization. Rather, the president is dispersing his own responsibility to an extremely popular and colorful retired Marine general. The buck for war and peace no longer stops in the White House Oval Office but in the Pentagon E-Ring.

It cannot be overstated how abnormal this new White House-Pentagon dynamic is. This is not merely a change in the rules of engagement, as in 1986, when Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger altered the rules of engagement for the 5th Fleet to allow it to use force against any Iranian ships laying naval mines in the Persian Gulf. In that case, the updated rules of engagement adhered to broad strategic guidance that had been promulgated by the White House, so President Ronald Reagans lower-level input was unneeded.

Nor is this a tactical decision that defense secretaries are routinely empowered to authorize, like the early 2005 special operations snatch and grab raid into Pakistan against al Qaeda senior officer Ayman al-Zawahiri that Donald Rumsfeld personally decided to call off at the last moment. Here, it was impractical for President George W. Bush to be intimately involved overseeing such a small and time-sensitive decision.

A change in the strategy and campaign plan for Americas longest war, however, is a far more geopolitically significant situation, which until now has been understood to require a formal presidential decision. Trumps decision to dodge accountability is especially wrong given Mattiss own publicly stated discomfort with Americas basic strategy in Afghanistan in ways that are beyond his capacity to alter. On Monday night, during a House Armed Services Committee hearing, he declared, I think weve got to do things differently, sir. And it has got to be looked at as across-the-board whole of government, not just military efforts, adding, We have got to come up with a more regional strategy. The State Department and U.S. Agency for International Development could theoretically help round out such a strategy, but they are intentionally understaffed at present and not under the Pentagons authority in the first place. With Trump washing his hands of the expanded military mission, who will be helping Mattis achieve his strategic vision? Whats clear is that, on his own, he wont be able to establish new interagency points of contact within the U.S. government or task U.S. diplomats with establishing greater regional cooperation where there has been little for the previous decade and a half.

In that period, nearly 2,350 U.S. troops have been killed while serving in the Afghanistan war; the grim yearly total of civilian casualties (most of whom were killed by the Taliban) has increased from 7,120 (in 2010) to 11,418 (in 2016); and the number of jihadi groups has grown exponentially, all while the Taliban have expanded their control and influence over more territory than at any other point since 9/11.

President Trump alone, and not his secretary of defense whom he calls general, should make a public speech that addresses both why all previous military efforts have failed to achieve their intended objectives and why the subsequent courses of action will be any different. If a few more thousand troops  joining the 9,000 already in country (plus some 25,000 military contractors, 9,522 of whom are U.S. citizens)  are going to make a meaningful and enduring difference, Americans deserve to hear how this will plausibly happen.

On Tuesday, Secretary Mattis acknowledged before the Senate Armed Services Committee that Congress could expect to hear in detail about a new Afghanistan strategy by mid-July. He also declared, We are not winning in Afghanistan, right now, and we will correct this as soon as possible, a step beyond the February pronouncement of Gen. John Nicholson, the commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan, that the war was at a stalemate. When Sen. Roger Wicker asked Mattis to define what winning looks like, the Pentagon chief offered a meandering reply: The Afghan government with international help will be able to handle the violence and drive it down to some acceptable threshold. He also promised an era of frequent skirmishing, and its going to require a change in our approach from the last several years.

Those are not clear objectives but amorphous aspirations. Like previous senior civilian and military officials, Mattis did not offer metrics that could be measured, evaluated, and falsified  the only basis on which to evaluate policy. Yet he has vowed to somehow do things differently, without offering any indication precisely what that would consist of, besides an indefinite presence of U.S. forces. To quote retired Marine Corps Commandant P.X. Kelly, The mission of presence  thats not a military mission. You will never find it in a military dictionary.

As a presidential candidate, Trump declared: I will never send our finest into battle unless necessary, and I mean absolutely necessary, and will only do so if we have a plan for victory with a capital V. Now, as president, he will allow his stand-in commander in chief to likely send a few thousand more of our finest into Afghanistan without a clear strategy or defined objectives. Given that Mattis is such a careful and thoughtful scholar of civil-military relations, it is puzzling why he would endorse and participate in such an extraordinary relationship with President Trump. There has been nothing like this in the 70 years since the defense secretary position was established. The best we can hope for is that James Mattis addresses this honestly in a memoir someday.

Photo credit: JONATHAN ERNST/Pool/Getty Images
Then candidate Donald Trump visiting the Bay of Pigs Museum last year in Miami. (Photo: Jonathan Ernst/Reuters)

WASHINGTON  In a shot at one of Barack Obamas signature policies, President Trump on Friday will announce steps designed to restrict U.S. travel to Cuba and curb the flow of American cash to entities connected to the islands military, according to White House aides.

But Trump will leave the bulk of his predecessors approach untouched, including the establishment of formal diplomatic relations and Cubas removal from the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism. Obamas decision to end preferential treatment for undocumented Cubans who reach U.S. shores will also survive.

And the new financial restrictions envision carve-outs that will largely spare existing business dealings, including those in agriculture, telecommunications, airlines and cruise lines, and potentially hotels. Cuban-Americans will still be able to send money to relatives. And Americans returning from authorized travel to Cuba will still be able to bring back $100 in rum and cigars.

Three Trump aides described the new policy to reporters in the briefing room of the White House in a question-and-answer session held on condition that they not be named.

The most significant shift appears to be a return to tougher enforcement of travel restrictions for individuals and groups. While tourism has been illegal under a decades-old U.S. embargo imposed after the 1959 revolution that swept Fidel Castro to power, the Obama administration largely looked the other way, permitting individuals and groups to visit the island if they fell into one of 12 categories. Enforcement was largely on an honor system.

The Trump administration will end people-to-people visits for individuals who claim to be visiting the island to engage Cubans or for educational activities. Groups will still be able to go, but will be subject to far greater scrutiny to ensure that they fulfilled the requirements for authorized travel, the aides told reporters. The overall effect will likely be to chill American travel, one aide told Yahoo News.

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People waving Cuban flags greet Carnivals Adonia cruise ship as it arrives in Havana in May 2016. (Photo: Ramon Espinosa/AP)

This approach, which the president will announce in Miami, is meant to fulfill promises Trump made on the campaign trail in 2016, and to accommodate lawmakers such as Sen. Marco Rubio, who favor taking a harder line on the government in Havana.

Economic practices that benefit the Cuban military at the expense of the Cuban people will soon be coming to an end #BetterDealforCuba, Rubio said on Twitter.

Trump is set to unveil the policy at a theater named for a veteran of the disastrous 1961 CIA-backed Bay of Pigs Invasion aimed at overthrowing Fidel Castro. He will cast the new approach as striking a blow against Cuban government repression of political dissent, which has risen since Obama announced his historic opening to the former Cold War foe in December 2014. Trump aides note that Obamas approach has thus far failed to yield dividends in terms of greater political freedom. Obama aides argue that decades of trying to isolate Cuba failed as well, and that the new approach deserves more time.

Exactly how the new policy will play out in regulations affecting both economic and human rights issues remains to be seen.

Related slideshow: Flag-raising ceremony at the U.S. Embassy in Cuba >>>

Trumps directive will order key agencies including the Departments of State, Treasury and Commerce to craft regulations to limit American financial dealings with entities connected to Cubas military, which by some estimates controls 80 percent of the islands economy. That includes most of the tourism sector on which Havana relies to generate much-needed foreign currency. But the aides said airlines would still be able to pay landing fees and cruise ships would still be allowed to pay docking fees.

And, the aides said, the regulation-crafting process could also include exemptions for U.S. hotel chains to make deals in which they would operate (but not own) facilities controlled by a Cuban military-backed entity known as Gaviota. That could have the effect of prohibiting Americans from staying at hotels operated by foreign firms.

In his speech, Trump will defend the U.S. embargo, press the Cuban government to release political prisoners and move towards free and fair elections, the aides said. He will also reiterate Washingtons demand that Havana turn over American fugitives from justice. There are several known to be living in Cuba, including Joanne Chesimard, who fled there in 1984 after escaping a life sentence for the murder of a New Jersey state trooper.

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Read more from Yahoo News:
Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday his country is willing to provide asylum to fired FBI director James Comey if he is prosecuted for leaking memos on his private conversations with President Donald Trump. Putin's comments came during his annual question and answer session in Moscow.

Putin reportedly said it was "very strange" that Comey had leaked details of conversations with Trump, adding the leaks put the ex-FBI director "in a vulnerable position." Putin also likened Comey's actions to those of NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden.

Read: After James Comey Hearing, Is Trump Dropping To New Low?

"If there is some kind of persecution, we would be ready to offer political asylum to Mr Comey if he is persecuted in the U.S.", Putin told a live audience. Comey, like Snowden, acted as an "activist," Putin said.

Trump caused a stir in Washington when he abruptly fired Comey in May while the latter was leading the probe into alleged Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. Putin has denied Russia meddled in the 2016 presidential election.

In a letter to Comey informing him that he was fired, Trump wrote, While I greatly appreciate you informing me, on three separate occasions, that I am not under investigation, I nevertheless concur with the judgment of the Department of Justice that you are not able to effectively lead the bureau.

Earlier this month, Comey testified under oath in front of the Senate Intelligence Committee saying he believed his firing was linked to his probe into the Russians hacking the U.S. elections. Comey also claimed Trump had suggested he drop an investigation into alleged links between Russia and Michael Flynn, the President's former national security adviser who was forced to resign after it was revealed he misled former Vice President Mike Pence about his interactions with a Russian official.

Comey also spoke about Trump asking him for his loyalty, which the president denied Friday.

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I hardly know the man. I'm not going to say I want you to pledge allegiance. Who would do that? Who would ask a man to pledge allegiance under oath? Think of it: I hardly know the man, it doesnt make sense. No, I didnt say that, and I didnt say the other, Trump said.

Trump said Friday he was willing to testify under oath about his interactions with Comey and accused him of being untruthful during his testimony in Capitol Hill on last Thursday.

Read: Trump Calls Comey A 'Leaker,' Says He Is Open To Testifying Under Oath Against Him

After Comey revealed he leaked memos of his private conversations wth Trump, the president's lawyer said a lawsuit will be filed against the former FBI director.

Here are some Twitter reactions to Putin's comment Thursday offering Comey asylum in Russia.

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Washington (AFP) - US authorities said Thursday they have issued arrest warrants for 12 members of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's security detail accused of assaulting protesters during a street brawl in Washington.

Washington Police Chief Peter Newsham said the 12 were identified in detailed video footage of the May 16 attack on Kurdish and Armenian protesters outside the residence of Turkey's ambassador, following a meeting between Erdogan and President Donald Trump.

The men, all Turkish citizens, include nine Erdogan security guards and three Turkish police.

"In the United States and particularly in the District of Columbia, we hold our ability to peacefully protest as a sacred right," Newsham said.

"We do not care particularly what your views are, what you support or what you do not support," he added.

Video footage of the fracas shows Turkish security aides beating and kicking demonstrators, leaving nine people injured.

The State Department formally protested the attack to Ankara, registering its concern in the "strongest possible terms."

Newsham did not say how the police hoped to arrest the 12, saying the State Department would determine how to execute the warrants.

In addition to the 12, warrants were issued for the arrest of two Canadian citizens who took part in the brawl. Two Turkish Americans were arrested at the scene on May 16, and two more were arrested on Wednesday.

Washington DC Mayor Muriel Bowser condemned the attack strongly, saying it violated US Constitution's first amendment right to peaceful protest.

"We host millions of people who come to the seat of their government to protest peacefully. We support them, we make sure that they are safe, but we also make sure that they follow our law," Bowser said at a press conference.

"Anyone traveling to the United States will be held to that same standard," she said.
Luisa Ortega has made a decisive break with the president, and now shes being decried by the government officials who were once her allies

Luisa Ortega said earlier this week that the judges who approved Maduros plan to rewrite the constitution were looking to dismantle the Venezuelan state. Photograph: Luis Robayo/AFP/Getty Images

She has been accused of treachery and described as insane. As Venezuelas chief prosecutor, Luisa Ortega, has never been the countrys most popular figure, but now the insults are being hurled at her by government officials who  until recently  were her allies.

Ortega has become a hate figure for supporters of Nicolas Maduro following her criticism of the presidents efforts to extend his rule, and his response to a three-month wave of protests in which nearly 70 people have died.

This week, her relationship with the government reached breaking point. On Monday, the 59-year-old lawyer called for the removal of 13 judges she said were elected under irregular circumstances following a surprise opposition victory in the 2015 elections for the national assembly.

The next day, she asked the countrys supreme court to strip away the immunity from prosecution from eight judges who had approved Maduros plan to rewrite the countrys constitution.

They are looking to dismantle the Venezuelan state, Ortega told reporters on Tuesday. Earlier this month, she said that Maduros efforts to shore up his rule were destroying the legacy of Maduros predecessor and patron, Hugo Chavez.

Ortega was appointed chief prosecutor in 2007 by the late president and was given a second seven-year term of office in 2014.

Until this year, she had always appeared loyal to Chavezs Bolivarian revolution; her recent political change of heart makes her the highest government official to break ranks with the government since his death in 2013.

The reaction from Maduros supporters has been unforgiving: officials have accused her of fomenting violence and even questioned her sanity. One pro-government legislator, Pedro Carreno, called for a medical commission to rule her insane and relieve her of her duties.

Meanwhile, Ortega said that her family had been harassed and followed by intelligence agents.

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For Venezuela  currently mired in its worst political crisis since the Chavez rose to power in 1999  Ortegas stand marks a symbolic turning point.

But her efforts have so far been checked at nearly every turn: this week, the supreme court rejected her attempts to block Maduros constitutional rewrite with an announcement on Twitter. On Wednesday, the same judges Ortega wants replaced ruled that her motion had no ground.

Ortega has been dealing small, consistent blows that have forced the government to behave in an increasingly illegal fashion. She has denounced the violation of the protesters human rights, and she has decried the absurdity of Maduros attempt to redraft the constitution. And in defying her rulings, the government has violated all due process, said Manuel Puyana, editor of Tal Cual, one of the countrys leading liberal papers and a long-time friend of Ortegas.

According to Puyana, Ortegas stance is all the more influential because she comes from within chavismo. She adds to the growing number of dissidents who want a change, but who might not be ready to cozy up to the opposition, Puyana adds.

For Maduros opponents, Ortegas transformation has been a welcome surprise.

In March, when the supreme court stripped the opposition-controlled assembly of its capacity to legislate Ortega described the move as a rupture of the constitutional thread, forcing the court to back-track  and lending fresh legitimacy to the protestors.

A fractious opposition suddenly found itself invigorated and united. For nearly three months, activists have staged non-stop protests.

Unlike in a previous wave of protests in 2014 that left 43 people dead, Ortega has taken a stand throughout.

The spectacled lawyer has delivered consistent and scathing criticism of police abuse and the presence of armed pro-government militias during the demonstrations.

Ortega determined that one protester, 20-year-old Juan Pernalete, had died of a wound to the chest inflicted by a tear gas canister shot at close range by a member of the national guard  and was not murdered by a criminal who infiltrated the demonstration as the foreign minister and the minister of information had both previously reported.

By emerging as an unexpected protector of Chavezs legacy, Ortega has also underscored the growing rifts between those who supported Chavez but are unhappy at the way his hand-picked successor has driven the country to near-collapse.

Analysts say that  rather than street protests  it is these fissures within chavismo that could represent the biggest threat to the government.

For the government, Ortegas metamorphosis has little to do with wanting to restore the rule of law, and more with her personal ambitions. [She] has become a spokesperson for the most reactionary right pretending to emerge as a leader for the supposed transition that the right hopes to force upon us through a coup detat, said vice-president Tareck El Aissami last week.

But Ortega has also come under criticism from some members of the opposition, who say that the current crisis owes much to her previous refusal to take a stand.

Eugenio Hernandez-Breton, head of Venezuelas universities Legal Caucus, and former president of the Academy of Social Sciences, said Ortega should have heeded the warnings raised by government critics two years ago over the election of the magistrates she now wants to dismiss. It makes one wonder how much of this crisis could have been prevented if she had done half the things she is doing now, said Hernandez-Breton. And it also makes one wonder why she is suddenly doing them now.
Republicans pushing new tax cuts in the American Health Care Act say the proposal is intended to boost revenues for medical technology companies, which would help them create American jobs. However, data from the past three years -- as well as corporate financial filings  suggest that the windfall could instead effectively subsidize offshoring and layoffs in the industry.

Senate Republicans have been working behind closed doors on a new version of the AHCA, which is a top Trump administration priority. The House bill includes a full repeal of the medical-device tax first imposed by Obamacare in January 2013. The tax was suspended  with bipartisan support  three years later.

The tax is due to resume next year, however, and lawmakers in both parties say permanent repeal will help medical technology companies hire more workers. But some companies already appear to be using the suspension windfall to help pay for the steep, one-time severance costs of eliminating U.S. jobs as part of long-term cost-cutting or restructuring.

Read: Trump Health Care Plans Would Give Wealthy GOP Lawmakers A Tax Break

In public statements and corporate filings reviewed by TYT Politics, more than half a dozen major med tech companies  including some global leaders  show no sign of ramping up U.S. hiring. In fact, soon after the tax was suspended, some companies embarked on wholesale restructuring efforts. Some are pouring money into the creation of new jobs outside the U.S., including manufacturing jobs.

Most of the major med tech companies contacted by TYT Politics did not respond to questions. The two companies that did respond touted their recent investments.

Rather than spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on the tax, which was based on sales rather than profits, we have substantially increased our investment in developing innovative devices that help children all over the world, said a spokesperson for OrthoPediatrics.

Read: Suspension of Tax Hasn't Prompted These Med-Tech Companies To Start Hiring

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A Medtronic spokesperson told TYT Politics that More than 500 new jobs have been added in Minnesota since January 2015. While these numbers may fluctuate...the company is on track to meeting this commitment (creating 1,000 jobs in Minnesota) over a 5-year period.

AdvaMed, the Advanced Medical Technology Association, initially predicted that the tax would kill 43,000 industry jobs, then estimated that it actually did kill almost 29,000 jobs, and now claims that permanent repeal will save or create 53,000 jobs. The industry advocacy group is run by former Bush administration Health and Human Services Chief of Staff Scott Whitaker and has been lobbying for the tax cut under the leadership of Chief Advocacy Officer J.C. Scott, a former congressional staffer who worked for Republican lawmakers including Deborah Pryce and Joe Scarborough.

Independent analyses have found no significant job losses from 2013 through 2015, and almost universally report that the industry grew during the three years the tax was implemented. In 2014, EP Vantage, which covers the med-tech industry, reported stable employment. Earlier this year, EP Vantage found  little impact from the medical device tax on employment in the sector.

In 2015, the Congressional Research Service estimated minimal negative impacts on employment due to the medical device tax. Similar conclusions were reached the same year by Consumers Union and last year by Ernst & Young.

Oscar Health Insurance

Photo: Adam Berry/Getty Images

Some companies that eliminated jobs in anticipation of the tax ended up hiring again soon afterward. Minnesota-based St. Jude Medical, for instance, laid off six percent of its 16,000 workers in anticipation of the tax. By the summer of 2014, St. Jude had expanded its workforce by seven percent, back to its 2012 levels.

In February 2014, the Indiana pediatric device-maker OrthoPediatrics told The Daily Caller that it instituted a hiring freeze due to the medical-device tax. The companys CEO, however, assured the Daily Caller that OrthoPediatrics was in no danger and was growing at a rate of 40% a year at the time. According to company documents, the OrthoPediatrics headcount grew from 46 employees in 2010 to 69 at the end of 2015.

(Last December, Reuters quoted the OrthoPediatrics CEO claiming that the suspension had let him expand his workforce. However, in the companys IPO filing six months earlier, it listed just 58 employees, down from the 69 it reported at the end of 2015.)

Job Cuts Follow Suspension Of Device Tax

In an email, EP Vantage medtech reporter Elizabeth Cairns told TYT Politics, There are so many other factors that can lead to a company expanding or reducing its headcount it is all but impossible to argue cause and effect.

Industry executives, however, frequently do just that  blaming taxes for layoffs and crediting tax cuts for job creation. In a survey six months after the tax was gone, 69 percent of the med tech executives polled said they were likely to invest that extra money in U.S. jobs.

And some companies have stuck with changes they blamed on the tax. Georgia-based Theragenics said it would lay off 139 of its 534 workers and offshore some manufacturing, partially due to the tax. Purchased in 2013 by a private firm, Theragenics then decided to scale back its offshoring, but did end up creating 50 new jobs in Costa Rica while eliminating 139 in Texas and 88 in Oregon.

Four days after the suspension took effect, Theragenics purchased a U.S.-Canadian company and said it would be manufacturing in Georgia.

But Theragenics appears to be one of a handful of exceptions. There are no signs the tax windfall is being put to wholesale job creation. Asked whether any companies have announced they actually will create new U.S. jobs if the tax is repealed, Cairns said, Not to my knowledge. Companies tend to shy away from making definitive statements like this.

Since winning the tax suspension in December 2015, several companies  including global giants Johnson & Johnson, Medtronic, and Stryker  have announced U.S. job cuts:

Jan. 19, 2016: New Jersey-based Johnson & Johnson unveiled a restructuring plan including approximately $500 million of employee severance to cut its medical-devices division workforce by as much as six percent, eliminating 3000 jobs worldwide.

June 2016: Boston Scientific announced its own restructuring and targeted headcount reductions.

October 2016: Baxter International of Illinois revealed it had allocated $144 million to pay for layoffs.

December 2016: Stryker shut a South Carolina factory supporting 88 full- and part-time jobs.

December 2016: Medtronic announced Twin Cities job cuts.

March 2017: Fifty Stryker layoffs were reported by local media in the companys home state of Michigan.

February 2017: Indianas Zimmer Biomet said it will trim its U.S. workforce by up to one percent.

May 2017: Medtronic confirmed Memphis job cuts

May 2017: Ohio-based Invacare announced announced 50 North American layoffs.

It Will Get This Repeal

Financial filings reveal other payroll changes that suggest the tax windfall is not fueling a boom in U.S. hiring. Invacare was cited by Whitaker in an op-ed last year as a company that would benefit from repeal. Its annual reports, however, show that the company went from employing 4,700 people in 2015 to 4,600 people last year, prior to last months additional 50 layoffs.

Boston Scientific  an AdvaMed member and vocal opponent of the tax  said last March that the tax windfall would enable it to double the headcount of its collaboration with the Mayo Clinic. The companys overall headcount did, in fact, rise last yearup to 27,000, from 25,000 in 2015.

However, the Boston Business Journal reported that the entire 2000-job increase was accounted for by overseas hiring, as Boston Scientific boosted its non-U.S. payroll from 12,000 to 14,000. A Boston Scientific spokesperson told the newspaper that the companys addition of several hundred U.S. workers last year wasnt reflected in its U.S. numbers because the company rounded down.

Despite the U.S. job cuts, many companies are expanding  primarily by acquiring other companies, or adding to their non-U.S. workforce.

Theres always an argument for companies to shift their workforce from the US to a place where wages are lower, assuming they can get the same level of expertise, Cairns wrote. But the US government, particularly with a president with protectionist instincts, would presumably do what it can to avoid this  if repealing the tax would provide companies with the cash to relocate, the government might be expected to avoid repeal. That said, the current leadership is committed to tax reform, so maybe they would be willing to repeal the tax even if it did prompt medtech companies to cut their U.S. workforce.

The industry is pushing back on recent suggestions from some Republicans that they might forego repealing the tax  in order to subsidize some Obamacare provisions they want to keep. The tax was projected to generate approximately $29 billion over ten years to subsidize health care.

Whitaker, the AdvaMed president, told MassDevice.com he is confident the tax will be repealed one way or another, thanks to Democratic support. A 2014 bill to repeal the tax was cosponsored by several Democrats: Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Sen. Robert Casey (D-PA), Sen. Joe Donnelly (D-IN), Sen. Al Franken (D-MN), Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH). Other notable Democrats who have supported repeal include Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Georgia congressional candidate Jon Ossoff.

Even if repeal doesnt get passed through the AHCA, Whitaker said,  The fact that we have such broad bipartisan support increases the likelihood that, regardless of the vehicle that Congress moves, it will get this repealIve been told by everybody, including leadership in the House and the Senate, one way or the other well get it done this year.

This story was co-published by IBT and TYT Politics.

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A woman taking a nap in Houstons George Bush Intercontinental Airport said that she woke up to a United Airlines employee kicking her in the head, as reported by KPRC Wednesday.

Lindsey Urbani was en route to Belize with a layover in Houston Saturday night going into Sunday morning. She was taking a nap in the nondenominational chapel of the United Airlines terminal when she was awakened suddenly. She alleged that a man kicked her in the head before telling her she could not sleep there. She also said he rolled out a prayer rug and began praying. When asked, he did not tell her his name. As he was leaving, she took photos of him.

Read: Complaints Against Airlines Surge After United's Passenger-Dragging Incident In April

I was woken up by someone kicking me in the head. I immediately got up and asked the person why he had did that, Urbani said. His response was that he didnt want me to miss my flight, to which I told him I didnt need him to do that.

united

Photo: Getty Images

Since then, she has filed a police report and told United Airlines about the incident.

We have spoken with Ms. Urbani and we are very concerned by the experience she shared with us, United Airlines said in a statement. We are urgently reviewing the matter to further understand what happened. The employee has been suspended while we review the incident.

This is one of the latest in a series of incidents involving United Airlines.

In late March, United Airlines made headlines after two girls wearing leggings were not allowed to board a flight to Minneapolis leaving from Denver International Airport. The incident was live-tweeted by Shannon Watts. United Airlines defended themselves in a statement, saying the passengers were pass travelers, indicating they were relatives or friends of a United Airlines worker and had to follow a dress code.

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In early April, United Airlines faced severe backlash after David Dao, 69, was dragged off a flight to make room for United personnel. He lost two front teeth and obtained a concussion and a broken nose. Video footage of the incident on Flight 3411 at Chicagos OHare airport was released online, generating millions of views. United Airlines issued an apology to Dao and the two parties reached a settlement after the incident.

Read: WATCH: United Airlines Plane At Newark Aiport Gushes Fuel As Jet Almost Takes Off

Video footage from July 2015 has recently been released showing a United Airlines employee shoving Ronald Tigner, 71, to the floor. The footage was shown late Tuesday night on KPRC. The incident occurred at Houstons George Bush Intercontinental Airport, the same airport where Urbani alleges she was kicked in the head by a United employee. Tigner is suing United Airlines and two employees. United issued an apology and revealed the employee no longer worked with the company.

After the video of Dao hit the internet, complaints against United Airlines increased by 70%.

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A group of children dangle their feet in a hidden pool, in the steep slopes descending from Kibbutz Meitzar in the southeastern Golan Heights. The ravishing image is completed by the nearby meadow, with cows and horses and the trickling water from the Yarmouk and Ruqqad rivers. An IDF tank shields the children from above, as the new fence on the Israel-Syria border, just a few dozen meters way, winds southward to the border triangle with Jordan. The view from the armored forces soldiers post is breathtaking. The calm sounds nothing like the artillery fire which is heard here on an almost weekly basis.

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On the other side of the border, as the Israeli children bathe undisturbed in a hidden jewel of nature, a Syrian boy from the nearby village of al-Sharaf learns how to fire an assault rifle, guided by an Islamic State member, in an improvised shooting range between an abandoned United Nations post and the slopes of the Ruqqad River.

Everything here is green, people hike here and enjoy the nature and the amazing landscape, and only several kilometers away there is total chaos, says Lieutenant Colonel Nir Ben Hamo, commander of the Givati patrol unit, who has been responsible for this area in the past few months. The same viewfrom two different worlds.

Military exercise on the border triangle, the heart of the most explosive area (Photo: Ido Erez)

While the heart of Ben Hamos regiment belongs in the south, keeping one eye on Gaza at all times, and his forces are constantly preparing for war in Givatis home zone, for several months in the past year Lt. Col. Ben Hamo and his soldiers were in charge of the most dangerous and explosive region, where they had complete lack of control and limited intelligence on the enemies. This time, it was neither the familiar Hamas nor Hezbollah, which remains the armys primary scenario, or even 1,000 ISIS fighters scattered across a huge area in Sinai, who the Egyptian army is working to crush.

Only last week, Arab media reported on an attacklikely the first of its kindof ISIS posts on the Syria-Israel-Jordan border, which was most probably carried out by the international coalitions aerial forces. According to foreign sources, Israel has been helping the forces that are fighting ISIS in Syria and Iraq for years, providing intelligence on targets, and its quite possible that it did the same this time too. Nevertheless, the explosive tensions and the incomprehensible discrepancy between the pastoral view and the moment that everything could blow up continue as the forces move northward along the border fence.

Photo: Yoav Zitun

Israel is not taking in Syrian refugees yet, but they are already knocking on its door. In the past year, refugee encampments have been slowly piling up near and north of Har Chozek, close to the orchards of the Druze town of Buq'ata, a few tens of meters from the fence. The IDF has also institutionalized the handling of wounded Syrians: The field hospital in the northern Golan Heights has been shut down, and military teams have been trained to provide quick care on the ground and examine every wounded person in an armed and secured booth on the fence, before evacuating them into Israel.

Photo: Yoav Zitun

The fighters along the border not only hear the sounds of explosions and bursts of gunfire, but they also read press reports sometimes about alleged Israeli attacks and targeted killings of Hezbollah and regime supporters who are active in the Syrian Golan Heights. These incidents definitely prompt us to raise the alertness and tension level among the fighters, out of a common sense that the Syrian regime may react against us, explains Lt. Col. Gidi Kfir-El, commander of the 9th Battalion of the 401st Armored Brigade, who is responsible for the central and northern Golan Heights area.

The perception of our activity in the defense mission, he adds, has become just like our activity vis-a-vis the Gaza Strip: Regimental combat teams of the engineering, armored, infantry and canine forces, with combat intelligence gathering and aerial guidance if necessary. We are capable of getting a tank ready for action within minutes, and like in Gaza, it has possible targets beforehand for a counter-attack over a spillover from Syrian fighting.

Lt. Col. Nir Ben Hamo, commander of the Givati patrol unit (Photo: Yoav Zitun)

The problem with ISIS in the Golan Heights is that it is largely based on localsa few thousand ISIS-supporting residents in villages in the southern Golan, who are trying to increasingly wear out the Al-Nusra Front organization, al-Qaedas branch in Syria, which is considered more moderate and which still controls a considerable part of the border strip with Israel. In between, there are a number of small outposts which still belong to the army of Syrian President Bashar Assad, who recently fought back and succeeded in regaining control of a few parts of the northern Golan Heights. The southern part remains black, painted in ISIS colors.

Photo: Yoav Zitun

It is for a reason that the IDF constantly stations the regular reconnaissance units here, the finest units with specific patrol, antitank and destruction abilities, says Lt. Col. Ben Hamo, who during Operation Protective Edge replaced his commander, Major Benaya Sarel, who was killed near Rafah while chasing the kidnappers of Lt. Hadar Goldin. Ben Hamo asks his fighters to exercise quite a lot of restraint and intelligence against the enemy.

In a regimental or even company region, he says, there could be a few rules of engagement, sometimes for the same fighters, in accordance with the type of gunmen they see. In this region, we get to exercise our specific abilities excellently. We see members of Shuhada al-Yarmouk (the ISIS organizations name in the Syrian Golan Heights) attacking more areas controlled by the other rebels. They have diverse weapons, Western arms, antitank missiles, explosive devices and even some armored vehicles, including a few tanks.

Photo: Yoav Zitun

Lt. Col. Ben Hamo prefers to hold his peace when he is asked if wounded Syrians are offered humanitarian aid in his region as well. Up until recently, Israel took a lot of pride in this activity, but then it apparently decided to keep a low profile for some reason. The field hospital that was built on the border in the northern Golan Heights halted its activity, the official reason being an optimization of the way the wounded are evacuated to Israel. In the southern part of the Golan Heights, which is controlled by ISIS, the IDF prefers to keep mum on the humanitarian issue.

The IDF refers to the Syrians who live in the Golan Heights as locals, and has detected that they prefer to keep the war as far away from their villages as possible. Nevertheless, the army does not approve of the southern villagers support for ISIS, which was implemented about nine months ago when mortars and gunshots were fired at a Golani force that was in the middle of conducting an ambush operation as it crossed the fence while remaining in an Israeli enclave in the southern Golan Heights. There were no casualties among the soldiers, but the IDF launched a quick response: Tanks and aircraft killed the cell members and destroyed a United Nations Disengagement Observer Force post, which was used by the Shuhada fighters.

Patrolling near the fence (Photo: Ido Erez)

When First Lt. Gal Yaniv, deputy commander of the armored company from the 9th Battalion of the 401st Armored Brigade, which operates in the region together with Givati, talks about the incident, he isnt referring to the Golani incident or to previous incidents that took place on the border. He is addressing an incident which has yet to happen: The infiltration of a cell of dozens of ISIS terrorists through blind spots. Its only a matter of time before this happens, he believes. Within minutes, we are ready to bring a strong fire into this incident, even if it arrives without any intelligence warning, the officer says as he directs Merkava Mk 4 tanks with Trophy active protection systems.

Photo: Ido Erez

In Gals battalion, the fighters are versatile: Some perform infantry missions like ambushes and patrols near the fence, while their fellow fighters cover from back posts with the armored monsters, hidden from ISIS antitank cells. Tanks have already attacked posts in retaliation fire, including in the recent incident with the Golani patrol unit, but we are ready and prepared for a shelling of other targets in another incident, the incident, with the same tanks, in an evolving incident, the young officer explains.

Photo: Ido Erez

The Givati patrol units commander speaks calmly, practically whispering, as we cross the intimidating fence that has been built along the entire border strip, from Hamat Gader to the foot of Mount Hermon. He points to the next Hourglass Project in his region: A considerable upgrade of the barrier in the border triangle, facing the Jordanian side as well, which is also concerned by the ISIS spillover to the south, into its territory. The new barrier there will do a better job explaining exactly where the border passes to whoever needs an explanation, the battalion commander indicates.

Scouts, fighters from the Oketz canine unit and observation devices open up the area for us. On the surface, there is no more barrier to separate us from dozens of ISIS gunmen in the village of Abadin, which is located about 2 or 3 kilometers away, on the eastern bank of the Ruqqad River. In front of us, down the mountain extension, we see the sooty remains of an ISIS post that was bombed by the IDF in an encounter with Golani.

ISIS fighters are training in the constructed area and eastward in the open area, sometimes in improvised firing ranges too, Lt. Col. Ben Hamo explains. They have headquarters which rise and fall, and fighters who come from the outside. Our job is to create a barrier between them and the farmers here, who keep working the land to the very last inch, as well as the many hikers and Golan Heights residents.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised Thursday to promote plans for an ambitious Mediterranean undersea natural gas pipeline project, in a bid to become a key European energy supplier.

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Israel is hoping to export much of its newly discovered natural gas to Europe by a proposed 2,200-kilometer undersea pipeline to Cyprus and Greece.

Netanyahu meets with Greek PM and Cypriot President (: ")

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PM Netanyahu and Greek PM Alexis Tsipras (Photo: EPA)

"It's something we're very excited about," Netanyahu said in Thessaloniki, Greece's second-largest city.

"Of course the idea of the East Med pipeline would be a revolution. We've had preliminary studies of it. It seems promising and we're going to look further."

Netanyahu met with Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades, after the three countries signed a joint declaration in Tel Aviv in April to promote construction of the pipeline.

Greece and Israel are also planning an undersea electricity cable link and are also considering a Mediterranean data cable.

Photo: AFP

Photo: AP

Once frosty, Israel's ties with Greece and Cyprus have markedly improved in recent years, coinciding with a spat between Israel and regional rival Turkey.

"There's a simple fact with Cyprus, Greece and Israel that brings us very close together. We are all democraciesreal democracies," Netanyahu said.

"And when you look at our region ... that's not a common commodity."

The three countries now hold frequent joint military and civil protection exercises, including the recent "Kinyras-Saul" exercises that involved special forces from Cyprus and Israel.

Netanyahu and Tsipras at the unveiling of a planned Holocaust museum in Greece (Photo: EPA)

Netanyahu spotted at a restaurant in Thessaloniki

More than 3,500 police officers were deployed around the city, which historically had a large Jewish community that was almost wiped out during the Nazi occupation in World War II.

While in Thessaloniki, Netanyahu was also visiting several Jewish sites, including the grounds of a planned Holocaust museum.

Later Thursday, two pro-Palestinian rallies are planned. A group of demonstrators held a separate protest inside the offices of state-run ET3 television, and a videotaped message was broadcast by the station.

"We would swap our prime minister for a Palestinian activist," protest organizer Petros Gotsis said. "(Tsipras) is no longer on our side."
The elite "Egoz" special forces unit of the IDF participated in a joint military exercise with the Cypriot National Guard last week in Cyprus' Troodos Mountains and the Paphos Forest.

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Alongside Egoz forces were soldiers from the IDF's elite "Yahalom" combat engineering unit and the Oketz canine unit.

IDF forces in Cyprus (:  " |   | :  )

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IDF forces in Cyprus (Photo: IDF Spokesperson's Unit)

Soldiers from all three special forces units were only informed of their destination once they boarded transport aircraft. The objective of the exercise, as explained by a senior officer, was to rehearse an operation in foreign territory unfamiliar to IDF forces and to practice cooperative drills with a foreign military force.

IDF forces along with roughly 100 Cypriot troops conducted offensive exercises including unit assaults and close quarters combat in both mockup villages and the forested landscape. Additionally, drills involving mountain combat and subterranean tunnel threats were also conducted.

Egoz soldiers during their briefing (Photo: IDF Spokesperson's Unit)

Photo: IDF Spokesperson's Unit

IDF forces board IAF Blackhawk helicopters in Cyprus (Photo: IDF Spokesperson's Unit)

Photo: IDF Spokesperson's Unit

As part of the exercises, ten Israeli Air Force (IAF) Blackhawk helicopters ferried soldiers to and from drills conducted both at night and during the day. In addition to the Blackhawks, a number of IAF "Shimshon" Super Hercules transport aircraft also took part in the exercises.

"The exercises seriously raised everyone's sense of security and confidence in the field," said a senior IDF officer present for the exercises. "You could say that the unit's level of skill rose; starting from the individual fighter up through the commanders in the field and commanders in Israel."

Cypriot National Guard forces (Photo: IDF Spokesperson's Unit)

Photo: IDF Spokesperson's Unit

Egoz Commander, Col. 'R' (Photo: Ido Erez)

Commander of IAF forces during exercise, Lt. Col. 'G' (Photo: Ido Erez)

Commander of the Egoz Unit, Col. 'R', said, "From our point of view, we landed deep in enemy territory and were briefed about the mission only on the aircraft. We simulated various scenarios of enemy contact, including subterranean complexes and a dam. Our missions can be in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria or any other place we're needed. We thank the Cypriots for their cooperation and we hope for more in the future."
- The use of Marijuana is said to be rising among students in Ghana

- Ghana was ranked first in Africa and third in the world over the use of marijuana

- Click here for the latest stories in Ghana

Ghana has been ranked the 3rd country in the world when it comes to the use of marijuana popularly known as wee.

Hundreds of criminals get arrested each year for peddling narcotics in Ghana

READ ALSO: Incoming Chief Justice to be vetted in parliament today for 10 solid hours!

This was disclosed by the head of the education unit of the board, Ernestina Adjei, who states that close to 22 percent of students in Ghana today are slaves to all manner of drug abuse.

Meanwhile, the issue of arrest of persons engaged in the illegal act of illicit drug abuse have been placed under close scrutiny by the security forces as new ways have been brought up to arrest all culprits.

The unit commander at the Ashanti Regional Police Command, ASP Jeremiah Alale has revealed that the monitoring of attitudes by suspects form part of the ways by which the police clamps down on them.

Start suspecting children if you see thread and syringe or when they start to wear perfume of high scentit is an indication they maybe be engaging in drug related activities. Monitor their demeanor, the kind of music they dance to and play, she revealed.

Meanwhile, calls are been made for the use of marijuana to be legalized in Ghana. Former UN boss, Kofi Annan has argued that the legalization would curtail its abuse and governing the legalization with regulations is to caution on its excessive use.

He noted that it is risky to leave drugs in the hands of criminals who have no idea about its health and safety concerns.

In an article first published in Der Spiegel International, Kofi Annan further went on to state that the regulations would further help to protect the health of individuals and would educate consumers on the health risks associated with the drug and how to minimize them.

READ ALSO: NPP executives fiercely oppose Nana Addo's choice for Savelugu-Nanton

Kofi Annan added that once cannabis is legalize, there is the need for Governments to be able to regulate vendors and outlets according to how much harm a drug can cause.

Do you have any story to share with YEN? Get featured! We are available on Facebook and email via info@yen.com.gh

Source: YEN.com.gh
By Shamim Nateebwa

Civil society Organizations have called upon government to address issues of domestic financing and lack of emphasis on evidence-based interventions if Uganda is to catch-up with the rest of Africa in the fight against HIV/AIDS and achieve the 90-90-90 UNAIDS targets by 2020.

This call is in response to President Yoweri Musevenis recent launch of The Presidential Fast Track Initiative for Ending HIV/AIDS as a Public Health threat in Uganda by 2030.

The initiative commits Uganda to achieving the target of ensuring that 90% of people with HIV know their status, putting 90% of people living with HIV on immediate treatment, and 90% of those on treatment realizing viral suppression.

However, Kenneth Mwehonge of HEPS Uganda says Uganda has not reported major reductions despite the fact that it is on the cutting edge of research and innovation.

He adds that currently, only 38% of young women and 36% of young boys in Uganda know how to protect themselves against HIV and this proportion has remained stagnant for the last decade.

Apart from mother to child transmission prevention, Uganda lags far behind the region in reduction of AIDS related deaths, and contributes substantially to new infections across sub Saharan Africa. It is one of three countries that accounted for an estimated 48% of new infections in sub Saharan Africa in 2013 alone.
By Shamim Nateebwa

The Ministry of Health has called for investigations into the death of a cancer patient that occurred at the beginning of this week at the Uganda Cancer Institute compound.

In a press statement issued this afternoon, the health minister Dr.Jane Ruth Aceng has asked the Uganda Dental and Medical Practitioners Council to investigate the matter to its logical conclusion within one week.

She has also urged the general public to continue seeking services at the institute and other health facilities as the government is committed to delivering quality health care services to its citizens.

On Tuesday the Uganda Cancer Institute distanced itself from reports of negligence by its medical workers which reportedly led to the death of a patient in its compound.

Addressing a news conference earlier, the Institutes Executive Director Dr. Jackson Orem instead blamed Kiruddu hospital where the patient had been admitted for what he calls the improper referral and blamed the driver of the ambulance for dumping the patient at the institute.
By Ruth Anderah

A man who was arrested with Sim-cards he was using to intercept international calls and receiving them as local has been sentenced to one year in prison for Electronic fraud.

Geoffrey Kasule was last week arraigned before the newly created Standards, Utilities and Wildlife Court and he pleaded guilty to the offence.

The Chief Magistrate James Eremye Mawanda has today handed him a one year jail term for all the three counts including electronic fraud, unauthorized use of computer services and establishing a telecommunication system without a license from the Uganda Communications Commission.

Kasule admitted having installed, maintained and operated the said telecommunication system inside his house at Masanafu- Rubaga Division in Kampala District between January 19th and May this year.

According to UCCs Head Legal Affairs Abdul Sallam Waiswa, the accused was arrested after Airtel Uganda Network suspected the volume of incoming traffic was not tallying with the expected revenue and notified them.
ANGOLA  An Ashley man pleaded guilty in connection with a fatal vehicle crash, canceling a trial slated to last throughout next week in Steuben Circuit Court.

Chet Gilbert, 38, admitted causing serious injury operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated, a Level 6 felony, in a hearing Thursday morning. The charge is a second, lower-level felony filed Thursday. That allowed a dismissal of the original charge, a Level 4 felony that could have resulted in up to a 12-year prison sentence.

A Level 6 felony carries a maximum jail term of 2 1/2 years.

Gilbert was driving a 2012 Dodge Journey at 2:25 a.m. on June 21, 2015, when it struck the rear of a 1987 Harley-Davidson motorcycle driven by Brian Platten, 52, North York, Ontario, Canada. The crash occurred on Interstate 69 at the 343.5 mile marker, about three miles north of Ashley.

Platten was pronounced dead at the scene by the Steuben County coroner. Police said the motorcyclist was wearing a helmet. He died of blunt-force trauma.

Gilbert was wearing a seatbelt and was not hurt, but he was transported to Cameron Memorial Hospital in Angola for an anxiety attack, police said at the time.

Gilbert is represented by a legal team headed by attorney Todd L. Sallee of Indianapolis.

Special Prosecutor W. Erik Weber filed a motion Thursday to dismiss the original charge filed in August 2015  operating a vehicle with more than .15 percent blood-alcohol content causing death. Weber said the state has reviewed not less than 10 depositions and no less than four expert witnesses along with countless hours of evaluation with police, doctors and nurses. He said he had informed the lead officers on the case and a victims representative about the plea deal.

Sentencing is set for Sept. 7 at 8:30 a.m. in Steuben Circuit Court. Judge Allen Wheat will have discretion in sentencing Gilbert under state guidelines for a Level 6 felony, according to the plea bargain.

The states recommendation in the agreement is that Gilbert pay $7,500 to Steuben County to remunerate some of the costs associated with the case, $1,000 court costs and restitution to the estate of Platten for medical, funeral and burial expenses and the loss of the motorcycle.

Webers recommendation also calls for a two-year drivers license suspension, retroactive to June 21, 2015, and 200 hours of community service. It would allow Gilbert to petition for the reduction of the conviction to misdemeanor level after three years.
Britain has Broadchurch. Ireland has The Fall. America has True Detective.

And now Canada has Cardinal.

A certain kind of crime drama has become popular on television in recent years, one that takes an entire season (or even the length of a series) to delve into one case. Theyre perfect for the binge-watching generation, who dont have to wait each week for a new episode but can watch as many or as few episodes as they want at one sitting.

But these popular shows have something else in common. In delving into their mysteries, they reveal the character of the place in which they are set. One cant imagine the swaggering True Detective taking place anywhere other than California, or the sorrowful, twisted The Fall set anywhere but rainy, repressed Dublin.

So it is with Cardinal, a new six-part series that premieres on Hulu on Friday. The series is Canadian to its chilled bones, set in the frigid northern Ontario town of Sudbury, where people speak in low, polite tones and clutch their coats closer to keep out the wind.

Based on the novels of Canadian mystery writer Giles Blunt, the series focuses on John Cardinal (Billy Campbell), a brilliant detective who has returned to sleepy Sudbury after spending years solving crimes in the bigger, more cosmopolitan Toronto. An old case from Cardinals Sudbury days has resurfaced years later  the frozen body of a 13-year-old girl who disappeared years ago. Everybody else thought she had run away. But Cardinal alone thought shed been abducted.

Proven right, Cardinal is brought back in to investigate the murder, and Cardinal patiently follows his steps. Campbell is actually an American-born actor who relocated to Canada (reversing the usual Canada-to-Hollywood migration that Canadian actors make), but he convincingly plays a local. And, while the brilliant detective character is often portrayed as aloof and arrogant (see Benedict Cumberbatch in Sherlock), Campbell plays him as empathetic and kind. He is Canadian after all.

But the twist in Cardinal is that Cardinal may not be so nice. His partner assigned to the case, a French-Canadian Lise Delorme (Karine Vanasse), is also working for internal affairs, and looking into whether Cardinal is taking bribes from a local drug dealer.

Cardinal is engrossing and deliberately paced, and as a native Canadian and now Wisconsinite, Ive seldom seen the impenetrable white of a Canadian winter portrayed on screen as well as it is here. So, even though its the dog days of summer, wrap up in a blanket and get pulled into this chilling mystery series.

Also on streaming: When youre done with murder in Canada, head to Scotland with the Acorn.TV original series Loch Ness, premiering Monday. The only monster in this one is a serial killer plaguing the famous town, with Laura Fraser playing the determined detective on his tail. Its doubtful that Nessie herself makes a cameo, but we can hope.

Horror fans likely know about Shudder, AMCs streaming service devoted to horror movies and thrillers. The site has an impressive list of horror movies that include indie, classic and foreign chillers. This week, the site launched its first original series, Primal Screen.

Hosted by filmmaker Rodney Ascher, who brought his documentary on obsessive fans of The Shining, Room 237, to the Wisconsin Film Festival several years ago, Ascher explores the pop culture moments from classic horror movies that indelibly scarred young viewers. (The elevators full of blood in The Shining did it for me.)
THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP)  Global religious leaders contributed to an appeal launched Wednesday that calls on people to make friends with followers of different faiths in the hope that it will foster mutual understanding and ease tensions around the world.

Leaders from Christian, Muslim, Jewish and other faiths, including Pope Francis and Dalai Lama, contributed videos to the appeal that was posted online .

In the video, Muslim cleric Ayatollah Sayyid Fadhel Al-Milani says: Our advice is to make friends to followers of all religions, while Pope Francis and Rabbi Abraham Skorka say that their religious experiences have been enriched by friends from other faiths.

The Dalai Lama says that we can exchange deeper level of experience through personal contacts and friendships.

Rabbi Dr. Alon Goshen-Gottstein, director of the Elijah Interfaith Institute which helped organize the joint statement, called the appeal a significant novelty from a theological perspective.

We cannot deny that in the books of many religions you can find texts that are not very open, even hostile, to people of other faiths, he said. Therefore, when the worlds most important leaders call for friendship, they are in fact affirming a particular way of practicing religion and rejecting another.

The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby said in a video message that friendships across faith are the key to beginning to work out how we deal with difference. We dont deal with difference by pretending it doesnt exist. We deal with it by building relationships.
One of the Wall Street firms that confers debt ratings on states and other public borrowers has put Minnesota on a credit watch over concerns that a dispute between the Legislature and Gov. Mark Dayton could impact debt payments.

S&P Global Ratings, which rates Minnesotas creditworthiness a notch below perfect, issued a statement Thursday that it is monitoring the states situation and could lower the rating if a stalemate isnt resolved within the next few months. A downgrade would make it more expensive for the state to borrow for public construction projects because ratings affect interests rates.

The CreditWatch placement reflects our view of the governors use of his line-item veto authority, during approval of Minnesotas $46 billion 2018-2019 biennial budget, to reject appropriations to the Legislature that defunded the Legislatures budgets, said S&P Global Ratings credit analyst Eden Perry.

Lack of funding could make it impossible for the Senate to deliver monthly lease payments needed for the twice-yearly installments on debt from the new Senate office building. Its unclear what power the Department of Administration, which holds the lease, has to make other funding arrangements.

The firm blamed both the DFL governor and the Republican-led Legislature for having politicized the agreement over the lease appropriation and said it reflects unfavorably on the states willingness to fund all of its debt service payments despite its ability to pay remaining very strong. The next $1.9 million interest payment is due on the certificates of participation in December.

Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka, R-Nisswa, said the standoff is having real consequences.

The governor should call an immediate special session to fund the legislature, Gazelka said in a written statement. If he refuses, Im hopeful the courts will step in soon to declare the governors action unconstitutional so the state can continue to pay its obligations and avoid potential negative consequences to our credit rating.

Department of Minnesota Management and Budget Commissioner Myron Frans said efforts to resolve the issue are ongoing with a goal to maintain the sound fiscal management that has defined his administration.

It is indeed unfortunate that Senate Majority Leader Gazelka put the states fiscal condition at risk when he stated that the Senate would not prioritize its building rental payments from its remaining funds, Frans said.

The S&P statement said the negative outlook would be removed if a deal is struck within the next 90 days. Barring one, the statement warns that Minnesota could see its overall credit rating dropped by several notches.

Lawmakers have sued Dayton over the line-item veto, which they said violated constitutional separation of powers. Dayton maintains he was justified in his veto and has encouraged negotiations resume over a possible special session. He is seeking to revisit tax and policy changes he didnt like in the budget bills he signed.
Rapper Tupac Shakur was a revolutionary, a controversial, brilliant artist cut down in his prime, who only became more iconic after his death. The son of a Black Panther, a high school chum of Jada Pinkett Smith, and a vanguard of West Coast gangsta rap, Shakur endured, and produced, far more in his 25 years than most ever do, and his life story has been overdue for the biopic treatment, especially in light of the films about his rivals and contemporaries such as Notorious and Straight Outta Compton. After a long gestation, All Eyez on Me arrives in theaters, directed by Benny Boom, but this disorganized biopic isnt quite worthy of its subjects remarkable life.

Playing the part of Shakur is newcomer Demetrius Shipp Jr., who looks eerily like the rapper, channeling Shakur in a performance where actor and real person ultimately meld together. Especially once he gets into his performance flow, the physical comparison is uncanny, in his bobbing, lanky-limbed dance movements and head-swiveling delivery. In recreations of television interviews, Shipp nails the energetic, motor-mouthed cadence of the outspoken Shakur.

But the film surrounding Shipp is rough going. All Eyez on Me gets off to a very bumpy start, as it skitters wildly around from life event to life event, dates, locations, and story-framing devices pummeling the screen. Were given a flash forward to Tupac onstage in front of adoring fans, then a prison interview that serves to guide us through his childhood and early career. Its just lazy screenwriting to plop in an interviewer to interject names and places rather than establishing these facts in the script, and the seams are painfully obvious.

The first 45 minutes of All Eyez on Me never gels, with bizarre scene transitions and characters that are scarcely introduced. It feels like much was left on the editing room floor, though even more could have gone. The film only finds its legs in the second half, as Tupac becomes caught up in drama with Death Row Records, Suge Knight, and the East Coast/West Coast rap beef.

The problem with biopics is knowing what  and what not  to include, and the writers of All Eyez on Me, Jeremy Haft, Eddie Gonzalez and Steven Bagatourian, erred on the side of more is more, rather than selectively choosing the events that would best express the life story of the films character.

Director Boom never met a dramatic moment that he didnt want to milk the life out of with an on-the-nose gospel song, or a swirling steadi-cam movement circling Tupac as he comes to a revelation. Subtlety is not his strong suit, and he seems to have been telling his actors bigger! all the time. Danai Gurira, playing Shakurs mother Afeni, reaches especially operatic heights.

Tupac was a complicated, nuanced person. Raised by a militant African-American freedom fighter, he recited Shakespeare in art school, and witnessed the ravages of drugs on his family. He found a voice in gangsta rap, but he was more than just thug life, and saw his music as a message of black liberation. That complexity is flattened out, and comes off as inconsistent in this film. While its a delight to watch Shipp channel Tupac, ultimately, the imitation doesnt come close to the real thing.
The River City Water Ski Show Team, Bethany Water Ski Team and NASA will host a free adaptive ski day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday at Airport Beach on Fisherman's Road.

Children of all abilities are welcome and are asked to bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen and life jacket. Life jackets will also be available to borrow. Lunch and snacks provided.

Registration is available the day of the event, starting at 9:30 a.m. Participants may register in advance by calling 507-895-6213 or emailing vcfitz1970@gmail.com. The event is limited to 24 participants.

Volunteers are needed to serve as side skiers, assist getting kids secured in the sit-ski and to prepare. Contact Jody at 608-783-1560 or lyonski1@gmail.com to sign up as a volunteer.
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La Crosse Countys sign regulations no longer differentiate between signs with different messages, a move prompted by a U.S. Supreme Court ruling two years ago.

The La Crosse County Board approved the changes to the sign ordinance at Thursday evenings monthly board meeting. The vote was unanimous and without discussion, an indication that the board could not get around the high courts 2015 ruling in Reed v. Town of Gilbert.

That case involved an Arizona city that had stricter regulations for signs advertising religious services than for signs with political or ideological messages. The majority of the court ruled that signs may not be regulated based upon their content, with rare exceptions, with three justices writing concurring opinions.

Nate Sampson, the countys zoning administrator, said the county doesnt have a history of a lot of sign regulation enforcement action, and he doesnt foresee a big impact from the ordinance revisions.

The countys ordinance only applies in the towns within the county that dont have their own regulations on signage. The countys rules dont apply in cities and villages, some of which have stricter and more specific regulations.

Sampson said he didnt know of any of the countys cities or villages that had adjusted their sign ordinances based on the high courts ruling yet.

Under the previous ordinance, signs required permits or were prohibited depending on the content and purposes of the signs, where they were, how big they were, and the zoning district they were in. Now the countys ordinance regulates signs based on size, portability, material, structure, moving parts, lighting and placement, and the rules vary depending on the land use zoning designation.

For example, in residential districts the old ordinance did not require a permit for political signs less than 32 square feet, business and real estate signs less than 4 square feet, and rummage sale signs less than 8 square feet, with several other sizes designated specific to other types of content. Now, any sign bigger than 8 square feet in a residential district will require a permit. Also, the new ordinance removes the limit of 72 hours for rummage sale signs.

PRAT

Board member Steve Doyle, who represents the 94th District in the state Assembly, reported that Sen. Jennifer Shilling had talked with Gov. Scott Walker about the countys proposed premier resort area tax, a half-percent sales tax charged at businesses designated as tourism related that would bring in an estimated $6.5 million per year for transportation infrastructure improvements.

Doyle said Walker indicated he would sign legislation allowing La Crosse County to institute the tax as long as there would be a binding referendum required before the tax could go into effect.

The legislation wouldnt be introduced until the fall session of the Legislature, Doyle said, after the biennial budget is put to bed.

Meanwhile, Board Chair Tara Johnson said, county officials will be meeting with the countys municipal officials to work out the method of dividing the 25 percent of the PRAT proceeds that the county board has pledged to share with the cities, villages and towns. The hope is to have a plan in place before the Legislature considers the enabling legislation.

To the rescue

The board voted unanimously to allow the countys Dive Rescue Unit to use a property the county gained through tax foreclosure.

A volunteer organization with 25 members, the Dive Rescue Unit now uses buildings on the Hillview Health Center campus for storage. The new property at 317 Kertzman Place is much better suited for the divers, though, as it is adjacent to La Plume Slough, providing ready access to the Mississippi River.

Having that 0.17-acre parcel (on which $14,294 in back taxes was owed) for the dive team also would free up space in the sheriffs department garage now used to store a boat.

Celebration

County Administrator Steve OMalley had cake and kudos for the board in connection with his update on the countys downtown campus and Lakeview Health Center projects, both of which he said were completed on time and under budget.

The downtown campus project involved one of the most complicated real estate deals the state has ever seen, OMalley said, with the county selling Lot C to make way for the $68 million Belle Square development, buying the former Associated Bank building for a new administrative center and selling the old administrative center for redevelopment as an apartment building.

He noted that plans now call for adding two stories to the old administrative center, which will mean even more tax base than anticipated.

You have a great deal to be proud of, he told the board.
La Crosse will hold a meeting Tuesday to discuss its study of the neighborhood around South Avenue and to gather residents' ideas about land use and transportation access when the road is redesigned.

The study, by the Toole Design Group, is occurring at the same time as the Wisconsin Department of Transportation develops plans to rebuild a 1-mile stretch of South Avenue, which carries several state and federal highways between Green Bay Street and Ward Avenue.

That project is slated for construction in 2022 and is expected to cost between $6 million and $10 million depending on how much real estate is required for the right of way.

City leaders and transportation officials have clashed over preliminary designs, which called for widening the road to include a center turn lane, taking out dozens of homes and businesses. The DOT has since revised its proposed plans, though differences remain.

The DOT is considering four alternatives, only one of which would fit within the existing right-of-way. That would require the acquisition and removal of eight buildings to accommodate roundabouts at West Avenue, 16th Street and Ward Avenue.

The three alternatives that include bike lanes or a side path would require 21 to 31 displacements, according to the DOT.

Despite concerns about pedestrian safety, lack of bicycle facilities and limited vehicle access, project manager Kevin Luecke said Toole recommends the narrow option, primarily because it has the lowest impact on the neighborhood and tax base.

South Avenue - Alt. 1 A four-lane divided roadway fits within existing right-of-way with roundabouts at West Avenue, 16th Street and Ward Avenue. There would be no 

Luecke also fears that in spite of narrower lanes, the DOT design will not calm traffic. Speeding and difficulty crossing the street were the two top concerns voiced by neighbors at the studys first public input meeting.

We have significant concern that with center medians speeds will rise, he said. Speed will increase because of no left turns.

The study is also looking at how best to use land around the corridor and the potential for redevelopment of parcels where buildings must be removed.
PARIS  Will millennials save the West?

Many commentators seem confident that the answer is yes  that young peoples left-leaning values will be a moderating influence on their insular, xenophobic, right-wing parents. But this complacency may be misplaced.

Young people  or at least a large swath of them  do appear to be growing more left-wing. On several key metrics, though, they also appear to be growing more illiberal, and more radical.

In Britain, young voters showed up en masse last week to help crack the Conservative Partys comfortable majority in Parliament. Newspapers hailed the youthquake, in which they exacted revenge upon the fusty, nationalistic elders whod had chosen to bolt the European Union.

About six in 10 voters under 35 reported voting for the leftist Labour Party, which opposed Brexit last year and had more recently wooed young people with promises of free college, higher taxes on the wealthy and greater spending on health care. Just a quarter of this age bracket voted Tory.

The numbers were roughly the reverse for voters over 65.

An election day poll found other huge gaps between older and younger voters on a range of questions signaling left-wing values and progressivism (such as attitudes toward feminism, environmentalism and the internet), as political scientist Pippa Norris noted recently.

These trends have been compared with those in the United States, where millennials are also supposed to be the last bulwark against undemocratic Trumpian values.

After all, we came of age during the Great Recession and its aftermath. This has shaped our worldview and made us more skeptical of unfettered capitalism and the establishment. Hence the Bernie bromance, which also came with promises of free college, higher taxes on the wealthy and more generous government health care.

Here in France, many of the already traditionally leftist young have recently drifted further leftward, too. In the first-round presidential elections in the spring, a plurality of the youngest voters chose far-left, Communist-allied Jean-Luc Melenchon.

In second, however, was the far-right candidate: Marine Le Pen, leader of the anti-immigrant, anti-Europe National Front party, who champions law and order and economic patriotism. In fact, Le Pen has stronger support among the very young than the very old. (In the subsequent runoff election, Le Pen did about as well among the young as she did among voters overall.)

In the 1990s, the voters of the National Front were first of all elderly, says Stephane Wahnich, a political science professor at Universite Paris-Est Creteil. Today, he says, the most enthusiastic National Front members are far and away those under 30.

French youths have been increasingly drawn to extremes, he says, because they have little economic mobility and few job opportunities. Additionally, the bogeymen of generations past  Nazism, communism  seem less alarming to a cohort so far removed from World War II and the Cold War.

Therefore to vote for political parties that are ideologically close to these sensibilities poses fewer and fewer problems because many do not make the link, he says.

The French case has parallels with other Western democracies.

As I have written before, research by Roberto Stefan Foa and Yascha Mounk based on the World Values Survey has found that both Americans and Europeans have become more distrusting of their political institutions, more cynical about the worth of democracy and liberal democratic values, and more politically extreme.

This is especially true of millennials.

In fact, millennials are the most politically radical generation ever recorded by the World Values Survey, as measured by whether respondents place themselves as either a 1 or a 10 on a left-right scale.

In economic extremis for years, we have now gone to extremes.

Perhaps what many have been mistaking for growing progressivism among millennials in Britain and the United States is merely the lefty flavor of the populism to which they are increasingly drawn.

Arguably, the most salient characteristic of the lefty candidates whom millennials idolize is not so much their leftiness, but their anti-establishment, at times barn-burning populism. During the U.S. presidential campaign, Bernie Sanders railed against globalization nearly as much as Donald Trump did. Sanders millennial-beloved British analogue, Labours Jeremy Corbyn, espouses far nuttier and more troubling beliefs (including past praise of Fidel Castro, Hugo Chavez and Moammar Gaddafi).

As Mounk has suggested, the proper way we should perhaps think about political divides going forward is not so much left vs. right or liberal vs. conservative. Rather, its something more akin to belief in a closed society vs. an open one, nationalism vs. internationalism.

The jury is out on where my generations views will land, but defenders of the West might want to start working on Plan B.
WASHINGTON -- So Donald Trump is calling James Comey a liar.

This puts the fired FBI director in some impressive company. Among those Trump has accused of lying, via pronouncements, tweets and retweets:

Ted Cruz

Marco Rubio

Ben Carson

John Kasich

Jeb Bush

George W. Bush

The Bush dynasty

Fellow GOP presidential candidates

All candidates

John McCain

Barack Obama

The Obama administration

Hillary Clinton

Tim Kaine

Nancy Pelosi

Bernie Sanders

Democrats

The Senate

George Will

GOP strategist Rick Tyler

The Club for Growth

Reporters

Journalists

Fake-news media

CNN

The New York Times

The New York Post

The New York Daily News

Chris Cuomo

Megyn Kelly

Dana Perino

John King

Women who accused him of sexual misconduct

China

Doctors

Baseball's Alex Rodriguez

Star Jones

An Ebola patient

Anyone who didn't tune in to GOP debates to watch Trump

Accusing others of lying is a bit rich coming from the man who has done more than any other to turn public discourse into a parallel universe of alternative facts. If we were psychoanalyzing Trump, we might say he is projecting. Of course, if we were psychoanalyzing Trump, we might throw the entire DSM at him, starting with antisocial personality disorder and working our way through narcissistic personality disorder and then paranoid personality disorder.

But Trump's tendency to accuse others of the flaws he possesses seems to be more than a reflex. It appears to be a strategy -- a verbal jujitsu in which he uses his opponents' strengths against them.

Trump was the old guy in the Republican debates and more than once seemed to fade partway through -- but he managed to brand Jeb Bush "low energy." He did the same to Clinton, portraying her as weak and tired; now he's keeping an exceedingly light schedule as president and passing a good chunk of the time at his private retreats. Trump told the most extravagant untruths during the campaign, had the most glaring conflicts of interest and knew the least about governing. But he branded Cruz as "Lyin' Ted," Clinton as "Crooked Hillary" and Rubio as a "lightweight" and "Little Marco."

Trump did not invent this strategy. I first encountered it on the playground of the Old Mill Road elementary school on Long Island in the 1970s: "I'm rubber, you're glue -- whatever you say bounces off me and sticks to you." Other kids used an endlessly entertaining variant: "I know you are but what am I?"

During the campaign, when the topic turned to Trump's leadership of the "birther" movement questioning Obama's U.S. birth, Trump declared that "Hillary Clinton and her campaign of 2008 started the birther controversy."

When Clinton pointed to the racist "alt-right" movement, Trump responded by saying, "Hillary Clinton is a bigot who sees people of color only as votes, not as human beings worthy of a better future." When Clinton alleged that Trump was "temperamentally unfit" for the presidency, Trump responded by saying it was Clinton who "does not have the temperament to be president."

On and on it went. Attention to Trump's thin and vague set of policy proposals led him to say it was Clinton who "never talks about policy." After a dark GOP convention full of apocalyptic warnings, Trump claimed that Clinton "is the only one fear-mongering." Clinton's charge that Trump is volatile and easily baited, likewise, led him to call her "trigger happy."

Shortly after Clinton said Islamic State terrorists are "rooting for Donald Trump's victory," Trump proclaimed that those very same terrorists "dream all night of having Hillary Clinton" as president. Trump's answer to questions about self-dealing in his family's charitable work was to point to "crooked" Clinton's "criminal" foundation. His routine response, even now, to inquiries into his and his aides' ties to Russia: They should investigate the Clintons' Russia ties.

We've seen this pattern in the early months of the presidency as well -- accusing the Democrats of seeking a government shutdown when it was his own late demands that threatened to upend a bipartisan spending bill, and now, when accused of lying by the former FBI director, calling that man a liar.

There's no doubt Trump's rubber-and-glue strategy has worked. He is, after all, the president, and Crooked Hillary, Lyin' Ted, Little Marco and Low-Energy Jeb are not. But can the man who has established himself as one of history's most prodigious prevaricators convince the country that the former FBI director, celebrated for his integrity, is just another lying liar? Polls before and after Comey's testimony suggest Trump is losing that contest.

After all, who are you going to believe? Trump? Or everybody else?
A debate over whether its more difficult to be a conservative or a woman in the United States no doubt fits into the category of first-world problem. Neither is very hard in comparison to, say, life on a rice paddy.

But the which is tougher? discussion is nonetheless hot after remarks by 24-year-old conservative firebrand Tomi Lahren during the opening session of a Young Womens Leadership Summit. She is among the headliners at the conservative event, which runs through today in Dallas.

Lahren said Thursday night that its not hard to be a woman in the U.S. In fact, theres no better place to be a woman than the United States of America, she said.

Actually, a lot of researchers would disagree. The 2017 Best Countries report, with its impeccable methodology, lists Sweden, Denmark, Norway, the Netherlands and Canada as its top five for women; the U.S. comes in at No. 16.

But I believe her comments regarding the difficulty of being a conservative  in particular, a conservative woman  need to be taken seriously. They give voice to an important perspective.

Lahren said young women often tell her that one of the hardest things to be is a conservative.

She and her followers have standing that I dont to make that assessment. While I am solidly to the right of many of my Dallas Morning News colleagues, no one would say I have much conservative cred.

But my circle of close friends, family and acquaintances includes nearly as many conservative women as liberal ones. And they agree heartily with Lahrens assessment. Even with a Republican in the White House and the Texas Governors Mansion, they say, being a conservative can feel pretty lonely in many circles, particularly womens circles.

Just last weekend, I hosted a group of longtime friends; weve known each other since high school. All of them are professional women with college degrees. We are evenly split between those who voted for Hillary Clinton and those who didnt. Between those who think Republicans are better for the economy and Democrats over-regulate, and those who think otherwise. Between those who are socially conservative  whether the discussion is bathroom bills, abortion or sanctuary cities  and those who arent.

And bluntly, despite the fact that these women all love me, more than half of them believe that the industry I work for  and in some cases my own newspaper  is slanted unfairly against Republicans. So does most of my family.

One of the most uncomfortable moments in an otherwise lovely weekend was when I pointed to a couple of news sites that truly publish fake news. Several of my guests were more interested in discussing what they see as a much bigger problem in the media: a hyper-vigilance around President Donald Trumps every move, something they dont believe they saw when President Barack Obama was in the White House.

Yet they dont feel comfortable talking about their perspectives outside very small circles of trust. These are women who prefer to keep their political views to themselves because, they say, they know what the response will be: Youre whats wrong with women in todays society.

They make a good point, given this exchange:

In writing this column, I asked one of my liberal friends the same question: Do you think, for conservative women, its harder to be a woman or to be a conservative?

Her answer: I dont think conservative women are really women. Theyre man wannabes.

Ouch. I hope I dont lose my female-gender card for simply giving voice to conservative womens perspectives.

Finally, let me pivot to one of my younger friends, a thirtysomething with a cool job, someone I met in yoga class four years ago. Shes smart on the issues and can defend her conservative points. Judging by the reaction of other young women who nodded along with her comments before yoga class, many of them also are closet conservatives.

And, like Lahren, this Dallas woman thinks being a conservative  even worse, she says, a young conservative woman  is dreadfully difficult. And never more so than during the 2016 presidential campaign.

She might have wished for a different Republican nominee, but she voted for Trump in a heartbeat over Clinton. And like my older friends, dont try arguing with her about Trumps behavior toward women. Two words: Bill Clinton.

And while she has well-reasoned responses to those who might challenge her point of view with attacks such as feminism is failing because of you, she prefers to just stay out of those conversations.

These are all women who might not have broadcast that they were Trump supporters, but who, in the voting booth, voted Republican.

The members of my informal conservative focus groups are overwhelmingly middle-income, maybe upper-middle in a few cases. Theyve not lived with privilege, but rather known the realities of women as second-class citizens: passed over for a job, harassed in the workplace, sexually assaulted.

Yet at the end of the day, they would agree that being a woman is not as difficult for them as being a conservative.

So Lahrens not crazy on this issue. Not even hyperbolic. Shes speaking for a lot of the women around us. Until liberals can honestly have conversations around this fact, I fear we will continue to be surprised by these closet voters.
MADISON  The speculation began within minutes of when President Trump, speaking in Waukesha and alluding to negotiations with an unspecified company, told Gov. Scott Walker he might get a very happy surprise very soon.

That surprise may well be Foxconn, a Taiwanese giant that assembles Apples iPhones and other electronics. No one will say for sure, but The Associated Press reported Thursday it had off-the-record confirmation that Foxconn is talking with Wisconsin.

The Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. never comments on pending or potential opportunities  which is appropriate given how fragile and competitive such talks can be  so the potential surprise is still tightly wrapped inside a box awaiting a party that may never come.

This much is known, however. Foxconn is best known as one of Apples iPhone and iPad manufacturing partners. The company is likely to build a plant in the United States that would be used to build displays for everything from Internet of Things products to Apple devices.

As DigiTimes reported earlier this year, Foxconn would use a U.S. facility to manufacture small to medium displays for IoT applications, including automotive, medical care and mobile terminal displays. It could also be used to develop new screens for existing Apple products and televisions.

Foxconn CEO and Chairman Terry Gou said in January the company was planning to invest $7 billion in a U.S. facility, and company executive visited the White House a month or so ago.

Why would a company so large that entire cities have sprung up around its global factories have an interest in the United States and Wisconsin?

For starters, building a huge screen plant in the United States would fit well with Trumps push to create more domestic jobs. Trump has criticized foreign and domestic companies alike for not creating or keeping American manufacturing jobs, and he has threatened to increase tariffs on imports from countries that dont take heed.

The interest goes beyond politics, however. Foxconn would like to secure a larger share of American markets, particularly for products such as Sharp, a recently acquired subsidiary. Localizing screen production could help the company save on transport costs. The resulting publicity could also help sell more high-end Sharp-branded sets in the United States, the worlds second-biggest television market.

Those factors apply anywhere in the United States where Foxconn chooses to build. So, why Wisconsin?

The state has a manufacturing tradition that extends to electronic devices, equipment and components. In fact, electrical machinery of all types accounted for 9.4 percent of Wisconsin exports in the most recent year  about $2 billion in total. Power electronics and controls has been a Wisconsin specialty for a century or more.

Wisconsin is a state plugged into the Internet of Things through major companies such as GE Healthcare, Johnson Controls, Rockwell Automation and more. The Internet of Things is a term that describes using the internet to connect computing devices embedded in everyday objects, enabling them to send and receive data via WiFi, cellular connections or other networks. It includes anything from your Fitbit wristband to coffeemakers and garage openers you can control through a smartphone, to smart buildings, connected cars and much more. Wisconsin companies large and small have been increasingly good at figuring it out.

The state has the foundation to produce skilled workers through the Wisconsin Technical College System and the UW System. The Department of Computer Sciences at the UW-Madison is one of the leading academic departments in the country, usually ranking in the top 12. There are strong engineering colleges in Madison, Milwaukee, Menomonie and Platteville.

There are logical plant sites available and an infrastructure in place that would enable a company the size of Foxconn to deliver its products to market.

Other states are reportedly in the hunt, most notably Michigan, which has a similar footprint to Wisconsin. Some states may be able to dig deeper into their own pockets to provide cash incentives. That means the presidents surprise could fizzle like a candle on a birthday cake.

At the same time, there is reason to believe Wisconsin has what it takes to compete, if not for Foxconn the next major company.
Gov. Scott Walkers office said he expects to sign a bill giving a state legislative panel the power to block proposed environmental and other rules put forth by state agencies.

Governor Walker thanks the Legislature for sharing his commitment to bold regulatory reform and looks forward to signing the bill into law, Walker spokesman Tom Evenson said.

The state Assembly passed the bill Wednesday on a 62-34 vote. The state Senate passed the bill last month.

Under the bill, which supporters call the REINS Act, state agencies could not impose rules projected to cost businesses or local governments more than $10 million. Lawmakers and the governor would have to enact a law instead.

The bill also allows a legislative panel, the Joint Committee for Review of Administrative Rules, to indefinitely object to an administrative rule to bar the agency that proposed it from implementing it.

Supporters of the bill, which include Republicans and business groups, have said it would have prevented environmental-protection rules that proved costly to businesses, such as the state Department of Natural Resources 2010 phosphorus rule.

Critics, which include Democrats and environmental groups, have said it will permit businesses and industry groups to effectively override the agencies tasked with regulating them.
MADISON  A former Kendall man who allegedly took $420,000 from a construction company he co-owned was sentenced Tuesday in federal court to five months in prison and fined $3,000 for tax evasion.

Jeffrey L. Overton, 57, now of McGregor, Iowa, co-owned Four Bears Construction, of Elroy, with three other men. While his partners worked as project managers, Overton alone kept the books for the firm. However, between tax years 2008 and 2011, Overton used company funds to buy trucks, tractors, an all-terrain vehicle, and guns and ammunition for himself. Then he changed company financial records to make the purchases appear to be legitimate business expenses, said assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Wegner.

Overton also did not report the stolen money as income, amassing an unpaid tax liability of $127,000.

Overtons scheme was discovered when the firm hired a new bookkeeper in 2010 who found that Four Bears had incurred almost $600,000 in accounts payable, with $366,000 past due at least 30 days, Wegner wrote the court.

When confronted about the stolen money, Overton said he believed he was entitled to it because he worked harder than the other owners, Wegner wrote.

Due to its financial problems, Four Bears dissolved in the summer of 2013, according to Wegner.

Four Bears co-owner Elmer Hanson blamed Overton for the companys demise. He told District Judge William Conley on Tuesday that Overton was motivated by greed and dishonesty and it resulted in Hanson losing his home, filing bankruptcy and divorced.

Ive personally lost everything Ive worked for, Hanson said. His actions are reprehensible, and no sentence is too stiff.

Under questioning by Conley, Hanson acknowledged that another owner had concluded that the company was not going to make it due to the recession and other owners taking money out of the firm, too.

Theres not enough evidence to say the company failed due to the defendants malfeasance, Conley told Hanson.

Wegner asked for a sentence within the 18-24 guideline range which was based on the amount of revenue loss to the government, the duration of the offense, the delay in prosecution, Overtons lack of prior convictions and his entering a timely guilty plea. Conley told Wegner that he could not sentence Overton for stealing $400,000 because the government charged him with tax fraud and not embezzlement.

He didnt plead guilty to defrauding his partners but to not paying taxes on the money he took from the company, Conley said.

Juneau County District Attorney Scott Southworth dropped theft from a business charge against Overton in 2012 saying the evidence showed other people also had access to the companys funds.

Overtons attorney, Paul Schwartz, asked Conley for a probation-only sentence contending that his client had otherwise lead a crime-free life and is now working as a grounds supervisor at the Prairie du Chien Correctional Institution.

The sentencing goal should be to allow him to keep his job and pay off his tax debt, Schwartz said. Overton has paid it down by $16,000.

Overton said he regrets what happened to Four Bears Construction attributing his offense to bad judgment and bad decisions.

I will not be making that mistake again, he told Conley.

Others also took money out of the company, Overton said but when he told the judge that he did not know if he took more than others, Conley replied, You maintained the books, you were in the best position to know what others took.

In sentencing Overton to prison, Conley said it sends a message to would-be tax evaders and embezzlers that there are consequences when they are caught. However, he did not impose any supervised release, saying the IRS can collect the tax debt without the courts supervision.

I dont pretend its the perfect sentence, Conley said.

After court Hanson agreed.

I feel it was too light. (Overton) didnt take full responsibility for (his offense) and didnt show any remorse, Hanson said.
Friday, June 16, 2017

Its high school graduation and college admissions season and there lots of uplifting stories making the rounds. Here is one that touched my heart. Marcos Breton tells the story of Nataly Romero, who through grit, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence graduated from high school in Fresno and will be attending UC Berkeley next year:

"She was one of thousands of California teenagers who graduated from high school last week in joyous ceremonies of achievement and pride.

She may have walked with them to accept her diploma, graduating with honors from Fresno High School, but the path she took surely differed. How many of her fellow students were homeless when they received notification that a university as prestigious as UC Berkeley had accepted them?

Nataly Romero was. The acceptance letter in immaculate stationery arrived at her Fresno shelter for youthful runaways."



Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/news/local/news-columns-blogs/marcos-breton/article155540249.html#storylink=cpy

KJ

https://lawprofessors.typepad.com/immigration/2017/06/its-high-school-graduation-and-college-admissions-season-and-there-lots-of-uplifting-stories-making-the-rounds-here-is-o.html
Thursday, June 15, 2017

The Mississippi Supreme Court dismissed ethics charges against a judge

The record supplementation requested by the Court during oral argument should, and it hereby is, rescinded. The Court finds that no violation of the Mississippi Code of Judicial Conduct by the respondent, Forrest County Justice Court Judge Gay Polk-Payton, has been proven by clear and convincing evidence, and that these proceedings therefore should be, and they hereby are, dismissed with prejudice. The Commission shall bear the costs. Not Participating: Coleman, Beam and Chamberlin, JJ. Order entered.

Notably, the charges appear to be related to the judge's use of social media that was the subject of an anonymous complaint.

The judge had stipulated to misconduct.

The argument - linked below - is really worth watching. The judges are tough on the attorneys for both sides .

Eugene Volokh filed an amicus brief on behalf of the judge.

The Commission seeks to discipline Judge Polk-Payton for speech that other judges routinely engage in: promoting a book and using social media. These common activities do not threaten the integrity of the judiciary. Rather, they are valuable to voters who can evaluate that speech and use it to make informed decisions.

The Commission believes Judge Polk-Paytons use of the Twitter handle @JudgeCutie is undignified and demeaning to the judicial office, but the handle conveys the judges personality to the public, which is essential for an elected judge. The Commission also objects to a photo on the cover of the judges book, which shows her in ordinary clothes with her robe partially on; it is not clear whether she is putting on her robe or taking it off, but neither action demeans the judicial office. Undignified is a subjective judgment, and if anyone should enforce it, it should be the voters: If they find Judge Polk-Paytons speech unbecoming to a judge, they will make that known come election time.

Moreover, social media use by judges is relatively new. States have not provided much guidance on its use, other than to uniformly conclude that it is generally allowed. The Mississippi Judicial Canons, which require high standards of conduct, make no mention of social media. Neither the Commission nor this Court has offered any clarification. Given the vagueness of the Canons, Judge Polk-Payton had no way of knowing that her speech was impermissible.

Hattiesburg American reports

After an afternoon of hearing oral arguments Tuesday, the Mississippi Supreme Court ruled Thursday in favor of a Forrest County judge accused of unethical conduct.

The Mississippi Commission on Judicial Performance accused Justice Court Judge Gay Polk-Payton of using her position as a judge to promote sales of her book and to further her music career.

Polk-Payton could not be reached for comment Thursday, but her attorney Oliver Diaz said the complaint was frivolous and should never have been filed.

"I think the speed with which the judges responded speaks for itself," he said. "It usually takes three, four or five months after oral arguments to decide a case.

"This is unprecedented and speaks to how completely frivolous it is. (The Supreme Court justices) wanted the public to know Judge Polk-Payton did not do anything wrong."

The court issued a one-paragraph statement in which the judges said they could find no wrongdoing on Polk-Payton's part.

"The Court finds that no violation of the Mississippi Code of Judicial Conduct by the respondent, Forrest County Justice Court Judge Gay Polk-Payton has been proven by clear and convincing evidence, and that these proceedings therefore should be, and they hereby are, dismissed with prejudice," the court ruled.

On Tuesday the commission's senior attorney Rachel Michel said an anonymous tip was filed regarding Polk-Payton and a photo of her either putting on or taking off her judge's robe on the cover of her book.

The commission filed the complaint with the state judicial system in 2014.

The complaint also said the use of Polk-Payton's judicial status on her social media accounts, including her former handle, "JudgeCutie," violated the state's code of conduct for judges.

Archived proceedings: Mississippi Supreme Court hears oral arguments regarding Judge Polk-Payton

During the oral arguments, some of the justices pointed out other judges who had worn their robes on the covers of their books. Justice Jess Dickinson, himself an author and musician, said there needed to be something more to the claim than just her wearing a judge's robe.

"We both have difficult jobs," Dickinson told Michel during a live stream of court proceedings. "But I'm looking at the allegation that gives me concern in this case, and I'm looking at the canon that it is based upon and that canon requires us to find by clear and convincing evidence that Judge Polk-Payton lent the prestige of her office to advance her private interests.

"I don't believe anybody does that simply by saying, 'I'm a judge.'"

Justice James Kitchens said he was concerned about who filed the anonymous complaint with the commission and what his or her motive was.

"This could be some political enemy of the judge or somebody she had sentenced or someone who has an ax to grind with her," he said. "We know nothing of the credibility or the motives of the person making the complaint."

Dickinson added that Polk-Payton should be lauded for some of the things she has done as a judge.

"I commend her for talking about being a judge and being interested in justice and interested in fairness and fair play in the courts," he said. "Some of it should be on the front page of The Clarion-Ledger."

Attempts to reach Michel for comment were unsuccessful.

Justices Dawn Beam, Josiah Coleman and Robert Chamberlin did not participate.

The Commission on Judicial Performance was ordered to pay all costs associated with the case.

A video of a musical performance by the judge is linked here . (Mike Frisch)

https://lawprofessors.typepad.com/legal_profession/2017/06/the-mississippi-supreme-court-dismissed-ethics-charges-hattiesburg-reports.html
The deadline to sign up for this free community event that is open to all is Nov. 16.

Kennebunk Post

"We need to invest in our kids," said resident Brenda Robinson. "That's how we keep graffiti out of Waterhouse Center and mischief out of the downtown on Saturday night."
The budget committee for the City of Lebanon will hold its final public sessions on May 16-17.
Remembering those who died in the mid-valley. Photos submitted by family members to accompany their obituaries in the Albany Democrat-Herald a
LINCOLN  From Thursday, June 8, through Sunday, June 11, eight drivers lost

their lives on Nebraska roads. The deadly period prompts a reminder for drivers to help maintain safe roads.

The accidents ranged from west of Ogallala to Omaha. There were multi-vehicle crashes, single-car crashes and a collision of two motorcycles.

Theres no clear link between all of these crashes, but the number of recent fatalities underscores the importance of safe driving, said Colonel Brad Rice, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. The best way to make Nebraska roadways safe is for all motorists to voluntarily comply with traffic safety laws, wear seat belts and avoid distracted driving.

So far in 2017, there have been 86 fatalities on Nebraska roads. That figure is six fewer than the average from the last five years through June 11, a figure of 92.

For additional tips on safe driving, visit http://www.roads.nebraska.gov/safety/driving on the Nebraska Department of Road website.
Greetings District 36! While the Legislature has adjourned for the year, I continue to be busy with meetings and events in the District. In the last few weeks I helped dedicate a bridge replacement program in CusterCounty, celebrated Annevar Days in Ravenna and welcomed over 100 ag educators from across the state for meetings in Gothenburg. However, there were three events that were particularly touching for me: the 2017 Cattlemens Ball, Relay for Life in Cozad and a tour of the Fred & PamelaBuffettCancerCenter. Each of these events was an opportunity to see how cancer affects Nebraskans and what we are doing to support those who battle the disease.

We all have family and friends who have been impacted by cancer. The most recent data shows that over 9,300 Nebraskans were diagnosed with an invasive cancer. Cancer was also the leading cause of death in Nebraska for the 5th consecutive year. While it is a terrible disease, I am proud to say that we are making progress. Incidence and death rates are falling nationally as well as in Nebraska. Nebraskans are doing their part to raise awareness about cancer screenings and support funding for research.

In early June, the 20th Annual Cattlemens Ball was held at the Lonesome River Ranch near Anselmo. Over the years, this charitable event has raised millions of dollars for important causes in Nebraska. With the support of thousands of Nebraskans, this years Ball raised funds for the Fred & PamelaBuffettCancerCenter at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, or UNMC. Susan and I had the opportunity to tour the new CancerCenter with University of Nebraska President Hank Bounds and Chancellor Dr. Jeffrey Gold. This is a world-class facility that offers cutting-edge patient care and research. Susan and I also participated in the Relay for Life in Cozad. We talked with a number of people about remembering, celebrating, and looking to a future without cancer. The funds raised at the Relay help support cancer research, patient care services, education and prevention initiatives at the American Cancer Society.

On Wednesday, June 28, Dr. Gold, chancellor of UNMC, will be in District 36 to share some of the new and exciting initiatives in education and research taking place at UNMC, including the Cancer Center. A Simulation in Motion-Nebraska (SIM-NE) truck will also be on hand. The SIM-NE is a mobile education system which brings state-of-the-art, hands-on training using human patient simulators to pre-hospital and hospital professionals. The event will be held at the NSG Banquet Room, 520 10th Street in Gothenburg, from 4:30  6 p.m. I hope to see you there!

Much of our success in the fight against cancer happens because of ordinary people that care. People stepping up by volunteering their time and donating their money. Each one of us can make a difference. I challenge everyone to reach out to friend or family member that is dealing with the disease, volunteer for a cancer event, and if possible make a financial commitment. Do it today!
With the approach of the vote day for the 2017 Legislative Assembly (AL) elections on September 17, the number of presented lists is growing steadily along with the preparations for the campaign period.

According to the official data, this years election will welcome a total of 25,138 new voters that registered to cast their ballots for the first time.

To learn more about the profile of Macau voters and how this elections new voters might or might not influence changes in the political panorama, the Times researched what the typical voter in the region looks like.

The analysis of several records of both returning voters and new voters in particular, made available by the Electoral Affairs Commission for the Legislative Assembly election (CAEAL), resulted in the acknowledgement that the typical Macau voter is a woman, aged between 45 to 64 years old and born on the mainland.

Also well represented in the population sample are men born on the mainland, but with their ages ranging from 50 to 64 years old. This represents the second largest group of potential voters.

The growth in the figures of the age groups 25-29 and 30-34 is mostly due to the registration of new voters during last year (January to December 2016) and also during 2012 prior to the 2013 elections.

The referred age groups, where the difference between genders is negligible, is already accountable for 18.5 percent of all the voters registered for this years election, thus these groups are expected to have some influence on the final outcome.

Similarly to the larger groups of voters, the predominance among new voters are still those residents born outside the region, with a larger incidence to the ones born on the mainland (49.5 percent against the 54.4 percent among the total number of voters).

The number of residents born in Hong Kong registered as new voters is also on the rise (+0.8 percent) and those born in Macau (+6.5 percent).

Noteworthy is the relationship between the larger voter groups and the total population figures. When compared to the latest official figures from the 2016 population by-census of the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC), the official number of registered voters show that, contrary to what has been mentioned several times, not all groups of younger citizens have been growing.

DSEC notes in the report that the local population in 2016 were concentrated in the age groups of 25-34 and 50-59, altogether accounting for 35.2 percent of the local population. For the younger cohort (18-24 years old), the percentage of local residents registered to vote is slightly under 50 percent, while in a wider range for older citizens (50-64 years old), it reaches an average of two-thirds of the total population.

The figures also show that the number of voters within the younger groups have been falling. The number of individuals in the 18-24 category registered about 3,500 fewer voters in 2016 than in 2012, which would suggest a relatively lower impact of the young generation on the direct elections for the AL.
Chinas civil aviation authority fined Dubai-based Emirates airline and barred it from adding new routes in the country over the next six months after two of its flights were cited for unsafe operations.

An Emirates plane on April 17 flew at the wrong height, and a plane on May 18 temporarily lost contact with air traffic control, the Civil Aviation Administration of China said. Both aircraft were flying over the city of Urumqi in Chinas western Xinjiang region at the time.

The authority said in a statement that it had imposed a fine of 29,000 RMB (USD4,300) on the Middle Easts largest airline.

Emirates said in an email that it will cooperate fully with the Civil Aviation Administration of China regarding the two incidents and complete all actions recommended by the authority.

Emirates will never compromise on the safety of our passengers and crew, it said. Safety is our number one priority at all times. Emirates fully complies with the CAACs requirements on all our flight operations to China.

The civil aviation administration has previously suspended Emirates for contravening its regulations.

In May last year it announced it had suspended the airline from adding new planes and destinations for six months in relation to a flight in January 2016 that landed with low fuel after two previous attempts were aborted because of strong wind. The administration said the planes fuel on landing was critically low and the captain had refused to cooperate with their investigation.

Emirates operates 38 weekly flights to five cities in mainland China. AP
Former Communist prime minister Imre Nagy, the man who symbolises the 1956 Hungarian uprising, has been given a formal public funeral 31 years after he was executed.

The capital, Budapest, came to a standstill as thousands came to pay their respects to Nagy who in 1956 formed a government dedicated to freeing itself from Soviet communism.

Buildings were draped in black, church bells peeled and there was a one-minute silence across the country.

His coffin was placed on the steps of the Exhibition Hall in Heroes Square, alongside four of his comrades and one empty coffin symbolising the Unknown Revolutionary.

Among the mourners who placed wreaths and flowers were a handful of the 200,000 exiles who had fled the country after Soviet tanks crushed the revolution in November 1956.

General Bela Kiraly a commander of the 1956 uprising paid tribute to Hungarys fallen hero and said the reburial opened a new epoch.

The ceremony comes at time of political moves away from Soviet influence.

Multiparty elections due to take place next year will see the end of the Communist Partys leading role in Hungary.

Imre Nagy was prime minister of Hungary from 1953 till 1955 when the Communist Party expelled him for, among other things, wanting to release political prisoners and liberalise the economy.

In October 1956 students revolted against the state and demanded the reinstatement of Mr Nagy and he returned to power.

Encouraged by an apparent promise of outside help, Nagy appealed to the UN and Western governments for protection from Soviet troops.

But with the Suez crisis in full swing and no real appetite for fighting the USSR over a crisis in Eastern Europe, the West did not respond.

The Soviet militarys response was swift and devastating. Some 30,000 people were killed in Budapest alone and thousands more sought political asylum in the West.

Mr Nagy took refuge in the Yugoslav embassy. He had been assured safe passage by the newly appointed Hungarian leader Janos Kadar but was abducted by Soviet agents while on a bus home.

He was executed exactly 31 years ago on 16 June 1958 after a secret trial in Budapest in which he was accused of high treason.

His body was dumped face down in an unmarked grave in the Kozma Street Cemetery and his relatives were harassed by police whenever they went to lay flowers.

Now he has been reburied there with full honours and Kadar, who remained in power until last year, has been forced into retirement.

Courtesy BBC News

In context

On 6 July 1989 the Hungarian Supreme Court acquitted Imre Nagy of the charges of high treason for which he had been executed.

Janos Kadar, the man who took over from Nagy and ruled the country for the following 30 years died in hospital on the same day.

Although many Hungarians never forgave him for his role in the crushing the 1956 uprising and his support for the Soviet repression of Czechoslovakia in 1968, Kadars policy of consumer socialism turned Hungary into the most economically liberal and modern states of the Eastern Bloc.

In August 1989, two months after Nagy was reburied, Hungary played an important part in accelerating the collapse of Communism when it opened its border with Austria, allowing thousands of East Germans to escape to the West.

In June 1990 the country withdrew from any participation in Warsaw Pact military exercises and the following year the pact itself was dissolved.

In 1994 former communists and liberals formed a coalition following elections. Gyula Horn, the leader of the reform communists, pledged to continue free-market policies.
Welcome to the first in a 5 Part series The rental process for tenants

In this series over the next 5 articles we will cover:

Finding a property

Securing the apartment

The process of moving in.

The first week in your property

Ongoing living and termination

Finding a great property to rent is a major headache for anyone, and it is especially difficult for newcomers.

There are so many different elements that determine what makes a property great.

Everyone looking for a rental home has a different set of priorities, so the clearer you are on what is important to you, the easier it will be to find a great property to rent.

The first priority for every tenant before they go house hunting is to make a list of what is important to them.

For example, most people are happy to rent a furnished apartment rather than invest money in furnishings themselves.

Again, if you dont plan to buy a car and prefer to rely on public transportation, being close to an area where you can catch a bus or a taxi is a top priority.

You might need to find an apartment that takes pets if you have a cat or a dog. In Macau as well as many cities around the world, that one requirement instantly eliminates more than half of all apartments.

Deciding what is most important can be almost impossible for some of us, especially if there is more than one person involved and each has their own wants and needs.

As difficult as it is, prioritizing what you want in your rental apartment will make finding a home youre satisfied with much easier.

Another effective way of finding a great property to rent is to ask friends and colleagues about the places that they already live. Be careful with this though, they will tend to exaggerate the good points in order to justify living there.

If youre looking to rent an apartment in a new building, dont be afraid ask around to see if anyone else knows the property. Schools and parents are a good source of information for this, most people are very happy to share their thoughts.

Obviously you also have Internet and can conduct research on a certain building or apartment developments.

Bear in mind that no matter how respected or well managed something is, there are always negative views and comments from some people who just did not enjoy their experience. It may have as much to do with the person as the property.

We suggest that you make a master list of questions and priorities before you see a property to avoid signing a contract that you regret weeks later.

A Tenancy Agreement is a legal contract, and it is not something to be entered into lightly.

We also suggest using www.JMLProperty.Com as a good place to start searching of course. Make sure you have done your homework, and hopefully youll find a great property to call home.

For further information please call me on +853 2835 2699, E-Mail Juliet@JMLProperty.com or visit our website Www.JMLProperty.com, or Facebook Www.Facebook.Com/JMLRealEstate .

Juliet Risdon is a Director of JML Property and a property investor.

Having been established in 1994, JML Property offers investment property & homes. It specializes in managing properties for owners and investors, and providing attractive and comfortable homes for tenants.

www.JMLProperty.com

info@JMLProperty.com
Sands Chinas first batch of graduates from its Professionalism Training for Gaming Practitioners program was honored yesterday at The Venetian Macao in a ceremony that also saw the inauguration of its next cohort of students.

Co-organized by the Macau Federation of Trade Unions (FAOM), the Labour Affairs Bureau (DSAL) and Sands China Ltd., the training program was launched last July. It is the first of its kind in Macau for gaming employees.

The coursework in last years program focused primarily on the competencies of occupational professionalism, and was exclusively for dealers. Six hundred dealers participated in the first program, attending 14 hours of training over two full days at Sands Macao.

This years course began on June 5. Coursework has been expanded to cover an overview of the gaming industry, civic education, occupational professionalism and responsible gaming. The 2017 cohort comprises gaming practitioners from departments such as table games, slots, cage, international marketing, business development, loyalty marketing and security.

New materials in this years course include an introduction to the current development of the country, the Belt and Road initiative, Macaus development path, and the impact of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge on Macaus gaming and tourism industry.

Wilfred Wong, president of Sands China Ltd, said: Weve made a commitment to have 3,000 of our team members trained in two years, and we aim to have half of our total gaming workforce trained in five years. This training program is beneficial to both the company and to our team members, as it raises their professionalism and knowledge, and contributes towards Macaus growth as a world center of tourism and leisure.

Nevern, one of the first programs graduates who has worked at Sands China for four years, said that the most important lesson he learned was how to relieve pressure and adjust himself to his own mood.

He added that the program opened his eyes to the necessity of good interpersonal communications with colleagues, and improved his knowledge of both general and Macau-specific gaming history.

Another graduate, Min, said that the training improved her emotional well-being by helping her relax after work and deal better with her family. JZ
At least 31 people were killed in the night- long siege of a popular Mogadishu restaurant by al-Shabab Islamic extremists that was ended yesterday by security forces.

Somali survivors early described harrowing scenes in which attackers hunted patrons of the popular Pizza House restaurant. The injured were taken by ambulances.

Al-Shabab claimed responsibility as the restaurant was under siege.

Soldiers surrounded the restaurant building and used guns mounted on the backs of vehicles to neutralize the militants. Troops entered the ground floor while the insurgent snipers held positions upstairs.

All five attackers were killed and after dawn the soldiers secured the building, said senior Somali police office Capt. Mohamed Hussein. The troops efforts to take control of the restaurant were slowed by the darkness of night, forcing them to wait until morning, said Hussein.

Survivors said they hid under tables and curtains as attackers continued firing in the restaurant and hunted for patrons. Attackers moved from room to room, looking for people, said a survivor.

I never thought I would have the chance to see the sun again. They were killing people on sight, Saida Hussein, a university student, told The Associated Press. She said she survived the attack by hiding behind a large table downstairs.

Another survivor, Aden Karie, was wounded by an attacker who spotted him moving behind a curtain in the dark room.

He shot at me twice and one bullet struck me on the leg, said Karie as he was taken to an awaiting ambulance.

The roofs were blown off the restaurant and nearby buildings from the powerful blasts.

The bodies of five girls thought to have been killed by the militants were found in the restaurant, said police. Inside the building, the body of a Syrian man who worked as a chef at restaurant lay near the rubble of a blood-spattered and bullet-marked wall.

The attack began Wednesday evening a car bomb exploded at the gate to the restaurant and then gunmen posing as military forces stormed into the establishment.

An ambulance driver with the Amin Ambulance service, Khalif Dahir, said yesterday they had carried 17 bodies and 26 wounded people. Most of the victims were young men who had been entering the Pizza House when the vehicle exploded, Hussein said.

The gunmen were dressed in military uniforms. They forced those fleeing the site to go inside the restaurant, witness Nur Yasin told AP.

The blast largely destroyed the restaurants facade and sparked a fire. While al-Shabab claimed to have attacked the neighboring Posh Treats restaurant, which is frequented by the citys elite and was damaged in the blast, security officials said the Pizza House was targeted instead.

Security forces rescued Asian, Ethiopian, Kenyan and other workers at Posh Treats as the attack continued, Hussein said.

The Somalia-based al-Shabab often targets high-profile areas of Mogadishu, including hotels, military checkpoints and areas near the presidential palace. It has vowed to step up attacks after the recently elected government launched a new military offensive against it. AP
Vietnam urged China yesterday to take responsible and constructive actions in the disputed South China Sea following a Pentagon report that highlighted Beijings military buildup in the strategic waters.

Vietnamese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Le Thi Thu Hang told reporters that her government has legal basis and historical evidence to affirm its sovereignty over the Spratly and Paracel islands in the South China Sea and that acts by foreign countries on the islands without Vietnams permission were illegal.

Its our view that China as a major power in the region and in the world needs to act in responsible and constructive manner in maintaining peace, stability in the region as well as in the East Sea on the basis of respecting international law, she said, referring to the South China Sea.

In an annual report released earlier this month, the Pentagon said that as of late last year, China was building 24 fighter-sized hangars, fixed-weapons positions, barracks, administration buildings, and communication facilities on each of the three largest outposts  Fiery Cross, Subi and Mischief Reefs. Each has runways that are at least 8,800 long.

Once complete, the report said China will be able to house up to three regiments of fighters in the Spratly Islands.

China has also built up infrastructure on the four smaller outposts, including land-based guns and communications facilities, the report said.

Vietnam, along with China and the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan claims parts of or all the Spratly islands, which are believed to sit on rich natural resources and occupy one of the worlds busiest sea lanes. AP
Taiwan said China has been pressuring the governments of five countries in the Middle East, Africa and South America to force the island to change the names of its unofficial representative offices.

The foreign ministry said that Beijing had pressured Nigeria, Bahrain, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates and Ecuador to remove Republic of China  Taiwans formal name  or Taiwan from Taiwans trade offices. None of the five is among Taiwans 20 remaining official allies.

Antonio Chen, director general of the ministrys Department of West Asia and African Affairs, was quoted by the official Central News Agency as saying that Taiwans office in Dubai, in the UAE, had already changed its name from the Commercial Office of ROC (Taiwan) to the Commercial Office of Taipei.

Meanwhile, Taiwan has already recalled its representative to Nigeria and suspended its missions work there after the Nigerian government said it could not guarantee its safety, Chen was quoted as saying.

Still, Chen said Taiwan needed to keep as many of its overseas offices open as possible.

Although we feel being belittled, we still have to maintain the offices out of the long-term interests of Taiwans citizens, he said.

The moves suggest Beijing is increasing the pressure on Taiwan, a self-governing democracy that Beijing claims as its territory.

This week, Panama switched diplomatic relations from Taiwan to China, dealing a major success to China in its campaign to isolate the island and increase pressure on President Tsai Ing-wen to accede to Beijings demand that she recognize Taiwan as part of Chinese territory.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told reporters yesterday that the One China policy was fundamental and Beijing appreciates these nations way of handling issues with Taiwan.

With Panamas departure, speculation has grown that other Taiwanese allies will follow suit.

In addition to ratcheting up diplomatic pressure on Taiwan, China has cut off contacts with the islands government, discouraged travel there by Chinese tourists and blocked Taiwanese representatives from taking part in international gatherings such as the World Health Organizations annual assembly. AP
The establishment of 5G network infrastructure was discussed yesterday during the 18th IEEE International Symposium on a World of Wireless, Mobile and Multimedia Networks, held at the Macau Polytechnic Institute (IPM).

A panel of experts discussed possible network structures and how the establishment of 5G networks should meet the new requirements for uses in devices such as smart vehicles and other key technologies. The panelists also debated the best approach to the design of a 5G network.

Chan-Tong Lam, associate professor and program coordinator in computer studies at IPM, spoke to the Times regarding 5G developments and prospects in Macau.

5G is still under discussion [] people are working on it and it is progressing, said Lam, citing the arguments of different panelists.

Lam noted that like 4G, the technology will eventually be made available in Macau  possibly beginning in 2020  but that the region will not gain access as soon as other markets.

We are a little bit behind because Macau is a small town, and the market is not as big as China or the US, explained Lam, adding that the markets will want to apply the technology in other areas first.

The operators here do not want to take risks. Normally they would want to wait until this [5G] becomes mature.

Lam believes that the general public, as well as local computing researchers and experts, are aware of progress in 5G network development. He believes that the decision to extend 5G to the public will depend on telecommunications operators, and that the government may influence the industry to speed up the technologys arrival.

However, he said that the application of 5G is a market-driven issue, so there is a limit to the governments influence.

When talking about how 5G will impact users lives, Lam noted that 5G means more than what the general public thinks.

Its going to be faster, but there will be a lot more applications  and not just in terms of speed. Those applications, they all depend on the network. [] With 5G, they will be broader.

In regards to how local human resources can contribute to the development of 5G, Lam said that Macau does not have sufficient large-scale enterprises for the citys human resources to fully utilize such technology.

However, he added, Macau can always explore and research-related technologies.

More than 130 scholars from 26 countries and regions, as well as 71 universities and research institutes, gathered in Macau to discuss global science and technology trends.

IPM said the intent of the symposium was to showcase and strengthen the research and developments in science and technology in Macau, particularly in wireless communications, the Internet of Things, big data, mobile technology and smart cities. The event concluded yesterday.
SOUTH CHINA SEA Vietnam urged China yesterday to take responsible and constructive actions in the disputed South China Sea following a Pentagon report that highlighted Beijings military buildup in the strategic waters. The Vietnamese Foreign Ministry said the country had a legal basis and historical evidence to affirm its sovereignty over the Spratly and Paracel islands.

CAMBODIA Prosecutors in the U.N.-backed trial of two leaders of Cambodias former Khmer Rouge regime on charges of genocide and other crimes called yesterday for life imprisonment as the only appropriate punishment. The Khmer Rouge has been blamed for the deaths of 1.7 million Cambodians during its 1975-79 rule. The current trial began in October 2014.

INDONESIA Authorities say they arrested two suspected wildlife smugglers after a raid on a port warehouse in Sumatra uncovered more than 200 pangolins, many of them dead from stress and dehydration.

PAKISTANs prime minister yesterday denied allegations of corruption and money laundering during a nearly three-hour appearance before a Supreme Court-appointed team investigating his familys offshore companies.

SOMALIA Islamic extremists attacked a popular Somalia restaurant in an overnight siege and killed 31 people  many at point-blank range  before they were slain by security forces, police said yesterday.

ISRAEL Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised yesterday to promote plans for an ambitious Mediterranean undersea natural gas pipeline project, in a bid by his country to become a key European energy supplier. Israel is hoping to export much of its newly discovered natural gas to Europe by a proposed 2,200-kilometer undersea pipeline to Cyprus and Greece.

SYRIA Government forces are marching toward the last town held by the Islamic State group in the central province of Homs in the latest push by President Bashar Assads forces.

TURKEYs main opposition party set off on a 425-kilometer march yesterday from the capital to an Istanbul prison to protest the conviction of one of its lawmakers. Thousands began walking from Ankara, with police at the scene.

GERMANY-AUSTRIA Germany and Austria voiced sharp criticism yesterday of the latest U.S. sanctions against Moscow, saying they could affect European businesses involved in piping in Russian natural gas.

COLOMBIAs foreign minister said yesterday that the implementation of last years peace agreement with leftist rebels, ending one of the worlds bloodiest and longest-running armed conflicts, has been more difficult than expected.
POCATELLO (AP)  An Idaho man has been sentenced to 30 years in prison after being found guilty of fatally shooting his cousin.

The Post Register reports Demetrius Gomez was sentenced Tuesday.

A Chief U.S. District judge also ordered Gomez to serve five years of supervised release after completing his prison term.

Court records state Tyrone Diaz was shot in May 2016 once in the head with a shotgun. A witness told police she heard Gomez shoot Diaz. She said Gomez told the 44-year-old Diaz he was going to shoot him, and shortly after heard a loud bang.

Gomez had fled the scene when officer arrived, but was arrested May 15 in Pocatello.
TWIN FALLS  How does the Twin Falls Optimist Club continue to fund the growing needs of our area youth? As an example, the Coats for Kids program provides coats, hats, and gloves to children in the Magic Valley who are in need. This program grew from a few hundred used coats to over 1,000 new coats this winter. Programs like our Youth Support Services (YSS) are exploding. YSS was formed to fill the needs brought to us for funding that are not part of other Optimist youth programs.

The Twin Falls Optimist Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c) 3 organization established by the Twin Falls Optimist Club in 2012 that helps fund the expanding youth needs in the Magic Valley. The Twin Falls Optimist Foundation operates with no overhead and zero loading. All labor is donated & supplied by the Twin Falls Optimist members. All donations stay in our community with 100 percent going to the youth.

You can become a Twin Falls Optimist Foundation Sponsor member and make a tax deductible donation to the Foundation. Members of the general public or businesses can also become a member of the Twin Falls Optimist Club and help children. 2016 was the roll out of this new program and already we have many business, individuals and Foundations that are part of the new sponsor program. New Twin Falls Optimist Foundation sponsors are Smiles 4 Kids, Rocket Express, Galaxy Awards & Engraving, the Collins Connection, Air Quality Services, Gem State Reality, Reds Trading Post, Brizee Heating, Air Conditioning & Fireplaces, Seagraves Family, Judge Dan Meehl and Snake River Tire.

Donations made to the Twin Falls Optimist Club Foundation can be sent to: Twin Falls Optimist Club, c/o Tilley and Lincoln, 691 Addison Ave Twin Falls, ID 83301-5200

Information: Barry Knoblich, Twin Falls Optimist Foundation president, at baservant@cableone.net or contact any Optimist member.
JEROME  The College of Southern Idahos board of trustees will hit the road Monday for its once-a-year meeting in Jerome.

Its a public meeting and community members are welcome to attend.

The open session starts at 4 p.m. in the large meeting room at the Best Western Sawtooth Inn & Suites, 2653 S. Lincoln Ave.

CSIs taxing district includes both Twin Falls and Jerome counties. Trustee Jack Nelsen was elected in November for a new board seat representing Jerome County.

Agenda items for Mondays meeting include a CSI board policies manual update, board self evaluation, update from the colleges information technology department and college strategic planning review.
TWIN FALLS  A new national report shows more Idaho children have access to health care, but early childhood education continues to lag.

Overall, Idaho ranks 20th in the nation for how children are faring. Thats according to the 2017 KIDS COUNT Data Book, released Tuesday by the Annie E. Casey Foundation.

Here in Idaho, the data is used to monitor progress and areas that need improvement, and to share with state legislators who are making policy decisions that affect children. And its useful for school districts.

This kind of data is always helpful for us to have a better understanding of what life is like for our students and how to better assist them, said Twin Falls School District spokeswoman Eva Craner.

The national report ranks Idaho 11th in the nation for family and community indicators, 14th for economic well-being, 24th for health and 43rd for education.

Two areas where Idaho does well is family and community, and economic well-being, said Alejandra Cerna Rios, policy analyst for Idaho Voices for Children. Were sort of middle of the pack in health and we rank 43rd in the nation for education.

Here are six statistics about Idaho children to take away from the report:

Education: Young children not in school

In total, 69 percent of Idahos 3-and-4-year-olds werent in preschool from 2013-15  a much higher rate than the 53 percent nationwide average.

Numbers are getting worse in the Gem State, too: 5 percent more young children arent in preschool, compared with 2009-10.

One reason for the poor ranking: Idaho is among six U.S. states that dont offer public preschool programs.

The bottom line is that most other states invest in early education, Cerna said. Idaho is in a handful of states that dont. We can see the effect of that clearly in the numbers.

Early childhood education advocates say the lack of state-funded preschool is holding Idaho children back. But opponents say its the responsibility of parents, not the government, to prepare children for school.

State legislators have expressed concerns about the large price tag of implementing a program, and the impact on school facilities and the already-existing teacher shortage.

Across the Gem State, access to quality preschool programs is quite varied, Cerna said, and theres a ZIP code syndrome in terms of access, meaning it matters where a child lives.

There are very good reasons for why early learning investments are critical, she said. We know that a childs brain develops most rapidly between birth and age 5.

Plus, we know that early investments provide the most bang for the buck, Cerna said.

Some research studies show a $1 investment in early learning can save taxpayers between $7 and $13 down the road, she said.

Idahos high rate of children not attending preschool isnt surprising, Craner said, since programs arent publicly funded.

The Twin Falls School District offers a couple of preschool programs: a severe needs preschool at Harrison and Pillar Falls elementary schools, and a federally-funded preschool at Oregon Trail Elementary School for migrant students.

And some schools across south-central Idaho  such as Murtaugh  have found ways to pay for a preschool program open to more of their students. But the Twin Falls district would rather see state funding for all-day kindergarten first, Craner said.

Economic well-being: Children living in households with a high housing cost burden

Idahos rate was 25 percent in 2015  a big improvement over its 36 percent rate in 2010. And its lower than the current nationwide rate of 33 percent.

The economic well-being is related a lot to the state coming out of the recession, Cerna said. Idahos economy has been particularly strong in this area.

The impact of higher wages and household income, she added, is driving improvements in economic well-being.

Education: High school students not graduating on time

About 21 percent of Idahos high school students didnt graduate on time from 2014-15  worse than the 17 percent nationwide average.

The statistic is concerning, Craner said. Twin Falls and Canyon Ridge high schools have seen graduation rates between 83 and 95 percent for the past few years.

But the school districts graduation rate is probably close to the nationwide average if Magic Valley High School, an alternative school, is factored in, Craner said.

Our high schools work really diligently to keep kids on track throughout their high school year, she said. Plus, there are lots of opportunities to get caught up if they fall behind.

Health: Children without health insurance

Six percent of Idaho children werent covered by health insurance in 2015  an improvement compared with 11 percent in 2010.

But the rate is slightly worse than the nationwide average of 5 percent.

As a state, we made some gains in health care coverage for children, Cerna said, but added rates vary across different Idaho counties.

Medicaid has always been a huge asset in covering kids, she said, noting the Affordable Care Act has made an impact in covering adults. But proposed cuts to Medicaid at the federal level could threaten the progress weve made on insurance for children.

Health: Teens who abuse alcohol or drugs

Theres good news about Idaho teens: the rate who were abusing alcohol or drugs dropped from 8 percent in 2009-10 to 6 percent in 2013-14.

Its only slightly higher than the nationwide average.

Family and community: Children in single-parent families

Idahos rate of children in a single-parent family  25 percent  was unchanged in 2015 compared with 2010. And its significantly lower than the nationwide average of 35 percent.
TWIN FALLS  When a local group wanted to honor first responders with a dinner, they countered with another idea.

Instead of the recognition, responders wanted an opportunity to teach the community about what they do. So the Twin Falls County Sheriffs Office, Twin Falls Police Department and the Twin Falls Reformed Church Young at Heart group will host a First Responders Expo from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday in the churchs parking lot at Pole Line Road West and Grandview Drive North.

Unlike National Night Out, the goal of this event is to raise awareness not just of police presence, but that of other responders by using a lineup of demonstrations.

The idea is to get the whole group out there, all first responders, Twin Falls Sheriffs Office Sgt. Dan Thom said.

Participating agencies, nonprofits and businesses include: Twin Falls Sheriffs Office; Twin Falls, Kimberly and Buhl police departments; Idaho State Police; Magic Valley Paramedics; Idaho Power Co.; Air St. Lukes; Rock Creek Fire Department; Salmon Tract Rural Fire Protection District; Filer Fire Department; Idaho Fish and Game; Twin Falls Police Bomb Squad; Safe Kids; KLIX; and Twin Falls County.

Interested in going? Demonstrations will be happening throughout the event. Here are six things you and your family might want to check out:

Bicycle rodeo

Children 12 and younger are encouraged to bring their own bikes and helmets to participate in the bicycle rodeo, hosted by the Twin Falls Police Departments juvenile crime unit. Officers will teach children about road safety, hand signals and obstacles, Officer J.P. ODonnell said. They can also enter a raffle for a chance to win a free bicycle.

Bomb squad robot

The Twin Falls Police Bomb Squad will do demonstrations with its robot at the event. The squad responds to 24 calls per year on average. The robot is used for about 16 to 18 of those calls to protect the lives of responders. While the department has had the robot about 15 years, it recently got updates to its cameras and now has preset positions.

We train a lot with it, ODonnell said.

The robot can lift about 45 pounds or drag a person.

See a mobile emergency room

Want to see the inside of an Air St. Lukes helicopter, or equipment thats used inside an ambulance? Air St. Lukes and Magic Valley Paramedics will be present at the fair to answer questions. Magic Valley Paramedics EMS manager James Pennington said staff is hoping to do a demonstration with an automated external defibrillator.

New rescue vehicle

The Twin Falls County Sheriffs Office will bring out a military-grade rescue vehicle for the public to see for the first time.

Its a bulletproof vehicle, Thom said.

The rescue vehicle will be used by the city and the county in dangerous situations.

Free LED bulbs

Idaho Power Co. representatives will be at the expo with a bucket truck to answer questions about electrical safety. They will also be handing out free LED light bulbs, while supplies last.

Inexpensive lunch

The Twin Falls Reformed Churchs Young at Heart group will be providing hot dogs and drinks for less than $1 each, Thom said. There will also be french fries.
WASHINGTON (AP)  Market demand for the dirtiest of fossil fuels is plummeting worldwide, according to industry data published Tuesday, even as President Donald Trump has made reviving the long-struggling U.S. coal mines the bedrock of his administrations energy policy.

The BP Statistical Review of World Energy shows global coal production fell by more than 6 percent last year. Thats the largest decline in the history of BPs survey, which the British energy company has issued annually for more than six decades.

It is the second straight year that coal demand has declined. Production at U.S. coal mines fell by 19 percent. Chinas coal production fell by nearly 8 percent.

On the whole, coals share of global energy consumption fell to 28 percent, the lowest since 2004.

The numbers reflect the trend of nations shunning coal in favor of cheaper, cleaner ways of producing electricity  chiefly natural gas, wind and solar.

Trump announced earlier this month he will withdraw the United States from the Paris climate accord. The agreement signed by 195 nations in 2015 aims to decrease global carbon emissions in an effort to head off the worst predicted effects of global warming, including worsening storms, catastrophic droughts and city-drowning sea level rise.

As Trump doubles down on coal, the rest of the world appears headed in the opposite direction.

Renewable energy made big gains, growing 14 percent in 2016. More than half that growth came for new wind turbines. China, where the government in investing hundreds of billions in green energy programs, overtook the United States as the worlds largest producer of renewable energy.

With coals demise, growth in planet-warming carbon emissions has flattened even as global demand for energy continues to rise. CO2 emissions from energy consumption increased by only 0.1% in 2016. Since 2014, the average emissions growth has been the lowest over any three-year period since the early 1980s.
An Emirati vessel has come under attack in the Red Sea from a missile fired by Houthi rebels who fight Saudi Arabia-led international coalition supporting President Mansour Hadi in exile from capital Sanaa.

The attack injured one crew member but did not damage the vessel, reports say citing the Command of Coalition for Supporting Legitimacy in Yemen.

The vessel, according to United Arab Emirates state-run news agency WAM, was carrying medical supply and equipment to Yemen gripped by a cholera outbreak.

The vessel came under attack as it left al-Mokha port, Saudi and Emiratis media sources pointed out.

According to Houthi news outlet Sabanews, the rebels claim the vessel was a warship.

United Arab Emirates is part of the Saudi-led coalition confronting the Iran-backed rebels who have seized the Northern part of the poorest Arab country.

The rebels lost the al-Mokha port early this year to the coalition forces.

A Saudi vessel also came under attack in January near the Hodeidah port. Two crew members were killed.

In October, another Emirati ship was targeted by a Houthi-fired missile in the strategic Bab al-Mandab strait. The incident was described as an act of terrorism.
Saudi Security authorities have announced that one soldier was injured Thursday evening in the flashpoint of Qatif province where the army and the police have been facing insurgency from Shia angered groups, which have been complaining of marginalization.

The soldier was shot after leaving his security patrol to carry out his field missions in Ohod street, reports say citing the Interior Ministry.

This latest attack against the army occurred few days after the death of a police major killed in a blast from an explosive on Sunday in the same province. The blast also injured two other police personnel.

Late last month, another bomb blast in the eastern Awamiya town injured two police personnel; an incident that followed the death of a soldier nearly two weeks earlier. Five other soldiers were wounded in the attack.

Shia militants have been resisting construction and rehabilitation projects in Awamiya, after Saudi authorities decided to raze the old town used by terrorists and gunmen as hideout for illegal activities including drug and arm dealing.

Authorities say old buildings will be replaced by shopping centers, office buildings and green spaces.

The town has been flashpoint between Saudi security forces and the Shia minority, which complains of marginalization. Riyadh muted protests in the area in 2011 as the Shia stood for more rights.

Tensions flared up again following the execution of Shia cleric Nimr al-Nimr a year ago.
A Bahrain court Thursday sentenced twenty people to life in prison and handed 15-year prison sentences to sixteen others on terrorism charges.

The Supreme Court of the kingdom found the 26 defendants guilty of forming a terrorist group between 2011 and 2013, possession of weapons and Molotov cocktails, and attempting to kill policemen in the Shiite-dominated village of Diraz, west of Manama.

The tiny kingdom of the Gulf has been rocked since 2011 by protests staged by Shiites who represent the majority of the population. The Shia complain about marginalization.

The Sunnite ruling family accuses Iran for fueling rebellion.

Five people were killed last month after police opened fire to break a month-long sit-in in front of a top Bahraini Shia Cleric sentenced to one year in prison for corruption.

In another case, a court in Manama sentenced a Bahraini to 10 years in prison and revoked his citizenship for joining a terrorist group, reports say.

The court found him guilty of illegal arm possession, dissemination of false news and liaison with the Islamic State group (IS).

The prosecution also pointed out that he used social media networks to publish and exchange information about IS.
The U.N. Security Council under the presidency of Bolivia has released a statement expressing grave concern about the humanitarian situation in Yemen, which has been in a state of war since the Houthi uprising from the North at the end of 2014 before gaining momentum in 2015.

The Security Council also voiced concerns about the threat of famine and the recent cholera outbreak as it called on the warring parties to engage in constructive talks for a peaceful solution to the conflict. According to the U.N. Humanitarian Coordinator for Yemen Jamie McGoldrick, around 1,000 people have been killed by cholera in the past weeks and the number of suspected cases has surpassed 140,000; majority of whom are children.

Peace efforts in Yemen are spearheaded by the U.N. Special Envoy Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed. His convoy was attacked in Sanaa during a recent visit. The Security Council condemned the attack and urged parties to ensure the safety and security of U.N. personnel. The city is under the control of the Houthi Movement and their allies.

Efforts to seal a comprehensive agreement between the Houthis and the Hadi-led government have not yield any tangible results yet. Special Envoy Ismail informed the Security Council a fortnight ago that the key parties to the conflict are still not ready to embrace the concessions necessary to reaching a comprehensive settlement.

Yemenis have been living under dire circumstances and the Security Council statement has called for unhindered access for humanitarian supplies.

The Saudi-led Arab coalition has imposed a blockade on the ports held by the Houthis, which has affected the supply and distribution of relief aid.

The Security Council invited parties to adhere to Ismails proposals for increasing commercial and humanitarian shipments through Hodeida and other Red Sea ports to help build confidence with a view to a durable cessation of hostilities as a first step towards a resumption of peace talks under United Nations leadership.
Russia announced on Friday that it has killed the leader of the Islamic State, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, in an airstrike on May 28 on the southern outskirts of Raqqa.

The city is ISIS de-facto capital in Syria. The statement released by the Russian military added that other militant leaders such as Abu al-Khadji al-Mysri, Ibrahim al-Naef al-Khadj and Suleiman al-Shauah were also among the dead.

There have been numerous claims regarding al-Baghdadis death before he resurfaces again but Moscow seems confident that he has been finally eliminated.

According to the information that is being verified through various channels, IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi also attended the meeting and was killed in the airstrike, the military said in a statement.

Alexei Pushkov, the head of the committee for information policies at the upper house of the Russian parliament tweeted that if confirmed, al-Baghdadis death will be a powerful blow to ISIS. The terror group has been retreating on all fronts, and the death of its leader will accelerate its demise.

The military statement further explained that the Russian military had a tip-off of a meeting among the extremist groups leadership to discuss what could be termed as a strategic withdrawal from Raqqa to the southern part of Syria as they continue to lose the vast majority of their controlled-territory in neighboring Iraq. Drones were then sent for monitoring before a group of Su-34 bombers and Su-35 fighter jets raided the gathering.

Other security groups active in the Syrian war have neither confirmed nor denied the Russian militarys claim.

The U.S. is offering a $25 million reward for information leading to his death or capture. It can however be recalled that Syrian opposition activists reported airstrikes on May 28 south of Raqqa that killed more than a dozen people. The Islamic State has also not commented on the matter.

Russia has been fighting on the sidelines of President Assads forces since 2015.
The Turkish foreign ministry summoned Thursday US ambassador to Ankara to reject the arrest warrants issued by US authorities against Turkish Presidents security personnel after some of the bodyguards allegedly beat up anti-Ankara protesters during Erdogans May visit to Washington.

Ambassador John Bass was notified about Ankaras utter disagreement with the decision, which it said is not independent or objective.

The ministry also noted in a statement that the decision is wrong, biased and lacks legal basis and that the brawl in front of the Turkish ambassadors residence in Washington took place as a result of the failure of U.S. security officials to take necessary measures.

President Erdogan also chided the US adding that Turkey will fight off the decision.

When they come here, they insist only U.S. security be responsible for the protection of their officials and they dont want our police to provide assistance. But when we go there, they want their police to replace our security personnel, he added.

Washington Police Chief Peter Newsham told media that 12 members of the security detail accompanying Erdogan during his visit to the Turkish ambassadors residence in Washington after his meeting with President Donald Trump have been identified among beaters.

A melee involving protesters identified as supporters of Kurdish and Armenian causes and supporters of the Turkish President took place outside the residence of the Turkish ambassador.

The two camps were engaged in a brawl in which security guards accompanying the Turkish President were spotted, beating and kicking protesters. Nine people had been injured in the fight, which took place before the eyes of the Turkish President.

Two Americans of Turkish origin were arrested in connection to the brawl. Two more were arrested Wednesday.

US authorities also issued warrants against two Canadians also allegedly involved in the melee.
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.
Morocco and France have voiced resolve to pool efforts to fulfil their shared goals in Africa, mainly boosting the continents development and growth and promoting a balanced relationship.

This came during the summit talks held Wednesday between King Mohammed VI and the newly elected President of France Emmanuel Macron, who arrived in Rabat earlier in the afternoon on a friendship and family visit.

The French President commended Moroccos increasing role and active diplomacy in Africa, noting that Morocco and France are both concerned with maintaining stability in the Sahel and addressing development challenges on the continent.

The two countries shall combine their African policies and further work in a partnership way, President Macron said at a news conference after his talks with the King. It is a mutual chance, he underlined.

The French President hailed Moroccos win-win partnership approach, pointing out that Rabat and Paris have a common policy in the African continent.

This policy consists in developing, with the help of private entrepreneurs and educational and cultural milieus, a model aimed at rethinking a balanced relationship in Africa by relying on civil society, the French President said.

The two countries are driven by the same aspiration to contribute to the continents development and growth, President Macron said.

The French Head of State hailed Moroccos return to the African Union and its coming accession to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) saying this will contribute to the two countries endeavors in the continent.

President Macron who underlined that France is a stabilizing player in the Sahel said that his country aims at boosting growth in Africa through concrete actions.

The summit talks covered a set of other topical issues, including the situation in Libya and the Gulf crisis, on which the two countries have converging standpoints.

Regarding the Gulf crisis, the French head of State stressed that both Morocco and France are concerned and endeavor to defuse the crisis.

Our hope is to facilitate dialogue and clarify all the connections and funding channels of terrorist groups from wherever they come from, he said.

The Gulf region should remain stable, he insisted, pointing out that the King of Morocco has spoken with several protagonists. I myself spoke with all the leaders of the region.

King Mohammed VI has offered his Gulf partners his countrys good offices to reach a calm, franc and comprehensive dialog and addressed messages to several Gulf leaders, including King Salman of Saudi Arabia.

The French Presidency had announced that President Macron held talks with all the heads of state in the region and called for appeasement. These efforts are convergent with the role of mediation that Morocco wants to play, the Elysee said, adding that both leaders are eager to coordinate their actions to be as efficient as possible.

Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt broke off diplomatic ties with Qatar earlier this month, accusing Doha of allegedly supporting terrorism and moving closer to Shiite Iran. They banned their airspace and imposed restrictions on trade and movement of persons.

President Macrons friendship and working visit to Morocco is his first trip outside the European Union and in the Maghreb since his election on May 7, a fact that mirrors the excellent relationship binding the two long-time allies.
Kenyas tea exports volume dropped by 36% in April compared to the same period last year, Businessdailyafrica reported.

The El Nino phenomenon has significantly impacted the weather patterns around Kenya, limiting agriculture production because anticipated seasonal rains did not come.

According to the Kenyan Board of Tea, this negative result is the consequence of the fall in production (-17%) linked to the hot and dry weather, which prevailed in all the leaf cultivation areas, especially the East of the Rift Valley.

The East African nation sent its tea to 39 destinations during the month of April, against 41, a year earlier. The main destination country was Pakistan with 28% of total exports.

However, the drop in tea production in Kenya, one of the worlds biggest producers of the commodity, is likely to be compensated by high prices at the Mombasa Tea Auction.

There are at least 560,000 smallholder tea farmers in Kenya, according to the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA, which operates 67 factories and is responsible for 60 percent of Kenyas annual tea production and exports.

The country plans to produce this year a volume of between 420 and 450 million kilograms of the leaf, a volume below the 473 million kg harvested in 2016.
Zimbabwes government plans to issue a three-year $50 million bond to finance irrigation infrastructure in the Southern African nation, the state-run Herald newspaper reported.

The Government of Zimbabwe is issuing an irrigation infrastructure Treasury Bond with a face value of $50 million to contribute towards Command Agriculture through funding of development of irrigation infrastructure, it said in a statement.

Since last year, Zimbabwe is battling its worst drought in 25 years after consecutive dry spells due to the El-Nino weather phenomenon, which has affected most parts of the country.

The El Nino weather phenomenon has reduced cereal production and plunged 3 million people into food insecurity, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

The government said the bond was targeted at pension funds, insurance companies, banks and any other interested parties. Zimbabwe has only 206,000 hectares of agricultural land under irrigation and has plans to increase the area to 2.5 million hectares.

Last November, the government signed a $ 25.5 million agreement with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) to help more than 27,700 poor rural households affected by the decline in water resources, irrigation.
Congo-Brazzaville is facing nationwide internet disruptions since last weekend after a 12-kilometer fibre optic cable that connects the country through Pointe-Noire to the international network was cut off by a fishing vessel.

According to the countrys internet providers (ISPs), a segment of the WACS (West Africa Cable System), a submarine cable from Europe that allows Congo to access the Internet, was hit by a Chinese fishing boat off the shores of the economic capital Pointe-Noire.

A team of technicians were dispatched by boat on Monday and are currently repairing the damaged submarine cables. It will take between two to five weeks to repair, the south African mobile operator MTN told its subscribers in Congo.

The welding and connection of the WACS represents a tedious operation, which can last between two to seven weeks, according to the operators who provide access to the Internet in the Central African nation.

Network providers were forced to provide internet using V-SAT, which is slow and expensive as a result of huge taxes imposed on the use of the service, local media reported.
BUILDING THE LA RAZA 'The Race' WELFARE STATE ON MIDDLE AMERICAS' BACKS: Months ago, the Biden administration publicly defended their proposal to begin providing federal identification cards to border crossers and illegal aliens who they plan to release into American communities. The goal of the proposal is to make securing public benefits easier.
@amysherman1

Tim Canova announced a rematch against U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz Thursday at a meeting of the Broward County Democratic progressive caucus.

After his speech, the Nova Southeastern University law professor took a few questions from the Miami Herald and Sun-Sentinel about his second campaign, his January Facebook post about DNC staffer Seth Rich who was murdered, and about U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders who endorsed his 2016 bid.

Here is a transcript of part of the interview:

Question: Last year she was at her most vulnerable ever and you couldnt beat her six weeks after that [DNC email] scandal...

Canova: She was not at her most vulnerable ever. There was a presumption that she was maybe even going to be in a Hillary Clinton White House or cabinet, your premise Amy is a little bit off there. She was not at her most vulnerable at all.

Question: She faced the most public criticism and biggest downfall we had ever seen. You couldnt beat her then...

Canova: I had a been candidate for less eight months -- three months before we did a poll that showed me down by something like 60 points. It was a remarkable achievement to come as close as we did.

Question: What will you do differently this time?"

Canova: Announce a lot earlier.

Question: In terms of issues? strategy?

Canova: I will say this: the reason we came from so far behind was because of the issues in many ways. We knocked on a lot doors, we spoke to voters -- we learned what their issues were and it's not surprising that their issues were our issues. Most people want good jobs, they want economic security, they want health care and education -- thats what we focused on -- thats what we keep focusing on.

Question: What is it youre going to do differently besides announcing six months earlier?

Canova: I didnt say I was going to do a lot differently. I said we were going to keep focusing on the issues.

Question: [DNC staffer] Seth Rich -- do you still believe he was murdered because of the DNC leaks?

Canova: I do believe he was murdered -- yes. I am sure my opponent would also like to know who killed Seth Rich.

Question: But do you think he was killed because of the DNC email leaks?

Canova: I have no idea ... What I said on Facebook was that folks had suggested it and we should find out what happened. It's that simple.

Question: Do you think it has anything to do with the DNC?

Canova: I have no idea. I wondered what the DNC under Wasserman Schultz was capable of but I dont know. Thats not the issues that I am focusing on. I know thats the issue that Wasserman Schultz would like you to ask me, but thats not the issue that I spoke about today.

Question: Have you talked to Bernie Sanders about your run this time and will he be involved?

Canova: No comment.

Miami Herald 2016 file photo
@doug_hanks

Miami-Dade's Cuban-born mayor praised President Donald Trump's Cuba policy on Friday.

"This new policy will serve to help the people of Cuba grow their private sector, a critical step along the path to a free Cuba," Mayor Carlos Gimenez said in a statement.

A spokesman said Gimenez, who is traveling in Europe, has not spoken to Trump since before Inauguration Day, when the president-elect called Gimenez after Fidel Castro died to express "solidarity" with the people of Miami-Dade.

Miami-Dade's county-owned port and airport are at the center of commerce with Cuba, with Miami International Airport the leading jumping off point for Havana-bound flights and PortMiami a hub for the budding Cuban-cruise industry.

The full statement:
Congressional Republicans from outside South Florida opposed President Donald Trumps revamped Cuba policy announcement on Friday, as lawmakers from states with agricultural and trade interests on the island fretted about the economic implications of a ban on U.S. business with the Cuban military apparatus.

Any policy change that diminishes the ability of Americans to travel freely to Cuba is not in the best interests of the United States or the Cuban people, said Arizona Republican Sen. Jeff Flake, a proponent of ending the Cuban embargo.

Flake introduced legislation earlier this year that would eliminate travel restrictions to Cuba for American citizens, and he garnered 54 other co-sponsors, including Florida Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson, for his bill. Flake implored Senate leadership to put his legislation on the floor for a vote.

The bill has 55 total cosponsors and I am convinced it would pass the Senate with upwards of 70 votes, Flake said in a statement.

But President Trump ignored the wishes of the majority of the Senate to fulfill a campaign pledge for conservative Cubans in South Florida: As part of the policy change, travel to Cuba for American citizens will face increased scrutiny.

We will enforce the ban on tourism, we will enforce the embargo and we will take concrete steps to insure investments flow directly to the people, Trump said in Miami on Friday.

As the president doled out heaps of praise for Sen. Marco Rubio and Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, the two South Florida Republicans who played an integral role in shaping the revamped Cuba policy, other congressional Republicans began to voice their displeasure.

I have a bill that would allow Americans to travel freely to Cuba, one of my compatriots has a bill that would allow agricultural exports, said Rep. Mark Sanford, R-S.C., a proponent of ending the trade embargo. These are all Republican measures these are all Republican bills. We tried the same approach for 50 years and it didnt work.

Kansas Republican Sen. Jerry Moran, who represents a state with a large agricultural sector, said the newly announced changes will hurt U.S. businesses seeking to expand abroad.

Cuba is a natural market for our nations farmers and ranchers, and when we dont sell to Cuba, another country does, Moran said.

Read more here.
MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS, Wyo.  A kayak guide in his first season on the job in Yellowstone National Park has died while trying to rescue a park visitor who capsized on Yellowstone Lake.

Timothy Hayden Ryan Conant, 23, of Salt Lake City died Wednesday in the West Thumb area of the lake, according to the National Park Service.

Conant was among three guides on a kayaking excursion with a group of nine tourists.

Park rangers found Conant in the water and worked to revive him, but he was pronounced dead before he could be transported by helicopter to a hospital.

Park officials say the client whom Conant attempted to save was rescued by other guides in the group and was treated for hypothermia at a park clinic.

The incident is under investigation.

Yellowstone spokeswoman Morgan Warthin said the incident occurred about 400 yards off the west shore of the lake.

There was no unusual weather at the time of the incident, which occurred in the late afternoon when the lake often can become rough because of wind, Warthin said.

Warthin said the average year-round temperature of the lake is 43 degrees. It's likely cooler now because Yellowstone has just come out of its winter season. Some areas of the park received snow earlier this week.

The National Park Service was not releasing the name of the tourist involved, she said.

Conant worked for O.A.R.S., a company based out of Angels Camp, California, that has offered non-motorized boat tours in Yellowstone under a permit since 1996.

The company issued a statement late Thursday saying that Conant will be remembered as a hero by trying to save a 62-year-old client. It said Conant's kayak overturned during the rescue and he "spent a considerable amount of time in the cold water."

Steve Markle, a spokesman for the company, said he understood that this was Conant's first season working as a kayak guide after working at Utah ski resorts over the previous few years. Conant was originally from Anchorage, Alaska, and had moved to Utah to attend college, he said.

Markle declined to comment about the incident because it was under investigation.

But he said the company was devastated by Conant's death and suspended its daily kayaking trips in Yellowstone through the weekend.

"Right now all of our efforts are really focused on making sure we assist Tim's family and friends in any way we can," Markle said.

Max Pelosi, director of the Jackson Hole Kayak School in Jackson, said any rescue 400 yards from shore in Yellowstone Lake would require a deep water rescue technique where the guide would dump water out of the capsized boat and help the client back in.

The guide typically does not get out of his or her boat during a deep water rescue, Pelosi, whose company conducts kayak tours in Yellowstone Lake, said.

"As a guide I'm trying almost to never be out of my boat unless I'm on land," he said.

Since 1894, there have been 41 deaths in Yellowstone Lake. The most recent was in 1997 when two people died while canoeing.

It was the second death in Yellowstone, the world's first national park, this month. An Illinois man was found dead June 9 from an apparent fall.
Kelly Madigan lives in Nebraska and this poem is from her book, The Edge of Known Things, from Stephen F. Austin University Press. Did you think that you were all that different from a porcupine? Well, poetry reaches for and seizes upon connections, and here's an example of that.

***

You think we are the pointed argument,

the man drunk at the party showing off

his gun collection, the bed of nettles.

***

What we really are is hidden from you:

girl weeping in the closet among her stepfather's boots;

tuft of rabbit fur caught in barbed wire; body of the baby

in the landfill; boy with the shy mouth playing his guitar

at the picnic table, out in the dirt yard.

***

We slide into this world benign and pliable,

quills pressed down smooth over back and tail.

Only one hour here stiffens the barbs into thousands

of quick retorts. Everything this well-guarded

remembers being soft once.
When a group of young students visited Ruth Clemens in the Missoula Manor Retirement Home, they came prepared with a list of questions to ask about her life.

What were your favorite movies growing up? they asked.

She laughed, remembering. When Clemens was a kid, she didnt have running water or electricity at her home. Movies didnt exist. The first film she saw was set up by a traveling theater, and didnt have sound or color. Someone played the piano beside the screen to add some life to it.

The students didnt understand how quickly and significantly the world can change over a century. Clemens, who celebrated her 100th birthday on Thursday, lived through two world wars, the Great Depression, the first human space exploration and the birth of the Digital Age.

But in her room, decorated with stacks of books, and paintings of cats and wolves, Clemens enjoys observing the world immediately outside her windows. On her birthday, Clemens, with short white hair, a knit sweater and a blinking button with Very Special Birthday printed on the front, looked forward to an evening out with friends at the Montana Club, which deducts a percentage equivalent to your age from the bill. For Clemens, thatll be 100 percent.

Clemens walks every day, and used to feed the crows that gathered outside her windows. In a time when technology and news cycles evolve so quickly, Clemens knows how to slow down and notice things.

She pays attention, said Marsha Hauck, the service coordinator at Missoula Manor.

Her fascination with the crows, which Clemens says started to follow her around on her walks because they recognized her as the source of their daily meals, culminated in a strange and astounding behavior.

I looked out this window one day and there was a circle of crows, and in the middle of the circle was a crow just sitting with her head down, Clemens recalled. She was alive, but she wasnt eating, wasnt doing anything. She was only partly conscious.

Clemens watched the crows all day until she went to bed, and when she awoke, they were still circled around the injured crow. They stayed that way until around noon, when the injured crow finally got up, limped, and flew to a tree. The circle broke up.

She had a broken leg, and they had guarded her all night  all day, all night, into the next day, Clemens said.

She wrote a story about these crows for a writing group that Hauck led at the retirement home. Hauck studied creative writing, and wanted to give residents a chance to share their stories. The way the crows took care of each other left a mark on Clemens.

Clemens can still walk unassisted, and even leads the exercise classes at the retirement home. Being 100 is kind of achey, she said, but it doesnt keep her from having a sense of humor and a lively social life. Every day, Clemens tapes a joke from her calendar and a comic to two growing stacks of paper on her door. Other residents make a point to walk by for a dose of humor.

Clemens was born in Wisconsin in 1917, and often moved between little logging towns. Her father, Harry, was a logger and worked on railroads. Sometimes hed pack up the car and drive the family to the next town overnight.

When we went to bed at night we didnt know where wed wake up in the morning, Clemens said.

During the Depression, when Clemens father lost his job, her mother Hazel would cook cinnamon rolls for Clemens to sell door to door. She did that from ages 12 to 18.

That was our living for quite a while.

Life was hard, and during the Depression, food was rationed. Clemens decided, after working odd jobs without much promise for her future, to go to college in Minnesota. She studied to be a teacher, and then, when her sister got a job working as an X-ray technician in Missoula, Clemens followed her to Montana. She lived in Stevensville awhile, and had a career as an X-ray technician until she retired in 1979.

Clemens doesnt have a secret for living a long life, and she says every morning when she wakes up, its a struggle to start the day. She sees life as going to school, and death as graduating. She hopes the other side is free of walkers and aches, as promised in the Bible.

I wake up in the morning and I dont want to move, Clemens said. But then all I have to do is think about the good things about living here: walking, friends, good meals. Back during the Depression, we didnt have any of that. All you have to do is be thankful, and youre OK.
Amanda Randall has a lot to celebrate.

This year, she graduated from Missoula College, and her path hasn't been easy. Last summer, she and her five children were homeless and living out of a motel  and she said that situation wasn't the worst she's experienced.

She's thrilled to have a degree in hand.

"It's been a lot of rocky roads, and something worked out," said Randall, 29.

She's working full time with a degree in accounting technology, and she's ready to take a break from school and turn her attention to other goals.

"Right now, I just want stability, to be able to know that I'm not going to have to worry about what is happening next," Randall said.

***

Randall almost graduated from Frenchtown High School, but she got a GED instead.

To be close to her mom, she's moved to Idaho, Kentucky, and back to Montana.

She'd tried to go to college in the past, but it didn't work out. In Idaho, when her son was 9 months old, she worked all day and took night classes for a time, a schedule that didn't lend itself to success.

In August 2015, she enrolled at Missoula College. She graduated this spring and is taking one more tax class this fall.

Randall had doubts about school. She keeps to herself and is sometimes intimidated by people, and she wondered if she'd be too old to learn.

"I wasn't sure I could be taught. Am I really going to retain the information?" she said she asked herself.

Her first year, she got the hang of the accounting classes, and she was reminded how much she liked the subject: "I loved it. I fell in love with accounting all over again."

In spring of 2016, her passion for numbers was affirmed in another course.

"I had a payroll class that I absolutely went crazy for," she said.

At the end of the semester, though, Randall's housing situation fell apart. She could no longer live with relatives, and she found herself in a motel, consumed with the responsibility of finding her children a home.

"I didn't see how it was going to be possible. I didn't have a down deposit," Randall said.

She didn't have time to think about much else either.

"When I was homeless last summer, I didn't think I was going to go back to school," Randall said.

A 2015 study led by the University of Wisconsin-Madison of 4,000 community college students estimated that 13 percent were homeless.

UM does have other homeless students, but it does not collect such data.

***

Randall felt like she could breathe again after she got into a program of the YWCA of Missoula. Through the nonprofit, she had 55 days paid at a motel.

Just 10 days before she was supposed to be out, she got word that University Housing had an apartment that could accommodate her family, but it wouldn't open for another couple of weeks.

She paid a deposit of $170, and the Alliance Church helped with the remaining $180.

She negotiated an extension to be able to stay at the motel, and as soon as she moved into the apartment, she paid for four months of rent right out of the gate. Then, she tried to get used to the large space.

"It was overwhelming because my apartment was empty," she said.

She had four bedrooms, but little furniture. She and her children shared a queen bed.

"We had one bed. Two playpens. And a couple chairs. Toys. Clothes. So it echoed," she said.

***

Randall's grades weren't quite as high that third semester as they had been, but she's still graduating with honors and a 3.47 grade point average. She's also graduating with $18,165 in loans, but she believes her degree will be worthwhile and allow her to earn more.

"I had to get out from the rock that I was under," she said.

In the most recent semester, she applied for a job in her field at Cennox. The company wanted her to work full time, which she couldn't do until she finished school, so she asked if she could work part time until the end of the term, then go full time.

"I really would like a chance to show you that I can be a hard worker," she told them.

She interviewed and landed the job in accounts payable.

Randall has fought many battles, and she said it feels rewarding to finish her degree and mark that achievement.
Montana Secretary of State Corey Stapleton's office announced Friday that there was an incident of mail ballot voter fraud in Missoula during the special election held in May.

County elections administrator Rebecca Connors said the issue involves only a single ballot, and that the use of the term voter fraud is incorrect, saying the matter is a clerical error.

We made an error by accepting a ballot that had a signature that didnt match the one on file, she said.

Election workers review the signatures on all of the absentee ballots. Connors said around 150 ballots were rejected this election, which usually happens for reasons such as spouses or roommates mixing up whose ballot is whose when they are voting.

In the case referenced by Stapleton, a woman contacted the elections office shortly before election day saying she had not submitted her absentee ballot despite records showing she had.

Connors said both the signature on the envelope and the one on file for the voter are very obscure and its difficult to tell if whoever submitted the womans ballot was attempting to forge her signature.

We dont know the intent, Connors said. We dont know if the person was attempting to forge and write the other persons name or if they got the ballot in the mail and thought, Oh, my ballot came, and voted it, she said.

After speaking with the woman, Connors said the office issued her a provisional ballot and had her fill out a sworn affidavit detailing what happened. She presented the issue to the county canvass board, which agreed the woman should be allowed to vote a new ballot.

Connors said she emailed the county attorneys office about the ballot on election day.

Following an election, we conduct post-election audits and certify the results. We did that all the way up until the end of last week. Because of those projects and making those deadlines, investigating the signature was on my radar, but not a top priority due to other election obligations, she said.

Stapleton reaffirmed his view that the matter is voter fraud in an interview with the Missoulian.

Forgery is not a clerical error, he said. If a voter says, 'Somebody took my ballot and forged my signature,' Im going to be on the side of the voter even if its going to be uncomfortable for everybody else in the chain.

Stapleton said a second reported case in Montana during the special election was investigated and not found to be credible, and that he does not believe the state is vulnerable to widespread voter fraud.

Its a real risk and its a real threat and if the (Secretary of State) doesnt worry about that stuff at night then theyre probably not doing their job. But currently, I dont think we have widespread abuse, he said.

Jason Marks, chief deputy county attorney in Missoula, said the woman reported that she lives in an apartment building and mail is occasionally delivered to the wrong unit.

The ballot's signature was compared against other voters in the building but did not match any residents. Marks said no one has been identified as a suspect, but that the incident will be investigated by law enforcement.

The Secretary of State's office said in a news release there was a previous voter fraud incident in Missoula. Marks said a single ballot in the school election last spring had an issue similar to the one from last month. Investigators were not able to identify a suspect in that case.

In a statement issued Friday, Marks called Stapletons implication of pervasive ballot security issues in the Missoula area misleading.

To suggest that there are serious ballot security issues based upon an isolated incident is simply inaccurate and a disservice to the public, he wrote.

Stapleton said when his office got in touch with the Missoula County Attorneys Office about the issue, it received a letter back from County Attorney Kirsten Pabst saying she wanted to meet with Stapleton and that she felt this was posturing.

"I was concerned that the information they were putting out there needed additional context," Pabst said Friday.

She said her office takes the issue of voter fraud very seriously, and if a suspect is identified in this matter, that person will be prosecuted.

Missoulian reporter Jayme Fraser contributed to this story.
Bars are extremely popular in Missoula, but there appears to be a disturbingly prevalent dark side to all the fun.

A high number of bar-going Missoulians who took a recent survey reported experiencing verbal harassment, unwanted sexual touching, sexist comments, drunken fights or were followed to their next destination, according to a new report from the Missoula City-County Relationship Violence Services.

Brenna Merrill, a prevention specialist in the department, recently conducted a survey and 321 Missoulians responded, about 81 percent of them women. She found that 84 percent had experienced verbal harassment or physical altercation at least once while at a bar in 2016.

The most common experience of aggressive behavior was sexist comments (69 percent), unwanted sexual touch (65 percent) and being followed to the next destination (37 percent). Most of the respondents, 93 percent, where between the ages of 18 and 35.

In talking with bartenders, we heard over and over again that they want to keep their patrons safe and make sure that everyone is having a good time, Merrill said. We wanted to know if most bar-goers felt that sense of safety and if they regularly saw bar staff intervening. The survey responses showed that while most people enjoy going out to be with friends or listen to live music, they still experience harassment and other aggressive behaviors at a high rate.

Merrill coordinates the Make Your Move! campaign to end sexual violence, which also offers a two-hour sexual violence prevention training for bars. She says bar staff who take the training will be better able to identify signs of sexual harassment and ways a person might incapacitate someone else with alcohol or drugs in order to sexually assault them.

The online survey was advertised using Facebook, including followers of the Make Your Move! page and ads that targeted people in Missoula over the month of January last year.

What shocked me the most was men and women reported experiencing sexual comments and sexual harassment at a pretty similar rate, said Merrill said.

Of the respondents, 67 percent of women and 58 percent of men reported having been touched in a sexual manner while in a bar, and 68 percent of women and 75 percent of men said they had sexual comments directed at them or made about them over the course of last year.

Also, 15 percent reported something slipped into their drink.

When Make Your Move! Launched five years ago, Merrill said it based the project off a model from Boston. Part of the reason for the survey was to gather more data and evidence for what is actually happening in Missoula.

We wanted something that was more specific, she said. The survey also had a lot of narrative questions, and we got a lot of great feedback and stories from respondents.

The workshop training also includes policy recommendations that bars can adopt to curb issues like over serving.

It also might be something like in Montana its legal for bartenders to drink on the job, but maybe we are going to put in a policy that were not going to do that, Merrill said.

She and Kelly McGuire, the other coordinator for Make Your Move!, also talk to the bar staff about ways to intervene in a potentially dangerous situation, and how to tailor a response to be less likely to escalate a situation.

Officers from the Missoula Police Department also assist in the training, providing advice to bar staff about the law and how staff can help if there is an investigation.

The Rhinoceros Bar went through the process earlier this month. Merrill said it, and like every bar that goes through the free service, received a window decal certifying them as a trained establishment.

Make Your Move! is also sending posters to the bars to put up in their restrooms letting patrons know that if anyone is bothering them or their friends, to speak with the staff who have been trained to handle the matter.

Make Your Move! is a viable program to educate the staff in identifying and reacting to sexual harassment and sexual assault, said Brad Martens, one of the Rhinoceros owners. The class also helps develop strategies to use in your own business policy handbook. I would recommend the class to staff, management and owners of any business.

The workshops are available free to any alcohol-serving establishment. Interested businesses should contact Merrill at 406-258-3838.
Around 84 disabled anglers from western Montana and the Flathead Valley community gathered at Hidden Harbor in Woods Bay for the 24th annual Jerry Howard Fishing without Barriers Day on Flathead Lake Thursday.

The anglers took off from the docks starting at 8 a.m. and finished off the day with an afternoon fish fry and picnic.

The anglers caught a total of 61 lake trout with the largest lake trout measured about 37 inches. All boat captains volunteered their day for the event.

The event was renamed this year for Jerry Howard, who was the chair of the event's committee, after he passed away in October. The event was sponsored by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Crossing the Barriers Community and the Montana Charter Boat Association.
HAMILTON  Representatives from a Missoula-based refugee resettlement group received a mixed reception at a public information meeting Thursday night in Hamilton.

After an upbeat presentation by Mary Poole, director of Soft Landing in Missoula, which was greeted with applause and laughter by about half of the 60 people in the audience, most of the questions and comments focused on the possible negative impacts from refugees.

Do you agree Sharia law is compatible with the laws of this nation? one man asked.

You talk about what we do for them, but what can they return to the community for the favor we give to them? another questioned.

You mentioned something about jobs  are these tech jobs or people pounding fence posts? Are these college-educated people to fill those jobs that we need, or are they taking away from people in this valley who need a job? yet another man asked.

At one point, a volunteer with Soft Landing Missoula asked Poole if she wanted to end the question-and-answer portion of the presentation, but she shook her head and smiled, answering the questions to the best of her ability.

She formed Soft Landing Missoula about two years ago with some friends, Poole explained, after watching television footage of a 3-year-old Syrian boy who drowned while seeking refuge in Turkey. Since August 2016, Soft Landing has helped resettle 30 families, or 120 individuals, from five countries  the Congo, Iraq, Syria, Ethiopia and Eritrea  to Missoula. They hope to bring another 25 to 30 families to Missoula in 2018.

The families are given $1,100 in resettlement funds from the federal government, and Soft Landing group uses private donations and grants to provide housing and household goods. Before theyre resettled, the families undergo up to four years of background checks. Poole noted that the cost of the plane tickets must be repaid to the government, and within five years, the new arrivals must become citizens.

A Soft Landing volunteer told stories of the refugees hes aided, noting that theyre regular families searching for safe havens and wanting to give back to the communities.

But many in the Bitterroot Valley are opposed to the resettlement effort. In February 2016, the Ravalli County Commission sent a letter to the U.S. State Department saying they didnt want to accept Syrian refugees here due to the federal governments inability to fully ensure the refugees didnt belong to a terrorist organization.

But Thursdays meeting wasnt anywhere near as crowded as the one in which the letter was debated. In that case, close to 600 people turned out, mainly in opposition to refugee resettlement.

These refugees increase diversity. Many start small businesses at double the rate of U.S. citizens. They provide more workers, and federal funds for our community, Poole said. We hope some of you have these opportunities to work with us and be in the company of refugees, who clearly are people who desperately need our help and our encouragement to make new lives.
After crushing losses in the 2016 elections, many would have understood if Democrats had spent some time licking their wounds. But strangely, the opposite occurred  Democrats bounced back with a fury and are more unified and energized than ever.

Taking a page from the Tea Partys grassroots energy, the Resist movement has set the tone for a bold and aggressive opposition and helped Democrats regroup.

But danger lurks in this early success.

Resistance is valuable but many progressives also rightly demand, well, progress. Democrats who forget the need to deliver at times risk going the way of Tea Party absolutists who at times lost winnable seats and set their movement back.

That is the choice Democrats face now on net neutrality  Federal Communications Commission rules that prevent internet providers from blocking, throttling or harmfully discriminating against the free movement of traffic online, a signature accomplishment of the Obama years.

FCC Chairman Ajit Pai has made clear he plans to revisit this issue. But he is not opposed to net neutrality itself, just the controversial Title II public utility regulation framework used as their legal foundation by the last administration. Pai has offered to work with Democrats to ensure net neutrality survives the repeal of the Title II framework, which many believe stifles innovation and jobs.

Many in the activist base of the party will urge maximal resistance to this effort to revisit one of President Obamas policies. We will likely see intense pressure trained on any Democrat who works with Pai or pursues legislation in Congress to create permanent new net neutrality rules.

But where does that lead? Chairman Pai clearly has the votes to wipe away the Title II utility rules and if Democrats dont work on a new path to net neutrality, the internet will end up unprotected and at the mercy of the ISPs.

Utility regulation is not a core progressive priority. It was opposed by groups like the Communications Workers of America and the NAACP during the last round of debate on this issue because it stifles innovation and jobs and hurts workers. One study found a $4 billion drop of expected investment in just the first two years these rules have been in place  money desperately needed in the hard hat communities that featured so prominently in the last election.

Title II was also rightly pilloried as a wet blanket smothering new innovation. Tech leaders and innovators like Marc Andreesen and Mark Cuban called it an obsolete relic from the Ma Bell era and contrasted its stifling micromanagement of network businesses with the free flowing permissionless innovation culture that helped build Silicon Valley.

Democrats can let Title II go, but they must fight for a new net neutrality framework to replace it.

That means supporting democrats who work in Congress to pass new neutrality legislation  a heavy lift in a polarized environment, but a fight worth having for progressives who can lay down a marker on their commitment to a free and open internet and their determination to defend President Obamas legacy.

Democrats need to fight  but fight smart and get something in the end, rather than swinging wildly in battles that feel good but result in nothing concrete for American lives.

This is an important moment for progressives  both the grassroots movements and elected Democrats. Across the country we have seen the value of energized, organized resistance.

But on certain issues, no is not good enough  as the Republicans are learning as they struggle to govern. Democrats should say yes to legislation needed to ensure net neutrality and protect a free and open internet for all Americans.
Conservative pundits lambasted the Obama administrations decision last year to change the language describing people with criminal records to justice involved instead of convicted felon because the ways in which the justice system can ruin a person extend far beyond legal judgments of felony convictions.

The same goes for misdemeanor convictions like the one entered Monday for Greg Gianforte. Gianforte is as justice-involved now as any bank robber or me, after I served more than six years in prison and continue to fight 13 felony convictions, or anyone else of the 59 million people in the United States who have criminal records.

And no one who supports justice reform like I do should oppose his being seated as the representative for the state of Montana. We must model our response to Gianforte to reflect a progressive attitude towards all justice-involved individuals and give the congressman-elect a chance.

But many people dont want to give Gianforte an opportunity for redemption. First, Matt McKenna, described as "a longtime Montana politics insider by New York Magazine, said: This is the first day of the end of Greg Gianfortes political career.

Then, a congressman from my state, Rep. Jim Himes, said on the MSNBC show The Morning Joe of Gianfortes body-slamming Ben Jacobs, a reporter for The Guardian: What does that say about the character of that individual?... That is not somebody who should have the privilege of serving in this building.

Replace Gianforte with anyone leaving prison and the phrase "political career" with ability to make a living, and you see the problems faced by everyone who leaves the criminal justice system. I assume Himes sees my felony convictions as disqualifying me for leadership.

The Constitution, in describing eligibility for election to Congress, says nothing about criminal convictions disqualifying a person, so theres no legal basis for these complaints about seating Gianforte, only moral ones. One member of Congress, Matthew Lyon, was actually elected while he was in jail in 1789. Founding fathers were more capable of separating man from mistake than we are.

The only way that Gianfortes misdemeanor conviction could impact him would be for the House to vote him out after he was seated by a two-thirds majority. That seems unlikely in this Republican Congress but an ideas lack of feasibility has never prevented it from generating buzz in the nations capitol. I predict that some Democrats  maybe Himes again  will suggest that his conviction makes Gianforte unfit to work alongside them.

But they need to mind that message for what it says about people who have been convicted of crimes. It says they should be shunned and excluded and their mistakes should punish them forever.

Fusing a persons single action has enabled our practice of destroying defendants with long sentences and felony convictions that entail lifetimes of rejection in employment, occupational licensing, housing and society in general has led us to the countrys current crisis of incarceration.

Thats why its not just the Democrats who need to pay attention of their response to the new congressman with the criminal record. Republicans need to remember that one of theirs is also now one of mine; he has a record. Its hard to justify that the acceptance they will gladly extend to their new colleague shouldnt be extended to other justice-involved people when criminal justice reform bills are voted upon.

Gianforte himself now knows what a criminal defendant feels going through the system and I would hope he can avoid hypocrisy and support laws that will make the system he just exited fair for everyone whos justice involved.
Its been an eventful year for LGBTQ Montanans. Weve experienced a myriad of types of discrimination, from violent attacks to violations and actions against our rights. And its only June.

Luckily, the month of June is special for LGBTQ people. Its pride month, a month dedicated to the 1969 Stonewall riots.

A quick history lesson: the Stonewall riots were a series of protests and demonstrations following a police raid of a gay-friendly bar called the Stonewall Inn in New York City. The riot was started by transgender women of color, because they were rightfully angry about how LGBTQ people were treated by the police and the overall community.

The riots then led to a march that later became known as Pride. The first Pride grew into a movement and was a tipping point for the LGBTQ liberation movement worldwide. Its built community all around the world, showing everyone we exist and are here to be our authentic, unapologetic selves, taking no hate, oppression or discrimination from anyone. It has also helped gain allies for our community.

With Pride coming up this weekend in Billings, Ive been thinking a lot about being transgender in a state that doesnt protect my civil liberties, and of course has recently tried to take away one of my basic human necessities. However, I still love where I live and am proud I came out here, even though it wasnt easy.

I am more fortunate than most because I live in Missoula, which is bigger, with a more diverse population. Even if someone isnt accepting here, there are other people who will love and accept you. Imagine what it would be like coming out in a smaller, very red, religious, conservative town. Ive heard horror stories from friends whove fled small towns like those because they lacked support or resources, and were discriminated against. You may have been the only LGBTQ person in town, which can feel isolating and leads to fear and sometimes suicide.

My heart aches for those peoples situations but I have to tell them, Missoula isnt that great about LGBTQ issues either. In February this year two gay men were attacked while holding hands in front of the Rhino. This past week, another gay man came forward about an incident that happened a month ago; he said a bouncer at the Missoula Club beat him up while yelling anti-gay slurs. And the tough thing is those are only the stories we hear about, where people are brave enough to come forward and choose to report. Living here for the past eight years, I have heard other stories and witnessed worse situations.

Here in Missoula, this past year we found out our city ordinance isnt up to date. Prosecuting hate crimes is particularly difficult in Montana when it comes to crimes regarding sexual orientation because there are no statewide nondiscrimination laws protecting us. Most of the smaller cities and surprisingly, including Billings, dont have any laws or ordinances like Missoula has to protect us. And of course I can still legally be fired, evicted and denied housing for being transgender, same as my gay friends.

When marriage equality passed in Montana in 2014, people thought that was the end of the equality battle. But its not even close.

The point of telling you all this is to show you why we still need Pride here in the Big Sky. We need to march to remind Montanans we exist! Stand up, LGBTQ Montanans, and fight for our right to be heard  just like those transgender women of color did at the first Stonewall march.
Nicht Ihr Computer? Dann konnen Sie fur die Anmeldung ein Fenster zum privaten Surfen offnen. Weitere Informationen
A Butte man pleaded not guilty Thursday in Butte district court to charges of attempted deliberate homicide and felony assault with a weapon in connection with a May 1 incident.

According to police statements, Kyle Robert Sholey, 24, was armed with a .22-caliber pistol and allegedly forced his way into an acquaintances apartment on Evans Street. Reports said he pulled the trigger several times, but the gun failed to discharge. Police later responded to a report of an injured man in a car with a gunshot wound to the face, who turned out to be Sholey. They determined the wound to be self-inflicted.

The acquaintance Sholey allegedly threatened said in reports that she had been receiving unwanted and at times threatening attention from him sporadically over the previous five years, though she did not respond to his text messages and blocked him online after receiving a Facebook request.

Sholeys lawyer requested his client undergo a mental fitness examination.

Sholey remains in custody on $100,000 bond.

In other court action Thursday:

A Belgrade man, 22, received a suspended sentence after pleading guilty to felony possession of dangerous drugs.

Alexander Strang was arrested in November 2016 following a traffic stop during which he revealed to police officers that he had more than 75 grams of marijuana in his car. Strang told officers that he bought the drug in bulk for personal consumption, not for distribution.

Judge Brad Newman suspended Strangs sentence, noting that Strangs age, employment status, and lack of criminal history made him a good candidate. He said that he would refer Strangs probation to Gallatin County, where Strang resides.
Tech senior receives $10,000 scholarship

Kristopher Schaff, a Montana Tech mining engineering senior from Roundup, has been honored with a $10,000 Copper Club Scholarship for the 2017-18 school year.

The Barry Feldman Memorial Scholarship was endowed in memory of Feldman, who was the global head of physical trading at Red Kit Capital Management for many years and passed away in 2014.

Typically, five internationally competitive scholarships are awarded annually by The Copper Club Inc. with the top award being as much as $10,000.

Established in 1994, The Copper Club makes contributions from accumulated excess funds to causes and educational programs associated with the copper industry. It helps exceptional students preparing for careers in fields related to all facets of the copper industry including mining, geology, mineral processing, and extractive metallurgy. The criterion for the scholarship is academic excellence and need of financial assistance. Since 1999, 13 Montana Tech students have won this prestigious award.

Talk set Saturday at World Museum

Doug Ammons will present The Science of the Disaster at the World Museum of Mining at 1 p.m. Saturday, June 17, during Miners Union Day. Admission is Free.

Big Hole wildlife topic of meeting

Wildlife in the Big Hole Watershed is the topic of the Big Hole Watershed Committee meeting at 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 21, in the Divide Grange Hall.

The talk is presented by Vanna Boccadori and Craig Fager, wildlife biologists with the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks. They will give updates on the big game populations and research from around the Big Hole area. Details: 406-960-4855, bhwf.org, or info@bhwc.org.

Community band concert set June 22

The Butte Community Band will hold its first concert of the summer at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 22, at Clark Park, Wall and Texas. Featured are marches and light concert tunes. Bring a chair and enjoy a music-filled summer evening. Admission is free.

International food fair June 25

BOULDER  Friends of the Library will host an international and regional food fair from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, June 25, at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds volunteer hall in Boulder.

Cost is $5 per person, 5 years and under free. Featured will be appetizer-sized treats from many different countries. Each country will have a main dish and a dessert.

Native plants talk at caverns

A presentation on Native Plants and Us about the many uses of native plants at Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park is planned Friday, June 23, at 8 p.m.

Robyn Klein, a plant biologist, is the speaker. Klein has a background in medical botany, herbal medicine, ethnobotany, plant identification, and plant chemistry.

Details: 406-287-3541. The park is east of Whitehall.

Night of music at Bannack

A night of music with Hometown Classics at Bannack State Park is planned Saturday, June 24, at 7 p.m.

Local musicians Jerry Burtts, Buddy Hughes, Sandy Jennings, Lois Johnson, Russell King, and Kim Hoffman will play their country, western, gospel, and bluegrass tunes.

Details: 406-834-3413. The park is west of Dillon.
FRIDAY, JUNE 16

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

Beauty and the Beast," the Disney Broadway musical version, will play at the Cutler Brothers Theater in Deer Lodge through July 2. It plays Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Reservations: 406-846-4096. Tickets are $15 general admission, and theater space is limited to 120 seats. Visit cutlerbros.com or follow the theater troupe on Facebook.

ARCHIVES GARAGE SALE

The Butte-Silver Bow Public Archives will host its annual fundraising garage sale from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Saturday in the Archives' receiving bay in the front of the building at 17 W. Quartz St.

COUNTRY JAM

Headwaters Country Jam will be at The Bridge near Three Forks through Saturday. Musical acts include Chris Young, Randy Houser, Frankie Ballard, Neal McCoy, Lonestar, Steve Moakler, Tim Montana and the Shrednecks, and more. For ticket information, go to www.headwaterscountryjam.com.

CLUBS AND MEETINGS

BUTTE

Mad Scrappers meet from 1 to 3 p.m. the first and third Fridays of the month at the Butte Public Library, 226 W. Broadway. Details: 406-723-3361.

Chess Club meets from 2 to 4:45 p.m. Fridays at the Butte Public Library, 226 W. Broadway St. Details: 406-723-3361.

Butte Public Library's book club meets the third Friday of every month from 1 to 2 p.m.
Christiana, TN - Two escaped Georgia inmates sought in the killing of two corrections officers were apprehended Thursday following a car chase in Tennessee.

Georgia Bureau of Investigation spokeswoman Nelly Miles said that Donnie Russell Rowe, 43, and Ricky Dubose, 24, were captured in Christiana, Tenn., a rural community approximately 50 miles southeast of Nashville.

Police in Shelbyville, Tenn. responded to a call about a home invasion, where Rowe and Dubose held an elderly couple captive and then fled in the couple's vehicle, Miles said. Officers responded and chased the pair. The inmates got into a wreck, left the vehicle and then led police on a foot chase before both men were taken into custody in Christiana, she said.

Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills said Rowe and Dubose surrendered after fleeing into some woods. He said that shots were fired, but did not say by whom. The inmates were unharmed and there were no reports of injuries to law enforcement personnel.

Tennessee Bureau of Investigation spokesman Josh DeVine said the bureau's agents will take part in processing the scene. The Tennessee Department of Transportation said traffic was being diverted on Interstate 24 east in Rutherford County until about 11 p.m.

Authorities say Rowe and Dubose overpowered and killed Sgt. Christopher Monica and Sgt. Curtis Billue early Tuesday on a bus that should have been secured as it carried 33 inmates between prisons southeast of Atlanta.

Authorities had offered a $130,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the fugitives, whom Sills had called "dangerous beyond description."

The search had involved law enforcement officers all over Georgia, as well as the FBI, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

After killing the officers, the pair then carjacked a driver who pulled up behind the bus, and fled in his Honda Civic along state Highway 16 in Putnam County, southeast of Atlanta.

The inmates then drove about 25 miles north to Madison, where they ransacked a home, stealing food and clothes and leaving their prison uniforms behind around 10:30 a.m. Tuesday.

Late Tuesday night, about 12 hours after the home burglary, the pair stole a Ford pickup truck from a rock quarry about 9 miles from the burglarized home. That's when the trail went cold.

Rowe, 43, has been serving life without parole since 2002, and Dubose, 24, began a 20-year sentence in 2015. Both were convicted of armed robbery and other violent crimes, and they've been cellmates more than once in Georgia's prisons.

Monica, 42, and Billue, 58, were both transfer sergeants at Baldwin State Prison. Monica had been with the Georgia Department of Corrections since October 2009 and Billue since July 2007.
JOHNSTON, Iowa  Musco Lighting in Muscatine and Oskaloosa will be featured on Iowa Public Television's Iowa Entrepreneur series at 6:30 p.m. Friday, June 23, and repeat at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, June 25. This episode also features Iowa business Rocket Referrals.

From the Olympics and national parks to movie sets and speedways, one Iowa company has been there to make sure the lights turn on. In this episode, viewers will also meet two brothers who credit their father with cultivating their own interest in becoming entrepreneurs.
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 []
Kenyas moral policeman Ezekiel Mutua is making headlines again, this time in a fight against children cartoon programs.

The Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) chief executive has banned six cartoon programmes aired by Pay-TV service provider Multichoice DStv that promote homosexuality.

In a statement released yesterday, Mr Mutua said the cartoons were laced with subtle messages normalising, glamorising or even glorifying homosexual behaviour contrary to the law and the KFCB Classification Guidelines.

The programs include Loud House, The Legend of the Korra and Hey Arnold, which air on Nickelodeon. The others are Clarance, Steven Universe and Adventure Time, which air on Cartoon Network.

Mutua said the ban follows investigations prompted by complaints from members of the public.

The Board has written to Multichoice Limited, the owners of DSTV to cease with immediate effect the airing of such obnoxious and inappropriate material that targets children and seeks to impair their moral judgement on the institution of family, reads part of the statement.

We urge parents to monitor the kids programs on pay TV Channels and inform the Board of any unpalatable content, added Mutua.

He added that KFCB has instructed its lawyers to take appropriate legal action against Multichoice for the blatant breach of the law.

Ezekiel Mutua argues that homosexuality is against the countrys moral values and children must be protected from such foreign retrogressive and bizzare practices.

Article 11 of our Constitution recognises culture as the foundation of the nation and the cumulative civilisation of the Kenyan people. Homosexuality is not our culture and children must be protected from such foreign retrogressive and bizzare practices. Marriage is a union between two people of the opposite sex and any attempt by the media to teach our children that a man marrying another man is ok must be condemned, wrote Mutua.
After quitting her lucrative TV job at Citizen TV, Janet Mbugua is on a new journey of what she calls her season of transition.

The popular media personality quit her news presenting job with the aim of laying low from the limelight but that has not been the case. She is back to doing what many media personalities transition to; hosting events.

Her first gig as an events emcee came earlier this week when she hosted the Telkom launch in Kisumu alongside comedian Dr Ofweneke.

Taking to social media, Janet wrote: It feels good to be back hosting events. Id begun to shy away from that, perhaps given my season of transition. I just wanted to lay low but, as many of us know, Gods plans arent always our own. Heres to embracing whats in you. Because if you dont you may miss out on the next amazing chapter of your life.



And it looks like the offers have started streaming in. A few days ago, she emceed and moderated at the World Refugee Day celebrations and panel discussion with UNHCR Kenya.
Celebrated media personality Grace Msalame has said that she was never married to the father of her twins, Paul Ndichu.

Msalame made the revelation in a social media post to refute assumptions by a section of media outlets that she and the recently married Paul Ndichu were hitched and later divorced.

I have no idea where the story came from that Ive been married before! Lets just leave the matchmaking to Jesus, wrote Msalame.

She said that she has always been a single mom and had her 6-year-old twin daughters, Zawadi and Raha, out of wedlock.

Msalame, who is on a new journey as a Christian blogger, also revealed that she was gripped with shame for years.

I had my children out of wedlock in my mid-twenties & I was gripped with shame for years because I wasnt raised like that but I couldnt quiet the nudge to still serve Him & so I held on to Him even tighter & now 6 years later Im glad I believed in His Unconditional Love & learned to forgive myself & know that children are a Reward from the Lord, read her post on Instagram.



Msalame recently quit her high-profile job at Radio Africa to pursue personal projects, including ministering and spending more time with her daughters.

Read: Grace Msalame Quits Radio Africa Group Amid Major Restructuring

She recently updated her fans on the progress over the last one month since she quit.

Now that Ive left full-time employment to focus on Ministry & follow where God leads Im also all the more intentional with my parenting and boy its only been a month but Glory to God. Doing the drop & school pick up without having to rush somewhere & doing homework together are all moments I will forever treasure, wrote Msalame.
Robert Alai has launched another scathing attack on opposition leader Raila Odinga.

The blogger, who had for many years been one of Railas biggest supporters, even getting in trouble with the law for it, has in recent months switched sides and declared that Raila will never be President of Kenya.

As a result, he has been getting a lot of stick from Nasa supporters who claim he is getting a monthly Sh200,000 paycheck from Jubilee.

Also Read: Robert Alai: Jubilee is Not Paying Me a Measly Sh200,000

In his latest attack on Raila Odinga, Alai echoes Jubilee secretary-general Raphael Tujus recent jibe that Raila should grow up.

Tuju was addressing claims Mr Odinga made on Tuesday that President Uhuru Kenyatta influenced the award of a tender by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to Dubai-based Al Ghurair for printing ballot papers to be used in the August 8 General Election.

We are really tired of tantrums from Raila. He should grow up. Because those tantrums were there in 2007. I was in government then. There was an attempt to even change the ECK that time of the late [Samuel] Kivuitu. They refused. They said they wanted Kivuitu because they had won the referendum in 2005. So, that is the one they wanted. When they lost in 2007, then Kivuitu was bad, said Tuju.

Robert Alai, in his attack on his popular Facebook page, faulted Raila for insulting Tuju and claimed that poverty is the Odingas familys business.

Heres the post

Raila should GROW UP. Yes!!! I said it.

If Raila is your god who you think shouldnt be told to GROW UP then know that you are in for a big surprise. Tuju is not a candidate for the presidency. Insulting Tuju is not one thing voters consider when electing a leader.

Railas supporters are a clear indicator on why RAILA must never be allowed anywhere near the Presidency. They are too arrogant, abrasive and full of themselves that given a chance, they might terrorise Kenyans like Magufuli is terrorising Tanzanians. The people in Tanzania thought that Magufuli is a reformer, now he has jailed key leaders and journalists just for questioning his actions and inactions.
Starehe Parliamentary aspirant Steve Mbogo has moved to the High Court seeking to bar four media houses from airing an investigative expose about him.

According to Citizen Digital, the flamboyant ODM candidate wants the High Court to bar Nation Media Group Limited, MediaMax, The Standard Group and the Star barred from airing the story as it will cause him untold suffering.

The controversial businessman claims that the defendants have indicated to him through telephone calls and text messages that they are working on an investigative story to link him to a defilement case in which he was cleared by the court over five years ago.

Also Read: Chickens Come Home To Roost: Waiganjo Billionaire Steve Mbogo Exposed

In documents filed at the court, Mbogo has asked the court to issue an order restraining the defendants from covering the current proceedings on grounds of necessity for privacy.

The political first-timer will be battling it out with Jubilees Charles Njagua Kanyi alias Jaguar and activist Boniface Mwangi for the Starehe seat.
Bishop Lyle Jeffs, leader of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was living out of his car for two weeks before his arrest in Yankton, South Dakota, an FBI official said Thursday.

Jeffs, who had been on the run from authorities for almost a year, did not resist arrest late Wednesday and is being held in Minnehaha County Jail in South Dakota. He appeared in court Thursday afternoon and didn't answer reporters' questions as he was brought in.

"The long arm of the law will eventually catch up with you and bring you back to justice," John Huber, the US Attorney for the District of Utah, said earlier. "Undoubtedly, the flight from prosecution and his fugitive status will play a part (in the upcoming court case)."

The FBI received a tip from a citizen Tuesday, which included a partial description of Jeff's vehicle. The tip was instrumental to tracking down Jeffs, said Eric Barnhart, special agent in charge of the FBI's Salt Lake City, Utah, bureau.

Yankton is roughly 400 miles east of Pringle, South Dakota, where the FLDS owns a compound, Barnhart said. It's not clear if FLDS members provided Jeffs support while he was on the run, but Barnhart said the fugitive bishop had limited communication and resources over the last year.

Jeffs, 57, is expected to be extradited to Utah in the next couple of days "now that he is back in the loving embrace of law enforcement," Barnhart said.

Jeffs, younger brother of notorious FLDS leader Warren Jeffs, escaped house arrest last July after using olive oil to slip a GPS tracking bracelet off his ankle. At the time of his escape, the FBI warned the public that Lyle Jeffs was traveling with bodyguards and was considered dangerous.

Jeffs took over leadership of the polygamist Mormon sect after his older brother was arrested on child sex charges related to his underage wives.

According to the FBI's wanted poster, Jeffs was on home confinement while awaiting trial over his alleged involvement in a food stamp fraud case when he escaped.

He had been charged with conspiracy to commit benefits fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

Jeffs, another brother, Seth, and other conspirators were accused of defrauding the government of more than $12 million from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program -- more commonly known as food stamps.

Church members were urged to allow the conspirators to use their food stamp cards to buy food, according to court documents.

Families that qualified for federal assistance were allegedly told to turn over their food stamp debit cards and take what they needed from a warehouse of pooled resources called "the bishop's storehouse."

As a result, the federal government alleges, some families subsisted on beans, rice and toast, while high-ranking church members got meat, turkey and seafood.

The government also alleges that the Jeffs brothers and others laundered money by swiping food stamp debit cards and ringing up "ghost" purchases at church-friendly businesses. The laundered cash allegedly was used on big-ticket items such as a $30,000 pickup truck, a $14,000 tractor and $17,000 in paper products.

An additional $250,000 was allegedly spent on printing costs for Warren Jeffs' self-published book of jailhouse revelations, "Jesus Christ, Message to All Nations."

A $50,000 reward had been issued for Lyle Jeffs' arrest. The disbursement of the reward money has not yet been determined, Barnhart said.

The FLDS split from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the 1930s after the Mormon establishment rejected polygamy.

Warren Jeffs took the reins of the sect in 2002 after the death of his father, the church's founder. He is serving a life-plus-20-year term for sexual assault. Jeffs was convicted in August 2011 of the aggravated sexual assaults of a 12- and a 15-year-old girl who he claimed were his "spiritual wives."

Last year, federal authorities expressed concern that Jeffs, now 61, was reorganizing his sect from prison.

CNN's Euan McKirdy and Rashard Rose contributed to this report.
FRESNO  A rockslide at Yosemite National Park is creating a commuting headache for hundreds of park employees and thousands of tourists who are forced to drive around the roadblock.

Ranger Scott Gediman says inconvenienced park employees and tourists are adjusting as they work around the rockslide the size of a two-story house.

The 4,000 ton (3,600-metric ton) rockslide came crashing down Monday, blocking one of three popular routes into Yosemite.

Yosemite's Arch Rock Entrance will be closed through the weekend, maybe longer if the road needs major repair.

It now takes Miranda Criche three hours to get to her job cleaning carpets at Yosemite Valley hotels. It's normally a half-hour commute.

She says it's a hassle she'll deal with until the road clears.
A US Navy destroyer is taking on water after colliding with a merchant ship about 56 nautical miles off the coast of Yokosuka, Japan, a US Navy official told CNN on Friday.

The official said emergency procedures have been put in place and the ship is not in danger of sinking at this time.

The USS Fitzgerald requested the assistance from the Japanese Coast Guard after the collision occurred at approximately 2:30 am local time on Saturday.

The damage to the ship is still being evaluated and the number of personnel injured has not been determined, according to the statement.

A US military official told CNN that ship could not operate under its own power after the incident and tug boats have been called to assist.

The Fitzgerald is an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer with a crew of approximately 330 sailors.

The ship completed $21 million in upgrades and repairs in February and is currently forward-deployed to Yokosuka, Japan, supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region, the service said.

This story is breaking and will be updated.

CNN's Tammy Kupperman and Michael Callahan contributed to this report.
(Natural News) Several high-ranking officials who were involved in the deadly Flint water crisis have been charged with involuntary manslaughter as prosecutors filed the most serious charges seen so far in the criminal investigation of the matter, and some of the information that has come to light in the case about their careless attitude is nothing short of shocking.

The Director of Michigans Department of Health, Nick Lyon, was hit with involuntary manslaughter charges as well as misconduct in office. He is facing a stint of up to 15 years in prison as well as a $7,500 fine on the manslaughter charge along with up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine for the count of misconduct. Hes the highest-ranking person in Governor Rick Snyders administration to be charged so far.

Also facing charges of involuntary manslaughter for their role in failing to tell the public about a Legionnaires disease outbreak in Flint are Michigans Department of Environmental Quality Drinking Water Chief Liane Shekter-Smith, Flint Emergency Manager Darnell Earley, Flint Water Department Manager Howard Croft and Michigan Water Supervisor Stephen Busch. The four were already facing other charges related to the incident.

While under state emergency management, the city of Flint started to use water taken from the Flint River without treating it to reduce corrosion. Shortly thereafter, residents began to complain of illnesses and rashes from the water, which had also taken on unusual colors and odors. When toxic lead from old pipes leached into the water, many residents were forced to use bottled water after several children developed lead poisoning. The water has also been linked to a Legionnaires disease outbreak in 2014 and 2015 that killed 12 people and infected at least 79 others.

Everyone has to die of something

The five officials are being blamed for the death of Robert Skidmore, who went to McClaren Flint hospital in June 2015 with pneumonia symptoms and died at home six months later of Legionnaires disease. Even though Lyon was personally briefed about a Legionnaires outbreak, he did not take any action to tell the public about it until nearly a year later. Adding insult to injury, court documents revealed that Lyon made comments like everyone has to die of something and said that he cant save everyone.

A sixth person, Michigan Chief Medical Executive Dr. Eden Wells, was charged with lying to an investigator and obstruction of justice. A total of 15 former and current government officials have now been charged by state Attorney General Bill Schuette as the 17-month probe continues.

A report issued by Schuette read: A cause of the breakdown in state governmental management was a fixation, a preoccupation, with data, finances and costs, instead of placing the health, safety and welfare of citizens first.

Perhaps the most outrageous part of the report was the fact that the water problem had a very simple and affordable solution in the form of common anti-corrosion chemicals that would have only cost the city $200 per day and could have saved dozens of lives and preserved the health of countless individuals who were poisoned or sickened.

When you sit back and do nothing while children suffer from lead poisoning  of which the effects on the central nervous system are irreversible, by the way  and let people die from Legionnaires disease, you should be held accountable. To this day, Flint residents are still advised to use filtered tap water, but many of them feel like they still cant trust state and local officials and prefer to err on the side of caution and use bottled water. If theyve learned one thing from this tragedy, its that their government officials cannot be trusted.

Sources:

DetroitNews.com

ABCNews.go.com

NYTimes.com
(Natural News) Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey published a video on Facebook last week urging civilians to make sure they can properly defend themselves in the event that war breaks out. The five-minute long clip, which has quickly gone viral not only on Facebook but all across the Internet, was posted in response to the deadly workplace shooting that occurred just two days prior in nearby Orlando.

When Sherriff Ivey says war, he doesnt mean a massive battle fought with ballistic missiles and nuclear bombs, but rather a war against mass shootings and deranged lunatics who are out to destroy human life. Whats next is to fully understand that this is war, and you better be prepared to wage war to protect you, your family, and those around you if attacked, he argued.

Sherriff Ivey went on to emphasize the fact that shooters feed off of fear, and in many ways depend on people running and hiding as opposed to standing tall and fighting back. What they dont count on is being attacked themselves, having to become defensive to save their own lives, the Sherriff said. (RELATED: GUNS SAVE LIVES: Rampaging knife murderer in Minnesota mall was stopped by guess what? A man with a concealed gun)

In the video, which currently has nearly 20,000 views, Sherriff Ivey urges citizens to train in self-defense and for those who have concealed carry permits to carry a gun on them at all times. No matter who you are or what your position is on guns, theres no denying the fact that the only thing that stops a bad guy with a gun or a knife is an armed and well-prepared citizen or law enforcement officer, Ivey said.

To many people, what Sherriff Ivey says in his video is just common sense. It seems as though the news media is reporting on a mass shooting every other month nowadays, and whats worse is that theres no way average citizens can ever see them coming. Sadly, what starts out as a normal day in the office could turn into a day of shooting and violence in the blink of an eye. Therefore, it only makes sense to do as Sherriff Ivey says  to arm up and to prepare for war.

But incredibly, some leftists and gun control advocates are attacking Sherriff Iveys video, calling it, among other things, controversial. He is also being accused of being a fear monger and riling up vigilantes. Indeed, most politicians in Washington DC and even some in the police force believe that arming up and preparing for war, as Sherriff Ivey says, is not the answer to gun violence. Rather, they naively think that more restrictions on firearms will make our neighborhoods and cities safer.

Leonard Papania, the police chief in Gulfport, Mississippi, is one example of a police officer who doesnt believe citizens should be given easier access to firearms. In a piece published last year in the New York Times, authors Campbell Robertson and Timothy Williams quoted Papania as saying, We are a gun society and we recognize that, but we should be writing gun laws that maker us safer. Do you want every incident on your street to escalate to acts of gun violence?

With all due respect, the scenario that Police Chief Papania described last year for the New York Times is simply not accurate. The most common argument that gun control advocates use is that if we have more guns on the streets, then the United States will turn into the wild west with violent shootouts happening on every other block.

Unfortunately for the left, these arguments are nothing more than fictional scenarios stolen from 1960s western films. The fact of the matter is that when more people are allowed to carry firearms, society is generally safer. On the contrary, when strict gun laws are implemented, there are less good guys with guns out on the streets and more of a chance that a mass shooter will be successful.

The Second Amendment to the United States Constitution makes it clear  the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed upon.

Sources

SHTFplan.com

NYTimes.com
(Natural News) Life is full of frustrations, from rush hour traffic to overly complex tax codes. However, if youre Forbes contributor Kavin Senapathy, even the mere act of going to the grocery store is torture. Its not the bad music they play or a shortage of cashiers that makes this mundane task so annoying for her  its Non-GMO Project Verified Labels.

Yes, you read that correctly: This woman claims these Non-GMO labels are ruining her shopping experience. They are just a few words slapped onto food packaging with an image of an unassuming-looking butterfly, yet somehow they are turning her trips to the supermarket into an unbearable undertaking.

Whats even more outrageous, this easily frustrated individual says that people do not have a right to know if food is GMO because she feels that GMOs are essentially impossible to define. She also says these labels dont tell us anything meaningful. Thats funny; GMOs are a huge topic of debate throughout the world and everyone on both sides seems to know exactly what people are referring to when they use the term.

She might not want to know if her food contains GMOs, but plenty of other people certainly do. Why else would 3,000 brands go to the trouble of having 43,000 products verified by them? Granted, the label is not quite the same as an organic certification, but it does give peace of mind that a company has avoided GMOs in all aspects of food production. It doesnt consider whether or not a product was exposed to chemical fertilizers or other synthetic substances like the USDA organic label does, but its still a good mark to look out for when deciding between two products that otherwise appear to be similar.

We dont have a right to know?

Consumers do indeed have a right to know what the products they are buying contain. If you dont care whether you consume GMOs or not, thats your right. In that case, dont look for the label, buy whatever you want, go home and eat it and roll the dice with your health. There is no reason to get worked up over a label on packaging  unless, of course, you are being paid to make a point about it.

Shes taking this really hard for someone who ostensibly has no vested interest in the matter. A quick scroll through some of the authors past articles for Forbes, however, brings up an interesting and wholly unsurprising trend: Shes quite fond of defending Monsanto.

One of her articles, Monsanto Found Guilty in Fake Trial that Distracted from Real Problems, calls the firm a symbolic scapegoat. Another piece, The Anti-Vaccine and Anti-GMO Movements Are Inextricably Linked and Cause Preventable Suffering tries to cast people who are against dangerous practices like eating food doused in carcinogenic herbicides in a negative light. She also wrote an article telling America to break up with Dr. Oz, a vocal GMO critic with a huge television audience.

More Monsanto propaganda

What do all of these pieces have in common? Senapathys articles all read like pro-GMO propaganda. In fact, its not out of the question that Monsanto itself penned the pieces, as we found out is common practice at the worlds most-hated firm. Internal emails released in a court case showed that staffers hire ghost writers to craft stories inaccurately portraying its products as safe and then pay scientists to sign off on them.

They also have a team of trolls who are paid to find any negative mentions of their products online and post some fake science in their defense. Therefore, it would not be surprising at all if they were enlisting writers like Senapathy to promote their business by discouraging people from seeking such labels.

Of course, none of this should come as any surprise from Forbes, a publication that published attack pieces by unethical individuals like PR operative Jon Entine against researchers who have the audacity to try to warn the public about GMO dangers. We see you, Forbes, and we know what youre trying to do.

Sources:

NaturalNews.com

NonGMOProject.org
(Natural News) Little Cole Hartman was dealt a bad hand right from the beginning. Born with fragile X syndrome, he had both physical and mental disabilities. When his mom died while he was just a toddler, he was adopted by Jeremy Hartman and his wife Elizabeth. Then, when he was just 8 years old, his dad came in from mowing the lawn of his Castaic, California, home one day, to find Cole with his head in a running washing machine. It is believed that he may have had his head in the water for as long as 25 minutes.

Though paramedics were able to get Coles heart beating again, he remained in a coma and had to be put on a ventilator. When the medical team at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center informed Mr. and Mrs. Hartman that their son, though not brain dead, would never regain normal neurological function or wake up, they made the difficult decision to take Cole off life support and donate his organs. He died 23 minutes after being removed from the ventilator.

That was four years ago. Now, the district attorneys office and homicide detectives with the LAPD have launched an investigation to determine whether anesthesiologist Dr. Judith Brill may have given little Cole a dose of fentanyl high enough to be fatal to hasten his death and facilitate organ transplantation.

Since Cole wasnt brain dead, his organs could only be retrieved after his heart stopped beating on its own. This type of donation is known as donation after cardiac death (DCD), and puts major pressure on the transplant team since organs start deteriorating as soon as the ventilator is switched off. [RELATED: Accused murderer receives liver organ transplant while others die.]

No charges have been brought at this time, and Dr. Brills lawyer, Mark Werksman, calls the allegations factually wrong and patently offensive.

In an email to the Los Angeles Times, Mr. Werksman said, [Brills] only concern was to assure that this child, who had drowned and was never going to recover, would not suffer any pain following the removal of life support.

Thats not what Denise Bertone, a coroners investigator specializing in the deaths of children, believes. Bertone fought for four years to get Coles death investigated after becoming suspicious that fentanyl administered by Dr. Brill had caused his death. She begged then-chief medical examiner/coroner Dr. Mark Fajardo to test the boys blood, but he refused. The cause of death was listed as near-drowning.

According to a lawsuit subsequently filed by Bertone, Dr. Fajardo only agreed to test the boys blood after repeated emails and complaints from her. Though the results showed fentanyl in Coles system, Fajardo refused to change the cause of death.

When Fajardo left his position, Bertone approached the acting chief medical examiner, Dr. Lakshmanan Sathyavagiswaran, about reopening the case, and he agreed. A pediatric toxicologist determined that fentanyl was responsible for the death of this patient, and that the dose was not consistent with a therapeutic dose for the management of pain and discomfort.

The death certificate was subsequently changed, and fentanyl toxicity was added as a cause of death. Law enforcement was asked to investigate. [RELATED: Stay up-to-date at Medicine.news]

Bertone alleges that her supervisors moved her off investigating the deaths of children because she refused to back down and continued to push for Coles death to be investigated.

Meanwhile, Dr. Brill is deeply troubled by the allegations levied against her. She is highly respected as an expert in the treatment of gravely ill children, and was involved in writing the states guidelines for pediatric critical care. She also did extensive humanitarian work with children in Asia, Africa and Latin America.

Sources:

GovtSlaves.com

LATimes.com
Mise en uvre du PNDES : l`Etat et les OSC se concertent a Ouagadougou



Vendredi 16 juin 2017. Ouagadougou. Centre international des conferences de Ouaga 2000. Le Premier ministre Paul Kaba Thieba a preside la ceremonie d`ouverture de la 2e session du Cadre de concertations et de dialogue entre l`Etat et les organisations de la societe civile (OSC) placee sous le theme "Cohesion sociale et mise en oeuvre du Plan national de developpement economique et social (PNDES) : quelle contribution des OSC ?"


Meredith Honeycutt was 10 years old when she began her very first job, working with her older sister and brother in the baby-sitting service they launched together.

Ive been working ever since, according to the Houston native, who says her first real job was with Burger King, where she rose to manager before going off to study English at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas.

Retiring in June after 24 years with Emory, Honeycutt leaves her position as business manager in the Finance Center for Campus Life, where she handled accounts for Emorys Student Government Association (SGA). It was her first job when she joined Campus Life 22 years ago, following 18 months in accounts payable for the university.

Honeycutt has seen many changes over the years and embraced more than a few challenges. The biggest one is familiar to her colleagues throughout the university  keeping up with the rapid advances in information technology and accounting systems.

When I started, we had about 300 student organizations and now there are over 500, says Honeycutt, who provided financial support for those organizations and their more than 700 SmartKey accounts.

Bridget Guernsey Riordan, who was assistant dean for Campus Life and director of student activities in April 1995 when she hired Honeycutt, was soon impressed.

Working with hundreds of student leaders and even more student organization accounts can be overwhelming, but Meredith made it all look easy, says Riordan, now assistant vice president of Alumni Relations and Parent and Family Programs for Campus Life. Her efficiency, work ethic, dedication, care and Texas humor will be missed.

According to Honeycutt, she has enjoyed her position and its challenges. My most satisfying accomplishment has been advocating for student finance with the universitys finance department as it became clear over the years that students handle finance much differently than the rest of the university, she says. As a result, the university assigned a liaison to make sure it was meeting students financial management needs.

The best part of my job has always been working with Emory students, and theyve kept me young, Honeycutt says.

One of those students was Jeremy T. Berry 97C 03L. As SGA vice president when Honeycutt joined Campus Life, he worked closely with her.

Meredith was always like family to us, the students, and everyone with whom she worked. She always had a can do attitude and a huge smile that were infectious, says Berry, who was appointed city attorney for Atlanta in April 2017.

Her knowledge of the budgeting process and navigating through Emory accounting were invaluable. We are all better off because of Meredith's service and the generation of leaders with whom she worked and befriended," he says.

Commitment to service runs deep

Serving Emory and its students is something of a family tradition for Honeycutt. She came to Atlanta with her two then-teenage daughters because her older sister was here. Melissa Wade, an Emory alumna, retired in 2015 after 43 years with the university, serving most of that time with the Barkley Forum Center for Debate Education, a unit of Campus Life.

Honeycutt plans to begin her retirement with relocation back to Houston to enjoy more time with her family there. She previewed that return by attending her oldest granddaughters high school graduation in May. She looks forward also to re-engaging with volunteer work in the Baptist church where she grew up, leading Bible studies, among other roles.

Traveling also figures into her retirement goals. Honeycutt has already visited Alaska, Cayman Islands, England, Scotland and Singapore  and is plotting a course to expand that list in the years to come. Perhaps on some of those long flights, she will catch up on another of her passions: reading murder mysteries.

But, after years of working a busy nine-to-five job, will Honeycutt find boredom creeping up on her in retirement? I probably will get antsy after a while, she admits. Then Ill find something to keep me busy, maybe bookkeeping for a school system or something like that.

If Honeycutt makes such a commitment after retirement, few who know her will be surprised. Service to students seems to run in the family. As mentioned, her sister spent four decades with Emory. Their mother taught in the public schools of Texas for 40 years and at a church school for another 10.

Honeycutts supervisor, senior financial analyst Roland C. Witter, her legacy of service to the university and its students when he announced her retirement.

For over two decades, Meredith has been a pillar of the Emory community, often volunteering her time for various campus activities and participating in the culture of Emory, says Witter. During that time, she touched the lives of countless Emory students, many of whom keep in touch long after graduation and visit her whenever they return to campus.
Ready to relax with a good book? Whether you're in the mood for thoughtful poems, intriguing novels or compelling nonfiction, Emory authors have you covered.

Emory faculty published 118 books in 2016  on topics ranging from poetry to physics, pastoral care to public health  and 2017 is already shaping up to be a busy year.

Here are eight recent books written or translated by Emory professors to add to your summer reading list:

White Rage: The Unspoken Truth of our Racial Divide

By Carol Anderson, Charles Howard Candler Professor and Chair of African American Studies

As protests roiled Ferguson, Missouri, in the wake of the shooting death of Michael Brown, a young black man, by a white police officer, many commentators focused on "black rage." Carol Anderson saw something else. In a Washington Post op-ed that quickly went viral, she argued that the crisis was sparked by "white rage against progress," rather than "black rage against cops."

Her book-length exploration of the topic, White Rage: The Unspoken Truth of Our Racial Divide," came out in May 2016 and won this year's National Book Critics Circle Award for criticism. Praised by the judges as "a searing critique of white Americas systematic resistance to African American advancement," her persuasive scholarship traces white opposition to black progress from the Civil War to the present.

The Transmigration of Bodies, by Yuri Herrera

Translated by Lisa Dillman, senior lecturer in the Department of Spanish and Portuguese

With echoes of "Romeo and Juliet" set against the violence of contemporary Mexico, Yuri Herrera's "Transmigration of Bodies" follows its hero, The Redeemer, as he is called upon by two feuding families to broker peace in a city ruined by a plague.

Lisa Dillman won the Best Translated Book Award for fiction for her rendering of Herrera's "Signs Preceding the End of the World"; her July 2016 translation of "The Transmigration of Bodies" from Spanish into English has won praise from the Los Angeles Times and other critics. Her translation of Herrera's "Kingdom Cons" was published June 13.

The Borrowed World

By Emily Leithauser, visiting assistant professor of English

"The Borrowed World," Emily Leithauser's first collection of poems, won the 2015 Able Muse Book Award and was published by Able Muse Press in July 2016. Praised for its unified content, carefully cultivated style, quiet authority and precise descriptions, "The Borrowed World" explores themes of loss and isolation.

Two-term U.S. Poet Laureate Natasha Trethewey describes "The Borrowed World" as "an elegant meditation on inheritance, the vagaries of love and loss, familial relations  with all the devastating implosions within  and our relationship to the past filtered through the flawed lens of memory."

My Search for Ramanujan: How I Learned to Count

By Ken Ono, Asa Griggs Candler Professor of Mathematics

By all counts, Ken Ono is an acclaimed mathematician  unraveling mysteries from the late Indian math genius Ramanujan, chatting about pi with Neil deGrasse Tyson, visiting the White House and serving as the math consultant on a movie about Ramanujan. But that didn't always seem the likely path for the boy who disappointed his "tiger parents" by giving up violin in favor of racing bicycles, then dropping out of high school.

In his memoir, "My Search for Ramanujan: How I Learned to Count," Ono  writing with Amir D. Aczel  chronicles his childhood as the son of Japanese immigrants, his deep fears of failing to live up to their exceedingly high standards, and how he eventually found his way to a successful math career, guided by various mentors and by the story of Ramanujan, who endured significant struggles and whose work now informs Ono's own.

Wild Nights: How Taming Sleep Created Our Restless World

By Benjamin Reiss, professor of English

In "Wild Nights: How Taming Sleep Created Our Restless World," Benjamin Reiss explores how socially constructed rules for human sleep  from when we should sleep to where and with whom we should do it  turned a universal human experience into a cause for worry and frustration.

"What is strangest about these expectations and social rules is that for all of their power today, at most times and in most places in human history, practically no one followed any of them," Reiss notes in the introduction to the book, published in March 2017 to widespread media coverage. Combining insights from history, literature and science, "Wild Nights" explores the diversity of sleep and the impact of efforts to tame it.

The Inner Workings of Life: Vignettes in Systems Biology

By Eberhard O. Voit, professor and Georgia Research Alliance Eminent Scholar in systems biology, Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering at Georgia Tech and Emory University

The field of systems biology  which uses mathematical biology and computational analysis to examine the highly connected systems that make up living things, beginning at the molecular level  has potentially far-reaching implications for our understanding of life.

With chapter titles like "I'd rather be fishin,'" and "Close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades," Eberhard Voit's "The Inner Workings of Life: Vignettes in Systems Biology" presents this complicated science in terms that non-experts can find both understandable and intriguing. As Voit explains in the foreword (dubbed the "Appetizer"), this is not a college textbook. Instead, it's a "curling-up-in-a-hammock-with-milk-and-cookies-in-a-summer-breeze read or maybe a deep-thoughts about the secrets of life at midnight with scotch and candlelight treatise."

Are We Smart Enough to Know How Smart Animals Are?

By Frans de Waal, Charles Howard Candler Professor of Psychology

Many of the traits that humans have used to separate ourselves from animals  such as our use of tools or our sense of self  have come into question as we learn more about what other species can do. Frans de Waal's "Are We Smart Enough to Know How Smart Animals Are?" examines research on dolphins, crows, parrots, wasps, chimpanzees and other animals to challenge our ideas about animal intelligence.

Praising the book as "thoroughly engaging, remarkably informative and deeply insightful," Publisher's Weekly notes that de Waal "teaches readers as much about humankind as he does about our nonhuman relatives." Published in April 2016, it is now available in paperback.

Blue Laws: Selected and Uncollected Poems 1995-2015

By Kevin Young, University Distinguished Professor

Longlisted for the National Book Award and named one of the New York Times' 10 "Best Poetry of 2016" titles, Kevin Young's "Blue Laws" draws from his nine published books and adds a variety of uncollected or unpublished poems. The title, Young explains in the preface, "comes from the traditional, often unenforced laws that restrict behavior on the Sabbath, but also speaks to the blues music that informs America's and my own."

Exploring topics from the personal to the political, "'Blue Laws' demonstrates why Kevin Young is one of the most important poets of his generation," the Washington Post declares.
Is there a First Amendment right to follow President Trumps Twitter account?

UFs Brechner Eminent Scholar in Mass Communication discusses a new constitutional question for the internet age: Should the president be allowed to block someone on Twitter?

President Donald Trumps fondness for criticizing news organizations, heckling journalists and spouting points of public policy via his Twitter account is clear.

News of his nomination of Christopher Wray to be the next FBI director, for example, came by tweet. His tweets carry the stamp of government authority: White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer recently declared the president is the president of the United States, so they are considered official statements by the president of the United States.

But just as seemingly everything Trump does and says sparks controversy, so too is the presidents prolific and unpredictable use of Twitter, as one reporter called it, raising a novel question of constitutional law: Is there a First Amendment right to access Trumps Twitter account?

Enter the First Amendment

The issue arises because when Trump objects to what people say about him on Twitter, he sometimes blocks their access to his account. What is blocking? As Twitter describes it:

When you block an account on Twitter, you restrict that accounts ability to interact with your account. It can be an effective way to handle unwanted interactions from accounts you do not want to engage with. Accounts you have blocked will not be able to view your Tweets, following or followers lists, likes, or lists when logged in on Twitter, and you will not receive notifications of mentions directly from those accounts. Youll also stop seeing their Tweets in your timeline.

Now Columbia Universitys Knight First Amendment Institute, which is dedicated to protecting free speech and free press, is threatening to sue Trump unless he unblocks the Twitter accounts of individuals denied access to his account after they criticized or disagreed with him.

In a letter to Trump dated June 6, officials from Knight argue that

Blocking users from your Twitter account violates the First Amendment. When the government makes a space available to the public at large for the purpose of expressive activity, it creates a public forum from which it may not constitutionally exclude individuals on the basis of viewpoint.

Unpacking the argument

Does this argument hold water? As director of the Marion B. Brechner First Amendment Project at the University of Florida, I study just this kind of question. Heres how the case against Trumps blocking unfolds.

Initially, the First Amendment protects free speech and the press from government censorship, as well as the right of citizens to petition the government for a redress of grievances. When people complain to Trump on his Twitter account about his policies, they not only are engaging in free speech, but also are petitioning the government.

The First Amendment, however, doesnt address or prevent censorship imposed by private individuals and private businesses. Twitter is a private entity, but because Trump is a government official, the First Amendment applies. In essence, according to this argument, when Trump blocks people from interacting with him on Twitter, he plays the role of government censor preventing people from speaking and petitioning the government.

In addition, the First Amendment prohibits viewpoint-based censorship of speech. This means that the government cannot favor or suppress sides on any given issue or topic. It cannot allow one viewpoint to be expressed but not another. For example, a law permitting only pro-life speech on the topic of abortion and banning pro-choice expression is viewpoint-based and thus unconstitutional.

When Trump blocks access to his Twitter account for those who disagree with him but permits access for those who agree with him, he is engaging in viewpoint-based censorship.

Third, the rule against viewpoint-based censorship applies when the government (in this case, Trump) creates what is called a public forum for speech. There are two main kinds of public forum. The first  called a traditional public forum  is easy to understand. These venues include physical spaces such as public sidewalks and public parks where speech, such as rallies, protests and concerts, have occurred for many decades. Twitter clearly is not such a traditional public forum.

The Knight Institute, however, argues in its letter to the president that Trumps Twitter account constitutes a designated public forum, a space created by the government specifically for speech. Imagine, for instance, a bulletin board inside city hall or a courthouse where people can post flyers about upcoming events. Essentially, Trumps Twitter account is akin to a virtual bulletin board. People who are blocked cannot respond directly to him. They cannot, by analogy, use the bulletin board.

Jameel Jaffer, executive director of Knight First Amendment Institute, asserts that while the framers of the First Amendment in 1791

surely didnt contemplate presidential Twitter accounts, they understood that the President must not be allowed to banish views from public discourse simply because he finds them objectionable. Having opened this forum to all comers, the President cant exclude people from it merely because he dislikes what theyre saying.

Public forums in the modern age

But is his Twitter account a designated public forum? This is the tricky part of Knights case against Trump, were it to file a lawsuit. Twitter has more than 300 million active users each month. It is a vibrant, virtual space where people  Trump included  engage in often robust discussion about political issues. Trumps first address to Congress, for example, spawned more than three million tweets. By these measures, its a modern-day public forum, yet its not run by the government.

Trumps own account, however, is run by the government  namely, himself. Thats the argument that the designated public forum label applies and, in turn, that Trumps blockage of users based on their viewpoints is unconstitutional.

Any claim that @realDonaldTrump is his personal account (not his official one, @POTUS) and does not represent the government has been conceded by the White House already: Remember Spicers statement that Trumps tweets are official statements by the president of the United States.

If Trump does not comply with Knights request to unblock users, Knight may sue. That would give both Knight and Trump the opportunity to break new First Amendment ground on public forums in the digital era. And if Knight prevails and expands free speech rights to clarify that government officials on Twitter cant block interactions with other users, it would be a most ironic outcome for a president who often takes aim at the First Amendment.

This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.
The alleged abduction and conversion of a minor Hindu girl in Pakistan's Thar district has triggered a wave of anger among members of the area's Hindu community. Ravita Meghwar, 16, had allegedly been abducted by men from the Syed community of Wanharo village near Nagarparkar area of the district, on June 6th. On Thursday, the girl, along with "husband" Nawaz Ali Shah, had met local journalists in Umerkot to "inform" them of her consent in both embracing Islam and her marriage. She claimed to have embraced Islam in the presence of an Islamic preacher, near the Samarro town of Umerkot district. On Friday, the girl once again claimed to journalists in Islamkot that she had not been kidnapped but had eloped with Shah. She also demanded protection for both herself and her husband. However, the Hindu community, along with the girl's family, has insisted that she was kidnapped and forced to convert. Satram Das Meghwar, Ravita's father, has alleged that influential members of the Syed community had kidnapped his daughter after giving sleeping pills to the family. He alleged that despite frequent appeals, the Thar police avoided tracing the girl till she was forced to convert. According to the marriage certificate issued by the preacher, "The girl is eighteen years old, can marry the person of her choice and her Islamic name is Gulnar". The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz lawmaker from Thar and the chief of the Pakistan Hindu Council, Ramesh Kumar Vankwani, has expressed his concern over the alleged abduction and the subsequent conversion of Ravita. "A Hindu girl below 18 years of age cannot be converted according to the Hindu Marriage Act," he said. --IANS ahm/vt ( 289 Words) 2017-06-16-16:20:11 (IANS)
Trendybharat.com is a pioneering example of a digital platform catering to local craftsmen and artisans of the country. It showcases the rich heritage of India through variety of products like ethnic clothing with traditional Indian embroideries, handicrafts from different regions of the country, handloom and textiles, paintings and much more. The exotic products unique to Indian culture are finding place on a digital platform like Trendybharat.com and are carrying the rewards on to the real crafts-persons. The awareness among customers has also increased due to the exposure these products are getting through the internet. "The overwhelming response to our 'Bharat ek Khoj' section on Trendybharat.com encouraged us to explore the opportunity further. The demand for authentic and indigenous crafts of India, in countries like USA, Canada, UK and Singapore led us to expand our market and launch a curated collection from India in these countries," said founder and CEO Trendybharat, Varinder Singh Jawanda. The demand for the quintessentially Indian crafts and products has always been there. It is now that a digital platform like Trendybharat.com is making these special products available to a more international clientele. The e-retailers are not only exhibiting a special glimpse of the rich Indian heritage and giving them due exposure and recognition, but are also catering to a high demand for these exquisite pieces at a much wider platform. Especially countries like USA, Canada, UK, and Singapore, that have exposure to Indian culture and widespread admiration for it, are the ideal markets for this expansion. This move will not only take Trendybharat.com to the international market, but will also contribute to the expansive reach and recognition of India's prized craft heritage on a global level. (ANI)
According to a report in Investopedia on Thursday, Microsoft made the investment through its venture capital arm Microsoft Ventures, while Intel did it through Intel Capital.

Element AI, that came on the scene eight months ago, is a platform to help companies of all sizes build AI into their businesses and it has raised $102 million.

Element AI will use the funding to hire more employees, to invest in big AI projects and to acquire start-ups in the space.

"Artificial Intelligence is a 'must have' capability for global companies," Jean-Franois Gagn, CEO Element AI, was quoted as saying.

"Without it, they are competitively impaired if not at grave risk of being obsoleted in place," he added.

Microsoft has earlier also backed a company that focused on AI. In May, it co-led a $7.6 million venture capital round of funding for Bonsai, the Berkeley, California-based AI start-up, and invested in Agolo, a New York City-based AI start-up.

NVIDIA is in the early stages of transitioning from a maker of PC graphics chips to a leader in AI, which could drive future growth, said Citi analyst, Atif Malik.

"Element AI will benefit by continuing to leverage NVIDIA's high performance GPUs and software at large scale to solve some of the world's most challenging issues," Jeff Herbst, Vice President Business Development at NVIDIA, said.

--IANS qd/pgh/bg

( 257 Words)

2017-06-16-11:42:10 (IANS)
Sangma, who held a review meeting with Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) officials on Thursday, said the proposed Shillong-Sohra railway link would provide new opportunities for the state and the people who would utilise the railway for high-end tourism destination and as separate facility for farmers.

Sohra, known as one of the wettest places on the earth, is about 50 km from Shillong, the state capital.

In 1895-96, the British provincial government of united Assam built the Cherra (Sohra) Companyganj State Railways and it was one of the first railway projects of that era.

It was a contemporary of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railways or the "Toy Train" now listed as World Heritage.

"It will be the most sought after train ride for people who would like to visit Meghalaya again and again. This will also provide a kind of train ride for couples enjoying their honeymoon or others celebrating their anniversary in the midst of beauty and nature," Sangma told media persons.

The Meghalaya government's proposal for the Shillong-Sohra railway line is significant in the wake of the violent protests in Khasi-Jaintia Hills region opposing the ongoing railway project connecting Meghalaya's Byrnihat in Ri Bhoi district with Assam's Tetelia in Kamrup district.

Railways have been opposed in Meghalaya by the Khasi Students' Union, claiming that it would encourage influx.

"I have asked the railway authorities to work out modalities for putting in place facilities that would dispel apprehensions over influx and illegal immigrants," Sangma said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had inaugurated the first railway station at Mendipathar in the Garo Hills on November 30, 2014.

The 19.47 km railway line will connect Mendipathar to Dudhnoi in Assam's Goalpara district.

--IANS rrk/ksk/dg

( 312 Words)

2017-06-16-14:36:11 (IANS)
South Korea has lauded the economic reforms in India and expressed its belief that the latter is well on its way to becoming a true economic power and added that it will be a special partner in that. This was conveyed by South Korean President Moon Jae-in during his meeting with Finance Minister Arun Jaitley here on Thursday. "President Moon lauded the bold economic reforms in India and shared his belief that India was on its way to becoming a true economic power. In the process, he hoped that South Korea would be a special partner and that the special strategic partnership would continue to grow," the Finance Ministry said in a statement on Friday. Moon said there was a strong will on both sides in building the bilateral ties. He noted the presence of India's highly skilled professionals in Korea and hoped that such partnerships would continue to help both countries grow. Underlining immense opportunities for the two countries, Jaitley said India and Korea should forge partnerships in infrastructure investment and manufacturing. Earlier in the day, Jaitley had separate meetings with the CEO of Samsung Electronics, Chairman of Hyosung Group, Managing Director of Hanwha Group, Chairman of Doosan Heavy Industries and the CEO of Hyundai Rotem. He also separately met leaders of Korea's financial industry, including CEOs and CIOs of the Korean Investment Corporation, Korea Post, KB Financial Group, Shinhan Group, Woori Bank, Mirae Asset, Nonghyup and Military Mutual Aid. Later, Jaitley delivered the key note address at an India-Korea business meeting, co-hosted by the Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), Embassy of India and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). "Over a hundred representatives of Korean business and industry were in attendance," the statement read. --IANS mm-vsc/nir/dg ( 303 Words) 2017-06-16-17:40:11 (IANS)
According to the AIIB press release, the third annual meeting of the AIIB's board of governors will be held in Mumbai, India, in June 2018. India is AIIB's second-largest shareholder, Xinhua news agency reported.

"We appreciate the strong support provided by the Indian government," said Sir Danny Alexander, vice president and corporate secretary at the AIIB.

Indian Finance Minister Arun Jaitley noted that his country would be honoured to become the host country for the third AIIB annual meeting.

The first annual meeting was held in Beijing last year. The second meeting, which would last for two days through Saturday, was launched in South Korea's southern resort island of Jeju.

Officially launched in January 2016, the Beijing-based AIIB is a multilateral development bank initiated by China and supported by a wide range of countries and regions, which will provide financing for infrastructure improvement in Asia.

--IANS mm/ahm/vt

( 184 Words)

2017-06-16-18:22:20 (IANS)
Amid the ensuing unrest, sporadic violence demonstrations in the north Bengal hills, a delegation of Gorkha Janamukti Morcha lawmakers on Friday met West Bengal Governor Keshri Nath Tripathi to inform him about the situation in the hills. "Three of our MLAs - Amar Singh Rai, Sarita Rai and Rohit Sharma - went to meet the governor today (Friday) to inform him about the present situation in the hills and the demand of the local people," GJM General Secretary Roshan Giri told IANS. "I am not completely aware of the conversation between them as I am in Delhi. The Ggovernor should be made aware of people's suffering in the hills and the state government's extreme measures to curb any form of movement in the region," he said. After Thursday's massive clash between police and the GJM activists following a raid at the Party chief Bimal Gurung's house, the Darjeeling hills continues to be tense with rallies and counter rallies, both by the Morcha activists and state ruling party throughout Friday. Early on Friday morning, the GJM supporters torched a panchayat office at Mirik, a hydro electric supply office at Lodhama in Darjeeling and a health centre in Rimbik-Lodhama. Accusing police of high handedness and oppression, the women wing of GJM took out a rally in Darjeeling town in the afternoon. The activists carrying Indian national flag were seen shouting slogans in demand of the separate state of Gorkhaland. However, they were stopped mid way by police and central forces. Countering the GJM rally, the Trinamool Congress members took out a protest rally in Darjeeling district's Mirik sub-division, a party stronghold after its victory in the recent municipal elections. Blaming the GJM for continuous violence and arson in the hills, the participants in the rally demanded the removal of Gurung. Slogans like "Bimal Gurung Dur Haato" (Bimal Gurung Go away) were shouted from the gathering. The hotels mostly remained shut throughout the day. A long queue could be seen at the bus station as tourists and hotel workers prepared to leave the hills. Local administration arranged bus services so that stranded tourists could get to Siliguri. Meanwhile, the activists of the Gorkha National Liberation Front, a Trinamool Congress ally in the last state assembly election, and Jana Andolan Party (JAP) hit the streets supporting the GJM sponsored indefinite shutdown in the hills. "The state government's policy is alienating them more and more from the people in the hills. This is not a good sign," JAP chief Harka Bahadur Chettri said, and urged the state government to start a discussion with the local parties in the hills. "It seems that there is a clash of ego between the state government and GJM. there should be meetings and discussions in the hills to sort out the situation. No political solution can be achieved through police action," he added. --IANS mgr/vd ( 489 Words) 2017-06-16-19:18:16 (IANS)
In a news release, Amazon said it would acquire the upscale supermarket chain for $42 a share in an all-cash transaction that includes that company's net debt, Efe news reported.

Whole Foods, founded in 1978, has more than 460 stores in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, employs 87,000 people and is the leading natural and organic foods supermarket.

"Millions of people love Whole Foods Market because they offer the best natural and organic foods, and they make it fun to eat healthy," Amazon's founder and Chief Executive Officer Jeff Bezos said.

The supermarket chain will continue to operate stores under the Whole Foods Market brand and John Mackey will remain the company's CEO, the release said.

The transaction is subject to approval by Whole Foods Market's shareholders, regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions, but the parties expect to close the transaction in the second half of 2017, it added.

--IANS soni/dg

( 189 Words)

2017-06-16-20:04:21 (IANS)
Vaswani and Banga will replace Sandeep Dadlani, President and Head of MRCL, who is leaving the company.

The new appointments will be effective from July 15.

"I have tremendous faith in their passion for client success and their ability to help clients see and achieve their digital aspirations. I am confident that our RCL and Manufacturing businesses will thrive under their leadership," said Infosys CEO Vishal Sikka in a statement.

Vaswani and Banga have held strategic portfolios across Infosys for nearly a decade.

In a related development, the global software major appointed Inderpreet Sawhney as Group General Counsel from July 3.

"Inderpreet joins Infosys from Wipro where she was the General Counsel. Prior to that, she was Managing Partner of a mid-sized law firm in the Silicon Valley and with ITC Ltd as in-house counsel," said the city-based company in the statement.

A double graduate in Arts and Law from Delhi University, Sawhney did Master's in Law (LL.M) from Queen's University at Kingston in Canada.

"Inderpreet has global experience over a career spanning 24 years and her expertise will be integral to the transformation journey we are on," Sikka said in the statement.

Acting General Counsel Gopi Krishnan Radhakrishnan is leaving the company later this month to pursue other opportunities.

--IANS qd/fb/tsb/vt

( 250 Words)

2017-06-16-21:08:21 (IANS)
The 41-year-old actress and her 13-year-old son headed on an outdoor adventure to Canada earlier this week. Witherspoon took to Instagram on Wednesday to share photos from their mother-son excursion, reports etonline.com.

"Wilderness buddy," Witherspoon captioned the selfie.

"River kayaking adventure! We survived, Canada, Stay wild," Witherspoon wrote in another Instagram slideshow.

Last year, the wilderness buddies took a special hiking trip to British Columbia and documented their exploration on social media.

--IANS nn/rb

( 99 Words)

2017-06-16-05:56:20 (IANS)
A day after Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath claimed that he would oust the ruling grand alliance led by Nitish Kumar from Bihar by 2020, the Janata Dal (United) said that the former should stop dreaming and focus on the worsening situation in his state. "If Yogi Adityanath is dreaming about changing the government in Bihar then firstly he should focus on Uttar Pradesh situation. Earlier, also BJP failed to form government in Bihar and this time again it will be repeated," JD(U) leader Rajeev Ranjan told ANI. However, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader S. Prakash, backed Adityanath's assertion saying that the saffron party would come to power in Bihar by 2020. "Situation in Bihar is worsening and many scams have been exposed conducted by Lalu Prasad Yadav and his gang. Nitish Kumar is mute spectator to all that and no action has been taken. BJP which is the main opposition in Bihar will certainly exploit the weakness of ruling party and ensure that it come back to power by 2020," Prakash told ANI. He further said that Adityanath would play a major role in Bihar elections and his influence will certainly change the fortune. Adityanath earlier on Thursday took a dig at the JD (U)-RJD alliance Government in Bihar and said that soon his government will oust the 'bizarre' combination dispensation. While addressing a gathering here, Adityanath said, "Nature will not accept this mismatch alliance. A cleanliness drive will be conducted to oust this alliance." Quoting poet Rahim, Adityanath said, "Whenever I see duo Nitish ji and Lalu ji, it feels like "keh Rahim kaise nibhey, Ber Ker ka sang." The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister also asserted that he will ensure that there will be a BJP government in Bihar in 2020. According to reports, after the debacle BJP faced in the 2015 Bihar assembly polls, BJP president Amit Shah has decided to display Adityanath as the new Hinduvta champion to challenge and counter the Lalu-Nitish alliance. (ANI)
The police yesterday raided GJM chief Bimal Gurung's office and recovered arms, arrows and cash.

Gurung earlier had said that the police were working like the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) cadre and the fight wouldn't stop even if all Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel of country were sent to Darjeeling.

"The police work like TMC cadre. Even if all CRPF personnel of country are sent here, our fight won't stop," Gurung said.

Earlier, as many as six parties including the GJM and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) adopted a resolution for a separate Gorkhaland state.

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) did not attend the meeting.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is monitoring the situation developing in Darejeeling.

Inculpating the ruling TMC for the ongoing protest in Darjeeling by the GJM, the BJP accused the state government of alienating the community, which resultsed in them facing an identity crisis.

"The Gorkhas belong to India, but the state government has alienated them to such an extent that they lost their belief of belonging to this country. It is the identity crisis which has initiated such violence," BJP state vice president Chandra Kumar Bose told ANI.

Bose held the state government responsible for the escalated tension in Darjeeling and said that the ruling regime cannot solve this issue by simply providing some funds and forming the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA).

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has branded the GJM protest as 'abhorrent' and appealed to the people of the region to maintain peace.

The GJM supporters are also protesting against the alleged imposition of Bengali in the schools of the hills. (ANI)
Arson continued in the Hills of Darjeeling for the second day today as suspected pro-Gorkhaland activists setting afire government property to retaliate police raid on GJM supremo Bimal Gurung's office, even as the Centre rushed 400 more para-military forces and the West Bengal government deputed seven more IPS officers toreign in violent movement for separate state for Gorkhas. Reports reaching here said suspected Gorkha activists torched two panchayet offices in Mirik, power station at Lodhama, forest office at Tarkhola in Kalimpong, and two other places since overnight to enforce total strike, called immediately after police raid at Gurung'soffice at Patlebas near Darjeeling town yesterday morning. Latest report of arson in hills happened after the pro-Gorkhand supporters attacked policemen, burnt two NBSTC buses, a media vehicle, a police outpost and a government office, Despite deployment of six columns of Army, ten companies of para-military forces in addition to state armed and combat forces, the overall situation in the Hills was volcanic and tense following increasing reports of arson. The West Bengal government refused to cow down in the face of increasing violence in the Hills with the Gorkha supporters demanding statehood for them. Nabanna, the State Secretariat, ordered dispatch of seven more IPS officials in addition to four IPS officials stationed in Darjeeling.MORE UNI XC-PC SJC -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0212-936635.Xml
Three people were today killed and some other feared trapped when heaped of coal ash slid and buried them alive as they were illegally picking burned coal near Bhanora open coal mine under Eastern Coalfields Limited in West Bengal's Asansol, official sources in rescue operation said. Local Councillor Naredra Murmu, representing Ward No 14, said that while the three people were killed, some other feared trapped under the debris. The accident happened at dawn while many people were seen picking up half-burned coals from heap of ashes and caused gap underneath resulting slide and trapped of the victims. Police and officials of the ECL arrived at the scene of accident and started moving out debris in search of trapped victims.UNI XC-PC AKM -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0213-936664.Xml
Salem, who was extradited from Portugal in 2005, was charged with supplying the arms and ammunition, including the deadly RDX, which were used in the blasts.

Besides Salem, four others have also been found guilty under various charges in the same case, as the Special Court delivers its verdict on Friday.

--IANS qn/rn

( 89 Words)

2017-06-16-13:26:14 (IANS)
Strongly condemning the Andhra Pradesh government for unilaterally constructing a check dam across river Kusa at Nelavayl in Chittoor District, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edapaddi K Palaniswami today urged his AP counterpart N Chandrababu Naidu to stop the works immediately. In a Demi-official letter to Mr Naidu, he said the unilateral action of the authorities in Andhra Pradesh has caused great alarm and apprehensionamongst the farmers in Tamil Nadu. The Kusa river, a sub-tributary of Kosasthalaiyar river, supports anayacut of about 354.32 acres fed by the Veligaram tank in Tamil Nadu. ''Any intervention of the flow to this tank is of great concern to the farmers who depend on the waters of this tank'', he added. Stating that the AP Government should have consulted and obtained prior consent of the lower riparian State of Tamil Nadu before commencing any new work across the river Kusa, Mr Palaniswami sai this action of the authorities in Andhra Pradesh would affect the natural flow in the stream or channel taking off from it and would obstruct the flow to the Veligaram tank in the lower riparian State of Tamil Nadu. ''In these circumstances, the Government of Tamil Nadu lodges its strong protest against the action of the Government of Andhra Pradesh in having unilaterally commenced the work for the construction of a Check Dam at Nelavayl, Karvet Nagar Mandal in Chittoor District'', he added. Mr Palaniswami sought Mr Naidu's intervention on the matter and urgedhim to instruct the officials concerned to stop the construction activities of the Check Dams at Nelavayl Village and also not to take up any diversionworks/check dam works across Kusa or in any tributaries or subtributariesof Kosasthalaiyar river without obtaining the prior concurrence of theTamil Nadu Government and also to furnish full details of the Check Damunder construction/proposed to be constructed in the sub-tributaries,tributaries in the Kosasthalaiyar river.UNI GV CS 1329 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0275-936801.Xml
With the Uttar Pradesh Government giving its nod for the dissolution of Shia and Sunni Waqf Boards in the wake of corruption charges against them, Waqf and Minority Affairs Minister Laxmi Narayan Chaudhary on Friday said there is a need for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe of these institutions. "We have got complaints against the Waqf Board from every city and town in Uttar Pradesh. Yogi Adityanath has written to the Centre for a CBI investigation. This is a huge scam of approximately Rs. 1000 crore," Chaudhary told ANI. He added that the Central Waqf Council (CWC) has given evidence against both Shia and Sunni Waqf boards' chairmen, adding one former minister is also involved in the matter. "We did a Prima Facie probe which showed the involvement of the chairmen of both the boards. Therefore, I wrote to the Chief Minister asking to remove both the chairmen," he asserted. The Uttar Pradesh government on Thursday announced the dissolution of the Shia and Sunni waqf boards in the state in the wake of corruption charges against them. The chairman of the Shia Waqf Board, Wasim Rizvi, along with minister for waqf in the previous Samajwadi Party Government, Azam Khan, came under the scanner after an inquiry was conducted by the Waqf Council of India. A report submitted to the Uttar Pradesh Government by the fact-finding committee of the Central Waqf Council (CWC) had indicted Khan framing charges of corruption, mismanagement and misuse of office against him. The report states how Khan being a minister misused his position to grab properties under the boards. It also said that he started a trust named 'Maulana Johar Ali Education Trust', through which he diverted funds from waqf properties to it. The report pointed out discrepancies in maintaining rent collection records on Waqf properties. The report recommended dissolving of the Uttar Pradesh waqf board immediately and a prohibition on the entry of accused in waqf offices till the investigation is pending. Meanwhile, Khan has stated that the allegations against him are baseless. (ANI)
Lal Baske, a villager, was killed in a gun battle with the security forces in Pirtand jungle of Giridih district on June 9.

Former Chief Minister and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) Executive President Hemant Soren, who met Baske's family members, said the "encounter was fake".

"Jharkhand government is getting innocent tribals living in jungles killed in the name of Maoists. We demand a judicial probe or CBI inquiry into the encounter. The family members should be given Rs 25 lakh as compensation," he told reporters.

Police described the killed villager as a hardcore Maoist guerrilla.

After Baske's death, his family members and villagers raised the issue of fake encounter.

Even banned Maoist group, Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist), has in a statement denied that Baske was a member of the group as termed by police.

He was running a tea shop on Parasnath hill. According to family members, Baske had on the day of the shootout gone to the jungle to collect wood.

The Congress party has termed the "innocent" villager's killing as unfortunate.

"Jharkhand was created for the welfare of people living in this region, particularly the tribal people. Now, innocent tribal people are being killed in the name of anti-Maoist operation. We demand a judicial probe into the encounter by a sitting judge of the High Court," Jharkhand Congress General Secretary Alok Dubey told IANS.

--IANS ns/amit/rn

( 270 Words)

2017-06-16-14:20:24 (IANS)
A high-level delegation of US Embassy today met senior Uttar Pradesh BJP leader Vijay Bahadur Pathak and enquired him about the party's future plan and the Yogi Adityanath government performance and future actions. The meeting at the state party headquarters here, which lasted for around 45 minutes, covered almost all issues, mostly political, with the US officials showing their interest on how the BJP government would tackle law and order, corruption and how it will provide loan waive off to farmers. The delegation was led by its North India Office Director Jonathan Kessler along with political officer Jake Miner and Cultural Affairs Specialist Robin Bansal. Mr Pathak narrated the delegation in detail about the achievements of the Yogi Adityanath government in just around three months of the rule with giving emphasis on law and order, corruption and development. "In this just short period, the government has started showing its works with setting the government system in place after it had crumbled during the past 15 years of misrule. Corruption was rampant in the state in past 15 years with not a single project left with corruption." When the delegation asked about the lack of experience of Mr Adityanath in governance, Mr Pathak said, "Narendra Modi was also elected first time as MP but as a PM his capability was also admired by US and other countries. Similarly, Yogiji along with his two deputies Keshav Prasad Maurya and Dinesh Sharma are first timers in the governance but they too will create a record by giving good governance." To a query about how the UP government will manage the funds to waive off the farm loan, the BJP leader said, "We have already discussed the issue and have planned accordingly. We have arranged the funds and after the budget session, the farmers would start getting the benefit." However, the US delegation's question on law and order, the BJP leader said, "It is just three months time, let the government complete one year, then you will witness a major change." "Law and order is related to corruption and in both these fronts, the Yogi government had started working and we are expected to get results soon," he said. Mr Pathak added that several schemes of the previous Akhilesh Yadav government are full of corruption including the Gomti River Front project. "Every thing is being taking care of and the government was ordering CBI probes in several projects." Later, the BJP leader also honored the US delegation with offering them saffron scarfs.UNI MB SW ADG 1354 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0196-936772.Xml
Janata Dal (Secular) today demand theCongress government in Karnataka to immediately announce waiver offarm loans as farmers were in distress and the government should notwait till he took to the streets leading to violence. Speaking during the debate on demands of budget for variousdepartments, JD(S) floor leader H D Kumaraswamy said the Congressand the BJP leaders should stop the wordy duel on who should pay thefarm loans, whether the union or the state government. Farmers were in distress. It was inevitable that their farmloans are written off immediately. The state government shouldstrive hard to bring confidence in the minds of the farmers as it isits duty. Farmers have come to the streets in major states demandingloan waiver and violence is being witnessed. But in Karnataka thereis peace because farmers are peace lovers. Before the farmers comeon the streets the government should take a definite stand of loanwrite-off. Otherwise the farmer suicide cases, which have alreadyreached the record level, will further increase and it may also leadto violence, he warned. Agreeing with the JD(S) leader, Health Minister Ramesh Kumarsaid he supported the issue and all farm loans disbursed both fromcooperative banks controlled by the State government as well as thePSU commercial banks coming under the Union government should bewritten off. Majority of farmers avail loans from commercial banks.The problem cannot be solved only if the State government waivesfarm loans in Cooperative banks, he said. He said these commercial banks were not doing enough to bringdown the NPA rates and credit extended to big commercial houses wereturning into increasing bad debts. But the bank officials know onlyhow to harass the farmer who had failed to repay loan due to cropfailure and severe drought conditions, he said Intervening, Congress member K Shadakshari said running thecooperative banks have become increasingly difficult as the funds inthese banks have been locked up due to low repayment of the loans.These banks have not been able to even pay wages to the employees. He said Mr Kumaraswamy assured that he would write off farm loanswithin 24 hours if he becomes the next chief minister. But it iseasier said than done, he said in a jibe pointing at the formerchief minister. Mr Kumaraswamy hit back saying that the member should not talklightly while the farmers were in distress. This led to a wordy duelbetween the two members. The JD(S) leader said he would take thefarm loan waiver issue as a challenge. The government should collectpending tax dues from defaulters. It had served a notice to amining baron for Rs 510 crore of outstanding taxes. But thegovernment is sitting helpless against the stubborn defaulter, hesaid with an indirect reference to former minister and mining baronJanardhan Reddy. He demanded that the government should make it clear when itwould announce the farm loan waiver. Do you want to do it before theAssembly election. You should take an immediate decision. If itcannot do it it should quit power, he demanded.UNI RS CNR ADB1402 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0284-936849.Xml
''This was implemented as part of our CSR activities of 2016-17for Teppadabeguru mini water shed benefiting 35 villages. Theseprojects will help in reviving dried natural water resources and thenatural habitat of the region'' he said at the handing over eventheld at Arashinakunte village near here.

The rejuvenation work at Teppadabeguru included planting ofsaplings (5000), recharging of wells (79) and borewells (9),creation of water pools (15) and boulder checks (79). In all, in thepast three years, HAL planted 20,000 saplings, built 50 water pools,recharged 36 borewells and 281 wells besides carrying-outboulder-checks (281) in the region that covers Tavarekere,Thyamagondlu, Mondigere, Teppadabeguru mini-watersheds.

Kumudvathi is a tributary to river Arkavathi and originates fromShivagange hills in Nelamangala taluk of Bangalore Rural District.Both Arkavathi and Kumudvathi flow into Tippagondanhalli Reservoirwhich was serving 30-40 per cent water requirements of Bangalorethree decades ago. At present there is scanty inflow from the riverKumudvathi. The scanty inflow is due to degradation of naturalvegetation, soil erosion, and over-exploitation of ground water. Thecatchment area covers about 460 sq km, 278 villages and isclassified into 18 mini-watersheds for rejuvenation work.

HAL as part of its CSR has been sponsoring rejuvenation work ofMini Watersheds through International Association of Human Values(IAHV). Rejuvenation helps in revival of defunct borewells and openwells, protect drinking water sources, leads to agro-horticulturedevelopments, increases natural vegetation and eco-hydrological conservation. UNI CNR MSP CS 1500

-- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0284-936944.Xml
She took over from Ar. Athithan, Distinguished Scientist andDirector General (MED) who was holding the Additional charge asDirector after the voluntary retirement of S H Sanjay Burman,Distinguished scientist and former Director, a DRDO release heretoday.

Mrs Theodore joined LRDE, DRDO in 1984 and later CAIR, DRDO in2000. She graduated from the University of Madras in Electronics andCommunication Engineering in the year 1984. She completed her postgraduation from the prestigious institute of IISc, Bangalore inRobotics in the year 1991. In her stint at both LRDE and CAIR, shehas contributed and led projects in the field of Net Centric C3Isystems, Communication Systems and System Quality Assurance.

Mrs Manimozhi Theodore was awarded the DRDO PerformanceExcellence Award (2007) and Scientist of the Year Award (2010).Armed with her expertise and leadership skills she is poised to takeCAIR to greater heights with meaningful user interactions and focuson delivery to the Nation at large.UNI CNR MSP CS 1458

-- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0284-936957.Xml
The GJM has been leading a violent agitation in Darjeeling against mandatory teaching of Bengali in government schools.

The court also asked the West Bengal Government to submit an interim report on the amount of damage caused by the GJM protest.

Principal Secretary Sanjay Mitra has been asked to submit the report within two days.

Meanwhile, violence continues to erupt in Darjeeling where state transport has been badly hit by the strike called by the GJM.

Police on Thursday recovered a cache of arms, arrows and cash during raids conducted at various GJM locations.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is monitoring the situation in Darjeeling.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has accused the state government of alienating the Gorkha community and creating in them an identity crisis.

As many as six parties including the GJM and the BJP have adopted a resolution for a separate Gorkhaland state.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has branded the GJM protest as 'abhorrent' and appealed to the people of the region to maintain peace. (ANI)
In a bureaucratic reshuffle, the Government has moved 22 bureaucrats in different ministries, including Department of Health and Family Welfare and Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the following appointments: Ms Gayatri Mishra, CSS, as Joint Secretary, Department of Health and Family Welfare, from the date of assumption of the charge of the post, for a tenure of five years or until further orders, whichever is earlier vice Mr K L Sharma, CSS. Mr Bipul Pathak, IAS (JK:1992), as Joint Secretary, Ministry of Mines, from the date of assumption of the charge of the post, for a tenure of five years or until further orders, whichever is earlier vice Mr Nikunja Bihari Dhal, IAS(OR:1993). Mr Prasanta Kumar Swain, IPoS(1987), as Joint Secretary, Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare, from the date of assumption of the charge of the post, for a tenure of five years or upto his superannuation on 30.06.2022 or until further orders, whichever is the earliest vice Mr Shakil P Ahammed, IAS (AM:1995). Mr Sanjiv Narain Mathur, IRAS(1992), as Joint Secretary, Department of Pension and Pensioners' Welfare, from the date of assumption of the charge of the post, for a tenure of five years or until further orders, whichever is earlier vice Ms Vandana Sharma, ICAS(1984). Ms Aarti Ahuja, IAS (OD:1990), as Joint Director (JS level), Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), Mussoorie under the Department of Personnel and Training, from the date of assumption of the charge of the post, for a tenure of five years (which is further extendable as per extant policy) or until further orders, whichever is earlier vice Ms. Jaspreet Talwar, IAS (PB:1995). Mr Shiv Das Meena, IAS (TN:1989), as Joint Secretary, Ministry of Urban Development, from the date of assumption of the charge of the post, for a tenure of five years or until further orders, whichever is earlier vice Mr Neeraj Mandloi, IAS (MP:1993). Mr Vipin Chandra, IRS (IT:1987), as Joint Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences, from the date of assumption of the charge of the post, for a tenure of five years or upto his superannuation on 30.06.2022 or until further orders, whichever is the earliest vice Mr Anand Singh Khati, IRPS(1984); (the officer will assume charge on completion of tenure of the present incumbent.) Mr Dharmendra Singh Gangwar, IAS (BH:1988), as Joint Secretary, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, from the date of assumption of the charge of the post, for a tenure of five years or until further orders, whichever is earlier, by temporarily downgrading an AS level post (vice Mr JP Meena, IAS (AM:1983) for two years or until further orders, whichever is earlier. Mr Dhananjay Kumar, IDAS(1993), as Additional Secretary (JS level), Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) under the Department of Personnel & Training from the date of assumption of the charge of the post, for a tenure of five years or until further orders, whichever is earlier vice Mr MP Tangirala, IP&TA&FS (1990). Ms Alka Nangia Arora, IDAS (1991), as Joint Secretary, Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises, from the date of assumption of the charge of the post, for a tenure of five years or until further orders, whichever is earlier vice Shri Manoj Joshi, IAS (KL:1989). Premature repatriation of Mr Bishwanath Sinha, IAS (KL:1992), Joint Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change to his cadre with immediate effect without imposition of condition of extended cooling off. Mr Jigmet Takpa, IFoS (JK:1990), as Joint Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, from the date of assumption of the charge of the post, for a tenure of five years or until further orders, whichever is earlier vice Mr Bishwanath Sinha, IAS(KL:1992). Mr Ravinder, IAS (UP:99), as Joint Secretary, Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion, from the date of assumption of the charge of the post, for the balance tenure of overall five years of central deputation period that is upto 18.03.2019 from the date of joining or until further orders, whichever is earlier, by temporarily upgrading a newly created post of DS/Director level for two years in the Department; Ms Neelam Sanghi, IRAS(1989), as Joint Secretary & FA, Department of Posts, from the date of assumption of the charge of the post, for a tenure of five years or until further orders, whichever is earlier vice Ms Saroj Punhani, IA&AS (1984); (the officer shall assume charge on completion of tenure of the present incumbent.) Mr Sandeep Sarkar, IDAS(1995), as Joint Secretary, Cabinet Secretariat, from the date of assumption of the charge of the post, for a tenure of five years or until further orders, whichever is earlier, by temporarily upgrading a vacant post of DS/Director level, (vice Ms Manju Rajpal, IAS (RJ:2000)), for two years or until a regular JS level vacancy arises, whichever is earlier. Mr Rajeev Verma, IAS (UT:92), presently working as Joint Secretary, in the Ministry of Defence, as Principal Commissioner (Coordination) (JS level), Delhi Development Authority (DDA) under the Ministry of Urban Development, from the date of assumption of the charge of the post, for the balance tenure of overall five years upto 10.11.2018 or until further orders, whichever is earlier, treating the post under Central Staffing Scheme and keeping the RRs in abeyance. Mr Prabodh Seth, IRS (IT:1989), as Joint Secretary, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, from the date of assumption of the charge of the post, for a tenure of five years or until further orders, whichever is earlier vice Mr Awanish K Awasthi, IAS (UP:1987). Ms Saroj Punhani, IA&AS (1984), presently working as Joint Secretary & FA, Dlo Posts, as Secretary (JS level), National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions (NCMEI) under the Department of Higher Education for her balance tenure of combined seven years central deputation that is upto15.04.2019 vice Mr Madhu Ranjan Kumar, IRSS (1984). Mr KL Sharma, CSS, presently working as Joint Secretary, Department of Health & Family Welfare, as Joint Secretary, National Commission for Women under the Ministry of Women and Child Development, from the date of assumption of the charge of the post, for a tenure upto his superannuation on 31.10.2018 or until further orders, whichever is earlier, cancelling the appointment of Ms Chhavi Jha, IRAS(1990). Ms Anindita Sen Gupta, IP&TA&FS (1994), as Additional DGFT (JS level), DGFT, Kolkata under the Department of Commerce, from the date of assumption of the charge of the post, for a tenure of five years or until further orders, whichever is earlier vice Mr P Haldar, CENGS (Roads) (1984). Mr AR Sule, IDAS (1993), presently working as Joint Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs as Joint Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy, Mumbai on lateral shift basis, from the date of assumption of the charge of the post, for the balance tenure of overall five years upto 24.07.2021 or until further orders, whichever is earlier vice Ms Chitra Ramchandran, IAS (TG:1985). Mr Jayant N Khobragade, IFS (1995) as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) (JS level), Department of Atomic Energy, Mumbai, from the date of assumption of the charge of the post, for a tenure of three years or until further orders, whichever is earlier vice Mr Pranay Kumar Verma, IFS (1994).UNI NY RSA SHK 1537 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0099-937006.Xml
Calcutta High Court today ruled theindefinite general strike, called by a regional party in the hills ofDarjeeling, as illegal. A two-judge bench, headed by acting Chief Justice Nishita Nirmal Matre,issued the ruling on the line of an earlier order held by the bench offormer Chief Justice of the high court Arun Mishra. The indefinite general strike, called by Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM) since June 9 to push its demand for Gorkhaland to be carved out of hills of Darjeeling, Dooars and Tarai came before the high court scanner in the wake of a string of public interest litigations challenging the agitation that threatened to disrupt life in the hill resort. The bench asked the state Principal Secretary to file in two weeks areport on the loss and damages of property in the hills caused by theongoing agitation. The case would come for hearing after two weeks.UNI XC SJC -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0212-936983.Xml
According to the police, shooter Jaan Usman Khan has been arrested.

"Usman shot his wife and sister on June 3. He is also wanted in a murder case of 2010. Usman was also arrested in 2015 by Crime Branch in connection with a fake currency case," said police.

The police also said that "Usman has confirmed working for underworld don Abu Salem".

Further investigations are underway. (ANI)
Wheels India Limited (WIL) and the Japanesebased Topy Industries Limited (Topy) today reached an agreement regarding a strategic partnership in the passenger car steel wheels business in India. Under the pact, Topy would acquire a 26 per cent stake in WIL Car Wheels Limited (WCWL), which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of WIL. ''The investment will be made through new issue of equity shares by WCWL to Topy. Subject to relevant regulatory approvals, the transaction is expected to be completed in a few months'', a WIL release here said. WCWL was set up by WIL to carry on the passenger car steel wheel business in India. WIL has entered into agreements to transfer its entire passenger car steel wheel business carried out at its plants in Padi in Chennai and at Bawal in Haryana, on a slump sale basis, to the new company. With this transfer, WCWL will have a leadership position in the passenger car steel wheels segment, catering to all major automobile manufacturers in India as well as to the export segment, the releaseadded. The passenger car steel wheels business reported a turnover of Rs 224.30 crore in FY 2017. It caters to major automotive players in India such as Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai and Ford and already has a leading market share in this segment. Commenting on the strategic partnership, WIL Managing DirectorSrivats Ram said ''the partnership will combine the leadership position already established by Wheels India in the passenger car steel wheel segment in India, with the technology skills and global relationships of Topy.'' ''With this tie up partnership, we are well positioned to build on the already strong platform that has been established by WIL. We believe that this partnership will put the business on a focused growth path and strengthen the existing relationship with Topy as a technology partner'',he added. Topy believes that this strategic partnership would help expand its global footprint, and not only provide a delivery platform for its OE customers across the globe, but also enable it to participate in the growing passenger car wheel segment in India.UNI GV CS 1633 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0275-937138.Xml
President Pranab Mukherjee will be on a two-day visit to Maharashtra and Karnataka from tomorrow."On June 17, the President will address the convocation ceremony of the passing out Engineering Graduate Courses of College of Military Engineering, Pune. On the same day, he will attend a function for dedication of the Metro Phase-I Project to the citizens of Bengaluru at Bengaluru, Karnataka," President's Secretariat said in a statement here today.On June 18, the President will lay the foundation stone of the Super Speciality Hospital of BRS Health and Research Institute at Udupi, Karnataka, the statement added.UNI PY RSA SHK 1636 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0298-937084.Xml
The first operation was led by 2nd-in-Command Santosh Kumar, who rescued six children (three Nepalese and three Indian) and apprehended a trafficker from Bairgania Railway Station in Sitamarhi district of Bihar yesterday.

Simultaneously in another operation led by HBK Singh, Commandant 20th Bn rescued five children (one Nepalese and four Indian) and apprehended two traffickers (Indian) from Sitamarhi railway station.

The rescued children in both Anti-human trafficking operations were being taken to Mumbai by Karambhoomi express train for child labour in plastic bag and garment factories.

The Human traffickers have been handed over to GRP Sitamarhi and a FIR has also been lodged, whereas the rescued children were handed over to Childline NGO.UNI KU SHK 1643

-- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0348-936872.Xml
China's securities regulator said on Friday that it hopes U.S. index provider MSCI will decide next week to include the country's so-called A shares in its Emerging Market Index - but if not, Chinese capital market reform will not be derailed."We would always be happy to see that A shares are included in the MSCI index, and we could welcome such a decision," Zhang Xiaojun, China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) spokesman told a news conference, according to CSRC's official website."Any emerging market index, including MSCI's, would be very incomplete without China stocks."However, Zhang added that whatever the result, the direction of China's capital markets reform, and the pace of the country's opening, will not be changed.MSCI has rejected China's inclusion three times. It is due to announce shortly after 4.30 pm New York time on Tuesday, June 20 - early Wednesday morning in Shanghai - whether to open up its Emerging Markets Index to China shares.Investors and analysts have said a "yes" decision is likely this time, after MSCI proposed in March to change the methodology for a China inclusion.The proposal reduced the weighting of Chinese shares for potential inclusion, cutting the number of stocks to 169 from 448 in a bid to address curbs on repatriating capital from China and concerns over the country's high number of suspended stocks.REUTERS SDR 1656 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0386-937148.Xml
Following misbehavior and violence at Vishakhapatnam Airport by Telugu Desham Party (TDP) Member of Parliament J C Diwakar Reddy, all the domestic airlines today announced the ban on his travel.In a show of unity, all major domestic airlines have barred Reddy from taking their flights, similar to action taken by carriers after the incident involving Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad earlier this year.Full-service carrier Vistara and budget airlines GoAir and AirAsia India barred Reddy from their flights. Air India, SpiceJet and Jet Airways followed IndiGo yesterday, which imposed the flying ban on him.Minister for Civil Aviation Ashok Gajapathy Raju has assured an investigation over the incident. Mr Raju said in a tweet, "I will get the entire incident at Vizag Airport enquired into to find out the exact details and ensure that lawful outcomes follow."He also denied that he intervened into the matter and helped Mr Reddy to get boarded inside the plane. In his another tweet, Mr Raju said, "This is false reporting. There was no such intervention as reported."The MP belongs to Telugu Desam Party, the ruling party in Andhra Pradesh and a part of NDA government at the Centre. As per the reports, it was alleged the MP arrived late at Vishakhapatnam Airport yesterday for his flight to Hyderabad and created a ruckus at the airport and then checked in for the same flight after a call from Mr Raju.The Lok Sabha MP from Anantapur in Andhra Pradesh reached less than 45 minutes before 6E 608 was supposed to take off. His personal staff didn't arrive to collect the boarding board and no such information was present with IndiGo staff as well.UNI ADP RSA SHK 1632 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0429-937010.Xml
Even as the Uttar Pradesh government is leaving no stone unturned for a grand International Yoga Day in the state capital on June 21, which will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the authorities are now a bit worried as the Met Department has forecast rain on that day.Officials said here today that the Lucknow authorities have gone for an alternative arrangement in view of the monsoon showers during the Yoga programme to be held at the Rama Bai maidan near the airport. "We are taking no chance and have prepared ourself for any eventuality even if it rains during the programme," said Lucknow District Magistrate Kaushal Raj Sharma. Except for making a waterproof pandal for the VVIPs, the authorities were helpless in making the same arrangements for the 55,000 people who are slated to do yoga along with the Prime Minister, UP Governor Ram Naik, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Yoga guru Baba Ramdev. The arrival of monsoon has been delayed in the state by a week and weather office has predicted that by next week it will active in the state. The IMD has also predicted that rains are expected on June 21 in Lucknow. However, the first pre-monsoon showers today lashed the Lucknow city along with other parts of the state giving the much-awaited relief to the people from the scorching heat wave conditions. Last year, the last International Yoga Day function was disrupted due to heavy rains. The Prime Minister would be reaching here at 1550 hrs on June 20 and would inaugurate the new buildings of the CDRI and of the AKTU. On the next day, the Prime Minister will attend the yoga programme between 0630 hrs to 0800 hrs and then will fly off to New Delhi.UNI MB AE SHK 1608 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0196-936950.Xml
Two years ago during the inauguration of the canteen complex inthe Karnataka High Court, a judge had objected to presence of formerLaw minister Suresh Kumar being present on the dias and hadreportedly walked off.

After that incidents, MLAs have not been invited to share thedias in functions organised by law authorities. This had led toflared feelings among the elected representatives.

The matter came up for discussion in the ongoing extended Budgetsession of Karnataka.

Raising the issue during discussion on demand for budget ofvarious departments, Congress legislator K S Rajanna said the Stategovernment had been allocating upwards of Rs 700 crore forconstruction of new infrastructure for law courts and otherrequirements. If the legislators are not allowed to attend suchfunctions, it amounted to disgrace of the elected representatives.

When these judges often issue contempt of court notices tolegislators, why not the members be allowed to move a privilegemotion against them, the agitated Congress member said.

Mr Rajanna was supported by S R Mahesh, Konareddy of JD(S),Parameshwar Naik, Shivamurthy Naik of Congress and othersparticipated in the debate.UNI RS CNR CS 1636

-- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0287-937115.Xml
A JKLF spokesperson told UNI that that a large police party came to the Abi Guzar office of the outfit in Srinagar at 1100 hrs and arrested Malik to stop him from holding a protest march against the killing of a civilian in security force firing in Srinagar.

Malik was lodged at Kothibagh police station from where he was shifted to Srinagar Central Jail, he added.

A youth succumbed early this morning due to injuries sustained in security force firing on protestors at Rengreth on Srinagar-old Airport road last evening.UNI ABS AE SHK 1648

-- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0433-937088.Xml
With Pakistan a win away from clinching the prestigious Champions Trophy title, former captain Aamer Sohail has blown a new controversy stating that the Sarfraz Ahmed-led side has made to the final of the ICC Champions Trophy on the basis of "external forces". During a discussion in a Pakistan news channel, the 50-year-old said that the Pakistan team should not be flying too high, because if they're in the final, it's because "they were supposed to". "We will congratulate you when you play well but we'll also criticise you when you don't. They [Pakistan team] should not be flying too high on their success at the moment because we know that they've been 'brought' to this position", Sohail said to the channel. Moreover, Pakistan great Javed Miandad, who was also present at the discussion, did not counter the claims of Sohail. Significantly, many Pakistan players have been found guilty of spot or match-fixing charges and few of them have been even put behind bars. After being hammered by India in their first Group B match of the ongoing Champions Trophy, Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka, South Africa, and then England in the first semi-final to set up a high-voltage clash against arch-rivals India.UNI XC-KU SHK 1737 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0348-937273.Xml
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be visiting Portugal and the Netherlands next week and try to give boost to the bilateral relations between India and these two countries, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced here today.The spokesman in the MEA, Gopal Baglay told reporters here that Mr Modi will reach Portugal capital Lisbon on June 24 and hold dialogues with his Portugese counterpart Antonio Costa, who had visited India earlier this year."We look forward to take the friendly ties forward," he said adding the visit of Indian Prime Minister will be "action-filled and fruitful".After his engagement in Portugal, the Prime Minister will fly to the United States on June 25 and is scheduled to hold talks with President Donald Trump on a wide range of issues the next day on June 26."This will be the first meeting between the two leaders (PM Modi and President Trump). Their discussions will provide a new direction for deeper bilateral engagement on issues of mutual interest and consolidation of multi-dimensional strategic partnership between India and the US," the MEA spokesman said.From the US, Mr Modi will go to the Netherlands on June 27 where he will interact with the Netherlands Prime Minister Mark Rutte and also Dutch King Willem-Alexander.This year's visit is significant as India and the Netherlands are completing 70 years of bilateral engagement in 2017.The economic sector partnership remains a core area of mutual cooperation between two sides, the MEA spokesman said.UNI DEVN RSA SHK 1702 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0443-937180.Xml
The HM commander, during the 8.14 minute video, has also urged Kashmiri youth, besides Jammu and Kashmir Police personnel to join militancy and save their world from destruction.

Yatoo, who is seen sitting on a table with two militants holding guns standing on either sides, rejects that his militant outfit has any connection with the bank robberies, besides seeking any donation from local population.

However, reacting to the threat given in the video by the HM commander, Director General of Police SP Vaid said security forces are capable to deal with the situation.UNI ABS AE SHK 1721

-- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0433-937014.Xml
Differences have surfaced as the special session of the Jammu and Kashmir legislature begins from tomorrow to discuss the approval of Goods and Services Tax (GST).The entire Opposition is up in arms, alleging it will cause harm to the state's fiscal and political autonomy. The Assembly is convening after it was abruptly adjourned sine die on February 2, 2017, when the Opposition did not allow smooth function of the House protesting against the civilian killings during 2016 unrest and attack on Gujjars in Jammu. The ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) coalition have rejected the Opposition's allegations as just propaganda after the All Party Meeting (APM) called to bring consensus failed to yield any result. Kashmir traders have called for a general strike in the state tomorrow against the government move to implement GST without addressing the concerns of the people on Special Status of Jammu and Kashmir and fiscal autonomy. Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has said the government has started a process of wider consultations to reach consensus on Goods and Services tax (GST) implementation in the state. The coalition government has a majority in the 87-member House with 55 seats -- PDP 28, BJP 25 and Peoples Conference 2. Main opposition National Conference (NC) has 15 seats, Congress 12 while CPI(M) and Peoples Democratic Front (PDF) have one each. Besides these, there are three Independent MLAs. Ms Mufti added that the interests of every section, particularly traders and business community, would be kept in mind before arriving at a decision on extension of GST to the state. Main opposition NC, Congress and Communist Party of India (M) have already made their intention clear to raise their concerns in Legislative Assembly (LA) and Legislative Council (LC). Declaring that the party will oppose implementation of GST in its current form as it erodes financial and political autonomy of the state, NC has suggested an upward devolution of tax from Jammu and Kashmir to the Centre instead of the other way around. ''NC will oppose the implementation of GST tooth and nail till safeguards are ensured for the fiscal autonomy and special status of the State guaranteed under Article 370," senior NC leader and former state finance minister Abdul Rahim Rather told reports at a news conference here on Wednesday.MORE UNI ABS SW RP1721 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0433-937134.Xml
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Portugal on June 24 and The Netherlands on June 27 to take bilateral economic, trade and other relations with these two countries forward. MEA official spokesperson Gopal Baglay said, "My first announcement is about the forthcoming visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to The Netherlands on June 27. This will be a working visit. Prime Minister Modi will hold official talks with the Prime Minister of Portugal- Antonio Costa and is also expected to call on the King of The Netherlands. We are working on several documents to strengthen India-Portugal economic, scientific and cultural engagements and we expect to finalise and sign these documents essentially which are in the nature of memoranda of understanding." Asserting that India and Portugal enjoy good relations, Baglay said New Delhi has given a new momentum to the relationship when Prime Minister Costa visited India in January. "As you know, India and Portugal enjoy an environmental relation, the two countries share historic and common cultural ties with a strong people to people connect. The visit of the Prime Minister Costa to India in January 2017, had imparted a new momentum to the relationship. During the forthcoming visit of the Prime Minister Modi to Portugal, we look forward to continue that momentum. We look forward to a useful, productive and successful visit of the Prime Minister Modi to Portugal on June 24," he added. Sharing more about Prime Minister Modi's visit to The Netherlands, Baglay said that the visit assumes significance as India and The Netherlands are celebrating 70 years of establishment of diplomatic relations this year. "Prime Minister Modi will be visiting The Netherlands on June 27. The visit assumes significance as India and The Netherlands are celebrating 70 years of establishment of diplomatic relation this year- This will also be a working visit. During his visit, he will also meet the Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte and will hold official talks there too. Relations between India and The Netherlands are warm and friendly, while economic relations form the core of these relations. The Netherlands is the leading foreign investor in India as a large number of Dutch companies are active in India. Summarily, a significant number of Indian companies are based in The Netherlands, so we look forward to boosting economic corporation and relations, bilateral trade and relations, and also cooperation in other areas too....," Baglay added. Bagley also spoke about Prime Minister Modi's visit to Washington D C, where he might have an interaction with the Indian community there. "You already know about the Prime minister's visit to the United States, which we had announced a few days earlier. From Portugal, the Prime minister will travel to the United States, and from there, he would travel to The Netherlands," Baglay said. It will be Prime Minister Modi's first meeting with President Donald Trump, whose presidency began on January 20 this year. Describing India as a true friend of the U. S, Trump had invited Prime Minister Modi to visit the country after both leaders had a telephonic conversation in January this year. The two leaders have spoken over phone at least thrice since the latter assumed office. (ANI)
India on Friday announced that the first cargo flight in the Afghanistan-India air corridor will get operationalised over the next couple of days. "During the Afghan President Ashraf Ghani's visit to India last year, we had discussions on establishing an air freight corridor between the two countries and we are happy to announce that first flight is likely to operate in the weekend or early next week. We are working out the details of the first flight," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Gopal Baglay said. The cargo service will help increase trade between both the countries, Baglay said,"The flight will take Indian products to Afghanistan and will bring Afghan products to India. The first flight will be from Delhi to Kabul and will start this weekend or next week." The India- Afghanistan air corridor project was initiated by President Ashraf Ghani in 2016. The cargo service will aim to improve landlocked Afghanistan's connectivity to key markets abroad and boost the growth prospects of its dry fruits and carpet industries. External Affairs Spokesperson Gopal Baglay also announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Portugal on 24 June and Netherlands on June 27. While PM Modi will visit United States on June 25-26. He will interact with the Indian community in Washington D.C. and also hold talks with U.S. President Donald Trump. For the finalization of the India- Afghanistan air corridor project, the MoU was signed in May between the CEOs of Ariana Airlines and Afghanistan Chambers of Commerce and Industries (ACCI) in presence of Ajmal Ahmady, senior economic adviser to the President of Afghanistan and officials and representatives from ACCI, MAIL MoCI and the business community.(ANI)
Disclosing the name of the candidate in the Presidential election before consultations with political parties may not be appropriate, the government feels. Sources said the government and the BJP are of the view that approaching different parties with one or a panel of names for approval without knowing their views and suggestions may not be appropriate. They said the two-member BJP team of senior leaders Rajnath Singh and M. Venkaiah naidu, which met Congress President Sonia Gandhi and other political leaders, explained to them that the twin objectives of the consultation process was to have the benefit of views and suggestions of various parties in the matter and to seek their support in the President's election. Accordingly the support of Congress and other parties was sought, they said, adding that some political parties have already indicated their views in the matter of selection of a candidate for the President's election. The two senior leaders in their meeting with CPI-M leaders suggested to them to consider if putting up a candidate for the sake of it was necessary. Naidu held detailed discussions with NCP Chief Sharad Pawar over telephone. The opposition leaders were told that the government and the BJP would like to finalise the candidate for presidential poll before Prime Minister Narendra Modi leaves on a three-nation trip on June 24. --IANS vsc/bns/rn ( 239 Words) 2017-06-16-18:10:10 (IANS)
India today asserted in unambiguous manner that New Delhi has never exerted "pressure" on internal matters of Nepal and it has always believed that it is the Nepali people who have brought the changes in the Himalayan nation. "India never could put pressure on the government of Nepal or the Madheshi people....and it goes back to many years, it is the Nepali people who brought the changes in Nepal through Jan Andolan (people's movement)," MEA spokesperson Gopal Baglay told reporters here."India's position has never been to put pressure or being prescriptive or that we suggest you should do this or that in Nepal," he said. Answering questions at the regular briefing of the foreign office, he said, "India's position has been very clear ....it is up to the people of Nepal. They are the ones who drive the process...they are the ones who choose through a democratic process".He further said, "All that India has supported and will continue to support so that the aspirations of the people of Nepal are fulfilled". "We support the aspiration to have an inclusive constitution and the consultation to arrive at such positions which will satisfy every party and every segments," he said adding, "We support the efforts in that regard".In such a scenario, he explained India supports the efforts of the government and also of political parties who are not part of the government in Nepal.Mr Baglay was responding also to a report in a section of media that a day after the Nepal government deferred polls to local bodies by a week, Indian Ambassador Manjeev Singh Puri met top Madheshi leaders and counseled them to join the poll process when it is conducted. "To say that Indian Ambassador has told the Madheshi community leaders that they should contest the elections, I don't think that reflects the correct position," he said.However, he said, India has been always talking to all segments of Nepal and maintained, basically India and India's ambassadors have been "supportive" of the efforts of the Government of Nepal in establishing the new constitution through dialogues.UNI DEVN RSA SHK 1806 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0443-937318.Xml
The move, seeking amendment to the law governing Lt.Governor's powers, takes to a new high the ongoing tussle between the Congress government led by Chief Minister V. Narayanasamy and the former Indian Police Service officer.

The resolution was first moved by an AIADMK member, but later adopted as a government resolution and passed to amend the law relating the Union Territories.

The sole point of the one-paragraph resolution is to curb the powers of the Lt.Governor, who has been appointed by the National Democratic Alliance government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Centre.

Narayanasamy said only an elected government has the powers and Bedi's functioning in a way that took away that power is unacceptable.

The lawmakers were against Bedi's action of opposing or rejecting the government's decisions.

The resolution comes after Narayanasamy's Delhi visit last week, wherein he apprised the Centre of the situation in Puducherry due to Bedi's certain actions.

Narayanasamy also met President Pranab Mukherjee in the matter.

--IANS vj/tsb/vt

( 203 Words)

2017-06-16-19:10:11 (IANS)
Samajwadi Party leader and former Minister Mohammad Azam Khan has alleged that cows were being airlifted from India to an Islamic Arab country Qatar for slaughter. He said cows should be exported to Srilanka and Nepal instead of exporting them to Qatar for slaughter."If the NDA Government can export the cows to Qatar for slaughter then the same job could be done by the local butchers and slaughter houses and there is no need to export the cows to Qatar,'' Azam Khan said in a statement here today."On mere suspicion poor farmers and cattle traders are being targeted by the cow vigilantes and also killed, yet the saffron brigade is maintaining conspicuous silence over the export of cows to Qatar,'' said Mr Khan adding "Qatar is an Islamic nation and I demand from the National Democratic Alliance Government that the cows be exported to Sri Lanka and Nepal.''Azam said, "if the Government favours the cow slaughter then they could have this within the country and why the Government has adopted a longer route by exporting the cows to an Islamic country.''UNI MB SNU 2015 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0431-937582.Xml
The Delhi Police today nabbed a sharp shooter associated with the underworld don Abu Salem here, who was recently wanted in a case of shooting at his wife.The 35-year-old Jaan Usman alias Usman Khan alias Reenu was arrested last night from the east district's Pandav Nagar area upon a trap laid by the special team of Delhi Police. He was there to meet his associate, the police added.In response to the information received on June 15 by the East District Police about Jaan Usman, who was to arrive at Pandav Nagar area to meet his associate, a special team led by Inspector Vinay Yadav including Sub-Inspectors Arun Sindhu, KK Sharma, Astt Sub-Inspectors Sudesh Pal Rana, Satbir, Bakshish, Head Constables Lalit Dixit, Saleem and Rajeshwar under supervison of YK Tyagi Assistant Commissioner of Police (Operations) laid a trap near Sanjay Jheel Park in the area based on a tip off from the informer.The police nabbed Khan in a swift operation, also recovering one improvised pistol along with two live cartridges from his possession.Earlier, a case of attempt to murder was registered against him at Janak Puri Police Station upon a statement given by his wife in June last year, following which the shooter escaped to Nepal to evade arrest. There, he stayed with his friend Chakre Milan, the police said.Khan was earlier involved in circulating fake currency, extorting 'protection money from Bollywood celebrities and several murder cases in Delhi and Mumbai, informed the police.During the interrogation, he revealed that he took to crime upon his visit to Mumbai in 1996 when he met ''Waseem, a sharp shooter of Abu Salem gang."He also revealed that Waseem, who was accused of killing T- Series owner Gulshan Kumar, had introduced him to Abu Salem.Usman was also declared a proclaimed offender earlier and was arrested in 2015, the police said.He also disclosed that last year he accompanied his associates to Mumbai and had threatened a famous film Director/Choreographer and his brother-in-law on a dispute (dispute with one leading film producer) that triggered after a hit movie in 2015. UNI APS SNU 2050 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0448-937641.Xml
Puducherry Lt Governor Kiran Bedi today said that 16 students who opted for Deemed Universities for Medical PG admissions at the CENTAC counselling, today got relief from the Madras High Court.Talking to newspersons here this evening, the Lt Governor said the court, on a public interest litigation, ordered that the students selected by CENTAC, be admitted in respective Deemed Universities on a provisional fee of Rs 10 lakh. Ms Bedi said it was a victory day for Puducherry students, adding that on her instruction, her Secretary Theva Neethi D has joined the case as the 4th respondent. The Raj Nivas had to step in, as its view of the issue was in variance with that of the state government, she said. Dr Bedi thanked the Judges, who gave their verdict after two hearings. She also thanked advocates, the Raj Nivas staff and media for their support. The Court directed the Ministries of HRD and UGC to constitute a committee to fix fees in the Deemed varsities, observing that the fees in such varsities was exorbitant, arbitrary and prohibitive. Rs 10 lakh paid through CENTAC will be adjusted against the fee fixed by the designated committee, it added.Centac needs total overhauling, said Ms Bedi, adding that it cannot work under the present committee and in the present system. On a query over the Assembly adopting resolution seeking more powers to the government, she said the House is free to do that. ''If the Centre approves that and amend rules, I have no problem in abiding by it,'' she added.UNI PAB RJ 2121 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0098-937711.Xml
Prime Minister Modi also conveyed his appreciation for President of Republic of Korea Moon Jae-In's gesture of sending Chung as his Special Envoy to India.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Modi recalled his visit to the Republic of Korea in May 2015, during which the bilateral relationship was upgraded to a 'Special Strategic Partnership', and said that the Republic of Korea is an important development partner for India.

The Prime Minister also welcomed the deepening of bilateral partnership not only in trade and economic spheres, but also in new areas like defence cooperation.

The Prime Minister further asserted that he is committed to working with President Moon for further enhancement of bilateral relationship and looked forward to an early opportunity to meet the latter. (ANI)
To make people realise how food can be our biggest investment for happiness and wellness, a group of Indian chefs will come together at a three-day event next month. The retreat, 'Healing Recipes - Back to Roots', is to be held on July 3-6 at Kairali - The Ayurvedic Healing Village, at Palakkad in Kerala. Designed through 120 years' worth of collective experience of the experts at Kairali and some of India's leading culinary minds, the idea behind 'Healing Recipes- Back to Roots' is to create this fascinating platform that brings forth ancient food wisdom and philosophy presented through modern culinary practices. Speaking at the unveiling of the concept, Chef Manjit Singh Gill said, "Food is the single, most important investment that we make every single day of our lives, and yet modern times has seen food being defined as "junk" and "unhealthy". A thought I completely disagree with. How can something that heals and nourishes be harmful? Hence, it is imperative that we revisit our approach to food, to ingredients and cooking techniques. 'Healing Recipes - Back to Roots', for me, is that one platform that will help you rethink food." 'Healing Recipes- Back to Roots' has been put together under the mentorship of Chef Gill and Ayurveda-expert-author of The Ayurvedic Cookbook and Jt. Managing Director, Kairali Ayurvedic Group, Gita Ramesh. "It's extremely important to go back to roots because these days, we see even youngsters are prone to diseases. This is because our food habits are wrong. We are moving away from our traditional way of eating simple, fresh and easily digestible food. It's time that we impart knowledge to the present and the future generations that you have to eat healthy," Gita Ramesh told ANI. This inaugural season will also have chefs such as Mexican expert Chef Vikas Seth, progressive cuisine guru Chef Abhijit Saha and Indian cuisine specialist, Chef Chetan Sethi conducting specially designed classes. Talking about the need for platforms that advocates sustainability and wellness, Chef Seth said, "'Healing Recipes- Back to Roots' is a window into the world of food for chefs and others alike to experience the various culinary trends that have held centre-stage in the past five years: be it Clean Eating, Farm to Table, even foraging for unknown ingredients and practices." 'Healing Recipes' is a three-day event where residents will get to interact with Ayurvedic doctors and chefs, attend specially-curated masterclasses, explore local cuisine, learn the trick of growing vegetables and spice, organically, and master the art of making gourmet meals that are nourishing and indulging. (ANI)
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Friday said the main focus of the state's agriculture road map is on increasing income of farmers and ensuring sustainable development of the sector. He also assured farmers of providing them minimum support price (MSP) with 50 per cent additional incentive. "Kisano ki aamdani mein vriddhi karna hamara lakshya hai (Our target is to increase the income of farmers)," Nitish Kumar said while addressing "Kisan Samagam" after a day-long meeting with hundreds of farmers from across the state in the newly-constructed International Convention Centre -- Gyan Bhawan -- here. Nitish Kumar said farmers and agriculture had been his priority for nearly a decade. "I will do everything to help the farmers increase their income and will provide other helps to ensure development of the agriculture sector in Bihar." At a time when farmers in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-ruled states have been protesting demanding loan waiver and other issues, Nitish Kumar chose to spend nearly eight hours listening to suggestions of farmers over the draft of "Third Agriculture Road Map 2017-22". He sat on the floor with farmers to show his concern for them. This gesture of the Chief Minister was well taken by the farmers. Nitish Kumar said 76 per cent of Bihar's population was dependent on agriculture for livelihood. "We have to increase income of the farmers by ensuring that they get right price for their produce." He noted that income of the farmers of state had increased in the last few years as the productivity had gone up. "For us, farmers are not only those who own land... All those who work in agriculture field are farmers including landless farm labourers." Unlike in the past, starvation-like situation was not there in the villages, he asserted. The Chief Minister claimed that Bihar had recorded growth and improvement in agriculture sector since first agriculture road map was implemented for 2008-12, followed by second for 2012-17. "Our rice, wheat, maize, potato and vegetables production have remarkably increased." "Now we have prepared the draft of the Third Agriculture Road Map for Bihar. We have invited hundreds of farmers from all the 38 districts of the state to provide them opportunity to make suggestions on it. We have listened to their suggestions carefully and would consider their views and suggestions while finalising the road map," he said. Organic farming is one of the focus areas of the agriculture road map. "We will promote organic farming and help farmers go for it in areas along the river Ganga for protection of the environment." Reminding of his opposition to GM seeds, he said that his government would not allow it in Bihar, because it was against the interest of the farmers and not god for environment. Nitish Kumar said that despite all his efforts, there were many challenges in the agriculture sector, with the biggest of them being that of maintaining land records. The Chief Minister underlined that the country was passing through an agrarian crisis. "Its main cause is that farmers' income is low and they are not getting the right price for their produce." He also questioned the Narendra Modi-led central government's failure to implement the MSP with 50 per cent additional incentive for farmers. Criticising the crop insurance scheme, he said it was not aimed to benefit farmers, rather it was to benefit the insurance companies. --IANS ik/nir ( 573 Words) 2017-06-16-23:12:19 (IANS)
BJP MLA from Hyderabad (Telangana) and founder of Shriram Yuva Sena, T Raja Singh, today said that building Ram temple in Ayodhya would be easily possible if all Hindus made a demand for the same in unison.Addressing sixth 'All India Hindu Convention', being held at Ramnathi temple, near Ponda, in South Goa, he said, ''Every Hindu wishes that Ram temple is built in Ayodhya. The political parties raise the issue of Ram temple before elections and then forget once elections are over. Therefore, if all Hindus are united and demand Ram Mandir in unison, then building the Ram temple will be easily possible.''Stating that time had come to firmly tell that the first priority was Hindu Dharma and then the politics. He said Hindu youth should unite and increase their power.UNI AKM SS SM SNU 2228 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0169-937728.Xml
The Shimla Municipal Corporation -- the oldest civic body after Chennai and Kolkata -- registered around 58 per cent polling out of around 91 thousand voter who polled in 34 wards. Polling was brisk till noon which pick up in the afternoon voters braving heavy rain showers turned up to cast their vote and long queues were seen even after ending of polling at 1600 hrs. Tibetans in-exile also exercised their franchise.The electoral officer told UNI that after minor snag in the EVM at Tarahall elections ended peacefully. The poll percentage was over 57.86 till 1730 hrs as polling was continue in one or two polling both which was delayed due to technical snags.Voting began on a dull note, with below five per cent polling in the first hour and it rose to 15 per cent by 1000 hrs. It picked up gradually as the day progressed and recorded 45 per cent by 1400 hrs But the polling again slowed down for sometime at 1500 hrs owning to rains women turned out in strength compared to the men. A total of 126 candidates, including 50 women, were in the fray. The main contest is between the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) but the candidates are not contesting on the party symbols.UNI ML SNU 2254 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0293-937572.Xml
Chinese scientists on Thursday reported a successful transmission of "entangled" photon pairs from space to ground stations separated by 1,200 km, a major technical breakthrough towards quantum communication over great distances. The study, published as a cover story by the US journal Science, distributed such "entangled" photons, or light particles, from a satellite 500 km above the Earth's surface, known as Micius, which was launched last year and equipped with specialised quantum tools. It's another effort to prove that a physical phenomenon once described by Albert Einstein as "spooky" exists at a large distance and eventually on a global scale, Xinhua news agency reported. "This work lays a reliable technical foundation for large-scale quantum networking and quantum communication experimental research, as well as experimental testing of basic principles of physics, such as general theory of relativity and quantum gravity, in outer space in the future," Pan Jianwei, chief scientist for the quantum satellite project, told Xinhua. Quantum entanglement, which Einstein referred to as "a spooky action at a distance," is a curious phenomenon in which particles are "linked" together in such a way that they affect one another regardless of distance. It is of great significance for secure communications, quantum computation and simulation, and enhanced metrology. Yet, efforts to entangle quantum particles, such as photons, have been limited to about 100 km, mostly because the entanglement is lost as they are transmitted along optical fibers, or through open space on land, Pan said. In the new study, Pan, a professor at the University of Science and Technology of China, and his colleagues used the Chinese satellite Micius to demonstrate the latter feat. By combining so-called narrow-beam divergence with a high-bandwidth and high-precision acquiring, pointing and tracking technique to optimize link efficiency, the team established entanglement between two single photons, separated at a distance of over 1,200 km apart, for the first time, Pan said. --IANS sku/ ( 327 Words) 2017-06-16-06:04:28 (IANS)
In the wake of an American student succumbing to a coma while detained by North Korean authorities, the United States is mulling a possible legal prohibition on Americans traveling to North Korea. "Something like that is under consideration. I'm not going to get into what that might look like," U.S. Department of State spokesperson Heather Nauert said in a briefing on Thursday, reports Sputnik. Meanwhile, doctors at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center have asserted that Otto Warmbier, has extensive brain damage and shows no current signs of botulism, as claimed by Pyongyang. The 22-year-old has not spoken or "engaged in any purposeful movements" since arriving in the country Tuesday night, said Dr. Daniel Kanter, professor of neurology and director of the Neurocritical Care Program. "He shows no signs of understanding language or responding to verbal commands," the doctor said, adding that Warmbier's condition is best described as "unresponsive wakefulness." "This pattern of brain injury is usually seen as result of cardiopulmonary arrest where the blood supply to brain is inadequate for a period of time resulting in the death of brain tissue," he said. Warmbier suffered severe neurological damage, and his family has flatly rejected the regime's explanation for his condition, reports CNN. Warmbier, a 22-year-old college student who returned Tuesday to the United States after 17 months in detention, is in stable condition at University of Cincinnati Medical Center but has a "severe neurological injury," hospital spokeswoman Kelly Martin said. However, Warmbier's father doesn't believe North Korea's explanation that Otto fell into a coma after contracting botulism and taking a sleeping pill shortly after he was sentenced in March 2016. "Even if you believe their explanation of botulism and a sleeping pill causing a coma -- and we don't -- there is no excuse for any civilized nation to have kept his condition a secret and denied him top-notch medical care for so long," Fred Warmbier said. Otto Warmbier was a University of Virginia student when he was detained in January 2016 at the airport in Pyongyang while on his way home. North Korean authorities claimed they had security footage of him trying to steal a banner containing a political slogan that was hanging from a wall of his Pyongyang hotel. That was used as evidence in his hourlong trial. He was found guilty of committing a "hostile act" against the country and sentenced in March 2016 to 15 years of hard labor. It was the last time he was seen publicly before this week.(ANI)
In a historic move opposing the widespread homophobia prevalent in the Balkans, a gay woman was appointed as the new Prime Minister of Serbia. 41-year-old Ana Brnabic, a non-party technocrat and a graduate of the University of Hull in England was appointed as the new Prime Minister, in the same week as the appointment of Leo Varadkar as the first gay Prime Minister of Ireland. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, who picked Brnabic to succeed him as prime minister following his election as president in a landslide victory in April, is expected to remain the most powerful figure in the country, as reported by The Guardian. He said the Socialist foreign minister, Ivica Dacic, who has been standing in as prime minister, would "essentially lead the political part" of the government. Brnabic entered politics just last year when she became Serbia's first openly gay minister, heading the ministry for public administration and local self-government. She graduated in Hull with a marketing MBA in 2001, post which she returned to Serbia to work in the wind power industry and US-funded development projects. Brnabic will take charge as the country prepares for EU membership while retaining its diplomatic ties with Russia, and a growing bond with Beijing. Although the role of prime minister is the most powerful constitutionally, Vucic is almost universally seen as retaining a grip on power via his leadership of the ruling Serbian Progressive party and his influence in various organs of state. (ANI)
Leading American broadcaster CNN on Thursday filed a lawsuit in the federal court, urging the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to grant access to the former director James Comey's archived conversations with President Donald Trump. Although it is a matter of significant public interest, the FBI has refrained from providing documents or justifying the same, and even denied commenting on the issues, CNN reported. The FBI's denial in disclosing the memos is seen as a violation of the federal Freedom of Information Act, the lawsuit claimed. CNN further urged the agency to release the material 'without further delay'. Recently, Comey made a startling revelation, accusing the White House of "lies." While President Trump denied all the allegations levied on him, Comey revealed that the documented memos were a testament to his claims, a portion of which was published by the The New York Times, with the hope of a new counsel being appointed. Comey had accused Trump of firing him to try to undermine the FBI's investigation of a possible collusion between the Trump Campaign and Russia in alleged efforts to influence last year's presidential election. Comey told the U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee that the Trump administration had lied and defamed him and the FBI after the President dismissed him on May 9. The two hour-long testimony saw Comey further informing that Trump had directed him to drop an FBI probe against former national security adviser Michael Flynn. Comey said it should be special counsel Robert Mueller's task to determine whether Trump had obstructed justice, and therefore, had opened himself up to possible impeachment proceedings, keeping the allegations on Russia in mind. He, however, said that whatever Trump did was "a very disturbing thing, very concerning." Comey painted a picture of an overbearing President he did not trust and who pressured him to stop the FBI probe of Flynn. Russia has denied interfering in last year's presidential elections, as has the White House. (ANI)
According to the Independent, the President' tweets could be in reference to reports from the FBI's investigation into Clinton's private email sever. The reports, released last year, say Clinton destroyed her used phones on at least two occasions while serving as secretary of state, also that she used the 'BleachBit' software to delete some of her mails.

The other charge made by Trump deals with Bill Clinton's decision to meet with then Attorney General Loretta Lynch while their planes idled on the tarmac.

In a pair of earlier tweets, Trump called the investigation "phony" and the "greatest WITCH HUNT in American political history."

Meanwhile, a Twitter account representing Hillary Clinton's 2016 presidential campaign trolled Trump for attacking Clinton.

The tweet comes as a surprise, as the account hasn't been active since a day before the 2016 election when Clinton lost to Trump. (ANI)
As the people have started questioning social media sites about their role in countering terrorism, Facebook said that it uses artificial intelligence (AI) to remove the terror-related content. The social media giant is currently focusing their techniques to combat terrorist content about Islamic State (IS), Al-Qaeda and their affiliates. "Although our use of AI against terrorism is fairly recent, it's already changing the ways we keep potential terrorist propaganda and accounts off Facebook," the company said in a blog post on Thursday. Facebook uses image matching technique to identify and remove a terror-related content. "When a user tries to upload a terrorist's photo or video, our systems look for whether the image matches a known terrorism photo or video." "This means that if we previously removed a propaganda video from IS, we can work to prevent other accounts from uploading the same video to our site. In many cases, this means that terrorist content intended for upload to Facebook simply never reaches the platform," Facebook explained. Facebook also understands the language where it uses AI to interpret text that might be advocating for terrorism. It also identities pages, groups, posts or profiles as supporting terrorism by using algorithms. "We've also gotten much faster at detecting new fake accounts created by repeat offenders. Through this work, we've been able to dramatically reduce the time period that terrorist recidivist accounts are on Facebook," the company said. Ensuring that terrorists have no place anywhere in the Facebook apps, the company has begun to work on systems to take action against terrorist accounts across all its platforms, including WhatsApp and Instagram. "We want Facebook to be a hostile place for terrorists. The challenge for online communities is the same as it is for real world communities -- to get better at spotting the early signals before it's too late," Facebook noted. Apart from using AI, Facebook also uses human expertise to figure out what supports terrorism. "A photo of an armed man waving an IS flag might be propaganda or recruiting material, but could be an image in a news story. Some of the most effective criticisms of brutal groups like ISIS utilize the group's own propaganda against it. To understand more nuanced cases, we need human expertise," Facebook stated. --IANS qd/ruwa/pgh/ ( 387 Words) 2017-06-16-11:14:04 (IANS)
A lawyer for one of two women accused of killing the estranged half-brother of North Korea's leader said today he was seeking the help of foreign experts to assess the evidence related to the alleged murder weapon - VX nerve agent.Indonesian Siti Aishah, 25, and Doan Thi Huong, 28, from Vietnam, have been charged with murdering Kim Jong Nam at Kuala Lumpur airport on Feb. 13 by smearing his face with VX, a chemical the United Nations describes as a weapon of mass destruction.They face the death penalty if convicted.Malaysian prosecutors have handed defence lawyers 44 documents including toxicology, autopsy, arrest reports, the suspects' statements and photographs, the lawyers told a hearing today.Gooi Soong Seng, Aishah's lawyer, said some of the documents would be sent to experts in Denmark and other countries to get assessments on the alleged use of VX agent."In the post-mortem ... they have confirmed that the cause of death was by VX. So we will be looking thoroughly at the VX aspect," Gooi told reporters.He did not elaborate on what particular aspect he wanted the experts to look into.US and South Korean officials say the North Korean regime was behind the murder of Kim Jong Nam, who had been living in exile in Macau and had criticized his family's dynastic rule of North Korea in the past.Kim was the eldest son of the late North Korean leader Kim Jong Il. His half brother, Kim Jong Un, became North Korean leader when their father died in 2011.North Korea has refused to accept the dead man was leader Kim Jong Un's half brother, and has suggested the victim died of a heart attack. It has accused Malaysia of working with South Korea and other "hostile forces".Aishah and Huong have told diplomats from their countries that they believed they had been taking part in a reality television show prank when they assaulted Kim Jong Nam at the airport.Gooi said the defence was still awaiting CCTV recordings of the murder, and of "video pranks" that the women had allegedly carried out at hotels and shopping malls around Kuala Lumpur.Hisyam Teh Poh Teik, Huong's lawyer, said the defence was also looking for "essential evidence" in Vietnam, but declined to elaborate.REUTERS JW1141 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0364-936660.Xml
The value of assets owned by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan continued to decline for a second consecutive year, dipping below the level they stood at in 2013, according to the statements of assets of the lawmakers, released by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Thursday. The prime minister owned assets worth Rs.261.6 million in 2012, but that saw a six-fold increase and reached Rs 1.82 billion in 2013 - the first year of his third stint as the country's chief executive, making him a declared billionaire for the first time. In 2014, his assets crossed the two billion-mark, but in 2015 declined slightly to Rs.1.96 billion. Earlier in 2011, he owned assets worth Rs. 166 million, reports the Dawn. According to the statements of assets, the value of his assets has further declined to Rs 1.72 billion in the year that ended on June 30, 2016. The prime minister continued to receive colossal remittances from his elder son Hussain Nawaz in the past four years. The latest statement shows he received Rs. 234 million from his son in 2016. Sharif owns a Toyota Land Cruiser gifted to him by an unspecified individual, as well as two Mercedes cars. The house he lives in is owned by his mother and he has multiple foreign and local currency accounts, huge swathes of agricultural land and investments in industrial units such as sugar, textile and paper mills. Sharif declared in 2015 for the first time ownership of birds and animals worth Rs. 2 million, which are valued at Rs. 5 million. The Sharif family's estate in Raiwind is priced at Rs 4 million, while his property in Lahore's Upper Mall area is said to be worth over Rs 250 million. Meanwhile, Imran Khan owns assets worth over Rs 1.4 billion, indicating a whopping increase over the last five years, from a meagre Rs. 22.9 million in 2012, when he also had liabilities worth Rs. 0.38 million. In 2013, the worth of his assets was Rs.14 million, which grew to Rs.33.3 million in 2014. He then became a billionaire in 2015, placing the value of his assets at Rs.1.33 billion. The value of his residence in Banigala is Rs. 750 million and is declared as a "gift" with the ECP. Khan's family home in Lahore's Zaman Park area has been priced at Rs. 29 million. The PTI chief has also invested over Rs. 40 million in various schemes.(ANI)
"Twenty to 25 percent people in Cox's Bazar are now Rakhine Muslims. Such huge presence of Rakhine Muslims in the area will pose a threat to the national security in future," he told the Parliament on Thursday in a reply.

The minister said Myanmar intruders are harming Bangladesh in many ways, including socio-economic, political and environmental aspects, reports the Daily Star.

He added, "The Rakhine people have been engaged in various misdeeds, including drug smuggling on bordering areas and arms and human trafficking. They've become a national security concern for Bangladesh."

"They are also putting a negative influence on our overseas labour market," said Ali.

The minister said some 33,000 Rohingyas, registered as refugees, are living in two camps run by United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) in Cox's Bazar but it is estimated that some three to four lakh unregistered Myanmar citizens have been staying in five districts, including Cox's Bazar.

Ali said some 75,000 Myanmar citizens entered Bangladesh afresh since October 2016 till now following the military drives in Rakhine state.

Rohingya's are an ethnic Muslim group in the majority Buddhist country of Myanmar and make up around one million of the total 50 million population.

They hail from the country's northwest and speak a Bengali dialect. Almost all live in Rakhine, one of the poorest states, with a population of three million.

They are not regarded as one of the country's 135 official ethnic groups and are denied citizenship under Myanmar's 1982 Citizenship Law, which effectively renders them stateless. (ANI)
Russia has said that ISIS leader Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi might have been killed in an airstrike carried out by its forces on the southern suburb of Syria's Raqqa in late May. However, the Russia's Defense Ministry said that it is still verifying the death of Baghdadi's death after the strike. The airstrike, which was carried out on May 28, targeted a meeting of the IS group's leaders held in Raqqa, TASS news agency reported. "According to information, which is being verified via different channels, the meeting was also attended by the IS leader Ibrahim Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, who was eliminated in the strike," Tass news agency quoted the ministry as saying in a statement. The Defense Ministry said that a number of high-ranking commanders of the Islamic State terrorist group, including 330 field commanders and militants, were killed by the Russia's Aerospace Forces in the southern suburb of Syria's Raqqa in late May. "The strike, carried out by Su-35 and Su-34 jets, destroyed high-ranking commanders of the terrorist group, who were part of the so-called military council of the IS, and also some 30 middle ranking field commanders and up to 300 militants who were their bodyguards," the ministry added. The ministry also noted that the American side was notified in advance through interaction channels about the time and place of the Russian airstrike. Earlier on Sunday, the Syrian state television reported that the ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi has allegedly been killed in airstrikes. The reports claimed that Baghdadi was killed in the terrorist group's stronghold in Raqqa. Representatives of the United States' Army had also reported about the death of the IS group's leader, but later the report was either denied or al-Baghdadi released video messages with calls for his supporters. It's not, however, the first time the leader of ISIS has been reported dead. Previous reports claimed that he had been seriously wounded in airstrikes in northern Iraq. Two years after the start of Syria's civil war in 2011, Raqqa was the first provincial capital to fall to groups, including the Al-Nusra Front, Al-Qaida's then-affiliate in the country. Raqqa became a key city in ISIS's self-declared caliphate, a hub for the organization's activities and attacks in Syria, Iraq and further afield. U.S. special operations forces are on the ground, alongside Syrian Kurdish allies in Raqqa where they've begun their advance into the Islamic State's de-facto capital. (ANI)
The Philippines military said today that some of the Islamist militants who stormed Marawi City in the south of the country last month may have mingled with evacuees to slip away during the battle that has raged for nearly four weeks.Brigadier General Restituto Padilla said security had been tightened in the cities of Iligan and Cagayan de Oro and the authorities there were on the lookout for suspicious characters who might "attempt to sow some confusion or sow terror"."We're not denying that there's probably a few who may have slipped along with the evacuees from Marawi going to Iligan and Cagayan de Oro," he told reporters in Manila, while OV-10 aircraft in Marawi pounded an area where militants have been holed up since May 23.The military says that up to 200 fighters, most of them from local insurgent groups that have pledged allegiance to Islamic State but also some foreign fighters, are holding out, using civilians as human shields and mosques as safe havens.The attempt by hundreds of well-armed militants to overrun and seal off the city has alarmed governments across Southeast Asia, which fear that Islamic State - losing ground in Iraq and Syria - is trying to establish a foothold in their region that could bring a rash of extremist violence.The defence ministers and military chiefs of Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines will meet in the Indonesian town of Tarakan, on Borneo island, on Monday to discuss the threat and agree on steps to coordinate better to confront terrorism.A port town, Tarakan is just south of the Malaysian side of Borneo and looks out across the sea to Mindanao in the southern Philippines, a sprawling island that has been plagued by insurgencies and banditry for decades.Philippines military spokesman Padilla told reporters that talk of fighters planning attacks in neighbouring towns was based on "misinformation that's being spread by the enemies" and in fact their capacity was severely reduced.In a battle assessment today, the military said those still in the town were also weakening."Enemy resistance continues to dwindle and enemy-held areas continues to get smaller as troops advance," it said, but giving no indication of how long it might take to retake the town.Previous deadlines to defeat the insurgents were missed.More than 300 people have been killed in the battle for Marawi, according to official estimates, including 225 militants, 59 soldiers and 26 civilians.A politician who has led rescue and relief efforts said yesterday that residents fleeing Marawi had seen at least 100 dead bodies in an area where the fighting had been fierce. The military said it could not confirm that number.REUTERS SDR 1431 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0431-936902.Xml
The United Nations human rights investigator on North Korea called on Pyongyang today to provide a full explanation of why an American student was returned home this week in a coma after being in custody for more than year.Otto Warmbier, a 22-year-old university student released to the United States this week after being held in North Korea for 17 months, has a severe brain injury and is in a state of "unresponsive wakefulness", his Ohio doctors said yesterday."While I welcome the news of Mr Warmbier's release, I am very concerned about his condition, and the authorities have to provide a clear explanation about what made him slip into a coma," Tomas Ojea Quintana, the UN special rapporteur on human rights in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), said in a statement issued in Geneva.REUTERS SDR 1528 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0386-937016.Xml
British armed police detained a man on suspicion of having a knife near parliament today, police said."The man - aged in his 30s - was arrested," police said.A Reuters reporter at the scene saw several police vehicles near one of the Westminster parliament's gates which were closed. The reporter said traffic was flowing normally near parliament.REUTERS SDR 1646 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0387-937150.Xml
The very public airing of a family feud between Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and his two siblings has led to an outpouring of responses online, including from those concerned about its impact on global perceptions of the island state.Bombshell accusations through press releases and Facebook postings are unusual in Singapore, a country that usually keeps such matters behind closed doors and media freedom within carefully controlled boundaries. And as this comes from within the family of modern Singapore's founding father, Lee Kuan Yew, who was prime minister for three decades, it has gained plenty of attention.The first salvo came from the prime minister's younger brother and sister, Lee Hsien Yang and Lee Wei Ling, who said on Wednesday they had lost confidence in Lee Hsien Loong and feared that the state's organs would be used against them. Lee Hsien Yang said he and his wife, lawyer Lee Suet Fern, would be leaving Singapore because they felt closely monitored and threatened.The prime minister denied the allegations, and said he was very disappointed that they have chosen to publicise private family matters. Then last night, he hit back, saying there are "deeply troubling circumstances" over how Lee Kuan Yew's will was drawn up and asking what role Lee Suet Fern, had played.There has been plenty of additional back and forth, accusation and denial over the past couple of days.Many on social media website Facebook flooded it with requests for the family to settle the matter out of the public eye."It's a personal family matter which should have been settled privately. Not good for Singapore's reputation to air these personal family affairs publicly," Facebook user Selene Zhuo commented on one post from the prime minister.Another Facebook user Douglas Ho said, "The repercussions are very detrimental to Singapore. This is far beyond a family squabble."A few used it as an opportunity to criticize the way the government has run Singapore for many years."The siblings, in openly attacking their brother, claim to be protecting their father's legacy against Lee Hsien Loong's authoritarian ways, with apparently zero awareness that the system they now fear actually is their father's legacy," journalist and activist Kirsten Han posted on Facebook.Supporters of the prime minister asked him to take care of his health and expressed their faith in him. Lee, 65, had a health scare, stumbling at a podium during a speech last August, though doctors subsequently said there were no serious concerns."Pls do not let this affect your health, PM Lee. It's a trivial family matter which happens to lots of families. You are still our caring & loving PM," said Vanessa YC on Facebook.Some, though, were less understanding."When ur siblings cannot trust you, how can we?" asked Facebook user SV Khanthan.Analysts said it was too early to gauge the dispute's impact on the ruling People's Action Party (PAP). The next general election does not have to be held before April 2021."Thus far, the matter is confined to PM Lee and, to a much smaller extent, the government. The party is not yet on the radar screen," said Eugene Tan, associate professor of law at the Singapore Management University.The heart of the dispute is about whether to demolish the house that Lee Kuan Yew lived in for most of his life at 38 Oxley Road, near the Orchard Road shopping district, capturing the attention of property-obsessed Singaporeans. Lee died in 2015."Do I care if 38 Oxley Road is demolished? No, because it doesn't affect the citizens," Facebook user Ethan Lee Yong Sheng posted."Do I care if Sungei Market was forced to cease operations? Yes, because a lot of elderly rely on that as their only source of income," the poster added, referring to a flea market that is due to shut next month to make way for future residential development.REUTERS SDR 1730 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0387-937233.Xml
"Pakistani security forces are systematically committing gross human rights violations in Balochistan in order to suppress the peaceful demands of Baloch people for equality, justice and freedom, Hakeem said .

Speaking on the atrocities on Balochistan, Hakeem said "The ongoing attacks of civil populace, looting & burning of houses, enforced disappearances and custodial killings need immediate attention of this council. Balochistan is made a no-go zone for independent NGOs and media persons."

"It is one of the most dangerous places for journalists in the world.

About 430 political activists, students and civilians have been abducted by Pakistani security forces this year alone, the victims of kill and dump operations rises to 76 so far. Frequent military operations in Awaran, Kech, Kalat, Dera Bugti, Bolan & Marri areas are forcing the locals to leave their houses and migrate,"Hakeem Baloch, member of Baloch Republican Party.

An ISI attack on Bugti refugees in Afghanistan killed three including two children on 5th June. Eight more including women were wounded.

My organization appeals to this council to take immediate notice of the human rights violations in Balochistan and take measures to stop the situation from deteriorating. (ANI)
Several people were killed in the hilly areas of Chittagong, Rangamati and Bandarban in Bangladesh following incessant downpour and landslides late Tuesday night.

Scores of others were injured and many remained missing.

The Chittagong Hill Tracts saw over 300 mm of rainfall in the 24 hours till Tuesday morning. Chittagong alone experienced 222 mm of rain during the same period.

None of these areas has seen such rain in recent years, said Reaz Ahmed, Director General of the Disaster Management Department.

The district administrations opened a number of makeshift shelter homes for people evacuated and rescued from some 20 landslide spots.

The four army men died after being struck by a landslide from an adjacent hill while trying to clear a road in Rangamati's Manikchhari on Tuesday.

According to reports, the landslide pushed 15 army men down to around 30 feet, killing the four instantly,.

At least 10 more army men were injured, five critically, in the Rangamati incident, according to an official statement.

President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have expressed their deep condolence over the death so many people, including the army members.

The incessant rainfall in the country has been caused by depression in the Bay of Bengal. (ANI)
A pipeline to supply Norwegian gas to Poland that will cost an estimated 2 billion euros (2.23 billion dollar) will only be built if there is demand for at least 75 per cent of the gas it can transport, one of the partners in the project told Reuters.Poland, which consumes about 16 billion cubic metres (bcm) of gas per year, is keen to build the 10-billion-bcm pipeline as it seeks to reduce its dependence on Russian gas. If it goes ahead, the pipeline would deliver first supplies in 2022.Russia's Gazprom supplied 11 bcm of gas to Poland in 2016, and has a supply contract that runs to 2022.To go ahead, the new pipeline would need to receive bids for long-term contracts to supply 7.5 billion cubic metres of gas, or 75 percent of the pipeline's capacity, Soeren Juel Hansen, chief consultant at Danish gas system operator Energinet, said.On June 6, Poland and Denmark, the project's main partners, launched a so-called Open Season, which consists of two bidding phases for gas shippers in order to check market demand. Phase one closes on July 25.Energinet would proceed with economic tests that could lead to construction agreements "if the bids are sufficient from 7.5 bcm and more" in phase one of that process, he said, adding most bids would have to be for 15-year contracts.Poland's state-run PGNiG, which has indicated it would book most of the pipeline's capacity, said it would place bids in the next six weeks."We expect to be the key shipper in this project," Marek Woszczyk, the head of PGNiG's Norwegian subsidiary, told Reuters, adding the pipeline's transport cost were a key factor."The tariffs will define the business case for the shippers," Woszczyk said.Energinet's Hansen said market participants had indicated in a 2016 study that the tariff levels on offer were attractive. He did not say at what level they would be set.In addition to Poland, the pipeline could supply Ukraine and other nations, via Poland's onshore gas infrastructure. The estimated 2 billion euro pipeline cost includes enhancing Poland's gas network."The current planned reinforcements of the Polish system is sufficient to allow for exports to Ukraine," Hansen said, adding Germany, Sweden and Denmark could also receive gas from the pipeline.Discussions for the pipeline first began in 2001 and have been held on and off since then. During that period, Poland signed a supply contract with Gazprom."This is the first serious attempt (to build such a pipeline) in 15 years and probably a once in a lifetime opportunity," Hansen said.REUTERS SDR 1827 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0431-937398.Xml
Under mounting pressure after a botched election and facing criticism for not meeting victims of a London tower block blaze sooner, British Prime Minister Theresa May visited the injured in hospital today as the death toll rose to 30.Opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, London mayor Sadiq Khan, Prince William and Queen Elizabeth, 91, have all visited residents from the 24-storey Grenfell Tower destroyed on Wednesday as many slept, and anger is growing in the community.May has been criticised from within her own Conservative Party over her response and she pledged yesterday to hold a public inquiry into the fire at the social housing block which was home to about 600 people. The toll is expected to rise.May met victims privately at a central London hospital today and had expressed her sorrow on television yesterday after meeting emergency services personnel."She should have been there with the residents. You have to be prepared to receive people's emotions, and not be so frightened about people," former Conservative cabinet minister Michael Portillo told the BBC.Khan wrote to May today, saying residents felt increasingly enraged and frustrated by the slow response from the authorities."The local community feels their grief has been made worse by the lack of information about their missing family members and friends," he wrote. Residents in other blocks with the same exterior cladding as Grenfell Tower were concerned, he wrote."People are terrified that the same thing could happen to them," Khan wrote in the letter.May's response has been contrasted with that of Corbyn, who hugged locals at the estate during his visit yesterday, and the royals who met residents and volunteers today.TERRIBLE"That's one of the most terrible things I have ever seen," Prince William said of the tower's blackened shell.Some desperate residents pleaded to speak to the queen and her grandson about their plight and the fate of missing children as they left the site, with William promising he would return.There has been growing fury on the low-rent estate where residents wanted answers on why the fire was able to spread so rapidly and why complaints about safety had been ignored.However, Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson took to Facebook to attack Labour politicians for "political game playing", defending his record regarding the fire service as mayor of London between 2008-2016."Any attack on emergency services performance is outrageous politicking by Labour," he said.London police said an investigation, led by a detective from its homicide and major crime unit, would examine whether criminal offences had been committed although they said there was nothing to suggest the fire was started deliberately.Commander Stuart Cundy said they had been able to remove the remains of only 12 victims from the building."Sadly, it is expected that the total will rise and it is not expected that any survivors will be found," he said. Police have said it could take months to search the building and some victims might never be identified.Locals were expected to stage a march in Kensington, where social housing tenants live cheek by jowl with billionaires in one of Europe's richest districts, from 3 p.m. (1400 GMT) while a rally to demand justice for the victims was due to start in the government district of Westminster at 1700 GMT.While the disaster has prompted an outpouring of generosity, there was also anger at politicians as the charred tower was cast as a deadly symbol of a divided society.May had also drawn criticism during the election campaign for seeming wooden and reluctant to engage in open debate with political rivals and voters, but local government minister Sajid Javid, responsible for housing policy, defended her today."What she wanted to do was to speak to the people working on the ground on the recovery operation, the rescue operation to make sure that they've got everything they want and see how she could help," he told Sky news.May failed to win an outright majority in the June snap election and is now battling to strike a deal with Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party to support her government.REUTERS RJ 2004 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0098-937603.Xml
Britain said today it was looking into whether there were grounds to try the former head of the Ukrainian fiscal service on UK soil, after a court in Kiev dismissed evidence provided by the British authorities in a corruption case.Roman Nasirov is the most high-profile Ukrainian official to be prosecuted for graft since a Western-backed government took charge in 2014 following the Maidan street protests. The case is seen as a test for Kiev's ability to root out entrenched graft.Accused of embezzling around 75 million dollar, Nasirov is under house arrest. He denies any wrongdoing.Nasirov's office declined to comment.Nasirov's arrest in March turned into a media circus. He was taken to hospital, which the anti-corruption prosecutor handling the case said was part of a suspicious pattern of officials falling ill while being investigated.In a letter leaked to local media, the British authorities told Ukraine's anti-corruption bureau in March that Nasirov had acquired British citizenship in 2012. Nasirov has previously denied holding a British passport."We are deeply concerned about the recent decision in Kyiv's Solomiansky Court, where evidence provided by the UK in relation to the case against Roman Nasirov was ruled inadmissible and disregarded," the British embassy said in a statement."The UK authorities will now review the facts and consider if criminal offences have been committed by a British citizen which may be tried in the UK."Ukraine is trying to show its international supporters and lenders that it can tackle entrenched corruption, including in the judiciary. The next payment of a 17.5 billion dollar loan from the International Monetary Fund will depend on Kiev showing progress on reforms including anti-graft measures.In its statement, which was posted on Twitter, the embassy also said the case underscored the "urgent need for progress towards a reformed independent and transparent judicial system" that produces judges "capable of properly trying high profile corruption cases."In an online wealth declaration tool aimed at boosting transparency, Nasirov disclosed last October that he and his wife held cash in euros and dollars worth 2.2 million dollar and owned Swiss watches, diamond jewellery, fur coats and fine porcelain among other items. He told Reuters in an interview he had earned this money in the financial sector before taking office. REUTERS SDR 1927 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0431-937539.Xml
Turkey's prime minister urged the head of the main opposition party today to end a 425 kilometre (265 mile) march from Ankara to Istanbul in protest over the jailing of one of his lawmakers, saying justice "cannot be sought on the streets".Kemal Kilicdaroglu, 68, head of the secularist Republican People's Party (CHP), set out on the march yesterday after Enis Berberoglu was jailed for 25 years on spying charges. He was seen off by thousands of supporters and has garnered much attention in a country where government dominates the media.Kilicdaroglu trudged along a highway outside Ankara today dressed in dark slacks and blue shirt. Sunburned and wearing a cap, he carried a sign that said "Justice".Rights groups and government critics, including members of Kilicdaroglu's CHP, say Turkey is sliding toward authoritarianism, citing a crackdown that followed last year's failed coup that has seen more than 50,000 people jailed and 150,000 sacked or suspended from their jobs."I advise Kilicdaroglu to desist from this act," Prime Minister Binali Yildirim told reporters. "Justice cannot be sought on the streets, Turkey is a state of law... Even if we don't like a court's ruling, we have to respect it."Berberoglu was accused of giving the Cumhuriyet newspaper a video it used as the basis of a May 2015 report that alleged trucks owned by the state intelligence service (MIT)were stopped and found to contain arms and ammunition headed for Syria.Berberoglu is the first CHP lawmaker to be jailed in the government crackdown, which has seen eleven members of parliament from the pro-Kurdish opposition party jailed.Kilicdaroglu has called the arrest "lawless" and motivated by the presidential palace, a reference to President Tayyip Erdogan. His march, planned to end at the Istanbul prison where Berberoglu is being held, is expected to take more than 20 days."We have been, and will be, calling and defending justice, justice, justice, and democracy, democracy, democracy," he told reporters during his march. "No matter what they say."Turkey's justice minister said Kilicdaroglu was trying to foment opposition to the judicial system."It is not possible to break the balance of the scales of justice by walking on roads," Bekir Bozdag said.Erdogan acknowledged the trucks belonged to the MIT but said they carried aid to ethnic Turkmens battling Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Islamic State, and not weapons for rebels.Erdogan accused Cumhuriyet's editor-in-chief Can Dundar and Ankara bureau chief Erdem Gul of undermining Turkey's reputation and vowed Dundar would "pay a heavy price".Last year, Dundar and Gul were sentenced to at least five years jail in a related case. The prosecutor is now seeking another 10 years for the two over the report on the trucks. Dundar is being tried in absentia after leaving Turkey. Gul remains in the country and free while his case is in process.REUTERS SDR 2048 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0431-937671.Xml
The dead toll in Wednesday's heavy fire that engulfed a tower block in west London has risen to 30. "At least 30 fatalities have been confirmed; the bodies of twelve people have been recovered and are at a mortuary, which includes one person who has also died at hospital, despite the best efforts of colleagues in the NHS," the Metropolitan Police said in a statement. However, the death toll is expected to increase as chances are bleak that any survivors will be found alive. The police further said that initial reports from specialist investigators and experts, who have examined the flat where the fire started, there is nothing to suggest the fire was started deliberately. "It is very hard to find the words to express how those families affected must be feeling, and it is our job to work tirelessly to provide them with the answers they so richly deserve. This is a deeply distressing time and my thoughts remain with all those whose lives have been changed by this tragic incident," said Commander Stuart Cundy of the Metropolitan Police. "A priority of each and every one of us involved in the ongoing operation at Grenfell Towers is to recover and identify all the victims," he added. Earlier, the police launched a criminal inquiry into the Grenfell Tower fire incident after it emerged that cladding, used on Grenfell Tower is banned in the US, and that it would have cost just 5,000 pounds extra for the contractors to apply a fire-resistant version of panelling to the building, according to a report by the Independent. The panels, believed to have been fitted to the outside of Grenfell Tower, are produced by U.S. company Reynobond, which makes three types of panel: one with a flammable plastic core and two with fire-resistant cores. It is believed that contractors chose the cheaper, more combustible version for Grenfell, which has a polyethylene core and is known as PE. In the aftermath of the heavy fire incident, the government led by Prime Minister Theresa May is receiving flak for not paying heed to the fire safety warnings that were issued. The Prime Minister's new chief of staff Gavin Barwell had allegedly failed to review the safety during his tenure as housing minister, despite it already having been delayed for years. His predecessor, Brandon Lewis declined to bring in regulation forcing developers to fit sprinklers because he said it was not the Government's responsibility, reports The Independent. Pressure continued to mount with the leader of the Opposition Jeremy Corbyn preparing to attack the ministers with all guns blazing. Suggesting spending cuts may also have a role to play, he said: "If you deny local authorities the funding they need, then there is a price that's paid." "A review took place after the fire in Camberwell and the Government has that review. I believe we need to ask questions about what facilities and resources have been given to local authorities that have tower blocs in the area and, frankly, most do. We need to deal with this; we need people to be safe living in high rise buildings," Corbyn said. With regards to the involvement of any current serving frontbench politicians, Corbyn asserted that although the focus at this point is on saving the locals, all ministers in their tenure must be interrogated. (ANI)
President Donald Trump acknowledged today that he is personally under investigation as part of a widening probe into alleged Russian meddling in last year's US presidential race and possible collusion by his campaign, an inquiry that has cast a shadow over his five months in office."I am being investigated for firing the FBI Director by the man who told me to fire the FBI Director! Witch Hunt," Trump wrote on Twitter.Trump did not specify who he was referring to, but he appeared to be questioning the integrity of Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, the US Justice Department's No 2 official Rosenstein appointed Robert Mueller on May 17 as special counsel to head the inquiry into the Russia matter.Rosenstein wrote a memo in May to Trump strongly criticizing FBI Director James Comey's performance. While the Trump administration initially said that letter was the reason the president fired Comey on May 9, Trump later said he did so because of the "Russia thing."Comey told a Senate panel last week he believed Trump fired him because of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Russia probe. Comey also testified Trump had directed him to drop a related FBI investigation into former national security adviser Michael Flynn.A person familiar with Mueller's inquiry, speaking on condition of anonymity, said yesterday Mueller was looking into whether Trump or others attempted to obstruct the Russia investigation.The Republican president has repeatedly complained about the probe, calling it a witch hunt and saying Democrats cannot accept his election victory. Trump said last week he felt vindicated by Comey's June 8 testimony that he was not the subject of investigation while Comey headed the agency. Several congressional committees are also investigating the Russia matter.ABC News reported today that Rosenstein has said privately he may need to recuse himself from matters relating to the Russia probe because he could become a witness in the investigation. Citing unnamed sources, ABC reported Rosenstein told Associate Attorney General Rachel Brand she would have authority over the probe if he were to step aside.Rosenstein currently has such authority because Attorney General Jeff Sessions recused himself on March 2 after revelations of previously undisclosed meetings with Russia's ambassador to Washington while he was a Trump campaign advisor.The Democratic National Committee said it saw a need for Rosenstein to recuse himself, but it said control over the investigation should be given to Mueller and not another Trump appointee.A Trump confidant said this week the president had considered firing Mueller. Rosenstein, the official who would be responsible for dismissing Mueller, told US lawmakers he would fire him only with good cause.US intelligence agencies concluded in a report issued in January that Russia interfered in the presidential race to try to help Trump win, in part by hacking and releasing emails damaging to Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton.Moscow has denied any interference. The White House has denied any collusion.NO PROOF, SAYS TRUMPTrump kept up his criticism of the investigations in a series of tweets today."After 7 months of investigations & committee hearings about my 'collusion with the Russians,' nobody has been able to show any proof. Sad!" he wrote in one post.In another development, members of Trump's transition team that served him after he was elected in November until he took office in January have been ordered to preserve materials related to the Russia matter, the New York Times reported.Citing a memo from the general counsel's office of Trump's transition team, the Times said members were given the order yesterday for any information involving Russia or Ukraine in the latest sign of the investigation's expanding reach.The memo to former transition team members yesterday also seeks specific information on five people, the Times reported. They are: Flynn; Paul Manafort, Trump's former campaign manager; Rick Gates, Manafort's business partner; Carter Page, a former foreign policy adviser; and Roger J Stone Jr, an informal adviser to Mr Trump.Flynn was dismissed by Trump in February after it emerged he had misled Pence about conversations with the Russian ambassador. Manafort, Page and Stone have also been linked to the Russia investigations.During an appearance in Florida today, Vice President Mike Pence said his hiring of his own lawyer to help him in the Russia inquiry was a "very routine" move. Pence has hired Richard Cullen, a lawyer known for defending government officials in high-profile investigations, his office said yesterday.REUTERS RJ 2226 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0098-937757.Xml
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-15 20:30:47|Editor: Liangyu

People hold placards during a rally in Istanbul, Turkey, on June 15, 2017. Turkey's main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) launched on Thursday a "Justice March" from capital Ankara to Istanbul, in a bid to protest the arrest of its lawmaker Enis Berberoglu for espionage charges. (Xinhua/Cenk Baklan)

ANKARA, June 15 (Xinhua) -- Turkey's main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) launched on Thursday a "Justice March" from capital Ankara to Istanbul, in a bid to protest the arrest of its lawmaker Enis Berberoglu for espionage charges.

CHP head Kemal Kilicdaroglu accompanied by many party officials and supporters staged a protest in downtown Ankara's Guven Park with a banner in his hands read in "Justice."

"We want justice, until democracy and justice come to this country," said Kilicdaroglu in Guven Park where strict security measures were taken by the police.

"We do not want MPs and journalist thrown into prison. We are living in a dictatorial regime, we want people to live in peace in our country," said the opposition leader who had flowers in one of his hands and was accompanied by his wife and son.

He called on "everyone loving democracy and justice whatever his political beliefs" to participate in his march, which he underlined is not "under the leadership of any political party."

Nearly 10,000 people are joining the march, according to local channel CNNTurk. Numerous TV cameras and reporters are following the event, unprecedented in Turkish political history.

It will need 25 days to complete the 450 km from Ankara to Istanbul.

"Our march has started. We are walking for our democracy and freedom," Utku Cakirozer, the CHP deputy, told Xinhua.

Another demonstration was ongoing in Istanbul Macka Park.

Berberoglu is the first member of the main opposition party who has been jailed. Since the failed coup of July 2016, several MPs of the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) have been sentenced and imprisoned for charges linked to the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).

Berberoglu is more of a journalist than a politician. He was elected as a MP of CHP two years ago; before that, he had a long career working for some prominent titles, including editor-in-chief of Hurriyet.

The case against him started two years ago, when opposition newspaper Cumhuriyet published images and footage showing weapons allegedly being smuggled into Syria from Turkey.

The images, which dated back to January 2014, appeared to demonstrate Turkey was far more involved in the Syrian civil war than it was publicly admitting at the time.

Cumhuriyet's editor-in-chief of the time Can Dundar and actual Ankara bureau Chief Erdem Gul have been briefly incarcerated last year because of the case.

It was alleged that Berberoglu himself leaked the material to the Cumhuriyet.

The individual cases against them were merged into one last year, fairly common in Turkish judicial procedure.

But on Wednesday, in an unusual move, the cases were separated once again at a hearing of an Istanbul court. Enis Berberoglu was handed a sentence of life imprisonment, reduced to 25 years for mitigating factors, while Erdem Gul and Can Dundar's combined cases will continue to be heard at a yet-to-be-determined date.

Dundar is now in exile in Germany, facing charges of espionage and revealing state secrets.

After the court's decision which was quite unexpected, CHP MPs walked out of the Turkish parliament followed by a harsh statement of Kilicdaroglu, who said "we absolutely do not accept this decision."

"We have battled for democracy, for justice for years. We want justice, democracy and freedom of expression in this country," he stressed.

Senior CHP lawmaker Gursel Tekin told local channel CNNTurk later Wednesday that his party would be launching "democracy protests" in all of Turkey's 81 provinces.

Kilicdaroglu himself gave an interview to the same channel where he announced that he would personally march to Maltese prison in Istanbul, where Berberoglu is currently held.

"I will do this. I will march. One, five or 10 people may come behind me. I will walk until justice is secured in this country," he said.

Kemal Kilicdaroglu, 68, the leader of CHP since 2010, earned the moniker "Ghandi" because of his tranquil demeanor, as he seems adopting a form of non-violent disobedience like the famous Indian leader Mahatma Ghandi.

On March 12, 1930, Ghandi and a small band of supporters set off on a nearly 500 km march across western India, to protest the British colonial government's salt monopoly, which forbade Indians from producing it.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-15 22:12:11|Editor: Mengjie

Participants of the second BRICS Sherpa meeting pose for a group photo in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, June 15, 2017. The meeting was chaired by Li Baodong, sherpa for BRICS affairs and vice foreign minister of China, and attended by sherpas and sous-sherpas of BRICS countries and representatives from the New Development Bank. (Xinhua)

QINGDAO, June 15 (Xinhua) -- The BRICS sherpas on Thursday agreed to further strengthen the BRICS partnership, deepen practical cooperation, and jointly usher in a second "golden decade" of BRICS cooperation.

The pledge came as the second BRICS Sherpa meeting was held Wednesday and Thursday in Qingdao in eastern China's Shandong Province.

Participants in the meeting reviewed the progress of BRICS cooperation in key areas such as political, security, economy, people-to-people and cultural exchanges, and focused on the outcome of the upcoming 2017 BRICS Summit, which is scheduled for Sept. 3 to 5 in the coastal city of Xiamen, Fujian Province.

"The five countries are not together by chance. The consensus building is very easy among us. We think very similarly on most issues such as international relations, foreign policy and the importance of the multilateral system. We are all in favor of openness in the economy, free trade and climate change agreement, and I think that's the most important message that BRICS is sending to the world," said Brazilian sherpa Georges Lamaziere.

Indian deputy sherpa Alok Dimris said the priority of BRICS is the economic and financial market forum, which focuses on the reform of the economic and global governance system.

"There are multiple dimensions and initiatives on which BRICS is working together. We have the New Development Bank (NDB), which works on infrastructure, and lots of initiatives in the fields of finance and people-to-people exchanges," he said.

The NDB, established by the BRICS in 2014, was a milestone for pragmatic financial cooperation among the BRICS.

"The bank can be seen as a platform for the BRICS as a whole to reach out to other countries. One of its central aspects is to support the financing of infrastructure in member countries. So it will be able to assist the Belt and Road Initiative," said Paulo Batista, vice president of the NDB.

Participants in the meeting spoke highly of China's leading role as BRICS chair for this year and expressed their willingness to support China's efforts and work together to make the Xiamen summit a great success.

"We are confident that the Xiamen summit will be a huge success and cement cooperation and interaction among all BRICS members. We are very impressed by China's thoughtful and productive preparation work. We think that the Xiamen summit will usher in the golden decade of BRICS," said Russian BRICS sherpa and Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov.

"BRICS represents over 40 percent of the global population. When the five leaders meet for the summit in Xiamen, it's not just the five leaders' meeting. We are looking forward to a fruitful summit," said Anil Sooklal, sherpa from South Africa.

The second BRICS Sherpa meeting was chaired by Li Baodong, sherpa for BRICS affairs and vice foreign minister of China, and attended by sherpas and sous-sherpas of BRICS countries and representatives from the New Development Bank.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-15 23:53:14|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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CANBERRA, June 15 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Ambassador Cheng Jingye said on Thursday that the mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Australia have contributed to growth of both economies.

This year marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Australia.

"In the past 45 years, we have witnessed the rapid growth of our friendly relations and economic cooperation, which has not only delivered real benefits to the two peoples, but also contributed in no small measure to the steady growth of our two economies," Cheng said at the Australia China Business Council (ACBC) annual Canberra Networking Day.

"The development of our relations can't be persistent without the support of friendly groups like ACBC. I sincerely hope today's event could bring positive impact on our mutually beneficial cooperation and mutual political trust," he told the event held at the Australian Parliament House.

The Chinese ambassador also dismissed a report by the Australian Broadcasting Company (ABC) as "sensational."

He pointed out that what was reported in the "Power and Influence of China" program is basically a kind of platitude.

Cheng said that over the years, China has been committed to developing and enhancing friendly relations with all other countries on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, which is an important cornerstone of China's foreign policy.

"It's true that China's development has benefited a lot from the international community and the regional peace and stability. But it's also true that China has made significant contributions to the world's development and the maintenance of regional peace and stability," he said.

"China will never waver in its pursuit of peaceful development and win-win cooperation."
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-16 00:58:45|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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BUCHAREST, June 15 (Xinhua) -- Romanian President Klaus Iohannis on Thursday spoke highly of the cooperation with the United Kingdom in defence, appreciating the support given to his country in its efforts to strengthen the NATO's eastern flank.

Receiving visiting British Defence Secretary Michael Fallon, Iohannis highlighted Romania's firm commitment to NATO priorities, particularly those related to strengthening the Alliance's deterrence and defence posture, and the fair sharing of responsibilities among member countries.

The two officials affirmed their determination to strengthen the strategic partnership between Romania and the United Kingdom in the area, pointing out that the two countries have shared visions regarding the current security challenges, according to a release from the Presidency.

The two officials also welcomed the optimal unfolding of the Noble Jump 17 exercise that is taking place in Romania, added the release.

The exercise is a logistical challenge that will test NATO's ability to quickly deliver a fighting force to an assigned area of operations, with some 2,000 NATO troops as well as more than 500 vehicles and helicopters from bases in Albania, Bulgaria, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain and Britain, joined by around 2,000 Romanian troops.

Fallon voiced his country's intention to continue joint military training programs both under NATO auspices and in a bilateral context.

He also praised Romania's efforts of assigning 2 percent of the Gross Domestic Product to defence spending, as an example to be followed by other allies too.

Fallon is on a two-day visit to Romania.

Earlier on Thursday, he also had a meeting with Romanian Prime Minister Sorin Grindeanu, while on Wednesday, Fallon, accompanied by his Romanian counterpart Gabriel Les, visited the Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base, where four Typhoon aircraft of the UK's Royal Air Force stationed for air police missions.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-16 01:08:49|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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CAPE TOWN, June 15 (Xinhua) -- South Africa's ruling African National Congress (ANC) on Thursday welcomed a decision by Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane to investigate the so-called Gupta emails.

The ANC "welcomes the decision of the Public Protector to conduct a preliminary investigation into some of the claims contained in the so-called 'GuptaEmails'," the party said in a statement.

The ANC has always maintained the need to establish the veracity of the emails and consequently the merits of the allegations contained therein, ANC national spokesperson Zizi Kodwa said.

Mkhwebane announced on Wednesday night that she will begin an inquiry into whether recent allegations of state capture emerging from the Gupta emails leaks have merit.

The "Gupta emails", published recently by the Sunday Times and other South African news outlets, have further exposed the relationship between President Jacob Zuma and the controversial Indian Gupta family, and the extent of the family's alleged power over South Africa.

According to the emails, believed to originate from the Guptas, the Gupta family was awarded lucrative contracts with South African state-owned enterprises (SOEs) through its close ties with Zuma and senior government officials.

In her statement on Wednesday, Mkhwebane outlined new allegations from the recent trove of emails that have been reported.

These include:

- Former Communications Minister Faith Muthambi leaked confidential information to the Guptas;

- Former Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba strategically placed two Home Affairs officials in India to benefit Gupta-run businesses through liaison with another official from the Department of Home Affairs; and

- Former Mineral Resources Minister Ngoako Ramatlhodi's allegations that former electricity utility Eskom CEO Molefe and Eskom Board Chairman Ben Ngubane had pressurized him to help the Guptas take control of the South African Glencore coal mine in 2016.

The ANC said it believes that the investigation into the Gupta emails will shed some much needed light on the disturbing allegations which, if left unattended, have the effect of undermining the integrity and credibility of our government and state.

"Corruption and impropriety as it relates to public funds and resources is an untenable cancer that must be rooted out in our society," the party said.

The ANC has full confidence in the institutions established to support democracy as well as in the institutional framework the government is constantly strengthening to fight corruption, the party added.

"We call on all those with information relating to the issues to be investigated to fully support and cooperate with the work of the Public Protector," the ANC said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-16 02:24:23|Editor: huaxia

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NAIROBI, June 15 (Xinhua) -- Kenya plans to accelerate its electricity exports to other East African nations, officials at the state-owned electricity utility said on Thursday.

Kenya Power Managing Director Kenneth Tarus told a media briefing in Nairobi that it currently exports between 10 and 20 Megawatts of power each to Tanzania and Uganda.

"Kenya's exports to the region are likely to continue so long as our local demand will not have grown to meet our current electricity supply," Tarus said during the Fourth Edition of the Great Energy Debate.

The East African nation has an arrangement with neighboring Tanzania and Uganda to sell its surplus energy. "At the same time, we will also import from the countries when our electricity demand exceeds supply," Tarus said.

Kenya is at present constructing an electricity interconnector with Ethiopia. Kenya's installed electricity generation capacity currently stands at approximately 2300 Mw of electricity against a peak demand of 1650 Mw.

Tarus said that Kenya plans to add an additional 743 Mw of electricity in the next five years. Kenya Power, which is the sole power distributor in the country, plans to connect 70 percent of the population by the end of the year.

"We are currently implementing a project that will connect an additional 312,000 households to the national grid with a 130 million U.S. dollars loan from the Africa Development Bank," the managing director said.

The power firm has also plans to spend 1 billion dollars over the next four years to refurbish its electricity transmission network so that it can support additional power generation. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-16 02:44:50|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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LUSAKA, June 15 (Xinhua) -- Zambian President Edgar Lungu on Thursday sent a message of condolences to British Prime Minister Theresa May following the death of several people in an inferno at a flat in London.

A fire engulfed a 24-storey building in west London on Wednesday night with 17 people confirmed dead and more than 30 injured.

Lungu said in a statement released by his office that he learnt with profound sorrow the loss of many lives and injuries suffered by the survivors.

"I wish to convey, on behalf of the government and people of the republic of Zambia, and indeed on my own behalf, my deepest condolences to the people of the United Kingdom, and the families of the decease during this trying period," he said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-16 03:30:10|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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DAR ES SALAAM, June 15 (Xinhua) -- The government of Tanzania on Thursday banned a tabloid for two years after it was implicated in linking two former presidents to the ongoing mineral concentrates exports scam.

Harrison Mwakyembe, the east African nation's Minister for Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, imposed the ban to the tabloid called Mawio after it linked former Presidents Benjamin Mkapa and Jakaya Kikwete to the mineral concentrates exports scandal.

A statement issued by the Director of Information Services, Hassan Abbasi, said the ban was effective immediately.

Mawio's Wednesday edition carried the photographs of the former Presidents on its front page with a story detailing the two leaders' role in the problems bedeviling the mining sector in Tanzania.

"I have been left with no other option than to use powers conferred on me by the Information Services Act to impose a ban on Mawio from publication for the next 24 months," said the statement quoting the minister.

Apart from printing, the newspaper will also not be allowed to run the digital version or on its social platforms, said the statement.

Mawio was accused of ignoring a government directive on reporting about the former leaders who ruled the country for 20 years from 1995 to 2015 when President John Magufuli took over.

On Wednesday, President Magufuli warned the media against linking Mkapa and Kikwete to reports of the dispute with the mining giant Acacia Gold Mining Plc.

Magufuli sounded the warning after he had held talks with Barrick Gold Corporation Chairman John Thornton at the State House.

"Media should stop tarnishing reputation of our leaders. They have done great job in serving this country. We should let them rest," the president said.

On Monday, President Magufuli ordered the investigation of all former and current government officials who were involved in the signing of mining agreements that led the country to incurring losses amounting to billions of U.S. dollars.

He said the officials to be investigated included former mining ministers and senior lawyers who entered into mining deals that created loopholes for foreign mining companies to rip-off the country.

The president made the order shortly after he was presented with the second report on mineral concentrates in the commercial capital Dar es Salaam.

Nehemiah Osoro, the chairman of a special presidential committee that compiled the second mineral concentrates report, said the report revealed that there was massive cheating by mining companies on the amount of gold exports and tax evasion.
Former FBI Director James Comey is sworn in prior to a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing on Capitol Hill, in Washington D.C., the United States, on June 8, 2017. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu)

MOSCOW, June 15 (Xinhua) -- Russia is willing to grant asylum to former chief of the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) James Comey in case he is persecuted in the United States, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday.

Comey, sacked by the Trump administration last month, acted like U.S. whistleblower Edward Snowden, said the Russian leader during an annual televised call-in known as "Direct Line with Vladimir Putin."

"When a special service head records a conversation with the commander-in-chief and gives it to the media through one of his friends ... he is then not a special service head but a human rights advocate who defends a certain position," said Putin.

Snowden, a computer professional who had done contractual work for the U.S. National Security Agency, is now living under asylum in Russia. He fled to Russia in 2013 after revealing thousands of classified documents to the press.

"If there is persecution against Comey, we will be ready to grant him political asylum as well," said Putin.

According to the Trump administration, Comey was fired because of his handling of the Hillary Clinton email investigation during the 2016 U.S. presidential elections. But the former FBI director believed that he was sacked due to his investigation into Russian ties to the Trump campaign.

As for Comey's investigation into Russian interference in the presidential elections, Putin said that Comey provided no evidence.


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The photo shows artist's rendering of satellite Micius. (Credit: Pan Jianwei)

WASHINGTON, June 15 (Xinhua) -- Chinese scientists on Thursday reported a successful transmission of "entangled" photon pairs from space to ground stations separated by 1,200 km, a major technical breakthrough towards quantum communication over great distances.

The study, published as a cover story by the U.S. journal Science, distributed such "entangled" photons, or light particles, from a satellite 500 km above the Earth's surface, known as Micius, which was launched last year and equipped with specialized quantum tools.

It's another effort to prove that a physical phenomenon once described by Albert Einstein as "spooky" exists at a large distance, and eventually on a global scale.

"This work lays a reliable technical foundation for large-scale quantum networking and quantum communication experimental research, as well as experimental testing of basic principles of physics, such as general theory of relativity and quantum gravity, in outer space in the future," Pan Jianwei, chief scientist for the quantum satellite project, told Xinhua.

WORLD RECORD

Quantum entanglement, which Einstein referred to as "a spooky action at a distance," is a curious phenomenon in which particles are "linked" together in such a way that they affect one another regardless of distance. It is of great significance for secure communications, quantum computation and simulation, and enhanced metrology.

Yet, efforts to entangle quantum particles, such as photons, have been limited to about 100 km, mostly because the entanglement is lost as they are transmitted along optical fibers, or through open space on land, Pan said.

One way to overcome this issue is to break the line of transmission into smaller segments and use so-called quantum repeaters to repeatedly swap, purify and store quantum information along the optical fiber, while another approach is to make use of satellite-based technologies.

In the new study, Pan, a professor at the University of Science and Technology of China, and his colleagues used the Chinese satellite Micius to demonstrate the latter feat.

The Micius satellite was used to communicate with two ground stations 1,203 km apart, located in Delingha in northwest China's Qinghai Province and Lijiang in Yunnan Province in southwest China, separately. The distance between the orbiting satellite and the two ground stations varies from 500 to 2,000 km.

By combining so-called narrow-beam divergence with a high-bandwidth and high-precision acquiring, pointing, and tracking technique to optimize link efficiency, the team established entanglement between two single photons, separated at a distance of over 1,200 km apart, for the first time, Pan said.

In addition, compared with previous methods using the best performance and most common commercial telecommunication fibers, the effective link efficiency of the satellite-based approach is 12 and 17 orders of magnitude higher respectively.

The photo shows Pan Jianwei's team with artist's rendering of satellite Micius. (Credit: Pan Jianwei)

GIANT STEP

An immediate application of distributed entangled photons, said Pan, is for entanglement-based quantum key distribution to establish secure keys for quantum communication. Another is to exploit distributed entanglement to perform a variant of quantum teleportation protocol for remote preparation and control of quantum states.

According to Pan, peer reviewers of the paper praised his work as "a major technical accomplishment with potential practical applications as well as being of fundamental scientific importance" that "will have a very large impact, both within the scientific community and in the grand public."

A number of experts spoke highly of the new achievement from China.

This demonstration of the photon entanglement distribution from a satellite to very distant ground bases is "a giant step" forward in quantum information and quantum networking development, Alexander Sergienko, a quantum physicist at Boston University, told Xinhua.

"This is a heroic experiment because so many detrimental factors were working against researchers (and) attempting to destroy a quantum nature of the photonic entanglement in this landmark experiment," Sergienko said. "It is hard to overestimate the impact of this result on the development of modern quantum physics."

"Chinese researchers deserve a greatest praise and acknowledgement of their skills, persistence, and devotion to science," said Sergienko.

Seth Lloyd, director of the Center for Extreme Quantum Information Theory at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, expressed similar views, calling this work "a true breakthrough" in the technology of entanglement distribution.

"The experiment shows that long-range quantum communication is indeed technologically feasible and holds out the promise of the construction of long-range quantum communication networks in the near future," Lloyd told Xinhua.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-16 04:35:43|Editor: huaxia

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ALGIERS, June 15 (Xinhua) -- Algerian counterterrorism troops on Thursday killed two armed militants in the southernmost province of Tamenrasset, near the border with Mali, said Algerian Defense Ministry in a statement.

"As part of the fight against terrorism and following a patrol carried out near the province of Tamanrasset, army troops shot down two terrorists in the afternoon of Thursday," said the source.

Two FMPK machine guns, a large amount of ammunition and a four-wheel drive vehicle were retrieved during the operation, specified the source.

"This new operation, which is added to the series of positive results obtained on the ground by the National People's Army forces, shows permanent vigilance and availability of the troops throughout the Algerian territory to thwart any attempt aiming at undermining the security and stability of the country," concluded the statement.

Located in a region plagued by unprecedented security and political instability, Algeria faces ongoing terrorist threats.

A few militants affiliated to al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) and recently established IS affiliate groups are still taking refuge in the dense woods in the north, and remote desert areas near the troubled Libya and Mali. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-16 05:11:02|Editor: Yamei

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(Xinhua file photo)

LONDON, June 15 (Xinhua) -- Talks on Britain's exit from the European Union will start next Monday, it was announced Thursday.

The British government's Office for Exiting the EU confirmed the date in an official announcement from London.

Meanwhile, a joint statement issued in London and Brussels said: "The first round of talks that will see Britain leave the European Union will start on Monday June 19."

"Following discussions in Brussels today, both sides agreed that the formal negotiations under the Article 50 process can now start."

In the joint statement issued Thursday, officials said: "Michel Barnier, the European Commission's Chief Negotiator and David Davis, Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, agreed today to launch Article 50 negotiations on Monday June 19."

The discussions about Britain's new relationship with the EU are expected to last for two years.

Prime Minister Theresa May had announced that Britain would be prepared to leave Europe without a deal if necessary, with her now famous message "no deal is better than a bad deal".

But following the general election last week, when May lost her overall majority in the House of Commons, there have been growing calls for a softer Brexit.
Syrians gather around a Russian soldier as opposition fighters and their families prepare to be evacuated from the Waer neighbourhood, the last opposition-held district in the central city of Homs, on May 21, 2017. (AFP Photo)

MOSCOW, June 15 (Xinhua) -- Russian armed forces and defense industry have benefited from the anti-terrorist operations in Syria, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday.

"The experience of deploying our troops and newest weapons in combat conditions is absolutely priceless," Putin said during his annual "direct line" questions and answers session.

He said the Russian armed forces have acquired a "different quality" and some recently created units operated very effectively.

The use of the newest weapons allowed Russia to understand how they performed in combat conditions and representatives of the defense industry went to Syria to see it with their own eyes to make necessary adjustments, Putin said.

Russia started to participate in the anti-terrorist operations in Syria in September 2015. It has now withdrawn the majority of its troops from the war-torn country.

The task of the Russian armed forces for the near future is to raise the combat capability of the Syrian troops and provide them with occasional support in fighting terrorists, Putin said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-16 05:26:16|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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HELSINKI, June 15 (Xinhua) -- The EU Commissioner responsible for Arctic policies, Karmenu Vella, on Thursday underlined the impact of Arctic development for the whole world.

Vella spoke at the opening of the first ever EU Arctic Forum in Oulu, Northern Finland. Vella noted that the Arctic region keeps warming at twice the speed the rest of the globe, local Oulu newspaper Kaleva reported.

Finnish Foreign Minister Timo Soini said the Arctic region needs growth, but "in a responsible way".

Both Vella and Soini described the decision of U.S. President Donald Trump to disengage from the Paris climate accords as a great disappointment. Soini said that he would like to appeal to Trump on the grounds that "protecting the Arctic is a good business".

Vella said that the European Union is now more united in relation to the Paris climate accords. "They are not negotiable", she said. "For us the planet continues to be the first in the order of importance", she underlined.

Finnish Prime Minister Juha Sipila held talks in Oulu with the EU High Representative Federica Mogherini about the developmemnt of the joint defence and security policies of the EU. Mogherini thanked Finland for being active in the EU defence cooperation and its development.

Talking to the media in Oulu, Sipila described the Finnish approach as ambitious. Finland hopes that progress will be made in "permanent structural cooperation".

Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland is also attending the EU Forum in Oulu. The EU Arctic Forum continues on Friday.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-16 05:41:25|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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TRIPOLI, June 15 (Xinhua) -- The Libyan judicial authorities have clarified the circumstances of the arrest of Dutch activist Yvonne Snitjer in Tripoli, whose release was announced by the Dutch Foreign Ministry earlier on Wednesday.

"The Dutch citizen was arrested by the Special Deterrence Force in Tripoli for filming in the places of clashes that took place in the capital earlier without a prior permit," the head of the investigations department of the Libyan Attorney General's Office told Xinhua.

"She was also arrested on the grounds that she received more than one visa to enter Libya. She once entered as a member of MSF, once as a journalist, and again as a businesswoman in a clothing company. This is contrary to the rules of entry and exit of the country," the official added.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Dutch Foreign Ministry announced the release and deporting of Ivon Snetger, who disappeared about a month ago in the Libyan capital of Tripoli in unknown circumstances.

The investigation official also said the Libyan Attorney General's Office addressed the Director General of the Passports Authority to deport Snitjer without the possibility of return. "All of this was done in agreement with the Dutch embassy in Libya."

NL Times reported the disappearance of Snitjer in the capital Tripoli, noting that she was last seen at 10 pm on Friday at Cafe de Rome in the Old City of Tripoli a day before the month of Ramadan.

Local media said Snitjer founded the Yorukia Foundation, an independent educational center in the capital Tripoli.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-16 07:01:45|Editor: Mengjie

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WASHINGTON, June 15 (Xinhua) -- Nebraska officials have helped load the state's first shipment of beef to Shanghai, just two days after Washington reached agreements with Beijing on resuming U.S. beef exports, Nebraska governor's office confirmed to Xinhua on Thursday.

Nebraska governor Pete Ricketts and Nebraska Department of Agriculture director Greg Ibach on Wednesday joined Greater Omaha Packing President Henry Davis to load the first box of beef from the state destined for China, the governor's office said in a statement.

Greater Omaha Packing is among the first processors approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture on Wednesday to export beef to China, and the company has experience handling the product traceability that China requires, according to local media.

"Chinese officials toured our company's Omaha plant last fall to learn about our high international animal health and food safety standards and traceability and labeling protocols," said Davis. "We're excited to be shipping beef to China for the first time in 14 years."

As part of the U.S.-China 100-day plan to boost bilateral economic cooperation, the U.S. Department of Agriculture on Monday reached agreements with China on final details of a protocol to allow it to export beef to China.

China imposed a ban on U.S. beef in December 2003 after mad cow disease, or bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), was found in U.S. cattle. Before the ban, the United States was China's largest supplier of imported beef.

Access to the Chinese market allows Nebraska farmers and ranchers to sell our quality beef to more than 1.3 billion new customers, and this will help to grow our state for years to come, Ricketts said in a statement on Wednesday.

In an interview with Xinhua last month, Ricketts said he believes "there's tremendous opportunity for both Nebraskans and Chinese in developing that relationship further."

"China is our second biggest trading partner outside of North America and we exported over 1.2 billion (U.S.) dollars to China last year," he said, adding the rising standards of living in China "creates not only a great future for China but a huge opportunity for states like Nebraska to meet the needs of the Chinese people."

While the United States and China may have differences in terms of trade policies, Ricketts urged the two countries to foster mutually beneficial trade ties, "so that both countries can continue to see the prosperity that's been created by our trade relationship," he said.
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)

UNITED NATIONS, June 15 (Xinhua) -- The UN General Assembly approved on Thursday the request of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to set up a new office to aid member states in fighting terrorism.

General Assembly President Peter Thomson said the resolution was "the first major institutional reform presented by Guterres," who took office on Jan. 1.

Chief UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said that the secretary-general welcomed adoption of the General Assembly resolution "which endorsed his proposal to establish a new UN Office of Counter-Terrorism."

The resolution was passed by consensus.

The spokesman said the new office would be "a major reform of the UN Counter-Terrorism architecture" and later told reporters it would "bring coherence to all the different entities, in coordination, to counter terrorism."

"The secretary-general expects the UN Counter-Terrorism Centre within the new Office of Counter-Terrorism to play a central role in the provision of enhanced capacity building assistance to member states," said the spokesman, who declined to speculate on when Guterres would name someone to head the office.

"The Secretary-General considers counter-terrorism and prevention of violent extremism to be one of the highest priorities of the United Nations to address a growing threat to international peace and security," Dujarric said. "He therefore hopes that this reform of the UN Counter-Terrorism architecture will contribute to the UN's broader efforts to promote conflict prevention, sustainable peace and development."

The General Assembly president said that "this resolution will enhance the United Nations' capability to assist member states in implementing the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy across its four pillars by ensuring greater coordination and coherence across the UN system, and by improving visibility, advocacy and resource mobilization for United Nations' counter-terrorism efforts."

The four pillars of the strategy are measures to address the conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism; measures to prevent and combat terrorism; measures to build States' capacity to prevent and combat terrorism and to strengthen the role of the United Nations system in that regard; and measures to ensure the respect for human rights for all and the rule of law as the fundamental basis for the fight against terrorism.

Thomson said the resolution shows "unwavering commitment to strengthening international cooperation to prevent and combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and to reaffirm that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed."

"I thank all delegations for working cooperatively and constructively throughout the consultation process and for supporting my office in securing this resolution," he said.

Dujarric said Guterres thanked member states "for their strong support for his initiative."

The spokesman also added, "The secretary-general expresses appreciation to the role being played by the UN Counter-Terrorism Centre Advisory Board in guiding its work, and the growing number of member states who are contributing to it."
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-16 07:16:52|Editor: Liangyu

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SAN FRANCISCO, June 15 (Xinhua) -- Facebook, Inc., the social networking service claiming to have 1.94 billion monthly active users worldwide, said Thursday it wants to be "a hostile place for terrorists."

Criticized by some to be a platform for propaganda or even recruitment by terrorists, the U.S. company headquartered in Menlo Park, Northern California, pledged that it is "absolutely committed to keeping terrorism off our platform."

Monika Bickert, Facebook's Director of Global Policy Management, and Brian Fishman, the company's Counterterrorism Policy Manager, acknowledged in a posting on its website that they believe social media should not be a place where terrorists have a voice.

However, before detailing what the company is doing or plans to do to help fight terrorism, they noted that "the challenge for online communities is the same as it is for real world communities - to get better at spotting the early signals before it's too late."

They revealed that the company has a team of more than 150 counterterrorism specialists, including academic experts on counterterrorism, former prosecutors, former law enforcement agents and analysts, working exclusively or primarily on countering terrorism as their core responsibility.

Besides, the two executives wrote that Facebook will grow its community operations teams around the world by 3,000 people over the next year, who will work 24 hours a day and in dozens of languages to review accounts or content that may violate its policies, including those that may be related to terrorism.

To keep terrorist content off Facebook, Facebook is also deploying artificial intelligence (AI) technology to stop anyone uploading a photo or video that matches a known terrorism photo or video; remove material related to pages, groups, posts or profiles already identified as supporting terrorism; and detect new fake accounts created by repeat offenders.

"We believe technology," Bickert and Fishman wrote. adding that "although our use of AI against terrorism is fairly recent, it's already changing the ways we keep potential terrorist propaganda and accounts off Facebook."

In addition to targeting ISIS, Al Qaeda and their affiliates, they said Facebook's counterterrorism efforts will "expand to other terrorist organizations in due course."
Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts (L 3rd) and other agriculture officials load shipping containers of beef destined for export to China in Omaha, Nebraska, the United States, on June 14, 2017. (Xinhua/Nebraska Governor's Office)

WASHINGTON, June 15 (Xinhua) -- Nebraska officials have helped load the state's first shipment of beef to Shanghai, just two days after Washington reached agreements with Beijing on resuming U.S. beef exports, Nebraska governor's office confirmed to Xinhua on Thursday.

Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts and Nebraska Department of Agriculture director Greg Ibach on Wednesday joined Greater Omaha Packing President Henry Davis to load the first box of beef from the state destined for China, the governor's office said in a statement.

Greater Omaha Packing is among the first processors approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture on Wednesday to export beef to China, and the company has experience handling the product traceability that China requires, according to local media.

"Chinese officials toured our company's Omaha plant last fall to learn about our high international animal health and food safety standards and traceability and labeling protocols," said Davis. "We're excited to be shipping beef to China for the first time in 14 years."

As part of the U.S.-China 100-day plan to boost bilateral economic cooperation, the U.S. Department of Agriculture on Monday reached agreements with China on final details of a protocol to allow it to export beef to China.

China imposed a ban on U.S. beef in December 2003 after mad cow disease, or bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), was found in U.S. cattle. Before the ban, the United States was China's largest supplier of imported beef.

Access to the Chinese market allows Nebraska farmers and ranchers to sell our quality beef to more than 1.3 billion new customers, and this will help to grow our state for years to come, Ricketts said in a statement on Wednesday.

Credit: Nebraska Governor's Office

In an interview with Xinhua last month, Ricketts said he believes "there's tremendous opportunity for both Nebraskans and Chinese in developing that relationship further."

"China is our second biggest trading partner outside of North America and we exported over 1.2 billion (U.S.) dollars to China last year," he said, adding the rising standards of living in China "creates not only a great future for China but a huge opportunity for states like Nebraska to meet the needs of the Chinese people."

While the United States and China may have differences in terms of trade policies, Ricketts urged the two countries to foster mutually beneficial trade ties, "so that both countries can continue to see the prosperity that's been created by our trade relationship," he said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-16 08:12:07|Editor: Liangyu

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SYDNEY, June 16 (Xinhua) -- The Australian dollar fell on Friday against the U.S. greenback, backtracking on Thursday's strong performance which was spurred by positive employment figures.

At the Asian open, one Australian dollar was buying 75.81 U.S. cents, down from the 76.08 U.S. cents it was trading at on Thursday.

The Australian dollar rose sharply on Thursday after the Australian Bureau of Statistics released data showing a steadily falling unemployment rate and a dramatic surge in full-time work.

Joseph Capurso, senior economist at the Commonwealth Bank, told Xinhua in a statement that the unexpectedly strong employment results released on Thursday boosted the Australian dollar temporarily, but the gains did not continue into Friday's market open.

"The Australian dollar unwound all of yesterday's post-labour force gains. Australia recorded very strong employment gains in May. Employment rose by 42,000 in May, which was well above expectations of a 10,000 lift," Capurso said.

"The details of the report were all strong. Full time jobs were up, the unemployment rate fell to 5.5 percent, its lowest since 2012."

At 9:35 (AEST), one Australian dollar was buying 75.86 U.S. cents.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-16 09:37:34|Editor: Mengjie

Photo shows the U.S. journal Science with a cover story about a major technical breakthrough towards quantum communication over great distances by Chinese scientists. Chinese scientists on Thursday reported a successful transmission of "entangled" photon pairs from space to ground stations separated by 1,200 km, a major technical breakthrough towards quantum communication over great distances. (Xinhua/Jin Liwang)

WASHINGTON, June 15 (Xinhua) -- In "a major technical accomplishment" on quantum communication, Chinese scientists on Thursday reported a successful transmission of "entangled" photon pairs from space to the Earth in efforts to prove that a physical phenomenon once described by Albert Einstein as "spooky" exists at a large distance.

By distributing such entangled photons, or light particles, from a satellite 500 km above the Earth's surface, China once again demonstrates its leading position in the field of quantum research, which, though still in its infancy, has already been deemed as a competition hotspot for all major countries across the world, experts said.

The study, published as a cover story by the U.S. journal Science, "lays a reliable technical foundation for large-scale quantum networking and quantum communication experimental research, as well as experimental testing of basic principles of physics such as general theory of relativity and quantum gravity in outer space in the future," Pan Jianwei, chief scientist for Micius, the first quantum satellite in China, told Xinhua.

WORLD RECORD

Quantum entanglement, which Einstein referred to as "a spooky action at a distance," is a curious phenomenon in which particles are "linked" together in such a way that they affect one another regardless of distance. It is of great significance for secure communications, quantum computation and simulation, and enhanced metrology.

Yet, efforts to entangle quantum particles, such as photons, have been limited to about 100 km, mostly because the entanglement is lost as they are transmitted along optical fibers, or through open space on land, Pan said.

One way to overcome this issue is to break the line of transmission into smaller segments and use so-called quantum repeaters to repeatedly swap, purify and store quantum information along the optical fiber, while another approach is to make use of satellite-based technologies.

In the new study, Pan, a professor at the University of Science and Technology of China, and his colleagues used the Chinese satellite Micius, launched last year and equipped with specialized quantum tools, to demonstrate the latter feat.

The Micius satellite was used to communicate with two ground stations 1,203 km apart, located in Delingha in northwest China's Qinghai Province and Lijiang in Yunnan Province in southwest China, separately. The distance between the orbiting satellite and the two ground stations varies from 500 km to 2,000 km.

By combining so-called narrow-beam divergence with a high-bandwidth and high-precision acquiring, pointing, and tracking technique to optimize link efficiency, the team established entanglement between two single photons, separated at a distance of over 1,200 km apart, for the first time, Pan said.

In addition, compared with previous methods using the best performance and most common commercial telecommunication fibers, the effective link efficiency of the satellite-based approach is 12 and 17 orders of magnitude higher respectively.

GIANT STEP

An immediate application of distributed entangled photons, said Pan, is for entanglement-based quantum key distribution to establish secure keys for quantum communication. Another is to exploit distributed entanglement to perform a variant of quantum teleportation protocol for remote preparation and control of quantum states.

According to Pan, peer reviewers of the paper praised his work as "a major technical accomplishment with potential practical applications as well as being of fundamental scientific importance" that "will have a very large impact, both within the scientific community and in the grand public."

A number of experts spoke highly of the new achievement from China.

This demonstration of the photon entanglement distribution from a satellite to very distant ground bases is "a giant step" forward in quantum information and quantum networking development, Alexander Sergienko, a quantum physicist at Boston University, told Xinhua.

"This is a heroic experiment because so many detrimental factors were working against researchers (and) attempting to destroy a quantum nature of the photonic entanglement in this landmark experiment," Sergienko said. "It is hard to overestimate the impact of this result on the development of modern quantum physics."

"Chinese researchers deserve a greatest praise and acknowledgement of their skills, persistence, and devotion to science," said Sergienko.

Seth Lloyd, director of the Center for Extreme Quantum Information Theory at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, expressed similar views, calling this work "a true breakthrough" in the technology of entanglement distribution.

"The experiment shows that long-range quantum communication is indeed technologically feasible and holds out the promise of the construction of long-range quantum communication networks in the near future," Lloyd told Xinhua.

QUANTUM RACE

China's Micius, with a design life of two years, was the world's first satellite launched to do quantum experiments. Teams from Canada, Germany, Austria, Singapore and other countries also have plans for quantum space experiments.

"I heard that," Pan said. "Following our first success, many groups worldwide are now trying to develop quantum science satellites or payloads."

Thomas Jennewein, an associate professor of quantum information at the University of Waterloo, who is currently pursuing a quantum communication satellite project in Canada, said that there is a "quantum space race."

"I would like to say that the Chinese group has overcome several major technical and scientific challenges and clearly demonstrated their world leadership in the field of quantum communication," Jennewein told Xinhua.

"I expect that the results from the Chinese mission will even enhance the international efforts to perform quantum satellite missions," said the expert.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-16 09:42:41|Editor: Liangyu

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MADRID, June 15 (Xinhua) -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) presented its tourist attractions in Madrid on Thursday, at an event organized by the DPRK Embassy in the Spanish capital in collaboration with the World Tourism Organization (WTO).

The event was attended by WTO Secretary-General Taleb Rifai and chaired by DPRK Ambassador to Spain Kim Hyok-Chol.

The ambassador said that his country is ready to open up to tourism and learn from the Spanish tourist sector.

Kim said the DPRK authorities now want to promote visits by Western tourists by working to reduce to a week the maximum waiting time for obtaining visas, among other measures.

Rifai, who recently visited the DPRK, encouraged Spaniards and other Europeans to travel to the Asian country. "The more Europeans go to the DPRK, the better the Korean people will know the outside world."

Rifai added that it would be "irresponsible not to respond positively to Pyongyang's desire to open up to Western travelers, at a time when the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development is being celebrated."

"Tourism crosses and defies borders and tries to bring people together", he said. "This is our job, this is our duty, this is our responsibility, we will do that anywhere around the world."
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-16 09:47:48|Editor: Mengjie

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by Xinhua writers Xu Jing, Miao Zhuang

CHICAGO, June 15 (Xinhua) -- The United States and China have become important partners in trade and many other areas, "success for one means opportunity for the other," said Dow Chairman and CEO Andrew Liveris.

"Most importantly, the U.S. benefits when the Chinese people thrive - for they provide not only an important market for American products, but also an enormous talent base that will help drive humanity forward," Liveris said in an interview with Xinhua recently.

"It is in everyone's interest to promote a constructive engagement between China and the U.S. that focuses on removing the barriers to fair and reciprocal market access in each other's economies." It is the relationship between China and the United States which Liveris said he has hoped for.

Established in 1897, the Dow Chemical Company did not become an electrochemical pioneer in one day. In the process of growing from a one-product start-up into an innovation powerhouse, Dow has continuously reinvented and transformed itself for the opportunities of each era.

Dow realized a sales volume of 48 billion dollars in 2016, ranking in the 187th place among the world's top 500 companies.

Dow entered China in the 1930s.

Liveris made his first trip to China 40 years ago for one of his first jobs at Dow. Now he travels to China several times a year.

"I was lucky to have a front-row seat thirty years ago when Deng Xiaoping opened China to the world. And in the decades since, I have had the privilege of watching - and even better, participating - as China's rise has transformed not only China, but the rest of the global economy," Liveris told Xinhua.

"I am not exaggerating when I say that China surprises me every time I return. China has tremendous business assets and extremely talented and innovation-minded people that are enabling the vast growth it has seen in recent decades," he said.

Liveris is right in his words: China now presents the second largest overseas market for Dow, with sales volume growing 10 percent in 2016 from 2015.

Talking of China's economic transition, Liveris said China's adjusted 6.5-percent GDP growth rate for the next five years reflects the Chinese government's determination to improve the quality of growth as well as to ensure a sustainable growth.

He sees the Chinese Government's calling for a higher level of technology and innovation, industrial upgrading, and environmental protection in the transition period as more opportunities to the world's industry leaders like Dow.

"We have chosen to be part of this transformation and are committed to support China with innovation," Liveris said.

"We are optimistic about our business growth in China." By saying so, Liveris has in mind an area where Dow and other multinational companies can play an important role in China: sustainability.

Dow has already teamed up with the Chinese government and Chinese companies to develop and distribute sustainable products such as paint that removes formaldehyde from the air; high-performance insulation that reduces the energy it takes to heat and cool a building; and new laundry machine technology that removes 99 percent of common bacteria and dirt and reduces water consumption by nearly a third.

Many of Dow's specialty and performance materials address the needs of China's market and priorities, Liveris said. In 2016, Dow's packaging, polyurethanes, water, automotive systems, building and construction businesses all achieved strong double-digit growth in China.

Liveris pins high hope on China's Belt and Road Initiative, saying Dow sees a number of opportunities stemming from the initiative, including opportunities to expand into less developed regions within China.

The China-proposed initiative was founded on the vision of common development and sustainable growth, he said. "I admire the goal in the pursuit of mutual benefits through cooperation."

"We are doing business in China in a long-term view - strengthening our local innovation, manufacturing and service networks so as to be better positioned to serve the China market with our solution offerings," Liveris said.

He also pointed out that both U.S. and China should identify the major impediments for trade, such as investment restrictions and inefficient regulatory practices.

If the U.S. and China can achieve a few tangible wins early for both U.S. and Chinese economies, they can then "focus on the longer-term structural impediments that artificially constrain more trade cooperation." "Success breeds success," Liveris said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-16 10:02:51|Editor: Liangyu

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SINGAPORE, June 16 (Xinhua) -- Singapore's non-oil exports declined 1.2 percent year on year in May for a second straight month, according to data released by International Enterprise Singapore on Friday.

The exports fell 0.8 percent year on year in April, following continued strong growth in a straight five months.

On a month-on-month and seasonally adjusted basis, the exports grew 8.1 percent in May, as against a nine percent decrease in April, due to the increase in both electronic and non-electronic exports.

Shipments to all of Singapore's top 10 markets, except for China's Hong Kong, rose in May. As Singapore's largest single market, shipments to China increased 36.4 percent year on year, higher than a 10.9 percent growth in April.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-16 10:07:52|Editor: Liangyu

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HO CHI MINH CITY, June 16 (Xinhua) -- Vietnamese police are investing people who have been transporting large volumes of marijuana from the United States to Vietnam, local media reported Friday.

Customs officers at Tan Son Nhat international airport have recently detected 12 kilograms of marijuana hidden in bags of fruit jams whose receiver is a local person, daily newspaper Thanh Nien (Young People) reported.

After the finding, Vietnamese and U.S. relevant agencies have coordinated to investigate the case, resulting in the arrest of two people in the United States.

The relevant agencies are probing further into the case.

According to Vietnamese law, those convicted of smuggling over 600 grams of heroin or more than 2.5 kilograms of methamphetamine are punishable by death. Making or trading 100 grams of heroin or 300 grams of other illegal drugs also faces death penalty.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-16 10:38:04|Editor: Liangyu

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MOSCOW, June 16 (Xinhua) -- In his annual call-in with the public and media in and outside Russia on Thursday, President Vladimir Putin highlighted the national economy, the Moscow-Washington relations and regional conflicts involving Russia, among others.

Putin chose to answer 73 questions among the 1.9 million questions he received at the 15th nationally televised "Direct Line" questions-and-answers session.

WESTERN SANCTIONS "A DOUBLE-EDGED SWORD"

The Russian top leader said that Western sanctions against Russia have had only a limited effect, and the national economy has even benefited from them.

Russia has managed to overcome its recession and achieved a year-on-year growth of 0.7 percent in the first quarter of 2017, he said.

Western sanctions, imposed since 2014 over Crimea, are a double-edged sword since Russia lost some 50 billion U.S. dollars while the West lost 100 billion dollars, Putin said, adding some sectors of the Russian economy, particularly the agriculture, have benefited from the sanctions.

He announced that the Russian agricultural sector has shown a 3-percent growth, and the country, now the world's biggest wheat exporter, has significantly reduced its food imports and increased domestic production of pork and poultry.

Other sectors positively affected by the sanctions include radio electronics, aircraft building, the space industry, the pharmaceutical industry and heavy engineering, among others.

Putin added that Russia is ready to lift its sanctions if Western countries lift their own, too. "We will watch how our relations develop with the countries that imposed restrictions on our economy."

RUSSIA-PHOBIA A RESULT OF U.S. DOMESTIC WRESTLE

The prevalent Russia-phobia in the United States revealed the country's domestic political wrestle, said the Russian president.

He added that Russia is willing to grant asylum to James Comey, former chief of the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), in case he is persecuted in his nation.

Comey, sacked by the Trump administration last month, acted like U.S. whistleblower Edward Snowden, said Putin.

"When a special service head records a conversation with the commander-in-chief and gives it to the media ... he is then not a special service head but a human rights advocate who defends a certain position," said Putin.

Trump had said he fired Comey because of his handling of Hillary Clinton's email leaks during the 2016 presidential elections. But the former FBI chief said he was sacked due to his investigation into Russia's ties with Trump's campaign.

As for Comey's investigation into Russian interference in the presidential elections, Putin said that Comey provided no evidence.

NON-INTERFERENCE IN UKRAINE ISSUE

On the Ukraine issue, Putin noted that Russia did not seek to interfere in its neighbor's domestic affairs, and Washington shall play a constructive role in settling the crisis in Ukraine's southeastern area.

He also said that Russian armed forces and defense industry have benefited from the anti-terrorist operations in Syria.

"The experience of deploying our troops and newest weapons in combat conditions is absolutely priceless," Putin said, explaining that the Russian troops have acquired a "different quality" and some units operated very effectively.

The use of the newest weapons allowed Russians to understand how they perform in combat conditions, and the Russian defense industry had a chance to see whether it shall make necessary adjustments, Putin said.

The task of the Russian armed forces in the near future is to raise the combat capability of the Syrian troops and provide them with occasional support in fighting terrorists, he added.

Russia began to participate in the combat operations in Syria in September 2015. It has now withdrawn the majority of its troops from the war-torn country.

Speaking of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative, Putin said he hopes it could start a new stage of cooperation in Eurasia and beyond.

This initiative is unique and successful, he said. "I have no doubt that we will work together and this work will be effective and beneficial for the Chinese and Russian people as well as the global economy."
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-16 11:13:37|Editor: Mengjie

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MEXICO CITY, June 15 (Xinhua) -- In a sign of growing agricultural cooperation between Mexico and China, Mexico dispatched its first shipment of blueberries to the Asian country on a flight from Guadalajara, capital of the west-central state of Jalisco, the government said on Thursday.

The 630-kilo cargo comprised 420 boxes of the fruit cultivated in rural Jalisco, the Ministry of Agriculture said in a statement.

At a high-profile ceremony held at the air terminal, Jalisco Governor Aristoteles Sandoval, officially launched Mexico's first ever China-bound blueberry shipment.

The ministry's coordinator for international affairs, Raul Urteaga, noted Mexico is the world's second-largest producer of berries, including strawberries, blackberries and blueberries.

The shipment represents Mexican blueberry's entry into China's "growing and very significant market," said Urteaga.

According to Sandoval, Jalisco produced 107,109 tons of berries in 2016, generating about 1 billion U.S. dollars in export revenue.

Since 2015, Jalisco-grown raspberries have been shipped to China, helping to boost the sector and generate employment for the state.

Mexican blueberries received the green light from China's General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) following the signing in November of a bilateral agreement on the required phytosanitary protocols and requirements.

Emblematic Mexican agro-products are increasingly popular in China. According to federal government, Mexican agricultural exports to China rose to 150 million U.S. dollars in 2015.

According to the Mexican data, beer sales nearly tripled from 2012 to 2015 and avocado sales grew 12-fold from 2013 to 2015, while tequila exports surpassed half a million liters.

Mexican economist Anibal Zottele has said that Mexican farmers can greatly benefit from the Chinese market as the country's growing middle class is always seeking more high-quality products, such as Mexican coffee.

"We have to export quality to China. Mexico cannot rely on exporting quantity alone since I am not certain Mexico's entire pork production could meet Chinese demand," he said.

Mexico and China have an opportunity to take a big step forward in agricultural cooperation, said Zottele, who runs the China-Veracruz Studies Center at Veracruz University, adding that right agreements could see more Mexican agricultural products enter the Chinese market.

Mexican dairy products, corn, beef, tobacco and blueberries are currently exported to China, and negotiations are underway to add bananas to the list.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-16 11:38:45|Editor: ying

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CANBERRA, June 16 (Xinhua) -- The Australian media has come under fire for leaking footage of Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull mimicking U.S. President Donald Trump at the Parliament House Press Gallery Mid-Winter Ball in Canberra.

In his parody, Turnbull made fun of some of Trump's oft-repeated statements. "We're winning in the real polls. You know, the online polls. They are so easy to win. I know that. Did you know that? I kind of know that. They are so easy to win. I have this Russian guy," said Turnbull in the leaked audio.

The U.S. Embassy in Australia released a statement soon after the footage was aired on Channel Nine on Thursday evening saying they took it "with the good humour that was intended".

But senior Labor MP and former deputy Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said those who were responsible for filming the speech, then leaking it, were in breach of ethics.

The Mid-Winter Ball is an annual charity event attended by the media, and is completely off the record. It is customary for the prime minister and the opposition Leader to deliver satirical speeches during the evening.

"I think it will dampen the potential for people to have a laugh at themselves, at everyone. And both Malcolm and (Leader of the Opposition) Bill (Shorten) did that. There are ethics here and I think they have been breached by whoever taped Malcolm's speech. And I don't think it should have happened," Albanese said on Thursday.

President of the Federal Parliamentary Press Gallery, Andrew Meares, also said he was disappointed by the leak.

"The Ball Committee is disappointed that some guests at the Ball have not complied with the non-publication request. Our guest speakers, the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition, speak on the understanding that their words remain 'off the record'," said Meares.

Liberal Member of Parliament Christopher Pyne said politicians would be less likely to poke fun at themselves, as Turnbull claimed he was doing, in the future.

"It has damaged politicians' belief in the Mid-Winter Ball being somewhere they can let their hair down, obviously that's not the case and that's a pity but that's just the reality of politics these days," he said on Thursday evening.

After the leak, Turnbull defended his speech, saying the remarks were "affectionately light-hearted" and that he was the main butt of his own jokes.

"Well it (the ball) is a great tradition, it's a big charity fundraiser ... and it is a good-humoured sort of roast really," Turnbull said on Thursday evening.

"The PM and the opposition leader give a speech and poke fun at themselves and often other politicians. My speech was light-hearted, affectionately light-hearted."

A spokeswoman at the Australian embassy in Washington told the Washington Post that Turnbull's remarks had been "taken completely out of context," emphasising that he was speaking at an off-the-record roast in the vein of the White House correspondents' dinner.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-16 11:48:48|Editor: ying

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BANGKOK, June 16 (Xinhua) -- Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has exercised his absolute power to streamline the construction of the Thai-Chinese high-speed rail project, according to the Thailand's Royal Gazette.

The premier's Article 44 absolute power provides exemption for Chinese engineers who will be employed in the Thai-Chinese rail project to the extent that they need not take an exam to obtain engineering licenses as normally required by the Thai law, the Royal Gazette announced in late Thursday.

Instead, the premier's Article 44 absolute power calls for the Ministry of Transport to coordinate with the Council of Engineers and Architects Council of Thailand in order to provide a training and orientation course for the Chinese engineers to acquire knowledge pertaining to the 252-kilometer route between Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima province within a 120-day time.

That is the start-up stretch of the Thai-Chinese rail project designed to link Yunnan province in southern China with northeastern Thailand via northern Laos under the framework of Thailand's infrastructural development strategy during 2015 and 2022.

The premier's absolute power is applied in immediate effect to solve legal snags and allow for the Chinese engineers to work on design and construction of the rail track as well as procurement of the Chinese high-speed train system.

The order is effective since Thursday.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-16 11:48:49|Editor: ying

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DALIAN, June 16 (Xinhua) -- Lyu Tao, a senior executive of Beijing Pangu Investment Company, has been sentenced to two years and three months in prison for fraudulently obtaining loans and foreign exchange, according to a court ruling issued Friday.

The company has been fined 245 million yuan (over 35.96 million U.S. dollars) for fraudulently obtaining loans, according to the People's Court of Xigang District, northeast China's Dalian city.

Two employees, Xie Honglin and Yang Ying, were both sentenced to two years in prison with a three-year reprieve, it said.

The three defendants and the representative of the company accepted the ruling at the court and said they would not appeal.

Evidence showed that Guo Wengui, who controlled the company, directed the three individuals to apply for loans from the bank with fake contracts, stamps and financial statements, which disturbed financial order and threatened financial security, the ruling said.

Lyu Tao and Xie Honglin fraudulently obtained a large amount of foreign exchange with falsified documents, disturbing the country's financial and foreign exchange management order.

On June 9, the People's Court of Xigang District opened a trial into the suspected crimes of the company and the three individuals.

During the trial, the defendants did not object to any criminal facts and charges from prosecutors. They expressed regret, pleaded guilty and thanked judicial organs for the lawful handling of their cases.

The defendants asked for leniency, saying that their actions were made at the instruction or suggestion of Guo Wengui.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-16 11:58:57|Editor: ying

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SRINAGAR, Indian-controlled Kashmir, June 16 (Xinhua) -- A policeman was killed and another wounded after militants attacked them in restive Indian-controlled Kashmir, police said Friday.

The police party was attacked late Thursday evening in Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir.

"Late last evening militants attacked a police party at Hyderpora locality here," a police official told Xinhua.

"The attack wounded two policemen, who were immediately removed to army's base hospital. However, of the wounded policemen, one succumbed to his wounds during the night."

The attack took place about three km away from Srinagar international airport.

Following the attack police issued an alert in the region.

"We have sounded an alert across Kashmir including Srinagar," a local newspaper quoted region's Police Chief Shesh Paul Vaid as having said. "A tight vigil is being maintained at all entry and exit points. All security installations are already on high alert in the wake of recent spurt in militant attacks on forces."

The attack in Srinagar was second strike by militants within four hours span on Thursday. Earlier, during the evening militants shot dead a policeman at his village in southern Kulgam district.

So far no militant outfit has claimed responsibility of the attacks.

Last month, an Indian army officer from Kulgam was kidnapped and subsequently killed by militants in neighbouring Shopian district. The officer, a local resident, was in Shopian village to attend marriage ceremony of his cousin.

Militants in the region usually target families and individuals for their possible links with Indian police and defense agencies. Even people having associations with pro-India political parties are targeted at times.

There has been an increase in militant attacks in districts south of Srinagar.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-16 12:19:05|Editor: ying

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KUALA LUMPUR, June 16 (Xinhua) -- Malaysia's attorney general has expressed frustration over the second action taken by the U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ) on the Malaysian state fund company 1MDB, saying Friday that it "appears to be a repeat of" last year's lawsuits.

Attorney General Mohamed Apandi Ali said in a statement that the Attorney General's Chambers of Malaysia was "yet again" not informed or alerted by the DoJ of this action.

The attorney general noted that "there has been no evidence from any investigation conducted by any law enforcement agencies in various jurisdictions that shows that money has been misappropriated from 1MDB."

His statement added that there have been no criminal charges against any individuals for misappropriation of funds from 1MDB.

Apandi said that after multiple investigations, the Malaysian authorities, including the anti-corruption commission, found that no crime was committed. Presently there is still an ongoing investigation conducted by Malaysian police concerning 1MDB, he added.

The statement came after reports emerged on Thursday that U.S. authorities sought to seize 540 million U.S. dollars worth of assets that the DoJ said were acquired with funds misappropriated from 1MDB.

The attorney general also dismissed the insinuations that have been made against the Malaysian prime minister, saying that "at no point in the civil claims is the Prime Minister named as a defendant or has been alleged to have committed any wrong doing."
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-16 12:39:09|Editor: Yamei

Pan Jianwei, chief scientist for the quantum satellite project, speaks at a press conference at the University of Science and Technology of China, in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province, June 16, 2017. A team of Chinese scientists have realized the satellite-based distribution of entangled photon pairs over 1,200 kilometers. The photon pairs were demonstrated to be still entangled after travelling long distances. This satellite-based technology opens up bright prospects for both practical quantum communications and fundamental quantum optics experiments at distances previously inaccessible on the ground, said Pan Jianwei, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. (Xinhua/Jin Liwang)

HEFEI, June 16 (Xinhua) -- A team of Chinese scientists have realized the satellite-based distribution of entangled photon pairs over 1,200 kilometers. The photon pairs were demonstrated to be still entangled after travelling long distances.

This satellite-based technology opens up bright prospects for both practical quantum communications and fundamental quantum optics experiments at distances previously inaccessible on the ground, said Pan Jianwei, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

The achievement was made based on the world' s first quantum satellite, Quantum Experiments at Space Scale (QUESS), also dubbed Micius, launched by China on August 16, 2016, and was published as a cover article in the latest issue of academic journal Science.

This experiment was made through two satellite-to-ground downlinks with a total length varying from 1,600 to 2,400 kilometers. The obtained link efficiency is many times higher than that of the direct bidirectional transmission of the two photons through telecommunication fibers, said Pan, who is also the lead scientist of QUESS.

Quantum entanglement is a phenomenon in quantum physics, which is so confounding that Albert Einstein described it as "spooky action at a distance" in 1948.

Scientists found that when two entangled particles are separated, one particle can somehow affect the action of the far-off twin instantly.

Scientists liken it to two pieces of paper that are distant from each other: if you write on one, the other immediately shows your writing.

The mystery of quantum entanglement has been puzzling scientists since it was detected.

Quantum physicists have a fundamental interest in distributing entangled particles over increasingly long distances and studying the behavior of entanglement under extreme conditions.

In theory, this bizarre connection can exist over any distance, but scientists want to see if there' s some physical limit. "If you want to explore new physics, you must push the limits," Pan said.

Previously, entanglement distribution had only been achieved at a distance up to 100 kilometers due to photon loss in optical fibers or terrestrial free space.

One way to improve the distribution lies in the protocol of quantum repeaters, whose practical usefulness, however, is hindered by the challenges of quantum storage and readout efficiency, Pan said.

Another approach is making use of satellite-based and space-based technologies, as a satellite can conveniently cover two distant locations on Earth. The main advantage of this approach is that most of the photons' transmission path is almost in a vacuum, with almost zero absorption and de-coherence, Pan said.

After feasibility studies, Chinese scientists developed and launched QUESS for the mission of entanglement distribution. Cooperating with QUESS are three ground stations: Delingha Observatory in Qinghai, Nanshan Observatory in Xinjiang and Gaomeigu Observatory in Yunan.

For instance, one photon of an entangled pair was beamed to Delingha and the other to Gaomeigu. The distance between the two ground stations is 1,203 kilometers. The distance between the orbiting satellite and the ground stations varies from 500 to 2,000 kilometers, said Pan.

Due to the fact that the entangled photons cannot be amplified as classical signals, new methods must be developed to reduce the link attenuation in the satellite-to-ground entanglement distribution. To optimize the link efficiency, Chinese scientists combined a narrow beam divergence with a high-bandwidth and a high-precision acquiring, pointing, and tracking (APT) technique.

An accurate transmission of photons between the "server" and the "receiver" is never easy, as the optic axis of the satellite must point precisely toward those of the telescopes in the ground stations, said Zhu Zhencai, QUESS chief designer.

What makes it much harder is that the satellite flying over the Earth at a speed of 8 kilometers per second can be continuously tracked by the ground station for just a few minutes.

"It is like tossing a coin from a plane at 100,000 meters above sea level exactly into the slot of a rotating piggy bank," said Wang Jianyu, QUESS project's chief commander.

The highly sensitive QUESS could make visible from the Earth a match being lit on the Moon, Wang added.

By developing an ultra-bright space-borne two-photon entanglement source and the high-precision APT technology, the team established entanglement between two single photons separated by 1,203 kilometers.

Compared with the previous methods of entanglement distribution by direct transmission of the same two-photon source -- using the best performance and most common commercial telecommunication fibers respectively -- the effective link efficiency of the satellite-based approach is 12 and 17 orders of magnitude higher, Pan said.

He said the distributed entangled photons are readily useful for entanglement-based quantum key distribution, which, so far, is the only way to establish secure keys between two distant locations on Earth without relying on trustful relay.

QUESS is also designed to establish "hack-proof" quantum communications by transmitting uncrackable keys from space to the ground, as well as test quantum teleportation with a ground station in Ali, Tibet.

Pan revealed they also want to see if it' s possible to distribute entanglement between the Earth and the Moon in future.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-16 12:49:12|Editor: ying

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JIUQUAN, June 16 (Xinhua) -- China will launch a further four space probes before 2021 as part of the efforts to develop space science, according to the State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defence Friday.

The China-Italy Electromagnetic Monitoring Experiment Satellite will be launched this August to study phenomena related to earthquakes from space.

The China-France Oceanography Satellite is expected to be launched in 2018. It will study ocean-surface wind and waves to improve forecasts for ocean waves and strengthen disaster prevention and mitigation.

An astronomical satellite jointly developed by China and France will be launched in 2021 to study gamma rays and provide data for research in dark energy and the evolution of the universe.

China plans to launch the country's first Mars probe in 2020, which is expected to orbit the red planet, land and deploy a rover in just one mission.

These will be the major probes in the country's space program in the coming years, following Thursday's launch of the country's first X-ray space telescope, the Hard X-ray Modulation Telescope.

The X-ray probe, dubbed Insight, was launched to observe compact objects such as black holes or neutron stars. It is expected to push forward the development of space astronomy and improve space X-ray detection technology in China.

Zhao Jian, deputy director of the administration's system engineering department, said the telescope boasted a wider band, larger detection area and broader field of view for observation, making it possible for China to make breakthroughs in space technology.

Zhao said over the past 50-plus years, China's space industry had started from scratch and grown into a field covering space astronomy, space physics, solar exploration, microgravity and space life.

In the coming years, China will also continue lunar missions, consider exploration to the Jupiter system, and do more research in enhanced X-ray Timing and the Polarimetry mission.

"China is open to more international collaboration in space science," Zhao said. "China will actively conduct international cooperation in areas including lunar and Mars probes, manned space missions and space environment exploration.

"China would also like to lead international cooperation in some major projects and actively participate in major international space science programs," Zhao said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-16 13:04:20|Editor: Song Lifang

Photo taken on June 16, 2017 shows the scene of the second annual meeting of the China-initiated Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)'s board of governors in South Korea's southern resort island of Jeju. The second annual meeting of the AIIB's board of governors kicked off Friday in South Korea's Jeju. The first annual meeting was held in Beijing last year. (Xinhua/Yao Qilin)

JEJU ISLAND, South Korea, June 16 (Xinhua) -- The second annual meeting of the China-initiated Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) kicked off on Friday in South Korea's Jeju Island, with thousands of government officials, international organization officials and businessmen in attendance.

The opening ceremony of the AIIB's board of governors meeting was launched at 2 p.m. local time (0500 GMT) at the International Convention Center in the South Korean southern resort island.

This year's annual meeting brought together about 2,000 participants, including delegations of both 57 founding members and 20 new members, international organizations and academia as well as businessmen, financiers and journalists.

The attendees included over 20 finance ministers of the 77 approved AIIB members such as Australia, China, Georgia, India, Indonesia and Laos, according to South Korea's finance ministry.

South Korean Finance Minister Kim Dong-yeon, who doubles as the country's deputy prime minister for economic affairs, would chair the official sessions as his country jointly hosted the second annual meeting with the AIIB.

The second meeting was held under the theme of "Sustainable Infrastructure," seeking strategic directions of the international infrastructure bank and making major decisions on the bank's management.

"This annual meeting is particularly important for our maturing institution, as it is a chance for our shareholders and partners to engage with us and provide diverse perspectives on how the bank should transform its strategy into meaningful outcomes for people in Asia," AIIB President Jin Liqun said in his welcoming message.

Along with the official sessions, a variety of side events were scheduled such as seminars on infrastructure and the one-on-one business meetings.

Several bilateral meetings between chief delegates will be held on the sidelines of the official sessions.

Officially launched in January 2016, the Beijing-based AIIB is a multilateral development bank initiated by China and supported by a wide range of countries and regions, which will provide financing for infrastructure improvement in Asia.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-16 13:39:35|Editor: Mengjie

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PANAMA CITY, June 15 (Xinhua) -- Panama's newly-established diplomatic relations with China will not negatively affect the Panama Canal's operation, the waterway's CEO Jorge Luis Quijano said on Thursday.

The only thing that influences transit through the canal is trade, which determines the number of cargo ships that need to use the waterway, Quijano told reporters at a press conference.

The canal maintains excellent commercial ties with all its clients, he said.

"This canal is neutral. Cargo ships from around the world pass through here (and) none have been restricted. What we demand is that they fulfill all international regulations to pass through the Panama Canal," said Quijano.

While establishing ties with China won't negatively affect the canal's operation, it could benefit the Central American country's investment outlook at a time when China is investing in projects throughout Latin America, he said.

China is the second largest user of the Panama Canal, and ties between China and Panama go back more than 160 years.

Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela announced late Monday in a televised speech that his country has established diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-16 14:20:18|Editor: Liangyu

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VANCOUVER, June 15 (Xinhua) -- Researchers here announced this week they have developed a new polymer-infused concrete that is stronger than typical concrete, and could reduce tire waste while making concrete construction more environmentally-friendly.

The engineers at the University of British Columbia (UBC) said their new concrete was made of polymer extracted from recycled tires and could be used to make buildings, roads, dams and bridges.

The researchers created their concrete mix using 0.35 percent tire fibers to produce a stronger and more environmentally-friendly concrete,Obinna Onuaguluchi, a post-doctoral fellow in civil engineering at UBC, said in an interview.

The polymer fibers from tires makes the concrete stronger, more resilient and longer-lasting, he said.

Asphalt roads with rubber crumbs from shredded tires already exist in the United States, Germany, Spain, Brazil and China, "but the problem with crumb rubber is that when you add it to concrete, it tends to reduce the strength," he said.

"This time we are using this (new mixture) to prevent cracking," he said, noting that crumb rubber has traditionally been used as a filler in concrete mix, but not as a strengthener.

"Our lab tests showed that fibre-reinforced concrete reduces crack formation by more than 90 percent compared to regular concrete," Onuaguluchi said. "Concrete structures tend to develop cracks over time, but the polymer fibers are bridging the cracks as they form, helping protect the structure and making it last longer."

UBC civil engineering professor Nemkumar Banthia, who supervised the work, said the environmental and industrial impact of the research is significant.

Up to 3 billion tires were produced around the world every year, generating some 3 billion kg of fibre when recycled.

The new concrete "can be used almost anywhere," Banthia said, adding China and India, both producers of large amounts of tires annually, are leading the world in new concrete infrastructure construction.

"China ... produces almost 400 million tires every year," Banthia said, adding only 15 percent of those tires get recycled. "There's great deal of tires in China that are actually going into landfills."

He said those tires could be repurposed into the UBC concrete recipe and brought back into the construction industry for buildings, bridges and roads.

"By bringing in a (tire) by-product, you're not only fixing that problem of tire disposal, but also reducing the carbon footprint of the concrete industry in China or wherever else," Banthia said.

The applications for the new concrete are vast, he said, listing "all kinds of infrastructure, but in particular, structures that are subjected to extreme climate conditions and extreme loading."

The researchers used the new concrete to resurface the steps in front of a building at UBC last month.

Banthia's team was tracking its performance using sensors embedded in the concrete to look at the development of strain, cracking and other factors.

So far, the results support laboratory testing that showed it can significantly reduce cracking. Banthia said they are now planning further test projects in Canada, the United States and India.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-16 14:35:23|Editor: Liangyu

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SHIJIAZHUANG, June 16 (Xinhua) -- Five people died and one was injured in a fire in a mountainous area in north China's Hebei Province, local authorities said Friday.

The fire broke out at 3:26 p.m. on Thursday in Pingdingyu Village under Haigang District in Qinhuangdao City. Five people were killed and another one was seriously injured, according to the district government.

Rescuers rushed to the scene immediately and the fire has been extinguished.

The cause of the fire is under investigation and suspects have been detained by police.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-16 14:50:25|Editor: ying

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BEIJING, June 16 (Xinhua) -- China on Thursday launched a space telescope, the Hard X-ray Modulation Telescope (HXMT), or Insight, to observe black holes, neutron stars, gamma ray bursts and other celestial phenomena.

The result of the wisdom and painstaking efforts of several generations of Chinese scientists, the telescope is expected to push forward the development of space astronomy in China. Scientists from both home and abroad have high expectations of it.

"Before its launch, we could only use second-hand observation data from foreign satellites. It was very hard for Chinese astronomers to make important findings without our own instruments," said Xiong Shaolin, a scientist at the Institute of High Energy Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS).

"The only way to make original achievements is to construct our own observation instruments," Xiong said.

"Now Chinese scientists have created this space telescope with its many unique advantages, and it's quite possible we will discover new, strange and unexpected phenomena in universe."

Gou Lijun, a researcher at the National Astronomical Observatories of the CAS, said China missed opportunities for many discoveries as approval of Insight and its development and launch was postponed many times.

However, it is the first step for China in the field of X-ray astronomy and learning how to develop and operate a space telescope, Gou said.

"Although many advanced X-ray astronomical satellites from other countries are already in orbit, HXMT could still make important discoveries," said Gou. "The universe is full of surprises."

Zhang Shuangnan, lead scientist of HXMT, said the launch puts China in the vanguard of international X-ray astronomy with a dozen other X-ray satellites in orbit. This is both an opportunity and a challenge for China. HXMT will both compete and collaborate with other X-ray satellites.

The research and development of China's first X-ray astronomical satellite laid a good foundation for the development of future X-ray astronomical instruments, Zhang said.

Li Tipei, the CAS academician who first proposed the satellite in the early 1990s, said Chinese scientists could have made many great scientific discoveries if it had been launched within 10 years of first being mooted. Even so, he is confident the satellite can make new findings.

"Our satellite has advantages in detecting transient phenomena and X-ray explosions of celestial bodies. And its functions have expanded, as its developers added more detectors so it can cover a broader range of energy," Li said.

Gu Yidong, a CAS academician, said China still lags behind advanced levels in space science. "We should have a sense of urgency. We will make efforts to upgrade China's space science to advanced levels within two decades."

Filippo Frontera, a professor of the University of Ferrara and an associate scientist of Italy's National Institute of Astrophysics in Bologna, said the satellite will be a useful vehicle for the advancement of the high-energy astrophysics in China.

"The Chinese space program is very impressive. I expect that, with this program, China can become a leader in space science with great scientific and economic returns. Indeed, foreseen space missions require the development of new high-level technologies that can be later exploited in different fields, like medical physics, information technology, and so on," said Frontera.

Arvind Parmar, head of the Scientific Support Office in the Science Directorate of European Space Agency (ESA), said HXMT will study X-rays from objects such as black holes, neutron stars and the remains of exploded stars. These are exciting topics for scientists all over the world. HMXT will join X-rays satellites already in operation. Each mission has its own strengths.

He said the ESA has a long history of collaborating with China on scientific missions. Once HXMT is launched and starts making observations, there is great potential for joint investigations with some ESA missions. Many scientific investigations benefit from data from more than one satellite.

"I am really impressed with how China is developing its scientific space program. The recent launches of the Dark Matter Particle Explorer and the Quantum Experiments at Space Scale missions highlight Chinese capabilities and commitment to science as does the range of missions under study for future launch opportunities," said Parmar.

Andrea Santangelo, a scientist at the Institute of Astronomy and Astrophysics of Germany's University of Tubingen, said HXMT will have profound implications for the development of high-energy astrophysics in China. Being a national program with an international flavor, it will put China among the lead nations in X-ray astrophysics and space science.

As has happened for other nations, the know-how acquired during its development and the knowledge that will emerge from the analysis of the data will allow future generations of scientists to play a key role in understanding the universe at high energy, said Santangelo.

"HXMT will focus on the bright sources emitting X-rays. In particular, the mission capability of studying a broad band of energies will allow us to study the behavior of very exotic objects in the universe. Thanks to the broadband coverage of HXMT, we will see many aspects of the emission of objects in the X-rays. If one wants to study an elephant, one does not just look at its proboscis or its tail. We want to see and measure the proboscis, the tail and the body," Santangelo said.

Paolo Giommi, a senior scientist at the Italian Space Agency, said China's space science program foresees several satellites of increasing complexity and competitiveness. Together with the construction of large ground-based facilities, this will make China one of the major definitive producers of knowledge in space science.

Jonathan E. Grindlay, a professor at the Harvard Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, said China is making rapid scientific progress in its space program. HXMT will be an important extension of high-energy astrophysics from space, and will complement other missions currently in operation as well as those being planned.
Panda Gala held at the Ouwehands Zoo in Rhenen raised 470,888.88 euros (520,140 U.S. dollars) for the conservation of giant pandas in the wild. (Xinhua/Liu Fang)

THE HAGUE, June 16 (Xinhua) -- A Panda Gala held at the Ouwehands Zoo in Rhenen raised a total of 470,888.88 euros (520,140 U.S. dollars) for the conservation of giant pandas in the wild, the zoo announced on Thursday.

To celebrate the arrival of giant pandas Xing Ya and Wu Wen in the Netherlands, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and Ouwehands Zoo last Friday organized a gala event at Pandasia, the new enclosure of the giant pandas at the zoo.

The total sum of money raised will be used for a project in China that aims at preserving the giant pandas and their habitats in the wild.

This fieldwork project focuses on the improvement, restoration and connection of the natural habitats of giant pandas in the province of Sichuan in China. In addition, the behavior and distribution of pandas is researched.

Giant panda, a vulnerable species native to Southwest China, counts only 1864 individuals. Outside China, there are pandas living in 19 zoos in 14 different countries.

Xing Ya, the male giant panda, and Wu Wen, the female, arrived at Ouwehands Zoo in Rhenen on April 12 as a symbolical gift to the Netherlands by China.

Photo taken on May 30, 2017 shows giant panda Xing Ya at the Ouwehands Zoo in Rhenen City, the Netherlands. (Xinhua/Gong Bing)

After six weeks in quarantine, they were seen by the public for the first time on May 30. Both three-and-a-half-year-old, they will stay at Ouwehands for 15 years.

Ouwehands Zoo saw its dream of hosting giant panda come true after 16 years of consultations and preparations. In October 2015 a Dutch-Chinese agreement was signed in October 2015 during the state visit of the Dutch Royal Couple to China. The Netherlands is the seventh European country that hosts this endangered animal.

At their new home, designed like a Chinese traditional palace, Xing Ya and Wu Wen have separate indoor enclosure and outdoor enclosures totaling some 9,000 square meters.

A nursery is on standby -- during the precious three days of mating time every year, they will be invited to "get together" if they like each other.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-16 15:20:44|Editor: An

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URUMQI, June 16 (Xinhua) -- Marina has to cross a border every day for work, but the one hour drive from her home in Yarkent, Kazakhstan to China's border town Khorgos is worth it considering her monthly pay of 2,700 yuan (about 400 U.S. dollars), an income above the average in her hometown.

As day breaks, Marina gets out of bed, takes breakfast and hops in a cab to start a day of busy work at the China-Kazakhstan Khorgos Frontier International Cooperation Center. She began to work as an interpreter at a Chinese trade firm a month ago.

Marina receives foreign clients and coordinates with relevant government departments of Kazakhstan. Before working there, she studied Chinese for a year in Ili, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in northwest China.

Marina is not the only person who shuttles every day between the two countries to secure a decent job as border trade booms in Khorgos, an ancient town on the Silk Road. Trade is growing fast thanks to the Belt and Road Initiative, proposed by China to increase economic cooperation.

Hundreds of interpreters from China, Kazakhstan and other countries work at the Khorgos center. In addition to their salary, they sometimes get a bonus.

"Back in my hometown, I can earn only half the money I get here," Marina said.

The Khorgos Frontier International Cooperation Center straddles the border between China and Kazakhstan. It occupies a total area of 5.28 square km, with 3.43 sq km in China and 1.85 sq km in Kazakhstan. It's the first trans-border international free trade zone in the world, and also China's first unique economic zone "within the country, but out of the jurisdiction of its customs."

Official operation of the center started in April 2012. The movement of personnel, vehicles and goods are unrestricted on its premises, and stores and visitors in the center are entitled to preferential policies, including taxation. There are over 4,000 stores, including 40 duty-free shops in the center, with a staff of 6,000.

Lazarti comes from Xinjiang's Tekes County. The 22-year-old ethnic Kazakh found a job as an interpreter and salesman at the center after graduation.

He also helps sell imported Kazakhstan snacks such as candies and cookies, mainly to Chinese customers. He speaks Chinese Mandarin, Kazakh, and the Uygur language.

"The work offers me an opportunity to meet people from other countries and broaden my horizons. These are helpful experiences for me to start a business in the future," Lazarti said.

At 6 pm, the bustling trade center is at peace. After a full day's work, Marina jumps into a cab back to Yarkent, while Lazarti, bidding her farewell, walks towards his rented apartment on the Chinese side of the border.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-16 15:20:45|Editor: An

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JEJU ISLAND, South Korea, June 16 (Xinhua) -- The China-initiated Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) on Friday approved three more countries as its new members at its second annual meeting of governors.

Argentina, the Republic of Madagascar and the Kingdom of Tonga were accepted as AIIB's new members.

The decision was made during the business session of the AIIB's board of governors, the bank's major decision-making body.

The second annual meeting of AIIB governors kicked off early Friday in South Korea's southern resort island of Jeju. The first meeting was held in Beijing last year.

Officially launched in January 2016, the Beijing-based AIIB is a multilateral development bank initiated by China and supported by a wide range of countries and regions, which will provide financing for infrastructure improvement in Asia.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-16 15:20:47|Editor: MJ

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PHNOM PENH, June 16 (Xinhua) -- Four local journalists in northeast Cambodia's Ratanakiri Province were sent to the provincial court on Friday for allegedly extorting money from a wood transporter, a military police chief said.

Brigadier General Kim Rasmey, chief of Ratanakiri Provincial Military Police, said the four journalists including a female were caught on Wednesday following a complaint filed by a truck driver who transported wood poles for pepper plantation.

The detainees included Yon Tith from the Khmer Youth News, Peng Soktharak from the CPN Online, Mey Menghuy from the Phnom Penh News, and Chan Nara from the TNM Online, he said. These media outlets are little known in the country.

"Yon Tith was arrested for demanding the wood transporter to pay him 500 U.S. dollars monthly, as the three others were nabbed for extorting 600 U.S. dollars from the wood transporter," Rasmey told Xinhua via telephone.

He said the group had confessed to the crime during an interrogation.

Under the country's Criminal Code, the act of extortion could face between two and five years in prison if convicted, he added.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-16 15:56:04|Editor: MJ

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BANGKOK, June 16 (Xinhua) -- At least one sanitation worker was slightly injured in a suspected ping pong bomb attack at about 1:30 p.m. local time near UNESCO office in Thai capital Bangkok.

According to Thai media Komchadluek, the female sanitation worker found a bag which contained a certain object taped up in black before it exploded.

The worker is being treated at a Bangkok hospital right now.

Police is still investigating the incident and some reports say the bomb looked like a ping pong bomb.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-16 16:31:31|Editor: MJ

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JEJU ISLAND, South Korea, June 16 (Xinhua) -- Chief of the China-initiated Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) vowed Friday to help tackle major challenges of infrastructure gap and climate change by investing in infrastructure and other productive sectors.

AIIB President Jin Liqun made the remarks in his opening address for the second annual meeting of the AIIB's board of governors, which kicked off in South Korea's southern resort island of Jeju. The meeting will last until Saturday.

The first annual meeting was held in Beijing last year.

Officially launched in January 2016, the Beijing-based AIIB is a multilateral development bank initiated by China and supported by a wide range of countries and regions, which will provide financing for infrastructure improvement in Asia.

"Asia is at a critical juncture. Its role on the world stage is increasing, thanks in large part to its growing economy, demographic changes, technological innovations, and more importantly, enhancements in corporate and state governance," said Jin.

Despite these impressive achievements, Jin said, Asia now faced new and complex challenges such as a massive infrastructure gap, the impact of climate change, rapid urbanization and environment degradation.

The AIIB chief said that because the challenges cannot be addressed by any single institution single-handedly, the AIIB will help tackle them by investing in infrastructure and other productive sectors to support economic and social development.

He said the AIIB was truly global as it had members from every continent, noting that broad support from both regional and non-regional membership manifested a firm confidence in the AIIB.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in, who took office on May 10, attended the meeting, making his congratulatory address for the country's first hosting of a major international event under the new government.

President Moon expressed his high anticipation toward the AIIB, which connects people and regions and plays a greater role in opening a better future beyond the present, saying the sustainable infrastructure was still important to eradicate poverty and expand economic development especially for developing countries in Asia.

This year's annual meeting brought together about 2,000 participants, including delegations of both 57 founding members and 20 new members, international organizations and academia as well as businessmen, financiers and journalists.

The attendees included over 20 finance ministers of the 77 approved AIIB members such as Australia, China, Georgia, India, Indonesia and Laos, according to South Korea's finance ministry.

During the business session, the AIIB board of governors approved Argentina, the Republic of Madagascar and the Kingdom of Tonga as new members, raising the total approved membership to 80.

Jin said the bank will help its members meet their determined commitments under the Paris Agreement, a global climate change deal as it had an important role to play as a facilitator and supporter of the Paris Agreement.

The AIIB, Jin said, placed a great emphasis on helping its members' transition towards a low-carbon future, leading to no coal projects in the bank's pipeline.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-16 16:41:42|Editor: An

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BEIJING, June 16 (Xinhua) -- The Ministry of Education Friday issued an urgent circular asking for enhanced safety checks and controls on campus surroundings.

The decision was made in the wake of a brutal explosion that killed eight and injured 65 near a kindergarten in Fengxian County in eastern China's Jiangsu Province Thursday afternoon.

The circular requires educational departments and schools to carry out a comprehensive check on potential safety loopholes in cooperation with various authorities.

The ministry also called for timely handling of disputes related to schools to eliminate potential risks.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-16 16:46:46|Editor: An

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URUMQI, June 16 (Xinhua) -- China will dispatch 10,000 teachers to Xinjiang and Tibet autonomous regions to support local education.

Currently, 1,500 teachers from other provinces are in Xinjiang and Tibet. They train local education staff and share resources. Another batch of 4,000 teachers will be selected and sent to the regions soon, according to a meeting held in Urumqi, capital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on Thursday.

Recognizing the program as beneficial to local people, Minister of Education Chen Baosheng demanded strict standards in selection of teachers.

In recent years, the central and regional governments have worked hard to improve education in Xinjiang and Tibet.

Bilingual education has made remarkable progress. In Xinjiang, 78 percent of students in primary and middle schools receive bilingual education.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-16 16:56:52|Editor: MJ

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MOSCOW, June 16 (Xinhua) -- A Russian airstrike may have killed Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in northern Syria on May 28, the Russian Defense Ministry said Friday.

It said in a statement that Russian Su-35 and Su-34 warplanes carried out a strike against a location in a Raqqa suburb, where IS leaders met, killing several high-ranking commanders, 30 middle-level field commanders and up to 300 militants.

"According to information, which is being checked through various channels, IS head Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, who was present at the meeting, was also killed," the statement said.

The U.S. side was notified in advance on the time and location of the Russian air force operation, it said.

Reports about the death of the IS chief have been circulating in some media for several days, but there has been no official confirmation of it.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-16 17:01:56|Editor: MJ

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MANILA, June 16 (Xinhua) -- Philippine troops on Friday rescued a Vietnamese sailor in Basilan who was captured by the Abu Sayyaf militants last November and held there for more than seven months.

The military said in a statement that troops recovered victim Hoang Vo, a crew member of MV Royal 16, around 8:30 a.m. on Friday. He was promptly given medical attention by the medical team and is currently in stable condition.

"Vo escaped from the hands of Abu Sayyaf members who dispersed due to the airstrikes and artillery fires delivered by the troops," the statement read.

The statement said Vo, 28, was from Nghe An in Vietnam, He reportedly sustained a wound in the back when recovered.

There was no immediate information of Abu Sayyaf casualty during the bombardment but government forces continued the pursuit against the fleeing bandit group.

Vo was abducted by the Abu Sayyaf on southeast of Sibago Island in Basilan on November 11, 2016, along with five other Vietnamese nationals.

The military said the bandits continued to hold 26 captives, with 21 of whom in Sulu and five in Basilan, island provinces off Mindanao in the southern Philippines.

Since this January, 83 Abu Sayyaf members were killed in the all-out military campaign against terrorism in Western Mindanao.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-16 17:12:00|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli addresses a work conference on the Belt and Road Initiative in Beijing, capital of China, June 16, 2017. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

BEIJING, June 16 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli said Friday that China should build the Belt and Road into a road of peace, prosperity, opening up and innovation, as well as a road connecting civilizations.

Addressing a work conference on the Belt and Road Initiative, Zhang said local authorities must carry on the Silk Road spirit of "peace and cooperation, openness and inclusiveness, mutual learning and mutual benefit" to seek greater headway in the China-proposed initiative.

China should connect the development strategies of countries along the Belt and Road and raise the ability of overseas security protection to build a road of safety, Zhang said. "By focusing on development, the country must continue to put connectivity and industrial cooperation as the major fields of cooperation for building the Belt and Road into a road of prosperity."

He said that to build a road featuring opening up, unswerving efforts should be made to safeguard multilateral trade systems, enhance investment cooperation and facilitate trade and investment.

"China should also enhance cooperation with countries along the Belt and Road in innovation-related fields, including the Internet, big data, cloud computing, digital economy, artificial intelligence and nanotechnology," Zhang said.

More platforms should be created to enhance multi-layered people-to-people exchanges in building the Belt and Road into a road connecting different civilizations, Zhang noted.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-16 17:22:06|Editor: An

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TIKRIT, Iraq, June 16 (Xinhua) -- Iraqi security forces killed five suicide bombers on Friday while trying to infiltrate to the city of Samarra in Iraq's northern central province of Salahudin, a provincial security source told Xinhua.

Based on intelligence reports, the troops ambushed five suspected suicide bombers in the early morning in Muthanna outskirts in eastern Samarra, some 120 km north of the Iraqi capital Baghdad, the source said on condition of anonymity.

The troops opened fire on the would-be suicide bombers, sparking a heavy clash that resulted in the killing of the five suspects, who were all wearing explosive belts, the source said.

Salahudin's authorities frequently warned that the extremist Islamic State (IS) militants are attacking the cities and villages of the province using the sprawling rugged area that extends from the western part of Salahudin province to the desert in the neighboring Anbar province, and similarly, the area extends from the eastern part of the province to the IS redoubt in Mteibijah on the provincial border with Diyala province, as well.

The incident came as Iraqi security forces, backed by the anti-IS international coalition, were simultaneously conducting a major offensive to dislodge IS militants from their major stronghold in western Mosul in northern Iraq.
KUALA LUMPUR, June 16 (Xinhua) -- Lotte Chemical Titan (LCT), Malaysia's largest producer of olefins and polyolefins products, is seeking to raise 5.9 billion ringgit (1.38 billion U.S. dollars) in an initial public offering (IPO), which is expected to be the largest in Malaysia since August 2012 and the largest in Southeast Asia since May 2013.

The company plans to sell the shares at 8 ringgit apiece, its president and chief executive officer Lee Dong Woo announced on Friday, adding proceeds from the IPO will be used to finance a 15.5-billion ringgit integrated petrochemical facility in Indonesia to increase the ethylene production by up to 1,000 kilo tons per annum.

"Indonesia is a net importer for polyolefins, we see a huge market there and we expect it to contribute significantly to the group," he told reporters after launching the prospectus event.

LCT is wholly held by Lotte Chemical Corp., one of Asia's top chemical company. Kim Gyo Hyun, Lotte Chemical Corp.'s president and chief executive officer, said the group aims to make LCT the No. 1 petrochemical in Southeast Asia.

When asked about the reason to choose Malaysia as the IPO place, Lee said LCT is a Malaysian company and a majority of the company business is in Malaysia and Indonesia. Besides, he said the group has also secured Malaysian cornerstone investors.

En route to its listing on July 11, LCT has secured five cornerstone investors, namely Permodalan Nasional, Maybank Asset Management, Maybank Islamic Asset Management, Eastspring Investments and Great Eastern Life Assurance (Malaysia).
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-16 17:47:18|Editor: MJ

An Egyptian baker makes kunafa, a traditonal Egyptian dessert, by circularly pouring liquefied dough through a cup-shaped strainer onto the surface of the oven outside a large pastry store in Faisal district of Egypt's Giza province, June 15, 2017. Surviving over centuries, kunafa and qatayef are made of a mixture of flour, water, powdered milk and other materials. Customers of different ages, including men, women and children, buy kunafa and qatayef to cook them before sunset, the end of the fasting day, to enjoy them as desserts after the fast-breaking meal known among Muslims as iftar. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa)

CAIRO, June 16 (Xinhua) -- In a sunny afternoon, dozens of customers were gathering outside a large pastry store in ever-crowded Malika Street in Faisal district of Egypt's Giza province, near the capital Cairo, to buy kunafa and qatayef which remain number one traditional desserts in Egypt during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

Surviving over centuries, kunafa and qatayef are made of a mixture of flour, water, powdered milk and other materials. They are baked by being poured on the drum-like surface of traditional round ovens before being sold to be cooked at home and soaked in sugary syrup.

At a corner of Zamzam bakery, Saeed Ahmed, a 59-year-old kunafa baker, was making raw kunafa by circularly pouring liquefied dough through a cup-shaped strainer onto the surface of the oven.

"Selling is booming during Ramadan. I would say that there is no home free from kunafa or qatayef during the holy month. Although we have handmade kunafa, machine-made kunafa is more popular here because it is free from human hands," the veteran kunafa baker told Xinhua.

Egypt has been suffering an economic crisis over the past few years because of political turmoil and related security issues that caused declining investments and tourism and increasing foreign and domestic debts, leading to price hikes in almost every commodity and service in the most populous Arab state.

"Everyone has been affected by the price hikes. The price of flour we use for making kunafa and qatayef tremendously increased. We still sell well, but demand has decreased compared to previous years due to rising prices," said Ahmed, adding that he has been working as a kunafa maker for about 50 years.

After being baked, kunafa looks more like noodles before it is cooked in a circular tray at home and the sweet syrup is added, while each piece of qatayef looks like a round flat dumpling which is later stuffed with dates, nuts, cheese or any other desirable materials, folded in half, fried in oil and then soaked in syrup.

Hajja Zainab, owner of Zamzam pastry store, said she inherited the profession from her father and grandfathers and she belongs to the fifth generation in her family working in this field.

"The industry greatly changed over the years. In the past, kunafa was completely handmade but now new generations prefer machine-made kunafa. This year, we introduced other flavors to raw kunafa like mango, orange, chocolate and margarine with milk," the lady told Xinhua at the store.

According to her, selling kunafa and qatayef is not such a seasonal thing restricted to Ramadan as many people think.

"We make them all through the year but they are more popular and saleable in Ramadan," Zainab said.

At the other side of the store, a crowd of customers of different ages, including men, women and children, were waiting for their turns to buy kunafa and qatayef to cook them before sunset, the end of the fasting day, to enjoy them as desserts after the fast-breaking meal known among Muslims as iftar.

Umm Khaled, a woman in her early 60s, said she prefers to buy raw kunafa and cook it at home rather than buying them readymade from pastry stores.

"Kunafa and qatayef are indispensable for Egyptian homes during Ramadan. I cook them very well at home. They date back to hundreds of years and I believe they will remain popular for hundreds of years to come. They will never vanish," she said outside the store.

Sirag-Eddin Anwar, 19, said he has been buying kunafa for several years, not only during Ramadan but throughout the year.

"I am a kunafa lover. I eat it whether in Ramadan or any other time of the year, but I buy it more during Ramadan," said the young man.

Despite the fact that Copts constitute a little more than 10 percent of the 94-million Muslim-majority population in Egypt, Christians also buy kunafa and qatayef and cook them at home during Ramadan.

"Kunafa and qatayef are Ramadanic features for all Egyptians. We as Christians buy and eat them. We live among Muslims and we enjoy good relations. We share their celebrations and buy relevant gifts and foods for our kids not to feel alienated," Girgis Saleh, a 52-year-old Copt, told Xinhua.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-16 17:57:20|Editor: An

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CAIRO, June 16 (Xinhua) -- At least three militants were killed during military air raids in Egypt's North Sinai Province bordering Israel and the Palestinian Gaza Strip, the military spokesman said in a statement on Friday.

"The raids killed three dangerous militants, and destroyed two motorbikes used by the terrorist in targeting the security men," Military Spokesman Tamer al-Refaay said.

It added large amounts of explosive devices were seized in the raids.

Egypt has been fighting a wave of anti-security attacks following the ouster of the Islamist leader Mohamed Morsi in 2013.

Those attacks, which were mainly centered in Sinai while rarely happened in Cairo, have killed hundreds of soldiers and policemen.

A local affiliate of the Islamic State group in North Sinai province has claimed responsibility of most of the attacks.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-16 18:02:25|Editor: An

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BEIJING, June 16 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Liu Yandong will attend the opening ceremony of the third health ministers' forum between China and Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries scheduled for June 18 to 21 in Hungary.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang made the announcement at the daily press conference on Friday.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-16 18:12:30|Editor: An

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JEJU ISLAND, South Korea, June 16 (Xinhua) -- The China-initiated Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) was off to a very good start thanks to the bank's rising membership and a strong support from around the world, the AIIB's vice chief said Friday.

"AIIB is off to a very good start," Sir Danny Alexander, vice president and corporate secretary at the AIIB, said in an interview with Xinhua on the sidelines of the second annual meeting of the AIIB board of governors.

The second annual meeting was launched earlier in the day in South Korea's southern resort island of Jeju. The first meeting was held in Beijing last year.

About 2,000 participants came here, including delegations of both founding members and new members, academia, international agencies as well as businessmen, financiers and journalists.

During the business session of the board of governors, the multilateral financial institution approved Argentina, the Republic of Madagascar and the Kingdom of Tonga as new members.

Officially launched in January 2016, the Beijing-based AIIB is a multilateral development bank initiated by China and supported by a wide range of countries and regions, which will provide financing for infrastructure improvement in Asia.

"AIIB is very much going in the right direction," said the bank's vice president, citing a growing membership, strong support from its members and a lot of enthusiasm from other countries to join the bank and a high standard in its governance and policy.

To date, the AIIB has approved 2.49 billion U.S. dollars in financing for 16 infrastructure projects in nine countries. Twelve of the projects were co-financed, while four were standalone projects prepared by AIIB staff.

Though it would need to look over for the first four or five years to properly judge the bank's performance, the vice president said the AIIB had strong foundations and good policies.

The first co-hosting by South Korea and the AIIB of its annual meeting outside China would provide an opportunity for two things, Alexander said.

He said the meeting brought together a lot of private-sector businessmen, which is important to the bank in order to mobilize more private-sector capital as well as money from the AIIB and other international institutions.

The vice head saw this year's theme of sustainable infrastructure as a goal that can help tackle climate change and implement the Paris Agreement, a global climate change deal.

Touching on the new members approved earlier in the day, Alexander said the enthusiasm from new members to join the bank showed a good progress the AIIB has made in the first 18 months of operation.

He said the AIIB's mission to invest in infrastructure supported sustainable economic development in Asia, noting that it would be good for the whole world as Asia has most of people in the world, most of economic growth in the world and a lot of growth potential.

The AIIB, he said, will have to continue to develop its program and invest in more projects to be able to meet the expectations of its members.

According to the vice chief, the bank's particular focus would be placed on three areas: sustainable infrastructure that will help countries tackle climate change and economic challenges; connectivity as the bank plays a role in supporting closer connections between members in Asia; mobilizing more private-sector capital as the scale of needed money cannot be met by international financial institutions and governments alone.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-16 18:27:37|Editor: MJ

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BEIJING, June 16 (Xinhua) -- Sun Huaishan, a former senior political advisor, is under investigation on suspicion of accepting bribes, the Supreme People's Procuratorate (SPP) announced Friday.

The SPP said Sun has been placed under "coercive measures," which may include summons by force, bail, residential surveillance, detention or arrest.

Sun was formerly a member of the Standing Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee and head of the Committee for Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Compatriots and Overseas Chinese of the CPPCC National Committee.

Investigation into his case is currently under way, according to the SPP.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-16 18:32:42|Editor: MJ

Photo taken on Nov. 26, 2016 shows a quantum communication ground station in Xinglong, north China's Hebei Province. Chinese scientists on Thursday reported a major breakthrough in quantum communication: A pair of entangled photons over a distance of 1,200 km have been successfully transmitted from space to Earth. The previous record was about 100 km. (Xinhua/Jin Liwang)

BEIJING/WASHINGTON, June 16 (Xinhua) -- The precision that Chinese scientists have achieved in their latest quantum experiment is just like catching with a piggy bank a chain of coins dropped out of a plane 10,000 meters above. The result is an outstanding landmark in the human history of communication and physical science, and reaches far and more.

On Thursday, Chinese researchers accomplished a successful distribution of "entangled" photon pairs from space to the Earth. After the pairs being sent from the orbiting Micius quantum satellite at distances varying from 500 km to 2,000 km down to two ground locations 1,203 km apart in China, the photon entanglement is still there.

Such a success in demonstrating what Albert Einstein calls "a spooky action at a distance" is not merely a world record, a milestone achievement in global quantum research, but also of technological significance to potential application and fundamental research as a cover story of the prestigious journal Science lauds.

It "lays a reliable technological foundation for large-scale quantum networking and quantum communication experimental research, as well as experimental testing of basic principles of physics such as general theory of relativity and quantum gravity in outer space in the future," said Pan Jianwei, chief scientist for the Micius satellite project and the study's leading author.

In an unprecedented try with high precision, the Chinese research team led by Pan, professor at the University of Science and Technology of China, made Micius a photon pairs' distributor with satellite-to-ground downlinks.

"Quantum entanglement is very fragile. There is photon loss in optical fibers or terrestrial free space," Peng Chengzhi, chief designer for Micius scientific applications, explained.

By the Micius-enabled approach, Chinese researchers for the first time in the world demonstrated quantum entanglement over more than 1,000 km.

This figure shows a huge leap over two decades -- up from a span of 144 km in 2007, and several hundreds meters in 1998 in experiments outside a lab.

The work impresses Seth Lloyd, director of the Center for Extreme Quantum Information Theory at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, as "a true breakthrough in the technology of entanglement distribution."

"The experiment shows that long-range quantum communication is indeed technologically feasible and holds out the promise of the construction of long-rang quantum communication networks in the near future," he further commented.

Thomas Jennewein, an associate professor of quantum information at the University of Waterloo, said this prospect means "improved efficiency, more secure communications."

The latter refers to entanglement-based quantum key distribution, which is so far the only way to establish secure keys between two distant locations on Earth without relying on trustful relay.

Regarding quantum networking or internet, Jennewein described Thursday's quantum experiment result as "a very important milestone, because disseminating quantum entanglement is a first (and most important) building block."

More things to be done including improving quantum entanglement sources to have a much larger emission rate, and photon detectors, he said.

The scientist added that it is needed to conduct "more research on ground-based systems such as quantum memories, quantum processors."

"Going forward, it is not very difficult to speculate that we will see the distribution of quantum entanglement on a global scale one day," said Jennewein.

Alexander Sergienko, a quantum physicist at Boston University, said the latest Chinese quantum experiment result is a "very decisive step" in fundamental research.

"This is another very decisive step in proving the validity of quantum mechanics...over such a global scale. It is hard to overestimate the impact of this result on the development of modern quantum physics," he said.

On top of entangled quantum distribution, Micius-based experiments underway include satellite-to-ground quantum key distribution, and quantum teleportation, among others, and "more results of experiments are expected to be published within this year," said Peng, Micius scientific applications chief designer.

Apart from direct use in secure communications, entangled quantum distribution can also serve the efforts to realize quantum teleportation, Peng stressed.

He said that among what Chinese researchers plan to do next is to expand satellite coverage so as to accomplish round-the-clock quantum communications.


Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-16 19:03:03|Editor: MJ

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BEIJING, June 16 (Xinhua) -- A green financing platform jointly supported by China and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) was launched Friday to help fight air pollution in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region and its neighboring areas.

The platform, launched by the China National Investment and Guaranty Corporation (I&G), the State Development and Investment Corporation and the ADB, is expected to leverage more than 27 billion yuan (3.96 billion U.S. dollars) of investment to support pollution control in the region.

Lending from the platform will go to support energy structure improvement in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, as well as control and prevention of mobile source pollution, industrial pollution and nonpoint source pollution.

The ADB has approved a loan of 458 million euros (511.24 million dollars) to support the platform, according to the bank.

The ADB said the platform will help small- and medium-sized enterprises, who lack the experience to tackle pollution and financing source to switch to cleaner processes, to have easier access to loans from commercial banks.

The I&G said it expects the platform to help save about 40.2 million tonnes of standard coal, cut carbon dioxide emissions by 8.55 million tonnes and sulphur dioxide emission by 510,000 tonnes in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region.

China is planning more ways to encourage green financing, which is gaining steam but still in the early stage.

The State Council, China's Cabinet, Wednesday announced its decision to set up pilot zones in Guangdong, Guizhou, Jiangxi and Zhejiang provinces and Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region to boost green finance development.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-16 19:13:08|Editor: Song Lifang

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TALUQAN, Afghanistan, June 16 (Xinhua) -- A massive fire engulfed a wood market in Taluqan city, capital of Afghanistan's northern province of Takhar on Friday, a local official said.

"The fire broke out at around midday in an industrial and construction wood market. The provincial fire brigade has dispatched several fire engines and personnel to put out the fire. They arrived at the site shortly after the incident was reported," a security official told Xinhua anonymously.

The cause of the blaze remained unknown.

"There is fear of possible causalities. So far, we have no more details, but we will try to get more information," the source added.

The fire has caused serious damage to the shops but details will be shared with media later on the day after an ongoing investigation, the official noted.

Local TV channels showed a huge blaze engulfing several shops, sending a heavy smoke into the air.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-16 19:43:26|Editor: Song Lifang

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SRINAGAR, Indian-controlled Kashmir, June 16 (Xinhua) -- An Indian army trooper was killed Friday in skirmishes with Pakistani troops on Line of Control (LoC), dividing Kashmir, Indian officials said.

The two sides exchanged fire on LoC in Nowshera sector of frontier Rajouri district, about 222 km southwest of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir.

"In the exchange of fire, a trooper Bakhtawar Singh was grievously wounded. The trooper later succumbed to his wounds while being evacuated to the military hospital," Lt Col Manish Mehta, Indian army spokesman said.

There has been no report yet of the conflicts from the Pakistani side.

An increase in the cease-fire violations on LoC was recorded since beginning of last month and several civilian killings were reported on both sides of LoC. The firing on LoC also triggered civilian migrations from frontier areas of Rajouri last month.

Year 2016 also saw a surge in skirmishes on International Border (IB) and LoC between the two countries.

Both New Delhi and Islamabad accuse each other of resorting to unprovoked firings and violating cease-fire agreements. And both sides maintain that their troops gave befitting reply.

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.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-16 19:53:31|Editor: Lu Hui

Photo taken on Nov. 26, 2016 shows a quantum communication ground station in Xinglong, north China's Hebei Province. Chinese scientists on Thursday reported a major breakthrough in quantum communication: A pair of entangled photons over a distance of 1,200 km have been successfully transmitted from space to Earth. The previous record was about 100 km. (Xinhua/Jin Liwang)

By Xinhua writers Yu Fei and Xu Haitao

HEFEI, June 16 (Xinhua) -- A team of Chinese scientists have realized the satellite-based distribution of entangled photon pairs over 1,200 kilometers. The photon pairs were demonstrated to be still entangled after travelling long distances.

The experiment shows quantum entanglement, described by Albert Einstein as a "spooky action", still exists at such a distance.

This satellite-based technology opens up bright prospects for both practical quantum communications and fundamental quantum optics experiments at distances previously inaccessible on the ground, said Pan Jianwei, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

The achievement was made with the world's first quantum satellite, Quantum Experiments at Space Scale (QUESS); also dubbed Micius, launched by China on August 16, 2016, and was published as a cover article in the latest issue of academic journal Science.

This experiment was made through two satellite-to-ground downlinks with a total length varying from 1,600 to 2,400 kilometers. The obtained link efficiency is many times higher than that of the direct bidirectional transmission of the two photons through telecommunication fibers, said Pan, who is also the lead scientist of QUESS.

Quantum entanglement is a phenomenon in quantum physics, which is so confounding that Albert Einstein described it as a "spooky action at a distance" in 1948.

Scientists found that when two entangled particles are separated, one particle can somehow affect the action of the far-off twin instantly.

Scientists liken it to two pieces of paper that are distant from each other: if you write on one, the other immediately shows your writing.

The mystery of quantum entanglement has been puzzling scientists since it was detected.

Quantum physicists have a fundamental interest in distributing entangled particles over increasingly long distances and studying the behavior of entanglement under extreme conditions.

In theory, this bizarre connection can exist over any distance, but scientists want to see if there's some physical limit. "If you want to explore new physics, you must push the limits," Pan said.

"Will gravity affect quantum entanglement? It needs long-distance experiment to test the different models. Although QUESS cannot test quantum gravity theories yet, we have developed the technologies needed for space-based experiments through this project," Pan said.

Previously, entanglement distribution had only been achieved at a distance up to 100 kilometers due to photon loss in optical fibers or terrestrial free space.

One way to improve the distribution lies in the protocol of quantum repeaters, whose practical usefulness, however, is hindered by the challenges of quantum storage and readout efficiency, Pan said.

Another approach is making use of satellite-based and space-based technologies, as a satellite can conveniently cover two distant locations on Earth. The main advantage of this approach is that most of the photons' transmission path is almost in a vacuum, with almost zero absorption and de-coherence, Pan said.

After feasibility studies, Chinese scientists developed and launched QUESS for the mission of entanglement distribution. Cooperating with QUESS are three ground stations: Delingha Observatory in Qinghai, Nanshan Observatory in Xinjiang and Gaomeigu Observatory in Yunnan.

For instance, one photon of an entangled pair was beamed to Delingha and the other to Gaomeigu. The distance between the two ground stations is 1,203 kilometers. The distance between the orbiting satellite and the ground stations varies from 500 to 2,000 kilometers, said Pan.

Due to the fact that the entangled photons cannot be amplified as classical signals, new methods must be developed to reduce the link attenuation in the satellite-to-ground entanglement distribution. To optimize the link efficiency, Chinese scientists combined a narrow beam divergence with a high-bandwidth and a high-precision acquiring, pointing, and tracking (APT) technique.

An accurate transmission of photons between the "server" and the "receiver" is never easy, as the optic axis of the satellite must point precisely toward those of the telescopes in the ground stations, said Zhu Zhencai, QUESS chief designer.

What makes it much harder is that the satellite flying over the Earth at a speed of 8 kilometers per second can be continuously tracked by the ground station for just a few minutes.

"It is like tossing a coin from a plane at 100,000 meters above sea level exactly into the slot of a rotating piggy bank," said Wang Jianyu, QUESS project's chief commander.

The highly sensitive QUESS could make visible from the Earth a match being lit on the Moon, Wang added.

By developing an ultra-bright space-borne two-photon entanglement source and the high-precision APT technology, the team established entanglement between two single photons separated by 1,203 kilometers.

Compared with the previous methods of entanglement distribution by direct transmission of the same two-photon source -- using the best performance and most common commercial telecommunication fibers respectively -- the effective link efficiency of the satellite-based approach is 12 and 17 orders of magnitude higher, Pan said.

He said the distributed entangled photons are readily useful for entanglement-based quantum key distribution, which, so far, is the only way to establish secure keys between two distant locations on Earth without relying on trustworthy relay.

"So far, this is the most important scientific research progress in my life," said Pan, who has been engaged in the quantum physics for more than 20 years and has been granted the highest natural science award for his achievement in quantum science.

"For the first time, we're testing the physical law of the micro world on a space scale, and laying the foundation for exploring more basic laws in physics in the future. The technologies can also be applied in constructing a quantum network," Pan said.

The reviewers of Science magazine said of the team's article that it is a major technical accomplishment with potential practical applications as well as being of fundamental scientific importance.

QUESS is also designed to establish "hack-proof" quantum communications by transmitting uncrackable keys from space to the ground, as well as testing quantum teleportation with a ground station in Ali, Tibet.

According to Pan, scientists also plan to test quantum key distribution between ground stations in China and in Austria, and establish encrypted video calls between Beijing and Vienna. Countries like Canada also expressed a willingness to cooperate with China in future quantum satellite experiments.

Currently, QUESS can only send photons at night. Chinese scientists hope to develop technologies to realize around-the-clock work. They also hope to launch a quantum satellite to a higher orbit to make more practical use possible, according to Wang.

Pan revealed they also want to see if it's possible to distribute entanglement between the Earth and the Moon at a distance of some 300,000 kilometers in future to test relevant physical theories.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-16 19:53:33|Editor: An

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Meng Jianzhu (R), head of the Commission for Political and Legal Affairs of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, meets with Pakistan's Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Zubair Mahmood Hayat in Beijing, capital of China, June 16, 2017. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

BEIJING, June 16 (Xinhua) -- China and Pakistan on Friday agreed to improve security and anti-terrorism cooperation, to guarantee the construction of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

The agreement came out of a meeting between Meng Jianzhu, head of the Commission for Political and Legal Affairs of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, and Pakistan's Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Zubair Mahmood Hayat.

"China considers terrorism the common enemy of us all. China hopes the two sides will keep in close contact and strengthen coordination in fighting terrorism to ensure safety of the economic corridor, and to maintain the safety and stability of both countries and the region," said Meng, also a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee.

Zubair said Pakistan expects better security cooperation with China to guarantee the smooth progress of cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative and the building of the economic corridor.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-16 19:53:34|Editor: An

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Chinese Vice President Li Yuanchao (R) meets with Brazilian Foreign Minister Aloysio Nunes Ferreira in Beijing, capital of China, June 16, 2017. (Xinhua/Zhang Duo)

BEIJING, June 16 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice President Li Yuanchao met with Brazilian Foreign Minister Aloysio Nunes Ferreira here Friday and both sides pledged to work together to prepare for the BRICS summit in September.

China will host the Ninth BRICS Summit in September in Xiamen, Fujian Province.

As developing countries and important emerging economies, both China and Brazil should implement the consensus reached by their leaders, link development strategies and step up practical cooperation, Li said.

Li called on two countries to increase cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative and deepen their comprehensive strategic partnership.

China hopes that Brazil will play a positive role in China-Latin America cooperation, Li said.

Aloysio Nunes Ferreira said Brazil supports the upcoming BRICS summit in China and is willing to cooperate more with China in various fields.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-16 20:18:49|Editor: MJ

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ABUJA, June 16 (Xinhua) -- A coalition of militant groups in Nigeria has issued an ultimatum to northerners to quit the oil-rich region in the country's south, local media reported on Friday.

The Niger Delta militant groups issued the "quit notice" following a meeting on Thursday.

The militants threatened to attack oil wells owned by northerners in the Niger Delta region before Oct. 1, Nigeria's national day, according to The Guardian.

Ostensibly, the ultimatum was in response to a similar notice issued to southerners by some northern youth groups in the country.

Various ethnic groups in Nigeria have recently been stoking the tension that is threatening to tear the most populous African country apart, each one issuing threats to others.

For 50 years now, ethnic groups in southeastern Nigeria had been agitating for the Biafra Republic. This agitation snowballed into a three-year civil war in 1967.

In particular, the threat by the Niger Delta militants to shut down the region could affect Nigeria's oil production and revenue, analysts said.

"It could also affect international oil prices, noting that Nigeria is one of the largest oil producers in the world," said Kunle Adejare, an economic analyst.

Nigeria's acting president Yemi Osinbajo on Tuesday began a nationwide consultation of leaders of thought in a peace move aimed at stopping the ethnic groups from carrying out their threats.

The oil militants accused the government and the conventional and secret police of not doing enough to end the ethnic crises and urged the government to return all oil blocs owned by northerners to the Niger Delta people.
Flowers are exhibited during the fifth edition of International Floriculture Trade Expo in Nairobi, Kenya, on June 9, 2016. (Xinhua/Sun Ruibo)

NAIROBI, June 16 (Xinhua) -- Kenya may introduce a new variety of genetically modified cut flower following the application of rights to release it by a private company.

In a statement Thursday, the National Biosafety Authority (NBA), which regulates all activities involving genetically modified organisms, said it is in receipt of an application from Imaginature Ltd for environmental release and placing on the market of genetically modified Gypsophila cut flowers in Kenya.

If approved, Kenya will be the first pioneering nation in authorizing the production of GM-Gypsophila.

"The GM-Gypsophila has been improved through modern techniques by adding a few genetic elements responsible for new range of colors from dark purple and red to light pink colouration in flowers from a model plant called Arapidopsis," said NBA.

The characteristics of the flower, including the color change, have been done to fetch a higher price in the global market.

"The public is informed that other than the color change of the flower petals, no other alteration has been introduced in the GM-Gypsophila flowers," said the government agency.

Conventional Gypsophila flowers, also called Baby's breath, are predominantly white and are solely used for ornamental purposes.

"They are not consumed by humans or used as animal feed. These flowers are used as filler materials in flower arrangements and bouquets for in-door beautification," noted the authority.

The GM-Gypsophila varieties are expected to broaden Kenyan farmers' assortment of products, thus promoting their market position as they will be trading in unique products.

Also, the combination of higher price and increased volume are expected to increase farmers' annual income from Gypsophila stems.

In the first phase of production, the company based in Naivasha will grow the flowers for the U.S. market, among others.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-16 20:38:56|Editor: MJ

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DAMASCUS, June 16 (Xinhua) -- A suicide bomber detonated his explosive vest near a mosque in Syria's northern city of Idlib on Friday, killing a bodyguard of a key jihadi commander and other rebels as well, activists said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-16 20:38:56|Editor: An

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BEIJING, June 16 (Xinhua) -- A total of 7,097 vehicles have been impounded for using fake license plates in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, the Ministry of Public Security said Friday.

Since March, police departments in the region have detained 559 people as part of an ongoing campaign targeting fake license plates.

Law enforcement departments across the region have worked together to employ a high technology track and detect system.

They set up a database of vehicles with suspected fake plates and used it to check vehicles entering Beijing.

Police also uncovered operations manufacturing fake plates, and punished offenders.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-16 20:38:57|Editor: MJ

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JUBA, June 16 (Xinhua) -- Experts have called on authorities in South Sudan to develop laws to combat rampant hate speech and online incitement, which they said have caused more violence and ethnic polarization since 2013.

Speaking during a workshop on hate speech in Juba on Friday, the experts said rumors, fake news and newly adapted rhetoric of using symbols and images that carry hate messages has fuelled hatred, ethnic divisions and incitement to violence.

Jacob Dut Chol, senior lecturer of political science at the University of Juba, said local politicians and South Sudanese communities living abroad contributed much of the ongoing hatred by posting inflammatory content on social media sites.

Chol said hate speech has recently shifted from online and offline platforms to symbols being used in public domains, which he warned could even prolong the ongoing violence.

"Hate speech is a big and worrying issue in South Sudan. If it's not addressed on time, it will cause a lot of ethnic polarization, disunity and continue perpetuating the violence for a while," Chol said.

Chol said tougher laws against perpetrators of online and offline hate speech and increased awareness would help reverse the current trend.

He called on South Sudanese to draw experience from countries like Rwanda and Kenya, which tackled hate speech and incitement following the Rwandan genocide in 1994 and the post elections violence in Kenya in 2007 through advocating for responsible use of social media, hate speech awareness and counter-messaging and peacebuilding.

"Hate speech can be controlled by tough laws and policies. This therefore calls on the government to urgently come up with legislations. We need to also scale up sensitization against hate speech," Chol said.

Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of civil society group Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), said a survey they conducted indicated that four out of five posts or comments on social media in South Sudan carries hate speech or incitement to violence.

He said the trend increased drastically following renewed violence in July 2016, warning that if it continues, South Sudan risks disintegration.

"Hate speech has contributed to the ethnic divisions. And if we don't get serious, the word South Sudan will soon disappear and we begin identifying ourselves by tribes and ethnicities," Yakani said.

"There is need to mitigate hate speech through contribution from the government by enacting laws that hold the perpetrators of hate speech and anti-peace groups accountable," he added.

South Sudan plagued into civil unrest in December 2013 following political disputes between South Sudanese President Salva Kiir and his then deputy Riek Machar.

The conflict has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced millions of others while dividing communities along ethnic lines and leaving the nation in severe food insecurity and on the edge of economic collapse.

A peace deal signed in 2015 under international pressure failed to end the violence as it was shattered again by fresh clashes that erupted in July 2016.

Susanne Bellinghausen, Head of DefyHateNow, a German-based peace advocacy organization working in South Sudan and refugee camps in neighbouring countries, said continued violence and displacement has escalated hate speech in South Sudan, calling for urgent and increased efforts from the government and civil society organizations to combat hatred.
A man purported to be the reclusive leader of the militant Islamic State Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi making what would have been his first public appearance, at a mosque in the centre of Iraq's second city, Mosul, according to a video recording posted on the Internet on July 5, 2014, in this still image taken from video. (Reuters File Photo)

MOSCOW, June 16 (Xinhua) -- A Russian airstrike may have killed Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in northern Syria on May 28, the Russian Defense Ministry said Friday.

It said in a statement that Russian Su-35 and Su-34 warplanes carried out a strike against a location in a Raqqa suburb, where IS leaders met, killing several high-ranking commanders, 30 middle-level field commanders and up to 300 militants.

"According to information, which is being checked through various channels, IS head Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, who was present at the meeting, was also killed," the statement said.

The U.S. side was notified in advance on the time and location of the Russian air force operation, it said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-16 20:54:06|Editor: MJ

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SRINAGAR, Indian-controlled Kashmir, June 16 (Xinhua) -- A civilian was killed and several others were injured Friday after government forces fired on protesters near a gunfight site in restive Indian-controlled Kashmir, officials said.

The gunfight between militants and government forces broke out in the morning at village Aarwani of Anantnag district, about 46 km south of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir.

"A young man was killed during intense clashes between government forces and protesters in Arwani village," a police official told Xinhua. "The youth Muhammad Ashraf sustained a bullet injury in his abdomen during the clashes near the gunfight site."

According to police, no sooner the government forces cordoned off the area to take on militants, dozens of people, mostly youth, marched to the spot hurling stones and brickbats in a bid to help militants break through the siege.

Locals said Indian forces fired tear gas shells, shotgun pellets and warning shots to scare away the protesters.

"A young man was brought dead in the hospital, while as some people who have suffered injuries were provided medical aid," a health official at district hospital said.

Meanwhile, the fierce gunfight in the village is under way.

Locals said sound of blasts and gunfire is resonating in the village and can be heard from a distance.

"We have been hearing sound of explosions and continuous gunfire from the village since morning," Gul Mohammed, a local resident said.

Police officials suspect two to three militants are present in the village.
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Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-16 21:24:17|Editor: MJ

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ADDIS ABABA, June 16 (Xinhua) -- Ethiopia has mobilized 700 volunteers to cope with the thousands of undocumented Ethiopians still stranded in Saudi Arabia ahead of coming expiry of an amnesty.

The statement on Friday by Meles Alem, Spokesperson for Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said it is trying to return Ethiopians before the expiry of amnesty deadline by Saudi Arabia for illegal foreign residents.

Only 11 days were left after Saudi Arabia issued a 90-day deadline for foreigners living illegally in the country to leave the Middle East country.

Alem further said so far 82,343 undocumented Ethiopians living in Saudi Arabia have taken travel documents to return to Ethiopia.

Spurred by low prices and increasing population, Saudi Arabia is encouraging its citizens to work on jobs normally done by foreigners, both legal and illegal residents.

"Already 1,400 Ethiopians have arrived on Thursday, but we're expecting some undocumented Ethiopians to be left even after the deadline of the expiry deadline," he said.

He said the Ethiopian government is giving tax exemptions on goods brought by the returnees and is working with regional and federal authorities to smoothen the Ethiopians' arrival back home.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-16 21:49:26|Editor: MJ

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NAIROBI, June 16 (Xinhua) -- At least four people have been confirmed dead and 11 others injured after a public service vehicle ran over an improvised explosive device (IED) on Friday in Mandera county that borders Somalia, an official said.

Northeastern regional coordinator Mohamed Saleh said the incident took place along the restive Lafey-Elwak road.

"We have discouraged vehicles from using the route because it's close to the border and dangerous. No arrest has been made," Saleh said by telephone.

The latest incident came amid increased attacks by the Al-Shabaab militants hailing from neighboring Somalia.

The East African nation shares a porous border with Somalia and the country has been subjected to frequent attacks by Al-Shabaab following the onslaught by Kenyan soldiers on the militant group in Somalia.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-16 21:49:29|Editor: MJ

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KIEV, June 16 (Xinhua) -- More than 12,000 Ukrainian army soldiers have been either killed or injured in the conflict with independence-seeking insurgents in the country's eastern regions, the Ukrainian military said Friday.

The confrontation, which has been underway since April 2014, has claimed the lives of at least 2,696 government servicemen and left 9,903 others wounded, Ukrainian military spokesman Andriy Lysenko told reporters during a media briefing.

Last month, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said more than 2,000 civilians were killed and 7,000 to 9,000 others injured in the confrontation.

The casualty number among members of the armed groups remains unknown.

The conflict in eastern Ukraine has started after the government army launched offensives to regain control over the cities and towns seized by insurgents, who declared independence from Kiev.

More than 30 rounds of ceasefire have led to a reduction in hostilities over the past two years, but clashes between the conflicting sides still occur.
NAIROBI, June 16 (Xinhua) -- At least four people have been confirmed dead and 11 others injured after a public service vehicle ran over an improvised explosive device (IED) on Friday in Mandera county that borders Somalia, an official said.

Northeastern regional coordinator Mohamed Saleh said the incident took place along the restive Lafey-Elwak road.

"We have discouraged vehicles from using the route because it's close to the border and dangerous. No arrest has been made," Saleh said by telephone.

The latest incident came amid increased attacks by the Al-Shabaab militants hailing from neighboring Somalia.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-16 21:59:38|Editor: An

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GENEVA, June 16 (Xinhua) -- A group of Chinese non-governmental organizations (NGOs) Friday held a sideline meeting during the 35th session of the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council here themed "Promotion of Human Rights: Role of Poverty Eradication."

In his speech, Liu Kaiyang, deputy secretary general of the China NGO Network for International Exchanges, said that poverty is a common challenge facing the international community, and poverty eradication is an important way to promote and protect human rights.

"Non-governmental organizations around the world will contribute more to strengthen the international cooperation in poverty reduction by sharing their experiences," he said.

Wang Xiaolin, a researcher with the China International Poverty Reduction Center, said that China has helped more than 800 million people to get rid of extreme poverty in the past 30 years.

He said that this is largely due to the inter-departmental coordination mechanism set up by the Chinese government.

Liu Wenkui, secretary general of the China Foundation for Poverty Alleviation, said that since 2005, the foundation has carried out a series of disaster emergency rescue operations and international development assistance projects in 18 countries and regions around the world.

Debrework Luleseged Debebe, general manager of the Ethiopia Ye Enat Weg Charitable Association, told the audience that her association, with the help from Chinese partners, has helped improve the nutritional status of over 4,000 poor students in Ethiopia.

"This helped to protect and promote the rights of the poor children and the project is very much welcomed by the local communities," she said.

Henri van Eeghen, senior director of global humanitarian aid agency Mercy Corps, said in his speech titled "Promoting the Development of Human Rights: the Role of Poverty Reduction" that China has become a leader in international poverty reduction, and that the international community would benefit from learning from the Chinese experience.
ADDIS ABABA, June 16 (Xinhua) -- A 3,000-hectare irrigation project built by China's Jiangxi Water and Hydropower Construction is expected to be commissioned in October, an Ethiopian official said Friday.

The statement by Bizuneh Tolcha, Director of Public Relations and Communications Directorate at the Ethiopian Ministry of Water, Irrigation and Energy (MoWIE), said the project costs 55 million U.S. dollars.

"The project is funded jointly by the World Bank and the Ethiopian government with so far 55 percent completion rate," said Tolcha.

The project being constructed in South Gonder Zone of Amhara regional state is expected to benefit 17,000 people and add 13,000 more hectares once it is operational.

Tolcha said the project is part of the Ethiopian government's plan to ensure food self-sufficiency and earn hard currency from the export of crop products.

"Our ministry has so far built several medium and large-scale irrigation projects amounting to 450,726 hectares out of 5.3 million hectares of irrigable land Ethiopia has," he added.

Ethiopia hopes the completion of similar irrigation projects will help shed the image of Africa's second most populous nation at 100 million as being a perennial drought-prone nation.
by Peter Barker, Gui Tao

LONDON, June 16 (Xinhua) -- Britain's decision to leave the European Union (EU) will not be a handicap to collaboration between Britain and China in financial services and trade, according to James Sassoon, chairman of the China-Britain Business Council (CBBC).

"Bilateral trade, (Britain's) exports to China and the Chinese investment in the UK have grown very strongly and I think that is the trend that will continue," Sassoon told Xinhua recently in an exclusive interview.

China-Britain trade in goods stood at 74.34 billion U.S. dollars in 2016, according to statistics from the official website of the Economic and Commercial Counsellor's Office of the Chinese Embassy in the United Kingdom.

Britain had a surplus with China on trade in services, outweighed by a deficit on trade in goods. China, the seventh-largest export market for Britain, contributed 3.6 percent of Britain's exports and 7 percent of all of Britain's imports.

"Bilateral trade started from a very low base. It was embarrassing to me when I took over as chairman of CBBC four years ago that our UK exports were lower than Italian exports to China. Those days are well behind us," Sassoon said.

The British capital London is one of the world's most important financial centers and the largest single hub for trading in currencies.

Sassoon said that London's financial services and Britain's financial and capital markets have been crucial drivers for the Britain-China relationship.

The British government from 2010 onwards has played an active role in promoting London's financial capabilities to China, one of which was in propelling the internationalization of the Chinese currency renminbi (RMB).

The City of London Corporation (CLC), the municipal body of the financial district, has supported the growth of a long-term sustainable offshore RMB market in Britain.

Britain's central bank, the Bank of England (BOE), and its Chinese counterpart the People's Bank of China set up a sterling/renminbi swap facility in 2013, which is now worth 350 billion renminbi (about 51.3 billion U.S. dollars). The facility is aimed at supporting domestic financial stability in Britain. If a generalized shortage of offshore renminbi liquidity emerges, the facility will also allow the BOE to facilitate renminbi liquidity for eligible institutions in Britain.

The value of the swap line increased in 2015 from the original figure of 200 billion renminbi (about 29.3 billion dollars) set in 2013. The increase reflected the continuing growth of renminbi trading in London, according to the BOE.

BOE governor Mark Carney added that it reflected a constructive approach to support the development of an effective and resilient renminbi market in London.

Many major Chinese banks have opened offices in London over the past ten years.

As of January 2016, deposits of 50 billion renminbi (about 7.3 billion dollars) were held in the London market, making it one of the largest markets outside Asia.

Of all offshore Chinese renminbi foreign exchange transactions outside mainland China, 36.3 percent are carried out in the United Kingdom, according to SWIFT, a global financial transactions firm.

London overtook Singapore to become the largest center for offshore renminbi trades last year, and has retained the premier spot since.

Sassoon added that as commercial secretary to the Treasury between 2010 and 2013, he was involved in discussions with Chinese authorities to identify areas of mutual benefit in financial services.

During the talks in 2011, British financial institutions wanted to "explore what can be done between China and the UK on offshore renminbi," said Sassoon.

London prides itself on being "the most international financial center," a place to allow any Chinese banks, securities houses and commodity traders to conduct business and set up branches.

"And things have developed from there -- the Hong Kong exchange's acquisition of the London Metal Exchange, the China Investment Corporation's investment in property, and the big Chinese banks either setting up here or converting to branch status -- there has been great momentum," he said.

"I see that as something that continues and will be a key plank in the (bilateral) relationship," Sassoon said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-16 22:50:03|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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OSLO, June 16 (Xinhua) -- Norway's police have prohibited a neo-Nazi group from demonstrating in July because of a danger of "serious disturbance of peace, order and lawful traffic," public broadcaster NRK reported Friday.

The Nordic Resistance Movement wants to hold a demonstration in the southern Norwegian city of Fredrikstad on July 29. The police gave permission previously at the end of May on the grounds of freedom of speech.

"We had initially said yes to this demonstration, but we have been working for a long time on checking the safety of the event. There has been a development that makes the demonstration, and especially the announced counter demonstrations, seem to be of a different extent than we assumed earlier," said Steven Hasseldal, chief of police in the Eastern Police District.

"There is a reason to believe that counter-demonstrations will be organized and potentially violent. We therefore choose to decline the application," he said.

Hasseldal emphasized the importance of the security of people in Fredrikstad.

"Considering the large number of people who are expected to be in the city center, the event causes an unacceptable risk of injury to the public, buildings, vehicles and objects," he said.

But police said the denial of the application does not imply a general rejection.

"In this case, we must make a new, independent assessment of a possible new application. This Saturday at the end of July is a day where the city is full of people. It is summer vacation and there are a lot of tourists and other big events," Hasseldal said.

Jon-Ivar Nygard, mayor of Fredrikstad, is pleased that the police have rejected the application. He stated clearly that he did not want such a demonstration in the city at a later date.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-16 23:05:10|Editor: huaxia

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DUBAI, June 16 (Xinhua) -- The United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Friday condemned the terrorist attack on a restaurant in the Somali capital Mogadishu, the official WAM news agency reported.

"The state has strongly condemned this terrorist attack," the UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said in a statement.

"The UAE and its solidarity with the government and the people of Somalia stand in the face of terrorism, which targets security and stability," added the statement.

The UAE also expressed condolences to the government and people of Somalia and the families of the victims and wished speedy recovery of the injured.

Gunmen attacked a hotel and restaurant south of Mogadishu on Wednesday evening, killing at least 19 in an overnight siege, and the radical al Shabaab movement claimed responsibility for the attack.

Al Shabaab militants are stepping up their attacks in the Horn of Africa country, often targeting hotels and restaurants and the African Union bases in the city, as part of their campaign to topple the government. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-16 23:10:14|Editor: ying

A new freight train arrives at the Budapest Intermodal Logistic Center in Budapest, Hungary, on June 16, 2017. This freight train departed from southern Chinese city of Changsha on May 27, carrying 41 containers of electronic products, shoes and apparel, fiber optic cable, hardware and machinery parts made in China. (Xinhua/Yang Yongqian)

BUDAPEST, June 16 (Xinhua) -- After traveling about 10,000 kilometers, the first freight train from Changsha, China to Budapest arrived at the Budapest Intermodal Logistic Center on Friday.

It departed from Changsha on May 27, and passed an corridor through Russia and Ukraine. The train carried 41 containers of electronic products, shoes and apparel, fiber optic cable, hardware and machinery parts.

Zhou Xinjian, economic and commercial counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Hungary, told Xinhua that the trade between the two countries reached more than 9 billion U.S. dollars last year, and was expected to exceed 10 billion U.S.dollars this year.

"In this case, China's freight trains continue to come to Hungary, delivering Chinese goods to Hungary and the Central and Eastern European countries, also promoting economic and trade cooperation between the two countries," he underlined.

Friday's train passed less countries, took less time, so it is a better choice for Chinese goods and exporters, Zhou added. The freight train service will operate once a week for one-way at the initial stage.

Besides the above mentioned rail links in the north, China and Hungary are also connected in the south by the China-Europe Land-Sea express line.

In the future, besides the rails and sea links, Chinese and Hungarian cities and provinces are also looking up at the sky.

"Chinese and Hungarian provinces and cities are negotiating for direct air freight service, and good results are expected, so at that time Chinese goods will come to Hungary by land, sea and air. Hungary will become a distribution center for Chinese goods in Central and Eastern Europe," Zhou explained to Xinhua.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-16 23:15:17|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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by Le Yanna, Bui Long

HANOI, June 16 (Xinhua) -- Studying Chinese, the world's most spoken language, has helped enrich knowledge and brighten the career paths of more and more Vietnamese people, local experts, lecturers and students told Xinhua here on Thursday.

"I'm keen on becoming a highly-qualified lecturer of Chinese to help my students better understand the language and the country, as well as acquire the most suitable jobs," said Nguyen Le Cam Tu, the top prize winner of the 16th "Chinese Bridge," the Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign College Students which was held in northern Vietnam on Thursday.

At the competition themed "Dreams Enlighten the Future," held by the Confucius Institute Headquarters and the Chinese Embassy in Vietnam, Tu, a third-year student at the Hanoi University, outperformed 11 other finalists from nine universities in terms of her language, presentation and comedy acting skills, and knowledge of Chinese economics, politics, society and culture.

"After graduating, I want to pursue higher education at the Beijing Normal University," the graceful looking girl from Hanoi said, adding that she is keen as mustard to explore the diversified beauty of China's age-old culture, including literature, martial arts and feature films.

Despite spending a lot of time studying Chinese since she was a high school student, Tu manages to find time for many hobbies. "I like Chinese wuxia (martial heroes) novels and movies. So I want to visit (southwest China's) Sichuan Province to see Mount Emei with my own eyes, to have better understanding of the Emei Sect. I am also interested in Wudang Kungfu," she said, breaking into a warm smile.

One of her fans, an audience member in the university's meeting hall which was packed like sardines, Nguyen Van Trong, a third-year student of Chinese, said he is also fond of reading wuxia novels by Jin Yong and adapted to TV series programs like "The Return of the Condor Heroes" with the main characters played by Liu Yifei and Huang Xiaoming.

"Having a good command of Chinese helps widen my eyes to see the bigger pictures of cinema, literature, calligraphy and martial arts," Trong said, adding that at his university there are extra classes teaching Chinese martial arts, including Yong Chun and Taiji.

Nguyen Vinh Quang, one of the competition's judges, shared a similar view, saying that the Chinese language in general, the competition in particular, is a bridge to friendship which helps promote understanding between two peoples and long-term training of youths, which contributes to Vietnam-China relations.

"There are increasingly larger numbers of Vietnamese people studying Chinese, especially since the two countries normalized their ties. Now, some 13,000 Vietnamese students are studying in China," stated Quang, vice chairman of the Vietnam-China Friendship Association.

Meanwhile, China has sent more and more students to Vietnam to study Vietnamese, creating more chances for lecturers and learners from the two countries to make friends with one another and beef up cultural exchanges, he said.

Nguyen Thi Cuc Phuong, vice rector of the Hanoi University and president of the university's Confucius Institute, echoed Quang's statements. Studying Chinese in general and attending relevant competitions in particular offer lecturers and students opportunities to exchange experiences and make connections after the events, she said, noting that human resources prioritizing those who have a good command of Chinese is on the rise in Vietnam.

Nguyen Thi Thanh Huyen, lecturer at the Hanoi University's Chinese Department, said many agencies and firms have asked for her help in finding potential employees for them, not only graduates but also four-year students. "I am a voluntary recruiter now," the young lecturer smiled.

According to Huyen, the Chinese Department currently has more than 30 lecturers, with two-thirds of them being doctorate degree holders, the highest rate among faculties of the Hanoi University, and trains some 800 students.

"In the future, our department will expand its training scope to new fields such as trade and tourism. Investment and trade ties between Vietnam and China are becoming closer and closer, so manpower demand for those who master Chinese is increasing," the lecturer said, adding that people-to-people exchanges between the two nations are also a huge positive.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-16 23:20:23|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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SRINAGAR, Indian-controlled Kashmir, June 16 (Xinhua) -- At least six policemen including an officer were killed Friday in a militant attack in restive Indian-controlled Kashmir, police said.

The police party was attacked at Thajiwara - Achabal village in Anantnag district, about 65 km south of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir.

"This evening a police party led by station house officer Achabal was ambushed by militants near Thajiwara village which resulted in killing of five policemen on spot," a police official posted at police control room Ananatnag told Xinhua. "The officer along with his men was returning from Anantnag when his vehicle came under attack."

The attack created panic in the area.

Local media reports said militants have looted weapons from the policemen.

Following the attack, authorities rushed contingents of police and army to the spot. However, it is believed that militants managed to escape from the spot immediately.

So far no militant outfit has claimed responsibility of the attack.

On Thursday evening, a policeman was killed and another wounded in a similar militant attack in Hyderpora locality of Srinagar. Prior to that militants shot dead a policeman in Kulgam district.

Friday's attack comes despite an alert issued by police in the wake of an increase in militant attacks in districts especially south of Srinagar.

A guerrilla war has been going on between militants and Indian troops stationed in the region since 1989. However, of late Indian policemen too have been trained to fight them.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-16 23:30:31|Editor: huaxia

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MANDERA, Kenya, June 16 (Xinhua) -- Kenyan police on Friday launched a manhunt for Al-Shabaab suspects behind the killing of four people in Mandera County in a bomb attack that also injured 11 others.

The four people died after a passenger service vehicle they were travelling in ran over an improvised explosive device (IED) at Sheikh Barrow area on the Lafey-Elwak road which is near the Somalia border.

The IED is suspected to have been planted by suspected Al-Shabab militants from Somalia.

Mandera County Commissioner Fredrick Shisia said the security officers have been sent to the scene to crack down on the insurgents who have been planting explosive devices on the main routes in northeast region.

He said the government will increase national police reservists (NPR) to man the region and said over 150 officers will be deployed to the region.

Shisia termed the scene of the attack as a terror hotspot area where several attacks have happened on civilian and security vehicles.

"This is near where area governor's (Ali Roba) security vehicle was attacked early last month, where five police officers died after their vehicle ran over an IED," Shisia said.

The IED was planted on the dry weather road targeting vehicles plying the terror hotspot area within Lafey area barely five kilometers from the Kenya border with war torn Somalia.

The government administrator said 15 people were on board in the PSV Land cruiser from Elwak town headed to Mandera town on Friday.

Shisia said one of his local government administrator (chief) succumbed to the shrapnel from the IED while another who was among the passengers sustained serious injuries on both of his legs.

"It is unfortunate these attacks are happening during the month of Ramadan, these criminals pretend to be holy but we have all seen the hypocrisy in them," Shisia said.

Northeastern Regional Coordinator Mohamud Saleh said the injured had multiple injuries, adding that the vehicle was badly damaged.

"The four wheel drive vehicle was using a condemned road when it ran over an IED killing four passengers on board and injured 11 others. We had discouraged vehicles from using the route because it close to the border and dangerous. No arrest has been made so far," said Saleh.

It is the latest incident in a series that has claimed more than 30 people in a month. In May alone, 30 people including 20 police officers were killed in separate such attacks.

The government closed the road to PSV buses and khat vans after 28 people were killed in bus plying to Nairobi in November 2011. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-16 23:30:34|Editor: huaxia

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PHNOM PENH, June 16 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen on Friday set January 14, 2018 for the non- universal election of the fourth Senate, according to a government statement.

Hun Sen announced the date during the weekly meeting of the Council of Ministers, the statement said.

Held every six years, the Senate election will be voted by Members of Parliament and commune councilors across the country.

Founded in 1999, the Senate, or the Upper House, has 61 seats, but the election will be held for 57 seats only as two senators will be appointed by nation's King Norodom Sihamoni and the other two by the National Assembly.

In the last election held in Jan. 2012, the ruling Cambodian People's Party won 46 seats against 11 seats for the opposition Sam Rainsy Party.

The Sam Rainsy Party merged with the Human Rights Party in late 2012 to form a new party called Cambodia National Rescue Party, which is now the country's main opposition party. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-17 00:00:56|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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DHAKA, June 16 (Xinhua) -- Bangladesh Army and Fire Brigade Rescuers Friday wrapped up search operations after two more bodies were recovered from debris of rain-triggered devastating landslides that struck the country's southeastern region Tuesday.

At least 151 people are reported to have been killed and hundreds of others injured in the landslides that devastated places in five districts in Chittagong Hill Tracts in southeastern Bangladesh.

The landslides claimed 107 lives alone in Rangamati district, some 391 km from capital Dhaka, where two more bodies were retrieved Friday.

Apart from them, at least 44 bodies have been recovered in Rangamati's neighboring four districts -- Chittagong, Bandarban, Cox's Bazar and Khagrachhari till Friday.

Mohammad Manzarul Mannan, Rangamati district administration chief, told journalists Friday that they are asking people to remain in shelters till further notice.

He said possibility of further landslide in the already affected areas can't be ruled out as the hilly districts are likely to get more rain in the coming days.

People, especially in Khagrachari district's vulnerable places, have also asked to go to the landslide resistant shelters.

Early Tuesday's Bangladesh landslide death toll included four members of Bangladesh Army including two of its officers.

Inter Service Public Relations (ISPR) of Bangladesh Army said 10 more army personnel were also injured in the incident while another remained missing.

Lieutenant Colonel Md Rashidul Hasan, director of ISPR, told Xinhua that army personnel died while they were working to clear a road in a worst landslide hit area in Rangamati district.

A Rangamati district administration official said that though official rescue operations wrapped up, authorities will continue search for missing if any.

The official who did not like to be named said it has now no information on the missing.

According to the official, the flood caused by the incessant rain inundated many areas of the Rangamati since Monday. The Chittagong Hill Tracts saw over 300 mm of rainfalls in the 24 hours till Tuesday morning.

Tens of thousands of people have been displaced after unusually heavy rain on Monday triggered a string of mudslides.

Devastating landslides affected millions after destroying homes, crops, and roads, most of them having gone beyond usage.

Landslides are frequent in Bangladesh's hilly areas during the heavy monsoon that usually runs from June to September as land has been heavily deforested to grow crops and build new houses.

In June 2007, some 123 people were killed in a devastating landslide in Bangladesh's southeastern Chittagong district, some 242 km away of Dhaka.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-17 00:31:14|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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LISBON, June 16 (Xinhua) -- Portugal's Minister of Finance Mario Centeno on Friday welcomed the European Council's (EC) decision to formalize the end of Portugal's excessive deficit procedure.

"Portugal has worked hard to achieve this outcome, and will continue to deliver on its commitments and to improve its prospects," an official statement by the Ministry of Finance reads.

Centeno added that the decision, which was recommended by the European Commission, was a "turning point" that reflected the country's excessive fiscal deficits have been corrected in a sustainable and durable way.

"Exiting the excessive deficit procedure is a very important milestone for Portugal as it demonstrates that Portugal's policy strategy has placed the public accounts on a sustainable path, keeping expenditure under control, while at the same time being supportive of inclusive growth," he added.

Centeno stated the decision came amid "a growth rebound which is now above EU average" and a steep reduction in unemployment and a fixing of the banking sector's problems.

"This decision also reflects structural changes in the Portuguese economy, which is now generating sustained current account surpluses," he pointed out.

Portugal exiting the excessive deficit procedure will be a turnaround for a country that in 2011 had to sign a 78 billion euros (87.3 billion U.S. dollars) bailout program with international lenders when it was on the verge of bankruptcy.

Portugal has been under an excessive deficit procedure since 2009, when its budget deficit was at around 10 percent of GDP.

Rating agency Moody's recently said the European Commission's recommendation for Portugal to exit the excessive deficit procedure "acknowledges Portugal's better-than-expected fiscal performance in 2016, when the budget deficit fell to 2.2 percent from 4.4 percent in 2015."

Moody's also said it shared the EC's expectations that deficits will remain below the 3 percent threshold in 2017 and 2018.

Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa recently said the decision was a "vote of confidence in the Portuguese economy and in Portugal's ability to have turned a page in the framework of financial difficulties."
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-17 00:56:26|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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ADDIS ABABA, June 16 (Xinhua) -- The African Union (AU) has reiterated its commitment to working with the UN World Food Programme (WFP) in enhancing the livelihoods of the African citizenry.

Josefa Sacko, AU Commissioner for Rural Economy and Agriculture, made the remarks at the 2017 annual WFP Executive Board meeting, in Rome, Italy, according to an AU statement released later Thursday.

The AU official has lauded WFP for its continued support to hundreds of millions of Africa's vulnerable populations over the past decades, through various initiatives, including among others, supplying food aid, school feeding programmes and promoting smallholder farmers through incentive creation strategies.

Sacko has also recognized WFP's role in advancing the AU's Agenda 2063 and the agenda for transforming Africa's agriculture for achieving food and nutrition security to realize sustained economic growth, through the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) and the 2014 Malabo Declaration on Agriculture.

She has further highlighted the major initiatives that the pan-African bloc has embarked on including the commitment to ending hunger by 2025, and the efforts in peace and security on the continent as well as empowering Africa's youth in line with the AU 2017 theme of 'Harnessing the Demographic Dividend.'

In 2014, AU heads of states made declaration to ending hunger and poverty by 2025, recalled the Commissioner, and she said "We have since developed frameworks for guiding implementation of programmes and investment plans at the country level."

"And we also developed and launched a Post-Malabo Business and Operational Plan that includes nine strategic areas which are directly linked with the goal of ending hunger and malnutrition in Africa," added the Commissioner.

"We recognize that the new WFP Strategic Plan is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals and our 2030 Action Plan of the Africa Agenda 2063," she said, "We will make efforts to advocate that our Member States make joint plans for implementing short to long term humanitarian and sustainable developmental activities, which are aimed at hunger eradication, building resilience to climate change and other humanitarian disasters."
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-17 01:01:30|Editor: xuxin

Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov (R) shakes hands with Johannes Hahn, the European Union Commissioner for European Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations, during their meeting in Baku, capital of Azerbaijan, on June 16, 2017. (Xinhua/Tofiq Babayev)

Baku, June 16 (Xinhua) -- "Azerbaijan is ready to make efforts to further expand relations with the European Union (EU)," Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said here on Friday.

He made the pledge while meeting with a delegation led by Johannes Hahn, the European Union Commissioner for European Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations, according the president's office.

Aliyev said his recent visit to Brussels amid cooperation with the European Union was marked by productive talks, which once again demonstrated a joint approach to further expansion of cooperation between the EU and Azerbaijan.

The president expressed hope that negotiations on a new partnership agreement between Azerbaijan and the EU will be successfully continued.

The Azerbaijani president said that the agenda of Azerbaijan-EU cooperation envisages a political dialogue as well as cooperation in the field of economy, energy and other spheres. He reaffirmed Azerbaijan's willingness to make efforts for further expansion of ties.

Hahn, in turn, said that negotiations between Azerbaijan and the EU on a new partnership agreement have already been started. The EU is interested in stability in neighboring countries, and in this aspect Azerbaijan plays an important role in the region and even on a wider area, he added.

The two leaders also exchanged views on several issues related to the simplification of the visa regime between Azerbaijan and the EU, as well as the current state of cooperation in the energy and transport spheres.

The EU and Azerbaijan are expected to agree on a new strategic partnership agreement which will replace the 1996 partnership and cooperation agreement and offer a renewed basis for political dialogue and mutually beneficial cooperation.

EU relations with Azerbaijan date back to 1991 and are based on the EU-Azerbaijan partnership and cooperation agreement, which provides for wide-ranging cooperation in the areas of political dialogue trade, investment, economic matters, legislation and culture.

The EU is Azerbaijan's biggest export and import market. The EU's exports to Azerbaijan consist primarily of machinery and transport equipment whereas the EU imports mainly oil and gas from Azerbaijan.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-17 01:16:41|Editor: xuxin

Kashmir women help a wailing relative of a slain policeman during a ceremony in Anantnag district, Indian-controlled Kashmir, on June 16, 2017. Six policemen including an officer were killed after militants attacked their vehicle, while two civilians were killed and several others injured during clashes near a gunfight site in restive Indian-controlled Kashmir Friday, police said. (Xinhua/Javed Dar)

SRINAGAR, Indian-controlled Kashmir, June 16 (Xinhua) -- Six policemen including an officer were killed after militants attacked their vehicle, while two civilians were killed and several others injured during clashes near a gunfight site in restive Indian-controlled Kashmir Friday, police said.

The policemen were killed when militants ambushed a vehicle carrying them Friday evening at Thajiwara - Achabal village in Anantnag district, about 65 km south of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir.

"This evening militants attacked a police vehicle near Achabal here, killing six policemen including their officer on spot," a police official told Xinhua. "The intensity of the damage suggests the militants were heavily armed."

Local media reports said militants looted the service rifles of policemen following the attack.

Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) militant outfit has claimed responsibility for the attack.

"Our militants ambushed the car in which six policemen including an SHO were killed," a Srinagar based news gathering service KNS quoted LeT spokesman Abdullah Ghaznawi as saying.

Friday's attack comes despite an alert issued by police in wake of an increase in militant attacks in districts especially south of Srinagar.

Earlier during the day a gunfight was triggered in Aarwani village of the district. While the government forces were trying to lay cordon of the village, young men hit roads and threw stones and brickbats towards policemen, apparently in a bid to help militants break through the siege.

A young man and a teenager were killed after being hit by bullets, and several others were left wounded.

Meanwhile, the fierce gunfight in the village is under way.

Police officials suspected two to three militants are present in the village.

Unconfirmed reports said two local cadres of LeT are trapped in the village.

Authorities on Friday again blocked high speed mobile Internet facility in the area fearing escalation in tempers over civilian killings.

Reports said the Internet speed on fixed landline broadband connections was also reduced.

A guerrilla war is going on between militants and Indian troops stationed in the region since 1989. However, of late Indian policemen too have been trained to fight them.

Police officials said militants in the region have been targeting policemen guarding houses of politicians and other protected people to snatch rifles, in wake of weapons shortage within the militant ranks.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-17 01:41:50|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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ROME, June 16 (Xinhua) -- Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) sales outperformed the European market last month, the Italian-American carmaker said in a statement Friday.

FCA sales in Europe were up by 11.9 percent year-on-year, against an industry average of +7.7 percent, the statement said. The Italian-American carmaker said it sold 109,800 vehicles in May, making it the fourth overall in the European rankings.

Also on Friday, Chief Executive Sergio Marchionne told reporters a U.S. suit claiming FCA installed emissions-cheating devices on some of its diesel models won't impact the company's 2018 targets.

The U.S. Justice Department filed the civil suit in May this year. FCA denied cheating on emissions and said in a statement it is cooperating with U.S. authorities to clear up the issue.

Second-quarter results were in line with expectations and 2017 targets are confirmed, Italian news agency ANSA cited Marchionne as saying. The executive spoke to reporters on the sidelines of a meeting in Venice of the U.S.-Italy council.

FCA said its best-performing brands were Alfa Romeo (+47.8 percent) and Fiat (+15.6 percent). Sales were up in Spain (+34.9 percent), Germany (+31.6 per cent), and France (+18.5 percent).

FCA owns car brands Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Fiat Professional, Jeep, Lancia, Ram, SRT, and Maserati, as well as Magneti Marelli components manufacturer and Teksid foundries.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-17 01:41:51|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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SKOPJE, June 16 (Xinhua) -- Macedonian authorities in cooperation with European Union (EU) delegation here launched Friday an EU-funded project on local democracy in the Western Balkans.

The objective of the 10 million euro (11.1 million U.S. dollars) program is to strengthen partnerships between civil society organizations (CSOs) and local governments across the Western Balkans, EU Head of Cooperation Nicola Bertollini told reporters.

The program will help fund and implement 200 public interest projects in the Western Balkans over the next three years, improving the services and quality of life for over 40,000 citizens.

According to Bertollini, the program will enable the local authorities to engage with civil society in local social and integration projects.

The program will be implemented by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) over the next 36 months in six countries and territories in the Western Balkans.

The budget for Macedonia amounts to 845,000 euros, and it is expected that dozens of public interest projects by local governments and CSOs will be implemented throughout the project duration.

Civil society organizations that work at the municipal level need more resources and local governments need to develop more transparent and merit based ways to allocate funding to CSOs, UNDP resident representative Louisa Vinton said at a press conference.
Lam San Keung (Left) , Counsel, Royal Association of Shenzhen Municipal ,China and Fred Ojiambo (Right) ( Counsel) Kenya display signed documents for the opening of new office in Nairobi during the Trade and Investment forum organized between Shenzhen Municipal ,China and KenInvest in Nairobi on 16th June 2017. The forum attracted delegates representing 40 companies from Shenzhen Municipal interested in Energy, ICT, Construction, Education and Financial Services. (Xinhua/Charles Onyango)

NAIROBI, June 16 (Xinhua) -- Representatives of Chinese companies from Shenzhen Municipality, one of the most innovative cities in China, are in Nairobi to meet local investors to discuss investment opportunities in energy, trade, finance and agriculture sectors, officials said Friday.

The Chinese delegation,led by Lu Pengqi, the Vice Chairman of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, and Chen Biao, the Deputy Mayor of Shenzhen Municipal Government, is comprised of entrepreneurs from various sectors such as manufacturing, IT and real estate.

"Kenya and China has developed a robust trade and investment tie in recent years. As the first Special Economic Zone and one of the most innovative cities in China, Shenzhen is in a good position to cooperate with Kenya to a win-win goal, which will help both Kenya's industralization process and Shenzhen's aspiration for international capacity cooperation," said Lu.

Chen echoed with Lu's words, saying that some companies from Shenzhen such as Huawei have come to Kenya and perform well in the east African nation. He believes in Kenya's economic potential and hopes Shenzhen and Kenya strengthen their cooperation in areas like energy, transportation, communications and tourism.

Kenya Investment Authority (KenInvest) Managing Director Moses Ikiara said the delegation is in Kenya to explore opportunities for investment and trade with Kenya in the main economic growth sectors like agriculture and to build business-to-business relations between the two countries.

"We have given them information about investing in Kenya. We are now going to have three days of detailed interactions between businesses to let the Chinese companies learn more about Kenya. This will enable them to form views about the country," Ikiara told Xinhua in Nairobi.

Emmanuel Kalenzi, Representative of the UN Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) Field Office in Kenya, said the Chinese companies could consider investing in industrial parks as a step towards promoting private investment and trade between African countries and China.

Kalenzi said UNIDO has conducted a pilot study on the possibilities of promoting investment in private enterprise through the construction of the industrial parks in African countries.

Some Chinese companies, including the Guangdong New South Group Limited signed an agreement with the Kenyan government in May this year to build 1.9 billion U.S. dollars industrial park in Kenya's western town of Eldoret, where the government hopes to build a Special Economic Zone.

The industrial park being financed by the Chinese company was signed at a ceremony witnessed by Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta.

The agreement was signed as part of the Africa Economic Zones in Beijing, a firm which is now investing in Kenya and Zimbabwe.

The delegation of 40 companies is looking for agribusiness opportunities in Kenya.

One of the Chinese companies, Avic International, is building the Global Trade Center in Nairobi, a 30,000 square metre project with mixed use, including hotels, executive offices and shops.

China has billed its investments in Africa as part of its "going global" initiative with locally-based enterprises now finding niche markets abroad, including in Kenya.

Guo Ce, Counsellor of the Economic and Commercial Counsellor's Office of the Chinese Embassy in Kenya, said Beijing's decision to raise its relations with Kenya signaled the highest level of economic and political cooperation.

He said the decision by the Chinese government to upgrade its relations with Kenya to a comprehensive strategic partnership, the highest level of cooperation, showed the commitment at the highest level of government between Nairobi and Beijing to promote their diplomatic cooperation.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-17 02:02:08|Editor: ying

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Finnish President Sauli Niinisto (R) shakes hands with Fan Changlong, vice chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC) of China, during their meeting in Helsinki, Finland, on June 16, 2017. (Xinhua/Matti Matikainen)

HELSINKI, June 16 (Xinhua) -- Finnish President Sauli Niinisto met with Fan Changlong, vice chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC) of China on Friday, and they expressed interest in further strengthening bilateral military cooperation.

Finland and China has established a future-oriented new-type cooperative partnership in recent years, said the Finnish president, stressing that the two countries share similar positions on global issues like free trade and climate change.

Niinisto said Finland highly values the collaboration with China in various areas including national defense and military, and is willing to work with Chinese partners to further develop the relations between the armies of the two sides.

On his part, Fan noted that China appreciates Finland's support for and participation in the Belt and Road Initiative.

He vowed to promote bilateral military cooperation based on a better synergy of the development strategies of the two countries.

Fan also held talks with Finnish Defense Minister Jussi Niinisto on Thursday, focusing on improving the military cooperation. They agreed to facilitate high level exchanges, expertise communication and pragmatic cooperation.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-17 02:07:11|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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SERRES, Greece, June 16 (Xinhua) -- At the outskirts of Serres, a city of about 80,000 people, some 600 kilometers north of Athens, neat rows of pre-fabricated containers turned into two-bedroom homes provide shelter for 350 Yazidis and their dreams of a better future after the nightmare they have been through.

The Serres open refugee camp, constructed in August 2016 with the support of the International Organization of Migration (IOM), is considered as a model among the about 35 permanent and temporary accommodation facilities currently operating throughout Greece, Chryssa Tapa, the camp manager, a Greek Migration Policy Ministry employee, said while taking Xinhua on a tour recently.

With more than 60,000 refugees and migrants stranded in the country after the closure of the Balkan route to central Europe in 2016, debt laden Greek authorities struggled to offer the best support to people in need.

The residents of Serres camp, mainly families from northern Iraq, all Yazidis, live in 94 air conditioned containers of 37 square meters each. There are no rain soaked tents, but solar panels on the roofs and electrical heaters. Each home has a living room, kitchen, two bedrooms and a bathroom.

NGOs help in providing medical aid, while under a UNHCR funded food full cash program each family receives at least 150 euros (167.6 U.S. dollars) per month so that they no longer rely on handouts.

Half of the camp's residents are minors and from April this year each noon they are bused to nearby public schools to attend classes, Tapa said, as Dalia, a 10-year old refugee girl greeted Xinhua in fluent Greek while playing with her friends.

During a recent visit to the site Migration Policy Minister Yannis Mouzalas described it as a "decent place for dignified people."

Living conditions here are undoubtedly far better than the hardships most of the Yazidis housed at Serres and other refugees have endured while fleeing warzones and making the perilous long journey seeking refuge in Europe.

Still not one of these families has applied for asylum in Greece, but they all seek a new start in other European countries under the EU relocation program, Tapa said.

Despite the drawings on the walls, the air conditioned container is not home, the prospect of returning to their homeland in the near future seems unlikely and compared to the prosperous European North they believe that the poor South has little to offer.

Mervan Hasan, a 32-year-old farmer from Hanasar village in northern Iraq, has been living over the past two months in the container with his wife Hadya and their three daughters aged 3, 4 and 6. They are very satisfied, he told Xinhua welcoming us in his temporary home.

The family left Hanasar on Aug. 3, 2014 when other Yazidis alerted them that ISIS fighters were approaching. They all left their homes and headed to the mountains to save their lives.

Hasan and his family sought safety in Syria and then back to Iraqi Kurdistan before managing to reach Turkey in January 2015 and Greece in February 2016.

They crossed the Aegean Sea on a boat with 60 people from Turkey, risking their lives. They were so afraid on the boat, but once the Greek Coast Guard officers located them off Limnos island, everything went well, he said.

For several months until December they were living in a tent. After spending the winter in a hotel, as they are waiting for their bid to be assessed, they try to heal their wounds and make plans for the future.

Hasan has three brothers living in Germany and other three in Iraq. He wants to join his relatives in Germany. It is not that he doesn't like Greece or feel safe and welcome here, he told Xinhua. He thanks Greeks for their assistance and will never forget it, but he wants to be together with his brothers.

"When we visit hospitals Greeks who are more ill than us give us priority to enter first. These are small gestures, but very important," he said.

"Germany is giving us our position as human beings," he repeated several times. Above all, a home or money, he wants safety.

He has heard that Germany offers Yazidis protection and adequate aid compared to other countries. He wants to be treated as human, he stressed, referring to the suffering of Yazidis back home.

Hasan cannot understand and forget the torture, the abduction and sexual assaults against women and girls, the killings of men and boys. He cannot understand how the international community remains idle before this suffering, he said, while beheadings and other atrocities are shown on TV screens.

When asked about how he envisions his future and the future of his family, he says he does not believe they will ever return to Iraq. He is dreaming of all Yazidis living together in a safe place in Europe and not be dispersed across the continent.

"For my children I am dreaming that they will become good people. I want them all to attend school, to become something, to become useful persons to the entire world. I have many dreams for my daughters," Hasan said.

"I do not care whether they will become doctors or something. I want them above all to become good persons, to live in a safe place, to have rights, to love the entire world, because for us Yazidis love is very important. I want them to love the entire world and to be good persons. I will try hard for this," he underlined.

Hasan does not forget however those left behind.

"I am dreaming about my children and I believe my dreams will become reality up to an extent, but there are still 200,000 children back in the mountains living in tents or out in the open. They are not safe. The world must do something for those left behind. They are always on our minds," he told Xinhua, before closing the door to his temporary safe place. (1 euro= 1.1 US dollars)
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-17 02:57:34|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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WASHINGTON, June 16 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday announced new restrictions on U.S. leisure travel to Cuba and U.S. business with Cuban military.

"The previous administration's easing of restrictions on travel and trade do not help the Cuban people," said Trump at a rally at Miami's Little Havana, Florida, adding that he was effectively immediately canceling his predecessor Barack Obama's "one-sided deal" with Cuba.

According to a statement by the White House, U.S. individuals and companies will be prohibited from doing commerce with Cuban businesses owned by the Cuban military.

As to travels, individual leisure travel, permitted by the Obama administration, will be prohibited, and Americans will be required to visit Cuba through tour groups.

Trump also reaffirmed U.S. statutory embargo of Cuba.

Despite his effort to roll back parts of his predecessor Barack Obama's cuba policy, Trump stopped short of closing U.S. embassy in Cuba.

"The U.S. embassy (in Cuba) will remain open in hope that our countries can forge a much stronger and better path," he said.

The policy changes partially fulfilled a campaign promise by Trump and aligned him with hawkish Cuban-American Republicans in the U.S. Congress.

In December 2014, in the most sweeping change in U.S.-Cuban relations in five decades, Obama announced plans to normalize ties with Cuba in a move that quickly sparked much controversy in the United States.

Since then, improvements have been made in U.S.-Cuban diplomatic, social and commercial ties, with the U.S. opening an embassy in Cuba, increasing flights to Cuba, and some U.S. businesses expanding into the island nation for the first time in five decades.

America severed ties with Cuba in 1961, shortly after Fidel Castro launched a revolution that toppled a U.S.-friendly government, and the two countries had been at loggerheads ever since.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-17 03:07:37|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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GAZA/RAMALLAH, June 16 (Xinhua) -- Islamic Hamas movement, which rules the Gaza Strip, hailed on Friday the double attacks carried out by four Palestinians near Damascus Gate in east Jerusalem.

Hazem Qassem, Hamas spokesman in Gaza said in a short text message sent to reporters that "the heroic attacks in Jerusalem is another evidence that our people continue their revolution against the occupier."

"The brave intifada (uprising) of our people will continue until the full liberation of our occupied lands," said Qassem, referring to a wave of tension that has been going on between Israel and the Palestinians since October 2015.

The Palestinian Health Ministry said Friday that Israeli police forces shot dead three Palestinians near Damascus Gate in East Jerusalem.

The Ramallah-based ministry said in an emailed press statement that Amer Badawi from Hebron, Aadel Ankoosh from Ramallah and the third one unidentified, were all killed by Israeli police gunfire.

Meanwhile, the Israeli police said in a press statement that the two attacks carried out by four Palestinians were a stabbing attack and a shooting attack separately, adding that three of the Palestinians were killed and the forth managed to escape.

The police said five Israelis were injured, including a policewoman who was critically wounded. Unconfirmed reports said the woman died of her wounds on the way to hospital.

Since October 2015, a wave of violent tension has been going on between Israel and the Palestinians, leaving at least 271 Palestinians and 47 Israelis killed, according to official Palestinian and Israeli figures.
File photo taken on May 14, 2015 shows the Dow logo at the entrance to Dow Chemical headquarters in Midland, Michigan, the United States. (Xinhua/REUTERS)

by Xinhua writers Xu Jing, Miao Zhuang

CHICAGO, June 15 (Xinhua) -- The United States and China have become important partners in trade and many other areas, "success for one means opportunity for the other," said Dow Chairman and CEO Andrew Liveris.

"Most importantly, the U.S. benefits when the Chinese people thrive - for they provide not only an important market for American products, but also an enormous talent base that will help drive humanity forward," Liveris said in an interview with Xinhua recently.

"It is in everyone's interest to promote a constructive engagement between China and the U.S. that focuses on removing the barriers to fair and reciprocal market access in each other's economies." It is the relationship between China and the United States which Liveris said he has hoped for.

Established in 1897, the Dow Chemical Company did not become an electrochemical pioneer in one day. In the process of growing from a one-product start-up into an innovation powerhouse, Dow has continuously reinvented and transformed itself for the opportunities of each era.

Dow realized a sales volume of 48 billion dollars in 2016, ranking in the 187th place among the world's top 500 companies.

Dow entered China in the 1930s.

Liveris made his first trip to China 40 years ago for one of his first jobs at Dow. Now he travels to China several times a year.

"I was lucky to have a front-row seat thirty years ago when Deng Xiaoping opened China to the world. And in the decades since, I have had the privilege of watching - and even better, participating - as China's rise has transformed not only China, but the rest of the global economy," Liveris told Xinhua.

"I am not exaggerating when I say that China surprises me every time I return. China has tremendous business assets and extremely talented and innovation-minded people that are enabling the vast growth it has seen in recent decades," he said.

Liveris is right in his words: China now presents the second largest overseas market for Dow, with sales volume growing 10 percent in 2016 from 2015.

Talking of China's economic transition, Liveris said China's adjusted 6.5-percent GDP growth rate for the next five years reflects the Chinese government's determination to improve the quality of growth as well as to ensure a sustainable growth.

He sees the Chinese Government's calling for a higher level of technology and innovation, industrial upgrading, and environmental protection in the transition period as more opportunities to the world's industry leaders like Dow.

"We have chosen to be part of this transformation and are committed to support China with innovation," Liveris said.

"We are optimistic about our business growth in China." By saying so, Liveris has in mind an area where Dow and other multinational companies can play an important role in China: sustainability.

Dow has already teamed up with the Chinese government and Chinese companies to develop and distribute sustainable products such as paint that removes formaldehyde from the air; high-performance insulation that reduces the energy it takes to heat and cool a building; and new laundry machine technology that removes 99 percent of common bacteria and dirt and reduces water consumption by nearly a third.

Many of Dow's specialty and performance materials address the needs of China's market and priorities, Liveris said. In 2016, Dow's packaging, polyurethanes, water, automotive systems, building and construction businesses all achieved strong double-digit growth in China.

Liveris pins high hope on China's Belt and Road Initiative, saying Dow sees a number of opportunities stemming from the initiative, including opportunities to expand into less developed regions within China.

The China-proposed initiative was founded on the vision of common development and sustainable growth, he said. "I admire the goal in the pursuit of mutual benefits through cooperation."

"We are doing business in China in a long-term view - strengthening our local innovation, manufacturing and service networks so as to be better positioned to serve the China market with our solution offerings," Liveris said.

He also pointed out that both U.S. and China should identify the major impediments for trade, such as investment restrictions and inefficient regulatory practices.

If the U.S. and China can achieve a few tangible wins early for both U.S. and Chinese economies, they can then "focus on the longer-term structural impediments that artificially constrain more trade cooperation." "Success breeds success," Liveris said.
Israeli forensic police remove the bodies suspected Palestinian assailants outside Damascus Gate in Jerusalem's Old City on June 16, 2017 following an attack. (AFP photo)

GAZA/RAMALLAH, June 16 (Xinhua) -- Three Palestinians and one Israeli policewoman were killed Friday in a new wave of violent conflict between Israel and the Palestinians in East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip, medical and police sources said.

The Palestinian Health Ministry said that Israeli police forces shot dead three Palestinians in double attacks carried out near Damascus Gate in East Jerusalem.

The Ramallah-based ministry said in an emailed press statement that Amer Badawi from Hebron, Aadel Ankoosh from Ramallah and the third one unidentified were all killed by Israeli police gunfire.

Meanwhile, the Israeli police said in a press statement that a policewoman, seriously injured from the attack, died of her wounds.

The two attacks, a shooting and a stabbing, injured four other Israelis, according to the police statement.

The police opened fire at the attackers, the statement added, killing three of them and the fourth managed to escape.

Since October 2015, a wave of violent tension has been going on between Israel and the Palestinians, leaving at least 271 Palestinians and 47 Israelis killed, according to official Palestinian and Israeli figures.

Islamic Hamas movement, which rules the Gaza Strip, hailed the double attack. Hazem Qassem, Hamas spokesman in Gaza, called the attack a "heroic" one in a text message sent to reporters.

"The brave intifada (uprising) of our people will continue until the full liberation of our occupied lands," said Qassem, referring to a wave of tension that has been going on between Israel and the Palestinians since October 2015.

Meanwhile, clashes broke out Friday afternoon near the borders between eastern Gaza Strip and Israel, wounding eight Palestinians and dozens suffered tear gas, according to eyewitnesses.

Some eight Palestinians were shot in the clashes, which happened between dozens of Palestinian young men and Israeli soldiers stationed on the borders, said Ashraf al-Qedra, spokesman of the Gaza Health Ministry.

He said that all casualties were shot by Israeli soldiers' gunfire, adding that one of the eight wounded is a child.

They said that Gaza youngsters waved Palestinian flags, threw stones at the soldiers who fired back with tear gas and live ammunition.

The clashes are organized by the Gaza-based committee to defeat the Israeli blockade which has been imposed on the coastal enclave since 2007. International rights and humanitarian groups warned that the situation in Gaza might deteriorate due to the hard living in the enclave.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-17 04:23:03|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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TRIPOLI, June 16 (Xinhua) -- Libyan coast guard on Friday rescued 900 migrants off the coast of Sabratha in western Libya.

Ayoub Qassem, spokesman for the Libyan navy, told Xinhua that the coast guards patrol point of the nearby Zawiya city earlier in Friday headed towards Sabratha city and rescued 900 migrants on five boats, including 98 women and 25 children.

"They were rescued seven miles off the coat of Sabratha," the spokesman said.

Qassim pointed out that the migrants are of African and Arab origins, including three Libyans.

He also said that the rubber boats were perforated and submerged, and a large wooden boat was without an engine. The rescue operation lasted more than seven hours.

The coastal city of Sabratha, located 75 km west of the capital Tripoli, is one of the busiest illegal immigration departure points in Libya.

Italian coast guards announced that more than 1,000 migrants were rescued on Thursday from nine rubber and wooden boats off the coast of Libya.

International Organization for Migration on Friday said that "so far this year 9,111 migrants have been rescued in Libyan waters."

Due to the state of insecurity and chaos, Libya has become a main departure point of illegal immigration. Smugglers take advantage of the situation in the country to send thousands of migrants through the Mediterranean toward Europe, many of whom drown in the way.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-17 05:23:15|Editor: ying

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Visiting editor-in-chief of China's Xinhua News Agency He Ping (2nd L) signs an agreement with Khalil Hachimi Idrissi (2nd R), president of Morocco's Maghreb Arab Press (MAP), for future cooperation in news businesses, in Rabat, Morocco, on June 16, 2017. (Xinhua/Meng Tao)

RABAT, June 16 (Xinhua) -- Visiting editor-in-chief of China's Xinhua News Agency He Ping on Friday signed an agreement with Khalil Hachimi Idrissi, president of Morocco's Maghreb Arab Press (MAP), for future cooperation in news businesses.

The agreement between the two state news agencies, mainly aimed at video and new media, will contribute to mutual understanding and friendly relations, as China and Morocco have entered a new phase of bilateral strategic partnership, said He.

Idrissi hailed the agreement as a significant step towards an intensive cooperation between the two sides, and also called Xinhua one of the world's most influential news brands, highlighting the cooperation in fields including new media.

Invited by the MAP, He Ping also met M. Mohamed El Aaraj, Morocco's minister of culture and communication, accompanied by Chinese Ambassador to Morocco Sun Shuzhong.

The Chinese editor-in-chief also visited Morocco's national TV station and other media outlets.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-17 05:33:21|Editor: Mu Xuequan

U.S. President Donald Trump waves as he walks to board Marine One departing from the White House en route to Miami to announce his Cuba policy, in Washington D.C., the United States, on June 16, 2017. U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday announced new restrictions on U.S. leisure travel to Cuba and U.S. business with Cuban military. (Xinhua/Shen Ting)

WASHINGTON, June 16 (Xinhua) -- After targeting his predecessor Barack Obama's legacies in global trade and climate change, U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday announced plans to roll back parts of Obama-era's opening with Cuba.

Speaking at a rally at Miami's Little Havana, Florida, Trump announced new restrictions on Americans' travel to Cuba and U.S. business with Cuban military while keeping the restoration of normal U.S.-Cuban diplomatic ties untouched.

"It's hard to think of a policy that makes less sense than the prior administration's terrible and misguided deal," said Trump.

Under Trump's new directive, U.S. individuals and companies will be prohibited from doing commerce with Cuban businesses, including the Cuban tourism sector, owned by the Cuban military.

As to travel, Americans who travel to Cuba for non-academic educational purposes will be required to visit Cuba through tour groups, and the self-directed and individual travel, permitted by the Obama administration, will be prohibited.

Trump also reaffirmed U.S. statutory embargo of Cuba.

The Cuban government had no immediate comment.

"The previous administration's easing of restrictions on travel and trade do not help the Cuban people," said Trump, adding that effective immediately, he was canceling Obama's "completely one-sided deal" with Cuba.

However, according to a White House statement released during Trump's speech, the policy changes "will not take effect until those (U.S.) Departments have finalized their new regulations."

Despite his effort to roll back parts of Obama's Cuba policy, Trump left many of Obama's legacy intact, including remaining U.S. embassy in Cuba.

"Our embassy (in Cuba) remains open in the hope that our countries can forge a much stronger and better path," he said.

Calling the policy changes "moderate," Sebastian Arcos, associate director of the Cuban Research Institute, told Xinhua that Trump was making adjustments to, instead of cancelling Obama's Cuba policy, and the impact on U.S.-Cuba relationship was limited.

"I don't think things are going to change in a significant way," said Arcos. "The United States will always react to what the Cuban government did. Trump is trying to adjust in a way that doesn't help the (Cuban) government that much."

While the policy changes aligned Trump with hawkish Cuban-American Republicans in the U.S. Congress, Trump soon met with opposition from his own party.

Senator Jeff Flake, a Republican lawmaker from Arizona, said in a statement that any policy change that diminishes the ability of Americans to travel freely to Cuba "is not in the best interests of the United States or the Cuban people."

Together with other 54 co-sponsors, Flake was introducing a bipartisan bill to allow Americans to travel to Cuba for tourism purposes.

In December 2014, in the most sweeping change in U.S.-Cuban relations in five decades, Obama announced plans to normalize ties with Cuba in a move that quickly sparked much controversy in the United States.

Since then, improvements have been made in U.S.-Cuban diplomatic, social and commercial ties, with the U.S. opening an embassy in Cuba, increasing flights to Cuba, and some U.S. businesses expanding into the island nation for the first time in five decades.

America severed ties with Cuba in 1961, shortly after Fidel Castro launched a revolution that toppled a U.S.-friendly government, and the two countries had been at loggerheads ever since.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-17 05:53:26|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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ADEN, Yemen, June 16 (Xinhua) -- About three militants of the Yemen-based al-Qaida branch were killed after an unmanned U.S. plane fired a missile at a running vehicle in the southeastern province of Shabwa on Friday, a military official told Xinhua.

"The airstrike took place in Niqabah area of Shabwa province and one vehicle carrying al-Qaida members was completely destroyed," the local military official said on condition of anonymity.

The military source said that the strike was launched on specific intelligence inputs provided by the Yemeni anti-terror unit and resulted in killing three terrorists.

He added that among those killed was the brother of Saad Bin Atef, the leader of al-Qaida terrorist group in Shabwa province.

The mountainous areas in Shabwa and Abyan provinces have been the scene of U.S. drone attacks and clashes between Yemeni security forces and militants of the Yemen-based al-Qaida branch since the emergence of the group in the country eight years ago.

The militant group has yet to make comments about the latest U.S. airstrikes that targeted its fighters in Shabwa province.

Yemen, an impoverished Arab country, has been gripped by one of the most active regional Al-Qaida insurgencies in the Middle East.

The Yemen-based Al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), known locally as "Ansar al-Sharia" and emerged in January 2009, has claimed responsibility for a number of terrorist attacks against Yemen's army and governmental institutions.

The AQAP and the IS-linked militants took advantage of the security vacuum and ongoing civil war to expand their influence and seize more territories in southern Yemen.

Security in Yemen has deteriorated since March 2015, when war broke out between the Shiite Houthi group, supported by former President Ali Abdullah Saleh, and government forces backed by a Saudi-led Arab coalition.

Over 10,000 people have been killed in ground battles and airstrikes since then, many of them civilians.
U.S. President Donald Trump (L) and national security adviser H.R. McMaster walk to board Marine One departing from the White House en route to Miami to announce his Cuba policy, in Washington D.C., the United States, on June 16, 2017. (Xinhua/Shen Ting)

WASHINGTON, June 16 (Xinhua) -- After targeting his predecessor Barack Obama's legacies in global trade and climate change, U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday announced plans to roll back parts of Obama-era's opening with Cuba.

Speaking at a rally at Miami's Little Havana, Florida, Trump announced new restrictions on Americans' travel to Cuba and U.S. business with Cuban military while keeping the restoration of normal U.S.-Cuban diplomatic ties untouched.

"It's hard to think of a policy that makes less sense than the prior administration's terrible and misguided deal," said Trump.

Under Trump's new directive, U.S. individuals and companies will be prohibited from doing commerce with Cuban businesses, including the Cuban tourism sector, owned by the Cuban military.

As to travel, Americans who travel to Cuba for non-academic educational purposes will be required to visit Cuba through tour groups, and the self-directed and individual travel, permitted by the Obama administration, will be prohibited.

Trump also reaffirmed U.S. statutory embargo of Cuba.

The Cuban government had no immediate comment.

"The previous administration's easing of restrictions on travel and trade do not help the Cuban people," said Trump, adding that effective immediately, he was canceling Obama's "completely one-sided deal" with Cuba.

However, according to a White House statement released during Trump's speech, the policy changes "will not take effect until those (U.S.) Departments have finalized their new regulations."

Despite his effort to roll back parts of Obama's Cuba policy, Trump left many of Obama's legacy intact, including remaining U.S. embassy in Cuba.

"Our embassy (in Cuba) remains open in the hope that our countries can forge a much stronger and better path," he said.

Calling the policy changes "moderate," Sebastian Arcos, associate director of the Cuban Research Institute, told Xinhua that Trump was making adjustments to, instead of cancelling Obama's Cuba policy, and the impact on U.S.-Cuba relationship was limited.

"I don't think things are going to change in a significant way," said Arcos. "The United States will always react to what the Cuban government did. Trump is trying to adjust in a way that doesn't help the (Cuban) government that much."

While the policy changes aligned Trump with hawkish Cuban-American Republicans in the U.S. Congress, Trump soon met with opposition from his own party.

Senator Jeff Flake, a Republican lawmaker from Arizona, said in a statement that any policy change that diminishes the ability of Americans to travel freely to Cuba "is not in the best interests of the United States or the Cuban people."

Together with other 54 co-sponsors, Flake was introducing a bipartisan bill to allow Americans to travel to Cuba for tourism purposes.

In December 2014, in the most sweeping change in U.S.-Cuban relations in five decades, Obama announced plans to normalize ties with Cuba in a move that quickly sparked much controversy in the United States.

Since then, improvements have been made in U.S.-Cuban diplomatic, social and commercial ties, with the U.S. opening an embassy in Cuba, increasing flights to Cuba, and some U.S. businesses expanding into the island nation for the first time in five decades.

America severed ties with Cuba in 1961, shortly after Fidel Castro launched a revolution that toppled a U.S.-friendly government, and the two countries had been at loggerheads ever since.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-17 06:43:39|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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LONDON, June 16 (Xinhua) -- Two-way trade in goods between Britain and China's southern city of Guangzhou rocketed by over 40 percent in the first three months of 2017, reaching a value of more than 700 million U.S. dollars, new figures have revealed.

The trading figures were announced to coincide with a visit to London by Cai Chaolin, vice mayor of the southern China port city. His visit aimed at further fortifying Guangzhou's position as a key trade and investment hub for major western economies.

The visit saw he make a keynote presentation at a forum which looked at approaches to innovation and open perspectives between Britain and Guangzhou.

Joining key partners in London to discuss future relations between Guangzhou and Britain, Cai Chaolin said: "With Guangzhou's business-friendly environment, strategic geographical advantages, proven history as a leading trade and commercial hub, and tremendous growth across industries, I believe that our city is primed to help bolster growth for British companies that are strategically preparing for a bright future ahead."

The London event this week is a precursor to the upcoming 2017 Fortune Global Forum which takes place this coming December in Guangzhou.

The latest statistics show the volume of goods trading between Guangzhou and Europe last year reached 19.08 billion U.S. dollars, with Britain alone accounting for 2.39 billion U.S. dollars of the trade volume, representing a 7.7 percent year on year increase.
Engineer gets $.1M for false imprisonment

Justice Joan Charles made the award, which included exemplary damages, to Azard Ali, owner of A&E Electrical Engineering Ltd, for false imprisonment.

Ali, whose company provided electrical engineering services, was accused of the larceny of the circuit board from TSI Energy and was arrested by police on December 4, 2008.

He denied the allegation, telling the police the circuit board was being held a lien for outstanding sums owed to him by TSI Energy. Ali was nevertheless arrested and imprisoned for six hours at two police stations.

He was eventually released when the owner of the circuit board visited the police station and made arrangements for the payment of the outstanding monies.

In her ruling, the judge said she rejected the evidence of the arresting officer, PC Harrysingh.

She found there was no evidence that the officer had an honest belief that Ali had committed the arrestable offence of larceny.

The judge also cited the policemans failure to make a record of his interview with the owner of the circuit board as one of the reasons for rejecting his evidence, noting also that the officer breached the polices standing orders.

There was also no station diary entry of the report made by the circuit boards owner, and she said she was led to the conclusion that the policeman was doing the owner a favour rather than making any professional attempt to conduct a police investigation of a report of a crime.

The circumstances of his detention amounted to an abuse of police authority and oppressive conduct by agents of the State against a citizen, she said.

She also held that there was no need to detain Ali or keep him in custody and the purpose of his detention was to break his will and cause him to return the circuit board, regardless of the contractual issues.

Ali was represented by attorneys Alana Rambarran and Kent Samlal of Freedom House Chambers.
Cubans claim refugees status in TT

He was speaking with the Newsday during the break period of the UNHCR and Living Water Community Refugee Awareness Workshop held at Bretton Hall, Victoria Avenue, Port-of-Spain. The event, held for the local media, was in commemoration of World Refugee Day on June 20th.

Barbados reported that as at December 2016 there were 321 refugees in Trinidad and Tobago, an increase of 40 percent. He said that the highest number are from Cuba followed by Venezuela, Syria and then Bangladesh. Coordinator of the ministry for migrants at Living Water Community, Rochelle Nakhid, had previously informed Newsday explained that in January 2013 there was an easing of restrictions with Cuba and a change of their migration law which resulted in increased freedom of movement and since that time Cubans have been trickling ino the country. This week in Parliament acting National Security Minister Dennis Moses said that the highest number of illegal immigrants in this country are from Venezuela. He reported that for the period January 1 to May 1, 2017 there were 15,042 illegal immigrants and of that figure 1,415 were Venezuelans, 326 Colombians, 217 Dominicans, 183 Chinese, 65 Guyanese, 39 Nigerians and 20 Jamaicans. In Venezuela at least 67 people have been killed during 12 weeks of anti-government protests and the country also faces an economic crisis and shortage of food and medical supplies.

During the workshop three groups of refugees, Venezuelan, Pakistani and Colombian, spoke of their stories; their identities were withheld for their protection. The Venezuelan family fled their country due to political persecution, the Pakistan group from religious persecution and the Colombian group, children who came with their parents, did not specify their reason.

The groups spoke of their difficulties dealing with the police and immigration. The issue of a lack of legislation to deal with refugees and most arrangements being on an ad hoc basis was repeatedly raised.

Barbado in a previous interview stressed that if there is no asylum procedure then people will seek a back-door route to stay in the country and it was important to have legislation to govern the process.

The legislation is currently at the draft stage. Yesterday Barbado told Newsday that the country was doing a great job and, after ratifying the refugee convention in 2000, had finalised the refugee policy in 2014 to take responsibility for international obligations.

On the workshop he explained that it was meant to familiarise the local media with the legal terminology, help them understand the challenges in the Caribbean and Trinidad and Tobago and show how UNHCR is supporting refugees and what they are doing together with local authorities and civil society.

He noted that it was the first time having such a session in this country and it was quite successful with about 20 journalists in attendance.

Barbado reported that next week, together with the the UNHCRs partner Living Water Community and the University of the West Indies, St Augustine they will host a week of events for the public to get acquainted with the plight of refugees in the country and the region.
Place emphasis on financially-challenged elderly

Opening ourselves to others also requires us to be attentive to the needs of the new call because of the downturn in the economy, many persons lost their jobs and are undergoing severe financial difficulties. Similarly, because of the way our pension schemes are structured, many persons who have given their time and energy for the good of the nation now in their later years find themselves unable to cope with the financial demands. He continued, We have to invest in our older generations in who so much wisdom resides, and we have to invest in our youth which is our future, that which we will become depends on the emphasis that we put on preparing the younger generation for future responsibility. Yesterday, in commemoration of Corpus Christi celebrations, thousands of devout Catholics walked from the Queens Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain in a solemn procession to Independence Square. Later they attended the mass at the Grand Stand, which was filled to capacity.

Archbishop Harris told the congregation, they must be open to all others who celebrate with them regardless of ethnicity, social capacity, or financial possibilities, because hospitality is one of the foundation virtues of Christianity.

He said only when they are open to others, one can say that hospitality is truly relived among Christians.

Loving communities, my dear friends must not deceive simply as churches ... there must be communities in the Trinitarian home, communities open to embracing others, communities in which the love that is within us does not stay enclosed within the confines of the community, but spills over to embrace others. He continued, It is only when our parishes and clusters become transformed into communities of love and when we can celebrate with other communities of love will we begin to see a change in this land of ours. The embracing of others which is hospitality must have an institutional dimension as church and with other Ecclesiastes communities.
Ex-soldier loses Army dismissal case

Justice Frank Seepersad, in an oral ruling given after evidence from Kevin John and his former superior officer, said Johns alleged use of recreational marijuana was at his own risk. The judge said the Chief of Defence Staff at the time was entitled to discharge John for service no longer required after he tested positive for marijuana use in one of three drug tests administered to him in December 2010.

Seepersad also noted that John was lucky he was not dishonourably discharged, as there would be no taint on his character which would prejudice his future employment prospects. John was a private in the Army with eight years service.

John tested positive for marijuana use on December 20, 2010, when a reactive test was done by an army doctor at its Camp Cumuto barracks. Two tests done days earlier came back negative, but Johns superior decided the third test was needed, as the first two were not done in a controlled or supervised environment, and a strange crackling sound had been heard on one of the previous occasions when John provided a urine sample.

He was also charged with possession of marijuana after police searched his girlfriends home at Knightsbridge, Cascade. He and his girlfriend are still before the magistrates court on the possession charge. In his civil lawsuit, John claimed his rights to procedural fairness were breached, as the TTDF did not give him an opportunity to challenge the finding against him, but took the oppressive approach of discharging him.

In his ruling, Seepersad said the use of illegal narcotics should always be viewed as a circumstance of no tolerance, especially in the protective service.

He said so long as the use of illicit drugs remained a criminal offence, it was the publics expectation that an officer who provides an invaluable service to the country should operate under strict compliance with the law. Seepersad said of even greater concern was the use of illegal substances by those who were entrusted with lethal weapons, such as soldiers. He said Johns superior officers were correct not to adopt a flexible approach when he tested positive for drug use.

The judge did suggest, however, that the TTDF should provide a list of offences and the nature of offences for which a no-tolerance approach would be adopted.

Although John lost his case, he was not ordered to pay the States costs, as he said he was unemployed.
Canadian Coast Guard use TTs dark water for training

The divers have selected TT for their training as it is the only island in the Caribbean which has dark water, that is water which extends to more than 1,000 metres below the surface of the ocean, so named for the lack of light at such depths.

Newsday spoke to Major Pino Talarico of the Canadian Armed Forces who said that the exercise was crucial in developing skills for navigating in deep water which can be especially dangerous for divers due to the limited light and low temperatures.

He said that in addition to providing much needed training, the experience also allowed for an important exchange of skills between regional and international forces.

Dark water is really only found in few places and TT is one of them, this gave our guys the opportunity to try their hands to train in this environment.

This can be particularly useful in search and rescue missions and vehicle recovery missions where a vessel or a vehicle sinks to several metres below the surface.

The experience also allowed for some important Subject Matter Exchanges, in which the local Coast Guard would show our divers how to effectively navigate these waters. On Wednesday several members of the Canandian Coast Guard were involved in a vehicle recovery exercise in Chaguaramas, in which divers using a massive inflatable raft were able to recover a sunken army jeep.
Sound values, not money will get you anywhere

Berkeley was speaking Wednesday at the launch of ScoutsTT Investment in Character Campaign at the TT Scouts Headquarters, St Anns.

He said it did not matter how much infrastructure was put in place, if citizens were not grounded in the right values and characteristics, the country would go nowhere.

Berkely said the investment in the campaign was rallying TT in going beyond material things, beyond investing in jobs and buildings, but in creating the right kind of citizen the country needs now, and in the future.

What we are doing is saying to the public and corporate TT that it is time for us to actually start investing in our young people, and developing the right kinds of character tools and trades that we want in our society.

We are asking people to join with us, invest in our programmes, invest time, money, energy, resources, in building TT. We have what we consider a proven alternative to all of the negative alternatives that afflict our society today, Berkeley said.

We can create a better infrastructure, but if we do not have citizens who are grounded in values, proper work ethics and those kinds of things that we consider to be the characteristics of scouting, then we are not going to get anywhere.

The late Dr Eric Williams (TTs first prime minister) said the future of the country was in our childrens school bags, but it was also in what our children did. Dr Williams also said that money is not the problem, it is a problem.

What he meant was that the issues that affect us as a society in terms of nature building are not related to money, but to the values that we have and how we go about building the society. Our level of patriotism and understanding as citizens, as individuals in humanity and mankind, we have a responsibility to leave this world better than we met it, Berkeley said.

He said it was not just what we got out of life, community or the government, it was also what we gave back to society.

This is asking all those who have benefitted from youth activities and co-curricular activities in school to start giving back. Let us not say we do not have time to do things, let us make the time to invest in creating a better world and a better TT, he said.

Berkely said the crime situation in TT was a result of individuals and a level of lack of hope, and felt scouting was a way forward.

He said currently there were 6,400 scouts in TT with hopes of bringing that figure to 10,000 in the next three years.

The World Organisation of the Scout Movement (WOSM) is 40 million with the vision to increase that figure to 100 million by 2023.

It is about getting young people involved, about getting them to make the right decisions and choices and that is what scouting is all about.

When people think about scouts they think about camping and hiking and tying knots. That is really the method.

The objective of the programme is really character development and instilling in young people the values that allow them to make the right choices, the good choices in life, and to contribute to their society, Berkeley said.

He added that over the past five years, over $12 billion was spent on trying to find the cure for crime in the country. He said if we invested more of that money in programmes that focussed on prevention, it would be money better spent.
Tradewinds exercise starts off with bang

Theattack formed part of an elaborate simulation aimed at testing local and regional preparedness to a large scale terrorist attack and was organised by the US Navy Southern Command in collaboration with the Ministry of National Security, the Canadian Armed Forces and various Caricom states.

According to Senior Public Affairs Officer of the Defense Force, Major Al Alexander, the exercise unfolded when a team known as the Caricom Task Force was sent to Barbados for additional training in disaster preparedness and response when they were notified of the attack by members of the defense force, posing as senior officials within the Ministry of National Security. Newsday understands that the team was flown back to the Piarco International Airport in Trinidad and were taken to the barracks in unmarked vehicles, where the engagement began.

The mock battle which involved the use of blank rounds relied on the use of helicopters from the Trinidad and Tobago Air Guard, ended with a complete recapture of the barracks and rescue of hostages.

Newsday spoke to Assistant Chief Staff Officer of Operations, Major Ashook Singh who declared the operation a success and expressed optimism that this exercise and others like it will go a long way in strengthening the regions capabilities and skill-set in the fight against international terrorism.

The scenario began in Barbados, we took our guys there where they would gain some training into disaster response and logistics training but later on in the day was when we began the second phase of the operation in which we notified them of a fake hostage situation at the barracks. I am very confident that the exercise would go on to sharpen the skills of the TTDF and our regional partners as we continue to treat with this growing threat of terrorism. Major Singh added that every effort was made to ensure that the exercise was realistic as possible as members of the task force were shuffled straight from their training to the airport.

He said that the shifting of one operation to the next on the same day was crucial as swift mobilisation of forces was key to the success of any military operation.

We wanted to make the simulation as realistic as possible, so straight from training the men were taken to the airport and briefed on the nature of the emergency.

We took a different route from having a brief break in between training exercises because in a real-world scenario there will come a case where we are called away straight from one mission to another with no stops in between so its important that we get used to a quick-paced setting. Major Pino Talarico of the Canadian Armed Forces said that he was thoroughly impressed with the response and performance of regional troops to the emergency adding that the region was in capable hands. I would just like to say that the exercise really allowed us to see the great dedication and commitment to regional security that the defense force has shown and their performance continues to be a testament to their professionalism and their preparedness to any situation.
Police audit extended to Dec 31

This is according to Minister of National Security Edmund Dillon, who told Parliament Wednesday, in response to a question, that the committee was carrying out its mandate having been given an extension.

The committee was appointed in January and mandated to submit a report to Cabinet by March 31. The committee presented a status report on March 28, outlining the work it had undertaken along with major preliminary findings, Dillon said. It also proposed a schedule on how it would fulfil its mandate.

The committee, he said, recommended revised terms of reference which divided the exercise into three phases  analysis, design and implementation.

Cabinet approved the status report and revised terms of reference, Dillon said, and also agreed to extend the life of the committee for a ninemonth period with effect from April 1.

As of May 31, the committee, he said, was pursuing phase one of the exercise which includes intense data gathering and examining the current operational environment of the TTPS.

He said the committee was also looking at the effectiveness of policies, practices and procedures, community level perception of the Police Service, and conducting consultations with various stakeholders to identify core and emerging issues of the public and the TTPS.
Cuffie to Auditor General: Rental issues old news

In response to the Auditor Generals comments made at a recently held Public Account Committee, Maxie Cuffie, Minister of Public Administration and Communications said the situation identified occurred under the previous administration and has since been rectified the release said.

We handed back the keys to a building being rented by the Personnel Department at over $1 million plus VAT per month for the period December 10, 2012 to August 31, 2016. The release added that government has managed to save an estimated $90 million since the return of the property.

He added that the Ministry intends buckle down on expenditure and maintains a close watch on rental agreements to avoid a repeat of renovation delays that led to the rental of the unoccupied buildings.

Governments monthly rental bill as at September 2015 was approximately $45,360,830 VAT exclusive. Since then we have vacated a number of properties where the rent was being paid without properties being occupied, resulting in a monthly savings of $3,216,259 VAT exclusive in rentals as at 31 May 2017,  Cuffie said.

Ali raised the issue on Wednesday before a meeting of the Public Accounts Committee.
Rowley: Ferdies book gives us comfort

Overall the many speakers praised Ferreiras journey from childhood poverty to dock worker and labour activist to Butlerite to Peoples National Movement (PNM) stalwart to Organsiation for National Reconstruction (ONR) stalwart and then back to the PNM.

Rowley said he first met Ferreira in 1986 when he (Rowley) became PNM deputy leader.

I realised he was someone special, telling me about being there and having done that. I attached myself to that intellect and that experience. Rowley recalled working with Ferreira post-1986 to rebuild the PNM. He brought to the PNM that experience of the ONR. I was the beneficiary of that experience and goodness.
Completion of Preysal Govt School for next fiscal year

Asked when the school, which has been plagued with a number of infrastructural problems will reopen, Minister of Education Anthony Garcia told the Parliament on Wednesday that the school had experienced sewer problems in May but the problem had been resolved.

However, it seems as though the stench has returned, he said.

The school had been closed in May and then more recently this month due to sewer problems.

Asked by UNC MP Dr Bhoe Tewarie if the completion of the new school building adjacent to the current school building, which was under construction during the previous administration and which was 60 percent complete could alleviate the problem, Garcia said that the new building was not budgeted for completion this year.

As I indicated some time ago, he said, the Ministry of Education identified ten schools that required urgent attention.

The Preysal Government Primary was not among those ten simply because that school (building) was 40 percent complete. The school buildings identified for completion, he said, were between 90 percent to 95 percent completed.

We are going to look at Preysal Government Primary in the next fiscal year, he said.
A Japanese man accused of taking pictures up a woman's skirt stabbed two court officers Friday as the verdict in his sex pest case was being delivered, a court spokesman and media said.

Seiji Yodogawa, 30, reportedly yelled "what a rotten justice system" as he lunged at the two officers standing in the court gallery and slashed them on their face and back with a hidden knife.

Yodogawa was immediately taken into custody on attempted murder charges, the spokesman added.

The two policemen were sent to hospital with non-life threatening injuries, Japan's public broadcaster NHK reported.

The courtroom drama erupted just as the judge was delivering a verdict in Yodogawa's upskirting case.

He had been charged over allegations he secretly took pictures under a female train passenger's skirt in Sendai, a coastal city north of Tokyo.

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Never send a cop to do a man's job
A month after President Erdogans security detail tussled with protesters outside the Turkish ambassadors residence in Washington, the police department has announced on Thursday that it has obtained arrest warrants for 12 of the Turkish presidents bodyguards.

Erdogan deemed the warrants are baseless. If my bodyguards cannot protect me, then why am I bringing them to America with me? he said during an iftar dinner on Thursday.

Washington DCs District Police Chief Peter Newsham said nine Turkish security agents, three Turkish police officers and two Canadians were being sought over the brawl. He said the violence that was perpetrated against the protesters cannot be tolerated. Two men on the list have been reportedly arrested.

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said the charges against the bodyguards send a clear message that the United States does not tolerate individuals who use intimidation and violence to stifle freedom of speech and legitimate political expression.

Turkey argues that the protesters posed a security threat because they were not far away from the president.

Erdogan wondered what kind of law is this because the U.S. police was doing nothing with regards to the protesters. Can you imagine what the response would have been if a similar incident had taken place in Turkey?

The U.S. Ambassador was summoned by the Turkish Foreign Ministry to inform him that the decision of the US authorities is wrong, biased and lacks legal basis.

The Ministry added that Turkish citizens cannot be held responsible for the incident that took place because the usual measures taken in similar high-level visits were not taken by the U.S. authorities while it lamented the tolerance towards the so-called protesters with flags and symbols of a terrorist organization.

Turkey has not stated whether it will hand-over the officials concerned to the U.S. for prosecution or waive their diplomatic immunity.
Moroccan automotive industry is gaining momentum and growing at a rapid pace due to incentives and competitive factors attracting more and more investors and makers of car parts.

These factors include Moroccos proximity to European market, modern infrastructures, free trade zones, qualified cheap manpower, open economy and stability.

French car manufacturer Peugeot-Citroen has just launched construction works of its plant at the free zone of Kenitra (Atlantic free zone), located at some 40 km to the north of Rabat, Morocco capital city.

The $632 million plant, expected to be operational by 2019, will produce annually 200,000 vehicles and create 3,500 jobs. Peugeot will use its Moroccan plant as a launching pad for regional expansion, following the footsteps of fellow French car manufacturer Renault which has celebrated lately the export of 1 million vehicles made in its Moroccan plants of Tangier and Casablanca.

Renaults investments enabled the country to become one of the major regional and global players in car industry. Over 10 pc of total cars sold by Renault in the globe are made in Morocco, where 73 pc of production is exported to 73 countries, notably in Europe and the MENA region.

Morocco seeks to accelerate the development of the automotive and component segments, providing tax incentives and turnkey sites such as the Atlantic Free Zone (AFZ) in Kenitra. The 345-ha integrated industrial cluster was set up in 2012 to accommodate the countrys thriving automotive sector.

AFZ encourages firms to make capital investments in exchange for a tax break during first five years of operations, followed by an 8.75 pc tax rate over a 20-year period.

The Moroccan government aims to lift the overall industrial component of gross domestic product (GDP) to 20 per cent, up from 16 per cent, reaching around 500,000 jobs by the same period.

Unlike many countries in the region, Morocco managed to avoid a big drop in foreign direct investments in the wake of the global financial crisis and the Arab Spring uprisings of 2011, partly by marketing itself as an export base for Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

The North African country also managed to build a highly competitive, diversified and attractive economy thanks to political stability and open economy.

These moves, which started yielding results and drawing more and more investors, have turned Morocco into one of the largest car manufacturers in Africa.
The Moroccan government described the South African court decision to maintain seizure of a vessel carrying Sahara phosphates bound for New Zealand as a violation of international law.

In a statement to the press, Spokesperson for the Moroccan government Mustapha El Khalfi condemned in the strongest terms the ruling by South African court on June 15 to maintain at Port Elizabeth the Seized Cherry Blossom ship.

The ship, carrying 55,000 tons of Moroccan Sahara phosphates bound for New Zealand, was seized in a hostile action reflecting the use of the justice system in South Africa by the separatists to settle political matters with Morocco.

Treating the case on the basis of a judgement on the merits by the South African court is in contradiction with international law, El Khalfi told the press following the weekly government meeting Thursday.

He explained by taking such a biased decision, the South African court falls into contradiction with the European Court of Justice ruling which considers such cases beyond its jurisdictions.

El Khalfi said the ruling of the South African court is instigated by Political considerations in utter violation of international law, adding that Morocco rejects the unlawful decision of holding the cargo and will take necessary measures to address this unjust action by South African authorities.

The court decided that the ship should remain held in the port pending a full trial on the matter after the Polisario challenged the legality of the transaction in a bid to use the justice system of its South African ally to undermine Moroccos economic interests.

In a statement, Moroccos state-owned Phosphates Company expressed outrage at the unlawful actions taken by South African maritime authorities, condemning the seizure of the cargo as a political matter disguised as a legal claim.

Last Month, a court in Panama dismissed a similar attempt by the Polisario to block a cargo of Moroccan phosphates heading to Canada. The Panama court made it clear that a local court was not the appropriate venue to resolve international disputes and that the phosphates cargo did not belong to the Polisario.

Last year, an ECJ ruling stated that the Polisario is not eligible to challenge Moroccos economic deals on grounds that the separatist front is not recognized by the UN and hence not entitled to represent the commercial interests of the Sahara population.
Trump. Photo: Scott Olson/Getty Images

Let me put this as simply as I can. After firing FBI Director James Comey for investigating the Trump campaigns contacts with Russians, the president is now openly smearing and threatening to fire his successor as most prominent investigator, special counsel Robert Mueller. There is no question about the motive behind all this, because Trump has told anyone within hearing distance or access to a television that he fired Comey to kill a vital and important investigation into Russian interference in our elections, which yesterday Putin all but admitted: They meddle in all other countries affairs, what did they expect? For good measure, Trump is now openly arguing through surrogates that Mueller is acting in bad faith, pursuing a witch hunt, and should be fired if his investigation gets anywhere near the president.

Every now and again, you have to take a moment, stop being distracted by the constant breaking news, and let all this sink in.

This is now a slow-moving version of Nixons Saturday Night Massacre  but graver. Its graver because the original crime  the Kremlins attempt to hack our elections in possible cahoots with some on the Trump campaign  has so much wider ramifications than an office break-in. Its an act of virtual war by a foreign adversary that came close to rigging the voting machines, for Petes sake. If it was in any way abetted by an American connected to Trump, we absolutely need to find out. And this crisis is more dangerous because the president has not only been trying to prevent or rig any such investigation for months  demanding personal loyalty from the FBI director, pressuring national intelligence officials to exonerate him before the inquiry is finished  but also continues to boast about this obstruction of justice as if there were nothing wrong with it at all.

Which brings us to Trumps mental illness, by which I mean simply that he would not pass a clinical psych test for any other job in the country. Yesterday morning, the mad king tweeted: They made up a phony collusion with the Russians story, found zero proof, so now they go for obstruction of justice on the phony story. Nice. He then called Mueller a very bad and conflicted individual. Later, like a spoiled child, he wondered out loud: Why is that Hillary Clintons family and Dems dealings with Russia are not looked at, but my non-dealings are? This morning, after touting for weeks that he wasnt under investigation, he seemed to concede in a tweet that he was, and that he might be on the verge of firing Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein: I am being investigated for firing the FBI Director by the man who told me to fire the FBI Director! Witch Hunt. (Subsequent reports that Rosenstein is thinking of recusing himself from matters related to the Russia probe only deepen the sense of chaos.)



The truth is Trump cannot abide any kind of investigation of his campaign or of himself by anyone. That would require him to defer to someone else, and his psyche cannot let that happen. (This is the core reason behind his refusal to release his tax returns.) The very idea of actually wanting inspection to clear his name simply doesnt occur to him. After a lifetime of lying, fraud, debt, secrecy, and bankruptcy, his instinct is always to deny everything and to do all he can to subvert any smidgen of accountability or transparency. And so, despite arguing that there is nothing there in the Russian investigation (which might very well be true), and waiting for vindication, he has attempted to end it prematurely. He literally knows no other way. And he is likely to keep doing this  especially if he is now under direct scrutiny for abuse of power. Asking him to subject himself to a neutral third-party inquiry comes as easily to him as it would to Putin or Duterte or Mugabe. It seems absurd to them  and they, like Trump, would react with incandescent rage.

Again, it takes a while for this to register. But the president, in his anger, is now asserting that the FBI inquiry was initiated by nameless people who already knew that there was no basis to the allegations. Therefore the investigation is the single greatest witch-hunt in American political history  surpassing the lowest lows of McCarthyism no less. If Trump cannot stop the investigation, he is doing all he can to delegitimize it, whatever the costs to the credibility of our system of government. And personally attacking the integrity of a Republican former FBI director, who was only recently regarded as a near-parody of bipartisan rectitude, would be a shocking event, if we had not become numb to this presidents malevolent derangement.

And this is more potentially lethal to our democracy than Watergate because todays Republican Party is utterly different than Nixons. It has been taken over by a mass movement led by a cult idol and there are no Republicans of any stature or heft who are prepared to stand up to him, as some once famously did with Nixon. Hence the spectacle of Newt Gingrich. A month ago, he called Mueller a superb choice. This past week, he tweeted that anyone who thinks Mueller will be fair in his investigation is delusional. Worse, actually: Mueller is now clearly the tip of the deep state spear aimed at destroying or at a minimum undermining and crippling the Trump presidency. The official RNC talking points in response to the latest Washington Post bombshell about Trump himself being under scrutiny include this beaut: This story is nothing more than an example of even more leaks coming out of the FBI and special counsels office in an effort to undermine the President.

The right-wing media chorus is also instantly on fleek. Now we find out that [Mueller is] Leaky Jim Comeys bestest buddy there ever was. These guys are pals, and now Mueller is going to investigate the dude who fired his amigo? Does that seem cool to you? vents Kurt Schlichter at Townhall.com. The Daily Mails U.S. editor opines: Ill say it: If the special counsels office is leaking prejudicial information about an investigation, it should be shut down immediately. Libertarian law professor Randy Barnett: Mueller should resign not recuse. If he recuses, the matter will be delegated to one of the Democrat attack lawyers hes hired. A key barometer of Republican partisanship, the blogger Glenn Reynolds, endorses all of these arguments. Kellyanne Conway is also busy asserting that because three individuals in Muellers legal team have donated to Democrats, its automatically rigged.

And so it seems to me completely plausible  even inevitable  that Mueller will be fired too at some point. More saliently, if his teams work eventually exposes and proves Trumps obstruction of justice, the only possible recourse, impeachment, will never happen. There will never be 18 Republican senators who will vote against the leader in this Congress or any other. We will have a criminal in the White House indefinitely, utterly impervious to sanction, and emboldened even further. And he will have brought almost half the country along with him, digging deeper in with every news cycle.

Over a year ago, in this magazines pages, I wrote the following sentence: In terms of our liberal democracy and constitutional order, Trump is an extinction-level event. We are about to find out if I was right.

Watch: All the times Trump has shown hes his own worst enemy.

Im usually pretty good at staying calm under assault from the religious right. My own Christianity gives me an insight into where some are coming from, I guess, and, besides, their arguments against gay equality have always been beyond weak in civil, rather than Biblical, terms. But this latest post by my friend Rod Dreher deeply upset me. Titled Born That Way? Really? it accuses those of us who have long argued that homosexuality is involuntary or innate of being cynical liars: The truth in this matter [0f the origins of homosexuality] has always been what works to advance the cause. He then argues that there is such a thing as latent homosexuality that can be made active by a more tolerant society. Hence the need to reinstate stigmatization of gay people as human beings who have chosen sin  to keep anyone else from experimenting and thereby becoming gay.

His sole evidence for this? A graph from a comprehensive study of the 2016 election that shows much higher identification as bisexual among todays millennials than among older generations. Heres the graph from a tweet:

Huge n'tl sample makes #CCES2016 great for examining age distributions of gays & lesbians vs bis. Both life-cycle & cohort effects here. pic.twitter.com/D3uuZh9qxf  Patrick Egan (@Patrick_J_Egan) June 10, 2017

The data here, its important to note, are not about who is bi or gay and lesbian, who is having gay sex or is in a same-sex relationship, or who has same-sex sexual desire. It is merely a measurement of who is prepared to identify as such in a survey. Thats a far more malleable and amorphous figure. And it finds, to Rods horror, that around 13 percent of 18-year-olds now identify as bi. That drops to around 6 percent for those who are 28; and around 4 percent for those now in their 30s. Another longitudinal survey  from Gallup  also shows a sizable increase among millennials who identify as LGBT in the last few years. The change is from 3.5 percent in 2012 to 4.1 percent in 2016.

If Rods interpretation is correct, it means that there were far, far fewer gay people as a proportion of the population a few decades ago than there are now. It means that, by the study Rod cites, there were almost no gays or lesbians born in America in 1930. It means that more progressive and secular countries, like the Netherlands, would have much higher numbers of gay people than in the past or elsewhere. There is no solid evidence for any of this. But there is evidence that these numbers are a little dodgy and noisy. The Gallup survey, for example, finds that 40 percent of those identifying as LGBT are racial minorities and that the proportion of black men who identify as gay is more than twice the proportion of white men. It also claims that in 2012, a little under 3 percent of baby-boomers identified as LGBT, whereas a year later, only 0.5 percent did. Seriously? Count me as dubious.

But the obvious explanation for these numbers is a simple one: it is that millennials simply have much less shame about sexual orientation than older generations. Growing up in a world of legal marriage equality, that should not be surprising. Gallup suggests as much: Its likely that millennials are the first generation in the U.S. to grow up in an environment where social acceptance of the LGBT community markedly increased. This may be an important factor in explaining their greater willingness to identify as LGBT. It may also, in some way, be cool to identify as bi in your teens or in college in a way it wasnt before. It doesnt tell us anything meaningful about much else  and certainly not whether they will have a gay relationship in the future.

We should, of course, always keep an open mind. Its extremely hard to get solid numbers on something like sexual orientation. Maybe destigmatization will mean that more bi people will experiment with same-sex relationships, even though the study actually shows gay identification as stable for the past few decades. They might even  God forbid  have happier, healthier lives as a result. But what distresses me about Rods post is his belief that homosexuals should be restigmatized for the sake of others, that one part of the population should be shamed and targeted purely to send a message to otherwise confused kids that being gay is wrong. The only word for this is cruelty, the immiseration of gay kids for the sake of controlling those who may eventually be bi. I cannot see anything remotely Christian about that.

Last, some encouraging news. Every time an Islamist terror attack happens, we hear about how silent the Muslim community is. Theyre often not  but the calumny sticks, especially when the president promotes it, as he did after the San Bernardino tragedy. So this recent story leapt out to me after the recent attack on London Bridge. The biggest Muslim group in Britain put out a statement not only condemning the murderers, but taking an unprecedented step:

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 instill fear; we will ensure they fail.

This is one critical voice in Britains Muslim community. And it is quintessentially a decent and liberal one.

See you next Friday.
Three of the U.S. soldiers already in Afghanistan. Photo: Ernesto Londono/The Washington Post/Getty Images

Defense Secretary Jim Mattis will announce plans to send as many as 4,000 additional U.S. forces to Afghanistan next week in an attempt to help the withering Afghan military, the AP reports.

The U.S. currently has around 8,400 troops assisting the Afghan military in Afghanistan. Theyre serving alongside another 5,000 troops from NATO forces. The increase in American boots on the ground is needed to slow the progress of the Taliban, Mattis told the Senate Armed Services Committee on Tuesday.

The Taliban had a good year last year, and theyre trying to have a good one this year, he said. Mattis added that additional U.S. troops would provide air and artillery support to Afghan forces, who have seen 5,000 killed in 2016 alone.

Mattis has only this week gained the power to set troop levels in Afghanistan, an authority granted by President Trump on Tuesday. The move drew harsh criticism from the New York Times editorial board, which said it leaves the impression that he is cowed by the weighty responsibility of sending more Americans into battle, and is looking to put that onus on Mr. Mattis so he has somebody to blame if things go wrong.

Other critics have questioned the wisdom of sending new troops to Afghanistan without a clearly defined strategy. At Tuesdays hearing with Mattis, Senator John McCain emphasized the need for a plan. Were now six months into this administration, he said. We still havent got a strategy for Afghanistan. It makes it hard for us to support you when we dont have a strategy.

Another person whos not so sure about Mattiss plan to build up troops is the anonymous veteran who sent this depressing message to Washington Post reporter Thomas Gibbons-Neff.
Rod Rosenstein. Photo: Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg via Getty Images

On Thursday night, Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein released a weird statement. Americans should exercise caution before accepting as true any stories attributed to anonymous officials, particularly when they do not identify the country  let alone the branch or agency of government  with which the alleged sources supposedly are affiliated, wrote Rosenstein, who was put in charge of the Justice Departments Russia investigation after Attorney General Jeff Sessions was forced to recuse himself. Americans should be skeptical about anonymous allegations. The Department of Justice has a long-established policy to neither confirm nor deny such allegations.

Inbox: Bizarre statement from DAG Rosenstein pic.twitter.com/EVAUJpJWMP  Zeke Miller (@ZekeJMiller) June 16, 2017

Its not clear what prompted Rosenstein to issue this vague warning to the American people, though the timing likely offers some clues: The statement came a day after the Washington Post and the New York Times reported that special counsel Robert Mueller was looking into whether President Trumps firing of James Comey constituted obstruction of justice, and a couple of hours after the Post reported that Mueller was also examining Jared Kushners financial dealings with Russia. All of those stories included information attributed to officials who, unsurprisingly, requested anonymity. Of course, the statement could also have been written in anticipation of another explosive, not-yet-published report.



Rosenstein has a well-documented reputation for independence and nonpartisanship. Hes also the person who appointed Mueller in the first place. However, his statement did seem to reflect Trumps obsession with leaks and what he has called phony stories. If Rosenstein was delivering a message from Trump, it wouldnt be the first time hed helped carry out the presidents agenda: in May, he wrote a memo giving Trump cover to fire Comey.

As reports of Trumps desire to fire the special counsel emerged earlier this week, Rosenstein appeared to be trying to thread the needle between demonstrating that his integrity was intact and avoiding further antagonizing the president. Asked if he would follow Trumps potential order to dismiss Mueller, Rosenstein said, Im not going to follow any orders unless I believe those are lawful and appropriate orders. If there were good cause I would consider it. If there were not good cause, it wouldnt matter to me what anybody says. As Matthew Yglesias suggested, even if Trump did ask Rosenstein to put out the statement, the prosecutor may have had his own reasons for complying:

I would put that Rosenstein statement more in the "giving Trump enough rope" bucket than in the "succumbing to pressure" bucket.  Matthew Yglesias (@mattyglesias) June 16, 2017

Like no journalist is reading that statement and saying "well, fair enough, there's nothing to see here."



He put a lampshade on it.  Matthew Yglesias (@mattyglesias) June 16, 2017

And now it's just hanging out there as something for congress to ask Rosenstein about: What was that statement? Who asked you to make it?  Matthew Yglesias (@mattyglesias) June 16, 2017

Given the way things tend to go with the Trump administration, well probably have an explanation soon enough.


The administration isnt going after Dreamers  unlike their parents  just yet. Photo: Jason Redmond/AFP/Getty Images

Today is the fifth anniversary of Barack Obamas most important executive action on immigration: the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals initiative, better known as DACA. It gave so-called Dreamers  young immigrants who had been brought into the country illegally as children but who had kept their noses clean thereafter  temporary (but renewable) protection against deportation, and a shot at work permits. Upward of 800,000 Dreamers were offered this benefit. Many Dreamers and immigration advocates feared the Trump administration might seize this occasion to rescind DACA.

Last night the Department of Homeland Security did announce it was rescinding DAPA (Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents), a 2014 Obama initiative giving the same kind of temporary protection from deportation to the parents of Dreamers. That was no surprise, since DAPA had never been implemented. A Texas judge halted it, and the U.S. Supreme Court, in a 4-4 decision, decided not to review his action. It seems unlikely that a SCOTUS with Neil Gorsuch onboard would change its mind and uphold DAPA.

But what did surprise observers is that the same announcement (supplemented by a DHS fact sheet) indicated DACA will remain in place. Donald Trump attacked DACA often on the campaign trail, and promised to terminate it immediately. So pro-immigration activists expressed considerable happiness. Not only was the continuation of DACA great news for them, it also indicates some flexibility from the Trump administration on the issue (immigration policy) on which he had arguably been most consistent, and consistently horrible from their point of view.

But as relief spread in the advocacy community, the White House and DHS quickly clarified that no long-term decision had been made on DACA, and that the assurance was simply meant to make it clear the DAPA action did not apply to DACA. So pro-immigration advocates dialed back their happiness accordingly.

So at this point it is unclear whether the administration is flip-flopping on a Trump campaign pledge to end DACA (and other efforts to protect lawbreakers from the consequences of their, or rather their parents, actions), or that this was simply a head fake, or maybe even a meaningless nonaction that will be followed by the promised crackdown on Dreamers. One complication is that Republicans generally dont think the president  any president  should be making such decisions by policy or executive order. So even if the White House has decided to leave Dreamers alone, it probably wont announce it, since technically thats a decision for Congress if it ever gets around to passing some sort of broad immigration legislation.

It is true that if there is any soft spot in a GOP that has turned nastily anti-immigrant in recent years, its Dreamers. For every Steve King who thinks there are more drug mules (with calves like cantaloupes) than star students in the ranks of Dreamers, there are many others who think otherwise. It has all but been forgotten now, but DACA began as a 2012 initiative that may well have been a clever Obama campaign stratagem to preempt a rumored Mitt Romney plan to embrace a similar legislative proposal from Marco Rubio. Having painted himself in a corner with savage anti-immigrant positioning during the 2012 primaries, Romney was frantic for a pro-immigration cause to embrace, and helping Dreamers seemed the least flip-floppy approach available. So if Trump does back away from deporting Dreamers, a lot of otherwise anti-immigrant Republicans could approve.

For all we know, the DAPA/DACA maneuver today could even be a trial balloon to see how the Trump base reacts to something other than a ferocious commitment to the deportation of every undocumented immigrant in the country. He may need these people to stand with him if he winds up in more legal trouble than the Dreamers themselves.
Philando Castile. Photo: Castile Family

After 27 hours of deliberation, a Minnesota jury has found the police officer who shot and killed Philando Castile not guilty on all charges. Jeronimo Yanez, 29, was charged with second-degree manslaughter and reckless discharge of a firearm after killing Castile in a traffic stop last July. Castiles girlfriend broadcast the immediate aftermath of the shooting on Facebook, drawing national attention to the case.



In an emotional statement after the verdict was read, Castiles mother, Valerie, said, I am so disappointed in the state of Minnesota. My son loved Minnesota. He had one tattoo on his body and it was of the Twin Cities. My son loved this city, and the city killed my son and the murderer gets away.



The jury appears to have been convinced by Yanezs argument that he feared for his life before shooting Castile, a cafeteria worker at a St. Paul Montessori school. I thought I was going to die, he testified last week. Castile was carrying a gun at the time of the shooting and was licensed to do so. After he told Yanez about the weapon, the officer told him not to reach for it. Seconds later, Yanez shot him.



I had no other choice. I was forced to engage Mr. Castile. He was not complying with my directions, Yanez testified.



Prosecutors argued that Yanez racially profiled Castile before he stopped him. They also said that after Castile mentioned his gun, Yanez acted rashly and contrary to his training. When Castile reached for his wallet, Yanez overreacted, they said, and used unreasonable force by firing his gun seven times.
Havana. Photo: YAMIL LAGE/AFP/Getty Images

President Trump on Friday announced the rollback of Obama-era changes to U.S. diplomatic and economic policy with Cuba, declaring the 2014 deal terrible and misguided.

Effectively immediately I am cancelling the last administrations completely one-sided deal with Cuba, Trump said. We will enforce the ban on tourism, we will enforce the embargo. Well take concrete steps to ensure that investments flow directly to the people so that they can open private business so that they can begin to build their countrys great, great future.

The Trump administration policy will restrict so-called people to people travel to Cuba, which allows Americans to organize their own travel to the island as long as they spend time there engaging with Cubans and not just lounging on the beach. Critics have said the program is too easy to exploit. Under the new rules, travelers seeking people-to-people experiences will have to travel with a licensed tour company.

The new policy will also heavily restrict the ability of Americans to spend money at Cubas military-controlled businesses, which include many of its hotels. The profits from investment and tourism flow directly to the military. The regime takes the money and owns the industry. The outcome of the last administrations executive action has only been more repression and a move to crush the peaceful, democratic movement, Trump said.

Despite Trumps criticism of President Obamas 2014 Cuba deal, he is keeping large portions of it on the books. Diplomatic relations will remain intact and the U.S. embassy in Havana will remain open. Many American companies, such as Starwood Hotels Inc., will continue to do business in Cuba, while airlines and cruise ships will still travel there. Obamas loosened restrictions on how much rum and cigars Americans can bring home will remain in place too.

The goal of the changes, Trump said, is to put more money into the pockets of the Cuban people. But some of those people are not so sure thats what will happen. It hurts to be going backwards. To roll back the engagement will only manage to isolate us from the world, Marta Deus, a business owner in Havana, told Reuters. We need clients, business, we need the economy to move and by isolating Cuba, they will only manage to hurt many Cuban families and force companies to close.
Good help is so hard to find these days. Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein is not known for issuing cryptic denunciations of the news media. Donald Trump is.

So, when Rosenstein released the following statement Thursday night, many suspected he was just following orders  or, at least, trying not to conspicuously disobey them. (The Trump administration denies this, but then, they deny a lot of things.)

Americans should exercise caution before accepting as true any stories attributed to anonymous officials, particularly when they do not identify the country  let alone the branch or agency of government  with which the alleged sources supposedly are affiliated.

Written equivalent of a hostage tape? https://t.co/LoZIxs2djr  Maggie Haberman (@maggieNYT) June 16, 2017

Theory: POTUS called him and said "put out a statement saying I'm not under investigation" and this was the best he could do. https://t.co/51JXCVN1vM  Chris Hayes (@chrislhayes) June 16, 2017

If Rosenstein was trying to appease Trump, he did not succeed: On Friday morning, the president publicly suggested that the deputy attorney general had joined the conspiracy against him.

I am being investigated for firing the FBI Director by the man who told me to fire the FBI Director! Witch Hunt  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 16, 2017

To review: Last month, Trump decided he wanted to fire James Comey because he disapproved of the FBI directors handling of the investigation into his campaign. He then asked the Justice Department to provide some advice on the matter (a.k.a. an aboveboard rationalization for Comeys firing).

Rosenstein agreed to write a scathing memo about Comeys handling of the Clinton investigation  one that never quite recommended the FBI directors dismissal. The White House then spent a couple days suggesting that Trump only fired Comey because Rosenstein advised him to.

Rosenstein was not pleased by this. And, apparently, neither was the president, who went on national television and declared, I was going to fire him regardless of recommendation  And in fact, when I decided to just do it, I said to myself, I said, You know, this Russia thing with Trump and Russia is a made-up story.



Trump has now, apparently, decided that he prefers the White Houses first story.

So, thats one part of the case for believing Trump is referring to Rosenstein here. The other is this: The president has reportedly spent a good deal of time in recent weeks berating Jeff Sessions for recusing himself from the Russia probe. Trump believes all his current troubles stem from that decision. The president has treated his attorney general to so much vitriol, Sessions reportedly offered to tender his resignation.

Now, if Trump is that angry at the man who passively enabled the appointment of a special prosecutor, how must he feel about the one who actually decided to pull that trigger, one Rod Rosenstein?

Earlier this week, we learned that Trump has discussed firing special prosecutor Robert Mueller with friends and family. At present, Rosenstein is in charge of overseeing Muellers investigation. In that capacity, Rosenstein has the power to determine what resources and personnell Mueller has at his disposal  and, ultimately, whether or not the Justice Department pursues prosecutions on the basis of his findings.



On Tuesday, he assured the Senate that he would refuse to follow an order to fire the special counsel, unless he believed it was given for good cause.

Im not going to follow any orders unless I believe those are lawful and appropriate orders, the deputy attorney general said. If there were good cause I would consider it. If there were not good cause, it wouldnt matter to me what anybody says.

In other words: Trump is going to have to fire Rosenstein if he wants to fire Mueller.



Unless, that is, Rosenstein sidelines himself. On Friday morning, ABC News reported that the deputy attorney general has privately told colleagues he may have to recuse himself from Muellers probe. This makes some sense: One subject of Muellers investigation concerns whether Trumps firing of James Comey constituted an obstruction of justice. Rosenstein played a critical role in that firing, and may be required as a witness. Were Rosenstein to step aside, authority over the probe would fall to Rachel Brand, a member of the arch-conservative Federalist Society, and former Bush administration official.



Regardless, Trump probably wants to fire Mueller now more than he ever has. In the last 72 hours, the Washington Post and the New York Times reported the Muellers curiosity about obstruction of justice charges, while the Post also revealed that the special counsel is examining Jared Kushners financial dealings with Russian entities.

All of which is to say: Rod Rosensteins job is in jeopardy; as is Robert Muellers; as is the rule of law in the United States.
Rented. Photo: Drew Angerer/Getty Images

Somebody has decided to rent Donald Trumps childhood home. The property in Jamaica Estates, Queens, which sold for $2.14 million at auction in January, reportedly went on the rental market on Thursday. Less than a day later, 85-15 Wareham Place has a tenant. The identity of the person who wants to sleep in the five-bedroom Tudor the president lived in until he was about 4 years old has not been revealed, but the broker told DNAinfo that the future occupant signed a long-term (at least a year) lease and the property rented for more than the asking price of $3,500 per month.

Trumps home went up for sale last year, and languished on the market until its owners decided to put it up for auction in October  which they later postponed, figuring theyd get more money if Trump pulled out a win. A Manhattan real-estate investor scooped up the property in December for $1.39 million, which he flipped for a profit at auction ahead of the inauguration. The identity of the mysterious purchaser of Trumps home is hidden behind Trump Birth Home LLC, though its believed to be a woman in China.

But a renter to make Trump Birth Home great again is good news. Neighbors complained recently that the house had become something of an eyesore on the block, with overgrown grass that harbored various pests and neighborhood cats. As a local resident complained to DNAinfo in June, This is what $2 million gets you  an abandoned house and a foreign investor in your neighborhood. Weird, sounds familiar.
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While there have been no reports of canine influenza in Alabama, other Southeastern states are seeing cases, and Auburn University's College of Veterinary Medicine faculty want animal owners to be aware of symptoms of the disease and act quickly.

Georgia, Florida and Tennessee have seen cases of H3N2, the same viral strain identified in a March 2015 outbreak in the Chicago area, making dogs sick with fever, coughing, sneezing and other respiratory signs. Many of these dogs experienced decreased appetite and some even progressed to secondary pneumonia.

"While we've not seen any cases or had reports, it is important for animal owners to be aware of symptoms, especially as they travel with their pets this summer," said Lenore Bacek, an assistant clinical professor in the Emergency and Critical Care Service in the Wilford and Kate Bailey Small Animal Teaching Hospital at Auburn.

"Canine influenza is highly contagious, and dogs seem to be able to spread it even before they are clinically ill," she said.

Typical symptoms of canine influenza include: coughing; sneezing; fever; clear nasal discharge that progresses to thick, yellowish-green mucus; rapid or difficult breathing; loss of appetite; and lethargy.

If you suspect your pet may have canine influenza or has been exposed to it, Bacek recommends a phone call to your primary care veterinarian. After hours or in an emergency situation, facilities like the Emergency and Critical Care Service, which is open 24 hours, can assist pets and animal owners.

Dogs considered to be at highest risk are those that participate in social activities or encounter groups of other dogs: boarding and grooming facilities, dog parks, dog shows and shelters are all potential venues for transmission.

The American Kennel Club, or AKC, issued a statement to dog show exhibitors in the Southeast, warning of reports of sick dogs from Georgia and Florida dog shows. The AKC is recommending that if a dog seems ill, it should not be exposed to other dogs and should see a veterinarian concerning the possibility of influenza.

The American Veterinary Medical Association has a few tips for veterinarians and pet owners:

Any dog showing signs of respiratory disease should see a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Veterinarians with patients that may travel, especially into or out of Southeast, should consider offering a canine influenza vaccine.

Any dog that resides in or has recently traveled to the Southeast should be closely observed for signs of respiratory disease.

Any dog that becomes ill with canine influenza should be isolated for at least 21 days after illness to limit the spread of the virus.

For more information, check out the AVMAs links:

The College of Veterinary Medicine is the Souths original and nations seventh oldest veterinary medical program, celebrating 125 years. We prepare individuals for careers of excellence in veterinary medicine, including private and public practice, industrial medicine, academics, and research. The college provides programs of instruction, research, outreach, and service that are in the best interests of the citizens of the state of Alabama, the region, the nation, and the world.
TIL Spielberg directed The Color Purple.

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You, Elizabeth Banks, Anne Thompson and me tbh.





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Add me to the list!



But he's excused from this narrative because he made ONE female-driven film?

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TCP is iconic and was groundbreaking but let's not act like with his power, he's done anything for women in film. We should acknowledge tcp was amazing but call him out for his shit too which is what I wish they had done.

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Me too.

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Honestly same lol

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I love Oprah's story about how she got the part in TCP. Acting agents were really shitty towards her when she said she wanted to audition for the part saying stuff like "we have real actors auditioning for this part" and proceeded to reel off names of other actors like Afre Woodard etc so she didn't think she had a chance of getting it. But then she was out running track and someone came and got her and told her that Steven Spielberg was on the phone and he said to her "don't lose another pound!" Because he wanted her at the weight she was at to play Sofia. Of course she crushed the part and got an Oscar nom for it.

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I have always felt jurassic park had a lot of feminist notes in it lmao

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I thought you were talking about Jurassic World (with the flop Chris) and I was like what



but IA on jurassic park, the original

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and it was the little girl who hacked the system and fixed the door locks. "it's a unix system..." lol



Edited at 2017-06-15 05:17 pm (UTC) and it was the little girl who hacked the system and fixed the door locks. "it's a unix system..." lol

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classic

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I have 'Dinosaurs eat man, Woman inherits the Earth,' on a coffee mug with cartoon dinosaurs and flowers that I use at work. It's my favorite.

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And the line was spoken by the DERRRRRRN! Makes it even better lol.

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the woman inherits the earth exchange still makes me laugh every time i hear it. that line was so brilliantly delivered.

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Sam Neil and Laura Dern are flawless people.





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legit just watched this last night, and was a bit surprised how ellie and lexi weren't treated as damsel's in distress, and actually got out of the majority of their situations on their own, as a result of their own ingenuity & intelligence.

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ya it did. between Dern taking matters into her own hands to get shit done and go out into the mess even when she had a safe and comfy spot (as opposed to Alan, who didn't do shit unless he or the kids were in immediate danger where they were). and Lex, who was the only person able to get the park back up and running when nobody else could, it was a pretty feminist movie IMO.



that, and all the dino's were female and they fucked everyone up so.

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The dragging she is getting on Twitter right now is....



Can't say it's not warranted tho.

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Right away when she said that I thought of The Color Purple. I mean it's fair enough if she forgot, or even to say, the last time he directed one was 30 years ago, but JFC TCP is ICONIC.



Definitely get the impression from some of these white women that it only "counts" if the lead is a white woman.

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yah exacly.

fuck both of them for this

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i read a few tweets that said someone did pointed out the color purple to elizabeth and she ignored it so you're right

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MTE it's transparent.

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this

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I've seen tcp at least 50 times but I had forgot he directed it tbh so it could me an easy mistake. I still think they made a valid point despite them not checking their facts first.

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Well, that's always been the case with white feminists. Erasing us from the narrative is nothing new so idky people are surprised by this.

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'I couldn't IDENTIFY with her'. Meanwhile AA women are sitting through the same Richard Curtis rom-coms where there are not only any minority characters but apparently no minorities whatsoever living in the UK.



Edited at 2017-06-16 12:23 am (UTC)

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They could have apologized for forgetting the movie , but no, they had to make this way worse than it actually was, specially Anne Thompson, a flop? lmao, come on.









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Sometimes I like Anne Thompson and sometimes....



She told me that it's too early to say that Patty Jenkins wouldn't be Oscar nominated for Wonder Woman.



Like... I love the movie, but no.

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Anne has this weird "wait, whut" predictions every season

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Right? It would have been so easy to apologize and then point out The Color Purple is over 30 years old. People are so opposed to being wrong sometimes that they dig in and make their situation worse rather than own up to an error.

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definitely. I actually didnt know SS directed it, so I wasnt thinking of it. but I would have been like oh good, there is ONE. like you can still acknowledge the film and how good it is without giving leeway on your point here. but god forbid someone do that I guess.

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you can't come at someone for being narrowminded when you yourself can't get basic facts straight.

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I can't. A white female led movie is what she wants. I can't believe she ignored it. She could've been the better person and acknowledged her mistake.

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mte

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they all graduated from the tina fey school of white feminism. this nobody, amy schumer, lena dunham, all those fools. they don't gaf about us and never did

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You're right, and it's disappointing on so many levels.

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White men; fine we'll let you into our club

WoC; we made it!

White woman; actually, now that i'm in here, its pretty small, I'm not sure if you guys will fit....

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'the color purple' don't count?



and she deserves to get dragged for the way she mocked Mexican immigrants in 'pitch perfect 2'. it was so fucked up

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that whole movie was really uncomfortable, i went and saw it with my best friend and it was like racist stereotypes all over the fucking place. there were about 20 other people in the theater with us and if there was any laughter at all, it was super awkward.

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ugh i'm afraid to ask how were we mocked/portrayed in that movie?

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http://ohnotheydidnt.livejournal.com/95894820.html sorry, she was Guatemalan

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I watched them with my boyfriend. The first one he loved, the second one he said was 'like casual banter at a kkk potluck'.

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You know, for some reason I never really liked her, she just seemed obnoxious, but now my dislike is justified. What a great day for me!

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Exactly!!!!! I needed a reason.

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same. probably bc she plays the same obnoxious characters all the time. i realize that after watching her on scrubs.

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She's always had kind of a "I'm not like ~other~ girls" attitude that's really bothered me.

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Of course she "moved on" when someone mentioned it.



You'd think she'd do a cursory google search if she was gonna say something like this.



This is why yt wimmen keep getting called out. And L M F A O at that Anne person calling the Color Purple a flop.



I bet she also thought that Out Of Africa starring white folks deserved to win.





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Yikes I didn't see the flop part in the post. I take back my previous statements entirely.

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so that's why The Color Purple is trending

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I was wondering, lol.

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what an idiot

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Another small example that White women are the worst 

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Well this was definitely an unexpected story!

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it's incredible, especially after hearing elisabeth moss' talk about their marriage

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Hes so great doing impersonations. But the greatest impersonation he does is that of a normal person.

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she's dating fred? why?????

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I didn't know she was dating Fred Armisen

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Every time I read Fred Armisen's name, I always think of him in Eurotrip UGH

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She eventually dropped from it cause she's with Fred Armisen



What an unfortunate plot twist

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Regine is sexy af tho.





</i>

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I know right???

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I said "oh no" when I got to that.

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Judging from that GIF and that Pride parade video, I feel like the guy who plays Wolfgang and Will seem interested in each other. They are always smooching each other.



I'm also surprised that the guy who plays Lito is straight.

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I'm also surprised that the guy who plays Lito is straight.



He's European tho. I'm also surprised that the guy who plays Lito is straight.He's European tho.

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I don't remember seeing this In th episode (believe me I was looking) Did this just not make the cut or did the actors reallly just want to make out



Edited at 2017-06-16 07:08 am (UTC)

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So cute. Why does this show have to be canceled 

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oh my goodness.. the way they're looking at each other. I forgot this happened lol

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MAD NONE OF THIS SHOWED UP IN THE EPISODE

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Imma just leave the video of all that loveliness right here. You're welcome ONTD.





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The entire concept of an orgy just seems exhausting to me; like that gif isn't even hot...I'm tired and stressed out just looking at it.

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Agree. It seems like so much to keep track of. I'm barely invested in sex with one person a lot of the time let alone a half dozen

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well, i guess it depends of the person...



i've loved the ones i've been on, and if you're in the middle just fucking and getting fucked and just getting kissed all over my body, it's heaven!

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Hoechlin, Bourne, and Bohen right?

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It depends, usually you're at least drunk tho most people are on something so you just automatically go with the flow. If everything is going well, it's great but if not it can be extremely awkward.

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Idk why, but this made me laugh so hard.

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lol totally understandable tbh

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You sound mad tbh. I would like my holes to be used by many people at the same time.

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i'd want to try it because the thought of lots of potential partners in one go is pleasing. esp bc i have had good sex but never got off. so there would be lots of people to try and see if i could turn off my brain and get a damn orgasm

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Super cool.

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really? It's my fav so far! So much fun with dramatic sprinkles throughout.I watched 5 eps in one sitting, and had to have self control to get up and be productive.

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i felt like the riot dragged on so long

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I like that his next scene is him desperately trying to not go to the bathroom.







I loooved season 5! Lots of great moments, but this was my fav. This scene made me forget his character was an asshole, haha.I like that his next scene is him desperately trying to not go to the bathroom.

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And then his next big story arc is fingering one of the women to give himself some time in order to not get his finger chopped off.

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Such is life

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awww he's hot. looove the hairy bod lol

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i just finished it last night, and the last post was from the 9th. Not THAT long ago, but yeah.

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Please spoil me? I don't wanna pick up this show again

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Yeah, that's when I stopped watching.

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Pretty much me.

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i forgot it's even out. if you've watched it, did you enjoy it? should i bother?

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It was a mess. Like a total mess. I don't even know what they were trying to do.

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i'm nearly sure there was a post

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I was wondering why I couldn't sleep and then this popped up and it's like my spidey senses tingled for a blind item



but omfg it has to be sense8 I'm p sure that entire cast has fucked eachother and I'm SO MAD it's been cancelled bc they were all so close too  rip

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omg

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nah he has a new baby

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i'm still pissed about the end scene.

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I don't understand why somebody would stan so much for Tom Cruise, but this is still a really shitty thing to do. I feel sorry for the guy, it must have been humiliating to find out it was a prank.

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I was asking the same thing, why would they stan Tom Cruise.



They i looked at the guy and i got it.

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nah, he doesn't have to swoop in lmao

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Right? If he can conveniently save people from burning cars on the side of the ride, he can pop in for a nice appearance with this dude.

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My friend is currently crying because she never got to meet Tom Cruise, i think he should come visit her in Russia.

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he did that?

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Lol Nah. A lot of people are trying to guilt him into it and while it would be an awesome gesture, he's in no way obligated to do so. I feel really bad for the guy but...

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he should take him to prom tbh!

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Lmaoo they got his ass

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lmao they really did tho. He couldn't even speak at the end "...wow. wow........wow"





Shameful.

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Lmaooo

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boo hoo lmfaooo

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idk why anyone would want to meet Tom Cruise, but WTF at this. What made the radio station think that people would think that this "prank" is funny and 100% totally a good idea? It's not funny, it's really fucking mean.

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When I was a kid, I saw the Spice Girls in concert and our local radio station said they would have the girls on the next morning for a radio interview while they were in town. I woke up at like 6am (early for a kid) and listened for about two hours of them egging listeners on until the hosts finally revealed that it was all a prank. Never liked the station after that.

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What a bunch of *ssh*les.

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Yeah, that's just a shitty thing to do. Two whole hours?



Edited at 2017-06-16 03:30 pm (UTC)

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I'm more surprised that Tom Cruise has a "super fan" tbh but that just seems like a mean spirited joke

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so sad. Does tom ever do press when he is in FILM mode, I mean he's a focused badass.

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He usually never does press while he's working so it's unsurprising that the studio was like "nah."

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It DID sound like tom tho lol I'm laughing because all of this isn't funny. Very mean.

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I admit I laughed, but more in a "wooooooooow" way lol

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you're laughing because it isn't funny? lmao

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I was being sarcastic because the ~tone of the post~ which you so eloquently pointed out lolol It's fucking hysterical to me.

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That's pretty cruel....but don't expect Tom to pity you & show up.

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Lol I saw someone say Tom HAS to fix it and it's like...Tom ain't gotta do shit, Susan. It'll be a nice gesture but this ain't on him.

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Y'all some sensitive sandras lmaoo

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mte

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come on...

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do u rly think tricking some1 into risking their job and revealing confidential info is equivalent 2 making a radio host think they're talking to tom cruise?

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this is still so damn sad to me.

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You look so stupid rn

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Ugh I remember that. So sad.

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I'm baffled by these reactions, tbh.

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People are acting like this happened to a terminally ill child or something.



A morning dj was (allegedly) tricked & didn't interview Tom Cruise... slow morning for ONTD outrage outlets I guess

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lol mte

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I mean, that's a shitty thing to do, but like...this is a grown ass man, he can take it, I ain't gonna feel sorry for him, it's a stupid thing, and a lot worse happens to kids as 'pranks' that can actually be scarring and shit, who da fuck cares if real Tom Cruise didn't call them, life goes on...



Edited at 2017-06-16 03:15 pm (UTC)

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#HailXenu lmao right, is this dude mentally sound? who loves tom cruise this much? like what has he done to merit tears and silent anguish when u find out you're talking 2 a pretty bomb ass impersonator? idk maybe i'm a monster, let's pray 4 this guy #WeAreAllTomCruiseStans

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i mean, if it was any other celeb I'd say the same, Tom Cruise or not, this is a dumb thing to be so angry over at his age

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lmao prayer circle

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Yeah, IA. It was definitely a dick move, but calling it "cruel" seems a tad overdramatic. I think this guy'll live.

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Oh he's gonna kill himself sis?

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That one was terrible but I feel like this one is different. Didn't she get in a lot of trouble with her job and get ridiculed for it? Nothing is going to happen to this guy he's just disappointed.

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except they're completely different situations

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im not gonna feel sorry for a grown ass man who thought he was talking to tom cruise and wasnt. he'll be just fine.

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we posted the same comment lmfao

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Mte I get he's sad but as far as pranks go this was harmless.

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because that's really fucked up



It is? This was an extremely mild prank, like, literally the only thing hurt here was the pranked person's ego.

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Idk I personally think it's cruel to trick someone into thinking they'd have an experience with someone they clearly admire. I'm not crying for the guy because he's a grown ass man and is (hopefully) fine, but no matter what, that's some crushing disappointment, so yes, I think it's fucked up lol

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I don't like pranks at all, I get cringy and second-hand embarrassment and also pity for the victims but this type of prank is nothing. If pranks have levels of danger or awfulness, this has to be the last one, like entry-level 12-years-old-calling-to-ask-you-if-your-f ridge-is-moving phone pranks, imo.

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I'd agree with you if this was a little kid

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it was nice when his aids took his phone away and apparently had an intervention .

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google trump twitter intervention

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I love it when he tweets. He gets himself in trouble.

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i wonder what time he'll fire rosenstein...

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another? lol

Politico: Trump has hired *another* high-profile lawyer to help handle the Russia probe.https://t.co/9HCjcQU1fG  Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) June 16, 2017

thanks op!another? lol

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lol another one?!

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This fruit is hanging so low, it's on the goddamn ground.

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"Keating Five Scandal". like a Shonda Rhimes crossover.

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1,155 people killed by police in 2016

13 cases where officer was charged

ZERO convicted to datehttps://t.co/vqURbJHXRj #PhilandoCastile  Samuel Sinyangwe (@samswey) June 16, 2017



I'm so upset about the Philando Castile news, although not surprised. Fuck this country. I trust none of these Republicans crying about what happened in Virginia will give a shit about these executions by police. How anyone can call this country the greatest country on earth is just pathetic at this point. For all the talk about body cams and transparency, police can do whatever they want on tape and still face zero consequences. I hate this constant news cycle of darkness and a president who just whines and implicates himself on twitter. We honestly don't even have a president rn.

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this is so aggravating and ia with all of that. repubs are all crying and shit about their shooting and im like no one died get over yallselves. they dont give a fuck about police killing black people or other people killed by guns.

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They're upset because of their colleague but not when 20 second graders got shot up in an elementary school

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Ia with everything. I'm not disappointed or surprisee by politicians. I am disappointed in my friends that have been silent since the election. Especially about #philandocastile

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im confused as a jury didn't find him guilty? did they not watch the video? it's obvious the cop is guilty?

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I teared up when I saw the news. My father is black and gets pulled over often, because he drives an old car. How the fuck are you supposed to trust the police when people who cooperate get killed?

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i wish i was surprised. shameful

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That's why they become police officers. Sanctioned violence and a chance to exert authority over others to mask your own insecurity.

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I'm so horrified and sad about the state of justice and the country overall. It's hard to keep positive when you feel like people who deserve punishment get off without any consequences.

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I hoep the officer who shot him dies painfully. He shot Philando with no reason to and his 4 yeard child was in the backseat. The psychological trauma of seeing her father die will stay with that kid forever.



They rigged his trials from the beginning by throwing out the black people on the jury and asking for a different judge instead of the black one that was first assigned to them.



Him gettign fired doesnt mean shit because he just got away with murder by lying.





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This country is really fucked up. Everyone gets a gun and cops can shoot whoever they want with impunity.

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i'm still in awe at how...simplistic and inarticulate this orange muppet's tweets are jfc

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Just like his brain. But I guess that's why some people like him..they don't want people smarter than them in power.

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He's not really doing much to help the "has dementia/Alzheimers" theories.

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LMAO AT BEN SASSE

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lol @ the photograph tweets.

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lmao that in memoriam is sad AF and hahaha ben sasse

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Sorry, Ben Sasse, but it IS funny.

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No, he's right. It's not funny.



IT'S HILARIOUS

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awesome. Go nickleback trolls.

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Here we go. ABC scoops that Rosenstein has privately said he may need to recuse himself. https://t.co/2phnqkAIYF pic.twitter.com/f6XKikPpHI  Eric Geller (@ericgeller) June 16, 2017



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Oh god. So she's gonna fire Mueller?

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That's political suicide

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what

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lol great

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California just passed the nation's toughest oil&gas pollution rules: Utilities will have to cut pollution by 40%. https://t.co/zJrpyYpNKH  EDF (@EnvDefenseFund) June 16, 2017

Good news from Cali!

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This is factual.

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I love Philly. I liked California, but i LOVE Philly.



I'm one of only 4 people who dooooo. but i have to make it known!

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Please save this fucking country from the east coast.

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True

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We don't mess around when it comes to pollution.

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Best coast <3

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Does the legislation include measures to offset the inevitable rise in utilities costs for low-income households who don't currently qualify for assistance?



Because the article doesn't mention any, and it's going to be a rough(er-than-usual) fucking summer for the poor if it doesn't. I don't know how much you'll see your methane emissions drop if there's a sudden uptick in bloated corpses of the elderly and the homeless dying of heatstroke.

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WEST COAST BEST COAST

lord i need to go home

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blooop that's what's up! Slay, California!

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stay mad osp stay mad osp

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I've finally caught up on the new series of Samurai Jack, and it's ICONIC! OMG

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lmao I think of this daily

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One of the best Veep moments

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well...hopefully, at least. well...hopefully, at least.

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I hate the people saying she shouldn't be charged because it was free speech. Free speech doesn't repeatedly insist someone needs to "do it" and tell them to get back into the car when they're having doubts. Reading their texts scared the crap out of me.

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Yeah, she essentially browbeat him into killing himself (and guilted and insulted him for NOT killing himself). Plus she told him to delete all of their texts before killing himself, so she was clearly aware that what she was doing was not okay.



And apparently she was obsessed with Lea Michele, and many of her "grieving girlfriend" texts to friends were copied from Glee episodes and interviews Michele gave about Monteith after his death. :/

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JFC how the fuck is this a free speech issue?!!! I really fucking hate humanity. I honestly can't.

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good. she's a piece of shit.

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I was in absolute shock when I read her texts so she deserves it!

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I think it sets a tricky precedence... it's one thing for those who drive drunk and hit someone, someone who pushes someone and they fall down and crack their head open.... but to say texting someone puts you at fault for their own choice? We've heard of so many stories of people feeling trapped in relationships because the other kept threatening suicide... it's manipulative and abusive.



did she handle it properly by not calling anyone? Hell no. I didn't read all the text messages because I was at work when it all came out but... I dunno.. she was what, 17? Using her text message to her friends blaming herself wasn't right as an admission of guilt IMO. There are so many things we blame ourselves for that aren't really our fault.







Oh guess I'm the only one... but I also hated 13 Reasons Why and I feel that's similar.



Edited at 2017-06-16 10:47 pm (UTC)

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I think its the right thing. You shouldn't be able to psychologically prey on vulnerable people to get your rocks off and have no consequences.

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i am glad she was charged. to be honest, when you love someone and they are suicidal, you encourage them to seek help via counselling or other methods of treatment - you don't encourage it. IDGAF what her reasoning is, i am glad she is going to be punished.

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After reading those text messages, I am convinced she's a monster.

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She's evil but I can understand the concern over the legal precedent they are setting.

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The whole thing is tragic. I do think that this was not really assisting suicide because once he expressed doubts and wanted to stop she urged him to kill himself and I think that swayed the judge in the end.

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The text messages are what did it for me, especially since she was sending him ones like "I'll stay up if you're gonna do it tonight", "you can't keep pushing it off", "you parents can accept it", tons of ones being like "prove me wrong, you say you'll do it but you never do", etc etc. She was texting him when he was on the way being like "you can do this".



She didn't just NOT tell him to get help, she was egging him on for almost a month.

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I'm glad.

He told her he wanted to get out of the car and she told him to stay in. She should be put away.

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glad. very glad.

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fuck her and her eyebrows

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She deserves the charge. I bet she gets probation or something, though.

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That girl is a sociopath

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I'm glad they did it, and involuntary manslaughter was the right charge. She goaded him into killing himself.

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Oil prices recovered somewhat in Fridays trading session as markets reacted stoically on another rise in the U.S. rig count.

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Friday, June 16, 2017

Oil prices dropped to new lows this week, completely erasing all the gains made since OPEC originally cut production back in November 2016. The fear is that persistent oversupply will continue to weigh on crude oil markets. Both the IEA and OPEC came out with forecasts this week that admitted that the adjustment process is happening much slower than they expected. That pulled down WTI and Brent, but when the U.S. EIA reported an uptick in gasoline inventories on Wednesday, oil prices really tanked. Oil prices are closing out the fourth consecutive week of losses  the longest string of weekly losses in two years.

IEA, OPEC offer downbeat assessments. Both the IEA and OPEC said this week that the oil market was adjusting slower than they expected. The IEA also said that non-OPEC production growth next year will reach 1.5 million barrels per day (mb/d), a volume that will exceed total global demand growth. That means that OPEC will be backing out production only to see non-OPEC producers fill the void.

Shale comeback is strong, but can it survive sub-$45 oil? Everyone expects strong production growth from U.S. shale this year; the only discrepancy in predictions is over the magnitude of growth. But the sudden drop in oil prices has raised a few questions about the durability of the rebound. With drilling campaigns already underway, output growth is probably locked in for the next few months, and likely, for the remainder of the year. But the outlook for 2018 is still up in the air. Related: Iraq Dethrones Saudi Arabia As Indias No.1 Oil Supplier

Lack of hedging creates financial risks for shale. Right now the shale industry has locked in its 2018 production with hedges at a much lower rate than it did at this point last year. The lower rate of hedging will increasingly expose shale drillers to low prices going forward. And without a rebound in prices, they wont be able to get those hedges at $50 per barrel like they did last year. Without that certainty, they will be forced to try to drill in a lower price environment. In all likelihood, if prices stay in the mid-$40s or drop further, the shale boom could be curbed.

EIA: inventory drawdowns this year but increases next year. The EIA said in its Short-Term Energy Outlook that it expects global inventories to fall modestly in 2017 but to increase again next year because of shale growth combined with production increases in Brazil and other non-OPEC countries. The return of OPEC production on the expiration of their agreement could flood the market again.

Floating storage reemerges in sign of supply glut. Reuters reported that oil traders are turning to floating storage again in Asia, a very bearish signal about the state of the oil market. About 10 very large crude carriers (VLCCs) have been chartered since May. "Too much unsold oil is headed to Asia," said Oystein Berentsen, managing director for oil trading company Strong Petroleum.

U.S. steps up Russia sanctions, threatens Nord Stream 2. The U.S. Senate passed a bill by an overwhelming 97-2 vote that would increase sanctions on Russia in response to election interference. The measure would enact new restrictions on companies that support Russian energy export pipelines. The move has angered some European leaders that support the pipeline. The German and Austrian governments issued a joint statement calling it a new and very negative quality in European-American relations. The statement said that Europes energy supply is a matter for Europe, not the United States of America. The passage of the bill caused the share prices of the companies involved in the pipeline  Royal Dutch Shell (NYSE: RDS.A), Engie (EPA: ENGI) and OMV (VIE: OMV)  to sink.

BNEF: Renewables making faster inroads, natural gas will cede ground. Bloomberg New Energy Finance released its New Energy Outlook (NEO) this week, predicting a faster adoption of solar and wind than previously expected. Even though natural gas continues to take market share away from coal in the electric power sector, even natural gas will succumb to the renewables revolution over time. By 2040, BNEF says that solar and wind will account for half of the global electric capacity market. And that even assumes that subsidies for renewables expire.

Dakota Access loses court decision. A U.S. court handed down a major victory for opponents of the Dakota Access Pipeline, ruling that the U.S. government did not conduct a thorough environmental assessment of the project before approving it. The pipeline is already online and the court decision did not order it to halt operations. The judge said that ordering the ceasing of operations was a separate question that would be subjected to another briefing next week. Related: Solar And Wind Revolution Happening Much Faster Than Expected

ExxonMobil to move forward on Guyana offshore. ExxonMobil (NYSE: XOM) announced its final investment decision for its Liza project off the coast of Guyana. Phase 1 will cost $4.4 billion and is expected to lead to production of about 120,000 bpd by 2020. The company is also considering a Phase 2 development.

BP greenlights offshore India plan. BP (NYSE: BP) said that it would move forward on an offshore natural gas project in India, a project that has been on ice for years. BP originally spent more than $7 billion on Indian assets in its first major investment after the 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster. But regulatory and price uncertainty put the project on hold. A new pricing formula from the Indian government has given BP assurances, allowing the project to move forward. BP hopes to produce 425 million cubic feet per day by 2020.

Saudi Aramco IPO plans slowing over listing dispute. The Saudi government is at odds over where to list the Aramco IPO, a dispute that could potentially delay the public offering. Some company executives favor the London Stock Exchange, according to the WSJ, which would offer fewer legal troubles than the U.S. But the royal family apparently prefers the New York Stock Exchange because of the familys longstanding political ties to the U.S. government. The WSJ says that President Trumps visit to Saudi Arabia helped cement the princes preference for New York, referring to the powerful deputy crown prince Mohammed bin Salman.

By Tom Kool for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
After oil prices hit the lowest in seven months earlier this week, they were tentatively rising early on Friday, but were still on course to post the fourth consecutive week of lossesthe longest weekly losing streak since August 2015as concerns over the stubbornly high global oversupply continue to trump OPECs efforts to rebalance the market.

As of 7:20am EDT on Friday, WTI Crude was up 0.65 percent at US$44.75, while Brent Crude was trading up 1.04 percent at US$47.41. Both the prices of WTI and Brent have dropped by around 13 percent since May 25, when OPEC said it was rolling over the cuts into March 2018.

A flurry of bearish news for the oil market followed one after the other this past week, sending oil prices even lower than at the levels they were trading before OPEC announced its production cut agreement in late November.

First, OPEC said in its Monthly Oil Market Report on Tuesday that its production actually increased in May compared to April, with exempt Libya and Nigeria leading the output gains, followed by non-complying Iraq. The cartel admitted that rebalancing of the market is underway, but at a slower pace, given the changes in fundamentals since December, especially the shift in US supply from an expected contraction to positive growth.

Then, on Wednesday, the International Energy Agency (IEA) further dampened bull spirits, pointing to weak fundamentals.

On top of that, the U.S. EIA reported on the same day a minor draw in crude inventories, but with worrying increased gasoline inventories.

There is really no bullish twist to the latest U.S. data, Michael Dei-Michei, head of research at Vienna-based consultants JBC Energy, told Bloomberg.

Implied crude production seems to have moved upwards at a rather rapid pace, U.S. gasoline demand has taken a turn to the downside just as the summer driving season starts and total U.S. oil stocks have not drawn for two weeks, he noted. Related: The Downturn Is Over, But U.S. Oil Companies Face A Huge Problem

Then, cut-exempt Libya said that it was targeting production of 1 million bpd by end of July, putting further pressure on the fear of continuously rising global supply, and not only from U.S. shale.

Later today, the U.S. weekly rig count data could reverse the tentative rise of oil prices yet again.

Oil is unlikely to find solace into the weekend either, with tonights Baker Hughes Rig Count expected to deliver its now weekly increase of operational rigs, Jeffrey Halley, senior market analyst at futures brokerage OANDA in Singapore, told Reuters.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Gazprom claims the United States new sanctions against Russia serve the interests of American natural gas exporters who seek to increase their market share in Europe, according to a new report by Reuters.

"As far as the implementation of the sanctions is concerned, they don't conceal that this is aimed at ensuring American LNG to Europe, Gazprom Deputy Chief Executive Officer Alexander Medvedev said.

Yesterday, the U.S. Senate affirmed new sanctions against Russia for Moscows alleged interference in the 2016 presidential elections. The measures targeted Russian energy projects.

American natural gas producers are eager to sell their goods to European markets, which have been on the hunt for non-Russian sources of fossil fuels. The foreign policies of President Vladimir Putin and the European Union have been diametrically opposed in Syria, Ukraine, and other major geopolitical battles in recent years. Finding a new import partner  such as the U.S. - would lower Moscows leverage in Europe.

President Donald Trump will need to sign off on the sanctions for them to go into effect. Both Germany and Austria protested the sanctions on Thursday, because the measures would expose the two allies to fines for purchasing Russian energy.



Related: Putins Newest Oil Play: Russia Gains Foothold In Iraqi Oil Patch

Medvedev also announced on Thursday that Gazprom had received all the funds its European partners had promised for the construction of the Nord Stream 2 Gas pipeline, which will bypass Ukraine to supply Russian energy to Europe. The pipeline, expected to be commercial by 2019, will add 27.5 billion cubic meters of capacity to Nord Stream 1, which is already operational.

We are already working in regulated conditions in full scope in the EU territory and the onshore segment of this project is implemented in strict compliance with all capacity expansion norms," the Gazprom official said, according to TASS.

By Zainab Calcuttawala for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
When I first started writing for the Oregon Catalyst in 2011, I managed a hedge fund that had weathered the storm of 2008 well; indeed we profited from it since my fund was actually hedged. But things were not looking good for my boutique investment partnership because most of the assets were owned by one large investor who had recently passed away.

In a post Bernie Madoff world, it seemed impossible for me to talk anyone else into investing that kind of money in a fund ran out of a home office in a tiny condo on Portlands Sylvan Hill. So I had a choice to make: either put down a lot of money in a way that would cover the higher costs of using commercial real estate and hiring a significant sales force, or invest a smaller amount of money in graduate school instead.

On my birthday in 2014, I made the tough decision to put an end to my career in asset management and pursue a new one in data science. I pursued a masters in economics at Portland State University. As I graduate this weekend, there are four big lessons I take away from this grad school experience.

First, for those that have the right skills, we live in prosperous times. There are many great employment opportunities for myself and my fellow classmates in this program, and I saw the same bounty of opportunity bless the graduates of the two classes before me.

Second, as Ive acquired more empirical training, Ive become less ideological. When I was an undergraduate at Hillsdale College, I took more philosophy courses than math courses. Im not sure how far we can persuade other people using normative arguments, but rigorous quantitative methods seem more capable of bridging differences among people with different worldviews.

Third, mainstream Neoclassical economics tends to lead to free-market policy conclusions. You name the policy relevant to Oregons political dialogue today, from the minimum wage to rent control, the idea that government intervention leads to a net increase in social welfare is a fringe position in the prevailing economic literature.

Fourth, there are people that the average reader of the Oregon Catalyst would assume are on the other side of many issues you hold dear, but in reality, these peoples votes are more up for grabs than you might realize. In Dr. Tom Potiowsky, the chair of PSUs Department of Economics, theres a great anecdote of this. I dont really know his politics, but simply because hes a man of high class and high education, the odds are hes no Republican in a time when the GOP increasingly seems to position itself as the low-class party.

And yet Im rather confident in guessing that he voted no on Measure 97. After serving several years as Oregons State Economist, Potiowsky returned to PSU and created the Northwest Economic Research Center (NERC), a consulting firm affiliated with the College of Urban and Public Affairs.

NERC is unique in its pursuit of objectivity. Most economic consulting firms are hired guns. Two sides in a policy dispute will hire economists to present research arriving at their advocated conclusions. When contracting work, NERC has its clients sign an agreement giving NERC full independence to write an objective report that will be in the public domain. If NERCs clients dont like the findings of its study, theyve given up the right to hide the results.

Last year Our Oregon, the Beaver States public employee lobbying arm, contracted with NERC to study Measure 97. When the results were that many private sector jobs would be eliminated due to this tax that Potiowsky publicly called a sales tax on steroids, Our Oregon tried to silence the study. Potiowsky, whose integrity is rock solid, stood firm in the face of legal threats.

Our state has more Tom Potiowskies than is generally appreciated. When a bad policy has lost him its probably lost middle Oregon.

The 2016 populist strategy that was able to squeak the GOP by in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin actually earned Donald Trump a lower percentage of the vote in Oregon than John McCain and Mitt Romney mustered. The Covfefe strategy wont be a winning strategy here, but I suspect that good policy can be good politics with Oregons Potiowsky vote.

Eric Shierman lives in Salem and is the author of A Brief History of Political Cultural Change.
Astola Island declared as Pakistans first ever MPA 16 June, 2017



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Hand Wash and Toiletries in Pakistan And the Role of DUPAS in Reshaping the Industry

Woke Bingo KARACHI: The Astola Island, a huge island famous for its scenic beauty and is located off the Balochistan coast, has been designated as Pakistans first ever Marine Protected Area (MPA) under Convention on Biological Diversity on Thursday.



Through a notification, issued on Thursday, the government of Balochistan declared Astola Island as the first dedicated marine protected area in the country. Covering an area of about 400 square kilometres, Astola Island is located about 39 kilometres east of Pasni, Balochistan and is considered the largest island along the coast of Pakistan.



Pakistan has different protected areas such as 26 national parks across the country, 72 wildlife sanctuaries, 66 game reserves, 19 Ramsar protected wetlands, 9 littoral protected areas and 2 biosphere reserves, which are recognised by International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), but declaring Astola Island as first ever Marine Protected Area (MPA) in Pakistan is the biggest news in the nature conservation.



Astola Island was declared as Marine Protected Area under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) to which Pakistan is a signatory, which requires nations under Article 2 to designate, regulate and manage geographically defined areas (marine protected areas) to achieve the specific conservation objectives.



By declaring the Astola Island Marine Protected Area, Pakistan has started complying with the Aichi Target 11, which requires that by 2020 at least 17 percent of terrestrial and inland water areas and 10 percent of coastal and marine areas are conserved.



In 2010, all parties signatory to the Convention on Biological Diversity agreed on the target 11 of Aichi Biodiversity Targets and each party (country) has to declare at least 10 percent of its coastal and marine areas as Marine Protected Area, especially the areas of biodiversity significance and ecosystem services. Further, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as agreed by UN General Assembly in September 2015 call for conservation and sustainable use of the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development (SDG 14).



Astola Island is a biodiversity hotspot as many species of marine and terrestrial animals and plants are known to be found on this island. The subspecies, Russells viper (Echis carinatus astolae), is an endemic specie and is a highly poisonous snake which is reportedly found only on this Island. The Astola Island is also a nesting area for many sea birds, especially the greater crested tern (Thalasseus bergii) which has thousands of nests on the island.



The sandy beaches of Astola Island are also known for nesting of green turtles. The ocean around the island is also rich in marine biodiversity, 25 species of coral are known from Astola Island. The Arabian humpback whale, which is considered to be one of the rarest marine mammals, is also occasionally reported from the surrounding area.



IUCN during its session in Hawaii, United States, held in September 2016 had recommended declaring Astola Island as a Marine Protected Area.



Nature conservation organisation welcomed the announcement and said that this declaration will help to conserve natural resources at this unique island.



World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF) Pakistan and IUCN lauded the services of the Secretary, Forest and Wildlife Department, Government of Balochistan for taking proactive action in declaring the Astola Island Marine Protected Area (AIMPA).



"The declaration of Astola Island ensures that the biodiversity of the area is conserved, and use of deleterious fishing methods will be banned and recreational activities will be controlled," said Muhammad Moazzam Khan, Technical Advisor (Marine Fisheries), WWF-Pakistan.



He said that it will also ensure that protected, threatened and endangered species such as crustaceans, coral, mammals, sharks, turtles, whales, and mobulids will be conserved. Moreover, whale sharks, sunfish, guitarfish and seabirds will not be harvested or killed. This will ensure conservation of these species whose population is drastically declining along the coast of Pakistan, he added.



WWF-Pakistans Senior Director Programmes Rab Nawaz said that the effective management of the marine protected area is aimed to protect marine ecosystems, processes, habitats, and species, which can contribute to the restoration and replenishment of resources for social, economic, and cultural enrichment. He further added that WWF works around the world to ensure that critical habitats are protected and restored, and continue to provide multiple benefits to people and livelihoods.



Hailing it as a historic milestone, IUCN Country Representative, Mahmood Akhtar Cheema said that this could not be achieved without the concerted efforts led by the Secretary, Ministry of Climate Change, the Inspector General Forest and other senior officials under the policy guidance provided by the Federal Minister of Climate Change, Mr. Zahid Hamid, who had put tireless efforts towards building stakeholders consensus and completing volumes of very complex formalities to make this happen. This designation may not have been possible without the support of Government of Balochistan, especially the Chief Secretary, Additional Chief Secretary, and the Secretary Forest & Wildlife Department and his team including the Additional Secretary Forest & Wildlife Department and the office of the Chief Conservator of Forests, he added.



He further said that it is a great achievement being a first major policy step towards protection and conservation of the marine life and under the leadership of the honourable Minister for Climate Change, they will soon be able to move get other potential sites designated as marine protected areas in the days to come.



He appreciated the catalytic role played by IUCN Pakistan, and its team, especially the Mangroves for the Future (MFF) programme, for their continuous efforts towards this declaration.



He explained that the National Coordinating Body (NCB) of MFF Pakistan headed by the Ministry of Climate Change, Government of Pakistan in 2015 constituted a Working Group for identification of potential sites for MPA designation in Pakistan. Subsequently, a motion (# 055) submitted by a PNC member (Indus Earth) from Pakistan was adopted at the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2016 calling for declaration of Astola Island as MPA in Pakistan.



He also highly appreciated the role of the IUCN, MFF, Ministry of Climate Change, the Government of Balochistan, Ministry of Defence, Pakistan Navy and other stakeholders that have been working together towards having a marine protected area declared in the country.
JIT Interrogated Nawaz Sharif for two hours 16 June, 2017



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Hand Wash and Toiletries in Pakistan And the Role of DUPAS in Reshaping the Industry

Woke Bingo Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, following a nearly two-hour-long appearance before the Panama Papers joint investigation team (JIT) in Islamabad on Thursday, said his financial documents have been submitted to investigators probing his family's alleged corruption.



The premier, addressing reporters outside the Federal Judicial Academy (FJA) in the capital, said, "My financial documents are already available with all relevant institutions including the Supreme Court. Today, however, I submitted them to the JIT as well."



"It should be noted that these allegations have nothing to do with my tenure as prime minister and are not charges of corruption. They are charges against me and my family on a personal level," PM Nawaz claimed.



"I was the CM Punjab and have now been the PM for the third time. But not a single allegation of financial corruption could be brought against me," he added.



"I have put myself and my family up for trial and provided the details of financial transactions made even before my own birth," the prime minister said.



He added: "My opponents have levied charges of corruption against me. However, neither in the past, nor in the present, have any charges of corruption been proved against me and my family."



"In a few days even the JIT report will come forth along with the court's decision," he said.



"However, people should not forget that there will also be a larger JIT next year comprising 200 million people and they will decide who has worked for the betterment of the country," the premier said in an apparent warning to his opponents about the upcoming 2018 General Election.



"We will not let our opponents turn back the wheel of progress, and the nation will support us even more than it did in 2013," he asserted.



"I came here today because we are all equally accountable to the institutions," he said, adding that there is a lot more he would like to say but he would do so over the next few days.



The prime minister arrived at the JIT secretariat amid tight security and an extensive protocol around 11:15am. He appeared comfortable and relaxed upon arrival and waved at party workers, responding to their slogans and chants before entering the building.



He was accompanied by his brother Shahbaz Sharif and one of his sons.



The number of PML-N workers and lawyers supporting the PM kept swelling near the JIT secretariat in spite of the premier's earlier directive to party leaders and supporters to not converge at the venue.



Finance Minister Ishaq Dar and Defence Minister Khawaja Asif were barred from entering the FJA premises by police officials, DawnNews reported. As soon as the top government officials reached the road outside the JIT secretariat, they were informed by police that they could not go inside.



The prime minister's personal secretary was the only one allowed to enter the FJA building with him. However, the premier faced the JIT panel alone.



The JIT had prepared a questionnaire for the prime minister and his children last month. It questioned Hussain Nawaz, the PMs elder son, on May 28. Hussain has made five appearances before the JIT so far. The investigation team has also grilled the PM's younger son, Hassan.



According to the notice issued to the PM, he was called as a witness, not as an accused party in the case.



The JIT has also summoned Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif in connection with the probe, while Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al-Thani, the author of the Qatari letter, has reportedly offered investigators the opportunity to come to Qatar to record his statement.



The son-in-law of the prime minister retired Captain Mohammad Safdar has also been summoned by the JIT on June 25.

Security tightened for PM's appearance



Banners popped up in the capital welcoming the premier in the run-up to his JIT appearance.



All roads leading to the H-8/4 sector, which houses the Judicial Academy, will remain sealed for the duration of the prime minister's appearance and no civilians will be allowed to enter the area all day.



About 2,500 police personnel along with paramilitary troops have been deployed in and around the area. Well-equipped police teams are manning the checkpoints and the road blockades.



The sub-sector has been searched and scanned while contingents of the anti-riot unit, anti-terrorism squad and police commandos will also be deployed in and around the area. The police reserves have been put on a standby.



Journalists and media representatives have been designated a special entrance and an enclosure at the FJA, with strict orders to not break the security parameter.



The Supreme Court has given the JIT two months to investigate the Sharif family and then deliver its findings.



The six-man probe team, made up of members of civilian investigative agencies and military intelligence officers, are examining three generations of the Sharif family's wealth.



The team has accused government departments of tampering with old records, but Finance Minister Ishaq Dar on Wednesday rejected such allegations, adding that the team's claims meant the process was becoming "suspicious".



The Sharif camp has sought to remove two members of the investigation team and the PML-N has voiced outrage over a leaked photograph taken from security camera footage showing Sharif's son, Hussain, appearing before the JIT.



Opinion polls suggest the PML-N is likely to win the next General Election.
The people of Lesotho are mourning the tragic loss of their first lady, Lipolelo Thabane.



The estranged wife of incoming Lesotho Prime Minister Thomas Thabane was shot dead this morning, just two days before his inauguration. The 58-year-old was traveling home with a friend when both women were shot by an unknown assailant, the police say. The police add that details surrounding the killing are still sketchy but an investigation is already on to arrest those who have a hand in it.



The incoming prime minister and his late wife had been living separately since 2012 after they filed for divorce which hasnt been granted yet. But she won a high court battle against her husband to secure the privileges of a First Lady, instead of Mr. Thabanes youngest wife, Liabiloe, reports the AFP news agency.



Samonyane Ntsekele, the secretary-general of Mr. Thabanes All Basotho Convention party, told AFP that the prime minister was devastated by the shooting. Everyone is traumatised by these developments, he said.

Thomas Thabane was last week Friday elected Prime Minister of Lesotho after he emerged as the winner of 48 parliamentary but short of the 61 needed to form a government.

Source: Reuters









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QUEENSBURY  A Glens Falls man was arrested Wednesday after police said he threatened co-workers at C.R. Bard Inc. on Bay Road.

James D. Buzby, 32, was charged with making a terroristic threat, a felony, the Warren County Sheriff's Office said in a news release.

Police said they were called to the plant in Queensbury on Wednesday to investigate statements made by an employee. An investigation found that Buzby made "numerous threats of violence" toward employees at the medical device plant, police said.

Buzby was arraigned Thursday in Queensbury Town Court and sent to Warren County Jail.
QUEENSBURY  The Lake George woman arrested this week for scamming a motel owner out of more than $5,000 faces new charges for using a fake name when she was arrested, police said.

Warren County sheriff's investigators determined the woman has been using fake names and aliases around the country for more than three decades, and that she has amassed at least three felony convictions during that time.

A computerized fingerprint check led to sheriff's officers determining the woman who ripped off King Hendrick Motel is Colleen A. Mulson, 59, who has a criminal record that includes fraud-related arrests in seven different states.

The determination led to police filing three felony counts of forgery for allegedly signing the fake name on police paperwork and a misdemeanor charge of criminal impersonation, police said. That comes in addition to the grand larceny count brought for a scam in which she diverted money from King Hendrick Motel to a personal PayPal account, according to police.

The name she gave police when she was arrested Thursday, Meaghen Guinness-Ryan, is a real person whose identity Mulson stole, Stockdale said.

"We are trying to track that person down now to notify her," he said. "She (Mulson) is a fraud expert and has used assumed names for decades."

She has fraud-related arrests in New York, Massachusetts, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky and Florida. Stockdale said police records show 45 aliases that she has used.

Mulson lived in Warren County under the Guinness-Ryan name for at least 10 years, and avoided arrest during that time period, he said.

She was arraigned and sent to Warren County Jail without bail, as no bail could be set in Queensbury Town Court when a defendant has two or more prior felonies.
MANCHESTER, N.H.  Post-Star Editor Ken Tingley has been honored by the National Society of Newspaper Columnists for the fourth straight year.

Tingley, who writes two columns a week for the newspaper, received an Honorable Mention for General Interest columns for newspapers with a circulation under 50,000 readers.

It was the seventh time Tingley has received national honors. He earned first-place honors in 2016.

Kens devotion to bringing issues in our community to light has shown through yet again this year, said Post-Star Publisher Rob Forcey. We are extremely proud of his efforts to be a voice in the community for change and discussion of important issues.

Steve Damish of The Enterprise in Brockton, Massachusetts earned first-place honors this year, while Rini Jeffers of the Chronicle Telegram of Ohio earned second place and Gary Yordon of the Tallahassee Democrat got third.

In the over-50,000 circulation category for General Interest columns, Helen Urbinas of the Philadelphia Daily News took first place, Mike Newall of the Philadelphia Media Network took second and Jesse Rifkin of Boxoffice magazine, USA Today and the Los Angeles Times earned third.

Tingley was honored for a selection of three columns that included commentary on a fatal boating crash on Lake George, the Catholic Churchs attempt to buy silence on child abuse and a reflection on the 9/11 anniversary from the sister of one of the victims.
QUEENSBURY  A New York City developer who recently moved to Warren County is planning construction of a $7 million private business park at 120 Luzerne Road.

The town Planning Board will begin preliminary review of the proposed project at its meeting on June 27.

Boguslaw and Anna Bielecki have proposed constructing six buildings, in two clusters, on the eastern and western sides of the 5-acre property.

Each cluster would include a three-story commercial building and a two-story commercial building, connected with a high bay warehouse building, suitable for construction equipment, in the middle.

Each cluster would be suitable for use by construction companies, according to a summary filed with the Planning Board.

Hes building the buildings in hope of attracting tenants, said architect Ethan Hall, a consultant on the project.

Bielecki, who already owns the property, will use some of the space for his own development company, Hall said.

The project will fill a need in the area for state-of-the-art warehouse space that is ready for occupancy, said Edward Bartholomew, president of EDC Warren County.

Bartholomew said being located close to the Northway will help the developer to attract tenants.

This is welcomed and positive news, he said.

The project is listed on the June 27 Planning Board meeting agenda as a discussion item.

Bielecki also has purchased the former Jacquelines Bridal Shoppe building at 282 Glen St. in downtown Glens Falls.

Bielecki did not return two messages The Post-Star left seeking comment for this report.
FORT EDWARD  How a shirt worn by Loretta Colegrove came to be stained with blood was the focus Friday as testimony wrapped up in the triple murder retrial of Matthew Slocum.

Closing arguments have been set for 9:30 a.m. Monday, with deliberations likely starting Monday afternoon.

Colegrove, who was Slocums girlfriend at the time of the July 2011 killings, was the main prosecution witness against Slocum, and was not charged. The defense, though, claims she was the killer of Dan Harrington, Lisa Harrington and Josh OBrien.

A tank top that Colegrove wore was stained with blood, which the prosecution tried to have a blood spatter analyst explain Friday morning.

The witness, former state trooper Thomas Martin, said the blood stains appeared to be spatter.

Prosecutor Linda Griggs questioned whether it could have come from handling a blood-covered wallet, as Colegrove testified she did after Slocum shot his stepbrother and they fled the familys burning White Creek home.

The defense, though questioned whether the shirt could have become bloody from her being in the proximity of a person being shot.

That would mean she was near a spatter-causing event? Washington County Public Defender Michael Mercure asked.

That would be fair, yes, Martin replied.

He testified the stains were not necessarily from being near the shooting of a person, however.

Colegrove testified she emerged from a bedroom to see Slocum shoot OBrien, and the two other victims had already been killed.

Also taking the stand Friday was John Harrington, Dan Harringtons brother, who told the jury about his brothers gun collection, and also talked of witnessing Slocum being violent toward Colegrove in 2011, before the killings. He said Slocum ran at her, grabbed her by the back of the head and yelled at her, sending her back in the house and telling her he had told her to stay in there.

It was offensive to me, he said.

The prosecution rested its case late Friday morning. The defense presented two witnesses, one a neighbor to the Harrington home who told of hearing gunshots around 3:30 a.m. on July 13, 2011  about an hour after the prosecution estimated, and an ex-boyfriend of Colegrove who told the jury she had experience shooting shotguns.

The ex-boyfriend, Jeremiah Beagle, was confronted with the fact that he testified differently during Slocums 2012 trial, telling the jury then that he was with her once when he went shooting but saying Friday they shot together five times or so.

Prosecutor Eric Galarneau also pointed out that Beagles mother put money in Slocums jail commissary account in 2015, something for which Beagle had no explanation.

Slocum chose not to testify, as the appeals court ruling that threw out his confession to police made it prohibitive because he could have opened the door to his confession being ruled admissible.

He testified during his first trial, telling the jury that Colegrove was the killer.

Slocum, 29, of White Creek is being re-tried for the killings of his mother, stepfather and stepbrother. He was convicted in 2012 and sentenced to 88 years to life, but the convictions were reversed because appeals courts found he was improperly denied his right to counsel when questioned by police in 2011.

He is accused of shooting them with a shotgun before setting their Turnpike Road home on fire and fleeing the area with Colegrove.

The trial this time around was a virtual replay of the last time, minus witnesses talking about his confessions to police and statement to a Child Protective Services caseworker, but with 10 letters Slocum wrote to Colegrove from jail after his last conviction being added to the proof.

The evidence was spread over five days this time, nearly two days faster than the 2012 trial.

Slocum faces second-degree murder, first-degree arson and lesser counts. He is being held in Washington County Jail without bail.
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To hear Daniel "Dan" A. Molyneaux tell it, his six-some decades in the insurance business have not been about selling insurance.

Rather, it has been a career spent getting to know his clients, understanding their businesses and helping to protect both.

"It's been a lot of fun. I've met a lot of good people and learned a lot about a lot of different businesses," said Molyneaux, who at 83 still actively advises clients daily at the Davenport-based Molyneaux Insurance.

"The real task mostly is to understand what somebody else's business is about so you can apply the technical knowledge you have to their business," said Molyneaux.

Molyneaux' long tenure, leadership and expertise were honored last month as he was inducted into the Iowa Insurance Hall of Fame. His son, Dan Molyneaux Jr., the firm's CEO, accepted the award on his behalf at the ceremony in Altoona.

The senior Molyneaux followed his own father into the business, first becoming licensed in 1951 to sell insurance at his parents' agency before graduating from Iowa State University and going on to serve two years in the U.S. Army. The firm was founded in 1926 by his parents, Marie and D.M. Molyneaux, and his father remained a contributing member of the agency until his death in 1988.

A testament of Dan Molyneaux' professionalism and expertise is the fact that the agency had five commercial clients when he joined the firm. Only two still are in business today, but they both remain loyal clients.

"Most agencies our size don't put a lot of emphasis on the little guy," he said. "Those little guys became big guys and the source of our business over the years."

In 1995, Molyneaux sold the agency to four key employees, including two of his children. Under their leadership, the agency merged operations with LMC Insurance and Agri-Business Insurance Services in 2011. Molyneaux Insurance also moved into new headquarters at 5025 Utica Ridge Road, Davenport, last year.

Molyneaux credits much of his success to his family, including his late wife Katie, whom he was married to for nearly 60 years. They have six children, 15 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. A lifelong member of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, Davenport, he is proud to say he "has never moved out of St. Paul parish."

Honored and humbled by the induction, Molyneaux said "I'm more pleased with the fact that my son had the gumption and respect for me that he did the work for the nomination. That meant as much for me as the honor..."

Casey's to fill food desert in southwest RI

Casey's General Store hopes to roll into southwest Rock Island with a new mini-truck stop.

The Ankeny, Iowa-based retailer wants to purchase 20 acres of city-owned property on the northwest corner of Illinois 92 and Andalusia Road for the new development. The $50,000 sale has received the Rock Island City Council's approval but a development agreement and purchase agreement are pending.

According to city council documents, plans call for a Casey's General Store Mini Truck Stop on the vacant site, which would help fill the food and fuel desert that greets those in southwest Rock Island. The development would include a larger than normal convenience store, fuel islands and diesel fuel islands, which could serve the growing number of trucking and industrial tenants that call the area home.

The Arc honors community leaders

The Arc of the Quad-Cities Area has thanked the supporters who help the agency to do its work of empowering individuals with disabilities to live independent lives.

The Arc honored these award winners at its annual meeting:

Peggy Love, the Evelyn Colberg Award, an award named for a founding member of The Arc.

Sears Manufacturing, Davenport, the Business Partner of the Year Award, for providing work opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

Modern Woodmen of America, Community Partner of the Year Award, for its support of a capital campaign to assist with residential housing.

Ben and Gay Nefzger, the Lifetime Achievement Award, The Arc's highest award, for their decades of support. Ben, a retired Augustana College educator, served two full nine-year terms with The Arc's board of directors and on numerous committees. Gay volunteered countless hours at The Arc's former Business Supply Store on Arsenal Island.
Church of Peace organizes rummage sale Saturday

Bargains are promised at the Church of Peace United Church of Christ rummage sale, on Saturday, June 17, at the church, 1114 12th St., Rock Island. The sale is open to the public from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

There are plants, childrens clothing, holiday decorations, jewelry, books, houseware items, furniture, and more. Proceeds have funded many special projects at the church and for the community.

For information, call 309-788-6357 or visit ChurchofPeaceUCC.org.

Jenny Lind event in Moline

The Midsummer concert, featuring Ylva Stenberg, a Jenny Lind scholar from Arvika, Sweden, and accompanist, Allan Timofeitchik, of Malmo, Sweden, will be 7 p.m. Saturday, June 24 at First Lutheran Church, 1230 5th Ave., Moline. The performers are on a seven-city tour of the U.S. and Canada. Students of local school music departments are encouraged to attend. Information: firstlutheranmoline.org, or 309-764-3517.

EM First Christian Church benefit for military

A "Fun Ride" to benefit East Moline's First Christian Church's Helmets of Hope ministry is set for Saturday, June 24. Registration, with breakfast, is 8-10 a.m. and the ride begins at 10 a.m. The event welcomes cycle riders and vehicle drivers, and passengers, for an excursion to five cities in the area.

The registration fee of $15, $5 for riders, includes two meals and may be paid on event day. Proceeds help put essential supplies in the hands of veterans who are rebuilding their lives. For information: fccem.org, or call 309-755-6552.

Free concert in Rock Island

First Baptist Church, 3020 30th St., Rock Island, will host a free concert, with Anticipation, a Gospel family group, and Steve Ladd. It is 10:30 a.m. Sunday, June 25 at the church. For information: fbcrockisland.com, or call 309-786-2617.

 Do you have a new or interesting activity going on at your place of worship? If you'd like others to know about it, please contact Deirdre Baker  message dbaker@qctimes.com or call, 563-383-2492.
An 18-year-old DeWitt, Iowa, man made a comment to a friend about "stabbing people the day before Clinton County Sheriffs deputies found the bodies of his parents Tuesday morning, according to an arrest affidavit released Friday.

Further, Gavin Vaughn William Glasz told the friend my mom and dad need to be with my grandpa  off this earth, according to the affidavit.

Glasz made an initial appearance Friday in Clinton County District Court on two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of Brian Paul Glasz, 51, and Michelle Renee Glasz, 54.

First-degree murder is a Class A felony that carries a mandatory sentence of life in prison without parole.

He was appointed a public defender and will be back in court Friday, June 23, for a preliminary hearing. Gavin Glasz remained in the Scott County Jail on a $1 million cash-only bond.

Clinton County deputies were dispatched around 9:30 a.m. Tuesday to the Glasz home in the 3700 block of U.S. 30 in rural DeWitt for a welfare check after Brian Glasz had failed to arrive at work.

According to the arrest affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint:

Deputies entered the house through an unlocked window after trying unsuccessfully to call the Glaszes on their cellphones and knocking on the door.

While deputies were on scene, Gavin Glasz was outside and came around the corner of the house. While talking to him, deputies noticed that Gavin Glasz had what appeared to be fresh wounds on the knuckles of his hands. He said he was injured when he was punching a punching bag.

He also had a laceration on his right little finger that required stitches. He told deputies that he cut his hand on barbed wire while out for a run.

Gavin Glasz, who was taken into custody on an unrelated warrant, told deputies that he had not seen his mother for four days and last saw his father on the weekend. Deputies who searched him found more than $800 in cash that appeared to have blood on it in his pocket.

Inside the home, deputies saw what looked like a body wrapped in blankets or comforters. They discovered Brian Glasz, whose throat appeared to be cut. The body was found in the laundry room on the main level of the house.

Michelle Glasz also had been wrapped in blankets and was found in a room in the basement. She was cold to the touch and had blood on her.

A man told deputies that he went to the house at 7 a.m. Tuesday to pick up a load of corn to take to ADM. The man said he saw Gavin Glasz in an outbuilding that sits behind the house and Brian Glaszs truck was inside the building, the man said.

The man further said that he asked Gavin Glasz where his father was and that he replied that he had gotten a ride to work.

Gavin Glasz told deputies he had gone to get food from a fast food restaurant on Monday night and had not been to house for several days.

Deputies searched the house and found a fast food receipt, as well as clothing and footwear belonging to him that had what appeared to be blood on them. Bloody items were found in the kitchen sink, washing machine and other areas.

They also found a bloody footprint in the laundry room near Brian Glaszs body that was similar to a pair of shoes found in an upstairs bathroom. An empty shoe box for the same type and size of the shoes was found in Gavin Glasz bedroom.

A review of surveillance video on the property shows him leaving and entering a rear door of the home several times Tuesday morning. He later is seen wearing different clothes.

It appeared in the video that Gavin Glasz had dark-colored stains on his light-colored sweatpants. During a search of the house, a pair of light-colored sweatpants with apparent blood stains on the front pant legs was found outside his bedroom in the basement.

The Iowa State Medical Examiner determined that Brian Glaszs cause of death was from multiple sharp force injuries and strangulation. He also had a blunt force trauma to the head.

Michelle Glaszs cause of death was strangulation and multiple sharp force injuries.

No 911 calls were made from the home before deputies arrived on scene, according to the affidavit.

On May 28, Gavin Glasz was charged with operating while intoxicated after a traffic stop in the 1300 block of Camanche Avenue in Clinton. He has a pretrial conference June 28 in that case.
The sun came out in Davenport on Friday morning, minutes before Palmer College of Chiropractic students received their degrees in the June commencement ceremony.

The event, held at the Vickie Ann Palmer Hall in Lyceum Auditorium on campus, attracted families and friends from 16 states and three foreign countries  Canada, South Korea and China.

Jordan Smith of Davenport was one of the 44 students who received a doctor of chiropractic degree. The native of Humboldt, Iowa, is juggling three job offers and has not yet decided what to do with his new degree.

The offers are from practices in Iowa, New York and Florida, and Smith has enjoyed his time in the Quad-Cities.

"It was difficult," he said of his advanced education, "but fulfilling for sure."

He also enjoys living in town.

"I love the Quad-Cities," he said, describing the area as a nice mix of old and new.

"It's been a lot more than I expected, for sure," he said.

James O'Connor, Palmer's vice chancellor for marketing and communication, addressed the gathering. Take a leap forward and change lives, he urged the graduates, before he led the crowd in a cheer to promote the college website, palmer.edu.

"Your journey begins today," O'Connor said.

The students who received degrees as doctor of chiropractic completed five academic years in 3.3 years, or 4,620 contact hours, according to Daniel Weinert, college provost and the emcee at the ceremony.

The class valedictorian was Katelyn Pfaffinger of Marengo, Illinois, and the salutatorian was Nicole Olechowicz of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Olechowicz took 70 courses at Palmer and received 69 "As" and one "B" grade. She worked locally as an animal chiropractor.

Pfaffinger addressed the ceremony, noting many students left their homes and families to attend Palmer and "to chase our dreams."

All the students will have an impact on the world, she said.

"Let success follow you like a shadow," she said.
Iowa officials are trying to fix the states crumbling health insurance marketplace.

The country, it seems, is watching with interest.

Iowa insurance commissioner Doug Ommen this week unveiled his proposal to address the likelihood that the state will have no insurance companies selling individual plans on the marketplace next year, which would leave nearly 72,000 Iowans without access to health insurance.

Ommens proposal, which requires federal approval, would provide those individuals with age- and income-based tax credits, and would create a reinsurance mechanism for people with extensive medical costs, the Gazettes Chelsea Keenan reported this past week.

Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield, the states largest health insurance provider, worked with Ommen on the proposal. Company officials said Wellmark will enter the individual marketplace and offer plans if the proposal is approved by the federal government.

Iowa already was under the national health insurance policy microscope as insurance companies --- including Wellmark --- pulled out of the individual marketplace created under former President Barack Obamas health care reform, the Affordable Care Act. The companies cited high costs and uncertainty surrounding the law, which has heightened after the 2016 elections put Republicans in control of the White House and Congress.

Those moves could make Iowa the first state in the nation without a single insurance company selling individual plans statewide on the marketplace next year.

Now the health insurance policy community is watching Iowa again as state officials attempt to address the issue.

Much of the interest appears to regard whether the federal government will approve Iowas proposal, which is not in perfect alignment with the Affordable Care Act. But Republican lawmakers and President Donald Trump wish to repeal the reforms passed by the previous, Democratic administration.

An administration decision to allow Iowas plan would test how far any state could move from ACA rules without a change in federal law, said a Washington Post story on Iowas proposal.

Larry Levitt, with the non-partisan health care think tank Kaiser Family Foundation, was interviewed by multiple national media outlets and said the administrations decision on Iowas proposal could have some far-reaching impacts.

If the health debate in Congress stalls, then states may be lining up for waivers like this, Levitt told the Post.

This is a notable effort by state officials to address what could be a crisis in their insurance market, fueled in part by uncertainty coming out of Washington, Levitt wrote in an email to The Hill. There would winners and losers here, but it seems like the plan could keep insurers in the market.

Tim Jost, a retired professor of health care law at Washington and Lee University and a supporter of the Affordable Care Acts policies, told the Post and The Hill he does not believe the Iowa proposal is legal.

Absolutely not, Jost told the Post. He added, to The Hill, Basically theyre asking the administration to use (a waiver) as the carte blanche to allow states to completely re-write the ACA and do whatever they want to do with federal money, and thats not what (the waiver) is or does.

Iowa has asked the federal government for a decision within two weeks.

Nearly 72,000 thousand Iowans and countless others across the country, it seems, will be watching.

Iowa's tie to political violence

In the wake of the shooting of U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise, some media outlets reported on previous members of Congress who were shot while serving.

One such shooting victim is former Rep. Ben Jensen, of Iowa.

Jensen, who was born in Marion, was one of five representatives shot on March 1, 1954, on the U.S. House floor when Puerto Rican nationalists sprayed gunfire from the gallery, according to Jensens obituary in the New York Times. Jensen survived the shooting; in 1970 he died of cancer at the age of 77, according to the Times.
Doug Ommen's chances are slim. But one can't fault his last-ditch effort.

Iowa's health commissioner is watching a slow motion car wreck as the state's health insurance exchange crumbles. It's a reality brought on, in part, by the very party to which he answers, the GOP, that dominates Iowa and Washington. And Ommen is doing everything he can to clear out the bystanders.

All three statewide insurers, Medica, Aetna and Wellmark Blue Cross & Blue Shield, have either said that they will leave Iowa's insurance in 2018 or that they're seriously considering it. It would be a tragic result of national political chaos that would leave 72,000 Iowans without access to health care.

In a very real sense, this is about lives.

A dearth of young, healthy customers of the Obamacare market predate the uncertainty now sowed by Republican dysfunction in Washington. That fact is a structural failure within President Barack Obama's hallmark domestic policy. But make no mistake, the recent announcements by the three insurance providers are directly tied to the GOP's breathless attempts to, somehow, do away with the Affordable Care Act.

Without Obamacare, the financial incentives for the carriers probably disappear. One can't fault the insurance executives for the sudden pivot after Republicans seized total federal control. They have shareholders and boards to whom they answer.

Enter Ommen, who last week petitioned the federal government to allow him to tinker with how Affordable Care Act subsidies are distributed. In effect, Ommen's stop-gap would shift subsidies from those who most benefit, primarily  the elderly and infirm  to that young, cheap population that never bought it. The pitch would, for now, cost those most reliant on the system but could, potentially, keep it operational into 2018.

It's not even clear whether Ommen's move would work. The reactions among the three providers ranged from full-throated support to non-committal dismissiveness. It's also unclear if the subsidy shift is legal under ACA. Ommen could be setting himself and the state up for a lawsuit.

All that said, Ommen is a man with few options.

Think about the reality within which Ommen is operating. ACA has deep-seated structural shortcomings, because of its reliance on healthier populations. It's stated Republican policy that ACA should die. But the version approved by the House of Representatives was immediately rejected by the Senate. In turn, whatever the more moderate Senate comes up with is almost bound to face pushback from House conservatives, a key block. And, all the while, the corporations through which more than 70,000 Iowans receive health care hate nothing more than market instability.

Ommen admits that his waiver is nothing but a crutch, which would hopefully keep the Iowa exchange breathing through 2018. After that, it's up to Congress and the White House to keep all the many promises, which appears more impossible by the day. It's increasingly likely that congressional Republicans are unwittingly laying the ground work for single-payer system with their flailing attempts at drafting an alternative to Obamacare.

Federal regulators should, at the bare minimum, grant Ommen's request and let him respond to the burdens outside his control. The very well-being of thousands of Iowans depend on it.
Sister Mariana Moreno wore plain white sneakers under her habit the day she became an American. Black, white and red fabric hugged her from head to toe as she stood Thursday for the Pledge of Allegiance at Mount Rushmore National Memorial, even though the temperature was almost 80 degrees.

Fifteen years after coming to the U.S. from Mexico, Moreno could finally call South Dakota home.

Moreno, 34, of Sioux Falls, was one of 188 people from 39 different countries granted U.S. citizenship at Mount Rushmore during a naturalization ceremony held by the United States District Court of South Dakota.

U.S. District Court Chief Judge Jeffrey Viken presided over the ceremony with assistance from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and the National Park Service.

Naturalization, the process by which foreign citizens are granted U.S. citizenship, includes rigorous eligibility requirements, such as five years of lawful residence in the U.S., good moral character, the ability to speak English and knowledge of U.S. government and history. Applicants must also be able to take the oath of allegiance.

At Thursday's ceremony, Moreno took that oath with her peers, including two other nuns from the St. Joseph Cathedral in Sioux Falls.

Moreno was born in Veracruz, Mexico. Although her family was religious, Moreno didn't know what she wanted to do after she graduated from high school. She knew she could be a teacher, doctor or nun. Her family wasn't rich, she said, but they had enough money.

Her mother told her to go to the Blessed Sacrament. When she got to the nearby chapel, she cried and prayed for guidance. Then, she felt peace. She knew she would devote her life to God.

Bishop Robert Carlson of the Diocese of Sioux Falls invited several nuns, including Moreno, to come to South Dakota in 2002. The diocese legally sponsored the three nuns' path to citizenship, but Chancellor Matt Althoff said the nuns themselves took care of the actual naturalization process, including the cost, which is usually around $700.

Moreno said the most difficult part about accepting Carlson's invitation was leaving her family and culture, but she was sure of what she wanted: to serve the people of Sioux Falls.

"To be a nun is a grace," Moreno said. "With a prayer, you don't have limits."

At Thursday's ceremony, Grand Valley State University professor Leandro Robles gave the keynote speech. Robles, who is originally from Argentina, became a U.S. citizen in March. He challenged the audience to confront their new country's weaknesses and to use their citizenship for good.

"A good country can be defined by the way it treats the weak," Robles said.

For Moreno, that won't be a problem. "Our mission is to worship Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament," she said. "We would like to be a part of these people ... I will show them my gratitude to be a part of this country."

Shortly after 11 a.m., Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann administered the oath of allegiance beneath the "shrine of democracy," an iconic American symbol of the past.

USCIS Acting Deputy Director Tracy Renaud reminded the crowd that the applicants were a symbol of the future.

Moments after being declared American citizens, all 188 people walked to the stage to receive their certificate of citizenship and greet the crowd. One woman from Pakistan, Bushra Nauman, had waited 25 years  half of her life  to become an American citizen. For the first time in her life, she registered to vote.

Moreno, one of 13 new citizens from Mexico, stood a head taller than her sisters when she walked to the microphone.

"I am so grateful with God and with all the people of this country for welcoming me," she told the crowd. "God bless you, and God bless America."

When she walked back to her seat in row 13, Moreno looked at her certificate and smiled. The long journey to her new home was finally over.
RAPID CITY | Ramsey Lee Kendall was born in Westover, SD, and passed away in Rapid City on June 14, 2017, with his family by his side.

As a youngster, he moved to Custer where he graduated high school, achieved the highest rank of Eagle Scout, and joined the Custer National Guard in 1947 at the young age of 16. In August 1950, his unit was alerted for active duty to the Korean War. The unit members were informed of overseas movements and then shipped to Alaska in early 1951.

He married Ardeth Hicks on Oct. 24, 1952. Shortly thereafter, they moved to Philip, where they had four children: two sons, Steven L. and Douglas A. (Donna) Kendall; and two daughters, Karen M. Hanson and Rebecca S. Kendall.

While in Philip, he was deeply involved in the community, participating in Boy Scouts, School Board, Fire Department, Ambulance Crew, and many other areas involving the entire community and for the betterment of the community. He was instrumental in organizing the first Philip National Guard unit in 1956, where he worked full time.

After his discharge in January 1975, he pursued a career in insurance sales, income tax preparations, along with being a part-time justice of the peace.

In 1978, Ramsey and Ardeth moved back to the Black Hills, where he sold insurance in Deadwood, Lead, and the surrounding area until 2005, when he retired and they moved to Rapid City. Ardeth preceded him in death in 2010.

In 2013, he met up with an old friend, Kay Hall, at a funeral, at which time they got together, marrying May 2014. In the three short years of marriage, they enjoyed travelling and spending winters in Arizona.

He leaves behind Steven, Douglas (Donna), Karen Hanson, and Rebecca Kendall, along with bonus children, Daniel Hall, Bonnie Hall, Lonnie Hall, and Konnie Hall-Grass; four grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; five bonus grandchildren; two bonus great-grandchildren; a brother, Norval G. Kendall; two sisters, Thelma June (Lyle) Koerper and Phyllis A. (Everett) Boggs; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by Ardeth and his parents, Nordine H. and Carrie Lee Kendall.

Visitation will be from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday, June 18, at Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, June 19, at Canyon Lake United Methodist Church in Rapid City, with Pastor Erik Grinager officiating. Interment, with military honors, will follow at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.

Being blessed with a cherished man, whose great love for his family was never ending will be truly missed.
Winners have been announced for the annual South Dakota Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers photo contest.

"Telling Your Ag Story" was the theme for the annual photo contest, which awards cash prizes to winners and the opportunity for winning photos to be published in Tri-State Livestock News Ag Pride Edition, as well as used in South Dakota Farm Bureau promotional material.

Winners in each category included:

 Over 35 and Overall Champion - Robin Reinhold, Sturgis, for her photo titled "A Warm Heart";

 18-35 winner - Rachel Osvog, Ree Heights, for her photo titled "It Takes a Team"; and

 Under 18 winner - Kiersten Reinhold, Sturgis, for her photo titled "Milking the Cow"'

The overall champion photo for the third annual contest depicts a baby calf that found a sheltered place to weather out a winter storm.

"After we found the calf in the cold weather, our daughter Molly carried him to the shop where he spent some time in front of the wood burning stove," said Robin Reinhold. "After it perked up, we took him out to find his mama."

South Dakota Farm Bureau is a grassroots membership organization that has been representing farm, ranch and rural families in South Dakota for 100 years. SDFB is made up of over 16,000 members across the state

To view the winning photos, visit the South Dakota Farm Bureau website at www.sdfbf.org and click on "Young Farmers & Ranchers".

Established in 1917, SDFB represents more than 16,000 farm, ranch and rural families in South Dakota. SDFB will be celebrating its Centennial Convention November 17-18, 2017 at the Sioux Falls Convention Center. More information about SDFB can be found at www.sdfbf.org.
Employee of Probusinessbank sentenced to 3.5 years in $41 mln embezzlement case

MOSCOW, June 16 (RAPSI, Oleg Sivozhelezov)  The Ostankinsky District Court in Moscow had sentenced a high-ranking manager of Russias Probusinessbank Marina Krylova to 3.5 years in a penal colony for assisting with embezzlement of 2.4 billion rubles (about $42 million at the current rate), RAPSI learnt from the courts press-service on Friday.

Krylova was the head of the banks department responsible for interaction with shareholders and subsidiary companies. In addition to giving Krylova a prison term, the court ruled to fine her.

On April 26, the court sentenced ex-head of corporate finances department of Probusinessbank Nikolay Alekseyev to 4 years in prison in relation to the case. His case was reviewed separately because he had admitted his guilt.

Additionally, Alekseyev was fined 1 million rubles ($18,000). The court also granted a lawsuit filed by Probusinessbank, the victim in the case, seeking to collect 2.44 billion rubles ($42 million) from the defendant.

Other defendants in the case are former vice-president of business development Vyacheslav Kazantsev and manager Sergey Kalachev. According to investigators, from September 2014 to July 2015, Alekseyev, acting as the head of the banks corporate finance department, conspired with 15 accomplices to embezzle funds belonging to Probusinessbank. Accomplices are believed to be unidentified managers and employees of the bank. Allegedly, they used their office positions to enroll their subordinates, employees of the Life financial group, and heads of sham companies.

In August 2015, the Russian Central Bank revoked the license of Probusinessbank, acting upon the results of an inspection revealing that the banks management carried out large scale operations having markings of assets stripping of the bank.
Teenager put under house arrest in relation to clash with police at June 12 rally

Context Russian opposition politician Navalny detained for 30 days

MOSCOW, June 16 (RAPSI, Oleg Sivozhelezov)  The Moscow Basmanny District Court had put 17-year-old Mikhail Galayshkin, charged with using violence against a National Guard officer at June 12 unauthorized rally, under house arrest, RAPSI learnt in the court on Friday.

The court granted a motion of investigators to keep the teenager under house arrest until August 13. His communication, including right to use Internet, has been restricted.

Investigators claim that earlier Galyashkin participated in another unauthorized rally on March 26. They believe that the teenagers actions stem from the lack of appropriate attention from the defendants mother.

According to investigators, on June 12 a participant in unauthorized rally on Tverskaya Street sprayed tear gas in the eyes of a special unit officer of the National Guards Main Directorate. The officer received an eye burn as a result of the incident.

On June 13, the Moscow Simonovsky District Court detained Russian opposition politician Alexey Navalny for 30 days in relation to the unauthorized rally. Navalny was found guilty of violating rally organization rules specified in the Russian Code of Administrative Offences.

Initially, Navalny has agreed with the city's authorities a rally at Academician Sakharov Avenue in Moscow on June 12. However, shortly before the beginning of the rally he called his supporters to change the rally location to Tverskaya Street in the central Moscow. On June 12, he was arrested by the police and later sentenced to a 30-days term in custody.
Russian court rules cadet accused of abetting terrorism to remain in custody

ST. PETERSBURG, June 16 (RAPSI, Mikhail Telekhov)  The Leningrad District Military Court had ruled to extend the detention of the A.F. Mozhaisky's Military-Space Academys cadet, Vadim Osipov charged with abetting terrorism, lawyer Vitaly Cherkasov told RAPSI on Friday.

Earlier, the St. Petersburg Garrison Military Court has extended the detention of Osipov until August 8.

Investigators believe that the cadet was involved in inducing and recruiting people for terrorist activities and/or provided financial aid to terrorists. Osipov could face up to 15 years in prison if convicted.

The A.F. Mozhaisky Military Space Academy is a military educational institution providing training for specialists of the Aerospace Forces and other types of the Armed Forces in 40 different military specialties.
It was rainy and cool outside on Tuesday, but inside the Hamilton City Hall The Absent Wilson Conspiracy provided a warm and jazzy opening for about 50 people attending the Jean Matthews Tuesday at Twelve free summer concert series.

The weekly concerts are held at noon on the lawn of the Ravalli County Museum and community members are invited to bring their lunches and lawn chairs. The event is held upstairs in the community room of City Hall if it rains.

Matthews came up with Tuesday at Twelve in 1990, which she modeled after Missoula's "Out to Lunch" series. Her goals were to provide free concerts for the public, to provide paid performance opportunities for musicians, and to draw people to downtown Hamilton.

It gave her great satisfaction to sit among the crowds every Tuesday and soak it all in - the music, the all-ages crowds, the sunshine - and she was pleased that Hamilton businesses sponsored it, year after year, as an expression of Hamilton's community spirit, said Matthews husband Russ Lawrence. A dedicated flutist, she performed for Tuesday at Twelve many times, both as part of the Bitterroot Community Band, and with her Celtic music ensemble, The Crested Hens.

Lawrence said Tuesday at Twelve was incorporated as a Montana non-profit just a few years ago. After Matthews passed away in December 2015, the non-profit's board decided to name the concert series in her memory.

The 28th concert season schedule is: June 20  Andrea Harsell; June 27  Who Dat; July 4  Jenn Adams; July 11  The Gravelly Mountain Boys; July 18 - The Acousticals; July 25  Caroline Keys; Aug. 1  Big Sky Mud Flaps; Aug. 8 - River City Players; Aug. 15  Bitterroot Community Band; and Aug. 22  John Schiever.

Steve Fullerton said the concerts originally were held at the American Legion Park until the trees were removed.

Then it was too hot, he said. They had planned to build another gazebo but didnt. The museum asked us to hold the concerts on their lawn. We did it one time due to construction and they asked us to continue. It has been a great partnership and the concerts are fantastic.

Fullerton said the free concerts are made possible by sponsors.

All of the money that we raise goes to the performers, he said. We have really nice business sponsors that contribute ever year. Some people have been there since the very first one and we have new ones every year.

Corporate sponsors for 2017 are the Ravalli County Museum, Bitterroot Drug, the Rapp Family Foundation and the Downtown Hamilton Business Improvement District. There are 52 additional business sponsors and individual donors.

Other sponsors are Art City, Massa Home Center, Spice of Life Restaurant, Bee Hive Homes of Hamilton, Bell and Bell, Big Sky Eye Care, Coffee Cup Cafe, Bitterroot Furniture, Bitterroot Laundry, By Owner Realty Network, First Security Bank, Daly Leach Memorial Chapel, Electric Plumber Consultants, Gail Goheen P.C., River Rising, Hamiltons Market Place, Opportunity Bank of Montana, Ravalli Republic, Riverside Radiology LLC, SBS Solar, TrailWest Bank, Valley View Estates, Big Creek Coffee, Bitter Root Brewing, Chester Weeks Flooring, Cardinal Properties, Chapter One Book Store, Evens Ace Hardware, Farmers State Bank, Fords Department Store, Frame Shop & Gallery, Lawrence Johnson Law Office, Mikesells Fine Jewelry, Paper Clip, Payne West Insurance, Perfect Touch Massage, Ravalli Family Medicine, Richard Weber Law Office, Sapphire Lutheran Homes, Taco del Sol of Hamilton, Top Down, Go West Outfitters and individual donors.

For more information on the Jean Matthews Tuesday at Twelve series, contact Russ Lawrence at JMTuesdayat12@gmail.com.
BILLINGS  Sandro Maisashvili took his first steps on Thursday nearly five months after he mysteriously lost his ability to walk.

It was an emotional moment that left his mother beaming and his neurosurgeon emotional. And it almost didn't happen.

Maisashvili, 17, is a foreign exchange student from near Tbilisi, Georgia, between the Caspian and Black seas. He arrived in Terry last fall with two other European exchange students, moved in with his host family and attended high school there.

"It was fun," he said on Thursday, flashing his huge grin.

And then everything changed in late January. It began as a dull pain in Maisashvili's back. Within days he had lost sensation in his legs. His host family took him to a doctor, and he eventually ended up in Miles City, where he received an MRI that showed what looked like a possible infection near his spinal cord.

By that point, he'd lost the ability to walk.

He was rushed by ambulance to Billings, arriving after midnight on Feb. 1, and went immediately into surgery.

"It was scary," Maisashvili said. "You're in a foreign country, no one is around."

The doctor on call was neurosurgeon Michael Copeland, who looked at the MRI scan and agreed it was likely an infection. Maisashvili had had surgery near the same place on his back as a boy and it's not uncommon for infections to creep in, even years later.

Copeland described it as a pretty straightforward surgery. The surgeon creates a small opening or window in the back through which the infection is then drained. Then they treat it and it heals.

"I made my little window," Copeland said, "and the wrong stuff percolated out."

Rarely is he surprised in surgery, but he was surprised. Remarkable quantities of blood poured out, what Copeland described as a "spontaneous hemorrhage."

"Weird for a young person," he said.

The surgical team drained the blood, cleaned up the site and patched Maisashvili up. Almost immediately, sensation had returned to his legs.

"He was getting better daily," Copeland said.

Five days later, however, the pain was back, and Maisashvili was again losing sensation to his legs. He was immediately rolled into surgery and this time Copeland had a better idea what awaited him in the operating room.

Prepared for the rapid blood loss, Copeland was able to spend time in the incision and found what he was looking for, a tangle of blood vessels at the base of Maisashvili's spinal cord.

The condition is rare and known formally as dural arteriovenous malformation. Blood vessels  arteries, which supply oxygen-rich blood to the body, and veins, which carry oxygen-depleted blood to the lungs  are tangled and jointed, cutting off critical blood supply to portions of the body. In Maisashvili's case, it was to his legs and lower body.

Along with losing the ability to walk, Maisashvili had lost the function of his bladder and bowels, which created additional complications.

Copeland removed the tangle and repaired the blood vessels, allowing blood to flow unencumbered to and from the lower half of Maisashvili's body. Sensation slowly returned to his legs, but in order to reverse some of the damage from the malformation and to get his legs strong enough to move again, Maisashvili would need months of physical therapy.

And there was no guarantee he'd walk.

And so, two days after the surgery, Copeland and Maisashvili were video-chatting with Maisashvili's mother, when she asked pointblank if her son would walk again.

It caught Copeland a little off guard.

"I said yes just because I knew what kind of kid Sandro was," he said.

It's in these kinds of situations where people show who they truly are, Copeland said. And as he'd gone through this experience with Maisashvili, Copeland said the teenager was never down, holding onto his cheerful demeanor, and that he only expressed a desire to fight.

"He never stopped smiling the whole time," Copeland said.

Meanwhile, Maisashvili was having trouble with his insurance back home, and soon his foreign exchange student visa would expire.

Maisashvili's insurance ruled the malformation a pre-existing condition and so declined to cover the cost of the surgeries, the hospital stay and the physical therapy.

St. Vincent stepped up, Copeland said. Through its charitable-giving arm, the hospital covered the costs.

Maisashvili's mother, Eka, flew into Billings and, once Maisashvili was released from St. Vincent, the hospital put the two into the Ronald McDonald House. Maisashvili began his physical therapy, going over to the hospital almost every day to build back strength in his legs and learn to walk again. He was improving rapidly.

That's when Maisashvili texted Copeland and told him plane tickets had been mailed and he was being told by the U.S. State Department that he would be flying home in two days' time.

"I thought, 'No, this isn't right,'" Copeland said. "But how do you call the State Department?"

He and his staff looked up a handful of phone numbers, and Copeland eventually was able to get through to the right group. After leaving an impassioned voice mail arguing the obvious medical need for Maisashvili to stay in Billings, he got a call back telling him his request was denied.

He had one more shot. The woman on the other line told Copeland the group that decides the status of student visas was meeting, and he could make his case to the group by speakerphone.

Copeland told the group Maisashvili would be an hour from the physical therapy he needed once he returned home and that transportation to and from was not consistent or reliable.

"He's in a race against muscle atrophy," Copeland told the group. "It's critical he gets in his physical therapy work early."

His best chance was to stay in Billings and continue working with the team here.

The group at the State Department discussed the issue and then made their decision.

"You've got until June," they told him.

And so they made a plan  Maisashvili had to walk by June. If Maisashvili could get up and get himself walking before he returned home, then most of the physical therapy he'd need Maisashvili could do himself by simply walking around.

Copeland and Maisashvili met for their last appointment on Thursday and it was the moment each had been working toward. Maisashvili had to stand out of his wheelchair and walk across the exam room.

"I need to see you up," Copeland said smiling as Maisashvili wheeled down the hallway. "That's the agreement."

And so, with the support of a walker, Maisashvili stood.

He began his slow, deliberate walk from the hallway and into the exam room, the first time he'd taken a step since the end of January.

"That so awesome," Copeland said as he watched. "I'm so proud of you."

"It's a good feeling," Maisashvili said.

Copeland credits Maisashvili's team of therapists, doctors and nurses who worked with him over the past four months for the progress he's made. It's nothing short of remarkable, he said.

But more than that, he credits Maisashvili.

"The kind of person he is, that led to his success," Copeland said.
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America must return to conservative principles of less government,reduced taxes, less spending and a balanced budget! Cut,cap and balance!
For a long time, Kathmandu has been advocating for a trilateral corridor between China, Nepal and India to enhance the volume of trade at the regional level. However, this idea gained currency only after Chinese President XI Jinping put forward the idea of Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in 2013. Since then, both China and Nepal have been actively pushing this idea of trilateral corridor at various regional forums. After Nepal signed a framework agreement with China on the BRI on May 12 and participated in the BRI Forum in Beijing on May 14 and 15 this year, Kathmandu and Beijing could double their efforts to make India a party to the trilateral corridor for their own interests.[1]

Kathmandu put forward the idea of developing Nepal as a land-bridge between Central and South and Southeast Asia at the second South-South Summit in Doha in 2005. Later on, this policy was incorporated in the Nepals Annual Budget of 2005. The government of Nepal welcomed Chinas efforts to bring its railway to the Nepalese border and extend it further to Kathmandu. Subsequently, a separate wing was opened at Nepals Ministry of Transportation in Kathmandu in cooperation with the Asian Development Bank to work on the modality of the trilateral corridor between China, Nepal and India.

After the end of the monarchical institution in Nepal in 2008, the Maoist leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal took the fresh initiative in 2010 to push the idea of trilateral corridor. Since then political forces with extreme right and left leanings have joined this chore.

China took up this idea with India under the broader framework of BRI during the meeting of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Beijing in May 2015. Chinas Foreign Minister Wang Yi also raised this issue with Indian Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj in Kathmandu the same year, on the sidelines of an international conference on the earthquake reconstruction.

Recently, Di Fangyao, Deputy Director of the Institute of South Asia, Xizang Minzu University of China, in his paper on Thinking in Building the China-Nepal-India Economic Corridor said that the corridor could bring about significant changes in South Asia and South East Asia as millions of people in the region might get rid of poverty. Besides, this could also increase the level of tolerance, mutual respect, friendship and above all investment in the region. And, more than that, Kathmandu might even emerge as Brussels of South Asia.[2]

Indias concerns India has not made any official comment about Nepal joining the BRI. However, it is well known that it is critical to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project of the BRI, as it breached its sovereignty, passing through Gilgit-Baltistan in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.[3] Moreover, India has been apprehensive about the BRI for its lack of transparency.

The issue of lack of transparency was also raised in the BRI Forum by the leaders of Germany, France, England, Greece, Portugal and Estonia. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta too wanted greater transparency in the implementation process of the BRI.[4]

The regional development arm of the United Nations, the Economic and Social Commission for Asia Pacific (ESCAP), in its report on the BRI, has warned that the controversial CPEC route could even raise geo-political tensions with India and create political instability in the region.[5]

Indias alternatives So far as Nepal is concerned, India contributed much more than what is being envisaged by China under the BRI. India did a lot for developing connectivity with this country through roadways and even to some extent through railways and power grid. Indias contribution is exemplary in developing infrastructural facilities in Nepal. It now wants to join the US in developing two major infrastructure projects in South and Southeast Asia that could even counter the BRI. The Donald Trump administration is contemplating on the New Silk Road initiative that was first conceived by Hillary Clinton in July 2011 in her speech in Chennai.[6] Also, the possibility is high for India to collaborate with more vigorous Japans Partnership for Quality Infrastructure and the American Indo-Pacific Economic Corridor, which could emerge as an alternative to the BRI.[7]

Economic dimensions It is often stated that there will be a massive flow of Chinese tourists to Nepal and South Asia once the trilateral corridor is developed between China, Nepal and India. It is also argued that all the countries in the region could benefit from the corridor through the trade.

However, it is feared if China will that easily open Tibet for tourists from Nepal, India and other parts of the world through the trilateral corridor. Recent experience shows that China did not even allow the Nepalese business persons and truck drivers, other than those from Nepals northern regions, to enter into the Chinese territory from across the Rasuwagadhi sector when they wanted to collect 46 containers of goods in Tibet during the time the Madheshis in Terai region had imposed economic blockade at the Nepal-India border in 2015-16.

In 2015-16, Nepal imported goods worth $1.07 billion from China, whereas its exports to that country were mere $15 million. Exports to China were only 1.4 percent of Nepals total imports from that country.[8] Similarly, Indias trade deficit with China exceeded 53 billion in 2015-16.[9] Since the exportable items from Nepal and India to China are mainly primary goods and the importable items are manufactured goods, it is likely that the deficit in their balance of trade with China will further aggravate.

Security dimensions India and China are having border dispute for a long time with no solution in sight till now. They even had a war in 1962. Border intrusions still continue. Against this backdrop, the Rasuwagadhi-Kerung route through which China is interested in entering Nepal and further to India through the railways and roadways is strategically most sensitive. This will be the shortest route for China to reach Indian border, even bypassing Kathmandu. In view of the proximity and porous border between Nepal and India, India might not feel comfortable when the security personnel and other people from China start working in the trilateral corridor and other such projects under the BRI. This could also lead to Indias reduced influence in South Asia.[10] Nepal, however, regards the trilateral corridor purely as an economic and socio-cultural phenomenon rather than the strategic one.[11]

Major challenges There is a growing perception that the BRI projects merely serve Chinas strategic maritime and overland passages at the costs of the partner countries. China is having excess production of steel and cement, which it has to dump outside the country to keep the domestic industries running.[12] This is more so necessary for China at a time the country is struggling with slower growth and higher dependence on heavy and manufacturing industries.

But in certain quarters, the BRI is considered like erstwhile British East India Company, which had an imperialist design. Therefore, some of those countries which initially were trapped under the BRI have started receding from their stand. In Sri Lanka, people have started raising voice against the 15,000-acre industrial zone. Also, many people have opposed China-built Hambantota port, which is running in huge loss.[13] In its effort to vent its anger, Sri Lanka even refused to entertain Chinese submarine when it tried to dock at the Colombo terminal.

The non-performing loans at the state-owned banks in China pose threat to the growth of the economy. Its foreign exchange reserves that had touched a record high of $ 4 trillion in 2014 has declined by a quarter in 2017.[14] Such a development could limit its capacity to make investment abroad.

Most of the BRI projects are concentrated in politically unstable countries, which face larger risk in implementation. Besides, the lack transparency and the indifference towards social and environmental issues in the BRI projects is also a problem.

Social unrest and the increase in the ageing population could have an adverse effect on the growth of China. 1.8 million workers in the steel and coal industries have been laid off. The year 2016 marked the lowest growth rate of 6.9 percent in China in the last 25 years. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang acknowledged the seriousness of the situation when he stated, China will face more and tougher problems and challenges in its development this year, so we must be fully prepared to fight a difficult battle.

Indias worry China shows its interest in connectivity with India through Nepal, which is third country. But it is not so interested in developing direct connectivity with India, though the Indian market is so huge.[15] Nathula Pass is the only operational trade route between India and China over their 4,500-kilometer long border. This route, which was closed after the 1962 War between the two countries, was reopened only in 2006.[16] However, the volume of trade between the two countries through this route is still limited.

A direct economic corridor between China and India would demand delineation of the border at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) between the two countries in some sectors. For this, it will be necessary to set up custom offices and develop certain infrastructure to facilitate trade through the border. But China is least enthusiastic on such an arrangement. It does not want to enter the Indian market directly through their common border, but only through the third country like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar Economic Corridor (BCIM) and the proposed China-Nepal-India Economic Corridor (CNIEC). China intends to make entry into the Indian market without resolving border issues with India at the LAC.[17]

Through the trilateral corridor, China wants to use Nepal merely as a gateway to dump its goods in India. Other than importing goods, there is very little for Nepal and India to take benefits from the Chinese market. But Kathmandu overlooks this truth and supports the BRI.

The idea of trilateral corridor is politically motivated as only Kathmandu and Beijing seems to be interested in it. Possibilities are higher for many of the industries in Nepal and India to get further skewed through such corridor. Therefore, India has apprehensions to join trilateral corridor and its response on this issue is lukewarm.

Moreover, the lack of transparency in the terms and conditions of the BRI is itself a great bottleneck in its acceptability. In the existing situation, India will not be part of the BRI that is intended to enhance Chinas economic and strategic clout at the regional or global level. It is unlikely that India will ever be prepared to accept the role of playing second fiddle in Chinas global ambition through the BRI. Therefore, the best approach for Nepal will be to focus on bilateral relations with dragon and elephant rather than to get involved in regional level geo-political game under the garb of the BRI.

(Source:- Observer Research Foundation)
Guwahati: The city based A Emerge Diagnostic under the leadership of Dr Dhrubajyoti Gogoi will conduct the next Saturday OPD clinic at Guwahati Press Club (GPC). The camp, organized under the series of 'Evening with a Doctor' programs for the benefit of GPC members along with their dependants, will begin at 3 pm (of 17 June) and continue till 6 pm.

The participants will get the facility to check their hemoglobin, cholesterol, bilirubin, creatinine, random sugar test and blood pressure along with free healthcare consultations in the weekly camp.The last GPC clinic on 10 June was supervised by Wintrobe Hospital, where A Dr Nitin Gupta A and Dr Debajit Baishya offered consultations to over 30 participants.

A They were assisted by nurses Jyotshna Dey & Sumi Bora along with health-workers Minu Baishya, Simi Saikia and Kakhini Sima in A conducting the camp. On the other hand, the 24 June media clinic will be conducted by Sight First Eye-Clinic, where as 1 July camp is assigned for Nemcare Hospital and 8 July for Fortis Hospitals A Bangalore.

A Till date, practicing doctors from Apollo Chennai Hospital, Medanta-the Medicity Hospital, Manipal Bangalore Hospital, Down Town Hospitals, GNRC Hospitals, Dispur Hospitals, Narayana Super-Specialty Hospitals, Swagat Super Surgical Institute, Shankardev Nethralaya Guwahati, Barthakur Clinic, Rahman Hospitals, Sun Valley Hospital, Government Ayurvedic College, MMC Panbazar, Institute of Dental Science & Research Center etc have attended the camps.
Kathmandu, Nepal: Ambassadors from neighboring India and China for Nepal, Manjeev Singh Puri and Ms Yu Hong respectively called on Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, separately at the Office of Prime Minister and Council of Ministers at Singha Durbar on Friday.

The meeting of both the ambassadors of the neighboring countries India and China is taken meaningfully as it is happened in single day though it is termed just a coincidence.

During the meeting with Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, the Indian Ambassador Puri raised his concerns over the recent political situation of the country. Indian Ambassador Puri vowed for consolidating the mutual interests and bilateral relations existing between the two neighboring countries.

Similarly, Chinese Ambassador vowed for further strengthening the bilateral relations and mutual cooperation between the two neighboring countries.
Imphal (Manipur) : One Assam Rifles trooper was martyred and four others wounded in a powerful explosion triggered by the suspected militants in Manipur's Ukhrul district along the Myanmar border on Thursday.

According to the reports, suspected militants attacked on a petrol party of the para-military force with a remote control bomb blast when the team returned to their Kasom post near Hundung in the bordering district with Myanmar.

In the militants attack five Assam Rifles personnel were injured and they were airlifted to the militanry hospital at Leimakhong near Imphal, where an Assam Rifles trooper succumbed his injuries and he was identified as Havildar Lohit Gogoi.

A top official of Assam Rifles said that, other injured personnel are now out of danger.

Meanwhile, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh condemned the incident and said that the attackers will be hunted and justice to be brought.

It is fourth militants attack on security forces in the north eastern Indian state since May last.

On June 3, three security personnel including a Junior Commanding Officer (JCO) of Assam Rifles were injured in a powerful Improvised Explosive Device (IED) explosion at the junction of H Mongjang village near Khudengthabi along the National Highway 102 in Imphal-Moreh road.

On May 19, at least four Manipur police commandos and Manipur Rifles jawan were injured in an powerful Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast triggered by suspected militants in Manipur's Chandel district.

The explosion took place between Kwatha and Khudentabi area on Imphal-Moreh road, some 10 kms from the Indo-Myanmar bordering town Moreh, when two vehicles of Manipur police commandos and Manipur Rifles jawan escorted Parliamentary Secretary (Home) of Manipur state government L Susindro Meitei returning from Kwatha.

On May 8, an army jawan was killed and three others including a Junior Commanding Officer ( JCO) were injured in a powerful IED blast at Moreh in Manipur along the Indo-Myanmar border.

(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath)
Guwahati : Security forces had apprehended seven hardcore militants of outlawed NDFB (S) and its three linkmen in Assam, officials said.

Based on specific information about moving of NDFB (S) militants, Army and Kamrup Police had jointly launched operation on Wednesday and nabbed four NDFB (S) militants and three link men moving through National Highway 31.

Among the nabbed militants and linkmen, four were identified as Bidyaram Brahma alias B Madai alias B Onjula, Pradeep Daimari, Gwmbwr Boro and Ansula Boro.

Guwahati based defence PRO said that, the nabbed militants have been trained in 36 to 38 batches of NDFB (S).

'The militants were actively involved in extortion, arms smuggling and other nefarious and anti national activities,'A the Defence PRO said.

The SDPO Rangiya and a team of Army, Red Horns Div intercepted the militants, while they were moving to undertake a bank robbery in areas of Boko .

One 9mm pistol along with five live rounds and a Khukri were recovered from the apprehended militants.

The apprehension of this important cadre is significant towards thwarting the subversive plans of NDFB (S).

The apprehended militants and linkmen have been handed over to Rangiya Police Station on Thursday.

On the other hand, Guwahati city police had apprehended three more militants of the outfit group at Kamakhya railway station on Thursday.

(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath)
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Mostly, the Rude Pundit doesn't give a shit what you have to say, but, if you have to say it, you can write to Lee Papa here: rudepundit(at)yahoo(dot)com
Not a lot of filmmakers are rushing to make contributions to the single-take film style. Apart from being very difficult to pull off without a tonne of preparation beforehand you have to have something compelling in that single shot will captivate the audience's attention for a solid feature length run time.

Australian filmmakers Tristan Barr and Michael Gosden believe they have such a film with their thriller Watch The Sunset. Not only did the duo write and direct their flick but they also star in it along with Chelsea Zeller (who also helped with the screenplay), Annabelle Williamson, Aaron Walton, Zia Zantis-Vinycomb, Catherine Dawson, and Dennis Robertson. The cast all went to the same acting school, Victorian College of Arts in Melbourne, with exception of Annabelle Williamson, the little girl who plays Joey. Because, little girl. Der.

There is a new trailer for the flick, which will have its world premiere next month during the 20th anniversary of the Revelation Perth International Film Festival. While it has been edited together to highlight key moments in the story there is enough there to keep our interest, especially the side by side car crash at the end. Also, adding a child actor to the mix cannot be without it's challenges.
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 Collateral Consequences Resource Center creates Compilation of Federal Collateral Consequences | Main | You be the juvenile sentencing judge: what sentence for teen guilty of involuntary manslaughter for encouraging suicide? 

June 16, 2017

Historic criminal justice reform signed into law in Louisiana, which has historically been highest incarcerating state

As reported in this local article, "bills signed into law Thursday morning by Gov. John Bel Edwards aim to change Louisiana's reputation as the most imprisoned state in the country." Here are some the sentencing details from the press article (though the folks should be sure to check out this summary of the full package of bills which covers an array of other issues including victim services and reentry concerns):

"With this ambitious package, Louisiana is projected to reduce the prison population by 10 percent and save $262 million over the next decade," according to the bills' package summary [available here]. "Seventy percent of these savings  an estimated $184 million  will be reinvested into programs and policies proven to reduce recidivism and support victims of crime." The legislation signed into law includes: Senate Bill 139 [which provides] alternatives to incarceration like drug rehabilitation. Expands probation eligibility to third-time nonviolent offenders, as well as first-time, lower-level violent offenders. It also gives opportunities for release. Consolidates eligibility for parole consideration for prisoners convicted of nonviolent, non-sex offenses at 25 percent of sentence served.... Senate Bill 220 [which alters sentencing rules to make sure law] focuses prison space on serious and violent offenders. It does this by removing less serious crimes to the violent crimes list and merging redundant theft and burglary offenses. Senate Bill 221 [which addresses] repeat offenders by lowering the mandatory minimum sentence for second and third offenses. Senate Bill 16 [which provides that] most people sentenced to life as juveniles receive an opportunity for parole consideration after serving a minimum of 25 years in prison.

June 16, 2017 at 10:49 AM | Permalink

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They almost got it right. However they continue to group the least non violent, non contact sex crimes with the most violent crimes.

Posted by: Anne | Jun 16, 2017 7:07:38 PM

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 Historic criminal justice reform signed into law in Louisiana, which has historically been highest incarcerating state | Main | AG Jeff Sessions makes the case for his new tougher federal charging/sentencing policy 

June 16, 2017

You be the juvenile sentencing judge: what sentence for teen guilty of involuntary manslaughter for encouraging suicide?

A high-profile state (bench) trial culminated this morning in a notable involuntary manslaughter conviction in the so-called in texting suicide case. This Boston Globe article provides the basic details to set up the question in the title of this post:

Michelle Carter, who repeatedly urged her boyfriend to kill himself, was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter Friday by a juvenile court judge, ending an extraordinary trial that explored a virtual relationship between teenagers that ended in a suicide. Judge Lawrence Moniz delivered his verdict after deliberating for two days in the jury-waived trial in Bristol Juvenile Court where Carter [who was 17 at the time of the offense] was being tried as a youthful offender. The trial riveted lawyers and the public alike as it delved into the painful interior lives of two teenagers who called themselves boyfriend and girlfriend though they had met in person only a few times.... Bristol prosecutors alleged Carter should still be held accountable for the death of Conrad Roy III even though she was not present when the 18-year-old with prior suicide attempts filled his truck with carbon monoxide on July 12, 2014. Carter and Roy spoke for 47 minutes as he parked in the parking lot of a Kmart in Fairhaven. When he told he was too scared and had left the truck, she ordered him to return, according to testimony at her trial. Get back in, she allegedly said. Roy left a suicide note addressed to Carter that was made public during her trial. Speaking from the bench, Moniz said that he concluded Carter was guilty of involuntary manslaughter, in part, for ordering Roy back into the truck in what she knew was a toxic environment where it would take him 15 minutes to die  and failed to notify anyone as required under Massachusetts law. Miss Carter had reason to know that Mr. Roy had followed her instruction and placed himself in the toxic environment of that truck, Moniz said. Knowing that Mr. Roy is in the truck, knowing the condition of the truck. Knowing, or at least having the state of mind that 15 minutes must pass, Miss Carter took no actions  She called no one. She did not issue a simple additional instruction: Get out of the truck. Moniz also said the case was not legally novel since 200 years ago, a state prison inmate was prosecuted for convincing a man facing the death sentence to hang himself in his cell six hours before he was to be executed. Moniz also noted that Roy had a long and troubled psychiatric history that included multiple suicide attempts  but each time he stopped and sought out help from his family and friends. Moniz set sentencing for Aug. 3. She faces up to 20 years in prison if given the maximum sentence for involuntary manslaughter.

I would be shocking if the judge here decided to impose a sentence anywhere near the applicable 20-year max. I am inclined to guess a prison sentence in the range of a year or two will be what the juvenile judge here will be considering. But I have not followed this case and the evidence closely, so I am really judge guessing here based on the nature of the crime and the offender. And I am interested to hear if others have more informed (or uninformed) views on what a fair and effective sentences in this case would look like.

June 16, 2017 at 12:02 PM | Permalink

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We had this exercise for Anthony Weiner. An update: "Weiner will be sentenced in Manhattan Federal Court on Sept. 8 for his sexting with a 15-year-old high school student." [NY Daily News]

The case here seems ripe for appeal. A year or two sounds like a reasonable guess.

Posted by: Joe | Jun 16, 2017 12:54:50 PM

I think a year or two is probably too light for such callous disregard for someones life. But there's a lot we don't know from this post. Depending on the history of the offender and her motivation.

Posted by: rsteinmetz70112 | Jun 16, 2017 1:20:54 PM

are you kidding .. people always are yelling: "jump" to folks going off a bridge .. etc .. cannot be a crime ..

even in this case .. she did nothing to put him in that situation ..

Posted by: alba | Jun 16, 2017 1:35:39 PM

For 1000 years of jurisprudence, the voluntary act of the suicide victim broke the chain of causation of the suicide.

In suicide, people want to scapegoat others, whether girlfriends on line, or treating doctors. I oppose all suicide tort litigation, and certainly criminal charges. The sole exception is a physician who physically assists a patient to kill himself, in a state where physician assisted suicide is prohibited, handing a person a gun, injecting the person with a poison, pushing them off a roof.

As with other catastrophes, multiple factors operate, and most are not under the control of the defendant. The most powerful is mental illness, most of which are familial. The second most powerful factor is intoxication, especially by alcohol. Then comes family relationships. I would have gone after the family as a major factor.

As to the judge's, "...Miss Carter took no actions  She called no one...," I have a Massachusetts byline, not a Vermont byline. To my knowledge, there is no duty to rescue in that state. ( https://www.malawforum.com/content/duty-rescue-under-ma-law )

So the defendant is being scapegoated for major factors not under her control, in violation of Fifth Amendment procedural due process right to a fair hearing.

In addition, she is being subjected to outcome bias, another violation of her due process right. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outcome_bias) The failure to raise this argument should be lawyer malpractice because it is ubiquitous.

Posted by: David Behar | Jun 16, 2017 2:08:59 PM

Joe. "A year or two sounds like a reasonable guess." Without breaching your privacy, can you tell us if you had any legal training?

Posted by: David Behar | Jun 16, 2017 2:16:22 PM

Not knowing all of the options that the judge has, I am going to guess at what a judge would do in my state with a similar situation.

Here, we have something called split jurisdiction. The judge can a period of juvenile detention along with an adult sentence. The offender initially serves the juvenile detention with the adult sentence suspended. If the offender successfully completes the juvenile detention, they receive probation on the adult sentence. If they fail to successfully complete the juvenile detention, they have to serve the adult sentence. My hunch is that the judges here would use that provision to impose something like a 6-8 year sentence with placement in DYS for 1-2 years and the option to suspend the adult sentence if the defendant successfully completes the juvenile detention.

Posted by: tmm | Jun 16, 2017 3:04:58 PM

What she did is more disgusting than Bernie Madoff, so I'd give her one more year than whatever Madoff got.

Posted by: killers are worse than bankers | Jun 16, 2017 4:57:08 PM

@tmm mentioned the split jurisdiction, which is what I thought she might get given that she is a "youthful offender." However, after further review it appears that the DYS sentence can only be until the offender turns 21. It looks like Carter turns 21 in August of this year and it appears that her sentence will be handed down in Aug. I didn't realize she was 17 when this happened and that the prosecutor filed the "youthful offender" notice as a way of allowing an adult sentence as opposed to a juvenile delinquent sentence. Granted, the case is still in juvenile court and the policy booklet for judges in juvenile court stresses different reasons for sentencing then strictly punishment.

According to the Massachusetts Sentencing Guidelines it looks like Carter would be in the 40-60 month cell (I am assuming she has no criminal history). The guidelines appear to advisory though and there are a series of mitigating and aggravating factors the judge can consider. In my view (which lacks a lot of relevant information that only the judge would have) these factors kind of even out. The judge can sentence below the guidelines by articulating reasons but the state can appeal and the judge can sentence above the guidelines but the defendant can appeal.

With that said it would appear, at least from my reading, that a split sentence is a possible option. I believe this is only possible though with a county jail sentence (max 30 months) and not with a state prison sentence. This seems important to me as I would think a split sentence with a long term of probation would meet a number of the sentencing purposes for juvenile court. If a split sentence were allowed with a state prison sentence then the judge could do a 5 yr suspended sentence with Carter being required to serve a year followed by a term of probation of 4 years. If a split prison sentence is not allowed then the other alternative would be a 2.5yr suspended county jail sentence with a year to serve followed by probation. I simply don't know enough about the possible options the judge has to know what can and cannot be done here. Broadly speaking though, I would think that around 5 years suspended with a relatively short (9-18 months) incarceration period and community supervision might be a good touch here. I would imagine the pre-sentencing investigation will matter a lot with regards to Carter's mental state. Also, I believe there is a statutory provision in MA that allows the defense to file a motion seeking a psychiatric review prior to sentencing, which could lead to commitment in a mental health facility. Basically, way too many unknown variables (at least for me) to give an exact number.

Lastly, I think it is incredibly important to point out that judges in MA have life tenure. This is one of the only states that has this selection method (it may be the only, or NJ might have it too). To me this matters given the national attention that this case has received. The judge does not have an electoral incentive to hand down a higher sentence so as not to jeopardize a future reelection run. Given that he is a juvenile judge and as such is more attuned to the juvenile sentencing philosophy and that he lacks the electoral connection of an elected judge, I think it will be a modest sentence.

I of course could be completely wrong.

Posted by: sean | Jun 16, 2017 7:21:40 PM

I think of the movie Psycho. For an hour, we follow a dull couple of adulterers. Then, out of nowhere, in the greatest, and most shocking scene in horror movie history, the lady is repeatedly stabbed by a transvestite who stored his deceased mother upstairs.

When I discuss the study of law, I say, every turn of the page of every law book is as shocking as that scene.

An Olympic swimmer watches a 2 year old drown in a pool at his feet. No liability.

An Olympic swimmer jumps in and rescues the drowning 2 year old. Pulling him up, he bumps the child's head against the edge of the pool. Liable. Maybe even sue the pool maker, and the society of pool makers for guideline maker liability. To deter. To deter what? To deter the saving of a life.

You people are nuts. You need to be beaten with a stick. You are just bad people.

However, that is the law as it is.

Posted by: David Behar | Jun 16, 2017 8:34:23 PM

This guy was inclined to do it anyway, to allow someone remotely to talk you into it, when all you gave to do is turn the phone off.

Yes she was culpible, a yr ir two based on her age suffices. Trump brigade would give her life, if they could stretch the guidelines that far

Posted by: MidWestGuy | Jun 16, 2017 10:36:43 PM

And I think it will be interesting to see if this is one of the very rare cases SCOTUS takes on direct review. Certainly the speech at issue does not appear to fit any of the usually recognized 1A exceptions. Incitement is closest but even that seems a stretch on the imminence prong.

Posted by: Soronel Haetir | Jun 16, 2017 10:46:14 PM

I am going to invent a duty. However, here is a potential one.

In the greatest achievement in psychiatry of the 20th Century that no one knows about, not even psychiatrists, the prisons of the United States dropped their suicide rate by 80%, at no expense, with no new staffing, no programs, no treatment. It was not done by psychiatrists, but by prison wardens. Eyesight supervision. Period.

This victim tried to off himself several times. His brain was not working right. His family had a duty to maintain eyesight supervision. Instead he was alone. He drove a truck. he found access to an engine. This is a ridiculous fuck up by the family. His psychiatrists should have informed them of this sole tactic to prevent suicide. His psychiatrist should have placed him on a major tranquilizer for his false belief that death would solve his problems. Once his depression had been more adequately treated, more aggressively treated, there is a 100% chance, with no known exception in history, that he would be glad he had not killed himself.

So the multi-factorial analysis to catastrophes applies to suicide as well.

Imagine dropping the national suicide number of 35000 people by 80% at no additional cost. Stop the bullshit of hotline, and talking. Stop the stupid hand wringing by toxic left wing assholes.

I do not want to diverge here into the aggressive and proper management of suicide, except to say, the wardens of the prisons of the United States discovered it, and it costs nothing. It should be a standard of due care for professionals and for the families of the suicidal.



Posted by: David Behar | Jun 17, 2017 2:15:14 AM

"seems a stretch on the imminence prong"

The argument was that there was a direct imminence: "had left the truck, she ordered him to return." It would be somewhat different if she encouraged him over a span of time at school or something. People do encourage, "incite" in some sort of way, various things there that should not be criminal or at least it would be troubling if it was.

But, here, he was in the act and she incited him into doing it. That's the allegation at least. Now, there might be an absolute argument. That is, even if she was on a bridge with a mentally ill person and shouted "jump you asshole! you have no reason to live! stop being so weak!" that she should be be prosecuted.

Anyway, thinking this might be incitement doesn't really answer it for me since you are prosecuting her & possibly giving her a long sentence. If you are going to put her in jail, especially given her age, for 5-10 years, things should be pretty clear. Some doubt there matters. I think all these factors would warrant a low sentence and I am wary about prosecuting her for involuntary manslaughter at all. OTOH, nothing at all is not free from concern either. That sounds wishy-washy, but it's a troubling case.

Posted by: Joe | Jun 17, 2017 10:39:12 AM

I believe she will get a probationary sentence. she was extraordinarily callous based in the publicly available information but finding criminal liability here potentially sets a dangerous and unworkable precedent. I would have to, admittedly, study Massachusetts involuntary manslaughter law more to know where the judge was right to find causation. It seems her suggestion to get back in the truck was the key to his ruling. I am unaware if she has shown any remorse but 17 year olds are not the most thoughtful people in the world

Posted by: Angry bear | Jun 17, 2017 2:27:12 PM

Joe. Wishy washy? Not you.

Was there an intentional act of suicide? Was the defendant a doctor who provided or rigged the means of suicide?

I have been browbeating the lawyers here for years. They have not been "following my instructions and making themselves competent."

Posted by: David Behar | Jun 17, 2017 3:44:51 PM

Reading the story in the paper today one thing that really stands out is when the judge said she had some obligation to get help. This was covered but don't know where she had some legal obligation to get help. Is this the last episode of Seinfeld?

Posted by: Joe | Jun 17, 2017 4:19:48 PM

Reading the story in the paper today one thing that really stands out is when the judge said she had some obligation to get help. This was covered but don't know where she had some legal obligation to get help. Is this the last episode of Seinfeld?

Posted by: Joe | Jun 17, 2017 4:19:51 PM

The last episode of Seinfeld had to move to Vermont.

Posted by: David Behar | Jun 17, 2017 7:42:11 PM

Without analyzing MA law, my first impression was that the judge's emphasis on the failure to seek help was an attempt to jump the supervening cause issue: She goaded him, he got back in the suicide chamber (the supervening cause), she failed to seek help (the last clear chance).

Posted by: Fat Bastard | Jun 17, 2017 9:48:08 PM

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As we discussed back in February, while we were in the throes of our wettest winter in recent memory, weather like we had can potentially have seismic effects, triggering earthquakes when the ground becomes extremely saturated. That has been mostly theory, however, and now a new study published in the journal Science today provides some of the clearest evidence yet of the role that water may play in causing increases in seismic activity.

From the abstract:

To find out whether precipitation was playing a role, geophysicist Christopher Johnson, a recent Ph.D. graduate from the University of California, Berkeley, set out with colleagues to gather data from a network of 661 GPS sensors scattered around the state. The units are sensitive enough to detect when the ground rises or sinks by a few millimeters because of water weight, groundwater pumping, and tides, among other things. The scientists then teased out how much of those fluctuations came from water being added to or subtracted from Earths surface, and calculated how that affected forces deep underground where earthquakes begin, or nucleate. Those force changes were matched with a catalog of nearly 3700 California quakes between 2006 and 2014.

As it turns out, snow and rain can act as "weights" pressing down on mountains, and the gradual lifting of that weight appears to affect earthquake frequency along faults.

The Chronicle picked up the story, and as they summarize:

Johnson and his research partner Roland Burgmann, a UC Berkeley professor of earth science, found that seismic activity is as much as 10 percent greater in late spring and summer in the Sierra, owing to snowmelt followed by receding water levels in the ground along the coast in summer and early fall. While the uptick is modest, the research marks headway in the difficult science of earthquake prediction. The thorny endeavor has had limited success in using such things as weather and faraway geologic activity to forecast local and potentially dangerous temblors, but the water cycle may offer new hope.

Most of the earthquakes studied as part of this effort were under 3.0 in magnitude, but Johnson is studying whether water weight might have an effect on larger earthquakes as well.

Johnson tells the Chron, Its not like were [necessarily] seeing an earthquake season, but the timing of this water unloading is when were [historically] getting more earthquakes.
When came out in 2011 it was a turning point for female-led comedies. It was written by women, it centered on women, and most importantly, it made money, proving teenage boys are not the only people paying money to go to the movies.

For better or worse, it has since spawned a plethora of similar comedies, some of them straight-up copycats (I appreciate that Bachelorette's not even trying to pretend it wasn't, with a title that is easily confused with its inspiration), and some just starring Amy Schumer.

Now we have Rough Night, a thoroughly adult comedy about five college friends reuniting 10 years after graduation for a bachelorette weekend in Miami. The bride-to-be is Jess (Scarlett Johansson), a candidate for state senator who is running against someone whose "accidental" dick pics keep pushing him ahead in the polls. She's set to marry Peter (Paul W. Downs, who co-wrote the script with director Lucia Aniello), the kind of nice guy whose bachelor party consists of wine and cheese tasting.

The woman behind the hen party is Jess's possessive friend Alice (Jillian Bell), who, if she could, would probably not have invited anyone else. Alas, she is forced to include career activist Frankie (Broad City's Ilana Glazer, whom I am now convinced can only play herself), Frankie's former girlfriend, the rich and newly-divorced mom Blair (Zoe Kravitz), and Pippa (Kate McKinnon), Jess's Australian friend, whom none of the other girls has ever met. I'm not sure if Rebel Wilson was offered the part of Pippa and turned it down, or if McKinnon just felt like doing an Australian accent. Whatever the case, she does a terrible version of one, which is to say it's great because it's so ridiculous.

The gals shack up in a beachfront, glass-walled home owned by one of Jess's political donors, next door to two swingers played by Demi Moore and Ty Burrell, a couple that is not subtle about their hopes for an eventual orgy involving all of them. Once out on the town, Frankie easily scores some coke, and they convince the senatorial hopeful to partake. Her opponent is winning with dick pics, what's she got to lose?

As tends to be the case when booze and coke are concerned, some bad decisions are made, which include ordering a male stripper/hooker off of Craigslist, not vetting him at all, and then accidentally killing him.

If this movie were about a bachelor party that ended with the accidental death of a female stripper, it would... probably make millions, who are we kidding?* Yes, some people would be rightfully upset about the death of a woman being the center of a comedy, but let's not pretend the thing wouldn't make money.

So I'm not going to wring my hands over Rough Night's central premise, especially because it's pretty damn obvious from the start that the "stripper" isn't actually a stripper, and is very likely a bad guy. The majority of the movie centers on the women trying to figure out what to do, coming to the terrible decision to get rid of the body, and then trying to do that to various levels of comedic effect. At the same time Jess's fiance, convinced she wants to call off the wedding, decides to drive down to Miami, which results in one of the film's funniest scenes, involving an adult diaper, a semi-truck, and window washing.

Back when Bridesmaids came out, I gave it a favorable review, but noted that I found the casual moments between friends Kristen Wiig and Maya Rudolph much funnier than the scenes involving, say, public shitting. Rough Night isn't lacking in comedy  Kate McKinnon steals every second of her screen time, Ilana Glazer may not branch out much from her Broad City persona, but luckily, it's a funny persona, and Jillian Bell tackles the physical comedy she's relegated to with aplomb  but not for one moment did I ever believe these women would have been friends in college, let alone ten years later. It all felt as genuine as a friendship depicted in your average man-baby comedy starring Adam Sandler. But ladies, shouldn't we do better than that?

*Yes, I am familiar with Very Bad Things. No, that film is not an apt comparison, as it is far darker than this one  barely a comedy, at all  and features the death of a woman who is paid to have sex, which most strippers will tell you they most decidedly are not.
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A look at recent coverage of ride-hailing company Uber is, forgive the expression, like watching a car crash. It's horrible (for everyone, including employees, drivers, passengers, investors, and people stuck in traffic) but hard from which to look away.

And now the venerable Time magazine is piling on, with the cover story for their June 26 issue blurbed as "Uber Fail," penned by San Francisco Bureau Chief Katy Steinmetz and the publication's executive editor Matt Vella.

The report, which dropped online Wednesday, doesn't contain much information unfamiliar to those who've been following the beleaguered company's spiral. That's not a diss, not at all! As a weekly news magazine, it's been Time's job since 1923 to gather the disparate bits of news on a topic into a solid package for mass consumption (one might in fact argue that mags like Time were the original blogs, just printed out onto paper). If your non-urban friends "don't get what the big deal is about Uber" this is a perfect story to send to them/post on their news feed.

It's the cover that, to me, is one of the toughest hits Uber's taken this week -- and this week, Travis Kalanick took a leave, Uber's #2 man bounced, a board member quit over a sexist remark, and a woman who was raped by an Uber driver is suing over that bounced #2's alleged unlawful acquisition of her medical records. (This week! This all happened this week! Christ.)

That's because the news of Uber's many, many failings isn't just the stuff of daily newspapers and blogs, it's now at the supermarket checkout stand, right between speculation on a Jennifer Aniston pregnancy and Scott Disick's latest romantic misstep. To many Americans, it's only when a headline hits the glossy cover seen at a grocery store point of purchase that news becomes "real" and they take notice. It's bad, non-urban buzz like that, my friends, that should make Uber "real" scared.

Update: This afternoon, Uber just sent the following email to...riders? People who've been threatened by drivers? People who wrote mean articles about them today? Anyway, here it is:
Tom Cruise has so much green-screen work producers could drop him into any number of films without worrying about the plot. Which could explain why he's in "The Mummy."

There, Cruise runs, fights and jumps so much youre never quite sure if this is a continuation of the franchise or a lost Mission: Impossible film.

Quickly pulled into the world of Ahmanet, an Egyptian princess who has been awakened from a curse, Cruise has to deal with plenty of Walking Dead characters and an odd museum curator (Russell Crowe) who has his own reasons for wanting the reign of terror to heat up.

Director Alex Kurtzman makes plenty of this seem like a much deeper story but, really, its just a lot of running and broken glass.

Cruise and Jake Johnson play soldiers of fortune who discover Ahmanets tomb, then tell a friend (Annabelle Wallis), who happens to be an expert on these things. She alerts her boss and, before we know it, the sarcophagus is on a plane headed to London. There, more dead folks turn up. The goal, of course, is to unite parts of both to create this uber world of evil.

While Crowe looks suspicious from the start, he doesnt give The Mummy anything more than Anthony Hopkins would. He has a secret, too, but its so dumb you dont really care if the spiders or rats get him.

Sofia Boutellas Ahmanet is fairly feral, clawing and scratching her way to a dagger and a stone. (And Crowe chains her up at one point, making this look like some 1950s thriller.)

Johnson gets plenty of funny lines and some makeup that looks like the makeup artists spent too much time writing numbers on Boutella to really care.

When Cruise gets a tour of Crowes secret museum, jars of other creatures come into focus, suggesting a future for more classy Universal horror films. Kurtzman doesnt dwell too long there  or anywhere, for that matter  but does give it enough screen time to lay tracks.

The Mummy moves well  no one stays put for too long  but its action is so unmotivated (and disjointed) it looks like it was edited by committee. Theres a hint of Da Vinci Code plotting to this but it never gets traction.

Instead, scenes are designed to show what Cruise has done in dozens of other, better action films. He emerges unscathed, but its unlikely hed want to get too wrapped up in this.

The Mummy is hardly a cinematic present.
Screenings

Free blood pressure screenings, 9:30-11 a.m. Wednesdays at Countryside Senior Living, front lobby. No appointment necessary.

Programs/Self-Help Groups

Al-Anon Information Center, call 712-255-6724.

Al-Anon and Alateen, meetings locally. For times, dates and locations of area meetings, call 712-255-6724.

Alcoholics Anonymous, beginners information, call 712-252-1333.

Arc of Woodbury County, serving the mentally challenged, 5:15 p.m. meeting, second Monday of the month at Mid-Step Services, 4303 Stone Ave. For families and interested persons.

Child Care Resource and Referral, provides resources, education and advocacy for children, parents, and child care providers. Assists in child care needs. For more information, call 712-277-1180.

Co-Dependence Anonymous, 7 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays at First Lutheran Church, Fireside Room.

Co-Dependents Anonymous (CODA), 10 a.m. Saturdays at Hawkeye Club, 420 Jones St.

Compassionate Friends, 7 p.m. fourth Wednesday of each month (third Thursday in November and second Sunday December) in Mercy Medical Center's Leiter Room. For families who have lost children. Contact Nancy Webb 712-212-4032 or Don Mulder 712-541-5512.

Clinics

Siouxland District Health immunization clinics, call for appointment, 712-279-6119 or 1-800-587-3005.

Information

Family and Addictive Illness series, for more information, call 234-2300.

Iowa Fathers, 6 to 8 p.m. fourth Tuesday of each month at Hope Lutheran Church, Education Building, 218 W. 18th St., South Sioux City, Neb. Support group to help single, divorcing and divorced parents residing in the state of Iowa.

Mercy Pathways Outpatient Program, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, on the third floor, Mercy's Central Medical Building, 801 Fifth St., Suite 360. Provides hope, help, opportunity to connect through group therapy for individuals experiencing personal, relationship, psychiatric issues. For more information, call 712-279-5991.

Narcotics Anonymous, meetings daily, various times, dates and locations. For more information, call 712-279-0733.

Overeaters Anonymous, 1 p.m. Tuesdays at Wesley United Methodist Church, 3700 Indian Hills Drive; 6 p.m. Tuesdays at St. John's Lutheran Church, 402 Lane Ave., Storm Lake; 7 p.m. Tuesdays at Church of the Nazarene, 226 N. Main St., Viborg, S.D.; 5:30 p.m. Thursdays and 9 a.m. Saturdays at Newman Center, 320 E. Cherry St., Vermillion, S.D.; 10:30 a.m. Saturdays at Hawkeye Club, 420 Jones St. A 12-step recovery program for people who have problems with food and weight. No fees.

St. Lukes Outpatient Behavioral Health Program, 9 a.m. to noon Monday, Tuesday and Thursday on fifth floor of St. Luke's, located at 2720 Stone Park Blvd. Offers several levels of outpatient care including partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and group therapy. This program provides support and integrated treatment to individuals experiencing personal or relationship issues as a result of their mental illness. For more information and admission criteria, call 712-279-3906.

Sobriety By Faith, 8:30 a.m. Saturdays at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 1421 Geneva St. For more information, call James Mothershead at 712-577-9715.

The Link-Recovery and Freedom, 1603 Glen Ellen Road; 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday workshop, and Christian 12-step meeting 7 to 8 p.m. Tuesday. For all ages. Call Dee at 389-7432.

Women in Recovery, meets monthly at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 1421 Geneva St. For details, call 712-255-4623.

Tarahouse Meditation Center, 8 a.m. Mondays through Thursdays; 6:30 p.m. Fridays; 10 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays, all at 3112 Rebecca St. Three easy 10-minute sessions in small group; beginners welcome. For more information, call 490-6410.

Blood pressure and blood sugar screening, 9 to 11 a.m. Wednesdays in the lobby at Westwood Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Free to public.

Support Groups

Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous, 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays at Hawkeye Club basement, 420 Jones St. For more information, call 277-5935.

Celebrate Recovery, Bible-based 12-step recovery group. Thursdays at 6 p.m. at Sunnybrook Community Church, 5601 Sunnybrook Drive. Childcare provided. 712-490-3343. All welcome.

PFLAG of Siouxland, (Parents & Friends of Lesbians and Gays), 7 p.m., fourth Monday of January, March, May, July, September and November. St. Mark ELCA Church, 5200 Glenn Ave., in the upstairs meeting area. 712-258-3116.

Singles widowed and divorced, all ages, 4 p.m., Sundays. McDonald's at Sixth Street and Lewis Boulevard. 712-252-2675.

GriefShare, 6:30 -8:30 p.m. every Tuesday until Dec. 6 at Sunnybrook Community Church, 5601 Sunnybrook Drive, Sioux City. 712-276-5814.

H.E.L.P. Ministries, spiritual NA support group, "Sunday on Saturday" service 6-8 p.m every Saturday at 513 Main St., Sioux City. Donald, 712-574-1744.

HIV/AIDS Support Group, meets weekly. For more information, call Darla or Teri at Siouxland Community Health Center, 712-252-2477 or 888-371-1965.

Hospice of Siouxland, seeking volunteers. For more information, call 712-233-4144 and ask for a volunteer coordinator.

La Leche League of Siouxland, breastfeeding support group meets every third Thursday at 11 a.m. at Morningside Lutheran Church. Children are welcome. For more information, call Mary at 712-546-7280 or Jacquie at 712-255-2998.

Living Each Day Cancer Support Group, 7-8 p.m. second Thursday of the month, Floyd Valley Hospital, Conference Center Room 2, Le Mars, Iowa. Open to all cancer patients, cancer survivors and family members. No charge. Pre-register by calling 712-546-3441 or 800-642-6074, ext. 441.

Mom and Baby Support Group, 10-11 a.m. last Monday of the month at the Orange City (Iowa) Hospital, lower level. For new moms and babies. 712-737-5260.

Tri-State Sober Project, 12-step meeting, 7:30-8:30 p.m., Tuesdays, Friendship Community Church, 305 Sergeant Square Drive, Sergeant Bluff. 6-7 p.m., Thursdays, Transitional Services of Iowa, 1221 Pierce St., Sioux City.

Doug's Donors Support Group, information for organ donors and recipients, 12:30-1:30 p.m. Fridays, 5:15-6:30 p.m. second Thursdays of the month at Mercy Cafeteria Woodbury Room. 712-277-1050.

Divorce Care, 6:30 -8:30 p.m. every Tuesday until Dec. 6 at Sunnybrook Community Church, 5601 Sunnybrook Drive, Sioux City. 712-276-5814.

NAMI Siouxland, (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Support Group meets 6:30 p.m., second Tuesday of the month at Friendship House, 1101 Court St. For individuals and family members dealing with mental illness. 712-255-4209.

Orphan Sunday, 3:30-5 p.m. Sunday at Sunnybrook Community Church loft, 5601 Sunnybrook Drive.

Post Polio Support Group, 11 a.m. first Thursday of the month at Perkins Restaurant by Menards. 712-490-8213.

Relationship Support Group, 7 p.m. Fridays at Marketplace Mall. For more information, call 239-3129.

Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence, Individual and Support Groups. For more information, call CSADV in Sioux City at 712-258-7233; Plymouth County at 712-546-6764; Monona County at 712-423-3443. Advocacy and support available 24 hours a day at 1-800-982-7233. All services free of charge and confidential.

Sickle Cell Disease Support Group, 11 a.m. third Saturday of each month at St. Luke's Hospital, meeting room 1. For patients, their family and any concerned member. Call La'Keshia Rainey at 712-203-2019 for more information.

Single and Parenting, 6:30 -8:30 p.m. every Tuesday until Dec. 6 at Sunnybrook Community Church, 5601 Sunnybrook Drive, Sioux City. 712-276-5814.

Sioux City Association of the Deaf, 7 p.m. third Saturday of the month at Morningside Church of Christ, 5015 Garretson Ave. Regular meeting, September-May; no meeting, June, July, August and December.

Siouxland Autism Support Group, second Thursday of the month at Northwest Area Education Agency, 1520 Morningside Ave. For more information, call Julie Case at 712-490-8939.

Siouxland Epilepsy Support Group, 5 p.m. third Tuesday of the month at Prestwick Apartment Clubhouse, 4230 Hickory Lane. For anyone diagnosed with seizures or epilepsy and family or friends. For more information, call Steve at 274-6927.

Siouxland IC support group, meets quarterly in Sioux City. For patients struggling with interstital cystitis. For more information, call Jacque Dundas 316-641-9766.

Siouxland Informational Group for the Blind, 2-5 p.m. second Tuesday of the month at Northern Hills Retirement Community, 4002 Teton Trace. For more information, call 712-266-8926 or 258-8151.

Grief support group, 5:30-7:30 p.m., beginning Oct. 5 for 13 weeks (may join at any time), Crescent Park United Methodist Church, 2826 Myrtle St., Sioux City. Scott, 712-899-6315.

Siouxland Ostomy Association, 2 p.m. first Sunday of each month (except September, which will be second Sunday; and no meetings June, July, August), in Room 300 at Mercy Medical Center, 801 Fifth St. For more information, call Dick Lindblom at 251-2453.

Siouxland Parkinson Disease Support Group, 1 p.m. fourth Monday of the month at Siouxland Center for Active Generations, 313 Cook St. For more information, call Sally Reinert at 402-987-3516.

South Sioux City Weight Support Group, 8:30 a.m. Wednesdays at St. Paul United Methodist Church, South Sioux City. For more information, call 494-1401 or 494-2133.

Disabilities Resource Center of Siouxland, 520 Nebraska St., Suite 101: Women's Support Group, 1:30 p.m. first Wednesday of the month; LGBT Support Group, 1:30 p.m. first Friday of the month; Adult ADHD, 6 p.m. second Tuesday of the month; Advocacy Group, 1:30 p.m. third Tuesday of the month. For more information, call 712-255-1065.

Take Off Pounds Sensibly, group meetings various times, days and locations in Siouxland. For information on the chapter in your area, call 1-800-932-TOPS.

Voice Disorder Support Group, meets as needed at Mercy Medical Center, Buena Vista Room. 712-279-2686.

Women's Peer Support Group, in Wayne and South Sioux City, Neb., for those who have experienced domestic abuse. For more information, call the Wayne office at 402-375-4633 or 1-800-440-4633; in South Sioux City, call 402-494-7592. Help and support available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Services free and confidential.

Woodbury County D.M.D.A., noon-2 p.m. first Saturday of the month at Country Friendship Acres, 4501 West St.; 7-8 p.m. first Tuesday of the month at 515 Court St. in the Community Room; 7-8 p.m. second Tuesday of the month at 441 W. Third St. in the Community Room; 7-8 p.m. third Tuesday of the month at 409 W. Third St. in the Community Room. Support group for people with disabilities and mental disorders.

Natural Mamas in Siouxland, 1 p.m., third Tuesday of each month in the Garretson room of the Morningside Public Library. All ages of children are welcome to come with moms. For sharing natural living tips, recipes, natural remedies and health, homemaking, mothering, etc. For more information, call 402-913-0038 or visit their Facebook page.

A Step Beyond support group, 3:30 p.m. second Tuesday of the month, except for August, November and December when it meets at 5:30 p.m. (no meeting in January) at the Christy-Smith Resource Center, 1819 Morningside Ave. For more information, call 712-276-7319.

Divorce care, 5 p.m., Sundays. Fireside room, Morningside Lutheran Church, 700 South Martha St.

Gamblers Anonymous meetings, 4 p.m. Thursdays at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 315 Hamilton Blvd.; 7 p.m. Wednesdays, Morningside Presbyterian Church, 4327 Morningside Ave.; 7 p.m. Tuesdays, St. John Lutheran Church; 7 p.m. Sundays, Hawkeye Club, 420 Jones St.. 712-277-2901.

Art therapy support group, 5:30 p.m. second Thursday of the month at the June E. Nylen Cancer Center. Registration required, call 252-9387.

After Breast Cancer Support Group, 5:30 p.m. third Tuesday of the month at the June E. Nylen Cancer Center. For more information, call Brenda, 252-9370.

After Prostate Cancer Support Group, 5:15 p.m. first Tuesday of the month at the June E. Nylen Cancer Center. For more information, call 252-9426.

Alzheimer's Association, Big Sioux Chapter Support Group, 2 p.m. second Tuesday of the month; 4 p.m. third Tuesday of the month (under age 65) at 201 Pierce St., Suite 110 (Famous Dave's building); and 6 p.m. first Tuesday of the month at the Barnes and Noble Cafe. For more information, call Emily Lord at 712-279-5802.

Christy-Smith Funeral Homes of Sioux City, extensive grief library at the Morningside location. Open to the public during weekday hours. For more information, call 276-7319.

Chronic Pain/Chronic Illness Support Group, 7:30 p.m. fourth Wednesday of the month in the lower level of the Orange City Hospital. For more information, call 712-737-5260.

Connections Area Agency on Aging, and Mercy Medical Centers Older Adult Services Welcome to Medicare, 1:30-4 p.m., the first Friday of every month at Connections Area Agency on Aging, 2301 Pierce St. To pre-register, or for more information, contact Connections Area Agency on Aging at 712-279-6900.
A stately United Methodist church in our town, finally vacant, will be razed for a parking lot. A few remaining old-time members are saddened.

Actually, loss of once-thriving churches is common nowadays for Methodism and other parts of mainline Protestantism. They've suffered a half-century of relentless shrinkage.

Back in the 1960s, when U.S. Methodists merged with Evangelical United Brethren, the faith had 11 million adherents. At that time, the U.S. population was 180 million. Now the United Methodist Church has dropped to just 7 million American members, while the nation's population almost doubled.

The same downsizing hit most other mainline branches. America's two chief Presbyterian denominations (later merged) had 4.2 million members in the 1960s _ but now the combined Presbyterian Church USA is down to 1.5 million. The Episcopal Church had 3.6 million in the 1960s, but only 1.8 million today. The Disciples of Christ fell from 1.9 million to 600,000.

When I came of age in 1950s, so-called mainline Protestantism _ respected, "tall-steeple" churches with seminary-educated pastors _ was the very essence of America. Catholicism and fundamentalism seemed like fringes.

But U.S. culture shifted. The mainline went into decline, while Catholics and evangelicals boomed. Megachurches featuring dynamic preachers blossomed. Pentecostalism, in which members speak in tongues, grew rapidly.

Then secularism _ which soared in Europe and other democracies after World War II _ hit America. Starting in the 1990s, the number of younger Americans who say their faith is "none" rose with surprising swiftness. Now, the Public Religion Research institute says "nones" have become America's largest category at 25 percent, surpassing Catholics (21 percent) and white evangelicals (16 percent). Mainliners have fallen to around 15 percent, followed by Mormons at perhaps 7 percent or less.

Significantly, while Christianity declines in America, it is booming in southern, tropical, Third World nations. Pentecostalism has surged so much in the south that almost one-fourth of all the world's Christians now follow this emotional faith.

At Easter, the director of the Billy Graham Center at Wheaton College wrote in The Washington Post that America's mainline Protestants have "just 23 Easters left" if current decline rates continue. Ed Stetzer said:

"Now, less than one of 33 people you meet on the street regularly attends a mainline Protestant church. ... Trend lines are showing a trajectory toward zero in both those who attend a mainline church regularly and those who identify with a mainline denomination 23 years from now. While the sky isn't falling, the floor is dropping out."

Of course, trends on charts rarely reach zero. But demographics show clearly that U.S. religion has undergone enormous change since a half-century ago. Not even prophecy believers can see what's ahead.

James A. Haught is editor emeritus of West Virginia's largest newspaper, The Charleston Gazette-Mail. He can be reached by phone at 304-348-5199 or by email at haught@wvgazettemail.com.
GEORGE, Iowa | A man, who was allegedly drunk, drove his pickup into a road grader outside of George Tuesday.

The Lyon County Sheriff's Office said Arvin Krahling, 41, of Ashton, was driving a truck southbound on Jefferson Avenue when he struck a county road grader moving a downed tree.

Krahling was transported to Sanford Sheldon Medical Center for minor injuries. He was then taken into custody upon release for operating while intoxicated, an aggravated misdemeanor.

The press release did not detail damages of the truck or the road grader.

The Iowa State Patrol, George Emergency Medical Services, George Fire Department and the Lyon County Ambulance assisted at the scene.

George is located in eastern Lyon County in the northwest corner of Iowa.
CHEROKEE, Iowa | The first U.S. soldier to die in battle in World War I came from Iowa: Merle Haye, of Glidden, in Carroll County.

Historians say the same about World War II, as Robert M. Losey, of Andrew, was killed in Norway on April 21, 1940, some 19 months before Pearl Harbor.

And, the last soldier to die in the Vietnam War: Darwin Lee Judge, of Marshalltown, one of two Marines killed in a rocket attack on April 29, 1975, the day before the Fall of Saigon.

Those are a few of the details one may learn when spending time with Dana Evans, Veterans Services Officer serving Cherokee County. Evans spends this week at the Cherokee County Fairgrounds, serving as one of many local hosts for the Vietnam Moving Wall, stationed at the fairgrounds through Monday.

Some 853 Iowans were killed in the Vietnam War, Evans said, and he worked with a friend to print and display a dog-tag, listing the date of death, for each one. Two young men, Ronald LeRoy Means and David Douglas Siegel, hailed from Cherokee.

Cherokee County residents Denny Lowell Bruce and Norman Lee Roggow, of Aurelia, Iowa, and Ronald Johnson, of Quimby, were also killed in Vietnam, men whose names have a place on the Vietnam Moving Wall.

Ronald Mahoney, lived in the tiny Cherokee County community of Meriden, until he was 13. He was 23 when he was killed in the line of duty in Vietnam in December 1966.

"It is important we not forget them," said Evans, who served as quartermaster with the U.S. Navy from 1969-70. "And people can't forget about Iraq or Afghanistan, either. The 20th Iowa soldier to die (in Iraq or Afghanistan) was Nathan Schubert, from Cherokee."

Evans worked with Mick Samsel, of Creative Services, in Cherokee, to create display panels honoring Iowans who died in the line of duty during World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War and our latest wars in the Middle East.

Their efforts serve as a thorough, if not heartbreaking, complement to the Vietnam Moving Wall, an impressive display that invites members of the public to examine names at their pace.

"It will be here 24-7 (all day, all night) through Monday," Evans said.

The Vietnam Moving Wall last visited Cherokee one decade ago. Evans stood and watched as a man pulled into the fairgrounds one night in 2007. The man left his vehicle running as he ran toward the wall. "The man found the names and then ran back to his car and left," Evans said.

Others come for quiet reflection, or to find the names of loved ones, or young people they knew.

"One night I'll have a Genesee Cream Ale beer from New York and stand there with my buddies," said Evans, a longtime Iowan who happens to be a native of New York. "They're from New York and they deserve a beer from New York."
SIOUX CITY | Plans to construct a learning center next to the Sioux City Art Center received a significant boost Thursday through the reception of a $325,000 state grant.

The planned Gilchrist Learning Center received a nearly $325,000 Community Attraction and Tourism grant this week, capping what Art Center director Al Harris-Fernandez said has been a successful fundraising campaign for the project.

"That will significantly complete our fundraising," he said. "We're very happy we accomplished that."

Sioux City's Art Center Association, the private fundraising arm of the Art Center, kicked off its fundraising campaign in late February with a goal to receive $400,000 in contributions toward the $3.5 million project.

Harris-Fernandez said during that time the Art Center Association added 315 donors who raised approximately $58,000, an amount that aided the reception of the $325,000 award.

The Gilchrist Learning Center, named after the organization that provided its $1 million naming gift, will be a slender 11,400-square-foot building located at 220 Pierce St. The building will contain a classroom, four studios, a ceramics area and pin-up spaces for artwork, adding classroom space and enabling the Art Center to expand its educational programs.

The building is projected to open in 2018. Harris-Fernandez said the Association plans to continue raising additional funds for potential additions to the project.

The second phase of the project will include a remodel at the Art Center's main building to double exhibition space and nearly double storage space dedicated for the center's growing permanent collection.
SIOUX CITY | Shaun Broyhill, a Sioux City Republican who lost a bid for Iowa House District 13 last year, is considering running for the seat again or Senate District 7 in 2018.

Broyhill, in an interview Thursday, said he has formed a "placeholder" candidate committee with the Iowa Ethics & Campaign Disclosure Board, since he has raised at least $1,000 in campaign funds. That's the threshold dollar point at which Iowans must form a committee.

In the 2016 general election, Broyhill lost to incumbent state Rep. Chris Hall, D-Sioux City, in the House District 13 race. Broyhill, said he is considering a bid for that seat again or Senate District 7, which is currently held by state Sen. Rick Bertrand, R-Sioux City.

Broyhill, a 37-year-old businessman, said he is more likely to run for the Senate seat. Bertrand in early June told the Journal he isn't certain if he will run for re-election next year. Broyhill said he has no timeline by which he will make a decision on whether he will be a candidate in the June 2018 GOP primary.

"It is a long way out," he said.

Rather than seek a seat in the state Legislature, Broyhill said he also may try to help field a strong group of 2018 Republican candidates. He holds the position of county co-chairman position for the Woodbury County Republican Party.

Broyhill was elected as a member of the Sioux City School Board in 2013, but resigned before the first meeting. Broyhill explained he stepped down to serve 120 days in jail for violating probation on a misdemeanor theft charge in Cedar County, Nebraska.
SIOUX CITY | Members of the local transgender community and their families will reflect on their struggles and experiences during a public forum hosted by the Sioux City Human Rights Commission.

Titled "Understanding Gender Identity," the June 28 forum will discuss a variety of topics related to transgender rights and issues.

The event will run from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Sioux City Public Museum, 607 Fourth St. It is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.

Brooke Davies, the Sioux City Police Department's newly appointed liaison to the LGBTQ community, will also be in attendance.

Pre-registration is required for the event. Attendees must call 712-279-6985 by June 26 to reserve a seat.
ELK POINT, S.D. | A former scientist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture said he considered himself an internal whistleblower when he raised concerns about a product that had been mixed in the nations ground beef supply for more than a decade.

Gerald Zirnstein, a microbiologist with the USDA, first used the term pink slime in an internal 2002 email to describe the Lean Finely Textured Beef product made by Dakota Dunes-based Beef Products Inc. Zirnstein and fellow USDA microbiologist Carl Custer testified in videotaped depositions Thursday in BPIs $1.9 billion defamation lawsuit against American Broadcasting Corp. for a series of news stories in 2012 that questioned the quality and safety of LFTB.

A third witness, former BPI Director of Quality Kit Foshee, also began his testimony Thursday. Foshee emerged as a public critic of BPI and LFTB after he left the company under acrimonious circumstances in 2002.

Zirnstein, Custer and Foshee were among the original parties sued by BPI in September 2012 after the company was forced to close three of four plants and lay off half its workforce. The three were eventually removed from the lawsuit as defendants, leaving ABC and correspondent Jim Avila as the remaining defendants.

Custer, who worked for USDA from 1972 to 2007, first became acquainted with what would be called LFTB in about 1989 when he was asked to review safety data of the new product. Initially, Custer wrote a report that said the product was safer than a similar product, but he testified that he changed his mind after two of his fellow USDA employees objected vehemently to his report.

Ultimately, an under secretary declared the product to be meat only because LFTB was pink in color, Custer said. He chalked up the decision as a political one that favored the meat industry at the expense of science.

Custer said he didnt think about the product for the next decade until USDA embarked on a new study of products used in ground beef in about 2002. By then Zirnstein was also on staff and had made his objections known about LFTB to members of their agency.

A key issue for both scientists was the difference between beef and meat. Beef, they said, included any part of a bovine animal, but meat was more specific to the trimmings from an animals skeletal muscles.

Technically, I would consider the hooves to be beef, Zirnstein said

Custer repeatedly referred to LFTB as a salvage product that was low in quality.

It is a low-temperature rendered byproduct, he said. It is not meat.

Custer also repeatedly testified that LFTB had lower nutritional value than beef ground from muscle because it contained less protein and fewer minerals and vitamins. But he was also forced to admit that he was not a nutritionist or an expert in the area.

Both men argued in their testimony that LFTB should have been identified on labels because as an additive, it adulterated what consumers would regard as pure ground beef. Zirnstein said that LFTB was a lower-quality additive substituted for grounded beef in as much as 20 percent of some mixes.

That, without labeling  so everybody knows thats happening  thats in violation of U.S. code, he said.

Zirnstein denied that he launched a crusade against LFTB with the ABC reports. A picture on his Facebook page that portrayed he and Custer as Batman and Robbin battling pink slime was a joke, he said. In an April 2012 email to a food industry journalist, he wrote, As far as Im concerned long live the term pink slime.

By then, he said, the meat industry had attacked them with vicious lies.

Both men also stood by ABCs reporting as accurate.

I guess I could have cowered in a corner and not talked to them, Zirnstein said.

Foshee, who described LFTB as a pink blob, answered questions about his fallout with BPI and its founder, Eldon Roth, after he left the company in 2002. He lost a subsequent lawsuit for wrongful termination, and in June 2012, BPI, Roth and his wife got a protective order against Foshee after he was spotted in the companys Dakota Dunes parking lot.

Foshee testified that he was forced out of BPI after he disagreed with a new safety regimen for LFTB. He was also critical of BPIs use of anhydrous ammonia to kill illness-causing bacteria.

But when asked if he knew of one illness caused by ammonia among the millions of pounds consumed, he answered, No.

Day 10 of the trial resumes Friday morning with the remainder of Foshees testimony.
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.
ST. MARY'S COUNTY, Md. (June 15, 2017)According to the Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal, the victim of a fire which occurred on Thursday, June 8 at 41340 Riverview Road in Mechanicsville of St. Mary's County has succumbed due to his injuries. Joseph L. Williams, age 70, passed away on Sunday evening at Washington Hospital Center Burn Unit.



The D.C. Medical Examiner's Office determined his death was due to his extensive thermal burn injuries. The investigation has revealed Williams suffered burns to over 60% of his body after the improper use of smoking materials ignited his clothing.



The fire originally occurred at 4:23 pm and brought 10 firefighters from Mechanicsville and Hollywood Volunteer Fire Departments to the scene.
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 16, 2017)The Charles County Sheriff's Office today released the following incident and arrest reports.ROBBERY SUSPECTS APPREHENDED BY OFFICERS: On June 9 at 12:57 a.m., an officer was parked in the parking lot of a business in the 6200 block of Crain Highway in La Plata when he observed two males enter the CVS Pharmacy. The males had their hoods up, wrapped tightly around their heads, and appeared to be trying to cover their faces. Suspecting a robbery might occur, the officer immediately called for backup, and additional officers from the CCSO and La Plata Police Department responded. The suspects suddenly ran out of the pharmacy and fled with bags in their hands. They were apprehended after a brief foot pursuit. Employees confirmed the suspects entered the store in disguise, jumped the pharmacy counter, assaulted the pharmacist, and demanded narcotics from the safe. Indrick Lightfoot-Taylor, 19, of no fixed address, and Leslie Lightfoot Taylor, 23, of Clinton, were charged with theft, assault, and armed robbery. Det. R. Johnson is investigating.THEFTS FROM AUTOS: On June 13 between midnight and 5 a.m., unknown suspect(s) broke into three unlocked cars in the area of Helen Court in Indian Head. Clothing and headphones were stolen. Anyone with suspect information may contact Charles County Crime Solvers by calling 1-866-411-TIPS, texting CHARLES + the tip to CRIMES (274637), or submitting tips online at tipsubmit.com. All individuals who provide tips through Crime Solvers will remain anonymous. A reward of up to $1,000 is being offered for the tip that leads to an arrest in this case. Officer S. Griffith is investigating.THEFTS FROM AUTOS: On June 12 at 4:10 a.m., four males were observed trying to break into cars in the area of Marlin Court in Waldorf. Officers responded, but the suspects were gone. Further investigation showed the suspects broke into cars on Moonfish Court, Night Sergeant Court, and Paddlefish Court. Anyone with suspect information may contact Charles County Crime Solvers by calling 1-866-411-TIPS, texting CHARLES + the tip to CRIMES (274637), or submitting tips online at tipsubmit.com. All individuals who provide tips through Crime Solvers will remain anonymous. A reward of up to $1,000 is being offered for the tip that leads to an arrest in this case. Officer R. Logsdon is investigating.WOMAN CHARGED WITH TRESPASSING AND ASSAULTING AN OFFICER: On June 10 at 11:18 a.m., officers responded to the 2900 block of Crain Highway in Waldorf for the report of a disorderly female. When officers arrived they learned it was the same woman who had been banned from the business the day before. As officers were attempting to arrest the suspect, she kicked one of them. Kayla Wynn, 19, of Atlanta, GA, was charged with trespassing, disorderly conduct, and assault. Cpl. J. Timko investigated.THEFTS FROM AUTOS: On June 5 at 11:56 a.m., an officer was patrolling the area of the park and ride, 3220 Mattawoman Beantown Road in Waldorf, when he observed three cars with the passenger-side window broken out. All three vehicles were Chevy or GMC SUV's, and the after-market speakers and radios had been stolen. The owners were contacted, and no other vehicles were reported damaged. Anyone with suspect information may contact Charles County Crime Solvers by calling 1-866-411-TIPS, texting CHARLES + the tip to CRIMES (274637), or submitting tips online at tipsubmit.com. All individuals who provide tips through Crime Solvers will remain anonymous. A reward of up to $1,000 is being offered for the tip that leads to an arrest in this case. Pfc. S. Hooper is investigating.HIT AND RUN / ASSAULT ON POLICE OFFICER: On June 2 at 6:29 p.m., officers responded to the area of Mall Circle in Waldorf for the report of a hit-and-run crash. The victim advised a woman hit her car and took off. The victim used her cell phone and recorded the suspect's car as the driver fled. Officers were able to obtain a description of the car and subsequently spotted the car on Route 925 near Route 5, where they initiated a traffic stop. The driver, Ronna Curelea, 24, of VA, had an odor of an alcoholic beverage on her breath and appeared to be intoxicated. She refused to follow any commands and was subsequently arrested. As officers were taking her into custody, she attempted to bite them. Curelea was subsequently transported to the Charles County Detention Center, where she was charged with hit-and-run, driving while impaired, and assault. Pfc. R. Gass is investigating.
Growing Lettuce In Space NASA

Astronaut ice cream may be an exotic treat for kids, but for real space explorers, a fresh, crunchy salad could sometimes really hit the spot.

And the ability to grow food in space will prove crucial for longer-duration voyages envisioned over the next decades.

Growing plants in a spaceship, and one day on another planet, is a complicated endeavor. But one tool making it easier is a specially formulated fertilizer, developed years ago with NASA help, which has also drawn huge accolades from growers on Earth.

The fertilizer, created by Sarasota, Florida-based company Florikan, is coated in polymers that control when and how much of each ingredient is released over six months to a year.

Having the ability to add a controlled-release fertilizer  which adds the right amount of nutrients over time without any mixing or any chemicals that you have to measure out  makes it much simpler, explains Gioia Massa, science team lead for the NASA Veggie project at Kennedy Space Center.

The teams first major success, red romaine lettuce cultivated on the International Space Station in 2015, was the first produce ever grown and eaten in space.

Nutrients on Demand

Florikan founder Ed Rosenthal did not expect to help grow vegetables in space when he first began developing his award-winning fertilizer. He just saw an opportunity to improve how nutrients are delivered to plants.

Although not a chemist by training, by 2002 Rosenthal had spent decades working with fertilizers and polymers at Florikan and before that at a company that manufactured polymer-based plant containers.

I wondered if I could separate each nutrient based on its relative solubility and when it was needed by the plant, he says. Then he would coat each with different polymers with different-sized pores to control the rate at which water reached the nutrient.

That way, he thought, he could create a fertilizer that delivered exactly the right amount of each nutrient at exactly the right stage of growing.

Traditional fertilizers are often applied monthly  requiring huge amounts of fertilizer and a large workforce to apply it. But Rosenthal knew that much of that fertilizer was never actually absorbed by the plant.

As he told one grower friend, I believe youre wasting more than two-thirds of your nitrogen: its going straight into the groundwater.

Florikans new staged-release fertilizer would get the same results with a third of the fertilizer, and it only needed to be applied once.

The product quickly found a market, but there was more work to be done, and in 2004, as a prize for winning an engineering award, Rosenthal got some high-level help from NASA.

The NASA consultants recommended a new approach: coat the nutrients in a single, impervious polymer, and then treat them with a chemical to open up pores to the exact specifications required. By 2008, Florikan had two patents, one for staged nutrient-release fertilizer and another for the polymer coating it was using.

Soon Florikan had enough business to open a coating facility in Florida, and later a second plant. Rosenthal has also sold his patents to agribusiness giant J. R. Simplot Company, which has introduced the technology across the western United States and overseas, though Florikan retains a license to manufacture and sell it in 32 eastern U.S. states.

A Boon for the Environment

The key advantage to Florikans staged nutrient-release fertilizer is that growers need to use far less of it, far less often than traditional formulations. That significantly reduces the harmful environmental impact of nutrient runoff, and it also means less labor and lower costs for growers.

Nitrogen, in particular, has been linked to harmful algal blooms, which can release toxins that harm, and even kill, marine wildlife, including dolphins, manatees and sea turtles.

One of Florikans early formulations  Florikan Nutricote 18-6-8, for its ratio of nitrogen, phosphate, and potassium  was designed specifically for ornamental plants. The company has since expanded its offerings, creating special blends for citrus groves and, more recently, sugar cane.

J. R. Simplots customers include large-scale nursery and turf growers across the western United States, as well as palm oil growers in Indonesia and Malaysia. Jeff Roesler, vice president for specialty business units, says the technology highlights two of Simplots core values: respect for resources and spirit of innovation.

And when NASA called Florikan for help with its Veggie project, Rosenthal created a new blend for flowering plants, like the tomatoes next heading up to the space station.

NASAs expertise helped us advance our development by years, Rosenthal emphasizes. We were happy to pay it back.

NASA has a long history of transferring technology to the private sector. Each year, the agencys Spinoff publication profiles about 50 NASA technologies that have transformed into commercial products and services, demonstrating the wider benefits of Americas investment in its space program. Spinoff is a publication of the Technology Transfer Program in NASAs Space Technology Mission Directorate.
Micius CNSA

A team of Chinese scientists has realized the satellite-based distribution of entangled photon pairs over 1200 km.

The photon pairs were demonstrated to be still entangled after travelling long distances and Bells inequality was shown to be violated under strict Einstein locality conditions.

This experiment was made through two satellite-to-ground downlinks with a summed length varying from 1600-2400 km. The obtained link efficiency is orders of magnitude higher than that of the direct bidirectional transmission of two photons through telecommunication fibers.

Quantum communication scientists have a fundamental interest in distributing entangled particles over increasingly long distances and studying the behavior of entanglement under extreme conditions. So far, entanglement distribution has only been achieved at a distance up to ~100 km due to photon loss in optical fibers or terrestrial free space.

One way to improve distribution lies in the protocol of quantum repeaters, whose practical usefulness, however, is hindered by the challenges of simultaneously realizing and integrating all key capabilities.

Another approach makes use of satellite- and space-based technologies, as a satellite can conveniently cover two distant locations on Earth. The main advantage of this approach is that most of the photons transmission path is almost in vacuum, with almost zero absorption and de-coherence.

To prove the feasibility of satellite- and space-based distribution research, ground-based studies were done that demonstrated bidirectional distribution of entangled photon pairs through a two-link terrestrial free-space channel, over distances of 600 m, 13 km, and 102 km, with an ~80-dB effective channel loss. Quantum communications on moving platforms in a high-loss situation and under turbulent conditions were also tested.

After these feasibility studies, a quantum science experiment satellite  Micius  was developed and launched from Jiuquan, China on August 16, 2016 with a mission of entanglement distribution. Cooperating with Micius are three ground stations (Delingha in Qinghai; Nanshan in Urumqi, Xinjiang; and Gaomeigu Observatory in Lijiang, Yunnan). The distance between Delingha and Lijiang (Nanshan) is 1203 km. The distance between the orbiting satellite and these ground stations varies from 500-2000 km.

Due to the fact that the entangled photons cannot be amplified as classical signals, new methods must be developed to reduce link attenuation in satellite-to-ground entanglement distribution. To optimize link efficiency, the scientists combined narrow-beam divergence with a high-bandwidth and high-precision acquiring, pointing, and tracking (APT) technique. By developing an ultra-bright space-borne two-photon entanglement source and high-precision APT technology, the team established entanglement between two single photons separated by 1203 km, with an average two-photon count rate of 1.1 Hz and state fidelity of 0.869  0.085. Using the distributed entangled photons, the scientists performed the Bell test at space-like separation and without locality and freedom-of-choice loopholes.

Compared with previous methods of entanglement distribution by direct transmission of the same two-photon source  using the best performance and most common commercial telecommunication fibers, respectively  the effective link efficiency of the satellite-based approach is 12 and 17 orders of magnitude higher, respectively .

Distributed entangled photons are readily useful for entanglement-based quantum key distribution, which, so far, is the only way to establish secure keys between two distant locations on Earth without relying on trustful relay. Another immediate application is to exploit distributed entanglement to perform a variant of quantum teleportation protocol for remote preparation and control of quantum states.

This satellite-based technology opens up bright prospects for both practical quantum communications and fundamental quantum optics experiments at distances previously inaccessible on the ground.
NEEMO 16 Crew NASA

NASA will send an international crew to the floor of the Atlantic Ocean this summer to prepare for future deep space missions during the 10-day NASA Extreme Environment Mission Operations (NEEMO) 22 expedition slated to begin June 18.

NEEMO 22 will focus on both exploration spacewalks and objectives related to the International Space Station and deep space missions. As an analogue for future planetary science concepts and strategies, marine science also will be performed under the guidance of Florida International Universitys marine science department.

NASA astronaut Kjell Lindgren will command the NEEMO 22 mission aboard the Aquarius laboratory, 62 feet below the ocean surface near Key Largo Florida. Lindgren was part of space station Expeditions 44 and 45 in 2015, where he spent 141 days living and working in the extreme environment of space. He conducted two spacewalks on his first spaceflight.

Lindgren will be joined by ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut Pedro Duque; Trevor Graff, a Jacobs Engineering employee working as a planetary scientist at NASAs Johnson Space Center in Houston; and research scientist Dom DAgostino from the University of South Florida and the Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition.

The close parallels of inner and outer space exploration will be clearly demonstrated during this undersea mission, NEEMO Project Lead Bill Todd said. The daily seafloor traverses, or extravehicular activities in space jargon, are jam packed with technology and operations concept testing, as well as complex marine science. In the interior of Aquarius, aquanauts and astronauts will tackle an array of experiments and human research related to long duration space travel.

Objectives for the crew include testing spaceflight countermeasure equipment, technology for precisely tracking equipment in a habitat and studies of body composition and sleep. The crew also will assess hardware sponsored by ESA that will help crew members evacuate someone who has been injured on a lunar spacewalk.

The NEEMO crew and two professional habitat technicians will live in Florida International Universitys Aquarius Reef Base undersea research habitat 6.2 miles (5.4 nautical miles) off the Florida coast.

For more information about NEEMO, the crews and links to follow the mission on Facebook and Twitter, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/neemo
Hall of Fame harness drivers Dave Wall and John Campbell started out in the business together in the early 1970s. So, Wall said its fitting he will be part of Campbells last career drive back in Ontario where it all started.

At Legends Day on July 30 at Clinton Raceway, Wall, Campbell and six other Hall of Famers will contest the $15,000 Legends Day Trot. It will be the final career drive for Campbell, the sports richest driver with some $300 million in career earnings.

Before the legends reconvene at Clinton, Wall will celebrate the 32nd anniversary of his victory with Staff Director in the 1985 North America Cup.

On the Saturday (June 17) Pepsi North America Cup card at Mohawk Racetrack, Wall will also be remembered with a race named for one of the greatest horses he has ever driven when the $251,000 Goodtimes stakes for sophomore trotting colts will go to post on the undercard. Goodtimes, a winner of more than $2.2 million on the track, was trained by John Bax and driven by Wall.

I always give Dave the credit for Goodtimes lasting so long, Bax once said. Goodtimes was very good at taking care of himself and Dave was very good at taking care of Goodtimes. And the combination made him last until he was 12 years old. He made a minimum of $100,000 for nine consecutive years -- I think that might be a record -- and I have to give Dave all the credit for that, because he knew when he was good and when he wasnt good and he raced him accordingly.

As for starting out with Campbell, Wall said the two of them were racing at Windsor Raceway in the 1970s when the Meadowlands Racetrack was built near New York City. When Windsor Raceways Joe DeFrank was hired as the director of racing for the New Jersey track, he began recruiting Windsor drivers to make the move to the big track.

I was one of the ones Joe DeFrank asked to go to the Meadowlands when they opened it, Wall said.

Campbell, a native of Ailsa Craig, Ont., jumped at the opportunity and made his career at the Meadowlands. Wall stayed home and made his career in the Ontario Sires Stakes (OSS) program and elsewhere.

The only reason I didnt think about going was I was having such a good go in the (Ontario) Sires Stakes that I didnt want to give it all up. I was training quite a few myself. I thought Id better stay home, Wall said.

Some 40 years later, Wall -- a longtime Komoka, Ont. resident that has won over 7,200 races and more than $60 million as driver -- said he has no regrets. After all, he made his mark, earning the nickname Mr. OSS en route to a 2012 induction into the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame.

Im a Canadian boy and (moving to New Jersey) never really enthused me that much. But it was nice of (DeFrank) to ask, said Wall, who is still driving and training in his 70th year.

Legends Day began in 2001 and is celebrating its ninth edition in 2017. The event is raising money for the Clinton Public Hospital Foundation.

Its something for the community, which is a great thing. Everybody that goes supports it well. We have a great day. We sign some autographs and get out with the public. Its nice, Wall said. They always take us up on the hill before and they have a little lunch. We all sit around together and reminisce about the old times and everybody has a story.

Wall will be one of eight of the worlds greatest harness drivers contesting the Legends Day Trot on the card along with Campbell (11,049 career wins and $303 million), Ron Waples (6,923 wins, $75 million), David Miller (12,100 wins, $215 million), Mike Lachance (10,421, $190 million), Steve Condren (6,845, $114 million), Bill ODonnell (5,743, $99 million) and Doug Brown (8,427, $89 million).

Combined, the eight legends have earned over $1.15 billion and won nearly 69,000 races.

Fellow legends Bud Fritz and 93-year-old Keith Waples -- both of whom are retired from driving -- will also be on hand for the autograph session.

Wall obtained his drivers license at age 25, but struggled through his first few years on the track. In 1972, he caught his first break when his father gave him the first foal from Dina Wall. Piper Wall turned out to be a better-than-average racehorse that came along two years before the Ontario Sires Stakes program was born in 1974.

He has campaigned such provincial stars as pacing filly Arrochar Wendy in the inaugural year of the program, as well as pacing filly Dovers Dottie in 1982-83, pacing colt Snipper in 1984, trotting filly Armbro Luxury in 1992-93, trotting gelding Goodtimes in 1993, pacing filly Odies Fame in 1998-99, trotting colt Northern Bailey in 2001 and trotting gelding Windsun Pride in 2008.

He earned the Lampman Cup as the top driver on the OSS circuit in 1994 and 1998, but also achieved great success outside of the provincial program. In 1991, he won the Canadian Pacing Derby with Odds Against.

In 1999, Wall finished third with Goodtimes in Swedens famed Elitlopp the same year the pair won the Maple Leaf Trot and Wall piloted Odies Fame to victory in both the Fan Hanover and Breeders Crown. Wall also raced Northern Bailey in the Elitlopp in 2003.

Wall is also a five-time winner of The Raceway at The Western Fair Districts Molson Pace - Rock N Wave (1979), Monkey Wrench (1984), Staff Director (1985), Jagger Hanover (1990) and Such Sparkle (1994) - and was inducted into both the tracks Wall of Fame (1988) and the London Sport Hall of Fame (2011).

At the peak of his driver career, Wall often drove at two tracks a day and trained a large stable, which isnt well reflected in his statistics because he often listed his assistant trainers on horses so they could get the five per cent of any winnings. One year, Wall trained as many as 120 horses with 30 in Toronto, 30 in Windsor and 60 in London.

I used to drive to Toronto when we raced there on Saturday afternoons and then Id fly to Windsor and race Windsor at night, then Id race in the afternoon at Windsor, then fly to Toronto and race again that night, Wall said.

At Legends Day, Wall said he will be happy to help give Campbell a fitting career send-off, but he will also remember Campbells late father, Jack.

Jack was a wonderful person, just a wonderful person. So is John, Wall said, adding that there were few things Jack Campbell loved more than the Little Brown Jug and Legends Day.

(Clinton)
Longtime Standardbred industry participant Betty Delaney of Acton, Ont. passed away suddenly at home on Wednesday, June 14 at the age of 76.

Betty is the wife of Doug Delaney, with whom she helped operate popular Ontario breeding farm Delcrest Stables.

Betty is resting at the Butcher Funeral Home in Erin, Ont, with visitation set for Monday, June 19 from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Funeral will be held on Tuesday, June 20 at 2:00 p.m. from Butcher Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, charitable donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Betty Delaney.
Pepsi North America Cup excitement extends far beyond its host track of Mohawk. Fans at Kawartha Downs tomorrow night will be able to watch and wager on the special card from the Campbellville, Ont. racetrack. In addition to the $1 million North America Cup, the program includes a myriad of harness racing superstars in the Armbro Flight, Mohawk Gold Cup, North America Cup Consolation, Fan Hanover, Goodtimes, Roses Are Red and Preferred races.

The North America Cup is slated as Race 12 on the program with a 10:40 p.m. post time, and Kawartha Downs will keep the concession stand and bar open to accommodate fans who wish to stay and watch and wager on one of the most elite Standardbred races in North America.

The track will feature a special North America Cup contest where fans may select the horse they think will win the rich final. After the race is complete a name will be selected from the winning horses ballot box and the winner will take home a prize package of North America Cup and Kawartha Downs merchandise. Mohawk has generously shared some North America Cup swag with KD fans and it will be offered as prizes through trivia contests in the time leading up to the final.

Prior to the North America Cup, Kawartha offers a 10-race card with a 7:00 p.m. first race post time. New General Manager Orazio Valente will be barbequing hot dogs and giving them away (with a coupon from the program), there will also be draws and giveaways throughout the program including a special Dine With Dad promotion to celebrate Fathers Day.

(with files from Kawartha)
Judicial Watch Sues for Comey Memo

Contact: Jill Farrell, Judicial Watch, 202-646-5172



WASHINGTON, June 16, 2017 /Standard Newswire/ -- Judicial Watch today announced it filed a Freedom of Information (FOIA) lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Justice for information about former FBI Director James Comey's memorandum written after his meeting with President Trump regarding potential interference by the Russians in the 2016 presidential election (Judicial Watch v. U.S. Department of Justice (No. 1:17-cv-01189).



The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia after the Department of Justice failed to respond to a May 16 FOIA request seeking:

The memorandum written by former Director James Comey memorializing his meeting and conversation with President Trump regarding the FBI's investigation of potential Russian interference in the 2016 United States presidential election. For purposes of clarification, this memorandum was reportedly written on or about February 13, 2017 and is the subject of a New York Times article  dated May 16, 2017.

The memo purportedly recounts a conversation between President Trump and Comey about a pending investigation of Gen. Mike Flynn.



Judicial Watch is pursuing six FOIA lawsuit (see here, here, here, here and here) related to the surveillance, unmasking, and illegal leaking targeting President Trump and his associates during the FBI's investigation of potential Russian involvement.



"That we have to sue in federal court to get a document that was read to a reporter at The New York Times is a scandal," stated Judicial Watch president Tom Fitton. "This Comey memo should be released forthwith and, frankly, the president can and should order its immediate release."



Separately, Judicial Watch yesterday sent Acting FBI Director Andrew G. McCabe a warning letter concerning the FBI's legal responsibility under the Federal Records Act (FRA) to recover records, including memos Comey subsequently leaked to the media, unlawfully removed from the Bureau by Comey.



MORE: www.judicialwatch.org/press-room/press-releases/judicial-watch-sues-comey-memo/
Contact: Jill Farrell, Judicial Watch, 202-646-5172



WASHINGTON, June 15, 2017 /Standard Newswire/ -- Judicial Watch today announced it sent Acting FBI Director Andrew G. McCabe a warning letter concerning the FBI's legal responsibility under the Federal Records Act (FRA) to recover records, including memos Comey subsequently leaked to the media, unlawfully removed from the Bureau by former Director James Comey. The June 14 letter from Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton states:

As you are well aware, former FBI Director James Comey gave sworn testimony last week before the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. Among other things, Mr. Comey confirmed that, while in office, he created various memoranda regarding his meetings with President Trump. Mr. Comey also confirmed that, after his departure from the FBI, he provided at least some of these memoranda to a third party, Columbia Law School Professor Daniel Richman, for the purpose of leaking them to the press. Various media outlets now have reported that Professor Richman has provided these memoranda to the FBI. It is unclear whether he still retains copies of the memoranda.



I am writing to you on behalf of Judicial Watch, Inc., a not-for-profit educational organization that seeks to promote transparency, accountability, and integrity in government and fidelity to the rule of law. In furtherance of its public interest mission, Judicial Watch regularly requests access to the records of the FBI through the Freedom of Information Act and disseminates its findings to the public. In fact, on May 16, 2017, Judicial Watch submitted a FOIA request seeking these specific memoranda removed from the FBI by Mr. Comey. Judicial Watch also has pending FOIA lawsuits in which the memoranda may be at issue.



These memoranda were created by Mr. Comey while serving as FBI director, were written on his FBI laptop, and concerned official government business. As such, they indisputably are records subject to the Federal Records Act. 44 U.S.C.  2101-18, 2901-09, 3101-07, and 3301-14. The fact that Mr. Comey removed these memoranda from the FBI upon his departure, apparently for the purpose of subsequently leaking them to the press, confirms the FBI's failure to retain and properly manage its records in accordance with the Federal Records Act. Even if Mr. Comey no longer has possession of these particular memoranda, as he now claims, some or all of these memoranda may still be in possession of a third party, such as Professor Richman, and must be recovered. Mr. Comey's removal of these memoranda also suggests that other records may have been removed by Mr. Comey and may remain in his possession or in the possession of others. If so, these records must be recovered by the FBI as well.



MORE: www.judicialwatch.org/press-room/press-releases/judicial-watch-warns-fbi-obligation-recover-records-unlawfully-removed-former-director-james-comey/
HANOVER, N.H.  After spending time in Switzerland studying and hiking in the Alps, Dartmouth assistant professor Emily Whiting wanted to relive those climbs back home.

Upon her return to the United States, she and a group of colleagues contemplated how they might recreate the climbs indoors.

Using 3-D modeling and digital fabrication, the team developed a system that replicates the hardest stretches of climb, so that it can be practiced on indoor climbing walls. In a presentation at a human computer interaction conference last month, the team demonstrated how they replicated a climb in Rumney, New Hampshire, and a sandstone crag near St. George in Utah.

Fellow postdoctoral scholar Ladislav Kavan, who is now at the University of Utah, did the work out of Utah while Whiting was in New Hampshire.

The two, along with their team, also wanted to address problems that vex many seasoned climbers  the challenges of mastering a route that might be a world away or one that might be too fragile to practice on.

"What if you could take the experience of climbing places like these monuments but not climb the physical thing, actually bring it home to your local gym," Whiting said. "You would still have the physical experience of climbing it without causing the erosion and damage to the location. There is also the aspect of accessibility, like if this is some place in Thailand or some remote location and you want to train for the route."

Whiting and her colleagues first did a 3-D reconstruction of a wall using hundreds of photos at different angles. Then, they combined that with video showing the climber's movements. That data helped the researchers identify the key parts of the climb, allowing them to create fabricated holds which were then attached to a climbing wall.

"When you are climbing it, you're grasping onto small portions of it and so we wanted to determine where rock climbers actually grabbing onto the rock face," she said.

There are plenty of tools in climbing gyms to practice, including the campus board, a series of slats that hang on a wall at various angles so that climbers can practice strength training. And a few years back, Matyas Luzan replicated a tough stretch of a climb in Germany  he crafted the holds from wood and varnished them to feel like the rocks.

The system that Whiting and Kavan, now at the University of Utah, came up with might be seen as an extension of Luzan's efforts.

Eventually, the researchers envision a system that could one day ingest photos and video. A database of outdoor climbs could then be created, from which holds could be manufactured and available to climbing gyms. They also want to improve the texture of the holds so they feel more like the actual rocks. And there is the visual component  which Whiting hopes one day could be solved by adding virtual reality or projecting images of the climb to a wall.

The climbers that have given the new system a try say their outdoor ascent matched their experience indoors.

"I was kind of blown away at just how precisely the body movements on the indoor climb recreated the outdoor movements," said Billy Braasch, a Dartmouth grad student and climber who participated in the study.

But while Braasch said this could serve as a good practice tool, he acknowledged it might not be for everyone.

"One aspect of climbing that I really love is traveling to a new place and exploring new terrain," he said. "There is something special about being in a new place and testing yourself against a new climb."

Mike Morin, the Northeast regional director of the climbing group Access Fund, who was not involved in the study, also said the system has potential. Climbers might find it "novel" to challenge themselves on iconic routes  or even those closer to home.

"If you're a climber in Boston working on the route at Rumney mentioned in the study, you'd probably be pretty psyched to be able work on the movements of the climb during a training session at your local climbing gym," he said.
Election fatigue is very real for many Americans, especially after the tumultuous 2016 campaign. But the woman in charge of running elections in Cowlitz County, Carolyn Fundingsland, cant get enough.

I love elections, and most of my counterparts across the state would say the same thing, she said. Its either in your blood or it isnt.

Fundingsland has served as the elections manager for Cowlitz County for nearly 10 years, and now shes gearing up for the next election. Ballots for the Aug. 1 primary get mailed to voters on July 14.

The Kelso High grad actually began her career in Head Start, working with disabled and low-income children ages 3 to 5. In 2006, she became elections deputy for the county and was promoted to director a year later.

Fundingsland said she has no plans to leave the $62,000/year position. She turned down an offer to become the countys chief deputy auditor.

I accepted the (auditor) position, and immediately my hands started sweating. I couldnt sleep, and I was thinking about how different my job would be from what I do now, the 45-year-old said. Honestly, I gave it up, so I think Im a lifer in elections.

Because the election office normally only has three full-time employees, finding up to eight people to fill temporary positions during the crazier times of the year is one of Fundingslands biggest challenges, she said.

Im bringing in new employees almost every election, and its crazy, Fundingsland said. You have to ask, Hey, do you want to work in elections four times out of the year for two weeks each time and give up every other responsibility that you have? 

Surprisingly, election night isnt too bad: According to Fundingsland, her office typically wraps everything up shortly after tabulating the initial count at about 8 p.m. Its the nights leading up that are draining.

Fundingsland said that she was barely even able to keep up with current events during last years election season. This was a problem, since many Cowlitz County residents thought she had her hands in various election-related incidents.

We were so busy that every night I would go home and pass out, she said. Then, these people would call and they would want me to explain what was happening in Oregon or something. I would be like, I dont know! I havent had time to watch the news!

Fundingsland, though, says she appreciates voters new concern: hacking. Earlier this month, she sent a press release reassuring votes that hackers cant tamper with county election results. Paper-based balloting creates a verifiable audit trail and tabulation systems in the state are air-gapped, meaning theyre not connected to the Internet and thus secure from cyber threats, said said.

Naturally, Fundingsland doesnt publicly voice her own political views. In fact, its illegal for her to do so while on the job. She said she possesses strong beliefs, but she cant participate in any party functions.

Her commitment to neutrality extends to the entire election process. During elections, she hires 30 to 40 temporary workers from a mix of Cowlitz Countys Republican and Democratic parties to open and inspect ballots. To ensure fairness, she divides them into two-person teams with one Democrat and one Republican.

One of the liaisons who helps recruit party members, Nancy Myers of the Cowlitz County Republican Party, says that Fundingsland is a responsible and fair leader during elections.

She strives for perfection, and she wants everyone to do their job and do it correctly, Myers said. She likes to do everything so that it turns out easier for everyone involved.

Despite working on multiple elections every year for almost 10 years, Fundingsland said the one consistent outcome is her surprise at the results.

I can never predict whats going to happen, she said. When the results come in at 8 oclock, I have to tell you that in the last few years, my jaw has just about hit the floor. Im that surprised.

The 2016 general election had a turnout of slightly over 75 percent in Cowlitz County, a smaller number than 2012 (78 percent) and 2008 (83 percent). Despite this decline, Fundingsland is happy with turnout in the presidential elections. She just wishes the public would participate equally in off-year, more localized races.

Compare (2016) to a special election that gets 20 or 30 percent turnout, she said. Id like to see those elections pick up. Seventy-five percent should be our turnout for all elections.

The elections office has plenty to do outside of election season.

The department hosts a live registered voter database that requires all three full-time employees to maintain, since citizens are constantly moving into and out of the county or changing addresses. The office also works with the Census Bureau and must re-draw precinct lines every 10 years in accordance to the population shifts.

The office also holds periodic fun events, such as National Voter Registration Day. Anyone stops by the office, registers to vote and gets a photo taken, according to Fundingsland. If the person was willing to let the office post the photo on Facebook, they got entered for a drawing to win a dinner with a local radio host.

Fundingsland said that these events often bring out entertaining citizens.

This older man comes in and hes registering to vote, and we asked if we could take his picture, she said. He says, Oh, Im not ready for any photos. He came back about an hour later in a suit. It was so cute. Those kind of customers make your day.

At the end of the day, Fundingsland is thrilled with her current position and location.

Cowlitz County is a nice middle-sized county. I have my fingers in every aspect of the election, but I still have a staff that I can delegate to, to make sure that burden isnt all on me. I almost have the perfect situation.
Michael Yuen had taken nearly all of the math credits available at Mark Morris High School by the end of his sophomore year. But he didnt slow down. He accelerated.

I wanted more to do and a bigger challenge, said Yuen, who will graduate from Lower Columbia College Friday and from Mark Morris on Saturday.

Yuen is one of 108 Running Start students who will graduate from LCC today with a high school diploma and an associate degree  a record for the school. That figure represents a 230 percent increase from 2008, when LCC had 33 dual graduates.

The skyrocketing cost of a four-year degree in Washington has tapered off in recent years, yet an increasing number of high school students have started to chip away at the potential mountain of debt that awaits by enrolling in college-level classes early.

Yuen, whos been accepted into the University of Washington and plans to enroll this fall as a computer science major with junior standing, estimates hes saved more than $50,000 by attending LCC full-time while he still was in high school.

Nearly 100 percent of LCCs dual graduates will hold direct transfer agreements, according to Wendy Hall, LCC spokeswoman. Direct transfer agreement degrees give community college graduates priority when applying to public four-year universities and can cut the cost of a four-year education in half.

That might be the biggest overarching thing  college loan debt, the cost of tuition  those are big national issues that families are paying a lot of attention to, Hall said.

A typical Washington resident attending LCC full-time in 2016-2017 paid $4,150 in tuition and fees, less than half of the $10,753 a freshman paid at the University of Washington. But tuition is waived for Running Start students like Yuen, who are only responsible for fees. LCC gets 93 percent of the money the state allocates for him as a high school student. The remaining 7 percent goes to Mark Morris for counseling support to ensure hes taking the proper credits needed to graduate.

LCC also waives fees for students who qualify for free or reduced-priced lunches, which typically amounts to about half of all Running Start students at the school.

Anthony Barrios, who will also be graduating from both Mark Morris and LCC, said the scholarship he received through Running Start to pay for his books and fees was crucial.

My family doesnt have a lot of money, so it was huge, he said. Barrios has plans to attend Western Washington University this fall with junior standing.While many students arent keen to skip two years of the traditional four-year college experience, a larger number of dual graduates could point to a more urgent desire for practical skills and experience, said Paul Guppy, an education expert with the Washington Policy Center.Thats where the community college path is helpful, Guppy said. When they want to specialize they can transfer and finish off in a couple of years.
Southwest Washington Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler has started a bipartisan effort to protect the regions shellfish industry from the effects of climate change.

The Camas Republican has co-introduced a bill with U.S. Rep. Derek Kilmer, a Tacoma-area Democrat who represents coastal areas, to encourage companies and individuals to develop ways to research and monitor ocean acidification.

Acidification is a result of increasing carbon dioxide emissions from burning fossil fuels. When carbon dioxide  a chief greenhouse gas  is absorbed by the oceans, chemical reactions occur that change the pH level in the seawater, making it more acidic. As a result, the water eats away at oyster larvae shells and kills them, according to marine biologists and oyster growers.

The shellfish industry in Pacific County that produces 25 percent of our nations oysters continues to struggle against the negative effects attributed to ocean acidification, Herrera Beutler said in a press release. Our common-sense bill uses incentives to better understand and find solutions for this rising threat.

Dick Wilson, the owner of Bay Center Farms at Willapa Bay and a former geology professor at the University of Oregon and Southern Oregon University, said hes worried about ocean acidification.

It is a serious problem, and its ... becoming more evident that the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is increasing, Wilson said. As it increases, the carbon dioxide in the ocean becomes more prevalent, and it impacts those things that rely on calcareous deposits to build their shells.

Hererra Beutler first introduced the bill in 2015 under the same name, but it got stuck in committee.

Representatives for Herrera Beutler declined to comment Wednesday on whether or not the congresswoman believes in human-caused climate change.
In a move that local methanol supporters called hypocritical, the Seattle City Council voted unanimously Monday to ask state agencies to deny permits for the $1.8 billion Kalama project.

The request, which also appealed to the state to kill the Vancouver oil-by-rail terminal project, was part of a nationwide reaction to President Trumps rejection of the Paris climate accord.

Local methanol supporters said Seattle should focus on its own industries with high emissions, such as Boeing and Amazon, and keep its nose out of economically struggling Cowlitz County, where the April unemployment rate was more than double King Countys, at 2.8 percent.

Boeing  not necessarily the plant itself, but what they produce, creates more pollution than anything that we could ever license in our wildest dreams in Cowlitz County, Longviews Brian Magnuson, a member of the pro-methanol Citizens for a Green Economy, said Monday.

Seattle Councilman Mike OBrien argues the Southwest Washington projects would boost the states contribution to climate change, thus are legitmate statewide concerns. His resolution includes several citywide measures to combat climate change, too.

From a climate perspective, Seattle is ... hopefully going to do more than its part to reduce our emissions to meet the Paris Accord and frankly (keep) climate destruction below catastrophic levels, OBrien said by phone Wednesday. Our work is only going to be successful if its in conjunction with dozens and hundreds of other cities and jurisdictions.

The resolution also urges Puget Sound Energy to close a coal-fired power plant in Montana and asks British Columbia, Canada, to halt the Kinder Morgan oil pipeline expansion.

Northwest Innovations Works proposed methanol plant at the Port of Kalama would release 1.24 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually, raising the states total emissions by 1.24 percent. However, the state Department of Ecology is requiring Northwest Innovation to reduce emissions by 1.7 percent annually until 2035. The project would generate 192 permanent jobs, 1,000 construction jobs and millions of dollars in local and state taxes.

Methanol opponents say, though, that the state should look at other ways to create green jobs in rural Washington instead of relying on the fossil fuel industry.

Its not without serious consideration that we think about weighing in on another jurisdiction thats trying to bring jobs, OBrien said. What we dont want to do is to start whole new generations of people (working) in communities that are totally tied to those fossil fuel companies.

Methanol proponents say the project will reduce greenhouse gas emissions globally by replacing coal-based methanol with natural gas-based methanol. New manufacturing techniques at the plant would curb emissions.

We have to understand that, number one, the plant is going to create methanol that is much cleaner and, number two, its used in the products that we have in our homes and vehicles. So are we saying that dont want those anymore? Magnuson asked.

Ted Sprague, president of the Cowlitz Economic Development Council, encouraged Seattle leaders to concern themselves with their own city.

What is the City Council doing to cut down on idling cars? I would like to see Seattle City Council focus on those issues, Sprague said.

Local methanol opponents applauded the city for throwing its influence into efforts to halt the project.

I dont look it as an invasion of the Seattle City Council  (which is) standing against air pollution, said Gary Wallace of Kalama, president of the local environmentalist group Landowners and Citizens for a Safe Community. There is no singular air shed captured in one area and only breathed in one area, its a global.
fptechno

After consecutive terror attacks in Europe, Facebook has come up with a blog post titled Hard Questions, where it will discuss various internal policies with respect to some of the controversies that Facebook has been held accountable for. One recently published post was on Facebooks stand on terrorism and how it will mitigate the problem. Other issues that it will discuss include fake news, hoaxes, Facebooks position within a democracy and how it will be good for the users.

The blog post seems to be an attempt to engage with its users as well as initiate a dialogue to collectively (with users) solve issues which can infringe on the idea of democracy. Thus, the company seems to be working on changing the social media experience for its users. Some issues Facebook will discuss include: the actions to be taken for an account of someone recently deceased, on monitoring the kind of news that circulates through the News Feed, whether the information shared on the Feed is fake or a hoax and so on. Since Facebooks reach is global, it is the worlds largest social networking platform after all, its attempt to explain itself talks about social medias responsibility as a worldwide platform.

In Facebooks view, the user plays an integral role here. By using input from user experience, it intends to solve issues such as terrorism where it will take up reports from people and review them. In the case of fake news, it has a system to track the authenticity of the information shared by methods like number of likes and shares. Moreover, these stories will go through fact-checking mechanisms such as AP News, factchecker.org, Politifact, and Snopes.

According to reports, when a person dies, their Facebook profile used to turn into a memorial page. However, of late, there have been issues with the person responsible for handling the page. The US tech giant has also received flak for allowing accounts related to paedophilia and child pornography to exist on its website. It is now on Facebook to deal with these issues, and in a responsible manner.

In its first blog post, which deals with countering terrorism, Facebook denies supporting terrorism. But it does agree that it did have some problems curbing the terrorism issue. However, in its defence, Facebook has at least come up with a plan for tackling it. Other social media platforms, notably twitter, have remained mum on this front.

Facebook intends to use artificial intelligence and counter terrorism expertise to solve the issue. The social networking site will use artificial intelligence by approaching areas like language understanding and image matching in order to remove such elements from its networks.

Secondly, Facebook intends to collaborate with other online platforms to curb the problem. It would also remove such content by filtering reported content or accounts which disseminate information related to terror elements. Moreover, it would take help from its law and defence experts, who includes academicians and analysts. However, Facebook has also clarified that these extremist organisations do not exist only online, but have a much wider base offline as well.

Interestingly, the blog post also seeks help from, and promises to provide help to, government organisations. This comes at a time when Facebook has been accused of not doing enough to remove terrorism-related content online, which allows terror groups to propagate their agenda on the platform.

Theresa May, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, had slammed Facebook for playing an essential role in giving terrorist groups a space to widen their objectives. This had come at a time when the UK government had pressured Facebook to share with them Khalid Masoods WhatsApp messages with them. Masood was the perpetrator of a terrorist attack in London, where he drove a car through a number of pedestrians, killing five and injuring dozens.

Earlier in June, the European Union had recommended that social media websites share with law enforcement authorities the user content hosted in their respective cloud storage facilities, much to the annoyance of social media giants such as Google and Facebook, who believe, strongly, that this infringes on user privacy.

Facebook is attempting to fight terrorism and other issues with user feedback, AI and other such tools. Clearly, Facebook is doing its part, and with help from users and sufficient feedback, the situation can only improve.
Aditya Madanapalle

It is not everyday that you see a science paper published by the head of a leading private spaceflight company. Elon Musk has presented plans for human exploration to Mars in the journal New Science. The paper itself is a written form of the talk that Musk gave at the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Guadalajara, Mexico in September 2016. However, this is not a droll science paper, and Musk points out some funny things while chalking out the plans. Here are a few select gems:

10. On becoming a superhuman: "It would be quite fun to be on Mars because you would have gravity that is about 37 percent of that of Earth, so you would be able to lift heavy things and bound around."

09. On affordability of a ticket to Mars: "Right now, you cannot go to Mars for infinite money."

08. On the wastefulness of rockets: "A car, bicycle, horse, if they were single-use  almost no one would use them; it would be too expensive."

07. On the need for coming back to Earth: "It would be pretty absurd to try to build a city on Mars if your spaceships just stayed on Mars and did not go back to Earth. You would have a massive graveyard of ships; you have to do something with them."

06. On how very crowded a colonial transport ship could be: "The threshold for a self-sustaining city on Mars or a civilization would be a million people. If you can only go every 2 years and if you have 100 people per ship, that is 10,000 trips. Therefore, at least 100 people per trip is the right order of magnitude, and we may end up expanding the crew section and ultimately taking more like 200 or more people per flight in order to reduce the cost per person."

05. On why it will actually be fun: "The crew compartment or the occupant compartment is set up so that you can do zero-gravity games  you can float around. There will be movies, lecture halls, cabins, and a restaurant. It will be really fun to go. You are going to have a great time!"

04. On the history of SpaceX: "In 2002, SpaceX basically consisted of carpet and a mariachi band"

03. On NASA: "I am incredibly grateful to NASA for supporting SpaceX, despite the fact that our rocket crashed. I am NASAs biggest fan"

02. On a surprise side project closer home: "We could transport cargo to anywhere on Earth in 45 minutes at the most. Hence, most places on Earth would be 2025 minutes away. If we had a floating platform off the coast of New York, 2030 miles out, you could go from New York to Tokyo in 25 minutes and across the Atlantic in 10 minutes. Most of your time would be spent getting to the ship."

01. On "Systems": "Generally, I do not like calling things 'systems,' as everything is a system, including your dog."

For those who want to experience the hilarity and the brilliance first hand, the paper can be found here.
tech2 News Staff

Microsoft has used machine learning to help the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) crack down on tech support scams. A tech support scam typically starts with a pop-up that alerts users of a malware infection on their computers. This pop-up is fake, and prompts the users to call a tech support number supposedly belonging to a well known technology company. Scammers posing as telemarketers then charge the gullible users for expensive and unnecessary computer services.

A majority of the users targeted are above the age of 50, but 30 percent of the users were under the age of 49. Microsoft's Digital Crimes Unit receives more than 10,000 complaints every month by those affected by tech support scams. Experts believe that only a fraction of the tech support scams are reported by the users. The end users are not experts, and are not likely to capture screenshots of the original pop up. Additionally, each end user only has very little information to provide to the authorities, such as a number used for the scam.

The perpetrators of the tech support scams move fast. They keep changing the IP addresses that they work out of to make tracking them harder. The phone numbers used by the fake telemarketers are also discontinued after some time. Microsoft scoured the web for content that matched the approaches used by the tech support scammers. It would have taken a long time for humans to piece together all the information, and find meaningful patterns that could lead to the masterminds behind the tech support scams.

Microsoft got in the help of machine learning to do track the scams. The content from questionable sites were scanned with Microsoft's computer vision API and Microsoft Cognitive Services. Chris White, a principal researcher at Microsofts Redmond, Washington, research lab says "What were able to do is address the problem at the scale its happening, and provide the mechanisms for us to do something about it."

After tracking the patterns in the tech support scams, the researchers also used a data visualisation software by Microsoft called Power BI to present the findings of the AI scans to the law enforcement authorities. Doing this allowed the authorities to see how old the targets were, in which geographic areas they were located in, and what tactics were being used by the attackers. The findings allowed the FTC understand exactly how tech support scams were affecting people, and helped them in their crackdown.
hidden

Facebook Inc on Thursday offered additional insight on its efforts to remove terrorism content, a response to political pressure in Europe to militant groups using the social network for propaganda and recruiting.

Facebook has ramped up use of artificial intelligence such as image matching and language understanding to identify and remove content quickly, Monika Bickert, Facebook's director of global policy management, and Brian Fishman, counter-terrorism policy manager, explained in a blog post. The world's largest social media network, with 1.9 billion users, Facebook has not always been so open about its operations, and its statement was met with skepticism by some who have criticized U.S. technology companies for moving slowly.

"We've known that extremist groups have been weaponising the internet for years," said Hany Farid, a Dartmouth College computer scientist who studies ways to stem extremist material online. "So why, for years, have they been understaffing their moderation? Why, for years, have they been behind on innovation?" Farid asked. He called Facebook's statement a public relations move in response to European governments.

Britain's interior ministry welcomed Facebook's efforts but said technology companies needed to go further. "This includes the use of technical solutions so that terrorist content can be identified and removed before it is widely disseminated, and ultimately prevented from being uploaded in the first place," a ministry spokesman said on Thursday.

Germany, France and Britain, countries where civilians have been killed and wounded in bombings and shootings by Islamist militants in recent years, have pressed Facebook and other providers of social media such as Google and Twitter to do more to remove militant content and hate speech. Government officials have threatened to fine Facebook and strip the broad legal protections it enjoys against liability for the content posted by its users.

Facebook uses artificial intelligence for image matching that allows the company to see if a photo or video being uploaded matches a known photo or video from groups it has defined as terrorist, such as Islamic State, Al Qaeda and their affiliates, the company said in the blog post.

YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and Microsoft last year created a common database of digital fingerprints automatically assigned to videos or photos of militant content to help each other identify the same content on their platforms. Similarly, Facebook now analyses text that has already been removed for praising or supporting militant organizations to develop text-based signals for such propaganda.

"More than half the accounts we remove for terrorism are accounts we find ourselves; that is something that we want to let our community know so they understand we are really committed to making Facebook a hostile environment for terrorists," Bickert said in a telephone interview.

Asked why Facebook was opening up now about policies that it had long declined to discuss, Bickert said recent attacks were naturally starting conversations among people about what they could do to stand up to militancy.

In addition, she said, "We're talking about this because we are seeing this technology really start to become an important part of how we try to find this content."

Facebook's blog post on Thursday was the first in a planned series of announcements to address "hard questions" facing the company, Elliot Schrage, vice president for public policy and communications, said in a statement. Other questions, he said, include: "Is social media good for democracy?" On Tuesday, British Prime Minister Theresa May and French President Emmanuel Macron launched a joint campaign to go after "terrorists and criminals" on the internet and to root out radicalising material.

"Crucially, our campaign will also include exploring creating a legal liability for tech companies if they fail to take the necessary action to remove unacceptable content," May said at a joint news conference. Macron's office declined to comment on Facebook's statement on Thursday.

Reuters
IANS

Engineers in the US have invented an inexpensive printed sensor that can monitor the tread of car tyres in real time, warning drivers when the rubber meeting the road has grown dangerously thin.

"With all of the technology and sensors that are in today's cars, it's kind of crazy to think that there's almost no data being gathered from the only part of the vehicle that is actually touching the road," said Aaron Franklin, Associate Professor at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina.

"Our tyre tread sensor is the perfect marriage between high-end technology and a simple solution," Franklin said.

In collaboration with Fetch Automotive Design Group, the researchers demonstrated a design using metallic carbon nanotubes (tiny cylinders of carbon atoms just one-billionth of a meter in diameter) that can track millimetre-scale changes in tread depth with 99 percent accuracy.

The sensor design was detailed in IEEE Sensors Journal. The technology relies on the well understood mechanics of how electric fields interact with metallic conductors. The core of the sensor is formed by placing two small, electrically conductive electrodes very close to each other.

By applying an oscillating electrical voltage to one and grounding the other, an electric field forms between the electrodes.While most of this electric field passes directly between the two electrodes, some of the field arcs between them. When a material is placed on top of the electrodes, it interferes with this so-called "fringing field."

By measuring this interference through the electrical response of the grounded electrode, it is possible to determine the thickness of the material covering the sensor, the researchers said.

While the sensor could be made from a variety of materials and methods, the best results were obtained by printing electrodes made of metallic carbon nanotubes on a flexible polyimide film, according to the study.
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China, SKorea put missile rift on hold to join AIIB meeting

AP, Seoul :

China and South Korea put aside hard feelings over Beijing's objections to a U.S. anti-missile system to join an annual meeting Friday on the South Korean island of Jeju of a China-backed Asian lending bank.

Chinese finance minister Xiao Jie and his Indian counterpart Arun Jaitley were among those attending the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank's second annual meeting, which will wrap up over the weekend.

South Korean officials said finance ministers of the two countries met for talks on the meeting's sidelines and reaffirmed their "solid economic ties," agreed to continue collaboration as major founding members of the AIIB.

It was unclear if the meeting will pave the way for a broader thaw in chilled relations. South Korean officials declined to say whether the ministers discussed the thorny missile issue, citing a confidentiality agreement with Chinese officials.

South Korea was picked to host the gathering before Beijing began protesting Seoul's agreement to let its ally the United States deploy on its territory key components of the so-called Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense system. South Korea and the U.S. say the system is needed to deter a possible North Korean attack but Beijing sees it as a threat to its own security because its radar can peer deep into northeastern China.

Since China began protesting the THAAD deployment in late February, visits by Chinese tourists have dropped sharply and some companies operating in China, South Korea's largest trading partner, were asked to suspend their operations there.

The brouhaha between Seoul and Beijing stopped hogging local headlines after South Korea's new president took office in May and ordered an environmental review before completing the missile defense system's deployment.

Sustainable energy is a key theme at this year's meeting. The issue has taken front stage following U.S. President Donald Trump's recent decision to withdraw from the Paris climate accord, which the president characterized as being unfair to the U.S.,

In a statement issued Friday, the AIIB said it supports its members "to do their part as expressed in the Paris Agreement" and pledged to prioritize investment in renewable energy projects and projects that enhance the energy efficiency of existing infrastructure.
Arms, ammunition for army supply cannot be possessed by ordinary persons

High Court Division :

(Criminal Appellate Jurisdiction)

Quamrul Islam Siddique J

AKM Zahirul Hoque J

Moshiur Rahman

Bhuiyan @ Babu

.... Accused-Appellant

vs

State......... Opposite Party

Judgment

March 9th, 2014

Arms Act (XI of 1878)

Section 19A

The arms and ammunition which have been manufactured for the army supply cannot be possessed by the accused or any other ordinary persons. This creates doubt in the mind how a pistol which is manufactured for army supply only can be possessed by the accused. The accused has been in jail custody for more than one year five moths. The trial has not been commenced as yet. The appellant is granted bail to the satisfaction of the Special Tribunal. ...(6 & 8)

SM Shahjahan Advocate-For the Accused Appellant.

Dr Md Bashir Ullah DAG-For the State.

Judgment

Quamrul Islam Siddique J : This appeal is directed against the order dated 9-6-2013 passed by the Learned Judge. Special Tribunal No. 1. Narsingdi in Special Tribunal Case No.11 of 2013, arising out ofNarsingdi Police Station Case No. 96 dated 30-10-2012, under Section 19A of the Arms Act rejecting the prayer for bail of the accused-appellant.

2. The prosecution case, in short, is that on 30-10-2012 the informant along with his force was on duty for conducting special raid and at that time they received secret information that some arms were kept inside the shop of one Jahangir. Thereafter, they raided the shop and the accused persons tried to flee away, but they were caught by police and on search police found one automatic pistol and 6 round cartridges in the waist of the accused-appellant. Thereafter, police prepared the Seizure list in presence of the witnesses and seized the alamots on the basis of the above mentioned FIR Narsingdi PS Case No. 96 dated 30-10-2012 was recorded under Section 19A of the Arms Act. Police after investigation found prima facie case and submitted chargesheet against three accused persons.

3. SM Shahjahan the learned Advocate appearing on behalf of the accused-appellant submits that the accused-appellant had falsely been implicated in this case out of enmity. He further submits that in the seizure list it has been stated that the recovered pistol was the property of the Army and that the pistol was manufactured for the purpose of Army supply only and that such kind of pistol cannot be in the possession of any outsider including the accused-appellant. He then submits that police arrested the accused-appellant on 30-10-2012 and since then he has been in jail custody. He lastly submits that police submitted charge sheet on 20-11-2012 but no charge has been framed against the accused-appellant by then court as yet.

4. Dr Md Bashir Ullah, the learned Deputy Attorney General appearing on behalf of the state submits that the record was transmitted to the court on 10-2-2013 and that the court fixed 17-3-2014 for framing on charge. He further submits that since the arm in question has been recovered from the waist of the accused-appellant the accused-appellant is not entitled to bail at this stage.

5. We have heard the learned advocates for both sides perused the record, FIR, Chargesheet, the seizure list and other relevant papers etc. It appears from the record that police arrested the accused on 30-10-2012. Police also submitted chargesheet on 20-11-2012. The record has been transmitted to the trial Court on 10-2-2013 but no charge has been framed against the accused appellant as yet. In the seizure list the description of the pistol has been given as under:

???????? ???? ??? ???????? ?????? ???? ?? ??? ??. ??? ? ??? ???????? ?.?? ????? ? ????????? ???? ???? ???? ???? ?????? ???? ????

6. The arms and ammunition which have been manufactured for the army supply cannot be possessed by the accused or any other ordinary persons. This creates doubt in the mind how a pistol which is manufactured for army supply only can be possessed by the accused. Moreover, the accused has been in jail custody since 30-10-2012 i.e, he has been in jail for more than one year five moths. The trial has not been commenced as yet.

7. Considering all facts and circumstances of the case, we find substance in this appeal.

8. In the result, the appeal is allowed, the impugned judgment and under dated 9-6-2013 passed by the Learned Judge, Special tribunal No. I, Narsingdi, in Special Tribunal Case No. 11 of 2013, arising out of Narsingdi PS Case No. 96 dated 30-10-2012 under Section 19A of the Arms Act is set aside. The accused appellant is granted bail to the satisfaction of the learned judge, Special Tribunal No. I, Narsingdi till conclusion of the Special Tribunal Case No.11 of 2013. However, the Learned Judge, Special tribunal No.1, Narsingdi shall be at liberty to cancel the bail of the accused appellant if the misuses the privilege of bail.


MANIKGANJ: Md. Nazmuz Sadad Selim, Deputy Commissioner, Manikganj, speaking at a view exchange meeting with GO-NGO officials, media workers of Shibalaya Upazila on Tuesday.
America`s self-contradicting relations with Qatar

ON one hand - barely a week ago, the American President called on Qatar to stop funding 'terrorism', it also told other Gulf states to shun their diplomatic ties with Qatar while on the other hand the US has deployed warships to conduct joint manoeuvres with Qatari Navy. Moreover, the US Secretary of Defense is reportedly discussing and analyzing ongoing and future US-led military campaign with the IS with his Qatari counterparts.

The point, however, Washington is sending conflicting signals both to Qatar and its longtime ally countries in the Middle East about its clear position on the diplomatic crisis. Additionally, we mark conflicting stances on the Qatar crisis between the US Secretary of State and the US President. Given the mounting suspense over sacking of topnotch public office bearers in America, we won't be surprised if any more is fired in the next week.

Concerning the contradiction, last Wednesday, the US Defence Secretary is reported to have invited his Qatari counterpart for the signing of the sale of F-15 fighters. According to Pentagon sources, the $12-billion sale will give Qatar a State-of-the-Art capability and increase security cooperation and interoperability between the United States and Qatar, but the question is didn't such military cooperation and interoperability among the two countries already exists? Or is Qatar being forced to procure American weaponry or pay the penalty for not buying?

Also according to a reliable Qatar News Agency the agreement would boost the Emirate's Defences by creating some 60,000 jobs in the United States. Apparently, the United States seems like blackmailing a Gulf state for materialising its hidden financial and domestic interests. However, we expect other Middle-Eastern, African and Asian countries to closely follow the contentious developments surrounding the Qatar crisis, and draw valuable lessons so not to step into premeditated conspiracy traps.

The geopolitical reality in the Middle East is getting smoky and foggy, and America's somewhat confusing deportment on the Gulf is clearly indicating more countries might become potential serious victims of the sinister American game plan. More seriously, it is the rift between the US President and the numerous public office holders which is dividing the US and making it more complex for other countries to deal with it. This should not be allowed to continue because for the fear of a bigger crisis which may hit the world anytime soon.


Climate change may trigger more landlsides in hills: Experts

UNB, Dhaka :

In the light of recent devastating landslides in Chittagong region that claimed more than 150 lives, experts predict that the country's hilly region will face more landslides in future due to increased variability of rainfall caused by climate change.

"The intensity of rainfall will go up in the hilly areas of Chittagong in the days to come due to climate change...higher intensity of precipitation will occur in a shorter period of time, causing more devastating landsides," climate expert Dr Atiq Rahman told UNB over phone.

Although the amount of rainfall may remain the same in the region in the next 30 years, he said, climate model shows that the amount of rainfall, which occurred in 10 days in the past, may take place within two days in the future, affecting the hill surface and causing more devastating landslides there.

Malik Fida A Khan, a deputy executive director of the Center for Environmental and Geographic Information Services (CEGIS), said the variability of rainfall is changing gradually in the country due to climate change.

"If we assess the average trend of precipitation, we will find its variability is increasing day by day. Rainfall is getting more concentrated. High intensity of rainfall is occurring in a short period. This concentrated rainfall is more dangerous as it triggers landslides," he said.

Bangladesh is one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change due to its geographic location where high-intensity rainfall has become more frequent in the recent years.

According to the Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the frequency of heavy precipitation events is increasing in South Asia, including Bangladesh, while light rain events are decreasing.

A 2014 study of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (Buet) also shows that the highest increasing precipitation trend can be seen in the Chittagong Hill Tract (CHT) region in the days to come.

Hilly topography of this region along with elevation ranging between 600 and 900 metres above mean sea level contributes to heavy rainfall, the study said.

About the nature of the country's hills, Dr Atiq said the stability of Bangladesh's hills is very poor as most of them are created with clay, not with rock.

Since rain directly falls on clay-built hills due to deforestation and hill cutting, it affects the hillslopes and triggers landslides, he said, observing that the hilly areas of the Chittagong region that experienced high deforestation and hill cutting have counted huge loss in landslides this year.

Dr Atiq Rahman, executive director of Bangladesh Centre for Advance Studies (BCAS), suggested an immediate end to hill leveling and huge afforestation to stabilise hillslopes, aiming to prevent future landslides in the hilly region.

Noting that landslides depend on the nature of hills, Fida A Khan said when slopes of a hill are changed anyway, one kind of pressure is created inside the hill and cause landslides.

Blaming the development works that changed hillslopes in the CHT, he said if the nature of hills is changed due to unplanned settlement and agriculture landslides will certainly take place there.

Fida Khan stressed taking immediate measures to stop settlement on hills and check such agriculture that needs to make the hills clean aiming to avoid landslides in the future.

Over 154 people, including five army personnel, were killed as torrential rains triggered a series of landslides in southeastern hills last week.
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Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Lafayette native joined the bank in 2015 as an intern before moving to New Orleans to participate in the companys Management Development Program.

IberiaBank has promoted Edward Bienvenu to business banking relationship manager for the Acadiana market.

The Lafayette native joined the bank in 2015 as an intern before moving to New Orleans to participate in the companys Management Development Program. He moved back to Lafayette later that year, accepting a position as a commercial underwriter, working extensively in the credit analysis and credit approval processes.

In his new role, Bienvenu is responsible for developing, managing and expanding business relationships with current clients, as well as seeking new business opportunities.

Bienvenu, who works out of the Downtown Lafayette IberiaBank Tower, has a bachelors degree in finance from LSU and an MBA from UL Lafayette.
Enough time has gone by that the early-bird orders of Paul Strand: Master of Modern Photography should have arrived in readers' mitts by now.

So what do you think of it? I'd like to hear. (We'll do this with the Friedlander books another day.)

I found this book to be an ideal way to re-acquaint with Strand's uncompromising work. Although not originals, the illustrations are gorgeous, and as a "curated show" in this book they have a cumulative power. I've been through the book four times since I got it, looking carefully, and each time I've found it to be a moving and emotional experience. It sums up a man's whole life in a rich and honorable way. Strand himself went from a vigorous and iconoclastic youth to a more principled and reflective older age; his pictures got quieter and less ambitious but more profound.

I have a fraught history with Strandyears ago, back when I was young and arrogant, I got embroiled in a public controversy that centered around him. It was a back-and-forth that played out in the pages of a magazine. But one thing I've always been on the lookout for is the tendency we humans have to become polarized by disputation. So I always try to remain open-minded and willing to modify my stances as time goes by. I made my peace with Paul Strand and his work a long time ago. Maybe he just suits me better at the age I am now.

I'm eager to know if you like the book too. I hope those who have contacted me privately will leave comments too.

The Yale Sale

The book sale is still open. This time around we're offering three excellent hardcover books for bargain prices, thanks to our friends at Yale University Press. It looks like the next sale won't happen until Fall.

This sale has been extremely popular so far; we've sold a total of over 600 copies of the three titles. Out of all those, only one book has needed to be replaced because of shipping damage (maybe two, if a reader who contacted me a few days ago also decides to request a replacement). That's a great ratio. Yale is also getting high marks from buyers for their phone service at the 800 number.

There are two ways to order: on the Internet using a code, or by phone. Here are the Internet links:

Lee Friedlander, In the Picture ($25, or $20 each for two; published at $75)

Lee Friedlander, Family in the Picture ($25, or $20 each for two; published at $75)

Paul Strand: Master of Modern Photography ($39; published at $75)

These links will take you to the US website of Yale University Press. (The UK website is not involved in the sale.) Enter the code YTOP1 if you are ordering only one Friedlander book, or YTOP2 if you are ordering both; the Strand will ring up at $39 using either code.

You can also call the 800 number of Yale University Press to order over the phone, or if you have any problems. That number is 1-800-405-1619.

If you'd like to do us a favor, please post an announcement or a link to our Yale Sale at other sites and forums you visit; the sale is not limited to people coming directly from TOP. All you need is the code to get the Yale/TOP sale prices. Here's a quick link you can use: https://tinyurl.com/yd3xa6zd



Quantities are limited. The sale will run until the end of June or until supplies run out. Shipping will vary depending on how many books you order and how far they have to go. Those charges will be applied at checkout as per Yale's normal procedures.

I'm looking forward to your comments....

Mike

Original contents copyright 2017 by Michael C. Johnston and/or the bylined author. All Rights Reserved. Links in this post may be to our affiliates; sales through affiliate links may benefit this site.

(To see all the comments, click on the "Comments" link below.)

Featured Comments from:

Peter Wright [who left this comment under an unrelated post just yesterday Ed.]: "I just got my books from the Yale Book Offer and I'm very pleased. The Friedlander books came first, and a few days later the Paul Strand book arrived. I thought at first that they had messed up, but the books were packaged separately for size/packaging reasons, (They just must have taken different routes to Canada.) After looking at the Friedlander books you won't feel guilty about selfies any more! (Or hounding your family.) The Strand book goes from 1910 to 1967you can see the technology and ideas evolve over the years. The book is also beautifully made, and the printing excellent. $39 well spent! Thanks for making this available."


*I need to update the live blog feed below and in my great super-skills deleted it. So I have to fix it, that might take awhile cause I believe you have...

1 year ago
Hurricane Update: Fears arise that Gov. Ron DeSantis may reroute Hurricane Ian from Florida coast to Martha's Vineyard

Study: People who define themselves by what they stand against, are usually afraid to tell people what they stand for

Liz Cheney: Voters need to ask themselves, why they are so out of touch with their politicians

White House: IRS toy guns for children are now politically correct, mandatory

BREAKING: Biden's economic sanctions on the U.S. to be partially lifted prior to November election

GOP's new slogan for midterms: Make Dissent Patriotic Again

PSA: Due to high gas prices police departments will now be responding and making arrests via Zoom.

NYT: Roe vs Wade to be renamed the "Don't Say Fetus" law

Democrats insist on carrying unwanted presidency to term

Elon Musk went to bed thinking he owns Twitter. Then the mail-in ballots arrived at 2am...

Obama: "If you like your information you can keep your information"

Fact checkers reveal Biden handler not a real Easter bunny

Biden 2021: you'll save $0.16 on 4th of July BBQ!

Biden 2022: you'll save a ton of $$ if you don't eat this 4th of July!

Disney to buy Epstein Island for new theme park

The Biology Underground is like the Weather Underground, except they are real biologists and they've had to go underground

"Psssst. Hey you, kid. Ya wanna watch a Disney movie with me?"

"I am not suicidal," says COVID-19 after being contracted by Hillary Clinton

Trans-swimmer Lia Thomas's trophy is smaller than for male swimmers, and only 73% gold

Sources: U.S. now considers majority of U.S. citizens a threat to U.S.

BREAKING: Russian General claims he was beaten up outside Ukrainian bio lab by two Nazis who poured vodka and caviar over him and yelled "This is NATO Country!"

Global warming news: 100,000 Russian migrants fleeing climate change about to march into Ukraine

Future headline: Donald Trump to buy CNN for one dollar

Georgia Governor Stacy Abrams feels honored to be the new Supreme Court justice

President Biden: 'Vote for me or I'll shoot this foot'

Fact checkers give Pinocchio's speech four Bidens

Fauci: The only thing we have to fear, is a lack of fear itself!

Study: Most people have had sex more violent than January 6th

Facebook permanently bans Facebook from Facebook for violating Facebook community standards

New remake of the 1950's horror movie Them to be titled Them/They

Teachers Union: Idea that CRT is being taught in K-12 just a conspiracy theory by white supremacists trying to maintain their systemically racist police state

Xze/She/He who controls the past controls the future; Xze/She/He who controls the present controls the past

S ocialists vow to fight against Critical Socialism Theory

A more perfect Soviet Union: the Party pretends it unites us, and we pretend we are united

Biden solves border crisis with free direct flights from Central America to major metropolitan areas

Critical race theory: destroy the world of systemic racism, build a world of systemic race-baiting

In the future everyone will get canceled for fifteen minutes

Biden proposes bill to spend two trillion dollars on more money printing factories

Social unity: They pretend to hold elections and we pretend we voted

Immigrants to Texas and Florida from New York and California break down and cry when they realize all their sacrifices for a better tomorrow were based on lies

China anal swabs detect new 'silent but deadly' transmission of covid-19 variant

Social science breakthrough: 'White' is the new way of saying 'Bourgeois'

Biden administration swat teams make sweeping arrests of underground female-only track meets

'Green energy' to be renamed 'blackout energy' for easier comprehension of climate complexities

New children's game: Rock, Paper, Scissors, Science







Texas: Biden administration sends emergency wind turbines to help fight the blackouts

BREAKING: Biden signs executive order canceling the number 45

ATTENTION: It is your duty to report anyone who says this is no longer a free country. Fact-checking commissars are monitoring all state-approved social media platforms for your convenience

OUT: If you don't vote, you can't complain!

IN: If you didn't vote Democrat, you can't complain!

Social media justice: followers removed from pro-Trump accounts will be added to Biden's Twitter account

Fact check: a democratic election is the one in which votes are counted until Democrats win

JUST IN: China bans Twitter for being too totalitarian

Pelosi introduces new House rule to replace 'gender' terms like mother, daughter, father, son with the word 'comrade'; the only acceptable pronoun will also be 'comrade'





Sources: Biden transition team demands access to White House basement to begin renovations

BREAKING: President Trump pardons America for its past

Prime Minister Modi: to avoid accusations of racism India will change its name to Cleveland

Biden creates Antifascist Librarian Justice Committee; the first book scheduled for burning is Fahrenheit 451

Media study: 148% of Americans believe voter fraud doesn't exist

2020 Election forecast: if Joe Biden emerges from the basement on Election Day and sees his shadow, expect four more years of Trump

BREAKING: President Trump pardons Corn Pop

Toobin, though on administrative leave, is still pulling for Biden

Chinese whistleblower: Biden-20 was genetically engineered in a Wuhan lab

Nancy Pelosi sponsors a bill to create the office of removal of the President

New college humanities major: Critical Trump Studies

Opinion: Joe Biden is just an idea

CNN: Biden took a solid second place in the debate, while Trump only came next to last

Having ordered that all Californians switch to electric cars by 2035, Gov. Gavin Newsom follows up by mandating them to have electricity by 2035

Election 2020: Joe Biden pledges to a peaceful post-election transfer of power to George Soros

Out: Flatten the curve. In: Flatten the country.

Breaking: the Democrat Party has finished transitioning from being the party of JFK to being the party of Lee Harvey Oswald

Paradigm shift in Chromatics: Study shows Indigo (#3F00FF) mixed with Jamaic (#C0FF01) yields Black (#000000)

Study: the trouble with wokeism is eventually you run out of victims

Stacey Abrams refuses to concede to Harris; declares herself Biden's VP

Election 2020: Spunky former presidential candidate wins VP slot by a head

Churches in many states to hold services in opened up pubs and bars

Election 2020: Xi Jinping still undecided on vice president for Joe Biden

Reports: Republicans pounce on 'Republicans pounce' reports

Minneapolis launches online looting app to combat Covid-19

DNC study finds lockdowns no longer necessary as the economy is now being destroyed more effectively by looters and rioters

With America in lockdown, China offers to host Democrat primary

Bernie Sanders tests negative for President

In related news, Joe Biden follows other candidates in withdrawing from race and endorsing Joe Biden

New York Governor Cuomo shuts down all 'non-essential' business, surprised to find himself out of a job

Biden commits to picking a woman as running mate as long as she passes his sniff test

Joe Biden's coronavirus prevention tips: always rub hand sanitizer on young girls before sniffing and fondling them

Russian lawmakers warned that the American Democrats are meddling to re-elect Putin

Joe Biden promises lucrative board member jobs as door prizes to get people to his rallies

Democrats now worried they might even lose the illegal alien vote

Soleimani's remains FedExed back to Iran and now no one knows what happened to the box

BREAKING: massive search underway in Iran after Soleimani's boxed FedEx'd remains stolen off front porch

Liz Warren harshly critical of Biden's suggestion to coal miners that they should learn to code, offers to have them trained as romance novelists instead

Pelosi: "First we have to impeach Donald Trump before we can find out why we impeached him."

Schiff calls his Amazon Alexa to testify: 'She knows absolutely everything'

Iran answers to new Reagan statue in Berlin by erecting Obama statue at Tehran airport where he delivered pallets of cash

California accepts award for most progressive environmental policies; further progressive developments to be announced as blackouts permit

BREAKING: Romney DNA test reveals he is 1/1024th Republican

California Governor Gavin Newsom blames electricity blackouts on Ukrainian kulaks, vows revenge

Rat falling from White House ceiling fears for his life, begs reporters for protection, offers a tell-all memoir

Latest UN climate report shows this month so far has seen the scariest climate pronouncements on record

Climate science: there's no need for climate protests in China because China is already communist

Islamic clerics split on whether Reps. Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib should be traveling around the world without an accompanying male relative

Dem candidates call for the Beatles' song 'Get Back' and the 'White Album' to be banned; surviving two white guys of the group must pay reparations

Bond's number is up: next 007 will be a black woman, played by Barack Obama

NYT: moon landing was one small step for Man, one giant leap for White Male Supremacy

HURRICANE WATCH: Tropical storm Barry has records sealed, once offshore expected to change name to Barack

Trump politicizes the 4th of July, declares it henceforth to be called the 45th of July, or July the Trumpth

Barack Obama critical of Trump for failing to insert 'I, me, my' into his 4th of July speech: "very unpresidential!"

Congressional Democrats: John Dean's testimony proves Trump is Nixon in disguise and must be impeached

Bernie Sanders admits to being a millionaire, promises to eat himself if nominated

International Women's Day observed, women only paid 73% of attention afforded to men

Democrats: anti-Semitism means never having to say you're sorry

AOC: aborting babies helps preserve the planet for the next generation

Bernie Sanders launches presidential campaign, promises to "build a great big beautiful Iron Curtain" around America if elected

West Virginia renames itself Eastern Kentucky to avoid further embarrassment from Virginia

BREAKING: Justice Ginsburg released from hospital after breaking 3 ribs at late night bar brawl in Adams Morgan

DNA news: Senator Warren tanking in latest totem polls

Orwell studies: 84% of academics believe problems raised in 1984 can be fixed with solutions from Animal Farm

Progress in gender justice: online dating industry issues recommendations for men to wear body cameras, bring attorneys as chaperones

Study: the only people who don't know what socialism is are the socialists

Poll: 1 in 3 #FightFor15 activists believe movement is related to lowering the age of consent across America

CNN expert: Kavanaugh confirmation will increase global warming by 3 degrees

Harry Reid comes forth to say Judge Kavanaugh didn't pay any taxes in high school

Hollywood to America: If you've got a flag on the Moon, you didn't plant that; some other country made that happen

Protest march in straight jackets against Trump ends in chaos as participants try but fail to free themselves

HEADLINES YOU WILL NEVER SEE: California Gov. Jerry Brown single-handedly stops wildfires in his state by issuing an immediate statewide ban on wildfires

San Francisco closes all Planned Parenthood clinics after sting operation catches employees using plastic straws

Vegan mother undergoes experimental surgery to force her breasts to produce almond milk

With none of his emails answered, frustrated Nigerian man commits suicide and leaves $100bn fortune to charity

California gives new meaning to strawman argument as caped Strawman battles supervillains in restaurants, bars, and fast food joints

Violence increases in Mexico as cartels switch from smuggling drugs to plastic straws to San Francisco

Obama proposes a Paris Economic Change agreement among nations to address how world will cope with future runaway economic warming

Stormy Daniels plans border visit to give migrant children freebies

San Francisco: man dumping off 20 lbs of human waste in plastic bag on street corner cited for using non-biodegradable plastic bag

BREAKING: ICE renamed Planned Citizenship, immediately absolving it of all criticism

Senate Democrats demand Supreme Court nominee not be unduly influenced by U.S. Constitution

BREAKING: In 2018, Obama and Biden can finally celebrate Recovery Summer

IG Report: the FBI broke the law, but since there was no criminal intent, no reasonable prosecutor would bring such a case

Pelosi on Trump's MS-13 "animals" comments: "Four legs good, two legs bad"

Iran nuclear talks set to resume between the United States and John Kerry

Report: The Mueller investigation has finally determined that the lyrics to Louie Louie are not about Trump and Russian collusion

MARKETS: Demand for carbon credits spikes as Hamas seeks to undo damage to Earth's atmosphere caused by burning 10,000 tires on Gaza border

BREAKING: After state reassignment surgery Pennsylvania will henceforth be known as Transylvania

Experts: If we don't act now, unicorns will be extinct in just ten years. Children will ask, "Mommy, what's a unicorn?" Women and minorities will be forced to seek alternative hallucinations

Korean war must continue: Hawaiian federal judge declares Trump's peace effort unconstitutional

New York: feminists march on Broadway, demand the street be given new, non-misogynistic name

Experts: California's planned transition of all state jobs from citizens to illegal aliens by 2020 will help to avoid bankruptcy and save money for social programs for illegal aliens

Putin: If I didn't want Hillary to be president she would be dead

Doritos maker PepsiCo to introduce snack line for women; new Doritas chips will be 77% as big as Doritos and won't make any scary 'crunchy noises'

TMZ: Tooth Fairy accused of sexually assaulting millions of children, outs self as Transgendered Tooth Recovery Specialist

RUSSIA COLLUSION: Trump offers Putin to trade Rep. Maxine Waters for two unnamed members of the State Duma

Ikea founder dead at 91; his coffin arrived in a box with confusing instructions and took 3 hours to assemble

This Thanksgiving ex-president Obama continues with his tradition of apologizing to turkeys everywhere for the injustice they suffered since America's founding

Oslo, Norway: 2017 Nobel Peace Prize goes to advocacy group about which you'll forget immediately after reading this headline

Cambridge, MA, library to replace racist 'Cat in the Hat' with inclusive 'Che in a Beret'

Millions of men worldwide eagerly await broadcast of Hugh Hefner's funeral, solely for the articles

Bill Gates offers to pay for Trump's wall on condition he gets to install Windows

Bernie Sanders introduces single-payer public transportation bill to end America's unequal, unfair, and expensive private transportation system

DNC embroiled in controversy after official Twitter account accidentally 'likes' pictures of US Constitution and Bill of Rights

Hurricane Irma hits Cuba, causes millions of dollars worth of improvements to property and infrastructure

Climate study: extreme weather may be caused by unlicensed witches casting wrong spells in well-meaning effort to destroy Trump

Ex-president Obama declares Irma "Hurricane of Peace," urges not to jump to conclusions and succumb to stormophobia

CNN: Trump reverses Obama's executive order banning hurricanes

ISIS claims responsibility for a total solar eclipse over the lands of American crusaders and nonbelievers

When asked if they could point to North Korea on a map many college students didn't know what a map was

CNN: We must bring America into the 21st century by replacing the 18th century Constitution with 19th century poetry

Pelosi: 'We have to impeach the president in order to find out what we impeached him for'

BREAKING: As of Saturday July 8, 2017, all of Earth's ecosystems have shut down as per Prince Charles's super scientific pronouncement made 96 months ago. Everything is dead. All is lost. Life on Earth is no more.

DNC to pick new election slogan out of four finalists: 'Give us more government or everyone dies,' 'Vote for Democrats or everyone dies,' 'Impeach Trump or everyone dies,' 'Stop the fearmongering or everyone dies'

Al Gore's "An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power" is humanity's last chance to save the Earth before it ends five years ago

Experts: The more we embrace diversity the more everything is the same

BOMBSHELL: TMZ offers Kathy Griffin $5 mil to keep any future sex tape private

DEVELOPING: CNN, WaPo, NYT anonymous sources say Vladimir Putin may have ties to Russia

BREAKING: Manning and Snowden have come out with strong condemnation of Donald Trump leaking classified information to Russia

Gun store goes into lockdown over report an "active university professor" roving the grounds

Dozens injured at Ralph Lauren & Louis Vuitton headquarters after Ivanka calls in missile strikes on rival fashion houses

BOMBSHELL: Evidence proves Donald Trump conspired with his campaign to defeat Hillary Clinton

University ranked "very intolerant of free speech" fights the accusation by banning the study and all involved

Concerned that Russians don't consume enough alcohol in the month of March, Russia's Orthodox Church makes St. Patrick's Day official holiday

Grassroots group calls for "The Million Regulators March" on Washington, supported by all who fear the loss of their betters telling them what to do

Experts: Starbucks CEO Schultz's hiring of 10,000 Muslim refugees likely to blow up in his face

Will the groundprog be frightened by its own shadow and hide - or will there be another season of insane protests?

Trump signs executive order making California and New York national monuments; residents have two days to vacate

Women's March against fascism completed with 400,000 fewer deaths than anticipated

Feminist historians uncover ghastly concentration camps where so-called "housewives" were forced to live inauthentic lives slaving away in kitchens

Dictionary of the future: Global Warming was a popular computer simulation game, where the only way to win was not to play

"Anti-fascist" groups violently protest misspelling of their original name, "aren't-we-fascists"

Post-inauguration blues: millions of democrats distraught as the reality of having to find real jobs sets in

"Journalism is the continuation of war by other means" is exposed as a fake quote by mainstream media journalists

Congressional Democrats: "We cannot just simply replace Obamacare with freedom because then millions of Americans will suddenly become free"

Schoolchildren jailed for building only white snowmen

Obama's reckless attacks on Russia serve as recruitment tool to create more Russian hackers

Hillary: "I lost, so I'm going to follow our democratic traditions, poison the wells, and scorch the earth"

Children in Venezuela cook and eat their Christmas toys

Hillary: "I can hack Russia from my bathroom"

Hillary suggests to counter "fake news" with government newspaper called "Truth" ("Pravda" for Russian speakers)

BREAKING: Millions of uncounted votes found on Hillary's private voting machine in her Chappaqua bathroom

New York Times: Fidel Castro world's sexiest corpse

After years of trial and error, CIA finally succeeds with the "waiting it out" technique on Fidel Castro

Post-election shopping tip: look for the PoliticsFree label at your local grocer to make sure you don't buy from companies that don't want your business anymore

In Hillary's America, email server scrubs you

Obama transfers his Nobel Peace Prize to anti-Trump rioters

Democrats blame Hillary's criminal e-mail server for her loss, demand it face prison

Afraid of "dangerous" Trump presidency, protesters pre-emptively burn America down to the ground

Clinton Foundation in foreclosure as foreign donors demand refunds

Hillary Clinton blames YouTube video for unexpected and spontaneous voter uprising that prevented her inevitable move into the White House

Sudden rise in sea levels explained by disproportionately large tears shed by climate scientists in the aftermath of Trump's electoral victory

FBI director Comey delighted after receiving Nobel Prize for Speed Reading (650,000 emails in one week)

U.N. deploys troops to American college campuses in order to combat staggeringly low rape rates

Responding to Trump's surging poll numbers, Obama preemptively pardons himself for treason

Following hurricane Matthew's failure to devastate Florida, activists flock to the Sunshine State and destroy Trump signs manually

Tim Kaine takes credit for interrupting hurricane Matthew while debating weather in Florida

Study: Many non-voters still undecided on how they're not going to vote

The Evolution of Dissent: on November 8th the nation is to decide whether dissent will stop being racist and become sexist - or it will once again be patriotic as it was for 8 years under George W. Bush

Venezuela solves starvation problem by making it mandatory to buy food

Breaking: the Clinton Foundation set to investigate the FBI

Obama captures rare Pokemon while visiting Hiroshima

Movie news: 'The Big Friendly Giant Government' flops at box office; audiences say "It's creepy"

Barack Obama: "If I had a son, he'd look like Micah Johnson"

White House edits Orlando 911 transcript to say shooter pledged allegiance to NRA and Republican Party

President George Washington: 'Redcoats do not represent British Empire; King George promotes a distorted version of British colonialism'

Following Obama's 'Okie-Doke' speech, stock of Okie-Doke soars; NASDAQ: 'Obama best Okie-Doke salesman'

Weaponized baby formula threatens Planned Parenthood office; ACLU demands federal investigation of Gerber

Experts: melting Antarctic glacier could cause sale levels to rise up to 80% off select items by this weekend

Travel advisory: airlines now offering flights to front of TSA line

As Obama instructs his administration to get ready for presidential transition, Trump preemptively purchases 'T' keys for White House keyboards

John Kasich self-identifies as GOP primary winner, demands access to White House bathroom

Upcoming Trump/Kelly interview on FoxNews sponsored by 'Let's Make a Deal' and 'The Price is Right'

News from 2017: once the evacuation of Lena Dunham and 90% of other Hollywood celebrities to Canada is confirmed, Trump resigns from presidency: "My work here is done"

Non-presidential candidate Paul Ryan pledges not to run for president in new non-presidential non-ad campaign

Trump suggests creating 'Muslim database'; Obama symbolically protests by shredding White House guest logs beginning 2009

National Enquirer: John Kasich's real dad was the milkman, not mailman

National Enquirer: Bound delegates from Colorado, Wyoming found in Ted Cruzs basement

Iran breaks its pinky-swear promise not to support terrorism; US State Department vows rock-paper-scissors strategic response

Women across the country cheer as racist Democrat president on $20 bill is replaced by black pro-gun Republican

Federal Reserve solves budget crisis by writing itself a 20-trillion-dollar check

Widows, orphans claim responsibility for Brussels airport bombing

Che Guevara's son hopes Cuba's communism will rub off on US, proposes a long list of people the government should execute first

Susan Sarandon: "I don't vote with my vagina." Voters in line behind her still suspicious, use hand sanitizer

Campaign memo typo causes Hillary to court 'New Black Panties' vote

New Hampshire votes for socialist Sanders, changes state motto to "Live FOR Free or Die"

Martin O'Malley drops out of race after Iowa Caucus; nation shocked with revelation he has been running for president

Statisticians: one out of three Bernie Sanders supporters is just as dumb as the other two

Hillary campaign denies accusations of smoking-gun evidence in her emails, claims they contain only smoking-circumstantial-gun evidence

Obama stops short of firing US Congress upon realizing the difficulty of assembling another group of such tractable yes-men

In effort to contol wild passions for violent jihad, White House urges gun owners to keep their firearms covered in gun burkas

TV horror live: A Charlie Brown Christmas gets shot up on air by Mohammed cartoons

Democrats vow to burn the country down over Ted Cruz statement, 'The overwhelming majority of violent criminals are Democrats'

Russia's trend to sign bombs dropped on ISIS with "This is for Paris" found response in Obama administration's trend to sign American bombs with "Return to sender"

University researchers of cultural appropriation quit upon discovery that their research is appropriation from a culture that created universities

Archeologists discover remains of what Barack Obama has described as unprecedented, un-American, and not-who-we-are immigration screening process in Ellis Island

Mizzou protests lead to declaring entire state a "safe space," changing Missouri motto to "The don't show me state"

Green energy fact: if we put all green energy subsidies together in one-dollar bills and burn them, we could generate more electricity than has been produced by subsidized green energy

State officials improve chances of healthcare payouts by replacing ObamaCare with state lottery

NASA's new mission to search for racism, sexism, and economic inequality in deep space suffers from race, gender, and class power struggles over multibillion-dollar budget

College progress enforcement squads issue schematic humor charts so students know if a joke may be spontaneously laughed at or if regulations require other action

ISIS opens suicide hotline for US teens depressed by climate change and other progressive doomsday scenarios

Virginia county to close schools after teacher asks students to write 'death to America' in Arabic

'Wear hijab to school day' ends with spontaneous female circumcision and stoning of a classmate during lunch break

ISIS releases new, even more barbaric video in an effort to regain mantle from Planned Parenthood

Impressed by Fox News stellar rating during GOP debates, CNN to use same formula on Democrat candidates asking tough, pointed questions about Republicans

Shocking new book explores pros and cons of socialism, discovers they are same people

Pope outraged by Planned Parenthood's "unfettered capitalism," demands equal redistribution of baby parts to each according to his need

John Kerry accepts Iran's "Golden Taquiyya" award, requests jalapenos on the side

Citizens of Pluto protest US government's surveillance of their planetoid and its moons with New Horizons space drone

John Kerry proposes 3-day waiting period for all terrorist nations trying to acquire nuclear weapons

Chicago Police trying to identify flag that caused nine murders and 53 injuries in the city this past weekend

Cuba opens to affordable medical tourism for Americans who can't afford Obamacare deductibles

State-funded research proves existence of Quantum Aggression Particles (Heterons) in Large Hadron Collider

Student job opportunities: make big bucks this summer as Hillarys Ordinary-American; all expenses paid, travel, free acting lessons

Experts debate whether Iranian negotiators broke John Kerry's leg or he did it himself to get out of negotiations

Junior Varsity takes Ramadi, advances to quarterfinals

US media to GOP pool of candidates: 'Knowing what we know now, would you have had anything to do with the founding of the United States?'

NY Mayor to hold peace talks with rats, apologize for previous Mayor's cowboy diplomacy

China launches cube-shaped space object with a message to aliens: "The inhabitants of Earth will steal your intellectual property, copy it, manufacture it in sweatshops with slave labor, and sell it back to you at ridiculously low prices"

Progressive scientists: Truth is a variable deduced by subtracting 'what is' from 'what ought to be'

Experts agree: Hillary Clinton best candidate to lessen percentage of Americans in top 1%

America's attempts at peace talks with the White House continue to be met with lies, stalling tactics, and bad faith

Starbucks new policy to talk race with customers prompts new hashtag #DontHoldUpTheLine

Hillary: DELETE is the new RESET

Charlie Hebdo receives Islamophobe 2015 award; the cartoonists could not be reached for comment due to their inexplicable, illogical deaths

Russia sends 'reset' button back to Hillary: 'You need it now more than we do'

Barack Obama finds out from CNN that Hillary Clinton spent four years being his Secretary of State

President Obama honors Leonard Nimoy by taking selfie in front of Starship Enterprise

Police: If Obama had a convenience store, it would look like Obama Express Food Market

Study finds stunning lack of racial, gender, and economic diversity among middle-class white males

NASA: We're 80% sure about being 20% sure about being 17% sure about being 38% sure about 2014 being the hottest year on record

People holding '$15 an Hour Now' posters sue Democratic party demanding raise to $15 an hour for rendered professional protesting services

Cuba-US normalization: US tourists flock to see Cuba before it looks like the US and Cubans flock to see the US before it looks like Cuba

White House describes attacks on Sony Pictures as 'spontaneous hacking in response to offensive video mocking Juche and its prophet'

CIA responds to Democrat calls for transparency by releasing the director's cut of The Making Of Obama's Birth Certificate

Obama: 'If I had a city, it would look like Ferguson'

Biden: 'If I had a Ferguson (hic), it would look like a city'

Obama signs executive order renaming 'looters' to 'undocumented shoppers'

Ethicists agree: two wrongs do make a right so long as Bush did it first

The aftermath of the 'War on Women 2014' finds a new 'Lost Generation' of disillusioned Democrat politicians, unable to cope with life out of office

White House: Republican takeover of the Senate is a clear mandate from the American people for President Obama to rule by executive orders

Nurse Kaci Hickox angrily tells reporters that she won't change her clocks for daylight savings time

Democratic Party leaders in panic after recent poll shows most Democratic voters think 'midterm' is when to end pregnancy

Desperate Democratic candidates plead with Obama to stop backing them and instead support their GOP opponents

Ebola Czar issues five-year plan with mandatory quotas of Ebola infections per each state based on voting preferences

Study: crony capitalism is to the free market what the Westboro Baptist Church is to Christianity

Fun facts about world languages: the Left has more words for statism than the Eskimos have for snow

African countries to ban all flights from the United States because "Obama is incompetent, it scares us"

Nobel Peace Prize controversy: Hillary not nominated despite having done even less than Obama to deserve it

Obama: 'Ebola is the JV of viruses'

BREAKING: Secret Service foils Secret Service plot to protect Obama

Revised 1st Amendment: buy one speech, get the second free

Sharpton calls on white NFL players to beat their women in the interests of racial fairness

President Obama appoints his weekly approval poll as new national security adviser

Obama wags pen and phone at Putin; Europe offers support with powerful pens and phones from NATO members

White House pledges to embarrass ISIS back to the Stone Age with a barrage of fearsome Twitter messages and fatally ironic Instagram photos

Obama to fight ISIS with new federal Terrorist Regulatory Agency

Obama vows ISIS will never raise their flag over the eighteenth hole

Harry Reid: "Sometimes I say the wong thing"

Elian Gonzalez wishes he had come to the U.S. on a bus from Central America like all the other kids

Obama visits US-Mexican border, calls for a two-state solution

Obama draws "blue line" in Iraq after Putin took away his red crayon

"Hard Choices," a porno flick loosely based on Hillary Clinton's memoir and starring Hillary Hellfire as a drinking, whoring Secretary of State, wildly outsells the flabby, sagging original

Accusations of siding with the enemy leave Sgt. Bergdahl with only two options: pursue a doctorate at Berkley or become a Senator from Massachusetts

Jay Carney stuck in line behind Eric Shinseki to leave the White House; estimated wait time from 15 min to 6 weeks

100% of scientists agree that if man-made global warming were real, "the last people we'd want to help us is the Obama administration"

Jay Carney says he found out that Obama found out that he found out that Obama found out that he found out about the latest Obama administration scandal on the news

"Anarchy Now!" meeting turns into riot over points of order, bylaws, and whether or not 'kicking the #^@&*! ass' of the person trying to speak is or is not violence

Obama retaliates against Putin by prohibiting unionized federal employees from dating hot Russian girls online during work hours

Russian separatists in Ukraine riot over an offensive YouTube video showing the toppling of Lenin statues

"Free Speech Zones" confuse Obamaphone owners who roam streets in search of additional air minutes

Obamacare bolsters employment for professionals with skills to convert meth back into sudafed

Gloves finally off: Obama uses pen and phone to cancel Putin's Netflix account

Joe Biden to Russia: "We will bury you by turning more of Eastern Europe over to your control!"

In last-ditch effort to help Ukraine, Obama deploys Rev. Sharpton and Rev. Jackson's Rainbow Coalition to Crimea

Al Sharpton: "Not even Putin can withstand our signature chanting, 'racist, sexist, anti-gay, Russian army go away'!"

Mardi Gras in North Korea: "Throw me some food!"

Obama's foreign policy works: "War, invasion, and conquest are signs of weakness; we've got Putin right where we want him"

US offers military solution to Ukraine crisis: "We will only fight countries that have LGBT military"

Putin annexes Brighton Beach to protect ethnic Russians in Brooklyn, Obama appeals to UN and EU for help

The 1980s: "Mr. Obama, we're just calling to ask if you want our foreign policy back. The 1970s are right here with us, and they're wondering, too."

In a stunning act of defiance, Obama courageously unfriends Putin on Facebook

MSNBC: Obama secures alliance with Austro-Hungarian Empire against Russias aggression in Ukraine

Study: springbreak is to STDs what April 15th is to accountants

Efforts to achieve moisture justice for California thwarted by unfair redistribution of snow in America

North Korean voters unanimous: "We are the 100%"

Leader of authoritarian gulag-site, The People's Cube, unanimously 're-elected' with 100% voter turnout

Super Bowl: Obama blames Fox News for Broncos' loss

Feminist author slams gay marriage: "a man needs a man like a fish needs a bicycle"

Beverly Hills campaign heats up between Henry Waxman and Marianne Williamson over the widening income gap between millionaires and billionaires in their district

Biden to lower $10,000-a-plate Dinner For The Homeless to $5,000 so more homeless can attend

Kim becomes world leader, feeds uncle to dogs; Obama eats dogs, becomes world leader, America cries uncle

North Korean leader executes own uncle for talking about Obamacare at family Christmas party

White House hires part-time schizophrenic Mandela sign interpreter to help sell Obamacare

Kim Jong Un executes own "crazy uncle" to keep him from ruining another family Christmas

OFA admits its advice for area activists to give Obamacare Talk at shooting ranges was a bad idea

President resolves Obamacare debacle with executive order declaring all Americans equally healthy

Obama to Iran: "If you like your nuclear program, you can keep your nuclear program"

Bovine community outraged by flatulence coming from Washington DC

Obama: "I'm not particularly ideological; I believe in a good pragmatic five-year plan"

Shocker: Obama had no knowledge he'd been reelected until he read about it in the local newspaper last week

Server problems at HealthCare.gov so bad, it now flashes 'Error 808' message

NSA marks National Best Friend Day with official announcement: "Government is your best friend; we know you like no one else, we're always there, we're always willing to listen"

Al Qaeda cancels attack on USA citing launch of Obamacare as devastating enough

The President's latest talking point on Obamacare: "I didn't build that"

Dizzy with success, Obama renames his wildly popular healthcare mandate to HillaryCare

Carney: huge ObamaCare deductibles won't look as bad come hyperinflation

Washington Redskins drop 'Washington' from their name as offensive to most Americans

Poll: 83% of Americans favor cowboy diplomacy over rodeo clown diplomacy

GOVERNMENT WARNING: If you were able to complete ObamaCare form online, it wasn't a legitimate gov't website; you should report online fraud and change all your passwords

Obama administration gets serious, threatens Syria with ObamaCare

Obama authorizes the use of Vice President Joe Biden's double-barrel shotgun to fire a couple of blasts at Syria

Sharpton: "British royals should have named baby 'Trayvon.' By choosing 'George' they sided with white Hispanic racist Zimmerman"

DNC launches 'Carlos Danger' action figure; proceeds to fund a charity helping survivors of the Republican War on Women

Nancy Pelosi extends abortion rights to the birds and the bees

Hubble discovers planetary drift to the left

Obama: 'If I had a daughter-in-law, she would look like Rachael Jeantel'

FISA court rubberstamps statement denying its portrayal as government's rubber stamp

Every time ObamaCare gets delayed, a Julia somewhere dies

GOP to Schumer: 'Force full implementation of ObamaCare before 2014 or Dems will never win another election'

Obama: 'If I had a son... no, wait, my daughter can now marry a woman!'

Janet Napolitano: TSA findings reveal that since none of the hijackers were babies, elderly, or Tea Partiers, 9/11 was not an act of terrorism

News Flash: Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-LA) can see Canada from South Dakota

Susan Rice: IRS actions against tea parties caused by anti-tax YouTube video that was insulting to their faith

Drudge Report reduces font to fit all White House scandals onto one page

Obama: the IRS is a constitutional right, just like the Second Amendment

White House: top Obama officials using secret email accounts a result of bad IT advice to avoid spam mail from Nigeria

Jay Carney to critics: 'Pinocchio never said anything inconsistent'

Obama: If I had a gay son, he'd look like Jason Collins

Gosnell's office in Benghazi raided by the IRS: mainstream media's worst cover-up challenge to date

IRS targeting pro-gay-marriage LGBT groups leads to gayest tax revolt in U.S. history

After Arlington Cemetery rejects offer to bury Boston bomber, Westboro Babtist Church steps up with premium front lawn plot

Boston: Obama Administration to reclassify marathon bombing as 'sportsplace violence'

Study: Success has many fathers but failure becomes a government program

US Media: Can Pope Francis possibly clear up Vatican bureaucracy and banking without blaming the previous administration?

Michelle Obama praises weekend rampage by Chicago teens as good way to burn calories and stay healthy

This Passover, Obama urges his subjects to paint lamb's blood above doors in order to avoid the Sequester



White House to American children: Sequester causes layoffs among hens that lay Easter eggs; union-wage Easter Bunnies to be replaced by Mexican Chupacabras

Time Mag names Hugo Chavez world's sexiest corpse

Boy, 8, pretends banana is gun, makes daring escape from school

Study: Free lunches overpriced, lack nutrition

Oscars 2013: Michelle Obama announces long-awaited merger of Hollywood and the State

Joe Salazar defends the right of women to be raped in gun-free environment: 'rapists and rapees should work together to prevent gun violence for the common good'

Dept. of Health and Human Services eliminates rape by reclassifying assailants as 'undocumented sex partners'

Kremlin puts out warning not to photoshop Putin riding meteor unless bare-chested

Deeming football too violent, Obama moves to introduce Super Drone Sundays instead

Japan offers to extend nuclear umbrella to cover U.S. should America suffer devastating attack on its own defense spending

Feminists organize one billion women to protest male oppression with one billion lap dances

Urban community protests Mayor Bloomberg's ban on extra-large pop singers owning assault weapons

Concerned with mounting death toll, Taliban offers to send peacekeeping advisers to Chicago

Karl Rove puts an end to Tea Party with new 'Republicans For Democrats' strategy aimed at losing elections

Answering public skepticism, President Obama authorizes unlimited drone attacks on all skeet targets throughout the country

Skeet Ulrich denies claims he had been shot by President but considers changing his name to 'Traps'

White House releases new exciting photos of Obama standing, sitting, looking thoughtful, and even breathing in and out

New York Times hacked by Chinese government, Paul Krugman's economic policies stolen

White House: when President shoots skeet, he donates the meat to food banks that feed the middle class

To prove he is serious, Obama eliminates armed guard protection for President, Vice-President, and their families; establishes Gun-Free Zones around them instead

State Dept to send 100,000 American college students to China as security for US debt obligations

Jay Carney: Al Qaeda is on the run, they're just running forward

President issues executive orders banning cliffs, ceilings, obstructions, statistics, and other notions that prevent us from moving forwards and upward

Fearing the worst, Obama Administration outlaws the fan to prevent it from being hit by certain objects

World ends; S&P soars

Riddle of universe solved; answer not understood

Meek inherit Earth, can't afford estate taxes

Greece abandons Euro; accountants find Greece has no Euros anyway

Wheel finally reinvented; axles to be gradually reinvented in 3rd quarter of 2013

Bigfoot found in Ohio, mysteriously not voting for Obama

As Santa's workshop files for bankruptcy, Fed offers bailout in exchange for control of 'naughty and nice' list

Freak flying pig accident causes bacon to fly off shelves

Obama: green economy likely to transform America into a leading third world country of the new millennium

Report: President Obama to visit the United States in the near future

Obama promises to create thousands more economically neutral jobs

Modernizing Islam: New York imam proposes to canonize Saul Alinsky as religion's latter day prophet

Imam Rauf's peaceful solution: 'Move Ground Zero a few blocks away from the mosque and no one gets hurt'

Study: Obama's threat to burn tax money in Washington 'recruitment bonanza' for Tea Parties

Study: no Social Security reform will be needed if gov't raises retirement age to at least 814 years

Obama attends church service, worships self

Obama proposes national 'Win The Future' lottery; proceeds of new WTF Powerball to finance more gov't spending

Historical revisionists: "Hey, you never know"

Vice President Biden: criticizing Egypt is un-pharaoh

Israelis to Egyptian rioters: "don't damage the pyramids, we will not rebuild"

Lake Superior renamed Lake Inferior in spirit of tolerance and inclusiveness

Al Gore: It's a shame that a family can be torn apart by something as simple as a pack of polar bears

Michael Moore: As long as there is anyone with money to shake down, this country is not broke

Obama's teleprompters unionize, demand collective bargaining rights

Obama calls new taxes 'spending reductions in tax code.' Elsewhere rapists tout 'consent reductions in sexual intercourse'

Obama's teleprompter unhappy with White House Twitter: "Too few words"

Obama's Regulation Reduction committee finds US Constitution to be expensive outdated framework inefficiently regulating federal gov't

Taking a page from the Reagan years, Obama announces new era of Perestroika and Glasnost

Responding to Oslo shootings, Obama declares Christianity "Religion of Peace," praises "moderate Christians," promises to send one into space

Republicans block Obama's $420 billion program to give American families free charms that ward off economic bad luck

White House to impose Chimney tax on Santa Claus

Obama decrees the economy is not soaring as much as previously decreeed

Conservative think tank introduces children to capitalism with pop-up picture book "The Road to Smurfdom"

Al Gore proposes to combat Global Warming by extracting silver linings from clouds in Earth's atmosphere

Obama refutes charges of him being unresponsive to people's suffering: "When you pray to God, do you always hear a response?"

Obama regrets the US government didn't provide his mother with free contraceptives when she was in college

Fluke to Congress: drill, baby, drill!

Planned Parenthood introduces Frequent Flucker reward card: 'Come again soon!'

Obama to tornado victims: 'We inherited this weather from the previous administration'

Obama congratulates Putin on Chicago-style election outcome

People's Cube gives itself Hero of Socialist Labor medal in recognition of continued expert advice provided to the Obama Administration helping to shape its foreign and domestic policies

Hamas: Israeli air defense unfair to 99% of our missiles, "only 1% allowed to reach Israel"

Democrat strategist: without government supervision, women would have never evolved into humans

Voters Without Borders oppose Texas new voter ID law

Enraged by accusation that they are doing Obama's bidding, media leaders demand instructions from White House on how to respond

Obama blames previous Olympics for failure to win at this Olympics

Official: China plans to land on Moon or at least on cheap knockoff thereof

Koran-Contra: Obama secretly arms Syrian rebels

Poll: Progressive slogan 'We should be more like Europe' most popular with members of American Nazi Party

Obama to Evangelicals: Jesus saves, I just spend

May Day: Anarchists plan, schedule, synchronize, and execute a coordinated campaign against all of the above

Midwestern farmers hooked on new erotic novel "50 Shades of Hay"

Study: 99% of Liberals give the rest a bad name

Obama meets with Jewish leaders, proposes deeper circumcisions for the rich

Historians: Before HOPE & CHANGE there was HEMP & CHOOM at ten bucks a bag

Cancer once again fails to cure Venezuela of its "President for Life"

Tragic spelling error causes Muslim protesters to burn local boob-tube factory

Secretary of Energy Steven Chu: due to energy conservation, the light at the end of the tunnel will be switched off

Obama Administration running food stamps across the border with Mexico in an operation code-named "Fat And Furious"

Pakistan explodes in protest over new Adobe Acrobat update; 17 local acrobats killed

White House: "Let them eat statistics"

Special Ops: if Benedict Arnold had a son, he would look like Barack Obama







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HARRISBURG  A shooting Friday morning left one person dead, and law enforcement is searching for two suspects, Mayor John McPeek said.

McPeek said the incident took place at approximately 6 a.m. near the intersection of South Granger and Barnett streets.

There is currently an intense search for two suspects, and I want citizens to know I consider the suspects armed and dangerous," McPeek said. "If anyone sees anything suspicious, or becomes aware of details about the situation, call the police immediately.

McPeek confirmed that the victim was 25-year-old Aaron Gregory.

Harrisburg Police, Illinois State Police and the Saline County Sheriffs Office are all investigating.

This story will be updated as more information is released.
COBDEN  Former Cobden High School band director Dan Cirilla has something in common with Michael Jordan, Roger Clemens, Pele and George Foreman.

He was called out of retirement  this time to lead the band in the National Memorial Day Parade.

When Edwin Shoemate, superintendent of Cobden Unit School District 17, heard about the opportunity for the schools band to march in the National Memorial Day Parade, he jumped on it, Cirilla said.

Mr. Shoemate, the superintendent, originally got this started. He made the application, Cirilla said.

They also submitted a video of the Cobden Marching Band in the Veterans Day Parade in Anna. That video and application got the band a spot in the national parade, along with six other Illinois bands.

The band director was leaving at the end of the school year and chose not to go on the trip, so the district needed someone to lead the band.

Thats when Cirilla got involved.

Cirilla was band director from 1969 through the early 1980s. He left the school district to become a mental health therapist, a job he did for 20 years. After retirement, Cirilla and his wife moved to Cobden. It was not long before he received a phone call from the band director, asking if he would substitute teach for her.

For the past four or five years, I only sub at Cobden. We live in Cobden, Cirilla said.

However, there was a glitch in the plan. The band left on Thursday. Cirilla and his wife had tickets for a cruise that did not return until Saturday. Cirilla got a flight to Washington, D.C., from Nashville, and his wife and a friend drove home.

I flew to Washington, D.C., arriving about 11:30 Saturday night. I was with them all day [Sunday], and then the parade was Monday, Cirilla said. My responsibility was the music part.

Wendy Ronna, who has been hired as band director for the 2017-18 school year, accompanied the students and chaperones. Cirilla said they were in her capable hands.

Each band in the National Memorial Day Parade was assigned to honor veterans of a certain military era. Cobden was chosen to honor Vietnam veterans. They were given a list of songs from that time period, and they chose to perform Hey, Baby.

On Memorial Day, the group had breakfast and had to check out of the hotel. By then, it was lunch time. Cirilla said they were given box lunches before the parade started at 2 p.m. Cobden was parade entry 91, so they were not at the start of the parade.

The kids did a great job," Cirilla said. "They performed like I knew they would."

During the parade, Cirilla had a lot of compliments from people in the audience. A lot of people also wanted to know where Cobden was.

At one point, Cirilla noticed the student drummer who was supposed to dance was not dancing. He asked why. The young man said a veteran who was an amputee was behind them, and so the student did not think it was appropriate to dance.

Cirilla said it brought tears to his eyes.

Cirilla said the Cobden community and Cobden Music Boosters also did a good job raising money for the trip. Even with fundraising, some students were not able to make the trip. Between 55 and 60 students did march in the parade. They were accompanied by 17 chaperones.

The music boosters will be busy again next school. The high school honor band is planning a trip to Universal Studios in Orlando.
DENMARK -- When a Church Street woman didnt gather her mail for several days, her letter carrier became suspicious that something was wrong.

U.S. Postal Service employee Charles Shepperd said he knew the woman at 3260 Church St. for nearly three decades.

On Tuesday morning, Bamberg County Sheriffs Office deputies discovered her body in her living room after Sheppard called 911 to request they check on her.

Bamberg County Coroner Billy Duncan said the woman died of natural causes. He wont release her name until her next of kin arrives, which will likely be on Saturday.

The woman lived in a double-wide mobile home within walking distance of Voorhees College, right outside of the Denmark city limits.

Deputies arrived at the residence at 10:54 p.m. Tuesday and knocked on the womans door, but she didnt answer.

Deputies then entered the house through her unlocked front door and discovered her body in a nearby room.

Due to the condition of the residence, deputies contacted the Denmark Fire Department to assist with the removal of the womans body.

It was terrible. It was terrible, Bamberg County Sheriff Ed Darnell said.

It was the worst hoarding situation Ive ever seen.  There was trash and boxes stacked up to the ceiling, he said.

Darnell said firefighters used chainsaws to remove a rear wall of the home so they could extract the woman because there wasnt any way to remove her through the front of the house due to the amount of items in the home.

The conditions she was living in were deplorable, Duncan said.

According to a Bamberg County Sheriffs Office incident report, the woman was 80 years old.

Sheppard said he and the woman once worked together at Denmark Technical College, where she worked a resident supervisor.

For the past 30 years, hes been a letter carrier in Denmark and became acquainted with the routines and habits of the customers on his daily mail delivery route.

Sheppard said he noticed about two weeks ago that she stopped gathering her mail from her mailbox daily, which caused him to be concerned.

He said he last saw her June 4 sitting on the front step and smoking a cigarette.

In the days that followed, her mail sat uncollected in her mailbox.

Sheppard said he decided on Tuesday that if the mail remained uncollected from her mailbox, he would call authorities.

When he observed her mail was in the box on Tuesday and buzzards were perched in the trees over the house, he called law enforcement.

The woman was pleasant, he said. Every year for Christmas she put $20 in her mailbox for me.

This is the first time Ive ever had to call authorities, Sheppard said. I know all of my customers from being out there so long. I knew her routine.
Eleven-year-old Ashlyn Francis of the St. Marys Roman Catholic School, said that she always knew where she wanted to be at this point in her life, and that she had to work for it.





The smooth talker went on, "People say that 50% is a fail. For me, it is 95%, so if I score 94%, I will challenge myself even more. I would even take away all my own electronics!





Ashlyn worked her way to the 3rd position for girls and 4th overall in the recently concluded Caribbean Primary Exit Assessment (CPEA) from a national total of 1638 students.





The outspoken student, who was born in St. Lucia but resides in Calliaqua, gained 98% in Math, 96% in English and 96% in Science.

She told THE VINCENTIAN, "I worked hard consistently! I did extra lessons outside school. I did past papers from St. Lucia, Grenada, Barbados, and Trinidad and Tobago  all online; and I also did past papers from St. Vincent!





Ashlyn will attend the Girls High School, where, she said, "I plan to be a good student.

The confident young lady is certain that she wants to be a doctor, "because I want to help others. (But) I dont just want to make sure that people are alright; I want to save lives!, and spoke of wanting to become involved in the search for cures for diseases like Zika, malaria and cancer.

She also has her intentions set on becoming a member of the netball and volleyball teams at her new school, and "to fight against bullying and negative peer pressure.

Ashlyn is the daughter of a Vincentian-born father, Anglican priest Ashton Francis, and a St. Lucian-born mother, Mrs. Janine Francis.
ABC/Randy HolmesMetallica is back -- in Pop! form! The metal legends have united with the toy company Funko to create their very own line of the popular Pop! vinyl figures.

Each Metallica member gets his own figure: frontman James Hetfield, drummer Lars Ulrich, lead guitarist Kirk Hammett and bassist Robert Trujillo. You can buy each one separately, or as a four-figure set.

The Metallica Pop! figures will arrive in August, but they're available for pre-order now via Metallica.com. In the meantime, the band is currently on a North American stadium tour in support of their new album, Hardwired...to Self-Destruct.

Copyright  2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
Twelve-year-old Chenise Harper of the St. Marys Roman Catholic School, recalled for THE VINCENTIAN that it was while attending the Cub Scouts Investiture at the Headquarters at Arnos Vale on the afternoon of Friday, 9th June, that she learnt that she had done great things in the recently concluded Caribbean Primary Exit Assessment (CPEA).





"My Principal was supposed to speak but she had left, she said. "I heard that she had gone to collect the results. I didnt really believe it until a teacher who had remained at the ceremony called me outside, hugged me, and told me that I had placed 1st for girls and 2nd overall.





As for her intention, "I wanted to and expected to place first, Chenise said, adding, "This is for my grandmother. She always used to say that she wanted to see the day when I go out and place first for CPEA. I did it, but unfortunately she passed away last year.





Chenise, the daughter of Freddie and Denise Harper of Enhams, so wanted to please her grandmother that she enrolled in after school classes at school and outside of school. She assiduously worked past papers.

She explained her extra work thus: "If your confidence in yourself is extremely high, maybe you could go along without extra help; but I believe that extra help gives you an extra guarantee of success.

Chenise will attend the Girls High School.





She has a passion for Mathematics (she had 100% in this subject area in the CPEA), and wants to pursue a career in the Sciences.

Maybe she will just give her grandmother many more reasons to continue to watch over her.
Errol De Man Age Rose in competition style with his Cant Take No Break.

Errol "D Man Age Rose, former National Calypso Monarch, told THE VINCENTIAN that he competed this year just for the sake of his fans.





"Last year, when I went home, my fans were angry that I stayed out [of competition, said the former elementary school teacher in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. "So, I decided to write this song (Cant Take No Break), and be more frequent.





Cant Take No Break alludes to the fans desire that D Man Age continue competing.





"Even though I dont compete frequently, I still want to do something and keep my fans happy, and deal with the issues that affect peoples lives, said D Man Age, who won the Calypso crown in 1978, 1999 and 2000.

He said that since he does not sing "Party Songs, vying for a place in calypso competitions "gives my fans a chance to see me.
Left to Right: Norlan Gabriel, Country Manager - SVG/FCIS,Sharon Christopher presenting on Life: Make it Happen vs Let it Happen. LaToya DeRoche-John presenting on Making Career Magic Happen. (Photo courtesy Prolific Digital Marketing).Brenda Pope presenting Make it Count: Claim Your Financial Independence Bottom Left:Monique Arthur ventured into the crowd to present on, Boldly Put Your Best Face Forward.Bottom Right:The attentive crowd during one of the presentations at the First Citizens Investment Services (FSIS) One Day Womens Conference. (Photo courtesy Prolific Digital Marketing).

The over one hundred women who decided to attend the First Citizens Investment Services (FSIS) One Day Womens Conference on Saturday 10th June, left the Beachcombers Hotel heady with the conviction to realize the themes call to Boldly Live a Life You Love .





From the opening remarks made by Ms. Norlan Gabriel, Country Manager - SVG/FCIS, through to the energized, inspiring presentations and then the panel discussion, called "Woman to Woman Issues and Answers, it was clear that lives were being changed.





Ms. Gabriel immediately fired up her audience as she outlined the Ten Characteristics of Bold Women. Rapt at attention, the ladies sought to identify themselves with the list.





She then introduced the speakers who were about to, "help make us evaluate and make changes in our lives.





Presentations





Ms. Sharon Christopher, affectionately identified as the lady from Trinidad, gave a one-hour presentation entitled, Life: Make it Happen vs Let it Happen.





The conference opener went in deep, to draw out from the women the truths they needed to admit to themselves if they were going to be empowered.





"There are certain questions we must ask ourselves, Ms. Christopher advised. They are: Who am I? What do I want? and How do I get it?





She then shared a number of strategies that could lead to finding answers to these questions, and concluded with: "When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change!





It was then Mrs. LaToya DeRoche-Johns turn to further heighten expectation with her presentation on the the art of, Making Career Magic Happen.





She cautioned against becoming "clock-watchers, suggesting instead that women should be: getting up and getting to investing in themselves; figuring out solutions; dressing for the job; learning to give compliments and accept criticisms; surrounding themselves with positive persons who help them grow; realizing they are a work in progress and celebrating themselves.





She was clear that, "Allowing God to work through you and giving Him thanks is the main ingredient for career magic,and reminded her women colleagues that, "Your vibe attracts your tribe!





Dr. Patricia Israel, delivered, The Art of Making Lemonade from Lifes Lemons, in which she identified tools that could bring a person out of the valleys of despair. She referenced persons known worldwide who had pulled themselves up, and ended with tips for soaring.





There was an air of difference when Ms. Monique Arthur presented, Boldly Put Your Best Face Forward, from which the audience soaked up the tips for facial cleansing, sun blocking and treatment.

This atmosphere remained through the presentations of Peta Odini Sutherland, designer, and Ms. Cassandra Baynes, fitness guru. They told personal, inspiring, call-to-action stories of triumphing over negative feedback from others.





Mrs. Joy Cato unraveled, Til it Happens to You: Survivor Shares Her Story with reference to Breast Cancer. She told of her stumbling upon the diagnosis, her surgical procedures and consequent medical management. It left many thinking deeply.





As with matters of life, finances were not left out. Ms. Brenda Pope presented Make it Count: Claim Your Financial Independence, in which she detailed the difference between financial income and financial independence.





She dealt particularly with ways to make the independence a reality, advising, "You have to want it more that you are afraid of it.





CONCLUDING ACT





Equally important to the empowering activities, was the opportunity for the delegates to do some talking of their own. This was afforded through the panel discussion entitled, Woman to Woman: Issues and Answers, chaired by Ms. Gabriel.

The issues raised were varied and far-reaching, putting the icing on the validation that the ladies had received during the day.

Many women have expressed their eagerness to return in 2018.
On the morning of Monday, 12th June, a shy but quietly confident Genevieve Elizabeth Mc Master stood in the front verandah of the Windsor Primary School in New Montrose with her mother, Mrs. Elizabeth Mc Master, eagerly anticipating the questions that were about to be posed to her concerning the recently accomplished feat she had just learnt about.





Genevieve Elizabeth Mc Master was the only student of her school, Windsor Primary School, to have secured a place in the top ten at the recent Caribbean Primary Exit Assessment (CPEA). And she did so in fine style, copping the 1st place for girls and taking the 2nd spot overall.

With scores of Math  98%, English  98% and Science  96%, one may have expected that the young scholar would have been overwhelmed by her success.

However, Genevieve was calmly and confidently making small talk with her mother when THE VINCENTIAN visited with her, at her school, last Monday.

"I expected to place very high, she acknowledged, "and when I heard, I felt pleased and I thanked God. She said that being the only child from her school in the top ten positions, did not make her special.

When questioned about the reason for all that serenity she displayed, Genevieve simply, matter-of-factly replied, "God gave me my abilities and He still pushed me to achieve. I prayed a lot!

Mrs. Mc Master confirmed, "We are a family of faith. Genevieve has a strong faith, instilled in her at a young age.

Unlike many other Grade Six students here, Genevieve was not enrolled in lessons outside her regular classes. Her family believed that she could manage the work, and simply provided past papers for her to practise at home.

Genevieve will attend the Girls High School, with the intention of keeping up the high grades. She is looking towards engineering and/or the arts to maybe form part of her career path.

She advises students who want to excel, to start studying early and as exams approach, simply revise. She ended with, "Pray a lot!
Joshua Harry admitted feeling a sense of pride, when THE VINCENTIAN spoke with him last Monday at his now former school, the Kingstown Preparatory School which was in a celebratory mood.





Harry was foremost in generating the euphoria.





Born in New York, USA, Harry has something of a chequered primary schooling. On his arrival to these shores, he began his schooling background at the St. Marys Roman Catholic School. He changed doors and became a Kingstown Preparatory School student from Grade Two.





Whatever the reasons for the move, there was nothing in the final analysis that created any uncertainty about his mathematical ability. He proved it beyond doubt when he secured a perfect 100 percent in Maths in the recent Caribbean Primary Exit Assessment.





Harry matched this with grades of 94 each for Science and Language. That placed him third for boys and sixth overall.





Son of Kelron and Ro-Anne Harry, Kelron acknowledged the usefulness of the pennacool website. "You could take free English and Mathematics tests, and if you dont get the answer, you could click on the chart board and it will show how to work it out, Harry advised.

He loves football, cricket and reading. (WKA)




After twenty years of missing out, the Bequia Anglican Primary School has secured a place among the top ten places of the Grade 6 exit examination .





Eleven-year-old Naima Dara Simmons made this possible when she copped 7th place overall, and 4th position for girls, in the recently conducted Caribbean Primary Exit Assessment.





An excited Naima recalled that she was on a ferry on her way to Bequia from the mainland on Friday, 9th June, when someone telephoned her mother to give her the good news.

"I didnt believe it, Naima told THE VINCENTIAN. It was only after the calls came incessantly that she felt it was true. "I just stood up and couldnt stop smiling, she admitted.





Naima scored 98% in English, 96% in Math, and gained a perfect 100% in Science.

She credits her Sixth Grade consistency to the dedication of her teachers Ms. Rachael Grant, Mr. Anthony Compton, and Ms. Josene Osborne.

She also acknowledged having been molded by the Uncle Ray CPEA after-school classes, conducted by Mr. Ray Goodwin, which many students attended.





Naima, the daughter of Donneth Simmons and Norris Ollivierre, intends to attend the Girls High School and having been a humble student before, she pledges to continue in this vein, concentrating even more on working hard.

All things being equal, Naima hopes to put her energies into the study of pharmacology.

As for her advice to upcoming students? "Be consistent and keep up with your work, was her encouragement. "Always do your homework and look over your work, especially new topics. Pay attention in class.
Dr. Godwin Friday spoke with empathy as he addressed the need for improved search and rescue capabilities here.

There have been too many instances where individuals have gone missing at sea, and the state ought to improve its search and rescue capabilities.





So said the Leader of the Opposition and Parliamentary Representative for Northern Grenadines, Dr Godwin Friday during a Sitting of Parliament on Tuesday.





The comment came following the announcement by Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves that he had been advised that the search for the six persons who went missing on a small vessel on June 4, was suspended.





"I spoke to the father of the captain of the vessel, and its unfortunate a scene that repeats itself, because I recall not very long ago, during the Bequia Easter Regatta, where a boat coming from Canouan with seven persons on board disappeared without a trace, Dr. Friday said.





"There are other individuals from my community who went out fishing, and who were reported lost without a trace, he continued.





"We have to improve our search and rescue capabilities to be able to assist persons in distress, because it is painful, Dr. Friday asserted.





The Leader of the Opposition further noted that he has had personal experiences of family members who have been lost at sea.





"So it is something that has scarred my family throughout my lifetime, so I know the pain and I know that we can do better, he said.





The search, according to Dr. Gonsalves, had involved local police and Coast Guard officials, with the assistance of regional parties.





These parties included assistance from the Dutch Antilles, Curacao, who provided C-26 aircraft which, in the latter part of the search, perused along the Eastern portion of the territory where the vessel was expected to be positioned last.





Search and possible rescue efforts were also mounted by the Regional Security System (RSS) and local private entities including the Mustique Company and entrepreneur Kelly Glass.





Many other individuals from mainland St. Vincent and the Grenadine islands also joined in the search.

According to Dr. Gonsalves, the suspension by the police and Coast Guard did not mean that they would not be on the lookout.





"It is just the formal search that has been suspended, he explained. (DD)




The Sunwing aircraft used in the charter flight from Toronto, at the AIA, February 14, 2017. Inset:Glen Beache, CEO/SVG Tourism Authority, was confident that the charters would have been fully subscribed.

Two charter flights arranged by the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines to coincide with the February 14, 2017  Valentines Day  opening of the Argyle International Airport, have left taxpayers holding the bill.





The much heralded charters  Sunwing from Pearson International Airport, Toronto, Canada, and CAL from JFK Airport, New York, USA, were arranged at a total cost of EC$986,775.





The aim, according to Tourism officials here, was to offset this cost through the sale of tickets/seats. However, this effort fell woefully short of the desired target, with takings in this regard amounting to EC$692,954.

As such, therefore, tax payers here, already burdened with increased taxes of one sort or the other, have been left with settling the shortfall of EC$293,803.





All of this information was disclosed by Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Dr. Ralph Gonsalves during last Tuesdays Sitting of Parliament.





He was, in fact, responding to questions on the costs of the charters, how much was recovered through sale of tickets, and the source of the monies for the initial outlay, posed by Leader of the Opposition Dr. Godwin Friday.





Dr. Friday had directed his question to the Minister of Tourism Cecil Mc Kie, but the Prime Minister/Minister of Finance rose instead to offer the governments response.





As to the source of the initial outlay, Dr. Gonsalves informed the House that this was accessed from the SVG Tourism Authoritys budget, since the charters were as much a promotional effort.

This, Dr. Gonsalves assessed, was in keeping with due process since SVG Tourism Authority has been tasked with the responsibility of promoting St. Vincent and the Grenadines as a tourist destination, and the new international airport facilities now available in the country.





All of this (information) came after much optimism at the time, as expressed by tourism officials, including Glen Beache, CEO of the Tourism Authority, that the charters would have been fully subscribed.

However, there were already indications from persons who had made use of the charters, that the flights were far from fully subscribed. In fact, soon after the opening of the airport, Vincentians in Canada reported that they had been told that the charters had suffered a loss.





And in answer to a supplementary question by Dr. Friday about whether government had plans to go down the road of charters again, Prime Minister Gonsalves said that this will be considered by the Ministry of Tourism within what could be afforded by its budgetary allocation as approved by Parliament.

The AIA is expected to receive charter flights from Canada and the USA for Vincy Mas 2017. (SR)
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By Sara Israfilbayova

Belarus will host the 9th International Investment Forum "Success of the Mill" on June 30.

Representatives of companies and entrepreneurs working in Azerbaijan are invited to participate in the Forum, according to Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Foundation (AZPROMO).

The Forum participants will have the opportunity to visit investment and innovation projects in the region. The Forum will bring together leading companies from more than 40 countries around the world, including representatives of the authorities, chambers of commerce and industry and the diplomatic corps.

During the event, there will be held meetings on topics "Innovation: from production to science", "Development of culture and tourism" and "Mogilev-free economiczone."

Cooperation of Belarus and Azerbaijan in the economic sphere has been developing dynamically over the past decade. The main priorities of this cooperation are production cooperation, joint projects in the fields of science and technology, as well as investment cooperation.

Belarus exports to Azerbaijan mechanical production, woodworking, tires, foodstuff, medicine, household appliances, dishes and other goods. Azerbaijans exports to Belarus mainly consist of products made of aluminum, products of petrochemical, engineering and agriculture.

Azerbaijans first ever Trade House was opened in the Belarusian capital Minsk, on May 26.
By Azernews





By Amina Nazarli

The 14th International Baku Conference of Ombudsmen, titled Fundamental Principles of Sustainable Development Goals: Equality, National Priorities and Cooperation, was held in Baku on June 16.

The conference was attended by Assistant to the President for Public and Political Issues, Department Head Ali Hasanov, Human Rights Commissioner (Ombudsman) of Azerbaijan Elmira Suleymanova, Vice-Speaker of the Azerbaijani Parliament Bahar Muradova, Minister of Culture and Tourism Abulfas Garayev, other officials, MPs and foreign participants, Trend reported.

Elmira Suleymanova, addressed the conference with an opening speech, saying that the policy, comprehensive reforms conducted by President Ilham Aliyev, give effective results in the field of human rights protection.

Azerbaijan is a stable country, and human rights here are fully provided, she noted, adding that the Azerbaijani model of multiculturalism is an example to the world.

Suleymanova stated that the development concept Azerbaijan 2020: Vision for the Future and other state programs, being implemented in Azerbaijan systematically and planned, are in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and serve the all-round development of the country.

Hasanov, in turn, noted that an important condition for the states that have joined this global initiative is the availability of the necessary resources in order to achieve the sustainable development goals.

The successes achieved by Azerbaijan in the years of independence, the current level of development show that our country has strong potential for achieving its goals, said Hasanov.

He added that today, Azerbaijan is a country with a strong economy, a stable political, legal and social protection system, secure and stable socio-political environment, as well as a state with a renewed infrastructure integrated into international organizations.

Hasanov further said that Azerbaijan achieved great success in the areas of providing human and civil rights and freedoms, development of civil society.

Freedom of assembly, speech, opinion and press, as well as other freedoms are provided in the country, international standards in the sphere of human rights are observed. Over the past years, the Republic of Azerbaijan has developed cooperation with authoritative international structures working in the field of human rights, has supported more than 50 international documents in the field of human rights protection, and has achieved important successes in implementing international commitments in this field, he said.

Today more than 3,000 NGOs, hundreds of media outlets, 55 political parties, communities belonging to different religions operate freely in Azerbaijan. The specific weight of Internet users exceeds 80 percent, Hasanov added.

Ensuring human and civil rights and freedoms is considered as a nationwide task in the Republic of Azerbaijan, and national action plans on the protection of human rights are adopted and implemented taking into account the goals of sustainable development, major international priorities in the areas of protecting human rights and democracy, and the rule of law. The amendments made to the Constitution following the referendum held on September 26, 2016, served to create additional guarantees for the further expansion and reliable protection of citizens rights, noted Hasanov.

He said that the development concepts and strategies, programs and projects prepared in Azerbaijan are usually in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

This shows that the Azerbaijani state is building its policy taking into account global challenges and trends, added Hasanov.

Speaking at the event, Minister Garayev stressed that one of the main objectives of the Sustainable Development Goals is cultural authenticity. Therefore, the protection of the centuries-old traditions, cultural and spiritual wealth of the Azerbaijani people and its promotion in the world is of great importance.

He reminded that no cultural heritage belonging to any people was damaged or demolished in Azerbaijan.

However, Armenia demolishes national wealth and cultural monuments in the occupied Azerbaijani lands. This example clearly shows who is guilty of this conflict, he said. In the occupied territories of Azerbaijan our neighbors try to appropriate cultural monuments.

At the event, Mubariz Gurbanli, Chairman to the State Committee on Religious Associations said that 96 percent of Azerbaijani population is Muslims and 4 percent is non-Muslims.

About 2,200 mosques, seven synagogues, 14 churches both Catholics and Orthodox are operating in the country, according to Gurbanli.



Every year, certain amount of money is allocated for various religious communities from the Azerbaijani state budget. All these are indicators of sustainable development, he said.

UN Resident Coordinator in Azerbaijan Ghulam Isaczai, for his part, said that the UN welcomes the establishment of the National Coordination Council for Sustainable Development in accordance with President Ilham Aliyevs decree.

This demonstrates highest level commitment of Azerbaijans to Sustainable Development goals, he noted.

Chairperson of the State Committee of Azerbaijan for Family, Women and Children Affairs Hijran Huseynova, stressing that the sustainable development is among priorities of the state policy, spoke about measures taken in issue of gender equality, women and children.

She noted that women make up more than half of the population and the state pays huge attention to increase their active role in the society, and especially to create favorable conditions for women entrepreneurs.

The conference will be followed by plenary session until June 17.








By Azernews





By Rashid Shirinov

Resolving the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is possible only within the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, taking into account the right of peoples to self-determination, Former U.S. ambassador to Azerbaijan Matthew Bryza told reporters in Baku on June 16.

Armenia keeps the Azerbaijani lands under the occupation, said Bryza, adding it is necessary that Armenian troops withdraw from those lands and the parties reach an agreement.

The former ambassador noted that there is no trust between the conflict sides, they do not believe in the sincerity of each other and this hampers settlement of the conflict. Complex compromises are needed for the conflict to be resolved, Bryza said.

"The only way is if the U.S. and Russia, with participation of the EU, are able to provide political support to the leadership of Azerbaijan and Armenia in the conflict resolution," Bryza said, adding that Nagorno-Karabakh is one of the few issues, on which the U.S. and Russia have a common position and are ready to act together.

The framework agreement [Madrid Principles] has existed for 10 years already, said Bryza, adding it is necessary to complete this process.

Bryza noted that when he served as an OSCE MG co-chair, the co-chairs made progress, because the presidents of the U.S. and Russia  George W. Bush and Dmitry Medvedev  paid more attention to the conflict and directly participated in its settlement.

"At that time, Russias Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov creatively approached this issue, and he also encouraged the co-chairs to take a creative approach," noted Bryza.

Bryza added that neither Azerbaijan, nor Armenia is interested in the resumption of hostilities on the line of contact. At the same time, he noted that the deployment of heavy weapons to the line of contact, such as the OSA missile systems, can contribute to resumption of hostilities.

Bryza said he doesnt expect progress in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflicts resolution until the presidents of Russia and the U.S. make their personal contribution to its settlement. "They should put this conflict to the agenda of the Russia-U.S. relations, but now the relations are not at a proper level," he said.

The Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict hinders the economic development of the South Caucasus and security in the region, he stressed.

Azerbaijan and Armenia fought a lengthy war that ended with signing of a fragile ceasefire in 1994. Since the war, Armenian armed forces have occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan's territory, including Nagorno-Karabakh and seven surrounding regions. More than 20,000 Azerbaijanis were killed and over 1 million were displaced as a result of the large-scale hostilities.

While the OSCE Minsk Group acted as the only mediator in resolution of the conflict, the occupation of the territory of the sovereign state with its internationally recognized boundaries has been left out of due attention of the international community for years.

Armenia ignores four UN Security Council resolutions on immediate withdrawal from the occupied territory of Azerbaijan, thus keeping tension high in the region.
By Kamila Aliyeva

Zurab Abashidze, Special Representative of the Georgian Prime Minister for Relations with Russia, and Grigory Karasin, Russian Deputy Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, will hold next meeting in Prague in the first decade of July.

This was stated by Abashidze in Tbilisi on June 16, TASS reported.

An agreement has been reached with Mr. Karasin that the next meeting will be held in Prague in the first ten days of July, he said adding that initially, this meeting was proposed to be held in Prague in late June.

Concrete practical issues of cooperation between the two countries in the spheres of trade, economy, transport, culture, humanitarian problems and issues accumulated over the past months will be considered at the upcoming meeting, according to Abashidze.

Representatives of the Foreign Ministries, Georgian and Russian Ministries of Economy and Transport Departments will also attend the talks as it was at previous meetings of this format.

Tbilisi broke diplomatic relations with Moscow in 2008. The relations between Georgia and Russia have pushed all limits when Georgian troops launched military operations to retake the breakaway Abkhazia and South Ossetia regions on August 8, 2008. Russian armed forces entered the regions to stop the military attacks by Georgian troops. After four days of tense fighting, Georgian forces were expelled from South Ossetia and Abkhazia.

Both sides agreed to a ceasefire on August 12. Tbilisi immediately cut all diplomatic ties with Russia just a while after the bloody skirmish.

Abashidzes first meeting with Karasin took place in December 2012. Later, the senior diplomats held meetings in the Czech capital of Prague between 2013 and 2016, with the latest of them on October 19, focusing on cooperation in trade, economy, transport, culture, humanitarian and current issues.

In late 2016, the parties confirmed that they intend to continue to pursue the normalization of relations.
S&P Global, the international ratings agency, reduced Qatars credit rating to AA- from AA on Wednesday in the latest fallout from the decision by a group of Middle Eastern countries to cut diplomatic and trade ties, media reports said.

The downgrade came as Qatar's currency fell to an 11-year low and its stock market tumbled, a BBC report said.

"We believe this will exacerbate Qatar's external vulnerabilities and could put pressure on its economic growth and fiscal metrics," S&P said.



S&P said it expects Qatar's economic growth to slow, as regional trade falls and corporate profitability declines in the face of reduced confidence.



It said there had been big non-resident deposits in Qatar's banks, and an increase in their lending to the government to fund infrastructure projects.



"In our opinion recent events have the potential to destabilise these no-resident deposits and provoke an outflow," said S&P.



It said Qatar may need to use Qatar Investment Authority and sovereign wealth fund money, as well as central bank reserves to tackle any big outflow of funds.



The rating agency said Qatar's economy would suffer from the decision on Monday of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Bahrain to cut diplomatic and transport ties with Doha. They accused it of supporting terrorism, a charge that Qatar denies.



"We expect that economic growth will slow, not just through reduced regional trade, but as corporate profitability is damaged because regional demand is cut off, investment is hampered, and investment confidence wanes," S&P Global said.

S&P put the rating on CreditWatch with negative implications, meaning there was a significant chance of a further downgrade, Reuters reported.



Another major rating agency, Moody's Investors Service, assesses Qatar at Aa3, which is equal to S&P's new rating. Fitch Ratings puts Qatar at AA.
Dubais total date trade amounted to $221.7 million in 2016, of which exports accounted for the largest share ($85.1 million), followed by imports ($72.1 million) and re-exports ($64.5 million), according to a recent analysis by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry.



Dubais export share of the emirates total date trade stood at 38 per cent in 2016. Compared to other emirates, Dubai was the top exporter of dates to other countries in 2015 with 96 per cent market share of the UAEs date exports.



The UAEs share of global date exports stood at 8.5 per cent, or $96.3 million in 2015, according to data from Trade Map, making the country the worlds fourth largest exporter of dates.



Southeast Asia and Mena were identified as the top importing regions for UAE dates. However, North America and Europe were also among the largest date importers.



The analysis pointed out that Dubai's date exports recorded a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 34.1 per cent between 2011 and 2015. The quantity of dates exported from the emirate in 2016 amounted to 108,300 tonnes, which is slightly below peak levels seen in 2015.



The price of dates exported from Dubai in 2016 stood at $786 per tonne, while the price for re-exports and imports were $405 per tonne and $399 per tonne, respectively. The export prices from Dubai are more expensive due to the high-quality of dates when compared to those that were re-exported and imported.



India accounted for the largest share of Dubai's date re-exports during the same year with 63 per cent, followed by Bangladesh (13 per cent), Pakistan (4 per cent), while dates imported to the emirate mainly came from countries within the Middle East and Africa region.



Top importing countries



Morocco was the largest importer of Dubai dates in 2016 by value with $11.7 million worth of dates and 14 per cent market share, followed by followed by Oman (13 per cent), India (12 per cent), Bangladesh (12 per cent), and Indonesia (10 per cent).



In terms of quantity, Bangladesh was the largest importer of Dubai dates during the same year as its volume of imports reached 17,600 tonnes or 16.3 per cent of total exports, followed by India (15.6 per cent), Morocco (15.3 per cent), and Oman (12.2 per cent).



Export prices are dependent on the quality of dates and trade costs. In 2016, 77 per cent of the dates exported by Dubai fell into the categories of high-quality, fresh and chilled.



In 2015, global date imports reached $1.1 billion, and India was the world's largest buyer of dates during the year, accounting for an import value of $188.7 million and a market share of 17 per cent. Morocco was the largest importer of dates among MENA countries with a market share of 10 per cent.



Although dates are primarily consumed in Muslim countries, European and North American countries are also among the worlds largest date importers. Within Europe, France was the largest importer of dates in 2015 with a market share of 7 per cent, followed by the United Kingdom (5 per cent), Germany (4 per cent), and Italy (3 per cent). In North America, the United States was the largest importer with a market share of 6 per cent, followed by Canada (3 per cent).



Business opportunities



Data from Dubai Customs shows that the volume of Dubais date exports to North American and European countries remained low in 2015. However, the analysis found that Dubai has the potential to boost its date exports to those countries which already enjoy good trade relations with the emirate.



When comparing the prices of dates imported to Europe in 2015, the UAE offered the lowest price of $1,211 per tonne. The average price of Tunisian dates exported to Europe was $2,270 per tonne, and Algerian dates were priced at $1,691 per tonne.



The analysis highlighted the need to diversify UAEs date exports beyond fresh and dried dates to other date-based products such as date syrup, date vinegar, and date paste. In addition, blending dates into chocolate or coffee products has the potential to increase interest and demand among Western countries.  TradeArabia News Service
A Wyoming family won the right to call one of Gov. Matt Meads advisers to provide evidence in its case alleging that a gas company polluted groundwater and then lied about it.

U.S. District Judge Alan Johnsons decision Wednesday calls for former Mead policy adviser Jerimiah Rieman to testify under oath regarding the natural gas companys involvement in a state report that hydraulic fracturing and disposal pits could not be linked to water contamination in the Pavillion gas field.

Encana Corp. executive Lemuel Smith will also be deposed. He cooperated with Rieman on the states investigation, according to court documents.

The small legal victory for Jeff and Rhonda Locker of Pavillion continues a lingering saga in Wyoming over whether fracking and other operations polluted groundwater. That question led to opposing reports from state regulators and the Environmental Protection Agency.

Federal investigators said in 2011 that gas operations had contaminated groundwater. They cautioned locals about drinking water from nearby wells.

The findings drew a handful of neighbors from a small town on the Wind River Reservation into a national debate over potential risks of hydraulic fracturing, now a common drilling practice.

The state took over the investigation in 2013. Encana provided Wyoming $1.5 million for the study.

State regulators concluded that the unpalatable drinking water in the Pavillion area could not be tied to oil and gas operations. The bad taste was likely due to existing naturally occurring minerals and compounds in the water, they determined. Without pre-drilling sampling, the state said it could not link contaminants to operations.

Court documents show that Rieman, who now leads the governors economic development initiative ENDOW, played a pivotal role in moving the investigation from federal to state control. The Lockers attorneys are seeking information on how much influence Encana then had over the states study.

Encana denies the Lockers claims and had fought the depositions, arguing that Rieman was protected from subpoena by the state constitution. The Encana executive, meanwhile, did not have extensive knowledge of the various Pavillion studies, having joined the company after original investigations, they said.

In the opinion filed Wednesday, the judge ruled the Lockers had the right to introduce evidence backing up a claim of bias due to Encanas funding of the Pavillion investigation.

Deposition of Rieman will be limited to information that cannot otherwise be gleaned from the copious court documents already in the record, the judge wrote.

A spokesman for Encana declined to comment on the ongoing litigation. Meads office did not respond to a request for comment.

The lead investigator in the EPAs report, Dominic DiGiulio, criticized the states investigation after leaving the agency. He published a subsequent study with Stanford University again linking Encanas activities with polluted groundwater.

State regulators have repeatedly stood by their investigators work and their reports findings.
Two Casper men suspected in separate, recent standoffs with law enforcement appeared for hearings Thursday in Natrona County Circuit Court.

While Zachary Lovelaces preliminary hearing was postponed, Christopher Eads waived his hearing. Eads case was then bound over to county district court, which handles felony charges.

During a preliminary hearing, a circuit court judge determines whether there is probable cause for a felony case to move on to the next court.

Eads, 34, faces 11 felony charges in connection to a two-county crime spree after investigators attempted to stop him on June 3 for allegedly bringing drugs into Casper from Colorado.

Prosecutors charged Lovelace, 37, with six felonies for allegedly pointing a gun at a man, hiding from law enforcement in a relatives house and shooting in the direction of nearby officers on June 2.

Lovelaces attorney, public defender Rob Oldham, asked Circuit Court Judge Michael Patchen to lower Lovelaces $500,000 bond, but Patchen denied the request.

Both men remained in custody Thursday morning.
New York City's police commissioner has fired an officer involved in the 2014 chokehold death of an unarmed black man whose cries of "I can't breathe" fueled a national debate.
PIERRE, S.D.  From historical details of Native Americans' final great wild buffalo hunts to tales of the animal's rescue from near extinction, a new self-guided tour across 10 sites in the western Dakotas tells the story of the last stand of the American bison, the national mammal.

The trail, which is accompanied by the tour book "Buffalo Trails in the Dakota Buttes" oriented toward history and nature enthusiasts, officially opens June 11. Starting in Hettinger, North Dakota, the route runs  at times across gravel or pasture roads  into South Dakota before returning north with an opportunity to see the Standing Rock Sioux's tribal bison herds.

"They're authentic places, and not only that, but most of them are unspoiled," said Francie Berg, the tour book's author. "There's one place where it's good to be able to roll under a fence."

Tens of millions of bison, also known as buffalo, once thundered across a range stretching from central Canada through the Great Plains and northern Mexico. After a century-long slaughter driven by commercial hunting for buffalo pelts, the population dwindled to a thousand or fewer near the end of the 1800s.

At the tour's second stop in North Dakota, visitors see the valley near Hiddenwood Cliff where the "Great Buffalo Hunt" began in June 1882 on the Great Sioux Reservation. According to the book, for the previous 15 years those grasslands were empty of buffalo as white hide hunters had pushed them west and most herds had been killed.

But Indian agent James McLaughlin describes in his memoirs a herd that summer estimated at 50,000, with roughly 600 Native American hunters on horseback and others taking 5,000 buffalo.

"The story of the buffalo that powerful, resilient, magnificent creature  is an American story," Berg writes. "In large part it is an Indian story. For thousands of years they flourished together, and as is fitting, Native Americans were in charge of the final hunts."

The tour's fifth site, with a view of the south fork of the Grand River in South Dakota, tells the story of Pete Dupree and other families honored as critical to saving the buffalo from extinction. By Dupree's death in 1898, his herd had grown to over 80 buffalo, according to the tour book.

Now, there are nearly 400,000 bison in North America, many on private ranches and farms, according to the National Bison Association. Member tribes of the InterTribal Buffalo Council have between 15,000 and 20,000 bison, said Jim Stone, executive director of the South Dakota-based group.

He said buffalo, or "tatanka" in Lakota, are key to some tribal creation stories.

"As long as there's been people on North America there's been buffalo, and we've co-existed with this relationship of them being a huge part of our daily lives," Stone said.

North Dakota Tourism Director Sara Otte Coleman said in a statement that the new experience tells of the history and preservation of the buffalo in the Dakotas. The 10 stops are marked with signs for visitors, and Berg recommended taking two days to traverse the entire route. Detailed directions are included in the book.

"I think people get a taste of what it really was like, and of course you can see buffalo herds here, too," she said.
HELENA, Mont.  Republican Greg Gianforte on Thursday was certified as the winner of Montanas special congressional election, allowing the Bozeman entrepreneur to be sworn into his first public office and as the states only representative to the U.S. House.

It was not immediately clear when Gianforte would meet with House Speaker Paul Ryan to take his oath of office.

Gianforte will take the oath after he pleaded guilty Monday to a misdemeanor charge of assaulting a reporter during an election-eve confrontation at his campaign headquarters.

A judge ordered him to pay a $385 fine and sentenced him to 40 hours of community service and 20 hours of anger management counseling.

Gianforte will finish out the term of Ryan Zinke, who resigned to become President Donald Trumps Interior secretary. Gianforte has already filed to run for the seat again in 2018.

The certification of the results from the May 25 special election by Secretary of State Corey Stapleton and a state election canvassing board was a required step before Gianforte can be sworn in.

Gianforte prevailed over Democrat Rob Quist by 6 percentage points in the states most expensive congressional race ever.

Stapleton said he would be sending an electronic copy of the certification to congressional officials.

Once they have that notification, then Greg Gianforte can be seated as quickly as the House rules allow. Its up to the speaker of the House, Stapleton said.

Gianforte will arrive in Washington as the nations capital reels from Wednesdays shooting that left a Republican House leader critically wounded and several others injured.
CHEYENNE  Angel has a new name, a new home and a bright new future.

Angel, whose new name is Stitch, is a happy and energetic 9-month-old pit bull/blue heeler mix puppy. She loves to play fetch and tug of war.

Shes far different from how she was in March. She had suffered critical injuries that her rescuer said happened at the hands of her abuser.

Her injuries required four surgeries performed by Dr. Tiffany Healy, a Cheyenne veterinarian. The dog spent several weeks in recovery at Black Dog Animal Rescues headquarters in Cheyenne. Black Dog is the largest animal rescue in Wyoming and places dogs with new families.

Veterinarians thought they were going to have to amputate one the puppys back legs because of an injury.

But she began using the leg, which made the surgery unnecessary.

Hers is a story that could have ended in tragedy, but instead is the start of a happy beginning.

Eric and Meredith Bickell and son Jaden, 16, of Cheyenne officially adopted Stitch on May 31. The couple came to the Black Dog office to sign the papers and pay the adoption fee.

The Bickells have been her foster family for the last few months. Meredith Bickell serves on the nonprofit groups board of directors.

When she saw the wounded puppy for the first time, she said her heart was hurt.

Her skull was broken, and her face and head were deformed. Her face was swollen, she said.

We counted 20 broken bones in various stage of healing, Brittney Wallesch, executive director of Black Dog Animal Rescue, said of the dogs condition. She also had a seroma, or a large swollen mass, on her neck from which fluid had to be drained.

Wallesch noticed the bond between Meredith Bickell and the dog and asked the Bickells if theyd like to take the dog home for fostering. They agreed and reported back for frequent doctor visits to Healys office. The dog needed 24-hour monitoring in those first few weeks after the surgeries.

The connection between Meredith Bickell and the dog continues. Everybody tells me that shes mine. She follows me and never leaves my side, Meredith Bickell said.

Wallesch praised the dogs remarkable recovery. She is a phenomenal, inexplicably bright dog, she said. There is just something uniquely great and wonderful about this dog.

She has survived a tremendous lot with an amazing resiliency during all of this. I have no explanation for why this dog is the way she is.

The Bickells have three other dogs at home, and they get along well.

They changed Angels name to Stitch because it suits her, Eric Bickell said.

When she came to us, she had so many stitches. Shes like the cartoon character Stitch of Lilo and Stitch fame; she has a crooked smile and looks like Stitch, he said.

She remains happy and playful after all shes been through, Eric Bickell said. Anywhere we take her, she loves everyone.

Joshua Kelch of Cheyenne pleaded guilty May 10 in Laramie County Circuit Court to one count of failure to provide an animal with food, drink or protection. He was born in 1992.

Laramie County Circuit Court Judge Denise Nau sentenced him to 40 days in jail. He had already been in jail for that long while awaiting trial, so she sentenced him to time served for the misdemeanor charge.

Laramie County Assistant District Attorney Joshua Taylor argued for the maximum sentence of 180 days.

We took this very seriously, Laramie County District Attorney Jeremiah Sandburg said. I think this case is a really good example of why our Legislature needs to address the animal abuse laws.

The state Legislature provides only a six-month sentence for an offender in such a case, he said. But he would like to see a felony charge available in cases like this.

The new law passed in the last legislative session only allows prosecutors to bring a felony charge if the animal died.

If the animal survives, it is a misdemeanor, Sandburg said.

Wallesch wants Stitchs story to help make people more aware of animal abuse.

What we are hopeful well be able to do is to continue taking her around and telling her story and keeping the subject of animal cruelty at the top of peoples minds, Wallesch said.

Wyoming has really weak animal protection laws. There is very little consequence for what happened to her, and there is very little to deter people from mistreating animals, especially companion animals, she said.

We hope maybe enough people will care about her and her story and continue to help other animals in the future.
Wildlife friendly fences must do two things: let wild animals out and keep livestock in.

With those basic requirements in mind, researchers recently wrapped up a study looking for the best fence modifications for one animal known to struggle crossing barbed-wires fences: pronghorn antelope. In testing three different popular modifications, researchers made a surprising discovery about one well-used modification plus some cost-effective methods of helping pronghorn pass through.

University of Montana post-doctoral researcher Andrew Jakes said he first became involved in pronghorn research in 2008 as a doctoral student at the University of Calgary. His work initially looked at habitat selection but quickly moved into studying migrations, including documenting a 250-mile migration by one doe.

These animals are living at the periphery of their range, he said. They deal with harsh environmental conditions and move in order to survive.

It was through that 2008 study and pronghorns well-known struggle with fences that sparked the latest study, conducted in partnership with The Nature Conservancy and Alberta Conservation Association.

Pronghorns can and occasionally do jump over barbed wire, but they typically crawl under. That can lead to stripping of hair all the way to the skin and exposing skin during harsh winter temperatures.

Going under fences also tends to concentrate crossings at conducive spots, such as where there is a broken bottom wire or a dip in topography allowing more room to scoot under.

A push to make fences more wildlife friendly, particularly for pronghorns, led to the advent of the goat bar, which is a piece of PVC pipe covering the bottom wire. Pronghorns tend to be creatures of habit and strategically placing bars allows snag-free passage. Goat bars gained popularity with nonprofits and wildlife managers in recent years, Jakes said.

Other modifications include using a smooth wire along the bottom or raising the bottom wire.

In science we need to test everything to make sure theyre appropriate and, shockingly enough, these modifications had never been critically tested, he said, adding that generally speaking there has been little research on wildlife and fences.

For the study researchers used remote cameras to monitor known pronghorn fence crossings at the The Nature Conservancy-owned Matador Ranch south of Malta, Montana, and a ranch in Alberta. Each camera site included a historic crossing, a control section with no modifications and a third section with either a goat bar, smooth wire or raised bottom wire.

After monitoring pronghorn crossings, researchers lowered the bottom wire of the known crossing, thus forcing the animals to decide to use either the controlled or modified section. With 2.3 million pictures between the two ranches, researchers got down to crunching the numbers.

Basically what we found was that during that after period animals were significantly using both smooth wire modifications and clipped wire modifications, Jakes said, and they were not using those goat bars at a higher rate at all. In fact, they are detrimental really to pronghorn crossing at these sites.

Smooth wire was probably the most helpful at allowing safe passage but raised wires clipped with carabiners or bailing wire is a quick and cost-effective modification, he said.

The take-home message is landowners, whether a public entity or private landowner, they have options, Jakes added.

The study offered a couple of other important pieces of data: First, that a minimum bottom wire height of 18 inches saw animals ramp up usage. Secondly, that there is a lag time from blocking a historic crossing to when pronghorns start to frequently cross at modified sites, meaning landowner patience is key in allowing the modified sites to work. Thirdly, while no cattle crossed at smooth or clipped wire sites, two calves crossed using the goat bar.

Cattle really like to check them out, rub against them and even chew on them, Jakes said.

While an old hunters trick uses a white flag to attract a pronghorns interest, the white of the PVC pipe initially attracted then seemed to dissuade them, he continued.

The wind blows a lot, and it makes a lot of noise, Jakes said. Plus, theyre pretty used to barbed wire out there, but here is this anthropogenic feature out there. Theyd check them out but then have a lot of failed (crossing) attempts.

With the Matador as a historic sheep ranch and a lot of ground-level fencing, The Nature Conservancy wanted to know what to replace it with as a wildlife-friendly option, said Brian Martin, grasslands conservation director. Learning about clipping the bottom wire up higher was welcome news, he added.

Its a 60,000-acre ranch, and we can be really targeted with our implementation, he said. The good news is you dont have to go and modify every mile of fence.

Martin knew smooth wire worked well, and the research confirmed that clipping wires also proved fruitful, but pronghorns avoiding the goat bar came as a big surprise. The nonprofit is ready to take the information out to the network of ranches it works with, he said.

I think were really comfortable moving forward and looking at these as good practices, he said of smooth wire and clipping. At the end of the day, these are low-cost, win-win opportunities.

Jakes agreed that as the research moves toward journal publication, landowners can begin incorporating the findings into management.

While pronghorns are considered low hanging fruit due to their fence crossing difficulties, the next phase of research expands the question to a wider range of wildlife.

For example, a PVC pipe on the top wire has been used to keep jumping deer and elk from entanglement.

Fences have also proved deadly for sage grouse that fly into them. As the federal government considered the birds for listing, research led to markers that helped them avoid the wires.

But how do ungulates perceive sage grouse markers? Do these top PVC pipes deter them from crossing? Jakes asked. Now the question is how do we make multispecies fence modifications that allows the suite of species to use fences.
Now that the snow has finally melted up at the Summit on Interstate 80, the annual tourist inflow has commenced. Todays sighting was an Ontario plate. I am always interested to see where people are from, and somebody who drives all the way here from Ontario is dead serious about seeing our state. I welcome them, along with their funky license plates and even more importantly, their tourist dollars. The energy extraction industries may be in sad shape, but here in Wyoming, we have sights people are happy to plunk down money to experience that other energy states cant even touch. When was the last time you heard someone say they were going to Oklahoma or West Virginia for their summer vacation? Aside: Is this not a compelling reason to fight hard to preserve and maintain our parks, our vistas, our clean air and our wildlife?

Whether we are happy about it or not, tourism is now contributing a huge number of pints to our states lifeblood. We need to welcome the infusion, and especially this year, which includes the gift of the Aug. 21 total solar eclipse, which we dont have to pay a cent to stage! Of course were going to have to pay for all the extra police and the forests of port-a-potties that are being rented and set up. People are muttering about greed, but I will certainly tolerate a modicum of crowding, greed and mild tourist exploitation for a few days if it helps enrich my fellow Wyoming residents. Its so much better than a new tax.

Back to the be-tolerant-of-tourists theme: This newspaper recently ran an article by Brett French that outlined some of the difficulty Yellowstone National Park has in managing its increasingly large and often culturally and ecologically clueless crowds. This has been a problem for decades, and isnt going away. Greater numbers of tourists, especially from Asian countries, are now able to afford to make trips to visit the United States. I have read and heard the complaints, some of which were downright mean  or even unabashedly racist. To those who object to folks from overseas visiting our national parks, my best bits of advice are:

Get over it. Europeans have had (and continue to have) to put up with us when we Americans were the rudest tourists in town.

I have witnessed plenty of stupid, rude, white and English-speaking American tourists behaving badly.

If your NIMBY (not-in-my-backyard) issues are keeping you from going to Yellowstone, you are the loser;

See the paragraph above about tourist revenue; and

Get a backcountry permit and hit the trail. Especially in Yellowstone. Yes, the buffalo jams are enough to make you want to hurt somebody, and the crowds around Old Faithful 10 minutes prior to the next predicted eruption may rival those in Times Square. Park at a trailhead and leave your car. The only people who venture into the backcountry are either escorted by a ranger on a day hike or permitted hikers like yourself who are much less likely to annoy anybody. Some of the best times Ive ever had away from the office were backpacking trips in Yellowstones backcountry. It is surprisingly empty, unspoiled and quiet.

Yes, it can be frustrating to have an entire busload of tourists in matching beanies pushing their way in front of you into the Canyon Visitor Center. I understand your eye rolls when you have to use a port-a-potty because the lines for the porcelain version are so long. I especially grind my teeth in sympathy when I see Facebook posts about morons abducting juvenile mammals or sticking their hands in hot springs to see if the water really is that hot.

Try to remember that many of these people have never seen anything like what we have here. Can you even name a single national park in China? Consider that it is likely most of the tourists on that bus are the first people in their entire family who have ever taken an overseas vacation. Be thankful that they are all on a tour bus and not all in their own vehicles. Imagine how much more insane the highway jams would be if those 40 people with little driving experience were all renting cars instead.

Indulge me with a slight modification of what I said in this column a year ago.

When you see a pair of confused tourists standing on a street corner looking for a place to eat, show them that great burger joint down the street. Resist the impulse to run away from a busload of sightseers from Bangkok at the rest area. Instead, strike up a conversation! Ask them what wildlife they have seen, or what foods they have enjoyed. In any crowd of foreign tourists there will be some who want to practice their English and will enjoy interacting with you. Instead of subjecting overseas tourists to your less-than subtle contempt, be welcoming. Wyoming should be a place that tourists remember for its natural beauty, stunning sights, and the friendliness of its people. Paying forward kindness to travelers is never a waste of time. You might even make some new friends in the old-fashioned, face-to-face way, and couldnt we all use more of those?
Border Patrol agents served a warrant and arrested four people at a No More Deaths camp in Arivaca, Customs and Border Protection announced Thursday night. The four are Mexican nationals arrested for immigration violations, the agency said.

A No More Deaths spokeswoman said the four were patients receiving medical care.

The group, also known as No Mas Muertes, provides what it calls humanitarian aid to people who cross the border illegally, with a mission of preventing deaths and suffering in the desert. Arivaca is about 10 miles from the U.S.-Mexico border.

The National Weather Service says the area saw triple-digit heat on Thursday. The days high temperature in Nogales, on the border about 55 miles from Arivaca, was 103.

The arrests appear to be a major change in practice for immigration enforcement at the camp, which opened in 2004 on private property.

In the last four years we have had a written agreement that states that the Border Patrol will respect international Red Cross standards in allowing us to provide humanitarian assistance without government interference, said Maryada Vallet, a volunteer with No More Deaths.

This is the first time they have entered with a warrant, she said.

The Border Patrols news release late Thursday said agents using surveillance technology detected four suspected illegal aliens wearing camouflage and walking north on a known smuggling route on Wednesday. Other agents then tracked the group to the No Mas Muertes Camp near Arivaca but did not find foot sign of the individuals leaving the camp.

Tucson Sector Border Patrol reached out to camp representatives to continue a positive working relationship and resolve the situation amicably. The talks were unsuccessful, so the agency was compelled to seek a search warrant to question the four suspected illegal aliens as to their citizenship and legal right to be present in the United States, the news release said. The camp was searched and the arrests made.

No More Deaths tweeted its account: Approximately 30 armed agents entered camp with at least 15 trucks, 2 quads and helicopter to apprehend four patients receiving care.

Vallet said in an interview that Border Patrol agents had the camp under surveillance over two days and conducted the raid about 6 p.m. Thursday. She she did not know what the four patients were being treated for.

We know that Border Patrol through their surveillance had already caught the group on camera miles away. We were told that Border Patrol had been tracking a group of people for 18 miles. What we think is suspicious about this is that they did not take them into custody, but waited until they got to the medical camp, Vallet said.

We think this was a direct targeted attack on the humanitarian assistance we have been providing during the deadliest time of the year, and we have been providing this humanitarian assistance for over 13 years, Vallet said, citing changes the group attributes to the Trump administration.
An 18-year-old man was arrested in connection to a burglary at JC Penney at El Con Center in which more than $100,000 was taken in jewelry, police said.

Henry Lopez was booked into the Pima County jail on suspicion of burglary and trafficking in stolen property, according to a Tucson Police Department post on its Facebook page.

Investigators are asking the public for help in identifying a second man who was captured on a video surveillance camera with Lopez at another store on the same day of the burglary. The man is described as black and is about 19 years old.

In May, officers responded to an alarm at the department store at 3501 E. Broadway. Investigators said two burglars inside the store left before police were able to set a perimeter around the store.

Detectives believe that both men hid in the store while it was open and waited until it was closed. Officials with the Arizona Organized Retail Crime Association were able to identify a possible suspect from a surveillance video.

Some of the stolen property in the burglary had been pawned and police were able to locate and arrest Lopez, according to the post. Detectives served a search warrant on Lopez's residence and recovered stolen merchandise from JC Penney, and also found other evidence from a similar burglary.

Detectives ask that if anyone can identify the man with Lopez in the video, or have additional information to call 88-CRIME, an anonymous tipster hotline.
For a county sales tax to be enacted, the measure would need to clear a high bar: a unanimous vote from a Board of Supervisors that doesnt often vote unanimously on contentious issues.

Nevertheless, County Administrator Chuck Huckelberry is asking the supervisors to consider such a tax for the 2019 fiscal year  not the coming tax year  but only after months of public meetings and outreach, according to a memo released this week.

On Tuesday, the supervisors will decide what direction, if any, to give staff on pursuing a half-cent county sales tax. Pima County currently does not levy its own sales tax.

The board will not be voting on approving the tax itself, a decision that would not come until 2018 if supervisors decide to move forward with the idea.

The proposal comes after the board approved a tentative budget with a 14-cent property-tax increase to accommodate a new 25-cent primary property tax that would go exclusively to funding the repair and preservation of local roads.

After previously expressing reluctant support for the measure, Supervisors Ally Miller and Steve Christy voted against the budget measure.

After voting against the property tax for roads, Miller told her fellow supervisors that she was negotiable on a possible sales tax. She did not return a call for comment on the sales-tax proposal.

The sales tax, whose estimated annual proceeds would be just shy of $70 million, would be used to cover road repairs and reduce the countys property tax rate, which is among the highest in the state.

Assuming the sales-tax revenues would replace just the $19.5 million the property tax for roads is estimated to generate, the primary property taxes could be reduced roughly 21 percent to $3.57 for every $100 of taxable value.

For a residential property worth $132,000, which is the median price for a home in the county, a property owner would pay around $85 less in county property taxes compared with the current tax year. The sales tax would cost a family with an annual income of $47,000, the median for the area, nearly $78 per year, according to county estimates.

The sales-tax rate for unincorporated parts of the county is 6.1 percent, which includes the half-cent tax levied for the 20-year Regional Transportation Authority plan. There is no county-levied sales tax in place, unlike every other county in Arizona, according to the memo.

After Tucson voters recently approved a half-cent sales-tax increase by wide margins, the city now has a tax rate of 8.6 percent.

Supervisor Sharon Bronson said that a sales tax would help diversify our revenue stream, which is largely dependent on property-tax proceeds.

However, three supervisors, including Bronson, raised issues with the regressive nature of a sales tax. A regressive tax is one that affects poorer taxpayers more heavily than wealthier taxpayers.

Im still concerned about the regressive nature of sales taxes, Supervisor Richard Elias said.

He said many District 5 residents would be among those impacted most heavily by a sales tax.

As proposed by Huckelberry, a citizens advisory committee would be tasked with evaluating a sales tax and holding at least 12 public meetings to gather input from county residents before making a recommendation by March 2018.

Huckelberry also said there are measures that could lessen the sting of a sales tax for lower-income residents.

An attachment included with the memo shows that if the sales-tax revenues are used for just $19.5 million in road repairs  the estimated proceeds of the 25-cent road property tax up for a vote on Tuesday  and the remainder is used for property-tax reductions, then the additional sales-tax expenses for lower-income families is nearly washed out by property-tax savings. If more is used on roads, those property-tax savings are reduced.

Huckelberry also suggested that local road projects could be prioritized in poorer areas in recognition of the disproportionate impact of sales taxes. Elias described that proposal as an important start, but I dont think it relieves all the concerns I share about having a sales tax.

While not opposed to a countywide sales tax in itself, Christy said it would be more sensible to add a half-cent onto the existing Regional Transportation Authority sales tax and use the proceeds for road repairs.

That approach would require an OK from the Legislature and then approval by county voters.
A federal forecast of water levels at troubled Lake Mead took a big turn for the worse this week  a 20-foot drop in the lakes expected January 2019 elevation.

The U.S. Bureau of Reclamations monthly prediction for Colorado River reservoir levels says the lake could drop to 1,076.53 feet by the end of 2018 or Jan. 1, 2019. That would be a foot and a half above where a Central Arizona Project water shortage would be declared. Last month, the forecast for the end of the year was 1,096.77 feet.

A shortage declaration would cut river water deliveries to Central Arizona farmers and Arizona Water Bank recharge projects. Tucson gets most of its drinking water from CAP but wouldnt be affected by a shortage declaration at this point  only when and if the lake drops much lower.

The forecast is down sharply from the bureaus May 2017 prediction because this springs river runoff levels are less than expected a few months ago although still above normal. That means the amount of water to be released from Lake Powell downstream to Mead this year wont be as much as was thought a few months ago. The prospect of lesser releases from Powell has been known for some time, but the 20-foot-decline in the 2019 forecast was just released.

The severe drop-off in anticipated flows into Lake Mead represents a shocking turn-around in expectations for the near-term health of the great reservoir, said the Arizona Department of Water Resources in an article on its website.

The abrupt forecast change underscores the need for agreement on a near-term drought contingency plus plan for the state to reduce the risk of shortages, Water Resources Director Tom Buschatzke said Thursday. CAP officials have opposed that plan as unneccessary in light of earlier, more favorable forecasts, leaving negotiations stuck for months. CAP officials werent available for comment Thursday on the latest forecast.

At the same time, Meads bad January 2019 forecast doesnt mean an immediate crisis. The forecast doesnt take into account already planned water conservation efforts by the CAP that, if carried out, will push the lake up by a few feet compared to what the bureau is forecasting, a bureau spokeswoman said.

It does, however, take into account 350,000 acre feet that California users and Arizonas Gila River Indian Community have pledged to leave in the lake in 2017. Lesser amounts are committed for 2018 and 2019.

The Phoenix City Council added to the conservation push this week by unanimously approving a deal to pay the Gila River Indian Community $2 million to leave 40,000 additional acre feet in the lake for a year. Arizona is spending $2 million. The non-profit Walton Foundation and the Bureau of Reclamation are kicking in another $1 million apiece.

The agreement isnt a done deal yet because CAP must approve it. But its already being hailed by backers as a prime example of how cooperation among users can boost the lakes levels.

The January 2019 forecast could rise or fall later, depending on the weather over the next 18 months, reclamation officials noted.

We offer our best projections to help our water users plan, but the hydrology is extremely variable, bureau spokeswoman Rose Davis said Thursday.
PHOENIX  Calling the practice unethical, a Flagstaff Republican lawmaker wants to bar college students from voting where they may live most of the year.

The proposal by state Rep. Bob Thorpe would put a provision that students who want to vote would be able to do so only by signing up to get an early ballot from the voting precinct where they were living before they went to college, presumably the address of their parents.

They would not be able to use their college address. And that would apply not only to those who live in a campus dormitory but even those who have off-campus residences.

Thorpe, whose district includes Northern Arizona University, said the students who vote in elections  including his own  are really just part-time residents. More to the point, he contends allowing them to participate in local elections means they unfairly influence local elections.

These students do not influence the elections within their home communities, where their family and neighbors live, but instead they dilute the votes of the local full-time residents within the college communities, Thorpe said in a prepared statement. This legislation will prevent unfair influence in local elections and unethical voter recruitment efforts.

A similar proposal by Thorpe introduced earlier this year died when state Rep. Doug Coleman, R-Apache Junction, refused to give it a hearing in the House Government Committee which he chairs.

Just the basic premise of the bill of actually saying that they couldnt choose where their residence was, even if it was where they were living, I had issues with, Coleman told Capitol Media Services.

Potentially more significant, he said Thorpes legislation made what he saw as an unjustified conclusion that a students residency is with mom and dad.

I think residency is where a person lives, Coleman said.

Potentially seeking to blunt that objection, Thorpes new version has an escape clause of sorts.

Under his proposal, a student could vote where he or she attends college by obtaining a state-issued photo ID, presumably a drivers license, with that school address. But that option would be available only to those who live off campus; students in dormitories would get no such right.

Thorpe refused to be interviewed about his plan, agreeing to provide only written responses, though a House Republican spokesman, to inquiries about the legislation. Asked why he believes the legislation is necessary, Thorpe wrote back saying only that it would end the disenfranchisement of permanent residents by temporary students who influence their local elections.

Thorpe did acknowledge he wants to keep students from influencing the outcome of elections.

There is some evidence that has been the case.

Most notable was the 2016 vote by Flagstaff residents to eventually move the citys minimum wage to $15 an hour, a measure he opposed.

It passed by a margin of 54 percent to 46 percent citywide. But in multiple areas around the NAU campus the margin was closer to 2-1, and even approached 3-1 at two precincts that include parts of the campus  enough to blunt the vote in some residential precincts where it failed.

Thorpe also did not do well in the three precincts in and immediately around the campus. Out of 1,280 ballot cast, he got 324 votes; fellow Republican Brenda Barton got 327 while lone Democrat Alex Martinez tallied 788.

But Thorpes lack of support was not limited to those living on and near the NAU campus, with Martinez outpolling both him and Barton in the entire Coconino County part of the legislative district. The Republicans won the general election with strong support from voters in Navajo, Gila and Yavapai counties.

Secretary of State Michele Reagan, who is the states chief elections officer, was wary of what Thorpe is proposing.

Our office has committed to make it easier for students to register to vote, she said in response to questions by Capitol Media Services. In fact, we are working with Arizona State University, the Arizona Public Interest Research Group and Rock the Vote on a pilot project to encourage students to register to vote when they are registering for class.

Reagan spokesman Matt Roberts said students have told his boss that they consider the place they spend the majority of their time to be their residence.

These students do not influence the elections within their home communities  but instead they dilute the votes of the local full-time residents within the college communities. Rep. Bob Thorpe
Firefighters and paramedics of Tucson Fire Battalion 1 train to rescue a person trapped in a flooded Santa Cruz River at St. Mary's Road in advance of the first blast of monsoon weather. Nearly 600 members of Tucson Fire's four battalions of fire units will be training throughout the city in June on all aspects of technical rescues to be ready for the upcoming monsoon season.

1 of 6 1 Swift water rescue training The crew of Tucson Fire Ladder 1 put their backs into it to haul up a "victim" from the Santa Cruz River under the St. Mary's Bridge as part of the Tucson Fire Department's training for the upcoming monsoon and swift water rescues, Friday, June 16, 2017, Tucson, Ariz. 2 Swift water rescue training Firefighter Daniel Dezess "flies" as he's "rescued" from a bridge piling on the St. Mary's Bridge over the Santa Cruz River as part of the Tucson Fire Department's training for the upcoming monsoon and swift water rescue season, Friday, June 16, 2017, Tucson, Ariz. 3 Swift water rescue training Tucson firefighters lower a rescue sling to a "victim" while training for the upcoming monsoon and swift water rescues at the St. Mary's Bridge over the Santa Cruz River, Friday, June 16, 2017, Tucson, Ariz. 4 Swift water rescue training Firefighter Marcus Gonzales listens as technical rescue specialist Capt. Chris Kelaher lays out the game plan for a rescue from the Santa Cruz River at the St. Mary's St. Bridge as part of the Tucson Fire Department's training for the upcoming monsoon and swift water rescues, Friday, June 16, 2017, Tucson, Ariz. 5 Swift water rescue training Firefighter Daniel Dezess waits for the rescue sling to be lowered to him as he plays a victim trapped on a piling of the St. Mary's St. Bridge over the Santa Cruz River as part of the Tucson Fire Department's training for the upcoming monsoon and swift water rescues, Friday, June 16, 2017, Tucson, Ariz. 6 Swift water rescue training Captain Chris Kelaher directs the scenario from the St. Mary's Bridge as members of the Tucson Fire Department practice rescuing victims from the Santa Cruz River, part of their training for the upcoming monsoon and swift water rescues, Friday, June 16, 2017, Tucson, Ariz. More like this... Close 1 of 6 Swift water rescue training The crew of Tucson Fire Ladder 1 put their backs into it to haul up a "victim" from the Santa Cruz River under the St. Mary's Bridge as part of the Tucson Fire Department's training for the upcoming monsoon and swift water rescues, Friday, June 16, 2017, Tucson, Ariz. Swift water rescue training Firefighter Daniel Dezess "flies" as he's "rescued" from a bridge piling on the St. Mary's Bridge over the Santa Cruz River as part of the Tucson Fire Department's training for the upcoming monsoon and swift water rescue season, Friday, June 16, 2017, Tucson, Ariz. Swift water rescue training Tucson firefighters lower a rescue sling to a "victim" while training for the upcoming monsoon and swift water rescues at the St. Mary's Bridge over the Santa Cruz River, Friday, June 16, 2017, Tucson, Ariz. Swift water rescue training Firefighter Marcus Gonzales listens as technical rescue specialist Capt. Chris Kelaher lays out the game plan for a rescue from the Santa Cruz River at the St. Mary's St. Bridge as part of the Tucson Fire Department's training for the upcoming monsoon and swift water rescues, Friday, June 16, 2017, Tucson, Ariz. Swift water rescue training Firefighter Daniel Dezess waits for the rescue sling to be lowered to him as he plays a victim trapped on a piling of the St. Mary's St. Bridge over the Santa Cruz River as part of the Tucson Fire Department's training for the upcoming monsoon and swift water rescues, Friday, June 16, 2017, Tucson, Ariz. Swift water rescue training Captain Chris Kelaher directs the scenario from the St. Mary's Bridge as members of the Tucson Fire Department practice rescuing victims from the Santa Cruz River, part of their training for the upcoming monsoon and swift water rescues, Friday, June 16, 2017, Tucson, Ariz. More like this...
Help India!

Bhopal, (IANS): Farmers in Madhya Pradesh blocked the national highways passing through the state on Friday to press for loan waiver and remunerative prices for farm produce.

The blockade, that began at 12 p.m., would continue till 3 p.m. However, ambulances would not be stopped.

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The Congress and the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) have extended support to the blockade.

Rashtriya Kisan Mazdoor Sangh National Convener Shivkumar Sharma told reporters on Friday that the agitation would be peaceful.

Heavy deployment of police force is in place to prevent any untoward incident.
Help India!

By Shaik Zakeer Hussain, TwoCircles.net

Across India, one of the most common sights that you will come across is hundreds of people sleeping outside hospitals, with little or no money. Take AIIMS hospital in Delhi for example. On any given day, you will find dozens of people sleeping in the open outside the hospital or squatting near the AIIMS metro station. These families travel great distances and have to survive in the toughest conditions. But there are many people who also take it upon themselves to ensure that such families get some food to eat on a regular basis. Normally, one assumes that this work is taken up by rich people with a philanthropic heart. Gulab sure has a big heart, but he is nowhere close to being rich, and that is what makes his efforts all the more remarkable.

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Gulab, a old former wall painter, and now a motor vehicle insurance agent, runs a one-of-a-kind free food campaign in front of Rajiv Gandhi Institute of TB and Chest Diseases in Someshwara Nagar, Bangalore and feeds close to 200 needy people every day.

Gulab got the idea to start the campaign about a year ago, when his niece was admitted to a hospital and the childs poor parents would remain without food for days, due to lack of money. Gulab says, he witnessed similar instances with other poor families during his visit to the hospital, and felt a desire to do something about it.

The hospital bills are so exorbitant that low-income families find it hard to afford medication and the three times meal at the same time. And to top that, many of these patients come from different parts of Karnataka and elsewhere, so finding affordable accommodation is another difficulty they face, he says in a conversation with TwoCircles.net

Gulabs chance to act on his wish came when he met social activist Azhar Maqsusi of Hyderabad, who has been running a free food camp in his home city since 2011.

Maqsusi is an angelic figure for many poor and destitute in the old city of Hyderabad, who feeds hundreds of people every day. He is a recipient of numerous awards for his humanitarian work, and also appeared in Bollywood star Amitabh Bachchans show Aaj Ki Raat Hai Zindagi, where he shared his story of inspiration to the world.

Inspired by Maqsusi and under his guidance, Gulab started serving rice and lentils every Sunday to the families of poor patients admitted in TB Hospital out of his own pocket and was soon joined by friends, who wanted to help him out in his mission.

Faiz Akram Pasha, a social activist working for prison reforms through his Janasadbhawana organization, helped him get an NGO registered, and another friend rented out his house for free to serve as a kitchen.

It was tough initially because I hardly had money to feed my own family. But due to Gods grace and the generosity of friends and well wishers, I managed to pull it through, says the father of three children.

Today, Gulabs Roti Charity Trust serves close to 200 people every day, earning praise from all quarters. The trust has employed a full-time cook. The cooks salary of Rs 7,500 per month is managed by the donations the organization receives.

At a recent event to mark the first anniversary of his campaign, Dr Shashidhar Buggi, Director of Rajiv Gandhi Institute of TB and Chest Diseases offered to become a trustee of the organisation, and extended his wholehearted support.

Gulab says its a shame that millions of people go hungry every day, while most people throw away leftover food. I and my team, have taken a small step in tackling this issue. Hopefully, it will have an impact, he says.
On Wednesday, a devastating fire broke out in the London flat block Grenfell Tower, and since then, the situation has escalated and progressed. Here's what we know as of now about the aftermath of the terrible disaster. For starters, the Police have confirmed that 30 people died in the fire, which engulfed the entire 24-storey building in flames.

The residents of Grenfell Tower have continued to express their anger that nothing was done about the fire risks in the building, despite various complaints they submitted with the council and the fire brigade.

They're also angry that the emergency services have been taking so long to identify who these victims are. According to the Metropolitan police service, the death count is expected to rise in the coming days, a cherry on top of the tragedy as if it wasn't already more than enough.

Over 70 people still remain unaccounted for

According to missing persons posters, residents' accounts of the events of Wednesday, and appeals on social media, over 70 people's whereabouts still remain unknown, although the fire brigade are not expecting to find any more survivors in the charred wreckage of Grenfell Tower. The Met are unable to confirm the actual number of people who still remain missing after the fire, but it's definitely high.

The NHS have announced that 24 survivors from the Grenfell Tower fire are continuing to be treated at various hospital across London. They have also confirmed that 12 of the 24 are in critical care. Also, it's been made known that one of the 30 people known to have died in the disaster died at the hospital after sustaining terrible injuries.

Labour MP David Lammy has named his family friend, the artist Khadija Saye, as one of those who died. The first victim identified was Mohammed Alhajali, a 24-year-old engineering student from Syria. His 25-year-old brother Omar managed to make it out alive and was treated at hospital afterwards.

After much criticism for allegedly not showing "humanity" by avoiding the Grenfell Tower victims directly affected by the fire, Theresa May has finally visited some of them at Kensington and Chelsea Hospital.

People with loved ones in the building have been getting angered as the emergency services have supposedly not been offering them enough information and left them hanging for far too long (two days now and counting).

Those responsible have been avoiding blame

Gavin Barwell, the guy who was responsible for ignoring the residents' warnings that Grenfell Tower was a fire risk and was made the Prime Minister's chief of staff last week has been ignoring questions and refusing to face the music for his ignorant actions getting more than 30 people killed in a horrific fire. He also refused to answer questions for Sky News, but his refusal alone tells us all we need to know about whose fault this is.

This evening, a vigil will be held at Grenfell Tower to honour the memory of the victims of the terrible fire. There will also be a protest bearing the name "Justice for Grenfell!" outside the Marsham Street headquarters of the Department for Communities and Local Government. Scotland Yard has launched a criminal investigation into the fire as it's been revealed that the cladding panels that essentially caused the fire are similar to the ones illegalised in America five years ago for that express reason.

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson has used the Grenfell Tower fire as a springboard to criticise the Labour Party (a Tory smearing Labour, what a shocker!), ironically criticising them for political game-playing in a time of crisis, when by doing that, he is doing some political game-playing himself. The Queen and the Duke of Cambridge have made some visits to those involved, specifically volunteer helpers, community leaders, and a few survivors.
The journey of Mohammed Alhajali

The story of the Syrian civil war has to be one of the most Tragic events of the early 21st Century, what began as the civil war against President Assad has now drawn in many nations from around the world. As the war progressed one 23-year-old Syrian student who had been studying civil engineering decided to flee the carnage.

Whether he was part of the 20,000 Syrians that are projected to be given UK citizenship over five years as the government wants or not is unclear. However, Mohammed was one of the lucky ones to be given residence in this country.

In the meantime, he continued his civil engineering studies at the University of London.

The day the fire struck at Grenfell Tower in Kensington an area where rich and poor live side by side he and his brother Omar attempted to escape the inferno.

Omar reached safety, however, for reasons unknown, Mohammed returned to his 14th floor flat to await rescue by firefighters and while there he spoke to his family in Syria by phone.

Tragic death of Mohammed Alhajali

The blackened remains of Grenfell Tower look like something out of a horror film. It looks like it's been bombed, ironically like the burnt out shells of buildings in many war-ravaged and abandoned buildings in Syria where Mohammed Alhajali came from.

Other times as the building was smoking on our television screens it appeared ironically like the twin tower attacks in New York 9/11.

While Mohammed spoke on the phone to his relatives firefighters were unable to reach his flat and save him. Before he perished he wished his family one last goodbye.

It is ironic that this young man of 23 escaped the war and destruction of his native land to die in the UK in a burning building.

Alhajali just one of many victims

Alhajali was involved in the Syrian Solidarity Campaign, an organisation that wants to bring democracy to Syria. People who knew Mohammed Alhajali and those who worked with him at the Syrian Solidarity Campaign described him as a very nice man.

With the death toll of 17 probably expected to rise from the Grenfell Tower disaster questions are being asked who or what is responsible for this disaster.

Is it arson or was it an electrical fault? Obviously, these questions will be answered in due course as the fire service and others investigate this awful incident.

The council ultimately must bear the blame, but one good thing appears to have come out of this is people of different nationalities, races and religions have come together over as a community. Also, people the length and breadth of the UK have donated food and clothes for the survivors of this terrible catastrophe.
Sophie Khan, who represented the residents of the Lakanal House fire tragedy has advised Grenfell residents to demand an inquest rather than accept the public inquiry announced by Theresa May on Wednesday.

"Questions have to be asked to how, after a very detailed inquest, narrative verdicts, and a rule forty theory report to the government, why this could happen again."

Speaking to Kirsty Wark on BBC 2 Newsnight last night, Sophie Khan pointed that a #public inquiry would not allow resident participation and would not address all the issues raised by residents.

When asked if a public inquiry was the right way to go, Sophie Khan explicitly stated that residents should have the right to participate, ask questions, and cross-examine witnesses, highlighting only an inquest would adequately serve the people of Grenfell Tower.

She further explained that a public inquiry would be strongly "government-led, government-controlled, government outcome," and would exclude residents almost entirely. In contrast, a coroner-led inquest would be completely independent of the government and give residents the scope for full participation. Residents would be able to bring in their own experts and have all questioned answered completely independently.

Grenfell Tower tragedy "avoidable - 100%" Sophie Khan says

In Sophie Khan's estimation, the loss of life could have been completely avoided through the use of sprinklers. While the building may still have been destroyed, sprinklers would have given residents sufficient time to escape the fires. Raising a number of other concerns, Khan also expressed the view that resident associations are often not listened to.

Since the fire, Grenfell residents have been expressing their frustration and anger, pointing out that the tenant management organization and council had been approached by residents on numerous occasions in relation to fire safety. As recently as November 2016, fire safety was the subject of a detailed blog post in the #Grenfell Tower blog.

The blog written by Grenfell residents citing fire safety over the years is astounding https://t.co/HydDhLGHxh pic.twitter.com/suM1tNRtIo  Shiv Malik (@shivmalik) June 14, 2017

When Kirsty Wark asked Sophie Khan whether the government may be attempting to limit the scope and independence of any investigation by calling a public inquiry rather than order an inquest, Khan concluded: "In an inquest they lose control of what a jury verdict will do, and a jury verdict....juries will come out with narrative verdicts which may be very difficult for the government to hear."

The short interview concluded with Sophie Khan urging residents to demand an inquest and not accept the public inquiry, while also questioning Theresa May's rush to announce a public inquiry.
Amazon has tried to enter the grocery industry for a long time but hasn't had much success. However, the company has now decided to take the plunge by acquiring Whole Foods Market in a deal that dwarves all the previous deals that the company has completed. This is a particularly significant development since this Amazon's first big foray into Brick And Mortar segment.

Amazon's mega deal

In the recent past, Amazon had tried its hand at physical bookstores and grocery, with limited success. However, the acquisition of Whole Foods Market makes it the company's first big move into the brick and mortar retailing.

The deal is valued at a staggering $13.7 billion and makes it the most expensive acquisition in Amazon's chequered history. Whole Foods Market specialises in organic products, which definitely makes it a prized possession for Amazon. Amazon is going to pay $42 per share to Whole Foods Market and it accounts for a premium of 27%. Considering the present state of Whole Foods Market, it is an excellent deal.

Due to the fact that more and more consumers are now moving towards the consumption of organic foods, this acquisition by Amazon definitely looks like a shrewd one. In addition to that, Amazon's CEO Jeff Bezos is famous for having a long-term view as an entrepreneur and it would not be a surprise if the company manages to make many times over the $13.7 billion that they are paying for it.

After all, the US Grocery Market is valued at $800 billion and there is a lot of money to be made for the right companies.

A shrewd acquisition

Whole Foods has not been doing particularly well in recent years and had attracted the wrath of investors, who were unhappy about the company's lackadaisical commercial performance. At the same time, the company had fallen way behind peers like Walmart.

However, it cannot be denied that the Whole Foods Market still boasts of a total of 430 stores across the United States and in spite of its dwindling sales, it operates in a niche that has a lot of promise. Those 430 stores and the brand value, gives Amazon an excellent foothold in the grocery market that they had been trying to enter for many years.

Last but certainly not the least, Whole Foods is going to continue to operate under its present name. However, at the same time, it might be the start of Amazon's great quest for diversification and the first step towards revolutionising an industry. Maybe, they would make forays into new industries in the future.
Donald Trump gave his second commencement speech since being sworn into office, this time speaking to the graduates at the United States Coast Guard Academy. During and following his speech, Trump's name went viral as social media users didn't hold back their thoughts.

Twitter on Trump

After just four months in the White House, Donald Trump has struggled during his time as Commander In Chief. The issues facing the former host of "The Apprentice" are wide-ranging, which included expected battles with Democrats, but also in-fighting within his own administration, squabbles with the Republican Party, and a growing list of potentially career-ending scandals that grow by the day.

With the pressure mounting over the last two weeks, mostly due to reports surrounding his firing of former FBI Director James Comey and his alleged sharing of classified information with Russian officials, Trump has done his best to be positive in public. Last week, Trump addressed the graduates at the Christian-based Liberty University, but received instant backlash due to some of his remarks. In an apparent case of Deja Vu, Trump gave the commencement address for the United States Coast Guard Academy on May 17, but was quickly trolled on Twitter for his efforts.

"No politician in history...has been treated more unfairly," Pres. Trump says at commencement address https://t.co/B7NKuUMEnd pic.twitter.com/DIdOCnWEYS  CBS News (@CBSNews) May 17, 2017

On Wednesday, Donald Trump addressed the U.S.

Coast Guard, and in typical fashion, turned the speech into a rant about his battle with the media. Trump warned those in attendance that life isn't always fair, before adding, "Look at the way I've been treated lately, especially by the media." "No politician in history...has been treated worse or more unfairly," he continued.

Twitter reacts

In response to Donald Trump's comments, social media users quickly pushed back. "Trump is giving a horrible, disjointed, crazy speech to graduates of US Coast Guard Academy," Editor-in-Chief of Mother Jones magazine Clara Jeffery tweeted out.

Trump is giving a horrible, disjointed, crazy speech to graduates of US Coast Guard Academy.  Clara Jeffery (@ClaraJeffery) May 17, 2017

@MelissaJPeltier @USCG Most Americans know what the @USCG US Coast Guard does. It's bizarre that Trump doesn't and that he confused them with the @USNavy  Catherine9 (@Cathle9) May 17, 2017

"Most Americans know what the @USCG US Coast Guard does.

It's bizarre that Trump doesn't and that he confused them with the @USNavy," another Twitter user wrote. "He is cutting their budget 12%! So I guess the " dreams" that #trump is taking about won't be supported by #POTUS," another tweet pointed out.

@FOX61News @POTUS @uscoastguard Ugh get the F out of my state. Because you ARE THE WORST.  Elena Marie Curry (@Elena6573) May 17, 2017

"Donald Trump doesn't deserve a seat at the US Coast Guard Academy graduation, let alone a voice," an additional social media user added. The backlash continues on Twitter, as it was clear that many Americans were still at odds with the current commander in chief.
After just six months in the White House, Donald Trump is facing non-stop criticism that is taking place on a daily basis. Following the latest news that he's now under investigation, the president decided to lash out on social media.

Trump on Twitter

It all started back in June 2015 when Donald Trump made his way to the floor of Trump Tower in New York City to announce that he was going to run for president. Since then, the former host of "The Apprentice" has changed American politics, and depending on your political affiliation, did so for the better or for the worse.

In the last two years, Trump's policy proposals and controversial rhetoric have kept him in the headlines, but no one issue has remained a thorn in his side like the growing scandal involving Russia. The speculation over Trump's possible link to the Kremlin started early on when he refused to release his tax returns. Questions continued to be raised after the billionaire real estate mogul went on to praise Russian President Vladimir Putin, taking an even more dramatic turn as members of his campaign and administration were eventually found to have had their own ties to Russia. One of the latest twists to the story links back to Robert Mueller, the former FBI director who is now the special counsel to the investigation into Russia.

On Wednesday, the Washington Post reported that Mueller was investigating the president on allegations of potential Obstruction Of Justice. As seen during a June 15 tweet, Trump has decided to break his silence on the issue.

They made up a phony collusion with the Russians story, found zero proof, so now they go for obstruction of justice on the phony story. Nice  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 15, 2017

Taking to Twitter on Thursday morning, Donald Trump addressed the obstruction of justice allegations by dismissing them as he has the entire Russian investigation.

"They made up a phony collusion with the Russians story, found zero proof, so now they go for obstruction of justice on the phony story," Trump tweeted out, before adding, "Nice." It's not a surprise that the president gave his thoughts on the matter in a social media post, as Twitter has become his number one form of communication with his relationship with the media turning sour.

You are witnessing the single greatest WITCH HUNT in American political history - led by some very bad and conflicted people! #MAGA  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 15, 2017

Not stopping there, Donald Trump followed up his denial with yet another tweet, this time claiming he was the victim of a "witch hunt." "You are witnessing the single greatest WITCH HUNT in American political history - led by some very bad and conflicted people!" he wrote, while using the hashtag "#MAGA."

Trump under investigation for obstruction of justice: report https://t.co/aqD4ZnUi3f pic.twitter.com/OzxnNAbKUe  The Hill (@thehill) June 15, 2017

Moving forward

While Donald Trump continues to deal with allegations that he and his administration are in cahoots with Russia, it doesn't look like the commander in chief is ready to come clean. Though it's not 100 percent confirmed that Trump and the Kremlin have been working together, the evidence doesn't look to be slowing down.
Two Georgia prisoners who overpowered and killed their guards on a Prison bus Wednesday are on the run. The assailants were said to be highly dangerous and notorious beyond measure. Authorities have placed a bounty for information that could lead to their arrest, Associated Press reported.

Manhunt declared

Officials said Donnie Rowe and his accomplice Ricky Dubose, who are serving life sentences were seen on Tuesday after they subdued, disarmed and killed Sergeant Curtis Billue and Sergeant Christopher Monica. The Guards were moving 33 Inmates to another prison when the incident occurred.

There was a heavy manhunt by a combined team of law enforcement agencies after the escape by the culprits who carjacked a driver that parked up close to the bus on a remote highway, Sheriff of Putnam County, Howard Sills said.

Dangerous and notorious beyond description

Sills was devastated as he narrated the incidence to reporters.Officials said the two prisoners got into a 2004 Honda Civic car with a Georgia plate number and sped off west on State Highway 16, heading toward Eatonton, Atlanta. Later on, a manhunt was launched 25 miles, approximately 40 kilometers, to the north of Madison. According to Sills, the duo burglarized an apartment and then two men that fitted their descriptions were seen around a Family Dollar store nearby.

There was no other description of the prisoners and no reason to conclude that they had split up, Sills said.

$70,000 bounty for useful information

The Putnam County Sheriff stated that they were seriously in search for the two culprits who are now equipped with 9 mm pistols that were forcefully collected from the correctional officers.

They are wanted and dangerous beyond measure. If anyone spots or comes across, they need to dial 911 as soon as possible, the Sheriff added.

He called on the deserters to surrender, they better to turn themselves in before they are found, Sills stated.

The duo snatched and tossed the cellphone of the Honda driver and left the remaining 31 inmates stocked inside the bus, Sills added.

There is a growing bounty for anyone that could provide information leading to their arrest. Spokeswoman for Georgias Bureau of Investigation, Nelly Miles said many agencies have contributed a whooping sum of $70,000 a as reward for anyone with information that could lead to the apprehension of the Rowe, 43, and Dubose, 24.
On Thursday, Germany and Austria condemned in strong terms the US Senate passage of a bill that outlines new sets of sanctions against Russia. The provisions, if approved by the House could place heavy sanctions on European companies that conduct energy business with Russia.

As reported on Yahoo News, the amendment, which received overwhelming support by the Senate still needs to scale through the House, the new measure is intended to hit back at Russia. Under the new law, the White House is empowered to extend sanctions to any organization that invests in Russian energy projects.

The move, if implemented, could affect Nord Stream 2 project, which is expected to supply natural gas directly from Russia to Germany without passing through Ukraine when completed.

Reactions by European leaders

Sigmar Gabriel German Foreign Affairs Minister and Christian Kern Austrian Chancellor Thursday, in a joint statement, said the sanctions could undermine the Russian gas delivery to Europe if implemented. They described the amendment as highly negative quality in the relationship between Europe and America.

The statement said Europe energy business and supply is a European issue and not the United States. The threat of unlawful external sanctions against European firms that are involved in the development of energy delivery in Europe cannot be accepted, they stated.

The controversial pipeline project

The Nord Stream is a controversial pipeline project. Central and Eastern Europe are totally opposed to the project, worried about an increase on their dependence on Russian energy. Germany and some other Western European nations support it, contending a new pipeline will yield more supplies and reduce energy costs in Europe.

Officials of both the Obama and the Trump administration have objected to the pipeline project, arguing it could threaten European energy security.

Companies will be affected

If the bill scales through the House and is not vetoed by President Trump, it could affect energy companies like Wintershall, Shell, Engie, OMV, and Uniper.

The firms are partnering with Russias Gazprom to construct a $10.6 billion pipeline project.

In the same vein, Kern and Gabriel claim the US was acting to protect the interest of local suppliers, of which recently have been exporting crude oil and natural, even to Europe.

The Nord Stream 2 conglomerate said the action by the US is intended at threatening the standing of commercial competitors in a market that is already diversified.
Russian President Vladimir Putin declared his readiness to grant political asylum to the former head of the FBI, James Comey. He compared Comey with a former CIA employee, Edward Snowdon, who was able to take refuge.

If the Comey is persecuted at home for his political convictions, then he can get protection in Russian jurisdiction, said Putin.

Putin said Comey act was very strange

Comey handed over to journalists a record of his conversations with the president Donald Trump, the Russian president recalled. The Comey Act, according to Putin, differs little from the actions of Edward Snowden.

At the same time, the Russian president noted that it sounds very strange when the head of the special service recorded a conversation with the supreme commander-in-chief and then passed the record through his friend to the media.

Former US intelligence officer Edward Snowden broadcast media reports on surveillance programs used by the US National Security Agency (NSA). Since 2013, Snowden, who in the United States faces a sentence for state treason, lives in Russia.

At the same time, Putin noted that despite the lack of evidence, the former head of the FBI is confident that Russia has interfered in the course of the presidential campaign in the United States in 2016.

Comey testified under an oath

The president Donald Trump fired James Comey in early May. In early June, Comey gave testimony to the Senate Intelligence Committee, effectively accusing the Trump administration of lying. Comey also gave the committee written testimony, based on records of his conversations with Trump.

Comey also claimed in front of the Senate Committee that Trump made him drop an investigation into alleged links between Flynn and Russia.

The US blamed Russia for interfering in 2016 elections

The US blamed Moscow for interfering in their internal affairs, but they also keep silent about the fact that they themselves defend their interests by intervening against other countries. The Russian leader also commented on the recent statement of the US Senate about the readiness to conduct new sanctions against Moscow.

The Russian leader also commented on the recent statement of the US Senate about the readiness to conduct new sanctions against Moscow. Putin stressed that the sanctions policy harms the bilateral dialogue, and the new restrictions that Washington wants to introduce will only worsen the already strained relations.
Adam West, whose real name is William West Anderson, will be honored in Los Angeles with the lighting of a real-life bat signal this week. West died last Friday, June 9, after a short but brave battle with leukemia. The actor was 88 years old when he passed away.

Lighting up the sky

The ceremonial lighting of a real bat signal from City Hall will project the cape crusaders iconic symbol into the night sky at 9:00 p.m. local time. In the comic books and movies, the bat signal is the way the city calls on the Batman whenever it needs his help. It is only fitting that the symbol is projected into the skyline to commemorate the passing of one of the actors that had originally played the iconic role.

The event itself will be attended by Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and Police Cheif Charlie Beck. Several members of West's family are also expected to attend the event.

Join us at City Hall to pay tribute to Hollywood legend Adam West & light the bat-signal for the #BrightKnight. pic.twitter.com/7USpxg70r7  Mayor Eric Garcetti (@MayorOfLA) June 15, 2017

Role as the Batman

Most fans probably dont realize that West was only the third actor to play the iconic dark knight on television and in movies. The first actor to play the role was Lewis G. Wilson in 1943. He was then followed by Robert Lowery in 1949s Batman and Robin.

Despite being the third actor to play the role, the superhero was really only made popular in pop culture due to Wests portrayal of the superhero in the 1960s television series.

West also logged in the most time as the caped crusader after having spent more than two decades as the billionaire Bruce Wayne in both the television series and in a 1966 live action film. West was reportedly cast as the billionaire superhero after producer William Dozier noticed him playing a Bond-like character in a Nestle Quik TV commercial.

Other works and contributions

Following Wests career as the Batman in television, the actor had appeared in various other projects. The actor was mostly involved in animated television shows, where he played satirical versions of himself. This includes appearances in The Fairly Odd Parents in 2001, The Simpsons in 1992 up to 2002, and on Family Guy from 2000 until his death this year.

Family Guy will also be honoring West this weekend with a special episode. The actor played the role of Mayor West in the show, where he appeared in more than 100 episodes. Other networks and shows will also be honoring West in the coming days. Fox has announced that it will be airing episodes of The Dating Game, which featured West winning an auction.
The Sandy Hook massacre of 2012 is possibly one of the most gruesome gun-related crimes in recent history and it opened a nationwide debate about gun control. Infowars radio host Alex Jones has consistently called the whole thing a conspiracy and hence NBC broadcaster Megyn Kelly's interview with the controversial Jones has caused a huge backlash.

A controversial interview

The interview is scheduled to be telecast on Sunday but it has already attracted a lot of flak from the general public and also from the Sandy Hook Promise Foundation, which works towards the prevention of gun-related violence.

Alex Jones, who is a staunch advocate of the right to bear arms, has consistently spawned conspiracy theories about Sandy Hook and even went as far as to say that the whole thing was a Government conspiracy.

The massacre was perpetrated by a lone gunman who opened fire at the Sandy Hook Elementary School back in 2012 and killed 20 children. Six adults had also been killed in the incident. Hence, it is not a surprise that the interview has caused widespread disbelief among many and the Sandy Hook Promise Foundation has reacted swiftly by announcing that Megyn Kelly will no longer be the host at their gala night. It is a yearly event hosted by the foundation.

The co-founder of the foundation, Nicole Hockley said, Sandy Hook Promise cannot support the decision by Megyn or NBC to give any form of voice or platform to Alex Jones and have asked Megyn Kelly to step down as our Promise Champion Gala host." She also said that the foundation hopes that Megyn Kelly and NBC would have better sense and decide against broadcasting the interview.

As an advertiser, I'm repulsed that @megynkelly would give a second of airtime to someone who says Sandy Hook and Aurora are hoaxes. Why? https://t.co/luwyCwP7Ti  Kristin Lemkau (@KLemkau) June 12, 2017

A justifiable backlash

Although Kelly must be distraught at being barred from hosting the Promise Champion Gala; she and her NBC bosses must be far more worried about the financial repercussions of giving a platform to Alex Jones.

JP Morgan Chase is a major sponsor of NBC but after learning about the fact that Jones had been given a platform by the network, they decided to pull their advertising altogether. Although the company did not speak to the press, the chief marketing officer at JP Morgan Chase, Kristin Lemkau, shared her thoughts on her Twitter account.

(Tweet above).

On the other hand, Alex Jones also took to his Twitter account yesterday and asked Kelly to not air the interview since his views had been misrepresented in the interview. The tweet was accompanied by a video.
After destroying a Syrian military drone near the deconfliction zone around Al-Tanf and incursion of pro-Assad troops, the Pentagon has installed a missile system in the area for protection. However, the Syrian government and Russia are worried that the new missile launcher is intended for an eventual strike against pro-Assad troops.

What kind of missile system was set in place near Al-Tanf?

U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis authorized the deployment of the HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System) in Syria. The HIMARS is an offensive missile system that can fire missiles with a range radius of 300 km.

The new missile launcher is expected to provide a defensive umbrella over the deconfliction zone around the town of Al-Tanf.

U.S. forces in Syria are not authorized to wage open war against Assad but it is allowed to put defensive measures in place against any hostile threats in the area. The constant provocations made by the Syrian army, especially now that their push into ISIS territory is successful, is a cause for concern to U.S. personnel in the area.

How will the Syrian government react to U.S. deployment of an offensive missile system?

The HIMARS was moved from Jordan to Syria in response to Assad's recent incursion near Al-Tanf. Though the Syrian government is not pursuing a heated conflict with the United States, the presence of U.S.

spec ops in the area is a great hindrance for Assad's plan. American troops are in Al-Tanf to train Kurdish and Syrian fighters of the SDF (syrian democratic forces) to attack Raqqa and push ISIS out of Eastern Syria.

Many pro-Assad officials question the deployment of the HIMARS, which is located far from Raqqa. Because of this, Syrian forces are worried that America can easily attack pro-Assad troops whenever they want.

However, U.S. officials are adamant that despite the offensive nature of the new missile system it is mainly intended for defensive purposes only.

On June 8th, the United States attacked a convoy of Syrian and Iranian soldiers entering the area near Al-Tank killing almost a dozen men. The attack was condemned by Russia calling it "uncalled for." The situation in Syria is growing tense even though ISIS is slowly being pushed out of the country. After the capture of Raqqa and the area surrounding the city, United States-backed forces will have to defend against pro-Assad troops bent on unifying the country under their oppressive rule.
After a sham trial, Otto Warmbier was sentenced to 15 years of imprisonment by the North Korean government. After which he developed a "severe neurological injury" as alleged by Warmbier's father.

What do we know?

Fred Warmbier, Otto's father, denounced the dictatorship regime that imprisoned his son. He held back his emotions when his son was returned to him on Thursday after being released from North Korean imprisonment on humanitarian grounds. At this time, it looks as though the North Koreans haven't been straightforward with us on Otto's condition.

This leaves many wondering what exactly happened.

"The fact that this is how they treated them is horrible, and difficult to process," the father reported. Warmbier's father had nothing but praise for the boy Saying that he was "tremendously proud" of his son. The father of the Virginia university student had heaps of scorn and criticism for North Korea calling the country "brutal and terroristic" and citing the result of their actions upon his son.

So what is his condition?

According to Kelly Martin, of the Cincinnati Medical Center, Otto has suffered a severe neurological injury, but is in stable condition. Otto's hometown, and in several small cities near Cincinnati, residents hung blue and white ribbons in memory and honor, and in solidarity with the family.

"This is a place where Otto had some of his best experiences," Fred Warmbier stated, with both of his sons on each side. Otto Warmbier's Mother, Cindy Warmbier, was with her 22-year-old son at the hospital, where she has remained since Otto arrived Tuesday night.

Cindy Warmbier wants the world to know her son is a fighter. That through the worst environment imaginable, Otto fought to stay alive.

All for the sake of seeing his family, and the people who love him. Fred Warmbier thanked the people who supported he and his family through the entire ordeal. Fred Warmbier then thanked the Trump administration for returning his son to him. President Trump contacted Fred Warmbier directly, curious about the condition of Otto, and urged the family to take care of themselves.

There are still three American tourists held prisoner by the North Korean regime. Kim Dong Chul was arrested in October 2015 and is being charged with Espionage. Kim Sang-Duk (A.K.A Tony Kim) was arrested April 21, 2017, and is charged with committing "hostile criminal acts with an aim to subvert the country." and Kim Hak-Song May 7, 2017, And was arrested for reasons Not yet known. With incidents like this happening, one has to wonder if any of them will get out alive. Our hearts and prayers go out victims and to the family.
Right now, the most important woman in the United Kingdom is not Queen Elizabeth II. Its not Prime Minister Theresa May. For what is possibly the first time ever, it is not someone who even lives in Great Britain. Its DUP leader Arlene Foster.

DUP becomes vital to Theresa May after general election

After the unexpected result of the June 8th UK general election, the Northern Irish Democratic Unionist Party, or DUP, just became the most important player in UK politics.

Theresa May and the Conservative Party lost their parliamentary majority, prompting May to do her best to scramble together a deal with another party in order to form a viable minority government.

With the next two largest parties, Labour and the Scottish Nationalist Party, or SNP, both eager to prevent another Tory government, the Conservatives have turned to the DUP for a political alliance.

Concerns over Conservative-DUP deal

Negotiations between Theresa May, Prime Minister and leader of the Conservative Party, and Arlene Foster, leader of the DUP, have been ongoing for a full week now, alongside major upsets in the Conservative party.

As the details of the deal remain secret, fears are beginning to mount. According to the BBC, so many people were looking up what the DUP was that their website crashed shortly after the election, and "DUP" became the most searched term on Google UK. The British people are worried about what the DUP might request in return for their parliamentary support of the Conservatives, with rumors suggesting that lots of British funding will now be headed toward Northern Ireland.

So who is the woman who holds the fate of the UK in her hands?

Arlene Fosters political story is a surprisingly personal one. She grew up during the Troubles on a farm near the Irish border. Her father, John Kelly, was a reserve officer in the Royal Ulster Constabulary, or RUC, so she was raised as a Unionist.

Having gone through many confusing splits, the Irish Republican Army, or IRA, was still very active during her childhood.

Widely denounced for their violent approach to political issues and even labeled as terrorists, many feared the IRA. They shot her father in the head outside their farm for his belief in the Union. He survived, but seeing her father crawling into their house covered with blood must have left a significant mark on 8-year-old Arlene Foster.

Although her family sold their farm and entered government protection, the IRA continued to affect Arlene Fosters life. As a teenager, the IRA detonated a bomb on her school bus. She was not hurt, but the student next to her had blood all over her arm and was seriously wounded. With this background, it is unsurprising that Arlene Foster believes strongly in the United Kingdom.

She was the first one in her family to earn a university education and she joined the Ulster Unionist Party, or UUP, while studying law at school. She became a prominent member, but left at the end of 2003 to join the DUP.

As first minister for Northern Ireland, Arlene Foster proved that she is able to move past personal hurts and biases for the greater good of the DUP.

She helped run a coalition government in Northern Ireland with the DUP and Sinn Fein: not only are these two parties complete opposites, but Sinn Fein has strong links to the IRA. After that, a deal with Theresa May should be easy. However, the British people are still worried that Arlene Foster will prioritize Northern Ireland over the rest of the UK.
afghanistan is at war with the Taliban and has been for more than one and a half decades. The U.S. has extended their support to eliminate threats from this militant group. Reports have been floating around that approximately 4,000 additional troops will be sent to Afghanistan but the Pentagon has yet to make known any decision final on the subject.

What the Pentagon wants

According to Fox News, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis has reportedly told Congress that a new strategy on the subject will be known only by mid-July. The Pentagon is weighing all the pros and cons of sending more U.S. troops to Afghanistan where their main task would be to train and advise local Afghan forces.

President Donald Trump has delegated the authority to Jim Mattis who will have to spell out how many troops will be needed in Afghanistan. It may be recalled that in April, the president granted a similar authority to him to decide the number of troops that would be required to tackle the ISIS militants in Syria and Iraq.

In May 2014 ABC News reported that 32,800 American service members were serving in Afghanistan fighting the Taliban. Back then, President Obama "unveiled a plan" to reduce the U.S. force to 9,800 trainers and counterterrorism forces by the end that year. President Barack Obama had wanted a near-total withdrawal of all troops by the end of 2016 but, shortly before leaving office, he scrapped the plan and Time Magazine wrote that his "shift in strategy would leave 8,400 U.S troops on the ground" as he left office, instead of reducing the American deployment to 5,500."

Why the need for more troops in Afghanistan

The request for additional troops was put up in the month of February this year by Gen.

John W. Nicholson, the top U.S. commander in the country. The Washington Post said that his demand was for a few thousand troops more from the United States and NATO.

The matter was discussed and debated at a number of official forums and a final decision is still awaited. As per estimates of the U.S. military, the Afghan government has control of slightly more than fifty percent of the country.

The Taliban is the most prominent insurgent group in Afghanistan and the situation has been aggravated by the entry of fighters affiliated to the ISIS. They have taken hold of some portions of eastern Afghanistan.

U.S. troops are always at risk as was revealed by a recent incident reported last week by the Guardian in which three U.S. Army soldiers were shot and killed "in an apparent insider attack in the highly contested Nangarhar province."
China has the worlds' second-largest stock of public pension funds, sovereign wealth fund and central bank assets, according to a new report. Such Chinese banks and funds control $4.2 trillion in assets, around 12 percent of the world's total.

China is second to the US, which has $6.6 trillion in such assets, around 20 percent of the world's total. China is followed by Japan and the United Arab Emirates.

The figures were revealed in the latest edition of Global Public Investor, which tracks the behavior of public pension and sovereign funds and central banks. The book is published by OMFIF, a think tank based in London and Singapore.

The report found that an improving world economy boosted public pension fund, sovereign wealth fund and central bank assets to $33.5 trillion by the end of 2016.

Pension funds grew by $435 billion, and sovereign wealth funds by $143 billion. Central banks' assets declined by $103 billion.

The People's Bank of China has the most assets ($3.097 trillion) with Japan's Government Pension Fund in second ($1.334 trillion). China Investment Corporation is in sixth place with $813 billion in assets.

conal@mail.chinadailyuk.com
Former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd (left) speaks at the "China and the US: Belt and Road Initiative and 100-Day Plan," a high-level think-tank discussion in New York, on June 14. [Photo/Agencies]

NEW YORKChina and the United States, as the world's top two economies, need to enhance communication on the Belt and Road Initiative, which can benefit both countries and the whole world, said participants of a high-level think-tank dialogue here on Wednesday.

Kevin Rudd, president of Asia Society Policy Institute, said the China-proposed initiative covers the continent of Euro-Asia, a vast and complex part of the world.

Taking into account such factors as geopolitics and geoeconomics in the region, Rudd said China needs to explain how investment will be made in order to involve more participants in business.

Rudd made the remarks at the High-level Dialogue on US-China Economic Relations, which gathered scholars from leading think-tanks in both China and the US to discuss bilateral economic and trade ties.

Cui Tiankai, Chinese ambassador to the United States, said on the same occasion how the two countries manage their economic relations would affect the prospects of global economic growth.

"China and the United States should work together and make all the right choices and show the way forward to the world," he said.

Cui said the choice is between openness and isolation, between connectivity and separation, between win-win and zero-sum games.

China stands for openness, connectivity and win-win approaches as manifested by the Belt and Road Initiative, he noted.

The Belt and Road Initiative, aimed at building the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road through concerted efforts of all related countries, was first put forward by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013.

It advocates policy coordination, connectivity of infrastructure and facilities, unimpeded trade, financial integration, and closer people-to-people ties through extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, with an aim to benefit all.

"This connectivity will make it possible to build stronger bonds among nations and really join hands to respond to the growing global challenges that transcend national boundaries," said Cui.

Michael Bloomberg, former New York City mayor, said history has shown that investing in infrastructure is one of the best ways to spur economic growth and that "China is putting that lesson to very good use."

He said that the ambitious initiative which calls for major investment in new infrastructure will create great opportunities for global investors.

He also noted that China and the US share a more inter-connected economic relationship than ever before and they have a stake in each other's success.

"Growth in China helps to fuel growth here in the United States and that is why it's been very encouraging to see the important steps that China has taken to open up its market to global investors," he said.

On infrastructure development, Josette Sheeran, president and CEO of the Asia Society, said infrastructure gap is not just about roads, but about quality of human lives and the ability of societies to reduce poverty.

She called infrastructure development a "natural place" where China and the US can work together, as both countries have advantages in it.

She called on thinkers to work out how to unite the world and use infrastructure to unlock the potential of economic growth.

The one-day event featured prominent keynote speakers including Tung Chee-hwa, vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, and Zhao Qizheng, former minister of China's State Council Information Office.

It was jointly hosted by the New York City-based Asia Society Policy Institute and the China Center for International Economic Exchanges, with the participation of more than 30 scholars from leading think-tanks in both China and the United States.
Asset investment guru Chen Shuang's gamble has paid off. He tells Evelyn Yu the overseas unit of mainland conglomerate Everbright Group has now found itself synonymous with the trade.

Chen Shuang, chief executive of Hong Kong-based China Everbright Ltd (CEL) - the overseas arm of Chinese mainland conglomerate China Everbright Group - has had his company's unique features at his fingertips.

His strategy has been to get the company shifted to asset management, and the approach has been progressing well under his stewardship for the past decade as its business model evolved over the years, having started off with brokerage and investment banking.

CEL itself is a market-oriented State-owned company that knows China well and is a polished brand to both foreign and domestic investors. Chen has steered the diversified financial group, which came into being in 1997 on the periphery of the city's return to the motherland, into a flagship mainland-funded finance company that has been synonymous with direct investments, asset management, investment banking and brokerage services in China.

CEL is the subsidiary of State-owned conglomerate Everbright Group - a pioneer in the country's overseas investment program. Everbright Group's history could be traced back to the 1980s when the central government launched an ambitious overseas investment drive with the emergence of two major groups - CITIC Group established in 1979 by Rong Yiren, former vice-president of the People's Republic of China, and China Everbright Group which was founded in Hong Kong in 1983.

Chen notes that brokerage services have remained the major business of the mainland's securities houses and are prone to volatility in the stock market, while investment banking is not highly profitable, with foreign investment banks dominating the Hong Kong market.

The evolvement saw CEL's direct operating businesses - fund management and investment - shot up 509 percent year-on-year to HK$2.74 billion in 2016. But, due to a decline in returns for its two strategic investments - a 71-percent drop in profit share from Everbright Securities and 3 percent down from China Everbright Bank - CEL posted a 21-percent fall in profit attributable to shareholders of HK$4.07 billion compared with a year ago.

Strong appetite

Chen reveals that he has been trying to convince the group to sell off those two sectors, but no time frame has been set.

He sees opportunities abound in cross-boundary asset management.

"In 2008, China became the center of attention in the global economy as it was among the few countries that were mildly hit by the global financial crisis. The renminbi was on its upward track and the demand of foreign investors to invest in China surged. We saw the opportunity and touted the company as an expert in investments in China."

Today, despite the renminbi's depreciation, domestic investors' appetite for overseas investment is strong, and Chen sees cross-boundary asset management and investment as holding great promise.

CEL manages a portfolio of private equity funds, venture capital funds, sector focus funds, mezzanine funds, hedge funds and principal investment funds that invest in such fields as healthcare, manufacturing, aircraft leasing, real estate, technology, media, and telecommunications.

As of 2016, CEL had held 36 funds, 105 primary market post-investment management projects and 15 secondary market portfolios. The fund management business's total fundraising amount soared nearly 80 percent from 2015 to HK$87.5 billion.

Chen is confident that most of the invested projects have reached their expected rate of return, while some existing projects have been rewarded with excessive returns.

"In 2008, when we acquired the real estate private equity firm from Lehman Brothers, which is today's EBA Investments, it only cost us $850,000. Last year, we sold a 51-percent stake to Jiabao Group for 1.5 billion yuan ($220 million)," Chen tells China Daily.

He believes EBA's total returns would exceed 4 billion yuan in the event of a full exit.

Going with the trend

Chen's investment philosophy is to "ride on the momentum rather than against it", saying he's not a short-term investor seeking overnight riches, but is carefully looking for sectors and assets that blend with the trend of society.

"Many private enterprises think they should invest in banks in secondary markets. I wouldn't recommend that because banking is on the downturn. As the country furthers its structural reform, banks are digesting a high level of bad loans, thus dampening their profits. Recent years have seen banks aggressively expand their off-balance sheet assets for profit, but the financial deleveraging and downsizing of balance sheets only serve to pile pressure on them," he notes.

Some of his strategic investments, however, have been questioned in the first place. Last year, CEL completed the acquisition of a 100-percent stake in Tirana International Airport in Albania.

"People asked me why I bought an airport in Albania, which is one of the most undeveloped countries in Europe. The fact is that Tirana is the only international airport in Albania and the return has been high and stable over the years. Chinese investors are craving for high returns from overseas assets. I find it's very easy for me to complete the airport's asset securitization."

Looking ahead, aircraft leasing, investment in Israel and the issuance of dollar products in overseas markets will form just a fraction of Chen's ambitions.

In retrospect, like many Chinese-funded finance houses, Chen said CEL was a small firm that "didn't have the confidence to compete with foreign investment banks" when it set foot in Hong Kong in 1997.

As Hong Kong celebrates the 20th anniversary of the handover, Chen is glad to see many mainland finance firms going out and keeping pace with their overseas competitors. "We're growing by leaps and bounds."

Contact the writer at evelyn@chinadailyhk.com
Young Chinese pianist Li Yundi has been invited to be the image ambassador for this year's singing contest "Happy Boys". The new season is an all-male affair, with contestants vying for the title of "Happy Boy", the counterpart to the all-female version "Super Girls", a runaway hit over the last three years. The vice president of Hunan TV, Liang Ruiping, explained they selected Li for his sunny, healthy image and the outstanding achievements he has made in the music field. Since the pianist spends most of his time performing abroad, he can only star in a TV promo for "Happy Boys" and cannot attend other promotional activities.

(China Daily 04/04/2007 page3)
NEW YORK - Intrigue, romance, wandering warriors and amazing martial masters - the traditional elements of martial arts adventure fiction - have found a new outlet in English.

The Legend of Snow Wolf: Legacy Edition, an English-language martial arts epic, was launched on May 31 at the Book Expo held at the Javits Convention Center in New York.

Written by Chinese-American writer F. Lit Yu, the work was first published in 2012 and 2013 in two volumes. As one reviewer described it, The Legend of Snow Wolf is to martial arts what Harry Potter is to sorcery.

The story takes place on the plains of Mongolia in the time of legends, when wolves and men fought for dominance of the steppe. Sochai, a young warrior, finds himself mysteriously poisoned. He will die a slow death unless he can find an antidote. All clues point to the goddess Snow Wolf, the once revered goddess and savior of her people.

Author Yu lives in New York and works in the financial industry. He is an avid follower of Chinese martial arts, strategy and military history, and describes himself as a writer who ended up in a bank.

"I needed more income to support the family," he said. "So when I came out of school, there wasn't money to shoot a big film, but it doesn't cost money to write a big book. So eventually I started writing while working to support the family."

He had been a fan of martial arts fiction since childhood.

"I love the world of martial arts," he said. "It is balanced in terms of men and women, rich and poor, officials and common people. If your kung fu is good, you climb higher. It is another world, one we don't have now.

"I felt the translations to English were bad, so I wrote in English," said Yu. Constantly revising, he took a year to finish.

Yu speaks of his characters fondly. "When they are born, you can't stop them from being born," he said. "It's just like your own kid. When the characters come alive, you see them, you hear them, you feel them.

"Writing is whenever the inspiration comes, it comes. Even if I am driving, I will stop to write."

Xiao Jiaqiao contributed to this story.

China Daily
Government officials and lobbyists in Pennsylvania want Chinese investors to know that the Keystone State is more than just a neighbor to New York and New Jersey.

"Thanks to our strategic, central location on the US East Coast, companies who locate here can reach 60 percent of the Canadian and US consumer population  including six of the top 10 US markets  within a long day's drive," said Dennis Davin, Pennsylvania's secretary of community and economic development.

"This combination as well as the variety of supply chain companies in diverse industries enables companies to efficiently source material, develop their workforce, manufacture products, and sell these goods and services in the United States and beyond," said Davin, who responded in writing to questions.

China is the state's third-largest trading partner. Pennsylvania exported $2.2 billion in goods there in 2015, and $1.4 billion in services in 2014, according to latest figures from the US-China Business Council.

Davin said that the state is recruiting Chinese investment and is looking for a consultancy in China to help promote Pennsylvania products and services to the Chinese market. He said that foreign investment created more than 334,000 jobs, with 186,000 of those being in the manufacturing sector.

FDI

According to foreign direct investment tracker Rhodium Group, Pennsylvania has been the recipient of $800 million in Chinese FDI from 2000 to the first quarter of 2017, with most of it going toward Philadelphia, the largest city in the state.

The city and the state have been big supporters of the EB-5 visa program, which grants a green card to a foreign investor that invests at least $500,000 to $1 million in a project that creates at least 10 jobs for American workers. Pennsylvania has completed five EB-5 projects at a total cost of $225 million, which include the Valley Forge Convention Center in Philadelphia and Bakery Square in Pittsburgh.

The EB-5 projects are "important to Pennsylvania thanks to the job creation and beneficial economic impact they bring to communities across the commonwealth," Davin said.

EB-5 money

Lauren Swartz, senior director of international business investment at Philadelphia's Department of Commerce, said that Philadelphia has received approximately $1 billion in EB-5 money in the last decade, with the Chinese being predominant investors.

"Our stance is that the program has been beneficial to Philadelphia as a whole," she said. "Most of the EB-5 projects are on things people would not expect. We are very open to working with the rest of the world, welcoming the international community and doing business together."

Swartz said the city has been eager to work with Chinese investors to further trade ties and strengthen investor relationships. Speaking to China Daily before she led a delegation of about two dozen people on a trade mission to China, she said that Philadelphia feels "a bit overlooked" in the shadow of New York when it comes to investment opportunities, but that the city can offer investors infrastructure and real estate development, as well as emerging sectors like health sciences.

"We realize that we're the fifth-biggest city in the US, but that's still quite small in the whole world, so we have some work to do to go tell people about Philadelphia and why it's a good opportunity," Swartz said.

MOU signed

After returning from the two-week, six-city mission, Swartz said in an email that Philadelphia signed an MOU with the city of Zhuhai to work together on fostering business and cultural exchange, met with life science companies looking to create operations in the US, and venture capitalists targeting the science and technology sectors in Philadelphia.

The city has "significant opportunity to attract Chinese investment across our leading sectors" and plans to work with multiple Chinese companies to help them explore Philadelphia as a place to set up their US offices, she said.
Tung Chee-hwa, former chief executive of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, said that while trade and business ties between China and the US are important, the "overall relationship should not be anchored on the economic relationship alone", adding that taking advantage of every opportunity to collaborate will move the relationship forward.

The two countries were able to come together to prevent an even bigger global financial meltdown from taking place during the 2008 financial crisis, collaborate on medical science in Africa during the Ebola crisis in 2014, and are currently working together to ensure a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula, Tung said on Wednesday at the Asia Society during a high-level dialogue on the Belt and Road Initiative.

"Today, the fact is that the world is faced with many other challenges that need urgent attention," he said, adding that "no single country can address [all of the] challenges alone".

"A multilateral approach will be necessary, and the involvement of the big powers is crucial," he said. "But initiatives agreed to between the US and China from the very beginning can help the eventual success of our common efforts. I believe that contributing to the global common good is a noble and good cause for the two countries to take on."

Tung was Hong Kong's first chief executive after the transfer of sovereignty from the United Kingdom to the People's Republic of China in 1997.

He served until 2005 and is currently vice-chairman of the 12th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference.

The Belt and Road Initiative Dialogue held at the Asia Society, jointly organized by the China Center for International Economic Exchanges and the Asia Society Policy Institute,comes a month after a Belt and Road Initiative forum was held in Beijing to discuss next steps for the $1 trillion project.

Cui Tiankai, Chinese ambassador to the US, said that the Belt and Road project was a manifestation of China's preference for connectivity over separation.

"This connectivity is not only about linking our infrastructure, roads, and bridges together, but also about policy, trade, financial flows, and people-to-people exchanges," he said.

"This connectivity will make it possible for us to build stronger bonds among nations, and really join hands to respond to the growing global challenges that transcend national boundaries," added Cui.

Though the project has a certain geographical scope, it is open to all who want to participate and invest and China would be open to increased participation by the US, he said. "Let's make it another joint venture between us," he said.

China and the US have economies that are so interdependent that there is no option for trade wars or zero-sum games, and healthy competition should be fostered, he said. "If China and the US can confront their common challenges, they will open a new page in history."

"There are signs of steps in the right direction," the ambassador said. "Just two months ago, President Xi Jinping and President Donald Trump had their first meeting in Mar-a-Lago, Florida. It was a very successful and productive summit - maybe more successful than most people would expect. It set the tone and direction for our relations to go forward."

Referring to the 100-day plan initiated between the two sides at the meeting, Cui said that there have already been some "early harvests" and more new plans are in the pipeline.

"I am quite confident that when the two sides officially meet at the end of these 100 days, there will be new plans for one year, two years, and the years to come," he told the audience.

amyhe@chinadailyusa.com
Atlantic Records/Roadrunner RecordsIn This Moment has premiered a new song from their forthcoming album Ritual. The track is called "Roots" -- you can listen to it, and watch its spooky lyric video, now on YouTube.

"Roots" is the second Ritual track In This Moment has shared, following the lead single "Oh Lord." The album also includes the track "Black Wedding," which features Judas Priest's Rob Halford, and a cover of the Phil Collins classic "In the Air Tonight."

Ritual will be released July 21. In This Moment will kick off a headlining tour in support of the album next Tuesday, June 20 in Peoria, Illinois.

Copyright  2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
British Prime Minister Theresa May says there will be a public inquiry into the cause of the fire in London that has left at least 17 people dead and around 600 homeless.

Local residents hang a banner over a balcony following the fire which destroyed the Grenfell Tower block, in north Kensington, West London, Britain June 15, 2017. [Photo/Agencies]

The judge-led inquiry will also ask what lessons can be learned from Wednesday's fire at Grenfell Tower, and what the tragedy means for the safety of the United Kingdom's 4,000 residential high-rises.

May visited the scene of the fire on Thursday but angered many people by not meeting those affected by the fire. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn also arrived at the scene and met victims, telling them he will represent them.

"There is desperate stress and sadness," he told reporters. "There are still bodies to find in that dreadful building. We will demand and get answers."

Firefighters, meanwhile, will search the charred shell of the building for bodies. Dozens of people are missing, including members of three families who lived on the upper floors.The search and rescue teams will use sniffer dogs, and build internal shoring as they go.

Firefighters have been to all 24 floors but have not been able to conduct a thorough search because of the fragility of the building. The fire commissioner estimated that the search for bodies could take weeks.

The fire began at 12:54 am on Wednesday and was not fully under control until more than 24 hours later. Commentators have speculated about the role of external cladding in the spread of the blaze but the cause of the fire and what allowed it to accelerate are not yet known.

As of Thursday afternoon, more than 30 people were still being treated in hospital. Seventeen of those were described as being in critical condition.

The queen issued a statement offering her sympathy to those affected by the fire.

"My thoughts and prayers are with those families who have lost loved ones in the Grenfell Tower fire and the many people who are still critically ill in hospital," she said.

Meanwhile, criticism of the management of Grenfell Tower has been growing. David Lammy, the member of Parliament for the Tottenham area of North London, who may have lost a family friend in the fire, was especially critical.

"This is the richest borough in our country treating its citizens in this way and we should call it what it is," he said. "It is corporate manslaughter. That's what it is. And there should be arrests made, frankly. It is an outrage.

"Those 70s buildings, many of them should be demolished. They have not got easy fire escapes. They have got no sprinklers. It is totally, totally unacceptable in Britain that this is allowed to happen and that people lose their lives in this way."
The opening of the United Kingdom's Parliament has been delayed by two days because Prime Minister Theresa May has still not finalized a deal with the Northern Irish Democratic Unionist Party over its support for her government.

May needs the backing of the DUP's 10 MPs if her government is to pass any legislation, and also for it to gain approval of the Queen's Speech, which is the formal presentation of the government's plans made at the state opening of Parliament.

Government sources suggested that the Conservatives do not necessarily need an agreement with the DUP before Wednesday, because the DUP would be unlikely to support the opposition Labour Party and its leader Jeremy Corbyn. Even if the DUP abstains from the vote, May should be able to get the Queen's Speech passed.

The DUP dislikes Jeremy Corbyn because of his support for the Northern Irish Sinn Fein Party, which is the DUP's main rival.

May received members of Northern Ireland's other political parties on Thursday to reassure them that any deal with the DUP would not affect the government's neutrality in Northern Ireland. They did not, however, leave reassured.

Naomi Long of the non-sectarian Alliance Party said May did not reassure her of the government's neutrality in Northern Irish matters. She tweeted that she felt that the DUP had leverage over the government.

SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon also said she was concerned about the prospect of a DUP-Conservatives deal.

"I want to record my deep-seated concern and, I believe, the deep-seated concern of many, not just in Scotland, but across the UK right now, at the prospect of some sort of grubby deal between the Tories and the DUP to allow Theresa May to cling to office," she said.

Meanwhile, the leader of the Liberal Democrats party, Tim Farron, resigned on Thursday, saying he found it difficult to reconcile his Christian faith with being the leader of a political party.
The inaugural China-US Diplomatic and Security Dialogue (D&SD) will be held in Washington on June 21, according to an announcement on Thursday by the US Department of State and Department of Defense.

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis will host Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi and General Fang Fenghui, chief of the People's Liberation Army's Joint Staff Department, along with members of the US delegation and their Chinese counterparts for the D&SD, according to the announcement.

This new, high-level framework for negotiations was launched by US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Mar-a-Lago on April 7 to expand areas of cooperation while narrowing differences on key diplomatic and security issues, the announcement said.

During their first informal summit in April, the two presidents agreed to elevate the existing bilateral talks to reflect the importance of making progress on issues.

They newly established high-level framework for negotiations - China-US Comprehensive Dialogue - will be overseen by the two presidents. It will include four pillars: a diplomatic and security dialogue; a comprehensive economic dialogue; a law enforcement and cybersecurity dialogue; and a social and cultural issues dialogue.

It is expected that the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula will be a key topic at the talk next week.

China has proposed a "dual suspension" approach to address the issue. That is for the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to suspend its nuclear and missile activities and for the US and Republic of Korea to suspend their large-scale military drills.

In Beijing on Thursday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang stressed that China has been strictly implementing relevant resolutions adopted by the United Nations Security Council, including those related to the DPRK's nuclear and missile issues.

"However, I have also said before that we never recognize the so-called unilateral sanctions imposed outside the framework of the Security Council resolutions, since we believe it is not conducive to resolving the relevant issue," he said.

chenweihua@chinadailyusa.com
Art of Xi's visits - Des Moines, IA Artist Clint Hansen shakes hands with Zang Xinhan, a member of the Chinese delegation visiting Des Moines, Iowa. They are standing in front of Hansen's painting Two Interesting Stories on June 12. The painting celebrates the three visits by President Xi Jinping and his father Xi Zhongxun and the relationship forged between Iowa and China. It's on permanent display at the museum of The World Food Prize Foundation. May Zhou / China Daily
Carnegie bound - New York Steve Barclay (third from left), director of Hong Kong Economic and Trade Offi ce in New York, joins musicians from Hong Kong at a press conference on June 9 in New York. On June 11, the musicians presented a concert at Carnegie Hall to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's return to the motherland. Hong Xiao / China Daily
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HA NOI  The Investment and Industrial Development Corporation (Becamex IDC) will offer a 25 per cent stake or 329.25 million shares to strategic investors at the upcoming initial public offering (IPO).

It is one of the contents in the corporations equitisation plan approved by the Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, which retains the State capital and issues additional shares to raise capital.

Becamex IDC has a chartered capital of VN13.17 trillion (US$580 million), equivalent to 1.317 trillion shares.

More than 670 million shares belong to the State, accounting for 51 per cent of the corporations charter capital.

Another 23.63 per cent stake will be sold to the public and the remaining 0.37 per cent to the companys employees.

The Prime Minister authorised the head of southern Binh Duong Provinces Peoples Committee to decide the initial price for the sales and adjust the charter capital structure in case the shares cannot be sold to investors. The initial public offering must be in accordance with the law.

The chairman of provincial Peoples Committee is also responsible for setting the criteria for the selection of Becamex IDCs strategic investors.

Becamex IDC was established in 1976 and now focuses on investment and development of industrial, residential, urban and transportation infrastructure.

Currently, the corporation has 28 subsidiaries and joint efforts in areas of securities, finance, insurance, banking, and construction, as well as trading, real estate, services, telecommunication and information technology, besides concrete production, construction materials, mining, pharmaceuticals, healthcare and education.

The company owns four major industrial parks, including My Phuoc Residential and Industrial Park, Viet NamSingapore Industrial Park, Bau Bang Residential and Industrial Park, and Binh Duong New Township of Industry, Service and Residential.  VNS
Viet Nam should implement polices to increase its export volume through its border gates with China by taking advantage of the Viet Nam-China Border Trade Agreement, experts said.  Photo vtc.vn

HA NOI  Viet Nam should implement polices to increase its export volume through its border gates with China by taking advantage of the Viet Nam-China Border Trade Agreement, experts said.

The agreement has created favourable conditions for Viet Nams border provinces to change reasonably their economic structure, experts said.

However, many experts were of the opinion that Viet Nam should limit shipments of small volume of exports without legal contracts, and promote large volume of exports, as small-scale exports did not provide enterprises with incentives to improve the quality of their goods and competitive ability.

Nguyen Van Hoi, deputy head of the Border and Mountainous Trade Department under the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT), said the trade agreement was signed in September 2016 with 16 articles to ensure an annual growth of 30 per cent in the trade value of goods exported through the border gates between Viet Nam and China.

The agreement will contribute partly to the socio-economic development and improvement of the living standards of the people in the border areas, he said. Viet Nams major export goods to China include farming, forestry, seafood and fresh fruit products.

inh Van Thanh, former head of the MoITs Trade Research Institute, said the agreement was applicable for trading via border gates and border markets in seven provinces of Viet Nam, including Cao Bang, Quang Ninh, Lang Son, Ha Giang, Lao Cai, Lai Chau, ien Bien, and two Chinas provinces of Yunnan and Guangxi.

Nguyen Van Son, chairman of the Peoples Committee of the northern mountainous province of Ha Giang, said the development of border gate economy and border trade is the key to economic development in Ha Giang Province.

To promote border trade development, Ha Giang has received recommendations from enterprises to improve infrastructure, reform administrative procedure and create favourable conditions for attracting enterprises investment in border trade activities.

Thanh said the infrastructure at border gates was limited owing to the lack of investment, and the two countries have not had specific management policies for border trade activities because of which those activities had not developed strongly.

There are not enough warehouses at the border gates between Viet Nam and China to meet the demand of trading activities, especially cold storage system, which has not got any investment to be built.

Meanwhile, some kind of farming and fresh fruit products of Viet Nam have been exported to China, but they were not exported under contracts.

Pham Van Truong, a MoIT expert, said Viet Nam should restructure the production of farming products and goods to ensure the quality of those products and promote exports with large volume. This would help avoid "saving" farm produce from plummeting prices that happened over the past time, partly due to small-scale and lack of legal contracts.

The State should have specific solutions to provide market and capital support to enterprises, said Truong, adding that the State should continue negotiations with China to expand the market for Vietnamese goods by facilitating contracts for large exports .

Thanh from the Trade Research Institute said Viet Nam should establish a border business association to protect the interests of local enterprises engaged in trading activities with China, as well as other countries.

The Government needs to upgrade infrastructure for trading activities at border gates, creating favourable conditions for border trade development, he added.

On the other hand, he said Viet Nam must diversify its forms and methods of trade promotion with neighbouring countries and perfect a database of information on border trade activities for managing those activities.  VNS
FPT Corporation has reportedly sold its distribution business FPT Trading to US-headquartered Synnex Corp, retail sources told zing.vn.  Photo trangcongnghe.com

HA NOI  FPT Corporation has reportedly sold its distribution business FPT Trading to US-headquartered Synnex Corp, retail sources told zing.vn.

The news website reported that the US company is finalising the acquisition of FPT Trading, but provided no other details on its stockholding.

FPT Corps representative neither confirmed nor denied the information when contacted by Viet Nam News.

On its website, Synnex announced the acquisition of some companies in the North American and Latin American markets in June.

Synnex is a Fortune 500 corporation and a leading business process services company, providing a range of distribution, logistics and integration services for the technology industry.

FPT Trading contributed about 30-45 per cent of total revenues of FPT Corporation in the past. The company is one of the top three biggest distributors of mobile phones, computers, tablets and accessories in Viet Nam, together with Digiworld and Petrosetco. They import products and distribute to retailers such as FPT Shop, Mobile World, Tran Anh, Nguyen Kim across the country.

In its 2015 annual report, FPT Trading said it accounted for 21.4 per cent of the mobile phone market share and 27.4 per cent of the market share of other devices.

However, the big Vietnamese distributors have faced difficulties in recent years as giant foreign mobile producers, such as Apple and Samsung, have appointed their own distributors.

FPT Trading revenues declined 28 per cent to VN12.5 trillion (US$551 million) in 2016, and its profit was down 48 per cent year-on-year to VN284 billion, accounting for just 9 per cent of total profits of FPT Corporation in 2016.

Its 2017 first-quarter profit also plummeted 40 per cent to just VN56 billion. However, some securities companies have forecast the companys business would recover towards the end of this year as the segment of technology devices has experienced a slight uptick.

At the FPT Corps annual shareholders meeting in March last year, shareholders urged the company to divest from retail and focus on technology and telecommunications strengths.  VNS
The head of the Civil Aviation Authority of Viet Nam (CAAV), Lai Xuan Thanh, denied yesterday that his agency had rejected an operating application from Viet Bamboo Airways Company.  Photo baogiaothong

HA NOI  The head of the Civil Aviation Authority of Viet Nam (CAAV), Lai Xuan Thanh, denied yesterday that his agency had rejected an operating application from Viet Bamboo Airways Company.

Thanh said media reports on the matter were incorrect and the licence request by the company, a newly established subsidiary of the FLC Group, is under consideration.

Earlier this month, ang Tat Thang, FLC Groups deputy general director cum general director of the Viet Bamboo Airways Company, submitted the application with charter capital of VN700 billion (US$31.2 million). The application included plans for human resources, labour contracts, operation regulations and agreements on aircraft leasing.

Viet Bamboo Airways said it signed agreements to lease seven Airbus A320 for the launch of the airways scheduled by the end of 2018. It also submitted information on business plans, development strategies, market demand and trends, competitive level.

According to the current regulations, companies granted aviation licences must have at least three owned or leased aircraft in their first five years of operation.

The CAAV will report to the Ministry of Transport (MoT) on the assessment results within 30 working days. The ministry would submit the report to the Prime Minister for approval within the next 15 days. The final decision on the licence will be issued within 10 days of receiving the report by the Prime Minister Office and the MoT will act according to this decision in a maximum of five days since its issuance.

Bamboo Airways representative said 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 inh Province) in the central region, and Nha Trang (Khanh Hoa Province) and Phu Quoc (Kien Giang Province) in the south.

The local market has three airlines waiting for licences or adjustment of their licences to expand operations, including Hai Au, Viet Bamboo Airlines and Vietstar Air.  VNS
HA NOI  The 2017 Luc NganBac Giang Lychee Week in Ha Noi kicked off at the Big C Thang Long Supermarket today, June 16, with thieu lychee being the special draw for customers.

The event, lasting through June 23, is jointly organised by northern povince of Bac Giangs Industry and Trade Department, Luc Ngan Districts Peoples Committee, Ha Nois Industry and Trade Department and Big C Supermarket.

The event, held in Ha Noi for the second time, aims to promote the image of thieu lychee, a speciality of Luc Ngan District, as well as introduce the provinces farm produce to customers from Ha Noi and all other regions of the country, said Tran Quang Tan, Director of the Bac Giangs Industry and Trade Department, at the opening ceremony of the event.

The lychees are displayed at 10 booths with packing labels showing their origin information. Prices start from VN29,000 (US$1.2) up to VN68,000 per kilogramme.

Bac Giang lychees are cultivated in a concentrated lychee-growing area. VietGAP and GlobalGAP cultivation standards are applied, ensuring clean produce that meets food safety and hygiene requirements, Tan said, adding that thieu lychee are qualified for export to foreign markets such as the EU, the United States and Australia.

Tran Thi Phuong Lan, Deputy Director of the Ha Nois Industry and Trade Department, said the event created opportunities for lychee businesses to meet and seek partners to sign trade contracts and boost lychee consumption, not only domestically but also internationally.

A lychee consumption signing ceremony among Luc Ngan Districts Peoples Committee and supermarkets and wholesale markets in Ha Noi also took place at the event.

Le Thi Mai Linh, Executive Vice President of Public Relations and Corporate Social Responsibility Department at Central Group Viet Nam, the owner of Big C Viet Nam, said Big C was willing to support Vietnamese farm produce consumption in general and lychee consumption in particular.

"With the commitment to contribute to the prosperity of Viet Nam and improve quality products in the past few years, Big C Viet Nam and Central Group Viet Nam have been carrying out many activities in partnership with Vietnamese businesses and farmers to promote the image of a wide range of agricultural products and specialities from many parts of the country, and this programme with thieu lychee today is a typical example, Linh said.

At Big C supermarkets in Ha Noi, it is estimated that about 150 tonnes of fresh lychees, of which 70 tonnes of thieu lychee granted VietGAP and GlobalGAP certificates, are consumed on this occasion, Linh said.

From this years crop, Bac Giangs total lychee production was estimated to reach 100,000 tonnes, including 40,000 tonnes meeting VietGap standards.

Luc Ngan District, the largest thieu lychee growing area in Bac Giang, has 158ha of land dedicated to producing some 1,600 tonnes of lychees according to the GlobalGap standard.  VNS
HCM CITY  Business leaders and experts discussed digital solutions to involve and integrate small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) into the global market, at a conference in HCM City on Thursday.

The workshop was organised by the US-ASEAN Business Council and the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI).

Sanket Ray, CEO of Coca-Cola Vietnam, said the conference served as a forum for US multinationals to share their digital marketing experience with Vietnamese SMEs.

Vo Tan Thanh, the VCCIs director in HCM City, suggested that the State relook at policies to improve the business climate, focusing especially on programmes that would support enterprises in increasing their investment in science and technology, human resources development, renovation, creativity and financial digitalisation.

The Government is already making every effort to improve the business climate, Thanh added.

The VCCI has joined hands with Microsoft Vietnam in a project for Vietnamese SMEs to achieve sustainable development. The aim is to help enterprises access new business opportunities and cope with challenges related to sustainable development, Thanh explained, adding that the project would assist materials, services and trade firms.

At the event, experts said that retail was a promising sector in Viet Nam, thanks to the rising income of the middle-class and consumer confidence.

Effective use of technology and co-operation with experienced logistics suppliers will help Vietnamese SMEs grow in Asia and globally, they said.

Daryl Tal, CEO of UPS Vietnam Company, said online customers in Asia have a deep understanding of technology and catch up with technology trends quickly, so it is necessary to optimise the electronic supply chain to attract more customers.

In the 2017-18 period, Viet Nam aims to keep pace with other ASEAN nations in improving its business climate and promoting international integration, in the context of the fourth industrial revolution and economic digitalisation.  VNS
QUANG TRI  A project on sustainable forests, jointly implemented by the German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), has officially launched.

The project, entitled Promotion of Sustainable Management of Production Forests by Forest Companies in Viet Nam, will be carried out in the period between 2017 and 2019, with a total funding of 692,185 euros (US$772,000) and a counterpart fund of 55,000 euros ($61,000).

The project was assigned to the Vietnamese Academy of Forest Sciences (VAFS), as the project owner, and DFS and HessenForest (Germany), as consultants to provide technical support.

The three main objectives of the project are strengthening sustainable forest management in the selected State forest companies; establishing a training centre for sustainable forest management and forest certification, and replication of capacity building for forest companies and related agencies through training courses.

Currently, sustainable forest management and forest certification is one of the top priorities in the forestry sector in Viet Nam, according to forestry experts on Wednesday.

The Forestry Development Strategy 2006-20 has set a target of having at least 3 per cent of production forest areas certified as managed in a sustainable fashion by 2020, the experts said.

However, the implementation of sustainable forest management and forest certification in Viet Nam was far behind the expected targets.

To promote sustainable forest management and forest certification in Viet Nam, one of the current priorities was to build the capacity of forest owners and stakeholders for sustainable forest management.

With the support of the project, the training centre for sustainable forest management and forest certification will be established to deliver the training courses to forest owners across the country from 2018.

This is a first model of training centre in Viet Nam on sustainable forest management and certification that will be built on a joint co-operation between forestry research institute and forest companies (for demonstration activities).

It is expected to make significant contribution to capacity building for the stakeholders in the field of sustainable forest management in Viet Nam, contributing to the implementation of forest sector restructuring project.

As of 2016, about 205,000ha of forest are certified for sustainable forest management.

Yesterday, the project launch workshop was held in ong Ha City of Quang Tri Province with the participation of representatives from Vietnam Administration of Forestry, International Cooperation Department, and Agriculture and Rural Development departments of Quang Binh, Quang Tri and Thua Thien-Hue provinces and project partners.  VNS
HA NOI  Viet Nam risks a loss of 7.2 million tonnes of rice yield and 3.2 per cent of its agricultural land by the late 21st century as a result of climate change, according to a Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development forecast.

The forecast was delivered yesterday in Ha Noi at a conference on responsive activities to climate change in the agricultural sector in the context of implementing the Paris Climate Accord.

o Xuan Lan, head of the ministrys Department of Science, Technology and Environment, said the countrys food security and sustainable agricultural development are already seriously affected by the negative impact of climate change.

In the past 15 years, flooding has increased along with complicated erosion of river banks, estuaries and coastal areas. Natural disasters have contributed to destruction of the environment, living conditions, and socio-economic activities, he said.

Reports from the ministrys Water Resource Directorate show that natural disasters in recent years have resulted in the deaths of 300 people and caused losses of roughly US$900 million annually, accounting for 1.5 per cent of the countrys GDP.

Natural disaster prevention measures have shown good results in reducing loss of life and property. The average number of dead or missing, which reached an annual average of 478 people between 2006 and 2011, has decreased to 226 between 2012 and 2015. Most of the recent tropical storms have not led to deaths at sea.

However, climate change has been extreme and unpredictable. Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Hoang Van Thang, said unsustainable socio-economic development activities, such as deforestation and illegal sand mining, have contributed to the negative effects of natural disasters.

In recent years, extreme natural disasters such as super storms, typhoons in the East Sea, droughts, prolonged salinity intrusion, torrential floods and riverside landslides have affected lives and agricultural production, especially in coastal and mountainous areas.

Therefore, Thang said, agricultural cultivation must be linked to the protection of ecological systems and sustainable development.

In 2015, Viet Nam joined the Paris Agreement Accord with roughly 200 other countries to begin implementing national plans to cut greenhouse gas emissions.

The ministry has set up an action programme to deal with climate change in the period of 2016-20, targeting reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 20 per cent every ten years.

For cultivation, the ministry has targeted effective rice cultivation in response to climate change and development of drought or saline-resistant plants. For animal husbandry, the ministry is planning a switch from the small-scale animal farms to bio-safety farms. For forestry, it will keep implementing the payment programmes for forest environmental services and boosting the management of irrigation systems and water use, he said.

According to the Crop Prospects and Food Situation report released by the UNs Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), Viet Nam is expected to be the worlds fifth largest rice producer in 2017, with an average yield of 28.2 million tonnes annually. The FAO forecast that the biggest rice producer this year will be China with 142.3 million tonnes, followed by India with 110.4 million tonnes, Indonesia and Bangladesh.

Crop diversification solution

Crop diversification is an effective measure to help agriculture become more climate resilient in Viet Nam and other Mekong countries, experts told the Viet Nam News on the sidelines of a conference on Thursday in Hoa Binh Province.

The conference was designed to discuss with community and social organisations ways to facilitate climate resilience of agriculture and forestry in the Mekong Subregion.

Vietnamese farmers, many of whom rely on a sole agro-product, are highly vulnerable to extreme weather events. Producing a variety of crop and other agro-products in just one farm would help reduce both climate risk and the risk stemming from market fluctuation, said o Trong Hoan from the World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF).

Hoan said the solution was particularly suitable for mountainous regions where monoculture is often the tradition, citing an ICRAF project in the northwestern mountain region that helps farming households combine growing agricultural and forestry products.

Farmers can both grow grass as feed for animal husbandry, corn, timber and orchards, he said, explaining that this would help them reap economic benefits and lessen the pressure on the environment due to deforestation and land degeneration.

Promoting agricultural diversification and mixed farming systems is also an objective of an on-going project in Laos Saravan Province to adapt to climate change, said Hongnapha Phommabouth, a representative of the Vientiane-based Green Community Development Association (GCDA).

Like other countries in the region, climate change has hit the land-locked Southeast Asian country in recent years with often-occurring drought and flood. The frequent drought resulted in low yields for farmers in the rural areas of Saravan Province who used to grow only rice.

The GCDA project has helped them shift from rice to bamboo, and in the upcoming second phase of the project, we will ask them to combine it with growing organic vegetables and raising fish, Phommabouth said.

Yadana, director of Myanmars Braveheart Foundation, said the Myanmar government was also introducing the crop diversification system to help farmers increase yields and incomes.

Nguyen uc To Luu from Pan Nature agreed that crop diversification is part of the solution, but said it was more suitable for large-scale farming. Small-scale agriculture production makes it difficult for farmers to cope with the impacts of climate change, he said. Thats why farmers should come together to form a community for coordinated activities.

Luu added that there is no single solution for all regions in response to climate change. Solutions differ depending on the natural and socio-economic conditions of each region.

According to Luu, one of the major challenges was the lack of awareness by farmers and local authorities on climate change.

In addition, rigid socio-economic targets set by higher authorities like district or provincial authorities, mostly focussed on quantity rather than long-lasting solutions, also discourage farmers and commune authorities from applying new climate-resilient methods.  VNS
HA TINH  Residents of Huong Khe Town in Ha Tinh Province have blocked garbage trucks access to the local landfill for the past 10 days, to protest the use of the overflowing dump.

The protest has led to waste accumulation in the area, and all waste treatment activities have come to a halt, worsening the already bad situation in Huong Khe District.

All solid waste generated by Huong Khe Town is handled by Huong Khe Urban Environment Co-operative, whose job is to collect the garbage and haul it to Trai Lon (Piggery) landfill, located in the districts Gia Pho Commune.

However, after 16 years of operation, the 10,000 sqm landfill had run out of space.

At least 20 households in the vicinity of the landfill had been complaining persistently about foul smells and swarms of flies and insects, and had blocked garbage trucks from entering the landfill several times. They demanded that the Huong Khe District Peoples Committee shut down the overflowing landfill.

Finally, on April 5, Le Ngoc Huan, chairman of the district Peoples Committee, organised a meeting with affected households and promised to close the landfill by May 30. A new landfill, located in Huong Thuy Commune, was to become operational in early June.

However, the construction of the new landfill fell behind schedule, and on May 26, the Peoples Committee notified residents that the Trai Lon landfill will continue to operate until the new landfill is ready.

Unhappy with the plan, the affected residents started blocking the trucks again.

Phan Cong Thuc, director of Huong Khe Urban Environment Co-operative, said that for the past 10 days, his garbage trucks have been lying stationary as residents have blocked entry to the landfill, and waste in Huong Khe Town is piling up.

ang Thi Ha, a vendor in Son market, complained to the Thanh nien (Youth) newspaper that the uncollected trash has discouraged customers from visiting the market as it is unhygienic.

Huan has requested provincial authorities and all concerned agencies to facilitate the construction of the new landfill and get it running as soon as possible. We have tasked the environment department with helping the Huong Khe Urban Environment Co-operative use probiotics or disinfectants to treat the collected waste in an eco-friendly manner, as well as issued instructions to residents on how to handle waste properly, he said.  VNS
HA NOI  Thousands of people will participate in the third International Yoga Day, to be held across nine cities and provinces between June 17 and July 2.

The event is a series of activities to celebrate the 45th anniversary of diplomatic ties and 10th anniversary of strategic partnership between Viet Nam and India.

People will join in a mass yoga performance in the cities of Ha Noi, HCM, a Nang and Vinh Phuc, Nghe An, Khanh Hoa, Long An, ong Nai and Can Tho provinces. The event is being hosted by the Indian Embassy along with Bao Viet Life Corporation, Ministry of Sports, Culture and Tourism and local authorities.

The event will open with a two-hour mass performance at Ly Thai To Park, Ha Noi, on June 17 at 7pm. Around 2,000 people are expected to join in. There will also be performances by art troupes from Northeast India and Vietnamese artists.

International Yoga Day will be celebrated in HCM City on June 25, at Nguyen Hue Street, District 1 with an expected crowd of more than 2,000. The event, which will begin at 6 pm, will be broadcast live on HCM City Television channels.

Indian Ambassador to Viet Nam Parvathaneni Harish expressed his appreciation at the large number of Vietnamese people who took part in the event last year. I was surprised at the huge, nationwide response by Vietnamese people, who, I see, have a passion for yoga and practise it daily, he said. Most of these performances were early in the morning, at 5- 5.30am, and thousands of people joined in. In my 27 years as a diplomat serving in various countries, I have found this countrys enthusiasm is unparalleled.

Smita Pant, Consul General of India, said that yoga expressed the unity between people and nature.

Speaking at the press conference held on Tuesday, Ngo Thi Thanh Tam, a representative of Bao Viet Life Corporation, which is co-hosting the event, said: We consider human life an invaluable property. We are honoured to co-ordinate with the Indian Embassy and other agencies in creating a chance for yoga practitioners in Viet Nam to express their love for the art, to inspire others, and enhance peoples awareness in improving health and nurturing peace in their minds so as to build a healthy community with bright minds.

On December 11, 2014, the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 69/131 declared June 21 as International Day of Yoga. The declaration came after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his address to the UN General Assembly on September 27, 2014, said: Yoga is an invaluable gift of Indias ancient tradition. It embodies unity of mind and body; thought and action; restraint and fulfilment; harmony between man and nature; a holistic approach to health and well-being.

To register for the event, visit https://iyogadayietnam.org and facebook.com/IndiaInVietnam.  VNS
NIAGARA FALLS  American daredevil Erendira Wallenda dangled from her teeth from under a helicopter in a series of eye-watering acrobatic moves over the teeming waters of Niagara Falls on Thursday.

US media said her stunt set a Guinness World Record for height, breaking a record established by her husband Nik when hanging from his teeth 250 feet (76 meters) above Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri.

Dressed in a black body suit, the mother-of-three sat and dangled from a large hoop tethered to the bottom of the helicopter, at one point hooking her feet over the hoop and hanging upside down with her arms stretched toward the water.

Wallenda hung above the falls for around seven or eight minutes.

She did splits hanging off the hoop backwards, before biting into an iron jaw and briefly dangling by her teeth about 300 feet in the air.

Wallenda comes from a family of stunt artists and world record chasers.

Thursdays stunt marked the fifth anniversary of her husbands walk on a tightrope over Niagara Falls, which straddle the border between Canada and the United States.

Speaking to reporters, Wallenda described the experience as "amazing" and "beautiful," and said she had hung twice from her teeth, listening to music throughout so as to block out any sound from spectators below.

Her stunt adds to the lore and legend of the renowned Wallenda family, famous for astonishing audiences around the world with their jaw-dropping stunts executed from dizzying heights.

In June 2013, Nik Wallenda became the first man to cross the Grand Canyon on a tightrope, completing that record-breaking feat in under 23 minutes. AFP
HA NOI  The Government will not use the State budget to settle the debts of 12 major projects operating at a loss, Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh has asserted.

He was answering a question posed by National Assembly deputy Tran Van Tien of the northern province of Vinh Phuc at a Q&A session on Thursday afternoon.

Deputy Tien referred to a report published last year that said five projects operated by State corporations and groups hadnt gained positive results. He also noted that the Governments steering committee handling inefficient projects had earlier this year identified 12 other major projects that were suffering huge losses.

How many more projects are operating poorly, and what are the solutions planned for them? he asked.

Deputy Prime Minister Binh said the Government has asked relevant ministries and localities to report on the projects that were not operating properly.

The Government is working on these projects to make sure that those causing huge loss would be dealt with appropriately. The Stage budget will not be used to settle these problems, he said, adding that disciplinary measures in accordance with the law will be considered against individuals and organisations involved in the poorly operating projects.

In case there were other, similar inefficient projects, the measures applied would be the same as those dealing with the 12 already mentioned, Binh added.

The 12 failing projects include: the inh Vu Polyester Fibre Plant, with an investment of VN7 trillion (US$311 million) by the PetroVietnam Petrochemical and Textile Fibre Company; the VN2.2 trillion Dung Quat Bio-Ethanol Plant by PetroVietnam Central Biofuels JSC; Phase 2 of Thai Nguyen Iron and Steel Corporations (TISCO) production expansion project with a capital of VN8 trillion; the Phuong Nam Paper Mill and the Ninh Binh Fertiliser Plant.

Nepotism, ignorance

Deputy Pham Minh Hien of Phu Yen Province raised the issue of nepotism among Government agencies, saying that many high ranking officials have taken advantage of their position to create favourable conditions for their relatives to hold important titles in State agencies.

Does the Government still need the trust of the people? she asked.

Deputy PM Binh responded that the Prime Minister has asked the Ministry of Home Affairs to investigate media reports of violations in the appointment of personnel in some localities.

The Prime Minister had also asked relevant localities to strictly address these violations, revoke illegal documents and dismiss relevant staff, he said.

Binh said further that the PMs orders stem from a determination to build a Government of integrity.

He added that the report by the Government clearly stated that in nine localities, there were 58 cases in which relatives of standing officials were appointed, and in 10 of these, procedures and criteria had been violated.

Deputy Nguyen Mai Hoa of ong Thap Province asked the Deputy Prime Minister about officials tendency to focus only on their current term when working.

The matter of thinking only about the current term is popular among many standing officials  this leads to many weaknesses in management and investment resources. How can we avoid this? she asked.

Binh agreed, saying that many officials stopped exerting all their effort as the end of their terms neared.

The Government would try to improve institutional building. Meanwhile, each official has to be wholeheartedly devoted his or her job and have to be willing to be held responsible by the people; those who only think about their terms do not deserve their positions, Binh said.

Teachers concerns

Deputy Nguyen Thi Kim Be of Kien Giang Province raised many concerns shared by teachers across the country.

Many teachers are worried about the Ministry of Education and Trainings proposal to drop permanent contracts and would pilot the issuance of fixed-term labour instead, she said.

Binh said the idea was only a proposal and not yet official, and the Government would need more time to consider it.

Deputy Ngo Duy Hieu of Ha Noi asked about solutions to deal with traffic congestion in big cities, touching upon the progress of an earlier proposal to move administrative bodies and schools to suburban areas.

The idea to move State headquarters, schools and hospitals out of the citys centre was a proper proposal, but it will need time to realise. The possible solution at the moment is to build a synchronised plan for infrastructure and urban development.

High-rise buildings have to have proper infrastructure  we cant build a mega mall and high-rise building in the centre of the city when theres no infrastructure for them, Binh said, adding that there must be also satellite urban areas and connecting belt roads to deal with traffic jams.

Deputy PM Binh also answered questions regarding the development of infrastructure in the Mekong Delta region, proper management of the agriculture sector to avoid prices falling alongside bumper harvests and capital reimbursement for Trung Luong-Can Tho expressway.

He said the Government always paid great attention to the development of infrastructure in the Mekong Delta. During the 2011-15 period, there were 40 projects with a total capital of VN5.8 trillion (US$255 million) being implemented in the region.

Meanwhile, the Government was also reviewing ongoing projects, including the Trung Luong-Can Tho Expressway, Binh said, adding that Government had asked the Ministry of Transport and relevant agencies to find every solution possible to foster the projects progress.

A part of the needed capital will be raised through bank loans and more investment will be invited from local and international investors, Binh said.

On avoiding price falls during a good harvest, Binh said it was a matter of planning. The agriculture sector should plan well and find output markets for what farmers produce, he said. The application of advanced technology in agriculture production must also be enhanced, he said.  VNS
President of the Senate of the Republic of Haiti, Youri Latortue.  Photo haitinews2000.net

HA NOI  The President of the Senate of the Republic of Haiti, Youri Latortue, will pay an official visit to Viet Nam from June 17 to 22 at the invitation of National Assembly Chairwoman, Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan.

Latortue will be accompanied by his wife and a Senate delegation, the National Assemblys Committee for External Relations said on Thursday.

Viet Nam and Haiti set up diplomatic ties in 1997 and Haiti opened an embassy in Ha Noi in December 2013.  VNS
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Le Thi Thu Hang

HA NOI  China needs to act responsibly and constructively to maintain peace and stability in the region and the East Sea on the basis of international law, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Le Thi Thu Hang said on Thursday.

She spoke at the ministrys regular briefing while answering a question about reports that China is in the process of militarising islands in the Truong Sa (Spratly) and Hoang Sa (Paracel) archipelagoes.

Viet Nam has sufficient legal foundation and historical evidence affirming its sovereignty over Hoang Sa and Truong Sa archipelagos, she stressed.

Any activities by foreign countries in the area without Viet Nams permission are completely illegal and cannot change the fact that Viet Nam has sovereignty over these two archipelagos, she added.

Friendship with RoK

Viet Nam wishes to develop friendship with all nations who were once involved in the wars in the country, including the Republic of Korea (RoK), the spokesperson said in response to the explanation of her Korean counterpart about President Moon Jae-ins remarks regarding RoK soldiers who fought in the Viet Nam war.

The two countries leaders have reached agreement on setting aside the past and looking towards the future, she said.

The Foreign Ministry in Seoul said Tuesday that the country cherishes its relations with Viet Nam and wants to advance the ties further.

The statement came in the wake of a request by the Vietnamese Foreign Ministry asking the Korean government not to take any action and make any comment harming Vietnamese feelings, in response to a speech by President Moon Jae-in on June 6 honouring Korean contributors on battlefields in foreign countries, including Viet Nam.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, the RoK Foreign Ministrys spokesman Cho June-hyuck said, We cherish our relations with Viet Nam very much.

Citizens in Qatar stable

At the press conference yesterday, the spokesperson also provided information about Vietnamese citizens in Qatar, noting that their situation is stable despite the tensions there.

Hang said the Vietnamese Embassy in Qatar has regularly updated Ha Noi of developments.

The embassy is keeping close contact with companies sending Vietnamese workers to Qatar and the workers liaison board in the country to update them of the situation. It has also advised Vietnamese citizens to get on with their lives as usual and asked them to maintain communication with the embassy to receive timely assistance if needed.

The foreign ministry is also coordinating closely with domestic agencies to provide citizen with protection measures if these become necessary, the spokesperson said.

Vietnamese suspect trial

Regarding the trial of oan Thi Huong, a suspect in the death of a Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea citizen, and the preparation for her fourth trial, Hang quoted the Vietnamese Embassy in Malaysia as saying that Huong is in stable physical and spiritual condition.

She added that the foreign ministry was working closely with the Vietnamese Embassy in Malaysia, the Viet Nam Bar Federation, and Malaysian lawyers to protect Huongs interests.

In the case of Pham Minh Hoang who was stripped of Vietnamese nationality, Hang said Pham Minh Hoang violated the law and national security. Authorised Vietnamese agencies have notified Hoang and the French Embassy in Ha Noi of this measure.  VNS
Nearly 160,000 residents of eight Hong (Red) River Delta provinces benefited from a programme for rural water supply and sanitation during the past four years. Photo tapchicongsan.org.vn

HA NOI  Nearly 160,000 residents of eight Hong (Red) River Delta provinces benefited from a programme for rural water supply and sanitation during the past four years.

The information was reported by Nguyen Xuan Tung, deputy director of the National Centre for Rural Water Supply and Sanitation, at a conference held this week in Ha Noi by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) and the World Bank.

A total of 48 water supply projects were set up to provide clean water for more than 132,700 households. The projects were managed well, providing sufficient clean water reaching regulated norms for residents daily lives, said Tung.

By the 2019 end of the programme, as many as 60 water supply projects will have been be completed, bringing clean water for more than 224,700 households.

In the 2013-16 period the fund disbursed more than VN2.5 trillion (US$110.2 million), making up more than 60 per cent of the programmes total. This year more than VN540 billion ($23.8 million) will be used, making up more than 13 per cent of the programmes total fund.

However, several provinces implemented the programme slowly and might not complete the scheduled plan, and need stronger instruction from provincial authorities, he said.

o Van Thanh, head of the Rural Water Supply Programmes Management Board under the MARD, said most provinces followed the regulations and plans.

Several provinces and cities including Vinh Phuc, Thanh Hoa and Hung Yen met difficulties in clearing the ground so the projects could be completed late, he said.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Hoang Van Thang said the programme for rural water supply and sanitation needed co-operation among different sectors and much remains to be done. He warned provincial authorities to pay more attention to proper use of the capital provided.  VNS
HCM CITY  In the first half of the year the HCM City economy performed well, achieving growth of 7.68 per cent, up from 7.47 per cent a year earlier.

The city has organised many conferences to speed up administrative reform, resolve difficulties faced by the business community, and encourage start-up companies, Vo Van Hoan, head of the Peoples Committee Office, told a meeting held on Thursday to review the socio-economic development in the first six months.

From January to June, some 18,030 new companies with a combined registered capital of VN492.7 trillion (US$21.8 billion) have been licensed, 2.2 times the number in the same period last year.

FDI doubled to nearly $2.15 billion.

The citys revenues in the first five months increased by 18 per cent to VN147.5 trillion ($6.6 billion).

Job creation, vocational training and support for poor people have been carried out efficiently to ensure social welfare.

The number of jobs created rose marginally to 151,212.

Services and retail sales grew by 10.3 per cent and industrial output by 7.5 per cent.

The citys four key industries -- engineering and automation; electronics; chemicals, rubber, plastics; and food processing -- continued to perform strongly, expanding markets, investing in technology and improving quality and competitiveness, and growing at nearly 9.72 per cent.

The electricity grid was expanded and 11.1 billion kWh of power were supplied to users, an increase of 2.95 per cent.

The rate of electricity loss reduced by 0.08 percentage points to 4.28 per cent, translating into savings of 205.6 million kWh, or 57.1 per cent of the full-year target.

Exports were worth around $17 billion, an increase of 17.4 per cent.

Imports cost $19.9 billion, an increase of 17.8 per cent.

International and domestic investment in the city continued to grow, with the latter surging by 2.4 times.

Relevant authorities have paid close attention to the environment, flooding and the traffic situation, Hoan said.

However, poor management and cumbersome administrative procedures are very common in many fields.

The city will continue working with relevant authorities to improve State management in all fields from now to the end of this year.  VNS
QUANG TRI  Farmers in central Quang Tri Province is struggling to cultivate rice in the summer-autumn crop season due to the outbreak of apple snails, an invasive species that attacks rice plants.

A report by authorities in the provinces Cam Lo District said apple snails have eaten newly-sowed rice in 50 hectares of the district.

Farmers in Cam Lo, a week ago, discovered their rice plants had been eaten. They later found many apple snails in the paddies, with hundreds of snails per one square metre.

Some farmers did their re-sowing, but the plants continued to be eaten. The farmers are waiting for support from the local authorities to stop the outbreak of the snail attacks. They made several efforts, including chemical spraying, but failed to kill the snails.

Experts said the high frequency of rains this summer reduced the time for the soil to dry, before cultivation, and this created favourable condition for the growth of apple snails.

The snail, which has the scientific name of Pomacea canaliculata, is an invasive species to Viet Nam. The countrys agricultural authorities, four decades ago, mistook the snails economic effect and imported the snail for breeding around the country.  VNS
AK LAK  Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has asked ak Lak Provinces Peoples Committee to investigate illegal logging in Ea Sup District.

The PMs order has been prompted by several reports in local newspapers since early March about large-scale deforestation in the district. For example, the Nhan dan (People) newspaper reported that forest rangers had seized nearly 100 cubic metres of wood cut down by illegal loggers in a two-month period.

Heaps of timber have been spotted along the roads in Ia Lop and Ia Jloi communes, and even in front of the Ia Jloi Commune Peoples Committee office, raising concerns that the illegal loggers have the backing of the local authorities.

The dry season is said to be the best time of the year for illegal loggers as the forest is less dense and paths are more accessible, making it easy to transport the timber out.

Phuc has also asked the provincial Peoples Committee to clarify the issues raised by local media and investigate illegal logging without delay.

ak Lak Province has 86,000 hectares of forest land. Of this, 80,960 hectares are natural forest, and the rest have been planted.  VNS
HA NOI  Experts have confirmed that three children from Cao Bang Provinces a Thong Commune did not die of encephalitis-meningitis.

The samples collected from the children were found to be negative for the Japanese B Encephalitis virus and Meningococcal bacteria. They are the two agents causing encephalitis-meningitis that is currently circulating in the country.

The initial results of the tests were revealed by the Ministry of Healths General Department of Preventive Medicine on Thursday.

Tran ac Phu, head of the department said the results meant the children did not die of encephalitis after eating litchi fruit, as local residents believed. The residents thought that the Japanese encephalitis virus was carried by birds. During litchi season, the birds eat the fruits and leave the virus. The children then ate the fruit and were believed to be exposed to the virus.

But it was not the case.

The ministry reported that three children from one family, including two girls, were taken to Cao Bang General Hospital on June 9 showing symptoms of vomiting, headaches, trauma and convulsion. Two died soon after being hospitalised, while the other is still recovering.

Previously, another child from the same family was found dead at home with the same symptoms on June 9.

Ly Van Dau, the father of the children, told Dan Viet (Vietnamese People) online newspaper that he found the children vomiting and complaining of headaches after he and his wife returned from working on their field on June 8. He thought the children had caught a cold.

However, when one of his children was found dead on the morning of June 9, he quickly took the other three children to Thong Nong Districts General Hospital. Soon after, the children were moved to Cao Bang General Hospital for further treatment.

Nguyen Van Le, deputy head of the provincial Health Department, said no new cases have been reported in the commune so far.

The local health sector is keeping a close watch on the situation to avoid unexpected incidents. It has already warned local people to go to the nearest hospital if they suffer from vomiting and headaches, he said.

The health ministry will announce the official cause after conducting further tests. VNS
FENGXIAN - Police investigating an explosion at a kindergarten in eastern China that killed eight people and injured dozens more say they are treating the incident as a crime and have identified at least one suspect.

The blast left victims bleeding and weeping, with images posted on state media showing some had their clothes torn off by the force of the explosion, while one woman clutched a screaming child.

The Fengxian county government in eastern Jiangsu province said Thursdays incident was being treated as a "criminal" act, while witnesses told local media the blast may have been caused by a food stalls gas cylinder.

A survivor told broadcaster CCTV from her hospital bed that the schools gate had just opened for kids to leave, though none had come out when the fireball erupted.

The woman, who was holding a baby during the interview as she sat on her bed, said she blacked out and only woke up while being treated.

The Fengxian county government said class had not yet been dismissed and that no teachers or students were among the casualties.

At least eight people were killed and 65 injured, including eight seriously, according to authorities. Two died at the site of the explosion and six while being treated.

Pictures of the scene showed more than a dozen people outside a building, many lying on the ground and some appearing to be unconscious, including a small child.

A video posted by the Peoples Daily showed emergency workers arriving at the scene with gurneys. Another showed people lying in a hospital.

Gas canisters

Online media reports cited a business owner near the kindergarten as saying that around 5:00 pm (0900 GMT) he heard a "bang", and found that there had been an explosion at the kindergarten entrance only 100 metres away.

The Global Times and China Youth Daily newspapers cited witnesses as saying that a gas cylinder at a food stall had exploded outside the kindergarten on the outskirts of Xuzhou city.

Some people on Chinas Twitter-like Weibo website said the use of gas canisters by roadside food stalls posed a danger.

"Chinas small restaurants are landmines, and every mobile street vendor is a moving bomb," one person wrote.

"How can the city management officers allow a vendor to set up a stall at a school entrance with a gas fuel canister?"

A police car blocked access to the kindergarten early Friday, far from the scene of the tragedy as reporters tried to reach the school.

Public Security Minister Guo Shengkun "demanded enhanced checks of possible risks at densely populated venues" and his deputy was dispatched to the area to conduct the probe, Xinhua news agency reported.

History of attacks

It is the latest tragedy to strike a kindergarten in China in recent weeks.

A school bus packed with kindergarten pupils erupted in flames inside a tunnel in eastern Shandong province on May 9, killing 11 children, a teacher and the driver.

Officials later said the fire was intentionally set by the driver, who was angry at losing overtime wages.

There have also been knife attacks at schools in recent years.

In January a man armed with a kitchen knife wounded 11 children at a kindergarten in southern China.

In February last year, a knife-wielding assailant wounded 10 children in a schoolyard in the southern island province of Hainan, before committing suicide. - AFP
Peter Doolittle, a leader in educational research and best practices both nationally and internationally, has been named director of the Virginia Tech School of Education.

Doolittle most recently served as executive director of the universitys Center for Instructional Development and Educational Research (CIDER) for nine years and as assistant provost for teaching and learning at Virginia Tech for four years.

Peter Doolittles significant experience as both a scholar and a high-level administrator will benefit the school tremendously, said Rosemary Blieszner, interim dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences. His work in the Office of the Provost in particular gives him a depth of institutional knowledge and a strategic perspective that will serve the school well.

Doolittle, who joined the School of Education as an assistant professor in 1997, achieved the rank of professor in 2012. He has been a well-recognized scholar in his field, authoring more than 40 peer-reviewed articles and chapters, providing more than 50 keynote and invited addresses, and presenting at more than 100 conferences. He is the founding editor of the International Journal of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education.

Doolittles principal research focus is on learning efficacy in multimedia environments, with specific emphasis on the role of working memory. His TEDGlobal 2013 talk, How your working memory makes sense of the world, has been viewed more than 2 million times.

He has worked extensively with graduate students across a range of disciplines, from education to architecture to mathematics, serving as chair of more than 20 doctoral dissertations and a member of more than 50 doctoral committees. He is a past recipient of the University Alumni Award for Excellence in Teaching from Virginia Tech, the Certificate of Teaching Excellence and Graduate Student Advising Award from the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences, and the Outstanding Teaching Award from the School of Education.

Doolittle holds bachelors degrees in psychology and education from Southern Methodist University, a masters degree in education from Baylor University, and a doctoral degree in educational psychology from The Catholic University of America.

In leading Virginia Techs School of Education, I have been given the opportunity to work with outstanding faculty members who are creating the next generation of professional educators and leaders, Doolittle said.

Some of these faculty members are engaging young students in learning science and engineering principles through robotics competitions, he added. Others are immersing teachers in historical inquiries of Jim Crowera school segregation and World War I trenches through augmented and virtual reality. Some faculty members are challenging teacher candidates to make the concepts of culture and place central elements of their practice, including supporting students with autism in rural communities. Still others are working with college and university educators to emphasize social justice and scholarly rigor in their research and practice. Im proud to lead such a fine group of scholars and educators.
The Food and Drug Administration is extending the deadline for industry to comply with the revised Nutrition Facts, following requests for more time from producers, manufacturers and trade groups to implement the new labeling requirements. This delay beyond 2018 will prevent consumers from being more aware of the total calories, sugar and sodium in the processed food products they buy in the marketplace, according to Virginia Techs Vivica Kraak, a recognized expert in food and nutrition policies.

Many Americans do not do a good job of taking advantage of the Nutrition Facts label to inform the most healthful food and beverage product purchases. I believe the revised changes to the label will increase peoples awareness about portion sizes and the total calories in the products they buy and consume, said Kraak, an assistant professor in the Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise.

It will also likely drive industry reformulation to reduce the total and single-serving calories and added sugars in packaged products and encourage companies to innovate and make healthier products that have smaller and resealable packages.

Background

The Obama administration proposed nutrition label improvements in March 2014 that the FDA finalized in 2016, to help consumers make better-informed food and beverage product choices to reduce obesity risk and promote good health.

The initial compliance date for large food and beverage manufacturers was July 26, 2018. An additional year was allowed for smaller manufacturers with annual food sales of less than $10 million dollars. Certain companies indicated that they needed more time to comply with the labeling requirements, and some have requested as late as 2021.

Quoting Kraak

The FDA conducted a study with the analysis of the impacts of the Nutrition Facts label changes and estimated that they would translate into $78 billion dollars of benefits to consumers over 20 years compared to $4.6 billion cost to companies for making the change. The cost benefit was in favor of consumers rather than companies.

Read Vivica Kraaks background

To secure a live or recorded interview with Vivica Kraak, contact Bill Foy by email, or by phone at 540-998-0288.

Our studio

Virginia Tech's television and radio studios can broadcast live HD audio and video to networks, news agencies, and affiliates interviewing Virginia Tech faculty, students, and staff. The university does not charge for use of its studios. Video is transmitted by LTN Global Communications and fees may apply.
In contemporary society, we may believe Albert Einstein was always a beloved, respected and revered adopted son of the United States.

As the NatGeo bioseries Genius notes, Einstein actually struggled to make his way from Nazi Germany to the United States, encountering several obstacles.

In the episode that premiered this week, the series shifted from focusing primarily on Einsteins personal and professional life and took a deep dive into the political environment of the pre-World War II era. (The episode was especially poignant, given recent, renewed attacks on the credibility of The Diary of Anne Frank by online Holocaust-deniers.)

Einstein, who had previously been adamantly opposed to fleeing Germany, eventually realized the danger of staying. An internationally renowned physicist, it finally dawned on him his fame didnt protect him; it made him a target.

We might assume the United States would give a scientist of Einsteins stature warm welcome. Not so. J. Edgar Hoover was well aware of Einsteins outspokenness and believed him to be a subversive and possible communist.

According to Genius, these labels  and Hoover  dogged Einstein.

Once in the United States, Einstein was feted as a celebrity, gaining private access to President Franklin D. Roosevelt and offering counsel to various influencers of the day.

However, Einsteins continued outspokenness and countercultural opinions quickly made him a target. As the final episode of Genius will reveal on Tuesday, a series of high profile actions led Einstein to a period of professional exile and near-seclusion.

Of course, he already carried a reputation as a rabble-rousing liberal. Past troubles in Germany hadnt made him cautious. Nor had his somewhat precarious U.S. immigration status.

He vocally opposed U.S. efforts to build the atomic bomb, especially because his discoveries were credited with its creation. He consciously thumbed his nose at segregationists by accepting an invitation to lecture at an all-black college. And after Julius and Ethel Rosenberg were sentenced to death after being convicted of espionage, he wrote to the judge to ask he give a lighter sentence.

Scandal is not an unexpected byproduct of genius. With talent and ability comes an altered perspective. Perhaps thats why Einstein was unabashed about being a cultural Jew. He railed against anti-semitism as absurd and illogical, which may have been the minority opinion in those times, according to several historians.

Einsteins different views also made him a scientific innovator. New will always court criticism. The same goes for bucking traditions and cultural mores.

Thus, the reality is Genius may serve as a good reminder we always live in interesting and disruptive social, religious and political times.

In the abstract, we hold warm feelings of a fluffy-haired icon who talked about nature and wormholes. Up close, Einstein is difficult and challenging, even 60-plus years after his death. The TV series hints Einsteins true genius may have been his ability to fully be himself.
FAIRBANK  Immaculate Conception Parish will host an open house appreciation party honoring the Rev. Paul McManus on Sunday.

The event begins at 9:30 a.m. in the new parish center. McManus came out of retirement to be the sacramental priest for several years.

WATERLOO  The Waterloo Seventh-day Adventist Church will host a vacation Bible school from 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesday at Byrnes Park.

Theme is Gods Love.

There will be guest presenters, animals, craft, Scripture singing and snacks.

CEDAR FALLS  Jackson Kaguri, the founder and director of the Nyaka AIDS Orphans Project, will return to Nazareth Lutheran Church, 7401 University Ave., on Saturday and Sunday.

Jackson grew up in poverty in rural Uganda and went to college in the U.S. For his work, he received the 2015 Waislitz Global Citizen Award, was named a 2012 CNN Hero, is recognized in Time Magazines Power of One series, is a Ted Talks participant and has written four books.

The public is welcome to hear Jackson speak and view a movie documenting his life at 7 p.m. Saturday in Bethel Hall.

He will speak at worship services at 9 and 10:45 a.m. Sunday.

WATERLOO  Kimball Avenue United Methodist Church, 1207 Kimball, will offer a vacation Bible school from 5:15 to 7:30 p.m. Sunday through June 22 for children pre-K through fifth grade.

Supper is included.

Sign up at http://2017.cokesburyvbs.com/KAUMC2017.

WATERLOO  The Music Ministry of the Antioch Baptist Church, 426 Sumner St., will host an evening of worship and praise July 8 with the Male Chorus.

It will feature area vocalists and groups from the city.

For more information, contact the church office at 233-2587 or Reatha Phillips at 433-5406.
DEWITT -- A DeWitt man has been charged with murder in the deaths of his parents.

Gavin Glasz, 18, of rural DeWitt, faces two charged of first degree murder.

He is accused of killing Brian Paul Glasz, 51, and Michelle Renee Glasz, 54.

He made his initial appearance in court this morning. He is being held on a $1 million cash bond.

Clinton County deputies were dispatched to the Glasz home, located near Low Moor, on Tuesday morning, to conduct a welfare check after Brian Glasz had failed to come to work. Deputies gained entry to the residence and found the bodies of the couple.

According to the court affidavit:

At 9:29 a.m. deputies were dispatched to the residence to check on the welfare of the Glasz'. Attempts to make contact with the couple as well as Gavin Glasz via cellphone were unsuccessful.

Authorities then made entry into the house through an unlocked window and found the bodies of the couple.

The couple suffered "multiple sharp force injuries and strangulation," according to the Iowa State Medical Examiner.

Bloody items were found in the kitchen sink, washing machine and other areas, the affidavit stated.

During his interview at the scene Gavin Glasz had "what appeared to be fresh wounds on the knuckles of this hands," according to deputies.
WATERLOO -- A 22-year-old man was arrested following a shooting that injured one person near a neighborhood park Friday afternoon.

Chavontae Charvez Boyd, of 820 W. Second St., Apt. 1, was charged with intent to cause bodily injury and intimidation with a weapon.

The identity and condition of the victim werent immediately available, but Waterloo Police said he suffered a gunshot wound to the leg and is expected to survive.

A neighbor called 911 shortly after 3 p.m. Friday upon hearing gunfire in the area of West Mullan Avenue and Wellington Street. Officers were unable to find any trace of the shooting when they initially arrived.

About 20 minutes later, the victim arrived at Covenant Medical Center by private vehicle, and police were able to narrow down the location to the 400 block of West Wellington Street. It wasnt clear how the shooting happened, but officers found two spent shell casings on the sidewalk across the street from Elks Memorial Park.

Staff writer Andrew Wind contributed to this story.
WATERLOO  The Iowa Supreme Court has overturned the sentence of a Waterloo man convicted of sexual abuse for incidents that happened when he was a minor.

The court didnt strike down the framework that allows for minimum sentences for crimes committed by youths under Iowa law. But the split decision ruled the district court judge in the case didnt properly apply the law when sentencing Christopher Ryan Lee Roby to 25 years in prison with 17 and a half years before parole.

The evidence presented at the sentencing hearing could not, as a matter of law, support the imposition of incarceration without an opportunity for parole under the five factors that must be observed at sentencing to ensure that the punishment does not violate the state Constitutions clause against cruel and unusual punishment, the opinion, handed down Friday, concluded.

Iowa law calls for judges to consider factors like family environment, circumstances of the crime, legal competency, rehabilitation and age and youthful behavior before handing down mandatory minimum sentences for crimes committed by juveniles.

Roby was 16 and 17 when he had sexual contact with a girl who was 11 and 12 years old, according to court records. He was arrested in 2002, but the trial was postponed until he finished a stint in the U.S. Navy. He was convicted of second- and third-degree sexual abuse following a 2004 trial.

He was initially sentenced to 25 years with a 17-and-a-half-year mandatory minimum before parole, but he was granted a resentencing in 2014 after an Iowa Supreme Court decision found automatic minimum sentences were unconstitutional for juveniles. The decision did allow judges to impose minimum sentences for juveniles following a hearing, and the same punishment  with a 17-and-a-half-year minimum  was imposed at Robys resentencing.

Fridays 33-page ruling sends the case back to the district court for another resentencing hearing.

The opinion was written by Chief Justice Mark Cady with Justices David Wiggins and Brent Appel joining. Justice Daryl Hecht filed a concurring opinion.

Justice Bruce Zager filed a dissenting opinion that was joined by Justices Thomas Waterman and Edward Mansfield. Zager said the majority decision would deter judges from imposing mandatory sentences on juveniles, no matter how horrific the crime. He called on lawmakers to reduce mandatory minimum sentences, which he said were unfair to all ages.

Roby is currently 33 and is housed at the Anamosa State Penitentiary.
CEDAR FALLS  Challenges to the states new collective bargaining law are making their way through the court system, but the legislation also is at the heart of a prohibited practice complaint that got its first hearing from the Iowa Public Employment Relations Board on Thursday.

United Faculty filed the complaint Feb. 3  before the law was enacted  alleging the Iowa Board of Regents intentionally stalled negotiations on a new two-year contract until the changes to the states collective bargaining laws were enacted.

The hearing Thursday at the University of Northern Iowa campus centered on whether and why negotiations between the regents and United Faculty stalled after a Dec. 15 meeting that left two remaining portions of the contract to resolve: wages and language on faculty evaluations.

I feel really good about how the hearing went. Im really confident that a disinterested judge will rule in our favor, United Faculty President Joe Gorton said after the hearing.

Gorton, who testified in the hearing, said he was particularly interested to hear the regents attorneys did not refute the unions argument former board President Bruce Rastetter was involved in slowing down negotiations.

The regents attorneys, however, clarified during questioning neither Gorton nor United Faculty attorney Nate Willems had spoken directly to Rastetter.

But Willems added, It wasnt just a sense, saying regents attorney Michael Galloway had told him the delay stemmed from Rastetter.

The regents case against the charge they had stalled negotiations was multi-pronged.

Andrew Tice, who represents the regents, showed the good-faith bargaining efforts up to Dec. 15 and the continued communication afterward. The regents attorneys also made the case wages in particular remained a sticking point, arguing the states financial standing made it difficult to accept anything beyond the 0.5 percent the regents offered.

Gorton said during testimony the claim of financial difficulty often is used by employers in negotiation strategies, though regents attorneys said the fact was borne out in this case as the states budget led lawmakers to make cuts in both the current fiscal year and the next for UNI.

The unions case for a deliberate slow down of negotiations was shown in the lack of meetings after Dec. 15, and no counteroffer to the unions Dec. 15 proposal.

Willems said a whole lot of not much happened after the Dec. 15 meeting, despite continuing to ask for a meeting to wrap up the negotiations. Because of the uncertainty and worry about the then-proposed changes to collective bargaining, several bargaining units in the states had hurried to reach an agreement before the new law took effect.

Willems also pointed to an email Jan. 31 from Galloway that regents were not moving forward on bargaining agreements pending the legislative changes to the Chapter 20 bargaining law.

The parties separately restarted negotiations Feb. 20 that led to an agreement in March that only included wages. That agreement is likely to go into effect July 1 as the prohibited practices complaint progresses.

When asked why the union agreed to the contract under the new rules, Willems and Gorton said they did not want to violate the new law.

Willems asked for one of two remedies during the hearing with a PERB administrative law judge. He proposed either rescinding the current agreement and starting over under the previous scope of the collective bargaining law, or to keep the current agreement on wages but allow the parties to negotiate on the remaining portions that were required under the previous law.
DES MOINES  With little fanfare, Gov. Kim Reynolds began formally laying the groundwork Thursday for her first full-fledged gubernatorial campaign.

Reynolds, who became Iowas 43rd governor last month when Terry Branstad stepped down to become U.S. ambassador to China, issued a news release naming her team for the Reynolds-Gregg campaign. It included a Facebook page, (facebook.com/ReynoldsGregg), a Twitter account (twitter.com/ReynoldsGregg) and a campaign website (ReynoldsGregg.com).

With todays announcement we are laying the groundwork for the 2018 election, and that starts with a great team, Reynolds said.

Phil Valenziano will serve as campaign manager, Angie Hughes will direct finances and Matt Leopold will be political director for Reynolds and acting Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg.

A new Iowa campaign committee has been established, named Kim Reynolds for Iowa, with the Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board, according to the campaign. Gregg also filed with the board to create a new committee, Adam Gregg for Iowa.

Gov. Reynolds and I are honored to serve the people of Iowa, and we hope to continue to do so for a long time, Gregg said in the statement.

Reynolds and Gregg said the announcement states their intentions to be candidates for the Republican Party nominations as governor and lieutenant governor in 2018, though they indicated a formal announcement will be made later.

Thursdays announcement comes less than a week before Cedar Rapids Mayor Ron Corbett plans to make public his intentions of a possible 2018 run for the GOP gubernatorial nomination, and at least eight Democrats have announced or expressed interest in seeking their partys 2018 nomination as well.

Valenziano, the new Reynolds-Gregg teams campaign manager, is a New Jersey native who previously served as a senior adviser to Reynolds. Additionally, he served as Iowa director for the Chris Christie presidential campaign, with the Mitt Romney-Paul Ryan presidential campaign and the Republican Party of Iowa.

Hughes, a native of Osceola who has a political science degree from Central College, previously served as an assistant to the Iowa House majority leader, as Iowa director for a conservative grass roots initiative founded by former presidential candidate Carly Fiorina and as policy analyst for Iowa Senate Republicans.

Leopold, a Mount Vernon native who steps in as political director for the Reynolds-Gregg team, previously led the state Republicans successful 2016 effort to reclaim the Senate majority, directed the Republican Party of Iowas 2016 legislative candidate recruitment efforts and was a field director on the 2014 Branstad-Reynolds campaign. He worked in Branstads office in 2015.
CEDAR RAPIDS  Donald Trump once passed over Tana Goertz, but now the former Apprentice runner-up is working to make sure the president spends a full eight years in his job.

Goertz, co-chairwoman of Trumps 2016 Iowa campaign, is now busy with re-election plans. She is looking forward to the presidents visit Wednesday to Cedar Rapids.

Unlike his December visit to Des Moines, Trumps 7 p.m. rally at the U.S. Cellular Center isnt specifically a thank-you stop.

Trump is coming to Cedar Rapids to let the American people know hes working very, very hard for us and that he is honoring the promises and commitments he made to all of us who voted for him, Goertz said. He wants people to know he is working diligently in Washington to be transformative and to change the status quo.

General admission tickets for the rally are available at https://www.donaldjtrump.com/.

The presidents visit is an acknowledgment of Iowas support for him in the 2016 election.

Without Iowa he doesnt become president, said Goertz, who once described herself as Trumps hype girl.

He chose Cedar Rapids for the rally because he had a great time when he was there last, Goertz said. He drew several thousand people to a Cedar Rapids rally in October, shortly before the election.

I was just with him in the Oval Office and he told me that out of all the rallies I had for him in Iowa, Cedar Rapids was his favorite because he loved the crowd, the energy, the fireworks, Goertz said.

Goertz has seen changes in Trump since he took office in January.

Hes humbled. He has the weight of the world on his shoulders and he knows the importance of the job at hand, she said. Hes humbled by the people he meets on his travels and hes so grateful the American people put him in the position where he can make a difference.

The adversity he is facing wont deter the president from doing very big and bold things, she said.

President Trump sits down and works hard. He blocks out the noise. Hes always been that type of person, Goertz said. When the going gets tough, he just works harder.

She doesnt believe Trumps social media postings are his way of venting, But they are definitely an outlet for him to reach the people without the message being misconstrued.

Its a great way for him to tell American people what he wants them to know, she said. If he wants to get a message out, thats the best way to do it. If he wants to tell people how this is so ludicrous whats going on, hell tweet it.

Thats what people love about him, she added.

Shes not surprised by what Trump has accomplished.

This is exactly what I would expect. The strength and the intensity, the level headedness and all those things that I admired in him are only going to show greater with the more adversity hes going to be experiencing, Goertz said.

Americans should expect bigger, bolder, more amazing things  making America great in every way, shape and form, Goertz said.
WATERLOO  Marc Mauer, executive director for The Sentencing Project, asked people to imagine the community received a $125,000 grant to fight drug abuse. How would we want to spend those dollars?

The keynote speaker offered his own suggestions to about 60 people at a sentencing reform conference hosted by Iowa Justice Action Network on Friday in Waterloo. We could invest in drug treatment, put cops on street corners where dealers were present or create jobs for youths.

A whole range of ideas may come out, and it would be very worthwhile. Its hard to imagine any community in the country that would say, Lets spend $125,000 to lock up one person and then go home and tell ourselves we did a good job and took care of the problem, Mauer said.

Yet, thats the reality every day in the United States.

Mauer noted jailing a low-level drug dealer is different than jailing a serial rapist. The former poses little threat to public safety, costs a minimum of $25,000 a year to incarcerate for five years and its likely another dealer will replace him immediately.

The U.S. leads the world in sending people to prison. Mauer explained efforts underway to reduce that rate.

He didnt advocate a particular action, but said mass incarceration is a problem that must be addressed. And it can be addressed without a negative impact to public safety, he stressed.

We need to think about changing the number of people going to prison and how long they stay there, Mauer said.

Mauer said incarceration rates declined in recent years, but not as much as they increased since 1980. His group analyzed the data and found at the current rate of decline it would take 88 years to get to 1980 rates.

I dont know about you, but I dont have time to wait around 88 years to see that happen, Mauer said. If were serious about dealing with mass incarceration, we need to step up the pace in a substantial way.

He said public policies led to mass incarceration, not an increase in crime. Those policies have not impacted people equally. Poor people and people of color are much more likely to land in prison.

Iowa leads the nation in racial disparities in incarceration rates  and Black Hawk County has previously led the state  part of the reason Al Hayes of Iowa Justice Action Network wanted to hold the conference in Waterloo.

We believe that the criminal justice system and the way that its being administered now is putting too many people in prison for far too long, at levels which exceed those necessary to maintain public safety, Hays said. Plus, the little matter of it costs $35,000 a year to keep somebody in prison.
WATERLOO -- The condition of a Waterloo man seriously injured in a vehicle-motorcycle crash June 10 in downtown Waterloo has worsened, family members said.

Randy Lee Mohl, 37, remains in critical condition at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics' Intensive Care Unit. He reportedly suffered a stroke two days after the crash and underwent emergency brain surgery Monday.

"He still hasn't woken up. It's just going to be a long road of recovery," said Mohl's sister, Amanda Hayner.

Mohl was on his motorcycle when he collided with a sport utility vehicle at the intersection of West Third and Jefferson streets around 10:10 p.m. Saturday. Lorie Davis, 57, of Waterloo, was driving the SUV and told police she was unable to see the motorcycle because of vehicles parked along the road and heavy pedestrian traffic in the area from My Waterloo Days, according to the accident report.

Initially, Mohl suffered multiple fractures to his right leg and multiple internal injuries, including a lacerated liver, fractured rib, bruised spleen, bruised kidney, bruised heart and bruised lung, according to Hayner.

The report states he was conscious and alert at the scene.

Randy has a significant other, Tracey, and four children -- Kalista, 13; Phoenix, 11; Nevaeh, 9; and Harlee, 2. Hayner said they and other family members have been by his side since the accident.

The family has created a GoFundMe page to assist with expenses: https://www.gofundme.com/randy-lee-mohl-medical-fund
Last week, I packed my husband and two sons off to enjoy their much-anticipated viewing of the new superhero movie Wonder Woman.

I used to partake in such outings to the summer action blockbuster, but by the time Wonder Woman came out, I was already sick and tired of being browbeaten by countless feminine-power hot takes and think pieces, plus the inevitable reports of outrage.

Some on the internet got angry over one theaters all-woman screening of the movie, which then upset a bunch of other people. Others were miffed because Wonder Woman wasnt wearing star-spangled undies, therefore telegraphing a leftist, Hollywood slant toward identity-sapping globalism.

Still others debated what Wonder Womans popularity, and her portrayal by Israeli-born actress Gal Gadot, says about Jewishness as an identity, a religion and even as a race.

There were overly ecstatic testimonials of the movies capacity to empower normally proportioned women to strive toward economic and political strength, bizarre conflations of the fictional heroine to the women testifying against Bill Cosby in his sexual assault trial, and endless feminist hand-wringing about whether so much importance should be placed on the glistening, toned shoulders of a violent Hollywood sex fantasy.

Jill Lepore, the author of The Secret History of Wonder Woman, admitted in The New Yorker: I am not proud that I found comfort in watching a woman in a golden tiara and thigh-high boots clobber hordes of terrible men. But I did.

It quickly became far too much to take into a movie that was supposed to be an entertaining vehicle for movie-theater popcorn.

But we are living in extraordinarily politically polarized times in which everything is political; everything is a Rorschach test about what you believe and who you stand with  or against.

There is plenty of documented evidence showing political ideology influences ones beliefs about the seriousness of certain criminal acts, whether someone is suitable for dating or whether a person is worthy of a merit scholarship. Now we learn from a group of researchers writing in Harvard Business Review that partisanship can skew our economic behavior:

When presented with a purchasing opportunity, consumers were almost twice as likely to engage in a transaction when their partisanship matched the sellers. In our survey experiment, three-quarters of the subjects refused a higher monetary payment to avoid helping the other party  in other words, they preferred to make themselves worse off so they would not benefit the other party.

The authors conclude partisan-based discrimination is so widespread in interpersonal and economic transactions it warrants more systematic scrutiny  not only from scholars but also from businesspeople, workers and consumers.

Theres no need to wait for academia to do this for us. One antidote to boiling everything down to us vs. them is to think about how and why you think, rather than focusing so closely on what you think.

As religion gets increasingly marginalized in public life, and as trust in institutions from government to education systems continues to plummet, its a wonderful time to understand the roots of our own beliefs.

How about vowing to read one book to shed light on this subject?

Try Michael Sandels Justice: Whats the Right Thing To Do? which covers a wide range of thought-provoking questions about civic life and describes the philosophical foundations for competing impulses. (The wonderful 12-hour Harvard lecture series is available to view on YouTube as well.)

Or Jonathan Haidts The Righteous Mind: Why Good People Are Divided by Politics and Religion, which was rightly billed as a book for those ready to trade in anger for understanding.

If you need something lighter (that pairs well with popcorn), take Morality and the Movies: Reading Ethics Through Film by Dan Shaw to the beach and you can consider what you might have in common with some of films most compelling characters.

Really, anything you do to understand your core beliefs  and take time away from the fleeting and constant churn of media offense, side-taking and indignant response  can be an antidote to calcified positions.

And not because you should change your convictions. The real value lies in understanding the worth of all principles so we can appreciate each others beliefs  and maybe even eventually find some common ground.
WATERLOO  Police said a Waterloo man stole a Cadillac and backed into a parked car before leading police on a high-speed chase that ended when he crashed into a tree.

The driver, Joe Lorance Grandberry, 50, of 1310 E. Fourth St., was taken to UnityPoint-Allen Hospital for treatment and then arrested for first-offense operating while intoxicated, felony eluding and operating a vehicle without owners consent. He was taken to the Black Hawk County Jail, and his bond was set at $8,000.

According to police, officers were called to 308 Sumner St. at 2 a.m. Thursday for a woman who reported her 1988 Cadillac Deville was stolen.

While police were handling the theft call, Diamond Johnson called 911 at 2:15 a.m. to report Grandberry had just been knocking on the window of her apartment at 791 Russell Road. She said he threatened to kill her, and he chucked a rock at her window and then climbed into the Cadillac when she said she was calling authorities, according to police.

Grandberry backed into a parked car three times as he attempted to pull out of the apartment complexs parking lot, according to an accident report.

At 2:21 a.m., officers spotted the stolen Cadillac in the area of West Sixth and Washington streets going 50 mph in a 30 mph zone. A chase followed, and the fleeing vehicle crossed the river, doing 90 mph on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. The pursuit made its way to Donald Street, and the Cadillac attempted to turn onto Bedard Drive and lost control, according to police. The car struck a tree at 843 E. Donald St.

A breath test showed a .114 blood-alcohol level, according to court records.

Man jailed for assaulting officer

WELLSBURG  A Wellsburg man has been arrested after he allegedly spit on and head butted an officer over the weekend.

Grundy County sheriffs deputies arrested Shane Michael Pabst, 30, on Saturday for felony assault on a peace officer and disorderly conduct. He was released the following day after posting a $25,000 bond.

According to court records, neighbors called 911 around 10:50 p.m. because Pabst and his girlfriend were arguing at a Wilson Street home.

When authorities arrived, Pabst was allegedly abusive and kept bumping into an officer. When the officer told Pabst to sit down, Pabst allegedly struck the officer with his forearm, court records state. After he was handcuffed, Pabst allegedly spit in the officers face and head butted him while he was being placed in a squad car.

Pabst is currently on probation for a public intoxication charge in an April 2015 incident in Dike.

Multi-state opioid probe launched

DES MOINES  Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller announced Thursday his office is part of an ongoing, multi-state investigation into whether certain opioid manufacturers have unlawfully marketed and sold the powerful painkillers.

The probe by a bipartisan group of state attorneys general, representing most states, is investigating the role the prescription opioid manufacturers may have played in creating or prolonging the nations opioid abuse epidemic, according to Millers office.

Were asking tough questions and were seeking solid evidence to help us understand how pharmaceutical companies have mass marketed and sold these highly addictive pain medications, including claims theyve made about their products, Miller said in a statement.
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SAN FRANCISCO, CA, June 16, 2017 /24-7PressRelease/ -- NEO, the Learning Management System (LMS) for schools and universities from CYPHER LEARNING, became a premium service provider for the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod School Ministry Office.



Schools in The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) serve children in early childhood programs through grade 12 in over 2,000 schools nationwide and 3 schools internationally. Additionally, 10 colleges and universities operate to serve post-secondary and graduate students across the nation.



The purpose of this new collaboration is to help Lutheran schools centralize their online classes into a learning hub, improve student engagement and enhance the experience throughout the learning process using an intuitive, student-centered platform.



"NEO can be adapted to easily fit the needs of any type of school and we look forward to seeing the instructional content that Lutheran schools will create using our platform," said CEO of CYPHER LEARNING, Graham Glass.



NEO is an LMS for schools and universities that is known for its intuitive user interface, extensive feature set, and strong return on investment. NEO provides a refreshingly new way to teach and learn that boosts student engagement and makes teaching easier. NEO is a product of CYPHER LEARNING, a company that specializes in providing e-learning platforms for organizations around the world.



NEO's functionality, ease of use, and competitive pricing, makes it the ideal platform for supporting the online learning activity of Lutheran schools, colleges and universities.



"We are very excited to start this collaboration. We believe that NEO is a great tool for online learning and has everything we need for managing our daily activities," said Matthew Bergholt, Manager of Online Support & Services in the School Ministry office.



"We found NEO after detailed research and comparison with similar products. We think that NEO can help us achieve our objectives in terms of online education and our overall mission here at LuthEd.org," said Terry Schmidt, LCMS Director of Schools.



About NEO and CYPHER LEARNING

NEO is a world class, award winning LMS for use by schools and universities. The platform is known for its easy-to-use and beautiful user interface, comprehensive set of innovative features, and pricing that provides great value for money. NEO is a product of CYPHER LEARNING, a company that specializes in providing e-learning platforms for organizations around the word. CYPHER LEARNING products are used by over 20,000 organizations, supports 40+ languages, and have millions of users.



About LCMS School Ministry

The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod's School Ministry assists, equips and uplifts school educators, district staff, and especially education executives and congregational leaders so that through them children may be equipped as disciples of Jesus Christ.



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Jun 16, 2017 | By Benedict

Its Friday: youve had your bowl, youve had cereal, now its time to get your 3D printing news roundup. Today sees EnvisionTEC announcing a partnership with Ricoh Japan, Desktop Metal forming an alliance with Fisher Unitech, and more.

Ricoh Japan signs dealership agreement with 3D printer manufacturer EnvisionTEC

EnvisionTEC, a manufacturer of desktop and full-production 3D printers and materials, has signed a dealership agreement with The Ricoh Japan Co., Ltd., part of the Tokyo-based imaging and electronics company. Ricoh Japan will begin selling EnvisionTEC 3D printers and materials, as well as training and support, in Japan later this year.

Ricoh Japan says it decided to partner with EnvisionTEC because of the high precision and smooth surface finish delivered by EnvisionTECs 3D printers using the companys patented DLP and 3SP technologies. EnvisionTEC 3D printers include the companys 15-year-old Perfactory line, which is now in its fourth generation, as well as printers with large build envelopes such as the Ultra and Vector.

Ricoh is currently focused on developing a wide-ranging 3D printer business that builds upon its know-how in prototyping and molds.

Fisher Unitech to sell Desktop Metal 3D printers in Midwest, New England, Mid-Atlantic regions

Fisher Unitech, a provider of 3D design software tools and 3D printers, announced yesterday that it has partnered with Desktop Metal to add metal 3D printing solutions to its portfolio. Fisher Unitech will sell and service Desktop Metal 3D printing systems across the Midwest, New England, and Mid-Atlantic regions to provide affordable engineering and manufacturing 3D metal printing solutions covering the full product lifecyclefrom prototyping to mass production.

Desktop Metal CEO and Co-Founder Ric Fulop commented that the partnership will help make metal 3D printing more accessible.

Fisher Unitech CEO Matt Wise added that the deal will allow Fisher customers to improve their time to market by providing technologies for both plastics and metals."

Desktop Metal launched a pair of exciting new 3D printers earlier this year. The DM Studio and DM Production 3D printing systems both offer a fast and effective means of 3D printing metal parts.

Thermwood tests uncoated 3D printed PPS panels

Indiana-based manufacturing company Thermwood has 3D printed 50% carbon fiber-filled PPS panels using its LSAM additive manufacturing machine, an achievement that marks a major step toward its goal of 3D printing autoclave capable tooling from high-temperature carbon fiber-filled thermoplastic materials.

The company says the part underwent successful vacuum testing, despite having no coatings. This testing was conducted by the Fleet Readiness Center, located at MCAS Cherry Point in North Carolina, as part of its CRADA deal with Thermwood.

Thermwood says that other unaffiliated companies have tested actual tools printed by Thermwood from 20% carbon fiber-filled ABS and found that those tools held vacuum to an acceptable level without the use of any sealer or coating. This latest test demonstrates the vacuum-holding ability of a material containing even more carbon fiber.

Thermwood adds that it has also 3D printed a 50% carbon fiber PPS mold which has not yet been tested.

Australia-based professor develops cocoon silk 3D printing material for medical use

Professor Alan Lau, a materials scientist at Australias Swinburne University of Technology, has developed a 3D printable mix of cocoon silk fibers and biodegradable polymers that may one day hold bones together and help heal them from the inside out. The material could replace steel in certain surgical procedures.

Faced with the problem of ultra-printable PLA being too weak to support human bone, Lau stumbled upon a solutionsomewhat by accident. After an avian flu epidemic broke out in Laus native Hong Kong in 2007, the professor wondered why the feathers of slaughtered chickens were not salvaged. Upon witnessing the waste, Lau mused on how he might have used animal fibers for practical use.

Although he never got his chicken feathers, Lau found a better alternative: silk from a silkworms cocoon. Laus team at Hong Kong Polytechnic University combined cocoon silk fibers with PLA and found that the natural stuff made the 3D printable polymer harder.

Adding around six per cent silk fiber made the biodegradable polymer as strong as bone, but there were other advantages to mixing the two materials too: Laus team found that cells could grow around the silky material as it degrades, making it potentially very useful in medical situations.

The professor is now looking to start animal trials using the special 3D printing concoction. Eventually, he hopes that 3D scanning and 3D printing could be used to create personalized implants for patients made from the silk polymer material.

At this stage we have a great accomplishment, said Lau. But theres still a long way to go.

Posted in 3D Printing Application

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Jun 16, 2017 | By Tess

Techniplas LLC, a plastic fabrication company based in Nashotah, Wisconsin, has announced plans to establish a 3D printing center. The facility will be used to accelerate product development through the digitization of the company's operations.

Techniplas, known best for injection molding automotive parts, will be venturing into the world of additive manufacturing under experienced leadership: Avi Reichental, the former president, chief executive officer, and director of 3D Systems (as well as a member of the board of directors for Nano Dimension), has been appointed as CEO of the new Techniplas Digital business unit.

"It's coming to life as we speak," said Reichental of the new additive manufacturing center. In fact, Techniplas has reportedly already set up about a dozen 3D printers at its facility in Ventura, California. The company says it will primarily focus its 3D printing efforts on direct metal printing for rapid tooling development.

Specifically, Techniplas hopes to leverage 3D printing for metal inserts used in standard mold bases, which will help to speed up the toolmaking process. "It's the future of short-run manufacturing," added Reichental, emphasizing that manufacturing in general is headed towards a hybrid of both traditional and new processes.

Avi Reichental

In addition to direct metal printing, Techniplas will also be using UV polymer curing 3D printing systems. These will enable the company to quickly and efficiently develop complex and lightweight automotive components from plastic.

The new additive manufacturing center is part of Techniplas' larger effort to digitize its business, a goal that is being helped along by the company's Digital division, established to accelerate the migration of smart technologies from the edge of development to the companys core operations.

According to Reichental, Techniplas is prepared for the shift thanks to its long history of design and manufacturing within the automotive industry. Through deep learning capabilities and generative design, the company has the capacity to make new products and services that are reshaping mobility, the company says.

As part of its digitization process, Techniplas is aiming to expand upon its cognitive connective systems for auto applications. These include air and water management systems; smart grille shutters, which help to improve aerodynamics and fuel efficiency; and cognitive lighting systems, which are designed to improve communication between car, driver, and pedestrians.

For decades, weve been designing and making some of the most complex and challenging components and assemblies for the automotive industry, said Chief Operating Officer Manfred Kwade. Now were applying this knowledge to the new age of automotive design and manufacturing to make our customers journey to digital mobility a reality.

While the company is based in Nashotah, Wisconsin, Techniplas will be implementing its new digital technologies globally, including in Germany and Switzerland, where it has R&D centers. The company is reporteldy also planning a digitized, data-centric management system which will connect its facilities around the globe.

To aid in the digitization process, Techniplas has also partnered with a number of companies and institutions including Stanford University, ParaMatters, Rinspeed, Nexa3D, and XponentialWorks, which was founded by Reichental.

Posted in 3D Printer Company

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Jun 15, 2017 | By David

A new educational curriculum established by the University of Florida and the Florida Museum of National History is using 3D printing technology to bring kids closer to our pre-historic forebears. The program is known as iDigFossils, and a report in Paleontological Society Special Publications titled ''3-D Fossils for K-12 Education: A Case Example Using the Giant Extinct Sharkcarcharocles Megalodon' suggests that it is having great success.

Getting kids more interested in STEM subjects has long been a major priority for educators around the world, and this is even more important today with challenges like climate change and food shortages that will be affecting future generations. Interactivity is often the most effective way of stimulating kids' interest in what can sometimes seem like dry, abstract subject matter.

3D printed replicas of the Florida Museum of National Historys digital collection are a major part of the iDigFossils teaching plans, as they allow kids to get their hands on such fascinating items as dinosaur bones and the teeth of a Megalodon, the largest shark ever to exist on our planet.

This tactile approach engages their minds in a bigger variety of ways, hopefully encouraging the things that are most important for grown-up scientists: a sense of curiosity, inquisitiveness, and skepticism.

Claudia Grant, Florida Museum doctoral student and iDigFossils project coordinator, was a student who struggled with science in high school, so she is particularly well placed to know what kind of STEM educational program might work best.

One of the advantages of using this approach is that we can engage kids who are totally uninterested in science or who often get left behind in traditional STEM classes, she says. These lessons help show kids that dont consider themselves science people that their skills are still important. When you see how this works in the classroom, its compelling.

Grant put the iDigFossils program together with several researchers from the museum, principal investigator Pasha Antonenko of the College of Education, Victor Perez of the department of geological sciences, Corey Toler-Franklin of the department of computer and information science and engineering, as well as Aaron Wood from Iowa State University

Students in the U.S. often lag behind their peers from other countries in basic science literacy and proficiency. This is what inspired recent educational reform initiatives such as Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), and Common Core State Standards (CCSS). These and other efforts to close the gap have struggled, however, due to how difficult it can be for teachers to meet their criteria of cross-disciplinary learning. iDigFossils is able to address this problem directly.

A focus on paleontology means that the combination of traditionally separate STEM disciplines is much easier to achieve. Science is a collaborative, multidisciplinary process, and it should be taught that way, Grant said. Crossing disciplines can be tough, so we wanted to create curriculum that would empower teachers to do that while teaching the topics they need to teach and meeting NGSS and CCSS objectives.

Paleontology is ideal as it incorporates elements of biology, environmental science, geology, oceanography, and anthropology. Not only is it a great combination of disparate disciplines, it is also seen as natural "gateway" science for kids because of its obviously appealing subject matter.

The aforementioned Megalodon was used as part of a case study of the iDigFossils programs effectiveness. Students from different schools in Florida and California were asked to 3D print a set of 46 Megalodon teeth from scans of real fossils. They then had to use them to investigate two separate questions: How can fossil teeth reveal a sharks total body length, and how do scientists use modern sharks to understand sharks like Megalodon, which dominated the oceans 23 to 2.6 million years ago?

Independently, the students were able to make the discovery that equations based on great white sharks tooth crown height do not yield accurate estimates of Megalodons body length.

A survey of 26 students who completed the Megalodon lesson suggests that a large majority of them felt like the hands-on activities were an effective method of instruction. According to one student, Having access to a 3D printer allowed us to grasp things differently. Being able to physically hold something in your hand  is definitely very engaging. I have never been to a science class where everyone was so engaged with what was going on.

Another important lesson that the kids picked up from the group work, according to Grant, is that a scientist doesnt have to be an expert at everything: "Where you have a weakness, thats when you recruit a collaborator with a corresponding strength, she said.

We reported earlier in the year on a survey that suggested 3D printing technology is still being underutilized in education, despite its obvious benefits, particularly for STEM subjects. The positive results of this program should encourage other educators, and we will hopefully see this situation changing in the future, perhaps with more institutions like the Florida Museum of National History also lending a hand.

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Owen Hatherley at n+1:

OPINION POLLS HAD LONG SHOWN that left-leaning economic policies were popular in principle. The problem was that there were very few opportunities to vote for them in actual elections. What 2017 shares with 1983 is an unusually deep commitment to these policies, to tangible and plausible things. This approach failed against Margaret Thatcher, whose appeal defied rationality, but proved inspired against Theresa May, a poor speaker and thinker who tried to use the election as a personal plebiscite. This insistence on specific policy was the exact opposite of the approach taken in the 1997 manifesto, New LabourBecause Britain Deserves Better. I dont have a copy of itboth my parents had left the Party by then (one due to despair, one for the far-left fringe, though under Corbyn they have rejoined, and tried to, respectively)so I had to find it online. The document is written in a peculiar technocratic language, obsessed with things like welfare reform, choice, and the individual. There will be zero tolerance of underperformance in schools, there will be no return to the 1970s on trade union rights,2 there will be personal prosperity, more public-private partnerships, the end of penal tax rates, and the end of higher education funding through taxation, rather than tuition. There are some commonalities, such as free access to the information superhighway in schools, but what looms largest is the avoidance of tactile promises and actual policies. There are only little fixes that Blairs Labour could be sure of delivering. The concrete policies of the sort advocated in 1983 and 2017 are limited to five pledges, which are listed at the end of the document:

cutting class sizes in schools

fast-tracking punishment for young offenders

cutting NHS waiting lists

getting 250,000 under-25s off benefits and into work

no rise in income tax

more here.
Holly Case in Eurozine:

Shortly after Donald Trumps inauguration, Pankaj Mishra encouraged readers of the New Yorker to turn to the work of a Czech anti-communist dissident, Vaclav Havel, for guidance in our troubled times. Long before the George W. Bush Administration went to war in Iraq on a false pretext, Mishra wrote, Havel identified, in the free as well as the unfree world, a power grounded in an omnipresent ideological fiction which can rationalize anything without ever having to brush against the truth. According to Havel, Mishra continued

ideologies, systems, apparat, bureaucracy, artificial languages and political slogans had amassed a uniquely maligned power in the modern world, which pressed upon individuals everywhere, depriving humans  rulers as well as the ruled  of their conscience, of their common sense and natural speech, and thereby, of their actual humanity.

For Mishra, Havels work offers a blueprint for the creation of informed, non-bureaucratic, dynamic, and open communities that comprise a polis parallel to a politics saturated with ideology.

Hungarys prime minister, Viktor Orban, also used the occasion of Trumps victory to disparage the pervasiveness of ideology. But instead of seeing Trump as a further slide into ideologized politics, Orban argued that he represents the opposite. The world has always benefited whenever it has managed to release itself from the captivity of currently dominant ideological trends, he told reporters. The election gives the rest of the Western world the chance to free itself from the captivity of ideologies, of political correctness, and of modes of thought and expression which are remote from reality: the chance to come back down to earth and see the world as it really is.

More here.
Jyll Justamond (LITTLETON, Colo.) -- Just in time for Father's Day, one man has come face to face with a daughter he never knew he had.



Al Annunziata, 63, and Jyll Justamond, 40, embraced on June 11 in an emotional meeting that was captured on video.



"I'm never going to let you go, ever," Annunziata said to Justamond in the footage. "This is my beautiful daughter."



Justamond of Littleton, Colorado, told ABC News that she found Annunziata after tracking him down on Facebook on April 3 -- her 40th birthday.



She began searching for her biological father years after learning that people she thought were her parents were actually her grandparents.



"My biological mother was 18 when she had me and for whatever the reason, felt that she wasn't capable or old enough to raise me," Justamond said. "She asked her stepfather and mother to raise me and I didn't know I wasn't their child. I found out when I was 10.



"It turns out that the person I thought was my half-sister was actually my mom," she added. "It was bizarre and I tried to contact her and have a relationship with her when I found out, but she was not ready or willing at the time."



Justamond said she approached her biological mother, Linda, asking who her real father was.



After a dead end and a paternity test that canceled out one prospect, Linda gave Justamond the name Al.



"She told me it could be this guy Al and she said, 'When I met him, he was bartending at this bar called Neary's and it was essentially a one night stand. A first name and the bar he worked in -- that was all I had to go on. That, and he was Italian."



In April, Justamond posted in a Facebook group dedicated to natives of Palisades Park, New Jersey, where the bar Neary's was located in the 1970s.



One user suggested she speak with Don Neary, the owner of the former bar.



"I said, 'I know this is crazy, but do you happen to know a guy named Al that worked or you in 1976, 1977?'" Justamond asked. "He said, 'Oh, you mean Al Annunziata.'"



Justamond found and reached out to Annunziata on Facebook. Annunziata told ABC News that he had a "gut feeling" that he had a child with Justamond's biological mother, who insisted he was not the father.



"She wasn't my girlfriend and we weren't really romantically involved and I guess it was just two young people who got together," said Annunziata of Cliffside Park, New Jersey. "Of all the years this has been going on, it's been out there as a burning question. It was never resolved. When you're young and you don't know, you take things at face value. I believed her mother."



Justamond and Annunziata exchanged messages via Facebook and on April 24, Annunziata took a paternity test. The results were 99.9966 probability that he is Justamond's biological father.



"I've never experienced a happier person in my life," Justamond said. "He was so excited. He was like, 'I'm a brand-new father!'"



Justamond and Annunziata met Sunday for the first time at a New Jersey restaurant.



Annunziata said he and his daughter have a lot in common and the pair are already close.



"It's really wild that you didn't raise somebody but yet they're very much like you," he added. "She's just a really sweet, caring woman. This just the beginning. I'll never let her out of my life, ever."



The father-daughter duo plan to spend Christmas together in Las Vegas, where Justamond will meet her aunt.

Copyright  2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
The Oakland Zoo welcomes its newest furry familya mother black bear and her three still-weaning cubs.

On Monday morning May 15th, hysteria broke out at the otherwise quiet Pine Mountain Club community in Kern County. Members of the affluent Southern California neighborhood awoke to news that a mother black bear and her three cubs had broken into a suburban home.

The shocked homeowner took to her pots and pans, banging them together with the hope of running the bear family out. But the mother bear was not having it and, in an act of maternal protection, charged the woman, severely injuring her left arm with one swoop of her formidably sized paw.

Under normal circumstances (and state law), the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) would've forcibly euthanized the so-called aggressive mama bear; her cubs, theoretically, would have been fostered and weaned by the staff at a nearby wildlife rehabilitation facility to later be released into wild.

But this is no run-of-the-mill case of bears causing a ruckus in the burbs.

(Courtesy of Oakland Zoo)

Anecdotal accounts from other members of the Pine Mountain Club community suggested that these four bears were also the vandalizing omnivores behind a litany of other recently reported incidentsscavenged dumpsters and broken-into parked cars in the name of consuming a few sweet treats. Because the 15-pound mahogany-colored cubs were presumed to already be a little too comfortable with human activity, they too risked euthanization. But the Oakland Zoo came to the rescue.

"We are so happy to be able to help these four bears," said Colleen Kinzley, director of animal care, conservation, and research at Oakland Zoo. "As too often is the case when wild animals come into conflict with humans, it's the animals that lose. Oakland Zoo's purpose is to help people understand the challenges and the responsibilities of living with wildlife. Our first responsibility will be to provide these bears a rich life in a complex natural habitat that will be part of our new California Trail exhibit opening in 2018. We will share their story and help people to understand the role we all have in preventing these types of situations."

// Oakland Zoo, oaklandzoo.org
But he's a man who doesn't think much about age. As he told Rolling Stone last year: "People say age is a number. It's a big number the older you get. But if it doesn't interfere, I'm not bothered. You can ignore it. That's what I do."

Well, Sir James Paul McCartney, you should not be ignored on a such a momentous occasion. Here's a look at some other milestone moments.

It's been nearly 60 years since McCartney met John Lennon at a church picnic in Liverpool on July 6, 1957. The incomparable songwriting team to be were drawn closer by their shared tragedy  the loss of their mothers at an early age. (When McCartney was 14, his mother, Mary, died of an embolism. John's mother, Julia, died when he was 17.)

He may be known for his bass guitar playing, but McCartney's first instrument was a trumpet, a gift from his dad for his 14th birthday. He preferred being able to sing while playing music, so he traded it for a guitar.
AARP and more than 100 health care organizations sent a letter this week to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Senate Finance Committee Chair Orrin Hatch to express grave concern about potential changes to the fundamental structure and purpose of Medicaid.

The signers of the letter said proposed cuts included in the House-passed American Health Care Act (AHCA) and now under discussion behind closed doors in the Senate would imperil tens of millions of consumers who rely on Medicaid for life-sustaining care.

The authors, which include the American Heart Association, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the American Diabetes Association, the COPD Foundation, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network and other leading medical and health care organizations, said they vehemently oppose converting Medicaids funding into a capped financing structure, as well as phasing out Medicaid expansion.

The capped financing structure is reportedly under discussion by the Senate leadership, which is preparing its own health care bill. The Senate proposal, which hasnt been made public, reportedly would phase out Medicaid expansion, which is widely credited with leading to a dramatic decline in the number of Americans without health insurance.

To underscore the importance of Medicaid to a broad spectrum of Americans, the letter notes that the program covers about 50 percent of all births, approximately 1.5 million adults with cancer, and nearly one-third of pediatric cancer patients. People with a history of cardiovascular disease account for 28 percent of all Medicaid patients, and over 6 million older Americans rely on Medicaid for long-term services and supports.

The groups also stressed that converting Medicaid financing to either per capita caps or block grants would jeopardize the capacity of states to respond to emerging public health threats such as the Zika virus and the opioid epidemic.
US judge blocks President Biden's student debt forgiveness plan

The injunction is the second to block the president's signature program, which could cut or eliminate student loan debt for up to 40 million people.
Gold Reserve Inc. (TSX.V: GRZ) (OTC: GDRZF) (Gold Reserve or the Company) today reported that it has entered into a further amendment to the settlement agreement (the Settlement Agreement) previously entered into with the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (Venezuela).

Under the terms of the amended Settlement Agreement, Venezuela will pay Gold Reserve a total of approximately US$1,032,000,000 as result of negotiations of the parties to satisfy the arbitral award granted in favor of the Company by the International Centre for Settlement Investment Disputes (the Award), including the price agreed for the mining data related to the Brisas property.

Venezuela has paid Gold Reserve an initial installment of US$40,000,000 and will pay the balance of the amount owing in installments (the Installments) over approximately the next two years. The amended Settlement Agreement contemplates that Venezuelas obligations thereunder will be partially collateralized with Venezuelan sovereign debt.

This is an important milestone for not only Gold Reserve but for Venezuela. The Company would like to acknowledge the considerable efforts of its team and its Venezuela counterparts, who have worked extremely hard to bring this to a successful conclusion.

The Company and its Venezuela counterparts also ratify their commitment to move forward towards the future development and creation of the joint venture named Empresa Mixta Ecosocialista Siembra Minera, S.A., and continues to strengthen the Venezuelan productive economy through development of gold, copper and silver projects.

Further information regarding the Company can be located at www.goldreserveinc.com, www.sec.gov, and www.sedar.com.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable U.S. federal securities laws and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian provincial and territorial securities laws and state Gold Reserves and its managements intentions, hopes, beliefs, expectations or predictions for the future including without limitation statements with respect to the payments contemplated by the Settlement Agreement, as amended, the contemplated pledge of Venezuela debt securities as security for such payments and the development of the Brisas Cristinas project. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management at this time, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies.

We caution that such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other risks that may cause the actual outcomes, financial results, performance, or achievements of Gold Reserve to be materially different from our estimated outcomes, future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by those forward-looking statements, including without limitation Venezuelas ability to fund the contemplated future payments to the Company pursuant to the Settlement Agreement, the uncertainty of the value of the Venezuela debt securities to be pledged to the Company in the event Venezuela defaults on its payment obligations, the risk that the Company may not receive interest payments on the debt securities in the amounts and on the schedule contemplated by such securities, the risk that Venezuela and the Company may not be able to arrange financing for the anticipated capital costs of the Brisas Cristinas project and the risk that the development of the Brisas Cristinas project may not proceed as anticipated.

This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of Gold Reserves forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to Gold Reserve or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by this notice. Gold Reserve disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements or the foregoing list of assumptions or factors, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, subject to its disclosure obligations under applicable rules promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission and applicable Canadian provincial and territorial securities laws.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170616005633/en/

Gold Reserve Inc.

A. Douglas Belanger, 509-623-1500

President

Fax: 509-623-1634
The Terrorist And Disruptive Activities (Prevention) (TADA) Act court convicted gangster Abu Salem, Mustafa Dossa, Tahir Merchant, Karimullah Shaikh, Feroz Khan and Riyaz Siddiqui in connection with the 1993 Mumbai said bomb blast incident which claimed 257 lives. All convicts were acquitted of the charge of waging war against the nation. Abu Salem was found guilty of transporting weapons from Gujarat to Mumbai prior to the blasts. Thus a question which arises here is will Salem be awarded death sentence by the court like Yakub Memon?

The court had ordered for the release of Abdul Qayyum Shaikh who had accompanied Salem to deliver weapons. On the other hand, Mustafa Dossa was convicted on charges of conspiracy and murder and several sections of the IPC. He allegedly planned the landing of explosives, including Research Department Explosive or RDX, in India and sent some men to Pakistan to acquire arms training to execute the blasts.

Salem had delivered AK 56 rifles, few greenades to Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt who also has been found guilty of illegal possession of weapons at his residence in January 16. 1993. After two days Salem and his accomplice had gone to Dutts residence to reclaim two rifles and some rounds.

One hundred accused were convicted and 23 persons were acquitted by TADA court in the first leg of the trial. The trial of the seven accused  Abu Salem, Mustafa Dossa, Karimullah Khan, Firoz Abdul Rashid Khan, Riyaz Siddiqui, Tahir Merchant and Abdul Quayyum  were separated from the main case as they were arrested at the time of conclusion of the main trial.

However, Salem is not likely to receive capital punishment due to an extradition treaty existing between the Portugal and India. The extradition took place when Abu Salem managed to exit the US and enter Portugal through Lisbon. The Portuguese judiciary had signed an extradition treaty with India wherein a clause mentioned Salem cant be awarded death sentence by the Indian government as he has to complete his sentence.

People who hatched the conspiracy with Dawood Ibrahim in Dubai got convicted. It is a good judgement and I am satisfied with it. People like Dossa and Salem, who got convicted, were involved in planning, conspiracy and finance in the Mumbai blasts, said Rakesh Maria, former Police Commissioner of Mumbai.

The blasts were carried out to avenge the Babri Masjid demolition incident which occurred in 1992. Gangster Dawood Ibrahim Kaskar was the mastermind of the blast and it was carried out by his henchmen, absconder Tiger Memon. In 2013, the Supreme Court confirmed the death sentence of Yakub Memon, the brother of Tiger Memon and one of the prime suspects in the bombings.

On March 12, 1993, a series of 12 blasts in quick succession rocked Mumbai, killing 257 people and injuring 713 others. Property worth about Rs 27 crore was destroyed. The blasts were the first-ever terrorist attack in the world in which RDX was used in such a massive-manner after the Second World War.

The blasts hit the Bombay Stock Exchange, Kalbadevi, Shiv Sena Bhavan, Air India building at Nariman Point, Fishermens Colony in Mahim, Worli Century Bazar, Zaveri Bazar, Hotel Sea Rock in Bandra, among other places.
Aiken, SC (29801)

Today

Periods of rain. Potential for heavy rainfall. Low 68F. Winds ESE at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Rainfall around a quarter of an inch..

Tonight

Periods of rain. Potential for heavy rainfall. Low 68F. Winds ESE at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Rainfall around a quarter of an inch.
Outrage Grows Over Arrests of Hundreds of Assyrians in Detroit

Christian activists and families are warning that deporting hundreds of Chaldean Christians who've been arrested by immigration officials in Detroit and across the country could very well be a "death sentence" for them if they are forced to return to Iraq. Immigration agents have defended their actions, however, insisting that the vast majority of those taken into custody over the weekend have in the past committed serious crimes, such as homicide, rape, aggravated assault, and kidnapping. Pastor Jalil Dawood, the president of World Refugee Care, who fled Iraq as a refugee during the war with Iran in 1982 and started a new life in the U.S., told The Christian Post on Wednesday, "We can't say these people went through genocide and send them back to be victimized again! We hope and pray that the issue gets resolved." Dawood continued, "America should never deport Christians to Iraq because they will be in trouble in Iraq as over a million left Iraq since 2003, and this will cause great hardship to their loved ones here," also bringing "harm to them physically, mentally, and spiritually if they [are] ever sent back." "I understand that some might not have done their paperwork properly or [have] passed their datelines," he added. "But deportation is [an] extreme measure toward peaceful people that just want to survive and do well in this society [and] love America as their new home." Others, such as Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-Calif.), who is a Chaldean Catholic of Assyrian and Armenian heritage, described the arrests as "deeply troubling." "Chaldeans have been targeted by ISIS and subjected to genocide, as have other religious minorities. Their deportation represents a death sentence should they be deported to Iraq or Syria," Eshoo told Catholic News Agency. "It has also been reported that the individuals have criminal records. If the offenses they committed have already been 'paid for' by serving an appropriate sentence, facing a death sentence via deportation is disproportionate and unjust," she added. As Detroit Free Press reported on Wednesday, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials arrested 114 people in the metro Detroit area over the weekend, many of them from the Chaldean Christian community. Another 85 Iraqi nationals outside of Michigan were also detained. Families and relatives of those arrested have cried out against the arrests, echoing Eshoo's warnings and are pleading with officials not to send the detained back to Iraq, where the Islamic State terror group has been carrying out a genocide against Christians. Rebecca Adducci, field office director for ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Detroit, said in a statement that the "criminal aliens" who've been arrested represent a "very real public safety threat." "The vast majority of those arrested in the Detroit metropolitan area have very serious felony convictions, multiple felony convictions in many cases. I applaud the efforts of the law enforcement personnel who, day in and day out, put their lives on the line to protect this community," Adducci said. ICE spokesman Khaalid Walls added that 112 of the 114 arrested in Michigan had criminal convictions; the other two have pending criminal charges. Bishop Francis Y. Kalabat, the head of the Chaldean Catholic Eparchy of St. Thomas the Apostle, said in a statement to the Chaldean community that the arrests over the weekend were "strange and painful," and said that the threats of deportation have prompted "confusion and anger." Kalabat positioned that the Church "does not oppose justice," and said that "all hardened criminals that are a danger to society should be picked up." He added, however, that "many who were picked up are not hardened criminals but for the last decades have been great citizens." "The genocide bill that was just passed by Congress last week to protect Christians goes against this very thing," he said, referring to bipartisan legislation passed in the House of Representatives seeking to authorize U.S. relief funds towards displaced Iraqi and Syrian Christians facing genocide. Dawood also urged in his statement to CP that ICE make a distinction "between legal residents and law abiding versus illegal and harmful to America." "The law is to serve and not harm people, and that would destroy lives and harm many," the World Refugee Care president positioned. "I pray that this error [is] corrected [so that] these dear people go back to their families and enjoy this great country," he added. ICE remained defiant in its latest statement on Wednesday, however, and vowed that it "will not exempt classes or categories of removable aliens from potential enforcement. All of those in violation of the immigration laws may be subject to immigration arrest, detention and, if found removable by final order, removal from the United States." Attorneys for Iraqi immigrants detained in Detroit filed emergency motions on Wednesday requesting that they be allowed to stay in the U.S. They also claim that some of their clients were told by officials to have their families pack their luggage for them. Clarence Dass, a Southfield attorney who is representing 15 Iraqis who have been detained, told the Free Press that the present circumstances in Iraq do not allow for people to be sent back there safely. "They can't got back to a war zone," Dass said, noting that a judge will need to grant a hearing, and then a panel of judges would have to decide whether to approve the emergency motion. CP reached out to several conservative organizations for comment on the developments, but the American Center for Law and Justice, the American Family Association, and Alliance Defending Freedom declined or did not respond to phone and email requests for comment. CP also contacted the Rev. Franklin Graham and Pastor Robert Jeffress of First Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas, who've been supportive of Trump's refugee and border security policies, but both separately said they were unable to provide comment by press time.
Wonder Woman is Miss Israel. Literally and figuratively.

Gal Gadot, who plays Wonder Woman in the new DC Comics blockbuster, won the Miss Israel pageant at the age of 18. She followed that up with a successful modeling and acting career until securing the coveted Wonder Woman role in the 2016 film Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.

Unfortunately, Gals place of birth became an issue. According to various reports, Lebanon banned Wonder Woman, citing its law mandating a boycott of all Israeli goods. Rania Masri of the Campaign to Boycott Supporters of Israel-Lebanon advocated for the move and commented, First and foremost she is Israeli. We dont distinguish between a good Israeli and a bad Israeli.

We dont distinguish between a good Israeli and a bad Israeli.

Rather than shy away from her native land, Godot has embraced it. In 2014 during Israels war with Hamas in Gaza, she posted the following message on her Facebook page:

I am sending my love and prayers to my fellow Israeli citizens. Especially to all the boys and girls who are risking their lives protecting my country against the horrific acts conducted by Hamas, who are hiding like cowards behind women and children...We shall overcome!!! Shabbat Shalom! #weareright #freegazafromhamas #stopterror #coexistance #loveidf.

This was accompanied by a picture of her and her daughter lighting Shabbat candles, deep in prayer.

So thats the literal part. Gal Gadot and Israel. Tight.

But if you look a little deeper at Wonder Woman the film, the figurative Israel seems closely connected. If its not readily apparent, you may just need a Lasso of Truth to see it.

Wonder Woman, or Diana, as she is known, comes from an all-female nation, the Amazons, created by the Greek god Zeus. The Amazons were originally created with a mission to influence the world towards peace and act as a bridge to greater understanding between men, but mankind was not ready for their message and enslaved them. Meanwhile, Ares, the god of war went rogue and killed the other gods. In order to save the world from destruction, Zeus gave the Amazons baby Diana, a secret weapon that could one day challenge Ares, and he places her in their newly created Amazon homeland of Themyscira.

Once in Themyscira, the Amazons develop a fearsome army, but it is defensive in nature, only to be used to repulse an invasion. The A.D.F. if you will (Amazon Defense Forces).

An invasion indeed comes, by way of the German army, circa World War I. The Amazons fight back the attack after sustaining casualties and they pick up a prisoner of war in the process, American pilot Steve Trevor who is working with the Allies as a spy. Trevor discovered that the Germans were in the process of introducing chemicals weapons into the war at the hands of General Erich Ludendorff and his chief scientist Doctor Maru.

Armed with this news, Diana and Steve journey to London to meet with the Imperial War Cabinet and convey their revelations regarding the impending onslaught of chemical weapons. But the War Cabinet is fixated on peace. The armistice is of paramount importance, they say knowingly.

But Diana knows the nature of the enemy. I dont understand, she asks Steve innocently. How can they talk peace?

Its not that she doesnt want peace. Of course she does. And thats exactly why she fights. She sees the horrors of war and the nature of a merciless enemy that targets women and children and knows that the only way to eliminate evil is to fight it.

But in the end, when shes finally vanquished her enemy and has the opportunity to take revenge over a helpless Doctor Maru, she demurs. Shes a warrior with a conscience.

Does any of this sound familiar? It should.

The mission of the Jewish people has always been one of peace, to act as a bridge to mankind, a light unto the nations, delivering the message of Godliness and morality. But ironically, throughout history weve been subjected to slavery and anti-Semitism as peoples have rejected our message, often violently.

Gadot with her husband and daughter.

Then, 69 years ago, we were given a nation of our own. We would have liked to have focused on our message of peace, but instead our enemies forced us to prepare for war. We built a fearsome army, and although we do not derive pleasure from using it, we know that if we want to survive, then we have no choice. Our enemies are both ruthless and cowardly, preying on women and children, and manipulating world opinion with boycotts against us. The world in turn, talks of peace and cant understand why Israel wont sign a peace treaty with an enemy that is not interested in signing one, and is committed to Israels destruction.

Just like Wonder Woman, Israel continues to fight because it knows that one day, it will no longer have to.

Diana/Wonder Woman/Gal Gadot ends the film by saying that she will continue to fight, for the world I know it can be. So too, the people of Israel know that if they must, they will fight today, but they do so because they know that there will be a tomorrow when the world is at peace.
June 15, 2017

After the first terrorist attack by the Islamic State (IS) in Tehran, Iranian officials from various backgrounds have pointed the finger at their regional rival Saudi Arabia.

Speaking at the Oslo Forum in Norway June 13, Irans Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said they have intelligence that Saudi Arabia is actively engaged in promoting terrorist groups along the countrys eastern and western borders. Zarif referenced comments by Saudi Deputy Crown Prince and Minister of Defense Mohammed bin Salman who said that they will take the war inside Irans borders and by Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir who said Iran must be punished.

The commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Maj. Gen. Mohammad Ali Jafari, directly blamed Saudi Arabia for the IS attack on Tehran. We have precise intelligence that Saudi Arabia, unfortunately, supported the terrorists and demanded the operations in Iran, Jafari said June 12. The attack on Irans parliament and the mausoleum of the founder of the Islamic Republic left 17 dead and 50 wounded.

Former Deputy Foreign Minister for Arab Affairs Hossein Amir Abdollahian, who is currently an adviser to the speaker of parliament, tweeted that Riyadh is the prime suspect in the terrorist event. He added that Prince Bandar bin Sultan, former Saudi ambassador to the United States and director general of the Saudi Intelligence Agency from 2012 to 2014, was behind a 2013 terrorist attack on Irans embassy in Beirut.

The comments by Iranian officials fit the narrative recently offered by former US Secretary of State John Kerry who said at the Oslo Forum that  during his tenure  regional countries had asked the United States to bomb Iran. Kerry did not specify which countries, however, some officials in Iran pointed the finger at Saudi Arabia. This is not the first time the Saudis have provoked others against Iran, wrote Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of the Expediency Council, on his Telegram account. Rezaei referenced Saudi Arabia's support for Iraqi President Saddam Husseins war against Iran and the recent US-Saudi deal overseen by Donald Trump as further proof.

Officials have not offered any evidence linking Saudi Arabia to the IS attack. Conservative analyst Mehdi Mohammadi, who served as an adviser to Irans former nuclear negotiator, wrote that the latest reports show the attackers were not individuals who were radicalized online by IS inside the countrys borders. Rather, these were people who attacked Iran five days after they entered the country, so they received training outside the country.

However, Mohammadi wrote that speculation that the attackers were connected to the new CIA Iran center or the so-called Arab NATO was likely inaccurate as well. He wrote that it is too early to tell what Michael DAndrea has planned for the CIA center. He added also that the Arab NATO, led by Saudi Arabia and comprised of regional Sunni states, exists only in name.

Despite the accusation, it seems that Iranian officials are simply attempting to deflect Saudi and US accusations of funding terror. None of the officials who have attempted to link Saudi Arabia to the IS attack have made attempts to show proof. Nor have they promised a reaction against the Saudi Arabian government. Rather, Irans Foreign Minister Zarif is still encouraging dialogue to resolve regional issues. In an interview with Al Jazeera on June 14, Zarif said that the intra-Gulf Cooperation Council conflict between Saudi Arabia and Qatar should be resolved through talks and consultations, adding, You cannot solve problems between countries through pressure, threats and punishment.
June 16, 2017

At around 8 p.m. on June 15, the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu finally deigned to release a message of congratulations in honor of author David Grossman for winning the prestigious Man Booker Prize a day earlier. Grossman is the first Israeli to win what is often considered the most prestigious literary award in the world after the Nobel Prize for Literature.

He received the prize for his novel "A Horse Walks into a Bar," the story of a 57-year-old standup comic from Jerusalem, the only child of Holocaust survivors and something of a loser. First published in 2014 and since translated into 22 languages, the book describes a local Israeli reality that is not political.

This Israeli literary achievement is even more impressive when considering that the six finalists included another canonical Israeli author, Amos Oz. He and Grossman have been the most eloquent and methodical spokespeople of Israel's political left for the past several decades  and especially the last few years vis-a-vis a right-wing government in power.

Nevertheless, it took Netanyahu almost a day to release a meager and measured congratulatory message in response to the esteemed author's rare achievement. This only underscored how little the prime minister is willing to compliment him: "I congratulate David Grossman for winning an important international prize, which reflects his ability as a writer as well as his literary works." Throughout that same day, the prime minister's Facebook and Twitter accounts were flooded with photos and flattering texts about his visit to Greece, pushing Grossman's achievement to the margins of the day's news. And it wasn't because of time constraints.

A closer look at the details shows that Netanyahu chose to limit his congratulatory message to his official Facebook and Twitter accounts as prime minister. He did not post anything on his popular personal accounts as "Benjamin Netanyahu." The contrast is stark. His Facebook page as prime minister has 137,000 followers, while his personal page as "Benjamin Netanyahu" has about 2 million followers. Contrary to Netanyahu, even the most populist leaders of the right, such as Minister of Culture Miri Regev and Minister of Education Naftali Bennett, went over and above in their warm messages of congratulations to Grossman.

In the case of Netanyahu, personal differences overshadowed the kind of official response that might be expected of him. If he could have ignored the enormous achievement of one of Israel's most important authors altogether, he would have done so without having the slightest qualms about it.

Grossman is one of Netanyahu's sharpest and most scathing critics. With deep pain, he unsheathes his sharp quill at every opportunity to make himself heard as the voice of a battered Israeli left. He launches his critiques in lengthy and detailed interviews with the media, in speeches at demonstrations and in newspaper editorials; he does it boldly and fearlessly, but also with humility.

As far as Netanyahu is concerned, the fact that Grossman has become not only an icon but also a familiar and much-admired personality beyond Israel's borders makes him the kind of rival who is difficult to beat into submission. Netanyahu cannot intimidate him by canceling his budgets or attacking his art, because Grossman is so far beyond that. It was Grossman himself who withdrew his candidacy for the Israel Prize for Literature in 2015 after Netanyahu led a campaign to change the makeup of the judges' panel, claiming that it was anti-Zionist and expressed the desire of an isolated (and left-wing, according to Netanyahu) clique. Grossman wasn't the only author to withdraw. Many other important and highly admired authors, such as Sami Michael, also withdrew their candidacies from this questionable honor.

At the awards ceremony at London's Victoria and Albert Museum on the evening of June 14, Grossman began his remarks with the Hebrew word "Shalom." As a gesture, it was intended to show how much he admires the Hebrew language and considers its revival to be a great miracle for the Jewish people.

In Israeli society, David Grossman is much more than just a great author. He is someone who succeeds in reflecting the political reality of the occupation and placing it at Israelis' doorstep in such a precise and painful manner that even the opposing camp can't help but appreciate him. For the past three decades, he has told Israelis about themselves, and he has done so with the utmost humility. His book "The Yellow Wind," published in May 1987, foretold the outbreak of the first intifada that erupted just a few months later. In this book, Grossman, then 33, took a road trip across Israel's backyard, the West Bank, 20 years after the 1967 occupation.

Grossman's powerful text became a classic, and it wasn't just because of his rich vocabulary or his turn of phrase. It was his ability to portray day-to-day life in the refugee camps  with their checkpoints and military courts, the frustration, rage and humiliation  contrasted with the blind indifference of Israelis, whether living within the Green Line or the West Bank.

In the years following his breakthrough, Grossman published many bestsellers and emerged as one of the great writers of our time. The personal tragedy that he experienced when his son Uri fell in the Second Lebanon War in in 2006 only heightened the political urgency of his message. As the father of a child (soldier) who died in Israel's wars, his words gained another layer of significance.

His speech  just a few months after the end of the Second Lebanon War  at the memorial gathering to mark the anniversary of the assassination of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin is still quoted today. It is another of his penetrating and poignant accounts of the failures of Israel's political leadership or, as he calls it, "the hollow leadership." Most of his attack was directed at then-Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. In other words, he will not let anyone off the hook, even when his target is identified with the "center left."

Grossman has grown pessimistic over the past few years. He still feels passionately about where he lives and has raised his children and two grandchildren, but now he also sounds despondent. In a June 1 interview with journalist Sima Kadmon to mark the 30th anniversary of the release of "The Yellow Wind," he was asked what changed. His answer: "In 1987, there were about 100,000 settlers. Today there are 480,000, and they have managed to create what they wanted in the territories by making it difficult to draw a border there.  What they, the settlements, caused was that the question mark, which once hovered over them now hovers over all of Israel, its very existence, its very legitimacy, which is now being questioned by the world. And the democratic State of Israel, homeland of the Jewish people, will continue to exist as the kind of state that is so different from what I want it to be, that it will be hard for me to continue living in it."

It's unfortunate that Netanyahu can't take pride in someone who loves this country so much.
June 16, 2017

Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman keeps insisting that Israel will not supply Gaza with free electricity. He reiterated this in a June 15 interview with the Al-Munaseq website of the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), established 10 months ago to provide a direct line in Arabic to the Palestinians, above the heads of their leadership. Liberman explained that Hamas collects 100 million Israeli shekels ($28.3 million) in annual taxes from residents of the Gaza Strip but uses them to fund terror activities rather than the enclaves education and health systems and its crumbling water infrastructure.

But Libermans position has generated criticism within the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), with senior officers telling Al-Monitor that the Defense Cabinets decision to scale back power supply to Gaza (with Liberman one of its main instigators) could result in a military conflagration with Hamas.

The crisis over power to the Strip does not only constitute a security threat to Israel but also an environmental and health hazard.

Absent energy sources, all of Gazas waste treatment systems collapsed about a year ago. Indeed, the system collapsed well before Israel started implementing its decision to cut back Gaza's power supply. This Israeli May 2017 decision was designed to exert pressure on Hamas following Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas decision about a month earlier to disconnect from the Gaza Strip and stop paying for its electricity supplied by Israel. In fact, Gaza authorities had at the time stopped treating the sewage of all the Strips main towns  Gaza, Khan Yunis and Rafah. Operating the waste treatment plants requires quite a large amount of energy, and Hamas opted to use what electricity it could get for purposes it considered more important.

Professor Eilon Adar of Ben-Gurion University tells Al-Monitor that when pumping stations are shut down, oxygen cannot be introduced into the sewage to treat it by aeration (saturating it with oxygen). As a result, raw waste flows and seeps into groundwater and Gaza rivers. The rest of the water in massive amounts flows through pipes from the pumping stations directly into the Mediterranean Sea, and now Gazas entire coast is severely polluted.

Al-Monitor has learned that a team of experts recently submitted a paper to the military authorities tasked with civilian affairs in the territories, which was also brought to the attention of Maj. Gen. Yoav Mordechai with COGAT. The paper warns of the consequences of continued raw sewage flowing into the waters of the Mediterranean, which could result in irreparable damage to the groundwater in the Strip and also affect Israel.

There is also concern that channeling waste into the riverbeds in the Strip will lead to an outbreak of infectious disease, especially among babies and children. Adar explains that the polluted Gaza water contains large amounts of nitrates, which can interfere with the bloods supply of oxygen to the body. Thats why theres now a new phenomenon in the Strip of so-called blue babies who have ingested nitrate from the polluted water and whose skin turns blue due to lack of oxygen, he says.

Theres a significant threat to Israel in all aspects, and fixing the damage will cost more than a decades worth of electricity supply, says an Israeli defense source  speaking on condition of anonymity  who was privy to the experts brief. Israel is in a serious bind, he says, because all Israeli authorities concerned realize that it should not continue funding Gazas power consumption, certainly not when Hamas is using its resources for a weapons buildup. But no one in the Defense Cabinet or in any other relevant forum has considered what reducing the power supply would do to Israel, he adds. We can clearly see that the power crisis will result in an outbreak of disease and environmental damage that will affect Israel directly in the immediate and long term, says the source.

Adar says he does not know exactly how much raw sewage is flowing into the sea, but he estimates that it amounts to hundreds of thousands of cubic meters a day. The main problem with letting sewage flow into the sea is in creating an ecological change of all the marine fauna, he says. A huge amount of seaweed suddenly takes on new biomass that creates mutations. These mutant algae, in turn, have a negative effect on the water pumped into the desalination plant in the Israeli town of Ashkelon a few kilometers to the north of the Gaza Strip (distillation becomes more complicated because the water needs to be filtrated again).

Theres no telling how long the Gaza power crisis will last. For now, theres no solution in sight  and the only power station in the Strip that provided 12% of its power needs is completely crippled. Israel, as mentioned, has decided to reduce the amount of electricity it supplies to the coastal enclave.

The expert opinion includes an extensive assessment regarding the danger of epidemics in Gaza as a result of infectious disease. It notes that Gaza hospitals, which in any case are only partially operational due to the power shortage, are unable to treat infectious diseases even now. Will infectious diseases appear in Israel too because of the raw Gaza sewage flowing into the sea? Experts are divided on this. In the short term, there does not appear to be much danger of such an effect, but no one knows how long the crisis will last and when a reasonable solution will be found.

Adar warns that one of the irreversible environmental consequences of the current situation is the excessive use of cesspits that pollute the ground water. Israels military authorities are aware of this issue and of the concern that the ongoing shutdown of the sewage treatment plants will lead Gaza residents to use cesspools.

Adar notes that even now Gaza does not have any potable water. Sewage and excessive pumping by the Palestinians have polluted the ground water. Given that the aquifer level has changed and salt water has intruded into the ground water, the water in Gaza is not only polluted, it is overly saline. Adar sums up thus, I say this as clearly as possible: It is both morally incorrect and politically not logical to have your neighbor thirsty. It could come back to haunt us.
June 16, 2017

This year on International Workers' Day, on May 1, domestic migrant workers demonstrated in the streets of Lebanon, protesting their lack of rights. That same day, Dipendra Uprety launched the website This Is Lebanon to gather the testimonies of domestic workers and their families. Domestic workers have no rights in Lebanon, because they fall under the kafala, or sponsorship, system, which is not regulated by labor law. Some of them, therefore, perhaps unsurprisingly, are subjected to untold abuse.

A 2010 Human Rights Watch (HRW) report explained, The domestic worker sector is rife with complaints of nonpayment of wages, excessive working hours, forced confinement, and even physical and sexual abuse  fueled by Lebanese labor law that excludes MDWs [Migrant Domestic Workers] from standard labor protections afforded to almost all other categories of workers, such as the right to a weekly day of rest, paid leave, benefits, and worker compensation.

As a consequence, as documented in 2008 by HRW, one domestic worker dies per week by trying to escape, by killing themselves or after being beaten. On June 5, an Ethiopian domestic worker committed suicide in Marjayoun, in the south, and another died trying to escape her sponsor via a seventh-floor balcony in Sin el Fil, a northern suburb of Beirut.

With the help of an international team of volunteer translators and editors, Uprety launched This Is Lebanon to denounce abusive work conditions and living arrangements and to provide a platform for domestic workers in Lebanon and their families to speak out. My wife and I were involved in helping Nepali domestic workers when we lived in Lebanon, and when we had the opportunity to emigrate to Canada, we vowed that we would continue the fight for their rights, Uprety told Al-Monitor.

We have not just moved on and forgotten all the abuse that we witnessed there, he continued. I, myself, was a victim of injustice and spent five months in a Lebanese prison although the real criminal was my sponsor, who absconded with the money I gave him to renew my papers. I was also subjected to police brutality. In my volunteer work for the Nepali consulate, I saw abuse that would make you weep. I have not forgotten.

The first story Uprety published, in late May, was about a Lebanese man called Joe Semaan, who raped and stole from migrant workers while pretending to be a policeman. The story got almost 20,000 views along with comments, including by Semaan's former victims, like Angela, who wrote:

Then he told me, see I didnt find any passport or Iqama [residency permit] in your bag. I am a police[man] and I am going to bring you to the station now. So I started crying and begging him not to do so. So he told me, ok I will not do that but you have to agree to have sex with me. And that time too we were going down dark streets.

He told me you can start now, transfer [to] the front seat and start by giving me a blow job. I refused, so he pushed his seat backward and started grabbing, fondling me with one hand while the other hand is on the steering wheel.

The story forced authorities to respond. They found Joe and took him into custody for interrogation.

Go to any call center on a Sunday, show the workers Joe's picture and you will very quickly meet one of his victims, Uprety said. Some of them met with a human rights' lawyer, but found they could do nothing to stop him, because, being undocumented, they were too afraid to lodge an official complaint. This is how he managed to continue his dirty business for so many years.  That's why we decided to run his story.

Uprety further stated, The main reaction [to the website] is one of amazement that there might actually be justice for domestic workers in Lebanon.  [Joe's] arrest was temporary. His Facebook page is now up again, so he is obviously out and free. But the huge number of shares of the post ensured a speedy response from the authorities. Of course, none of his victims is prepared to lodge an official complaint, so they couldn't hold him. The women all feared that when he got out, he would come after them. And, of course, they feared deportation. But the pic of him in handcuffs was a little bit of sweet justice for his many victims.

The aim of This Is Lebanon is first to name and shame. There is a sense of impunity in Lebanon, Uprety said. You can do whatever you want to your domestic worker and get away with it. Well, not anymore. We want those who abuse domestic workers to know that their abuses will not be hidden, that when she goes home, she now has a way of telling people what she suffered. Lebanon is a shame culture. People really care about their reputation. Maybe if they know their worker can expose their dirty secrets, they will be less likely to abuse her.

Uprety's take on Lebanese society is one shared by Farah Salka, the executive director of the Anti-Racism Movement. International shaming is the only thing working in Lebanon, because people only care about their reputation, she told Al-Monitor. Lebanese people dont see domestic workers as people, even people who dont think they are racist. But this country couldnt function a day without them and in return, we are so ungrateful.

On the reasons behind the abuse of domestic workers, Salka cited the sponsorship system, the lack of legal protection and pure racism, against everybody. She added, Domestic workers are at the bottom at the chain. We are known internationally for our racism, but still, people here dont understand the problem. And I am talking about my family, my friends, myself before.  It is to such an extent [to include] violence and discrimination.

For the anti-racism activist, associations and volunteers alone are not enough to change the situation. We need to have on our side the media, judges, teachers, policymakers and many others to have a real impact, Salka asserted. We need support from the public.

At the end of the day, naming, blaming, shaming and trying to change the situation have a common goal  reform of the kafala system to protect domestic and migrant workers. For the moment, no concrete steps have been taken in that direction.
June 16, 2017

ERBIL, Iraq  "My mother left the can of petrol in the room and gave me a lighter. As she stepped out, she said with a stern face, I want to see flames coming from your body when you come out of this room.'" For 13-year-old Hawre, this was heartbreaking, as his only crime was being gay.

Hawre's face drops as he recalls the incident from 2002 in a quiet corner of a cafe in Sulaimaniyah. Things are not as bad as they used to be for Hawre, despite occasional degradation and humiliation that he and other gay individuals face from family members and strangers. Most of his friends have accepted him, his family has finally come around and made peace with his sexual orientation, and jobwise he is doing well in the media industry in this corner of the Kurdistan region in northern Iraq. Hawre said he knows about 30 other people who are gay and their suffering continues, often in silence.

It is not clear what the size of the LGBT community is in the Kurdistan region because most members hide their sexual identity and have no organization to represent them. They face regular abuse from family, friends and society in general. Technically speaking, they are engaging in illegal activity for having gay relations in the eyes of Iraqi and Kurdish law.

Because the source of our laws in Kurdistan and Iraq is from Islamic Sharia, homosexuality is considered unlawful and un-Islamic, and therefore it is seen as a crime, lawyer Shokhan Hama Rashid from the Womens Legal Assistance Organization told a Kurdish TV channel. This phenomenon [homosexuality] exists in Kurdistan, but it is hidden.  It is widespread amongst the youths and even among married couples.

On June 1, the US Consulate General in Erbil took a stand for LGBT rights and hoisted the rainbow flag on the consulate compound in honor of Pride Month. The impact was immense. It received hundreds of comments on Facebook in Kurdish and English, creating a lively debate with many cursing the United States, the LGBT community and the Kurdish government. Many people argued that homosexuality was alien to the Kurdish culture.

Facebook is perhaps the most popular social networking site in the Kurdistan region, and it provides insight into how society perceives an issue such as homosexuality, which is considered a taboo subject. "As much as I love American culture and American people, the US government repeatedly tries to force their values on other people, this is why people dislike you!" wrote Mivan Mandalawi on the page. "You raise a flag that the people are against  what you did is the same as a Nazi supporter going to California and raising the Nazi flag, its not right."

Others used a different analogy to make their points. "In Islamic countries polygamy is a norm. Do you tolerate polygamy in the United States?  I want polygamy flag in the United States, wrote Jamshid Rostam. "Jamshid, if there were actually a polygamy flag, we would have no problem with you choosing to fly it in the United States  that is the whole idea of freedom of speech," replied the consulate.

Despite the abuse and twisted logic of some commentators, around one-third of the comments posted on the page were positive and pro-LGBT, according to the consulate assessment on the page. "I commend you for this action. Although the majority of Kurds/Iraqis might find this disrespectful, I am positive this hits close to home for many," wrote Hama Ali in support of the LGBT community.

"Of course I was pleased to see the flag raised," said Hawre. "It was brave, but I think there was criticism." The criticism came from the Erbil governor's office, the clerical establishment, the Islamic State (IS) and some from within the Kurdish community on Facebook.

"Congratulations, Kurdish state. American Consulate  raised the  symbol of homosexuality," read a sarcastic message on a popular Telegram channel that spreads IS propaganda. Hamza Hamid, the media officer of Erbil province, told a local outlet, "This is an attempt to distort the social norms in Kurdistan and defame Kurdistan culture  the governor has not given permission to any person, group or organization to behave like that." Several moderate clerics published a message on their Facebook pages denouncing the act and calling on the Kurdistan Regional Government to protest. "[Homosexuality] is unlawful in our region and it is forbidden in the eyes of the law and religion as well as custom."

As LGBT communities march across the Western world during Pride Month with relative ease, in Kurdistan, the LGBT community stays in the shadows and its members do not dare express any sentiment that identifies them as gay. "I fled my hometown of Dahuk after my three brothers tried to bury me alive," said Ahmad, an intersex person who asked for her real name to be withheld. "There is no one to turn to in this society."

"LGBT persons often faced abuse and violence from family and nongovernmental actors," warned the 2016 US Department of State Human Rights Report, in reference to Iraq. "In addition to targeted violence, members of the LGBT community remained at risk for honor crimes, since their conduct did not conform to traditional gender norms.

Since the United States invaded Iraq in 2003, a large number of LGBT community members have been attacked and some even killed by vigilantes and militia groups while the Iraqi government turned a blind eye. Approximately 3,000 people were tortured from 1991 to 2003 by Saddam Husseins security forces for expressing their sexuality. Human rights organizations have repeatedly called on the government to prevent the abuse and mistreatment of the LGBT community under its international obligations.

The UN Human Rights Committee, which monitors governments compliance with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), of which Iraq is a party, stated in a 2015 report: "Violence and discrimination against LGBT individuals in Iraq continue to flourish, and victims are guaranteed virtually no protection or redress. The government of Iraq has failed in its obligation under the ICCPR to take proper measures to give effect to the rights recognized therein, to ensure effective remedies in cases of violations, and to prevent systemic impunity.

Long before IS threw men off tall buildings in Mosul for gay acts, gay men were killed and sometimes beheaded, and their genitals were cut off or glued by militias often with the blessing of the central government in Baghdad or government officials.

Despite the intolerance, there have been some positive developments: Last July, prominent Iraqi Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr called for tolerance toward those who do not conform to gender norms. Gay activists have become more vocal about their rights. In recent months, two main TV channels in the Kurdistan region have aired programs dealing with the stigma and intolerance toward the LGBT community. While both programs had some shortcomings, it was nonetheless brave of the journalists and the channels' managers to address an issue that many see as taboo.

Hawres life is more stable, and he is now in a relationship. I have to always be on guard, as you never know who will strike you next, he said. I asked him if he thought that Kurdish society would one day accept him for who he is. "Perhaps by the time I am 60 years old," he replied.
June 14, 2017

Six neon figures that light up a single wall at Istanbuls Pera Museum make no sense until you read the title, A Few Hours After the Revolution. Then you realize that the neon letters duplicate the Turkish word DEVRIM (Revolution) in capital letters after the letters have been altered by anti-revolutionaries or police. In Turkey, leftists often write "devrim" on walls only to have the graffiti quickly made incomprehensible by others.

For someone who has lived in Turkey during the left-right clashes on the streets before the 1980 military coup and, to a lesser degree, during the 2013 Gezi Park revolt in Istanbul, this distorted version of devrim is almost as familiar as its correct writing.

This work is inspired by a mutant language, where leftists scribble the word revolution on the walls, only to have the letters deformed by the rightists, Asli Cavusoglu, one of Turkeys best-known contemporary artists, told Al-Monitor. It is not censorship in the full sense of the word. It is, rather, a way to intervene in the way this word is read. It is the creation of new letters, a new language.

Cavusoglus neon work is part of Pera Museums summer exhibition Doublethink: Double vision that brings together a group of international artists around the Orwellian concept of doublethink. The term, one of the pillars of George Orwells dystopian novel "1984," was defined by the writer as a tool of the state to control the way the individual thought. It referred to the ability to hold two contradictory ideas at the same time and to forget any fact that became inconvenient.

In the last five years, Orwells "1984" became a buzzword to explain the new world of politics, with its totalitarian tone and doctored truths. "1984" has been used to refer to Donald Trumps America, Vladimir Putins Russia and Recep Tayyip Erdogans Turkey. Orwell also made its strong comeback to the culture scene as "1984" topped the book lists in Russia in 2015 and in the United States in 2017, and tickets for the play "1984" sold like hotcakes in Bertonov Hall at the Habima Theater in Tel Aviv, Israel.

As last in the chain of "1984"-inspired events, Istanbuls Pera Museum presented a selection that included the works of Tracey Emin, Marcel Dzama, Anselm Kiefer, Bruce Nauman, Raymond Pettibon, Thomas Ruff and Turkish artists' reinterpreting Orwell.

Orwell was no prophet, Alistair Hicks, the curator for the exhibition, told Al-Monitor in a written interview. He was writing about the world of the 1940s which was dominated by totalitarian regimes. He wrote the book in 1948 and just switched the last two digits. [But] he would not recognise the use of doublethink as expressed by many of the artists in 1984.



Asli Cavusoglu's neon work "A Few Hours After the Revolution" shows how letters in the word devrim (revolution) get distorted by anti-revolutionaries. Undated photo. (photo by Asli Cavusoglu's website)

The exhibition does not seek to duplicate Orwells concept of doublethink, where the state denies the individual the right to his own thoughts. On the contrary, Moscow conceptualists such as Pavel Pepperstein, who have inspired this exhibition, flip the concept of doublethink back to the state. For them, doublethink is a form of resistance to what the state imposes and a beginning where the artists can freely play with text and image. You probably think of doublethink as a negative concept. We in Russia think of it as just the beginning, Pepperstein is quoted as saying in the Pera Museum's press statement.

What Pepperstein said about doublethink being a form of resistance has become the norm, a norm that is actually echoed around the world. Politicians everywhere are trying to exploit doublethink. And people everywhere are resisting with their own doublethinking, Hicks told Al-Monitor.

In the spirit of doublethink/double vision, the exhibition takes up the changing relationship between text and image. In Peppersteins acrylic on canvas, a Zen-like figure with two faces where his brain is supposed to be stretches his arms to both sides. The title is Double Thin King.

Kader Attia, an Algerian artist who grew up in the suburbs of Paris, has placed three books on different pedestals and secured them in place with barbed wire. All of them are about Guantanamo and the title of the work is Nothing Has Changed.

Several works by Turkish artists refer to the Armenian tragedy in the way they take up doublethink  a wink to the fact that the Turkish people are reluctant to use the G-word (Genocide) although they know that Armenians were killed. Hera Buyuktasciyans sculpture Letters From a Lost Paradise is made of moving wooden blocks that resemble letter stamps in the Armenian alphabet. In an interview in 2015, Buyuktasciyan recalled the words of her grandmother: If you lose your language, you lose your identity  the very idea of newspeak in "1984," which sought to create another, more malleable identity in Oceania by taking the meaning out of certain words.



In "Rhetorical Loaf," Gavin Turk makes bread out of cement, places it on a pedestal and brands it with the hoity-toity French phrase "deja vu," undated photo. (photo by Martin Norris/Pera Museum)

For Cavusoglu, the silver lining of "1984" is the possibility of an erring totalitarian regime. Describing her recent work, which opened simultaneously with the Biennale in Venice, she told Al-Monitor that the Turkish regimes moment of error came during last years attempted military coup. What we saw in the July 15 attempted coup was the realization that Turkeys institutions had become an empty shell, she told Al-Monitor.

Her recent project in Venice wanted to outline uncertainty, unpredictability and polarization. The project, called Future Tense, is a newspaper where the days news is interpreted by fortunetellers, astrologers and clairvoyants. Parallel to the increasing censorship and move away from being a state of law, a number of fortunetellers and astrologers emerged. Astrologers and clairvoyants were getting invited to newscasts, warning us about bombs by looking at the angles of the stars in the skies, providing us with a date for a rebellion depending on the position of Mars. The way they play with the language helps them avoid any censorship. I found 50 soothsayers of different political orientation and ethnicity and asked them what they thought would happen. They replied in their own way  and a very pluralistic paper [which Cavusoglu distributed in Venice] was published, she said.

The different clairvoyants have found a way to escape censorship in a totalitarian regime. I aim to show both with my made-up newspaper and with my work in the Pera Exhibition that censorship creates a new language, Cavusoglu said, echoing Pepperstein's statement that doublethink is just a beginning, in art as in politics.
June 16, 2017

Russias legislative branch in recent months has become more active in international issues and parliamentary diplomacy, especially in the Middle East. Although the parliament does not play a direct role in forming and implementing Russian foreign policy, which is the prerogative of the president and the Foreign Ministry, it can still assist in this sphere.

When Russias Foreign Ministry is hesitant to discuss sensitive issues with other countries, parliamentary diplomacy serves as a convenient intermediary. Parliamentary delegations convey certain positions, discuss offers and counterproposals, and in general are an effective communications tool between countries.

Lately, both chambers of the Russian parliament have become more persistent in such endeavors in the Middle East. This seems natural, as Russia is becoming increasingly involved in the region and theres a growing understanding that its impossible to settle regional issues without Moscows involvement. Thus, in addition to its military presence in Syria and diplomatic efforts in the region, Moscow is now testing parliamentary diplomacy as an additional tool of effective communication with its Middle Eastern counterparts.

During the past six months, Valentina Matviyenko, the speaker of parliaments upper chamber, the Federation Council, visited three Arab states  Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates  and Iran. Her most recent visit to Saudi Arabia came after the April 4 chemical attack in Khan Sheikhoun, Syria, and the subsequent US airstrike April 7 on Syrias Shayrat air base.

The speakers of both chambers of Russias parliament are permanent members of the Security Council, which places them very close to President Vladimir Putin and increases the status of their visits and negotiations. Matviyenko  a retired diplomat herself with postings in Malta (1991-1994) and Greece (1997-1998)  enjoys the personal trust of the Russian president, which enables her to be virtually Putins messenger on almost any foreign trip. Tours in the Middle East are no exception.

The diplomatic track spearheaded by Matviyenko is being equally adopted by the speaker of the lower chamber, Vyacheslav Volodin, who has been active on the international track since he took over the position in November 2016. Although Volodin lacks a diplomatic and foreign affairs background compared with Matviyenko, he is a hardworking, young doer and has experience as a public relations consultant for political campaigns, including Putins campaign. He has also been one of the chief architects of Putins domestic policies, which makes him  like Matviyenko  a messenger for the Russian president if not a confidant.

So far, Volodins visits and talks have mainly centered on the post-Soviet area, but he is bound to expand the geography of his visits. One reason Volodins presence raises the stature of parliamentary diplomacy is his appointment as head of the Collective Security Treaty Organizations (CSTO) Parliamentary Assembly. CSTO, an intergovernmental military alliance of Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Tajikistan, aims to create a comprehensive system of collective security among post-Soviet states. One of CSTOs main priorities nowadays is anti-terrorist activity. Given that the Islamic State is increasing its presence in Afghanistan, threatening to ultimately infiltrate Central Asia, it creates quite a serious threat to CSTO member states security. With this in mind, CSTO monitors the security and stability of its members, including real and hypothetical threats coming from the Middle East. Its highly likely that delegations will soon expand their visits there to build bridges for future cooperation, mainly in security.

As Iran and Pakistan are seeking CSTO observer status, Volodins mission is likely to include building close interparliamentary ties in Tehran and Islamabad. If the assembly is successful, it will signal to other Middle East states that they can take advantage of parliamentary communication channels with Russia.

In April, both Volodin and Matviyenko received an official invitation from their Syrian colleague Hadiya Abbas, the speaker of the Peoples Council of Syria (Syrias legislature) to visit Damascus. Volodin accepted the invitation and extended it to his counterparts in the US Congress and European parliaments.

If any of them want to join the Russian delegation, we will consider this an additional opportunity to build relationships with other parliaments, Volodin said. The rationale was to get European and US legislators to see the situation in Syria with their own eyes, rather than relying on anti-regime media reports. Getting such firsthand knowledge, even just in government-controlled areas, would definitely help Western lawmakers develop an alternative image of the situation on the ground.

Another vital element in this type of Russian diplomacy is the role of both Russian chambers International Affairs Committees (IAC). One of their main tasks  apart from the legislative support of Russias foreign policy  is to discuss and ratify international agreements, legalize the use of armed forces abroad and develop interparliamentary cooperation. This is why people with solid diplomatic or international experience usually head the committees. For instance, the current head of the upper houses IAC, Konstantin Kosachev, is a seasoned career diplomat, having served three terms as chairman of the lower houses IAC until 2012, when he was appointed head of the body known as Rossotrudnichestvo (Federal Agency for the Commonwealth of Independent States, Compatriots Living Abroad and International Humanitarian Cooperation).

Conceived in many respects as a Russian analog of US Aid for International Development, Rossotrudnichestvo administers civilian foreign aid. Interestingly, Kosachevs predecessor in the upper chambers IAC, Farit Mukhametshin, headed Rossotrudnichestvo before him and also was an experienced diplomat with ambassador postings in Uzbekistan and Moldova.

Russia has a solid foundation in interparliamentary diplomacy, which is a good prerequisite for increasing its role abroad. Therefore, an interparliamentary communication channel might become an additional tool of Russian diplomacy in the Mideast. This channel has served not only to convey certain messages and disseminate information in other states, but also to build trust. In this regard, it seems parliamentary diplomacy can only have a positive impact on Russias foreign policy dealings in the Middle East.
June 16, 2017

While Russian officials have vocally complained about the Donald Trump administrations increasingly frequent strikes on government forces and pro-government paramilitaries in Syria, the Kremlin remains focused on cooperation with Washington and is unlikely to respond to US actions as long as that is the case. If the US administrations objective is to establish greater credibility in Syria to deal with Moscow from a position of strength, as Trump and other US officials have said, it may be working, at least so far.

In addition to striking a Syrian air base with cruise missiles in April in what US officials called a punitive response to Syrias use of chemical weapons, the United States conducted air attacks on pro-government troops in May and June. US officials described the latter actions as necessary to protect coalition and partner forces in At Tanf, near Syrias border with Iraq.

In April, a Kremlin spokesperson said the cruise missile attack, a major departure from the Barack Obama administrations restraint in confronting Syrias government, was a significant blow to US-Russia relations. Moscow simultaneously  but temporarily  suspended an agreement on deconflicting US and Russian air operations in Syria. More recently, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has refused to recognize US deconfliction zones in Syria and denounced the repeated airstrikes as violations of international law. Russian defense officials have referred to US assertions that pro-regime forces threatened American partners as absurd. Despite this, and notwithstanding Lavrovs personal expression of concern to Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, American-Russian discussions of Syria seem to have continued largely undisturbed. In fact, US officials privately refer to this one as perhaps the only area in which continuous dialogue is taking place between the two countries.

Why is Moscow continuing efforts to work with the United States despite these strong public positions? According to Dmitry Suslov, a Russian expert on American foreign policy at Moscows Higher School of Economics and the Council on Foreign and Defense Policy (analogous to the US Council on Foreign Relations in representing the foreign policy establishment), Russias arguments about international law are mainly diplomatic, intended to win sympathy for Russian policy from others  including in Europe, where the Kremlin sees growing frustration with the Trump administration  and to deflect attention from US and Western charges that Russia has violated international law. As Suslov explained to Al-Monitor, There is a full recognition that international law matters little for the Trump administration.

Beyond this, Suslov argued, Russian officials do not believe that the United States is likely to increase its military commitment in Syria substantially and do not see US intentions to either begin a general war on the Syrian government or oust Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Instead, he said, Moscow views the attacks as a political pressure campaign to establish greater credibility on the ground in Syria in advance of serious US-Russian negotiations  something Suslov colorfully characterized as a form of artillery preparation before the real battle, meaning tough negotiations. Suslov, who is also a program director at Russias Valdai Foundation, suggested that Russias government sees three other US motives: seizing the initiative in Syria from Russia, encouraging pro-Assad troops to fight the Islamic State (IS) rather than the forces under US protection and showing that [Trump] is tougher than Obama to American domestic audiences.

Seen from Moscow, Suslov said, these policies are not friendly but nor are they sufficiently hostile or irritating to preclude US-Russia talks. Perhaps most important, the Trump administrations approach is not a grave threat to Russia, since it is not perceived as being aimed at ousting or destroying [the] Syrian regime by force or at pushing Russia out of Syria. This perspective, amid hopes that a negotiated solution may be possible, is why Russia has responded only rhetorically to Americas increasingly assertive actions in Syria.

Suslov said that Russian officials perceive the Trump administration as absolutely more credible than the Obama administration in its approach to Syria. These strikes prove that the Trump administration is not ready to sacrifice its allies (both Kurds and Sunni Syrian non-IS and partly non-[Jabhat al-] Nusra opposition) and is serious in pursuing the goals the administration has defined for itself in Syria beyond destruction of IS (limiting Irans presence and influence, preventing [the] regimes victory, consolidating zones liberated from [IS] and not controlled by the regime, retaking military and political initiative back from Russia).

To the extent that this perspective has truly taken hold in Moscow, the Trump administrations approach to the long and bloody Syrian conflict may be working so far. The ultimate test will lie in the administrations ability to convert its new credibility and initiative  the position of strength Trump has sought to create  into a successful diplomatic outcome that protects and advances US interests in Syria and the Middle East, satisfies American public opinion (including at least some of the presidents critics) and works with US allies, partners, rivals and foes to produce a sustainable peace. It is a big job, especially at a time of extreme polarization in the United States, but it is not impossible.
June 15, 2017

No sooner had the Gulf-Qatar crisis begun than the internationally recognized Yemeni government announced June 5 it also was severing ties with Qatar, following in Saudi Arabias footsteps. This wasn't surprising, as the Yemeni government enjoys Saudi support.

The Yemeni government, led by President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi, welcomed the Saudi expulsion of Qatar from the Saudi-led anti-terrorism alliance against the Houthi rebels. Qatars participation was neither remarkable nor effective on the military and political levels, unlike the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia, and was restricted to a small Qatari force of 100 soldiers positioned on the Yemeni-Saudi border.

The main forms of Qatari support for the Hadi government consisted of paying the salaries of Yemeni diplomatic staff for two years, in addition to providing what critics consider biased media coverage of the war in favor of the alliance and the government through media outlets like Al Jazeera in Doha and the New Arab in London, which is owned by a Qatar company.

Qatar funded pro-Muslim Brotherhood news organizations like Yemen Shabab and the Turkey-based Belqees TV, which is owned by Nobel Prize winner and activist Al-Islah member Tawakkol Karman.

Al-Islah, the main political party in Yemen opposing the Houthis, is close to Hadi and has been a proponent of Qatar. The party, which represents the political arm of the Muslim Brotherhood in Yemen, was oppressed by Houthis, who raided the houses of its leaders and members and arrested some of them for political or sectarian ends. Therefore, most of the party's leaders and members left Yemen with the outbreak of the war. Many, including party head Mohammad al-Yadoumi, reside in Saudi Arabia.

On June 5, Al-Islah's leadership issued a statement supporting the Hadi governments stance against Qatar. However, some other Al-Islah leaders and members live in Turkey, where Belqees TV broadcasts, and many support Qatar. Consequently, a contradiction was blatant between the official stance of the party and the stance of its Turkey-based members and youths who are sympathetic to Qatar, as is the Turkish government. The Brotherhoods support for Qatar explains Al-Islah members campaign against the UAE and its role in Yemen. However, they have avoided attacking or criticizing Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia and the Brotherhood in Yemen have a deep-seated alliance. The party's founder and deceased leader, Sheikh Abdullah ibn Husayn al-Ahmar, received huge financial support from Saudi Arabia and helped the kingdom exert influence on northern Yemen's tribes. Saudi Arabia also funded religious institutes offering the equivalent of formal education in Yemen. Brotherhood members in Yemen controlled these schools from the time they were established in 1975 until they closed in 2001.

But relations between Al-Islah and Saudi Arabia grew frosty when the party participated in the 2011 revolution against former President Ali Abdullah Saleh, while the UAE and Saudi Arabia grew closer. The UAE is strict in its stance against the Brotherhood in Yemen. Despite this, Saudi Arabia still welcomed Al-Islah leaders, knowing that it was the only Yemeni party that openly supported the Saudi-led Operation Decisive Storm against the Shiite Houthi rebels in Yemen. Moreover, the Saudi-UAE terrorist list did not include any names from the Yemeni Brotherhood. The only Yemeni on the list was Salafist leader Abdul Wahad al-Hamiqani, who currently lives in Qatar.

The paradox was that the Houthis sided with Qatar, and for once Houthis and Al-Islah members agreed on a political stance. Although relations between Qatar and the Brotherhood were obviously strong, nobody knew Qatar and the Houthis had a tight bond, which quickly broke when Qatar supported the Brotherhood in the 2011 armed clashes between Houthis and Salafists.

Qatar took political and diplomatic steps to end the 2004-2010 wars in Yemen's Saadah district between Houthis and Yemeni government forces. Qatari Foreign Minister Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani visited Sanaa, Yemen's capital, to broker a cease-fire in May 2007. Qatari mediation followed in June 2007 and succeeded in reaching an agreement signed in February 2008 by both parties. The agreement faltered by March, however, and a fifth round of battles erupted, followed by a Qatari media attack against Saleh, who accused Qatar of supporting Houthis.

Since 2009, tensions have worsened between Qatar and Saleh. Saleh accused Qatar of supplying Houthis with weapons and money. The dispute peaked in 2011 when Qatar leaned toward supporting the public Yemeni action to topple Saleh, who considered this a conspiracy. Saleh accused Al Jazeera of serving the conspiracy. It's only normal for Saleh to celebrate the Saudi-UAE decision against Qatar, which stands accused of supporting terrorism. It's noteworthy that Saleh and the Houthis formed an alliance after the 2011 uprising  an alliance that is now falling apart.

The repercussions of the Gulf-Qatar dispute will be felt in Yemen. Reconciliation is still out of the question at the moment. But the Yemeni battle is expected to become more heated in line with the tensions in the region, especially in the Gulf. The key players will be more active, as Yemen is now a battleground for proxy wars to strike UAE and Saudi forces. Qatar will need Iran now that its land borders with Saudi Arabia have been closed. Moreover, Qatars foreign policy will be judged based on how cold and how warm its relations will be with the Gulf countries and Iran, respectively. Qatar might even mend its severed relations with the Houthis.

The most perplexing question is how Qatar will deal with the Brotherhood's Al-Islah party in Yemen, which took an official stance against Qatar, even as many party members unofficially support it. The Muslim Brotherhood in Yemen tightly controls Qatari media outlets, and Qatar funds influential Yemeni Brotherhood media organizations. Against all odds, the Brotherhood remains a strong military power that is present across all Yemeni territories, unlike the Houthis, who are limited to northern Yemen  which is still an important location. Northern Yemen abuts Saudi Arabia, and its front lines have been the most damaging and draining for the kingdom before and during the war.
Shannon King's first Kickstarter campaign was so successful three years ago, she is turning to the crowdfunding site again for help on her next company milestone.

King, founder of Jubilee Cold Brew, is looking to open her own facility after sharing a commercial kitchen in Huntsville for the last 3  years. After learning the kitchen will close in the near future, King decided it would be worth it to find her own space in Decatur, where she lives with her partner and their two young daughters.

King raised more than $10,000 in 2014 to purchase a larger coffee roaster to meet demand. Over the next two weeks, she hopes to bring in at least $1,000 on Kickstarter to support her expansion, which will cost about $5,000 total.

"The costs for an unexpected move is hard for my business to absorb," she told AL.com. "It is very possible I could lose my business at a time when I am growing and focusing on getting distribution to more stores."

Jubilee Cold Brew, which is available in Alabama and Tennessee, is interested in a new location on the southeast side of Decatur not far from Sixth Avenue, one of the main thoroughfares in the city.

Rent isn't cheap, but she wants a building near her house that she can easily get up to code.

"My mother helps me a lot and I would like it to be convenient for her as well," she said. "I may open it up to the public when I am there and hope to grow my business in Decatur. Right now, no stores in Decatur carry my products."

The all or nothing campaign has been active since Thursday and already has six backers. The project will only be funded if King reaches her fundraising goal by 1:19 p.m. June 30.

Jubilee Cold Brew's hand-crafted small batch coffee concentrate is produced entirely in North Alabama. The beans are roasted, allowed to blossom for 2-3 days and brewed for 24 hours using cold water.

In addition to cold brew, King sells coffee beans and an all-purpose "Hella Good" espresso rub made with Jubilee coffee, ancho chili powder, garlic, dry mustard, guittard cocoa powder, smoked paprika, light brown sugar, kosher salt, ground pepper, and oregano. Her products are available in smaller stores, as well as Whole Foods.

King is the cafe manager at Huntsville-based Digium, where she sells her products and works 30 hours a week. She does most of the delivering for her business, but also has the support of her family to keep things moving.

"My parents are 75, retired and help me with whatever I need," she said. "My brother and his girlfriend live near Nashville and they help me a lot on that end. My significant other is from Montgomery and he delivers there for me a lot. I just have a lot of help."

Jubilee Cold Brew was once known as Highbrow Cold Brew until King learned there is a cafe in Franklin, Tenn., under the same name. The business eventually asked her to stop using it.

She thought long and hard before changing the name, because she wanted something that would only have a happy connotation. Jubilee is a reference to the Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic held every year in Decatur, her hometown.

"The day I decided on Jubilee, I never looked back," she said. "It is a good thing, because now I sell my cold brew in Franklin."

King's five-year goal is to see Jubilee is stores throughout the southeastern U.S. She said she works just about every day and night to make that happen.

"I'm small but my product is excellent," she said. "I will get there eventually."

Click here to see the Kickstarter.
A Madison County grand jury has indicted a Huntsville woman, currently in an Ohio jail, for securities fraud.

Kimgirl Bias

Madison County District Attorney Robert Broussard and Alabama Securities Commission Director Joseph Borg announced an indictment today for Kimgirl Joy Bias, also known as Kimberly Joy Dixson Scott.

State prosecutors are currently seeking to have Bias returned to Madison County to face the securities charges. She is in jail on unrelated charges of telecommunications fraud and money laundering

According to a news release, Bias' indictment charges her with one count each of sale of unregistered securities, and sale of securities by an unregistered agent. She was also charged with one count of fraud in connection with the sale of securities, employing a device, scheme or artifice, and one count of first degree theft by deception.

Prosecutors say Bias, acting as an agent for Huntsville's Modernday Multimedia, Inc., illegally offered and sold shares of stock to an out-of-state investor without being registered with the ASC.

The indictment alleges Bias told the victim they would receive significant returns of $100,000 within a short period of time. Prosecutors say the victim never received those returns, or the principal they invested.

If found guilty, Bias could face up to 10 years and a possible $15,000 fine per charge upon conviction.
Day One of our summer edition of Alabama's Best is in the books. Haley and I have seven separate steakhouses to take down. Along the way we are eating and greeting, looking for the steakhouse with the best combination of cuisine and community.

Our first stop was Big Mike's in Thomasville. From the exterior to the interior, Big Mike's place feels a lot like a chain. I don't say that because it is inorganic or sterile in any way. I say that because it runs like a well oiled machine, even as a relatively young business.

Mike's has been in Thomasville for four years. Mike "Big Mike" Cole made an appearance at our table during our rainy Thursday night dinner. The man was large in stature, as his namesake suggests. Additionally, he possesses as warm, jovial spirit that resonates throughout his menu and the environment within the building.

The Livingston native explained that many of the items on his menu, along with their names are inspired by people and places in and around Thomasville. Take for instance the Sweet Water Stack, named after nearby Sweet Water High School. Cole described the appetizer as two crab cakes atop a layer of fried green tomatoes, garnished with shrimp. There's also Fred's Chargrilled Oysters, inspired by a local corporate big wig named Fred. Fred, a New Orleans native, enjoyed Big Mike's raw oysters, but begged him to chargrill them. Mike obliged, making them just for Fred. Eventually Fred's order caught on, becoming a staple for regulars at the restaurant, before finding a proper home on the menu.

"You may as well smile while you eat," Cole says of the philosophy behind making his menu so rooted in recognizable personalities and landmarks in the area.

Tallahatta Tips, a filet mignon dish served over potatoes, at Big Mike's in Thomasville.

Thursday's special, the Tallahatta Tips, is one of the restaurant's most popular concoctions. The dish, named after Tallahatta Springs Road just around the corner, features filet mignon tips sauteed with onions, mushrooms and bell peppers. Those tasty ingredients are served with a sweet and sour roux, topped with Gouda cheese and served over rice or twice baked potato chunks. I had mine with the potatoes underneath. You can even get a little more daring, adding shrimp to create a surf and turf.

My colleague, Haley Laurence, opted for a more straightforward steak experience. While I enjoyed my creative plate, I couldn't help but reach over to taste her ribeye - again and again. Right under the crunchy, blackened exterior of her filet was gorgeous, medium-cooked, juicy meat.

We finished the evening with a rich carrot cake and coffee, chatting and watching the main dining room begin to bustle in the evening hours.

Mike "Big Mike" Cole and business partner Caine Conway greet customers from behind the bar of Big Mike's Steakhouse in Thomasville, Alabama on June 15, 2017.

We asked Cole if this was normal crowd for a Thursday night in the quiet, quaint Thomasville. "It's raining. There's not much to do in Thomasville. Might as well eat," he said.

Cole shared that it gives him "chill bumps" to know the community has embraced his business so.

We tip our hats to the big guy and his crew for taking the intimacy of sharing a meal further by building a familial relationship with food. Just like the people who populate each table, the specialty items on Big Mike menu's tell stories worth listening to.
A former Alabama pastor who was once fired for living in the Mt. Hebron Baptist Church in Irondale without permission has been arrested in Georgia for kidnapping, assault and feticide.

Calvin Eugene Clopton, 35, has pleaded not guilty to 12 charges, 10 of them felonies, after a handcuffed woman escaped from his apartment with her 2-year-old boy and ran to a fire station in Columbus, Ga., according to the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer. Charges against Clopton included two counts of kidnapping, two counts of false imprisonment, feticide, two counts of aggravated assault, possession a firearm during the commission of a crime, attempted rape, making terroristic threats, third-degree cruelty to children and obstruction of a 911 call.

Columbus Police Detective Wayne Fairbairn said the feticide charge in Georgia refers to the killing of a fetus. "It's used when it's necessary," he told AL.com today. "It's blatant in this case."

Fairbairn said a handcuffed woman and the child sought help at the fire station just before 7 a.m. on May 25. She told police that she had been held captive inside the apartment with her live-in boyfriend, Clopton. Wearing only a pair of pants, the woman escaped with her child after Clopton fell asleep. Police found Clopton asleep at the apartment on May 26. Fairbairn said that when an officer told Clopton to put his shorts on, a handcuff key fell out of his pocket. "That was kind of an 'Aha' moment," Fairbairn said.

A judge ordered Clopton held without bond in the Muscogee County Jail. The woman was pregnant and was struck with a jack handle that caused her to lose her pregnancy; Clopton hid the woman's cell phone and prevented her from calling for help, police said.

London Hayes, 23, who says she was the victim in the case, said in an interview with AL.com that Clopton kept her handcuffed for parts of three days and hit her repeatedly until she had a miscarriage.

"He hit me in my back and along my sides," she said. "The look in his face was he was having so much fun beating me with a pipe. I started bleeding really bad. He said, 'You've already had a miscarriage, it's too late to let you go now.'"

He also threatened the life of her son, she said.

"He punched my 2-year-old son in the face," Hayes said. "That's why they charged him with cruelty to children. He was hitting me. My son was trying to get him off me."

Hayes said Clopton snuck the handcuffs onto her without warning.

"I didn't see the handcuffs until he grabbed me from behind," Hayes said. "He said, 'you're going to watch your son die.' He said he was going to inject me with rat poison and burn my body. He ran bathwater threatening to drown my son in the water."

On May 25, she made a run for it, she said.

"I tricked him into letting me have one handcuff off to hold my son," she said. "He thought I fell asleep. I was able to trick him until he fell asleep. I grabbed my son, ran out the door and headed to the fire station. I didn't have a shirt or shoes, just a pair of pants."

Firefighters called police, who went to the apartment and arrested Clopton.

Clopton's attorney, Robin King, told the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer that Clopton had no previous offenses. But he's known in Alabama for being fired as a pastor because the congregation accused him of living in the church when he was pastor of Mt. Hebron Baptist Church, 2400 Second Ave. South in Irondale. The church also accused him of domestic abuse in a lawsuit.

Pastor Clopton explains sleeping in church

In a 2013 interview with AL.com, Clopton said his overnight stays in Mt. Hebron Baptist Church in Irondale were to guard the church financial records from church members. "Because they removed articles, I had the locks in the church changed," Clopton said. "There was a time I did sleep in my office to make sure nobody else came to remove anything else that shouldn't have been removed."

Clopton said he prevented troublemakers from attending services at Mt. Hebron.

"I would not allow them to come into the worship service," he said. "Every time they showed up, there was drama. They tried to show up on Sunday morning. I kept on doing the work I was hired to do by the initial church."

Court documents show that Clopton was hired as pastor of Mt. Hebron on Feb. 24, 2011. At a meeting on Dec. 12, 2012, 23 members of the church voted to fire him. The church said in its lawsuit that Clopton occupied the church and refused to leave, exerted control over church offerings, prohibited members who disagree with him from attending services, converted church money to personal use and used the church as his personal residence, including use of utilities for personal reasons.

Jefferson County Circuit Court Judge Houston Brown granted a temporary restraining order for the church against Clopton in 2013, ordering him to leave the premises and surrender the keys. The lawsuit was later settled.

Hospital chaplain showers patient with gifts

He resurfaced as a hospital chaplain in Georgia. Detective Fairbairn said Clopton did an internship at St. Francis Hospital in Columbus, Ga., and was considered an intern chaplain.

Calvin Clopton remains in Muscogee Co. Jail in Georgia.

Hayes told AL.com she met Clopton on Oct. 2, 2016, when he was working as a chaplain at St. Francis Hospital. She went to the emergency room after she cut her foot and received five stitches. Clopton told her he was a minister and began talking to her as she left the hospital, she said.

"He started giving me gifts, flowers and sending messages," Hayes said. "He said he was from Birmingham, Alabama. He had two kids by his first wife, he was about to get rid of his second wife. He talked to me every day. He was always nice to me."

Hayes said that Clopton proposed marriage to her on Feb. 25. "We moved in together Feb. 26," she said. Clopton quit his job as hospital chaplain and was hired as a youth pastor at Macedonia Baptist Church in Macon, Ga., Hayes said. Clopton also sells elderly care insurance, Hayes said.

"I'm about to be 24 next Friday," Hayes said. "I'm a single mother. I was trying to be stable. He's always been nice to me, gave me what I wanted. I just wanted a family for my son. He's got two older sons that live with his mother in Birmingham. He has custody. They are homeschooled."

But soon after she moved in, she found out that Clopton had forced his wife, Misty, and her pregnant teenage daughter to move out of the apartment. "On Feb. 22, he kicked her out to move me and my son in," Hayes said.

In the first week of March, Misty and her daughter came banging on the door looking for Clopton, who previously told them he had moved out of the apartment, Hayes said. Clopton's step-daughter had her baby about a month ago, sometime after she was kicked out of the apartment, Hayes said.

"He lied to me about his marriage to Misty," Hayes said. "I told him he was committing adultery by still being married. He said that only counts for women. I said, 'No, it don't say that in the Bible.'"

She returns, pregnant

After an argument when she learned that he was married, Hayes said she moved out until she discovered she was pregnant, then returned.

"I came back at the beginning of May," Hayes said. "I was pregnant. I came back and tried to make it work again. I was nine weeks pregnant. He hit me with a pipe and shoved pills down my throat. When I started bleeding he started laughing at me."

She was taken to the hospital when she escaped, she said. "They confirmed that miscarriage on the 25th when I escaped him. I'd been bleeding for the whole time he had me handcuffed."

Hayes said she felt fortunate she and her son escaped alive. "He said he had no choice but to kill me because he wasn't going to jail," Hayes said.

"I would never have expected something like this from a preacher," Hayes said. "The way he lives is ungodly. He preaches non-violence, but he's a violent person."
Most Alabamians already know that Little River Canyon is one of the Southeast's biggest treasures, but New Yorkers got a taste of the outdoors destination today.

Passers-by were encouraged to climb a 20-foot-tall, 20-foot-wide mountain erected smack dab in the middle of the Flatiron Pedestrian Plaza in the Big Apple. After they reached the top, climbers were presented a virtual reality headset where they could see the beauty of the Fort Payne-area destination. Each climber was presented with a selfie of their "visit" to the mountain to share on social media.

The Alabama Tourism Department sponsored the event, which appeared to be a hit on social media:

Yesterday, New Yorkers got a taste of Alabama with a Mardi Gras parade. (Read more about that here.) And last year, the Tourism Department brought the Gulf beaches to the city:
An investigation is underway after a man was shot to death outside his home in Brighton.

The Jefferson County Coroner's Office on Friday identified the victim as Eric Dewayne Dalton. He was 39.

The shooting happened at 10:20 p.m. Thursday in the 4000 block of Council Avenue. Authorities said at least one family member of the victim was inside the home when they heard gunshots ring out.

Outside, they found a wounded Dalton. He was pronounced dead on the scene at 10:40 p.m.

No arrests have been announced.

This is Brighton's fourth homicide this year, and the second this week. On Wednesday, 19-year-old Ullesis Howard was found dead on a Birmingham street, and police say he had been shot in Brighton and his body dumped on Crawford Avenue.

Dalton's death marks the 70

th

homicide in all of Jefferson County so far this year. This story will updated as more information becomes available
The Alabama Supreme Court has denied hearing two death row inmates' appeals.

Jason Michael Sharp and James Osgood both filed for a writ of certiorari to the state's highest court-- a petition that asks the court to hear their separate cases. Friday, the Alabama Supreme Court announced they will not hear the cases of either inmate.

No opinion was written for either case.

Jason Sharp

Sharp, 40, was moved to Alabama's Death Row in 2006 after being convicted of murder in Madison County. He was found guilty that year of the 1999 rape and stabbing death of Huntsville nurse Tracy Morris. Due to procedural issues, the case took seven years to go to trial.

Sharp's attorneys filed an appeal to the Alabama Supreme Court after an appeals court denied his request for post conviction relief earlier this year. Sharp claimed he had ineffective counsel throughout his trial, and his counsel did not object to the police's "inadequate" investigating of the case.

Sharp's murder conviction has been appealed several times in the past. The Alabama Supreme Court ruled in 2009 that prosecutors improperly struck 11 of 13 African American jurors in the jury pool. Sharp is white, Tracy Morris was also white. A Madison County circuit judge ruled in 2010 prosecutors did not discriminate during jury selection, but the state Court of Criminal Appeals ruled one year later that it appeared jurors were improperly struck from the jury. They ordered a new trial for Sharp.

The Alabama Attorney General's office asked the court to reconsider the opinion and in 2012, the court reversed itself, finding no discrimination by prosecutors. The state Supreme Court later upheld that ruling.

James Osgood (ADOC)

A law enacted in 2012, named "Tracy's Law," criminalizes some of the behaviors stalkers use and increases penalties for stalking. The victim's brother, Brian Morris, said Sharp "bothered his sister for about 18 months" before she was killed.

James Osgood

Osgood, 48, was sent to death row in 2014 after being convicted of two capital murder charges in Chilton County. He was found guilty killing 44-year-old Tracy Brown in 2010 after sexually abusing her. Osgood's girlfriend Tonya Vandyke was also convicted in Brown's death. She was sentenced to life without parole.

She and Brown were cousins.

Brown was attacked in her mobile home and forced to perform sexual acts at gunpoint. She was beaten, stabbed, and had slit her throat, court documents show.

Osgood's appeal to the state Supreme Court is based on several claims including that his confession to police should have seen suppressed, crime scene photos should have not been shown in court, and that the state's penalty phase instructions were improper.
Some residents in Hoover awoke Friday morning to hate-group flyers in their yards and driveways.

One man said he was walking his dogs in the Russet Woods area, near South Shades Crest Elementary School, when he spotted the literature purported to be from the United Dixie White Knights. The flyers read, "Sleep well tonight knowing that the Klan is alert and awake. A recent case in Hoover has our attention. "

The flyer alluded to the recent acquittal of Charleston Wells, one of four youths charged in the slaying Iraq veteran Mike Gilotti, a husband and father of two boys. The shooting happened at 4:55 a.m. on Jan. 5, 2016 in the 5500 block of Park Side Circle. Gilotti was leaving his home to go to his morning workout when he encountered someone either in his driveway or his car. One shot was fired, and Gilloti collapsed at his front door. He was pronounced dead on the scene.

In May, a jury acquitted the 17-year-old Wells of murder in Gilotti's death. He was, however, found guilty of nine counts of breaking and entering a vehicle. Darrian Bryant, 17, Ahmad Johnson, 18, and 20-year-old De'Ron Lucas, are also charged with murder in Gilotti's death.

"A jury has acquitted Negro Charleston Wells of murder in the 2016 shooting death of White Hoover resident Mike Gilotti, a veteran and father of two. You better wake up whitey! UDWK Realm of Alabama today,'' the flyer reads.

Hoover police spokesman Capt. Gregg Rector confirmed police received a call from one homeowner about the flyers, and said others were distributed to houses in the Russet Woods neighborhood.

"The terminology used in these flyers indicated the intent was to recruit new members to a hate group based in Leakesville, Mississippi,'' Rector said. "The Southern Poverty Law Center in Montgomery identifies the group represented on the flyer as a hate group, affiliated with the KKK."

Similar incidents have happened for decades in the Birmingham area and beyond. Just last year, residents in Birmingham and Mountain Brook reported finding similar literature.
Matthew Alford is young. But - at 15 -- he sees a world as many do not. He has turned to social media to share it.

Matthew, using pictures and video and a sad soundtrack, has begun to memorialize the victims of Birmingham area homicides in hopes of driving home the devastation violent crime brings.

"I had a friend die to gun violence,'' Matthew told AL.com Friday. "I think it needs to stop. People are dying over senseless stuff."

The nearly four-minute video is set to an instrumental rendition of Whitney Houston's "I Will Always Love you," and is comprised of clips Matthew found on social media. He made the video Wednesday night, and posted it on his Facebook page just before 4 a.m. Thursday with the hashtags #prayforbettadays and #longliveallyall.

Since then, his video has been shared more than 4,000 times and viewed more than 188,000 times. It seems to have touched many. "A lot of people are texting me and messaging me telling me it made them look at life in a different way," he said.

Matthew, who will be a freshman at Pinson Valley High School in the fall, was friends with Raven White, a 16-year-old pregnant girl who was killed last year. The shooting happened about 12:30 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 8, 2016. Raven and the 18-year-old father of her baby were sitting in the car outside of her apartment eating pizza. Police say an unknown black male approached them and demanded money. Gunfire erupted when Raven screamed, they said, money was taken from her boyfriend's pocket. The crime remains unsolved.

Randetta Thomas is shown in the video when she was doing a Facebook live video from the shooting at a Center Point fair in April. Thomas was angry when she took her children to the event and gunfire broke out.

She lost her brother - 22-year-old Deandrea Thomas - to gun violence in 2012. "I have not gotten past it emotionally,'' Thomas said. "The violence really bothers me."

She, too, said it must stop. "It's up to the parents,'' she said. "Kids can't watch themselves."

Thomas said she had seen Matthew's video. "It was very touching,'' she said.

The video also contains images of the killings of others such as the 2015 death of 16-year-old Cameron Toles, the non-fatal shooting that wounded six people - including a 1-year-old - at the 10th annual Spring Carnival extravaganza at the Cathedral of the Cross A.O.H. Church of God in Center Point in April, and this week's slaying of 19-year-old Ullesis Howard, whose body was dumped on a Birmingham street after he was shot in Brighton.

"It's like people are dying and they keep on shooting,'' Matthew said. "The violence needs to stop. My Dad tells me every day, 'You need to be safe out there.'''

Matthew's video can be seen below. Warning, the video contains some graphic images and language.
It's going to be a solar house with a Southern flair.

The design calls for large, sprawling porches on both sides perfect for sitting and sipping sweet tea, two bedrooms, two baths, plus a safe room, wrapped in steel and built to withstand winds of up to 250 miles per hour.

And the whole thing will be powered by the 9.9 kilowatts of solar panels on the roof, with a battery backup for nighttime living.

A team of about 60 UAB undergraduate and graduate students are building the house on campus for the U.S. Department of Energy's 2017 Solar Decathlon, an international collegiate competition hosted this year in Denver.

The houses will judged on all kinds of energy efficiency measures, and have to be fully functional, generating enough power to do all the things people normally do in life, even charging an electric car overnight.

The students are instructed to design the homes for optimal use in their home locations, not Denver, hence the safe room in case of Alabama tornadoes. Between the safe room and the air conditioning system, which uses a custom liquid desiccant system to lower humidity in the house, the students have dubbed it the "surviv[AL]" house.

"Our safe room is one of the things that we're really proud of," said Steven Wyss, a UAB graduate student in mechanical engineering who is the team's health and safety officer. "It's an important thing to have in Alabama, but I like the decks. I like big front porches and back porches.

"It comes from growing up in Alabama."

The students will finish building the house over the rest of the summer, thoroughly test every component, then tear it down and ship the pieces to Denver, where they'll have six days to reassemble the structure and face a series of demanding tests.

Like dinner parties and game nights.

The solar panels on the roof have to generate enough juice for the team to host two separate dinner parties, where they cook with the oven and stove, keep the refrigerator and lights running well into the night and charge an electric car enough to get to work the next day.

They'll have to host a game night that includes using AV equipment inside the house, do laundry and perform a host of other tasks to prove that modern living is possible off the electrical grid.

"We need to test everything here, all the features of the house," said Hessam Taherian, assistant professor at the UAB School of Engineering and advisor on the project. "We don't want any surprises in Denver."

UAB is one of 12 schools participating, two of which are located overseas.

"I think we're going to do well, we're hoping to place," Wyss said. "There are teams that have done this every year for a long time, teams that are a lot more experienced in this, especially Switzerland and Denmark.

"This isn't new for them and we're still kind of learning this in the states. They're used to energy efficiency."

The UAB team unveiled the partially finished house this week in the parking lot of a facilities building on campus for a crowd of several dozen students, faculty, staff and interested community members. Students had to design and plan the house, raise money and recruit local experts in architecture, building design, construction, energy efficiency and other disciplines to help them complete the project.

Taherian said only some of the students are receiving class credit for their work on the project. Many more are doing it simply for the experience.

Iwan Alexander, dean of the UAB School of Engineering, said the project puts a real-world spin on classroom material.

"They have to actually think through the entire electrical budget of a household, everything that you need from hot water to how are you going to cook, heat things up, keep things cool in a climate like ours," Alexander said. "When you have to integrate all those things, it's not as simple as just doing a few problems in a thermodynamics class, for example, which some people might feel is challenge enough."

Once the competition is over, the house will be returned to UAB where it will be reassembled for display on campus.

See the gallery above for photos of the house in progress and renderings of what the completed house will look like.
An Athens man is accused of claiming he had cancer to swindle an 81-year-old out of $100,000 since 2015.

Jerry Dewayne Long, 39, faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted of first-degree theft by deception. He was arrested Thursday and is held in the Limestone County Jail with bail set at $5,000.

Long received money from the elderly victim by claiming he had cancer and needed medical treatment in Birmingham, Limestone County Sheriff Mike Blakely said in a news release.

The relationship between Long and the victim isn't clear, said sheriff's spokesman Stephen Young.

Blakely said Long had been promising the victim since 2015 that he had more than $100,000 coming to him. Long promised to sign the money over the victim once it was received, the sheriff's investigation determined.

A family member of the victim first reported the theft to the sheriff's office on April 2. Two additional reports were subsequently filed on May 2, one of them by the victim, the sheriff said.

Following an extensive investigation, sheriff's investigators charged Long.

"The Limestone County Sheriff's Office places a high priority on crimes against our elderly, and anyone who has any inclination to prey on elderly citizens had best stay out of Limestone County," Blakely said in the news release.
Aziz Sayyed

A tip from citizen led to the arrest of a 22-year-old male in Huntsville who was charged Thursday with soliciting of providing support for an act of terrorism.

Huntsville said during a press conference that Aziz Sayed was taken into custody in the area of Church Street and Clinton Avenue this afternoon. Few details about the arrest were released but the police and the FBI are conducting a joint investigation on the case.

Authorities believe Sayed is an American citizen who lives in Huntsville. They do not know how long he has lived in the city since he is originally from North Carolina. Lt. Stacy Bates said a search warrant has been issued for a residence at Twickenham Village Apartments, where authorities believe the suspect has been staying.

"Both agencies want the community to know that this arrest eliminates any threat to the Huntsville community and Madison County area, including Redstone Arsenal," authorities said during the press release.

Huntsville's Redstone Arsenal is home to Army Aviation and Missile Command, as well as the Missile Defense Agency. The arsenal has been a past target of hackers, and, last year, federal officials were brought in to investigate after a Redstone identification badge was found in the possession of people linked to money transfers and travel to Middle East hot spots.

This is an ongoing investigation and additional details about the case were not released during the conference.
A Huntsville woman faces up to 60 years in prison if convicted of illegally selling stocks and defrauding investors, the Alabama Securities Commission announced today.

Kimgirl Joy Bias

Kimgirl Joy Bias has been indicted by a Madison County grand jury on four felony charges, the ASC announced in a news release. The charges involve violations of the Alabama Securities Act, which requires anyone selling shares of stock with out-of-state investors to be registered with the Commission.

Also known as Kimberly Joy Dixson Scott, Bias was acting as an agent for Huntsville company Mondernday Multimedia Inc. when she sold stock shares to an out-of-state investor without being registered, the Commission's news release states.

Bias also is accused of falsely promising the investors they would receive short-term returns of $100,000, the indictments allege. The victims never received those payments, nor the principal amount of their investments, according to the indictments.

A Madison County grand jury in May indicted Bias on the following charges:

Sale of unregistered securities (Class C felony)

Sale of securities by an unregistered agent (Class C felony)

Fraud in connection with the sale of securities (Class B felony)

First-degree theft by deception (Class B felony)

Class C felonies are punishable by up to 10 years in prison and $15,000 in fines. Class B felonies are punishable by up to 20 years in prison and fines up to $30,000.

A grand jury issues indictments when it determines prosecutors have enough evidence to send cases to trial. It's not clear when Bias' case will go to trial. She is jailed in Ohio on unrelated charges. Prosecutors are working to bring her back to Alabama.

Updated at 12:38 p.m. with Bias' mugshot.
Former Madison police Chief Larry Muncey has lost an appeal of his conviction for contempt of court in the excessive-force trial of Officer Eric Parker.

Muncey, who resigned as chief last year after being placed on leave, was found in contempt for ordering officers who testified in the trial to submit reports to him on their testimony.

Muncey was found in contempt and guilty of a class B misdemeanor because he violated the court's sequestration order during the trial. Witnesses, including Muncey and other officers, were not supposed to know what others testified.

"Because there was sufficient evidence to support the district court's conclusion that Muncey violated the order, we affirm the district court," the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals wrote in a decision released this week.

Muncey is the only person who has been convicted in the September 2015 Indian Grandfather trial. Parker was accused of excessive force for slamming Sureshbhai Patel to the ground while responding to a suspicious person call, but the officer later was acquitted.

Muncey and Capt. Terrell Cook sent Sgt. Lamar Anderson to observe the trial and report back what the testimony was, the courts have said. Muncey was concerned about the police department looking bad, according to the appeals court. He was worried about officers telling the jury that they believed Parker's conduct was in line with department policy and training, and that they would have done the same thing in the situation.

Parker had stopped Patel, a native of India who didn't speak English, for questioning as he walked near his son's Madison home. The takedown left Patel in need of spinal surgery and launched an international incident.

Muncey sent the following email to several officers:

"According to WHNT 19 and the Huntsville Times, each of you testified under oath that Madison City Police policy supported Parker's use of force on Mr. Patel, and in that same situation, you would have done the same. Please provide me with a written statement explaining if these reports are correct; if they are not correct, explain what you did say. Send the reports directly to me within twenty-four hours of the Parker case being decided, not before."

Muncey recommended that Parker, who was charged locally with misdemeanor assault, be fired. Parker ultimately was acquitted of the excessive force charges because two federal trials ended with juries unable to reach unanimous verdicts. Parker has since returned to work.

U.S. District Judge Madeline Hughes Haikala, who acquitted Parker, is the judge who found Muncey in contempt.

Muncey resigned as chief Dec. 1 after being placed on leave eight months earlier by then-Mayor Troy Trulock.
Freshman Alabama U.S. Sen. Luther Strange is winning praise for getting up to speed quickly on an Alabama priority and helping a Huntsville-area rocket manufacturer assure its supply of Russian engines.

United Launch Alliance President and CEO Tory Bruno praised Strange Friday for taking "strong action to protect Alabama jobs" by co-sponsoring an amendment to keep the Russian RD-180 engines coming. ULA assembles rockets in Decatur that lift government and commercial satellites into orbit.

"Without this amendment, ULA would not have had the ability to launch crucial science missions that both NOAA and NASA are depending on for their research," Bruno said.

Sen. Cory Gardner (R-Colo) introduced the amendment to a bill that would sanction Iran and Russia for Middle East actions the United States considers destabilizing. One company facing the sanctions, NPO Energomash, supplies the RD-180 engine that powers ULA's Atlas 5 rocket and the RD-181 that lifts Orbital ATK's Antares rocket.

ULA and Blue Origin, the rocket company owned by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, are working together on a new rocket engine. But the RD-180 is considered critical to ULA until the new engine comes on line.

Russia critics including U.S. Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz) have tried to stop the RD-180's importation for several years, but have been blocked by other NASA-state senators including Sen. Richard Shelby (R-Ala) and Sen. Bill Nelson (R-Fla). Now four months after taking office, Strange is in the fight.

"This amendment today, and the great partnership we've had with the senator from Alabama, has been absolutely critical and instrumental in ensuring a persistent, reliable space presence," amendment sponsor Gardner said in a statement. "I thank the senator from Alabama, Sen. Strange, for his incredible leadership when it comes to making sure that we are able to reach space, and that we are able to continue our space mission, whether it's the defense of this country or understanding where the next tornado may strike."

A NASA spokesman was quoted in a spacenews report saying, "We appreciate the strong, bipartisan support we received as part of the amendment that ensures the continued safe and peaceful exploration of space for current and future missions."

McCain was quoted in the same report saying the amendment is "a giveaway to the Russian military industrial complex."
A crash that is believed to be weather-related killed a DeKalb County man and woman and injured two others Thursday afternoon.

Charles Ray Bramblett, 67, of Fyffe, and Patty Browder, 56, of Henagar were pronounced dead at the scene of the two-vehicle crash, said state trooper spokesman Curtis Summerville. Bramblett was driving a 2005 Buick that crossed the median of Alabama 35 and struck another car in Rainsville, according to troopers.

Browder was a passenger in the other car, a 2009 Chevrolet. The Chevrolet was drivien by Cheryl Browder, a 30-year-old from Fort Payne, Summerville said. Cheryl Browder and a second passenger in the Chevy were taken to a hospital for treatment of injuries. Their conditions were not available.

Rainsville police on Thursday said the crash was believed to be weather-related with Bramblett's westbound vehicle hydroplaning and entering the eastbound lanes.

The crash happened just after 3 p.m.

Neither Bramblett or Patty Browder was wearing a seat belt, Summerville said.

Additonal details haven't been released, as the crash remains under investigation.
2017 is shaping up to be a very bad year for locally grown peaches in Alabama.

Alabama peach farmers say they're only producing about "10 to 30 percent" of their usual harvest amounts this year, according to a report released today by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System.

Extension scientists said a combination of the warm winter, a late frost and the lingering stress caused by last year's drought combined to all but wipe out the crop at some orchards, particularly in central Alabama.

Peaches need a certain number of cold days every winter to produce healthy fruit in the spring and summer, according to Edgar Vinson, an Alabama Extension fruit specialist.

"The chill hours we received this year were among the lowest on record. At least 800 to 850 chill hours are preferred to satisfy the chill hour requirement of most of the peach varieties," Vinson said in a news release. "The chill hour requirement of many peach varieties was not met. This caused delayed, sporadic blooming or no blooming at all which was frequently the case."

The warm winter was combined with a late frost that damaged many fruits that had started to develop, and trees that were already stressed from last year's record-setting drought across much of Alabama.

"Peach trees are just like people. When they are stressed, they are more susceptible to disease with lower reserves to fight it off," said Jim Pitts, director of the Chilton Research and Extension Center. "This is how the drought affected peach trees. They were stressed and tired before the low chill hours and frost hit them, making it worst than it would have been."

Georgia is experiencing similar issues with its peaches. Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that 80 percent of Georgia's peach crop had been "wiped out."

North Alabama saw some declines but was significantly less affected than places like Chilton County, according to Doug Chapman, a regional extension agent in north Alabama.

Vinson said the sporadic blooming had many producers more concerned with the survival of their trees than this year's harvest.

Some peach growers reported losing 10 to 20 percent of their trees this year due to the drought-warmth-frost combination. New replacement trees will take three to four years to produce fruit, meaning the effects of this year's climate problems may lead to price increases and decreased availability beyond 2017.

Pitts said the challenges with the peach harvest have some growers contemplating changes to their planting operations.

"The warm winters Alabama has been experiencing are making producers and researchers re-think some things," he said. "We could see other varieties, like those with low chill hour requirements, start being planted to combat the warm winters we have had."
President Trump confirmed Friday he is under investigation for the firing of former FBI director James Comey.

In an early morning tweet, the president said Robert Mueller, special counsel probing Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election, is investigating his role in Comey's dismissal.

Trump fired Comey in May, just as the FBI was investigating ties between Russia and the Trump campaign.

I am being investigated for firing the FBI Director by the man who told me to fire the FBI Director! Witch Hunt  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 16, 2017

Some Republicans have called for Mueller's firing, citing alleged conflicts of interest.

It wasn't immediately clear to whom Trump was referring to in his comment "the man who told me to fire" Comey. According to CNN, Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein wrote a memo advising the FBI director be fired. Rosenstein also approved the appointment of Mueller as special counsel after the recusal of Attorney General Jeff Sessions.

The Washington Post reported earlier this week Mueller is investigating whether Trump attempted to obstruct justice when he told Comey he hoped he could "let go" an investigation into former national security adviser Michael Flynn. Comey testified before the Senate intelligence committee he felt pressured by the White House to drop the investigation.

Yesterday, Trump referred to the possible obstruction of justice investigation as the "single greatest witch hunt in American political history."

The investigation, the president added is being led by "very bad and conflicted people."
Running for public office has always been in Vann Caldwell's blood. The Talladega County constable, who started his first campaign at 19 years old, now wants to represent Alabama in the U.S. Senate as a Democrat.

"I have experience with working with a diversity of people. I have developed [an] understanding as well as a plan for all of the people. I will give my [very] best in the betterment and growth of this state and nation. It's not magic; it will take hard work and passion, which I have," Caldwell, 33, said in an email exchange with AL.com.

Born in Talladega, Caldwell is a lifelong resident of the state and attended the University of Alabama, graduating with a double major in political science and history. After working in UA's public safety department for six years, Caldwell started his own security business, Caldwell Protection LLC.

While still in college, Caldwell unsuccessfully ran for mayor of Talladega at 19 years old. In 2009, he ran but lost for Tuscaloosa City Council, and made another unsuccessful run for Talladega mayor.

In 2016, Caldwell had his first political victory in his run for Talladega County constable, Beat 5. The city had little interest for constable positions, as only five people out of 15 positions qualified for the post.

Caldwell has turned his attention to the Senate race, arguing that his work in public safety will be an asset in the upper chamber.

"I have always had a passion for the people and for their protection, serving the people and making the nation better. This [is] why I am running [for] United States Senate," he said.

Caldwell's top priority in the Senate would be growing the economy, which he said would "cause a chain reaction" in helping his other major issues: Education and the military and homeland security.

On health care, Caldwell suggested the Republicans were incapable of putting forward a plan that improves on Obamacare.

"By virtue of the Democratic beliefs and by virtue of the Republicans' beliefs, only Democrats can make a health care law. Republicans can only outlaw a health care law. Yes, there is all ways room for improvement. As senator, I make sure that the people have improved coverage," he said.

Caldwell said the investigation into ties between the Trump campaign and the Russians is "good."

"We just need to get to the bottom of this problem for the betterment of the people," he said.

The Talladega County constable is among eight candidates running in the Democratic primary in the August 15 special election for Senate. A runoff election is scheduled for Sept. 26 if needed, with the winner facing the winner of the Republican primary on Dec. 12.

The other Democratic candidates in Alabama for U.S. Senate are Will Boyd, Jason Fisher, Michael Hansen, Doug Jones, Robert Kennedy Jr., Brian McGee and Charles Nana.
Republican Senate candidate Dom Gentile is accusing his own party of using "invalid data to influence" the party's Senate race, and is referencing Russia's alleged influence in the national elections.

Gentile, a Hoover businessman, was one of five Republicans who was not invited to participate in an early-campaign debate in Oxford Tuesday.

"Imagine my disbelief and disappointment to receive the news today that my own party is using invalid data to influence the election process in our state," said Gentile in an email Friday. "And I was worried about the Russians."

Like you, I am tired of the backward good ole boy politics in Alabama. My own crooked party, the GOP, is keeping me... Posted by Dom Gentile for US Senate on Friday, June 16, 2017

The 6 p.m. debate at the Oxford Civic Center will include former Alabama State Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore, U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks, Alabama State Sen. Trip Pittman and Alabama Christian Coalition president Dr. Randy Brinson.

U.S. Sen. Luther Strange was invited to attend, but cannot make it.

Those not invited include Gentile, Bryan Peeples, Mary Maxwell, James Beretta and Joseph Breault.

"People of Alabama, my own party is trying to keep the power in the hands of the corrupt, crony and some say criminal insiders," Gentile wrote in the email. "I am incredibly disappointed but also more motivated than ever to win this for you."

James Bennett, who heads up the Calhoun County GOP, said the invitees were determined "two or three weeks ago" based on rankings from three different polls that were conducted at the time, as well as from input from the participating panelists.

No public poll has surfaced on the race, thus far.

"I am sorry we couldn't accommodate everyone," said Bennett. "Logistically, it was impossible. We're just as a small party and we're all volunteers. We just did the best we could with the information we have. We just can't change things now."

Terry Lathan, the chairwoman of the Alabama GOP, said the county Republicans are "free-standing groups" which make their own decisions and have their own rules. She said the state is not involved in the debate.

"As long as county parties are not superseding or breaking an ALGOP bylaw rule, they manage their respective organizations," said Lathan in an email.

Gentile believes that flawed polling data is being used. Much of that analysis is coming internally from the individual campaigns.

He said one recent poll showed him running in third place.

"They are using polling data from over one month ago, which is before I and others even announced as candidates," Gentile said.

Bennett said the Calhoun County Republicans "struggled" with the decision to omit half of the GOP field. The primary election is Aug. 15, followed with a scheduled Sept. 26 runoff if one is needed. The general election is Dec. 12.

The debate stage quandary in the GOP's Alabama Senate race mirrors a similar conundrum the party experienced in 2015, when as many as 17 Republicans were running for the presidency.

A series of debates relegated candidates whose polling was weakest to a series of secondary debates. Those contests, heavily criticized by individual campaigns, occurred before TV broadcasts that were viewed by a much smaller audience.
I came to Australia seeking peace, but I was sent to Manus, which was hell  Today we are finally being heard and I hope everyones suffering can be over as quickly as possible.

This is how Iranian refugee Majid Kamasaee welcomed the news on Wednesday that the Australian government had agreed to pay $53m as compensation to 1,905 Manus Island detainees who were held at the Papua New Guinea-based facility between November 2012 and December 2014.





The settlement came just before the Victoria state Supreme Court was set to hear the case in which the men alleged the government and two contractors that ran the detention centre were responsible for what they argued were physical and psychological injuries, as well as false imprisonment on Manus Island.

Under Australian law, anyone intercepted trying to reach the country by boat is sent to detention centres on Manus Island or the Pacific island of Nauru for processing.

The Australian government maintains they will never be eligible to be resettled in Australia.

It denied the claims of the lawsuit and said the settlement was not an admission of liability, but a prudent outcome for Australian taxpayers. Rights advocates argue, however, that the case is an acknowledgment that the government is responsible for the detainees and conditions at the detention centre.

OPINION: Trump-Turnbulls dubious deal

While the settlement is being celebrated in many circles in Australia, questions remain about the future of the nearly 1,200 people who remain at the facilities on Manus Island and Nauru.

To help us understand the significance of the case, Al Jazeera spoke to Kon Karapanagiotidis, the founder and CEO of the Melbourne-based Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, about what it means for Australias strict immigration policy.

Al Jazeera: The settlement is being called a landmark case by advocates, activists and media. What makes this particular case so significant?

Kon Karapanagiotidis: Its a bittersweet outcome. The good is that it is really significant, not just in that it is the largest human rights settlement in Australian history, but it is significant because it unequivocally proves that the government itself is in control of what is happening on Manus. And that is big because the government spent the last four years hiding behind the fiction that theyre not responsible. The government has had to admit that its offshore policy is actually harming and damaging these men.

It is also significant in that it paves the way for other actions. The fact the government is conceding in this situation means theyre terrified of this being shown every day on our nightly news. Australians would have been beyond appalled if they actually knew what was being done.

What is problematic is that the settlement doesnt actually deliver what these men wanted. The men who are behind initiating the case have all said that it has never been about the money. In reality, Australia has tortured these people for four years. It has deprived them of natural justice. Its left them in squalor. It was never about the money. Its always been about their human rights and having the acknowledgement that this country is violating the rights of these men.

There is no solution. The very conditions that gave rise to this settlement continue to exist. by Kon Karapanagiotidis, Founder and CEO of the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre

The downside of the case is that these men are still there. There is no resolution. There is no plan. There is no solution. The very conditions that gave rise to this settlement continue to exist and as of April 30, the most recent statistics publicly available, 865 men are still on Manus.

The unfortunate thing in the refugees matter being settled is that it is a real shame that this wasnt out in the public for six months because if the majority of Australians saw what the country was doing, it would have been the end of this [refugee] policy.

Al Jazeera: Had the case gone to trial, what information would you have expected to have been examined and revealed?

Karapanagiotidis: You would have heard from these men the stories of being fed food that at times contained maggots, worms, human teeth, and human hair. You would have heard stories of being held in a camp and facing life-threatening illnesses, without due processes, without basic human rights.

You would have heard guards, nurses, doctors, teachers and social workers talking about watching the neglect, seeing the abuse, and then seeing the abuses covered up.

Al Jazeera: What were the possible outcomes had the case gone to trial?

Karapanagiotidis: I think you would have seen a much bigger settlement or the government would have lost this case.

The conditions are well documented. Theyre documented in inquiries, theyve been documented by whistleblowers, theyve been documented in the 80 witnesses and testimonies that Slater and Gordon, the law firm representing the plaintiffs, had already procured and more would have jumped on board once it got to a hearing. Unequivocally, the conditions are not open to debate.

The only way the government could have won this case is to be able to show that they have no causal relationship with what is happening and to try to argue that these conditions were not true. And the government had no chance of proving either.

Al Jazeera: Do you expect additional asylum seekers to file similar lawsuits? What can they expect and hope for?

Karapanagiotidis: Absolutely, and they should. You now have an admission of responsibility that the government is in control of what happens on Manus. The government is also conceding that its actually kept these men in conditions that has harmed them.

The debate that's missing in our country is that we're actually talking about human beings, not boats. If we turn people back at sea, it just means they die somewhere else. by Kon Karapanagiotidis, Founder and CEO of the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre

The exact same awful conditions exist on Nauru so theres no reason why a claim on Nauru wouldnt have the same success and same outcome.

Al Jazeera: Australias tough refugee policy has been at the forefront of much debate and criticism in recent years. Where does the public currently stand on the policy? How does this differ from the actions of the government?

Karapanagiotidis: Its fair to say at least in terms of industrialised nations, Australia has the most draconian, cruel and illegal policy when it comes to how it treats people who seek refuge.

This policy of turning people back has been politically popular because it has really tapped into xenophobia, fear and racism, and while most Australians are not racist, racism is a really big issue in this country.





The real challenge is here is a populist, xenophobic policy that has helped win multiple elections for two decades of stopping boats and stopping refugees and the debate thats missing in our country is that were actually talking about human beings, not boats. If we turn people back at sea, it just means they die somewhere else.

We are dumbed down to fear refugees, see them as a threat and burden, rather than as a moral obligation, a humanitarian opportunity and that these people actually come sharing our values, wanting peace and to integrate and contribute.

Al Jazeera: What does the settlement mean in terms of Australias refugee policy?

Karapanagiotidis: I think in the immediate it doesnt have much of an impact at all. Theres no shortage of money for bad ideas. This settlement is a drop in the bucket for the government.

Where this settlement is going to have an impact longer term is recognising that the government actually has to defend it. They have to think longer term.

If there is a change of government, the new government will be more concerned in terms of the legacy of the settlement because there will be more cases and it will run into the hundreds of millions of dollars in the coming years.

So politically it doesnt play well. It will potentially hurt them at the ballot box because it is the Australian government spending money that [may be seen] as a waste.

Al Jazeera: Papua New Guinea ruled last year that the Manus Island facility is illegal. It is set to close the detention centre in October. What are the options for asylum seekers who are still at the facility?

Karapanagiotidis: The real challenge with Manus is that only around a third of the men there are being considered under the US resettlement deal. Two-thirds are not and theyve all been getting letters saying, you can go home and we can help you voluntarily go home. The government is giving these letters to people who have been found to be refugees. So the government is telling people who have demonstrated a well-founded fear of persecution to return to their home country or settle in the broader Papua New Guinea community that doesnt want them, where they have no future, where theyre not safe.

The local PNG (Papua New Guinea) public has a mistrusted fear of the men and the men have a fear of the community. So unfortunately its this unresolvable scenario. The PNG government is tired of having people there, the people on PNG dont want them there so theyre creating a real powder keg disaster.

In the next couple of months, its all going to implode in the worst kind of way. People will be harmed, more refugee lives will be damaged, more people will be at risk.

This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.

Follow Laurin-Whitney Gottbrath on Twitter: @ElleDubG
Al Jazeera speaks to Palestinians in Gaza about the latest electricity crisis, as supply reduced to three hours a day.

Power cuts have been an ongoing problem in the besieged Gaza Strip for the past decade, but this week the situation has reached a new low.

Last Sunday, Israel agreed to the Palestinian Authoritys (PA) request to further reduce Gazas electricity by 40 percent, in accordance with the PA President Mahmoud Abbas decision to reduce the amount of money the PA pays for Gazas electricity supply.

Currently, Gazas two million residents receive about four hours of electricity a day and will now have their electricity cut by another 45-60 minutes. Gazas medical facilities have already have been struggling to operate with limited electricity, depending mostly on generators to provide services for patients.

The news also comes after Robert Piper, United Nations Development and Humanitarian Coordinator in the Palestinian territories, told Al Jazeera via email that Gazas fuel reserves are expected to be depleted by the end of June or early July at the latest.

The Gaza Strip requires 450-500 megawatts daily, but currently only receives half that. The reduction in electricity is widely seen as an attempt by Abbas to cripple the rival Hamas leadership in Gaza.

Up until now, Israel has supplied Gaza with 125 megawatts of electricity, or 30 percent of Gazas electricity needs. Egypts electricity lines provide only 27 megawatts a day, but they rarely operate.

Gazas sole power plant, which supplied 60 megawatts, shut down in April after it ran out of fuel. Prior to its shutdown, the PA got rid of a tax exemption on diesel fuel, doubling the price as a result.

Al Jazeera spoke with Gaza residents to find out how the electricity crisis affects their lives.

Riham Salim Bahtiti  28  Shujayea, Gaza City

My son was born with congenital lung disease; his right lung is bigger than his left. When theres no electricity, I worry that he might die. Im afraid for my son; his life depends entirely on the nebuliser, which gives him oxygen. The moment he starts to play or run, he immediately needs more oxygen.

One time he needed oxygen and there was no electricity and no fuel to run the generator at home [to use the nebuliser]. I rushed him to the hospital, but they didnt have fuel to operate the nebulisers.

The only thing I could do was go back home. I sat in an open area and used paper as a fan to make it easier for him.

My house was destroyed in the war and my ceiling now is made out of corrugated iron, so it gets hot and stuffy easily.

Manar Bahtiti  27  Shujayea, Gaza City

This news puts more pressure on families and it will lead to a total collapse.

I have three nebulisers at home, which I bought with my own money. I try my best; I felt that I should do something to help. About 60-70 people from my neighbourhood have been coming to my home to use the nebulisers for the past nine years.

Every day, five or six patients come and try to get three to four 15-minute sessions. They come at 1 or 3am, whenever the electricity is on. Otherwise, we use the generator, but sometimes we cant afford the fuel.

If the electricity is further reduced, the hospitals will be overcrowded. If we get only two hours of electricity, everyone will have to squeeze in their sessions in such a short amount of time; it will add a lot of pressure and stress on us because there is so little time.

The hospitals have already instructed patients to have their sessions at home because the hospitals cannot provide sessions for everyone.

Were living in a very critical situation because this is one of the poorest neighbourhoods in Gaza; were just 500 metres away from the Israeli border and if there is an emergency and we need to go to the hospital, it takes a very long time for the taxi to reach us.

Sometimes, we transport the patients from our neighbourhood by motorcycle because thats the only transportation that we have.

Amina*  66  Gaza

Israel is playing games with us. No one is sure how many hours well get  one, two or four hours. They expelled me from my home (in 1948) and now theyre using electricity as a tool to control our lives. When Israel cuts the electricity, its another type of war.

The electricity crisis affects every little thing. Its a problem just to recharge your phone. What will you do if you have an emergency? There is no meaning to our lives anymore; they control everything. What else do they want from us?

My grandchildren are really afraid of the dark; it makes them nervous. When they need to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night, we have to go with them.

We use small batteries to provide light, but these last for only six to eight hours and then theres no electricity to recharge them. Its not like we can use candles either; well all die!

READ MORE: Im like a bird in a cage  Gazas cancer patients

We dont have water to take a bath. The municipality hasnt been able to provide us with water for three days now. Theres no electricity to operate the water pumps; there isnt enough electricity to fill the tanks. Were all buying our water from the water trucks that come by. It costs us an additional 50-150 shekels ($14-$42) monthly to buy water from the trucks; its very expensive.

The generators that we have in the neighbourhood are very noisy; people cant take naps. They work until 1am; it causes problems between neighbours.

Cutting off the power like this is worse than the war we experienced. Theres nothing that we can do about it! If the problem gets worse, well go to the streets and ask the international community for a solution.

*Aminas name has been changed to remain anonymous

Muhammad Hamid  21  Jabaliya

When I heard the news that Israel would be reducing the electricity, the first thing I did was take my generator to maintenance to get it repaired.

We use the generator to use our machines for taking the hair and feathers off of animals. Without it, we can do it manually, but the quality isnt the same and it takes a lot of time, but customers dont want to wait.

Its a huge financial burden to operate a generator. It costs us 60-70 shekels ($17-$20) to operate it. Some days we have no income because all of our money goes towards operating the generator.

Abu Muhammad and Karam Swisay  Zeitoun, Gaza City

We lived through three wars, so this news doesnt faze us. We arent afraid of anything.

My wife has pulmonary fibrosis and needs to be hooked to the electric oxygen concentrator or gas cylinder 24/7.

When theres no electricity, we depend on the gas cylinders; we have three of them and use one per day.

Every two days, I go to the ambulance centre to fill them up. But sometimes they dont have power either, so I have to wait a few hours before filling up the cylinders or Ill go back home and try my luck the next day.

But its not all about the electricity. Some of her medicine costs more than 1,000 shekels ($284). My sons and I try to cover the costs; some locals and charities also pitch in.

Tareq Al Saqqa  46  Gaza City

The biggest problem is that when the power goes out, and then comes back on, the washing machines we sell start the whole washing process from the beginning, so it needs another two hours after being interrupted. We told the manufacturers in Tel Aviv to make some improvements on this, but they thought we were joking. They didnt believe us. They asked us, What power cuts are you talking about?

Most of the appliances need to work at least four hours to reach optimal efficiency.

Regarding our repairs on appliances, the power cuts also lead to steel corrosion of a lot of the TVs and refrigerators. When its hot and theres no electricity, everybody opens their windows and doors to get some fresh air, but the high humidity over time causes damage to the appliances.

READ MORE: Gaza  100,000 hours of isolation

Our company has suffered a big financial loss because few people want to buy air conditioners when theres electricity for only four hours  whats the point? So, we lost the chance to sell them during the high season. If the problem continues, the local demand for electric appliances will be very low and we wont be able to sustain an income; we pay a lot for the supplies that come in.

We cant depend entirely on generators to operate our stores. If theres no electricity and no more fuel, this will lead to a total shutdown of our stores.

Running our stores on generators costs six times as much compared to regular electricity. Each kilowatt from the electrical company costs us 0.5 shekels, but each kilowatt from the generator costs at least three shekels.

Weve been living with this problem for 10 years. There is no other solution other than to implement a big governmental project to power Gaza through solar panels.

Dr Mohamed Abu Selmia  46  Gaza City

Gaza has had this problem for the past 10 years, but in the last six months, the problem has deteriorated. Now, our generators are working for more than 20 hours daily. There is no continuous electricity available.

Our hospital is the only specialised hospital for children in Gaza. We have dialysis for kidney, renal failure patients there undergo treatment daily. If there is no electricity, the patient cannot undergo dialysis and they will die because his blood must be changed daily.

We have an intensive care unit for babies. This unit depends 100 percent on electricity for its monitors and ventilators for respiration for patients. Oxygen supplies also depend on electricity. If theres no electricity, there is no oxygen. We will have to close the hospital [if electricity is reduced and there is no fuel for the generators].

We have the laboratory, CT scans and X-rays. All these machines need continuous electricity. Because of the interruptions in electricity, our machines break down and they dont work optimally.

Without electricity, we cannot prepare the chemotherapy for patients with cancer. If the electricity is reduced, it will be a catastrophe. This is a very bad situation. Hospitals cannot work without electricity. This is the worst its ever been.

Ali Hussein  45  Gaza City

In the last two months, when people started hearing news about the deterioration of the electricity crisis and that another war is coming in the next few months, the demand for solar panels has been very high. I think we had 200 customers just last month.

When we started operating in 2013, we installed solar panels in 10 homes. In 2014, we installed them in 100 homes; last year, 700. This year, sales have doubled since weve already installed them in 700 homes.

Buying enough solar panels to power the lighting, TV, modems, charging laptops and to operate the refrigerator and freezer during daytime costs around $2,000-$3,000.

About 3,000 homes in the Gaza Strip have solar panels installed. Since the economic situation is quite bad, $2,000-$3,000 is very expensive for the average family here.

You also need a lot of space for solar panels. We dont have large spaces here in Gaza like in Europe. You would need 1,000 square metres for 100 kilowatts.
Hundreds of Palestinians protested on Friday along Gazas borders with Israel, as international rights groups warned of a total collapse of basic services amid a steadily worsening electricity crisis.

The Gaza Strip is in the middle of an electricity shortage that has left its two million residents with just a few hours of power a day, turning many aspects of everyday life in the Hamas-governed territory upside down and raising concerns about of a looming humanitarian crisis.

Earlier this week, Israel reduced the amount of electricity it supplies to Gaza to about three hours a day after Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas cut electricity funding to the Israeli-besieged territory.

The move was widely seen as a move by Abbas to step up pressure on the rival Hamas movement.

The UN humanitarian coordinator for the occupied Palestinian territories, Robert Piper, warned the additional power cuts would have a disastrous effect.

This reduced supply, combined with peak demand during the Ramadan holiday season, has created rolling blackouts that give people just two to four hours of power at a time.

Residents must plan food purchases daily, as proper refrigeration is impossible. Hospitals are running on generators and fuel is in short supply.

They must carefully plan daily tasks, such as doing the laundry or taking a shower, for when they expect to have power, even if that means waking up in the middle of the night. Many homes use electric water pumps, so no electricity also means no water.
Ever since the GCC crisis erupted on June 5, when Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and other Arab countries cut off diplomatic relations and imposed a de facto embargo on Qatar, political observers and people across the region have been mystified by the demands of the anti-Qatar coalition. The incessant calls by their propaganda machines for Qatar to denounce the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement Hamas have been particularly bizarre.

Despite the lack of an immediate cause for such a dramatic escalation, the near hysterical campaign to demonise Hamas, and consequently implicate Qatar as a state sponsor of terrorism has been unrelenting. So what are the real reasons for this resentment?

Israeli interests





For over a decade, UAE Crown Prince Muhammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has been realigning his countrys foreign policy with Israel. Ever since the Dubai Ports World controversy in 2006, where powerful pro-Israel politicians and media outlets in the US branded the UAE as a state sympathetic to terrorism for trying to acquire a company that managed terminal operations at six American sea ports, the UAE has tried to rebrand itself.

It developed intimate links with major policymakers and media personalities that are very close to Israel and its lobby, primarily through the efforts of its US Ambassador Yousef al-Otaiba. As one US senior official once noted, Otaiba and Israeli ambassador Ron Dermer are so close, they agree on just about everything.

Furious after Hamas won the 2006 Palestinian elections, the US and Israel pushed for a regime change in Gaza, clearly a Hamas stronghold. The 2007 attempt to depose Hamas was led by Palestinian security chief at the time, Mohammed Dahlan. That plot was, in fact, financed by the UAE to the tune of $30 million that ultimately ended in disaster and consolidated Hamas power, while expelling Dahlan and his co-conspirators from Gaza.

OPINION: Why is Hamas refusing to lay down arms?

Dahlan has since moved to the UAE and has been linked to a number of plots across the Middle East. For the past few years, it has become the undeclared, but vital policy of the UAE and its regional allies to install Israels favourite candidate as the new president of the Palestinian Authority (PA), who was also described in 2006 by President George W Bush as our guy.

The Arab counterrevolution

However, regional players astutely observe that the main obstacles to Dahlans coronation are the current PA president, Mahmoud Abbas, and his political movement, Fatah, as well as Hamas. While overcoming the objections by Abbas and Fatah would be relatively easier due to the massive leverage Israel, the United States and other regional actors have over them, the acquiescence of Hamas and other groups to the installation of Dahlan, they reasoned, would have to be achieved through economic, political, and military measures, including pressuring their current Qatari patron.

As the UAE and Saudi Arabia become Israel's regional allies to endear themselves to the US in their bitter conflict with Iran, they would by association choose to become Hamas and Qatar's enemies, since Qatar has become Hamas's largest regional supporter. by

Furthermore, as early as June 2011, the UAE has been the main country supporting and leading all counterrevolutionary efforts against the promises of the Arab Spring. As authoritarian leaders were toppled in one country after another, Qatars political leaders and media outlets, particularly the Al Jazeera media network, gave a platform to the popular movements revolting against the old order, particularly the Islamist political groups led by the Muslim Brotherhood. Meanwhile, the UAE and Saudi Arabia were undermining these revolts in an attempt to reverse this trend, culminating in the July 2013 military overthrow of Egypts first democratically elected president.

The UAE has also become very close not only to pro-Israel politicians, but also to the American Islamophobia industry for over a decade. The founder of Blackwater, Erik Prince, who is also the brother of Donald Trumps education secretary, has relocated to the UAE and been serving for many years as a security adviser to Al Nahyan. Prince is a well-known Islamophobe and has publicly incited against the Muslim Brotherhood.

Since 2011, Saudi Arabia and the UAE have been vexed over two main concerns. First, they loathed any genuine change to the status quo, especially when cloaked around the establishment of real democratic rule and the promotion of equal citizenship and human rights.

Secondly, the popularity of Islamist parties and their sweeping success in elections across the Arab world in 2011 and 2012 frightened these regimes, particularly Saudi Arabia. They considered the electoral success of these movements a direct threat to their political legitimacy.

READ MORE: Analysts  Qatar supports Gaza, not Hamas

Since Hamas is considered the Palestinian branch of the Muslim Brotherhood, the threat of this movement was, fairly or not, extended to Hamas. For political and strategic reasons, Saudi Arabia offered support to Islamist groups, especially the Muslim Brotherhood, for decades. But ever since the Arab Spring phenomena, this marriage of convenience was abandoned in favour of a bitter rivalry that became enmity.

Furthermore, the Saudi regime has claimed twice to have been undermined by Hamas. The first occurred when Hamas did not accept the so-called Arab peace initiative for resolving Israels colonisation of Palestinian land, initially promoted in 2002 by then Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah. And secondly, the Saudis blamed Hamas for the failure of the 2007 Mecca reconciliation talks between Fatah and Hamas  brokered by the late King Abdullah, even though other players, particularly the US and Israel, played a crucial role in blocking it.

GCC rivalries





Another important reason for the current open hostility of Saudi Arabia towards Hamas has nothing to do with the Palestinian group, but with the battle of succession to the countrys ailing king.

For the first time since the establishment of the kingdom in 1932, the current crown prince is not a son of the countrys founder, but a grandson, namely, Muhammed bin Nayef Al Saud, 57. However, King Salman has also appointed his young son Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, 31, as second in line. As Mohammed bin Salman has increasingly asserted his authority over much of the countrys military forces and economic resources, the UAEs Al Nahyan has been cultivating Mohammed bin Salman for the past two years, encouraging him to adopt much of his regional policies in exchange for paving the way for the support of the US and Israel to eventually succeed his father and bypass Mohammed bin Nayef.

But perhaps more significantly, the resentment of Hamas by the two gulf regimes has been due to two other neighbouring countries they hate the most: Iran and Qatar. Due to the perception of its aggressive posture, Iran is considered by most of its Arab neighbours, as well as by Israel and the US, to be a strategic or even existential threat to their vital interests. In addition to its confrontational policies in Iraq, Syria, and Yemen, Iran is also often accused of being one of the biggest backers of the Palestinian Islamic resistance groups, namely Hamas and Islamic Jihad.

READ MORE: Gazans worried by Qatari crisis

The dictum the enemy of my enemy is my friend has recently become abundantly operative in the region as new alliances are formed, increasingly in open display, especially after Trumps election. So as the UAE and Saudi Arabia become Israels regional allies to endear themselves to the US in their bitter conflict with Iran, they would, by association, choose to become Hamas and Qatars enemies, since Qatar has become Hamass largest regional supporter.

Furthermore, there is a history of hostility between the UAE and Qatar that lingers in the background as the larger Gulf states try to impose their will on Qatar, while the latter has, for the past two decades, not only asserted its own discourse, but has so far vowed to defy the current challenge and continue to form its own alliances and chart its own independent foreign policy.

The current crisis has largely been a crude attempt by two bigger states to impose their will on a smaller neighbour by intimidation, coercion, and false pretences. Clearly it is not working, and in fact, has badly backfired.

Esam al-Amin is a writer and an expert on the Middle East and US foreign policy. His work appeared on many websites and publications. His articles on the Arab Spring and Middle East politics were translated to many languages. He is the author of The Arab Awakening Unveiled: Understanding Transformations and Revolutions in the Middle East.

The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial policy.
Pax Americana is over, but empowered cities and a reformed EU can take the lead for a better global governance model.

While the new US administration was busy reining in support for international trade and freedom of movement, Chinas president, speaking at the annual Davos forum in the Swiss Alps, performed a stunning defence of globalisation. While Donald Trump was withdrawing the United States from the Paris climate agreement, Frances newly elected President Emmanuel Macron was trolling him by demanding to make the planet great again  now an official website  and Chinas leadership, meeting with the EU institutions, was reaffirming its commitment to leading the fight against climate change.





While we should take Chinas new global role with a pinch of salt, one thing should be clear to all: global governance is in shambles. The recent failure of the G7 meeting in Taormina, Sicily, with the lack of agreement on measures to tackle climate change and the refugee crisis, is only the latest event to signal a breakdown of international cooperation. The unipolar world order of American hegemony is over.

This is not necessarily bad news: the so-called Pax Americana has been anything but peaceful, ushering in an endless string of wars that have inflamed the Middle East. But the risk of moving from a unipolar to an anarchic world system is real. A system where powers vie for influence  in Eastern Europe or in the South China Sea  in a zero-sum game of opposed national interests always one step away from catastrophe.

This is worrying, because todays world requires cooperative global governance as never before. The list of new global challenges goes well beyond fighting climate change, as if that were not already enough: just take wealth distribution and economic globalisation. Brando Milanovics elephant graph (pdf) may be the reference chart for the decline of Western middle classes, but it also shows something else: the stunning rise of the wealthiest one percent globally. Excessive concentration of wealth creates distortions and inefficiencies, as even the International Monetary Fund now admits. Short of expropriation, the solution is progressive taxation  and here is the problem.

OPINION: An all-American nightmare

Multinational corporations are increasingly able to play one state against the other to drive a fiscal bargain all but unimaginable for small and medium enterprises. Well beyond Apples infamous 0.005 percent Irish tax rate, the scandal stretches to a majority of the largest corporations  from the furniture of Ikea to the toothpaste of Procter&Gamble. Only international cooperation can put a break to such practice. Yet, progress is stalling, at both European Union and global level, with the G7 failing spectacularly to take a position on the issue despite pressure from the Italian hosts.

The cooperative, transnational experiment of the European Union represents a powerful blueprint for a new multipolar world order, one where proud nations are no longer pitted one against the other but work through consensus and the rule of law to reach mutually beneficial solutions. by

The list of crises that go well beyond the remit and reach of any nation-state keeps on growing. The refugee crisis is here to stay, fuelled by ongoing warfare and the nefarious effects of global warming, such as droughts, increasing in intensity in the most vulnerable African economies. Or, again, the need to regulate internet surveillance and data privacy, something Angela Merkel is hoping to raise at the upcoming Hamburg G20 summit in July. The list could be extended at length.

We need to reconstruct a global governance for this century or risk letting go of our capacity to govern some of the most important challenges of our time.

One part of the answer comes from cities. Cities are taking an increasingly central role all across the world. Often, as the in the US experience of the sanctuary cities that offer protection to undocumented migrants, they go directly against central government policy. And cities are now creating elaborate networks that could turn into effective agents of transnational governance.

On June 10, Barcelona hosted a global summit, fearless cities, bringing together mayors from across the world to commit to joint initiatives to tackle precisely the global challenges that national leadership seems increasingly unable to address.

Actions on climate, for instance, with reinforced cooperation over the implementation of ambitious environmental standards are more than just rhetoric: New York Mayor Bill de Blasio has just signed an executive order committing the city to the Paris agreement. Actions on refugees, with initiatives such as Solidarity Cities creating a pan-European network of municipal governments for the integration of migrants and refugees, are also taking place. Such initiatives need to be fostered, for cities matter enormously: More than half the worlds population and over 70 percent of Europeans live in urban areas, while the top 100 cities produce just under half the worlds GDP. They deserve political and economic recognition from national governments, constructing a space for global cooperation below the level of the nation state.

And then there is the level above. And here the cooperative, transnational experiment of the European Union represents a powerful blueprint for a new multipolar world order, one where proud nations are no longer pitted one against the other, but work through consensus and the rule of law to reach mutually beneficial solutions.

READ MORE: Integrating activism into governance institutions

Emmanuel Macron has just won a landslide victory in Frances legislative elections. He has a clear mandate to be in the driving seat of a comprehensive reform of the European Union  something he has repeatedly advocated. After the upcoming German elections in September, there are signs that the traditional Franco-German engine will gear up for further integration of of the Eurozone, the EUs core.





There is a risk. We should not forget that the policy mix supported by Angela Merkels Germany over the long years of European crisis  rebranded austerity  has brought Europe to the brink of collapse. Nor should we be fooled by Macrons youthful personality, when he seems to be supporting the same market-friendly economic policies that have led to the crisis in the first place.

Without a serious policy rethink  such as a comprehensive New Deal to put the continent back to work and a profound democratisation of EU institutions  Europes path towards greater integration risks becoming a fast-track to disintegration. This would be a shame for Europe as much as for the world.

Yes, we run the risk of stumbling towards a chaotic world of nationalism and conflict. But todays crisis of global governance also offers the chance to move beyond a system that never truly worked in the first place. Crafting a new global role for cities and reforming Europe are the heart of this challenge.

Lorenzo Marsili is a writer, politic activist, and the founder of international NGO European Alternatives.

The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial policy.
This week, more than 1,700 people have been arrested in Russia for taking part in anti-corruption protests. The geographical scope of the protests was vast  there have been arrests in dozens of Russian cities, from Vladivostok in the Far East to Kaliningrad on the Baltic Sea. Beside its breadth, what is also significant about this latest mass demonstration is that the severe suppression of the previous one in March, when many of the protesters were slammed with heavy fines and criminal charges, did not really stop anyone from joining. On the contrary, a number of Russian cities that previously did not participate in the protests joined in.

This is not the first time mass arrests and prosecutions have taken place in recent years. In response to the protest wave of 2011-2012, Russian President Vladimir Putin decided to tighten the screws on legal freedoms. His government introduced repressive laws limiting the freedom of assembly, while the justice system prosecuted a significant number of demonstrators. It seemed at that time that all these measures helped; the protest impetus diminished.





In 2017, Putin tried the same method again. After the protests in March, criminal proceedings were launched against a significant number of protesters. So young people who came out into the streets on June 12 were well aware of the risk of arrest and prosecution. And yet they came out anyway.

Two different Medvedevs and two different Russias

It is quite interesting that both waves of protests (2011-12 and 2017) were connected to Dmitry Medvedev. But these protests were actually connected to two different Medvedevs and they took place in two different Russias.

In 2011 Medvedev was associated with the thaw, which promised changes and engaged the intelligentsia. The price of oil was hitting record highs, the economy was booming and the middle class was growing. That was the revolution of cheated hope: When Putin decided to come back for a third term, all of these people, desiring change, felt cheated. The insolent falsification of results of the parliamentary elections gave the legitimate reason to go out in the streets.

OPINION: Russias new protest generation

Today, it is the revolution of desperation. And Medvedev is now associated not with a thaw but with pervasive corruption. The protests were triggered by an investigation into Medvedevs alleged corrupted practices published by opposition leader Alexei Navalny. The economic prosperity Russians once enjoyed is all but a fading memory, while the Kremlin stopped feigning moderation. All the talk about common values with the West and liberalism has now been replaced with an aggressive campaign to expose the fifth column.

The attitudes of the protesters also have changed. In the winter of 2011-2012, the opposition marches seemed like a festive walk: People were smiling, walking around with creative posters and children. The majority of those demos were permitted by the authorities and were not violently dispersed. Today there is no festive mood or speeches and the protesters are much more resolute about their cause.

The energy and audacity of these protests can be explained by the fact that a new generation has taken charge of them, a generation which does not know Russia before Putin. by

Indicative of this was the way the negotiations with the Moscow authorities were conducted to obtain permission to hold the march. In the beginning, the authorities said that they were ready to coordinate with the demonstrators, but that they would be allowed to gather only at a square relatively far from the city centre; the request for a gathering on the main Tverskaya Street was rejected. The organisers of the demonstration (Navalny et al) were ready to agree to that, but when they went to the city council, they were told that they wouldnt be allowed to use a screen or any sound equipment. So they immediately cut negotiations.

Later the authorities went back on their initial decision and announced that they would allow the demonstrators to have a screen and sound equipment. So negotiations were back on the table. However, a day before the planned demo, the contractor who was supposed to provide the sound equipment, the stage, and the screen, called in and said he wouldnt be able to deliver them because of orders from above. So then Navalny announced that there would not be a stage at the square and told protesters to go take a walk on Tverskaya Street.

Meanwhile, the authorities decided to deliver to the designated square not only a stage and sound equipment, but also people to speak on it. That way state channels were able to shoot the scene and show to their viewers that no one showed up to the march. And this was just the beginning of a bizarre surrealistic comedy.

The NKVD vs the Golden Horde

In that very place and at the very time when protesters were supposed to gather (2pm at Tverskyaya Street), the city council organised a historical reconstruction so the whole place was full of people wearing costumes of various epochs. Among them were people wearing the uniform of the Peoples Commissariat for Internal Affairs (NKVD), the same organ that was responsible for mass repression in Stalinist times. When protesters started their march on Tverskaya Street, the NKVD men would detain them and hand them over to the police. And in the middle of this insane panopticon, different epochs merged into one place and time and unwittingly this became a scene of profound symbolism: The history of Russia is not just history of dictatorships and repressions, but also of unity and liberation from an oppressive yoke.

OPINION: Under surveillance in Russia

The energy and audacity of these protests can be explained by the fact that a new generation has taken charge of them, a generation which does not know Russia before Putin. Only in Moscow, according to the official numbers, more than 130 minors were arrested during the protests, while the majority of the detainees are up to 25 years of age. They dont watch TV and they choose their sources of information on their own; they are therefore immune to the traditional Kremlin propaganda. And beside that, young people in general are braver, less likely to compromise and less susceptible to cynicism.





The Kremlins propaganda was never successful in increasing peoples trust in the political elite, but it has managed to destroy trust in opposition leaders and cultivate apolitical attitudes and cynicism. But today it is unable to do even the latter. Attempts to taint Navalny and other leaders of the protests have not produced any reaction among the youth other than new sarcastic memes on social media. The attempt of the Kremlin to get into memes and spread its own only confused people.

Of course, the fact that the first attempt to suppress the youth revolution was not successful doesnt mean that Putins regime is doomed and will fall soon. We know many examples when much bigger protests that relied on the youth were stifled by state regimes (Iran, Egypt, Turkey).

But it is also true that the current level of repression doesnt work and wont work. So as presidential elections are fast approaching, Putin is facing a painful dilemma. He will have to either tighten the screws even more and try the resilience of the youth, or surprise everyone and play the successor game again. The second option is still feasible, but it seems that the first one is more likely.

Roman Dobrokhotov is a Moscow-based journalist and civil activist. He is the editor-in-chief of The Insider.

The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial policy.
The United Nations migration agency said it was deeply concerned about some 260 Somali and Ethiopian refugees allegedly held and mistreated by criminal gangs in Libya, saying it believed a harrowing video of them posted on social media was authentic.

The International Organization for Migration noted the video posted June 9 on Facebook, in which it said many abused Somalis and Ethiopians are seen huddled fearfully in a concrete room.

The IOM said a Somali journalist based in Turkey recorded the video call from a gang in which some refugees claimed to have been beaten. Some alleged having their teeth pulled out and arms broken.

The authenticity of the video could not be independently verified.

The agency said some captives relatives had received videos asking them to pay $8,000 to $10,000 or their child or relative will be killed. The relatives exact location was not known, but the IOM said the relevant authorities in this situation have been informed.

READ MORE: UN report: UAE violates Libya arms embargo

The IOM has long decried risks taken by human traffickers with the migrants and refugees they ferry through relatively lawless Libya and into the Mediterranean Sea by boat en route to Italy.

Libya has been without a stable, central government since the fall of Moammar Gadhafi in 2011 and has been a major departure point for tens of thousands of people, mostly from the Horn of Africa, who seek to cross the Mediterranean to reach relative peace and economic opportunity in Europe.

In the video posted on Facebook, a man calling himself Abdinajib Mohamed speaks to the camera: I am here for a year now. I am in trouble. I am starved. Anyone who has gone through such ordeal would have hated life altogether. Look at my body, they beat me every day with batons. They dont want to release me.

Another young man who called himself Nur Ali Awale said he had been held for 15 months.

They beat me with iron bars, he said. I travelled from Ethiopia. They ordered me to pay $8,300, and my family cannot afford to pay that amount.

A veiled woman who said she had traveled from Bossaso city in northern Somalia with her two children said she had been beaten daily.
Official says Eritrean soldiers occupied moved contested border territory, days after Qatar pulled its peacekeepers out.

Djiboutis foreign minister has accused neighbouring Eritrea of occupying a disputed territory along their border shortly after Qatar peacekeepers left the location this week.

Mahamoud Ali Youssouf said on Friday that Djiboutis military was on alert and that it has lodged complaints to the United Nations and the African Union.

Qatari peacekeepers withdrew on June 12 and 13. On the same day, there were Eritrean military movements on the mountain, Ali Youssouf told the Reuters news agency.

They are now in full control of Dumeira Mountain and Dumeira Island. This is in breach of the UN Security Council resolution, he added, referring to areas that the neighbours dispute.

Authorities in Eritrea were not immediately available for comment.

Qatar announced that it was pulling its contingent out on June 14, days after the two East African countries sided with Saudi Arabia and its allies in a major diplomatic standoff with Doha.

Qatars foreign ministry did not give a reason for the move.

On June 5, a Saudi-led bloc of countries announced they were cutting ties with Qatar, accusing it of supporting terrorists  allegations Doha strongly denies.

READ MORE: Djibouti alleges Eritrean incursion

Djibouti, a close Western ally, hosts French and US military bases and is the main route to the sea for Eritreas arch foe and Washingtons top regional ally, Ethiopia.

Eritrea has fractious ties with the West, which had previously accused it of backing Somali and other regional armed groups. Asmara denies the charges.

According to Abdullahi Boru Halakh, a Horn of Africa analyst, the territorial dispute at the border has always been there, but for the past years Qatari forces that had been deployed there had kept peace.

Speaking from the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, he argued that Eritrea is trying to take advantage of the Gulf crisis.

Eritrea is in the cold and under UN sanctions, he told Al Jazeera.

They also have a territorial dispute with Ethiopia which has been simmering for years. The UN ruled in favour of Eritrea, but the ruling has not been enforced. Eritrea now sees this as an opportunity to come back from the cold and maybe get aid from the UN which it desperately needs.

Clashes broke out between the Horn of Africa countries in June, 2008, after Djibouti accused Eritrea of moving troops across the border, raising fears the spat could engulf the entire region.

The dispute triggered several days of fighting that killed a dozen Djiboutian troops and wounded dozens.

Eritrea had initially denied making any incursions, accusing Djibouti of launching unprovoked attacks.

The UN Security Council then requested both sides withdraw from the area, before the neighbours accepted a Qatari request to mediate and deploy peacekeepers.
US company says technology used to block child pornography pressed into service to address spread of propaganda online.

Amid growing pressure from governments, Facebook says it has stepped up its efforts to address the spread of terrorist propaganda on its service by using artificial intelligence (AI).

In a blog post on Thursday, the California-based company announced the introduction of AI, including image matching and language understanding, in conjunction with it already-existing human reviewers to better identify and remove content quickly.

We know we can do better at using technology  and specifically artificial intelligence  to stop the spread of terrorist content on Facebook, Monika Bickert, Facebooks director of global policy management, and Brian Fishman, the companys counterterrorism policy manager, said in the post.





Although our use of AI against terrorism is fairly recent, its already changing the ways we keep potential terrorist propaganda and accounts off Facebook.

We want Facebook to be a hostile place for terrorists.

Such technology is already used to block child pornography from Facebook and other services such as YouTube, but Facebook had been reluctant about applying it to other potentially less clear-cut uses.

In most cases, the company only removed objectionable material if users first report it.

Facebook and other internet companies have faced growing pressure from governments to identify and prevent the spread of terrorist propaganda and recruiting messages on their services.

Government officials have at times threatened to fine Facebook, which has nearly two billion users, and strip the broad legal protections it enjoys against liability for the content posted by its users.

Efforts welcomed

Facebooks announcement did not specifically mention this pressure, but it did acknowledge that in the wake of recent terror attacks, people have questioned the role of tech companies in fighting terrorism online.

It said Facebook wants to answer those questions head on and that it agrees with those who say that social media should not be a place where terrorists have a voice.

The UK interior ministry welcomed Facebooks efforts, but said technology companies needed to go further.

READ MORE: Facebook finally gets serious about fighting fake news

This includes the use of technical solutions so that terrorist content can be identified and removed before it is widely disseminated, and ultimately prevented from being uploaded in the first place, a ministry spokesman said on Thursday.

Among the AI techniques being used by Facebook is image matching, which compares photos and videos people upload to Facebook to known terrorism images or video.

Matches generally mean that either that Facebook had previously removed that material, or that it had ended up in a database of such images that the company shares with YouTube, Twitter and Microsoft.

New techniques

Facebook is also developing text-based signals from previously removed posts that praised or supported terrorist organisations.

It will feed those signals into a machine-learning system, over time, will learn how to detect similar posts.

In their blog post, Bickert and Fishman said that when Facebook receives reports of potential terrorism posts, it reviews those reports urgently.

In addition, it says that in the rare cases when it uncovers evidence of imminent harm, it promptly informs authorities.

READ MORE  Facebook: Political bias allegation not true

The company admitted that AI cant catch everything and technology is not yet as good as people when it comes to understanding what constitutes content that should be removed.

To address these shortcomings, Facebook said it continues to use human expertise to review reports and determine their context.

The company had previously announced it was hiring 3,000 additional people to review content that was reported by users.

Facebook also said it will continue working with other tech companies, as well as government and intergovernmental agencies to combat the spread of terrorism online.
Germanys longest-serving post-war chancellor, from 1982 to 1998, was credited with German reunification.

Former German Chancellor Helmut Kohl, the architect of Germanys reunification, died on Friday aged 87, his party said.

We mourn, Kohls Christian Democratic Union party (CDU) tweeted with a picture of the former chancellor.

Kohl led Germany through reunification in 1990 and was chancellor of first West Germany and then the unified nation from 1982 to 1998.

He had been frail and wheelchair-bound since suffering a bad fall in 2008, and was largely house-bound in his home in Ludwigshafen, in the western state of Rhineland-Palatinate.

Chancellor Angela Merkel said Kohl was the right man at the right time, when the winds of change began sweeping through Eastern Europe in the 1980s.

We all should be grateful what Helmut Kohl achieved during many years he served for us Germans and our country. He will live in our memories as the great European and the chancellor of our reunification. I bow before his legacy.

Tributes pour in

Former US presidents George H W Bush and Bill Clinton both called Kohl the greatest European leader of the second half of the 20th century.

Working closely with my very good friend to help achieve a peaceful end to the Cold War and the unification of Germany within NATO will remain one of the great joys of my life, Bush said in a statement.

Throughout our endeavours, Helmut was a rock  both steady and strong. We mourn his loss today, even as we know his remarkable life will inspire future generations of leaders to dare and achieve greatly.

The view was echoed by German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel. A truly great German and above all a truly great European has died, he said in a statement.

Helmut's death hurts me deeply. My mentor, my friend, the very essence of Europe, he will be greatly, greatly missed https://t.co/ikJFdzK9m0  Jean-Claude Juncker (@JunckerEU) June 16, 2017

European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker also paid tribute to Kohl.

Helmuts death hurts me deeply. My mentor, my friend, the very essence of Europe, he will be greatly, greatly missed, Juncker, a former prime minister of Luxembourg, said on Twitter.

Helmut Kohl filled the European house with life  not only because he built bridges to the west as well as to the east, but also because he never ceased to design even better blueprints for the future of Europe, Juncker added.

NATO Secretary Jens Stoltenberg described him as the embodiment of a united Germany in a united Europe.

When the Berlin Wall fell, he rose to the occasion. A true European, Stoltenberg tweeted. Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel also called Kohl a true European, while Luxembourgs Prime Minister Xavier Bettel lauded a great statesman.

Father of German reunification

Kohl led West Germany through a period of economic prosperity but always had an eye on East Germany amid thawing relations between the two.

After the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, Kohl took a huge political and personal risk by pushing for a quick reunification of East and West Germany.

The move paid off and a combined Germany went on to continue West Germanys economic miracle, albeit with the East still much the poorer.

He easily won the 1990 federal elections amid the euphoria but had a reduced majority in 1994.

By 1998 he had lost much of his political lustre and was defeated in the elections by the Social Democratic Partys (SDP) Gerhard Schroeder.

He was widely viewed by political scholars as the mentor of current Chancellor Merkel, also of the CDU, before their relationship soured
The men were convicted for their role in the 1993 attacks that killed 257 people and injured hundreds.

An Indian court on Friday convicted six people of involvement in an attack in Mumbai in 1993 in which 12 powerful bombs packed in cars, scooters and suitcases killed 257 people and injured hundreds of others.

The court found the six men  Abu Salem, Mustafa Dossa, Feroz Khan, Taher Merchant, Riyaz Siddiqui and Karimulla Khan  guilty on charges of criminal conspiracy, transporting weapons and murder, which are punishable by a maximum penalty of death.

The court is to announce sentences next week.

A seventh defendant  Abdul Qayoom Shaikh  was acquitted of all charges.

READ MORE: Indias politics of meat

The six are the second group to be tried in the blasts. More than 100 people were found guilty in the main trial that ended in 2007. Eleven people were sentenced to death and the rest received various jail terms and fines.





Prosecutors said the bombings were an act of revenge for the demolition of a 16th-century mosque by Hindu nationalists in northern India in 1992.

That triggered riots in parts of India, leaving more than 800 dead, mostly Muslims.

The 1993 blasts  which remain Indias most devastating attack  hit a number of prominent targets in Mumbai, Indias financial capital, including the stock exchange, the headquarters of Air India, hotels, a cinema, and shopping bazaars.

Prosecutors claim the bombings were masterminded by Dawood Ibrahim, Indias most wanted criminal, and were carried out in revenge for the demolition of the Babri mosque.

India accuses Pakistan of sheltering Ibrahim, a charge Islamabad denies. India says he has been living in Karachi, Pakistans financial hub, and has asked Pakistan several times to hand him over to face trial in India.
A May 2018 vote will be based on proportional representation and 15 districts, replacing the winner-takes-all system.

Lebanons parliament has ratified a new electoral law, paving the way for the first national elections since 2009.

The law passed with a broad majority on Friday after weeks of intensive negotiations between the countrys various parties.

The new law preserves the seat allocations in parliament to the countrys various Muslim and Christian sects, despite objections by civil society campaigners.

READ MORE: Michel Aoun elected president of Lebanon

A few members of parliament, including Kataeb Party leader Samy Gemayel, independent politician Boutros Harb and Assem Qanso of the Baath Party, also opposed the move.

Some activists rallied outside parliament to denounce the electoral law, which they said fell short of their expectations, according to the website An Nahar.

Zeina el-Helou of the Lebanese Association for Democratic Elections said the law doesnt meet the protesters expectations at all.

They consider this an accomplishment, but this is all rubbish, Helou told Al Jazeera outside of parliament. How can they call this an accomplishment after all of these years?

Video from the protest show security forces beating a handful of demonstrators who tried to block politicians motorcades outside the parliament building.





On Wednesday, the cabinet approved the new electoral law, which will be based on proportional representation and 15 electoral districts, replacing the winner-takes-all system for the first time in the countrys history.

Parliamentary elections are slated to be held in May 2018. The sitting parliament has extended its own term three times since it originally expired in 2013.

The dispute among Lebanese political leaders over the new law has threatened to plunge the country into a political crisis and leave it without a parliament for the first time.

Political analyst Paul Mancos told Al Jazeera the law is a step forward, but not enough in order to have real and fair representation.

The current term of the parliament, which has been extended twice since it was elected in 2009, was due to expire on June 20.

The law, which introduces a so-called preferential vote system, will replace an old, sectarian-based law passed in 1960.

In October 2016, Lebanons parliament elected President Michel Aoun after a 29-month power vacuum that grew out of bickering between the political factions.
Malaysia officials have denied US allegations that the assets were stolen from the countrys sovereign wealth fund.

The US Department of Justice is seeking to recover $540m in assets that it says were stolen from Malaysias troubled sovereign wealth fund, prompting objections from Malaysian officials who said on Friday there was no evidence of such crimes.

The move by the United States, announced on Thursday, is part of an effort to seize luxury property, art, and other ill-gotten assets linked to fraud at the government-controlled fund, which is intended to promote economic development projects in the Asian nation.

It was the latest development in a complex money laundering scheme the Justice Department says was intended to enrich top-level officials of the fund, including some who are close to Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak.

Najib has denied wrongdoing. The prime ministers press secretary, Tengku Sariffuddin, attacked the latest move and said: The judicial process is not served by headline seeking.

The Justice Department says more than $4.5bn has been stolen from the fund, known informally as 1MDB, which was created in 2009.

This money financed the lavish lifestyles of the alleged coconspirators at the expense and detriment of the Malaysian people, acting US Assistant Attorney General Kenneth Blanco said in a statement.

READ MORE: US goes after $1bn in assets from Malaysias 1MDB

The assets also include a rare 22-carat pink diamond necklace, allegedly bought for Najibs wife, Rosmah Mansor, at an estimated $27.3m.

The filings did not identify Najib or his wife by name, but it stated that the jewellery purchases were for the wife of Malaysian Official 1.

Malaysian and US government sources have previously confirmed that Malaysian Official 1 refers to Najib.

The accusations have rocked the Malaysian governing class and come at an especially awkward time for the Malaysian leader, as he had been expected to call a snap election later this year.

Last summer, prosecutors moved to recover more than $1bn allegedly embezzled by businessmen with political connections in Malaysia to pay for properties in New York and California, a $35m jet, art by Vincent Van Gogh and Claude Monet and to help finance the movies, Dumb and Dumber To and The Wolf of Wall Street  which ironically focused on financial crimes.

https://twitter.com/bradleyhope/status/875711175509647360

Lavish gifts

In the latest court papers filed in Los Angeles, federal prosecutors alleged that in 2014 Malaysian businessman Low Taek Jho stole $850m from funds borrowed from a syndicate of banks, ostensibly to repay options on bonds issued in an earlier stage of the scheme.

Those assets include a $261m yacht Low purchased, as well as paintings by Picasso and Jean-Michel Basquiat; and the royalties of Dumb and Dummer To and Daddys Home.

Those films were also produced by Red Granite, a Los Angeles company co-founded by Riza Aziz, son-in-law of Najib.





Bloomberg News reported that some of the assets highlighted in the court papers were given away by the conspirators as gifts, including a collage by Basquiat and a painting by Picasso, both presented to Wolf of Wall Street star Leonardo DiCaprio.

Bloomberg quoted a spokesman for the actor as saying that he had already initiated return of the items, which he had accepted for a charity auction for his foundation.

The lawsuits also describe how Low spent about $9m in 2014 buying jewellery for Australian model Miranda Kerr.

Low bought a necklace containing an 11.72-carat heart-shaped diamond for $1.29m, with Kerrs initials MK inscribed on the back.

The necklace was given to Kerr as a Valentines Day gift, according to the lawsuit.

Later that same year, Low bought an 8.88-carat pink heart diamond pendant worth $4.8m, also as a gift for Kerr.

The case is the largest single action the Justice Department has taken under its Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative, launched in 2010, which seeks to recover foreign bribery proceeds and embezzled funds.
Human rights body in Qatar calls for UN fact-finding mission to document violations due to Saudi-led bloc blockade.

The cutting of diplomatic ties, closure of air, land and sea and the restrictions placed on Qatar are worse than the Berlin Wall, according to the chairman of Qatars National Human Rights Committee (NHRC).

Speaking in Geneva on Friday, Ali Bin Smaikh al-Marri called on the UN Human Rights Council to condemn the blockade of Qatar as it infringes upon the rights of more than 13,000 citizens of the Arab countries involved.

All these decisions are really a violation against the rights of the families, Marri said in a separate interview with Al Jazeera.

According to a report released by NHRC on Thursday, the actions taken by Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, along with Egypt, separated mothers from their children in some cases.

Hundreds of complaints were submitted to the NHRC by email, phone and hotlines, or personal visits to its headquarters in Qatars capital, Doha.

These procedures [blockade] are worse than the Berlin Wall, Marri said.

Families have been separated. In one instance, a Saudi man died in Qatar. His sons were prevented by Saudi authorities to bring the body back home so Qatar took the responsibility to bury him.

This is collective punishment and the blockade will affect thousands of people.

If this blockade will go on we will ask the Human Rights Council (OHCHR) to form a fact-finding mission to see and follow up on these violations, Marri said.

He also described the situation of students either being called back from Qatar or forced to leave universities in the Gulf countries, urging the OHCHR to condemn these blockades against Qatari people.

Al Jazeeras Nadim Baba, reporting from Geneva, described Marris statement as very strong and direct.

Our correspondent also reported that the Qatari officials also plan to meet with European parliament officials to make their case against the blockade.

He also said that it is unlikely the dispute will be resolved soon, adding that there seems to be no dialing back of angry language from some of the countries involved.

If the blockade carries on as it is, the Qatar officials said that they would like to bring the case before the UN Security Council.

On June 11, six days after the decision, Saudi Arabia issued a royal order to take into consideration the humanitarian situation of mixed families [Saudi-Qatar], then the UAE and Bahrain followed suit.

Saudi Arabias closure of Qatars only land border means more of the countrys food has to be brought in by air.

READ MORE: Qatar-Gulf crisis: All the latest updates

Qatar imported the vast majority of its food from its Arab Gulf neighbours before the diplomatic shutdown, and has been talking with Iran and Turkey to secure food and water supplies since the crisis broke out.

Furthermore, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain have threatened sanctions against people who criticise moves taken by their governments against Qatar and has blocked access to Al Jazeera.

The UN aviation agency said it will review requests from Qatar to intervene after its Gulf neighbours closed their airspace to Qatar flights.

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a UN agency that regulates international air travel under the Chicago Convention, said transport ministers and aviation officials from Qatar, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Egypt kicked off a two-day meeting at its Montreal headquarters on Thursday to seek a consensus-based solution that addressed current regional concerns.

ICAO is presently reviewing requests from the government of Qatar to assess the flight restrictions imposed upon it by neighbouring states, according to a statement by the agency.
Family says Otto Warmbier has been in a coma since March 2016, shortly after being sentenced to 15 years of hard labour.

An American university student who was returned to the US this week after being held in North Korea for 18 months, has a severe brain injury and is in a state of unresponsive wakefulness, doctors say.

Otto Warmbier, 22, has been in a coma since March 2016, shortly after he was sentenced to 15 years of hard labour in North Korea, according to his family.

He arrived in the US on Tuesday and is stable but shows no sign of understanding language, responding to verbal commands or awareness of his surroundings, said Dr Daniel Kanter, medical director of the neuroscience intensive care unit at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, on Thursday.





He has not spoken, Kanter said.

He said Warmbier was breathing on his own, but he has not engaged in any purposeful movements or behaviours. He has spontaneous eye opening and blinking.

Warmbier, from Wyoming, Ohio, was arrested for trying to steal an item bearing a propaganda slogan, North Korean media reported.

He was visiting North Korea with a tour group.

At a news conference before his trial, a weeping Warmbier said he had made the worst mistake of my life and pleaded to be released.

On Thursday, North Korea said that it had released Warmbier on humanitarian grounds.

His father, Fred Warmbier, said the family was proud of him, calling him a fighter.

Warmbiers parents were told their son was given a sleeping pill soon after his trial in March last year but never woke up.

Botulism and sleeping pill

A Washington Post newspaper report said the parents were told he may have been infected by botulism while in the North Korea jail system.

The elder Warmbier said he did not believe North Koreas explanation that the coma resulted from botulism and a sleeping pill.

US doctors said they found no evidence of active botulism, a rare, serious illness caused by contaminated food or a dirty wound.

Kanter said Otto Warmbier suffered extensive loss of brain tissue in all regions of the brain.

READ MORE: US says North Korea a clear and present danger to world

Doctors said his injuries are consistent with respiratory arrest cutting off oxygen to the brain, but they do not know what caused it.

The developments come amid tensions with the US following a series of missile tests by North Korea, focusing attention on an arms build-up that Pentagon chief Jim Mattis this week described as a clear and present danger to all.

A state department spokeswoman said in Washington, DC that Warmbiers release followed quiet diplomacy, at US President Donald Trumps suggestion.
At least two Palestinians shot dead by Israeli forces after twin attacks that kill Israeli policewoman at Damascus Gate.

Israeli forces have shot dead at least two Palestinians and wounded another after two separate attacks that killed an Israeli border policewoman outside the Old City of occupied East Jerusalem, officials said.

The Palestinian health ministry initially said it had been officially informed that three Palestinians were killed in Fridays simultaneous attacks in locations near Damascus Gate. It later issued a correction, saying that two had been killed and one wounded.

In the first incident, a 23-year-old Israeli female officer was stabbed by one attacker and taken to hospital in critical condition, police said. The officer, identified as Hadas Malka, later succumbed to her wounds.

In the other incident, two attackers armed with a knife and a gun were shot by an Israeli police officer.

At least two bystanders were also reportedly hurt.

READ MORE: How Israel has failed Palestinian victims

Palestinian authorities said two of the men killed were 18-year-olds from Deir Abu Mishal, near Ramallah. A third suspect, a 30-year-old man from Hebron, was wounded and not killed, as had initially been reported, they said.

The idea that this was some kind of a coordinated event, potentially, with multiple attackers is less frequent, Al Jazeeras Harry Fawcett, reporting from occupied East Jerusalem, said.





We havent seen something like this for a few months at least, he added.

Pandemonium broke out shortly after Fridays attacks as police pushed hundreds of people out of the Old City to clear the scene.

Tens of thousands of Palestinians from the occupied West Bank were given permits by Israeli authorities to enter occupied East Jerusalem on Friday for Ramadan prayers.

Excessive force

Since October 2015, Palestinian assailants have killed 42 Israelis, two visiting Americans and a British student, mainly in stabbing, shooting and vehicular attacks. In that time, some 250 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire.

Most of the Palestinians killed were allegedly carrying out knife, gun or car-ramming attacks, Israeli authorities say.

Others were shot dead during protests or clashes, while some were killed in Israeli air strikes on the besieged Gaza Strip.

Israel blames the violence on incitement by Palestinian political and religious leaders.

Palestinians say it stems from anger over decades of Israeli occupation in territory they claim for their state.

Since October 2015, a number of local and international human rights groups have raised concerns that Israeli security forces have used excessive force when confronting Palestinians who had carried out attacks or been suspected of doing so.

The Israeli police relaxed its open-fire regulations in December 2015, permitting officers to open fire with live ammunition on those throwing stones or firebombs as an initial option, without having to use non-lethal weapons first.
Fleeing residents quoted describing scores of bodies as government forces battle ISIL-linked group for control of city.

The Philippine government says its troops have taken control of 90 percent of Marawi city, after fighters who swore allegiance to ISIL seized it three weeks ago.

The latest news comes just a day after a politician said that residents fleeing the city had seen scores of bodies, as intense fighting between security forces and ISIL, or the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, continued.

Dead bodies, at least 100, scattered around the encounter area, Zia Alonto Adiong, a politician in the area who is helping in rescue and relief efforts, said on Thursday, referring to accounts he had received from fleeing residents.

The military said it could not confirm the report.

Thousands have been forced to leave their homes, as about 150 fighters are still putting up a fight in Marawi.

Rescuers fear that hundreds of people may still be trapped as fighting continues, and that many of them face starvation or have been killed in the crossfire.

Many of the displaced are currently living in evacuation centres across Lanao province.

The army has said 290 people have been killed in the fighting, including 206 fighters, 58 soldiers and 26 civilians.

Lieutenant-Colonel Jo-Ar Herrera, a military spokesman, said troops were advancing towards the commercial centre of Marawi, which is held by the fighters.

We intend to finish the fight as soon as possible. Our tactical commanders are doing their best, Herrera said.

But many of the remaining ISIL-linked fighters had taken up sniper positions, he said, complicating the advance.

The battlefield is very fluid, he said.
Criticism follows announcement that Turkish security agents were among those being sought over brawl in Washington, DC.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has criticised the US decision to issue arrest warrants for 12 of his bodyguards allegedly linked with a brawl outside the Turkish embassy in Washington, DC.

Several people were injured when a brawl broke out outside Turkeys embassy during Erdogans visit to the US in May.

Washington, DC police reportedly obtained the arrest warrants for the bodyguards on Thursday.

Speaking at a dinner to break the Ramadan fast in the capital, Ankara, on Thursday, Erdogan said: They have issued arrest warrants for 12 of my bodyguards. What kind of law is this?

READ MORE: US decries Washington, DC, brawl during Erdogans visit

If my bodyguards cannot protect me, then why am I bringing them to America with me?

He said Kurdish PKK fighters and members of what Turkey calls the Fetullah Terrorist Organisation (FETO) were united in protest against him at a short distance of 40-50 metres from where he was with his bodyguards.

The US police is doing nothing. Can you imagine what the response would have been if a similar incident had taken place in Turkey? Erdogan said.

Turkish allegations

According to the Turkish government, FETO and its US-based leader Fethullah Gulen orchestrated the defeated coup of July 15, 2016, which left 250 people dead and nearly 2,200 injured.

Turkey also accuses FETO of being behind a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through the infiltration of Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police and judiciary.

On the other hand, more than 1,200 people, including security force personnel and civilians, have lost their lives since the PKK  listed as a terrorist organisation by Turkey, the US and EU  resumed its decades-old armed campaign in July 2015.

Earlier on Thursday, Turkeys foreign ministry called in John Bass, the US ambassador to Ankara, for talks over the arrest warrants

OPINION: Its time for the US to stop alienating its allies

It has been conveyed to the ambassador that this decision taken by US authorities is wrong, biased and lacks legal basis, the ministry said in a statement, blaming local authorities for failing to take proper security measures with regards to the so-called protesters.

Washington, DC District Police Chief Peter Newsham said nine Turkish security agents, three Turkish police officers and two Canadians were being sought over the brawl.

He also said two arrests were made on Wednesday.

We all saw the violence that was perpetrated against the protesters, Newsham said. Were not going to tolerate this.

State department messages

Rex Tillerson, US secretary of state, said the charges send a clear message that the United States does not tolerate individuals who use intimidation and violence to stifle freedom of speech and legitimate political expression.

Heather Nauert, state department spokesperson, declined to say what actions might be taken, but the US could seek the extradition of the Turkish suspects or bar them from entering the US.

Erdogans security detail returned with him to Turkey after his visit, so it was unclear if any would face any immediate US legal repercussions.

However, they could end up being threatened with arrest if they return to the US. If any are still in the country, they could be expelled if Turkey refuses to waive diplomatic immunity.





They should bring themselves here to the US to answer these charges, Newsham said.

Newsham recounted how video near the residence showed some attacking protesters with their fists and feet.

Men in dark suits and others were recorded repeatedly kicking one woman as she lay curled on the pavement.

A man with a bullhorn was repeatedly kicked in the face.

After officers struggled to protect the protesters and ordered the men in suits to retreat, several of the men dodged the officers and ran into a park to continue the attacks.
Russias defence ministry says Baghdadi was present at an ISIL meeting in Syria that was struck by Russian air force.

Russia has claimed killing the leader of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant group in an air strike targeting a meeting of ISIL leaders just outside the fighters de facto capital in Syria.

The Russian defence ministry said it was checking claims that Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was killed in a Russian strike in May, along with other senior group commanders.

There had been previous reports of Baghdadi being killed but they did not turn out to be true.





The air strike was launched after the Russian forces in Syria received intelligence that an ISIL meeting was being planned, the ministry said in a statement posted on its Facebook page on Friday.

On May 28, after drones were used to confirm the information on the place and time of the meeting of [ISIL] leaders, between 00:35 and 00:45, Russian air forces launched a strike on the command point where the leaders were located, the statement said.

According to the information which is now being checked via various channels, also present at the meeting was [ISIL] leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, who was eliminated as a result of the strike.

Al Jazeeras Rory Challands, reporting from Moscow, said the information was being verified.

The Russians are certainly not 100 percent confident that the information they believe to be true is actually true, he said.

The information is being verified. But if it true, it would be a huge PR coup for the Russians.

The US-led coalition fighting ISIL said it could not confirm the Russian report.

We cannot confirm these reports at this time, said US Army Colonel Ryan Dillon, spokesman for the coalitions Operation Inherent Resolve.

Al Jazeeras Stefanie Dekker, reporting from Gaziantep on the Turkey-Syrian border, said it has been claimed before [that Baghdadi was killed].

OPINION: Baghdadi dead or alive  Does it matter?

Its [also] been claimed that hes been injured before, which is why everyone always treats these reports with extreme caution, she said.

But it is the first time that were hearing this from the Russian defence ministry, and we also had Syrian state media announce this last week.

The last public video footage of Baghdadi is from 2014 where, dressed in black robe, he is declaring his caliphate from the pulpit of Mosuls medieval Grand al-Nuri mosque.

Born Ibrahim al-Samarrai, Baghdadi, 46, broke away from al-Qaeda in 2013, two years after the capture and killing of the groups leader, Osama bin Laden.

Rami Abdulrahman, director of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), cast doubt on the report Baghdadi may have been killed.

He said that according to his information, Baghdadi was based in another part of Syria towards the end of May.

The information is that as of the end of last month, Baghdadi was in Deir Az Zor, in the area between Deir Az Zor and Iraq, in Syrian territory, Reuters news agency quoted Abdulrahman as saying.

Questioning what Baghdadi would have been doing in that location, he said: Is it reasonable that Baghdadi would put himself between a rock and a hard place of the [US-led] coalition and Russia?

The strike is believed to have killed several other senior leaders of the group, as well as about 30 field commanders and up to 300 of their personal guards, the Russian statement said.
Saudi Arabias foreign minister says a list of grievances involving Qatar is being drawn up and will be presented to the Arab Gulf country shortly.

Speaking in London, on Friday, Adel al-Jubeir called on Qatar to respond to what he claimed were international and regional calls for it to halt its support for extremism and terrorism.

I would not call them demands. I would say it is a list of grievances that need to be addressed and that the Qataris need to fix, he said.

Jubeir did not detail what complaints could be made, but added that they will be presented very soon.





Four Arab states  Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt  severed diplomatic and trade relations with Qatar on June 5, accusing it of supporting extremism and their regional rival Iran.

They later issued a list of 59 people and 12 groups with links to Qatar, alleging that they have ties to terrorism.

The list included several prominent Qatari charities that carry out life-saving work across the Middle East and elsewhere, including in Syria, Yemen, Sudan and Palestine.

The Qatari government has repeatedly rejected the allegations of supporting individuals and groups blacklisted as terrorists as baseless.

It said that it has been leading the region in attacking what it called the roots of terrorism by giving young people hope through jobs, educating hundreds of thousands of Syrian refugees and funding community programmes to challenge the agendas of armed groups.

The Saudi-led bloc of nations cut off sea and air links with Qatar and ordered Qatari nationals to leave their countries with 14 days.

They also urged their citizens to return to their respective countries, disrupting the lives of thousands in the region and restricting their freedom of movement.

Regional ambitions exposed

In his remarks from London, Jubeir said there was no intention of harming the Qatari people and called Qatar an ally in the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

Saad Djebbar, an international lawyer based in London, told Al Jazeera that Jubeirs comments exposed the regional ambitions of the four countries leading the blockade against Qatar.

If there were any underlying grievances, thats when you start the embargo. What this shows is that the Saudis, Emiratis, Bahrainis and Egyptians  they have no list  they just wanted to engage in a venture against Qatar, he said.

This embargo eclipses the one against Libyas [ex-ruler Muammar] Gaddafi following the Pan Am airlines bombing  that embargo only afflicted air flights, not the seas and vessels or territorial borders.

READ MORE: Qatari human rights body  Blockade is worse than Berlin Wall

In fact, Qatar should provide a list of the material, financial and commercial damage caused by the embargo on them.

Qatar imported the vast majority of its food from its Arab Gulf neighbours before the diplomatic shutdown, but has been talking with Iran and Turkey to secure food and water supplies since the crisis broke out.

Jubeirs comments in London echoed the Saudi, Emirati, and Bahraini envoys to the United Nations, who affirmed on Friday that their recent moves to diplomatically isolate Qatar are within their rights to protect national security.

Decisions to cut ties with Qatar are a sovereign right of the States concerned and aim to protect their national security from the dangers of terrorism and extremism, they said in a joint declaration.

READ MORE: Qatar-Gulf crisis  Who are the terrorists?

The statement came in response to remarks on Wednesday by Zeid Raad Al Hussein, UN high commissioner for human rights, who expressed alarm about the human rights impact of cutting off ties.

Separately, Ali bin Samikh al-Marri, chairman of Qatars national human rights committee, said the measures amounted to collective punishment and cited one case of a mother being separated from her baby.

This had led to gross violations of human rights, Marri said on Friday in Geneva, noting that every Qatari family had at least one member living in other countries in the region.

Mediation efforts continue

Against this background of continued tensions, Mevlut Cavusoglu, Turkeys foreign minister, held talks in Saudi Arabia with the king, Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, on Friday.

The meeting was positive, AFP news agency reported, quoting diplomatic sources, but there were no specifics.

Cavusoglu travelled to Mecca, where Salman is based for the last days of Ramadan, after meeting his Kuwaiti counterpart on Thursday.





Cavusoglu was in Doha on Wednesday where he called for dialogue after meeting Qatars emir and foreign minister.

Although the kingdom is a party in this crisis, we know that King Salman is a party in resolving it, Cavusoglu said earlier.

We want to hear the views of Saudi Arabia regarding possible solutions and will share with them our views in a transparent way  We pay a great attention to our relations with them.

Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad Al Sabah, the emir of Kuwait, which has not cut ties with Qatar, has also been trying to mediate.

Tillersons decision

For his part, Rex Tillerson, the US secretary of state, has cancelled his scheduled trip to an Organization of American States (OAS) meeting in Mexico next week to stay in the United States and work on resolving the Qatar crisis.

Speaking to Al Jazeera, Tamara Kharroub, a senior analyst and assistant executive director at the Arab Center in Washington, DC, said Tillersons latest move is a clear sign this is a priority and in the next week, we will see some serious efforts to mediate and resolve the conflict.

Now we hear from Saudi Arabia of a list of grievances, rather than demands, she said.

That, I believe, is a signal that Saudi Arabia is not intending to escalate this crisis any further  trying to lessen the issue from demands to grievances.
iStock/Thinkstock(HOUSTON) -- Houston police are searching for three suspects after a 10-month-old boy was shot and killed while in the arms of his father, who was attempting to flee the gunfire.



Around 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, the child's 22-year-old father was taking out the trash and helping his son walk when three men approached them, police said. After an argument ensued, one of the suspects began "firing indiscriminately" at the father, who then picked up his son and ran, said Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo in a press conference Wednesday.



The child was struck by a bullet, and the father was able to flag down a citizen for help after running through the parking lot of the apartment complex, Acevedo said.



The boy, identified as Messiah Marshall, was pronounced dead on the scene despite efforts from first responders to render aid, Acevedo said.



Acevedo said the Police Department is "angry" about Messiah's death and vowed to catch the "cowards" who killed him.



"His journey was cut short by cowards who have absolutely no respect for the sanctity of life," Acevedo said.



Acevedo said the suspects "crossed a line" when they shot at Messiah and his father.



"You don't shoot at a man carrying his 10-month-old son," the police chief said. "You don't shoot multiple rounds at a man that's running, trying to protect his son. You don't take the life of a 10-month-old child."



Messiah's mother, Aliyah Scott, told ABC Houston station KTRK she was inside of the apartment taking a nap when the shooting occurred.



Scott described her son as a charismatic and intelligent boy who loved to watch the children's show "Paw Patrol" and listen to Bruno Mars.



"He was something special," she said. "He showed me the true meaning of unconditional love."



Acevedo urged the suspects, whom he described as three black men in their 20s, to turn themselves in to police rather than spend the future looking over their shoulders.



"We are going to find you," he said.



Acevedo also called upon the residents of the Nob Hill Apartments complex to come forward with any information.



"There are people in that complex that saw what happened," he said. "There are people that are going to watch this press conference that know what happened. There are people that know who these cowards are, and I'm calling on you."



Acevedo also warned residents of the apartment complex who are "part of the criminal element" that Houston police will start to pay close attention to the complex."



A reward of up to $5,000 is being offered in exchange for credible information leading to the identification and/or arrest of the suspects.



Copyright  2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
US president reportedly under investigation for obstruction of justice in connection with Russia collusion probe.

US President Donald Trump appeared to confirm on Friday that he was under investigation and seemingly took aim at a senior Justice Department official, in a tweet that seemed to encapsulate his frustration with an ongoing probe into alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election.

I am being investigated for firing the FBI Director by the man who told me to fire the FBI Director! Witch Hunt, the president wrote in his tweet.

The tweet came after reports in The Washington Post on Wednesday claiming that Trump was being investigated for potential obstruction of justice by Rob Mueller, the special counsel investigating alleged Russian involvement in last years vote and possible collusion with the Trump campaign.

I am being investigated for firing the FBI Director by the man who told me to fire the FBI Director! Witch Hunt  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 16, 2017

A US official, speaking to Al Jazeera on condition of anonymity, denied that Trump was confirming the investigation in his tweet. The official claimed Trump was referencing the Washington Posts claims, which he said were based on anonymous and illegal leaks.

Trumps tweet that he is being investigated by the man who told me to fire the FBI Director may refer to Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein.

Rosenstein, in a memo to Trump, had raised concerns over FBI Director James Comeys performance.

While the Trump administration initially said that letter was the reason the president fired Comey on May 9, Trump later said he did so because of the Russia thing.

And it was Rosenstein who appointed Mueller as special counsel to the Russian investigation.

REPORTERS NOTEBOOK: 7 things learned from James Comey testimony

Also unclear was whether the presidents comment apparently confirming he was under investigation was based on direct knowledge or media reports that Mueller is examining whether Trump obstructed justice by firing Comey.

Al Jazeeras Kimberly Halkett, reporting from Washington, DC, said the tweet has caused confusion about to whom Trump is referring, because Mueller was not special counsel when Comey was fired and could not have advised him to take that action.

Trump has also said that decided to fire Comey himself, and Rosensteins memo followed that decision.

What does make sense though is this seems to be an indication the president is growing increasingly frustrated with the ongoing reporting of this case and the investigation that has broadened in scope, and is lashing out on social media as a result, she said.

Increasing pressure

In another tweet earlier on Friday, Trump wrote:

After 7 months of investigations & committee hearings about my "collusion with the Russians," nobody has been able to show any proof. Sad!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 16, 2017

Trumps tweets come after the top lawyer for his transition team warned team officials to preserve all records and other materials related to the Russia probe. An official of Trumps transition confirmed the lawyers internal order sent on Thursday.

The transition official spoke to the Associated Press news agency on condition of anonymity because the person was not authorised to discuss post-election decisions publicly.

The transition order came the same day that Vice President Mike Pence confirmed that he had hired a private lawyer to represent his interests in the expanding probe. Pence headed the Trump transition until inauguration day.

The order casts a wide net on documents that could shed light on ties between Trumps presidential campaign and representatives of Russias government.

READ MORE: Donald Trump and James Comey  A timeline

The order also covers separate inquiries into several key Trump associates including former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn, campaign adviser Paul Manafort, foreign policy aide Carter Page and outside adviser Roger Stone.





In written testimony for the Senate Intelligence Committee earlier this month, Comey claimed Trump told him at a meeting in the White House in February: I hope you can see your way clear to letting this go, to letting Flynn go. Trump has denied any wrongdoing.

The memo sent on Thursday asks for records related to foreign travel, contacts with Russian officials, agents or nationals and background investigations into the top Trump associates now targeted by Muellers probe.

The memo asks for the preservation of electronic communications and data, telephone logs, audio recordings, videos, calendars and other items.

The transition official said the organisation has also separately asked the General Services Administration to preserve records from the Trump transition that were transferred to its facilities after Trumps inauguration.

The transition, a non-profit structurally separate from the Trump campaign, continues to operate with a small staff.
US president says he is restoring some of the restrictions lifted after the Obama administrations detente with Cuba.

US President Donald Trump has reversed parts of his predecessor Barack Obamas diplomatic re-engagement with Cuba, tightening rules on Americans travelling there and restricting US companies dealing with enterprises controlled by the island nations military.

Speaking at a rally in Miami on Friday, Trump said: Last year, I pledged to be a voice against oppression, and here I am like I promised. Now that I am your president  We will stand with the Cuban people in the struggle for freedom.

Effective immediately, I am cancelling the last governments one-sided deal with Cuba.

We wont lift sanctions on the Cuban regime until all political prisoners and freed  until free and internationally recognised elections are held.

Trumps revised approach, which will be enshrined in a new presidential directive, calls for stricter enforcement of a longtime ban on Americans going to Cuba as tourists.

The new policy is also expected to ban most US business deals with the Armed Forces Business Enterprises Group (GAESA), a sprawling conglomerate run by General Luis Alberto Rodriguez Lopez-Callejas, son-in-law of Cuban President Raul Castro.

GAESA operates dozens of hotels, tour buses, restaurants and other facilities.

Yet, parts of Obamas diplomatic breakthrough in December 2014 are expected to remain intact, including the reopened US embassy in Cubas capital, Havana, and the restoration of relations between Cold War-era foes.

Views from Miami, Havana

Al Jazeeras Andy Gallacher, reporting from Miami, said Trump was seeking to make good on a campaign promise to conservative Cuban-Americans that will stop the flow of money from US businesses to the Cuban military.

Essentially, Trump is looking to stop funding for the Cuban government, the Castros and the military, while encouraging young entrepreneurs to make their own way, he said.

Trump wants to challenge the Castro leadership and improve the countrys human rights record. Among, the people calling for change in Miami are local congressmen and theyre very vocal people. They wont be happy until they see free and fair elections in Cuba.

READ MORE: Cuban Americans warily await Trumps policy rethink

Al Jazeeras Lucia Newman, reporting from Havana, said Cubans had been eagerly awaiting Trumps speech.

Relations between Cuba and the US have gone up and down during the last half-century and while there have been small steps to improve them, the people have only seen them roll back rather swiftly, she said.

Around 60 percent of the economy is controlled by the military  people are bracing themselves for the worst.

Were hearing of a lot of cancellations on [the online accommodation service] Airbnb, and as many as 25 students that were attending an exchange programme have cancelled.

Last month, the Cuban government said it would legalise small- and medium-sized private businesses, we dont know exactly what that will entail right now, but that could significantly expand private enterprise and is a decision they probably made in anticipation for Trump.

Engage Cuba, a group lobbying for an end to the embargo, estimates that 10,000 US jobs in aviation and the cruise business already depend on Cuba.

Some 285,000 people visited the Caribbean country in 2016, up 74 percent over 2015, with Americans the third-biggest group, after Canadians and Cuban expats.
Foreign minister says, after holding talks in Qatar and Kuwait, problem cant be solved with embargoes and sanctions.

As the rift between Qatar and the Saudi-led bloc enters its second week, Mevlut Cavusoglu, Turkeys foreign minister, has said that Qatari authorities do not want the diplomatic crisis to continue.

Cavusoglu held talks in Kuwait with his counterpart Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al Sabah on Thursday to push mediation efforts aimed at resolving the dispute.

While saying an eagerness to resolve the crisis was seen in meetings with Qatari officials, Cavusoglu said Qatari officials were seeking proof of the accusations levelled against their country.

We share our views to resolve this problem and remain impartial, but we say what is wrong without hesitation, he said on his return to Ankara from Kuwait on Thursday.





What is the problem, what are the accusations and what is the evidence? We must lay these out in order to solve this problem, he said.

This problem cant be solved with embargos and sanctions that go too far.

We need to solve this problem as soon as possible by going through a process of easing the crisis without further escalating tensions.

Cavusoglu was expected to visit Saudi Arabia on Friday and share Turkeys sincere views on the crisis during a meeting with Saudi officials.

Qatar is facing an economic and diplomatic boycott by Saudi Arabia and its regional allies.

They accuse Qatar of funding terrorism, fomenting regional unrest and cosying up to their enemy Iran, all of which Qatar denies.

In response to an accusation that Qatar stands by Iran, Cavusoglu said these allegations were untrue, adding that no country in the region opposed Irans practices as firmly as Qatar, Turkey and Saudi Arabia.

Side by side

Cavusoglu said Qatar stood beside the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in Yemen, and also stood by Saudi Arabia when its embassy was attacked in Tehran last year.

He said Turkey too does not view the Muslim Brotherhood and Hamas as terrorist organisations.

Speaking on Qatars $12bn deal with the US to buy F-15 fighter jets, Cavusoglu said just like other country, like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt  it is natural for Qatar to buy airplanes or parts necessary for its own defence.

The Saudi-led blockade imposed against Qatar raised fears of a food crisis in the emirate, as most of its supplies come from Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

But the shortages have eased, with Turkey and Iran shipping in meat, fruit and vegetables.
Dr Marc Lamont Hill is an award-winning journalist and author and is the Steve Charles Professor of Media, Cities, and Solutions at Temple University. Hill is known for his work addressing the intersections of race, justice, politics and culture. His latest best-selling book is We Still Here: Pandemics, Policing, Protest and Possibility which follows on the success of Nobody: Casualties of Americas War on the Vulnerable from Flint to Ferguson. Hill has received numerous prestigious awards from the US National Association of Black Journalists, GLAAD, and the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences.










English News Chinese, US think tanks discuss mutually beneficial cooperation

Alwihda Info | Par peoplesdaily - 17 Juin 2017



A survey conducted by a third-party organization showed that to assemble an iPhone 7 in China would only take $5.96 out of the $237.45 total cost, while the starting price of the phone is $649 in the US market.

By Zhang Niansheng, Yin Miao, Li Bingxin from Peoples Daily Chinese and US experts from think tanks and political circles stressed the importance of more investment in each other while discussing the approaches to enhance mutually beneficial cooperation at a dialogue held in Manhattan on Wednesday.



The High-level Dialogue on US-China Economic Relations, hosted by the New York City-based Asia Society Policy Institute and the China Center for International Economic Exchanges, attracted broad public attention.



Relations between the two countries would get closer every time they tackle a global challenge together, said Chee-hwa Tung, vice chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee.



Chinese President Xi Jinpings meeting with his US counterpart Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago resort in this April indicated a positive start and good sign, Tung noted, saying that it implies the possibility for a constructive relationship between the two countries.



Cui Tiankai, Chinese Ambassador to the US, said that China is not working for the transition of global dominance from one country to another.



China aims to, along with the US, build a new type of mutually beneficial partnership that meets challenges together and a new community of shared interests, the ambassador explained.



China-US cooperation is of vital importance for the current global challenges, said Michael Bloomberg, founder of Bloomberg and former mayor of New York, adding that Chinas growth has spurred US economy, and the countrys policy to further open its market for international investors is also inspiring.



In fact, the 100-day action plan agreed during the April meeting at Mar-a-Lago resort has reaped its early fruits, and will play a crucial part in propelling China-US trade ties in the new era.



In addition, Chinas investment in the US has made remarkable progress. With the emphasis on innovation, Chinese enterprises in the US have increased their research input in recent years, which promoted industrial upgrade of the US.



Many Chinese enterprises have created a great number of jobs in the US, and they have vast space for development in the field of infrastructure, said Stephen Orlins, president of the National Committee on US-China Relations.



US business community has shown great interests in participating the Belt and Road construction. Many representatives of the US top enterprises made inquiries about participation at the dialogue, Tom Nagorski, executive vice president of the Asia Society, told Peoples Daily.



Trade deficits of the US have not decreased its jobs, remarked Zhang Yuyan, director of the Institute of World Economics and Politics under Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.



He pointed out that the number of workers in manufacturing sector in the US was 12 million in 2010, and the figure increased to 12.3 million in 2015. It indicated a negative correlation between unemployment and trade deficits, which means low unemployment comes with high trade deficits.



According to a report by the US Department of Commerce, the countrys job losses had already begun before the commencement of North America Free Trade Agreement and Chinas entrance to the WTO.



Interests surplus does exist in the US, though China has a trade surplus in the global value chain, said a recent report on the study of economic and trade ties between the two countries issued by Chinas Ministry of Commerce.



A survey conducted by a third-party organization showed that to assemble an iPhone 7 in China would only take $5.96 out of the $237.45 total cost, while the starting price of the phone is $649 in the US market.



Policies aimed at narrowing trade deficits will definitely lower US employment and lead to loss for both sides, Zhang commented.



Experts attending the dialogue stressed the importance of increasing investment, believing two-way investment between China and the US is far behind that between Europe and the US which stands at a level of trillions of dollars.



The representatives from both sides suggested that the two countries finalize the negotiations on Bilateral Investment Treaty and start the broader Bilateral Investment and Trade Treaty at a proper time, in a bid to enhance bilateral cooperation on high-tech products and service sector.



Dans la meme rubrique : < > Yunnan dispatches sci-tech experts to South Asia, Southeast Asia, builds bridge of int'l technological cooperation China's Beidou reaches world-leading level: white paper Silk Road e-commerce promotes trade among Belt and Road countries Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena)
As Heads of Mission from international partners supporting Kenyas August 8 elections, we met this morning with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairman and Commissioners. We congratulated the Commission on the important National Elections Conference held in Nairobi on 13-14 June, which allowed participants to discuss electoral preparations and to make clear their []http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Appa-sourceTheAfric...
The Scottish Oil & Gas trade mission will be visiting Ghana from the 19th -23rd of June 2017. This visit provides an opportunity for Scottish businesses to access the local market conditions, and to look to potential local partners interested in enhancing their own offer by linking up with Scottish companies. Leading the trade mission []http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Appa-sourceTheAfric...
A workshop launching a nationwide sensitization process aimed at increasing awareness and generating public opinion on the formation of a Commission for Truth, Reconciliation and Healing (CTRH) kicked off this week at Juba Regency Hotel. The workshop was organized by the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, with funding from the government of Netherlands and []http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Appa-sourceTheAfric...
The dispute between India and Pakistan over the territory of Jammu and Kashmir has gone on for many years. With a government in India that is more open to close relations with the United States, as well as continuing problems with the United States-Pakistan relationship, now is an excellent opportunity for recognition of Indian claims over Jammu and Kashmir by the United States, which has the potential to help strengthen the United States-India relationship.

The history of the dispute over Jammu and Kashmir dates back to the partition of India in 1947. Initially, the maharaja of the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir had considered declaring independence. That option was scrapped after attacks by Pakistani raiders and the maharaja was granted armed assistance from the Indian government. The maharaja decided that Jammu and Kashmir should be part of India and ceded authority over defense, communications, and foreign affairs to the Indian government.

The war between India and Pakistan ended on January 1, 1949, when the United Nations arranged a ceasefire. An armistice line formed where the fighting had stopped and that line has largely marked the zone of control since. In addition to the general dispute, there have been several hot conflicts in the region since the ceasefire was signed in 1949. This includes the Kargil War, which resulted from Pakistan's view that it could probe and eventually dominate India through small scale operations under a nuclear umbrella.

Historically, there have been issues with the relationship between the United States and India. During the Cold War, India had close ties with the Soviet Union. President Richard Nixons support for Pakistan during their conflict with India in 1971 harmed relations with India. While President Ronald Reagan sought to mend relations with India in the 1980s, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had hostile views towards the United States and these efforts did not lead to many results.

After the Cold War, there were attempts to strengthen ties between the United States and India during the administration of President Bill Clinton. These attempts had several setbacks. One setback was the Clinton administration's policy of nuclear nonproliferation, which sought to eliminate nuclear weapons globally, including in India. Another setback occurred when Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Robin Raphel questioned the legitimacy of Jammu and Kashmir's accession to India in 1947 in response to a question from an Indian reporter at the National Press club in Washington, DC.

Relations with India improved somewhat under the administration of President George W. Bush because he shifted the non-proliferation strategy towards India since India's nuclear capability did not threaten the interests of the United States and acted as a counterweight to China's nuclear weapons program.

Since the election of Narendra Modi as Prime Minister of India in 2014, United States-India relations have improved substantially. Examples of areas where relations have improved include civil nuclear energy cooperation, upgrading defense cooperation, and arriving at a common understanding of various international issues. The overall increasing ties between India and the United States present an opportunity to increase those ties further.

In contrast to India becoming more open to close relations with the United States, America's relations with Pakistan have been strained. Pakistans military hiding Osama bin Laden has been a source of tension within the United States-Pakistan relationship and is a sign that it would be in United States interests to shift towards a more pro-India position. Pakistan's assistance towards the covert nuclear weapons of nations such as Libya, Iran, Iraq, and North Korea has also caused tensions with the United States.

Pakistan has also been forging a closer relationship with China. The $46 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project, which is being built as part of China's 'One-Belt, One-Road' initiative, would give China direct access to the Indian Ocean via the Pakistani port of Gwadar. India has expressed concern about this since the road goes through the Pakistani occupied portion of Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan's growing ties with China present another common threat that both India and the United States share concerns about.

India also has the stronger claim under international law. Under the principle of uti possidetis iuris, emerging states presumptively inherit their pre-independence administrative boundaries. As a result the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir's decision to integrate into India, this means that the full territory of Jammu and Kashmir belongs to India, even though Pakistan may be occupying a large portion of it.

Recognizing Indian sovereignty over Jammu and Kashmir would be a component of soft power. Soft power is a form of power projection that convinces others to do what you want without the use of resources by using attraction, unlike hard power which uses resources to engage in methods such as coercion or payments. Doing this would mean that there is a higher likelihood that India would support some of our foreign policy goals than they otherwise would.

Relations between India and the United States have been improving in recent years, but there is still room for further improvement. American recognition of Indian sovereignty over Jammu and Kashmir is one step that can further strengthen that relationship.

Zachary Leshin is a former congressional staffer who has worked extensively in foreign policy.
At the collegefix.com site, one learns that at New York University, students demanded that "an entire floor of the mixed use building in the Southern Superblock plan be entirely dedicated to Students of Color, and another for Queer Students on campus." At "Oberlin University, students have demanded 'safe spaces' for black students." In 2016 at San Francisco State University, an "Afro-themed dorm floor" was created.

Leo Hohmann documents how "an Illinois college has defended its restriction of portions of a mandatory course to black students even though part of the stated goal of the class is to teach students 'an appreciation for diversity.'" In an effort to achieve better graduation rates among black students, the University of Connecticut is "implementing a 'bold' new strategy to help boost its abysmal graduation rates for black males. The plan involves the clustering of 40 black male students in a portion of one dorm, no whites or Asians allowed, in what the university calls a 'learning community.'" On the other hand, the University of Vermont "provides a safe space for white students to explore their 'white privilege.'"

Walter Williams explains that since so many black college students are not prepared for college work, "for college administrators and leftist faculty, the actual fate of black students is not nearly so important as the good feelings they receive from a black presence on campus." Williams asserts that it is a "gross dereliction of duty for college administrators to cave to these demands."

Nevertheless, WeDemand.org has a "list of hundreds of 'demands' by black student movements at universities across the country. Many of the demands include calls for major reductions in white faculty and separate 'safe spaces' for black students." At the University of Missouri, there was a demand for a "blacks only healing zone." Whites were told to leave the room and meet somewhere else. In 2015, the Motley Coffeehouse at Scripps College maintained that it would be open "from 6-10 only for people of color and allies that they invite ... to decompress, discuss, grieve, plan, support each other[.]"

Oberlin College demanded that "space throughout the campus be designated as a Safe Space for Africana-identifying [sic] students." At Harvard University, "[b]lack members of the class of 2017 decided to form an individual [graduation] ceremony." According to the students, "[t]he separate graduation is an effort to highlight the aforementioned struggles and resilience it takes to get through[.]"

One is reminded of Michelle LaVaughn Robinson's thesis, titled "Princeton-Educated Blacks and the Black Community," wherein the first lady-to-be "wondered whether or not [her] education at Princeton would affect [her] identification with the Black community." Thus, Ms. Robinson argued "that the relative sense of comfort [respondents] may feel when interacting with Blacks in comparison to Whites (and vice versa) in various activities reflects the relative ease and familiarity the respondents feel with Blacks in comparison to Whites which, in turn, indicates the extent to which the respondents are personally attached to Blacks as individuals in comparison to Whites as individuals." That such drivel was used in a Princeton thesis some 31 years ago explains why the race-obsessed presidency of Barack Obama is not a surprise.

As a lineal descendant of this line of thinking, it follows that "Courtney Woods, who is finishing a master's degree in education policy and management from the Graduate School of Education, asserts that 'Harvard's institutional foundation is in direct conflict with the needs of black students. There is a legacy of slavery, epistemic racism and colonization at Harvard, which was an institution founded to train rising imperialist leaders. This is a history that we are reclaiming.'" Michael Huggins, who is graduating with a master's in public policy from the Harvard Kennedy School, asserts that "[t]his is an opportunity to celebrate Harvard's black excellence and black brilliance."

So much for that school spirit that used to animate a university. Imagine the outrage if students registering for classes were confronted with sections designated "whites only."

As Frank Furedi explains, it is clear that the "new black living-learning" community's aim "is not to enhance a common campus experience and culture." But according to Huggins, "[t]his is not about segregation. It's about fellowship and building a community. This is a chance to reaffirm for each other that we enter the work world with a network of supporters standing with us. We are all partners."

Horace Cooper of Project 21 questions how such policies differ from the Jim Crow laws of the Deep South, "where blacks were blocked by whites from using the same public water fountains and were sent to a blacks-only public school. There is no difference ... between a Jim Crow segregationist and a 'progressive' professor claiming that black-only segregation is good."

Brandon Morse notes that at the University of Chicago, UChicago United, a student group, has "posted a list of 50 demands that focus on the addition and strengthening of racial-based policies within the university." These demands include "segregated housing, six racially centered programs, and a sociology class focusing on Islamic history."

Across the pond, in "April 2015, University College London's students' union posted a statement on its website supporting Goldsmiths Students' Union decision to exclude men and white people from meetings about anti-racist campaigns because 'self-defining spaces are so important because the reality is it is not possible to have discussions that need to be had with your oppressors in the room  even if they are saying nothing. BME [black and minority ethnic] students are used to going through life facing microaggressions  sometimes to the point where they don't even notice it anymore until someone like them tells them horror stories of their experiences.'"

Lest one think such segregation is limited only to melanin levels, in an editorial in the British Guardian newspaper, one learns "that Universities UKK (UUK) ... representing more than 130 organisations involved in the business of knowledge and learning, defended 'voluntary' gender segregation at non-religious meetings in publicly funded institutions ... in the name of the lawful promotion of freedom of speech." In other words, if a speaker is not comfortable in a mixed-gender environment, women will have to sit at the back of a hall. Contorted logic is plentiful, and "endless propaganda, dedicated to shifting the boundaries of what is acceptable," is becoming the norm. Thus, at a public debate at the Islamic Education and Research Academy, those who objected to the segregated audience were ordered to leave. In effect, "Islam is conflicting with a modern civil liberties agenda."

Furedi explains that in the "bizarre world of students' union politics, any group can face a call to be excluded from another's space." Consequently, the National Union of Students' LGBT campaign group asserted that white gay men are almost as privileged as white heterosexual men. In fact, "[t]he campaign also suggested that gay men have become accomplices in the oppression of others, stating that 'misogyny, transphobia, racism and biphobia are often present in LGBT+ societies', and that such acts of oppression are 'more likely to occur when the society is dominated by white, cis gay men.'" Hence, this segregation on campuses includes racial and sexual segregation and encompasses the idea that "in order to create a Safe Space, only those equality officers who were gay, disabled or from an ethnic minority could attend an equality conference."

It is not a coincidence that left-wing blacks and sharia-compliant Muslims appear to be joining forces to make absolute demands on society that contravene Western principles. No matter how much progress black Americans have made and no matter how much accommodation is given to Muslim students, it is vital to understand that the demands will never cease, since the ultimate aim is to diminish and eventually destroy Western values. Consequently, "their focus is clearly on creating a racial division on campus." In fact, "students push to exclude many from their part of campus but force Islam studies."

In fact, this meshing of Muslim and black separation portends something sinister. Melanie Phillips has written about "the red-black-green-Islamic axis." Phillips asserts:

On its face, the love affair between sections of the left and the Islamists is a most unlikely pairing. Much of the left stands for militant secularism and the social agenda that follows: sexual libertinism and gay rights, as well as the bedrock issue of equality for women. Yet behind the banners of 'Free Palestine' and 'No Blood for Oil,' they have marched shoulder to shoulder with Islamists who believe in the subservience of women, stoning adulterers and executing homosexuals and apostates. As David Horowitz has chronicled, the roots of the left's alliance with Islamism lie in a logical progression of its core animus against America and the West. After communism imploded, those on the left did not conclude they had been mistaken  indeed, they could never think such a thing  but instead simply reshaped their belief system to perpetuate their revolutionary illusions by encompassing new nihilistic and anti-Western agendas, of which Islamism was one, alongside environmentalism, feminism and gay rights.

In fact, many of these black students have absorbed the ideas of people like Angela Davis, who in 1989 helped found the first Black Student Union, which "eventually developed into a movement demanding Black studies on the campus and an entire college devoted to the needs of Black students [.]" An avowed communist, "Davis teaches at the University of California's Santa Cruz campus; is a recipient of the Lenin 'Peace Prize' from the police state of East Germany in 1979; and was instrumental in providing an arsenal of weapons to Black Panthers who used them to kill a Marin County judge in a failed attempt to free Davis' imprisoned lover, Black Panther murderer George Jackson." Davis maintains that "the only path of liberation for black people is that which leads toward complete and radical overthrow of the capitalist class."

At the Center for Security Policy, it becomes clear that "the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement, MoveOn.org, and Bernie Sanders supporters joined in solidarity with Muslim Brotherhood loyalists and other jihadis, Marxists, leftists, progressives, and even the convicted domestic terrorist Bill Ayers, a former leader of the Weather Underground." The sole aim of this "Red-Green Axis" of groups that include the Muslim Brotherhood in America; the Black Lives Matter movement; and a collection of communists, leftists, progressives, and socialists is to bring down the U.S. government.

As Alex Newman, co-author of Crimes of the Educators, explains, "Americans need to understand that this otherwise fringe ideology and extremism is now thoroughly embedded throughout the education system, from pre-K through university. Schools are no longer really doing what normal people understand as education or academics."

The balkanization of students into packaged racial groups and the abdication of school officials in stopping such segregated classes are resulting in a dangerous affliction running through American schools. Demanding exclusionary space and describing it as "social justice" is clearly euphemistic language to camouflage malignant and prejudicial activity.

Orwellian overtones abound.

Eileen can be reached at middlemarch18@gmail.com.
In the words of the political pundit Matt Welch (writing in 2003), George Soros has a long and storied track record of being all villains to all people. This same writer also finds something that's a little worrying and self-contradictory about many of these portrayals of the billionaire villain. For example, he concludes by saying the following:

Thus we now have the spectacle of one of the world's most active and influential anti-communists (not to mention one of its most successful capitalists) being tarred as a particularly dangerous friend of Marx and Lenin.

On the surface it seems that it is indeed a contradiction to portray someone as being both an anti-communist and a particularly dangerous friend of Marx and Lenin. (Or it would be if the same person said it.) Surely Soros can't be both. Yet it's George Soros we're talking about here! Thus, as a billionaire villain, surely he can be both a communist and an anti-communist! Or at least he can play both characters at different times to different people. This kind of thing has happened many times before with other people. So why not with George Soros? What's to stop Soros from being an anti-communist on Monday and a friend of Marx and Lenin on Friday? After all, it will be seen in the following that not only does Soros contradict himself in terms of his own deeds (which has often been commentated upon), he also contradicts himself in terms of his own words.

Soros has written many books. He's said a lot of things. Much of what I've read is sophisticated and of interest; and that's despite what's just been said about Soros's contradictory words. I was particularly impressed with Soros's George Soros on Globalization; though, even here, the fact that he uses his own name in the title shows us that we're also dealing with a very vain man.

The fact that some of his writings are sophisticated isn't a surprise. Or at least it shouldn't be a surprise. Even the people who hate him with a perfect hate must admit that a villain can also be highly intelligent. Indeed, to be both a billionaire and a global political actor must require intelligence and even wisdom. (A few people -- who look down on moneymaking -- deny all this.) Quite frankly, I'm fairly impressed by the expertise of Soros's ideas. That's not to say that I agree with a single sentence he's uttered or written. It's simply to say that he may not be a cartoon baddie. Or, if he is a cartoon baddie, then he's one who can be fairly convincing when he sets pen to paper.

It can be said George Soros's following words would provide a perfect opening for his autobiography:

Well, you know, I was a human being before I became a businessman.

Having said that, Soros then went on to admit that he used to be opposed to the idea of social entrepreneurship. So was that after he became a human being again? Whatever the case, Soros now recognize[s] that actually you do need to mix it up [business and morality] and I think there is room for social entrepreneurship.

In a similar vein, George Soros is often honest about himself (at least up to a point). He's therefore honest about his own conceit. For example, he claims to be primarily interested in ideas and that he doesn't have much personal use for money. He then goes on to say:

But I hate to think what would have happened if I hadn't made money: My ideas would not have gotten much play.

That's Soros admitting that having a hell of a lot of money is a very good way of gaining political power -- which, of course, it is. Certain ideas too can be a means to political power. Or, as Soros himself puts it, if he weren't a billionaire, his ideas would not have gotten much play.

This honesty (or is it game-playing?) also comes into show when he admits to suffering from fallibility. As a consequence of this, he also claims to be adept at self-criticism. Not only that: Soros believes that these frames of mind are very productive -- both politically and financially. In his own words:

I am a very critical person who looks for defects in myself as well as in others. But, being so critical, I am also quite forgiving. I couldn't recognize my mistakes if I couldn't forgive myself.

As I said, there's an honest vanity being proudly displayed here. Indeed, Soros has what some psychologists or moral philosophers would see as a self-contradictory personality.

For example, in one breath he says that he admits to being wrong and fallible. In the next breath he says that this is a source of pride. Thus, he's proud of his being wrong and self-critical. (Or, at the least, he's proud of finding these things within himself.) To us mere mortals, on the other hand, being wrong and fallible is a source of shame. That means that being wrong and fallible are only bad things if we fail[] to correct our mistakes.

Thus, in the end, Soros is quite forgiving of himself. That forgiving nature itself leads to positive and beneficial personal and even (politically) global ends.

Soros gets even more vainglorious when he tell us that he wishes that he could write a book that will be read for as long as our civilization lasts. And if he managed that, he

would value it much more highly than any business success if I could contribute to an understanding of the world in which we live.

This kind of conceit and moral grandstanding can be found everywhere in Soros's words and writings. Take this piece of embarrassing autobiography:

I have devoted half my fortune and most of my energies in the last 15 years to promoting the values of democracy and open society all over the world... I came to feel that those principles need to be defended at home.

So how, exactly, does Soros intend to defend his principles in the United States? By financing Black Lives Matter and the Democrats, for example? (See this article on Soros's funding of Black Lives Matter.)

Soros on America

George Soros is deeply anti-American. Of course, he would strongly deny that he is. In fact, he does deny it in his writings and interviews. Though this is because his personal America -- America as he wants it to be -- isn't what he's against. What he's against is America as it is and has been.

For example, Soros (as everyone knows) is very anti-Trump. He was also anti-George W. Bush. Soros (as everyone also knows) wasn't anti-Obama. Why? Because Obama's America squared fairly well with Soros's own America. Then again, Soros still believed that Obama didn't go far enough. He'd have needed more terms in office to go far enough.

Not that Soros is critical of America in precisely the same ways that, say, juvenile Marxists or progressives are critical. In other words, Soros's position is far more sophisticated than typical (Leftist) anti-Americanism; even if it's the case that he's very happy to fund and support many groups and individuals who take an extremely unsophisticated -- and indeed violent -- approach to America.

Soros was at his most extreme on America (in 2006) when he said the following:

The main obstacle to a stable and just world order is the United States. This is a harsh -- indeed, for me, painful -- thing to say, but unfortunately I am convinced it is true.

Typically (for Soros) he qualifies his anti-Americanism with that grandstanding central clause: This is a harsh -- indeed, for me, painful -- thing to say... Yet if you genuinely believe that the United States is the main obstacle to a stable and just world order, you may wonder how genuinely painful it would be for Soros to say all that.

Soros also offers his very own solutions to the painful problem that is America. This also explains why he funds numerous groups and individuals who and which are intent on destroying America as we know it. He says:

Changing the attitude and policies of the United States remains my top priority.

Is that, then, why he funds Black Lives Matter? Is Soros changing the attitude and policies of the United States by funding Black Lives Matter? Why not? This group -- amongst the many other extreme groups he funds -- also wants to change the United States. Indeed, the activist group By Any Means Necessary (BAMN), as another example, wants to change the America by any means necessary. (See the link between BAMN and Soros in this article.) And considering Soros' s huge influence, he too wants to change America by any means necessary. He even comes very close to stating that himself.

Paul Austin Murphy's blogs can be found at Paul Austin Murphy on Politics and Paul Austin Murphy's Philosophy. He's also had pieces published in The Conservative Online, Broadside News (Brenner Brief), Intellectual Conservative, Liberty GB, New English Review, etc.
British Queen Elizabeth I had a motto, semper eaden (always the same). Four centuries later, the United Nations and its various bodies are funny that way in repeating the obvious, and need someone to watch over them. They might be reminded that their main mission is to discuss ways to maintain international peace and security.

Regarding the State of Israel and its policies however, the obvious has become an obsession, a fixation or compulsive disorder, that continues to foster. All suffer from this disorder, the Security Council, the General Assembly, UNRWA, UNESCO, UNISPAL the UN Division for Palestinian Rights, the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, the UN Commission on the Status of Women, and the UNHRC. The animosity of these organizations on constant display has infected other international bodies which then propound a distorted picture of the Jewish State.

The animosity is on full display. Since the creation of Israel in May 1948, the UN Security Council had by January 2010 adopted 79 resolutions referring to the Israeli-Palestinian dispute. Even more, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) has been almost automatically critical of Israel. Between 2012 and 2015 the UNGA adopted 97 resolutions critical of countries; 87 of them were against Israel. In 2016. 20 of the 26 UNGA resolutions condemning countries were against Israel. U.S. Ambassador Nikki Haley said that the U.S. will never repeat the terrible mistake of Resolution 2334 (when the Obama administration by abstaining, allowed an anti-Israeli resolution to pass) and allow one-sided Security Council resolutions to condemn Israel.

Since the U.S. provides 22% of the UN budget, it should have a special responsibility for ensuring the activities of those organizations are more accurate and less one-sided. If previous U.S. administrations, at least until the appointment of Haley as U.S. ambassador, have not fulfilled that responsibility, the U.S. Senate has recently tried to do so. On April 27, 2017 the Senate sent a letter, authored by Marco Rubio of Florida and Chris Coons of Delaware, to the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stating that too many of the UN member states and agencies use the UN as a vehicle for targeting Israel. It suggested the elimination or reform of some of the UN bodies. The letter was signed by all 100 members of the Senate.

A quick perusal of the activities illustrates the imperative need for change. UNRWA, the UN Relief and Works Agency was set up in 1949 after Palestinians fled or were expelled from their homes during the 1948 war that five Arab armies had provoked by invading the newly created Israel. The organization has perpetuated, not solved the refugee problem. The U.S. provides $368 million a year to it, whose term in December 2016 was extended for another three years. With UNRWA compliance or not, a network of tunnels, some under UNRWA property, to attack Israel been used especially in the 2014 war by Palestinian Hamas terrorists who have controlled the Gaza Strip since 2007. The latest example of its illegal activities is a Hamas-built tunnel running under two UNGWA schools in Maghazi refugee camp in the Gaza Strip.

More recently, Ambassador Nikki Haley, who has no patience for bullies and regards the UN as a bully to Israel, has publicly upbraided perhaps the most flagrant bully, the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) created in 2006 that consistently fails to address real human rights abuses. During the past seven years UNHRC has issued 773 resolutions on the Israeli-Palestinian issue: 551 of them called for action against Israel; 75 addressed the Palestinians; 22 were on Palestinian terrorists; and 29 were on both Israel and the Palestinians. In view of the well-known record of the UNHRC, it was always surprising that President Barack Obama maintained U.S. membership, even though Secretary of State John Kerry spoke of its "unbalanced focus."

Haley recommends in general that the U.S. leave the 47-member body. Specifically, she has said the U.S. will leave if the UNHRC turns to the International Court of Justice at The Hague for a broad advisory opinion on Israeli actions in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. A suggestion of this kind has come from the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Raad Al Hussein. The falsity of this request is that in 2004 the ICJ delivered such an advisory opinion that the Israeli security border and actions in the West Bank were illegal.

The once renowned UNESCO, United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, founded in 1946, has become delinquent in its educational and cultural and historical aspects. In a number of resolutions, including April 2016, October 2016, and May, 2017, UNESCO has essentially denied Jewish sovereignty over Jerusalem in a country it labels Occupied Palestinian territory, and refers to Israel as an occupying power, and Palestine as Occupied Palestine. It consistently refers to the Jerusalem Temple Mount area only in Arabic language, the al-Aksa Mosque/al- Haram al Sharif, thus ignoring Jewish ties to the Mount and the Western Wall.

One of the less familiar organizations of the UN has now become involved in a distorted view of the Israeli-Palestinian dispute. This is UNOPS, the UN Office for Project Services, an operational arm of the UN whose stated objective is to support the implementation of units involved in peacebuilding, humanitarian, and developmental projects around the world. It has 7,000 employees in over 80 countries and supports over 1,000 projects, focusing on sustainability and national capacity development. It works together with the UN development program, the department of peacemaking operations, and the World Bank.

The immediate issue concerns the action of the UNOPS in posting a position on its website seeking a project manager for its Jerusalem office. This was at the duty station designated as Jerusalem, Palestine (State of). This was not surprising because UNOPS declares it has been active in the State of Palestine, since 2006. It states that it operates in Gaza, West Bank, and East Jerusalem. It supports the achievement of Palestinian national objectives in adherence to the UN development plans, and works hand in hand with the government of the State of Palestine (State of).

Ambassador Haley and the full 100 members of the Senate who signed the letter to the UN must now consider the strange behavior of UNOPS in inventing a state as another vehicle in the targeting of Israel and attempts to delegitimize the country. They must deal with the reality that the obsession of the UN and its agencies is not a magnificent obsession.
The New York Public Theatres Shakespeare in the Park production of Julius Caesar has once again thrust the works of William Shakespeare into the headlines. The current iteration features a Donald Trump look-a-like in the title role of a modern-day Julius Caesar who is brutally assassinated in the opening scene of Act III. The overt political message is not subtle. Other than being a head of state there is little or no similarity between Shakespeares depiction of the last days of Julius Caesar and the life and career of Donald Trump. However, there is another player on the national scene whose career does appear to perhaps mirror a number of Shakespearean characters who rose and ultimately fell as a result of their overriding ambition. That person is James Comey.

Shakespeare was influenced by the writings of Niccolo Machiavelli, whose seminal work, The Prince (1532), laid out his ideas on how the prince of a country could achieve power and, more importantly, retain it, utilizing devious and at times evil means if necessary. These underlying principles would apply not just to princes but to political schemers out to solidify their own positions within a ruling hierarchy.

While not directly comparing James Comey with any of English literatures most notorious villains, there appears to be some very striking similarities insofar as a single-minded pursuit of power and influence.

Early in his career James Comey was never shy in prosecuting high profile cases in order to burnish his reputation. His determination to achieve a conviction, however specious, and at any cost would have made Javert of Les Miserables proud. Mollie Hemingway at the The Federalist has an excellent analysis of some of these cases.

Among them is that of Frank Quattrone a well-known and successful investment banker. In 2003, Comey, as the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, was unable to find sufficient evidence to press criminal bank fraud charges; instead he pursued supposed obstruction of justice based on one specious email. During the investigation and indictment process Comey made false statements about Quattrone and the intent of the email. While winning a conviction at trial, the verdict was soon overturned on appeal.

In 2003, in another case that made national headlines and thrust Comey further into the spotlight, he pursued insider trading charges against Martha Stewart. That charge could not be proven. Undaunted Comey then claimed that Stewarts public protestations of innocence were designed solely to prop up the stock price of her own company. Further he claimed that she obstructed justice by making false statements to a federal official. As Alan Reynolds of the Cato institute stated, Stewart was prosecuted for having misled people by denying having committed a crime with which she was not charged. Even the New York Times described the entire process as petty and vindictive. Perhaps so, but it served Comey well.

On January 2004, Comey was promoted to United States Deputy Attorney General, the second highest position in the U. S. Justice Department. Once in Washington D.C. Comey wasted no time in solidifying his power.

In the supposed leak of Valarie Plames name as a CIA agent, Comey convinced then Attorney General John Ashcroft to recuse himself based on a dubious potential conflict of interest rationale. He then appointed his close personal family friend Patrick Fitzgerald as special counsel even though it was known by all that it was Richard Armitage in the State Department and not someone in the White House responsible for the fictitious leak. Nonetheless, the nearly two-year investigation completely hamstrung the Bush administration, as many members of the administration, including Vice President Cheney, were under a dark and public cloud of possible indictments. In the end, Scooter Libby, Cheneys Chief of Staff, was convicted of a very dubious perjury and obstruction of justice charge, but the damage to the second term of the administration was insurmountable. Honest Jim Comey became a champion of truth and justice to the Left and the mainstream media.

During this same period of time (2004) Comey attempted to intimidate President Bush in an Oval Office meeting by threatening to resign over the reauthorization of the Bush era surveillance activity. It turns out that Comey created a memo of that day in language strikingly similar to that of his declared memo regarding his meeting with Trump relative to Mike Flynn in February of 2017. Yet he testified on June 8, 2017 that the one meeting with Trump was the only occasion when he authored a memo of any presidential meeting.

In 2013, Barack Obama decided to nominate James Comey as the FBI Director to replace Comeys close friend, Robert Mueller. The mainstream media was effusive in their comments and support of Comey. However, the Wall Street Journal in an opposition editorial entitled The Political Mr. Comey stated:

Any potential FBI director deserves scrutiny, since the position has so much power and is susceptible to ruinous misjudgments and abuse. That goes double with Mr. Comey, a nominee who seems to think the job of the federal bureaucracy is to oversee elected officials, not the other way around, and who had his own hand in some of the worst prosecutorial excesses of the past decade.

In less than two years after assuming the position of FBI Director, the Hillary Clinton email scandal became center stage and an FBI investigation was initiated. Nonetheless, the hierarchy of the Democratic Party was determined to nominate Hillary as their presidential candidate. Therefore, James Comey essentially became the most powerful person in American politics as he could easily derail her nomination considering the overwhelming evidence of her wrongdoing.

During this period Hillary maintained a commanding lead in the polls in any head-to-head match-up with the Republican front runner, Donald Trump. Virtually all the cognoscenti in Washington were convinced she would win the presidency. Apparently so did James Comey.

For someone whose career was made on the dogged pursuit of convictions at any cost using, if necessary, the bludgeon of obstruction of justice, he was extraordinarily passive. Particularly considering there were innumerable examples of pre-meditated destruction of evidence. He also severely limited the FBI data searches on Clinton staff members computers then ordered them destroyed. A technician who erased evidence and lied to the FBI even after receiving immunity was given a pass by Comey. Hillary was formally interviewed by the FBI on July 2, 2016. The notes of the interview released by the FBI on the 2nd of September (the interview was strangely not recorded) revealed that Hillary made statements contradicting her earlier remarks or that were flat out lies. Comey chose to ignore this obvious potential obstruction of justice.

However, in order to assume full control of the outcome of the investigation, Comey needed a pretext in order to circumvent the legal requirement that Attorney General Lynch make the final determination as to any prosecution or exoneration.

In the spring of 2016 the FBI had in their possession emails purportedly revealing that Loretta Lynch had been compromised in the Clinton investigation. The emails overtly stated that Lynch would make the FBI investigation go away. However, the FBI knew these emails were fake, as they were created by Russian intelligence. Nonetheless, Comey decided to use this incident as part of his justification to bypass the Justice Department, stating that he feared if these emails became public it would undermine the veracity and impartiality of the investigation. However, they would only become public if the FBI leaked them without explanation.

The second ruse was the meeting Lynch had with Bill Clinton at the airport in Phoenix. Comey later claimed that incident destroyed any semblance of impartiality by the Justice Department and he would be required to take over the entire process of determining whether to prosecute Hillary. Shortly after the incident in Phoenix, Lynch agreed to essentially step down and accept the determination and findings of the FBI who were investigating Hillary.

Either this was a solo power play by Comey, or he and Attorney General Lynch colluded in not only exonerating Hillary but in turning over the process to Comey. However, his recent revelation at a hearing on June 8th of this year that Lynch had instructed him to use the term matter and not investigation regarding Hillary, combined with other similar testimony in a closed session, could well be his way of reminding her that he in fact has the goods on her.

On July 5, 2016, in a most bizarre news conference Comey essentially read a bill of indictment for felony violations of federal law regarding gross negligence in the handling of classified material. Nonetheless he recommended against prosecuting Hillary on the specious grounds that there was no intent to harm the United States. He essentially rewrote the statute, inserting a provision that Congress did not require.

James Comey was now in the position, if he so chose, of demanding any cabinet position in a new Hillary Clinton Administration or remaining FBI Director with a cudgel over her head reminiscent of the days of J. Edgar Hoover and his ability to intimidate all of Washington D.C. Comey could potentially be the most powerful person in that city.

In late October 2016, it was still a certainty among the Ruling Class that Hillary would win the election. On October 26th Comey sent a letter to Congress stating he was reopening the email probe based on emails found on Anthony Weiners computer. It was a bizarre move so close to the election on November 8th. If Comey, as did so many others, assumed she was going to win was this: a) Comeys shot across the bow to remind Hillary that he still had her fate in his hands? or b) was it simply a ploy to get back into the political spotlight? or c) was it a gambit to reburnish his image as an honest broker after the July exoneration? Regardless, within a week he again declared Hillary fully absolved of any wrongdoing.

On November 8th, the political world was turned upside down as Trump unexpectedly won the Presidency. All the best laid plans of so many, including Comey, were now lying in ruins. However, Comey, having begun in July of 2016 an investigation of Russian interference in the election process and having a totally fabricated dossier on Trump in his possession, decided to cast his lot with much of the media and the Democrats, in expanding the probe into so-called collusion between the Trump transition team and the Russians in an effort to either force Trump to resign or to permanently hobble his administration.,

This allegation is totally specious but coupled with incessant leaks (some of which will eventually be traced to Comey) and endless innuendo this false flag operation took on a life of its own. Eventually Trump, tired of all the machinations, fired Comey for not only his intransigence in the Russia probe but the Machiavellian manner in which he usurped the role of the Justice Department in the Hillary email investigation. In the aftermath of the firing and admission that the collusion charge was bogus, Comey and his allies have one again turned to the old tried and true cudgel of the past--pushing specious obstruction of justice allegations.

The nation is now witnessing the last act in the rise and fall of James Comey. He is attempting to exact his revenge and assuage his battered ego with the help of much of the mainstream media and the Democratic Party, who will abandon him when he is no longer useful. While the New York Public Theatre revels in its nightly assassination of Donald Trump another Shakespearean drama is reaching its denouement.
Catherine Rampell had a good opinion piece titled "Macron attempts a feat Trump wouldn't dare" in the Washington Post. However, I am having difficulty understanding why Trump's name is in the headline or even referred to. Was it just instinct, or almost a requirement to refer to Trump negatively?

The article is about French center-left president Emmanuel Macron fighting France's bureaucracy and unions to make it easier to hire and fire people in order to goose the economy. He is essentially trying to reduce regulations. If Rampell and other reporters were paying attention, instead of focusing on Russia, they would see that Trump is doing exactly what Macron is doing here and more.

There is a major difference in how the media covers Macron: Macron, like Obama, is almost universally adored by the media and was supported for office, while Trump is despised and the media did everything they could to defeat him. Trump has to fight not only the bureaucrats and entrenched politicians from both parties trying to protect their power, but also the media who are seeking to destroy his presidency each day, mostly with rumors and unnamed anonymous stories.

Since the media are focused continuously on Russia instead of everything else Trump is doing, it would be a good time to summarize the Russian story after eleven months of continuous, multiple investigations and after former FBI director James Comey's and Attorney General Jeff Sessions's testimony: it is clear that there is absolutely no evidence of anyone surrounding Trump colluding with Russia to influence the election, and there is absolutely no evidence of obstruction of justice or Trump trying to impede the investigation as it continues to this day. Both Comey and McCabe testified under oath in early May that no one had tried to block it. There is evidence that the Obama administration illegally spied on political opponents and illegally unmasked names. (The media and Democrats have little interest in this.) There is also clear evidence of obstruction and collusion at the highest levels of government to keep Hillary from being charged with serial, serious violations of law. (Again, the media and Democrats seem to show little interest in this actual obstruction.)

Why, again, is this the story instead of Trump's efforts to drain the swamp and cut regulations? Macron gets nothing but praise for this. Trump gets pathetic diversions if not harsh criticism.
In the wake of the ghastly conflagration that engulfed a recently renovated 24-story apartment tower in London, the world is waking up to the dire threat created by energy-saving green zealots. It turns out that nobody much worried about the fire hazard involved when flammable materials were used to add an outer "skin" of cladding to the building, creating heat insulation thanks to the air pocket between the new cladding and the old exterior wall, but also providing an ideal space for fire to race up the building. As happened.

The U.K. Telegraph reports:

Fears were raised that green energy concerns were prioritised ahead of safety as it emerged that cladding used to make the building more sustainable could have accelerated the fire. On Wednesday night, police confirmed 12 people had died following the blaze at Grenfell House in Kensington, west London, but they expected the death toll to rise. Hundreds of the roughly 500 residents in the block were unaccounted for. Some estimated that the death toll could rise above 100.

The residents had been complaining for years about fire hazards and the lack of a sprinkler system. Those fears were more than justified, it turns out:

Government ministers were warned about the fire risk of cladding as far back as 1999, the Daily Telegraph can reveal. It was installed on the council-owned Grenfell block in 2015 as part of a 10 million refurbishment by a company which was later liquidated after a firm they were working with refused to pay out in a dispute over their work.

"Council-owned" is the British descriptor for public housing. The money spent on renovation may have pleased greens with its energy savings, but the cost may reach 100 lives or more.

I know that in some jurisdictions in the United States, energy-saving measures are mandatory on new construction. What I do not know is how many fire hazards have been created. In the U.K.:

Tens of thousands of buildings in the UK have been fitted with cladding, it is estimated, leading to calls for an immediate review of safety. Experts said that the cladding  which is used to insulate the building  had acted like a "chimney" for the flames by allowing the fire to spread upwards through the gaps between the cladding and the building walls.

Did green fever cause the obvious fire hazard to be ignored? We simply do not know. But the zealotry of those who are convinced that CO2 increases are dooming us could well prioritize energy savings above safety. As seems to have been done in London.

How many more green death traps are out there? Tens of thousands in the U.K., but how many in the USA?

The EPA sponsors the Energy Star certification for buildings. A quick look at the site does not reveal any emphasis on fire safety. But there certainly are a lot of properties signing up:

They're also growing in number. Since the first building earned the ENERGY STAR in 1999, tens of thousands of additional buildings have followed in its lower-carbon footprints. Will your building be next?

"Will your building be next?" seems a bit ominous in light of what we now know. Saving energy is fine, but there are tradeoffs, and human lives did not weigh heavily enough when that flammable cladding was used.
On Sunday, June 4, after vicious attacks by Islamic extremists in London, Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei blamed Western countries for the attacks.

"Today, ISIS is driven from its birthplace in Iraq and Syria into other countries, going to Afghanistan and Pakistan, and even the Philippines, European countries and elsewhere. They began this fire and now it has set them ablaze," he said.

Tehran formally condemned the terrible May 22 bombing in Manchester. Yet the reactions of various senior Iranian officials portrayed a sense of satisfaction.

Maj. Gen. Mohsen Rezaii, secretary of the Expediency Council and former commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards (IRGC), tweeted that the "[t]errorist explosion in Manchester is the result of Trump's sword dance with the chief of terrorists."

Text and a photo on Twitter immediately released by Iran's official news agency gave major political meaning to these statements:

This is not the only senior Iranian official expressing such remarks after the Manchester attack.

"Those who regarded themselves as a security harbor are today faced with security problems such as the Manchester attack," said IRGC deputy commander Hossein Salami. "Fifty heads of states gathered in Saudi Arabia and said Iran has an uncontrollable power. This is an honor for us."

The IRGC-affiliated Javan daily also published an editorial insulting the United Kingdom.

"The old fox trapped with lonely wolves, ... the British have always been the main supporters of Takfiri terrorist groups, and they have been the target of another terrorist attack." "The terrorist attack on Manchester must be considered the return of inevitable consequences of western states' double-standard policy, including Britain's terrorist phenomenon backfiring," the piece added[.]

Are these statements a spontaneous reaction to the remarks made by U.S. President Donald Trump and Saudi king Salman at the recent Riyadh Summit describing Iran as the axis of destabilization, sabotage, and terrorism in the region? Maybe.

Prior to that, even, Tehran had already shown harsh reactions to the heavy loss of lives as a result of terrorist attacks in the West. Following the Paris massacre in November 2015, Abu Talebi, a political adviser to President Hassan Rouhani and Iran's former ambassador to France, described the attack as "inevitable" and the "result of blind and continued Western support for terrorism ... and not paying attention to the warnings of the Iranian [regime]".

Iranian deputy chief of staff Gen. Massoud Jazayeri had also weighed in.

"The French government paid the price for its support of Islamic terrorism[.] ... If the West continues its support for terrorism it must await a state of emergency in other parts of Europe," he warned.

The IRGC Quds Force-associated Tasnim news agency described the Paris disaster as "self-inflicted terrorism" by France and Europe and published a cartoon showing the strings of ISIS in the hands of France and its president.

Iranian authorities are undoubtedly aware that such statements have immensely negative effects across the globe. Iran has faced accusations of terrorist attacks in different countries. The courts of Europe, the United States, and Turkey have confirmed such accusations.

However, why do Iranian officials after each terrorist attack, especially in Europe and the United States, insist on expressing their satisfaction or describe the attacks as a reaction to the losses they have suffered?

Iran's position on such issues cannot be explained with the logic of "utilitarianism." Its statements bring it global disgrace. However, the Iranian theocracy does not consider this harmful. It does consider it an opportunity to flex its muscles. Therefore, instead of distancing itself from terrorist attacks, Tehran attempts to relate them to its interests.

The Iranian regime follows a theory, in Arabic called "Al-Nasrberoab," meaning winning by intimidating others. Pursuing this theory allows Iranian rulers portray their weaknesses as strengths. They have been using this theory and benefiting from it. But for how long?

For as long as the international community, and particularly the West, fail to set aside their misguided perception of Iran's rulers being powerful.

Mohammad Amin (@EconomieIran) is a senior research fellow at the Paris-based Fondation d'Etudes pour le Moyen-Orient (FEMO) (Foundation for the Study of the Middle East  http://www.fondationfemo.com). He has written several books and essays about the ruling theocracy, the transformation of Iran's political economy under the presidency of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, and the rise of Islamic fundamentalism in the Middle East region. He is co-author of the book Where is Iran Going?, printed in Paris by Autrement.
If it's 5:30 PM, then it must be time for another "breaking story" based on a leak.

On Wednesday afternoon, we learned that Mr. Mueller's probe now includes President Trump and obstruction of justice. This is from the article:

The special counsel overseeing the investigation into Russia's role in the 2016 election is interviewing senior intelligence officials as part of a widening probe that now includes an examination of whether President Trump attempted to obstruct justice, officials said. The move by special counsel Robert S. Mueller III to investigate Trump's conduct marks a major turning point in the nearly year-old FBI investigation, which until recently focused on Russian meddling during the presidential campaign and on whether there was any coordination between the Trump campaign and the Kremlin. Investigators have also been looking for any evidence of possible financial crimes among Trump associates, officials said.

Of course, "unnamed officials" are the source of the story.

Mr. Mueller has to know who "leaked" this if the story is true.

After all, how many people would know something like this? It's not as though every typist in his office was aware of this information.

Mr. Mueller must denounce the leak and defend the independence of his investigation.

If false, Mr. Mueller should call out the Washington Post and say that the story is false.

How credible and independent is a special counsel whose staff leaks for this or that reason?

Deputy A.G. Rod Rosenstein should also say something about the leak. Did he tell Congress the full story about Mr. Mueller's investigation? Otherwise, this whole investigation is a sham and won't be accepted by half of the country.

P.S. You can listen to my show (Canto Talk) (YouTube) and follow me on Twitter.
Terrorism in the Middle East knows no limits. The ancient monastery of St. Catherine in Egypt's Sinai desert was attacked, with 40 worshipers slaughtered. This is the same religious shrine that has a decree of protection issued by the Prophet Muhammad himself until the end of days.

A bus carrying Coptic Christians on a prayer vigil was attacked, killing 26 people, including ten children.

As these incidents indicate, the challenge for Middle East leaders is the maintenance of religious beliefs within limits imposed by modernity along with secularization that doesn't trample religious observance.

The terrorists had clear goals in mind. One: They wanted to demonstrate that the government does not have the ability to deter terrorism. Two: The attack was a way to discourage tourism, the major source of revenue in the country. Three: Making this incident distinctly religious is believed to cause defections from the secular impulse in the nation.

Religious freedom is clearly being threatened in Egypt, a condition that goes back 50 years to the publications of Sayyid Qutb, Islamic theorist and member of the Muslim Brotherhood. This trend applies throughout the Levant, where secular nationalism has had to compete with the orthodox stance of radical Islam. Gamal Abdel Nasser walked a fine line between the two positions by evoking a sense of national pride, but when his regime descended into pan-Arabism and economic collapse, secularism suffered as well.

In the Middle East, it is apparent that what is dormancy is not death. President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi is a pious Muslim who cautions against the extremism within his faith. Those who want to weaken him do not fully understand the political alternatives. Removing loathsome dictators, as was the case in Iran, Libya, and Iraq, does yields the blossoming not of a new spring, but rather of extremist forms of religions far more destructive than the regimes replaced. Radical elements do understand the meaning of replacement. A pathway to an Islamized Egypt lies in the "bulls-eye" on Sisi's back.

Western goals in the region invariably refer to Ataturk's secularization program in Turkey. But while Ataturk's influence was profound, President Erdogan has disinterred religious ideas, imposing them in a manner that would have been unthinkable before 2002, when he was first elected. Religion may have been in a long slumber in Turkey, but it is now awakened and playing a profound role.

Sisi, to his credit, understands the need to balance religion and modernity; perhaps that explains why he is a threat to Islamists. In his case, dedication to his faith is real, but it is not a faith imposed on the Egyptian people. Surely, his critics contend that the blasphemy laws are not applied fairly to non-Muslims. This may be true. Nonetheless, the balance his government has achieved, however imperfect, is a veritable model for the region and the best hope for stabilization.

Herbert London is president of the London Center for Policy Research.
The Senate voted nearly unanimously on Thursday to impose new sanctions on Russia and Iran. The vote was 98-2. Only Senators Rand Paul and Bernie Sanders voted against the legislation.

In addition to new sanctions, the bill would prevent President Trump from lifting sanctions on Russia without congressional approval.

Reuters:

The measure is intended to punish Russia for meddling in the 2016 U.S. election, its annexation of Ukraine's Crimea region and support for Syria's government in the six-year-long civil war. If passed in the House of Representatives and signed into law by Trump, it would put into law sanctions previously established via former President Barack Obama's executive orders, including some on Russian energy projects. The legislation also allows new sanctions on Russian mining, metals, shipping and railways and targets Russians guilty of conducting cyber attacks or supplying weapons to Syria's government. "The legislation sends a very, very strong signal to Russia, the nefarious activities they've been involved in," Senator Bob Corker, the Republican chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said as lawmakers debated the measure. If the measure became law, it could complicate relations with some countries in Europe. Germany and Austria said the new punitive measures could expose European companies involved in projects in Russia to fines. The legislation sets up a review process that would require Trump to get Congress' approval before taking any action to ease, suspend or lift any sanctions on Russia.

The restrictions on President Trump to lift sanctions on Russia grew out of a directive from the president his first week in office seeking a review of all sanctions imposed by the U.S. government. Two Obama-era State Department officials were alarmed at the review and told Senators Ben Cardin and Lindsey Graham that it appeared that the president wanted to lift sanctions on Russia.

Whether Trump wanted to actually lift Russian sanctions is a matter of dispute. But the move played directly into the collusion narrative  a quid pro quo for Russian help in the campaign in exchange for a lifting of sanctions. This is what helped bring down former national security adviser Michael Flynn, who supposedly talked about lifting sanctions with the Russian ambassador and failed to inform the vice president. The Senate bought into the narrative, and Graham introduced legislation that would force the president to seek congressional approval for lifting or easing any Russian sanctions.

The measure now goes to the House, where success is uncertain:

To become law, the legislation must pass the House of Representatives and be signed by Trump. House aides said they expected the chamber would begin to debate the measure in coming weeks. However, they could not predict if it would come up for a final vote before lawmakers leave Washington at the end of July for their summer recess. Senior aides told Reuters they expected some sanctions package would eventually pass, but they expected the measure would be changed in the House. The Trump administration has pushed back against the bill, and his fellow Republicans hold a commanding 238- to 193-seat majority in the chamber. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson questioned the legislation on Wednesday, urging Congress to ensure that any sanctions package "allows the president to have the flexibility to adjust sanctions to meet the needs of what is always an evolving diplomatic situation." Previously, U.S. energy sanctions had only targeted Russia's future high-tech energy projects, such as drilling for oil in the Arctic, fracking and offshore drilling. They blocked U.S. companies such as Exxon Mobil, where Tillerson was chairman, from investing in such projects. The new bill would slap sanctions on companies in other countries looking to invest in those projects in the absence of U.S. companies, a practice known as backfilling.

It's unknown whether new sanctions will negatively impact our deteriorating relations with Russia, although it's a safe bet they won't help. It's not as though the sanctions are a surprise to President Putin, who has been following the anti-Trump hysteria in Washington fairly closely. Putin seems content to sit back and watch as America tears itself apart with partisan witch hunts and hatred of the president.
The measure of the efficiency of a jet engine is its thrust-specific fuel consumption, or TSFC for short. This is its fuel consumption per unit of thrust and for U.S. jet engines is measured in pounds per hour per pound of thrust. The TSFC of the F100-PW-229 engine that powers the F-15 and F-16 is 0.726 lb/Hr/lb. The F-15 first flew in 1972. More than 40 years later, the TSFC of the F-135 engine, which powers the F-35, is 0.889 lb/Hr/lb. This is 22% higher than the F-15's fuel consumption despite all the decades of engine development in between. If the F-35's engine were as efficient as that of the F-15, the F-35 would be able to fly 22% farther on its fuel load. This is a big deal, so what happened?

It all goes back to the original sin of the F-35 in that it was sold as something that would satisfy the needs of all three of the services that have fighter aircraft. For the Marines, this meant an aircraft that could take off and land vertically  which places a particular constraint on the engine used to achieve that. For normal jet aircraft, once they start rolling down the runway to take off, there is a ram effect of air being pushed into the engine, aiding the engine's efficiency. For vertical take-off and landing of aircraft, though, with no ram effect, the engine must suck in an enormous amount of air to generate the necessary mass of exhaust.

This requires a wide engine with lots of core mass flow. That big core mass flow in turn requires an equivalent amount of fuel, as kerosene-air mixtures will burn in only a narrow range of mixtures near the stoichiometric ratio (the ideal ratio that leaves no unburned fuel or unused air). This means that all the F-35 variants  the F-35A for the USAF, the F-35B for the Marines, and the F-35C for the USN  have a wide, draggy, thirsty engine with a range penalty. That engine is optimized for the F-35B  14% of the total planned F-35 fleet of 2,443 aircraft for U.S. services. The remaining 86% suffer a 22% range penalty as a consequence.

The F-35 has so many shortcomings that no list of them is complete. But the most up-to-date list is the Project on Government Oversight's summary of the DOT&E report on the F-35. As that report says, the price tag is the only thing that is stealthy about the F-35. The procurement cost of the USAF model, the F-35A, was $119.6 million for FY 2016 and $166.4 million and $185.2 million for the B and C models, respectively. Lockheed Martin is saying the F-35A will cost $85 million each at full rate production. That is a number plucked from thin air and is simply unbelievable.

If there is one country that appreciates value in its military hardware, it is Israel, the continued existence of which depends on making the right choices in equipment. Israel is taking a couple of squadrons of F-35s but only because they are being effectively gifted to the Israelis by the United States. The Israelis are tricking up their F-35s with their own modifications. But what Israel wants from here is more F-15s.

What the Israelis are likely to be very aware of is the F-35's low availability and reliability. From page 83 of the Director, Operational Test and Evaluation's annual report released in December 2016: "Aircraft fleet-wide availability averaged 52 percent for 12 months ending October 2016, compared to the modest goal of 60 percent. It is important to note that the expected combat sortie rates will require significantly greater availability than 60 percent; therefore, if the F-35 is to replace legacy aircraft for combat taskings, availability will likely need to improve to near 80 percent."

Also from page 83, "reliability metrics related to critical failures have decreased over the past year. This decrease in reliability correlates with the simultaneously observed decline in the Fully Mission Capable (FMC) rate for all variants, which measures the percentage of aircraft not in depot status that are able to fly all defined F-35 missions. The fleet-wide FMC rate peaked in December 2014 at 62 percent and has fallen steadily since then to 21 percent in October 2016." So reliability has gone backward, and only one in five F-35s at a time might be able to fly a combat mission. This is ten years after the first plane came off the production line.

There is no shame in making a lemon as long as it is abandoned before it does too much harm. The Europeans tried to make their own versions of the Apache and Blackhawk helicopters, in the form of the Tiger and NH-90, respectively. After at least ten years of service for each type, the readiness rate of the Tiger helicopter is only 21 percent and that of the NH-90 helicopter 40 percent. Users are giving up on the European copies and prefer the American originals. The situation is reversed in fighter aircraft  the Eurocanards work, while the F-35 is a hangar queen.

David Archibald is the author of American Gripen: The Solution to the F-35 Nightmare.
A United Nations human rights official is calling on North Korea to explain what happened to American college student Otto Warmbier, who was imprisoned on trumped up charges of committing a "hostile act" against the state for stealing a Communist Party banner from his hotel.

Warmbier was returned to the U.S. on Tuesday in a coma. North Korea claims that the young man came down with a case of botulism and took a sleeping pill that put him in the coma. But doctors who have examined Warmbier in the U.S. say he suffered a "severe brain injury." His condition is described as "unresponsive wakefulness" or a persistent vegetative state.

Reuters:

"While I welcome the news of Mr Warmbier's release, I am very concerned about his condition, and the authorities have to provide a clear explanation about what made him slip into a coma," Tomas Ojea Quintana, the U.N. special rapporteur on human rights in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), said in a statement issued in Geneva. Warmbier, from a Cincinatti suburb, was arrested for trying to steal an item bearing a propaganda slogan, North Korean media reported. On Thursday, North Korea said that it had released him "on humanitarian grounds". The University of Virginia student's father, Fred Warmbier, said his son had been "brutalized and terrorized" by the North Korean government. Fred Warmbier said the family did not believe North Korea's story that his son had fallen into a coma after contracting botulism and being given a sleeping pill. Ojea Quintana called on North Korea to "clarify the causes and circumstances" of Otto Warmbier's release. "His case serves as a reminder of the disastrous implications of the lack of access to adequate medical treatment for prisoners in the DPRK," he said. "His ordeal could have been prevented had he not been denied basic entitlements when he was arrested, such as access to consular officers and representation by an independent legal counsel of his choosing, added Ojea Quintana, a lawyer and veteran U.N. rights expert. North Korea is believed to operate political prison camps and foreign nationals have also been detained on political grounds, Ojea Quintana said. Two American university professors in Pyongyang were arrested this year for allegedly plotting anti-state acts.

Now, that's more like it. Have a problem with North Korea? Get the U.N. on it. They'll fix things in no time.

I doubt whether even the cynics who support the U.N. and see it as a force for good in the world think any request from the U.N. will be heeded by the Kim regime. Why should they? Kim would probably echo Stalin's quote about the pope: how many divisions does the U.N. command? The international community has reached its limit on what it can sanction North Korea for. Kim is impervious to international anger. And he doesn't care what people think about his sadistic prison guards beating a defenseless college student into a coma.

Perhaps, as punishment, the U.N. will deny North Korea a seat on the Human Rights Council. But given the human rights record of many members of that august body, the North Koreans would probably fit right in anyway.
Why dont we have VISTAs in West Texas?

Posed a couple years ago, that question led directly to the inception of the Concho Valley VISTA Placement Project at Angelo State last fall.

Funded in part by the San Angelo Health Foundation, the local project is a component of AmeriCorps Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA), a national service program dedicated to connecting volunteers with community organizations that are fighting the battle against poverty. Members are often called VISTAs.

Kaitlyn Brosh We had a couple of VISTAs in San Angelo that were placed out of the Abilene area, said Kaitlyn Brosh, ASUs VISTA project manager. We were actually approached by the state office of the VISTA program. They were looking for a location in this area to host a program, and ASU ended up being the organization that was the most equipped.

The Concho Valley VISTA Placement Project is designed to identify specific organizations or projects within the local nonprofit and social service community that need another set of hands to accomplish their goals.

We help find those organizations, develop the projects, and then recruit VISTAs to come serve on those projects for a year, Brosh said.

VISTAs serve full time for one year with a local community or nonprofit organization. They receive a modest living allowance, health insurance and leave benefits. Upon completion of their service, they have the option to claim a Segal Education Award.

One of the biggest draws is the Segal Education Award, Brosh said. Its equivalent to the years Pell Grant, which is about $5,800 right now. They can either apply it back on existing student loans, or they can hold on to it for up to seven years to complete their degree or go to grad school.

I think the opportunities for ASU, as well as our students specifically at ASU, are going to continue to grow as the program grows. Kaitlyn Brosh

The program has already caught on within the San Angelo community. This year alone, the program has 12 volunteers signed up and ready for training, exceeding the original volunteer cap within the first five months. The first three VISTAs began their service in January, March and April, with four more starting their service this month. The remaining five begin their terms in July/August.

Of those 12, five are either ASU students or alumni.

As we grow, the program is going to provide even more hands-on developed internship opportunities for ASU students to get involved in, Brosh said. It gives them an opportunity as theyre graduating or right after graduation to step in and really get to the inside workings of an organization and a passion that they have and can get involved in.

I think the opportunities for ASU, as well as our students specifically at ASU, are going to continue to grow as the program grows.

The organizations in which VISTAs serve receive the benefit of a committed full-time volunteer, allowing them to accomplish goals seemingly otherwise unachievable.

VISTAs in the Concho Valley (L-R): Sara Lamog, Cindy Salas, Daniel Loyer, Rachel Lisewsky, Carrie Caldwell, Miah Wagnon, Erma Brooks and Sonia Ramirez-Munoz

Credit: Courtesy Photo Through our program, Brosh said, we are giving them a full-time individual focusing on one specific side of their project. Usually, its something organizations wish they could do. If we could prove this could work, we could do it. But there is the vicious funding cycle  you have to prove it before youll be funded, but you need funding to prove it will work.

VISTA gives them an opportunity to prove that.

Moving forward, the Concho Valley VISTA Placement Project has already been awarded an additional five VISTAs to place this year, and there is a list of organizations Brosh and her team are approaching.

There was a huge desire to have VISTAs, she said. That is proof as to why we needed the project in the first place.

Meet the First VISTAs

Sara Lamog

Hometown: Los Angeles, Calif.

Organization: Concho Valley Workforce Development Board and City of San Angelo Development Corporation

Project: Work Ready Communities Initiative

Service Date: March

VISTA service is a year commitment that offers a window of time to get your feet wet enough to either decide, Yeah, I want to pursue this more or maybe not. Go in with an open mind but back it up with passion. If its a cause you are pursuing, or you know youre good at a certain skill, or even if you want to develop a certain skill, you have to have the heart, passion and openness to back that up. Then just go for it.

Miah Wagnon

Hometown: San Angelo, Texas

Organization: Laura W. Bush Institute for Womens Health

Project: Womens Spanish Speaking Health Event

Service Date: January

It (VISTA) is providing you with skills above an internship level. I feel like you get more professional job experience than internship experience. I definitely recommend it for people who have the heart to serve.

Daniel Loyer

Hometown: Martel, Ohio

Organization: Concho Valley Community Action Agency

Project: Rural Affordable Housing

Service Date: April

I wanted to help out. Theres a problem with poverty everywhere, and I think its a great organization. I really like what theyre doing to attack the poverty issue.
(ANSA) - Rome, June 16 - The anti-establishment 5-Star Movement M5S) on Friday rebuffed a perceived overture on a possible future alliance from the anti-immigrant, anti-euro Northern League (LN).

(M5S) bigwig Roberto Fico turned down LN leader Matteo Salvini's tentative offer saying the two parties' stances were "light years apart". He said that, unlike Salvini, the M5S does not talk about bulldozing Roma camps, "the M5S does not wage cryptofascist campaigns." Fico, the RAI State broadcaster parliamentary oversight commission chair, said "the distance on visions, ideas and contents is light years...especially on the migrant question." He said "in Italy there is an emergency which must be contained and governed, unlike what has been done in the last 20 years by parties, via common-sense measures, which we have proposed on several occasions in parliament." Earlier Salvini said LN's "natural alliance" was with the centre right featuring ex-premier Silvio Berlusconi's Forza Italia (FI) party but that M5S leader Beppe Grillo was "welcome" after recently saying there were too many migrants and Roma gypsies in Italy. The M5S's recent swivel to a hardline stance on migrants and Roma has led many commentators to suggest it might ally with LN at the general election, currently expected to take place early next year. The M5S has denied reports its guru Davide Casaleggio met with Salvini to discuss a possible alliance in an unknown location recently.

Another M5S bigwig, Lower House Deputy Speaker Luigi Di Maio, ha said he will sue La Repubblica daily editor-in-chief Mario Calabresi for carrying a report of the alleged meeting, and Casaleggio has said he will do the same unless Calabresi comes up with a date for the meeting.

La Repubblica stands by the story.

The M5S has always said it will never cut deals with any of Italy's traditional parties, which it sees as representing a corrupt establishment.


ATHENS - Athens is gearing up for its debut in the Refugee Food Festival which will see five of the city's top restaurants host refugee chefs from around the world, kicking off on Sunday, June 18.



The European-wide festival is part of the celebrations to mark World Refugee Day which is on June 20.



And after 2 successful editions in France, this citizen-led initiative is being hosted in Athens for the first time, while also expanding all over Europe with Brussels, Amsterdam, Florence, Lyon, Madrid, Marseille, Lille, Bordeaux, Milan, Bari, and Rome all taking part, welcoming chefs from Syria, Afghanistan, Iran, and Somalia - among other nations - to over 70 restaurants.



"This is a great celebration of diversity and a pioneering way to encourage a change in perceptions; because behind each refugee, there is a passionate man or woman with precious talents," Sudha Nair-Iliades, publisher of Athens Insider magazine, one of the organizers behind the Athens edition of the event, told ANSAmed.



She added: "All of the chefs involved love cooking and have continued to cook either at NGOs, as is the case with Iranian Mahboubeh Takavoli, who cooks for Melissa, or work/ have worked at restaurants in Greece." "For example, Somalian Hassan Hassan (who will cook at Vasilenas restaurant on June 20-21) came to Greece as a minor and went to a catering school on a scholarship, while Reza Kolami, who will cook at IT on June 22, runs his own Afghani restaurant Folia at Exarchia." "They hope that the Refugee Food Festival will help them integrate as professional chefs and that by participating in the Festival, they can give back to Greek society and change the perception of refugees." Universal power of food The restaurants involved in the Athens edition of the Refugee Food Festival are all forward-thinking restaurants and have been engaged in supporting other NGOs or causes. A citizens initiative created by the association Food Sweet Food, and co-organized by the UNHCR (United Nations High Commissionner for refugees), the festival has three main objectives: to change perceptions of refugees, accelerate their professional integration, and discover cuisines from all over the world - through the universal power of food.



The restaurants are encouraged to donate a portion of the revenues from the Refugee Food Festival to a charity of their choice and the hope is that they will motivate other restaurants to participate in such community initiatives in the future.



Further details of participating restaurants in Athens as well as profiles of the chefs can be found on the event's official website, (http://www.refugeefoodfestival.com/athens).


Naples - The Mediterranean conference of shared social responsibility opened in Naples on Thursday with a special forum on sustainable development and good practices for the protection of human rights and the environment. The forum was opened by Naples Mayor Luigi de Magistris and attended by the honorary president of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM), Francesco Maria Amoruso. "Governments' first commitment must be to pursue peace in the Mediterranean, which is the prerequisite for everything," Amoruso said. "In particular (PAM) tries to sensitise national parliaments on the need to find legislative solutions for the defence of human rights, the environment, responsible development. In this respect PAM is well ahead, it is perhaps the only organisation bringing together representatives of the different parliaments," he continued. On Friday Foreign Undersecretary Vincenzo Amendola will present Italy's national action plan on business and human rights 2016-2021.



"We will address the issues set out in the national plan with the participation of civil society, which will be able to spread the many initiatives that will be undertaken," Conference President Raffaella Papa said. The aim is to send a strong signal from a region where immigrant labour and migration are often exploited by organised crime. "Legality needs to become a strong point for companies," Papa continued.



"This is why the legality rating that is currently given to over 3,500 companies in Italy is important," she said.



"However, in Campania there are only 209 and things need to be speeded up in order to show up those companies that are committed to legality and social responsibility, but also those that are not," she concluded.


Turkey issues arrest warrants for 78 ex bank managers Suspects accused of Gulen links

(ANSAmed) - Istanbul, June 16 - Turkish authorities on Friday issued 78 arrest warrants against suspected members of the alleged coup-plotting network linked to exiled preacher Fethullah Gulen. The suspects were all former executives of Bank Asya, which was shut down following last July's unsuccessful putsch. Police have so far arrested at least 40 of the suspects in an operation in seven neighbourhoods of Istanbul. (ANSAmed)
Belgrade - The Balkans are to get their first female and homosexual premier after Serian President and former premier Aleksandar Vucic on Thursday took the unprecedented step of giving state administration and local self-government minister Ana Brnabic the mandate to form a new government. "It is a great honour for me but also a huge responsibility," said Brnabic, 42, who joined the Vucic's cabinet as Serbia's first openly gay minister last August. "I want to thank the President for the extraordinary trust he has imparted in me," she added. Born in Belgrade in 1975, the independent politician is an expert in economics and management and holds a master in marketing from Hull University in Britain. She has over ten years' experience of international organisations, foreign investment funds and local administration, working both in the public and in the private sectors. In 2013 she received the 'Business Lady of the Year' award, while last May she won the Duga (Rainbow) award established five years ago by the Gay Strait Alliance in order to promote the rights of the LGBT community in Serbia. Gay rights groups hailed Vicic's decision, saying the president "has written a new chapter in the history of Serbian democracy". Conversely, the ultranationalist and homophobic movement 'Dveri' questioned whether the decision came from Vucic or from the West.



The president told journalists "the decision was not easy, but it had been taken in the interests of Serbia and its people".



Parliament is expected to vote confidence in the new government before June 23, when Vucic's official inauguration ceremony is scheduled. (ANSAmed)
The Taste the World Award is presented to one chef who best epitomises Etihad Airways food philosophy, a highly-acclaimed culinary offering which constantly pushes the boundaries to provide a superior guest experience. Each chef was independently judged by a panel consisting of an Etihad Airways Inflight Chef, a culinary expert and a renowned food influencer. The winner earns a trip to the global final to represent London and The Manor at Taste of Abu Dhabi, in November. Dean will compete against 11 other world class chefs selected at local Taste Festivals held throughout 2017.

Dean Parker said on winning: Im extremely honoured and excited to have won this prestigious award. To be recognised alongside some of Londons finest chefs is a true honour, but representing The Manor and our team feels incredible. Im absolutely speechless that this dish, which represents The Manors core ethos of seasonality and sustainability, has impressed the judges so much. Now to prepare for Abu Dhabi.

The winning dish at Taste of London was a smoked Swaledale lamb shoulder, accompanied by courgettes, olives and basil.

Patrick Pierce, vice president marketing partnerships at Etihad Airways, said: Etihad Airways draws inspiration from the worlds best restaurants and emerging chefs from global culinary capitals. We serve our cuisine both on the ground and in the air with style and sophistication that has become synonymous with the Etihad Airways brand.

Thus were delighted to see Dean win our Taste the World Award  he demonstrated innovative cooking techniques and use of ingredients to create a truly remarkable dish, his signature smoked Swaledale lamb shoulder. We look forward to welcoming Dean to our home at Taste of Abu Dhabi in November to compete in the finale.

Justin Clarke, Director of Taste Festivals, said: We are thrilled to be in partnership with Etihad Airways. Their commitment to being the worlds leading culinary airline is both exciting and a testament to the logical brand fit between the airline and Taste Festivals.
The SHABAVIZ 206-1

Iran acquired more than 100 Agusta-Bell Model 206 types (206As and 206Bs, license produced Bell 206 and 206Bs) during the mid-1970s.

A small fraction of this fleet was still flying by 1990, attrition coming from service during the Iran-Iraq War, difficulties in acquiring replacement parts and lack of maintenance experience.

The Shabaviz 206-1 is a reverse-engineered Augusta-Bell AB-206. Its programme is one of many conducted by Panha and HESA, aimed at developing self-sufficiency in industry, primarily military industry, as well as sustaining the existing Iranian fleet.

SHABAVIZ 2-75

The Shabaviz 2-75 is a reverse-engineered Bell 214C produced in Iran. Panha and HESA also conduct this programme.

In October 2006, Bell-Textron filed a civil suit in the District of Columbia for selling, among others, the Shabaviz 2-75 and 206-1 helicopters, which it claimed [traded] on Bells reputation.

PANHA 209-1 (TOUFAN 2)

In December 1971, Bell signed a contract with the Imperial Iranian Government for 202 improved AH-1J Cobra gunships.

The improved Cobra, known as the International AH-1J, that resulted from this contract featured an uprated P&WC T400-WV-402 engine and stronger drive train to support 1,675 horsepower. Recoil damping gear was fitted to the 20mm gun turret, and the gunner was given a stabilised sight and even a stabilised chair.

Some 62 of the International AH-1Js delivered to the Shahs forces were tube-launched, optically tracked, wire-guided (TOW)-capable, while the rest were not.

Iranian AH-1Js saw service during the Iran-Iraq War but, because of a lack of spares, the fleet was reported grounded by 1990. The Iranian Government initiated a programme to bring these aircraft back online.

The Shabaviz 209-1 is an upgrade programme of the AH-1J Cobra attack helicopters conducted by Panha and HESA. In addition to service life extension, the upgrades have also made the helicopters systems compatible with the Toufan anti-tank guided missiles (ATGM), a derivative of the US BGM-71 TOW missile.

It is not clear how many AH-1Js remained to be upgraded, but aircraft were displayed during exercises in 2006 and 2007.

The Iranian versions most notable visual feature is the new bulletproof canopy design. However, a deeper observational dissection of the revamped helicopter yields all-new forward and rear cockpit instrument panels for the crew of two, a new avionics suite, revised cockpit armouring, and a nose-mounted forward-looking infrared (FLIR) camera.

A radar warning receiver (RWR) has been installed to help manage protection of the vulnerable rear quarters of the aircraft. GPS has been integrated for improved battlefield navigation.

The Toufan retains the Sea Cobras three-barrel M197 20mm Gatling-style cannon in its powered chin turret assembly, as well as the landing skid undercarriage. It also keeps its short armament wing stubs intact for the fitting of various weaponry, such as rocket pods and ATGMs.

Wing stub tips are thought to support the Misagh-2 short-range surface-to-air missile, this being an Iranian copy of a Chinese copy of the American AIM-9 Sidewinder.

SHAHED 278

The Shahed is a locally designed Iranian light helicopter with a combination of components of several helicopter-types, visibly similar to the Bell 206.

Reported to have made its maiden flight between 1997 and 1998, and accumulated 200 flight hours by March 2001, the Shahed 278 was publically displayed for the first time in 2002.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) has designed and manufactured the combat version.

The body and propeller blades have been made of non-metal composite materials, which contribute to light weight, avoids corrosion, and, consequently, enables it to operate in diverse environments.

It has a flight endurance of more than four hours and enjoys a dual flight management system. In newer models, a multi-function display (MFD) can be installed, which improves repair and maintenance time.

Its main missions are patrolling and identification, air control and commander carrying, military and commercial pilot training, city traffic control, air ambulance, environment protection patrolling, and utilities lines supervision.

The different versions of this helicopter are used for firing anti-armour missiles.

SHAHED 285

The Shahed 285 was unveiled on May 24, 2009. The IRGC says the state-of-the-art helicopter is capable of taking part in seaborne and airborne combat operations.

The Shahed 285 can carry cannons, machine guns, guided missiles, anti-armour missiles and air-to-air and air-to-sea missiles.

The 100% domestic-made all-weather aircraft has a slick aerodynamic design and is capable of taking off in harsh conditions. Its rotors and cabin are made from advanced composite materials.

The newly developed aircraft is easy to maintain and can be stored in combat zones for immediate access.

Compared to the American OH-58 Kiowa, which retains the airframe of the Bell 206, the Shahed 285 is a single-seater with a narrower fuselage, but retains the tail and power plant/rotor structures, and is intended for military use.

The helicopter performs military missions, including reconnaissance and combat patrol, and ground forces support.

The helicopter has a range of 800km and an endurance of about five hours. It is camouflaged in light blue for marine environments.

So far, it has used two types of weapons  anti-ship missiles known as Kosar, weighing 120kg with a range of about 25km installed on each side of the helicopter; and SADID 1 rockets, mounted four on each side, which, according to sources, have a range of 10km.

SABA 248

The last helicopter to be unveiled is the Saba 248, which was reportedly designed and built by Panha in partnership with the Defense Ministrys Aviation Industries Organization.

It was revealed during a ceremony, attended by top military officials, on March 7 this year.

The Saba 248 is a skid-equipped twin-engine, four-bladed utility helicopter that is similar in appearance to western platforms such as the AgustaWestland AW119 and Bell 427.

Although no performance specifications for the aircraft have yet been released, the AW119 and Bell 427 have cruise speeds of 267km/h and 273km/h respectively; ranges of 1,013km and 722km; maximum take-off weights of 2,720kg and 3,175kg; and can carry eight and seven passengers.

Judging from appearances, the Saba 248 will be in roughly the same class of performance.

Billed as both a civil and military platform, the Saba 248 is likely to be used by the Iranian armed forces for troop and cargo transportation, battlefield liaison, casualty evacuation, search and rescue, and observation and reconnaissance.

The national media reports did not say if it could be armed, and neither did they say how many helicopters might be delivered or when.

As well as being used by Iran, the Saba 248 is to be offered to the international export market with a particular focus on other Muslim nations, according to Iranian defence chief, Brigadier General Hossein Dehqan.

Saba 248 is a medium-weight helicopter, capable of carrying eight occupants. The military hardware is able to participate in cargo and passenger transport missions as well as rescue, photographing and reconnaissance operations, Dehqan added.


Minister of State for Defense Affairs Dr. Khalid bin Mohammed Al Attiyah, currently on a visit to Washington, signed the agreement on behalf of the State of Qatar, while U.S. Secretary of Defense James Mattis represented the American side

Speaking to QNA, Dr. Al Attiyah said the agreement underscores the "longstanding commitment of the State of Qatar in jointly working with our friends and allies in the United States in advancing our military cooperation for closer strategic collaboration in our fight to counter violent extremism and promote peace and stability in our region and beyond."

The minister added that the purchase agreement will directly contribute in the creation of 60,000 new jobs in 42 states across the United States.

"We believe that this agreement will propel Qatar's ability to provide for its own security while also reducing the burden placed upon the United States military in conducting operations against violent extremism," Dr. Al Attiyah said.

"Qatar and the United States have solidified their military cooperation by having fought together side by side for many years now in an effort to eradicate terrorism and promote a future of dignity and prosperity," he added.

Dr. Al Attiyah added that the signing of the agreement is "yet another step in advancing our strategic and cooperative defense relationship with the United States and we look forward to continuing our joint military efforts with our partners here in the U.S." (QNA)
This new partnership  announced today between SitaOnAir, the airline datalink communications world-leaders, and avionics manufacturer Teledyne Controls  represents an important evolution in airline and aircraft communications.

Datalink services are chiefly provided using VHF/VDL radio frequencies and satellites to transmit data messages, communicating vital real-time aircraft status, health and position updates between an aircraft and its airlines flight operations.

By using Teledyne Controls GroundLink Comm+ system, SitaOnAir is able to integrate terrestrial cellular services into its core datalink network, giving airlines the flexibility of another transmission channel for aircraft communications, bringing multiple benefits.

This option of its kind in the aircraft communications market and benefits to airlines of enabling the datalink service over 3G/4G include: Providing increased capacity for message transmission with levels of service, support and proactive monitoring that airlines have come to expect  Relieving traditional datalink networks in congested airports  Delivering the service through consistent interfaces and integrating the datalink infrastructure for seamless service delivery across networks  Supplementing VHF datalink ground coverage in sparse areas.



Dominique El Bez, SitaOnAir vice president of strategy, said: We are very pleased to formalize our relationship with Teledyne Controls to deliver our unique-to-market, datalink-over-cellular solution to the air transport industry.  SitaOnAir is focused on leading the industry in evolving aircraft communications services, and this is the first step of several we are taking to bring new IP networks to aircraft for operational communications. Our vision is to deeply integrate available technology to ensure seamless interoperability between new and current networks. Fundamentally, our industry needs to know that these services, which provide critical communications, do the job, and this is the guarantee SitaOnAir delivers as a dedicated airline partner. The unique capabilities of our organisations, and willingness to drive innovation in the aircraft communications sphere, will bring significant benefits to both SITAONAIR and Teledyne customers and the broader aviation community.

Marshall Dormire, Vice President of Business Development & Strategy of Teledyne Controls, adds: We are thrilled to join forces with SitaOnAir to deliver this new datalink service. Customers have been very interested to extend datalink functionality to Teledynes versatile GroundLink Comm+ system. It is now easy to quickly and securely transfer datalink data over 3G/4G wireless cellular networks worldwide. The GroundLink Comm+ system automates the wireless distribution of navigation databases and Software Parts, provides data interfaces for cockpit Electronic Flight Bags, and now provides datalink over terrestrial cellular IP, all while systematically collecting recorded flight data from the airlines fleet and delivering it to the airline.
Bill Pugliano/Getty Images(WYOMING, Ohio) -- The Ohio hometown of Otto Warmbier, the University of Virginia student who was imprisoned in North Korea for 17 months, has rallied around the 22-year-old since his homecoming, showing their support for him and his family throughout town.



Residents of the Wyoming, Ohio, a suburb north of Cincinnati, hung ribbons on trees in honor of Warmbier's homecoming.



The Wyoming Civic Center and a local restaurant also used their outdoor signs to express encouragement to the Warmbier family.



The efforts to show support were organized through the social media accounts of private citizens who wanted a way to "show their support and love and prayer" to lift the family up, Wyoming City Manager Lynn Tetley told ABC News. No call to action was made, Tetley added.



"When situations happen like this to anyone in the community, the support from the community happens quickly, organically and quietly," Tetley said. "It's a community where neighbors take care of neighbors.



"That is Wyoming to a tee. That's what Wyoming is about."



Families in the city are "very connected" since all the students who attend Wyoming schools live in town, Tetley said.



"It is a family-focused place where people take care of each other," she said.



On Thursday morning, Otto Warmbier's father, Fred Warmbier, thanked the community for helping with the burden of his family's ordeal. Fred Warmbier addressed the media from Wyoming High School, where his son graduated.



"Otto is a fighter, and we firmly believe he fought to stay alive in order to return home," Fred Warmbier said.



In March 2016, Otto Warmbier was sentenced to 15 years of hard labor in North Korea for allegedly attempting to steal a propaganda poster from his hotel room in Pyongyang. He arrived back in the U.S. Tuesday night after he was medically evacuated from North Korea.



Otto Warmbier is suffering from injuries related to cardiopulmonary arrest and is currently in a state of unresponsive wakefulness, doctors from the University of Cincinnati Medical Center said Thursday at a press conference.



Copyright  2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
With Count Magic, a business can easily generate GST compliant invoices and generate returns among other things.

New Delhi: Count Magic.com today said it has launched cloud based software for SMEs, e-commerce and traders, which will help businesses to upload their stock details and generate statement to avail credit.

It will help traders and businesses shorten the processes of monthly filing of returns under the goods and services tax (GST) regime. "With Count Magic, a business can easily generate GST compliant invoices, manage purchases, create inventory, make payments, monitor expenses and generate returns," the firm said in a statement.

The software offers cashless payment and electronic invoicing which not only adds to huge monthly saving for businesses but is also environment friendly. "The main motive is to bring ease in GST for businesses at a minimal cost. We are offering Count Magic free of cost for the first month to help traders and businesses understand its usefulness," said Count Magic Founder Rashmi Khetrapal.

Count Magic also offers an e-locker for accounting documents, which makes seamless sharing of information with their CAs. It is priced at Rs 9,999 per annum, with 5 GB of e-locker space and mobile app.

The GST scheduled to be rolled out from July 1 and businesses need to be ready with the software for uploading sales and returns information on the GST Network portal every month.
Last year, Witherspoon and Deacon took a special hiking trip to British Columbia and documented their exploration on social media.

Mumbai: Actress Reese Witherspoon has embarked on an adventure trip with her son Deacon Phillippe to Canada.

The 41-year-old actress took to Instagram where she shared the pictures with her 13-year-old son.

Wilderness buddy, Witherspoon captioned a selfie with his son, who looked quite touristy with their caps and camera on.

The Big Little Lies actress shared another photograph after the mother-son duo indulged in kayaking.

"River kayaking adventure! #WeSurvived #Canada #StayWILD," she wrote alongside the upside-down picture, perhaps looking tired after their tryst.

According to ET Online, the trip seems to be an annual outing for the actress and her son.

Last year, Witherspoon and Deacon took a special hiking trip to British Columbia and documented their exploration on social media.

"Let's do this! Into the wilderness we go... #StayWILD #HikingTrip," she captioned a picture then.
Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) has claimed responsibility for carrying out the attack in which 6 policemen were killed and 2 civilians were injured.

Srinagar: Six Jammu and Kashmir policemen were killed and two civilians injured in a militant ambush in southern Anantnag district on Friday evening.

The militants who ambushed the police patrol disfigured the faces of the six cops slain in the attack before walking away with their weapons, police said.

Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) has claimed responsibility for carrying out the attack. Its spokesperson Dr Abdullah Ghaznavi, in a statement to news agency CNS, said six policemen were killed in the attack carried out by them at Tajwah in Achabal.

The police sources here said that the militants targeted a police party in Acchabal area of Anantnag, about 70-km south of here with gunfire.

Among the slain policemen was Feroz Dar, a Station House Officer (SHO), the sources said.

Earlier on Thursday evening, two J&K policemen Shabir Ahmed Dar and Shahzad Dilawar Sofi were killed when targeted with gunfire by militants in Bogund village of southern Kulgam district and Hyderpora locality of central Budgam district, respectively. A third policeman was injured in one of these attacks.

These incidents came close on the heels of the militants striking with impunity across the Kashmir Valley. They carried out four grenade attacks at the security forces camps and foot patrols in southern Pulwama district and Srinagar city, leaving over a dozen personnel injured.

After the attacks for which Jaish-e-Muhammad and Al-Umar Mujahedin jointly claimed responsibility, the authorities had sounded a high alert and particularly asked the CRPF and the J&K police to me more vigilant and thwart re-occurrence of such acts by militants.
The Valley is tense again after the killing of militants and a civilian in Arwani and another civilian in security forces firing.

Clashes broke out between agitators and police in the valley after the killing of militant, civilians. (Photo: Representational/File)

Srinagar: Security forces on Friday gunned down top Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander Junaid Matto and his close associate in Arwani area of Jammu and Kashmirs southern Anantnag district.

Matoo carried a bounty of Rs 10 lakh on his head and was active in southern districts of Kulgam, Anantnag, Shopian and Pulwama for the past few years, officials said.

The militants were trapped inside two houses.

Reports from Bijbehara, the nearest town, said that a joint cordon-and-search operation was launched by the Armys 1 Rashtriya Rifles, the J&K Polices counterinsurgency Special Operations Group (SOG) and the 90th Battalion of the CRPF in Idgah Mohalla of Arwanu on Friday morning after reports about the presence of LeT militants in the area.

In the afternoon, the security forces detonated Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) to blow up the houses in which Matto and his accomplices had taken positions during the gunfight. Both the houses caught fire and Matto and, at least, one more militant were believed to have died, said a police official over the phone from Bijbehara.

He added, The firing has stopped but the operation is still on.

Simultaneously, surging crowds of youth clashed with the security forces near the encounter site and the latter opened fire, killing one of the protesters and injuring several others, the witnesses said.

The Valley is tense again after the killing of militants and a civilian in Arwani and another civilian in security forces firing on protesters outside summer capital Srinagar. Earlier on Thursday evening, two policemen were killed and a woman was injured in three separate attacks by militants.

The civilian killed after being hit by a bullet during clashes between protesters and security forces at Arwani has been identified as Muhammad Ashraf Khar.

Reports said that he was rushed to the district hospital in Anantnag but doctors declared him brought dead. Several other locals sustained bullet and pellet wounds in the security forces action against protests during the cordon-and-search operation, reports said.

Violent protests have erupted in several areas of Srinagar and in some other parts of the Valley, including the highway town of Pampore.

The Jammu and Kashmir police and the CRPF have swung into action to quell stone-pelting mobs at these places, reports said.

Earlier, a 22-year-old youth Nazir Ahmed was killed when the personnel from Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) opened fire at a stone pelting mob in Rangreth area in central district of Budgam on Thursday evening. The officials said that the SSB personnel were withdrawing from the area when they came under stone-pelting. They responded with aerial firing in which one youth was injured, a police official said.

The injured youth was rushed to a nearby hospital where doctors referred him to Srinagars Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Science (SKIMS). The youth, however, succumbed to his injuries while being operated upon at the SKIMS early on Friday, the hospital sources said.

The locals of Rangreth have alleged that the SSB men target fired at Ahmad while he was standing near a local shop.

In yet another shooting incident, two youths were critically injured in northern district of Bandipora on Friday. The locals alleged that the Army opened fire on a Sumo car near Chek Reshipora village of Bandipore. The injured have been identified as Muzaffar Ahmed and Fayaz Ahmed Haji. The Army officials said that they have no information about the incident and that they would react to the charge only after ascertaining the facts.

Amid heightened tensions, the train services between Srinagar and Banihal were on Friday suspended as a precautionary measure in view of the emerging security situation.

However, services on Srinagar-Badgam section in the central Kashmir to Baramulla in north-western Valley were running as per schedule, officials said.

Internet services were also suspended in the Valley. Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) chairman Muhammad Yasin Malik was detained by the police to prevent him from leading protests planned by an alliance of key separatist leaders. He has been lodged in Srinagars Kothi Bagh Police Station, the police sources said.

Kashmir University examinations slated for Saturday have also been cancelled.

The alliance has called for a Valley-wide shutdown on Saturday to mourn and protest civilian killings.

On Thursday evening, two Jammu and Kashmir policemen Shabir Ahmed Dar and Shahzad Dilawar Sofi were killed when targeted with gunfire by militants in Bogund village of southern Kulgam district and Hyderpora locality of central Budgam district, respectively. A third policeman was injured in one of these attacks.

The incidents came close on the heels of the militants striking with impunity across the Kashmir Valley. They carried out four grenade attacks at the security forces camps and foot patrols in southern Pulwama district and Srinagar city, leaving over a dozen personnel injured.

After the attacks for which Jaish-e-Muhammad and Al-Umar Mujahedin jointly claimed responsibility, the authorities had sounded a high alert and have asked particularly the CRPF and the J&K police to be more vigilant and thwart reoccurrence of such acts by militants.

In a separate incident, unidentified assailants shot and wounded a woman in Katrasoo village of Kulgam. The victim has been identified as Suraya who was targeted by the gunmen after they barged into her house. The suspected militants forced their entry into the house of one Muhammad Sharif Bhat at Katrasoo and shot his daughter in the leg. She is being treated at a Srinagar hospital and her condition is stable, said an police spokesman.
TFR has a direct correlation with maternal mortality rate (MMR) and infant mortality rate (IMR).

New Delhi: In order to improve family planning services, the Union government is all set to roll out Mission Parivar Vikas programme in 146 districts that house 28 per cent of the countrys population. The high density population districts in the seven states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Assam, have a total fertility rate (TFR) of three and above. These districts have been identified as high-focus areas to accelerate access to high quality family planning choices based on information, reliable services and supplies.

TFR (the number of children who would be born per woman) has a direct correlation with maternal mortality rate (MMR) and infant mortality rate (IMR). These 146 districts spread across seven states are an obstacle in population stabilisation, Union health minister J P Nadda said.

As part of the programme, the government will study each district to find why fertility rates are higher and will take measures to address them. The greater the TFR, the more will be the MMR and IMR. Hence, reducing TFR would lead to decrease in maternal mortality and morbidity and infant mortality and morbidity, Mr Nadda said.

Under the programme, the health ministry will distribute a kit containing products of family planning and personal hygiene among newly-wed couples.

A senior health ministry official said that the kits will be distributed by ASHA workers to encourage inter-spousal communication and consensual decision-making with regards to their reproductive and sexual health.

The government will organise Saas Bahu Sammelans to facilitate improved communication between mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law and bridge the gap in their attitudes and beliefs about reproductive and sexual health. Also, special buses called Saarthi Awareness on Wheels will travel through these districts to generate awareness as well as sensitise the community and disseminate family planning messages. Messages about the same will be disseminated with the help of local actors who can make an impact in the community.

The government will also augment sterilisation services through enhanced HFD (high fertility district) compensation scheme, roll out injectable contraceptive at sub centre level and generate awareness about condoms and pills.
Speculation is rife that the agriculture portfolio may see a change in the Cabinet reshuffle that is likely after the presidential election.

New Delhi: Union agriculture minister Radha Mohan Singhs last-minute postponement of his visit to China, where he was due to attend the three-day Brics forum starting June 15, happened after the Prime Ministers Office asked him to stay back due to the ongoing farmers agitation that is now threatening to spread to other parts of the country.

Highly-placed sources said the PMO had taken a serious view of the ongoing protest, and Mr Singh getting trolled in the social media, as photographs appeared showing him practising yoga with Baba Ramdev while the farmers protest was getting out of control in Madhya Pradeshs Mandsaur, has also not gone down well with South Block mandarins.

Speculation is rife that the agriculture portfolio may see a change in the Cabinet reshuffle that is likely after the presidential election.

Amid this, the agriculture minister was advised to stay in the country and skip the Brics event in China to send a positive message, sources said. It is learnt the minister got a call from the PMO on June 14, hours before he was due to leave for China, asking him to stay back.

The sources added that none of the three ministers of state in the agriculture ministry were considered for representing India at the Brics event as being political leaders their presence would have negated the message the Centre was trying to send by asking Mr Singh to skip the event.

With the minister staying back, the agriculture secretary had to rush to China to attend the Brics forum. An official statement was later issued by the ministry saying that Mr Radha Mohan Singh had postponed his visit to China in order to ensure every possible help was given to farmers and to help formulate policy decisions by state governments for the welfare of farmers.
The MEA dismissied Paks reported claim that Indias request seeking more time in the case had been rejected.

New Delhi: The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has asked India to make its submission in the Kulbhushan Jadhav case by September 13, the MEA said on Friday while dismissing Pakistans reported claim that Indias request seeking more time in the case had been rejected. Pakistan has been asked by the court to complete its counter-submission by December 13 this year, the MEA said.

In response to a question about Pakistans reported claim that Indias request for more time in the case has been rejected by the ICJ, the MEA said it was not true as India had sought about four months and had got precisely that with the court fixing the deadline for Indias submissions on the case  known in legal terminology as memorial  in September this year. The MEA said the timelines had been decided in the June 8 meeting between ICJ President Ronny Abraham and the agents of the two countries.

Earlier, Pakistans attorney general was quoted by a Pakistani newspaper reportedly as saying that, India had asked the ICJ to offer it time till December to file pleadings in the Jadhav case but that the court has dismissed their request. On May 18 this year, in a major victory for India, the ICJ at The Hague had barred Pakistan from executing former Indian naval officer Kulbhushan Jadhav  who was sentenced to death there by a military court  till the court pronounces its final decision in the case. Granting the provisional relief sought by India, the ICJ had ordered that Pakistan shall take all measures at its disposal to ensure that Jadhav is not executed pending the final decision in these proceedings and shall inform the court of all the measures taken in implementation of the present order.
If it is so, how so many Christian MLAs of Arunachal Pradesh joined the BJP? Most of them are frontline leaders in the politics of my state.

Guwahati: Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Pema Khandu came down heavily on the ruling Congress Party for painting the BJP as anti-Christian party while referring to the beef ban in Meghalaya.

Former Congress-turned-BJP chief minister, Mr Khandu, addressing a meeting of the BJP workers in Kharkutta in Meghalayas North Garo Hills, said, Let the Congress show the notification by which beef-eating has been banned. They have no issue to talk about so they are involved in this false propaganda to brand the BJP as anti-Christian.

He asked, Where is the ban on consumption of beef? Mr Khandu, himself a Buddhist, said, In fact, the Congress has not been able to find any fault in the BJP, so they are hatching a conspiracy to defame the party by tagging it as anti-Christian. If it is so, how so many Christian MLAs of Arunachal Pradesh joined the BJP? Most of them are frontline leaders in the politics of my state.
Court has set the next hearing date on June 19, to decide the date for argument on quantum of sentence.

Mumbai: A special Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA) court on Friday convicted underworld don Abu Salem and others in connection with the 1993 blasts case.

However, all accused were acquitted for the charge of waging war against the nation.

Salem was convicted under charges of conspiracy and terror activities but was acquitted of some charges of TADA which he was framed initially.

Accused Riyaz Siddique also convicted under TADA and other charges, but court believed prosecution failed to prove conspiracy charges against Riyaz.

Accused Mustafa Dossa was found guilty of conspiracy, murder and terror activities in the case.

Accused Firoz khan was convicted under charges of conspiracy and murder under sections of IPC, TADA and Explosives Act.

Other accused Tahir Merchant, Karimullah Shaikh were also convicted. Accused Abdul Qayyum was acquitted of all charges in the case. Court ordered his release on personal bond.

Court has set the next hearing date on June 19, to decide the date for argument on quantum of sentence.

Salem was named in the 1993 Mumbai bomb blasts case and is an accused in a slew of cases related to murder and extortion.

Salem is currently lodged in the Taloja Jail in Navi Mumbai.

In February 2015, Salem was sentenced to life imprisonment by a special court in the 1995 in connection with the murder of Mumbai builder, Pradeep Jain.
Restaurant to be operational by next year will be beside two of Mumbai's most iconic sites

Mumbai: In a sudden move, a girl from Delhi has outclassed all others to get the most sought after bid to start the first ever floating restaurants and cruises next to two of Mumbais most iconic sites  the Gateway of India and Girgaum Chowpatty.

Shripriya Dalmia Thirani, who is an outsider in the food business, was allowed the development by the Mumbai Port Trust (MbPT) on Thursday.

The 37-year-old who has spent a lot of her childhood in the city has been passionate in chasing the cause to turn Mumbais coastline like those in Monte Carlo and Algrave.

Mumbai, which is home to some of the worlds best restaurants  over 500, has none one the Arabian Sea  till now!

Speaking about the phone call informing her of the decision exclusively to us, Shripriya says, I honestly have no words to describe how I felt at that exact moment. I was surprised and extremely happy. She adds, There were so many stalwarts and hoteliers who were trying to get the coveted bid, I am grateful that the government has shown faith in me.

It is a bit daunting and I am a little worried, but mostly I am just excited about the entire prospect, she further elaborates.

The MbPT tender says, the floating restaurant is intended to be a signature project in Mumbai to match Mumbais stature as the financial capital of India and leisure destination. MbPT through this tender process is seeking a professionally competent licensee to deliver an international experience.

Speaking about it this scion of the famous Dalmia clan said, It has been a lifelong dream and passion for me to highlight the beautiful skyline that Mumbai boasts of. Indians will no more have to travel to foreign destinations for a cruise over the best food and wine. The sea is Mumbais soul but till now we didnt have the chance to enjoy the views of Mumbai from it. We have always looked out into the sea rather than look into the sensational skyline from the sea. Not anymore.

This will be something shaandaar for my country, she adds with a laugh.

Elaborating further on the visions she has for the place Shripriya adds, The cruise will be for everybody. It will cater to locals, Indians and foreign tourists alike. We aim at creating an affordable but quality conscious place. The flavours on offer will be created keeping in mind the Indian palate. And clients will be able to enjoy a delicious meal - local, fusion and international cuisine while getting a 360 degree view of Mumbai.

It will highlight the Indian flavours and culture to outsiders, and will also cater international flavours to Indians, she adds. However, Shripriya feels it is too early to speak about how the cruise will look like but promises that it will be nothing short of spectacular.

Thirani who says that she plans to be operational by the end of the year or early in 2018 is at present travelling across the world, inspecting ships. Over the next few weeks, Ms Thirani will travel from Norway to Greece, Japan Singapore and Malaysia for sourcing the ships.

The MbPT has added the successful bidder will have to obtain a no objection certificate from the Indian Navy, Coast Guard and Mumbai Police for the purpose of operation of the restaurant ship.
Cardiovascular drug recommendations are based on clinical trials in middle-aged men.

Washington: To reduce the adverse reactions of cardiovascular drugs in women, a team of researchers has recommended to develop sex-specific dosages to protect greater proportion of women dying from heart diseases. According to the study, Aspirin has a higher protective effect against stroke in women and against heart attack in men. Aspirin is more active in male platelets, and aspirin resistance is more frequent in women.

The findings indicated that women have a 1.5 to 1.7-fold greater incidence of adverse reactions to cardiovascular drugs and they tend to be more severe than in men, more often needing hospital admission. According to researchers, adverse drug reactions are more severe and more common in women than men.

Lead author Juan Tamargo from Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain said that cardiovascular diseases kill a greater proportion of women than men in Europe and they kill twice as many women as all cancers combined. Tamargo added that women have more adverse reactions from current dosages and may stop taking preventive medication, leaving them unprotected despite their higher risk.

Women have more adverse reactions because for many drugs the same dose is recommended for everyone irrespective of body weight and this can lead to higher plasma levels and overdoses in women, Tamargo explained. Cardiovascular drug recommendations are based on clinical trials in middle-aged men.

The study highlights the differences between women and men with respect to cardiovascular medications and gives recommendations on how to improve treatment in women. Tamargo noted that male physicians less often prescribe recommended medications for female patients. Some doctors think cardiovascular disease is not a real issue for women because they are protected by sex hormones, forgetting that this disappears with age and women live longer than men.

There are sex-related differences in the pharmacokinetics (the way a drug is absorbed, distributed, biotransformed and excreted) of some widely used cardiovascular drugs. Tamargo noted that sex-related recommendations for drug dosages are not included on labels, even for drugs with a greater than 40 percent difference in pharmacokinetics between men and women.

The researchers suggested that to include sex-specific dosages on cardiovascular drug labels and doctors should be educated about sex differences in the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of cardiovascular drugs. The most effective way to minimise adverse drug reactions in women is to develop and implement sex-specific guidelines for cardiovascular drugs, the authors concluded. The study is published in European Heart Journal - Cardiovascular Pharmacotherapy.
Tharoor wrote how he was talking to a swami after addressing a Muslim community meeting at YMCA.

Shashi Tharoor is one of the most active Indian leaders on social media and he has been making news for all the right reasons. Be it his speech on why Britain owes reparations to India or his tweet about an exasperating farrago of distortions, Tharoor has been in the social media spotlight for quite some time.

Now the MP from Kerala is being lauded for sharing what is being described as the most secular image in recent times with a commentary describing the spirit of unity in the state.

With a picture where Tharoor can be seen seated with religious figures from different communities, he wrote how it was typical in Kerala that he was talking to a swami after addressing a Muslim Jamaat meeting at YMCA.

People commented how this is a wonderful aspect of our society that needs to be nurtured in the entire country and many praised Tharoors commentary on several similar issues as well as the message he tried to convey.

Kerala has made news in the past few days for initiatives towards communal harmony with mosques using a single loudspeaker to prevent noise pollution to locals. Weeks back a mosque opening doors to parents of children appearing for exams also made headlines.
The innovative way of giving a doll to the child to play with, adopted by the trial court judge, yielded results.

New Delhi: A five-year-olds description of her ordeal through a Barbie doll has found judicial credence with the Delhi High Court confirming the jail term of a man for sexually assaulting her. The court said the girl by referring to the private parts of the doll conveyed the information as to "what had happened with her".

It noted from the case file that the girl while telling to her doll the ordeal of sexual assault was hesitant to answer "embarrassing", "derogatory", "dirty" and "vulgar" questions posed by the defence counsel.

The innovative way of giving a doll to the child to play with, adopted by the trial court judge, yielded results as the high court held that the sentence awarded to the 23-year-old man was based upon a proper appreciation of the evidence and it deserves "no intervention".

Justice S P Garg, while dismissing the appeal filed by the convict, said the five-year-old girl had rightly conveyed the details to the trial court by describing to the doll what all was done to her by the man. The court said merely because no nail marks were found on the private parts of the child, it cannot be inferred that no such incident had taken place and her mother did not permit her internal medical examination to protect her honour.

"The crucial evidence regarding nail marks on the private parts could not be gathered. It, however, does not dilute the oral testimony of the victim whereby by referring to the private parts of the doll in her hand she conveyed the information as to what had happened to her. There was no occasion for the appellant (man) to take the child on the allurement of handing over a Rs 10 note to her brother," it said.

The incident dates back to July 2014 when the girl was going to school with her 10-year-old brother and accused Hunny gave Rs 10 to the boy and asked him to bring something from a shop and kidnapped the girl. The man took her to Narela in north-west Delhi and sexually assaulted her after disrobing and slapping her. He then left the child near her house.

A woman neighbour found the child crying and wandering on streets without her skirt and took her home. Initially, the minor, who was in a state of shock, did not disclose anything to her family, she later told her mother about the incident.

The incident left such an impact on the childs mind that she became quiet and refused to talk or stay alone even with her father, Additional Sessions Judge Vinod Yadav had noted in his order convicting the man for the offence under Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

The accused was arrested with the help of a CCTV footage of the area from where the child was kidnapped. To make the child comfortable at the time of recording her testimony in the court, the sessions judge gave a Barbie doll to the girl which kept her engaged.

While taking to the judge, the minor started putting her hand in the lower apparel of the doll. This prompted the judge to ask the child if this is what the man had done to her and the girl replied in affirmative.

At the time of recording of the evidence of child this court had the challenge to record her evidence. This court took the assistance of a Barbie doll in making the child to depose in the matter about the nuances of the sexual assault which took placed with her, the trial court had noted.

The man had challenged the trial courts order convicting and sentencing him for the offence, saying it held him guilty on the sole testimony of the child who was unable to respond to the questions put to her. The high court, however, said the child was hesitant to answer embarrassing questions which were derogatory.

She has given answers to other questions. Nevertheless, she had categorically pointed out as to what the appellant had done with her by referring it to the doll in her hand. She had conveyed as to what was done by the appellant with her.

Nothing more can be expected from a child aged around five years considering her limited understanding. Her testimony cannot be discarded merely because she in specific words did not tell that nails were scratched on her vagina by the appellant after putting off her underwear, it said.

The bench said it was a serious crime and it could understand the trauma of the kid who suffered sexual assault and was defiled at such a small age.
Naseeb Chand Aggarwal (65) told police that he stays on the top floor of a building in Nehru Enclave.

New Delhi: An elderly couple was robbed of money and jewellery worth Rs 70 lakh by unidentified men who entered their home and held them hostage on Thursday in southeast Delhi's Kalkaji, the police said.

Naseeb Chand Aggarwal (65) told police that he stays on the top floor of a building in Nehru Enclave.

He had gone out for some work while his wife and cook were at home. When he returned, he found that there were four men inside the house and they were holding his wife at knife-point, said a senior police officer.

The faces of the men were covered, he said.

They threatened to kill the couple if they did not part with their jewellery and cash, the officer said, the men decamped with valuables worth Rs 70 lakh and even hit the couple who suffered minor injuries.

Police suspect the role of an insider and are questioning former employees of the couple.
Accused had fired at husband of actress Raveena Tandon.

New Delhi: A suspected aide of gangster Abu Salem has been arrested from East Delhi on Friday. He is wanted in several cases, including murder, attempt to murder and extortion.

Jaan Usman Khan alias Reenu, who is in his 30s and has a long list of arrests in Delhi and Mumbai, was nabbed from an area near Sanjay Jheel, said deputy commissioner of police (East) Omvir Singh.

Along with his two associates, Khan had allegedly shot his wife in Janakpuri on June 3. He had been previously arrested by Mumbai police on charges of firing at actress Raveena Tandons husband, Anil Thadani.

The police has recovered two live cartridges and an improvised pistol, which he had used to shoot his wife, from him. According to them, he was angry at his wife for disappearing for a week without informing him. The wife is said to be recovering from the incident.

After trying to kill his wife, Khan fled to Nepal to get help from his gangster friend Chakre Milan. But as Milan was arrested in May 2017 and the Nepal police is cracking down on Milans gang, he returned to Delhi, said the DCP.

He is an aide of gangster Abu Salem, who is currently lodged in Taloja Central Jail in Raigad and who was found guilty by a TADA court on Friday of transporting weapons.
A Kolhapur court on Friday rejected bail application by Samir Gaikwad, one of the charge sheeted accused.

Pune: Four men were involved in the February 2015 murder of CPI leader Govind Pansare in Kolhapur, the prosecutor told the court on Friday. The four visited the area a day before Pansare was killed for reconnaissance, prosecutor Harshad Nimbalkar told the court. A Kolhapur court on Friday rejected bail application by Samir Gaikwad, one of the charge sheeted accused.

Two bike-borne gunmen had fired at Pansare, who succumbed to his bullet wounds while his wife was injured but survived only to get a paralysis attack later. During hearing, Nimbalkar opposed the bail plea saying that the other three accused in the case  Sarang Akolkar, Vinay Pawar and Rudra Patil  were already absconding. So, if Gaikwad was given bail, he might run away too. Nimbalkar also argued that there were proofs of Gaikwads involvement in Pansares murder. One of the witnesses had seen Gaikwad on the morning of the murder.

Meanwhile, defence Samir Patwardhan argued that Sanatan Sanstha members did not take the law into their own hands. Patwardhan said that Uma Pansare had identified only Akolkar and Pawar and hence, Gaikwad was not involved in the murder and should get bail.

After hearing the arguments from both sides, judge of the Kolhapur sessions court, L.D. Bile, announced that the court would decide about the bail on June 17.

Case timeline
In February last year, Rao had allowed the CBI to prosecute Chavan.

Mumbai: The Bombay high court on Thursday asked the CBI to inform a special court not to proceed against Congress MP and former chief minister Ashok Chavan in the Adarsh Housing Society scam case till the high court hears his plea against the Maharashtra governors February 2016 sanction to prosecute him.

Justice R.V. More was hearing Mr Chavans plea challenging Governor C. Vidyasagar Raos decision to allow the CBI to prosecute him in the case. In February last year, Mr Rao had allowed the CBI to prosecute Mr Chavan for offences under IPC sections 120 (b) (criminal conspiracy) and 420 (cheating) and various provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Mr Chavan contention was that the earlier Governor, Mr Shankar-narayanan had refused the CBI sanction so what were the change in circumstances that led the new governor to grant permission to prosecute. His petition called the governors order arbitrary, illegal and unjust, passed without proper application of mind, and with malafide intentions. His counsel Amit Desai informed the court that the special CBI court would go ahead with the proceedings on June 21.

The court then asked the CBI counsel Hiten Venegaonkar to inform the special court not to go ahead with proceedings till they hear the plea.

Mr Chavan had allowed 40% of flats in Adarsh reserved for Kargil war widows and ex-servicemen, to civilians.
A total of 34 lakh farmers, who have defaulted on loans since 2012, are eligible for this loan.

Mumbai: The Maharashtra governments move to provide immediate loans of Rs 10,000 to every farmer who defaulted in the last four years, has backfired. Sixteen of the district cooperative banks, which were to disburse these loans, have written to the state government saying they cannot do so because of inadequate funds.

While accepting the farmers demand of loan waiver, the Devendra Fadnavis government had also declared an immediate loan of Rs 10,000 to each farmer so as to enable them to buy seeds and other materials for farming. A total of 34 lakh farmers, who have defaulted on loans since 2012, are eligible for this loan.

Going by the state governments announcement, district cooperative banks need to provide an immediate loan to these farmers and write governments guarantee before their names. Sources from the cooperative ministry confirmed that 16 district banks have expressed their inability to distribute loans due to inadequate funds. Meanwhile, cooperative minister Subhash Deshmukh said,  We will solve this issue with the help of the Maharashtra State Cooperative Bank.

Interestingly, the Nagpur District Cooperative Bank in the chief ministers home district and the Solapur District Cooperative Bank, which is in Mr Deshmukhs district, too are part of these 16 banks.

The 16 banks include, Dhule, Nandurbar, Nashik, Jalgaon from north Maharashtra;

Solapur from western Maharashtra; Parbhani, Hingoli, Jalana, Beed, Osmanabad and Nanded from Marathwada, and Vidarbha Amravati, Buldana, Nagpur, Yavatmal and Wardha.

Attacking the government for its failure to deliver, opposition leader in assembly, Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil said, This shows the manner in which this government functions. It keeps announcing decisions from Mumbai, just for the sake of publicity. But on ground, nothing changes. Our farmers are experiencing this every day.
Abdul Qayyum was the lone accused who was acquitted of all charges.

Mumbai: Abu Salem and Mustafa Dossa, key accused in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts that killed 257 people and left 713 injured, have been found guilty of conspiracy and terror activities by a special court.

Apart from Salem, who was extradited from Portugal in 2005, and Dossa, who was extradited from the UAE, the special Tada court also convicted Mohammed Tahir Merchant alias Tahir Takla, Karimullah Khan, Riyaz Siddiqui and Feroz Abdul Rashid Khan. Abdul Qayyum was the lone accused who was acquitted of all charges.

Salem was found guilty of transporting weapons from Gujarat to Mumbai ahead of the blasts, and Dossa, key mastermind of the strike, was convicted on charges of conspiracy and murder.

The court held all the accused guilty of involvement in criminal conspiracy and other charges under Tada, Indian Penal Code, Explosive Substances Act and the Arms Act.

Special Tada judge Govind A. Sanap set Monday to hear arguments on the quantum of sentence to be awarded to the accused.

Shaikh has been told not to leave the country till the other accused receive their punishment.

The first conspiratorial meeting that took place in Dubai in the case was held in the house of Mohammad Dossa, Mustafa Dossas brother. Mustafa Dossa was himself was present. They conspired to send in arms, explosives and spark riots against Hindus and the government. The conspiracy was hatched as a revenge of the 1992 Babri Masjid demolition, Deepak Salve, the lawyer for the Central Bureau of Investigation, said.

The court maintained that Abu Salem and Mustafa Dossa, aides of fugitive underworld don Dawood Ibrahim, were key conspirators and also instrumental in executing the serial blasts.

The extradition treaty that India signed with the Portuguese has a clause which states that Salem cannot be awarded death sentence by the Indian government.

In 2013, the court had dropped certain charges against Salem after the CBI moved a plea, saying those charges were against the extradition treaty between India and Portugal.

Speaking to The Asian Age, Shaikh said, I have been in custody for the past 10 years and eight months. From the beginning I have been shouting that I am innocent. Had I been convicted, it would have been the most embarrassing thing to go through

On March 12, 1993, a series of 12 explosions took place in Mumbai, between 1.30 pm and 3.40 pm, killing 257 people and destroying property worth Rs 27 crore.

The blasts occurred at the Bombay Stock Exchange, Katha Bazaar, Lucky Petrol pump near Sena Bhavan, opposite Passport office near Century Bazaar, Fishermens colony at Mahim Causeway, at the basement of the Air India Building, Zaveri Bazaar, Hotel Sea Rock, Plaza Theatre, Centaur Hotel in Juhu, Sahar Airport (Bay no.54) and Centaur Hotel near the airport.

Main trial of 123 accused ended in 2006 with the conviction of 100. A total of 33 accused are absconding, including key conspirators Dawood Ibrahim, his brother Anees Ibrahim, Mustafas brother Mohammed Dossa and Tiger Memon.
Its been 24 years and the scars of the blasts have yet to fade.

Mustafa Dossa

The name of Mustafa Ahmed Umar Dossa alias Mustara Majnu was revealed during a probe in 1995 and hence it did not appear in the first chargesheet. The TADA court issued proclamation against Dossa on August 29, 1997. The CBI/STF arrested Dossa on March 20, 2003 at the IGI airport on his arrival from Dubai. The court framed charges against him on January 9, 2004. He was charged with attending and participating in a conspiratorial meeting at the residence of absconding accused Mohammad Dossa in Dubai during the period between December 1992 and January 1993.

Abu Salem

The Tada court had issued a proclamation against Abu Abdul Qayoom Salem on September 15, 1993. He was detained in Lisbon, Portugal on September 18, 2002 and extradited to India on November 11, 2005. Charges were framed against him on December 9, 2005. He has been charged with going to Bharuch, Gujarat in the second week of January 1993 with absconding accused Aziz Bilakhia in a Maruti to pick up arms and explosives. He allegedly transported the same in Mumbai via Bhiwandi and Thane concealed in false cavities of a Maruti van which was allegedly given to him by co-accused Riyaz Ahmed Siddique.

Karimullah Khan

The name of Karimullah Usman Khan alias Karimullah Hussain Habib Shaikh Karimullah appeared in first chargesheet. He was absconding and hence TADA court declared him proclaimed offender on October 15, 1993. The Mumbai city police arrested him on August 21, 2008 and handed him over to the CBI the next day.

Karimullah has been charged for abetment and assistance in porting arms, ammunition and explosives at Shekhadi jetty and also assisting the distribution of said arms to various persons. He also allegedly obtained a driving licence by forging documents and medical certificates.

Taher Merchant

Taher Mohammed Merchant alias Taklyas name appeared in the first chargesheet. TADA court termed him a proclaimed offender on October 15, 1993. On the request of the Indian government, the UAE government handed over Merchant to the CBI in Abu Dhabi on June 7, 2010 around midnight and he was brought to Mumbai on June 8, 2010. He has been charged with attending conspiracy meets in Dubai and motivating associates to arrange for men from Mumbai to be sent for training in handling of arms and explosives in Pakistan. He arranged for stay and visas of co-accused who went to Dubai with the object of receiving arms training.

Firoz Khan

The name of Firoz Abdul Rashin Khan alias Hamza Abdul Rashid Khan appears in the first chargesheet. He was declared a proclaimed offender on October 15, 1993. Firoz was arrested at Koparkhirane by the Mumbai city police on February 5, 2010.

He has been charged with attending a meeting at Hotel Persian Darbar at Panvel on January 6, 2003.

In this meeting, customs officers allegedly agreed to allow Mohammad Dossa and his associates to carry on with their smuggling activities in their jurisdiction on payment of illegal gratification. Due to this, illegal arms and ammunition landed at Dighi jetty.

Riyaz Siddiqui

Riyaz Siddiqui was charged under provisions of the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA) for criminal conspiracy to commit a terrorist act in India. He was acquitted of charges under section 3(3), 3(2) (i) (ii), section 3 sub section (4) (5) of TADA, which deal with terror activities. The court says it believes that the prosecution had failed to prove charges against Siddiqui for conspiracy. Court has said it found Siddiqui guilty under TADA, but not for conspiracy.

He was arrested on August 2, 2005, and charged with transporting explosives in a van, which were later used in the blasts.

Abdul Shaikh (A)

It was alleged that Abdul Qayyum Shaikh had procured arms and grenades along with co-accused Anees Ibrahim and sent them to India for the blasts. He was charged under provisions of Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA). The common charge, like the others, is that the accused entered into a criminal conspiracy to commit a terrorist act in India. He was acquitted of charges under sections 3(3), 3(2) (i) (ii), section 3 sub section (4) (5) of TADA; 120 (B), 302, 307, 326, 436, 201 and 212 of the IPC; sections 25 1(a) and 1(b) (a) of the Arms Act; and sections 9 (b) (1) (a) (b) of the Explosives Act, among other charges.
My advice then would be to recommend to Parliament that you withdraw Article 50 and slide back into being a full member of the European Union.

Her beauty made her

Her inclinations swayed her

Her anxieties delayed her

Her fantasies betrayed her.

 From Gully Gully Mein Shor by Bachchoo

Dear Theresa,

Now that your gamble on calling an election has failed and your advisers Timothy and Fiona have slunk away into deserved oblivion, I am writing to offer my services. Please read this as an application from one who is not part of the Westminster Elite, has never advised a politician (though I was once asked by a mutual friend to write election speeches for someone called Vijay Mallya) and has a longing for a fat salary and an office in Downing Street. The quality of the advice that follows is yours to judge.

Having convinced you of my suitability for the job you will dispose of the two Tory MP placemen you have appointed as advisers and send a prime ministerial limo to my address in London to appoint me straightaway. You need me as badly as a feminist needs a bicycle  or whatever the metaphor was.

First things: never use the sort of long sentences I have used above. Think of the spectacular, unexpected triumph of Jeremy Corbyn in this election. He used just three words For the Many, not the Few (okay, five !) and converted doubters. You got stuck with Strong and Stable, me, me, me, me, me, me, me... Lots of me words.

When David resigned and you opportunistically became a strong Brexiter, you stood outside 10 Downing Street and said you were for compassionate conservatism and gave me the impression that you would make the lame walk and the blind see. Good stuff.

But then you started talking Tory nonsense  reinstate grammar schools, impose punitive taxes on people driving white vans, size up and seize the houses of the old, feeble and demented as soon as they died, refuse to do anything about the crooks who do billions of pounds worth of business in Britain but dodge its taxes... I could go on, but you know the stuff you came up with. People noticed. It tore away the veil of one-nation-conservatism and revealed beneath it the same old naked Nasty Party again. For the Few, not the Many is what your advisers seemed to have induced you to go for, specially in the election the ultimate fewness  yourself!.

Brits dont like braggarts and egotists  which is of course why they didnt elect Donald Trump (that was another country you fool!  Ed; Yes, yes, sorry yaar, got carried away  fd).

We know that an Australian called Lynton Crosby and his computer were hired to help you win the election. He made all sorts of calculations about marginal seats and grabbing votes from strong Labour constituencies which voted for Brexit because they are basically racists  all of which, despite his algorithms, proved to be hopeless miscalculations. Probably on his advice you tried, not very subtly, to appeal to this racist, xenophobic mentality of some British voters by promising to reduce immigration to the tens of thousands  which could mean ten, twenty or ninety thousand a year. You were home secretary in charge of immigration for several years before becoming PM. In that capacity, you made this same promise repeatedly. You know that only half the immigration into Britain comes from the European Union and the rest from countries such as India, America and Australia, whose citizens dont have an automatic right to enter the UK. So how seriously could the racists take your renewed promise when it goes with greater contact with the world outside the EU?

That aside, I have a question. I confess to having lots of Australian friends and dont wish to say anything about their computing abilities, which may be among the best in the world, but one should ask why not hire a British expert instead of an immigrant? Or will skilled, though failed, immigrants be within your quota? Lynton is an electioneering expert but your Brexiteer ministers have repeatedly said that the era of experts is over and experts are not to be believed. So why expert Lynton? Isnt it hypocritical to attack experts as useless and then employ one? And have the very vocal anti-experts such as Michael Gove, whom youve recently reappointed to your walking-on-water Cabinet, been proved right? Or are the experts who predicted that the economic growth of the UK would suffer as a result of the Brexit vote ultimately correct as the UKs growth rate is this quarter the lowest in Europe? Even Bulgaria is doing better.

Jeremy made remarkable headway with the young vote by talking publicly to their idols. My advice is to go one further and take up Rapping yourself. Here are some sample lyrics you could try:

Strong and Stable

The three-legged table

Soak the many

Take every Penny

Pile on the promises and the lies

Make Britain a tax-dodgers paradise

Welcome to Lalit Modi and to Vijay

Buy up British properties, no tax to pay!

(This wont win her support, you idiot Ed; Form kills substance  fd)

Anyway, we both know that your precarious minority in the House of Commons has forced you to withdraw your determination to get a hard Brexit. As you talk to your own party and conduct secret negotiations with Labour, it seems that the deal you will try and negotiate with the EU is very, very close to being a member of it.

My advice then would be to recommend to Parliament that you withdraw Article 50 and slide back into being a full member of the European Union. It will free you to get on with a desperately needed domestic agenda. I can lend you some cash to buy a copy of the Labour Partys election manifesto. We (I am assuming that I am hired as chief adviser) cant do better than adopt all its aims and policies! Nationalise British Rail!

Yours Ever,

Lord (?) Dhondy

(Chief Adviser to the UKs temporary PM)
Armar has been operating on Facebook and other messengers to recruit youths from India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

Armar was said to have left for Pakistan along with his elder brother after the crackdown on Indian Mujahideen cadres. (Photo: PTI)

Washington: Mohammed Shafi Armar, the fugitive chief recruiter for the ISIS in the Indian subcontinent, has been named a 'Specially Designated Global Terrorist' by the US on Thursday, becoming the first Indian leader of the terror outfit against whom America has sponsored sanctions.

The US State Treasury Department, while updating its list of Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGT), has included in it Armar, a native of Bhatkal in Karnataka, clearing the way for sanctions against him.

An Interpol Red Corner notice is also pending against the 30-year-old Armar, who has many aliases like 'Chhote Maula', 'Anjan Bhai' and 'Yousuf al-Hindi'.

"Mohammed Shafi Armar is a leader and head recruiter in India for the Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) group, ISIS," the State Department said.

Read: India's chief Islamic State recruiter Shafi Armar still alive

"He has cultivated a group of dozens of ISIS sympathisers who are involved in terrorist activities across India, such as plotting attacks, procuring weapons, and identifying locations for terrorist training camps," said the statement.

Armar was said to have left for Pakistan along with his elder brother after the crackdown on Indian Mujahideen cadres. After a fight with Bhatkal brothers, including Riyaz, the founder of Indian Mujahideen, in Pakistan, Armar is believed to have created Ansar ul Tawhid, which later pledged its allegiance to the ISIS.

There have been many reports of him having been killed in a drone attack or crackdown by the allied forces. However, every time intelligence agencies began giving credence to such reports, his name or voice cropped up in intercepts.

Tech savvy, Armar has been operating on Facebook and other personal messenger services to contact, brainwash and recruit youths from India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

His links to the ISIS were also the highlight of the interrogation of Yasin Bhatkal, who was arrested near the Nepal border in 2013.

Armar first came on the radar of investigation agencies when the NIA was probing suspected ISIS cadres in Ratlam of Madhya Pradesh.

During the interrogation of alleged IS operatives, it emerged that Armar was motivating and radicalizing Muslim youths in India. He was said to have been recruiting youths for the Jund ul Khalifa-e-Hind through online radicalisation.

The National Investigation Agency or NIA had filed a charge-sheet against him along with five others for allegedly conspiring to carry out terror strikes in the national capital and also during ardh kumbh in Haridwar.

Two other ISIS leaders in Europe and the Middle East, Oussama Ahmad Atar and Mohammed Isa Yousif Saqar Al Binali were also listed as Specially Designated Global Terrorists by the US.

Oussama is a senior leader of ISIS' external operations efforts and has established a network to carry out attacks in Europe.

"He was a leading coordinator of the November 2015 Paris attacks and March 2016 attacks in Brussels," the State Department said. The Belgian-Moroccan national was responsible for recruiting, training, and sending at least some of the individuals to Paris to launch the November 2015 attacks, which killed and injured hundreds, including Americans, it said.

He also recruited and mentored two of the bombers involved in the March 2016 Brussels attacks that killed 32 and left many more wounded.
The beer's label portrays the American president as a traditional Mexican mariachi musician with a swastika belt buckle.

Mexico City: There is a force more powerful than prejudice, which cannot be contained by any wall, which unites people in friendship even if they do not speak the same language.

That force is beer, according to a trio of craft brewers from the United States and Mexico that have teamed up to create a new brew for the President Donald Trump era.

The beer's label portrays the American president as a traditional Mexican mariachi musician with a swastika belt buckle.

The brewers say the cross-border venture aims to refute Trump's anti-Mexico rhetoric. "The important thing was to make this product together and show that the president of the United States is wrong, that what he's saying is wrong," said Jose Fernando Rincon, head of Mexican brewery Error de Diciembre.

"It doesn't matter what he says, friends will be friends, no matter if there's a wall between them." Rincon teamed up to make the beer with fellow Mexican brewery Cru Cru and Utah-based Epic Brewing.

The New England Pale Ale, which features a hint of mango, is called "Amigous" -- a play on the way Americans pronounce the Spanish word for friends.

Its creators say it is a fitting tribute to Trump. "Ironically, it turned out to be very bitter, like Trump, and very orange because of the mango -- also like Trump," said Cru Cru's Luis Enrique de la Reguera.

The beer has been a success in Mexico: the first run of 1,200 bottles and 400 liters' worth of kegs sold out in three days on demand from specialty stores and Mexico City bars.

The brewers are now looking to export it to the United States -- but are working on a different label first.
Nhaveen's case drew outrage on social media and also the attention of A R Rahman.

An unidentified relative of Malaysian teenager T Nhaveen shows a picture with the teenager, outside Penang Island General Hospital in Penang (Photo: AP)

Kuala Lumpur: An Indian-origin teenager in Malaysia has died after he was brutally assaulted allegedly by five youths for being effeminate, sparking outrage about increasing incidents of bullying in the country.

The 18-year-old student, T Nhaveen, who was allegedly beaten with helmets, burned on his back and sodomised by five youths following a spat, died of his injuries in a hospital in Penang's George Town on Thursday.

The five suspects, believed to be Nhaveen's former schoolmates, had been arrested after Nhaveen and his friend were attacked last Saturday.

He was buying burgers with his friend T Previin when two youths known to them started teasing the duo. Previin apparently tried to stand up for his friend but the duo were instead set upon by five youths, the Strait Times reported.

The reports alleged they both were bashed with motorcycle helmets. Previin managed to escape with eye injuries but Nhaveen, who dreamt of becoming a composer like Rahman, was beaten brutally and he suffered internal bleeding in his head and abdomen.

He was also sodomised and burnt on his back, the daily said. He died in the hospital yesterday after he was pronounced brain dead. Nhaveen's death has been re-classified as murder.

Nhaveen's mother D Shanti was quoted by The Star newspaper as saying that her son had been bullied by one of the suspects three years ago in school for being soft but he kept quiet to avoid more assault.

Nhaveen's case drew outrage on social media and also the attention of A R Rahman.

Nhaveen was due to start a music course and aspired to be like Rahman, his family said. Rahman earlier twitted for Nhaveen's recovery and called for "all acts of savagery end and people come to senses."

This is the second death in less than two weeks to spark outrage in Malaysia about bullying. On June 1, navy cadet Zulfarhan Osman Zulkarnain, 21, died after he was allegedly tortured and burned with an iron.

Malaysia's Health Minister S Subramaniam said the incident reaffirmed that more serious and drastic actions must be taken by the authorities to curb "the poisonous culture of school bullies and gangsterism among youth".
Lawmakers decided unanimously to update the 1907 statute to impose tougher penalties on sex attackers and make prosecutions easier.

Sexual assault victims for the first time will also include men, with the definition of "rape" dramatically widened. (Representational/File)

Tokyo: Japan hiked minimum jail terms for rapists and widened the definition of sexual assault victims to include men for the first time on Friday as part of sweeping revisions to century-old sex crime legislation.

Lawmakers decided unanimously to update the 1907 statute to impose tougher penalties on sex attackers and make prosecutions easier, as they look to boost Japan's low number of convictions.

The changes long called for by victim advocates raise the minimum prison term for those convicted of rape to five years, up from the present three.

The changes also means victims will no longer have to file a complaint before a sexual assault prosecution can go ahead. That current requirement is seen as a major reason for the under reporting of rape cases in Japan.

Sexual assault victims for the first time will also include men, with the definition of "rape" dramatically widened. The law will also make it easier to prosecute parents and guardians suspected of abusing their children.

"I hope that these revisions will mean more appropriate punishment and draw public attention to the reality of sex crimes," Jun Yamamoto, a 43-year-old who was molested by her father as a child, reportedly told parliament.

Victims and their supporters said that the current 110-year-old law is out of date and that penalties are too lenient. The number of rape cases in Japan recognised by police declined to some 1,200 in 2015 from more than 2,000 a decade ago, according to police.

But data from a Justice ministry study group found that nearly 75 percent of sex crime victims do not seek criminal punishment for perpetrators.

Support groups said victims tend to hesitate to take legal action as they are traumatised and feel embarrassed to speak out.
The man reportedly killed the victim at her house in Rathfarnham at the end of May and then drove to Wexford with the body.

Dublin: In a gruesome murder case in Ireland, a womans dismembered remains were found at eight spots in the Wicklow Mountains.

A report in Daily Mirror said that the 61-year-old womans murder was linked to a violent row over the sale of a house. The victim Patricia OConnor also had suffered a blunt trauma wound to the head.

Furthermore, a 32-year-old man has been arrested for the murder after he surrendered to police in Wexford. He was arrested after DNA tests of remains established the sex of the victim. The police said that the suspect was seen in the CCTV footage attached to OConnors neighbours house.

The man reportedly killed the victim at her house in Rathfarnham at the end of May and then drove to Wexford with the body. OConnor was reported missing on June 2 by family members.

The suspect had buried the body in a shallow grave. However, he panicked and removed it after two days. He then dismembered it with a hacksaw, drove back towards Dublin and dumped the parts in eight different spots in the mountains.

More than 200 police and Irish army officers are part of a large scale search operation, which also includes officers from Garda Water Unit and Dog Unit.
More than 70 people are unaccounted for, according to media reports.

The London Fire Brigade said that 40 fire tenders and 200 firefighters were sent to tackle the flames. (Photo: AP)

London: At least 30 people have been confirmed killed and dozens more are feared dead in the London tower block fire, police said on Friday, as firefighters continued searching for bodies amid outrage over the use of cladding blamed for spreading the flames.

"We know that at least 30 people have died as a result of this fire... I do believe the number will increase," police commander Stuart Cundy told reporters in front of the charred Grenfell Tower.

Cundy said police had started a criminal investigation but there was nothing to suggest "that the fire had been started deliberately".

He also said the last flames had finally been put out, two days after the fire broke out in the night between Tuesday and Wednesday in the 24-storey tower in a working-class enclave of the wealthy London borough of Kensington and Chelsea.

More than 70 people are unaccounted for, according to media reports, although it was not known whether some of those were among the bodies recovered so far.

Police have warned some of the victims may never be identified because of the state of the remains.

Cundy said one of the victims was a person who died in hospital. Twenty-four injured survivors are still being treated, 12 of them in critical care.

Firefighters were using drones and sniffer dogs to search the building, saying that some of the upper floors are still inaccessible to humans because of concerns about the stability of the structure.

- Queen visits survivors -

The area surrounding the council-owned tower has been plastered by desperate relatives with pictures of the missing, from grandparents to young children, and large numbers of volunteers were assisting survivors.

Queen Elizabeth II and her grandson Prince William visited a community centre where some of the survivors are being housed, as anger grows among local residents about allegations that fire safety concerns were ignored for years.

The mayor of London Sadiq Khan is greeted by a mob of angry locals demanding answers from authorities over a deadly fire in a tower block pic.twitter.com/M4vcNNpqah  AFP news agency (@AFP) June 16, 2017

The government has ordered a judge-led inquiry into Wednesday's disaster, which is under pressure to act quickly.

"Something's gone wrong here, something's gone drastically wrong," Communities and Local Government Minister Sajid Javid told BBC radio.

Javid said inspections of similar buildings had been ordered, with particular attention to the modern cladding used to beautify and add an insulation layer to ageing concrete and steel structures.

"We need to do whatever it takes to make people that live in those properties safe: that's either make the properties safe or find some other accommodation, it has to be done," he said, adding that survivors from the tower would be re-housed in the local area.

Opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has called for houses in the area to be "requisitioned" for survivors.

- Syrian refugee victim -

Prime Minister Theresa May has come under criticism for not meeting residents when she visited the site on Thursday to talk with emergency workers.

She met with injured survivors in hospital on Friday. Locals yelled questions at mayor Sadiq Khan when he walked through the neighbourhood on Friday.

"How many children died? What are you going to do about it?" a young boy asked Khan, as the mayor tried to stop tensions rising further.

The fire forced residents to flee through black smoke down the single stairwell, jump out of windows or even drop their children to safety.

One of the victims was named as Mohammed Alhajali, a 23-year-old Syrian refugee, who came to Britain in 2014 with his brother.

"Mohammed undertook a dangerous journey to flee war and death in Syria, only to meet it here in the UK, in his own home," the Syrian Solidarity Campaign said in a statement.

Alhajali, who lived on the 14th floor, was a civil engineering student at West London University. "His dream was to be able to go back home one day and rebuild Syria," the campaign group said.

- Cladding restricted in US -

Questions are growing about how the flames spread so quickly, engulfing the tower's 120 apartments in what fire chiefs said was an unprecedented blaze.

The focus of criticism is on the cladding fitted to external walls of the 1974 tower as part of a ?8.7 million ($11 million, 9.9 million euros) refit completed last year.

According to media reports, the cladding had a plastic core and was similar to that used by high-rise buildings in France, the United Arab Emirates and Australia, which had also suffered fires that spread.

The Times reported that the type of cladding used on the building was banned in US buildings taller than 40 feet (12.2 metres) because of fire safety fears.

It said the company that manufactured the cladding also made fire-resistant models that cost fractionally more than the standard version.

Harley Facades, which fitted the panels, said in a statement: "At this time, we are not aware of any link between the fire and the exterior cladding."

In addition to debate over the cladding, questions have also been raised over why there was no sprinkler system in the Grenfell Tower which could have helped stop the fire spreading, or any central smoke alarm system that would have woken sleeping residents.
For the apostolic vicar, the Emirates decision is a "positive step ". It shows "openness and interest in Islamic-Christian dialogue". The mosque is within walking distance of Saint Joseph's Cathedral; A place of Christian worship and a Muslim has created a stylized "Holy Family". The Emirate example of tolerance in a region characterized by conflicts.

Abu Dhabi (AsiaNews) - An important gesture of "tolerance" and a "positive step" forward by the Muslim leadership towards Christians, showing "openness and interest in dialogue, says Msgr. Paul Hinder, apostolic vicar of southern Arabia (UAE, Oman and Yemen), commenting to AsiaNews on the decision of the Emirates' to rename a mosque in Abu Dhabi, devoting it to the Virgin. The mosque, the prelate adds, "is near St. Joseph's Cathedral" and this gesture indicates, at least ideally, the desire to bring "the sacred family" together involving both religions.

On June 14, Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince and Defense Minister of Abu Dhabi, as well as supreme leader of the United Arab Emirates (EAU), decided to rename a mosque in Al Mushrif district. Dedicated to Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed, today the mosque is called "Mariam, Umm Eisa", the Arabic name of "Mary the Mother of Jesus".

Behind the choice, the will of the Emirate's leadership to "consolidate the bonds of humanity" among "faithful of different religion" in a period of tensions and violence, even in the confessional background, which have now crossed the borders of the Middle East. Sheikh Lubna Al Qasimi, Minister of State for Tolerance (a newly introduced ministry to foster inter-religious dialogue), thanked the hereditary prince for the choice. It acts as an example, the minister explains, and a "beautiful image of tolerance and coexistence" by the Emirates, a nation that hosts immigrants and workers from over 200 countries in the world.

The mosque is within easy reach of the Catholic cathedral of St. Joseph and the Anglican parish of Saint Andrew. The gesture of Muslim leadership met with the applause of representatives of the whole Christian, Catholic and Protestant community, confirming the example of openness and tolerance shown by the UAE in a regional context of chaos and confessional violence. An opening repaid by Christians, as witnessed by the decision made in recent days by a parish of Al Ain, which opened its doors for the prayer of salat al-maghrib, the fourth of the day recited immediately after sunset. The Christian worship site hosted up to 200 Muslims, mostly immigrant workers.

In a communique, the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia recalled that the office of Msgr. Hinder lies "a few meters away" from the former mosque of Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed, now dedicated to the Virgin. The vicariate remembers the common devotion that Christians and Muslims have for Mary, the mother of Jesus, who represents "a prominent figure" both in the Bible and in the Koran and constitutes an "important bond" between the two faiths. This gesture, concludes the note, "will contribute to peace and mutual understanding not only in the United Arab Emirates but throughout the region." (DS)
Muslim religious leaders are urged to dissuade Maute fighters from using places of worship as military posts. Four of the citys 96 neighbourhoods remain in Islamist hands. The Islamic State group posts a video showing the execution of six Christians.

Zamboanga (AsiaNews/Agencies)  The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will not bomb mosques held by Islamist extremists in the city of Marawi; however, they have urged Muslim clerics to persuade Maute fighters to refrain from using places of worship as military posts for their attacks. This comes as the Islamic State (IS) group posted a video showing the execution of six Christian hostages.

In a statement, the AFP said it respected places of worship and other cultural and heritage sites. As such the Chief of Staff of AFP gives his assurance that the AFP will do everything possible to protect and preserve these places. We do call on our religious leaders of every faith to call upon all parties to respect these places, it said.

The military issued the press release after a military spokesman in Mindanao said on Tuesday that they were forced to target mosques in their surgical strikes because snipers had taken refuge in these areas.

The AFP assures our Muslim brothers and Islamic faithful that it will not go down to the level of these terrorists who desecrate places of worship to lure government security forces into responding to their violent activities in a similar manner, said AFP spokesperson Brigadier-General Restituto Padilla.

As military operations to free Marawi from Maute Jihadi control continue after the terror group invaded the city on 23 May, the AFP decided against setting deadlines after a number failed.

The military had set 2 June as a deadline, then putting it off to 12 June, Philippines Independence Day. Now We will ensure that we will be able to clear it of any armed element that still exists, and it may take some time, Brig Gen Padilla told reporters.

The terror group is holed up in only four of the citys 96 barangays (neighbourhoods)  Marinaut, Lulut, Mapandi and Bongolo Commercial District, which only comprise 20 per cent of the city.

Padilla said the AFP were very careful in their operations to avoid hitting innocent civilians. He estimated that about 100 militants were still fighting  down from the 400-500 believed to have stormed the town.

Through its news agency, Amaq, IS on Monday said that Filipino Forces had "completely failed" to recapture the capital of Lanao del Sur. IS "fighters are spread in more than two-thirds of Marawi and tighten the chokehold on the Philippine army that is incapable of maintaining control of the situation," it said.

Similarly, Amaq posted a video on the chat app Telegram showing militants executing six Christians in Marawi. It was not clear who the men were and when they were killed

The terrorist group still holds more than 250 hostages, mostly Christians and tribals, including Fr Teresito Chito Suganob, who was captured at Marawis Catholic Cathedral along with 14 other people. The church itself was desecrated at the start of the attack.

Rescuers said many of the hundreds still trapped in combat areas were dying of hunger. Volunteers have been trying to extricate civilians caught in the crossfire via "peace corridors", but many of those trapped were still opting to hide rather than risk being discovered by the militants and executed.

Some residents who managed to escape said that jihadis were going around asking civilians about their religion in order to find Christians.

As fighting enters its fourth week, the death toll among civilians has risen to 26. So far, 58 soldiers and policemen have died. Security officials said 202 militants have been killed.
by Nirmala Carvalho

Sister Bina Joseph was charged under section 363 of the Indian Penal Code. Hindu fundamentalists forced the father of a girl who was travelling with the nun to file charges against her. For Sajan K George, the constitution guarantees equal recognition to all religions, but "Unfortunately, some are more equal than others.

Bhopal (AsiaNews)  Sister Bina Joseph, a nun detained a few days ago in Madhya Pradesh on false charges of trying to convert four tribal women and girls, was charged with abducting minors.

The complaint was lodged by the father of the underage girl the authorities handed over to the ChildLine service.

"The fundamentalists of the Bajrang Dal and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh youth forced the girls father to make a false statement. Police could do nothing but file the complaint, Fr Maria Stephen, spokesperson for the Catholic Church in Madhya Pradesh, told AsiaNews.

Sajan K George, president of the Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC), noted that the nun is being investigated under section 363 of the Indian Penal Code, which concerns abduction.

There is a "growing intolerance towards the Christian faith in Madhya Pradesh, which is under a BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) government," he said. The states "small Christian community feels insecure in secular India".

Fr Maria Stephen noted that Sister Bina and the three Tribal women with whom she was arrested left the city of Bhopal yesterday. On 13 June, the women were stopped at Satna Station whilst on the Shipra Express train from Jharkhand.

The railway police forced them to get off and kept held them at the Satna Station for at least 12 hours before taking them to the police station where they were questioned.

The next day they were released by Judge Balbeer Raman, who found no significant evidence against them.

The Hindu fundamentalist Bajrang Dal, the militant youth wing of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), and the Matrushakti (the VHPs womens branch) had filed a complaint against Sister Bina, a member of the Carmelite Congregation of St Theresa (CSST), of forced conversion of some girls.

The church spokesperson said the nun was traumatised by the whole affair. In his view, the charges are just a whim by Hindu extremists. "Not satisfied with the decisions of the administration, the Bajrang Dal protested for two days calling for action against the nun, he explained.

Sajan K George is concerned about "hostile acts against Christian missionaries, even against nuns who are subjected to intimidation, harassment and humiliation. This goes against the secular spirit of the Constitution, which guarantees equal recognition to all religions, and [stipulates that they can] live in peace."

"Unfortunately, some are more equal than others, he noted. In Madhya Pradesh, a state with a 50-year anti-conversion law, certainly the [Hindu] majority and their goons have their own rulebook."
by Samir Khalil Samir

Salafis, Wahhabites and Muslim Brotherhood respond to crisis in Islam with a return to the origins and a war against the "infedels." Their belief is similar to that of Al Qaeda and Daesh. War between Sunnis and Shiites. Saudi Arabia's proselytism and the spread of the fundamentalist mosques. Once a model to imitate, Europe has become an example of "decadence" to be fought against

Rome (AsiaNews) - The crisis of Islam since the fall of the Ottoman Empire, the birth of the Muslim Brotherhood and the spread of Wahhabism by Saudi Arabia and Qatar. From then on, a fight against the "unbelieving" and "immoral" West. At the same time, Europe has increasingly lost a religious dimension in society, striving for "narcissism of rights." Yet there has been a time when Europe was a model of dialogue and positive dialogue with Middle Eastern cultures.

Part 2 of an analysis by Jesuit Fr. Samir Khalil Samir, an Islamist, who pushes for dialogue and coexistence, avoiding a "war of religion" at all costs. For Part 1 click here.

3. The causes of the current crisis of Islam

In the beginning, there is the development of a radical view of Islam, which developed during the twentieth century following the fall of the Ottoman Empire (1924), with the decision of Kemal Ataturk, and the division of the Islamic world . The solution was sought in the return to the past, often expressed in a material return to the way of life of the first generation of Muslims. Hence the emergence of fundamentalist movements: the "Muslim Brotherhood" (1928), the "Salafites" and the "Wahhabites".

With the birth of the state of Saudi Arabia in September 1932, Wahhabism became the official doctrine of the State, which has no Constitution but is governed by Islamic Shari'ah. The discovery of oil in March 1938 made Arabia very rich in a very short space of time. In the last decades, Arabia has built hundreds of mosques throughout the Islamic world, and has imams taught to its strictest doctrine, which lead the Islamic world to unbridled fanaticism.

These movements, in particular the Salafis and the Wahhabites, are recognized externally by the way they dress, or by the beard and other outward signs. Outward behavior is important psychologically, because it allows you to identify those who are "friends" and those who are not!

In particular, everything relating to women and the relationship between men and women is controlled. Women are keep beneath the constant vigilance and control of men; Even the girls are controlled by their little brothers! Human dependence is total. All decisions are taken, in the end, by males. The woman is always submissive to a man: father, husband, brother or son; And always under control. She represents the familys "honor": the least thing that does not resemble tradition, "dishonors" the family.

In a country like Egypt, in 1923 (nearly a century ago), Hoda Sha'rawi decided to throw the veil on the public square (Bab al-Hadid); In 1925, Rose al-Youssef founded a weekly magazine still famous today, which bears its name! In 1951, Doriyya Shafik organized a demonstration in front of Parliament, with 1500 women asking for the right to vote ... and they obtained it from King Farouk ... what the Saudis have yet to obtain 66 years later in 2017 because of their loyalty to Wahhabism!

In my opinion, the 2011 Revolution (the so-called Arab Spring) was not just political: it was a revolution against the patriarchy! Nowadays, very few women have a role in the life of society, politics, economics, etc. In the Egyptian Parliament for example, only 2% of the deputies are women!

Finally, the hatred of the Saudi people toward Shi'ism, represented by Iran, has pushed them to attack Shi'a (and Alawiti) everywhere in the world. Shiites account for 10 to 15% of Muslims in the world, but much more in the Middle East. Shiites are majority in Iran, but also in Iraq and Bahrain; They are also important in Lebanon (they are already more numerous than Sunni), in Yemen, and in many countries. In particular, Iran appears to be a competitor of Saudi Arabia. Indeed, Saudi Arabia made a covenant with Israel (the enemy of the Arabs!) By allowing Israel to fly over Saudi territory when it wants to bomb Iran!

4. Europe seen from the East, especially by Muslims

In 1800, Europe was seen by Muslims as a model. The richest and most educated Muslims went to Europe to study, and tried to adopt the language of these countries, particularly English or French. The way of life and culture were also attractive for the upper classes of the Muslim world. In the Arab world, Nahda (the Renaissance) was inspired by the Western model in many things. The "liberation of the Muslim woman" also spread in the early twentieth century, supported by the European ideal.

However, this model has lost its attractiveness. One of the main causes was, in my opinion, the loss of religious sense in many European countries, and the spread of immorality in everyday life, especially in free sexual relations, as well as in the spread of homosexuality recognized as a " right". Nowadays in many Western countries abortion for convenience is not only recognized as a right, but is subsidized by the state. Similarly, the concept of "family" has been "enlarged"! There is a traditional one, composed of a man and a woman, and there is a "modern family" consisting of two men or two women! All this is seen - with reason - as a shame, which shows that Western civilization is "decadent." And this reinforces the Islamic traditionalist view, especially the Wahhabites.

This reality has greatly encouraged the contrary reaction of religious rigor to the present situation, where the ethical model is that of the return to the seventh century and to chauvinist practices, and to rigorism in everything.

In two centuries, the image of the West - which was rather positive - has become absolutely negative, and reinforces the attitude of Islamic fundamentalists. Western extremism comes to justify and reinforce fundamentalist extremism. The West is no longer a model to imitate; On the contrary, the model is in the past, in the original foundation - as far as possible of the Western model, now corrupt. This explains why Isis and Islamic terrorists attack in Koln (Cologne) on New Year's Eve, women too lightly dressed (according to them), seen as prostitutes; Or Manchester attack young people listening to music that sounds "diabolical"; etc.

In short, these radical Islamists regard the West as "decadent." Therefore, against the Westerners, everything is allowed, because they belong now to the category of "infedels" of kuffar. This radical Islamic movement claims to offer the opposite model, that of an "authentic" "original" Islam!
The order was issued at the end of last year. Churches give in under the pressure of the authorities. Arrests and raids against house churches continue.

Wenzhou (AsiaNews/Agencies)  Chinese authorities have cut off power and water to a number of house churches in Zhejiang Province in order to force them to install surveillance devices.

The order was issued at the end of last year and came into effect in January. At the beginning of April, Christians in Wenzhou staged a protest against government officials who had come to install cameras.

A church in Tuanqian, Rui'an (Wenzhou Prefecture), is the only one left without the surveillance equipment. But it too will soon give in due to too much pressure. Two other local churches were forced to do the same when power and water were cut off.

Wenzhou is known as the "Chinese Jerusalem" because of its many religious buildings and boasts the highest concentration of Christians in mainland China.

Meanwhile, the Christian Post has reported more arrests and raids against house churches.

Last month, police officers barged into the Zhongfu Wanmin Church in the southern province of Guangdong during a church service and arrested scores of members, including an American family with children, and the churchs pastor, Rev Li Peng, who was beaten up. The clergyman was the only one who was not released after questioning.

The police also confiscated phones, papers, and credit cards from those who tried to film and take picture of what was going on.

In a related story, about 100 Chinese special police and other security officers raided a building in China's north-eastern Liaoning province where about 40 house church pastors were gathered for a "Unity in Christianity" event.

The authorities accused the pastors of "participating in illegal gatherings without government permission," this according to China Aid.

Three of the pastors were arrested and taken away whilst the rest were locked up in a room and interrogated for hours.

Underground or unregistered house churches are illegal in China and are often subjected to raids and other forms of intimidation by the authorities.


(Nessi Alri/Bigstock.com) (Nessi Alri/Bigstock.com)

Australian immigration minister Peter Dutton wants integration to be a key component for applicants for citizenship but new research suggests most immigrants are already doing so by getting a job.Some 65% of Australia's 1.7 million recent migrants and temporary residents who have arrived in the last decade were employed, according to figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).Around 9% arrived with jobs to go to immediately while 46% spent up to three months finding a job and the higher skilled they were the more likely they were to be employed quickly. Indeed, the figures also show that 82% of skilled migrants were employed.The figures also show that 65% had a non-school qualification with 76% of these holding a Bachelor Degree or higher. Some 36% obtained a non-school qualification after arrival in Australia and of these 50% obtained a Bachelor Degree or higher.The 2016 Characteristics of Recent Migrants Survey collected information about migrant employment, education and household income of those who have arrived in Australia over the 10 years to November 2016.Some did find it harder to get a job with 65% saying it was due to a lack of local work experience while 31% felt it was a lack of local contacts or networks and 25% said they experienced language difficulties.Around 43% who had work immediately did so with help. The vast majority, 74%, got help from family and friends while 17% used Centrelink or an employment services provider.Overall, the data shows that since 2007 about 1.9 million people aged 15 years and over on arrival entered Australia, equivalent to 10% of the national population. There were 362,300 people who had a temporary visa on arrival to live in Australia and had since obtained a permanent visa or Australian citizenship by November 2016. Of these, 53% had obtained a permanent visa while 47% had obtained Australian citizenship.The figures also show that the unemployment rate for recent migrants and temporary residents was 7.4%, compared with 5.4% for people born in Australia. Migrants with Australian citizenship had an unemployment rate of 3.3%, temporary residents 8.6% and recent migrants on a permanent visa 8.8%.
Even in a digital world, paper still plays a pivotal role, so a stable printing infrastructure remains a critical business requirement for most enterprises. When printing, copying and scanning operations arent reliable and efficient, productivity can suffer, costs can climb and security can be compromised. Thats where managed print services come in.

Geotechmin, one of the leading business groups in Bulgaria, signed on with a managed print services vendor about six years ago. A construction and mining enterprise that owns 26 companies, Geotechmin has 36 locations across Bulgaria, with about 230 multifunction devices and dedicated printers. Virtually all are networked, except for a few in mountainous regions that lack good communications.

The company had problems with its managed print services solution from the outset. Implementation dragged on for six months before a stable platform was established, and local support was sorely lacking. The vendor had no staff in the area, so it relied on third-party partners to provide service, says Svetoslav Marinov, CIO for Geotechmin.

That resulted in delayed response and frequent downtime of printing devices, especially in more remote areas. The lack of local service also hindered deployment of new print hardware, because the software installation procedure couldnt be facilitated remotely, requiring a technician on site. The software was more problematic than the hardware. I had to draw on skills I had developed as a software developer to keep the system running, Marinov recalls.

After three years with the vendor, Geotechmin decided to make a change. Its internal IT department, ITR Services, considered a number of alternatives, including Y Soft, which works with channel partners to deliver and deploy print management and document capture solutions. In this case, Konica Minolta Bulgaria was the partner. Interviews and visits with other clients convinced management that the system would be a good fit. The package Geotechmin chose includes YSoft SafeQ on nearly 200 print devices along with the required support infrastructure of servers, LDAP protocols and databases.

Installation kicked off in late summer 2014 and was completely finished within a month and a half. The relationship has been very satisfying.

We have had no downtime for the past few years, Marinov reports. There were a few issues along the way, but nothing serious. Konica Minolta is our first level of support, and it has 30 or 40 technicians in Bulgaria who have expertise with SafeQ. Theyve solved almost all our problems; only one or two problems have gone up the line to Y Soft.

Stepped-Up Security and Cost Reductions

Reliability isnt the only benefit. Security has improved as well. Documents arent printed until users scan their badge at the machine, so they are right there to pick up a job, he explains. Documents arent laying around for anyone to see. Thats important, especially with HR documents, which often list salaries and other personal data.

Geotechmin has also seen a reduction in copy volume and costs. Previously, we were producing about 500,000 copies a month, Marinov recalls. We determined that much of that was personal. Another 10 percent consisted of printouts people never picked up or that were reprinted because the first copy was misplaced after sitting at the machine for a long time. Now, if a user doesnt pick up a job within 2 hours, it is deleted from the system. We have reduced volume to about 350,000 copies a month.

In addition, there is less need for departmental printers. Before, everybody wanted their own printers, but there is no need for that anymore, the CIO remarks. There is an advantage to a centralized approach, since bigger machines offer better quality and higher speed than small personal printers, as well as lower per-copy costs. We have reduced our per-copy costs more than 50 percent.

SafeQs reporting capabilities are very helpful, he adds. Costs are allocated by project and department, and a breakdown of output indicates the amount of scanning, color copying and other types of work, as well as the time of day and other details. We can remotely control when machines are in sleep mode to restrict access outside of working hours, Marinov notes. The detailed information also helps in scheduling preventive maintenance.

Another plus: the ability to use OCR to scan documents into searchable PDFs, which has resulted in time and cost savings. SafeQ has also helped the company fulfill internal security protocols in several ways. Using an external script, and via YSoft SafeQ, ITR Services was able to implement workflows for putting users under quarantine for a designated period and added watermarks to scanned documents.

Marinov says Geotechmins partnership with Y Soft and Konica Minolta Bulgaria has given his company what it needed: a stable printing infrastructure that provides secure printing, ease of deployment and maintenance, transparent reporting and system reliability.

Photo courtesy of Geotechmin.
President Donald Trump criticized his predecessor while announcing new restrictions on the country's dealings with Cuba.

Trump's Friday's visit to Miami, which came almost two years to the day that he announced his run for office, also included appearances by Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, Gov. Rick Scott and Vice President Mike Pence.

The president said his policy will restrict U.S. dollars flowing into Cuba and enforce restrictions on travel. He also said he planned to "expose the crimes of the Castro regime."

"Effective immediately, I am canceling the last administration's completely one-sided deal with Cuba," Trump said to loud cheers from the crowd.

"Our policy will seek a much better deal for the Cuban people and for the United States of America," he said.

This isn't a full roll back of President Barack Obama's deal with Cuba, but it's a policy that the White House believes will put more pressure on Cuba to improve the lives of its own people.

Pres. #Trump says Cuba sanctions won't be lifted until all political prisoners are freed, freedom of expression is allowed...  VeronicaCintron (@VeronicaCintron) June 16, 2017

The U.S. will ban any financial transactions that go to or benefit the Cuban military.

Trump's plan will also re-establish strict enforcement of the dozen or so declared reasons for Americans to travel to Cuba. Obama loosened enforcement under what is known as the People to People Declaration. That will go away under the new plan.

St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman posted on Twitter his objection to changing policies on Cuba.

"Trump's Cuba changes are bad for America, our economy, our cities and bad for the Cuban people. We must continue 2 (sic) make progress regardless," Kriseman said.

The White House said Trumps new Cuba policy will not affect any previously negotiated deals between Cuban and American businesses.

It will also not stop any Americans from visiting family in Cuba.

Before starting his Cuba remarks, Trump mentioned Rep. Steve Scalise, who was shot earlier this week in Alexandria, Va. "My dear friend, Steve Scalise, took a bullet for all of us," Trump said. "He's having a hard time. Far worse than anybody thought."

Trump also singled out Scott and said he hopes he runs for the Senate.

Fact Sheet on Cuba Policy



President Donald J. Trump is changing the policy of the United States toward Cuba to achieve four objectives:



1. Enhance compliance with United States lawin particular the provisions that govern the embargo of Cuba and the ban on tourism;



2. Hold the Cuban regime accountable for oppression and human rights abuses ignored under the Obama policy;



3. Further the national security and foreign policy interests of the United States and those of the Cuban people; and



4. Lay the groundwork for empowering the Cuban people to develop greater economic and political liberty.



Summary of Key Policy Changes:



 The new policy channels economic activities away from the Cuban military monopoly, Grupo de Administracion Empresarial (GAESA), including most travel-related transactions, while allowing American individuals and entities to develop economic ties to the private, small business sector in Cuba. The new policy makes clear that the primary obstacle to the Cuban peoples prosperity and economic freedom is the Cuban militarys practice of controlling virtually every profitable sector of the economy. President Trumps policy changes will encourage American commerce with free Cuban businesses and pressure the Cuban government to allow the Cuban people to expand the private sector.



 The policy enhances travel restrictions to better enforce the statutory ban on United States tourism to Cuba. Among other changes, travel for non-academic educational purposes will be limited to group travel. The self-directed, individual travel permitted by the Obama administration will be prohibited. Cuban-Americans will be able to continue to visit their family in Cuba and send them remittances.



 The policy reaffirms the United States statutory embargo of Cuba and opposes calls in the United Nations and other international forums for its termination. The policy also mandates regular reporting on Cubas progressif anytoward greater political and economic freedom.



 The policy clarifies that any further improvements in the United States-Cuba relationship will depend entirely on the Cuban governments willingness to improve the lives of the Cuban people, including through promoting the rule of law, respecting human rights, and taking concrete steps to foster political and economic freedoms.



 The policy memorandum directs the Treasury and Commerce Departments to begin the process of issuing new regulations within 30 days. The policy changes will not take effect until those Departments have finalized their new regulations, a process that may take several months. The Treasury Department has issued Q&As that provide additional detail on the impact of the policy changes on American travelers and businesses.
America's relationship with Cuba is about to be rolled back.

President Trump expected to announce cooling of relations with Cuba

Announcement to happen in Miami Friday

Trump expected to roll back some of President Obama's policies

Watch LIVE coverage of President Trump's news conference, scheduled for 1 p.m.

President Trump is expected to appear in a Cuban neighborhood in Miami Friday to announce a scaling back of relations between the two countries.

The White House said the president will end individual travel to Cuba as part of tourism, saying the policy was "ripe for abuse." Travelers will have to be part of a group. However, the White House also says family visits will not be impacted, and airlines and cruises to Cuba will be allowed to continue.

Business deals can still be conducted, but the Treasury Dept. can review them to make sure they will not benefit the military.

The goal of the new policy is to restrict business with Cuban companies owned by the military. For instance, U.S. citizens will also not be allowed to stay in hotels owned by the military.

However, tourists will be able to bring back merchandise from Cuba.

One Obama policy not expected to change is the rollback of the "Wet Foot, Dry Foot" status for Cuban immigrants.

Before President Obama left office, he stripped the nearly-automatic pathway to citizenship for those Cubans who arrived on U.S. soil, which had been in place since the 1960s.

Officials say more than 36,000 Cubans face deportation orders because of that decision and the Trump administration's push to deport criminals. Of those immigrants, 29,000 have been convicted of a crime, and another 7,000 are non-criminal immigrant violators.

Trump is also expected to call out the Castro regime on human rights abuses, saying the government has not improved its record.

Those supporting Trump's expected announcement likely have Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Florida, and Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Miami, to thank. Both men are Cuban-Americans who opposed former President Obama's 2014 policy shift on Cuba. In fact, Rubio has called for years to toughen America's relationship with the communist country.

Under Obama, more Americans were able to travel to Cuba, and leading U.S. air carriers and cruise ships to market direct flights. Americans were also able to bring more goods back from Cuba. Diplomatic relations were restored, and America opened an embassy in Cuba. President Obama visited Cuba in 2016.

While Obama's policy change was popular in some areas of the country, it was not popular in Miami, where the Communist revolution is still a wound among Cubans.

The long-standing American policy since that takeover in 1969 was to starve the communist system of cash, hoping to incite the population to overthrow it.

Human Rights Watch is against President Trump's impending announcement. While HRW says the Cuban government's repressive practices have not changed, restoring restrictions probably won't lead to improvements.

"The fact that Obamas approach hasnt led to political reform in Cuba after just a few years isnt reason to return to a policy that proved a costly failure over many decades, said Daniel Wilkinson, HRW's managing director for the Americas.

Amnesty International agreed with HRW's assessment.

Information from CNN and the Associated Press was used in this report.
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A 34-year-old mentor accused of having an inappropriate relationship with a 14-year-old boy was arrested Thursday.

Stephanie Carmona faces a charge of continuous sexual abuse of a child, a first-degree felony, according to the San Antonio Police Department.

Carmona kept her head down, turning her face away from cameras, as she was led in handcuffs to a police vehicle at the San Antonio Public Safety Headquarters downtown.

A spokesperson for Southwest IDS confirmed Thursday that Carmona is on staff at McNair Middle School. Carmona is listed as a secretary on the school's website.

Thats how the relationship started, said SAPD spokesman Sgt. Jesse Salame. She befriended his mother at some point and it turned into sleepovers where she would have sexual intercourse with him.

Investigators said the boys mother discovered what was occurring when she noticed text messages between him and Carmona.

The allegation just came to light to us in mid-May, he said. When we did this investigation we found out this had been going on for several months.

The Special Victims Unit has reached out to the school and is working to ensure there are no other victims, police said.

Anybody sees her, recognizes her or has information on this case or any other case, were asking that they call us, Salame said.

Carmona was placed on administrative leave by the school.

jbeltran@express-news.net
Eighteen members of the California Ambulatory Surgery Society visited Washington, D.C. in May to advocate on behalf of the ASC industry.

Here are four things to know:

1. The group participated in ASCA's Washington DC Fly-In event and was able to meet with 20 California legislators.

2. In discussions with their representatives, the CASA members talked about the benefit of ASCs and encouraged their lawmakers to co-sponsor the Ambulatory Surgical Center Quality and Access Act of 2017 and Removing Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening Act of 2017.

3. The CASA members asked their Congressional representatives to sign a letter to HHS Secretary Tom Price, MD, requesting he administratively move ASC payments under the same market basket system as hospital payments.

4. The group encouraged others to follow in their footprints. "To experience the political realm up close and personal and advocate for equality was inspiring," said Chad Smith, RN, director of clinical services, valley region at Sutter Surgery Center Division.
Indianapolis-based Community Health Network had to evacuate its Community North campus after a man made several threats about a bomb being inside its surgery center on June 15, CBS 4 reports.

Here's what you should know:



1. The health system evacuated the entire building of 150 people in approximately 10 minutes.



2. Health system security apprehended the suspect, and police performed a sweep of the building.



3. Police charged the suspect with disorderly conduct, while the health system banned him from all Community Health properties for life.



4. The system tweeted that the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department cleared the building at 6:54 p.m.



More articles on improving health:

National Cancer Institute awards $6M to Case Western University for Barrett's Esophagus research

AmSurg ophthalmology division president on profitable ASCs: 'Compare costs between surgeons'

Drs. Steven Kaster, Shawn Shah & more: 3 GI physicians making news




A three-year-old patient died after undergoing a dental procedure at Stockton, Calif.-based Children's Dental Surgery Center, according to Fox40.

Here are six things to know:

1. The patient went to the surgery center to have a dentist pull two teeth and place caps on two other teeth.

2. Children's Dental Surgery Center Administrator David Thompson told Fox40 the patient had a reaction to the anesthetics and her heart stopped. Providers stabilized the patient and sent her to Orange, Calif.-based Saint Joseph's Hospital.

3. Mr. Thompson did not tell Fox 40 the names of the anesthesiologist and the dentist who performed the surgery. He did say the ASC staff members undergo extensive training.

4. The Stockton Police Department is investigating the patient's death. The police department does not consider the case criminal or suspicious at this point in time.

5. In a statement, the Dental Board of California stated, "The Dental Board of California is aware of the tragic situation. An investigation is underway so specific details of the case cannot be shared at this time. Consumer protection is the board's highest concern and we want to extend our deepest sympathy to the family."

6. Becker's ASC Review reached out to Children's Dental Surgery Center and is awaiting comment.
Here are three gastroenterologists making headlines during the week of June 12, 2017.

Medical City McKinney (Texas) named gastroenterologist Steven Kaster, MD, CMO.



New York City-based NewYork Presbyterian/Weill Cornell gastroenterology fellow Shawn Shah, MD, shared five thoughts on the completion of his fellowship training with Gastroenterology & Endoscopy News.



Philadelphia-based Temple University assistant professor, Adam Ehrlich, MD, spoke with Becker's ASC Review about Level Ex's soon-to-be release app, Gastro Ex, an application for gastroenterologists to virtually practice their craft.
The following hospitals announced or completed plans in the last week to expand, upgrade or renovate their facilities.

1. Illinois OKs SwedishAmerican's proposed 10-bed NICU

The Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board granted SwedishAmerican Hospital a certificate of exemption to build a $2.8 million, 10-bed neonatal intensive care unit at its facility in Rockford, Ill., according to the Rockford Register Star.

2. Expansion at Hartford Hospital will enhance staff training to handle mass casualties

Hartford (Conn.) Healthcare plans to nearly double the size of its Center for Education Simulation and Innovation at Hartford Hospital as part of an effort to expand medical training to handle mass casualties, according to WTNH.com.

3. Swedish Covenant Hospital completes phase 1 of 4 in ED renovation

Chicago-based Swedish Covenant Hospital completed the renovation of some patient and staff areas in a multi-phase emergency department renovation.

4. Construction underway on South Lake Hospital freestanding ED

South Lake Hospital in Clermont, Fla., broke ground earlier this month on a $13 million freestanding emergency department at the intersection of Lake, Orange, Osceola and Polk Counties, according to the Orlando Sentinel.

5. MedStar Georgetown University Hospital to build $567M surgical pavilion by 2021

Washington, D.C.-based MedStar Georgetown University Hospital last week received approval from D.C.'s Zoning Commission to go ahead with its planned $567 million surgical pavilion, according to the Washington Business Journal.

6. Benefis seeks donations to help fund $12.5M ED

Great Falls, Mont.-based Benefis Health System started construction June 12 on a $12.5 million emergency department expansion, according to a local news report from ABC-Fox affiliate KFBB. However, the health system is still fundraising for the effort.

7. Aventura Hospital and Medical Center seeks approval to add beds, parking

Aventura (Fla.) Hospital and Medical Center is seeking city approval for a major expansion project, including the addition of 60 patient rooms and a 506-space parking garage, according to the South Florida Business Journal.

8. TriHealth injects $100M into cancer care

Cincinnati, Ohio-based TriHealth will invest $100 million into its cancer care delivery, including a new $62 million clinical building at its Bethesda North Hospital in Cincinnati, according to Cincinnati.com.

9. Beebe Healthcare to embark on $180M expansion

Lewes, Del.-based Beebe Healthcare will go ahead with plans for a comprehensive expansion of the health system over the next several years following approval June 7 from the board of directors.

10. Ochsner eyes Baton Rouge community with $100M expansion project

New Orleans-based Ochsner Health System is expanding in the Baton Rouge, La., region as the system grows its outpatient care services.

11. UChicago Medicine to open the South Side's only Level 1 trauma center May 2018

University of Chicago Medicine will open its Level 1 adult trauma center May 1, 2018, reports Crain's Chicago Business.

12. Florida's Calhoun Liberty Hospital gets $1M from state for ER expansion

Blountstown, Fla.-based Calhoun Liberty Hospital will receive $1 million from the Florida Health Department to fund an emergency room expansion, reports WFSU News.

13. Norton Healthcare to build $38M cancer center

Louisville, Ky.-based Norton Healthcare unveiled plans to build a $38 million comprehensive cancer center across from the Norton Brownsboro Hospital in Louisville, according to Louisville Business First.
Billionaire physician Patrick Soon-Shiong, MD, unveiled plans to build a world-class cancer center in Los Angeles, STAT reported.

Dr. Soon-Shiong has long been part of efforts to combat cancer. He made his fortune developing a cancer drug and operates companies that support research and development for cancer therapies in various ways. He was recently named to a federal commission that provides recommendations on health IT, and he's leading a cancer moonshot initiative whose goal is to cure cancer by 2020, according to the report.

The Los Angeles Business Journal reported May 24 that Dr. Soon-Shiong announced at the Business Journal's Icons event that he will open a cancer center in Los Angeles this summer. However, he will not own the clinic, nor will he have any financial interest in it, according to STAT. The cancer center will be set up by an unnamed group of physicians, while Dr. Soon-Shiong will be on staff in a standalone oncology clinic, where private practitioners will treat patients and conduct research.

The new cancer center won't be affiliated with any of his biotech companies, and it is undetermined if it will house clinical trials, Jen Hodson, Dr. Soon-Shiong's spokeswoman, told STAT.

Dr. Soon-Shiong's philanthropic and business efforts were recently the subjects of investigative reports from STAT and Politico, which questioned how much progress his cancer moonshot initiative has really made.
Silk's Country Kitchen(VIRGIL, Ontario) -- Dramatic footage released from a restaurant in Ontario, Canada, shows a car crashing through a restaurant window and hitting a man as he was eating.



Phoenix, Arizona, resident Blair Robertson was eating with a friend at Silk's Country Kitchen in Virgil, near Niagara-on-the-Lake, on May 30 when the incident happened.



In the footage released by CCTV, Robertson can be seen sitting at a table by the window one second when the car smashes through the restaurant's window, pushing him in his chair into the middle of the restaurant's room.



Shockingly, Robertson stands up after being hit by the car.



"I cannot believe we walked away from this," Robertson wrote on his Facebook page the day after the crash. "To be clear: we are NOT 'okay' ... I'm battered and bruised, have a nasty headache and assorted aches and pains. Not fun. What's holding me/us together is that I'm ALIVE."



Robertson works as a psychic medium in Arizona, and has tens of thousands of readers across the world, according to his website. He did joke that he didn't see this crash coming.



According to local authorities, the driver of the car is an 85-year-old woman who was not injured and was not impaired at the time of the crash.



"The driver was NOT charged," Robertson wrote on his Facebook page. "She refused medical attention. They cleared her of alcohol being a factor, but nothing else is known of her mental health, prescription drugs, etc. For reasons entirely unknown to me, she was allowed to simply go home. I WILL be pursuing this in due course."



Despite this happening to Robertson, he still recommends the restaurant.



"If you're ever in the vicinity, check out Silks for fantastic food and great service," Robertson joked on his Facebook page. "Tell them Blair sent you."



Niagara Regional Police did not immediately respond to ABC News' request for comment.

Copyright  2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
Charge capture is a crucial part of the revenue cycle process, as healthcare organizations that fail to accurately document information on the care provided at their facilities can potentially lose millions in revenue.

Here, revenue cycle management providers offer tips on how to improve charge capture.

1. Leverage IT systems to automatically drop charges whenever possible. Healthcare organizations today can leverage virtually any healthcare information system and automatically drop a charge, says Dan Ward, senior vice president of strategy for ZirMed. He used the specific example of dropping a charge for an electrocardiogram off of either "ordered" or "read." When a hospital drops a charge for an EKG off of ordered, the organization has created that charge before it's completely certain the EKG occurred.

"So the doctor ordered the EKG and the patient could get tired of waiting or something else could come up. There, the EKG never happened, but the charge was dropped automatically at the point of order," Mr. Ward says. "Likewise if you dropped it at read you're essentially saying we're not going to charge until a physician actually reads, interprets and subsequently documents that. You could do the EKG and incur all the costs but if you have physician who isn't good at finishing documentation or the system is not conducive to them accurately marking that it was done then you may never drop a charge for something you have done."

2. Educate employees about existing rules and regulations. Mr. Ward notes payer-specific rules, CMS rules and current procedural terminology codes change frequently. Therefore, with complex areas such as interventional radiology or interventional cardiology, it is especially crucial employees are up to speed. For instance, "Things you could charge for in August you may no longer be able to charge for in January," he says. These frequent changes require provider organizations to focus employee training around CPT changes, bundling and unbundling, according to Mr. Ward.

3. Get documented processes. Mr. Ward says hospitals that are most successful with charge capture understand there has to be a true process bridge between what's happening clinically and what that's intended to engender financially. "That can be formalized with service line clinical representation at revenue cycle steering committee meetings, or it can be a lot less formalized where processes are solidified and reflected in the system," he adds. "But this mutual understanding of what your charge capture processes are and what charges do drop automatically, versus those that require someone interoffice mailing a piece of paper to someone in the business office so they can manually enter charges, is critical to ensuring minimal breakdown in charge capture."

4. Deploy consistent charge standards across departments. Hospitals should establish central charging policies and guidance, said Kate Harper, vice president of revenue integrity at R1 RCM. She added: "Consistent charge structure and descriptions make it easy for people to understand from department to department and help each other out."

5, Use technology designed to catch pre-and post-billing exceptions. Ms. Harper said implementation of pre-and post-billing exception reports is vital, as it allows hospitals to identify data anomalies and exceptions that indicate potential missing or incorrect charges and codes.

6. Make regular communication part of the process. Ms. Harper recommended hospitals develop a communications process to link teams that are part of charge capture, such as clinical departments, charge description master and billing. Additionally, she recommended organizations have interdisciplinary teams come together on a regular basis to discuss charge capture and to ensure missing and incorrect charges are identified.

7. Invest in a charge capture system. Hospitals may use various standalone applications and EMR integrated solutions to appropriately identify and capture charges, according to Sondra Akrin, vice president of revenue cycle transformation at Hayes Management Consulting. "Without these solutions, many organizations have to rely on archaic, paper-based methods of capturing charges," she said. "These applications should have functionality that allows an organization to quickly identify what has been billed, what is 'missing' or unbilled, [and] methods for checking the accuracy and completeness of the billing."

8. Perform regular billing audits. Ms. Akrin said hospitals can ensure they have correct charges for each patient by performing regular billing audits using patient census, emergency department and admission/discharge information. She recommended hospitals conduct an audit for services that should have a technical and professional component (i.e. radiology) to ensure both charges were reported and accurately billed.

9. Review the current billing workflow. Hospitals should also identify charge capture processes for multiple streams of revenue, such as acute, ambulatory, pharmacy and ancillaries, Ms. Akrin said. She added: "Make sure you have workflows that ensure the right charge is identified at the right time, whether a technical and professional component is accurately reported/needed, [and] appropriate 'safety nets' to ensure the billing and coding are appropriate and accurate."

10. Review lag times. This includes lag times from date of service to billing/coding and lag times from service date to posting date and claim submission, Ms. Akrin said. She said hospitals should also compare their lag times to industry benchmarks to identify problem areas.

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The Oregon House of Representatives approved, by one vote, a $670 million healthcare tax package aimed to maintain Medicaid services for the next two years, according to The Olympian.

The tax package will raise taxes on hospitals' net patient revenue and impose a new 1.5 percent tax on health plans by some insurers and organizations that assist the state's Medicaid program.

The narrow three-fifths approval may help solve a large chunk of Oregon's $1.4 billion budget shortfall, according to the report.

The healthcare tax package will head to the senate for final approval.

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The following health IT vendor contracts and go-lives were reported during the past week.

Sacramento-based UC Davis Health and telehealth provider Carena partnered to create the UC Davis Virtual Clinic, an online diagnosis and treatment service.



Children's Mercy Kansas City (Mo.) and Boston-based Joslin Diabetes Center will deploy predictive modeling technology created by Cambridge, Mass.-based Cyft for Type 1 diabetes management.



The Medical Society of the State of New York will provide free mobile e-prescribing services to its members for one year through a partnership with DrFirst.

Ezras Choilim Health Center will implement eClinicalWorks' cloud-based 10e EHR solution.



Winston-Salem, N.C.-based Novant Health implemented Epic's Healthy Planet, an analytics tool that provides clinicians with data related to patient health trends.



UC Riverside Health deployed the Epic EMR system across each of its clinical sites.



IBM joined forces with Rite Solutions  a Dhaka, Bangladesh-based telecommunications and IT infrastructure solutions provider  to bring Watson for Oncology to hospitals in Bangladesh.



Ann Arbor-based University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center joined forces with Tempus, a health technology company focused on personalized oncology care, to improve breast cancer treatment.



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Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, MD, detailed new plans the agency will to take towards regulating the digital health market in a June 15 blog post on the FDA website.

The FDA plans to specify its regulatory role under the 21st Century Cures Act and will introduce a "Digital Health Innovation Plan," which the agency hopes will spark innovation in digital health as the market grows at a rapid rate, Dr. Gottlieb wrote.

For new technologies to prosper, Dr. Gottlieb said "it is critical that FDA be forward-leaning in making sure that we have implemented the right policies and regulatory tools, and communicated them clearly, to encourage safe and effective innovation."

Although a major advancement in clarifying digital health regulation, 21st Century Cures Act is not enough, Dr. Gottlieb wrote. The FDA will publish further guidelines in the next few months to establish what technologies fall outside the scope of FDA regulations, to ensure new technologies do not have to be considered on a case-by-case basis.

The FDA is also developing a pilot of a third-party certification and assessment program, "under which lower risk digital health products could be marketed without FDA premarket review and higher risk products could be marketed with a streamlined FDA premarket review."

Dr. Gottlieb concluded the FDA's increased focus on digital health products will help innovators navigate the regulatory process more quickly and effectively.

"Greater certainty regarding what types of digital health technology is subject to regulation and regarding FDA's compliance policies will not only help foster innovation, but also will help the agency to devote more resources to higher risk priorities." he wrote.

Click here to read the blog post.

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Waverly (Iowa) Health Center is recovering from a ransomware attack, Director of Community Relations Heidi Solheim tells Becker's Hospital Review.

Officials at the critical access hospital believe the ransomware attack began around 5 p.m. on June 14, according to Ms. Solheim. WHC confirmed its computers were under attack two hours later, at which point the hospital shut down its systems and reverted to paper records.

Hospital officials decided not to pay the ransom, said Ms. Solheim. She could not verify what malware had attacked WHCs systems.

There is currently no indication patient data has been compromised, according to Ms. Solheim. WHC was able to recover its data and return most of its systems online by 9 p.m. on June 15, Ms. Solheim says.

Editors Note: This post originally stated, in error, that the hospital's insurance company advised the hospital not to pay the ransom. However, it was the hospital's decision not to pay the ransom. This article has since been updated. Becker's Hospital Review apologizes for this error.

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Behavioral disorders and mental illness are nearly ubiquitous in our society. The Surgeon General reports that mental illness is so common that only a few U.S. families are untouched by them. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, more than 43 million adults experience mental illness each year. To put it bluntly, the United States is struggling with a mental and behavioral health crisis and it demands a national discussion that is transparent and honest.

At Ascension, improving the health of our communities is central to our mission of providing compassionate, personalized care to all, with special attention to persons living in poverty and those most vulnerable. Individuals with serious mental illness and addiction are among our most vulnerable citizens. They often face an increased risk of chronic medical conditions, adding to the already rising costs of our healthcare system. Sadly, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, nearly 60 percent of adults with a mental illness didn't receive mental health services in the previous year. Failure to help these individuals as early as possible results in far more pain for them and much higher costs for society.

Professionals with Ascension's Behavioral and Mental Health Service Line work to expand and improve our services and ensure we are caring for each individual physically, emotionally and spiritually to foster better health outcomes. Across our 2,500 sites of care, we are sharing best practices and learning from one another to better integrate behavioral health expertise into more primary care settings. In seeking to offer comprehensive treatment programs, we are focusing on expanding our telehealth services to serve more individuals where they are. We are also addressing the social determinants of health to understand conditions that have given rise to the increase of mental and behavioral health disorders, and ensuring that behavioral healthcare is integrated with our population health management work. Many of our physicians have started to add social workers and health psychologists who focus on patients' mental health needs to their practices.

As Congress continues the healthcare reform debate in the coming weeks, any legislation the Senate considers should aim to improve the mental health system. The legislation should preserve mental and behavioral health as a covered benefit and not permit states to opt out of this crucial coverage. Because of its expense, states and some insurers may object to including it in any package of mandated benefits. But odds are high that any of our families may have to endure the pain and cost of treating a family member for mental illness or addiction. In both the short and long term, our society is better off when those costs are covered immediately through affordable insurance.

Any legislation also should increase funding for addiction programs and avoid other provisions that would ultimately put individuals with mental illness and their families at risk.

These diseases are often progressive: delaying treatment only makes matters worse for the individual, his or her family, and the rest of society. The costs of poor or delayed mental and behavioral healthcare have impacts far beyond the health system, affecting the areas of criminal justice and social services. And these costs often are incurred without addressing or treating the underlying causes. For that reason, Ascension is working to remove barriers to the integration of federal and state programs that address issues of access to care.

Last fall, we were pleased to see Congress overwhelmingly pass the sweeping 21st Century Cures Act, the most significant reform to the mental health and substance abuse system in a decade. The legislation included major provisions aimed at improving mental healthcare for millions of Americans, and took positive steps to address the opioid epidemic our country faces. While the legislation authorized increased federal coordination of mental health resources, integrated service delivery and access to specialized services, it still needs to be funded. While we applaud the current administration for not cutting funds to address the opioid epidemic and for requesting that the appropriation of some of the funds authorized in the Cures Act go towards improving access to treatment, the roughly $400 million in recommended cuts to mental and behavioral health agencies and their treatment programs would hinder our ability to care for this vulnerable population.

Ascension's support for 100 percent access and 100 percent coverage emphasizes our national health ministry's push for mental and behavioral health reform. We call on Congress to work with the administration on this bipartisan and paramount issue. We owe it to the millions of Americans who experience mental illnesses and substance use disorders, and their families, to provide affordable healthcare access and coverage.

Anthony R. Tersigni, EdD, FACHE, is president and CEO of St. Louis-based Ascension, the nation's largest non-profit health system.
The following lawsuits were filed in the last six months by counties, towns, a state and a federally recognized tribe, seeking to recover funds spent addressing widespread illicit opioid use in each community.

Plaintiffs named in the suits include drugmakers, drug wholesalers, individual physicians and medical clinics.

The lawsuits are listed below, beginning with the most recent.

1. NY county files opioid epidemic suit targeting pharma, drug distributors and physicians

Attorneys representing Nassau County, N.Y., filed a suit on June 14 against drugmakers, drug distributors and physicians for their alleged role in facilitating rising rates of illicit opioid use in the county, according to a report from Newsday.

2. 9 Tennessee counties file opioid epidemic lawsuit against drugmakers

Three Tennessee district attorneys general filed a lawsuit on June 13 against drugmakers for allegedly contributing to the rising rates of opioid overdoses in the state, according to a report from the Knoxville News Sentinel.

3. Dayton mayor files suit against physicians, drugmakers and drug distributers for role in Ohio opioid crisis

The mayor of Dayton, Ohio, filed a lawsuit on June 5 against physicians, drug manufacturers and drug wholesalers for allegedly contributing to the city's ongoing opioid crisis, according to a release.

4. Ohio AG files suit against 5 drug manufacturers for role in opioid epidemic

Mike DeWine, Ohio's attorney general, filed a lawsuit on May 31 against five opioid manufacturers, accusing the companies of engaging in fraudulent marketing and subsequently fueling the opioid epidemic in the state.

5. New York county sues 4 drugmakers for painkiller marketing practices

A New York state county on May 11 filed a lawsuit against four major drugmakers for their role in the opioid epidemic, reports Reuters.

6. Cherokee Nation files suit against drug wholesalers, pharmacies for role in opioid epidemic

The Cherokee Nation filed a landmark lawsuit April 20, taking aim at the pharmaceutical industry for its role in allegedly flooding the tribe's communities with highly addictive opioid painkillers.

7. West Virginia county files lawsuit against drug wholesalers, pharmacies for role in opioid epidemic

The Cabell County (W.V.) Commission on March 9 filed suit against drug wholesalers and pharmaceutical retailers to recoup finances spent addressing the high rates of opioid abuse in the community, according to a report from The Herald-Dispatch.

8. Another West Virginia town joins ranks of municipalities suing pharma over opioid epidemic

The city of Welch, W.Va., is suing five organizations in the pharmaceutical supply chain for contributing to high rates of opioid drug abuse in the 2,200-person town, according to the West Virginia Record.

9. City in West Virginia sues 3 drug distributors for role in opioid epidemic

The city of Huntington, W.Va., filed suit in Cabell Circuit Court against a local physician, AmerisourceBergen Drug Co., McKesson Corp., and Cardinal Health for their alleged role in contributing to high levels of opioid abuse in the community, according to The Herald-Dispatch.

10. Washington state mayor looks to sue Purdue Pharma, saying it 'openly put OxyContin into black market'

Mayor Ray Stephanson of Everett, Wash., will ask city council to approve a lawsuit against Purdue Pharmaceuticals for not taking enough action to curb the illicit sale and use of its opioid painkiller OxyContin, according to KIRO 7.
Three Tennessee district attorneys general filed a lawsuit Tuesday against drugmakers for allegedly contributing to the rising rates of opioid overdoses in the state, according to a report from the Knoxville News Sentinel.

They filed the suit on behalf of nine counties in the state.

The lawsuit accuses Purdue Pharma, Mallinckrodt and Endo Pharmaceuticals of aggressively pushing opioid medications on the community through deceptive marketing and fraud, according to the report. The suit also names Center Pointe Medical Clinic in Kingsport and two convicted opiate dealers. The lawsuit accuses the medical clinic of loosely prescribing opioids. Additionally, the suit accuses the two convicted drug dealers of supplying plaintiff "Mary Doe" whose child, plaintiff "Baby Doe" was born addicted to opiates, according to the report.

"It is now beyond reasonable question that the manufacturer defendants' fraud caused Mary Doe and thousands of others in Tennessee to become addicted to opioids  an addiction that, thanks to their fraudulent conduct, was all but certain to occur," the lawsuit states, according to the News Sentinel.

The lawsuit employs the Tennessee Drug Dealer Liability Act established in 2005, which makes drug dealers fiscally liable for damages brought on by the drugs they sell. It is commonly referred to as a "crack tax" as it has been used to facilitate civil actions against street drug dealers, according to the report.

The legal action follows similar lawsuits filed by numerous towns, counties and states across the country to recover funds spent addressing widespread illicit opioid use.

"While we vigorously deny the allegations in the complaint, we share public officials' concerns about the opioid crisis and we are committed to working collaboratively to find solutions," said Purdue Pharma in a statement emailed to Becker's. "Addiction and drug abuse are multifaceted problems that require multifaceted solutions. Pointing fingers will not solve the problem, nor will it help those who are suffering."

In an emailed statement to Becker's, a Mallinckrodt spokesperson said, We have not yet been contacted regarding this litigation. It is important to note that Mallinckrodt does not promote opioids and manufactures only generic and non-promoted, brand opioids. We have broadly supported efforts to combat the opioid abuse healthcare crisis through a range of advocacy initiatives, direct lobbying campaigns and charitable activities. We take our responsibility as an opioid manufacturer very seriously."

Becker's has reached out to Endo Pharmaceuticals for a statement and will update this article as needed.

Note: This article has been updated to include a statement from Mallinckrodt.

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University of Minnesota Medical Center-Fairview in Minneapolis has experienced seven patient security mishaps since November 2016 with the most recent occurring on June 4, according to a report from Minnesota Daily.

Each of the instances involved mental health patients. In response, a lawsuit has been filed, the state Office of Safety and Health Administration launched an investigation, The Joint Commission started a nonroutine survey of the facility and CMS has conducted two investigations.

Here are six things to know about the incidents and the response.

1. On Nov. 9, 2016, a 15-year-old, mentally disabled female patient was sexually assaulted in the emergency department after 29-year-old Jamal Strong, another mental health patient, allegedly entered the girl's room twice within an hour. Mr. Strong has since pled guilty to felony sexual assault.

2. In December 2016, a 13-year-old male patient escaped from the hospital after being escorted out of the secure wing of the child behavioral health unit. He was found by Minneapolis police more than 30 minutes later. Two days prior to being escorted out of the secure unit, the boy had attempted suicide, according to the report.

3. Another security event occurred on April 26 when a mental health patient forced through a magnetic door and escaped. Attempts to fix the door failed to prevent three more patients from escaping the same way four days later, according to Minnesota Daily, bringing the total number of incidents to six.

4. The most recently reported security event occurred on June 4, when another behavioral health patient escaped from the hospital. The patient was found 30 minutes later at a nearby restaurant, according to the report.

5. After the December escape, CMS launched an investigation into the hospital and issued a citation, finding the hospital's negligence to be "an immediate jeopardy to the health and safety of patients," according to a Dec. 12 CMS statement cited by Minnesota Daily. The hospital promptly responded with a plan of correction and the citation was removed.

6. The most recent CMS investigation was conducted on June 1. The Joint Commission conducted its own on-site evaluation on June 2. Results of these investigations remain under review, according to Minnesota Daily.

"Regulatory and accrediting agency visits are part of the routine and important work all health systems do," said Fairview spokesperson Camie Melton Hanily in a statement emailed to Becker's Hospital Review. "Fairview Health Services is committed to working with patients and all agencies regarding any questions they may have as quality and patient safety are of utmost importance. We strive to ensure the safety of every patient we serve and provide exceptional care. When we become aware of a patient safety issue, we investigate promptly, look for ways to improve our policies and procedures and take other appropriate actions as the circumstances warrant."

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The Hawaii State Department of Health on Thursday increased the number of mumps cases related to a statewide outbreak to 104, marking a 39 case increase since May 30.

As the outbreak continues, health officials are urging residents born in or after 1957 to confirm their vaccination history  two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine are 88 percent effective at preventing mumps.

Hawaii health officials have been investigating clusters of mumps infections in the state since March.

The mumps are a highly communicable disease characterized by painful, swollen salivary glands. Mumps is passed by person-to-person contact and often accompanied by initial symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness and loss of appetite.

To learn more about the mumps, click here.

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President Donald Trump's administration is arranging an executive order targeting skyrocketing drug costs, people familiar with the matter told Bloomberg Politics.

Health and budget officials in the administration will meet Friday in a private session run by Office of Management and Budget Director Mick Mulvaney to discuss policies to lower drug prices. One policy being considered for the executive order is a focus on value-based care agreements, where pharmaceutical companies and health insurers construct arrangements to pay for products based on their efficacy, according to the report.

Earlier this week, HHS Secretary Tom Price disclosed that President Trump sought suggestions for lowering drug prices from leading health agencies, Bloomberg Politics reported.

Mr. Price, CMS Administrator Seema Verma, FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb and Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin are expected to attend the meeting.

President Trump has openly criticized pharmaceutical companies in the past, saying they are "getting away with murder" revealing his opinion that regulatory changes are necessary.

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Many companies supported repealing the ACA, which levied an excise tax on device companies to cover expenses; the companies argued if the medical device excise tax were repealed, they'd be able to hire more in the U.S. The Consolidated Appropriations Act was signed in December 2015 and included a two-year moratorium on the tax. Has the change affected job growth among industry giants?

Not in all cases, and companies may continue to face tough times under the Trump Administration, which vows to lower healthcare spending.

Here is a quick overview of orthopedic and spine company hiring patterns over the past two years, based on an IBT report:

1. Johnson & Johnson: Less than one month after the medical device excise tax was suspended, the company reported it would eliminate 3,000 medical device jobs. At the start of 2017, the company's headcount fell by 700 people and another 1,500 jobs could be lost due to restructuring efforts.

2. Medtronic: Since the medical device tax was suspended, Medtronic has opened facilities in Singapore, Vietnam, Romania and Shanghai. The company laid off an undisclosed number of the 1,300 employees at its spine division in Memphis but reported from January 2015 to August 2016, the U.S. employee population increased by 1,300-plus positions.

3. Stryker: The company's number of employees grew from 22,010 before the tax to more than 33,000 currently. CEO Kevin Lobo attributed growth in employee volume due to its acquisitions of Sage and Physio, which were possible in part by the medical device tax suspension.

4. Zimmer Biomet: Zimmer Biomet plans to spend its savings on the medical device tax moratorium on research and development, sales force specialization, medical training and education, according to the company's 2016 Annual Report. Last year the company's U.S. workforce grew 3.6 percent and non-U.S. workforce grew by 7.7 percent.
Torrance (Cal.) Medical Center will fund two new medical institutes for South Bay, Cal., residents with a $32 million donation from Richard and Melanie Lundquist, according to Daily Breeze. Mr. and Ms. Lundquist are community members who began donating to the hospital when Ms. Lundquist started volunteering there11 years ago.

Here are five takeaways:

1. The donation will go towards establishing a neuroscience institute and an orthopedic and spine institute.

2. Torrance Memorial Medical Center is at 470-bed nonprofit medical center.

3. Previously Mr. and Ms. Lundquist donated $68 million to the hospital, including $50 million in 2013 to help pay for the medical center's seven story tower addition.

4. Torrance Memorial Medical Center served around 10,000 patients last year with orthopedic, spine and neurological disorders.

5. Since the donation in 2013, Mr. and Ms. Lundquist have established a cardiovascular institute and expanded Torrance Medical Center's emergency room.
Seven spine surgeons weigh in on the most common stigmas surrounding spine surgery and how they deal with patients who misconstrue spine care.

Ask Spine Surgeons is a weekly series of questions posed to spine surgeons around the country about clinical, business and policy issues affecting spine care. We invite all spine surgeon and specialist responses.





Next week's question: What are some best practices for controlling spine surgery costs?





Please send responses to Anuja Vaidya at avaidya@beckershealthcare.com by Wednesday, June 21, at 5 p.m. CST.





Question: What are some common misconceptions patients have about spine surgery and how do you correct those assumptions?

Alden Milam, MD. Spine Surgeon at OrthoCarolina (Charlotte, N.C.): The most common misconceptions are "spine surgery never works" and "many people are worse after spine surgery."

Jeffrey C. Wang, MD. Co-Director of the USC Spine Center at Keck Medicine of USC (Los Angeles): The most common misperception is that spine surgery does not work. There is clear evidence that spine surgery for definitive pathologies is beneficial, and for many problems, superior to conservative treatments with outstanding outcomes. Complications will happen in a small percentage of cases, and for that small percentage of patients who have complications  oftentimes not related to any problems caused by the individual operating surgeon  the experience will be sensationalized and misrepresented by the media and public. This misinformation is not helpful to the vast majority of patients who can benefit significantly by appropriate and evidence-based spine surgery and care.

Edward Rustamzadeh, MD, PhD. Spine Surgeon at Premier Brain and Spine Institute (San Jose, Calif.): Unfortunately, spine surgery has one of the worst stigmas associated with a specialty in all of medicine. I believe this has to do with the misinformation that is readily available to patients at a click of a keyboard. There are too many horror stories posted on the internet from patients. I do not want to discredit all of these comments, but too many are filled with factual errors and just plain and simple retribution of the patient to their treating surgeon. Too many times these patients do not have the moral fortitude to directly deal with their surgeon, and the internet provides an easy and cowardly out for them.

If it isn't the internet or social media, then there are the patients who I see in my clinic who either know of someone who has had spine surgery or have heard of someone who had spine surgery with a poor outcome. I have to remind the patient that they do not know what that particular patient's diagnosis was, who operated on them and what occurred postoperatively. We as humans will more readily accept the worst possible outcome than entertain the possibility that we are wrong in our assumptions.

One of the other misconceptions that patients have is that there is a possibility of "laparoscopic spine surgery or laser spine surgery." I have to inform them that laparoscopic surgery is performed by general surgeons not spine surgeons, and that no reputable major teaching academic center that I know of performs laser spine surgery! Then I pose the question back to the patient "Why do you think that is?"

Kern Singh, MD. Co-Director of Minimally Invasive Spine Institute at Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush (Chicago): Some of the biggest misconceptions that I hear about spine surgery are that it doesn't work or that there is a high risk of complications. I spend a large part of my day counseling patients that spine surgery is very effective so long as we are careful in determining who would be a good candidate. Furthermore, I make sure patients understand that these procedures are very safe and often have lower risks of complications than other commonly performed surgeries, such as hip or knee replacements.

Plas T. James, MD. Spine Surgeon at Atlanta Spine Institute: I think the public's perception to spine surgery, in general, is apprehension. I think it happens because of the history of spine surgery. In the past 15 or 20 years, a lot of spine surgery was done by people who weren't trained in the discipline of spine surgery. The average neurosurgeon did mostly brain surgery in his/her training and very little spine surgery. Nowadays, people have training where they are dedicated to more precise spine care. I think that's the main thing you've got to understand as far as the misconceptions go about spine surgery.

J. Brian Gill, MD. Spine Surgeon at Nebraska Spine Hospital (Omaha): Some common misconceptions that I hear from patients are that back surgery does not work and people are worse than where they were prior to surgery. Many studies have refuted this misconception especially in regards to degenerative spondylolisthesis with associated spinal stenosis and disc herniations. I sit down with each patient and discuss expectations that they have regarding their symptoms and what they can expect from a surgery. Miscommunication between the surgeon and the patient is where misconceptions start. I try to counsel each patient with realistic expectations.

Brian R. Gantwerker, MD. Founder of the Craniospinal Center of Los Angeles: Unfortunately, one of my favorite Bulls players from the 90s dynasty, Steve Kerr, had a really difficult time and continues to have problems. Many patients' first words are: "I don't want to have surgery." That's fine and I don't get discouraged. Their common misconception is that I am going to want to operate on them before they even sit down for the consult. I take my time, get updated studies and make sure the indications are there. And a majority of the time, I don't operate on them.

The second misconception is that they will be in agony postoperatively. Patients are sometimes in a lot of discomfort after their surgery. More often than not they have a pretty reasonable amount of discomfort. Also they tend to be off of pain pills about one to three weeks afterwards, but usually not if they were on very high doses preoperatively. Those patients do tend to take less.
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British Airways owner IAG has said a major IT failure that caused travel chaos for tens of thousands of passengers last month will cost the company 80m, as it extended another apology to customers.

Chief executive Willie Walsh gave the estimate during the airline giant's annual general meeting, where the company also apologised to customers and praised its staff for the way they handled the incident.

"On May 27, British Airways suffered a power failure to its primary data centre, which led to severe disruption to its flights at the beginning of the UK half-term school holiday.

"Our initial assessment of the gross cost of the disruption is in the order of 80m. We will update the market at the appropriate time with more details."

Mr Walsh added that the work to restore operations was "an outstanding achievement by the teams involved" and stressed IAG was "working hard to ensure that affected passengers are compensated as soon as possible".

He said the company has also launched an independent investigation following the incident and would provide an update once the probe is completed.

"What we do know at this stage, however, is that this failure had absolutely nothing to do with changes to the way we resource our IT systems and services," Mr Walsh said.

The airline cancelled 726 flights due to a power failure at the end of May, sparking a raft of compensation claims for flight costs, train and hotel expenses, replacement clothes and toiletries. Under EU law, passengers can claim compensation from BA for cancelled or delayed flights, worth up to 600 euro (528).
The next phase of a Belfast city centre hotel - which will add 30 new bedrooms a rooftop bar - looks set to get planning permission.

The Bullitt Hotel opened its doors last year. The 43-bedroom establishment on Church Lane is owned by Beannchor, which also runs the Merchant.

The company is now planning to add another 30 bedrooms by developing the neighbouring Annsgate House building.

That would include a roof terrace including a bar. Planners have now recommended the plans get the go ahead. They said the "proposal is considered to be in accordance with the development plan, relevant planning policies and other material considerations and as such it is recommended that the proposal should be approved subject to conditions".

It's due to go before Belfast City Council's planning committee on Tuesday.

The 7m Bullitt Hotel features three bars, including the ski-themed Baltic bar, 43 bedrooms, an espresso bar, a 58-seater restaurant called Taylor and Clay and a private events space.

The expansion is the latest addition to the Beannchor Group's portfolio, which also includes, the Little Wing chain of pizza restaurants, and a string of bars and pubs.

And it's also understood the company is hoping to open up another Bullitt Hotel in Dublin.

Last month it confirmed it had snapped up the headquarters of stage extravaganza Riverdance on Dublin's Capel Street as the site of a new hotel.

A spokeswoman for the Merchant owner said that it had bought 133 Capel Street for around 5m (4.3m).

It comes after Hospitality Review revealed last month that Beannchor was looking at a site in Capel Street for a Bullitt Hotel.

And the spokeswoman confirmed that the new Dublin hotel would have 100 rooms.

In Belfast, more than 30 hotels are at various stages of development.

Around 4,000 rooms are planned for the city centre, more than doubling capacity. There are currently some 3,400.

Around 1,100 rooms are being added across five under-construction developments.

They are the Marriott AC at City Quays; the Grand Central at Bedford Street; Hampton by Hilton at Hope Street; the Maldron Hotel at Brunswick Street and the Titanic Hotel.

Ten Square, behind City Hall, is also being extended.

Projects at the pre-planning stage include a 160-bedroom hotel at the King's Hall, and McAleer & Rushe's proposed 150-room development at the former Bank of Ireland building on Royal Avenue.

Meanwhile, Liverpool businessman Lawrence Kenwright has ambitious plans to build four hotels in Belfast.

Those include an 80-bedroom hotel inspired by George Best at the former Scottish Mutual building, and a 25m refurbishment of the former Crumlin Road courthouse, to create a 150-bedroom development.

This week the Belfast Telegraph revealed he is spending 80m and creating 350 jobs here.

He has also bought the former War Memorial building at Waring Street and is also looking at purchasing another building in the area to turn it into another hotel.
The City Quays 2 office development at Belfast Harbour which is due to be completed this year

A major car park which will become part of the City Quays development at Belfast Harbour is due to be given the green light.

The 907-car space development is the latest phase of the waterside scheme. Now, the Department for Infrastructure has issued a notice of opinion to grant it planning permission.

It's expected the structure will cost around 12m to build. It will join the first City Quays office development, City Quays 2, and the new Marriott AC hotel, both of which are under construction.

Northern Ireland is on track for one of its biggest ever office developments as Belfast Harbour has also applied for planning permission for the 46m third phase of City Quays.

The Harbour has said it's seeking the green light from Belfast City Council for City Quays 3, which will have 16 storeys with the potential to house 3,000 workers. Its construction is expected to bring jobs for up to 600 builders.

The first and second phases of City Quays have already attracted top-end company tenants such as international law firm Baker & McKenzie, while broadcaster UTV will set up home at City Quays 2 next year.

A 188-bedroom AC by Marriott Hotel, featuring a restaurant by renowned chef Jean Christophe Novelli, will also open at City Quays next year.

Speaking about the project earlier this year, and progress on City Quays 3, Graeme Johnston, Belfast Harbour's property director, said: "Upon completion in 2019, Belfast Harbour will have invested 120m in City Quays and developed 450,000 sq ft of Grade A office space, supporting both foreign direct investment and indigenous businesses.

"As with the two previous offices, City Quays 3 will be a speculative development, which is a reflection of how strong demand for this quality of office space in Belfast is."
Brexit has put the brakes on hiring in the Square Mile

Recruitment firm SThree has said a slower jobs market following the EU referendum is continuing to hurt its UK operations, although a strong performance in the US and continental Europe helped drive overall profits higher.

Gross profits from its UK and Ireland arm fell 16% to 27 million in the six months to May 31, which the firm blamed on Brexit worries and public sector reforms.

However, the poor performance was offset by strong figures from the US and Europe, helping total gross profit rise 2% at constant currency to 134.3 million.

The US, which has now replaced the UK as SThree's second biggest region, saw gross profits soar 16% in the first half, while mainland Europe was also up 7% year-on-year.

The firm pointed out that 80% of its gross profit now comes from markets outside the UK and Ireland, compared to 73% in 2016.

It follows a strategic decision by the group to downsize its operations in Britain, with large cuts to permanent staff in the region.

Chief executive Gary Elden said: "We are encouraged by the improvement in momentum across the business in the period, particularly the strong performances in continental Europe and the US.

"Our contract business continues to deliver good growth across almost all regions, with continental Europe and the US again being the highlights.

"Looking ahead, the continued momentum of our contract business and improved permanent yields give us a solid base from which to grow in a macro-economic environment which remains uncertain."

Brexit has put the brakes on hiring in the Square Mile, with other recruitment firms such as Page Group and Hays also flagging a contraction in their UK businesses.

However, their overseas businesses have provided some protection.

Analysts at Liberum Capital reiterated their "buy" recommendation on the stock, arguing the continued recovery in the US supports a positive view.

"With an encouraging outlook for both the US and Continental Europe in 2H17, it would appear that the risks to our FY17 estimates lie firmly to the upside.

"This potential momentum alongside the group's attractive geographic and discipline exposure and its contract bias leaves the company relatively well placed to navigate through these uncertain times."

SThree shares were up over 4% to 317p in mid-morning trading.
Festival goers at the 2nd night of Belsonic to see The 1975. Ormeau Embankment, Belfast. Friday 16th June 2017 Liam McBurney/RAZORPIX

Festival goers at the 2nd night of Belsonic to see The 1975. Ormeau Embankment, Belfast. Friday 16th June 2017 Liam McBurney/RAZORPIX

Festival goers at the 2nd night of Belsonic to see The 1975. Ormeau Embankment, Belfast. Friday 16th June 2017 Liam McBurney/RAZORPIX

Festival goers at the 2nd night of Belsonic to see The 1975. Ormeau Embankment, Belfast. Friday 16th June 2017 Liam McBurney/RAZORPIX

Festival goers at the 2nd night of Belsonic to see The 1975. Ormeau Embankment, Belfast. Friday 16th June 2017 Liam McBurney/RAZORPIX

Festival goers at the 2nd night of Belsonic to see The 1975. Ormeau Embankment, Belfast. Friday 16th June 2017 Liam McBurney/RAZORPIX

Festival goers at the 2nd night of Belsonic to see The 1975. Ormeau Embankment, Belfast. Friday 16th June 2017 Liam McBurney/RAZORPIX

Festival goers at the 2nd night of Belsonic to see The 1975. Ormeau Embankment, Belfast. Friday 16th June 2017 Liam McBurney/RAZORPIX

Festival goers at the 2nd night of Belsonic to see The 1975. Ormeau Embankment, Belfast. Friday 16th June 2017 Liam McBurney/RAZORPIX

Festival goers at the 2nd night of Belsonic to see The 1975. Ormeau Embankment, Belfast. Friday 16th June 2017 Liam McBurney/RAZORPIX

Festival goers at the 2nd night of Belsonic to see The 1975. Ormeau Embankment, Belfast. Friday 16th June 2017 Liam McBurney/RAZORPIX

Festival goers at the 2nd night of Belsonic to see The 1975. Ormeau Embankment, Belfast. Friday 16th June 2017 Liam McBurney/RAZORPIX

Festival goers at the 2nd night of Belsonic to see The 1975. Ormeau Embankment, Belfast. Friday 16th June 2017 Liam McBurney/RAZORPIX

Festival goers at the 2nd night of Belsonic to see The 1975. Ormeau Embankment, Belfast. Friday 16th June 2017 Liam McBurney/RAZORPIX

Festival goers at the 2nd night of Belsonic to see The 1975. Ormeau Embankment, Belfast. Friday 16th June 2017 Liam McBurney/RAZORPIX

Festival goers at the 2nd night of Belsonic to see The 1975. Ormeau Embankment, Belfast. Friday 16th June 2017 Liam McBurney/RAZORPIX

Festival goers at the 2nd night of Belsonic to see The 1975. Ormeau Embankment, Belfast. Friday 16th June 2017 Liam McBurney/RAZORPIX

Festival goers at the 2nd night of Belsonic to see The 1975. Ormeau Embankment, Belfast. Friday 16th June 2017 Liam McBurney/RAZORPIX

Festival goers at the 2nd night of Belsonic to see The 1975. Ormeau Embankment, Belfast. Friday 16th June 2017 Liam McBurney/RAZORPIX

Festival goers at the 2nd night of Belsonic to see The 1975. Ormeau Embankment, Belfast. Friday 16th June 2017 Liam McBurney/RAZORPIX

Festival goers at the 2nd night of Belsonic to see The 1975. Ormeau Embankment, Belfast. Friday 16th June 2017 Liam McBurney/RAZORPIX

Festival goers at the 2nd night of Belsonic to see The 1975. Ormeau Embankment, Belfast. Friday 16th June 2017 Liam McBurney/RAZORPIX

Festival goers at the 2nd night of Belsonic to see The 1975. Ormeau Embankment, Belfast. Friday 16th June 2017 Liam McBurney/RAZORPIX

Festival goers at the 2nd night of Belsonic to see The 1975. Ormeau Embankment, Belfast. Friday 16th June 2017 Liam McBurney/RAZORPIX

Festival goers at the 2nd night of Belsonic to see The 1975. Ormeau Embankment, Belfast. Friday 16th June 2017 Liam McBurney/RAZORPIX

Festival goers at the 2nd night of Belsonic to see The 1975. Ormeau Embankment, Belfast. Friday 16th June 2017 Liam McBurney/RAZORPIX

Festival goers at the 2nd night of Belsonic to see The 1975. Ormeau Embankment, Belfast. Friday 16th June 2017 Liam McBurney/RAZORPIX

Festival goers at the 2nd night of Belsonic to see The 1975. Ormeau Embankment, Belfast. Friday 16th June 2017 Liam McBurney/RAZORPIX

Festival goers at the 2nd night of Belsonic to see The 1975. Ormeau Embankment, Belfast. Friday 16th June 2017 Liam McBurney/RAZORPIX

Festival goers at the 2nd night of Belsonic to see The 1975. Ormeau Embankment, Belfast. Friday 16th June 2017 Liam McBurney/RAZORPIX

Festival goers at the 2nd night of Belsonic to see The 1975. Ormeau Embankment, Belfast. Friday 16th June 2017 Liam McBurney/RAZORPIX

Festival goers at the 2nd night of Belsonic to see The 1975. Ormeau Embankment, Belfast. Friday 16th June 2017 Liam McBurney/RAZORPIX

Festival goers at the 2nd night of Belsonic to see The 1975. Ormeau Embankment, Belfast. Friday 16th June 2017 Liam McBurney/RAZORPIX

Festival goers at the 2nd night of Belsonic to see The 1975. Ormeau Embankment, Belfast. Friday 16th June 2017 Liam McBurney/RAZORPIX

Festival goers at the 2nd night of Belsonic to see The 1975. Ormeau Embankment, Belfast. Friday 16th June 2017 Liam McBurney/RAZORPIX

Festival goers at the 2nd night of Belsonic to see The 1975. Ormeau Embankment, Belfast. Friday 16th June 2017 Liam McBurney/RAZORPIX

Festival goers at the 2nd night of Belsonic to see The 1975. Ormeau Embankment, Belfast. Friday 16th June 2017 Liam McBurney/RAZORPIX

Festival goers at the 2nd night of Belsonic to see The 1975. Ormeau Embankment, Belfast. Friday 16th June 2017 Liam McBurney/RAZORPIX

Festival goers at the 2nd night of Belsonic to see The 1975. Ormeau Embankment, Belfast. Friday 16th June 2017 Liam McBurney/RAZORPIX

Festival goers at the 2nd night of Belsonic to see The 1975. Ormeau Embankment, Belfast. Friday 16th June 2017 Liam McBurney/RAZORPIX

Festival goers at the 2nd night of Belsonic to see The 1975. Ormeau Embankment, Belfast. Friday 16th June 2017 Liam McBurney/RAZORPIX

Festival goers at the 2nd night of Belsonic to see The 1975. Ormeau Embankment, Belfast. Friday 16th June 2017 Liam McBurney/RAZORPIX

Festival goers at the 2nd night of Belsonic to see The 1975. Ormeau Embankment, Belfast. Friday 16th June 2017 Liam McBurney/RAZORPIX

Festival goers at the 2nd night of Belsonic to see The 1975. Ormeau Embankment, Belfast. Friday 16th June 2017 Liam McBurney/RAZORPIX

Festival goers at the 2nd night of Belsonic to see The 1975. Ormeau Embankment, Belfast. Friday 16th June 2017 Liam McBurney/RAZORPIX

Festival goers at the 2nd night of Belsonic to see The 1975. Ormeau Embankment, Belfast. Friday 16th June 2017 Liam McBurney/RAZORPIX

Festival goers at the 2nd night of Belsonic to see The 1975. Ormeau Embankment, Belfast. Friday 16th June 2017 Liam McBurney/RAZORPIX

Festival goers at the 2nd night of Belsonic to see The 1975. Ormeau Embankment, Belfast. Friday 16th June 2017 Liam McBurney/RAZORPIX

The 1975 frontman Matthew Healy performing on stage at the second night of Belsonic. Ormeau Embankment, Belfast. Friday 16th June 2017 Image courtesy of Luke Joyce photography

Festival goers at the 2nd night of Belsonic to see The 1975. Ormeau Embankment, Belfast. Friday 16th June 2017 Liam McBurney/RAZORPIX

Festival goers at the 2nd night of Belsonic to see The 1975. Ormeau Embankment, Belfast. Friday 16th June 2017 Liam McBurney/RAZORPIX

Festival goers out to see The 1975 performing at the second night of Belsonic. Ormeau Embankment, Belfast. Friday 16th June 2017 Image courtesy of Luke Joyce photography

Festival goers at the 2nd night of Belsonic to see The 1975. Ormeau Embankment, Belfast. Friday 16th June 2017 Liam McBurney/RAZORPIX

Festival goers at the 2nd night of Belsonic to see The 1975. Ormeau Embankment, Belfast. Friday 16th June 2017 Liam McBurney/RAZORPIX

Festival goers at the 2nd night of Belsonic to see The 1975. Ormeau Embankment, Belfast. Friday 16th June 2017 Liam McBurney/RAZORPIX

Belsonic continued on Friday night with The 1975 headlining the massive concert at Ormeau Park in the city.

The band had support from fellow Manchester group Pale Waves and Irish duo Picture This for the second night of the huge music event.

With both support acts putting on energetic performances, the young crowd were suitably excited for the main event by the time Matt Healy, George Daniel, Adam Hann, and Ross MacDonald took to the stage for their headline set.

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Opening the show with Love Me, The 1975, and Heart Out, the crowd lent their own vocals to proceedings adding to the festival atmosphere.

A number of songs into their set and frontman Matt Healy welcomed the crowd, ensuring them the band were very excited to be performing in the city once again - taking a moment to reminisce about their previous gigs at the Oh Yeah music centre.

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"I feel like I should talk about something important," he added. "Maybe I should talk about the state of the world today, about politics, but I'd rather talk about love and our love for each other."

Loving Someone, She's American, Girls, and Somebody Else were popular track among the set list, punctuated by musical interludes that reminded the crowd why The 1975 are currently riding high in the world of music.

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Their 90 minute set was completed with an encore of their best known hits If I Believe You, Chocolate, and The Sound with the crowd jumping in unison before the band left the stage.

The 1975 follow in the footsteps of fellow headliners Arcade Fire who opened Belsonic on Tuesday.

Martin Garrix, Jess Glynne, The Chainsmokers, Axwell & Ingrosso, and Cream Classical Live featuring K-Klass, Judge Jules, Tall Paul, and Robbie Nelson will complete this year's lineup.
A Belfast courtroom erupted in chaos as a Scotsman, described as "an extremely dangerous individual", had to be manhandled from the dock by armed police.

It took six officers to remove convicted robber Derek Brockwell, who had previously escaped custody in the Republic of Ireland before fleeing to Belfast in February 2015.

Brockwell, whose address was given as Frankland Prison in Durham, clashed with Crown Court Judge Piers Grant after being convicted of robbing a chemist at knifepoint, and attempting to rob a Spar supermarket.

The 56-year-old Scotsman took exception to his sentencing being adjourned for reports until after the summer holiday in August, telling Judge Grant: "You'll be wasting time, I won't be off on any vacation."

Brockwell struggled initially with the two police officers flanking him in the dock, before reinforcements were called.

After Brockwell was carried from court, Judge Grant took the unusual step of reassuring the jury over their guilty verdicts, telling them Brockwell was "regarded as an extremely dangerous individual, with a lengthy, substantial criminal record".

The jury had heard this was not the first time Brockwell had "struggled" with police in Belfast.

He had arrived in the city after escaping his prison guards in Dublin while being taken on a hospital visit for his diabetes.

However, his break for freedom ended the following day when he was arrested in a city centre bar. He told the jury that after the robberies he was in the smoking area of Wetherspoons' bar, and discovered he was "the top item" on the TV news.

However, when police arrived to arrest him, Brockwell struggled, and although tazered, managed to stab himself in the stomach with a camping knife before being taken into custody.

It took the jury just half an hour to convict him.

They rejected his claims that he was acting under duress by two men when 'negotiations' over the price of smuggling him back into Scotland broke down.
More than 1,000 mourners gathered in Mountpottinger Methodist Church yesterday morning for the funeral of a beloved minister with the "common touch".

Leading the service, retired minister Rev Jim Rea paid tribute to former Rev Margaret Ferguson, who he described as "a woman with a big personality".

"Margaret was fashion-conscious and always glamorous, but her life was defined by three things," he said.

"The first was family. She was loved by them and they were loved in return. Then there was her ministry, which crossed all sorts of divides. She was also a great people person who valued everyone equally."

As a former member of the board of governors at St Mary's Christian Brothers School, Rev Ferguson was chosen as a representative to meet Mary McAleese when she was President of Ireland. She also met the Queen.

Addressing the huge number of people who had packed into the pews, and the hundreds who had gathered in the overflow, Rev Rea referenced Rudyard Kipling's famous poem If to sum up Rev Ferguson's life.

"She was a woman who walked with kings but never lost the common touch," he said.

Rev Rea, a former president of the Methodist Church in Ireland, told mourners that Rev Ferguson's Christ-centred faith never faltered, even after she was diagnosed with lung cancer in March last year.

"She held on to it strongly, especially in the days when she knew she was dying," said the Shankill Road minster.

He also recalled how Rev Ferguson came to find faith.

"As a school girl at Carolan Grammar School [now Wellington College], she heard a woman talk about faith, but she showed no initial interest," he explained.

"But several years later, something made her think again and she prayed for a sign. Two days later, out of nowhere, that woman wrote her a letter urging to find Christ. That was the beginning of her faith."

Margaret was 50 when she took up her first posting at Woodvale Methodist Church. She served with the East Belfast Mission from 2014 until she died earlier this week at the Marie Curie Hospice.

Following the service, Rev Ferguson's coffin rested at East Belfast Mission to allow people to pay their respects before a cremation service at Roselawn.
Best-selling author Douglas Murray will face a protest when he visits Belfast to speak at the Belfast Book Festival tonight.

Murray's latest book, The Strange Death of Europe: Immigration, Identity, Islam, is currently at No 1 on the London Evening Standard's non-fiction list, and at No 18 in the Amazon UK best-seller chart.

In the book, Murray argues that Europe is a continent and culture caught in the act of suicide.

He claims declining birth-rates, mass immigration and cultivated self-distrust and self-hatred have come together to make Europeans unable to argue for themselves and incapable of resisting their own comprehensive change as a society.

The writer's appearance at the book festival has been criticised by the Belfast Anti-Racist Forum, which called for his invitation to be rescinded.

The Belfast Telegraph has learned that a protest is planned at tonight's event by his critics, who claim that Mr Murray's writings are racist and Islamophobic and should not be given a platform at an event which receives public funding.

However, book festival organiser Keith Acheson said that the event would go ahead - despite the protest threat.

In a letter responding to calls to cancel the event, Mr Acheson said: "We at the festival have always attempted to embrace a wide range of authors with a diverse range of views, both left and right of the political spectrum.

"We in no way endorse the views of any author or provide a 'sole platform', rather, we provide an opportunity for authors to be challenged in an appropriate fashion by both the interviewer and audience."

Mr Acheson said that the author would be interviewed by Daniel Jewesbury, a lecturer in film at the University of Ulster, who has "the necessary background to challenge Murray on his writing and views in an appropriate and robust fashion."

Reviewers of Strange Death of Europe have described Murray's arguments as "brilliant, important and profoundly depressing" (Rod Liddle in The Times), and "hard to refute" (Juliet Samuel, Daily Telegraph).

Murray's earlier book on Bloody Sunday was (jointly) awarded the 2011-2012 Christopher Ewart-Biggs Memorial Prize.

He is also scheduled to speak at the Edinburgh Book Festival in August this year.

Douglas Murray will speak at the Crescent Arts Centre. Belfast, tonight at 8pm. Tickets 10 (8 concession).
Dennis Hutchings is accused of the attempted murder of John-Pat Cunningham

Lawyers for a former British soldier charged in connection with the fatal shooting of an unarmed man in Northern Ireland in 1974 have asked a judge to throw out the case against him.

Dennis Hutchings' legal team told a crown court judge in Belfast there was no evidence to prove that the 75-year-old had used force unlawfully when the man was shot dead by an army patrol.

Hutchings is accused of the attempted murder of John-Pat Cunningham, who was 27.

Mr Cunningham, who had learning difficulties, was shot dead by a British army patrol in June 1974 close to Benburb, a village on the Irish border between counties Armagh and Tyrone.

Hutchings, of Cawsand, Cornwall, is also facing a charge of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm to Mr Cunningham.

He appeared before Belfast Crown Court on Friday where his legal team applied to Crown Court Judge Mr Justice Treacy to dismiss the charges against him, citing a lack of evidence.

Hutchings sat in the dock with a hearing device to listen to the application from his legal team.

A group of supporters, who had earlier gathered outside the court to protest against the prosecution, sat in the public gallery throughout the three-hour hearing.

The court was told that Mr Cunningham was a vulnerable adult with a fear of people in uniform.

He was running away from an Army patrol when he was shot in the back, the court heard.

Hutchings was the most senior soldier in the patrol which opened fire on Mr Cunningham as he ran across a field.

Five rounds were fired and Mr Cunningham was struck at least twice.

A barrister for the Public Prosecution Service told the court that three shots were fired from Hutchings' rifle.

Another soldier, referred to as Soldier B and who is now dead, fired two shots during the incident, the court was told.

The barrister admitted that with no forensic evidence he could not say if the fatal shot was fired by Hutchings or by Soldier B.

However, he said that Hutchings had not acted within the rules of engagement - a military directive to describe the circumstances under which military force can be used.

"The defendant would have had the deceased in his sights for a very significant period of time before he decided to fire three times.

"The shots fired were described as sharp and close together," the barrister said.

He added: "That's completely inconsistent with warning shots. There was no explanation for the repeated firing of the weapon.

"He has not acted within the rules of engagement."

However, a defence barrister said there is "no evidence whatsoever" that Hutchings fired any shots, "other than inference of three rounds missing (from his rifle)".

He added that there is also no evidence as to whether or not the rules of engagement were followed.

"(The Crown) have to have some evidence those rules weren't complied with but they don't have that.

"It's not the defendant's obligation to prove if the rules of engagement were or weren't dealt with. It's for the Crown to produce evidence that they weren't," he said.

Mr Justice Treacy told the court he needed some time to consider the arguments before making a ruling in the application.

The case was adjourned to a date yet to be fixed.
The Shankill Butchers' true leader has been named in a graphic expose on the UVF and its most notorious sectarian murder gang.

It has been thought for years that psychopath Lenny Murphy headed the serial killers, who committed at least 23 savage murders using butcher knives, axes, guns and bombs during a reign of terror in the darkest days of the Troubles.

But a newly-published book - UVF: Behind The Mask - claims Murphy's older brother John was the real boss.

A woman who claimed she let the Shankill Butchers use her home as a safe house for meetings told author Aaron Edwards that John Murphy was "leader of the pack" in the murder gang.

The west Belfast woman, who is not named, tells Edwards: "They seemed to be scared of John Murphy. They used to blame Lenny.

"They tried to say he gave the orders, but he was in jail most of the time.

"They were that frightened of John".

The woman added she viewed John Murphy as the embodiment of "evilness".

The Shankill Butchers' first victims were four Catholics shot dead in their bottling plant workplace in October 1975.

A month later Frank Crossan (34) was found after Lenny Murphy used a knife to cut his head almost to the spine.

The gang's carnage continued until 1977.

Lenny Murphy was jailed in 1976 for possession of a firearm, but it was thought he made sure the slaughter went on after he directed right-hand-man William Moore, who provided the knives to hack up many more victims, to take over.

But the book claims John Murphy was as feared, manipulative and psychopathic as his younger brother, and was behind the continuation of the sectarian murder frenzy.

The woman who spoke out about the Shankill Butchers using her house for meetings said in the book that John Murphy sat in her front room one evening and told her: "I can't sleep at night. I have to sleep during the day because of all the things I've done."

Lenny Murphy was shot dead by the IRA at the age of 30 in 1982, the same year he'd been released from prison after completing six years of a 12-year sentence.

His brother died 16 years later in 1998 aged 47 in a car crash at the junction of the Grosvenor Road and Westlink in Belfast.

The woman added in Edwards' book: "John got his comeuppance when he hit a roundabout and went through the car windscreen.

"Some people are just evil. There's an evilness there."

It was not until the Shankill Butchers made the mistake of leaving one of their victims for dead that their reign of terror ended.

Gerard McLaverty survived hours of torture involving being stabbed with pokers and knives and being strangled with wire.

He went on to identify his would-be killers and put them in the dock.

The gang was sentenced to 2,000 years in relation to the murders of 19 people, including nine Protestants, who were either mistaken for Catholics or the victims of loyalist in-fighting.

Lenny Murphy was never convicted over any of the murders carried out by the Shankill Butchers.

Edwards is a senior lecturer in defence and international affairs at the Royal Military Academy in Sandhurst.

His book also tells of the never-before-revealed partnership between loyalist terror chiefs Billy Wright and Johnny Adair, and how the UVF once plotted to kill Martin McGuinness.
Tower blocks in the New Lodge area of north Belfast

The Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) has met with the Fire & Rescue Service and local government authorities to discuss fire safety and building regulations in the wake of the tragic fire which has claimed 30 lives at Grenfell Tower in London.

The cause of the inferno, which quickly spread through the 24-storey block in the early hours of Wednesday, is not yet known, although arson has been ruled out.

Concerns have been raised that exterior cladding, applied during a recent refurbishment, may have caused the fire to spread more quickly.

Four of the NIHE's 32 high rise blocks have been clad or are in the process of being clad, the executive confirmed.

A spokesman said: "The high rise buildings, due to their age, required repairs to the concrete structure.

"At the same time we took the opportunity to increase the thermal performance of the tower block and to protect its structure from further deterioration and increase its lifespan.

"In order to achieve this, the Housing Executive opted for an external cladding solution. The cladding system not only improves the thermal efficiency of the building but also provides protective outer skin to protect it from the elements."

The two high rise buildings where the cladding has been completed are Eithne House and Cuchulainn House in the New Lodge area. Both buildings are covered with a rainscreen system made up of PvC panels and rails with a Rockwool insulated core.

The two high rise buildings currently being clad are Carnet House and Whincroft House in east Belfast.

The NIHE 's meeting with the Fire Service and government agencies, the NIHE spokesman said, was to "ensure that we continue to meet our statutory obligations to ensure the safety of all those living in the tower blocks.

It is too early to determine the cause of the fire in London and we will await the findings. If there are lessons to be learned from the investigation into this tragedy then those will be taken on board.

In the interim, we have agreed to meet again in the coming weeks."

Safety checks are ongoing at all of the NIHE's 32 high rise residential accommodation blocks where he added, the executive remains "fully compliant with all fire safety regulations".

All residents living in high rise accommodation will have received a fire safety leaflet from the Housing Executive, providing advice and guidance on keeping safe at home," the spokesman said. If any residents have any further concerns, they are asked to contact their local office on 03448 920 900.

No sprinklers

The spokesman also confirmed that approximately 3,000 people live in NIHE managed high rise blocks, mainly in Belfast, none of which have sprinklers.

"Our high rises were built in the 1960s and 1970s without sprinklers," he stated. "It is not a requirement of building control or fire regulations."

In addition, all of the tower blocks have single protected or fire resistant staircases with fire doors. They are also fitted with fire alarm systems.

The Housing Executive has installed smoke detectors on every floor and they are checked in accordance with statutory obligations.

Housing Executive representatives will be meeting the manufacturers of the external cladding early next week, the spokeman concluded.
At any given time, the PSNI are investigating around 200 cases of online child abuse.

The PSNI are investigating around 200 cases of online child sex abuse at any given time, a senior officer has revealed.

Speaking to the BBC on Friday, Det Chief Constable Drew Harris said there is "a constant flow of people through our courts every week" in relation to online sexual abuse of children online.

"At any one time, in the order of 200 investigations are open into actual suspects from Northern Ireland, not just information, but moving forward to gather evidence," he explained.

"As we put more resources to it, we are detecting more. Theres a constant flow of people through our courts every week in relation to this."

Dealing with this type of crime is a relatively recent challenge for the police he said, and work that is largely "invisible" to the public.

"When I joined the police, such offending was unknown, entirely unheard of and possibly beyond our imagination.

"The internet is being used for very dark and evil purposes and it is very difficult to police. The policing of that is invisible to society."

The PSNI is devoting substantial resources to protecting vulnerable children and working with partner organisations here as well as with the police in England, Scotland, Wales and the Garda Siochana in Ireland.

"Whether its growing or not its hard to say, it appears to be growing but our detection techniques are improving."

He said that, more and more, police work takes place "on the fringes of society", trying to protect people who are vulnerable, whether victims of domestic abuse or child victims of abuse or sexual exploitation.

This kind of worse, he said, can be especially stressful. "Police officers find themselves very often dealing with people in dire straits, people who are in entirely hopeless situations and who feel powerless about what they can do, and that is very stressful, especially when you know the situation is going to re-occur and re-occur."

He spoke of the vulnerability of the many young people who go missing in Northern Ireland.

Of around 12,000 people reported missing in Northern Ireland each year, he said, 60% are aged 17 and under.

"A lot of that is concentrated on children who go missing from care homes or very difficult family situations.

"There are some episodes of children going missing every week, children from fractured families or in care system.

"They are in a position where they can be easily abused, without the checks and balances of a support system of family and friends that they can turn to."
Belfast Harley-Davidson are set to give away a priceless one-off custom designed bike to one lucky winner in a bid to raise cash for Air Ambulance NI.

The 1200 Sportser - equipped with a bobber seat and flute pegs made from bullet casings - was proudly on display at the North West 200 last month as part of a drive to sell raffle tickets.

"It's a unique bike, there is not going to be another one like it," explained Iris Cluney who works in the family-run business.

"People have been amazed by it, everyone just wants to touch it and they all say 'I want it.' They all agree that the Air Ambulance is a great cause to get behind - it's something we really need."

Mrs Cluney cited the horrific accident at last year's North West 200 to highlight how much the service is needed. Co Tyrone rider Ryan Farquhar was airlifted by police helicopter from the track to the Royal Victoria Hospital following a high-speed crash during a practice session.

"If he was not transported to hospital by helicopter he would not be alive," said Iris.

"Hospitals have been cut so much and with increased traffic some people who live in the countryside have no hope of getting to hospital on time."

Iris' husband William is the artist behind the bike's Second World War design.

The design manager at Belfast Harley-Davidson explained it is the product of a global competition between Harley-Davidson dealers known as the Battle of the Kings.

"Everyone has the 1200 Sportser to work on, it has to be the same bike but there is no limit to what you can do after that.

"It was a team effort and the owner, George Watson, was very much involved," said William.

The design was based on American P-51 Mustang warplanes and included war era pin-up girls in the artwork.

"We turned around the paint job in two weeks, which was fantastic because those pin-up girls had to be painted by hand. You can price it in the sense that the parts are worth 12.5k, but it's unique and ultimately worth whatever ever someone is willing to pay for it."

Raffle tickets, which cost 5, can be bought online or by calling the shop on 028 9446 6999 up until the draw on July 1.
The late Queens lecturer David Marshall with his family, from left, Catherine, Jenny, wife May, Anna and David

The family of a popular Queen's University lecturer in learning disabilities have paid tribute to their "inspirational" father who died following a battle with cancer.

David Marshall (56) passed away surrounded by his family on Tuesday in his Ballyhackamore home in east Belfast - six weeks after receiving a terminal cancer diagnosis.

His wife May (56) and their four children Catherine (27), Jenny (26), Anna (24) and David (23) spoke to the Belfast Telegraph about his bravery in his final weeks, his strong Christian faith and his devotion to those with learning disabilities.

In 2015, Queen's awarded Mr Marshall - a senior lecturer with the school of Nursing and Midwifery - with a most inspiring/motivating teacher award after being nominated by his students.

Since his diagnosis, he remained determined to enjoy time with his family, including a recent trip to see a show in London's West End.

"David was a passionate man in every sense of the word, passionate for people with a learning disability with whom he had a unique connection," his wife May said.

"They were drawn to him and he always brought out the best in them. Once he touched their lives they never forgot him. Always pushing the boundaries, going the extra mile, to make life exciting. He was a devoted family man and imparted that same passion into his family."

His son David, a podiatry student, spoke of his father's generosity.

"I got to hold his hand when he was passing away, I'll cherish that forever," he said.

"Dad lived his whole life for other people. One of his Down's Syndrome friends, Gerard, sat on the sofa crying all day yesterday. He kept asking 'who's going to take me out on my birthday now?'

"I just said: 'Gerard, we'll still take you out.' That's what dad's life was about, serving others."

Anna (24) said she would carry on her father's work through her career as a learning disability diversional therapist.

"Last week, he said to me 'Anna, life is about making a difference in people's lives'. He was the most selfless man to walk the earth."

On June 5, Anna, along with her siblings and friends, completed the Slieve Donard Moonlit Walk, raising 3,000 for Cancer Focus NI. Despite his ill-health, their father surprised them all by waiting at the bottom of the mountain to applaud them in the early hours.

Jenny (26) said her father helped her achieve her dream of becoming a nurse and supported her through her own health scares.

"My dad was my biggest inspiration in life.

"He held me through three brain surgeries and celebrated with me in graduating at the same school in which he was senior lecturer," she said.

Catherine (27), a theology student, called her dad "the funniest man I know".

"How blessed we all are, to have had him play such a big part in our lives. I will always be thankful for how much he taught me about God, not just by the stories he told me, but by the way he lived his life."

Donna Fitzsimons, head of Nursing and Midwifery at Queen's, said staff and students were "deeply saddened" by the loss. "He had a unique passion and drive for his topic that was very inspirational," she said.

The family will hold a private burial next Tuesday, June 20, with a celebration of his life in the Culloden hotel at 3pm.

Anna explained: "He didn't want doom and gloom, so there's a dress code of bright colours and it will be a real celebration of the life he got to live."
Police and ATO at the scene of a security alert in the Horn Drive area of west Belfast yards from the Woodburn Police Station on June 15th 2017 (Photo by Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph)

Police and ATO at the scene of a security alert in the Horn Drive area of west Belfast yards from the Woodburn Police Station on June 15th 2017 (Photo by Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph)

Police and ATO at the scene of a security alert in the Horn Drive area of west Belfast yards from the Woodburn Police Station on June 15th 2017 (Photo by Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph)

The elaborate hoax at the centre of a security alert in the Horn Drive area of west Belfast close to Woodbourne Police Station.

There has been shock that children played with an object that was at the centre of a security alert in Belfast.

Such was the elaborate nature of the Hoax device left close to the back wall of Woodbourne police station on the Stewartstown Road on Thursday night that a controlled explosion was carried out by the Army.

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Brian Heading, SDLP councillor for the area said: "I am glad the prompt action of the device got this device removed. This tied up police resources when they should be involved in tackling crime and protecting community from criminals. Instead resources have been diverted by a sophisticated hoax.

"The people behind this need to take a serious look at what they are doing to the community."

He added: "I understand children were playing with it which makes the whole matter even worse. Had it been a real bomb we could have been looking at something much worse."

Inspector Kellie McMillan said: "Whilst on this occasion the object turned out not to be a viable device, reports that children innocently playing in the area had come into contact with it prior to police being informed are deeply concerning.

"The object has been seized for forensic examination and police will be following all lines of enquiry."

The officer added: "Whatever the intention of those who placed this object, it is clear that they wish to instil fear, disrupt the community and attempt to deter the delivery of a policing service to the community. Placing this object in an area where children play and families live demonstrates clear carelessness and complete disregard for the local people of West Belfast who are simply trying to go about their day to day lives.

"I know residents do not want this kind of disruption on their doorstep and so I would ask anyone who may be able to help the police officers investigating this incident, to please get in touch by calling 101 quoting reference 1134 15/06/17. You can also provide information anonymously by calling the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.
Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams said he wishes no harm to the Queen, after vowing none of his party's seven MPs will swear an oath to her.

The veteran republican made his comments three decades after justifying the murder of the Queen's second cousin Lord Mountbatten as "an execution".

Lord Mountbatten was killed along with his grandson Nicholas Knatchbull (14) and local boat boy Paul Maxwell (15) on a fishing trip off the coast of Co Sligo after the IRA planted a bomb on their boat in August 1979.

Lady Brabourne (83) later died from her injuries.

Speaking on the steps of Downing Street yesterday after leading a Sinn Fein delegation to meet Prime Minister Theresa May, Mr Adams made an oblique reference to the Queen's safety using the Ulster vernacular.

He stated his party will not take its seats in Westminster or swear an oath to the Queen, adding: "No harm to her".

Mr Adams, known for his often bizarre remarks on social media, went on to accuse Mrs May of playing "fast and loose" with the Good Friday Agreement.

"Any deal that undermines the Good Friday Agreement will be opposed by Sinn Fein and, we would hope, the Irish government.

"If the institutions are to be put in place they need to be sustainable, viable and properly resourced," he said.

Mrs May last night pledged that any deal she reaches with the DUP won't harm talks to restore power-sharing at Stormont as the Tories continued negotiations that are expected to see the DUP support a Conservative minority government next week.

DUP deputy leader, Nigel Dodds, insisted that there is no deadline for a deal between the two parties despite the Queen's Speech, in which the government will set out its priorities, being due on Wednesday.

Mr Dodds claimed that the speech was "not relevant" to the discussions and he refused to "get into timetables and deadlines". However, government sources have predicted that a deal will be finalised early next week.

As well as meeting the DUP, Mrs May yesterday met Northern Ireland's other four main parties to reassure them that any agreement she reached with Arlene Foster wouldn't impact on her government's role in talks to restore devolution.

However, most of the parties remained sceptical of the government's ability to act impartially if it's in a pact with the DUP.

Mrs May last night repeated that the end of the month deadline for a Stormont deal was fast approaching.

"Speaking with the parties, it was clear that real progress was made in the last round of discussions and agreement can be reached if there is goodwill on all sides.

"But time is running short and the parties must come together by June 29 for the return of a strong voice at Stormont and for a brighter future for everyone in Northern Ireland.

"My government remains absolutely committed to doing everything we can to help take this process to a successful conclusion, remaining steadfast to our commitments in the Belfast Agreement and its successors."

SDLP leader, Colum Eastwood said the Prime Minister hadn't convinced him that the "DUP tail is not wagging the Tory dog", adding: "We were very clear that it can't be a deal that gives the DUP power over the Tory party. It can't be a deal that affects and infects the talks process."

Alliance leader Naomi Long said that while Mrs May gave assurances, "actions speak louder than words".

"I will judge the government fairly on its actions," she said.
PSNI Chief Inspector Kellie McMillan said she was concerned that children playing in the area had come into contact with the object prior to police being informed

A suspect device discovered outside a West Belfast police station has been declared an elaborate hoax.

Army bomb experts carried out a controlled explosion on the suspicious object, which was found at the back of Woodbourne Police Station, at around 8pm on Thursday.

PSNI Chief Inspector Kellie McMillan said, while the object turned out not to be a viable device, she was deeply concerned that children innocently playing in the area had come into contact with it prior to police being informed.

"Whatever the intention of those who placed this object, it is clear that they wish to instil fear, disrupt the community and attempt to deter the delivery of a policing service to the community," said Ms McMillan.

"Placing this object in an area where children play and families live demonstrates clear carelessness and complete disregard for the local people of West Belfast who are simply trying to go about their day to day lives," she added.

Anyone with information can contact police on 101 quoting reference 1134 15/06/17.

Information can also be passed anonymously by calling the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.
The elaborate hoax at the centre of a security alert in the Horn Drive area of west Belfast close to Woodbourne Police Station.

The scene of a security alert in the Horn Drive area of west Belfast close to Woodbourne Police Station

The scene of a security alert in the Horn Drive area of west Belfast close to Woodbourne Police Station

Residents living close to Woodbourne Police Station in west Belfast were urged to stay indoors last night as army bomb experts examined an object which had raised concerns.

It is understood the object was left at Horn Drive, close to the back wall of the police station on the Stewartstown Road last night.

Army bomb experts were called in as the area was cordoned off to facilitate a security operation which began around 7.30pm.

A robot was deployed to examine the object at close quarters which appeared to be a box with connected wires.

It was not known last night whether it was a viable device .

No homes were evacuated during the operation, however residents were advised to stay indoors.

On Friday morning the object was declared an elaborate hoax.

The west Belfast police station has been a target for dissident republicans several times in recent years.

In August 2013 there was outrage after children unwittingly picked up an unexploded bomb outside the station. It was one of two devices thrown at the back of the station, one of which exploded.

It was also targeted with a device in July 2010, and in March 2016 the station was targeted with what was described by police as an elaborate hoax.

Earlier this year a PSNI officer was wounded after he was hit up to three times in the arm as he and a colleague left a filling station shop on the Crumlin Road in north Belfast.
A Lurgan cleric who became well known for adopting a boy during the Vietnam War has died after suffering from Motor Neurone Disease.

The Rev Canon Liz McElhinney died early on Tuesday morning aged 71, after living with the degenerative condition for over two years.

Following the Daily Mail's Operation Babylift, which brought 100 Vietnamese babies to the UK in 1975, the Rev McElhinney and her husband Cyril adopted their son Vance from an English orphanage.

Last year, Liz McElhinney featured in a BBC NI documentary following her son's journey to find his birth family in Vietnam.

Denis Johnston, a senior member of the vestry in Lurgan's Shankill parish, said she would be badly missed.

"She came to Lurgan in the early 1970s with her husband Cyril, he was a youth worker in Shankill Parish Church," he said.

"From the outset, the two of them were a great team in terms of spiritual leadership and encouraging young people. Over many years, Liz herself had a big influence not just in Shankill Parish, but in the wider church across the denominations."

Regarding the BBC documentary last year, Mr Johnston said: "They were very pleased Vance was trying to find out about his roots. They didn't get to the bottom of that at the time, which I suppose was a great disappointment. But they always saw Vance, along with David and Stephen, as their own son and Vance would very much have called Liz his mother."

Earlier this year, Mr McElhinney returned to Vietnam where he finally met the woman he believed to be his birth mother. They took part in a video interview in February.

Speaking in 2016, he said his journey to Vietnam helped him find a new appreciation for his adopted family.

"The life I've been given with the McElhinneys was just unbelievable and, although I didn't appreciate it at the time or I went my own way, they always stuck by me," he said.

"I've got a loving family, I couldn't wish for better parents. I'm from Saigon - that's where I was born and no one can take that away from me, which is great.

"But, I've got to live my life in Northern Ireland."

In January last year, Mrs McElhinney spoke in a video interview of her experience of Motor Neurone disease.

"I'm not terribly courageous or brave, but I did know that this challenge was an expedition or journey of faith," she said.

"Those things that I do not look forward to are parting with my husband Cyril, my three sons, my six precious grandchildren, I don't want to be parted from them."

She continued: "But because I know they too love the Lord I'll be with them and again we will meet."

Church of Ireland Bishop for the Diocese and Dromore, Harold Miller, said Rev McElhinney's passing was "a very sad loss to the Church. It is so hard to believe that the vibrant and loving Liz McElhinney has gone," he said.

"I had the privilege of sharing in Holy Communion with her last week to give thanks for the 20th anniversary of her ordination. It was a holy moment."

The Rev McElhinney began her church career as a curate in Magheralin from 1997 till 2001 before continuing her ministry in Calry in the diocese of Kilmore, Elphin and Ardagh.

She returned to the Diocese of Down and Dromore in retirement in 2007, taking on the role of pastoral support.

She then served in parochial ministry in Roscommon, diocese of Kilmore, Elphin and Ardagh from 2013 to 2015.

A service of thanksgiving and celebration of Rev McElhinney's life and ministry will be held in Shankill Parish Church, Lurgan at 10.30am tomorrow. Commital will follow in Mevagh Parish Church, Carrigart, Co Donegal at 4pm, followed by burial in the adjoining graveyard.
Former Secretary of State Lord Hain has accused the Conservatives of "putting party before peace" by seeking an agreement with the DUP to shore up Theresa May's minority administration in Parliament.

Lord Hain, who was Secretary of State from 2005 to 2007, warned that the situation was "very damaging" at a time when sensitive talks were under way over the restoration of power-sharing at Stormont.

He said the Government could not act as a "neutral facilitator" in Northern Ireland, as the Good Friday Agreement envisages, if it was dependent on one of the local parties for its majority in the House of Commons.

"I cannot see for the life of me how you can be a neutral facilitator in bringing the parties together, at a very dangerous time for Northern Ireland politics to get self-government and the legislative assembly back up and running, when your prime ministerial life and your Government's life depends on one of the most influential parties - the biggest party - in Northern Ireland," said Lord Hain.

"I just don't see how that works. I think that it's a very damaging situation. It corrodes confidence in the negotiating process.

"I think it's very self-interested, putting party before peace in Northern Ireland - party interest before peace and stability in Northern Ireland - and I do think it's that serious."

A Conservative spokesman said: "Peter Hain played a significant role in Northern Ireland but on this issue he is misinformed and wrong.

"An arrangement at Westminster between two parties would not in any way alter or undermine the Belfast Agreement."
Police fear they may never identify all of those killed in the Grenfell Tower disaster.

Six bodies have so far been recovered from the gutted 24-storey tower, while 11 have been located inside but cannot yet be removed.

Currently, 17 people are known to have died in the blaze, six of whom have been provisionally identified, but the death toll is expected rise significantly.

Metropolitan Police Commander Stuart Cundy said: It may be  and I just dont know  it may be that ultimately some victims remain unidentified.

I wont know that until weve gone through the full recovery from Grenfell Tower and we know exactly what weve got and I anticipate that is going to take a considerable period of time.

Not just the immediate recovery of the bodies we have found but the full search of that whole building, we could be talking weeks, we could be talking months  it is a very long process.

There is a risk that sadly we may not be able to identify everybody.

Prime Minister Theresa May ordered a full public inquiry into the disaster amid mounting anger that the fire might have been preventable.

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Speaking to reporters, Mr Cundys voice at one stage cracked as he revealed the emotional toll the events had taken on him.

Asked if the death toll could climb to triple figures, he said: From a personal perspective, I really hope it isnt.

For those of us that have been down there, its pretty emotional, so I hope it is not triple figures, but I cant be drawn on the numbers.

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A criminal investigation has been launched in the wake of the fatal fire.

It followed calls for those involved in the buildings recent renovation  which many claim posed a major safety risk  to face prosecution.

We as the police have started an investigation, I mentioned when I was down at the scene this morning that one of our very senior investigating officers is leading that for us, the commander said.

We as the police, we investigate criminal offences  I am not sitting here and saying there are criminal offences that have been committed, thats why you do an investigation, to establish it.

This will need to be a lot of work between us and other investigating agencies to establish what has happened and why and that is going to take a considerable period of time.

Detective Chief Inspector Matt Bonner from the homicide and major crime command has been appointed to lead the investigation.

The fire was initially extinguished shortly after 1am  a full 24 hours after the first alarms were raised  paving the way for tentative searches in Grenfells worst-affected areas.

But the blaze flared up again on Thursday afternoon, forcing search teams to scale back their efforts.

Detective Superintendent Fiona McCormack said the lingering threat had also hampered the process of recovering bodies.

At this moment in time, the fire is still ongoing, so it is not safe to take people out of the tower, she told reporters.
Fun in the sun, but topless women are banned at Ocean City, Maryland

A Maryland seaside resort can now legally ban topless women, the state's attorney general has ruled.

Brian Frosh stepped into a controversy that has rocked Ocean City for days, saying that requiring women to cover up on top while allowing men to expose their chests does not violate state or government constitutions, according to the Washington Post.

Last week, the head of the beach patrol said lifeguards would no longer approach and scold women baring all on top - and some on social media incorrectly assumed this meant toplessness would be allowed.

But Ocean City officials, fearing for their resort's family-friendly reputation, unanimously passed an ordinance in an emergency session on Saturday, barring topless women.

AP
LucidTalk Polling carried out extensive pre Northern Ireland Westminster election polling and were fairly pleased with the results especially our Seat Predictor which got the result fairly close  although the model overestimated the SDLPs chances in a couple of seats, for example Foyle.

However, in the latter case you cant ask polls to forecast down to 169 votes (Sinn Feins majority in Foyle). But well come back to our NI polling in another article.

What about the GB polls? Well YouGov (along with Survation) were the top UK polling company as far as the GB results were concerned. YouGov practically predicted what turned out to be the final result on the front page of The Times on May 31.

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Plus, you may have read our previous article about the two  Golden Rule poll questions to follow in UK elections i.e. (a) best PM, (b) Which party would be best on the economy, and the fact that that no party leader (or party) had ever won an election with negative scores on both these questions.

So what about these two Golden Rule poll questions with this election  well they were correct again, as Jeremy Corbyn was always behind as Best PM, and Labour were behind the Conservatives on the economy  and Corbyn and Labour, although having a good election, didnt win!

Theresa May also didnt actually win, losing her overall majority, but she wasnt scoring strongly on the two Golden Rule questions  so the signs were there. In terms of those signs, here is what we said in that article about these two Golden Rule questions on May 30: "You will see that Theresa May and the Conservatives are currently comfortably ahead with both questions. However, its interesting to note that there is a relatively high number of 'Don't Knows' with both questions. P

"Plus, Theresa May and the Conservatives are comfortably ahead on both the golden rule poll questions, but with neither question do they score over 50%! That maybe should be a bit concerning for the Conservatives, perhaps showing that they are probably on their way to a win, but perhaps not with the majority that they were hoping for."

Do you see the signs there?  and this was eight days before the election. This is not me being a smart-alec its just putting a sensible analysis on the poll data  that anyone can and would do.

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One things for sure  if we are going to have another election in the next 6-12 months then Jeremy Corbyn and Labour need to get at least one of those golden rule questions going for them, if they are to have any hope of winning.

This would probably be Best PM as its hard to see Labour scoring more than the Conservatives on the economy. So its interesting to see polling company YouGovs latest GB poll (post-election) on Best PM, showing Jeremy Corbyn and Theresa May tied on 39% each. Keep watching these two golden rule questions as believe me, if Corbyn starts regularly scoring more than May with either of these two poll questions, she wont last long as PM. Thats the power of polling and interestingly, the current polling says that the only Conservative who can now beat Corbyn on the Best PM question is Boris Johnson.

Bill White, is Managing Director of Belfast based LucidTalk Polling and Market Research. You can follow LucidTalk on Twitter at @LucidTalk.
What planet does the Presbyterian Church in Ireland live on? Because it doesn't appear to be the same one that I occupy. When it comes to benighted attitudes to women and gay people, it may as well be on the dark side of the Moon.

The problem with the Presbyterians, in my view, is that they are dominated by a rump of powerful, complacent old men who use obscure justifications for their fundamental hostility to women in leadership. The first female minister, Dr Ruth Patterson, was ordained over 40 years ago, yet women still make up only a tiny proportion of active ministers, and very few are nominated as elders. There have been no female candidates for ordination in the last three years and there has never been a woman Moderator.

The Very Rev Dr Stafford Carson, principal of Union Theological College - the centre for ministerial training for the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, where all the teaching staff happen to be male - does not support the ordination of women ministers.

Speaking this week on the BBC's Sunday Sequence programme, he said: "Personally, I'm a complementarian, which would say that all the ministry in the church is open to everyone and that a woman may do everything a non-ordained man may do, but in the specific role of teaching and preaching God's word, I believe that's reserved for men."

Complementarian, eh? Isn't that just a mealy-mouthed way of saying you don't want a woman in charge?

In remarkable defiance of simple logic, disappointing in an eminent theologian, Dr Carson apparently sees no connection between his opposition to female ministry and the fact that no women are coming forward to be ministers. He's sticking to his claim that "the door is wide open to women". As long as they know their proper place, of course.

As for the absence of female lecturers at the college, it's all the fault of the ladies themselves, bless them, for not being quite good enough. "We would love to have a woman on the faculty, it's just been the case that we haven't had any suitably qualified candidates," said Dr Carson.

Rev Cheryl Meban, a Presbyterian minister herself, felt inspired to speak out when last week's General Assembly was about to pass a resolution on abortion without even mentioning the word 'woman'. She asked: "How dehumanising is it to be systematically told that your voice and your opinion is not relevant and that it's not important for the rest of the church to hear what you have to say?"

It's no better if you happen to be gay. Since 2015, the Presbyterian Church in Ireland has been in an almighty huff with the Church of Scotland, refusing to attend its General Assembly, after the mother church voted to allow people in same-sex civil partnerships to serve as ministers.

Now the Kirk has decided to apologise for its historically poor treatment of gay people, and to begin working towards conducting same-sex weddings. Cue long rants about "synagogues of Satan" and "modern re-paganisation" from their alienated offspring across the Irish Sea.

We shouldn't be surprised. This is the Church that orced David Ford, the former Alliance leader, out of his position as elder in his own congregation, simply because he endorsed the view that gay people should be allowed to get married in civil ceremonies. Dissent is not tolerated, it seems.

Rev Christina Bradley discovered that, to her cost, when she welcomed the positive result of the Irish referendum on gay marriage in 2015. She said that such "warm-heartedness is good to see in a world which often is 'a cold place' for women in leadership as it is for gay and lesbian people in churches". Quite how icy it could be was made clear to Rev Bradley when she was brought before a committee of the Armagh Presbytery, and afterwards had to sit through the reading out of a report in her own church in which she toed the required Biblical line.

In 18th century Belfast, Presbyterians fought for the principles of enlightenment, equality and liberty, and supported Catholic emancipation. Rev Cheryl Meban's call for the need to find "gracious, courageous, loving ways of holding difference together" shows that those voices are not quite dead.

But it is bitterly ironic, in a week when there have been so many questions about the hardline religious proclivities of the DUP, and anxiety over the party's fitness to support Theresa May in government, that the Presbyterian Church in Ireland - the church that Ian Paisley tried to destroy - now seems intent on becoming a Paisleyite vision of itself.
In his struggle to achieve civil rights in the racist south of the USA, Martin Luther King pursued his goals with an economic bombing campaign in cities like Alabama. He also pioneered the use of the 'human bomb' tactic, in which black 'collaborators' with the local white regimes were strapped into vans loaded with explosives, their families back at home held at gunpoint by King's armed militia, while the 'traitors' were forced to drive the bomb-laden vehicles towards the checkpoints of racist police officers.

Those in the civil rights movement, meanwhile, who were informing on King and his comrades, either to the local police or J Edgar Hoover's FBI, were ruthlessly 'executed' by the liberation organisation.

Indeed, in one case, Dr King himself lured back one 'traitor' who had fled to Canada to come back home to the south, the informer's mother sitting beside the preacher, pleading on the phone that her son was safe to return.

Of course, the hopelessly naive betrayer of the cause was dispatched with a bullet to the back of the head and his body later dumped over the state line in an isolated bayou.

For anyone reading this who has even the frailest grasp of 20th-century American history, you will be forgiven if you spit blood over this caricature of a political leader who won the Nobel Peace Prize for pursuing a policy of peaceful, non-violent resistance to white racist hegemony.

Yet, incredibly, this is how a man who actually knew Martin Luther King indirectly caricatured this hero of our times by comparing a man who warned that "an eye for an eye makes everyone blind" to Martin McGuinness.

You have to wonder, on one level, if the Rev Jesse Jackson has ever studied 20th-century Irish history, or read a single respected book about the Troubles.

We hardly need to remind ourselves that Martin McGuinness spent the first half of his career engaged in the kind of campaign of violence outlined above.

He is not commemorated on his gravestone as "Oglach" (volunteer) for nothing.

Only in the latter half of his life did he move away, to his credit, from the armed campaign that did so much damage and exacerbated already existing sectarian divisions.

King, on the other hand, consistently adhered to a policy of peaceful politics, which in the end forced the most powerful government on earth to change centuries of overt racist discrimination and segregation, albeit the struggle is certainly not yet over in that regard.

Yet, the Rev Jackson's absurd and ludicrous comparison of King to McGuinness while in Londonderry this week fits into a wider narrative aimed at rewriting history - particularly the history of the Provisional IRA.

Indeed, some of those who either once supported, or took an active part in, that organisation's violent campaign of resistance are even rewriting their own narratives to suit changing times and, in doing so, are distorting historical truth.

When Sinn Fein's West Belfast MP, Paul Maskey, addressed the media in London on Monday, he announced with a straight face that "all roads lead back to Stormont".

This was meant as a warning to the DUP that Arlene Foster should not take her eye off the parallel negotiations taking place in Belfast, aimed at restoring power-sharing, while it cuts a national deal with Theresa May in London.

On one level, of course, Maskey is quite right. Stability, power-sharing and cross-community government are essential to the future of this place and no back-door deals at Westminster should impact negatively on the need for it to return.

But that word 'Stormont' keeps conjuring up the flashbacks.

Remember those words painted in white on Londonderry's walls only a couple of decades ago, "No Return to Stormont"?

Or that election slogan in the post-hunger strike election of 1982, when nationalist and republican voters were urged to "Smash Stormont"?

Now, Sinn Fein is urging the DUP to be just like them and embrace Stormont.

If someone was ever to make an authentic film about this 360-degree policy turn, perhaps they could borrow the subtitle of Stanley Kubrick's Cold War masterpiece, Dr Strangelove, and call it How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Stormont.

Why this recently found fondness for the road back to Stormont? Because, when it comes to wielding any proper influence over people's lives, Stormont is now Sinn Fein's best (only?) bet.

The paradox of the recent General Election is that, while the party enjoyed its best performance in a Westminster contest ever (seven MPs elected and the SDLP virtually obliterated), they exercise no influence over there.

Their old chum Jeremy Corbyn will not be Prime Minister, thanks to the 10 DUP MPs who are now the House of Commons kingmakers.

It is the DUP dictating the deal that will put the Conservatives in power on a confidence and supply basis that is going to be similar to the one Fianna Fail operates to support the minority Fine Gael administration in Dublin.

In fact, the once-unthinkable Fine Gael/Fianna Fail arrangement is, in part, designed to keep Sinn Fein's hands off the levers of power in the Republic. And it is one that has lasted for more than a year now, allowing for the smooth transfer of leadership from Enda Kenny to Leo Varadkar.

So, in both London and Dublin, Sinn Fein are shut out of decision-making, while in Washington DC they no longer have the ear of a president who is tone-deaf to foreign concerns.

The only show in town, if they so choose it, is a restored regional government at Stormont. Which is, perhaps, why someone as moderate-sounding, reasonable and personable as Paul Maskey makes the case for all roads having to flood back there.

There are mixed messages being transmitted from the Sinn Fein camp at present. Gerry Adams appears to be hostile to the idea of a quick restoration, by insisting on unrealistic demands, such as Arlene Foster not coming back as the DUP's First Minister nominee.

Adams seems to want to focus on making political capital out of Brexit and concentrating the party's fire on their rivals south of the border.

And, yet, there are other signals that the party wants to be in the front row, directing devolution back in Northern Ireland alongside their power-sharing partners.

We still don't know yet if the deal the DUP will bring back from London will tempt the other parties to make a final push towards June 29 and restore power-sharing once again. It is probably what most people in Northern Ireland - unionist, nationalist, or neither - genuinely want.

The only thing for now we can be certain of is that history continues to be written at a brisk clip, whether it is Jesse Jackson spouting nonsense in the Bogside, or republicans yearning for the institution they once vowed to smash for ever.
A decision by West Bengals government to make Bengali instruction compulsory in schools has unleashed violent protests in the hills of the Indian state, with Nepalese-origin residents Thursday calling for a strike to back their demand for a separate state.

Leaders of the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) political party called for an indefinite strike in Darjeeling, a popular tourist destination with a large Nepalese population, after police raided its offices early Thursday and seized what officials had described as a huge cache of weapons.

The strike will continue until the government gives in to our demand, GJM General Secretary Roshan Giri told BenarNews, urging tourists not to visit the states tea-producing hill district.

A few people were injured after GJM activists protested the raid and clashed with security forces in Darjeeling, police said.

GJM is spearheading a decades-old movement for a separate Nepalese-speaking Gorkhaland.

Although Indias almost 5 million-strong Gorkha population has been demanding separation from West Bengal for more than a century, the latest cycle of protests erupted on June 8 after the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) party decided to make the Bengali language mandatory in the states classrooms in mid-May.

A separate state for Gorkhas is the only solution, Giri said. It is the demand of all Gorkhas living in India. We have written to the Indian government to intervene.

The people of Gorkha ethnic origin are demanding a state separate from West Bengal on the basis of stark linguistic and cultural differences, Giri said.

The state government, however, said that giving in to the Gorkhas demand was out of the question.

We are taking every possible step to contain the situation in Darjeeling, which is an integral part of West Bengal. We will not part with even an inch of it, Gautam Deb, the states tourism minister, told BenarNews.

These protests are against the interest of the people of West Bengal, he said.

Since the new policy was announced by West Bengals education minister in May 15, Mamata Banerjee, the states chief minister, has since come out with a statement clarifying that Bengali instruction would be optional in schools in Darjeeling, according to a report in the Indian Express on June 8.

But supporters of the Gorkha movement said separation from West Bengal still was necessary.

We are still referred to as Nepalis in several parts of India. We need a separate Gorkhaland to have our own identity in the country, Puran Gurung, a Mumbai-based software professional, told BenarNews.

We are not asking for separation from India. We only want separation from West Bengal because there is nothing common between the Bengali culture and language and our culture, Gurung said.

Arrows, crossbows and axes seized

While condemning the violence in the state, political analyst Saumitra Mohan said the merits for a separate state for Gorkhas should be debated amicably.

What should be considered is how well the state is administered and how viable such a new entity can be, economically and geographically, Mohan wrote in her blog.

Binay Tamang, GJMs assistant general secretary, described the police raid as part of excesses committed against the partys democratic movement.

They found a few bows and arrows, rusted spades and firecrackers  all tools found in local households, he told BenarNews on Thursday.

He said the party was organizing its traditional archery competition when the police confiscated the arrows.

Anuj Sharma, West Bengal polices additional director-general, told a news conference on Thursday that officers seized sophisticated crossbows, kukris and axes, among other items during the GJM raid in Patlaybas, near the party chief Bimal Gurungs house.

The GJM is trying to mislead people by claiming that the weapons seized were part of the traditional local culture, he told reporters. It is not true. The weapons were stockpiled to resist and attack the police.

Local journalists said Bimal and other GJM senior leaders have been hiding since the raid.

GJM General Secretary Roshan Giri said the Darjeeling issue required a political solution that should be decided through a tripartite meeting including officials from West Bengal and the Indian capital, New Delhi.

The prevailing situation in Darjeeling is not a law-and-order situation, Roshan told a news conference. It is a political problem.
A fresh cycle of violence erupted in Indian-administered Kashmir on Friday after three civilians were killed when police fired shots at anti-government protesters.

Also on Friday, suspected militants ambushed a police patrol in south Kashmirs Anantnag district, killing six policemen, officials said.

The suspected militants disfigured the faces of the six policemen before walking away with their weapons, officials said, adding that the attackers were likely members of Pakistan-based militant outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).

Separatist leaders spearheading protests against Indian rule in the disputed Himalayan region called for a complete shutdown on Saturday to protest the civilian killings.

Mohammad Ashraf, 22, and Ehsan Ahmad, 20, were killed when security forces opened fire to disperse stone-hurling protesters, who had poured out on the streets of Anantnag district to help three suspected militants escape from a village where they were holed up, police said.

Junaid Mattoo, a prominent LeT militant, and his two associates are trapped in a tight cordon. Intermittent exchange of firing between the militants and security forces has been continuing since this morning, S.P. Vaid, Indian Kashmirs police chief, told BenarNews on Friday.

Additional police reinforcement has been rushed to the districts Arwani village, where the firefight was ongoing as of late Friday, he said.

All exit routes have been sealed to ensure that the militants do not manage to escape, Vaid said, adding the encounter might last longer due to recurring clashes between security forces and protesters.

The Himalayan region of Kashmir, which is claimed in its entirety by both India and Pakistan, has been grappling with a separatist insurgency that has killed 70,000 people since the late 1980s.

Several rebel groups have spent decades clashing with Indian soldiers deployed in the disputed territory, demanding independence or a merger with Pakistan.

Anti-government protests

On Friday, another civilian  Nasir Ahmad, 24  who was critically wounded when police fired shots during separate anti-government protests in Srinagar a day before, succumbed to his injuries.

The civilian killings triggered widespread protests across the region. At least 25 protesters and six policemen were injured during these street clashes, police sources said.

Meanwhile, police said they had blown up two houses adjoining the house where the suspected LeT militants are believed to be holed up.

At this moment it is difficult to confirm if the militants have been killed or not, a police official from Anantnag district told BenarNews on condition of anonymity.

However, local media said that the militants had been killed.

Matoo, believed to be active in south Kashmir for (the past several) years has been killed in (the) ongoing encounter. Matoo carried a bounty of 1 million rupees (U.S. $15,500) on his head, news agency ANI said, quoting unnamed officials.

On Thursday, suspected militants also fired at a police party on the outskirts of Srinagar, killing one policeman and injuring another. The attack came a day after another policeman was shot dead by suspected militants in south Kashmirs Kulgam district and at least 13 paramilitary soldiers were injured in a series of grenade attacks.
Not too far from the eastern Malaysian state of Sabah, Philippine government forces on Mindanao island are battling IS-linked militants in Marawi.

Malaysias police chief on Friday announced the arrests in Sabah state of two Indonesians and a Malaysian suspected of planning to cross over by sea to join Islamic State-linked fighters battling military forces in the southern Philippine city of Marawi.

Counter-terrorism officials, who are on heightened alert against possible militant attacks, arrested the three men a day earlier in Sandakan, a coastal town in the eastern state, where there are ferry services to the nearby Southern Philippines, Police Inspector-General Khalid Abu Bakar said.

We believe the three were trying to gain safe passage to Marawi city in the southern Philippines, Khalid told reporters in the Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur.

The suspects, whose names Khalid did not disclose, were taken into custody under Malaysias Security Offenses (Special Measures) Act of 2012, he said.

During their arrests in Sabah, counter-terrorism officials seized three Rambo fighting knives from the suspects, the police chief said.

They wanted to use the weapons on police if they got arrested. Luckily, they failed to use them, Khalid said.

The arrests occurred during business hours near a mosque in Sandakan, bringing the towns downtown area to a standstill as residents filmed the police operation on their mobile phones.

Glad that police are proactive and able to take action before any bad incident happens, Chan Tzun Hei, a community development officer in Sandakan, told BenarNews.

Regional worries

Earlier this year, in announcing the arrests in Sabah of a Filipino, two Bangladeshis and a Malaysian woman as suspected members of local IS cell, police chief Khalid warned that Islamic State planned to use Sabah territory as a transit point for sending its fighters to the southern Philippines.

The announcement of Thursdays arrests came a week after Malaysias defense minister proposed a special meeting with his counterparts from Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand to discuss what he described as a threat to all five countries by the extremist group Islamic State (IS).

Minister Hishammuddin Hussein made the remarks as he visited Cotabato City, which is located on Mindanao island where battles between IS-linked militants and Philippine military forces have raged for more than three weeks in Marawi city. The militants in Marawi have been backed by fighters from Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and other regions, Philippine officials said.

The fighting, which broke out on May 23, has alarmed governments across Southeast Asia, with officials expressing fears that the ultra-radical IS might set up a stronghold in Mindanao, potentially threatening the region.

Foreign fighters have entered Mindanao and linked up with local extremists by using back channels in the Sulu and Celebes seas near the boarders of Malaysia, the Philippines and Indonesia, according to Philippine officials.

Third Indonesian picked up

Khalid also said that, in a separate incident on Monday, counter-terrorism officials foiled an attempted attack against authorities by arresting another Indonesian man at the Slim River in the state of Perak, about 100 km (62.5 miles) north of Kuala Lumpur.

The suspect who came in on a valid travel pass had wanted to launch an attack against Royal Malaysian Police members, Khalid told reporters, declining to provide details.

He said the four suspects had odd jobs and were aged between 30 and 48.

Since 2013, Malaysian authorities have arrested 310 people suspected of having IS links, of whom 66 have since been freed, according to government figures compiled by BenarNews.

Authorities remain vigilant in their efforts to hunt down other IS militants and sympathizers, Khalid said.

The police will continue to intensify operations against terror elements, he said.

Southeast Asia Games

Khalid said authorities were also on heightened alert, bracing themselves for possible terror threats during the 29th Southeast Asian Games, a multi-sport event involving 11 countries. It is scheduled to take place in Kuala Lumpur, from Aug. 19 to 31.

We are not just talking about threats from Daesh, but also any form of threats from any entities that may jeopardize our nation and [the] SEA Games, he said, using another name for IS.

Colin Forsythe in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia contributed to this report.
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Zinke Pushes to Shrink Bears Ears National Monument The war on public lands took a troubling turn this week. On Monday Trump's Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke recommended that President Trump vastly shrink Utah's Bears Ears National Monument, removing critical protections for irreplaceable public lands and American Indian cultural sites while rewarding corporate polluters and the lawmakers they helped put into office.



The recommendation is part of a "review" by the Trump administration of 27 monuments around the country -- on land and in oceans -- that threatens over 1 billion acres.



More than 1 million public comments were submitted calling for continued protection of Bears Ears and other monuments at risk. Thanks to all of you who spoke out -- this fight isn't over. The Center for Biological Diversity is committed to fighting for Bears Ears and all national monuments, so stay tuned for how you can help.



Read more in The Guardian and read more in The Revelator about the roots of Bears Ears.
Whereas the first fund helps biotechs get into and through early-phase trials, the new vehicle will back companies that have one or more drugs in phase 2 and beyond.

Novartis and Verily have helped Medicxi raise $300 million (268 million) to invest in late-stage drug developers. The fund sees Medicxi move beyond its original focus on early-stage biotechs to give European companies with drugs in phase 2 and beyond an alternative to selling up or partnering.

Medicxi, in its current iteration and as part of Index Ventures, made its name with an asset-centric investment strategy designed to hustle drugs to midphase data on a budget. But it has found that the partnering and M&A exit options available to companies at this stage of R&D are premature and generally suboptimal, prompting it to consider how it can provide biotechs with a better way to get drugs through late-phase trials.

The result is a $300 million growth fund that will invest $10 million to $30 million in each of its portfolio companies. The scope of the new fund starts where that of Medicxis first fund ends. Whereas the first fund helps biotechs get into and through early-phase trials, the new vehicle will back companies that have one or more drugs in phase 2 and beyond.

Novartis, Alphabets Verily (formerly known as Google Life Sciences) and the European Investment Fund (EIF) are the cornerstone investors in the fund. The presence of EIF, the European Unions investment bank, ensures that Medicxi will spend most of the money in Europe.

Medicxi also pulled in cash from most of the institutional investors that backed its first fund. The Anglo-Swiss VC shop raised 210 million from GlaxoSmithKline, Johnson & Johnson and others for that first fund last year.
The consignment was sent to a local aid agency operating in Oman; from there it was delivered to Yemen by road.

Adding yet another feat to its list of accomplishments, GNH India, a professionally run full-line pharma wholesaler, has successfully delivered one of the largest consignments of anti-malarial drugs in the war-torn Yemen, which has been devastated by a power struggle between forces loyal to President Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi and the Houthi rebel.

The consignment to Yemen contained 1,20,000 Mefloquine tablets and Primaquine 45 mg which were delivered in a record time of three weeks.

The consignment was sent to a local aid agency operating in Oman; from there it was delivered to Yemen by road. Most established pharmaceutical companies fear to work in these zones due to the implication of US sanctions.

Mefloquine is commonly used to fight Malaria and used by travellers around the world to prevent malaria when visiting places where malaria is common. On the other hand, Primaquine is used with other medications to prevent and treat malaria. It is used when the primary medicine (such as Mefloquine) have killed the malaria parasites living in red blood cells.
Durban will this year host South Africa's Internet Service Providers' Association (ISPA) iWeek.

"The decision to hold the 2017 iWeek in Durban reflects the city's growing importance to the South African and African internet," said ISPA chair Graham Beneke. He highlighted the fact that Durban last year became the first South African city to get a multi-site internet exchange point.

This important milestone was achieved following a public-private partnership between INX-ZA and Ethekwini Municipality (Durban Municipality). Internet exchange points enable internet service providers to interconnect their networks so that users benefit from faster connections and more efficient access to online services.

This year, iWeek will be held in conjunction with the Southern African Network Operators Group (SAFNOG), a grouping of internet industry professionals dedicated to building and sustaining communities of network operators in the Southern African region. Other key partners for this year include INX-ZA, the ZA Domain Name Authority (ZADNA), the ZA Central Registry (ZACR), the Internet Society and WASPA.

The Internet Society will be hosting their ION conference on 7 September 2017. ION conferences bring network engineers and leading industry experts together to discuss emerging technologies including IPv6 and DNSSEC.

The event will be held from 4-7 September 2017 at the Southern Sun Elangeni and Maharani and attendance is free to delegates who pre-register.
Opposition say Salva Kiir, backed by Ugandan dictator Gen. Yoweri Museveni, wants to conduct a sham "National Dialogue" under his domination

[Commentary]

The Intergovernmental Authority for Development's (IGAD) one-sided support for SPLM (Salva Kiir) has resulted in loss of faithby ordinary people in South Sudan. This means we must expect worse because every unhappy society must resolve to defend its interests at all cost against the regime and the region.

IGAD has failed to understand that, the popular demand for total change is the genesis of the crisis. By siding with Salva Kiir IGAD-Plus stands against our peace and freedom, and therefore we must never expect IGAD to resolve the crisis in South Sudan. It has clearly failed to addressed matters of interest that will bring meaningful peace and stability in South Sudan. It is addressing the selfish desires of individual nations and some regional leaders whose ambitions is economic and political control of South Sudan. This is against the will and interest of South Sudanese.

Of course, the "National Dialogue" called for and controlled by President Salva Kiir is now supported by IGAD-Plus. It can help the Government cadres to reconcile themselves so as to continue to rule, but will not resolves our problems as nation, or even reconcile us as a nation. This is because all parties who are representing the will and interests of South Sudanese are no included in the Dialogue as pointed out in the United Nations Report of Panel of Experts to Security Council in April.

IGAD must acknowledge that people resort to armed struggle when doors are closed to peaceful political dialogue to restore the culture of democracy, good governance and rule of the law, and to fight corruption. IGAD- Plus by continuing to support the regime's projects of national dialogue that is not inclusive will help impose leaders of their choice on us as nation.

IGAD must be made to understand that we have obligations as South Sudanese to protest in defense of our will and interests by resisting this attempt to impose leaders. To achieve democracy and freedom remains the ultimate goal. Our struggle against the regime in Juba has its foundation on the respect for human rights, which has continuously, been violated, by the SPLM (Salva Kiir).

IGAD-Plus has failed us. It is time for us to search for our own peace as a nation.

General John Sunday Martin
Led by the Arakan National Party (ANP), the protesters slammed the United Nations for allegedly failing to protect the Chakma minority  also called Thet  who live in the Chittagong Hills.

U Khin Maung Than, chair of the ANP, said that thousands of Chakma residents from Rangamati Districts Longadu area have been displaced after several arson attacks destroyed three villages on June 2. He said 200 houses and shops were destroyed in the remote area.

The protesters said the UN Human Rights Council has not said anything about the issue, and they want to call the international communitys attention to it.

We are protesting in front of the UN office because we want to let the whole world know about the bullying and killing of the Thet minorities by the Bengali people in Bangladesh, said U Khin Maung Than.
iStock/Thinkstock(WASHINGTON) -- U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis has not decided yet whether to fulfill a request by some of his military commanders to increase the number of American troops in Afghanistan.



"Secretary Mattis has made no decisions on a troop increase for Afghanistan," said Dana White the Pentagon's chief spokesperson.



"As he said throughout the week in [congressional] testimony, the revised Afghanistan strategy will be presented to the president for his approval in the coming weeks," White said.



The Pentagon statement came in response to an Associated Press report that indicated Mattis decided to send about 4,000 additional U.S. troops to Afghanistan which would be announced as early as next week.



The U.S. currently has 8,400 troops in Afghanistan training and advising the Afghan military in the fight against the Taliban and the ISIS affiliate in Afghanistan.



"The president has delegated force management authority for Afghanistan to the secretary," said White. "The secretary will continue to follow the president's guidance on our overall strategy. Any decisions about troop numbers will be made only after consultation with the interagency, the Afghan government, NATO allies and coalition partners."



White was referring to President Trumps granting Mattis authority on Tuesday to set troop levels in Afghanistan, matching a similar responsibility the defense chief was given in April for troop levels in Iraq and Syria.



Mattis told a congressional committee on Thursday that he will manage troop levels in Afghanistan under the strategic guidance of President Trump.



The Pentagon is mulling sending between 2,000 to 4,000 additional troops to Afghanistan, according to a military official.



In February, the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan, Gen. John Nicholson, told Congress that he would like additional U.S. troops to make up a shortfall in trainers of the Afghan military.



A U.S. official on Friday said the Pentagon is weighing sending additional troops who could provide specific logistical and intelligence support to the Afghan military.



Mattis also told a congressional committee this week that he would like to ensure that the Afghan military has access to more coalition air power.

Copyright  2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
In a democratic society, the public has the right to information. For instance, they should know how the government elected its administration, and how it is using the taxes paid by the public. Journalists can reveal both good and bad features of the government using this information, U Aung Hla Tun, vice chair of the MPC, said at the June 14 meeting.

He called on the three branches of government to do more to support the necessary fourth pillar of democracy: media.

The three government pillars and the media still do not interact enough, not only in the states and regions, but also at the Union level, he said.

During a panel discussion, five Rakhine journalists discussed difficulties they have faced in trying to obtain information from the government. While officials from the legislative and judicial pillars engaged in the discussion, the administrative  or executive  branch, did not send officials to the meeting.

No senior officials from the administrative pillar attended and Im not satisfied with the responses given by the legislative and judiciary pillars, said Yee Ywal Myint, a reporter for The Myanmar Times.

In his opening speech, Rakhine State Chief Minister U Nyi Pu put much of the onus on developing the media sector on journalists, saying the countrys media outlets are still in a crawling phase, with more accurate and better quality coverage needed.

U Aung Hla Tun encouraged the Rakhine journalists to gain more experience, and to always adhere to journalism ethics.

Ko Aung, a journalist from the Democratic Voice of Burma (DVB), said the media professionals and the government representatives appeared to be at cross-purposes during the meeting.

It was not very satisfying because we were unable to mutually connect or establish mutual respect, he said.

Ko Moe Zaw Myint, from Development Media Group, said he was disappointed because only district and township level officials participated in the debate even though more senior, state officials attended the opening ceremony.

The journalists face difficulties mostly at the state-level, he said.

Around 100 people attending the meeting, which was the first MPC has held at the state level.
In an attempt to unify one of the more fractured political fields in the country, two Chin political parties have agreed to merge, they announced following a meeting in Yangon on June 15.

The Chin National Democratic Party (CNDP) and the Chin Progressive Party (CPP) will establish a working committee with a secretariat team to help ease the merging process, the parties said in a joint statement. They also said that they welcome other Chin political parties or Chin State-based parties to join them.

The CNDP, the CPP and the Chin League for Democracy (CLD) have been negotiating a potential merger for over a year, but only the first two have agreed to join forces.

Salai Ceu Bik Thawng, secretary of the CNDP, said the two parties will work together to join their policies and formulate new ones as necessary.

This merger is not only a joining of the CNDP and the CPP, but is also about establishing a path for anyone who wants to join us. We will work step-by-step to reach the final goal of uniting [all Chin parties] into a single Chin party, Salai Ceu Bik Thawng added.

The CLDs chair, Ngai Sak welcomed the two parties decision to merge, but added that the CLDs position is that it will form an alliance with all Chin parties together, rather than partnering one at a time. The CLD has proposed holding a Chin political congress in March 2018 to discuss merging all the Chin political parties into one, so as to avoid fracturing the votes in 2020.

In their view, other parties are not needed yet and our three Chin parties should merge [first]. We [the CLD] want to merge systematically only after discussing the policies in detail to prevent us from splitting up like the ALD [Arakan League for Democracy] and the RNDP [Rakhine Nationalities Development Party] in Rakhine State, he said.

The CPP and the CNDP were both established in 2010 and won seats in the general election held that year. Neither won seats in the 2015 general election.
Sub-primary schools have been upgraded to primary schools. Self-help basic schools are being upgraded to sub-primary schools. Middle schools are upgraded to sub-high school level. Children now have more learning opportunities, said U Myint Soe, Kayin States Education Officer.

He added that Kayin States upgrades targeted communities without access to schools, where students were forced to either relocate to continue their education or drop out.

Its safer for students to continue to live with their parents in their own villages instead of having to stay in another place to attend school, he told KIC News on June 12. The move is also hoped to promote retention.

According to the Ministry of Educations May 23 announcement, 5,099 schools have been upgraded across the country, including 13 high schools, 43 middle schools, 66 primary schools, and a handful of sub-schools in Kayin State.

Part of the upgrades includes deploying more teachers.

There were only seven staff members in our sub-high school. Now that the school has been upgraded to full high school level, we have 12 teachers, said Daw Maw Maw Lwin, headmistress of Kya Khat Chaung High School in Kya-in Seikkyi township.

Students will be able to sit the 9th Standard exam in their own school now. We will receive science labs and teaching aids in line with high school standards so the children dont need to go far away to attend school. We have high expectations for the matriculation exam pass rate in our state, she added.

Out of 13,637 students who took the matriculation exam in the Kayin State during the previous 2015-2016 academic year, 3,703 students passed, for a 27.2 percent success rate, compared to the national average of 29.9pc. Hlaingbwe township had the highest exam success rate, followed by Kya-in Seikkyi and Hpa-an townships.
To cope with a severe funding deficit, staff at nine refugee camps along the Thai-Myanmar border have agreed to take a 40 percent pay cut.

The salary change will affect community-based workers starting in July, according to Saw Pwe Say, secretary of the Karen Refugee Committee. He said a consensus decision was made at the end of May after the KRC and Thai Border Consortium discussed how to best continue managing the camps in the face of decreasing international donations.

If we reduced the number of workers, everyone might resign so we decided not to reduce the number of workers. We will instead reduce 40 percent of the stipend. We will stick together through thick and thin. If we work, we will work together. If we resign, we will resign together, he said.

About 10,000 staffers at the camps supported by the border consortium and another 2,800 under the KRC are expected to be affected by the cutback. Community-based workers include camp leaders, health workers, teachers, and security. Most receive a stipend somewhere between 1,000 to 2,000 baht ($28-56) per month.

Officials from the refugee camps said they suspect some workers may resign anyways due to the large salary cut.

There are many difficulties. International aid will likely be suspended in 2018 or 2019. Its difficult for us to prepare ahead since we dont know when the food and aid will stop, said Saw Honesty, chair of Mae La Refugee Camp, which is about 37 miles (60 kilometers) north of Mae Sot.

According to statistics released by TBC, over 100,000 Myanmar refugees continue to reside in Ban Nai Soi, Ban Mae Surin, Mae La Oon, Mae Ra Ma Luang, Mae La, Umpiem Mai, Nu Po, Ban Don Yang, and Tham Hin refugee camps.

International donations to the camps have been on the decline for several years as donors look to support initiatives within Myanmar, or have to prioritize more urgent crises.
Locals from Oke Ta Daw Village in Paung township alleged that the quarrying is not only noisy, punctuating daily lives in the surrounding villages with regular explosions, but more problematically, its also allegedly damaged farmlands, orchards, streams, roads and drains.

If the rock quarry is not shut down, we will start a protest camp in front of the rock mine. We will stage a sit-in and we wont get up until this Long Life [rock quarry] is shut down. Everyone has agreed to it, said U Tin Tun Naing, a local resident and protest leader.

He added that if the new, elected government is truly democratic, then it will listen and respond to such local concerns. However, previous attempts to get the past administration to intervene failed to elicit results, prompting an escalation of efforts to obtain authorities attention.

In August 2014, the residents submitted petitions with over 2,500 signatures to government departments. Another petition was submitted in December 2015, and a third was sent off in January 2016.

After their ink and paper entreaties went unanswered, the villagers began staging protests in June 2016.

We have suffered a lot. Thats why we want this mine to be shut down, said Daw Yee Chaw, who took part in the most recent protest.

She added that patches of forest where the villagers used to collect bamboo and firewood have been fenced off due to the mines.

Local residents say they were never consulted about the project, and would have rejected it for fear of the environmental impacts had it been proposed to them.

But the Long Life Aggregate Mining Company claims to have held a legal license to operate the quarry on 225 acres in the Kalama Mountain Forest Reserve since 2013. The company mines rocks for construction and road building.

Company officials said they have undertaken several projects for the betterment of the community, as well as steps to mitigate locals concerns about the affects of the mining.

While there are people protesting against the company, there are also local residents who are cooperating with us for regional development, said U Aung Thet Htay, the director of Long Life Aggregate Mining Company.

He added that following advice from the Forestry Department and the Environmental Conservation Department, the company has been building dikes to prevent sand and silt from choking nearby streams.

Long Life Aggregate Mining Company is one of nearly two dozen companies extracting rocks from Paung township. Environmental groups have raised concerns about how the operations could impact the underground water table and contribute to pollution of the drinking water.

National League for Democracy officials told Myanmar Now last year that they would survey the states mining activity, and were aware that some of it was causing negative social and environmental impacts. Residents are left to question what happened to those promises, and why the political impetus seems to have stalled 12 months later.
PR Newswire

PITTSBURGH, June 15, 2017

PITTSBURGH, June 15, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Ainsworth Pet Nutrition, manufacturer of the Rachael Ray Nutrish line of pet food and treats, announced today that is has acquired Triple T Foods of Frontenac, Kansas, a family-owned, super premium pet food co-manufacturer that employs approximately 200 people. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

With this acquisition, Ainsworth strengthens its manufacturing capacity and capabilities to support future growth of the Nutrish brand while maintaining and building upon Triple T's current co-manufacturing relationships.

"We are thrilled to welcome Triple T Foods to the Ainsworth Family," said Jeff Watters, President and CEO of Ainsworth Pet Nutrition. "As one of our most trusted co-manufacturers for more than a decade, Triple T's similar family-minded culture and enduring commitment to food safety and product quality make this acquisition a very natural fit for both organizations."

Mr. Watters went on to explain that Triple T Food's location in the central United States provides convenient access to key pet food ingredients within the nation's grain and protein belts.

"This acquisition is a logical evolution in our supply chain, creating an even more robust national footprint for Ainsworth that accelerates our five-year strategic plan to become the leader in super premium pet nutrition," Mr. Watters said.

"Moreover, by adding Triple T to the Ainsworth Family, we will be better positioned to deliver on our vision of 'Pet Store Quality. Supermarket Easy.' providing consumers with the very best in pet nutrition, at a reasonable price, right where they shop for the rest of their families," he said.

Triple T Food's President, Kurt Terlip commented, "Over the past 15 years, Triple T Foods has produced products for Ainsworth Pet Nutrition. This acquisition has been about securing a good fit for both organizations - from an operations and supply chain perspective as well as a cultural standpoint," Mr. Terlip said. "We are excited about today's news as this acquisition is a great match for Triple T and Ainsworth on all of these fronts and will allow our newly combined organization to grow faster and more efficiently than either could do on its own," Mr. Terlip said.

Mr. Terlip will be stepping down from his position as President of Triple T Foods, however Ainsworth will maintain a strong management team from Triple T, including Mr. Terlip's son, Colin, who will manage all operations in Frontenac, KS.

About Triple T FoodsFounded in 1992, in Frontenac, KS, Triple T Foods has been manufacturing a broad spectrum of dry pet foods, including super premium brands. Triple T's commitment to manufacturing the highest quality, best value products and implementation of rigorous testing programs allowed Triple T Foods to become a trusted co-manufacturer of choice for many industry leading brands. Triple T Foods' manufacturing facility is SQF Level 3 and HACCP certified and continues to invest extensively in food safety and regulatory compliance. Triple T Foods recognizes that its customers' brands reputation is key for their success, and has strived relentlessly to protect that image in the market place.

About AinsworthFounded in 1933, Ainsworth Pet Nutrition is a fifth generation, primarily family-owned and operated company headquartered in Western Pennsylvania and focused entirely on pets. With a goal of changing the way consumers shop for Super Premium pet food, Ainsworth's mantra is "Pet Store Quality. Supermarket Easy." They achieve this promise by providing consumers with the high-quality pet food where they currently shop for the rest of their families. The company makes multiple brands and types of dog and cat food, including the Rachael Ray Nutrish line, as well as Super Premium retailer specific brands. Ainsworth Pet Nutrition is committed to food safety and prepares all of its dry pet food in the United States using high-quality, natural ingredients with added vitamins and minerals. To learn more, visit www.ainsworthpets.com.

About Nutrish and Rachael's Rescue In 2008, daytime television host, best-selling author and pet-food lover, Rachael Ray partnered with nutrition experts from Ainsworth Pet Nutrition to develop a line of super premium recipes for pets called Rachael Ray Nutrish. Every Nutrish pet food recipe is natural, made with simple, wholesome ingredients plus essential nutrients, and never contains any artificial preservatives, flavors, or poultry by-product meal. Available at grocery, mass, and online retailers nationwide, the line also features real meat-first varieties and recipes for pets with ingredient sensitivities. A portion of proceeds from each sale is donated to the Rachael Ray Foundation, which helps animals in need through Rachael's Rescue (www.rachaelsrescue.org). So, not only are Nutrish products great for your pet, they're great for countless other animals, as well.

CONTACT: Ainsworth Pet Nutrition

Media Contact: Samantha Bridger: 724-272-1757

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ainsworth-pet-nutrition-acquires-triple-t-foods-of-frontenac-kansas-300475026.html

SOURCE Ainsworth Pet Nutrition
Canada NewsWire

OTTAWA, June 16, 2017

Statements From Department of Justice Canada

OTTAWA, June 16, 2017 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Jody Wilson-Raybould, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, issued the following statement:

"Our Government is committed to keeping communities safe and to ensuring that the criminal justice system protects victims and holds offenders to account. As Minister of Justice and Attorney General, I am committed to ensuring the efficiency and effectiveness of the criminal justice system so as to address and avoid court delays.

"Today, the Supreme Court of Canada issued its decision in R. v. Cody, an important decision clarifying the Supreme Court's R. v. Jordan framework for when an accused's right to be tried within a reasonable time has been infringed. While we are reviewing the decision closely, the Supreme Court stressed that every actor in the justice system, including defence counsel, has a responsibility to ensure that criminal proceedings are carried out efficiently and effectively. It recognized that all actors must collaborate to shift the culture of delays and that it will take time to adapt. To this end, the Court emphasized that "a proactive approach is required that prevents unnecessary delay by targeting its root causes. All participants in the criminal justice system share this responsibility." This is a view which I share and support.

"I have been working hard with my provincial and territorial counterparts to secure the lasting reforms called for by the high court. We recognize the Supreme Court's call for a shift in culture from all criminal justice actors, including governments, Crown prosecutors, defence counsel, and courts. Our Government has and continues to make significant progress in addressing these issues. On April 28, 2017, I met with my provincial and territorial counterparts to focus on the role that all our governments can play in shifting the culture of delay. We identified mandatory minimum penalties, bail, administration of justice offences, preliminary inquiries, and reclassification of offences as priorities for legislative reform. We also agreed to discuss giving shape to proposals for legislative reform mid-summer and to hold the next in-person meeting in September to seek consensus on a legislative program.

"Furthermore, I have announced 77 judicial appointments across Canada since taking office, and I will continue to make these appointments a priority. The new judicial application process, announced in October 2016, emphasizes transparency, merit, and diversity, and will continue to ensure the appointment of jurists who meet the highest standards of excellence and integrity.

"We continue to work closely with stakeholders and Canadians on delays as part of our ongoing review of the criminal justice system. I am looking forward to continuing this work with our partners to better align our criminal justice system with the evolving needs of all Canadians. We are and have been meeting the Supreme Court call to address the roots of delay through evidence-based policy making."

SOURCE Justice Canada, Department of
PR Newswire

SILICON SLOPES, Utah and SALT LAKE CITY, June 15, 2017

SILICON SLOPES, Utah and SALT LAKE CITY, June 15, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Qualtrics, the leader in experience management software, today announced enhancements to its award-winning customer experience (CX) management platform, Qualtrics Customer Experience. The enhanced capabilities include a sophisticated diagnostic assessment and proven methodology to help companies significantly elevate and mature their CX programs, leading to greater customer satisfaction results and higher returns on CX program investment.

"Qualtrics is helping us create a culture of customer centricity within our organization. True customer centricity is not a projectit's a culture and a way of doing business that will help us grow and be successful for decades to come," said Michael Maicher, Global Head, Allianz Global Broker Management, Allianz SE & Allianz Global Corporate and Specialty (AGCS) SE. "Our goal over the long term is to have 75% of AGCS countries benchmark against peers in either above market or loyalty leadership status."

Organizations understand the importance of listening to customers, but often do not know which steps to take to create world-class CX programs that deliver business results. Qualtrics not only delivers the required technology, but also the step-by-step framework to help companies design and implement an end-to-end CX program.

"Customer experience management is a business imperative. Companies that prioritize customer experience outperform customer experience laggards in stock returns by an average of nearly 80%1," said Luke Williams, Head of CX at Qualtrics. "Done right, customer experience management drives financial results through better customer acquisition, improved customer retention and loyalty, reduced costs to serve, increased share of wallet, and higher brand awareness."

Qualtrics offers a CX diagnostic that assesses CX program maturity against the Five Competencies of CX SuccessQualtrics' proven methodology for CX program success. As part of this diagnostic evaluation, companies receive an immediate, personalized report with a full description of what they can do to improve their CX program to achieve better customer and financial results. The report also includes a maturity score in relation to each of the five CX competencies and an overall company rating compared to state-of-the-art CX program standards.

Qualtrics' Five Competencies of CX Success provides a framework for companies to manage their customer experience programs and achieve improved financial results. Based on years of experience with the world's leading brands, the methodology provides practical guidance on five core domains:

Qualtrics Customer Experience is a pillar of Qualtrics' leading XM Platform, the industry standard for experience management. The XM Platform allows companies to manage the four core experiences of businesscustomer, employee, product and brand experienceon a single platform. Experience data from the platform tells companies why things are happening across the organization, and helps predict what customers and employees want most.

Used by CX leaders like adidas, Allianz, American Express, and Intuit, the Qualtrics Customer Experience platform was recently awarded the Temkin Group's fifth annual Customer Experience Vendor Excellence (CxVE) Award and was named a leader in customer feedback management by independent research firm, Forrester, as part of The Forrester Wave: Customer Feedback Management Platforms, Q2 2017 report.

The Qualtrics Customer Experience platform is available now. For more information on how to build and expand a CX program, visit CXweek.com to hear what CX leaders from Patagonia, Zappos, Twitter, Universal Orlando, BBC, MasterCard, McKinsey, Northwestern Mutual, and many more, had to say regarding today's best practices in CX management.

About Qualtrics:Qualtrics is a single system of record for all experience data, also called X-data, allowing organizations to manage the four core experiences of businesscustomer, product, employee and brand experienceson one platform. Over 8,500 enterprises worldwide, including more than 75 percent of the Fortune 100 and 99 of the top 100 U.S. business schools rely on Qualtrics. To learn more, and for a free account, please visit www.qualtrics.com.

Press Contacts: Julia Giona, Qualtrics+1 (415) [email protected]

McKenzie Haggard, Method Communication+1 (801) [email protected]

1 Forrester and Watermark 2015

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/qualtrics-launches-innovative-customer-experience-enhancements-300475089.html

SOURCE Qualtrics
Canada NewsWire

VANCOUVER, June 15, 2017

VANCOUVER, June 15, 2017 /CNW/ -

TSX VENTURE COMPANIES

DESERT STAR RESOURCES LTD. ("DSR")BULLETIN TYPE: HaltBULLETIN DATE: June 15, 2017TSX Venture Tier 2 Company

Effective at 4:29 a.m. PST, June 15, 2017, trading in the shares of the Company was halted at the request of the Company, pending news. This regulatory halt is imposed by Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada, the Market Regulator of the Exchange pursuant to the provisions of Section 10.9(1) of the Universal Market Integrity Rules.

________________________________________

DIAMCOR MINING INC. ("DMI")BULLETIN TYPE: Private Placement-Non-BrokeredBULLETIN DATE: June 15, 2017TSX Venture Tier 2 Company

TSX Venture Exchange has accepted for filing documentation with respect to a Non-Brokered Private Placement announced June 5, 2017 and June 12, 2017:

Number of Shares:

4,956,909 shares

Purchase Price:

$0.85 per share

Warrants:

2,478,455 share purchase warrants to purchase 2,478,455 shares

Warrant Exercise Price:

$1.20 for a three year period

Number of Placees:

18 Placees

Insider / Pro Group Participation:

Insider=Y /

Name

ProGroup=P

# of Shares

Aggregate Pro Group Involvement

P

20,000

[2 Placees]

Finder's Fee:

$90,884.96 cash and 106,923 warrants payable to Echelon Wealth Partners Inc.

Finder's fee warrants are exercisable at $1.20 per share for three years.

Pursuant to Corporate Finance Policy 4.1, Section 1.11(d), the Company must issue a news release announcing the closing of the private placement and setting out the expiry dates of the hold period(s). The Company must also issue a news release if the private placement does not close promptly. Note that in certain circumstances the Exchange may later extend the expiry date of the warrants, if they are less than the maximum permitted term.

________________________________________

FLYING MONKEY CAPITAL CORP. ("FMK.P")BULLETIN TYPE: Suspend-Failure to Complete a Qualifying Transaction within 24 months of ListingBULLETIN DATE: June 15, 2017TSX Venture Tier 2 Company

Further to the TSX Venture Exchange Bulletin dated January 7, 2016, effective at the open, Friday, June 16, 2017, trading in the shares of the Company will be suspended, the Company having failed to complete a Qualifying Transaction within 24 months of its listing.

Members are prohibited from trading in the securities of the Company during the period of the suspension or until further notice.

TSX-X

________________________________________

GOLD RESERVE INC. ("GRZ")BULLETIN TYPE: HaltBULLETIN DATE: June 15, 2017TSX Venture Tier 2 Company

Effective at 8:44 a.m. PST, June 15, 2017, trading in the shares of the Company was halted at the request of the Company, pending news. This regulatory halt is imposed by Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada, the Market Regulator of the Exchange pursuant to the provisions of Section 10.9(1) of the Universal Market Integrity Rules.

________________________________________

GOLD STANDARD VENTURES CORP. ("GSV")[formerly: GOLD STANDARD VENTURES CORP. ("GSV"),BATTLE MOUNTAIN GOLD INC. ("BMG")]BULLETIN TYPE: Plan of Arrangement and delist - AmendmentBULLETIN DATE: June 15, 2017TSX Venture Tier 1 Company

Further to the TSX Venture Exchange bulletin dated June 14, 2017, the following details are amended:

Post - Arrangement:

Capitalization:

Unlimited

shares with no par value of which

232,147,494

shares are issued and outstanding

All other details in the bulletin remain unchanged.

________________________________________

KUUHUBB INC. ("KUU")[formerly Delrand Resources Limited ("DRN.H")]BULLETIN TYPE: Change of Business-Completed, Private Placement Brokered, Resume Trading, Name Change and New Symbol, Graduation from NEX to TSX VentureBULLETIN DATE: June 15, 2017TSX Venture Tier 2 Company

Change of Business-Completed

TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange") has accepted for filing Delrand Resources Limited's (the "Company") Change of Business (the "Transaction") as described in its Filing Statement dated May 30, 2017. As a result, at the opening on Friday, June 16, 2017, the Company will no longer be considered a Mining Company. The Exchange has been advised that the COB has received shareholder approval.

The Transaction includes the following:

The Company acquired all of the issued and outstanding shares of KuuHubb Oy ("KuuHubb") by way of a share exchange agreement among the Company, KuuHubb and KuuHubb's shareholder pursuant to which the Company issued 9,800,000 Common Shares to KuuHubb's shareholder and 2,735,000 Warrants to certain service providers and lenders of KuuHubb, not including those issued pursuant to the financing. Under the Transaction, all shareholders of KuuHubb exchanged their common shares of KuuHubb for common shares of the Company on a basis 1 common share of the Company for 1 common share of KuuHubb. In addition, the convertible securities of KuuHubb remain convertible under their terms for like securities of the Company in lieu of KuuHubb securities, also on a 1 for 1 basis.

As a result of the Transaction, a total of 15,759,036 resulting issuer common shares are escrowed pursuant to an Exchange Tier 2 Value escrow.

The resulting issuer is classified as a "Video Game Design and Development Services" issuer (NAICS Number: 541515).

For further information, please refer to the Company's Filing Statement dated May 30, 2017 available on SEDAR.

Private Placement  Non Brokered

TSX Venture Exchange has accepted for filing documentation with respect to a Brokered Private Placement announced on January 20, 2017 and May 24, 2017. The financing included Subscription Receipts of the Company at $0.80 per Subscription Receipt. Each Subscription Receipt is exchangeable for common shares of the Resulting Issuer on a 1 for 1 basis.

Number of Subscription Receipts:

7,593,750 Subscription Receipts

Purchase Price:

$0.80 per Subscription Receipt

Number of Placees:

53 Placees

Agent Fees:

A cash commission of $181,988 was payable to Maison Placements Canada Inc., CIBC Wood Gundy, TD Wealth, Industrial Alliance Securities Inc. and Kingsdale Capital Markets Inc. and, 200,000 broker warrants exercisable for 200,000 Common Shares of the Company at an exercise price of $0.80 and exercisable for a period of twenty-four (24) months from the closing of the Private Placement, were paid to Maison Placements Canada Inc.

There was no insider or pro group participation in the financing.

The Company has confirmed the closing of the Private Placement via a press release dated June 7, 2017.

Effective at the opening on Friday, June 16, 2017, the shares of KuuHubb Inc. will commence trading on the Exchange and the Shares of the Company will be delisted.

Name Change

In connection with the Transaction, the name of the Company has been changed from Delrand Resources Limited to KuuHubb Inc.

Effective at the opening on Friday, June 16, 2017, the trading symbol for the Company will change from "DNR.H" to "KUU".

Resume Trading:

Further to TSX Venture Exchange's Bulletin dated January 23, 2017, trading in the securities of the Resulting Issuer will resume at the opening on Friday, June 16, 2017.

Graduation from NEX to TSX Venture

In conjunction with the above, the Company has met the requirements to be listed as a TSX Venture Tier 2 Company. Therefore, effective on Friday, June 16, 2017, the Company's listing will transfer from NEX to TSX Venture, the Company's Tier classification will change from NEX to Tier 2 and the Filing and Service Office will change from NEX to Toronto.

Capitalization:

Unlimited number of common shares with no par value of which

33,906,575 common shares are issued and outstanding

Escrow:

15,759,036 Common shares

Transfer Agent:

TSX Trust (Toronto office)

Trading Symbol:

KUU (new)

CUSIP Number:

501498109 (new)

Issuer Contact:

Geoff Farr, Director

Issuer Address:

1 First Canadian Place, 100 King St. W., Suite 7070, Toronto, ON

Issuer Phone Number:

(416) 366-7722

Issuer email:

[email protected]

______________________________________

LUCKY MINERALS INC. ("LJ")BULLETIN TYPE: Private Placement-Non-BrokeredBULLETIN DATE: June 15, 2017TSX Venture Tier 2 Company

TSX Venture Exchange has accepted for filing documentation with respect to a Non-Brokered Private Placement announced May 11, 2017:

Number of Shares:

10,000,000 shares

Purchase Price:

$0.075 per share

Warrants:

5,000,000 share purchase warrants to purchase 5,000,000 shares

Warrant Exercise Price:

$0.10 for a two year period

Number of Placees:

19 Placees

Insider / Pro Group Participation:

Insider=Y /

Name

ProGroup=P

# of Shares

DMB Holdings Inc. (Sonny Janda)

Y

333,333

Aggregate Pro Group Involvement

P

1,350,000

[3 Placees]

Pursuant to Corporate Finance Policy 4.1, Section 1.11(d), the Company must issue a news release announcing the closing of the private placement and setting out the expiry dates of the hold period(s). The Company must also issue a news release if the private placement does not close promptly. [Note that in certain circumstances the Exchange may later extend the expiry date of the warrants, if they are less than the maximum permitted term.]

________________________________________

MADALENA ENERGY INC. ("MVN")BULLETIN TYPE: Miscellaneous BULLETIN DATE: June 15, 2017TSX Venture Tier 2 Company

The TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange") accepts the Company's proposed Agreement with Hispania Petroleum S.A. ("Hispania"). Pursuant to the terms of the Agreement, Hispania will provide services to the Company in exchange for common share purchase warrants ("Warrants") of the Company. Hispania will receive 4,758,333 Warrants per month, for a period of 6 months, totalling 28,549,998 Warrants. The exercise price of the Warrants will be determined at the date of issue, and will not be lower than the market price of the common shares on the last trading day prior to issuance.

For any further information, please see the Company's press releases dated May 8, 2017 and June 13, 2017.

________________________________________

MOUNTAIN BOY MINERALS LTD. ("MTB")BULLETIN TYPE: Property-Asset or Share Purchase AgreementBULLETIN DATE: June 15, 2017TSX Venture Tier 2 Company

TSX Venture Exchange has accepted for filing an Option Agreement dated June 1, 2017 between Mountain Boy Minerals Ltd. (the Company) and Great Bear Resources Ltd. (the Vendor) whereby the Company may acquire the remaining 50% interest in the B.A. and Surprise Creek properties to hold a 100% interest in the properties. Consideration is up to $4,400,000 cash and 10,000,000 common shares. Certain of the B.A. claims are subject to an underlying 2% NSR.

________________________________________

PATRIOT ONE TECHNOLOGIES INC. ("PAT")BULLETIN TYPE: Resume TradingBULLETIN DATE: June 15, 2017TSX Venture Tier 2 Company

Effective at 5:00 a.m. PST, June 15, 2017, shares of the Company resumed trading, an announcement having been made.

________________________________________

PUMA EXPLORATION INC. ("PUM")BULLETIN TYPE: Property-Asset or Share Purchase AgreementBULLETIN DATE: June 15, 2017TSX Venture Tier 2 Company

TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange") has accepted for filing the documentation relating to an acquisition agreement dated October 25, 2016, as amended April 21, 2017 and April 30, 2017 in connection with the acquisition of 32.1% interest in the Murray Brook deposit located in the Bathurst mining camp of Northern New-Brunswick (the "Property"), from El Nino Ventures Ltd. ("El Nino") (TSX Venture: "ELN").

The consideration payable by the Company over a period of two years consists of a total cash payment of $2,800,000, the issuance of 5,000,000 common shares of the Company and the issuance of 2,000,000 warrants to purchase 2,000,000 common shares at a price of $0.07 per share for the first year upon closing, $0.084 per share for the second year, $0.10 per share for the third year.

El Nino will retain a laddered net smelter return (NSR) on the Property of up to 1.75%.

For further information, please refer to the Company's press releases dated May 1, 2017 and May 4, 2017.

EXPLORATION PUMA INC. ( PUM )TYPE DE BULLETIN : Convention d'achat de propriete, d'actifs ou d'actionsDATE DU BULLETIN : 15 juin 2017Societe du groupe 2 de TSX Croissance

Bourse de croissance TSX (la  Bourse ) a accepte le depot de documents en vertu d'une convention d'acquisition datee du 25 octobre 2016, tel qu'amendee le 21 avril 2017 et le 30 avril 2017 visant l'acquisition d'un interet de 32,1 % dans le depot Murray Brook situe dans le camp minier Bathurst dans le nord de Nouveau-Brunswick (la  propriete ). L'interet est acquis de la societe El Nino Ventures Ltd. ( El Nino ) (TSX Croissance :  ELN ).

La consideration payable par la societe sur une periode de deux ans consiste en paiement total de 2 800 000 $ en especes, l'emission d'un total de 5 000 000 actions ordinaires de la societe et 2 000 000 bons de souscription permettant de souscrire 2 000 000 actions ordinaires au prix de 0,07 $ l'action durant la premiere annee suivant la cloture, 0,084 $ l'action durant la deuxieme annee et 0,10 $ l'action durant la troisieme annee.

El Nino conservera une royaute graduelle  NSR  dans la propriete d'un maximum de 1,75%.

Pour plus d'information, veuillez consulter les communiques de presse emis par la societe le 1 mai 2017 et 4 mai 2017.

________________________________

REDQUEST CAPITAL CORP ("RQM.H")BULLETIN TYPE: CPC-Filing Statement, Remain HaltedBULLETIN DATE: June 15, 2017NEX Company

TSX Venture Exchange has accepted for filing the Company's CPC Filing Statement dated June 14, 2017, for the purpose of filing on SEDAR.

Further to TSX Venture Exchange bulletin dated January 25, 2017, trading in the shares of the Company will remain halted.

______________________________________

SIMBA ESSEL ENERGY INC. ("SMB")BULLETIN TYPE: Shares for DebtBULLETIN DATE: June 15, 2017TSX Venture Tier 2 Company

TSX Venture Exchange has accepted for filing the Company's proposal to issue 10,569,214 shares to settle outstanding debt for $739,845.

The Company shall issue a news release when the shares are issued and the debt extinguished.

Number of Creditors

1 Creditor

Insider / Pro Group Participation:

Insider=Y /

Amount

Deemed Price

Progroup=P

Owing

per Share

# of Shares

Creditor

Essel Group Middle East DMCC

Y

$739,845

$0.10

10,569,214

(Gagan Goel, Nishi Goel)

________________________________________

SORA CAPITAL CORP. ("SOR")BULLETIN TYPE: Shares for DebtBULLETIN DATE: June 15, 2017TSX Venture Tier 2 Company

TSX Venture Exchange has accepted for filing the Company's proposal to issue 2,208,133 shares to settle outstanding debt for $386,423.29.

Number of Creditors:

9 Creditors

Insider / Pro Group Participation:

Insider=Y /

Amount

Deemed Price

Creditor

Progroup=P

Owing

per Share

# of Shares

Paul Reinhart

Y

$9,103.20

$0.175

52,018

Red Fern Consulting(Justin Blanchet)

Y

$30,461.90

"

174,068

Vanhart Capital Corp. (Paul Reinhart)

Y

$168,850.00

"

964,857

Greg Hope

Y

$65,000.00

"

371,429

Idea Folio Ltd. (David Miller)

Y

$3,194.93

"

18,257

The Company shall issue a news release when the shares are issued and the debt extinguished.

_____________________________________________

STARLIGHT U.S. MULTI-FAMILY (No. 1) VALUE-ADD FUND ("SUVA.A") ("SUVA.U")BULLETIN TYPE: New Listing-IPO-Units, HaltBULLETIN DATE: June 15, 2017TSX Venture Tier 1 CompanyThe Initial Public Offering ("IPO") Prospectus dated June 12, 2017 (the "Prospectus") of Starlight U.S. Multi-Family (No.1) Value-Add Fund (the "Fund") has been filed with and accepted by TSX Venture Exchange, filed in Ontario and receipted by the Ontario Securities Commission, and filed in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador and deemed to have been receipted by the securities regulator in each of these jurisdictions, pursuant to the provisions of the securities legislations in each of these jurisdictions. The Class A Units and Class U Units (the "Listed Units") of the Fund will be listed and admitted to trading on TSX Venture Exchange, on the effective date stated below.The IPO is expected to close on Friday June 16, 2017. Gross proceeds to be received by the Fund in respect of the IPO will be for a minimum of US$56,000,000 and a maximum of US$112,000,000 of limited partnership units, comprised of Class A Units, Class D Units, Class F Units, Class H Units and Class C Units to be issued at C$10 per limited partnership unit and Class E Units and Class U Units to be issued at US$10 per limited partnership unit, of which only Class A Units and Class U Units are to be listed on the TSX Venture Exchange. The Class C, D, F and H Units are convertible into Class A Units, and the Class A Units are convertible into Class D Units. The Class U Units are convertible into Class E Units and Class E Units are convertible into Class U Units. For further information regarding the conversion features and the formula, please refer to the Fund's Prospectus dated June 12, 2017.The Fund is classified as a "Lessors of residential buildings and dwellings (except social housing projects)" issuer (NAICS Number: 531111).Listing Date: At the close of business (5:01 EDT) on June 15, 2017.Commencement Date: The Listed Units will be halted at the opening on Friday June 16, 2017, and trading resumption will be pending on confirmation of the IPO closing and the closing of the acquisition of the Fund's Initial Portfolio, as described in the Prospectus. It is expected that the acquisition of the Initial Portfolio will be completed on June 16, 2017. A further bulletin will be issued disclosing the details and trading resumption.Jurisdiction: OntarioCapitalization: Unlimited number of authorized limited partnership units, including Class A Units at C$10 each and Class U Units at US$10 each. Based on the orders on hand before the closing of the IPO, it is expected that approximately 1,235,805 Class A Units and 217,880 Class U Units will be issued and outstanding at the time of the closing of the IPO. The exact number of Class A Units and Class U Units and each of the other classes of LP Units issued and outstanding will be confirmed upon closing of the IPO.

________________________________

Escrowed Units:

Expected to be approximately 400,000 Class C Units (convertible into Class A Units)

Transfer Agent:

TSX Trust Company

Class A Units

Trading Symbol:

SUVA.A

CUSIP Number:

85555H102

Class U Units

Trading Symbol:

SUVA.U

CUSIP Number:

85555H201

Agents:

CIBC World Markets Inc. (the "Lead Agent"), Scotia Capital Inc., BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc., GMP Securities L.P., National Bank Financial Inc., Raymond James Ltd., TD Securities Inc., Canaccord Genuity Corp., Desjardins Securities Inc. and Industrial Alliance Securities Inc.

Agent's Fees:

5.25% of the aggregate purchase price of Class A Unit and Class U Units.

For further information, please refer to the Fund's Prospectus dated June 12, 2017.

Company Contact:

Evan Kirsh, President

Company Address:

3280 Bloor Street West, Centre Tower, Toronto, Ontario, M8X 2X3

Company Phone Number:

(416) 234-8444

Company Fax Number:

(416) 234-8445

Company Website:

www.starlightinvest.com

Company Email Address:

[email protected]

___________________________________________

TELSON RESOURCES INC. ("TSN")BULLETIN TYPE: Property-Asset or Share Purchase AgreementBULLETIN DATE: June 15, 2017TSX Venture Tier 2 Company

Property-Asset or Share Purchase Agreement:

TSX Venture Exchange Inc. (the "Exchange") has accepted for filing documentation pertaining to a share purchase agreement dated April 27, 2017 (the "Agreement"), between Telson Resources Inc. (the "Company"), Nyrstar Mining Ltd. and Nyrstar Mexico Resources Corp. (collectively, "Nyrstar"). Pursuant to the Agreement, the Company acquired a 100% interest in the Campo Morado project, Mexico (the "Property") from Nyrstar.

Consideration for the Property is as follows:

Pursuant to the Agreement, Nyrstar retains the right to receive a Variable Purchase Price on future zinc production on the first 10,000,000 tons of ore processed by Telson when the price of zinc is at or above US$2,100 per tonne. Telson maintains the right under the Agreement to purchase 100% of the Variable Purchase Price at any time for US$4,000,000. See the Company's June 14, 2017 news release for further information in this regard.

Insider / Pro Group Participation: N/A

For additional information please refer to the Company's news releases dated April 27, 2017 and June 14, 2017.

_______________________________________

VOLT ENERGY CORP. ("VOLT")BULLETIN TYPE: Property-Asset or Share Purchase AgreementBULLETIN DATE: June 15, 2017TSX Venture Tier 2 Company

TSX Venture Exchange has accepted for filing documentation relating to a mineral property acquisition agreement dated June 1, 2017 between the Company and Puf Ventures Inc. whereby the Company is acquiring a 100% interest in and to certain mineral claims located in the Lac Saint Simon Lithium Property located in west-central Quebec in consideration of 2,500,000 common shares.

________________________________________

WELLNESS LIFESTYLES INC. ("WELL")BULLETIN TYPE: Property-Asset or Share Purchase Agreement, Private Placement-Non-Brokered Resume Trading BULLETIN DATE: June 15, 2017TSX Venture Tier 2 Company

Share Purchase Agreement;

TSX Venture Exchange has accepted for filing the Amalgamation Agreement (the "Agreement") dated March 8, 2017 as amended May 9, 2017, among the Wellness Lifestyles Inc (the "Company"), Canada Yoga Inc. ("CYI"), and 1109983 B.C. Ltd. ("Newco"). Pursuant to the Agreement, the Company will acquire all of the issued and outstanding securities of CYI, pursuant to an amalgamation between CYI and Newco to form a new company ("Amalco") and will acquire the business of CYI (the "Transaction"). Amalco will operate under the name "Canada Yoga Inc." and on closing will be a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company and will assume the liabilities and obligations of CYI.

On completion of the Transaction, 26,875,746 common shares of CYI (the "CYI Shares") are expected to be exchanged for an aggregate of 18,649,993 common shares of the Company (the "Exchange Shares") at a deemed price of $0.15 per Exchange Share and 400,000 common share purchase warrants of CYI (the "CYI Warrants") are expected to be exchanged for an aggregate of 277,574 warrants of the Company (each, an "Exchange Warrant"), with each Exchange Warrant being exercisable into one common share of the Company at an exercise price of $0.36 until April 11, 2019.

The Company will also assume the obligations of CYI pursuant to the terms of an asset purchase agreement (the "LR Agreement") between CYI and L.R. Yoga Studio Inc. ("LR") for the acquisition of CYI's yoga studio located in North Vancouver, British Columbia. It is expected that 1,000,000 common shares of the Company be issued to LR on closing pursuant to the LR Agreement.

Finder's Fee:

500,000 shares payable to Mark Bolin

100,000 shares payable to Sashko Despotovski

Insider / Pro Group Participation:

Insider=Y /

Name

ProGroup=P

# of Shares

Hamed Shahbazi

Y

4,558,577

Impactreneur Capital Corp.

Y

2,396,964

Alex Read

Y

578,278

Private Placement:TSX Venture Exchange has accepted for filing documentation with respect to a Non-Brokered Private Placement announced March 10, 2017:

Number of Shares:

8,524,666 shares

Purchase Price:

$0.15 per share

Warrants

4,262,331 share purchase warrants to purchase 4,262,331 shares

Warrant Exercise Price:

$0.25 for a two year period, subject to an acceleration clause.

Number of Placees:

50 Placees

Insider / Pro Group Participation:

Name

Insider=Y / ProGroup=P

# of Shares

Aggregate Pro Group Involvement

P

1,635,000

[10 Placees]

Finder's Fee:

PI Financial Corp. $12,565.00 cash and 83,766 broker warrants payable.

Canaccord Genuity Corp. $20,667.50 cash and 137,783 broker warrants payable.

Gravitas Securities Inc. $20,338.50 cash and 135,590 broker warrants payable.

Break Point Ventures Limited $10,185 cash and 67,900 broker warrants payable.

Foremost Capital Inc $6,993 cash and 46,620 broker warrants payable.

RBC Dominion Securities $1,743 cash payable.

Mackie Research Capital Corporation $10,699.50 cash and 71,330 broker warrants payable.

-Each broker warrant is exercisable into one common share at $0.15 for two years from closing.

Pursuant to Corporate Finance Policy 4.1, Section 1.11(d), the Company must issue a news release announcing the closing of the private placement and setting out the expiry dates of the hold period(s). The Company must also issue a news release if the private placement does not close promptly. [Note that in certain circumstances the Exchange may later extend the expiry date of the warrants, if they are less than the maximum permitted term.]

Further information on the transaction is available on the company's SEDAR profile in news releases dated March 10, 2016, May 15, 2017, June 1, 2017 and June 15, 2017

Resume trade:

Effective at the open, Friday, June 16, 2017, trading in the Company's shares will resume.

________________________________________

WESTMINSTER RESOURCES LTD. ("WMR")BULLETIN TYPE: Private Placement-Non-BrokeredBULLETIN DATE: June 15, 2017TSX Venture Tier 2 Company

TSX Venture Exchange has accepted for filing documentation with respect to a Non-Brokered Private Placement announced May 3, 2017:

Number of Shares:

12,020,000 shares

Purchase Price:

$0.12 per share

Warrants:

12,020,000 share purchase warrants to purchase 12,020,000 shares

Warrant Exercise Price:

$0.16 for a five year period

Number of Placees:

19 Placees

Finder's Fee:

$42,500 payable to Carl Jones

________________________________________

WHITE GOLD CORP. ("WGO")BULLETIN TYPE: Property-Asset or Share Purchase AgreementBULLETIN DATE: June 15, 2017TSX Venture Tier 2 Company

Property-Asset or Share Purchase Agreement:

TSX Venture Exchange Inc. (the "Exchange") has accepted for filing documentation pertaining to a purchase and sale agreement dated May 18, 2017 (the "Agreement"), between White Gold Corp. (the "Company") and Kinross Gold Corporation ("Kinross"). Pursuant to the Agreement, the Company acquired an indirect 100% interest in the White Gold property, Yukon (the "Property").

Consideration for the Property is as follows:

GMP Securities L.P. received a finder's fee of $850,000.

Insider / Pro Group Participation: N/A

For additional information please refer to the Company's news releases dated May 18, 2017 and June 14, 2017.

_______________________________________

WHITE GOLD CORP. ("WGO")BULLETIN TYPE: Private Placement-Non-BrokeredBULLETIN DATE: June 15, 2017TSX Venture Tier 2 Company

TSX Venture Exchange has accepted for filing documentation with respect to a Non-Brokered Private Placement announced May 18, 2017:

Number of Shares:

4,356,000 shares

Purchase Price:

$2.01 per share

Number of Placees:

1 Placee

Insider / Pro Group Participation:

Insider=Y /

Name

ProGroup=P

# of Shares

Agnico Eagle Mines Limited

Y

4,356,000

________________________________________

NEX COMPANIESADENT CAPITAL CORP. ("ANT.H")BULLETIN TYPE: Consolidation, Remain SuspendedBULLETIN DATE: June 15, 2017NEX Company

Pursuant to a directors' resolution dated March 1, 2017, the Company has consolidated its capital on a 3 old for 1 new basis. The name of the Company has not been changed.

Effective at the opening June 16, 2017, the shares of will be listed for trading on NEX on a consolidated basis, however, the Company's shares will remain suspended from trading. The Company is classified as a 'Capital Pool' company.

Post - Consolidation

Capitalization:

Unlimited

shares with no par value of which

1,516,667

shares are issued and outstanding

Escrow

516,667

shares are subject to escrow

Transfer Agent:

TSX Trust Company

Trading Symbol:

ANT.H

(UNCHANGED)

CUSIP Number:

00685U204

(new)

________________________________________

ARCHER PETROLEUM CORP. ("ARK.H")BULLETIN TYPE: Remain Halted BULLETIN DATE: June 15, 2017NEX Company

Further to the TSX Venture Exchange ('TSXV') Bulletin dated June 9, 2017, trading in the shares of the Company will remain halted pending receipt and review of acceptable documentation regarding the change of business and/or Reverse Take-Over pursuant to Listings Policy 5.2.

This regulatory halt is imposed by Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada, the Market Regulator of the Exchange, pursuant to the provisions of Section 10.9(1) of the Universal Market Integrity Rules.

________________________________________

ONECAP INVESTMENT CORPORATION ("OIC.H")BULLETIN TYPE: CPC-Filing Statement, Remain SuspendedBULLETIN DATE: June 15, 2017NEX Company

TSX Venture Exchange has accepted for filing the Company's CPC Filing Statement dated May 30, 2017, for the purpose of filing on SEDAR.

Further to TSX Venture Exchange bulletin dated September 15, 2014, trading in the shares of the Company will remain suspended.

CORPORATION D'INVESTISSEMENTS ONCECAP ( OIC.H )TYPE DE BULLETIN : SCD  Declaration de changement d'inscription, suspension maintenueDATE DU BULLETIN : Le 15 juin 2017Societe NEX

Bourse de croissance TSX a accepte le depot par la societe, d'une declaration de changement d'inscription de SCD datee du 30 mai 2017, pour les fins de depot sur SEDAR.

Suite au bulletin de Bourse de croissance TSX date du 15 septembre 2014, la negociation sur les titres de la societe demeurera suspendue.

______________________________________

SOURCE TSX Venture Exchange




International Military-Technical Forum "ARMY-2017" will be held from 22nd to 27th August 2017, at Patriot Congress and Exhibition Centre of the Military-Patriotic Recreation Park of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation (Kubinka, Moscow region).



The organiser of ARMY-2017 is the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation.



Events of the Forum (exposition, scientific-business programme, dynamic demonstration of armament and hardware) will be held in the Patriot, Congress and Exhibition Centre (Kubinka, Moscow region), Kubinka airfield and Alabino range.



Participants of the ARMY-2017 Forum will get an opportunity to demonstrate newest technologies and samples for inner and internal markets.



The "Army-2016" Forum was held in the "Patriot" Congress and Exhibition Center, Alabino Military Training Grounds and Kubinka Airfield in Moscow region. More than 1,000 Russian companies, including 58 ones of military industrial complex, and 13 foreign states participated in the exhibition.



Representatives from more than 80 countries, 35 of which were official delegations, were working on the Forum sites. The delegations from 13 countries were presented by the Chiefs of the Military Departments, and 22 delegations were led by the Chiefs of General Staff and Deputies Minister of Defense. The total number of military delegations guests exceeded 260 people.



Foreign representatives organised more than 50 negotiations and bilateral meetings with the administrative authorities of the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation and domestic Defence Industry.



View the Link


At 10:32 on Thursday June 15, Gripen E took off on its maiden flight, flown by a SAAB test pilot. The aircraft (designation 39-8) left from SAAB's airfield in Linkoping, Sweden and flew over the eastern parts of Ostergotland for 40 minutes. A SAAB photo/Facebook

STOCKHOLM (BNS): Swedish defence major SAAB has successfully test flown its new, next-generation fighter aircraft Gripen E for the first time on Thursday.



The advanced fighter, flown by a SAAB test pilot, took off from the company's airfield in Linkoping, Sweden at 10.32 local time and flew over the eastern parts of Ostergotland for 40 minutes.



During the flight, the aircraft carried out a number of actions to demonstrate various test criteria including the retracting and extending of the landing gear, the aircraft manufacturer said in a statement.



"The flight was just as expected, with the aircraft performance matching the experience in our simulations. Its acceleration performance is impressive with smooth handling. Needless to say I'm very happy to have piloted this maiden flight," said Marcus Wandt, Experimental Test Pilot, SAAB.



SAAB will continue the flight test programme as it is scheduled to deliver the new aircraft to the Swedish Air Force in 2019.



The Brazilian Air Force has also ordered the Gripen E fighters.



Gripen E, unveiled in May 2016, was initially scheduled to be test flown that same year, but SAAB delayed the test flight to finalise all software related development of the new fighter.



The Gripen E has significantly improved avionics system when compared to previous versions of the Gripen. The capability to carry more weapons and improved range performance is possible with a more powerful engine and the ability to carry more fuel, according to SAAB.



The advanced fighter is equipped with a highly integrated and sophisticated sensor suite including an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, Infra Red Search and Track (IRST), Electronic Warfare (EW) suite and datalink technology, which, when combined gives the pilot, and co-operating forces exactly the information needed at all times.



SAAB has offered the Gripen E fighter to India under the 'Make in India' initiative with transfer of technology.



India is looking for the acquisition of medium, multi-role, single engine fighter jets from a foreign vendor for its Air Force, with the Defence Ministry issuing a Request for Information (RFI) in this regard in October 2016.



The fighter jets would be built in India under transfer of technology to the selected Indian entity.


Tourism bosses say Dublin is not a rip off, after comments to that effect by a tourism expert.

Michael Hall, a professor in marketing, said he would not recommend Dublin to anyone for a short break as the city is a "rip-off".
The DUP leader Arlene Foster says she believes the June 29 deadline, to restore the power-sharing executive in Northern Ireland, is achievable.

The date has been set by the British Government to reach an agreement before it considers the introduction of direct rule from Westminster.

The former First Minister met with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar at Government Buildings earlier today - where the two discussed the ongoing talks to restore devolution, and the DUP's new role in Westminster.

Arlene Foster says she wants to see the power-sharing executive restored in Northern Ireland.

"Yes, I think it is very realistic that a deal can be done.

"I think that the issues that need to be dealt with have been talked about now for quite a period of time.

"We have been out of office now since January, then at the March election we had a series of negotiations, and after that then the General Election came so I think it is very much doable to have a deal by the end of this month," she said.
Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy has met with Dublin's Chief Fire Officer to discuss fire-safety in light of the Grenfell Tower tragedy in London.

The Minister has offered sympathy to the people of London who are affected by the tragedy, and says it's a reminder of the need for vigilance at all times in relation to fire safety.

While noting that local authorities across the State already monitor fire safety measures, Minister Murphy says he will continue to continue to engage with all Chief Fire Officers across the country in the coming days and weeks.

Meanwhile, authorities in the UK investigating the Grenfell Tower inferno should consider the design of the building's entire exterior refurbishment rather than individual components, a company said.

CEP Architectural Facades, which fabricated the rainscreen panels and windows for Grenfell's cladding sub-contractor Harley Facades Ltd, said it was critical to consider the whole system.

The Guardian reported that the material used in the cladding that covered Grenfell was Reynobond PE cladding - the cheaper, more flammable version of two available options.

The more expensive Reynobond FR contains a fire-retardant mineral core and is said to guarantee higher resistance to fire compared with the Reynobond PE, which has a polyethylene, or plastic, core.

In a statement on Friday night, CEP Architectural Facades, which does not manufacture Reynobond, said it believed it would be wrong to point to individual materials or components.

The firm's managing director, John Cowley, said: "It is critical to consider the whole system, including insulation materials, fire barriers, fixings and railings and you also need to look at the overall design and quality of installation.

"We prefer systems which have been designed and tested in controlled conditions so that we know they are robust and fit for purpose.

"In the US, you can't build a structure taller than 40 feet without testing the whole system in a fully-rigged environment.

"Whilst we do design and supply whole systems, in this case we were one part of the jigsaw, with components coming from a variety of suppliers, working with materials and specifications determined by the contractors."

Extending his sympathies, Mr Cowley said his firm would participate fully in any investigation and co-operate with the authorities to ensure "something like this could never happen again".

East Sussex-based Harley Facades Ltd fitted the panels at Grenfell as part of the 8.6 million partial refurbishment which was completed under lead contractor Rydon last summer.

Rydon said the project met all building regulations, fire regulations and health and safety standards. And it said handover took place when the completion notice was issued by the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea building control.

In a statement issued earlier this week, Harley Facades Ltd said it was not aware at this time of any link between the Grenfell Tower fire and the exterior cladding fitted to it.

The firm said the cladding panels, which are not manufactured by Harley Facades, are a commonly used product in the refurbishment industry.
Update 1.40pm: The DUP leader Arlene Foster has been meeting with the new Taoiseach in Dublin.

The former First Minister became the first political leader to meet Leo Varadkar in Government Buildings, in a 45-minute meeting.

Arlene Foster answers questions outside Government buildings after meeting with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar this morning. pic.twitter.com/SRdQpLpnJh  RTE News (@rtenews) June 16, 2017

The two discussed the ongoing talks to restore power-sharing in Northern Ireland, and the DUP's new role in Westminster.

Afterwards Ms Foster told reporters she was confident that the DUP and Sinn Fein could overcome their differences to share power together.

It takes two to tango, were ready to dance - it is up to others to decide otherwise. We have been out of the office now since January, we then had the March elections. We had a series of negotiation after that, then the general election came so I think it is very much doable to have a deal by the end of this month.

Earlier: New Taoiseach Leo Varadkar will meet the North's two main political parties later.

Sinn Fein and the DUP will come to Dublin for talks about power-sharing.

Both sides met with the British Prime Minister yesterday, amid fears that a DUP deal with Conservatives in Westminster could unbalance the peace process.

The deadline for a Stormont deal is June 29.

Meanwhile, talks are also continuing between the Conservatives and the DUP on the potential Westminster deal.

Theresa May needs the 10 DUP MPs to govern without a majority after her gamble on a snap election backfired.

It is understood there's "broad agreement" on the principles of the Queen's Speech - now due on Wednesday - which will set out the government's plans.
By Amy Ryan

A London-Irish man who distributed the first photographs from inside Grenfell tower said "there are no words" to describe how he felt when he saw the pictures for the first time.

"The air is sucked out of you," he said.

Declan Wilkes, who was raised in Quilty, West Clare said that emotions are running high in London right now. He said "frustration, anger and grief" being felt by the families and the community.

"Things are quite surreal here. Londoners are tough though.

"It's a tight-knit area, everyone has a connection. There's so many questions and no answers," he said.

Mr Wilkes confirmed that he did not take the photographs. They were taken by a close friend who wishes to remain anonymous.

Mr Wilkes has been living in London for 10 years. After studying journalism in City University in London, he worked in media for several years before getting a communications job with a charity.

On the recent incidents that have hit London city, the 33-year-old said: "City life goes on but every siren and breaking news alert does result in a pause, and a momentary glaze casts over folks eyes as we sup our pints and exchange nervous glances."

"People from home [in Ireland] are worried, there are more calls and questions about where we are going at the weekend."

"But they know we have to live our lives," he added.

Click play to watch a gallery of the photos from inside Grenfell tower
President Michael D Higgins has paid tribute to former German Chancellor Helmut Kohl, who has died aged 87.

He was the longest-serving chancellor of the last century.

John Bruton, former Taoiseach said: "I am very sad to learn of the death of Helmut Kohl.

"Along with President Gorbachev, he was the most important constructive European leader of the past century.

"Underestimated initially, he was a man with a deep sense of history," he said.

President Higgins says he will be remembered for his role in the reunification of East and West Germany in 1990 and his deep commitment to the 'European Project'.

Britain's former Prime Minister, Sir John Major, says he was a 'towering figure' in European politics.

His Christian Democratic Union Party posted on Twitter: "We are in sorrow. #RIP #HelmutKohl."

German newspaper Bild reported that Mr Kohl died on Friday at his home in Ludwigshafen.

His 16-year tenure as chancellor stretched from 1982 to 1998.

He combined a dogged pursuit of European unity with a keen instinct for history after the fall of the Berlin Wall in November 1989.

Less than a year later, he spearheaded the end of Germany's division at the front line of the Cold War.

Former US president Bill Clinton once described Mr Kohl as "the most important European statesman since World War Two".

- PA
There is a warning it could take four decades to clear the almost 20,000 people waiting for a house in Dublin city.

Between July 2014 and December last year the number of homeless families in the capital increased by 289 %.
The last people arrested and questioned by detectives investigating the London Bridge terror attack have been released without charge, Scotland Yard said.

A 27-year-old man arrested at an address in Ilford on Friday June 9, a 28-year-old arrested in Barking on Saturday June 10 and a 19-year-old man also arrested at an address in Barking the following day have been released from custody.
President Donald Trump has said he is restoring some travel and economic restrictions on Cuba that were lifted by Barack Obama's administration.

He challenged the communist government of Raul Castro to negotiate a better deal for Cubans and Cuban-Americans.

Announcing the changes during a speech in Miami, Mr Trump said Cuba had secured far too many concessions from the US in the "misguided" deal but "now those days are over".

"It is best for America to have Freedom in our hemisphere." @POTUS is a man of action! He does what he says! #Cuba pic.twitter.com/86UTqMbPxZ  Brad Thomas (@rbradthomas) June 16, 2017

He said penalties on Cuba would remain in place until its government releases political prisoners, stops abusing dissidents and respects freedom of expression.

"America has rejected the Cuban people's oppressors," Mr Trump said in a crowded, sweltering auditorium. "They are rejected officially today - rejected."

Though Mr Trump's announcement stops short of a full reversal of the Cuba rapprochement, it targets the travel and economic engagement between the countries that has blossomed in the short time since relations were restored.

The goal is to halt the flow of US cash to the country's military and security services in a bid to increase pressure on Cuba's government.

Embassies in Havana and Washington will remain open. US airlines and cruise ships will still be allowed to serve the island 90 miles south of Florida.

The "wet foot, dry foot" policy, which once let most Cuban migrants stay if they made it to US soil but was ended under Mr Obama, will remain terminated. Remittances to Cuba will not be cut off.

But individual "people-to-people" trips by Americans to Cuba, allowed by Mr Obama for the first time in decades, will again be prohibited.

Just as we were making progress w/ #Cuba, Trump decides to once again turn back the clock. He's not creating policy, he's dismantling policy  Jose Hernandez (@MrJoseHernandez) June 16, 2017

And the US government will police other such trips to ensure there is a tour group representative along making sure travellers are pursuing a "full-time schedule of educational exchange activities".

Mr Trump described his move as an effort to ramp up pressure to create a "free Cuba" after more than half a century of communism.

"I do believe that end is in the very near future," he said.

His move was a direct rebuke to Mr Obama, for whom the diplomatic opening with Cuba was a central accomplishment of his presidency. The new president's action is broadly opposed by American business groups.

"US private sector engagement can be a positive force for the kind of change we all wish to see in Cuba," said Myron Brilliant, the US Chamber of Commerce executive vice president and head of international affairs.

"Unfortunately, today's moves actually limit the possibility for positive change on the island and risk ceding growth opportunities to other countries that, frankly, may not share America's interest in a free and democratic Cuba that respects human rights."

In Cuba, Granma, the official organ of the nation's Communist Party, covered Friday's speech in a real-time blog, saying: "Trump's declarations are a return to imperialist rhetoric and unilateral demands, sending relations between Havana and Washington back into the freezer."

- PA
The first round of formal negotiations on Britain's withdrawal from the EU will begin on June 19, it has been confirmed.

Following discussions in Brussels on Thursday, the offices of British Brexit Secretary David Davis and the European Commission's chief negotiator Michel Barnier released a joint statement to confirm the date.

British Brexit Secretary David Davis.

The announcement followed speculation that talks may have to be delayed because of the inconclusive outcome of last week's General Election, which has already forced the State Opening of Parliament to be put back from June 19 to 21.

But in a statement, officials said: "David Davis, Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, and Michel Barnier, the European Commission's chief negotiator, agreed today to launch Article 50 negotiations on Monday, June 19."

Mr Davis is expected to meet Mr Barnier at the Commission's headquarters in Belgian capital Brussels on Monday but it is not known how long the initial round of talks will last.

Mr Barnier is due to report back to leaders of the 27 other EU states on Thursday to review progress ahead of a two-day summit of the European Council attended by Theresa May which starts later that day.

On Monday, the European Commission insisted it was "fully prepared and ready for the negotiations to start" the process.

The senior official at the Department for Exiting the European Union, Olly Robbins, has been in Brussels this week for preliminary talks.

Brussels has insisted talks on the so-called divorce, taking in issues including the fee the UK will have to pay to sever its ties, must make sufficient progress before any discussion on a future trade agreement could begin.

The UK Government wants the talks to take place in parallel during the Brexit process but both sides have made finding a solution to the issue of citizens' rights a priority.

In a hint at a softer approach, Mr Davis said on Monday "we will start down this process" by focusing on the divorce proceedings from the EU before moving on to trade.

Mrs May's weakened position in the House of Commons as a result of losing her majority has fuelled speculation the Tories would be forced to soften their stance on Brexit.

The British Prime Minister has insisted the UK will leave the single market, replace customs union membership with a new deal and end the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice.

Critics of her approach have urged her to give ground in order to safeguard jobs and the economy.
Update 8.20pm:The Department of Foreign Affairs have reiterated there is still no confirmation of any Irish casualties in the Grenfell Tower blaze amid claims that one victim has been identified as Irish.

This evening's update follows media reports that Michael Kingston, a London-based solicitor from Cork and director of the Irish Cultural Centre, has confirmation from 'sources in the city' of an elderly Irishmans death.

He is reported as saying he believes the dead man was identified by his Claddagh ring.

A second victim of the disaster has been named as 24-year-old artist Khadija Saye.

Ms Saye was in her flat on the 20th floor when the fire struck, with her mother Mary Mendy, who is thought to be in her 50s.

Tottenham MP David Lammy confirmed the news on Twitter, writing: "May you rest in peace Khadija Saye. God bless your beautiful soul. My heart breaks today. I mourn the tragic loss of a wonderful young woman."

Syrian refugee Mohammed Alhajali, 23, was also killed in the fire.

Update 6.20pm: Theresa May faced cries of "coward" and "shame on you" as she returned to Kensington to meet Grenfell Tower disaster victims.

The Prime Minister met the group of victims, residents, volunteers and community leaders at St Clement's Church close to the scene of the horrific blaze shortly before 5pm.

There was a large police presence which had to hold back an angry crowd outside the church.

One woman wept saying it was because the Prime Minister declined to speak to anyone outside the meeting which lasted less than hour.

Police broke up a scuffle between members of the crowd as the Mrs May's car drove off.

Elsewhere there was more public fury as hundreds of protesters surrounded Kensington Town Hall demanding answers.

Scores of demonstrators surged towards the building's entrance and scuffles broke out outside as organisers appealed for calm.

Downing Street also announced a 5 million fund for emergency supplies, food and clothing.

At least 30 people have died but the death toll is expected to rise further with more than 70 people in total still believed to be unaccounted for.

WATCH: Angry Grenfell Tower residents chant "coward" at Theresa May pic.twitter.com/0eEGnXu5wQ  Socialist Voice  (@SocialistVoice) June 16, 2017

Update 5.48pm: Protesters outside the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea headquarters have tried to storm the building.

Hundreds of people, gathered outside the town hall, said they wanted answers over the Grenfell Tower disaster.

Scores of protesters later surged towards the building's entrance, apparently trying to get in.

But they were soon called back away from the foyer by one of the organisers, who urged them to remain calm.

A council spokesman initially declined to comment on the action.

A number of people could later be seen inside the building being confronted by police and security guards in high visibility vests on a stairwell.

Protesters began covering their faces as the atmosphere appeared to get increasing ugly.

At one point some of the crowd chased a television cameraman down the street.

Police officers lined the door to the hall with some protesters still inside.

There were calls of "murderers" and "we want justice now".

Among the demands of some protesters was the rehousing within the borough of all those who lost their home and more information on the victims.

Update 3.30pm:

Residents of Grenfell Tower have described how they escaped the burning building.

While some attempted to leave their flats using damp towels as shields, witnesses reported seeing people resort to throwing children from windows in an attempt to save them.

Meanwhile, there are reports that the cladding on the London tower block destroyed by a fire may have accelerated the blaze.

The Times is reporting that the exterior cladding that encased the 24-story Grenfell Tower is banned in the United States.

Emergency services personnel on top of Grenfell Tower in west London. Picture: PA

Here are some of the stories:

:: Baby thrown from window

One witness described the moment someone dropped a baby from a window "on the ninth or 10th floor" as the fire raged through the tower block.

Samira Lamrani told the Press Association: "The windows were slightly ajar, a woman was gesturing that she was about to throw her baby and if somebody could catch her baby."

Ms Lamrani then saw a member of the public run forward and catch the infant, who she believes was unharmed.

:: Tripping over bodies

Christos Fairbairn, who lived on the 15th floor, told the BBC he heard noises outside and loud knocking on his door before smoke started to pour in.

After calling the fire service, who told him to get out, he attempted to leave but could not because of the thickness of the smoke outside his door.

He said he banged on his window calling for help, but burnt his hand on the melted plastic as he tried to open it.

Then, taking the emergency service's advice, he wrapped a wet jumper around himself and left the flat.

He described running down a stairwell so thick with smoke that he could barely see or breathe. Tripping in the dark, he realised the stairwell was littered with bodies.

After collapsing on a lower floor, he was rescued by a firefighter and later treated for smoke inhalation.

:: Woken by screams

Paul Mennacer, who was asleep in his flat on the seventh floor when residents became aware of the fire, was woken by people screaming and shouting "don't jump".

Despite black smoke filling his flat, he said: "My instinct told me 'Just grab your shoes and run out'.

"It was hard to get out because the fire exit stairwell was on the side of the fire and so there was a lot of debris falling."

:: Residents told to stay inside

Michael Paramasivan, 37, lived on the seventh floor with his girlfriend Hannah West, 23, and her five-year-old daughter Thea.

They escaped the inferno after choosing to leave their flat, contrary to the advice they were given.

Mr Paramasivan said: "If we'd listened to them and stayed in the flat we'd have perished."

:: Firefighters led residents to safety

Edward Daffarn, a resident who is a part of the Grenfell Action Group that urged the building's landlords to improve fire safety back in November, told Buzzfeed News he almost died trying to escape.

After tying a damp towel round his face, he attempted to leave his flat on the 16th floor but couldn't find the fire exit through the smoke.

He said a fireman who was lying on the ground opened the fire exit door for him.

"He touched my leg and that was enough," Mr Daffarn said.

"That enabled me to get out."

:: Woken by neighbours

One woman who escaped with her family after being woken by a call from neighbours on a higher floor, said she didn't know how big the fire was until she got outside.

Turafat Yilma, 39, along with her husband Abraham, 44, and five-year-old son Abem, had tried to leave, but the thick smoke in the corridor prevented them from using the staircase.

A firefighter later reached the seventh floor, knocked on their door and led them outside.

"It took us less than five minutes," she said.

Update 12.25pm:At least 30 people have died in the Grenfell Tower fire, police have revealed.

Metropolitan Police commander Stuart Cundy confirmed the death toll as he spoke near the scene of the devastating blaze in west London on Friday.

"I'm able to say at this point in time at least 30 people have died as a result of this fire," he said.

Mr Cundy said the victims included one person who had died in hospital.

"There is nothing to suggest at this time that the fire was started deliberately," he added..

There are still 24 people being treated in hospital; 12 of whom are described as being in critical condition.

Update 10.40am: The Ethiopian taxi driver whose faulty fridge is alleged to have caused the Grenfell Tower fire is devastated by the tragedy and is 'blaming himself.

A friend said: 'He kept repeating it over and over again, ''people have lost their lives I can't bear it.''

Undated handout photos issued courtesy of Declan Wilkes of the inside of the Grenfell Tower, as searches for people missing in the inferno are continuing frantically. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo.

The Daily Mail reports that Behailu Kebede, a father of one, lived on the fourth floor of the tower block.

When the fire started in his flat he raised the alarm after banged on doors to alert his neighbours to the danger.

But a friend who spoke to Mr Kebede shortly after the tragic ordeal said the trauma was 'tearing him apart' and that he was 'blaming himself even though there was nothing he could do.'

His neighbour Maryann Adam, 41, described how Mr Kebede banged on her front door in the early hours of Wednesday to tell her that there was a fire in his kitchen.

She said: He knocked on the door, and he said there was a fire in his flat. It was exactly 12.50am because I was sleeping and it woke me up.

The fire was small in the kitchen. I could see it because the flat door was open. There was no alarm.

Another friend of Mr Kebede confirmed he was from Ethiopia and said: He is fine but he is not in a position to talk about anything right now. I understand that he in a temporary shelter, staying with friends.

Dozens are thought to be unaccounted for since the blaze, which police fear was so devastating that some victims may never be identified.

Earlier: Searches for people missing in the Grenfell Tower inferno are continuing frantically as a police commander expressed hope the death toll would not hit triple figures.

Six bodies have so far been recovered from the gutted 24-storey tower, while 11 have been located inside, but cannot yet be removed.

Meanwhile, experts have said sprinklers could have been fitted in the tower for 200,000, but Nick Paget-Brown, the Tory leader of Kensington and Chelsea Council, said there was not a "collective view" among residents in favour of installing them.

One of the first victims was named as 23-year-old Syrian refugee Mohammed Alhajali, with the Syria Solitary Campaign director Kareen El Beyrouty launching a campaign towards funeral costs.

The appeal said: "Mohammed Alhajali undertook a dangerous journey to flee war in Syria, only to meet death here in the UK, in his own home.

"His dream was to be able to go back home one day and rebuild Syria."

Currently, 17 people are known to have died, six of whom have been provisionally identified, but the figure is expected to rise significantly.

Metropolitan Police commander Stuart Cundy responded to speculation that the number of dead could exceed 100, saying: "From a personal perspective, I really hope it isn't.

"For those of us that have been down there, it's pretty emotional, so I hope it is not triple figures, but I can't be drawn on the numbers," he added, his voice cracking.

A missing poster for Khadija Saye, who friends are searching for along with her mother Mary Mendy following the fire.

His words came as:

London mayor Sadiq Khan was heckled by an angry crowd as he passed through the west London neighbourhood, with some demanding to know how he planned to handle the crisis.

Widespread appeals continue for those lost since the fire, including children such as 12-year-old Jessica Urbano, and whole families, including Rania Ibrahim and her two daughters Fathia, five, and Hania, three.

Council chiefs pledged to carry out extra fire safety checks at some high-rise tower blocks across London amid concerns more buildings could be at risk.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, who met displaced families, suggested luxury properties lying empty in Kensington should be taken over by the Government and used to house the Grenfell Tower residents.

An emergency government funding scheme was launched to help meet the costs of the disaster.

A rally will be held on Friday evening in Westminster calling for justice for those caught up in the fire.

The emergency services are gearing up for a third day of picking through the tower's charred remains in search of bodies.

Teams were forced to leave the building on Thursday afternoon when the fire restarted, delaying further the efforts to reach upper floors, where some victims are thought to have been trapped.

Mr Cundy said: "It may be - and I just don't know - it may be that ultimately some victims remain unidentified.

"I won't know that until we've gone through the full recovery from Grenfell Tower and we know exactly what we've got and I anticipate that is going to take a considerable period of time.

"Not just the immediate recovery of the bodies we have found but the full search of that whole building, we could be talking weeks, we could be talking months - it is a very long process.

"There is a risk that sadly we may not be able to identify everybody."

British Prime Minister Theresa May ordered a full public inquiry into the disaster in response to mounting anger that the fire might have been preventable.

On Thursday police also confirmed they had launched a criminal investigation into the matter.

It followed calls for those involved in the building's recent renovation - which many claim posed a major safety risk - to face prosecution.

"We as the police have started an investigation, I mentioned when I was down at the scene this morning that one of our very senior investigating officers is leading that for us," the commander said.

"We as the police, we investigate criminal offences - I am not sitting here and saying there are criminal offences that have been committed, that's why you do an investigation, to establish it."

The police's casualty bureau was said to have received 5,000 calls during the chaotic first day of the investigation.

Around 400 people were reported missing, but Mr Cundy downplayed the figure, saying it added up to more people than actually lived in the block. One person was reported missing 46 times, he added.

Missing: Jessica Urbano.

More than 1 million has been raised to help those affected by the fire, with more than 60 tonnes of donations collected by one local mosque.

Many of the refuges told the public they did not require any more donations after hundreds of people dropped off supplies.

Police urged anyone still concerned about a missing loved one to visit the reception area at the Westway Sports Centre, west London, or ring the casualty bureau on 0800 0961 233.

Those who reported a friend or relative as missing but have since been reunited with them were also asked to get in touch with police.
Russia is trying to verify reports that its military has killed the leader of the Islamic State group in an air strike targeting a meeting of militant leaders.

The Defence Ministry claimed that Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was killed in late May with other senior group commanders just outside the group's de facto capital in Syria, adding that information is "being verified through various channels".

Foreign minister Sergey Lavrov said: "I don't have a 100% confirmation of the information."

This file image made from video provided by Russian Defence Ministry press service on Aug. 18, 2016, shows a Russian combat fighter bomber Su-34 unloading its bombs over a target in Syria.

There have been previous reports of al-Baghdadi being killed but they did not turn out to be true.

The IS leader last released an audio recording on November 3, urging his followers to keep up the fight for Mosul as they defend the Iraqi city against a major offensive.

A spokesman for the US-led anti-IS coalition said he could not confirm the Russian claim.

The report of al-Baghdadi's death comes as IS suffers major setbacks in which they have lost wide areas of territory and both of their strongholds - Mosul in Iraq and Raqqa in Syria.

Both are still under attack by various groups fighting under the cover of air strikes by the US-led coalition.

As the militants take a pounding in their eroding strongholds, US officials and Syrian activists say many commanders have fled Mosul and Raqqa in recent months for Mayadeen, a remote town in the heart of Syria's IS-controlled Euphrates River valley near the Iraqi border.

Their relocation could extend the group's ability to wreak havoc in the region and beyond for months to come.

Most recently, the group claimed attacks in Iran's parliament and a shrine to revolutionary leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in Tehran, killing at least 17 people and injuring more than 50.

It also claimed the June 3 London attack that killed eight people. Both attacks would have taken place after al-Baghdadi's alleged killing.

Mr Lavrov said that if al-Baghdadi's death is confirmed, its importance must not be overestimated.

He said that "past examples of similar actions to strike the leadership of terrorist groups were presented with much enthusiasm and pomp, but the experience shows that those structures later regained their capability".

The claim of al-Baghdadi's possible death comes nearly three years to the day after he declared himself the leader of an Islamic caliphate in Iraq and Syria, from a historic mosque in Mosul.

If confirmed, his death would mark a major military success for Russia, which has conducted a military campaign in support of Syrian President Bashar Assad since September 2015.

It is not clear who would replace al-Baghdadi if he was killed - the group has lost many of its senior commanders in US-led air strikes, including Fadhil Ahmad al-Hayali, said by US officials to be the second in command of the group.

He was killed in an August 2015 air strike by the US in Iraq.

Another top figure was Abu Ali al-Anbari, the extremist group's leading finance official who was killed last year.

One of the best known IS commanders, Abu Mohammed al-Adnani, the spokesman who frequently released audio messages calling for stepped-up attacks, was also killed last year.

Moscow's Defence Ministry said the air raid on May 28 that targeted an IS meeting on the southern outskirts of Raqqa killed about 30 mid-level militant leaders and 300 other fighters.

The ministry said the IS leaders were gathered to discuss the group's withdrawal from Raqqa, the group's de facto capital.

AP
Update 9pm: Doctors who are treating an American college student released by North Korea in a coma say he has severe injury to all regions of his brain. They described 22-year-old Otto Warmbier as in a state of "unresponsiveness wakefulness".

They say he does not show any consistent response to stimulation, shows no sign of understanding language, responding to commands or awareness of his environment.

Doctors with the University of Cincinnati Health system say Mr Warmbier shows extensive loss of brain tissue, consistent with respiratory arrest, when the brain is cut off from oxygen but they are not sure why. They said his prognosis remains confidential.

Earlier: An American college student who was released by North Korea in a coma has suffered a "severe neurological injury", a spokeswoman for the Ohio hospital treating him said.

Otto Warmbier is in stable condition after arriving at the University of Cincinnati Medical Centre two days ago. Doctors plan to hold a news conference on campus later.

The 22-year-old student's father, Fred Warmbier, said he does not believe North Korea's explanation that his son's coma resulted from botulism and a sleeping pill.

Fred Warmbier said there is relief that his son is home, but also anger that he was so brutally treated for so long.

Mr Warmbier said his son was "terrorised and brutalised" during his 17-month detention, and has been in a coma for more than a year.

He said he and his wife, Cindy, only learned of their son's condition last week.

The University of Virginia student was medically evacuated from North Korea and arrived in Cincinnati late on Tuesday. He was then taken by ambulance to a hospital.

Mr Warmbier was serving a 15-year prison term with hard labour in North Korea after he tearfully confessed that he tried to steal a propaganda banner while visiting the country.

Such detentions in the totalitarian nation have added to tensions between Washington and Pyongyang. Three Americans remain in custody.

The US government accused North Korea of using such detainees as political pawns.

North Korea accuses Washington and South Korea of sending spies to overthrow its government.

US secretary of state Rex Tillerson said his department is continuing "to have discussions" with North Korea about the release of the other three imprisoned American citizens.

- PA
Canberra Liberal MLA Elizabeth Lee has delivered a swift and sharp rebuke to a businessman who sought to fat-shame her on LinkedIn.

Belconnen entrepreneur Jeff Manny wrote to the fitness instructor and Member for Kurrajong on her LinkedIn profile to inform her she had "put on weight since [the] last time I saw you."

Elizabeth Lee MLA. Credit:Jamila Toderas

"Try to shake it. Stop eating too many [sic] Um Chas," he advised.

He followed up with a second comment, stating: "This is an ugly picture. Remove it."
Frustrated drivers at Parliament House could soon have access to new car parking facilities under plans to boost capacity in the precinct.

The National Capital Authority has told a parliamentary committee hearing very early discussions are under way for construction of new parking areas with capacity for about 200 cars within a kilometre of the building.

Parking at Parliament House is regularly at capacity on sitting days. Credit:David Moore

Parking under the Senate wing and areas around Parliament quickly fill up on sitting days, leaving some staffers, journalists and other workers stranded.

National Capital Authority boss Malcolm Snow told the hearing temporary overflow parking behind the nearby West Block had proven popular on sitting days, helping reduce immediate pressure.
Treasury assumed banks would pass on some of the $6.2 billion bank tax to their customers when it was costing the policy, despite the government urging lenders to "absorb" the levy.

As banks hit by the tax made a last-ditch plea for changes on Friday, a response to a question on notice from the Treasury revealed the department had assumed "some pass-through of the levy to customers, as evidenced by previous behaviour by the banks".

The department had also assumed there could be "consequences for dividend payments" and therefore franking credits, though it cautioned it could not be "unequivocal" about who would ultimately pay the levy.
This was despite having recorded at least 387 service jobs since December 2013, "which identified the lid or seal of the TM31 leaking, opening, moving to the open position, unlocking or being too loose".

They also state that TIA continued to supply and promote the TM31 model until at least September 6, 2014.

Federal Court documents filed by the ACCC allege certain Thermomix customers were advised they could only obtain consumer law remedies by signing agreements containing non-disclosure terms and others that prevented them from making negative comments about the brand.

The court documents go on to argue that TIA continued to promote the model despite the fact it was "aware of at least nine incidents in which consumers had sustained burns constituting serious injury ... while the TM31 was in use".

"Once you are aware your product is causing safety issues - which we are alleging [TIA] were - you really have an obligation to work with us and see if a recall is necessary," Ms Rickard said.

It is alleged there were at least 14 occasions between June 2012 and July 2016 when TIA failed to give written notice to the ACCC within two days of becoming aware of a serious injury (burns) suffered by an individual, caused by the use or foreseeable misuse of a TM31.



"We also want to address the way in which they really downplayed the risks involved with the TM31 ... in their original media release. It's really important you play it straight with consumers when there is a safety problem."

In a statement TIA said it had been aware of the ACCC investigation for some time and was fully cooperating.

"As always, our highest priority is the wellbeing and satisfaction of all our customers, consultants and partners. As the matter is subject to legal proceedings it wouldn't be appropriate for us to comment further at this time."
Concerns about Uber's ability to change seemed to be exacerbated on Tuesday when - hours after the company promised to do better - a member of the board of directors was forced to resign after making a sexist comment during a staff meeting to discuss the efforts. Billionaire David Bonderman apologised after saying that research shows that having more women on the board of directors would lead to "more talking." The comment came in response to a remark by fellow board member Ariana Huffington that "there's a lot of data that shows when there's one women on the board, it's much more likely there will be a second woman on the board." Although nobody can put precise numbers on how many potential employees are avoiding the firm, Uber's troubles are remarkable even in an industry that has struggled for years with the underrepresentation of women and minorities. Uber released its first employee diversity report in March, revealing that women accounted for just 15.4 per cent of it tech workforce and 36.1 per cent of all Uber employees. "I don't know any woman who is dying to work for Uber," Silicon Valley recruiter Y-Vonne Hutchinson said. I don't know any woman who is dying to work for Uber. Silicon Valley recruiter Y-Vonne Hutchinson

Perceptions of Uber have created a rift in the tech world. Many workers want to join the company, which is widely considered one the most innovative and exciting tech firms. Just last week, Uber announced that Bozoma Saint John, an African American woman, was leaving Apple to join Uber in the newly created position of chief brand officer. And Harvard Business School professor Frances Frei was hired to address Uber's leadership problems. But for others, the company carries a huge stigma. Uber stigma For the past year, some female engineers have been posting on social media their rejections of Uber's unsolicited recruitment attempts, creating a snapshot of the company's talent travails. A online campaign called "Dear Uber Recruiter" expressed many of the complaints. Some of the women declined to use their names in interviews with The Washington Post, saying they had faced online harassment after posting messages on social media, but still discussed their experiences. One woman showed the rejection email she sent Uber, which opened with, "I would never work for such a sexist, evil company as Uber."

Other women in Silicon Valley, as well as some men, told The Post of their concerns about working at Uber. Worries about Uber's workplace culture have spread even to recruiters at other tech companies considering hiring from within Uber's ranks. "It's a huge ding on them for their motivations and personality," said a former female manager at a large Silicon Valley start-up, on interviewing candidates from Uber. She requested anonymity to speak candidly. Uber did not respond to a request for comment on this story. Fowler blog After simmering for years, Uber's troubles burst into public view this year with a blog post by a former Uber engineer named Susan Fowler.

She described a workplace where lines were regularly crossed and boorish behaviour was tolerated. Fowler said her boss propositioned her on her first day at work. When she complained to the company's human resources department, she wrote, the incident was played down and she was encouraged to switch departments. In another incident, she alleged that all of the team's male engineers were given leather jackets as a company perk, but the female engineers were not because there were too few of them to qualify for a bulk discount. Her post went viral, sparking discussion inside and outside the company about how Uber treats its female workers. Fowler's blog post came after years of questionable conduct by Uber executives. Kalanick once was quoted describing his company as "Boob-er" because its success attracted women to him. A senior executive had floated a plan at a dinner party attended by a BuzzFeed reporter to dig into the personal lives of journalists, including female writers, who wrote unflattering articles about the company. In response to Fowler's blog post, Kalanick immediately tweeted that the allegations were "abhorrent & against everything we believe in" and subsequently announced that an investigation into Uber's workplace would be led by Eric H. Holder Jr., the former US attorney general. On Sunday, almost four months later, Uber's board of directors voted to adopt all of the recommendations from Holder's report. Last week, Uber said it had fired 20 workers for sexual harassment and discrimination, bullying and other workplace infractions uncovered by the report.

On Tuesday afternoon, Fowler dismissed the company's announcements of steps to address its internal culture. "It's all optics," she wrote on Twitter. All major tech firms have struggled with hiring and retaining female and minority workers, a finding supported by numerous studies.The topic is regularly discussed, pushed by many corporate leaders and addressed by company iniatitives. Last week, former first lady Michelle Obama spoke at an Apple developer's conference and urged the industry to "make room" for more female tech workers. "Whether it's Google or Uber or Facebook or Intel we have seen how incredibly difficult it is to turnaround a big company," said Freada Kapor Klein, who, along with her husband Mitch Kapor, was an early investor in Uber.

'Sincerity in action' On Tuesday, after the Uber report's recommendations were released, the two Silicon Valley financiers wrote an open letter saying that they believe Uber's problems, while extreme, are not so different from problems at other large tech firms. But they believed Uber's reaction "showed sincerity in action, and we are hopeful that their actions will continue to meet the aspirations of this report." Kapor Klein, who runs the Kapor Center for Social Impact, has made it her mission to transform Silicon Valley into a more welcoming place for women and minorities. Last month she co-wrote a study based on a poll of more than 2000 people who left technology jobs, finding that feelings of "unfairness or mistreatment" were driving people from the industry. And although diversity training and other efforts help, "CEOs have to be really willing to step up and explain why this is a business issue," she said.

Joelle Emerson, who runs Paradigm Strategy, a San Francisco firm that helps tech companies such as Slack and Pinterest with diversity efforts, said she was at first optimistic that Uber could change its workplace culture. "But I'm less confident in that now," Emerson said last week. Sued over Indian rape case Emerson was dismayed by recent reports that a top Uber executive, Eric Alexander, had flown to India to obtain the confidential medical records of a woman who said she was raped by an Uber driver. Alexander shared the medical records with other top Uber leaders, including Kalanick, because they didn't believe the woman's claim and feared it was part of a smear campaign by a competitor, according to Uber. Alexander left Uber last week.

The woman this week filed a lawsuit against the ride-hailing company and three executives including Kalanick and Alexander, for intrusion into private affairs, public disclosure of private facts and defamation.. Emerson was floored by that revelation. To her, it showed the depth of the discrimination against women - that a rape victim was doubted. "It is so, so quintessentially rape culture that when a customer is sexually assaulted, you make a trip around the world to disprove that," Emerson said. She said she was impressed by the Uber report's recommendations, but success can only be judged by how the suggestions are implemented and followed up in the future. Ford, the engineer who turned down Uber, said women in technology increasingly watch out for one another, giving warnings and advice about which companies are welcoming to women and which ones to avoid.
The approach was classic Bezos - challenging conventional wisdom, seeking the wisdom of the market and highlighting his various businesses. Yet it failed to answer a question that is likely to follow him more often if and when he becomes the richest man: What are his plans to give away some or all of his wealth? Bezos, who owns about 17 per cent of Amazon, has enjoyed what could be the most rapid personal-wealth surge in history. As Amazon's share price has more than tripled since 2015, its leader has added more than $US50 billion to his net worth, bringing his current total to around $US84 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. He is now less than $US6 billion shy of taking the title of the world's richest person from Bill Gates, who has held the crown for 18 of the past 23 years. Bezos' wealth is proof of Amazon's seemingly unstoppable growth and dominance in a wide range of fields, including online retailing and cloud computing. It adds another Horatio Alger story to the mythmaking machine of US wealth - showcasing someone from the middle class who was adopted by his Cuban-immigrant stepfather, quit his Wall Street job to start selling books online from his garage and created a company now worth nearly a half-trillion dollars.

Yet until Thursday, his philanthropy remained largely a mystery. He is the only one of the top five billionaires in the United States who has not signed the Giving Pledge, the promise created by Gates and Warren Buffett for the super rich to give away at least half of their wealth. He has never appeared on the Philanthropy 50, a list of the United States' 50 largest donors, that is published yearly by The Chronicle of Philanthropy. According to public data and news reports, Bezos and his family have bestowed around $US100 million in total on charities - about one-tenth of 1 per cent of his fortune. He has not created a personal foundation for making charitable gifts, according to databases that track nonprofits. Although he sits on the board of the Bezos Family Foundation and his parents, Mike and Jackie Bezos, run it, Bezos' name doesn't appear anywhere on its website.

He and his wife, MacKenzie, did give $US15 million in 2015 to Princeton University, their alma mater. The Bezos family - including Jeff and MacKenzie, his parents and his siblings - recently donated $US35 million to the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle. Before that, they made two donations, totaling $US30 million, to the centre. In 2011, Bezos donated $US10 million to Seattle's Museum of History and Industry. And last month, Bezos gave $US1 million to the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press. Journalism and space exploration His purchase of The Washington Post in 2013 for $US250 million was seen by many as a form of philanthropy - using his wealth to support important journalism - but The Post is a for-profit business. He has said that his space exploration company, Blue Origin, aims to save Earth by putting industry in space, but it, too, is a for-profit venture. Still, Bezos has never said publicly what he plans to do with his fortune, what causes he might support or even whether he will give away some or most of it.

"The pressure on Bezos to step up is going to grow if he becomes the richest man," said David Callahan, the founder and editor of Inside Philanthropy, a philanthropy information site. "It's a little surprising it hasn't grown already." Bezos declined to comment for this article. His Twitter invitation on Thursday came after repeated questions on Wednesday from The Times about his giving levels and the lack of public information on his philanthropy. The Twitter post - while offering the most insight so far about his philanthropy thinking - did not commit to any funding levels or to creating a foundation or a limited liability company (LLC), as Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook and other billionaires have done. Experts on nonprofits and friends of Bezos say he has been more focused on building Amazon and would probably turn to philanthropy later. The more wealth he creates today, they said, the more he can give away later.

Granted, money has never been Bezos' public goal. Like many of today's tech tycoons, he has said his mission is changing the world and satisfying customers rather than getting rich. In a commencement speech at Princeton in 2010, he recounted his choice to quit his comfortable job in finance in 1994 to take a risk on selling books online. "I took the less safe path to follow my passion," he said, "and I'm proud of that choice." He does enjoy some of the trappings of being a billionaire. Last fall, he bought the most expensive home ever sold in Washington, DC, when he paid $US23 million for the former Textile Museum, which he plans to turn into a single-family residence. Aside from his main residence in Seattle, he has a $US24 million home in Beverly Hills, California, and a ranch in Texas. He is one of the largest landowners in the United States, with nearly 300,000 acres.

Private affair Yet Bezos has so far refused the kind of charitable pledges common among billionaires today. The Bezoses' giving has largely been a family affair, with Bezos' role hard to determine. Nonprofit experts said the Bezos Family Foundation, while funded with Amazon stock, is mainly led by Bezos' mother. The foundation has given away tens of millions of dollars, mainly to causes related to child brain development and early education. It's typical, of course, for the wealthy to shift to philanthropy later in life. Gates was accused of not being charitable enough before he became the richest man in 1995, with a fortune of $US12.9 billion. By the end of the 1990s, he had given away more than $US2 billion through foundations he created that focused on health and technology. Then, in 1999, he ramped up his giving just before stepping down as Microsoft's chief executive and setting up the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, with more than $US20 billion in funding. Bezos and Amazon have stepped up their giving in recent years, after critical coverage in the Seattle press. A 2012 article in The Seattle Times called Amazon a "virtual no-show in hometown philanthropy," but since then, the company has given millions to local institutions and causes. Judging from his Twitter post and conversations with people who know Bezos, he wants to forge a new path for addressing social problems rather than just writing checks to nonprofits.

His desire to get ideas from the public and fund "here and now" philanthropy suggests what could be a bold new direction for philanthropy. Bezos also sees for-profit ventures as a more effective way to solve certain social problems. "In many cases, for-profit models improve the world more than philanthropy models, if they can be made to work," he said in an interview in 2010 with Charlie Rose. "We know that he hasn't been very receptive to traditional philanthropy," said Steve Delfin, a Washington-area philanthropy adviser to companies and wealthy families. "My guess is that at some point, he will create an innovative new model or a hybrid approach. And maybe, like Amazon, he'll do it better."
Friday's announcement of a three-month amnesty for handing in unlicensed fire arms to start on July 1 was as surprising as it is welcome.

This is, after all, a Government that has gone out of its way in recent times to close the gap between its own policies and those of the ultraconservatives.

One Nation, for example, is committed to watering down existing licensing regulations and reviewing restricted weapons categories with a view to broadening access to a wider range of rifles and shotguns.

Ms Hanson's supporters will find it hard to criticise Friday's announcement however given the introduction of an open ended amnesty on the surrender or registration of illegal weapons is the first point of their own Firearms and Gun Control Policy.
History shows that, for the most part, governments need to be cajoled, prodded, lobbied or even humiliated before taking action.

Every once in a while the alarm bells ring so loudly that they are hard for a government to ignore. There has been a clarion call to action for the Andrews government to deal with Victoria's crime issues and this week's disturbing crime statistics only turned up the volume.

Many Victorians feel that crime is out of control. Credit:David LoSchiavo

The numbers show that Victoria is in the grip of a very real crime wave, and the fears of the public are not just the creation of a shrill state opposition scaremongering for political gain. The facts are chilling and compelling. In the year to April, serious crime in Victoria jumped 20 per cent. Of the more than half a million overall offences reported to police, 43,765 involved assault and related incidents.

Dig a little deeper, and it's evident why many Victorians feel that crime is out of control. The number of robberies has jumped 20 per cent over the past two years. The number of aggravated burglaries is up 28 per cent, with 4280 offences recorded.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull once declared he joined the Liberal party instead of Labor only because his business background would limit his success in the ALP, a former NSW minister claims.

In his political memoir, former state Labor minister Carl Scully also claims Mr Turnbull told him the reason he did not enter state politics was due to his friendship with former premier Bob Carr.

Mr Scully, whose self-published book Setting the Record Straight was launched at NSW Parliament on Friday, recounts a conversation with Mr Turnbull during a "Sydney harbourside function" shortly after he announced he had joined the Liberal party.

Mr Scully says he asked Mr Turnbull: "Malcolm, why on earth did you join the Libs and not the ALP?"
Mumtaz Qaumi (left), Farhad Qaumi (centre) and Elias 'Les' Elias (right) outside The Star casino in December 2013. Credit:NSW Police Jamil Qaumi, was convicted of 18 offences and sentenced to 30 years' jail with a non-parole period of 21 years. The brothers, who came to Australia as refugees in the 1990s, were led out of the court dock one by one, patting each other on the arm as they left. CCTV footage shows Farhad Qaumi, left, and Pasquale Barbaro at The Star casino in January 2014. In delivering his sentence over three hours on Friday, Justice Hamill detailed the brutal gangland war in which the crimes were carried out.

He found many people were exposed to the violence. Former Brothers for Life second-in-charge Mumtaz Qaumi. Credit:NSW Police "Many people's lives have been affected by the outlandish and lawless violence in which these offenders were involved in a two- to three-month period in the latter part of 2013," he said. Mahmoud Hamzy was shot three times in the head at close range when gunmen turned up at his family home in Revesby Heights on October 29, 2013. Former Brothers for Life Blacktown chapter leader Farhad Qaumi.

The court heard the plan was to kill his cousin - Mohamed Hamzy - the leader of the Bankstown BFL chapter - who was at the house at the time but escaped the gunfire. There was a general belief among the offenders that Mohamed had to be killed to protect the life of Farhad Qaumi. Mumtaz and Farhad Qaumi, who went to a club in Merrylands to give themselves an alibi while the shooting was carried out, and Jamil were convicted of conspiracy to murder and manslaughter. They were also convicted of causing grievous bodily harm to Omar Ajaj, who was shot but survived. Over the next several days, three other shootings were carried out as the Blacktown chapter feared the Bankstown group would seek retribution.

A teenager girl was caught in the crossfire and a number of "lives were put in peril", Justice Hamill said. Bankstown BLF member Michael Odisho was shot when he answered the door of his Winston Hills home on November 3, 2013. He survived. The court heard the failed shooting angered Farhad, who told fellow gang members the following day, "How hard is it to shoot someone?" The next day, gunmen opened fire at the Blacktown home of another man, a low-ranking gang member, but ended up shooting a his 13-year-old sister in the back instead. "[The teen] was left with devastating injuries," Justice Hamill said.

"Her capacity to become pregnant and carry a baby to full term is compromised." Days later, Abdul Abu-Mahmoud was shot outside the Chokolatta cafe in Bankstown. He was associated with members of the Bankstown BFL and Mumtaz feared he had access to the addresses of his Blacktown chapter members. Just after midnight on November 7, Mr Abu-Mahmoud's car was stormed by gunmen armed with machineguns, firing through its windows so ferociously they destroyed a headrest. Miraculously, the three men inside survived.

Farhad was not involved in the Chokolatta cafe shooting. Justice Hamill said these shootings formed part of a violent gangland war in which some casualties were innocent victims. In December 2013, Farhad and Mumtaz accepted a contract - up to $100,000 - to kill Mr Antoun. The pair organised another man to go to Mr Antoun's house and shoot the father-of-two in a "cold-blooded murder". His wife was home at the time and cradled Mr Antoun in a pool of blood until the ambulance arrived. "The impact on the family is unfathomable," Justice Hamill said.
Brisbane City Council has been labelled as a "council addicted to debt" during a post-budget meeting on Friday.

Opposition Leader Peter Cumming spoke in the council chamber to deliver the opposition's response to the $3 billion council budget handed down by Lord Mayor Graham Quirk on Wednesday.

Opposition Leader Peter Cumming said Brisbane City Council was addicted to debt. Credit:Michel O'Sullivan

"Where has all the cash gone?" Cr Cumming said.

"This is a council using debt like steroids. This is a council addicted to debt. "
Police have released footage of a driver swerving across the Gateway Motorway in Brisbane's north, who allegedly later blew almost six times the limit.

Officers were called to the Nudgee stretch of the motorway on June 9 after reports of a woman driving dangerously.

The alleged drunk driver was captured bouncing off roadside barricades before being pulled over by police. Credit:Queensland Police Service

Dashcam footage shows the alleged drunk driver bouncing off roadwork barricades, narrowly missing a tree and swerving across lanes.

The car was later pulled over on Childs Road where police said the disqualified 40-year-old driver appeared to be affected by alcohol.
Police have charged a man who was allegedly at the centre of a tense police standoff on Friday.

Negotiators and armed officers were called to Toogoolawah, about 100 kilometres north-west of Brisbane, after police said a man barricaded himself inside a house.

A man was charged after a tense stand-off with police which lasted for 6 hours. Credit:Matt Hewitt (Supplied)

An emergency was declared about 9.15am, with residents of the township asked to stay inside as a 500-metre exclusion zone was established and the local school put into lock-down.

However, police later stormed the house only to find it empty, which triggered a search of the area. A man was found in a nearby paddock and taken into custody about 3.45pm.
A "small, quiet country town" was the centre of a major police operation on Friday, after a man barricaded himself inside house.

An emergency was declared in Toogoolawah, about 30 kilometres from Kilcoy, with residential streets in lockdown and armed police arriving on scene.

A man was taken into custody after a tense stand-off with police which lasted for 6 hours. Credit:Matt Hewitt (Supplied)

It all started about 9.15am when police were called to Bellambi Street to speak to a man over an alleged violent robbery in Ipswich earlier that day.

However, the man barricaded himself inside the house, so police called negotiators in and declared an emergency situation.
A man who armed himself with a gun and barricaded himself inside a house with a woman and five children has been arrested following a dramatic stand off with police.

The man, 26, was seen being led away from the house in Melbourne's north in handcuffs with police confirming the incident was over.

Victoria Police Inspector Peter Tatter-Rendelmann said the children and woman inside the house during a siege in Epping were not held against their will.



"Today's events have been the culmination of an investigation in relation to some thefts and fire arms offences conducted by Darebin Crime Investigation Unit," he said.

It is believed the man attempted to exit the house in Wedge Street at about 2pm on Friday but ran back inside because police officers had surrounded the property.
A man has rammed his car into several vehicles before reversing and crashing into a fence in an alleged road-rage incident in Port Melbourne.

Footage of the rampage shows a black Astra revving before it ploughs into cars sitting at a red light near Plummer and Prohasky streets during peak hour traffic.

Police are investigating a terrifying road-rage incident in Port Melbourne. Credit:Georgia Matts

The witnesses who took the video from the inside their car can be heard gasping as the Astra slams into a stationary car at Todd Road just before 6pm.
Kuay Jok had barely had time to blow out the candles on his 18th birthday cake when he committed his first carjacking.

He will spend the next few birthdays in jail, after County Court Judge Claire Quin sentenced him to three years in youth detention on Friday.

The young man pleaded guilty to two counts of armed robbery and one count of robbery, all committed over the course of a few days in November last year.

On November 5, he and two other boys - both minors - strolled past an elderly couple in Brunswick as they tucked their four-month-old granddaughter into the back seat of a BMW.

The young men liked the look of the car, and doubled back, the court heard.
A Bunbury magistrate has taken the unusual step of requesting that a convicted sex offender, who pleaded guilty to indecent dealing with his six-year-old granddaughter, pay his victim $1000.

The 67-year-old grandfather, who cannot be named (to protect the identity of his victim), pleaded guilty to two counts of unlawful and indecent dealing after admitting to twice touching her vagina.

A Bunbury magistrate requested a convicted sex offender pay $1000 to his granddaughter after he was found guilty of indecent dealing with her.

The Bunbury Magistrates court was told on Thursday that between December 26, 2016 and January 22, 2017, he twice touched the girl, who has a moderate disability.

The man claimed that he and the girl were playing before he fell asleep, and that when he awoke with a start, he "pushed her away in fright", touching the girl on her vagina.
Perth's maverick "Spud King" Tony Galati has been fined $40,000 for contempt of court after growing more potatoes than he was allowed.

The industry regulator the Potato Marketing Corporation was abolished last year, but the Spud Shed franchise owner has still been punished for disobeying a 2015 Supreme Court order.

The godfather of spuds Tony Galati will have to pay $40,000 in fines after been found contempt of court. Credit:Emma Young

Mr Galati, who pocketed an extra $148,000 in revenue for growing the forbidden spuds, has also agreed to pay $200,000 towards the state's court costs.

The court order restrained Mr Galati from delivering more than 1,049 tonnes of potatoes for the period from October 4 2015 to January 2 2016.
People write messages on a wall for the victims and in support for those affected by the Grenfell Tower fire. Credit:AP Adam echoed the sentiment. "If he had not knocked, I don't know what would have happened." They left the building, spooked. It was about 10 minutes to one in the morning on Wednesday, June 14. Emotions run high as people attend a candle lit vigil outside Notting Hill Methodist Church near Grenfell Tower. Credit:Getty Images Within an hour, the place would be an inferno.

This is a story that has many revisions to come. There will be surprise reunions and inevitable funerals. There will be police reports, fire reports and an inquest into the deaths: 17 at Thursday's count, a number that will rise over days and possibly weeks. Fires continued to rage in the Grenfell Tower block in London well into the next day. Credit:Getty Images And there will be an official public inquiry into what happened and what can be learnt, what must be learnt from a tragedy that, it appears, could have been  and was  foreseen, and could have been  but wasn't  prevented. It was a pleasant night after a warm day. Many in Grenfell Tower had left their windows open to capture a light, cool night breeze. Mahal Egal was among the first to evacuate with his two children. Credit:Screengrab/BBC

The building benefited from new insulation, installed in a renovation that finished in 2016: a sleek aluminium composite cladding covering old, stained concrete. That cladding was starting to catch fire. Mother Adriano Urbano, left, received a call for help from her daughter Jessica on the right. Mahal Egal was another who got out from the fourth floor with his two small children, warned by a neighbour, among the first to evacuate. He said the neighbour told him his fridge had exploded.

Mohammad al-Haj Ali, a Syrian refugee, was the first victim of the Grenfell Tower fire to be named. Credit:Syria Solidarity Campaign Leaving was against the building's fire safety advice. If residents knew there was a fire outside their flat, they were supposed to shut their door and wait for rescue. Such buildings are designed to isolate fires. And with residents safe inside their flats, firefighters have more chance of running an orderly evacuation if it becomes necessary. Natasha Elcock flooded the bathroom and kept her flat damp. Credit:Facebook/NatashaElcock Indeed, this was reportedly the early advice that firefighters and 000 emergency operators were giving  before an evacuation was ordered some time later. If this turns out to be the case, it could have been a fatal mistake  firefighters and fire safety experts later said this fire spread faster than any high-rise blaze they had seen before.

Even as Egal left his flat, the first of many fire engines were arriving. "At first it seemed controllable," he said, watching the fire from the outside. "At this point the fire was no higher than an average tree. "But really quickly the fire started to rise, as the cladding caught fire." There was already smoke inside the building, in the single central stairwell, he said. He thought of his extended family and friends still inside the building, and he worried, and he watched the fire grow out of control, leaping eagerly up the building.

Within minutes it had climbed a dozen floors. Witness Tanya Thompson said she saw it go "up like a firewall, straight up the side of the building" in about ten minutes. Another, Omar, said it was "like a piece of paper  like dominos, fire and then fire and then fire. It was so quick and shocking." Mickey (Michael) Paramasivan, 37, was woken on the seventh floor by the smell of burning plastic. He tucked his six-year-old daughter Thea into her dressing gown and they ran downstairs. By the time they were outside "we looked up at the tower and it was like a horror movie", he said. Mouna Elogbani was on the 11th floor with her husband and three children  a friend called and warned her to get out. When they first opened the door to escape "flames burst into the house", she said. They managed to get out down the stairs.

On the 17th floor a man who identified himself on radio as "Methrob" was woken by fire sirens, grabbed his aunty and they started to make their way down. "By the time that we got downstairs, the fire had gone all the way up and was just about reaching our windows," he said. "The whole side of the building was on fire. The cladding went up like a matchstick." There are many more stories of narrow escapes. Other stories do not end well. Jessica Urbano, 12, borrowed someone's phone as she hid in a stairwell with a group of friends making their way down from the 20th floor. She rang her mum. "Jessica had been asleep in our flat when something woke her - I don't know if it was the smoke or a fire alarm - so she rang me at 1.39am as I was on my way home from work," Jessica's mum, Adriana, told the London Telegraph. "She said, ''Mum where are you? Mummy come and get me'." Mrs Urbano urged Jessica to run down the stairs of the tower block and try to find a fire fighter to lead her to safety.

"I told her to get out of there as quickly as she could. I said 'run as fast as you can', but then the line cut out". On Thursday Jessica was listed among the missing. On the 14th floor, at 1.38am, Zainab Dean phoned her brother Francis. "She said there was a fire in the building," Francis said later. "She was very nervous and scared. She is a nervous person anyway. She said the fire service arrived and had told everyone to keep calm and to stay where she was." Twenty minutes later, he got to the building and tried to get in to rescue his sister, but police stopped him.

After an hour, he was desperate with worry. "I could see the building was going up in flames. I said Zainab you have to get out of the building it's not looking good. She said she didn't want to go down the stairs because there was too much smoke. "But she tried anyway and then [her three-year-old son] Jeremiah collapsed in her arms." Their last contact was at 3am. "On the phone I just keep telling her they were coming to get her."

He handed his phone to a fireman. The fireman handed it back, saying "tell her you love her". "I knew then to fear the worst. The phone went dead and I couldn't talk to her." One firefighter was heard telling his crew "we're going in and we're going up". "My firefighters battled through intense heat to reach some of the highest floors," said London Fire Brigade Commissioner Dany Cotton. "I was looking at a building that was engulfed in fire where I knew members of the public were still trapped  yet I was committing hundreds of firefighters into a building that to a lot of people looked terribly unsafe.

"My firefighters were desperate to get in there and desperate to rescue people, and we committed crew after crew into a very dangerous, very hot and very difficult situation because we had a passion to do as much as we could to rescue the people in there." The firefighters were told to write their names and numbers on their helmets before they went in. "It was like a war zone in there," said one. They rescued at least 65 people. Another said they were "knee deep in debris and bodies" once they climbed past the 11th floor  but they kept going up as high as they could, as far as their legs and oxygen canisters would taken them, touching and feeling their way along corridors and stairs, "sweeping and stamping" to check for obstacles or collapsed flooring. Outside, the fire hoses simply couldn't reach the upper floors.

By the time the fire reached the top floors, the internal stairwell was ink-black with smoke and those remaining felt there was no escape. Nura Jemal, mother of three on the 22nd floor, told a friend on the telephone "I'm so sorry, goodbye. Please forgive us. We are not going to make it." The first victim of the fire to be name was Mohammed al-Haj Ali , 23, a Syrian refugee who came to the UK in 2014 and was studying civil engineering. He had been in a flat on the 14th floor with his brother Omar. "We smelled the smoke, opened the door, saw smoke," Omar said. "The smoke came inside. I've seen the fire around me."

They left the apartment together and headed for the stairs. "I couldn't see anything, even my fingers," Omar said. "I thought I was going to die on those stairs. I was breathing smoke, lots of smoke." Then, when he was almost out, "I looked behind me and I didn't see my brother." "I called him [on the phone] and said 'where are you'? He said 'I'm in the flat'. I said 'why didn't you come?' He said 'no one brought me outside'." There they stayed, Omar outside and Mohammed in. They spoke to the end.

"I was speaking to my brother [on the phone] he said 'I'm dying'. He said 'I cannot breathe'." Among the lost are a 57-year-old man who told his wife and son to leave him behind, and has not been seen since, and Tony Disson, 66, whose phone fell silent at 4am after speaking to a friend and saying "tell my sons I love them". Ali Jafari, 82, was escaping with his wife and daughter in the lift but got out at the 10th floor, unable to breathe, and did not get back in before the doors closed. A mother lost her grip on her 12-year-old daughter's hand as they stumbled down the pitch-black stairwell. She spent Thursday travelling from hospital to hospital searching for her child. Rania Ibrahim posted frightened videos on Snapchat and Facebook while trapped on the 23rd floor, the hallway outside impassable with smoke. Her last message was "guys, I can't get out".

But there were more survivors, too, emerging from the blaze in the arms of firefighters. Natasha Elcock, trapped on the 12th floor with her six-year-old daughter, flooded the bathroom and kept her flat damp. After 90 minutes the fire crew told them to get out but they couldn't  the door of the flat was too hot to open. "The door was buckling and the windows bubbling and cracking, it was terrifying," she said. Fire crews rescued her at 3am. She stepped over a body on the way out. Schools inspector Marcio Gomes, 38, was told to stay put but by 4.30am the fire had engulfed the whole building, and fire crews were unable to make it up to them.

He wrapped his family up in wet towels and said, "There's no turning back, we have to go," he told the Sun. "As soon as we opened the door all the smoke came in. We had no choice because the fire started coming in through the windows. We had to go down the stairs. "You couldn't see anything. We didn't see people, we just felt people. We were just climbing over bodies." He stayed on the line to the fire operator all the way down. "They said 'keep going down, keep using your voice'."

They made it out  only to find that 12-year-old Luana had been left behind, collapsed from smoke inhalation. He headed back in, and with the help of a firefighter found his unconscious daughter. Many of those trapped inside became desperate. Some tried to fashion ropes out of bedsheets or Christmas lights, one was said to have tried to make a parachute from bin bags. Others leaned out of their windows, gasping for air, as flames licked closer and their homes filled with smoke. Some jumped. The first five confirmed dead were found outside the building.

Paramasivan, from the seventh floor, said he "could see people banging on their windows or flashing their lights, then some of the windows started blowing out". "It was horrendous. There were explosions everywhere you looked. "About 12 floors up I saw three children waving at a window  you could see their silhouettes and then bang, it just went up." Ubaidah Rachi, 15, said: "I saw a mother and father and their two children screaming and shouting for someone to rescue them. I could see the flames and smoke growing higher and higher below them. Eventually the flames reached them and swallowed the whole family. It was a terrible, terrible sight." Tamara told the BBC: "There were people just throwing their kids out saying 'save my children'."

Samira Lamrani, 38, saw a man run and catch a baby in a blanket at the base of the tower. "The sound of children begging for help as they were trapped in the upper floors is something I will never be able to forget," she said. "It was a cacophony of anguished screams, horrendous to listen to. It was traumatising, their voices, their high pitched voices, I could hear them screaming for their lives. "The look on their face was death." The following day, and even more so the day after, the look on many faces was anger.

Survivors and their friends and relatives were frustrated at a lack of information about how they might find their missing loved ones. They were angry at the conflicting messages over whether to stay in the building once it caught light. There were fears in neighbouring buildings and ones across the country about the dangers of aluminium cladding commonly used in refurbishments, about the almost universal lack of fire sprinklers in old council tower blocks. There was fury at the revelation that this tragedy shared many aspects in common with another, smaller fatal tower block fire in south London in 2009. An inquest into that blaze made recommendations on building codes that have still not been implemented. Labour MP David Lammy has even called for criminal charges, saying the fire was "corporate manslaughter  and there should be arrests made". He feared a family friend had been lost in the fire. And he blamed decades of neglect of the thousands of tower blocks that house some of the country's poorest and most vulnerable  even in Kensington, the richest borough in the country.
Moscow: Russia's Defence Ministry was checking information that a Russian airstrike near the Syrian city of Raqqa may have killed Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in late May.

The airstrike was launched after the Russian forces in Syria received intelligence that a meeting of IS leaders was being planned, the ministry said in a statement posted on its Facebook page.

"On May 28, after drones were used to confirm the information on the place and time of the meeting of IS leaders, between 00:35 and 00:45, Russian air forces launched a strike on the command point where the leaders were located," the statement said.

"According to the information which is now being checked via various channels, also present at the meeting was Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, who was eliminated as a result of the strike," the ministry said.
But this business is unlikely to be resolved, at least as it concerns Trump, in the criminal justice system - because the Justice Department has long held that a sitting president cannot be indicted. Refused to answer some questions: US Attorney-General Jeff Sessions. Credit:Bloomberg Consequently, the findings of the Mueller investigation will end up back in Congress, where the Republican Party-controlled House will have to make an initial decision to impeach Trump. The criminal investigation is an essential element of the investigation, but "this Russia thing" will be resolved politically  hence the decision by the White House to fight along political lines. That meant that when The Washington Post dropped its bombshell report on Wednesday evening  that Trump, personally, was under investigation for obstruction of justice  his legal team didn't even bother to refute the charge. Instead, a spokesman vented about yet another leak from within the investigation. Former FBI Director James Comey smiles during a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing last week. Credit:AP

Trump had claimed that then FBI director James Comey had informed him three times, and Comey confirmed in Senate testimony last week, that Trump had not been under personal investigation. But that seems to have changed with Trump's decision to sack Comey. Remarkably, Trump is reportedly considering a move to sack Mueller. When Trump associate Chris Ruddy revealed as much this week, there was massive pushback  inside and outside the administration. US President Donald Trump, accompanied by first lady Melania Trump, signs the Supreme Court guest book, on Thursday. Credit:AP Trump is reportedly antsy that Mueller's investigation could be "compromised"  an argument already being finessed by Trump loyalists who say that Mueller has a conflict of interest because his former law firm represented Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner, even though the Justice Department has knocked down that line of attack. In the firestorm ignited by the Ruddy revelation, the White House didn't deny that Trump was contemplating dumping Mueller  instead it claimed "while the President has the right to [fire Mueller], he has no intention to do so".

Another wrinkle for the Trump camp emerged on Thursday when Richard Burt, a Washington-based lobbyist for Russian interests, revealed that during the 2016 election campaign Sessions had asked him to help in formulating national security and foreign policy  inviting him to two dinners in the process. Burt's revelation that "I did attend two dinners with groups of former Republican foreign policy officials and Senator Sessions" seemed to contradict Sessions' insistent claim while testifying earlier this week that he had not had any other contact "with any representative, including any American lobbyist or agent of any Russian company" during the 2016 campaign. "I don't believe so," Sessions said in response to the specific question from Arizona Senator John McCain. Sessions irked Trump when he recused himself from any Justice Department consideration of the Russia investigation in March, after it was revealed that he had two meetings with Russian officials that he had seemingly denied during his confirmation hearing. Trump is gambling on navigating what has become a multi-layered legal quagmire by resorting to the political attack strategy that worked for him during the election campaign. Talking points for Trump surrogates, being circulated by the Republican National Committee, argue bluntly that there was no obstruction of justice and that the only crime was the "inexcusable, outrageous, and illegal" leaks.

They also seek to use comments by Comey on Obama-era attorney-general Loretta Lynch ordering him to call the probe of Hillary Clinton's emails "a matter" instead of "an investigation" to deflect attention from Trump, arguing that here was a provable obstruction of justice - Comey "openly admitted that [Lynch] successfully influenced him". The talking points also push the argument rehearsed in Trump's Thursday tweets  that having failed to prove collusion between the Trump campaign and the Russians who meddled in the 2016 campaign, investigators were now trying to "save face" by shifting to the obstruction of justice probe. The talking points conclude: "When is this fishing expedition going to end so we can get back to the real issues that matter to Americans?" But legal observers see a pattern of conduct by Trump that warrants investigation for obstruction: He openly admitted that his irritation with the conduct of the FBI's Russia investigation was the reason he sacked Comey;

Comey told the Senate of Trump's demand for personal "loyalty", upon which his tenure as FBI director seemed to be conditional;

However Trump may have parsed his request for Comey to "let go" of the investigation into former national security adviser Michael Flynn, Comey said he took the President's words as a "direction  an order";

Trump boasted to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov that in sacking the "nut job" Comey he had greatly reduced the pressure he had been feeling from the Russia investigation.

Further it seems that Trump had used Sessions and his deputy Rod Rosenstein, wittingly or not, to craft a cover story on the Comey sacking that was publicly demolished by Trump's "this Russia thing" comment in a TV interview. In congressional testimony, both Sessions and Rosenstein refused to detail their conversations with Trump; as have national intelligence director Daniel Coats and National Security Agency boss Mike Rogers. Rogers and Coats and a former Rogers deputy have agreed to be interviewed by Mueller's investigators. To win politically, Trump needs to win public opinion. He has his work cut out. A new Associated Press-NORC Centre for Public Affairs Research poll finds a clear majority of Americans believe their President did try to interfere with the Russia investigation  and only 22 per cent support his sacking of Comey.
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

Business development manager Glynn Bruce of non-bank lender NWC Finance provides 80% of his loans through the corporate social media platform LinkedIn.He has brought in a total of $100m worth of loans over the past two years, mostly via a LinkedIn page which boasts over 6,000 followers and a database of 12,000 people seeking alternative finance for property and business.LinkedIn is proving to be a winning vehicle in finance, delivering a well credentialed clientele who are net savvy and not intimidated by social media as a method of securing finance, Bruce said.I am constantly on my LinkedIn page by providing case studies, tips and financing opportunities, both large and small.Speaking with Australian Broker, Bruce said he used his personal success stories at the firm to bring in more clients.Ill post a scenario on LinkedIn that weve settled whether it be something urgent or something quite spectacular. The other day we did a helicopter for a high net worth individual where even CBA pulled it in. The guy was worth millions.Bruce receives direct enquiries from these posts with people referring clients via LinkedIns direct messaging platform. He now gets 30 or 40 invitations per day as a result of his social media activity, he said.A lot of the brokers in the market today dont understand that theres this option out there for them. Traditionally the banks would do the majority of these deals but were now seeing a better sort of deal and a higher net worth client who cant get funding from the banks.Weve had clients come to us where the bank has pulled out the day before settlement. Weve had to settle a huge amount of money very quickly.NWC Finance has the capacity to service loans of up to $20m for commercial purchases, commercial refinancing, cash out and general business cash flow, Bruce said.The firm has developed a strong niche and bases its lending decisions on existing asset values, risk profile and prospects of the projects being financed.
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

With the government passing a new ASIC industry funding model through the Senate yesterday (15 June), the financial industry looks set to be hit with further charges.The ASIC Supervisory Cost Recovery Levy Act 2017 will come into effect on 1 July, imposing an additional annual levy on entities regulated under ASIC.The purpose of the bill is to ensure that the costs of the regulatory activities undertaken by ASIC are borne by those creating the need for regulation, rather than Australian taxpayers and improve ASICs transparency and accountability to the industry.Affected entities include those providing credit services and financial services as well as companies registered under the Corporations Act.The levy will recover ASICs costs for the financial year from those who were regulated during that time period.The levy will be calculated and will become payable in the following financial year, once ASIC has issued the leviable entity with a notice setting out their liability for the levy.Leviable entities may be required to give a return to ASIC that includes information that will be used to calculate the levy. Where ASIC does not require entities to provide information to calculate the levy, then those entities will not have to provide a return.The amount payable will be calculated through a combination of regulations and legislative instruments. Furthermore, different formulas may be used for various entities within the credit and financial services sectors.ASIC will issue a notice to those required to pay the levy, setting down the total amount payable and the date it is due. Those who fail to pay by this date will attract a late payment penalty of 20% per annum unless granted an extension.Where a levy, shortfall penalty, or late payment penalty remains unpaid for a period of 12 months, a range of administrative actions may be taken against the person, including deregistration, licence suspension or cancellation, as is appropriate in the case.Those who fail to provide a return or who supply an inadequate amount of information will be given a default notice for the amount that ASIC deems the individual or firm should pay. Those who fail to provide a return will also be liable under a criminal office.The law stipulates that the total levy paid across all financial players will not exceed the total regulatory costs of ASIC for the year.The government originally introduced the model on 20 April 2016, following 23 other federal governments including the UK, US and Germany which have implemented similar industry-funded policies. A proposals paper was released on 7 November with the Treasury receiving 231 submissions. Draft legislation was released for public consultation on 22 February this year.This is an important milestone not just for ASIC, but also for the companies and wider corporate sector that we regulate, ASIC chairman Greg Medcraft said.Industry funding, in one form or another, applies to other areas of public oversight in Australia and in many comparable economies around the world. Not only will the different elements of the broad business sector more fairly share the load, but the taxpaying public will benefit through the more accountable use of the funds provided for the task.The new funding arrangements will help ensure that Australia retains its highly admired system of corporate regulation supported by the rule of law, he said.
Springfield quarry plan still unresolved as residents wait, worry

Conditional Use Hearing on a proposed quarry along Rt. 309 in Springfield may be nearing an end after two years. Here's what residents have to say.
UB bio-artist Paul Vanouse wins Award of Distinction at prestigious Prix Ars Electronica

His winning work, The America Project, uses DNA from the saliva of hundreds of people to create iconic images such as crowns and fighter jets

BUFFALO, N.Y.  Paul Vanouse, University at Buffalo professor of art and director of Coalesce: Center for Biological Art, received the Award of Distinction in the Hybrid Art category of the 2017 Prix Ars Electronica, the premiere cyberarts festival and competition in the world.

His work, The America Project, was one of two projects to receive the award, taking home one of the three top prizes from over 1,060 other entries submitted from 106 countries. Vanouse will receive his award at the Ars Electronica Gala on Sept. 8 in Linz, Austria.

The Ars Electronica festival is an important summit for emerging practices in the arts, says Vanouse. For bio-art in particular, it affords the platform to engage highly topical debates on the aesthetic, ethical and even ontological dimensions of the emerging field. And, of course, I feel highly honored to receive the award.

The America Project is a bio-art installation that revolves around the idea of a shared identity that was once a part of the utopia of America. The work was described by the Ars Electronica jury as producing the very icon of the melting pot, the U.S. flag, as the result of a live scientific experiment.

Visitors are asked to rinse their mouths with a saline solution and then spit into a spittoon that comingles the DNA of hundreds of people. The DNA is processed in a custom DNA amplification procedure that Vanouse and his colleague at Coalesce, Solon Morse, use to develop iconic images of power such as crowns, fighter jets and flags that are visualized as live video projections.
Research News

Ancient otter tooth found in Mexico suggests mammals migrated across America

Discovery of an ancient otter's tooth may have solved a scientific mystery.

By GROVE POTTER

Now that we have this evidence of these animals moving through Mexico, we can now look for evidence of other animals doing the same.  Jack Tseng, assistant professor Department of Pathology and Anatomical Sciences

Late in the afternoon on a hot March day in central Mexico, a paleontologist uncovered a jawbone and called over to Jack Tseng. Tseng, assistant professor in the Department of Pathology and Anatomical Sciences in UBs Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, was on the dig researching intercontinental immigration of fossil mammals. I thought it was a badger, Tseng recalls, but a colleague on the site had just finished a study of otters and he said it was sea otter-like. But what would a sea otter be doing in central Mexico? Turns out the otter, from about 6 million years ago, may have been part of an immigration event from Florida to California. Based on the discovery, Tseng and his colleagues have written a paper, published yesterday in the journal Biology Letters. They propose a new east-west passage for the otter  and potentially other mammals  along the northern edge of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt, which runs across the country at the latitude of Mexico City. This is an entirely new idea that no one else has proposed, Tseng says. We think its very likely other animals utilized this route.

The right tooth

The ancient otter jawbone found in Mexico by Jack Tseng and colleagues.



Like many breakthroughs, this one came from a fortunate tiny detail. The jawbone held several teeth. One tooth was a lower first molar, the most diagnostic tooth in a carnivore, Tseng explains. If we are lucky enough to find a fossil molar tooth that is complete, there is a lot of useful information. The tooth was almost identical to a tooth from another Enhydritherium terraenovae (an ancient sea otter) fossil found in Florida. Similar finds had only been made along the coasts in Florida and California, but paleontologists did not know how the animals got across the continent. One hypothesis was that they moved up and around through northern Canada, an 8,000-kilometer trip. Another was they made it down to Panama and crossed over to the west. The possibility of an east-west migratory route in Mexico in the Miocene geologic epoch (roughly 23 million to 5.3 million years ago) has implications for a much larger biologic event  the Great American Biotic Interchange, when land bridges were formed and animals dispersed to and from North America and South America. It shows the regions fossil sites could have recorded details of this biological interchange of historic proportions. But why dont we know more about this already? Compared to the U.S., Mexico is a blank slate in terms of paleontology, Tseng says. The region is difficult to work in because of the topography and flora, like cactus. So not many long-term field projects exist there. This is the beginning of the study, he says. Now that we have this evidence of these animals moving through Mexico, we can now look for evidence of other animals doing the same.

Expanding ranges

The site in central Mexico where Jack Tseng and colleagues discovered the ancient otter jawbone.



Adolfo Pacheco-Castro, a PhD student at the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Centro de Geociencias, and an author of the study, found the jawbone at the dig site in the Juchipila Basin, about 535 miles southeast of Laredo, Texas. The bone was taken to the university in Mexico, cleaned off and studied. We compared it to the original tooth from Florida, and based on the cusps and the size, it couldnt be anything else, Tseng says. The fossils in Florida are older than those in California, so researchers speculate that immigrations went east to west. But why did they travel at all? Animals tend to expand their range when and where there is opportunity, Tseng says. As in when there is a geographic connection to suitable habitats. So as populations expand their range, they can move across a continent, or even between continents. The Miocene-Pliocene transitional period was a time of disturbance, Tseng says. The plains of America would have been like Africa, with many large mammals. But the first ice age was approaching. Many large mammals perished in the ice age from environmental and anthropogenic causes, but relatives of the smaller Enhydritherium  about the size of a small to medium dog  survived into modern times and still live around central Mexico today.

New area of study
NJ Weedman got a license to sell NJ legal weed. He almost said no.
Burnham-On-Seas MP James Heappey has spoken out this week about a controversial decision to withdraw vital Warfarin blood testing at the towns medical centre due to a shortage of doctors and nurses.

As we reported here, Burnham & Berrow Medical Centre has written to 230 patients stating that it has to concentrate resources on providing essential general practice services due to the recruitment problems.

From July 1st, the life-saving Warfarin blood testing and management service is being withdrawn and patients have been advised to use other medical centres instead.

Mr Heappey told Burnham-On-Sea.com: Over the last few days, Ive spoken to both the Burnham and Highbridge Medical Centres, the Chief Executive of the Clinical Commissioning Group and the Chairman of Burnham Medical Centres Patient Group. Whilst I am reassured to know that this is not a resource issue  the Burnham Medical Centre is handing back the money for the INR testing contract  I am disappointed that clinician recruitment issues have again led to the loss of an important medical service within our community.

The most important issue is the management of those patients who have required INR testing as a result of their use of Warfarin. The Highbridge Medical Centre assures me that they are able to take on patients wishing to transfer whilst the Burnham Medical Centre has explained that many of the 230 affected patients will be able to switch to a different anticoagulant which requires only an annual blood test. I understand that the practice is speaking to all affected patients in order to review their treatment. It is hugely important that, in the meantime, existing patients do not stop taking their Warfarin.

However, I understand the anger that patients will feel  especially those who are unable to switch medication because of other conditions. The Clinical Commissioning Group are looking at other ways to deliver the INR contract in the Burnham-on-Sea area and I will continue to work with local NHS leaders and the Government to find a solution to the problems we have on clinician recruitment in our county.

I am sure that the Unite Union intended to invite me to their meeting in Burnham this evening and that it is a genuine oversight rather than politics that meant they didnt get in touch. I know that they will know that the loss of the INR testing service in Burnham is not because of a lack of funds and so I look forward to working with them constructively to find a solution for patients in Burnham.

However, it is important that local residents are not fooled by the press release circulated by the union before their meeting tonight. Somersets NHS Sustainability & Transformation Plan is not remotely secretive. I was briefed on it months ago, so were the Patient Participation Groups around the county and full copies have been available through the Somerset Partnership NHS Trust, the Somerset County Council and the Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group from the moment it was published. This vision for Somersets healthcare was written by clinicians  not politicians  and is well worth reading. You can read the STP and contribute to the consultation by visiting the CCGs website: http://www.somersetccg.nhs.uk/get-involved/consultations-and-engagement/stp-plan/
Arunabh Kumar, founder of the Tiger Global-backed online media startup The Viral Fever (TVF), has stepped down as the chief executive of the company saying the allegations of sexual harassment against him were hurting the company.



"In the wake of the recent personal attacks, what really breaks me is the blemish on the brand's true promise. I have, therefore, taken the decision to step down as CEO of TVF," Kumar said in a statement released on his Twitter handle on Friday.



Kumar added that Dhawal Gusain, who had been working at TVF for two years, would take over as CEO, while he would continue as a mentor to the content team.



The Mumbai Police had on March 29 registered a case of sexual harassment against Kumar on the basis of a complaint filed by a former female employee. Kumar had obtained an anticipatory bail soon after, on the condition that he would remain available whenever called by the police.



Following this, another case of sexual harassment was filed in Mumbai against Kumar.



Kumar's alleged harassment of women at the workplace had first come to light when an anonymous post on blogging platform Medium, written by a female former employee going by the pseudonym Indian Fowler, claimed she had been molested by Kumar. The post saw widespread outrage on social media, especially after TVF's initial response of threatening the writer of the blog.



"We made a grave mistake by responding instinctively in our first official response. While no amount of apologies can undo the mistake, I would like to once again apologise from the bottom of our hearts for letting you all down," Kumar said in his statement on Friday.



The Indian Fowler's blog post had come soon after Susan Fowler, a former employee of Uber, listed out complaints accusing the ride-hailing firm of building a culture that encouraged sexual harassment against women. Uber did an independent investigation and fired 20 employees after finding there were no policies to keep a check on such violations.



Earlier this week, Uber Founder Travis Kalanick stepped down temporarily as the CEO after a board meeting following the publication of the investigation report. Kalanick and two senior executives now face a lawsuit by a rape victim in India for violating her privacy by illegally securing her health records.
A woman sued Technologies Inc on Thursday claiming top executives at the ride-hailing company improperly obtained her medical records after she was raped by a driver in India, according to court documents.
said that it has started using 'artificial intelligence' (AI) to help combat terrorists' use of its platform.

The American company's announcement comes as it faces growing pressure from government leaders to identify and prevent the spread of content from terrorist groups on its massive social network.

officials said in a blog post on 15 June 2017, that the company uses AI to find and remove the "terrorist content" immediately, before users see it. This is a departure from Facebook's usual policy of only reporting suspect content if users report it first.

They also say that when the company receives reports of potential "terrorism posts," it reviews those reports urgently. In addition, it says that in the rare cases when it uncovers evidence of imminent harm, it promptly informs authorities.
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 ...
The Forum for IT Employees (FITE) said that around 85 petitions have been filed with the labour departments of various states against major IT and several others for alleged layoffs.
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With its announcement to ramp up gas production, (RIL) has finally addressed the issue of declining gas volumes from the Krishna Godavari (KG-D6) fields. Thus, the investment of $6 billion or Rs 40,000 crore in association with British Petroleum (BP) for developing about 3 trillion cubic feet of discovered gas resources in KG-D6 block is expected to benefit the company, albeit in the longer term.



Analysts feel the plan to develop existing discoveries in D6 is a clear positive and a fresh round of capex could rub off on the stock. Earnings upgrades, however, will start coming only with tangible progress in exploration and production. Analysts at Kotak Institutional Equities say that developing discovered gas resources will be positive though they await further progress before incorporating these developments into RILs financials. They have an add rating on the stock.


Mustafa Dossa, a key mastermind of the case, and extradited gangster Abu Salem were on Friday convicted by a special Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (Tada) court.



While Dossa was convicted on charges of conspiracy and murder under various sections of the IPC, besides offences under the Tada Act, the Arms Act and the Explosives Act, Salem was found guilty of transporting weapons from Gujarat to Mumbai ahead of the blasts.



Salem had also handed over to actor Sanjay Dutt-- who was an accused in the case for illegally possessing weapons-- AK 56 rifles, 250 rounds and some hand grenades at his residence on January 16, 1993. Two days after supplying the arms, on January 18, 1993 Salem and two others had gone to Dutt's house and got back two rifles and some rounds.



The trial of the seven accused -- Abu Salem, Mustafa Dossa, Karimullah Khan, Firoz Abdul Rashid Khan, Riyaz Siddiqui, Tahir Merchant and Abdul Quayyum  had been separated from the main case as they were arrested at the time of conclusion of the main trial.



Abdul Qayyum was acquitted of all charges and the court ordered his release against a personal bond. As for Riaz Siddiqui, though he was convicted, the Tada Court said it believed the prosecution failed to prove charges for conspiracy.



Earlier, the court had dropped certain charges against Salem in 2013 after the investigating agency the Central bureau of Investigation (CBI)-- moved a plea saying those charges were against the extradition treaty between India and Portugal.



Dossa allegedly masterminded the landing of explosives including RDX in India and sent some youth to Pakistan to acquire arms training to execute the blasts.



The dastardly attacks had left 257 dead, 713 persons seriously injured and destroyed properties worth Rs 27 crore.



In the first leg of the trial that concluded in 2007, the Tada court had convicted 100 accused in the case, while 23 persons were acquitted.



On March 12, 1993 the country's commercial capital witnessed an unprecedented terrorist attack when a series 12 bomb explosions took place one after another in about a span of two hours.



The blasts took place at Bombay Stock Exchange, Katha Bazaar, Lucky petrol pump near Sena Bhavan, opposite Passport office near Century Bazaar, Fishermen's colony at Mahim Causeway, at basement of Air India Building, Zaveri Bazaar, Hotel Sea Rock, Plaza Theatre, Centaur Hotel (Juhu), Sahar Airport (Bay no.54) and Centaur Hotel (near airport).



This was the first ever terrorist attack in the world after the Second World War that had seen the use of RDX (Research Department Explosive i.E cyclotrimethylene trinitramine) on such a large-scale.



According to the prosecution, in order to avenge the demolition of Babri Masjid, members of the crime syndicate under the fugitive don Dawood Ibrahim along with other absconding accused Tiger Memon, Mohammed Dossa and Mustafa Dossa hatched a conspiracy to commit terrorist acts in India.



The prosecution said that the object of the crime was to commit terrorist acts with an intent to overawe the Government of India, to strike terror on the people, alienate section of the people and to harm the communal harmony.



It said that the conspirators smuggled fire arms, ammunition, detonators, hand grenades and highly explosive substances like RDX into India and stored it.



According to the prosecution, Mustafa Dossa, Tiger Memon and Chhota Shakeel organised training camps in Pakistan and India to impart and undergo weapon and arms training and handling of explosives. They also sent men from India to Pakistan via Dubai for arms training.



The prosecution also said that the conspirators held 15 meetings before the execution of the blasts.
After a 35-year long hiatus, the West Bengal government had to again fall back on Indian Army's help in its efforts to contain escalated tension in the Darjeeling hills following the revival of the demand of a separate state for the Gorkhas by the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM).


The residence of founder and executive chairman of NDTV, Prannoy Roy, where the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) conducted raids in connection with a case in which it was alleged that Roy and his wife, Radhika, had caused loss to a bank.
The Home Ministry on Friday said there was no delay in providing to the British authorities the evidence against liquor baron Vijay Mallya, who is facing an extradition case in London, and the CBI had sent all documents to the External Affairs Ministry last week.

"There was no delay in sending the evidence. The Central Bureau of Investigation had on June 8 sent the documents to the External Affairs Ministry which sent them to the British authorities," home ministry spokesperson Ashok Prasad said.

Prasad said the documents did not come to the home ministry and the CBI had sent directly to the MEA as it was vetoed by the home ministry earlier.

The comments came after media reports suggested that Crown Prosecution Service, which is representing India's case of Mallya's extradition, told a London court that it will require three-four weeks time to receive evidence from India.

The CBI too had "categorically affirmed" that there was no delay.

The agency yesterday tried to defend itself by giving a detailed timeline of events leading to June 13 hearing where reported comments were made by Aaron Watkins of the Crown Prosecution Service.

"During the hearing on June 13, 2017, when the counsel of fugitive Mallya sought a date in March-April, 2018, Aaron Watkins of CPS opposed the same. To justify a later date, the defence counsel raised the issue of delay, which is nothing but a figment of his imagination," CBI spokesperson R K Gaur had said.

He said the hearing of June 13 was not an "extradition hearing" and its purpose was to determine further steps to be taken up in the case and to draw a timetable for extradition proceedings.

Gaur said the charge sheet against Mallya was filed on January 24 before the Special Judge for the CBI cases, Mumbai which issued a non-bailable warrant of arrest on January 31.

He said as the fugitive Mallya has been in London since March 2016, the request for extradition of Mallya was forwarded on February 9 to the UK authorities through diplomatic channels.
The very first two Lutheran missionaries to set foot in Enga were Reverend Dr Otto Carl Hintze Jr and Rev Willard Burce who settled at Yaramanda near Rimbinks village.

Dr Hintze, who died recently aged 93, had to beg Rimbink Pato from his wheelchair to reverse a decision he made to deport missionaries working in Enga Province.

The following is an excerpt from my book I Can See My Country Clearly Now, tells of this incident.

For those interested to read more about this saga, the book is available free online. It is also sold at the University of Papua New Guinea Bookshop in Port Moresby.

So they came to Enga and established the first church at Yaramanda near Wapenamanda on 2 November 1948. From there they established congregations in the Tsak Valley, Sirunki in Laiagam and in other parts of the province including the establishment of their headquarters at Irelya - a few kilometres from the Wabag government patrol post.

They successfully preached the Word of God to the people after learning their language and began to understand the people.

Todays missionaries need to be trained also in learning and working with the mother tongue of those to whom they are sent. They need a course in cultural anthropology, said Dr Otto.

They are to approach (the native people as a whole person, male and female, family by family, in loving Christian relationships to the community as a whole, especially to tribal people.

Dr Otto and fellow Lutheran missionaries worked hard to improve all facets of life for the Enga. A book he published From Ghosts to God tells how the peoples education system, agriculture and economy all improved as they embraced the Gospel.

They built schools, hospitals and health centres, set up co-operative businesses, introduced animal husbandry and livestock, and built a hydro system to provide power to Mambisanda Hospital and the first high school in Enga Province at Pausa.

Chief Justice Sir Salamo Injia, Foreign Affairs Minister Rimbink Pato, former acting Prime Minister Sam Abal, Grand Chief Sir Peter Ipatas KBE, former Lagaip-Porgera member Philip Kikala, Provincial Administrator Dr Samson Amean, Provincial Planner and former Administrator the late Kundapen Talyaga were some of the people educated there.

In his book, Dr Otto recalled the challenges, missteps and even dangers he and his wife, Janelle, overcame in faith amid the austere, foreign conditions of the region and how those conditions improved significantly over time.

God chooses very ordinary people who have strong faith in Jesus to be missionaries, said Dr Otto. God blesses whatever is done in love - even mistakes - to enable people to listen and have faith, created by the Holy Spirit, in their hearts. Even in dangerous circumstances, Gods angels protect and provide what is needed.

After 17 years in PNG, Dr Otto taught at Concordia Theological Seminary (then located in Springfield, Illinois), served on the staff of the LCMS Board for Mission Services, was pastor of Inreach and Outreach at Ascension Lutheran Church, St. Louis and was chaplain at the LCMS International Centre in St Louis.

Just before he passed on, confined to a wheelchair in his home in Missouri, he summoned all his strength and wrote to Rimbink Pato, to reconsider his stand to ban American Lutheran missionaries from going to Enga Province to help people.

He wrote the letter on 3 July 2015 when he learnt that Mrs Julie Lutz and her son Anton Lutz were to be deported. And wife of Highlands Lutheran International School Chaplin, Dr Todd Luedtke, Jane was told to go back to Washington DC to get her visa because she had been in the province on a tourist visa.

But when she tried to get her visa in Washington, she could not get it because there was a problem at the Immigration Office in PNG. Chief Migration Officer Mataio Rabura confirmed later that they had been banned from coming into the country.

The ban appeared to be in relation to a long standing power struggle within the Gutnius Lutheran Church between the followers of David Piso and Nick Ayane for the post of Head Bishop.

Concerning the deportation ordered against Mrs Julie Lutz and her son Anton, Rev Hintze said deportation was usually reserved for those who have broken the law.

Julie and Anton broke no federal laws, but instead they tried to follow the laws of PNG and did many good things for the people of PNG, he wrote.

Julies husband and Antons father, Dr Steve Lutze was a veteran medical doctor at the Lutheran Church -run Mambisanda Hospital for many years and died working there. Julie and Anton wanted to continue to serve the people in Enga Province.

Also, for what reason has Mrs. Luedtke been denied a visa to return to PNG in order to help the country through teaching children good things?
The European Parliament (EP) on Thursday debated and adopted a resolution condemning the human rights situation in Pakistan, as well as slamming Islamabad for breaching international law by not allowing consular access to Indian Kulbhushan Jadhav, who has been sentenced to death for espionage.





Significantly, the EP resolution came on Thursday, days after the International Court of Justice (ICJ) stayed the death sentence given to Kulbhushan Jadhav, a retired Indian Navy officer, by a Pakistan army court for alleged "involvement in espionage and terrorist activities in Pakistan".



India moved the ICJ, describing the charges against Jadhav as "concocted" and his trial as "farcical".
Violence was high in the northern West Bengal hills on Thursday as angry Gorkha Janmukti Morcha supporters went on a rampage torching a railway station, a police outpost as also vehicles after a police raid on party chief Bimal Gurung's house in Darjeeling district.

The Gayabari station of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway - declared as a heritage site by the UNESCO, a state transport bus and several vehicles including one belonging to a media house were set on fire by the protestors, hours before the GJM called an indefinite general strike in the hills encompassing Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts and the Dooars (foothills of the Himalayas covering stretches of Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar district).

In Kolkata, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee blamed intelligence failure for the fresh unrest in the hills, where the GJM sponsored shutdown entered day three.

On Thursday morning, GJM activists, with their women's wing Nari Morcha in the vanguard, virtually surrounded the police force as they were returning after the raid on Gurung's house in Patlebas, and started hurling petrol bombs and stones from elevated areas in the hills.

Several police officials were injured. In response, the security forces lobbed tear gas shells at the protesters after a baton charge failed to control the situation. Later, large police reinforcements arrived in the area.

A North Bengal Transport Corporation bus, bound for Bijanbari from Siliguri, was set ablaze by pro-Gorkhaland protestors, who also beat up the driver and the conductor.

Later in the day, the picturesque Gayabari station - which had retained its old structure over the years - was torched.

In neighbouring Kalimpong district, alleged GJM supporters torched the Pedong police outpost.

Police claimed to have seized bows and arrows, knives, axes, explosives and a large quantity of cash from Gurung's house.

"Two persons have been detained so far in the incident," said Darjeeling's Superintendent of Police Akhilesh Kumar Chaturvedi.

"It seems that they gathered all these arms to attack the police. No peace loving person can have this amount of arms in store," he claimed.

Police also arrested Nari Morcha leader Karuna Gurung from Kurseong.

Accusing the state government of "high-handedness and oppression", GJM General Secretary Roshan Giri appealed to the central and state governments to intervene and sort out the "political problem".

"To protest against the police high-handedness, we are calling for an indefinite general strike in the hills," Giri said.

"This is a political problem, not a law and order situation. The Government of India and the government of West Bengal should solve it politically," he said.

The GJM central committee met at Mangalabari in the Dooars and brought out a torch rally at night in the Terai plains close to the hills and the Dooars.

GJM central committee member Sandip Chettri said protest rallies would be brought out on Friday in protest against the police action.

Refuting the police allegations, Giri said the bows and arrows stored in the party office were for the annual archery programme of the local schools.

Meanwhile, the women Morcha activists gathered outside Gurung's house in large numbers and demonstrated demanding a separate state of Gorkhaland.

"We want a separate Gorkhaland. We strongly condemn the raid and ransacking at our leaders house," a woman GJM activist asserted.

Terming the GJM's call for complete shut down as illegal and a crusade against the people, state Tourism Minister and Trinamool Congress leader Gautam Deb vowed to stop the strike at any cost.

Union Parliamentary Affairs and BJP leader Ananth Kumar held the Chief Minister responsible for the ongoing unrest, but urged her to hold discussions with the agitators in the hills.

"Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has not handled the situation in the hills with as much caution and understanding as she should have. That is why there is so much tension in the region," Kumar claimed.

Blaming intelligence failure for the trouble that sparked off on June 8, when the state cabinet had met in Darjeeling, Banerjee, without naming the GJM, alleged that there was a conspiracy to attack her ministerial colleagues.

"The administration had no information about the brewing tension. It was an intelligence failure," she while speaking at a function organised by Kolkata police.
It is the road often travelled that commands the attention of Dadarao Bilhore. On a recent trip to Tirupati, while co-travellers marvelled at the rich deity and temples, his eyes surveyed and approved of the condition of the tarmac.
The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena will make it to the Guinness Book of World Records! Congress MLA Nitesh Narayan Rane has said in a letter to the Guinness Book of World Records that the party deserves a place in the Guinness World Records for repeatedly threatening to withdraw support from the BJP-led government in Maharashtra.


Cross-border terrorism promoted by is the "fundamental" reason for the unrest in Kashmir, India said at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva while slamming Islamabad for raking up the issue for propaganda purposes and for ignoring its own obligation under UN resolutions to first vacate the illegal occupation of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Union ministers Rajnath Singh and M Venkaiah Naidu on Friday met Congress President Sonia Gandhi to discuss the Presidential poll as part of the ruling BJP's outreach to stitch a consensus on the official nominee.

Singh and Naidu arrived at Gandhi's 10 Janpath residence to help evolve an agreement on the crucial election scheduled for tomorrow.

The meeting lasted for 30 minutes. However, it was not immediately known as to what transpired at the meeting.

Senior Congress leaders Ghulam Nabi Azad and Mallikarjun Kharge were also present in the meeting, seen as the first major BJP outreach with the opposition on the significant matter.

The meeting comes barely two days after a sub group of opposition leaders constituted by Gandhi met in Azad's Parliament chamber to discuss the opposition strategy.

The meeting had decided to wait for the government proposal on the matter before taking a further view.
Russia has made no offer to mediate between India and Pakistan, contrary to reports in the Pakistani press that Russian President expressed his intention to mediate between the two countries, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday.
President Pranab Mukherjee invited Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief for lunch on at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the saffron outfit said.

Bhagwat, who was in Rudrapur on Thursday for the Sangh's volunteer education and training programme, reached the capital on Friday for the meeting, RSS sources said.

The timing of the meeting, which comes just ahead of the presidential election, has triggered speculation in some political quarters.

The RSS said it was a pre-decided courtesy meet and there was nothing to read into it.

Earlier too, Bhagwat had called on Pranab Mukherjee to extend Diwali greetings.

Both Bhagwat, whose name was proposed by Shiv Sena for the next president, and the incumbent Mukherjee have ruled out themselves from the race for the top constitutional post.
Indian-born Mohammad Shafi Armar, who has been described as the Islamic State's key recruiter in India, has been designated by the US State Department to its Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGT) list, an official statement said.
For almost a year, Sahithi Pingalis faithful companions included a small blue-green plastic tumbler and some jute rope. Armed with these two things, Pingali would show up besides Bengalurus ignominious water bodies, like the foaming Varthur and Bellandur Lake once every week. The teenager would then carefully make her way into the water, some of which has been known to catch fire, and swing the tumbler in to scoop some out.
The Centre is set to amend controversial rules under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act that banned the sale of cattle for slaughter in animal markets. The changes could clear the confusion over several issues, including whether buffaloes should be kept out of the ban. The issue is being politicised and the notification has been misconstrued, misinterpreted and misunderstood. If the misinterpretation is because of particular words or sentences, we will make efforts to remove that confusion, Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan told Business Standard.

The rules, notified on May 23, laid down several preconditions. including an undertaking from a buyer that animals bought were meant for farming and not for slaughter. The notification had brought livestock markets across the country to a halt. The trade in buffalo meat collapsed as over 90 per cent of the animals are bought by slaughter houses from cattle markets.

Cattle as defined by the rules included bulls, bullocks, cows, buffaloes, steers, heifers and calves, including camel. Apart from the buffalo meat trade, the notification rattled the countrys livestock and dairy industry.

The Opposition Congress termed the rule as an assault on the peoples eating habits as beef is consumed in the southern states. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan termed the move as an effort to impose the RSS agenda over the country.

Beef fests were organised on a large scale in the southern states. In one instance, Youth Congress workers publicly killed a cow, sparking protests from the BJP and other parties.Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said the notification was not meant to regulate slaughter while Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh said cattle was the engine of growth in rural areas.

It was never the intent of the government to directly or indirectly adversely affect the slaughter business or harm farmers or even influence the food habits of people, Harsh Vardhan said. He added the government was studying representations from all sections and would take remedial measures soon.



Officials said there could have been some drafting flaws in the notification. It was never the governments intent to harm business and food habits, an official remarked. Reacting to Harsh Vardhans statement, DB Sabharwal, secretary-general of the All-India Meat and Livestock Exporters Association, said exporters would wait for the amendment as also the Supreme Courts ruling on the matter, expected on June 15.

India is a global leader in buffalo meat exports, which grew at 29 per cent annually between 2007-08 and 2015-16 to ~26,685 crore. The country is also the largest producer of milk, of which over half is buffalo milk.

Some reports said Agriculture Produce and Export Development Authority under the ministry of commerce had written to the ministry to of environment to exempt buffalo from cattle slaughter rules.
A TDP MP on Thursday allegedly went on the rampage, pushing an airline staffer and throwing a printer on the floor, after he was denied boarding by IndiGo for being late  prompting a flying ban by the budget carrier as well as state-run Air India.

While IndiGo had finally accommodated of Telugu Desam Party, to which Union Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju also belongs, on the same flight this morning, later it decided to ban him from taking its flights.

State-run Air India soon followed suit by barring him from its own flights.

Earlier this year, Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad was temporarily banned by airlines from flying after he assaulted an Air India staffer, triggering a major controversy.

Following this, the Centre released its draft rules for a no-fly list for unruly passengers and proposed a ban on flying from three months up to an indefinite period. The government is expected to finalise these rules shortly.

Reddy was scheduled to fly IndiGo's flight 6E-608, which departs from Visakhapatnam at 8.10 am, to Hyderabad.

But he reached just 28 minutes before the scheduled departure, according to the airline.

As per norms laid out by the aviation regulator, airlines close check-in counters for all domestic fights 45 minutes prior to departure.

Reddy  who had allegedly vandalised the Air India office at Gannavaram airport in Vijaywada last year after he missed his flight  got into a verbal spat with the ground staff and threw a printer kept at the airline's counter after he was informed that boarding for his flight had closed.

Television channels also showed CCTV visuals of him allegedly pushing an IndiGo employee.

"The staff politely informed him that boarding for flight 6E-608 is closed and offered to accommodate Mr Reddy in the subsequent flight. Mr Reddy expressed his annoyance and soon raged against the staff using aggressive and abusive behaviour," IndiGo said in a statement.

Late in the evening, a top airline official told PTI IndiGo will not allow Reddy on its flights.

When asked whether the decision to ban the TDP member was of IndiGo alone or other Federation of Indian Airlines (FIA) members are also on board about the decision, the official said, "I speak only for my airline".

FIA members are IndiGo, SpiceJet, GoAir and Jet Airways.

When contacted, Air India spokesperson Dhananjay Kumar told PTI, "The incident that happened at Vizag airport is a matter of concern. As IndiGo has banned the MP from travelling, Air India is also barring him."



Jet Airways, GoAir and SpiceJet did not immediately respond to queries on whether Reddy would be banned from their flights also.

In a statement, IndiGo said, "Any untoward conduct which compromises the safety and security of our passengers and staff is a serious concern for us. Safety and security of passengers, crew and the aircraft is the top priority and it cannot be compromised.
A stout 27-year-old, Jimmy loves wearing his red, body-hugging T-shirt. Flexing his biceps as he ties back his shoulder-length hair, Jimmy explains how bright colours help him edge out competitors in his line of work. Too many of us are selling the same product. Customers spot my bright clothes from afar and come straight to my stall, he says.
Months after a female 'staffer' accused The Viral Fever (TVF) CEO Arunabh Kumar of sexual advances at the workplace, he stepped down from his post on Thursday. However, he will continue to work with as a mentor.
A woman who was raped by an Uber driver in India in 2014 on Thursday filed a lawsuit against the ride-hailing company and its embattled chief executive Travis Kalanick for "unlawfully" obtaining and sharing her medical records related to the sexual assault.

The woman, identified only as Jane Doe in the lawsuit filed in federal court in California, said in the complaint that she was "violated physically" when she was brutally raped in Delhi by her Uber driver in December 2014.

"Sadly, in the United States, Uber executives violated her a second time by unlawfully obtaining and sharing her medical records from that vicious sexual assault and have failed, as of the date of this filing, to apologise to her for this outrageous conduct," the lawsuit said.

The lawsuit has been filed against Uber, Kalanick, Uber's former Vice President for Business in Asia Eric Alexander and the company's then-Senior Vice President for Business Emil Michael.

The lawsuit has been filed days after it emerged that Alexander had obtained medical records of the 26-year-old woman and had shown them to Kalanick and Michael. It is also alleged that numerous executives at the car-hailing company were either told about the records or shown them by this group and Alexander had carried around the document for "about a year" before other executives, "presumably the legal department, obtained the report and destroyed his copy."



It is also alleged that Alexander, Kalanick and Michael had considered the prospect that Uber's main rival in India, Ola, could have been behind the sexual assault incident to sabotage the company.

The lawsuit added that Uber executives "duplicitously and publicly decried the rape, expressing sympathy for plaintiff, and shock and regret at the violent attack, while privately speculating, as outlandish as it is, that she had colluded with a rival company to harm Uber's business."



The woman currently lives in Texas and had previously sued Uber in 2015 for its lack of sufficient safety standards. The case was settled a few months later.
Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju on Friday said he will get the entire incident involving Telugu Desam Party (TDP) MP J C Diwakar Reddy at Vizag airport "enquired into" and will ensure that "lawful outcomes" follow.

Reddy, who is from the same party as that of the minister, allegedly created a ruckus at the Vizag airport on Thursday after being denied boarding by IndiGo as he was late.

While the TDP MP was finally accommodated on the same flight, all the major domestic carriers including IndiGo later banned him from their flights.

Raju said the entire matter would be looked into, a day after the incident.

"I will get the entire incident at Vizag Airport enquired into to find out the exact details and ensure that lawful outcomes follow," he said in a tweet.





I will get the entire incident at Vizag Airport enquired into to find out the exact details and ensure that lawful outcomes follow.  Ashok Gajapathi Raju (@Ashok_Gajapathi) June 16, 2017

The minister also denied a media report that he had intervened to ensure that Reddy was allowed to board the IndiGo flight and said there was "no such intervention".




Women with have long faced complicated choices about the best course of treatment.

One particular concern has been the daily radiation therapy many women with receive for six weeks after surgery. This form of therapy, also known as conventionally fractionated external beam radiation, has generally been recommended for most women undergoing breast conservation therapy. The goal has been to rid the body of any remaining cancerous cells that the surgeons tools could not remove.

Radiation, however, can be time-consuming and expensive for the patient and society. It also carries a small risk for late complications, such as heart disease.

New therapies have been tested that would shorten the length of radiotherapy from six weeks to three weeks, or deliver a single dose at the time of the lumpectomy procedure in the operating room.

A shorter course of radiation means more convenience, perhaps, fewer side effects and fewer out-of-pocket expenses. And a single dose of radiation is much cheaper than whole breast radiation therapy delivered over multiple weeks, but is associated with a slightly higher risk of local recurrence. So which option should patients and physicians choose?

In our recently published paper in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, we came up with what we think is an answer. We showed through computer modeling that there is a better way for women  and one that can save our care system nearly US$100 million every year.

Problem and possible solutions

For decades, was considered such a formidable foe that doctors who treated it and women who had it wanted to use everything in their arsenal to fight it.

That included the radical Halsted mastectomy, which often took out chest muscles along with the breast and left women disfigured.

It also included lengthy radiation treatments, sometimes for as long as seven weeks (known as conventionally fractionated radiation), given every day Monday through Friday after surgery. This form of radiation comes at great cost to women and causes hardships for those who live far away from radiation clinics.

In recent years, doctors studied new therapies for breast cancer. Halsted radical mastectomy has been replaced with a lumpectomy procedure that is usually performed on an outpatient basis. The radiation course has been shortened and is now delivered using sophisticated equipment, sparing unnecessary dose to the heart and lungs.

The better equipment also began to allow researchers to look at ways to shorten treatment. Hypofractionated radiation, in which a portion of the breast is treated for a shorter time, was one result.

Alternative therapies to conventional and hypofractionated radiation have also been recently introduced to deliver a single dose of radiation just to the tumor bed at the time of surgery. This is known is intraoperative radiotherapy, or IORT, meaning performed during the course of a surgical operation.

Given the availability of choices with overlapping costs and outcomes, clinicians always face a dilemma: Which treatment is best for my patient? Likewise, patients can ask their clinicians, Whats best for me? And, if both treatments are equally effective, is there a difference in price that might guide decisions?

Multiple randomized trials have shown that a 3- to 4-week course of whole breast radiation therapy is equivalent to a 6- to 8-week course. In fact, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines endorse the short hypofractionated course as the preferred approach.

Despite all this, American doctors have not widely adopted the new strategy. The reasons for this are varied, including dissemination of new findings to private practitioners and financial incentives of treating with a longer course. Our current fee-for-service reimbursement structure pays more for the longer treatment, which may be a factor in the surprisingly slow adoption of the convenient hypofractionated whole breast radiotherapy approach.

What might be adding more to this dilemma?

Clinical trials have compared these treatment choices with one another. Several large randomized trials have compared a 6-week course to a 3- to 4-week course of whole breast treatment and found that the two treatment approaches are equivalent in terms of cancer control. In fact, one trial found that the shorter course of treatment yielded lower rates of acute toxic effects compared to the longer course. Several randomized trials have compared conventionally fractionated radiation therapy to a single fraction intraoperative treatment just to the tumor bed at the time of surgery. Although extremely convenient, IORT was slightly worse at controlling cancer recurrence.

Yet, no single clinical trial has compared all three available options head-to-head. Another dilemma is that clinical trials usually follow patients for a period of five to 10 years, not a lifetime. That left an important question unanswered: How do we know which treatment is most beneficial over patient lifetime, and at what cost?

Our study

To solve this conundrum, we used computer modeling along with a cost-effectiveness analysis.

In our study, our interdisciplinary team tried to identify the most optimal radiation therapy  that is, one that provides maximum value for money  for women diagnosed with early stage breast cancer.

We simulated (created in computer) a hypothetical population of women diagnosed with early stage breast cancer. As per standard of care guidelines, women first get surgical treatment (lumpectomy).

Now comes the uncertainty! These hypothetical women can get either conventional whole breast radiation, hypofractionated radiation or one-time intraoperative radiation.

We obtained data from several clinical trials and databases to define treatment effectiveness and side effects, improvement or deterioration in quality of life, inconvenience (measures in term of travel time, lost wages, travel cost) and future consequences, including a possibility of cancer coming back or spreading to other organs.

In our simulation, we then followed these hypothetical women over their lifetime to identify which treatment strategy is most valuable, or cost-effective.

After extensive validation, we found that hypofractionated radiation is the most valuable treatment almost under all scenarios. It not only improves quality of life without compromising survival (adds four additional months of life with improved quality of health) but it also saves nearly $3,500 per patient.

We also learned that IORT, or radiation treatment at the time of operation, may be appropriate for older women who live far from radiation facilities and would have to endure hardship when traveling for daily whole breast radiation for three to four weeks.

Win-win for all! Our society saves care dollars, and patients benefit most from treatment.

Key takeaways

Our analysis showed that conventionally fractionated radiation, in which women receive the radiation over six weeks, is not cost-effective under any scenario and should not be considered as a choice by physicians or patients. Our study is the first to evaluate this using the latest available data.

A single dose of intraoperative radiation therapy, despite being much more convenient and less expensive, is associated with higher cancer recurrence rates. This difference in the risk of recurrence ends up costing the patient and society more than the hypofractionated treatment over a patients lifetime. Intraoperative radiation might be an option for older women who live in regions with poor access to services. The shorter hypofractionated course is less expensive and improves quality of life substantially!

With growing health care costs and an aging population, we are starting to focus more and more on identifying treatments that are less expensive and equally effective. We found that the use of the optimal strategy in this situation has the potential to improve health outcomes and save at least $100 million every year.

Ashish A. Deshmukh, Assistant Professor, University of Florida and Anna Likhacheva, Adjunct assistant professor, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.
Theres magic in the sunset of Korcula (pronounced Kor-chu-la). Behind the silhouette of the mountains, the flaming orange-red sun lends a soft glow to this picturesque island, which could easily vie for the top spot in all of Croatia as one of its most beautiful places. The warmth of the last rays of the sun casts a glow on us  three friends who have known each other for over 25 years and who have come on a vacation to Croatia to celebrate the strong bond of friendship. We blissfully soak in the magic, experiencing for ourselves the mysticism of the island in the Adriatic Sea, which, as legend has it, was founded by the Trojan hero, Antenor, in 12th century BC.
At least 1,000 motor fuel outlets in seven districts of Karnataka shut shop on Friday, in protest at the launch of daily price revision by the Centrs three oil marketing companies (OMCs).
After much dallying, three civic bodies are likely to hit the markets with municipal bonds by this month-end or the first week of July, to raise funds for providing amenities.
Marty Goldman still remembers his first day on the job at The Liberty Store.

At 12, he and his older brother began in the basement of the menswear shop on the corner of East Genesee Street and Seminary Avenue in Auburn, cleaning rubber footwear with turpentine.

"There was no ventilation down there," he said, smiling as he recalled the strong smell of pine. "I remember it like it was yesterday."

From there, Goldman worked his way upstairs, learning his way around the store, and eventually he started selling its clothing. Then, after a brief stint in college, he decided to take over, buying the business from his father, Charles, in 1985.

Now, three decades later, Goldman still owns The Liberty Store  a fourth-generation family business celebrating more than 100 years.

The men's clothing store opened its doors in May 1915 as The Liberty Underselling Store, Goldman said. His great-grandfather, Israel, launched the business after emigrating from Poland.

"(Israel) originally owned a dry goods store on State Street," Goldman said. "My grandfather Sam worked for my great-grandfather but wanted to branch off on his own, so he opened up the clothing store on Genesee."

For the grand opening, The Liberty Store advertised a sale in The Citizen-Advertiser, and promised to provide a full refund if its prices were not lower than the competition's. Men's work shoes sold for $1.98, boys' knee pants for 43 cents and socks in all colors for 6 cents.

Within a year, the shop had expanded to the adjacent storefront space. In 1977  when Goldman's father, Charles, owned the store  it nearly doubled in size, obtaining 2,000 square feet from the Speno Music store next door.

"It's always been at this location ... and it's always been in the family," Goldman said. "My older brother and older sister  we all worked here over the years. And I chose to stay with it."

While The Liberty Store grew in size, it also grew in sales, expanding its merchandise from workwear to tuxedo rentals, dress shirts and casual clothing. In the 1960s, Goldman said, business really took off when the store was asked to handle a large order for inmate clothing at Auburn Correctional Facility.

"For years, we carried everything in menswear ... everything a man could wear on his back or on his feet," Goldman said. "Then, we began working a lot with fire, police, law enforcement and jails and we covered 30 states online, so it kept us really, really busy."

Now, one month after quietly observing its 102nd anniversary, The Liberty Store is beginning to downsize  not because of a lack of customers, Goldman said, but because of a lack of time.

Goldman's wife, Wendy, said she and her husband first began thinking about downsizing last year. The couple  who have no children  immediately dismissed the idea of selling the store, but agreed that something needed to change.

"We just wanted more time for ourselves," Wendy said.

"People think it's a 9-to-5 operation, and it really isn't  it's so much more than that," Goldman added. "When we get home at night, my wife is sewing emblems and doing paperwork and I'm online trying to find more bids or reconciling the ones we already have."

That's why Goldman said the store is limiting its retail hours to daytime during weekdays only: The Liberty Store is now open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.

In addition, he said the store will no longer sell dress clothes or rent tuxedos, focusing on work-related items and competitive bid contracts instead.

Still, despite the downsizing, Goldman said the store will stay on the corner of Genesee and Seminary for the foreseeable future.

"We're not going away and we're not closing our doors," Goldman said. "We're still taking care of the people of Auburn and surroundings, just as we have for the last 100 years."
The World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) has ranked India as the top global exporter of information, computer and telecommunications (ICT) services.

The WIPO's (GII) for 2017 released on Wednesday, ranked India 60 for innovation, up from 66 last year.

"We see the rise of India, which is doing increasingly well along many metrics," said the report's co-editor, Soumitra Dutta, who is the dean of the SC Johnson College of Business at Cornell University, New York, at a Geneva conference.

The index, which was prepared by the WIPO in association with Cornell University and INSEAD, the France-based business school, said that "India has shown improvement in most areas, including in infrastructure, business sophistication, knowledge and technology and creative outputs."

The GII, which covers 130 countries, gave the overall top spot to Switzerland, followed by Sweden, Netherlands and the US, while China claimed the 22nd rank.

India's performance and rankings in individual areas that go to make up the overall standings paint a picture of stark contrasts.

It has done well in several areas, ranking 10th in the category of science and engineering graduates, 14th in the presence of global research and development companies, 18th in the export of creative goods, 22nd in market capitalisation, 23rd in university-industry collaboration, 33rd in government online services, and 39th in market sophistication.

But its overall ranking was dragged down by standings in other areas.

It ranked 104th in pupil-teacher ratio in secondary schools, 106th in ICT access, 108th in environment performance, and more importantly only 114th in ease of doing business and 118th in ease of paying taxes.

But Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), which is a knowledge partner for the project, saw changes coming.

"Public policy plays a pivotal role in creating an enabling environment conducive to innovation," he said in a statement.

"In the last two years, we have seen important activities around the GII in India like the formation of India's high-level Task Force on Innovation and consultative exercises on both innovation policy and better innovation metrics."

Dutta also said that India is working very actively to close the innovation gap.

One of the initiatives is the creation of an India Innovation Index that adapts the GII to meet its strategic interests so that it can target areas for improvement and set goals, he added.
Any sale of government equity in (SCI) can happen only after a nod from Parliament, feels the ministry of shipping.

"If something is done by an Act of Parliament, it should be changed as per an Act of Parliament," a government official told Business Standard. SCI was created through legislation, through nationalisation and amalgamation of private companies. "We are, therefore, examining the legal aspect and only then would go ahead with the proposal (to divest in SCI)," said the official.
Emphasising that the Modi Government is committed to achieve Land Degradation Neutrality by the year 2030, Environment Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan has said that Indias new National Action Programme (NAP) will be finalised after a series of regional consultations and workshops with all relevant stakeholders, keeping in mind our national circumstances and development priorities. In a statement on the eve of World Day to Combat Desertification here today, the Minister said that India is focusing on sustainable land and resource management for livelihood generation at community level for making the local lands healthier and productive for providing a better homeland and a better future to its inhabitants. He emphasised that this years slogan, Our Land. Our Home. Our Future" underlines the central role that productive land can play in turning the growing tide of migrants abandoning their unproductive land into communities and nations that are stable, secure and sustainable in future. The Minister also said that initiatives like the Soil Health Card Scheme, have been launched by the Government to help farmers improve productivity through judicious use of inputs. He added that the Scheme was allotted ? 840.52 crore over the last three years, which is 30 times more than the funds devoted to soil research and analysis in the preceding years. .

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The Government is also taking a holistic approach towards improving the living standard of its citizens, with Swachchh Bharat Mission, with a dedicated corpus of funds to address concerns over waste disposal, sewage treatment, sanitation factors which adversely affect the quality of land", Dr Harsh Vardhan said. .

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The Minister pointed out that this year, Swarn Jayanti Nature Camp, Bhondsi village of Gurugram, Haryana, has been chosen for the landmark celebration of World Day to Combat Desertification (WDCD). A large variety of youth-centric outreach and awareness enhancing activities will emphasise on countering the challenges posed by desertification, land degradation and drought will be showcased at the event", he added. .

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Dr. Harsh Vardhan said that various schemes have been drawn up to showcase Indias efforts to mitigate concerns over desertification, land degradation and drought problems. He pointed out that Government schemes like Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (Ministry of Agriculture) have witnessed a surge in allotment of funds, with Rs 4750 crore being released in 2016-17, as compared to Rs 3707 crore in 2015-16. With the rallying call for More Crop Per Drop the Government has further strengthened the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (Ministry of Water Resources) by increasing budget allocation for the years 2014-17 by approximately 22% at Rs 4510.55 crore, as compared to Rs. 3699.45 crore in the previous three years", the Minister said. He also referred to the allocations under Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana - National Rural Livelihoods Mission (Ministry of Rural Development), the flag bearer scheme for promotion of skill development and livelihood opportunities for people in rural areas has been increased from Rs. 3000 crore in 2016-17 to Rs. 4500 crore in 2017-18, at an increase of 33%. Besides these schemes, the Minister mentioned Deen Dayal Upadhyay Grameen Kaushalya Yojana and Integrated Watershed Management Programme (Ministry of Rural Development), Swacchh Bharat Mission, National Mission for a Green India and National Afforestation Programme (Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change) that have been at the forefront of Indias efforts to mitigate concerns over desertification, land degradation and drought problems. He added that over the years, apart from implementing above programmes, numerous outreach programmes, numerous outreach and awareness activities have also been conducted across the country. .

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The Minister stated that combating desertification and land degradation is one of the thrust areas identified by this Ministry. ISRO, Ahmedabad, along with 19 concerned partner institutes has carried out an inventory and monitoring of desertification of the entire country using Indian Remote Sensing Satellites data in Geographical Information System (GIS) environment. The Minister said he was happy that Maps and salient findings compiled in the form of an Atlas was released last year on the Desertification event by Environment Ministry at Jodhpur for the benefit of policy makers and planners. .

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Dr. Harsh Vardhan concluded by saying that the Day is an occasion to remind everyone that desertification can be tackled effectively, that solutions are possible and the key tools to this aim lie in strong community participation and cooperation at all levels. .

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BACKGROUND TO WORLD DAY TO COMBAT DESERTIFICATION.

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June 17 has been observed as the World Day to Combat Desertification (WDCD), as United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) was adopted in Paris on June 17, 1994 and ratified in December 1996. India became a signatory to UNCCD on October 14, 1994 and ratified it on December 17, 1996. Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change is the nodal Ministry for the Convention. .

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Drawing inspiration from 1972 Stockholm Conference, the world came together in Rio in 1992 to forge an alliance on Biodiversity, Climate Change and Desertification. The Earth Summit resulted in successful adoption of three United Nations Conventions Framework Convention on Climate Change, Convention in Biological Diversity and Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). World Day to Combat Desertification has been observed since 1995 to promote public awareness about international efforts to combat desertification and the effects of drought collectively. The main objective of UNCCD is to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought and desertification. .

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Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change is the nodal Ministry for the Convention. .

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Special Envoy of the President of the Republic of Korea calls on PM

Mr. Dongchea Chung, Special Envoy of Mr. Moon Jae-In, President of the Republic of Korea, called on Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today.

The Prime Minister conveyed his appreciation for President Moons gesture of sending Mr. Chung as his Special Envoy to India.

The Prime Minister recalled his visit to the Republic of Korea in May 2015, during which the bilateral relationship was upgraded to a Special Strategic Partnership, and said that the Republic of Korea is an important development partner for India.

The Prime Minister welcomed the deepening of bilateral partnership not only in trade and economic spheres, but also in new areas like defence cooperation.

The Prime Minister said that he is committed to working with President Moon for further enhancement of bilateral relationship, and looked forward to an early opportunity to meet President Moon.
The recent decision by half the nations in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and a few other countries to isolate fellow member Qatar came as a surprise to many  though perhaps it shouldnt have.
The Chinese police have "targeted" a suspect in the blast at the entrance of a kindergarten in east China's Fengzian County, as the death toll in the explosion climbed to eight, the state media reported on Friday.

Sixty-six people were injured in a blast that rocked the school on Thursday, while no children or teachers were among the casualties, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

One of the injured died at the hospital later, it said.

Calling it a "criminal offence", the police have "targeted" the suspect, the report said, without providing further details.

The blast occurred around 4:48 PM (local time) on Thursday. Two persons were killed on the spot, and another six died later in a hospital. The condition of eight among the injured remained critical, doctors said.

More than 10 senior doctors from Nanjing and Wuxi cities of Jiangsu have rushed to the site of the blast.

A working team led by Huang Ming, deputy minister of public security, has been sent to investigate the blast that occurred as parents were about to pick up their children from the school.

The provincial government has ordered checks of possible safety risks at the production site, the Xinhua report said.

A witness told Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post that the blast came just minutes before the end-of-day bell rang.

"At about 5pm, we heard a blast and thought it might have been a gas explosion at a nearby food vendor," a local shop owner was quoted as saying by online news portal Sohu.

"Many people might be dead," he said.

Another shop owner near the kindergarten, who refused to be identified, told the Post that the blast happened a few minutes before the kindergarten opened its doors to allow parents go inside the school.

"The parents were all queueing up at the school gate at the time," the shop owner said.

Because the explosion happened just outside the school grounds, the pupils waiting inside classrooms would probably have been shielded from injury, he said.

The shop owner said his daughter also attended the school yesterday and was later taken home safely by her grandfather.

Many cooked food stalls operated outside the kindergarten and a gas cylinder might have caused the explosion, he said.

It is the latest tragedy to strike a kindergarten in China in recent weeks.

A school bus packed with kindergarten pupils erupted in flames inside a tunnel in eastern Shandong province on May 9, killing 11 children, a teacher and the driver.

Officials later said the fire was intentionally set by the driver, who was angry at losing overtime wages.

China in the past witnessed knife attacks on kindergarten school children by disgruntled people. An explosion of this magnitude was rare.

In January, a man armed with a kitchen knife stabbed and wounded 11 children at a kindergarten in southern Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region.
Teasing the bride and groom on their wedding day is part of Chinese marriage custom. However, in recent years, that custom has been twisted in an alarming way in mainland China to include groomsmen sexually assaulting bridesmaids.
Eurozone ministers struck a long-delayed bailout deal with Greece on Friday to unlock badly-needed rescue cash but warned Athens would have to wait for debt relief.

After hours of talks in Luxembourg, Monetary Fund (IMF) chief Christine Lagarde and the eurozone's 19 finance ministers greenlit a payout of 8.5 billion euros to meet debt payments due in July and avoid another summer of the

Greek crisis.

Payment of the latest tranche of Greece's 86-billion euro ($97-billion) has been held up for months by a row over its needs for debt relief pitting bailout-weary Germany against the IMF.

"I am pleased to announce we have achieved an agreement on all elements," Eurogroup head Jeroen Dijsselbloem told a news conference.

"I think this is a major step forward," he said.

In a breakthrough, Lagarde agreed in Luxembourg that the Washington-based IMF would join Greece's massive bailout, but said any payouts depended on the eurozone coming up with a full debt relief plan.

"Nobody claims that this is the best solution. This is a second best solution, but it's not a bad solution," said Lagarde, a former French finance minister.

The deal averts a repeat of the summer of 2015 when Greece spectacularly defaulted on an IMF loan, and allows Athens to meet seven billion euros of debt repayments due in July.

Athens all week insisted it would veto the deal, bitter that the latest disbursement would come without firm debt relief commitments after it delivered on tough reforms.

As a consolation, in a compromise negotiated by France, Greece won a certain amount of clarity from the eurozone on debt relief.

Debt relief "will be implemented at the end of the programme, conditional on its successful implementation" in 2018, said Dijsselbloem, who is also Dutch finance minister.

The eurozone would now draw up an "exit strategy" over the next year "to enable Greece to stand on its own feet again", Dijsselbloem said.

He thanked the "Greek people for their intense efforts and resolve" after the government in Athens passed the latest in a series of tough reforms to get the cash.

After three bailouts, Greece's debt currently stands at a staggering 180 percent of annual output, by far the biggest national debt pile in Europe.
In October 1969, a national security official named Daniel Ellsberg began secretly photocopying 7,000 classified Vietnam War documents. He had become increasingly frustrated with the systematic deception of top US leaders who sought to publicly escalate a war that, privately, they knew was unwinnable.
Germany on Friday lashed out at Washington over new sanctions against Russia that target the planned Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline to Europe.

The new penalties, approved by the US Senate on Thursday, include a paragraph that threatens to penalise European companies that push ahead with energy export programmes with Russia.

Those include the Nord Stream 2 pipeline which would pump Russian gas under the Baltic Sea directly to Germany.

"It is strange that in the sanctioning of Russia's behaviour, with regards to the US elections for instance, that the European economy should become a target of American sanctions. That must not happen," said Chancellor Angela Merkel's spokesman Steffen Seibert.

He added that Merkel shared the concerns raised by Germany's Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel and Austrian Chancellor Christian Kern who charged in a joint statement on Thursday that the measure brings a "completely new and entirely negative quality to European-US relations".

In a hard-hitting statement, the German and Austrian said they "cannot accept the threat of extra-territorial sanctions against European companies that participate in the expansion of European energy supplies", adding that this would "violate law".

They accused Washington of using the sanctions to squeeze Russian gas supplies out of Europe in favour of US energy exports.

"The aim is to secure jobs in gas and oil industries in the US," said Gabriel and Kern.

"Political sanctions should not be mixed up with economic interests," they warned, stressing that "Europe's energy supply is Europe's business and not that of the United States".

"We decide who delivers energy to us and how, according to rules of openness and economic competitiveness," said Gabriel and Kern.

The bill as originally introduced was exclusively about slapping new sanctions on Iran. But lawmakers attached a bipartisan amendment on Russia to it early this week.

The addition came with the White House deeply embroiled in crisis over whether Trump's campaign team colluded with a Russian effort to sway the 2016 election.
Pakistan Prime Minister has retained his billionaire status with his declared assets standing at Rs 1.72 billion in 2016 despite the decline in his fortune, making him one of the richest lawmakers in the country.

Sharif continues to receive substantial amounts from his son Hussain who is doing business in Saudi Arabia despite a controversy surrounding the Panama Papers Leaks that dragged the ruling family to the courts.

According to the statements of assets of lawmakers, released by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) yesterday, the prime minister owned assets worth Rs 261.6 million in 2012, but that saw a six-fold increase and reached Rs 1.82 billion in 2013 - the first year of his third stint as the country's chief executive, making him a declared billionaire for the first time.

In 2014, his assets crossed the two billion-mark, but in 2015 declined slightly to Rs 1.96 billion. Earlier in 2011, he owned assets worth Rs 166 million, the Dawn reported.

The value of his assets has further declined to Rs 1.72 billion in the year that ended on June 30, 2016.

Sharif owns a Toyota Land Cruiser, gifted to him by an unspecified individual, as well as two Mercedes cars.

The house he lives in is owned by his mother and he has multiple foreign and local currency accounts, huge swathes of agricultural land and investments in industrial units such as sugar, textile and paper mills.

Sharif declared in 2015 for the first time ownership of birds and animals worth Rs 2 million, which are valued at Rs 5 million, the daily said.

The Sharif family's estate in Raiwind is priced at Rs 4 million, while his property in Lahore's Upper Mall area is said to be worth over Rs 250 million.

The prime minister is one of the richest lawmakers of the country.
Most political upheavals in history are known to have thrown up a specific word or expression that defines the core values of that event. Guillotine characterised the French Revolution, while the American War of Independence had representation at its core, as Americans demanded to be represented in the British parliament that was taxing them. The 20th century rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union, meanwhile, was the Cold War.

During the ongoing diplomatic crises in the Middle East, however, the word that has been bandied about most is brotherly. But is all this brotherly love genuine  or is it a case of keeping your enemies closer than your friends?

The ruling houses in the region describe their bilateral and multilateral relationships in the context of fraternity. So when Saudi Arabia cut all land, air and sea contacts with Qatar, it called upon all brotherly countries and companies to do the same.

A week into the diplomatic and economic isolation of Qatar, Saudi Arabias top diplomat  foreign minister Adel Al-Jubeir  said Qatar is a brother state and a a partner and that punitive steps against the emirate were well-intentioned. Interestingly, when Qatar defended its position and condemned its diplomatic isolation by fellow neighbouring nations, it also did so in the context of brotherhood. Qatars Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the blockade was fabricated in order to take action against a brotherly GCC nation.

So what was Qatars supreme error? It is alleged to have been providing financial and tactical support to the transnational Sunni Islamic political movement, the Muslim Brotherhood. And this move was at the cost of other brotherly states in the Middle East.

While the crisis was boiling, Qatari foreign minister Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman Thani, told the news channel Al Jazeera in an interview:

We will not launch measures to escalate toward our brotherly nations.

At the same time, however, Doha was frantically in touch with Turkey to prepare a bulwark against this brotherly assault. Turkey used the occasion to its advantage while reaching out to a brother in need. It promptly convened a special session of parliament and committed a strong contingent of troops to its military base in Qatar.

In the meantime, to deescalate the growing tension between Qatar and its neighbours, the Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, made a brotherly visit to Saudi Arabia.

Hot air and hypocrisy

So what does all this brotherly love mean in the context of contemporary political Islam? What exactly do they mean by brotherly when these states try to do business with each other? And why call a blatant encircling of a states sovereignty a brotherly act?

The use of the terms brother and brotherly is deeply problematic in Islamic realpolitik. While commonly used, it is a deeply ambiguous term. At one extreme, it can mean a genuine fraternal concern  but at the other it may be nothing more than a lot of hot air and outright hypocrisy. In the regions contemporary diplomatic doublespeak, brotherly can mean shoving the dagger into your brother when you are at an advantage. Lest we forget, Middle Eastern statecraft has often dabbled in such Machiavellianism.

In the medieval Islamic world, brotherly implied fratricide. The Ottoman Turkish rulers were supreme in the art of bumping off their blood brothers. Interestingly, in the 15th century, Mehmed the Conqueror passed a Law of Fratricide that stipulated:

Whichever of my sons inherits the sultanate, it behooves him to kill his brothers in the interest of world order (nizam-i alem).

Following that principle, upon ascending the throne, one of Mehmed the Conquerors great grandsons, Mehmet III, killed 19 of his brothers and half-brothers and buried them next to his father.

In the semantics of current Middle Eastern diplomacy, one word that has not found any voice is unbrotherly. If being unbrotherly means conducting oneself in a way which is not characteristic of or befitting a brother then Qatar fits the bill (at least in the current climate of accusations). But its unlikely you will hear that from the lips of the sovereign states boycotting Qatar. To paraphrase Saudi foreign minister Adel Al-Jubeir: You have to be able to tell your friend or your brother when they are doing the right thing and when they are doing the wrong thing.

So in the dog-eat-dog world of contemporary Middle Eastern politics, the term brotherly has very little real meaning. It is a convenient cloak to mask hypocrisy. Brotherly in this landscape is all about carrying a big dagger. But most important of all, it is about being able to wield that dagger at the opportune moment.

Amalendu Misra, Senior Lecturer, Department: Politics, Philosophy and Religion, Lancaster University

This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.
Russia is willing to grant asylum to former FBI chief James Comey if he is persecuted in the US, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday.

Comey, sacked by the Trump administration last month, acted like US whistleblower Edward Snowden, said the Russian leader during an annual televised call-in known as "Direct Line with Vladimir Putin", Xinhua news agency reported.

"When a special service head records a conversation with the commander-in-chief and gives it to the media through one of his friends... he is then not a special service head but a human rights advocate who defends a certain position," said Putin.

Snowden, a computer professional who had done contractual work for the US National Security Agency, is now living under asylum in Russia. He fled to Russia in 2013 after revealing thousands of classified documents to the press.

"If there is persecution against Comey, we will be ready to grant him political asylum as well," said Putin.

According to the Trump administration, Comey was fired because of his handling of the Hillary Clinton email investigation during the 2016 US presidential elections.

But the former FBI director believed that he was sacked due to his investigation into Russian ties to the Trump campaign.

As for Comey's investigation into Russian interference in the presidential elections, Putin said Comey provided no evidence.
A man with a knife was arrested today by Scotland Yard's armed officers near the gates of the amid heightened security fears in the capital following the horrific terror attack earlier this month.

The Metropolitan Police said the man -- in his 30s -- was arrested for possession of a knife and there were no reports of any injuries.

"Man arrested near Palace of Westminster repossession of a knife. No reported injuries," the Met Police said in a statement on Twitter.

Witnesses reported hearing "knife, knife, knife" as armed officers swooped on the suspect, who looked in his 30s.

The man, wearing a grey hooded top, ran towards the St Stephen's entrance of the Houses of Parliament, which is the main visitor's entrance to the building.

It is feared it may have been an attempted copycat terror attack from March, when Khalid Masood rammed a car into the side of the Palace of Westminster, which houses the UK Parliament, killing four people and got out to stab to death a police officer on guard at the House of Commons gates.

In April, Mohammed Khalid Omar Ali, a 27-year-old foreign-born Britt was arrested on suspicion of carrying knives in a very public operation near Parliament Square as part of an intelligence-led operation.

London has been on higher alert since the recent terrorist attack on London Bridge and Borough Market on June 3, which claimed eight lives, and the concert bombing in Manchester in which 22 people were killed.
Special counsel Robert Mueller is probing the business dealings of Jared Kushner, President Donald Trumps son-in-law and adviser, as part of the investigation into Russias interference in the 2016 presidential election, the media reported.

The Washington Post had previously reported that investigators were scrutinising meetings that Kushner held with Russians in December, first with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak, and then with Sergey Gorkov, the head of a state-owned Russian development bank.

At the time of that report, it was not clear that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) was investigating Kushner's business dealings.

However, Mueller's investigation is in a relatively early phase, and it is unclear whether criminal charges will be brought when it is complete, US officials familiar with the matter told The Washington Post on Thursday.

The development comes a day after the daily reported that Mueller had extended his probe into determining whether the President tried to obstruct justice by suggesting to top intelligence and law enforcement officials that they end the Russia investigation.

"We do not know what this report refers to," Jamie Gorelick, an attorney for Kushner, said in response.

"It would be standard practice for the Special Counsel to examine financial records to look for anything related to Russia. Kushner previously volunteered to share with Congress what he knows about Russia-related matters. He will do the same if he is contacted in connection with any other inquiry."

Kushner has agreed to discuss his Russian contacts with the Senate Intelligence Committee, which is conducting one of several investigations into Russian meddling in the 2016 election.

During the December meeting with Kislyak, Kushner suggested establishing a secure communications line between Trump officials and the Kremlin at a Russian diplomatic facility, reports The Washington Post.

The Russian bank, Vnesheconombank, which has been the subject of US sanctions following Russia's annexation of Crimea, has said Gorkov and Kushner's meeting was held for business reasons because of the advisor's role as head of his family's real estate company.

The meeting occurred as Kushner's company was seeking financing for its troubled $1.8 billion purchase of an office building in New York.
For decades, the Department of Justice has used court-enforced agreements to protect civil rights, successfully desegregating school systems, reforming police departments, ensuring access for the disabled and defending the religious.
The government is working on a that will aim at building a higher level of transparency, increase value addition, and protect customers while ensuring the growth of this job-creating sector.
tanked 15% to Rs 437 on BSE in intra-day trade after the company said the US Food and Drugs Administration (USFDA) has refused admission to all drugs made at the company's Pithampur and Silvassa facility. The stock is currently trading near to its 52-week low of Rs 435 touched on June 24, 2016.
Swinging between gains and losses, benchmark indices remained range-bound in afternoon trade, with the Nifty slipping below the 9,600-level due to lack of global as well as domestic cues. Gains were capped by a sharp correction in pharma stocks while ITC, Tata Motors continued to support the market.
Nobody Speak: Hulk Hogan, Gawker and Trials of a Free Press, a documentary about Hulk Hogans lawsuit against Gawker and the broader implications of the ensuing trial, will hit Netflix on June 23, and the just-released trailer indicates the filmmakers are not messing around.

Based on the two-minute trailer, its clear that this documentary goes deeper than just Hogans sex-tape and Gawkers decision to publish it. The film appears to focus heavily on the involvement of billionaire Peter Thiel, while also delving into complicated questions about the limits of a free press. The trailer draws a connection between Thiels attempt to punish Gawker and President Donald Trumps frequent attacks on the American media.

Nobody Speak looks about as dramatic, provocative and weighty as a documentary about a celebrity sex tape can be.

Nobody Speak first caught Netflixs attention at the Sundance Film Festival and reportedly paid $2 million for the films distribution rights.

The documentary has already been at the center of a minor controversy within the Gizmodo Media Group, the company that was called Gawker Media before being bought by Univision last year. According to Business Insider, Gizmodo staffers attempted to host a public screening of Nobody Speak but Univision executives vetoed that proposal and instead allowed only a private screening.

Given the nationwide debate over the balance between privacy and free speech (simply Google leaks, for a sampling), Nobody Speak certainly has the potential to be explosive.
Problems, it seems, have a way of finding Infosys. Just when the company was coming out of the speculation that its promoters, including N R Narayana Murthy, plan to cut their stake in the company, its Americas head and global head of manufacturing and retail, Sandeep Dadlani, put in his papers.
The Ministry of External Affairs on Friday said on Friday that 39 Indians taken hostage in the Iraqi city of Mosul by the fighters aligned to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) in 2014 are alive.

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Gopal Baglay told media that "we are in touch with all countries that can help us."

He, however, didn't say much on it by saying only that it was sensitive.

The Indians who were taken as hostages in Iraq's war-torn Mosul are unharmed and no demand has been made so far for their release.

Iraqi and U.S. forces are engaged in a fierce battle to eliminate the ISIS fighters as a US-backed offensive to recapture the city, which fell to the hands of the Islamic State two years ago, entered its ninth month on Friday.

The United Nations refugee agency UNHCR said over 100,000 civilians remain trapped in Mosul and Islamic State is using kids as human shields.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A Delhi Court on Friday extended the police remand of Chhota Szakeel's shooter Junaid Chowdhary till June 18.

The Patiala House Court earlier on June 13 sent Chowdhary to further three-day police remand.

Chowdhary was arrested by the special cell of the Delhi Police near Gagan Cinema in Delhi earlier on June 7.

"Junaid was allegedly hatching a plan to kill Pakistan born Canadian writer and liberal activist Tarek Fateh," said Deputy Commissioner of Police (Special Cell) Pramod Singh Kushwaha.

The police claimed to have recovered a country made pistol and four live cartridges from Junaid's possession.

Earlier, he was apprehended on June 3, along with three other contract killers, identified as Robinson, Yunus and Manish following which they were sent to police remand and interrogated for five days.

Later, they were produced in a court which sent them to judicial custody.

Their plan was initially to kill Rajan while on transit to or from court before and after hearings, but that was later changed to attack him during his hospital visits.

Earlier, the police had found many audio clips of Chhota Shakeel from Junaid's mobile phone.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Delhi High Court on Friday pulled up Public Works Department (PWD) over blockage, garbage in Kushak Nalla.

The High Court has also asked names of the PWD officials in charge of cleaning the drains from INA to Yamuna River.

The High Court warned that it will jail the officials for misleading the court and asked "How long will you delay court proceedings?".

The court has been looking into the cleaning of drains for the past five years but status reports given to it have been incorrect and misleading.

On August 31, 2016, the High Court rapped the PWD and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) over water-logging on major roads and crippling of traffic movement in large parts of the capital.

Justice B. D. Ahmed, while hearing a matter relating to water logging of South Extension area of South Delhi, observed, "There is no justification for clogged drains. We cannot tolerate this year after year even the road in front of the Vice President's residence was waterlogged, heavy rains had lashed the capital this morning."

The court further pointed out that the water logging due to rainfall in several areas could become breeding grounds for mosquitoes, leading to spate in diseases like dengue and chikungunya.

The city has so far reported 432 cases of chikungunya and 487 cases of dengue.

Heavy downpour in the capital and the adjoining Gurgaon created massive traffic jams and water logging situations.

Several DTC buses were seen to be partially submerged in water near Rajdhani College.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
India on Friday announced that the first cargo flight in the Afghanistan-India air corridor will get operationalised over the next couple of days.

"During the Afghan President Ashraf Ghani's visit to India last year, we had discussions on establishing an air freight corridor between the two countries and we are happy to announce that first flight is likely to operate in the weekend or early next week. We are working out the details of the first flight," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Gopal Baglay said.

The cargo service will help increase trade between both the countries, Baglay said,"The flight will take Indian products to Afghanistan and will bring Afghan products to India. The first flight will be from Delhi to Kabul and will start this weekend or next week."

The India- Afghanistan air corridor project was initiated by President Ashraf Ghani in 2016.

The cargo service will aim to improve landlocked Afghanistan's connectivity to key markets abroad and boost the growth prospects of its dry fruits and carpet industries.

External Affairs Spokesperson Gopal Baglay also announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Portugal on 24 June and Netherlands on June 27. While PM Modi will visit United States on June 25-26. He will interact with the Indian community in Washington D.C. and also hold talks with U.S. President Donald Trump.

For the finalization of the India- Afghanistan air corridor project, the MoU was signed in May between the CEOs of Ariana Airlines and Afghanistan Chambers of Commerce and Industries (ACCI) in presence of Ajmal Ahmady, senior economic adviser to the President of Afghanistan and officials and representatives from ACCI, MAIL MoCI and the business community.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Having pets can be a source of refreshment, as many studies have revealed. That is probably what went through this man, who was seen flaunting his pet lion in Karachi's Karimabad area.

In a bizarre incident that came to light via a video that went viral on social media on Wednesday, a man, identified as Saqlain, was seen travelling with his pet lion in a pickup truck, which ultimately led to them both being taken into police custody, according to Dawn.

In the video, curious locals were seen attempting to catch a glance of the big cat, who was comfortably hanging out over the side of the vehicle, with its tongue sticking out of its mouth.

As concerns were raised over the safety of the locals with a wild animal unleashed in a residential locality, Sindh Interior Minister Sohail Anwar Siyal immediately notified the police of the matter, who then took the man and the lion into custody.

Upon confrontation, Saqlain, who claimed to be the legal custodian of the animal, said his lion was unwell and was being taken to the doctor. The video, which clearly indicated the lion being seated at the back of the vehicle, was allegedly shot on their way back.

The police have registered an FIR against Saqlain and the documents are under verification. Senior Superintendent Police (SSP) Central Muqadas Haider told Dawn that the permit of ownership had expired.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Former Delhi Metro chief E. Sreedharan on Friday rejected speculations of him being a possible NDA candidate for next month's .

"There is no reality in it. No discussions took place. Don't long for it," Sreedharan said.

Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Union Information and Broadcasting Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu met CPI-M general secretaries Sitaram Yechury at the CPI-M office in Delhi to discuss the presidential elections.

The Union Ministers earlier in the day reached Congress president Sonia Gandhi's residence to discuss matters related to next month's presidential election.

Both of them have already spoken to Nationalist Congress Party's (NCP) Praful Patel and Bahujan Samaj Party's (BSP) Satish Mishra.

Naidu yesterday spoke to NCP chief Sharad Pawar and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief N. Chandrababu Naidu over the same.

The TDP chief said that his party will stand by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decision in this regard.

The last date of nomination is June 28.
Russia said that the U.S. military has moved its High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) from Jordan into southern Syria for the first time, positioning it near the U.S.-Coalition training base at At Tanf and the hardware could be used against Bashar Assad forces.

The Russian military stated that the combat range of the High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) "can't support the U.S.-controlled units of the Syrian Democratic Forces in Raqqa."

Moscow is closely monitoring the situation on the border between Syria and Jordan as U.S. air forces have struck pro-government forces in Syria on three occasions in the last couple of weeks, saying that it was a "response to threats posed to coalition forces operating out of At Tanf." The moves drew serious condemnation from the Syrian government.

At the same time, the forces of the U.S.-led anti-ISIS coalition have on several occasions hit Syrian government troops who are fighting against Islamic State Therefore, it's not hard to imagine that such strikes on the Syrian military may be continued in the future, but this time with the use of HIMARS," Russian Today quoted the statement.

Last week, a U.S. F-15E jet shot down an Iranian-made pro-regime Shahed 129 drone that had dropped a "dud" munitions near coalition forces patrolling near At Tanf, according to US officials.

The Defence Ministry said "The deployment of any type of foreign weaponry on Syrian territory, especially such as reactive multiple launch systems, must be agreed upon with the government of the sovereign country.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
An Indian Army soldier was killed in a ceasefire violation by Pakistan in Naushera today.

Naik Bakhtawar Singh, 34-year-old, from Punjab, lost his life during the firing at 5:15 a. m.

India and Pakistan traded mortar shells, heavy automatics and small arms fire in Nowshera sector on Thursday afternoon as later troops continued targeting forward Indian positions and civilian areas without any provocation at frequent intervals in border Rajouri and Poonch districts for the past many days.

The Pakistani troops have been using mortars, heavy automatics, Recoilless guns, and small weapons.

The tension along the Line of Control (LoC) has already made an over 3,000 people including women and children migrate from their houses near the border to safer places.

A sizeable number of houses along the LoC have been damaged and scores of cattle killed or injured in shelling from across the border since May 1.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The U.S. Senate on Thursday passed a bill slapping Russia with new sanctions that also gives Congress the power to review any White House attempts to roll them back.

The Senate approved the bill 98-2, with Republican Rand Paul of Kentucky and Independent Bernie Sanders of Vermont voting against the measure, reports the CNN.

The bill, which includes both Russian and Iranian sanctions, now heads to the House that still needs to pass it before heading to President Donald Trump.

The measure is widely seen to hit Russia with new sanctions for its interference in the U.S. elections, as well as over Moscow's aggression in Ukraine and Syria.

The bill establishes a review process for Congress to have a say whether the White House eases Russia sanctions. It also establishes new sanctions against those conducting cyber attacks, on behalf of the Russian government as well as supplying arms to Syrian President Bashar Assad, and it allows for sanctions to hit Russia's mining, metals, shipping and railways sectors.

The Russia sanctioning measure was added as an amendment to an Iranian sanctions bill, after a deal was struck between the heads of the Senate Foreign Relations and Banking Committees. The Russia amendment was added to the sanctions bill in a 97-2 vote on Wednesday.

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said this week that he was wary of Congress taking actions that could interfere with the administration's efforts to improve relations with Russia.

White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders said on Thursday that the Trump administration is "committed to existing sanctions against Russia" but is "still reviewing the new Russia sanctions amendment."

"We will keep them in place until Moscow fully honors its commitment to resolve the crisis in Ukraine," Sanders said. "We believe the existing executive branch sanctions regime is the best tool for compelling Russia to fulfill its commitments."

The Senate also passed two amendments before approving the bill. The first was a technical change that the sanctions would not apply to NASA and commercial space launches, as Russian rocket engines are used for the American Atlas V and Antares rockets.

The second reaffirmed "the strategic importance of Article 5" in NATO, the principle that an attack on one NATO member is an attack on all members of the alliance.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Members of the Sindhi Congress (WSC) held anti-Pakistan protests in front of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva against Islamabad's use of brute force against the Sindhi community.

The protest held on June 14 was also attended by representatives of the Baloch community, Gilgit and Baltistan, Pakistani occupied Kashmir and human rights defenders of other nations.

The WSC protested against enforced disappearances of Sindhi political activists, the China Pakistan Economic Corridor and other human rights abuses against Sindhi people.

The protestors raised, 'Go go China go', 'Pakistan stop killing Sindhi people', 'No to CPEC' slogans.

A WSC representative told human rights defenders, "Sindhi people are facing one of the worst human rights atrocities in their history and in recent months there have been an intensification in disappearance of Sindhi political activists by Pakistani security agencies. In the last three months alone scores of renowned political activists and writers have been abducted."

"In all these cases, the state denies any role and the judiciary has also failed to provide any relief. We understand that these disappearances are part of an operation by the Pakistani state to create terror and stop political and civil society activists from raising their voices for democratic and human rights," he added.

She said that Sindhi political activists receive regular threats for raising their voices against the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) which is "unsustainable, anti-environment and anti-people."

"The Pakistani establishment is ruthlessly crushing any voice against the unsustainable, anti-environment, anti-people, CPEC project. There is systematic unsustainable immigration with designs to convert Sindhis into minorities in their own land, loot of resources and occupation of lands pushing the Sindhi people into perpetual poverty," he said.

Unfortunately, Sindh produces 70 percent of Pakistan's wealth, 72 percent of its gas, 54 percent of its oil and 23 trillion tons worth of coal deposits, and is reeling under cruelty and suffering, he added.

"Through this platform, we demand that all abducted Sindhi people should be immediately released or produced in the court of law," he said.

At the end of the protest, petitions were also submitted to UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein.

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Deepak Fertilisers and Petrochemicals Corporation rose 2.69% to Rs 273.35 at 12:09 IST on BSE after the company said the Department of Fertilisers will release balance subsidy of Rs 310.52 crore on providing a bank guarantee of an equivalent amount.

The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 15 June 2017.

Meanwhile, the S&P BSE Sensex was up 25.67 points, or 0.08% to 31,101.40.

On the BSE, 18,000 shares were traded in the counter so far, compared with average daily volumes of 4.27 lakh shares in the past one quarter. The stock had hit a high of Rs 273.35 and a low of Rs 268.50 so far during the day. The stock hit a record high of Rs 293.40 on 21 April 2017. The stock hit a 52-week low of Rs 150.20 on 24 June 2016.

The stock had outperformed the market over the past one month till 15 June 2017, rising 3.92% compared with 1.36% rise in the Sensex. The scrip had, however, underperformed the market in past one quarter, rising 0.17% as against Sensex's 4.81% rise. The scrip had outperformed the market in past one year, rising 68% as against Sensex's 17.15% rise.

The small-cap company has equity capital of Rs 88.20 crore. Face value per share is Rs 10.

Deepak Fertilisers and Petrochemicals Corporation (DFPCL) said that the Department of Fertilisers (DoF), Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers, Government of India, has decided to release the pending Rs 310.52 crore fertiliser subsidy on a bank guarantee of equivalent amount. DoF had withheld the subsidy pending decision on recovery of alleged undue gain on account of supply of 'cheap' gas.

Deepak Fertilisers and Petrochemicals Corporation (DFPCL) net profit surged 104.9% to Rs 46.62 crore on 4.7% decline in net sales to Rs 1050.50 crore in Q3 December 2016 over Q3 December 2015.

DFPCL has a multi-product portfolio spanning industrial chemicals, bulk and specialty fertilisers, farming diagnostics and solutions, technical ammonium nitrate, mining services and consulting and value added real estate.

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The recent diplomatic events involving Qatar are unlikely to have a near-term impact on the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) volumes imported into India by Petronet LNG Limited (PLL; 'IND AA+'/Positive), says India Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra) as LNG vessels continue to sail for India from Ras Laffan Gas Terminal (Ras-Gas). In Ind-Ra's assessment this event is credit neutral on PLL. Thus, Ind-Ra does not factor in any immediate volume or price impact on the end-user industries viz. fertiliser, power, refinery and city gas distribution.

Moreover, in case LNG supplies from Qatar are affected, there is ample liquidity in the spot LNG markets globally and hence volumes disruption, if any, will be for a limited period. However, the diplomatic stand-off in Ind-Ra's opinion highlights geopolitical concentration of India's energy imports.

Saudi Arabia, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Yemen, Libya and Bahrain have severed diplomatic ties with Qatar recently and cut-off land, sea and air contact. Qatar exports its LNG largely through Strait of Hormuz which passes though Iranian and Omani territorial waters and transit through the Strait is protected under a UN Convention. While LNG exports from Qatar could be threatened in the event that Iran and Oman restrict shipments from Qatar, the possibility of this is remote given Iran's diplomatic stance. Moreover, Fitch Ratings in its report 'Fitch: Duration of Diplomatic Dispute is Key to Qatar Impact' believes that the other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) members do not desire to completely alienate Qatar, which suggests that both sides will work towards a relatively swift resolution.

The immediate fallout of the diplomatic isolation is limited to fuel costs of LNG vessels, as vessels heading to Qatar or arriving from Qatar are not able to halt at the port of Fujairah, which is a key bunkering port. This means that LNG vessels use LNG as fuel instead of FO/LSHS. Ind-Ra notes that the switch-over is unlikely to have any material impact on the transportation costs (around USD 0.35/mmbtu) and on the profitability of PLL.

However, PLL's long term contract with Qatar extends till 2028 and Ind-Ra discounts the possibility of an immediate second renegotiation given that the contract has already been renegotiated recently. Hence the long-term LNG imports from Qatar into India are unlikely to be repriced significantly and will continue to track crude prices.

Ind-Ra notes that though the LNG volumes from Qatar have not been directly impacted due to the diplomatic stand-off, the same could be under threat if short-term LNG prices remain soft as compared to long-term ones, which Ind-Ra expects to be the case. Ind-Ra notes that the LNG market has transitioned to a buyer's market from a seller's market and the buyers would flex their power after expiry of the existing long term contracts. Qatar's diplomatic stand-off adds to the buyers' advantage as Qatar depends on the oil and gas for 50% of its gross domestic product and would be keen to retain its exports.

India Ratings had highlighted in the report 'Spot Liquefied Natural Gas Prices Fall 15%-21% Lower Than Term Prices, Could Impact Long-Term Volumes' that spot LNG prices are likely to remain benign, as LNG markets become buyer dominated from supplier dominated. This would be driven by a combination of: (i) significant supply-side capacity additions, (ii) peaking of demand from major LNG importers (Korea, Japan and China), (iii) competition from alternate fuels such as fuel oil and coal, (iv) increase in the share of 'non-long-term' LNG, (v) expiration of long-term LNG contracts and (vi) increased competition in the Indian LNG market.

Globally, the LNG liquefaction capacity stood at 301.5mtpa as of January 2016. Over the next five years, the International Gas Union estimates that capacity will grow by 46% (141.5mtpa, primarily in North America (62mtpa) and Australia (53.8mtpa). It is also interesting to note that nearly 890mtpa of new liquefaction capacity is proposed, with 670mtpa in US and Canada alone, on account of the shale gas supplies. According to India Ratings, even if a significant part of this proposed capacity does not come on-stream the supply will remain significantly higher than demand. Moreover, in an oversupplied market, the key liquefaction players presently (Qatar and Australia) could price gas at operating costs. Additionally, renegotiation of long-term contracts in India in terms of pricing formula and destination flexibility, points to the leverage that buyers are enjoying in the LNG market.

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IPCA Laboratories fell 11.87% to Rs 452.25 at 9:28 IST on BSE after the company said its facilities at Indore, Silvassa and Madhya Pradesh have been banned from the US market.

The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 15 June 2017.

Meanwhile, the S&P BSE Sensex was up 62.99 points, or 0.20% to 31,138.72.

On the BSE, 2.03 lakh shares were traded in the counter so far, compared with average daily volumes of 17,332 shares in the past one quarter. The stock had hit a high of Rs 468 and a low of Rs 437 so far during the day. The stock hit a 52-week high of Rs 656 on 5 April 2017. The stock hit a 52-week low of Rs 435 on 24 June 2016.

The stock had underperformed the market over the past one month till 15 June 2017, falling 5.75% compared with 1.36% rise in the Sensex. The scrip had also underperformed the market in past one quarter, falling 6.55% as against Sensex's 4.81% rise. The scrip had also underperformed the market in past one year, rising 6.95% as against Sensex's 17.15% rise.

The mid-cap company has equity capital of Rs 25.24 crore. Face value per share is Rs 2.

IPCA Laboratories said that drugs manufactured at its facilities at SEZ Indore (Pithampur), Piparia (Silvassa) and Ratlam (Madhya Pradesh) have been banned from the US market by the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA). The drug regulator cited violation of current good manufacturing norms for taking the step against the company. The USFDA has refused admission to all drugs made at the company's Pithampur and Silvassa facility. All drugs, except API Chloroquine Phosphate, made at Ratlam (Madhya Pradesh) unit have also been denied entry in the US, it further said. The ban will continue until the company can demonstrate that the drugs manufactured from these manufacturing sites and intended for the US market are in compliance with the current good manufacturing practice regulation (cGMP).

Net profit of IPCA Laboratories rose 34.8% to Rs 44.39 on 6% rise in net sales to Rs 665.80 crore in Q4 March 2017 over Q4 March 2016.

IPCA Laboratories is a fully-integrated Indian pharmaceutical company manufacturing over 350 formulations and 80 Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) for various therapeutic segments.

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The Government has issued Public Procurement (Preference to Make in India), Order 2017 today as part of the policy of the Government of India to encourage 'Make in India' and promote manufacturing and production of goods and services in India with a view to enhancing income and employment. Subject to the provisions of this Order and to any specific instructions issued by the Nodal Ministry or in pursuance of this Order, purchase preference shall be given to local suppliers in all procurements undertaken by procuring entities in the manner specified . As per the order the minimum local content shall ordinarily be 50%.

The Nodal Ministry may prescribe a higher or lower percentage in respect of any particular item and may also prescribe the manner of calculation of local content. The margin of purchase preference shall be 20% . Ministries /Departments and the Boards of Directors of Government companies may issue such clarifications and instructions as may be necessary for the removal of any difficulties arising in the implementation of this Order.

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TCS announced that it has launched ignio for SAP ERP to help customers run their operations in SAP more effectively. ignio is a cognitive automation solution for enterprise IT. ignio has also achieved certified integration with SAP ERP. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 15 June 2017.

Infosys announced the appointment of Karmesh Vaswani as the Global Head - Retail, CPG & Logistics (RCL) and Nitesh Banga as the Global Head of Manufacturing, effective 15 July 2017. Karmesh Vaswani and Nitesh Banga are both career Infoscions who have held strategic portfolios across the organization for nearly a decade. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 15 June 2017.

MphasiS issued clarification on news item titled "Mphasis raises $500 million dollar bond sale" that the said issuance has been undertaken by its parent company, Marble II Pte. Ltd., Singapore and not by the company. The proceeds will be utilized by Marble II Pte. Ltd., Singapore and not by the company, it added. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 15 June 2017.

Reliance Industries (RIL) and BP yesterday, 15 June 2017 announced that they are moving forward to develop already-discovered deepwater gas fields, bringing new gas production for India. The two companies have agreed to deepen and expand their partnership to work jointly across a wide range of areas throughout India's energy sector. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 15 June 2017.

RIL and BP announced that they will award contracts to progress development of the 'R-Series' deep water gas fields in Block KGD6 off the east coast of India. The project is expected to produce up to 12 million cubic metres (425 million cubic feet) of gas a day, coming on stream in 2020.

This is the first of three planned projects in Block KGD6 that are expected to be developed in an integrated manner, producing from about 3 trillion cubic feet of discovered gas resources.

Development of the three projects, with total investment of Rs 40000 crore ($6 billion), is expected to bring a total 30-35 million cubic metres (1 billion cubic feet) of gas a day new domestic gas production onstream, phased over 2020-2022.

ICICI Bank said that the committee of executive directors of the bank is scheduled to meet on 20 June 2017 to consider fund raising by way of issuance of senior unsecured long term bonds in the nature of debentures in single/multiple tranches on private placement basis. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 15 June 2017.

Pennar Industries said that the company and Pennar Engineered Building Systems intend to set up a 50:50 joint venture (JV) in United States of America to supply their goods and services. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 15 June 2017. The JV will help both the companies to increase their addressable market and contribute to an increase in revenue and profitability.

Deepak Fertilisers and Petrochemicals Corporation (DFPCL) said that the Department of Fertilisers (DoF), Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers, Government of India, has decided to release the pending Rs 310.52 crore fertiliser subsidy on a bank guarantee of equivalent amount. DoF had withheld the subsidy pending decision on recovery of alleged undue gain on account of supply of 'cheap' gas. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 15 June 2017.

Canara Bank said it plans to raise up to Rs 6300 crore for business and regulatory requirements. The bank said the board of directors approved the proposal to raise equity capital up to Rs 3500 crore, inclusive of premium to be decided, by way of qualified institutional placement/rights issue/preferential allotment/follow-on public offer. The bank may raise fund by any other means as well, it said in a regulatory filing.

Additionally, Canara Bank will also raise Rs 1800 crore by issuing Basel III compliant additional Tier I bonds, it said. The board has also approved the plan to issue Basel III compliant Tier II bonds up to Rs 1000 crore. The bank would seek the approval of the shareholders for raising of equity capital in the ensuing AGM of the bank, it said. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 15 June 2017.

IPCA Laboratories said that drugs manufactured at its facilities at SEZ Indore (Pithampur), Piparia (Silvassa) and Ratlam (Madhya Pradesh) have been banned from the US market by the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA). The drug regulator cited violation of current good manufacturing norms for taking the step against the company. The USFDA has refused admission to all drugs made at the company's Pithampur and Silvassa facility. All drugs, except API Chloroquine Phosphate, made at Ratlam (Madhya Pradesh) unit have also been denied entry in the US, it further said. The ban will continue until the company can demonstrate that the drugs manufactured from these manufacturing sites and intended for the US market are in compliance with the current good manufacturing practice regulation (cGMP). The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 15 June 2017.

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In passenger car steel wheels business in India

Wheels India and Topy Industries, Japan have reached an agreement regarding a strategic partnership in the passenger car steel wheels business in India, whereby Topy will invest a 26% stake in WIL Car Wheels, a wholly owned subsidiary of Wheels India. The investment will be made through new issue of equity shares by WCWL to Topy.

WCWL was set by WIL to carry on the passenger car steel wheel business in India. WIL has entered into agreements to transfer its entire passenger car steel wheel business carried out at its plants in Padi, Chennai and Bawal, Haryana, on slump sale basis, to the new company.

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The Shimla Municipal Corporation (SMC) elections registered over 60 per cent voter turnout in its 34 seats that went to polls on Friday. The percentage is likely to go up slightly, an official said.

Showers late in the afternoon slowed down the voting process.

"The elections in all the constituencies ended peacefully. The poll percentage was over 60 per cent by 5.30 p.m. and will certainly go up by three to five per cent," an electoral officer told IANS.

Tibetans in exile also exercised their franchise in the elections to the oldest municipal corporation in the country after Chennai and Kolkata.

Voting began on a dull note, with below five per cent polling in the first hour and by 10 a.m. rose to 15 per cent. It picked up gradually as the day progressed and recorded 45 per cent by 2 p.m. However, rain slowed down the polling again around 3 p.m.

Women turned out in strength compared to the men.

A total of 126 candidates, including 50 women, are in the fray but the candidates are not contesting on party symbols.

Unlike the last elections in 2012, when residents elected the mayor and his deputy, this time votes were only polled for councillors. The group with the maximum councillors will have internal polling for mayor and deputy mayor.

The last civic body polls saw 65 per cent polling.

The state Election Commission has set up 153 polling stations to enable over 91,000 voters to exercise their franchise through electronic voting machines.

The BJP has supported 34 candidates, the Congress 27 and the CPI-M 22 candidates. The Communists are supporting six independents.

Votes will be counted on Saturday.

Interestingly, the age-old issues of water shortage and the spread of waterborne diseases continued to be the main poll issues, besides shortage of parking lots and traffic jams.

In 2012, the CPI-M won the Mayor and Deputy Mayor posts as also election for one councillor's seat. It thus ruled the Shimla Municipal Corporation with only three members in the 25-seat house -- the majority of the councillors were from the Congress.

The civic body in this erstwhile summer capital of the Raj had been ruled by the Congress for 26 years in a row till the last elections.

--IANS

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Bharatiya Janata Party President Amit Shah arrived on a much-anticipated three-day visit to the city on Friday, the highlight of which will be a meeting with ally Shiv Sena President Uddhav Thackeray.

He was received at the Mumbai airport by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and his cabinet colleagues, BJP state President Raosaheb Danve, BJP city chief Ashish Shelar, party MPs and MLAs, and a massive crowd of enthusiastic party activists.

Though his agenda is being kept under wraps, speculation is rife on whether he would discuss the prospects of a snap mid-term poll in the state.

The political atmosphere in the state is highly charged with the recent farmers agitation, an increasingly confrontationist ally, a belligerent opposition and even pressure from within party ranks.

According to sources, the party may consider the idea of jumping into a mid-term poll coinciding with the crucial assembly elections due in neighbouring Gujarat by the year-end.

On record, the party has declared it is "ready" for a snap poll tomorrow and is supremely confident of romping back to power independently.

Shah is currently on a three-month nationwide tour covering all states to take stock and strengthen the party organisation across India, as part of the three-year celebrations of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in power under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In Mumbai, he is expected to hold a series of meetings starting with Fadnavis and his cabinet ministers at 'Varsha' the Chief Minister's official residence, with state legislators and MPs at Sahyadri Guest House, and party leaders and activists at the Garware Club involving top and lower rung cadres.

Besides, he will meet leaders of the allies including Thackeray with whom he is expected to discuss and solicit Shiv Sena support for the upcoming Presidential elections.

He will also meet top leaders of (allies) Republican Party of India (A), Rashtriya Samaj Party, Shivsangram Party and Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana to ascertain their views on various political issues.

--IANS

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The Australian government will implement a three-month gun amnesty, starting from July 1, to prevent the use of guns in terrorist acts, Justice Minister Michael Keenan announced on Friday.

The amnesty will allow owners of illegal weapons to hand them in with "no questions asked, no repercussions", reports Efe news.

"Clearly the fact (is) we've got a deteriorating national security environment, we've got an environment where there has been five terrorists attacks on our soil and sadly in the vast majority of those cases it has been an illegal firearm that's been used," Keenan said in a press conference.

Among those attacks, the minister noted the hostage-taking incident in a downtown Sydney cafe in 2014 where two civilians and the kidnapper were killed, and the murder of a city police station's accountant by a 15-year-old minor in 2015.

After the amnesty period, the possession of illegal weapons will be penalised again with up to 14 years in prison and fines.

It is believed that that there are, unfortunately, about 260,000 un-registered firearms in the country, Keenan added.

This is the first national gun amnesty since the Port Arthur massacre in Tasmania, which resulted in 35 people killed in 1996, prompting the purchase of almost 700,000 illegal weapons as part of the gun control laws enacted after the tragedy.

Keenan said the government hoped this national gun amnesty would bring the same successful results as state-based amnesty, which have led to the hand-in of thousands of un-registered weapons.

--IANS

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Sonalika Sahay, one of the leading Indian fashion models, says one reason why the concept of supermodel doesn't exist in India is because of the strong presence of Bollywood celebrities who take away a majority of shoots and endorsements.

When asked about the concept of supermodel in the Indian fashion industry, Sonalika, who was a part of model auditions for Lakme Fashion Week (LFW) Winter/Festive 2017 in Bengaluru, told IANS over phone: "In India, it gets really difficult because the Bollywood concept is really strong here. So it (supermodel concept) kind of gets washed away.

"International fashion models have their own representations, endorsements. In India, endorsement is done only by Bollywood. But having said that, we do have our share of fame as well."

Sonalika said "Bollywood has its own attractions, so they do have a fair bit of endorsements which models used to do earlier". However, she felt that the market is exponentially increasing, and that models are not losing out on work.

"There are so many brands that are working with models. If we talk about designer campaigns and shoots, there is hardly any Bollywood face," she said.

LFW auditions were held in partnership with TRESemme for the Winter/Festive 2017 season. A panel of experts chose six winners after three competitive rounds to walk for the upcoming season. The names are Pavitra Malaiappan, Aditti Anand, Soumya S., Raksha Belliappa, Devika Bhanguni and Esha Gohil.

Asked about the factors that can help aspiring models find their feet in the modelling industry nowadays, Sonalika said: "The fashion industry in India right now seeks girls who are tall. In terms of body and looks, I guess everyone is extremely fit, so working out is a must.

"Girls should get their personal trainer when they start their modelling career. Also, attitude towards work has to be very positive because they come with a very different perception. They think they are stars and have made it right in the beginning. So, a new girl needs to work on that."

Sonalika has been in the industry for over a decade and has worked with a number of high profile designers. She was also the face for Christian Dior watches in India.

A mother of two, she feels the outlook towards the fashion industry has also changed immensely over the years.

"Earlier, I guess fashion was not something which was a profession of choice. Also, people used to take it as something which is very temporary. Now fashion has become a hardcore industry and is a full-fledged profession. I guess a lot of girls are showing interest towards it and parents are also very supportive," she said.

Overall, she felt the industry has become extremely organised. "It's a lucrative time to be in this industry," she said.

(Nivedita can be contacted at nivedita.s@ians.in)

--IANS

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The CBI on Friday recorded Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia's statement in an ongoing probe in the award of work related to the 'Talk to AK' campaign. The AAP government dubbed the move as "BJP's revengeful action and dirty politics".

A team of Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officers visited Sisodia's AB-17, Mathura Road residence in central Delhi in the morning and recorded his statement in connection with a Preliminary Enquiry (PE) registered against him and other unnamed state government officials on January 18.

The CBI officials left Sisodia's home in the evening.

Reacting to Aam Aadmi Party leaders' criticism that the CBI had raided Sisodia's house, the central agency clarified that "it is not a raid but a move to seek clarification on certain issues in a PE".

According to rules, no search or raid can be conducted under a PE.

"There is no raid or search at the premises of Sisodia. The visit of the CBI team is to seek clarification on certain issues relating to the ongoing enquiry," CBI Spokesperson R.K. Gaur told IANS.

The CBI had filed a PE against the senior AAP leader to probe alleged irregularities in the 'Talk to AK' campaign following a complaint filed by Delhi government's Vigilance Department.

Investigators said Sisodia and other government officials are accused of impropriety and violation of rules and regulations in the award of work related to the media campaign, which was an interactive session of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, through which people could reach out to the AAP leader through social media.

Hours after the CBI visited Sisodia's house, senior AAP leader Sanjay Singh flayed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led central government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying "by doing all this, the central government is trying to disrupt the good work of the Delhi government".

"I want to say this to the BJP and our Prime Minister that if you have so much hatred against the AAP and Delhi government, force this government out. But please don't defame a hardworking minister, don't defame our party. This is dirty politics," Sanjay Singh told the media.

He said the BJP's aim was to finish anyone who spoke against them, be it political parties or a media outlet.

Sanjay Singh said that a news channel's founder's residence/offices were raided by the CBI earlier this month. "The CBI has recommended shutting down of the channel. This has become the CBI's role now," he said.

The AAP government also called the CBI a "caged parrot" and accused the Centre of using it to victimise dissenters.

"Earlier, CM Arvind Kejriwal's office was raided. The Centre using caged parrot to victimise voices of dissent! #RIPDemocracy," Sisodia's Media Adviser Arunoday Prakash said in a tweet, adding that the Delhi government will not be scared by this move.

"If they think Manish Sisodia will get afraid and stop working for schools after CBI raids, they are mistaken! Highly mistaken!."

On May 8, 2013, the Supreme Court had dubbed the CBI a "caged parrot that speaks in its master's voice" and had asked the Centre whether it intended to make the agency's functioning independent.

Reacting to AAP's allegation on central government, Delhi BJP Chief Manoj Tiwari said: "The CBI has been investigating the matter for quite some time now and today (Friday) it has given an opportunity to Sisodia to file his statement. He must cooperate with the agency."

--IANS

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The West Bengal government's flip-flop on making Bengali compulsory in schools seemingly played a major role in igniting fresh trouble in the Darjeeling hills, but experts believe the decision will enrich the cultural milieu in the state, provided Bengalis are also open to learning other languages.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's announcement that Bengali would be compulsory till Class X, including in schools affiliated to ICSE and CBSE, as part of a three-language formula (TLF), spurred the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha to renew its movement for a separate state in the north Bengal hills, citing "imposition of Bengali language".

Banerjee subsequently diluted her stand, saying schools in the Darjeeling hills and in certain areas of the Dooars (foothills of the Himalayas) and the Terai (plains close to the hills) would be exempt from teaching Bengali as a compulsory language.

But by that time the spark provided by her original announcement had set the hills aflame, with the GJM using the emotional issue to the hilt to tighten its somewhat slackening grip on the region.

Noted linguist and tribal rights activist Ganesh Devy felt that to preserve the rich linguistic blend and acculturation, the focus should be on language diversity, rather than uniformity.

"There has been a longstanding agitation for recognition of Lepcha language in that area (north Bengal) which is to say language-related unrests in north Bengal are not a new phenomenon.

"Now this reform in teaching at the school level might be a structural need of the state, but the state has to remember that when linguistic states were created, the basic principle was recognition of language diversity and not imposition of language uniformity," Devy told IANS.

"This is against the spirit of creation of linguistic states. The government is technically correct but historically wrong," Devy said.

Kabita Lama, a Nepali language studies expert, found no logic in making Bengali compulsory as locals already are well-versed in the language.

"We Gorkhas have a huge respect for Bengali literature and community and we are not against them, but Nepali language is very important for Gorkha students. We speak in Bengali and the Bengalis also speak our language. Whatever language one speaks, the feeling has to come from the heart," Lama, Associate Professor, Department of Nepali, School of Languages and Literature, Sikkim University, told IANS.

On the other hand, noted educationist and linguist Pabitra Sarkar, feels making Bengali optional -- as in the hills -- could take the fizz away from the government's original announcement.

"I don't know how the decision will pan out eventually. Because once it's made optional, the move loses its impact. In south Bengal, where we have the Santhal tribe, language imposition is not an issue as they have been learning Bengali in addition to their Aichiki script. There is a harmonius relationship," Sarkar observed.

Migration studies expert Samir Das allayed concerns that making Bengali compulsory would result in straitjacketing migrant communities (primarily from Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan). On the contrary, learning Bengali will actually help ease transactions.

"When you speak something as a third language, it is understood that it will not be literary; so non-Bengali speaking students who have to study Bengali will pick it up as a working language. They will not have to go through rigorous Bengali.

"I don't think this will be a big problem. This will contribute to the greater integration of different communities in Bengal," Das told IANS.

"The migrant communities in Bengal already know Bengali. What will happen now is that this informal structure will get institutionalised," he said.

Another reason why Bengali as part of TLF is not a bad idea is that it involves children and young adults (Class 1 to 10), "who can pick up a language quickly", he said.

Gerry Arathoon, Chief Executive and Secretary, Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations, said things should work out fine since the students don't have to write their board exams in the subject as a third language.

According to Sarkar, the dialogue should be two-way.

"If non-Bengali speaking communities are willing to learn Bengali, then Bengalis too must have an open mind to get to know other dialects. Learning a state language means you are accepting the people and their culture. This will encourage other communities to add to Bengali literature and culture," Sarkar told IANS.

(Sahana Ghosh can be contacted at sahana.g@ians.in)

--IANS

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Faulty mortar shells have killed two Border Security Force (BSF) troopers and injured 43 during training in the last six years. All the incidents occurred after the shells failed to take flight up to the desired distance and exploded just after they ejected from the mortar.

Data compiled by the BSF showed that the two deaths and 43 injuries occurred in nine incidents spread over three firing ranges -- Kishangarh in Rajasthan, Darrang in Assam and Sitagarha in Jharkhand -- between January 2012 and June 2017.

Three accidental shell explosions have been reported at two firing ranges this year, injuring 19 BSF personnel. The number of the injured BSF troopers this year is the highest in six years.

Only three such incidents occurred each in 2014, 2015 and 2016, causing injuries to one, nine and three BSF personnel, respectively.

Two incidents in 2013 left seven troopers injured while a solitary incident in 2012 injured four men.

The BSF raised the issue with the Ordnance Factory Board, which functions under the Defence Ministry, after this year's May 30 incident at Kishangarh close to the Pakistan border leaving nine troopers injured.

The incident happened around 8.30 a.m. when the BSF personnel were practising with 51mm mortar shells. One exploded without covering the entire distance.

BSF Inspector General (Operations) Rajiv Krishna told IANS that an inquiry report of the shell explosion had been shared with Ordnance Factory Board officials to check the manufacturing errors of shells provided by them and to take corrective steps.

"These incidents have occurred in earlier years too. Every time, we conduct a proper inquiry and submit our report to the ordnance board. Our investigation of the May 30 incident revealed that the shell exploded before reaching its destination due to a manufacturing defect in its fuse," Krishna said.

"The fuse in the shell did not function properly and it resulted in the shortfall."

Explaining the functioning of the fuse, another BSF official told IANS on condition of anonymity: "A proper combination of baarood (explosive) is filled in the fuse which produces a powerful smoke followed by fire which helps in propelling the shell to its destination.

"If the explosive doesn't burn properly, the fuse fails to throw the shell on to its target."

The 257,000-strong BSF is tasked with guarding India's land border and, although a paramilitary force, is trained by the Army. But it comes under the operational control of the Home Ministry.

(Rajnish Singh can be contacted at rajnish.s@ians.in)

--IANS

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The Ghaziabad police has arrested the Assistant Inspector General (Stamps) who used his access to property documents to extort money from buyers by issuing notices on fake complaints, and also reduced circle rates of prime properties causing massive loss to the state exchequer.

AIG (stamps) Rajesh Sharma was arrested on Thursday night for abusing his official position by way of corrupt practices that led to loss of hundreds of crores to the state exchequer, police said.

The Ghaziabad police also recovered 70 used mobile phones from outside the main entrance of Sharma's apartment in Prateek Tower Crossing Republik Ghaziabad.

The security guard of Prateek Tower informed police that two cartons had been placed outside the main entrance of flat number 903 owned by Sharma. The police seized the cartons and took it to Kavi Nagar police station.

It is suspected that the mobile phones were used to trap clients and to evade getting caught. Once a mobile phone was used for an extortion deal, it was not used again. This could mean that at least 70 such deals were struck. The call details of the mobile phones would establish the crime after forensic test is completed, said Circle Officer II Sudesh Gupta.

The police said that Naib Tehsildar Bhupendra Singh lodged a complaint on June 14 (Wednesday) with the Kavi Nagar police in which he alleged that Sharma along with former Sub Registrar Ajay Goel was engaged in extorting money by carrying on office work from Goel's private residence R-2/231 Rajnagar in Ghaziabad.

Sharma, who was arrested on late Thursday night, was presented before the court which remanded him to 14 days judicial custody.

Two complaints were filed in the district magistrate's office against Sharma by Rajesh Upadhyay, president of Deed Writer Association, and Anil Chaudhary, an advocate who alleged that the officer was running his office from a private place and had taken the official computer, scanner, printer and other official documents to the residence. Sharma had access to property documents that came to his office for screening after getting registered at the sub registrar office. Using a fake alibi, he would file a complaint of tax evasion against a property buyer, and then in his capacity as AIG (Stamps) he would take it up and threaten the person.

The FIR states that the officer had taken all the data from his office in a pen drive to the private residence. The FIR further states that if the property buyers did not offer bribe beforehand, the officer used to lodge cases in civil courts and forced them to arrive at a compromise by bribing him.

Hence he used to extort money from innocent property buyers, the FIR states.

The FIR states that the officer also slashed the collector's circle rate drastically due to which the state suffered a huge loss in several hundred crores.

The complainant presented a citation in the FIR that Sharma had slashed the collector's circle rate of RED Mall at New Bus Stand from Rs 1,50,000 to Rs 75,000 - which is half of the prevailing rate. There were other such instances of this nature.

The police said the documents suggests that former District Magistrate Nidhi Kesarwani bypassed the ADM Finance and delegated the power to Sharma of resolving circle rate disputes directly. Her unsigned order was found uploaded on the computer. So through such tricks he managed huge money and incurred huge loss to the state exchequer.

Earlier, to establish the allegations the city magistrate ordered a search warrant on which basis a raid was conducted at Goel's residence where Sharma and Goel were found working on computers.

The computer expert Rahul Tyagi opened the system and found that an unsigned order of former DM Kesarwani was uploaded on the computer. The Sub Inspector Dharmendra Lamba was called and a recovery memo was prepared after which the official seals, computer, printer and other documents were seized and were attached as a case property before filing the FIR.

The Ghaziabad District Magistrate Ministhy S. Nair on Thursday had recommended the suspension of the guilty officer. He is likely to be suspended since he had been arrested under grave sections 420, 467, 468, 471 of the IPC and 67 of the Information Technology Act.

A private complaint has also been registered under section 383, 504 and 506 of IPC filed by a person, Brijesh Sharma, who alleged that Sharma and Goel demanded Rs 10 lakh from him and asked to bring Rs 10 lakh from a client, Ashutosh Joshi.

The FIR states that the complainant Brijesh Sharma was facing severe mental torture since last two months.

--IANS

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Amid continuing unrest, sporadic violence and demonstrations in the north Bengal hills, a delegation of Gorkha Janamukti Morcha lawmakers on Friday met West Bengal Governor Keshri Nath Tripathi to inform him about the situation in the region.

Meanwhile, the Calcutta High Court, citing its 2013 judgement terming bandhs/shutdowns as illegal, ordered the state government to submit an interim report within two weeks on the damage of public property in the recent act of violence.

"Three of our MLAs - Amar Singh Rai, Sarita Rai and Rohit Sharma - went to meet the governor today (Friday) to inform him about the present situation in the hills and the demand of the local people," GJM General Secretary Roshan Giri told IANS.

"I am not completely aware of the conversation between them as I am in Delhi. The Governor should be made aware of people's suffering in the hills and the state government's extreme measures to curb any form of movement in the region," he said.

After Thursday's massive clash between police and the GJM activists following a raid at the Party chief Bimal Gurung's house, the Darjeeling hills continued to be tense with rallies and counter rallies, both by the Morcha activists and state ruling party throughout Friday.

Early on Friday morning, the GJM supporters torched a panchayat office at Mirik, a hydro electric supply office at Lodhama in Darjeeling and a health centre in Rimbik-Lodhama.

Accusing police of high handedness and oppression, the women wing of GJM took out a rally in Darjeeling town in the afternoon.

The activists carrying Indian national flag were seen shouting slogans in demand of the separate state of Gorkhaland. However, they were stopped mid way by police and central forces.

Countering the GJM rally, the Trinamool Congress members took out a protest rally in Darjeeling district's Mirik sub-division, a party stronghold after its victory in the recent municipal elections.

Blaming the GJM for continuous violence and arson in the hills, the participants in the rally demanded the removal of Gurung.

Slogans like "Bimal Gurung Dur Haato" (Bimal Gurung Go away) were shouted from the gathering.

Taking a swipe at Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, BJP's National General Secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya accused the state government of not keeping the promises made during the formation of Gorkha Territorial Administration (GTA) in the hills.

Meanwhile, the activists of the Gorkha National Liberation Front, a Trinamool Congress ally in the last state assembly election, and Jana Andolan Party (JAP) hit the streets supporting the GJM-sponsored indefinite shutdown in the hills.

"The state government's policy is alienating them more and more from the people in the hills. This is not a good sign," JAP chief Harka Bahadur Chettri said, and urged the state government to start a discussion with the local parties in the hills.

"It seems that there is a clash of ego between the state government and GJM. there should be meetings and discussions in the hills to sort out the situation. No political solution can be achieved through police action," he added.

In the hills, hotels mostly remained shut throughout the day.

A long queue could be seen at the bus station as tourists and hotel workers prepared to leave the hills. Local administration arranged bus services so that stranded tourists could get to Siliguri.

Many tourists including those who came from abroad, complained about not getting proper food or transport to go to the plains.

"We have been waiting for a long time to come here in Darjeeling. We were very excited. But when we actually reached here, there is no trains, no tea, no rope way because of the shutdown," said American tourist Adam.

--IANS

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Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan said on Friday that the government is committed to achieve land degradation neutrality (LDN) by 2030.

In a statement issued here on the eve of "World Day to Combat Desertification", the Minister said that India was focusing on sustainable land and resource management for livelihood generation at community level.

This, he said, would make local lands healthier and productive for providing a better homeland and a better future to its inhabitants.

According a Ministry statement, Harsh Vardhan said that combating desertification and land degradation was one of the thrust areas of his ministry, and added that the Narendra Modi government "is committed to achieve land degradation neutrality by the year 2030".

He said that the Ahmedabad centre of the Indian Space Research Organisation, along with 19 partner institutes, had been monitoring desertification in the country, using Indian Remote Sensing Satellite data.

The Minister also said that initiatives like the Soil Health Card Scheme had been launched by the government to help farmers improve productivity through judicious use of inputs.

According to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, the objective of land degradation neutrality is to maintain or even improve the amount of healthy and productive land resources over time and in line with national sustainable development priorities.

--IANS

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IT major Infosys on Friday appointed Karmesh Vaswani as the Global Head of Retail, CPG and Logistics (RCL) and Nitesh Banga as Global Head of Manufacturing.

Vaswani and Banga will replace Sandeep Dadlani, President and Head of MRCL, who is leaving the company.

The new appointments will be effective from July 15.

"I have tremendous faith in their passion for client success and their ability to help clients see and achieve their digital aspirations. I am confident that our RCL and Manufacturing businesses will thrive under their leadership," said Infosys CEO Vishal Sikka in a statement.

Vaswani and Banga have held strategic portfolios across Infosys for nearly a decade.

In a related development, the global software major appointed Inderpreet Sawhney as Group General Counsel from July 3.

"Inderpreet joins Infosys from Wipro where she was the General Counsel. Prior to that, she was Managing Partner of a mid-sized law firm in the Silicon Valley and with ITC Ltd as in-house counsel," said the city-based company in the statement.

A double graduate in Arts and Law from Delhi University, Sawhney did Master's in Law (LL.M) from Queen's University at Kingston in Canada.

"Inderpreet has global experience over a career spanning 24 years and her expertise will be integral to the transformation journey we are on," Sikka said in the statement.

Acting General Counsel Gopi Krishnan Radhakrishnan is leaving the company later this month to pursue other opportunities.

--IANS

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Iran's Foreign Ministry dismissed the recent US Senate move to impose new sanctions on Tehran over its missile program, media reported.

Iran's defensive missile program is legitimate, in full conformity with the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2231, and no move can deprive Iran from its legitimate rights, Xinhua quoted Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qasemi as saying on Friday.

The allegations against Iran's military forces and the country's missile ability "are totally unjustified and illegal," he said.

UNSC Resolution 2231 calls upon Iran "not to undertake any activity related to ballistic missiles designed to be capable of delivering nuclear weapons."

Approval of new bill imposing sanctions on Iran's non-nuclear activities at the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee indicates their enmity and inborn hostilities against the Islamic republic, Qasemi was quoted as saying by official IRNA news agency.

On Thursday, the US Senate voted for a legislation to impose non-nuclear sanctions on Iran for developing its missile programs. They voted 98-2 in favour of the legislation.

In order for the new Senate bill to become law, it must still pass the US House of Representatives and be signed by President Donald Trump. The bill, if ratified, will target the individuals and entities linked to Iran's missile activities.

"We announce that Iran's armed forces defend the country's security and interests and such measures will never make the slightest dent (in Iran's intent) to this end," Qasemi added.

--IANS

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Portugal and The Netherlands on his way to and from the US trip on June 26 when he will meet President Donald Trump.

Modi will be in Lisbon on June 24 when he will hold talks with Indian-origin Prime Minister Antonio Costa, who was in India last year for the Pravasi Bharti day in Bengaluru, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay, told the weekly media briefing here.

After talks with Trump in Washington on June 26, Modi will visit The Netherlands on June 27. There he will meet the Dutch King and the prime minister and hold talks, Baglay said.

Asked about any event being planned with the Indian community in Washington, he said it was being explored but nothing has been finalised.

-IANS

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US Vice President Mike Pence hired a personal attorney to deal with inquiries related to the ongoing probe into Russia's alleged meddling in the 2016 election and possible collusion between President Donald Trump's campaign and Moscow.

Pence on Thursday selected Richmond, Virginia-based attorney Richard Cullen, a chairman at McGuire Woods who previously served as a US attorney, reports Efe news.

The office of the Vice President said Pence's decision to hire outside legal counsel was in keeping with his aim to "fully cooperate with any inquiries related to the Russia probe".

"The Vice President is focused entirely on his duties and promoting the president's agenda and looks forward to a swift conclusion of this matter," said Pence spokesman Jarrod Agen in a statement.

Pence's move comes a day after The Washington Post reported that special counsel Robert Mueller had extended his probe into determining whether the President tried to obstruct justice by suggesting to top intelligence and law enforcement officials that they end the Russia investigation.

Mueller was named special counsel after Trump abruptly sacked former Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) chief James Comey, who afterwards said that the President, before firing him, in effect asked him to "let go" of the probe into the links between fired National Security Adviser Michael Flynn and the Kremlin.

Mueller's investigation of the President's conduct is a major watershed in the FBI probe, which over almost the past year has focused on uncovering Moscow's attempts to meddle in, or influence, the 2016 presidential campaign and whether any of Trump's campaign personnel colluded with Russian officials.

Trump had been assured several times privately by Comey starting in January that he was not - at the time - personally under investigation, but officials said "that changed shortly after Comey's firing", reports The Washington Post.

If the report is true and if it is confirmed that Trump obstructed justice by trying to get Comey, and perhaps others, to end the Russia probe, that could lead to the President's impeachment by Congress, something that many Democratic lawmakers say they would pursue if circumstances warrant.

--IANS

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Aiming to inspire young people to expand their knowledge and encourage documentation of India's rich cultural heritage, Sahapedia, an open online resource on Indian arts in partnership jointly with Unesco, launched a fellowship programme here on Friday.

The Sahapedia-Unesco Fellowships, available to post-doctoral scholars, doctoral candidates, post-graduates, and graduates is expected to generate critically researched, engaging content in multimedia formats that will be hosted on the Sahapedia website.

The fellowships, available in two variants -- the Sahapedia Project Fellowship (SPF) and the Sahapedia Research Fellowship (SRF) -- gives the applicants the option of participating either at the level of primary documentation or in the content curation process.

"It is a privilege to have the support of an organisation like Unesco for our documentation and conservation efforts. The aim of Sahapedia is to provide as much of the vast and diverse body of cultural knowledge in India as possible, especially about the lesser known practices and traditions in India," Sudha Gopalakrishnan, Executive Director, Sahapedia, said.

--IANS

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Six more persons filed nominations for the July 17 presidential election on Friday, but the Election Commission rejected papers of all on technical grounds.

Vijay Narayan Pal and Sarawati Sharma from Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh, Sanjay Kumar from Shamli in Uttar Pradesh, Lala Ram from Alwar in Rajasthan, Ashok Kumar Singh Chauhan from Mainpuri in Uttar Pradesh, and Birpal Singh Malik from Delhi filed their nominations during the day, which were rejected under Section 5B(4) of the Presidential and Vice Presidential Elections Act, 1952.

So far, 13 candidates have filed nominations, which too are likely to be rejected by the Election Commission on various technical grounds.

Under the rules, a presidential candidate's name has to be proposed by at least 50 elected representatives and seconded by 50 more.

The candidates also need to furnish security deposits of Rs 15,000 each and verified copies of their names in the electoral rolls.

--IANS

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that South Korea is an important development partner of India and he is committed to further enhance bilateral relationship with the country.

Modi made the remarks during his meeting with Dongchea Chung, Special Envoy of South Korean President Moon Jae-in, on Friday.

A Prime Minister's Office (PMO) release said that Modi conveyed his appreciation for the South Korean President's gesture of sending Chung as his Special Envoy to India.

Modi recalled his visit to South Korea in May 2015, during which the bilateral relationship was upgraded to a "Special Strategic Partnership", and said that South Korea was an important development partner for India.

The release said that Modi welcomed deepening of bilateral partnership in trade and economic spheres as also in new areas like defence cooperation.

"The Prime Minister said he is committed to working with President Moon for further enhancement of bilateral relationship, and looked forward to an early opportunity to meet President Moon," the release said.

--IANS

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Stockholm, June 16 (IANS/MAP) Swedish State Secretary to the Minister for EU Affairs and Trade Oscar Stenstrom held a meeting with a key Moroccan official for boosting energy cooperation between the countries.

Stenstrom met Mustapha Bakkoury, Chairman of MASEN (Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy) board, in the capital on Thursday.

Stenstrom said that bilateral cooperation is expected to bear fruit in the medium and long terms since Morocco has a clear energy strategy with well-defined objectives.

He also hailed the Kingdom's objective of increasing the share of renewable energies to 42 per cent by 2020 and to 52 per cent by 2030.

"This strategy is in line with the Paris climate agreement and is also economically beneficial, Stenstrom added.

--IANS/MAP

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Police on Friday killed a top Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander, Junaid Mattoo, and his associate in Arwani village of south Kashmir Kulgam district, provoking stone pelting on security forces by villagers trying to shield the militants. In a reprisal attack on police, LeT militants ambushed a police jeep and killed six policemen, including a Station House Officer, and disfigured their bodies.

Authorities have decided to impose restrictions in Srinagar and other sensitive places in the Valley on Saturday.

Separatists have called for a protest shutdown on Saturday against the killing of the two LeT militants.

In Arwani village, civilian protesters resorted to stone pelting on the security forces as they cordoned off two house where the two LeT militants were hiding, leading to clashes between the two sides.

A 22-year-old youth Muhammad Ashraf Khar was hit by a bullet and 12 other protesting civilians were injured in the Arwani clashes.

The youth was taken to district hospital Kulgam where doctors declared him dead on arrival. Later, another injured protester in the Arwani clashes succumbed in the hospital Friday evening.

The two houses being used as fortified bunkers by the LeT commander and his associate in Arwani village were demolished by the security forces using improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

The security forces were complimenting each other on the death of the LeT commander, but within hours, a group of 10-15 heavily armed LeT militants ambushed a vehicle carrying six policemen, including station house officer (SHO) of Achabal police station in Anantnag district.

Reports said the LeT militants came in two vehicles and surrounded the jeep carrying SHO Feroz Ahmad Dar, and driver of the police jeep and four guards.

The militants hurled grenades inside the police jeep and opened heavy automatic gunfire killing the five, including the officer on the spot. The militants also disfigured their bodies.

The driver of the jeep succumbed to injuries later.

The slain policemen have been identified as SHO Feroz Ahmad Dar, constable Shariq Ahmad, constable Tasveer Ahmad, constable Sharaz Ahmad, SPO Muhammad Asif and SPO Sabzar Ahmad.

The militants decamped with the service weapons of the slain policemen. The attack took place in Thajiwara area of Achabal, some six kilometers away from the police station.

District magistrate Anantnag, Syed Abid Rashid confirmed the deaths of six policemen.

LeT spokesman Abdullah Ghaznavi claimed responsibility for the attack through a statement sent to local news agencies.

The LeT had earlier uploaded a video on the social networking site warning local policemen to stay away from anti-militancy operations.

The video called on policemen to join the LeT ranks or "be prepared to face the consequences".

In another incident, a policeman and a civilian protester injured on Thursday in Hyderpora and Rangreth areas of Srinagar succumbed to injuries in the hospital around midnight.

National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval called on Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi to brief him on the latest security situation in the Valley.

--IANS

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US President Donald Trump announced new restrictions on US leisure travel to Cuba and US business with Cuban military, the media reported.

"The previous administration's easing of restrictions on travel and trade do not help the Cuban people," said Trump on Friday at a rally in Miami, Florida, adding that he was effectively immediately canceling his predecessor Barack Obama's "one-sided deal" with Cuba.

According to a statement by the White House, US individuals and companies will be prohibited from doing commerce with Cuban businesses owned by the Cuban military, Xinhua news agency reported.

As to travels, individual leisure travel, permitted by the Obama administration, will be prohibited, and Americans will be required to visit Cuba through tour groups.

Trump also reaffirmed US statutory embargo of Cuba.

Despite his effort to roll back parts of his predecessor Barack Obama's cuba policy, Trump stopped short of closing US embassy in Cuba.

"The US embassy (in Cuba) will remain open in hope that our countries can forge a much stronger and better path," he said.

The policy changes partially fulfilled a campaign promise by Trump and aligned him with hawkish Cuban-American Republicans in the US Congress.

In December 2014, in the most sweeping change in US-Cuban relations in five decades, Obama announced plans to normalise ties with Cuba in a move that quickly sparked much controversy in the US.

Since then, improvements have been made in US-Cuban diplomatic, social and commercial ties, with the US opening an embassy in Cuba, increasing flights to Cuba, and some US businesses expanding into the island nation for the first time in five decades.

America severed ties with Cuba in 1961, shortly after Fidel Castro launched a revolution that toppled a US-friendly government, and the two countries had been at loggerheads ever since.

--IANS

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Donald Trump resorted to Twitter to slam a report that special counsel Robert Mueller is investigating the President for possible obstruction of justice.

In a series of tweets, Trump on Thursday said: "They made up a phony collusion with the Russians story, found zero proof, so now they go for obstruction of justice on the phony story. Nice," reports Efe news.

Shortly thereafter, he followed that up with another tweet, in which he returned to one of his main themes regarding the ongoing probe: "You are witnessing the single greatest witch hunt in American political history - led by some very bad and conflicted people."

The tweets were clear signs of the president's frustration and anger over the revelation, published on Wednesday evening in The Washington Post, about the investigation by Mueller, who is heading an independent probe into alleged Russian interference in the 2016 election.

A few hours later, Trump again tweeted, this time attempting to divert attention toward his former rival, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, first saying: "Why is that Hillary Clinton's family and Democrats dealings with Russia are not looked at, but my non-dealings are?"

In a second tweet, he continued with "Crooked Hillary destroyed phones with hammer, 'bleached' emails, and had husband meet with (Attorney General Loretta Lynch) days before she was cleared and they talk about obstruction?"

The Washington Post, citing anonymous sources, had reported some hours earlier that Mueller, who is probing Russia's election interference and the possible links between Moscow and Trump's campaign, had added a key element to that probe, namely that the President would now be under investigation for obstruction of justice.

If the report is true and if it is confirmed that Trump obstructed justice by trying to get former Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director James Comey, and perhaps others, to end the Russia probe, that could lead to the President's impeachment by Congress, something that many Democratic lawmakers say they would pursue if circumstances warrant.

Meanwhile, the White House said on Thursday that it would have no comment about the revelation, with deputy Press Secretary Sarah Sanders simply referring all questions to the President's personal lawyer, Marc Kasowitz.

Kasowitz said on Wednesday that leaking FBI information about the president was "outrageous, inexcusable and illegal", although he did not question the content of the article.

--IANS

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The White House has confirmed that President Donald Trump will announce his administration's review of the country's new policy toward Cuba on Friday.

The President will travel to Miami on Friday to "make an announcement on US-Cuba policy", said deputy White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders at a press conference.

When asked whether Trump is planning to announce the naming of an ambassador to Cuba anytime soon, Sanders said that she was not certain what the plans are on that subject or whether it would be included in the President's Friday announcement, reports Efe news.

Several US media outlets had reported the date and site for the announcement of the result of the review of Washington's Cuba policy that Trump promised when he took office, a policy that to date has included greater rapprochement with the communist island and was initiated by his predecessor Barack Obama.

In his search for votes in Florida during the presidential campaign, Trump toughened his stance on Cuba and promised to rescind many of Obama's measures.

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said earlier this week at a hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that Trump wants to allow business activity and trade with Cuba to continue as much as possible because he appreciates the benefits that this opening provides for the Cuban people.

However, the administration wants to ensure that it is not involuntarily or directly providing financial help to the Raul Castro regime and that it is not violating the law, Tillerson said on Tuesday.

"As we're developing these business relationships and as we're enjoying the benefits on the economic and development side, are we inadvertently or directly providing financial support to the regime? Our view is we are," Tillerson said.

"And the question is ... how do we bring that back into compliance with longstanding statutory obligations?" he added.

It is anticipated that Trump will also urge the Cuban government to improve its respect for human rights, according to information provided by Tillerson.

--IANS

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British security officials said that hackers in North Korea were behind the cyber-attack that crippled parts of the National Health Services (NHS) and other organisations around the world last month, the media reported.

Officials from the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) told the BBC on Thursday that they believe that the North Korea-based hacking group known as Lazarus launched the attack.

It is also believed to have targeted Sony Pictures in 2014.

The Sony hack came as the company planned to release the movie "The Interview", a satire about an assassination attempt on North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. The movie was eventually given a limited release after an initial delay.

The Lazarus group has also been linked to the use of ransomware - including against a South Korean supermarket chain.

In May, ransomware called WannaCry swept across the world, locking computers and demanding payment for them to be unlocked. The NHS in the UK was particularly badly hit.

NCSC officials began their own investigation and concluded their assessment, reports the BBC.

The ransomware did not target Britain or the NHS specifically, and may well have been a money-making scheme that got out of control, particularly since the hackers do not appear to have retrieved any of the ransom money as yet.

--IANS

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A youth injured in firing by the security forces on Thursday in Srinagar succumbed on Friday, officials said.

Police said the youth, Naseer Ahmad of Ashtengo village in Bandipora district, was injured in firing by the troopers of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) on Thursday in Rangreth area in the outskirts of Srinagar, when a stone pelting mob clashed with the security forces.

"He was shifted to Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) where he succumbed during the night," a police source said.

--IANS

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The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday continued with its outreach to the Opposition for the upcoming presidential polls but didn't disclose the name of the BJP-led Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidate for the top post.
In yet another militant attack within three weeks, terrorists today ambushed a police party in the outskirts of Anantnag district of South Kashmir and killed six policemen, including a Station House Officer of Achabal area.

In a barbaric act, the terrorists shot at the policemen with their assault rifles after overpowering them. The policemen who retaliated bravely, however, could not break the trap laid by the terrorists.

The terrorists first overpowered them, then fatally shot them in their faces from close range and escaped with their weapons.

The incident took place this evening when Feroz Ahmed, a 2010 batch Sub-Inspector, was on his way to the police station at Achabal after completing his duty in Anantnag.

The militants had laid an ambush on Anantnag-Achabal road near Kulgad village and fired at the police party. The police were not travelling in a bullet proof vehicle.

All the six policemen including Ahmed died on the spot, senior police officials said. Army has been called out to undertake a combing operation in the area.

"It is an unfortunate incident to have lost six men including Sub Inspector Feroz, a resident of Pulwama. Their contribution to the police service will be remembered," Director General of Police S P Vaid told PTI here.

32-year-old Ahmed, a resident of Dogripura in Awantipora, was a father of two daughters aged six and two.

A pall of gloom descended on Anantnag police station when Ahmed's wife and aged parents came to receive his body. He was quite popular in South Kashmir police division and had recently organised an Iftar party.

The other deceased officers include constables Sharik Ahmad and Tanveer Ahmad (Budgam district), Sheraz Ahmad (Achabal), Asif Ahmad and Sabzar Ahmed (Anantnag).

Pakistan-based Lashker-e-Taiba has claimed responsibility for the attack, police said, adding it seems they wanted to take revenge of the Arwani encounter in which their local commander Junaid Mattoo is believed to have died.

Arwani encounter site is located 20 kms from the place where the ambush took place.

The encounter at Arwani in Bijbehara area broke out this morning and all the three militants are believed to be dead. No bodies have been recovered so far.

This is the second major attack on a police party. Earlier on May 28, militants attacked a police party at Phambai area of Kulgam in South Kashmir, killing five policemen and two bank guards.

The incident saw immediate reaction from political parties including former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah who blamed the PDP-BJP government led by Mehbooba Mufti for the present crisis.

"It seems that South Kashmir is slipping everyday from the hands of the state government. I hope somebody in New Delhi wakes up now," Omar said.

CPM leader Mohammed Yusuf Tarigami said the incidents in South Kashmir were a clear example of lawlessness prevailing in the entire area.

State Congress chief G A Mir said it was a very sad incident.

"It shows that the state government has completely failed in controlling the situation. I wonder when will the Union Home Ministry wake up," Mir said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Six policemen, including a Sub-Inspector, were killed at Achabal in Anantnag district of South Kashmir after terrorists ambushed a police party today.

The Station House Officer identified as Sub-Inspector Feroz, a resident of Pulwama, fell victim to indiscriminate firing from militants, Director General of Police S P Vaid told PTI here.

The other martyred include a driver and four other policemen who were on a routine round in their jeep, he said.

Pakistan-based Lashker-e-Taiba is believed to be behind the attack, a senior police official said, adding they wanted to take revenge of the Arwani encounter in which their local commander Junaid Mattoo is believed to have died.

The encounter at Arwani in Bijbehara area broke out this morning and all the three militants are believed to be dead. No bodies have been recovered so far.

Army has been moved out and was combing the area, officials said.
The AAP will escalate its attack against the Centre on the issue of "agrarian distress" during a day-long farmers convention tomorrow, an event also aimed at expanding the party's rural base.

AAP Delhi convenor Gopal Rai said representatives of farmers' organisations from 17 states will be a part of the event during which a number of resolutions will be moved, including a demand for the Centre to release a "white paper" on the issue.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is expected to address the gathering at central Delhi's Constitution Club here, where the AAP will also demand a special session of Parliament to discuss the recent volatile protests by farmers in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.

Rai also announced that the AAP government has decided to set aside Rs 2 crore for every village, rural as well as urban, in Delhi, and a "development board" will monitor activities undertaken through this fund.

"The Delhi government has decided that all villages will be given Rs 2 crore per year. A special fund of Rs 600 crore has been set aside for this purpose. A village development fund will monitor the activities undertaken through this fund," Rai told reporters.

However, there is no clarity as to when the scheme will be rolled out or what the role of the existing rural development units will be.

These units aim to create infrastructural facilities in rural areas including the construction of link roads, approach roads, parks, minor drains and to provide basic facilities to the people of rural villages etc.

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Stung by what it called a "raid" by CBI on Delhi's Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, the Aam Aadmi Party today dubbed the central investigative agency as "Centre's Bureau of Intimidation".

Senior AAP leader Sanjay Singh said the "raid" on Sisodia's residence signalled the Modi government's "resolve" to not let the AAP regime in Delhi work.

The CBI has denied it has carried out a search or raid but only visited his house in connection with a case.

"So, did they (CBI) come for tea," Singh asked.

Displaying exasperation, Singh told a press conference that instead of the "daily harassment", the Centre should simply suspend the Delhi government.

AAP spokesperson Raghav Chadha added in a tweet: "Centre's Bureau of Intimidation".

The AAP government's tenure has been marked by intense acrimony with the BJP-led Central government.

"Today's raid signals the resolve of the Centre to not let the AAP government work. The BJP wants to obliterate the opposition. The intention is to take revenge through relentless harassment," Singh said.

The CBI, constituted as an autonomous body, had also raided the Delhi Secretariat in 2015, prompting Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to call Prime Minister Narendra Modi a "coward and a psycopath".

The government denies influencing CBI.

CBI officials said they "visited" the residence of Sisodia to seek clarification about a preliminary enquiry (PE) against him relating to alleged irregularities in a social media event by Kejriwal called 'Talk to AK'.

Singh said 'Talk to AK', a programme to interact with the public, was held using the services of a public relations company, which did not charge the government. He said no tender was floated for the event as platforms such as Facebook, YouTube and Google have no competition.

The CBI had registered the PE in January this year on the basis of a complaint filed by the Vigilance Department of the Delhi government.

It was alleged in the complaint that a consultant of a well-known PR company was hired by the Delhi government to promote the event and that a Rs 1.5-crore proposal was prepared for this purpose.

"One may question why a particular PR company was chosen," another AAP leader, Saurabh Bharadwaj, told reporters here. "That's because the DIP (Directorate of Information and Publicity) was not capable of handling the job," he said.

The PR firm, he added, was already working for the government and was "empanelled with it".

"So naturally, the government approached the consultancy. We may not have gone for a tender, but the point is this company did not charge any commission," Bharadwaj said.

The complaint said despite objections from the Principal Secretary, the government went ahead with the proposal. The consultant spent money on the campaign, thereby creating a liability for the government.

"When not a penny was spent on Talk to AK programme, how does CBI come into the picture? Caged parrot not briefed properly by masters again. Caged parrot CBI feeding false info to its PROs. No consultant was hired for Talk To Ak - challenge anyone to show any payment made," Delhi government spokesperson Nagendar Sharma said in a series of tweets.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The China-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has approved the membership of Argentina, Madagascar and Tonga at its second annual meeting of governors.

The AIIB's board of governors adopted resolutions approving the three applicants to join the bank at the second annual meeting, which kicked off earlier in the day in South Korea's southern resort island of Jeju.

The first meeting was held in Beijing last year.

The approved applicants included one regional prospective member of Tonga and two non-regional members of Argentina and Madagascar.

"Well-integrated infrastructure and enhanced connectivity between Asia and the rest of the world has far-reaching benefits for the global economy," said AIIB President Jin Liqun.

Tonga was well known as the friendly islands in the South Pacific, while Argentina and Madagascar are important economies in South America and Africa each, said Jin.

The three prospective members will officially join the AIIB once they complete the required domestic processes and deposit the first instalment of capital with the bank.

The shares allocated to the new prospective members come from the bank's existing pool of unallocated shares.

"Since launching only 18 months ago, the bank has welcomed 23 new members from around the world," said Sir Danny Alexander, vice president and corporate secretary at the AIIB.

The vice chief said interest in the AIIB remained high and that the bank's door remained open to new members that will be joining later this year.

Officially launched in January 2016, the Beijing-based AIIB is a multilateral development bank initiated by China and supported by a wide range of countries and regions, which will provide financing for infrastructure improvement in Asia.

The international infrastructure bank owned about USD 100 billion of subscribed capital, including some USD 20 billion dollars in paid-in capital.

India is the second largest shareholder with 7.5 per cent followed by Russia 5.93 per cent and Germany with 4.5 per cent.

This year's annual meeting brought together about 2,000 participants, including delegations of both founding members and new members, international organisations and academia as well as businessmen, financiers and journalists.

The attendees included over 20 finance ministers of the approved AIIB members, the South Korea's finance ministry said.

The second annual meeting was held under the theme of "Sustainable Infrastructure," seeking strategic directions of the international infrastructure bank and making major decisions on the bank's management.

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A 16-year-old Hindu girl's alleged abduction and conversion in Pakistan has created an uproar among the minority community, a media report said today.

Ravita Meghwar had been abducted from the Syed community of Wanharo village near Nagarparkar in the southeast Sindh province on June 6.

Yesterday, she along with her 'husband' Nawaz Ali Shah, met with local journalists in Umerkot to "inform" them of her consent in the conversion and marriage, Dawn reported.

The girl, demanding protection for herself and husband, said that she had not been kidnapped but had eloped with Shah, the report said.

She claimed to have embraced Islam in the presence of Pir Mohammad Ayub Jan Farooqui, an Islamic preacher, near the Samarro town of Umerkot district, it said.

However, the Hindu community, along with the girl's family, has insisted that she was kidnapped and forced to convert, the report said.

Her father Satram Das Meghwar alleged that influential members of the Syed community had kidnapped his daughter after giving sleeping pills to the family.

He alleged that despite frequent appeals, Thar police did not take any actions to trace the girl till she was forced to convert, the report said.

According to the marriage certificate issued by the preacher, "The girl is 18 years old, can marry the person of her choice and her Islamic name is Gulnar", the report said.

However, her primary school certificate shows that Ravita is only 16-year-old as she was born on July 14, 2001.

The PML-N member of national assembly from Thar and chief of the Pakistan Hindu Council, Dr Ramesh Kumar Vankwani, has expressed his concern over the alleged abduction and the subsequent conversion of Ravita.

"A Hindu girl below 18 years of age cannot be converted according to the Hindu Marriage Act," he was quoted as saying by the report.

Terming the abduction of the girl an attempt to vitiate the peaceful and harmonious atmosphere of Thar, activists from various communities and political parties have demanded the early recovery of the girl and her production before a court of law, the report added.

Scores of people have questioned the validity of the marriage certificate issued by the cleric and condemned the incident on social media, demanding a probe into the incident.

Earlier, an FIR was registered on the girl's request at the Dano Dhandal police station against four persons - Syed Nawaz Ali Shah, Syed Noor Ali Shah, Mohammad Nohrio Junejo and Sher Ali Junejo.

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A BJP panel today met top leaders of the Congress and the Left and consulted party veteran L K Advani on the upcoming presidential election, but its reluctance to name candidates prompted the opposition to question the exercise aimed at evolving a broad consensus on the issue.

Union ministers Rajnath Singh and M Venkaiah Naidu, two members of the panel formed by BJP chief Amit Shah, met Congress chief Sonia Gandhi, CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury and BJP veterans Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi.

A source said the two ministers informed Advani the panel had started talks with other leaders as directed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Shah, but did not refer to any likely candidates.

Criticising the BJP for not naming possible candidates, Yechury called the talks "more of a PR exercise" and reiterated the person occupying the president's post had to be an individual with "impeccable" secular credentials.

The BJP leaders did not propose a name but instead asked Congress leaders about their choices, party leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said after the ministers met Gandhi and other party leaders.

"We expected the BJP leaders to come up with some name, one or more, for the post of the president of India, so that the Congress could take a call on that. But nothing of that kind happened," he said.

Sources said Singh and Naidu -- the panel's third member, Arun Jaitley, is abroad -- told the opposition leaders that the party would like to finalise the name of the candidate for the post before Modi left on a foreign tour on June 24.

The BJP may finalise its nominee two or three days before the PM's departure.

A BJP leader played down the opposition criticism, saying the idea behind the consultation was to seek the views of leaders from different political parties. It also aimed at garnering support for a common candidate, he said.

The ministers also asked Yechury and other Left leaders at the meeting if they needed to put up an opposition candidate "just for the sake of it", the sources said.

The BJP ministers first met Gandhi at her 10 Janpath residence in the morning. Azad and Mallikarjun Kharge were also present during the 30-minute meeting.

This was the first meeting between the government and the opposition under the BJP's outreach to stitch a consensus on the official nominee for the post.

The ministers also declined to name possible candidate at their meeting with Yechury and other Left leaders.

"They told us they want our support. We said fine, tell us the basis for the support, who is the candidate. But that they did not convey; they will take some time to do that," Yechury said after their 30-minute meeting.

He said the opposition parties would wait till the BJP completed its discussions with them before they took a call on their candidate for the July 17 election.

Naidu explained the objectives of the consultation process to the opposition leaders, saying that the prime minister and the BJP chief wished for such discussions before the candidate was finalised and were keen to seek the views of the parties and their support.

Naidu also had a conversation on this with NCP Chief Sharad Pawar over the phone and met AIADMK leader Thambidurai.

The minister met SP veteran Mulayam Singh Yadav and the BSP's Satish Misra, who put him through to his leader, Mayawati, on the phone.

A top BJP leader said the party was ready with the formalities of filing nomination papers. It had identified the names of proposers and seconders in different sets of nominations to be filed in favour of their candidate.

The BJP has also called a meeting of those MPs and MLAs who would propose and second the official candidate in Delhi on June 20.

Asked if it meant the party would decide on its nominee by then, a senior leader said the two issues were not linked.

BJP allies -- Ramvilas Paswan's LJP, Upendra Kushwaha's RLSP and Chandrababu Naidu's TDP -- have already authorised Modi to take a decision on the presidential candidate, saying they would support it.

Opposition leaders have said they will put up their own candidate if the BJP opted for a person with "strong Hindutva leanings".

Congress senior spokesperson Ajay Maken told reporters that it would be "good" if there was a consensus on the issue.

He, however, said the ruling party should first come out with its candidate to help bring about a consensus.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Switzerland today ratified automatic exchange of financial account information with India and 40 other jurisdictions to facilitate immediate sharing of details about suspected black money even as it sought strict adherence to confidentiality and data security.

Adopting the dispatch on introduction of the AEOI, a global convention for automatic information exchange on tax matters, the Swiss Federal Council said the implementation is planned for 2018 and the first set of data should be exchanged in 2019.

The council, which is the top governing body of the European nation, will soon notify the Indian government about the exact date from which the automatic exchange would begin.

As per the draft notification approved by the council in its meeting today, the decision is not subject to any referendum -- which means there should be no further procedural delay in its implementation.

The issue of black money has been a matter of big debate in India and Switzerland has been long perceived as one of the safest havens for the illicit wealth allegedly stashed abroad by Indians.

Today's decision follows hectic parleys between India and Switzerland for introduction of the AEOI (Automatic Exchange of Information) on tax matters under the guidance of G20, OECD and other global organisations.

The council said the proposal to introduce AEOI with India and others "met with widespread approval from the interested parties who voiced their opinions in the consultations".

"In concrete terms, the AEOI will be activated with each individual state or territory by means of a specific federal decree within the framework of this dispatch," it added.

The exchange of information itself will be carried out based on the Multilateral Competent Authority Agreement (MCAA) on the Automatic Exchange of Financial Account Information, which is in turn based on the international standard for the exchange of information developed by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

The council said it will prepare a situation report before the first exchange of data, which is planned for autumn 2019.

"In the process, it will be checked whether the states and territories concerned effectively meet the requirements under the standard, especially those concerning confidentiality and data security.

"It is important for the Federal Council that a level playing field be created among states and that all major financial centres, in particular, be included. This year, Switzerland has introduced the AEOI with 38 states and territories, including all EU member states, and data will start to be exchanged with them in 2018," it added.

Switzerland is satisfied with various regulations in India, including changes in the Information Technology Act, with respect to ensuring protection of privacy, according to a document released by the Swiss government today.

Among others, it has mentioned that more than Rs 4,000 crore worth of black money was disclosed by entities during the compliance window declarations in 2015.

Confidentiality and data protection requirements are to be strictly followed under the automatic information exchange framework.

Section 7 of the MCAA relates to the notification process required to bring the agreement into effect between any two signatories.

This process ensures the signatory always maintains control over its exchange partners and the treatment of the data exchanged, as per the OECD.

Last November India and Switzerland inked the pact for the implementation of AEOI.

The joint declaration was signed between the two countries amid the Indian government stepping up efforts to clamp down on the menace of black money.

The Indian government, in November 2016, had said it would be possible to receive from September 2019 onwards the financial information of accounts held by Indian residents in Switzerland for 2018 and subsequent years, on an automatic basis.

Back in January 2012, India signed the Convention on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Tax Matters.

It is a multilateral agreement that promotes international co-operation while respecting the rights of taxpayers.

Among others, the convention provides for administrative co-operation between the parties in the assessment and collection of taxes in order to combat tax avoidance and evasion.

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A 30-year-old Pakistani-origin man in the UK who works for an Islamist media group in Syria is set to lose his British citizenship for being a "risk to the national security".

Akif Razaq's family in Birmingham received a notice warning of the action by the UK Home Office.

The notice states that an assessment has confirmed that he "is aligned with an al-Qaeda aligned group" and that his return would "present a risk to the national security of the United Kingdom".

He will become the first person since 2015 to be deprived of his citizenship after the notice, seen by The Times, arrived on May 24.

"I was shocked, surprised and intrigued," Razaq told the newspaper via the encrypted messaging service Telegram.

"I have never seen myself as a threat to my home country and it surprised me that others would see me so. I would have thought that a solid case was required to deprive me of citizenship," he said, adding that he plans to appeal against the order.

Razaq first travelled to Syria with an aid convoy in 2013. Two years later, he joined On The Ground (OGN), a media organisation founded by Bilal Abdul Kareem, a US citizen and Muslim convert.

OGN produces video reports from rebel-held areas of Syria, often focusing on the humanitarian fallout of the conflict. OGN now operates from Idlib, the last patch of rebel-controlled territory in northern Syria.

The media organisation claims that it aims to provide "accurate English language to a western audience regarding the Syrian crisis".

The 1981 British Nationality Act grants the UK home secretary the right to revoke citizenship of dual nationals or naturalised British citizens if it is deemed in the public interest or they obtained their citizenship by false means.

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Continuing his inspection spree, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today visited a government-run hospital in north-west Delhi and directed officials to take action after he found an alleged violation in prescription norms by a doctor.

The chief minister, accompanied by Health Minister Satyendar Jain, went to several wards at the Maharishi Valmiki Hospital in Bawana area and talked to the patients there.

In a rather unusual move during the inspection, Kejriwal took prescription card of a person present near a medicine counter and himself enquired about it, only to be told by the staff manning it that "the medicine prescribed by the doctor was not available".

When the chief minister further enquired about it, the staff told him that, "the medicine was not available as it was not part of the inventory list", Aam Aadmi Party officials said.

Kejriwal then sought to know from the medical superintendent of the 150-bed hospital as to why the medicine was prescribed if it was not in the list.

The chief minister has directed officials to take action after finding this case, they said.

As per a recent government directive, only medicines listed in the inventory approved by the Delhi government are to be prescribed by doctors at government hospitals.

Kejriwal's visit caught the doctors and officials by surprise even as the people approached him with their problems. Some were seen taking photos of the chief minister.

"Is everything alright here? Are you getting all the medicines?" Kejriwal asked a patient.

On June 2, the chief minister paid a surprise visit to Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Hospital in west Delhi's Hari Nagar area to take stock of the situation there.

Prior to that he had inspected the Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Hospital on May 25, where he had found "several deficiencies" and expressed displeasure over the state of affairs.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supremo had also expressed unhappiness over the action-taken report following his May inspection and directed Chief Secretary M M Kutty to visit the hospital and submit a report.

Kejriwal has also written to Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal and sought removal of the medical superintendent of the Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Hospital over the "deficiencies".

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Congress today came down on



The BJD regime in Odisha over the alleged rape and murder of a widow in Dhenkanal district and said it would hold a state-wide agitation on June 19 demanding assistance to the woman's family and trial of the case in fast track court.

"The gangrape and brutal murder of the 45-year-old woman in Kankadahada area was as barbaric as the horrific Nirbhaya episode of Delhi. But Odisha government failed to handle it seriously," Odisha PCC President Prasad Harichandan told reporters here.

Though four persons have been arrested in connection with the June 12 incident, it has exposed the failure of the Naveen Patnaik government to ensure safety and security of women, he said and accused the police of being soft on the accused.

The accused werenot booked under relevant sections of SC and ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and though there are two ministers from the area, none has so far visited the village where the incident took place, he said.

Urging the state government to provide help to the woman's family, Harichandan demanded an assistance of Rs 20 lakh to the affected family and trial of the case in a special fast track court.

The party, he said, would hold an agitation at the district headquarters of the state and other places on June 19 over the issue by the party's women's wing and ST-SC cell.

BJP too raised questions about the investigation that was conducted in the case by the police. BJP women wing president Prabhati Parida alleged that the case was not probed in "a proper and serious manner" and some more people are suspected to have been involved in the crime.

The BJP leader also demanded that trial of the case be held in a fast track court.

Four persons were arrested yesterday in connection with the alleged gangrape and murder of the widow on the night of June 12 at Balikuma village in Kankadahada area of Dhenkanal district.

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Congress has condemned the killing of a villager in Changlang district by Army personnel in a case of mistaken identity on the night of June 14.

"The deceased fell prey to the Army's unwanted ambush due to procedural lapses. As per convention, it is mandatory for the Army to coordinate with the police before resorting to, cordoning off or ambushing any civil areas to avoid any untoward happenings," the Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) said in a statement here.

"The people of the state are peace-loving, but any attempt to harass us physically or mentally shall not be tolerated under any circumstances. The people of Tirap and Changlang districts are sleeping giants and their endurance and tolerance should not be treated as weakness by the government and any forces whatsoever be," it said.

"A citizen, that too an innocent villager, cannot be murdered by Army 'mistakenly'. This is beyond the ethic of the disciplined Indian Army. Such provocation by Army is uncalled for and demeans its hard-earned image," the party said.

The APCC blamed the incumbent state government, specially the home department, for having failed on all fronts to contain law and order problems and asked the government to pay an ex-gratia of Rs 5 crore, and provide a government job to the family member of the deceased.

The party also conveyed its condolence to the members of the bereaved family.

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Police Sub-Inspector Prabhakar Reddy, suspected to have shot himself dead in Siddipet on Wednesday, had tried to sexually assault a beautician hours before she allegedly killed herself a day earlier, the police said today.

The police made the claim saying it was revealed in the ongoing probe into the suicide.

Prabhakar, 32, posted at Kuknoorpally police station, was found lying dead on a chair in his official residence.

The police suspects the SI might have killed himself after learning about the woman's death as he was apparently scared of the "consequences."



The police today arrested two men, including the owner of a studio where she worked, and his acquaintance, on the charge of abetting the suicide of the 29-year-old married woman.

The duo are identified as B Sravan Kumar and V Rajeev Kumar, the studio owner.

As per the preliminary probe conducted by the Hyderabad police, the beautician was having an affair with Rajeev who was in a relationship with another woman, who got a whiff of the affair and was angry.

According to police, Sravan had tried to broker peace by taking Rajeev and the two women to Prabhakar "to resolve the matter," when the latter allegedly tried to sexually assault the beautician.

"B Sravan Kumar and V Rajeev Kumar, the owner of a photo studio in Jubilee Hills here, where the woman was found dead in suspicious circumstances on June 13, were today arrested," Hyderabad Police Commissioner M Mahendar Reddy told reporters here.

"The woman worked at Rajeev's studio and they allegedly had an affair. However, he was into a relationship with another woman, who worked as an HR Manager in a software firm here. The trouble began after the HR manager learnt about the affair between Rajeev and the beautician, and she threatened the beautician to stay away from Rajeev. The trio also went to Banjara Hills Police station over the matter on May 30," the CP said.

Assuring them to resolve the matter, Sravan, who is known to Rajeev and the beautician, took them to Prabhakar at his residence in Siddipet on the night of June 12.

"All of them consumed liquor and the SI allegedly made sexual advances towards her (beautician) although she objected to it. Meanwhile, Sravan and Rajeev intervened and took her back in a car to Hyderabad," Reddy said.

The woman, who broke into tears while on their way to Hyderabad, quarrelled with them even as Rajeev punched her in face and abdomen. After reaching Rajeev's house-cum-studio, the woman locked herself in the room, he said.

"Rajeev called her up, but after getting no response he broke open the door only to find her hanging from the ceiling fan with a scarf. He informed the police about the incident," Reddy said.

During the course of investigation, doctors who conducted her postmortem opined that the death occurred due to hanging. It was further revealed that Sravan, Rajeev and the woman had met Prabhakar, he said.

After probing the links, police found that Prabhakar had allegedly attempted to sexually assault the woman.

Based on the evidence collected and the post-mortem examination report, the section in the case was altered to 306 (abetment of suicide) of IPC.

"The investigation done so far and prima facie evidence disclosed that the woman had felt humiliated and insulted by the acts of Sravan, Rajeev, who had taken her to Prabhakar, who, in turn, had made sexual advances towards her and their acts drove her to suicide," the top cop said.

The Hyderabad police chief said further investigation is on and the woman's vaginal swabs and viscera were sent to the forensic lab and based on the report and evidence further action will be taken.

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A Delhi-bound Jet Airways plane from Leh, with 125 passengers onboard, today made an emergency landing at the Jaipur International Airport (JIA) as it was unable to land at the destination due to bad weather and was running low on fuel, an airport official said.

The aircraft landed safely and all passengers were safe, he said.

The plane from Leh reached Delhi but it could not land there due to adverse weather conditions, JIA director J S Balhara said.

The aircraft was hovering over Delhi but bad weather could not allow it land, as a result it ran short of fuel following which it was diverted to Jaipur, he said.

The plane landed safely here, he added.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "grand gesture" of demonetisation has proved to be one of the most "disruptive experiments" in recent economic history and it brought India's cash-dependent economy to a "standstill", according to a report published in a top US magazine today.

The report in the latest issue of 'Foreign Affairs' magazine said demonetisation made "little sense" economically even as it proved enduringly popular.

"This (demonetisation) has proved to be one of the most disruptive experiments in recent economic history, and one from which Modi's administration now risks learning all the wrong lessons," wrote author James Crabtree.

A senior visiting research fellow at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy NUS in Singapore, Crabtree who is currently on sabbatical from his previous position at the 'Financial Times', has been highly critical of demonetisation policy.

"So far Modi's economic achievements are real, but his record on delivering growth-enhancing reforms, especially those that risk upsetting the public, is mixed," Crabtree wrote.

"Although his grand gesture of demonetisation made little sense economically, it has proved enduringly popular, and it appears to have made only a minor dent in the GDP. As he approaches 2019, it is not hard to see the lesson that he might learn," he wrote.

"The fact that demonetisation has been bad for short-term growth is no longer in doubt. Last week, India released GDP figures for the first quarter of 2017, the period when Modi's demonetisation had its largest impact," he wrote.

According to the report, hundreds of millions of Indians were forced to line up at cash machines and bank counters to replace their old 500-rupee and 1000-rupee notes which made up about nine-tenths of the value of all currency in circulation.

"The crunch hit the poor particularly hard, and brought swaths of commercial activity in India's cash-dependent economy- and especially in its large semi-legal gray market- to a standstill," Crabtree said.

Modi announced the biggest-ever demonetisation exercise India has ever seen on November 8.

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Russia today said it was verifying whether the elusive Islamic State terror group chief Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi had been killed in a targeted Russian airstrike in strife-torn Syria last month.

The airstrike on May 28 was carried out on the outskirts of the dreaded militant group's de facto capital Raqqa, on a command post where ISIS leaders were meeting, according to Russian state media reports.

"According to information, which is being verified via different channels, the meeting was also attended by the (ISIS) leader Ibrahim Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, who was eliminated in the strike," the ministry said, according to the TASS agency.

The leaders were discussing their exit from the city through the so-called southern corridor, the ministry said.

The airstrike was carried out following drone footage confirmation of the council's meeting location, state-run Sputnik reported.

Other state media reported that more than 300 "terrorists" were killed in the strike.

There have been a number of previous reports of Baghdadi's death.

This is the first time, however, that Russia has said it may have killed the IS leader. Other media reports have previously claimed he had been killed or critically injured by US-led coalition air strikes.

Reacting to the report, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told journalists that there is no one-hundred-per cent confirmation yet that leader of the Islamic State terror group outlawed in Russia, al-Baghdadi, has been killed,



"So far, I have no one-hundred-percent confirmation of this information," Lavrov said.

US defense officials said they were unable to confirm the reports. Col. Ryan Dillon, a spokesman for the US-led coalition's operation against ISIS in Syria and Iraq, said the coalition "cannot confirm these reports at this time."



There has been no official comment from Syria's government, the BBC reported.

So far, there has been minimal reaction from online supporters of IS to of the reported death of the group's leader, it said.

IS sympathisers typically ignore reports from unofficial IS sources or ridicule them, especially given that Baghdadi's death has been reported several times in the past.

One high-profile IS supporter on the messaging app Telegram shared a post denying the and saying that when an IS leadership figure is killed, the group does not hide it. He expected Baghdadi to come out soon with a message to prove he was still alive.

The IS has earned global notoriety for imposing a hardline form of Islam that has included stonings, beheadings and amputations.

Earlier, the The Russian army, in a statement, said Sukhoi warplanes carried out a 10-minute night-time strike on May 28 at a location near Raqa, where IS leaders had gathered to plan a pullout by militants from the group's stronghold.

"Senior commanders of the military groups of the so- called IS military council, 30 mid-ranking field commanders and up to 300 militants who provided security for them were eliminated," it said.

"According to information which is being checked through various channels, the leader of ISIL Ibrahim Abu-Bakr al- Baghdadi was also present at the meeting and was eliminated by the strike," it said.

ISIL is an acronym for the so-called IS group, also known as ISIS and Daesh.

The US has been informed about the attack, the statement added.

Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, which is a nom de guerre, was born Ibrahim Awwad Ibrahim Ali al-Badri al Samarrai.

Baghdadi has not been seen in public since proclaiming himself "caliph" in the Iraqi city of Mosul three years ago.

In October 2011, the US officially designated Baghdadi as a "terrorist". It has offered a reward of up to USD 25 million for information leading to his capture or death.

The IS seized Mosul, Iraq's second-biggest city, in June 2014 before claiming swathes of territory and launching deadly attacks on Western cities, including Paris and London.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Special envoy to the South Korean president today called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi here.

Dongchea Chung, special envoy to President Moon Jae-In met Modi, days after a new government was sworn in in South Korea.

The prime minister appreciated President Moon's gesture of sending his special envoyand said he looks forward to meeting the new South Korean leader.

A statement from the Prime Minister's Office said Modi recalled his visit to the Republic of Korea in May 2015, during which the bilateral relationship was upgraded to a special strategic partnership.

The prime minister welcomed the deepening of bilateral partnership not only in trade and economic spheres, but also in new areas such as defence cooperation.

Chung also met External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. "His discussions covered a broad range of bilateral relations. There is a very strong economic partnership between Republic of Korea and India and convergence of views on terrorism, right to navigation," MEA spokesperson Gopal Baglay said here.

He said both the sides will strive to hold the meeting of the joint commission within this year.

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Protesting farmers on Friday blocked some national highways in Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Odisha disrupting traffic as part of a countrywide stir over issues concerning the farming community.

Tractors were parked at several places on the highways even as police arrested scores of protesters including a former RSS leader in Madhya Pradesh.

A group of 62 farmers' unions had earlier announced that traffic will be blocked for three hours on all national highways across the country today in protest against the death of five farmers in police firing in Mandsaur in Madhya Pradesh and failure of the Centre to provide relief to ryots. They also pressed for loan waiver and remunerative prices for farm produce.

Various farmers' outfits under the banner of Navanirman Krushak Sangathan (NKS) observed a two-hour symbolic shutdown across Odisha.

In Madhya Pradesh, farmers under the aegis of Rashtriya Kisan Mazdoor Sangh(RKMS) led by a former RSS leader blocked roads in various districts as part of a bandh called by them in protest against the Mandsaur firing.

RKMS national president Shiv Kumar Sharma, popularly known as "Kakkaji", was arrested along with seven other farmer leaders when he was going to block the Jabalpur-Jaipur national highway near Misrod area on the outskirts of Bhopal, police said.

In Indore, 20 protesters, including farmers and members of some Leftist parties, were arrested under section 151 of the CrPc when they were trying to stop traffic on Link Road at Teen Imli roundabout, Azad Nagar police station in-charge Kanhaiyalal Dangi said.

RKMS' state unit vice president Trilok Gothi said the outfit had given the call for a nationwide bandh today to protest against the Mandsaur incident.

"We want the Centre and state governments to waive loans of farmers. We want satisfactory remuneration for farm produce of farmers," he said, adding that implementation of Swaminathan Commission's report is also a main demand by farmers.

As per reports, road blockade protests were held in various parts of the state.

In Haryana, led by Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Gurnam Singh, farmers gathered near Mohra in Ambala and blocked the highway there by parking their tractors.

Apart from Ambala, farmers also held protests at Rohtak, Sonepat, Hisar, Sirsa, Jind, Bhiwani and Charkhi Dadri.

Protesting farmers blocked Rohtak-Panipat highway near Ghilor village.

In Fatehabad, BKU, Akhil Bharatiya Kisan Sabha and members of Communist Party of India (M) and AAP assembled on the highway and blocked Fatehabad-Delhi road for some time.

The authorities had to divert the traffic at some places.

Gurnam Singh said that the farmers blocked vehicular traffic at various places for three hours in the afternoon.

He said the farmers protested in a peaceful manner and allowed emergency vehicles to pass.

Singh said the farmers are also demanding waiver of loans and implementation of Swaminathan Committee report on payment of the minimum support price (MSP).

Singh also said that on International Yoga Day on June 21, "the farmers will stage protests to attract attention of the entire world towards their plight."



The opposition parties, including Congress and Indian National Lok Dal (INLD), have also lent their support to the agitating farmers.

INLD workers burnt the effigy of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan near the mini-secretariat in Panipat, under the elevated flyover which is part of a national highway



Led by former state agriculture minister Jaswinder Sandhu, INLD workers took out a protest march in Karnal.

In view of the farmers' protest, the Haryana police had taken necessary steps to deal with the situation.

Four companies of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) had been deployed in Ambala, Kurukshetra, Sonepat and Jind.

Led by former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, the Congress organised a 'Kisan Panchayat' in Kurukshetra.

In Rajasthan, farmers blocked Ganganagar-Hanumangarh highway.

Former CPI(M) MLA Pawan Duggal claimed that a large number of farmers took part in the blockade.

In Bhubaneswar, NKS activists staged road blockades in different areas like Chandrasekharpur, Jaydev Vihar and Master Canteen square, burnt tyres and led a 'rail roko' at the railway station.

Several protesters, including NKS advisor and Aama Odisha Party leader Soumya Ranjan Patnaik, were picked up from Master Canteen area by the police as a preventive measure.

Patnaik said today's stir was held in solidarity with farmers across the country and the agitation would be intensified if the demands are not met.

In western Odisha, farmers under the banner of Paschim Odisha Krushak Sangathan Samanwaya Samiti (POKSSS) staged road blockades in various districts of the region.

The farmers staged road blockade at Choudhury chowk on the national highway in Sambalpur.

A report from Nabarangpur said farmers blocked NH 26 here and staged a dharna on the highway in front of Bhandargharani Temple for two hours disrupting traffic for some time.

Similar reports of farmers' stir were also received from Puri, Ganjam, Dhenkanal, Balangir, Rayagada and Keonjhar.
Farmers today gathered at various places in Haryana and blocked national highways as part of their nation-wide stir against the death of five cultivators in police firing in Madhya Pradesh and failure of the Centre to provide relief to the farming community.

Led by Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Gurnam Singh, farmers gathered near Mohra in Ambala in Haryana and blocked the highway there by parking their tractors. The protesting farmers also blocked Rohtak-Panipat highway near Ghilor village in the state.

Apart from Ambala, farmers also held protests at Rohtak, Sonepat, Hisar, Sirsa, Jind, Bhiwani and Charkhi Dadri.

In Fatehabad, BKU, Akhil Bharatiya Kisan Sabha, members of Communist Party of India (M) and AAP assembled on the highway and blocked Fatehabad-Delhi road for some time, forcing the authorities to divert the traffic at some places.

Singh said that the farmers blocked vehicular traffic at various places for three hours in the afternoon during their peaceful protest. They allowed emergency vehicles to pass.

A group of 62 farmers' unions had announced that it's members will block traffic for three hours on all national highways across the country today.

Singh said the decision to block traffic was taken to protest the killing of five farmers in police firing in Mandsaur in Madhya Pradesh and alleged failure of the government to provide relief to the farming community. The farmers are also demanding waiver of loans and implementation of Swaminathan Committee report on payment of the minimum support price (MSP).

He also said that on International Yoga Day, on June 21, "the farmers will stage protests to attract attention of the entire world towards their plight."



The opposition parties, including Congress and Indian National Lok Dal (INLD), also lent their support to the agitating farmers.

INLD workers burnt the effigy of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan near the mini secretariat in Panipat, under the elevated flyover which is part of national highway, to protest the firing on farmers in Mandsaur in which five cultivators were killed.

Led by former state agriculture minister Jaswinder Sandhu, INLD workers took out a protest march in Karnal demanding loan waiver for the farmers.

In view of the farmers' protest, the Haryana police had taken necessary steps to deal with the situation.

Four companies of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) had been deployed in Ambala, Kurukshetra, Sonepat and Jind.

Led by former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, the Congress organised a 'Kisan Panchayat' in Kurukshetra today.

Hooda said it was unfortunate that the BJP had failed to fulfill its poll promise of implementing the Swaminathan Commission report.

He said today question is not of farmers of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu or Haryana alone, but peasants across the country were at the crossroads due to "anti-farmer" policies of the central government.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Farmers led by a former RSS leader outfit Rashtriya Kisan Mazdoor Sangh today blocked roads in various parts of the state to protest against the death of five peasants in recent police firing in Mandsaur.

The farmers resorted to blocking roads as part of a bandh they called days after Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan called off his fast announcing restoration of peace in the state-wide peasants' stir.

RKMS national president Shiv Kumar Sharma, popularly known as "Kakkaji," was arrested along with seven other farmer leaders when he was going to block the Jabalpur-Jaipur national highway near Misrod area on the outskirts of the state capital, the police said.

"We arrested eight persons, including Kakkaji, when they were going to block the national highway," Misrod Sub Divisional Officer of Police (SDOP) Atik Ahmad Khan told PTI.

In Indore, twenty protesters, including farmers and members of some Leftist parties, were arrested under section 151 of the CrPC when they were trying to stop traffic on Link Road at Teen Imli round-about, Azad Nagar police station in-charge Kanhaiyalal Dangi said.

RKMS' state unit vice president Trilok Gothi said the outfit had given the call for a nation-wide bandh today to protest against the Mandsaur incident.

"We want the Centre and state governments to waive loans of farmers. We want satisfactory remuneration for farm produce of farmers," he said, adding that implementation of Swaminathan Commission's report is also a prominent demand of farmers.

As per reports, road blockade protests were held in various parts of the state.

"We staged our protests at Indore, Rewa, Rajgarh, Jabalpur, Sehore, Dhar, Dewas, Hoshangabad, Neemuch, Ratlam, Shajapur and others districts," Gothi said.

A group of farmers had torched tyres at an agriculture market in Narsinghpur yesterday after finding no takers for their produce.

Farmers in Madhya Pradesh launched a stir on June 1 for various demands, including better remuneration for farming produce and a loan waiver. The agitation took a violent turn on June 6 when police opened fire on protesters in Mandsaur, the ground zero of the agitation, killing five farmers.

Besides, a 26-year-old farmer had died in Badwan village of the district subsequently. The locals had alleged that he was beaten up by the police.

To placate the agriculturists, state Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan announced a series of measures on June 11, before ending his 28-hour long fast.

One of the major declarations made was that the purchase of any farm produce below the minimum support price (MSP) would be considered a criminal act.

"Any purchase of farm produce below the MSP, declared by the Centre, would be considered a criminal act in Madhya Pradesh," he had said.

Chouhan announced that the state government would establish 'Kisan Bazaar' (farmers' market) within the area under all municipal bodies.

"We will also adopt a system of Amul Dairy Cooperatives to purchase milk in the state," he had said.

The state government had announced setting up a Rs 1,000 -crore Price Stabilisation Fund to purchase farm produce at the MSP and Agricultural Costs and Marketing Commission to ensure better prices for farm produce vis-a-vis cost of crops.

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The escalation in militant attacks on Jammu and Kashmir police personnel is because of the "frustration" of the ultras, Director General of Police S P Vaid said here today, asserting that necessary measures would be taken to prevent them from carrying such acts.

"We will take necessary measures. This is the frustration of the militants. Whether a militant is killed or a civilian or a cop, it is the Kashmiri who dies. The bloodshed will not take us anywhere, it is only the murder of humanity," the DGP told reporters here.

He said the militants were targeting the local police as it was fighting them with eagerness.

"The local police works on the anti-militancy front with eagerness, that is why they (militants) are targeting them (police). But I am sure that we will control this soon," the DGP said.

Earlier, Vaid led civil, police and security forces' officers and jawans at DPL Srinagar in laying floral wreaths on the mortal remains of the constable Shazad Dilawar Sofi, resident of Ashtengoo village of north Kashmir's Bandipora district, who was killed in militant firing in Hyderpora area of the city here yesterday.

The DGP termed the constable's killing as "murder of humanity and Kashmiriyat".

"This is the murder of humanity and Kashmiriyat, for which our neighbouring country is using our people for its geo-political purposes," Vaid said.

He said the cop and a youth killed allegedly in security forces' firing in Rangreth area of city were related to each other.

"They are cousins, belonging to the same family and the same village. That is why I am saying that the people here are being used as pawns," the DGP said.

Asked about militants warning of attacks on policemen, the top cop said, "We will face that (challenge)".

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Germany's longest serving post-war leader Helmut Kohl, the father of national reunification and an architect of European integration, died today at the age of 87.

Kohl helped a Germany that was split during the Cold War between a capitalist west and a communist east make the traumatic transition to a unified democracy.

The towering figure of European contemporary history also worked with France's Francois Mitterrand to shape the European project and pushed Germans to part with their cherished Deutschmarks in favour of the single European currency, the euro.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel gave a moving tribute to her mentor, declaring that "Kohl changed my life decisively".

Merkel, who grew up in the communist German Democratic Republic, said that thanks to him, she, "like millions of other people, could leave a life of GDR dictatorship and enter into a life of freedom".

"All that has happened in the past 27 years from then until today would have been unimaginable without Helmut Kohl," said Merkel, dressed in black.

"It will be a while before we will truly be able to measure what we have lost with his passing," Merkel said, adding that she was "personally thankful that he was there".

"I bow down before his memory," said Merkel, who described Kohl as a "great German and great European".

Tributes also poured in from abroad, with former US president George H W Bush hailing "one of the greatest" post- war leaders, and European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker honouring him as the "very essence of Europe".

Former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev underlined Kohl's role in ending the Cold War, noting that "he was without doubt an exceptional personality who left his mark on German, European and international history".

Kohl, Gorbachev said, had demonstrated "a deep interest for Russia" and had helped bridged East and West as he "warned the West against taking on a contemptuous attitude towards Russian interests".

Kohl died peacefully in his bed at home in Ludwigshafen, in the southwestern state of Rhineland-Palatinate, said the Bild newspaper, adding that his wife Maike Kohl-Richter was by his side.

Mourning his mentor and friend, Juncker said: "Helmut Kohl filled the European house with life -- not only because he built bridges to the west as well as to the east, but also because he never ceased to design even better blueprints for the future of Europe."



Bush, describing Kohl as "a true friend of freedom", said: "Helmut hated war -- but he detested totalitarianism even more".

"Working closely with my very good friend to help achieve a peaceful end to the Cold War and the unification of Germany within NATO will remain one of the great joys of my life," added the former US president.

France's President Emmanuel Macron posted on Twitter a picture of Kohl standing with the late Mitterrand, saying: "An architect of united Germany and Franco-German friendship: with Helmut Kohl, we have lost a great European."



Born into a Catholic family on April 3, 1930 in the industrial city of Ludwigshafen, Kohl studied history and political science and rose quickly through the conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party, his ever-smiling first wife Hannelore, with whom he had two sons, by his side.

He became chancellor of West Germany in 1982 and as the Cold War ended with the Berlin Wall coming down in November 1989, he moved to "grab the mantle of history," as he later said, forging a political stature commensurate with his towering height.

Kohl persuaded Bush to accept a larger, reunified Germany, and convinced Gorbachev to withdraw troops from East Germany.

His vision was for a reunified Germany that was at the heart of an enlarged European Union and a staunch NATO member.

Merkel lauded his contribution to German and European integration in 2012, on the 30th anniversary of his becoming chancellor, declaring that Europeans were "united in our luck" thanks to Kohl's efforts.

Kohl considered Konrad Adenauer -- West Germany's visionary first chancellor, who allowed the nation to make a fresh start after World War II -- as an ideological forefather.

Mentor to Merkel, Kohl was later ousted by his protege, who urged their party to drop the self-declared "old warhorse" when he became embroiled in a campaign finance scandal in 1999.

After retiring from politics, he suffered from health problems, and following a serious fall in 2008, was wheelchair bound.

Having also suffered a stroke, he had difficulties speaking and was rarely seen in public in recent years.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Germany today accused Washington of hurting European power companies through its new sanctions against Russia that target the planned Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline to Europe.

The new measures, approved by the US Senate on Thursday, include a threat to penalise companies that provide "goods, services, technology, information or support" for the construction of Russian energy export pipelines.

Berlin noted that this would directly impact European companies involved in the construction of the controversial Nord Stream 2 pipeline which would pump Russian gas under the Baltic Sea directly to Germany.

"It is strange that in the sanctioning of Russia's behaviour, with regards to the US elections for instance, the European economy should become a target of American sanctions," said Chancellor Angela Merkel's spokesman Steffen Seibert.

"That must not happen."



He added that Merkel shared the concerns raised by German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel and Austrian Chancellor Christian Kern, who charged in a joint statement Thursday that the measure brings a "completely new and entirely negative quality to European-US relations".

They also accused Washington of using the sanctions to squeeze Russian gas supplies out of Europe in favour of US energy exports.

Separately, France's foreign ministry called on Washington to respect the need for coordination with its European allies before deciding new sanctions.

"For several years, we have stressed the difficulties that extra-territorial legislations could generate," said a spokesman at the French foreign ministry, referring to measures that could have a spillover effect to countries besides the one directly sanctioned.

"On issues linked to security and European industrial policies, we hope that the United States respect necessary coordination, including within the framework of the G7."



Russian energy giant Gazprom is building Nord Stream 2 in cooperation with Anglo-Dutch Shell, Germany's Uniper and Wintershall, Austria's OMV and France's Engie.

The project bypassing conflict-torn Ukraine and also Poland would double the flow of the Nord Stream pipeline currently linking Germany and Russia.

But it has sparked criticism within the EU, with members including Italy and Poland accusing Germany of selfishly seeking a reliable energy supply route from President Vladimir Putin's Russia while pressuring other countries to back sanctions against Moscow over the crisis in Ukraine.

Former US vice president Joe Biden has also called the planned pipeline a "fundamentally bad deal for Europe" as it locks in greater reliance on Russia.

But Germany's Gabriel and Austria's Kern said Washington's intention was purely economic.

"The aim is to secure jobs in gas and oil industries in the US," said Gabriel and Kern.

"Political sanctions should not be mixed up with economic interests," they warned, stressing that "Europe's energy supply is Europe's business and not that of the United States".

"We decide who delivers energy to us and how, according to rules of openness and economic competitiveness," said Gabriel and Kern.

"We cannot accept the threat of extra-territorial sanctions against European companies that participate in the expansion of European energy supplies", they said, adding that this would "violate international law".

Gazprom's vice president Alexander Medvedev also charged that the US had a vested interest in hurting the project.

"With regards to the introduction of sanctions, they don't hide the fact that it's an anti-competition tool to favour US gas deliveries in Europe," he said according to Russian agencies.

The US bill as originally introduced was exclusively about slapping new sanctions on Iran. But lawmakers attached a bipartisan amendment on Russia to it early this week.

The addition came with the White House deeply embroiled in crisis over whether Trump's campaign team colluded with a Russian effort to sway the 2016 election.

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The Museum of Christian Art at Old Goa, the first such museum in Asia, will undergo a major renovation and upgradation work, for which it would remain closed for the next two years, a senior official said.

The renovation is aimed at bringing the museum on par with the global standards of museology.

"The museum has embarked on a major, exciting and prestigious project aimed to keep pace with the present day world standards of museology and museography. It will vastly enhance the facilities for visitors and staff," curator of the museum, also known as Christian Art Museum, Natasha Fernandes told PTI.

"It will also be done to create an inviting and comfortable space for people to visit through an interesting museographic plan and contemporary exhibition systems," she further said, adding that the museum would remain closed for around next two years.

The project also includes setting up of a restoration and conservation unit, which in the immediate term will carry out, with the assistance of INTACH, the conservation of the unique collection of art objects to guarantee their survival for future generations, she said.

The museum, located around 9-kms from here, was set up in 1994 with the technical and financial assistance of The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation of Portugal and Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), New Delhi.

According to Fernandes, the museum has enriched the cultural heritage and history of Goa with an important and unique collection of Indo-Portuguese art objects in ivory, gold, silver, wood and textiles spanning from the 16th century to mid 20th century and is recognised the world over as the first of its kind in Asia.

The total 157 art objects on the display will undergo renovation and upgradation, which will be executed by an expert team of conservators from INTACH, a team of architects, engineers and museologists of the museum, and Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, she said.

"We have a painting of St Ursula that is attributed to the mid-16th century," Fernandes said, claiming it to be the oldest object at the museum.

There is also the model of the tomb of St Francis Xavier (in ivory) which is from the mid-20th century dated 1965.

She said annually, on an average 6,500-7,000 tourists visit the museum, which is a part of the cluster of world heritage monuments of Old Goa, preserved by the Archaeological Survey of India.

"With vastly improved visitor experience being planned, there will be a substantial increase in the footfalls, which increase significantly between October and February," she said.

On the security front, she said the museum has24X7 CCTV surveillance, which was installed after a heist there two years ago.

"We also have 24X7 security guards, including an armed guard to ensure safety of the collections as well as visitors. We also have panic alarms that are connected to police phone lines and the church in-charge office," she said.

Fernandes said security will be significantly enhanced in the refurbished museum, including installation of strategically-placed security sensors at various spots.

During the shut-down, some of theart objects from the museum collection will be displayed at the Church of Santa Monica located near the museum, she said.

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Amid ceasefire violations by Pakistan, the General-officer-Commanding (GoC) of 16 Corps Lt. Gen. A K Sharma today visited forward areas along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district.

The GoC, White Knight Corps, visited forwardareas in Krishna Ghati sector along the LoC in Poonch district, a Defence spokesperson said.

He commended troops for keeping a constant vigil and valiant action taken by them to thwart the inimical designs of Pakistan.

During his visit, he also met the family of Mohammed Parvez, aGeneral Reserve Engineer Force (GREF) worker, who was killed in Pakistani shelling in Mankote area ofMendhar on June 2 and presented his wife a cheque of Rs one lakh, he said.

He expressed his solidarity and assured all support to the family while giving the cheque to Safir Akther, the GREF worker's wife, on behalf of the Lt. Gen. D Anbu, Army Commander, Northern Command.

Pakistan army has been resorting to ceasefire violation forpast one week.

There had been six ceasefire violations in the last three daysand a total 17, along the LoC and the International Border in Poonch, Rajouri and Samba districts of Jammu and Kashmir since June 1 in which one civilianhad died and seven others were injured.

An army jawan was killed today when Pakistan army resorted to unprovoked firing on forward posts of Indian Army along the LoC in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir, prompting Indian Army to retaliate strongly and effectively.

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A Honduran journalist who was a candidate in November legislative elections was killed by a gunman in front of his home in the northern port city of La Ceiba, police said.

Victor Funez, a 49-year-old who hosted a commentary program on television, was shot dead yesterday "by an individual riding a motorcycle," a police spokesman, Commissioner Julian Hernandez, told AFP.

He was a candidate for the ruling conservative National Party in the upcoming elections.

The motive of the crime was not known, Hernandez said. Police later arrested a suspect.

A security camera in front of Funez's home caught the moment when the motorbike killer, wearing a helmet and shorts, approached the victim and shot him multiple times at close range.

The video, posted on social media and reported by Honduran outlets, showed the killer then apparently taking something from one of Funez's pockets.

Human rights organizations said Funez was the 70th journalist killed in Honduras since 2003.

The country, which suffers a very high homicide rate, is considered among the most dangerous in the world for journalists.

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India today made it clear that it has never put any pressure on Nepal or the embattled Madhesi groups, adding that it wants an "inclusive" Constitution.

It also rejected the notion that it interfered in the process of constitutional amendments in the Himalayan nation.

MEA spokesperson Gopal Bagley said India wants an inclusive Constitution by taking people of different segments on board.

Responding to a question on whether the Indian embassy in Kathmandu pressed the Madhesi parties to go for elections after putting constitutional amendments on hold, Baglay said the embassy was in touch with all political segments.

"India's position is very clear. It has never been to pressure or to be prescriptive," he said.

"We support the aspiration to have an inclusive political order, an inclusive Constitution and consultations to arrive at such provisions which satisfy everyone, every party, every political segment...Every view is taken on board," he said.

Ties between India and Nepal have come under strain over the adoption of the Constitution by Nepal, which India suggested was not "inclusive".

The Nepal government has tabled the new Constitution amendment bill in Parliament to address the demands of the agitating Madhesi parties ahead of the local elections.

Madhesis, mostly of Indian-origin, launched a prolonged agitation between September 2015 and February last year against the implementation of the new Constitution which they felt marginalised the Terai community.

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India's envoy Manjeev Singh Puri today called on Nepal's new Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and held talks on strengthening and further expanding bilateral relations.

This was the first meeting between Deuba and Ambassador of India to Nepal Puri after the veteran Nepalese politician sworn in as the new prime minister of Nepal on June 7.

During the meeting at the Prime Minister's Office at Singhdurbar secretariat, matters relating to further consolidating the mutual interests and expanding bilateral cooperation mainly figured, according to sources.

Deuba also met with Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Yu Hong to discuss bilateral relations and mutual cooperation, the sources added.

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The Centre today said it will ensure that steel products are not imported in the guise of utensils or finished products.

"We are keeping an eye on that (import of steel in guise of finished products). We will not allow such kind of practice even in trade," Union Minister of Steel Chaudhary Birender Singh told reporters after addressing a meeting of the National Steel Consumers' Council here.

Stating that India has been successful in reducing import of steel by 37 per cent during 2016-17, Singh said the reduction of imported steel was mostly from China.

This had happened because of India's anti-dumping measures and also due to withdrawal of the Minimum Import Price (MIP), he said.

"But, one thing which I want to make clear is, can we talk of anti-dumping duty? There is still some steel products, in the guise of utensils or in the guise of finished products, those can... Find way to our country," Singh said.

Stating that the steel sector has been growing at a steady Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of about 7 per cent, he said the country's steel export registered a 102 per cent growth from 4.08 MT in 2015-16 to 8.20 MT in 2016-17.

However, India's per capita steel consumption remained at only 64 kg, which needs to be increased to 160 kg as the country is planning to produce 300 million tons of steel by 2013-31, the Union Minister said.

"We are going to increase the country's steel consumption rate in a big way. As the Centre has earmarked Rs 4 lakh crore for the infrastructure sector, the steel sector should take advantage of it to enhance the consumption rate," Singh said adding, the Railways alone have plans to spend Rs 1.32 lakh crore in its expansion.

Of the Rs 4 lakh crore earmarked for infrastructure sector, the steel sector can easily get 10 per cent of its share, which is estimated to be Rs 40,000 crore.

"We can make maximum use of steel in different infrastructure projects like rail, road, bridge, urban and rural housing, toilets under Swachha Bharat scheme etc," he said.

In August, the Steel Ministry will organise a 15-day long exhibition in different parts of the country along with all stakeholders including integrated steel plants and dealers, to showcase their products so that people use more steel.

The Minister, however, stressed on the production of high-end steel, which he termed as the future of steel industry.

"We have to convert crude steel and semi-finished steel products to high-end steel products. This value addition and diversification will give us better margin and increase our competitiveness," Singh said.

Once the country produces high-ended and better steel, the demand for Indian steel will increase in Vietnam, Cambodia and other African countries, he said adding, the Indian steel sector has evolved as the third largest steel producer in the world and is poised to become the second largest producer putting Indian steel prominently on the global industry map.

On the raw materials for steel industries, the Minister said "85 per cent of coking coal is now imported, which adds to the price of steel making. Coal India Limited and Bharat Coking Coal Limited have agreed to set up 12 new coking coal washeries by 2019-20. This will fulfil the demand of coking coal," he said.

Asked about employment provided by the steel sector in the last three years, the Union Minister said the steel sector was passing through a bad phase for the last two years, but the situation has improved in the last 6-8 months.

Replying to a question on Odisha, Singh said the state is blessed with valuable minerals.

"When planning to produce 300 MT of steel by 2030-31, we expect Odisha's Kalinga Nagar to become a steel hub and produce 20 per cent of the total steel manufactured in India," he said.

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An Indian woman raped by an Uber driver in New Delhi in 2014 has filed a lawsuit against the ride-hailing company and its embattled CEO Travis Kalanick for "unlawfully" obtaining her medical records and engaging in offensive conspiracy theories about the brutal incident.

The woman, identified only as Jane Doe in the 18-page lawsuit filed in federal court in California yesterday, said Uber has taken start-up culture, in which "fierceness" and "always be hustling" are prioritised above people to a new extreme, "perpetuating rape culture and violating all bounds of decency as to customer privacy".

It is for the second time that the woman has sued Uber.

She said was "violated physically" when she was brutally raped in Delhi by her Uber driver Shiv Kumar Yadav in December 2014 and then a second time when her medical records stemming from the sexual assault were inappropriately obtained and shared by the company's top executives.

"Sadly, in the United States, Uber executives violated her a second time by unlawfully obtaining and sharing her medical records from that vicious sexual assault and have failed, as of the date of this filing, to apologise to her for this outrageous conduct," the lawsuit said.

The lawsuit has been filed against Uber, Kalanick, who has taken an indefinite leave of absence, Uber's former Vice President for Business in Asia Eric Alexander and the company's then-Senior Vice President for Business Emil Michael.

In the wake of the December 2014 incident, Kalanick had said his company would do "everything" to help bring the perpetrator to justice and to support the victim and her family in her recovery.

Douglas Wigdor, the lawyer representing the woman who currently lives in Texas, filed the suit on her behalf.

"It is shockingthat Travis Kalanick could publicly say that Uber would do everything to support our client and her family in her recovery when he and other executives were reviewing illegally obtained medical records and engaging in offensive and spurious conspiracy theories about the brutal rape she so tragically suffered," Wigdor said in an email response to PTI on the lawsuit.

He added that rape denial is just another form of the "toxic gender discrimination" that is "endemic" at Uber and "ingrained" in its culture.

"Hopefully, this lawsuit coupled with the changes recommended by the independent counsel will create real change and reform at Uber and elsewhere," he said.

The lawsuit also takesstrongobjection to the speculation by Kalanick,Alexander andMichaelon whether the woman had been raped at all and if she was colluding with rival Indian ride-hailing company Ola to "jettison" Uber's business in the country.

The lawsuit said that after the woman's sexual assault, Alexander went directly to Delhi where he managed to obtain her confidential, private medical records generated by physicians who examined her after the brutal rape.

Alexander then showed the records to Kalanick and Michael and the three "discussed the records among themselves and with other staff at Uber, speculating that Plaintiff had made up the brutal rape in collusion with a rival of Uber in India in order to undermine Uber's business", a reference to Uber's rival taxi/ride-hailing company Ola.

"By focusing on 'whether she was really raped at all', and painting Plaintiff as an opportunist and a liar, defendants seemed to be assuring themselves that the only reason why a woman would report a sexual assault is for personal gain, rather than to prevent similar crimes from occurring again or to right an injustice," the lawsuit said.

It added that Uber executives "duplicitously and publicly decried the rape, expressing sympathy for Plaintiff, and shock and regret at the violent attack, while privately speculating, as outlandish as it is, that she had colluded with a rival company to harm Uber's business."



The woman had filed a lawsuit in January 2015 against Uber arguing that the company did not adequately screen its drivers and its "negligence and fraud" lead to her being sexually assaulted and humiliated.

However, in February, the woman had "voluntarily" dismissed the lawsuit.

Last week, Uber terminated Alexander and it also announced that it had fired 20 other employees over the last few months for harassment, discrimination and inappropriate behavior.

Facing allegations of sexual harassment and a toxic work environment, Uber unveiled this week a list of recommendations from a law firm that investigated Uber's work culture.

The recommendations include that Uber should establish key metrics to which its leaders will be held accountable in theperformance review process.

Kalanick announced he will take an indefinite leave of absence, saying in an email to employees that he would take time off to work on himself and reflect on building a "world- class leadership team" for the company.

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An Israeli policewoman was stabbed and killed in an attack outside Jerusalem's Old City and security forces shot dead three suspected Palestinian assailants, police have said.

The attack took place yesterday as Muslims marked the end of the third Friday of the fasting month of Ramadan, during which tens of thousands of Palestinians from east Jerusalem and the West Bank attended prayers at the nearby Al-Aqsa mosque compound, Islam's third-holiest site.

"Female border policewoman injured critically in attack at Damascus gate," police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld wrote in a statement. "3 Arab terrorists shot by police units that responded at the scene."



Police said the three were killed.

The policewoman was taken to hospital in critical condition and later died of her wounds. She was identified as Hadas Malka, 23, a staff sergeant major.

According to police, two perpetrators opened fire at a group of police officers who returned fire, and a third stabbed the border policewoman a short distance away before being shot.

Jerusalem police chief Yoram Halevy identified the three attackers as Palestinians from the West Bank.

Israel had eased restrictions on the entrance of Palestinians from the West Bank for Ramadan, including permitting daily family visits during Sundays through Thursdays.

"During Ramadan there are large numbers of (Palestinian) youths who enter without permits, they take advantage of Ramadan to be in Jerusalem," Halevy told media at the scene of the attack.

Following the attack, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a phone consultation with the chief of police and public security minister, and decided to cancel the family visits, a police statement read.

Netanyahu, however, did not revoke the permission given to Palestinian men aged over 40 from the West Bank to enter Jerusalem for Friday prayers, police said.

The area around Damascus Gate was sealed off in the hours after the attack, with a few youths throwing fireworks at security forces.

A road leading to Damascus Gate full of stalls opened especially for Ramadan was closed off by police, and a shopkeeper said this would normally be one of the busiest nights of the year.

Inside the Old City shops were open but the atmosphere was subdued and numbers of people much lower than normal.

Large numbers of heavily armed security forces were patrolling throughout the Old City, an AFP reporter said.

The Shin Bet internal security agency identified the three perpetrators as Braa Salah and Asama Atta, both born in 1998, and Adel Ankush, born the following year.

All three were from Deir Abu Mashal, a village near Ramallah, and had been arrested for or involved in "popular terror activity," a Shin Bet statement read.

A fourth Palestinian, a Hebron resident who had been identified by Palestinian security as a perpetrator, was in fact a passerby who was wounded by gunshots and taken to hospital, Israeli police said.

Medics said four people besides the officer were wounded in the incident, two of them moderately and two lightly. Two of those wounded were Palestinians from east Jerusalem.

The Islamist movement Hamas that rules the Gaza Strip condemned the shooting of the Palestinians as a "crime by the occupation."



A spokesman for the movement, Hazem Qassem, said the attack was "proof that the Palestinian people are leading a revolution against the enemy."



He also said the attack proved the Palestinian Authority's policy of security coordination with Israel was wrong, calling it "a national crime".

A wave of unrest that broke out in October 2015 has claimed the lives of 272 Palestinians, 42 Israelis, two Americans, two Jordanians, an Eritrean, a Sudanese and a Briton, according to an AFP tally.

Israeli authorities say most of the Palestinians killed were carrying out knife, gun or car-ramming attacks.

The Old City in annexed east Jerusalem is one of the focal points of the wave of violence.

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IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad today dismissed reports of large-scale job losses at Indian IT firms, calling them "motivated".

"There has been a lot of debate, and by any standards of economy, this talk of job decline in the IT sector is motivated," Prasad said after a meeting with the captains of the Indian tech sector.

He noted that the IT sector has been India's largest employer, employing 40 lakh people directly.

"You know by any standard scrutiny, the way Indian digital economy is rising, the question of slackness in jobs is absolutely factually incorrect. Obviously, those who don't perform, will have to go. This annual tripping in case of any institution is natural," Prasad said.

He cited examples of Tata Consultancy Services and Infosys who have clarified that companies continue to hire, and people who were asked to leave were told to do so for lack of performance.

Tech Mahindra chief CP Gurnani said employees need to re-skill themselves in areas like artificial intelligence (AI) and Blockchain as these technologies offer newer avenues of growth.

"We need to re-skill and re-purpose ourselves. We have a list of different skills, where we need people... If you re- skill yourself in blockchain or AI, there is no shortage of jobs globally," he said.

Infosys Co-founder Kris Gopalakrishnan said that there is no job loss in the country. Instead, the growth has slowed down which is adversely impacting new hiring.

"Growth has slowed down but data shows every large company is hiring net. TCS and Infosys are hiring over 20,000 more people each. I don't believe there is job cut. Yes, growth has come down. Recruitments from colleges have also slowed becuase the industry has slowed down. Otherwise, there are no job losses that I can see," Gopalakrishnan said.

He added that global economy has slowed down and there are uncertainities in the horizon.

"Visa regime in several countries have tightened becuase they have issues of job losses. The base itself is every large. On that base, growth of 6 per cent is itself very large," Gopalakrishnan said.

There have been reports of layoffs across companies like Wipro, Infosys, Cognizant and Tech Mahindra that have initiated annual performance reviews, a process that weeds out bottom performers or non-performers.

This has compounded fears that thousands of employees in the sector could be shown the door over the next few weeks.

The IT sector is already battling challenges in business environment and stricter work permit regime in countries like the US, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand. Various employee unions have approached labour commissioners and state governments to intervene in the matter.

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Notwithstanding the rifts in the party, AAP's Rajasthan in-charge Kumar Vishwas is gearing up for the state Assembly polls scheduled next year.

He will hold a meeting with party observers for Rajasthan on June 19 and visit the desert state on June 25.

The development comes a day after newly-appointed AAP treasurer Deepak Bajpai took a dig at the poet-turned-politician claiming that Vishwas had "stayed in a beach-view five star hotel in Goa" during the state polls there.

AAP spokesperson Dilip Pandey had also questioned Vishwas for attacking the Rajasthan Congress but remaining silent on Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje of BJP.

"We will take along the volunteers of the anti-graft movement which gave birth to the party, and contest the Rajasthan polls," a party leader close to Vishwas said, indicating that his team may not have AAP leaders from Delhi.

Vishwas has been meeting volunteers as well as people from Rajasthan. He also met farmer leader Rampal Jat today to get acquainted with the issues related to agriculture.

In a meeting held with party volunteers last week, the senior AAP leader had asked them to go "back to basics", indicating that the party had "strayed" from its core philosophy while contesting elections in Punjab and Goa, where it fared badly.

Vishwas had been at odds with the party's central leadership for sometime now.

The differences had come to the fore when Vishwas refused to toe the party's official line that "manipulation" of electronic voting machines was the prime reason behind its recent string of electoral defeats.

AAP's Okhla MLA Amanatullah Khan had dubbed Vishwas an "RSS-BJP agent" and accused him of "plotting a coup in AAP", following which Vishwas had threatened to quit the party if no action was taken against the former. The party's Political Affairs Committee (PAC) later suspended Khan.

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Dozens of people attending an angry protest for victims of the Grenfell Tower fire tragedy stormed the local town hall today, reporters at the scene saw.

"We want justice!", "Shame on you!", and "Killers!", the protesters shouted, as they scuffled with security guards in the lobby of the building, AFP reporters said.

Hundreds of people protested outside the Kensington and Chelsea town hall holding handmade signs reading "Justice for Grenfell".

The protesters also held up pictures of those still unaccounted for and now feared dead.

Police have said 30 people are confirmed as having lost their lives in the blaze, with more than 70 unaccounted for. Local residents have accused police of hiding the true toll.

"No justice, no peace!" the crowd shouted.

"I have friends in the tower and they are not telling us anything," Salwa Buamani, 25, told AFP.

"We are not given information about our loved ones," she added.

"We are not here to trouble people. We just want answers," said Buamani, who came to the protest with her three-year-old niece on her shoulders.

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A man was arrested today near the gates of the UK Parliament for possession of a knife and tasered by Scotland Yard officers, an incident that comes nearly three months after an Islamist carried out a terror attack in the high-security area.

The Metropolitan police said the man -- in his 30s -- was arrested after being disabled with a stun-gun for possession of a knife and there were no reports of any injuries.

The police said it will not declare it as a terror incident until the Counter-Terrorism Command has investigated the motive behind the incident.

"At 11:10 AM on Fridayofficers on routine duties near to the Carriage Gates entrance to the Palace of Westminster became aware of a man acting suspiciously. The officers approached the man in order to speak with him. The man reached for a knife, and police discharged a Taser," the Met police statement said, adding that there were "no injuries" during the incident.

The arrested man has been taken to a central London police station, where he remains in custody.

"At this time it is too early to understand the motivation so we have not declared this a terrorist incident. However, given the location, the circumstances and recent tragic events, the Counter Terrorism Command will be investigating this incident. We remain open minded as to whether terrorism was a motive," police said.

Witnesses reported hearing "knife, knife, knife" as armed officers swooped on the suspect.

The bearded man, wearing a grey hooded top, ran towards the St Stephen's entrance of the Houses of Parliament, which is the main visitor's entrance to the building.

A Parliamentary spokesperson said, "We are aware of an incident outside the Palace of Westminster, which is being dealt with by the Metropolitan Police."



Bradley Allen, a 19-year-old, outside the Parliament at the time, said he saw the man with clenched fists moments before he was detained.

"He stared at me and my mate and we walked past him. Within seconds there was a shout and police ran out of the front gate shouting at him 'Get on the floor, get on the ground'," he told reporters.

It is feared the incident may have been an attempted copy-cat terror attack from March, when Khalid Masood rammed a car into the side of the Palace of Westminster, which houses the UK Parliament, killing four people, and got out to stab to death a police officer on guard at the House of Commons gates.

A review of security at the perimeter of the parliamentary estate was ordered by Commons Speaker John Bercow following the attack on March 22.

The use of armed officers and physical barriers have become more visible, while a permanent barrier has been erected to protect pedestrians on Westminster Bridge, where Masood murdered five people and injured more than 50 others.

In April, Mohammed Khalid Omar Ali,a 27-year-old foreign-born British national wasarrestedon suspicion of carrying knives in a very public operation near the Parliament Square as part of an intelligence-led operation.

London has been on higher alert since the recent terrorist attack on London Bridge and Borough Market on June 3, which claimed eight lives, and the concert bombing in Manchester in which 22 people were killed.

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A man with a knife has been arrested outside the British parliament today, police said, adding that there were no reports of any casualties.

"The man -- aged in his 30s -- was arrested on suspicion of possession of a knife," London's Scotland Yard police headquarters said in a statement.

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A self-styled 'sub-zonal commander' of CPI (Maoists) today surrendered before the police in naxal-affected Latehar district.

Subhash Yadav, a 'sub-zonal commander' of the ultra group and a resident of Serendaag village of the district surrendered before the Superintendent of Police Dhananjay Singh, police said.

The SP handed over a cheque of Rs 50,000 under government's surrender policy to Yadav.

The SP said at least eight cases were registered against Yadav in Latehar and Lohardaga districts.

In an letter to the police, Yadav's wife informed that he (Yadav) was influenced by the government's surrender policy and expressed his willingness to surrender, Singh said.

On the basis of the letter by Yadav's wife, the SP said the special branch verified and found that Yadav was active in the naxal outfit between 2013 to 2016 and promoted to 'sub-zonal commander'.

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There is a need to intensify research and development in order to produce value-added and special steel by FY2020 and cut reliance on imports to meet domestic demand, steel minister Chaudhary Birender Singh said.

"We have to intensify our research and development efforts for production of value added and special steels including auto grade steel, CRGO, CRNO, etc. By 2019-20," Singh was quoted as saying in a release by the steel ministry.

This would make India self-reliant in sectors like automobile and defence for which the country depends on imports to meet demand, the minister said.

The minister was addressing the second meeting of recently-constituted National Steel Consumers' Council in Bhubaneswar.

The new steel policy (NSP), he said, would focus on ensuring security of raw material, substitution of importance and enhance the consumption of alloy.

Singh said that with the roll out the policy, it is envisaged that the industry will be steered with appropriate policy support in creating an environment for promoting domestic steel and thereby ensuring that production meets the anticipated pace of growth in demand.

He also said that to enhance steel consumption, the ministry has identified construction and manufacturing sectors like rural development, urban infrastructure and railways to be the key focus areas.

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An 11-year-old girl was allegedly raped by an auto-rickshaw driver at Gangavaram area under New Port Police Station limits in the city.

Though the incident occurred on June 14, it came to light today after the girl's family lodged a police complaint.

The accused has been identified as K Ganesh (29), a native of Chodavaram and resident of Gajuwaka area of the city, said police.

Inspector of New Port Police station K Nageswara Rao said the victim is a Class V student and a resident of HB Colony area in the city.

Ganesh used to ply auto in the vicinity of the area and was aware of the girl's daily activities.

In the evening of June 14, the accused on finding that the girl was alone gained entry in her house. He threatened and took her to Gangavaram area in his auto-rickshaw where he allegedly raped her, said police.

He later dropped her home, said police.

The girl narrated the incident to her parents that night itself.

Police have registered a case under section 376 (rape) of IPC and under relevant sections of POCSO.

They have launched a manhunt to nab the accused who is absconding.

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Though a TADA court today convicted second set of accused in the 1993 Mumbai blasts case, there would be no "closure" as long as Dawood Ibrahim, the main conspirator, remains at large, former top cop M N Singh said.

The Mumbai court today convicted six persons including gangsters Mustafa Dossa and Abu Salem. In the earlier phase of trial, a hundred accused including Yakub Memon were convicted.

"There is no final closure yet. Full sense of justice is denied to the victims due to government's inability to bring Dawood and other main conspirators to justice," said Singh, a former Mumbai Police Commissioner.

Speaking to PTI, Singh, who was joint commissioner of police in Mumbai in 1993, said today's verdict is on the expected lines.

"But, in my view it's not justice to the victims who died in blasts, because the main conspirators Dawood Ibrahim, Tiger Memon, Anees Ibrahim and Mohammad Dossa are still in Pakistan and our government failed to bring them to book," he said.

"There is absolutely no chance" that Dawood will ever be brought back, and therefore there would be no closure, the retired IPS officer said.

"It shows our investigation was right," said K L Bishnoi, former additional director general of police.

Bishnoi, then a DCP, was a part of the investigating team which made initial arrests and recorded confessions of some of the accused including the actor Sanjay Dutt.

"We are happy with the verdict," said Suresh Walishetty, one of the chief investigating officers of the case.

Walishetty also said that while deciding the sentence for Abu Salem, the court would not be bound by the extradition treaty between India and Portugal (from where he was extradited in 2005). The treaty is between two governments and not with the court, he said.

The court is going to hear arguments on quantum of sentence from the next week.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi today called up Leo Varadkar to congratulate him on becoming the new premier of Ireland.

"Spoke to Ireland's new Taoiseach Leo Varadkar on phone to congratulate him and reaffirm our commitment for stronger India-Ireland ties," he tweeted.

Varadkar, Ireland's first Indian-origin premier, on Wednesday officially took over from Enda Kenny as Taoiseach, as the Irish prime ministerial title is known.

Varadkar is the youngest and the first openly gay prime minister of the Catholic-majority country.

His father Ashok, hails from Varad, a village in Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra.

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The police today seized 420 cartons of India Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) and arrested nine persons in this connection from a place near zero mile within the limits of Agamkuan police station in Patna district.

Agamkuan police station SHO Kamakhya Narayan Singh said 420 cartons of foreign liquor. Worth around Rs 20 lakh, were smuggled into Bihar in two trucks from Haryana.

Nine persons were arrested in this connection, Singh said.

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Union ministers Rajnath Singh and M Venkaiah Naidu met CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury today to build consensus on the presidential nominee, but did not propose any name, prompting the Left leader to dub the parley as "more like a PR exercise" by the government.

Speaking to reporters after the nearly 30-minute meeting held at the CPI(M) head office here, Yechury reiterated his party's stand that a person with "impeccable secular credentials" should be the next president.

The CPI(M) leader said the opposition parties would wait till the government completed the round of discussions with them to take a call on their nominee for the July 17 presidential election.

According to sources in the CPI(M), the Left party wanted to know from the ministers, who are part of a committee the BJP has floated to evolve consensus on the presidential nominee, if former Delhi Metro chief E Sreedharan was the NDA's candidate, as reported by a website.

The ministers, the sources said, denied the report and told Yechury that the government was yet to finalise any name.

A senior CPI(M) leader wondered if the RSS-BJP combine would let go the opportunity to install a president of their choice since "they are so close to" electing one to the post.

"They told us they want our support. We said fine, tell us the bases for the support, who is the candidate. But that they did not convey...They will take some time to do that," Yechury told reporters after the meeting.

CPI(M) Politburo members Prakash Karat and Brinda Karat also attended the meeting.

Yechury said it was required for the government to suggest names for arriving at a consensus.

With no name proposed by the government, Yechury said, the parleys looked "more like a public relation exercise" of meeting opposition parties.

"Since the government is doing it, we welcomed them in our office. Very good, they came here," he said.

Countering the opinion that the opposition should support the ruling alliance's candidate since it has the people's mandate, Yechury said the NDA had polled 39 per cent votes during the 2014 general polls as against 61 per cent of the opposition.

"So, a candidate of the opposition is the one who has the mandate. So, the government should also consider that aspect," he said.

Yechury insisted the Centre should also be open to considering the names suggested by the opposition if it made any proposal.

"They said they will get back to us in case they come to some decision on a candidate," Yechury added.

The sources said that Naidu stated during the meeting that the government was aware of the names being discussed by the opposition parties as their probable candidates as the "media has already reported their names".

"They said they know the names (of the opposition's probable candidates including Gopal Krishna Gandhi). So, it was expected they (government) will suggest some names. But unfortunately, that has not come," one of the sources said.

The meeting followed Singh and Naidu's meeting with Congress chief Sonia Gandhi earlier in the day.

The two ministers are expected to meet CPI leaders later in the day.

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A lecturer was arrested today in Rajasthan university's paper leak case.

Janendra Gupta, lecturer in the Brij University, had set the paper for B A third year of the University of Rajasthan, which was held in April.

He allegedly shared the paper to J P Jat, HoD of the Department of Geology, Rajasthan University, who further leaked it to a student before the exam, ADG ATS and SOG Umesh Mishra said.

Prof Jat and several others were arrested by the SOG in April in the paper leak case.

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Fruits of India's information technology (IT) revolution have not gone to engineers, whose entry-level salary hasn't changed in the past nearly two decades, and it was real estate players who reaped them, says a senior figure in the industry.

Former Karnataka IT Secretary Vivek Kulkarni said the starting salary of an engineer in the year 2000 when he was holding the position was Rs three lakh, a figure which has remained the same even today.

"What about real estate ? Suppose you buy a real estate in JP Nagar in Bengaluru in 2000 and you want to buy now, what's the difference?. It must have gone up eight to ten times. That means the fruits of our IT revolution has not gone to engineers, it has gone to real estate people," he told PTI.

"We are investing much for building our (IT) centres, (but) we need to do a little bit more for employees, train them; they (IT companies) have cash and they need to do that," said Kulkarni, founder of Brickwork India, which offers virtual assistance, market research and business plans to a large number of small customers.

Kulkarni, who served as Karnataka IT secretary from 1999 to 2003, and also was Finance Secretary (Budger & Resources) before that, also said technology has changed drastically, and "now we don't necessarily need too many people to go on (software) coding."



In new technologies, Indian IT companies have not invested enough, and it's a challenge, he said.

Lakhs of engineers with "no quality and no proper curriculam" pass out from colleges in India. "That's also our big mistake. What we call demographic dividend...What we are producing is not fully acceptable." There is a big need for retooling the skills of IT engineers. But he also said Indian IT companies are not doing high-end work.

The US does not have IT talent, which has to come from India, and Indian IT companies need to expand their presence in their key markets, according to him.

"You must be near to the market, you must have people in the market. The presence has to be expanded, you need those people, then only you will be successful in the market."



Cash-rich Indian companies need to acquire firms overseas though they have become expensive in recent times.

In addition to the US, Indian IT companies need to tap other markets such as Europe, particulary France where the new President (Emmanuel Macron) is "one of the best guys", and Japan, with which New Delhi's relations are very good.

In fact, India's relations with foreign countries are now at a "much higher level", and Indian IT companies need to capitalise on them, Kulkarni added.

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The great aunt and uncle of a little boy murdered 32 years ago in France were charged today with his kidnapping, raising hopes that a case that has gripped the country could finally be solved.

Four-year-old Gregory Villemin was found, his hands and feet bound, drowned in the Vologne river in the Vosges mountains of eastern France on October 16, 1984.

The case of "Little Gregory" is one of France's most high-profile unsolved murders, a saga of family jealousy and rivalries that burst back into the headlines when Jacqueline Jacob, 72, and her 71-year-old husband Marcel were arrested on Wednesday.

More than three decades after Gregory was found dead, the couple were today charged with kidnapping and an additional charge of confinement when they appeared in court in the eastern city of Dijon.

They were both remanded in custody.

Both have denied any involvement, Dijon prosecutor Jean- Jacques Bosc later told a conference.

For the moment they do not have an alibi that is "either confirmed or backed up", Bosc said.

Explaining the nature of the charges, he said Gregory would not have died unless he had first been kidnapped.

"Gregory was kidnapped from his parents' home and held for a certain time before his death," the prosecutor said.

The potential breakthrough in the case came from handwriting and linguistic analysis of threatening letters sent to Gregory's parents, a source close to the investigation said.

Handwriting analysis of a letter sent to Gregory's father in 1983, a year before the boy was killed, led to fresh suspicions about Jacqueline Jacob.

Another letter claiming responsibility for the murder, which was mailed before the discovery of the body and referred to "revenge", was submitted to linguistic analysis that compared the word choices with those in the earlier missive.

The lawyer for Marcel Jacob protested today that he should not have been charged because there was no new evidence against the couple.

"There is no material proof (against them), nothing," lawyer Stephane Giuranna said. "The cart has been put before the horse."



Ginette Villemin, 61, the sister-in-law of the murdered boy's father Jean-Marie Villemin, was also arrested this week but was released on Thursday.

The child's paternal grandparents were questioned in their home in the Vosges region as witnesses.

The family was from a modest background and investigators have long believed that the motive for the murder was jealousy towards the boy's father, Jean-Marie Villemin, who had just been promoted to foreman at his factory, and his attractive wife Christine.

A photograph of the smiling face of Gregory with his tousled hair still strikes a powerful emotional chord in France.

The murder has spawned a made-for-TV film, more than 50 university theses and 15 books.

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Exporters up against banking issues such as third-party payments can expect relief as the departments of commerce and financial services have decided to set up a joint task force to resolve those problems.

Earlier this week, Commerce Secretary Rita Teaotia discussed the matter with the Department of Financial Services and the RBI.

Exporters of goods especially to countries like Iran, Sudan, Zimbabwe, Iraq, Iran and Congo face such banking bottlenecks.

The other talking points include RBI's caution list of exporters, reluctance of banks to issue electronic bank realisation certificates (e-BRCs) for payments made by buyers through online gateway service providers and national electronic funds transfer (NEFT).

Under third-party payments, for instance, firms that export to Africa get their payments from Dubai, Singapore, Hong Kong and London.

The commerce ministry, on its part, has approached the RBI to exclude those exporters from the caution list that have an outstanding of up to 5-10 per cent of previous year exports, an official said.

Exports to Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned countries, including Sudan, also face resistance from banks that are reluctant to handle their documents.

"There are several banking related issues with Iran that need resolution as huge export potential exists there," the official reasoned.

The commerce ministry has sought establishment of banking ties in Iran for euro transactions. It has also pitched for opening up of Indian banking channels in those countries that do banking with Iran.

Exporters body Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) said that early resolution of all these issues would help reduce transaction cost of exporters.

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High-end engine maker Rolls-Royce plans to triple its workforce at its research and development centre in India by the year-end and invest in startups working in areas like artificial intelligence and data analytics.

Rolls-Royce Director Benjamin Robert Story and Rolls-Royce India President Kishore Jayaraman met Union IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad to express their interest in engaging with the 'Digital India' initiative.

"Rolls-Royce is planning to triple headcount at its Bengaluru-based research and development centre by end of this year. They are impressed with Indian skilled talent and innovation of startups," an official told PTI.

The official added the company expressed interest in Indian startups working on artificial intelligence, machine learning technology and data analytics.

"Rolls-Royce is looking to invest in Indian startups. They are bullish on Digital India and want to engage more," the official said.

Rolls-Royce is a high-end engineering company focused on power and propulsion systems for civil and defence aircraft, marine vessels, nuclear submarines and other high-tech vehicles.

The firm entered India over 80 years ago with the powering of the first Tata Aviation aircraft. Its technology is used by 240 Indian Navy and Coast Guard vessels.
The Russian army today said it was seeking to verify whether Islamic State chief Abu Bakr al- Baghdadi had been killed after its warplanes hit the group's leaders in a night raid in Syria last month.

The United States said it could not immediately confirm Baghdadi's death.

In a statement, the army said Sukhoi warplanes carried out a 10-minute strike early on May 28 at a location near Raqa, where IS leaders had gathered to plan a pullout by militants from the group's stronghold.

"Senior commanders of the military groups of the so- called IS military council, 30 mid-ranking field commanders and up to 300 militants who provided security for them were eliminated," it said.

"According to information which is being checked through various channels, the leader of ISIL Ibrahim Abu-Bakr al- Baghdadi was also present at the meeting and was eliminated by the strike," it said.

ISIL is an acronym for the so-called IS group, also known as ISIS and Daesh.

The US-led coalition said it could not immediately confirm Baghdadi's death.

"We cannot confirm these reports at this time," said Operation Inherent Resolve US Army Colonel Ryan Dillon.

The strike occurred from 2135 to 2145 GMT on May 27 following confirmation of the meeting by a drone. Those killed included the so-called emir of Raqa and the IS security chief, the Russian statement said.

Russia informed the United States about the attack, the statement added.

Elusive Iraqi-born Baghdadi is the world's most-wanted man. The IS supremo has not been seen in public since proclaiming himself "caliph" in the Iraqi city of Mosul three years ago.

His group has earned global notoriety for imposing a hardline form of Islam that has included stonings, beheadings and amputations. Its bastion of Raqa became a magnet for would-be jihadis from other countries.

Baghdadi has been rumoured wounded or killed a number of times in the past.

He has been nicknamed "The Ghost" as he has been reportedly spotted around the Syrian-Iraqi border but his whereabouts have never been confirmed.

In March, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson declared that Baghdadi's death was imminent as "nearly all" of his deputies were dead and "it is only a matter of time" before the IS chief himself met the same fate.

Russia in September 2015 launched a bombing campaign in Syria in support of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Its efforts against IS jihadists are separate from those of the US-led coalition, which supports Syrian rebels.

The Russian military said earlier this month that on May 29, its planes struck IS convoys attempting to leave Raqa from the south and heading toward Palmyra, killing 80 militants.

On May 31, Russia struck IS contingents located near Palmyra, firing guided missiles from warships deployed off the Syrian coast.

Russia has supported Syrian armed forces, which entered the province of Raqa June 6 and advanced since then in the west and southwest of the province.

US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces have been pushing into Raqa on three fronts, last Tuesday breaking into the IS bastion from the east for the first time.

Iraqi forces are meanwhile battling IS in Mosul, where the jihadists are confined to just a few neighbourhoods in the west of the city.

The fighting in Raqa has caused alarm at the United Nations, whose investigators this week said civilian loss of life was "staggering" due to "excessive" air strikes.

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A Qatari official accused Saudi Arabia and its allies today of imposing a "siege" on his country with sanctions he said were having a more devastating effect than the Berlin Wall.

Ali bin Smaikh al-Marri, chairman of Qatar's national human rights committee, said the measures amounted to collective punishment and cited one case of a mother being separated from her baby.

The recent decision by several countries to cut ties with Qatar was trampling on the rights of citizens from the entire region, he said.

"This siege and these measures have led to what is called collective punishment," Marri told reporters in Geneva in Arabic through a translator, calling on the international community to intervene.

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt announced earlier this month the suspension of all ties to Qatar. They accused it of state support for extremist groups and denounced its political proximity to Shiite Iran.

Qatar denies the allegations.

Among other measures, the four states gave all Qatari citizens 14 days to leave their countries and ordered home their own citizens living in Qatar.

This had led to "gross violations of human rights", Marri said, pointing out that every Qatari family had at least one member living in other countries in the region.

These measures "are harsher than the Berlin Wall that separated families", he added.

His committee had so far received 1,064 complaints for a vast range of rights violations, from both Qataris and citizens of the other countries involved, he said.

He pointed to new laws issued by Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the UAE threatening between five and 15 years in prison for any of their citizens "who shows sympathy to the state of Qatar".

In one case, he said, a Qatari woman was ordered to leave the UAE where she lived with her husband and infant. When she arrived at the airport however, she was told she could not take her baby, who had Emirati citizenship, with her.

Thousands of students studying abroad had also been affected, he said. He cited the case of one woman from Qatar who was in her last year studying at a university in UAE who had been forced to leave.

"She has lost four years of study," he said.

Merri said his committee was urging Saudi Arabia and its allies to lift their sanctions, and was calling on the international community to pressure them to do so.

He called on UN human rights chief Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein, who has already expressed alarm at the measures, to send a delegation to Qatar to see the impact of the sanctions firsthand.

Merri also urged Qatar to "immediately move internationally to ensure the end of this siege, by going to the Security Council or other UN mechanisms.

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Physical activity among children and teens is lower than previously thought, according to a new study which found that 19-year-olds are as sedentary as 60- year-olds.

The findings come amid heightened concern that exercise deficits are contributing to the growing obesity epidemic, particularly among children and teens, researchers said.

The study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public in the US found that young adults after the age of 20 show the only increases in activity over the lifespan, and starting at age 35, activity levels declined through midlife and older adulthood.

It also identified different times throughout the day when activity was highest and lowest, across age groups and between males and females.

These patterns, the researchers said, could inform programmes aimed at increasing physical activity by targeting not only age groups but times with the least activity, such as during the morning for children and adolescents.

"Activity levels at the end of adolescence were alarmingly low, and by age 19, they were comparable to 60- year-olds," said Assistant Professor Vadim Zipunnikov.

"For school-age children, the primary window for activity was the afternoon between 2 and 6 pm. So the big question is how do we modify daily schedules, in schools for example, to be more conducive to increasing physical activity?" said Zipunnikov, senior author of the study published in the journal Preventive Medicine.

The researchers used data from the US National and Nutrition Examination Survey from the 2003-2004 and 2005-2006 survey cycles.

The 12,529 participants wore tracking devices for seven straight days, removing them for only bathing and at bedtime. The devices measured how much time participants were sedentary or engaged in light or moderate-to-vigorous physical activity.

Activity among 20-somethings, the only age group that saw an increase in activity levels, was spread out throughout the day, with an increase in physical activity in the early morning, compared to younger adolescents, researchers said.

The increase may be related to starting full-time work and other life transitions.

For all age groups, males generally had higher activity levels than females, particularly high-intensity activity, but after midlife, these levels dropped off sharply compared to females.

Among adults 60 years and older, males were more sedentary and had lower light-intensity activity levels than females.

The study confirmed that recommended guidelines were not being met. For instance, the World Organisation (WHO) recommends at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity a day for children aged five to 17 years.

The study found that more than 25 per cent of boys and 50 per cent of girls aged six to 11 and over 50 per cent of male and 75 per cent of female adolescents aged 12 to 19 had not met the WHO recommendation.
Azerbaijani forces today killed three ethnic-Armenian soldiers in the breakaway Nagorny Karabakh region's army along the enclave's volatile frontline, rebel authorities in Karabakh said.

Azerbaijani troops had shelled Karabakh army positions using anti-tank grenade launchers, said a Karabakh defence ministry statement.

"Three servicemen of the Karabakh army, all aged 20, were killed as a result," it added.

Ex-Soviet Azerbaijan and Armenia are locked in a protracted conflict over the disputed region, and frequent exchanges of fire nearly spiralled into all-out war a year ago.

In April last year, at least 110 people from both sides were killed as simmering violence flared into the worst clashes in decades over the region.

A Russian-brokered ceasefire ended the four days of fierce fighting in April but attempts to relaunch the stalled peace process since then have failed.

Baku and Yerevan have feuded over the Nagorny Karabakh region since Armenian separatists seized the territory in a war that claimed some 30,000 lives in the early 1990s and ended in a fragile 1994 truce.

The two sides never signed a firm peace deal.

Energy-rich Azerbaijan, whose military spending exceeds Armenia's entire state budget, has repeatedly threatened to take back the breakaway region by force.

But Moscow-allied Armenia has vowed to crush any military offensive.

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Secretary of State Rex Tillerson is cancelling his scheduled trip to an Organization of American States meeting in Mexico next week. Instead, he'll stay in the US to work on resolving the crisis between Qatar and its neighbors.

A day after announcing that Tillerson would lead the US delegation to the OAS General Assembly in Cancun, the State Department said yesterday that Tillerson's deputy, John Sullivan, will go in his place.

Spokeswoman Heather Nauert said Tillerson would stay to work the phones to try to convince Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates to settle their differences.

Tillerson "will continue his efforts to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East region through in-person meetings and phone conversations with Gulf and regional leaders," she said in a brief statement.

Simmering tensions between the US partners boiled over this month when Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, along with Egypt, severed ties with Qatar over its alleged support for extremism and imposed economic restrictions on it.

Since the crisis erupted, Tillerson has spoken with regional leaders more than a dozen times, according to Nauert.

Yesterday, he met with a top adviser to the emir of Qatar at the State Department. Earlier this week, he met with the Emirati and Saudi foreign ministers in Washington.

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Prime Minister Justin Trudeau gushed about Canada's warm relations with Cuba as President Donald Trump vowed to overhaul a deal to restore US ties with the communist-ruled island nation.

"We have tremendous respect and (a) constructive relationship with the United States. But in the matter of Cuba, there's always been a certain amount of disagreement," Trudeau told a joint press conference with his visiting Belgian counterpart, Charles Michel yesterday.

His comments came moments after Trump announced in Miami the reversal of his predecessor Barack Obama's 2014 policy of rapprochement ending nearly six decades of Cuba-US estrangement.

Canada and Mexico are the only two countries in the Americas to have maintained diplomatic ties with Cuba following the 1950s armed revolt led by Fidel Castro against the right-wing authoritarian government of Fulgencio Batista.

Trudeau's father, former prime minister Pierre Trudeau, was the first leader of a NATO country to travel to Castro's Cuba, in January 1976 during the middle of the Cold War, against Washington's wishes.

After Castro's passing last year, Trudeau praised the communist leader and family friend as a "legendary revolutionary and orator," drawing rebukes from American conservatives who said he was praising a cruel dictator.

Trudeau had made an official visit to the island only two weeks earlier -- and 40 years after his father -- but had not met with the ailing Castro.

"I think Canada has always been very proud of the independence of our foreign policy, in particular (with) regards to Cuba," the prime minister said Friday.

He vowed Canada would continue to support Cuba in terms of tourism and investment, as well as "the opportunities we wish to create for the people of Cuba and for Canadian business people.

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US President Donald Trump today vowed to roll back his predecessor Barack Obama's signature Cuba policy, saying it was "one-sided" and his administration will seek a "much better" deal for the Cuban people and America.

"Effective immediately, I am canceling the last administration's completely one-sided deal with Cuba. I am announcing today a new policy just as I promised during the campaign. And I will be signing that contract right at that table in just a moment," Trump told a cheering crowd of Cuban Americans in Miami, Florida.

"Our policy will seek a much better deal for the Cuban people and for the United States of America. We do not want US dollars to prop up a military monopoly that exploits and abuses the citizens of Cuba. Our new policy begins with strictly enforcing US law," he said.

Trump said he will not lift sanctions on Cuba unless it releases all political prisoners and respects freedoms.

"We will not lift sanctions on the Cuban regime until all political prisoners are freed, freedoms of assembly and expression are respected, all political parties are legalised and free and internationally supervised elections are scheduled elections," Trump said.

"We will very strongly restrict American dollars flowing to the military, security, and intelligence services that are the core of the Castro regime. They will be restricted. We will enforce the ban on tourism. We will enforce the embargo," he said.

"We will take concrete steps to ensure that investments flow directly to the people so they can open private businesses and begin to build their country's great, great future, a country of great potential," he said amidst a loud applause from the audience.

Trump said his actions bypassed the military and the government to help the Cuban people form businesses and pursue much better lives.

"We will keep in place the safeguards to prevent Cubans from risking their lives to unlawful travel to the United States. They are in such danger the way they have to come to this country. And we are going to be safeguarding those people," he said.

Trump said his administration will expose the crimes of the Castro regime and stand with the Cuban people in their struggle for freedom.

"Because we know it is best for America to have freedom in our hemisphere, whether in Cuba or Venezuela, and to have a future where the people of each country can live out their own dreams," he said.

He alleged that for nearly six decades, the Cuban people had suffered under the Communist domination.

To this day, Cuba is ruled by the same people who killed tens of thousands of their own citizens, who sought to spread their repressive and failed ideology throughout our hemisphere and who once tried to host enemy nuclear weapons 90 miles from our shores, he charged.

"The Castro regime has shipped arms to North Korea and fueled chaos in Venezuela. While imprisoning innocents, it has harbored cop killers, hijackers and terrorists. It has supported human trafficking, forced labor and exploitation all around the globe," he said.

"This is the simple truth of the Castro regime. My administration will not hide from it, excuse it or glamorise it. And we will never, ever be blind to it. We know what's going on and we remember what happened," he said.
Tung Chee-hwa, former chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, said that while trade and business ties between China and the United States are important, the "overall relationship should not be anchored on the economic relationship alone". He added that taking advantage of every opportunity to collaborate will move the relationship forward.

The two countries were able to come together to prevent an even bigger global financial meltdown from taking place during the 2008 financial crisis, collaborate on medical science in Africa during the Ebola crisis in 2014, and are currently working together to ensure a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula, Tung said on Wednesday at the Asia Society in New York City during a high-level dialogue on the Belt and Road Initiative.

"Today, the fact is that the world is faced with many other challenges that need urgent attention," he said.

"A multilateral approach will be necessary, and the involvement of the big powers is crucial," he said.

Tung was Hong Kong's first chief executive after the transfer of sovereignty from the UK to the People's Republic of China in 1997. He served until 2005 and is currently vice-chairman of the 12th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference.

The Belt and Road Initiative dialogue was held at the Asia Society, jointly organized by the China Center for International Economic Exchanges and the Asia Society Policy Institute.

Cui Tiankai, Chinese ambassador to the US, said that the Belt and Road Initiative was a manifestation of China's preference for connectivity over separation.

It is open to all who want to participate and invest, and China would be open to increased participation by the US, he said. "Let's make it another joint venture between us," he said.

China and the US have economies that are so interdependent that there is no option for trade wars or zero-sum games, and healthy competition should be fostered, he said.

"There are signs of steps in the right direction," the ambassador said. "Just two months ago, President Xi Jinping and President Donald Trump had their first meeting in Mar-a-Lago, Florida. It was a very successful and productive summitmaybe more successful than most people would expect. It set the tone and direction for our relations to go forward."

Regarding the 100-day plan initiated between the two sides at the meeting, Cui said that there have already been some "early harvests" and more new plans are in the pipeline.

The Belt and Road Initiative should be regarded as a new driving force in economic globalization, according to Zhao Qizheng, former minister of China's State Council Information Office.

"China is willing to share its economic power and experience with particularly underdeveloped areas and developing countries to further promote globalization," Zhao said at the Asia Society.

Hong Xiao contributed to the story.
US President Donald Trump today vowed to roll back his predecessor Barack Obama's deal re-opening trade ties with Havana, in favour of measures to support the Cuban people against what he called their "cruel and brutal" regime.

"Effective immediately, I am cancelling the last administration's completely one-sided deal with Cuba," he declared before an audience packed with Cuban-Americans, cheering and chanting: "Viva Cuba libre!"



"Our policy will seek a much better deal for the Cuban people and for the United States of America. We do not want US dollars to prop up a military monopoly that exploits and abuses the citizens of Cuba," Trump pledged.

"We will not lift sanctions on the Cuban regime until all political prisoners are free," he said, introducing the crowd to Cuban dissidents, invited to his speech in a theater in Miami's Little Havana, spiritual home of the exile community.

"It is best for America to have freedom in its hemisphere whether in Cuba or Venezuela," he said, to huge cheers and a standing ovation.

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Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu held talks in Saudi Arabia with King Salman, continuing efforts to resolve the Gulf's biggest diplomatic crisis in years.

Diplomatic sources told AFP that "the meeting was positive", but there were no specifics.

Riyadh, the UAE, Egypt and others severed diplomatic and economic ties with Qatar almost two weeks ago, accusing Doha of supporting groups, including some backed by Iran, "that aim to destabilise the region".

Qatar denies any such support for extremists.

Cavusoglu travelled to the holy city of Mecca yesterday where Salman is based for the last days of Ramadan, after meeting his Kuwaiti counterpart on Thursday.

The emir of Kuwait, which did not cut ties with Qatar, has also been trying to mediate.

Turkey's chief diplomat was in Doha on Wednesday where he called for dialogue after meeting Qatar's emir and foreign minister ahead of his Saudi stop.

"Although the kingdom is a party in this crisis, we know that King Salman is a party in resolving it," Cavusoglu said earlier.

"We want to hear the views of Saudi Arabia regarding possible solutions and will share with them our views in a transparent way... We pay a great attention to our relations with them," he said.

The crisis has put Turkey in a delicate position as Ankara regards Qatar as its chief ally in the Gulf but is also keen to maintain its improving ties with regional power Saudi Arabia.

At the same time, Turkey is eager to maintain workable relations with Iran, Saudi Arabia's foe.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday described the decision by Gulf states to cut political and economic ties with Qatar as "inhumane and un-Islamic".

He stopped short of directly criticising Saudi Arabia and said that as "the elder statesman of the Gulf," Salman should resolve the matter.

Among the punitive measures, Qatar Airways is banned from the airspace of its neighbours, Gulf states gave Qataris 14 days to get out, and Saudi closed its land border through which much of Qatar's food supply crossed.

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With an aim to widen the network of professionals exploring India's cultural heritage, UNESCO along with Sahapedia, an open online resource on Indian arts, has launched a fellowship programme for students as well as scholars.

The Sahapedia - UNESCO Fellowships seek to provide an opportunity for young people to expand their knowledge and encourage documentation of both tangible and intangible heritage.

Through the initiative, UNESCO aims to create a community where professionals will engage people in discussions to generate critically researched, engaging content in multimedia formats that will be hosted on the Sahapedia website.

"The documentation and dissemination of content on heritage are important to create wider public awareness and interest in heritage issues.

"Through this partnership, we hope to encourage young researchers to generate new and critical content on tangible and intangible cultural heritage while highlighting issues in these areas that require attention or rethinking," Moe Chiba, section chief and programme specialist for Culture at UNESCO, said.

The fellowships will be open to scholars, post-graduates, and graduates.

"As the researchers are expected to look critically into the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of India, it will offer new perspectives with regard to the representation of cultural diversity of India," Chiba said.

Interested candidates can apply for two different variants - the Sahapedia Project Fellowship (SPF) and the Sahapedia Research Fellowship (SRF), that give applicants the option of participating either at the level of primary documentation or in the content curation process.

The applications for the programme open today and will close on July 15 for 100 available fellowships -- 80 SRF and 20 SPF.

Sudha Gopalakrishnan, the executive director of Sahapedia said she hoped the research produced by candidates would significantly expand both the volume and quality of resources on the website.

"It is a privilege to have the support of an organisation like UNESCO for our documentation and conservation efforts. The aim of Sahapedia is to ensure that we are able to preserve in digital form and make freely accessible as much of the vast and diverse body of cultural knowledge in India as possible, especially about the lesser known practices and traditions in India," she said.

The selected applicants will be given a scholarship of Rs 40,000, and Sahapedia Research Fellows will be offered Rs 15,000. The SPF project is expected to be completed in 12 weeks, whereas SRF assignment will be covered in eight weeks.

"The fellowship provides a good opportunity to young researchers from different regions in India and smaller towns to engage with issues concerning cultural heritage," Vaibhav Chauhan, director at Sahapedia said.

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China and the US will hold their first diplomatic and security dialogue next week in Washington amid rising tensions in ties over the South China Sea.

Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi will co-chair the dialogue with US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Secretary of Defense James Mattis, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang told a daily press briefing today.

Fang Fenghui, a member of China's Central Military Commission (CMC) and chief of the CMC Joint Staff Department, will also participate in the dialogue.

The two sides will exchange views on China-US relations and other issues of common concern, Lu said.

The diplomatic and security dialogue is one of four high-level mechanisms established during the Mar-a-Lago meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump in Florida in April.

The other three are dialogues are on economics, law enforcement and cyber security, and on social, cultural and people-to-people exchange.

The dialogue comes amid rising tensions in ties over competing claims in the South China Sea.

The US last month sent a navy warship near an artificial island in the disputed South China Sea as part of the first "freedom of navigation" operation under President Donald Trump, prompting the Chinese government to say that the "provocative action" violated its sovereignty.

The guided-missile destroyer, USS Dewey, conducted a patrol within 20 kilometres of Mischeef Reef, part of the Spratly Islands over which several countries, including China, have competing claims.

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The United States and Mexico welcomed Central American leaders to Miami today to talks on how sound economies and the rule of law can serve as a wall against the drug trade.

President Donald Trump came to power vowing to build a barrier along the US southern border to halt migrants and drug smuggling -- and to overhaul his foreign policy to put "America First."



But when Secretary of State Rex Tillerson sat down this year with Mexican leaders to discuss frontier security, they found that they also had a shared interest in the stability of the countries further south.

Tillerson and his Mexican counterpart Foreign Minister Luis Videgaray opened the two-day "Conference on Prosperity and Security in Central America" with a vow to help Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador rise to the challenge.

But Tillerson also made it clear where Washington's priorities lie.

"As part of the president's agenda, we seek to bolster US national security, secure our borders and advance US economic interest," Tillerson told the opening session at Florida International University.

"Promoting prosperity in Central America is a key component of this effort, as our prosperity and security interests are tightly linked through the movement of ideas, people and goods," he said.

Addressing Presidents Juan Orlando Hernandez of Honduras and Jimmy Morales of Guatemala and Vice President Oscar Ortiz of El Salvador, Videgaray stressed the value of unity in the face of international gangs.

"Those of us who have the privilege of living in this great region, we understand that issues such as migration, security, economic development, stability and prosperity are shared challenges," he said.

"Working together, we have a far better chance of tackling this problem that brings us together," the Mexican minister argued.

But the Miami get-together comes just as Trump's administration looks to dramatically cut development assistance -- and US officials stressed that the meeting will also seek to convince new partners to help out.

Along with co-host Mexico and the Northern Triangle -- Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador -- envoys from Belize, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, the European Union, Nicaragua, Panama and Spain are taking part.

"Much of the product that is flowing through Central America today in trafficking routes makes a right turn and heads to Western Europe," assistant secretary of state William Brownfield said ahead of the talks.

It may be a question of tactics rather than resources. In the 46 years since then-US president Richard Nixon first declared drugs "public enemy number one," the "War on Drugs" has produced more casualties than victors.

And Hernandez, of Honduras, warned that without outside support, Central America could pose an even greater threat that it does now.

"A convulsing Central America, faced with a lack of opportunities and with violence, is a tremendous risk for the United States, Mexico and the region," he told the opening session.

"On the contrary, a prosperous and peaceful Central America is America's best investment in support of its people and, of course, a great investment for us."



Brownfield -- who heads the State Department's law enforcement and counter-narcotics efforts -- told reporters before the talks that progress has been made in the often- lawless Northern Triangle since 2009.

Working with Colombian trainers fresh from their own long war against cartels and militias, the United States has spent $1.5 billion building police and judicial capacity in a region destabilized by traffickers.

The tactics have started to get results -- homicide, violence and drug flights are down over the past two years -- but have also been controversial and often criticized as too brutal by local communities.

Just last month, an official report found that American anti-drug agents had been more involved in the deaths of Honduran civilians during botched raids in 2012 that they had previously admitted.

The new initiatives, coming along with Trump's aggressive rhetoric about building a "great wall" to stop criminals from bringing rape and drugs from Mexico, have led to fears of a new militarization of the effort.

Tillerson argues that the new plan is not more of the same, but a big-picture effort to dismantle the drugs supply chain, from imports of Chinese precursor chemicals to cross- border interception.

US Vice President Mike Pence is also due to address the gathering, and on Friday, events will move to the US military command for Latin America.

There, diplomats and economists will take a back seat and the leaders will be addressed by US Homeland Security chief John Kelly and Mexico's interior minister Miguel Angel Osorio Chong.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The final resting place of Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader Ashok Singhal, known as one of the architects of the movement that led to the demolition of the Babri Masjid, will soon be turned into a tourist hub.

Singhal, who was chargesheeted in the 1992 Babri Masjid demolition case by the CBI, died in 2015.

After his death his ashes were preserved in a monastery in Himachal Pradesh for around six months. In June last year, the ashes were immersed in Tandi Sangam, the intersection of the rivers Chandra and Bhaga in the Lahaul region of Himachal, as the VHP leader had wished.

Tandi Sangam is the focus of the Tourism Ministry which plans to give a facelift to the area through the Chandrabhaga Development Board.

It will also be included in the Himalayan Circuit, one of the 13 circuits planned by the ministry as part of its plans to promote tourism in India.

"It is a beautiful place, but inaccessible for six months because of extreme conditions. With the Rohtang tunnel to be completed soon, we are planning to make it a tourist attraction. Also, Singhalji's ashes were immersed there, so it gains special significance for us," Tourism Minister Mahesh Sharma, who visited the area earlier this week, told PTI.

Sharma also said the place gained significance because the Chandrabhaga River is considered the purest after the Ganga for immersions.

"The river is also mentioned in multiple Hindu scriptures. The plan is to promote the place as a spiritual and religious destination," Sharma said.

Sources in the ministry said the plan was to develop the ghats at the intersection or 'sangam' on the lines of those by the Ganga in Varanasi and Haridwar.

Some hotels will also be huilt in the area, they said.

Also, for the first time, the central ministry will take over the Chander-Bhaga Sangam Parv, which was mostly organised by a local organisation, the Chander-Bhaga Sangam Parv Samiti. The local group will advise the ministry on the development of the area, the sources said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
US Vice President Mike Pence has hired a personal lawyer to deal with requests from the special counsel investigating possible collusion with Russia during the 2016 election, a top aide has said.

"The Vice President has retained Richard Cullen of McGuire Woods to assist him in responding to inquiries by the special counsel," Pence communications director Jared Agen said in a statement yesterday.

"The vice president is focused entirely on his duties and promoting the president's agenda and looks forward to a swift conclusion of this matter."



Pence's announcement comes after several weeks of deliberations, featuring several candidates, an administration official said, adding that no taxpayer money will be used.

A final decision was made to hire Cullen earlier this week.

Cullen -- who has experience litigating the Iran-Contra investigation, Watergate and the 2000 vote recount in Florida -- is a former US attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia.

Pence's move follows a decision by President Donald Trump to hire outside counsel Marc Kasowitz and could signal the investigation is entering a new phase.

Amid reports that special counsel Robert Mueller is also looking into whether Trump tried to obstruct justice, several White House aides are expected to be contacted by his team and are in the process of "lawyering up.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
By Jan Strupczewski, Renee Maltezou and Francesco Guarascio

LUXEMBOURG (Reuters) - Euro zone governments threw Greece another 11th-hour credit lifeline on Thursday worth $9.5 billion and sketched new detail on possible debt relief as the IMF finally offered to help out after two years of hesitation.

The 8.5 billion euros of loans from the euro zone's 18 other states, including Berlin which is wary of easing terms for Greece ahead of a German election in September, lets Athens avoid defaulting on bailout repayments next month and recognises unpopular cuts and reforms the left-wing government has made.

"There is now light at the end of the tunnel," Greece's Euclid Tsakalotos told reporters after meeting fellow euro zone finance ministers and IMF chief Christine Lagarde in Luxembourg.

The accords gave enough clarity to investors on how Greece can manage its crushing debt burden that it should be able to borrow on the market again "in due course" after effectively relying on bailout support from other sovereigns since 2010.

A proposal by the French government under new President Emmanuel Macron to help bridge differences on debt relief will underpin further euro zone discussions, officials said. Macron wants to work with Germany to strengthen the 18-year-old common currency, which was nearly wrecked by the sovereign debt crisis.

German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble, whose insistence on austerity reforms to public finances in Athens have long made him a hate figure for many Greeks, said lawmakers in Berlin would review the deal on Friday to see if it deviated from a 2015 bailout enough to need new German parliamentary approval.

Euro zone bailout fund chief Klaus Regling said his European Stability Mechanism would disburse 7.7 billion euros in early July to cover 6.9 billion euros in maturing debt and 0.8 billion of arrears. A further 0.8 billion euros would be disbursed "after the summer".

IMF JOINS IN

The International Monetary Fund would join the current bailout, Lagarde said, offering Athens a standby arrangement of less than $2 billion, the length of which will be tailored to match the end of the euro zone bailout in mid-2018.

But the Washington-based Fund, which Europeans value for its rigour but had fallen out with over its demands they forgive Athens some of its debt, will not disburse any of its money yet. It still wants the euro zone to offer sufficient extra detail on possible debt relief in 2018 to let the Fund calculate that it will be enough for Athens to sustain its debt in the long run.

The standby arrangement was a second best solution to a full debt deal, Lagarde said, but it would buy the euro zone, Greece and the IMF time to work out the details for next year.

A senior IMF official said they were still not satisfied the euro zone was ready to do enough on debt relief but had joined the bailout anyway as Greece risked being in difficulty again.

To accommodate the IMF's need for more specifics on debt relief, the euro zone finance ministers said in a statement that in 2018 they would be ready to consider extending the maturities and grace periods of their loans to Greece by a range from zero to 15 years. The average maturity now is 30 years.

But they did not go any further than that and the IMF said it was not enough to calculate Greek debt sustainability.

Debt relief has been a hard sell in Germany, the biggest contributor to Greek bailouts over the years, though it is also unpopular in other countries, notably in poor Eastern Europe, where Greek welfare support seems generous to many.

Berlin also wants to retain leverage over Greece to make sure reforms remaining under the bailout are implemented.

But in a mark of relief among the European Union's top leadership that the divisive crisis among member states seemed to be under control, European Council President Donald Tusk, who will chair a summit of EU leaders next week, tweeted: "Finally good for Greece. It was well deserved."

The euro zone has been reluctant to commit to concrete debt relief numbers now because it argues that if Greece does all that is required of it and keeps a high primary surplus - the budget before debt servicing costs - for decades, it may not need any debt relief at all.

But the IMF says euro zone assumptions on Greek economic growth and the country's ability to keep a high primary surplus are unrealistic and that Athens clearly needs debt relief to win back investor confidence and return to market financing.

To bridge the wide differences in assumptions on Greek growth for the next decades, France proposed to link the size of the debt relief with Greek economic growth and euro zone ministers said they would work on that idea further.

They said in their statement that the exact mechanism of how to link debt relief to growth would be worked on as of 2018 by deputy finance ministers and treasury officials and be announced after the bailout ends, together with the whole debt deal.

(Additional reporting by Tom Koerkemeier; Writing by Jan Strupczewski and Alastair Macdonald; Editing by Andrew Hay)

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The allowances recommendations, including on the most anticipated HRA, related to the 7th Pay Commission could be discussed in the cabinet meeting next week, according to reports. Shiv Gopal Mishra, the convenor of National Joint Council of Action (NJCA) has said that the government could increase the HRA to more than what the 7th pay commission has recommended, NDTV reported. NJCA represents central government employees. The Union Cabinet did not discuss the 7th Pay Commission issue when it met on 14th June. The Cabinet, which typically meets on Wednesdays, can discuss the issue next week. The HRA and other allowance matters could finally be discussed in this meeting as Finance Minister Arun Jaitley would be back from his ongoing visit to South Korea.

There have been numerous delays in the resolution to the allowances issue which have added to the frustration of central government employees. The matter has been pending for almost a year. After the central government employees opposed the recommendations on allowances made by the 7th pay commission, the government formed a committee led by Finance Secretary Ashok Lavasa, to look into the recommendations. The Ashok Lavasa Committee was supposed to submit its report in February, but there were delays. The committee finally submitted its report to Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on April 27. After which, an Empowered Committee of Secretaries was set up to consolidate the report. The consolidated report now has to be presented to the Cabinet.

According to the Finance Ministry, the Lavasa committee had made some modifications to 7th Pay Commission recommendations on allowances. There has been no word on the changes recommended by the Committee though. The only definite information is that the Empowered Committee of Secretaries screening the Lavasa Committee recommendations has capped HRA rates between 25 per cent and 27 per cent.

The Seventh Pay Commission recommended slashing the House Rent Allowance (HRA) -- for metros, commission recommended bringing down the HRA from 30 per cent to 24 per cent. It had suggested the rate of House Rent Allowance (HRA) be kept at 24 percent, 16 percent and 8 percent of the Basic Pay for Class X, Y and Z cities respectively.The Seventh Pay Commission had recommended abolishing 53 of the 196 allowances, and subsuming 36 other allowances.

Government employees protested the recommendations of the Seventh Pay Commission, following which the Narendra Modi-government formed a committee under the Finance Secretary to review the suggestions.

The Committee on Allowances was constituted in July and after an extended deadline was asked to submit its report to the government by February 22, 2017. However, it submitted its review report on April 24.

The report was then taken up by the E-CoS for consideration and consolidation, after passing through Department of Expenditure, so that it can be presented before the Cabinet.

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Folks around Montana are talking about Billings turning into a live music mecca, and we have two visionary promoters to thank  Tim Goodridge and Sean Lynch.

As summer heats up, so does the music scene with four outdoor shows at ZooMontana, kicking off with JJ Grey and Mofro on July 11, and Magic City Blues Festival set for Aug. 4-5. Classic rock and classic country rock shows are also scheduled for a new outdoor music venue, Cove Creek Outdoor Pavilion on 56th Street West and Central Avenue.

Too stubborn to quit

Magic City Blues founder Tim Goodridge said it took "stubbornness, stupidity and naivete" to keep his music festival going in those early years.

While other musical festivals come and go, MCB has held on, bringing in 6,000 to 8,000 fans each year to see A-list acts like George Thorogood, Michael Franti, Buddy Guy and Blues Traveler. This years festival features headliners Brian Setzer's Rockabilly Riot on Aug. 4 and Blackberry Smoke on Aug. 5.

Goodridge estimates hes brought in 200 acts for MCB over its 15-year history and brought in more than 90,000 fans.

With the local scene so lively, Goodridge and Lynch keep hearing things on social media, like Why dont you bring this show to Missoula.

When Lynch, founder of 11:11 Presents and owner of the Pub Station, announced that comedian Fred Armisen of Saturday Night Live and Portlandia" was coming to the Pub Station on July 5, it created a stir all across Montana since Billings is his only show.

The Missoulian even ran a story on it, Lynch said.

The two promoters are working together on a lead-in show to MCB, Albert Lee and Duke Robillard and His All-Star Band playing the Pub Station Ballroom on July 7.

One thing fans like about our local scene is the two guys behind it are longtime Billings residents. Lynch graduated from West High and Goodridge is a Rocky Mountain College alum. They are easy to find to make your pitch for an act or wage a complaint.

Goodridge said he didnt have a ticketing system for the first 10 years of MCB so he and his wife, Pam, personally took tickets orders.

Building community

It helped us build a community around the festival. It makes people feel they are a part of it. You go to the giant festivals and its like a military exercise; they have to be because of all the craziness. What we do seems like a breath of fresh air. Its less onerous and fraught with rules and problems.

The Legends of Country Rock Festival will make its debut on July 22 with Orleans, Poco and Firefall, and Montana bands Mission Mountain Wood Band and Nye Express. The Legends of Classic Rock at the Cove Creek Pavilion will be Aug. 26, featuring headliners Blue Oyster Cult and Jefferson Starship.

This year's MCB festival features 12 acts. Goodridge is excited to see headliners Blackberry Smoke who he's been listening to for years, and Victor Wainwright, who will play a free show at St. Johns Lutheran Home on Aug. 3 and then perform on the Stillwater Stage Aug. 4.

Some of his favorites over the years werent the headline acts, but the smaller acts who played the Stillwater Stage which has a more laid-back vibe.

The Reverend Peyton we found on MySpace and he really turned into a Billings favorite. I also liked Davina and the Vagabonds. She was a really neat and entertaining person, Goodridge said.

Texas country

Lynch said his favorites from the summer lineup in Billings are the Turnpike Troubadours, who are playing the Pub Station Ballroom on July 29, and Reckless Kelly, who will play the Pub Station on Aug. 20.

"I've really gotten into Texas country over the last few years," Lynch said.

One of the biggest shows this summer is Steve Earle and the Dukes headlining Zoofari at ZooMontana on Aug. 18. The show is a fundraiser for ZooMontana and not an 11:11 Presents show, but Lynch brokered the show for the zoo.

ZooMontana has turned into a popular venue after Lynch tried out three shows there last summer.

People really enjoyed the venue," Lynch said "I dont think they knew what to think at first. We got tons of compliments about the venue. Right about 6, the sun goes behind the trees and its shaded. People just like being outside listening to music.

The shows are family friendly, and even though the three shows in 2016 were not profitable for Lynch, he wanted to do something for the zoo and for music fans. ZooMontana shows include Reel Big Fish  The Beer Run on July 13 and Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives on July 14.

We need to keep the zoo because its good for Billings, Lynch said.
| BY Ricki Green |

FCB New Zealand has today announced the appointment of Dan Martin to the position of CEO, FCB New Zealand.

Martin joins FCB at the start of August from the UK, where he was chief operating officer of Ogilvy & Mather, London. Prior to his tenure with Ogilvy he worked for agencies such as Fallon, WCRS, Lowe Lintas and JWT. His clients have included a roll call of premier companies and brands such as Smirnoff, Adidas, Rolls-Royce, Vodafone, Heineken, Unilever, Bacardi and MINI.

FCB global vice chairman Bryan Crawford commented that he was excited about the future of FCB New Zealand under Martins leadership.

Says Crawford: After an international search, were extremely pleased to have secured top-notch talent to lead FCB New Zealand. Dan is a focused and energetic leader who has extensive experience in client management and agency operations. Working with the deeply experienced FCB New Zealand management team, I know Dan will build on what has made the agency so successful and take the agency to even greater heights.

While at Ogilvy, Martin secured Kronenbourg UKs social advertiser of-the-year status, drove behavioural science into the heart of the UKs biggest supermarket, Tesco, and led SCJ, the worlds largest account win of 2012, to renewed financial success across 55 markets.

He was instrumental in leading the SC Johnson account from the shopper, media, advertising and social perspectives, and used this multi-layered piece of business to re-engineer a traditional agency into a principal integrated agency.

While at WCRS he led his client Transport for London to being voted UK advertiser of the year by Campaign magazine. He has also previously secured new business including MINI globally, Diageo wines, Rolls-Royce and Transport for London.

Outside of advertising, Martin has run a successful craft brewery and is half-way through his first childrens novel (a status which hasnt changed in two years and is unlikely to change anytime soon, given his new role).
| BY Ricki Green |

It takes a mountain village to raise Australias alpine reputation  and thats exactly what the Mt Hotham RMB has chosen to do with its new 2017 campaign created by Melbourne independent, 10 feet tall.

The campaign positions Mt. Hotham as representing Australias True Alpine Spirit and was created over 10 months in order to capture imagery of the mountain through all seasons and ensure full participation of the mountains many private stakeholders.

Its a radical shift for the brand.

Says Jon Hutchins, CEO, Mt Hotham: Our brand been built on high-performance messaging and northern hemisphere styling. But with low-cost airfares to NZ and Japan now so common, we needed to get back to the core of what makes the Australian alpine experience so unique.

With 10 feet tall, we identified that as Australias highest Alpine village (sitting at 1780m on Victorias Great Alpine road) we could be above the bulldust. Up here, the conditions and the people are uniquely and proudly Australian. We needed to embrace that.

Says Murray White, ECD, 10 feet tall: The resulting creative gives the mountain a voice and brings to life the colourful and refreshing views of the many locals weve loved working with over the past months.

From long format films to brand and retail spots, online content, digital, press and radio, the fully integrated campaign disrupts expectations in order to reframe the mountain as a destination for the naturally adventurous.

Says White: By being frank, honest and open; by actually stating what the people on the Mt. Hotham truly believe in; were taking a stand for Australias mountains and breaking down the perceived limitations of our snow industry to build a far broader and more trans-seasonal approach.

A key part of the campaign will be a social push which encourages Australians to discover their True Alpine Spirit via a personality profiler which ultimately translates as a personal shopper.

Says Hutchins: The True Spirit microsite has been an integral tool for us to enlist the support of the many partners on the mountain. It proves that this is far more than a brand campaign. Its a narrative that translates into truly viable commercial propositions for every business on the mountain.

The campaign was produced by The Woolshed with sound by Production Alley and launches this week.

Agency: 10 Feet Tall

Murray White: Executive Creative Director

Stuart Black: Creative Director

Matt Toebelmann: Art Director

Travis McKeag: Design

Joseph Meseha: Managing Director

Magnus Nilsson  Strategy Director

Pia Moore: Client Services Director

Alex Williams: Senior Account Manager

Production Company: The Woolshed

Richard Hughes: Director

Brad Francis: DOP

Dave Christison: Producer

Paddy Mithen: Production Manager

Sound: Production Alley

Rodney Lowe: Sound Design

Pat Devlin: Assistant Sound Design

Jess Lehman: Audio Producer

Client: Mt Hotham RMB

Jon Hutchins: CEO
| BY Lynchy |

McCann Erickson Malaysia has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Saito College to mark the launch of the McCann Next, an industry initiative that encourages the development of Malaysias next generation of creators and innovators. The creative collaboration pairs Saito Colleges students with experienced mentors at McCann Erickson, a key player of the global advertising industry.

The McCann Next initiative presents a platform and opportunity for the next generation to come together to share and co-create with assistance of experienced McCann professionals as mentors. Some 60 Saito College students are expected to be in the McCann Next community of like-minded talent who will push the boundaries of creativity.

Present at the signing ceremony in McCann Ericksons office at Ascent Paradigm were Sean Sim, CEO of McCann Erickson Malaysia (pictured left) and Ooi Chee Kok, Principal of Saito College (right).

The project complements the two and a half year courses offered at Saito College and means that upon completion of the program and their tertiary education, these students will have a stronger foundation and be better prepared to enter the workplace. Participants gain valuable insight and experience through attending talks and workshops, undertaking real time briefs and realising conceived ideas in an encouraging and inspirational environment.

McCann Next not only enables these students to be taken under the wings of experienced mentors, it provides a platform for young like-minded talents to come together to share and co-create, said Sim.

This is essentially an industry initiative that we hope will help us attract and retain the young and brightest talents for our industry. It appears that the youth of today are so keen on the idea of becoming entrepreneurs and joining small start-up companies that they overlook the thrill and value of working alongside creative peers in a professional setting with long-time industry experts. Through McCann Next we are showing that the advertising industry is always at the forefront of innovation and thriving with entrepreneurial spirit. It allows freedom to explore possibilities, applauds original thought and appreciates the next-generations drive to push creative boundaries, added Sim.

This is the first phase of the McCann Next initiative and with Saito College being a pioneer in Malaysias art and design education; it was a sensational choice of collaborative partners to lift-off with. McCann Erickson intends to build relationships with other schools, colleges and universities in order to expand the program.
| BY Lynchy |

Pantene, Downy, and Grey Group Indonesia have partnered in a new campaign this Ramadhan. Every Idul fitri season, Indonesians ask each other for forgiveness to turn life anew. But when it comes to saying sorry to Mom, it is not a straightforward affair, especially in a culture like Indonesias where people cannot always be open about how they feel in person.

Turning to social media, a place where Indonesians can express themselves more openly, Pantene and Downys ambassadors asked, What would you ask forgiveness of from Mom this Idul Fitri?

The 17 best social media posts were selected and the new lyrics of Kasih Ibu (A Mothers Love), a childhood song every Indonesian grew up listening to, was pieced together from the posts. The people who wrote the replies were trained in a choir to sing the new rendition, together with Pantenes brand ambassador, Anggun and Downys ambassador, Andien.

The Moms of the 17 winners were invited to a surprise concert under the pretext that their children were part of the concerts organizing committee. Little did they know that they were about to witness their children singing a song of forgiveness to them with two of the countrys biggest pop stars.

The launch of the song on YouTube captured the imagination of the country, and has been viewed on YouTube over 6 million times (and increasing) with just 3 weeks into the launch. The song has even inspired covers with many sharing their personalized song of forgiveness with their Moms.

Idul Fitri is a season of forgiveness, and we wanted to give a chance to millions of Indonesians to share their truest feelings with the person who matters the most to them: their Mom. The one person who deserves the most beautiful apology, said Daphne Kuah, Country Marketing Manager P&G Indonesia.

We wanted to channel the very essence of Ramadhan with our latest campaign for Pantene and Downy. A time of spiritual reflection, self-improvement, love, and forgiveness, we think the campaign captured the raw emotions of a childs love for their mother., said Nugroho Nurarifin, Executive Creative Director, Grey Group Indonesia.

Credits 

Executive Creative Director: Nugroho Nurarifin

Senior Art Director: Finy Tjong

Senior Copywriter: Miranda Wiriadinata

Art Director: Devan Rudhinata

Senior Graphic Designer: Maria Priscilla

Country Manager WPP Team P&G: Sharan Sood

Business Director: Sawitri Hertoto

Account Manager: Donny Narendra

Strategic Planner: Ilmalana

Digital Manager: Oktavianus Daud

Social Media Officer: Ainun Yasmin

Executive Producer: Natasha May

Film Director & DoP: Mahatma Putra

Assistant Director: Dennis Hasangapon

Music Composer: Aria Prayoghi

Huma Qureshi, Regional Director, PR & Corporate Communications, APAC

Cedric Wceke, Executive, PR & Corporate Communications

Country Marketing Manager P&G Indonesia: Daphne Kuah

Brand Manager: Elvin Rahardja
GREAT FALLS  A Montana sheriff has been charged with misdemeanor partner or family member assault while attending the Montana Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association annual convention in Helena.

Helena Police arrested Cascade County Sheriff Bob Edwards on Thursday after his girlfriend reported he pushed her into a television stand in their hotel room.

Cascade County Undersheriff John Stevens held a news conference Friday to say the arrest will not impact law enforcement in the county.

Stevens said Edwards was released Thursday night and returned to Great Falls. He said Edwards was expected to issue a statement in the coming week.

Edwards is a 19-year veteran of the sheriff's office and has been sheriff since December 2010.

County commissioner Joe Briggs said that because Edwards is an elected official, commissioners have no authority to discipline him.
Thursday, June 15, 2017 at 9:29PM

A review of the existing Wireless Code is helping bolster the protection of consumers when it comes to dealing with the big telecom providers. The code, which defines the rules and regulations for service providers, was enforced back in June 2015. Two years after the enactment, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) reviewed and revised the code. One of the big changes is that starting December 1, 2017, any wireless consumer can get their mobile phones unlocked from their carrier free of charge. Carriers cant lock devices for sale from that point forward, too.

The trial period for customers to cancel their contracts have also been extended from the previously small 30 minutes of voice usage and 50MB of data to up to 15 days and 50 percent of monthly voice and data usage. Canadians with disabilities get double at 30 days and 100 percent of their monthly usage before they can cancel their contracts free of charge. When canceling, too, the contract cancellation will be effective immediately; instead of having to wait 30 days before the contract is completely canceled.

Aside from this, account holderswhether its a personal or family planwill need to consent to overage fees over $50 for data overage cap and $100 for roaming overage cap. It doesnt matter how many devices are attached to the account. Also, carriers are required to suspend roaming service when fees reach $100. Customers will get a text message at this point asking if theyd like to use some more.

Source: Android Central
Friday, June 16, 2017 at 9:03AM

In case it wasn't clear enought that Apple is serious about creating its own original programming for Apple Music, the company has redoubled its efforts to hire top-tier industry talent.

Jamie Erlicht and Zack Van Amburg, two of televisions most notable and influential executives, are joining Apple in newly created positions overseeing all aspects of video programming.

This means original content beyond the company's current shows Carpool Karaoke and Planet of the Apps. The hiring is a very Apple move, if the company is somewhat deficient in a specific area, it goes after the best available talent to bolster its position and become a key player. Erlicht and Van Amburg getting on board is just as huge as hiring Jimmy Iovine and Dr. Dre (and Trent Reznor), specially now that original programming is what is driving streaming services like Netflix.

Erlicht and Van Amburg will lead video programming worldwide, reporting to Eddy Cue. They join Apple from Sony Pictures Television where they have served as presidents since 2005, and have been responsible for some of the most popular and widely acclaimed programming of the past decade, including favorites such as Breaking Bad and its spinoff Better Call Saul, The Crown, Rescue Me and many more.

Jamie and Zack are two of the most talented TV executives in the world and have been instrumental in making this the golden age of television, said Eddy Cue, Apples senior vice president of Internet Software and Services. We have exciting plans in store for customers and cant wait for them to bring their expertise to Apple  there is much more to come.

It will be an honour to be part of the Apple team, said Jamie Erlicht. "We want to bring to video what Apple has been so successful with in their other services and consumer products  unparalleled quality."
We reminisce about former colleagues, about a personal drawing he did for me when I left on maternity leave for the first time in 2001, about a few "heated discussions" we had over the years, about the regular Sunday column he illustrated, written by Richard Begbie (if anyone can recall its name, both our fading memories would appreciate it).
Ms White said her pitch will be focused on broadening her market nation-wide. She said it had been five years since she launched her business, and she is now looking to grow her customer base.
Shorten is, of course, himself a former union chieftain and numbers man. His authority turns on that power, rather than on popularity with members. In this sense, he is the opposite of Corbyn, who is apart from and opposed to the party's own centres of power. He is, as well, in almost every respect, different in style, personality, ideas and ideals from Corbyn. If he can use mechanical rhetoric to evoke a long link back to worker struggle, he is never less convincing than when he gets out the onion, puts a fake tremor of emotion into his voice, or pretends he actually believes in anything.
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 ...
A federal judge on Friday sentenced a Florida man to prison for his role in bringing prescription pills to Montana for distribution.

U.S. District Judge Susan Watters sentenced Kevin Welch, 34, of Hollindale Beach, Florida, to four years in prison. He pleaded guilty earlier to conspiracy to possess oxycodone with intent to distribute and to possessing oxycodone with intent to distribute. There was no plea agreement.

The sentence was shorter than a guideline range of about five years to six years.

Welch apologized for his actions, saying hes had a long time to think about how they affected others and his family.

The prosecution sought a low-end term of 57 months while the defense recommended three years.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Colin Rubich said earlier that agents with the federal Drug Enforcement Administration and an Eastern Montana drug task force got information in May 2016 from a confidential source that Welch and two co-defendants were trafficking prescription pills from California to Montana.

Three days later, agents served a search warrant on Welchs hotel room in Billings and seized more than 500 oxycodone pills, cash and bank receipts showing cash deposits.

One of Welchs associates admitted to law enforcement officers to depositing drug proceeds at a Billings bank for Welch, Rubich said.

The confidential source told agents during the investigation that Welch traveled from California to Montana every two weeks to bring him pills. Initially, the source received 50 to 60 pills, then the quantity increased to about 1,200 pills each trip, Rubich said.

The source estimated that Welch made about 14 pill-running trips from October 2015 to May 2016, Rubich said.

Welchs defense attorneys, Donald Marks of Los Angeles and Ashley Harada of Billings, disputed in court records the number of trips and the amount of pills the government attributed to Welch and said Welch brought pills for the confidential sources wife and not the confidential source.

Welch, the defense said, admitted he brought 50, 60 and 70 pills on occasion and that the pills went to the confidential sources wife. Welch had never seen 1,200 pills at one time and at the most, transported a total of 1,200 pills.

Watters used a quantity of 1,200 pills as a basis for determining the guidelines.

Welchs co-defendants Sheila Ayala, 32, of Long Beach, California, and Jenny Francois, 27, of Moreno Valley, California, have pleaded not guilty and are awaiting trial.
Our Promise: Welcome to Care2, the world's largest community for good. Here, you'll find over 45 million like-minded people working towards progress, kindness, and lasting impact.

Care2 Stands Against: bigots, racists, bullies, science deniers, misogynists, gun lobbyists, xenophobes, the willfully ignorant, animal abusers, frackers, and other mean people. If you find yourself aligning with any of those folks, you can move along, nothing to see here.

Care2 Stands With: humanitarians, animal lovers, feminists, rabble-rousers, nature-buffs, creatives, the naturally curious, and people who really love to do the right thing.

You are our people. You Care. We Care2.
A Lame Deer woman with a least eight drunken driving convictions in tribal court will spend four years in federal prison for killing an Ashland man and injuring three others in a head on crash last year on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation.

After the Sept. 1, 2016, mid-day fatality on U.S. Highway 212 outside of Lame Deer, Ethel Marie Brady, 38, the driver, had blood-alcohol concentration of 0.302 percent, or more than three times the legal limit of 0.08 percent. Brady also tested positive for methamphetamine.

Five weeks after that crash, Brady committed another drunken driving offense, bringing to three the number of DUIs she committed in two months, from Aug. 5, 2016, to Oct. 7, 2016, including the fatality.

U.S. District Judge Susan Watters in sentencing Brady on Thursday called Bradys alcohol level really quite an astronomical amount and her subsequent DUI after the fatal crash remarkable.

Watters followed the prosecutions request for 48 months in prison, which was longer than the guideline range of 30 months to 37 months.

Assistant Federal Defender Gillian Gosch recommended a 30-month sentence. When sober, Brady is a kind and compassionate woman and she feels extreme remorse for what happened, Gosch said.

Brady started drinking when she was 9 years old and has struggled with alcohol ever since, Gosch said. In addition, Brady has a history of being physically and sexually abused, she said.

At sentencing, Brady said she made a bad choice to drink and apologized to her family and to the victims family.

Brady pleaded guilty in February to involuntary manslaughter in a plea deal in which an assault charge was dismissed.

Brady was driving a Honda sedan when she swerved into the oncoming lane and hit a Ford Focus, in which the victim, Kenneth Kania, 69, of Ashland, was an occupant. Kania died at the scene, while two other passengers in the Ford were taken to the Indian Health Service for treatment of injuries. One of the passengers suffered a broken arm and needed surgery.

In addition, a motorcyclist who crashed because of the collision also suffered broken bones.

Assistant U.S. Attorney John Sullivan said Bradys long history of drinking and driving and the multiple victims in the case merited more than a guideline sentence.

Sullivan said Bradys tribal record had about 47 offenses, with 46 convictions and the vast majority being DUIs or alcohol related.

Brady, he said in a sentencing memo, has staggeringly poor judgment when she is intoxicated.

Amazingly, she committed one DUI a month after killing Keith Kania while driving drunk. That type of reckless behavior represents either a total disrespect for the law or a simple inability to control herself when she is drunk, perhaps both, Sullivan said.

The government has no doubt that Brady suffers from very serious addiction issues, but a person cannot commit nine DUI-type offenses in 12 years without having a profound lack of awareness for the potential devastation that follows that kind of behavior. At some point, a fatal crash like this was inevitable, Sullivan said.

Even if she has an intractable drinking problem, her continued willingness to drive while she is intoxicated is stunning, Sullivan added.

The judge noted that Brady had been to treatment seven times. You have the tools but you choose not to use them, Watters said.

Brady had been sober from about 2013 until 2016, and when she started drinking again it was like you never stopped. It was as intense as its ever been, Watters said.

In addition to punishment, the sentence also is meant to deter conduct, the judge said. Clearly, you have not gotten the message, she said.

Watters also ordered Brady to pay $9,410 restitution with the money going to the victims family and to Montanas crime victims compensation fund. And as part of her conditions while on three years of supervised release, Brady cannot drive without permission from her probation officer.
China has urged the United States to observe promises it made in the three China-US joint communiques and handle Taiwan-related issues cautiously and properly, after US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson voiced his government's commitment to the one-China policy but also its intentions to keep its commitments to Taiwan.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang made the comment on Thursday, saying the one-China principle is the political foundation of China-US ties and is clearly stipulated in the three joint communiques between the two countries.

Tillerson was quoted by Reuters as saying on Wednesday that the Trump administration is committed to the one-China policy but it also intends to keep its commitments to Taiwan.

Lu said that since the Trump administration took office, the US leadership, including President Donald Trump and Tillerson, has "unmistakably expressed" in exchanges with China that the US will uphold the one-China policy.

Also, the US is "very clear" about the fact that the one-China principle is a recognized norm for international relations as well an important prerequisite for developing ties and cooperation with China, the spokesman said.

Tillerson also said on Wednesday that the US is discussing whether the one-China policy is sustainable for the next 50 years.

In response, Lu said on Thursday that the US itself would have to explain what such comments mean exactly, and warned "some people" in Taiwan to discard any "hallucinations".

Lu suggested those people take a look at the past 50 years to understand correctly how things will develop in the next five decades.

"Regardless of whether it is the general trend of the international community, of the development of China-US ties, or of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, I hope they will get an accurate understanding of the future by comparing the past 50 years and today," he said.

Regarding reports that Nigeria, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Jordan and Ecuador have asked Taiwan to rename its representative offices in their countries, Lu said that the Chinese government "speaks highly of these countries' dealings with Taiwan-related issues following the one-China principle".

The reports came shortly after Panama announced the establishments of diplomatic ties with China and severed "diplomatic ties" with Taiwan.

Lu said on Thursday that China welcomes Panamanian students who have been offered scholarships by Taiwan to study in the Chinese mainland in case they face difficulty completing their studies after Panama cut ties with Taiwan.

He said China hopes to provide timely and necessary assistance to these students, and that the country will offer new scholarships to Panamanians every year.
Billings Mayor Tom Hanel recently issued a proclamation welcoming Big Sky Pride, which is in Billings today through Sunday.

Unfortunately, this proclamation is full of empty words. It never uses the words "LGBTQ", "queer", or "gay", instead relying on trite phrases like belief in diversity, acceptance of all persons and support of civility and tolerance."

This is not to say that diversity, acceptance, and tolerance arent laudable values for any community. Promoting greater respect for everyone in Billings is a good thing, and we appreciate Hanels broad statement of opposition to violence and hate.

Hanel seems much more interested in the economic value of Big Sky Pride, rather than the festivals social and political impact. He zeroes in on the expected number of tourists and emphasizes that these visitors will stay in the citys hotels and motels, and patronize the citys restaurants, theaters, bars and other businesses. The proclamation from the mayor then launches into four whereas clauses that give readers a bizarre play-by-play of the schedule for Big Sky Pride.

We find it strange that Hanel devotes so much space to reiterating the festivals schedule and offering vague statements about diversity, when what Billings needs much more is a strong statement of support for LGBTQ people.

No matter what, talk is cheap and any leader must be measured by the actions they take. The last time Hanel had an opportunity to directly support Billings LGBTQ community, he stood down.

Three years ago, in August 2014, Hanel had the chance to cast the decisive vote on a nondiscrimination ordinance (NDO). This ordinance would have enacted substantive protections for the LGBTQ community, by amending Billings city code to protect people from being discriminated against on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

At 3 am, after 8 1/2 hours of debate, Hanel broke the tie with a no vote; the policy failed, 6-5. Hanel cited no specific reason for killing the ordinance, instead saying, Billings is just not ready. At the close of the city council meeting, Hanel professed, We were all created equal. If you cant sit by someone who disagrees with you, shame on you.

In the same meeting, Brent Cromley, one of the city council members who voted yes on the NDO, made the assertion that LGBTQ people in Billings just want to be treated as real human beings.

Falling back on platitudes about respect and tolerance sounds nice, but it does nothing to protect LGBTQ people across the Billings community who are exposed to threats, intimidation, and hatefulness with disturbing regularity. The Billings NDO would have protected people from discrimination in public accommodations, such as restaurants and parks. It would also have prohibited LGBTQ individuals from being discriminated against in housing and employment.

If Hanel really believes that all people are created equal, and in diversity and acceptance rather than intolerance and hate, then he should take direct action instead of issuing empty proclamations.

Mayor Hanel, Billings is still waiting for you to take the lead on substantive, city-wide nondiscrimination policy. Billings is ready  are you?
Every few months it seems like theres another automotive company which promises to take on Tesla or build an electric supercar. Many of these companies are from China and a few of them are rarely heard from again.



Chinese officials have apparently taken notice as Reuters is reporting the country is clamping down on new electric vehicle firms. As part of this process, the country will stop issuing approvals for companies seeking to build electric vehicles.

The halt is expected to last until early next year and it will give officials time to review licensing procedures. As one business person explained, The government wants to give approval to only truly capable and serious players.

The problem extends beyond companies that shill vaporware as the report indicates some firms are selling poorly made models to cash in on subsidies while others are simply cheating the system outright.

In order to combat the problem, China could begin to reexamine companies which have already been given a license to build electric vehicles. If it is determined the company cannot launch a successful and reliable product, their license could be revoked.
Toyota updated the 86 last year by giving it a visual refresh and a stiffer body structure, but beneath its still pretty skin, it remains pretty much identical to the car that debuted in 2012.



Thats not necessarily a bad thing, as we have come to know over the years, for the two-door coupe has proved its drifting abilities numerous times, with the most significant one seeing German Haral Muller setting a world record in Turkey, in 2014, after going sideways continuously for 144.126km (89.55 miles).

However, Mullers record has just been shattered by South African journalist Jesse Adams, who managed to keep the cars rear out for an impressive 168.502km (104.7 miles), registering an average speed of 29km/h (18.02mph) after doing going round and round a wet ski pad more than 1,000 times, for almost six hours!

Toyota says that the premise of the record is that the driven wheels are not allowed to stop spinning at any time during the run, and a change of direction is permitted, as long as the driven wheels stay in motion.

The results, which were achieved in a stock Toyota 86 fitted with an additional fuel tank in the spare-wheel-well area, were verified through the analysis of two independent GPS-based VBOX dataloggers, and they have been sent to the Guinness World Records for official verification.

PHOTO GALLERY
Police officers arrested a Georgia man, last Sunday, in San Rafael, California, on the suspicion of stealing a Ferrari 488 GTB from a local dealership.



Nothing strange, so far, but what gave the suspect away, identified as 36-year old Rocky Jimenez, reports CBS, was the fact that he was asking for gas money, a thing that supercar owners dont tend to do.

Upon arriving at the scene contacted by bystanders, officers saw the man acting strangely, and appearing to pour gas on the Italian exotic, Sgt. Lisa Holton said, so they approached him, only to learn that his Ferrari had been in the shop for two years, and that he recently took delivery of the car.

Jimenez then told the police that the ownership papers were in his backpack, and allowed them to search it, but what they found was a key to the 488 GTB in question, along with another Ferrari key.

As the ownership papers were nowhere to be found, the officers then contacted the Ferrari dealership, which sent a representative at the scene, who confirmed that this particular supercar had been stolen.

The 36-year old man was arrested and placed in custody for on suspicion of car theft, possession of stolen property, and possession of a controlled substance.

Note: This is not the actual stolen Ferrari 488 GTB

PHOTO GALLERY
Another Ford Mustang has been filmed crashing, though this time, not while leaving from a car meet, but after a set of traffic lights failed, in the UK.



The footage, captured on a riders helmet camera, shows the broken traffic lights, just seconds before the American pony car came fast from behind tearing through the intersection and T-boning a Hyundai Getz that was making a right turn.

Luckily, the accident happened right in front of a police car, with the officers assessing the situation immediately, with a doctor that was passing by stopping to treat the occupants. Nobody was seriously injured, but the Mustang drivers hand was bleeding after the impact, while the older woman that was driving the small hatch was in shock.

I explained what happened to the police officer, where I was during the accident, and how the two cars crashed, the person who filmed the incident wrote in the videos description. When I mentioned that the traffic lights were broken, the Mustang driver said thanks, buddy to me, but really, does that excuse his driving?

VIDEO
Photo: Wayne Moore - file photo

Property owners in Kelowna are reminded they have until July 4 to pay their municipal property taxes.

Tax notices have already been sent out.

Taxes can be paid at City Hall or the Parkinson Rec Centre during business hours, online using mobile banking, by mail or at drop boxes which are emptied nightly at the Water Street entrance to City Hall and the Doyle Avenue parking lot exit.

Payments can be made with cash, cheque, money order or debit card.

Homeowner grant applications can be submitted quickly and easily online once the tax notice has been received.

Some residents may be eligible for a provincial property tax deferment program.

Residents must check their eligibility, apply for the homeowner grant and submit their application to the City of Kelowna. It is recommended that interested residents apply early to confirm their eligibility.

A five per cent penalty is levied on taxes paid after July 4, and an addition five per cent penalty after Aug. 9.
Cindy Rogers describes herself as an aviation nut and has always dreamed of flying in a fighter jet.

Shes spent years photographing the Kelowna Rockets and marvelling at jets and aircrafts. Her best friend and fellow photographer Marissa Baecker told her they were going to work on a commercial shoot in Ontario. They flew into Toronto and were to be briefed at a hangar in Waterloo.

There were these beautiful old-school fighter jets, and I am thinking this is awesome, I hope I can sneak some time away to get some photos of those, she said.

Little did she know, there was a T-33 fighter waiting on the tarmac just for her.

All these people lined up and they were clapping away, and I was looking around all confused and I was like what the heck, she recalls.

Thats when Marissa turned to her and said you get to go flying in that.

It was in that moment that Rogers' dream came true.

As part of BMOs celebration of 200 years, the bank is recognizing customers and communities across North America. Rogers, a commercial account manager for the company, was the fourth recipient to have her wish granted.

It was everything Ive ever dreamed of and more, she said. My only complaint is the flight went way too quickly."

She added that having the video where she is grinning ear to ear and giggling like she did when she was a little girl, reminds her that her dream really did come true.

Rogers earned a national medal of bravery in 2014 for being the first on scene to an accident where a woman lost control of her car and went into the middle of a lake in winter weather. Rogers jumped in and attempted to free the woman.
Photo: BC Wildfire Service An aerial shot demonstrates the impact of a wildfire on Blue Grouse Mountain from June 13, 2017.

Firefighters are still working on a wildfire that broke out on Blue Grouse Mountain Tuesday and the cause may not be known for a while.

According to BC Wildfire information officers, the fire remains at two hectares in size and is being held.

Three firefighters are heading back to the site today to patrol for hot spots, said fire information officer Justine Hunse. The fire is not likely to spread beyond existing or predetermined boundaries under the prevailing and forecasted conditions.

Demobilization of the remaining gear will take place soon and two relay tanks and the water tender on site were released Wednesday.

The identity of the person or people involved in the fire is not yet determined and the investigation into what caused the fire is still under way.

Fire investigating can actually take months or even several years to complete, we dont anticipate knowing for quite some time what the cause of the fire was, said Hunse.

When the blaze ripped through the mountain just north of Traders Cove, 26 firefighters were on the ground, two fire origin and cause investigators were working on site and five air tankers dropped water on the blaze.

Social media accounts have witnesses at the scene saying the fire started at a small camp off Westside Road just after 12 p.m.

Despite the fact that we have had a relatively wet spring so far, we would still like to remind the public to be extremely cautious with the use of fire, she said.

Anyone found with an open fire during an open burning prohibition can be issued a ticket for $1,050 and if convicted in court could face a fine up to $100,000, be sentenced to a year in jail and could be ordered to pay for cost of fighting the fire.
Photo: Wayne Moore - file photo Bi-weekly garbage collection is not popular in West Kelowna.

West Kelowna council didn't provide much positive feedback concerning a series of proposals put forward to improve waste management in the Central Okanagan.

The proposal was brought before council this week by Peter Rotheisler, environment services manager with the regional district, which runs the program.

The most contentious issue was bi-weekly garbage collection.

Coun. Duane Ophus referred to it as a dumb idea, while Coun. Rick de Jong asked it be taken off the list, stating he doesn't want it and won't support it "very loudly."

Mayor Doug Findlater said he has heard from many constituents since the story broke and they are against the idea. However, he said the original report indicated the proposal was a done deal, but he hopes now to get the word out that the suggestions are just that.

The RDCO currently provides weekly garbage pickup throughout the district.

Rotheisler says the idea of biweekly collection of garbage came out of consultations with residents within the Central Okanagan, some of whom he said have relocated from jurisdictions which have the same system, like Burnaby.

Findlater argued Burnaby is not an interface community and they don't have the same bear problems or dumping issues as West Kelowna.

"I know it's a great idea from a social engineering point of view, but I think it will create more problems than it would resolve," said Findlater.

Rotheisler said he received positive feedback and support when he presented the ideas to both Peachland and Lake Country. It has yet to be presented to Kelowna council.

The possibility of banning plastic bags is also on the table, an issue which caught the attention of Coun. Rosalind Neis.

Neis suggested she was contemplating a notice of motion to ban plastic bags within the city. When asking about the effectiveness of such bans in other Canadian municipalities, Rotheisler says the results have been mixed.

"Some areas found banning plastic bags resulted in more reusable bags, and bags that needed more resources to construct and were then discarded. They were not used frequently enough to justify the banning of plastic bags," he said.

"Others had a more positive impact from a litter standpoint where it reduced the amount of plastic bag litter."

He says any such program would be phased in over three or four years.
Photo: Twitter - Construction for Change Flooding in the Solomon Islands in 2014

News of Kelowna's battle against rising waters has reached a seemingly unlikely locale.

The Consulate General of the Solomon Islands, Ashwant Dwivedi, sent a letter to city council earlier this week on behalf of the government of the South Pacific nation.

The letter reads:

"I am joined by the people of Solomon Islands in sending our prayers, and hope speedy recovery to all those who are affected as result of the flooding in the City of Kelowna.

"Premier of Guadalcanal, Honourable Anthony Veke, who visited Kelowna and parts of the Okanagan last year, together with his cabinet members, also send their prayers for the loss your city and some of its residents have faced, and continue to face, brought by this natural disaster.

"As a country which is no stranger to natural disaster, having lost 22 people in flash flooding, and 40,000 people directly affected within minutes of flash flooding affecting Guadalcanal and Honiara City in the Solomon Islands in 2014, we are very well aware of the pain and suffering one goes through when faced with natural disaster.

"As we closely monitor the situation and actions of Mother Nature, let me reassure you that, although Solomon Islands may be thousands of miles away, your citizens of City of Kelowna are always in our thoughts and prayers."
A baby seal that was left alone for more than a day was rescued by Coquitlam RCMP.

Officers were on a routine boat patrol when they were flagged down by a man in Cosy Cove to save the premature seal pup.

Cpl. Justin Abels from Coquitlam RCMPs Rural Section said officers took the adorable critter to the Vancouver Aquariums Marine Mammal Rescue Centre.

The staff there named the pup Fort St. James and said it looks like he was premature and only a day or two old, said Abels.

Staff at the aquarium will work to rehabilitate the pup over the next two months before releasing him back into the wild.
Photo: hikingaddiction.ca Canyon Falls Park will be closed temporarily.

Canyon Falls Park and trail will be closed Tuesday June 20.

In addition to restoring the slopes and regrading sections of trail to improve trail safety, well be improving access for trail users, said Andrew Gibbs, City of Kelowna project manager.

Were adding in new stairs, walls and guardrails, as well as benches, so people can continue to enjoy one of the many beautiful parks Kelowna has to offer. Additionally, we are installing fencing and signage to deter people from climbing on steep slopes and creating rogue trails that are damaging the environment of this sensitive canyon landscape.

The lower trail access, located near Crawford Estates, has been closed to the public since April due to high water levels and will continue to remain closed for trail improvements.

Scheduled trail upgrades to improve access to the falls and minimize erosion from the development of rogue trails is scheduled to finish this summer.

Hikers and cyclists will continue to have access to the rim trail above the Canyon.

For more information on other city projects, visit the City of Kelowna's website.
Photo: Deborah Pfeiffer

Quick-thinking neighbours prevented a fire in an outdoor couch from spreading to a Penticton home Thursday afternoon.

Maurice Bell and his son-in-law Peter first noticed thick black smoke coming from the home on Cornwall Drive about 2:45 p.m.

When they went around back, they discovered an outdoor leather couch burning.

Bell grabbed a hose and used it to douse the flames.

"I felt like we needed to do the right thing," he said. "You don't hesitate when there is a fire."

Both men said the residents of the home are away, and their concern was the fire could have spread to the house.

Both Penticton Fire and RCMP attended the scene.

Capt. Wayne McKenzie said the couch fire was mostly extinguished when they arrived.

Everything is OK at the location, he said, and the cause of the fire is under investigation.
Poll: No more dining out? Poll - 7:30 pm
Photo: The Canadian Press The HMCS Chicoutimi submarine sits docked at CFB Esquimalt, near Victoria.

One of the navy's four submarines was hit Thursday by another naval vessel while docked at CFB Esquimalt, near Victoria.

A naval spokesman says HMCS Chicoutimi was docked in the harbour when an Orca-class training vessel that was moving at low speed bumped up against the sub.

Navy Lt. Greg Menzies says no one was injured, and that the two vessels sustained only minor scrapes, though a more detailed damage assessment of the submarine was being conducted.

The Orca-class are small vessels, about 33 metres long and displacing about 210 tonnes. The submarine is 70 metres long and displaces more than 2,400 tonnes. Defence officials were investigating the cause of the crash.

The incident is the latest round of bad luck for Canada's submarine fleet, which has been plagued with breakdowns and other problems since the ships were bought from the United Kingdom in 1998.

The Liberal government says it plans to upgrade the subs so they can continue to operate into the 2030s, at which point the oldest will be more than 40 years old.
Alanna Kelly

An open burning ban went into effect on Thursday across the Kamloops Fire Centre region and the BC Wildfire centre is reminding the public to be extremely cautious.

The burning ban does not affect campfires, but Category 2 or 3 fires, such as slash pile burning, are no longer permitted as of noon. Campers are still allowed to have fires but are urged to be careful.

Despite the fact that we have had a relatively wet spring so far, we would still like to remind the public to be extremely cautious with the use of fire, said fire information officer Justine Hunse.

Category 2 is described as an open fire, excluding a campfire that burns piled material no larger than two metres high and three metres wide or grass over an area less than 0.2 hectares in size. A Category 3 is a fire that burns in piles larger than two metres high and three metres wide, or grass over an area larger than 0.2 hectares in size.

Anyone found with an open fire during a prohibition can be issued a ticket for $1,050 and if convicted in court could face a fine up to $100,000, be sentenced to a year in jail and could be ordered to pay for the cost of fighting the fire.

The cause of a wildfire that ripped through Blue Grouse Mountain on Tuesday is still being investigated. The investigation is expected to take a while.

Fire investigating can actually take months or even several years to complete, we dont anticipate knowing for quite some time what the cause of the fire was, said Hunse.

The ban will remain in effect until October or until further notice.
Photo: CTV The 26-member Coast Guard dive team will be kept in Vancouver, after plans to eliminate the team were scrapped.

After announcing the elimination of the Coast Guard's Vancouver-based dive team three weeks ago, the federal government has changed their minds.

Terry Beech, parliamentary secretary for the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, announced the reversal in Ottawa on Thursday, keeping the 26-member dive team in Vancouver.

When the cuts were announced on May 26, retired Coast Guard commander Fred Moxey called it a step backwards in conducting search and rescue.

"I'm grateful to those British Columbians who raised their voices against these short-sighted cuts," said Port Moody-Coquitlam MP Fin Donnelly, NDP critic for the ministry.

The cuts would have reduced costs by $500,000.

"Because this particular capability only ever existed in Vancouver, it was determined that it was not core, and that's why it was reallocated," said Western Region Asst. Comm. Roger Girouard at the time.

This isn't the first time the dive team has been on the chopping block.

Jean Chretien's Liberal government eliminated the dive team in 2001, but reinstated it after several water-related deaths occurred in the area.

- With files from CTV Vancouver
Photo: The Canadian Press Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Director Mark Gwyn

Two escaped inmates sought in the killings of two guards on a Georgia prison bus were captured after a chase and being held at gunpoint by a rural Tennessee homeowner whose vehicle they were trying to steal, authorities said.

Donnie Rowe and Ricky Dubose were apprehended Thursday in the rural community of Christiana, Tennessee, ending a multi-state manhunt that began Tuesday morning.

"True bravery is what's caused us to stand before you tonight to talk about a successful capture instead of a tragic incident," Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Director Mark Gwyn said at a news conference. "So I'm totally grateful to everyone involved."

Earlier in the day, police in nearby Shelbyville had responded to a call about a home invasion, where a couple had been held captive, Georgia Bureau of Investigation spokeswoman Nelly Miles said.

The suspects fled in the couple's vehicle and fired on sheriff's deputies chasing them on Interstate 24 about 80 kilometres southeast of Nashville, Tennessee Highway Patrol spokesman Lt. Bill Miller said. Rutherford County Sheriff Michael Fitzhugh said his deputies did not return fire and none of them was injured.

Rowe and Dubose crashed the car and bailed out, running into the woods, Miller said. They then came across a home set back on a long driveway.

The trooper said the homeowner looked outside and saw the two allegedly trying to steal his car. The man held the two at gunpoint with a neighbour he called for help until the sheriff's department could get there to arrest the fugitives.
The American frontier and its accidental establishment of community life spawned many entertaining stories like this one from Deadwood, S.D. Old-time pictures of the town show ramshackle buildings scattered along a main street rutted with wagon traffic and animals. Garbage and trash litter the ground, and in it, rats and mice can be imagined feasting and multiplying to bothersome numbers. Only a few methods of eradication existed, one of them being cats.

As with many stories of people who followed a gold rush with the intent of striking it rich, it wasnt the miners who did so, but instead the enterprising businessmen. Here enters the man who sees a chance to make a quick buck in an unusual business scheme. He comes to town with a wagonload of cats in cages that hes gathered, whereupon a brisk business develops with the felines selling for $15 to $20 each.

Nightfall brings a pause in cat sales, so our entrepreneur thoughtlessly walks away, leaving his cargo unattended. His presence in town has been widely noted, and in the spirit of sharing, someone releases the latch on the remaining cages, which the cats recognize as a good sign. Thus ends the dreams of the cat man who next morning discovers their absence. They have taken off for happy hunting on ground of their own choice. A roundup proves fruitless.

The foregoing anecdote happened according to the biographer of Seth Bullock and was used here to open the door onto Deadwood during its heyday as a gold rush town. Thousands of prospectors arrived in the area with the hopes of finding riches, and with them came another class of purveyors who preyed on the prospectors. It was in the #10 Saloon that the well-known figure of Wild Bill Hickok played poker and fell dead from a bullet to his head. Scattered about were his two pairs of aces and eights.

The day prior to Hickoks death Seth Bullock arrived from Montana with the intention of setting up a hardware supply business in Deadwood. He was another of those early frontier characters who rolled up his sleeves to tackle a variety of tough projects. His name was largely out of mind until a movie maker brought it to the screen again in a recent HBO television series named Deadwood.

Bullock had earned a good name in Montana as a deputy and elected sheriff, auctioneer, businessman, politician, explorer and conservationist. While serving in the Montana Territorial Senate in 1871-72 he introduced a resolution to establish a Yellowstone park in 1872. With powerful representatives in Washington, the resolution was presented to the U.S. Congress and quickly became the Yellowstone National Park. He should be remembered for that.

His reputation preceded him. When the murder of Hickok triggered a demand for more law and order, Deadwood gave him a lawmans badge. With the aid of several deputies, he brought civility to the towns lawless atmosphere. A no-nonsense sort of guy, in Montana he had personally pulled the lever on the gallows to hang a man when some vigilantes tried to intervene with a lynching. After the taming of Deadwood, he was free to try his hand at some other endeavors. He continued as a conservationist when he became the first rancher in the area to plant nitrogen-producing alfalfa. Teddy Roosevelt appointed him to be the first forest supervisor of the Black Hills Reserve and a U.S. marshal. When Roosevelts Rough Riders gained fame in Cuba, Bullock accompanied and led a contingent of troops. In 1898, the St. Paul Globe wrote, Since it has become safe to live in the Black Hills, Mr. Bullock has undertaken the development of rich gold property.

When Bullock died, he didnt just disappear. Observers insist his presence still lingers as a ghost in the rooms and hallways of the hotel he built in Deadwood. At least many reports of sightings add to the persistence of the legend. Maybe the force of his personality doesnt let him die, or maybe the fact of modern slot machines placed in the hotel bothers him.

He died from cancer and is buried at the Mount Mariah Cemetery in Deadwood. The Washington Times in 1919 wrote this in his obituary: He was as straight, as slender and as strong as a Saskatchewan spruce and he had the speed of a diamond back rattler. He looked like what he was. He was the Easterners cherished vision of what the first Sheriff of Deadwood, S. D., ought to be and look like. What the movie hero of a Wild West drama tries to portray, Capt. Bullock was and did. The HBO series seized on that persona and brought it to a modern audience.
Photo: The Canadian Press A woman touches a missing poster on a tribute wall near the fire-gutted Grenfell Tower in London.

Relatives of those missing after a highrise tower blaze in London posted pictures of their loved ones Friday in the desperate hope of news, as grief following the tragedy has turned to outrage at authorities accused of being lax in meeting building standards.

Firefighters searching the smouldering ruin in west London have recovered six bodies from the 24-storey Grenfell Tower, while 11 others have been located but cannot yet be removed from the gutted structure. The death toll is still expected to rise substantially.

Families searching for their loved ones have blanketed the area near the tower with posters searching for answers, as attention turned to whether recent refurbishment on the building was done properly. The blaze ripped through the building early Wednesday, trapping many residents in their homes.

"I do sense the anger," Conservative lawmaker Andrea Leadsom said as she faced the fury of local residents during a tour of the site.

Meanwhile, Metropolitan Police commander Stuart Cundy responded to speculation that the number of dead could exceed 100, saying: "From a personal perspective, I really hope it isn't."

Britain's Press Association reported that some 70 people were missing after compiling a list of verified reports. Authorities have not yet issued a figure.

London Police said an investigation had been launched to determine whether the blaze involved any crimes and May announced a public inquiry.
Photo: Madison Erhardt Winds picking up by the Kelowna Yacht Club.

UPDATE 6:10 p.m.

Winds were seen picking up by the Kelowna Yacht club around 6 p.m. on Friday night.

Environment Canada's special weather statement, calling for more wind still stands.

Environment Canada is predicting southwest wind from 30 km/h gusting to 50 becoming late this evening.

Officials with the Central Okanagan Emergency Operations Centre remind residents to continue monitoring flood protection measures making sure they remain stable.

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ORIGINAL: 8 a.m.

More wind and precipitation is forecast to hit the Okanagan Valley sometime Friday.

Environment Canada has issued another special weather statement, calling for more wind later in the day.



An unstable airmass in the wake of yesterday's front has moved into the southern interior and will create split flow over the Okanagan this afternoon and evening," according to the weather statement.



"Southerly winds of 30 km/h gusting to 50 are expected over central and northern Okanagan Lake while northerly winds of 30 km/h gusting to 50 will reside over southern Okanagan Lake, Skaha Lake and Osoyoos Lake. With high water levels in the Okanagan, these winds will generate waves that could lead to shoreline flooding and erosion."



There is also a chance of showers later in the afternoon and evening.



While wind, and some precipitation is expected, levels of both Okanagan and Kalamalka lakes have dropped slightly.



Okanagan Lake dropped seven millimetres over the past 24 hours. It now sits at 343.206 metres above sea level.



Kal Lake in the North Okanagan dropped just one millimetre to sit at 392.385 metres above sea level.

Officials with the Central Okanagan Emergency Operations Centre remind residents to continue monitoring flood mitigation measures to ensure they remain stable and make repairs as needed.

Meanwhile, EOC officials say a target date to get Okanagan Lake back down to its optimum level is July 28.

That date takes into account data from a number of sources, including Environment Canada.

Officials say the date is fluid, and was reached using the best information available today.
Photo: AP Photo/Susan Walsh President Donald Trump walks with National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster.

President Donald Trump confirmed Friday he was under investigation and appeared to take aim at a senior Justice Department official, in a tweet that seemed to encapsulate his frustration with the ongoing focus on Russia's involvement in the 2016 election.

"I am being investigated for firing the FBI Director by the man who told me to fire the FBI Director! Witch Hunt," the president wrote in his tweet.

In another tweet earlier Friday, Trump writes, "After 7 months of investigations & committee hearings about my 'collusion with the Russians,' nobody has been able to show any proof. Sad!"

The Trump tweets come after the top lawyer for his transition team warned organization officials to preserve all records and other materials related to the Russia probe. An official of Trump's transition confirmed the laywer's internal order sent Thursday.

The transition official spoke on condition of anonymity because the person was not authorized to discuss post-election decisions publicly.

Trump's tweet that he's being investigated "by the man who told me to fire the FBI Director" may refer to Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein. Rosenstein in a memo to Trump raised concerns over FBI Director James Comey. Trump cited the memo in firing Comey.

And it was Rosenstein who appointed Robert Mueller as special counsel to investigate Russian involvement in the 2016 presidential election and possible collusion with the Trump campaign.

Also unclear was whether the president's comment confirming he was under investigation was based on direct knowledge or media reports that Mueller is examining whether the president obstructed justice by firing Comey last month.

The White House has directed questions to outside legal counsel, which has not responded.

Trump is under increasing pressure on the Russia probe. The order by the general counsel for his transition team casts a wide net on documents that could shed light on ties between Trump's presidential campaign and representatives of Russia's government. The order also covers separate inquiries into several key Trump associates including former national security adviser Michael Flynn, campaign adviser Paul Manafort, foreign policy aide Carter Page and outside adviser Roger Stone.

The transition order came the same day that Vice-President Mike Pence's confirmed that he had hired a private lawyer to represent his interests in the expanding probe. Pence headed the Trump transition until inauguration day.

The transition official said the organization has also separately asked the General Services Administration to preserve records from the Trump transition that were transferred to its facilities after Trump's inauguration. The transition, a non-profit structurally separate from the Trump campaign, continues to operate with a small staff.

The memo sent Thursday asks for records related to foreign travel, contacts with Russian "officials, agents or nationals" and background investigations into the top Trump associates now targeted by Mueller's probe. The memo asks for preservation of electronic communications and data, telephone logs, audio recordings, videos, calendars and other items.

Friday's tweets are the latest in a week of angry social media responses by the president over a report by The Washington Post that Mueller was looking into whether Trump obstructed justice.

"Why is that Hillary Clintons family and Dems dealings with Russia are not looked at, but my non-dealings are?" he asked at one point.

"They made up a phoney collusion with the Russians story, found zero proof, so now they go for obstruction of justice on the phoney story. Nice," Trump wrote in his first tweet. "You are witnessing the single greatest WITCH HUNT in American political history - led by some very bad and conflicted people! #MAGA."
Photo: The Canadian Press

Helmut Kohl, the physically imposing German chancellor whose reunification of a nation divided by the Cold War put Germany at the heart of a united Europe, has died at 87.

Kohl's Christian Democratic Union party posted on Twitter: "We are in sorrow. #RIP #HelmutKohl."

The daily newspaper Bild reported that Kohl died Friday at his home in Ludwigshafen.

Over his 16 years at the country's helm from 1982 to 1998  first for West Germany and then for all of a united Germany  Kohl combined a dogged pursuit of European unity with a keen instinct for history. Less than a year after the November 1989 fall of the Berlin Wall, he spearheaded the end of Germany's decades-long division into East and West, ushering in a new era in European politics.

It was the close friendships that Kohl built up with other world leaders that helped him persuade both anti-communist Western allies and the leaders of the collapsing Soviet Union that a strong, united Germany could finally live at peace with its neighbours.

"Helmut Kohl was the most important European statesman since World War II," Bill Clinton, the former U.S. president, said in 2011, adding that Kohl answered the big questions of his time "correctly for Germany, correctly for Europe, correctly for the United States, correctly for the future of the world."

"The 21st century in Europe really began on his watch," Clinton said, describing Kohl as "a man who was big in more than physical stature."

Kohl's legacy includes the common euro currency that bound Europe more closely together than ever before. Kohl lobbied heavily for the euro, introduced in 1999, as a pillar of peace  and when it hit trouble more than a decade later, he insisted there was no alternative to Germany helping out debt-strapped countries like Greece.
Photo: Metro News

Lots, it appears, is going wrong for Uber at the moment after being the young upstart in the ride-sharing business.

It seems Ubers popularity is taking a downswing while ride share apps are still being introduced to the market.



Not only is Uber struggling with internal issues, it appears their market advantage has disappeared about as fast as beachfront in Kelowna this spring.



I was a reluctant adopter, rather than an early adopter of Uber. I was in Los Angeles for meetings nearly two years ago and our host was educating me about the benefits of Uber and, before I knew it, my ride home to my hotel arrived at the door.

I was impressed, not only with the services but the fare was a far cry from my taxi ride to the meeting  in fact one-fifth of the price.



Fast forward to this week and a lot more than Ubers share price has changed.



In New York, the Uber rides were two to four times the price they were a few months ago when I was last there. I get it, supply and demand economics; it is summer.



But food and beer didnt increase just the Uber fare. In fact, they were also more difficult to get and I occasionally was faced with a fare increase just as I booked, something Expedia excels at when you try and book a flight on their platform.



On the last day, we needed a ride to JFK and Uber kept changing their price while I was trying to book.

So we grabbed a limo and for less than the quoted ride of an UberX, we were driven out to the airport in a timely and very professional manner.



Just today, I arrived in LA and needed a ride to a meeting. I brought out my Uber app and went to hail a ride. I got a fare  $25. Perfect, perhaps New York was just an anomaly.

I clicked the book my ride button and received the message that Uber was recalculating my fare. Then, the fare doubled to over $50.



I was ticked off, but distracted myself for a few minutes. Then, checked again. Wait a minute, now it was $35.

I figured I should book it quick. I clicked the button and nothing happened, perhaps bad cell service. I quickly went back on my browser and started again. Now, it was $57. I was frustrated to say the least.



I decided to take a cab. If it cost more, so be it. I jumped in the cab went to my destination and was given a bill for $42. Better than the quoted fare from Uber.



So remind me again why I should love Uber because for me at least, the warm and fuzzies have all but gone away.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.
Photo: The Canadian Press

In a move hailed by LGBT rights groups, Oregon became the first state in the US on Thursday to allow residents to mark their gender as "not specified" on applications for driver's licences, learner's permits and identity cards.

Under the new rule approved by the Oregon Transportation Commission, Oregonians who select the new option will have an X appear instead of M or F on those cards. The rule, which takes effect on July 3, is a first for the U.S., David House, spokesman for Oregon's Driver and Motor Vehicles Division, or DMV, told The Associated Press.

"It's fitting that this is before us during Pride Week in Oregon and Pride Month around the country," said Commissioner Sean O'Hollaren. "It's something that we should do because it's the right thing to do."

The DMV said the new rule, which the commission passed unanimously, came about after a Multnomah County judge in June 2016 allowed Jamie Shupe, a Portland resident, to legally change to "non-binary" gender.

"There's a little more truth and justice in the world today," said Hayley Gorenberg, deputy legal director of Lambda Legal, the oldest and largest national legal organization that advocates for the civil rights of lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgender people.
Photo: The Canadian Press Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck

Three teenagers in a program for those who may want to become officers stole three Los Angeles Police Department vehicles and went on patrol around the city before leading authorities on wild pursuits that ended with crashes, Chief Charlie Beck said.

The trio  two boys and a girl ages 15, 16 and 17  "gamed the system" and used a vacationing sergeant's name to sign out stun guns and radios and drive the cars right out of a stationhouse parking lot, Beck said. Police are investigating whether the teens impersonated officers and pulled over drivers.

The three were arrested Wednesday after two pursuits ended with crashes in South Los Angeles. A third police car was later recovered around the corner from a police station.

Beck said he had ordered a thorough review of the department's cadet program and policies for managing inventory.

The three were part of a program for teen volunteers who work in police stations and go through an academy to learn about the criminal justice system.

An officer who was patrolling in South Los Angeles on Wednesday saw two of the stolen police vehicles driving together and tried to pull them over. The teens behind the wheel refused to stop and led police on pursuits that ended with two separate crashes.

The teens were arrested on suspicion of vehicle theft and other charges. One was wearing a bulletproof vest that had been taken from a police station, the chief said.
Photo: USGS

A minor earthquake shook the ground in Washington state Thursday evening.

The 3.7 magnitude quake was centred 115 kilometres west of Lofell, Wash., on the Olympic Peninsula.

The area is northwest of Seattle.

There were no reports of injuries.

According to the US Geological Survey, several hundred people reported feeling the tremor.

There are reports it was also felt as far north as southern Vancouver Island.
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North Dakota boaters who are traveling to other states or Canadian provinces should check the aquatic nuisance species regulations of their destination to make sure they are in compliance.

While many of North Dakotas ANS prevention regulations are similar to surrounding states and provinces, state Game and Fish Department ANS coordinator Jessica Howell says there are some subtle differences that could lead to travel interruption or citations depending on the circumstances.

Removal of all water and vegetation, as well as pulled plugs while traveling, are generally the rule in neighboring states and provinces, Howell said, but there are some places where dry is also a requirement, meaning no residual water anywhere in the boat.

Mandatory boat inspections may be required based on destination or route taken. For example, Howell said anyone pulling a boat into Canada will likely have it inspected at a border crossing. Some states, including Montana, have inspection checkpoints along highways, and some lakes have inspectors at boat ramps. Any boats that are not in compliance will likely get delayed in their travels or be prevented from launching, Howell added.

In addition, Howell said boats on Canyon Ferry or Tiber reservoirs in Montana will need to be decontaminated when leaving. There is a greater chance of being stopped for inspection in Montana because of zebra mussel findings, she said.

Boaters should be aware of regulations for not only their destination, but for any states they are traveling through. More information on bordering state and provincial ANS regulations is available at the following web addresses.

 South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks, sdleastwanted.com.

 Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/aquatic/index.html.

 Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, fwp.mt.gov/fishing/guide/ethics.

 Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment, saskatchewan.ca/fishing.

 Manitoba Department of Sustainable Development, www.gov.mb.ca/sd/waterstewardship/stopais/index.html.

North Dakota ANS regulations are as follows:

 All aquatic vegetation must be removed from boats, personal watercraft, trailers and fishing equipment such as fishing poles, bait buckets, lures and waders before leaving a body of water. That means "vegetation free" when transporting watercraft and/or equipment away from a boat ramp, landing area or shoreline. Time out of the water needed to remove aquatic vegetation at the immediate water access area is allowed.

 All water must be drained from boats and other watercraft, including bilges, livewells, baitwells and motors before leaving a water body.

 All drain plugs that may hold back water must be removed, and water draining devices must be open, on all watercraft and recreational, commercial and construction equipment bilges and confined spaces, during any out-of-water transport of same.

 Transportation of fish in or on ice is allowed.

 Live aquatic bait or aquatic vegetation may not be transported into North Dakota.

 All legal live aquatic organisms used by anglers, including legal baitfish (fathead minnows), amphibians (salamanders and frogs), invertebrates (crayfish and leeches) and insects must be purchased and/or trapped in North Dakota.

 Anglers may not transport live bait in water away from the Red River (Class I ANS infested waters). All water must be drained from bait buckets as anglers leave the shore, or remove their boat from the water. Anglers must properly dispose of unused bait away from the river, as dumping bait in the water or on shore is illegal.

 In all other waters not infested with Class I ANS species, anglers can transport live bait in water in containers of five gallons or less in volume.
Cemex further expands Construrama network in Latin America

16 June 2017

With the opening of its 300th store in Colombia, Cemexs Construrama network consolidates its position as the broadest building materials distribution network in Mexico and Colombia and continues its growth in other Latin American countries.



Looking to bring distributors closer to the construction business, Cemex rolled out its Construrama initiative in 2001. Today, Construrama is the leading building materials distribution network in Mexico, with over 1700 retail stores in more than 600 cities, and in Colombia, where it is present in approximately 190 cities and directly benefits over 1200 families after only four years.



Construrama provides local hardware store owners with the necessary resources to compete with large chains, including offering them training and support with efficiency and customer service, sales strategies, marketing, financial management, and strategic supplier alliances, among other incentives. By joining the Construrama network, local hardware store owners benefit from Cemex's support and more than 110 years of expertise without losing control of their business or independent decision-making.



Construrama also certifies process standardizations and customer services. For instance, Construrama associates in Mexico can obtain the Sello de la Casa certification, which allows local hardware stores to achieve operational, service, and image excellence in all relevant areas of the business: sales, deliveries, staff, warehouse, image and services.



In 2016 alone the Construrama network welcomed 130 retail stores in Mexico and over 60 stores in Colombia, in which it is expected to expand to 550 points of sale by 2020. The network is also present in Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Puerto Rico.



At Cemex and Cemex Latam Holdings, we are proud to help achieve the dreams of Colombians by contributing to the improvement of their earnings and their businesses profitability, while enabling them to achieve the fulfillment of their personal projects. More than an initiative, Construrama is a way to approach people and boost the growth of small entrepreneurs in our country, explained Cesar Gomez, national director of Construrama in Colombia.

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Holcim Vietnam given green light to build inland port

16 June 2017

Authorities of Vietnams southern coastal province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau have approved a proposal by Thanh Long Co Ltd to develop an inland waterway port to meet the transport requirement's for the Holcim cement plant.



The provincial authorities assigned the Department of Transport to cooperate with relevant agencies to add planning of the facility to the provinces master plan for inland waterway transport by 2020.



The Thanh Long plans to develop the port on an area of 5000m2 between the Holcim cement plant and the gas pipeline of Phu My power plant in Phu My town, Tan Thanh district.



Once completed for operation, the port will be able to receive barges with loading capacity of 5000t.

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By a vote of 3-2, the Bismarck Park Board voted to support the extension of Bismarcks Renaissance Zone program.

July 31 marks the end of a 15-month extension granted to the program by the North Dakota Department of Commerce to allow for legislative clarification, where it was decided letters of support are needed from the county, school and park board to continue the program another five years.

Once the zone is allowed to expire no new Renaissance Zone, which provides income and property tax incentives to encourage downtown revitalization, can ever be created in the city unless the Legislature were to change state law to allow it.

Opposition to the programs extension, for the most part, has not been leveled at the Renaissance Program itself. Instead, concerns have been raised over the Renaissance Zones overlap with another economic development district, the Tax Increment Financing district.

Due to this overlap, the government entities have not received all of the return on investment because the increase in property values created by Renaissance Zone has gone into the TIF fund.

I think, if theyre willing to work out the (TIF overlap) issues, its a good thing, said board member Julie Jeske before casting her vote in favor of the programs extension.

She also raised the argument that the small businesses located downtown wouldnt likely be able to afford or succeed in another area of town.

I think (downtown) will continue to grow without the Renaissance Zone, board member Mike Schwartz said before casting a dissenting vote.

He said he felt the advantages of the Renaissance Zone are unnecessary, and unfair in some cases.

I thought we were there, said board Vice President Brian Beattie, but he said he changed his mind about letting the program expire after a 2016 study showed a number of properties that could still benefit from it.

Theres still work to be done. he said, adding that he felt a five-year extension was a reasonable time from to allow the city to accomplish those remaining projects.

Theres a reason theres an expiration date on all this, board member Jason Starck said in an argument against the extension. It was a great program; it did its job. When is the end of this going to be? ... Its done.

Only one organization, the Bismarck-Mandan Development Association, stood for public comment on the issue. BMDA President Brian Ritter again pointed out, if the program goes away, the city cannot get it back. He also encouraged the park board and city to continue its dialogue on the Renaissance and TIF overlap so that changes can be made to satisfy all parties.
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On June 6, the Bismarck Tribune reported that Roxanne Vaughan, a University of North Dakota Chester Fritz Distinguished Professor of biochemistry and molecular biology, defended herself saying the seemingly anti-immigrant and racist comment she posted on Facebook after Indian-American sixth-grader Ananya Vinay won the 2017 Scripps National Spelling Bee was not to be taken literally and did not represent her views on race or immigration.

Vaughan's original Facebook posting read: Im sure shes an immigrant  not worthy of interacting with our pure americans (sic)  send her back!! (sic)

Having spent more than two decades as a UND professor, I am confident that overt bigots and racists are very rare among the faculty. Being a professor should include being fair to all. Most UND students are intelligent and democratic enough not to tolerate such instruction.

My criticism is that Vaughan used Facebook rather than an opinion page like the one you are now reading to make her political statements. The Bismarck Tribune would have protected both her and its readership from the kind of irony she employed. For instance, Editor Steve Wallick or another Tribune staff member would have likely telephoned Vaughan to confirm her intent and help her make her message clear to the readership. If it was still intended to be bigoted or racist, the Tribune probably wouldn't run it. It's not Tribune policy to be an agent of racism and hate.

For over 20 years I have published guest letters and columns in the Tribune and other North Dakota dailies. What I write tends to be toward the left of the state's political spectrum. There have been times when an editor would caution me that some of my content was extreme, inaccurate or poorly worded. It was always done in a professional and friendly manner.

I never experienced personal hostility to anything I wrote for a newspaper in North Dakota. Citizens with high newspaper literacy are generally tolerant in the North Dakota tradition. There was, however, one dissenting call I received. A reader telephoned me after I had written advocating for stricter gun control while criticizing the NRA. The caller invited me to go black powder shooting with him. He was an example of pure Americanism.

Vaughan's seeming miscommunication on Facebook reminded me that tenured professors should feel an obligation to express their views in an open forum, and to use their expertise to effectively communicate to North Dakota citizens and taxpayers who support them, with the objective of collectively improving and sustaining our university system.

Tenure is a unique status. A tenured professor has special economic protection with regard to freedom of speech and dissent. There are many tenured North Dakota professors with expertise on legislative actions, economic or political issues and relative to higher education policies. I am always surprised when they are fearful, hesitant or even too lazy to present their informed opinions and commentary using local or state media to maximize information for North Dakota voters and citizens.

I'm not particularly brave myself, but as a professional journalist and journalism professor I have never felt hindered at expressing myself in the media. No one believes the press is infallible. The intelligent media consumer absorbs the content and ideas that appeal in the newspaper and ignores the rest.

For all these reasons, I would appeal to academics on all of North Dakota's campuses to subscribe to and read their local newspaper. Then respond to issues and ideas when they have related expertise or knowledge. If we are to sustain and grow our colleges and universities, they will need strong and informed advocates reporting for the media.

Bismarck State College has been particularly hit by budget cuts, including the elimination of 52 positions, a hiring freeze and a 20 percent cut in the operating budget. The voluntary furlough system is especially disturbing. Faculty and staff are said to be "voluntarily" donating from their salary, but we all understand that no worker with a family to support would do so without the duress imposed by a stingy and inept state Legislature. The voices of those experiencing this crisis need to be heard, and the news and opinion pages of this and other newspapers offer the best forum.
The Hard X-ray Modulation Telescope, atop a Long March 4B carrier rocket, is launched at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center on Thursday.Zhen Zhe / Xinhua

China's first X-ray observatory will focus on learning about black holes

The Hard X-ray Modulation Telescope, a cutting-edge space telescope that was launched on Thursday, will help scientists better understand the universe, according to project insiders.

The telescope, developed by the Chinese Academy of Sciences and China Academy of Space Technology, blasted off at 11 am on Thursday atop a Long March 4B carrier rocket at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Northwest China.

It is the nation's first space-based X-ray observatory. Weighing nearly 2.5 metric tons, the telescope is designed to work at least four years in a low-Earth orbit, about 550 kilometers above the ground, according to the State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense, which oversees China's space programs.

The administration said the payload comprises four scientific devices: three X-ray telescopes and a space environmental detector.

Zhao Jian, a space program official, said the telescope will help scientists study the behavior of black holes and neutron stars, as well as X-ray radiation. It will also enable engineers to explore ways of using pulsars as benchmarks for new-generation space navigation technology they are developing for spacecraft, he said.

Ma Shijun, chief designer of the program, said that compared with other X-ray observatories in space, the Chinese model has a larger detection area, greater scientific capabilities and a wider field of view. These give it advantages in observing black holes and neutron stars that emit X-rays, and it can scan the Milky Way galaxy more efficiently, he said.

Zhang Shuangnan, lead scientist for the telescope and director of the Chinese Academy of Sciences' Key Laboratory of Particle Astrophysics, told Xinhua News Agency: "Our space telescope has unique capabilities to observe high-energy celestial bodies. We want to use it to resolve mysteries such as the evolution of black holes and the strong magnetic fields of neutron stars."

He said the observation of black holes will be the focus of the satellite's mission because scientists are most curious about what the black holes are doing.

So far, about 20 black holes have been found in the Milky Way.

"We hope our telescope can discover more black holes. We also hope to better observe the black holes already discovered," Zhang said.

China has launched three science satellites - the Dark Matter Particle Explorer; the Shijian 10, which experiments with microgravity; and the Micius, which conducts quantum experiments. The nation also plans to launch at least four science spacecraft - the China-Italy Electromagnetic Monitoring Experiment Satellite, China-France Oceanography Satellite, China-France Space Variable Objects Monitor and its first Mars probe, Zhao said.

Zhao said his administration will continue to push forward a number of space-based scientific programs, including the Solar Wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer, Water Cycle Observation Satellite and Einstein Probe, as well as the Magnetosphere, Ionosphere and Thermosphere Satellite Constellation.

In addition to the X-ray telescope, Thursday's launch also sent two small remote-sensing video satellites - OVS-1A and OVS-1B - into space.

The satellites, funded by the privately owned Zhuhai Orbita Control Engineering Co and developed by the China Academy of Space Technology, will mainly provide videos and images of Earth to government agencies.

zhaolei@chinadaily.com.cn
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.
Trinseo and API Applicazioni Plastiche Industriali S.p.A. have signed a definitive agreement for Trinseo to acquire API.

The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2017, following customary closing conditions. Trinseo is funding the purchase of APIs shares through its existing cash on hand.

Trinseos first acquisition is directly aligned with the company strategy to grow the Performance Materials businesses and will benefit customers across a breadth of market applications and geographies, said Chris Pappas, President and CEO of Trinseo. API is a sophisticated polymer solutions provider with a strong position in soft-touch polymers  which complement Trinseos strengths in rigid polymers. By leveraging APIs advanced manufacturing operations, excellent management, deep technical expertise, and strong customer relationships, we will further strengthen our Performance Plastics businesses to create growth synergies with customers in all global regions.

The transaction includes APIs manufacturing and research facility at Mussolente, Italy, and all of APIs business, employees and assets. The API management team and employees will join Trinseos Performance Plastics business. The Brunetti family will support and facilitate a smooth transition of API to Trinseo.

After 60 years of successful history, API today celebrates an important milestone, said Lorenzo Brunetti, Vice President, son of Sergio Brunetti, the founder of API. "We see this transaction with Trinseo as the natural evolution of our long-standing experience, reputation, and flexibility in TPEs, now combining with the energy, stability and global presence of Trinseo. The excellent combination of the product portfolios will boost our customers achievements and success through highly specialized solution offerings. The Brunetti family sees this operation as a fantastic example of how the cooperation between a forward-thinking player like Trinseo and an Italian enterprise can lead to absolute excellence and leadership on the global market. We see a bright and successful future for the people we care the most: our dedicated and talented employees.

Complementary Products, Cross-selling Opportunities

Customers of API and Trinseo can expect the combined Performance Plastics business to serve their applications needs with a broader product offering of soft-touch and rigid polymers, as well as new technology from API and the addition of strong talent with deep application knowledge.

APIs products are distinct from Trinseos and are complementary, said Hayati Yarkadas, Senior Vice President and Business President, Performance Materials. Trinseos rigid plastics have a very strong position in Automotive, Medical and Consumer markets. APIs soft-touch thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) products are often used together with rigid plastics in similar applications, so the combination of Trinseo and API will benefit customers. The potential for the combined product offering, as well Trinseos global presence to bring API products into new geographies, means that this powerhouse portfolio of Performance Plastics will be an engine for growth in Trinseo.

Bringing together the unique strengths of Trinseo and API, the combined Performance Plastics businesses will be well positioned to grow and capture new business opportunities on a global scale. With a broader portfolio of both rigid polymers and soft-touch polymers, the combined business will be ready to meet an even broader array of application needs. Customers also will benefit from new technology and the addition of strong talent from API with their deep application knowledge.

This is the major step I was looking for since when, nearly ten years ago, we started to prepare API for a new strategy of profitable growth on the international stage, said Sandro Gusi, General Manager of API. Our company has an incredibly deep product knowledge and experience, but still our real potential is yet to be exploited. I see a perfect fit with Trinseo as the true key to fully release our resources, with great benefits for both our precious API people, as well as our extremely valuable customers. Im personally very excited and totally engaged in shaping this new future together.
Chicago's Rush University Medical Center uses a grain-of-sand-sized sensor that, after being swallowed, can alert patients when they've forgotten to take medication. (Proteus Digital Health)

Forget to take your medication? Now you can get a reminder to find your pills  sent by the pill itself.

Chicago's Rush University Medical Center has become one of the few health care providers in the United States to use a grain-of-sand-sized sensor that, after being swallowed, can alert patients when they've forgotten to take medication.

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Developed by Proteus Digital Health, the FDA-approved sensor is made from microscopic quantities of copper and magnesium. Powered by the human body (no batteries or antennas required), the tiny sensor turns on after reaching patients' stomachs, where it begins sending signals to a Band-Aid-like, Bluetooth-enabled patch worn on the torso. The patch then decodes those signals into meaningful health information and sends it to users and physicians in an app.

Tony Perry, vice president of Rush's ambulatory transformation program, said the hospital has been using the Proteus technology since January, hoping it could eventually better guide care for patients with chronic illnesses like hypertension or congestive heart failure.

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As many as half of all patients undergoing drug therapy for chronic illnesses fail to regularly follow prescription instructions, Perry said.

"We know from a data perspective that when we write prescriptions, a good number of those prescriptions either don't get filled or don't get taken by people," he said. "The 'click in the head' was that this is a behavioral tool that was meant to help people help themselves, and that really seemed like a neat opportunity."

In addition to reminding patients to take their meds, the Proteus technology also tracks heart rate and other important health markers, said Perry, whose clinical practice is in geriatric medicine.

More than a dozen Rush patients are currently using the digital medicine tool. The cost to patients is "net neutral" after insurance, he said.

Rush is the first health care provider in Illinois and the eighth nationally to partner with Proteus; Barton Health in California was the first. Children's Health in Texas is also among Proteus' list of health care providers.

Amanda Tosto, director of system integration and population health at Rush, said the hospital's efforts have so far focused on how to successfully incorporate the tech into its operations. It has mostly begun using the Proteus sensor, patch and app with its more technologically friendly patients through hospital-provided iPads, she said.

"You've got your patients who are really going to like this and see it as an extension as their Fitbit or their MyFitnessPal app," Tosto said. "But we've also got a couple of patients who have really benefited from being able to work with their families on medication delivery."

The Proteus sensor is sealed into a capsule along with a patient's normal medication by the specialty mail-order pharmacy Avella; it is the only pharmacy that distributes the "smart pill" for Rush.

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Proteus has raised more than $284.5 million since 2013. Kaiser Permanente, Medtronic, Novartis and Otsuka are among the privately held company's investors.

Other startups have introduced smart pill bottles and similar innovations that deliver medication reminders. Proteus combines that idea with technology that's ingestible, said Andy Thompson, co-founder and CEO of Proteus.

"What we are delivering in this industry is the ability to integrate silicon and software into its innovation toolkit," Thompson said. "Those are levers that every other industry has been using to massively boost their rate of innovation, and we think that same is true for pharma."

About half of all U.S. adults have one or more chronic health conditions, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Treating patients with chronic diseases accounts for 86 percent of all health care spending, the CDC estimates.

The FDA cleared the Proteus sensor for marketing as a medical device in 2012. The agency rejected an application for a Proteus investor, Otsuka, to pair the sensor with the antipsychotic drug Abilify in 2016, however, citing the need for more data. Otsuka submitted a new application in May.

In 30 years, Thompson said that he believes every drug that's built is going to have some sort of active silicon inside.

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"We're delighted to work with a leading medical center in Chicago," he said. "When we look at institutions like Rush, we believe they're magnifying their physical footprint with a digital footprint and helping folks who are sick manage their conditions where they live, work, play and pray."

Robert Holly is a freelance writer.

Twitter @robertwadeholly
Cars pass the new Whole Foods Market March 10, 2017, in the Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago. The grocery chain, known for its organic options, had been facing increased pressure from rivals. Its sale to Amazon is expected to close in the second half of 2017. (Erin Hooley / Chicago Tribune)

Amazon, kingpin of the industry disruptors, is rattling the grocery business like never before with its estimated $13.7 billion acquisition of Whole Foods.

The deal, which woke up Wall Street on what was expected to be a sleepy Friday morning, will not only ripple through the supermarket business but the entire economy.

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Moreover, anyone who thinks Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos' ambition stops with the proposed Whole Foods buyout is whistling past the grocery aisle.

Look for Seattle-based Amazon to eventually make a run at other expansion or buyout targets in the realms of pharmaceuticals, health care, industrial supplies or something we aren't smart enough to recognize yet.

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Right now, the business of groceries  where a mere 3 percent of sales takes place online  is Amazon's big play.

Before the Whole Foods announcement, the online retailer was already relentlessly picking away at established supermarket companies, including those that own local food chains Jewel-Osco and Mariano's, by marketing and selling more grocery products over its website.

Using the same formula Amazon has executed successfully since it began hawking books in 1994, the company ships straight to buyers, and in the process also lowers transaction costs.

That discount makes consumers happy but drives traditional sellers, which are paying for expensive overhead, absolutely crazy.

But delivering food is a tricky proposition, one that requires Amazon to rethink its fundamental product distribution scheme.

Unlike books, hardware or electronics, food deliveries must be extremely well-timed. In transit, fish, meat, veggies and fruits have to stay fresh, and frozen foods can't be allowed to thaw.

That's where a national food chain like Whole Foods comes in handy.

The acquisition of the 431-store company provides Amazon with a widespread community distribution network. Those stores will make it easier for Amazon to effectively deliver its online grocery orders to nearby customers' residences.

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In the Chicago area, Whole Foods has 26 grocery stores.

At the same time, Amazon's on-the-go shoppers can stop by a Whole Foods and quickly pick up their online orders without having to spend time on a full-blown grocery store trip.

Another benefit of this deal: The online company's Amazon Prime and Whole Foods both cater to upscale buyers, so chances are there's already significant customer overlap and brand recognition between them.

For traditional grocery store chains this deal is a very scary proposition.

Albertsons, Kroger, Roundy's and smaller regional chains will come under increased pressure to compete against the online might of Amazon-Whole Foods.

For them it means scrambling to invest lots of cash in new technology; teaming up or merging with giant superstore retailers that have growing online capabilities like Walmart or Costco; or aligning themselves more closely with online grocery sellers such as locally based Peapod, Instacart or perhaps Amazon Fresh.

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Maybe Target, which is the midst of a comeback effort, will opt to exit the grocery business  a simmering trouble spot for the Minneapolis-based retailer.

Anyone who wonders how disruptive Amazon can be to an established industry only has to look at the collapsing world of old-style, mall-based retail.

Primarily because of Amazon, scores of well-known chains and department stores are shuttering hundreds of their outlets or just totally closing shop.

We see it every day.

Illinois, where Amazon plans to hire at least 8,000 people at nine distribution facilities, will be playing a significant role in Bezos' expansion dream  wherever it takes him.

Right now, he's focused on making the Whole Foods deal click.

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But Amazon, the massive industry disruptor, is only getting started.

roreed@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @reedtribbiz
Kathleen Webb is pictured June 16, 2017, at her subsidized apartment in the Aurora St. Charles Senior Living building, once the St. Charles Hospital, in Aurora. Webb, 67, says she is paying much less than the $800 a month she used to pay to rent a dilapidated house. (Mike Mantucca/Chicago Tribune )

Kathleen Webb never imagined she'd live in a building for senior citizens.

Like many baby boomers she figured she'd stay young indefinitely. "I still don't feel like a senior citizen," the 67-year-old said this week. But as the sun streamed through the windows of her brand-new Aurora St. Charles Senior Living apartment, she was relieved.

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"It's beautiful, and I can afford it," she said, contrasting her apartment with the dilapidated house with frightening electrical problems that she previously rented for $800 a month. Webb said she's paying much less than that now for housing that is subsidized by the government.

She considers herself one of the lucky people of her generation. Many baby boomers, who are currently between the ages of 62 and 71, have no interest in senior housing yet, but as they age the need for senior housing is expected to be huge. And many won't find what Webb has.

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Chicago's population is gradually getting older. In 2014, people over 65 made up 24 percent of the population in the Chicago region, up from just 18 percent in 1970, according to a report by the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning. Although most seniors surveyed by AARP say they'd like to remain in their homes, the reality is that age-related physical limitations  difficulty climbing stairs and shoveling driveways  will make staying put difficult for many.

All of this signals huge demand for senior housing in the years to come, and developers have been rushing to build or refurbish both rental and for-sale housing for the nation's 75 million baby boomers.

Yet housing experts point to a mismatch between what's being built and what will be needed. Most construction has been aimed at the affluent luxury market, as developers have tried to lure active young seniors by emphasizing spalike amenities ranging from swimming pools to movie theaters. Not enough senior housing is being developed for middle-income retirees.

"This is frightening to me," said Dana Wollschlager, partner with Plante Moran Living Forward, a real estate planning consultant. "Most people aren't going to be able to put down a half-million dollars."

The phenomenon will leave boomers stranded in homes that aren't safe for them, families struggling to help aging parents that might be miles away, and Medicare and Medicaid services dealing with injuries and illnesses that might have been prevented if seniors were appropriately housed, she said.

Half of people between 62 and 69 have saved less than $104,974 for retirement, according to the Urban Institute. By the year 2036, 40 percent of individuals over age 62 are projected to have financial assets of $25,000 or less.

With so little in savings, people wouldn't be able to cover current senior housing costs, notes Wollschlager. Nationally, the average rent for independent-living senior buildings  or apartments meant for people who cook and clean on their own  now runs $3,025 monthly, Wollschlager said.

For assisted living  or apartments where seniors get meals, house cleaning, transit to doctors and help with medical issues if needed  the average base rate is $4,454 nationally. Services like reminders to take medicine or help dressing cost more. Annually, a person would need to devote $62,880 to pay for their housing and food.

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In Chicago's northern suburbs, many new assisted living buildings cost even more  about $6,000 a month, or $72,000 for a year, notes Valerie Kretchmer, of Valerie S. Kretchmer Associates, who studied senior housing needs in the northwest suburbs for the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus in 2013.

For very low income people  typically those who depend solely on Social Security  affordable housing like Kathleen Webb's is being built with government subsidies. But there is not enough low-cost housing, and there is virtually nothing being built for moderate-income seniors, currently with annual incomes between $30,000 and 50,000, said Wollschlager. That's true nationally as well as for the Chicago area.

In 2013, Kretchmer calculated a need for 800 moderate-priced senior housing units in Chicago's Northwest suburbs, where construction for the affluent has been prevalent and where vacancies are growing in assisted living and memory care units because so many new buildings are competing.

Perkins+Will's plan for a new building that will combine a public library and public housing at Western Avenue and Pratt Boulevard in the West Ridge neighborhood. (Perkins+Will / City of Chicago)

Kretchmer noted that moderate-income people fall within a gap  too wealthy for the affordable, subsidized housing that typically goes to people with incomes under $30,000, and too poor for the upscale apartments that have become popular to build.

Some may be able to handle high rents if they sell their homes and use the proceeds for rent, but she said many still have not recovered completely from the housing crash. Many seniors approaching their 80s and struggling with stairs in townhouses are currently stuck, she said. They moved out of their single-family homes after becoming empty nesters, and paid too much for independent living. Consequently, they can't afford assisted living or memory care, Kretchmer said.

The average age of people moving into senior buildings is 83, noted Dan Hermann, head of investment banking for Ziegler. Their adult children often push them to move into buildings where they will be safer, and less isolated, than in their homes.

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The reluctance to move is one reason why developers are trying to compete with increasingly luxurious buildings, often promoted in marketing brochures as resort communities.Younger seniors are sometimes drawn to continuing care retirement communities, which offer a continuum of care ranging from independent living to nursing care, Hermann said. Such facilities typically charge low- to mid-six-figure upfront fees, and then monthly rents may range from $2,000 to $5,000.

But in addition to leaving most baby boomers behind due to price, Kretchmer said the emphasis on the affluent market alone can leave developers vulnerable to vacancies. Affluent seniors can afford to stay in their homes and hire private caregivers, she noted.

In the Chicago area, that can cost about $250 a day, or more than $90,000 a year for a full-time caregiver in a home.

Wollschlager, the real estate planning consultant with Plante Moran Living Forward, said there are so many developers chasing affluent customers that some senior housing projects will consequently struggle.

It is possible to build for less-affluent baby boomers, Ward Isaacson, president of Pope Architects, told the Interface InterFace Seniors Housing Midwest Conference in Chicago this month.

"Buildings don't need 12 different social spaces," multiple dining rooms, movie theaters and swimming pools, Isaacson said. "Just because so-and-so has a pool, doesn't mean you have to. This all started with targeting the upper-income market with the sense that you are living in a resort or that you'll be on a cruise ship every day of your life."

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Governments also could cut the costs of development and operation by overhauling regulations, said Wollschlager.

Various governmental entities are making efforts to provide more senior housing, although this won't address the shortage of housing available for middle-income seniors. The Chicago Housing Authority, for example, has plans to construct two affordable senior buildings above new libraries, at Western Avenue and Pratt Boulevard in the West Rogers Park neighborhood and at 4022 N. Elston Ave. in the Irving Park neighborhood. Evergreen Real Estate Group, which constructed Webb's building by converting a historic building to senior housing in Aurora, will be the developer.

The new developments, each with 44 units priced at $750 a month or lower, based on a renter's income, will put seniors in proximity to library activities as well as nearby transportation and shopping, said David Block, director of development for Evergreen.

Despite individual efforts by governments to make a dent in future needs, Brad Winick, a planning and aging consultant, said the full Chicago region is behind many areas of the country in planning comprehensively for the onslaught of an aging population.

Adds Wollschlager, "The oldest baby boomers are now 71. We have to get our arms around this."

gmarksjarvis@chicagotribune.com

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Revival Food hall is the modern, upscale, urban reincarnation of the humble mall food court. Developers and restaurant industry experts say their growth in the Windy City has just begun in part due to consumer demand for quick and diverse food options, with a curated set of both popular restaurant outposts and newcomers. (Phil Velasquez / Chicago Tribune) (Chicago Tribune)

Chicago has always been a food town. Now, it's becoming a food hall town.

Food halls  the modern, upscale, urban reincarnation of the humble mall food court  have opened in the Loop and nearby neighborhoods in recent years, and experts say their growth in the Windy City has just begun.

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Why are food halls all the rage? They're a representation of where the restaurant industry as a whole is going: Boutique. Local. Instagram-able. They fulfill consumer demand for quick and diverse food options, with a curated set of both popular restaurant outposts and newcomers.

While the traditional mall food court has a group of fast-food options aimed at helping shoppers recharge, a food hall is made to be the whole show, a destination in and of itself with a cohesive, sleek design intended to elevate the experience beyond a grab-and-go lunch from a national restaurant chain.

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"They are a destination. They bring excitement," said Doug Roth, founder of Playground Hospitality, a restaurant consulting firm. "Panda Express just can't do that."

Already widespread in New York and Los Angeles, there are about 35 to 40 food halls in the U.S., industry consultant Aaron Allen said, and just a handful of those are in Chicago. He estimates there could be as many as 200 across the country in just three years.

For restaurants, food halls are an opportunity to open a location with far less legwork. There's no long search for an ideal street location, and the startup costs  a hurdle that often prevents fledgling restaurateurs from expanding  are far less. Profit is also far easier to come by because of the built-in foot traffic. Per square foot, a food hall stall can produce 10 times the sales of a traditional restaurant, said Allen, of Aaron Allen & Associates.

For real estate developers, food halls are proving to be a lucrative way to fill ground-floor commercial space. They also can be a big draw for prospective tenants in high-rises above and surrounding the hall.

The Revival Food Hall, seen June 15, 2017, bustles with Loop diners. The food hall, which debuted in August, is open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and features independent stalls selling a variety of food, from gelato to tacos. ( Phil Velasquez/Chicago Tribune )

Food halls are not a new concept, but rather an old one inspired by European markets that's been reinvented for the "fast and finicky" public, Allen said. "We've recycled a bit of our history, but adjusted it for the time it's coming back," he said.

In Chicago, the players include big, single-company options like Eataly in the Near North neighborhood and Latinicity in the Loop. They were the first major downtown food hall openings since Lettuce Entertain You's Foodlife, a pioneer of the food hall concept in Chicago, came to Water Tower Place in 1993. Eataly and Latinicity offer a range of dining options under the umbrella of Italian or Central American food.

Another food hall model involves collectives like the French Market and Revival Food Hall, which feature multiple independent restaurants under one roof.

"Food halls allow you to see a lot of options that you wouldn't find unless you stumbled upon them," Allen said.

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That's exactly the point.

Owners of the Fat Shallot, which sells sandwiches, said the chance to open in Revival Food Hall was an opportunity to get a bricks-and-mortar space after operating a food truck for years. For a company like Black Dog Gelato, Revival was a chance to even out the summer-heavy business. And Smoque BBQ took space in the food hall as a way to hook Loop workers on ribs and brisket that previously only had been served in the Irving Park neighborhood.

HotChocolate Bakery owner Mindy Segal opened in Revival after deciding not to open her highly anticipated bakery in Logan Square.

"I always wanted to do a bakery, but it got too expensive and out of control. So when this opportunity came up, I jumped at it," she said. The bakery sells a wide range of treats from breakfast pastries to cookies.

"For me, it's been a positive experience. It hasn't been easy, but it has been positive," she said. "I like being in a food hall  I like the camaraderie. I like being in the Loop."

Customers dine June 15, 2017, at Revival Food Hall in Chicagos Loop. The food hall says it gets 5,000 to 7,000 visitors a day. A number of additional food halls are in the works in Chicago. (Phil Velasquez/Chicago Tribune )

Smoque BBQ Co-owner Barry Sorkin said he had a great deal of "trepidation" about opening in a food hall, but changed his mind when the Revival operator 16" on Center said it would let the barbeque restaurant smoke meats on-site.

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"We almost didn't take the meeting with them," Sorkin said. "We had talked with similar spaces and none of them made any sense to us. When these guys called, we thought it would be more of the same. We couldn't have been more wrong."

Sorkin said there have been big benefits to being in the food hall, like having a management company to carry some of the burdens that go along with owning a restaurant.

"It's like the difference between owning a home and owning a condo," he said. "In a condo, you don't have to worry about fixing the roof. At Revival, we show up and prep and serve, and most everything else is taken care of."

A food hall stall generally requires less preparation ahead of opening compared with a traditional restaurant, with everything from napkins to garbage removaloften headed up by the hall's management company.

"Restaurants are generally more passionate about the food than they are about the business side. We've taken a lot off their plate," said Mike Marsal, founding partner of Alvarez & Marsal Property Investments, which is developing the Wells St. Market food hall, set to open this fall at Wells and Wacker Drive in the Loop. "We've created an environment where they can show up and start cooking."

Chefs have been cooking at Revival since it opened in August, attracting office workers in search of Southern food, tacos, fish and ramen. General manager Marisa Kruse said the food hall has started seeing a longer lunch rush in recent months as people come in early to beat the lines or later to purchase food to take back to work. Revival, which is open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays, also is trying to extend serving times with a bigger focus on breakfast and occasional weekend events.

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Revival wouldn't give sales figures but said it sees between 5,000 and 7,000 visitors per day. It also declined to give details on the business relationship between the restaurants and the hall operator, but said the company has licensing agreements in place with each vendor.

The price of lunch at Revival can vary but generally runs around $10. A bowl at Aloha Poke runs between $7.50 and $14.50 depending on size. A Tofu "Patty" Melt from Graze Kitchenette is $9. Diners can grab a Truffle BLT from The Fat Shallot for $10 or a hot chicken sandwich at The Budlong for $11.

Terrell Hires, 37, and Pat Brown, 45, were in town on business from Atlanta on a recent day and chose The Budlong at Revival for lunch.

"I like the atmosphere. It's cool," Hires said as he and Brown ate their Nashville-style hot chicken. "The meal we got today was pretty good. I was actually looking at (Brown Bag Seafood Co.) first, but I thought, 'Let me go with something safe today and tomorrow I'll try something different.'"

To be successful, these multirestaurant food halls have to be well-balanced, with food options to appeal to a wide range of tastes, said Roth, of Playground Hospitality. That includes not just a selection of standard fare like fried chicken and more daring trendy foods like poke, but also a mix of prices and recognizable and new restaurant names.

"All the dots have to be connected," he said. "They all have to work together."

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As CBRE's Todd Siegel sees it, it's all about the line.

"It's a question of queue  who will make the next hot item that consumers will wait around the block for?" he said. "The food hall sees success by curating a group of individuals who do what they do very well."

Chicago is a prime market for food hall expansion because of the city's neighborhoods, leaving opportunity for the halls to be close to one another while still drawing their own customer base.

A number of additional food halls are in the works in Chicago, including the one on Wells Street in the Loop, a still-unnamed hall in Lakeview, and another in Fulton Market to be operated by the media group that publishes Time Out magazines. Still others are in the initial planning phases.

"I think we have a long ways to go," Siegel said of Chicago's food hall future. "Each of our neighborhoods attract a different type of consumer."

The Loop and the West Loop are two obvious food hall targets, he said: The Loop for its built-in foot traffic and the West Loop for its well-established foodie culture. But Siegel said Michigan Avenue is also a prime area for future food hall development because of the tourists and office workers that keep it crowded day and night.

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But will food halls fade in popularity as mall food courts have before them? Not anytime soon, Marsal said.

"I don't know if food halls are as much of a fad as an evolution of the way people live right now," Marsal said. "I think what's changed is that people are wanting an all-inclusive lifestyle, as work integrates into personal life."

At 205 W. Wacker, the residential tower above the planned Wells St. Market, Marsal said when residents were asked about what amenities were important to them, the result was overwhelming: food.

That's no surprise for many developers, retailers and restauranteurs, who are taking advantage of a growing appetite for food "experiences" which includes everything from cooking classes to food halls. While Americans are limiting their spending on retail goods, they're shelling out more at restaurants and food "destinations." Consumers spend more on food and restaurants than any other retail category, according to CBRE.

That opens a door for food halls to fill a need for food experiences, something the mall food court just can't fill, Allen said.

"You want to feel that you're experiencing something that you don't do on an ordinary business day," he said. "There's a sense that you're transported somewhere (when you're in a food hall). That's important."

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sbomkamp@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @SamWillTravel
Wow Bao and other Lettuce Entertain You restaurants line the corridor on the unveiling day of the International Terminal 5 at Chicago O'Hare International Airport on April 4, 2014. (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune)

A former employee of Chicago-based Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises  owner of M Burger, Wow Bao and dozens of other eateries  is accusing the restaurant group of harassing and ultimately firing her for refusing to participate in activities she believed were illegal and for reporting them to her supervisors, according to a lawsuit filed under the state's Whistleblower Act.

Cristina Griffith, who was an office manager at one of the Lettuce Entertain You restaurants from January 2014 until Oct. 11, 2016, alleges in a lawsuit filed Thursday in Cook County Circuit Court that the harassment began in April 2016.

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For example, according to the lawsuit, a chef asked her to write for him a character reference bearing the signature of a top company executive for use in a court proceeding. She believed that she was being asked to make false statements to the court, her suit says.

Griffith worked at Saranello's, an Italian restaurant in Wheeling, her lawyer, Jonathan Lubin, said.

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"All that we know about the character reference is that it was for a court matter," Lubin said. Griffith "was asked to write the letter attesting to (the chef's) good character, and sign it in the name of Rich Melman," founder of Lettuce Entertain You, the attorney said.

Griffith alleges that she also was asked to help the company backdate paperwork to avoid government penalties and to help the company hire workers who didn't have legal permission to work in the United States.

"She was asked to backdate paperwork that had not been completed on time," Lubin said. "The paperwork had to do with I-9 compliance."

Form I-9 is used to verify the identity and employment authorization of individuals hired in the U.S.

"My client was given to understand that the defendant would be fined otherwise," Lubin said.

When she refused to participate in those activities, the chef, a supervisor, began yelling at her and harassing her, the lawsuit says.

For example, he once screamed at her for refusing to give him cash out of the restaurant's registers so he could pay a worker, according to the lawsuit.

Griffith believed he wanted the cash partly to avoid having to report the payment to the Internal Revenue Service, the lawsuit says.

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At that point, she complained to a personnel worker about the hostile environment the chef was creating, according to the lawsuit. The next day, he made "false and scurrilous accusations" about her work performance, the suit alleges.

Lettuce Entertain You spokeswoman Emily Clark said the company is "unable to comment on pending litigation."

In response to her complaints, the suit alleges, Lettuce Entertain You began threatening to move Griffith's office to a section of the restaurant used for food storage and preparation, "a move that would make it impossible for her to do her work."

Her car was towed from the lot where she worked in August, the lawsuit says, and in September she was put on "a performance improvement plan, a step toward terminating her." She was fired a month later despite meeting job expectations, the lawsuit says.

Griffith wants the court to order the restaurant group to rehire her in a job with the same seniority and to give her back pay, with interest.

"Nobody in Illinois should be forced by their employer to choose between keeping their job and violating the law," Lubin said.

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byerak@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @beckyyerak
Designers Lauren Morman, left, and Crystal Akakpo participate in a June 13, 2017, training session at The Salon at Ulta Beauty ahead of the store's opening on Michigan Avenue in Chicago. (Zbigniew Bzdak / Chicago Tribune)

Its not a full makeover, but to fit in with a new crowd  Chicagos Magnificent Mile  Ulta is trying on a bit of a new look.

The new look doesnt scream facelift or flagship  by design. But the store opening later this month on North Michigan Avenue just north of the Chicago River is a much higher-profile spot than the beauty retailers typical suburban stores, so its getting a few new touches.

The store, the chains 999th, will be among the first to get a MAC Cosmetics boutique and has more salon space than a typical Ulta, but CEO Mary Dillon said its not meant to be a flagship.

As Ulta continues adding roughly 100 stores each year and ventures into new territory with outlets in smaller towns and more visible urban shopping districts, the stores themselves should feel familiar. Eventually, Dillon expects the chain to operate 1,400 to 1,700 locations.

Were focused on a mindset, the customer we call the beauty enthusiast, and shes somebody who just loves beauty, loves to come in and try things and be the first to experience it in store and online, Dillon said. We dont see a big difference in guests, whether they live in a big city or not.

The Bolingbrook-based companys growth  in both locations and sales, which were up 14.3 percent at stores open at least 14 months and online in 2017s first quarter  makes it an outlier in the retail industry, where many established chains are pulling back on bricks-and-mortar stores.

Still, Dillon is confident that between overall growth in the beauty industry and Ultas ability to tap into the desires of its beauty junkie customers, Ulta wont join the ranks of retailers regretting aggressive expansions.

Its not just Ulta. As a category, beauty is a rare retail bright spot other companies have seized on to lure shoppers and boost flagging sales.

J.C. Penney announced plans last month to open 70 more mini-Sephora stores inside its department stores and expand its selection of products in stores and online.

In a news release, Chairman and CEO Marvin Ellison said J.C. Penneys approach to beauty is one of our biggest advantages over the competition.

Macys acquired luxury beauty retailer Bluemercury in 2015 and has been rapidly opening standalone stores and outposts in its department stores. Even fast-fashion retailer Forever 21 is getting in the beauty game, with plans to open Riley Rose beauty boutiques in 13 malls by 2018.

Sephora saw double-digit growth in revenue and profits last year and continues to open new stores, according to parent company LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton.

Evercore ISI analysts likened Ulta and Sephoras place in the beauty industry to that of Home Depot and Lowes or Nike and Adidas, deeming Ultas most recent results otherworldly in a May report.

U.S. sales of beauty and personal care products topped $85.1 billion in 2016, up 4.2 percent from 2015, according to Euromonitor International.

Thats attractive for Ulta, but seems likely to catch the attention of Amazon, too, analysts at KeyBanc Capital Markets wrote in an April report.

In the short term, Amazon doesnt seem to pose much of a threat, the analysts said. Ulta focuses on the customers who enjoy coming to its stores and trying out products, and salon services still need to happen in person.

That could change over the long term, especially if Amazon decides to make a concerted effort to build its share of the beauty business, as it has in apparel sales, they said. If history is any guide, when Amazon does choose to focus on a category, it can be a significantly disruptive force, KeyBanc analysts wrote.

But until Amazon can match Ultas selection at prices low enough to outweigh the perks of Ultas loyalty program and overall experience, its hard to see Ulta shoppers defecting, the KeyBanc analysts wrote.

That loyalty program is one way the company is trying to encourage customers to do more of their beauty spending at Ulta.

And even though Dillon doesnt think e-commerce will ever replace the in-store experience, Ulta is trying to grow its online business.

Customers who shop both online and in stores spend nearly three times more than store-only shoppers, she said during a recent call with investors.

Online shoppers are also often trying something new, frequently in response to a special offer designed to spur an extra buy, Dillon said.

Even as Ulta works on making it easier to buy online, its website and apps wont replace the stores anytime soon, Dillon said.

Its going to continue to evolve, but the need for that human experience never goes away, she said.

lzumbach@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @laurenzumbach
Seems like everyone's turbocharging these days. Even Ferrari, who hasn't used a turbo on its midengine cars since the late '80s, has decided to turbocharge its 488 GTB supercar. Why is it a big deal in the rarefied supercar world?

Well, the 458 Italia which preceded the 488 GTB was universally loved for its raucous, screaming V-8 engine and lightning-fast response to stabs of the gas. These are two things normally lost when using turbos.

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To find out if the latest midengine supercar from the folks in Italy had lost any charm, we took one for a spin, and our heart rates still haven't dropped.

As soon as you slide into the carbon fiber seats, it becomes clear the 488 GTB has more in common with a race car than a road car. The steering wheel wouldn't seem out of place in a Formula One car, with all of the buttons needed to operate the car within reach of your hands without moving from the nine and three o'clock positions. There is even an F1-style LED light bar on the top edge of the wheel that tells you when to shift.

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The engine can output a colossal 661 horsepower and 561 pound-feet of torque, which is good for a 0-60 time of 3 seconds dead. There is so much torque in fact, that Ferrari doesn't let you have it all until you are in top gear. In an effort to increase drivability and reduce needless wheel spin, a system called variable torque management limits the engine's torque until the seventh gear is engaged.

Acceleration is nothing short of violent. The low-end thrust provided by the titanium-aluminum turbochargers forces your head into the headrest, thrusting the horizon toward you as if you were Han Solo in the Millennium Falcon. The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission shifts so rapidly that it feels like getting kicked in the back by a mule. However, don't be fooled into thinking that the 488 is unwieldy at conventional speeds. In fully automatic mode the transmission is incredibly smooth and the shifts are not really noticeable.

How does this all feel? Every journey taken in the car is theatrical. The noise of the engine can be heard for miles, affording pedestrians enough time to ready their smartphones to record. The aerodynamically optimized body lines are stunning from any angle, drawing comment from even those who couldn't care less about cars.

Advanced systems with head-scratching acronyms are abundant in the 488 GTB. Technologies such as F1-Trac, E-Diff, SSC2 and DRS are all designed to help give the car as much grip and performance as possible when on track. It's not only electronic and mechanical magic that helps the Ferrari perform, the 488 GTB has more aerodynamic downforce than its predecessor, pushing you into the ground 50 percent harder than before. This is achieved without any gaudy wings or brash adornments too. Instead, Ferrari engineered clever scoops and flow channels into the bodywork itself. For example, air is channeled over the roof and down past the engine cover into a blown spoiler coming out the center of the rear bumper. This internal spoiler reduces the need for large rear-wing appendages, and even reduces drag, making it faster. The aero tech doesn't stop here; the 488 GTB makes use of active aerodynamics, a technology also found on Ferrari F1 cars. The diffuser sitting under the rear bumper can deploy fins at high straight-line speeds to 'stall' the diffuser, creating a drag reduction effect, allowing you to reach higher speeds.

All of this performance doesn't come cheap. The base price for a 488 GTB comes in at $245,400, but nobody buys a base Ferrari. Our test car had an exhaustive list of optional extras that elevated the outlay to $351,283  that's a price difference of a fully loaded Corvette Z06 and some change. However, it wouldn't be prudent to compare the two; the Ferrari is more than a bunch of numbers. It's a technological masterpiece, a work of art and a status symbol. If you want for attention, look no further than a red supercar with a prancing horse badge. Compare it with the closest rivals and we see that the 488 GTB is the driver's choice. The Aston Martin DB11 is a GT car first and foremost, and a pretty one at that. However, it would be left for dead by the 488 GTB on any stretch of asphalt. The Lamborghini Huracan does have a better soundtrack, thanks to its free-breathing V-10, but still suffers from a damped driving dynamic thanks to its all-wheel drive system.

So, has turbocharging the 488 GTB ruined the flagship midengine Ferrari? Not at all. Thanks to borrowing expertise from the Formula One and GT racing branches of the company, Ferrari has managed to practically eliminate the issue of turbo lag associated with turbocharging engines. Plus, the low-down torque provided by the space-age turbos is unrivaled by free-breathing motors, and thrusts the 488 GTB into a whole new level of automotive performance. It has the looks, the pedigree and the performance.

Michael Whiteley is a freelance writer.

Ferrari 488 GTB at a glance

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Vehicle type: Supercar

Base price: $245,400

As tested: $351,283

0-60 mph: 3 seconds

Engine: 661-horsepower 3.9-liter twin-turbo V-8

Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch

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Parting shot: The 488 GTB is the must-have midengine supercar.
Lake Station firefighters bowed their heads during a city council meeting June 8 for a moment of silence for fallen firefighter Lt. David Jatczak, one of the department's leaders and a key trainer.

Jatczak, 57, suffered an apparent heart attack at home after responding to a fire call on June 1.

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Firefighters from across the state converged on Lake Station June 7 for Jatczak's funeral at Edison Jr.-Sr. High School.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the Jatczak family and friends," said Mayor Christopher Anderson. He praised the city's firefighters for working around the clock to coordinate the details for Jatczak's funeral. "It was an amazing ceremony," he said.

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Even though he died at home, Jatczak's death is considered a "line of duty" death because of the time frame, said Fire Chief Chuck Fazekas.

Jatczak responded to a call June 1 and when his car wouldn't start, he ran to the fire station that's a few blocks from his home. After he returned from the call, he collapsed at home, Fazekas said.

Brenda Jatczak said her husband slumped over on a couch. She started cardio pulmonary resuscitation until an ambulance arrived.

"When I came home, I thought he looked tired. He said he was fine and gave me that big, goofy grin," she remembered. "At least he was with me."

The couple met 23 years when they worked together at a local pet store. They married 20 years ago. Brenda Jatczak already had four children that her new husband helped raise.

"My kids just adored him, he did magic tricks for them. All the memories are absolutely amazing, he was a jokester from the get-go, there was never a day he didn't make me smile."

Jatczak worked for the Pekron Co., an outside consulting firm based at the ArcelorMittal steel mill in East Chicago.

Fazekas said Jatczak joined the Lake Station Volunteer Fire Department about nine years ago. He previously served as fire protection deputy chief with IUPUI. He also worked for the ArcelorMittal fire department and the College Park, Md., fire department.

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"He was a wealth of knowledge, he brought a lot to the table," said Fazekas. He was one of the lead instructors on the fire department."

Jatczak is survived by his wife and children Bobby Thompson and Brian Thompson, both of Valparaiso; Traci Gillis of Wisconsin and Tina Gillis of Valparaiso. He was buried at Calvary Cemetery in Portage.

Carole Carlson is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
Jason Paskewitz, whose French cooking at The Blanchard earned the the Tribune's Dining Award for Best New Restaurant in 2016, will turn Pearl Tavern into Pearl Brasserie. (E. Jason Wambsgans / Chicago Tribune)

Chef Jason Paskewitz is bringing his French cuisine to the Loop.

The chef will be a partner at Pearl Tavern (180 N. Wacker Drive) but will change the seafood restaurant's focus and its name.

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"It'll no longer be Pearl Tavern," Paskewitz said, "but I'm keeping the name Pearl, which I love. It will be Pearl Brasserie, or Pearl with 'a brasserie' in smaller letters."

Apart from a recent brief, two-month stint at Ocean Cut, Paskewitz is best known for creating The Blanchard, a critically acclaimed restaurant in Lincoln Park. In 2016, The Blanchard was named the Chicago Tribune's Best New Restaurant, won the Jean Banchet Awards' Best New Restaurant and was a James Beard Foundation Best New Restaurant semifinalist.

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Paskewitz's time at The Blanchard ended during a lawsuit, filed by the majority partner, alleging misuse of company funds. That lawsuit has since been settled (the details guarded by confidentiality agreements); Paskewitz remains a minority partner in The Blanchard.

"I'm sure people will have their reservations and comments (about the new venture)," Paskewitz said, "but this isn't a side project or a consulting job. This is the next step in my career."

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Paskewitz will be joined by Steve Carrow, former bar director at Naha, Brindille and most recently The Lunatic, The Lover & The Poet; Carrow will be Pearl Brasserie's general manager and beverage director.

The chef raved about the space's potential.

"This is my mini-Balthazar (a venerable New York restaurant) in the Loop," he said. "There's no other restaurant on the planet that I've more wanted to replicate."

Among Paskewitz's plans: Breakfast service (in addition to lunch and dinner), Saturday hours (Pearl Tavern was always closed Saturday and Sunday) and developing the property's 120-foot riverfront patio.

"Aesthetically, I don't have to do a thing on the inside," he said. "It's beautiful."

The new restaurant will make its debut July 14, which is Bastille Day and, not so coincidentally, the date that Paskewitz opened The Blanchard in 2015.

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Phil Vettel is a Tribune critic.






Bibimbap is a mix of rice with one protein and six veggies of your choice  here, beef bulgogi with pickled radish, carrots, steamed spinach, mushrooms, squash and bean sprouts. Add an egg for an extra $1.25. (Phil Velasquez/Chicago Tribune )

KorFusion just might be Chicago's best restaurant located in a gas station. To clarify, when I say in a gas station, I don't mean that there's a counter dishing out bulgogi right next to the aisle hawking candy and Combos. KorFusion is its own restaurant, with its own entrance, but it's in the same brick building as a Mobil station. Glance out the front windows, and take in the view of a bunch of gas pumps. "The location is not ideal," admits co-owner Peter Chung.

Inside is a different story. Sleek and spare, with just a few tables in the corner, a spartan counter with bar stools by the window, and a flat-screen TV menu that would make McDonald's proud, the space feels more like a trendy Wicker Park spot than a restaurant in a gas station across the street from the former Cabrini-Green housing project. Of course, there's a Target and luxury condos where one of the housing projects used to stand, so perhaps being confused is just part of the deal.

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Speaking of which, it's hard to look at KorFusion's name and not think of the word confusion. The restaurant's name is actually an amalgamation of Korea and fusion, as in fusion cuisine. But you know what some people jokingly call fusion cuisine in general? Confusion cuisine. The problem is that most fusion places try to hammer two cuisines together without doing either particularly well. KorFusion fortunately avoids this issue by being a Korean restaurant first and foremost, with some Mexican and American accents on the side.

KorFusion also has two veterans in the kitchen: Peter Chung's mom and dad, Grace and Paul Chung. Peter, a former Army engineer officer and current account manager at a software company, has no restaurant experience, but his parents "had a very traditional Korean restaurant in the northern suburbs called Shabuya," he says. "But (mom) had some health issues, and they had to sell it a few years ago." Working with his parents, he developed the idea of a fast-casual Korean restaurant to help them get back into the kitchen.

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Korean-style tacos ($8 for three) and burritos ($9 each) work better than other Mexican/Korean combos in town, thanks to well-marinated meat, such as beef bulgogi or grilled pork, plus an incredible variety of vegetable toppings  more than 15, including Korean staples like pickled carrots, pickled radish, steamed spinach and bean sprouts. You'll also find a couple of surprises, including a tomato salsa and an extra-crunchy Korean-influenced giardiniera.

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With so many options  taco, burrito, rice bowl or bibimbap; chicken, beef or pork bulgogi, grilled pork or tofu; white rice, brown rice, kimchi fried rice or jap chae (Korean glass noodles); four sauces; all of those veggies  the ordering process feels slightly confusing at first. Good thing the staff on my visits was extremely helpful and polite. After a couple of trips, I was ready to order without hesitation.

Pack your burrito with kimchi fried rice, pork bulgogi, kale, carrots, spicy cucumber and giardiniera. (Phil Velasquez/Chicago Tribune )

First: the burrito. I spent January eating dozens of burritos around Chicago to find the city's best, and had KorFusion been open then, this one would have made the cut. I suggest packing yours with assertive kimchi fried rice and spicy pork bulgogi, along with crisp and acidic pickled carrot and radish.

The best way to experience the bountiful topping choices, though, is with the bibimbap ($10), which allows you to select six different vegetables and one protein to mix into the rice. The bowl arrives handsomely arranged, with all of the toppings neatly placed around the edges, allowing you to taste each component separately before mixing it all up. About the only criticism is that you'll have to pay extra ($1.25) to have an egg plopped on top, which is basically a requirement. During my visits, most people tended to go with a rice bowl ($8), which is essentially the bibimbap but with only three vegetable choices instead of six. An egg is a smart move here, too, as is the KorFusion spicy sauce, which brings more of a gentle burn than a full-on heat assault.

The restaurant, at 1234 N. Halsted St., is in the same building as a Mobil gas station. ( Phil Velasquez/Chicago Tribune )

Chung says that KorFusion's location "certainly didn't help in the beginning" but that business has picked up, especially at lunch. He hopes to open another location by the end of the year.

While his second KorFusion probably won't set up in a gas station, one could dream of a world where you could always fill up your tank and get a fine bowl of bibimbap too.

1234 N. Halsted St., Unit D, 312-929-3166, www.korfusion.com

nkindelsperger@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @nickdk






In film circles, the phrase turns up constantly in the marketing of revivals: "new 4k restoration." New's good, right? Naturally. All new things must be good. Or, at any rate, new.

Before we get into the weirdest movie Humphrey Bogart ever made, let's talk about that "4k restoration" phrase. Then we'll get into how it applies to the newly restored, eternally brazen 1953 oddity "Beat the Devil," opening June 30 at the Gene Siskel Film Center.

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"New 4k restoration" means a studio or an archive or a foundation has financed the cleanup and digital transfer of an existing movie. The restoration draws upon the best surviving elements of the film's original print negative, a duplicate negative and other materials.

The goal is to assemble "the fullest and best version of what's available," says Sony Pictures Executive Vice President Grover Crisp, who oversees the company's asset management, film restoration and digital mastering.

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A 4k restoration refers to a horizontal screen resolution of approximately 4,000 pixels. The more pixels, the more complex the visual detail. The more complex the detail, the more you can appreciate the creases, contours and general fabulousness of Bogart's face, or the fabric of the suits his co-stars are wearing.

A typical 4k restoration offers no new footage. It's simply the sharpest digital iteration of a movie available. Whether or not it represents the optimal viewing experience is a debate for another article; the warmth of celluloid versus the harder, arguably more clinical edge of high-def digital constitutes an ongoing aesthetic battle. Recent 4k restorations of "The Third Man" or "Taxi Driver" or "Blood Simple" bring out additional shadow detail and a heightened contrast in tones and hues. But in terms of the film itself, there's nothing NEW-new about them.

Then there's "Beat the Devil," restored last year and currently making the rounds at the nation's art and specialty houses. It is a uniquely punch-drunk champion in the annals of rogue cinema. And thanks to the timely discovery of the film's uncensored international version in a London vault, contemporary curiosity-seekers are treated to four additional minutes of footage; a reordered narrative chronology; the removal of some really lazy voice-over narration spoken by Bogart; and a clearer, better, brighter visual palette than "Beat the Devil" has had in decades.

"Only phonies like it," Bogart said. (His production company put up much of the money, and lost it.) The source was a 1949 book by Anglo-Scots journalist-turned-novelist Claud Cockburn, writing under the pseudonym James Helvick because of his Communist past. His story concerned a ragtag group of international swindlers colluding and colliding along the French Riviera. The ringleader is an American, Billy Dannreuther, whom Bogart played in the screen version.

Director John Huston hated the screenplay he was stuck with. One week prior to filming on location, with all his actors lined up and ready, he nearly bailed. But David O. Selznick, the mogul husband of "Beat the Devil" co-star Jennifer Jones, suggested that a young writer named Truman Capote come to Ravello, near Naples, and take a whack at a rewrite. Along with Jones, the cast included Gina Lollobrigida as Billy's Anglophile wife; Robert Morley as one of the comical ruffians; Peter Lorre, his hair dyed to look like Capote's, as an ex-Nazi going by the name of O'Hara; and assorted other eccentrics.

Much has been written about the way "Beat the Devil" came together, barely. Capote rewrote as fast as he could, every day. Huston devised elaborate camera setups to kill time while waiting for the script pages. The cast, other than Bogart, didn't realize the ruse.

"John and I," Capote later said, referring to Huston, "decided to kid the story, to treat it as a parody." Co-star Jones, whose fabulist character speaks like an Oscar Wilde creation out of "The Importance of Being Earnest," never understood what her character was supposed to be thinking, or saying, or feeling. The plot, as recooked by Capote and Huston, moved the story's action (dominated by talk) from France to Italy. It focused on Bogart and company conspiring to sail to Africa to buy a uranium mine. In large part, "Beat the Devil" is a movie about a group of castoffs waiting for their boat to sail.

The plot wasn't a plot; Capote himself called it "a so-called plot." The tone was peculiar, amusing to some, baffling to others. A censored, reordered and even less comprehensible version played U.S. theaters. "Strange indeed" is how the Chicago Daily Tribune reviewed it.

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Given the mass shrug greeting "Beat the Devil," how did it grow into a cult favorite, long before the latest restoration? Partly, it was due to a handful of critics (notably Pauline Kael) who responded to the movie's blithe artificiality and brazen indifference to playing by normal rules of screenwriting.

Last year, Sony Pictures' Crisp headed the restoration of "Beat the Devil," partnering with the Film Foundation and other funding sources.

"There are two kinds of restorations," he says. "One makes the film look as good as possible. The other is when the film, sadly, is in disarray, and is either deteriorating or pretty badly damaged, as this film was. There were parts missing. Our U.K. distributor came up with some missing footage, and the version they found in a vault in London was a revelation. It had all this other material in it, four minutes' worth. And that version told us, effectively, how we should put it all back together."

Result: The new introductory scenes focus on Jones' character in an intriguing way. The Bogart narration vanishes. The flashback structure is no more. Certain sexual aspects of the so-called storyline come through more clearly now, including dialogue about Jones waiting for Bogart to make a pass at her, and a rhyming scene (the movie tiptoes up to a double infidelity) featuring an outrageous shot of Lollobrigida's cleavage, unseen by U.S. audiences in 1953.

Fans and detractors of "Beat the Devil" can probably agree: Huston's movie was more fun to make than it was to watch. The shoot never stopped stumbling. One night, Huston fell off a cliff, a 40-foot cliff, and somehow didn't hurt himself. Bogart messed up his teeth in a car accident.

The movie in progress became a party. Famous people dropped by for a few days, drank, made merry and left again. The young, unpaid clapper boy on the shoot was always playing piano when he could; his name was Stephen Sondheim. "He liked to tinkle away on the out-of-tune piano in the hotel," recalled script supervisor Angela Allen, years later. "I said, 'I think that young man is going to go a long way.' And everyone told me how stupid I was."

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Like Orson Welles' "The Lady From Shanghai" a few years earlier, "Beat the Devil" bent and stretched audience expectations to the snapping point. This is why it works so weirdly well for some people today, especially in this 4k restoration.

"When I saw it this time," says the Film Center's associate programming director Martin Rubin, "I saw it very much as a postwar atomic age film. The world's a mess, it's all going to blow up, so anything goes. There's a playful nihilism in it. And it's so self-referential. The way these characters are trying to put together their uranium scheme is like Huston and Capote trying to put together 'Beat the Devil,' right there on the spot."

"Beat the Devil," June 30-July 5, Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State St.; www.siskelfilmcenter.org.

Michael Phillips is a Chicago Tribune critic.

mjphillips@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @phillipstribune

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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)
Jane Bunnett and Maqueque perform at Jazz Showcase in support of their sophomore album "Oddara" on Thursday, June 15th, 2017. (Brittany Sowacke / Chicago Tribune)

Each time Jane Bunnett brings her Maqueque band to Chicago, the ensemble sounds more majestic than before.

In 2015, the Canadian flutist-saxophonist and her all-female Cuban colleagues made a bit of history at the Chicago Jazz Festival, appearing here just weeks after the United States reopened its embassy in Havana. The performance deftly merged traditional Cuban idioms with contemporary jazz improvisation.

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The following year, Maqueque made its first Chicago club appearance at the Jazz Showcase, noticeably enriching the repertoire on its self-titled recording debut ("Maqueque" translates to "'the spirit of a young girl' in the Afro-Cuban dialect," according to the album's liner notes).

And on Thursday night, Maqueque returned to the Showcase to celebrate the release of its follow-up album, "Oddara," the band finessing arrangements of considerable complexity while producing solos as soulful as they were virtuosic.

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Considering the nature of past performances, it was no surprise that Bunnett and Maqueque launched the evening at full throttle and built from there. "Little Feet," the opening selection on the album, began with a brawny, declamatory theme and quickly led to Bunnett's characteristically hard-blowing improvisations on soprano saxophone. Violinist Elizabeth Rodriguez, who had made her first performance with the band during last year's Showcase engagement, sang in unison with her fiddle lines over pulsing percussion from the rest of the ensemble.

There was only way to go from here  slower and softer  which explained the gently swaying rhythms and ornately detailed phrase-making of the title track on the "Maqueque" album. Here Bunnett turned in intricate figurations on flute while most of the rest of the band chanted urgently alongside her. The most impressive solo came from pianist Danae Olano, whose work had shown a classical tinge last year but this time bristled with spontaneous invention.

Throughout the evening, in fact, Olano left no doubt that she has made significant strides musically, her pianism punctuated by unpredictable rhythms, unexpected silences, consistently complex chords and a tempestuous manner expressed across the full range of the keyboard.

Bunnett offered her most daring work by far in "Tormenta," from the "Maqueque" album, particularly in an extensive duet passage with drummer Yissy Garcia. The latter's relentless, rhythmic drive apparently inspired Bunnett to push hard on soprano saxophone via gales of sound, unconventional harmony and ample technical feats.

Not everything in this set, however, was about Cuban fire. In "La Flamenca Maria," from the new album, violinist Rodriguez and percussionist Magdelys Savigne also served as vocal duo, Rodriguez's imploring soprano radiantly supported by Savigne's throaty alto. To encounter these two voices blending and intertwining  while Bunnett provided melodic embellishment on flute  was to hear kindred spirits at work.

"El Chivo," also from the new recording, cast a spotlight on pianist Olano, her expansive solo combining rhapsodic melodic gestures with sharp-edged rhythmic syntax. In essence, this was the centerpiece of "El Chivo."

Some of the most accessible music on the "Maqueque" album had unfolded in Bill Withers' "Ain't No Sunshine When She's Gone," Bunnett and friends gently twinning American and Cuban musical sensibilities. On this night, they took a similar approach with Leon Russell's "Song for You," alternating the famous melody with distinctly Cuban interjections. One might have thought the results would be disjointed, but the back-and-forth between wordless, three-part vocals and Savigne's gorgeous interpretation of Russell's original proved surprisingly natural and persuasive.

With Celia Jimenez articulating imperturbable rhythms on electric bass and adding vocal lines of her own, Maqueque sounded fuller than the sum of its parts. Better still, these musicians stretched beyond past achievements, to striking effect.

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Howard Reich is a Tribune critic.

hreich@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @howardreich

When: 8 and 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 4, 8 and 10 p.m. Sunday

Where: Jazz Showcase, 806 S. Plymouth Court

Tickets: $25-$40; 312-360-0234 or www.jazzshowcase.com

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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)
In their fascinating analysis of the algorithm used by the authorities to predict gun violence in Chicago, the journalists and crime analysts Jeff Asher and Rob Arthur argue that people are often wrong in their assumptions about what factors are the best predictors of violent crime.

Aside from age, the pair wrote in The New York Times this week ("Inside the Algorithm That Tries to Predict Gun Violence in Chicago"), the best predictor is not gang membership (a frequent incorrect assumption), past drug use or the number of a citizen's previous arrests. It's having previously been the victim of a violent crime. Further, they write, the real risk scores are sometimes at odds with the Chicago Police Department's own public statements.

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To put it more simply, their analysis finds that if someone has tried to shoot you in the past, the data clearly show that you're now far more likely to try to shoot someone else in the future.

Chicago, then, is in the throes of a culture  maybe not so much retributive as reactive  that is killing people, sometimes multiple people, almost every day.

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The existence of that culture hardly will have been news to people like the University of Chicago physician Doriane Miller, whose play, "It Shoudda Been Me" at the eta Creative Arts Foundation, I wrote about in 2012.

I wrote about it because Miller called up and said she was on her way to Tribune Tower. She came to say that it was crucial to focus not only on the victims of gun violence but also the traumatized bystanders who had seen their friends and relatives get shot. She had found there was enormous reluctance among her patients to talk about having been a victim. Yet in order to prevent further violence, she was convinced that those people were the ones who had to be reached, especially since there was so little likelihood of help from social services in the state of Illinois.

She had become determined to force that conversation, and that was where she saw a role for the arts: the creation of a therapeutic space with just enough fictional and structural remove that it would encourage those victims to talk. Prompting them to open up would become the purpose of the art.

We had that discussion  which I've never forgotten  in 2012. Since then, my colleagues at this paper and others have written a great deal about the role of the arts in the prevention of gun violence. A good number of dedicated and courageous arts professionals, of all races and ages, have dedicated themselves, often very quietly, to working to those ends. There have been many plays on the subject. Yet if you look at the latest CompStat statistics, the number of murders in Chicago between 2012 and 2016 rose by 73 percent.

On Friday, many people in the arts were to attend a celebration of the altruistic young life of Xavier Joy, the young man who was gunned down June 8 near his Woodlawn apartment; his family told reporters that they believed it was a consequence of someone wanting his cellphone. Joy, who was 23, had mentored and helped young people through the City Year Chicago corps of volunteers, which reacted to his death with palpable anguish. His father is Ra Joy, of Change Illinois and the former head of the Arts Alliance Illinois. I know the senior Joy well; most everyone with a professional interest in the arts in Chicago does. He is a tireless advocate for everything Miller was discussing, and for the need for the arts to be on the forefront of change. He is a tireless advocate for civility and inclusivity. He and his family now are living through the unimaginable.

Does that increase in murders mean Miller was wrong? Of course not. Her argument, couched in humanistic and artistic terms, has just been starkly quantified by the algorithm. What it means is that no one has been listening to her.

I'd argue that there have been too many distractions. And I'd further argue that the current president's open embrace of a reactive, retributive culture, which has been disastrous for America and seems set to get only worse, is in grave danger of being adopted by an increasingly intolerant left.

For example, it is perfectly possible to note that a work of art that features a metaphoric assassination of the sitting president of the United States (such as in the Public Theater's "Julius Caesar" in New York) would be distressing to his family and to corporations whose mandate is not to offend their customers  even if the use of such a metaphor was hardly unique and actually intended to decry such an act. Not everyone is that sophisticated. Artistic representations of the murder of living persons, presidential or otherwise, must be approached with great caution, which is not to say that they are not sometimes valid. It is wise, though, to remember what Miller has to say about the power of symbolic remove to get people talking about what pains them in the present.

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And yes, you can say that while still standing up in favor of any artist or writer's sacred American right to produce creative work in any way they desire, and even to produce work that offends other Americans.

With his appallingly expedient tweet linking that "Julius Caesar" production to Wednesday's shooting in Alexandria, Va., by a man from Belleville, Ill., the president's son Donald Trump Jr. fanned those flames, putting in motion one more cycle of reactive intolerance. All this in the same week that Megyn Kelly interviewed Alex Jones, a man who did not let the existence of the bodies of kindergartners stop him from questioning whether the Sandy Hook massacre happened. If you were one of those parents, your rage at the provision of such a platform would be unimaginable by anyone who has not been there.

Kelly is free to exercise her First Amendment rights. But like so much these recent, very challenging days, the lack of judgment and compassion does not aid our democracy.

Chris Jones is a Tribune critic.

cjones5@chicagotribune.com

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"Aladdin" 

"Aladdin," the most frenetic and cartoonish of Disney's screen-to-stage musicals, officially opened its first national tour in Chicago at the Cadillac Palace Theatre. And Adam Jacobs, his gleaming white teeth, his charming costar Isabelle McCalla as Princess Jasmine and the rest have all acquired a little more attention to veracity and Broadway chops since this show's first turn on the rialto. The new "Aladdin" crew is committed and fun, which you would expect, but they also bring more emotional depth to a show naturally inclined to remain in the shallow end of the pool. You can't beat catching a first-class Equity tour right at the start. Through Sept. 10 at the Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph St.; $44-$153 at 800-775-2000 or broadwayinchicago.com

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"Black Pearl: A Tribute to Josephine Baker"  1/2

In 1925, the hugely talented young Josephine Baker moved to France to appear in "La Revue Negre," but her switch to French citizenship came at a price. Which is clear in Black Ensemble Theater's very moving biographical musical that represents perhaps the best writing I've seen in 25 years of watching the stories of black musical legends at this venerable theater. And it features dynamite performances from Joan Ruffin as the older version of Baker and Aeriel Williams as her impetuous younger self. Williams, a newcomer, can sing every note of the Baker repertoire and can dance the Charleston to within an inch of her life. Through June 18 at Black Ensemble Theater, 4450 N. Clark St.; $55-$65 at 773-769-4451 or blackensembletheater.org

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"Blue Man Group"  1/2

"Blue Man Group" has been playing at Briar Street Theatre since 1997, a remarkable run of 20 years. There have been only two major overhauls in that time; the latest adds selfie sticks, new music and a livelier finale. I'd argue the Blue Men need a bigger overhaul  they still chomp marshmallows, bang drums and paint up audience members  but this remains a fine gateway for the young into the arts. If you've never had the pleasure, go. Open run at the Briar Street Theatre, 3133 N. Halsted St.; $49-$69 at ticketmaster.com

"Bright Half Life"  1/2

The more you love another person, the more you have to lose. That's the paradox in Tanya Barfield's moving two-character play "Bright Half Life," the story of a lesbian relationship from the first meeting to sad end. Elizabeth Ledo imbues her Erica with such a force of affection that she raises the stakes of this show, produced by About Face under the direction of Keira Fromm. The much cagier Vicky is played by Patrese McClain. You spend your 90 minutes fearing for Erica and hoping against hope for both of these women, and it's also a play designed for you to compare what you are watching with what you know in your own relationships. Whoever you may be. Through July 1 at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave.; $40 at 773-975-8150 or aboutfacetheatre.com

"Chicago" 

William Osetek, the director of the highly entertaining new production of "Chicago" at the Drury Lane Theatre, finally got the rights to this most deliciously cynical of American musicals  you could see years of pent-up ideas crammed on stage, along with a lot of talent, excitement and raw desire. E. Faye Butler knocks us back in our seats with "When You're Good to Mama." And Kelly Felthous plays the unfortunate murderess Roxie as very much a lost soul until she wises up to her situation. She and Alena Watters' Velma are a study in contrasts, which is what Kander and Ebb originally intended. Through June 18 at Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace; $45-$60 at 630-530-0111 or drurylanetheatre.com

"Fantastic Super Great Nation Numero Uno"  1/2

"Fantastic Super Great Nation Numero Uno" is an inclusive and warmhearted new e.t.c. Theater show, directed by Ryan Bernier, that takes a broad view of the moment. There have been edgier revues on the e.t.c. stage, but this crew is so funny you worry some coastal talent-spotters soon will steal them away. Alan Linic plays a Cubs fans who slept through everything that has happened since. Katie Klein's old-school parody of affirmative women's daytime talk shows  "What's Up Girl?"  is probably the richest material of the night. Open run in Second City e.t.c. Theater in Piper's Alley, 1618 N. Wells St.; $19-$46 at 312-664-4032 or secondcity.com

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"Hamilton" 

This Broadway show has given Chicago a Chicago-style production. The heartland "Hamilton" is performed by players mostly younger and less experienced than the original New York cast and is less flashy. But it is more in touch with the fundamental scrappiness of the early years of a rebel colony turned into a spectacular democratic experiment. And in a city whose native theater is founded on truth, it is somehow very much more human and vulnerable. That Chicago-style sensibility is led by Miguel Cervantes, the superb actor in the title role. This is a company that deserves to be embraced. Open run at PrivateBank Theatre, 18 W. Monroe St.; $65-$400 at 800-775-2000 or broadwayinchicago.com

"Ideation"  1/2

Aaron Loeb's tense, blisteringly smart "Ideation" unfolds with enough dramatic tension in director Gus Menary's Jackalope Theatre production to propel anybody outside the box. A group of MBA types gather in a conference room, tasked with a big new project. But even as they synergize and incentivize, they're confused as to what the project is about. The disposal of bodies? This is a high-stakes show, with a compelling cast, and it raises all sorts of questions. Does morality have a place at the table? Through June 17 at Broadway Armory Park, 5917 N. Broadway; $25 at jackalopetheatre.org

"The Mystery of Love & Sex" 

The two young people in Bathsheba Doran's compassionate play are what's often called soul mates. Charlotte (Hayley Burgess) and Jonny (Travis Turner) are longtime girl-and-boy friends who, as they head off to college, are exploring their own sexuality and trying to figure out if they are gay. She's Jewish, he's African-American. But this play is not just about their relationship, it deepens in Act 2 and brings in conflicts with Charlotte's parents, as well as the power and necessity for reconciliation. Through July 2 in the Gillian Theatre at Writers Theatre, 325 Tudor Court, Glencoe; $35-$80 at 847-242-6000 or writerstheatre.org

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"Parade"  1/2

Director Gary Griffin has created a fresh and relevant new production of Alfred Uhry and Jason Robert Brown's "Parade," a 1998 Broadway musical about the 1913 trial, abduction and lynching of Jewish factory manager Leo Frank in Atlanta. Many great musicals feature a community under stress, pulling together. In many ways, "Parade" turns that device on its ear. The community of Atlanta is under stress, all right  everyone in power feels "a rumblin' and a rollin'" coming from the North. Frank is played with passion and ferment by Patrick Andrews, but it is Brianna Borger as his wife, Lucille, whose work anchors this show. Through July 9 at Writers Theatre, 325 Tudor Court, Glencoe; $35-$80 at 847-242-6000 or writerstheatre.org

"Paradise Blue" 

Black Bottom, the east side neighborhood of Detroit that once was the center of African-American life in that city, was the kind of place where a musician could play with dignity, as noted in Dominique Morisseau's play "Paradise Blue." That was before the community was razed to make way for Interstate 75. "Paradise Blue" is set in 1949 in a jazz club owned by Blue (Al'Jaleel McGhee), a gifted trumpeter who faces so many racial obstacles that he becomes dangerous to himself, his girlfriend Pumpkin (Kristen E. Ellis) and the pals, Corn (Ronald L. Conner) and P-Sam (Charles Andrew Gardner), who hang around in his Paradise. It's also filled with the music and longing of composer Orbert Davis in director Ron OJ Parson's languid TimeLine production. Through July 23 at TimeLine Theatre Company; 615 W. Wellington Ave.; $38-$51 at 773-281-8463 or timelinetheatre.com

"Pass Over" 

In the insanity of a city filled with guns, waiting isn't so much a malaise as a badge of survival  that's one of the takeaways of Antoinette Nwandu's "Pass Over," a very potent and promising world premiere that could carry the reductive tagline, "Waiting for Godot Meets Black Lives Matter." Nwandu writes of Moses (Jon Michael Hill) and Kitch (Julian Parker), two young black men who pass their time on a street corner. Every so often, they have to dodge stray bullets. This play layers on a lot of symbolism and social critique; the third character in the trifecta of race and power is Mister (Ryan Hallahan), a white man in a light suit. But Nwandu clearly wants to confront her audiences. Through July 9 in the Steppenwolf Upstairs Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted St.; $20-$89 at 312-335-1650 or steppenwolf.org

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"Ragtime" 

"Ragtime" is the musical based on E.L. Doctorow's 1975 novel, with a book by Terrence McNally, music by Stephen Flaherty and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens. It's about many things at the turn of the 20th century, including the American sin of racism and the plight of immigrants. But it is fundamentally a show about change. Director Scott Weinstein's non-Equity show is my favorite of the several small "Ragtime" revivals here over the years, with a palpable commitment to the story. He gets his talented young cast out into the audience, delivering Flaherty's gorgeous music. Through July 16 at the Den Theatre, 1333 N. Milwaukee Ave.; $39 at 866-811-4111 or griffintheatre.com

"Relativity" 

Albert Einstein is an ideal role for America's oldest active union actor Mike Nussbaum, the new show by Northlight Theatre reveals. Watch Nussbaum in a heady, talky play like this one  with Einstein very much at the center of the drama  and you leave shaking your head in amazement. Nussbaum, I swear, is as unique as was the man he plays. But aside from Einstein, the play is about the relationship of Professor E=MC2 with his daughter. You get to ponder some of life's ironies  and the morality of old Einstein himself  while finding yourself back in the parking lot just 70 minutes later. Through June 25 at North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie; $30-$81 at 847-673-6300 or northlight.org

"She Loves Me"  1/2

Emotional intimacy can be tricky at the Marriott Theatre and its in-the-round auditorium. But director Aaron Thielen's very lovely new production of the 1963 musical "She Loves Me" manages to carve out an exception for itself. This charming show  the book is by Joe Masteroff, music by Jerry Bock and lyrics are by Sheldon Harnick  is set mostly inside an old-school perfumery. The characters are ordinary folks striving to have successful romantic relationships, including the main couple, both clerks in the shop. You really care about these two, not the least because Alex Goodrich and Elizabeth Telford turn in such honest, vulnerable and realistic performances. This is perhaps Thielen's best work at the Marriott. Through June 18 at the Marriott Theatre, 100 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire; $50 to $60 at 847-634-0200 or marriotttheatre.com

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"Spamilton"  1/2

With "Spamilton," the savvy parodist Gerard Alessandrini ("Forbidden Broadway") has come roaring back in a new, local production ideally timed for Chicago, delivering nonstop laughs to anyone with enough knowledge of "Hamilton" to get the gags. The famous "blue-collar/shining beacon/Puerto Rican" is played by Yando Lopez, an actor with a better vocal instrument than Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Eric Andrew Lewis blows out the room as Aaron Burr. It's a fair criticism to say that Alessandrini is perhaps too much in love with the real "Hamilton" to really skewer the show, but there's guaranteed fun here for Miranda obsessives. Open run at the Royal George Cabaret Theatre, 1641 N. Halsted St.; $59-$99 at 312-988-9000 or spamilton.com

"Tony n' Tina's Wedding" 

I actually had a blast at this semiscripted affair that employs 23 actors to play members of the two feuding families joining in holy matrimony. Don't judge without going. Still, I wouldn't be recommending this thing if it were just like last time. The difference this time around is that the show begins in an actual Chicago church, where the congregants are to be commended for their sense of humor, and the scale and quality of the Chicago improv community (not all of whom are in the first blush of youth) have improved vastly in the years since I last saw this show. It's a rough, tough, divisive world out there. Here, everyone was having fun. Go in a group. Open run at Resurrection Church, 3309 N. Seminary Ave.; $75-$85 at 773-327-3778 or tonylovestina.com







Watch the latest movie trailers.

Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 126 Woody introduces the gang to a homemade spork toy with self-esteem issues in "Toy Story 4." Read the review. (Pixar / AP)
It's no wonder Catherine Lacey's 2014 debut, "Nobody is Ever Missing," was widely admired. A smart, slightly off-kilter account of a young woman's experiences after she leaves both her husband and comfortable Manhattan life to travel aimlessly through New Zealand, it called to mind both Sylvia Plath's "The Bell Jar" and Sheila Heti's "How Should a Person Be?"

When an author's debut is a voice-driven first-person novel, there's an expectation, just or not, that her second novel will be wider in scope, more "ambitious." In many ways, Lacey's new novel, "The Answers," fits that bill. At the very least, it demonstrates that Lacey is capable of ventriloquizing well beyond the quirky-insightful voice of "Nobody is Ever Missing."

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"The Answers" features a large cast, and Lacey's depictions of everyone from Kurt, a narcissistic, pseudointellectual movie actor, to Matheson, Kurt's devoted assistant, are deliciously shrewd. (One of Matheson's duties is to take Kurt's middle of the night calls. Kurt would "sleepily relay a dream while Matheson typed it into a document forwarded to Kurt's psychoanalyst.")

The responses Kurt elicits in women are also well-observed. An ex-girlfriend, for example, was repulsed by his alarm that the Sept. 11 attacks might jeopardize funding for his movie project. As they argue, Kurt's defensiveness is laced with acidity: "He realized," he tells her, "he wasn't experiencing the attack in the (BEGIN ITAL)emotionally penetrable(END ITAL) way that she was." When she begins to sob, he demands she "listen to what I'm saying for once instead of obsessing over your own emotional reality." This isn't the stuff of easy, overly broad satire - it's devastating because, damning as it is, it feels accurate.

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Kurt is not the novel's protagonist, though. That would be Mary, a young woman raised in Tennessee, first by zealously religious parents who home-schooled her from a backwoods cabin and then, more conventionally, by an aunt. In her 20s, Mary developed a love of travel that has, at the outset of "The Answers," left her deeply in debt and working a dead-end job.

She is also suffering from maladies. Doctors haven't been able to help, and when the book opens, she begins a strange but apparently effective - and expensive - New Age-y treatment. To pay for her treatments, she gets involved in a high-tech experiment run by Kurt and a team of scientists, known simply as the Research Division. In the experiment, a slew of women tend to Kurt's various romantic needs while wearing sensors to track their brain activity. Mary is hired to be Kurt's "Emotional Girlfriend."

During the course of the experiment, Mary's best friend, Chandra, goes missing. Then there's a plotline concerning another of Kurt's hired girlfriends, the "Anger Girlfriend," who takes to following Mary menacingly around town. In the midst of all this, Mary goes back to Tennessee to confront her past.

Does this sound like a lot? It is. Scene by scene, the book is mostly well done. In Tennessee, for example, Mary faces her once fearsome father. Now old and broken, he tells her, "I didn't ask for this. I never asked to be alone like this. There was supposed to be a family, more children. No one was supposed to be alone." The effectiveness of this scene takes one by surprise; until this point, Mary's unusual upbringing has been referred to but not really developed, and the moment itself takes place amid a crowded jumble of plotlines.

With so many story lines, it's almost inevitable that not all are resolved by book's end. We never do find out, for example, what happened to some of the characters or how others are connected to one another. Even Mary's state of mind is a bit opaque. Instead of seeming like a clever subversion of narrative expectations, this non-resolution resolution feels like a missed opportunity. Lacey is an extremely talented writer, but "The Answers" is a little less than the sum of its many excellent parts.

Waldman is the author of "The Love Affairs of Nathaniel P."

The Answers

By Catherine Lacey

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FSG. 304 pp. $26






When Rahsaan Williams was buying his last car four years ago, he asked a lot of questions at the dealership about whether each model he looked at was kid-friendly. How easily could a car seat be installed? Were the seat belts adjustable so they wouldn't choke a child once she was big enough to ride without a car seat?

"I think that they assumed there was a baby on the way," Williams, who works for the federal government, told me recently.

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He doesn't have kids, but he does have a goddaughter, Anabel, with whom he spends a lot of time. (Hence all the car seat questions.) He also wants children of his own. At age 38, he thought he'd be a father by now, or at least heading in that direction with a wife or girlfriend. Instead, he finds himself single with a growing sense that time is running out to have a child with someone.

His eagerness to be a dad began as a low hum nearly a decade ago, when Anabel - whose mother is a close childhood friend - was a newborn, curled into a ball and asleep against his chest. It grew stronger about a year ago when he realized he wanted "to be part of taking care of a child. Or part of something bigger than just me."

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Commentators have long pointed to the famous examples of elderly fatherhood - Charlie Chaplin fathered a child at age 73! Pablo Picasso at 68! Clint Eastwood at 66! - as evidence that men don't have biological clocks. Even our current president is part of the old-dads club: Donald Trump first became a father at age 31, and his fifth child, Barron, was born when Trump was 59.

When the term "biological clock" as it applies to fertility was coined in The Washington Post, it was applied exclusively to women. "This is where liberation ends," Richard Cohen wrote in a 1978 column. "There are some things [men] never had to worry about. Like the ticking of the biological clock." ("It's just a biological fact," Cohen said when I asked him about it last year. "I didn't invent it.")

But nearly 40 years after that column was published, men arguably have more reasons than ever before to pay attention to their own biological clocks. One factor is that couples are getting married later. (Most births still take place within marriage.) In 1960, the median age for a first marriage in the United States was 20 for women and 23 for men; today, it's 27 for women and 29 for men. And for the first time in U.S. history, women in their 30s are now having more babies than younger women, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported last month. That shorter window of post-marriage fertility obviously affects their husbands' chances of having kids, too.

This is especially true in a workaholic, focus-on-your-career-in-your-20s place like Washington, D.C., where people marry even later. Plus, there is virtually no marriage age gap in Washington between women and men: According to 2015 U.S. Census data, the median age for first marriage here is 30.6 for women and 30.7 for men. That suggests women's and men's biological clocks are - or should be - in very close sync.

Travis Pittman, a 34-year-old lawyer who lives in Kensington, Maryland, whom I spoke to in March when his wife was pregnant, recognizes that he was watching his wife's biological clock "for her, but definitely not talking about it out loud, because I didn't want her to feel like I was asking her to not go to grad school or something like that." (She's also in her early 30s. Their daughter was born in April.) "But I realized," he says, "if we wait until she's in her late 30s or early 40s, this is going to be a lot harder, potentially a lot more expensive."

Pittman has seen examples of what it's like to have kids as an older father: His dad remarried and had another son in his 50s. "My dad was like 70 at my little brother's high school graduation," Pittman says. "I kind of wanted to be in my 50s when my kid was graduating from high school."

Many of today's men want - and are expected - to be more involved than fathers were in the 1970s or '80s. Which means they need to worry about keeping up with their kids if they become fathers too late. "It's not necessarily whether or not my sperm will be viable, it's whether I will be viable as a human, able to walk and play with that kid," says Nikhil Baviskar, a 30-year-old single health IT worker from Washington who wants to be a father someday.

As a teenager, Baviskar says, he once questioned his dad over waiting till his 30s to have kids: "I had a minor crisis when I was 16 and my dad turned 50. First off, 50 sounded extremely old when I was 16. At 16, I was like: Who is this old man, and why is he my dad? And then I got mad at him, asking: 'Why did you wait until you were 34 to have me? This isn't normal.' Which is hilarious, because I'm basically on my way to having a child at 34."

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Men are not trained by the medical establishment, or by their bodies' rhythms, to be constantly thinking about fertility. Still, the recent focus on men's health in general may have increased their interest in their own reproductive health. Paul Shin, a urologist at Shady Grove Fertility, says he sees about one or two male patients a week who come to check their sperm count and motility - sometimes before there's even a partner in the picture, or before there's any sign of a problem.

"I see a lot of guys who come in who are recently married or who just want to know what their fertility numbers are, because this generation kind of gets it. They take their health care seriously. They look at fertility and family-building as it should be looked at - as a joint effort as opposed to on the shoulders of women only. That's a marked cultural shift that I've seen since I've been in practice," says Shin, who started out 13 years ago. "There's a lot more men that just want to know where they stand, because they understand that men can be the problem."

But even as men have plenty of reasons to listen to their biological clocks, they also have new reasons to forgo acknowledging it - to themselves or others. The culprit: the "Can I have it all?" complex that women have become all too familiar with. "There is so much pressure on men to have achieved something, to have crossed a certain threshold in terms of finances or job security or the right house or all of these things before they're willing to say, 'We're ready for these fictional children,' " says Stacy Notaras Murphy, a psychotherapist in Washington. "That really shows up in couples therapy as 'I'm not interested in this,' when they really are interested in kids." This is markedly different from earlier generations, who expected to struggle as they raised a family. "Now, we just have this belief that we're supposed to have it all together," Notaras Murphy says. "The men I've worked with tend to have a pass-fail mentality: 'I'm either going to do this totally right or totally wrong.' "

That pass-fail mentality could be partially due to the fact that there are far more absent fathers than absent mothers. As Stephen Marche writes in "The Unmade Bed: The Messy Truth About Men and Women in the 21st Century": "Men want to be fathers more than ever before. They also fail at fatherhood more than ever before. The increased symbolic value of fatherhood has arrived in the middle of an accelerating crisis of fatherlessness. The number of American families without fathers has grown from 10.3 percent in 1970 to 24.6 percent in 2013."

Meanwhile, for men who want kids but don't end up having them, the risks could be substantial. While there is little research on the desire for fatherhood, a 2013 study in Britain found that men and women had similar levels of yearning for children. However, when they remain child-free, the report concluded, men experience higher levels of anger, depression, sadness, jealousy and isolation than women do.

Williams has nieces and nephews, but it was his consistent relationship with Anabel, now 9, that made him realize the kind of joy having a child could bring to his life.

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"You're spoiling her," Chhouky Ang, Anabel's mother, says to Williams on a recent Saturday morning as they meet for breakfast at a pancake house in Falls Church. As usual, Williams has come bearing gifts: a sketchbook, colored pencils and a kids' sewing kit that Ang says will have to wait until their next visit. Anabel works on her newest masterpiece - a page full of animals, flowers and crayon-drawn emoji - as she waits for her Nutella crepe to arrive.

"Have you started on any of those Choose Your Own Adventure books I brought you?" Williams asks Anabel as breakfast is winding down.

"No," she answers. She didn't understand them, she says, what with the stories jumping all over the place.

"We'll go through one when I get back from vacation," he tells her.

"I have a play date with my best friend!" Anabel exclaims.

"Since you told me last night that I'm your best friend, that hurts me," Williams says, sticking his lips out in an exaggerated pout.

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"I meant my best friend at my school," Anabel qualifies.

"You know this is going to get hung up in my office like the last one," Williams says, changing the subject to her drawing.

When Williams was Anabel's age, hanging out with Ang just a few blocks from the pancake house in the neighborhood where they grew up, he probably didn't foresee this development in the story of his life. The Tinder plot twist means that there are endless possibilities to meet someone, and yet, with each swipe, his standards for a good partner inch ever higher. He can see a near future, perhaps five years or so from now, if he is still single, in which he adopts a child on his own. He doesn't want to wait forever, as if his dating life is a Choose Your Own Adventure book that never ends.

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As we age, a team of 'allies' is important






It's been 37 years since my last day of kindergarten, but I still remember my teacher, Mrs. French, inviting us to her house for an end-of-the-year party where she let each of us write our names (in permanent marker!) on her wall.

I recall feeling a heady mix of adult-sanctioned malfeasance, artistic license and, maybe best of all, the knowledge that my beloved teacher would forever have a little reminder of me in her home.

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I thought of Mrs. French on Wednesday when I stopped by Jose De Diego Community Academy on the Northwest Side. I profiled the school's wonderful art therapist, Ruth Evermann, last June, and she emailed me recently to invite me back for a visit.

A group of De Diego eighth-graders spent the last eight months creating a mural of endangered animal paintings that now line the walls outside of the school's auditorium, and she hoped I could come see them.

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When those same eighth-graders graduated this week, they and their family members marched by the beautifully rendered polar bear, white Bengal tiger, blue whale, burrowing owl, African wild dog and more.

"Some of these animals might not continue to exist when the children get to be adults," Evermann said.

The students chose the animals they wanted to paint and spent time researching facts and photos of their chosen species. Evermann gave them artist-quality brushes and set them to work.

"A lot of the colors in here were not paints I had given them," she said. "They had to learn to mix and put in shadows and details. It was an awesome experience. When we were down here working, it was as quiet as can be."

Next year's eighth-graders, Evermann said, will add endangered insects and plant species to the murals.

Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 6 Paintings of endangered animals created by students under the guidance of CPS art therapist Ruth Evermann are depicted at Jose de Diego Elementary School. (John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune)

The students I spoke to were excited about playing the role of teachers to the younger students.

"A lot of the children in our school, they're young," eighth-grader Danielle Velazquez told me. "They don't know what they're doing to hurt the environment, so we wanted to show them the animals they're hurting."

I love (and recognize) that feeling of forever stamping a moment and a place that has meaning to you. Even more, I love teachers who understand the value in that and create those opportunities for the children they've been entrusted to shape.

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"People outside of this school community often don't recognize the potential that's in our children," Evermann said. "And the awareness and talent they have, that they never really have the ability to speak about."

Evermann's school isn't one that attracts a lot of attention. Families don't vie desperately for lottery spots there or prep their children to test in there. Close to 93 percent of its students come from low-income families, according to Chicago Public Schools.

Evermann has high hopes for them. We all should.

"What I hope is adults and our society begin to wake up to the incredible potential in our children," she said. "It's so important that they are seen and heard."

And invited to leave their mark.

hstevens@chicagotribune.com

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Twitter @heidistevens13

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Frank Dailys son, also named Frank Daily, traveled in his fathers footsteps to Romes Colosseum and other European destinations. (Frank Daily family)

Frank Daily had dreamed about going to Europe since he was a boy.

A voracious reader of history, his wanderlust followed him into his adult years until, finally, the 30-year-old Chicago schoolteacher boarded a luxury liner in New York harbor bound for England.

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It was June 1936. For two months, Daily roamed the European continent by train, boat, bus, taxi and streetcar, exploring the Great Cities, marveling at the historical icons and museums  and observing, with trepidation, the rise of fascism in Italy and Germany.

Returning home, Daily went back to teaching high school English. Over the next few years, he married, became a father and, with a master's degree from DePaul University, accepted a promotion as assistant principal at Chicago Vocational High School (now Chicago Vocational Career Academy), where he worked until retirement.

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Daily died in 1997 at age 92, having never returned to the European continent. (He did make a quick trip to Ireland after his grand European tour.)

Weeks after his death, his son discovered two volumes of a handwritten journal as he was packing up his father's belongings. The pages frayed, the ink faded, the cover bearing the simple title "My Trip Abroad," the journal contained Frank Daily's day-by-day account of what he would remember as "the trip of a lifetime."

"My father would talk about the trip from time to time, in snippets of memory," recalled his son, also named Frank Daily. But he was unaware that his father had taken notes.

"Once I saw the journal," the younger Daily said, "a lot of those stories came back to me"  his father's trip through the Swiss Alps by electric train; his public blessing by Pope Pius XI at the papal retreat, Castel Gandolfo; and his infatuation with the chorus girls at the Folies Bergere.

As he traversed Europe, the postcard destinations the elder Daily had once dreamed about now stood vividly before him, filling him with wonder. Walking the streets of Rome, he imagined scenes of ancient times:

Surprising to me, Rome is a vibrant, alert, modern big city. Despite its modernism it exudes the atmosphere of the past. St. Peter's, the Colosseum, the Forum. ... In the immense public squares it is possible, by meditating, to envision gatherings of nobles, soldiers, rulers and the common herd visiting and participating in lavishly decorated functions. The strength and dominance of the various characters of history seems yet to live in the majesty of their works.

In another journal entry, he described the quintessential Paris sites, like the Eiffel Tower:

A trip to the top and down again takes at least an hour and one-half. The top is a really dizzying height and provides a perfect view for over 25 miles on four sides.

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The bookstalls along the River Seine are remarkable stands selling old books, magazines and prints. It is said that frequently old issues, even firsts, are unearthed there.

Some 70 years later, on vacations to Europe with his wife, Julie, Daily's son traced his father's footsteps to some of his favorite landmarks.

"I brought along the transcripts of his journal," he said, "and what he had described was exactly what I was seeing. Notre Dame, walking along the Seine where those booksellers are  I was walking into a page of his descriptions. I went up the Eiffel Tower with him."

Inspired by his father's boundless curiosity and trenchant observations, he decided to self-publish the journal for his extended family and readers at large. "My Trip Abroad: Europe in 1936" can now be found on Amazon.com.

The younger Daily, who grew up in Chicago, worked as a reporter for the Chicago Tribune in the mid-1960s before moving to Milwaukee, where he began a long career as a lawyer. He brought me into the book project to help edit the manuscript. And as I read the chapters, I was struck by his father's keen eye for detail in his descriptions of the customs, fashions and distinct personalities of each foreign nation.

He was under a spell, charmed by the novelties of European life. "Cigarettes are shorter here," he noted, enthralled. "They have a sweet, fragrant odor, are mild, burn faster, with white ash.  The French call their waiters 'garcon,' and the French method of floor sweeping is to spread wet lettuce leaves over the carpet before sweeping.  The London cabs are very old-fashioned four cylinder cars that look something like an old buggy. They are very interesting to look at and have no real provisions for comfort."

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"He was a blank slate, and he was a sponge," Daily's son said. "He had no previous experience comparing cigarettes and cars.  He was so enamored of the electric trains compared to the coal-driven trains in Chicago."

The Depression-era travelogue is a trip back in time, a young man's first-blush impressions of a foreign land  and a prescient glimpse of things to come.

The year 1936 was a portentous one. The Nazi party had gained an unchallenged majority in Germany's Parliament, as Adolf Hitler won re-election as chancellor. "I have seen the Nazi salute so often that it is difficult to refrain from following suit," Daily wrote.

In one passage, he writes in chilling detail about a concert outside his hotel in Koblenz, with Nazi soldiers carrying flaming torches:

For the final selection of "Deutschland uber Alles" (Germany Above All), a touching hush fell over the multitude. As the music rose in pitch, a sea of arms flashed forward and the voices and music beat upon the eardrums in terrific volume. After the concerts a huge mob betook itself to various drinking places. Nazi officers were very friendly and took every opportunity to explain again and again the principles of their movement and the love they feel for "Der Fuehrer." I cannot escape the feeling that this huge mob of men ... is but a potent nucleus for war. They dress, act, feel, live, think and talk like soldiers.

At times, Daily seemed to be just a step ahead of history. Less than a month after he visited Berlin, the German capital hosted the Olympics, where Jesse Owens, an African-American sprinter from Ohio State University, won four gold medals, to Hitler's chagrin.

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Weeks earlier, Daily was led on a tour of the Frankfurt airport hangar that housed the doomed dirigible, the Hindenburg.

As we approach, we see signs posted at numerous places with the words "Rauchen Verboten!" (Smoking forbidden.) This is because of the inflammable hydrogen used in the Zeppelin. ... The flaming red Nazi emblem on the tail flares in vivid contrast to the gray of the bag. The place is humming with activity in preparation for 8 p.m. take off for the U.S.

Less than a year later, on a subsequent flight to the United States, the Hindenburg caught fire while landing in New Jersey, killing 35 passengers and crew members. A newsreel of the crash was broadcast in theaters around the world.

After his whirlwind trip abroad, Daily seldom ventured outside Chicago. Yet, when read through the lens of history, his personal record resonates.

"The detailed journal he kept has remarkable applications to the events of our own day," writes his son in the epilogue, "and is in the best sense a timeless tribute to my father's appreciation and celebration of a life well lived."

Kurt Chandler is a freelance writer.

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A former Joliet police officer who hit a woman multiple times and twice threw her against a car was acquitted Friday of using excessive force.

Thomas O'Connor stiffened and then sank slightly in his chair as the verdict was read after three hours of deliberation.

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It is the second time a jury has acquitted him of charges stemming from the Feb. 9, 2012, incident outside a Joliet motel. In 2013, a Will County jury found him not guilty of battery and official misconduct.

"It's a wonderful feeling," O'Connor said as he left the courtroom in Chicago. "I'm going to go celebrate with my family and friends."

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In closing arguments, prosecutors painted O'Connor as an officer enraged with the victim after she tried to kick her boyfriend in the groin.

O'Connor struck her in the head 21 times and twice threw her against a car, prosecutors said. She broke her nose, bruised her face and scalp, and aggravated an old back injury, according to a settled lawsuit.

"Just because you kicked someone doesn't mean it's open season on your face," Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly Greening told the jury. "The defendant had options. He just chose not to use them."

Prosecutors said that after the incident, O'Connor tried to cover up his use of excessive force by arresting her. She was charged with resisting arrest and domestic battery, but the charges were later dropped and O'Connor resigned after Joliet police officials investigated the incident.

We're sorry she had to suffer bodily harm, but she caused it.  Defense attorney Michael Ettinger

Defense attorney Michael Ettinger said O'Connor was trying to control a volatile domestic altercation. Before O'Connor arrived, the woman had been trying to kick down her boyfriend's hotel room door, breaking the latch, Ettinger said.

After speaking with the woman, O'Connor went to speak to the boyfriend when she attacked the boyfriend, forcing O'Connor to try to control her to prevent the situation from escalating, Ettinger said.

"We're sorry she had to suffer bodily harm, but she caused it," Ettinger said. "Tom's just trying to do one thing  get her arms behind her back. She's tougher than him; she's stronger than him; she's bigger than him."

He said O'Connor now works as a registered nurse.

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Greening scoffed at the notion O'Connor was simply trying to prevent the woman from attacking the boyfriend or that she resisted arrest, saying the security video from the hotel clearly shows the woman had gone limp while the officer continued to strike her.

"Even if (she) had been resisting or pulling away, this force still would not have been reasonable," Greening argued.

mwalberg@chicagotribune.com
Though Oshae Hampton's cooperation in the prosecution of his co-defendant was tentative at times, it was enough to help prosecutors secure a conviction against a man convicted of murder and other crimes, according to attorneys involved in the case.

Hampton was credited by both defense and deputy prosecuting attorneys for helping gain convictions against Hampton's cousin and co-defendant, Charles Taylor, but the two sides differed in their view of Hampton's level of cooperation.

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Hampton, 23, was sentenced Friday to 13 years for attempted robbery in the 2014 Gary case.

Two weeks ago, Taylor, 28, was sentenced to 147 years for the murder, murder in perpetration of robbery, two counts of attempted robbery resulting in serious bodily injury, aggravated battery, battery by means of a deadly weapon, conspiracy to commit robbery, attempted robbery and six counts of conspiracy to commit obstruction of justice.

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"But for Oshae Hampton, Charles Taylor would not have been convicted," defense attorney T. Edward Page said. "But for Charles Taylor, Mr. Hampton would not be here now."

Evidence presented at Taylor's trial showed that Taylor and Hampton planned to rob Brian Cooper, 22, of $40 to $50 in potent marijuana and set up a meeting in the 1100 block of Dekalb Street in Gary.

Cooper was shot and killed and Hampton and Donnell Goodwin were shot in the incident.

Cooper's mother, Pamela Newson, urged Lake Superior Court Judge Diane Ross Boswell to impose the maximum 20-year sentence, noting that Hampton "killed my son and he tried to kill Donnell Goodwin, who is now blind, and who is like a son to me, and all for $50."

Deputy prosecutor Michael Toth acknowledged that Hampton's cooperation was key to identifying Taylor as the killer.

Hampton, who was 19 at the time, apologized to Cooper's family. "I was deceived by my so-called cousin. If I'd have known about the gun (Taylor had) I wouldn't have gone. I really didn't have knowledge of what took place to have it go down like that."

Hampton has spent more than three years in the Lake County Jail. With day-for-day credit, he will have another three and a half years to serve.

Ruth Ann Krause is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
John Camardella, here coaching the Prospect High School boys basketball team on Jan. 20, 2017, has seen his world religions class grow in popularity, covering the history of religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism and others. (Rob Dicker / Pioneer Press)

Educator John Camardella found himself fielding questions when he started teaching a world religions class at northwest suburban Prospect High School seven years ago. After all, Prospect is a public school, where a mixture of government and religion can provoke debate, criticism and even outrage.

"How can you teach religion in public schools? Is it illegal?" parents, staff and colleagues would ask him.

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Yes, you can teach religion in public schools and, yes, it is legal when using an academic rather than a devotional approach, among other guidelines that can pass muster under the U.S. Constitution.

Nowadays, Camardella's world religions class has grown in popularity, covering the history of religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism and others.

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"One of the greatest things we have to deal with in the United States is understanding religion," Camardella said.

And in that vein, Camardella and other educators are hoping that a milestone this week  one that grew from efforts out of Prospect High School  will be a springboard for more public schools to teach religious studies.

The National Council for the Social Studies for the first time published guidelines on how to study religion "in ways that are constitutionally sound" and consistent with high academic standards. The guidelines are part of a larger framework that guides states and school districts on standards for what students should know in the social sciences, including history, civics, geography and economics.

The document published this week "recognizes religious studies as an essential part of the social studies curriculum," according to the national council, and aids schools in developing curriculum for religious studies instruction.

"This is the first time that a national education body has endorsed guidelines for how to teach religion from an academic standpoint," said Benjamin Marcus, a religious literacy specialist and instructor at the Religious Freedom Center of the Newseum Institute in Washington, D.C. Marcus was part of the team that wrote the religious studies guideline document.

Among other writers, the team also included Mount Prospect's Camardella and Naperville Central High School teacher Seth Brady, a social studies teacher whose courses include comparative religions.

The three men hosted a religious studies education conference last year at Prospect High School, which was instrumental in putting together the guidelines intended to cover K-12 grades. So even the youngest children could be exposed to a religious studies curriculum involving high academic standards.

"The study of religion from an academic, nondevotional perspective in primary, middle, and secondary school is critical for decreasing religious illiteracy and the bigotry and prejudice it fuels," the guidelines state.

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The document also outlines that schools should strive to make students aware of religions but not press students to accept any religion; that schools may expose students to diverse religious views but may not impose any particular view; that schools should not promote or denigrate religion or seek to conform students to any particular belief.

"It is academic non-devotional studies. It is not religion in schools," Brady said.

Under the guidelines, for example, students would be involved in analyzing the impact of religion on culture and society and "examining historical and contemporary perspectives in order to understand how religious beliefs, practices and communities are created, maintained and transformed over time."

Whether states and districts across the country will begin using the guidelines and infusing religious studies into school curriculum is uncertain.

Illinois recently revised its social science standards, which will go into effect this coming school year, but specific religious studies standards were not included. At the time of the revisions to Illinois standards, the National Council for the Social Studies had not yet published the new religious studies guidelines.

Lawrence Paska, the council's executive director, said the organization doesn't keep track of the religious studies courses already offered around the country, but such courses are usually elective classes that are either standalone courses, or material embedded in history or other social science classes. His organization and others will be getting the word out on the religious studies guidelines, through conferences, workshops and other events, he said.

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drado@chicagotribune.com
Michel Mora, 18, visits her parents in Chicago during her college holiday break on Dec. 27, 2016. Mora, who was brought to the U.S. when she was 5, said the Trump administrations announcement is a relief, though my future is still in their hands and undecided, which is scary. (Zbigniew Bzdak/Chicago Tribune )

The Trump administration's announcement that so-called "Dreamers" who were brought into the country illegally as children won't lose their protection from deportation or their ability to work  at least for now  has been met with mixed emotions and skepticism by the local immigrant community.

The Obama-era program known as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals will "remain in effect," according to memorandums issued Thursday by Homeland Security Secretary John F. Kelly. No DACA work permits will be terminated before their expiration dates, the department said, and current recipients can apply for renewal.

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"It's kind of a relief because my DACA expires next spring, so it was a huge concern, not knowing what was going to happen," said Michel Mora, 18, of Chicago, a rising sophomore at Knox College. She was brought to the United States when she was 5.

"But my future is still in their hands and undecided," she said. "Which is scary. (Donald Trump) can change his mind whenever he wants."

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While Trump has expressed sympathy during his presidency for immigrants who came as children, some DACA recipients still fear he'll eliminate the program, as he promised during his campaign.

The department made the announcement quietly on Thursday night, at the bottom of a fact sheet addressing a different but similar program, which was posted to its website.

White House officials then told the New York Times on Friday that Trump has yet to make a long-term decision regarding DACA.

The program applies to immigrants who have been in the U.S. since 2007, were under age 16 when they arrived and were under 31 as of 2012. Recipients are not guaranteed a path to citizenship or legal residency, and must reapply every two years.

Since 2012, the program has protected more than 770,000 young immigrants from deportation, including 41,800 people in Illinois. Illinois has the nation's fourth-largest population of DACA recipients and the highest share in the Midwest.

Trump vowed during his presidential campaign to terminate the program, which he said Barack Obama created as an illegal act of amnesty. But deporting the Dreamers poses a political risk, as they're viewed sympathetically by many Americans who realize the immigrants were young children when they entered the country.

Trump has hinted he would not try to deport DACA recipients. In an Associated Press interview in April, he said his administration is "not after the Dreamers, we are after the criminals" and that "the Dreamers should rest easy."

Still, immigration activists worry the administration might eliminate the program. Thursday's announcement came as the department was formally ending a similar Obama-era program designed to shield from deportation the immigrant parents of U.S. citizens and legal residents.

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That program, Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents, or DAPA, was never implemented, as it was blocked by a federal judge in Texas after 26 states sued. The Supreme Court tied 4-4 on a challenge to that ruling, and Kelly on Thursday rescinded the program, saying it no longer has a "credible path forward" in court.

Mary Meg McCarthy, executive director of the Chicago-based National Immigrant Justice Center, said DAPA's defeat makes the decision regarding the Dreamers "bittersweet."

"They're relieved that they have temporary status, but they worry about their parents and other family members who don't have access to relief and who the administration is actively targeting," she said.

Trump's vows since taking office to crack down on those living in the U.S. illegally further concerns her. While DACA remains in effect, she continues to advise those applying for the first time that there are risks  including that information collected by the program could ultimately be used to find and deport them.

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"So we're still providing legal counsel and representation to individuals seeking DACA, explaining the pros and cons," she said.

Longtime Chicago immigration attorney Kalman Resnick is also uncertain of DACA's fate. He believes the administration said it would "remain in effect" only to clarify that the program, unlike the one for immigrant parents, was at this time not being acted upon by the administration.

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"I don't think this is anything but a statement of what the policy has been," he said.

The only way to preserve DACA, he said, is to ensure that most Americans continue to support it.

"That's the only reason it has not been eliminated  is that the Trump administration is concerned about the large number of Americans who support the DACA recipients, who don't want to see people brought here as children get deported," he said.

meltagouri@chicagotribune.com

@marwaeltagouri
The Cook County state's attorney's office was in the midst of a criminal investigation into the 2015 death of a Chicago police sergeant when his widow, also a veteran officer, was found dead in their home over Memorial Day weekend, the Tribune has learned.

Prosecutors, working jointly with the FBI, interviewed Chicago police officers who were at the scene of the Sept. 2, 2015, death of Sgt. Donald Markham, according to two sources familiar with the investigation.

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The Cook County medical examiner's office has said Markham, 51, died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head and ruled his death a suicide. His wife, Dina Markham, 22-year Chicago police veteran, told police she and her husband had been drinking and arguing before he shot himself in their bedroom.

A source familiar with the investigation said prosecutors with the state's attorney's office's special prosecutions division  which handles cases of police misconduct  and the FBI were looking into the possibility that Markham's death may have been a homicide and whether the crime scene had been tampered with.

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Last month, at least two officers involved in the Markham probe were interviewed at the state's attorney's offices about their roles in the investigation. An FBI agent was also present, the source said.

On May 28, about a week after the latest round of interviews, a family member found Dina Markham, 47, in a bathtub, unresponsive after ingesting pills, police have said. While the medical examiner's office has not yet ruled on a cause of death, a police spokesman has said the case was being investigated as a suicide.

Where the criminal probe into Donald Markham's death may head in light of his widow's death is unclear. Neither the FBI nor the state's attorney's office would comment Friday.

The Tribune has previously reported that a Chicago police officer raised questions about Donald Markham's death, concerned about how evidence was handled at the scene. That led Superintendent Eddie Johnson to contact the FBI.

Meanwhile, Joseph Ferguson, the city's inspector general, launched his own probe into how police handled the investigation of Donald Markham's death in February, after he was contacted by the Chicago Police Department's internal affairs division, Danielle Perry, a spokeswoman for Ferguson's office, confirmed Friday.

A subpoena sent from Ferguson's office to the medical examiner's office in February asked for all records pertaining to the examination of Donald Markham's body, including lab reports and photographs, according to a copy obtained by the Tribune.

In a second subpoena in May, Ferguson requested copies of "any video recordings (inside or outside)" of the intake area at the medical examiner's office on the morning Markham's body was brought to the morgue, the subpoena showed.

Jim Bastian, an attorney and close friend of Dina Markham's family, told the Tribune this week that Markham had "heard rumors" of an investigation but had not been contacted for an interview by any law enforcement agency before her death.

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To his knowledge, none of Dina Markham's relatives or friends have been contacted for interviews since her death, said Bastian, a California-based attorney who is acting as the family spokesman.

"Frankly no one in the close circle of family and friends of the Markhams believes that Dina was responsible for Don's death," Bastian said, adding that the family "firmly believes Dina will be vindicated."

The main concern, he added, was for the Markhams' five children. They are together and being cared for by family members, he said.

"It was horrible," he said. "They are doing as well as can be expected."

Adding to the mystery surrounding the deaths was Dina Markham's reassignment to various positions in the department as the probes were getting underway.

At the time of her husband's death, Dina was assigned to the Bureau of Internal Affairs. But records obtained by the Tribune show that by October 2016 she was working in the Area North detective division, the same unit that determined Donald Markham had killed himself.

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It's unclear who authorized Dina Markham's transfer to Area North. But by early May  just weeks before her death  she had again been moved, this time to the department's Bureau of Support Services, which is based out of police headquarters, records show.

Police reports show that hours after her husband's death, Dina Markham told detectives she and her husband had been at the Firewater Saloon in the Edison Park neighborhood earlier that night.

The two got into an argument on the way home from the bar. Markham said her husband blamed her for staying out late, and the argument continued as they arrived at the front door of their home, in the 5900 block of North Newark Avenue, the reports show.

Markham said she walked away from the home as her husband followed, according to the reports, but Donald Markham eventually returned to the home and went inside.

About 15 minutes later, Dina Markham returned to the home and discovered the front door was locked, the reports show. Unable to get into the home, Dina Markham said she knocked on one of the windows before one of her children opened the front door, according to the reports from police and the medical examiner's office.

When she entered the home, Markham said, she started looking for her car keys because she planned to sleep in her vehicle for the rest of the night, according to the police reports. After entering the master bedroom, she saw her husband lying in bed, on his side and with his back pointing toward her, the police reports said of her account.

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Dina Markham continued looking for her keys, and she felt the outside of her husband's pockets, the reports show. That's when, she said, she felt moisture on her hands and realized it was blood. She said she then called 911.

When police arrived at the scene, Donald Markham's .380-caliber Glock semi-automatic pistol was found in his right hand, with five bullets still in the magazine and one in the chamber, according to supplemental reports logged in the investigation.

A spent shell casing was found near the pillows on the bed, and Markham had a "contact" gunshot wound to his right temple, indicating the gun had been pressed to the skin when it was fired, the reports showed. Markham was pronounced dead at the scene at 3:34 a.m.

According to a medical examiner's office report, the detective investigating the death that night said the gun used in the shooting belonged to Donald Markham but it was not his service weapon.

"There was no history of suicidal ideations or suicide attempts and no suicide note was found on scene," the report said.

The detective wrote that the death was being treated as a suicide and "there was no suspicion of foul play."

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The medical examiner's office did not conduct its own investigation at the scene because the detective hadn't contacted the office about the death until almost 5:30 a.m., at least two hours after the incident, the report said. By then, Markham's body was being transported to the morgue.

An Illinois State Police report later showed Markham's gun was caked in blood, including inside the barrel, which had to be cleaned before the weapon could be test-fired by the state police crime lab. The tests showed the bullet that killed Markham had been fired from the weapon, the records show.

The crime lab tests also showed Donald Markham had gunshot residue on his hand, indicating he'd either fired a gun or was close to a weapon being discharged at the time of his death, according to police records. The records do not indicate whether Dina Markham's hands were ever tested.

The autopsy report showed that Markham had no drugs in his system when he died, but blood tests later confirmed he had been drinking.

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The investigation into Donald Markham's death was closed on Nov. 13, 2015, and classified as "non-criminal," the police reports showed.

jgorner@chicagotribune.com

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Emerson Hart was in Michigan City, Ind., when he was told only that his 13-year-old daughter, Dakayla, was hurt and in the hospital.



He didn't know she and another girl, 7, had been shot while at an elementary school picnic on the South Side on Friday afternoon, she in the hand and the younger girl in the thigh.



All he knew was that he had to get back to Chicago. He made the 60-mile trip in 45 minutes.



"It's a father's worst nightmare," he said at Comer Children's Hospital, where his daughter was taken in serious condition.



When he finally saw Dakayla, he hugged her tight. "We didn't stand a chance," she told him.



Dakayla and other children had been celebrating the end of the school year at Warren Elementary School in the Pill Hill neighborhood with water balloon fights, hot dogs, barbecue and volleyball.



Some of the children saw a black car circling the school before a dozen shots were fired shortly after 1:30 p.m. Children screamed and scattered as teachers raced to protect their students at the school at 9239 S. Jeffery Ave.



Dakayla and the 7-year-old were both taken in serious condition to Comer Children's Hospital, according to Larry Langford, a spokesman for the Chicago Fire Department.



The abandoned playground was strewn with jump ropes and jackets  and a football with a bullet in it.



Police said the shooting occurred shortly after three suspended students tried to attend the picnic but were removed from school grounds by security. They were hanging out at a corner nearby when someone in the black car opened fire, police said.



The suspended students ran back into the picnic, drawing fire that hit the girls, according to police Superintendent Eddie Johnson.



Three "persons of interest" were taken into custody after they were stopped in a car linked to the shooting, Johnson said. It was believed to be stolen.



"It's just ridiculous," Johnson told reporters at the scene. "It angers me that these little children cannot grow up and not think that gunfire is the norm. ... It's not okay."



Daytonna Hart, Dakayla's sister, was at a gas station when her 15-year-old brother called with the news.



The 18-year-old rushed to Comer. "It was a relief to see her alive," she said.



Despite the attack, Daytonna said her sister isn't afraid to play outside. "She's going to go back to playing sports," she said. "She'll heal."



Before the gunman began shooting, 14-year-old Anaja Williams said she saw a black car driving around the playground where she and her three cousins were playing. The car circled a second time and she was about to tell a teacher when shots rang out.



Anaja said she ran toward the shots because she knew her cousin Rionna was outside playing volleyball. She saw the seventh-grade girl get shot and crumple to the ground, screaming.



Anaja then got jostled and ushered into the building along with the two wounded girls. She found her cousin already in the building and, following a trail of blood along the hallway, saw her two other cousins, Sade and Ayomicle. They were all safe.



This is not the first time the four cousins have found themselves in the middle of a shooting. Six days ago, the girls were at 31st Street Beach when two 16-year-old boys were shot and critically wounded Sunday night.



Anaja said this probably won't be the last shooting she sees. "It's a reality for us," she said. "It could have been me, my cousins or my best friend."



Ten-year old Kenya Owens said she was playing in the grass when she saw the car pass by. "Next thing you know, they started shooting," she said.



Kenya said she was about 5yards away and saw the girl who'd been shot in the hand.



Her mother, Nila Logan, rushed over after she got a call telling her there'd been a shooting at the school.



"This is getting out of hand. It's been out of hand. They don't care who they shoot," Logan said.



Giara Whitaker, 8, wearing a pink shirt with "Love" and a smiley face on it, said she was enjoying the picnic when "they started shooting."



"That's when everybody just started running," she said.



Giara ran into a school building nearby. "One of my friends was crying so hard," she said.



Khia Shanks, who graduated from eighth grade on Thursday, said she had just come outside from making water balloons when she saw a black SUV pass and heard gunshots.



All the students who had been playing outside started running, the 14-year-old said.



"It shouldn't be happening," she said of all the violence in the city.



Fikayo Ogunnoiki, 9, said one of her classmates had blood on her shirt. "People were screaming. People were crying," she said.



Her father, Dayo Ogunnoiki, said he's a Nigerian immigrant and doesn't know "what to feel anymore."



"I'm terrified just as much as these kids," he said.



The highly rated Warren school serves roughly 300 students, according to CPS.



Friday's shooting was the second one in the area in the last month. On May 9, 31-year-old Jesse Woods was fatally shot around the corner from the school, in the 9200 block of South Chappel Avenue, according to police. In 2012, another man, 38-year-old Jeffrey Smith, was found fatally shot in the same area.



Still, the CEO of the Chicago Public Schools system, Forrest Claypool, described Friday's shooting as a "highly unusual situation."



"Despite this incident, schools are the safest place for children to be," he said during a news conference with Johnson.

For the record Earlier versions of this story should not have attributed the girls identification as students at Warren Elementary to Chicago Fire Department spokesman Larry Langford.
The campus of the Chicago State University seen on March 24, 2017. Students from the school were among many to plead with Illinois House members on June 15, 2017, to get back to the business of funding state higher education. (Zbigniew Bzdak / Chicago Tribune 2017)

Illinois university students, professors and staff members pleaded with Illinois House members Thursday to get back to the business of funding state higher education, as legislators prepare to return to Springfield to try to break a historic gridlock over the state budget.

In detailed and emotional testimony in an hourslong hearing, public and private university students and employees told House Higher Education Appropriations Committee members that the nearly two years without regular state funding has driven them to the brink of financial failure, jeopardized their ability to complete their degrees, prematurely ended careers and threatened to shutter schools and programs.

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Illinois has been without a budget since July 2015, and Illinois public colleges have not received any state funding since a stopgap bill in June 2016. The Monetary Award Program, which provides grants for low-income students, also has not been funded, forcing many schools to try to absorb the costs so students do not default on their tuition expenses.

"You are dismantling higher education in Illinois," said Zaiga Thorson, a professor at Black Hawk College in Moline. "You are draining Illinois of one of its most valuable resources: its people."

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Deion Owens, a senior studying education at Roosevelt University in Chicago, said he has drained his savings account, switched from part-time to full-time work and moved to a cheaper apartment in a blighted neighborhood to be able to afford school, primarily because his $5,000 Golden Apple scholarship was not financed.

Golden Apple scholarships, like MAP grants, both receive state support through the Illinois Student Assistance Commission.

"People say to keep your eye on the prize, but it's so hard when the state of Illinois keeps taking our glasses," Owens said.

Amy Sticha, who studies biology at Northeastern Illinois University, said she lost two weeks' pay from her part-time university job and 12 days of classes during two campuswide furloughs this spring. That lost classroom time is particularly problematic for science majors like her, who require a specific number of hours of lab work to complete their courses and seek jobs in the field.

"Morale is very, very low. Everyone is stressed, everyone is anxious, everyone I know has a backup plan out of state in Wisconsin or Indiana or Michigan," Sticha said. "No one I know really has faith. No one thinks this is going to be resolved in a way where we aren't thrown to the side."

Three Chicago State University students discussed how in addition to the financial and academic challenges, frustration is mounting from a sense of students and universities being used as political pawns.

"The cynicism is real," said Charles Preston, who graduated in May and who frequently helped organize student and community demonstrations about the budget debate. "We've reached out to politicians who laughed in our faces. We don't feel like we're politically represented or trust (that) our voices are being heard."

Faculty and staff members from the schools also testified to the growing damage.

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Kimberly Archer, a music professor and head of the faculty association at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, discussed how the lack of a budget means health insurance provider reimbursements are not being made.

SIUE is "hemorrhaging" faculty, Archer said, because they can no longer rely on that essential benefit or use their salaries to fill the gaps.

The state legislature ended its regular session May 31 without sending a budget to Gov. Bruce Rauner's desk. The governor on Thursday called back assembly members for special session for the final 10 days of June amid mounting pressure to end the stalemate.

The fiscal year ends June 30.

"We eat and starve based on your decision," Illinois State University senior Tia Dunlap said.

drhodes@chicagotribune.com

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James T. Hodgkinson, of Belleville, Ill., protests outside the U.S. post office in downtown Belleville on April 17, 2012. (Derik Holtmann / Belleville News-Democrat)

A Facebook page that appears to belong to Belleville, Ill., resident Sue Hodgkinson shows a post from last November at the top  an innocuous message about the Toy Blast online game.

But since Hodgkinson's husband, James, shot a congressman and injured four others Wednesday, people have added to that Facebook post with a torrent of about 1,200 comments and replies, ranging from personal attacks against her family to messages of sympathy.

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The Facebook page  still online Thursday more than 30 hours after the shooting  shows how quickly social media commenters can turn a personal page into a heated public battleground.

Comments ranged from suggesting she shared some blame by association to profanity-laced tirades against the shooter. Posters traded barbs back and forth, with some pleading for the wife to be left alone.

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"Guys, seriously? Don't attack this woman. When you act like that you make me ashamed to be conservative. We are supposed to be better than this," a woman posted.

Some social media experts cautioned, however, that the rage commenters express on someone's Facebook page isn't necessarily intended against that person but an outgrowth of heated debate.

"I don't think these comments are for her," said Susannah Stern, a professor of communication studies at the University of San Diego. "I think people at a time like this feel powerless, and this is a space to have a conversation that is uncomfortable to have in public in a face-to-face conversation."

The commenters may instead be speaking to others who are viewing the Facebook page, she said. Typically, people are friends with those who think alike, but this venue presented an opportunity to engage the other side with differing opinions, she said.

"It definitely seems like people are trying to express something, whether that's provocation or just getting it off their chest. This is a very safe and easy way to do it, very few ramifications for demonstrating this kind of anger and quite a few (people) are sympathetic," Stern said.

Such comments can be viewed as an expression of emotions some people felt about what happened, said social media expert Dave Kerpen, author of "Likeable Social Media: How to Delight Your Customers, Create an Irresistible Brand, and Be Generally Amazing on Facebook (& Other Social Networks)."

"Dramatic emotions can, at times like this  fear and anger  can inspire behavior like trolling that normally wouldn't be considered acceptable," Kerpen said.

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One of the benefits  and drawbacks  of social media is how quickly things spread, he said.

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"One troll is unfortunately able to generate a lot more trolls," Kerpen said, drawing on his own experience last year during the election. He tweeted to notify a user he reported to Twitter for hateful speech. In return, that user retweeted him and he received 120 mean tweets from other users.

In times like these, people also demonstrate humanity on social media, Kerpen noted, as some people made pleas to leave Hodgkinson's wife alone.

Still, many people consider pages like Hodgkinson's wife's personal, distinguished from other public forums like political sites, Stern said.

"I think a lot of people see it as intrusion," Stern said.

lvivanco@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @lvivanco
A Sugar Grove man found guilty in March of sexually assaulting a foster child 13 years ago was sentenced to 45 years in prison Thursday, according to prosecutors.

Noel Buhay, 49, was found guilty of predatory criminal sexual assault in March and was sentenced to prison Thursday by Judge D.J. Tegeler, according to a release from the Kane County state's attorney's office. Tegeler also ordered Buhay to pay the victim $35,000 in restitution, according to the release.

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Prosecutors said Buhay performed sex acts on the then-10-year-old boy who was placed into foster care with Buhay and his wife by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services between January and May 2004.

The boy, who hoped for a normal life complete with family vacations and stability, was taken advantage of by Buhay, who saw the child as a "perfect victim," Assistant State's Attorney Lori Schmidt said in her opening statement in the spring. The attacks took place at Buhay's home, according to prosecutors.

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The victim, by then 23 years old, testified during the trial. Buhay's defense team suggested in their opening remarks to jurors that prosecutors wouldn't be able to provide direct evidence of the assaults, adding that testimony from the man would be "flawed."

Prosecutors did not charge Buhay with assaulting the boy until 2014, only after Buhay was accused in 2013 of sexually assaulting and abusing another second boy. Buhay contacted his former foster son during the investigation to tell him to stay quiet about his claim, according to prosecutors. The case involving the second boy remains pending.

Buhay is due back in court Aug. 24
Shootings occurred in the Loop, South Austin, West Humboldt Park, Englewood, Back of the Yards, East Garfield Park and other areas across Chicago from June 15 to 18, 2017. (Erin Hooley / Chicago Tribune) (Erin Hooley / Chicago Tribune/Chicago Tribune)

Two girls, 13 and 7, were among 23 people who were wounded, three fatally, during a 16-hour period from Friday afternoon to early Saturday.

In the Englewood neighborhood about 11:50 p.m. Friday, a woman held up a phone as she inched toward crime scene tape around the scene of a triple shooting in the 5900 block of South Union Avenue. She wanted officers to look at a photo on her phone to confirm if her relative was one of the victims.

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"I gotta go get him," the woman repeated as she collapsed on the sidewalk. A woman tried to comfort her.

Officers at the scene told the woman they couldn't tell her and didn't know if her relative had been hurt.

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The shooting happened while a 25-year-old man was standing outside of a home with two other men, 23 and 29, when three men approached and opened fire, police said. The 25-year-old man was shot multiple times and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The 23-year-old was shot in the chest, and he was taken in critical condition to Stroger Hospital. The 29-year-old was shot in the right leg, and his condition was stabilized at St. Bernard Hospital.

The woman later returned with other relatives and spoke to a sergeant at the scene. They lingered around the edge of the crime scene as they waited for news.

"Right now, it's hard to tell which the way the body is positioned," the officer told the family.

When the officer told the family that the person was wearing white shorts, the woman walked away crying.

In the Park Manor neighborhood, an 18-year-old man was fatally shot about 3:15 p.m. in the 7000 block of South State Street, according to police.

Witnesses said a dark-colored sedan pulled up and someone inside opened fire, striking the young man in the head.

He was taken in critical condition to Stroger Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 6:36 p.m. He was identified as Sherrod Rhyme, of the 9100 block of South Harper Avenue in the Calumet Heights neighborhood, according to the Cook County medical examiner's office.

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Earlier, a man was killed and another was seriously wounded in a shooting in the East Chatham neighborhood on the South Side.

The shooting happened about 12:55 p.m. in the 8000 block of South Ellis Avenue. One person was dead on the scene and a second was treated by paramedics, according to police and fire officials.

Police said the men were standing outside an apartment building when someone approached on foot and shot them.

The older victim, 26, suffered wounds to the chest, and was taken to Jackson Park Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 1:40 p.m. He was identified as Deshawn Boswell, of the 7100 block of South Yates Boulevard, according to the Cook County medical examiner's office.

The other man, 21, was shot in the legs and wrist. He was taken in serious condition to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, police said.

Girls shot during school picnic

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In the Pill Hill neighborhood on the Far South Side, two girls were shot at a school picnic on the playground of an elementary school, police and fire officials said.

The younger girl, 7, was struck in the leg and the older girl, 13, was hit in the hand, according to a law enforcement source.

They were taken in serious condition to Comer Children's Hospital, according to Larry Langford, a spokesman for the Chicago Fire Department.

The girls were outside Warren Elementary School at 9239 S. Jeffery Ave. around 1:45 p.m. when someone in a car opened fire at a group of people on a corner and hit the girls instead, a source said, citing preliminary information.

Police said "persons of interest" were being questioned after a car was stopped.

Other shootings

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About 5 a.m. Saturday, a 35-year-old man was shot in the ankles as he was getting out of a parked car in the 5600 block of South Wabash Avenue in the Washington Park neighborhood, police said. A relative took him to St. Bernard Hospital after he realized he had been shot. He was listed in good condition.

Just before 3 a.m., a 28-year-old man who was in the 2500 block of North Stockton Drive near Lincoln Park Zoo was shot in the left hand, police said. A friend took him to Stroger Hospital, where he was listed in good condition. He was not cooperating with investigators, and police did not have further details about how the shooting happened.

Three people were shot about 1:20 a.m. while they were standing in an alley in the 300 block of East 90th Place in the West Chesterfield neighborhood, police said. A 30-year-old man was shot in the left leg, and a 27-year-old man was shot in the right shoulder. A 25-year-old man was shot in the left thigh. Their conditions were stabilized at Advocate Christ Medical Center.

About 10:45 p.m. Friday, a 33-year-old woman was shot in the back while she was driving in the 1600 block of South Throop Street in Pilsen. The shooter was inside a dark-colored sedan, police said. The woman's condition was stabilized at Stroger Hospital.

In Lawndale, a 20-year-old man was grazed in the left thigh while he was walking just before 10:25 p.m. in the 3500 block of West 13th Place, police said. He was treated and released at Mount Sinai Hospital.

About 9:20 p.m., a 21-year-old man was standing in the 1100 block of North Kedvale Avenue in West Humboldt Park when someone inside a white sedan shot him in the right arm, back and neck, police said. His condition was stabilized at Mount Sinai Hospital.

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Shortly after 8 p.m., a 20-year-old man was shot in the 1200 block of South Tripp Avenue in the Lawndale neighborhood. He suffered a wound to the left leg, and was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital where his condition was stabilized, police said.

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About 6:30 p.m., a 22-year-old woman was shot while she was sitting in a parked vehicle in the first block of East 104th Street in the Roseland neighborhood. Police said someone fired shots from a passing vehicle, striking the victim in the arm. She was taken to Roseland Community Hospital and listed in good condition.

About 5:15 p.m., a 26-year-old man was shot on the Southwest Side. He was in the 2400 block of South Washtenaw Avenue when someone shot him in the foot, police said. He was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he was listed in good condition.

Shortly before 4 p.m., a 28-year-old man was shot on the West Side in the Lawndale neighborhood. That shooting happened in the 1800 block of South Lawndale Avenue, police said. The victim suffered wounds to the left arm and abdomen. He was taken in critical condition to Mount Sinai Hospital.

About 2:10 p.m., a 50-year-old woman was shot in the 4000 block of West North Avenue in the Hermosa neighborhood. Police said the woman was walking when two vehicles, one a dark-colored sedan, opened fired at the other, wounding her in a leg. She was taken to St. Mary Hospital where her condition was stabilized.

Shortly before 1:45 p.m., a 23-year-old man was shot in the 5100 block of West Thomas Street in the South Austin neighborhood on the West Side, police said. Police said someone in a dark sedan fired shots in his direction, striking him in the chest. He was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital where his condition was stabilized.

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About 1:30 p.m., a 42-year-old man was shot in an arm while standing in a doorway in the 12300 block of South Yale Avenue in the West Pullman neighborhood. He was reportedly in good condition at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, police said.

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A 24-year-old woman and her infant son were thrown from a moving vehicle Friday afternoon in Chicago's Near North area, police said.

Police said the woman was involved in a domestic argument with a 28-year-old man about 3:15 p.m. in the 1500 block of Cleveland Avenue.

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At some point, a door opened and she was ejected with the infant boy in her arms, police said.

The baby was taken to Lurie Children's Hospital and the mother was taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital, but there was no information immediately available about their conditions.

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Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner is launching an extensive TV ad campaign coinciding with his decision to call lawmakers back to work, attempting to ratchet up pressure on Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan to end the state's historic budget impasse.

The half-minute ads, which debut Saturday, represent the latest in a continuing effort by the re-election-seeking GOP governor to try to demonize Madigan, his chief political nemesis, who has served as House speaker for 32 of the past 34 years.

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In the ad, a female narrator says, "Mike Madigan will do anything to keep power, even take down Illinois. Madigan's puppets blocked the budget, stopped property tax relief and now want to raise taxes by billions. Madigan and his cronies reject reform and let Illinois crumble."

In contrast, the narrator goes on to say in a cheerier tone, "We elected Bruce Rauner to reform Springfield. That's why Rauner is pushing a balanced budget and long-term property tax freeze to grow jobs. It's a new path to save Illinois because Rauner means reform. It's time we rebuild Illinois."

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Madigan has opposed Rauner's economic agenda, saying it would hurt the middle class at the expense of the wealthy.

"House Democrats will continue our work on the budget from Springfield, but as Gov. Rauner has met each of our attempts to date with refusal, it's clear that the onus is on the governor to show that he is finally serious about working in good faith to end the crisis he has manufactured," Madigan said in a statement Thursday after the governor called a special session to begin Wednesday and run through month's end.

The ad is scheduled to run statewide through June 30, the end of the state's budget year. While Rauner stressed the need to "compromise" in his special session call, it's difficult to see how hammering Madigan will put the speaker in the frame of mind to do so when bitterness and distrust have ruled the Capitol during the standoff.

There's been some question, however, whether Rauner or Madigan want to be on the hook for a tax hike vote ahead of the 2018 election, when the governor is seeking a second term and the speaker's control of the House is at stake.

The TV commercial follows the introduction this week of a Republican-backed plan that in many ways seeks to restart failed efforts toward a "grand bargain" with majority Senate Democrats.

Before the legislature's scheduled adjournment at the end of May, Senate Democrats approved their own budget plan as well as $5.4 billion in tax hikes. They moved ahead after complaining that Republicans were demanding too much in seeking items Rauner has deemed a prerequisite to a deal, such as a longer-term property-tax freeze and changes in the workers' compensation system.

The Senate Democrat-passed plan was sent to the House, but Madigan has not called it for a vote. Nor did the speaker vote on his own budget. Since the legislature has moved into June, it will take a three-fifths majority of lawmakers to approve any spending plan, which means GOP votes in the House will be needed.

Senate President John Cullerton has maintained that his Senate Democrats did their job in approving a budget plan, including new revenues such as an increase in the income tax. Cullerton said his members would not consider a short-term or stopgap budget that did not include new money.

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Rauner's advertising comes as House Republican leader Jim Durkin of Western Springs said in an interview on WLS-AM 890 that all parties in the impasse should put down their weaponry.

"I'm not going to point fingers today unless that I feel that it's absolutely necessary, but it's time to move away from that," Durkin said in recording "Connected to Chicago" to air at 7 p.m. Sunday. "There will be a governor's election in a year and a half. Let the chips fall where they may. But the fact is everybody needs to lay their arms down for a little bit, put things aside, think about the welfare of the state."

The new Madigan spot is the first advertising directly paid for by Citizens for Rauner, the governor's campaign fund, in the early 2018 campaign season after weeks of ads featuring the governor that were run by an affiliate of the Republican Governors Association.

Preliminary advertising reports filed by the TV and cable industry indicate an extensive statewide ad buy.

On cable alone, Rauner's campaign has purchased 1,419 ads statewide at a cost of more than $212,000. On one Chicago broadcast station, WBBM-Ch. 2, records show the Rauner campaign has bought 129 ads for more than $86,000.

Rauner, a former private equity investor from Winnetka, deposited $50 million in his campaign fund late last year.

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Mayor Rahm Emanuel listens to remarks by 4th Ward Ald. Sophia King, announcing a new summer safety program in the 3rd and 4th wards in July 2016 at Mandrake Park. (Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune)

A top Chicago business executive and the husband of a South Side alderman both illegally lobbied Mayor Rahm Emanuel through his personal email account, the Chicago Board of Ethics announced Friday.

Jim Abrams, the chief operating officer of medical supply giant Medline Industries, and Alan King, the husband of 4th Ward Ald. Sophia King, each were found to have broken ethics rules for seeking to influence the mayor and City Hall action without registering as lobbyists, as the law requires.

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Abrams emailed Emanuel to ask him to consider a friend's pitch to receive an exemption in an ordinance the mayor was pursuing to increase the city's minimum wage. King, a DJ and law firm partner, emailed Emanuel to have a fence removed from a Chicago park to accommodate a house music picnic.

The ethics board made the two violations public Friday but will not determine how much to fine Abrams and King until after its meeting next month.

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Abrams' interaction with the mayor was first reported by the Chicago Tribune in March in a package of stories that detailed how Emanuel's personal email accounts had served as a private avenue of influence where lobbyists, corporate executives and longtime associates and campaign donors sought action from  and access to  the mayor. The Tribune report found 26 instances of possible lobbying violations.

The Tribune also first reported King's request of the mayor in a December story that detailed well-connected Chicagoans seeking favors from the mayor in messages to his personal email accounts.

The ethics board has seen a sharp increase in potential cases since the Tribune report in March because the panel largely relies on information being made public to form its cases since the City Council has not granted it investigative power.

Under the city's sweeping ethics law, a lobbyist is defined as someone who "undertakes to influence any legislative or administrative action" by city officials, employees and the City Council or its committees. A person does not have to be paid by a company or party to be considered a lobbyist, they just have to try to influence city officials on behalf of another individual or entity.

Lobbyists are required to register with the city and report each contact with government officials. Exempt from registering are those acting solely on their own behalf or representing nonprofit groups that don't have for-profit members.

In evaluating Abrams' case, the ethics board determined the business executive sought to influence city administrative action by forwarding Emanuel an email from a friend seeking a change in the city's minimum wage ordinance. The board found probable cause in the case in April, about a month after the Tribune first detailed the email exchange.

Abrams, who could not immediately be reached for comment Friday, emailed Emanuel in April 2015, forwarding the mayor a letter from "one of my dearest friends in the world." Douglas Bank, chief operating officer of Phoenix Electric Manufacturing Co. Bank was seeking a small manufacturer's exemption from the city's minimum wage ordinance.

In the email, Bank asked Abrams to "facilitate a meeting with the Mayor or Chief of Staff so that we can make our case." Bank also said he'd "been working diligently with our Alderman," James Cappleman, 46th.

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Abrams has not registered as a lobbyist with the city, records show. Neither has Bank, whose contact with Cappleman also could mark a possible violation of the city's lobbying laws. The ethics board has not said whether it has considered a case against Bank. In finding Abrams broke the city's lobbing law, the board did not cite another interaction he had with Emanuel.

Abrams emailed Emanuel in December 2011 on a real estate deal involving the former Michael Reese hospital property. The city purchased the site from Medline in 2009 under then-Mayor Richard M. Daley, who envisioned it the home of a future Olympic Village under Chicago's failed bid for the 2016 Games.

By the time Emanuel took office, the loan had become a financial drain on the city. In his email to Emanuel, Abrams discussed refinancing the loan Medline provided to the city to buy the property, including citing a specific interest rate.

Abrams agreed to a lower interest rate, but the city structured the deal so that Medline did not have to pay taxes on the profits as it did originally  an arrangement that could boost the company's profit in the end. Under the city's ethics law, altering the terms of a public loan could qualify as an "administrative action," and it's unclear whether the ethics board reviewed this interaction.

"Wonderful seeing you and thank you," Abrams wrote at the end of his email to Emanuel. "Love to family."

Abrams and wife Wendy Mills Abrams, whose family owns Medline, are longtime friends of the mayor. The couple and Medline Co-Chairman Jonathan Mills have contributed $265,000 to Emanuel-allied campaign funds since 2010.

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A 2015 Tribune investigation, "Inside Rahm Emanuel's political cash machine," found the Abrams family and Medline to be among a circle of Emanuel's roughly 100 most loyal contributors, who accounted for much of the money he had raised since leaving the Obama White House to run for mayor. Nearly 60 percent of those top donors benefited in some form from Emanuel's city government  including Medline.

The Tribune reported that Emanuel had appointed Jim Abrams to World Business Chicago, a powerful and exclusive economic development board of executives that drives deals to bring new businesses and investments to the city. Emanuel also held a jobs announcement event with the company and made an appearance at a business conference for Medline.

In 2012, the mayor reported accepting a house stay and transportation as gifts from Jim Abrams on his annual economic disclosure filing.

In King's case, the ethics board determined there was probable cause for a lobbying violation in February, nearly two months after a Tribune story detailed how Chicago's rich and powerful had used Emanuel's personal email to request favors big and small.

"Hello Rahm. It's Alan King, Barack's buddy and Jesse Ruiz's law partner over at Drinker Biddle," King wrote Emanuel on May 21, 2015. "It was good seeing you in the suite at the Sox game on opening day."

King, a member of a cadre of disc jockeys known as the Chosen Few who pioneered house music, had planned to hold the group's 25th anniversary "House Music Picnic" in Jackson Park on July 4. Despite obtaining a Chicago Park District permit, the event was being threatened "due to some construction" on the picnic site.

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"I apologize, but it is a very serious situation for me and my business partners, and I think you might be able to help at least to broker a solution," wrote King, who could not immediately be reached for comment Friday.

Emanuel responded less than a half-hour later by asking if King had contacted Michael Kelly, the Park District's superintendent and CEO. About two weeks later, King wrote back to tell Emanuel that in working with the Park District and others, "I think everything is going to work out."

"Please say hello to Amy from Sophia and me," he wrote, referring to Emanuel's wife, Amy Rule. The mayor forwarded the message to David Spielfogel, then Emanuel's top adviser, who responded, "First I'm hearing. Will confirm with Mike."In an emailed statement Friday, King said he was "disappointed by the finding of the Board of Ethics" and "for many factual and legal reasons I expected a different outcome." He declined to elaborate on why.

King said he, his friends and colleagues were "committed to taking the appropriate actions when necessary to protect and preserve the picnic, one of the crown jewels of the South Side and the entire city we love."

King's law partner, Ruiz, also was Emanuel's appointed vice president of the Chicago Public Schools until being shifted last November to serve as president of the Chicago Park District. In April 2016, Emanuel appointed Sophia King as 4th Ward alderman.

Abrams and King's violations likely never would have come to light had Emanuel not faced pressure from open records lawsuits from the Tribune and Better Government Association. The mayor released the emails late last year as part of a settlement with the BGA, and the Tribune lawsuit is ongoing.

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It's unclear how much the ethics board might fine Abrams and King.

Under the ethics law, lobbyists who fail to register face a $1,000-a-day fine if they don't register within five days of contacting city officials. That's designed to create immediate transparency on which interests are seeking to influence potential government actions as decisions are being weighed by city officials.

Abrams and King would become the second and third individuals to be fined for failing to register as lobbyists this year. In February, the board issued a record $90,000 fine to former Uber executive David Plouffe for illegally lobbying Emanuel on the city's ride-sharing ordinance. Uber was hit with a $2,000 fine for a single instance of employing a lobbyist who failed to register.

In Plouffe's case, the board issued a maximum fine based on the 90 days the former Obama campaign manager had failed to register after first emailing Emanuel asking for help on regulations for picking up travelers at the city's airports.

Under the law, Abrams could face a potential fine of more than $520,000 dating back to his April 2015 email. King could face a fine of more than $500,000, dating back to his May 2015 email.

Ethics Board Chairman William F. Conlon, however, has signaled the board is unlikely to hand out exorbitant maximum penalties. He argued the panel has the authority to reduce penalties, and it will strive not to be "unreasonable or vindictive about what the fines are."

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The rulings issued Friday stated that "the board makes clear that its determination is not intended to question the subject's integrity, character or motivations."

So far, the Emanuel-appointed board has considered 28 cases, and found probable cause for illegal lobbying in 15 of them, sending notifications to those potential violators, records show. The board dropped four of those cases after meeting with individuals involved, found illegal lobbying existed in three cases and is still weighing another eight cases.

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Twitter @BillRuthhart
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle explains why she wants to run for a third and final term. (Hal Dardick / Chicago Tribune) (Videolicious - Chicago Tribune)

She's raised the sales tax and imposed a new soda tax. She's gone through multiple chiefs of staff amid criticism of her demanding style. And she's even risked her reformer bona fides standing by an embattled Democratic chairman.

Still, as a 2018 re-election bid looms, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle is without known opposition. And so the two-term former schoolteacher is proceeding apace with her plans to make it one more term and done.

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"We're going to run a full-fledged campaign no matter what," Preckwinkle told the Chicago Tribune in an exclusive interview Thursday. "My basic view is campaigns are an opportunity for you to get out and talk with your constituents and talk to them about the things that are on your mind and give them a chance to see you, whether or not you have opposition."

The 70-year-old former alderman from Kenwood said she has more to accomplish: protecting the changes she's helped engineer at the county's vast public health system; pushing further reforms to the criminal justice system; and doing more to promote economic development.

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And while she's clashed with Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the February 2019 Chicago mayoral election will be held just a few months after she finds out if she wins a third term at the county, Preckwinkle said she has no plans to run for another office.

"I've never run for a job as a steppingstone to something else," said Preckwinkle, who briefly knocked around a run for mayor in 2015 but eventually decided against taking on Emanuel. "Once I decided I wanted to run for County Board president, that was it. I was all in."

The lack of an opponent to date is a reflection of Preckwinkle's current political strength, which contrasts sharply from her status seven years ago, when she was perhaps the least likely of three challengers to prevail in a crowded Democratic field against controversial board President Todd Stroger. But she won, largely based on her pledge to kill off what remained of Stroger's much-reviled penny-on-the-dollar sales tax increase.

During her first term, Preckwinkle kept that promise while also putting a stop to the negative headlines emanating from the County Building under her predecessor, providing little ammunition to potential political foes. She ran unopposed in 2014.

But after her re-election, the narrative of Preckwinkle as the rare Democrat to reduce taxes quickly began to change.

Though she had significantly cut the county payroll, reduced the local taxpayer subsidy for the health care system by hundreds of millions of dollars and played a key role in substantially reducing the Cook County Jail population, she set out to tackle a growing shortfall in the pension fund for county workers.

She also faced rising debt payment costs set in motion while she was still an alderman, the need to update county computer systems, a backlog of roadwork and rising per-employee payroll costs.

Preckwinkle did an about-face and persuaded the County Board to restore that penny sales tax hike, getting the bare minimum of votes after a weekslong campaign of one-on-one lobbying of commissioners.

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The County Board president notes that her plan to reduce overall pension costs went nowhere in Springfield in the face of Republican opposition, though the Illinois Supreme Court has declared similar measures unconstitutional. She made no apologies for then turning to the sales tax hike to halt rapid growth in the county's $6.5 billion debt to the pension system and start paying it down.

"I knew we had to have more revenue," Preckwinkle said. "That was the responsible thing that we had to do. ... We were accruing additional liabilities at the rate of a million dollars a day."

"Governments are like families  you can't just not pay your bills and think there are no consequences," she added. "You can't just say, 'I'm going to let my kids and grandkids pay for this, we're not going to deal with it now.'"

Later in 2015, the County Board also approved a new 1 percent tax on hotel stays, generating $31 million a year to cover rising county operating costs, on top of the $474 million a year the new sales tax brings in. The bulk of the sales tax revenue is going to increased pension contributions, while the rest is being used to pay down other debt, stop the diversion of gas tax revenue away from transportation projects and pay for technology upgrades.

Despite that influx of money, and further layoffs, operating costs continued to increase, with payroll rising under union contracts approved during Preckwinkle's tenure and grant funding diminishing.

To address that, Preckwinkle proposed a new penny-an-ounce tax on sugar- and artificially sweetened beverages to raise more than $200 million a year. That tax is set to go into effect July 1, and Preckwinkle will be the primary recipient of any taxpayer blowback, given that she broke a rare tie vote last November to enact the so-called soda tax.

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Rising taxes aren't the only issue ripe for exploitation by a potential political opponent, should one emerge before the March primary. Some commissioners have been critical of turnover in Preckwinkle's administration, which was highlighted in January when she named her fourth chief of staff over a 16-month period.

Preckwinkle downplayed that issue, noting that many left her administration to take advantage of new opportunities.

"Surely, the people who have served as chief of staff have gone onto very responsible positions elsewhere," she said, noting her first chief of staff, Kurt Summers, went into a well-paying private sector job before becoming city treasurer, and onetime top aide Kim Foxx is now state's attorney.

Others have gone on to take highly visible, top-level posts. U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly, D-Illinois, a former county chief administrative officer, went on to be a state representative before being elected to Congress. Chief Financial Officer Ivan Samstein recently left to become vice president and CFO at University of Chicago.

Preckwinkle conceded she demands much of those who work for her.

"My view is that if you're going to be an effective leader in public service, you have to have a pretty high bar for performance," she said. "You have to hold yourself accountable, but you also have to hold your staff accountable."

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Preckwinkle also has walked a fine line when it comes to her friendship and political alliance with County Assessor Joseph Berrios. She praises his record of promoting minorities while also making clear she doesn't sanction the placing of relatives on his payroll.

Asked about the recent Tribune series "The Tax Divide," in which the newspaper found Berrios has resisted reforms and ignored industry standards while his office churned out inaccurate property values, Preckwinkle did not criticize her political ally. Instead, she talked about no county government property tax hikes for 24 years and suggested a new computer system might help.

"We have particularly invested in what we call an integrated property tax system," she said. "It's trying to get all the actors to work better. It goes live (in) the assessor's office in December, and we have additional resources within that contract, I think, to try to look at some of the issues raised in the Tribune story."

To be sure, Preckwinkle also has racked up a fair number of accomplishments. Although the soda tax is controversial, health advocates are all praise, saying it will help reduce problems like obesity and diabetes  a point Preckwinkle reiterated during the interview.

Her plan for fixing the county's pension system has been lauded by financial analysts, and she's lowered the county's overall debt while reducing the number of employees. Her early adoption of the Affordable Care Act has put the county Health and Hospitals System on much more sound footing at substantially lower cost to local taxpayers  although she warns that a successful effort by Republicans to overturn Obamacare could badly damage that effort at a high cost to local taxpayers.

Last year, she announced a plan to rehabilitate the long-shuttered 102-year-old Cook County Hospital building and surrounding area, which sits amid the Illinois Medical District. That's expected to cost at least $550 million, with no more than $5.7 million borne by taxpayers.

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Under Preckwinkle, the county developed a new long-range transportation plan, the first it has drawn up since 1940, as part of an effort to get additional federal funding. And she's brought together northeastern Illinois leaders to promote economic development.

Preckwinkle has become a statewide leader in the criminal justice reform movement, successfully pushing for the release of more people charged with nonviolent offenses from the county jail, an effort she says can go even further.

She's also been a driving force behind statewide legislation to increase the age for being charged as a juvenile, reducing automatic transfers from juvenile to adult court, reducing the span of juvenile probation terms and creating an easier path to erasing the records of juveniles caught up in the system.

And despite an initially rocky record of backing other candidates, she's executive vice chairman of the county Democratic Party and has become a political power broker  most notably for her backing of Foxx, a Preckwinkle protege who defeated incumbent Anita Alvarez in last year's election.

Noting earlier failures in that arena, and the fact that Foxx's reform-themed campaign benefited from the late 2015 release of police dashcam video of the police shooting of African-American teen Laquan McDonald, Preckwinkle is modest about her power as a kingmaker.

"I'm going to (continue to) try to support good people," she said. "Sometimes those good people don't win, sometimes they do win. Sometimes it has nothing to do with whether you supported them."

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Preckwinkle, meanwhile, is thinking about her future beyond public office.

"I'm a teacher by profession, and one of the things that I find profoundly disturbing in the state of Illinois is the funding situation of our public schools, so I was thinking that what I need to do after I leave this job is work on ed equity  something with public education," Preckwinkle said.

hdardick@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @ReporterHal
Residents stand outside the gate of a Fengxian kindergarten on June 16, 2017, where police say a bomber detonated a device that killed 8 people, including himself, in eastern Jiangsu province. (Greg Baker / AFP/Getty Images)

BEIJING  Chinese police said Friday they believe that a 22-year-old school dropout planted a homemade explosive device outside a kindergarten, killing eight people, including himself, although his motive remains unclear.

The explosion took place at 4:48 p.m. on Thursday outside a kindergarten in the city of Xuzhou in the eastern coastal province of Jiangsu, as mothers were gathered at the school gates to pick up their children.

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There was initially some speculation the incident might have been caused by a gas cylinder from a street side food vendor, but it now appears the explosion will go down as the latest in a long series of puzzling and disturbing attacks on young children in China in recent years, perpetrated by people with grievances against society or with mental health issues.

The attacks on children are perhaps even more troubling in a society where many parents only have one child, thanks to four decades of draconian family planning policies.

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"The explosion was caused by a homemade explosive device," Pei Jun, the deputy head of Jiangsu public security office told a news conference, blaming a man he named only as Xu who died at the site.

Police said their investigation, together with DNA testing, had helped identify Xu, who they said had dropped out of school with autonomic nervous dysfunction, a disorder that can cause heart and breathing problems, and who went on to work and live near the kindergarten.

"Materials for making an explosive device were found at his room, and words such as 'die' were written on the wall," Pei said. "At this point we believe the case is solved."

Police said 65 people were wounded in the attack, eight seriously, of whom four remain in critical condition. Many appeared to be mothers.

Videos circulating on social media showed women lying on the ground among pools of blood, some motionless and others barely moving.

The attack happened before the children were let out of the school, the authorities said, saying no teachers or pupils were among the victims. But one video showed two very young children among the wounded - one cradled in a mother's arms and another lying on the ground.

Clothes and shoes were also seen strewn across the ground.

Although the videos could not be verified, they appeared to be from the same location as other footage posted by state media, which showed ambulances arriving, stretchers being wheeled out and police securing the scene.

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Sociologists blame the pressures of a society undergoing rapid change for the attacks on schools and young children, with rising inequality and huge pressures on young people to compete and succeed.

A lack of support for the mentally ill, and a dysfunctional legal system, where people who feel they have been treated unfairly or have suffered injustice have few avenues to seek amends, are also thought to be possible causes.

Police said two people died at the scene and six died at hospital.

Li Meijin, a professor in the department of criminology at the People's Public Security University of China in Beijing, said many of the attackers appear men in the prime of their life, who may be struggling to cope with pressure or difficulties in their lives.

"Socially isolated individuals are more likely to commit crimes," she added. "If they can't get effective help, or there's no good way for them to vent their feelings, they may become reckless in desperation, and take revenge on society."

"I am wondering if we should have more ways for people to file a complaint or appeal," she added.

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Last month, six Chinese children and six South Koreans, all aged between three and seven, died after their kindergarten bus driver lit a fire on his bus, police said. The man was apparently angry that his overtime and night shift pay had been cut, police told state media.

But with China maintaining strict control on firearms, most of the other attacks have involved knives or other sharp implements, such as last year's attack on an elementary school in northern China that left seven children wounded.

Between 2010 and 2012, there were at least nine separate attacks on elementary school children in China, which left at least 25 people dead and more than 100 wounded, with weapons including knives, a hammer, an axe, a cleaver and a box-cutter.

Police ascribed motives ranging from an employment dispute to a disgruntled suitor spurned by a woman, as well as simply blaming mental illness.

Those attacks prompted the government and schools to beef up security, posting guards and installing gates and barriers outside schools, and on Friday the Ministry of Education issued a fresh directive instructing schools to carry out a "comprehensive investigation of security risks."

Among other things, it said schools should look at former personnel who may have been dismissed, individuals with mental illness and illegal street stalls in the vicinity.

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Guns are banned in China and official data shows violent crime is relatively low in China compared to other parts of the world, with a murder rate less than fifth of that in the United States. However experts question the accuracy of the Chinese data and say many crimes go unreported.

Yang Liu, Shirley Feng and Luna Lin contributed to this report
Someday, I hope, I'll sit a couple of grandkids on my lap and tell them about the days when Americans abstained from political violence and settled all our differences peaceably through the democratic process. Or maybe I'll pick a different fairy tale.

Wednesday's attack on Republican members of Congress by a gun-wielding supporter of Bernie Sanders was an occasion to wonder what we have come to when political differences are seen as grounds for shooting opponents. What we have come to, in fact, is the place we have always been. Our history is spattered with the blood of people targeted for political reasons.

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It goes back to the American Revolution, which we mistily remember as a noble enterprise navigated by high-minded statesmen. In fact, it incorporated terrorism against suspected loyalists, who were subjected to beatings, torture and lynchings. The goal was not merely to punish the guilty but to intimidate those who might share their views.

The republic was born in political violence, and political violence has figured prominently in every chapter of our national story. We slaughtered the Indians to make room for whites. We fought a brutal civil war over slavery.

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Abraham Lincoln was assassinated by a political opponent. President William McKinley died in 1901 at the hands of an anarchist; another anarchist fired at President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1933, missing him but killing the mayor of Chicago.

John F. Kennedy was gunned down by a communist sympathizer. His brother Bobby fell victim to a Palestinian aggrieved by Bobby's support for Israel. Martin Luther King Jr. was murdered by a white racist. President Gerald Ford was twice targeted by women with political motives.

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It's not exactly new for a few Americans to see violence as a legitimate way to resolve political disputes. Do you think of the 1950s as a safe, tranquil era? During that decade, civil rights activists were beaten and killed; King's home was bombed. In 1954, Puerto Rican nationalists opened fire in the House of Representatives, wounding five members.

In the 1960s, radical leftists carried out thousands of bombings, some of them deadly. Blacks rampaged after King was killed, and various groups advocated armed revolution. Violence, announced black militant H. Rap Brown in 1967, "is as American as cherry pie."

Black power militant H. Rap Brown speaks to the media as he and Stokely Carmichael leave Hamilton Hall where black students take part in an anti-war sit-in protest at Columbia University in New York on April 26, 1968. Supporters of Brown, the former black militant awaiting trial for murder, contended Friday, Jan. 4, 2002 that anti-Muslim sentiment amplified by America's war against terrorism could send an innocent man to Georgia's death row. (Associated Press)

Even in our era, it remains a feature of the landscape. Anti-government extremist Timothy McVeigh killed 168 people when he bombed a federal building in Oklahoma City in 1995. Attacks on abortion clinics and doctors have long been commonplace; since 1977, according to the National Abortion Federation, there have been 11 murders, 26 attempted murders and 42 bombings.

The Anti-Defamation League recently published a study documenting 150 right-wing terrorist acts over the past 25 years. Islamist extremists have committed terrorist attacks from Orlando to San Bernardino. In 2015, neo-Nazi Dylann Roof killed nine people in an African-American church in an attempt to spark a race war. Last year, a black sniper angry over police shootings of black men killed five police officers and wounded nine in Dallas.

The case of James T. Hodgkinson, killed by police after he shot up the ballfield in Alexandria, Va., is shocking but not surprising. Conservatives can blame inflammatory anti-Trump rhetoric, just as liberals have faulted the president and his supporters for their often threatening tone  both with ample cause. But our political climate has not suddenly grown conducive to bloodshed. Our political climate is perpetually hospitable to extremism.

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Most Americans, most of the time, have eschewed violence. But there have always been individuals and groups with a fervent faith in the purifying value of guns, ropes and bombs. And there have always been political allies willing to ignore or downplay these dangerous impulses in the interest of a common cause.

If we hope to end this habit of violence, we can't interpret it as the fresh product of new political battles. We can't take it as a response to Trump, pro or anti. We have to recognize that it has deep, tenacious roots in a political culture created over time by both the left and the right. Violence is part of our collective political DNA.

This is one of those moments when we can mourn a mythical time of innocence or acknowledge that America's good has always been liberally mixed with bad. This grotesque outbreak of political violence was a tragedy, but it was not an aberration. The first step to overcoming our flaws is to admit how deep they go.

Steve Chapman, a member of the Tribune Editorial Board, blogs at www.chicagotribune.com/chapman.

Download "Recalculating: Steve Chapman on a New Century" in the free Printers Row app at www.printersrowapp.com.

schapman@chicagotribune.com

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Twitter @SteveChapman13
The decision to protect private property from state control played a pivotal role in the upcoming beatification of a Catholic martyr. On June 25 in Vilnius, the Roman Catholic Church will beatify Archbishop Teofilius Matulionis. The ceremony will mark the first time the Vatican has recognized a Soviet-era martyr from Lithuania, and the first Lithuanian beatified in his native land, according to the local bishops conference.

Archbishop Teofilius was born in 1873 in the village of Kadariskiai. He was ordained in 1900 and served in Latvia before taking up a parish in St. Petersburg, Russia, in 1910. He was said to have a profound devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. But seven years later, the Bolshevik Revolution would change the character of the nation and put him on the path to martyrdom.

In March 1922, Lenin ordered his fellow Bolsheviks to use a severe famine as a guise to confiscate all Church property with all the ruthless energy we can still muster. The following year, they demanded that Abp. Teofilius  then still a priest  voluntarily sign over church property to the State. He refused and was sentenced to three years in prison, the first of his three prison sentences.

After his release, he was secretly ordained a bishop in 1929, promptly returning to prison. In Solovki prison, later immortalized in Aleksandr Solzhenitsyns Gulag Archipelago, he labored by day and secretly celebrated the Mass by moonlight. After a prisoner exchange, he was released in 1933.

After gaining his freedom, he met Pope Pius XI and asked for his pontifical blessing. The pope reportedly replied, You are a martyr! You must bless me first! Teofilius was made bishop of Kaisiadorys, Lithuania, in 1943.

The Soviets had occupied the nation in 1940 and commanded all priests to take a loyalty oath and to spy on their parishioners for the NKVD. Refusing to do so, and issuing a defiant pastoral letter in 1945, he was sentenced to 10 years in prison. After his release, he consecrated a bishop without government approval and was exiled.

In 1962, he received word that he had been made an archbishop ad personam and was invited to attend the Second Vatican Council. Upon learning this, Communist authorities beat him and administered a lethal injection, causing his death on August 20, 1962. Pope Francis has certified that the Marxists killed him in odium fidei (out of hatred for the faith), paving the way for his beatification.

Obviously, the archbishop did not prize property for its own sake. He loved not his own life unto the death. But his first step to defending his faith was protecting church property from profanation, even in a clearly futile undertaking. His witness shows that private property exists as a hedge around other human rights, which must stand or fall together.

Teofilius followers need not look far to see the relevance of his example. Thousands in his former home of St. Petersburg have protested the governments decision to return St. Isaacs Cathedral  which the Bolsheviks seized and turned into a museum of atheism  to regular use by the Russian Orthodox Church.

In Ukraine, it is the Russian Orthodox Church whose property and church order may be threatened by the State. Two controversial bills, which apply only to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate), would undermine church property rights (Bill 4128) and require government approval for the appointment of bishops and metropolitans (Bill 4511)  the same sequence used in Russia 90 years earlier.

The Moscow Patriarchate worries that rival churches will send parishioners to join parishes en masse strictly for the purpose of seizing their property by majority vote. The leader of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Neophyte, sent a letter to Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko this month calling the measures extremely dangerous.

We believe that the proposed changes are blatantly discriminatory, the patriarch wrote. They obviously violate the equality of religious organizations of Ukraine before the law and give parishes fates into the hands of strangers, creating a legal basis for the seizure of the churches of the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church by schismatics and extremists. In his message is the implicit warning that, if the government can shuffle church buildings between Orthodox jurisdictions, it can as easily transfer property from the Church to the State.

The Ukrainian government defends these laws, saying the state of hostilities requires greater scrutiny of Russian Church appointees (who are not devoid of government influence themselves) and that Bill 4128 simply allows parishioners to vote on whether they belong to the Moscow Patriarchate or a (not currently canonically recognized) patriarchate based in Kiev. The change lies in the fact that if a majority decide to change jurisdiction, they also receive any religious property, said MP Victor Yelensky, who sponsored the bill.

But thats not the way the Orthodox canon law or property rights work.

In churches with an episcopal/hierarchical church government, such as the Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches, congregations use their property under the guidance of the diocese, which is its custodian. If its members wish to leave the denomination, they may do so  but they may not take Church property with them. U.S. courts have upheld this principle in numerous cases: Parishioners may not use the courts to evade ecclesiastical laws they had once accepted as binding.

The matter is relatively simple in the West due to the norms of private property, enforceable contracts, and the rule of law. It is infinitely more complicated when the churches are state property, as is the case in many Orthodox countries.

The archbishop of Athens and All Greece, Abp. Ieronymos, recently lamented this aspect of Church-State relations. The Church must be free and financially independent, he said on May 28. Churches desiring the independence to serve the Lord must first seek self-sufficiency apart from the treasury of Caesar.

Private property gives force to religious liberty. Property rights assure that the government cannot expropriate and redistribute religious property at will. It assures that, in the words of the Byzantine Divine Liturgy, The holy things are for the holy.

In the way Archbishop Teofilius Matulionis handled government assaults on the churchs private property, Christians of all backgrounds may find an example worthy of imitation.

(Photo credit: Vilensija. This photo has been cropped and modified for size. CC BY-SA 3.0.)
Cook County Assessor Joseph Berrios bristled recently at the suggestion that the property tax system in Cook County is an example of institutional racism.

The characterization, raised by a University of Chicago professor, came about in the Tribune three-part series called "The Tax Divide," which documented how the process of valuing property punishes low-income communities while easing the burden for wealthier ones.

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Berrios said any suggestion of racism was out of line, particularly given his own Puerto Rican roots and his upbringing in public housing.

But the label wasn't personal.

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The fact is Berrios, also chairman of the Cook County Democratic Party, oversees a system of property assessment that leans more heavily on minority communities to shoulder the county's property tax burden while cushioning wealthier areas. Properties in affluent neighborhoods tend to be underassessed compared to their actual market values. Those property owners also are more likely to appeal, winning reductions in what they owe in property taxes.

Meanwhile, homes in low-income areas tend to be overassessed and owners less likely to file an appeal.

Are you listening Hegewisch, West Pullman and South Shore? Are you listening Austin and Little Village? Are you listening Proviso, Bloom, Rich and Thornton townships? If you own a home there, you're picking up more of Cook County's property tax burden than property owners in the Gold Coast, Lincoln Park, Wilmette and Winnetka.

So my question is, when is the protest march? Where do I pick up my T-shirt? How many hours until someone files legislation in Springfield or an ordinance at City Hall to start fixing this lopsided, broken system? Or at least puts out a press release feigning outrage?

So far, crickets.

Other than Cook County Clerk David Orr, who is troubled by the issue and is trying to rally other elected officials, there has been no outcry. Not from Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Chicago aldermen, Cook County Board members or state lawmakers who represent the areas hardest hit.

They know property taxes are crushing their communities. Now they have more information on why. And yet, they're decidedly quiet.

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle has been standing with Berrios for most of his rocky tenure as assessor. She has endorsed him. She has defended him. Despite his insider status and her proclamations of being an outsider, despite multiple ethics issues that have arisen within his office, despite an exhaustive Tribune report that verifies how minority communities are harmed, Preckwinkle is still with him.

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Let me just pose the question: Can you imagine the outrage if the assessor were a Republican?

Berrios is right that it's impossible to get 1.8 million properties assessed with precision. But he also mothballed a model that was designed to make the process fairer. Private foundations  the big guns in the city  set aside resources to implement it. It didn't happen.

In so doing, or not doing, Berrios has protected an unfair, unjust property assessment racket. He has stoked it. He defends it because any homeowner can appeal his or her tax bill.

Who do you think has more time and resources available to do that? A bungalow owner in Calumet City working two jobs or a Gold Coast condo owner in retirement? The accessibility and increasing number of appeals is nothing to brag about. It is proof the system is whacked.

Let me know when the Democrats who represent the areas hardest hit, who claim to be the voice for the little guy, hold Berrios and the Democrats who make money off the broken system, particularly property tax lawyers House Speaker Michael Madigan and Ald. Ed Burke, accountable.

Let me know when someone has the courage to step up and call them out. I'll be waiting with my megaphone and my T-shirt.

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Kristen McQueary is a member of the Tribune Editorial Board.

kmcqueary@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @statehousechick
Illinois lawmakers didn't get around to passing a state budget before the end of their spring session, but they did find time to tweak Mayor Rahm Emanuel by advancing legislation to strip his control of the Chicago Board of Education.

The House proposal authorizes an elected board of 21 members, including a president elected at large; the Senate proposes a slimmer but still unwieldy 15-member board. In the House bill, the legislature would draw districts. (Let the gerrymandering begin!) The Senate calls for an independent commission to do so. Lawmakers have to work out their differences before a bill can be sent to Gov. Bruce Rauner.

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If it reaches his desk, he should veto it.

We understand the motivation behind this move and why many Chicagoans back it. Emanuel's hand-picked board, like Mayor Richard M. Daley's before it, has borrowed and spent the district perilously close to insolvency. The board missed a $23 million corruption kickback scandal that earned the last CPS leader a 4 1/2-year prison sentence.

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How much worse could an elected board perform? Much. Here's why:

The current seven-member board isn't a cauldron of dissent, but a 15-member or 21-member board likely would be nothing but.

It's hard to see how elected members could shake the Springfield money tree any harder than Emanuel and his board.

Or how an elected board would muster the gumption to close dozens more schools as student population plummets.

Or how a board with members likely beholden to the Chicago Teachers Union would have much incentive to bargain hard on behalf of city taxpayers when new teacher contract negotiations begin.

Rauner has criticized the legislation because "it's important that special interest groups that make their money from schools don't have too much influence on elections."

And what special interest groups is the governor worried could stack a board with cronies? Why, CTU and its deep pockets. The union has long backed an elected board, hoping to increase its influence. But in a recent $15 million (!) Los Angeles school board election, charter supporters, not union-backed candidates, prevailed. (Be careful of what you wish for, CTU.)

Illinois lawmakers passed control of the schools to Chicago mayors in 1995. Since then, the district has pushed major reforms, extended the school day and raised graduation rates. That's because one person  the mayor  is accountable for the performance of the schools.

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Mayoral control increases accountability: If voters disapprove of board actions and results, they don't have to spend millions and possibly years to stack a new board with reformers. They can elect a new mayor with a different education agenda.

If this mayor and his predecessor had demanded and received more from their appointees, lawmakers wouldn't be this close to sending a bill to Gov. Rauner's desk. But handing control to an elected board drains accountability from a system that needs more, not less.

Join the discussion on Twitter @Trib_Ed_Board and on Facebook.

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I have been a Chicago property owner for the last 27 years. As part of each bill, there should have been a portion paid toward funding education, and some of this was supposed to go to funding the teachers pensions. From what I understand, during the last 27 years, some of these funds were diverted to other areas. So over the last 20 or so years, the pensions were never funded properly, and thus a huge deficit. I may be oversimplifying this, but in a nutshell, this is what has happened.

Now, the government wants to tax us property owners more, to fund what should already been funded. To me, this is double taxing. I did my duty as a Chicago and Cook County resident; I paid my taxes. It is not my fault that whoever was in charge in the city, county or state screwed things up so that I need to be retaxed. This is irresponsible, unethical, and maybe unlawful and/or unconstitutional.

I know the courts have upheld the requirement that the pension agreements must be honored and that the teachers have the right to what has been promised to them in their contracts. But isn't there anything owed to us lawful, diligent real estate tax payers? This shortfall in the pension was not due to a mistake or miscalculation. It was a deliberate diversion of funds.

So now it is time to go after the "deep pockets of the taxpayers. Well, my pockets are getting empty. I cannot afford to be taxed twice for the same thing.

 Hymie Brandelstein, Chicago
Rather than putting a ton of effort into an outing and then just hitting one spot, why not extend the adventure? This week, we're pairing a movie in the park with dinner bites at Revival Food Hall. Feast then flick.

Pre-game: Revival Food Hall

125 S. Clark St. 773-999-9411

How much: Prices vary

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Before heading to Millennium Park for a movie, take your date to Revival Food Hall for a bite to eat. The 24,000-square-foot marketplace boasts 15 fast-casual stalls, which feature a number of popular, local restaurants and vendors. You should have no problem snagging a delicious meal to fill up on before your evening film in the park. Grab two fresh and delicious Hawaiian-style poke bowls from Aloha Poke Co. ($7.50-$14.50) or a couple sandwiches from The Fat Shallot like the Truffle BLT ($10), made with bacon, arugula, avocado, tomato and truffle aioli on Texas toast. Top it all off with some artisanal gelato or sorbet at Black Dog Gelato.

Main Attraction: Millennium Park Summer Film Series

201 E. Randolph St. 312-742-1168

How much: Free

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Your weekend is probably booked solid (hopefully we helped you with that), so why not plan a cute outing after a stressful day at the office? The Millennium Park Summer Film Series happens every Tuesday night at 6:30 through Sept. 5. Grab a picnic blanket, your honey and a seat at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion or lounge on the Great Lawn for a free cinematic adventure in the park. Hell, why not get a little crazy and pop a bag of popcorn before heading out? The lineup includes movies like "Caddyshack," "La La Land," "Hidden Figures" and "The Princess Bride." Woo your summer fling with a free summer flick.

Do you have a two-for-one outing idea to share with us? Email agorden@tronc.com with the details.
A former Aurora man is headed back to prison for unlawfully possessing guns.

A Kane County jury on Wednesday convicted 37-year-old Robert T. McBride of three counts of unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon, each a Class 2 felony.

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Kane County prosecutors presented evidence that on Sept. 17, 2014, Aurora police served a search warrant at McBride's residence in the 200 block of South Lasalle Street, Aurora. As police were serving the warrant, they saw McBride throwing a Glock 9mm handgun and a Hi-Point 9mm handgun from a window and into a neighboring yard. Police said they found a third firearm, a Taurus 22mm handgun, in a bedroom in the home.

McBride is prohibited by law from possessing guns based upon his criminal history, which includes multiple felony drug convictions, according to a press release from the Kane County State's Attorney's Office.

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Associate Judge Linda S. Abrahamson set McBride's next court appearance for 9 a.m. June 23 at the Kane County Judicial Center for motions, status and to set a sentencing date. McBride faces a sentence of between three and seven years in prison, according to the release.

McBride most recently lived in the 500 block of State Street in Batavia.
Anthony Birks is one of six men arrested after a roughly eight-month investigation by Aurora police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Kane County State's Attorney's Office. (Aurora Police Department photo )

Six Fox Valley men are facing 32 felony charges for drug and other offenses, according to Aurora police.

The charges stem from a roughly eight-month investigation by Aurora police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Kane County State's Attorney's Office into allegations of drug dealing and firearms sales, police said in a statement posted on Facebook.

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During the investigation, about 61 grams of cocaine, 11 grams of heroin and a .270 caliber rifle with 19 rounds of ammunition were seized.

Five of the men charged have been taken into custody, and one remains at large, police said.

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The investigation included undercover controlled narcotics and weapons purchases in Aurora, Montgomery and North Aurora, which were video or audio recorded, according to police. The investigation also involved confidential informants, they said.

On June 8, about 40 Aurora police officers and FBI special agents spread out across the area to arrest the suspects, executing warrants at either their homes or places they were known to spend time, according to Aurora police.

Fifteen of the charges are classified "Class X," and call for greater penalties if the men are convicted. The men charged include:

Paul Woodard, 40, of the 1100 block of Fenton Street, Aurora. His charges include two Class X counts of being an armed habitual criminal; a Class X count of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a school; two counts of unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon; two counts of unlawful possession of ammunition by a felon; unlawful delivery of a controlled substance; and unlawful sale or delivery of a firearm, according to police.

He is being held in lieu of $500,000 bail at the Kane County jail. He was on parole when he was arrested, and police said an Illinois Department of Corrections arrest warrant has been issued if he posts bail.

Randy Stewart, 47, of the 1100 block of New Castle Lane, Aurora. His charges include four Class X counts of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a park and four counts of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance, according to police.

Stewart is being held in lieu of $250,000 bail in the Kane County jail. Police said he was on federal probation when he was arrested.

Anthony S. Birks, 55, of the 900 block of Fulton Street, Aurora. His charges include two Class X counts of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a school or park and two counts of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance, according to police.

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He is being held in lieu of $450,000 bail in the Kane County jail.

Kevin Thompson, 34, of the 1100 block of Lorlyn Circle, Batavia. His charges include two Class X counts of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a school or park and two counts of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance, according to police.

He is being held in lieu of $250,000 bail at the Kane County jail.

Ronald Burt, 47, of the 1100 block of Bonner Avenue, Aurora. His charges include a Class X count of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a park and unlawful delivery of a controlled substance, police said.

Court records indicate Burt's bail has been set at $100,000, and the controlled substance was cocaine.

Raymond Johnson, 36, of the 1100 block of Fenton Street, Aurora. Police are continuing to search for Johnson, they said.

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His charges include three Class X counts of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a school or park and two counts of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance, police said.

Court records show his bail is $250,000.

Police described Johnson as a black man about 6 feet 3 inches tall, 280 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. They asked anyone with information about Johnson to call Aurora Police Special Operations Group investigators at 630-256-5600, their local law enforcement agency, Aurora Crime Stoppers at 630-892-1000 or to submit a tip through the police department's app.

All men in custody are scheduled to appear in court June 23.
A wave of momentum is propelling Office Pride's growth in the Mobile market.

Amid 20 percent average annual revenue growth for its franchise offices, the commercial cleaning concept announced today a plan to increase its presence through expansion in Alabama and across Mobile County.

The franchise has reached a tipping point as an increasing number of individuals and teams of franchise investors are showing true admiration for the brand's unique ability to offer a path to entrepreneurial dreams through a system that is consistent with their values.

"The moment is here. We're on the cusp of a dramatic increase of the footprint of Office Pride," said Gerry Henley, executive vice president of Office Pride, who joined the company over a year ago to lead the growth charge for the company. "The pieces are in place and the stage has been set for expansion of Office Pride unlike ever before."

Henley and the leadership team are amplifying what already has become a widely acclaimed franchise model. Unlike any other commercial cleaning franchise, Office Pride bridges entrepreneurship in a profitable business with personal values including honesty, integrity, hard work and a sincere commitment to faith. This rock solid foundation has offered a launching pad for several new initiatives being implemented to foster the brand's growth.

With average office revenues nearing $300,000, as outlined in Item 19 of Office Pride's Franchise Disclosure Document, the concept has looked from within to develop a refreshed franchise business plan made up of the most proven and profitable practices in the franchise system. The "Pathway to Profits" initiative puts these programs into place for new and existing franchisees, while implementing accountability measures.

Similarly, Office Pride has launched a new franchisee onboarding program - a launch process that takes franchisees through an intensive three-week training program. The new training processes are equipping franchisees to better run a successful business, while providing the corporate headquarters with a system that can help scale up the size of the franchise system.

Additionally, Office Pride is putting a keen focus on a new conversion program that offers a smooth transition for existing commercial cleaning businesses looking for sustainable growth as the landscape for running a business changes. Office Pride has crafted its model to stay ahead of often challenging regulatory and governmental policy changes, which is an attractive element for independents to convert to Office Pride.

"We've been franchising for 20 years and in business for 25 ... but we're constantly challenging ourselves to provide a franchise model that stays ahead of the curve," added Henley. "There is far more to our story that still needs to be written, and the next chapter is the best yet."

Office Pride is consistently recognized in Entrepreneur's prestigious "Franchise 500" ranking, scoring at the top of the "Best Low Cost Franchises," "Top Home-Based Franchises" and "Overall Best Franchises" categories. Likewise, franchise industry satisfaction research company, Franchise Business Review, consistently scores Office Pride as a "Top Low Cast Franchise" and recently inducted the business into the Franchise Business Review "Hall of Fame," an honor reserved for elite franchise brands.

Todd Hopkins, an accomplished entrepreneur, industry innovator and author, started Office Pride in 1992. Serving as CEO today, Hopkins continues to set the course for the company as he shares strong bonds with the entire Office Pride franchise community. Hopkins has authored several best-selling books based on Biblical business principles including Five Wisdoms for Entrepreneur Survival, The Carrot Chaser and The Janitor, and is now writing a book to inspire entrepreneurs to stress less.

Hopkins and the balance of the leadership team have crafted the Office Pride business model for franchisees that possess core values aligning with the brand's mission to honor faith and promote morals by building mutually beneficial relationships with customers, employees, vendors and other Office Pride franchisees.

The high quality cleaning services that Office Pride offers to its clientele focuses on routine janitorial work which includes carpet cleaning, window washing, restroom sanitization and more. These services are often conducted in commercial and community spaces ranging from corporate offices to professional medical offices to schools to churches. Office Pride also proudly upholds its commitment to reducing its ecological footprint by using Green Seal certified cleaning products with every service.

For more information about Office Pride's franchising opportunities, visit www.officepridefranchise.com.

Office Pride is one of the nation's most admired faith-based, full-service commercial cleaning company that places its franchisees' quality of life as its top priority in order to achieve companywide success. Office Pride provides janitorial services from floor to ceiling for commercial and community areas. For more information about Office Pride, visit www.officepride.com or call (727) 754-5990.

For more information about franchise opportunities with Office Pride, please contact franchise development manager Gene White at genewhite@officepride.com or visit www.officepridefranchise.com.
The Second District Appellate Court recently granted a new trial to an Aurora man convicted and imprisoned as an armed habitual criminal in 2014.

The three-judge panel cited technical issues with jury selection in the trial of Antwon Dismuke, but also was critical of some testimony presented by Kane County prosecutors in the case which centered around Dismuke's possession of a gun used in a 2009 Aurora shooting.

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A jury in May 2014 found Dismuke, 42, guilty of being an armed habitual criminal after determining Dismuke had the .44-caliber long-barreled handgun in violation of Illinois law which forbids felons having a firearm. Coupled with two prior forcible felony convictions aggravated discharge of a firearm in 1995 and delivery of a controlled substance in 2001  Dismuke was charged under the armed habitual criminal statute. He was subsequently sentenced to 13 years in prison, records show.

Dismuke appealed the conviction contending prosecutors didn't prove him guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, while also asserting that Kane County Judge Susan Clancy Boles allowed improper testimony and didn't follow Illinois Supreme Court standards for questioning potential jurors during the selection process.

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The appellate analysis determined prosecutors circumstantially proved Dismuke continually had the gun from July 14, 2009  one day after a drive-by shooting in Aurora  until it was discovered on June 30, 2010, wrapped in a towel and a plastic bag under the stairs of a neighboring residence which shared a driveway with where Dismuke lived. Investigators identified a partial thumb print on the bag as matching Dismuke's, according to the ruling.

On the issue of jury selection, the appeal argued Boles erred in how she asked potential jurors about their understanding of certain principles  the presumption of innocence, a defendant's right to not testify or present evidence and the underlying requirement that prosecutors must prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt. The appellate judges noted that instead of asking potential jurors whether they "understood and accepted" the principles, she queried if anyone had any "difficulty or disagreement" with those fundamental aspects of the trial. Additionally, Boles created confusion in how she asked jurors to signal her if they didn't understand a principle, the appeal stated.

"This phrasing standing alone is certainly problematic," Justice Michael Burke wrote in a special concurrence to the decision. "Had the trial court used the best practice of parroting the language of the (Illinois Supreme Court) rule in its questions, this issue would have never arisen on review."

Heading into a new trial, prosecutors will be limited in how it tells jurors about the shooting, a subsequent search of Dismuke's home which turned up a gun, but not the one used in the drive-by, and portions of Dismuke's criminal history, the appellate court ruled, noting at least one witness mentioned one minor encounter to simply depict Dismuke as a "bad person."

The Kane County State's Attorney's Office said it is aware of the ruling and was considering its options in the case. Dismuke remained in Illinois Department of Corrections custody as of Friday.

Dan Campana is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News
Aurora Housing Authority Executive Director Keith L. Gregory is leaving the agency.

He has accepted a job as president and chief executive officer of a public housing authority in Juneau, Alaska's capital city, according to a statement from the Tlingit Haida Regional Housing Authority. Gregory's last day at the Aurora Housing Authority was set for Friday, he said Thursday night.

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He said his decision to leave was related to money and opportunity.

"(It's a) super unique opportunity to go work with an amazing Indian housing authority and work with amazing people in a part of the world I would have never had the opportunity to go otherwise," he said.

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He was named head of the Tlingit Haida authority May 12, according to the agency's statement. He said his first day on the new job is Monday.

Aurora Housing Authority Commissioner Scott Voris said after a board meeting Thursday he had learned Gregory was leaving after they posted the agenda for the meeting.

Reached by phone, Gregory, who was not at the meeting, said he told the housing authority board chairman verbally he was leaving "a while ago," then clarified it was "at least a month" ago.

Gregory is leaving his post in Aurora in the midst of five-year contract that ends September 2019. He first came to the housing authority in 2012.

The Beacon-News last week explored the relationship between the housing authority and an affiliated developer, also run by Gregory. The two do business with each other in a setup regulated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

In January 2014, amid reports that he was being considered for a housing authority job in Florida, he told the Beacon-News "I would like to be around for the long haul."

He said Thursday the new job provided an opportunity, and called Alaska an adventure for him and his family. He highlighted several accomplishments he's proud of, including what he described as changing the authority's image.

"It is bittersweet because I have grown to love this community and really love everything about it," he said.

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In April, at least one housing authority commissioner asked who would be the next executive director if Gregory were no longer there, meeting minutes show.

Voris said Thursday Gregory is an "up- and-comer" and the board wanted to be prepared for the idea of his departure, though he didn't expect it to be imminent.

Voris said the board intends to discuss plans to fill the vacancy at a June 26 meeting.

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Following his career at Stevenson High School, former superintendent Tim Kanold still is focused on education, composing a book in his semi-retirement about teaching.

And as the 2016-17 school year ended, Stevenson officials in Lincolnshire recognized Kanold's contributions to education by naming him the latest winner of the school's annual "Heritage Award." Kanold, 66, worked as the superintendent of Stevenson from 2002 to 2007.

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Aside from traveling to educational conferences, Kanold now travels to promote his book, "Heart! Fully Forming Your Professional Life as a Teacher and Leader," which Solution Tree published in March.

But before launching a successful career in education, Kanold recently recalled how he initially considered working for research and scientific development company Bell Labs while finishing a master's degree in educational administration from the University of Illinois in 1980.

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He ultimately decided to stick with a career in teaching, something he knew he wanted to do since he was a student in high school, Kanold said.

After years of presenting the Heritage Award to other honorees at Stevenson, Kanold struggled to describe the feeling of being on the receiving end of the award.

"I had this sense at the moment that I'm so honored," he said. "I don't think there's any other way I could say it."

Q: Bell Labs was offering better money and status. How does one turn that down to spend their days with teenagers?

A: The money was going to be a lot better at Bell. But for me, it was really knowing what my passion was. Although the Bell job would have been a really good opportunity, it wouldn't have had the same meaning. It wasn't where my passion was. I was aware of that.

Q: Textbooks are terribly boring to read. How do you write one without putting yourself to sleep or in a depressed state?

A: It's another way to keep growing in the profession. The very first thing I did for a textbook was I wrote all the solutions for an algebra two textbook. That was not fun. But there was new technology coming on the scene, like graphing calculators. Now, we could do real-life applications. That appealed to me  the idea that I might be able to make an algebra book that could be interesting to kids.

Q: Graphing calculators have never been cool, but math has led directly to smartphones and tablets. Apple released the first iPhone the year you retired, so you just missed the age of math being fun. Have you ever thought of going back into the classroom and teaching a now-popular subject?

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A: You bring up a really good point. It is extremely exciting to teach math these days. But am I staying in tune with the times? In some ways, I'm still game to that. But it's not teaching the students, it's with the teachers.

Shout Out is a weekly feature in which we get to know and introduce our readers to their fellow community members and local visitors throughout suburban Chicago.

RWachter@PioneerLocal.com

Twitter @RonnieAtPioneer
Two Cook County male detainees, one being held in a murder case, are accused of sexually assaulting a 52-year-old female while all three were in custody at the Markharm courthouse, according to the state's attorney's office.

Hamidullah Tribble, 21, and Nelon Drake, 29, are charged with criminal sexual assault, a Class 1 felony, for the alleged attack on May 2 in the holding area of the courthouse, according to county officials.

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Spokeswoman Cara Smith, of the Cook County Sheriff's Office, said Thursday it "absolutely is the protocol" to keep male and female detainees separate. The office has launched a "very serious internal investigation" into why that protocol was violated.

The sheriff's office internal investigation, which is separate from the state's attorney's criminal investigation, likely will result in terminations, Smith said.

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"Prior to the state's attorney office commencing their investigation, we moved any staff that were in that area at the time the allegations were made to different assignments," she said.

Tribble, of Chicago, and Drake, of Dolton, remain in custody at the Cook County Jail on pending criminal cases. Tribble is currently held on $100,000 bail for charges of aggravated kidnapping of a child, possession of a stolen motor vehicle and unlawful restraint. Authorities are holding Drake in a first degree murder case and a separate case of attempted murder, armed robbery, aggravated discharge of a firearm and aggravated unlawful restraint.

Both men are scheduled to return to Markham court June 29 for a bond hearing on the sexual assault charge.

Nick Swedberg is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
 AFP Falsely Reports: Hamas Accepts State 'Limited to 1967 Borders' | Main | Politico Notes Israels Security Challenges 

June 15, 2017

"Tragic Inaction on Congo"

An Op-Ed in the International New York Times today discusses, as its headline puts it, "The U.N.'s tragic inaction on Congo."

The piece focuses on the tragic killing of two Westerners in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The pair were working for the United Nations, which, the authors protest, has failed to investigate the killings. The authors link the incident to a wider phenomenon: "their deaths are a reminder of how little attention is paid to the killings of hundreds of Congolese in the Kasai region since last August," they say, noting the recent discovery of dozens of mass graves in the region.

The passive voice here  "little attention is paid"  means readers aren't told who, exactly, isn't paying attention. But if history is any indication, the same newspaper publishing this Op-Ed is a prominent example of those guilty of paying relatively little attention to violence in Congo.

The book Stealth Conflicts: How the World's Worst Violence is Ignored, by Virgil Hawkins, shows that The New York Times largely overlooked the deaths of nearly two million people during the first two years of fighting in the DRC.

The discrepancy between how the newspaper covered that violence and the fighting between Palestinians and Israel starting in 2000 is highlighted by a striking graphic in Hawkins' book:

Tragic inaction on Congo, indeed.



Posted by GI at June 15, 2017 04:07 PM

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For the first time since President Donald Trump's administration took office, a small delegation of Will County officials made a trip to Washington, D.C., touting their Community Friendly Freight Mobility Plan in meetings with all their Congressional representatives.

They covered topics ranging from the county's need for infrastructure improvements to accommodate freight, and its battle with the opiate epidemic, "our top two priorities," said Suzanne Hart, R-Naperville, who chairs the county board's Legislative and Policy Committee.

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Joining Hart on the May 23-24 trip was Board Speaker Jim Moustis, R-Frankfort Township and Nick Palmer, chief of staff for County Executive Larry Walsh.

"Our message is that Will County continues to be a fast growing county, and continues to be of regional and national significance," Palmer said.

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In all 11 meetings, county officials talked about their soon-to-be-completed Freight Study, and everyone was "very interested" in hearing about it, he said.

The study, which will prioritize infrastructure projects to support the safe movement of freight, and steer it off residential roads, also addresses land use issues, workforce development, employee housing and transportation and community livability. It will be used to apply for federal grants.

Will County has seen a 138 percent growth in transportation, distribution and logistics industry in the last 10 years, more than any other area of the country, and 60 percent of its freight goes beyond the county, according to the study.

With all the freight moving through this region, and impacting local roads, it requires "a national solution," Palmer said.

"Every (Congressional) member was impressed" that the county took the initiative to do such a study, document areas for improvement and the need for federal funds, said Brett Garson, the county's legislative lobbyist in Washington D.C., who accompanied them on these visits. Garson discussed the recent trip via conference call during Tuesday's meeting of the county's Legislative and Policy Committee.

All indicated they would support the county's effort to obtain federal funding for infrastructure work, Garson said.

"We were especially pleased with the bipartisan support we received" for the freight plan, Moustis said in a news release.

For Palmer, the best meeting was with the Department of Health and Human Services, which includes the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

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In the meeting, county officials talked about "all the positive things" they are doing to address the heroin crisis, such as distributing Naloxone, an opiate antidote, to first responders and families of addicts, and its heroin education programs in local schools.

"This is a national issue but some communities have not taken the steps we have," he said. "They are very interested in sharing more information with us."

Garson said the staff at HHS was "very impressed" that Will County has taken the initiative to address this issue for the past several years.

County officials made "good contacts" at SAMHSA, and will follow up with them, as funding becomes available this fall to fight the heroin epidemic, Garson said.

Hart said county officials first brought their concerns to Congress about heroin abuse more than five years ago.

"We've made great strides since then and will continue to work with the federal government to get help to those who need it," she said in a news release.

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The county contingent also talked about the capital improvement projects it is now doing  a new public safety complex, new courthouse and a future home for its aging health department building  which were funded with tax-exempt municipal bonds. They stressed the importance to maintain the tax-exempt status for this funding mechanism, Garson said.

In addition to meeting with Illinois' U.S. Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth, the three also met with U.S. Reps. Bobby Rush, D-Chicago, Robin Kelly, D-Matteson, Dan Lipinski, D-Western Springs, Bill Foster, D- Naperville, Randy Hultgren, R-Plano, and Adam Kinzinger, R-Channahon, and staff at the US Department of Health and Human Services, U.S. Department of Transportation and the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Moustis said the meetings were "productive" despite a "hectic" schedule.

In previous years, several county board members went to Washington, D.C. annually. This year, officials decided to take a different strategy, sending smaller groups more often. Another group is expected to visit DC again in the fall, once the freight study has been completed, officials said.

It was "a more relaxed environment with just a few of us," Moustis told the Legislative Committee.

slafferty@tribpub.com

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Elgin police arrested a Markham man in connection with a June 10 home invasion in the 1200 block of Amanda Circle in Elgin, according to a news release.

Terrance B. Marshall, 36, of the 16000 Block of Laflin St., was charged with one count of home invasion, a class X felony, Elgin police said. His bond was set at $200,000.

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Marshall is on probation from the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) on an attempted murder in a 2002 Kane County case, according to IDOC records. He was sentenced to 16 years in prison on the charge. Elgin police said the IDOC had a warrant for Marshall's arrest.

The latest charge involves a home invasion at 11:50 p.m. on June 10 when Marshall, pushed his way into an apartment and battered a woman who lives there, police said. The woman suffered facial injuries, police said. The man fled the scene before police arrived, according to reports.

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Elgin police and Rockford Police Department detectives worked together to find Marshall in Cherry Valley, where he was taken into custody and transported to Elgin Police Department, the release stated.
A South Elgin man is headed to prison for shooting a tow-truck driver, according to a release from the Kane County State's Attorney.

Devonne L. Montgomery, 22, of the 1100 block of Kane Street in South Elgin, was sentenced Thursday to eight years' imprisonment in the Illinois Department of Corrections by Circuit Judge John A. Barsanti.

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A Kane County jury on April 27 convicted Montgomery of a class X felony aggravated battery with a firearm.

According to Kane County prosecutors, at about 1:50 a.m. Oct. 18, 2015, a tow-truck driver attempted to remove a car that was unlawfully parked in a lot in the 1200 block of Fleetwood Drive in Elgin. After the car had been hoisted onto the tow truck's boom, a man approached the driver and his coworker, had car keys and asked that the vehicle not be towed. The tow-truck driver agreed, lowered the car and unhooked it from the truck. As the man and the driver talked, Montgomery approached and began shouting about not towing the car. The driver replied that he would not tow the car and told Montgomery to mind his own business. Montgomery then pulled a Beretta 9mm handgun from his waistband and shot the driver in the left shoulder. As the driver ran to the tow truck, Montgomery fired a second shot at him but missed.

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The driver suffered a broken scapula, clavicle and nicked lung. He has had multiple surgeries and continues to recover.

According to Illinois law, Montgomery must serve at least 85 percent of the sentence. He was given credit for 606 days served in the Kane County jail, where he has been held since his arrest in lieu of $250,000 bail. Bond was revoked upon conviction.
M.J. and Joyce Jiaras of Winnetka, from left, with Joe and Eileen Madigan of Kenilworth, board member ( Lee A. Litas/Pioneer Press )

The Event: Piven Theatre Workshop celebrated 45 years with star-filled evening at Revel Fulton Market in Chicago on May 6. Some 315 alumni and notable guests from Hollywood, Broadway and across Chicago came together for the 45th anniversary festivities and to honor founder Joyce Piven.

Cause celebre: Piven, who has been a force in Chicago's theater community and has a reach all the way to Tinseltown, had strong words for those who threaten current artistic environment, with its funding on the chopping block at the state and federal levels.

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"This vision we have held together is a powerful thing in these shifting times when money for the arts is drying up. We artists are a threat to a closed society," said Piven. Many of her now-famous, former students, including children, Jeremy and Shira Piven, Ed Asner, Paul Adelstein, Aidan Quinn, Ann Cusack, Harry Lennix and others, applauded.

Anna Clark of Glenview, board member for 10 years stressed that the Piven Theatre Workshop, created as an after-school activity by Joyce and husband Byrne Piven, strives to equip individuals with the skills to be successful in life.

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"A lot of people will say 'I have children but I don't have a theater kid,'" said Clark. "It's actually the engineers, the mathletes and the science fair kids who benefit the most from Piven because their technical skills will get them a job, but the skills they learn at Piven will help get them a career and help launch them long term."

Still located in Evanston, the Piven now supports a strong community outreach that includes the Cook County Jail for Women and Off the Street Club. Piven still provides scholarships for numerous students of all ages.

"This is our defense, our resistance and my little joke for world peace: Art, community  one workshop at a time," said Piven.

Bottom Line: The gala raised $250,000. More at www.piventheatre.org.
The intersection of Garfield and Walnut streets in Hinsdale will become a four-way stop intersection, officials said, because of the increase in accidents there in the past year. (Kimberly Fornek/Pioneer Press )

Hinsdale officials say an increase in crashes at Garfield Street and Walnut streets has convinced them to install addition stop signs at the intersection.

The Hinsdale Police Department reported 15 crashes occurred at the intersection in the past five years, but eight of them were in the last 12 months. Since the police prepared its report May 17, another crash happened at the intersection on May 26, Hinsdale Police Chief Kevin Simpson said.

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Every six to seven weeks, there's an accident there, Simpson said at Tuesday's Village Board meeting.

The intersection currently has stop signs on Walnut, causing eastbound and westbound drivers to stop before crossing or turning onto Garfield. Police officials recommend also putting stop signs on Garfield for north- and southbound traffic, making Walnut and Garfield a four-way stop.

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"In a residential community, I am not opposed to more stop signs," said Village President Thomas Cauley, Jr. "The slower the traffic the better" in a residential neighborhood, he said.

The alternative would be to remove mature trees and bushes on the east side of Garfield that partially block drivers' views.

On the northeast corner, there are bushes about 54 inches high, planted sometime after July 2015, and a metal fence. Even taller bushes and parkway trees are growing on the southeast corner of the intersection, which limit how well westbound drivers on Walnut see cars on Garfield approaching from the south.

Police Sgt. Mark Wodka, who studied the intersection, said it appears westbound drivers spend more time looking to their left to check the cars coming from the south, from downtown Hinsdale, and may forget to double-check the traffic coming from the north before they turn onto Garfield.

The majority of the crashes from 2015 to the present were between cars going west on Walnut and south on Garfield, police reports show.

Police officials said the homeowner on the northeast corner agreed to trim his bushes to the maximum height, 45 inches, that the village allows within 100 feet of the intersection. For a totally unobstructed view, however the trees and bushes would have to be removed entirely to compensate for the rise in the road elevation and the height of the drivers' view. And, according to police reports, only two of the drivers in crashes over the past five years said their view was obstructed.

Village Board member Luke Stifflear, who said he lives near the intersection, believes crashes are occurring more frequently because more cars are coming through the intersection since the new two-way Oak Street bridge opened in December 2015.

For drivers heading north over the bridge, Walnut is the first street they come to where they can turn west.

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A Chicago Heights man, who pleaded guilty to the 2014 Round Lake Beach fatal shooting of a man who had been dating his sister, is scheduled for sentencing Monday in Lake County Circuit Court.

Jeremy Anderson, 38, faces a sentencing range of between 30 and 50 years in prison as a result of a negotiated agreement that included the entering of his guilty plea to first-degree murder.

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If convicted at trial, he could have faced a sentence of 45 years to life.

Anderson was charged with first-degree murder with a firearm enhancement after the Nov. 8, 2014, shooting of 31-year-old David Robinson.

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Robinson was found unresponsive at about 9:15 p.m. on that date in the 1400 block of Idlewild Drive, according to Round Lake Beach Police. He was transported to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, where he was pronounced dead.

Prosecutors said that Robinson, who died of multiple gunshot wounds, had been in a dating relationship with Anderson's sister.

After the shooting, Anderson fled Lake County and, after a manhunt was initiated, was eventually taken into custody in Gary, Indiana, and returned to Illinois after waiving extradition.

Anderson has been held in Lake County Jail in lieu of $3 million bail since his arrest, with the exception of time spent at a secure state mental health facility in Elgin after being found unfit for legal proceedings.

Lake County Circuit Judge Mark Levitt found Anderson restored to fitness March 14 of this year and approved the plea deal on April 10.

Levitt is scheduled to preside over the sentencing hearing Monday afternoon.

jrnewton@tribpub.com

Twitter @jimnewton5
Warren-Newport Public Library and Waukegan Public Library staff made these recommendations for children, teens and adults to read over the summer:

Vicky Schoenrock, Warren's youth services librarian, said she recommends "Rosie Revere, Engineer" by Andrea Beaty, a picture book for prechool and elementary age children. "It's about a little girl who wants to become an engineer," Schoenrock said.

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For grades 3-5, she suggested "Sideways Stories from Wayside School" by Louis Sachar.

"It's a collection of funny stories about a silly school. It's fun to read, and it's fun to read aloud," she said.

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For grades 5-8, she suggested "One Crazy Summer," by Rita Williams Garcia. "It's about three sisters who live in Brooklyn and they travel to visit their mother who's abandoned them in California. It takes place in 1968. I really like the relationships between the three sisters in this book."

Joanne Tully, senior youth services associate at Warren, recommended several summer reads for high schoolers, especially "Once and For All," by Sarah Dessen. "I love her books in the summer. There's usually romance and humor. She tackles different topics. They're contemporary stories."

For older high school students, she suggested "The Leviathan Trilogy" by Scott Westerfeld. "What I love about this book (a series of three) is that it takes place in alternative 1914 Europe. It's science fiction, where characters are flying genetically engineered beasts. There's a lot of action and a lot of excitement. The audio books are so fun to listen to. You can listen in the car with the family" while going on vacation, she said.

Debbie Hoffman, reference/reader's advisory librarian at Warren, said one of the hottest books this summer is John Grisham's latest, "Camino Island," a novel about stolen loot from a vault in Princeton University's Firestone Library.

"This one has gotten great reviews, and people who have read it said this is one of his best. I'm starting it myself tomorrow," Hoffman said.

She also recommended "Into the Water," by Paula Hawkins, the author of "Girl on a Train."

"She writes thrillers. My colleague read it. She thought it was great and a bit better than 'Girl on a Train,'" Hoffman said.

She also suggested "A House Among the Trees," by Julia Glass. "This is a lovely book. I just finished this. It really talks about the relationships we have. This one is about a popular children's author and the people who help support him, and what happens when he dies. It's a really interesting book."

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For those who want to read something a bit more challenging this summer, Hoffman recommended, "Hue 1968" by Mark Bowden. "It's about the turning point of the American War in Vietnam. It just came out. People have been coming in and asking for it. It's gotten good reviews."

Katie McLain, reference assistant at Waukegan Public Library, said she likes to steer patrons to some of the lesser-known authors with books published within the past few years.

One of those books is "Between the World and Me,"by Ta-Nehisi Coates. "It's a short novel written as a letter from the author to his 15-year-old son about the racial tensions occurring in the country, in the world, and looking at the history of those issues and how they affect people today. It's this beautiful heartbreaking novel. It sparked a lot of attention. We cannot keep it on the shelf, and it's almost two years past the publication date."

For readers who love mysteries and psychological thrillers, she recommended "Behind Her Eyes," by Sarah Pinbourough.

"I like to read psychological suspense novels. It's a dark, twisty story of marriage and a love triangle. It has a very scandalous feel to it. I love the dark and twisty stuff. It's right up my alley. At the heart of the story, you just know there's something very dark and you're not sure what it is. You have to get to the end to find out what it is," she said, adding book lovers have tweeted about the surprise ending.

"Summer is a great time for page-turners like this one, for books that will suck you in and capture your attention. This book is a fantastic beach read. It's suspenseful and you would be hard pressed to put it down."

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McLain also recommended, "Furiously Happy," by Jenny Lawson. "This is a memoir about her struggles with depression and mental illness. She decided she's not going to let depression and anxiety and mental illness ruin her life. She decides she's going to be seriously happy and going to do all kinds of crazy things and make her life entertaining," Hoffman said, adding, "Furiously Happy" is meant to make people laugh and she did  all the way through the book.

Sheryl DeVore is a freelance reporter for the News-Sun.
Barrington resident Jodie Diegel is the founder and president of the nonprofit Mane in Heaven, which is headquartered in Barrington. ( Jodie Diegel )

In 2012, Barrington resident Jodie Diegel founded the nonprofit Mane in Heaven, which provides therapy services by letting developmentally disabled and able-bodied people interact with miniature horses.

Run by volunteers, Mane in Heaven is headquartered in Barrington, but the volunteers keep the seven miniature horses at a stable in Hebron in McHenry County. Diegel recently talked with Pioneer Press about her organization.

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Q: How did you start Mane in Heaven?

A: I'm a nurse, and I have two big horses and two therapy dogs. I found out there were people using miniature horses as therapy animals, so that's how I got the idea.

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Q: Why do they work well as therapy animals?

A: They're very kind, trainable and they have what we call the surprise factor. Most people are familiar with therapy dogs, but they don't expect a miniature therapy horse.

Q: Where do you visit people?

A: About two to three times a week, we go see people at retirement communities, nursing homes, hospitals and domestic violence shelters  among other places all in the Chicagoland area.

Q: How do people react to the miniature horses?

A: They want to know what they do. A visit is an exchange of unconditional love between the animals and the person visiting them. There's joy and laughter, and an emotional connection at each visit that is true healing. Research studies show that animals have a healing effect on people, such as lowered blood pressure, feelings of emotional well being and many others.

Q: Why do your horses wear gym shoes?

A: It ensures they don't slip on the different surfaces we encounter, like tile floors. The shoes also keep hoofs clean and, of course, they're cute.

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Shout Out is a weekly feature in which we introduce our readers to their fellow community members and local visitors throughout suburban Chicago.

tshields@pioneerlocal.com

Twitter @tshields19
We can now officially welcome summer. As a matter of fact, I heard a radio commercial the other morning advertising a "midsummer" sale. I was incredulous that we were only halfway through June and today's fast forward penchant was in full force.

Let's welcome sweet summer with another edition of Loose Ends, covering life's small but flavorful issues and events. First up today is a sore spot subject for my family: our annual business jaunt to Las Vegas. We've done this routine for three decades, so as Daughter No. 1 likes to say, we're not new here.

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As we stood in the taxi line, we had a spirited discussion about using Uber rather than standard taxis. I had some concerns, so we climbed into the cab and were rewarded by our driver taking the notorious tunnel route that resulted in a fare double what it should be. That was also accompanied by lippy attitude from the cabbie when challenged.

Uber then became our transportation of choice for the rest of our visit and during one ride, the driver told us that Vegas cabbies were suffering from a more than 40 percent drop in business and often tried to make up the loss with these kinds of scams. Upon our return home, I saw a similar item in our Chicago newspapers with similar statistics.

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Here's a thought: give good honest service and customers will give you their support. If cab companies don't think about changing strategies they may become extinct. That would be a shame.

Next is a story that made me nostalgic and a bit sad. According to Bloomberg, the number of American teens who take summer jobs is dwindling. They are down from 70 percent in the late 1980s to last July's 43 percent who were either working, or job-searching. The article discussed many potential reasons, including increasing extracurricular and volunteer activities to pad college applications, more senior citizens in the job market or perhaps increasing laziness. But actually, many kids are enrolled in summer school or other educational enrichment programs as they try to get a jump on college demands. That doesn't sound lazy to me.

I do feel melancholy for some things they'll miss out on, which countless classic summer songs have celebrated over the decades. But lazy? No.

Finally today, as a Libertyville High Wildcat family, we're not in the habit of singing praises of intense rival Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire. However, I have to admit after reading the details about their planned $28 million addition that includes informal seating areas scattered throughout light-filled halls, towering plant-lined walls, a green roof and more innovative architectural touches made me want to go back to school.

While order and rules are an important part of the learning experience, the surroundings and vibe are shown to inspire much more than previously thought. Just look at the positive hum, both aesthetically and academically, at Mundelein High with their beautiful addition. If Stevenson translates their plan into reality, it will enhance an already successful learning environment. Your turn next, Libertyville.

Pat Lenhoff is a freelance columnist and can be reached at viewfromvh@yahoo.com.
In a letter screenwriter Aaron Sorkin wrote to his daughter Roxy, he urged her to remain the person who sat with someone who was alone and comforted someone she saw craying. (Aaron Vincent Elkaim/AP )

What occupies the minds of most fathers is their hopes for their children.

Although they never show it, many dads find raising a child a scary business. John Newton, who eventually became a preacher, expressed that fear in a letter to his daughter, Betsy, who was away at boarding school.

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"The other day I was at the harbor, and saw a ship launched  she slipped easily into the water. The people on board cheered; the ship looked clean and mirthful, she was freshly painted, and her colors flying. But I looked at her with a sort of pity."

"Poor ship! you are now in port and in safety; but before long you must go into the wild sea. Who can tell what storms you may meet with hereafter, and to what hazards you may be exposed. How weather-beaten you may be before you return to port again, or perhaps you may not return at all."

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In his 20s, Newton worked on slave ships until his shipmates sold him into slavery, where he learned first hand how horrible slavery actually was. Eventually, he was rescued by a sea captain his father sent to West Africa to find him. You may not have heard of Newton but you know the hymn he wrote, "Amazing Grace."

Leo Tolstoy once wrote to his writer son, Ilia, advising him to avoid the bad life, "a life so sugared, so common to all, that if you follow it, you do not notice that it is a bad life, and suffer only in your conscience, if you have one." The bad life comes in many forms.

The best way to avoid the bad life is to become a good person. As the frenetic writer Aaron Sorkin, author of "The West Wing" and "A Few Good Men," wrote to his daughter Roxy, "Once I saw you sit down next to a kid who was eating lunch all alone  always be that person. Once I saw you go up to a little girl who was crying on the playground and ask her what was wrong  always be that person."

Francis Scott Key Fitzgerald, of "Great Gatsby" fame, told his daughter Scottie not to worry about such things as popular opinion, dolls, boys, growing up or the past. Instead, she should worry about things like efficiency, cleanliness, courage and -- probably because they were rich, I guess -- horsemanship.

Most fathers of daughters are especially gratified to see them become independent. Michael Bloomberg told daughters Emma and Georgina, "How lucky I've been to be able to see you both make your way in the world, pursuing your own paths with passion, setting goals and driving yourselves to achieve them  on your own terms, in your own ways."

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel expressed similar sentiments to daughters Ilana and Leah. "What brings me the greatest joy is seeing each of you grow into yourselves, to watch you become something and someone that is entirely your own."

President Harry S. Truman, an imperfect man in many respects, still had some especially wise advice on child rearing. "I have found the very best way to advise your children," he wrote, "is to find out what they want to do and advise them to do it."

But my favorite Father's Day advice is what Kurt Vonnegut, author of "Slaughterhouse-Five" and other books, wrote to his daughter Nanny. "Most letters from parents contain a parent's lost dreams disguised as good advice. What makes this advice especially hollow and pious is that I am not dead yet and if it were any good could easily take it myself."

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So on this Father's Day let's skip the neck ties and grill accessories. The best present you can give Dad is honestly trying to live a good life. In return, we Dads will thank you by honestly trying to take some of our own advice.

bill.mego@sbcglobal.net
What's Quickly? It's where readers sound off on the issues of the day. Have a quote, question or quip? Call Quickly at 312-222-2426 or email quickly@post-trib.com.

So Pence is having Indiana fundraisers to support his legal fees. Maybe he should ask Carrier!

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Mike Pence has now lawyered up. I wonder what his Christian base will think about his guilty behavior?

Isn't the GOP concerned at all about the collision course the president is on? How can they stand by while he fires everyone that investigates him?

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I guess NBC and Megan Kelly got the slap-down they deserved from Alex Jones. Everyone tried to warn them that this guy was not working with a full deck, but they didn't care, they wanted the ratings. He wanted to expose them, before they exposed him. They are all losers.

When these juveniles commit these horrific crimes, their parents need to bear some responsibility. That is the only way to stop this. The juvenile court system cannot rehabilitate these wayward kids.

Isn't it a bit curious that the teachers in the charter schools want to join the teachers unions? They have finally figured out that the Charter schools administration is only in it for the profits.

The chairman of the Arizona GOP posted a cartoon of a man wearing a CNN armband, trying to shoot President Trump. Well, if that doesn't help tamp down the divisive rhetoric, I guess nothing will. Force this tone deaf jerk out of office. Anything relating to shooting the president is not funny.

Post Tribune Twice-weekly News updates from Northwest Indiana delivered every Monday and Wednesday >

You know things are getting really dead serious when Michael Cohen, Trump's attorney, has hired an attorney. This is no witch hunt, this is a full-on investigation.

What is so hard about ethics and checks and balances that people can't understand? From local organizations to national ones. To every single employment opportunity, people can't seem to grasp the concept of keeping their hands off of other people's money.

Obamacare definitely needs an overhaul, but what I don't understand is why after 7 years of complaining about Obamacare the Almighty Republican Party couldn't come up with a bill that is really great for the American People and not just for bragging rights!

A doctor made me and my 78 year old legally blind mother wait in a stuffy room for too long. We left. 11 a.m. and he still wasn't seeing her for her 9:30 a.m. appointment. How rude! We won't be back and will tell everyone of how you practice.

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On the day of the horrific shootings in Virginia, our politician's pulled together, our nation pulled together and even our late night comedians pulled together to wish everyone well. Except for Fox News, they had the knives out and were ready to place blame on their mortal enemies. So inappropriate.

Republicans indulge themselves in the kind of secret, backroom dealing they're doing with the health care bill, and then express self-righteous dismay that there's so much outrage out there, even among their fellow Republicans. When they treat people with such utter disdain, there is going to be a lot of anger.

Read more at www.post-trib.com/quickly.
Workers at the construction site of the Mombasa-Nairobi standard gauge railway in Kenya. Pan Siwei / Xinhua

Hailed as a symbol of "Chinese quality and spirit", the Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway, which opened on May 31 in Kenya, ferried more than 7,000 passengers in the first week of its operation, a weekly record for the country.

In contrast to the meter-gauge railway built more than a century ago during the British colonial rule, the 480-kilometer railway is expected to reduce the travel time from 10 hours to just 4 hours and lower logistics costs by 10 to 40 percent. Built by China Road and Bridge Corporation, Kenya's first standard gauge railway, also the largest infrastructure project since its independence, cost $3.8 billion with China contributing nearly 90 percent of the amount.

The good news for Kenya, however, has been accompanied by speculation by Western observers that the country will struggle to repay the "monstrous" debt at the expense of Kenyan taxpayers. A recent report in The New York Times even drew parallels between the China-funded railway and the "Lunatic Express", a term coined over 100 years ago to describe the costly, all-consuming construction of a colonial British railway linking the Kenyan part of Lake Victoria with Mombasa.

Such a far-fetched analogy and misinterpretation of the Kenyan government's motives to build the railway is nothing but slanderous. The Beijing-backed project provided training opportunities to 45,000 local employees and created more than 46,000 jobs during the four-year construction period, not to mention the proposal to build a technical academy for railways. The Kenyan people were fully involved in the project and stand to greatly benefit from it.

Unlike the 1 billion yuan aid to the Tanzania-Zambia Railway, which was built in the 1970s, Beijing's railway loan to Nairobi has to be repaid. The two countries' partnership to build the Mombasa-Nairobi project has not only helped train some 3,000 local railway technicians and created opportunities for many others to receive such training in the future, but also kept the cost at a controllable level.

Nairobi is confident that the railway will increase its annual GDP by 1.5 percent and the loan will be paid back in about four years. That is achievable if all agreed terms are followed through as designed. China and Kenya have vowed to upgrade the construction of industrial parks along the route while seeking to integrate the Mombasa-Nairobi railway, the Port of Mombasa and the Mombasa Special Economic Zone.

The railway will also stimulate growth and industrialization of neighboring countries, including Uganda and Rwanda, adding fresh impetus to the economic integration of and the flow of people and resources in East Africa.

The lack of connectivity in East Africa has greatly limited cross-border trade between the countries in the region, many of which are heavily reliant on the continent's second largest port Mombasa, keeping prospective investors at bay. The Mombasa-Nairobi railway could well be a game-changer for the more than 120 million people in the six East African countries.

China welcomes the idea of enhancing capacity cooperation with Kenya and other African countries, by contributing its railway expertise and strong record of building infrastructure facilities. Its railway cooperation with Kenya and other African countries has not been without challenges, from transnational coordination to the slow long-term returns on the projects. But that should not stop the parties concerned from taking the right path to share development, nor does it justify the West's attempts to exaggerate the risks.

The author is a senior researcher at the Charhar Institute and a researcher at the Institute of West-Asian and African Studies, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. The article is an excerpt from her interview with China Daily's Cui Shoufeng.
Beehives are kept at the Oak Brook Hills resort near Westmont in 2015. River Forest officials are discussing whether to allow nondomesticated animals, such as chickens and bees, to live in residential areas. (Karie Angell Luc / Pioneer Press )

After receiving reports of some residents having bees, chickens and even ducks on their property, River Forest officials are studying whether to regulate nondomesticated animals.

Such animals are currently banned in residential areas. Village trustees discussed the matter at the June 12 village board meeting.

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"We know we have dogs and cats and birds, but we have a few residents who have ducks and chickens," Village President Cathy Adduci said. "We thought we better talk about our code on what animals we can or cannot have in a home."

According to Village Administrator Eric Palm, chickens and ducks are not currently permitted under village code, while bees have been banned under the village's nuisance ordinance.

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Village staff sought trustee direction about whether to keep the code as-is or choose to allow nondomesticated animals by either amending the code or allowing them with a special-use permit.

"We're telling members of the community no on these right now," Palm said. "If you want to change that, now is the time to have that discussion."

A village memo shows a 1981 copy of the village code specifically bans cattle, horses, swine, sheep, goats, ducks, geese, chickens and other poultry. A 1981 dangerous animals code also prohibits "any bear, lion, wildcat, catamount, orangutan, chimpanzee, tiger, poisonous or other dangerous reptile" from residential areas in the village.

"If you do [want to allow them], the only concerns I have is the safety concern for village staff and potentially utility workers," Palm said. "If officials are going into a backyard, they should know those animals are back there."

Some trustees expressed similar concerns over allowing such animals in the village.

"The idea that children would be in an area that, on the other side, even if it's a well-kept hive, I can't guarantee those kids aren't going over there," Trustee Michael Gibbs said. "There is a reason why we put these laws in there. It seemed we'll end up having the same problems we had when we put these laws in place."

Village staff said they would monitor a beekeeping pilot program that was created this year in Riverside, and report back to trustees.

In neighboring Oak Park, the regulation of bees, chickens and other unusual pets is handled by the Oak Park Health Department, village spokesman David Powers said.

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According to Oak Park officials, residents can establish up to two honeybee colonies as long as specific village code requirements are met, which includes registering with the Illinois Department of Agriculture and purchasing an annual $75 permit.

Beekeeping permits, however, will not be issued for a colony within 150 feet of any address where a resident has an allergy to bee stings documented by a licensed physician and registered with the village.

The code also allows Oak Park residents to keep up to two chickens on their properties, but bans pigs, swine, sheep, cattle, horses, goats and other similar animals, officials confirmed.

River Forest officials said the village typically hears about such animals living in its residential areas through complaints, but Assistant Village Administrator Lisa Scheiner said she has not heard of any complaints of residential chicken coops in her four years working in River Forest.

Trustee Susan Conti suggested the village should reach out to a bee expert to make a presentation to the village so officials can make an "informed" choice.

Adduci also recommended, with board consensus, the issue be discussed by the village's new sustainability committee, who would then report back to the village board at a future meeting.

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sschering@pioneerlocal.com

Twitter @steveschering
The Kabul House restaurant offered a full spread at its grand opening event Wednesday, June 14, 2017. The restaurant moved from Skokie to 2424 Dempster Street in Evanston. (Mike Isaacs/ Pioneer Press )

A larger and more elegant Kabul House restaurant recently opened on the west end of Evanston, moving from its previous location in downtown Skokie that closed only days earlier.

The Kabul House, now at 2424 Dempster Street in Evanston, held its grand opening Wednesday although the restaurant has already been open for about three weeks, said owner Akmal Qazi.

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A family-owned restaurant featuring what the owner considers authentic Afghan cuisine, the Kabul House was one of Skokie's highest rated restaurants based on social media and other reviews.

Skokie officials said they tried to find a new home for the Kabul House but were unable to come up with the right fit.

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"It is unfortunate that our collective efforts did not result in the restaurant remaining in Skokie," the village said in a statement released after the move was announced.

Over the years, Skokie officials said, the village had provided the Qazi family with interior grant assistance and design funds as well as promotional and marketing assistance for the restaurant.

The move to the current location took longer than expected, Qazi said. The restaurant was originally supposed to close in Skokie and open days later in Evanston toward the end of last summer, he said.

"The delay was frustrating, but moving through the building, we found some problems that we couldn't have thought of that arised," Qazi said. "But we're here now, we're open and we're ready to rock-and-roll."

In late March, the Evanston City Council signed off on authorizing the city to negotiate a forgivable loan of up to $50,000 to help the Kabul House owner complete construction at the Dempster Street location.

Evanston officials said the Kabul House has a $540,000 mortgage and the owner is investing $500,000 in the build-out and $200,000 in equipment.

Under terms of the loan, $10,000 per year for five years will be forgiven should Kabul House maintain its business in Evanston and meet a resident hiring goal.

The restaurant was closed to the public late Wednesday afternoon for the private grand opening although a pounding rainstorm kept the number of attendees down, restaurant employees said.

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The new restaurant includes a party room, catering services and events, a tea lounge and an expanded menu.

The Skokie restaurant had 21 employees, the Evanston restaurant about 50, said manager Gerber Guerrero. The former restaurant sat 68 people, the new one 165, he said.

"Now we're playing in the big leagues," Guerrero said.

The Kabul House, which moved from Skokie to 2424 Dempster Street in Evanston, held its grand opening Wednesday, June 14, 2017. (Mike Isaacs/ Pioneer Press )

Qazi's father, Abdul, said Kabul House sprang from an Italian restaurant he initially opened in Evanston years ago as strictly a business venture.

His sons spent a lot of time eating Italian food at the restaurant but soon grew tired of it, he said. So Abdul Qazi started making his kids Afghan food, and his customers grew to like that fare more than the Italian food, he said.

Kabul House first opened near Dempster Street and McCormick Boulevard not far from where the new restaurant is located. Six years later, though, it closed, and two years after that, re-opened in downtown Skokie with Akmal replacing his father as the owner, Akmal Qazi said.

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The Qazi family is still co-owner of the Boiler Shrimp and Crawfish restaurant in Skokie. Akmal Qazi said he is also still working with Skokie officials to find a new tenant for the downtown Skokie space.

Over the years, Skokie officials said, the village provided the Qazi family with interior grant assistance and design funds as well as promotional and marketing assistance to open at 4949 Oakton St.

misaacs@pioneerlocal.com

@SKReview_Mike
Police ask public to help identify vehicle allegedly used in homicide
OCEAN SPRINGS, Mississippi -- A section of Ocean Springs' Front Beach remains closed to swimmers after a contractor ruptured a sewer line in the area Monday afternoon.

The contractor struck and ruptured a 10-inch wastewater force main on Ocean Avenue while doing work for First Presbyterian Church. James Foster, interim director for the Ocean Springs Public Works Department, said the break occurred around 5 p.m. Monday.

"(The sewer line) was marked. They had called in to locate it," Foster said. "They said they didn't know they had hit it and we didn't find out about it until the next morning."

Foster said a computer data system which indicates the run time for pump station #1 on Washington Avenue indicated some irregularities Tuesday morning, prompting Public Works to send out a crew to investigate.

"We knew something was wrong and our guys went down there and found the contractor," Foster said.

Public Works repaired the damage and will bill the contractor for the repair. Public Works continues to monitor the site.

Water from a drainage ditch on the west side of the church flows under Ocean Avenue, Foster explained, then into a marsh area behind Fort Maurepas Park, under Front Beach Drive and then through an outfall on Front Beach.

Because of that, the City notified the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ), which determined a section of Front Beach from Jackson Avenue to Ocean Springs Harbor had to be closed to swimming.

"They came out and did their testing and ordered the beach closed," Foster said. "They are monitoring the water E.coli bacteria and they'll let us know when the (beach closed) signs can come down.

"It's ok for people to be on the beach, just not in the water because it may be contaminated."
Our weekly round up of other news affecting foreign investors throughout Asia:

Import and Export Procedures in Malaysia  Best Practices

Malaysia continues to liberalize its import and export regulations; but, complex goods-specific rules still exist. In this article, we explain best practices for importing into and exporting out of Malaysia.

Indias Beef Ban: Repercussions for Meat, Leather, and Dairy Industries

The Indian federal governments new beef ban is producing anxiety in three large industries: meat, leather, and dairy. In this article, we explain the new Livestock Market Rules, 2017 and its repercussions for the industries that rely on buffalo.

Russia Gives Free Land & Incentives To Invest In Asian Far East

With Chinas OBOR initiative expanding to a need to secure commodities and energy resources in North-East Asia, Siberian Russia is finally coming of age to be able to offer land and the resources to provide attractive investment options in the region.

Hong Kong Buys First Bank Under OBOR Initiative

Hong Kongs CITIC Bank International has completed the purchase of 60% of equity in Kazakhstans Altyn Bank from its majority Kazak owner, the Halyk Bank for an undisclosed amount. It marks the first time that China has invested in Kazakhstans banking sector.

Vietnam Implements Social Insurance Updates

With social insurance rate reductions applied from June 2017 and the introduction of a wider liability for social insurance contributions scheduled for early 2018, foreign and domestic companies alike will be required to adjust compliance procedures in the near future.



About Us Our Briefing updates are written by and provided by the various regional offices of Dezan Shira & Associates throughout Asia. To obtain a complimentary subscription to Asia Briefing please click here. To contact Dezan Shira & Associates concerning foreign investment and assistance in Asia, please email us at asia@dezshira.com

Dezan Shira & Associates Brochure

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 ASEAN 2017

Doing Business in ASEAN introduces the fundamentals of investing in the 10-nation ASEAN bloc, concentrating on economics, trade, corporate establishment and taxation. We also include the latest development news in our Important Updates section for each country, with the intent to provide an executive assessment of the varying component parts of ASEAN, assessing each member state and providing the most up-to-date economic and demographic data on each.

An Introduction to Doing Business in China 2017

Doing Business in China 2017 is designed to introduce the fundamentals of investing in China. Compiled by the professionals at Dezan Shira & Associates in January 2017, this comprehensive guide is ideal not only for businesses looking to enter the Chinese market, but also for companies who already have a presence here and want to keep up-to-date with the most recent and relevant policy changes.

An Introduction to Doing Business in Hong Kong 2017

Doing Business in China 2017 is designed to introduce the fundamentals of investing in China. Compiled by the professionals at Dezan Shira & Associates in January 2017, this comprehensive guide is ideal not only for businesses looking to enter the Chinese market, but also for companies who already have a presence here and want to keep up-to-date with the most recent and relevant policy changes.

An Introduction to Doing Business in India 2017

An Introduction to Doing Business in India 2017 is designed to introduce the fundamentals of investing in India. As such, this comprehensive guide is ideal not only for businesses looking to enter the Indian market, but also for companies who already have a presence here and want to stay up-to-date with the most recent and relevant policy changes.

An Introduction to Doing Business in Singapore 2017

An Introduction to Doing Business in Singapore 2017 provides readers with an overview of the fundamentals of investing and conducting business in Singapore and outlines the citys role as a trading hub within ASEAN. The guide explains the basics of company establishment, annual compliance, taxation, human resources, and social insurance in the city-state.

An Introduction to Doing Business in Vietnam 2017

An Introduction to Doing Business in Vietnam 2017 will provide readers with an overview of the fundamentals of investing and conducting business in Vietnam. Compiled by Dezan Shira & Associates, a specialist foreign direct investment practice, this guide explains the basics of company establishment, annual compliance, taxation, human resources, payroll, and social insurance in this dynamic country.
With the scope and penalties of Chinas social credit system being further clarified in 2021, legal and regulatory compliance has become more important than...
Medical workers transfer an injured man to hospital after an explosion at the gate of a kindergarten in Fengxian county, Jiangsu province on June 15, 2017. At least seven people were killed and 66 others injured. [Photo/Xinhua]

An explosion at the gate of a kindergarten in Fengxian county, Jiangsu province, at 4:50 pm on Thursday left at least seven people dead and 66 injured, nine of them seriously.

Two people were killed at the scene, and the five others died after being taken to a hospital, the Xuzhou city publicity office said in a statement. Xuzhou administers Fengxian county.

It was not yet known late Thursday what caused the blast and there was no clear information on the identities of the dead and injured, the statement said. Neither was there information on how many of the dead and injured were adults and how many were children.

Officials and police officers rushed to the scene and a preliminary investigation of the incident had been completed, the statement said.

The Fengxian county government posted online that no teachers or students were injured or killed during lessons inside the kindergarten. Photos and videos online showed many people lying outside the kindergarten gate after the blast, some of them covered in blood and burned.

A businessman near the kindergarten said he heard the explosion and that many parents were standing outside the gate waiting for their children when it occurred, Beijing Youth Daily reported online.

The newspaper also posted a video showing some injured parents holding their children and sitting on the ground after the blast.

The injured were sent to hospitals in Fengxian and Xuzhou, the Xuzhou publicity office said, adding that medical workers assisted in the rescue work.
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Emergency nurses pull the injured into the hospital after the explosion near a kindergarten in Fengxian County in east China's Jiangsu Province, June 16, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua]

At least eight people have died after an explosion near a kindergarten in Fengxian County in east China's Jiangsu Province Thursday afternoon, local authorities said.

The blast occurred around 4:48 p.m. at the gate of the kindergarten. Two people died at the scene, and another six died later in hospital, according to the county government.

The police have preliminarily identified the blast as a criminal offense and have targeted the suspect.

As of 11 p.m., 65 people were injured in the blast and eight of them remained in critical condition.

More than 10 senior doctors from Nanjing and Wuxi cities of Jiangsu have rushed to the site of the blast.

No children or teachers were among the casualties.

A working team led by Huang Ming, deputy minister of public security, has been sent to investigate the blast.

The provincial government has ordered checks of possible safety risks at production sites.
Police in south China's Guangdong Province Thursday announced the capture of 180 people involved in campus loan scams, to which more than 350 students have fallen victim.

Touting Internet finance, the suspects sent mobile phone ads about low-interest loans as bait to lure students into borrowing. Some borrowers were then required to pay fees. After they paid the money online, the fake lenders stopped contacting them.

Others demanded students hand over photos, videos or contact details of their relatives as collateral. When students failed to repay their loans, the lenders made personal threats.

Police were alerted in March when a student in the city of Guangzhou reported that he was cheated out 3,000 yuan (441 U.S. dollars) by one of the online campus loan platforms. Police received subsequent reports from other students in Guangzhou and Foshan.

A special task-force was formed. In May, police raided 20 locations and arrested 180 suspects belonging to different crime groups. They confiscated computers, phones, bank cards, sim cards and account books. Police discovered students in several provinces outside Guangdong had also been targeted.

Campus loan sharks caught the public's attention last year when a college student committed suicide due to the pressure of exorbitant interest. It was also reported that some loan sharks held nude pictures of female college students as a collateral for their debt.

Life on Chinese college campuses is not expensive as students generally have access to subsidized tuition fees and boarding. But college students are increasingly tempted with more excessive lifestyles -- owning fancy handbags and phones, eating out, or getting plastic surgery.

Guangdong police said they will continue the crackdown on campus loan scams, which have caused great psychological trauma to students, resulting in drop-outs or suicides.
A 19-year-old sought to have himself sent to a detention house in a desperate bid to overcome his gaming addiction. [File Photo]

A 19-year-old who sought to have himself sent to a detention house in a desperate bid to overcome his gaming addiction has been jailed for two years with a two-year reprieve for robbery.

Putuo District prosecutors said the defendant, identified as Xiaogang, had followed and attempted to rob a young woman surnamed Wang outside her home in the wee hours last November 23. He fled after being told Wangs relatives were nearby.

On February 12, he followed another woman surnamed Wu and tried to drag her away as she was about to enter her home. She called for help and Xiaogang was subdued at the scene.

He told the court he was a high school student but he had quit schooling because he was addicted to computer games.

He said he came up the idea to have himself detained because he had seen an online post stating detention houses were quite comfortable. And he thought they would enable him to buckle down to study in a place where there would be no access to the Internet.

He expressed regret at causing suffering to the two women.
China Friday welcomed positive signals from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and the Republic of Korea (ROK).

The two countries on the Korean Peninsula are of the same ethnic group, and it is best for the fundamental interests of the two to improve ties and advance reconciliation and cooperation, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang told a daily press briefing.

ROK President Moon Jae-in Thursday proposed an unconditional dialogue with the DPRK if Pyongyang stops nuclear and missile provocations.

Moon made the remarks at an event to celebrate the 17th anniversary of North-South Joint Declaration on June 15.

Moon said his government will comprehensively discuss various issues, ranging from the DPRK's complete denuclearization, the building of peace on the Korean Peninsula and normalization of diplomatic relations between the DPRK and the United States.

The Committee for Peaceful Reunification of the Country of the DPRK Wednesday released a statement, which clarified three principles on the development of the north-south relations and the issue of national reunification.

"We are aware of the situation," said Lu, hoping that the two sides will continue to show goodwill towards each other and commit to reconciliation and cooperation.

He also called on the two sides to play a positive role in easing tensions and resuming dialogue on the Peninsula.
A Chinese court Friday sentenced seven people, including the heads of two environmental protection branches, to imprisonments of over one year for falsifying air quality monitoring data.

Xi'an Intermediate People's Court in northwest China's Shaanxi Province convicted the two of interfering in data collection of the automated air quality monitoring system and using cotton to fill the sampling instrument to lower the pollution data, in February and March 2016.

He Limin, then head of Chang'an District Branch of Xi'an Environmental Protection Bureau, and Tang Shixing, then head of Yanliang District Branch under the bureau, ordered staff from national monitoring stations in the two districts to falsify the data, said the court.

The court found them guilty of damaging the computer information system. The court sentenced He to one year and seven months and Tang to one year and five months.

Li Sen and Zhang Feng, then heads of the Chang'an and Yanliang monitoring stations respectively, were given imprisonments of one year and ten months, and one year and seven months, respectively. Three others were also sentenced.
A team of Chinese scientists have realized the satellite-based distribution of entangled photon pairs over 1,200 kilometers. The photon pairs were demonstrated to be still entangled after travelling long distances.

The experiment shows quantum entanglement, described by Albert Einstein as a "spooky action", still exists at such a distance.

This satellite-based technology opens up bright prospects for both practical quantum communications and fundamental quantum optics experiments at distances previously inaccessible on the ground, said Pan Jianwei, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

The achievement was made with the world's first quantum satellite, Quantum Experiments at Space Scale (QUESS); also dubbed Micius, launched by China on August 16, 2016, and was published as a cover article in the latest issue of academic journal Science.

This experiment was made through two satellite-to-ground downlinks with a total length varying from 1,600 to 2,400 kilometers. The obtained link efficiency is many times higher than that of the direct bidirectional transmission of the two photons through telecommunication fibers, said Pan, who is also the lead scientist of QUESS.

Quantum entanglement is a phenomenon in quantum physics, which is so confounding that Albert Einstein described it as a "spooky action at a distance" in 1948.

Scientists found that when two entangled particles are separated, one particle can somehow affect the action of the far-off twin instantly.

Scientists liken it to two pieces of paper that are distant from each other: if you write on one, the other immediately shows your writing.

The mystery of quantum entanglement has been puzzling scientists since it was detected.

Quantum physicists have a fundamental interest in distributing entangled particles over increasingly long distances and studying the behavior of entanglement under extreme conditions.

In theory, this bizarre connection can exist over any distance, but scientists want to see if there's some physical limit. "If you want to explore new physics, you must push the limits," Pan said.

"Will gravity affect quantum entanglement? It needs long-distance experiment to test the different models. Although QUESS cannot test quantum gravity theories yet, we have developed the technologies needed for space-based experiments through this project," Pan said.

Previously, entanglement distribution had only been achieved at a distance up to 100 kilometers due to photon loss in optical fibers or terrestrial free space.

One way to improve the distribution lies in the protocol of quantum repeaters, whose practical usefulness, however, is hindered by the challenges of quantum storage and readout efficiency, Pan said.

Another approach is making use of satellite-based and space-based technologies, as a satellite can conveniently cover two distant locations on Earth. The main advantage of this approach is that most of the photons' transmission path is almost in a vacuum, with almost zero absorption and de-coherence, Pan said.

After feasibility studies, Chinese scientists developed and launched QUESS for the mission of entanglement distribution. Cooperating with QUESS are three ground stations: Delingha Observatory in Qinghai, Nanshan Observatory in Xinjiang and Gaomeigu Observatory in Yunnan.

For instance, one photon of an entangled pair was beamed to Delingha and the other to Gaomeigu. The distance between the two ground stations is 1,203 kilometers. The distance between the orbiting satellite and the ground stations varies from 500 to 2,000 kilometers, said Pan.

Due to the fact that the entangled photons cannot be amplified as classical signals, new methods must be developed to reduce the link attenuation in the satellite-to-ground entanglement distribution. To optimize the link efficiency, Chinese scientists combined a narrow beam divergence with a high-bandwidth and a high-precision acquiring, pointing, and tracking (APT) technique.

An accurate transmission of photons between the "server" and the "receiver" is never easy, as the optic axis of the satellite must point precisely toward those of the telescopes in the ground stations, said Zhu Zhencai, QUESS chief designer.

What makes it much harder is that the satellite flying over the Earth at a speed of 8 kilometers per second can be continuously tracked by the ground station for just a few minutes.

"It is like tossing a coin from a plane at 100,000 meters above sea level exactly into the slot of a rotating piggy bank," said Wang Jianyu, QUESS project's chief commander.

The highly sensitive QUESS could make visible from the Earth a match being lit on the Moon, Wang added.

By developing an ultra-bright space-borne two-photon entanglement source and the high-precision APT technology, the team established entanglement between two single photons separated by 1,203 kilometers.

Compared with the previous methods of entanglement distribution by direct transmission of the same two-photon source -- using the best performance and most common commercial telecommunication fibers respectively -- the effective link efficiency of the satellite-based approach is 12 and 17 orders of magnitude higher, Pan said.

He said the distributed entangled photons are readily useful for entanglement-based quantum key distribution, which, so far, is the only way to establish secure keys between two distant locations on Earth without relying on trustworthy relay.

"So far, this is the most important scientific research progress in my life," said Pan, who has been engaged in the quantum physics for more than 20 years and has been granted the highest natural science award for his achievement in quantum science.

"For the first time, we're testing the physical law of the micro world on a space scale, and laying the foundation for exploring more basic laws in physics in the future. The technologies can also be applied in constructing a quantum network," Pan said.

The reviewers of Science magazine said of the team's article that it is a major technical accomplishment with potential practical applications as well as being of fundamental scientific importance.

QUESS is also designed to establish "hack-proof" quantum communications by transmitting uncrackable keys from space to the ground, as well as testing quantum teleportation with a ground station in Ali, Tibet.

According to Pan, scientists also plan to test quantum key distribution between ground stations in China and in Austria, and establish encrypted video calls between Beijing and Vienna. Countries like Canada also expressed a willingness to cooperate with China in future quantum satellite experiments.

Currently, QUESS can only send photons at night. Chinese scientists hope to develop technologies to realize around-the-clock work. They also hope to launch a quantum satellite to a higher orbit to make more practical use possible, according to Wang.

Pan revealed they also want to see if it's possible to distribute entanglement between the Earth and the Moon at a distance of some 300,000 kilometers in future to test relevant physical theories.
Every year on January first, the moment I wake up I head to the window to see what my first bird of the New Year will be. My hope is us...
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A Chinese tourist drowned in April in Thailand.File photo/chinaqw.com)

China's consulate-general in Songkhla has warned tourists to be careful of the dangers of swimming in southern Thailand as the region enters its rainy season.

In a statement, the consulate-general said the number of mainland tourists to southern Thailand has increased rapidly since early this year, and that 30 tourists died from injuries or drowning from January to May.

In the latest series of incidents, nine tourists ignored warnings to swim in the sea from June 12 to 13, with one 18-year-old drowning off Phuket's Kamala beach while four were rescued but needed hospitalization.

The statement said the sea conditions in Phuket, Krabi and Samui were complex and changeable, so swimmers needed to comply with rules on beaches, ensure that they were well trained or competent for the conditions, and wear life jackets when necessary before swimming in the sea.

The arrival of the rainy season in mid-March also means strong winds and surging waves, making many popular tourist spots unsuitable for swimming, according to the statement.
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Russia is willing to grant asylum to former chief of the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) James Comey in case he is persecuted in the United States, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday.

Comey, sacked by the Trump administration last month, acted like U.S. whistleblower Edward Snowden, said the Russian leader during an annual televised call-in known as "Direct Line with Vladimir Putin."

"When a special service head records a conversation with the commander-in-chief and gives it to the media through one of his friends ... he is then not a special service head but a human rights advocate who defends a certain position," said Putin.

Snowden, a computer professional who had done contractual work for the U.S. National Security Agency, is now living under asylum in Russia. He fled to Russia in 2013 after revealing thousands of classified documents to the press.

"If there is persecution against Comey, we will be ready to grant him political asylum as well," said Putin.

According to the Trump administration, Comey was fired because of his handling of the Hillary Clinton email investigation during the 2016 U.S. presidential elections. But the former FBI director believed that he was sacked due to his investigation into Russian ties to the Trump campaign.

As for Comey's investigation into Russian interference in the presidential elections, Putin said that Comey provided no evidence.
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Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday that he hopes the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative will start a new stage of cooperation in Eurasia and beyond.

This initiative is unique and successful, said Putin when answering a question raised by Xinhua after his annual "direct line" call-in session.

"The main thing that we must do is to unite our efforts within the frameworks of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and the Belt and Road Initiative," said Putin.

The Belt and Road Initiative proposed by China in 2013 consists of the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road. It aims to build a trade and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along and beyond the ancient Silk Road trade routes.

The EAEU comprises Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, with an aim to encourage regional economic integration through the free movement of goods, services and people within the union.

Putin expressed confidence that the two development plans will be connected as Russia and China "have many overlapping goals and complementary opportunities."

"I have no doubt that we will work together and this work will be effective and beneficial for the Chinese and Russian people as well as the global economy," he said.
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The China-initiated Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) on Friday approved the membership of Argentina, the Republic of Madagascar and the Kingdom of Tonga at its second annual meeting of governors.

The AIIB's board of governors adopted resolutions approving the three applicants to join the bank at the second annual meeting, which kicked off earlier in the day in South Korea's southern resort island of Jeju.

The first meeting was held in Beijing last year.

The approved applicants included one regional prospective member of Tonga and two non-regional members of Argentina and Madagascar.

"Well-integrated infrastructure and enhanced connectivity between Asia and the rest of the world has far-reaching benefits for the global economy," said AIIB President Jin Liqun.

Tonga was well known as the friendly islands in the South Pacific, while Argentina and Madagascar are important economies in South America and Africa each, said Jin.

The AIIB chief expressed his anticipation of the role the three new members will play once they fully join the bank.

The three prospective members will officially join the AIIB once they complete the required domestic processes and deposit the first installment of capital with the bank.

The shares allocated to the new prospective members come from the bank's existing pool of unallocated shares.

"Since launching only 18 months ago, the bank has welcomed 23 new members from around the world," said Sir Danny Alexander, vice president and corporate secretary at the AIIB.

The vice chief said interest in the AIIB remained high and that the bank's door remained open to new members that will be joining later this year.

Officially launched in January 2016, the Beijing-based AIIB is a multilateral development bank initiated by China and supported by a wide range of countries and regions, which will provide financing for infrastructure improvement in Asia.

The international infrastructure bank owned about 100 billion U.S. dollars of subscribed capital, including some 20 billion dollars in paid-in capital.

This year's annual meeting brought together about 2,000 participants, including delegations of both founding members and new members, international organizations and academia as well as businessmen, financiers and journalists.

The attendees included over 20 finance ministers of the approved AIIB members, according to South Korea's finance ministry.

The second annual meeting was held under the theme of "Sustainable Infrastructure," seeking strategic directions of the international infrastructure bank and making major decisions on the bank's management.
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Russian airstrikes may have killed senior Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in northern Syria on May 28, the Russian Defense Ministry said Friday.
Whether it is TPX CEO Richard Jalkut or other channel executives, providers are impatiently waiting on the channel to jump off selling network and start selling other things.

The products that have been launched recently sit in big buckets titled IOT, Cyber-Security, Managed Services, SD-WAN and of course UC (UCaaS, UCC, WCC).

Rich Tehrani has a nice read about AI and analytics transforming companies like Vodafone.

COLOTRAQ has a new IT Risk/Cyber-security Assessment and Planning Service. They even brought in some talent to delivery it in Victor Zamora.

MetTel launched a single SIM for IOT. One VAR I spoke with said that they are going to run with this to the end-user because it is a niche that is almost without competition.

Level3 consistently emails me about selling cyber-security, especially their DDoS Mitigation service.

EarthLink is still around? They launched a secure public Wi-Fi connections with Norton WiFi Privacy (basically VPN). Considering how often businesses use Starbucks, hotel, airport and other public wi-fi, this should be a no-brainer sale.

Panterra rolled out Streams, an ode to Slack, but integrated into a secure, encrypted full unified comms platform.

VZW has One Talk, one of the few mobile UC plays out there.

When TelePacific re-branded as TPx, the highlighted products were managed IT, security, UCaaS and SD-WAN.

Aryaka just rolled out a clientless SD-WAN: "SmartACCESS - the first-to-market SD-WAN for remote access, with built-in dynamic CDN." In the US, Content Delivery Networks are how a majority of users get their Netflix chill on.

Verizon announced that they are selling more MPLS due to SD-WAN. CenturyLink has said that SD-WAN is not a quick fix. So there is a lot of room for expertise and advising in these projects still.

AT&T says that enterprise clients want a hybrid solution to managed services. (Nothing new here). Some of the services will be outsourced to the likes of AT&T and some will remain in-house. That is the way it is for cloud as well - HYBRID, according to an Evolve IP survey. Private for mission-critical, Public (AWS, Azure, SaaS) for mass market stuff and VPS for DevOps. Pulling that together requires some expert help. Is that you?

All of these vendors are just waiting for Channel Partners to pickup the ball and run with it.

It will take more than the Twitter approach to launch. Twitter put there platform out there and waited to see what people would do with it. Years later, Twitter still has no idea what the business case or financial model is. Don't be Twitter!

It isn't about just throwing your toy into the yard so someone will stumble along to play with it.

We want to be spoon fed who IS buying it; why are they buying it; etc. (As I have written about ad nauseum.) It is all about the Stories! Ignoring this means that we will leave that toy alone on the ground over there.

I understand that channel partners have to innovate, change, transition, etc.

With network revenues steadily declining and telecom being a broken mess, partners spend all day selling bandwidth at lower rates - and lower commissions - and then having to navigate the many layers of Dante's Hell that is a carrier today to get it installed (and then fixed - yes I am talking to you ACC Business and GTT!)

In the midst of this mess, on-going consolidation and the accompanying musical chairs is making a partner's job harder, not easier.

Much of these products require new knowledge and some training. That is not time that is always available to partners. I know, Go Make Some Time before you become Extinct. You see, we'll have time when we are extinct.

Besides compelling stories, buyer profiles and the WHY, we will also need new sales skills. Selling dial-tone or network is replacement. Selling Cyber-Security or AI requires a different sales approach.

MSPs understand how to sell managed IT but some VARs do not. (Hence why they are still VARs!)

While many of these products allow a Partner to enter a green field with little competition, maybe the business model for the partner has to be demonstrated as well.

And maybe instead of launching more services, you figure out how to deliver on the ones you have. If you can't deliver the easy stuff (Network), I will never give you a shot at the complex!

Just some food for thought while you wait on the Channel.
Nearly one week before the New York education commissioner is to begin a hearing to decide whether Buffalo school board member Carl Paladino should be removed from the board, Paladino has filed a federal lawsuit against the district and six of his board colleagues, the Buffalo News reports.

Paladino has been embroiled in a standoff with a majority of the school board since last December after he made derogatory comments about former President Obama , his wife Michelle Obama, and top aide Valerie Jarrett that were published in a local weekly. Paladino said in his published comments that he wished that President Obama catches mad cow disease in 2017 and dies as a result.

The board voted on Dec. 29 to demand that Paladino resign within 24 hours or the members would ask the state education commissioner to remove him. When Paladino didnt resign, a majority of the members later voted to make an official request to the commissioner, MaryEllen Elia, citing disclosure of confidential board proceedings related to contract negotiations with the teachers union.

Paladino has apologized for his comments, but has always said that he would fight efforts to oust him. He argues in the filing that the board members are seeking to kick him off the board in retaliation for his comments about the former president and his wife, and are using the charge of disclosure of confidential information as a cover to get rid of him, the Buffalo News reports.

WIVB, a local NBC affiliate, reports the lawsuit alleges that the boards actions violate Paladinos civil rights and First Amendment rights.

The lawsuit names the district and school board as defendants. It also names Barbara Seals Nevergold, the board president, and members Sharon Belton-Cottman, Theresa Harris-Tigg, Hope Jay, Jennifer Mecozzi and Paulette Woods, the paper said. They were the six who voted to demand Paladinos resignation in December after the comments about the Obamas were published in the Artvoice.

Paladinos allies, Patricia Pierce and Lawrence Quinn, voted against the December resolution.

The lawsuit seeks monetary damages, but does not ask for next Thursdays hearing to be cancelled, the Buffalo News reports.

My client feels very strongly that his constitutional rights, including his right to free speech have been violated by the actions of the majority members of the Board, the Board of Education and the school district as a result of a resolution that was passed seeking to remove my client from elected office, Dennis Vacco, Paladinos attorney, was quoted as saying in the Buffalo News. Certain members of the Board of Education are seeking Carls removal in retaliation for exercising his First Amendment rights.

Next Thursdays hearing has sparked so much interest that the department of education will set up a viewing room and seats will be assigned by a lottery.

Carl Paladino speaks to members of the media at Trump Tower, Monday, Dec. 5, 2016, in New York. --Andrew Harnik/AP


The destroyed fence of Bainian Church, along with the

excavator used to destroy it.

ChinaAid

(Jiaozhou, ShandongJune 16, 2017) Several Christians received injuries on Wednesday when they attempted to negotiate with officials who had torn down their churchs fence and proceeded with a construction project without their permission.

At 5 a.m. on June 14, authorities and government-hired construction workers used an excavator to demolish Bainian Churchs fence without the churchs permission and began construction on a building. A Christian family inside the church at the time came out to stop the workers. Soon afterwards, other church members and local residents arrived at the church and negotiated with the officials, halting the construction process.

In response, the workers hit several Christian women and injured their hands.

Bainian Church Pastor Zhan Gang fears the church,which has existed for more than 100 yearsmay now be at risk for demolition

Bearing a name that translates to 100-year church, Bainian Church was founded by Swedish missionaries. For a time, it operated as a state-censored Three-Self Church, but it eventually broke ties with the government and became one of Chinas unofficial house churches. Repeatedly, the church has been asked to move, but the members have refused.

When a ChinaAid reporter reached out to the Jiaozhou Municipal Ethnic and Religious Affairs Bureau for commentary, an official said, We already investigated this in the morning. No church member was hurt. It was a neighborhood dispute instead of a religious problem  [the fence] might have caused problems for the construction. Not a single church member was hurt.

ChinaAid reports abuses, such as those suffered by Bainian Church members, in order to stand in solidarity with persecuted Christians and promote religious freedom, human rights, and rule of law.

ChinaAid Media Team

Cell: (432) 553-1080 | Office: 1+ (888) 889-7757 | Other: (432) 689-6985

Email: [email protected]

For more information, click here
Ruan Haonan

(Photo: ChinaAid)

ChinaAid

(Jiangmen, GuangdongJune 16, 2017) Incarcerated Christians endured harsh interrogations in Chinas southern Guangdong province this week, during which officials ordered them to confess that they had participated in an evil cult, a charge often levied against Christians for their church activities.

On June 12, authorities stalked Ruan Haonan, a member of Fengle Church who hosts Christian gatherings in his home, and dragged him to the police station. There, they questioned him and tried to force him to confess to participating in cult activities. When he refused, they officially detained him and transferred him to a detention center.

In addition, officials coerced him into signing a transcript of the interrogation on June 13.

At around 4 p.m. on June 12, officials broke into and searched Ruans home, which Fengle Church members also know as Mengai House. According to a man surnamed Li, who pastors Fengle Church, no one was meeting at the time of the break in, but the authorities ransacked the house and confiscated several Bibles.

Later that night, Ruans pregnant wife, Luo Caiyan, was taken from their home. She was released when her husband was moved to the detention center, but the police refused to give her family members any legal documents.

Additionally, Luos sister and Lis wife were also taken into custody and interrogated. Despite never mentioning any cult activities, they were forced to sign a document saying they had participated in a cult in order to be released.

ChinaAid reports abuses, such as those suffered by the members of Fengle Church, in order to stand in solidarity with persecuted Christians and promote religious freedom, human rights, and rule of law.

ChinaAid Media Team

Cell: (432) 553-1080 | Office: 1+ (888) 889-7757 | Other: (432) 689-6985

Email: [email protected]

For more information, click here
Sino-Irish economic and trade relations will be further intensified in the years ahead under the Belt and Road Initiative, Ireland's ambassador to China said.

Paul Kavanagh, Ireland's ambassador to China. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Ambassador Paul Kavanagh said the two countries were expected to see extensive opportunities for cooperation in fields such as green technology, life sciences and financial services.

As an open-minded and flexible initiative, the Belt and Road Initiative is not only open to Asian countries, but also to rest of the world, he said.

Kavanagh told China Daily in an exclusive interview that Ireland was very interested in the achievement and realization of the objectives of the Belt and Road Initiative as China builds on the existing work that it and Ireland are doing together to build connectivity and deepen bilateral relations,

Kavanagh made his remarks in the wake of strengthening economic and trade ties between the two countries.

According to China's Foreign Ministry, Sino-Irish merchandise trade topped $8.07 billion in 2016, up 13.5 percent from a year earlier. China mainly exports high-tech machinery and home appliances to Ireland, and imports products like infant milk formula, high-tech ICT equipment and pharmaceuticals.

Ireland had invested 350 projects in China with a total capital of $1.68 billion in the period to the end of 2016, and China in return invested $261 million in Ireland during the same period, the figures showed.

In April, the Irish government signed agreements in Dublin with China to open China's market to Irish beef, streamlining exports to China of Irish live crab and extending the scope of Irish equine exports to China, according to the Irish embassy.

Kavanagh said the significance of these agreements was that they allowed Irish food companies to export to China after registration with the Chinese Certification and Accreditation Administration.

He added that later in the current year, it was hoped Ireland would start exporting its beef to China, he said, adding that his country's food industry was based on leading scientific research and development which helped produce safe, clean and premium-quality food.

Ireland wants to attract more and more investment from China, building connectivity between China and Europe, he said.

Zhang Zhewei, China director of the Investment and Development Agency of Ireland, said the corporate income tax in Ireland was the lowest among European countries.

Chen Yingqun contributed to the story.
CHICAGOGlobal manufacturing giant Caterpillar Inc is expanding its operations in China.

Bob De Lange, president of construction industries at the group, underlined that point when he expressed confidence in the market here.

Bob De Lange, president of construction industries at Caterpillar. [Photo provided to China Daily]

"We look forward to a long and prosperous future in China," De Lange said in an exclusive interview with Xinhua.

The world's second biggest economy is one of Caterpillar's "biggest growth markets" outside North America.

"We are making a very strong commitment to China," De Lange said.

The construction and manufacturing group plans to develop local leadership, its industrial base and supply chain as well as its business model here.

"We want to be a good local citizen because we are very committed to being a market leader in our equipment in China," De Lange said.

He was especially optimistic about the economy, explaining that with investment in infrastructure and housing, it is one of the bright spots in the world.

De Lange also praised China's Belt and Road Initiative, which will connect Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Europe to the old Silk Road route.

"We are aligned in our objectivesthe Chinese government and Caterpillarbecause it is about building connectivity," he said.

"It is about improving infrastructure, improving the standards of living of people around the world and that is exactly what we want to do as well," he added.

Caterpillar is a leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives.

Last year, it was ranked 194th on the Global Fortune 500 list.

The group's first business venture in China was back in 1975 when it signed a $3.8 million deal to sell 38 pipe-layers to the China National Petroleum Corp.

Then in the early 1990s, it started manufacturing here. Since then, the company has made a long-term commitment to China.

It now has more than 10,000 employees in the country, while the group's dealers employ another 5,000 workers. So far, the group based in the United States has opened 28 manufacturing plants in China, with three research and development facilities and three logistics centers.

"We're really trying not just to go to China to build equipment, but to develop our full business model," De Lange said.

Earlier this year, he attended the China Development Forum and was positive about the country's long-term future.

"In the short term, it might mean slightly slower growth, but if it means sustainable long-term growth, I think that is positive...we want to make a long-term commitment and have long-term success in China," De Lange said.
BEIJING - The Export-Import Bank of China (China Exim Bank) said Thursday that its outstanding loans for the Belt and Road Initiative surpassed 620 billion yuan ($90 billion) at the end of the first quarter.

The funds were pumped into more than 1,200 projects along the ancient trade routes, said Xie Ping, deputy governor of the bank. Its lending to international cooperation on industrial capacity was at more than 700 billion yuan.

"These projects have not only helped improve the competitiveness of Chinese firms but also boosted the development of developing countries that introduced standards and technologies from China," Xie said.

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, with industrial cooperation as a crucial part.

The bank said it also has increased financial support for manufacturing improvements, small enterprises, and poverty relief.

Founded in 1994, China Exim Bank is one of the country's three policy banks and works with foreign trade, offshore project contracting, and outbound investment.
BEIJING - Net foreign exchange (forex) sales by Chinese banks continued to rise in May but cross-border fund flows remained stable, China's forex regulator said Friday.

Banks bought $129.6 billion worth of foreign currencies and sold $146.7 billion, resulting in net sales of $17.1 billion last month, up 15 percent from April, according to a statement from the State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE).

The monthly deficit had been rising gradually since February, and the May data was still lower than the $19 billion in January.

SAFE said the country's cross-border fund flows continued to stabilize with a positive outlook, noting that the forex supply and demand remained basically balanced.

In the January-May period, bank net forex sales stood at $72.9 billion, up from $56 billion in the first four months.

There have been rising concerns about capital flight since the second half of 2016, when the economy was facing downward pressure and the Chinese yuan was in the middle of a losing streak against the US dollar.

But the yuan has gradually recovered from its weakness as the Chinese economy firmed up in the first quarter of the year, with forecast-beating GDP growth, and the greenback becoming less volatile.
China mulls policies to encourage green finance development

Xinhua | Updated: 2017-06-16 17:03

BEIJING - China is mulling more ways to encourage banks and private capital to invest in green finance projects, a deputy central bank governor said Friday.



Developing green finance is a global trend and a necessary choice for China's sustainable growth as well as a major move to honor the country's commitment to the Paris Agreement, according to Chen Yulu, deputy governor of the People's Bank of China (PBOC).



Development of green finance is gaining steam in China, but still in the early stages, Chen said.



The State Council, China's Cabinet, Wednesday announced its decision to set up pilot zones in Guangdong, Guizhou, Jiangxi and Zhejiang provinces and Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region to boost green finance development.



The central bank will roll out more incentive policies in pilot regions, such as including a green credit review in the Macro Prudential Assessment for deposit financial institutions and promoting sustainable business practices among private investors.



The PBOC will also develop more green finance products, expand financing channels, roll out industrial standards and set up green credit mechanism, according to Chen.



The cost of green projects will be gradually reduced and profit increased thanks to rising awareness and an improving green finance mechanism, Chen added.
BEIJING - Chinese Vice-Premier Zhang Gaoli said Friday that China should build the Belt and Road into a road of peace, prosperity, opening up and innovation, as well as a road connecting civilizations.

Addressing a work conference on the Belt and Road Initiative, Zhang said local authorities must carry on the Silk Road spirit of "peace and cooperation, openness and inclusiveness, mutual learning and mutual benefit" to seek greater headway in the China-proposed initiative.

China should connect the development strategies of countries along the Belt and Road and raise the ability of overseas security protection to build a road of safety, Zhang said. "By focusing on development, the country must continue to put connectivity and industrial cooperation as the major fields of cooperation for building the Belt and Road into a road of prosperity."

He said that to build a road featuring opening up, unswerving efforts should be made to safeguard multilateral trade systems, enhance investment cooperation and facilitate trade and investment.

"China should also enhance cooperation with countries along the Belt and Road in innovation-related fields, including the Internet, big data, cloud computing, digital economy, artificial intelligence and nanotechnology," Zhang said.

More platforms should be created to enhance multi-layered people-to-people exchanges in building the Belt and Road into a road connecting different civilizations, Zhang noted.
The U.S. Department of Education seems to be trying to split the baby on transgender student rights by directing civil rights investigators to find ways to address transgender students concerns of harassment and bullying, while giving them freedom to bypass complaints about access to facilities like bathrooms and locker rooms that match their gender identity.

The Trump administration rescinded Obama-era civil rights guidance on transgender students in February. That guidance asserted that transgender students are included under the federal sex-discrimination protections in Title IX. As it withdrew that guidance, the Trump administration did not assert its own interpretation of the law, creating concerns about a lack of clarity and consistency in schools obligations to transgender students in areas like facilities access, pronoun usage, confidentiality, and school climate.

In a document first obtained by the Los Angeles Times Friday, an official from the Education Departments office for civil rights told regional directors not to rely on the rescinded guidance and to refer instead to Title IX and its implementing regulations, as interpreted in decisions of federal courts and OCR guidance documents that remain in effect, in evaluating complaints of sex discrimination against individuals whether or not the individual is transgender.

Schools can still be investigated for creating a hostile environment by failing to address treatment of transgender students like gender-based harassment and sex-stereotyping, which could include refusing to use a transgender students preferred name or pronouns when the school uses preferred names for gender-conforming students or when the refusal is motivated by animus toward people who do not conform to sex stereotypes, wrote Candice Jackson, the departments acting assistant secretary for civil rights. She seems to be referring to guidance on bullying the department issued in 2010.

That directions allow the agency to seek to address the common concern of bullying while staying away from the hot-potato issue of facilities access.

It is the goal and desire of this Department that OCR approach each of these cases with great care and individualized attention before reaching a dismissal conclusion, Jackson wrote. Please evaluate each allegation separately, searching for a permissible jurisdictional basis for OCR to retain and pursue the complaint. It is permissible, for example, for one allegation in a complaint (such as harassment based on gender stereotypes) to go forward while another allegation (such as denial of access to restrooms based on gender identity) is dismissed.

This action was a possibility discussed by Seth Galanter , a former principal deputy assistant secretary for human rights in Obamas Education Department, in a Politics K-12 blog post. In her letter rescinding the guidance, Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos had asserted that an environment free from bullying and harassment is important for all students.

Its critical that Secretary DeVos confirm that transgender students have a legal right, and not just a moral right, to be safe in schools, Galanter told my colleague Andrew Ujifusa in April.

To avoid confusion, Secretary DeVos needs to instruct the OCR career investigators that they should continue to investigate claims of harassment against transgender students, and when they find a violation, obtain quick relief for the student.

The departments instructions will almost certainly not satisfy advocates for transgender students.

Restrictions on access to bathrooms and locker rooms that match a students gender identity are a form of state-sanctioned bullying in itself, those advocates argue, restricting a students ability to safely attend school and exist in a public space. And it appears that the guidance doesnt require schools to use students preferred pronouns and namesonly to require its students to adhere to that policy if it chooses to adopt it.

And the instructions to officials to rely on interpretations of federal courts may also create some confusion. Those courts have been split on what Title IX says about transgender students right to access school facilities, though a growing wave of decisions have fallen in favor of transgender students. The federal document did not cite any of those rulings.

Hours after the memo was leaked, LGBT rights group GLSEN said it was likely to complicate civil rights enforcement. Its problematic that, while the memo doesnt explicitly prohibit investigating facilities access for transgender students, it seems to shift the focus elsewhere and it doesnt provide a clear position on whether and when such investigations are appropriate, the organization said.

Todays memo confuses the issue and does not explicitly address the trend in recent case law in favor of transgender students, most recently in the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals, Nathan Smith, GLSENs director of public policy, said in a statement. We are concerned that this will result in the dismissal of complaints by transgender students without full investigation. Research has shown that 60% of transgender students have reported being required by their school to use a bathroom or locker room that does not match their gender identity. ... GLSEN asks the Department of Education and OCR officials to confirm whether or not the OCR will investigate reports of transgender students being denied equal access to school restrooms and other school facilities regardless of where the student lives.

News about the departments approach to transgender students comes as it narrows its overall approach to civil rights enforcement , limiting officials ability to explore systemic issues in response to complaints from individual students. You can read the whole document on transgender student rights here . Or you can read it below:

Further reading about transgender students:

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Decision from the CPC Central Committee and the State Council on Accelerating Water Conservancy Reform and Development

Issued on December 31, 2010

Water is the origin of life, the essence of production and the basis of ecology. Water conservancy and flood control are instrumental to human survival, economic development and social advancement. They are always issues that make a difference in national governance. To promote steady and relatively rapid long-term economic development, boost social harmony and stability and win new victories in building a moderately prosperous society in all respects, we must be determined to accelerate water conservancy development, enhance the supporting and guarantee capacity of water conservancy and achieve sustainable use of water resources. Serious floods and droughts that frequently hit our country in recent years have resulted in major losses of life and property and exposed serious weaknesses in water conservancy infrastructure, including farmland irrigation and drainage. Water conservancy development must be strengthened vigorously. Efforts must be stepped up in water conservancy development. The following decisions are hereby made in respect of accelerating water conservancy reform and development:

1. Strategic Position of Water Conservancy in the New Situation

(1) New situation facing water conservancy. Since the birth of P. R. China, in particular after the reform and opening up policy was introduced, the Party and the State have paid consistently high attention to water conservancy and led nationwide efforts to advance the water conservancy drive ambitiously. These efforts have delivered remarkable outcomes and made significant contributions to economic and social development and peoples well-being. It must be noted that, however, limited water resource per capita and uneven distribution of water resources, by either time or space, are basic national conditions of China with regard to water. Frequent floods and droughts remain a great concern for the Chinese nation; the sharp imbalance between water demand and supply is still a major bottleneck on sustainable development; backward development of farmland water conservancy remain the biggest barrier to solid agricultural development and national and food security; Vulnerable water conservancy facilities are still an obvious weaker area of national infrastructure. As industrialization and urbanization are going deeper and global climate changes are having a bigger impact, China is faced with a more severe situation in water conservancy. Demand is increasingly urgent for improved capacity of disaster prevention and mitigation; saving and protecting water are becoming increasingly burdensome; reducing the agricultural vulnerability to natural disasters is becoming increasingly challenging. In 2010, the extraordinary drought that hit the southwestern region, the flood spreading across the majority of provinces, and the serious landslides in a few areas remind us that we cannot afford any delay on the effort to accelerate water conservancy development.

(2) Status and role of water conservancy in the new situation. Water conservancy is the primary element of agricultural development, the basic foundation for eco-social development and the assuring system for bio-environmental improvement. It is of a strong public, fundamental and strategic nature. Accelerating water conservancy reform and development is not only a matter of developing agriculture and rural areas, but also a matter of eco-social development overall; it is not only relevant to flood control, water security and food security, but also relevant to economic, ecological and national security. Water conservancy shall be put higher on the agenda of the Party and the State to expedite farmland water conservancy efforts and promote leapfrog development of water conservancy.

2. Guidelines, Objectives and Principles of Water Conservancy Reform and Development

(3) Guidelines: Thoroughly implement the guidelines of the 17th CPC National Congress and the Third, Fourth and Fifth Plenums of the 17th CPC Central Committee, follow the guidance of the Deng Xiaoping Theory and the important thought of the "Three Represents" and comprehensively implement the Scientific Outlook on Development. Put water conservancy high on the priority list of national infrastructure development, include farmland water conservancy in the priorities of rural infrastructure development and regard strict management of water resources as a strategic move to expedite transformation of the economic development mode. Emphasize science-based and law-ruled water governance, highlight development in weaker aspects, strengthen water conservancy for peoples welling, continuously deepen the water conversancy reform, step up efforts to build a water efficient society, promote sustainable development of water conservancy and strive to develop a China-specific pathway towards modernization in respect of water conservancy.

(4) Objectives: The marked backwardness in water conservancy development will be fundamentally reversed in five to ten years. By 2020, the flood and drought control and relief system will be basically established, key cities and flood protection areas will significantly improve their capacity of flood and drought control and, during the 12th Five-year Plan period, the rehabilitation of major sections of key small- and medium-sized rivers (including tributaries of large rivers, rivers flowing directly into sea and inland rivers) will be completed, and small-sized reservoir reinforcement and the early warning system for landslide venerable areas will be completed; the system of reasonable allocation and efficient use of water resources will be basically established, annual water consumption across the country will be controlled within 670 billion m3, urban and rural probability of water supply will be significantly increased, the water consumption per unit of RMB 10,000 domestic product (GDP) and per RMB 10,000 industrial value added will be reduced markedly, the efficiency of the efficiency factor of farmland irrigation water will be increased to 0.55 or higher and, during the 12th Five-year Plan period, the effective irrigation area of farmland will increase by 40 million Mu; the system of water resource protection and river/lake health assurance will be basically established, the water quality will be significantly improved in water function areas of major rivers and lakes, sources of urban water supply will meet all quality criteria, soil erosion will be effectively controlled in key areas and over-extraction of groundwater is basically contained; systems and mechanisms conducive to development water conservancy sciences will be basically established, the water resource management system designed to the most stringent standards will be basically established, the mechanism for steady growth of water conservancy investment will be further improved, the water tariff mechanism conducive to conservation and reasonable allocation of water resources will be basically put in place, and the virtuous mechanism of water conservancy projects will take basic shape.

(5) Principles: Firstly, give priority to peoples welling. Efforts shall be focused on the most practical issues of the greatest and most direct concern to the general people in respect of water conservancy, so as to promote water conservancy development oriented towards people well-being. Secondly, maintain sound coordination and balancing. Emphasis shall be placed on combining utilization and control, balancing prevention and relief efforts, tackling problems at root and at surface, and promoting coordinated development of watersheds and regions, urban and rural areas as well as Eastern, Central and Western regions. Thirdly, maintain harmony between water and people. Natural and social laws shall be followed to pursue reasonable development, optimal allocation, comprehensive conservation and effective protection of water resources. Fourthly, adhere to the government-led mode. The public finance shall play an assuring role in water conservancy development. Synergies shall be produced through collaborative efforts of the government and the community in water conservancy and food control. Fifthly, continue reform and innovation. Efforts shall be stepped up to make breakthroughs in priority areas and key aspects of water conservancy and break system and mechanism barriers to water conservancy development.

3. Strengthen Efforts in Farmland and Other Weaker Areas of Water Conservancy

(6) Develop water conservancy at a large scale. By 2010, the infrastructure expansion and water efficiency enhancement tasks will be basically completed for large-sized irrigation zones, major medium-sized irrigation zones. Keeping in line with the implementation of the plan to increase grain production capacity by 50 million tons nationwide, A number of new irritation areas will be established in regions where water and soil resources permit to increase the effective irrigation area of farmland. Irrigation and drainage pumps will be upgraded for large- and medium-sized irrigation areas to enhance management of key flood prone areas and improve the network of irrigation and drainage. To improve the new mechanism for farmland water conservancy, central and provincial finances shall significantly increase subsidies to water conservancy activities, and municipal and county-level governments shall effectively expand their investments in farmland water conservancy and encourage voluntary labor contribution from farmers. Accelerate the efforts in building key counties of small-sized farmland water conservancy facilities, give priority to major grain-growing counties, strengthen efforts in building final-stage irrigation channels and auxiliary field-mounted facilities, and build farmland to high standards to ensure stable yields regardless of drought and flood. Small- and medium-sized water conservancy facilities shall be built in line with local conditions, supports shall be provided to construction of small water cellars, small water ponds, small dams, small pump stations and small channels, with focus given to old revolutionary base areas, ethnic minority areas border areas and poverty-stricken areas. Aggressively develop the water-efficient irrigation technology, promote such technologies as channel seepage control, piped water transfer and spray and drip irrigation, and increase the coverage of subsidies to water-efficient and drought-relief equipment. Actively develop dry farming and apply such technologies as plastic mulching, deep plowing and protective farming. Steadily develop water conservancy in pasturing areas and build water-efficient grassland irrigation facilities.

(7) Accelerate rehabilitation of small- and medium-sized rivers and reinforcement of small-sized reservoirs. Rehabilitation of small- and medium-sized rivers shall give priority to rivers and river sections where floods and droughts occur frequently, the protected area is densely populated or the subject matter of protection is important. Reinforce embankment and remove sediments to meet national flood control standards. Maintain the soundness of reinforced large- and medium-sized dilapidated reservoirs, accelerate reinforcement of small-sized dilapidated reservoirs, eliminate potential safety hazards of reservoirs as soon as possible, restore the flood control capacity and enhance the capacity of water resource regulation. Press forward with repair and reinforcement of large- and medium-sized gates. Landslide prevention and control shall combine engineering measures and non-engineering measures, the monitoring and early warning system that combines the efforts of both professionals and the masses shall be improved and prevention, circumvention and restoration efforts must be accelerated.

(8) Expedite the efforts to solve engineering-related water shortage. Accelerate major water source projects in the southwestern region and other regions suffering from engineering-related water shortage; combine storage, diversion and lifting with reasonable extraction of groundwater; build a number of small- and medium-sized reservoirs as well as water diversion, lifting and connection facilities at county levels; support farmers to build small-sized and micro water conservancy facilities, significantly improve the capacity of utilizing rain and flood resources and ensuring water supply, and substantially tackle water access problems in water-deficient urban areas and densely populated rural areas.

(9) Improve the emergency response capacity against flood and drought. Improve the emergency management mechanism against flood and drought as possible as possible that is characterized by central steering, tiered responsibility, collaboration, quick response and coordinate, orderly and efficient operation. Enhance the monitoring and early warning capacity, expand investment, consolidate resources and increase the accuracy of weather forecasts, including rain, flood and drought. Establish an emergency response and rescue team that involves professionals and community members, set up flood and drought service organizations at county and village levels, improve the system of emergency supply reserves and improve the emergency preparedness plan. Build a number of emergency water supply facilities against drought that are designed to a reasonable size and appropriate standards. Establish a water reserve system against extraordinary droughts and water security emergencies. Strengthen the efforts to build pilot areas for artificial precipitation enhancement, and reasonably develop and utilize cloud water resources in the air.

(10) Continue to promote drinking water security in rural areas. On-the-plan issues concerning drinking water security in rural areas will be solved by 2013; drinking water insecurity in rural areas will be basically eliminated during the 12th Five-year Plan period. Press forward with the construction of centralized water supply facilities and increase the penetration rate of piped water in rural areas. The centralized water pipe network shall be extended where possible to establish an integrated water supply system for rural and urban areas. Strengthen management of rural drinking water security facilities, assign the responsibility for management and protection responsibilities to specific entities and individuals, intensify protection of water sources and monitoring of water quality, and ensure sustainable service of these facilities. Formulate land use policies in support of drinking water security facilities in rural areas, ensure land supply and apply tax preferences to construction and operation of these facilities. Electricity consumed in water supply shall be billed at the same tariff rate as for residential or agricultural irrigation purposes.

4. Accelerate Development of Water Conservancy Infrastructure in All Respects

(11) Continue efforts in rehabilitating major rivers. Further rehabilitate Huaihe River, rehabilitate the lower reaches of Yellow River, properly control the river regime of middle and lower reaches of Yangzi River, continue to advance the watercourse rehabilitation and embankment construction of major rivers, strengthen integrated management of Taihu Lake, Dongting Lake and Poyang Lake, accelerate construction of flood detention zones and reasonably arrange for resettlement of local residents. Improve the safety of beach areas in the lower reaches of Yellow River. Complete a number of flood control projects during the 12th Five-year Plan and continuously increase the flood regulation capacity. Step up the efforts in construction of urban flood control projects to higher standards. Push ahead with sea wall construction and trans-boundary river rehabilitation.

(12) Step up efforts in water resource allocation projects. Improve the strategic allocation of water resources. Complete a number of key water source projects and watercourse interconnection projects at no ecological cost as soon as possible, and increase the ability to regulate water resources and assure water supply. Accelerate the Middle Route Project (MRP) for South-to-North Water Transfer (Phase I) and auxiliary works, ensure the quality of works, and conduct researches on the Western Route Project (WRP) for South-to-North Water Transfer at appropriate time. Move forward with a number of inter-basin and inter-regional water transfer projects. Endeavor to tackle water shortage in northwestern and other regions deficient in water resources. Promote wastewater treatment and reuse, carry out desalination and integrated use of seawater and pay due attention to use of rainwater and brackish water.

(13) Deliver good performance in soil and water conservation and water-related ecological protection. Implement national key projects for water and soil conservation. Effectively prevent soil erosion by means of integrated management of small watersheds, silt dams, slope farmland improvement, planting and ecological rehabilitation. Step up the efforts to prevent and control soil erosion in the upper and middle reaches of Yangtze River and Yellow River, rock desertification areas in the southwestern region and the black soil areas in the northeast region, and other critical regions and landslide prone areas. Continue the efforts in water-related ecological rehabilitation of ecologically vulnerable rivers and regions. Accelerate restoration of the aqueous environment of heavily polluted rivers and lakes. Strengthen protection of important ecological reserves, water conservation areas, river headwaters and wetlands. Implement integrated management of rural watercourses and strengthen development of ecological and clean small watersheds. Strengthen supervision and management of water and soil conservation in production and construction projects. Establish and improve the processes of water and soil conservation and of compensation for occupation of water conservancy facilities and watersheds in construction projects.

(14) Reasonably harness water resources. Accelerate exploitation and utilization of water resources without compromise of ecological and farmers interests. Strike a balance among flood control, irrigation, water supply, power generation and shipping. Formulate reasonable plans, actively develop hydropower, enhance hydro resource management, regulate the exploitation permission process and intensify supervision of hydropower safety. Vigorously develop rural hydropower, actively carry out the new-rural-community hydropower counties program and the firewood-to-small-hydropower transformation program, and properly implement the rural hydropower grid upgrading project.

(15) Intensify scientific and technological supports in terms of hydrometeorology and water conservancy Step up the efforts in construction of hydro-meteorological infrastructures, expand the coverage and optimize the structure of their network, endeavor to improve hydrological surveying and reporting capacity in critical regions, important cities and groundwater over-extraction areas, expedite the emergency monitoring capacity, promote data sharing and improve services in all respects. Improve the system of innovation in water conservancy science and technology, intensify the infrastructure platform construction, step up basic research and technological R&D, make new breakthroughs in key areas, critical aspects and core technologies of water conservation, deliver a number of research findings of great practical value and step up the efforts to import and promote leading technologies. Improve technical equipment for water conservancy. Develop and improve technical standards for the water conservancy sector. Press forward with IT-based water conservancy development, implement the Golden Water Conservancy Project, accelerate the efforts to build the national flood and drought control system and the water resource management information, increase the IT performance in water resource regulation, water conservancy management and operation of projects, and use IT as a driver of water conservancy modernization. Strengthen international communication and cooperation on water conservancy.

5. Establish a Mechanism for Steady Growth of Water Conservancy Investment

(16) Increase public investment in water conservancy. Raise funds through a wide range of channels. Seek to double the annual investment in water conservancy as compared with 2010 in ten years. The government shall play a leading role in water conservancy development and include water conservancy in the priority areas of public finance. The public finance at all levels shall expand water conservancy investment markedly, either by total size by growth rate. Further increase the weight of water conservancy funds in the national investment in fixed assets. Significantly increase public funding of water conservancy at both central and local levels. Allocate 10% of land premium revenues to farmland water conservancy. Revenues from new land parcels granted for construction use and other land management funds shall be unleashed to generate comprehensive benefits. Further improve the policy on the Foundation for Water Works, extend the length of levy years, diversify the avenue of funding and expand the base of revenues. Improve the paid water use system, reasonably adjust the water tariff criteria, expand the scope of levy, and maintain a high level of stringency in collection, use and management of water tariffs. Cities with a heavy burden of flood control or suffering serious water deficiency shall allocate a reasonable part of urban construction and maintenance tax revenues to urban flood control and water source projects. Effectively enhance supervision and management of water conservancy investments and funds.

(17) Strengthen financial supports for water conservancy development. Utilize financial and monetary policies to encourage financial institutions to lend more to the water conservancy sector. Where conditions permit, the size, duration and rate of discount loans shall be determined in line with the nature and characteristics of water conservancy projects. The Agricultural Development Bank of China is supported to extend medium- to long-term policy loans to water conservancy projects at a controlled risk level. China Development Bank, the Agricultural Bank of China, rural credit cooperatives and the Postal Savings Bank of China are encouraged to lend more to farmland water conservancy projects. Eligible water conservancy enterprises are supported to go public and issue bonds. Explore financial leasing for large-sized water conservancy equipment and facilities. Introduce a variety of financing forms for water conservancy projects, including loans secured by project cash flow. Flood insurance is encouraged and supported. Increase the size and improve the quality of foreign investment in water conservancy.

(18) Attract broad-based private investment in water conservancy. Encourage eligible local government financing vehicles to diversify the avenue of water conservancy investment and financing, directly or indirectly to attract private capital into water conservancy projects. Farmers are encouraged to work hard on a self-reliance basis. Motivate farmers to invest in farmland water conservancy under the principle of granting more subsidies to heavier investment and more labor and through increasing government awards and subsidies on a case-by-case basis. Improve the rural hydropower value added tax (VAT) policy in line with the VAT reform and legislation process. Improve the policy on the farmland use tax in respect of water conservancy projects. Steadily and actively push ahead with market-based financing of for-profit water conservancy projects.

6. Manage Water Resources to the Most Stringent Standard

(19) Establish a system of total water consumption control. Define the control limit of water resource exploitation and utilization, promptly formulate the plan for allocation of major river water resources, and establish a system of control indicators for total water taking. Strengthen water resource assessment over programs and projects. The plan for national economic and social development and the master urban plan shall be formulated and major projects shall be deployed in alignment with local water resources and flood control requirements. The water resource assessment process must be strictly implemented for construction projects. A stop order must be given to any construction or operation of any project without approval. The water taking permit must be strictly managed. Where the total water taken has reached or exceeded the control limit, any new water taking permit for construction projects shall be suspended. Restriction shall be applied to new water taking permits where the total water taken is close to the control limit. Groundwater management and protection must be strictly carried out. The prohibited and restricted areas of groundwater extraction shall be defined as soon as possible to phase down excess groundwater extraction and reach a balance between extraction and recharge. Strengthen central dispatch of water resources, maintain coordinated use of water for residential, commercial, industrial and ecological purposes and improve the water resource dispatch plan, the emergency dispatch plan and the dispatch schedule. Establish and improve the national water rights system to optimize allocation of water resources using the market mechanisms.

(20) Establish a system of water efficiency control. Establish the control limit of water efficiency, strictly control waste of water and embed water efficiency into the entire process of water-consuming equipment for residential, commercial and industrial purposes. Accelerate the establishment of the water efficiency indicator system by geographical regions, industry sectors and water users. Strengthen management of water quota and plans. Focus on monitoring of water users that reach a certain scale. Apply strict restriction to water-intensive industrial projects in water-deficient areas. Implement simultaneous design, construction and operation of water conservation facilities and main works of a construction project. Accelerate technical revamp for water efficiency, strengthen water efficiency management of enterprises, establish model water-efficient projects and disseminate water-efficient agricultural technologies. Develop compulsory standards on water efficiency, and phase out processes, equipment and products that do not meet water efficiency standards.

(21) Establish a system of controlled pollutant discharge to water function areas. Establish the pollutant-carrying limit of water function areas. Define the pollutant-carrying capacity to stringent standards and strictly control the total pollutant discharges to lakes and rivers. Governments at all levels shall limit the total pollutant discharges as a crucial basis for the work on water pollution control and emission reduction, clarify responsibilities and take actions. Restriction shall be applied to new water intakes and sewage outlets to rivers where the total pollutant discharge has exceeded the limit of water function areas. Create a water quality assessment system for water function areas and improve the system of monitoring, supervision and early warning.

Strengthen protection of water sources, identify the protected drinking water source areas and strengthen management of drinking water source emergencies. Establish the water-related ecological compensation system.

(22) Establish a system of water resource management responsibility and assessment. The chief officers of local governments at the county or higher above shall assume the overall responsibility for managing and protecting water resources within their respective mandate. Strictly implement the water resource management assessment system. The water administration department shall, in conjunction with other relevant departments, conduct an assessment of water resource exploitation, utilization, conservation and protection indicators in local areas and submit the assessment results to the supervisory authority as an important basis for performance assessment of local government leaders. Strengthen capacity building in respect of water quantity and quality monitoring, and provide technical supports for enhanced supervisory assessment.

7. Continuously Innovate in the Water Conservancy Development Systems and Mechanisms

(23) Improve the water resource management system. Strengthen integrated management of water resources in rural and urban areas, apply coordinated planning and implementation to urban and rural water supply, integrated utilization of water resources, water environment management and flood control, and promote optimal allocation of water resources. Improve the water resource management system that combines watershed management and regional management, and establish a working mechanism for water resource management that features well-defined rights and responsibilities, clear division of work, disciplined actions and coordinated operation. Further improve the coordination mechanism for protection of water resources and prevention and control of water pollution.

(24) Expedite water conservancy projects and management system reforms. Classify reforms by the nature of water conservancy projects and establish a sound operating mechanism. Deepen the administrative restructuring of state-owned water conservancy projects and guarantee financial resources to public-service and quasi-public-service water management agencies to fund their repair and maintenance activities. The central government grants subsidies to public-service projects in central and western regions and poverty-stricken areas to fund their repair and maintenance. Properly address social security issues of persons that are laid off by water management agencies. Deepen the ownership reform of small-sized water conservancy projects, clarify owners and users, assign the responsibility for repair and maintenance to specific entities and individuals, give subsidies to public-

service small-sized water conservancy projects to fund their repair and maintenance, and explore modes of community-based and specialized water conservancy project management. Expedite the promotion of the outsourcing mechanism for not-for-profit projects funded by the government. Give full play to market mechanisms in construction and operation of water conservancy projects, guide for-profit water conservancy projects towards market-based operation, improve their corporate governance structure and encourage them to operate independently at their own loss or profit.

(25) Improve local water conservancy service systems. Establish the local water conservancy service systems that feature clear duties, reasonable architecture, competent team and quality services, so as to improve local water conservancy service capabilities in all respects. Establish the local water conservancy service organizations by towns or small watersheds, strengthen their public service functions in respect of water resource management, flood and drought control, farmland water conservancy and application of water conservancy technologies, establish their staffing as required and include their fund demand in the county-level public budget. Establish farmer's cooperative organizations for water use.

(26) Press forward with water tariff reform. Fully unleash the regulating role of water tariff, balance efficiency and fairness and promote water conservation and industrial restructuring. Phase in the cascade tariff rates for water consumption in the industrial and service sectors. Widen the gap in tariff rates between water-intensive sectors and other sectors. Reasonably adjust the residential water tariff rates in urban areas and phase in the cascade tariff rates. Under the principle of promoting water conservation, reducing farmers water spending and assuring sound operation of irrigation and drainage facilities, the agricultural water tariff reform will be carried out in such a way that the operating and administrative expenses of agricultural irrigation and drainage facilities will be subsidized by public finance as appropriate. The system will be explored that applies preferential tariff rates to water use within the farmer quota while introduces cascade rates for excess use.

8. Strengthen Leadership over Water Conservancy

(27) Assign Specific Responsibility to Party Committees and Governments at All Levels. The party committees and governments at all levels shall, with an overarching and strategic view, strengthen the work on water conservancy and conduct timely researches and solve major issues in water conservancy and development. The chief executive responsibility system will be implemented in respect of flood and drought control, drinking water safety assurance, water resource management and reservoir safety management. Local governments shall effectively implement all measures relating to water conservancy reform and development, having regard to their local conditions. Water administration departments at all levels shall increase the sense of responsibility, perform duties with due diligence and effectively implement all tasks relating to water conservancy reform and development. All relevant departments and organizations shall development and improve supporting measures and methods according to their scope of duties and create synergies to advance water conservancy reform and development. Stepping up efforts in farmland water conservancy shall be included as an important element in the performance excellence initiatives in local rural communities. Party organizations in local rural communities shall fully play their role of stronghold to lead farmers efforts in accelerating improvement in rural production and living conditions.

(28) Push ahead with law-ruled water governance. Establish and improve the system of water-related laws and regulations and expedite improvements in laws and regulations in respect of water resource allocation, water conservation and protection, flood and drought control, rural water conservancy, soil and water conservation and watershed management. Press forward with integrated law enforcement on water conservancy, and strictly enforce rules and procedures relating to water resource assessment, water taking permission, water project planning permit, flood impact assessment and water and soil conservation plan. Strengthen management of rivers and lakes, and prohibit illegal occupation of river or lake waters by construction projects. Step up efforts to establish national supervisory systems and processes for flood and drought control. Improve the water dispute mediation mechanism that combines prevention with mediation while focusing on the former, and improve the emergency preparedness plan. Deepen reform in the water-related administrative permission and approval system. Prepare the water conservancy plan in a scientific manner, improve the national, watershed-specific and regional systems of water conservancy planning, expedite preparatory work for major projects and enhance the role of the water conservancy plan in managing and disciplining water-related activities. Properly carry out reservoir-induced resettlement and put in place follow-up support policies.

(29) Strengthen team building for water conservancy. Improve the competencies of workers and officials working on water conservancy to accommodate new requirements posed by water conservancy reform, and enhance the capacity of water survey, design and project execution and law-based administration. Support water conservancy disciplines in higher education institutions and, secondary vocational schools. Attract, foster and promote managerial talent, technical talent and highly skilled workers. Improve the talent assessment, transfer and incentive mechanisms. Encourage scientific and technological personnel to serve the front line of water conservancy reform, strengthen training and continuing education of front-line workers in water conservancy and help tackle their difficulties in work and life. All workers and officials in the water conservancy sector shall carry forward the spirit of commitment, responsibility and truth, align closer to peoples well-being, deliver more services to lower rungs of the social ladder and better serve the overall development of the economy and society.

(30) Mobilize the whole society to care for and support water conservancy. Step up efforts to increase the public awareness of national conditions in respect of water resources, increase the public sense of flood, saving water and water resource protection and mobilize broad-based efforts in water conservancy development. Water-related education shall be included in the national quality education system and the primary and secondary education system, and designated as a crucial element in training and education of government officials and civil servants. Water conservancy shall be included in public service advertising to create a favorable public atmosphere for sound and rapid development of water conservancy. Governments at all levels shall commend and reward entities and individuals who have delivered outstanding contributions to accelerating water conservancy reform and development. Accelerating water conservancy reform and development is a glorious mission, and also a considerable challenge and great responsibility. We must unite closely under the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Hu Jintao as its general secretary, stay current, keep forging ahead and strive to turn a new page in the water conservancy drive.
By Tian Xuefei in Mohe,heilongjiang, and Zhou Huiying in Harbin | China Daily | Updated: 2017-06-16 07:57

Cui Guixiao poses for a photo at Hongqiling scenic spot near Mohe county in Heilongjiang province. Qian Cheng / For China Daily

Cui Guixiao is looking forward to next month, because he hopes to return to his hometown of Hengshui in Hebei province, which he left 33 years ago.

"They helped me get in contact with my elder sister and will hopefully send me home soon," said the 63-year-old, referring to the Beiji border police.

Cui left home in 1985 after falling out with his family, and subsequently lost contact with them.

In the following years, he made a living doing odd jobs in Hebei and the Inner Mongolia autonomous region before moving in 1991 to Mohe, the northernmost county in Heilongjiang province.

He followed the advice of locals, becoming a logger in Hongqiling at a lumber storage yard about 100 kilometers from the county seat, and never left.

Through diligence and wisdom, Cui became an expert in logging. However, with the promotion of the central government's Natural Forest Protection Project in 2000, commercial logging in the Greater Khingan Range was gradually halted, and Cui lost his job.

He went back to a life of relying on odd jobs for income, such as a fisherman and a cattle herder.

In recent years, with the rapid development of tourism in Mohe, Hongqiling has become a scenic spot attracting tourists due to its location close to the Heilong River.

In 2010, Cui found a job in a family-run hotel. In the summer tourist season, he is the only waiter at the hotel, and in other seasons, his employer leaves him to watch over the rooms.

"Conditions are much better than before. In the past, I was only allowed to sleep in the cellar, but now I am living in a bright room," Cui said.

"However, every day I feel homesick, especially at night. But I don't have an identity card, which means I cannot buy a train ticket."
Zhu Linjie sorts through watermelons at the Shanghai Lyuni Melon and Fruit Professional Cooperative. He Qi / For China Daily

Surrounded by hundreds of watermelons, a man uses his index finger to knock on each one, putting the good watermelons into boxes for sale and returning the others to suppliers. The man is Zhu Linjie, one of only a few authenticated watermelon experts in Shanghai.

Zhu, 35, has been a professional watermelon expert since 2009, as certified by the Shanghai Melons and Fruits Association. Working at the Shanghai Lyuni Melon and Fruit Professional Cooperative, his duty is to pick high-quality watermelons of the well-known local type 8424 during the watermelon season between April and September.

As a watermelon expert, summer is Zhu's busiest time, when he sorts through an average of about 2,000 to 3,000 watermelons every day from 7 am to 2 pm, checking them for their water content and sweetness.

High-quality watermelons are sent to the cooperative's fruit stores in Shanghai's Pudong New District or to customers who have made orders online.

In 2009, the association held its first Watermelon Appraisal Contest. Only 10 out of almost 60 participants were awarded professional watermelon expert certificates after being tested on their ability to judge a watermelon's sweetness, weight, thickness of rind, and number of seeds inside just from observing and handling the fruit.

"The purpose of the competition was to cultivate professional watermelon experts due to complaints about the quality of watermelons on the market," said Zhu Longzhou, a representative of the Shanghai Melons and Fruits Association.

He added that because of the difficulty of the test, no one showed an interest in being tested the next year, so the contest was suspended.

Zhu Longzhou said there are only about 10 watermelon experts in Shanghai, which is far from enough considering the city has hundreds of watermelon cooperatives.

"We want to make sure each cooperative has at least one professional expert," he said. "The test will be resumed when the time is right."

As one of the most popular summer fruits, known for its cooling qualities, watermelon consumption in Shanghai is huge, with the city producing an average of 27 metric tons of watermelon rind a day during summer last year, according to Zhu Longzhou.

He said a qualified watermelon expert is someone who seldom receives complaints from customers.

"Once you receive a complaint, it means your method needs to be corrected as soon as possible," Zhu Longzhou said, adding that the method for determining a good watermelon changes based on the weather, temperature and soil.

"The occupation of professional watermelon experts is necessary to help ensure cooperatives are selling high-quality watermelons," he said. "But everyone should know the basics of how to pick a good watermelon."

He said the five key indicators of a high-quality watermelon are: an apparent grain on the rind; a tiny circle on the underside; a sunken melon vine; smooth rind; and a relatively dull sound when knocked on.

He Qi contributed to this story.
Members of bloc to hold multiple high-level meetings this year

BRICS member states have had in-depth discussions and reached broad consensus on such issues as political security, economic, and people-to-people exchanges for the summit to be held in Xiamen, Fujian province, in September, a senior Chinese diplomat said on Thursday.

The BRICS members have agreed to hold a series of high-level events throughout this year, including an informal leaders' meeting in Hamburg, Germany, during the G20 summit next month, said Li Baodong, vice-foreign minister.

Li made the remark during the second BRICS Sherpa meeting in Qingdao, Shan-dong province, which was aimed at preparing for the summit. Senior diplomats from BRICS member countries who are in charge of coordination are called Sherpas.

At the two-day meeting, which ended on Thursday, the member states agreed that the outcome document of the BRICS leaders' informal meeting during the G20 Hamburg, Germany, summit should reflect the BRICS position on upholding an open world economy and more inclusive and balanced economic globalization, supporting a multilateral trading system, and advancing the reform of economic governance, Li said.

The vice-minister also highlighted the meetings among the BRICS countries' national security advisers, foreign ministers' meeting, and ministerial level meetings on trade, industry, agriculture, health and other areas, to ensure success of the Xiamen summit.

Sergey A. Ryabkov, Russia's deputy foreign minister, said that the member states have good experience at BRICS "in terms of talking very straightforwardly on many things", which is important at a time when the international situation "is very turbulent".

The senior Russian diplomat said that he is very sure and confident the Xiamen summit will be a huge success that will cement the cooperation and interaction among all BRICS members.

The BRICS chairmanship continues the very good trend, established during the G20 chairmanship of China last year, of taking consideration of all sides, he added.

Georges Lamaziere, a senior Brazilian diplomat who attended the meeting, said that the BRICS members have many common thoughts on issues including international relations, the openness of economy, climate change, and the importance of political and economic multilateral system.

"The five countries are not together by chance. Because they are similar. They are developing countries and big countries that have a similar foreign policy," he said, adding that the BRICS countries have sent positive messages of openness and multilateralism to the world.

"We are in favor of openness of economy, free trade and climate change agreement," he said.
The southern Chinese city of Guangzhou hosted a road show in London to promote the 2017 Fortune Global Forum, aimed at attracting some of the world's largest enterprises to the high-profile business event that will be held in Guangzhou in early December.

The London meeting marked the 11th stop of Guangzhou's international road show of the 2017 forum. More than 150 people, including representatives from governments, enterprises and trade associations in Guangzhou and the UK, attended the event, promoting further cooperation between the two sides.

In recent years, the Chinese city has seen steady growth in attracting foreign investment and cooperation between the UK and Guangzhou. The UK is now an important trading partner and investment source for Guangzhou, with trade volume exceeding 16.38 billion yuan ($2.4 billion) last year.

Speaking to UK officials and business leaders at London's Berkeley Hotel, Cai Chaolin, Guangzhou's vice-mayor, introduced the city's initiatives of developing a technology innovation hub, which is expected to bring new business opportunities for UK companies coming to the city.

Noting London's special status as a global financial center as well as an important international shipping center, Cai said, "The integration of finance and shipping can generate a powerful incentive, which is something we need to learn."

He said there is no shortage of large ports in China, as it hosts six or seven of the world's largest ports.

However, Cai said, "China is missing a high level of shipping, transaction, legal and financial services to make those ports leading international shipping centers".

A roundtable discussion titled "The UK-China Opportunity: Innovation, Investment and Impact" was held as a part of the event.

One of the panelists, Noel Quinn, chief executive of global commercial banking at HSBC, said, "The UK businesses have continued to perform extremely strongly, and in the second half of last year exceeded all expectations with respect to trading performance, and business profitability, which shows great resilience."

But the UK business community is not reaching out to the rest of the world as much as some of their European competitors are, said Quinn, who sees China as a huge opportunity for that, especially in the post-Brexit era.

Quinn said that UK corporate banks dealing in the fields of infrastructure, space, engineering, construction and architecture are doing extremely well in entering China, providing services and partnering with Chinese businesses.
Nearly 67 percent of people in China with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease - or COPD - remain undiagnosed, let alone receiving treatment, according to a specialist in respiratory conditions.

Wang Chen, president of China-Japan Friendship Hospital and a member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, said in an interview on Thursday that COPD is now the No 3 killer in China, after cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease, and cancer.

COPD is a group of progressive life-threatening lung diseases such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema. China has nearly 87 million sufferers, according to official estimates.

"But awareness among the public and even medical professionals remains low, which leads to a poor detection rate and treatment," Wang said.

"Many patients are not aware of the condition until it's too late, when they develop serious symptoms like breathlessness," said Wang, who is also a lung specialist.

Without timely intervention, the prevalence of the disease will climb because of risk factors such as air pollution, an aging population and smoking, he warned.

Roughly 8.6 percent of China's population has the disease, which is more likely to hit the elderly, data from the National Health and Family Planning Commission show.

Worldwide, about 5 percent of all annual deaths are caused by COPD, which translates to at least 3 million deaths, according to the World Health Organization. Notably, more than 90 percent of COPD deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries.

Wang urged the Chinese government to pay more attention to chronic lung disease and come up with systematic interventions, as with other major chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and hypertension.

He suggested those over 40 suffering shortness of breath and chronic cough go for a breathing test called spirometry, which measures how much and how quickly a person can forcibly exhale air.

The disease cannot be cured but current treatments can help relieve symptoms, improve life quality and reduce the risk of death.

To enhance response and capacity at the grassroots level health institutions, Wang's hospital formed a nationwide alliance to curb COPD.

The alliance will standardize diagnosis and treatment across the country and facilitate big data research into the disease, he said.

shanjuan@chinadaily.com.cn
Chinese patients will have a chance to receive US-style medical care as part of a training project for international family physicians, Beijing News reported on Thursday.

The project, developed by the Health and Family Planning Commission of Beijing's Chaoyang district and the International Primary Care Association, will last two years, the paper said.

Medical experts from the United States will regularly visit community hospitals in Jinsong, Gaobeidian, Balizhuang and Taiyanggong over the next two years to provide service for patients and training for doctors, the report said.

On Thursday, Gary Morsch and Ronnie Martin, two family physicians from the US, visited a health service center in Gaobeidian and held a training session for 27 family doctors, the report said.

"Our doctors are trained by watching how the US professionals receive and treat patients," an official of the district's health authority said. "More residents in Chaoyang district will enjoy medical care from the US in the future."

The official added that the one-week training sessions will be given every two months.

Training will mainly cover areas such as how to communicate with patients and conduct medical studies. The project will also organize members to learn abroad, aiming to educate 100 family physicians and establish four international family doctor bases in Chaoyang district.
Forensic and other experts work at the explosion site. [Photo/Xinhua]

The suspect in a kindergarten explosion in East China's Jiangsu province has been confirmed dead, according to police.

The 22-year-old man, surnamed Xu, died in the blast that killed eight people in Fengxian county, East China's Jiangsu province, on Thursday, said police.

Police said Xu has been suspended from school after he was diagnosed with "vegetative nervous function disturbances". He lived in a rented home near the kindergarten.

Materials for making explosives were found at his home, where there are words "death" and "destroy" on the wall.

The blast struck the Chuangxin Kindergarten at around 4:50 pm as family members were picking up their children.

Eight people died and 65 people were injured, including four who remain in critical condition.
Arbitrators have awarded $900,000 to a family that sued the Clark County, Nev., district after their son was restrained repeatedly during the 2011-12 school yearsome of which was caught on videocameras that had been hidden in the classroom by school district police officers.

Clark County, the nations 5th largest school district, includes Las Vegas and surrounding areas. The Las Vegas Review-Journal reported that the settlement with John and Dina Phipps was reached at the end of May, bringing to an end a long-running and complicated case that had prompted both a federal and a state lawsuit.

Legal filings in the case spell out some of the details: In 2012, the Phipps son was attending Variety School, a special education school for students with severe disabilities. He was in a classroom with six other children, all of whom, like him, were nonverbal.

The Phipps noticed rug burns and bruises on their son, but was told that their son was causing his own injuries. Separately, however, the parent of another student in the classroom went to the districts police force with similar complaints about recurring injuries to a student in the class. On a Friday in March 2012, without telling any of the parents, the school district police installed cameras in the classroom that could be watched off-site. On Monday, no one watched the feed.

On Tuesday, however, what police saw prompted them to arrest a teachers aide the same day.

Lachelle James, the aide, was seen dragging Phipps son to the ground and pinning him with her knees and elbows. He did not appear to be resisting or combative, the arrest report read, but he did look like he was crying. At one point, he crawled under a table, only to be dragged back to the center of the room by James, according to police reports cited in the legal filing.

The cameras also caught James shoving another student without provocation. And, upon viewing all of the captured video, police saw three other restraint incidents involving the Phipps son. James eventually would go on to plead guilty to misdemeanor child abuse and was sentenced to probation. When interviewed, James said she was following the training given by the district. The family submitted depositions of other classroom teachers that said the Phipps son was restrained multiple times a day, that the restraints were not fully documented, and that no classroom teacher reported James to authorities.

Video Evidence Was Key to the Case, Lawyer Says

The settlement amount appears to be one of the largest against a school district in this type of case. Back in 2013, a jury awarded a Texas family $1 million after their son was injured by a teacher. (The mother in that case, Breggett Rideau, would later go on to argue successfully for a law requiring cameras to be installed in self-contained special education classrooms at parent request.) That verdict was believed to be among the largest of its kind .

Without the video, this case would never have come out, said Robert Murdock, who represented the parents in the case. Im hopeful that what the school district said is correct, and this will never happen again, he said in an interview. Murdock added that the student at the center of the case is no longer enrolled in the district.

The Clark County School District released this statement to Education Week on the settlement: The safety of our students, especially our most vulnerable students, is a top priority for the Clark County School District. CCSD actively provides Crisis Prevention Intervention training for all employees on appropriate restraining methods. This training meets the requirements of state statutes. The training includes methods to verbally deescalate a student, as well as proper holds to ensure the safety of all involved. CCSD will continue to work to put in systems and provide training to ensure employees are equipped to handle all situations with students, including special needs students.

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Beijing will shut down more than 5,500 polluting companies this year as part of ongoing efforts to improve the city's air quality.

Between January and the start of this month, the capital closed 2,086 polluting companies, affecting more than 36,000 workers, according to the Beijing Municipal Commission of Economy and Information Technology.

The enterprises were small and scattered, making it hard to track emissions, the commission said in a statement on Thursday.

Companies still using coal-fired industrial boilers have been ordered to switch to gas or clean energy boilers by Aug 1.

Last year, Beijing shut down 4,477 polluting companies, the authority added.

Small but polluting companies are also being targeted on a regional level in a yearlong environmental inspection launched by the Ministry of Environmental Protection.

The inspections, which started on April 1, have covered 28 cities in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region and neighboring provinces of Shandong, Shanxi and Henan.

The latest results show inspection teams exposed 411 small polluting companies from June 10 to 13. They were concentrated in areas such as Shijiazhuang in Hebei province, Dezhou in Shandong province and Tianjin, the ministry said on Wednesday.

The ministry also highlighted repeat offenses by polluting companies. For example, Shandong Wanli Clothing Co in Heze was found to have repeatedly resumed production after inspectors ordered it to suspend production.

The ministry required all city and county governments to hand down strict punishments to small polluters to control air pollution.
Effective and concrete measures are being introduced to fight loan sharks on university campuses in Guangdong province, a senior police officer said on Thursday.

Zhang Rui, political commissar of the provincial criminal investigation bureau, said Guangdong police are expanding cooperation with other government departments in the fight against crime.

"Campus loan sharks have not only proved disruptive to local universities and colleges, they have also destroyed the lives of their victims and their victims' families, friends and relatives," he said at a news conference.

"Therefore, police should spare no effort fighting this type of crime."

Some students have been targeted by loan sharks demanding nude photographs as collateral, which are made public if the debt is not repaid with interest, causing emotional distress and mental anguish, Zhang said.

He made the remarks after police across the province detained more than 180 suspects in a recent campaign code-named Jufeng 19, which targeted campus loan sharks.

As part of the campaign, officers uncovered 20 hideouts used to plan the loan shark schemes and seized a large number of computers, mobile phones, bank cards and books.

More than 350 victims of the schemes have been identified, Zhang said.

One such victim, surnamed Chen, went to the police after a loan shark allegedly attempted to blackmail her using nude photos and video she had given him in return for a 3,000 yuan ($440) loan.

Police accused the man, surnamed Shi, of threatening to release the material online on April 5 unless Chen paid him 1,000 yuan. He has been detained.
A new judicial training base aimed at expanding judges' maritime legal knowledge was unveiled in Dalian, Liaoning province, on Thursday.

Jointly established by the Supreme People's Court and Dalian Maritime University, the base saw 38 judges from maritime courts in Guangzhou, Ningbo, Beihai, Qingdao, and Dalian attend the first class.

They will complete a nine-day course aboard.

"Strengthening maritime justice training is an important step toward implementing the excellent marine litigation strategy and building China into an international maritime justice center," said Liu Guixiang, a member of the Supreme People's Court judicial committee.

According to Liu, the base's establishment is in the spirit of the speech President Xi Jinping gave earlier while inspecting China University of Political Science and Law, which called for greater cooperation between universities and the rest of society.

Founded in 1909, Dalian Maritime University is one of China's largest maritime universities, with a reputation for maritime law research. It is already home to a marine judicial protection research base of the Supreme People's Court.

"The new base could facilitate communication between maritime courts and the university in training, scientific research and internships," said Liu.

Currently, there are about 10 maritime courts in China and the demand for maritime judges is increasing rapidly, according to Sun Yuqing, the university's president.

Working with maritime law require judges to have a wide breadth of knowledge and experience in areas ranging from ship structure to shipping lanes.

In recent years, more young law graduates have gone to work in maritime courts upon graduation, increasing the need for maritime law training.

"When they attend the training course, judges can explain any problems they have encountered and communicate with the teachers and their classmates to find solutions," said Sun.
Locals in traditional costume play musical instruments to welcome participants at the Conference for the Revival of Chinese Villages in Taijiang county, Southwest China's Guizhou province, on June 16. [Photo by Hou Liqiang/chinadaily.com.cn]

Locals in traditional costumes welcomed experts and scholars taking part in the Conference for the Revival of Chinese Villages in Taijiang county, Southwest China's Guizhou province, on Friday.

The visiting professionals from home and abroad are set to explore rural construction cases around the world as the conference was designed to focus on homestay, cultural innovation and poverty relief.

The event, which started on June 16, will run until June 18.
A base for studying legal issues related to the Belt and Road Initiative was launched at the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing on Thursday.

It is the China Law Society's seventh legal study base and the only one dedicated to the initiative.

"We hope the base can become a top think tank for pushing forward the initiative and effectively coming up with solutions for the problems and risks faced by Chinese enterprises involved," said Zhang Mingqi, deputy head of the society.

He described the base as a cradle of education for Chinese lawyers, which would enable them to better handle legal cases in foreign countries.

Zhang Wei, deputy head of Beijing Lawyers Association, said the base would help improve lawyers' abilities to provide legal services in foreign disputes, adding that it is necessary to increase cooperation and build a system to educate legal talent.

Also on Thursday, a number of law professionals attended a seminar focused on the initiative that was held in the university. They had a heated discussion on how to better apply international law to foreign investments and disputes.

Chen Fuyong, deputy secretary-general of the Beijing Arbitration Commission, suggested China voice its opinion more when international rules or conventions were being made.

"We should also be familiar with the rules and know how to make use of them," he said.

Liu Jingdong, a deputy chief judge of the Supreme People's Court, said diverse solutions were needed to tackle civil and commercial disputes concerning the initiative.

"For example, we could set up a special court for such cases," he said.

Liu Chao, deputy head of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade's law affairs department, called on industrial and commercial members to play their role in improving the initiative.

"We're building multilateral and bilateral business cooperation commissions and gathering more experts to provide related services," he said, adding that China should aim to increase prevention of trade disputes and take advantage of mediation to solve related cases.
Three former associates of fugitive Chinese billionaire Guo Wengui have been convicted of fraudulently obtaining a loan and foreign currency on Friday, Xinhua News Agency reported.

Lyu Tao, the former deputy general manager of Beijing Pangu Investment Inc, a company controlled by Guo, was sentenced to two years and three months, and Xie Honglin, the former manager of the company's financial department, received a sentence of two years with a three-year reprieve.

Yang Ying, the company's former chief financial officer, was also sentenced to two years with a three-year reprieve for fraudulently obtaining loans.

The trio was further fined and Beijing Pangu Investment Inc was ordered to pay 245 million yuan ($36 million), Xinhua added.

The three defendants pleaded guilty during a trial held at the Xigang District People's Court in Dalian, Liaoning province, on June 9. Lyu, Xie and Yang confessed to fraudulently obtaining a loan of 3.2 billion yuan from the Agricultural Bank of China in the name of the company, which they were able to successfully obtain by using fake contracts, materials and seals in 2010.

The trio then confessed in court to illegally obtaining $13.5 million worth of foreign exchanges with forged invoices during 2012.

The court said in its judgment it had showed leniency as Lyu, Xie and Yang were all acting under the orders of Guo, who fled overseas about three years ago, and had pleaded guilty and returned the money involved in the case.
Students prepare for this year's gaokao in Lianyungang, Jiangsu province.[Photo by Si Wei/China Daily]

A conundrum of Chinese language reading test in the latest National College Entrance Examination or Gaokao in Zhejiang province has confused many students as well as the author of the text.

The test required students to choose the most accurate and appropriate analysis among the choices to explain why the author ended the story with a sentence stating that "the eyes of the fish flash with a glimpse of weirdness."

In his Weibo (China's equivalent to Twitter), Gong Gaofeng, author of the article selected for the test, wrote that he was no different than the students sitting the exam in being perplexed by the analytical choices on offer.

Gong is not the first author confused by the test of his own material. In 2011, a reading test in Fujian province asked the students to explain why the author twice described pelting rain in the article. However, the writer later told the media that it was simply because he had been writing the article while it was raining.

Although the entrance exam finished a few days ago, the debate on whether the reading analysis should go beyond an author's true intentions continues.

According to Gong, the final part of his story about the eyes of the fish was intended to salute to the style of the writer O Henry who often concluded his novels with mysterious or unexpected ending.

Yu Yonggang, director of Chinese language pedagogic team from Ningbo Chaiqiao High School, said, "The design of the particular multiple choice did not digress from the scope of required knowledge, as O Henry's endings are encompassed in the compulsory textbooks, while, the mysterious writing is one of the genre compiled in elective courses."

The excerpt from the novel chosen for the exam reflects the impoverished life in the past, which may, however, fail to resonate with the generation born after 2000, so that's why the question sounds difficult, he added.

According to the outline of Chinese exam, the test should be dedicated to evaluating a studen's abilities in reading, writing, reciting, analyzing and critical thinking. The examinees are tested for their competence in comprehending the spirit, aspirations and cultural values hidden between the lines of literary works, analyzing them by using different paradigms.

"As the exam is designed to select the most competent candidates, the answers of questions should always comply with certain standards," said Yu, "However, they should not be too rigid so to allow students to have different understandings and thoughts."

Speaking on why authors are often unable to answer the questions in the test featuring their own creations, Shi Shengxun, associate professor of the Department of Chinese Language and Literature in Peking University, said authors are not supposed to be involved in designing the questions.

This is a professional process, during which, the author's answer, despite its assurance and exclusiveness, may constrain the creativities of different minds and thoughts from the teachers responsible for charting the tests and students expected to sit in the exams, Shi said.

"What we insist on is to show an understanding of the reasons and logic behind every word, not absolute answers," he stressed.

Chu Zhaohui, researcher from the National Institute of Education Sciences, advised China to learn from foreign countries by introducing a better evaluation system to ensure the reasonableness of the entrance exams.

"We need rounds of discussions from groups of people before the exam papers are eventually fixed," Chu said.
A female cleaner carries a student across the flooded area in Liupanshui Normal College on Thursday. [Photo from Sina Weibo]

College students who were carried by middle-aged female cleaners on their backs across the rain-flooded campus have come under criticism.

Photos published by chinanews.com show several female cleaners carrying students through a flooded area in a school. The report said that Liupanshui Normal College in Liupanshui city, Southwest China's Guizhou province, was flooded after a heavy rain on Thursday.

The school deployed cleaners to set up benches in the water and help students cross the water.

After the photos were posted online, internet users criticized the students for being lazy and childish.

"If they cannot overcome such a small challenge, how will they overcome the bigger challenges later in life?" asked one web user.

"It is understandable that female students wanted to be carried across the water. But what a shame for the males," said another web user.

However, one cleaner, Cai Qun, said carrying the students was not a big deal as she considers the students just like her own children.
State-owned enterprise China Merchants Group aims to participate in the Belt and Road Initiative by replicating the success of Shenzhen's Shekou Industrial Zone through the development of foreign port cities.

"The status quo in many countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative is similar to Shekou 30 years ago. Shekou's model can be replicated to develop foreign port cities more effectively," said Zhang Lin, deputy general manager of China Merchants Shekou Industrial Zone Holdings.

Once a small coastal fishing village, Shekou is now a metropolitan hub with a per capita GDP of $60,000, according to China Merchants Group.

"Shekou took more than 30 years to build into a mature community with a vigorous economy and livable environment," said Zhang.

"But now, with our experience, this can be replicated in some five years in foreign ports."

When Chinese enterprises do business abroad, they can be exposed to high risks arising from uncertain political situations and unfamiliar societies, said Li Yubin, vice-president of China Merchants Port Holding.

"Ports are the starting point of all economic activities," he said.

"With the development of an industrial park and city, the (Shekou) model is more like an ecosystem concept, producing a hub to boost communications, logistics, business, information and capital."

Beginning in 1979, Shekou was developed as China's first port open to foreign trade run entirely by enterprises. Located at the southern tip of Shenzhen, facing Hong Kong, it is now of strategic significance as a transport and logistics hub.

The first successful overseas application of the Shekou model concept was in the Port of Djibouti, East Africa.

China Merchants Port Holdings, the group's ports and logistics arm, began constructing a new port in Djibouti in 2012.

By last year, the port's profit had increased 200 percent compared with four years earlier. Cargo traffic had also increased as it processed more containers and bulk cargo. The annual growth of local workers' salaries has been about 8 percent over the four years.

A free-trade zone has also been planned with $400 million of initial investment.

"We not only focus on investment and return, but also pay attention to benefiting local people's lives," Li said.

The group, which is promoting its model in Togo, Tanzania and Sri Lanka, is investing $2 million to provide training opportunities for local staff in Djibouti over three years.

It owns a network of 49 ports in 19 countries and regions.
Dealing With Campus Police: Top 3 Legal FAQs For College Students

Going off to college can often be an overwhelming and scary experience for many young adults. For most freshman, it will be their first time living on their own, and often, college students spend a vast majority of their time on campus.

College students are likely to see, and maybe even have encounters with, campus police. After all, the institutions have a duty to keep their students safe, and providing actual police officers or, minimally, security guards is usually necessary to do so. Fortunately, when campus police encounters happen, it is good to know that, for the most part, a student's constitutional rights remain intact.

Below, you'll find the top three frequently asked legal questions college students have when it comes to dealing with campus police.

1. Are Campus and University Cops Real Police Officers?

The answer to this question varies from school to school. Often, institutions will actually have their own police forces that are legitimate state or local police officers. Sometimes, state or local police will be contracted to provide additional security on campus. When schools hire actual officers, these university cops, or campus cops, will have official police authority to stop, question, search, arrest, and use force against, criminal suspects.

However, many schools also hire private security guards, or contract with private security companies. Private security guards should be easily distinguishable from real police based upon their uniforms and vehicles, as imitating a real officer is a crime. Security guards have less authority than officers, but may still be authorized to conduct preliminary investigations and physically detain suspects (if necessary) until real police arrive. While there may not be a legal obligation to cooperate with a security guard, schools may have policies and consequences for refusing to cooperate with campus security.

2. Can I Refuse to Answer a Campus Cop's Questions?

Whether a campus cop is a real officer, or just hired security, the Fifth Amendment provides the right to remain silent. If you are being questioned by a real officer, you can invoke your right to remain silent, and stop the questioning by affirmatively demanding a lawyer before answering any (more) questions.

However, it should be noted again that some institutions have disciplinary policies that provide consequences for refusing to cooperate with a university investigation. While these policies may be questionable when it comes to constitutionality, especially at public universities, or if real officers are used to conduct the investigations, fighting that legal battle could be rather costly, both financially and in terms of time.

3. Can University Police Search Me or My Dorm Room?

Thanks to the Fourth Amendment, without probable cause, an officer cannot conduct a search of your person, excepting in situations where a cursory weapon pat down is remotely justifiable. However, like refusing to answer questions during a university investigation, despite the constitutional concerns, refusing to consent to a search from university security or officers while on campus could result in disciplinary consequences, depending on school policy and the purpose of the investigation.

If you live in university housing, your right to refuse consent for a search of your dorm room may be limited depending on who's asking to search, and when the request is made. Often, university staff will have the right, depending on your rental agreement and school policy, to inspect university property, including dorm rooms, for maintenance or other ordinary purposes.

But when it comes to searches that are part of a criminal investigation, constitutional protections will apply. The consent provided by school policy or a rental agreement to conduct incidental maintenance/routine inspections cannot be delegated to police for a criminal search. Unless there has been an arrest, or there are special circumstances (such as reason to believe that evidence is being actively destroyed) that justify police to conduct a search incident to a criminal investigation, a warrant will be needed.

Unfortunately, if you have a roommate, their consent may be enough to allow a search of your room, unless you are present and able to object.

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Female soldiers get ready for a drug enforcement operation at Mangyan border inspection station in Southwest China's Yunnan province. [Photo/provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

"There are no gender differences between male and female in the troop. We only have male and female soldiers. Wang Qian, the monitor of female drug investigation department of Mangyan border inspection station in Yunnan province, said.

In April, Mangyans anti-narcotics female police in Yunnan was honored by the All-China Women's Federation.

There are 10 females in the investigation department and the youngest one is 18 years old. Besides conducting regular patrols like male colleagues, they also need to carry out body check of female criminal suspects who hide drugs in their body.

"We can spot drug dealers by their appearance or smell, the way they look at people, the way they answer questions we ask them, and the things they carry," Wang said.

Till date, four female soldiers have been awarded second-class merits and eight have won third-class merits in the team. "We all come from different places. And the only goal we have is to reduce drug smuggling and help people stay far away from drugs," Wang said.
Photo taken on Nov 26, 2016 shows a quantum communication ground station in Xinglong, North China's Hebei province. Chinese scientists on Thursday reported a major breakthrough in quantum communication: A pair of entangled photons over a distance of 1,200 km have been successfully transmitted from space to Earth. The previous record was about 100 km. [Photo/Xinhua] Photon tests blaze trail for communication China has become the first country in the world to establish photon entanglement at a distance of more than 1,200 kilometers, paving the way for ultrasecure, long-distance quantum communication. In July, Beijing and Vienna will try to conduct the world's first cross-continental video call using Micius, the world's first quantum communication satellite launched by China last year. It will take more than a decade for such technologies to reach the public, scientists said.
A new ID card designed to give foreign permanent residents easier access to public services in China was issued across the country on Friday to expats holding "green cards".

The machine-readable Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card  similar to the second-generation ID cards held by Chinese citizens that store information about the card holder on an embedded chip  can be used independently as legal proof of identity when dealing with such issues as finance, education, health, communication, accommodations, telecommunication, employment, taxes, social security, property registration and lawsuits in China.

While the new card can be used by itself for such transactions, the previous permanent resident's permit needed to be used along with the holder's passport.

The change is a response to the long complaint from holders of "green cards"  as permanent resident cards are known  who said the card was more like a long-term visa rather than something that made their lives in China more convenient.

On Friday, the first group of foreigners, including 10 top-talent expats in Shanghai, eight in Beijing and five in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, received the new cards issued by the Ministry of Public Security.

"I absolutely believe the new card will give foreign permanent residents more convenience to enjoy all the rights related to residency," said Anders Lindquist, a chair professor of automation at Shanghai Jiao Tong University and a permanent resident in China from Sweden. "It also renders us a stronger sense of belonging in China."

Fan Weishu, a 48-year-old Chinese-American who is a senior manager at an international insurance company in Beijing, said he was really excited to receive the card.

"I was born and raised in China, and today I felt that I'm back and I'm a real 'Beijinger'," he said.

Expats who obtain permanent residence in China as of Friday will be granted the new ID cards. Those who have an old permanent resident card can go to exit and entry administration bureaus of local public security agencies to replace their cards. The old cards are valid until the expiration date, according to the ministry.

Ghulam Sajid, who is from Pakistan and obtained permanent residence in China four years ago, said he planned to exchange the permit for the new smart card soon.

"Currently, I need to bring along my two thick passports together with the permanent resident permit to show my identity if I go to banks or purchase train tickets with manual service," said Sajid, a 43-year-old manager of an import and export company in Shanghai.

"With the new card, I'll be able to buy the train tickets on machines and get on a train by swiping the card like Chinese citizens," he said.

China began issuing permanent resident permits for foreigners in 2004. More than 10,000 foreigners have been granted the status so far.
This year marks the 15th anniversary of Hong Kong opening its colleges to students from the Chinese mainland in 2002.

Over the years, many top performers in China's ferociously competitive national college entrance examination have opted to study at Hong Kong universities rather than top colleges in the Chinese mainland, such as Peking and Tsinghua University.

Let's take a look at some of the major universities in Hong Kong allowed to enroll students from the mainland.

1. The Chinese University of Hong Kong

A file photo of The Chinese University of Hong Kong. [Photo/VCG]

The Chinese University of Hong Kong was among the first batch of colleges in Hong Kong to open its doors to students in the Chinese mainland.

Founded in 1963, the Chinese University of Hong Kong has become a comprehensive research university with a global reputation.

Over the past years, as many as 2,000 students from the Chinese mainland have studied in the university.
China has urged the United States to observe promises it made in the three China-US joint communiques and handle Taiwan-related issues cautiously and properly, after US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson voiced his government's commitment to the one-China policy but also its intentions to keep its commitments to Taiwan.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang made the comment on Thursday, saying the one-China principle is the political foundation of China-US ties and is clearly stipulated in the three joint communiques between the two countries.

Tillerson was quoted by Reuters as saying on Wednesday that the Trump administration is committed to the one-China policy but it also intends to keep its commitments to Taiwan.
Tencent has agreed to return most of the money an 11-year-old boy in Shenzhen spent on one of its hit mobile games.

The fifth-grade student from Longhua New Area admitted he had stolen his father's bank card and linked it to his own account, which he then used to pay for in-app purchases in Tencent's King of Glory.

The boy's father, who asked to be identified only as Li, said he found his entire savings were missing when he went to deposit money 10 days ago.
Hailed as a symbol of "Chinese quality and spirit", the Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway, which opened on May 31 in Kenya, ferried more than 7,000 passengers in the first week of its operation, a weekly record for the country.

In contrast to the meter-gauge railway built more than a century ago during the British colonial rule, the 480-kilometer railway is expected to reduce the travel time from 10 hours to just 4 hours and lower logistics costs by 10 to 40 percent. Built by China Road and Bridge Corporation, Kenya's first standard gauge railway, also the largest infrastructure project since its independence, cost $3.8 billion with China contributing nearly 90 percent of the amount.

The good news for Kenya, however, has been accompanied by speculation by Western observers that the country will struggle to repay the "monstrous" debt at the expense of Kenyan taxpayers. A recent report in The New York Times even drew parallels between the China-funded railway and the "Lunatic Express", a term coined over 100 years ago to describe the costly, all-consuming construction of a colonial British railway linking the Kenyan part of Lake Victoria with Mombasa.
A Shaolin monk from India reaps wheat using a sickle at a farm in Dengfeng, Henan province, on June 15. [Photo by Yuan Xiaoqiang/Asianewsphoto]

Monks from the Shaolin Temple have been busy harvesting wheat from their farm. For monks, waving sickle can be like practicing kung fu. After going through processes of reaping, thrashing, bagging and loading, they also enjoy the process and season.

A total of 120 mu, equivalent to eight hectares, of farmland was planted with wheat this year, and the harvest will be expected to generate 50,000 kilograms of the plant. The grain will provide food for monks in the Shaolin Temple, as well as teachers and students in its school, with any extras being given to families in need.
Discover the best things to do in Beijing with our weekly roundup of art and exhibitions, music and performances, and trending activities to do around town. To recommend an upcoming event or activity, please contact li-ping@chinadaily.com.cn.

Shaded Eyes, Rembrandt [Photo/Courtesy of The Leiden Collection]

Dutch masters exhibition in Beijing

The 17th century Dutch Golden Age had several significant artists and a range of great pieces produced during the period  including Jan Vermeer's Young Woman at Virginal, Jan Lievens' Boy in a Cape, and Turban and Rembrandt's Self-Portrait with Shaded Eyes.

Some of the most refined examples of the time, including the three pieces mentioned above, will make their debut in China as part of a world tour of The Leiden Collection.

Learn more here.

If you go:

9 am  5 pm, June 17 - Sept 3 (closed on Mondays). National Museum of China, 1 Wusi Avenue, Dongcheng district. 010-6400-1476

Ticket: 50 yuan ($7)
Heather Mycoskie, wife of Toms' brand founder Blake Mycoskie, talks about their new collection Panda Pals in collaboration with WildAid. Provided To China Daily

Fashion is often under attack by animal welfare and rights advocates, but there are exceptions.

The US footwear brand Toms released its new limited edition collection Panda Pals in collaboration with WildAid, an environmental organization based in San Francisco.

The collection offers five styles for men, women and kids, all highlighting the images of pandas, in a message to protect the endangered species.

In 2014, the brand created Toms "animal initiative" to partner with non-profit organizations and help them with their conservation efforts. They have supported gorillas, elephants, rhinoceros, big cats and sea turtles. This year, the brand is focused on the giant panda found in China's Sichuan province.

"I have always been passionate about mother Earth and all the resources it provides us and animals are such a big part of that. It's important that I do all I can to protect them," says Heather Mycoskie, the wife of brand founder Blake Mycoskie.

She visited the Chengdu Panda Research Base last year and learned about the educational programs and advocacy work WildAid supports.

"It was incredible to see the beautiful creatures up close and it furthered my passion to help spread global awareness," she says.

"Blake's goal is to continue to be a leader and inspire other companies to give back to those in need. It's so important for us to make this world a better place and we will continue to challenge ourselves and others to improve."

Toms initiative looks for research organizations to partner and will continue to support a different animal group annually, says Mycoskie.

During a trip to Argentina in 2006, Blake Mycoskie saw the plight of the local kids, which inspired him to establish Toms in the United States.

Since then, Toms has practiced a one-for-one concept. With every pair of Toms shoes purchased, a pair is given to a child in need. In addition, a portion of the proceeds is given to the NGO partner to support its conservation efforts.

Since 2006, the brand has given over 70 million new pairs of shoes globally.

The company also has developed its own sunglasses, coffee and bag lines, where it uses this concept.
Legal Marijuana Regulator Busted in Interstate Trafficking Ring

Renee Rayton, a former sheriff's deputy and marijuana regulation compliance officer from Pitkin County, in Colorado, was recently indicted in an extensive interstate marijuana trafficking ring. Rayton's indictment, along with three others, issued June 7, raised the number of individuals charged in connection with the operation to 20.

Rayton was hired by Scott Pack to provide legal compliance consulting for his marijuana businesses. While there wouldn't seem to be a problem with a marijuana entrepreneur seeking legal compliance consulting, Rayton was subject to a law that requires industry regulators to wait six months between leaving a regulatory position for a job in the industry they were regulating. She was reportedly paid $8,000 per month for six months.

Scope of the Trafficking Ring

The pot trafficking ring is not only alleged to have distributed large quantities of marijuana across state lines, but also violating state laws governing marijuana businesses. Marijuana was allegedly smuggled into four other states, utilizing the network and contacts of those involved.

In addition to the criminal trafficking charges, tax investigators are conducting an audit of the legitimate marijuana businesses involved, as nearly half of those involved had state licenses, though some licenses were expired.

Keeping Your Pot Sales Legal

For many marijuana businesses, making some off the book sales can often be enticing due to the high taxes that must be paid. But doing so is a big legal risk, not just to your business, but also to your freedom. While the U.S. may not have a debtors prison for people who can't afford to pay their taxes, individuals who purposefully evade taxes can find themselves facing rather severe prison sentences. Selling legal marijuana through non-regulated, or non-taxable, channels is likely to run afoul of regulatory and criminal laws.

Notably, despite the fact that many states now have legal marijuana in one form or another, transporting or selling marijuana across state lines violates federal law. Even when marijuana is transported between states that permit recreational marijuana, crossing a state border with pot will still be a serious federal crime. Fortunately for the Colorado residents that already face added scrutiny when they drive their cars across state lines, a federal appeals court issued a recent decision limiting law enforcement's ability to conduct a drug dog sniff search of a car based only on having a license plate from Colorado, or another state with legal marijuana.

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Shanghai works with Kazakhstan on new Central Asia trading hub 2017-06-16 08:32:27 chinadaily.com.cn Shanghai Stock Exchange has agreed a deal with Kazakhstan's Astana International Financial Center to launch a new stock exchange.

Shanghai Stock Exchange has agreed a deal with Kazakhstan's Astana International Financial Center to launch a new stock exchange in the Kazakh capital, Astana. The deal was confirmed during President Xi Jinping's visit to Kazakhstan last week.

The Astana International Stock Exchange is expected to develop into a major trading hub in Central Asia and an important platform for financing projects linked to China's Belt and Road Initiative.

SSE will hold a 25.1 percent stake in the AISE, and will also provide technological, planning, product designing and marketing support during the creation of the new exchange, according to the agreement.

The stock exchange will provide integrated financial services including listing, trading and clearing, and investors will be able to trade a wide range of products including stocks, bonds, funds, commodities and derivatives.

Kazakhstan plans to use the AISE to privatize a large number of its state-owned companies, a key economic priority for the country, the Astana Times reported in April.

The exchange will also provide a number of strategic benefits for China.

It is expected to boost the internationalization of the Chinese yuan, or renminbi, by becoming a trading center for the renminbi in Central Asia.

The AISE will also play an important role in China's Belt and Road Initiative, as Kazakhstan and its neighbors along the "Silk Road Economic Corridor" are likely to receive a significant chunk of the $600 billion China plans to invest in the project by 2020.

The deal is a further sign of the strengthening financial ties between China and countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative.

Three Chinese securities firms, including SSE, have set up subsidiaries in countries involved in the initiative, while 64 institutions from those countries now have QFII or RQFII certification in China, allowing them to trade on China's capital and securities markets, according to the China Securities Regulatory Commission.

A total of 963 companies listed on Shanghai's A-share market are currently involved in projects linked to the Belt and Road Initiative, the CSRC also revealed.

Jiang Yang, the commission's vice-chairman, believes that it is now only a matter of time before countries and companies in Central Asia and other regions being to issue Panda bonds, renminbi-denominated bonds issued by a non-Chinese issuer.
China's top legislature schedules bi-monthly session 2017-06-16 09:51:04 Xinhua China's top legislature will convene its bi-monthly session from June 22 to 27, according to a statement issued after a chairpersons' meeting Thursday.

BEIJING -- China's top legislature will convene its bi-monthly session from June 22 to 27, according to a statement issued after a chairpersons' meeting Thursday.

Zhang Dejiang, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, presided over the meeting.

Thursday's meeting suggested that legislators at the upcoming bi-monthly session will deliberate on the draft law on national intelligence, draft amendments to the Water Pollution Prevention and Control Law, and draft revisions to the Law of Promoting Small and Medium-sized Enterprises.

Legislators will deliberate on bills, including those to review the draft laws on national anthem, soil pollution prevention and control, and public libraries, and draft amendments to the laws on administrative procedure and civil procedure, among others.

Other bills, including those to review and ratify extradition treaties between China and Argentina, and that between China and Ethiopia, will be also deliberated at the session.

Moreover, lawmakers will consider a number of reports, including a report by the State Council on the central government's final accounts in 2016 which is expected to be reviewed.

The session will review some official appointments and dismissals, according to the statement.
China Merchants Group looks to promote 'Shekou model' 2017-06-16 16:18:40 chinadaily.com.cn Luo Wangshu State-owned enterprise China Merchants Group aims to participate in the Belt and Road Initiative by replicating the success of Shenzhen's Shekou Industrial Zone through the development of foreign port cities.

State-owned enterprise China Merchants Group aims to participate in the Belt and Road Initiative by replicating the success of Shenzhen's Shekou Industrial Zone through the development of foreign port cities.

"The status quo in many countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative is similar to Shekou 30 years ago. Shekou's model can be replicated to develop foreign port cities more effectively," said Zhang Lin, deputy general manager of China Merchants Shekou Industrial Zone Holdings.

Once a small coastal fishing village, Shekou is now a metropolitan hub with a per capita GDP of $60,000, according to China Merchants Group.

"Shekou took more than 30 years to build into a mature community with a vigorous economy and livable environment," said Zhang.

"But now, with our experience, this can be replicated in some five years in foreign ports."

When Chinese enterprises do business abroad, they can be exposed to high risks arising from uncertain political situations and unfamiliar societies, said Li Yubin, vice-president of China Merchants Port Holding.

"Ports are the starting point of all economic activities," he said.

"With the development of an industrial park and city, the (Shekou) model is more like an ecosystem concept, producing a hub to boost communications, logistics, business, information and capital."

Beginning in 1979, Shekou was developed as China's first port open to foreign trade run entirely by enterprises. Located at the southern tip of Shenzhen, facing Hong Kong, it is now of strategic significance as a transport and logistics hub.

The first successful overseas application of the Shekou model concept was in the Port of Djibouti, East Africa.

China Merchants Port Holdings, the group's ports and logistics arm, began constructing a new port in Djibouti in 2012.

By last year, the port's profit had increased 200 percent compared with four years earlier. Cargo traffic had also increased as it processed more containers and bulk cargo. The annual growth of local workers' salaries has been about 8 percent over the four years.

A free-trade zone has also been planned with $400 million of initial investment.

"We not only focus on investment and return, but also pay attention to benefiting local people's lives," Li said.

The group, which is promoting its model in Togo, Tanzania and Sri Lanka, is investing $2 million to provide training opportunities for local staff in Djibouti over three years.

It owns a network of 49 ports in 19 countries and regions.
Kenya railway a game changer for East Africa 2017-06-16 07:08:53 China Daily He Wenping Hailed as a symbol of "Chinese quality and spirit", the Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway, which opened on May 31 in Kenya, ferried more than 7,000 passengers in the first week of its operation, a weekly record for the country.

Hailed as a symbol of "Chinese quality and spirit", the Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway, which opened on May 31 in Kenya, ferried more than 7,000 passengers in the first week of its operation, a weekly record for the country.

In contrast to the meter-gauge railway built more than a century ago during the British colonial rule, the 480-kilometer railway is expected to reduce the travel time from 10 hours to just 4 hours and lower logistics costs by 10 to 40 percent. Built by China Road and Bridge Corporation, Kenya's first standard gauge railway, also the largest infrastructure project since its independence, cost $3.8 billion with China contributing nearly 90 percent of the amount.

The good news for Kenya, however, has been accompanied by speculation by Western observers that the country will struggle to repay the "monstrous" debt at the expense of Kenyan taxpayers. A recent report in The New York Times even drew parallels between the China-funded railway and the "Lunatic Express", a term coined over 100 years ago to describe the costly, all-consuming construction of a colonial British railway linking the Kenyan part of Lake Victoria with Mombasa.

Such a far-fetched analogy and misinterpretation of the Kenyan government's motives to build the railway is nothing but slanderous. The Beijing-backed project provided training opportunities to 45,000 local employees and created more than 46,000 jobs during the four-year construction period, not to mention the proposal to build a technical academy for railways. The Kenyan people were fully involved in the project and stand to greatly benefit from it.

Unlike the 1 billion yuan aid to the Tanzania-Zambia Railway, which was built in the 1970s, Beijing's railway loan to Nairobi has to be repaid. The two countries' partnership to build the Mombasa-Nairobi project has not only helped train some 3,000 local railway technicians and created opportunities for many others to receive such training in the future, but also kept the cost at a controllable level.

Nairobi is confident that the railway will increase its annual GDP by 1.5 percent and the loan will be paid back in about four years. That is achievable if all agreed terms are followed through as designed. China and Kenya have vowed to upgrade the construction of industrial parks along the route while seeking to integrate the Mombasa-Nairobi railway, the Port of Mombasa and the Mombasa Special Economic Zone.

The railway will also stimulate growth and industrialization of neighboring countries, including Uganda and Rwanda, adding fresh impetus to the economic integration of and the flow of people and resources in East Africa.

The lack of connectivity in East Africa has greatly limited cross-border trade between the countries in the region, many of which are heavily reliant on the continent's second largest port Mombasa, keeping prospective investors at bay. The Mombasa-Nairobi railway could well be a game-changer for the more than 120 million people in the six East African countries.

China welcomes the idea of enhancing capacity cooperation with Kenya and other African countries, by contributing its railway expertise and strong record of building infrastructure facilities. Its railway cooperation with Kenya and other African countries has not been without challenges, from transnational coordination to the slow long-term returns on the projects. But that should not stop the parties concerned from taking the right path to share development, nor does it justify the West's attempts to exaggerate the risks.

The author is a senior researcher at the Charhar Institute and a researcher at the Institute of West-Asian and African Studies, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. The article is an excerpt from her interview with China Daily's Cui Shoufeng.
Envoy: Sino-Irish ties set to be intensified 2017-06-16 08:16:57 China Daily Qi Xin and Jing Shuiyu Sino-Irish economic and trade relations will be further intensified in the years ahead under the Belt and Road Initiative, Ireland's ambassador to China said.

Sino-Irish economic and trade relations will be further intensified in the years ahead under the Belt and Road Initiative, Ireland's ambassador to China said.

Ambassador Paul Kavanagh said the two countries were expected to see extensive opportunities for cooperation in fields such as green technology, life sciences and financial services.

As an open-minded and flexible initiative, the Belt and Road Initiative is not only open to Asian countries, but also to rest of the world, he said.

Kavanagh told China Daily in an exclusive interview that Ireland was very interested in the achievement and realization of the objectives of the Belt and Road Initiative as China builds on the existing work that it and Ireland are doing together to build connectivity and deepen bilateral relations,

Kavanagh made his remarks in the wake of strengthening economic and trade ties between the two countries.

According to China's Foreign Ministry, Sino-Irish merchandise trade topped $8.07 billion in 2016, up 13.5 percent from a year earlier. China mainly exports high-tech machinery and home appliances to Ireland, and imports products like infant milk formula, high-tech ICT equipment and pharmaceuticals.

Ireland had invested 350 projects in China with a total capital of $1.68 billion in the period to the end of 2016, and China in return invested $261 million in Ireland during the same period, the figures showed.

In April, the Irish government signed agreements in Dublin with China to open China's market to Irish beef, streamlining exports to China of Irish live crab and extending the scope of Irish equine exports to China, according to the Irish embassy.

Kavanagh said the significance of these agreements was that they allowed Irish food companies to export to China after registration with the Chinese Certification and Accreditation Administration.

He added that later in the current year, it was hoped Ireland would start exporting its beef to China, he said, adding that his country's food industry was based on leading scientific research and development which helped produce safe, clean and premium-quality food.

Ireland wants to attract more and more investment from China, building connectivity between China and Europe, he said.

Zhang Zhewei, China director of the Investment and Development Agency of Ireland, said the corporate income tax in Ireland was the lowest among European countries.

Chen Yingqun contributed to the story.
AIIB's annual meeting of governors kicks off to seek 'sustainable infrastructure' 2017-06-16 14:22:39 Xinhua The second annual meeting of the China-initiated AIIB kicked off on Friday in South Korea's Jeju Island, with thousands of government officials, international organization officials and businessmen in attendance.

JEJU ISLAND - The second annual meeting of the China-initiated Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) kicked off on Friday in South Korea's Jeju Island, with thousands of government officials, international organization officials and businessmen in attendance.

The opening ceremony of the AIIB's board of governors meeting was launched at 2 pm local time at the International Convention Center in the South Korean southern resort island.

This year's annual meeting brought together about 2,000 participants, including delegations of both 57 founding members and 20 new members, international organizations and academia as well as businessmen, financiers and journalists.

The attendees included over 20 finance ministers of the 77 approved AIIB members such as Australia, China, Georgia, India, Indonesia and Laos, according to South Korea's finance ministry.

South Korean Finance Minister Kim Dong-yeon, who doubles as the country's deputy prime minister for economic affairs, would chair the official sessions as his country jointly hosted the second annual meeting with the AIIB.

The second meeting was held under the theme of "Sustainable Infrastructure," seeking strategic directions of the international infrastructure bank and making major decisions on the bank's management.

"This annual meeting is particularly important for our maturing institution, as it is a chance for our shareholders and partners to engage with us and provide diverse perspectives on how the bank should transform its strategy into meaningful outcomes for people in Asia," AIIB President Jin Liqun said in his welcoming message.

Along with the official sessions, a variety of side events were scheduled such as seminars on infrastructure and the one-on-one business meetings.

Several bilateral meetings between chief delegates will be held on the sidelines of the official sessions.

Officially launched in January 2016, the Beijing-based AIIB is a multilateral development bank initiated by China and supported by a wide range of countries and regions, which will provide financing for infrastructure improvement in Asia.
A formation of the Nanhai Fleet of China's Navy finished a three-day patrol of the Nansha islands in the South China Sea in early May. [Photo/Xinhua]

In its annual report to the United States Congress last week, the Department of Defense said China is using non-military "coercion" to gain control of strategic waters in the Asia-Pacific region. The Pentagon report on China's military and security developments said, "China continues to exercise low-intensity coercion to advance its claims in the East and South China seas", adding that Beijing's tactics involve the use of "timed progression of incremental but intensifying steps to attempt to increase effective control over disputed areas and avoid escalation" of military conflicts.

The report also expressed concerns over China building military bases overseas.

Responding to Pentagon's irresponsible remarks, China's Ministry of National Defense said China will firmly safeguard its national sovereignty in the South China Sea while maintaining regional peace and stability. In fact, the frequent US military deployments and reconnaissance by US aircraft and warships over Chinese territory are responsible for raising tensions in the Asia-Pacific, the ministry said.

Since such an exchange of rhetoric reflects the differences between China and the US on the South China Sea issue, there is need to analyze the nature of frequent US patrols near China's Nansha Islands in the name of freedom of navigation.

The US insists that it will not take sides in the South China Sea disputes between China and some Southeast Asian countries, especially in the sovereignty dispute over the Nansha Islands. But the US also claims that the islets and reefs of the Nansha Islands are actually low-tide elevations that have never had sovereign territorial waters or jurisdiction over wider waters, including exclusive economic zones and continental shelves.

Based on such arguments, the US claims that according to "freedom of navigation" its ships can patrol the waters within 12 nautical miles off those islets and reefs.

China insists that the unapproved US patrols in the name of freedom of navigation off the Nansha Islands compromise its sovereignty over the waters. Such patrols, China says, are not freedom of navigation and thus should be subject to Chinese laws on innocent passage of foreign vessels and seek prior approval from the Chinese government.

Way back in May 15, 1996, China published the baseline of the territorial seas for the Xisha Islands. But due to various reasons, it has so far failed to draw a similar baseline for the Nansha Islands, leaving space for disputes with other littoral countries. However, a Chinese government statement on the country's territorial sea on Sept 4, 1958, and the Law of the People's Republic of China on the Territorial Sea and the Contiguous Zone on Feb 25, 1992, declared China's rights on the waters 12 nautical miles off the Nansha Islands based on a straight baseline, and stipulated that foreign warships have to seek prior permission from China before venturing into those waters.

According to the law, the patrols by US warships within the 12 nautical miles off the Nansha Islands without China's prior permission do not fulfill the requirements of freedom of navigation. Instead, they can be considered innocent passage in China's territorial waters, which are subjected to China's maritime laws and regulations.

There is little doubt that the so-called freedom of navigation activities of the US warships within 12 nautical miles off the Nansha Islands without China's prior permission cause security concerns for China and could lead to unpredictable accidents, which would go against the spirit of the memorandums of understanding between the militaries of China and the US on mutual notification on major military events and possible air or sea encounters. They could also compromise Sino-US relations and undermine the efforts of China and the Association of Southeast Asia Nations member states to ease the tensions emanating from the South China Sea disputes.

If US warships continue to patrol the waters off the Nansha Islands under the garb of "freedom of navigation", China will have to firmly safeguard its sovereignty and security, including fortifying its territorial waters in the South China Sea.

The author is director of China Ocean Strategy Studies Center at the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences.
Engineer Du Hanlin explains skills for diesel locomotive maintenance and repair to trainees from Kenya in Baoji, Shaanxi province. The Kenyan engineers will operate trains on the Mombasa-Nairobi railway, which went into operation on Wednesday. [Photo/Xinhua]

New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman marveled at China's progress in infrastructure in a June 7 opinion piece following his recent trip to the country. He described the wide use of mobile technology in daily life and the changing skylines he saw riding the Beijing-Shanghai high-speed train.

This was not the first time Friedman had lauded China's success and lamented the US' failure in infrastructure.

A day earlier, Goldman Sachs CEO Lloyd Blankfein tweeted: "Arrived in China, as always impressed by condition of airport, roads, cell service, etc. US needs to invest in infrastructure to keep up!"

Over the years, many US business and government leaders have made such comparisons, most notably recently by US President Donald Trump when he told conservative journalists that "What China's done is incredible" and "We're like a Third World nation".

As a Washington-based journalist who goes back to China every year, I can attest to the great changes happening in China.

I shared the same feeling in Shanghai in May when I found that so many people, not just the young folks, pay for everything with their smartphones, and bike share services are literally everywhere.

The US used to be the envy of the world for its infrastructure. Yet it has deteriorated so much that the American Society of Civil Engineers graded the US infrastructure D+ in March, the same as the last scorecard in 2013.

China, meanwhile, has made a great leap forward. While infrastructure was the biggest bottleneck to its economic development only 30 years ago, China now boasts many of the world's largest and best ports and airports, longest bridges, largest subway systems, and by far the biggest bullet train system.

In the past decades, China has stayed focused on investing heavily in infrastructure, a major factor fueling its rapid economic growth. The country now hopes to apply the same success in other nations, such as by investing in infrastructure in Africa and Latin America and launching the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and the Belt and Road Initiative.

I don't see that kind of focus in the US despite the fact that Democrats and Republicans both agree of the need to fix infrastructure at home. During the 2016 presidential race, Trump and his Democratic rivals Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders all talked about infrastructure as a priority.

However, just as the White House launched its infrastructure week on June 5, the cable news networks, and in fact most of the US news media, focused entirely on the hearing of former FBI director James Comey. In the following days, it was 24/7 coverage of testimony by Attorney General Jeff Sessions. On Wednesday as I was writing this column, it's been nonstop about a shooting outside Washington that injured Congressman Steven Scalise.

These events were important, but they didn't deserve the hyper-attention they received in the US, from the news media to Capitol Hill.

Comparatively, the news media has never devoted much air time and space to covering infrastructure and Congress has never held many hearings on infrastructure despite the fact that its crumbling status poses a serious threat to the nation.

"Every Week Should Be Infrastructure Week," cried out an article last month by Joseph Kane and Adie Tomer, two scholars at Brookings Institution.

But it seems impossible to make the importance of infrastructure stick. Unless the US switches its focus to roads, bridges and airports, it will be hard for its infrastructure to get a better grade than D+.

The author is deputy editor of China Daily USA. chenweihua@chinadailyusa.com
Working for Oxfam, I often meet inspiring people - who despite living precariously on the front lines of climate change, or struggling with energy poverty - are finding ways to help their communities adapt. Women like Ly Kim Giang, in Vietnams Mekong Delta, who is trialling a new method of growing rice, and generating biogas for her neighbours. What does the AIIBs energy lending have to do with rice farmers in the Meking delta, you might be asking?

Many miles away, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank is meeting for its second annual meeting in South Korea, and all eyes are on the launch of the banks new energy strategy.

Why is this important? The new $100 billion multilateral development bank will be a major lender to energy infrastructure in developing Asia, where demand for power is growing fast. So the kind of infrastructure the bank chooses to support will be critical.

The energy strategy says promising things about upholding both the Paris Climate Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals  and if the bank translates this into its lending then it could chart a new path of sustainable development in the Asia region and beyond. However challenges remain - as on paper, the strategy still leaves the door open to coal projects. More guidance will be needed - and the ultimate test for the AIIB will be how the strategy is implemented.

So, what next? Two things can help guide investment decisions:

First, the bank could test projects against their compatibility with the global goals. To really deliver on its aspirations to champion Paris and the SDGs, the bank must choose renewable energy over coal, and concentrate on projects that will get clean, sustainable energy into the lives of the poorest people. Half a billion Asians still wake up every morning without access to electricity. The fastest way to reach them is through off-grid, mini-grid renewable energy and clean cooking technologies. New coal will fundamentally undermine the temperature goals of the Paris Climate Agreement.

Neither is it a good investment: for every dollar the AIIB lends to fossil fuel projects, our analysis shows this could lead to costs of up to 10 dollars in terms of climate change damage within the Asia-Pacific, given its vulnerability to climate change. These are the costs from super-storms, flooding, lost harvests and disrupted livelihoods. Crucially too, the AIIB must learn lessons from where other MDBs have gone wrong so as not to repeat the social and environmental harms too often seen with big hydropower deals, for example.

Second, a strategic dialogue between the bank and the so-called Climate Vulnerable Forum countries will be a useful guide. Some of the banks most climate vulnerable members are developing countries with 100% renewable energy aspirations. The bank could explore a partnership with this group of countries to see how they could provide the finance they need to unlock their ambitions. In this post-Paris era, and in the context of the recent move by US President Donald Trump to pull out of the Paris Climate Agreement, the pendulum of climate leadership is swinging toward the global South. As an MDG majority-led by Southern countries, this is the banks opportunity to support new emerging climate leaders from the developing world  in a spirit of South-South cooperation.

The impact of the banks energy lending will be profound  and we want to see the AIIB use its lending power for good. For women living precariously on the front-lines of climate change and energy poverty, or communities facing displacement for dams, these investment decisions will have very real implications.

The author is the manager of Oxfams China and the Developing World Programme.
JOHANNESBURG - The South African State Owned Entity (SOE) Transnet and Chinese locomotive manufacturer CRRC are exploring ways to further strengthen their cooperation, senior officials of both sides said Wednesday.

In an interview with Xinhua at the Africa Rail 2017 in Johannesburg, Thamsanqa Jiyane, Chief Advanced Manufacturing Officer of Transnet, said they are negotiating with CRRC to take their relationship to another level.

Transnet has been providing CRRC facilities to produce locomotives.

"The Chinese with a short space of time have done what the EU and the United States failed to do over years in terms of skills transfer and some of the things we never dreamed we will have ... The Chinese have brought a new kind of partnership where they impart skills for our future use on our own," said Jiyane.

He said the relationship with the Chinese have been very cordial while hailing the mutual learning between Transnet and CRRC.

Wang Guojun, General Manager of CRRC South Africa, told Xinhua that CRRC have supplied South Africa with over 250 locomotives since 2013, terming the relations between the two SOEs as excellent.

"The global economy is currently facing difficulties and we are exploring news areas of cooperation. We are thinking of using new models like leasing the locomotive since some do not have money to buy in current environment," said Wang.

Both executives confirmed that there have been frequent visits of employees of both companies on exchange programs and share knowledge, skills and good practice.

The two-day Africa Rail 2017 conference and exhibition ended on Wednesday.
Ohio Judge Sentences DUI Convicts to Ride-Sharing

In a courtroom in the state of Ohio, DUI convicts are being required to comply with an unusual court order as part of their sentencing. In addition to fines, potential jail time, license suspension, and alcohol and driving safety courses, individuals convicted of a DUI are being required to download and activate either Lyft or Uber, the most widely used ride-sharing apps.

Judge Michael Cicconetti, of Painesville, Ohio, told local media that if ordering DUI convicts to download these services' apps saves one life, prevents one injury, or just keeps one more DUI from occurring, it's worth it. After all, as the judge noted, these apps can be downloaded and activated for free.

Judicially Weird

Judge Cicconetti is no stranger to strange sentencing. In fact, he actually has a reputation for handing down life-lessons in the form of odd sentences. For example, he once required a defendant caught speeding in a school zone to do community service as a crossing guard. While that sentence, like his DUI ride-sharing sentence, make sense in a Seinfeld-ian sort of way, some of his more "creative" sentences might not be so kosher.

Judge Cicconetti stranger sentences might actually border on cruel, or maybe just unusual. For instance, he required a taxi fare evader to walk 30 miles within 48 hours, or else face 60 days in jail. Also, in case you were wondering how Judge Cicconetti feels about the "eye for an eye" philosophy, he once ordered a person pepper sprayed in the face, after that person was convicted of using the same in an attack. (The spray used for the sentence was a water-based and non-harmful.) Judge Cicconetti has even ordered DUI convicts to view the dead bodies of victims in the morgue.

Unusual, Just Not Cruel Enough

While some of Judge Cicconetti's more creative sentences could potentially run afoul of the Eighth Amendment's prohibition against cruel and usual punishment, the cruel part definitely seems lacking when it comes to requiring a convict to download and activate an app. However, that may not be the case when it comes to ordering a person to view a dead body, or be pepper-sprayed in the face.

Related Resources:
Living in a country thousands of miles away from my native Colombiahas definitely been a mind-opening, culturally enriching experience, which in many ways shaped my thinking and views on many issues. Its been almost 10 years since the first time I touched the Chinese land. Having been granted the CSC scholarship to pursue masters degree in the field of Civil Engineering, I am honored to have the opportunity to continue my stay and my studies in this great country.

Despite countless efforts made by many to revive global economy, very few strategic action plans have been proposed.

The magazine Amigos de China (in translation from Spanish meaning friends of China) once asked Santo Domingo, the first Colombian ambassador in China, what was the main lesson the Chinese taught him, to which he replied: Long-term planning. This makes one consider the plans, strategies and initiatives that China had to established in order to promote economic development and maintain its stability, which ultimately led China to securing its place as the second largest world economy.

This article briefly highlights a view on how good strategies can contribute to improving global economy as well as individual quality of life.

Bilateral relations between China and Colombia started in 1980, and this cooperation was primarily based on bilateral trade. Colombia mainly imported various commodities including industrial equipment, transportation equipment, consumer goods, chemicals, fuel and electricity, while exporting natural resources such as nickel, scrap metal, primary plastics, pesticides, bananas and coffee. As of 2017, China has become the second largest trading partner of Colombia.

Morover, Chinas economic transformation has become a model for many Latin Americancountries, which havehigh expectations from the recent China-Latin America cooperation. The first engine for Chinese economic growth was based on trade, but after more than 35 years, this initial economic driving force might not suffice to meet the rapidly growing global needs. Thus, China is yet again forced to reform its economic model with a goal to enhance strategies and initiatives for a mutual development, not only between Chinese regions but also among its neighboring countries. The Yangtze River Economic Belt Plan, and the Silk Economic Belt and New Maritime Silk Road (known as One Belt One Road) are two priority initiatives for China.

Although there is much to say about the initiatives named above, here I would like to talk mainly about two ongoing initiatives in Asia and South America: the IIRSA and the OBOR, respectively.

The IIRSA stands for Integration of Regional Infrastructure in South America, a development plan to link South Americas economies by means of telecommunication, transportation and energy projects.It was launched in the year of 2000 with 12 countries supported technically and financially by the Technical Coordination Committee. On the other hand, since 2013 the OBOR initiative emerged from the ancient Silk Road to the New Silk Road with the participation of 57 countries, of which 22 are European, covering 6 economic corridors on 3 continents (Europe, Africa and Asia) investing also in infrastructure such as railroad connections, oil and gas pipelines, and ports.

The corresponding initiatives share a few things in common; both require a great deal of cooperation among nations, the support of investors, labor, technology and educational resources that will optimize the results of each party. Hence, despiteof historical issues, people need to look at it rationally, accepting that cooperation is the only effective way to transform the economy and most importantly, to provide a sustainable amelioration of the standard of living. In addition, policies and statements at each stage of the initiative must be clear and respected by all parties. Moreover, the efforts of every country need also to embracetheir ownplans to sustain and assure the growth of themost valuable and available resource:its people. This could be done, for example, by promoting innovation and entrepreneurship in young people to create big companies and businesses, promoting modelsfor ecological development, etc.

I believe that the initiatives described above is the outcome of rational thinking that seeks to find ways for mutually beneficial cooperation and common global development in which all countries can learn from Chinas experience of rapid and steady socioeconomic development, or as Santo Domingo had put it, to learn from Chinese long-term planning.
European Union Chief Negotiator for Brexit Michel Barnier looks on during a news conference after a European General Affairs Ministers meeting in Brussels, Belgium May 22, 2017. [Photo/Agencies]

LONDON - Talks on Britain's exit from the European Union will start next Monday, it was announced Thursday.

The British government's Office for Exiting the EU confirmed the date in an official announcement from London.

Meanwhile, a joint statement issued in London and Brussels said: "The first round of talks that will see Britain leave the European Union will start on Monday June 19."

"Following discussions in Brussels today, both sides agreed that the formal negotiations under the Article 50 process can now start."

In the joint statement issued Thursday, officials said: "Michel Barnier, the European Commission's Chief Negotiator and David Davis, Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, agreed today to launch Article 50 negotiations on Monday June 19."

The discussions about Britain's new relationship with the EU are expected to last for two years.

Prime Minister Theresa May had announced that Britain would be prepared to leave Europe without a deal if necessary, with her now famous message "no deal is better than a bad deal".

But following the general election last week, when May lost her overall majority in the House of Commons, there have been growing calls for a softer Brexit.
China played a critical role in the slower growth of global energy demand and consumption as well as the nearly flat growth of carbon emissions in 2016, according to the latest BP world energy report.

The report says that a relentless drive to improve energy efficiency is causing global energy consumption overall to decelerate. The energy mix is shifting toward cleaner, lower carbon fuels, driven by environmental needs and technological advances.

Global energy consumption grew slowly again in 2016 - the third consecutive year in which demand has grown by 1 percent or less - much weaker than the rates of growth over the previous 10 years or so, according to the report titled 2017 BP Statistical Review of World Energy.

The weak growth in energy demand, combined with a continuing shift toward lower-carbon fuels, meant global carbon emissions from energy consumption were estimated to have been essentially flat in 2016 for a third consecutive year - a substantial improvement relative to past trends, the report says.

"From a global level, much of this improvement can be traced back to the pronounced changes in the pace and pattern of economic growth and energy consumption within China," BP Group CEO Bob Budley said in the report.

Energy consumption in China grew by just 1.3 percent in 2016. Its growth during 2015 and 2016 was the lowest over a two-year period since 1997-98, according to the report. China, however, remained the world's largest growth market for energy for a 16th consecutive year.

Spencer Dale, BP Group chief economist, praised effective Chinese government policy launched in 2016 to reduce coal production.

"For those of you interested in the Chinese policy, it's magnificent," he said on Thursday at the Atlantic Council in Washington.

"It's really fascinating to think about how it was designed. The impact of these measures was really stark," Dale said.

China was the key driver of the growth of global renewable energy last year, accounting for more than 40 percent of the growth in renewable power, more than the entire OECD put together. China also overtook the US as the largest producer of renewable power.

Dale believes China is the key to understanding the flat growth of global carbon emissions and whether that trend is structural or just temporary.

Some structural changes happening in China include slower economic growth, a change in the structure of economic growth away from energy-intensive industrial sectors toward the consumer and service sector, and a shift in the fuel mix away from coal toward more renewable energy, nuclear power and natural gas, according to Dale.

"Those trends are structural trends and are likely to persist," he said.

He also pointed out that the fall of China's energy demand was also due to the weakness reflected in the iron, steel and cement industries, which together account for a quarter of China's energy demand.

Dale, who was executive director for financial stability at the Bank of England before joining BP in 2014, expressed how much this is going to structural and how much it is going to be temporary adjustment is still hard to tell.

chenweihua@chinadailyusa.com
A man looks at messages written on a wall near the scene of the fire which destroyed the Grenfell Tower block, in north Kensington, west London, Britain June 15, 2017. [Photo/Agencies]

LONDON - As rescue teams continued the grim task Thursday of searching the burnt out shell of a London tower block, British Prime Minister Theresa May ordered a full public inquiry into the tragic Grenfell Tower fire.

Her decision came as politicians, community leaders and residents asked a simple question: "How in the 21st century can people perish in their own homes in one of the wealthiest boroughs in Britain?"

The growing number of questions being raised is seeing grief and disbelief turn to anger.

So far it has been confirmed that 17 people died when fire rapidly engulfed a 24-floor residential tower where between 400 and 600 people lived.

With many dozens of people still accounted for, people have been told to brace themselves for the death toll to rise.

To add to the grim reality facing people clinging onto hope a missing loved family member will be found alive, London Metropolitan Police Commander Stuart Cundy said there is a risk authorities may not be able to identify everybody.

Cundy said identifying victims will be very challenging and police will use international disaster victim protocols which include dental records, fingerprints and DNA.

"I really hope the number of fatalities does not reach triple figures," Cundy said.

Thirty people remain in hospital, half of them said to have critical injuries.

In her statement May said: "We need to know what happened, we need to have an explanation of this. We owe that to the families, to the people who have lost loved ones, friends, and the homes in which they lived."

Earlier May visited the scene of the disaster in the London borough of Kensington and Chelsea.

The first victim of the tragedy was named Thursday by the Syria Solidarity Campaign as Syrian refugee Mohammed Alhajali.

Alhajali was with his older brother, Omar, in the flat but lost each other on the way out, says the Syria Solidarity Campaign. The campaign group said Alhajali's brother was rescued by fire crews.

A spokesman at the campaign group posted: "Mohammed was on the phone for two hours with a friend in Syria, waiting to be rescued. He was trying to reach his family in Syria but he could not get connected to them due to the situation in Syria. He had not seen his family for four years.

"When the fire reached his flat on the 14th floor, Mohammed bid his friend goodbye, saying that the fire had reached him. He asked his friend to pass on the message to his family.

"Mohammed undertook a dangerous journey to flee war and death in Syria, only to meet it here in the UK, in his own home. Mohammed came to this country for safety and the UK failed to protect him."

Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London Thursday called for an interim report into the Grenfell Tower fire to be published within weeks, saying: there are questions that demand answers. We can't afford to wait many years for those answers."

Khan said one of the things the public inquiry will look into is the refurbishment of the tower blocks and whether the tower block was refurbished in a safe way. There are obvious questions about value for money and other questions that will be raised and other questions that demand answers."

The main opposition leader, Labour's Jeremy Corbyn, visited the housing scheme Thursday and spoke to local residents about the Grenfell Tower fire.

He said later: "We must and will do everything in our power to ensure the truth about this tragedy comes out. I feel very angry that it was possible for the fire to spread in the way it did. I feel very angry that so many lives have been lost when the system didn't work. The many residents I met today are very angry too; their concerns about the building were not responded to and their questions were not answered.

"There are thousands of tower blocks around our country. Every single person living in one today will be frightened. They need answers to provide them with security and peace of mind."

Emergency accommodation has been found for families made homeless by the blaze, with a huge community relief effort to meet the needs of people who lost everything in the fire.

London Fire Commissioner Dany Cotton said Thursday the search of Grenfell Tower will be a "very long process".

At a media briefing, she said parts of the building needed structural support to allow a search. Specially trained dogs are being used to help in the search and recovery operation.
The first Flying Tiger pilot killed in China's War Against Japanese Aggression will be brought home to Kansas on Saturday after his family's 13-year quest.

John Dean Armstrong was a US Navy who volunteered to teach pilots for the Chinese air force. He was 24 years old when he was killed in a training accident while flying a P-40 in the skies over Myanmar in 1941, just three months before the US entered the war. He would have turned 100 this year.

"I kept imagining my grandmother saying goodbye to her only son, knowing he was going all the way across the ocean to Burma (Myanmar) and never ever getting him back again," said Karen Beauprie, a niece of Armstrong.

For a long time, her mother told her never to bring up her uncle's name and the family would take down his pictures on the wall when her grandparents came to visit.

Thirteen years ago, Beauprie and her cousin Lynn Evans, both mothers of sons themselves, made a decision to find their uncle and bring him home.

"We have a lot of family members that thought we were kind of crazy - why would you want to do that? He was already buried, what difference does it make?" she said. "It makes a difference to know the remains are close by and that he will be honored with their families there."

All of the Flying Tigers were given Distinguished Flying Cross awards and granted military status in 1994. At the time of Armstrong's death they were civilians, which made it impossible for his parents to get his remains returned to the US.

Armstrong's father traveled to Myanmar and tried to locate his son's grave but failed.

"Up until 2015, we were under the assumption that Dean was still in Burma," said Beauprie. The cousins had photographers try to map the cemetery, Burmese tour guides actually walk the cemetery for them and a Canadian graduate student trek from Thailand to Burma to look for the graves.

The cousins also enlisted the help of researchers and agencies, including the Department of Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency.

Along with Armstrong, there were two additional pilots, Peter Atkinson of West Virginia, and Maax Hammer of Illinois, who died a month later. All were buried together in an Anglican cemetery in Myanmar.

"What we have learned during the past two years was that the OSS (Office of Strategic Services) recovered all three pilots' remains in 1947, moved them to Barrockpore, India, performed forensics, and then in 1949 transported them as Unknowns to The National Military Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl) in Hawaii," said Beauprie.

In April 2016, they were disinterred. With the help of DNA, Armstrong was identified in January.

Upon hearing the news, "I jumped up and down and screamed. I couldn't wait to talk to my cousin," said Beauprie. "It was satisfying, exciting and sad at the same time, because 75 years later he's coming home now."

The other two men had their memorial burials in March and April. Armstrong's is set for June 17 in Hutchinson, Kansas.

"There will be around 80 people attending the service, so we are having a family reunion to celebrate Dean's homecoming," said Beauprie.

The Navy will do the honors at the funeral, and the Air Force will perform a Missing Man formation flyover for the service.

liazhu@chinadailyusa.com

(China Daily USA 06/16/2017 page1)
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File photo taken Sept. 27, 2012 shows former German Chancellor Helmut Kohl speaks at an event marking his 30th anniversary of coming to power in Berlin, Germany. [Photo/Xinhua]

BERLIN -- Former German Chancellor Helmut Kohl died at his home in Germany's Ludwigshafen on Friday.

Kohl served as German chancellor between 1982 and 1998 and is well known as the "chancellor of unity" for his active political plan bringing west and east Germany together.

Under heavy pressure in 1989 he negotiated with the leaders of the United States and the Soviet Union and secured a peaceful and stable Germany reunification, Deutsche Presse Agentur reported.

He is also hailed for his contribution to European integration and the European single currency and market. He persuaded Germans to give up the then strong Deutsche Mark and adopted euro.

As a leader for Christian Democratic Union (CDU), Kohl was seen as the mentor for Chancellor Angela Merkel.

On late Friday, Merkel paid tribute to Kohl during her visit in Rome saying the news of his death fill her "with great sadness." She said her own life had changed with Kohl's guidance which she was extremely grateful to.

Merkel also called Kohl "stroke of luck of us German," since Kohl seized the historic chance and overcome difficulties to unify Germany.

CDU party posted on Twitter: "We are in sorrow. #RIP #HelmutKohl."

At Kohl's house in Ludwigshafen, flowers were laid by mourners by the staircase.

In 2002, Kohl resigned from lower house of the parliament Bundestag and officially left politics.

He began fighting with illness after a fall and a head injury in 2008, and since then he had to sit on a wheelchair and could barely speak. Kohl received a intestine surgery in 2015 and since then his condition gradually worsened.

He died at the age of 87.
9th Circuit Affirms California's Ban on Liquor Store Ads

Reversing its previous decision, the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed California's ban on advertising by alcohol manufacturers and wholesalers in liquor stores.

The en banc court reversed an earlier three-judge panel in the case. Ruling 10-1 in Retail Digital Network v. Prieto, the majority said the ban did not violate the advertiser's commercial speech rights to place ads in liquor stores under California Business and Professions Code Section 25503(h).

"This is not the first time we have considered such a challenge Section 25503(h)," Judge Richard Paez wrote for the court. "Thirty years ago, in Actmedia, Inc. v. Stroh, 830 F.2d 957 (9th Cir. 1986), we rejected a First Amendment challenge to that provision."

Heightened Scrutiny

"My client is disappointed with the decision but looks forward to being vindicated by the Supreme Court," said attorney Olivier Tallieu.

The advertiser, which had seven-foot digital displays in more than 100 locations, sued for declaratory relief after several of its accounts wanted to pull back their advertisements. They were concerned about possible action from the state's Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control under the Business and Professions Code.

A trial judge declared the statute was constitutional, but the appeals panel reversed and remanded it to the trial judge with instructions to apply "heightened scrutiny" to the statute. The en banc panel then upheld the original conclusion, saying "intermediate scrutiny" was the appropriate standard.

Intermediate Scrutiny

In re-stating its position on the statute from 30 years ago, the court waded into the deeper water of commercial speech law, which has been muddied by decisions since then. The court said it was following rulings on intermediate scrutiny in the Second, Fourth, Sixth, and Eighth Circuits.

The court did not entirely endorse its own ruling in Actmedia, but upheld the "sound and well-reasoned conclusion that Section 25503(h) withstands First Amendment scrutiny because it directly and materially advances the State's interest in maintaining a triple-tiered market system, and because there is a sufficient fit between that interest and the legislative scheme."

Chief Judge SidneyThomas, in dissent, said the three-judge panel was right about heightened judicial scrutiny. Actmedia is outdated and irreconcilable with current law, he said.

Related Resources:
In our last blog article, we examined the difference between perpetual and term licenses and how you might leverage both license types to meet all your license entitlement needs. We also looked at SOLIDWORKS commitment to offer and support perpetual licenses well into the foreseeable future. Today we will examine the two choices within perpetual licensing from SOLIDWORKS  which are Standalone and SNL (SolidNetWork Licenses).

Standalone licenses, as the name implies, are intended for an individual user of SOLIDWORKS or any related product such as Simulation, Composer or Electrical. It uses an Activate/Deactivate mechanism to entitle the software for use after installation, or to move the license entitlement to another device such as a home, laptop or mobile computer or a new user all while ensuring only one license is in use at any one time. Activation is a onetime process which requires that you have internet or email access to complete the process. Once activated, you do not need to be online to use your software.

Like fuel-efficient cars or appliances, SNL or floating licenses allow you to stretch your investment across your community of users. SNL uses a proven and reliable client/server distributed licensing approach, where access to the software is granted by a license server installed on your network that contains all of your entitlements. When a user starts SOLIDWORKS or any related product or Add-in, it checks with the server to see if licenses are either in-use or available. Once a user closes SOLIDWORKS or related product or Add-in, the license is immediately released back to the server for another user to use. Typically with SNL, administrators will install the software for every potential user, knowing that SNL will monitor concurrent usage to ensure that the number of concurrent users does not exceed the number of purchased licenses.

There are three important provisions that govern and limit the floating nature of SNL licenses:

The network on which the SNL is installed may only serve licenses to client machines of the same legal corporate entity. Clients accessing the SNL license server must be located in the same global territory (defined below) as the server. A minimum of one SNL server license is required for each country in which there are client users.

The global territories permitting license sharing from SNLs are: the Americas, Europe, Japan, and Asia-Pacific. For example, SNLs installed and managed on a server in the United States may be accessed by users of the same company in Brazil and Mexico as long as one SNL was acquired in Brazil and another SNL was acquired in Mexico (for a total of three SNLs  US, Brazil, Mexico). Users in China would not be allowed to access licenses from a server in the United States, and vice versa, even if the users are in the same company as each global territory must have its own SNL and pool of licenses.

Global network licenses, often called follow the sun licensing, or Regional network licenses, can be purchased that removes global territory and country restrictions to varying degrees, however, these licenses may cost extra and must comply with the requirement that all users be of the same legal/corporate entity. Your local Value Added Reseller can provide more information and put you in touch with a SOLIDWORKS sales representative about these specialized licensing options.

Nearly every software title from SOLIDWORKS can be put onto SNL. For example, SOLIDWORKS, Simulation, Flow Simulation, Electrical, Composer, Inspection, MBD, PCB, Plastics, etc.  can all be added to SNL and shared among users.

SNL and standalone licenses can be mixed/matched. For example, you could have five standalone licenses of SOLIDWORKS Standard dedicated to your all day/every day CAD users. Those same standalone licenses could access via SNL a pool of Simulation, Composer, Electrical  even SOLIDWORKS Premium (CAD) licenses.

Network licenses and its subscription cost the same as standalone licenses. Standalone licenses are also upgradable to SNL. There is, however, a fee for purchasing each SNL or converting from standalone to SNL that varies in price across geographic regions. Its easy to see  SNL licenses offer tremendous value, variation, and flexibility, especially when combined with standalone and term licenses discussed in our last blog post. In our next blog post, well examine how home/mobile use is accomplished.

You can find additional information on SOLIDWORKS licensing and activation options here.
Russian President and funnyman Vladimir Putin joked today that if fired FBI director Jim Comey feels persecuted by U.S. President Donald Trump, Russia will grant him asylum as it has with NSA leaker Edward Snowden.

Reuters:

The offer, made with Putin's trademark sardonic humor, came as the Russian president poured scorn on Comey for his role in a row in Washington over alleged Russian meddling in last year's U.S. presidential election.

At a congressional hearing this month, Comey said Trump asked him to drop an investigation into contacts between Trump associates and Russian officials, while the U.S. president has accused Comey of not telling the truth.

Asked about Comey at a question-and-answer session with Russian voters, Putin said it was "strange" that, while still FBI director, Comey had passed the contents of a conversation he had with Trump to the media via a friend.

"What is the difference then between the FBI director and Mr. Snowden?" Putin said, referring to former U.S. National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden, who was granted asylum in Russia in 2013 after leaking classified information about U.S. spy operations.

"In this case, he (Comey) is not the head of a special service but a human rights activist who defends a certain position," Putin said.

"By the way, if he is subject to any sort of persecution in connection with this, we will be ready to give him political asylum in Russia. And he should know about this."

Striking a more serious note, Putin said Comey, in his congressional testimony, had produced no proof that Russia had meddled in the U.S. election.

"I am not familiar in detail with the testimony given by former FBI director Comey," Putin said. "Again, he gave no evidence of this (Russian interference).

"
(Photo : US Navy) USS Donald Cook.

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Russia will go to war to defend Crimea against NATO and will risk a nuclear war in defense of this peninsula jutting out into the Black Sea it unlawfully seized from Ukraine in March 2014, said Russia's revanchist president Vladimir Putin.



Putin made this assertion in an interview with American film director Oliver Stone as part of a four-episode series about the Russian leader aired this week in the U.S. by Showtime, an American premium cable and satellite television network, and a subsidiary of CBS Corporation.



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He said in case of a threat to Crimea, Russia will defend this land with "all available means," a direct allusion to war.



"After Crimea became a fully-fledged part of the Russian Federation, our attitude to this territory radically changed," said Putin.



"And if we see a threat to our territory -- and the Crimea is our territory -- we, like any state, will defend our territory with all means available to us."



Putin also hinted that separate incidents in the Black Sea in 2014 and 2016 involving the same U.S. Navy Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer -- the USS Donald Cook (DDG-75) -- almost ignited World War III.



The Donald Cook, which is deployed to the United States Sixth Fleet headquartered in Italy, is equipped with the Aegis Combat System, an integrated, computerized, quick reaction air and ballistic missile defense system that provides extraordinary capabilities against attacking aircraft and missiles.



The heart of the Aegis system is the SPY radar that automatically detects and tracks virtually everything in the air, allowing U.S. Navy destroyers equipped with this system to identify, evaluate and engage the enemy "with incredible firepower and accuracy."



The Donald Cook's main weapon is its vertical launching system (VLS) armed with a mix of RIM-67 Standard ER (SM-1ER/SM-2ER) extended range surface-to-air missiles (SAMs); BGM-109 Tomahawks or RUM-139 VL-ASROC missiles.



It was this heavily armed and protected destroyer that transited the Bosporous Strait from the Sea of Marmara unde the command of Commander Scott A. Jones to enter the Black Sea on April 10, 2014 in a show of NATO's support for its regional allies bordering Ukraine.



Two days later, the Donald Cook was intercepted by a single, unarmed Sukhoi Su-24 supersonic attack aircraft that made 12 close-range passes of the destroyer during a patrol of the western Black Sea.



The Pentagon said the Russian aircraft "did not respond to multiple queries and warnings from Donald Cook, and the event ended without incident after approximately 90 minutes. The Donald Cook is more than capable of defending itself against two Su-24s."



Russian state-controlled media said the Donald Cook was dispatched to a Black Sea area off Crimea shortly after the peninsula's Russian dominated governing body voted in March 2014 to reunite with Russia.



It wrongly claimed the Donald Cook fled the Bosporus Strait "after it was detected and caught into crosshairs by Russia's coast guard."



In Putin's eyes, however, this solitary incident almost ignited a nuclear World War III.



"At that time, the world stood on the brink of a nuclear catastrophe," said Putin.



"Thank god, we did not let that situation slip into it, even though we sent our advanced Bastion coast defense weapons to Crimea. We are allowed to use any means at our disposal to protect Russia.



"What was the Donald Cook doing close to our territory? Who provoked whom? We plan to defend our territory."



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TagsRussia, Crimea, NATO, nuclear war, Vladimir Putin, Oliver Stone, USS Donald Cook (DDG-75)
(Photo : Iraqi Army) Iraqi Army fighting vehicles advance towards Mosul.

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The Iraqi Army has launched what it calls the "Final Battle for Mosul" and expects to destroy the few hundred desperate and distraught ISIS fighters defending their last stronghold by July



The army said its forces and that of its Kurdish Peshmerga and Muslim militia allies (mostly Shiiite) have completely surrounded the ISIS remnants in Mosul's Old City. The final battle caps eight months of savage house-to-house fighting that whittled down an ISIS force of more than 5,000 men defending the city to just a few hundred dazed and heavily outnumbered fighters.



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The Iraqi Army and its allies have lost over 4,000 men killed in the brutal fight for Mosul, the largest city in Iraq conquered by ISIS back in 2014, since the battle to re-take this city began in October 2016.



It said the ISIS remnants are hemmed in at the last district inside Mosul they still control.



Lt. Gen. Abdul Amir Yarallah, commander of the U.S. and Iraq's Joint Operation of Command in Ninevah distict, said Iraqi and allied forces had defeated ISIS in the neighboring district of Bab Sinjar, thereby cutting off every possible route of escape for ISIS.



The army and its allies are ow preparing to storm the last ISIS positions in Mosul.



Brig. Gen. Saleh Harz, commander of the 34th Brigade of the army's 9th Armored Division, said his forces had reached the right flank of the Old City after violent clashes with ISIS. He said Iraqi forces will enter the Old City's main gate within the next two days.



Iraq's elite Counter-Terrorism Service and Rapid Response Forces have been given the job of destroying the few hundred surviving ISIS fighters that remain in Mosul's Old City.



The collapse of ISIS' defense of Mosul began last month when Iraqi and allied forces achieved a major breakthrough against a number of ISIS-held neighborhoods. This ISIS collapse helped set the stage for the final battle for Mosul in the Old City itself.



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TagsIraqi Army, Final Battle for Mosul, Mosul Dam, Kurdish peshmerga, Brig. Gen. Saleh Harz
(Photo : Ordnance Factory Board ) Excalibur assault rifle.

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The Indian Army intends to acquire 200,000 "close-quarter battle" (CQB) carbines with a caliber of 5.56 mm to replace the interim "Excalibur" assault rifle currently in service.



The army has issued a global request for information for this new rifle and expects to issue the formal tender within the next six months. It's set aside some $400 million to acquire these new assault rifles under the Buy & Make India category.



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The total order might be increased to 500,000 rifles with the addition of rifles for the five Central Armed Police Forces.



The formal tender will also seek a transfer of technology so the carbines can be license produced in India under a partnership with domestic defense companies.



Indian media said some of the leading arms makers in the world are expected to vie for this massive contract. Included in this number are Heckler & Koch of Germany; Beretta of Italy; FN FAL of Belgium; Colt's Manufacturing Company of the United States and Sig Sauer of Switzerland.



Previous efforts to acquire CQB carbines since 2008 have failed. Carbines developed by the state-owned Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) have proven unsuitable, according to army standards.



In the meantime, the lighter and more lethal Excalibur (whose official designation is INSAS Excalibur Mark-I) will have to do. This weapon being chambered for a 5.56 x 45 mm NATO round.



Excalibur was derived from INSAS and should have replaced the latter as the army's standard assault rifle in 2016. But the army leadership changed its mind when it agreed a weapon firing the deadlier 7.62 mm round was a better fit for the army than another weapon firing a light 5.56 mm bullet.



On Sept. 27, 2016, the Indian Ministry of Defense (MoD ) re-issued a request for information (RFI) for a 7.62 x 51 mm assault rifle that can shoot-to-kill "to replace problematic INSAS."



The RFI is the latest attempt after a slew of failed attempts over the last decade to acquire a new standard rifle. MoD now wants the new rifle to be lightweight; have a minimum effective range of 500 meters and have accuracy better than 3 minutes of arc (MoA) up to 500 meters.



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TagsIndian Army, close-quarter battle (CQB) carbines, Excalibur assault rifle, Central Armed Police Forces, INSAS
(Photo : PNA) Duterte holding inverted pen and Duterte wearing a jacket on a hot day. Note Duterte's stiff left arm and hand that look paralyzed.

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Allies of disordered Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte, who has not been neither seen nor photographed in public for four days, yesterday released a few photos showing the man looking visibly wan and stiff, and wearing a leather jacket (despite the hot weather) to hide his increasingly frail frame.



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Duterte's no-show is fueling rumors the president infamous for murdering drug suspects is either dead or close to death. Reports said Duterte suffered a stroke and that part his body is paralyzed.



The six new photos show him to be in the latter category. One particularly laughable photo shows Duterte poring over papers in Malacanang Palace, the residence of Philippine presidents in Manila.



Eagle-eyed observers noted Duterte was holding his pen upside down in the photo, meaning the pen point was pointed at the ceiling instead of towards the papers on his desk.



The state's propaganda agency said this photo showed the president still at work despite his no-show since June 11, Philippine Independence Day. It said it released the photos "to quell rumors that the President is sick."



Before these photos taken June 15 were released, Duterte was last seen in public on June 11.



Duterte's visibly weakened condition in the photos belies claims made by his apologists the former mayor of Davao City is in "excellent health" despite missing what was his first Independence Day celebration as president last June 12.



Chief presidential apologist Ernesto Abella said Duterte had to take a rest after dealing with a "brutal schedule" that involved him visiting wounded soldiers and those slain in the ongoing Battle of Marawi. Abella said Duterte is in "excellent health."



Vice-President; Foreign Affairs Secretary and chief Duterte sycophant Alan Peter Cayetano represented Duterte during the Independence Day flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremonies at the Rizal Park in Manila on June 12.



Vice President Leni Robredo, who will replace Duterte when the latter steps down as president due to his widely speculated but unspecified terminal illness, led the rites instead.



It's widely held Duterte's allies will do all they can to prevent Robredo, who leads Filipinos defying Duterte's psychotic rule, from replacing Duterte.



Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV, a leading Duterte critic, assailed the president's absence at his administration's first Independence Day rites, saying Duterte lacked discipline.



Other Duterte critics, Magdalo party-list Rep. Gary Alejano and Ifugao Rep. Teddy Baguilat, both from the House of Representatives, said Duterte's health status should be disclosed to the public since this is a national concern.



There is, however, no need to reveal the status of Duterte's health, claims presidential chief legal counsel Salvador Panelo.



"The President is strong. He is strong as a bull," alleges Panelo.



He did, however, note the Philippine Constitution provides that the health of the president must be disclosed if the president has a serious illness.



Panelo and his fellow sycophants continue to skirt around this constitutional provision by falsely claiming Duterte isn't sick "whether serious or slight."



Duterte returned to his hometown of Davao City on June 15 to escape media scrutiny and to recover from his sickness.



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TagsPhilippines, Rodrigo Duterte, stroke, Battle of Marawi
White phosporous artillery shells exploding over Raqqa.

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In uncharacteristic fashion, Russia is claiming to have killed ISIS leader and Islamic caliphate founder Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in a Russian Air Force air strike on May 28 south of Raqqa.



Russia's belated claim to have killed al-Baghdadi seems to have been forced upon it by news reports the either the Syrian Army or U.S.- backed Syrian Democratic Forces supported by the U.S. Army killed al-Baghdadi in Raqqa on June 10.



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Al-Baghdadi was likely killed in an artillery bombardment although some sources said an airstrike killed the late ISIS leader.



The conflicting accounts of who killed al-Baghdadi prove, however, that the man is indeed dead and that the world should rejoice.



It's in the Russian character to claim credit for another's achievements, which explains why Russia now claims to have killed the notorious ISIS leader with a $34 million bounty on his head.



What isn't consistent is they waited 17 days before announcing the kill. Russian state-controlled media sought to explain this anomaly by claiming they were waiting for confirmation of al-Baghdadi's death.



Some western analysts, however, said scruples such as this are uncharacteristic for the Russians, who would have immediately claimed killing al-Baghdadi a few days after May 28 instead of having U.S. allies claim it first.



Russian state-controlled media said the airstrike on May 28 was carried out on the outskirts of Raqqa. The bombing hit a command post where ISIS leaders were meeting.



"According to information, which is being verified via different channels, the meeting was also attended by the (ISIS) leader Ibrahim Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, who was eliminated in the strike," said Russia's defense ministry.



Other state media claimed more than 300 "terrorists" were killed in the strike, which is a patent impossibility. It said the ISIS leaders were discussing their escape from the besieged city through the southern corridor.



The airstrike was carried out following drone footage confirmation of the council's meeting location, according to Russian state media.



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TagsRussia, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, Raqqa, May 28, ISIS
Delaware gave pro-abortion advocates a rare but big win last week when Gov. John Carney signed a bill making it legal to kill unborn babies through all nine months of pregnancy.



Proponents of the bill drafted it out of fear the Supreme Court might someday overturn the 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling that legalized abortion nationwide.



This is a reaction from the abortion lobby to President Trump winning, and Neil Gorsuchs confirmation, and the anticipation of President Trump appointing additional Supreme Court justices, Susan B. Anthony List spokeswoman Mallory Quigley told me.



The pro-life group spent nearly $100,000 to run radio ads and digital campaigns, send mail, and call constituents to encourage opposition to the bill.



While many states, including Delaware, have adopted more protections for unborn babies, the new law does away with all restrictions on abortionincluding an existing parental consent law for minors and a 24-hour waiting perioduntil viability. The law defines viability as a likelihood to survive outside the womb without extraordinary medical measures and allows abortion past that point if an abortionist thinks the mothers life or health is in danger.



Pro-abortion activists applauded the new law. Amanda Allen, a lawyer with the Center for Reproductive Rights, said it will protect womens access to critical reproductive health services in the face of threats at the federal level.



But pro-life leaders see it as a regression to unmitigated abortion practices in the state.



Delaware is headed backwards. This bill would open the floodgates to Gosnell-style houses of horrors abortion clinics in Delaware, RNC national Committeewoman Ellen Barrosse said in a statement last week, referencing convicted Philadelphia abortionist Kermit Gosnell.



Pro-lifers have recently pushed legislation protecting unborn babies after they are thought to feel pain, at about 20 weeks gestation. Tennessee, Ohio, and South Dakota all recently passed 20-week abortion bans. President Donald Trump has vowed to sign federal legislation banning abortion after 20 weeks if Congress approves it.



Meanwhile, other efforts to write abortion rights into state law failed this year in Connecticut and New Mexico. In Illinois, Gov. Bruce Rauner vowed to veto recently passed abortion-codifying legislation.

Courtesy: WORLD News Service

Photo courtesy: Thinkstock/Kagenmi

Publication date: June 16, 2017
Young adults from more than 40 churches gathered in Southern California for the first SOLA Nexus Conference, organized by the SOLA Network, a group of Korean American pastors from nine local churches who have organized the SOLA Conference for college students for the past five years.

Incorporating elements of both retreats and conferences, SOLA Nexus featured main plenary sessions as well as small group sessions, and focused on the theme of connecting to God and others.

The conference, which took place from June 2 to 3 at Living Hope Community Church in Brea, CA, featured Alex Choi, the lead pastor of Sovereign Grace LA; Harold Kim, the lead pastor of Christ Central of Southern California; and Ray Causly, a co-lead pastor of Living Way Community Church, as main speakers of the event. Five more speakers spoke during smaller seminars which delved into more specific topics such as being a faithful witness, dating and marriage, and decision-making.

Speakers encouraged young adults to trust God, to find their contentment and worth in God, and to seek Gods kingdom.

Alex Choi, who spoke during the first night of the conference, said that the temptations that Jesus faced after his 40 days of fasting in Luke 4 portrays some of the major temptations that young adults may face today  that of self-preservation, instant gratification, and testing God.

In order to really connect with God and with others, we need to overcome these temptations, said Choi. And theres one thing that they all have in common. They are expressions of a lack of trust in God.

Deep down inside, we dont believe his goodness or his power, we dont get his timing. Instead, we hold on to our pain, our fears, and our sins, Choi said. He encouraged young adults to continually preach the gospel to [themselves], and let go of those pains, fears, and insecurities.

Young adults were also encouraged to reflect on their motivations for work and the source of their self-worth. Finding self-worth in work, Harold Kim said, is a cruel, cruel curse.

Theres really no rest from that kind of insignificance, fragility, insecurity, said Kim. If you succeed, it will go straight to your head, but you will be terribly insecure  If you fail, youre crushed, despairing, suicidal.

Instead, Christians should find their worth in who they are working for, according to Kim.

If you work for Jesus, if you are really working and living for the glory of Jesus and what matters most to you is his approval, his pleasure, then get this: you can pour yourself out in a meaningless, dead-end job, never get promoted, not get the raise, pour yourself out faithfully and trust the results to God, because youre doing it for him, Kim said. The numbers wont make or break you  if your just reward is from him in eternity.

Kim also encouraged the young adults and said that their work matters to God, and contributes to Gods kingdom.

In every workplace, Jesus is the Lord of all, he said, adding that according to the Apostle Paul in Ephesians 6, Your work is directly related to the work before your ultimate master: Christ Jesus.

Ray Causly focused primarily on urging young adults to live out their lives for Gods kingdom, and spoke from a passage in Acts 17 in which the Apostle Pauls spirit was provoked, as the English Standard Version puts it, at the sight of widespread idol worship in Athens.

The word provoked in the original Greek has a medical association with the word, epilepsy, he said, and added that that was the extremity with which Paul felt emotional about the lack of worship toward God in the city.

The question that this generation has to ask itself is, as you are moving into the rest of your lives as young adults, does your heart beat for God? said Causly. Does it bother you  that the exaltation of Christ is not the driving force of every person of every sector?

Do you dream about how you can engage this culture, to topple the idols that you see everyday? Causly asked. Is it the drive in your mind and your heart to see the idolatry in our culture ultimately fall and that this land would bow to king Jesus?

Meanwhile, the leadership of the SOLA Network consists of pastors from local churches in Southern California, including All Nations Church, Bethel English Church, Christ Central of Southern California, Crossway Community Church, Good News Chapel, Good Stewards Church, Gospel Life Mission Church, Living Hope Community Church, and New Life Vision Church.
A majority of the Rhode Island school districts with "1-1" programs where each student is issued a laptop have a blanket policy of spying on the students and everything they do on their laptops, during, before and after school hours, on or off school premises, without any evidence (or even suspicion ) of wrongdoing.



The schools analogize this to school locker searches, in which students are denied any Fourth Amendment protections. But that (very dubious) principle is being stretched beyond the breaking point, as school lockers are in schools, whereas these laptop searches are being carried out remotely, everywhere, anywhere.

This isn't so different from the policies asserted by employers who require workers to take devices home, then assert the right to spy on them using those devices, installing their own certificates so they can stage "man-in-the-middle" interceptions of private sessions between employees and their email providers, financial institutions, etc.





Employers say that employees should just maintain two separate constellations of devices, one personal, and not conduct any personal business on them. This is at best unrealistic, and at worst cynical bullshit. Every study conducted of these situations shows that no one  not careful lawyers, not secrecy-conscious spies, not criminals, not government employees  can reliably separate their work and personal business on separate devices.





Worse yet is the idea  further normalized by the school districts  that your employer has the absolute right to spy on everything you do while you're on the job. If intercepting and reading your personal email is fair game, then why not install hidden mics in the parking lot to listen in when your spouse drops in to discuss their cancer diagnosis during a tense one-on-one by the car?

Schools have long been accused of serving as a kind of training ground for the depredations of the industrial workplace  regimented places of silent sitting in neatly squared-up rows where even going to the toilet requires permission and a clanging bell signals the start and end of your tasks. But this is some next-level 21st century stuff.

The ACLU of Rhode Island points out that rich kids will get to bring their own devices to school and opt out of the surveillance. They've drafted model legislation that "would limit when an administrator or third party can remotely access devices to instances where there is reasonable belief that misconduct, as spelled out in school policies, took place, or if a warrant is present."

ACLU-RI raises the spectre of the Lower Merion School District, a story I broke in 2010, in which the wealthiest school district in America issued mandatory laptops to its students, then secretly operated their webcams to shoot thousands of covert photos of disfavored students  in states of undress, asleep, awake, at home and at school.



Providing students with some expectation of privacy is important for a number of reasons.

First, the home has often been deemed the quintessential private space beyond the reach of

government snooping in the absence of exigent circumstances or judicial authorization.

The notion of the home as one's castle dates back centuries as both a social and legal norm.

Using new technology as an excuse to invade this sanctum should be forcefully rejected, as

the consequences for privacy rights of both adults and minors are potentially enormous. Further, some school districts specifically acknowledge that the

1:1 computers can be used for non-school work at home, and at

least one policy encourage parents to use the devices. In other

words, even accepting the assumption, which the ACLU does not,

that a school district should have the right to monitor a student's

educational activities miles away, even though conducted on his

or her own time, it is another matter entirely for schools to be

able to find out how the device is being used by non-students

and by minors legitimately using the computer for private

purposes.

Yet all twenty-two school districts that participate in the 1:1 program have cautioned

within their policies that students who use the device have no) expectation) of) privacy

whatsoever. Typical is Narragansett's policy, which states that students "understand that

there is no expectation of privacy when using the District network and devices."



Instead, several policies authorize school officials to remotely monitor the device outside of

school  including accessing files and emails and in some cases even the webcam  and to

physically inspect the computer without the need for any suspicion of misconduct. Most 1:1

policies covered in this report apprise students that every document, file and email may be

generally accessible to the scrutiny of administrators inside and outside of school for any

reason.



HIGH SCHOOL NON-CONFIDENTIAL:

How School)Loaned Computers May Be

Peering Into Your Home [American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island]

In Rhode Island, Some Schools Think They Have the Right to Spy on Students With School Laptops [ALCU]
Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed a bill on Thursday that would allow religious child welfare agencies to operate according to its religious beliefs without fear of penalty.

House Bill 3859 was passed in both chambers of the state legislature in May, with a 93 to 49 vote in the House, and a 21 to 10 vote in the Senate.

The bill has been controversial. Supporters said that the bill is a necessary measure to protect faith-based agencies from facing penalty for adhering to their religious conscience, such as by refusing to place children in certain potential foster families, or placing children in religious schools. Opponents argued this bill would give religious agencies the license to discriminate against individuals such as those in the LGBT community.

It is the intent of the legislature to maintain a diverse network of service providers that offer a range of foster capacity options and that accommodate children from various cultural backgrounds, the bill text reads.

To that end, the legislature expects reasonable accommodations to be made by the state to allow people of diverse backgrounds and beliefs to be a part of meeting the needs of children in the child welfare system, the bill goes on. Decisions regarding the placement of children shall continue to be made in the best interest of the child, including which person is best able to provide for the childs physical, psychological, and emotional needs and development.

However, opponents argue that the laws intent was never about the best interests of Texans or of children, but about forwarding a political agenda to codify the permission to discriminate against LGBTQ Texans into state law, as GLAADs president Sarah Kate Ellis put it in a statement.

House Rep. James Frank, who sponsored the bill, rejected claims that the bill is discriminatory, as foster families will always have options other than religious agencies from which to receive foster children.

The bill seeks to protect faith-based providers from adverse actions for exercising their deeply held religious beliefs, Frank said.

At the same time, it requires the Department of Family and Protective Services to ensure alternative providers are present to offer any service denied for reasons of sincerely held religious beliefs, he added. Not one foster parent/family who wants to provide a home for our kids will be denied from doing so. Not one.
Several years ago, I took a group of college students to the Amazon basin to share the love of Christ in some remote river communities. After a few days in one village, I left a small group of students there and continued upriver to another village. After I left, a young family in the community tragically lost a 6-month-old baby to an unknown illness and dehydration. The parents asked my students to do the funeral. These 19- and 20-year-olds were not prepared for the emotional and spiritual gravitas of the situation. They did the best they could to minister to that family. But they all felt the acute burden of answering the inevitable theological questions arising from such a difficult loss: What happens when children die? Are they saved? What do we say to comfort grieving parents?

It is natural, maybe even inevitable, that we seek comfort in the hope that God welcomes little ones in heaven when their time on earth is cut painfully short. While most Christians affirm the doctrine of inherited sin and confess that forgiveness of sin comes only through personal faith in Christ, we also believe God is good and gracious in cases when a lost child was too young to make a profession of faith. How is it, though, that God would save young children without the need for repentance of sin and expressed faith in Christ?

Theologians and Christian leaders throughout history have sought to answer this knotty problem. Augustine and Ambrose argued that since infants inherit the guilt of sin, not just the sin nature, only baptized infants would be saved. John Calvin and C. H. Spurgeon maintained that Gods election could extend to infants and children, so they were already predestined for salvation. And a variation of this view argues ...

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As far back as Aristotle, philosophers have assumed that the human mind at birth is a blank slatetabula rasa. The articulated modern theory is generally attributed to John Locke, who argued that since people are born as a blank slate, they can author the content of their soul. Psychologist Sigmund Freud further asserted that the job of society, particularly parents, is to form children into moral, civilized beings. Subscribers to this view generally favor nurture in the classic nature versus nurture debate.

The legal concept of mens rea or guilty mind means to define at what point a child can understand and intentionally commit a crime. The emphasis is on intentionality, not guilt. Even if guilt can be proven, intentionality must also be proven before an individual can be punished. The concept grows out of the nurture perspectivesociety is responsible for moral development in children.

In a parallel discussion on spiritual accountability, Christians have tended to consider whether babies have a sin nature. The emphasis is on culpabilityare children capable of right and wrong? Parents know even young children are capable of behaving badly or well. Because of this, Christians have debated an age of accountability, attempting to account for how God might still save children who havent reached an age when they understand their sin.

Yet as modern science asks questions about babies morality, it helps us consider human nature as morality developed throughout our lives from infanthood to our senior years. What we find is not so black and white but a developed sense of morality resulting from a mix of nature and nurture.

Can My Baby Sin?

First, in contradiction with early philosophers, ...

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I had the privilege or reading a pre-release version of "God Shines Forth: How the Nature of God Shapes and Drives the Mission of the Church." Here are 20 quotes from the book, which you should pick up.
Young, educated, and successful, Mabel Lee had a bright future ahead of her in 1924. She was the daughter of a prominent Chinese American pastor and community leader, she had recently finished a PhD, and her work to promote womens suffrage had been covered by The New York Times. She was well-connected with the emerging leaders in China and was just beginning to establish her own place in shaping its future when tragedy struck. Her father, who had dedicated his life to ministering to the Chinese American community in New York, passed away suddenly, leaving his ministry and his family behind. Astonishingly, Mabel chose to give up her incredible opportunities in China to return and carry on the ministry her father started, a ministry that still endures today.

The early 20th century was an extraordinarily difficult period for Chinese Americans. Decades of federal legislation prohibiting Chinese working class immigrants from coming to America had taken its toll. Exclusion laws resulted in an overwhelmingly male Chinese population. Residential racial segregation created the urban ghettos that became Americas Chinatowns. In turn, these communities were riddled with tensions between rival fraternities, family associations, and political factions (known as tongs) that often engaged in human trafficking and violent crimes. Popular opinion considered Chinese people heathen and perpetual foreigners.

Protestant missionaries and Chinese converts were among the few that engaged Chinese immigrants, often driven by evangelistic and social reform motives. Many missionaries and converts also publicly refuted popular opinions of the Chinese, portraying them (especially the American-born) in reports, magazines, and ...
home World School board in Canada pressures Christian academy to remove Bible verses from student handbook

A public school board has asked a Christian school in Alberta, Canada to remove Biblical passages from its student handbook because the trustees believe that the verses might contravene the province's human rights code.

On Thursday, Battle River School Division (BRSD) board met with officials of Cornerstone Christian Academy (CCA) in Kingman, Alberta to discuss the board's request to drop certain Bible verses from its student handbook, CBC reported.

The Christian school's handbook contained a reference to I Corinthians 6:9-11, which states that neither "fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate ... shall inherit the kingdom of God." The document also includes a verse from the fifth chapter of Galatians which refers to adultery, fornication, uncleanness and lasciviousness.

BRSD's Diane Hutchinson said trustees were concerned that the verses in the handbook might contravene Alberta's human rights legislation, but CCA board chair Deanna Margel said that the reference is a scriptural footnote in an updated Statement of Faith.

Margel said that the academy has agreed to drop the Bible verses from the handbook, but the school has raised concerns that the board now wants to limit what Bible passages can be taught to the students.

The Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms (JCCF), which is representing the school, stated that CCA will not allow the school board to dictate which parts of the Bible are acceptable and which are not.

"The government's duty of neutrality, required by the Supreme Court of Canada, means that a school board cannot dictate whether verses in the Torah, Koran, New Testament or Guru Granth Sahib are acceptable," said JCCF Carpay in a press release, as reported by Life Site News.

According to CBC, the board had planned to announce that CCA had agreed to remove the passages from the handbook at Thursday's meeting. But instead, board chair Laurie Skori expressed disappointment about how CCA went public with the board's request.

"We are now at the centre of a firestorm as a result of information distributed without our knowledge, by the Cornerstone Christian School Society board and their partner in this process, the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms," Skori said.

"Hate mail is flowing, misinformation and fear-mongering are widespread. The Cornerstone society has compromised our reputation, risked our safety and broken our trust," she added.

Skori has maintained that the school board does not intend to restrict any of CCA's religious teachings. The board moved a motion to meet with CCA's officials to discuss whether the academy will adhere to the public school board's rules before June 27.
Bracewell, the Houston-based law firm, is beefing up its technology practice area. Toward that end, the firm hired an intellectual property lawyer from a rival firm.

Douglas W. Rommelmann left his post as partner at Andrews Kurth Kenyon, a firm founded 115 years ago in Houston, to join Bracewell. Rommelmann advises companies on patent, trademark, copyright and trade secret law in a variety of industries including oil and gas, banking and medicine.
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Oil headed for the longest run of weekly losses since August 2015 as OPEC member Libya restored production just as the surplus in the U.S. showed few signs of abating.

While futures added 0.9 percent in New York, theyre down 2.1 percent for the week, a fourth straight decline. U.S. inventories fell less than forecast last week, keeping supplies more than 100 million barrels above the five-year average, according to data from the Energy Information Administration on Wednesday. Libya, exempt from the OPEC-led deal to cut supply, will boost output to 1 million barrels a day by the end of July, according to the countrys National Oil Co.

RELATED: 'There's crude oil everywhere, man'

Oil slumped to the lowest close in seven months this week as concerns grew that rising U.S. supplies will offset the production curbs by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies including Russia. New non-OPEC output next year will be more than enough to meet demand growth, the International Energy Agency said Wednesday in its first forecast for 2018.

There is really no bullish twist to the latest U.S. data, said Michael Dei-Michei, head of research at Vienna-based consultants JBC Energy GmbH. Implied crude production seems to have moved upwards at a rather rapid pace, U.S. gasoline demand has taken a turn to the downside just as the summer driving season starts and total U.S. oil stocks have not drawn for two weeks.

West Texas Intermediate for July delivery was at $44.80, up 34 cents at on the New York Mercantile Exchange, up 39 cents, at about 8:30 a.m. Central. The contract lost 27 cents to $44.46 on Thursday, the lowest since Nov. 14.

RELATED: Oil market signal: Slow down shale drillers

Brent for August settlement rose 58 cents to $47.50 a barrel on the London-based ICE Futures Europe exchange. Prices are down 1.4 percent this week. The global benchmark crude traded at a premium of $2.39 to August WTI.

Libyan output will reach 900,000 barrels a day within days, National Oil Co. said on its website, citing Chairman Mustafa Sanalla. OPEC production jumped last month as Libya and Nigeria revived supply halted by attacks and political crises, a report from the group showed on Tuesday.

Oil-market news:

Canadas oil-sands will increase production rapidly in the next three years, ranking only behind U.S. shale as the biggest contributor to global supply growth.

Even if crude stockpiles drop in the next six months, concerns may shift to the paper market, Bank of America Merrill Lynch said in a report, forecasting oil in New York will trade at $47 a barrel by the end of the second quarter.

--With assistance from Serene Cheong and Ben Sharples

To contact the reporter on this story: Grant Smith in London at gsmith52@bloomberg.net.

To contact the editors responsible for this story: James Herron at jherron9@bloomberg.net, Dylan Griffiths, Alex Devine

2017 Bloomberg L.P.
Many San Antonio Metallica fans were stunned to learn that the Alamodome had cut off beer sales during the Wednesday night concert, but it wasn't until Friday that the venue revealed the truth behind what happened.

"How do you run out of beer," one Twitter user sitting in Section 336 said online.

Upset concertgoers, who were not told why the venue stopped selling beer, took to Twitter Wednesday night to complain about the apparent shortage during the concert.

On Friday the Alamodome disclosed the nature of Metallica's contract, which includes a request by the band to stop beer sales when they take the stage.

ORIGINAL STORY: S.A. metal heads reportedly drank the Alamodome out of beer in places before Metallica went on

"It is common practice for Metallica to request that beer sales be discontinued as soon as the band takes the stage," Nicholas Langella, Alamodome general manager, said in a statement on Friday. "Thus, beginning at 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday, all beer concessions were closed."

The apparent "beer shortage" was one of the main talking points of the Wednesday night show, and when asked by mySA.com Thursday if the Alamdome had run out of beer, representatives did not take the opportunity to put the rumors to rest.

Officials said Thursday the venue wasn't sold out of brew, but did say the crowd "loved their beer" and hit some concession stands harder than others. The Alamodome said the early sale of beer, which started at 4 p.m., also contributed to increased sales.

RELATED: Review: Metallica makes thunderous return to San Antonio

Live Nation told mySA.com 50,000 people attended the Metallica show, and the outrage over the beer sales fiasco was hard to ignore.

The Alamodome is now changing their policy as a result of the confusion.

"In the future, we will ensure that in the event the artist imposes such restrictions, this will be posted at each concession stand," the Alamodome said.

mmendoza@mysa.com

Twitter: @MaddySkye
After years of drought left Texas lakes parched, water-front home sales now are on the rebound.

According to the Reserve at Lake Travis in Austin, sales of lake front homes in Texas are returning to rates that are on par with the mid-2000s. The resort community said it saw $30 million in sales last year.


On June 16, 1963, Soviet cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova became the first woman in space. She orbited the Earth 48 times over a period of three days. Inspired by Yuri Gagarin who in 1961 became the first person in space, Tereshkova applied to the Russian space program and was accepted based on her extensive background as a skydiver. It wasn't until 40 years later that Tereshkova's nearly tragic experience in orbit was made public.



An error in the spacecraft's automatic navigation software caused the ship to move away from Earth. Tereshkova noticed this and Soviet scientists quickly developed a new landing algorithm. Tereshkova landed safely but received a bruise on her face.





She landed in the Altay region near today's Kazakhstan-Mongolia-China border. Villagers helped Tereshkova out of her spacesuit and asked her to join them for dinner. She accepted, and was later reprimanded for violating the rules and not undergoing medical tests first.
One person is dead Friday after a woman shot at a car parked outside of a northwest Houston apartment complex.

Late Thursday or early Friday the eventual victim and two women were sitting in the victim's car, parked outside of the Candlelight Manor Apartments at 712 Pinemont, said Blake Roberts, an investigator with the Houston Police Department.
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Could Rice Universitys David Leebron be in the running for Harvard Universitys top job?

The Boston Globe floated Rices longtime leader as one of the people potentially in the running for Harvards presidency, vacated this week by Drew Gilpin Faust.

Leebron, they note, has grown Rices undergraduate student body and expanded its physical presence in Houston. (The Globe also mentions Leebrons Harvard pedigree  he earned his bachelors and law degree at the Ivy League university.)

Lets first state the obvious. The Globes list is a little far-fetched. Former President Barack Obama and Federal Reserve chairwoman Janet Yellen are dubbed unconventional picks.

But theres an argument to make for Leebron moving back to his Crimson roots. Hes led Rice since 2004, far longer than seven years, which is the average length of a college presidents service, according to the American Council on Education.

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Hes also taken on a top leadership position in higher education nationally: Last fall, the prestigious Association of American Universities named him its board chair. Harvard was a founding member of that group of top research universities.

Leebron has gained national prominence weighing in on hot-button issues this year, too.

He pledged never to reveal students immigration status, citizenship or national origin, absent legal compulsion, after President Donald Trumps travel ban. In the fall, he asked college presidents nationwide to support Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, which allows students -- who are in the country illegally -- to work toward a college degree without fearing deportation.

And Leebron wouldnt be the first Rice president to move from Houston to another elite institution.

Kenneth Pitzer assumed Stanford Universitys presidency after serving at Rice from 1961 to 1968. George Erik Rupp went to Columbia University after leading Rice from 1985 to 1993. (Rupp and Leebron overlapped at Columbia, where Leebron was the law schools dean from 1996 to 2004.)

A Rice spokesman said the university doesn't comment on other institutions' searches for new employees.

Harvard officials didnt immediately respond to a request for comment.
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The southeast Texas health system that reported on Thursday the first cases of the Zika virus in Harris County in 2017, six then-pregnant women, has backed off the claim.

Legacy Community Health, the network of clinics where the women had their blood drawn, announced Friday that an in-depth review since conducted only determined that the expectant mothers were infected with a virus from the family that includes not just Zika but West Nile, dengue and yellow fever, among others.

"We can only confirm the individuals were exposed to a flavivirus, which can include Zika as well as other viruses," Dr. Ann Barnes, Legacy's chief medical officer, said in a statement. "The laboratory results do not provide a conclusive diagnosis that the women became infected specifically with Zika virus. Legacy regrets the error."

All of the women delivered their babies, none with the abnormally small head that characterizes the worst form of Zika when the virus is passed on by the mother. The women, who contracted the mosquito-borne virus south of the border, were tested because of their risky travel histories, not because they were experiencing Zika symptoms.

Legacy officials did not respond to follow-up inquiries Friday.

A Houston health department spokesman said the mistake involved a misinterpretation of the results the Centers for Disease Control sent Legacy in late May. Flaviviruses can be hard to differentiate because, structurally, they look very similar.

Both the Houston and Harris County health departments contacted Legacy on Thursday to look closer at the test results because the report of new cases conflicted with their Zika records.

RELATED: Texas women unaware of Zika basics

Legacy's report had heightened concern about the coming Zika season in the U.S. Gulf Coast, which experts believes appears less threatening than last year's. Zika activity is down in most of South America, the Caribbean and Central America, the areas that imported most of the U.S. cases last year.

But Houston Zika expert Dr. Peter Hotez suggested Friday that Legacy's six cases may still have been Zika.

"The flaviviruses circulating most commonly from November to spring in Mexico and Central America are dengue fever and Zika," said Hotez, founding dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital. "I'd suspect dengue first because its numbers are the highest, but if they were infected with it, they'd likely be sick. That they weren't suggests Zika."

Zika, which has spread to more than 80 countries since emerging as a global threat a decade ago, has been linked to microcephaly, in which the infected mother's baby is born with an abnormally small head and brain. The condition can result in developmental delays, intellectual disability and hearing, vision and feeding problems.
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Houston's suburbs are booming and that means new residents deciding where to raise their children and what schools to send them to.

While public schools largely study the same curriculum, not all perform the same.

Children at Risk, a nonprofit organization that studies Texas' public education system, recently released its annual rankings for the Lone Star State's best elementary, middle and high schools.

IN THE LOOP: Ranking HISD's best schools

Their data show that even schools within the same district can vastly differ in the quality of their education.

In order to rank the schools, researchers examined standardized test scores, high school graduation rates and participation rates in advanced placement courses.

In addition, researchers compared campuses across the state with similar levels of poverty to eliminate bias against economically disadvantaged schools.

SUBURB THEFTS: The strange things people steal

Dozens of school districts in the Houston area were ranked against each other, as well as schools around the state.

The new data can serve as an interesting tool to narrow down the cream of the crop when it comes to public education.

Click through above to see the Houston-area suburbs' best elementary, middle and high schools.
President Donald Trump upended the business and travel hopes of many Houstonians on Friday as he announced a significant rollback to his predecessor's efforts to normalize relations with Cuba.

"Effective immediately, I am canceling the last administration's completely one-sided deal with Cuba," Trump said Friday during a speech in Miami.

Trump announced he is restricting U.S. dollars, which he said find their way to the Communist government's military, and re-enforcing the ban on tourism and continuing the 56-year-old trade embargo. He will, however, keep open the U.S. embassy in Cuba.

He said the U.S. will not lift sanctions on the Cuban regime until political prisoners are released, freedom of assembly is respected, political parties are legalized, and free and internationally supervised elections are scheduled.

"We challenge Cuba to come to the table with a new agreement that is in the best interest of both their people and our people," Trump said, "and also Cuban-Americans."

Mark Jones, a political scientist at Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy, said his new policies could curtail the number of Houstonians who travel to Cuba as de facto tourists through the "people-to-people" educational exemption permitted by Obama's administration.

HoustonChronicle: First flight to Havana takes wing

It could also cause exports through the Port of Houston to drop off modestly. The export of food products, construction materials and IT materials were somewhat opened by President Barack Obama's administration, Jones said. Trump prohibiting financial transactions with companies controlled by Cuba's military complicates those exports.

That reduction won't be too noticeable.

"Because of the embargo, exports to Cuba are already minuscule," Jones said.

He also noted that Cuba is an untapped market that Houston business owners would like to access.

"This is a huge setback," said Laura Murillo, president and CEO of the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

Having participated in Mayor Sylvester Turner's business delegation to Cuba earlier this year, Murillo said she saw tremendous business opportunities for Houstonians in Cuba.

The city's proximity to the island nation, shared languages and cultural ties, and Cuba's willingness to open its doors to local entrepreneurs in a variety of industries placed Houston in the best position to maximize relations with Cuba, Murillo said.

MORE: Cuban business delegation makes rounds in Texas

That opportunity, she said, is now upended.

"Houstonians for the most part want to do business with whoever wants to do business with them," she said.

Mike Weingart, Houston-based president of the southwest chapter of the American Society of Travel Agents, also believes they should have the freedom to travel.

"Americans should be able to travel to any country they want," he said.

He was in Washington last week with other travel agents to lobby for legislation that would get rid of the travel ban. The American Society of Travel Agents estimates that at least two million additional Americans would visit Cuba by 2019 if there were to be a full lifting of travel restrictions in 2017.

The Freedom to Travel to Cuba Act would repeal all provisions of law relating to U.S. residents' travel to Cuba in their entirety, saying simply that "the President may not prohibit or otherwise regulate, directly or indirectly, travel to or from Cuba by United States citizens or legal residents," according to a news release.

Jones, however, said this legislation is unlikely to be successful. Opening access to Cuba is widely supported in America, but it's not passionately supported. Opposition to normalized relations, however, has very loud and passionate supporters. And these opponents are more likely to retaliate against senators and representatives.

"It's not a coincidence that Trump is giving this speech in the epicenter of anti-Castro sentiment," Jones said.

HoustonChronicle: From dreams to deep despair

He added that it's interesting Trump isn't restoring the so-called "wet foot, dry foot" policy that allows Cubans to stay legally in the U.S. if they made it to the American border. Obama repealed that policy earlier this year.

Because of Trump's position on immigration, Jones said the president could get backlash for restoring this policy.

"He's making a symbolic gesture to Cuban-Americans," Jones said, "but he's not going as far as he could, which would be restoring the wet foot, dry foot policy."

Jorge Ferragut, executive director of Casa Cuba (Cuba House), a Houston-based social organization with strong anti-Castro sentiments, added that Cubans don't expect "anything good from any U.S. president."

He said presidents always act on the U.S.'s best interests not Cuban interests. The Castro dictatorship has continued to jail dissidents and has made it complicated for businesses to actually get paperwork approved to operate on the island. Obama's efforts were a joke, he said.

"President Obama sold illusions," he said. "Cuba is still not a liberated country."

MORE: Local Cubans celebrate Castro's death
A respected state research cooperative will release on Monday a report on the effects of hydraulic fracturing on communities in Texas.

The Academy of Medicine, Engineering and Science of Texas, a conglomerate of Texas research scientists across disciplines, has spent two years reviewing the impacts of shale oil and gas development on earthquakes, wildlife, air quality, water, transportation and area residents.
Houston police have released a disturbing video of a daytime home invasion that turned violent in May.

On May 19 at about 12:30 p.m., a silver Mazda SUV can be seen in surveillance video arriving at a home in the 1500 block of South Kirkwood in the Memorial area.

Five men armed with handguns exited the vehicle and broke through the home's front door with a large rock, police said.

Suspects can be seen in the video arriving with the rock in their vehicle, and taking it with them as they leave. The suspect vehicle leaves the scene while the suspects enter the home and returns afterward.

A male homeowner was alone in the house, police said. The suspects tied up and beat the homeowner while demanding money.

STILL AT LARGE: Detectives continue search for suspect in deadly 2016 home invasion

The suspects stole money from the homeowner's business, guns, ammunition and other items, and can be seen on video putting the items in the SUV before fleeing the scene.

Houston police said the five suspects spoke Spanish.

Anyone with information on this case may report anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers by calling 713-222-8477, texting TIP610 plus the tip to 274637 or reporting online at www.houstonpolicerobbery.org.
Monday marks 152 years of freedom in Texas.

While Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1862, it wasn't until June 19, 1865 that slaves were freed in this state. Texas was the last to liberate its people, and it all happened in Galveston.

(In the gallery above, see Texans who were formerly enslaved as they looked in the 1930s, decades after Juneteenth. President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal program made this possible, when it commissioned writers to document their narratives.)

The order granting slaves their freedom was issued by Union Gen. Gordon Granger on the island. Historians still dispute whether Granger announced the order while standing on the balcony of Ashton Villa or in a notice posted to his headquarters at The Strand and 22nd Street.

RE-OPENING: Emancipation Park was never dead. But now it has been reborn.

Gen. Granger's General Orders No. 3. reads, in part:

"The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired labor. The freedmen are advised to remain quietly at their present homes and work for wages. They are informed that they will not be allowed to collect at military posts and that they will not be supported in idleness either there or elsewhere."

(Story continues below.)

The momentous day is especially significant because at one point, one-third of Texas' population was enslaved, roughly 183,000 individuals. Slave-owners across the nation had transferred slaves to Texas, since they though it was a sanctuary. According to a historian, 125,000 slaves were transported to this state to avoid the federal decree.

RANKING: How Houston's parks rank against other cities

While Monday signals 152 years of Texas' free population, Juneteenth wasn't considered a holiday until 1979. While it was celebrated in the time just following the initial Texas proclamation, its popularity declined during World War II through the Civil Rights Era. The holiday saw a revival in the 1970s, when it spread throughout the South.

It's now recognized annually as the conclusion to one of this state's most shameful eras.

This year's local Juneteenth celebration will be particularly memorable for Houstonians, since the city's Emancipation Park, 3018 Emancipation Ave., is sporting a new look. The sacred Third Ward parcel of land is a property purchased by a group of former slaves and their descendants. Recently, it underwent a $33.6 million comprehensive remodel that debuted over the weekend.
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Houston Police Department investigators are standing on the banks of Houston bayous this summer, watching and waiting as contractors dive into the muddy waters to find dozens of submerged vehicles in an effort that began Wednesday, according to the Harris County Flood Control District.

Police expect to find evidence of crimes dating back decades. In recent efforts, many of the discovered vehicles had been reported stolen years ago, such as one from a 1999 armed robbery and another after a 2000 home invasion, according to the flood control district. The oldest vehicle recovered in the pilot project last year was a 1978 Datsun 280Z reported stolen in 1982.

Some cars, however, have contained human remains, such as a sedan pulled in December 2016 from Buffalo Bayou in George Bush Park and another pulled in July 2015 from Sims Bayou, the Chronicle previously reported. That's less likely, but not out of the realm of possibility.

More than 100 possible submerged vehicles were identified in 2012 when Texas Equusearch, a nonprofit that organizes search parties for missing people, conducted a sonar survey of the bayous.

Russ Poppe, the flood control district's executive director, said the Equusearch map has proved invaluable, as vehicles generally sit in the same spots five years

As vehicles are tugged out of the water, police look for any clear evidence that could help solve an investigation, Poppe said. Then the vehicles go to city lots where police examine them more closely before they head to an evidence lot or disposal.

"I think there's a high degree of concern that these vehicles (may contain) evidence that would solve a missing-persons case," Poppe said. "There's a strong desire to find out what secrets do lie in these submerged vehicles."

A pilot project in 2016 removed 20 vehicles and paved the way for follow-up efforts, the flood control district said. This phase of the project began Wednesday and will continue for about two months, funded equally by the city of Houston and Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Jack Morman. Work could continue in the future if vehicles remain after this summer.

Harris County awarded the $218,255 contract to Huffman Contractors LLC, a Port Arthur-based diving and marine construction company. Poppe said they were selected through a competitive bidding process run by Harris County purchasing officials. They are expected to remove about 65 vehicles.

"The contractor will use certified commercial divers and an excavator mounted on a series of floating barges to extract the submerged vehicles, along with other techniques," according to the flood control district, which oversees projects meant to reduce the damage from flooding from the 2,500 or so miles of bayous and creeks in Harris County. The divers operate according to strict safety protocols.

"That's why you don't see us yanking out dozens of vehicles a day," Poppe said. "It is a slow process because we want to make sure that it's a safe process."

In addition to providing new evidence for criminal investigations, removing vehicles from the bayous carries some environmental benefits.

"As vehicles get put in the bayous, they have a tendency to leak the liquids that keep them running the oil, the antifreeze, the gas," Poppe said. Getting the vehicles out of the water may prevent further contamination.

The locations targeted this summer include Lidstone Street on Brays Bayou, other spots along Brays Bayou and several parts of Sims Bayou.
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ALBANY  The former University at Albany students who were convicted of falsely reporting a hate crime on a CDTA bus last year avoided jail time Friday, and instead received a sentence of probation, community service and a fine.

The possibility of jail time for Ariel Agudio and Asha Burwell loomed large over Friday's sentencing in Albany County Court, where spectators and supporters of the women packed a standing room-only gallery. The Albany County Probation Department had recommended a split sentence for the women  time in jail followed by time on probation.

But Roger McDonough, the acting justice who presided over the eight-day trial in April and offered stern words for the women Friday, instead imposed a sentence of three years' probation, 200 hours of community service and a $1,000 fine.

"There have been significant consequences already for what has happened, but I don't think there's any benefit in sentencing you to a jail term  no benefit for society and no benefit for you," he said.

The year-and-a-half-long saga isn't quite over yet. Attorneys for the women filed a notice Friday to appeal the convictions, though they won't be seeking a stay of the sentence, attorney Mark Mishler said.

Prior to Friday's sentencing, Assistant District Attorney David Rossi told the judge that his office had never been interested in jail time for the women, and indeed still wasn't.

"This case has never been about jail for us," he said. "It has been about taking responsibility and setting the record straight so the community would heal. The defendants have chosen this path instead. Even now, all we're asking for is an apology."

That apology never came, though the women did express regret Friday at becoming involved in a fight that escalated the way it did. Their attorneys told the judge that the women could not in good conscience apologize for making a report, though, when they genuinely believed they had been the victims of a hate crime that January night.

The case against Agudio and Burwell has attracted national attention in the year and a half since the women first called 911 and took to social media to report they had been attacked on a bus by a group of white students because they were black.

Fellow students and members of the public were initially outraged to hear of the incident, but soon soured after video footage from the bus appeared to show the opposite: the black women attacking white passengers on the bus. Audio of the 911 calls were also released in which Agudio could be heard saying "I beat up a boy" and "I had three bitches down" before an operator picked up.

Alexis Briggs, a fellow student who also reported a hate crime but faced lesser charges, accepted a plea deal from the district attorney's office last summer of community service in exchange for a public apology.

Agudio and Burwell, who were expelled from the university following the ordeal, rejected a deal.

McDonough told them Friday he had heard nothing throughout the trial or afterwards that demonstrated they had any "true acknowledgement" of the chaos their actions caused.

"I've seen the video. The jurors saw the video  all the video from the bus," he said. "What occurred on that bus is nothing close to what you reported Ms. Agudio and Ms. Burwell."

He scolded Agudio, in particular, for her comments on the 911 call, in which she sounded "cavalier and certainly gleeful" about assaulting other students and warned the operator she would "contact the news" if nothing was done.

Both sides seemed concern about the long-term impact of the case.

Reciting the fable of "The Boy Who Cried Wolf," in which a shepherd boy falsely cries wolf to compel villagers to come help and is then unaided when a wolf really does come, McDonough lamented the potential that future victims of racially motivated attacks would not be believed because of the women's false report.

"What is clear to this court after hearing all the testimony in trial and what you've said today is that you chose to cynically, deliberately, selfishly and dishonestly manipulate the village just like the boy who cried wolf," he said. "You manipulated law enforcement. You manipulated the UAlbany community. You manipulated the larger community. You manipulated the media. What your motivation for it I can't be sure."

But attorneys for the women saw it another way: These women believed they had been attacked and, following university protocol, reported it to police. In return, they were punished for daring to call it a hate crime.

A number of UAlbany faculty members wrote letters to the judge prior to sentencing, urging him not to impose a jail sentence for, among other reasons, the chilling effect it could have on other students who experience bias-related crimes, Mishler said.

"These are people who are deeply engaged with students on campus," he said. "Students talk with them about the bias experiences they have had. And they are concerned that now, these students may be reluctant to seek help should they ever need it."

As of Friday afternoon, supporters of the women had raised $3,485 on the crowdfunding site YouCaring.com to help offset legal fees and other expenses related to the appeals process.

The district attorney's office spent $3,269.62 on travel, lodging and meal costs to prosecute the case, according to credit card statements obtained by the Times Union under the Freedom of Information Law.
A Houston man killed himself and his wife in a murder-suicide Friday afternoon at a home in northeast Houston, according to the Houston Police Department.

Police received a call around 3:50 p.m. that a woman had been shot in the 6200 block of Gaston, according to HPD.
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When city workers were cleaning out a city tunnel this month near The Pearl, they came across something they didn't expect.

Mechanic Alfred De Hoyos discovered a large snake while cleaning the tunnel June 9 on Josephine Street across from The Pearl, said Nefi Garza, assistant director of the city's Transportation and Capital Improvements Department.

"Wow!! How brave," reads a post on Facebook. "What do you think, San Antonio's new mascot?"

After capturing the snake, Garza said it had to be killed due to its aggressive nature, an act the department tries to avoid.

"We had to respond," to protect the staffers, Garza said, adding he did not know what kind of snake it was.

RELATED: Texas fisherman shares surprise encounter with 4-foot-long river snake

The snake was found during a routine sweep of the tunnel before water could be recirculated through it and out to the San Antonio River. Employees clean out any debris or trash in the tunnel before pumping water into the river.

Although the snake had to be disposed of, Garza said finding the reptile speaks to how healthy the San Antonio River is.

"The fact that the river has fish and fauna and birds and snakes are attracted to that, it's not surprising," he said. "We've been taking a lot of steps to clean up and make sure the river healthy through educational components and our website. Honestly, this snake was a manifestation of that."

RELATED: Texas expert debunks viral Facebook post about venomous snakes in water

"We find all kinds of critters like this," he added.

Everything from snakes to couches have floated into the tunnel only to be found by workers days later.

"It's a low spot. When it floods, all the water carries everything," he said.

To avoid cluttering up the river with trash, Garza suggests San Antonians should head to remembertheriver.com for more information.

kbradshaw@express-news.net

Twitter: @kbrad5
Houston City Council is poised to vote next Wednesday on whether to join litigation challenging the constitutionality of Texas' new "sanctuary cities" law, days before the case's preliminary hearing in San Antonio.

The city attorney's office has recommended Houston sue over the law known as Senate Bill 4, saying it authorizes unconstitutional searches, seizures and detentions, violates officials' First Amendment rights, unlawfully limits local authority and is unconstitutionally vague.
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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Mumbai: Priyanka Chopra, an Indian actress currently in Prague, tells her that she is worried about all of her new things, but she has the courage to go ahead with her. Priyanka on Thursday answered his fans on the answer to a question, When a customer asks her: "What happened at the moment when you were very concerned to achieve something?"

To that, she replied: "Everything I do, something new, I'm apprehensive. But courage of conviction is what I go with." Another fan asked her about how she deals with negativity and the "Bajirao Mastani" actress said that it's hard and it hurts her too. "It's hard to. It hurts too. But you have to live on the side of your truth and go on. And slowly time heals everything," she replied.

The actress also said that haters don't exist in her world, so she has nothing to say to them. Another fan asked the 34-year-old actress about advice she would like to give to women who want to be achievers in their own chosen fields. Priyanka replied by saying: "When you choose something, give it your all." On the acting front, Priyanka's latest release was the Hollywood film "Baywatch", directed by Seth Gordon. The film also featured Zac Efron and Dwayne Johnson.
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 carbon monoxide leak in a building three blocks from the World Trade Center sickened 32 people and raised alarm that shuttered several busy blocks in lower Manhattan at the start of the workday Tuesday, authorities said.

The problem ultimately was traced to a broken boiler pipe in a grocery store basement, Fire Department Chief of Department James Leonard said. But people started feeling faint around 8:30 a.m. just as a worker opened a package in the basement, stirring worries that the parcel might have been poisonous.

The concern brought a police bomb squad and FBI agents to the scene. Authorities ultimately determined the package wasnt hazardous, Leonard said. It contained salad bowls.

A prudent person could make that connection  that the box opened, then we passed out. But between the fire department and the police department, we ruled out that type of incident, he said.

The grocery store, called Amish Market, and the apartments above in the 12-floor building were evacuated as firefighters measured carbon monoxide levels that maxed out their meters in some places. The meters measure up to 1,000 parts per million, enough to render you unconscious very, very quickly, Leonard said.

The normal level of carbon monoxide in a house can be from under one to 15 ppm, depending on whether theres a gas stove, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

While some people passed out in the store, called and its basement, all the injuries were relatively minor, Leonard said.

A person who answered the stores phone later Tuesday said no managers would be available to comment for the rest of the day.

Streets were cordoned off and emergency vehicles massed for several blocks around the building in the chic TriBeCa neighborhood. Small crowds clumped at police lines, tourists snapped photos and workers and residents tried to find out how to get where they were going.

The fire departments preliminary reports described the emergency as a basement fire, but officials later clarified that it was a leak.

Authorities began lifting the lines before noon.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Worley Claims Services Acquires Apex Claims Service of New England

Louisiana-based Worley Claims Services, LLC, an insurance claims services provider, announced the acquisition of Apex Claims Service of New England, LLC, a provider of daily and catastrophe commercial and residential property claims based in Westfield, Massachusetts.

Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. StoneRidge Advisors, LLC advised Worley on the transaction.

Founded in 2005, Apex has established itself as a leading property claims adjusting and services provider in the Northeast. The company specializes in providing daily and complex loss adjusting services for regional and national insurance carriers.

The agreement with Apex is Worleys fifth acquisition since 2015. In July of 2015, Worley acquired NCA Group, a provider of daily and catastrophe residential and commercial property claims services throughout the U.S. In October of 2015, Worley acquired Charlotte, North Carolina-based RJMW Claims Services, a regional provider of daily and catastrophe residential and commercial property claims services. In July of 2016, Worley acquired San Jose, California-based Summit Independent Claim Services, which provides commercial/GA and residential property loss adjusting services. Most recently, in August of 2016, Worley acquired Orlando, Florida-based Nexxus Solutions Group, a national managed repair contractor and service provider network serving the property insurance industry in the U.S. and Canada.

Aon Professional Liability Plus Now Offered to Miscellaneous Small Business Segments

Miscellaneous small business segments now have access to a professional liability insurance solution that can help protect them against errors and omissions (E & O). Aon Affinity, the affinity business of Aon plc, recently launched Aon Professional Liability Plus, a nationwide program that provides malpractice insurance to more than 300 classes of traditionally hard-to-place small businesses.

The program, underwritten by an A-rated carrier, offers coverage for more than 300 classes of miscellaneous professional businesses.

ISO Announces Strategic Alliance with IDP, Inc., to Expand ISO Preferred Data Partnership Program

ISO recently announced a strategic alliance with IDP, Inc., a SaaS provider for the property/casualty insurance industry, that expands the ISO Preferred Data Partnership  a new program in which ISO collects and refines raw policy data directly from insurers and submits reports on their behalf to regulators across the United States. ISO is a Verisk Analytics business.

As part of the ISO Preferred Data Partnership program, insurers will be able to provide native transactional data on premiums and losses directly to ISO. ISO, with IDP, will then convert the data into usable information and submit statistical and regulatory reports on insurers behalf for both basic reporting requirements and special data calls.

Work Comp Study Launches 2017 Claims Operational Survey to Expand Differentiators of Higher Performing Organizations

The Workers Compensation Benchmarking Studys 2017 annual survey is underway, keeping pace with the industry as it strives to do ever better in managing claims. Now in its fifth year, the study continues its potent method of validating how and what higher performing claims organizations are doing compared to industry peers.

Reprising its 2014 survey questions, the study will not only further specify the high performers profile on an expanded set of successful behaviors, but it also will benchmark the industrys overall progress in the past three years. Finally, the survey will continue its exploration of the emerging claims advocacy approach to engaging injured workers.

The studys 2017 focus was once again guided by its Advisory Council of diverse industry executives.

This is the only large-scale survey of claims leaders in workers compensation and its important we substantiate key best practices that are driving better performance, says Rachel Fikes, vice president and study program director at Rising Medical Solutions. Similar to mainstream media, communications about our industry often skew to the negative. Capturing the positive behaviors organizations are employing to advance the industrys delivery of benefits is integral to the studys mission.

Since its inception, nearly 1,200 claims leaders nationwide have contributed their collective intelligence to the studys research on a number of front burner topics such as key performance indicators of success, building talented staffs, and transitioning from process management to outcome management models. Their insights have quantified widespread operational challenges, created a maturing benchmark tool, and pointed the industry towards those differentiating practices yielding the best results.

The 2017 confidential survey will continue throughout June, and is open to management, director, and executive-level leaders who oversee workers compensation claim operations for payer organizations. Those who take the survey will receive a copy of the 2017 Study Report which will be published in November. Claims leaders who wish to participate can take the 2017 survey by clicking here.
Recently the United States 11th Circuit Court of Appeals held, in Great American Alliance Insurance Co. v. Anderson 847 F.3d. 1327 (11th Cir. 2017) that an employee did not go beyond the scope of the employers permissive use of a company vehicle when the employee operated the company vehicle while in an intoxicated state. This case was decided under Georgia law. Previously, the Georgia Supreme Court had held that no distinction existed between the terms actual use and use with respect to a permissive use situation. See e.g. Strickland v. Georgia Casualty and Surety Co. 224 Ga. 487, 489, 162 S.E. 2d 421, 423-424 (Georgia 1968). According to the Georgia Supreme Court, the term use had two meanings. The first meaning related to the operation of the vehicle while the second related to the purpose served by the vehicle. Using that lens, the Georgia Supreme Court held in Strickland that a finding of permissive use under the policy only required permission for the purpose served by the vehicle, and that the operational aspects of the vehicle were unimportant to that determination. The Georgia Supreme Court explained the reason for its prior pronouncements on scope of use in the following way:

The policy, among other things, insures against obligations arising from the negligence or unlawful operation of the described vehicle. Under Appellees contention if the named insured permitted the use of the vehicle, and at the same time prohibited its negligent or unlawful operation, it would defeat the very purpose of the policy. Therefore, the actual use of the vehicle within the meaning of the policy cannot reasonably relate to the particular manner of its operation. At most, it could relate only to whether or not permission to operate the vehicle had been given. And even this would have no application to the first permittee who had been given permission to use the vehicle for a particular purpose since authorization necessarily implies permission to operate the vehicle. Furthermore, the policy provides: the purposes for which the automobile is to be used are business and pleasure. This indicates to us that the policy is concerned with the purpose to be served by the vehicle and not its operation. If the policy intended that actual use included the operation of the vehicle, it could have stated so plainly.

The Georgia Supreme Court has also found that even in scenarios where employees have been determined to violate express prohibitions of the employer regarding the operation of the vehicle, insurance companies could still be found obligated to insure the employee where the use to which the [vehicle] was being put was within the scope of the initial permission, and the first permittee was riding in the [vehicle] or its operation by the second permittee was for his benefit or advantage.

The Georgia Court of Appeals, 20 years after the Strickland case was decided, broke from the Strickland decision when it found that a companys internal rules could govern the scope of permissive use. See Barfield v. Royal Insurance Co. of America, 228 Ga.App.841, 492 S.E. 2d 688 (Georgia Court App. 1997).

The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals in Anderson found that the Strickland and Barfield decisions were irreconcilable because they were predicated upon mutually exclusive premises. On the one hand, the Georgia Supreme Court held that the only inquiry relevant to determining the scope of a generic permissive use clause was whether the vehicle was used for an approved purpose. Strickland 224 Ga. at 492, 162 S.E. 2d at 425. Thus, where a vehicle was used for an approved purpose, the employees violation of explicit company policies would not foreclose the employees status as a permissive user. However, the Barfield court allowed an insurer to look beyond the express purpose identified by the Strickland court to look at the internal rules of the company to determine the scope of permissive use. Barfield, 228 Ga. App. at 843, 492 S.E. 2d at 690. To resolve this irreconcilable difference, the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals noted that the Strickland case had not been overruled, and therefore it governed the current case disposition.

Under a Strickland analysis, the Courts inquiry should have been limited to whether the employer had approved the purpose for which the employee was using the vehicle at the time of the accident.

Under the facts presented in Anderson, an employer, Looper Cabinet Company (LCC) hired an employee, Brian Hensley, to perform services related to cabinet installation. Over the years of his employment, LCC had permitted Hensley to drive its 2008 Chevrolet Silverado for both work and personal purposes. On one occasion, Hensley drank several beers before driving the vehicle. An accident occurred involving Hensley and the driver of another vehicle. For two decades, LCCs internal policies had banned alcoholic beverages on company property and prohibited employees who are under the influence of alcohol from working in the shop on or off the clock.

Based upon Strickland, the Court in Anderson found that the phrase used in the employers insurance policy regarding actual use, was the functional equivalent of the term use. The Court then held that Hensley was a permissive user while intoxicated because the analysis was limited to whether LCC approved the purpose for which Hensley was using the vehicle at the time of the accident.
Recently, three Washington construction contractors were fined by the states Department of Labor & Industries for safety violations after a crane boom made contact with high-voltage power lines at a construction site in Seattle. An estimated 14 kilovolts traveled down the cranes hoist line to the men working below the power lines severely injuring two workers.

As a result of the incident, Marpac Construction, of Seattle, was cited for six workplace safety violations, including three willful violations and fined $133,500. A subcontractor, Spartan Concrete of Kirkland, faces five violations, including two willful violations and $90,000 in fines. Shaffer Crane & Equipment Inc., another subcontractor, was cited for three serious violations and one general violation with a total fine of $5,700.

According to a press release issued by the L&I, an investigation began last fall after news media reported on the incident.

L&I investigators at the site found that a mobile crane and a forklift with a crane-boom attachment had been operating under live high-voltage power lines. The power lines were scheduled to be moved underground, but rather than wait for that work to be done, the companies continued to work under them.

A Shaffer Crane employee was operating the crane and a Spartan foreman was giving signals when the incident happened. Seven workers on site at the time were at risk of electrical shock.

Willful, Serious and General Violations

The willful citations are for not ensuring that protective measures were in place and for not prohibiting work below energized power lines. Marpac was cited for an additional willful violation for not designating a qualified lift director who was aware of the voltages of the power line and the safety requirements for working around them. The investigation found that Marpacs lift director was not aware of the voltages involved or the specific safety requirements.

Marpac was also cited for three serious violations related to inadequate training and for not ensuring an effective accident prevention plan, with penalties totaling $7,500.

The investigation found that Spartans employees were not trained or aware of the danger of working under power lines. Consequently, the concrete company was cited for two serious safety violations and fined $6,000 for not ensuring that employees clearly understood the hazards of overhead power lines and for lack of training and supervision.

Spartan was also cited for one general violation for not holding and documenting walk-around safety inspections at the beginning of the job and weekly.

A willful violation is one where L&I finds evidence of plain indifference or an intentional disregard to a hazard or rule. A serious violation is one where there is a substantial probability that worker death or serious physical harm could result from a hazardous condition.

As a result of the violations and the severity of the injuries, both Marpac Construction and Spartan Concrete have been identified as severe violators and are subject to follow-up inspections to determine if the conditions still exist.

Marpac and Shaffer have appealed the citation, and the appeals are pending. Penalty money paid in connection with a citation is placed in the workers compensation supplemental pension fund, helping workers and families of those who have died on the job.

Ways to Avoid Crane to Power Line Contact

According to the agency, the danger from a crane contacting overhead power lines is well-known. From 1999-2012, there were nine deaths in Washington due to crane contacts with power lines, including a double fatality in 2010.

According to the Electronic Library of Construction Occupational Safety & Health (ELCOSH), certain types of contractors are more likely to come into contact with power lines. These include:

Roofers, siding and sheet metal contractors

Tree trimming contractors

Water, sewer, pipeline and communication contractors

Painting contractors

A 2014 Hanover Insurance Group bulletin detailed those workers especially at risk during work near power lines. The insurer stated, Among those especially at risk are workers handling taglines or crane loads, workers who are in contact with the crane, and operators who leave the crane cab.

In 2012, L&I issued an alert to warn companies of the deadly hazard after receiving reports of six power line contacts by cranes over a six month period. The agency stated that companies operating cranes need to put protective measures in place to prevent crane booms from contacting energized power lines, designate a qualified lift director to ensure the safe operation of the crane and maintain a safe radius from power lines.

According to the Illinois-based American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE), there are several ways companies can mitigate the risk when using a crane around power lines. These include the use of a dedicated spotter, a range of motion limiting device, insulating links and a range control warning device.

OSHA recommends that workers assume all power lines are energized until notification is provided by the power company and the lines are visibly grounded.
AKRON, Ohio -- Barry Rosenbaum, senior fellow at the University of Akron Research Foundation, received an award for advancing entrepreneurship in higher education at the 6th annual Deshpande Symposium in Lowell, Massachusetts.

The Outstanding Contributions to Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Higher Education award recognizes an individual who demonstrates extraordinary achievements, service and/or contributions to advancing the field of entrepreneurship.

Rosenbaum was one of five Deshpande Symposium award winners. He was the only individual recognized with the Outstanding Contributions award this year.

Rosenbaum has affected innovation and entrepreneurship at the University of Akron through faculty development programs; involvement with seed, angel and venture capital funders; collaboration with government institutions and private industry; and mentorship to faculty and students.

"It's been a pleasure and my honor to work with the University of Akron Research Foundation and all my friends at the University of Akron to support faculty and students in their innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives," Rosenbaum said in a news release.

Rosenbaum said he is especially pleased with the progress the Research Foundation has made in its I-Corps programs.

The National Science Foundation's Innovation Corps Sites program enables academic institutions to catalyze teams whose technology concepts are likely candidates for commercialization. Rosenbaum established one of the first three I-Corps programs at the University of Akron.

University of Akron President Matthew Wilson said Rosenbaum's impact goes beyond his work at the university.

"Barry Rosenbaum has significantly impacted innovation and higher education in Northeast Ohio," Wilson said in a news release. "He is always looking for new ways to help, not only at UA, but also across the region."

Rosenbaum's contributions include pioneering an innovative Senior Fellows program, which brings former industry executives to the region to work with emerging technologies and connect with industry partners; collaborating with ExxonMobil Chemical to create a $35 million vocational training program with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in rubber conversion, an effort that has been renewed because of its impact; and founding the ARCHAngels Investment Network.
Disorderly conduct, Prospect Street: A Berea man, 28, was arrested at about 3:15 a.m. June 11 after he was caught walking while intoxicated on Prospect near Aaron Street.

A Prospect resident called police after seeing a male, accompanied by another male and two females, urinate in her yard. The resident ran outside and confronted the male, who was verbally abusive toward the resident.

When police arrived, the two females and two males - one later identified as the 28-year-old Berea man - were still walking on Prospect. When officers asked the four about the urination incident, the Berea man became defensive and asked for a description of the person who complained. He smelled like alcohol, was unsteady on his feet and his speech was slurred.

The man refused to show police identification, saying he knew his rights. The other male in the group advised the Berea man to show officers his identification, but the man refused. Police told the man he was under arrest, but he started walking away, so officers wrestled him to the ground.

Marijuana possession, Prospect Street: A Port St. Lucie, Florida man, 18, was arrested at about 2:05 a.m. June 10 after police found marijuana in his Ford Fusion.

Police stopped the man's car after seeing it weave on southbound Prospect near Harnagy Street. Officers smelled marijuana in the car, but the man said there was no marijuana in his vehicle. He said he must have acquired the odor at a Cleveland Cavaliers watch party, where others were smoking marijuana.

However, police found a plastic food container with marijuana nuggets in the car's passenger-side floorboard; a plastic baggie with marijuana in the front passenger-door pocket; and marijuana shake throughout the car. The man insisted the marijuana wasn't his but agreed to accept a drug charge.

Operating a vehicle under the influence, West Bagley Road: A Parma woman was arrested at about 12:45 a.m. June 11 after police saw a Chrysler 300 she was driving straddle the two westbound lanes of West Bagley near Prospect Street.

Minutes earlier, Berea police had received a call from a citizen, who said the woman's boyfriend - a 33-year-old Parma man - had just left a Strongsville party. The citizen said the man was drunk and would likely drive through Berea on his way home to Parma.

But when police pulled the car over, the Parma woman was driving. The Parma man was in the passenger seat, his hand resting on an open can of Bud Light in the center console. He was drunk. The woman, who smelled like alcohol, failed field sobriety tests.

Fictitious license plates, Front Street: A Cleveland man, 25, was arrested at about 10:05 p.m. June 12 after police caught him driving a Honda Civic with a license plate that had expired June 11.

Police stopped the man's car on Front near Emerson Drive. The man, using a marker, had changed the June 11 expiration date on the plate to June 14. Officers then learned that the man's driver's license was suspended and he was wanted in Brook Park.

If you'd like to comment on this story, visit Thursday's crime and courts comments section.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A power struggle has erupted in the Statehouse pitting Ohio's traditional electric utilities against new independent power producers, as well as consumer, environmental and business groups wary of rate increases.

The outcome will have an impact not only on what consumers will pay for power in the future, but also on the state's future economic development as businesses afraid of rate escalation leave the state or refuse to come to Ohio.

Led by FirstEnergy and American Electric Power, the utilities are pushing lawmakers to create new customer charges to help bankroll old nuclear and certain old coal plants.

Separate legislation authorizing the new charges that would cost customers billions of dollars over the next two decades have been working their way through House and Senate committee hearings in the face of stiff opposition from opponents.

The AEP-led proposal would add as much as $256 million to Ohio electric bills annually until 2040, or nearly $6 billion, according to an analysis by the Ohio Legislative Service Commission, to keep running two Cold War era coal power plants, one of which is in Indiana, that once made electricity solely for the defense industry. No Ohio electric customer could escape the surcharge, which has not been broken out by company.

The FirstEnergy charge would add about $300 million a year to the bills of FirstEnergy customers for at least the next 16 years to keep the company's nuclear power plants out of red ink.

The company says individual bill increases would be limited to 5 percent, subject to periodic review by state regulators. But that cap does not include the cost of "deferrals," that is, putting off collecting all of the money needed until a future time, when the company would add it to rates, with interest.

Opponents are calling the proposed enabling legislation "bailouts" of old, uncompetitive technology that should be allowed to die if it cannot compete.

Jack Gerard, CEO of the American Petroleum Institute, said in a recent editorial board interview that the nuclear plants should be allowed to die if they cannot compete with gas.

API this past week sent a mass mailing to voters living in districts represented by a select group of House members throughout the state. The literature urged voters to call their state representative and tell them "to keep fighting against the FirstEnergy nuclear bailout." The mailing identified the correct state representative and included his or her office phone number.

The utilities and some lawmakers say that keeping coal and nuclear plants -- even if they cannot compete and have to be subsidized -- is a matter of "energy security."

They make that argument despite assurances from high-voltage grid manager PJM Interconnection that the region has nearly 25 percent more power plant capacity than the highest projected demand through mid 2021.

For those who thought Ohio's move to deregulate the industry would prevent such special charges, here's what is driving the old utilities to push the boundaries of deregulation.

The old utility power plants, whether coal or nuclear, are in a fight for survival trying to compete with wind and solar and ultra-efficient gas turbine power plants running on cheap shale gas from the region. They don't own any of the new technologies and unlike private developers who raise capital independently for new power plants, they don't want that kind of risk.

The competition is only going to get tougher. Technology is steadily improving renewables and making them more competitive.

And because shale gas is expected to remain abundant and low-priced for decades, independent developers are rushing to build turbine plants to compete in regional deregulated wholesale markets, including Ohio. There are 11 gas turbine plants either planned, approved or already under construction in Ohio, and dozens more planned in the region.

Independent developers are either building, planning to build or seeking permits from the Ohio Power Siting Board to build 11 large gas turbine power plants in the state, representing an estimated total investment of nearly $9 billion.

Shoring up the old uncompetitive power plants is not the only thing at stake, though. In fact, it may not even be the real issue.

What's actually on the table is whether Ohio will continue toward becoming a truly deregulated state -- where competition sets power prices and where competitors rather than customers pay for new power plants and the upkeep of old plants.

The role of the traditional utilities in that future would be to become delivery-only companies, while offering an auction-based power price that becomes the low-price standard.

And one Ohio lawmaker, Rep. Mark Romanchuk, a Republican from Ontario, near Mansfield, and founder of a manufacturing and machining company, has proposed exactly that.

While the subsidy hearings heated up in late May Romanchuk introduced HB 247 requiring the old utilities not only to sell their power plants but to base power prices solely on wholesale prices. Stripped down delivery rates would be established in separate hearings before state regulators, under Romanchuk's proposal. There would be no "riders" added to those distribution rates.

There were no cosponsors and no hearings set on Romanchuk's legislation until this past week.

HB 247 will have its first hearing this coming Tuesday before the House Public Utilities Committee. Nine supporters, including consumer, small business, agricultural and a manufacturing association jointly sent a letter of support for the legislation on Tuesday to House Speaker Cliff Rosenberger. The hearing was announced the day after.

Whatever the outcome of the current debates, AEP is expected to float new legislation in the fall allowing it to build wind, solar and maybe gas turbines and put the construction costs into long-term rates. That's what regulated utilities did for about 80 years before Ohio opened its electrical borders to competitors in 1999 and allowed customers to shop for the best prices.

AEP began talking about "re-structuring" more than a year ago. That's the new term, say consumer advocates, to describe returning to some sort of regulated arrangement that puts financial risks back on customers and could end competition and cheaper power prices.

FirstEnergy has been even more transparent. Top executive Chuck Jones has been telling analysts since last year that the company wants sure profits of a regulated company and would sell or close its power plants if it cannot get them back under a regulatory umbrella.

In January company lobbyists began quietly circulating a full-color

to key lawmakers laying out the economic and job benefits of keeping its Davis-Besse and Perry nuclear plants operating -- even if doing so raised monthly bills.

And on Friday morning, Jones made a concerted pitch to a few dozen of the 100 or more elected officials, including lawmakers, invited to attend a private teleconference arranged for legislators and members of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, arguing that shutting down Davis-Besse and Perry would cost more than the subsidy the company is seeking.

The teleconference came as most lawmakers, speaking privately, predicted that the FirstEnergy's legislation -- House Bill 178 and the nearly identical Senate Bill 128 --would not likely even get out of committee over the next few weeks.

One lawmaker, State Rep Bill Seitz, a Cincinnati Republican and chair of the House Public Utilities Committee, weeks ago announced that he saw little or no support for the legislation and cancelled further hearings.

FirstEnergy wants Ohio lawmakers to create "Zero Emission Credits" or ZECs, assign a dollar value to the carbon dioxide they do not produce and charge customers roughly $300 million extra a year, with costs likely to go up over the next 16 years.

The legislation is loosely based on similar legislation approved in New York and Illinois. Independent power producers have filed lawsuits in federal court against those two states over the subsidies. They plan to also sue Ohio if the ZEC legislation is approved.
EAST CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Investigators are trying to identify a body found early Thursday in a burning car in East Cleveland.

Firefighters found the body just after 3:30 a.m. when they extinguished a car fire on Gainsboro Avenue at East 131st Street. The fire's cause has not been determined, police said in a news release.

The body was too badly burned to make an identification, police said. The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner's Office will determine the cause of death.

The car was towed to the medical examiner's office as part of the investigation, police said.

The State Fire Marshal's Office and Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation are assisting in the case.

Anyone with information about the car fire is asked to call the East Cleveland Police Department's detective bureau at 216-451-1234.

If you'd like to comment on this story, visit Friday's crime and courts comments section.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Megyn Kelly's controversial interview with Alex Jones will air Sunday as planned, but not without changes.

According to the New York Post, NBC has been scrambling all week trying to do damage control while still finding a way to air the interview with the far-right radio host on this weekend's "Sunday Night with Megyn Kelly."

The newspaper reports the show has been completely overhauled, with the interview being edited to be tougher on the "Info Wars" host. Kelly will also now interview family members of Sandy Hook shooting victims to respond to Jones' conspiracy claims.

Speaking to the Associated Press, NBC News President Andy Lack acknowledged the segment will be edited with the sensitivity of its critics in mind.

The firestorm started last Sunday, when a preview of the interview aired at the end of Kelly's new show. In it, she questions Jones about his belief that the Newtown shooting was an elaborate hoax. Family members of the victims and others criticized NBC and Kelly, even threatening legal action, for giving Jones a platform to peddle his debunked conspiracy theories.

But Kelly resisted calls to cancel the interview, even after she was dropped as host of a Sandy Hook charity event. She defended the sitdown on social media, saying her goal was "to shine a light - as journalists - are supposed to do - on this influential figure, and yes - to discuss the considerable falsehoods he has promoted with near impunity."

Jones himself joined in the chorus to scrap the interview, calling it a hit piece that mischaracterizes his view on Sandy Hook. When NBC didn't cancel it, Jones attempted to prove his claim that he was duped by releasing what it appears to be a secretly-taped audio recording of his pre-interview with Kelly.

"It's not going to be some gotcha hit piece, I can promise you that," Kelly is heard telling Jones on the recording. "This is your chance to tell people who you are."

Despite the leak, NBC remained steadfast in its decision, a spokesperson telling The Hollywood Reporter, "Despite Alex Jones' efforts to distract from and ultimately prevent the airing of our report, we remain committed to giving viewers context and insight into a controversial and polarizing figure, how he relates to the president of the United States and influences others, and to getting this serious story right."

The show airs Sunday at 7 p.m.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- An accused drug dealer who told police he shot and killed a man trying to steal a bag of marijuana from him during a botched drug deal in Pepper Pike will not face charges in the man's death.

Matthew Stecher, who had been charged with voluntary manslaughter in Shaker Heights Municipal Court, now faces only a fourth-degree felony drug trafficking charge in Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court in the botched May 22 drug dealing that resulted in the slaying of Isaiah Lampkins.

Lampkins' accused accomplices, Kevin Mahone and Da'Jon Carouthers, are each charged with felony murder because they participated in an aggravated robbery that led to Lampkins' death, court records say.

All three men pleaded not guilty at their Wednesday arraignment. Malone and Carouthers are being held on $500,000 bond. Stecher posted 10 percent of a $50,000 bond and was released.

Police say Mahone and Stecher set up a drug deal where Stecher was going to sell Mahone a pound of a marijuana. The scheduled to make the deal at a vacant home on Fairmount Boulevard in Pepper Pike

Lampkins and Carouthers went with Mahone to the house and, as Mahone and Stecher were talking, the two men flanked Stecher and tried to steal the bag of drugs from his hands, police say.

Stecher resisted, a struggle ensued. He told police that one of the men put a gun to the back of his head and cocked it, records say.

Stecher said he rolled over on the ground, pulled his own gun and fired three shots, and the men scattered.

Two of the shots had struck Lampkins, who collapsed after he ran about 20 feet. Police found an unloaded gun next to his body, police said.

Stecher ran to his car and drove away.

It was the first homicide in Pepper Pike since the March 28, 1995 death of Ursuline Sister Joanne Marie Mascha, who was killed in the woods near Ursuline College, officials said.

The killing shocked neighbors who rarely see violent crimes in the affluent city of 6,200 people about 20 miles east of downtown Cleveland. The city's police department investigated just one robbery and five assaults in 2015, the most recent year for which data is available from the FBI's Uniform Crime Report.

To comment on this story, visit Thursday's crime and courts comments section.
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About Censored News Censored News is published by Brenda Norrell. Since 2006, Censored News has received more than 20 million pageviews. As a collective of writers, photographers and broadcasters, we publish news of Indigenous Peoples and human rights. Contact publisher Brenda Norrell: brendanorrell@gmail.com

From the publisher Censored News is published by Brenda Norrell, a journalist in Indian country for 40 years. Norrell created Censored News after she was censored and terminated as a staff reporter at Indian Country Today in 2006. She began as a reporter at Navajo Times during the 18 years that she lived on the Navajo Nation. She was a stringer for AP and USA Today and later traveled with the Zapatistas through Mexico. She has been blacklisted by all the mainstream media for 14 years. Contact brendanorrell@gmail.com

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President Donald Trump will unveil a new Cuba policy on Friday that will both seek to empower the Cuban people and severely limit travel to the communist nation, according to senior White House officials. Officials offered few insights about policy specifics, saying: "This is really the president's policy to announce." While Americans will still be able to go to Cuba through one of the authorized types of travel, one common method of visiting the island will be prohibited. Tourism is technically banned under the embargo, but under the Obama administration, relaxed regulations allowed Americans to visit Cuba under people-to-people travel. The new policy will restrict this kind of travel for individuals. Americans pursuing this type of travel would have to go in groups, the official said.

Cuban and US flags are seen on balconies in Havana Yamil Lage | AFP | Getty Images

While the policy goes into effect when the president announces it on Friday, officials said that nothing will be implemented until new regulations are in place. People with imminent plans to travel to Cuba may continue to do so under existing law until then. The policy will direct related departments to start working on these rules within 30 days, but one official said, however, that once the legislating process begins, the process will "take as long as it takes." Meanwhile, there will be no changes to "wet foot, dry foot" policy, which allows Cubans who arrive in the U.S. without visas to stay, an official said. The official said that there also won't be any changes to regulations on what Americans can bring back from Cuba.

Human rights concerns a key factor
Johnson calls it "the viable Plan B" in case the House plan to enact the so-called border adjustment tax definitively stalls. He says Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady was "intrigued" when he passed his idea on, but whether Brady and Speaker Paul Ryan might eventually adopt it remains unclear.

The idea is simple: Slash taxes on corporations and raise them on the people who profit from those corporations. The goal is eliminating incentives for corporations to move abroad for lower tax rates without expanding the budget deficit or providing a windfall for the wealthy in an era of wide income inequality.

"I sent him an email and said, 'Here it is,'" the Wisconsin Republican recalled in an interview. He was talking about one of the rare tax-reform proposals with genuine bipartisan potential.

As his own reform plan struggles, the House tax committee chairman recently invited critics to offer better ideas. Sen. Ron Johnson took that as his cue.

Johnson, a conservative former business executive, favors a far-reaching version of this approach. He would eliminate taxation of corporate entities altogether, recouping lost revenue by taxing dividends and capital gains at ordinary income rates.

Since American corporate entities are far more likely to relocate than American corporate executives are, Johnson sees this as an effective answer to the wave of "inversions" that have drawn condemnation from both parties. He also cites the virtue of ending "double taxation" of corporate profits  first when the company earns them, and again when shareholders receive them as dividends.

Johnson is still working out details of his plan, which involves such intricacies as assigning "shareholder days" to those owning corporate stock within a year for purposes of taxing capital gains. Then he will obtain an analysis from the Congressional Budget Office.

The second-term senator acknowledges its vulnerability to attack as a giveaway to big business at the expense of financially squeezed working-class voters. Yet if you look beyond Johnson's variation to the larger approach it represents, you can see the promise it holds for both sides of the political divide.

Consider the more moderate version of the idea proposed last year by experts from the liberal-leaning Tax Policy Center and conservative-leaning American Enterprise Institute. Eric Toder and Alan Viard proposed to retain a 15 percent corporate tax while increasing taxation of corporate owners to ordinary income rates.

That would cut the current top rate of 35 percent by more than half, while giving shareholders a credit for their portion of the corporate taxes that remain. To avoid penalizing stock trades, their plan would tax capital gains each year on a "mark-to-market" basis, not simply when shares are sold.

"Our preliminary estimates indicate that the fully-phased-in proposal is close to revenue-neutral," Toder and Viard wrote.

They calculate that the government would take in $11 billion less in 2025 than under current law if corporations don't change their behavior. But reduced incentive for corporations to hold profits overseas could offset that loss enough to put the government ahead by $51 billion.

Significantly for attracting Democrats, they estimate that this corporate tax-cut plan would actually reduce income inequality rather than increase it. They estimate that the top 1 percent of earners would see their after-tax incomes fall by 1.62 percent, or an average of $37,804; all other income groups would see their after-tax incomes rise modestly, by less than 1 percent.

With Johnson's proposal still gelling and the Senate bogged down on health care, the senator has not yet accumulated co-sponsors. But he has had some preliminary talks with colleagues in both parties and holds out hope that the tax-reform debate could eventually turn in his direction.

"There's still a lot of work to be done," Johnson said. But he added, "it just solves so many problems."
The International Monetary Fund wants Greek debt to become more sustainable before it channels funds into the country's bailout program, the organization's managing director Christine Lagarde told CNBC.

"For us to engage and for us to participate financially, more needs to be clarified, defined and approved in terms of restructuring," she said late on Thursday.

"What we believe will be needed is a deferral of interests, an extension of maturity, and a mechanism by which there is an adjustment based on growth ... this is where further discussion and negotiation is needed."

Lagarde was speaking in Luxembourg after European finance ministers approved a 8.5 billion euro ($9.5 billion) loan for Athens that will enable the cash-strapped nation to meet a major July repayment deadline.

European countries have been shouldering the burden of Greece's current 86 billion rescue fund  its third bailout package since 2010. The IMF financially contributed to Athens' previous bailouts but refused to join the current pact because it believes Greece needed debt relief  something that European creditors aren't comfortable with.

The organization's absence has been a thorn in the sides of heavyweight European countries, particularly Germany, who view IMF participation as a key credibility factor. For Berlin to continue backing euro zone loans to Athens, Germany's parliament is now insisting on IMF contribution.

On Thursday, the IMF agreed to offer Athens a standby arrangement of less than $2 billion but won't be disbursing any of the funds until euro zone countries offer more detail on potential debt relief measures in 2018, Reuters reported.
In the era of the side hustle, star of ABC's "Shark Tank" and self-made millionaire Kevin O'Leary has a harsh stance on the subject. He will not, under any circumstances, invest in entrepreneurs who still have jobs elsewhere. "I am never going to invest in you if you have a part-time job somewhere else; not a chance in hell. You have to be committed 110 percent," says O'Leary on a recent Facebook Live. O'Leary started SoftKey Software Products from his basement with no cash, and as he grew the company, he bought up his competition. In 1999, he sold his software company to the Mattel Toy Company for $3.7 billion. He went on to launch a mutual fund, O'Leary Funds, and a primarily online wine business, Kevin O'Leary Fine Wines, among other ventures.

"I will never invest in an entrepreneur who is still in school or still working somewhere else," says O'Leary. "If you are not willing to give 110 percent of your time, why should I give you money? That will never happen. Maybe some other Shark would, but I wouldn't."

I am never going to invest in you if you have a part-time job somewhere else; not a chance in hell. You have to be committed 110 percent. Kevin O'Leary "Shark Tank" star
Jared Kushner sits in Vice President-elect Mike Pence's car outside of Trump Tower, December 7, 2016 in New York City.

Special Counsel Robert Mueller is investigating the business and financial dealings of White House aide and U.S. President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, the Washington Post reported on Thursday, citing officials familiar with the matter, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly.

The probe into Kushner's business dealings is part of the special counsel's investigation into Russia's interference in the 2016 presidential election.

While the Washington Post previously reported Kushner's contacts with Russian ambassador Sergey Kislyak and Sergey Gorkov, the head of a state-owned Russian development bank, were being examined, the report noted it wasn't clear at the time that the FBI was scrutinizing Kushner's business deals.

The report said Peter Carr, a spokesman for Mueller, declined to comment on the scope of the investigation, but noted that the Special Counsel's Office would deal "severely" with anyone making unauthorized disclosures.

"We do not know what this report refers to. It would be standard practice for the Special Counsel to examine financial records to look for anything related to Russia," Jamie Gorelick, a lawyer for Kushner, said in a statement received by CNBC. "Mr. Kushner previously volunteered to share with Congress what he knows about Russia-related matters. He will do the same if he is contacted in connection with any other inquiry."

The White House and the Department of Justice did not immediately respond to CNBC's emailed requests for comment, where were sent outside of office hours.

For the Washington Post story, please click here.

Watch: Kushner will cooperate with investigation, says Spicer
Activist investor Jana Partners stands to make hundreds of millions of dollars from Amazon's proposed acquisition of Whole Foods Markets .

Jana Partners in April took a nearly 9 percent stake in the Texas-based grocery chain. The announcement bumped shares of Whole Foods stock up 10 percent as Jana Partners suggested the struggling grocer should consider putting itself up for sale.

Whole Foods stock spiked more than 27 percent to about $42 a share Friday morning after Amazon announced its plans to acquire the grocer in a deal valued at $13.7 billion. Amazon's stock was up more than 3 percent.
Amazon's $13.7 billion deal for Whole Foods Markets came together swiftly after the upscale grocer battled activist shareholders over its future earlier this year.

The online shopping giant began talking to Whole Foods only about a month ago, sources said, and hired Goldman Sachs to help negotiate a deal. Goldman is also leading banks, including Bank of America, on a $13.7 billion short-term loan to pay for the transaction.

The merger, announced on Friday, was embraced by Wall Street at a time when deal advisers have had little to crow about. The companies' announcement didn't even identify the bankers and lawyers who advised on the deal.

Merger activity this year is down 14 percent from this time last year, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence, which cited the lower dollar value of deals in the health care and materials sectors. Last year's deals announced by this time included Bayer's proposed $65.9 billion purchase of Monsanto.

Whole Foods hired the advisory firm Evercore Partners earlier this year to defend itself from pressure by activist shareholder Jana Partners, which announced in April it had amassed an 8.3 percent stake and pushed for changes to the Whole Foods board of directors. Neuberger Berman, which holds a roughly 3 percent stake, also put pressure on the company to make changes. The grocery chain operator Albertsons reportedly explored a deal for Whole Foods earlier this year.

Last month, Whole Foods shook up its board, naming five new independent directors to replace others who had resigned, and named a new chief financial officer. Sources said the new board members convinced Whole Foods's John Mackey to do a deal, even though he has been lashing out at the activists.

If he changes his mind and Whole Foods decides to back out of the transaction -- which has sent its shares soaring 27 percent on Friday -- it has to pay Amazon a $400 million break up fee.

--With reporting by David Faber

Watch: Amazon's WFM buyout will change food landscape
Australia is to hold a national gun amnesty, its first in more than two decades, in a bid to combat terrorism and a recent influx in illegal firearms.

The three month amnesty, which begins on July 1, will allow citizens to hand in unregistered weapons without fear of prosecution, the Australian government announced Friday.

Anyone caught in possession of a firearm outside of the allotted amnesty timeframe could face fines of up to A$280,000 ($212,993) or up to 14 years in prison.

The move has been precipitated by a steady increase in the number of unregistered firearms in the country. It is estimated that there are currently 260,000 illegal guns in Australia.

Though there have been several state-based amnesties over recent years, this is the first to be called on a national scale since 1996, when the country was devastated by the Port Arthur Massacre, in Tasmania, which killed 35 people and wounded 23 others.

For several years, authorities have been calling for an overarching policy which they believe could help combat the growing threat of terrorism in the country.

In 2014, a cafe in Sydney was held under siege by an armed hostage-taker, leaving two people dead. Then, last month, a shootout left one man dead in what authorities are calling a "terrorist incident."

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"We're living in a time when our national security environment has deteriorated," Australia's Justice Minister Michael Keenan said Friday.

Though Keenan admitted that the moves may not prevent hardened criminals, he said it would help reduce the country's number of illegal guns.

"My expectation is it will probably not be the case that we will have hardened criminals who have made a big effort to get a hold on illegal guns would necessarily hand them in. The purpose is to reduce the number of unregistered and illicit firearms in the community".

The amnesty comes as part of the country's revised 2017 National Firearms Agreement, which has been agreed by state and territory governments.

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Leaders of Mexico, the U.S., and Canada during NAFTA treaty signing in San Antonio, Texas, Oct. 7, 1992. Pact didn't formally go into effect until 1994.

With NAFTA modernization negotiations around the corner, Canada's winning strategy is essentially staying quiet says a former Canadian prime minister who led talks on the pact in the 1990s.

"What we should do is what we've been doing: We keep our heads down and our mouths shut," said Brian Mulroney, who served as Canada's prime minister from 1984 to 1993. Besides negotiating the North American Free Trade Agreement, Mulroney also was behind an earlier free trade deal in 1988.

Mulroney, who knows President Donald Trump, made his comments Friday at a think-tank conference in Ottawa and it was reported by the Toronto Globe and Mail newspaper.

There's been a trade spat with the U.S. and Canada over everything from dairy and aerospace to softwood lumber. Also, Trump has taken to Twitter to lash out at some of Canada's trade policies, even calling Canada a "disgrace" for its treatment of American dairy farmers.

"Don't take the bait," Mulroney said, the paper reported. "We deal with this at the negotiating table."
The electric car market continues to heat up with new entrants looking to take on the likes of Tesla and traditional automakers in the space.

Chinese start-up CHJ Automotive is the latest player looking to come to market. The company is currently developing two vehicles  an "ultra-compact" electric car, and a hybrid SUV.

Co-Founder Kevin Shen did not reveal the names of the vehicles, hoping to keep them a surprise until later, but did reveal to CNBC that the company is aiming for a launch in March 2018 for the compact car.

CHJ Automotive have not released official images yet of the car, but showed CNBC some of the initial designs of the ultra-compact vehicle. The car is 2.5 meters long and 1 meter wide. It runs on two batteries which are swappable, meaning that the car won't need to stop for too long at a charging station to re-juice. Google's in-car operating system called Android Auto is equipped in the vehicle

It will be priced at between 7,000 euros ($7,824) and 8,000 euros.
Cuban President Raul Castro announced on Sunday he will step down from power after his second term ends in 2018, and the new parliament named a 52-year-old rising star to become his first vice president and most visible successor.

"This will be my last term," Castro, 81, said shortly after the National Assembly elected him to a second five-year tenure.

In a surprise move, the new parliament also named Miguel Diaz-Canel as first vice president, meaning he would take over if Castro cannot serve his full term.

Diaz-Canel is a member of the political bureau who rose through the Communist Party ranks in the provinces to become the most visible possible successor to Castro.

Raul Castro starts his second term immediately, leaving him free to retire in 2018, aged 86.

Former President Fidel Castro joined the National Assembly meeting on Sunday, in a rare public appearance. Since falling ill in 2006 and ceding the presidency to his brother, the elder Castro, 86, has given up official positions except as a deputy in the National Assembly.

The new government will almost certainly be the last headed up by the Castro brothers and their generation of leaders who have ruled Cuba since they swept down from the mountains in the 1959 revolution.

Cubans and foreign governments were keenly watching whether any new, younger faces appeared among the Council of State members, in particular its first vice president and five vice presidents.

Their hopes were partially fulfilled with Diaz-Canel's ascension. He replaces former first vice president, Jose Machado Ventura, 82, who will continue as one of five vice presidents.

Commander of the Revolution Ramiro Valdes, 80, and Gladys Bejerano, 66, the comptroller general, were also re-elected as vice presidents.

Two other newcomers, Mercedes Lopez Acea, 48, first secretary of the Havana communist party, and Salvador Valdes Mesa, 64, head of the official labor federation, also earned vice presidential slots.

Esteban Lazo, a 68-year-old former vice president and member of the political bureau of the Communist Party, left his post upon being named president of the National Assembly on Sunday. He replaced Ricardo Alarcon, who served in the job for 20 years.

Six of the Council's top seven members sit on the party's political bureau which is also lead by Castro.

Castro's announcement came as little surprise to Cuban exiles in Miami.

"It's no big news. It would have been big news if he resigned today and called for democratic elections," said Alfredo Duran, a Cuban-American lawyer and moderate exile leader in Miami who supports lifting the U.S. trade embargo against Cuba. "I wasn't worried about him being around after 2018," he added.

The National Assembly meets for just a few weeks each year and delegates its legislative powers between sessions to the 31-member Council of State, which also functions as the executive through the Council of Ministers it appoints.

Eighty percent of the 612 deputies, who were elected in an uncontested vote February 3, were born after the revolution.
For Fortune magazine in 1999, Jack Welch, then General Electric's chief executive, wasn't just the country's best executive, or the manager of the year, but nothing less than the best manager of the 20th century, "far and away the most influential manager of his generation."

Mr. Welch himself was more circumspect. "My success will be determined by how well my successor grows it in the next 20 years," he said at a management conference that year.

Eighteen years later, with this week's announcement that Mr. Welch's handpicked successor, Jeffrey R. Immelt, would step down as G.E.'s chief executive, the verdict would appear to be in.

More from The New York Times:

The GE Puzzle, and the Pieces a New Chief Will Have to Make Fit

A Stagnant GE Will Replace the C.E.O. Who Transformed It

For GE's John Flannery, It Was a 30-Year Trip to the Top

"Given how horrendous the stock performance has been for so many years, the most amazing thing is why the board didn't act sooner" to replace Mr. Immelt, said Charles M. Elson, a professor and director of the John L. Weinberg Center for Corporate Governance at the University of Delaware.

Scott Davis, a Barclays managing director, said on CNBC that Mr. Immelt's tenure was "an unmitigated disaster for shareholders."

Mr. Welch brought much needed energy and charisma to the chief executive's job and streamlined G.E.'s bloated bureaucracy. Had he stayed on through the financial crisis, perhaps he would have recaptured the growth that eluded Mr. Immelt.

But hardly anyone considers Mr. Welch, now 81, a management role model anymore, and the conglomerate model he championed at G.E.  that with strict discipline, you could successfully manage any business as long as your market share was first or second  has been thoroughly discredited, at least in the United States.

No wonder, given the performance of the company's stock over the past 10 years. G.E. shares dropped 25 percent during that period, in contrast with a 59 percent rise for the S.&P. 500. The rival industrial conglomerate Honeywell's stock has more than doubled, and Danaher's has tripled. United Technologies gained 67 percent.

Nonetheless, Mr. Immelt remained one of the country's highest-paid executives: $21.3 million in 2016, $33 million in 2015, and $37 million in 2014. Even without a formal severance package, Mr. Immelt, 61, will get an additional $211 million when he retires, Fortune estimates.

"I'm a long-term G.E. shareholder," Mr. Elson said. "The bottom line is, I did poorly and he did very well."

Speaking of his tenure as G.E.'s leader, Mr. Immelt pointed to the increased strength of the company's industrial businesses, their competitiveness and large market shares.

"I'll say that will stand the test of time," he said in an interview on Monday with my colleague Steve Lohr. "Let other people make their own judgments."

Mr. Immelt's defenders have pointed out that he had to contend with the collapse of the tech bubble, the Sept. 11 attacks and the financial crisis, all circumstances beyond his control. But so did the chief executives of every other major company.

"About the best that can be said is that he enabled G.E. to survive through a difficult time," said Bruce Greenwald, professor of finance and asset management at Columbia. "But he never really understood how to create value through growth."

And he inherited "a highly inflated stock price," Mr. Greenwald said, thanks to Mr. Welch's aura and lofty expectations that probably no one could have met.
President Donald Trump's new Cuba policy may end up hurting the people he's trying to help.

In a Friday speech in Miami, the president said he's "canceling" Obama-era policies that have allowed the Castro regime to profit from tourism. Instead, the White House revealed on Friday that new regulations will be drafted that will seek to end the method that many Americans have used to access Cuba legally.

Tourism is technically banned by the U.S. embargo, but the Obama administration relaxed regulations, allowing Americans to visit Cuba under so-called people-to-people travel. Under Trump's policy, Americans pursuing this type of travel would have to go in approved groups.

While Trump wants to encourage business with the Cuban people, eliminating individual people-to-people travel undercuts that goal, Risa Grais-Targow, Latin America director at Eurasia Group, told CNBC on Friday.

"Those private entrepreneurs on the island have really benefited from increased U.S. travel, so cutting that back is going to hurt them as much as it hurts the government," she said.
News / Agriculture

by Simbarashe Sithole

Children were forced to take a break from school today and attend a field day at a farm in Mazowe West district but the event, hosted by Lovemore Kachuwe, was poorly attended. It was dominated by school children and members of the uniformed force.The event was spear headed by life brand irrigation company.Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa was supposed to attend the event, however he failed reportedly due to Zanu-PF issues.Deputy Minister of Agriculture Davis Marapira was the guest of honour.Marapira implored farmers under the 'Command Agriculture' scheme to be faithful and aim for a bumper harvest."We would like to thank the president for the command farming program hence l would like to implore farmers to be faithful and work hard to produce a bumper harvest," he said.Leonard Zhakata played live at the gathering.The event was characterized by ZANU PF slogans.
Check out which companies are making headlines before the bell:

Dow Chemical , DuPont  The Justice Department cleared the planned merger between the two companies without any further divestitures. The companies say they are on track to close the deal in August.

Alphabet  The company's Google unit may be hit with a record European Union fine of about $1.1 billion, according to multiple reports. The EU is said to be set to conclude that Google abused its search market dominance.

Booz Allen Hamilton  Booz Allen is under Justice Department investigation regarding its accounting practices, according to a Securities and Exchange Commission filing by the consulting firm. Booz Allen said it is cooperating with the government, and that its own auditing had not identified any erroneous practices.

BHP Billiton  BHP named Ken MacKenzie  the former CEO of Australian packaging company Amcor  as its next chairman. He'll succeed former Ford CEO Jac Nasser as chairman of the mining company on September 1. Nasser had been the target of criticism by activist investor Elliott Management.

Finisar  Finisar reported quarterly profit of 50 cents per share, matching analysts' estimates. Revenue for the fiber-optic components maker was below estimates. It also gave a current-quarter forecast that missed analysts' projections, as it continues to see slower spending in China. The shares were lower initially but turned around in postmarket trading following the company's conference call.

Weight Watchers  The shares are getting a boost following a filing by general counsel Michael Colosi showing he purchased 7,110 shares in the weight loss company.

Tanger Factory Outlet Centers  Tanger was downgraded to "hold" from "buy" at Jefferies, which cites rising earnings risk from the shopping center-based real estate investment trust.

Nike  Nike was downgraded to "neutral" from "overweight" at JPMorgan Chase. JPMorgan said although it is encouraged by Thursday's announcement of a more efficient structure, North American sales are likely to get worse before they get better.

Johnson & Johnson  Johnson & Johnson announced the completion of its $30 billion purchase of Swiss drugmaker Actelion.

Valeant Pharmaceuticals  The drugmaker was rated "overweight" in new coverage at Cantor Fitzgerald, saying new management is executing well and boosting the company's future growth prospects.

Square  Credit Suisse downgraded the mobile payment company to "neutral" from "outperform," saying the stock is now fully valued after more than doubling since November. It does say management has executed very well since going public in late 2015.

Western Digital  Evercore rates the hard disk drive maker "outperform" in new coverage, noting the continued high demand for storage drives at data centers and the company's strong position in flash memory.
Google could be slapped with a fine of more than 1 billion euros ($1.1 billion) as the EU begins the first stage of a three-pronged probe into the search group's practices, the Financial Times reported.

In the coming weeks, EU officials are expected to say that the tech company, which is owned by Alphabet , abused its search market dominance to give its Google Shopping service an advantage over other retailers. It comes as part of Brussels' wider antitrust investigation into Google.

If enacted, the fine is expected to break the record for a monopoly abuse case, topping the 1 billion (then $1.45 billion) fine handed out to chipmaker Intel in 2009, the FT said, citing two people familiar with the case.

The fine will be capped at a maximum of 10 percent of Alphabet's total revenues, which stood at $90 billion last year.

It would mark the first sanction by a leading competition regulator into the company's search practices.

The European Commission said it had no comment to make when contacted by CNBC Friday, while Google had not responded at the time of publishing.

To read the full article, click here.
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The announcement of Amazon 's plans to buy grocery giant Whole Foods rocked the grocery industry Friday  and for good reason. Jeff Bezos' Amazon has a history of disrupting markets, including the bookstore, electronics store and retail industries. The market response suggests investors fear the grocery industry could be next.

Bookstores

Amazon was an online bookstore before it was the sprawling e-commerce platform it is today. When Amazon opened in 1997, Barnes & Nobles and Borders dominated sales. Amazon dipped into the two companies' book sales as customers warmed up to the idea of buying books from the comfort of their own homes. Then in 2007, Amazon released its first Kindle, a product that would allow users to buy and read books through one company. The release nudged Amazon's stock up a tad, but it wasn't until 2009 when Kindle sales took off that the company's shares soared. Borders could not keep up. In 2011, the company announced it was filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and shuttering its doors.

Amazon's first New York City bookstore, Amazon Books, before its May 25, 2017 opening near Columbus Circle in Manhattan. TJ Fabian | CNBC

Barnes & Noble kept up with Amazon at first, but its sales started sagging in 2013, when revenue fell 4 percent, according to the company's annual report. Sales have continued to decrease, down 15 percent in 2015 from 2012, according to annual reports. Meanwhile, Amazon continues gaining steam. The company opened its first bookstore in New York City last month in an attempt to bring its online shopping experience to the real world. Shoppers can opt to check out at a regular cashier station or use a camera to scan their books within the Amazon app and have them shipped.

Electronics stores

Amazon's expansion into the electronics market came at the expense of retailers such as longtime giants RadioShack and Circuit City. Each company fought to stay alive, with varying results.

watch now

Retail

More broadly, Amazon's popularity has shifted more retail sales online, battering the sector, with no end in sight. The pain is most acute at the mall where foot traffic has slowed. Fewer shoppers mean softer sales, and this was very evident in the latest batch of department store earnings reports. Sears has shuttered stores and cut jobs as Amazon has gained momentum. Just Tuesday, the company announced it would cut another 400 jobs, as it tries to reduce costs and fend off a potential bankruptcy filing. Macy's , the biggest clothing store in the U.S., will close stores and lay off workers after a disappointing holiday shopping season when comparable sales were down 2.1 percent. This week, Gymboree filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, and analysts expect more companies to face the same fate. Meanwhile, Amazon does not appear to be slowing down anytime soon. Watch: Beginning of the end of traditional retail
As Asia grows wealthier, its people are taking an interest in drinking and investing in whiskey.

Asia's massive population and their expanding wallets have made the region a fertile ground for whiskey sales. Along with that came a group of aficionados who saw the potential to grow their wealth by investing in bottles of the distilled liquor.

The principle behind it is simple: buy bottles of rare, limited edition whiskey and sell them at a higher price later on.

Returns can be lucrative. An index tracking the value of the top 1,000 Scotch whisky bottles grew 61 percent between Jan 1, 2013 and Sept 30, 2015, said Matthew Fergusson-Stewart, regional brand ambassador for Glenfiddich, Asia Pacific at William Grant & Sons, citing data from a consultancy called Rare Whisky 101.

During the same period, the FTSE 100 was up 1.5 percent and shares of alcohol group Diageo was up 3 percent, he told CNBC in an interview.

"Whiskey is very, very stable in the bottle if you follow some basic rules to care for it. It can last easily a hundred years," he said.

"If you take a really good bottle, it's produced at a certain time and it's not going to be produced again, you got scarcity of a great product. Value is going to go up and people are going to want to hold that and sell at a later date to make some money from that."

And that movement is taking off in Asia, the region tipped to be the world's wealthiest by 2019.

Asian whiskey enthusiasts have displayed bigger investment appetites than their Western counterparts who are mostly collectors looking to grow an inventory, instead of flipping the liquor for a profit, noted Mike Soldner, founder of B28 Whisky Fund.

B28 is a Singapore-based entity that pools money from individuals to invest in whiskey. The fund turned in a 20 percent gain in its first year and aims to lock in around 15 percent this year, Soldner told CNBC.

"Our pool of investor is still small so if any of our investors want to exit, they have to sell their stakes to remaining investors or they can exit with stock, and in whiskey bottles. Of course with a larger pool we'll probably get to a stage where people can cash out," he said.
Amazon threw the grocery industry a major curveball Friday with its plans to acquire Whole Foods .

The news has everyone thinking about who might be next on the buy list of Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos. It appears Amazon is looking to pick up in areas where it hasn't been able to make headway online ... yet.

"This significantly expands [Amazon's] store presence overnight," Maxim Group managing director Tom Forte told CNBC in an interview. "Whole Foods is a big idea. ... It's a big idea at scale."

A $13.7 billion Amazon takeover deal is more than 15 times the value of the e-commerce giant's acquisition of Zappos in 2009, according to FactSet.

"All the naysayers saying retail is dead  physical retail is dead  it's not," Forte said.

Everlane, Warby Parker and Lululemon could all be next, the analyst said. So far there are no reports or indication that Amazon is interested in the companies.

"You can't paint a broad brush and say apparel is important for Amazon, so they're going to buy Gap ," Forte explained. But a Warby Parker or Lululemon deal starts to make sense for Bezos and his team because it checks boxes like apparel, physical stores, being a lifestyle category  all things that Amazon wants to accomplish in a takeover now, Forte said.

Lululemon, for example, is not "massively over-stored" like some of its peers, and it could get Amazon into the activewear category  something that's been especially popular with younger shoppers of late, he said.

Additionally, Amazon hasn't been particularly known for its apparel business, though it's tried to make a name for itself there, so an apparel play could make sense for the company down the road, Forte said.
Money is pouring into sustainable investments, which has surged by more than $2 trillion in the last two years. Demand is growing as clients want to increasingly invest responsibly. Yet investors have heard the argument before: Socially responsible investments don't perform as well as traditional stock market funds. If you want to feel good about the stocks you're holding, you'll pay the price in lower performance. The truth is finally starting to emerge about how bad SRI really is: It's no worse than any other approach to investing. Investors should not expect to do better than traditional stock investing, but as long as fees are not too high, there is no reason to expect a broad-based SRI investment to perform worse than a traditional stock portfolio.

Andreas Rentz | Getty Images

CNBC reviewed years of Morningstar data on the performance of socially responsible funds versus traditional funds and benchmarks and found that there is no significant performance drag. With one key caveat: Funds designed to exclude stocks, such as the "sin" sectors  no tobacco, alcohol and guns  don't tend to measure up. Jon Hale, head of sustainability research at Morningstar, said academic research has shown that stock exclusion tends to be a negative factor in performance, while companies that score highly on ESG metrics (environmental, social and governance) show performance that is consistent with traditional benchmarks. "The ESG performance of companies appears to be something that can be used to generate value in a portfolio; traditional exclusion can be a drag," Hale said. In other words, it's better to identify reasons to invest in a stock than harp on reasons to avoid owning one.

Social index vs. broad US stock market Period KLD 400 Social Index MSCI USA Investable Market Index 1 year 17.03 17.67 3 year 9.56 9.75 5 year 15.33 15.27 10 year 7.13 7.13 Since inception (May 31, 1994) 9.8 9.72

Source: MSCI

"The weight of academic research on the performance of sustainable/responsible portfolios, mutual funds and indexes suggests that there is no performance penalty," Morningstar wrote in a 2016 report on SRI investing. Similar research goes further back: A 2013 meta-analysis of 25 primary studies on socially responsible investment performance found that roughly 75 percent showed no significant performance difference  either out- or underperformance. A 2015 meta-analysis covering 85 studies reached a similar conclusion that there's neither a big cost, or benefit, to investors. "There is no significant relationship between SRI and performance," the authors wrote. "The adoption of ESG standards does not generate notable costs or benefits for an investor

with a global perspective, challenging the theory of SRI inefficiency, which implies poorer

performance due to a limited investment universe."

Percentage of mutual funds that beat their category index Period All mutual funds SRI funds 1 year 40 41 3 year 34 33 5 year 36 35 10 year 28 29

Source: Morningstar, data as of May 31, 2017 for open-end mutual funds

Hale said as ESG algorithms become better and SRI funds gravitate more to finding better companies rather than excluding bad ones, there's reason to believe these funds may not only continue to keep up but more often beat conventional funds. "In the past, these portfolios haven't fully reflected the idea that it does improve an individual company's bottom line, but the ability to identify these things really only became sophisticated recently," Hale said. "The process of collecting and understanding information on company performance on ESG has definitely entered the realm of big data. ... Going forward it may be more likely to result in outperformance." The big hurdles will continue to be that any active manager  whether SRI or not  will struggle to beat an index fund, and these funds as a rule are more expensive than the "rock-bottom prices of simple Vanguard portfolios," Hale said.

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Hale said for now a performance edge may be easier to achieve in markets where companies are less likely to be driven by ESG as a general societal principle  for example, Europe versus the United States. "Lots of international large-cap companies that find their way into these ESG funds are sustainability leaders, relatively speaking, so there may be less differences even if a traditional international manager isn't even trying. Basic holdings in international large-cap will be similar. It's less so in the U.S. now." The iShares MSCI EAFE ESG Optimized ( ) ETF, which has 451 holdings based on ESG traits, is notching nearly similar returns to the parent index. Nestle and Roche Holdings are its largest holdings. The expense ratio of 0.40 percent is only slightly higher than the iShares MSCI EAFE (EFA ) ETF's 0.33 percent annual fee. The ESG version of the EAFE index fund has turned in virtually the same performance year-to-date, though it lacks performance history, having launched less than a year ago.

A rougher ride the more narrow you slice it
A predictable exit from the European Union would be better for the U.K. economy than a "crash situation", the IMF's Christine Lagarde told CNBC.

London and Brussels are kicking off negotiations to define how the U.K. will leave the bloc next week and uncertainty is the dominant factor. It is not yet clear whether the U.K. will seek to keep some access to the EU's single market or its customs union or if both will manage to draft a new trade deal, among other big question marks.

Asked to explain the difference between a soft and hard Brexit, Lagarde said: "It's the big difference between the unpredictability the uncertainty and that's the crash situation you described and a predictable transition towards a new status."

"Clearly, what is more predictable, more certain, can be calibrated, can be anticipated, can be transitioned into, is going to be more reliable and safer for the people and the economy," she told CNBC exclusively on the sidelines of a meeting in Luxembourg.

In April, the Fund warned that the unpredictability surrounding Brexit poses a risk to global financial stability. It forecast at the time, the U.K. economy would expand 2 percent in 2017, before gross domestic product declines to 1.5 percent in 2018.

"Though highly uncertain, medium-term growth prospects have also diminished in the aftermath of the Brexit vote because of the expected increase in barriers to trade and migration, as well as a potential downsizing of the financial services sector amid possible barriers to cross-border financial activity," the Fund said in its World Economic Outlook report last April.

However, the institution is unable to calculate precisely how the British economy will suffer from Brexit because it has still to define its future arrangements with the EU.

"We need to better understand the terms under which this exit is going to take place for us to really forecast the economic development going forwards," Lagarde told CNBC.

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In a Friday morning tweet, President Donald Trump confirmed a recent Washington Post report that he is now under investigation, misdescribed what that investigation is about, blasted the investigation as a "witch hunt," and appeared to attack his own deputy attorney general.

@realDonaldTrump: I am being investigated for firing the FBI Director by the man who told me to fire the FBI Director! Witch Hunt

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This tweet is significant because the president is now openly admitting that he is "being investigated," after insisting for most of this year, truthfully, that he was not. The investigation into Trump reportedly began shortly after he fired FBI Director James Comey.

And then we get to the inaccuracies.

First off, Trump is not just being investigated "for firing the FBI Director." He is reportedly being investigated over whether he tried to obstruct law enforcement investigations into his associates or into the Russia matter. James Comey's firing is part of this scandal, but there's more to it than that  as you can see in my lengthy timeline of the events at the heart of the obstruction of justice investigation.

Second, by "the man who told me to fire the FBI Director" Trump appears to be referring to Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein. And Rosenstein did indeed write a letter to the president harshly criticizing Comey's conduct and recommending new leadership for the FBI back in May.

But this mischaracterizes what has happened and what is happening. For one, Trump has publicly confirmed that he had already made up his mind to fire Comey and was going to do it regardless of what Rosenstein said, as he told NBC's Lester Holt last month.

He [Rosenstein] made a recommendation, he's highly respected, very good guy, very smart guy. The Democrats like him, the Republicans like him. He made a recommendation. But regardless of [the] recommendation, I was going to fire Comey. Knowing there was no good time to do it!

Furthermore, the problem is not merely that Trump fired Comey. It's the phony justifications his administration gave for the firing, it's Trump's own belated confirmation that a major factor in the firing was the Russia investigation, and it's the troubling pattern of Trump's attempts to interfere with investigations into his associates before the firing.
London police said at least 30 people have died as a result of the massive tower block fire , with the death toll set to increase further. "We know at least 30 people who have died... Sadly, we do not expect there to be any survivors," Metropolitan Police Commander, Stuart Cundy, said on Friday. As emergency services continued to search the burnt-out high rise tower, Cundy explained that 24 people were still being treated in hospital, while 12 were receiving critical care. British media had reported the final death toll could exceed 100. However, London's police chief said Thursday he hoped it was not going to be "triple figures."

"There is nothing to suggest at this time that the fire was started deliberately," he added.



British Prime Minister Theresa May has ordered a full public inquiry into the fire while police have subsequently launched a criminal investigation.



May, who had faced criticism for not meeting survivors of the blaze on a visit to the location on Thursday, said victims "deserve answers".



Six victims of the tower block fire have been provisionally identified.

"We as the police, we investigate criminal offenses - I am not sitting here and saying there are criminal offenses that have been committed, that's why you do an investigation, to establish it," Cundy said.
Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull shrugged off a leaked video of him mocking his U.S. counterpart, President Donald Trump, earlier this week, calling it a bit of good-natured fun.

Speaking to Australia's 3AW radio station on Thursday, Turnbull said the remarks were "affectionately light hearted."

He added, "You've got to have a laugh, we've got to lighten up."

Turnbull was speaking at the Australian Parliament's annual Midwinter Ball on Wednesday.

Similar to the White House Correspondents' dinner stateside, the ball is a premier event on the political calendar, gathering journalists, politicians and business leaders in Canberra. Turnbull's speech, however, was supposed to be off the record.

The video was leaked on Australia's Nine News network by veteran journalist Laurie Oakes.

Nine News Australia tweet: Vision has surfaced of Malcolm Turnbull mocking U.S. President Donald Trump.

Turnbull confirmed to 3AW that his speech was meant to be off the record and that he was "disappointed" by the leak, calling it a "breach of protocol ... (and) faith."

"Yes I am, well I am disappointed and I think it's, so I guess what that means is that next year at the Mid-Winter Ball I will read selected passages from Budget Paper number 2," he said.

Last month, Turnbull and Trump met face-to-face on-board the USS Intrepid, a World War Two aircraft carrier which has been turned into a museum in New York. Following an explosive phone call earlier this year that put a strain on the bilateral relationship, Trump said in May the two leaders "get along great."

On Wednesday, Turnbull alluded to the New York meeting and said, "It was beautiful. It was the most beautiful putting-me-at-ease ever."

He took a shot at the ongoing investigations into the Trump team's alleged ties with Russia, and said, "I have this Russian guy. Believe me it's true, it is true."

Reuters reported Thursday the White House brushed off the leaked video, quoting a senior official saying, "I don't think anybody cares about that."

The U.S. embassy in Canberra said it took Turnbull's remarks with "good humor that was intended," said Reuters.
News / National

by Staff reporter

ZANU-PF yesterday forced the closure of businesses in the sprawling high-density suburb of Sakubva, where President Robert Mugabe is set to address ruling party supporters today.The popular bus terminus, flea market and other businesses were closed much to the dismay of vendors and travellers.As if this was not enough, the party forced students from various colleges and universities in the city to march from the city centre to Sakubva Stadium, the venue of today's event.The hungry youths showcased their dancing skills in the mini carnival.Zanu-PF national youth secretary for environment and tourism, Lovemore Chibvura, addressed the youths at Sakubva Stadium, where he thanked them for participating in the march and in a clean-up exercise.Later in the day, Zanu-PF bigwigs toured the venue, where they were briefed about the preparations.The delegation comprised youth leader Kudzanayi Chipanga, Manicaland Provincial Affairs minister Mandiitawepi Chimene, Information minister Christopher Mushohwe and Environment minister Oppah Muchinguri, among others.Chimene and Mushohwe said they were expecting a bumper crowd at today's event.
Is the pharma bro on his way to being cash broke?

Martin Shkreli's lawyers, saying his assets are largely "illiquid," are asking a judge to slash his $5 million bail to just $2 million as the former pharmaceutical executive prepares to go on trial on federal criminal securities fraud charges in less than two weeks.

Shkreli's criminal defense lawyer Benjamin Brafman said that cutting his bail amount would allow $3 million to be released from an E-Trade account containing $5 million in cash that currently is securing his freedom.

In turn, that $3 million would be transferred to an account maintained by Shkreli's civil lawyers at the firm Fox Rothschild, and then be used to pay Shkreli's tax and legal expenses, according to a letter Brafman sent this week to Judge Kiyo Matsumoto.

The letter argues the bail reduction is warranted because Shkreli "is not a risk of flight," and because the current bail amount "is far in excess of what is required."

Brafman wrote that Shkreli's bail package was consented to by his former criminal defense lawyers when he was arrested in December 2015, "at a time when Mr. Shkreli had access to many millions of dollars in cash and other liquid assets."

"Today, the majority of Mr. Shkreli's assets are illiquid," said the letter to Matsumoto, which asks that she consider the bail request during oral arguments at a hearing in Brooklyn, New York, federal court next Monday.

"Although Mr. Shkreli is still worth a lot of money due to his ownership interest in Turing, that interest cannot be currently sold, nor can it be pledged."

Federal prosecutors have refused to agree to Brafman's request, according to the letter.

The claim that Shkreli is short on available cash came days after a report that he funded a $40,000 scholarship to a recent Princeton University graduate who had solved a math proof that Shkreli posed during a guest lecture at the college in April.

Turing was founded by Shkreli in 2015. He first gained public notoriety that same year after Turing acquired the rights to an anti-parasite drug, Daraprim, and then hiked the price of the medication used to treat pregnant women, infants and people with HIV from $13.50 per pill to $750 per pill.

Brafman's letter says Shkreli's interest in Turing is "now valued at tens of millions of dollars," and that he would forfeit that interest if he flees prosecution.

And the letter notes that the $2 million bail proposed is still twice the amount of Shkreli's co-defendant, Evan Greebel, and much more than in other cases involving alleged white collar crimes with a defendant who has no prior criminal record.

"We believe that $2,000,000 is more than sufficient to secure Mr. Shkreli's continued appearance in this case," Brafman wrote.

Brafman's letter said that an escrow account maintained by Shkreli's civil counsel, Fox Rothschild, would be used to hold the $3 million in cash if the bail reduction is granted.

"At this time, Mr. Shkreli must pay his civil attorneys, Fox Rothschild ... for legal work related to this case and to other legal matters," Brafman wrote. "He also owes [REDACTED] to Marks Paneth, forensic accountants who were retained to assist Mr. Shkreli in responsibly addressing certain claims against him by the IRS and [New York state] tax authorities."

The letter outlines proposed payments out of the $3 million that will be permitted by the tax authorities, but those payments are blacked out in the letter, which was filed in court.

Shkreli's E-trade account used to secure his bail originally was valued at $45 million when it first was posted as collateral for his release.

But the value dropped by about $41 million weeks later, as a result of its large holdings of KaloBios stock. Shortly before his arrest, an investor group led by Shkreli had purchased a controlling interest in KaloBios , which named him CEO. But the company's stock tanked on the heels of his arrest.

Shkreli is charged with defrauding Retrophin , the drug company he founded and ran before Turing, out of millions of dollars to repay investors in two hedge funds that he ran whom he also is accused of ripping off.

Shkreli has denied the allegations, as has his co-defendant Greebel, an attorney who did legal work for Retrophin.

Jury selection in Shkreli's case is scheduled to begin June 26.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel and U.S. President Donald Trump arrive for a group photo at a G7 summit on May 26, 2017 in Taormina, Italy.

Angela Merkel has sharpened Germany's attack on US plans to toughen American sanctions on Russia, in a sign of the growing political divisions between Berlin and Washington.

The normally cautious German chancellor went out of her way to back foreign minister Sigmar Gabriel's strongly worded criticism of the US proposals. Her spokesman said she had "the same level of concern" expressed with "the same vehemence".

Ms Merkel's intervention on Friday shows her willingness to go public with criticism of the US after President Donald Trump's outspoken attacks on Germany over defence, trade and international co-operation.

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She appears increasingly ready to risk provoking Mr Trump and his political allies, although she insists she remains strongly committed to the transatlantic alliance because she believes vital German and European interests are at stake.

The prospect that the bilateral tension might overshadow next month's G20 summit in Hamburg no longer seems to be holding back the veteran German chancellor, Europe's most powerful politician.

Ms Merkel's latest broadside is aimed at a bipartisan Senate move to toughen sanctions on Russia over the Kremlin's aggression in Ukraine, nuclear weapons deployment, and alleged interference in the US presidential election. Much of the bill, which is also expected to pass through the House of Representatives, codifies existing sanctions to make it harder for them to be relaxed, amid fears earlier this year that Mr Trump might take a pro-Moscow line.

But the draft includes new measures targeting Moscow's controversial Nord Stream 2 pipeline to the EU, in which German and Austrian companies are investing. As well as hitting Russian entities, the sanctions would cover foreign groups supporting Russian "gas export pipelines".

Berlin has condemned the plan for interfering in European energy affairs and threatening "illegal extraterritorial sanctions against European companies that participate in the development of European energy supply".

Germany is incensed that the bill expands the justification for sanctions beyond Russia's aggression in Ukraine  the original basis of a joint US-EU sanctions policy carefully crafted by Ms Merkel and Mr Trump's predecessor Barack Obama. While Berlin shares American concerns about Russian electoral meddling, it wants to keep Ukraine-linked sanctions focused on Ukraine to encourage Russian president Vladimir Putin to ease the crisis.

German officials are also angry that the draft explicitly calls on the US administration to "prioritise" American energy exports, "create American jobs", and "strengthen" US foreign policy. They argue that this runs counter to the co-operative current joint sanctions regime, as the US is putting its own economic interests above those of its EU allies, even in European energy.

Separately, Berlin rejected a suggestion from US secretary of state Rex Tillerson that the Ukraine crisis might be solved by the Kremlin acting outside the Minsk Agreement  the unimplemented peace deal agreed in 2015 with the support of Russia, Ukraine, France and Germany in the so-called Normandy Format. German officials said Ms Merkel stood by Minsk and by the Normandy format.

Ms Merkel's support for Mr Gabriel in criticising the US does not seem to imply any softening in her long-held scepticism over the Nord Stream 2 project per se. While Mr Gabriel champions the scheme on economic grounds, she has kept her distance in the face of intense of opposition from Poland and other eastern European allies.
The staggering level of government debt carrying negative yields, after falling from its peak a year ago, is back on the rise.

A slew of factors converged in May to send the global total to $9.5 trillion of sovereign debt  a situation where governments effectively are getting paid to borrow money, according to Fitch Ratings. The total represented a 10.5 percent increase from April.

Prominent investors have warned of the dangers of so much negative-yielding debt. Janus Henderson's Bill Gross has called it a "supernova" that will "explode," while Deutsche Bank CEO John Cryan has cautioned about "fatal consequences" of central banks being enticed by slashing rates to that extent.

The level spiked last year as global central banks enacted ultra-easy monetary policies in an effort to spur growth. Fitch said the French election, in which mainstream candidate Emmanuel Macron won against right-wing maverick Marine Le Pen, and the decline in the U.S. dollar helped pull rates back down.

"Higher yields have alleviated some pressure for investors, but challenges remain as yields in many developed economies are still near historic lows," said Jonathan Boise, Fitch's associate director for macro credit research.
Picture a three-year-old tug of war waged across the globe that leaves both sides wobbly and scarred but unmoved. That's one way of looking at the high-stakes competition between the world's big oil exporters and the companies drilling in American shale fields.

The struggle for dominance of the 97-million-barrel-a-day global market has left a scorecard that few in the oil patch could have anticipated three years ago, when oil sold for over $100 a barrel  more than twice the current price, which is near 12-month lows. With the onset of the summer driving season, oil and gasoline prices should be rising, but they have fallen over the last two weeks as inventories of crude and refined products remain stubbornly high in the United States and abroad.

On one side of the rope is the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, the Saudi-led group whose strategy for retaining market dominance has twirled from one failed tactic to another as it struggles to conquer a glut that will almost surely suppress prices for at least another year.

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And on the other side are the companies still working at a frenzied pace to tap shale reserves in the United States, especially across Texas. They have survived the cartel's attempts to kill off shale production, but they are limping from the depressed crude prices that make eking out a profit a daily struggle.

At least 123 of the companies operating in North America have filed for bankruptcy since early 2015, and the survivors, like Exxon Mobil and Chevron , have watched their share prices slump well below bull market averages as they borrow to keep up their dividends. More than 150,000 oil workers lost their jobs in the United States alone, although the job market is beginning to recover.

"For both sides, there has been one twist in the road after another," said Daniel Yergin, the energy historian and vice chairman of IHS Markit, an energy research consultancy. For prices to rise again, "inventories have to be seen as coming down, and there needs to be a tempering in the growth of U.S. shale production," he said. "Those are the two things that are defining the market right now."

But neither is happening.

This week oil traders were shaken by a report by the International Energy Agency that global supplies rose by 585,000 barrels a day in May as both OPEC countries and non-OPEC countries increased production. Oil stocks for the 35 industrialized economies, the agency noted, are not only well above the historical average but higher than when OPEC decided late last year to cut output.

United States oil production, which averaged 8.9 million barrels a day in 2016, will rise to 9.3 million barrels a day this year, according to the Energy Department. The department is projecting production of 10 million barrels a day in 2018, exceeding the record set in 1970. Last week domestic crude inventories eased a bit, but gasoline stockpiles rose by 2.1 million barrels.

OPEC set the latest market cycle in motion in late 2014, when the Saudis and their allies decided to swing cartel policy in an unexpected direction. Instead of cutting production to support prices, as it had done so often in the past, OPEC decided to let market forces loose and then even raised production.

The goal was a sharp but brief price slump that would drive independent American producers out of business to guarantee continued OPEC dominance of international markets.

American drilling did drop precipitously, as companies decommissioned more than half their rigs and neglected to complete wells already drilled through 2015 and part of last year.

But the American producers proved durable. They pushed innovation to produce more oil at lower costs by drilling longer lateral wells through shale fields. Their effort was helped along by cost reductions for drilling and production made possible in part by new technologies, including robotics and sensors to improve efficiencies.

Companies generally lost money through much of 2015 and 2016, and while some are beginning to earn a profit again, others risk being taken over or going out of business altogether.

"Nobody wants to come to grips with the fact the days of $70 and $80 oil are over," said Fadel Gheit, a senior oil company analyst at Oppenheimer & Company. "The shale producers continue to cut costs, and that gives them the hope to survive. But if oil prices don't rise significantly from the current level, 50 percent of the shale producers will go out of business."

The exception may be the companies operating in the Permian Basin of West Texas and New Mexico, with its layer cake of shale strands that make multiple wells cheaper to drill. The building of pipelines across Texas is pushing new American energy exports to Europe, Asia and Latin America.

"The unexpected resilience and revival of U.S. shale production is already frustrating OPEC's efforts to draw down global stocks," said Badr Jafar, president of Crescent Petroleum, based in the United Arab Emirates, "and threatening its market share at the same time."

The failure to stem American production led OPEC to change tactics late last year and finally cut production. Last month, the cartel extended its cuts through March 2018. It succeeded in getting Russia and a few other important producers to follow suit.

The new tack helped stabilize the market for a time, raising the oil price, which had dropped below $30 a barrel in early 2016, to over $50 a barrel during much of the first half of 2017. At that point many oil companies operating in the United States raised production and locked in higher sale prices with hedges.

But OPEC's cuts were partly a mirage. Its production actually rose by 290,000 barrels a day in May, to the highest level of the year, because Libya and Nigeria were exempted from the cuts and were gushing crude onto world markets.

Political instability could throttle production from either country at any moment, but both continue to surprise the markets with their robust exports.

The low oil and gasoline prices are nice for consumers, but they also hurt the competitiveness of cleaner electric cars. They could also damage the prospects for an initial public offering by the state-owned oil company Saudi Aramco  a move central to King Salman's efforts to remake the economy.

But another twist may lie ahead in the battle for markets. Lower prices could force companies to slash production again. Already, some are cutting back on exploration and new projects in fields where it is expensive to operate, like the Canadian oil sands.

"It remains to be seen if drilling can continue at the same pace in a sub-$50 environment once price hedges expire," Mr. Jafar said, referring to the American shale producers. "But if it does, I believe OPEC producers will have no choice but to revert to preservation of market share once again, which could see prices nose-dive. And the cycle will continue."
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President Donald Trump criticized his predecessor's Cuba policy on Friday in Miami, saying it allowed the Castro regime to benefit from increased tourism. The White House's new policy directs the Treasury Department to end a common method of visiting the communist nation by stopping individual people-to-people travel, according to a document released ahead of Trump's remarks. Tourism is technically banned by the U.S. embargo, but under the Obama administration, relaxed regulations allowed Americans to visit Cuba under people-to-people travel. Trump's policy restricts this form of travel to the island nation for individuals. Americans pursuing this type of travel would have to go in groups.

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Although Trump said he was "canceling" Obama's policies, a document published by the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control emphasizes that the changes announced Friday will not take effect until new regulations are issued. "The profits from investment and tourism flow directly to the military. The regime takes the money and owns the industry. The outcome of the last administration's executive action has only been more repression and a move to crush the peaceful, democratic movement," Trump said Friday. In a passionate speech ahead of the president's, Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., criticized Barack Obama's approach to U.S.-Cuba relations. "A year and a half ago a president, an American president landed in Havana to outstretch his hand to a regime. Today, a new president lands in Miami to reach out his hand to the people of Cuba," Rubio said. Last year, Obama became the first U.S. president to visit the island in 88 years.

Cubans 'have suffered under communist domination'

Trump also slammed the Castro regime for its human rights record. He pledged to "expose the crimes of the Castro regime" and support Cubans. He argued that freedom for Cubans would be in the interest of Americans. "For nearly six decades, the Cuban people have suffered under communist domination," Trump said. "To this day, Cuba is ruled by the same people who killed tens of thousands of their own citizens, who sought to spread their repressive and failed ideology throughout our hemisphere, and who once tried to host enemy nuclear weapons 90 miles from our shores." Trump pledged to pursue a deal that would better serve the interests of both the U.S. and the Cuban people. "With God's help, a free Cuba is what we will soon achieve," Trump said. Citing the regime's treatment of the Cuban people is puzzling, considering Trump has previously praised other countries and leaders with similarly checkered histories. For example, Trump has previously praised Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte for his drug crackdown, saying he has done an "unbelievable job" even though the campaign has led to the extrajudicial killing of thousands of his own people. When pressed on this point during a Thursday night briefing, a senior White House official said that the administration "will continue to take an aggressive stance" on human rights, but declined to comment on foreign policy related to other nations. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Fla., lauded the policy changes, saying that Trump has fulfilled a campaign promise he made in Miami. In 2016, then-candidate Trump called for a reversal of Obama's normalization of Cuba policy, saying he would demand religious and political freedom for the Cuban people as well as the release of political prisoners. "U.S. policy will ensure that the Cuban military  which oppresses the Cuban people and it beats the Cuban people through its thugs and imprisons political activists and spies on its neighbors  they can no longer benefit from increased trade and travel," said Diaz-Balart.
Google CEO Sundar Pichai takes the stage during the presentation of new Google hardware in San Francisco on Oct. 4, 2016.

The European Union will levy a record-high fine against in the coming weeks, according to The Wall Street Journal, citing people familiar with the matter.

Google has been the subject of several antitrust probes in the EU surrounding its display advertisements, its Android operating system and its comparison shopping service.

The fine in this case would apply to Google's practices with comparison shopping. Google is accused of giving its own service an advantage over those offered by competitors, which means shoppers would be more inclined to buy from Google and its partners instead of third parties.

The Journal said the EU may fine Google as much as 10 percent of its annual revenue, which means the penalty could be as much as about $9 billion. Last year, CNBC reported that Google could face similar fines for each antitrust suit.

The EU's previous record antitrust fine against a company was 1.06 billion euros (about $1.18 billion) against Intel in 2009, the Journal said.

Google parent Alphabet did not immediately respond to CNBC's request for comment.

Read The Wall Street Journal's full story here.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Second-hand vehicle imports through Beitbridge Border Post surged by 38 percent in the period between January and May this year.The imports had fallen significantly in recent years, with people preferring to use less busy ports of entry like Plumtree, Chirundu and Victoria Falls. Vehicle imports through Beitbridge are processed at Manica and Malindi transit sheds.On average, a pre-owned car costs $5 000 inclusive of duty. Sources at the border post attributed the surge in vehicle imports to price cuts and the opening up of more car dealerships on the South African side. They said the prices were slashed by almost 30 percent after the dealers noted a decline in sales.Zimra director for Legal and Corporate Services Florence Jambwa said 90 percent of the imports were from Japan, while South Africa contributed 10 percent.
The Russian Defense Ministry believes the leader of the Islamic State militant group, Ibrahim abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, may have been killed by one of its air strikes on the Syrian city of Raqqa.



The ministry said Baghdadi and as many as 330 other fighters had been killed as a result of an air strike on the city at the end of May.

"According to the information that is being checked via various channels, Ibrahim abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the leader of ISIS was at the conference and was liquidated by the strike," Russia's Defense Ministry said via a Facebook post, according to a translation.

The claim has not yet been verified.



Despite several previous reports of Baghdadi's death, the statement from Moscow's Defense Ministry is the first time Russia has reported the killing of the IS leader.



The ministry said an air strike killed 30 field commanders and up to 300 militants during an ISIS "meeting council" on May 28, near to the southern outskirts of Raqqa.



Islamic State's de facto capital, Raqqa, in Syria is reportedly surrounded to the north, east and west by approaching rebel and Kurdish forces, supported by the U.S.-led coalition.



The Russian Defense Ministry said they had informed Washington of the strike. Colonel John Dorrian, a spokesperson for the U.S.-led coalition told the BBC he had not been able to confirm whether Baghdadi had been killed.



There has been no official comment from the Syrian government.

Baghdadi garnered international prominence in June 2014 when, in his only public appearance to date, he was shown delivering a sermon in Mosul after ISIS had taken control of the city.



Reuters had reported that Baghdadi was believed to be "hiding in thousands of square miles of desert" until recently.
Robert 'Bob' Iger, chief executive officer of Walt Disney Co., greets government officials during the opening ceremony of the Shanghai Disney Resort in Shanghai, China, on Thursday, June 16, 2016.

The first year of business for Disney's Shanghai theme park exceeded expectations for the company and Wall Street analysts alike.

"We were arguing that this was on pace to be the most profitable Disney park globally," Barton Crockett, senior analyst at FBR Capital Markets, told Squawk Box on Friday. "I believe we were above [Wall] Street at that time and I think everything's played out pretty close to what we thought."

Disney CEO Bob Iger said Friday that Disneyland Shanghai has seen over 11 million visitors in its first year and around half of the park's visitors are coming from outside Shanghai. Iger spent 17 years and $5.5 billion to make the Chinese theme park a reality, which ranks in the middle of Disney's parks for the number of annual visitors.

When the park opened, Crockett said Disneyland Shanghai would garner around 10 million visitors.

"The theme parks are the main driver of earnings growth right now for Disney, and Shanghai is really propelling a good chunk of that right now," Crockett added.
Minneapolis-based Medica tells CNBC it intends to offer Obamacare health plans in both Nebraska and Iowa in 2018, two states where it stands to be the only insurer on the exchanges after Aetna and other carriers announced plans to pull out of those markets.

"We didn't go into a community assuming we'd be there for a year and out. With Medica, and our social mission, we are making a long-term commitment to these communities," said John Naylor, the CEO of the not-for-profit insurer.

Medica offered Obamacare plans in seven states this year, including its home state of Minnesota. Aetna's decision to leave both Nebraska and Iowa for 2018 has put the regional carrier in the spotlight. Without Medica, 100,000 people in Nebraska and 50,000 people in Iowa could be left without an Obamacare carrier next year.

Medica said late Thursday that it will remain on the exchange in Nebraska. Further, the CEO confirmed to CNBC that the insurer plans to submit preliminary rates in all of the states where they offer plans now, including Iowa.

"Our intent is to be in Iowa.  We want to help the individuals, the farmers, the small business owners in Iowa. But until we have clarity on rules, we will not make a final call until we have that," said Naylor.

Naylor praised state regulators who are trying to help insurers stay on the exchanges. In Iowa insurance officials have asked the Trump administration for a waiver that would allow them to set up funding to make up potential losses from sicker, high-risk enrollees.

But insurers say the key thing they need is a commitment to funding more than $7 billion in cost-sharing reduction subsidies, which the industry is required to pay under the Affordable Care Act to reduce out-of-pocket costs for low-income enrollees.

So far, the Trump administration has continued to reimburse insurers for those payments, while a federal lawsuit about congressional authorization of those payments remains on hold.

"When the federal government set out certain rules, our expectations are that these rules are followed," said Naylor. "So as we look at pricing we need to know are those rules going to be enforced in 2018."

Insurers have to submit initial 2018 exchange rates requests by June 21, but if there's no clarity on CSR funding by next September, Naylor said his firm and others will have to reevaluate whether to actually follow through on their exchange plans for next year.
"While business leaders are championing reform, their employees may perceive it as a boon to big businesses, making passage more difficult."

A recent study of company performance over the last decade found that, among one type of ESOP, the S corporation ESOP (S ESOP), in continuous operation, jobs grew an astonishing 37 percent, while jobs in the private economy grew only eight percent overall. This strength is even more pronounced in sectors facing declining employment levels such as manufacturing, where S ESOPs have held employment steady since 2000 and through the crisis.

Today, nearly half of U.S. workers have no access to any form of employer-sponsored retirement savings plans, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Meanwhile, all employee owners have access to a retirement plan and for S ESOPs, employee owners are likely more likely to have a second retirement vehicle than non-employee owners are to have one. And the savings aren't chump change. For S ESOP employee owners nearing retirement, they have accumulated savings that are on average five to seven times what they would have in a typical 401(k).

Not only do ESOPs address workers' economic anxieties with increased job and retirement security, they also tackle a core social issueincome inequality. The "democratization of capital" occurs in few other places in our economy, but can be a powerful tool to address inequality.

For policymakers, ESOPs are an underutilized tool to meet the goals of our economy: growth, more jobs, financial security, and income parity. But for tax reformers looking to stop the outflow of jobs moving overseas, employee ownership also delivers by providing an exit strategy that keeps business ownership local.

Take Burns & McDonnell, a Kansas City, Missouri -based engineering and architecture consulting firm. In 1985, Burns & McDonnell was owned by a financially troubled European steel company. The parent company was planning to sell it to a German firm until the Burns & McDonnell management team used the ESOP model to buy the company themselves.

Over 30 years later, Burns & McDonnell has 5,100 workers  up from 1,600 when the company converted to an S ESOP  who collectively own 100 percent of the company. And notably, the company's largest shareholders aren't members of the management team but middle class employees.

We can replicate this success story, but the market won't act on its own. Through tax reform and other efforts, we can support incentives for converting businesses to employee-owned and replicate state centers at the federal level to educate companies on the benefits of employee ownership. More awareness and incentives can turn America's disengaged and frustrated workforce into motivated and excited owners.

As President Trump seeks to unlock the potential for American businesses to grow, we need Americans to believe they will share in that prosperity. Creating jobs, increasing productivity, and promoting retirement security: ESOPs just might be enough to make Americans fall in love with business all over again.

Commentary by John E. Sununu, who served as a Republican Senator from New Hampshire from 2003-2009, and in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1997-2003. Follow him on Twitter @ JohnSununu .

For more insight from CNBC contributors, follow @CNBCopinion on Twitter.
"But we met with a ton of people and Amazon from a company values perspective matched ours really well. And we felt like we were really differentiating. They weren't doing anything like we were. Whereas other companies had similar platforms or similar businesses. We felt pretty comfortable with it," says Lin.

In the case of Twitch, "We weren't seeking it but all these companies started reaching out  we're like, 'Why are all of these companies reaching out all of a sudden asking how things were going, wanting to meet'?

"I find entrepreneurs talk a lot about  especially after they raise money  'Who's gonna buy us? What are we going to do with the money?' But you can't think that way," Lin tells CNBC. "Especially people who are vocal in the office, and you find this, surprisingly, a lot. And it makes your culture really weird when you think about it a lot."

Kevin Lin, co-founder and COO of Twitch, the video-game-streaming site that Amazon bought for $970 million in cash in 2014, knows the answer to that: "Frightening," he jokes. "At least at first."

As Amazon announces plans to acquire grocery store chain Whole Foods in a deal valued at $13.7 billion, the question that pops into the minds of entrepreneurs everywhere is: What's it like when Amazon buys your company?

Amazon has gotten a bad rap for its workplace culture in recent years. And Whole Foods founder and CEO John Mackey was not on board with the idea of a sale before the Amazon acquisition announcement. What has the experience actually been like for Lin and Twitch, especially now that some time has passed?

"So far it's been great," Lin says. "We're still in San Francisco. Amazon is super excited about what we're doing. We're doing more and more with different teams there. So far so good."

One of the departments the Twitch crew works with is Amazon Game Studios. "They're building games so we're obviously going to help them how to build communities on Twitch," says Lin. "Or help them figure out e-sports if that's what they want to do."

It's not always easy when a new team comes in to work with the old team. "It's really awkward to see at first, because [it's] like 'You guys are all doing the exact same thing as we are,'" admits Lin. "But they're like, 'That's OK. We're doing it slightly differently  maybe we're building some of the same core tech, but hey, two shots on goal.'

"And I love that approach," says Lin.

The Twitch team is also afforded a lot of freedom. "It's never, 'You must do this.' It's always, 'Hey, thought you guys might like to talk, if nothing comes of it, no big deal.' That's very much their approach. Which has been really awesome to see," explains Lin.

Plus, there are all the benefits of the new team being, well, Amazon.

"They're all about these 'think big' ideas," says Lin. "And we have, for better or for worse, tons of those."

While Lin says he and his Twitch cohort try to remain focused, Amazon gives them the opportunity to try new things  and have those trials be paid for. Definitely a perk.

It give Twitch the chance to say, "Hey, this isn't really exactly Twitch, but we'd love to try something like this," says Lin. "And if they like the idea  if it makes sense, [Amazon says,] 'We'll fund it.'

"Sweet! It's like doing this instead of having to raise money from VCs again," says Lin. "There's definitely no shortage of crazy ambitions, so it's been a pleasure."

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News / National

by Staff reporter

MDC-T thugs yesterday attacked an Additional Sheriff of the High Court in a bid to block him from serving their party leader Mr Morgan Tsvangirai with summons in which he is being sued for failing to pay facilitators of his failed "grand coalition" in the run-up to the 2013 harmonised elections.The thugs forcibly took away the court official's file containing court processes that he intended to serve on other parties.The opposition leader's home-boy, Mr Moreprecision Muzadzi last week filed summons at the High Court, claiming $80 000.According to the papers, $50 000 was for violence he alleges was perpetrated on him by MDC-T security officials after he demanded his dues from Mr Tsvangirai at his Highlands residence.Mr Muzadzi, in the summons, accused Mr Tsvangirai of reneging on his promise to pay him with a Nissan NP200 and $7 800 after he played the emissary role.He cited Mr Tsvangirai, his brother Manatsa and MDC-T deputy national chairman Mr Morgan Komichi as respondents.The Additional Sheriff Mr Respect Chimombe yesterday swung himself in harm's way he visited Harvest House in Harare to serve Mr Tsvangirai and two others with the summons.Mr Chimombe also sought to serve MDC-T with a notice of set down in a Labour Court case involving the opposition party, Toendepi Shonhe and others.He was kicked all over the body and pushed away by the violent youths.Police spokesperson Chief Superintendent Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident, saying investigations were underway."We can confirm that the Zimbabwe Republic Police have received a report in which an Additional Sheriff of the High Court was allegedly assaulted by MDC-T youths at Harvest House."Police attended the scene and investigations are still in progress," said Chief Supt Nyathi.Mr Chimombe lost a file containing writs of execution, summons and other processes for other parties.Meanwhile, Mr Muzadzi, in his suit against the MDC-T leadership, said Tsvangirai, his brother and Mr Komichi agreed to engage him to negotiate with opposition party leaders not to contest the 2013 general polls and instead throw their weight behind Mr Tsvangirai."Plaintiff and partner successfully negotiated with the following party leaders to support the first defendant's presidential candidate; Dr Simba Makoni (MKD), Dumiso Dabengwa (ZAPU), M. Dongo (ZUD), and 15 others."Mr Muzadzi said they held a series of meetings with several Western embassies towards the attainment of the goal of one presidential candidate."Plaintiff and his partner, Mr Mukwazhe, succeeded in this project they code-named One Zimbabwe, working hand in hand with Mr Manasa and Mr Komichi," read the papers by Mr Muzadzi.After a Memorandum of Agreement was signed between Mr Tsvangirai and fellow opposition parties, Mr Muzadzi said he was then asked to submit a bill which he duly did.
With only three days to go before Brexit negotiations kick off, the U.K. has refused to clarify what sort of relationship it will seek with the European Union.

Philip Hammond, U.K. finance minister, dodged three questions from journalists on whether the U.K. will want to retain access to the EU's single market.

"We've set out our position in the speech Prime Minister made at the Lancaster Hhouse earlier this year and in our long and detailed article 50 letter," Hammond told journalists at his arrival for a ministerial meeting in Luxembourg.

In a letter to the EU last March, Prime Minister Theresa May stated: "The United Kingdom does not seek membership of the single market: we understand and respect your position that the four freedoms of the single market are indivisible and there can be no 'cherry picking'."

But May's attempt to increase her majority in parliament were dashed and has weakened the government's negotiating position, with many arguing that May will have to take a softer stance and potentially seek some sort of access to the EU's single market.

Hammond, who reportedly supports the U.K.'s membership of the free-tariff market, told the press that the priority for the talks is protecting jobs.

"As we go into that negotiation, my clear view and I believe the view of the majority of the people in Britain is that we should prioritize protecting jobs, protecting economic growth and protecting prosperity," Hammond said.

A Brussels-based think tank calculated in February that in a scenario in which the U.K. leaves the single market, as many as 300 000 jobs will be lost just in the City of London.

Data released on Monday also showed that the number of EU nurses applying to work in the U.K. dropped by 96 percent since the referendum vote.

"I can confirm as we enter the negotiations next week we will do so in the spirit of sincere cooperation taking a pragmatic approach trying to find a solution that works both for the UK and the European Union at 27," Hammond said Friday.
If you're looking for a bargain education, don't count public colleges out of your search.

The University of Michigan is the latest institution to offer a tuition-free education for some students. The school announced Thursday that its "Go Blue Guarantee" program, starting in 2018, will cover tuition for up to four years for in-state students with family income of as much as $65,000 and who meet other eligibility criteria. Students can also apply for financial aid to cover housing and other costs.

"Today, our long-standing commitment to ensuring that qualified students from Michigan can afford a U-M education becomes a guarantee," University of Michigan President Mark Schlissel said in the announcement.

The Michigan program comes on the heels of New York state passing a free-tuition initiative as part of its state budget this spring.

The Excelsior Scholarship will supplement aid for in-state residents whose families earn $125,000 or less, providing tuition-free education at all New York public two- and four-year colleges. It phases in over three years, starting in the fall of 2017 for New Yorkers earning up to $100,000 and increasing to $110,000 in 2018.

Tennessee and Oregon also have programs offering free tuition at two-year community colleges.

Free tuition doesn't mean zero costs, however. New Yorkers eligible for the Excelsior Scholarship, for example, will still be on the hook for room and board and other expenses  and although the number of parents saving for college hit an all-time high last year, the median balance isn't enough to cover even a year of in-state expenses at a public, four-year college.

Among other requirements, students must also agree to live and work in New York for the same number of years after graduation as they received the scholarship.
A team of Cincinnati doctors caring for an American student medically evacuated from North Korea said Thursday he has a neurological injury and remains in a coma.



The hermit state freed Otto Warmbier on Tuesday after about 17 months in custody. He was then flown back to the U.S. where received urgent medical attention from a team of physicians at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center in Ohio.

The communist regime accused the 22-year-old of stealing a political banner and held a trial in March 2016 where he was convicted of "hostile acts" and sentenced to 15 years of hard labor.



North Korea claims Warmbier went into a coma after taking a sleeping pill and says he also had botulism. However, physicians in his care team in Cincinnati said during a press conference Thursday that they conducted tests and showed no signs of active botulism.



Warmbier remains in a coma, but stable since being brought back to his home state of Ohio. It was learned only this week that he's been in a coma for more than a year.



There have been reports Warmbier was mistreated in the custody of the North Koreans and possibly physically beaten.



His father Otto Warmbier spoke Thursday and expressed relief that his son was released but added the family has "anger that he was so brutally treated for so long. We went for 15 months without a word from or about Otto."



The elder Warmbier said his family doesn't believe the excuse given by North Korea that Otto's condition today was due to a sleeping pill and botulism. Regardless, he said there's "no excuse for any civilized nation to have kept his condition secret and denied him top-notch medical care for so long."

His son went to North Korea as part of a group tour arranged by a China-based company. He was in Asia during a break from his studies at the University of Virginia.



In Cincinnati, doctors said they performed a battery of tests on Warmbier, ranging from ordinary X-rays to more advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans as well as skeletal surveys of the skull, ribs, pelvis and other areas to look for broken bones.



Dr. Daniel Kanter, medical director of the Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit at the Cincinnati hospital, told reporters "there's no fractures of the bones that we can detect."



Furthermore, he said "minor blemishes" on Warmbier's skin were found but noted they are consistent with a medical patient having intervenous lines.



"We do not see any skin indications that are strongly suggestive of mistreatment," he said. "Beyond that we cannot speculate on what might have occurred in the past."



According to Kanter, the MRI scan of Warmbier's brain "showed extensive loss of brain tissue in all regions of the brain. We have no certain or verifiable knowledge of the cause or circumstances of his neurological injury."



Also, Kanter said the type and pattern of damage they see on the latest MRI scan is not what they normally see in patients with traumatic brain injuries.

Warmbier's scan, though, is consistent with what's usually seen after cardio-pulmonary arrest, where the blood supply to the brain is inadequate for a period of time. The doctor said this type of condition is what can lead to the destruction of brain tissue.



"His neurological condition can best be described as a unresponsive wakefulness," said Kanter.



Kanter said Warmbier "has spontaneous eye opening and blinking. However, he shows no signs of understanding language, responding to verbal commands or awareness of his surroundings."



Speaking in general terms, doctors said one cause of cardio-pulmonary arrest in a young person could be respiratory arrest, including possible airway obstruction. They also said there could many causes for respiratory arrest in the young, including trauma or intoxication.



Kanter said his medical team has had no direct contact with North Korean authorities although he did say they sent along medical records, including medical imaging scans on a disk and blood lab results with dates. Some of the information was dated from April but doctors at the Cincinnati hospital said they have no way to verify those dates.



And Kanter said medical records sent by the North Koreans do not "shed light on the circumstances of his injury or the exact cause."



At the request of the family, Kanter said the hospital won't provide any information on his prognosis, prospects for care or future treatment. Reporters asked questions about his prognosis but the hospital declined to comment on that due to the privacy considerations.
Whole Foods CEO John Mackey used to think Amazon wouldn't thrive in the grocery delivery business, according to a 2015 interview with Bloomberg Businessweek, starkly contrasting the recent deal he stuck with the company.

Mackey reportedly predicted the e-commerce giant's move into grocery delivery through its AmazonFresh initiative, a capitalize-intensive service, would be "Amazon's Waterloo" moment.

Amazon said Friday it plans to acquire Whole Foods Market in a deal valued at $13.7 billion. Shares of Whole Foods soared 30 percent after the announcement, and Amazon stock rose 3 percent.

The deal is expected to close in the second half of the year.

Read the full Businessweek story here.
The transportation secretary is 14th in line, but since Elaine Chao is a naturalized U.S. citizen  not born in the United States  she is ineligible.

Did you know that a former CEO of ExxonMobil is fourth in the U.S. presidential line of succession? Or that Ben Carson  neurosurgeon, controversial former presidential candidate and now secretary of Housing and Urban Development  stands 13th in line to replace President Donald Trump if he dies, resigns or is removed from office?

Amid the continuing investigations into Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election, there, of course, has been a great deal of discussion and news coverage of the 45th commander in chief not completing his full term in office.

If a sitting president leaves office, the vice president  currently Mike Pence  becomes president for the rest of the term. If he is unable to serve, the next person in the line of succession acts as president (see the chart below). To date, only a vice president has ever replaced the president.

The second in line, after Pence, is House Speaker Paul Ryan. And that oilman, who would follow Ryan and then Senate President Pro Tempore Orrin Hatch, into the West Wing? That would be Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.

American presidential succession laws date to 1792. The line of succession has been shuffled several times, including in 1868, when Congress removed the leaders of the Senate and House from the list, and, most recently, in 1967.
CLIFTON PARK, N.Y. >> Arongen Elementary School celebrated Flag Day last week with a school assembly showcasing students musical talents and their knowledge of the flags connection to the countrys citizens.

The June 9 event in the school gym was a full school assembly with invited guests and rows of admiring parents.

From the opening presentation of the flag by the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts to the concluding sing along of Lee Greenwoods God Bless the U.S.A., the one hour-long event was an uplifting patriotic ode to the red, white, and blue.

This was a celebration presented by the students for their fellow classmates and the invited guests. The remarks from the adults in the room were kept to a minimum.

School principal Andrew Hills opened the celebration by reminding the students that the assembly was focusing on one of the schools five core values, citizenship.

Today we show pride in our flag, our country and the men and women who served our country, he said.

The military veterans in the room were acknowledged as were the members of the Disabled American Veterans, Chapter 88. The latter received the loudest ovation of the entire celebration.

Joining Hills on the gym stage were Sen. Jim Tedisco, R-Glenville, Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh, R-Ballston Spa, Shenendehowa School District School Superintendent L. Oliver Robinson, and Mary Blaauboer and Deanna Stephenson from the Shen Board of Education. Looking out on a student body that is the most diverse of any school in the district, Robinson couldnt keep from smiling.

What does this day actually mean and why do we celebrate it, Robinson asked rhetorically. Were not just celebrating the flag but the United States of America. Were celebrating us. The flag means caring and being inclusive. It reminds us that the sacrifices made by many are not something we should ever forget.

Walsh noted the flag is a symbol of the country while Tedisco pointed out that freedom and liberty are embedded in the flag.

Musical performances, like the Star Spangled Banner performed by Megan Lai on violin, were interspersed with essays read by their young authors.

The schools kindergarteners sung George M. Cohans Youre a Grand Old Flag and the first graders followed with the Woodie Guthrie tune, This Land is Your Land. Other musical numbers sung during the celebration included When the Saints Go Marching In, Stars and Stripes, and Take your Hat Off.

The musical performances continued with members of the Arongen Orchestra performing Yankee Doodle and the Arongen Brass Ensemble performing two numbers, America and the Army March.

In between the musical performances there were the short, heartfelt, essays.

In her essay What America Means to Me, author Kate Wachowiak said, The flag is great. The flag is America. It inspires us.

In his essay, Im Proud to Be an American, Logan Buteau reminded everyone in the gym that we are free to make our own decisions.

In her essay, What America Means to Me, Sarah Jaffri said the country was great because We have free choice and freedom of religion. People dont judge you by what religion you are, they want to learn more about it.

After the assembly, Hills, the schools principal, expanded on the five core values stressed at the school.

We wanted values that could be clearly understood by kids in grade school, he said. The values are pride, respect, responsibility, trust, and citizenship. Pride in what youre doing, respect of others, responsibility to do your own work, trust in making sure your character is doing the right thing, and citizenship. With that last we wanted them to think, how are you a part of something bigger, like Arongen. Were hoping they carry those values with them as they go on in life.
The CFA recommended a series of common reverses for the curved 2019 Apollo 11 50th Anniversary copper-nickel clad half dollar, standard silver dollar, $5 gold half eagle and 5-ounce silver dollar.

Tlingit tribal member Elizabeth Peratrovich whose advocacy led to passage of the Anti-Discrimination Law in Alaska in 1945, is depicted on a recommended reverse for the 2020 Native American dollar.

Commission of Fine Arts Chairman Earl A. Powell didnt like the design for the reverse of the 2019 Native America dollar coin that had endorsements from several groups.

The drawing is very complex, he cautioned his fellow commissioners at their June 15 meeting. A lot of this will get lost, he said, holding up another Native American dollar, adding You can hardly see whats on them.

But after U.S. Mint Sculptor-Engraver Donald Everhart II suggested several ways to simplify the design, the commission bowed to the groups wishes and endorsed a design that most had said appeared cluttered.

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That vote seemed to symbolize how far the commission was willing to go to meet the wishes of groups that had helped the U.S. Mint create designs for the six new coins reviewed at the CFAs meeting.

The 2019 Native American dollar will salute contributions Native Americans have made to the space program.

Key among those contributions is the work of Mary Golda Ross, a Cherokee who is considered to have been the first female Native American engineer, according to the Mint. Ross helped develop the Agena spacecraft for the Gemini and Apollo programs, Mint information said.

The design showed her working on math calculations as an Atlas-Agena rocket roared into space, with an equation embedded in cloudy exhaust. In addition, NASA Astronaut John Herrington, another Native American, was shown in a spacewalk overhead, along with a smattering of stars, according to the Mint.

Too much, agreed Everhart.

He suggested removing some of the stars and changing the rockets size and placement.

Elizabeth K. Meyer, vice chairman of the panel, suggested adding a phrase about Native Americans in space.

With all those suggested changes, the commission endorsed the proposed design.

Did a former automaker once issue scrip notes? Plus, some alternative collecting methods: Another column in the June 26 Coin World profiles John J. Pittman, a czar of numismatic knowledge.

The endorsed reverse design for the 2020 Native American dollar also followed the recommendations of Native American groups, and the commission seemed happy with one of the proposed designs.

The commission endorsed a design honoring an Alaskan woman who led the fight for one of the countrys first anti-discrimination laws. Elizabeth Peratrovich, a member of the Tlingit Nation, pressed the Alaska Territorial government in 1945 to enact the law. The commission-endorsed design shows both a portrait of her and the symbol for the Tlingit raven moiety of which she was a member.

Apollo 11 coins

The commission took two steps toward issuing a set of four curved coins in 2019 to mark the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 landing on the Moon.

The set will consist of a gold $5 coin, a silver dollar, a copper-nickel clad half dollar and a Proof 5-ounce silver dollar, the first such commemorative coin of that weight.

The law authorizing those coins requires that all four share a common reverse that is based on a photograph taken of Astronaut Buzz Aldrin on the moon.

The photo shows a reflection in the mirror visor Aldrin wore. It shows the lunar lander, an American flag and astronaut Neil Armstrong. Three sets of drawings were prepared by the Mint showing that scene.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration had endorsed the third set of drawings and, although some members of the commission expressed concerns that the lander appeared to be distorted, they backed the NASA-preferred reverse designs.

Commission Secretary Thomas Luebke noted that the staff would prefer that the values of the coin be spelled out and not be numerals.

The commission also named two of its members, Edward D. Dunson and Liza Gilbert, and assistant secretary Frederick J. Lindstrom to sit on a jury that will select the obverse designs for the 2019 Apollo 11 coin set.

The designs can be seen below in this series of tweets:
News / National

by online

Mugabe speech at Dangamvura Community Information Centre (Bottom to top) :

---- Mugabe speech at Dangamvura Community Information Centre ----

Ego

PRESIDENT Mugabe this afternoon addresses thousands of Zanu-PF supporters at Sakubva Stadium in Mutare during the second leg of the Presidential Youth Interface Rallies launched in Mashonaland East province on June 2 at Rudhaka Stadium in Marondera.16:05 - The Youth League has presented a portrait to the First family and this ends the proceedings here at Sakubva marking the end of our updates. Thank you for joining us. Join the discussion below on the topics raised by the President in his address. Good day.15:58 - Zanu-Pf provincial chairperson Samuel Undenge takes to the podium to give vote of thanks.15: 52 - President Mugabe wraps up his address by emphasizing unity, asserting that: "Once you have been bought you have sold out the party. If you (Chipanga), agree to be bought you are showing your lack of direction because those below you will be watching and will lose respect."We thank you as Chiefs and please may you continue like that.meanwhile seniors fighting for positions must do that without involving the youths. Give them assistance yes but don't lead them astray. I thank you for the respect you give me.15:45 - I want to thank the youths for the Million Man March and while others thought it would not be a success they were left with an egg on their faces. Now you have brought up this program (The Presidential Youth Interface Rallies programme) . . .I appreciate it. This is a sign that the youth are united, which I do not see amongst the seniors in the party.15:41 - I know Manicaland province has grievances against the Chinese regarding the share ownership scheme. i was made to walk with a dummy cheque. We had our disagreement and that is why government has taken over (diamond mining). They went to court but lost and I promise that when we start mining those promises will be fulfilled.15:40 - President Mugabe thanks the chiefs for showing the youth how to perform traditional rites urging them to continue safeguarding the country's traditions.15:32 - We were never bought to fight our seniors like Joshua Nkomo . . .I implore you not to be bought off by ministers so that you support them.15:31 - People are still harvesting the corn and now we are concentrating on wheat so that we stop depending on imports from (other countries).15:20 - President Mugabe explains that Command Agriculture and the presidential inputs scheme gave the country a bumper harvest. "Today we can not forget that like what others want. Some war veterans were included in the Civil Service while others were included in the army, police, the Central Intelligence Organization and even the Correctional Services (Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service) and headed by veterans of the war.15:10 - "We also acknowledge that there are other people who who were detained during the war as well as ordinary people who gave their all for the cause. Let's stop denigrating and forgetting the efforts of the government. We had goals and these aims have always been about helping the people.He says, "Let there be no war veterans who claim that we did not do anything for them because when we resettled people after independence we ensured 20 per cent of the land acquired would go to veterans. Even when we expropriated land, we gave them."15::06 - "We looked at our country and sought our economy strengths and the land was the most important and that is why we embarked on the land reform," says President Mugabe.He says, "Let there be no war veterans who claim that we did not do anything for them because when we resettled people after independence we ensured 20 per cent of the land acquired would go to veterans. Even when we expropriated land, we gave them."15:03 - When we won independence we did not rest on our laurels but we told ourselves that it is a weapon that we can now use to uplift our people.14:59 - "We did not denounce those that came with the Bible but we encouraged them to acknowledge our freedom and independence!14:54 - "The war of liberation would not have been won if we were not united. We now have the land as well as freedom . . .you saw our chiefs taking us through a traditional rite but we did not denounce Christianity and I want to assure Bishop Manhanga and others that this religion can also add onto our own beliefs," says President Mugabe.14:50 - President Mugabe takes to the podium after the crowd danced to Jah Prayzah's hit "Mdara Achauya" and he emphatically says "Mdara Auya!" The President thanks the other wings of the party for supporting the Presidential Youth Interface Rallies . . .14:38 - "The unity of purpose being shown here should be maintained because that is the way we can keep the party and country together. I hope these meetings will leave the provinces more united and I pray God blesses you," says Amai Mugabe.14:36 - Dr Grace Mugabe is now at the podium. She chants party slogans urging Zanu-Pf to remain united . She says youths should refuse to be used by seniors in the party for selfish gains.14:31 - "I thank Morgan Tsvangirai for accepting defeat before the elections because when one threatens people with violence it's a sign of a defeated man," asserts Cde Chipanga."Your excellency 2018 should deal a decisive blow to all opposition parties and they have done us a favour by forming a coalition.14:28 - "We thank you  for introducing various projects in the province The youths need programmes aimed towards their needs especially farming inputs. Youths are grateful for the dualization of the Chirundu-Beitbridge road but we hope we don't see other nationals taking even the menial jobs," says Cde Chipanga. He urges President Mugabe to acquire all white owned farms in Manicaland.14:25 - Chipanga says President Mugabe is the "ange" Gabriel and won't change. He says they are two issues which include the need for the youths to register to vote. And the second being to vote for Angel Gabriel Mugabe!14:16 - Meanwhile Hamandishe invites Chipanga to introduce members of the Politburo.14:10 - A Mozambican traditional dance group is showcasing it's dances as the crowd wait for President Mugabe's address.14:07 - At Sakubva Stadium Zanu - PF Youth League political commissar Innocent Hamandishe is the Master of Ceremony.13:39 - Mugabe has arrived at the stadium accompanied by the First Lady Dr Amai Mugabe and Kudzai Chipanga as they wave to the crowd in the stadium.13:13 - President Mugabe is now presenting computers to different school heads from Dangamvura.13:10 - President Mugabe thanks the ICT Ministry for choosing him to open the community Information Centre adding that the centre should be taken care of.13:05 - President Mugabe says Zanu-PF is united and those with ambition to lead should know how to seek leadership in a proper manner. He says it is an issue he will address at the Sakubva rally. He praises the ICT Ministry and POTRAZ (Post and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority) for funding the forth-coming installation of Internet in schools.12:59 - His Excellency says the first Information Center was in Murombedzi (Mashonaland West) and his hope is that the ICT Ministry should work hand in hand with the education ministry to fulfill the national goals. He laments the abuse of the internet whereby young people are copying foreign cultures as well as abusing others online media platforms.12:56 - President Mugabe starts by congratulating the ICT Ministry as well as the community of Manicaland.Mugabe arrives in Dangamvura to officially open Information Centre.Thehas landed - President Mugabe arrives in Mutare10:37 - A group of Zanu-PF supporters is keeping guests entertained here singing revolutionary songsAfter officially opening the information centre President Mugabe will proceed to Sakubva Stadium where he is expected to address thousands who have already filled the venue to capacity.10:53 - Thousands of Zanu-PF supporters have thronged Sakubva Stadium, and the venue is already full with thousands of other supporters still queuing outside. Various musical groups are attending the huge crowd. Information Minister Dr Chris Mushohwe and Zanu PF secretary for Youth Affairs Kudzi Chipanga are already at the venue.10:55 - The Mozambican delegation led by the Manica Governor Alberto Ricardo Mondlane has arrived at Sakubva Stadium.
News / National

by Simbarashe Sithole

Scores of people converged at Guruve Centre to attend the Zimbabwe Republic Policed (ZRP) client charter re-launch program today.Various stakeholders, including the judicial services, farmers and residents were in attendance.Addressing the gathering, the guest of honour Superintendent Tonderai Chiyangwa bemoaned corruption and urged people to stop corruption saying it is a two way problem."As police we do not encourage corruption you should stop corruption at all cost. Our officers do not indulge into corruption alone but with some of you who use money to evade arrest," he said.Matumbu theatre from Mvurwi entertained the audience with both comedy and music.People who spoke to Bulawayo24.com were delighted about the event."We are very happy to mix and chat with the police because generally there is a belief that a police officer is a fearsome person but that is not the case. We are like fish and water, we need each other," revealed Tichaona Nyakapupu from Nyakapupu village.The event was held under the theme "PRO-POPULO, PRO PATRIA, PRO LEGE" meaning 'We work with Zimbabwean people, in Zimbabwe and following Zimbabwean laws'.
News / Religion

by Staff Reporter

A man identified as Andy Zimunya was bashed and left for dead on Tuesday night after he had claimed that his cousin who is a pastor performs fake miracles.Some time last week Zimunya is believed to have accused Pastor Paul Sanyangore the leader of Victory World Church International of fakes miracles.He was brutally attacked after his appearance on the weekly Tilda Moyo show on Star FM.According to reports by H-Metro Zimunya was "savaged at his house by three members of Victory World Church International."Zimunya's lawyer Obey Shava said they are still to lodge a police complaint against the three who work for Sanyangore as bouncers."Zimunya was severely attacked and had to be admitted at a local private hospital. He is still to record a statement at the police station," said Shava.In a recent interview, Zimunya accused Sanyangore of faking almost 80 percent miracles to lure more people to his church for quick money.
Opinion / Columnist

New York, United States - June 16, 1976 is the day of bloodbath on the streets of South African townships, Soweto being the epicentre of one of the worst manisfestations of apartheid brutality.On this day, the youthful students of South Africa filled the streets to mount an unseen formidable resistance against the repressive regime in South Africa.The youth have always remained a very vital cog in all democratic revolutions driven by their purposeful resolve, focus and the tons of calories at their disposal.Former South African president, who during his tenure as leader of ANC Youth League made his mark and contributed much to South Africa's democratic parthway.To mention but just a few, Julias Malema, Lindiwe Mazibuko,Malusi Gigaba, Floyd Shivambu, Julius Malema, Peter Mokaba, Fikile Mbalula, have all engraved their names into the annuls of history during their youth era.Rich Leigh Anesu Mazodze, my first princess has claimed her spot amongst the other South African luminaries having been born on the very Day of The African Child.By being born on this very day, there is no need for Africa and the world to look any further in pursuit of who has replaced Nelson Mandela considering the fact that an icon was given to us on the very day - YOUTH DAY.This is symbolic and needs no divination to decode the predestined rise of this icon.Having been born at a medical facility where Tata Mandela, Albertina Sisulu and many other South African luminaries received much of their healthcare -- these are telly telly signs and prophetic symbolism.Exhibiting and exuding fascinating leadership skills, eloquence, platinum charisma, 100 carat diamond character and evident humanity, the leaderly Rich-Leigh, is the promise of the consolation of the African continent and the world at large.Decorated with true marks of an icon, a leader par excellence, a Grace-filled and flavoured dynamic speech, wisdom saturated mental stamina - surely even the best adjective constellation will not exhaust and neither will the best of superlatives do a better discription!My daughter Rich- Leigh, my jubilation and the pridely honour of playing the Joshephy- role with regards to your birth humbles me as I conform to mortality wishing you a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!Glory be to God!"South Africa, how art thee blessed - the princess in born on thy soil, " - Dr. Wangu Mazodze
Opinion / Columnist

Kudzai Chipanga is a young lad whose brains are still forming and his thought processes are greatly influenced by the here and now. It is certainly safe to say that Chipanga is unable to think beyond his stomach and he is unable to see how things will unfold beyond where he is standing.The lad thinks and makes decisions based on his immediate physiological gratifications of a new suit, new shinny shoes, an iPhone, food and beer, a bank cash card and a ZANU PF lease car. The G40 backed movement has provided him with a fat enough bank account for his age that induces young Chipanga to act with unintelligent excitable statements. Chipanga could not hold back his emotions at youth rally somewhat inherently possessed with a political demon telling the perplexed and poverty stricken youths in attendance that he was touched by the Angel 'Gabriel' Mugabe.This boy, a possible successor to Saviour Kasukuwere went into overdrive to declare that he is the sole election organiser and mobiliser for his party telling the generation of the older age not to interfere, advice or settle scores within the youth forums, platforms, rallies and activities. Chipanga's gang of misguided juvenile delinquencies in the name of Mubuso Chinguno and others think that war is a games console video gaming declaring that they will be war if the Generation 40 backed movement loses the 2018 national elections. These toddlers, Chipanga and Chinguno brainwashed by G40 appear to be illiterate and ill-informed about the functions of democratic institutions that support a peaceful transition of power through a free and fair electoral process. In a democracy an election is a civilised process of regime change by the free will of the people, conducted in a civilised manner and it respects the verdict of the electorate. In a democracy leaders enjoy delegated power. Leaders are not authorities of power such as in the definition of Mugabe's meaning of power much to the confusion of the mental fragile Chipanga and Chinguno who accepts instructions without questioning the constitutional validity of those instructions.Generation 40 is a governance concept developed by Jonathan Moyo (G40 kingmaker) that is disguised as transferring power to the younger generation when in fact Moyo's concept is manipulation of young people to use them as a decoy to return G40 and Mugabe into power. G40 strategy is also believed to be supported by Grace Mugabe, Patrick Zhuwayo, vice president Phekelezela Mphoko and Saviour Kasukuwere all of whom are above the age of the generation of the youths. Power according to Moyo's G40 theory is not intended for the youth but for President Mugabe. Mugabe is a member of G40, a patron and an active participant working with the Generation 40 movement to win the 2018 elections and thereafter Mugabe will announce his successor chosen from within the G40 movement. Robert Mugabe is used by G40 as a convenient factor of political engineering, production and marketing required for the sake of pushing through the G40 strategic agenda of creating new G40 governance and to dislodge the now forsaken war veterans, the generation of the old guard bigwigs including vice president Emmerson Mnangagwa and his Team Lacoste brand. Jonathan Moyo projected that political change will take place within ZANU PF. The unfolding events within ZANUPF are indicative of the inevitable change projected by Moyo. Moyo will become one of the most important figures in ZANU PF and in fact based on the current scale of probability the indication is that Moyo is already enjoying a respectable role in the current ZANU PF political succession matrix.Chipanga has little awareness that the problems of the youths in Zimbabwe are the problem of negative socio-economic and political environment and policies that were created by his ZANU PF party. ZANU PF has constantly sought to exploit the vulnerability of the youth for political goals and interests. The exploits of the Mugabe G40 master minders of using the youth as their front for their own political objectives is proof of youth exploitation and subordination. Chipanga's position is not any better than the experiences of abuse of Godfrey Tsenengamu, Godwin Gomwe and Vengai Musengi perpetrated by Mugabe and G40.Tsenengamu, Gomwe and Musengi have a little story to tell about what it means to be exploited, used, abused and taking advantage of. They were used to purge Joyce Mujuru with a promise of everything under the sun but once Joyce was successfully purged their usefulness became absolute and they too became purged. Chipanga is believed to have been used in the demise of Tsenengamu, Gomwe and Musengi and for that Chipanga was rewarded with the position of ZANU PF politburo member for the youth wing. Chipanga is not working for interest, needs, wishes and rights of youths not even within his own party. He is working on a script he was given by Mugabe and G40. The script is to return Mugabe and the G40 movement into power. Chipanga needs to ensure that he sticks to the script religiously otherwise any deviation from it may lead him to the experiences of Border Gazi, Chenjerai Hunzwi and Elliot Manyika. The basic political approach used by President Mugabe is 'exploit, use and abuse and then discard'.The Zimbabwe youths under ZANU PF government have become victims of deceitful, falsehearted and fraudulent politicians that exploit, lure, train and force the youths to commit politically motivated murders, rape, looting and kidnappings. The youths are used in violent farm invasions, aggressive take overs of private business and property, election violent campaigns, forcing people to attend rallies, forcing people to contribute financial to activities of ZANU PF, victimizing and causing harm to members of the opposition and civil society. In return these youths are given food, drugs and alcohol; brain washed; paid meagre allowances, given empty promises of jobs, empty promises of several hundreds of residential stands not backed with mortgage loans, and empty promises of becoming future members of parliament, ministers and local government councillors.Chipanga is not a true representative of the generation of youths as his role does not seek to address the wider and deeper issues affecting the young people in Zimbabwe. He was given a script to mobilise for Mugabe and to show how good an old leader Mugabe is. Chipanga is speaking on behalf of Mugabe promising the youth housing stands without the opportunities for youth jobs, stable financial incomes, college education, skills for employment, entrepreneurship and youth businesses. Many young people cannot attend school, college or university for lack of money to do so. The cycle of youth poverty will be passed down to their children too. The young people do not have a secure future due economic and social exclusion, broken families, school failure, status frustration, and a lack of exposure to legitimate means of achieving their goals.The government of Mugabe has successfully managed to produce a society of young people prone to drugs addiction, promiscuity, exploitation, dependent on alcohol, mentally ill, and an increase in youth criminal activities. Our young people are just fading out of their own society, they have retreated to exclusion and they are no longer taking part in a positive way in their own society due to the pressures of narrow social, economic and cultural goals that ZANU PF exposes them .Their hopes, dreams, aspirations, and desires have been destroyed right at the start of their journey to adulthood.
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I'll go right ahead and say it. I love marijuana. I would love to be able to smoke it openly and legally on the street, in my home, at a bar or anywhere else that alcohol or tobacco are legally allowed to be used. This is an argument for another time.

Being able to get high is not the point of medical marijuana.

This concept is completely lost on Attorney General Jeff Sessions, a man who has probably never been passed a joint in his life. He recently asked Congress personally to allow him the ability to prosecute medical marijuana suppliers in states where the law allows medical marijuana. What a buzz kill!

Sessions request flies in the face of the federal medical marijuana protections that have been in place since 2014. The law, known as the Rohrabacher-Farr amendment, prohibits the Justice Department from using federal money to prevent states "from implementing their own State laws that authorize the use, distribution, possession or cultivation of medical marijuana."

Why does the federal government want to stop the use of medical marijuana? Sessions makes a ridiculous case in his letter to Congress.

"I believe it would be unwise for Congress to restrict the discretion of the Department to fund particular prosecutions, particularly in the midst of an historic drug epidemic and potentially long-term uptick in violent crime. The Department must be in a position to use all laws available to combat the transnational drug organizations and dangerous drug traffickers who threaten American lives."

The historic drug epidemic has nothing to do with marijuana and everything to do with the powerful opiates that are fueling overdoses and addiction across the country. In states where medical marijuana is legal there have been studies that show a decrease in opioid related overdoses.

Most experts believe that powerful forces from the pharmaceutical companies have lobbied the federal government to end the use of medical marijuana because the drugs that it replaces, such as opiates, are ones where the industry makes big money. If medical marijuana became legal nationwide, and it is already legal in 29 states and the District of Columbia, big pharmaceutical companies stand to lose a lot of money. According to addictions.com, on opiate sales, pharmaceutical companies made $11 billion in 2010 alone.

Medical marijuana has a huge upside among doctors. Even those who had never prescribed it before are coming around based on the feedback from patients with chronic pain. Dr. David Casserat recently found that the use of medical marijuana does something very important for patients: It gives them control -- control over their illness and control over their treatment.

About the idea of a patient gaining control, Casserat states, "If that (losing control) seems like a little thing for somebody with chronic illness, it's not, not at all. When we face a chronic illness, we lose control."

And who is losing control during the legalization of medical marijuana? Pharmaceutical companies. Gaining control are patients who are going through painful chronic illnesses who have found relief in the use of medical marijuana. I thought that pharmaceutical companies were supposed to help people suffering from disease. In attempting to obstruct the medical marijuana industry, along with Attorney General Jeff Sessions, pharmaceutical companies are clearly hurting patients.

See Now: What Republicans Don't Want You To Know About Obamacare
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Elon Musk said that humans will go extinct if we don't find a new home - planet, that is. The man behind Tesla Motors and SpaceX shared his vision os a self-sustaining city that he want to build, all the way on the Red Planet.

Elon Musk And SpaceX's Self-sustaining City On Mars

In a paper published on scientific journal "New Space", Musk gave some specific plans on just how SpaceX plans to achieve the city on the Red Planet. The paper had a 16-page narration of points the SpaceX CEO has been pondering over for many years and most recently revealed at the International Aeronautical Congress in Mexico last Sept (via Fortune).

The draft for the journey is now available in print, accompanied with charts and figures. Now, the scientific community will be able to examine the proposal closely at its convenience.

"If we can get the cost of moving to Mars to be roughly equivalent to a median house price in the United States, which is around $200,000, then I think the probability of establishing a self-sustaining civilization is very high," Musk said. "I think it would almost certainly occur." he added.

To be able to achieve that, Musk ran down some steps to refine the cost of Mars travel by "five million percent": Spaceships must be fully reusable, they should have the ability to refuel in orbit, and then again on Mars with fuel yielded from production plants built on the planet.

Musk added that methane is the best propellant because the technical tasks to harvest it on Mars are remarkably easier than substances like hydrogen, which he said is too expensive. Once the engineering requirements are met, it would be time to take off. Musk is looking at 2023, according to an illustration in the paper.

At least one million people would be needed to set up a self-sustaining city, he wrote, approximating that the spacecraft could be able to accommodate 100 people every two years. At that rate, he said it will take "40-100 years to achieve a fully self-sustaining civilization on Mars."

Why Mars And Not The Moon?

"I think it is challenging to become multi-planetary on the moon because it is much smaller than a planet,". Musk wrote. "It does not have any atmosphere. It is not as resource-rich as Mars. It has got a 28-day day, whereas the Mars day is 24.5 hours. In general, Mars is far better-suited ultimately to scale up to be a self-sustaining civilization." he added.

According to Forbes, Elon Musk mentioned another factor why it's better to start a city on Mars. He said it would be more fun there because gravity is about 37 percent of that of Earth - therefore humans will be able to lift heavier things on the Red Planet. For more details, the full paper can be read here.

See Now: What Republicans Don't Want You To Know About Obamacare
Opinion / Columnist

by Zanu-Pf.In an ideal world there would be no famines, no wars, no genocide, no crime and no poverty. All men would live freely, peacefully and with honor, our debates would not be characterized by lies and demagoguery. Our media houses would report the truth and, of course, I would have more money. There would be little need for political leaders but those we choose to lead us would possess all the good qualities; charismatic, brave, confident, visionary yet never losing that "common man" appeal. We would be led by what Plato, in The Republic, calls Philosopher Kings. In a more perfect world the preferred candidate for President, Morgan Tsvangirai, would be more comely, more refined and very much democratic. In Zimbabwe, we have to choose those amongst us who should lead and I will state why the choice of the people will be Morgan Tsvangirai.When Zimbabweans vote in 2018 they will have possibly six choices for president; Morgan Tsvangirai, Robert Mugabe, Welshman Ncube, Joyce Mujuru, Tendai Biti, Elton Mangoma. Welshman Ncube will stand, nevertheless, just to be in the history of Zimbabwe as a failed politician who showed courage and campaigned regardless of well known facts at his disposal that he will never win any election. This is the same with Biti and Mangoma. They will stand in that election to prove to the world that, indeed, they broke away from the Morgan Tsvangirai led MDCT and managed to form parties that contested national elections. Mugabe's Zanu will re-tool their rigging aparatus, as is usually the case, in an effort to deny people of their victory, but unfortunately nothing can stop change whose time has come. Mujuru PF will be there just for the sake of it, to also prove that they have the capacity to campaign and participate in an election against their former master.NB: Above all, people will vote for Morgan Tsvangirai. Why?I want to state, right away here and fully, what the decision to Vote Morgan Tsvangirai means. We have heard all the reasons and vitriol against him; he is inconsistent, his policies lack depth and clarity and, the more ridiculous ones, he is ugly and uneducated. Even disregarding the inane reasons, it would be naive, foolish and dishonest to disregard all what the detractors say. Some of the things are true, and being of nature's case they are irrelevant in politics. I do not care how handsome or ugly Tsvangirai or any other politician is; we are going to an election to choose the best leader, not a beauty contest. Besides, would one take an almost blind 94 year and toothless old man to a beauty contest? A fat old PF "big mama guerrilla", a smelly and visibly weak Green man, a visibly sick and arrogant PDP man, and a one legged RDZ man for a beauty contest? As for being educated it is no secret that Morgan Tsvangirai is a holder of two doctorate degrees. Whether honorary or whatever, its not my concern here, but the bottom line is he has two PHDs all from a reputable University. He is Dr Morgan Richard Tsvangirai. Period! It is therefore all the more remarkable that he leads the country's biggest political party - as reflected when we last had a presidential election which he won. Additionally, as we have seen time and again, education does not translate to common sense and wisdom. Mugabe's 21 degrees have resulted into a destruction of the once bread basket of Africa, Zimbabwe.- The idiots in ZANU PF and Mujuru's PF, many who are very learned, have presided over this country for three decades and have made poor decisions resulting in catastrophic policies. Ironically they were convinced that pure diesel could come out of a rock - courtesy of the ancestors, by a village hoaxer. Who doesn't know that members of the so called PF are the very ones who went and knelt before the grade 7 Rotina Mavunga in the mountains of Chinhoyi, against natural and scientific facts, waiting for some "manna diesel' to ooze from those rocky mountains.- People will vote for Morgan Tsvangirai not because they always agree with what he says and what his policies are, but they are absolutely convinced that the MDC led by Tsvangirai is much better than ZANU PF (and of course the "real Zanu") in many ways, especially the fact that it brought stability in the GNU when the country was at the verge of a total collapse.- When people air out their disagreements with Tsvangirai there are no thugs to make sure that they become "politically correct'. Forget the Mangoma saga, that guy sent his own thugs to tear his shirt in a desperate attempt to attract sympathy in his failed mission to dethrone an elected leadership. Members of the Mujuru PF have been on the forefront of violence against opposition supporters. Notably, Dydimus Mutasa has his hands dripping with the blood of the young Maisiri who was murdered at his instructions in Headlands because his father supported Morgan Tsvangirai's MDC. He hasn't cleared himself of that criminal act. Who doesn't know that people where murdered at Mujuru's farm for having attempted to scavenge for their God given natural resources in the Chiadzwa fields?- People will vote for Morgan Tsvangirai because he dared to stand up to an exploitative, corrupt and rapacious system. His courage, notwithstanding the beatings and arrests, brought and continues to bring hope to millions of Zimbabweans, who have been reduced to destitutes by Mugabe and a group now calling itself PF or the "real Zanu".- People will vote for Morgan Tsvangirai because he offers hope for our nation to fully realize its potential. Three decades of self-rule, and with vast natural resources and the most educated populace in Africa, the majority of Zimbabweans are poor while some ministers are as rich as Croesus. ZANU PF (and PF, the real Zanu) will mark thirty eight years in power in 2018 and thats the very reason why we need new brains to tackle the problems we face, and this can be obtained from the MDCT led by Morgan Tsvangirai.- People will vote for Tsvangirai because we need to change the way this country is run and of the candidates list above, he is the only one who promises to weed out corruption, to fire the incompetent and not to drag us into further international isolation. Joyce Mujuru is a culprit and a co-destroyer of Zimbabwe's fortunes together with her "spiritual father', the failed Robert Mugabe. In fact Mujuru's PF harbours the most corrupt, murderers, and useless group of failed politicians, who enjoyed the destruction of Zimbabwe before they lost favour with their godfather Mugabe.- People will vote for Morgan Tsvangirai and the MDCT because there are many youths and middle age group of people we can relate to like Hon Thokozani Khupe, Hon Lovemore Moyo, Hon Morgan Komichi, Hon Douglas Mwonzora, Hon Paurine Mupariwa Gwanyanya, Hon Teresa Makoni, Hon Charlton Hwende, Hon Abedenico Bhebhe, Hon Caster Machingauta, Hon Obert Gutu, Hon Thabhita Khumalo, Hon Kore , Hon Happymore Chidziva, Hon Nelson Chamisa, Hon Job Wiwa Sikhala, Hon Elias Mudzuuri, Hon Tapiwa Mashakada, Hon Ben Chiondegwa, Hon Eddie Cross, Hon Gideon Shoko, Hon Sithembile Mhlotshwa, Hon Sibusisiwe Masara, Hon Sesil Zvidzai, Hon Memory Mbondia, Hon Murisi Zvizvai, Hon Clifford Hlatywayo, Hon Jameson Timba, Hon Webba Chinyadza and others. Robert Mugabe and ZANU PF (Mujuru PF included) have fiercely resisted the winds of change. Their policies and approach to disgruntled youths in Universities and Institutions of Higher Learning has been inimical and confrontational. As a result after three decades in power their connection with the youth is weak, there are no youths ascending the ZANU PF political ladder and no clear succession plan. In fact, their attempt to climb the ladder is met with stiff resistance and attacks from those old beasts masquerading as liberation war heroes. Morgan Tsvangirai is surrounded by fresh and capable individuals such as Hon Thokozani Kupe , Hon Lovemore Moyo, Hon Morgen Komichi, Hon Douglas Mwonzora, Hon Paurine Mupariwa Gwanyanya, Hon Teresa Makoni, Hon Charlton Hwende, Hon Abedenico Bhebhe, Hon Machingauta, Hon Obert Gutu, Hon Thabhita Khumalo, Hon Happymore Chidziva, Hon Kore, Hon Jobs Wiwa Sikhala, Hon Nelson Chamisa, Hon Tapiwa Mashakada, Hon Elias Mudzuri, Hon Elliot Pfebve, Hon R M Simango and many others, whilst Mugabe offers the same old, corrupt, tried and failed team. Mujuru PF offers the same selection of failed, old and corrupt individuals, some of whom will be probably dead or at the brink of death by 2018.Political pundits and protagonists have thrown theories, assumptions and scenarios left right and centre, trying to discredit the majority favorite His Excellence President Dr Morgan Richard Tsvangirai, putting all bad images of him and covering him with negatives all round. Unfortunately Zimbabweans know what they want and who they want to lead them after the failed Mugabe. There is definitely no reason why Tsvangirai's enemies should continue throwing vitriol against him; people have said "YES" to Morgan Tsvangirai, and that is that. No amount of force will change their thinking.United we WinDivided we Fail
Opinion / Columnist

Facts Are Too Stubborn to Ignore Them

FACTS

Yes, Facts are too Stubborn to run away from them but they are quite easy to accept them

Political pundits and protagonists have thrown theories, assumptions and scenarios left right and centre, trying to discredit the majority's favorites, Dr Morgan Richard Tsvangirai, putting all bad images of him and covering him with negatives all round particularly the Newspapers and Zanu-Pf sponsored Agents. Unfortunately Zimbabwe Citizens know what they want and whom they want to Lead them after the failed Mugabe's Private Property, the Zanu-Pf syndicates. There is definitely no reason why Tsvangirai's enemies should continue throwing vitriol against him because people have said "YES" to Dr Morgan Richard Tsvangirai, and that is that. No amount of force will change their thinking.*It's a Fact that, the Morgan Richard Tsvangirai is a brand that has ripened over a period of time and its ready for dishing at this crucially political and Socio-economic juncture. True dedicated politicians and seriously matured opposition cadres will know what it takes to build yet another Presidential Brand at this short a period as we have left with few months for the forthcoming harmonized watershed 2018 General Elections.Yes, I know and understand that, the only two Opposition Political gurus that would manifest political seriousness to the electorate for a 2018 Presidential Candidate are Dr Morgan Richard Tsvangirai and Dr Joyce Mujuru. Politically, there are more Leadership Qualities that we have to politically scrutinize at on a Presidential Candidate not just a name or war credits.Yes, Dr Joyce Mujuru is quite a mature Leader who once be with Mugabe for the past 34 years while we were experiencing endless Political and Socio-economic Crisis in Zimbabwe. Dr Joyce Mujuru lacks Courage because she failed to challenge her explosion from Zanu-Pf Dictatorship Camp, Dr Joyce Mujuru lacks Loyalty to her fellow Leadership as she was expelled from Zanu-Pf and ZimPeople First. She lacks Trust as she was detouched from Zanu-Pf and Zim People First because they were not Trusting her. Dr Joyce Mujuru didn't tell Zimbabwe Citizens how they rigging elections when she was still in Zanu-Pf. Will Zimbabwe Citizens have Confidence in her????Dr Morgan Richard Tsvangirai has more advantages...The biggest assets Dr Morgan Richard Tsvangirai brings not only on the Negotiating Table alone but the masses' minds ....are the assets of TRUST, LOYAL, ZEAL, COMMITMENT, COURAGE, DEDICATION. Dr Morgan Richard Tsvangirai is tried and tested on Fighting Zanu-Pf Dictatorship Camp since from 1999. Zimbabwe Citizens don't doubt his capacities to deliver the right deliverables, timeously, qualitatively, quantitatively, and to the right beneficiaries. They confidently look forward to seeing a New Democratic Free Zimbabwe with a successful story for ourselves to see and bear witness by the end of next year. Zimbabwe Citizens know very well that, Dr Morgan Richard Tsvangirai have that intrinsic motivation, the zeal, abilities and capabilities to make it for Zimbabwe Citizens. Here we are in this refining and defining year, let's move on. Detractors will always be there but let's keep on putting more immense political and socio-economic pressure until Victory Is Certain because Dr Morgan Richard Tsvangirai will go with us right through to the nomination court to the day of result announcement..So fellow Democrats and Zimbabwe Citizens need to be more political mature and to be sober minded when it comes to Presidential Candidates selection is concerned. We know and understand that, 2018 is our only chance for our Democratic Victory to be Certain.The political egos and hatred that we continue to witness from other Opposition Political Party Leaders are just elements we usually see on people that are either under the influence of some liquid mixtures or dry leaves of some illegal plants or that they just need to be talked to in a way of counsel. Opposition Democratic Struggle is the people's struggle and whilst we appreciate the role all our Leaders from different Opposition Political Parties are already playing, it is crucial to also use a national sentiment deep stick to see what Zimbabwe Citizens want.I think its clear that Dr Morgan Richard Tsvangirai is the Person... .He is the President of the Strongest and the most popular Opposition Political Party and any serious Grand Coalition Ideology. Let's be more political mature and open minded.United we WinDivided we Fall
Opinion / Religion

Intro:

Word and Water:

Rev. Dr. Henry Hanya is a Zimbabwe-born charismatic minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ based in Toronto, Canada. In a pastoral called-career ministry spanning over 20 years, he has ministered and taught in Africa, Europe, United States of America and Canada followed by signs and wonders. He is a family man, teacher, conference speaker, Bible-College professor and a Christian author with a passion for the gospel. He can be contacted on WhatsApp #: 1-647-461-1968, Cellphone - 1 -647 - 703 4267 and Email: todayswrd@yahoo.com

- Back in the day when I was Pastoring in Bulawayo, I found myself debating with Apostolic preacher, (Mupositori). After debating on different issues I asked him why they are fond of using water for healing instead of praying for the sick in the name of Jesus?He answered me with a question that prompted me to study more about water. He said, " For me to answer you that question, tell me why water is mentioned in the Bible more than God and also more than Jesus? I couldn't believe my ears. So I said to him I will come back to you when I verify what you just told me.To cut the story shot, after digging for some time, I found out that he was wrong to say water is mentioned more than God in the bible. Water is mentioned 722 times in the scriptures.That is less than God, Jesus, heaven or love, but many more times than faith, hope, prayer and even worship.- The first time water is mentioned in the scripture is found in Genesis 1:2Gen 1:2 The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters.Before there was anything; light, sun or moon, earth, plants, living creatures or anything else, there was water.Having created the earth out of water, and the sky in the midst of waters, and calling forth living creatures out of water, God continues to bathe his creation with water as a sign of His care.- The last time water is mentioned is in Revelations 22:17Revelations 22:17 The Spirit and the bride say, "Come." Let anyone who hears this say, "Come." Let anyone who is thirsty come. Let anyone who desires drink freely from the water of life.From the beginning of the Bible to the end water flows through the pages of scripture. It is full of passages that link water to God's creating, blessing and saving work. This maybe one reason why some preachers use water for healing- Water played a bigger role at creation. In the book of Genesis 1:20 says "And God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creatures that hath life, and fowl that may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven." KJV)- See, the water was pregnant with life. God spoke to the water to bring forth the living creatures within it.- We also see that after conception, the human life is kept in a sack of water inside the womb. And when it's time to give birth, the Doctors and Nurses will be waiting anxiously for the water to break for the baby to be born.- For a person to be born again (Spiritual Birth), Jesus said to Nicodemus in John 3, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit"- Water there  is a type of the word of God. It is the word of God that gives birth to a new person in us. It washes us and cleanse us inside just like water does to our physical body.Ephesians 5:26 says, "That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,"- Spiritual birth takes place the same way that natural birth occurs. In order to bring forth in the spiritual realm, we have to get intimate with God. From that intimacy comes pregnancy. From pregnancy will eventually come travail, and then, finally, birth.- We must give birth to the fulfillment of God's will in our lives. The fulfillment of our God-given vision will not drop down on us out of the sky. We must draw nigh to God, and then He will draw nigh to us (James 4:8). When we read and meditate on the word, we become saturated in the word, and the word of God brings us closer to God and there by having that intimacy with him resulting in us getting pregnant of the things of God.*But intimacy with God must come first, before there can ever be a pregnancy.- So it is the Word of God that draws us closer to God. We need that water/word.So it's not the physical water we need like today's lost preachers do. They pray for the water and then call it holy water that will bring solutions to our problems. It is the word of God that brings healing to our physical bodies. It is the word of God that brings newness of heart and soul.- Zachariah 13:1 says, "On that day a fountain will be opened to the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to cleanse them from sin and impurity.I like verse 4 and 5, says, "On that day every prophet will be ashamed of their prophetic vision. They will not put on a prophet's garment of hair in order to deceive.5 Each will say, 'I am not a prophet. I am a farmer; the land has been my livelihood since my youth.[a]'- Time will come when these false prophets will refuse to be called prophets. They will be ashamed. They will say I am just a farmer.That is when the FOUNTAIN is opened and the truth prevails.John 3:5Jesus answered, "Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.James 1:18He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of first fruits of all he created.1 Peter 1:23For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.Ephesians 5:26to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word,John 19:34Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus' side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water.Water is of major importance to all living things. In some organisms, up to 90% of their body weight comes from water. They say up to 60% of human adult body is water.According to H.H. Mitchell, Journal of Biological Chemistry 158, the brain and heart are composed of 73% water, and the lungs are about 83% water. The skin contains 64% water, muscles and kidneys are 79% water, and even the bones are 31% watery.Our spiritual life survives by the word of God just as our physical body survive by water. Without water, the body dies. Without the word of God, our spiritual life dies.It is so clear that when it comes to our spiritual life, we need the word of God, not water or holy water. If you meet a preacher or a prophet advertising holy water, As a means to enhance our spiritual life, or for the purposes of healing, you should know right away, that something is very wrong about their message. Run away with your life.
News

What Is High-Tech's Obligation In The War On Terror?

Robert Faletra

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With the acceleration in terrorist attacks around the world, it can't be long before the debate escalates and pressure rises on those companies whose products and services are being used to plan, communicate and execute these horrendous crimes against innocent people.

Technology is aiding many of these attacks  and technology can unquestionably slow and help dramatically reduce them. The CEOs of Apple, Facebook, Twitter, Google and the dozens of other legitimate companies whose products are being hijacked to commit these crimes need to get in front of the issue.

It's time for these companies to stand up, form a coalition, and commit to doing everything they can to help the citizens and governments of the free world wipe out the extremists.

[Related: Using Marketing To Get To The 'As A Service' End Game]

Frankly, the politicians are not capable of doing what is necessary. Everything in politics has become about fighting the other side, be it right or wrong. I wish I believed that these elected representatives want to do the right thing, but they don't. They merely want to be re-elected. Few, if any of them, even act as representatives, which is what they are supposed to be. Instead, they have convinced themselves we have elected them leaders. Not a single career politician is a leader of the constituents he or she is supposed to be there to represent.

This is why we need the private sector to stop pretending it has no obligation to help and step up to the plate. It's scary stuff for a CEO of a company whose first obligation is to run a profitable business. But all of these firms need to stop hiding behind the fake moral high ground about protecting

privacy and realize they are going to have to be part of the answer, either willingly or not. If they don't, the loss of privacy is going to be far greater in the long run. In the end, the reality is there is no real privacy on the internet.

If these companies do not step up and address the issue, the pressure from people around the world eventually will rise to the point where they will be forced to take action by the same incompetent politicians that are clueless as to how to stop this.

There will be a point where little girls being blown up at a pop music concert, people being mowed down on a bridge, or people being attacked while sitting in a restaurant won't be tolerated any longer. The citizenry will rise up and push the politicians to knock off the political correctness, fighting and inaction  and halt the craziness.

If the same politicians that talk about how horrible these attacks are and do nothing of substance to stop them start to lose their jobs, then things will change. And when that happens, the regulation that comes down will be far more restrictive and poorly constructed than it needs to be. But if the same CEOs that have become incredibly wealthy because of high-tech got together and came out as a large group saying they are ready, willing and able to help by working with the intelligence community, it would be warmly received by most.

Would there be those who raise the alarm bell on the loss of privacy? You bet there will be, but in the end the No. 1 obligation of all governments is to protect the citizenry. If losing some privacy is the price that needs to be paid to stop this insanity, sign me up. But I'd feel a lot better about it if it was being led by a coalition of private companies with government oversight because I would have more confidence that it would actually work.

BACKTALK: Make something happen. Robert Faletra is CEO of The Channel Company. You can contact him via email at rfaletra@thechannelcompany.com.
Best Tactical Backpacks

If You Don't Own A Tactical Backpack, We're About To Make You Reconsider

The AskMen editorial team thoroughly researches & reviews the best gear, services and staples for life. AskMen may get paid if you click a link in this article and buy a product or service.

Many men shy away from tactical backpacks for fashion reasons. This is understandabletheres no question that one of those hipster leather backpacks goes way better with your favorite athleisure outfit. However, the problem with a hipster backpack is that sometimes you actually want to do things. Like carry significant amounts of cargo, or go on a camping trip. And thats when youll find out why tactical backpacks are goodwhen your fashionable little vintage-style backpack breaks a strap suddenly, or cant carry what you need.

What To Look For:

Quality construction

Ample storage space

Comfortable straps

Ventilation

Theres a whole slew of tactical backpacks out there, from modest little day-packs that are useful but relatively inconspicuous, to giant military backpacks thatll take you all the way through South America. Were going to help you navigate the myriad options available with this roundup of some of the best.

Reebow Military Tactical Backpack

Best For: Pack-rats

This is a solid, solid pack, and a good default choice for people who are getting into the whole functional backpack thing. Its got a lot of pockets but not too many. Its water-resistant and has an excellent Molle system setup  which, for the newbies, is a system that lets you attach smaller bags to the main pack, in case you need to expand your storage capacity. Moreover, while many bags at this price point have cheap zippers, the Reebows zippers are durable and operate smoothly. The all-around quality at a reasonable price point makes this our Editors Choice.

$39.99 at Amazon.com

Mardingtop Tactical Backpack

Best For: Style-savvy men

Since were AskMen.com, even though this is a tactical backpack roundup, weve got to consider style. And if youre of a similar mindset, youll enjoy the fact that this backpack looks very much like your traditional model. Its got a much more minimalist design than the other packs, and when its not filled with survival gear (like a tactical flashlight), it has a slim form factor. However, its also quite functional, if not quite as capacious as some of the options here. Still, the combination of style and capability makes this our Runner-Up.

$43.99 at Amazon.com

Outlander Most Durable Packable Lightweight Travel Hiking Backpack

Best For: Value hunters

Okay, so, this isnt as crazy a backpack as many of the options here. It doesnt have many backpacks, theres no extensive Molle system, and it probably wont hold up through the apocalypse. Why get it, then? Well, its perfection for the minimalist, who likes to take day trips, pack light, or take their backpack to the office without looking like a weekend warrior. The price point is absolutely astonishing, and, while not bulletproof, the level of durability here is worlds away from what youll normally get in something of this price. Needless to say, this is our Best Value option.

$16.82 at Amazon.com

The North Face Terra 65 Hiking Pack

Best For: Hardcore campers

This is getting a little more into heavy-duty overnight bag territory. Since it can comfortably handle 65 litres, itll do you for weekend hiking trips, or even a three-week trip to Peru and the surrounding area. North Face is renowned for maintaining a compromise between comfort and ruggedness in their products, and this bag is no exception. It remains comfortable when its absolutely full of heavy stuff, which is absolutely necessary when youre trekking, especially in adverse weather conditions. You probably wont need it, but theres a one-year manufacturers warranty, and after that, The North Face can make their bags like new again for a smallish fee, in case of wear and tear.

$145.71 at Amazon.com

Direct Action Dragons Egg Tactical Backpack

Best For: Comfort

As you may have noticed, youre paying a premium for this one, especially since it doesnt have an absolutely gigantic capacity, like the North Face Terra. But you get what you pay for. This bag is designed for absolute comfort. The whole thing is embedded with a lovely mesh material that contributes constant ventilation. The shoulder straps arent bulky, and theyre fully adjustable for comfort. Its got side pockets that are perfectly fit for water bottles as well. And military aficionados will love the army aesthetics this bag has. A solid choice for those who find most tactical backpacks uncomfortable.

$149.99 at Amazon.com

Kelty Redwing Backpack

Best For: Versatility

The Kelty Redwing is a great middle-of-the-road choice. Its not as built-up as some of the more expensive options, but its got a little more than the minimalist stuff, like the Outlander. Its pockets are really intuitively laid out, giving you quick access to your cargo. Also, its got a hard plastic liner, which is very handy if the bag gets knocked about in travel. That combined with its slim form factor makes this a fantastic carry-on bag, if youre headed on a hiking trip to China, for example, and you need something thatll equip you for every step of the journey.

$99.96 at Amazon.com

5.11 RUSH MOAB 6 Backpack

Best For: Traveling

This is a cool alternative because its a sling backpack, which allows for a whole different set of carrying options. You can quickly move it around to the front of your body, which is really handy if youre traveling somewhere where petty theft is common  you can keep everything within sight. The disadvantages? Its a little less comfortable than some of the other backpacks here, and, well, it just looks a little strange. Some will like the nerdy military aesthetic, but some will find it takes them too far away from mainstream fashion. For the aforementioned specialty travel purposes, though, this is a handy choice.

$55.99 at Amazon.com

Diaz Sport Black Tactical Hydration Pack

Best For: Avid hikers

You certainly wouldnt expect a pack at this price point to have a lifetime warranty. But this one does. So there. This is a great choice for the amateur hiker or mountaineer, because its got a built-in water bladder, and the straps offer plenty of support, making it feel inconspicuous even if its loaded up with snacks, a change of clothing, or whatever else you need. Theres always something to pick on, though, and the drawback with this one is that the water straw doesnt draw quite as easily as youd like it to. But, given the price, this is a really small complaint. Another highly recommended intro model.

$43.99 at Amazon.com

FLY HAWK Sling Shoulder Bag Small Crossbody Bag

Best For: Shorter trips

First off, the manufacturers arent lying to you. This is a small bag. But its a suitable option for those who dont have to carry too much  if youre just on a day trip, for example, and dont need a change of clothing. And this is the only option on here thats courier-style, with one shoulder strap, which a small contingent of backpack users will prefer. So, this is a niche option, but if youre part of the contingent to whom it caters, youll enjoy it a lot, and the price is right.

$16.99 at Amazon.com

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Red River Buys 60-Person Software and Application Development Firm

Michael Novinson

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Red River has purchased a software integration solution provider to increase its geographic footprint and expand the range of services it can provide to federal customers.

The Claremont, N.H.-based company, No. 55 on the 2017 CRN Solution Provider 500, acquired Sacramento, Calif.-based Natoma Technologies to boost its position in the fast-growing software space and gain a foothold in the Western United States, according to CEO Jeff Sessions.

"Everything we do now is based on software," Sessions told CRN. "Every hardware OEM is starting to look at their software play and trying to reimagine themselves in a software world."

[Related: Red River Promotes Sessions To CEO, Outgoing Chief Will Lead M&A Efforts]

Red River has until now focused on network and infrastructure-related integrations, Sessions said. Although the $500 million solution provider has relationships with pretty much every software manufacturer, Sessions said the company has refrained from helping customers integrate software into their current ecosystem.

That all changes after the acquisition of 60-person Natoma, which closed last week. Sessions, who became Red River's CEO in February, said Natoma's synergy with OEMs is expected to drive exponential growth.

Natoma has tight relationships with Oracle, Microsoft, Salesforce and Amazon Web Services, according to Marty McGartland, Natoma's president and CEO. McGartland said his company has worked closely with state and local governments to support mission-critical systems around everything from licensing to Medicare eligibility.

"Many states face the same challenges," McGartland told CRN. "If you can do it in California, you can probably do it elsewhere."

Natoma will operate as a standalone business unit with Red River focused on enterprise applications. McGartland will serve as the division's president, reporting to Red River Chief Operating Officer Dan McGee.

From Natoma's perspective, McGartland said becoming part of Red River will enable the company to go after bigger and more complex projects. The Natoma brand will be retained in the short-term, Sessions said, with the division gradually adopting the Red River moniker in the longer run.

"Until there's a comfort level, that will stay," Sessions said.

Sessions plans to start by extending Natoma's abilities across the entire state of California. From there, Sessions said the company will look to identify repeatable processes and spread them to other states.

From a geographic standpoint, Sessions said Red River currently has facilities in New Hampshire, New York, Texas and Virginia. Gaining a brick-and-mortar presence in the world's sixth largest economy will allow Red River to grow its customer base and enable the company to better support its around-the-clock network operations center (NOC) based in New England.

Red River has been averaging 20 percent annual growth for each of the past five years, Sessions said. After completing the Natoma deal and the October 2016 acquisition of commercial solution provider Accunet, Sessions expects that growth to accelerate exponentially.

In the coming months, Sessions anticipates that Red River will add headcount, take on new projects, and move up the stack with its existing customers. All told, Sessions said Red River wants to help its customer develop and grow regardless of whether they have needs related to software, infrastructure or the network.

"This is a long-term play," Session said. "It's a large investment in the area."
Mobility News

Chuck Thacker, Developer Of The Xerox Alto Personal Computer, Dies at 74

Joseph F. Kovar

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One of the great pioneers of the computer age, credited with designing the first personal computer, has died at the age of 74.

Charles Thacker, who built the first personal computer while a member of the famed Xerox Palo Alto Research Center (Xerox PARC), passed away on Monday. He died at home from complications of esophageal cancer, according to his obituary in The New York Times.

Xerox PARC was founded in 1970 as Xerox's way to fund more future-oriented research separately from its existing R&D department. The organization is credited with the development of the laser printer, mouse, Ethernet, and the Xerox Alto.

[Related: Xerox PARC]

Thacker spent much of the 1970s and 1980s at Xerox PARC where he led the project that developed the Xerox Alto, a revolutionary computer that featured such innovations as a graphical user interface, a mouse, networking, removable storage, and a WYSIWYG, or what-you-see-is-what-you-get monitor.

Unfortunately, the Xerox Alto, which was first built in 1973, was ahead of its time. According to the Computer History Museum, Thacker later recalled that the first Xerox Alto cost $12,000 to build, and would have probably been priced at $40,000 if it had gone on sale to the public.

However, while Xerox was unable to commercialize the successful development of what would later be known as personal computers, others were. Steve Jobs, the founder of Apple, saw a demonstration of the Xerox Alto and decided to re-align Apple's development strategy to take advantage of some of the then-futuristic features.

Microsoft founder Bill Gates also credits the Xerox Alto for inspiring what eventually became Microsoft Windows.

Thacker was also a co-inventor of Ethernet networking, which was developed as a way to network multiple Xerox Altos. He also contributed to the development of laser printers.

Among Thacker's other accomplishments outside of Xerox PARC was the development of the hardware for Microsoft's original line of tablet PCs, based on work he did while at Digital Equipment Corporation, or DEC.
While Microsoft releasing a patch for unsupported versions of Windows to fix vulnerabilities that could be exploited by the hacking tools dumped by the ShadowBrokers helps organizations hanging onto legacy systems, it also makes the case for keep these systems around even longer.

Enterprises hanging on to old software years after it is no longer supported, regardless of the reason, gives attackers a security hole to exploit. Newer and more modern versions, especially operating systems, have security features that make it harder for attacks to succeed, and the fact that they are still being supported means vulnerabilities are being fixed regularly. Microsoft ended support for Windows XP in April 2014 and Windows Server 2003 in July 2015, but there are still over 100 million legacy Windows systems still in use around the world. It makes perfect sense, then, to worry about the possibility of widespread attacks against legacy systems when the ShadowBrokers revealed three hacking tools utilizing vulnerabilities in older versions of Windows in its cache of stolen hacking tools.

Microsoft believes the vulnerabilities pose elevated risk for destructive cyber attacks by nation-state actors, Adrienne Hall, general manager of Microsofts Cyber Defense Operations Center, wrote in a blog post. The company decided to release updates for all supported and unsupported versions of Windows because applying these updates provides further protection against potential attacks with characteristics similar to WannaCrypt, Hall wrote.

The updates for older versions of Windows, including Windows XP and Windows Server 2003, need to be applied manually and can be found in the Microsoft Download Center or the Update Catalog.

Microsoft was clearly concerned that attackers, both state-sponsored and of the cybercriminal variety, could use these hacking tools in various campaigns, similar to the way the WannaCry ransomware, which included the ExternalBlue exploit code from the ShadowBrokers dump, used its worm-like capabilities to infect thousands of companies around the world in a very short period of time. Even though WannaCry did not work against Windows XP systems (the outbreak spread by infecting unpatched Windows 7 systems), Microsoft released an emergency patch for Windows XP addressing the SMBv1 vulnerability to prevent WannaCry, or later copy-cat variants, from infecting XP systems. The disclosure of three more toolsExplodingCan (CVE-2017-7269), EsteemAudit (CVE-2017-9073 ), and EnglishmanDentist (CVE-2017-8487)which target vulnerabilities in older Windows versions appears to have spooked Microsoft again into releasing manual updates. Microsoft hasnt said it has seen attacks utilizing these tools, nor has it identified concrete reasons to explain what this step was necessary this time around.

On the surface, the move smacks of a responsible company. Microsoft doesnt owe anyone updates for unsupported software, and WannaCry didnt target Windows XP (dont forget, Windows 7 is still under support), but decided the potential for damage by these three tools was bad enough to warrant an emergency patch. Organizations that have been unable to move off legacy systems buy expensive extensive support systems. For example, the United States Navy paid $9 million for continued extended support, although the Pentagon and branches of the military also are moving forward with programs to move off Windows XP.

By releasing patches, Microsoft is ensuring organizations that dont have extended support but still run Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 can protect their networks. However, it also sends a disquieting message. One of the key reasons for upgrading when software enters end-of-life is to switch to a version that is still being updated. When Microsoft bends policy, the message seems to be, Well, if its really bad, we got your back.

It creates two tiers of critical vulnerabilities: the vulnerabilities that need to be patched as soon as possible because they are under attack or can be used in attacks soon, and the really critical ones where Microsoft will make an exception to patch legacy software. Microsoft deviated from policy two months in a row to address vulnerabilities that were exposed by the ShadowBrokers, but this wasnt unprecedented. Back in 2014, a month after Windows XP entered end-of-life, Microsoft released an emergency patch for XPs Internet Explorer 8 to address a critical vulnerability that affected IE from versions 6 to 11.

ExplodingCan is serious because the exploit targets older versions of Microsofts Internet Information Services (IIS) webserver, version 6.0, in particular. Microsoft said ExplodingCan will let attackers gain remote code execution on Windows Server 2003, which has been end-of-life since July 2015, so anything still running IIS 6.0 will likely be production servers running very specific applications that cannot be easily replaced. EsteemAudit targets a vulnerability in the Windows Remote Desktop Protocol on Windows XP systems, and can be exploited if the RDP server has smart card authentication enabled.

These legacy systems are not so unusual, as they include production machinery and SCADA systems. Any kind of outage for these most-used infrastructure will pose significant problems for the organization. Security teams should be already taking additional steps to secure and monitor these vulnerable systems, such as restricting open ports and disabling unused protocols (disable SMBv1, already!), looking at third-party services for custom patches, and applying strict authentication and access control rules. The extra time and resources is the trade-off for keeping legacy systems that has to stick around.

Our decision today to release these security updates for platforms not in extended support should not be viewed as a departure from our standard servicing policies, Eric Doerr, general manager of the Microsoft Security Response Center, wrote in a blog post. Based on an assessment of the current threat landscape by our security engineers, we made the decision to make updates available more broadly. As always, we recommend customers upgrade to the latest platforms. The best protection is to be on a modern, up-to-date system that incorporates the latest defense-in-depth innovations. Older systems, even if fully up-to-date, lack the latest security features and advancements.

There isnt currently an attack underway across unsupported versions of Windows, but the fact that it was possible highlights how important Microsoft thought it was to bend policy. There's no guarantee that there will be another update for XP and Server 2003 systems when the next round of cyberattacks hits, but Microsoft is definitely sending out mixed messages.
Your Guide To Choosing The Best Cigar

Everything You Need To Know To Choose The Best Cigar For You

The AskMen editorial team thoroughly researches & reviews the best gear, services and staples for life. AskMen may get paid if you click a link in this article and buy a product or service.

One might think that cigars are making a comeback, but nothing could be farther from the truth. They never went away in the first place. Cigars are cool and always have been, in a timeless way that cant quite be explained, but doesnt need to be. They represent the way things used to be, when quality craftsmanship, good conversation, and tradition were things that mattered. They represent the good life, in whatever way that means to you. It could be a celebratory occasion like a wedding or a graduation, or you might be using a cigar to help you keep your cool during a poker game, or you might be having a satisfying smoke after dinner, or possibly your cigar is just something to make the moment longer when you are sharing a conversation with your best friends. No matter what the occasion, smoking a cigar just makes things better and more memorable.

But you know what isnt cool, and isnt where it is at? Not having any idea what kind of cigar to buy. Think about it, do you want to be that guy? Just as with any other product in this world, if you are going to buy a cigar, or even smoke one, it would be a good thing to have some knowledge of the subject at hand.

It isnt just appearance and ritual; to the uninitiated, a cigar might just be a cigar, but once you get some knowledge, you learn just how good a cigar can be. Of course, what the best cigar is has a lot to do with your own choice and taste, and not just what someone else tells you is good. There are lots of cigars out there, and what you like is what matters, not what someone else tells you to like. With that said there are certain qualities that all good cigars share, and while once you learn what you are looking for in a cigar the whole thing is easy, before you do it can be a tad intimidating.

So, what do you need to know about cigars to pick one out for yourself and what are some of the best cigars on the market today? I thought you would never ask. Read on to find out.

The Body

When someone is describing the body of the cigar to you, they are not talking about its shape or how long it is. Body refers to how strong and intense your smoke is. As I said before, no one can tell you what kind of cigar you like to smoke, it is your preference, but veteran smokers usually want something that is full-bodied, while rookies and those new to the cigar game often choose a cigar with a gentler body. Again, this is your choice, so dont get punked out into choosing a cigar that you dont want just to impress someone. You might need to work your way up to stronger cigars, or you might never choose to do so. No matter if you are trying a cigar that is mild, medium, or full, the taste of your cigar should be pleasing to you, but should not be overwhelming.

The Size

While the size of the cigar might have some effect on your cigars body or flavor, a larger factor in what size of a cigar to choose is how much time you have to enjoy your smoke  how big a part of your day are you actually going to invest in your cigar? If you are involved in an all-night poker game in which you plan on staying up until the wee hours of the night, then you would want a longer cigar, while if you just wanted to have a quick after-dinner smoke on the deck with a good buddy, then a short one would be all that you need. In both the United States and in England, length is measured by inches, but in most other countries you are going to be looking at centimeters.

The Shape

When you hear people talking the shape of the cigar, what they really are talking about is ring gauge, which is a cigar's diameter broken into 64ths of an inch. So, if you have a cigar with a 50-ring gauge it means it is 50/64th of an inch in diameter.

You might think that the fatter your cigar the more powerful the taste of it is, but you would be wrong. It is all about the type of tobacco that is used and not how big the cigar is. A thin cigar made with strong tobacco will be full-bodied, while a fat cigar made with mild tobacco will be mellow on your palate, although the thicker a cigar is the longer it will smolder. Also remember that each brand is different. One brands Churchill cigar could be much stronger than one of their competitors.

How to Pick Out a Cigar in Person

So, you might be saying to yourself, okay, all that sounds cool, but how do I pick out a cigar in person? How do I know what to do without looking like a total idiot? Read on to find out.

Once you have picked out a cigar that looks like it matches the body and shape that you feel comfortable with, there are a few things you need to do to make sure you have a good cigar. The first thing you want to do is check out the wrapper. Give it a good eye check. Are there any gap or tears that you can see? What about the color? Does it look uniform throughout, or can you see spots?

Avoid cigars that feel dry, or that flake or crumble when touched. This probably means they have not been kept in the proper humidity, which will affect the taste and flavor. Feel the cigar and make sure it is firm throughout, without any weak spots. Finally, smell the cigar: if you like the smell, there is good chance that you will like how it tastes too.

The Best Cigars Today

Okay, so now you have all that down and are ready to start smoking with impunity but you still arent sure what cigar to buy. Fear not, what follows is a list of cigars that won't let you down no matter what your personal style or palate is. As previously discussed, your favorite cigar is up to you  no one else can tell you what you like the best. With that said, these cigars are all excellent, and won't let anyone down that has a discerning palate.

La Flor Dominicana Andalusian Bull (Editors Choice)

This cigar from the Dominican Republic is making waves, even though it is still very new. The owner of the company was born in Spain, but was raised in Uruguay. He used to be a jeweler, so you can see that he has a taste for the finer things in life and the cigars he creates are no exception. He started off creating very mild cigars, but his company really took off when he made his cigars stronger and started toying with the shapes. The La Flor Dominicana Andalusian Bull is a beautiful cigar; if you dont believe me, just read some of its reviews. It has a taste that is both powerful and elegant. While the spices used in this cigar are quite creative, dont sleep on how tough this cigar is. The demand on these is high, so you might have to buy a box of ten instead of 20.

$150.99 for 10 at Famous-Smoke.com

Padron Serie 1926 No. 9 (Runner-Up)

Padron is an extremely well known name in the world of cigars. Based in Nicaragua, the company is still being run by its founder Jose Orlando Padron, who turned 90 in June and is still leading the way for this brand. Padron cigars are known for being dark and rich, and for their distinctive taste of cocoa and coffee on the palate. Padron cigars always deliver: you truly can count on any cigar that this company creates.

$460.60 for 24 at GothamCigars.com

Rocky Patel Sun Grown Maduro Robusto (Best Value)

Rocky Patel has been a very solid brand for a long time now; their cigars were originally made in Honduras, but now they come out of Nicaragua. While many high quality cigars break the bank, this one will give you a good taste and value, as well as leaving you with a bit of street cred. Interestingly enough, Patel himself used to be a Hollywood attorney who was exposed to cigar smoking in part because he represented Arnold Schwarzenegger. The Sun Grown Maduro Robusto is full-bodied and complex, and is an excellent value.

$165.99 for 20 at Famous-Smoke.com

Acid Kuba Kuba (Best Mild Flavored Cigar)

With a name like Acid Kuba Kuba, it is going to have to be pretty mild, or at least one would think. It is filled with a mix of exotic oils, herbs and lush botanicals and essences, but it is really the smooth Nicaraguan tobacco and Indonesian wrapper that gives it the mellow vibe you are looking for. I have said it before in this piece, but liking a mild cigar is nothing to be ashamed of. This brand of cigar has a rabid following, and if you give it a try, you will soon find out the reason why.

$151.99 for 24 at BestCigarPrices.com

Davidoff Aniversario No. 3 (Best Medium Flavored Cigar)

Isnt it always best to not be too extreme one way or the other? I mean, why waste time fighting over whether a mild flavored cigar is better than a full flavored one, when you can come down in the middle? Being moderate has its advantages, and one of them is smoking this medium-flavored cigar by Davidoff. The Aniversario No. 3 is without a doubt a signature cigar for this well-respected brand. It has hints of cream and rich wood, as well as light pepper and toasted nuts. Does that sound amazing? Well, it is. It is not easy to be refined and still pack a kick at the same time and Davidoff does that here.

$228.99 for 10 at Famous-Smoke.com

Arturo Fuente OPUS X (Best Full Flavored Cigar)

This cigar should come with a warning label. If you have not had a lot of experience with a full-flavored cigar, then you might want to just leave this one be, or possibly just work up to it. It uses Dominican tobacco that was cured in rum barrels before being rolled and then aged for at least a year. I dont know about you, but I am already a tiny bit intimidated and I havent even started smoking it yet. This cigar seems rather mellow at first, at least for the first couple of puffs, and then blows up fast, and shows you what the words full-bodied mean. It is known as a very complex cigar, with flavors such as cedar, pepper, caramel, raisin, and earth, as well as leather, cocoa, and roasted nuts. These flavors will come and go throughout your smoking experience, but one thing stays the same, and that is how intense and full-flavored this cigar is. This is just an excellent smoke, in pretty much every way, if you can handle it. These can be hard to get a hold of, and they dont come cheap.

$299.00 for 10 at ThompsonCigar.com

Parejos vs. Figurados

There are two basic cigar types. The most common and most well known is a parejo, which has a straight edge and is smooth, and is thought of as the standard cigar shape. It has a round end that needs to be clipped before you smoke. The other type is a figurado, which has an irregular shape of some sort, such as a torpedo, or perfecto, which have points on the end. The following is a basic rundown of the different Parejos that you might encounter. As you can see they are quite varied and the only thing they truly have in common is the basic shape.

Corona

This is a true old school cigar shape, and is very popular. Coronas never go out of style. They run around 5-1/2 to 6 inches with a ring gauge of 42 to 44.

Petit Corona

You probably could have guessed by the name, but this is a corona, except smaller. It usually measures about 4-1/2 inches, with a ring gauge of 40 to 42.

Robusto

This cigar is short and fat in style. It is very popular in America; when you think of a gangster chewing on a cigar in your mind it is probably this one. It should be 4-3/4 to 5-1/2 inches by 48 to 52 ring gauge.

Churchill

These are large coronas and named after the man himself, Winston Churchill, who is one of the most famous cigar smokers of all time. They should be around 7 inches by 47 ring gauge.

Double Corona

You guessed it. This is a big version of the corona and should be roughly 7-1/2 to 8-1/2 inches by a 49 to 52 ring gauge.

Corona Gorda

This cigar is becoming more popular, and is also known as a toro. They should be around 5-5/8 inches by 46 ring gauge.

Panetela

This is a very elegant cigar, and is long and thin. It is not quite as popular as it used to be back in the day and will run 5 to 7-1/2 inches with a ring gauge of 34 to 38.

Figurados

Most cigars are Parejos, but with all the competition out there, some cigar companies are making cigars that are shaped differently to grab people's attention and get a bigger share of the market. A figurado is any cigar that is not straight shaped. There are many different varieties, but some of the more popular are pyramid cigars, which have heads tapered to a point; belicosos, which are in essence shorter pyramids; torpedos, which have one end closed, a bulge in the middle, and a point at the other end; and perfectos, which are similar to the torpedo except the pointed end is open like a parejo.

The Wrapper

The wrapper not only is something used as a marketing technique, but also has a lot to do with the way a cigar tastes. Some smokers collect them and save them, and many manufacturers put a lot of thought into their design. There are 7 basic colors of wrappers; the most popular are black, yellow and green. The basic colors all vary depending on the manufacturer as they are affected by the different ways that tobacco is processed and the different types of tobacco used.

Countries of Origin

Cuban cigars were once legendary, and the standard in the market and with good reason, but they are no longer the big dog when it comes to cigars. There are 7 countries that are the main players in the cigar industry  a brief summation of what they bring to the table follows.

Mexico

When it comes to exports, Mexico gets no respect at all for the most part. This is not true when it comes to cigars, as their reputation is growing all the time, and nowadays one is not looked down on for smoking a Mexican cigar. A popular cigar brand is Aroma De San Andreas.

Ecuador

Ecuador has long been known for being a country that is good at producing excellent cigar wrappers; in fact, many popular brands from other countries have long used them. Ecuador is now also producing some quality cigars to go along with their wrappers, and one of the best is Ecuapuros.

Brazil

Brazil has long been known as a place for fabulous vacations and gorgeous women, but now they are also known as being a very high volume cigar producer in South America. One of their signature brands is Aquarius.

Honduras

A lot of the best manufacturers of Cuban cigars went to Honduras back in the 60s. They are one of the top exporters of cigars to the United States and are known for making them very strong. A good example of this is the brand Hoyo de Monterrey.

Cuba

Ah Cuba, how they mighty have fallen. Back in the 60s Cuba nationalized the cigar industry, which meant many of the best cigar makers went to other countries to ply their trade, and the United States embargo just made things worse. Dont get me wrong, there are still some excellent cigars coming out of Cuba, and a lot of people in the know say that Cuban tobacco is the best in the world. The most well known brand out of Cuba right now is Partagas.

Nicaragua

Nicaragua was one of the main beneficiaries of the Cuban cigar exodus. They have great soil for tobacco and it wasnt long before it was put to use. Cigars are now one of the biggest exports this country has, and one of their best brands is Padron.

Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is the current big boy when it comes to cigars and is the largest exporter in the world to the United States. This is also in large part thanks to the Cuban exodus. An excellent brand from this country is Arturo Fuente.

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If its November, there is no shortage of Connecticut snowbirds heading south to hibernate the winter months away in Florida. And these days if it is June, it is about even money the Sunshine States governor is heading north to prod more businesspeople to make his state their year-round home.

Two years after visiting Connecticut to troll for businesses, Florida Gov. Rick Scott is coming through again, dangling a new, $85 million fund doling out incentives for businesses to move jobs to Florida.

In a Thursday press release, Scott called Connecticut Gov. Dannel P. Malloy and other public officials out of touch with business leaders, as the state government works overtime this June to complete a budget that has been strapped by lower-than-expected revenue from income taxes.

Connecticut has lost more adjusted gross income and people to Florida than any other state in the nation, Scott stated. Connecticut simply cannot compete with everything Florida has to offer.

In 2015, nearly 14,900 Connecticut residents made Florida their new home, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, about 3,200 people more than New York drew out of the neighboring Nutmeg State. Offsetting those departures, however, were more than 6,100 erstwhile Florida residents who came north to Connecticut.

The 2015 exodus included two Greenwich billionaires reestablishing residency in Florida: Thomas Peterffy, the CEO of Interactive Brokers which maintains its headquarters in Greenwich; and Dean Metropoulos, who re-domiciled even as he rebuilt the iconic Hostess Brands in preparation for an initial public offering of stock.

A former resident of Greenwich, Scott issued the statement even as Malloy was readying for a Thursday night reception at Greenwichs LEscale restaurant in advance of a Democratic Governors Association conference, with wealthy business leaders included on the invite list. Malloy has stated he intends to make his current, second term his last as governor of Connecticut.

After losing the headquarters of General Electric last year to Boston, Connecticut is now bracing for Aetnas own decision on its longtime Hartford headquarters, with the insurance giant confirming this month it is looking in other states.

Connecticut has offset those job losses with Henkels decision to make Stamford the main office of its consumer products division, relocating hundreds of jobs from Scottsdale, Ariz. while also moving its Sun Products subsidiary to Stamford from Wilton.

 Includes prior reporting by Paul Schott and Neil Vigdor, who contributed to this report.

Alex.Soule@scni.com; 203-842-2545; www.twitter.com/casoulman
Bob Luckey / Bob Luckey

The activist hedge fund Venetus Partners reportedly is shutting down, after commencing investments only last fall under Chad Fauser and Nick Graziano.

Venetus focused on investments in mid-size companies and pressing them to adopt changes with an eye on improving their financial performance and share value.
A Norwalk drug dealer was sentenced Friday to more than three years in federal prison for distribution of heroin and violating the conditions of his supervised release.

Anthony Ace Scullark, 31, was sentenced to 40 months of imprisonment by U.S. District Judge Victor Bolden in Bridgeport, police said. Following his prison stay, Scullark must complete three years of supervised release.

Evidence against Scullark was collected during an extensive investigation by the Dug Enforcement Agencys Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force. The task force includes members from Bridgeport, Stamford, Stratford, Norwalk, Milford and Trumbull police departments, as well as Connecticut State Police.

The investigation included controlled purchases of narcotics, court-authorized wiretaps and physical surveillance, police said.

In May 2016, police said, they intercepted a call over a wiretap of Scullark ordering 10 bricks of heroin, or 1,000 dosage units, from Kenneth K.E. Brickhouse, of West Haven.

Police were able to arrest Brickhouse, who later pleaded guilty to his charges and was sentenced to 10 years by Bolden on March 9, 2017.

Several months later, police said, they had another chance at arresting Scullark. He conducted a drug transaction in the parking lot of a Norwalk business on Oct. 4, 2016, and was arrested, police said.

Police said they searched Scullark and his vehicle and found about 65 bags of heroin, 19 small bags of crack cocaine, eight cell phones and $1,695 in cash.

On Dec. 5, 2016, Scullark pleaded guilty to one count of possession of heroin with intent to distribute, and to violating conditions of his supervised release, police said.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony Kaplan and Heather Cherry were prosecutors in this case, police said.
WESTPORT  A Wallingford man is facing shoplifting charges for the third time this year after he attempted to steal more than $500 worth of baby formula back in February, police said.

Police were dispatched to the Walgreens at 880 Post Road E. on Feb. 5 on a shoplifting report.

The store manager told police that a white male had entered the store around 4 p.m. and loaded a carry basket with $573-worth of baby formula before walking out of the store without paying.

As employees pursued the suspect outside, they saw him speed away from the parking lot in a gray Mini Cooper, police said.

In March, police learned of a similar incident in Fairfield two days after the Walgreens theft where a male who fit the description of the Westport suspect ran out of a local CVS with six four-packs of Red Bull and fled in a gray Mini Cooper registered to a Troy Amarante, 40, out of Wallingford.

Using a photograph provided by Fairfield police, Westport detectives were able to positively identify Amarante as the suspect from the Walgreens theft.

After receiving a warrant for Amarantes arrest, Westport police picked up Amarante from the Branford Police Department, where he was being held in custody for allegedly stealing items from a grocery store.

Amarante was charged with sixth-degree larceny. He posted the $25,000 bond, and he is expected in court on June 21.

ptomlinson@hearstmediact.com
Regardless of the number of employees you have or the amount of assets in your 401(k) plan, you have a legal obligation to ensure that all your plans administration and investment management decisions are in the best interest of its participants. If theyre not, then you can be held liable by the Department of Labor, and find yourself on the hook for major fineseven if you entrust plan oversight to a payroll company, insurance provider or another third-party administrator.

Said another way, a business owner has a legal fiduciary obligation to make sure the plan is set up, monitored and managed for the sole benefit of the employees. For most business owners, this is shocking news, as they often think that the provider or local broker is responsible to make sure things run smoothly. Not so.

The biggest providers are focused on making as much money as possible for their shareholders, not their clients. Its this lack of alignment that has led to lawsuits against business owners and disastrous consequences for Americans financial future.

Conflicts of interest within the retirement services industry lead to excessive and hidden fees which cause Americans to lose, on average, $17 billion every year, according to the White House Council of Economic Advisers.

Companies that sponsor 401(k) plans have a duty to help their employees achieve their desired retirement outcomes. When sponsors dont pay adequate attention to the fees assessed by administrators, and the menu of investment options chosen by those administrators, the plan participants retirement savings can take a hit over the long term. Even an extra 1% or 2% in unnecessary fees can deplete significant savings from participants retirement nest eggs. When they find out, they are understandably angry and upset.

Related: Can Main Street Businesses Thrive in the Trump Era?

U.S. companies have paid almost $400 million to settle 401(k)-fee lawsuits brought by employees since 2006, when the first suits were filed, according to Financial Times and FT Ignites research. The $62 million and $57 million payouts from Lockheed Martin and Boeing, respectively, in 2015 are the largest announced settlements, but small businesses that offer 401(k) plans to employees are not immune. Although they dont often make the news, small and mid-size companies are experiencing more audits and fines by the Department of Labor.

Big companies may have the resources to hire investment committees to manage their plans, but small businesses cant afford that luxury. Building and growing a company requires intense dedication, and small firms dont have the time to studiously manage and monitor a 401(k) plan. They simply trust the broker who sold them the plan and assume that, because they are nice, that the plan is working as sold.

Related: Going Solo Doesn't Mean Going Without a 401(k)

Also, unless a small business is in the financial services industry, its team probably lacks the expertise necessary to fully understand 401(k) plan fee structures and select investment options. More importantly, they dont have the tools to decipher the lengthy and opaque fee disclosures that contain layers of hidden and often excessive fees.

Spodak Dental Group of Delray Beach, Fla., is one such company. They had a plan with a major insurance company to take care of their 40+ employees. They thought they had relatively low expenses on their funds, but upon further examination, they realized there was an additional 1.2% contract asset charge that brought their total fees to over 2.4% annually. They ultimately switched to a lower-cost provider that was just 0.65% all in. This fee savings amounted to over $1.4 million of additional retirement savings for plan participants over the next 20 years.

Unfortunately, brokers and the record-keepers they work for have many incentives to stick it to small business owners and their employees. Fee-sharing agreements, often characterized as pay to play, create arrangements where the funds offered in the plan are paying hefty annual fees for shelf space. In other words, the funds offered arent the best performersthey are the ones paying the most. They also have an incentive to steer participants toward more expensive shares classes, many of which have substantial front-end commissions/loads.

Related: 4 Questions Entrepreneurs Should Ask Their 401(K) Providers

The DOLs Fiduciary Rule Wont Solve This Problem

Some record-keepers are already figuring out how to Swiss cheese the new Fiduciary Rule, which is supposed to eliminate conflicts of interest from advice on investments in retirement savings accounts. The problem is, by the time the lobbyists were finished, the rule still allows for revenue-sharing with mutual funds, front-loaded sales charges, and proprietary name brand funds that are more profitable for the provider.

Some record-keepers have told business owners and their employees that, since they, the record-keepers, are not fiduciaries, the Fiduciary Rule will require them to retain a third-party fiduciary service provider, which will force them to add yet another layer of additional fees. In other words, they will be charging more money to do what they should have been doing all alongmaking decisions which are in the best interest of plan participants and their retirement savings.

In addition, some record-keepers are taking steps, on the surface, to reduce fees by decreasing expense ratios on the mutual funds that they offer participants, and by adding lower-cost index funds and exchange-traded funds to their list of investment options. However, by lowering one line item of expenses, they still gouge participants by increasing administrative fees and other asset-based charges on these funds. Its like going to a hotel where the room cost is only $150 but the daily mandatory resort fee is $75. Its $225 out of your pocket no matter how you slice it.

The DOL proposed its Fiduciary Rule with the best of intentions, but unfortunately, it wont prevent 401(k) plan record-keepers from depleting the retirement savings of small business owners and their employees with excessive fees.

To truly safeguard your employees retirement savings, and prevent a costly lawsuit, there are a few steps you can take:

Understand what you are currently paying by asking for a copy of your employer fee disclosure (also called a 408b2). Find a registered investment adviser, a legal fiduciary, to help you assess the actual fees.

Eliminate brokers, commissions and other middlemen. 401(k) brokers are the travel agents of yesterday -- entirely unnecessary.

Related: 13 Reasons Why Your 401(k) Is Your Riskiest Investment

Add low-cost index funds to your fund lineup and ensure that there are no additional layers of fees (such as contract asset charges) that erode your financial future.

The one great thing about the new DOL rule is that it will force business owners to wake up to the practices that the biggest 401(k) plan providers have gotten away with for far too long. In much the same way that Uber offers a better experience for passengers than taxi cabs, there are next-generation plans available today that put people ahead of profits.
The Best Mouthwash You Can Buy

Keep Your Breath Fresh All Day With These Elite Mouthwashes

The AskMen editorial team thoroughly researches & reviews the best gear, services and staples for life. AskMen may get paid if you click a link in this article and buy a product or service.

Bruh, your mouth is gross! What? No diss intended. Just that research and science says otherwise. It's well known that our chat boxes remain the dirtiest part of the body. In fact, the scientists at Hard School of Dental discovered over 615 different species of bacteria living in the mouth, tongue, and throat. See?

Much of the markets elite oral hygiene products help mask most oral health care problems from halitosis to plaque buildup. However, none have proven to be potent or powerful enough to rid your make-out instrument of such toxicities. Simply put, a mouthwash is whats missing from your daily grooming routine.

This mouth-cleansing solution is the perfect complimentary piece for brushing and flossing. The benefits of swigging some only favor your wellbeing. Besides owning kissable breath, a man that lives religiously by mouthwash can reduce cavities, canker sores, gum disease, and even aid his spouses pregnancy by decreasing her risks of periodontal disease  a condition that can affect a womans bloodstream and result in preterm, low-weight babies. Thats one way of playing her hero.

Guys tend to share this presumption of all mouthwashes performing the same duties. Theres half truth to that statement. Each one does carry sterilization traits that freshen up the mouth. But each one is made for specific use. Read the labels, gentlemen. Let us show you how to pick the right mouthwash for your antibacterial needs.

Types of Mouthwashes

Pretty easy to assume all mouthwashes are the same. True, theyre all designed to rid the mouth of germs. They also get rid of the dragon in the dungeon by leaving behind a minty aftertaste. Still, depending on the severity of your oral condition(s), a special type might need to be stocked in your bathroom. These are the most common options available.

Antiseptic: Normally features chlorhexidine gluconate and most effective for stopping bacteria growth and bad breath

Normally features chlorhexidine gluconate and most effective for stopping bacteria growth and bad breath Cosmetic: The least protective of the batch that's primarily used to disguise halitosis

The least protective of the batch that's primarily used to disguise halitosis Fluoride: Contains sodium fluoride to strengthen teeth and protect against decay

Contains sodium fluoride to strengthen teeth and protect against decay Magic/Therapeutic: Prescribed by dentists to treat oral infections or inflamed mouth tissues

Prescribed by dentists to treat oral infections or inflamed mouth tissues Natural: Alcohol-free alternatives that perform like conventional mouthwashes

Alcohol-free alternatives that perform like conventional mouthwashes Total care: Hosts antibacterial ingredients for plaque and gum disease prevention

This helps narrow things down. Ingredients always play a vital role in the effects of oral conditioning. Rather than bore you to death with a massive list of the dos and don'ts, just keep your eyes peeled for the following additives: Alcohol (when ridiculously high in content), chlorine dioxide, chlorhexidinen, cocamidopropyl betaine, parabens, poloxamer 407, formaldehyde, and saccharin. Deal? Deal!

By now youve more than likely settled on a type. So lets bring you back to the fundamentals on how to use a mouthwash.

Aesop Mouthwash

Best for: Bad breath

Pleasant flavors combined with its use of impeccable antioxidants and botanical ingredients makes the Australian skincare brands rinse a signature staple for any oral hygiene enthusiast. The Aesop Mouthwash stands out most for its oral malodour relief, giving your mouth irresistible freshness, while leaving the zest of aniseed, clove bud, and spearmint lingering on your taste buds. Its alcohol-free formula is also great for hypersensitivity and helps to keep the mouth hydrated, never disturbing saliva production or natural pH levels. And of course there's the sexy apothecary-style vessel that complements the mouthwashs stellar performance.

$25.00 at Nordstrom.com

Oral Essentials Sugar Alcohol-Free Mouthwash

Best for: Teeth remineralization

This non-toxic offering is the brainchild of two dentists who aimed to deliver maximum results without disturbing the mouth's delicate ecosystem. Job well done. Oral Essentials opts for pure and enamel-friendly ingredients that advance the mineral-rebuilding process in teeth. The use of Dead Sea Salt helps feed your ivories with dozens of minerals including calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Not to mention it removes surface stains and wards off plaque-causing bacteria. That in combination with Aloe Vera, French essential oils, and non-GMO Xylitol help to freshen breath and reduce tooth decay.

$11.99 at Amazon.com

Listerine Cool Mint Antiseptic

Best for: Bacteria removal

Establishing brand recognition in the oral health sector nearly requires universal praise from consumers to dental professionals. Listerines earned it through its lineup of industry leading mouthwashes. Gingivitis and plaque become mere afterthoughts, as the antimicrobial antiseptic delivers a cooling rush to the mouth that instantly freshens breath and kills germs on contact through a powerful formula of four essential oils. No more than 30 seconds of swishing (twice a day) can earn you 24-hour protection from bacteria, or so clinical trials endorse. Nonetheless, youre warranted a bacteria-free mouth for most of the day at an unbeatable value.

$5.99 at Amazon.com

Georganics Coconut Pulling Mouthwash

Best for: Sensitivity

Oil pulling remains one of the more underrated oral detoxification procedures. Georganics deemed it vital for curing gum and tooth sensitivity, therefore applying the ancient Ayurvedic remedy to its resultant mouthwash. Swirling it around lets you bask in the healing and soothing properties fostered by Aloe Vera and holy basil oil, an adaptogen promoting gentle oral health. The addition of activated charcoal into the mixture boosts whitening, utilizing the mild abrasives from coconut shells to eliminate stains.

$8.49 at Amazon.com

Auromere Ayurvedic Mouthwash

Best for: Organic cleansing

What rinse you know integrates neem, the Indian superpower plant, into its formula? Just this one. Auromere chose to include this dynamic ingredient for its phenomenal antimicrobial and antifungal properties, which studies have shown to be just as powerful for oral health as chlorhexidine, only far less dangerous. Even crazier is how the rinse comes richly loaded with 23 botanical extracts and 9 essential oils, allowing its astringent, cleansing qualities to ensure your trap of all-natural purification. The minty taste it leaves behind isnt so bad either.

$11.50 at Amazon.com

Jason Healthy Mouth Naturally Bacteria-Fighting Mouthwash

Best for: Gum health

One of the more natural mouthwashes on the market thats free of alcohol, parabens, and saccharin, this selection comes professionally recommended for individuals with sensitive teeth and gums. Mild ingredients such as organic Aloe Vera gel and Ecchinacea calm lingering pains, whereas flavorful extracts from grapefruit seed and perilla blend well with the zesty taste of cinnamon and clove. The rinses bacteria-fighting capabilities are just as impressive, without the use of harsh abrasive or irritating chemicals mind you.

$7.84 at Amazon.com

Crest 3D White Luxe Glamorous White Multi-Care Whitening Mouthwash

Best for: Teeth whitening

If its teeth-whitening strips are any indication, then Crests luxury mouthwash is a sure-shot for pearly whites. Speaking from personal experience, thats an understatement. The oral hygiene titan created a triple-action formula made to freshen breath, prevent surface stains, and whiten your fangs simultaneously. It operates differently than all other mouthwashes, proving to be more effective after whitening procedures: professional or at-home. This is all impart to Crests patented Whitelock Technology that acts as a whitening protector to produce longer lasting results. Exercising the proper tooth-brushing routine will enhance its effects.

$8.97 at Walmart.com

Biotene Oral Rinse

Best for: Dry mouth

Aging. Autoimmune diseases. Smoking. Stress. Many causes bring about xerostomia aka dry mouth. Biotene is considered the No.1 mouthwash for this condition, employing whats known as an LP3 salivary enzyme-protein system to create a moisturizing effect and restore pH balance inside the mouth. Its also strong enough to sustain funky stenches, gum soreness, and tooth decay. The solution comes packaged in a large bottle to last for months and comes at an inexpensive price tag, which is surprising for a rinse viewed as an oral-cleansing breakthrough by dentists across the nation.

$9.90 at Amazon.com

ACT Restoring Mouthwash

Best for: Cavity protection

Kids might be more prone to cavities, but theyre just as common amongst adults, primarily around the edges of their fillings. This fluoride-infused oral rinse is formulated to reduce dental caries up to 70% more than a fluoride toothpaste, strengthening enamel and removing stains. The Cool Mint or Spearmint sensation of the solution wont only tame any bad odors seeping through those chompers, but soothe sore gums as well. Granted it contains alcohol, its nowhere near as harmful on the mouth as others with higher concentrates.

$4.54 at Amazon.com

Philips Sonicare BreathRx Antibacterial Mouth Rinse

Best for: Post-brushing

The Sonicare ecosystem of products work best when utilized together. So while its coveted mouthwash plays nice with your bridgework as a solo act, know youll earn better results after brushing your teeth with the DiamondClean electric toothbrush. Philips introduces a unique antibacterial complex highlighted by CPC, a dynamic germ-killing agent capable of neutralizing odors by killing up to 99% of bad breath bacteria. Those same odors are then neutralized through its use of Zytex, the companys unique blend of zinc combined with essential oils to maintain fresh oral aromas.

$9.99 at Amazon.com

The Right Way To Use Mouthwash

Wait. Its not just a gargle and spit procedure? Not really, fellas. So like the whitening toothpaste laying on your sink countertop, we can honestly assume youre using mouthwash the wrong way too. Theres a system to adopt to get the best out of the oral disinfectant. First, one must know when its necessary for use. The American Dental Association states that it doesnt matter whether applied before or after brushing. Nice!

Next is pouring the proper dosage. Dentists recommend 20 ml for most mouthwashes, 10 ml for stronger options with fluoride as the primary ingredient. Feel free to use the cap, which tends to double as a serving cup. Pour into the mouth and swish for about 30 seconds to a minute. If it burns, deal with it. Just let the essential oils and all other magical elements go to work. Spit out the remains. Dont rinse your mouth out with water, for all this will do is reduce its preventative effects.

Now comes time to put you onto the MVPs of the product category. So open up that yap and breakdown the top mouthwashes and their best uses.

Related Reading

17 Oral Hygiene Products That Can Replace Annoying Floss

Want Whiter Teeth? These Nine Products Will Do The Trick

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Cuban State Council calls for general elections

Submitted by: Juana

Local

Politics and Government

06 / 15 / 2017



The Cuban Council of State called all Cubans in voting age to participate in the general elections to choose the delegates to the municipality, provincial and national Peoples Power Assemblies.

As established by the Cuban Constitution and Law 72 of October 1992 Electoral Law the Council of State is in charge of calling for the elections, first at municipality level, then the upper levels.

The delegates to the municipal level are elected for a 2 and a half years period, and this election will have its first round on October 22, with a second round, where and if necessary on October 29, in case one of the nominees cannot get 50 percent plus one of the vote.

The elections for the provincial delegates and deputies to the national assembly, for a five year period, will take place later on.
Cuba and Mexico Sign Health Cooperation Agreement

Submitted by: Juana

Havana

Mexico

Health and Medicine

06 / 16 / 2017



Cuban and Mexican authorities signed on Thursday in Havana, three scientific-technical and academic cooperation agreements in the health sector which will allow expanding and strengthening bilateral ties in the field.

Dr. Roberto Morales Ojeda, Cubas Health Minister signed an agreement with Jose Reyes Baeza, Director of the Security and Social Services Institute of the State of Mexico.

The agreement includes hospital assistance, administration in health systems, training of human resources, timely detection of chronic-degenerate illness and prevention in issues related with obesity.

Morales Ojeda and Mikel Arriola, General Director of the Mexican Social Security Institute signed a second document for the exchange of knowledge and research in sciences and techniques among other aspects.

Authorities of the International Neurological Restoration Centers (CIREN) and the Mexican entity signed an agreement for the joint development of basic, clinical and public health care projects and the participation in courses, congresses and consultations organized by both sides.

The accord includes research in neurological restoration and optimizing human resources and the infrastructure of the neuroscience services with special emphasis in functional neurosurgery and stereotactic.

The agreement was signed by Dr. Tania Margarita Cruz, Director of CIREN and Jose Reyes Baeza, Director of the ISSSTE and contemplates the minimum access procedures for the treatment of Parkinson, epilepsy, child autism and psychiatric ailments.

In statements to the press, Narro Robles expressed interest in favoring an exchange of experience between medical colleagues and gain knowledge in the development of Cuban medicine and health system, which we appreciate in a very special manner, she said.

We want to advance and strengthen commercial exchanges and the development of joint programs in the pharmaceutical industry, she added.

Morales Ojeda said that the signing of the documents is a good opportunity to continue developing bilateral cooperation in the sector with security that it will contribute in improving the health systems of both countries and quality of life of the population.

During the Mexican health specialists visit to the island, which will conclude on Saturday, the Mexican delegation will visit the Center for Molecular Immunology and Genetic and Biotechnology Institute.

The Health Secretary will offer a master conference on Friday at the Master Conference Hall of the University of Havana entitled Health and Development in a Changing World. (acn)
Haiti to Strengthen Its Commercial Ties with Cuba

Submitted by: Juana

Local

Caribbean

Business and Economy

06 / 16 / 2017



Haitis Minister of Trade and Industry, Pierre Marie Du Meny said on Thursday that his country will strengthen its commercial ties with Cuba, according to a report from Prensa Latina News Agency.

During a meeting with the Cuban ambassador to Haiti, Luis Castillo, the Haitian Minister also confirmed his assistance together with a business delegation from his country to the 35th edition of the International Havana Trade Fair, FIHAV 2017.

Castillo reiterated Cubas official invitation to be held from October 30th to November 3rd in Havanas ExpoCuba exhibition hall.

He stressed that the organizers for FIHAV 2017 support the idea of presenting the Caribbean proposals in one stand coordinated by the Caribbean Export Agency, according to Cuban diplomatic sources in the capital.

Du Meny highlighted the importance of breaking the traditional obstacles for the intra-regional trade in the Caribbean and recalled the struggle of the Caribbean Community, CARICOM, for a fair and equal trade.

He recalled that last year the Haitian companies like Cannex, Caribbean Food, Carribex, Huileries Haitienne, Pasta Haiti, Sun Food, Tropic, Farmatrix among others participated in the Cuban trade fair.

The Minister also thanked the history of solidarity towards the Cuban people and government and the continuous commitment of cooperation between both sides.

He highlighted the actions implemented by Cuba in Caricom and the development efforts in the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, CELAC, and the Association of Caribbean States. In addition, the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America-Peoples Trade Treaty.

The Directive of the Commercial Policy for Latin America and the Caribbean of the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Investment recently said that Haiti continues to be Cubas main priority in the economic, commercial and solidarity relations in the Caribbean.(acn)
United States Court of Appeals, First Circuit. VLADEK FILLER, Plaintiff, Appellee, v. MARY KELLETT, Defendant, Appellant, HANCOCK COUNTY; WILLIAM CLARK; WASHINGTON COUNTY; DONNIE SMITH; TRAVIS WILLEY; DAVID DENBOW; MICHAEL CRABTREE; TOWN OF GOULDSBORO, ME; TOWN OF ELLSWORTH, ME; JOHN DELEO; CHAD WILMOT; PAUL CAVANAUGH; STEPHEN MCFARLAND; MICHAEL POVICH; CARLETTA BASSANO; ESTATE OF GUY WYCOFF; LINDA GLEASON, Defendants. No. 16-1186 Decided: June 15, 2017

Before Lynch, Stahl, and Barron, Circuit Judges. John S. Whitman, with whom Heidi J. Hart and Richardson,Whitman, Large & Badger were on brief, for appellant. Thomas F. Hallett, with whom Timothy E. Zerillo and Hallett,Zerillo, Whipple, P.A. were on brief, for appellee. Jamesa J. Drake, with whom Zachary L. Heiden and Ezekiel Edwards were on brief, for amici curiae American Civil Liberties Union and American Civil Liberties Union of Maine Foundation; and Rory A. McNamara and Drake Law, LLC, on brief for amicus curiae Maine Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

This appeal arises out of the state prosecution of Vladek Filler in 2009. He was initially indicted on five counts of gross sexual assault and two counts of assault of his then-wife Ligia Arguetta Filler. After two trials -- and two appeals to the Maine Law Court -- he was convicted only of one misdemeanor assault count, which he is still challenging. In the wake of these events, Filler filed a civil action against a number of defendants under 42 U.S.C.  1983, including a claim against the prosecuting attorney, then-Hancock County Assistant District Attorney Mary Kellett, for malicious prosecution. Kellett chose to challenge the suit by a 12(b)(6) motion on the sprawling pleadings, rather than allowing for the development of any facts or providing a defense based on the undisputed facts on summary judgment. Kellett now brings an interlocutory appeal from the District Court's order denying her absolute prosecutorial immunity from certain of Filler's claims against her. We dismiss the appeal for lack of jurisdiction.

I.

As only a narrow subset of the many issues involved in this case are raised in this appeal, we recount just the relevant facts, as set forth in Filler's 103-page Amended Complaint and the District Court's opinion. Because this case comes to us as an interlocutory appeal, we assume that the Plaintiff['s] allegations regarding the Defendant['s] authority, duties, acts and omissions are true, and that they are sufficient to allege a violation of federal rights. Guzman-Rivera v. Rivera-Cruz, 55 F.3d 26, 28 (1st Cir. 1995); see also Buckley v. Fitzsimmons, 509 U.S. 259, 261 (1993) (in reviewing denial of motion to dismiss upon finding no absolute immunity, we make two important assumptions about the case: first, that petitioner's allegations are entirely true; and, second, that they allege constitutional violations for which  1983 provides a remedy). Accordingly, we recount the events at issue as the complaint presents them.

Filler was married to Ligia Filler, now known as Isabella L. Arguetta (Arguetta) in 1995. Filler and Arguetta subsequently had two children together. In 2007, Filler initiated a separation from Arguetta, and made plans to relocate with their children to another state. On April 24, 2007, Arguetta was involuntarily hospitalized at a psychiatric facility. She then made a series of allegations of abuse against Filler for the purpose of gaining custody over the children.

Filler was arrested on April 26, 2007, without a warrant. He was charged with gross sexual assault of Arguetta, and subject to a number of post-arrest restrictions. Upon arrest, Filler was held overnight without bail. On April 27, a bail hearing was held and he was allowed bail. His house remained subject to a bail lien for the next four years.

Gouldsboro Police Chief Guy Wycoff threatened to arrest Filler if Filler was released on bail and returned to his home. Filler therefore was forced to live in a hotel from April 27, 2007 until May 1, 2007, when Filler's attorney confirmed with Wycoff that Wycoff had no authority nor any court order to bar or arrest [Filler] for returning to his own house. After returning to his home, Filler remained subject to a number of post-arrest restrictions, including restrictions on contact with his children, and a curfew from 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.

On August 8, 2007, a grand jury indicted Filler on five counts of Class A gross sexual assault and two counts of Class D assault. In January 2009, after trial, Filler was convicted of one count of Class A gross sexual assault and two misdemeanor charges of assault on Arguetta. The trial court subsequently overturned the guilty verdict and ordered a new trial based upon the trial court's finding of prosecutorial misconduct. These rulings were upheld by the Maine Law Court over Kellett's appeal.

Following the Maine Law Court's ruling, Kellett told a local newspaper that she intended to retry [Filler] on the three remaining charges. At the second trial, which took place in May 2011 and was conducted by a separate prosecutor, the jury acquitted Filler of all counts except one count of Class D assault. As the District Court highlighted, after the second trial was completed, the Maine Supreme Judicial Court imposed discipline against  Kellett for a number of violations of the Maine Rules of Professional Conduct, the first disciplinary proceeding ever filed with the Maine Supreme Judicial Court by the Overseers of the Bar against a member of Maine's prosecutorial bar based on the prosecutor's representation of the State.

In the wake of these events, on February 4, 2015, Filler filed a sprawling civil suit against eighteen separate defendants, including Kellett. The key allegations against Kellett that are at issue in this interlocutory appeal arise out of Count I of the complaint, insofar as that count asserts a claim under 42 U.S.C.  1983 for malicious prosecution in violation of Filler's Fourth Amendment rights. The count alleges, among other things, that (1) Kellett suppressed exculpatory evidence and tampered with evidence, and (2) Kellett advised or directed law enforcement officers not to comply with subpoenas that Filler's attorney submitted.

Those allegations are at issue in this appeal because, on March 16, 2015, Kellett filed a motion to dismiss Filler's  1983 claim for failure to state a claim pursuant to Rule 12(b)(6) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. In that motion, Kellett raised a number of arguments as to the allegations now at issue. First, Kellett's motion argued that Filler was time-barred from bringing a  1983 claim against her arising out of much of the conduct alleged in Count I. Second, Kellett's motion argued that to the extent that Filler's  1983 malicious prosecution claim against Kellett was based on the violation of Filler's right to due process, whether substantive or procedural, the claim was not cognizable. See Albright v. Oliver, 510 U.S. 266, 271 n.4 (1994) (holding that substantive due process does not furnish the constitutional peg on which to hang the tort of malicious prosecution in a  1983 claim); Trafton v. Devlin, 43 F. Supp. 2d 56, 61 (D. Me. 1999) (noting that a  1983 claim for the violation of procedural due process rights can exist only where, unlike here, no adequate 'post-deprivation remedy' is available under state law (quoting Perez-Ruiz v. Crespo-Guillen, 25 F.3d 40, 42 (1st Cir. 1994))). Third, Kellett's motion argued that, insofar as Filler's  1983 claim against her was premised on the violation of his Fourth Amendment rights, Kellett is entitled to absolute prosecutorial immunity. And finally, Kellett's motion contended that Filler had failed to make a prima facie showing of the state tort of malicious prosecution under Maine law.

In ruling on the motion to dismiss, the District Court concluded that Kellett was entitled to absolute immunity for her consideration of the evidence, her decision whether to charge the case, what charges to present to the grand jury, and how to prosecutor the charges, because these actions were all intimately associated with the judicial phase of the criminal process. However, the District Court denied the rest of Kellett's motion to dismiss Count I of Filler's complaint.

Kellett now challenges the District Court's denial of her motion to dismiss the claim set forth in Count I.

II.

Because Kellett brings an interlocutory appeal, we have no jurisdiction over her challenges to the denial of her motion to dismiss that do not pertain to her defense of absolute immunity from Filler's claims under  1983. See 28 U.S.C.  1292(b); Limone v. Condon, 372 F.3d 39, 50 (1st Cir. 2004) (noting that the general rule that only final judgments and orders are immediately appealable in civil cases permits an exception for interlocutory review of an order rejecting an immunity defense that raises a legal question, but this exception does not confer jurisdiction over other contested issues in the case). But while we do have interlocutory jurisdiction over her challenge to the District Court's ruling regarding absolute immunity, we have such jurisdiction only to the extent that her challenge turns on a question of law rather than fact. Hill v. Coppleson, 627 F.3d 601, 606 (7th Cir. 2010) (holding that the circuit court did not have jurisdiction over an interlocutory appeal from the district court's denial of summary judgment based on an assertion of immunity because evaluating the merits of the immunity defense depended on the resolution of a factual dispute concerning the prosecutor's function).

It has been observed that absolute immunity, unlike qualified immunity, only rarely turns on questions of fact. See Ellis v. Coffee Cty. Bd. of Registrars, 981 F.2d 1185, 1189 (11th Cir. 1993) (Absolute immunity does not depend on good faith or reasonableness; thus [circuit courts] would be unlikely to find a case where disputed factual questions precluded review. (citation omitted)). But, that is not always the case. See Lawson v. Abrams, 863 F.2d 260, 263 (2d Cir. 1988) (holding that the district court's order allowing the filing of an amended complaint was not immediately appealable even though the defendant prosecutors claimed absolute immunity where the plaintiff's claims d [id] not clearly reveal the degree to which the conduct relied on could be considered part of the prosecutor's function and therefore holding that the availability of the defense of absolute immunity as to these claims must await the development of facts during discovery). And it is not the case here. We thus conclude that we lack jurisdiction over this interlocutory appeal.

To understand why, it is helpful to understand the legal framework underlying prosecutorial absolute immunity. We thus start by providing some brief background before applying the relevant legal principles to the absolute immunity issues that this interlocutory appeal presents.

A.

State prosecutors are entitled to absolute immunity from liability under  1983 to the extent that such immunity is necessary to protect the judicial process. Burns v. Reed, 500 U.S. 478, 485 (1991) (citing Imbler v. Pachtman, 424 U.S. 409, 422-23 (1976)). This reflects our concern that harassment by unfounded litigation would cause a deflection of the prosecutor's energies from his public duties, and  would shade his decisions instead of exercising the independence of judgment required by his public trust. Id. (quoting Imbler, 424 U.S. at 423).

Because [a]bsolute immunity is designed to free the judicial process from the harassment and intimidation associated with litigation, id. at 494 (emphasis in original) (citation omitted), [t]hat concern  justifies absolute prosecutorial immunity only for actions that are connected with the prosecutor's role in judicial proceedings, id. Accordingly, a prosecutor has absolute immunity when functioning as an advocate for the state in initiating a prosecution and in presenting the State's case, Imbler, 424 U.S. at 431, because that conduct is intimately associated with the judicial phase of the criminal process, id. at 430. However, a prosecutor does not receive absolute immunity when acting in the role of an administrator or investigative officer. Id. at 430-31. Rather, no more than a qualified immunity is available with respect to acts of a prosecutor that are administrative or investigative in nature. Lawson, 863 F.2d at 263.

Importantly, absolute immunity does not necessarily apply to all actions that a prosecutor may take once the judicial phase begins. In Buckley, for example, the Supreme Court considered whether a prosecutor enjoyed absolute immunity for making false statements during a press conference that the prosecutor gave announcing the return of an indictment. 509 U.S. at 261. Buckley held that the prosecutor did not have absolute immunity because (1) there was not a common-law immunity for a prosecutor's out-of-court statements to the press; and (2) comments to the press are not made in a prosecutor's role as advocate for the state. Id. at 277.

Buckley explained:

The conduct of a press conference does not involve the initiation of a prosecution, the presentation of the state's case in court, or actions preparatory for these functions. Statements to the press may be an integral part of a prosecutor's job, and they may serve a vital public function. But in these respects a prosecutor is in no different position than other executive officials who deal with the press, and  qualified immunity is the norm for them.

Id. at 278 (citations omitted). Buckley then concluded that [w]hen, as here, the prosecutorial function is not within the advocate's role and there is no historical tradition of immunity on which we can draw, our inquiry is at an end. Id.

B.

In light of these principles, the key question in this case concerns whether the functions that Kellett was allegedly performing were functions for which she enjoys absolute immunity. We begin with Kellett's assertion that she is entitled to absolute immunity for giving legal advice to police officers regarding Filler's subpoenas. We then turn to Kellett's assertion that she is entitled to absolute immunity for withholding and tampering with exculpatory evidence (taking these allegations to be true, as we must).

Kellett emphasizes that a prosecutor cannot be held personally liable for the knowing suppression of exculpatory information during the judicial phase, even where prosecutors failed to disclose exculpatory evidence specifically requested by the defense and where prosecutors misled the trial court in order to conceal their failure to disclose exculpatory evidence. Reid v. New Hampshire, 56 F.3d 332, 336 (1st Cir. 1995) (citation omitted). And Kellett contends that Filler is trying to get around the rule of immunity for withholding exculpatory evidence by reframing his claim as one about giving legal advice.

Kellett's end-run contention, however, is too fact-dependent for us to be able to review it at this time. Count I of the complaint alleges that Kellett assumed the role of legal counsel to law enforcement officers, and advised them not to comply with lawful defense  subpoenas. But, it is not at all clear that, in advancing the assertion that Filler is merely attempting an end run, Kellett is presenting a legal argument that she is entitled to absolute immunity based on the facts set forth in the complaint, rather than a factual argument that she is entitled to absolute immunity based on her distinct understanding of the facts that transpired.

Filler contends, for example, that he was involved in civil custody and divorce proceedings at the same time as his criminal prosecution, and he claims that he sought at least one of the relevant subpoenas for use in the civil, rather than criminal, proceedings, though it is not clear exactly to which subpoenas he refers. Yet Kellett, in contending that she has absolute immunity for all of the legal advice and direction that Count I alleges she gave, does not make clear what understanding she has of the circumstances under which she gave advice regarding the subpoenas referenced in Filler's complaint. As a result, we find ourselves in a situation where Filler's claims against Kellett are not clearly foreclosed and  do not clearly reveal the degree to which the conduct relied on could be considered part of the decision to prosecute or intimately associated with the judicial proceedings, rather than purely investigative or administrative. Lawson, 863 F.2d at 263. In consequence, the the availability of the defense of absolute immunity as to these claims must await the development of facts during discovery. Id.

Kellett does contend in this regard that, because the advice was given after the case against Filler was initiated, she was necessarily acting in her prosecutorial capacity and thus entitled as a matter of law to absolute immunity. But, as we have noted, the fact that a prosecutor engaged in certain activities after a prosecution had already commenced is not necessarily dispositive of the question whether absolute immunity attaches. See Buckley, 509 U.S. at 278 (noting that a prosecutor is not entitled to absolute immunity for actions taken even after the commencement of the judicial phase if the actions [do] not involve the initiation of a prosecution, the presentation of the state's case in court, or actions preparatory for these functions).

A similar problem prevents us from reviewing Kellett's assertion of absolute immunity as it relates to the allegations in Count I that Kellett tampered with and withheld exculpatory evidence. To be sure, Filler does argue that Kellett cannot claim absolute immunity with respect to any of her actions implicated by this set of allegations because these allegations concern conduct that occurred prior to his indictment. But, in this case, the indictment followed the arrest. It is thus not the only critical point in time for purposes of determining the beginning of the judicial phase. See Buckley, 509 U.S. at 273-74 & n.5 (emphasizing that [a] prosecutor neither is, nor should consider himself to be, an advocate before he has probable cause to have anyone arrested and clarifying that, although necessary to the successful assertion of absolute immunity, a probable-cause determination is not sufficient); Genzler v. Longanbach, 410 F.3d 630, 639 (9th Cir. 2005) (Absolute immunity [cannot] be invoked before probable cause was established.); Goldstein v. Moatz, 364 F.3d 205, 21415 (4th Cir. 2004) (noting that prosecutors do not enjoy absolute immunity for acts committed prior to a probable cause determination because [o]nce a prosecutor possesses probable cause, he must decide whether to prosecute, which charges to initiate, what trial strategy to pursue, and a multitude of other important issues that require him to exercise discretion, and highlighting that [i]n a preprobable-cause investigation  a prosecutor exercises no more discretion than a police officer and thus should enjoy no more protection than qualified immunity); Hill v. City of N.Y., 45 F.3d 653, 661 (2d Cir. 1995) (Before any formal legal proceeding has begun and before there is probable cause to arrest, it follows that a prosecutor receives only qualified immunity for his acts.).

Nevertheless, even if Kellett may have a basis for asserting the absolute immunity defense, she does not identify with any specificity why she is entitled to immunity with respect to the allegations in Count I that pertain to her treatment of evidence. And it is by no means clear that every allegation in Filler's complaint concerning such treatment by her occurred during the judicial rather than the investigative phase. For example, Filler's complaint alleges that [o]n or about April 25, 2007, -- that is, the day before Filler's arrest on April 26, 2007 -- Kellett engaged in or supported and approved of[ ] the falsification of an April 25, 2007 videotape interview of Arguetta by Wycoff.

In light of the undifferentiated nature of Kellett's assertion of absolute immunity with respect to her treatment of evidence, it is unclear whether the parties' dispute over immunity with respect to the allegations in Count I concerning the treatment of potentially exculpatory evidence is a legal one about what protection the law affords a prosecutor either before or during the judicial phase, or instead a factual one about when the alleged conduct occurred.

In consequence, we also lack jurisdiction to review this aspect of her absolute immunity defense in this interlocutory appeal. For, here, too, while Filler's claim against Kellett is not clearly foreclosed by absolute immunity, the availability of the defense of absolute immunity as to these claims must await the development of facts during discovery. Lawson, 863 F.2d at 263; see also Hill, 45 F.3d at 663 (holding that where immunity issue respecting the [fabrication of videotapes] raises factual issues that cannot be conclusively determined at this stage in the litigation, the court [had] no jurisdiction to entertain it).

III.

For the foregoing reasons, the appeal is dismissed.

FOOTNOTES

. The Maine Supreme Judicial Court sits as a court of law (Maine Law Court) over cases on appeal from the District Court and Superior Court, as well as a limited number of other matters. See 4 Me. Rev. Stat. Ann.  57.

. Because our jurisdiction is limited, we do not address any of Kellett's arguments on the merits of Filler's  1983 suit, including the scope of the Fourth Amendment malicious prosecution theory. However, we note that recent cases have addressed this theory and should provide additional guidance for district courts. See Manuel v. City of Joliet, Ill., 137 S. Ct. 911, 914-15 (2017) (establishing that a claim under  1983 for unlawful pretrial detention is cognizable under the Fourth Amendment); Hernandez-Cuevas v. Taylor, 723 F.3d 91 (1st Cir. 2013) (holding that a Fourth Amendment malicious prosecution claim for unlawful pretrial detention is cognizable under  1983).

. In an amicus brief, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), the ACLU of Maine Foundation, and the Maine Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers argue that tampering with evidence is distinguishable from withholding exculpatory evidence, and should not be similarly entitled to absolute immunity. The parties themselves, however, have not briefed this issue to us. And, given the unclear nature of the record before us, we do not address the issue.

BARRON, Circuit Judge.
United States Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit. ADAM A. BALLE, PlaintiffAppellant, v. NUECES COUNTY, TEXAS; DEBORAH CHARETTE; CHELSEA JOHNSON, DefendantsAppellees. No. 16-40789 Decided: June 15, 2017

Before KING, JOLLY, and PRADO, Circuit Judges.

This 42 U.S.C.  1983 case arises out of injuries Adam Balle allegedly sustained while he was detained at a facility operated by Nueces County and was under the care of the facility's medical professionals, Deborah Charette and Chelsea Johnson. The district court dismissed Balle's claims against Nueces County, Charette, and Johnson under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 12(b)(6). We AFFIRM in part, REVERSE in part, and REMAND.

I. BACKGROUND

According to the amended complaint, on March 6, 2012, two Corpus Christi police officers responded to a domestic dispute at Balle's home and took Balle into custody. At the time, Balle was diabetic and suffered from a back disability, though he was able to stand and walk without assistance. While escorting Balle to the police car, one of the officers kicked Balle twice in the middle of his back, causing him to fall to the ground. Balle experienced a sharp pain in his back. Nonetheless, the officers pulled Balle into the police car and transported him to the Corpus Christi Detention Center, where he was held for several hours without medical attention.

Balle was then transported to the Nueces County Jail. Balle alleges that, throughout his six-day detention at the jail, he was given little medical attention, even though he was experiencing excruciating pain and repeatedly requested help. On March 9, 2012, the jail's Pass Logswhich serve as a record of the jailers' observations from their daily roundsindicated that Balle had soiled himself and was unable to clean himself. In response, an officer took him to 3R to shower, and his cell was clean[ed] and clothes were replaced. On March 10, Balle allegedly sent a communication to jail officials indicating that he needed medical attention, was unable to care for himself, had lost the ability to control his bodily functions, and was experiencing severe muscle spasms. The following day, the Pass Logs stated: Inmate Adam Balle complaining of losing use of legs and in pain. Taken to medical. Checked [and] cleared by C. Johnson, nurse.

On March 12, 2012, the Pass Logs indicated that Balle did not go to diabetic check because he said he was paralyzed and could not walk. Nurse Asher and PA Deborah apparently spoke with Balle, but once again, Balle was checked and cleared. In describing this evaluation, the Pass Logs stated, PA [said] that he is refusing to move. Later that day, Balle was finally transported to a hospital, where he was diagnosed with various back injuries. Balle underwent surgery a few days later. Despite the surgery, however, Balle has stated that he remains unable to walk.

On March 5, 2014, Balle brought this suit under 42 U.S.C.  1983 against the City of Corpus Christi, the two police officers who arrested him, Nueces County, ten John Does, and ten Jane Does. Neither Charette nor Johnson was named as a defendant in Balle's original complaint. Through subsequent discovery, Balle was able to identify Charette and Johnson as the medical professionals purportedly responsible for his care while at the jail. Thus, in October 2014, Balle filed an amended complaint substituting Charette and Johnson for two of the Jane Does.

Nueces County, Charette, and Johnson then filed motions to dismiss under Rule 12(b)(6). The magistrate judge recommended granting Johnson's and Charette's motions to dismiss because they were added as named defendants after the statute of limitations period had run. The district court adopted this recommendation and dismissed Balle's claims against Charette and Johnson. Separately, the magistrate judge recommended denying Nueces County's motion to dismiss. The district court declined to adopt this recommendation and granted the county's motion, holding that Balle had inadequately pleaded his municipal liability claim. This appeal followed.

II. DISCUSSION

Balle argues that the district court erred in holding that (A) his claims against Charette and Johnson were untimely and (B) he inadequately pleaded municipal liability. We review motions to dismiss pursuant to Rule 12(b)(6) de novo, accepting all well-pleaded facts as true and viewing those facts in the light most favorable to the plaintiff.  Ibe v. Jones, 836 F.3d 516, 524 (5th Cir. 2016) (quoting Toy v. Holder, 714 F.3d 881, 883 (5th Cir. 2013)). To survive a motion to dismiss, a complaint must contain sufficient factual matter, accepted as true, to state a claim to relief that is plausible on its face.  Ashcroft v. Iqbal, 556 U.S. 662, 678 (2009) (quoting Bell Atl. Corp. v. Twombly, 550 U.S. 544, 570 (2007)). A claim has facial plausibility when the plaintiff pleads factual content that allows the court to draw the reasonable inference that the defendant is liable for the misconduct alleged. Id. Moreover, a complaint will not be dismissed merely because it contains an imperfect statement of the legal theory supporting the claim asserted. Johnson v. City of Shelby, 135 S. Ct. 346, 346 (2014).

A. Timeliness of the Claims Against Charette and Johnson

The parties appear to agree that the cause of action accrued on March 12, 2012. However, the length of the limitations period for a  1983 claim is determined by the general statute of limitations governing personal injuries in the forum state. Piotrowski v. City of Houston, 237 F.3d 567, 576 (5th Cir. 2001). As we have previously noted, Texas has a two year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. Id.; see Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code Ann.  16.003(a). Although Balle brought suit within two years of March 12, 2012, he did not name Charette and Johnson as defendants until he filed his amended complaint in October 2014. Nevertheless, Balle argues that the amendment related back to his original complaint or, in the alternative, that the limitations period should have been equitably tolled.

Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 15(c)(1) states that [a]n amendment to a pleading relates back to the date of the original pleading in a few specific circumstances. First, under Rule 15(c)(1)(A), an amendment relates back when the law that provides the applicable statute of limitations allows relation back. Section 16.003(a) of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, which establishes the two-year limitations period for personal injury suits, is silent on the issue of tolling and relation back. By contrast, Section 16.0045(d) provides that the limitations period for certain sex crimes is tolled for a suit on the filing of a petition  alleging that the identity of the defendant in the suit is unknown and designating the unknown defendant as John or Jane Doe.  The state legislature could have included a similar provision in Section 16.003 if it had intended for the two-year statute of limitations to be tolled as to unknown defendants by the filing of a John Doe petition in other types of personal injury suits. Riston v. Doe, 161 S.W.3d 525, 529 (Tex. App.Houston [14th Dist.] 2004, pet. denied). But the legislature did not do so. Accordingly, we conclude that the Texas law providing the applicable limitations period does not allow relation back within the meaning of Rule 15(c)(1)(A).

In addition, Rule 15(c)(1)(C) provides that an amendment relates back to the original complaint when, in addition to meeting certain other requirements, the amendment changes the party or the naming of the party against whom a claim is asserted and the party to be brought in by amendment  knew or should have known that the action would have been brought against it, but for a mistake concerning the proper party's identity. This rule is meant to allow an amendment changing the name of a party to relate back to the original complaint only if the change is the result of an error, such as a misnomer or misidentification. Jacobsen v. Osborne, 133 F.3d 315, 320 (5th Cir. 1998) (quoting Barrow v. Wethersfield Police Dep't, 66 F.3d 466, 469 (2d Cir. 1995)). However, when a plaintiff names a John Doe defendant, there [is] no mistake in identifying the correct defendant; rather, the problem [is] not being able to identify that defendant. Id. at 321; accord Whitt v. Stephens County, 529 F.3d 278, 283 (5th Cir. 2008).

In Jacobsen, a plaintiff filed a timely complaint naming Deputy John Doe as one of several defendants. 133 F.3d at 317. After the limitations period had passed, the plaintiff learned the identities of the three deputies involved in the incident and moved to add those deputies as defendants. Id. We held that the amendment was not necessitated by the mistake or misidentification at which Rule 15(c)[ ] is aimed and thus the Rule does not allow relation back to the filing of the original complaint. Id. at 32122. Likewise, in the instant case, Balle's inability to identify Charette and Johnson by name in his original complaint did not constitute a mistake under Rule 15(c)(1). Thus, we hold that Balle's amended complaint did not relate back to the date of his original complaint.

Next, [t]he doctrine of equitable tolling preserves a plaintiff's claims when strict application of the statute of limitations would be inequitable. Lambert v. United States, 44 F.3d 296, 298 (5th Cir. 1995). Traditional equitable principles preclude a court from invoking equitable tolling, however, when the party seeking relief has an adequate legal or statutory remedy to avoid the consequences of the statute of limitations. Id. at 299. In Green v. Doe, we held that equitable tolling was appropriate because the delay in determining the identity of John Doe [was] not attributable to the plaintiff's actionsthe plaintiff had filed motions for discovery twice before limitations expired, but [t]he district court denied both motions. 260 F. App'x 717, 719 (5th Cir. 2007) (per curiam). Still, our decision was careful to distinguish Green's case from Jacobsen, noting that Green had filed his lawsuit almost eleven months before the running of the statute. Id. at 719. Thus, if he had not been denied discovery he would have had sufficient time to identify the officer and amend his complaint under rule 15(a) without need to relate back under rule 15(c). Id. at 720.

In the case at bar, Balle's inability to determine the identities of the Jane Does before the limitations period had run was attributable to his own decision to file his suit so close to the end of the limitations period. Unlike the plaintiff in Green, Balle filed his original complaint only a few days before the limitations period had run. Accordingly, we hold that equitable tolling was unnecessary in this case. The district court did not err in concluding that Balle's claims against Charette and Johnson were barred by the statute of limitations.

B. Municipal Liability

To establish municipal liability under  1983, a plaintiff must show that (1) an official policy (2) promulgated by the municipal policymaker (3) was the moving force behind the violation of a constitutional right. Peterson v. City of Fort Worth, 588 F.3d 838, 847 (5th Cir. 2009). While an unconstitutional official policy renders a municipality culpable under  1983, even a facially innocuous policy will support liability if it was promulgated with deliberate indifference to the known or obvious consequences' that constitutional violations would result. Piotrowski, 237 F.3d at 579 (footnote omitted) (quoting Bd. of Cty. Comm'rs of Bryan Cty. v. Brown, 520 U.S. 397, 407 (1997)). A jail official violates a pretrial detainee's due process right to medical care when the official has subjective knowledge of a substantial risk of serious harm to a pretrial detainee but respond[s] with deliberate indifference to that risk. Hare v. City of Corinth, 74 F.3d 633, 636, 650 (5th Cir. 1996) (en banc).

As an initial matter, the district court held that Balle had failed to state a claim for relief under Rule 12(b)(6) because his complaint did not specifically identify Nueces County's policymaker. However, when a complaint contains sufficient factual allegations, a court should not grant a motion to dismiss for imperfect statement of the legal theory supporting the claim asserted.  Groden v. City of Dallas, 826 F.3d 280, 284 (5th Cir. 2016) (quoting Johnson, 135 S. Ct. at 346). We recently held that the specific identity of the policymaker is a legal question that need not be pled in the complaint to survive a motion to dismiss. Id. at 284. Therefore, the district court erred in concluding that Balle was required to plead the identity of the policymaker.

Next, the district court held that Balle failed to plead facts that demonstrate a widespread unconstitutional practice or custom. Although an official policy usually exists in the form of written policy statements, ordinances, or regulations,  it may also arise in the form of a widespread practice that is so common and well-settled as to constitute a custom that fairly represents municipal policy.  Peterson, 588 F.3d at 847 (quoting Piotrowski, 237 F.3d at 579). To survive a motion to dismiss, a complaint's description of a policy or custom and its relationship to the underlying constitutional violation  cannot be conclusory; it must contain specific facts. Spiller v. City of Tex. City, Police Dep't, 130 F.3d 162, 167 (5th Cir. 1997). Thus, pleadings are sufficient when they make specific factual allegations that allow a court to reasonably infer that a policy or practice exists and that the alleged policy or practice was the moving force behind municipal employees' deliberate indifference to an inmate's serious medical needs. See Colle v. Brazos County, 981 F.2d 237, 245 (5th Cir. 1993).

In Colle, we held that municipal liability was adequately pleaded because the facts in the complaint supported an inference that county policies caused an inmate to be denied reasonable medical care. Id. at 24446. The complaint cited with excruciating detail the events leading up to [the inmate's] death, as well as the alleged policies responsible for the inattention to [the inmate's] steadily declining physical state. Id. at 245. Specifically, the complaint alleged that the county had a policy of maintaining an on-duty jail supervisory staff that did not include anyone with authority to transfer an inmate to a medical facility and a policy of inadequate monitoring of pretrial detainees which amounted to a denial of medical care. Id. We concluded that the facts pleaded  could support an inference that unconstitutional county policies were the moving force behind the carelessness that led to [the inmate's] death. Id. at 246.

Similarly, Balle's amended complaint alleges that Nueces County failed to properly and adequately enforce policies and procedures mandated by the Texas Commission on Jail Standards. Those state rules require jails to implement procedures for efficient and prompt care for acute and emergency situations. 37 Tex. Admin. Code  273.2. Yet Balle's allegations regarding the consistently slow and inefficient medical care he received suggest that Nueces County had little regard for the medical standards imposed by the state. According to the amended complaint, when Balle soiled himself and was unable to clean himself, jail personnel merely took him to the showers and gave him a change of clothes. No medical attention was provided at that time. The complaint also indicates that when Balle subsequently complained he was unable to control his bodily functions and was experiencing severe muscle spasms, he was not given medical attention until the following day. Even then, Balle was allegedly [c]hecked and cleared by medical staff, and no further action was taken. Finally, the complaint states that when Balle complained that he was paralyzed and unable to walk, medical staff checked and cleared him once again and simply reported that Balle was refusing to move.

The complaint in specific terms alleges that jail personnel did not provide Balle with even minimally adequate medical care for his acute and emergency needs and made little effort to transfer him to a hospital, despite his numerous complaints that he was experiencing a medical emergency. This pattern of failures defied state law requiring that Nueces County implement procedures to efficiently and promptly treat inmates during acute and emergency situations. Reasonable inferences can clearly be drawn that Nueces County had an unwritten policy or a widespread practice that fairly represents municipal policy of consistent noncompliance with required state medical standards and that this policy or practice of noncompliance was the moving force behind the unconstitutional injuriesthe Eighth Amendment violationsinflicted upon Balle. In short, the amended complaint pleaded facts sufficient to support a municipal liability claim that is plausible on its face. Thus, we hold that the district court erred in dismissing Balle's claims against Nueces County under Rule 12(b)(6).

III. CONCLUSION

For the reasons discussed above, we AFFIRM the district court's dismissal of the claims against Charette and Johnson, REVERSE the dismissal of the claims against Nueces County, and REMAND the case for further proceedings consistent with this opinion.

FOOTNOTES

. In March 2016, the City of Corpus Christi and the police officers settled with Balle; therefore, those defendants are not parties to this appeal.

. In 2007, some minor organizational and stylistic amendments were made to Rule 15(c), but the substance of the rule remains the same as the version in effect when Jacobsen was decided. See Fed. R. Civ. P. 15(c) advisory committee's note to 2007 amendment.

. This conclusion is consistent with the majority of the other circuits that have considered the issue. Jacobsen, 133 F.3d at 32021. Notably, however, the Third Circuit has taken the approach that the plaintiff's lack of knowledge of a particular defendant's identity can be a mistake under Rule 15(c)[ ]. Singletary v. Pa. Dep't of Corr., 266 F.3d 186, 201 (3d Cir. 2001). The Third Circuit has explained that the approach taken by the majority of circuits render[s] the  1983 statute of limitations much shorter for a complainant who does not know the names of the offending municipal employees. Id. at 190. Such a complainant likely need[s] discovery to determine the names of his [offenders], although he cannot get discovery until he files his  1983 complaint. Id. Thus, he must file his complaint substantially before the running of the statute of limitations on his claim in order to avoid having his claim end up being barred. Id.

. In some cases, the test for municipal liability has been articulated differently: a plaintiff must show: (1) that the municipal employee violated his clearly established constitutional rights with subjective deliberate indifference; and (2) that this violation resulted from a municipal policy or custom adopted and maintained with objective deliberate indifference. See, e.g., Olabisiomotosho v. City of Houston, 185 F.3d 521, 52829 (5th Cir. 1999). To demonstrate subjective deliberate indifference under the first prong, the plaintiff must show that the municipal employee knew of and disregarded an excessive risk to the [detainee's] health or safety.  Brumfield v. Hollins, 551 F.3d 322, 331 (5th Cir. 2008) (alteration in original) (quoting Gibbs v. Grimmette, 254 F.3d 545, 549 (5th Cir. 2001)). Under the second prong, the plaintiff must identify a policymaker and show that an official policy is the moving force behind the municipal employee's allegedly unconstitutional act. Id. (quoting Piotrowski, 237 F.3d at 578). The contours of these two tests appear to be basically the same.

. Finally, Balle has not adequately briefed or argued a failure-to-train claim on appeal, so any such claim is waived for purposes of this appeal. See Willis v. Cleco Corp., 749 F.3d 314, 319 (5th Cir. 2014).

EDWARD C. PRADO, Circuit Judge:
Was the departure of devout Christian Tim Farron as Lib Dem leader provoked by Channel 4 News presenter Cathy Newmans probing questions about his attitude to gay sex?

His answer  that personal morality didnt matter, to understand Christianity is to understand that we are all sinners  angered gay rights zealots.

But would Ms Newman ask a Muslim leader if the violent persecution of homosexuals practised by many members of their faith could ever be justified?

Tim Farron stepped down as Lib Dem party leader on Wednesday

Ally McBeal star Calista Flockhart, 52, celebrating seven years marriage to Harrison Ford, 74, after dating him for eight years, enthuses in an interview: Wow, I keep forgetting hes 22 years older than me.

'It doesnt factor into our relationship at all. I like the way he looks first thing in the morning.

'Its not handsome, its more cute. He looks like a little boy.

'The truth is I sometimes feel very much older.

As a Hollywood cynic wrote a month into Zsa Zsa Gabors sixth marriage (she had nine): Who said it wouldnt last?

Ally McBeal star Calista Flockhart is celebrating seven years marriage to Harrison Ford

Sir Cliff Richard, 76, reflecting on his legal battle with the police and BBC over discredited sex abuse claims, says he had to take them seriously  so I got great lawyers who are seriously expensive!

Hes still in dispute with the BBC, which had broadcast live coverage of the (pointless) 2014 raid on his Berkshire home.

In the 1980s, the then director-general, Alasdair Milne, lost his job when the BBC had to apologise for calling two Tory MPs, Gerald Howarth and Neil Hamilton, extreme Right-wing Nazi admirers.

They each received an apology and 20,000 each, plus their legal costs. Milne was forced to resign.

He remains one of the few DGs not to have been awarded a knighthood or peerage.

Current DG Lord Hall, pictured, a BBC retiree rehired hastily to steady the ship after the Jimmy Savile sex scandal, already has a peerage, so he has less to lose if he carries the can for the Cliff debacle.

Might Theresa May invite over Frances President Emmanuel Macron, 39, for a state visit?

A diplomatic source says: Its likely. Her Government could do with a shot of successful Macrons miraculous electoral elixir. And wed all get the chance to inspect more closely his lovely wife of 64, Brigitte.

Sir Vince Cable, 74, newly returned to the Commons, considers the prospect of becoming Lib Dem leader now that Tim Farron has gone.

Is time on his side? Critics of ex-leader Menzies Campbell, chosen when he was 64, said the party needed a younger man.

Labours Jeremy Corbyn is 68, but the old goat defies all laws of political gravity.

'Sir Vince Cable, 74, newly returned to the Commons, considers the prospect of becoming Lib Dem leader now that Tim Farron has gone'

Apropos Sir Vince, the return to Parliament of him and Sir Ed Davey means the party, with only 12 seats, now has the highest percentage of MPs with knighthoods.

They also have 102 peers, far more (based on number of parliamentary seats) than the Tories and Labour.

Gongless ex-Lib Dem MP Lembit Opik, explains: You dont have to be average to get a peerage in the party. You can be worse.
Dan Dare was the much loved cover star of Eagle comics

When the Eagle comic launched in 1950 with Dan Dare as its cover star, this very British space hero became a huge hit in a nation where the recent victory over the Nazis was tempered by a very real fear of Communist Russia.

More than a million children  including Elton John, who went on to write the song Dan Dare (Pilot Of The Future)  would buy the Eagle each week to find out about Dans latest battle with the alien baddie the Mekon.

His adventures were also broadcast on Radio Luxembourg five times a week for five years from 1951 with each episode starting with the command, Spaceship Away!

Created by Southport vicar, the Rev Marcus Morris, who was concerned that American Marvel Comics were corrupting British youth, and illustrator Frank Hampson, Dan was a hero to be proud of.

He was strong and upstanding with a compulsion to do the right thing. Set originally in the futuristic 1990s when Britain has won the space race, the stories began with Dan, a celebrated RAF test pilot, being given an opportunity to fly the experimental spaceship Anastasia for the World Government Councils elite Space Fleet.

While in space he comes up against the Mekon, ruler of Venus, whose swollen head contains a massive brain. He wants nothing less than to take over the universe  and only Dan can stop him.

While the stories were fictional, the creators tried to make sure the comic was as realistic as possible, with scientific advisors including the young science writer Arthur C Clarke, later to become famous for his sci-fi novels.

Dan was created by Southport vicar, the Rev Marcus Morris, who was concerned that American Marvel Comics were corrupting British youth, and illustrator Frank Hampson

There have been several ill-fated attempts to revive Dans popularity after he fell out of favour in the mid-1960s, when real astronauts were flying into space for the first time.

Several Dan Dare films have failed to get off the ground, a 15 million animated series lasted for just 26 episodes in 2002, while in 2007 Richard Branson brought out a series of comics featuring Dan but they also failed to take off.

Now radio producer Andrew Mark Sewell is hoping to bring Dan Dare back for a whole new generation with a two-volume audio series available to buy in CD form or to download.

I think we could all do with a heroic figure to help us feel more positive about the future, says Andrew.

We live in uncertain times, just as the original fans did. My father introduced me to the Eagle with his own dog-eared copies that hed loved as a child; it fuelled my imagination of worlds beyond our own. Dan was fiercely moralistic, honourable and heroic; values that are as relevant today as they were back in the 1950s.

A team of writers spent a year creating new scripts bringing Dan up to date, and actor Ed Stoppard of Cilla and Home Fires fame was brought in to play our hero. Dan has a distinct moral centre, he sees things, ethically speaking, in absolute terms, says Ed.

Hes selfless and he expects the same behaviour from others. He remains a role model even for modern audiences, maybe even more so in our more cynical times. But hes far more complex than I imagined, more emotionally interesting and funny.

His enemy, the Mekon, is irredeemable. He wraps his plans up in a veil of idealism but at heart hes a narcissist with an inferiority complex, bent on absolute power. Thank God we dont elect that kind of leader on Earth. Oh, no, wait

Dans sidekicks are the straight-talking Digby, voiced by Geoff McGivern, and the super-clever scientist Professor Jocelyn Peabody, played by Heida Reed. Dan is the James Bond of space, says Heida, best known as Poldarks first love Elizabeth. Hell sacrifice himself to complete the mission. Hes a true hero.

Playing Peabody was her first time doing an audio story and she says she had to learn to relax. At first it was terrifying, she admits. But I loved this character. Shes such a geek in a way. Its wonderful to be playing someone so smart and on the same level as the men and not their little pin-up sidekick.

Peabody is both intelligent and challenging. Shes very pragmatic and kind of direct. She sees people as being quite two-dimensional, but with all the adventures that she goes on with Dan and Digby, she softens somewhat. She becomes less judgemental.

With a British astronaut, Tim Peake, recently returning from space, could this be Dan Dares moment in the spotlight again? When he was invented the nation needed a new kind of hero who embraced a bold, more optimistic future, and Dan fulfilled that role, says Andrew.

Were in need once more of a heroic figure to help us feel more positive, and the beliefs, values and hopes that Dan Dare represents are as relevant today as they were back then.

Dan Dare  The Audio Adventures are available as CD box sets and digital downloads from dandareaudio.com. Pictures reproduced with kind permission of the Dan Dare Corporation Limited.
A new kind of yoga has emerged across the United States, and soon it might be completely normal to see someone in downward dog pose with a goat on their back.

Goat yoga, which grew out of a suggestion fired off during a birthday party at an Oregon farm last year, is set to become this summer's fitness craze. Just in the last few days, classes have made headlines in Dallas, Nashville and Washington, DC.

But there is more to goat yoga than the latest trend, as I learned during a weekend retreat at Gilbertsville Farmhouse in South New Berlin, New York.

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Branching out: FEMAIL writer Clemence Michallon tried goat yoga at Gilbertsville Farmhouse in South New Berlin, New Yorkand loved doing a back bend with a farm animal on her belly

A new beginning: Members of the retreat gathered in a chandelier-lit barn on the farm on a sunny Saturday morning while four baby goats scampered around their mats

Don't mind me: One of the goats stood on Clemence's back as she lifted her head to strengthen the muscles in her backand chewed on her hair even though it was in a bun

I, along with about 15 people who joined the property's 'glamping' (think camping, but in a cozy tent with a king-size bed) retreat earlier this month, took my yoga mat to a chandelier-lit barn on a sunny Saturday morning.

Inside were stacks of hay, bags of animal crackers, and extra elastic bands to tuck long hair into buns (goats, we would soon learn, like to chew on everything). The stars of the day hadn't joined us yet.

Sharon Boustani, a Queens native who owns the farm with her husband Aldo and operates it with the help of their four children, offered guidelines: keep your hair out of the way. Leave your sneakers under the table (if you want your shoe laces to remain intact). Feel free to take goat selfies.

Our yogi senses tingling with anticipation, we listened to instructor Kelly Morrissey laying her own set of ground rules: listen to your body, rest if you must, and don't hesitate to veer from the suggested flow to interact with the goats.

With that, our long-awaited companionsfour adorable, bite-sized Nigerian Dwarf baby goatsscampered from the back of the barn towards us.

Relaxed: Yogis were encouraged to take goat selfies and modify their yoga flow as they saw fit to interact with the goats. Animal crackers were also provided as treats for the farm animals

Fun! As it turned out, the goats brought a relaxed and playful atmosphere to the yoga class. All the yogis had a good laugh witnessing the baby animals' antics during the session

A new kind of crow: Clemence, along with the other yogis, performed crow pose, during which you're balancing yourself on your hands, with two baby goats right behind her

Cat pose... with a friend: Clemence at one point ended up with a goat on her back while trying to go through a cat-cow variation during her yoga flow

Kelly guided us through the beginning of our flow, with a few breathing exercises and back stretches. With my eyes closed, I heard a ruffling on my rightand sure enough, one of the baby goats was peeking at my mat with interest.

Soon enough, we were doing downward dog, planks and lunges. These positions are among the most goat-friendly, meaning they lend themselves well to having a goat jump on one's back.

A fellow yogi's laugh at the back of the barn informed me someone had been so lucky as to receive a visit from a furry friend. People around him turned to take photos.

Kelly managed to continue her class with admirable calm and a genuine sense of fun (she has taught yoga to people with a variety of challenging conditions, so she's used to making adjustments on the fly).

A little help: Goats can be easily distracted, so the farm's owners' youngest daughter and 'goat whisperer' Katie watched them and sometimes gently placed them on the yogis' backs

Making friends: During the session, goats were free to wander around the barn and sometimes stepped on the yogis' mats. Participants could adapt their flows as they saw fit

The things you learn: Goats, as it turned out, enjoy nibbling on everythingincluding the yogis' hair. There were extra elastic bands available for those who wanted to put theirs in a bun

A new perspective: Having the goats hopping from mat to mat during the class gave the session a relaxed and playful atmosphere rarely seen in New York City studios

Cracking up: Clemence couldn't suppress a smile when a goat ventured on her yoga mat while she was supposed to be focusing on her breathing during a relaxation pose

Goats are easily distracted (two of them took possession of someone's water bottle and had no desire to let go), so they might need a little encouragement to venture on the yoga mats.

To help us interact with the animals, Sharon had handed out bags of animal crackers at the start of the class.

Sharon's youngest daughter, as well as Katie, the farm's designated 'goat whisperer', helped further by gently placing the goats on our backs throughout the session.

That's how, as I was lying on my belly, lifting my head and arms to strength my core muscles, I felt four little hooves find their footing on my back.

The sensation, my yoga partner later pointed out, isn't unlike a massagealbeit a bit more unpredictable. My goat friend didn't linger for too long (it might have had something to do with the fact that I was giggling, rocking the surface she was standing on), but I was thrilled.

I later had a chance to perform a more ambitious wheel pose (when you bend your back in a semi-circle, resting on your hands and feet) while someone placed little Clyde on my abdomen.

How it began: This Easter, the owner's eldest daughter and her three siblings gave their mom two baby goats as a presentand she saw an opportunity to launch her goat yoga workshops

Where the magic happens: Sharon Boustani, a Queens native owns the farm with her husband Aldo and operates it with the help of their four children

Setting: On the morning of the goat yoga class, yogis unrolled their mats next to little stacks of hay, which provided the goats with snacks and a place to stand during the session

Origin story: Before goat yoga came to upstate New York (pictured), it was born in Oregon, in the city of Albany, during a child's birthday party that was taking place in a farm

He stayed for several minutes, nibbling on a square of plastic sewn onto my leggings. Wheel pose is challenging for me, but I was so distracted by the goat on my stomach I didn't even feel the usual blood rush. My muscles didn't get fatigued. I wasn't tempted to end the pose too soon.

This is why goat yoga, in my experience, is more than a gimmick: it forces you to get out of your own head while on the mat. You're not in control. The goats, as Kelly said, run the show. Unexpected things will happen, and when they do, you will go with the flow. So many yoga instructors have triedwith varying degrees of successto explain this to me, when all they had to do was bring a goat into the equation.

There is a novelty, too, that makes the practice so entertaining. You are getting a good workoutKelly's class was a solid session, reminiscent of the more vigorous Vinyasa offerings. But you're too busy focusing on the goats to feel your legs getting sore or beat yourself up because your pigeon pose seems hopeless.

Hearing about 15 adults giggle each time a goat approached someone's mat, it was hard to deny this new workout had brought out a childish joy rarely seen inside New York City's yoga studios.

I came out of my goat yoga class refreshed, slightly giddy, and more relaxed than after most traditional Vinyasa sessions I've followed. The session put us in the right mindset for our next class, a hip hop yoga workshop in the same barn, held under the chandelier's multicolored lights.

My partner, who usually avoids yoga at all costs and finds it at times both boring and painful, loved the goat practice too and boldly proclaimed he would do it again.

Sharon first heard about goat yoga in a news story and kept the idea at the back of her mind. This Easter, her eldest daughter Victoria, along with her three siblings, gave the mom two baby goats as a presentand Sharon saw an opportunity to launch her own workshops.

Changes: In 2013, tired of three-and-a-half-hour commutes, the Boustanis moved upstate and turned the property into a glamping retreat and wedding venue

Ambiance: The goat yoga session put us in the right mindset for our next class, a hip hop yoga workshop in the same barn, held in the evening under the chandelier's multicolored lights

Spreading the love: Gilbertsville Farmhouse hosts goat yoga classes on Thursdays, as well as weekend sessions and two-night retreats

The family has owned the domain for 12 years, and at first occupied it only during weekends while maintaining jobs in the city. In 2013, tired of three-and-a-half-hour commutes, they moved upstate and turned the property into a glamping retreat and wedding venue.

Before it came to upstate New York, goat yoga was born in Oregon, in the city of Albany. Farm owner Lainey Morse, who moved to Oregon on a whim, came up with the idea while hosting a child's birthday party on her property.

One mom told Morse she should think of holding yoga classes. 'I said okay, but the goats have to join in,' the farm owner told CNN. Morse organized her first goat yoga sessions last summer, and soon had 1,200 people on her waiting list.

At Gilbertsville Farmhouse, Sharon and her staff host goat yoga classes on Thursdays, which tend to be more popular among people who live in the area, as well as weekend sessions and two-night retreats, which attract visitors from New York City and nearby counties and states.

After my goat yoga session in South New Berlin, I would do it again in a heartbeat. My only complaint is, once I hopped on my yoga mat for the first time back in my apartment, something felt wrong.

I tried to go through the flow, but I couldn't shake the feeling that something, somehow, was not quite right.

I know, now, the origin of my post-retreat blues.

I miss the goats.
Their love affair in the '70s only lasted a year but the pair continued to be friends as well as party colleagues - and their companionship still endures to this day.

And now Jeremy Corbyn has paid a special tribute to his former girlfriend Diane Abbott, 63, with a series of photos showing her as a very glamorous new MP in 1987.

This week marked 30 years since the representative for Hackney North and Stoke Newington became the first black woman MP in the UK, and Mr Corbyn used the opportunity to praise his colleague and friend with a series of Twitter posts.

The Labour leader wrote: '30 years ago today Diane Abbott became an MP. As the first black woman MP she continues to inspire and represent the best of our Labour values.'

Another image of Mr Corbyn with Bernie Grant and Tony Banks shows him appearing to gaze at glamorous Diane, who is adjusting her t-shirt under what looks like a very colourful jacket.

Jeremy Corbyn (centre) and Diane Abbott with anti-apartheid and social justice campaigners Bernie Grant and Tony Banks (front)

Mr Corbyn shared this image to mark Diane Abbott's 30th anniversary in parliament, paying tribute to her as the first black female MP in the UK

In another image of Ms Abbott with Paul Boateng, Bernie Grant and Keith Vaz, he describes her as being one of the MPs who was 'inspired thousands'.

Mr Corbyn's show of support for his long-term ally comes after a rollercoaster few weeks for Ms Abbott.

She came under criticism for a string of shambolic TV interviews in the run up to the general election and was forced to take a break from campaigning.

The MP has since explained that her poor performance was down to complications of her type 2 diabetes, which she was diagnosed with in 2015.

Diane Abbott with (left to right) Paul Boateng, Keith Vaz and Bernie Grant. Mr Corbyn described them as MPs who have 'inspired thousands'

Jeremy Corbyn's former girlfriend Diane Abbott (right) in parliament in the '80s with Paul Boateng, Bernie Grant and Keith Vaz. Their pair had been an item in the late '70s but things fizzled out after a year

During the election campaign, everything went crazy  and the diabetes was out of control, the blood sugar was out of control, she said.

Making history: The career of the UK's first black female MP 1987: Becomes the first black woman to enter Parliament, representing Hackney North and Stoke Newington 2010: Doubled her majority in her seat on an increased voter turnout 2010: Stood for Labour leadership, but lost out to Ed Miliband, who appointed her shadow Minister for Public Health 2013: Sacked as Minister by Miliband in a reshuffle 2015: Unsuccessful bid for Labour's London Mayoral Election nomination 2015: Backed Jeremy Corbyn's bid for the Labour leadership. He went on to appoint her Shadow Health Secretary 2017: Resoundingly reelected in her Hackney seat in the General Election Advertisement

Despite the setback, she increased her already strong majority in her constituency by 11,000, winning 75 per cent of the vote.

Speaking after her victor, she accused the Tories of running a vindictive campaign.

She said: 'The Conservative Party fought a campaign characterised by the politics of personal destruction.'

Mr Corbyn enjoyed a 'fling' with Ms Abbott in 1979 following the break-up of Corbyns first marriage to Jane Chapman, a fellow Labour councillor in Haringey.

The pair were referred to as the 'dreadful duo' by friends and once shared a romantic tour of East Germany on a motorbike.

Friends said she would often stay at Corbyns home, but their closeness was not well known by the party.

Ms Abbott went on to marry Richard Thompson, a Ghanaian architect, in 1991, but they later divorced.

Jeremy Corbyn embraces Diane at the Labour Party Annual Conference in 2015
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After one woman's side of the family had failed to produce a single boy in fifty years, she was sure her most recent pregnancy would result in yet another female.

Imagine mother Dara Crouch's surprise when, after her delivery on April 25, she was told she had given birth to a boy.

The 29-year-old Georgia-based mother of one daughter all-but-assumed she was fated to continue her family's female legacy, and her sheer shock and awe upon learning otherwise was captured in a series of incredible photos.

Shocked! Dara Crouch (right) was certain her recent pregnancy would result in a girl

Breaking the chain! Crouch said her side of the family has only given birth to girls for the last fifty years, but not anymore

Crouch and her husband opted to wait until delivery to learn the sex of their future child, though both had their own ideas of what would happen. Despite the family lineage of women, Crouch's husband had faith that this pregnancy would be different. '[He] thought from the beginning that it was a boy,' she told PopSugar. 'I was not so convinced,' she admitted.

'It never really set in that this baby could be a boy until just a few minutes before he was born,' she said. And with this realization came a handful of uncertainties: 'I started freaking out because I had never been around a little boy and didn't know much about raising one.'

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Welcome to the family: Crouch admitted some nerves at the idea of having a boy, as she has far more experience with girls

Emotional: Birth photographer Neely Ker-Fox captured Crouch's moment of shock, and admitted that the scene even made her emotional

Fortunately, photographer Neely Ker-Fox of Ker-Fox Photography was on hand to capture Crouch's priceless reaction to the unexpected news. Her photos show Crouch wide-eyed and mouth agape at the sight of her newborn son.

'In my over 100 births I've photographed, I see all kinds of reactions,' Ker-Fox told PopSugar. Yet, despite her experience, this particular moment was charged with such raw emotion that Ker-Fox found herself in tears. 'When Dara looked over at me, and I captured this reaction [...] I busted into tears behind the camera.'

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Playground disputes are par for the course when you're growing up, but one mother has won praise for refusing to let things lie when her young son upset a female friend.

Zowiie Williams from Bangor, Northern Ireland sent her five-year-old son Callum off to school with a bunch of flowers to apologise to his girlfriend Billy-Rea, in a bid to teach her young son about respect.

Billy-Rea wouldn't let Callum join a game of duck duck goose, so he broke up with her in front of all of her friends.

His mother posted an image of Callum making his way to school with the bouquet on Facebook, saying: 'When your son hurts a girl's feelings, it's our job as parents to make him understand how saying things out of anger and upset can make others feel.'

The post has been liked 19,000 times and the reaction has made Zowiie feel incredibly 'emotional'.

I have had so many lovely private mails about it,' Zowiie told Femail. 'As a parent you always question yourself, but this - this has me overwhelmed.

Six-year-old Callum from Northern Ireland went to school with a bunch of flowers to apologise publicly to his girlfriend after he broke up with her in the playground

'The praise my Callum has got makes me feel like I'm doing it the right way.'

Callum's argument with his friend started when she refused to let him join in a girls-only game of duck duck goose.

When he told his friend about the issue, his pal told him he should 'break up' with Billy Rae.

So Callum dumped her in front of all her friends, and when Zowiie spoke to Billy Rae's mother that night, she revealed her daughter was very upset.

The youngster left his girlfriend Billy Rae upset and his mother was determined that they find a way to make amends

Callum himself wanted to make amends, so he and his mother discussed the best course of action.

And he decided that he wanted to buy flowers for Billy-Rae to apologise.

'I also explained that buying flowers wont automatically fix the problem and made sure that he understood he couldnt be mean and expect anything materialistic to fix what he says, and that it is never okay to be mean to anyone especially a girl.

Zowiie's post has been liked 19,000 times and she says she's delighted her son has learned a lesson about respect

'Its something I feel very strongly about, she said.

Next day, her son marched into the classroom with his head held high and apologised to Billy Rae in front of everyone before presenting her with the flowers.

'It was a very proud moment for me as his mother. It was a learning step. One I hope he will carry with him always,' Zowiie said.
United States Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit. SELECTIVE INSURANCE COMPANY OF SOUTH CAROLINA, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. DAVIDA A. SULLIVAN; CURTIS SULLIVAN; SHARON SULLIVAN; and OMNI CUSTOM MEATS, INC. Defendant-Appellants, JAMES BLAKE, Intervenor-Appellant. No. 15-6187 Decided: June 13, 2017

BEFORE: WHITE and STRANCH, Circuit Judges; and MICHELSON, District Judge. *

This insurance dispute arose from a 2011 automobile accident involving Davida Sullivan and James Blake. Davida collided with Blake's vehicle while driving a 1999 Mercedes listed on an insurance policy that Selective Insurance Company of South Carolina had issued Omni Custom Meats, Inc. The question presented in this appeal is whether the named insured, Omni, borrow[ed] the Mercedes from its owners, Curtis and Sharon Sullivan (Davida's parents), as that term is used in the policy. We hold that Omni did not. Nor does the reasonable expectations doctrine require Selective to provide coverage. Therefore, the district court's opinion will be affirmed.

I.

James Blake sustained injuries in an automobile accident on May 9, 2011. Davida Sullivan was driving a 1999 C230 Mercedes in Los Angeles, California when she made a sudden left turn to enter a shopping center parking lot and collided with Blake's vehicle. The crash site investigator determined that Davida caused the accident by making an unsafe left turn[.] (R. 69-7, PID 894.)

Davida's parents, Curtis and Sharon Sullivan, owned the Mercedes. In 2007, they allowed their Kentucky meatpacking company, Omni Custom Meats, Inc. to use the Mercedes for business purposes. (R. 69-11, PID 917.)

Davida began working for Omni in 2001. She performed mostly back office work from her home in California. She earned a salary and benefits, and, starting in 2009, was given permission by Omni to use the Mercedes.

In January 2011, Omni [ran] out of work for Davida, and she stopped working for the company. (R. 69-11, PID 915.) Omni provided a severance package, which, according to Curtis's deposition testimony, included health insurance, dental insurance, auto insurance, and permission to keep using the Mercedes.

Between January and May 2011, Davida started a jewelry and clothing business in California. Even so, Davida was driving the Mercedes with Omni's permission on the date of the accident.

Selective issued the relevant policy to Omni on June 27, 2007. The Policy provided certain Commercial General Liability, Business Automobile, and Commercial Umbrella Liability coverages. The Business Automobile Policy provides, We will pay all sums an insured legally must pay as damages because of bodily injury or property damage to which this insurance applies, caused by an accident and resulting from the ownership, maintenance or use of a covered auto.  (R. 69-2, PID 844.) The Commercial Umbrella Liability Policy provides, We will pay on behalf of the insured the ultimate net loss' in excess of the retained limit that the insured becomes legally obligated to pay as damages because of bodily injury  to which this insurance applies. (R. 69-2, PID 855.) The Business Auto and Commercial Umbrella Liability coverages provide identical definitions of Who Is An Insured. (R. 69-2, PID 852, 855.) Critical to this appeal, both state, The following are insureds': a. You for any covered auto. b. Anyone else while using with your permission a covered auto you own, hire or borrow  (R. 69-2, PID 843, 863.) It is undisputed that the you refers to Omni.

It is equally undisputed that the Policy did not expressly name Davida as an insured. Omni's initial application requested coverage for two drivers, Curtis and Sharon Sullivan, and four vehicles, none of which were the Mercedes. On June 28, 2007, the Mercedes was added to the Policy by endorsement. The endorsement did not list any additional drivers, nor did it list a garage location for the vehicle. On May 12, 2008, Selective requested an updated drivers list as part of the policy renewal. But no one advised Selective that Davida would be driving the Mercedes in California, or that Davida had a DUI infraction on her driving record. Nonetheless, Blake asserts that Davida is an insured under Omni's insurance policy because Omni borrow[ed] the Mercedes from Curtis and Sharon and Davida used the car with Omni's permission.

In March 2012, Blake filed suit in California against Omni, Curtis and Sharon Sullivan, and Davida Sullivan. Selective agreed to provide a defense to Omni and the Sullivans in the California action, subject to a reservation of rights pending an investigation. In March 2015, Omni, Curtis, and Sharon were dismissed from the California action with prejudice, leaving Davida as the only defendant. Blake purports to be the assignee of any of Davida's rights as an insured under the Policy.

Meanwhile, in October 2012, having determined that the accident was not covered under the terms of Omni's policy, Selective filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky, seeking a declaratory judgment of its rights and duties with respect to the California action. The district court ultimately found that Davida Sullivan was not an insured within the meaning of the Policy at the time of the accident and therefore, Selective had no duty to provide coverage.

This appeal followed.

II.

We review de novo the district court's decision to grant a motion for declaratory judgment. Scottsdale Ins. Co. v. Flowers, 513 F.3d 546, 563 (6th Cir. 2008). In a diversity action involving an insurance contract, a federal court applies the substantive law of the forum state, here Kentucky. Talley v. State Farm Fire & Cas. Co., 223 F.3d 323, 326 (6th Cir. 2000).

III.

A.

In applying Kentucky law we must follow the decisions of the state's highest court when that court has addressed the relevant issue. When the issue has not been directly addressed, we must anticipate how the relevant state's highest court would rule in the case and are bound by controlling decisions of that court. Scottsdale Ins. Co., 513 F.3d at 563 (citations and internal quotation marks omitted). In Kentucky, the construction and legal effect of an insurance contract is [generally] a matter of law for the court. Coleman v. Bee Line Courier Serv., Inc., 284 S.W.3d 123, 125 (Ky. 2009) (quoting Bituminous Cas. Corp. v. Kenway Contracting, Inc., 240 S.W.3d 633, 638 (Ky. 2007)). The Kentucky Supreme Court recently held,

Any ambiguities in an insurance contract must be resolved in favor of the insured, but this rule of strict construction certainly does not mean that every doubt must be resolved against the insurer and does not interfere with the rule that the policy must receive a reasonable interpretation consistent with the plain meaning in the contract.

Tower Ins. Co. of New York v. Horn, 472 S.W.3d 172, 174 (Ky. 2015) (citing Ky. Ass'n of Ctys. All Lines Fund Trust v. McClendon, 157 S.W.3d 626, 630 (Ky. 2005)).

Under the Policy, coverage is available for all sums an insured legally must pay as damages  caused by an accident and resulting from the ownership, maintenance or use of a covered auto.  (R. 69-2, PID 843.) To resolve the issue of coverage, we must decide whether Davida was an insured under the Policy. An insured includes Anyone else while using with your permission a covered auto you own, hire or borrow  (R. 69-2, PID 843.) Again, you and your refers to Omni, the named insured. It is not disputed that the Mercedes was covered or that Davida used it with Omni's permission. The only issue before us is whether Omni borrow[ed] the Mercedes from Curtis and Sharon Sullivan at the time of the accident.

The Policy does not define the term borrow. Nor does Kentucky case lawat least in the context of an automobile insurance policy. Blake urges several meanings of the term. We need not decide which, if any, is the proper definition of borrow because Omni meets none of them.

First, Blake urges that we adopt a dictionary definition of borrow. To be sure, dictionaries can be helpful aids in ascribing definitions to contract terms that are not defined by the contract. See Auto-Owners Ins. Co. v. Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5906, 276 S.W.3d 298, 301 (Ky. Ct. App. 2009). But none of the dictionary definitions we have reviewed help Blake. Black's Law Dictionary defines borrow as To take something for temporary use. Black's Law Dictionary (10th ed. 2014). And Merriam-Webster says borrow means to receive with the implied or expressed intention of returning the same or an equivalent. Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, http://www.merriam-webster.com (12 June 2017). But nothing indicates that Omni's use of the Mercedes was temporary, or that Omni received the Mercedes with the implied or expressed intention of returning it. Rather, Curtis's testimony suggests that Davida's severance package, and thus, Omni's use of the Mercedes for that purpose, had no set end date: Omni gave permission for Davida to drive the vehicle [the Mercedes] after she left employment with the company and did not mention any set end date for that permission. (R. 69-11, PID 915.)

Blake directs us to adopt a definition of borrow from the cases we considered in Westfield Insurance Co. v. Young, No. 12-6523, slip op. (6th Cir. Sept. 9, 2013). That case also involved a Kentucky business auto insurance policy purporting to provide coverage for [a]nyone else while using with [the named insured's] permission a covered auto [the named insured] own[s], hire [s], or borrow[s]. Id. at 3. There a community college had a program in which students could participate in live classroom vehicle repair projects. Id. at 23. A student's employer allowed the college to use his inoperative truck for one of these projects. Id. at 2. After the repair was completed, the student was tasked with returning the vehicle. Id. While en route to a planned stop at his girlfriend's house, the student collided with another vehicle, ultimately causing the death of the other driver. Id. The decedent's family sought damages under the college's insurance policy. Id. As here, the dispositive issue regarding coverage  [was] whether the College borrowed [the third party's] truck. Id. at 3.

We first considered Travelers Indemnity Co. v. Swearinger, 169 Cal. App. 3d 779 (Cal. Ct. App. 1985). The California Court of Appeals found that the term borrow was susceptible to two reasonable interpretations in the context of an automobile insurance contract. The court acknowledged that borrow could require that the purported borrower, a school district, exercise dominion and control over the vehicle. Id. at 78586. It also thought it possible that the school district borrowed the vehicle when it properly gain[ed] the use of a third party's vehicle, regardless of whether the district had dominion over the vehicle. Id. at 785. The district court in Westfield characterized this definition of borrow as confer[ing] a benefit regardless of actual possession. Westfield Ins. Co. v. Young, No. 11-275, 2012 WL 5421145, at *2 (E.D. Ky. Nov. 6, 2012).

To start, as we noted in Westfield, even California courts have rejected Swearinger and it is a minority view in other jurisdictions. Westfield, No. 12-6523, slip op. at 3. For instance, in American International Underwriters Insurance Co. v. American Guarantee and Liability Insurance Co., 181 Cal App. 4th 616, 62930 (Cal. Ct. App. 2010), the California Court of Appeals commented, In our view, the Swearinger decision is based on an inadequate definition of borrow  because the opinion did not address the requirement of prior California Supreme Court decisions that the borrower exercised the requisite dominion and control over the [vehicle] to be a borrower[.] Id. (citing Home Indem. v. King, 34 Cal. 3d 803, 81314 (Cal. 1983)); but see City of Los Angeles v. Allianz Ins. Co., 125 Cal. App. 4th 287, 295 (Cal. Ct. App. 2004) (suggesting that the use of the vehicle for the [named insured's] purposes  constituted the [named insured's] exercise of dominion and control over the vehicle).

Further, the Swearinger formulation of borrow does not support a finding of coverage here. Even the Swearinger court stated that borrow implies temporary use. Swearinger, 169 Cal. App. 3d at 785. Although Davida's severance package is not part of the record, Curtis' testimony indicates that it included indefinite use of the Mercedes. Thus, even if use of the Mercedes as part of Davida's severance package was a business purpose (Appellant Br. at 33), the fact that the package was indefinite defeats the idea that Omni borrowed the Mercedes for this purpose.

The other case we considered in Westfield was Schroeder v. Board of Superiors of Louisiana State University, 591 So. 2d 342, 346 (La. 1991). That court interpreted borrow to mean not only that one receives the benefit of the borrowed object's use, but also that the borrower receives temporary possession, dominion, or control of the use of the thing. Under this definition, the named insured, a university, did not borrow an automobile when a student got into an accident driving a fellow student to run an errand for a school administrator. Id. at 344. The situation, the court stated, was similar to a person us[ing] his auto to pick up a prescription for a sick friendthe driver may confer a significant benefit on the invalid, but no one would say that the bedridden friend had borrowed the auto used for the errand. Id. at 346. Similarly here, while Omni may have been honoring its severance package, the benefit from the Mercedes's use at the time of the accident accrued only to Davida herself, who was running a personal errand in California at the time of the accident. See Westfield, No. 12-6523, slip op. at 4 (The College received a benefit from [the] truck only in its use as a teaching aid, not in its transportation to and from the College.).

Additionally, under the Schroeder analysis, Omni did not have temporary possession, dominion, or control of the use of the Mercedes at the time of the accident. Omni is headquartered in Kentucky, while Davida's use of the Mercedes occurred entirely in California. Davida was using the Mercedes as her personal vehicle. Davida was no longer employed by Omni at the time of the accident. Instead, she had started her own clothing and jewelry business at that point. And no record evidence suggests that the severance package included any terms limiting her use of the Mercedes, or any terms allowing Omni to demand the return of the vehicle. Blake's argument that Omni remained in constructive control of the vehicle and had the right to direct the use of the vehicle (Appellant Br. at 34) is therefore unpersuasive. See Westfield, No. 12-6523, slip op. at 4 (finding that the College did not have the right to direct the use of [the] truck  [because] the college did not have an official policy regarding the transportation of live-project vehicles to and from the College).

Blake seeks to extend Omni's purported status as a borrower during Davida's employment through Kentucky's initial permission doctrine. That doctrine determines whether a non-owner's use of a vehicle exceeds the scope of permission given to that person. Mitchell v. Allstate Ins. Co., 244 S.W.3d 59, 65 (Ky. 2008). It allows for coverage even if the use of the vehicle was not within the contemplation of the parties or was outside any limitations placed upon the initial grant of permission.  Id. at 62 (citing 46 C.J.S. Insurance  1053 (1993)). In adopting the doctrine, the Kentucky Supreme Court held, as long as permission is initially given to a person to use a vehicle, insurance coverage may extend to subsequent vehicle users through the language of the [Policy's] omnibus clause as long as those subsequent users have permission from the initial borrower to use the vehicle. Id. at 65.

The problem with Mitchell is that the policy at issue did not contain the same own, hire, or borrow language as the policy here does. The policy in Mitchell defined insured person as,

1. You and any resident relative; 2. Any other person while in, on, getting into or out of an insured auto with your permission; 3. Any other person who is legally entitled to recover because of bodily injury to you, your resident relative, or an occupant of your insured auto with your permission.

Id. at 61 n.1. By contrast, Omni's policy defined an insured as: You for any covered auto. b. Anyone else while using with your permission a covered auto you own, hire or borrow  (R. 69-2, PID 843, 863 (emphasis added).) Thus, the initial permission doctrine may apply to permissive use of cars that Omni owned, hired, or borrowed. But, as discussed, the Mercedes was not such a car.

In short, whether or not Blake's proposed definitions of borrow are reasonable, the facts of this case do not satisfy any of them. Omni was not a borrower of the Mercedes at the time of the accident. Therefore, coverage is not available under the Policy.

B.

Blake also argues that Kentucky's reasonable expectations doctrine supports a finding of coverage. The gist of the doctrine is that the insured is entitled to all the coverage he may reasonably expect to be provided under the policy. Brown v. Indiana Ins. Co., 184 S.W.3d 528, 541 (Ky. 2005). Generally, this principle pertains to alleged ambiguities within the policy, id., and directs, [w]here a person has paid a premium for a policy, the policy should not be read technically to avoid paying benefits, Ky. Emp'rs' Mut. Ins. v. Ellington, 459 S.W.3d 876, 883 (Ky. 2015) (citing Aetna Cas. & Sur. Co. v. Commonwealth, 179 S.W.3d 830, 837 (Ky. 2005)). The doctrine of reasonable expectations is used in conjunction with the principle that ambiguities should be resolved against the drafter in order to circumvent the technical, legalistic and complex contract terms which limit benefits to the insured. Simon v. Cont'l Ins. Co., 724 S.W.2d 210, 213 (Ky. 1986) (quoting R.H. Long, The Law of Liability Insurance  5.10B).

Blake emphasizes that Omni specifically listed the 1999 Mercedes on the Selective Policy as a covered automobile and paid a premium commensurate with that listing[.] (Appellant Br. at 36.) But that fact, although going to the equity aspect of the doctrine, does not show that another requirement of the doctrine is met: that the term borrow is ambiguous. True v. Raines, 99 S.W.3d 439, 443 (Ky. 2003), as amended (Apr. 2, 2003) (The reasonable expectation doctrine is based on the premise that policy language will be construed as laymen would understand it and applies only to policies with ambiguous termse.g., when a policy is susceptible to two (2) or more reasonable interpretations. (citations omitted)). And even if we were to find, as the Swearinger court did, that the term borrow is subject to two reasonable interpretations, thus triggering the reasonable expectations doctrine, based on the reasons already given, there is no interpretation of borrow that could have given rise to a reasonable expectation that Selective extend coverage to Davida's accident. Thus, the reasonable expectations doctrine does not save Blake's argument.

IV.

For the foregoing reasons we affirm the district court's order.

I respectfully dissent. The only issue regarding coverage is whether Omni was borrowing the Mercedes from the Sullivans at the time of the accident. Curtis Sullivan's uncontroverted testimony establishes that he and Sharon loaned the Mercedes to Omni in 2007. Omni then specifically listed the Mercedes as a scheduled auto on the Selective Policy, paying an additional premium to do so. Curtis submitted a Kentucky Certificate of Registration to Selective's agent, disclosing that Curtis and Sharon owned the Mercedes. (PID 587.) After paying the additional premium for two years, in 2009, Omni provided permission to Davida to drive the Mercedes. Once Davida left the company, with Omni still paying the additional premium on the Mercedes, Omni continued allowing Davida to use the Mercedes as part of a severance package. Under these circumstances, a reasonable jury could find that Omni was borrowing the Mercedes from the Sullivans at the time of the accident.

The cases relied upon by the majority are distinguishable. In Westfield, a college student borrowed the truck for a live classroom project, and the truck's owner allowed the student to drive the truck to and from the college. Westfield Ins. Co. v. Young, No. 12-6523, slip op. at 4 (6th Cir. Sept. 9, 2013). The accident occurred after the classroom project was completed, and thus after the college's use of the vehicle for the classroom project had ended. Id. (explaining that the college did not have the right to direct the use of Nelson's truck after the live classroom project was completed). Here, a reasonable jury could find, based on Curtis's testimony, that Omni gained the use of the Mercedes for its purposes when it borrowed the Mercedes from the Sullivans, and that Omni continued to use the Mercedes for its purposes while Davida was driving it as an employee and after Davida's employment ended as part of her severance package.

In Schroeder, the court held that the university's receipt of a benefit alone was not sufficient to show that it had borrowed a vehicle from a student who was retrieving ice for a school function at a faculty member's request, because at no point did the university have possession, dominion, control, or the right to control the use of the vehicle. Schroeder v. Bd. of Supervisors of La. State Univ., 591 So. 2d 342, 346 (La. 1991). Here, a reasonable jury could find that Omni had the right to control the Mercedes because Davida's use of the Mercedes was permissive and pursuant to a severance package that Omni provided Davida. Further, Omni paid the premium on the vehicle indicating that it exercised some degree of dominion and control over the vehicle and recognized some responsibility.

Moreover, although I agree that borrowing must be temporary, I do not agree that the lack of testimony regarding a specific end date for Davida's use of the vehicle means that Omni was not borrowing the Mercedes. [A] borrowing may be for an indefinite period of time and may in fact last until either the insured decides to return the automobile or the lender requests its return. 8A Couch on Ins.  118:50 (citing Am. Indem. Ins. Co. v. Code Elec. Corp., 760 P.2d 571, 574 (Az. Ct. App. 1988)). Given Curtis's unrebutted testimony that he and Sharon lent the Mercedes to Omni, a reasonable jury could find that the Sullivans could have demanded its return at any time, and that Omni likewise could have demanded the return of the Mercedes from Davida, subject to any claims for breach of the severance agreement.

Because a reasonable jury could find that Omni was borrowing the Mercedes from the Sullivans at the time of Davida's accident, I would reverse the district court's judgment in favor of Selective. However, given the lack of specificity regarding the terms of the severance package, and Omni's discovery responses indicating that it had no control over, and received no benefit from, Davida's use of the Mercedes at the time of the accident, a reasonable jury could also find that Omni was not borrowing the Mercedes at the time of the accident. Accordingly, I would remand for further proceedings.

Selective also argues that, even if the Policy provides coverage, the Policy conditions limit such coverage to state-required minimum limits because Omni failed to disclose information regarding the location, driver, and use of the Mercedes. The Policy provides that the Business Auto Coverage Form is void in any case of fraud by [Omni] at any time and if [Omni] or any other insured, at any time, intentionally conceal[s] or misrepresent[s] a material fact concerning  the covered auto; [or Omni's] interest in the covered auto.  (PID 19394.) This condition is later amended by an endorsement to provide that in the event of concealment, misrepresentation, or fraud, Selective will only provide coverage up to the minimum limits of liability required in Kentucky. (PID 20001.) However, Selective points to no evidence of intentional misrepresentation or concealment; nothing in the record establishes that Selective requested an updated drivers list or garage location after Davida began using the Mercedes in California. Accordingly, Selective has not supported the grant of summary judgment on this basis.

For these reasons, I would reverse the grant of summary judgment in favor of Selective and remand for further proceedings.

FOOTNOTES

. The district court found, and the parties do not dispute on appeal, that the Commercial General Liability Policy did not provide coverage. (R. 72, PID 1006.)

. The meaning of Omni's discovery responses is open to interpretation, and may merely mean that it had no control over Davida's decisions regarding where and how to drive the Mercedes and derived no benefit from her shopping trip.

MICHELSON, District Judge.
Four in ten Australian's have been hit by some financial stress in the last three months, a new survey has revealed.

National Australia Bank's 2017 Financial Anxiety Survey for the March quarter found that a high number of people are worried about their finances.

Young women, aged 18 to 29 years old, and middle-income earners are particularly anxious.

Young women, aged 18 to 29 years old, and middle-income earners are particularly anxious about money (stock image)

Andrew Hagger, NAB's chief customer officer for consumer banking and wealth, said the gender pay gap was a leading issue and contributed to financial stresses.

'The national gender pay gap is currently around 16 per cent and it's hovered between 15 per cent and 19 per cent for the past two decades,' he told the Daily Telegraph.

'We know that Australian women aged 60-64 have on average around $138,150 in super savings ... less than half of the average male superannuation account balance.'

Four in ten Australian's have been hit by financial stress in the last three months (stock image)

For one in five Australians overall, being unable to pay a bill caused the most distress (stock image)

One in two young Australians were hit with financial hardship in the last three months, and around 48 per cent of 30-49 year olds also struggled.

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While there was little difference between men and women, low income earners, unsurprisingly, faced more hardship than high income earners.

For one in five Australians overall, being unable to pay a bill caused the most distress.

That number rose for young Australians, to one in three.

Worrying about having enough food was the next biggest cause for financial stress, affecting 17 per cent of Australians in total, but 23 per cent of young people.

The cost of being young and working often means taking out a personal loan or credit card, and around one in four young Australians struggled to pay off personal loans.

Women in all areas had higher levels of stress for all areas of financial anxiety, especially retirement financing and being unable to raise emergency funds of AUD $2,000.

Differences in age groups showed young people were more concerned about being able to pay off personal loans and raise emergency funds.

While middle-aged Australians worried more than any other age group about being unable to finance their retirement, and having enough money to pay for their childrens education.

Middle-aged Australians worried more than any other age group about being unable to finance their retirement (stock image)

Sydney's leading financial advisor, Canna Campbell, previously shared her money-saving tips and ways to budget with Daily Mail Australia.

'In our heads, we downplay what we actually spend. You might think you spend $100 a week on groceries, when in reality you spend closer to $150. Once you know where your cash is going, you can glean a real insight,' she said.

'Cut or reduce your expenses and then set it up so that the money you're saving as a result of your cut backs goes into a savings account by direct debit.

'If the temptation isn't there to spend it, you won't even think about it.'

Ms Campbell said paying with cash is another way of being in control of what you spend and being held accountable of where your money goes.

Worrying about having enough food was a big cause for financial stress, affecting 17 per cent of Australians in total (stock image)

As raising emergency funds was a strong driver for financial stress, setting aside some money from your pay each month might be a way to start saving.

'Make your desire to save a priority each month,' Ms Campbell said.

'Rather than something you just do with whatever cash you have left, put a certain amount of money directly into a savings account as soon as you get paid.

'Then, write down your money-saving goals and set a deadline for when you have to achieve them.'
A law school graduate who was once forced to 'clean rich people's toilets for little more than a worker at a sweatshop' has opened up about her devastating struggle with poverty - which at one point forced her to live in a tent with her kids.

Nikki McWatters is now a married mother of five with a comfortable home in NSW but in the 1990s she was a single mum living in poverty.

'My kids were the ones with holes in their shoes. My poverty did not define me, although so many times people sought to do exactly that,' Ms McWatters told Mamamia.

Nikki McWatters is now a married mother of five with a comfortable home in NSW but in the 1990s she was a single mum living in poverty

'I cleaned rich people's toilets for little more than a worker at a sweatshop. I've pinched toilet paper from libraries and paid for groceries with small sacks of silver change. I was that woman in the check-out line.'

Ms McWatters was living in a 'dive' in Bondi, in Sydney's eastern suburbs, with milk crates for furniture after a divorce but found herself without a home or anyone to fall back on when her new partner passed away.

With three children and no where to stay, the writer reached out to friends and 'couch surfed' in Sydney but spent the majority of her time that summer living in a small blue tent pitched on the northern New South Wales coast.

' Death, divorce, job-loss, eviction, mental illness, a serious health issue; any one or a combination of these nasty catastrophes, can spear-tackle perfectly decent human beings into the sinkhole of poverty,' Ms McWatters told Mamamia.

'I've sat in a cold house without electricity, feeding my kids raw two-minute noodles,' Ms McWatters said

'I've taken every single one of those hits at some time or other and I've sat in a cold house without electricity, feeding my kids raw two-minute noodles.'

The mother of five, who is spokewoman for the Vinnies 2017 CEO Sleep-out - which is due to be held across Australia on 22 June, told news.com.au that it was judgement from others that hit her hard when she was struggling the most.

'I remember going to a shop and asking for credit for some milk and bread, and the condescending look from the shop keeper just screamed, 'are you a junkie? Are you a loser? It was a gutful of shame,' she said.

'It can take you years to climb out and, a lot of the time, it's that judgment from other people that keeps pushing you back down, stopping you from getting out,' she went on.

'I remember going to a shop and asking for credit for some milk and bread, and the condescending look from the shop keeper just screamed, 'are you a junkie? Are you a loser? It was a gutful of shame,' she said

HOMELESSNESS IN AUSTRALIA More than 2.5 million Australians are living below the poverty line and more than 105,000 are experiencing homelessness. The 2017 Vinnies CEO Sleepout - held on 22 June - raises money to help homeless people. To find out more click here Advertisement

'But when I did finally get out, I spent all the years since running as far away from that hole as I can get.

'Even though I have the roof over my head and the food in the fridge, I'm still sometimes lying awake consciously aware that it could all come tumbling down again.'

Ms McWatters told Mamamia the one thing that saved her was hope - which she 'clung to' tightly.

She started to pick up the pieces of her life, firstly by speaking to a GP about her mental health, then securing a job at a medical centre where she could build up her self-confidence and self-worth.

From there Ms McWatters went from strength to strength.

The mother of five has since gone on to complete a law degree, write three books and move to the NSW Central coast

She completed a law degree, wrote three books and moved to the NSW Central Coast, where she now lives.

She has previously said her youngest children don't know the poverty she and her other kids endured before they were born, but has urged others who are struggling to reach out for help.

'The message I want to give others is don't be ashamed. My life could have been easier if I was honest with the people around me,' Ms McWatters previously told Kidspot.
She was as immaculately dressed as ever, but it appeared as if Crown Princess Mary may have had something on her mind as she was pictured looking intently at her Gianvito Rossi nude heels at Copenhagen airport.

Ever the appropriate dresser, Mary got it sartorially right once again when she sported an oriental-inspired floral Erdem gown to meet the Crown Prince of Japan with her husband of 13 years Prince Frederik.

At one point, the Australian-born Princess appeared momentarily distracted, staring downwards with her hands clasped across her beige handbag and gloves, with Prince Frederik by her side.

At one point, the Australian-born Princess appeared momentarily distracted, staring downwards with her hands clasped across her beige handbag and gloves

The Princess and her husband Prince Frederik were at Copenhagen airport to welcome Japan's future sovereign Crown Prince Naruhito

Japan's future sovereign, Crown Prince Naruhito, has started a five-day visit to Denmark to celebrate 150 years of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

Princess Mary kissed the Crown Prince on the cheek and shook him by the hand when she met him at the welcome ceremony.

Last week, the Japanese parliament passed a law allowing Prince Naruhito's father, Emperor Akihito, to become the first monarch to abdicate in 200 years.

For the regal occasion, Princess Mary, 45, donned a pretty sheer overlay gown which featured a nipped-in waist, chiffon layer and flowing skirt.

Princess Mary and Prince Frederik wait at Copenhagen airport to welcome Crown Prince Naruhito, who started a five-day visit to Denmark to celebrate 150 years of diplomatic ties between the two countries

Prince Frederik sported a navy blue suit, maroon tie and shirt - and stood with his arms crossed behind his back

The stylish Royal completed her outfit with her trademark pearl drop earrings, a nude clutch bag and her nude stilettos.

She also wore a fascinator in her hair, which was tied up in a neat chignon.

Her husband Prince Frederik - who Mary famously met in a Sydney bar called the Slip Inn during the 2000 OIympics - was also in attendance at the welcome.

He sported a navy blue suit, maroon tie and shirt - and stood with his arms behind his back.

As one of the world's oldest monarchies, Prince Naruhito's Danish visit is an illustrious one.

During his visit, he will meet with Frederik's mother, Queen Margrethe, as well as the Danish Prime Minister, Lars Loekke Rasmussen.

Ever the immaculate dresser, Princess Mary sported an oriental-inspired floral Erdem gown to meet the Crown Prince of Japan

Princess Mary kissed the Crown Prince on the cheek and shook him by the hand when she met him at the welcome ceremony at Copenhagen Airport

As one of the world's oldest monarchies, Prince Naruhito's Danish visit is an illustrious one

The state trip will also include a visit to the fairy tale writer, Hans Christian Andersen's museum, in Odense, central Denmark, and a dinner with Prince Frederik and Princess Mary.

The last time the Japanese Crown Prince visited Denmark was in 2004, at the nuptials of the Danish Crown Prince and Australian-born Crown Princess.

Recently, 45-year-old Princess Mary gave out hugs to some of her youngest subjects as she presented medals at a fun run raising money against bullying.

For that event, the royal dressed down in a cream jumper with matching combat trousers as she attended the Children's Relay Run in Copenhagen last weekend.
A mother of four has shared her experiences with post-natal anxiety online to encourage other women to seek help.

Mel Watts, from the Central Coast, New South Wales, first experienced post-natal anxiety with her last child, Indie, and she didn't seek help for nine months.

'Last time was a very dark time for us. I couldn't leave my house and if I did it wasn't until I had to find toilets on the way as I was so ill. I felt trapped and scared,' she told Daily Mail Australia.

Mel Watts has shared her experiences with post-natal anxiety online to encourage other women to seek help

Ms Watts's most recent post-natal anxiety attack was when she was at the shops with her family.

'We went out and I felt really anxious. For no reason at all. I had to find a bathroom where I just wanted to cry. We ended up leaving the shops and came home where I felt awful all day.

'That night was long as I just couldn't shake the feeling. I was so upset that I let myself get here again. I felt like I failed my husband, my children and more importantly me,' she explained.

Ms Watts decided to get help quickly as she knew how lonely she felt last time. She says that she pushed away her friends and family and doesn't want to go through that again.

'Like thousands of other women out there many of them suffer in silence, they're scared to seek help or even talk about it. I know I'm not the first person to ever experience it, but if I could open up and share it to hundreds of people I could only hope that one person will seek help if they're feeling the same'.

Having had her fourth child early this June, this isn't the first time Ms Watts has experienced post-natal anxiety

She has said that women have thanked her for speaking out about her experience, with some saying that her post encouraged them to speak to their doctors.

'I think that opening up about PNA allows it to be spoken about by others. Some may have a conversation about it with their friends, some may email me. Either way its real, its deliberating and its absolutely awful when you have a baby to care for too.

'Sometimes we think we need to be okay all the time and its okay to not be okay some days. Everyone has bad days but when they start taking over everyday you need to talk to someone and get help'.

Her Facebook post about her experience has garnered thousands of likes and hundreds of comments and shares.

'Today I walked out of Kmart mid anxiety attack looking for a bathroom and hoping to god this isn't happening to me again,' the post reads.

'The reality is, it is. And even though I'm disappointed in myself and I feel as though all the things I worked so hard for last year have come undone. I know what it felt like to be okay after my last bout of post natal anxiety'.

'Today I walked out of Kmart mid anxiety attack looking for a bathroom and hoping to god this isn't happening to me again,' she wrote on Facebook

Her Facebook post about her experience has garnered thousands of likes and hundreds of comments and shares

Having had her fourth child early this June, Ms Watts said that this time she is treating her post-natal anxiety head on.

'This time I'm on top of it and I'm off to get help before it becomes my life again. I tired so hard to push myself through it and I'm exhausted. I need sleep. However, I'm okay. And I will be okay'.

Ms Watts said that the previously when she had this experience she didn't recognise and acknowledge what she was going through, which she has now.

'That night was long as I just couldn't shake the feeling. I was so upset that I let myself get here again. I felt like I failed my husband, my children and more importantly me,' she explained

She shared her worries with her husband and they booked an appointment with the psychologist that she has been seeing who made her realise that it was quite common.

'The reason I'm telling you this is because even though my photos, my posts and even my snaps all seem pretty normal you actually have no idea what's going on in someone's head'.

'I wasn't going to share this with you all just yet. As I'm still processing it all. But I wanted to let you know that's it okay if you're not okay'.

Ms Watts decided to get help quickly as she knew how lonely she felt last time. She says that she pushed away her friends and family and doesn't want to go through that again

Her most recent Instagram post has thanked her followers for their support on her post-natal anxiety post.

She says that when each baby is born you forget about the unknown and uncertain aspects of having a newborn.

'I've read most of your messages I've tried to reply but I just can't reply to all. I feel better today. Yesterday was sh*t but today is much better. I'm thankful I have Nolan here with me.'
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Kate was put on the spot in a class on environmentalism when a pupil asked: 'How many cars do you have?'

She burst out laughing and exclaimed 'oh my goodness' during the lesson on the environmental impact of plastic on birds.

Kate, 35, was helping teach children to use hessian bags and bamboo toothbrushes to save plastic in her role as trustee of the 1851 Trust - the official charity of Britain's Americas Cup sailing team Land Rover BAR.

Kate, who stuck to the nautical colour scheme in skinny blue J Crew trousers, a white Zara jacket and low-heeled courts, also by J Crew, was on duty in her role as Patron of the 1851 Trust, attending the charity's Land Rover BAR Roadshow at the Docklands Sailing and Watersports Centre on Friday.

She displayed a bouncy, glossy blow dry and accessorised with gold hooped Mirabelle Lolita earrings from the designer's 'Mythology' collection, for the occasion. The mother-of-two was in high spirits as she laughed and joked with her hosts upon her arrival.

Cheeky Rafi Ahmed surprised her with the question but quick thinking Kate conveniently replied she had a Land Rover - but appears to have forgotten to mention the car she has from the royal fleet.

Year five Rafi said: 'I said "how many cars do you have?" She said she had a Land Rover. 'She asked me "what's your favourite car?" I said a Lamborghini. 'I felt like I was going to be famous.'

Later she told British Olympic sailing legend Ben Ainsley how she and William had been 'glued' to the television watching the British team crash out in the semi-finals.

The Duchess smiled in the sunshine as she arrived at the Docklands Sailing and Watersports Centre on Friday

They spoke via video link, as he is still in Bermuda for the competition.

Kate said: 'Commiserations, obviously, but really well done.

'We've been watching with really keen interest.

'Both William and I have been glued to the telly. Well done to you guys. I gather now you're on to the next thing.'

Ben launched the British team in 2014 with Kate at his side in the hope of bringing the cup back to Britain.

They chatted about the contest and how sailing can be a means to teach children about science, technology, engineering and maths.

The four time Olympic gold medal winner, 40, told the Duchess: 'It's fantastic to see the work the trust has been able to put together, it's great to have your help with that.

'In the Americas cup, it's a really fascinating design project.

'To have young people come down to see how the boats get designed and built and hopefully inspire them to a future in engineering and design, that's a fantastic project.'

An animated Kate chatted to children as she attended a lesson which focused on plastic in the sea at the charity's final Land Rover BAR Roadshow, at at the Docklands Sailing and Watersports Centre in London

The Duchess of Cambridge, who looked chic in skinny blue trousers, a white jacket and low-heeled courts, was on duty in her role as Patron of the 1851 Trust, attending the charity's Land Rover BAR Roadshow at the Docklands Sailing and Watersports Centre in London

The Duchess was practically giddy as she laughed and joked with the schoolchildren. She displayed a bouncy, glossy blow dry and accessorised with gold hooped Mirabelle Lolita earrings from the designer's 'Mythology' collection, for the occasion

Earlier, Kate spoke to Katie Lam about how the 10-year-old year five pupil at Cubitt Town Junior School, in East London, would be going sailing in the afternoon.

The Duchess said: 'You look very smart in your school uniform.

'Are you going out later? Have you got sailing stuff with you?'

She jokingly added: 'I hope you don't end up swimming.'

Katie later said of the Duchess: 'She looked even better in real life than in photos.

'She asked me if I'm going sailing and I said I was doing it last. It was amazing to meet her.'

Kate displayed her long legs in chic navy trousers, which she teamed with trendy heeled shoes from J Crew

Beverley Smith, education manager of the 1851 Trust, told Kate and the pupils how when birds eat plastic they feel full but can then starve because it has no nutritional value.

She said: 'The birds starve to death. We haven't just made this up - this is very real.

'They think they are full up. We've talked about the problems, now we are going to talk about how you can do something about it.'

The 1851 Trust roadshows uses the inspiration of Sir Ben Ainslie's British America's Cup challenge to inspire both primary and secondary school pupils into STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and maths).

This includes practical applications of the challenges the team has faced in their preparations to compete in the 35th America's Cup in Bermuda.

The roadshows also offers pupils the chance to get on the water themselves.

Students from four schools in East London took part in today's roadshow and joined te Duchess to take part in an educational treasure hunt where they needed to answer questions on science and technology, Land Rover BAR and the America's Cup.

The Duchess of Cambridge dressed for action today as she attended a sailing roadshow - and even took part in a treasure hunt. The mother-of-two was in high spirits as she laughed and joked with staff at the event

Jolly Kate high-fived a school child as she met schoolchildren from East London during her visit to the 1851 Trust roadshow at Docklands Sailing and Watersports Centre

The roadshow uses the experiences of Sir Ben and his team of sailors to inspire pupils into STEM subjects - science, technology, engineering and maths - with practical applications of the challenges the sportsmen faced

It was back to school for Kate as she sat in on a lesson with the schoolchildren on Friday

Kate made conversation with a young boy during a lesson in his East London school

Kate shared a joke with two young girls as she sat in on one of their lessons during her trip to

The Duchess of Cambridge was welcomed by Keith Mills to the Docklands Sailing and Watersport Centre, in Docklands

Kate waved goodbye to the schoolchildren that she had met outside before attending lessons with another group of kids

Down-to-earth Kate crouched down to chat to local school children, who were ready to take part in the activities

Kate flattered her figure in chic navy trousers with gold button detailing and offset her look with tweed heels for the occasion

The Duchess of Cambridge is Patron of the 1851 Trust so visited the charity's final Land Rover BAR Roadshow at the Docklands Sailing and Watersports Centre, London

The Duchess, who was gifted a bouquet of flowers by a school child, looked elegant in her nautical chic outfit

The Duchess of Cambridge takes part in a treasure hunt with children as she attends the charity's final Land Rover BAR Roadshow

Kate's visit to the sailing centre comes after it was revealed that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry have donated to an emergency fund to support those affected by the Grenfell Tower blaze

The Duchess plumped for tailored blue trousers by one of her favourite US brands, J Crew, for a visit to the docklands

The Duchess of Cambridge greeted school children as she arrived at the 1851 Trust charity's final Land Rover BAR Roadshow at Docklands Sailing and Watersports Centre in London

Later Kate will take part in an ocean plastics sea-bird activity, which highlights the damage caused by single use plastics and promotes sustainability, something both the Trust and team have put at the heart of their operations since their inception.

The Duchess and some of the school children will also speak to Sir Ben Ainslie, the Team Principal and Skipper of Land Rover BAR who are currently competing in Bermuda, about the team's experiences so far in the America's Cup.

The America's Cup is the oldest international sporting trophy.

Kate attended the event alone whilst her husband, Prince William, and the Queen were met with applause when they dropped in to an emergency shelter in West London this morning to meet the devastated survivors of the Grenfell Tower disaster.

Whilst Kate attended the event in East London, her husband joined the Queen to meet members of the community affected by the fire at Grenfell Tower in west London during a visit to the Westway Sports Centre, which is providing temporary shelter for those who have been made homeless in the disaster

Queen Elizabeth II arrived at the centre wearing a blue outfit and matching hat as she talked solemnly with volunteers and officials

Her Majesty The Queen, accompanied by HRH The Duke of Cambridge, visited the Westway Sports Centre in White City - a venue that has been a focal point for efforts to support those affected by the deadly inferno inside the high rise.

The Queen and The Duke will meet members of the Emergency Services, as well as local residents and community representatives.

Queen Elizabeth II arrived at the centre wearing a blue outfit and matching hat as she talked solemnly with volunteers and officials.

She was flanked by Prince William in a suit and both headed inside the centre having mingled with those stood outside.

It comes after it was revealed that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry have donated to an emergency fund to support those affected by the Grenfell Tower blaze.

The Duchess of Cambridge, Patron of the 1851 Trust, visited the charity's final Land Rover BAR Roadshow at the Docklands Sailing and Watersports Centre

The Duchess was animated as she chatted to a local school child as she attended the event without her husband

The royals responded to an appeal by the Evening Standard for their Dispossessed Fund, which is providing urgent assistance to families left homeless by the devastating fire at the West London tower block.

They said they hoped their contribution would encourage others to give generously to the cause, the newspaper reported.

William, Kate and Harry join the thousands of kind-hearted neighbours, strangers and community leaders from across the country who have been moved to offer their support in the aftermath of the disaster which has left up to 600 people homeless.

A statement released by a Kensington Palace spokesperson said: 'The tragedy at Grenfell Tower has left a number of local people in need of urgent assistance.

'As residents of the local area they are keen to offer their immediate support.'
It's not known whether Queen Letizia and King Felipe of Spain consult with one another before getting dressed in the morning.

But the monarchs certainly looked perfectly matched as they attended an event at El Pardo Palace in Madrid on Friday.

Queen Letizia, 44, was glamorous as ever in a full blue skirt with matching high heels - both of which were nicely offset by the shades of her dapper husband Felipe's suit and tie.

Queen Letizia of Spain, seen with her husband King Felipe VI of Spain at El Pardo in Madrid

The Spanish monarch wore a pair of drop earrings with her otherwise understated outfit

The couple were at the palace to join the annual meeting of a private non-profit foundation, the Princess of Asturias Foundation.

Letizia, a mother of two girls, teamed her statement skirt with a simple white shell top that exposed her toned arms, and added a pair of drop earrings.

King Felipe, meanwhile, wore a sharp blue suit with a bright blue tie complete with white spots.

The aim of the foundation is stated as 'extolling and promoting those scientific, cultural and humanistic values that form part of the universal heritage of humanity'.

Letizia perfectly coordinated her heels to her full, knee-length skirt, which she wore with a white silky top and drop earrings

The photogenic queen mingled with fellow guests at the event at El Pardo Palace on Friday

Power couple: King Felipe wore a blue suit and tie that co-ordinated with his wife's outfit

Letizia attended the annual meeting of a private non-profit, the Princess of Asturias Foundation

Today's appearance followed Letizia's dazzling cameo at another engagement in the capital earlier this week.

The stylish royal looked more wedding guest than Queen consort as she showed off her svelte figure in a fitted floral dress featuring a purple floral print by Hugo Boss on Wednesday.

It's an old favourite of the thrifty royal's who wore the dress to the opening of 'El Greco y La Pintura Moderna' exhibition at El Prado museum in June 2014 and again at a military event in Zaragoza last July.
She's been putting on a strong sartorial display in recent weeks - and today was no different for Queen Mathilde.

The Queen of Belgium embraced summer in a bright rainbow-hued dress as she welcomed German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his wife Elke Buedenbender to Laeken Castle in Brussels, Belgium.

Queen Mathilde and her husband, King Philippe of Belgium, were dressed the part as they welcomed the couple to their home on Friday.

Queen Mathilde was elegant in a bright rainbow-hued dress as she welcomed German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his wife Elke Buedenbender to Laeken Castle in Brussels, Belgium

The Queen of Belgium donned simple gold leaf earrings and wore her hair in its signature coiffed bob

The Queen showcased her trim figure in the fitted, cap-sleeved dress, which she offset with bold purple shoes.

She accessorised her look with simple gold leaf earrings and wore her hair in its signature coiffed bob. Her husband, meanwhile, was dapper in a blue suit and matching tie.

Elke Buedenbender was resplendent in a royal blue coatdress and elegant nude heels as the couples posed for photos at the Castle.

The royal couple were dressed the part as they welcomed the couple to their home on Friday

Queen Mathilde displayed her gym-honed figure as she chatted to German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier

The pair seemed deeply engrossed in conversation as the Belgium royals welcomed the couple to their home

Earlier in the day, Queen Mathilde flew solo to attend an awards ceremony in Brussels

The Queen was attending the Zuhal Demir Federale Prijs Armoedebestrijding award ceremony

It's been a busy week for the Queen; she visited a farm earlier this week.

Most people would don practical wellington boots and a Barbour jacket for a trip to the farm but not when you're the Queen of Belgium.

Queen Mathilde looked somewhat out of place in a formal floral dress on a visit to two agricultural enterprises in Namur, Belgium, on Tuesday.

The royal donned an orange and green floral print dress for her visit to the farm, where she got stuck in and fed a cow.

Queen Mathilde donned a formal green and orange floral dress as she paid a visit to a farm in Namur, Belgium, on Tuesday

The short-haired royal tucked into some tasty treats made by local farmers, where female farmers take an active role such as Ferme de Coux in Maillen and La Petite Campagne in Bovesse.

The royal sampled some local cheeses before meeting animals outside in the farmyard.

Her surroundings were a far cry from last week, when the royal was resplendent in a lilac dress as she arrived at the presentation of the Queen Elisabeth Competition Prize at the Chapelle Musicale Reine Elisabeth in Waterloo, Belgium.

This year, the Queen Elisabeth Competition was devoted to the cello and the royal looked delighted to be part of proceedings.

The royal donned an orange and green floral print dress for her visit to the farm, where she got stuck in and fed a cow

The royal was certainly in high spirits as she stepped into one of the barns and fed a little cow

The cheerful royal was all smiles as she fed some goat with women who run the centre

The short-haired royal tucked into some tasty treats made by local farmers,

Following in the Duchess of Cambridge's footsteps, the 44-year-old accessorised her look with intricate pearl earrings.

The competition is an annual music contest, this year asking for cello players to put their musical talents forward.

This year is the first time the competition has asked for cello players with previous categories including singing and violin.

Finals for the competition started on Monday and concluded today with each evening seeing an audience hear two finalists perform at the Brussels Centre for Fine Arts.

First prize went to French cellist Victor Julien-Laferriere, who chatted away to the royal.

The Queen embraced the warm weather in an A-line dress emblazoned with bold floral prints

The royal sampled some local cheeses before meeting animals outside in the farmyard

Queen Mathilde acts as Honorary President of the Queen Elisabeth Competition.

The Queen of Belgium cut an elegant figure in a sleeveless emerald dress as she welcomed the jury for the Queen Elisabeth Competition to her home in Brussels last Tuesday.

The 44-year-old showcased her enviable figure with a waist-cinching belt and showcased her lengthy legs in a pair of nude heels.

Queen Mathilde was a vision in an intricate purple dress as she attended a musical presentation in Belgium on Tuesday

Famous for her perfectly coiffed locks Mathilde certainly didn't let standards slip as she welcomed her guests today.

The mother-of-four added a touch of sophisticated bling to her ensemble in the form of statement earrings set with an elegant stone.

Mathilde kept her beauty look to a minimal this afternoon opting with a soft smoky eye and a slick of berry lipstick.

The Belgian royal was joined by her husband King Philippe, 57, who looked distinguished in an indigo suit for his visitor's arrival on Tuesday.

The couple were today welcoming the jury who will decide the winner of the Queen Elisabeth Competition 2017.

After greeting their guests the King and Queen posed for a commemorative photo with the judges.
When it comes to fashion, we are all inspired by what we see; whether it be a well-dressed celebrity, a blow-your-mind catwalk presentation or even a super stylish every-day passerby.

As fashion editors, we're moved by all of the above, and then some. We're exposed to under-the-radar labels; we get a first-hand look at collections months before they hit stores; we're tapped into brands with chic-yet-cheap offerings and we shop - a lot.

To share our knowledge, FEMAIL brings you Style Swoon, a weekly series of the latest, greatest and on the verge. We hope this Friday series will serve as a buying guide and point of inspiration for the clotheshorses and fashion fanatics alike.

GIGI'S HOT HANDBAG

In the bag: Gigi has been spotted multiple times this week carrying a mini top handle bag by New York-based label Stalvey

Gigi has been spotted multiple times this week carrying a mini top handle bag by New York-based label Stalvey.

Just yesterday, the supermodel accessorized her pale blue Sally Lapointe ensemble with the mini satchel in white alligator.

On June 10 she carried the natural lizard version with a T By Alexander Wang shirt and Y/project jeans. A few days later, the 22-year-old matched the handbag to her snow white Clingy kitten heel boots by Stuart Weitzman.

Left: Top Handle 2.0 Mini Handbag (Natural Lizard) by Stavey, $4,800; stalvey.com. Right: Top Handle 2.0 Mini Handbag (White alligator) by Stalvey, $11, 500; stalvey.com

STEAL THE LOOK Left: Diamond Mini Lizard, Snakeskin & Leather Crossbody Bag by Khirma New York, now $732; saksfifthavenue.com. Right: Carly Top Handle Crossbody by Sunset & Spring, $98; bloomingdales.com Advertisement

SCARLETT'S CUSTOM CLUTCH

What's in a name: Scarlett Johansson and her doppelganger Geraldine Dodd attended the premiere of Scarlett's new film 'Rough Night' at Lincoln Center in New York this week, carrying custom made Judith Leiber clutches

Scarlett Johansson and her doppelganger Geraldine Dodd attended the premiere of Scarlett's new film 'Rough Night' at Lincoln Center in New York this week, carrying custom made Judith Leiber clutches.

The crystal beaded cases were created special for the event. Both feature the graphics Hello, my name is one in red Austrian crystal and the other in blue followed by each of the ladies signatures.

At the end of the night, both bags were auctioned off to a charity of Geraldines choice. Each of the Judith Leiber Couture clutches contain over a thousand hand set Austrian crystals and took over a week to bead.

Handmade: Each of the Judith Leiber Couture clutches contain over a thousand hand set Austrian crystals and took over a week to bead

TWO NEW LAUNCHES:

GRANA BATHING SUITS

Online fashion company GRANA launched a full swim collection for men and women today. With pieces retailing from $39-$69, the brand aims to provide quality swimwear that is modern, classic, functional, and affordable.

Created with Italian Sensitive fabric, the neutral colored swimwear has a soft, smooth touch, it dries quickly, and it fits like a glove.

The nine-piece womens collection includes bikini tops (French, bandeau, racerfront, triangle), bikini briefs (French,tie-side and high waist), and one-pieces (scoop back and deep-V) available in black, olive pearl, and blush pearl.

Left: Deep V One-piece, $69; grana.com. Right: Scoopback Swimsuit, $65; grana.com

NOUSH JEWELRY COLLECTION

Luxury pieces at affordable prices: Online jewelry giant Motif, launched the Noush collection with former Tiffany & Co. designer Anousha Razavi, on Wednesday of this week

Budget-friendly online jewelry retailer Motif launched the Noush collection with former Tiffany & Co. designer Anousha Razavi, on Wednesday of this week.

'Similar to pieces I have designed for luxury companies previously, I have given this collection lots of attention to detail in design and quality,' said Anousha.

Born in Iran with a deep appreciation and passion for her Persian culture, Anousha's affordable collection was inspired by the rays of light reflected through colored glass, commonly used in Persian architecture.

'The reflection creates a breathtaking beauty that is very spiritual for me, she said. 'The light comes through the glass and breaks into rainbows of colors that are mesmerizing. I wanted to bring a small portion of that to my designs.'

Left: Noush Shiraz Earrings in Rose Quartz and Smokey Quartz, $78; motif.me. Right: Noush Shiraz Earrings in Amethyst and Blue Topaz, $78; motif.me

Left and right: Noush Shiraz Ring in Rose Quartz and Smokey Quartz,$58; motif.me

The double sided baubles feature two different colored gem stones stacked on top of each other (amethyst and blue topaz/peridot and citrine/rose quartz and smokey quartz) with a rose gold pattern between them.

'The look of each piece constantly changes depending on what angle you are looking at it from.

'One gemstone changes the reflection of colors through the other stone, therefore you get a richness and a depth in colors that are extremely unique in the jewelry industry,' explained Anousha.

You can't get that at Tiffany!

Noush Shiraz Bracelet In Peridot and Citrine, $68; motif.me

Left and right: Noush Shiraz Necklace In Amethyst and Blue Topaz, $78; motif.me.

Noush Shiraz Necklace In Rose Quartz And Smokey Quartz, $88; motif.me




A bride who lost her hair with alopecia proudly sported her bald head on her wedding dayand enjoyed standing out from the crowd in her gorgeous outfit.

Kylie Bamberger, of Oak Park, California, was diagnosed with the condition when she was 12 years old. The autoimmune disorder, which affects 6.8 million Americans, causes people to lose hair on their head, face, and, in some cases, other parts of the body.

In the past, Bamberger, who is now 27, concealed the condition with wigs. But they weren't comfortable to wear, so she stopped sporting them more than a decade agoand had no intention to try them again to walk down the aisle.

Proud: Kylie Bamberger, who lost her hair with alopecia proudly sported her bald head on her wedding dayand enjoyed standing out from the crowd in her gorgeous outfit

Condition: The bride, Oak Park, California, was diagnosed with the autoimmune condition when she was 12 years old. The disorder causes people to lose hair

Done: In the past, Bamberger , who is now 27, concealed the condition with wigs. But they weren't comfortable to wear, so she stopped sporting them more than a decade ago

No regrets: In 2005, Bamberger parted with the wigs for good. She shaved her head (she only had a few strands of hair left) and never looked back

The bride, who tied the knot in October, tried several treatments during her adolescence to stop the hair loss.

When nothing worked, and after being diagnosed with alopecia, her first reaction was to buy a wig, which she wore to prom.

'I no longer felt like I stood out,' she told Inside Edition.

But the wigs made her uncomfortably hot. The California bride compared them to wearing a beanie at all times.

In 2005, Bamberger parted with the wigs for good. She shaved her head (she only had a few strands of hair left) and never looked back.

Since then, her hair has stopped growing, meaning Bamberger doesn't even shave her hair anymore and is naturally bald.

Decision: As her nuptials approached, the bride knew she wouldn't change her look for the big day. 'There was no way I was going to wear a wig at my wedding,' she said

Outfit: On her wedding day, Bamberger proudly rocked her bald head, with a lovely white headband on which she attached a veil

Confident: The bride has no problem showing off her bald head in her everyday life. 'I really enjoy standing out and feeling different,' she said

Determined: Bamberger knew right away she wasn't going to wear a wig for her wedding and went through with her decision on the day of the nuptials

As her nuptials approached, the bride knew she wouldn't change her look for the big day. 'There was no way I was going to wear a wig at my wedding,' she added.

So on her wedding day, Bamberger proudly rocked her bald head, with a lovely white headband on which she attached a veil.

Both went perfectly well with her gorgeous, floor-length gown and colorful bouquet. Judging by the stunning photos of Bamberger's wedding, both the bride and her new husband radiated happiness on their big day.

The bride has no problem showing off her bald head with confidence. 'I really enjoy standing out and feeling different,' she said.

Message: Bamberger, who is also a motivational speaker, frequently posts on social media to encourage others to embrace their physical appearances

So much joy: Judging by the stunning photos of Bamberger's wedding, both the bride and her new husband radiated happiness on their big day

Just married! The confident bride paired her headband and veil with a white floor-length gown and a colorful bouquet, which she lifted in the air while posing with the bridal party

True love: In her messages, she frequently highlights how her husband and soulmate loves her exactly just how she is, and encourages her followers to strive for the same acceptance

Bamberger, who is also a motivational speaker, frequently posts on social media to encourage others to embrace their physical appearances.

In her messages, she frequently highlights how her husband and soulmate loves her exactly just how she is.

'Hair loss doesn't make you unhealthy, and it doesn't make you ugly,' she told Health.

'Those are two massive, massive misconceptions. I am not sick. I'm only stronger. If you're out there, bald, it just means you're becoming stronger. If you're out there embracing your bald, you're stronger. Period.'
Teenagers should stop rolling their cannabis joints with tobacco if they don't want cancer, an expert has warned.

Ian Hamilton, a weed researcher based at York University, suggested youngsters should instead smoke the drug on its own if they want to get high.

Tobacco is linked to 17 types of cancer, including lung, throat and bladder - and is deemed to be the most preventable form of the disease.

But no such links to cancer have ever been found with the herb, meaning users are risking their long-term health by mixing it with tobacco.

Mr Hamilton said for many teenagers the world's most popular recreational drug is a gateway to developing nicotine dependence.

Teenagers are exposed to cancer, heart disease and respiratory problems if they smoke their cannabis with tobacco, a cannabis researcher warns

Exposed to cancer

He told MailOnline: 'Even if they quit using cannabis they may find they experience tobacco withdrawal.

'They also expose themselves to all the other health risks associated with tobacco such as cancer, heart disease and respiratory problems.

'We urgently need to provide clear public health messages in a way that young people will engage with.

'If we accept that millions of people will carry on using cannabis then we should encourage them to use cannabis in ways that avoid tobacco and minimise harm to their health.'

How does tobacco kill?

Tobacco-related deaths account for seven million people each year, the World Health Organization notes.

The UN health agency has previously said that if current trends continue, deaths could top one billion by the end of the century.

Tobacco is linked to 17 types of cancer, including lung, throat and bladder - and is deemed to be the most preventable form of the disease

Alongside its widely published links to cancer, smoking tobacco also leads to heart disease by damaging blood vessels and raising blood pressure.

What about cannabis?

Conversely, cannabis has no solid links to cancer and only minimal ones pointing to an increased risk of heart disease.

However, researchers have long said that weed does have some negative effects, increasing the risk of psychosis by damaging the brain.

CANNABIS: THE RISK OF PSYCHOSIS The risk of developing psychosis as a result of smoking cannabis is much lower than first thought, scientists said in April. Over the years, a host of previous research has pointed to a link between the popular recreational drug and mental health conditions. But a review of existing studies published on 4/20, an unofficial day to celebrate cannabis, found that cases are relatively rare. However, those who smoke high amounts of weed should still be careful, according to researchers at the University of York. Advertisement

While it is also considered to be a gateway drug, with a study last week suggesting users are 26 times more likely to turn to harder substances by the time they turn 21.

Mixing tobacco and cannabis

Cannabis users across the world have long believed that sprinkling a handful of tobacco in with the herb improves the high.

But just last month scientists debunked that myth, and said that combining the two won't make users more stoned.

In the first study of its kind, British researchers delving into how both substances interacted when inhaled together found no such effects.

However, they did note that mixing the two together may help to lessen the memory impairment caused by smoking cannabis.

Who smokes the drug?

The latest figures available showed that more than two million people in England and Wales smoked cannabis in 2016.

For the previous year, Crime Survey figures showed a million of these were aged between 16 to 24.

The substance is currently a Class B drug in the UK, and anyone found in possession can face up to five years in prison.
United States Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit. OTGONBAATAR TSEGMED, Petitioner, v. JEFFERSON B. SESSIONS III, Attorney General of the United States, Respondent. No. 16-1036 Decided: June 15, 2017

Before WOOD, Chief Judge, FLAUM, Circuit Judge, and CONLEY, District Judge.*

Otgonbaatar Tsegmed, a citizen of Mongolia, overstayed a non-immigrant visa and has been liv-ing in the United States since 2004. He came to the attention of the Department of Homeland Security in 2008, after his sec-ond arrest for Driving Under the Influence in Illinois. The government placed him in removal proceedings. He con-ceded that he was removable, but he filed an application with the immigration court in July 2008 seeking asylum, withholding of removal, and protection under the Convention Against Torture (CAT). The Immigration Judge (IJ) denied his application and ordered him removed to Mongolia; the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) affirmed. Tsegmed now challenges those decisions. Because we lack jurisdiction to review the denial of his asylum application, and the evidence does not compel the conclusion that he is eligible for withholding or relief under the CAT, we deny his petition for review.

I

Tsegmed is a member of the Taij ethnic group, which is reportedly descended from nobility and still privileged in Mongolia. He attended school in the Soviet Union and then became a high-ranking officer in the Mongolian military. In that position, he worked on highly-classified assignments and had knowledge of the internal workings of the governing Communist regime. But he and his close friend, Bayarbat, eventually became involved with the pro-democracy move-ment in Mongolia while the country was ruled by Mongolia's Communist Party. The police arrested Tsegmed and Bayarbat in 1989 while the two were distributing pro-democracy pam-phlets. After the arrest, the police held Tsegmed for 72 hours, punched him in the face three times, called him names, and gave him no food. The police arrested him again in 1994, along with Bayarbat, during an election protest organized by the Democratic Party.

In 1999, Tsegmed's young son died a tragic and mysterious death, for which he blames the Mongolian government. The ambulance that Tsegmed called in the midst of his son's med-ical emergency never arrived, and, following his son's death, an unidentified person called and mocked Tsegmed, telling him that such things happened to members of the Democratic Party. In 2001, Bayarbat's family was murdered. The Communist Party framed Bayarbat for the murders and arrested him; he eventually died in prison. Around this time, the police brought Tsegmed in for questioning, ostensibly related to Bayarbat's arrest on murder charges. They instead interro-gated him about political information that they believed Bayarbat's father had given him. The police detained him that time for 72 hours, during which they punched him in the face between four and six times. Although Tsegmed relocated to the United States in 2004, Tsegmed's brother, who remained in Mongolia, told him in 2007 that unidentified people (pre-sumably communists) had come to him looking for his dirty brother. A month after reporting this to Tsegmed, his brother died. The death was ruled a heart attack, but Tsegmed be-lieves it may have been caused by something else because his brother was in good physical shape.

Tsegmed provided this information in the Form I-589 Ap-plication for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal he filed in July 2008, and in his testimony at two immigration court hearings conducted in December 2013 and January 2014. The IJ found Tsegmed credible, but the judge noted that much of his testimony lacked corroboration and therefore deserved less weight. The IJ denied relief in July 2014, and the BIA affirmed in December 2015. They rejected Tsegmed's asylum application because he did not meet any exception to the one-year filing deadline. See 8 U.S.C.  1158(a)(2)(B). The IJ, se-conded by the Board, denied withholding of removal and protection under CAT on the merits, finding that the harm that Tsegmed alleged on account of his membership in the Democratic Party was not serious enough to qualify as persecution, and that Tsegmed had failed to establish that it was more likely than not that he would be tortured upon return. Tsegmed has petitioned us for review of the BIA's decision.

Because the IJ denied the application and the BIA affirmed with a written opinion, we review both decisions. N.L.A. v. Holder, 744 F.3d 425, 430 (7th Cir. 2014). We consider legal con-clusions de novo, and we review factual issues under the substantial evidence standard, which requires us to assess whether the Board's determination is supported by reasonable, substantial, and probative evidence on the record consid-ered as a whole and to reverse only if the evidence compels a contrary conclusion. Abdoulaye v. Holder, 721 F.3d 485, 490 (7th Cir. 2013) (internal citations omitted).

II

A

Although Tsegmed challenges the BIA's and IJ's determi-nations that he did not meet any exception to the one-year filing deadline for asylum, we lack jurisdiction to reconsider the Board's finding. The statute requires someone seeking asylum to apply for asylum within one year after entering the United States. 8 U.S.C.  1158(a)(2)(B). That rule can be relaxed if the applicant can demonstrate either the existence of changed circumstances which materially affect the applicant's eligibil-ity for asylum or extraordinary circumstances relating to the delay in filing an application within [one year].  1158(a)(2)(D). Section 1158(a)(3) further specifies that no court has jurisdiction to review the determination about the timeliness of the application or whether changed or extraordinary circumstances excuse a late filing. Nonetheless, we re-tain the authority to review constitutional claims or questions of law related to the timely filing of an asylum application. Bitsin v. Holder, 719 F.3d 619, 625 (7th Cir. 2013) (citing 8 U.S.C.  1252(a)(2)(D)). We have interpreted this exception to apply to strictly legal controversies, by which we mean[ ] that the parties contest a legal issue, and that the alien wins if the law provides what he says it does and loses if it provides what the agency says it does.  Id. at 62526 (quoting Restrepo v. Holder, 610 F.3d 962, 965 (7th Cir. 2010)).

Tsegmed contends that he has shown just such an error of law, because (in his view) the evidence of a material change of circumstances in Mongolia is so strong that a contrary conclusion is inconsistent with the statute. But we rejected exactly this method of showing material changes in Viracacha v. Mukasey, 518 F.3d 511, 51415 (7th Cir. 2008), and extraordinary circumstances in Bitsin, 719 F.3d at 626. Making a determination about either material changes or extraordinary circumstances requires this court only to apply a legal standard to a given set of facts. Bitsin, 719 F.3d at 626. This does not raise a question of law, and [ ] therefore does not fall within  1252's exception to the jurisdictional bar of  1158. Id. at 627. Because Tsegmed does not present any constitutional claims or questions of law, we lack jurisdiction to consider the denial of his asylum application.

B

Two other forms of relief are unaffected by the one-year rule: withholding of removal, and relief under the CAT. Tsegmed seeks both.

An alien is entitled to withholding of removal if his life or freedom would be threatened in [the home] country because of the alien's race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. 8 U.S.C.  1231(b)(3)(A); Bitsin, 719 F.3d at 628. A threat to life or freedom is synonymous with persecution, which this Circuit defines as detention, arrest, interrogation, prosecution, imprisonment, illegal searches, confiscation of property, sur-veillance, beatings, torture, behavior that threatens the same, and non-life-threatening behavior such as torture and eco-nomic deprivation if the resulting conditions are sufficiently severe.  Halim v. Holder, 755 F.3d 506, 51112 (7th Cir. 2014) (quoting Yi Xian Chen v. Holder, 705 F.3d 624, 629 (7th Cir. 2013)). Persecution involves, we suggest, the use of significant physical force against a person's body, or the inflic-tion of comparable physical harm without direct application of force (locking a person in a cell and starving him would be an example), or nonphysical harm of equal gravity such as refusing to allow a person to practice his religion or a credible threat to inflict grave physical harm. Stanojkova v. Holder, 645 F.3d 943, 948 (7th Cir. 2011).

If an applicant establishes that he has suffered past persecution, he is entitled to a rebuttable presumption of future persecution on the same basis. 8 C.F.R.  1208.16(b)(1). If he cannot establish past persecution, he still may be entitled to relief if he can demonstrate a clear probability of future persecution, meaning that it is more likely than not that he would be subject to persecution if he were returned. Halim, 755 F.3d at 512. The clear probability standard for withholding is more stringent than the well-founded fear of future persecution standard for asylum applications. Prela v. Ashcroft, 394 F.3d 515, 519 (7th Cir. 2005).

Tsegmed argues that his past harms are properly charac-terized as persecution on account of his Taij ethnicity, his membership in the Democratic Party, and his unique position in the military. He presents no arguments or evidence related to his ethnicity or his military position, however, and so we cannot rely on either of those grounds. This leaves his argu-ment that he was persecuted on account of his membership in the Democratic Party (that is, on the basis of his political opinion or membership in a particular social group).

If we were reviewing his petition as a matter of first im-pression, we might have come to a different conclusion. But we may reverse the BIA's determination only if we are com-pelled by the evidence to conclude that the agency erred. Dan-dan v. Ashcroft, 339 F.3d 567, 572 (7th Cir. 2003). The IJ and BIA found insufficient evidence to support the contention that Tsegmed's son and brother were murdered in 1999 and 2007, respectively. They also ruled that Tsegmed could not rely on derivative persecution of Bayarbat, as he had not alleged that Bayarbat had been framed in order to persecute Tsegmed. See Zhou Ji Ni v. Holder, 635 F.3d 1014, 1018 (7th Cir. 2011). While Tsegmed's story is a deeply troubling one, even with these qualifications, we cannot say that the Board's findings were tainted by legal error or a lack of support in the record.

Tsegmed's petition describes events that are reminiscent of other cases in which we have affirmed findings of past persecution. See, e.g., Vaduva v. INS, 131 F.3d 689, 690 (7th Cir. 1997) (finding that the BIA reasonably concluded that the petitioner suffered past persecution based on being beaten up by strangers warning him about political activity, but affirming denial of asylum based on the lack of a well-founded fear of future persecution). His claims of arrest, assault, and detention without food on account of his political party membership and activity depict more than mere harassment (a dis-turbingly vague concept). See Stanojkova, 645 F.3d at 948. But we also have affirmed findings that similar physical harms did not warrant a finding of past persecution. See, e.g., Sirbu v. Holder, 718 F.3d 655, 659 n.3 (7th Cir. 2013) (listing cases affirming findings of no past persecution). As we have previ-ously recognized, our past-persecution cases are all over the lot. Stanojkova, 645 F.3d at 947. That is why both Tsegmed and the government are able to cite cases that support their position; [the citations] cancel each other out. Id. In the close cases, where a reasonable trier of fact could make a decision either way, we should be able to defer to the judgment of the immigration judges and the Board. Sirbu, 718 F.3d at 660. That principle guides our decision to accept the Board's conclusion that Tsegmed did not manage to show past persecution.

Because he has not established past persecution, Tsegmed has the burden of demonstrating a clear probability that he will be persecuted in the future. Although the BIA did not reach this issue, the IJ found that he had not met his burden. The IJ concluded that although Tsegmed had a subjectively genuine fear of persecution if he is sent back to Mongolia, that fear is not objectively reasonable. The Democratic Party con-trols the presidency and a plurality of the Mongolian parlia-ment. The U.S. State Department reports that there are no official political prisoners or detainees in Mongolia. U.S. Dep't of State, Mongolia 2015 Human Rights Report, https://www.state.gov/documents/organization/252995.pdf. The IJ noted that there was no evidence that the Communist Party retains the ability to threaten Tsegmed, and that there was insufficient evidence that the party would be motivated to target an opponent who had not been politically active for a long time.

Nothing in the record requires us to conclude that Tsegmed faces a clear probability of future persecution. While Tsegmed argues that he had a well-founded fear of future persecution and that he faces a reasonable possibility of future persecution if he returns, that is not what he needs to show for withholding of removal. See Prela, 394 F.3d at 519. Showing a well-founded fear or reasonable possibility of persecution is a far cry from establishing that future persecution is more likely than not.

C

Finally, Tsegmed urges that he has demonstrated that he qualifies for relief under the CAT, which requires an applicant to show that it is more likely than not that he will be tortured if returned to the country in question. 8 C.F.R.  1208.16; Bitsin, 719 F.3d at 631. Torture is defined as any act by which severe pain or suffering[ ]  is intentionally inflicted on a person  when such pain or suffering is inflicted by or at the instigation of or with the consent or acquiescence of a public official or other person acting in an official capacity. 8 C.F.R.  1208.18(a)(1).

But Tsegmed presents no arguments in support of this claim. He says only that the evidence overwhelmingly established that he met his burden for withholding of removal and CAT as well. This is not sufficient to preserve his claim for our review. Puffer v. Allstate Ins. Co., 675 F.3d 709, 718 (7th Cir. 2012). But even if it were, the evidence we already have reviewed shows that the Board was entitled to find that Tsegmed has not shown that it is more likely than not he will be tortured if returned to Mongolia.

His petition for review is DENIED.

WOOD, Chief Judge.
Surviving a bite from a viper is rare.

Regarded as one the world's deadliest snakes, a lunge from a viper can cause intense pain, convulsions, nausea, and even paralysis, followed by death.

But one Ethiopian woman found herself lucky to escape alive after being bitten by one as she slept, shrugging it off as a dry bite.

She did not seek medical attention, however just three days later, was left fighting for breath after her throat and tongue swelled up rapidly.

In a case that has baffled doctors, the 20-year-old was rushed to hospital where she was eventually told she had caught a bacterial infection from the snake's mouth.

The unnamed woman, from Ethiopia, was diagnosed with Ludwigs angina, which makes the sufferer feel like they are being choked or strangled.

It is highly unusual following a snake bite, according to an article published in BMJ Case Reports.

The unnamed 20-year-old caught a deadly infection from the mouth of a viper snake

The woman first thought she was fine after the snake bit her on her jaw as she slept on the floor

Doctors were baffled

A quarter of a million people die every year with as a result of encounters with snakes such as vipers, cobras or kraits mainly because of their toxic venom.

Some types of vipers can strike at a speed of a quarter of a second  their long, hinged fangs act like a needle injecting a deep shot of poison into their prey.

The woman was therefore extremely lucky to not have been poisoned  especially since there was no antivenom even available at the small emergency department of Degehbur Hospital in the Somali region.

WHAT IS LUDWIG'S ANGINA? Ludwig angina was first described by Karl Friedrich Wilhelm von Ludwig in 1836. It can develop after an infection of the roots of the teeth (such as tooth abscess) or a mouth injury. The infected area swells quickly and may block airways. Other symptoms include: difficulty swallowing, drooling, unusual speech, tongue swelling or protrusion of the tongue out of the mouth, fever, neck pain and neck swelling. Patients may also have weakness, fatigue, confusion or other mental changes and earache. The condition is exceptionally rare nowadays as a result of widely available antibiotics therapy and advances in medical and surgical care. Advertisement

At first, doctors were did not know exactly what was causing her symptoms  including a high temperature and difficulty in swallowing  three days after the bite.

After being given steroids and antibiotics for 30 minutes with no improvement, they were ready to rush her to a hospital four hours away for a tracheostomy, an opening in her neck to insert a tube into the windpipe to help her breathe.

But the patient refused the intervention and began to respond to the drugs. She was discharged 10 days later.

Unusual reaction

Without intervention, patients with Ludwigs angina have a 50 per cent chance of survival, the report notes.

When a viper bite doesn't kill, local complications can include pain, death of the surrounding tissue and cellulitis, an infection of the deeper layers of skin.

Ludwigs Angina, which is a skin infection under the tongue which can rapid lead to airway compromise and death, is an unusual reaction to a snake bite, the doctors note.

'Contamination from oral flora of the snake could cause secondary wound infection,' they said.

'In this case, secondary infection would cause severe soft tissue inflammation and swelling of the neck and later on it would progress to Ludwigs angina.'
A teenage girl with eight toes on one foot has been able to walk in shoes for the first time after having life-changing surgery.

Rajwant Kaur, 18, from a small village in Punjab, north India, was born with club foot, which made walking almost impossible and was made worse as she could not find shoes to fit her misshapen feet.

It also affected her self-esteem and forced her siblings to help her with everyday tasks.

As her family were unable to afford treatment, a doctor performed a first-of-its-kind operation, christened Octoplus Club foot, for free.

Although a success, the procedure left Ms Kaur with one leg 2.5 inches (6.35cm) shorter than the other. Yet, she is still thrilled with her new foot.

Ms Kaur said: 'I am extremely happy that I can now wear shoes like other girls. One day I look forward to finally wearing pretty heels, this surgery has now made dreams possible and I will not stop dreaming of a better future now.

Scroll down for video

Rajwant Kaur, 18, has walked in shoes for the first time after having life-changing surgery

Ms Kaur was born with club foot on her left foot that caused her to have eight toes

Although the operation was a success, Ms Kaur has been left with one leg 2.5 inches shorter

WHAT IS CLUB FOOT? Club foot is a deformity of the feet and ankles that some babies are born with. It causes the feet to point inwards. The condition can make walking painful and difficult. It affects around one in 1,000 babies born in the UK to some extent. Causes are unknown, but there may be a genetic link. Treatment should be started within two weeks of birth to be most effective. Therapy involves gently manipulating the foot and setting it in a cast. A minor procedure may be required to help the feet sit in a normal position. Source: NHS Choices Advertisement

Daily struggle

Ms Kaurs father Shinghara Singh, 46, a labourer who earns the equivalent of around 2.40 a day, could not afford to pay for his daughter's treatment.

Several doctors told Mr Singh surgery would be expensive, so the family accepted it would never happen.

Ms Kaur relied on her five siblings, who were all born without the disability, to help her with everyday tasks.

Mr Singh said: I used to feel so helpless that I couldnt get my daughter get treatment due to our financial status. It felt a big failure.

'All her siblings were fine, but she had a huge disability. I was always worried about her but I tried to tell her that she was no less a person.

'I guess within my heart I always hoped someone some day would help.

The condition affected Ms Kaur's self-esteem and forced her siblings to help take care of her

Her father Shinghara Singh, 46, earning the equivalent of 2.40 a day, could not afford therapy

Dr Rattan Lal Mittal, 80, a surgeon at Mata Kaushalya Hospital did the operation for free

Affected her self-esteem

Ms Kaur's deformity also affected her self-esteem.

She said: I always felt at a disadvantage. My life was a negative.

'I couldnt walk properly and could never wear shoes. I wondered if anyone would ever give me a job or marry me when I was older.

People often stared at me with pity and I needed their encouragement, not sympathy.

Doctor performed free operation

Last year, Rajwant visited a free health camp led by Indias National Health Mission, who put her in touch with a doctor.

Dr Rattan Lal Mittal, 80, an orthopedic surgeon at Mata Kaushalya Hospital, in Patiala, performed surgery on Ms Kaur for free last August.

He said: She suffered from a complex and a rare congenital orthopedic disorder where she had eight toes - seven can clearly be seen while the eighth is within the skin.

'We removed the club foot deformity and the extra toes and her foot was fully corrected.

The girl couldnt wear a shoe. If she hadnt been treated she would have further damaged her lower limb joints - ankle, knee, hip and spine, which would then have affected other limbs also. It was imperative that we operated on her.

Dr Mittal has named the first-of-its-kind surgery Octoplus Club foot due to Ms Kaur's foot's resemblance to an octopus.

He said: This appears to be the first time this type of surgery has ever been done in the world. I'm very pleased.'

Dr Mittal named the surgery 'Octoplus Club foot' due to the foot's resemblance to the animal

After surgery, Ms Kaur required months of physiotherapy sessions to help her recover

Ms Kaur is happy with the results (pictured with her father and mother Harvinder Kaur, 42)

WHAT IS THE 'RUSSIAN LIMB LENGTHENING TECHNIQUE'? The Ilizarov Scientific Centre in south-east Russia promises to extend a patient's height by a foot. The procedure, known as Ilizarov Frame, gradually moves the two sections of bone further and further apart. By preventing the broken ends from rejoining naturally, new bone cells form and fill the space between. Every day, as new bone begins to form, the broken sections are pulled slightly further apart. Through this process, it is possible to lengthen the bone by almost 2 inches (5.08cm) a month. The body also grows new nerves and muscles. Advertisement

Happy with the results

After surgery Ms Kaur required months of physiotherapy sessions to fully rectify her condition.

Earlier this month, she was finally able to wear her first pair of shoes.

Yet, the surgery shortened Ms Kaurs leg by 2.5 inches (6.35cm), which Dr Mittal has promised to extend at a later date.

He said: Ive innovated a low-cost version of the famous Russian limb lengthening technique and I will do a height extension operation on her within the next three months.

Ms Kaur, who hopes to become a teacher, is delighted with her new feet.

She said: I cannot thank Dr Mittal enough for this surgery.

'Walking normally and wearing shoes has been impossible for me. I am extremely happy that I can now wear shoes like other girls.

'Im currently wearing a shoe raise because of the shortening of my leg but that will get fixed.

'One day I look forward to finally wearing pretty heels, this surgery has now made dreams possible and I will not stop dreaming of a better future now.
Organic vegetables really are healthier to eat than standard ones, comprehensive new research confirms.

Products grown without using toxic chemicals, which can cost twice as much as a result, contain higher levels of flavonols.

These vegetables have 20 per cent more of the antioxidants, which prevent damage to the body, an Irish study suggests.

It comes five years after a major review of more than 200 studies concluded that organic food offered no nutritional benefit.

However, the new Teagasc Food Research Centre, Ashtown, investigation is the longest-running study to address the issue.

Products grown without using toxic chemicals, which can cost twice as much as a result, contain higher levels of flavonols, a study found

The findings will be welcomed by organic farmers, whose claims their food is more nutritious have previously been rubbished by the government watchdog.

On its website, the Food Standards Agency says the balance of current scientific evidence does not support this view.

'Interesting research'

Commenting on the study, Fiona Hunter, registered nutritionist and spokesperson for Healthspan told MailOnline it was 'interesting research'.

She added: 'Just because its the case for one vegetable and one group of phyto-chemicals, it doesnt mean this will be the same for other fruits and vegetables.

'The truth is, we really dont know how many vitamins and minerals and phyto-chemicals, fruit and vegetables contain today.

'Some researchers feel that modern day farming can mean that produce today contains fewer vitamins and minerals than those our grandparents ate.'

How was the study carried out?

Researchers assessed the levels of flavonoids and antioxidants in 'Red Baron' and 'Hyskin' onions between 2009 and 2014.

These forms of the vegetable are known to be high in quercetin - hailed by scientists for its cancer-fighting properties.

ORGANIC ISN'T GOOD FOR THE PLANET Organic farming, supported by celebrities such as Gwyneth Paltrow, may not be better for the planet. A major study of organic farms in March reported some benefits of cutting out pesticides are being undone because so few crops are produced. Yields can be 40 per cent lower than on traditional farms, meaning more land is needed which adds to greenhouse gases and water shortages. The study in the journal Science Advances stated that organic food is not the holy grail to fix the environment and food security challenges  while it may have only marginal health benefits. University of British Columbia researchers also criticised the cost, as shoppers who buy organic can see their grocery bills rise by up to 50 per cent. Advertisement

A range of crops, grown either organically or using pesticides, were measured for their levels of the compounds, according to the report published in the ACS' Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry.

What did they find?

As well as being higher in flavonoids, the researchers also found that antioxidant activity was higher in both varieties of organic onions.

To be certified as organic, farmers are unable to use the strong chemical weedkillers and pesticides on their vegetables.

Instead, they use natural forms of growing crops in time for their harvest, such as biological pest control and rotation.

However, due to this method of farming being less efficient, it costs more to produce - explaining the higher price of such vegetables.

The downside of organic...

But researchers have long warned that people buying organic products are doing more damage to the environment than they think.

Yields can be 40 per cent lower than on traditional farms, meaning more land is needed which adds to greenhouse gases and water shortages.

Sales of organic produce has soared in recent years, with figures suggesting it has quadrupled since the turn of the century.

Today there are 43.7 million hectares dedicated to organic farming across the world, compared to just 11 million in 1999.
Experts fear a rise in marijuana abuse as figures show an increase in the number of adults using the drug in states where laws on its use are lax.

A new report found adults aged 26 and older had the highest increase of marijuana use, jumping more than two percent in a month-span after recreational laws were passed in eight states.

Researchers from Columbia University also found there was a rise in heavy use of the drug and are concerned this prevalence could lead to higher abuse figures.

Studies claim that dependency on the drug could lead to a weakened memory and have negative effects on behavior.

As legalization of marijuana becomes more widespread throughout the US, experts are quickly trying to gauge the drug's impact on society.

Adults aged 26 and older had the highest increase of marijuana use since eight states legalized recreational use, a new Columbia University study reports

The study was conducted by researchers at Columbia University's public health and medical center departments.

Experts used data from the National Survey of Drug Use and Health from 2004-2013 to track marijuana trends over time with particular emphasis on different age groups.

These groups included teens, young adults and adults.

Researchers determined the prevalence of marijuana use outcomes by looking at states that legalized marijuana for medical use or recreational use.

Both medical and recreational use of marijuana are legal in Massachusetts, Colorado, Washington, Alaska, Oregon, Nevada, California and Maine.

Restricted for medical use only are: Montana, North Dakota, Arizona, New Mexico, Arkansas, Louisiana, Florida, Illinois, Minnesota, Michigan, Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, District of Columbia, Vermont, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Delaware and Hawaii.

Researchers concluded there was little change in rates among adolescents or young adults (aged 18 to 25) but adults over the age of 26 increased from four percent to 6.59 percent.

They also found there was an annual increase in near-daily users of 2.36 percent.

SEAMLESS FOR WEED? CALIFORNIA COULD ALLOW HOME DELIVERIES California would set standards for organic marijuana, allow pot samples at county fairs and permit home deliveries under legislation that was considered by lawmakers on June 15. Lawmakers and Gov. Jerry Brown's administration are working to merge California's new voter-approved recreational pot law with the state's longstanding medical marijuana program. They have settled on an array of regulations to protect consumers and public safety while ensuring taxes are collected. By 2018, state officials must have crafted regulations and rules governing the emerging legal marijuana market with an estimated annual sales value of $7 billion - ranging from where and how plants can be grown to setting guidelines to track the buds from fields to stores. Full legal sales are expected to roll out later in the year. In general, the state will treat cannabis like alcohol, allowing people 21 and older to legally possess up to an ounce of marijuana and grow six marijuana plants at home. The budget agreement includes $118 million to pay for startup costs for the newly regulated industry, including technology and staff to work on regulations and issue licenses. Advertisement

Study author Silvia Martins said: 'In addition to the increase in rates of marijuana use among this age group, we found that the magnitude of impact on rates of marijuana use was greatest among heavy users.'

Dr Martins along with co-author Arthur Robin Williams said these rising rates could lead to more adults becoming dependent on the drug.

Williams added: 'States with non-medical or lax programs may bear the brunt of this increase, especially among adults over age 25.'

However, both acknowledge that more research is needed to determine that this increase will correspond to cannabis use disorder down the road.

As states are rapidly legalizing marijuana, experts are quickly trying to understand the health benefits, dangers and social implications the drug can lead to.

Colorado, the 'cannabis ground zero' state, legalized marijuana for medical use in 2010.

Since then, a record number of teens have been hospitalized for marijuana-related illnesses, with rates quadrupling in number.

There was a surge in cases in 2014, when state lawmakers agreed to legalize marijuana for recreational use as well.

Another study found more than 36 million Americans could be allergic to marijuana - even if they passively inhale it.

According to a report on the nation's allergies, 73 percent of the 50 million people who react to pollen also have issues with cannabis - and the figure is rising.

Scientists warn reactions even occur in people who are merely exposed to marijuana smoke, rather than consuming the drug themselves.

Researchers found in some cases exposure to marijuana pollen or cannabis smoke provoked symptoms of allergic rhinitis, caused by inflammation of the nasal passages, causing sneezing, congestion, itching and a runny nose.

While the benefits and drawbacks of cannabis are still being frequently been discussed, the former Surgeon General to Obama weighed in on the topic and admitted it can be helpful but research isn't fully up to speed.
Doctors removed 28 pounds of feces from the bowels of a man who was reportedly constipated since birth.

The unnamed 22-year-old had 30 inches of his grossly enlarged bowel removed by surgeons at Tenth People's Hospital of Shanghai in China.

It is believed the young man had Hirschsprung's disease, which causes the bowels to swell because the nerves that are supposed to control the gut are missing.

Chinese doctors removed 28 pounds of feces from the bowels of a 22-year-old man who was reportedly constipated since birth (pictured)

Doctors said the man looked like he was nine months pregnant because of the painful enlargement and feces backup.

The medical experts believe he had been constipated for years and looked 'like he was about to explode.'

The patient said he had always suffered from constipation and used laxatives, but those only offered a brief relief.

The surgeons at Tenth People's Hospital of Shanghai in China removed 30 inches of the affected part of his colon (pictured)

He finally went to the hospital so doctors could relieve him of his symptoms.

Tests conducted determined the man had months, even years, worth of feces inside a portion of his colon, causing the immense swelling of his abdomen.

Dr Yin Lu said the procedure lasted three hours and removed the enlarged body part, according to Inverse Science.

After removing his gut, surgeons stitched it up at both ends to stop feces from falling out.

Hirschsprung's disease affects one in every 5,000 babies.

The disease is uncommonly diagnosed in adults and is more common for males to be affected by the condition.

HIRSCHSPRUNG'S DISEASE Hirschsprung's disease is a rare condition that causes feces to become stuck in the bowels. It'a a congenital condition that mainly affects babies and young children. Muscles in the gut are normally under involuntary control from the nervous system. Muscle layers in the gut are connected to an automatic nervous system which controls many of the body's organ, and in the gut this network of nerves is called the enteric nervous system. It's responsible for moving the gut, helping it move food along the intestines, helping break food down and finally compacting it to form faeces. This connection between the nervous system and the gut is formed early in life - in the womb. In people who have the disease, the nerve cells fail to migrate to the gut during development in the womb - so the important connection is impaired. This means that the muscle layer which lines the intestines isn't automatically controlled, so the intestines can't move the feces along. In terms of treatment, the only effective way of resolving the condition is surgery, however other therapies, such as stem cells therapy are being developed. Advertisement

Hirschsprung's is associated with certain inherited conditions, such as Down's syndrome and other abnormalities present at birth, such as congenital heart disease, according to the Mayo Clinic.

According to Dr Adam Taylor, director of the Clinical Anatomy Learning Centre at Lancaster University in an article for The Conversation, the earliest reference to a possible Hirschsprungs disease (pronounced hirsh sproongz) case comes from Europe in 1691.

At the time, a Dutch anatomist described a young girl with abdominal pain and a large colon, and following this many other cases appeared in medical literature.

It took until the mid 1900s before the caused of the disease became clearer, and a breakthrough in 1948 occurred when two American doctors found an absence of nerve cells in the large bowel of children who had the condition.

The disease is sometimes observed in families and might be caused by genetic mutations - but the causes of the disease are complex as it's thought that more than one gene is involved.

Muscles in the gut are normally under involuntary control from the nervous system.

Muscle layers in the gut are connected to an automatic nervous system which controls many of the body's organ, and in the gut this network of nerves is called the enteric nervous system.

It's responsible for moving the gut, helping it move food along the intestines, helping break food down and finally compacting it to form faeces.

This connection between the nervous system and the gut is formed early in life - in the womb.

In people who have the disease, the nerve cells fail to migrate to the gut during development in the womb - so the important connection is impaired.

This means that the muscle layer which lines the intestines isn't automatically controlled, so the intestines can't move the feces along.

The feces accumulate, eventually causing swelling of the bowel.

According to Dr Taylor, the first 48 hours after birth are the most important for detecting the disease, because newborns usually have their first bowel movement during this time.

Hirschsprung's disease affects one in every 5,000 babies. Pictured: Doctor with section of colon removed from the unnamed 22-year-old chinese man with Hirschsprung's disease

If a baby doesn't defocate during this time, it can indicated that he or she has the disease, and doctors usually perform x-rays and biopsies to confirm the diagnosis.

If the disease goes undiagnosed, signs in young children, signs include a swollen stomach, persistent constipation, failure to thrive, not eating well and gaining lots of weight.

In terms of treatment, the only effective way of resolving the condition is surgery.

It involves removing the parts of the bowel that don't have nerves attached, and connecting the remaining functioning part of the bowel to the anus - this is called 'pull-through' surgery.

However, other treatments are being developed, including using a patient's stem cells to repopulate the section of the bowel that doesn't have them - and there's already been positive research results with this option.

Another therapy involves using genome editing CRIPSR technology to correct the genetic mutations that lead to the disease.

This therapy should help nerve cells reach the gut during early developmental stages in the womb.
Health officials still don't know what causes a mysterious polio-like illness that hospitalized nearly 130 children in a year.

After an outbreak of a rare virus called acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) last year, medical experts are no closer to understanding the sickness than when it was discovered in 2014.

With around 130 cases reported last year, the CDC still does not know what causes the sickness, how it progresses or even who is most at risk for contracting it.

The syndrome affects the spinal cord and is caused by a fever which can lead to paralysis and children being hospitalized for months.

Children across the country are still recovering since they fell, with many left partially paralyzed and have difficulties walking.

There have been five cases of AFM reported so far this year but the organization has no way of knowing if it should expect another outbreak.

The CDC still has no idea behind the cause of a rare polio-like illness called acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) since it was first detected in 2014 and there was an outbreak in 2016 (file photo)

WHAT IS TRANSVERSE MYELITIS AND AFM? The term 'myelitis' means inflammation of the spinal cord. Transverse myelitis is the broad name of the disease, and there are various sub-types. It is a neurological disorder which inflames the spinal cord across its width destroying the fatty substance that protects nerve cells. That can lead to paralysis. AFM is an unusual sub-type of transverse myelitis. Patients starts with the same spinal inflammation, but their symptoms are different and the disease develops differently. Primarily, AFM patients are weak and limp, while patients with general transverse myelitis tend to be rigid. Most AFM patients start to struggle with movement of the limbs, face, tongue, and eyes, and eventually their whole body. Advertisement

The first case of AFM was detected in 2014 after scores of children were hospitalized due to the polio-like illness.

Typically, the first signs of the sickness is that patients start to struggle with movement of the limbs, face, tongue and eyes.

They then begin to lose control of one limb or sometimes the whole body - though many maintain control of their sensory, bowel and bladder functions.

Unlike transverse myelitis, which has been around for years, doctors are still in the dark about why and how AFM manifests itself.

Anthony DeCristoforo, five, and Lucas Detloff, one, are two victims who have to live with their new disability.

The two little boys from Lower Bucks County in Pennsylvania are now learning how to walk again after they both were diagnosed with AFM last year.

Anthony is learning to get around with the help of a walker and Lucas uses a wheelchair, reported the Bucks County Courier Times.

Both were left partially paralyzed in their legs due to the virus infection.

The boys are just two of the many children whose lives were altered from the rare and mysterious disease.

Tracy Ayers of the CDC revealed to a meeting of the CDCs Epidemic Intelligence Service that there has been no progress in understanding the illness since 2014.

She said to reporters: 'We have tested for over 250 different organisms that could be causing this. We are also expanding to look at non-infectious diseases.

'After a decrease in 2015, acute flaccid myelitis cases increased during 2016 raising concerns of a resurgence.

The organization insisted that the disease is still very rare, with less than one in a million chance of contracting it.

Still the CDC issued a report warning about the illness in 2016 due to the surge in cases - a total of 138 people in 37 states for the year.

Experts don't know much about the sickness so they can't predict if this year's rates are on the rise or declining. Last year, cases rocketed in the late summer months.

Now the CDC is asking doctors to collect blood and spinal fluid samples from suspected patients at first signs of AFM because the body can quickly fight off the infection and leave no traces.

Keith Van Haren, a child neurologist at Stanford University School of Medicine, told The Atlantic in 2015 that doctors don't know how to treat or prevent the illness.

'It actually looks just like polio, but that term really freaks out the public-health people,' he said.

Although officials do not know the specific cause of the illness, the CDC reports that the polio-like illness is most similar to illnesses caused by enteroviruses, West Nile virus, herpesvirus, and the adenovirus.
NATURE

ADAPT: HOW WE CAN LEARN FROM NATURES STRANGEST INVENTIONS

by Amina Khan (Atlantic 12.99)

The sea cucumber is not a creature blessed with much beauty or brains.

It looks like a pickle with some unmentionable skin disease and, in fact, it has no brain at all  just a ring of nerves around its mouth which stretch down the length of its body.

Couture: Model Gigi Hadid

It does, however, possess one secret superpower: when threatened, it can go rigid, turning from the consistency of playdough to hard plastic.

And recently, by studying this strange creature, scientists in the U.S. have been able to create a material that can similarly change from hard to soft and back again.

(The sea cucumber also has the ability to shoot its lungs out of its bottom, but this skill has so far proved less inspirational to researchers.)

This is an example of what is known as biologically inspired design or biomimicry.

Its a thriving field of scientific endeavour  as Amina Khans wide-ranging book reveals, the sea cucumber is only one of many animals that are currently being studied.

Cuttlefish, which can change colour with bewildering speed, are proving useful to military scientists wanting to create more effective camouflage gear.

Leading fashionistas are also showing interest in fabrics that alter their designs as the model moves down the catwalk.

Looking at the bumps on the fins of humpback whales may improve the design of wind turbines, and scientists are learning from ant colonies how better to control traffic.

Biomimicry is not new. In 1941, the Swiss inventor George de Mestral returned from walking his dog and the animals fur was covered with burrs. De Mestral struggled to pull them off.

ADAPT: HOW WE CAN LEARN FROM NATURES STRANGEST INVENTIONS by Amina Khan (Atlantic 12.99)

Curious as to why they were so sticky, he examined them under a microscope and saw tiny, looped hooks.

Ten years later, he patented Velcro, which makes use of the same principles.

Today, robotics has proved a particularly fruitful area for those interested in biologically inspired design. There are researchers in the U.S. working on flying robots based on hummingbirds and worm-like robots that burrow underground.

In the not too distant future there could even be swarms of bee-like machines, working together to survey vast areas of another planet.

Howie Choset, a roboticist at Carnegie Mellon University in the U.S., has already created a snake robot. This can slither into holes and crevices that humans and more cumbersome machines cant access.

Chosets hope is that it will one day prove invaluable in the aftermath of earthquakes, fires and other disasters.

In 2011, he took his creation to Egypt to see if it could help in the investigation of archaeological sites. Sadly, it failed to traverse the sandy slopes of the desert, though it did cause a stir when it climbed up the inside leg of the chief of the Supreme Council of Antiquities.

Perhaps the most productive work in biologically inspired design could be, in the future, linked with a concept known as emergence.

In Khans words, this is the way that large-scale, complex systems can arise out of very simple interactions between many different agents, without any central plan.

In nature, an ant colony is an example of emergence; in human technology, there is the internet.

The Anternet, as one scientist working in the field calls it, has probably been around for roughly 150 million years. There are 14,000 species of ants, of which weve studied about 50 in detail.

Maybe by looking closely at other species, we can discover networking algorithms that have been used by ants for eons and could be useful to us.

Study nature, not books, the 19th-century zoologist Louis Agassiz once said.

Khans fascinating book shows just how much modern scientists have taken his words to heart. By doing so, they have produced some mind-boggling results.
WINSTON, CHURCHILL AND ME by Jonathan Dudley (Skyscraper 7.99)

WINSTON, CHURCHILL AND ME

by Jonathan Dudley

(Skyscraper 7.99)

In 1949, Jonathan Dudley was eight years old. His father had been killed in the war and he lived partly with his grandparents in Hampshire, returning to London in term time to attend Gibbs, a pre-prep school for boys.

His desk-mate there was a boy called Winston, who unexpectedly invited Jonathan to stay at his grandparents house in Kent.

Winston, it turned out, was the grandson of Winston Churchill, then leader of the opposition.

This charming short memoir gives a childs-eye view of life at Chartwell, from watching Pride And Prejudice in the Churchills private cinema (Mrs and Mrs Churchill talked throughout), to the horror of being asked by the great man what he intended to do when he grew up.

Plagued by a stammer, Jonathan eventually managed to splutter out: F-f-fishmonger!

I READ THE NEWS TODAY, OH BOY by Paul Howard (Picador 9.99)

I READ THE NEWS TODAY, OH BOY

by Paul Howard

(Picador 9.99)

A Day In The Life is the final track on The Beatless 1967 album Sgt Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band, and contains some of their most haunting lyrics.

It was inspired in part by the death of 21-year-old Tara Browne, an aristocratic Irish socialite and style icon who fatally crashed his Lotus Elan in Chelsea on December 18, 1966.

Howards biography gives a sympathetic portrait of this gilded sprig of the Guinness clan  a rich playboy who was also a car mechanic; a friend of the Rolling Stones who lived at the epicentre of high Bohemian society, but constantly confided to friends his fear that people only like me for my money.

Howard balances the poignant story of Brownes fractured childhood, short life and the two sons who would become the subject of a family feud after his death with a vivid sense of the sheer fun of being alive and young in Swinging London.

LES PARISIENNES by Anne Sebba (W&N 9.99)

LES PARISIENNES

by Anne Sebba

(W&N 9.99)

When the Germans invaded France in June 1940, their arrival  much dreaded by the French population  proved to be almost a relief.

Having been so afraid, the people of Paris began to tease the invaders. After the agony of defeat, a kind of euphoria reigned.

It did not last. As the well-dressed, amiable invaders began to deport the Jewish population and anyone who opposed the Nazis, a stark choice faced the French: they could collaborate with the enemy, keep their heads down and do nothing  or they could resist.

Anne Sebbas remarkable history of the women who chose to defy the invaders, often at terrible cost to themselves, gives an inspiring account of the courageous contribution  still too little acknowledged  of Frenchwomen to the Resistance.
Information about the personal lives of China's leaders is such a closely guarded secret that few in China even know their birthdays.

So when Prime Minister Narendra Modi, early on Thursday, posted a message on China's social media website Sina Weibo  a Twitter equivalent where he has 1.7 lakh followers  wishing Chinese President Xi Jinping on his birthday, the news remarkably came as quite a surprise to Chinese Internet users.

The PM posted in Mandarin, 'On the occasion of President Xi Jinping's birthday, I congratulate him, and wish he lives till one hundred years and has a healthy life.'

Modi posted a message on China's Twitter-like social media website Sina Weibo

He added, 'A few days ago, I met President Xi Jinping during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Astana, and we had a fruitful discussion to further promote the development of India China relations.'

The PM's tweet was liked by 800 people and forwarded and commented on by more than 200. The numbers suggest Sina Weibo is screening comments as it usually does when China's leader is involved.

In China's heavily censored Internet, news about the personal lives of Chinese leaders - from their birthdays to their families - are strictly off limits.

'Why don't officials tell us it's their birthday?' asked one user, Mornwoo, from the port city of Tianjin.

'Wish Chairman Xi enjoys a healthy life!' added user Buxiaoming, while another wondered who helped PM Modi post his message in Chinese or if he did it himself.

One reason why showcasing personal lives is a strict no-no, beyond the Communist Party's abiding objective of controlling public opinion and the public image of its leaders, is a historical post-Mao aversion to personality cults of any sort.

Information about the personal lives of China's leaders is such a closely guarded secret that few in China even know their birthdays (pictured - China's President Xi Jinping)

Xi is perhaps the only leader after Mao and Deng Xiaoping who has allowed some elements of a public persona to emerge, unlike his cautious predecessor Hu Jintao.

Xi's visit to a local steamed bun shop in Beijing, for instance, was allowed to receive wide coverage, in part because it presented him as a populist.

Still, his birthday and other personal details are off limits and sharing such details could land Internet users in China in trouble - unless, of course, it is the Prime Minister of India who is sharing it.
Even before Islamic State (ISIS) has set foot in Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistani intelligence agencies are trying to glamourise and popularise the radical terrorist group to attract more Kashmiri youth.

With 'inspirational' videos, potential recruits are stirred into taking pride in being the true warriors of Islam for fighting a holy jihad.

'The ISIS has a huge fan following among the youth in the state and the existing terror groups are also now modelling themselves on those lines to attract more youngsters for the cause of Islam, than those fighting for Kashmir,' sources in Indian intelligence agencies told Mail Today.

Large number of youths are watching videos of Islamic State attacks with the forces in Syria and Iraq (pictured - Kashmiri protesters shout anti-India and pro-Pakistan slogans as they hold Pakistan, ISIS, Lashkar-e-Toiba, Palestinian flags and a pictures of leader of Islamic State of Iraq and Syria Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi)

Officials said the popularity of ISIS can be gauged from the fact that agencies monitoring internet traffic have been observing that a large number of youths are watching videos of Islamic State attacks in West Asia and its clashes with the militaries in Syria and Iraq.

'There was stagnation as far as the number of youths joining the Hizbul Mujahideen and Lashkare- Taiba as they had become dormant.

'With the ISIS propaganda techniques adopted by Pakistani spy agencies and terror groups, they have brought a new zeal into their activities,' the sources said.

Recruits are stirred into taking pride in being a 'true warrior of Islam' and fighting a jihad

Intelligence agencies fear that this might act as a stepping stone for ISIS, which would find it easy to take over or eliminate other groups operating in the state in the future.

'When they really try to enter the trouble-torn state, they would have already been turned into a magnet to attract both existing terrorists and fresh recruits into their fold,' they said.

India has the world's third-largest Muslim population at nearly 170 million but only a handful of them have joined Islamic State.

The agencies are also worried and tracking the youths, especially those from India and neighbouring countries, who had gone to join ISIS in Iraq, Libya, Syria as well as Afghanistan - which is emerging as a new hub for the radical Islamic group - and are likely to return.

A Kashmiri Muslim protester wears an ISIS mask during pro-freedom clashes in old Srinagar. It is thought that Abdulla is also trying to recruit youngsters from India to the terrorist outfit

'With the defeat of ISIS in West Asia, there are concerns among security forces about how and where the remaining fighters will move after they are ousted from the areas held by them,' the sources said.

Security forces deployed in Kashmir say they have seen the youth displaying admiration and sympathy for ISIS but, so far, nobody has been caught or questioned for being a direct Islamic State supporter or operative.

'Even though the Kashmiri protesters have been waving ISIS flags during protests, till date there is no point person or organisation that can be called or identified as the representative of the dreaded outfit,' Army sources said.

Officials added that they have also not registered any direct contact between ISIS operatives sitting in West Asia with any terrorist group operating in Kashmir, but several youths have been chatting with them over the internet using anonymous or fictitious identities.

In recent times, rising radicalisation in the state has created divisions even in terrorist outfits, as former Hizbul Mujahideen commander Zakir Musa parted ways with the organisation in May.

He has set up a new group, Taliban-e-Kashmir, to follow a radical approach towards waging a war in the Valley and establishing an Islamic state.




Senator Lamar Alexander Friday announced that his resolution to designate June 20, 2017 as American Eagle Day unanimously passed the Senate.



American Eagle Day is a day to celebrate the recovery and restoration of our national symbol, the bald eagle, Senator Alexander said. Im also especially proud as a Tennessean that the American Eagle Foundation in Pigeon Forge has played such a leading role for more than 30 years in preserving this magnificent bird.



This is the 10th year the Senate has passed a resolution to designate June 20 as American Eagle Day, and Alexander has been the lead sponsor each year.



The bald eagle was officially designated as the national emblem of the United States on June 20, 1782. The Alexander resolution designates June 20, 2017, as American Eagle Day and encourages educational entities, businesses, conservation groups, government agencies, and others to collaborate on information about bald eagles for use in schools.



In 1963, the number of nesting pairs of bald eagles in the lower 48 states dropped to about 417. By 2007, that number had increased to approximately 10,000 nesting pairs, an increase of approximately 2,500 percent from 40 years ago. Because of this success, the U.S. Department of the Interior officially delisted the bald eagle from both the endangered and threatened species lists under the Endangered Species Act on June 28, 2007. Today, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, there are approximately 72,000 bald eagles in the lower 48 states and 70,000 in Alaska, officials said.
Undoubtedly, the biggest hurdle for the uptake of electric cars in the UK is the poor charging infrastructure in the country.

Even the most populated cities like London, Birmingham and Glasgow don't have enough public charge points to cater for the electric vehicle market to expand, and issues with reliability, multiple socket types and difficulty to find one unoccupied is leaving many early adopters scratching their heads.

But a new smart cable could be the shining light that's needed to scale the problem, quite literally.

That's because it plugs directly into existing street lamps to charge your EV.

Bright idea: Instead of installing standalone charge points, a German firm has come up with the ingenious idea of tapping into the power supply at the nation's 7.5 million lamp posts

It's from German tech firm Ubitricity and is being used in a number of London boroughs, including Richmond upon Thames, as of this week.

Sockets have already been installed in lamp posts for residents across Twickenham and Barnes, each at the cost of 1,000.

That's significantly cheaper than the rumoured 6,000-a-piece charge points already in use in the capital and new conversions can be funded through the 2.5million 'On-street Residential Chargepoint Scheme' local councils can apply to dip into through the Office for Low Emissions Vehicles.

With 7.5 million street lamps in the UK, according to Highways Agency figures, it could be the most affordable answer to the nation's need for an improved EV infrastructure to make plug-in vehicles more practical for the wider market and to reduce the exceedingly high pollution levels in urban areas.

EV owners simply purchase the specialist smart charging cable, which holds all metering and billing information that is then relayed to the user's mobile electricity contract.

Some users may have concerns for security though, as there seems to be no way of preventing someone of stealing the expensive cable or simply removing it to charge their own car at your cost.

Once the council has okayed the use of the new system, the panel on existing street lamp posts is removed, and a socket is installed with a new cover attached.

Users will have to purchase a special charging cable (which costs around 50 more than the standard cable that comes with a plug-in hybrid or electric car) that controls all usage and billing information

Even listed lamp posts can be converted, Ubitricity said - like this one in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea

That means the structure of the lamp post remains the same at all times, negating the need for a standalone unit or ongoing installation costs and hold-ups for road users.

In fact, a spokesperson for the brand told This is Money that each socket can be fitted in under 30 minutes and can be removed within three minutes, if necessary.

The age of the lamp post also appears to be of little issue - Ubitricity has already installed sockets to heritage-listed lamp posts in Kensington and Chelsea under approval of the council.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST AND HOW AM I BILLED? The Smart Cable costs around 50 more than the standard cable that comes with the car you've bought. It can be used as a direct replacement and will work on Ubitricity and non Ubitricity sockets, so you will only need to carry the one. When used on non Ubitricity sockets it works in a passive mode and Ubitricity do not see any of the data. The contract is not fixed term and typically is a rolling monthly contract. The cost of electricity is similar to domestic rates, currently around 15p per kilowatt hour as it taps into the electricity that's already there via the existing street furniture and existing electrical connection. There is also a 9p plug-in charge (every time you plug into a column) and a 'small monthly base fee'. The prices available will vary depending on the car, a small plug in hybrid may have a different tariff from a full EV with a 100kWh battery - this follows the same principal as a mobile phone with different tariffs available depending how much you use your it. The SmartCable will also offer the unique opportunity for residents to select their own energy provider. They will then be able to take their own mobile energy tariff to any of the Ubitricity sockets across the UK.

It would mean no additional street furniture cluttering the roadside and avoids the need for dedicated EV parking bays that strip conventional car owners of limited spaces in the country's major cities.

London boroughs already signed up to the initiative have been converting groups of lamp posts in busy areas, with Richmond Council hoping to provide 'lamp column chargers in residential roads across the borough for both businesses and residents'.

Richmond Council Cabinet Member for Highways, Peter Buckwell said: 'Poor air quality is one of the biggest issues facing London. We need to do everything we can to cut vehicle emissions.

'Supporting the take up of electric cars is a key priority for this Council.

'These zero or low-emission vehicles have the potential to reduce local air pollution but we have to provide the charging infrastructure if that is going to happen.

'I hope that as we continue to roll out more charging points, even more residents will start buying electric cars.

'They aren't just good for the environment, they are also good for the pocket.'

Greg Edwards, Transport Planner at the London Borough of Hounslow added: 'The Council has faced a number of challenges installing electric vehicle charging infrastructure in residential areas because of concerns around the addition of street clutter and the associated costs with installation.

'There have also been challenges with implementing dedicating parking for electric vehicles, which we've found can cause friction between residents at a time when electric vehicles make up a small share of the overall market.

'We turned to Ubitricity for its solution because it addresses many of these issues.

Converting the street lamps to chargers costs around 1,000, though local councils can use the 2.5 million supp;lied under the On-street Residential Chargepoint Scheme by the Office for Low Emissions Vehicles

Each post takes just 30 minutes to be switched into a charge point and can be removed again in 3 minutes, Ubitricity told This is Money

'Because the technology can be retrofitted into existing streetlights, we can avoid adding unnecessary street furniture to residential streets and since we can connect to an existing electrical supply we also avoid any associated civils work, which subsequently reduces installation time and overall cost.

'As part of our offer to residents, we have installed 36 charge points with 12 Hounslow residents participating in a dedicated trial and we will be installing 75 charge points by Summer 2019.'

According to vehicle-charging website zap-map.com, there are 4,476 UK locations with a public charging point with a total of 6,910 devices across the country.

The total number of connectors (some have more than one) is 12,839 and 373 new connectors have been added to the network in the last 30 days.
Underfire: Fusionex chief executive Ivan Teh

A tech entrepreneur who claimed his company was an ambassador for Asian firms has snatched it back from investors after the firm saw its value plunge by 116 million.

After listing in London five years ago, Fusionex chief executive Ivan Teh said the software firm had a responsibility to protect the reputation of others who might follow suit.

But yesterday the 41-year-old seized control of the Malaysian business by the back door, with a vote to delist it from the Alternative Investment Market.

The controversial plan has dismayed minority shareholders who could be left nursing huge losses on investments.

Fusionexs spin doctors, broker and chairman have all walked out in protest.

Teh has a 41 per cent stake, and won support from allies, including apparent family members.

The resolution to allow him to take back the company was passed by 85 per cent.

Since the plan was unveiled in May, it has sent Fusionexs share price tumbling from 129p to about 35.5p, wiping 14 million off its value.

Minority shareholders who could lose out include the West Yorkshire Pension Fund  for firefighters and council workers, among others  which has a 2.8 per cent stake and Credit Suisse, which has a 3.6 per cent stake.

FUSIONEX: THE LOWDOWN Computer software firm launched in 2006 by chief executive Ivan Teh, who claimed to have worked 18-hour days to get it off the ground

In December 2012 he floated Fusionex in the UK - demand for shares was 300 times more than those available

It was worth 117 million in February 2014. By May this year it was worth 21 million

Shares have faller further and the firm is now worth just 5 million

Investors are told shares had been disappointing and undervalued and Teh decides to take back the firm

One of the Citys top investment groups, Standard Life, condemned the vote. Head of governance Euan Stirling said: It feels like the company has been taken from us without our consent. I dont think this has done the credibility of markets any favours at all.

In a letter from the company, shareholders were told the move should not be misinterpreted as a sign of weakness and that Fusionexs future remained positive.

The proposal led to PR agency Buchanan walking out. Account director Steph Watson said yesterday: The [de-listing] was not in the interests of shareholders and therefore we did not support it. Former chairman John Croft also resigned last month and broker Peel Hunt quit over major disagreements.

It comes after Tehs business was hailed as a success story in the Asia Pacific entrepreneurship awards with the boss saying in 2014 of his companys flotation: Taking all that money comes with a sense of responsibility. You have to do something in return.

Teh said: I appreciate that the proposal to delist did not sit favourably with every single shareholder, but I am confident that the future will demonstrate that the move will unlock the true value of Fusionex.
RUBY REVENUE Precious stones specialist Gemfields said it made record revenues of 42.9 million from its latest auction of rubies from Mozambique, held in Singapore.

RBS BOOST Credit agency Moodys has upgraded Royal Bank of Scotlands debt rating in a move suggesting it has growing faith in the lenders future.

It means RBSs bonds have shifted back into being investment grade, up from junk status.

Precious stones specialist Gemfields said it made record revenues of 42.9 million from its latest auction of rubies from Mozambique, held in Singapore

TAKEOVER BACKED Shareholders have waved through the 2.2 billion takeover of oil services provider Amec Foster Wheeler by rival Wood Group. More than 99 per cent of votes cast on both sides supported the deal, which is still being investigated by competition regulators.

FCA APPROVAL Another 31 finance tech firms have been given backing to develop their ideas by City watchdog, the Financial Conduct Authority, allowing them to test unusual products without causing risks to the public.

The ideas include pension-saving software and a mortgage searcher which helps borrowers understand if theyre eligible before doing a credit check.

INSURANCE MAN The new chairman of insurance market Lloyds of London, Bruce Carnegie-Brown, took up his post yesterday.

EURO POST Clare Francis has been appointed by Standard Chartered as the European head of its global banking division. She previously held senior roles at NatWest, Lloyds and HSBC.

Thompson and First Choice owner TUI has completed its sale of Travelopia, which is made up of more than 50 brands offering specialist holidays, to private equity firm KKR for 325 million

NEW DIRECTOR Iron ore giant Ferrexpo has recruited former Genel Energy director Simon Lockett to succeed Oliver Baring as a senior independent director.

POWER UP Energy producer Drax has raised its dividend and said it plans to triple earnings by 2025. It will pay shareholders 50 million this year and pledged to continue increasing dividends annually.

DUDLEY PLANS Bob Dudley, 61, the boss of oil giant BP, plans to stay at the helm of the oil major until at least the end of the decade, sources told Reuters.

TRAVEL SALE Thompson and First Choice owner TUI has completed its sale of Travelopia, which is made up of more than 50 brands offering specialist holidays, to private equity firm KKR for 325 million.
Shares in British supermarkets suffered this afternoon as it was revealed US online giant Amazon is to takeover middle-class favourite Whole Foods.

The deal, worth $13.7billion, is the internet giant's biggest foray into the grocery sector to date  it has nine stores in Britain including in Camden, Fulham and Kensington  and 460 in total including Canada and the US.

The news appears to have spooked the UK supermarket sector, with Tesco seeing its share price drop 5 per cent to 171.35, despite reporting a better than expected rise in sales this morning.

Middle-class favourite: Whole Foods is a popular choice in certain London postcodes

Sainsburys shares fell 4 per cent to 252.2p and Morrisons also dropped 4 per cent to 230.5p.

Meanwhile, online supermarket Ocado saw prices fall nearly six per cent at one point as traders suspected its upmarket delivery offering from Waitrose would be in direct competition if Amazon were to offer Whole Foods products online.

But it made a surprising recovery to close half a per cent up on the day at 275.8p..

Neil Wilson of ETX Capital, said: 'This is a huge development for US retail, yet another signal of the seismic shift in the market caused by the Amazon model.

'Amazon looks set to dominate the food sector now just as much as it does non-food.

'It's caused carnage among retailers. Wal-Mart is down six per cent and Target has shipped 10 per cent on the announcement. Costco fell eight per cent and Kroger plunged 15 per cent.

'Amazon shares jumped three per cent on the deal, although it remains shy of its all-time peak.

'UK supermarkets are also falling. Tesco and Sainsbury's both dipped about three per cent on the news and Morrisons also slipped more than one per cent.

'Whole Foods has just nine stores in the UK so the impact on Morrisons (which has its own tie-up with Amazon) should not be too significant, and if anything could support Morrisons if it signals how Amazon might be able to help it grow market share.'

The Amazon deal, which includes Whole Foods Market's net debt, will see John Mackey remain as chief executive of the grocer and maintain its headquarters in Austin, Texas.

Amazon founder and chief executive Jeff Bezos said: 'Millions of people love Whole Foods Market because they offer the best natural and organic foods, and they make it fun to eat healthy.

'Whole Foods Market has been satisfying, delighting and nourishing customers for nearly four decades - they're doing an amazing job and we want that to continue.'

Amazon has been experimenting with grocery offerings in the past few years. It will buy it for $42 a share - 27 per cent higher than the level Whole Foods' shares closed on Thursday.

The deal is expected to be completed later in the year.

Check the latest supermarket share prices here:
Rebel shareholders are pushing ahead with an attempted boardroom coup at Russia-focused gold miner Petropavlovsk

Rebel shareholders are pushing ahead with an attempted boardroom coup at Russia-focused gold miner Petropavlovsk.

Russian billionaire Viktor Vekselberg and other shareholders want to replace four of six board members, citing corporate governance concerns.

The miners shares have fallen by more than 90 per cent since 2012, from 170p to 8.16p yesterday.

But chairman Peter Hambro, 71, feared the shareholders  who own 30 per cent of the group  were attempting a takeover and alerted the Takeover Panel, which yesterday ruled in the rebels favour and they do not have to make a formal offer.

Hambro is being blamed for many of the companys problems.

Vekselbergs group Renova wants to put its employee Vladislav Egorov and Chelsea FC chairman Bruce Buck on the board.

And shareholder advisory group PIRC recommends shareholders oppose Hambros re-election to the board as an executive director.

He is stepping down as chairman. The companys annual shareholder meeting is due on June 22.
Insurance firm Admiral was forced to issue a grovelling apology to customers today after it encouraged them to renew their policies with misleading documents.

New rules introduced in April require insurers to clearly show the premium a customer paid the previous year alongside their proposed renewal premium to help people shop around.

But the Financial Conduct Authority has found that Admiral showed some customers last year's quoted premium before any discounts were applied - rather than the amount the customer had actually paid.

Insurance firm Admiral was forced to issue a grovelling apology to customers today after it encouraged them to renew their policies with misleading documents. Pictured: Its TV ad

Admiral, which refused to say how many customers are affected, has agreed to contact those who renewed their policies after April 1 2017 who may have received inaccurate information.

Those affected can ditch their car or home insurance policies and get a refund without facing a penalty.

The FCA said: 'If affected customers choose to go to another insurer, they will be able to cancel without penalty and will have their premium refunded.'

The regulator said it is assessing firms' implementation of the new rules to ensure they are giving customers clear and fair disclosure on their renewal prices.

It said that while it has seen good practice, it has also seen 'some concerning examples' and will continue to address specific concerns with individual firms.

A statement from Admiral said: 'We apologise for any confusion or inconvenience caused to customers who received an inaccurate renewal document.

Were you affected? If you were affected by misleading insurance documents get in touch with us by emailing Charlie.moore@mailonline.co.uk

'We are amending the way in which these customers are able to compare the price of the insurance policy being offered at renewal with what they paid the previous year.

'We are getting in touch with affected customers to ensure they are fully satisfied. Admiral is committed to offering fair and transparent pricing to all customers.'

Admiral's share price was unaffected by the blunder, trading up 0.3 per cent this morning at 2,090.50p.

Jonathan Davidson, executive director of supervision - retail and authorisations - said: 'It is vital that insurers give customers the right information so they can easily compare premiums and make a choice whether to shop around.

'When introducing these measures, the FCA was clear that firms should be ready from April 2017. We will continue to keep a close eye on the industry's response to ensure firms are complying with the new rules and will take action where necessary.'

Admiral is making changes to ensure it is fully compliant with FCA rules.

The Financial Conduct Authority has found that Admiral showed some customers last year's quoted premium before any discounts were applied

Ian Hughes, Chief Executive of Consumer Intelligence, said the problem is that insurers are interpreting them differently.

'Insurance customers aren't quite getting the transparency the FCA envisioned on renewal disclosure,' he said.

'We are just over two months into the new era which was supposed to help shopping around and already there are problems with the likelihood of more to come.

'The rules were designed to make it easier for customers to find the most competitive quote but our experience is that some insurers are interpreting the rules in different ways with some not quoting the actual price paid last year when sending out renewals.

'Insurers who are being completely transparent are entitled to be unhappy. There needs to be consistency and a level playing field.

'Drivers and homeowners can save up to 100 a year by switching provider after a year. It is always the best policy to shop around at renewal to make sure customers have the best cover at the best price.'
US authorities announced arrest warrants had been issued for 12 members of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's security detail for assaulting protesters in Washington last month, sparking a furious response from the Turkish leader.

An indignant Erdogan responded that the United States had no right to arrest his guards, who he said were protecting him from 'terrorists.'

The Turkish foreign ministry officially 'invited' the US ambassador in for discussions after the announcement.

But Washington held that Erdogan's security detail had no justification to attack the small group of Kurdish and Armenian protesters outside the Turkish ambassador's residence on May 16, just after Erdogan met with President Donald Trump at the White House.

Scroll down for video

Turkish security officials were seen on video hitting and kicking protesters who had gathered outside the Turkish ambassador's residence in the Sheridan Circle section of the capital

The brawl took place outside the residence of Turkey's ambassador to Washington shortly after President Donald Trump warmly received Erdogan at the White House

Nine people were injured, with several going to the hospital for treatment of head injuries, broken teeth, deep cuts and bruises.

The charges against the 12, along with six other Turkish-Americans and Turkish-Canadians who joined the melee, 'send a clear message that the United States does not tolerate individuals who use intimidation and violence to stifle freedom of speech and legitimate political expression,' said State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert.

Erdogan lashed back, accusing US police of having allowed 'terrorists' to protest '50 meters from me' during his US visit.

'Why would I bring my guards with me to the United States, if not to protect me?' he said in a speech in Ankara, adding that US police 'did nothing.'

'We will fight politically and judicially' against the warrants, he added.

Police secure the street outside the Turkish embassy on May 16 after visiting Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's security detail clashed with pro-Kurdish and pro-Armenian protesters, wounding at least eight people

The incident caused outrage in the United States and House Speaker Paul Ryan on Thursday demanded that Turkey condemn the violence and apologize

The 12 men named in the warrants were identified in detailed video footage of the assault, said Washington Police Chief Peter Newsham. The men, all Turkish citizens, include nine Erdogan security guards and three Turkish police.

Security officials were seen on video hitting and kicking protesters who had gathered outside the Turkish ambassador's residence in the Sheridan Circle section of the capital.

The incident caused outrage in the United States and House Speaker Paul Ryan on Thursday demanded that Turkey condemn the violence and apologize.

The US ambassador told Turkey's government its guards violated US laws, a senior US official said.

Two Turkish-American men were arrested Wednesday for their role in the a Washington brawl, police said.

New Jersey contractor Eyup Yildirim - seen in video footage attacking protestors with Erdogan's bodyguards and kicking a woman -- was charged with assault with significant bodily injury and aggravated assault.

A second suspect who also seen in videos kicking a protestor, Virginia resident Sinan Narin, was charged with aggravated assault.

Two other defendants are Canadian, while the remaining 12 are Turkish nationals, according to ABC News.

A Washington police spokesman described the assault as a 'brutal attack on a peaceful protest' that left 11 people were hurt, nine of them badly enough to receive hospital treatment

According to ABC News, the State Department is considering barring those individuals from future entry into the US.

The brawl took place outside the residence of Turkey's ambassador to Washington shortly after President Donald Trump warmly received Erdogan at the White House.

Video recordings of the incident show Erdogan supporters and his bodyguards clashing with Kurdish and Armenian protesters who accuse the Turkish president of rights abuses.

Close-up footage shared on social media showed Turkish officials dressed in suits beating and punching people in the crowd and, in at least one case, kicking out at a woman splayed on the ground.

A Washington police spokesman described the assault as a 'brutal attack on a peaceful protest' that left 11 people were hurt, nine of them badly enough to receive hospital treatment.

Two men were arrested at the time, and the US State Department registered concern to Turkey in the 'strongest possible terms.'

The attack was an embarrassment for US authorities, who invited Erdogan to meet Trump despite concerns over his government's increasingly authoritarian clampdown on his domestic media and opposition.

But the following week the Turkish government summoned the US ambassador to protest 'aggressive behavior' by US security personnel and 'security lapses' in the incident.

On June 6 US lawmakers passed a resolution which strongly condemned Turkey for the incident, and called for criminal charges against those responsible.

Turkey rejected the criticism and summoned the American ambassador last month to protest what it called 'aggressive and unprofessional actions' by US security personnel against Turkish bodyguards during a violent incident last week in Washington.
Woolworths is shipping its homebrand products to China where shoppers are willing to pay huge money for the retailer's no frills groceries.

A new deal struck between the supermarket giant and online retailer Kaola.com will see nearly 100 products available to Chinese consumers on the Kaola website at heavily inflated prices.

Woolworths sells its products to Kaola at wholesale prices and has no influence on what the website charges its customers.

'Chinese customers are willing to pay a lot in order to get high quality products. They don't mind paying a high price for quality,' Kaola CEO Zhang Lei told news.com.au.

Woolworths is shipping its homebrand products to China where shoppers are willing to pay huge money for the retailer's no frills groceries (stock image)

A new deal struck between the supermarket giant and online retailer Kaola.com will see nearly 100 products available to Chinese consumers at heavily inflated prices

Woolworths Select Full Cream Milk Powder 1kg, which sells for $5.70 on Australian shelves, is listed for over $13 on Kaola.com.

The supermarket's Shake Pancakes 300g Mixing Powder costs just $1.50 in Australia, but a staggering $11.40 on the website.

A spokesperson for the supermarket told Daily Mail Australia the partnership with the online retailer will have no impact on Australian prices.

'We have recently agreed a small presence on Kaola.com where we will predominantly offer a small range of well-known private label products,' the spokesperson said.

Woolworths sells its products to Kaola at wholesale prices and has no influence on what the website charges its customers

The supermarket's Shake Pancakes 300g Mixing Powder costs just $1.50 in Australia, but a staggering $11.40 on the website

They said the new deal is an opportunity to expand the reach of locally made products to overseas consumers.

'Our goal will always be to promote Australian and New Zealand made products wherever possible,' the spokesperson said.

Ms Zhang said Kaola.com's business model is about 'more than selling goods.'

'We want to forge brand awareness among Chinese customers,' she told news.com.au, adding that 'the market potential is endless'.

A spokesperson for the supermarket told Daily Mail Australia the partnership with the online retailer will have no impact on Australian prices
A married female psychologist has been banned from practicing for a year after having sex with a 'vulnerable' former male patient.

Brooke Ledner, 31, first met the patient at an exclusive rehabilitation centre where she worked at Manly, on Sydney's northern beaches.

She counselled the patient after he began 'self-medicating' with alcohol, ice and GHB addictions over an eight-week program in 2014.

But the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal heard this week that months after he completed the program, things took a sordid turn  towards showers and sex.

A drunk Ms Ledner began texting and calling the patient late one evening in September, a decision said.

Brooke Ledner, 31, first met the patient at an exclusive rehabilitation centre when she worked at Manly, on Sydney's northern beaches

'I didn't actually realise how serious my actions were at the time' - Ms Ledner later admitted to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal that her judgment had been 'clouded'

The woman was a psychologist working with Kedesh Rehabilitation Services at Manly (, the decision said, when she first met the patient

Weeks later, the pair arranged to meet at a bar for a drink, went for an early-morning swim at Manly Beach, headed back to his apartment, showered together and had sex.

That was the beginning of a three-month sexual relationship where she admitted sending 'a large number of written and picture text messages of a personal and intimate nature'.

The tribunal also heard on one occasion, Ms Ledner texted the patient telling him she thought she had drunk vodka that others had sprinkled with cocaine, although she clarified that it was later revealed to her to have not been the case.

The relationship ended in 'acrimony', with Ms Ledner filing for an apprehended violence order against the patient in January 2015.

He then lodged an official complaint. 'The relationship is unhealthy and has been detrimental to my mental health,' he said.

'I have fallen back into depression and my pain is the worst it has ever been.'

Ms Ledner counselled the patient as he dealt with alcohol, ice and GHB addictions over an eight-week program in 2014

The pair had an early morning swim at the Manly Beach after meeting at a bar (Corso pictured here) before retreating to the patient's apartment to shower and have sex

In April 2015, he said he struggled to go outside during the day due to his social anxiety, the tribunal heard.

He felt the relationship 'changed in that I was playing the role of counsellor and she was the patient..'

'I now realise that she had complete control over me ,' the patient told the tribunal, the decision said.

'As a result of the relationship, I started retreating heavily, withdrew from my Psychology degree, isolated myself from friends and family, stopped seeing my psychologist and thoughts of self-harm.'

The patient said the relationship had deeply and painfully affected his social life.

Because of his anxiety, he said he struggled to leave the house during the daytime, would only walk his dog at abnormal times in the day and did his grocery shopping at 11.30pm to 'minimise social contact'.

The patient claimed he believed his relationship with Ms Ledner had changed in 'that I was playing the role of counsellor', rather than the patient

In response to the complaint, Ms Ledner claimed the patient began to threaten her when she tried to end the relationship. She said wedding and engagement rings had gone missing from her home.

She claimed the patient had told her he would tell her husband about how serious the relationship was, would call her boss, and report her to the Health Complaints Commission.

Ms Ledner admitted her judgment was 'clouded' at the time of the relationship.

'I didn't actually realise how serious my actions were at the time and I was going through a lot of things,' she said.

The Health Care Complaints Commission argued her evidence was at times 'untruthful and at other times she sought to put an inappropriate spin or context on the evidence to suit her position'.

She told the tribunal the relationship had 'occurred at a time of intense personal crisis' in her life and there was no evidence of predatory behaviour.

Ms Lender apologised for her actions.

The tribunal cancelled her registration because her relationship with a former patient was' unacceptable and inexcusable conduct.' It also 'considered' it would never happen again.

Ms Ledner said her judgment was 'clouded' at the time

'She presented as someone who deeply regretted her actions,' the decision said.

'She fell in love with, or was infatuated with Patient A, as her thousands of text messages make clear.

'She, as much as Patient A, pursued the relationship, in circumstances where she knew she was transgressing professional ethical obligations,' it said.

Ms Ledner declined to comment.

Her former and current workplace did not respond to requests for comment. Her profile was scrubbed from one firm's website on Friday.
A husband and wife are suing a Queensland hospital for medical negligence after they claimed the staff did not do enough to give their premature twin sons a fighting chance at life.

Dianne Radke, a 29-year-old educator, was just 22 weeks and five days along in her pregnancy when she went into labour around 8.30am on May 5, her husband Christopher Swan told Daily Mail Australia.

She was rushed to Logan Hospital where Christopher, 34, claims that nurses informed the couple they would not resuscitate their children once they were born because of the babies were less than 23 weeks along.

Dianne Radke, 29, and her husband Christopher Swan, 34, (pictured together) are suing Logan Hospital in Queensland for medical negligence following the birth of their premature twin sons

The couple claim the hospital didn't do enough to help give their premature sons - Maximus Andrew Branson and Nikolai James Richard - a fighting chance at life (pictured)

The boys have a 20 percent survival rate and will likely be disabled if they live

'They returned and said "we'll deliver them and place them on your chest and you can give them cuddles and say goodbye",' Christopher said.

Life-sustaining interventions are not recommended for newborns under 23 weeks gestation, according to the Queensland Health Clinical Guideline.

Horrified at the thought of losing their sons, the couple  who do not have any other children  requested Dianne be given medication to delay her labour.

Christopher said the nurses denied his request on the basis that Dianne would have to be at least 35 weeks along for the medication to work.

Hoping to give their sons a shot at life, Christopher said he asked that his wife be transferred to the neonatal ward at nearby Mater Hospital, but was told they could not accept the transfer.

'Then they told us that in about 20 minutes a paediatrician would come by and explain to us exactly why they couldn't give us the medication and how the procedure works.'

'At this point we waited for two hours and they came back and said that the doctors are caught up with a C-section and would come by an hour later.

'They came back about five times before 7pm and told us all day that they were busy and unable to speak to us.'

Christopher said a specialist still hadn't come to their room by the time he went home at 10.30pm.

Christopher said his wife Dianne (pictured) was denied medication to hold off her labour

The twins were born in Mater hospital after Christopher invoked Ryan's Rule and asked for his wife to be sent to their specialized neonatal unit

'At 3.30am I got a frantic call from Dianna saying the nurses were taking her to the delivery suite,' Christopher said.

The 34-year-old, who works in IT, said he rushed back to the hospital and demanded to speak with a doctor  but was allegedly told again they were busy with four C-section deliveries.

'It was then I told them I'm invoking Ryan's Rule right now, don't touch Dianna, don't do anything,' Christopher said.

Ryan's Rule was created for parents who do not believe their concerns for their child are being acted upon.

Christopher told Daily Mail Australia the moment he invoked Ryan's Rule a nurse ran out of the room and returned with two specialists and a cart containing the medication he had requested for his wife several hours earlier.

'I asked them 'what clinically has changed with the drugs in the past 24 hours? You could have stopped this when she was at two centimetres  now she's fully dilated',' Christopher said.

Dianne was then transferred to Mater and a midwife gave her medication in the ambulance on the way south, the 34-year-old said.

'The drugs began to work and Mater continued them for another 36 hours,' he said.

'Dianna was angry the whole day  she was expecting the kids to die.'

Logan Hospital told Daily Mail Australia it is investigating Dianne's labour

Ryan's Rule was created for parents who do not believe their concerns for their child are being acted upon

'The whole problem was that had she been given these drugs earlier we don't know if she could have gone full term or three weeks before labour,' Christopher said

Dianne gave birth to Maximus Andrew Branson, weighing 579 grams, and Nikolai James Richard, weighing 669 grams, on May 7.

'The whole problem was that had she been given these drugs earlier we don't know if she could have gone full term or three weeks before labour.'

'No one will ever know what would have happened had she gotten the medication earlier.'

The twins have a 20 per cent chance of survival and are battling numerous health issues, including brain bleeds and collapsed lungs.

Both are dependent on colostomy bags for the time being.

Christopher said he knows his sons will be disabled if they survive.

'What made the situation worse for Dianne mentally is when she got to Mater and finally delivered them they were breathing on their own and crying.'

'If we had delivered them at Logan we would have watched them struggle to breathe for about an hour and they would have passed away.'

Christopher said Logan Hospital told him and his wife they would deliver their sons and then place them on their chests so they can say goodbye

'We're not angry at the hospital because the kids were born, we're angry at the hospital because the kids shouldn't have been born.'

Attorneys with Slater and Gordon, who are representing the couple, said they have submitted a letter to Logan Hospital claiming medical negligence.

Logan Hospital told Daily Mail Australia it is investigating Dianne's labour.

'Logan Hospital can confirm we are investigating a case involving the presentation of a woman in premature labour. Our investigation has confirmed adherence to the Queensland Clinical Guidelines,' a hospital spokesperson said in a statement.

Mater Hospital confirmed it received a referral from Logan Hospital on May 6 but would not say what time.

'Mater Mothers Hospitals is a tertiary referral centre for complex pregnancies, taking referrals from Queensland and northern New South Wales,' a spokesperson said.

'Mater can confirm that a referral from Logan Hospital was accepted on 6 May, but we are unable to release any further details due to patient confidentiality.'

'The transfer of babies between hospitals is coordinated statewide by Retrieval Services Queensland to ensure babies are provided with care at the most appropriate location.'

'The Queensland Maternity and Neonatal clinical guideline1 provides information and guidance on the care of preterm babies, particularly those who are less than 24 weeks gestation. Transfers of babies at less than 24 weeks is particularly complex and can only occur after significant discussion with the family and the hospitals involved in providing care,' a spokesperson said.
Sponsored by the Alzheimer's Association, the Eighth Annual Memory Fair Continuum of Care will present "Addressing Dementia From First Signs To Final Stages" on Thursday, June 29 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Morning Pointe of Chattanooga at Shallowford, 7719 Shallowford Road.



The event will feature Terry A. Melvin, MD, FAAHPM, as the keynote speaker. Dr. Melvin received her M.D. from Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston, and completed her internship and residency at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.

"With 20 years of experience, Dr. Melvin is an expert in providing in-home care for those affected by dementia. Her goal is to make it easy for everyone to manage their health in any stage of life," officials said.



Expert panelists include: Amy Boulware, LAP, MSW, care manager, Chambliss, Bahner and Stophel, P. C.; Maggie Barre, DPH, Pharmacy HomeCare; Larry Griffith, executive eirector, The Lantern at Morning Pointe Alzheimer's Center of Excellence Collegedale; Anita Graves, RN, regional director of Behavioral Health, Guardian Home Care; Paula Hensel, Community Relations manager, Senior Helpers; and Tiffany Hobbs, executive director, Hearth Hospice.



RSVP is requested by calliing 423-296-0097.


Former charity boss Eman Sharobeem has blamed scheming ex-colleagues for the fact public funds were used to pay for non-work related items - including her son's liposuction and her own water bills.

For eight days in the witness box at the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption, the 54-year-old has denied almost all wrongdoing in the face of accusations she rorted more than $600,000 from immigrant charities.

She has also defended billing more than $34,000 in traffic fines back to the charity she was head of, defiantly claiming it was 'part of her package'.

Former charity boss Eman Sharobeem (pictured) has blamed scheming ex-colleagues for the fact public funds were used to pay for non-work related items

Eman Sharobeem (centre) departs the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) in Sydney on Thursday

'I am finished,' she said in Sydney on Thursday.

'They managed to kill my soul, kill my body.'

A deflated Ms Sharobeem was reacting to news she will need to return for further questioning on Thursday.

Once an Australian of the year state finalist, Ms Sharobeem's time as head of the Immigrant Women's Health Service and the Non-English Speaking Housing Women's Scheme is under heavy scrutiny.

The commission heard she paid for $3000 of her son's liposuction bill at Westmead Hospital in March 2015 and, within hours, received reimbursement from NESH funds.

Counsel assisting Ramesh Rajalingam accused Ms Sharobeem of authorising the payment remotely.

For eight days in the witness box at the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption, the 54-year-old (pictured) has denied almost all wrongdoing

Sharobeem (centre) is giving evidence at the public inquiry named Operation Tarlo over corruption allegations while she was CEO of the Immigrant Women's Health Service

'It didn't happen,' she replied, her testimony punctuated by heavy sighs.

In an email, Ms Sharobeem later told board members the money related to a conference where she presented a paper - a claim disputed by Westmead Hospital.

It must have been her ex-colleagues who made the transfer, Ms Sharobeem argued, during the early stages of an attempt to frame her.

According to Ms Sharobeem's evidence, the same colleagues reimbursed three personal water bills - each of about $190 - in 2009.

She has defended billing more than $34,000 in traffic fines back to the IWHS, defiantly claiming it was 'part of her package'.

'Mistakes happen driving,' she said.

Questions have been raised about her two sons' employment at the charities, and Ms Sharobeem also denies inflating figures on the number of participants in IWHS programs to secure grants.

She rejects allegations she fraudulently represented herself as a psychologist and treated patients after claiming to have obtained only an honorary doctorate from the American University in Cairo.

The commission saw Corrective Services NSW documents in which Ms Sharobeem was referred to as the 'treating psychologist' of a young family friend.

The commission heard she paid for $3000 of her son's liposuction bill at Westmead Hospital (pictured) in March 2015 and, within hours, received reimbursement from NESH funds

She has also defended billing more than $34,000 in traffic fines back to the charity she was head of, defiantly claiming it was 'part of her package' (she is pictured before trial)

It was also shown a copy of her CV submitted to a government department in which Ms Sharobeem included a PhD in both psychology and community management among her qualifications.

Acting Commissioner Reginald Blanch said it would be 'completely misleading' to present that without being more specific.

Ms Sharobeem claims she has paid back all the wrongfully-reimbursed money and evidence before the commission suggests her transfers add up to $44,757.36.

Mr Blanch told Ms Sharobeem she will need to return in July after other witnesses have testified.

'Only for a very short time,' he reassured.

'Please stop them,' she replied.
An Indian company plans to import breast milk to Australians for $300 a litre.

NeoLacta Lifesciences was granted permission to start selling their breast milk on Aussie shores last year, with the average price of pasteurised milk overseas in excess of a few hundred dollars.

But it won't be made available to the general public, rather given to the five breast milk banks in Western Australia, New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland to feed premature or sick babies.

NeoLacta Lifesciences was granted permission to start selling their breast milk on Aussie shores last year, with the average price of pasteurised milk overseas in excess of a few hundred dollars

But it won't be made available to the general public, rather given to the five breast milk banks in Western Australia, New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland to feed premature or sick babies

The company website states the promoters of NeoLacta ran a successful dairy business in Australia and it is offering bottles of 'ready-to-feed human milk' made in a 'world-class, pharmaceutical-grade facility.'

At present mothers who are lactating and are in excess supply are able to donate their milk to neonatal wards but as demand grows there isn't always an abundance in storage.

But experts warn that diseases and STD's like HIV, hepatitis, syphilis and the Zika virus could all be present in breast milk, but there is only a small chance of transmission.

But experts warn that diseases and STD's like HIV, hepatitis, syphilis and the Zika virus could all be present in breast milk, but there is only a small chance of transmission

Neonatologist Dr Gillian Opie from Melbourne's Mercy Hospital said there were other risks to do with illicit substances that could tarnish the health benefits of breast milk

Neonatologist Dr Gillian Opie from Melbourne's Mercy Hospital said there were other risks to do with illicit substances that could tarnish the health benefits of breast milk.

'There has been testing done in the US to show that breast milk can be contaminated with drugs like caffeine and alcohol,' she said.

'It may be watered down, so not as nutritious as it should be.'

The Department of Agriculture, who granted NeoLacta's import permit, said it had tough biosecurity measures to ensure food products did not pose a risk to humans.

While breast milk is currently screened, if companies begin to commercialise the milk supply for mother's struggling to breastfeed there may need to be further rules imposed.
Roberta Williams could be sent packing from the home left to her by the father of her ex-husband Carl Williams in a large-scale tax debt battle.

Ms Williams, who was married to Carl during the height of Melbourne's gangland war, lives in the Essendon home owned by gangland figure George Williams.

But the Australian Taxation Office is seeking to sell the million dollar property to recover a huge tax debt run up by Mr Williams, according to Herald Sun.

Roberta Williams leaves the Victorian County courts after giving evidence in the on-going Coronial Enquiry into the murder of Victorian police informer Terrence Hodson

Ms Williams could be sent packing from the home (pictured) left to her by the father of her ex-husband Carl Williams in a tax battle

'No, I've got nowhere. I don't know where I'd go. I've got not one single place. I've got a child with a disability and a teenage daughter,' Ms Williams told the Herald.

The ATO is required to give Ms Williams notice if they intend to sell the home, after which the police could evict her.

The publication is reporting that Mr Williams may have racked up as much $900,000 in debt.

Court documents reveal the facilitators of Mr Williams' estate were required to buy the home from the ATO or move out under a deal he made in 2013.

When Mr Williams died in May 2016, his debts were passed to Ms Williams, who the ATO is now suing.

They ATO are now seeking to recover possession of the property and legal costs.

It is understood that gangland figure George Williams may have racked up as much $900,000 in debt

Mr Williams as he talks to Roberta Williams at the funeral of his wife Barbara, the mother of their son, former drug king-pin and convicted murderer Carl Williams

Carl Williams was a key player in the city's bloody underworld war before he was killed in jail in 2010

Ms Williams is poised to star alongside fellow female underworld figures in the controversial new show Mob Wives.

Carl was a key player in the city's bloody underworld war before he was killed in jail in 2010.

The convicted murderer and drug trafficker was immortalised in the television series Underbelly.
Serbia has nominated its first gay prime minister in a move likely to infuriate conservatives in the Balkan state where homophobia is still widespread.

Ana Brnabic, 41, a graduate of the University of Hull, is also Serbia's first female PM.

She will join a small number of gay prime ministers in Europe, including Leo Varadkar in the Republic of Ireland and Xavier Bettel in Luxembourg.

Ana Brnabic, 41, a graduate of the University of Hull, is also Serbia's first female PM

Brnabic will succeed Aleksandar Vucic, who won the presidency in April.

Her government needs formal approval by Serbia's parliament next week.

It was 'a difficult decision reached in the interest of Serbia and its citizens,' said Vucic, a former extremist-turned-reformist who has promised to boost gay rights as part of the country's efforts to obtain European Union membership.

Vucic described Brnabic as 'hard-working with professional and personal qualities' but made no reference to the new prime minister's sexuality or gender.

Brnabic told state Tanjug news agency: 'If elected in parliament, I will run the government with dedication and responsibility and I will do my job honestly and with love.'

Brnabic will take up her role as Serbia prepares for EU membership while retaining its traditionally close relationship with Russia, and nurturing a growing friendship with Beijing

Brnabic nomination is considered part of Vucic's apparent turn toward the West despite strong pressure from Russia to maintain its influence in the region.

She is currently government minister of public administration and local government. She studied in the US and graduated in Hull with a marketing MBA in 2001, before returning to Serbia to work in the wind power industry and then for US-funded development projects.

She is not a member of Vucic's ruling populist Serbian Progressive Party but is considered loyal to him.

In interviews after she became a minister last year, Brnabic expressed the hope that people would look beyond her sexual orientation.

'Why does it matter? I don't know why it matters,' she told the regional RTV channel last week.

'What is important is whether someone is capable, professional, hard-working, honest, likes their country and wants to work in its best interest.'

Vucic announced that Brnabic, 41, was nominated as the prime minister-designate. Her government needs formal approval by Serbia's parliament next week

Her appointment was hailed by rights groups as historic for the staunchly conservative Balkan country.

But it was blasted by pro-Russian nationalists and traditionalists.

'Ana Brnabic is not my prime minister,' nationalist official Dragan Markovic-Palma told the private Beta news agency.

Earlier he said he would not approve anyone for the post who does not have at least two children.

The conservative Dveri group, close to the Serbian Orthodox Church, said Brnabic was obviously appointed under Western pressure.

'Is it possible that the ruling majority has no other candidate for the prime minister-designate but the one imposed by the West which dictates all the moves by this government?' the party asked.

But her appointment was welcomed by campaigners.

Goran Miletic, a civil rights activist and Belgrade Pride organiser, told the Guardian: 'Even in some western countries it would be big news and a positive signal if a gay or lesbian person became prime minister or minister. It is even more important for a country where 65% believe that homosexuality is an illness and 78% think that homosexuality should not be expressed outside homes. The appointment of a lesbian can only be a positive message.'

Belgrade's Gay Pride march was banned for three years in succession on grounds of public safety after far-right protesters attacked the event in 2010.

It was revived in 2014 amid huge security, including special forces and armoured cars.

Brnabic will take up her role as Serbia gears up for EU membership while keeping its traditionally close relationship with Russia, and nurturing a growing friendship with China.
A newly sworn-in cop is fighting to keep her job after her department learned that she previously appeared in bondage films as a dominatrix.

Hudson County sheriff's officer Kristen Hyman is accused of conduct unbecoming a public employee and faces a disciplinary hearing June 27, NJ.com reported on Thursday.

The department says the videos, produced from 2010 to 2012, have sparked ridicule for it.

She was suspended on May 26, six days before her academy graduation, for allegedly failing to disclose 'that she appeared in the films and sometimes saw clients privately for money.'

Kristen Hyman (pictured, center) could be kicked off the police force the same month she was sworn in after it emerged she had appeared as a dominatrix in kinky films

In videos, she is seen kicking naked men in the testicles, slapping and insulting them, and making them 'worship' her

Hyman told investigators she never appeared naked and didn't perform any sex acts in the videos, according to court documents.

She called the videos 'stupid stuff I did when I was a kid' and said that violent acts seen in some recordings, including whipping and kicking, were staged.

Hyman is seen here making a man in a leather mask lick her boots. She has called the videos, filmed between 2010 and 2013, 'stupid stuff I did when I was a kid'

In some clips seen by DailyMail.com, she is seen kicking naked men in the testicles, choking a man in a swimming pool, and putting her heels on the face of a man in a leather mask.

Hyman said that she was merely an actress in the videos, and noted that she didn't use her real name.

Her lawyers argued that it was wrong to suspend her before a disciplinary hearing.

The suspension was rescinded by a judge, and Hyman was sworn in June 8. Her lawyers say she is on modified duty.

Court documents show that Sheriff Frank Schillari concurred with the discipline against Hyman, saying it was necessary to protect the department's integrity and to prevent her from taking an oath of office 'for which she is not entitled.'

Schillari declined to comment to the newspaper, citing the ongoing dispute.

Hyman also declined to be interviewed, but one of her attorneys, James Lisa, said she hopes to remain in law enforcement.

'The videos are clearly inflammatory, but there is nothing illegal,' he said.

Lisa said Hyman could be fired at the disciplinary hearing or the matter could be dismissed altogether.

The Hudson County prosecutor's office declined to pursue any criminal charges against Hyman.

In several videos she is seen choking men until they appear to fall unconscious; in this one she is seen pushing a man's head under the water
Horrific footage has surfaced showing the moment a crocodile bit a zookeeper's head before viciously thrashing him from side to side while he screamed in agony.

The video was filmed last Sunday showing a man performing at one of Thailand's famed crocodile shows for a small group of people on the tourist island of Ko Samui.

In the video, the zookeeper kneels before a crocodile which is lying in wait with its jaw wide open.

Footage shows the moment a crocodile bit a zookeeper's head before viciously thrashing him from side to side while he screamed in agony

The man places his head inside the crocodile before it suddenly snaps down on his head and violently thrashes him around

The crocodile remains perfectly still as the zookeeper performs his routine with two wooden sticks for the audience.

During the routine he waves the stick around the crocodile's open mouth and momentarily pokes it inside.

The daredevil decides to raise the stakes by placing the sticks to one side and shoving his entire head inside the motionless crocodile's mouth.

He holds his position for ten seconds before the crocodile suddenly snaps down on his head and violently thrashes him around.

The man lets out a horrifying scream as the audience watches in shock.

He is left on the ground reeling from his injuries as the crocodile slides back into the water.

The man showed the crowd previous wounds, including a missing finger, before he began the stunt, the video description said.
A dangerous snow removal operation is continuing in areas of Yosemite National Park.

Snow fell as recently as Monday, but a late week heat wave with temperatures increasing by 40 degrees will help the removal of snow in the park and other areas of northern California.

Crews have been working round-the-clock through spring to clear the snow from the roads of the state's highest mountain, which stretches 400 miles.

Yosemite National Park seen in a photo taken last week was slammed with fresh powder on Monday

Mountain passes are typically open by Memorial Day. Though the only road through Yosemite, Highway 120, remained closed at the park's eastern entrance this week as crews dig out from snows that topped 20 feet and drifted well over 50 feet.

The eastern entrance for the highway which sits atop the state's highest automobile pass is typically closed through May and opens later after a snowy winter. However, park spokesman Scott Gediman said Tuesday there is still no date set for it to re-open.

Getting the snow off the roads that stretch through the Sierra Nevada is treacherous work. Crews use plows, excavators and massive machines carving through towering snowbanks and moving giant blocks of snow.

Crews feverishly blowing snow off the road in early June as they ready for the first summer visitors

A trucking sign peers out of a high snow bank in Yosemite National Park in early June

'It's spooky, it's nerve-wracking... especially when you can't see the road. You're on a big sled,' said Clint Weier, a maintenance superintendent with California Department of Transportation or Caltrans.

Caltrans had begun inching its way up the treacherous road more than two months ago when it seemed more like winter. It snowed on and off throughout the spring.

Workers face a myriad of hazards. Avalanches can crash down the mountains steep slopes taking trees and rocks with them, shutting roads. Melting snow increases the avalanche occurrences. A Yosemite plow driver was killed by an avalanche in 1995.

Operating large machinery like this excavator on the Park's narrow roads can be extremely dangerous

Rockslides pose a threat even after workers use explosives and other methods to release snow slides to alleviate the danger. Slides can crush guardrails that are the lone barrier between the road and the drop that plunges hundreds of feet into the east park entrance.

The extreme heat swing will help speed up snow removal but it will pose its own frightening hazards for workers and park revelers alike.

The warmer weather while speeding up snow melt will cause flows to surge in creeks, rivers and streams, according to meteorologist Dawn Johnson of the LA Times.

Showers and thunderstorms may move over the Sierra Nevada on Sunday and Monday.

In this photo taken Tuesday, June 6, 2017, bicyclists will find their journey stopped by snow blocking the roadway, up Highway 120 toward Yosemite National Park, CA
A finance expert has said bricks and mortar retail stores should be charging customers to try-on clothing to combat the growing threat of online shopping.

Scott Haywood said traditional retailers are battling customers who try-on clothing in store to get the right fit, simply to then go and purchase the item online.

But customers who then go on to purchase items in store would have the fee - which could range from $2 to hundreds of dollars depending on the product - deducted from the price, Mr Haywood told 3AW.

Customers could soon pay to try-on clothing in traditional bricks and mortar stores, under changes flagged by a finance guru (stock image)

If shoppers then go and purchase the clothing item they tried on in store, the fee would then come off the total cost (stock image)

'If you want to change, you have to pay change, is my model,' he said.

'I think this came from ladies getting fitted for wedding dresses. They would make an appointment and they would pay a few hundred dollars to actually be fitted for a few hours for a dress.

'If they then took that dress, the money would come off - that they paid for the fitting - the price of the dress.'

Mr Haywood said the same thing happens in ski stores where shoppers already pay about $50 to be fitted for ski boots but that cost comes off the purchase price.

The try-on fee would help to combat the growing number of shoppers who look at an item in-store, only to then go online and buy it (stock image)

Finance expert Scott Haywood (pictured) said his model for retailers is 'if you want to change, you have to pay change'

'I'm saying that retailers now need to make the change to charge because why should someone go into a Just Jeans or into a department store for an expensive dress, see it, look at it online, then go and buy it.

'My wife has told me that she goes into a women's store and then she sees a jumper and she thinks it may have been worn by maybe nine women, where there might be a little bit of a scuff, there might be a little bit of a make-up mark.

'And she goes up to the store and says can I have a discount and they might say no, just take it as it is, she'll go home and buy it online.

'This is the trend now.'

As an example, he mentioned a $2 fee to try-on a pair of shoes, with that cost also acting as way to ensure premium customer service.

'You're going to get the quality service, you'll attract better staff, you'll attract experts in the trade and you'll get professional customer service relating to your needs,' Mr Haywood said.

Mr Haywood said the model would only work for people trying on clothing and should not be extended to supermarket products or whitegoods.

'It's only going to apply to certain areas, in my opinion, of the market,' he said.
Missing for more than a month, Brock and Missy's desperate owner has turned to social media and the response from the public has been overwhelming.

The pair of rottweilers are gentle giants who are used to sleeping indoors. Their heartbroken owner Lee-Anne Kenyon fears for their safety and is offering a cash reward.

Despite an overwhelming response from around Australia, spearheaded by campaigns on Facebook and GoFundMe, the dogs are yet to be found.

Brock and Missy are part of the family, who are offering a cash reward for their safe return

Distraught owner Lee-Anne Kenyon turned to social media to find the dogs, and the response has been incredible

The two gentle giants are missing in bushland, and have not been seen for over four weeks

Anyone with information about the gorgeous rottweilers is urged to contact the owner

Fellow dog lover Donna Mitchell fears that they may have been stolen, but refuses to give up the hunt and set up a crowdfunding page to find the missing pooches.

'Please consider how much this would mean if your pets were missing...I know for a fact I'd totally lose the plot, they're family,' she wrote in an emotional plea for help on social media.

The sad story has touched the hearts of people from around the globe, and Mrs Kenyon has been contacted by dog owners from thousands of kilometres away.

'I'm in the UK with a rottie and other pup I can't imagine how you feel...i hope you are reunited with your babies soon,' wrote one concerned dog lover.

Early in the search groups of complete strangers scoured a park looking for the missing pets

The search has attracted the attention of animal lovers from around Australia and the world

The campaign to find the dogs has been viewed more than 80,000 times on social media

There are fears that the dogs may have been stolen and could be hundreds of kilometers away

'They feel for us as a family, for losing our dogs,' Mrs Kenyon told Perth Now.

'It makes me very teary  it has been absolutely amazing, the community spirit that has come out.'

'We just want them to come home,' she said in an emotional video appeal that has racked up thousands of views.

'...weekend before last there were literally dozens of people searching Byford (in the dark) after reports on Facebook of two roaming dogs,' said Donna Mitchell.

Brock and Missy are dearly missed by the Kenyon family, who are desperate to get them back

Mrs. Kenyon has spent every waking moment for the past month searching for her pooches

The rottweilers are known as gentle giants and both have been sterilized and microchipped

Ms Mitchell told Daily Mail Australia that local SES and the fire brigade have searched bushland, but were unable to find Brock and Missy.

A generous financial reward has been offered, says Donna, and any leads will be treated in confidence by the family.

There have been dozens of anonymous tips and numerous false alarms so far, but the Kenyon family refuses to give up hope.

As the social media campaign gathers steam, people from all over the world are hoping that Brock and Missy can be reunited with their loving family.

'We just need them home someone knows something and we just need them to have a heart and come forward with the information .. even if its not good news our family is suffering not knowing where they are or what has happened to them. We just need to know,' Lee-Anne Kenyon told the Daily Mail in a last ditch plea for information.
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Trapped and facing death in their 23rd floor flat, Gloria Trevisan and Marco Gottardi made heart-rending final phone calls to their families in Italy.

In their last moments, the devoted couple told their parents they wanted to say goodbye, with Miss Trevisan telling her mother: 'Thank you for what you have done for me.'

'I wanted to help you, thank you for all you did for me. I am about to go to heaven, I will help you from there,' said Gloria Trevisan in her final phonecall to family, according to La Repubblica.

Her fiance Mr Gottardi tried bravely to play down his fears but the couple eventually admitted smoke was rising around them and they could see the flames coming up the stairs.

His father Giannino told Italian newspaper Il Mattino di Padova: 'In the first call Marco told us not to worry, that everything was under control, that basically we must not worry'

This is thought to be the last picture taken of the couple with a friend - a snap which was uploaded to Gloria Trevisan's Instagram

Gloria Trevisan uploaded this picture on April 10 with the caption 'Goodnight London' and is thought to have been taken from their 23rd-floor flat

Trapped and facing death in their 23rd floor flat, Gloria Trevisan and Marco Gottardi made heart-rending final phone calls to their families in Italy

Miss Trevisan, 27, called her parents as the fire engulfed the doomed tower block and told her mother (pictured): 'Thank you for what you have done for me'

Miss Trevisan, 27, posted numerous photographs of the urban vista on her Instagram account, including a rainbow stretched across the city on June 6

Their final, unimaginably emotional conversations left their parents with no hope they would survive the blaze, a lawyer for their families said.

The couple, both architecture graduates, moved to London three months ago to look for work and were captivated by the views over the capital they enjoyed from their 23rd floor flat.

Miss Trevisan, 27, who completed her master's degree in architecture at Venice University last year, posted numerous photographs of the urban vista on her Instagram account, including a rainbow stretched across the city on June 6, with the one-word description: 'Spettacolo [spectacular].'

Just one week later their joy at their new home turned to terror.

On May 22, Gloria Trevisan (centre) posted this picture on her Instagram account with the caption 'Beautiful as the sun. Thank you guys'. In the photograph which is taken near a lake is her partner Marco Gottardi (right) and two friends (left)

Miss Trevisan, 27, completed her master's degree in architecture at Venice University last year before moving to London

Marco Gottardi is pictured left here with friends at Latimer Road station, which is merely yards away from Grenfell Tower

Marco Gottari and his partner Gloria Trevisan pictured together left behind a cake that reads 'Congratulations Gloria', who is pictured right

Miss Trevani, a keep photographer, took this photo of the capital's skyline. The Shard can be seen in the distance as well as the London Eye

The well-travelled 27-year-old Italian is pictured here in Croatia on the left and in Barcelona on the right before heading out for the night

Miss Trevisan, pictured sunbathing by a swimming pool, called her parents at 3am, saying a fire had broken out and they were waiting for help

Mr Gottardi, also 27, called his family at 3.45am and again just after 4am.

His father Giannino told Italian newspaper Il Mattino di Padova: 'In the first call Marco told us not to worry, that everything was under control, that basically we must not worry.

'He was trying to minimise what happened, probably not to unsettle us.

'But in the second call  and I can't get this out of my head  he said there was smoke, that so much smoke was rising.'

The grieving father added: 'We were on the phone until the last moment  At 4.07am he told us their apartment was flooded with smoke and that the situation had become an emergency.

'The communications broke down and from that moment on we no longer had any contact. The phone didn't pick up again.'

Miss Trevisan called her parents at 3am, saying a fire had broken out and they were waiting for help.

Her father Loris said: 'They wanted to go down but said they could see flames going up the stairs and the smoke was more and more intense.'

Seconds later the phone line cut out and Mr Trevisan said he had made 'hundreds' of unsuccessful attempts to contact his daughter since then.

The family's lawyer Maria Cristina Sandrin said: 'I've heard the recording of Gloria talking to her mother and there is no hope to find them alive.

'She said goodbye. She said, 'Thank you mother for what you have done for me'.'

The lawyer said the families wanted to bring the couple's remains home to Italy, but added: 'We don't know in what condition we will find the bodies, if we will find the bodies.'

Local residents and mourners held a vigil at the site of the Grenfell blase yesterday

The family's lawyer Maria Cristina Sandrin said: 'I've heard the recording of Gloria talking to her mother and there is no hope to find them alive.' Pictured, the shell of the building

Boy, five, 'was lost in the thick black smoke' as he tried to escape tower inferno with his heartbroken mother as first victim is confirmed as Syrian refugee, 23, who came to London 'for a better life'

A five-year-old boy was lost in the thick black smoke of the the Grenfell Tower inferno as he desperately tried to escape his family's 18th floor flat with relatives, his heartbroken mother revealed today.

Isaac Shawo, five, was holding the hand of a neighbour but disappeared as his parents and brother Luca, three, stumbled down a fire escape. The horrifying story was revealed as the first victim of the blaze was confirmed.

Syrian refugee Mohammad Alhajali, 23, who came to Britain for a better life, was today named as having died in the blaze after he and his brother became separated as they scrambled to escape the blaze.

Engineering student Mr Alhajali, who fled his war-torn home of Daraa three years ago, was confirmed by family and friends today as having died in yesterday's fire in West London which killed at least 17 people.

But his older brother Omar, a 25-year-old business student, survived the blaze and is now in a stable condition, recovering in hospital. His family were earlier said to have been 'worried sick' about the two siblings.

Co-founder of the Syria Solidarity Campaign, Abdulaziz Almashi, also confirmed the news, saying he had met Mr Alhajali whilst working for the organisation which promotes freedom, peace and democracy in Syria.

Mr Almashi said: 'He was kind, charitable and full of passion for his family. I can't believe he's not here.' Mr Alhajali studied civil engineering at the University of West London and wanted to one day return to Syria to help.

Their mother Heyam is still in Damascus with their father and two sons and is desperate to see her son before he is buried. She is nervous, however, about visa restrictions.

Isaac Shawo, pictured with his mother Genet, was lost in thick black smoke as his family tried to flee their 18th floor flat

Student Mohammad Alhajali (left), 23, fled his war-torn home of Daraa three years ago with his brother Omar (right), 25

Mohammad Alhajali (pictured left and right) was confirmed by family and friends today as having died in yesterday's fire

Isaac Shawo: Boy told his mother he 'didn't want to die' on 18th floor

Isaac Shawo has been missing since the blaze broke out

A boy told his mother he 'didn't want to die' just moments before they were separated as they fled the inferno.

Terrified Isaac Shawo, five, was lost in thick black smoke as his family tried to flee their 18th floor flat. He was holding the hand of a neighbour but disappeared as his parents and brother Luca, three, stumbled down a fire escape.

Choking back tears, his mother Genet Shawo said: 'I will not fear the worse, I am still hoping and praying for him. He is a beautiful boy. He told us during the fire that he didn't want us to die.

'My neighbour said he would hold him and bring him down. But when I got outside I realised Isaac wasn't there. I have been to all the emergency centres, all the hospitals and there is no news of him. I just want help, anyone who has any information can they please come forward.'

The family have heard no news of the fate of Isaac, who attended the nearby Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Primary School.

Describing how their escape, Mrs Shawo, who is originally from Ethiopia, told London's Evening Standard that they were beaten back by heat and smoke.

She and her husband Paulos Petakle, a taxi driver, used wet towels to try and protect their children.

'We opened the door and there was thick smoke which came into our home. You couldn't see anything it was so dark. The fire was so hot,' she said.

'I was helping my neighbour to put towels on his children, and started helping them down. I had put a wet towel already on Isaac.

'My neighbour said he had lost hold of him inside and couldn't find him. It was so dark, you couldn't see anything in the smoke. I am praying he managed to get out somehow or someone else saved him.'

Farah and Omar Hamdan and their baby: Youngest missing tower resident



Farah Hamdan and her six-month-old baby are among the missing, along with Ms Hamdan's husband Omar Belkadi

A six-month-old baby is feared to be the youngest victim of the Grenfell Tower fire.

Mother Farah Hamdan, her young baby daughter and her husband Omar Belkadi have not been seen since the blaze ripped through the west London block on Tuesday night.

The couple's two older children - 10-year-old Malek Belkadi and Tamzin Belkadi, six - were however located in hospital. Tragically, Malek later died in hospital.

Ms Hamdan's cousin Adel Chaoui has complained about the lack of help the family have received from authorities.

Mr Chaoui said they were given almost no information about where the two children who have been found were, until a health worker at one hospital they went to took pity on them.

He told the Telegraph: 'The hospitals had no idea who these children were- they didn't even realise they were related'.

He added: 'The police are following protocol they have in place during terrorist incidents. There needs to be separate protocol for civil disasters. That's what's going wrong here.'

Ms Hamdan, Mr Belkadi and their six-month-old daughter are still unaccounted for, according to Farah's father, Rkia. 'We've been to all the hospitals and we've been searching all day but we still haven't found them, we just want to know they are safe,' he told The Sun. 'We have had no help from the police, we understand that they're busy but they've got casualties in the hospitals.'

Ms Hamdan's cousin Adel Chaoui has complained about the lack of help the family have received from authorities. Pictured, Tamzin Belkad

Mother Farah Hamdan (right), her young baby daughter and her husband Omar Belkadi (left) have not been seen since the fire

Mierna, Fatima, Zaynab, Nadia, Bassem & Sirra Choucair: Missing from top floor

Nadia Choucair, her husband and three children are missing

Three young girls - named as sisters Mierna, 13, Fatima, three, and Zaynab Choucair, ten - and their parents Nadia, 29, and Bassem, 38, are missing as their relatives desperately search hospitals for them.

Teaching assistant Nadia's sister Sawsan Choucair went on Good Morning Britain today to explain how they are all missing, along with her mother Sirra.

In an emotional interview, she told the ITV show: '(I spoke to them) in the morning as soon as I knew what happened at about 3am this morning, even before I got there as well I spoke to them.

'They were screaming, shouting, all I could hear in the background, and they were just quite screaming, and I was shouting - two of them, shouting, get out, try and find an exit or something.

'My sister spoke to a friend, I don't know if exactly, but this friend contacted me, she said they're all safe, but I haven't heard anything, nothing at all. They could be in hospital, I don't know exactly, they could be anywhere.

'Everyone's doing their bit, their duty and everything, but I still don't know anything. I've given my name, my number, everything, just to know. I pray for everyone, I hope everyone's safe.'

Three young sisters Mierna, 13, Fatima, three, and Zaynab Choucair, ten, are all missing following the fire at Grenfell Tower

Rania Ibrham: No contact after filming harrowing video from 23rd floor

A mother trapped on the 24th floor of the Grenfell tower recorded a harrowing Facebook live video as she and her two young children desperately tried to escape.

Rania Ibrham, 30, was in her flat when the raging fire engulfed the housing block in London in the early hours. In the distressing clip, she can be heard screaming for help as she tries to find a way out of the burning building.

Her grief stricken friends told MailOnline they were still anxiously waiting for news on Ms Ibrham and her children, aged three and five, who have not been seen since her phone cut out.

Ms Ibrham's friend Suhair Sharif, 55, who lives in Edgware Road, rushed to the scene following the disaster. She told MailOnline: 'Rania lived with her husband and children on the 24th floor.

'Her husband was in Egypt but he flew back as soon as he heard the news. Rania made it down to the floor below to my other friend's flat, but Rania, her two children and my friends on the 23rd floor are all still missing.

'In the video we just heard her saying 'oh my god', but she carried on filming despite the fire. We have not heard from her since the video ended.'

Mrs Sharif added: 'We didn't see any casualties coming out, it is as if they just left them in there to die. One man was told to stay in his flat by police but he refused and escaped with his wife and children.'

Ms Ibrham also sent a heartbreaking Snapchat message to another friend at 2.45am in which she said in Arabic, 'forgive me everyone, goodbye'. In the video Ms Ibrham, who is from Sudan, screams 'Hello, hello, come here' as she ignores the advice of a friend and family members to keep her door closed.

Residents are seen rushing through her door as they try to shelter from the smoke and flames of the inferno.

A friend of a mother who lives in the tower block said she still heard from her after receiving a video of the blaze at 3am. Rania Ibrham (left), 30, sent her friend Maseen (right) the clip just moments after the blaze started

Anthony Disson: Lost contact at 3am from the 10th floor

Known as Tony, the 66-year-old is reported to have last been in contact with his family at around 3am while he was inside the building - and said: 'Tell my sons I love them.'

Lee Disson, Tony's son, posted an appeal for information on Facebook and said he was 'still praying for him'.

The appeal read: 'If anyone has seen my Dad, Tony Disson could they let us know. My heart goes out to all the people at Grenfell Tower.'

Lee, 47, confirmed that his father was still missing. He is reported to have lived on the 10th floor and his wife Cordelia, Lee and three other sons have been searching for him in hospitals.

Lee told the Mirror: 'People called my dad and said, 'Put a blanket over your head and get out'.He said he couldn't as he was trapped and the floor was too hot. A friend rang at 4am and one of the last things he said was, 'Tell my sons I love them'.'

Tony Disson, 66, (left) was last in contact with his family at 3am and still inside the building. His wife Cordelia and three sons have been searching hospitals all day but have been unable to find him. Steve Power (right) is also thought to be missing

El-Wahabi family: Couple and three children who lived on 21st floor

Abdul Aziz el-Wahabi, 52, his wife Faouzia el-Wahabi, 42, and their three children, Yasin, 21, Nur Huda, 15, and Mehdi, eight, are all now believed to have died.

Otman Boujettif, 42, a cousin, told the London Evening Standard: 'An entire family's been wiped out. We spoke to them at about 1.30am but they'd been told by the fire brigade to stay in their flat, put towels down, wet the floors and wait. But they followed the wrong advice and now they are gone. It's devastating.'

The family all lived on the 21st floor of the tower, according to Mr Wahabi's sister. Hanan Wahabi told reporters: 'I rang him and the fire had not reached the top of the block at that point. He said he had been told to stay inside, stay in one room together and put towels under the door.

'I told him to leave. He said he was going to come. Then I called him and he said there was too much smoke. The last time I saw him they were waving out the window. The last time I spoke to his wife, he was on the phone to the fire brigade.'

Also unaccounted for is teenager Nurhuda El-Wahabi (left), as well as her older brother Yasin (right), aged 21, both of whom are understood to have been inside the tower block when the fire broke out

The family all lived on the 21st floor of the tower, according to Mr Wahabi's sister. Pictured, 21-year-old Yasin

Khadija Khalloufi: Feared dead in fire after husband lost his grip on 17th floor

Sabah Abdullah, 72, and his wife Khadija Khalloufi, 52, who is still missing

A retired lecturer has told of his horror of losing his wife in the London fire after he lost his grip on her hand in the stampede as they tried to escape.

Sabah Abdullah, 72, was leading his wife, Khadija Khalloufi, 52, through the smoke-filled stairwell as they fled their flat on the 17th floor. She remains missing.

'I feel lost. I don't know what's going on. I just want my wife back,' he told MailOnline.

When the fire started, both left their flat in pyjamas and dressing-gowns, having been asleep when the block filled with smoke. Speaking exclusively to MailOnline, he said: 'I said to my wife, put a part of your robe over your nose so you can at least filter it, and I pulled her from the flat.

'I pulled her from the 17th floor and it was very awkward. People were pushing and forcing you to move because each one was running for his life. It was a stampede, with killer smoke. I could see only half a metre in front of me. The noise was indescribable.

'Not only were people screaming, you could feel that every one of them was very nervous and afraid, scared, wondering what's going on. Nobody was expecting this. We were all coughing terribly in the black smoke. There was a mixture of people, mainly adults but some children. I thought, OK, my wife is behind me. All I need to do is keep my hand in her hand and the other hand over my nose.

'But how could I keep my balance? They kept pushing me left and right, how could I balance? I found myself letting go of her hand and putting my hand on the rail. I thought she was safe behind me. I couldn't keep hold of her hand and keep my balance,' he added. 'I had to let go. I can't say exactly what happened next because I couldn't see anything. I never had a head at that time. It was crazy.'

Mr Abdullah was leading his wife, Khadija Khalloufi (pictured) through the smoke-filled stairwell as they fled their flat

When he got to the 15th floor, Mr Abdullah realised his wife was missing. Concluding that she must be making her own way down, he followed the crowd down through the building.

When Mr Abdullah got out of the building, he was shocked to see that his wife Mrs Khalloufi was nowhere to be seen

'Thereafter, I didn't care. I thought she was downstairs,' he said. 'I was pushing other people, doing exactly the same thing as them. I felt like I was behaving like an animal, but everybody was the same. Everybody was panicking. When people fell on the floor, we pulled them up and carried on.'

When he got out of the building, he was shocked to see that his wife was nowhere to be seen.

'A police officer told me to get out of the way. I told him my wife was missing, and he pushed me. It was not a graceful push. I fell over, cutting my feet.'

The rest of the night, he said, was a blur. 'I don't know if it's today or yesterday. I can't concentrate on anything,' he said. It's not easy, I can't sleep last night. But when it got to five, automatically I slept.'

Mr Abdullah described his wife as 'wonderful and generous'. They met when she attended one of his lectures in business studies at Kensington and Chelsea Colleges 28 years ago, he added.

'We were married for 28 years, wonderful, wonderful years,' he told MailOnline. 'We have two stepchildren.'

A friend of the family said: 'When you look at Khadija, she's full of life with a big heart. She is such a humble person, very welcoming. She opens her home to you, when you go to their house, she can't stop feeding you.

'She is a very generous person, very pure. She supports a lot of people in their lives. She cares for neighbours and everyone and loves her husband and stepchildren very much.'

Mr Abdullah described his wife as 'wonderful and generous'. They met when she attended one of his lectures in business studies at Kensington and Chelsea Colleges 28 years ago, he added

Ligaya Moore: Embassy appears for details on 'admirable woman'

The Embassy of the Philippines in London has appealed for information about Ligaya Moore, 79, who lived in Grenfell Tower. Ms Moore's grandson, Nico Purificacion, called her 'an admirable woman'.

'Our family loves her so much,' he told the Press Association. 'She's very fun to be with despite her age. So innocent yet very straightforward. She's been in London for a very long time, she visits us here in the Philippines once in a while.'

The Embassy of the Philippines in London has appealed for information about Ligaya Moore, 79, who lived in Grenfell Tower

Firdaws, Yahya, Yaqub, Noura and Hashim Jemal: Family stuck on 23rd floor

Three children who are believed to have died in the Grenfell Tower fire were 'lively, intelligent and articulate', a family friend said today.

Firdaws, 12, Yahya, 13, and Yaqub, six, have been missing since the devastating fire yesterday. It is believed they were with their parents, Noura and Hashim Jemal, inside their 19th floor apartment on the 23rd storey of the tower block.

Siblings Firdaws and Yahya regularly attended Solidarity Sports, a local youth charity which organises activities including football and climbing.

Sean Mendez, 36, who runs Solidarity Sports, said: 'I have known the children and the family for more than four years, both kids really enjoyed football and were both really intelligent and articulate. Firdaws was really good at art, she was very sensible and a responsible girl. Yahya was very endearing and had a good sense of humour, they were all very smiley children.

'I last saw Yahya during Easter and he came to play football. I saw Noura lots at the pick up and drop off times, she was a very sweet and kind lady and always very grateful for us looking after her children. She went out of her way to thank us and that was very rewarding to get her support.'

Mr Mendez added: 'As far as I know the whole family of five are missing, I have heard of a lot of children who come here who were caught up in the fire.But it is really good to see the whole community pulling together.

'Yaqub was the liveliest of the three kids, he was a bit too young so he didn't come to our projects but he would come with Noura to pick up the other two. He was very lively and smiley.'

Siblings Firdaws and Yahya regularly attended Solidarity Sports, a local youth charity which organises activities including football and climbing

Firdaws, 12, Yahya, 13, and Yaqub, six, have been missing since the devastating fire yesterday. It is believed they were with their parents, Noura and Hashim Jemal, inside their 19th floor apartment

Dennis Murphy: Uncle trapped on 14th floor

Stevan Racz shared a post seeking information about his uncle, 56, whom he said had called while trapped on the 14th floor of the building.

'We haven't heard anything since. Can anyone with any information contact me please,' he said. One commenter on another post seeking Mr Murphy wrote: 'I've been around asking everyone, going to the centres, no one's seen him.'

Stevan Racz shared a post seeking information about his uncle Dennis Murphy, whom he said had called while trapped on the 14th floor. 'We haven't heard anything since. Can anyone with any information contact me please,' he said. One commenter on another post seeking Mr Murphy wrote: 'I've been around asking everyone, going to the centres, no one's seen him.'

Jessica Urbano: Schoolgirl, 12, from 20th floor who phoned from a fire escape

Twelve-year-old Jessica Urbano is still missing following the fire at the block.

Ana Ospina posted an image of the young girl, said to be about 5ft tall, on Facebook, saying: 'Please continue to share the photo of my niece who has not yet found her. I know there are people who say they already found her, but the reality is that there has been no news of her.'

Mrs Ospina said the young girl lived on the 20th floor, adding: 'She last spoke to her mum when she borrowed a phone and told her she was on the stairs with other people.

'We than have had unconfirmed reports/sightings of her outside of the flats and also being put into an ambulance, but we have checked hospitals and no news.'

Jessica's cousin Jason Garcia, 23, who works in marketing, said he was out for almost 24 hours from 2am on Wednesday searching hospitals and community centres for any trace of her.

He is now wearing a picture of her on his t-shirt to continue to get the message out. He said: 'We've had no news; there have been some reported sightings but nothing has come of them.

'A building should not go up in flames that quickly. I don't know what happened with the fire alarms, but the fire should not have spread so quickly.

'All we can do now is continue to check, double check, triple check everything, put up posters everywhere, get her picture out there and hope for good news.'

Natalie Garcia tweeted to say her 12-year-old cousin little cousin Jessica Urbano (above) was missing after trying to escape

Jessica is pictured with her parents Ramiro and Adriana. Jessica's parents last heard from her at 1.39am when she phoned from a fire escape in the flats

Hackim Bakkal, 21, a cousin of missing 12-year-old Jessica Urbano said he was being passed around in a circle by the authorities who are unable to answer his questions.

He said: 'Police are sending you to the crisis bureau and they send you to the hospitals and then back to the police.

'The crisis bureau have answers but they are refusing to give them.

'They just say "I cannot give you that information, sit tight and we will call you."

'Jessica could be unconscious, dead or alive we do not know, but I am going to keep pestering them until they give me what I want.

'Yesterday Jessica's family searched every hospital in the area and they did the same thing this morning and they haven't got any answers.

'The crisis bureau are sending everyone in circles, I don't know if it is to buy more time?

'We are very hopeful, I think that Jessica is unconscious some where. We just want to find her.'

Friends of missing Jessica Urbano, 12, wearing photographs of Jessica pinned to their t-shirts

Hackim Bakkal, 21, a cousin of missing 12-year-old Jessica Urbano said he was being passed around in a circle by the authorities who are unable to answer his questions

Bakkal said: 'Police are sending you to the crisis bureau and they send you to the hospitals and then back to the police'

Jessica's cousin Jason Garcia, 23, who works in marketing, said he was out for almost 24 hours from 2am on Wednesday searching hospitals and community centres for any trace of her

Briket Haftom and her son Buroke

Berkti Haftom, 30, and her 12-year-old son Biruk live on the 18th floor of the high-rise and have not been seen since the blaze broke out.

Relatives are urgently trying to find them and have gathered in nearby St Clement's Church to wait for any news.

Arsiema Alula said: 'There's no information from anyone who has seen them.

'We've tried the emergency number but they wouldn't give out any information. We tried all the hospitals, all six, but there was nothing.

'Someone posted on social media that they had seen Biruk - it's really confusing. We need information from the critical casualties.'

Two more of the missing have been identified as Briket Haftom and her son Buroke Haftom

Mariem Elgwahry: Resident on 19th floor 'missing with her mother'

Emma Evans shared an appeal to find long-time friend Mariem Elgwahry, who lived on the 19th floor of the tower block and was said to be missing with her mother.

Ms Evans said that Ms Elgwahry had last been heard from when she spoke to another friend in the tower block - who was since confirmed safe - at around 2.30am.

She added that she had been to a number of rescue centres in the area 'with no luck yet'.

Mariem Elgwahry (pictured) has not been seen by friends since 2am yesterday morning. A friend called Emma Evans said on Facebook that Mariem was on the 19th floor

Khadija Saye: Artist and friend of Labour MP from 20th floor

Artist Khadija Saye, 24, who is currently showing her artwork in the Venice Biennale, was in her flat on the 20th floor, with her mother Mary Mendy, who is thought to be in her 50s.

Her friend, artist Nicola Green, said: 'We're desperately trying to communicate with all the hospitals.

'We're told some people have been rescued up to the 19th and 20th floor. She was on the 20th floor. Nobody has any information at this point.'

Ms Green said that Ms Saye was last heard from at 3am when she was direct messaging from her flat, as her phone was not working.

Ms Green's husband, Labour MP David Lammy, also put out a plea to find Ms Saye, tweeting: 'If you have any information about Khadija Saye pls contact me. She is our dear friend, a beautiful soul and emerging artist.'

Khadija Saye, who lives on the 20th floor of Grenfell Tower in west London is also among those who are currently missing. Friends said that she was recognisable by the Africa pendant she always wears around her neck

Ali Yawar Jafari: Resident on 10th floor lost contact with his relatives

Ali Yawar Jafari, 82, is thought to be among those missing. His son, Hamid Ali Jafari, said his father had lost contact with his mother and sister, who lived with him in Grenfell Tower, on the 10th floor.

The younger Mr Jafari said he had been to several rescue centres throughout the day since first reporting his father missing on Twitter just before 8am. Asked if he had any news since then, he said: 'No.'

According to the Telegraph, Mr Jafari said: 'He was with my mother and sister in the lift and she said the lift stopped on the tenth floor and he said there was too much smoke and he couldn't breathe and he got out of the lift and then the doors shut and it didn't stop again till the ground floor.'

Hamid Ali Jafari tweeted asking for any information on his missing father Ali Yawar (pictured), who he says he was separated from on the 12th floor

Saber Neda: Fire ripped through father's top-floor flat

Saber Neda, an Afghan migrant minicab driver, is feared dead after the fire ripped his top-floor flat. While his wife Shakila, 45, and son Farhad, 24, fled the blaze, Saber's family say he stayed behind because he was injured.

The 57-year-old was last heard from at 2.20am when he made a frantic phone call to a relative to say that the building was burning and that there was 'no help'.

Saber, whose birth name is Mohamed, is understood to have parted with Shakila and university graduate Farhad at 3.30am but has not been seen since.

The father-of-one's nephew Reshad Habib, who lives in the Netherlands, said: 'We are all trying to find him. He was last heard from at 3.30am when he told his wife and son to leave him. He said that they had to get out. He said they should go and he would follow.

'We all don't know the exact reason why he waited behind, but we think he was injured or something. They were both taken to hospital. We don't know how they are. We haven't heard anything from my uncle since. They had been living for 20 years in that flat and they lived on the very top floor of the building.

'We got a call when the fire started. He said there was a big fire at the flat and that there was no help at the moment. That was at 2.20am. His wife and child are OK. I have talked briefly to his son. My auntie and him are in different hospitals from each other in a stable condition. We just hope that they will find him.

Saber Neda who lived in a top-floor flat, is feared dead after the fire ripped through the 27-storey building. While his wife Shakila, 45, and son Farhad, 24, fled the blaze, Saber's family say he stayed behind because he was injured

Mohamednur Tuccu: Missing along with his wife and daughter from 19th floor

Mr Tuccu is missing along with his wife Amalahmedin and his three-year-old daughter Amayah after visiting relatives in Grenfell Tower, his employer said.

Mr Tuccu's manager, chief executive of Red Consultancy Mike Morgan, told Sky News: 'Mo is a part of the family. He will have been with us for 10 years next month and is due to be awarded his decade milestone. We all just want to hear that he is OK.'

Like many Muslim families, the Tuccus were breaking their Ramadan fast when the fire broke out.

The British national, whose family are from Eritrea, has not been heard from since the blaze.

Breaking fast: Amayah Tuccu, three, with mother Amalahmedin. Like many Muslim families, the Tuccus were breaking their Ramadan fast when the fire broke out

The firm Red Consultancy tweeted to appeal for news on their staff member Mo Tuccu, pictured

Zainab and Jeremiah Dean: Told to stay in their 14th floor flat

Francis Dean said his sister Zainab told been told by firefighter to remain in her flat on the 14th floor along with her son Jeremiah, 2.

He told The Telegraph: 'My sister called me to say there was a fire in the tower. I told her to leave by the stairs but she said she had been told to stay inside her flat. That was in the early hours of today and I've not heard from her since. I fear the worst.'

Mr Dean said that a firefighter used his phone to speak to his sister. 'He told her to keep calm and that they were coming to get her,' he said. 'He kept saying that to her again and again.

'But then he handed me the phone and said to me 'Tell her you love her'. I knew then to fear the worst. The phone went dead and I couldn't talk to her.'

Two-year-old Jeremiah was in the 14th floor flat with his mother Zainab Dean and both are still missing

Francis Dean said his sister Zainab (left) told been told by firefighter to remain in her flat on the 14th floor along with her son Jeremiah, 2

Hesham Rahman: No news from 20th floor resident since fire began

Noha Baghdady shared a picture of her brother Hesham Rahman, 57, across a number of platforms, saying he lived on the 20th floor of the tower block and had not heard any news since the fire broke out.

She said her nephews were 'currently searching hospitals' and added: 'I'm feeling so helpless all we can do is pray he is safe and well.'

According to Sky News, Mr Rahman's last contact with his family was at around 3am when he told them he could smell smoke.

It was also reported that Mr Rahman has diabetes, making it difficult for him to walk down stairs.

One woman took to social media to appeal for help finding her brother, Hesham Rahman, who lived on the 20th floor

Fathaya Alsanousi: Elderly woman stuck with her children on the 23rd floor

Fathaya Alsanousi, who is in her 70s, was stuck in her 23rd floor flat with her son Abu Feras, 38, and daughter Esra Ibrahim, 35. All three are still missing.

Fathaya Alsanousi (pictured) was stuck in her 23rd floor flat with her son Abu Feras, 38, and daughter Esra Ibrahim, 35. All three are still missing

Sheila Smith: Oldest missing person, from 16th floor

Sheila Smith, 84, is the oldest of those to be declared missing so far. Her son Adam, who describes himself as a tech entrepreneur, launched an appeal on Twitter, writing 'my Mum is missing - Sheila, 84 years old, 16th floor Grenfell Tower.'

Sheila Smith, 84, is the oldest of those to be declared missing so far. She lived on the 16th floor of the block

Hamid Kani: Iranian man who lived on the 15th floor

The 61-year-old Iranian lived on the 15th floor of the tower block.

Iranian Hamid Kani, 61, lived on the 15th floor of the tower block and has been reported missing by relatives

Bangladeshi family of five: Relatives fled the 17th floor

The friends of a family of five who lived on the 17th floor of Grenfell Tower are appealing for any reports of their whereabouts.

Bangladeshi newspaper the Dhaka Tribune named the family as Komru Miah, 82, his wife Razia Begum, 65, and their children, Abdul Hanif, 29, Abdul Hamid, 26, and Hosna Begum Tanima, 22, citing a local official.

A family friend said: 'We are all just waiting and praying for some good news.'

Hosna, who works at Carphone Warehouse, was due to get married next month.

Hosna Begum (pictured, in headscarf), who works at Carphone Warehouse, was due to get married next month. Pictured far right, Komru Miah, 82

Bangladeshi newspaper the Dhaka Tribune named the family as Komru Miah, 82, his wife Razia Begum, 65, and their children, Abdul Hanif, 29, Abdul Hamid, 26, and Hosna Begum Tanima, 22, citing a local official

Grandmother Marjorie Vital and her son Ernie Vital who lived on the 16th floor

Two further people were identified as grandmother Marjorie Vital, 67, and her son Ernie Vital, 43. A relative said on Facebook: 'We're looking for my uncle and my grandmother, Ernie Vital and Marjorie Vital.

'They live in Grenfell Tower on the 16th floor. If anyone can help or knows anything please call.'

Another relative said: 'We've been desperately searching in all the hospitals but we still haven't found them.'

Another of the missing was today identified as Marjorie Vital. A relative said on Facebook: 'We're looking for my uncle and my grandmother, Ernie Vital and Marjorie Vital'

A relative of Ernie Vital said: 'They live in Grenfell Tower on the 16th floor. If anyone can help or knows anything please call'

Stefan Anthony-Mills

Candice Bowen wrote on Facebook: 'Has anyone seen Stefan Anthony-Mills?! He's a friend of mine and hasn't been heard from since the Grenfell tower fire.

'I've had a few of his close friends message me and ask of his wearabouts... please please share and get this seen in as many places as possible as I'm sure his family are extremely worried.'

Candice Bowen wrote on Facebook: 'Has anyone seen Stefan Anthony-Mills?! He's a friend of mine and hasn't been heard from since the Grenfell tower fire'

Amal and her daughter

Another tragic poster showed a mother, Amal, and daughter among the missing.

Another tragic poster showed a mother, Amal, and daughter among the missing

Raymond 'Moses' Bernard who lived on the 21st floor

A family friend confirmed that 65-year-old Raymond Bernard, known to friends as Moses, remained missing after the fire.

Esther Bonsu wrote on Facebook: 'My friends uncle Raymond 'Moses' Bernard is missing!!! He lived on the 21st Floor at Grenfell Tower... Alerts have been sent to the police, missing persons bureau and hospitals, unfortunately we still can't find him.'

A family friend confirmed that 65-year-old Raymond Bernard, known to friends as Moses, remained missing after the fire

Maria Del Pilar

Maria Del Pilar Burton, 65, and her husband Nicholas were caught in the blazing fire.

Nicholas woke in hospital yesterday not knowing where his wife was and has appealed for help to trace her.

Simon, a resident who helped the pensioner outside the burning building, said: 'We were helping downstairs in the building to get people out.

'Nicholas does not know where Maria is and she has Alzheimer's, but we know she got out. He's desperate to find her.'

Maria Del Pilar Burton, 65, and her husband Nicholas were caught in the blazing fire

Sakineh Afraseiabi and Fatima Afraseiabi who were living on the 18th floor

A concerned acquaintance wrote on Facebook: 'Friend from my work hasn't heard anything from her mum and aunty pictured below who both lived in Grenfell Tower.

'The names are Sakineh Afraseiabi and Fatima Afraseiabi. Please any help would be appreciated.'

A concerned acquaintance wrote on Facebook: 'Friend from my work hasn't heard anything from her mum and aunty pictured below who both lived in Grenfell Tower. The names are Sakineh Afraseiabi, 65, (left) and Fatima Afraseiabi (right)

Furious residents even vented their anger on a memorial to the victims, aiming blasts at politicians with slogans including 'Theresa May stay away'

Sabu Hussain, who helped decorate the memorial, said it should be made into a permanent mural so the victims of the blaze will never be forgotten

The memorial wall was also covered in posters showing the faces of missing people

Tottenham MP David Lammy appealed to followers on Twitter for any information on Khadija Saye. He wrote: 'If you have any information about Khadija Saye pls contact me. She is our dear friend, a beautiful soul and emerging artist'

Moments after cheating death and escaping Grenfell Tower in Latimer Road, White City, relatives are now faced with the prospect of having to search for those who have gone missing during the ensuing chaos

Lee Disson posted a message on Facebook asking for anyone to provide information on his missing father Tony

A woman covered in ash is comforted by others as she looks on while the enormous fire rages through the night and into the morning

Fears are growing for thousands of families living in tower blocks around Britain after it was revealed the firm which supplied the panels at the centre of the west London inferno has also carried out similar work across the capital
Tennessee Craft announces 2017 Tennessee Craft Week, Oct. 6-15. Launched in 2015 to highlight handmade crafts, Tennessee Craft Week, is a collection of craft events and happenings designed to connect and celebrate craft artists, the work they create and the businesses that support them.



This week-long celebration of craft is held in conjunction with American Craft Week, an annual recognition of craft across the nation. This intense spotlight on hundreds of accomplished artists and innovative Tennessee craft-based events during TCW underscores the collective impact that

Made in Tennessee craft has on our culture, community and economy.

Partnering with the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, Tennessee Craft gained national attention earning top honors with the American Craft Week 2015 Star Award for its engaging artist demonstrations at the 14 Tennessee Welcome Centers and the Nashville International Airport. In 2016, Tennessee Craft Week built upon its previous success, garnering five American Craft Week 2016 Star Awards. For Tennessee Craft Week 2017, Tennessee Tourism will again sponsor craft artists at each one of the 15 Tennessee Welcome Centers across the state, promoting personal interaction with the artists and craft demonstrations to the public.



All Tennessee craft artists are encouraged to showcase their art and participate. Artists may create and submit an original event, participate in and submit an established community craft event or host an individual Open Studio Day as part of the Tennessee Craft Week activities. As the statewide advocate and educator for the art of handmade craft, Tennessee Craft urges craft artists to be a part of this successful campaign to brand and promote their skills as well as build the reputation of handmade products made in Tennessee. TCW 2016 showcased more than 66 events. More than 100 events are projected to take place during Tennessee Craft Week 2017.



Important Dates and Links



To be included as a Featured Event: Submit events no later than July 15 to be included as a featured event and published in the brochure. http://tennesseecraft.org/tennessee-craft-week/submit-your-event/



All featured events will be included in the TCW event calendar, promoted via Tennessee Craft social media platforms, listed on Facebook, and included in the TCW event listing on TNvacation.com. Events entered after the deadline will not be guaranteed the same level of promotion, due to the increased number of events projected this year.



Looking for Ideas? Click here: Event and ideas/happenings from 2016



Tennessee Craft Week Promotional cards, flyers and posters to download and print: http://tennesseecraft.org/tennessee-craft-week/promote-tennessee-craft-week/



Find Your Chapter! Artists interested in joining a local Tennessee Craft Chapter: http://tennesseecraft.org/members/



Tennessee Craft Week Creates:



Awareness of authentic cultural experiences for residents and visitors in October 2017, where the general public can connect on a deeper level with local artists and their process.



Engagement by connecting Tennessee artists across the state to each other and their communities, forging effective regional partnerships and expanding the reputation of Tennessee craft artists.



Recognition for the economic, creative and cultural impact craft artists have on local communities, in both urban and rural areas.
Former Hey, Hey It's Saturday star Red Symons has given an interview on a radio program in which he asked an ABC broadcaster of Taiwanese descent if she's 'yellow'.

ABC journalist and producer Beverley Wang was a guest on a ABC Melbourne radio program to discuss her podcast about 'racism, identity, culture and difference'.

The interview with Symons was awkward from the start after he admitted to not listening to the podcast, before telling Ms Wang he was upset because he wanted to launch a similar show.

'Except my segment was called 'What's the deal with Asians', Mr Symons said during the show last week.

Former Hey, Hey It's Saturday star Red Symons (pictured) has hosted a bizarre interview on ABC radio in which he asks a Taiwanese descendant if she's 'yellow'

ABC journalist and producer Beverley Wang (pictured) was a guest on a ABC Melbourne radio program to discuss her podcast about 'racism, identity, culture and difference

Symons asked Ms Wang (pictured) if her name is Chinese and if Mandarin or Cantonese is spoken in Taiwan

'Well let's tackle that. What is the deal with Asians, Red?' Ms Wang shot back.

'It's just a useful, general question about the nature of our culture, and how one should interact with people who have a different cultural background,' Symons replied.

But Symons wasn't finished there and went on to ask Canada-born Ms Wang if she's 'yellow'.

He also asked if the name Wang is Chinese and if Mandarin or Cantonese is spoken in Taiwan.

'They speak Taiwanese and they speak Mandarin and in Canada, where I'm from, they speak English and French,' Ms Wang replied

Symons then said Ms Wang is 'probably from the west coast of Canada' because it's closer to Asia.

The morning breakfast host also appeared to defend his former program's infamous 'blackface' skit.

Symons (pictured during Dancing With The Stars) said Ms Wang is 'probably from the west coast of Canada' because it's closer to Asia

Symons also went on to defend Hey, Hey It's Saturday's infamous 'blackface' skit

The skit drew condemnation from guest star Harry Connick Jr (pictured), and lead to an on-air apology from host Daryl Somers

During a Hey, Hey It's Saturday reunion special in 2009, five men in 'blackface' re-enacted a Jackson Five skit which they had previously done 20 years ago.

The skit drew condemnation from guest star Harry Connick Jr, and lead to an on-air apology from host Daryl Somers.

Symons said during the show that he wrote a defence of the skit and asked Ms Wang if it was 'plausible'.

'To be honest, Red, I didn't really understand what you were trying to say in that,' she said.

'I remember thinking at the time that it had become uncomfortable because Harry Connick Jr felt most uncomfortable with someone wearing what is alleged to be blackface,' Symons said.

One social media user labelled Symons as an 'embarrassment' after his interview with Ms Wang

Another user used an iconic picture of Harry Connick Jr during the infamous 'blackface' skit to voice his opinion

Another user jumped to Symons' defence, saying the radio host was simply broaching the topic in Ms Wang's podcast

One person said Symons needed to get 'the gong' which he made famous during Hey, Hey It's Saturday

People have taken to social media to voice their opinion about the awkward interview, with one person calling Symons an 'embarrassment' who is 'living in the 70s'.

'Red Symons was an embarrassment as a guitarist and even worse as a broadcaster. He really is living in the 70s,' the person said.

But another user jumped to Symons' defence, saying the radio host was simply broaching the topic in Ms Wang's podcast.

''Race, racism, identity, culture, difference - let's talk it out'', isn't that what Red Symons was doing? This is today's outrage I guess,' the person said.
Nick Paget-Brown, the Tory leader of Kensington and Chelsea Council, said there was not a 'collective view' among residents in favour of sprinklers

Sprinklers were not fitted in the Grenfell Tower because residents did not want the disruption of fitting them, council bosses have claimed.

Nick Paget-Brown, the Tory leader of Kensington and Chelsea Council, said there was not a 'collective view' among residents in favour of sprinklers.

Experts have suggested that sprinklers could have been fitted in the 24-storey building for 200,000 during the 10 million refurbishment.

Asked if installing sprinklers was considered as part of the refurbishment, Mr Paget-Brown said the advice was that the best way to combat the spread of a fire was to contain it.

He told BBC2's Newsnight: 'I didn't consider retrofitting sprinklers because we were told that what you try to do when you are refurbishing is to contain a fire within a particular flat so that the fire service can evacuate that flat, deal with the fire.

'There was not a collective view that all the flats should be fitted with sprinklers because that would have delayed and made the refurbishment of the block more disruptive.

'We are now talking retrospectively after the most enormous tragedy, but many residents felt that we needed to get on with the installation of new hot water systems, new boilers and that trying to retrofit more would delay the building and that sprinklers aren't the answer.'

But he said: 'Of course I regret anything that we might have done differently that would have avoided this tragedy.'

The British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association has put the cost of installing a sprinkler system at 200,000.

He told BBC2's Newsnight: 'I didn't consider retrofitting sprinklers because we were told that what you try to do when you are refurbishing is to contain a fire within a particular flat'

He added that 'there was not a collective view that all the flats should be fitted with sprinklers'

Mr Paget-Brown was unable to say how many tower blocks in his borough lacked sprinkler systems.

Amid speculation that the cladding fitted to Grenfell Tower could have been a factor in the fatal blaze, Mr Paget-Brown said no other refurbishments in the borough would use the system.

'As far as I know there are no other towers with that cladding,' he said.

Survivors of the Grenfell Tower inferno said they escaped only by ignoring official advice from 999 operators to stay in their flats and wait for help

Pictured: Smoke billows out of the Grenfell Tower as flames rip through the tower block

Asked if the borough would use similar components on towers in the future, he said: 'No.'

He added: 'We have asked the London Fire Brigade to look at all our towers and give us a report on whether fire safety in all of the towers - because we are very conscious residents are worried about this - whether they can give us the assurance that we need that all of those towers are safe and that they comply with fire standards, fire regulations.'
When confirmation arrived that Channel Ten had fallen into voluntary administration, its offices were flooded with tears.

But for long serving members of the embattled network, the biggest insult - and the stark reality of the company's true demise - was yet to be delivered.

From daily newspapers disappearing and removalists taking away printers to leave one per office, to cancelling fuel cards used by cameramen who spend hours behind the wheel - the seriousness of the station's situation was soon clear, The Age reports.

Network Ten employees have revealed the true devastation sweeping the offices in the wake of this weeks announcement the station had been forced into entering voluntary administration

Employees have reportedly claimed daily newspapers disappeared, removalists carried away printers and fuel cards were cancelled following the announcement (Pictured are Waleed Aly and Carrie Bickmore, co-hosts of Network Ten's flagship program The Project)

'People were in tears,' one employee revealed.

'This isn't a normal redundancy round. Our company is in administration. We're genuinely worried about our futures.'

According to The Age, the cancellation of fuel cards was caused by a 'glitch' which is being fixed, while in some states papers and printers have not disappeared.

Fronting a press conference on Wednesday as the company's share price dropped to just 16 cents a share, CEO Paul Anderson said it was an 'extremely disappointing' day.

Earlier, the company's directors had said they were left with 'no choice' but to enter administration, after its major shareholders could not longer guarantee bank loans.

Lachlan Murdoch and James Packer were among the major stakeholders this week refusing to guarantee the embattled network's future.

While the station's CEO has rejected claims job losses are inevitable, the company's employees are seemingly not convinced.

One claimed that should the network offer redundancy packages, there would be a 'rush for the exits'.

As Channel Ten moved into administration after the company's share price dropped to just 16 cents a share, CEO Paul Anderson (pictured) told staff it was an 'extremely disappointing' day

Statement released by Network Ten on Wednesday after announcing the broadcaster will enter voluntary administration. Billionaire shareholders on Tuesday refused to guarantee bank loans to the struggling company

Senior journalist Hugh Riminton tweets about Network Ten entering voluntary administration

Former employees at Network Ten have offered their support to current staff

Fox Sports journalist Alissa Smith has shared her thoughts on Ten entering voluntary administration

Others claimed they were so deprived of information about their futures, they were forced to Google 'Network Ten' to keep up to date.

Channel Ten's news programs are expected to be the hardest hit from any changes, with claims they could partner with Sky News to produce a bulletin - a move that would not be popular.

'I guarantee you, if they suddenly turn around and say, "We're going with Sky News,' a lot of us won't even come to work the next day",' one employee claimed.

While there is reportedly widespread disillusion throughout the network's Australian offices, it seems not all are giving up.

Having previously fallen into administration in 1990, some experienced journalists and TV producers have pledged to weather the storm.

The broadcaster also produces The Bachelor (pictures is Richie Strahan and Alex Nation)

Lachlan Murdoch (pictured with wife Sarah) and James Packer have refused to guarantee they will support a lifeline package for the network

Channel Ten's news programs are expected to be the hardest hit from any proposed changes, with claims they may partner with Sky News to produce a bulletin

'It really is business as usual. Nothing's changed, day-to-day, in the way I do my job,' one employee claimed.

But media experts say that the network's downfall came off the back of complicated and expensive contracts it signed for overseas shows from big U.S. TV studios.

'Their current dilemma really revolves around two onerous contracts they still have with 21st Century Fox and CBS,' media analyst Steve Allen told Daily Mail Australia.

The 'output contracts' - which reportedly cost $150 million a year in exchange for TV programs like Homeland - requires Ten to run CBS and Fox shows.

But, Mr Allen said those programs weren't delivering the required ratings.

'They're not delivering $150 million worth of ratings, so as these programs go to air, they're actually loss makers,' he said.
The ex-wife of an American sailor who was found alive after being missing for a week is hitting back at claims that he was faking his own death.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Peter Mims was presumed dead following a huge man-overboard search only to be found alive hiding in the engine room.

His ex-wife, Mikey Marie Mims - to whom he was married from August 2014 to October 2016 - says there has to be a reason for his actions.

'My ex-husband wouldn't hide in the engine room or fake his own death', she said in a statement to ABC News.

'I do feel like the Navy has explaining to do because the event of him going MIA had caused so much distress and sadness.

'I know that Peter wouldn't hide in an engine room for no reason. He's a bright young man.'

Mikey Marie Mims (left), the ex-wife of Peter Mims (right), says she is convinced that he wasn't trying to fake his own death. The American sailor, who went missing from the USS Shiloh last week, has been found safe on board the ship

Sources told the Navy Times that the sailor was found hiding in the USS Shiloh's (above) engine room

Mims was thought to have been lost on June 8 while his guided missile cruiser USS Shiloh was operating in the Philippine Sea.

Forces from the US and Japanese navies conducted a 50-hour search over 5,500 square-miles before the rescue was reluctantly called off at midnight on June 11.

However, four days later, the gas turbine systems technician was located alive and well, according to the Navy Times, although the circumstances of how he survived undetected for seven days are not clear.

Mims, 23, from Interlachen, Florida, has been transported to the USS Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier for psychiatric evaluation and his disappearance is under investigation.

Mims is pictured above in photos posted to Facebook. He joined the Navy in February 2014 and was married to Mikey Marie Mims from August 2014 to October 2016

His ex-wife (pictured) said in a statement: 'I do feel like the Navy has explaining to do because the event of him going MIA had caused so much distress and sadness. I know that Peter wouldn't hide in an engine room for no reason. He's a bright young man'

'We are thankful to have found our missing shipmate and appreciate all the hard work of our Sailors and Japanese partners in searching for him,' Rear Adm Charles Williams said in a statement.

'I am relieved that this Sailor's family will not be joining the ranks of Gold Star Families that have sacrificed so much for our country.'

The Navy has not responded to questions regarding his recovery and the 7th Fleet, which is based in Japan, and has not elaborated on how he was found.

Mims has been a member of the Navy since February 2014 and has served aboard the USS Shiloh since August of that year.

He was initially thought to have fallen overboard while the ship was 'conducting routine operations 180 miles east of Okinawa,' according to the Navy.

The sailor was reported missing 180-miles east of Okinawa on June 8 and the search extended for thousands of square miles until June 11 before it was called off

Above, the layout of a Ticonderoga-class cruiser, which is the same class as the USS Shiloh

Above, a look inside the main engine room of the USS Mobile Bay, which is also a Ticonderoga-class cruiser

More than half a dozen US Navy and Japanese Defence Force vessels combined with helicopters and aircraft from the Ronald Reagan to search for the missing Mims.

The list of American manpower and ships dedicated to finding the crewman included the USS McCamphell, USS Barry and USS John McCain.

After spending 50-hours trying to locate the sailor in the Philippine Sea, the search was called off on the stroke of midnight on June 11.

'The decision to suspend the search was not arrived at lightly,' said Rear Adm Charles Williams at the time.

'Our thoughts are with our lost shipmate, his family, and the officers and crew of USS Shiloh.'

However at the time, Mims's sister, Amy James said that she did not believe that her brother had lost his life.

'I just can't believe he's gone,' said James. 'Is this real? Is this a nightmare?'

'He's still alive, he's got to be fighting for his life'.
A damning report claims that illegal immigration in Britain may be running at 150,000 a year.

It says the true scale of those here unlawfully is being hidden because the Home Office estimates have been held back.

The paper also warns of a possible surge once legal migration from the EU is curbed following Brexit.

The most recent official figures show net migration  the difference between those leaving and arriving in the UK lawfully  stands at 273,000.

But the report suggests, when illegal migrants are included, this figure may be much higher.

Theresa May has pledged to cut immigration to the tens of thousands by 2022.

The report has warned that unless there is a dramatic change of approach, the Prime Minister's target to reduce immigration to tens of thousands will be impossible to meet. Pictured are migrants in Calais receiving free meals in March

But the report warns that unless there is a dramatic change of approach her pledge will be impossible to meet.

Its stark assessment comes from former immigration chief David Wood and Alasdair Palmer, a speechwriter to Mrs May when she was Home Secretary. The pair claim immigration to the UK is far higher than official statistics, with a glaring gap between what ministers say and the reality.

They wrote: Until the reality is honestly recognised, there is no possibility that immigration into Britain will be diminished by any Government policy.

Mr Wood, a former director general of immigration enforcement, said the Home Office privately estimates illegal immigration is running at 150,000 a year  around the same as the population of Poole in Dorset.

Unlawful entrants include those who have overstayed their visa limit, asylum rejects and those who arrived with no legal entitlement in the first place.

The most recent official figures show net migration  the difference between those leaving and arriving in the UK lawfully  stands at 273,000. Pictured a migrants in Calais earlier this year

Publicly the Home Office has insisted there are no accurate figures for illegal immigration. The report warns the situation is almost certainly going to get significantly worse when Britain leaves the EU.

Migrants from central and eastern European countries will still have strong motives to move to Britain, where they can earn more than in their home countries.

The report warns: The principle effect of leaving the EU will therefore be to create a whole new class of illegal immigrants to the UK  migrants who are geographically far closer to the UK than those from developing countries.

They add: Without effective enforcement of immigration laws and regulations, the result of Brexit wont be that we take back control of our borders, as the Prime Minister has promised.

It will be a surge in illegal immigration. The paper, titled The Politics Of Fantasy and published by the think-tank Civitas, pointed the finger at poor immigration controls.

It said: The resources devoted by the Government to enforcement are just too small to enable officials to keep track of foreign nationals, to monitor who is permitted to be here and to deport those who are not.

The report claimed the chance of a migrant being detained and deported for overstaying their visa is about one in a thousand.

It says ineffective border controls can be worse than none at all because the country receives no tax benefit from illegal migrants but pays for the cost of creating a new and very large class of criminals.

The authors of the report argued it is 'obviously wrong' not to release the figures, adding: 'Keeping them secret may save ministers from embarrassment. But it makes proper policy planning impossible. Picutured are migrants in Calais trying to board trucks in the port

The paper fuels allegations that calculations which could inform the debate around immigration have been deliberately suppressed.

The report says: The Home Office has not published any estimate of illegal immigration since 2005. It has produced further estimates  but for internal consumption only.

The authors argue it is obviously wrong not to release the figures, adding: Keeping them secret may save ministers from embarrassment. But it makes proper policy planning impossible.

Official statisticians have said it is impossible to accurately quantify the number of people in the country unlawfully.

In an estimate 12 years ago, a Home Office assessment put the total unauthorised migrant population living in the UK in 2001 at 430,000.

Net migration figures are based on a survey of passengers. Immigration minister Brandon Lewis said it was harder than ever for those with no right to be here to remain in the UK.

He said the Government would use Brexit as an opportunity to take control of immigration.
To be absolutely honest, until yesterday I couldnt have given two hoots whether or not Tim Farron was leader of the Liberal Democrat Party.

He led a lacklustre election campaign that failed to re-establish the Lib Dems as a political force at Westminster.

But I do believe it is nothing short of outrageous that Mr Farron felt forced to step down because of his devout Christian beliefs. Mr Farron says he could either be Lib Dem leader or a devout Christian: he did not feel it was possible to be both.

Could there be any more damning statement about the state of British political discourse?

Ridiculed: Time Farron speaks to supporters after the General Election last week

Like many Christians, Mr Farron takes seriously Biblical injunctions against abortion and against homosexuality. It was these deeply held beliefs which brought him into conflict with members of his party, and which were ridiculed by some sections of the media during the election campaign.

To be a political leader  especially of a progressive, liberal party in 2017  and to live as a committed Christian, to hold faithfully to the Bibles teaching, has felt impossible for me, he said in a heartfelt statement on Wednesday.

It is clear that Mr Farron suffered some emotional turmoil during the election campaign, avoiding straight answers when pressed  or, more correctly, harangued  on gay sex and abortion.

But crucially, Mr Farron has always made clear that his views on such matters are entirely personal, and that he has never once sought to impose them on others; and I believe him.

Parliamentary convention means that he could never have imposed such views even if he had wanted to, because issues such as homosexuality, abortion and divorce are viewed as matters of personal conscience rather than of party principle.

But that is not good enough for Mr Farrons critics.

In the words of the comedian David Baddiel, Farron is a fundamentalist Christian homophobe. In other words, beneath contempt. A lower form of life. Worthless.

Mr Farron felt his life had been made unbearable. ... I seem to be the subject of suspicion because of what I believe and who my faith is in, he said.

In other words, he has been driven out of public life by political correctness.

'It is clear that Mr Farron suffered some emotional turmoil during the election campaign'

This is a matter of grave concern that goes right to the heart of public debate in Britain. It is the latest example of a malign modern trend that has been labelled by some as a liberal fascism  though I prefer the term liberal intolerance.

Liberal intolerance means that in modern Britain you have perfect freedom to think what you like  as long as you agree with those who know best, that small ruling elite, every member of which shares the same fashion-able, metropolitan views.

Writing in The Catholic Herald newspaper, the religious commentator Peter Williams noted that Mr Farron would have been perfectly acceptable if he had agreed to be a revisionist Christian  someone who has abandoned some traditional teachings in favour of a more moderate and modern take  with views that were indistinguishable from the metropolitan secular consensus.

But he dared to express views outside the consensus, and was therefore to be regarded as an extremist and pariah who has to be hounded off public platforms.

We saw a telling example of this when Channel 4 News presenter Cathy Newman treated Farron as if he was a serial criminal when she interviewed him at the start of the election campaign and focused on his beliefs. In fact, Tim Farrons only crime is to hold views shared by virtually all priests, bishops, archbishops, rabbis, imams and other religious leaders since the beginning of civilisation.

Like Farron, I am a Christian though I take a more tolerant view of homosexuality than he does, and strongly believe in gay marriage.

On abortion, which Farron views as wrong, I believe that the law needs to be reviewed as medical advances have allowed more very premature babies born below the 24-week legal abortion limit to survive.

But none of that matters. I fully accept the sincerity of Mr Farrons views, and, above all, I believe in his right to hold them. His own party clearly doesnt.

Farron came under pressure to stand down after Brian Paddick, a gay former Metropolitan police commander, quit as Lib Dem shadow home secretary because of his leaders views on various issues. Yesterday, Paddicks former front bench colleague, David Laws, who is himself gay, welcomed Farrons resignation, declaring that you cannot be a leader of a liberal party while holding fundamentally illiberal and prejudiced views which fail to respect our partys great traditions of promoting equality for all our citizens.

I know Mr Laws well and greatly admire him, but I am afraid it is Laws  and not Tim Farron  who fails to understand the true Liberal tradition.

Liberals believe in freedom in all its shapes and sizes. That means free trade. Free markets. Freedom of thought. Free speech.

The modern Lib Dem Party does not believe in those freedoms. It supports state control of markets, allows only one set of politically correct opinions and is bitterly opposed to freedom of thought.

'The truth is that Tim Farron has been a reasonably good Lib Dem leader'

This is a terrible betrayal of the Liberal Party of old and of its famous fighters for freedom, such as the philosopher Bertrand Russell, and the Victorian statesman and four-times prime minister, William Gladstone.

These formidable men really did believe in freedom. In common with the French liberal thinker Voltaire, they might disagree with someones opinions but would fight to the death for his or her right to express them.

I imagine that very few modern Lib Dems can have heard of John Stuart Mill, the great 19th century philosopher, despite the fact that he was actually the founder of modern liberalism.

He had many magnificent achievements to his name, including being the first MP to call for women to get the vote.

He devoted his life to a cause that is hated by modern Lib Dems  namely, freeing the individual from the injustice and barbarism of state control.

He also fought hard for freedom of speech and thought.

His book, On Liberty, published in 1859, is one of the greatest and most influential ever published in the English language, calling as it does for all but unlimited freedom of speech. In a famous passage that has echoed down the ages, Mill maintained that it is essential that even false opinion is heard.

Firstly, Mill pointed out, we can never be sure such opinions are false. Secondly, argument and debate keeps everyone on their toes. And thirdly, Mill held that eccentricity was greatly preferable to uniformity.

Most of all, Mill was opposed to the suppression of minority opinion. He wrote that unmeasured vituperation, employed on the side of prevailing opinion, really does deter people from expressing contrary opinion, and from listening to those who express them.

As the experience of Tim Farron shows, modern Liberal Democrats are greatly in favour of suppressing such opinions. How Mill, with his wisdom and magnificent use of language, would have cut down the intellectual and moral pygmies of todays abject Lib Dem Party.

'Nick Clegg used his leadership to impose a dogmatic conformity on what used to be the most diverse and freedom-loving political party in Britain'

The truth is that Tim Farron has been a reasonably good Lib Dem leader, especially when compared with his predecessor, Nick Clegg.

Clegg used his leadership to impose a dogmatic conformity on what used to be the most diverse and freedom-loving political party in Britain.

His brand of metropolitan consensus was especially hostile to marriage and traditional family values that have always been the bedrock of the kind of robust independence that real Liberal leaders have historically supported.

He permitted vicious attacks on anyone who held views different from his, as when his environment spokesman, Ed Davey, insulted anyone who questioned conventional scientific thinking on climate change as dogmatic and blinkered.

The Lib Dem intolerance of anything that challenges their own very narrow world view is authoritarianism at its worst.

What a wretched betrayal of everything their great party used to stand for! And what an irony that a modern political leader could get driven out just for holding Christian beliefs.
Three quick-thinking Good Samaritans who saved an elderly woman and a disabled man from a burning building in Sydney have been hailed as heroes.

And now the hunt is on to find them.

The fire which broke out at the garage of an apartment block on Pittwater Rd in Collaroy was believed to have been caused by a motorcycle which burst into flames while a resident was working on it, the Daily Telegraph reports.

Apartment complex in Collaroy in Pittwater Road is ravaged after a fire broke out in the garage

The fire was reported to have spread quickly, ravaging three units as well as the garage.

Elaine Luscombe, 90, a resident at the complex recalls the incident on Wednesday too well.

She was just settling down in her apartment when she heard loud bangs on her front door.

'Elaine it is a fire, you have got to get out,' was what she was told when she opened the door.

Before leaving her top floor unit, Ms Luscombe went to aid her wheelchair bound neighbour.

It was then she noticed the three 'wonderful young boys' marching up the steps to save her and her neighbours.

Seven fire trucks from Sydney's North shore had extinguish the fire within twenty fire minutes

The fire was believed to have started when a motorcycle burst into flames in the garage

She said the boys had offered to carry her down, but she declined, adding that it was her disabled neighbour that needed more help then her and that she was still mobile and could walk down on her own.

Describing herself as a 'tough old bird', Ms Luscombe - who has lived in the complex since it was built - said she felt pretty lucky in comparison to the victims of the Grenfell Tower blaze in London.

'I am a tough old bird, as my brother said, but this has shocked me to the core, this has been horrible,' she said.

A photo of the apartment block before the fire broke out on Wednesday afternoon

'But when I think about the people in London (where a large unit caught on fire the same day, killing at least 17), I am so lucky, (and) I feel ashamed when I start to feel sorry for myself.'

NSW Rural Fire Service spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia that seven fire trucks from Mona Vale, Dee Why, Manly, Mona Vale, Neutral Bay, and Narrabeen had arrived at the scene at 4.30pm.

It took firemen just 25 minutes to put the blaze out.

The spokesperson said the cause of the fire was still being determined.
Pilots have warned that airline cost-cutting is delaying new regulations designed to protect them from fatigue, putting lives in danger.

They are being forced to fly the late night Sydney to Perth route and then fly back to Sydney immediately afterwards.

The one-way flight takes five hours, with pilots reportedly not given a break before embarking the five-hour return trip.

Similar conditions plague the Cairns to Perth return route, the Sydney to Darwin return, and even a brutal long haul between Bangkok and Melbourne.

Pilots in Australia lack fatigue protection due to airline cost-cutting and regulatory disputes

Australian Federation of Air Pilots (AFAP) President David Booth blames the business-first attitude prevalent in the airline industry, reported the Daily Telegraph.

'Safe rosters cost money. Many airlines are run by business professionals who do not understand pilot fatigue but do understand cost control,' reported Captain Booth.

Pilots have voiced their discontent in a survey conducted by the AFAP and the University of New South Wales.

Fatigue has been blamed for this crash in the US, and for a 2016 Flydubai crash which killed 55

'The company is supposed to monitor the controlled rest taken but doesn't,' was the response of one anonymous pilot.

'No strategies (to deal with fatigue) used by the company other than fly fast to stay within the exemption prescriptive limits,'

Pilot fatigue has been a factor in a number of fatal airline accidents, including Flydubai Flight 981 which crashed at Rostov-On-Don and killed 55 in March 2016.

Pilots have vented their anger, complaining about the dangerous Sydney to Perth return route

Fatigue has also been blamed for a UPS crash in 2012 in which both pilots were died.

Aware of the danger, the AFAP have been pushing the Civil Aviation Safety Authority to protect their pilots by implementing new regulations that were introduced in 2013.

However, these regulations have been opposed by the Regional Aviation Association of Australia, who claim the changes are unneeded and unjustified.

The regulatory deadlock leaves Australian pilots unprotected and in danger, with even the drivers of heavy vehicles being restricted to shorter shifts due to the risk of fatigue.
Millions of Britons enjoy eating prawns  but the delicacy is killing thousands of endangered sea turtles as they become trapped in the nets.

A charity are now calling for the nets used to trawl for wild prawns put on the UKs dinner tables to have guards fitted  preventing the turtles from getting caught.

Around 46 per cent of prawns imported into the UK are caught in the wild, with 86 per cent coming from trawlers off the coasts of Bangladesh, India and Vietnam.

But a report warns large numbers of turtles including green, loggerhead and the critically endangered hawksbill turtles are becoming entangled in the nets  leading to their deaths.

Around 46 per cent of prawns are imported into the UK. But nets used to trawl for them are trapping and killing sea turtles

The charity estimate around 29,000 turtles are dying to feed demand for prawns in the European Union. The turtles could swim to safety if the nets were fitted with Turtle Excluder Decives

The World Wildlife Fund estimate around 29,000 turtles are dying to feed demand for prawns in the European Union, of which the UK is the biggest market.

Turtles could swim to safety, however, if nets were fitted with Turtle Excluder Devices  a metal grid that allows prawns to enter but excludes larger marine creatures.

The US has banned prawn imports from countries that do not use the escape devices on their nets since 1989  and countries who are big prawn importers to the US including Mexico, Costa Rica and Nigeria all use them.

Now the WWF is calling on prawn producing countries exporting to the UK, which also includes Madagascar and Thailand to introduce the escape hatches.

The devices reduce the capture of turtles by 97 per cent, while only reducing the total amount of prawns by two per cent.

Dr Lyndsey Dodds, Head of Marine Policy at WWF says: People in the UK will be shocked to hear that eating one of their favourite types of seafood might be contributing to the needless deaths of threatened turtles.

The devices reduce the capture of turtles by 97 per cent, while only reducing the total amount of prawns by two per cent

The UK is importing a huge volume of tropical prawns into the country and the fisheries in countries such as India, Thailand and Madagascar who export to the UK market have had little incentive to move away from poor practice. TEDs are a win-win solution, they save the lives of thousands of turtles and are a more effective method for the fisheries.

As the country looks to exit the EU, we need the UK government to step up and introduce a requirement on tropical prawn fisheries importing into the UK to use Turtle Exclusion Devices and support them in making this transition. This will then help drive change in tropical prawn fisheries and dramatically reduce the capture of marine turtles.

The Daily Mail has campaigned to improve the marine environment by calling for reductions in the use of plastic bottles, plastic bags and microplastics which are contaminating our oceans.
A man who killed eight people in a shooting rampage six years ago at a California hair salon uttered a courtroom apology as victims' relatives voiced outrage over sentencing delays.

Scott Dekraai pleaded guilty in 2014 to killing his hairstylist ex-wife and seven others at the Seal Beach salon in 2011. His lawyer wants him spared the death penalty.

'I'm sorry. I'm very, very sorry,' Dekraai said in his first public sign of remorse on Thursday's hearing.

Scott Dekraai wipes his eyes after a statement by Bethany Webb, sister of Laura Webb Elody, one of eight people killed by Dekraai at a Seal Beach

Innocent victims: The eight people shot dead in and outside a hair salon in Seal Beach, California. Clockwise from top left: Laura Elody, Michele Fast, David Caouette, Lucia Kondos, Michelle Fournier, Christy Wilson, Victoria Buzzo and Randy Fannin

Dekraai spoke and wiped his eyes moments after Bethany Webb, the sister of victim Laura Webb Elody, criticized him for referring to those killed as 'collateral damage.'

'You can't give me back what you took,' Webb replied. 'I'm sorry, you can't apologize for this. . You will never give me back what was stolen from me,' reported the Orange County Register.

Dekraai, the ex-husband of one of the victims, went on the shooting spree at Salon Meritage, just blocks from the Pacific Ocean in the seaside resort of Seal Beach, California, after losing custody of his child.

Dekraai's ex-wife was a target of the shooting spree

Those who were killed in the massacre included young mothers, a newlywed woman doing her elderly mother's hair and a hard-working business owner, all of whom simply happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Victims' relatives are upset by sentencing delays. A decision on whether Dekraai should face death or life in prison has been postponed because of allegations that jailhouse informants were improperly used to secretly elicit information from Dekraai and suspects in other cases.

Orange County Superior Court Judge Thomas M. Goethals has been holding hearings on whether the Sheriff's Department withheld information about the use of informants in the murder case.

Paul Wilson, whose wife Christy Lynn Wilson was killed, said his father and father-in-law are suffering from advanced cancers.

'It is awful and pathetic to know they may not live to see the coward that took Christy's life brought to justice,' Wilson told the judge.

A county grand jury report released blamed problems on rogue jail deputies and said there was no evidence of a conspiracy involving key law enforcement officials.

The allegations also have prompted state and federal investigations.

Bethany Webb, sister of Laura Webb Elody, one of eight people killed in the rampage that targeted Dekraai's ex-wife
The Supreme Court has reinstated an aggravated stalking conviction of a defendant for knowingly violating an order of protection. The Court reversed a Court of Criminal Appeals decision that there was insufficient evidence for the jury to have convicted the defendant on the aggravated stalking charge.This case arose from an incident in which the defendant physically and verbally accosted a woman to whom he had been married and with whom he had two children. He confronted her in a parking lot while she was waiting to pick up a pizza and then followed her to a gas station.Police arrived at the gas station and arrested the defendant. The next day, the victim obtained an order of protection against the defendant, and she was informed that the defendant had been served with the order of protection. That same day, the victim had an encounter with the defendant when the defendant and his mother drove past her, turned around, and then followed her. The victim called the police, and the defendant was arrested again. Over the next month, the defendant and victim had two other encounters. At one, the defendant arrived at a Verizon store and banged on the window while the victim paid her phone bill inside. At the other, the defendant drove past the victims house, shouting profanities and telling the victims daughter that he was gonna get her.The defendant was indicted on charges of domestic assault and aggravated stalking. Following a jury trial, the defendant was acquitted of domestic assault but convicted of aggravated stalking. The defendant appealed, arguing that the proof at trial was insufficient to support his conviction for aggravated stalking, and the Court of Criminal Appeals agreed, reducing the defendants conviction from aggravated stalking to misdemeanor stalking.The Supreme Court granted the States application for permission to appeal from the Court of Criminal Appeals decision reversing the trial courts judgment. The Court considered whether the Court of Criminal Appeals erred in reducing the defendants conviction to misdemeanor stalking based on insufficiency of the trial evidence.In the unanimous opinion, authored by Chief Justice Jeff Bivins, the Court determined that the Court of Criminal Appeals improperly reweighed the evidence presented at trial, rather than assessing the sufficiency of that evidence, as is required under the appellate standard of review. In considering the sufficiency of the evidence, the Supreme Court determined that sufficient proof was adduced at trial for a jury to determine that the defendant had actual notice of the order of protection. Therefore, he knowingly violated an order of protection. Accordingly, the Court reversed the Court of Criminal Appeals judgment and reinstated the defendants aggravated stalking conviction.To read the Supreme Courts opinion in State of Tennessee v. Rodney Stephens, authored by Chief Justice Jeff Bivins, go to the opinions section of TNCourts.gov
An American student who was detained for nearly 18 months in North Korea has been left with severe brain damage after he was 'brutalised' in custody.

Otto Warmbier was freed this week and returned home after being sentenced to 15 years hard labour in 2016 for stealing a political banner from a North Korean hotel.

Doctors treating the 22-year-old said he had suffered extensive tissue loss in all regions of the brain, leaving him unable to speak or communicate with his family.

Otto Warmbier, who was detained for nearly 18 months in North Korea, has been left with severe brain damage after he was 'brutalised' in custody

Warmbier was freed this week and returned home after being sentenced to 15 years hard labour in 2016 for stealing a political banner from a North Korean hotel

His neurological condition was described by doctors 'as a state of unresponsive wakefulness.'

'He has spontaneous eye opening and blinking,' neurologist Daniel Kanter said on Thursday.

'However, he shows no signs of understanding language, responding to verbal commands or awareness of his surroundings.'

His father, Fred Warmbier, hit out at Kim Jong-Un's authoritarian regime, which he said 'brutalised and terrorised his son'.

He said that the North Koreans have proven that they are 'not nature's noble men'.

A person believed to be Warmbier is transferred from a medical transport plane to an awaiting ambulance on Tuesday night

The freed prisoner's father, Fred Warmbier (left), said that the North Koreans have proven that they are 'not nature's noble men'

'We have been brutalised for the past 18 months with misinformation and no information,' Mr Warmbier said. His son is pictured during his trial

'There's no excuse for the way the North Koreans treated our son and the way they have treated so many others,' Mr Warmbier said.

He called on the regime to release the other foreigners being held against their will, saying 'no other family should have to endure what the Warmbiers have'.

'We have been brutalised for the past 18 months with misinformation and no information,' Mr Warmbier said.

'We're just thrilled that he is on American soil.'

Before he returned home, the regime claimed Warmbier had been in a coma due to botulism since the day he was sentenced.

Warmbier is seen being escorted at the Supreme Court in Pyongyang, North Korea in March 2016

US officials helped secure the 22-year-old's release this week after a 17-month detainment for stealing a propaganda poster

His father, Fred Warmbier, hit out at Kim Jong-Un's authoritarian regime, which he said 'brutalised and terrorised his son'

Warmbier's doctors said they have run tests that showed no signs of botulinum poisoning, an issue usually caused by eating improperly home-canned foods.

As soon as he arrived in the U.S. by medical transport plane on Tuesday night, Warmbier was rushed to the hospital. Doctors said he was in a stable condition.

He showed no need for supplementary oxygen or a respiratory machine, and had no infections.

But he also hasn't shown any signs that he is at all aware of what is going on around him.

The doctors also believed Warmbier suffered cardio-pulmonary arrest - in other words, a heart attack.

For a young person who is otherwise healthy, heart attacks can be triggered by suffering trauma, or some kind of intoxication - such as an overdose.

'He has spontaneous eye opening and blinking,' neurologist Daniel Kanter said on Thursday

'I knelt down by his side and I hugged him and I said I missed him and that we're so glad he made it home,' Mr Warmbier said of the moment he saw his son for the first time since his arrest

But doctors refused to speculate on what specifically may have caused Warmbier to suffer a heart attack while in North Korean hands.

US officials helped secure the 22-year-old's release this week after a 17-month detainment for stealing a propaganda poster.

His father described the moment he saw his son for the first time since his arrest.

'I knelt down by his side and I hugged him and I said I missed him and that we're so glad he made it home,' Mr Warmbier recalled.

Dr. Brandon Foreman said Warmbier shows no signs of awareness and that tests showed he doesn't have botulism, as the North Korean regime has claimed

Fred Warmbier said hat his son was 'terrorised and brutalised' during his 17-month detention

Above, a family member wipes away tears after seeing Warmbier taken off the plane hooked up to life support on Tuesday

The family's many priority now is making Otto comfortable, Mr Warmbier said.

He went on to describe his son as a 'sweet, loving, kind person' who always made him look good as a father for his many achievements in school.

'We went for 15 months without a word from or about Otto. It was only a week ago that we were informed that the North Korean government now claims he was in a coma for almost all of that time.

'We have few answers,' Mr Warmbier said.

'The brutality he endured and the terror that he went through and the performance he gave doesn't really speak to who Otto is.'

Fred Warmbier says that his family is 'adjusting to a different reality' after his son Otto was released by the North Korean regime in a coma

Well-wishers are pictured standing at the edge of the airport to welcome home the student

In an interview with Fox News, Mr Warmbier said his son had been 'terrorised and brutalised' by the North Koreans.

He said the family is now 'adjusting to a different reality' now that their son is home, albeit with a severe medical condition.

During Warmbier's trial, a grainy video was shown, allegedly showing him removing a poster which read: 'Let's arm ourselves strongly with Kim Jong-il's patriotism!'

The person's face was hidden so there was no proof that it was actually him.

Kim Jong-il was the father of current leader Kim Jong-un.
A man, 71, has been confirmed dead after a light two-seater plane crashed into trees in Brooklet, near Ballina.

The plane, believed to be a four seater, single engine Cessna Skyhawk aircraft, crashed at about 8.55am on Friday morning, and came to rest about 50 metres into the bush.

Police say there is a great deal of debris on the scene, and fragments can be seen in the treetops.

Emergency services attended the scene but were hampered by heavy fog.

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One man has died after a two-seater light plane crashed into a heavily wooded' part of property in Brooklet, 20 minutes from Ballina (pictured) on Friday morning

The plane crashed with what was described as a 'terrible noise and impact' by the owner of the property it crashed on

Emergency services and the Westpac helicopter are on the scene (pictured)

Tracy Knowland of Brooklet says the plane landed in the back corner of her property in Brooklet, 20 minutes from Ballina.

She wrote on Facebook that her neighbour Bill had driven out in a 4WD looking for the plane, which crashed with a 'terrible noise and impact', while she called Triple Zero.

After Bill had located the plane she updated followers, saying the plane had come down in the 'heavily wooded back corner of our property'.

'Multiple police and ambulances and helicopter just arrived. It's not good.'

Emergency crews are scouring the area - it has not yet been confirmed if anyone else was on board

A woman passing through the area on her way to work told the Northern Star the plane was flying low over the highway before it crashed.

'It was a really small plane, and looked like it was either trying to fly low to avoid the low cloud, or was having difficulty and was looking for somewhere to land,' Bija Nicholson said.

'They weren't flying straight, it was weaving.'

Nobody else was on board the plane at the time.
Two escaped inmates sought in the killings of two guards on a Georgia prison bus were captured after a chase and being held at gunpoint by a rural Tennessee homeowner whose vehicle they were trying to steal, authorities said.

Donnie Rowe, 43, and Ricky Dubose, 24, were apprehended Thursday in the rural community of Christiana, Tennessee, ending a multi-state manhunt that began Tuesday morning.

'True bravery is what's caused us to stand before you tonight to talk about a successful capture instead of a tragic incident,' Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Director Mark Gwyn said at a news conference. 'So I'm totally grateful to everyone involved.'

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Ricky Dubose (left), 24, and Donnie Russell Rowe (right), 43, were caught on Thursday after their shocking Tuesday escape from a prison bus, in which they killed two guards

The pair had taken an elderly couple hostage before tying them up, stealing their Jeep and getting involved in a 100mph car chase with police. They crashed, fled and were captured

Earlier in the day, police in nearby Shelbyville had responded to a call about a home invasion, where a couple had been held captive, Georgia Bureau of Investigation spokeswoman Nelly Miles said.

The suspects fled in the couple's vehicle and fired on sheriff's deputies chasing them on Interstate 24 about 50 miles southeast of Nashville, Tennessee, Highway Patrol spokesman Lt. Bill Miller said. Rutherford County Sheriff Michael Fitzhugh said his deputies did not return fire and none of them was injured.

Rowe and Dubose crashed the car and bailed out, running into the woods, Miller said. They then came across a home set back on a long driveway.

Tennessee Highway Patrol Lt. Bill Miller, center, speaks during a news conference held at a truck stop Thursday, June 15

Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Director Mark Gwyn, center, at the briefing

The trooper said the homeowner looked outside and saw the two allegedly trying to steal his car. The man held the two at gunpoint with a neighbor he called for help until the sheriff's department could get there to arrest the fugitives.

The two were being held at the Rutherford County jail.

Georgia Department of Corrections Commissioner Greg Dozier said in a news release that he was relieved the two inmates were captured and no longer a threat to the public.

'They will be brought to justice swiftly for their heinous crime against our officers,' he said, also expressing gratitude to all of the law enforcement officers who provided support and assistance in the search for the two men.

Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal applauded the 'tireless efforts' of law enforcement but also turned his thoughts to the families of the two officers, saying their pain remains.

'We will do everything in our power to support their loved ones, and we will not forget their sacrifice and service,' Deal said.

Tennessee Bureau of Investigation spokesman Josh DeVine said the bureau's agents will take part in processing the scene.

The two men had been on the run since early Tuesday, when they are accused of having killed Sgt. Christopher Monica and Sgt. Curtis Billue.

The rampage began (1) on state highway 16 in Georgia on Tuesday at 6:45am, when Dubose and Rowe killed their guards and carjacked a passerby. (2) At 10:30am, they ransacked a home in Madison and stole clothes. (3) Around 12 hours later, they ditched the car and store a white pickup from a quarry near Madison. They fell off the radar until 2:30pm, when they held an elderly couple hostage in their Shelbyville, Tennesee home for three hours before stealing their Jeep. They were quickly spotted and after a 100mph chase, they crashed on the I-24 (4). They fled on foot but were captured in Christiana, Tennessee, at 7pm

The pair had escaped on Tuesday from a prison bus in Georgia. They were arrested around 200 miles away in Tennessee. In-between, they jacked two cars, stole a third and burgled a house

The two inmates overpowered and disarmed the guards on a bus about 6:45 a.m. Tuesday as 33 inmates were being driven between prisons, authorities have said. One of them fatally shot both guards, and then they jumped out of the bus and carjacked a driver who happened to pull up behind them on state Highway 16 in Putnam County, southeast of Atlanta, authorities said.

The two inmates then fled in the stolen Honda Civic and drove about 25 miles north to Madison, where they ransacked a home, stealing food and clothes and leaving their prison uniforms behind around 10:30 a.m. Tuesday.

Late Tuesday night, about 12 hours after the home burglary, the pair stole a Ford pickup truck from a rock quarry about 9 miles from the burglarized home when the trail had gone cold.

Dubose is seen left in an earlier photo, before he got his distinctive tattoos, and right afterward. Both men were said to be highly dangerous

The FBI announced a tip line and said pictures of the men and information about a $130,000 reward would appear on billboards in multiple states. TBI's Gwyn said Thursday he wasn't sure who would collect the reward.

One of the murdered guards was Christopher Monica (pictured), who had been a prison guard since 2009. He had been working an extra shift to pay for his ill wife

Authorities warned that the men, who had escaped with the guards' 9 mm pistols, were considered very dangerous. Gwyn said investigators believe both weapons have been found at the site where the men crashed the vehicle.

Monica and Billue were transfer sergeants at Baldwin State Prison. Monica had been with the Georgia Department of Corrections since October 2009 and Billue since July 2007.

Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills said the escaped inmates had been inside a secured area of the bus. He said he didn't know how they got through the locked cage to overpower the guards.

Protocol is to have two armed corrections officers on the bus, but the officers don't wear bullet-proof vests during transfers, Dozier said.

Both escapees were serving sentences for armed robbery and other crimes. The Department of Corrections said Rowe, 43, had been serving life without parole since 2002, and Dubose, 24, began a 20-year sentence in 2015.

If convicted of capital murder for the deaths of the guards, they could now face the death penalty.
Shocking new footage has emerged of a fight between three men of Sudanese appearance and two other men on a busy street in Newcastle.

The video surfaced online on Wednesday after a reveller at a popular nightspot filmed the shocking incident from a pub balcony.

Far-right group Party For Freedom Australia posted the video online referring to the men as being members of the Apex gang. Police told Daily Mail Australia there are no links between the men and the notorious Melbourne group.

Eyewitnesses say the men of African-origin were causing trouble but police are treating them as the victims.

They are investigating but say the two Sudanese men they have spoken to are not helping with information.

Shocking new footage has emerged of a fight between three men of Sudanese appearance and two other men on a busy street in Newcastle

Far-right group Party For Freedom Australia posted the video online referring to the men as being members of the Apex gang. Police told Daily Mail Australia there are no links between the men and the notorious Melbourne group

'Oh, here we go,' one patron is heard saying as the two groups of men come together (left) before wild punches are thrown (right)

'Oh, here we go,' one patron is heard saying as the two groups of men come together on a pedestrian crossing at 1am on Sunday.

Seconds later, wild punches are thrown and one of the men is knocked to the ground.

Another is rendered unconscious with a brutal right hook by a long blond-haired man who appears to be shirtless.

The blond man knocks down all three of the men with a series of vicious blows, to the cheer of many people watching nearby.

A security guard from a nearby pub finally separates the two groups, but not before several punches were exchanged.

The video surfaced online on Tuesday after a reveller at a popular Australian nightspot filmed the shocking incident from a pub balcony

One pub patron is heard shouting 'world star' as the brawlers disperse, much to the dismay of some social media users.

'When he said ''world star'' I felt ashamed to be Australian for a moment,' one commented.

A police spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia two men suffered minor injuries but provided limited information to officers.

Police investigations are continuing and they are reviewing mobile phone footage.

Anyone with information is being urged to contact them.
A senior minister in Malcolm Turnbull's Cabinet has claimed Bill Shorten was behind the leak of an embarrassing video to the Press.

Footage of the Prime Minister impersonating Donald Trump during a speech at an off-the-record gala night quickly circulated U.S. media outlets after it was leaked.

Finance Minister Matthias Cormann said the onus was now on the Opposition Leader to clarify whether it was his party that sent footage of Mr Turnbull's speech to media.

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A senior government minister has accused Bill Shorten of leaking an embarrassing video of Australian PM Malcolm Turnbull to the Press Gallery

Footage of the Prime Minister impersonating and mocking Donald Trump during a speech at an off-the-record gala night quickly circulated U.S. media outlets after it was leaked

Mr Cormann said it was 'ridiculous' to think the speech - which the US embassy has laughed off and Mr Turnbull has defended as a 'good humoured roast' - would have any impact on relationships between the allied countries.

'The person he poked fun at most was himself,' Senator Cormann told Sky News.

'The people who are suggesting that this is going to impact on the Australian-US relationship are, quite frankly, hyperventilating - it's quite ridiculous.

'What I would say though is that there is a question out of all of this for Bill Shorten today.

'Bill Shorten will have to clarify today whether it is true that his office was behind leaking those secret recordings and if so why had they thought that it was a good idea to do so.'

Mr Shorten's office said the claims were a 'disgraceful lie'.

'This is completely wrong,' a spokesman told the Herald Sun in a statement. 'Senator Cormann should apologise for this disgraceful lie.'

In video leaked to the Nine Network's Laurie Oakes (pictured) Malcolm Turnbull can be heard impersonating the US president, joking that online polls are 'real polls' and quipping: 'I know this Russian guy'!

Finance Minister Matthias Cormann said the onus was now on the Opposition Leader to clarify whether it was his party that leaked the footage

Mr Shorten's office said claims they leaked the footage were 'completely wrong' and a 'disgraceful lie'

Mr Turnbull's speech took place at the Midwinter Ball at Canberra's Parliament House on Wednesday evening.

The annual event is attended by hundreds of media and politicians on the basis that nothing is for publication.

The audio was leaked to press gallery veteran Laurie Oakes - who does not attend the dinner and 'does not believe reporting should be banned at events hosted by journalists'.

Mr Turnbull could be heard roasting the 'leader of the free world' and his Russia scandal during his speech.

Joking about their infamous phone call earlier this year - where Mr Trump was said to have abruptly cut him off - Mr Turnbull said: 'It was beautiful, it was the most beautiful putting-me-at-ease ever'.

He then riffed about how he and Mr Trump were 'winning' in the polls - 'real' online polls, rather than the 'fake polls'.

'I have this Russian guy,' Mr Turnbull quipped, to roars of laughter.

All his friends and enemies were at the ball: Bill Shorten was in attendance with his wife Chloe (pictured left) and Julie Bishop with her partner David Panton (right)

'This is the worst call so far': In a phone call with Australia's prime minister in January (pictured), US President Donald Trump abruptly cut off Malcolm Turnbull - furious about a refugee deal the nation had struck with his predecessor Barack Obama

In his routine, Mr Turnbull poked fun at the two leaders' approval ratings.

'The Donald and I, we are winning and winning in the polls... We are winning so much! We are winning like we have never won before! We are winning in the polls - we are! We are!

'Not the fake polls! Not the fake polls! They're the ones we're not winning in. We're winning in the REAL polls, you know, the ONLINE polls! They are so easy to win!

'I know that. I know that. Did you know that? They are so easy to win... I have this Russian guy... Believe me, it's true, it is true.'

But Mr Turnbull has since brushed off his comments as a 'good humoured roast' which were meant to only 'poke fun'.

'Well it is a great tradition, it's a big charity fundraiser, they raised nearly 400k  it is a good humoured roast really,' he told 3AW.

The US Embassy said they took the roasting with the 'good humour' that was intended. Mr Turnbull (pictured at ball with wife Lucy) said the speech was 'affectionately light-hearted'
Maverick federal senator Cory Bernardi has called on the Australian army to sack its Muslim imam, who has a history of supporting islamic extremist group hizb ut-Tahrir.

Imam Mohamadu Nawaz Saleem, the chief Australian Defence Force imam, allegedly supports the controversial group in its calls to introduce worldwide Sharia Law and opposition to the war against ISIS.

And now Mr Bernardi has slammed the ADF over his hirign, questioning how it can keep the imam employed in the role given his 'radical' views and support of Islamic State - an enemy Australian soldiers are currently fighting overseas.

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Maverick federal senator Cory Bernardi (pictured) has called on the Australian army to sack its Muslim imam, who has a history of supporting islamic extremist group hizb ut-Tahrir

Imam Mohamadu Nawaz Saleem (pictured) has previously supported the controversial group in its calls to introduce worldwide Sharia Law and opposition to the war against ISIS

Raising the topic during question time in Canberra on Thursday, Mr Bernardi called on minister for defence Marisse Payne to take a stand and sack imam Saleem.

'Imam Saleem... signed a joint statement defending Hizb ut-Tahrir, a radical Islamic group which has called for the overthrow of democracy and the imposition of global sharia law,' Mr Bernardi told the senate.

'How can the minister justify the continuing employment of Imam Saleem... given his support for such un-Australian and anti-democratic principles?'

Told by Ms Payne that the imam did not 'speak on behalf' of the ADF, Mr Bernardi said the army should be forced to terminate his employment.

Claiming that imam Saleem's 'views and beliefs are wholly incompatible' with the army, the Senator claimed that firing him was in the 'national interest'.

In response to Mr Bernardi's questions, Ms Payne said that while the imam may not share views in line with the ADF's, he would continue to have their 'support'.

In recent months Australian troops have moved closer towards the frontline in the fight against Islamic State's soldiers (pictured)

'Sheikh Saleem may support views that are expressed by the organisations of which he is a member,' she said.

'Clearly, I do not necessarily agree with them all, and Defence does not necessarily agree with them all... (but) we, of course, support his right to express those views.'

It comes after Shia imam Sheikh Mohammad Tawhidi withdrew his application to be the Army chaplain, a role he last week told Daily Mail Australia he sought.

The Adelaide-based Sheikh Tawhidi revealed he had given up on the role because it would have meant he could not continue to criticise the Greens.

Sheikh Mohammad Tawhidi (pictured) submitted his bid to be an Army Reserve chaplain last week, but on Thursday told Daily Mail Australia he had since withdrawn that bid

The 34-year-old religious leader had applied to be an Army Reserve chaplain or an soldier

Sheikh Tawhidi told Daily Mail Australia he believes the far-left party are soft when it comes to slamming Islamist extremism and pro-Sharia law groups like Hizb ut-Tahrir.

'I respect the Army's rules but I cannot allow the Left to pave the way for Islamic radicalism in Australia,' he told Daily Mail Australia.

'The Greens are turning Australia into New Baghdad.'

In addition to the role as ADF imam, Sheikh Tawhidi also revealed he had applied to be an infantry soldier with the Army Reserve.
A man who has never denied stabbing his neighbour to death before gunning down the victim's elderly parents has lost an appeal against one of his murder convictions.

Ian Francis Jamieson, 66, last year was jailed for life with a minimum of 30 years after pleading guilty to the 2014 murders of Gregory Holmes, 48, and his parents, Mary and Peter Lockhart, in central Victoria.

Jamieson killed the trio for no reason other than his own 'long standing and utterly misplaced animosity' over the use of a dirt road that ran alongside his property, court heard last year.

The triple-murderer appealed against his conviction for Mr Holmes' murder in May but the Victorian Court of Appeal refused the bid on Friday.

Triple-murderer Ian Francis Jamieson (pictured), 66, has lost an appeal against one of his murder convictions

Jamieson last year was jailed for life after pleading guilty to the 2014 murders of Gregory Holmes (centre), 48, and his parents, Mary (left) and Peter (right) Lockhart, in central Victoria

The judges disagreed with Jamieson's submissions, which claimed an earlier decision not to allow him to change his guilty plea over Mr Holmes' murder resulted in a miscarriage of justice.

Jamieson pleaded guilty to all three murders in April 2016, then unsuccessfully tried to change his plea for Mr Holmes' murder.

During the appeal, Jamieson's barrister John Desmond also argued his client had a viable defence in that Justice Elizabeth Hollingworth should not have dismissed the submissions.

The New Zealand-born farmer has previously claimed Mr Holmes stabbed him with a syringe containing what was 'probably ice' during their struggle.

Justice Hollingworth rejected this claim at sentencing, as did the prosecution at a pre-sentence hearing.

Jamieson repeatedly stabbed Mr Holmes with a hunting knife on October 22, 2014 following the long-running dispute about the dirt track.

He used to have a cordial relationship with the Lockharts until he took issue with Mr Lockhart's use of the road reserve.

Jamieson complained that the use of the dirt road led to dust blowing onto his farm, dirtying his property and polluting his drinking water.

Jamieson (centre) killed the trio for no reason other than his own 'long standing and utterly misplaced animosity' over the use of a dirt road that ran alongside his property, court heard last year

Jamieson appealed against his conviction for Mr Holmes' murder in May but the Victorian Court of Appeal refused the bid on Friday

He later told police that after stabbing Mr Holmes, he thought 'bugger it, I'm gone. I may as well clean the other ones up'.

Jamieson then went home, loaded two shotguns, and walked to the Lockharts' farm.

He shot 78-year-old Peter Lockhart four times before he reloaded his gun and shot 75-year-old Mary three times.

Afterwards he called police and told them what he had done.

Mr Holmes and Mr and Ms Lockhart's family said they hope Friday's decision is the end of a drawn-out legal process.

'I have to admit, I burst into tears when I heard the words,' Maree St Clair told reporters outside court.

The 66-year-old was given a life sentence in the Supreme Court last year with a non-parole period of 30 years

'It was just relief more than anything. It's just pure relief.'

She said the family did not believe Jamieson's appeal would succeed, but were worried something 'could go a bit pear shaped' given everything they have endured.

'This man admitted what he did on the night that it happened,' Ms St Clair said.

'So for us to be two and a half years later and still going through the process, it seems really crazy.'

Jamieson will not be eligible for parole until he is at least 95 and will likely die in prison.
Alex Jones has released what he claims is a secretly recorded conversation between himself and Megyn Kelly - and is threatening to release the full covertly-recorded audio of their controversial interview before it airs on Sunday.

The Infowars founder on Thursday night hit back at Kelly before the interview even airs, claiming the NBC host will misrepresent his views after she spent the week being hammered by all sides for interviewing the Sandy Hook conspiracy theorist.

In a video posted to Jones' Twitter, a recording of an apparent pre-interview phone call between the two is played, with a woman who sounds like Kelly saying: 'All I can do is give you my word and tell you if there's one thing about me, I do what I say I'm gonna do, and I don't double-cross.'

'You know you just became very fascinating to me. I just always thought you were this maybe, one-dimensional guy, like this is your thing'

'My goal is for your listeners and the left - you know, who will be watching some on NBC - to say, "Wow, that was really interesting."'

'And then the next time I wanna get somebody, they're gonna say, "Look what you did to Alex Jones!" It's not going to be some gotcha hit piece, I promise you that.'

News of Kelly's interview with Jones has caused outrage, with the parents of Sandy Hook children objecting to her giving Jones the publicity. They were backed up by a number of parents, including Chelsea Clinton.

Amid growing anger, Kelly has been fired as the host of a Sandy Hook charity event and JP Morgan Chase has dropped its adverts from NBC until after the interview airs.

Jones now claims that Kelly will edit the piece to make him look crazy, and so he plans to show his own side of the conversation with an unedited version of the interview.

In the video posted to his Twitter he said: 'Tonight at Infowars.com, we're going to have the full behind-the-scenes with Megyn Kelly released.'

'God, she was like, "I want to get steaks with you, I'm obsessed with you, oh my god," you know, wailing around in her seat - it was all c**p.

'And I knew it was all a lie. I said Sandy Hook happened, everything, she wouldnt even put it in the promo pieces.

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Suspicious: Jones (seen in a preview for Sunday's episode) says he suspected Kelly and NBC would misrepresent him in the TV special over his claims Sandy Hook massacre was a hoax

Under fire: Kelly (seen in preview), 46, has been under fire all week for her upcoming interview with Inforwars' Alex Jones, who has called the Sandy Hook shooting a hoax in the past

'IT'S NOT GOING TO BE A HIT PIECE, PROMISE' In his video Thursday, Jones played what appeared to be a series of samples of Kelly's voice, recorded while she was setting up their interview. This is what it says: 'All I can do is give you my word and tell you if there's one thing about me, I do what I say I'm gonna do, and I don't double-cross.' 'You know you just became very fascinating to me. I just always thought you were this maybe, one-dimensional guy, like this is your thing' 'My goal is for your listeners and the left - you know, who will be watching some on NBC - to say, "Wow, that was really interesting."' 'And then the next time I wanna get somebody, they're gonna say, "Look what you did to Alex Jones!" It's not going to be some gotcha hit piece, I promise you that.' Advertisement

'And so were going to release - oh yeah - we're gonna release the pre-interview.

'And then when they put their fraud out on Sunday - which I've asked them not to air because they're misrepresenting who I am and saying I'm as bad as Saddam Hussein of Jeffrey Dahmer, or, god, Charles Manson... It's crazy.

'We've got the whole interviews here, when she was here from 9:30 in the morning till 11 at night, we got it all. And so you're going to hear what I actually said.'

Rob Dew, a news director for Infowars, doubled down on Jones' promise to release the footage, which they say will include the full, unedited interview.

In her own preview, released last weekend, Kelly demands to know how Jones can call Sandy Hook a hoax, given the loss of young lives and parents who are still grieving for their children.

'Oh I know, but they don't get angry about the half-million dead Iraqis from the sanctions...' starts Jones before he is cut off by Kelly and accused of dodging her question.

'The media doesn't cover all the evil wars...' begins Jones, who again is cut-off by Kelly.

'That doesn't excuse the things you said about Newtown, you know that,' states Kelly, who actually traveled to Texas to meet with Jones in his own studio.

Over the last few days, Jones has claimed this is bad editing and not what his actual responses to her questions were.

'It has all the markings of a PR stunt,' he told The Hollywood Reporter. 'They just want me to be the devil because I'm the alternative media... Fake news lives at NBC.

'They basically made me look like a Halloween character.'

ALEX JONES RANTS AT MEGYN In the preview video released Thursday, Jones said: 'I've never done this in 22 years, I've never recorded another journalist, I've never done this but I knew it was a fraud, that it was lie. 'God, she was like, "I want to get steaks with you, I'm obsessed with you, oh my god," you know, wailing around in her seat - it was all c**p. 'And I knew it was all a lie. I said Sandy Hook happened, everything, she wouldnt even put it in the promo pieces. 'And so were going to release - oh yeah - we're gonna release the pre-interview. 'And then when they put their fraud out on Sunday - which I've asked them not to air because they're misrepresenting who I am and saying I'm as bad as Saddam Hussein of Jeffrey Dahmer, or, god, Charles Manson... It's crazy. 'We've got the whole interviews here, when she was here from 9:30 in the morning till 11 at night, we got it all. And so you're going to hear what I actually said. 'Like when it cuts, and they go "Oh, so you don't think that Sandy Hook happened," and I go, "Yeah, we don't care about dead Iraqi kids," I'm like, "Hey, they did fake babies in incubators, they did fake dead kids, that's why we have got to question this, I don't hate the families, we question everything. 'It's all going to come out. And tonight, at Infowars.com, we're going to have the full behind-the-scenes With Megyn Kelly released, the full Megyn Kelly, Alex Jones interview ... 'Get ready! Because it's the 21st century, and it's an Infowar!' Advertisement

In truth, Jones has a long history of making startling claims about the shooting, in which 20 children aged 6-7, and six adults, were gunned down at the school in 2012.

In 2013 and 2014, he called the shooting 'staged', an 'inside job' and 'pre-planned'.

And in 2015, he called it 'completely fake, synthetic, with actors - in my view manufactured'.

ALEX JONES' SANDY HOOK REMARKS 2013 Jones called the shooting 'staged' and said: 'It's got inside job written all over it.' 2014 In March of this year, he said: 'I've looked at it and undoubtedly there's a cover-up, there's actors, they're manipulating, they've been caught lying, and they were pre-planning before it and rolled out with it.' 2015 He claimed that 'Sandy Hook is completely fake, synthetic, with actors - in my view, manufactured.' He continued: 'I couldn't believe it at first, I knew they had actors there, clearly, but I thought they killed some real kids, and it just shows how bold they are that they clearly used actors.' Advertisement

Since then, Jones has revised his comments, saying that children were killed, but that something was unusual about the event.

That has done little to mollify the parents of those involved, however, who have received harassment from the so-called 'Sandy Hook truthers' who have accused them of faking their own kids' deaths.

According to Page Six, Kelly has responded to the criticism by inviting Sandy Hook families onto the program and editing her interview with Jones to be tougher on the conspiracy theorist.

Neil Heslin, the father of six-year-old Jesse Lewis, who was slain in the Sandy Hook massacre in Newtown, Connecticut, has reportedly agreed to be interviewed on Kelly's show.

Kelly herself spoke about the controversy in an interview with The New York Times while defending her decision to bring Jones on her program.

'What we do as journalists is we shine a light on those with power, those with influence, those who have become culturally relevant,' she said.

'Of course, it's upsetting to know that doing that causes any upset to the Newtown families, many of whom I know well. But I have to do my job.'

Kelly (pictured on Wednesday) has been under fire ever since Sunday, when she revealed on her news magazine that she would be interviewing Jones, a known conspiracy theorist

Kelly has been under fire ever since Sunday, when she revealed on her news magazine that she would be interviewing Jones.

On Thursday, however, she finally got a little support from a very unlikely place when CNN president and former NBC boss Jeff Zucker hopped to her defense.

'I think the issue here is they way that they have thus far presented it has not led to the belief that he's held to account as much as somebody who spews such hatred and nonsense needs to be,' said Zucker in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter.

'If you're going to do this story the tease needs to be you holding up a picture of the dead kids at Sandy Hook and saying, "How dare you?" And I think their marketing of this has thus far been unfortunate.'

According to Page Six, Kelly is responding to the controversy by inviting Sandy Hook families on the program and editing her interview with Jones to be tougher on the conspiracy theorist

Zucker, who had been hoping to convince Kelly to join the team at CNN when her contract was up, also noted that the new NBC hire is a 'very good journalist.'

'As journalists, we don't get to interview only the good guys - that's not journalism,' Kelly told the Times.

'It's going to be very difficult for us to keep an eye on the more controversial figures of our time if we never talk to them.'

Kelly said she sat down with Jones to examine 'his influence and his - for lack of a better term - method for putting information together to figure out how he got to be so important in the president's world, in millions of people's world.'

She also stated that currently 'there are a lot of people who are very angry that Donald Trump is president and a lot of people who believe Alex Jones played a large role in it.'

Kelly is also dealing with another problem: The second episode of her NBC news magazine tanked in the ratings, losing almost half its audience from the premiere one week prior.

CNN president Jeff Zucker (above in December) blamed the backlash on bad NBC marketing

Final Nielsen numbers show that the latest episode of 'Sunday Night With Megyn Kelly' pulled in 3.61 million total viewers and scored an 0.6 rating in the all-important adults 18-49 demo, which was a slight improvement in the 7pm time slot from the previous year.

It was far, far lower, however, than the 6.1 million viewers and 0.8 rating notched up by the premiere, which featured an interview with Russian president Vladimir Putin.

On Monday, Sandy Hook Promise, an organization that was created in memory of the 20 students and six staff members who were massacred in the 2012 school shooting in Newton, Connecticut, announced that Kelly would no longer host one of their annual Promise Champions Galas.

That announcement came just two days before she was set to take the stage at the event on Wednesday night in Washington DC.

The decision made by the non-profit organization also leaves Kelly with a big gap in her episode that will be airing this Sunday, as she planned to film the gala to run alongside her interview with Jones.

That plan went up in smoke, however, when she managed to draw the ire of Sandy Hook parents, who lashed out loud and quick as they attacked Kelly for allowing Jones' ideas to be heard by her audience of six million.

Impressive intro: Over six million viewers tuned into Kelly's premiere episode with Russian president Vladimir Putin (above)

Disappointing drop: Kelly's second episode, which featured an interview with Erin Andrews (above), lost half of the audience from the premiere one week prior

Kelly responded to the controversy on Tuesday in a statement, saying she was 'disappointed' but also 'respected the decision' of the charity.

'I understand and respect the decision of the event organizers but I'm of course disappointed that I won't be there to support them on Wednesday night,' began Kelly in her statement.

'I find Alex Jones' suggestion that Sandy Hook was "a hoax" as personally revolting as every other rational person does.'

She then explained: 'It left me, and many other Americans, asking the very question that prompted this interview: how does Jones, who traffics in these outrageous conspiracy theories, have the respect of the president of the United States and a growing audience of millions?'

Kelly then offered theories, stating: 'President Trump, by praising and citing him, appearing on his show, and giving him White House press credentials, has helped elevate Jones, to the alarm of many.'

'Our goal in sitting down with him was to shine a light - as journalists are supposed to do - on this influential figure, and yes - to discuss the considerable falsehoods he has promoted with near impunity,' said Kelly.

Regardless of the aim, advertisers were not happy, and JP Morgan pulled their spots from the time slot.

Kelly responded to the controversy around her firing from the Sandy Hook gala on Tuesday in a statement, saying she was 'disappointed' but also 'respected the decision' of the charity (Kelly and Jones above)
A former parking officer has revealed how inspectors issue innocent drivers with fines to meet council quotas.

Paul Cowles, from Adelaide, says local authorities have revenue raising targets and 'questionable' tickets can be written to meet them.

'They'll issue a fine when they shouldn't - and they know they shouldn't,' he told Channel Seven's Today Tonight program.

Former parking Paul Cowles has revealed how inspectors issue innocent drivers with fines to meet council quotas

'They'll issue a fine when they shouldn't - and they know they shouldn't,' Mr Cowles said (not pictured, stock image)

'In the two-and-a-half years plus I worked for council, I issued over 14,000 fines... they loved me.'

Mr Cowles pointed to a row of 12 parking spots in a quiet Adelaide street where he says motorists have been unfairly fined.

'I know council inspectors that have booked vehicles here... At $75 a pop, that's $900 in council's back pocket when you do not have to pay to park here,' he said.

There is no suggestion that Mr Cowles himself issued any tickets to innocent motorists.

Mr Cowles pointed to a row of 12 parking spots in a quiet Adelaide street where he says motorists have been unfairly fined

Now, computer programmer Scott Bradley, fed up with receiving what he says are unfair tickets, has set up a website to help other motorists fight their fines.

'(Parking officers) all follow a similar process... they have certain scenarios that they will consider waiving,' Mr Bradley told the program.

'They don't make it clear - you've got to go looking for it.'

The website, disputeit.org, asks a series of questions about the circumstances of individual fines.

If a certain criteria is met, the website will submit a form to authorities asking for the fine to be overturned.

Scott Bradley, a computer expert, has set up a website to help other motorists fight their fines
As the Grenfell Tower went up in flames an Australian man risked his life, running into the inferno with an axe in a desperate effort to rescue the hundreds trapped inside.

Jody Martin moved from Sydney to London a decade ago and was sitting at home in his apartment in the city's west on Tuesday night when he noticed a glow outside.

Realising instantly that a building was seriously alight Mr Martin and his housemate ran towards the inferno - before bursting into the tower and using an axe they found to free a couple trapped behind their apartment door.

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Australian man Jody Martin (pictured) ran into the Grenfell Tower, London, as it began to be engulfed by flames on Tuesday night in an effort to save some of the hundreds trapped inside

As the high-rise went up in flames (pictured) Mr Martin and his housemate risked their lives, running into the inferno with an axe and yelled: 'Get out of the building, get out of the building'

Mr Martin said when he first ran into the burning high-rise the blaze only just started, but within minutes had escalated dramatically.

'I grabbed an axe from the fire truck, it looked like there was a bit of confusion about what to do,' he told the BBC.

'I ran around the building looking for a fire escape and couldn't see any noticeable fire escapes around the building. A lot of debris falling down.

'I eventually gained entry onto the second floor, and once I got to the corridor I realised there was so much smoke there.'

Mr Martin said that given the thickness of the smoke, it's little wonder residents had battled to leave the building without assistance.

'I watched one person falling out, I watched another woman holding her baby out the window... hearing screams,' he said.

Running around the building shouting for people to 'get out', Mr Martin said one of the firefighters approached him and said that may not be the best course of action.

'I said: "Mate, you need to come around and look at the other side",' he told Channel Seven.

'The whole side of the building from the second floor all the way to the top was ablaze and it was moving at a pace, it was moving quickly,' Mr Martin recalled

The 27-storey building, which was built in 1974 but refurbished last year, has an average of six flats per floor lived in by council tenants and a smaller number of private owners or tenants

'The whole side of the building from the second floor all the way to the top was ablaze and it was moving at a pace, it was moving quickly,' Mr Martin said.

A criminal investigation has been launched into the Grenfell Tower blaze as police reveal some of the victims of the fire might never be identified.

Scotland Yard Commander Stuart Cundy said searching the gutted tower block might take months and he hoped the death toll would not run into 'triple figures'.

The criminal probe came amid increasing political pressure that those involved in the building's recent redevelopment should face prosecution.

The death toll currently stands at 17, but Commander Cundy refused to say what it is expected to rise to

Undertakers remove bodies from Grenfell Tower, but the recovery of the dead is likely to take several days

An emotional woman wearing a breathing mask holds her head in despair as she rests on the pavement near the scene of the blaze in west London

Emergency services are still running through falling debris including glass and its controversial cladding continues to rain down

He added: 'It may be - and I just don't know - it may be that ultimately some victims remain unidentified.

'I won't know that until we've gone through the full recovery from Grenfell Tower and we know exactly what we've got and I anticipate that is going to take a considerable period of time.

'Not just the immediate recovery of the bodies we have found but the full search of that whole building we could be talking weeks we could be talking months - it is a very long process.

During the chaotic first day of the investigation, the police's casualty bureau was said to have received 5,000 calls.
Both the Market Street and Walnut Street Bridges will be closed to pedestrians and secured at 9 p.m. on Saturday for Riverbend fireworks. Both bridges will reopen for pedestrian traffic in both directions as soon as the fireworks end. In addition, vehicle parking is prohibited on Veteran's Bridge, as well as Olgiati Bridge, for the entirety of the evening.After the fireworks, CPD will limit traffic crossing or turning left to 4th Street from 11 p.m.-midnight between Chestnut Street and Georgia Avenue, with the exception of Market Street.All southbound traffic will have to turn right to US 27 and all northbound traffic will have to turn right to access Veterans Bridge.To avoid congestion when departing the main festival site, motorists parking north of 4th Street should plan on taking a right on 4th Street when leaving to access US 27 South. Motorists parking south of 4th Street should plan on accessing US 27 at the MLK Boulevard exit to avoid long delays when exiting downtown Chattanooga.In order to view a map of these closures, click here
Gang leader Farhad Qaumi has been jailed for at least 43 years for his role in the fatal 'violent underworld rampage' that erupted in western Sydney in late 2013, and his two brothers have received shorter but significant terms.

The 34-year-old Brothers 4 Life Blacktown chapter leader was jailed on Friday for a string of crimes including manslaughter and a contract murder and Mumtaz Qaumi, 32, was jailed for at least 36 years for offences including the two fatal shootings.

Describing the violence as 'outlandish and lawless', Justice Peter Hamill also jailed Jamil Qaumi, 25, for at least 21 years for his crimes, which included manslaughter.

Brothers 4 Life Blacktown chapter leader Farhad Qaumi (pictured) will spend at least 43 years behind bars for a string of violent crimes, which included including manslaughter and a contract murder

Farhad's younger brother Mumtaz Qaumi (pictured) has been jailed for at least least 36 years for offences including two fatal shootings

Farhad Qaumi was sentenced for 15 offences including the December 2013 contract murder of debt collector Joseph Antoun at Strathfield and the October 2013 manslaughter of Mahmoud Hamzy at Revesby Heights.

In setting a maximum of 60 years, the judge said Qaumi was the 'undisputed, and feared, leader of the B4 Blacktown' who, more often than not used others to do his bidding.

'There was evidence he aspired to 'take over Sydney'.'

Mumtaz Qaumi received a maximum of 50 years, while the youngest brother's maximum was 30 years.

All three brothers were found guilty by a jury of numerous offences related to five shooting incidents that took place between October 28 and November 28, 2013.

'One person was killed, several others were injured and the lives of at least 10 people placed in jeopardy,' the judge said.

Joseph Antoun (left) was murdered in December 2013 at Strathfield and Mahmoud Hamzy (right) was killed in Revesby Heights in October 2013

Farhad Qaumi was the gang leader of the Brothers 4 Life Blacktown chapter

Farhad (pictured) was described by the judge as the chapter's 'undisputed, and feared, leader'

The shootings occurred in the context of 'differences' between the B4L Blacktown and a rival group called B4L at Bankstown, led by Mohammed Hamzy.

Mahmoud Hamzy was shot dead after the shooters mistakenly believed he was his cousin, Mohammed.

Justice Hamill heard the murder trial relating to Mr Antoun without a jury and found the two eldest brothers guilty of the crime on the basis that they hired the hit man.

While the murder was not part of the 'war' between the criminal gangs, the judge said he drew the inference he was approached to organise the killing because of the reputation for violence he had earned in the criminal underworld.

He also 'had a capacity to direct others to carry out murderous acts of gun violence'.
Barack Obama has praised his friend Jay Z ahead of the rapper becoming the first hip-hop star to be inducted into the Songwriting Hall of Fame.

The former President waxed lyrically about the Brooklyn-born rapper, in a video which was posted online ahead of his induction by the 47-year-old himself.

'Mr Carter and I understand each other,' Obama said in the clip, after listing the other inductees for Thursday night's event in New York City.

'Nobody who met us as younger men would have expected us to be where we are today.

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Barack Obama has praised his friend Jay Z ahead of the rapper becoming the first hip-hop star to be inducted into the Songwriting Hall of Fame. The two are pictured on stage in Ohio in November 2012

'Mr Carter and I understand each other,' Obama said in the induction video (pictured), after listing the other inductees for Thursday night's event in New York City

'We know what it's like to not have a father around, we know what it's like not to come from much, and to know people who didn't get the same breaks we did, so we try to prop open those doors of opportunity so that it's a little easier for those who come up behind us to succeed.'

The former President continued: 'Like all of you, I am a fan. And I have been listening to Jay since I was a young and hungry state Senator.

'I sampled his lyrics to close my speech at Selma, I tweeted a reference to My First Song as I was putting the finishing touches on my final State of the Union address, I had to brush some dirt of my shoulders during a campaign.

'I'm pretty sure I'm still the only president to listen to Jay Z's music in the Oval Office. That may change at some point, but I'm pretty sure it's true now.

'In fact, Jay, you have been inspiring in making me want to be active in my retirement just like you have been in yours.

Obama also referenced Beyonce, Jay Z's pregnant wife, in his video. 'Let's face it, we both have wives who are significantly more popular than we are,' he said

Barack Obama stands on stage with rapper Jay-Z and Bruce Springsteen at a rally in Ohio in 2012

'So I'm going to close by sharing something Jay once said that struck me. He said, 'I've never looked at myself and said that I need to be a certain way to be around a certain sort of people. I've always wanted to stay true to myself, and I've managed to do that. People have to accept that.'

'With that, I'm proud to help present this award to a true American original, the first hip-hop artist to be inducted in the Songwriters Hall of Fame, Mr Shawn Carter.'

Prior to wrapping up his speech, Obama also spoke about Beyonce's pregnancy, as well as the former First Lady.

'Jay and I are also fools for our daughters, although he's going to have me beat once those two twins show up,' he said, before joking: 'And let's face it, we both have wives who are significantly more popular than we are.'

Jay Z was clearly appreciative of the ex-President's message, tweeting out the video with an extra message on Thursday night: 'The greatest rapper of all time OBAMA . Thank you 44.'

Jay Z, Beyonce and Blue Ivy Carter onstage at the 2014 MTV Video Music Awards

Jay Z was quick to thank the president for his praise, tweeting out that Obama is the 'greatest rapper of all time'

Beyonce and Michelle Obama hug during the 2015 Global Citizen Festival at Central Park on September 26, 2015

Hov's historic honor was also celebrated by other big names on Thursday, including U2's Bono, Andre 3000, Chance the Rapper, and the legendary Quincy Jones.

'I can't tell you how proud I am of him and that they're taking the step to understand that hip-hop is a huge part of our culture,' Jones said in a video statement to the Hall.

'He knows why God gave us two ears and one mouth  that means you're supposed to listen twice as much as you talk. Jay Z has earned the right to be the first rapper [in the Hall of Fame].'

Bono was similarly effusive in his praise, saying: 'He reported what he saw and what he felt and he took us with him. Most of us first heard him when we heard Hard Knock Life perfectly juxtaposing the beauty of childhood and the reality he lived in.

'He got us listening, and we've been listening ever since. A true artist that follows Miles Davis' definition of a true artist, "It's not about standing still and becoming safe. If anybody wants to keep creating they have to be about change."'

Jay Z has had an incredible career, picking up 21 Grammys and 13 solo number one albums along the way.

The other inductees celebrated on Thursday night were: Max Martin, Robert Lamm and James Pankow, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Berry Gordy, and Kenneth 'Babyface' Edmonds.
Security guards at one of Australia's busiest airports are clocking off at 9pm each night and leaving the strip 'defenceless', pilots have warned.

Bankstown Airport in Sydney's west remains unguarded overnight despite planes and ground staff operating at the facility 24 hours a day, 9 News reported.

Pilots say anyone capable of jumping over a short fence has the ability to walk onto the airstrip and - if they have the training - steal an aeroplane from a hangar.

Bankstown Airport (pictured) in Sydney's west remains unguarded overnight despite planes and ground staff operating at the facility 24 hours a day

Security guards at the airport are clocking off at 9pm each night and leaving the strip 'defenceless', pilots have warned

'You can walk right through the hangers anytime you want, I haven't got a key but getting over the fence isn't really a problem either,' pilot Keith Campbell said

'You can walk right through the hangers anytime you want, I haven't got a key but getting over the fence isn't really a problem either,' pilot Keith Campbell said.

'Once you are through the hanger or over the fence you can just walk out onto the airstrip. It's pretty much defenceless.

'Anyone with some training could take a plane and fly into some building or do some serious damage if they wanted to.'

Mr Campbell said only a 1.2metre fence without barbed wire stands between airside and the public at the Western Sydney airport.

Pilots say anyone capable of jumping over a short fence has the ability to walk onto the airstrip at Bankstown Airport (pictured)

A business owner at the airport said there is a gate which isn't monitored and can be easily breached to give access to airside

A business owner at the airport said there is a gate which isn't monitored and can be easily breached.

'There is a gate around the airport but it is not policed at all. You could easily walk through the facility and out the other side and be airside,' John - who requested his surname not be published - told 9 News.

Bankstown Airport Duty Operations Officer Jim Nemeth said pilots and ground staff have an emergency number they can call after-hours in case of a security risk.

Mr Nemeth said there is in fact barbed wire that is up to airport standards, and security would act immediately if there was a threat.

He also said gates require codes and registered keys to open, according to 9 News.

Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester said Bankstown Airport is considered a low security risk because it's for general aviation and does not host regular passenger travel.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Bankstown Airport for comment.
A 49-year-old man has been arrested for suspected child pornography and plans he was allegedly making on social media to meet with children in the Philippines.

The Melbourne man, who has not been identified, was arrested at a house in the western suburb of Truganina on Thursday morning.

He was charged with serious child exploitation offences, following an investigation by the Victorian Joint Anti-Child Exploitation Team.

A 49-year-old man has been arrested for suspected child pornography and plans he was allegedly making on social media to meet with children in the Philippines (stock images)

Police allege they found child exploitation material on electronic devices as well as DVDs and magazines at the residence.

The man has been charged with procuring a child to engage in sexual activity outside Australia and possessing child exploitation material.

The operation began when the AFP received information from U.S. based National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children in May 2017.

The information included alleged plans that a person was making to meet with multiple female children aged between 12-to-16, in the Philippines, in order to engage in sexual activity.

The Melbourne man, who has not been identified, was arrested by Australian Federal Police officers, who searched his house in Truganina on Thursday morning (stock image)

AFP Commander Lesa Gale, Manager Victim Based Crime, said investigations like this highlight global realities of child exploitation.

'There are offenders who seek to use privacy and anonymity of the internet to identify and target vulnerable children,' Commander Gale said.

Victoria Police Inspector John Manley said it had been a challenging and complex investigation with a very good outcome.

The maximum penalty for the offences is 15 years jail.

The man was scheduled to appear in the Melbourne Magistrates court on Friday.
Former NSW doctor Graeme Reeves has been found not guilty of the manslaughter of a mother who died days after giving birth in 1996.

Reeves, who became known as the 'Butcher of Bega' after he surgically removed a patient's labia and clitoris without her consent, has been on trial in the NSW District Court over the death of 38-year-old Kerry Ann McAllister.

The judge-alone trial heard allegations Reeves ignored nurses' concerns about Mrs McAllister's worsening condition, and that he misdiagnosed her bacterial infection as a virus before she died from septicaemia.

Judge Peter Zahra on Friday found Reeves not guilty of manslaughter, saying that while his treatment failures significantly contributed to Mrs McAllister's death, they did not amount to gross criminal negligence warranting criminal punishment.

Former NSW doctor Graeme Reeves has been found not guilty of the manslaughter of a mother who died days after giving birth in 1996

Reeves, who became known as the 'Butcher of Bega' after he surgically removed a patient's labia and clitoris without her consent, has been on trial in the NSW District Court over the death of 38-year-old Kerry Ann McAllister

Former NSW doctor Graeme Reeves has been found not guilty of the manslaughter of a mother who died days after giving birth in 1996.

Reeves, who became known as the "Butcher of Bega" after he surgically removed a patient's labia and clitoris without her consent, has been on trial in the NSW District Court over the death of 38-year-old Kerry Ann McAllister.

The judge-alone trial heard allegations Reeves ignored nurses' concerns about Ms McAllister's worsening condition and that he misdiagnosed her bacterial infection as a virus before she died from septicaemia.

Judge Peter Zahra on Friday found the 66-year-old not guilty of manslaughter, saying that while his treatment failures significantly contributed to Ms McAllister's death, they did not amount to gross criminal negligence warranting criminal punishment.

Ms McAllister died on May 14, 1996, five days after giving birth at The Hills Private Hospital at Baulkam Hills.

In delivering his judgment, Judge Zahra said Reeves breached his duty of care to Ms McAllister and that his failure to consider the possibility of a bacterial infection, undertake appropriate testing and administer antibiotics amounted to negligence.

The judge-alone trial heard allegations Reeves ignored nurses' concerns about Mrs McAllister's worsening condition, and that he misdiagnosed her bacterial infection as a virus before she died from septicaemia

Judge Peter Zahra on Friday found Reeves not guilty of manslaughter, saying that while his treatment failures significantly contributed to Mrs McAllister's death, they did not amount to gross criminal negligence warranting criminal punishment

But he couldn't be satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that Reeves misdiagnosed Ms McAllister when she first started running a fever on May 9, as it was unclear when the bacterial infection arose and it was possible it co-existed with a viral illness.

The trial heard evidence her condition was elusive and rare, and diagnosing it was "one of the most difficult things to do", the judge said.

He also noted that Ms McAllister had a family history of viral infection and complained of symptoms that could be consistent with viral illness, but said Reeves should have reconsidered his diagnosis by May 12 when she remained in significant pain.

Reeves, who hugged his lawyers and walked from the court alone after the verdict was delivered, was jailed in 2011 for mutilating a woman's genitals while he was an obstetrician and gynaecologist at Bega and Pambula district hospitals.

He was released on parole from Long Bay jail in 2013 after successfully appealing an 18-month increase to his sentence.
Shocking video has emerged of an allegedly drunk 40-year-old woman swerving across a busy arterial road and crashing into barriers near Brisbane.

The woman, who police claim was driving with a blood alcohol level almost six times over the legal limit, came close to hitting a tree and only narrowly avoided totalling her car.

Queensland Police intercepted and arrested the allegedly dangerous driver, charging her with high level drink driving and driving without a driver's licence.

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The 'drunk driver' crashed into roadside barriers several time while swerving across her lane

The members of the public who recorded the footage reacted with horror and disbelief

Queensland Police arrived on the scene intercepted the vehicle, preventing an accident

The shocking video, captured by a member of the public, was posted on the Queensland Police Service Facebook page as a warning not to drink and drive.

The woman's white sedan can be seen swerving in and out of her lane while the dashcam owners react in disbelief.

'Ooh! She just went up the barricade again,' a stunned observer is heard saying as the allegedly out of control motorist scrapes a roadside barrier.

The allegedly disqualified driver had a blood alcohol level of .297, almost six times over the legal limit, police claim

The 'drunk' driver narrowly avoided crashing her vehicle several times on this busy arterial road

The woman was allegedly driving so erratically that she seemed likely to crash at any moment.

'She's just, ooh, she nearly went off the road then but she's managed to pull it back.'

The owners of the footage then called Queensland Police who intercepted the allegedly intoxicated driver shortly afterwards and impounded the vehicle.
The Pentagon will send almost 4,000 additional American forces to Afghanistan, hoping to break a stalemate in a war that has now passed to a third U.S. commander in chief.

The deployment will be the largest of American manpower under Donald Trump's young presidency and could happen as early as next week, an administration official said Thursday.

The rising threat posed by Islamic State extremists, evidenced in a rash of deadly attacks in the capital city of Kabul, has only fueled calls for a stronger U.S. presence, as have several recent American combat deaths.

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An Afghan national Army stands guard at a checkpoint in the Kabul-Jalalabad highway on the outskirts of Kabul

It follows Trump's move to give Defense Secretary Jim Mattis the authority to set troop levels and seeks to address assertions by the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan that he doesn't have enough forces to help Afghanistan's army against a resurgent Taliban insurgency.

The bulk of the additional troops will train and advise Afghan forces, according to the administration official, who wasn't authorized to discuss details of the decision publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. A smaller number would be assigned to counterterror operations against the Taliban and IS, the official said.

Asked for comment, a Pentagon spokesman, Navy Capt. Jeff Davis, said, 'No decisions have been made.'

Daulat Waziri, a spokesman for Afghanistan's defense ministry, was reluctant to comment on specifics Friday but said the Afghan government supports the U.S. decision to send more troops.

'The United States knows we are in the fight against terrorism, ' he said. 'We want to finish this war in Afghanistan with the help of the NATO alliance.'

There was no immediate report whether NATO allies would also increase their troop commitment to Afghanistan. The U.S. currently has 8,500 troops deployed in Afghanistan.

The deployment will be the largest of American manpower under Donald Trump's young presidency

'We are the frontline in the war against international terrorism,' Waziri said.

Although Trump has delegated authority for U.S. troop numbers in Afghanistan, the responsibility for America's wars and the men and women who fight in them rests on his shoulders.

Trump has inherited America's longest conflict with no clear endpoint or a defined strategy for American success, though U.S. troop levels are far lower than they were under Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush.

In 2009, Obama authorized a surge of 30,000 troops into Afghanistan, bringing the total there to more than 100,000, before drawing down over the rest of his presidency.

Trump has barely spoken about Afghanistan as a candidate or president, concentrating instead on crushing the Islamic State group in Syria and Iraq.

His predecessors both had hoped to win the war. Bush scored a quick success, helping allied militant groups oust the Taliban shortly after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, before seeing the gains slip away as American focus shifted to the Iraq war.

In refocusing attention on Afghanistan, Obama eliminated much of the country's al-Qaida network and authorized the mission that killed Osama bin Laden, but failed to snuff out the Taliban's rebellion.

Mattis' deployment of more troops will be far smaller than Obama's.

While military leaders have consistently said more forces are needed, a decision had been tied up in a lengthy, wider debate about America's long-term military, diplomatic and economic strategy for ending the war.

The deployment of more troops follows Trump's move to give Defense Secretary Jim Mattis (pictured) the authority to set troop levels

Obama set a cap a year ago of 8,400 troops in Afghanistan after slowing the pace of what he hoped would be a U.S. withdrawal.

Nevertheless, there are at least another 2,000 U.S. troops in Afghanistan not included in the official count. These include forces that are technically considered temporary even if they've been in the warzone for months.

Trump's decision Tuesday to give Mattis authority to set force levels in Afghanistan mirrored similar powers he handed over earlier this year for U.S. fights in Iraq and Syria.

The change was made public hours after Sen. John McCain, the Senate Armed Services Committee's Republican chairman, blasted Mattis for the administration's failure to present an overarching strategy for Afghanistan. McCain said the U.S. is 'not winning' in Afghanistan, and Mattis agreed.

The finality of the decision isn't entirely clear. While Trump has handed over the troop level decision-making, there is nothing preventing him from taking it back.

Mattis has repeatedly stressed that increasing the number of U.S. troops in Afghanistan would take place within a broader, long-term strategy for stabilizing Afghanistan.

In congressional testimony this week, he said the strategy will take into account regional influences, such as Pakistan's role as a Taliban sanctuary. Regional powers Iran, India and China, which all have political stakes in the fate of Afghanistan, also must be considered.

While the new troops could raise fears of mission creep, Mattis told lawmakers this week he didn't envision returning to the force levels of 2010-11, when Obama thought he could pressure the Taliban into peace talks.
Just two years ago, he was jetting around the world on board his own special Federal Government aircraft.

But in 2017, a picture shows former Prime Minister Tony Abbott sitting happily in economy class as he travelled from Canberra to Sydney.

A Sydney man shared a photo of himself beaming next to a smiling Mr Abbott on board a Virgin Australia flight to Facebook on Thursday night.

'Like him or hate him, he was flying economy on Virgin Australia ATR-72 tonight,' the caption read.

Tony Abbott was seen flying economy on Thursday night as he travelled from Canberra to Sydney

It's a move that went down well with other social media users, most congratulating the now-backbench minister on his ability to reintegrate into regular society and for not demanding a higher quality seat.

'What a great leader he was,' one user wrote.

Another compared Mr Abbott to disgraced former speaker Bronwyn Bishop, noting the difference between the way they liked to travel.

'No pretense with Tony, a shame Bronwyn Bishop doesn't have the same standards - we might have additional money to spend on the important things,' they wrote.

One user joked: 'Did they confiscate his budgies at security?'.

Tony Abbott strolled into Federal Parliament in his workout gear on Thursday (pictured)

The original poster said Mr Abbott was 'quite open' in conversation, and did not mind chatting to pass the time.

'We talked on a number of topics,' the man added, but he refused to divulge further details to commenters.

The pair were flying on an ATR-72 plane, where there was no business or first class, though business class seats are regularly available on flights between the two cities.

Mr Abbott's new friend also made clear that even though there were no huge improvements available in seats, 'he didn't get upgraded to first row which had more leg room'.

The move comes after the Liberal back bencher made a bizarre appearance in Parliament on Thursday dressed in active wear.

The Warringah MP strutted his stuff in a lycra t-shirt and short-shorts as his colleagues recovered from the Mid Winter Ball on Wednesday night.
Misinformed patients have ditched more traditional cures for scalding burns in favour of bizarre remedies such as toothpaste, soy sauce and butter, a burns ward nurse has revealed.

Wayne Phillips, who is a clinical nurse as Fairfield Hospital's paediatric burns treatment centre in Sydney's southwest, says only 30 per cent of patients use the right first aid after a serious burn injury.

'We've seen the use of toothpaste among Vietnamese patients, soy sauce among Chinese patients and butter among Spanish patients,' he told the Daily Telegraph.

Many Chinese, Vietnamese and Spanish burns patients use strange remedies to treat injuries (stock image)

Misinformed patients have ditched more traditional cures for scalding burns for bizarre remedies such as toothpaste, soy sauce and butter, a burns ward nurse has revealed

The best way to treat a burn is to put it under running water for 20 mins (stock image)

HOW TO BEST TREAT A BURN - Remove clothing from around the burn - Put it under running water for 20 minutes - Do not use iced water - Cover burn with clean, sterile, non-stick material - If the burn is larger than a 20c piece, seek medical treatment Advertisement

'Weve found certain cultural beliefs about burns first aid are very common in Fairfield,' he added.

Many patients also mistakenly apply ice, lotion or cold, iced water from the fridge - but Mr Phillip says these approaches often do more harm than good.

He says the best remedy for a burn is to put it under running water before seeking medical treatment.

Hospitals across Australia have seen an alarming rise in young children suffering burns.

The most common types of burns include from scalding hot water used for instant noodles and surprisingly from home treadmills.

Data from Sydney Children's Hospital revealed 1000 children suffer burn injuries in NSW every year.

The most common types of burns include from scalding hot water used for instant noodles and surprisingly from home treadmills
It's got endless sunbaked beaches and a world famous harbour, but it seems Sydney is not quite the destination city it once claimed to be.

While it has long played the role of little brother to its northern counterpart, by 2050 Melbourne is predicted be Australia's most densely populated city.

And while the New South Wales capital should still have a few more decades on top, it seems people are already flocking to the Victorian capital en masse to cash in on cheaper property, better job prospects and cafe lifestyle.

It seems Sydney is not quite the destination city it once claimed to be, with a growing number of people ditching the world famous harbour (pictured) for a move south to Melbourne

By 2050 Melbourne is predicted be Australia's most densely populated city, with its restaurant and cafe scene (pictured), and famed lifestyle, seeing Sydneysiders increasingly head south

Since 2013, data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows Victoria has grown its population more than any other state.

Last year alone it increased by 17,000 people on 2015, with the state now the home to a population of 6.1 million. In comparison, New South Wales dropped by 12,000.

But it's not just residents ditching the 'harbour city' for the 'sporting capital of the world', with global businesses increasingly basing themselves in Victoria.

Renowned for its cafes, restaurants, sporting events, music and arts scene, its little wonder Melbourne is regularly crowned the world's 'most liveable city'.

These factors, plus cheaper property prices, mean Chinese investors and big brands from Go Pro to David Jones are flocking to the riverside city, news.com.au reports.

Ian Moir, chairman of David Jones, said it was a 'no brainer' for the clothing giant to move its corporate offices to Melbourne after nearly 200 years in Sydney.

Ian Moir, chairman of David Jones, said it was a 'no brainer' for the clothing giant (pictured) to move its corporate offices to Melbourne after nearly 200 years in Sydney

Google too may be headed to Melbourne, after pulling out of negotiations regarding its proposed new headquarters into a refurbished harbourside former power station (pictured)

'Melbourne is the fashion capital of Australia, it is the retail hub of Australia... there is more of a talent pool here, the costs are cheaper,' Mr Moir told the Herald Sun.

Google too may be headed to Melbourne, after pulling out of negotiations regarding its proposed new headquarters into a refurbished harbourside former power station.

The internet giant's move to the old White Bay power station was set to be the start of a 'Silicon Harbour' - Sydney's version of the famed US tech capital.

According to Ryan Park, the NSW shadow treasurer, it's just a sign of things to come.

'The technology hub at Rozelle is dead in the water because there was no adequate transport plan,' Mr Park said.

'Other companies are setting up their HQs down south in droves because the Victorian governments making them a better offer.

Since 2013, the Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows Victoria's population has grown more than anywhere else. Last year alone it increased by 17,000, with the state now home to 6.1 million people

But it's not just residents ditching the 'harbour city' for the 'sporting capital of the world', with global businesses increasingly basing themselves in Victoria

'The Premier's done nothing to bring down the cost of living for people  it's no wonder people are fleeing in huge numbers elsewhere.'

An increasing number of international students flocking to Victoria is also behind the growth in the city.

With it has come an increase in overseas investment, while slower birth rates during the 1990s means there's better jobs and more houses for young generations.

'This combination of good employment and cheaper, more affordable housing, is prompting that move,' Nick Parr, demographer at Macquarie University, said.

While things are good at the minute, Mr Parr warns that a growing population will see house prices rise and that much sought after lifestyle may take a hit.

But for the meantime, as its number plates once said: Victoria is 'the place to be'.
Gov. Rauner Calls Special Session Ahead Of Deadline, Touts 'Compromise' Budget

By Mae Rice in News on Jun 15, 2017 8:00PM

Gov. Bruce Rauner has presided over a state with no budget for almost two years, and on Thursday, he decided it might be time to address that. In a Facebook video and statement, he called for a special, 10-day legislative session, during which the state legislature can hopefully pass a "compromise" budget before the new fiscal year begins on July 1.

The session will start on June 21, and end when the fiscal year does: June 30.

Here's Rauner's Facebook video, in which he announces the special session:

"We have tough, urgent choices to make," Rauner says in the video above.

He also says of the compromise budget plan, somewhat defensively, "It's real."

The state of Illinois has been without a full budget since July 1, 2015. This has wreaked havoc on everything from school funding to Illinois' bond rating to, just today, roadwork and casual gambling. Yet the legislature left their spring session at the end of May as they end all of their sessions these days: by not passing a budget.
Police are hunting for a man who allegedly sexually assaulted a young girl in her Townsville home on Thursday night.

The 38-year-old allegedly entered a home in Mount Louisa after 8pm before assaulting a 10-year-old.

It is believed the man was known to the young girl.

Police are hunting for a man who allegedly sexually assaulted a young girl in her Townsville home on Thursday night. The 38-year-old allegedly entered a home in Mount Louisa after 8pm before assaulting a 10-year-old

Police were alerted to the home shortly later and attended the scene.

They are aware of his identity and are asking him to come forward.

'We certainly appeal to this male person to surrender himself to the nearest police station to assist police with inquiries,' Detective Senior Constable Martin White told the Townsville Bulletin.

'We have got some strategies in place to locate this person and at this point in time we will maintain our privacy for the family as well as complete our investigation.'

The girl is currently with her family who are said to be devastated over the alleged attack.
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Images from deep beneath the heart of Sydney have provided a unique glimpse into construction on the city's mammoth WestConnex motorway.

The $16.8 billion project will eventually link two of Sydney's most heavily-used motorways, the M4 and the M5, from Homebush to St Peters, with traffic taken off surface roads and diverted underground.

New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian on Friday toured the M4 East tunnels, the first underground section of WestConnex, while announcing construction on that component of the motorway had passed the halfway mark.

New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced on Friday construction on the twin tunnels of the M4 East component of Sydney's WestConnex Motorway had reached the half-way mark

A construction worker is pictured inside the M4 East tunnels at Concord, in Sydney's west, which is the first underground section of the $16.8 billion WestConnex motorway project

The tunnels will link the Sydney inner-west suburbs Homebush and Haberfield, via Concord, with motorists able to bypass up to 22 sets of traffic lights

Around half the mainline tunnelling is now complete on the M4 East tunnels, which were toured by government officials on Friday

Up to 22 road headers have been put to work around the clock underground to help deliver Sydney's M4 East component of the WestConnex motorway project

The tunnels will divert traffic from the heavily-congested Parramatta Road, providing motorists travelling to, or from, Sydney's western suburbs

The 5.5km twin tunnels will be made up of three lanes of traffic, each-way, and connect the city's inner west suburbs, Homebush and Haberfield, diverting traffic from the heavily-congested Parramatta Road.

WestConnex says M4 East, which eats up $3.802 billion of the motorway cost, will allow motorists to bypass up to 22 sets of traffic lights.

'I hope these tunnels remind people that we're taking a lot of congestion off residential roads, we're actually alleviating a lot of the above ground congestion and putting it underground,' Ms Berejiklian said.

'We're increasing capacity, we know that in the future more people will be using the road network.'

Up to 22 roadheaders have been working around the clock underground to help piece together the tunnel network, which was first approved in February 2016, with construction starting three months later.

WestConnex said the M4 East development provided for 4500 jobs, including more than 100 apprenticeships, with 132, 400 vehicles expected to use M4 East on an average weekday by 2031.

WestConnex offered an unique public insight into construction on the tunnels on Friday when they welcomed Premier Gladys Bereijklian to inspect work the motorway project

The estimated cost of the M4 East tunnel project is $3.802 billion, close to 25 per cent of the total cost of the WestConnex motorway

Roadheaders were sent underground from August 2016 to complete work on the M4 East project, which was first lodged with planning authorities in November 2013

WestConnex Minister Stuart Ayres said the western Sydney community had been waiting decades for the road upgrades associated with WestConnex

WestConnex estimates 132,400 vehicles will be driving through the M4 East tunnel on an average weekday

Twenty-two roadheaders have been making significant headway on the M4 East tunnels in recent months, with construction now reaching the half-way point

Meanhwile, the first section of the WestConnex project will open next month, three weeks later than originally planned.

Motorists will get a month free before having to pay to use the newly-widened section of the M4 between Parramatta and Homebush, in Sydney's west, from July 15.

WestConnex Minister Stuart Ayres meanwhile dismissed criticism the M4 upgrade was behind schedule, saying the project had been delayed due to weather disruption.

'The western Sydney community has been waiting 30 years for this road so I'm more than comfortable being three weeks beyond the contracted date,' he said during the joint press conference.

The WestConnex motorway project is funded through cash from both the New South Wales and Federal governments

The new M4 East tunnels are expected to be ready for motorists to travel to and from the city's western suburbs in 2019

Construction workers have been toiling away deep beneath the heart of Sydney as they work on the WestConnex project

The WestConnex project will connect Sydney's M4 and M5 motorways when it is full complete, expected to be about 2022

'We've had one of the wettest summers and autumns Sydney has experienced in over a decade.'

Other sections of the WestConnex project are also moving along with tenders shortlisted for 'the most important stage' of the motorway.

Joint ventures John Holland CPB Contractors and Lend Lease Samsung Bouygues will compete for the contract to design and build the M4-M5 link tunnel beginning in 2018.

'The M4-M5 Link is the most important stage of WestConnex as it will provide the vital connection between the new and upgraded M4 and M5 motorways for tens of thousands of vehicles a day and connect to Port Botany, [Sydney] Airport and future M6,' Mr Ayres said.

The M4 tunnels will open in 2019.

The distance-based toll on the M4 will range from $1.77 to $4.56 when it comes into effect in August.

Planning approval for the M4 East project was granted in February 2016, with construction commencing three months later

WestConnex says the M4 East development provides for 4500 jobs, including more than 100 apprenticeships during the construction phase

New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian (centre) watched on as a roadheader and construction workers worked in the eastbound WestConnex M4 tunnel at Concord, Sydney's inner west, on Friday

Ms Berejiklian (second from right) was joined on her visit of the M4 East tunnels by Minister for WestConnex Stuart Ayres (left) and Federal Member for Reid, Craig Laundy (right)

Ms Berejiklian (centre) said she hoped 'these tunnels remind people that we're taking a lot of congestion off residential roads'
A man armed with a handgun has been arrested after a five hour stand-off with police at a Melbourne home.

Another six people, a 23-year-old woman and five children, willingly stayed inside the home during the tense siege in Epping on Friday afternoon.

Police say the stand-off was the culmination of an investigation into a series of theft and firearms offences.

A man armed with a handgun has been arrested after a five hour stand-off with police at a Melbourne home

A man is arrested at a siege in Epping which has come to an end in the northern suburbs of Melbourne

Police arrived around 2pm however it became a siege situation when he ran back into the house and barricaded himself in

Two children were seen leaving the property at about 6.30pm on Friday

The siege began at about 2pm on Friday after police arrived at a property in Epping

'As a result of inquiries it led us to an address here in Wedge St,' Inspector Peter Tatter-Rendelmann said.

'He was called to come out of the premises, at which time he came out in possession of what we believe was a small firearm.'

The 26-year-old held police at bay after rushing back into the house at 2pm.

Insp Tatter-Rendelmann said the woman and five children - between toddler age and 16 - were known to the offender. They eventually left the house 'in three lots'.

The siege ended peacefully when the man was arrested just before 7pm.

Police arrested one man at an Epping property on Friday afternoon

Earlier investigators said people at the property were 'not being held against their will'

Tactical police attended a property in Epping, Melbourne on Friday at about 2pm




Police officers have been busting moves as well as criminals this week in hilarious dance-off videos posted on their Twitter accounts.

The tongue-in-cheek performances showing officers on (and off) the beat were sparked by Lincoln Police Department, based in southeast Nebraska, who posted a clip of one of their female employees throwing some shapes.

Wearing green-tinted glasses and her hair pulled back into a ponytail, Officer Leaver certainly set a high standard with her hip hop cop moves.

The department challenged other local forces to strut their stuff too.

Officers from Bellevue Police Department, based just 50 miles from the Lincoln team, answered the call with enthusiasm - but perhaps not quite so much skill.

In their contribution to the social media dance-off, six uniformed officers awkwardly toe-tapped to another tune, with the backdrop of a police car, motorbike, and their staff building.

Tongue in cheek: A flurry of videos showing officers on (and off) the beat were sparked by Lincoln Police Department, based in southeast Nebraska, who posted a clip on their Twitter page of one of their female employees, Officer Leaver, throwing some shapes while off-duty

The team had clearly prepared a routine for the big competition, but looked in need of slightly more rehearsal time, as many were out of time with each other.

Burly Bellevue Officer Jason Melrose took center stage during the performance with his clumsy funky chicken routine.

He told the Omaha World Herald: 'Im just a big goofy guy with no dance moves, but Ill get into it as much as I can.'

Hip hop cop: Wearing green-tinted glasses and her hair pulled back into a ponytail, Officer Leaver set a high standard with her moves before asking the Bellevue team to respond

The energy of the second dance troupe more than made up for their slightly haphazard performance, and many social media users hailed the Bellevue team as having done the best job.

Annie Roberts said: 'I gotta say this was way cool. You cooked it, Bellevue!'

RandomRen added: 'Someone just got served!'

Responding in style: Officers from Bellevue Police Department, based just 50 miles from the Lincoln team, answered the call with enthusiasm - but perhaps not quite so much skill

'Goofy': Self-described 'goofy' Bellevue Officer Jason Melrose, pictured right, took center stage during the performance with his clumsy funky chicken routine

Some people questioned whether the officers could have spent their time better catching criminals than busting moves.

But the Lincoln team were quick to confirm that their officer was off duty when she made her video.

Police teams in Papillion, Nebraska, and Dixon, Illinois, have also been invited to get involved.

Haphazard: The energy of the second dance troupe made up for their clumsy performance, and many social media users hailed the Bellevue team as having done the best job

The dance-offs were partly an attempt to show the public that police officers are ordinary people.

Roger Cox, community relations and crime prevention coordinator at Bellevue, told the Omaha World Herald: 'We want people to see us as humans, too.

'(We're) not afraid to go out and embarrass ourselves for the viewing pleasure of the public.'
Eight people have died after a man in China detonated an explosive device outside a kindergarten as parents were waiting to pick up their children.

Police have identified the man as a 22-year-old surnamed Xu and say they found bomb making materials inside his home. He died at the scene.

Upon searching the bomber's apartment, investigators also found the Chinese characters for 'die' and 'destroy'.

Locals and investigators have now begun a clean-up operation following the blast

The blast killed eight people and injured dozens of people outside a kindergarten

A crowd gathers at the gate of the kindergarten where an explosion took place

Devastation: The blast struck at 4.50pm on Thursday at Chuangxin Kindergarten

Investigators work at the scene of the blast which occurred as parents were waiting for their children to finish school for the day

The blast struck at 4.50pm today at Chuangxin Kindergarten in Feng County

Police officers stand outside a kindergarten following the explosion on Thursday

Government officials mourn for the victims at a press conference about the explosion

The blast struck at 4.50pm on Thursday at Chuangxin Kindergarten in Feng County, Xuzhou as parents were waiting for their children to finish school.

Chinese authorities say the explosion was caused by a homemade bomb which was detonated at the gate of a kindergarten, killing eight including the suspect.

Police identified the man to be a 22-year-old surnamed Xu however his motive is not yet known.

Officers say emblazoned on the walls of the residence were the Chinese symbols for die, gone, destroy, end. Bomb making materials were also found in his house.

According to state media, two people died at the scene while five died later in hospital. Nine people are said to be in a critical condition.

While 65 people were injured with nine in a critical condition.

Eight people have been killed and 65 are injured following the explosion in China

A police officer keeps watch outside a kindergarten where an explosion killed 8 people

Medical workers transport the injured to hospital following the explosion in Fengxian

Police officers check small vehicles outside a kindergarten where an explosion hit

A gate is seen at the scene of an explosion at a kindergarten in Fengxian County

Investigators work in the early hours of the morning outside the kindergarten

During a press conference broadcast by CCTV, a spokesman from the police told reporters that the 22-year-old was from the Quanshan district of Xuzhou.

Investigators say Xu had left school because of an automatic nervous system disorder.

He had dropped out of school but was employed.

Investigators said that the case has been solved.

Images of the blast posted to social media show children and adults lying on the ground, some of them bleeding.

A local shop owner told Sohu: 'At around 5pm, we heard a blast and thought it might have been a gas explosion at a nearby food vendor. Many people could be dead.'

Investigators work at the scene of the blast at a kindergarten in China's Jiangsu province

Police officers carry equipment outside a kindergarten where an explosion killed eight

Investigators work at the scene of an explosion inside a kindergarten in Fengxian County

Images of the blast posted to social media show children and adults lying on the ground
These Russian satellite images purport to show the obliterated command post where ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was killed in a targeted airstrike near Raqqa last month.

Russia's Defence Ministry said the world's most wanted terrorist was killed in a Russian air strike on May 28 along with other senior group commanders.

It said the air raid that targeted an ISIS meeting on the southern outskirts of Raqqa also killed about 30 mid-level militant leaders and about 300 other fighters.

The ministry said the strike came as ISIS leaders gathered to discuss the group's withdrawal from Raqqa, their de facto capital.

The picture shows the photos of the same location taken on May 13 and May 29, the day after the reported airstrike.

This photo shared by the Russian Defense Ministry claims to show the site where ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was killed. The aerial image (left) of the ISIS headquarters is seen on May 13, 2017, and an aerial image taken on May 29 (right), shows the same site following the Russian airstrike on May 28 on the outskirts of Raqqa

Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, pictured, has reportedly been killed in an airstrike in Raqqa, Syria

In a statement, the army said Sukhoi warplanes carried out a 10-minute night-time strike early on May 28 at a location near Raqqa, where ISIS leaders had gathered to plan a pullout by militants from the group's stronghold.

It said: 'Senior commanders of the military groups of the so-called IS military council, 30 mid-ranking field commanders and up to 300 militants who provided security for them were eliminated.

'According to information which is being checked through various channels, the leader of ISIL Ibrahim Abu-Bakr al-Baghdadi was also present at the meeting and was eliminated by the strike.' The US has been informed about the attack, the statement added.

Russia launched a bombing campaign in Syria in September 2015 in support of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and its efforts against ISIS jihadists are separate from the US-led coalition which supports the Syrian rebels.

The US-led coalition said there was no way to confirm Russia's claim it had killed al-Baghdadi.

'We cannot confirm these reports at this time,' said US Army Colonel Ryan S. Dillon, spokesman for the coalition's Operation Inherent Resolve.

Al-Baghdadi, who has a 20 million bounty on his head, had been believed to be hiding out in the desert outside the besieged city of Mosul in northern Iraq.

But intelligence agencies believe he escaped from the city while it was being retaken by the Iraqi army. It is thought he then tried to get to Raqqa.

His death has been reported more than a dozen times in the past.

The latest claim was made by the Syrian government last week, which said one of its warplanes killed the terrorist on June 10.

The Russian defence ministry said on Friday Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was killed in a Russian strike in late May along with other senior group commanders

According to an official Iraqi government document, al-Baghdadi was born in Samarra in Iraq in 1971.

He is credited with transforming the breakaway al-Qaeda group turning it into the independent ISIS group that is arguably the most powerful and wealthiest jihadist organisation in the world.

His only public appearance since claiming the creation of an ISIS caliphate was in a video in June 2014, in which he was seen delivering a sermon in Mosul after the terror group took control of the city.

Since then, the group has lost considerable amounts of territory and has been under pressure from air strikes by Russian-led forces and the US and its allies.

In March the Pentagon told media outlets that al-Baghdadi was still alive despite reports that ISIS was crumbling.

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson later said it was a 'matter of time' before the ISIS leader was killed.
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Theresa May was jeered tonight by an angry crowd after she met survivors of the Grenfell inferno but failed to address people demanding a response to the devastating fire.

The Prime Minister was barricaded inside the St Clement's Church for around 30 minutes as she bowed to pressure to return to the scene 24 hours after a bungled visit saw her swerve local residents.

But anger outside the church boiled over as word spread Mrs May was inside. The front door had been left ajar as the meeting began but was closed and guarded by police as the crowd grew quickly.

As the disastrous encounter escalated, officers bundled the ailing PM out of the church's side entrance following her private meeting with people inside.

In the end the Prime Minister was exposed to the public's rage for only a matter of seconds before being put into her government Land Rover.

The car was surrounded, hit and pursued as the PM was driven away in dramatic scenes in West London tonight.

An angry protestor shouted: 'What is she doing here? She's going back to her nice cosy home.

'Why has she come only on Friday? Get the f*** out.'

Other people screamed 'murderer', 'shame on you' and 'coward' at the Prime Minister as she abandoned the meeting to return to the security of Downing Street.

In an effort to ease the criticism, Mrs May has announced a 5million support package of the victims of the blaze, which will include legal aid for victims in the public inquiry.

Theresa May was booed and jeered tonight by an angry crowd after she met survivors of the Grenfell inferno after 24 hours of fury at her sluggish response to the crisis

Mrs May marched into the fury as she left a meeting that included victims of the disaster, community leaders and neighbouring residents

Anger outside the church boiled over as Theresa May left but the PM was exposed to the public's rage for only a matter of seconds before she was bundled into her car

Theresa May met survivors of the Grenfell inferno as well as community leaders and other residents from the neighbourhood around the destroyed tower block

The police bundled the ailing PM out of the church's side entrance following her private meeting with people inside

Her failure to address the crowd will fuel angry complaints she is failing to comfort the victims of the blaze or comprehend the scale of the disaster

Met officers held by back the furious crowd outside St Clement's Church as Mrs May was evacuated from the church this afternoon

Today's visit was planned after 24 hours of increasingly angry condemnation at her failure to comfort victims of the fire.

Her failure to address the crowd will fuel angry complaints she is failing to comfort the victims of the blaze or comprehend the scale of the disaster.

The crowed outside the church grew rapidly as word spread Mrs May was inside, prompting the main entrance to be closed and guarded by police.

Mrs May provoked outrage by carrying out a private visit to the site yesterday where she thanked heroic emergency service staff but swerved contact with residents.

At this afternoon's church visit, sources said the PM met survivors from the tower as well community leaders and other local residents.

In an effort to ease the criticism, Mrs May has announced a 5million support package of the victims of the blaze, which will include legal aid for victims in the public inquiry.

Announcing the support package via a written statement, Mrs May said: 'The individual stories I heard this morning at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital were horrific. I spoke with people who ran from the fire in only the clothes they were wearing.

'They have been left with nothing  no bank cards, no money, no means of caring for their children or relatives. One woman told me she had escaped in only her top and underwear.

'The package of support I'm announcing today is to give the victims the immediate support they need to care for themselves and for loved ones. We will continue to look at what more needs to be done.

'Everyone affected by this tragedy needs reassurance that the Government is there for them at this terrible time - and that is what I am determined to provide.'

Mrs May provoked outrage by carrying out a private visit to the site yesterday where she thanked heroic emergency service staff but swerved contact with residents

The police were forced to guard a route to the car to get the PM safely out of the area after her visit provoked outrage

As the disastrous encounter escalated, officers bundled the ailing PM out of the church's side entrance (pictured) following her private meeting with people inside.

Metropolitan Police officers linked arms to hold back the crowds and protect the PM's exit from the St Clement's Church (pictured)

The crowed outside the church grew rapidly as word spread Mrs May was inside, prompting the main entrance to be closed and guarded by police

Mrs May said those who lost their homes in the blaze will be rehoused at the earliest possible opportunity and that this will take no more than three weeks.

They will be given homes in the borough or a neighbouring borough and the costs of their temporary accommodation will be met on their behalf.

And victims and their families will receive state funding for legal representation at the public inquiry into the blaze.

A team of civil servants will be sent in to the borough to help the authority handle the aftermath of the tragedy.

The PM visited the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital this morning to see the injured and meet medical staff before convening an emergency committee in No 10.

Theresa May visited the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital today (pictured) to meet victims of the disaster as criticism grew over her failure to see survivors at the scene

Mrs May (pictured today as she leaves the hospital) is facing a furious backlash for failing to meet locals and victims when she visited the scene yesterday

A furious crowd stormed Kensington Town Hall this afternoon as community demands for better answers from officials exploded.

She was accused overnight of hiding her 'humanity' by only seeing emergency service staff on her 'private' visit yesterday.

The Queen - who is 91 - beat the Prime Minister to a meeting with those left homeless as she appeared at a relief centre under the A40 flyover.

Last night a minister blamed 'security concerns' for stopping Mrs May meeting residents in public yesterday while sources said a hospital visit was delayed until today on medical advice.

Anger at Mrs May flared today as Andrea Leadsom, a cabinet minister, visited the scene.

She was confronted by a man who said: 'Why are Sadiq Khan and Corbyn coming down here to speak to people and Theresa May is coming here with police, walking around, not meeting no-one, not meeting families?

'This fire could have been stopped a long, long time ago ... There's not even sprinklers in there.

'In 2009, the last block was on fire. What has changed since then? Nothing. Enough is enough, I have got friends in that tower

'I have a right to be angry. Because of people saving money, people are dying.'

As anger at the Prime Minister grew today a memorial board on Latimer Road was branded 'Theresa May Stay Away'

A furious crowd stormed Kensington Town Hall this afternoon (pictured) as community demands for better answers from officials exploded

Angry protesters claimed the use of cheaper cladding could amount to 'corporate murder'

Residents near the scene of the blaze demanded full inquests be carried out into the deaths at the tower block

Mrs Leadsom said: 'The Prime Minister came yesterday to look at the operation, to try to make sure that everything that can be done by the Government is done.

'The Prime Minister is absolutely heartbroken ... The whole sense in the House of Commons is absolute horror and shock. I don't really think it is appropriate to be talking about whether people have humanity or not.

'Understandably, people are desperately traumatised and, yes, people are angry and that is totally understandable.

'What we need to do is to get a grip of this and make sure we are meeting their immediate needs as well as their ongoing needs and that is really the priority for Government.'

Mrs May (pictured returning to No 10 today after her hospital visit) is this afternoon running a cross government committee response on the disaster today

Anger at Mrs May boiled over today as Andrea Leadsom, a cabinet minister, visited the scene (pictured) on behalf of Parliament.

Mrs Leadsom was confronted by a man furious at Mrs May's failure to come to the scene and meet victims of the disaster personally

Tory grandee Michael Portillo led criticism of the Prime Minister for her bungled visit overnight to the scene of the disaster, which saw her meet heroic firefighters but swerve relief centres packed with survivors.

Defence Minister Tobias Ellwood said 'security concerns' was to blame for Mrs May staying away from local residents.

But the explanation on the BBC's Question Time did not address why Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and London Mayor Sadiq Khan felt able to meet and address people in the area, including sometimes angry crowds.

Mrs May's new chief of staff Gavin Barwell was also still under pressure today over his record as the last housing minister.

Confronted by cameras on his way into Downing Street today, Mr Barwell insisted he had no comment to make.

The Queen paid a visit to the Westway Community Centre today (pictured) and saw a wall with missing posters from people desperately searching for friends and family

The Queen - who is 91 - turned out under the A40 flyover to see some of those left homeless by the disaster

The Queen met Loubna Aghzafi (left) on her visit to the centre, which is providing temporary shelter for those who have been made homeless in the Grenfell Tower disaster

Sources in No 10 have said Mrs May privately wept at the scenes of devastation and the Premier has announced a full judge-led public inquiry into the tragedy.

Communities Secretary Sajid Javid today vowed that whatever steps are necessary to prevent a similar tragedy ever happening again will be carried out as the Government scrambled to get back on the front foot.

Mr Portillo, a former Cabinet minister and leadership contender, condemned Mrs May for repeating her election tactics on her visit to the Kensington site.

Investigators returned to the roof of Grenfell Tower today as the detailed probe into what happened continued

The shattered shell of the Grenfell Towers was the subject of detailed investigation and survey today as firefighters continue the painstaking process of searching for bodies

The fire destroyed the building (pictured today three days on) from the very early hours of Wednesday morning and scores of people are thought likely to have died

He told BBC This Week: 'Alas, Mrs May was what's she's been for the last five or six weeks, and that is to say she wanted an entirely controlled situation in which she didn't use her humanity.

'She met in private with the emergency services, a good thing to do no doubt.

'But she should have been there with the residents, which is what Jeremy Corbyn was.

'And he was there hugging people and being natural with them.'

He added: 'The Prime Minister would have been shouted at by the residents, but she should have been willing to take that.

'You have to be prepared to receive people's emotions and not be so frightened about people.'

Tory grandee Michael Portillo (pictured on last night's BBC This Week) led criticism of the Prime Minister for her bungled visit to the scene of the disaster

Anger of Mrs May's response to the crisis was growing today. Twitter user Kevin Morphew demanded the PM 'stand up and be counted'

Brian Reynard said the Mrs May's actions had been 'indefensible' and recommended she hire more advisers

Emily McGrath said that it was telling the Queen and Prince William made it to a meeting with victims of the disaster before the PM

JAVID VOWS NO SHORTCUTS TO STOP ANOTHER FIRE Sajid Javid visited the scene of the disaster today (pictured) after vowing to ensure it never happens again The Communities Secretary today vowed to do whatever it takes to prevent another tower block fire even if means stripping off cladding or re-housing thousands of people. Sajid Javid accepted the cost could run to the billions of pounds but insisted any repeat of the Grenfell tower tragedy was unacceptable in 21st Century Britain. The minister insisted he would take guidance from fire investigators and criminal probes rather than offer a knee jerk response. But he said the first findings would be apparent within days as he was hammered by ferocious questioning from John Humphries on the BBC Radio 4 Today programme. Advertisement

With fears the death toll could reach 100, Mrs May said the country 'owed it to the families' to uncover the truth about what happened.

Sky News reported that sources had told them 70 people are missing and feared dead.

Ministers are facing mounting demands to explain why they did not do more to avert the horror.

A series of blunders are being blamed for the disaster, with speculation that cladding installed last year helped the blaze spread, and residents claiming there were no working fire alarms and no sprinklers.

Mrs May's chief of staff Gavin Barwell, who was housing minister until he lost his Commons seat last week, promised to respond to a major coroner's report which demanded safety improvements following a previous fatal blaze.

But little progress appears to have been made on an overhaul of building fire safety regulations.

It has also emerged that another former housing minister, Brandon Lewis, had suggested it was not the Government's 'responsibility' to ensure buildings have sprinklers - although the Home Office tonight insisted he was referring only to industrial warehouses.

Mrs May said: 'We need to know what happened, we need to know an explanation.

'We owe that to the families, to the people who have lost loved ones and the homes in which they lived.

'That is why I am ordering a full public inquiry so that we can get to the answers, we can find out exactly what happened.'

The Prime Minister added: 'When I went to the scene and spoke to the emergency services, they told me that the way this fire had spread and took hold of the building was rapid, it was ferocious, it was unexpected.

'So it is right that, in addition to the immediate fire report that will be produced and any potential police investigation, that we do have a full public inquiry to get to the bottom of this.

'People deserve answers. The inquiry will give them.'

At least twelve people are feared to have died in the blaze at Grenfell Tower in the early hours of Wednesday morning (pictured)

Asked why she had not met local residents, Mrs May replied: 'Well, I visited the scene of this terrible fire this morning.

How MailOnline readers can donate to a charity helping the Grenfell Tower fire victims The Grenfell Tower fire has prompted an extraordinary outpouring of support from Britons as they try to help the victims both financially and with gifts of food, clothing and other essentials. And MailOnline readers can donate to a charity co-ordinating efforts to help those whose lives were devastated by clicking here. The money will go to the Kensington & Chelsea Foundation, the companys local charity partner. The foundation is coordinating a major funding appeal with support from London Funders and the London Emergency Trust Fund, and has set up a donation page on its website. Every penny raised on the site will go directly to charities funding the relief effort in the local community, both for those who lost loved-ones and those who lost their homes and all their possessions. Readers can also donate via cheque. Please make cheques payable to The Kensington & Chelsea Foundation and send to: Grenfell Tower Appeal, The Kensington & Chelsea Foundation, 111117 Lancaster Road, London W11 1QT. The gutted block is just over a mile from the MailOnline and Daily Mail offices in Kensington, West London, known as Northcliffe House. Daily Mail and General Trust (DMGT) chairman Lord Rothermere and chief executive Paul Zwillenberg last night announced a 100,000 donation to the charity. Advertisement

'I wanted a briefing from the emergency services. They've been working tirelessly in horrific conditions and I have been overwhelmed by their professionalism and their bravery.

'I heard stories of firefighters running into the building being protected from the falling debris by police officers using their riot shields.

'And we thank all our emergency services for the incredible work that they have done.'

Jeremy Corbyn also visited the scene of the inferno in west London today.

Speaking to locals in a walkabout of the area, the Labour leader said the 'truth has got to come out'.

Addressing a resident who said the investigation must not be kicked onto the long grass, Mr Corbyn said: 'I will speak up for you because we have got to get to the bottom of this.

'The truth has got to come out and it will.'

The tragedy means Mrs May is again scrambling to deal with a major crisis, after the election campaign was overshadowed by two terrorist attacks.

Critics are demanding answers on why expert advice that sprinklers should be made compulsory in tall buildings has not been followed.

It is thought 4,000 tower blocks across the country do not have sprinkler systems.

Harriet Harman, the Labour MP for Camberwell and Peckham which covers Lakanal House, yesterday questioned the impact of austerity on the safety of housing.

But Downing Street insisted that many improvements had been made following the Lakanal House fire, which killed six people.

Tory former minister and ex-firefighter Mike Penning admitted that people had been 'calling, I think probably rightly, for sprinklers to be installed for many, many years under many different governments'.

'At the end of the day, what we have got to check is that the existing regulations have been adhered to,' he said,

The All-Party Parliamentary Fire and Rescue Group has been demanding changes to building regulations on fire safety since 2013.

Ronnie King, a former fire chief in Wales who is an adviser to the All-Party Group, told MailOnline that it issued a series of warnings that were not heeded.

Mr King said the type of cladding installed on Grenfell Tower did not appear to have been resistant to the fire spreading.

Former housing ministers Gavin Barwell and Brandon Lewis are facing scrutiny over claims they failed to act over fire safety warnings on high rise blocks (file pictures)

'Because of saving money, people are DYING!' Furious Grenfell residents lash Andrea Leadsom for the government's failure to overhaul fire rules and protect tower blocks

Tory minister Andrea Leadsom faced furious community members at the scene of the Grenfell fire today who insisted the blaze 'could have been stopped'.

The Commons leader was bombarded with questions about why the law had not been changed after previous fires.

One of the people on the scene told her: 'Because of people saving money, people are dying.'

Amid growing anger, Ms Leadsom was eventually led away from the scene by aides.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed this afternoon the death toll in the fire had reached 30 and was expected to continue rising.

Tory minister Andrea Leadsom faced furious community members at the scene of the Grenfell fire today (pictured)

But she was told by one resident: 'You know this could have been stopped right? You know that this fire could have been stopped. Long, long, long time ago.

'Because this block and every other block in this area are suffering in the same way, suffering the exact same way.'

One man on the scene said: 'Jeremy Corbyn is a good man. He came, he met the people.

'There is basic stuff, there are not even sprinklers in there that cost 200,000 just to do that.

'They had 10million to spend. They spent 8.6million, where is the rest of the money?'

Another man added: 'Why is Theresa May coming here with police and not meeting anyone?'
A father-of-two had orange juice tipped over his head after he confronted a childless couple over using a parent and toddler parking spot.

Jon Corps, 28, was waiting in the car with his sleeping children at a Tesco Extra in Portsmouth, Hampshire, when he spotted the couple pull up.

Furious that they did not appear to have a child with them, Jon confronted the duo, but says he was met with a barrage of threats and obscenities.

The man, who was driving a BMW 1 Series, allegedly then went into his boot, brought out multiple bottles of juice and poured them over Jon's head and then his car.

A father-of-two had orange juice tipped over his head and his car by after he confronted a childless couple (shown left) over using a parent and toddler parking spot

Now Jon and fiancee Kate have shared photos of the alleged culprit with a juice bottle in a bid to hunt down the man they have dubbed the 'orange juice bandit'.

Jon, a gas engineer, said: 'It was 3.30pm on Sunday, about half an hour before Tesco closed, and my fiancee went in to shop, leaving me and my two kids in the car.

'Ava was asleep and I didn't dare wake her. I was sat there and this man pulled up next to me and got out with one woman, leaving another woman in the car.

'Normally I don't say anything and regret it afterwards because that space is there for a reason.

'I politely knocked on the door and asked if the woman had a child. The woman replied that she hadn't and 10 minutes later, the man and other lady came down and they started shouting in my face saying I couldn't touch private property.

'The man shouted "you can't threaten my girlfriend. I'll smash you and your car to pieces".

Jon Corps, 28, is pictured with his fiancee Kate Jones, 27, his daughter Ava, 4, and his son Mason, 1

'This shouting went on for 20 minutes then he went into his boot, got cartons of orange juice and chucked it over me. He wanted me to punch him then I'd be in the wrong.

'I didn't want my kids seeing this and I obviously wouldn't punch him in front of women.

'I was angrier because I could have been a young mother or grandmother with her grandkids.

'He could have just said "sorry mate, I was just being cheeky - I'll move it now" but he didn't.'

In response to the confrontation, Jon reported the incident to both Tesco and Hampshire Police.

He is now looking to identify the accused in order to press assault charges.

The duo have tried searching for the BMW's licence plate online and tracked it to a house in Middlesbrough - however they believe the driver had a London accent.

The man, who was driving a BMW 1 Series, allegedly then went into his boot, brought out multiple bottles of juice and poured them over Jon's head and then his car (pictured)

Their post on social media, which has been shared more than 800 times, describes how they are trying to use 'the power of Facebook' to help the police find the 'orange juice bandit'.

Jon said: 'The woman who I approached first just turned around and said 'why do you care? You've already got a space', but that's not the point.

'It could mean the world to someone who hasn't slept for days or a mum who has worked all week.

'I went into Tesco and they just said they'd put a note on it, but that's not good enough because people keep getting away with it.

'I'm tempted to follow [anyone who parks wrongly in those bays] around with a sign reading 'you're a d******d' or let my screaming kids chase them around.

'I don't park in disabled spaces so why should people park in parent and child bays without kids.

'The security obviously don't do anything either. The only thing that would probably work is a fine and most supermarkets already have outside parking companies operating on their car parks anyway.

'In the past, I've had a customer of my own who said they bought a 20 car seat just so they could park in these spaces. It's unbelievable.'

In response to the confrontation, Jon reported the incident to both Tesco and Hampshire Police

To ensure the alleged thug didn't repeat his actions again and cause present a serious danger, Jon decided to report him to the police and press charges for assault.

Jon said: 'I've not heard anything back from the police since they came to do the statement.

'I have almost pulled out of trying to press charges but like the police said, it could have been acid or ammonia or anything.'

A spokesperson from Hampshire Police said: 'We have received a report of an assault which took place between 3.15pm and 3.30pm on Sunday 5 May.

'A man was involved in a dispute with a group of people in the car park at Tesco Extra on Fratton Way, Portsmouth.

'During the dispute, orange juice was thrown over the man.'

A Tesco spokesman pointed out that none of their staff witnessed the incident and said: 'We are aware of this incident and would be happy to assist police with their enquiries.'
A bogus magician has been accused of molesting women after he posted a video of himself performing a magic trick on multiple women's breasts.

The man posted the video on June 14 showing him placing a coin on women's breasts and claiming he could make it go under their bras.

Local police were alerted following complaints from web users.

The man, who posed as a magician, asked women on the street to see his coin trick

The victims were told to stare at the coin as it went (left) until the man placed his hand on the woman's breast (right)

'Does it have to be on my breast?' A woman was shocked as the man allegedly molesting her

The 26-year-old man, surnamed Xu, posted videos of himself performing tricks on Youku, a multimedia sharing platform.

Footage of a fake magic trick was shared online on June 14, showing Xu approaching seven women individually, telling them he 'is about to perform a magic trick' while on a pedestrian shopping street in Chengdu, Sichuan Province.

Xu first asked the women to check if the coin is real.

Then he told them to stare at the coin as it goes.

He placed the coin on the woman's breasts and claimed to be able to make it go under the garment.

Another woman was stunned as she saw the man groping her breast in front of her friends

The video was put on the man's video channel, however, causing web users angry of his act

This woman was shocked as the man failed his trick and laughed away awkwardly in the video

The man and his cameraman were arrested on June 15, for starting quarrels

Few of the women appeared to be shocked as Xu placed his hand on their breasts.

'Does it have to be on my breast?' said a woman in white bralette top.

The women were told to stay still until he let go of his hand.

As the trick was about to end, Xu dropped the coin on the floor and pretended to be failing the magic.

Jinjiang Police Bureau released a statement yesterday, explaining that the video had caught their attention as they had received complaints from web users.

They arrested Xu and his 31-year-old cameraman, surnamed Zhou, for picking quarrels and provoking troubles yesterday afternoon.

The duo will receive a 14-day detention.
A motorist on a bizarre rampage was filmed reversing and accelerating his car between two other vehicles, ramming into them both before driving in reverse down a busy highway.

The man was sitting in traffic in Port Melbourne when he accelerated violently and collided with the back of a white SUV, then quickly put his car into reverse and slammed into the front of the car behind him.

He rammed into the red Suzuki Swift twice before it drove away, and then hit the vehicle in front again as car horns rang out and the man behind the camera reacted with shock, Nine News reports.

Scroll down for video

The man, driving a black Holden Astra, was filmed ramming into two cars repeatedly

He was seen smashing into the back of a white SUV before reversing and colliding with a red Suzuki Swift

After smashing both vehicles, the black Holden Astra then zoomed back down the highway out of sight in reverse, narrowly missing the cars travelling around it.

The car came to a final stop against a building fence and witnesses were able to corner the vehicle and crowd around the man to ensure he did not flee.

It took several attempts to put the man, who appeared to be intoxicated, into the back of a police van.

The man was taken to a police station following the incident.

It took police several attempts to put the man (pictured), who appeared to be intoxicated, into the back of a van
2 Girls, 7 & 13, Shot At End-Of-Year Picnic Outside Elementary School On Far South Side [Updated]

By Stephen Gossett in News on Jun 16, 2017 7:40PM

Two girls, ages 7 and 13, were wounded on Friday afternoon in a shooting at an end-of-the-year school picnic outside an elementary school on the far South Side, according to police, fire officials and reports. Police said they were not the intended targets.

The shooting happened at around 1:51 p.m. outside Warren Elementary (9239 S. Jeffrey Ave.), in Pill Hill. Former students at the school tried to enter the picnic, but school security did not let them in, Supt. Eddie Johnson said in a press conference. After they went to the nearby corner, a vehicle came up and one or more gunmen fired, and the intended targets ran back toward the picnic. Witness heard around 15 shots, according to the Tribune. Chicago Fire Department spokesman Larry Langford told Chicagoist that both victims were taken to Comer Children's Hospital. Authorities said their injuries were not life-threatening.

Shooting - 1999 E 92ND. CPD stopped a vehicle and has ppl of interest being questioned. 2 juveniles injured, non-life threatening injuries.  Anthony Guglielmi (@AJGuglielmi) June 16, 2017

Langford confirmed that one victim, 13, was wounded in the hand, and the other victim, under the age of 10, was struck in the thigh. The Tribune reports that officials said the second victim is 7 years old.

Police said that persons of interest were being questioned after the vehicle that fled after the shooting was pulled over.

Vehicle stopped by CPD has been positively linked to the shooting incident. People of interest in custody. pic.twitter.com/HdouepxL1q  Anthony Guglielmi (@AJGuglielmi) June 16, 2017

"This makes me sick," Johnson said. "These little kids out here are out here trying to have an end-of-the-year picnic and they get shot?" Johnson said.

CPS CEO Forrest Claypool meanwhile looked to reassure anxieties about safety at and around schools. "Despite this incident, the schools are still the safest place for children to be," he said. "There has not been a shooting incident at a Chicago Public School in decades. This was a highly unusual situation.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel on Friday afternoon visited the girls in the hospital. "This is a parents worst nightmare," he said, according to CBS Chicago. Those kids were out on the playground enjoying their childhood. There is no person in Chicago who is not disgusted by this incident. These are our kids. They deserve their childhood uninterrupted by a bunch of gangbangers.

This post has been updated and will be updated further as necessary.
An RAF veteran has revealed the incredible story of how he escaped the Nazis and on his way home introduced the French nation to fried eggs on toast.

Brave Thomas Maxwell, 93, is one of the last surviving rear gunners of WW2 who were known as the 'tail end Charlies'.

He parachuted out of his Lancaster bomber when it was hit by flak at 8,000ft while returning from a raid on Stuttgart in March 1944.

Five crewmen were captured but the remaining three, including Tom, then aged 19, managed to escape.

Thomas Maxwell, 93, is one of the last surviving rear gunners of WW2 who were known as the 'tail end Charlies' (pictured left, during the Second World War)

Thomas Maxwell is pictured with the French farmer and his son who sheltered him during the war

Tom (pictured) said he only discovered that his meal request had sparked a French revolution several decades later when researchers investigating crash sites visited the farm

A local family hid him at their farm in Bazancourt, near Reims, for ten days.

Each morning Tom said he was brought bread, cheese and a glass of red wine by the farmer's wife, Madame Tancre de Maertens.

But one day he decided to cheekily ask - using sign language - for his favourite fried egg on toast.

He recalls the wife laughing and thinking it was 'ridicule' - ridiculous - but the next morning she brought him eggs on toasted French bread.

And after D-Day a few months later she reportedly made fried eggs for all the advancing Allied troops.

Shortly afterwards, 'Oeuf sur le pain grille' began to make its way into nearby cafes for the first time as a local delicacy.

Tom said he only discovered that his meal request had sparked a French revolution several decades later when researchers investigating crash sites of Allied aircraft visited the farm.

The Irish-born great-grandfather, who now lives near Exeter, Devon, said: 'They had been in touch with me and I had told them about the farm I went to in the village.

The Irish-born great-grandfather, who now lives near Exeter, Devon, is pictured inside a Lancaster bomber once again

He parachuted out of his Lancaster bomber when it was hit by flak at 8,000ft while returning from a raid on Stuttgart in March 1944

'They established where it was and turned up one day and found the son was still running it.

'The researchers ended up talking to him and all these stories came out - including the one about fried eggs on toast.

'He said his mother had shared the story with friends who laughed at this crazy Irishman.

'Shortly after that was D-Day and he said his mother made it for all the advancing Allied troops. It then ended up in all the local cafes.

'It was just my favourite dish at the time that's all.'

After seeking sanctuary at the farm Tom returned to combat after being smuggled more than 600 miles by the French resistance across the Pyrenees to Spain

After seeking sanctuary at the farm Tom returned to combat after being smuggled more than 600 miles by the French resistance across the Pyrenees to Spain.

He was eventually flown back to the UK from Gibraltar and resumed flying missions before ending the war in India.

After a brief stint as a teacher he rejoined the RAF in 1952 in Air Traffic Control.

He retired from the RAF in 1978 and then began a 10-year stint with the Sultan of Oman's Air Force, in Oman before settling in Devon.

A total of 55,573 members of Bomber Command were killed during the war: only the infantry in the trenches in the First World War had a higher fatality rate.

Yet veterans have complained that they have been officially overlooked, blaming government disquiet at the cost in German civilian lives caused by their raids.

Many are furious that the government only awarded them a clasp instead of a campaign medal after sustained protests in 2013.

Tom - awarded the Legion d' honneur by France last year - said the sacrifice his colleagues made should have been more recognised.

He added: 'I am very proud of the efforts we made in the war and my service with the RAF.

'But I do regret it took the government so long to honour the sacrifice made by bomber command and the 55,000 men and women who died should have been recognised sooner.'

Tom's wife Katherine died in 2007 and he has two sons, eight grandchildren and one great grandchild - and still enjoys a fried egg.
The British roommate of American student Otto Warmbier, who returned home with severe brain damage after being detained in North Korea for stealing a propaganda sign, has told of the moment he was led away by security staff at Pyongyang airport.

Tourist Danny Gratton met Warmbier in Beijing in late December 2015 on the day they traveled to North Korea for a guided tour of the secretive dictatorship.

The pair shared a room while on the trip in which Gratton said he got to know the 21-year-old well.

Warmbier visited on a five-day guided tour on his way to a study-abroad trip to Hong Kong with the University of Virginia.

An emotional Otto Warmbier pleas for forgiveness at a North Korean court. Warmbier was freed this week and returned home after being sentenced to 15 years hard labour in 2016 for stealing a political banner from a North Korean hotel

Warmbier returning to the USA earlier this week

Warmbier (red circled) plays in the snow while on his ill-fated North Korea trip with friends on New Years Eve - Danny Gratton is believed to be with the party

'When we got to Pyongyang, we were the two single guys, so it seemed logical for us to be put in the same room,' Gratton told the Washington Post.

'So basically from the time we got to Pyongyang to the time I left him, we were together.'

'I got to know Otto really, really well,' he said. 'He was such a mature lad for his age.'

Gratton, who had not previously spoken of the ordeal that saw Warmbier sentenced to 15 years had labor, spoke of the chilling moment the youngster was dragged away by officials as they tried to pass security at Pyongyang airport back to Beijing on January 2, 2016.

They were running late because the hotel had mysteriously and uncharacteristically missed their wake-up call.

After handing their passports to the immigration officer, there was a short wait, followed by the appearance of two North Korean security officials, who took Warmbier to a private room.

Gratton assumed it was a routine check or another form of mild harassment because Warmbier was American.

'No words were spoken. Two guards just come over and simply tapped Otto on the shoulder and led him away,' Gratton said.

'I just said kind of quite nervously, 'Well, that's the last we'll see of you.' There's a great irony in those words.'

'That was it. That was the last physical time I saw Otto, ever. I was also the only person to see Otto taken away,' Gratton said. 'Otto didn't resist. He didn't look scared. He sort of half-smiled.'

Doctors treating the 22-year-old said he had suffered extensive tissue loss in all regions of the brain

Gratton also said he had no clue that Warmbier had taken the sign from the hotel lobby.

'I've got nothing from my experiences with him that would suggest he would do something like that,' he said.

'At no stage did I ever think he was anything but a very, very polite kid.'

Warmbier, from Cincinnati, Ohio, was freed this week and returned home after being sentenced to 15 years hard labor in 2016 for stealing a political banner from a North Korean hotel.

Doctors treating the 22-year-old said he had suffered extensive tissue loss in all regions of the brain, leaving him unable to speak or communicate with his family.

His neurological condition was described by doctors 'as a state of unresponsive wakefulness.'

'He has spontaneous eye opening and blinking,' neurologist Daniel Kanter said on Thursday.

Fred Warmbier, father of Otto Warmbier, the 22-year-old college student who was released from a North Korean prison on Tuesday, holds a press conference while wearing the jacket his son wore when he gave a forced confession in North Korea

'However, he shows no signs of understanding language, responding to verbal commands or awareness of his surroundings.'

Gratton has also told of how Warmbier showed no signs of illness before being led away, concluding he didn't deserve such treatment by Kim Jong-un's brutal regiem.

'No one deserves that. He was just a young lad who wanted a bit of adventure,' he said. 'Every once in a while they single out someone to make a point, and this was just Otto's turn. It's so sick and warped and unnecessary and evil.'

'Otto was just a really great lad who fell into the most horrendous situation that no one could ever believe.

'It's just something I think in the Western world we just can't understand, we just can't grasp, the evilness behind that dictatorship.'

At a news conference earlier on Thursday, the detainee's father, Fred Warmbier, said they are left with many questions, and no answers.

'There is no excuse for any civilized nation' to have kept his condition a secret, and denied him medical care for so long,' he said.
A British tourist who had just arrived in Ibiza for a stag do has died after collapsing inside the island's airport.

Paul Birchall, 51, from Bolton, had only just landed after flying in from Manchester.

It was originally reported locally that he was in a queue at the passport control point when he 'leapt over one of the barriers', but police have now dismissed the suggestion and confirmed he died from natural causes.

A Civil Guard spokesman in Majorca said: 'The dead man did not fall and smash his head while queue-jumping as it has been reported.

Pictured: Paul Birchall, 51, who had just arrived in Ibiza from Manchester

Picture: Paul Birchall, who died at Ibiza Airport yesterday

'He appears to have collapsed for reasons which are yet unknown while he was waiting to pass through passport control.'

His brother, Michael, told The Sun: 'He was just walking normally. Basically [it] was just like someone flicked a switch and he's just collapsed. He hasn't tried to jump the queue, he's just collapsed.'

Michael said he was told by a friend who was there that there was 'nothing untoward' about his death.

The friend told Michael: 'I was screaming for medical assistance. It was one of the most horrible things I've ever experienced. People rushed to help. It was a medical condition by the look of it.'

A Civil Guard spokesman in Majorca said: 'The dead man did not fall and smash his head while queue-jumping as it has been reported'. Pictured left: Paul Birchall

A source said: 'The CCTV cameras show this man was not doing anything silly. A post-mortem will determine the cause of death but all is pointing towards natural causes.

'It may end up being the result of a heart attack or a stroke but it was certainly not an accident caused by him doing any queue-jumping.'

The incident happened at 8.30pm yesterday.

The man had just arrived in Ibiza from Manchester when he collapsed. Pictured: A terminal at Ibiza Airport

Pictured: Paul Birchall, 51, who died in Ibiza. A source said: 'The CCTV cameras show this man was not doing anything silly'. A full police investigation has been opened

A doctor who happened to be a passenger on the same flight rushed to the man's aid, together with national police officers and emergency medics.

They tried to revive the British holidaymaker with prolonged resuscitation but he could not be saved and was declared dead at the scene.

An autopsy is being carried out to determine the cause of death to see if it was as a result of a fall or for some other medical reason.

Police have also opened a full investigation.

The British Consulate has been informed and is helping relatives.
Security footage has captured the shocking moment a man smashed a bus' glass door after the driver wouldn't allow him to board the service.

The video released by ACT Policing shows the man attempting to get on a Canberra service on Katherine Avenue in Amaroo before having a discussion with the driver as he gestures with a handful of coins.

It appears the driver won't allow the passenger to get on the bus when he seemingly can't afford the fare as he then walks off the service at around 9.30pm on April 20.

The man smashed an Action bus in Ameroo, Canberra, similar to the one pictured

Yet seemingly angered at the refusal, the man then proceeds to throw an unknown item at the bus, smashing the bus' glass door in the process.

The bus came to a halt following the man's retaliation, however the man disappeared as he fled on foot.

ACT Police are still searching to identify the offender, who has been described as Caucasian, aged in his mid-20's and with short brown hair.

He was wearing a black hooded jumper with the word 'MOSSIMO' across the front and denim jeans.

Gungahlin Station Sergeant Rod Anderson said it is disappointing to see this type of crime within the area.

'ACT Policing treats incidents of property damage very seriously. It doesn't matter if the damage is to personal property or a business and their assets, acts of vandalism have consequences.

The unknown man got on the Canberra Service on Katherine Drive, Amaroo before he attempted to purchase a ticket. However following a discussion with the driver, he was refused

The man can be seen grabbing an unknown item before flinging it in the direction of the bus

The left glass panel of the door shatters before the man fled the scene on foot. Police are searching for anyone with information on the April 20 incident to come forward

'Police have followed a number of lines of enquiry and now are appealing for assistance from the public to identify the alleged offender,' Sergeant Anderson said.

Director Public Transport Operations, Ian McGlinn claimed Transport Canberra's dedication to providing a safe environment for passengers and suggested such behaviour is not acceptable.

'Transport Canberra are dedicated to providing a safe service for their passengers and staff.

'Destructive behavior, such as this, is illegal and will not be tolerated by Transport Canberra,' he said.

ACT Policing urge anyone who can identify the alleged offender or who has any information to contact Crime Stoppers.
Sister Ruth Augustus, 76, pictured at the scene today, said she was told that her carer of three years and daughter died in the fire

A self-styled 'nun' who gave an emotional interview claiming how she helped victims of the Grenfell Tower fire was today revealed as a fantasist.

Sister Ruth Augustus, 76, from nearby St Francis Church, said she was given the heartbreaking news that her carer of three years and daughter died in the fire.

Mary Mendy, 54, whose daughter is MP David Lammy's friend Khadija Saye, was with Ms Augustus just hours before the tragedy in West London that left at least 30 people dead and many more injured.

Family members have confirmed the death of Ms Saye, but not Ms Mendy.

It has since emerged that Ms Augustus was the same 'nun' who sent envelopes containing white powder to top politicians including Nick Clegg in 2011.

And in 2006 she was convicted of religious harassment and fined 200 for shouting at Muslims: 'You're probably terrorists, get back to your own country.'

The Catholic Church has previously said it has no knowledge of Ruth and the order to which she claims to belong, according to The Sun. But there is no suggestion that she made up anything about the Grenfell Tower fire on Wednesday.

She gave an emotional interview at the scene of the inferno on BBC News yesterday lunchtime, talking about how she had been 'counselling' families of the victims.

It has since emerged that Ms Augustus was the same 'nun' who sent envelopes containing white powder to top politicians including Nick Clegg in 2011

Mary Mendy (pictured), 54, was with Ms Augustus just hours before Wednesday's tragedy in West London that left at least 30 people dead and scores more injured

And, speaking this morning, Ms Augustus told MailOnline: 'I've just found out my carer was killed. She was with me just five hours before the fire.

'We sang and prayed together just before she left so I will remember her with happy memories. She was very caring and she did everything to help me.

'I know she's in heaven because she is a good woman. She had been my carer for three years and moved here from Gambia a long time ago.

'Her daughter Khadija was a very talented artist and should be in Venice now at an exhibition. I had met her a few times and she was very loving like her mother.

Ms Mendy is the mother of artist Khadija Saye (pictured), 24, a friend of Labour MP David Lammy who is also dead following the blaze in North Kensington

A missing poster for Khadija Saye, who friends had been searching for along with Ms Mendy

'It's all very sad but I know they are in heaven and I will always pray for them.'

In 2012 Ms Augustus was spared jail after scrawling bizarre slogans about devil worship and freemasonry on six letters before posting them to politicians.

How the sister of nun's carer is Lammy's friend Mary Mendy is the mother of artist Khadija Saye, 24, a friend of Labour MP David Lammy who is also dead following the blaze in North Kensington. Ms Saye, who is currently showing her artwork in the Venice Biennale, was in her flat on the 20th floor, with Ms Mendy. Her friend, artist Nicola Green, who is Mr Lammy's wife, had said: 'We're desperately trying to communicate with all the hospitals. 'We're told some people have been rescued up to the 19th and 20th floor. She was on the 20th floor. Nobody has any information at this point.' Ms Green said that Ms Saye was last heard from at 3am when she was direct messaging from her flat, as her phone was not working. Ms Saye has known Mr Lammy for a 'number of years,' and the politician led the appeals on Twitter, calling her a 'beautiful soul and emerging artist'. 'We grow more sad and bleak at every second,' the politician told BBC radio. Ms Saye was later confirmed dead by family members. Advertisement

When they were intercepted at a mail screening centre staff found them stuffed with a gritty white powder initially believed to be anthrax.

One envelope addressed to Mr Clegg had 'devil worshipping', 'freemason' and 'your poor Catholic wife and children' written on it.

Augustus also wrote 'sex with 30 plus women' on the letter - a reference to a boast in an interview with Mr Clegg about his bedroom prowess.

Another letter sent to former Labour Home Office minister Baroness Scotland was daubed with a swastika and two crosses and read 'stop this evil devil worshipping'.

A third, sent to barrister and Labour peer Baroness Kennedy, also featured a swastika and the slogan: 'Stop these evil devil worshipping freemasons'.

Augustus claimed the powder had been planted by the police but was convicted of plotting the hoaxes after a trial at Harrow Crown Court.

When she appeared at the Old Bailey to be sentenced she demanded to be addressed as 'Sister Ruth', bellowing from the dock: 'I am a Catholic nun'.

The judge, Mr Justice Saunders, said the pensioner would normally have been sent to prison for her antics.

But instead he handed her a two-year community order requiring her to be treated for mental health problems, including a persistent delusional disorder.

Six years earlier in 2006 she was convicted of religious harassment after shouting at women in burkhas: 'You are probably terrorists.'

Firefighters spray water onto the Grenfell Tower block which was destroyed in a disastrous fire

Fire engulfed the tower in North Kensington, West London, in the early hours of Wednesday

She also told police officers they should 'go back to Iraq and have their heads chopped off'.

Augustus was handing out leaflets in London's Oxford Street when the trouble flared. As a group of Muslims passed, she called out: 'Jesus loves Muslims.'

But, despite two women taking offence, she continued: 'You're probably terrorists  get back to your own country.'
Striking a Brexit deal that will allow NHS workers from the EU to stay in Britain is a top priority in the negotiations, Jeremy Hunt said yesterday.

He said allowing the 150,000 EU nationals who work in the health and social care services to stay is one of the first things the UK wants to secure.

The Health Secretary said Britain 'needs' these people and that ministers 'want them to stay'.

His comments come just days before formal negotiations start with Brexit Secretary David Davis set to travel to Brussels on Monday for the talks.

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt said striking a Brexit deal which protects the rights of EU nationals working in the NHS

Speaking at the NHS Confederation conference in Liverpool, he tried to reassure doctors an nurses that a deal would be struck.

He said: 'We need them, we want them to stay. They are part of the NHS family.

'It's an early priority for this Government to secure rights which we would like to be broadly the same as the rights that they have now and I want to reassure them now that this will be absolutely top of our list as the Brexit negotiations start later this month.'

There has been heavy pressure on ministers to urgently guarantee the rights of NHS staff form the EU amid fears Brexit could cause a critical shortfall of doctors and nurses.

MPs from all political parties have called for the guarantee to be given.

There had been speculation that Britain would delay the formal Brexit talks because of the political turmoil engulfing Westminster.

Theresa May has still not struck a formal deal with the DUP which would allow her to cling on as Prime Minister with the backing of the party's ten MPs.

But it was announced yesterday that the UK will push ahead with the crucial talks.

Mr Hunt also praised the work of NHS staff in dealing with terrorist attacks in London and Manchester and the Grenfell Tower fire disaster.

He said: 'All of us want to thank everyone who was involved in that extraordinary NHS response.'

Brexit Secretary David Davis, pictured earlier this week in Downing Street, is going to Brussels on Monday to start formal negotiations on leaving the European Union

And he also hinted that NHS staff could be in-line for a pay rise after growing criticism that they have been hit by years of austerity.

Mr Hunt said: 'I have a great deal of sympathy for the case that nurses, amongst others, have made on the issue of pay.

'I think they do an absolutely brilliant job, they work very, very hard and we need to factor in that there is an enormous amount of goodwill and an enormous amount of time given free of charge because people care about their jobs and they see it not as a job but as a vocation.

'We have our budget, that we have to live within, but public sector pay is a matter for the Chancellor.'

And he admitted that the Tory Party 'failed' on the hated dementia tax policy - which would force many thousands more elderly people to pay for their care.

He said: 'That was a great sadness to me, and I take my share of responsibility for this.

'The failure to explain what we were trying to do in the heat of an election campaign was obviously exploited by our political opponents to frankly misrepresent what the intention of those policy proposals were.'
The Russian authorities are checking reports that a yacht with three crew on board was 'hijacked or arrested' by a North Korean ship.

A VHF radio message from the Katalexa was received from the vessel in the Sea of Japan.

It reported that the yacht 'was hijacked, or arrested, by a North Korean ship', said Russian maritime expert Mikhail Voytenko .

Since the Wednesday message, no further communication has been heard from the vessel.

Pictured: The Katalexa was sailing in the Sea of Japan when it sent out a radio message saying it had been hijacked or arrested

Tensions are currently high in the region after North Korea, led by Kim Jong-un (pictured), tested missiles

But Russian news agency Sputnik is reporting that the yacht has been moved to the North Korean port of Rason.

'The embassy has set up a unit with Minister Counsellor Alexander Minaev, and Ambassador Alexander Matsegora is personally taking care of all matters related to Katalexa yacht,' press attache at Russian embassy in North Korea Denis Samsonov said.

He added: 'Consul-General in Chondjin Yuri Bochkarev is heading to the port of [Rason] where the yacht has been since yesterday. It takes a few hours on a very bad road, he will try to contact and talk to the members of crew.'

The incident comes amid high tension on on the Korean peninsula over missile tests by Kim Jong Un's repressive regime which US defence secretary Jim Mattis this week branded the world's 'most urgent and dangerous threat to peace and security'.

Russia recently announced the deployment of the new-state-of-the-art Buk-M3 missile defence system in eastern Siberia in response to concerns over war breaking out in North Korea. Pictured: Russian president Vladimir Putin

Russia announced the deployment of the new-state-of-the-art Buk-M3 missile defence system in eastern Siberia in response to concerns over war breaking out in North Korea.

Moscow has expressed 'profound concern' over recent North Korean missile launches which 'serve to heighten tensions', with US warships already on patrol in the region.

Russian foreign ministry official Vladimir Konovalov said of the yacht incident: 'We can't yet confirm or refute this information.'

Urgent representations have been made via Russian diplomatic channels to the North Korean authorities.

Russia has expressed 'profound concern' over recent North Korean missile launches, which 'serve to heighten tensions'. Pictured: A recent missile test by the regime's military

The sea rescue and coordination centre of Primorsky region of Russia confirmed the fears the yacht has been seized for unknown reasons.

Russia shares a land and sea border with North Korea.

The Katalexa recently departed from South Korea en route from Taiwan to Vladivostok.

A source at Alye Parusa yacht club near Vladivostok - where the vessel was heading - said it was 'in a good technical state soon after renovation' after repairs in Japan.

One year ago North Korea seized Russian yacht Elfin, which was released several days later without any explanations.
British spies believe North Korea was behind the NHS cyber attack last month.

The WannaCry ransomware attack affected more than 60 NHS trusts as well as Fedex, Renault and Telefonica.

Those targeted by the hack were asked to pay money to have their data restored.

British cyber experts examining the hack believe it was created by a North Korean cyber gang called the Lazarus Group.

British spies believe North Korea was behind the NHS cyber attack last month

British security sources are unsure whether the attack was ordered by the North Korean government.

An investigation by America's National Security Agency (NSA) said it had 'moderate confidence' the attack pointed to North Korea's spy agency, the Reconnaissance General Bureau, the Washington Post reported.

The NSA believes it was an attempt to raise money for the cash-strapped despotic state.

The assessment follows the findings by security company Symantec, which said it was put together by the Lazarus hacker group working on behalf of the regime.

The Washington Post said the evidence gathered in the report was 'not conclusive' but strongly suggested North Korea's involvement.

This graphic shows how ransomware can quickly infect an entire computer system

As a money-making scheme the hack seemingly failed as, so far, none of the $140,000 (110,000) in bitcoins raised in ransom payments by victims has been withdrawn.

Security experts believed this is because the transactions will be easy to trace, meaning they will be able to find the creators.

North Korea has repeatedly denied involvement in cyber attacks against other countries.

Intelligence company Flashpoint said its analysis suggested hackers fluent in Chinese were responsible.

In addition, James Scott, a senior fellow at the Institute for Critical Infrastructure Technology, has thrown doubt on links between Lazarus and Pyongyang.
The heartbroken family of a woman who was killed after a 15-year-old smashed into her car while driving a stolen vehicle are devastated over his 10-month prison sentence.

Nicole Tucker, 48, was driving back to her home in Panorama, South Australia, in October last year, when the killer driver collided with her car which then burst into flames.

'There will never be justice for us, never', Nicole's brother Kent Thiele said after the boy was sentenced, Yahoo News reports.

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Nicole Tucker, 48, (pictured) was killed when the teenage driver slammed into her vehicle on an expressway, causing it to burst into flames

The mother-of-two was killed in the fiery inferno while driving to her SA home in October last year

The boy had been travelling at 160km per hour when he slammed into Ms Tucker's vehicle, killing her when the car burst into a fiery inferno, the court heard.

He and his 17-year-old passenger fled the scene but were found by police within an hour after the crash.

The judge described the boy's actions as 'simply horrifying' before sentencing him to a minimum of 18 months in jail.

With time served the teenager will be eligible for parole in only 10 months.

Ms Tucker's (pictured) family say they are devastated over the killer driver's 10-month sentence

The boy had been travelling at 160km per hour when he slammed into Ms Tucker's vehicle, killing her when her car burst into a fiery inferno, the court heard

The judge described the boy's actions as 'simply horrifying' before sentencing him to a minimum of 18 months in jail

But it was not the sentence Ms Tucker's grieving family wanted to hear.

'We were hoping for some justice today,' Mr Thiele added.

'Don't think we got it, and maybe we never would.'

Soon after her death last October, family of the mother-of-two released a statement describing her as a 'very loving mother and wife'.

'Our family is devastated by this senseless death of our beloved wife and mother Nicole,' the statement read.

But it was not the sentence Ms Tucker's (pictured) grieving family wanted to hear
The mother of a Sydney man charged with allegedly trying to travel to Syria to fight with Islamic State says she was surprised when her 'good boy' was arrested at the city's international airport terminal.

Australian-born Moudasser Taleb appeared in Sydney's Central Local Court via video link on Friday charged with preparing for an incursion into a foreign country with the intention to carry out violent acts.

The 22-year-old, of Middle Eastern background, was arrested at Sydney Airport on Thursday morning with police alleging he planned to buy a ticket to fly to Lebanon or Turkey before joining Islamic State in Syria.

Taleb was handcuffed and escorted out of Sydney Airport by several plain-clothes officers.

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This is the young Australian man nabbed by counter-terrorism officers at Sydney Airport

Taleb's mother Angel Merhab spoke with media defending her son claiming he was a 'very good boy'

Moudasser Taleb was intercepted by counter-terrorism police at Sydney Airport was allegedly attempting to travel to the Syrian war zone to fight for terror group ISIS

But Taleb's mother, Angel Merhab, described Islamic State as 'ridiculous' and said people that tried to radicalise young Muslims were 'evil'.

'I was surprised because he wasn't brought up like that,' Ms Merhab told Network Ten.

'People that do that are definitely evil.

'I know he is a good boy, a very good boy. All I can say is I love him.'

Police charged Taleb with preparing for an incursion into a foreign country with the intention to carry out violent acts on Thursday evening.

The foreign incursion charge carries a maximum penalty of life in prison.

Taleb did not apply for bail on Friday and it was formally refused.

Outside court his lawyer, Zali Burrows, told reporters that Taleb would fight the charge.

'Of course he will,' she said.

Ms Burrows also said her client 'hasn't eaten for two days'.

Moudasser Taleb, 22, (red shirt) had taken a taxi to the airport on Thursday to buy a ticket to travel overseas and was carrying army-style clothing and survival kits when arrested

The man is co-operating with police and is expected to be charged with preparations for incursions into a foreign territory to commit acts of violence, which carries a maximum term of life imprisonment

NSW Deputy Police Commissioner Dave Hudson on Thursday said Taleb radicalised himself online and had been engaging with people overseas.

'(It's) very much a lone wolf factor - he's been radicalised online and we don't believe that he's been involved with any other people in NSW or Australia,' the commander of investigations and counter-terrorism said.

Taleb was known to police for minor matters and was on their radar when his behaviour became more concerning while an investigation was launched in January.

Authorities do not believe his family were involved or had any prior knowledge of his alleged attempt to flee the country.

Police raided Taleb's Panania home on Thursday removing evidence in brown paper bags and seizing a computer.

'Actions taken this morning [June 16] were taken not only to protect the people of NSW but more broadly overseas,' Australian Federal Police Assistant Commissioner Ian McCartney told reporters in Sydney.

Taleb is due to appear in Parramatta Local Court on August 15.
Rahm Donor & Alderman's Husband Sent Mayor Illegal Lobbying Emails, Board Finds

By Mae Rice in News on Jun 16, 2017 4:40PM



Getty Images / Photo: Scott Olson

Two mena donor to Mayor Rahm Emanuel and an alderman's husbandviolated lobbying laws in their 2015 emails to Emanuel's private account, the Chicago Board of Ethics determined this week.

James Abrams, an Emanuel donor and chief operating officer of medical supply company Medline Industries, and Alan King, a house DJ and attorney married to Ald. Sophia King (44th Ward), will both be fined for their violations. The nature of the fine will be decided at the Board's July hearing.

Abrams committed his violation by forwarding Emanuel an email from a frienda man Abrams termed "one of my dearest friends in the world"and asking Emanuel to hear the friend out. In the forwarded message, the friend detailed his struggle to obtain a minimum wage exception from his alderman, and asked for an audience with Emanuel or his chief of staff.

The board determined that by forwarding a thread that "contained a position and an argument," Abrams had engaged, however indirectly, in improper lobbying.

King committed his violation more directly, asking for Emanuel's help when constructionspecifically, a rogue fencemarred the site of his planned July 4th event, the much-loved Chosen Few House Music Picnic.

Both men's emails aimed to influence "administrative action," which the board considered a violation because the men had not first registered as lobbyists.

[H/T Sun-Times]
Chi Tai and Wai-Yu Tai (pictured) arrive at Manchester Crown Court

A couple left a shopper 'covered in blood' in a fight which broke out after a clash of trolleys at a Chinese cash and carry, a court heard.

Chi Teung Tai, 38, is alleged to have punched Xue Jun Chen and kicked him in the head following a row in the freezer section of Wing Fat in Openshaw, Manchester.

Mr Tai's wife, Wai-Yu Tai, 39, is accused of joining in the car park brawl using a broom as a weapon.

And, while Mr Chen lay 'helpless on the ground', another man, Edward Choi, ran over and 'jumped' on his head.

Mr Chen's wife, Xiaoewei Shi, ran to his aid, Manchester Crown Court heard.

But it's alleged she was pushed out of the way by Mrs Tai, who was shrieking 'f*** off!'

Mr and Mrs Tai deny assault causing actual bodily harm to Mr Chen in a trial, with Mrs Tai also denying a charge of common assault against Mr Chen's wife, Ms Shi.

Edward Choi, 39, of Salford, pleaded guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm to Mr Chen in the incident on July 23, 2015 at an earlier hearing and awaits sentence.

Prosecutor Robert Smith told jurors in the Tais' trial that the parties were shopping at Wing Fat, at Ashton Old Road, when there was an 'innocuous dispute concerning a clash of trolleys or something of that nature'.

Speaking through a Mandarin interpreter, Mr Chen told court that he was in the store holding his 18-month-old son when he clashed with Mr Tai outside the freezer room.

'He stared at me, saying, "you are stupid, and you are mental". I sworeback to him', Mr Chen said.

Later, outside the supermarket, Mr Chen said he demanded an apology from Mr Tai, but was 'smacked in the face' after pointing at him.

Wai-Yu Tai, 39, is accused of joining in the car park brawl using a broom as a weapon

'I saw his wife come over with broom in her hand, and she hit me with that', Mr Chen said.

'As a result my head was bleeding and I fell on the ground, and then more people came over and they stamp on me, front and back and all over... my face was covered in blood.'

Cross-examined by Julian King, defending, Mr Chen admitted pushing Mrs Tai inside the store, and that after the initial confrontation he had been escorted outside by security, where he handed his son to his wife so he could confront Mr Tai.

He also admitted that at one point outside he had 'escaped' the melee, picked up a broom, gone after Mr Tai with it, and had to be restrained again by security.

'You started this incident, didn't you?', Mr King said. 'I don't think so', Mr Chen said.

'Unfortunately for you you came off worse when you fell over and hit your head.'

'I don't believe that', Mr Chen said.

Mr Chen suffered a cut to his forehead which needed sutures, as well as wounds to the cheek and elbow.

Giving evidence in his defence, Mr Tai said: 'I was attacked aggressively...I genuinely believed I was defending myself.'

Mrs Tai said in her defence: 'I just protect my family, I was worried they would get hurt. I just saw a broom nearby... I grabbed it and tried to use it to separate them.'
A romper featuring a gigantic image of Kim Jong-un's face is the latest sartorial trend to stir up men's fashion.

Described by one Twitter user as the worst thing on the internet the romper features such an enlarged image of the North Korean dictators profile that his pores can be easily examined in frightening detail.

The bizarre onesie was unsurprisingly on sale for $79.99  reduced from its original price of $99.99 - despite winning five star reviews on the website where it is advertised.

Fashion dictator: If the North Korean regime is too secretive to get up close and personal with its despotic leader Kim Jong Un you can buy this onesie and study every inch of his face

Cary Chow, a journalist with ESPN, posted the image of the unsettling romper on Twitter.

I did it! I found the worst thing on the internet. A combination of so much awful, Mr Chow wrote on Twitter.

GetOnFleek.com which sells the romper promises that it will not crack, peel, or fade, a guarantee of quality which for once may not be welcomed.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un waves at parade participants at the Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang, North Korea. The regime has become increasingly aggressive under his reign

Our Kim Jong Un Romper for men is the perfect all over print mens romper, made with premium double sided sublimation, the site proudly states.

And just in case Kim Jong Un does not float your romper boat, the site also features onesies emblazoned with pirates, giraffes and perhaps most bizarrely of all - fried chicken.

But this latest fashion affront is not the first time that hipsters have flocked to ironically wear cloths weirdly displaying images of dictators.

High street retailer Urban Outfitters previously printed a t-shirt playing on the Hip Hop band N.W.A.'s name with the title D.W.A.  an acronym for Dictators With Attitude - featuring some of the most appalling despots the world has ever had the misfortune to know.

A fried chicken romper is another bizarre romper print available on the GetOnFleek website

Adolf Hitler, Muammar Gaddafi, Idi Amin, Saddam Hussein and Kim Jong-II featured on that notorious t-shirt, and other terrifying faces from history like Joseph Stalin have also grimaced down from high street apparel.

Rompers have been more traditionally associated with female models but men have started to adopt the trend too. Kirsten Dunst can be seen here wearing a black romper

Despite the intermittent appearance of despot heads on clothing, rompers - or onesies - will have more longevity if a group of students from Northwestern University have a say in it.

A Kickstarter campaign called RompHim started the dubious romper-for-guys craze last month and it proved hugely popular, quickly exceeding its funding goals in the US.

Rompers  a trend which has made its way into most female wardrobes  has been inching closer to the males' rails in recent weeks thanks in part to this RompHim campaign.

One of RompHim's founders, Northwestern University student Elaine Chen told GQ: I personally love a romper for women, and we were looking for something different that didn't already exist for guys.'

She said that her partner in the project, Daniel Webster Clark 'was a little tired of wearing the same button down and pants so we got to talking about why we couldn't build a better product and make a romper available for men that's cool and fun and different and is a conversation starter at the end of the day.
Video footage has caught the moment a brave farmer tackles a cleaver-wielding man who was threatening to slash patients and their family members in China.

The man burst into the hospital building in Deyang, China's Sichuan province on June 13.

The attacker had tried to steal a bike outside the hospital before getting into an argument with a passerby who had tried to intervene.

The farmer can be seen taking on the attacker in the middle of the hospital foyer

Onlookers assisted the farmer by jumping on the man and kicking him on the floor

It's thought that the suspect surnamed Wang was caught stealing an electric bike outside of the hospital.

A passerby saw and informed the bike's owner. Wang then argued with the passerby before leaving and returning with a cleaver and entering the hospital.

It's thought that Wang took the cleaver from a food stall outside.

Video footage shows the moment the man walks into the hospital and people realise he is armed with a cleaver.

Entering the foyer: It's thought that Wang took the cleaver from a food stall outside

Onlookers then come to the man's aid and start beating the attacker with the pole

People can be seen running as he walks into the foyer of the hospital brandishing a knife.

All of a sudden a man in the bottom right corner of the video grabs the cleaver wielding man.

He grabs the man by the arm and tries to contain him.

While another person can be seen holding a long metal pole.

Onlookers then come to the man's aid and start beating the attacker with the pole and kicking him as he tries to fight on the ground.

They continue to kick him for some time and then the video cuts.

The hero man was later revealed to be a farmer named Zhang Zonghong who told reporters that he was at the hospital accompanying his father.

As he was waiting in the hall, he heard someone shouting 'kill'.

He said: 'At that time I did not think about whether he would hurt me, I was focused on how to get the knife from him.'

The farmer said because of his job, he wasn't afraid of the man.
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Incredible images showing coal miners in Pennsylvania have surfaced a week after President Trump opened the first coal mine in the US in ten years in the state. pursueded

The striking pictures show miners preparing to go into the mine and resurfacing after a long shift as well as enjoying their lunch deep underground.

Other black and white shots show miners and soldiers imparting wisdom to each other as the army joined the miners for anthracite rallies in Eastern Pennsylvania in 1942 as part of a war production drive.

Workers in Pittsburg Pennsylvania spent much of the Second World War underground in the state's coal mines

Miners toiled away underground for long hours to increase the production of coal whic was needed for the war industries

The Pittsburgh Coal Company said they wanted to hire more workers in an effort to keep up with production targets

The photographs were taken at several mines in the state of Pennsylvania, USA in 1943 as World War Two raged on.

President Donald Trump opened a new coal mine in Somerset County, Pennsylvania on Thursday 8th June aEuro " the first to open in America in ten years.

Corsa Coal Corporation will operate the mine and it is expected to supply coal used in making steel and generate between 70 and 100 full time jobs.

The President will certainly be hoping the work ethic will match that of the miners during the war who strived to mine enough hard coal to support the US war effort.

Production posters were displayed on mine locations in 1943 to urge miners to turn out more hard coal.

The government urged miners to increase the production of anthracite, or hard coal to help with the war effort

The photographs appear to come from a propaganda visit to the mine by US soldiers who showed off the type of equipment, such as this machine gun, which require the increased production of coal to power the factories across America

Other snaps show how soldiers taught a coal miner how to operate a machine gun at an anthracite rally while miners returned the favour as they showed a soldier that the fighting tool of the production front is the pneumatic drill that anthracite miners used to produce hard coal. Servicemen learned how anthracite is mined.

Smiling with pleasure, a coal miner is also pictured reading the paycheck enclosure which explains the importance to the war effort of all-out production.

President Trump opened the first new coal mine in the United States in ten years following a massive decline in the industry

Because of the length of time it takes to get to the surface, miners often ate their food underground, pictured

This worker appears rather happy looking at his pay check which has been supplied to him with a propaganda leaflet

The coal seam in Mountour Number 4 mine was more than half a mile below the ground

Experienced coal miners were encouraged against joining the military because of the need to support the war effort

During the war, coal miners increased their 35-hour five day week to 42 hours over six days to supply extra coal

The propaganda efforts wanted to show miners that without their coal, the military would not be able to function

During the propaganda visit, soldiers were shown how the miners extracted the anthracite from deep beneath the surface

These miners are inspected the lamps which were carried by the workers underground in case of emergency

This photograph shows the miners meeting at the change of shift as many operations worked around the clock

This miner is demonstrating the pneumatic drill which is used to break down the solid wall of anthracite

The miners faced terrible danger while working deep underground with the constant threat of explosion or collapse

As well as the instant physical dangers, miners faced significant long term health problems such as black lung

The sergeant speaks with two experienced miners as they prepare to descend into the mine below

This miner is talking to the surface using a special telephone which, in emergency, can be the only link to the world

These miners are standing talking to a soldier at the top of a mine before going underground for their shift

Here the miners are joined by a couple of soldiers and a sailor as part of the major propaganda effort
A former member of Melbourne's ultra-Orthodox Jewish community has admitted he was 'in love' with an 11-year-old boy, who has accused him of sexual assault.

Manny Waks, 41, alleges Velvel (Zev) Serebryanski abused him as a child in the late 1980s.

In a chilling video Mr Waks confronts his alleged attacker on the streets of New York.

Manny Waks, 41, (pictured) alleges Velvel (Zev) Serebryanski abused him as a child in the late 1980s

In the video Mr Serebryanski (pictured) said that he 'loved' Mr Waks and was 'completely infatuated' with him

In the video Mr Serebryanski said that he 'loved' Mr Waks and was 'completely infatuated' with him.

Mr Serebryanski apologised to Mr Waks and said: 'It seems to me that I was seeing what you wanted, and trying to follow along,'

'I wanted to do what I thought you wanted.'

When asked if he could control being 'turned on by little kids', Mr Serebryanski said: 'It takes two to do anything.'

Mr Serebryanski's attorney told Fairfax his client's move to New York had nothing to do with the allegations.

'Indeed, there were no allegations of abuse at the time,' the attorney said.

The video is understood to have been given to Victoria Police.

In a 2014 letter to Mr Waks, police confirmed they were investigating Mr Serebryanski , but the case had been put on hold.

Mr Waks said he had been told by police the footage has helped their brief of evidence and further enquiries would be made to see if there was enough evidence to support Mr Serebryanski's extradition.

In a chilling video Mr Waks confronts his alleged attacker (pictured) on the streets of New York

In a 2014 letter to Mr Waks (pictured), police confirmed they were investigating Mr Serebryanski , but the case had been put on hold

According to Mr Wak's police statement, Mr Serebryanski allegedly started 'caressing and rubbing his thighs and touched his genitals over his underpants

Victoria police told Daily Mail Australia they could not comment on the matter at this time.

Mr Waks first alerted police in 1996. He claimed during a Jewish festival called Shavuot, Mr Serebryanski followed Mr Waks to the women's section at Yeshivah's synagogue.

According to Mr Wak's police statement, Mr Serebryanski allegedly started 'caressing and rubbing his thighs' and touched his genitals over his underpants. The abuse then allegedly continued in another room.

The 'same things' allegedly occurred on another occasion, Mr Waks said.

The Yeshivah Centre told Fairfax it condemns all forms of abuse.
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Knock on the door of this turf-roofed 'Teletubby' house in Wales, and you'd half expect to be greeted by Tinky Winky, Dipsy, Laa-Laa or Po.

But instead, you'd come face to face with a former Labour MP, or his wife.

The three-bedroom house, named Malator, lies in Druidston on the Pembrokshire coastline and is owned by politician and barrister Bob Marshall-Andrews.

Former Labour MP Bob Marshall-Andrews lives in a futuristic 'Teletubby' house named Malator, which is built into the countryside in Druidston on the Pembrokshire coastline. The three-bedroom 'earth home' blends seamlessly into the countryside

The futuristic open-plan house was designed by Mr Marshall-Andrews' son Tom and was built just a year after the popular children's television programme first aired. The home, which offers stunning views of St Bride's Bay, boasts 12ft windows

Now, he has thrown open its door to reveal its stunning interior - an open plan layout with surprises in store.

Constructed from steel and glass - and with 12ft windows - it looks out over St Bride's Bay.

Just like its children's TV series lookalike, the incredible 'earth home' blends into the surrounding countryside and has a grass roof.

The open-plan home is broken up with lime green pods, which serve different uses. While the outside of one of the structures is fitted with a hob, oven and kitchen storage space, a side door opens up to reveal a bathroom. The area is lit with spot bulbs fitted to the top of the unit and underneath the oven

The house was modelled on the 'underside of an aircraft wing', and was built in a year, based on plans by architect firm Future Systems. A blue sofa forms a semi-circle around the fireplace, giving the ex-MP's family unspoiled views of the sea

Whereas Teletubbies made its debut in March 1997, this cutting-edge house was built in 1998 - and was designed by Mr Marshall-Andrews's son, Tom, then in his twenties.

'It was very much a sketch and it was what we all wanted. He drew a sketch which was a circular or oblong home which was set into the topography,' the ex-MP for Medway told Wales Online.

The house was built in a year, based on plans by architect firm Future Systems, which modelled the building on the 'underside of an aircraft wing'.

While the overall style of the house is minimal and modernist, Mr Marshall-Andrews has scattered Afghan rugs over stretches of the tiled floor. Mr Marshall-Andrews says he is 'extremely happy' that passers-by are comparing his modernist home with the Teletubbies

Using a fireplace as its central point, brightly coloured Malator is open plan apart from several pods which form the bathrooms.

A blue sofa forms a semi-circle around the fireplace, offering spectacular views of the Pembrokshire coast.

The pods serve multiple purposes. While the outside of the lime green structure is fitted with a hob, oven and kitchen storage space, a side door opens up to reveal a bathroom.

While the overall style of the house is minimal and modernist, Mr Marshall-Andrews has scattered Afghan rugs over stretches of the tiled floor.

Although the area is secluded, there is a public footpath nearby, which has no doubt led to many a curious glance.

And in case you're wondering how Mr Marshall-Andrews feels about the Teletubbies comparison, his answer is a very positive 'extremely happy.'



The ex-MP is able to let a breeze air the sub-terranean home by opening one of the 14 circular port holes. Although the area is secluded, there is a public footpath nearby, which has no doubt led to many a curious glance

Bob the Corbyn ally defects to the Lib Dems

Back in April, Mr Marshall-Andrews, an ally of party leader Jeremy Corbyn, defected to the Liberal Democrats, calling the official opposition a 'political basket case'.

Mr Marshall-Andrews, who represented Medway for more than a decade, said the party had failed over the Brexit campaign and should not have fielded a candidate against Zac Goldsmith.

Mr Marshall-Andrews told The Times: 'At present there is manifestly a huge vacuum on the centre-left represented in substantial part by the 48 per cent of the electorate who rejected Brexit and the lies on which it was based.

Mr Marshall-Andrews, an ally of party leader Jeremy Corbyn, defected to the Liberal Democrats in April, calling the official opposition a 'political basket case'. The former MP represented Medway, in Kent, for more than a decade

'To many, including me, there was a forlorn hope that a reformed and radical Labour Party would rise to historic occasion... It has not.'

He also said the party should have chosen not to field anyone in the Richmond Park by-election, caused when Zac Goldsmith stood down after the third runway decision. Sarah Olney, the Liberal Democrat, took the seat.

The party's then leader Tim Farron said: 'Bob, like many progressive Labour people, is coming over to the only party that is offering a credible opposition to a divisive Tory Brexit government.'

Pictured, a group of horse riders walk along the jagged coastline, who could spot the eccentric house on their outing. Mr Marshall-Andrews said the party had failed over the Brexit campaign and should not have fielded a candidate against Zac Goldsmith
A man has been jailed after he was caught exposing himself and masturbating outside a primary school in Sydneys South-West.

Police attended Gilmore Street in Cabramatta shortly before 8am on Friday after reports a man had been masturbating in the proximity of parents and children at Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School.

Police found a 44-year-old man nearby where he was arrested and taken to Cabramatta Police station.

The 44-year-old man was seen masturbating in the proximity of Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School on Friday morning

Reports suggested a man had been masturbating in the proximity of parents and children at a Sydney primary school (stock image)

He was charged with a string of offences including two counts of committing an act of indecency with person under 16 years.

He was refused bail and later appeared before Liverpool Local Court on Friday where he was sentenced.

The man was found guilty of all offences and sentenced to 12 months imprisonment, with a non-parole period of nine months.
An iPad seized from the Melbourne home of murdered mother Karen Ristevski contains 'suspicious' Google search history about how police detect blood.

Other strange searches found on the device include how police trace phones and how to delete mobile phone data, the Herald Sun reports.

Detectives are now closing in on the 47-year-old's murderer and have revealed the iPad history was discovered when the Ristevski family's Avondale Height's home was swept for clues after her disappearance last year.

It comes as a Channel Nine news crew spotted Vasko Ristevski - the brother of Ms Ristevski's husband, Borce - lurking near the area her body was found wedged between logs at Mount Macedon, 65 km northwest of Melbourne.

In shocking Nine News footage, Vasko was filmed heading back towards his truck which was parked in the isolated bushland as journalist Martin King asked: 'Can you tell us what you're doing here?'

Police this week confirmed that Borce is still a suspect in his wife's death.

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Karen Ristevski (pictured) was last seen on the morning of June 29, 2016 at her Avondale Heights home in Melbourne

A Channel Nine news crew spotted Vasko Riskevski (pictured), the brother-in-law of the murdered Melbourne woman, lurking around the bushland area her body was found

Police on Thursday released the first breakthrough since the discovery of Ms Ristevski's body four months ago after uncovering footage of what is believed to be the murdered mother's car driving in the direction of where she was found.

The CCTV photos, taken on the day the 47-year-old went missing, show a black Mercedes-Benz SLK coupe being driven through Diggers Rest towards Mount Macedon, but the driver and registration plates cannot be seen.

Vasko Ristevski (pictured) was spotted only metres from the site by a Channel Nine news crew

Victorian police have released footage of a car believed to be Karen Ristevski's being driven in the direction the Melbourne mother's body was found

Detectives believe Ms Ristevski's body was in the car when it was snapped going over the Diggers Rest railway crossing on June 29, 2016, the Herald Sun reports.

Police are reportedly working with the theory that her husband, Borce Ristevski, was driving the car because he has previously admitted to using her coupe the day she went missing.

But because the vision is so difficult to make out, police cannot be sure this is actually Ms Ristevski's car and are hoping witnesses near Diggers Rest might have seen it after 11am that day.

The CCTV photo shows a black Mercedes-Benz SLK coupe driving through Diggers Rest towards Mount Macedon

Footage does not show the car's driver and registration plates cannot be seen

Police are reportedly working with the theory that her husband, Borce Ristevski, was driving the car because he has previously admitted to using her coupe the day she went missing

Detectives said they have spoken to the registered owners of similar vehicles about their activities on the day Ms Ristevski went missing, but some owners are yet to be spoken to.

Police are urging that any owners or drivers of black 2004 to 2006 Mercedes Benz coupes, who have not yet been approached, to contact police.

Mr Ristevski denies he had anything to do with his wife's disappearance and death.

Initial investigations pointed to Ms Ristevski's husband Borce (right) as 'number one suspect'

Victoria Police Missing Persons Squad chief Tim Day yesterday confirmed that Ms Ristevski's husband is still a suspect in the investigation

A copy image of the Mercedes vehicle that Ms Ristevski drove

Victoria Police Missing Persons Squad chief Tim Day on Thursday confirmed that Ms Ristevski's husband is still a suspect in the investigation of the killing of his wife and the dumping of her body at Mt Macedon.

'Yes he's a suspect. His own lawyer said he's a suspect,' Det-Insp Day said.

'He remains a suspect. Whether there are other suspects or not I'm not going to comment on.

'But do I suspect the Mercedes in the CCTV footage may be Karen Ristevski's car, yes I do.

Former detective Charlie Bezzina told 7 News last month the case 'may never be solved' as Ms Ristevski's cause of death is difficult to determine due to the length of time her body lay undiscovered.
A New Jersey school district will issue corrected yearbooks after photos of two high school students were altered to remove President Donald Trump's name on their clothing.

In a letter to parents, Wall Township School Superintendent Cheryl Dyer said she has not been able to determine why it happened, but she knows in some cases how it happened.

High school junior Wyatt Dobrovich-Fago is an enthusiastic fan of the president.

He wore a navy blue sweater with the logo 'Trump Make America Great Again' stitched on its breast.

When he received his yearbook, the image had been cropped to exclude the logo.

Wyatt Dobrovich-Fago also wore a Trump sweatshirt but his image was cropped to exclude the slogan when the yearbook was eventually printed

Grant Berardo wore a Trump sweatshirt for his yearbook photo at Wall High School in Wall Township, New Jersey, but the branding was photo-shopped out in the book (right)

The same was done to 17-year-old Grant Berardo. His was even more obvious - the large white Trump slogan printed across his chest was entirely wiped from the image before the yearbooks went to print.

Dobrovich-Fago's younger sister submitted a quote by the president to be included beneath her profile but it wasn't printed either.

It was: 'I like thinking big, if you're going to be thinking anything, you might as well think big.'

She said that she made sure to submit it on time so that it was included.

One of the boy's sister's Trump quote was excluded (left) while others by different presidents (right) were printed unedited

The teacher has been named as technology teacher Susan Parsons who was also the yearbook adviser. She has been suspended with pay on a salary of $87,950

The students complained that the photo was intentionally altered even though the shirt the student was wearing did not violate the school's dress code, Dyer said.

Another photo was resized to match others and claim that it did not appear that it was intentionally done to remove Trump's name.

Dyer hasn't been able to determine why a Trump quote submitted by a third student, the freshman class president, wasn't included, while a quote by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt appeared under the senior class president's photo.

The girl whose Trump quote was removed was said to be dismayed.

The teacher involved has been named as technology teacher Susan Parsons who was also the yearbook adviser.

Parsons is a registered Democrat who voted in the November election.

On her yearbook class' website within the district homepage, Parsons includes 'photo editing' as one of the 'real world skills' that students learn during yearbook production.

According to public records, she collected an $87,950 salary last year.

Wall High School (pictured) suspended the teacher responsible and is investigating the removal of the slogans and quotes

She was told not to come back to work at Wall High School, a public high school in a pro-Trump county in New Jersey, until the matter had been investigated but has been suspended with pay.

'I cannot allow the intentional change that was not based on dress code to be ignored,' Dyer said in the letter. 'I take responsibility for the actions of those who are employed here.'

The corrected yearbooks should be available in about two weeks.

Dyer said she will insist 'checks and balances be implemented to ensure that intentional alterations that are not consistent with district policy do not continue.'

In an earlier statement, Dyer admonished the removal of the Trump references which she said went against the school's open dress code.

'There is nothing in Wall Township High School's student dress code that would prevent a student from expressing his or her political views, or support for a political figure, via appropriate clothing and attire. Indeed, the administration applauds students for becoming involved in politics, making their voices known, and taking an active part in our democracy.

Friday was the district's last day of the school year.

Trump received nearly 63 percent of the vote in the township while Democrat Hillary Clinton won the state in last year's election.
A proud couple consider themselves the luckiest parents on earth after welcoming their identical triplets to the world.

First-time mother Qu Lan, 23, beat the incredible odds of 200 million to one to give birth to the three baby girls who were conceived naturally.

The trio were born via a caesarean section weighing 1,760g (3.9 lbs), 1,360g (3lbs) and 1,670g (3.7 lbs) on the morning of June 10 in Chengdu, south-west China.

A Chinese mother has given birth to identical triplets after having them conceived naturally

The three girls were born via a C-section on June 10 in Chengdu, south-west China

Two of them were healthy while the other one was diagnosed with a premature lung

Mr Ma and Ms Qu (pictured) have beaten the odds of 200 million to one to have their babies

The babies have been kept in the incubators since they were born. They are yet to meet their parents - or each other.

WHY ARE IDENTICAL TRIPLETS SO RARE? Identical triplets are conceived when the fertilised egg splits twice. The odds against them occurring without fertility treatment have been put at between one in 60,000 and one in 200million. If twins or triplets shared one membrane in the womb, they must be identical (monozygotic). If not, the placentas are indistinguishable from those of non-identical (dizygotic) siblings, and only DNA testing can confirm for certain. Advertisement

Ma Chongxiang, the 29-year-old father, said he felt like he had won the lottery of life with the arrival of the precious trio.

He was in disbelief when doctors told him that the chance of her daughters being conceived and born was one in every 200 million.

He told MailOnline he was so happy after his wife underwent the operation smoothly at 34 weeks pregnant in Chengdu's No. 5 People's Hospital.

Although he hasn't had the opportunity to hold his daughters, he is excited about his new family life.

'My biggest wish is for all of them could grow up happily and healthily.'

The proud father felt grateful to his wife, who had endured a miscarriage before going through this difficult pregnancy.

He has named his first two daughters Ma Kexin and Ma Kexuan, and his youngest daughter Qu Kehan - after his wife's surname as a way to thank her.

Ms Qu (left) had had a miscarriage before being impregnated with the triplets. She underwent the C-section smoothly and the three babies have been kept in incubators since the operation

Kexin (pictured) is the eldest of the three girls. She weighed 1,760g (3.9 lbs) when she was born

Kexuan (pictured) was diagnosed with a premature lung, but her condition is stable

The youngest baby, Kehan (pictured), weighed 1,670g (3.7 lbs) at birth and was healthy

The couple haven't always felt they were lucky to have the babies.

Ms Qu cried in fear while being told she had triplets at three months pregnant because she was 'scared of what she might have to face'.

At one point, the couple were so stressed with Ms Qu's pregnancy - because of the previous miscarriage - that they considered an abortion.

They feared that the risk of going through the pregnancy might be too high and the babies could end up being unhealthy, Mr Ma explained.

'We did some research and realised that the cost of raising the children could be astronomical - if they turn out to be ill,' the man said.

Mr Ma and Ms Qu eventually kept the babies after their fear was overpowered by the love they had for their unborn children.

Mr Ma and Ms Qu, from China's Sichuan Province, had considered to abort their babies, out of fear that the pregnancy might be too risky and the babies might be unhealthy

Mr Ma said Kexin and Kehan, the eldest and youngest daughters, were born healthy. Kexuan, the lightest of the three, was diagnosed with a premature lung, but her condition has been stablised.

The man confessed he had been struggling to make ends meet. The freelance construction worker said he earns 150 yuan (17) for every shift he works, and his wife is unemployed.

In comparison, it costs 6,000 yuan (689) a day to keep the babies in incubators. Besides, the treatment for Kexuan has cost at least 12,000 yuan (1,379).

In order to ease the financial burden, Mr Ma borrowed 50,000 yuan (573) from his relatives, and set up an account on a Chinese crowdfunding website. Through the website, he received 9,000 yuan (1,034) donations from kind strangers.

Despite the challenge, the man has vowed to be a good father. He said he is determined to provide his daughters with all he has.

'We might need to replace disposable nappies with fabric ones, and get the babies off baby formula earlier than we wish, but I'm confident that I could raise them well.'

He added: 'I will collect advice on how to raise children economically from my father and other elderly family members. I will make sure I bring them up with my best capacity.'

Luo Feifei, a doctor from the Chengdu's No. 5 People's Hospital, said the triplets were born underweight, but the condition for all of them is stable.

Dr Luo said Kexin and Kehan could go home in 10 to 14 days. Kexuan, the second daughter, is expected to be discharged from the hospital in the first week of July.
Minnesota Cop Who Fatally Shot Philando Castile Found Not Guilty

By Mae Rice in News on Jun 16, 2017 9:30PM



ST. PAUL, MN - JULY 07: A sign reading, 'Justice for Philando,' and police tape are draped over the entrance of the Governor's Mansion following the police shooting death of a black man on July 7, 2016 in St. Paul, Minnesota. Philando Castile was shot and killed last night, July 6, 2016, by a police officer in Falcon Heights, MN. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)

Minnesota police officer Jeronimo Yanez, who fatally shot Philando Castile during a traffic stop in July of last year, was found not guilty of manslaughter and all other charges related to the case on Friday.

The trial, which lasted two weeks, culminated with the jury deliberating over five days, for more than 24 hours total.

"I am so disappointed in the state of Minnesota," Philando Castile's mother, Valerie Castile, told reporters after the verdict was read, the Star-Tribune reports. "My son loved Minnesota. He had one tattoo on his body and it was of the Twin Cities. My son loved this city, and the city killed my son and the murderer gets away."

KARE 11, an NBC affiliate station, posted further comments on the verdict from Valerie Castile, who says police now have "free rein":

"I'm mad as hell right now, yes I am ..." Valerie Castile, mother of Philando, says. pic.twitter.com/iNdpob2kbJ  KARE 11 (@kare11) June 16, 2017

Diamond Reynolds, Castile's girlfriend, who livestreamed the shooting, issued the following statement, closing with "God help America":

Yanez's defense attorneys commented to KARE 11 on camera. "In my opinion, the case should have never been charged," said one:

Yanez defense attorneys: "The verdict was the correct verdict ... in my opinion, the case should have never been charged." pic.twitter.com/Tl9nUZSelP  KARE 11 (@kare11) June 16, 2017

Yanez himself left without taking questions, according to the Star-Tribune, but a reporter at KARE 11 reported that Yanez has been let go from his position in the St. Anthony police department:

JUST IN: Officer Yanez has been let go from the St. Anthony police force. Brief statement from the PD. #YanezTrial pic.twitter.com/6WcH79y4V7  Dylan Wohlenhaus (@DylanWohlenhaus) June 16, 2017

Yanez, 29, was charged with second-degree manslaughter and two felony counts of intentional discharge of a dangerous weapon in November. He fatally shot Castile, 32, in early July , during a traffic stop streamed on Facebook Live by Castile's girlfriend, Diamond Reynolds.

The shooting sparked protest in Minnesota (and nationwide, including in Chicago). It even sparked condemnation from Minnesota's governor, Mark Dayton, who said during one press conference: "Would this have happened if the driver were white, if the passengers were white? I dont think it would have.


A long-serving Pennsylvania politician has been found guilty of touching his 103-year-old mother-in-law's breast during visits to her nursing home.

William Spingler was reported to police by staff at Wayne Nursing Home in December last year after he was caught massaging the elderly woman's breasts.

A Delaware County jury found the 75-year-old guilty on Thursday of indecent assault on a person with a mental disability.

'It was a stupid, harmless act that destroyed my life,' Spingler said in court, according to the Delaware Times News.

'I mean, my reputation is destroyed, my business is destroyed. It was just something that I shouldnt have done.'

William Spingler, 75, (left and right) has been found guilty of touching his 103-year-old mother-in-law's breast during visits to her nursing home in Pennsylvania last year

He declined to comment after the verdict Thursday. The judge set sentencing for Sept. 28 and ordered Spingler to undergo a psychosexual evaluation.

Spingler is the former commissioner for the town of Radnor and served in local politics for 30 years before retiring in 2015.

His mother-in-law suffers dementia and requires round-the-clock care.

Three nursing home employees had reported seeing Spingler touch the woman on three separate visits to her Wayne nursing home in December.

Spingler has said that he touched her to get her attention after she stopped being able to recognize him.

On December 15, Spingler was seen planting a kiss on the elderly woman's lips he greeted her in the dining hall at the start of their visit, police allege.

He was then apparently seen massaging her right breast with his hand under a blanket by staff he did not know were watching him.

Spingler was visiting the woman, whose identity is being protected, at Wayne Nursing Center in Pennsylvania (above) when the alleged attacks took place

Witnesses say they saw the politician doing the same thing on two other occasions.

In a police complaint at the time, the attending officer said the touching could 'not be misconstrued as anything but inappropriate'.

When Spingler noticed staff were observing him, he is accused of going red in the face then leaving after asking her.

Two different staff members reporting seeing him abuse the woman. Both of Spingler's two wives are dead.

In the complaint, police described his mother-in-law as 'unable to defend herself'.

' (She) is 103 years old and is diagnosed with dementia, unspecified lack of coordination, muscle weakness, anxiety disorder and difficulty walking.
A Syrian refugee who died in the Grenfell Tower fire told his brother who survived the inferno: 'I'm dying - I cannot breathe' just before he was engulfed, it was revealed today.

Mohammed Alhajali, 23, also asked his parents to 'forgive him' in the moments before he died on Wednesday morning.

He died in his 14th floor flat and Omar, 25, who initially thought his brother had escaped, spoke to Mohammed as he watched it engulfed in flames and thick black smoke.

Mohammed Alhajali, 23, died in his 14th floor flat on Wednesday morning said: 'I'm dying' and asked his family to forgive him as his life ended in his Grenfell Tower flat

Omar, 25, and younger brother Hashem, 20, (left and right) both looked heartbroken and haunted as they described his final words

More than 600 residents desperately tried to escape the flames as the fire broke out in the middle of the night, with many woken by the screams of others and the smell of burning plastic

'He said: 'Why (have) you left me...? I'm dying. I cannot breathe,' Omar told the BBC, adding: 'We came from Syria to be safe here, and now we're dying'.

Mohammed then asked him to put him through to his parents - and then sent a WhatsApp audio message saying: 'Goodbye. I love you'.

Mohammed, older brother Omar, 25, and younger brother Hashem, 20, were granted asylum in Britain after fleeing the Bashar al-Assad regime four years ago.

His bereft family looked heartbroken and haunted as they described his final words.

Today Omar sobbed and looked deeply traumatised as he told how firefighters led trapped residents to safety through dense smoke as the fire raged around them.

How MailOnline readers can donate to a charity helping the Grenfell Tower fire victims The Grenfell Tower fire has prompted an extraordinary outpouring of support from Britons as they try to help the victims both financially and with gifts of food, clothing and other essentials. And MailOnline readers can donate to a charity co-ordinating efforts to help those whose lives were devastated by clicking here. The money will go to the Kensington & Chelsea Foundation, the companys local charity partner. The foundation is coordinating a major funding appeal with support from London Funders and the London Emergency Trust Fund, and has set up a donation page on its website. Every penny raised on the site will go directly to charities funding the relief effort in the local community, both for those who lost loved-ones and those who lost their homes and all their possessions. Readers can also donate via cheque. Please make cheques payable to The Kensington & Chelsea Foundation and send to: Grenfell Tower Appeal, The Kensington & Chelsea Foundation, 111117 Lancaster Road, London W11 1QT. The gutted block is just over a mile from the MailOnline and Daily Mail offices in Kensington, West London, known as Northcliffe House. Daily Mail and General Trust (DMGT) chairman Lord Rothermere and chief executive Paul Zwillenberg last night announced a 100,000 donation to the charity. Advertisement

'They came in the last minute when the fire was in the next room. They said: 'Come, come.' They were pushing us,' he told the BBC.

'I couldn't see anything. They opened the door, the smoke come inside, I (saw) the fire around me.

'I thought they were pushing all of us. I (couldn't) even see anything, even my fingers, nothing.'

When he got outside Omar phoned his brother, still unaware he had not made it out.

'I said: 'Where are you?'. He said: 'I'm in the flat.'. He said: 'No one brought me outside'.

He added: 'I saw the fire in the flat from outside. I was watching the flat - it was burning - and my brother was inside.'

Youngest brother Hashem Alhajali, who lives elsewhere in London, broke down today as he revealed he spoke to his brother in the minutes before his death.

He told the BBC: 'I spoke to him at the last moment - when he was in the tower.

'On the phone he said: 'Please tell mum and dad to forgive me - Hashim please forgive me' and I said: 'What do you have to say sorry for - you have always been an amazing person'. He said 'please just say it' and I said 'I forgive you'.

He added: 'Mohammed spoke to Omar and asked to put him through to mum. He couldn't. He then sent a WhatsApp voice message to mum saying: 'Goodbye. I love you'.

His parents were forced to stay behind in Syria after their sons were granted asylum.

Hashem says they may not be able to attend their son's funeral because of their difficulty in getting a visa.

He said: 'We want this to happen. My mum has cried lots of tears.

'She says: 'I've been waiting for four years to see him. at least I could see his grave, see his body before they bury. I want to kiss him, stand where they will bury him and say goodbye'.'

Youngest brother Hashem Alhajali, who lives elsewhere in London, broke down today as he revealed he spoke to his brother in the minutes before his death and his mother's wish to be at the funeral

Student Mohammad Alhajali (left), 23, fled his war-torn home of Daraa three years ago with his brother Omar (right), 25

Omar had returned to their 14th floor flat alone and was trapped there for two hours before sending a final tragic message to a friend in Syria, saying: 'The fire is here now, goodbye.'

Mohammad Alhajali's death was confirmed by family and friends as the emergency services said there were no survivors

Friends spoke of the irony of the brothers who fled war-torn Syria, only for one to die in their new home in London.

Kareen El Beyrouty said: 'They are lovely boys and have been through hell to get here. Syrian refugees come here to escape death, not to meet it.'

Omar, a business student, made it out of Grenfell Tower and is recovering from smoke inhalation in hospital. Younger brother Hashem lived outside the tower.

Mohammed was a civil engineering student at the University of West London and wanted to use his studies to return to Syria and help rebuild his homeland one day, friends said.

Abdulaziz Almashi, of the Syria Solidarity Campaign, said: 'He survived Assad, the war in Syria, only to die in a tower block in London. There are no words.'
Don't believe the hype.

Alex Jones has released the 'secret audio' he recorded of Megyn Kelly over the course of 14 hours last week, when the NBC host interviewed the radio personality and conspiracy theorist in his Texas studio.

The 30-minute recording went up on Jones' YouTube page early Friday, after he spent the better part of Thursday talking up the astonishing and shocking things that the NBC host said to him when the cameras were off.

A quick listen however proved that the tape is anything but damning, featuring audio of Kelly from just a single phone conversation that lasts less than a minute.

The exchange also gives the appearance that the NBC host and conspiracy theorist had a very cordial and professional relationship, which while admittedly shocking is not the revelation which Jones and the InfoWars staff seemed to be teasing earlier in the week.

An NBC News spokesperson said in a statement on Friday: 'Despite Alex Jones' efforts to distract from and ultimately prevent the airing of our report, we remain committed to giving viewers context and insight into a controversial and polarizing figure, how he relates to the president of the United States and influences others, and to getting this serious story right.'

Scroll down for video

Pool party: Alex Jones released his 'secret audio' of Megyn Kelly on Friday morning after hyping up the recording, taken during their NBC interview (Kelly and Jones above being eaten by sharks in and animated portion of the video)

I get a kick: In another animated video, Kelly is attacked by a J.P. Morgan mascot in a suit (above), with the financial company pulling their ads from the show this week

Jones tried to cover up the lack of a smoking gun in his recording by filling a majority of the tape with his own impassioned rants on everything from Charles Manson and Jeffrey Dahmer to Pizzagate.

There are also a staggering number of sound effects cut into the audio, which is nothing if not enthusiastically edited.

At one point, four minutes in, Jones even included a scene from 'Clash of the Titans' which showed the battle between Perseus and Medusa.

Jones is like the hero Perseus in this instance, while Kelly is the snake-haired lunatic who turns men to stone with a single glance.

Later, there is an animated sequence that starts off by depicting J.P Morgan's decision to not run advertisements during Kelly's program on Friday by having a man in a suit whose head is the company symbol walking over to the host and kicking her forcefully in the crotch.

Her firing on Monday as the host of the annual Sandy Hook Promise gala is next, which is reimagined by having her dropped out of a wall bearing the charity's name and then furiously banging to be let back in.

'IT'S NOT GOING TO BE A HIT PIECE, PROMISE' In his video, Jones played a recording that appeared to be from a phone conversation with Kelly. This is what it says: 'All I can do is give you my word and tell you if there's one thing about me, I do what I say I'm gonna do, and I don't double-cross.' 'You know you just became very fascinating to me. I just always thought you were this maybe, one-dimensional guy, like this is your thing' 'My goal is for your listeners and the left - you know, who will be watching some on NBC - to say, "Wow, that was really interesting."' 'And then the next time I wanna get somebody, they're gonna say, "Look what you did to Alex Jones!" It's not going to be some gotcha hit piece, I promise you that.' Advertisement

Last, but not least, there is a scene meant to symbolize their own interview, with Jones drifting around a pool in an inflatable ring while Kelly approached with a microphone.

The pair are soon surrounded by sharks, who suddenly jump out of the water and eat the two, killing them in an instant.

In this instance, the sharks appear to be stand-ins for members of the media.

In another bit of completely transparent trickery, Jones' can be heard taking Kelly to task as he asks her some difficult questions about the questionable editing practices her team used when it came to cutting down some of his answers.

Once he is done with the question, Kelly does not give an actual response to the question though, and it is not clear if one exists and he was not able to get permission or he is just manufacturing drama.

In one instance, after Jones lays into Kelly over how the NBC team depicted his role in the Pizzagate scandal, the InfoWars founder just plays an entirely unrelated tape from when Kelly spoke about the incident in 2016 - while on Fox News.

After posting the video online Friday, Jones' wrote on Twitter: '#NBCFakeNews #msmFail #infowars.'

He and the InfoWars staff also went out for a raw bar dinner on Thursday night to celebrate the pending release of the audio.

What's the fuss: The 30-minute audio features just one conversation with Kelly, during which she cordially speaks with Jones about the interview (above in Texas on June 6 when kelly conducted the controversy)

Out in her...: In another animated clip, Kelly is seen being dropped by Sandy Hook Promise (above) who fired her on Monday as the host of their annual gala

Flashback Friday: At one point, four minutes in, Jones even included a scene from 'Clash of the Titans' which showed the battle between Perseus and Medusa (above)

Jones had spoken about as the recording as if it were a complete shock and surprise to NBC and Kelly. something that seem suspect given his self-admitted penchant for taping conversations.

And the release of the tape, along with his Hollywood Reporter interview on Thursday, have managed to come out at exactly the right time to help promote the third episode of Kelly's during a week when she has opted to stay radio silent.

In that interview Jones spoke at length about his desire for NBC to not air the show, a plea that usually does wonders to increase tune-in for a sit-=down as it implies there will be a good deal of tension and animosity.

'Don't air the piece, because from the promos NBC has run, Megyn is distorting me," said Jones.

'It has all the markings of a PR stunt. The minute she put that promo out there, there were groups calling for boycotts. It was basically instantaneous.'

Jones also said that the media just wants to make him seem like the 'devil' because he is a member of the 'alternative media,' an assignation that some mighjt contest given the more than 6 million people who tune in to his show.

'Fake news lives at NBC. They basically made me look like a Halloween character,' bemoaned Jones to a television trade publication previewing his interview on the network.

He also stopped gunning for Kelly and NBC long enough to start gushing about his best bud President Donald Trump.

'I talk to him quite a bit, but I miss a lot of his phone calls because I tend to not stay up past 10 at night' said Jones.

'The president finishes my sentences sometimes because he's the real deal, and that's why we're synced up  God, guns, John Wayne, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, free-market capitalism and 1776.'

He then added: 'The media tries to hurt the president with his association with me, but that gives him the rock 'n' roll aura.'

Killing it: The remaining audio is Jones going off on rants, including ones were Jones (above) speaks about Charles Manson ad other serial killers

Bottom feeders: In addition to Jones' own diatribes, an astonishing number of sound effects are used to make the audio seem more dramatic, despite the lack of a smoking gun (InfoWars staff at dinner on Thursday)

Kelly meanwhile has kept relatively quiet about the controversy over her interview with Jones, which has been brewing since she previewed the pair's sit-down on the most recent episode of 'Sunday Night With Megyn Kelly.'

Kelly did briefly address the issue in an interview with The New York Times while defending her decision to bring Jones on her program.

'What we do as journalists is we shine a light on those with power, those with influence, those who have become culturally relevant,' said Kelly.

'Of course, it's upsetting to know that doing that causes any upset to the Newtown families, many of whom I know well. But I have to do my job.'

'As journalists, we dont get to interview only the good guys  thats not journalism,' Kelly told the Times.

'Its going to be very difficult for us to keep an eye on the more controversial figures of our time if we never talk to them.'

Kelly said she sat down with Jones to examine 'his influence and his  for lack of a better term  method for putting information together to figure out how he got to be so important in the presidents world, in millions of peoples world.'

She also stated that currently 'there are a lot of people who are very angry that Donald Trump is president and a lot of people who believe Alex Jones played a large role in it.'

Kelly is also dealing with another issue as the second episode of her NBC news magazine tanked in the ratings, losing almost half its audience from the premiere one week prior.

Kelly's sit-down with Jones will air Sunday at 7pm on NBC (pair above)

Final Nielsen numbers show that the latest episode of 'Sunday Night With Megyn Kelly' pulled in 3.61 million total viewers and scored an 0.6 rating in the all-important adults 18-49 demo, which was a slight improvement in the 7pm time slot from the previous year.

It was far, far lower however than the 6.1 million viewers and 0.8 rating notched by the premiere, which featured an interview with Russian president Vladimir Putin.

Kelly has been feeling the heat over her decision to interview InfoWars' host Alex Jones for her Sunday news magazine this week.

Sandy Hook Promise, an organization that was created in memory of the 20 students and six staff members who were massacred in the 2012 school shooting in Newton, Connecticut, announced on Monday that Kelly would no longer host one of their annual Promise Champions Gala,

That announcement came just two days before Kelly was set to take the stage at the event on Wednesday night in Washington DC.

The decision made by the non-profit organization also left Kelly with a big gap in her episode that will be airing this Sunday, as she planned to film the gala to run alongside her interview with Jones.

That plan went up in smoke however when she managed to draw the ire of Sandy Hook parents, who lashed out loud and quick as they attacked Kelly for allowing Jones' ideas to be heard by her audience of 6 million.

Kelly responded to the controversy on Tuesday in a statement, saying she was 'disappointed' but also 'respected the decision' of the charity.

'I understand and respect the decision of the event organizers but I'm of course disappointed that I won't be there to support them on Wednesday night,' began Kelly in her statement.

'I find Alex Jones's suggestion that Sandy Hook was "a hoax" as personally revolting as every other rational person does.'

She then explained: 'It left me, and many other Americans, asking the very question that prompted this interview: how does Jones, who traffics in these outrageous conspiracy theories, have the respect of the president of the United States and a growing audience of millions?'

Impressive intro: Over six million viewers tuned into Kelly's premiere episode with Russian president Vladimir Putin (above)

Disappointing drop: Kelly's second episode, which featured an interview with Erin Andrews (above), lost half of the audience from the premiere one week prior

Kelly then offered theories, stating: 'President Trump, by praising and citing him, appearing on his show, and giving him White House press credentials, has helped elevate Jones, to the alarm of many.'

'Our goal in sitting down with him was to shine a light - as journalists are supposed to do - on this influential figure, and yes - to discuss the considerable falsehoods he has promoted with near impunity,' said Kelly.

Regardless of the aim, advertisers were not happy, and JP Morgan pulled their spots from the time slot.

In the preview of her interview with Jones, the NBC News host demands to know how he can declare something like Sandy Hook a hoax given the loss of young lives and parents who are still grieving for their children.

'Oh I know, but they don't get angry about the half-million dead Iraqis from the sanctions...' starts Jones before he is cut off by Kelly and accused of dodging her question.

'The media doesn't cover all the evil wars...' begins Jones, who again is cut-off by Kelly.

'That doesn't excuse the things you said about Newtown, you know that,' states the host, who actually traveled to Texas to meet with Jones in his own studio.

'Here's the difference, I looked at all the angles of Newtown and I made my statements before the media even picked it up.'

And in 2012, in the wake of the Aurora cinema massacre that saw 12 killed and 70 injured when a gunman opened fire during a screening of The Dark Knight, Jones claimed it was a 'false flag'.

'If you look at the full spectrum of information unfolding right now, 100 per cent chance that the mass murder committed in the suburb of Denver, Colorado, right next to Littleton and Columbine was a false flag mind control event.'

He even blamed President Obama for being behind a series of deadly tornadoes in Oklahoma back in 2013 that claimed the lives of over 30 people.
Dr V Spencer Long, 77, pictured, removed the wrong testicle while performing surgery on Steven Hanes in 2013

A man was awarded $870,000 because his urologist removed the wrong testicle.

Steven Hanes, 54, from Mount Union, Pennsylvania, sued Dr V Spencer Long, 77, after a 2013 operation.

Hanes went to see Long that year because he had been suffering pain in his right testicle for 15 years.

Long recommended surgery, even though there were less invasive procedures available, according to PennLive.com.

When Long performed the surgery at JC Blair Memorial Hospital in Huntingdon, he actually removed Hanes' healthy left testicle.

In his post-operative report, Long wrote that 'it appeared that the left testicle and cord may actually have been removed instead of the right one', according to court papers.

The jury of 11 women and one man found Long was 'recklessly indifferent' after the two-and-a-half day civil trial finished Wednesday.

Hanes was awarded $620,000 for pain and suffering and $250,000 in punitive damages.

Hanes had been suffering pain in his right testicle for 15 when he came to Long. The doctor recommended surgery to remove the testicle. Long performed the operation at JC Blair Memorial Hospital, pictured, in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania

Long declined to comment Friday.

Hanes' lawyer, Braden Lepisto, said the Mount Union man remains in pain, but has a 'debilitating fear' of seeking further treatment for his problem.

Lepisto said Hanes will need testosterone treatment for the rest of his life if he loses the remaining testicle.

He added that his law firm is working on another malpractice case concerning a patient who died under Long's care.

The doctor is no longer performing surgeries, PennLive reported.
Police in central Indiana have arrested a couple who they say starved a five-year-old boy as punishment to a point where he weighed just 32lbs.

AshLeigh Peach, 30, and her 28-year-old fiance, Johnathan Parsley, were taken into custody in Tipton on Thursday and charged with of neglect of a dependent resulting in serious bodily injury, a felony.

The arrests came after Tipton police and the Department of Child Services responded to anonymous calls on June 5 reporting suspected child abuse.

Cruel treatment: AshLeigh Peach, 30 (left), and her 28-year-old fiance, Johnathan Parsley (right), have been arrested for allegedly starving a five-year-old boy

Peach (pictured with two unidentified children) and Parsley have been charged with of neglect of a dependent resulting in serious bodily injury

The couple had seven children living in two bedrooms in their home in the 700 block of Berryman Pike in Tipton (pictured)

The complainant claimed a child was being starved as punishment, according to a press release from the police.

The following day, officers and child services caseworkers went to the couples home in 700 block of Berryman Pike and took away the five-year-old victim. Six other children were later removed from the same household.

The five-year-old was transported to Riley Childrens Hospital, where he remained for more than a week receiving treatment for malnutrition. Medical staff reported that the child only weighed 32lbs at the time of admission, and was in the 1.9 percentile for weight of children his age.

The child was discharged after doctors deemed that he was going to make a full recovery from the starvation.

On June 7, local police, the Tipton County Sheriffs Office and Indiana State Police served a search warrant at Peach and Parsleys home, where they found surveillance equipment used to watch for the victim attempting to sneak food out of the kitchen, according to the press release.

Police and child services acting on a tip removed the victim and six other children (one pictured left) from the couple's home. Police did not comment on the nature of the couple's relationship with the kids

Officers learned the seven children living with the couple shared two bedrooms, one of which was equipped with an audible door alarm and the other was equipped with a padlock system.

An investigation has uncovered that the alarm was used to keep the five-year-old confined to the bedroom for extended periods of time as punishment, police stated.

When police secured arrest warrants for Peach and Parsley and arrived at their home at around 3pm on Thursday to take them into custody, Parsley, who goes by his middle name, Mason, attempted to flee on foot, but was quickly subdued without further incident.

Police did not comment on the nature of the couple's relationship with the five-year-old and the other children who were living with them, but AshLeigh Peach's Facebook account is filled with photos of children at sporting events and holiday celebrations.
A New Jersey woman killed in a murder-suicide Tuesday had an existing restraining order against her killer when the brutal attack occurred, police have said.

Anishalee Cortes, 22, took out a restraining order against Dominick Richards, 49, on May 2 but was allegedly murdered by him just weeks later, reported NJ.com.

On April 8, Cortes went to a Newark police station around 2am, claiming Richards broke into her home and attacked her at gunpoint.

Anishalee Cortes (left), 22, got a restraining order against Dominick Richards (right), 49, on May 2 but was allegedly murdered by the same man just weeks later

Richards is believed to have shot Cortes in his driveway in Roselle, New Jersey, before turning the gun on himself on Tuesday. His home is pictured above

Police arrested him at his Roselle home, seizing a Glock handgun from the house, but he was released from later that day according to NJ.com.

Then on Tuesday, she was found fatally shot in the driveway of Richards' home in Roselle. Police believe Richards shot and killed the woman before turning the gun on himself.

After the April attack, Richards was charged with aggravated assault with a firearm, unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and criminal restraint risking serious bodily injury to the victim, according to court records.

Richards was also charged with criminal trespass, and Essex county prosecutors requested he be held in jail before trial.

On April 8, Cortes (left) went to a Newark police station around 2am, claiming Richards (right) broke into her home and attacked her at gunpoint

Police arrested him at his Roselle home, seizing a Glock handgun from the house, but he was released from later that day according to NJ.com

That request was denied by Judge Alfonse Cifelli, and he was released, provided he not commit any new offenses and avoid all contact with Cortes.

Richards was also ordered to report to Pretrial Services bi-weekly by phone and in person, refrain from possessing any weapons, avoid drugs and alcohol, appear in court and notify Pretrial Services of any changes in personal information, according to NJ.com.

Police found the bodies of Richards and Cortes around 2.30pm on Tuesday, and they were pronounced dead at the scene.
The first person to ever survive the leap into Niagara Falls without protection in 2003 has died after attempting the plunge again - this time inside an inflatable ball.

Police found the body of 53-year-old Kirk Jones floating in the Niagara River two weeks ago after trying the stunt in a 10-foot inflatable ball.

Authorities say Jones took the 180-foot plunge back on April 19 but his body wasn't discovered by the US Coast Guard until June 2.

Kirk Jones, 53, (above in 2004) has died after plunging 180-feet into Niagara Falls inside a 10-foot inflatable ball. He survived the leap back in 2003 when he jumped without protection

New York State Park Police said Jones was found in the river in the town of Youngstown - about 12 miles from Niagara Falls.

Police said Jones - who had been living in Spring Hill, Florida - was in the area on April 19 and he 'may have been attempting a stunt by going over Niagara Falls in a large inflatable ball'.

The empty 10-foot ball was found in the rapids that same day and was recovered by a tour boat Maid of the Mist after it went over the falls. It is believed Jones' body slipped out of the ball and floated away.

When asked by the Syracuse Post-Standard if it was the same man who had survived the plunge 14 years ago, Detective Sgt. Brian Nesbit said: 'That's the guy.'

Jones, who was living in Michigan back in 2003, became the first person to survive the plunge without protection on October 20 when he remarkably suffered only bruises, scrapes and battered ribs.

Jones, pictured outside court in 2003, was arrested over the and pleaded guilty over the stunt. He was fined $3,000 and banned from Canada for life

Authorities say Jones took the deadly 180-foot plunge into Niagara Falls back on April 19 but his body wasn't discovered by the US Coast Guard until June 2 (file photo)

He had no protection and was only wearing his jeans, sneakers and two winter coats when he jumped from Horseshoe Falls on the Canadian side of the border.

Jones was arrested after he was released from hospital and pleaded guilty to charges of unlawfully performing a stunt in Canada. He was fined $3,000 and banned from the country for life.

'I'm feeling very happy to be alive,' Jones said after facing court in 2003.

'I ask that no one ever try such a terrible stunt again. I understand what I did was wrong. You'll never see an action in Niagara waters with my name written on it again.'

His family told reporters at the time that Jones had been planning it as a daredevil stunt, but the then-40-year-old claimed he was trying to kill himself.

'I honestly thought that it wasn't worth going on. But I can tell you now after hitting the falls I feel that life is worth living,' he told ABC News in an interview shortly after the stunt.

Jones, above in 2003, became the first person to survive the plunge without protection on October 20 when he remarkably only suffered only bruises, scrapes and battered ribs

He described looking over the concrete barricade and recalled a woman jokingly asking if he was going to jump. Jones replied: 'Yes. I think I am' before climbing over the wall and then jumping into the falls.

Jones said he heard people screaming as he glided along the water for about 20 seconds before going over the falls feet first.

He said he was sucked into the falls and it felt like he had been slammed into a table when he fell the 180-feet. While he was being spun around in a whirlpool, he was thrown onto a rock and hit his ribs.

Jones was eventually able to pull him up onto some rocks and waited for emergency services to rescue him.

Reports surfaced at the time that Jones and his brother Keith were planning to write a book titled 'You're Kidding Me: A Knucklehead's Guide to Surviving Niagara Falls'.

Three others have survived unprotected plunges over the falls since Jones did it. The most recent was in 2012.
Senate Republicans were surprised Thursday Chuck Grassley, chairman of the Judiciary Committee, said he was launching an investigation into James Comey's firing.

Legislators from Grassley and President Donald Trump's party told The Hill they thought the new probe was unnecessary and allegations of 'improper interference' ought to be left to the Department of Justice's special counsel to rectify.

'Its not that they dont want to have an investigation, they dont see a need for it,' Orrin Hatch, the longest-serving senator in the body, said.

Republican Senate Judiciary Chairman Charles Grassley of Iowa revealed that the Senate Judiciary Committee is opening up a probe into President Trump's firing of FBI Director James Comey. Legislators from Grassley and President Donald Trump's party say the new probe is unncessary

Hatch speculated that Grassley was responding to pressure from Democrats to when he made the announcement in a letter to the top-ranking Democrat on the committee, Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California.

But the probe won't be exclusively focused on Trump-land. Grassley also wants the investigation to look at Obama attorney general Loretta Lynch and whether she influenced the Clinton email scandal investigation.

Lynch's infamous Phoenix airport tarmac meeting with Bill Clinton in the final days of the email investigation will be part of the probe.

Comey testified before the Senate Intelligence Committee that it made him 'queasy' when at one point Lynch directed him to discuss the federal investigation into Clinton's private email server as a 'matter' rather than a full-blown 'investigation,' which it was.

'There should be no improper interference with FBI investigations to favor any elected official or candidate of either party,' Grassley wrote, The Hill reported. 'The Committee has an obligation to pursue all evidence of such misconduct.'

He told his Democratic countrpart: 'The Judiciary Committee has an obligation to fully investigate any alleged improper partisan interference in law enforcement investigations.'

'It is my view that fully investigating the facts, circumstances, and rationale for Mr. Comey's removal will provide us the opportunity to do that on a cooperative, bipartisan basis,' Grassley added, optimistically.

Special counsel Robert Mueller is leading a probe of Russian interference in the presidential election, whether Trump associates had contacts with Russians, as well as whether Trump's firing of Comey was an effort to obstruct the Russia probe, according to media reports.

'We already have a special counsel. I dont think we should have any more investigations. I dont see how that doesnt fall within his purview. That should all be left to the special counsel,' a Republican senator told The Hill.

DOUBLE DUTY: Grassley revealed the probe in a letter to Sen. Dianne Feinstein, who also sits on the Intelligence panel probing Russian election interference

Grassley is known as one of the Senate's most dogged investigators, but in the early days of the Trump administration, it hasn't been clear how hard he intends to push on possible misconduct

One Republican senator told The Hill anonymously, 'If its opening up old Clinton stuff, the base loves it.'

The lawmaker worried that probe could mushroom, embarrass the president and cause political damage to the Republican Party.

Several congressional committees are looking into Russian meddling in the election, including Senate Intelligence. The House Intelligence Committee is also investigating Russia election interference.

Grassley's probe is specific to the legal implications of Comey's testimony, making it a judiciary matter, the committee has argued.

'The committee cannot do its duty responsibly without examining allegations of improper political influence,' spokesperson Taylor Foy told The Hill. 'This is crucial to maintain the American peoples trust in these institutions.'

Grassley is known as one of the Senate's most dogged investigators, but in the early days of the Trump administration, it hasn't been clear how hard he intends to push on possible misconduct.

QUEASY FEELING: 'Comey testified before the Senate Intelligence Committee that it made him 'queasy' when at one point Lynch directed him to discuss the federal investigation into Clinton's private email server as a 'matter' rather than a full-blown 'investigation'

In March, he vented to the Washington Post after requests for administration documents weren't satisfied.

'Every time they come up here for their nomination hearing and I ask them are you going to answer phone calls and our letters and are you going to give us the documents you want? And every time we get a real positive yes! And then they end up being liars!' Grassley told the paper.

He eventually threatened to hold up the nomination of Deputy Attorney general Rod Rosenstein to try to get results.

His committee is now tasked with vetting Trump's nominee to replace Comey, former DOJ official Christopher Wray.
The contempt of court case currently being heard in Victoria that involves three senior ministers could in turn lead to the shutting down of the Turnbull government.

Liberal politicians Greg Hunt, Alan Tudge and Michael Sukkar all made remarks that were published this week in The Australian that accused senior Victorian judges of being too lenient when sentencing terrorists due to their left-wing tendencies, Sky News reports.

On Friday Chief Justice Marilyn Warren, Justice Stephen Kaye and Justice Mark Weinberg called the ministers' lawyers as well as The Australian's representative into court to explain the comments that featured in the publication last Tuesday.

Minister Michael Sukkar's comments regarding senior Victorian judges could ultimately lead to the downfall of the Turnbull Government

Minister for Health Greg Hunt along with two other ministers made comments that were published in The Australian. Along with the newspaper, they have been summoned to court

MP Alan Tudge alongside the two other ministers caught up in the case for contempt failed to apologise for their comments made

The comments have potential to land the three members of Turnbull's Government in prison.

In turn, their convictions would throw doubt over whether they could continue to serve as parliamentarians under the Australian Constitution.

This is as Section 44 of the Constitution states that anyone who is under sentence, or subject to be sentenced, for any offence punishable under the law of the Commonwealth or of a State by imprisonment for one year or longer will not be allowed to remain as an MP.

If they were to be jailed, this could result in the government losing its one seat majority and the subsequent collapse of the Liberal party in power, senior government sources have confirmed.

Solicitor-General Stephen Donoghue QC was present in court for the three politicians, where initially he revealed none of the men would be retracting their comments or offered an apology.

Yet in a bizarre twist, Mr Donoghue later addressed the three Justices that the politicians now wished to retract their statements, although they still refrained from apologising.

The Court of Appeal must now decide whether to charge the three members of parliament which could spark a Constitutional crisis.

Justice Mark Weinberg was one of three senior judges to summon the lawyers of the newspaper and the ministers to explain the comments

Will Houghton QC was representing The Australian and addressed the judges with a 'full and sincere apology' for publishing the article yet asked them not to 'shoot the messenger' in their ruling.

Justice Warren suggested the remarks could falsely imply the judges were corrupt and swayed by separate agendas to the law.

'The parties in both cases should comprehend that he court has not been and will not be affected (by the comments),' Justice Warren said.

The Court of Appeal revealed its concerns that the ministers failure to recognise the divide between the judiciary and the Parliament and their respective powers.

They did also move to reassure anyone who faces The Court of Appeal that the comments made had no influence on any future decision they will make in court.

Barrister Robert Richter QC suggested the comments were a clear and premeditated case of contempt against the court.

'This is an outrageous attack on the independence of the judiciary by men who should know better because they are lawyers,' Mr Richter revealed to the Herald Sun.
North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un is so nervous about potential plots to assassinate him that he is travelling at dawn and frequently switches cars to foil enemies, South Korean intelligence has revealed.

Officials of the National Intelligence Service said that Kim Jong-un is afraid of gun attacks on his vehicles and airstrikes.

The NIS shared news of Kim Jong-un's paranoid state at a restricted session of the South Korean parliament on Thursday, according to The Korea Herald.

The dictator's assassination fears have allegedly heightened since South Korea and the US moved to create a special forces unit that could quickly dispose of North Korea's leaders if war broke out.

Special units of the US army and navy joined South Korea's special forces in March for exercises that the US claimed were training for a 'decapitation operation' to eradicate North Korea's leaders.

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Kim Jong-un is believed to be living in a state of heightened security fearing assassination attempts and has taken to riding in his subordinates' cars

'Kim is engrossed with collecting information about the US and South Korea's 'decapitation operation' through his intelligence agencies,' said Lee Cheol-woo, an opposition politician from the Liberty Party of Korea, who attended the special parliament meeting with the NIS.

He said that Mr Kim has taken to travelling at dawn and switches between different subordinates' cars  including a Lexus - instead of always travelling in his own Mercedes-Benz 600.

The dictator has also allegedly reduced propaganda appearances 'by a significant amount' this year.

Despite economic hardship the secretive state has repeatedly flouted United Nations and international sanctions by testing longrange ballistic missiles, provoking anger internationally.

Last month's launch of the Hwasong-12 rocket is believed to have had the capability of reaching the US mainland.

But prior to increasing international tensions, rumors have circulated that the Kim family foiled numerous attempted internal coups, and personal security around Mr Kim has increased since 2013.

The dictator is said to have reduced his propaganda appearances 'by a significant amount' this year. Kim is pictured here earlier this month

The dictator's assassination fears have allegedly heightened after South Korea and the US moved to create a special forces unit that could quickly dispose of North Korea's leaders

This photo released on Mat 30 shows a test-fire of a ballistic missile at an undisclosed location in North Korea

South Korean intelligence also said that a suspected North Korean drone was found last week in South Korea had taken 551 pictures of the South's territory, including a Terminal Altitude Area Defense battery located in Seongju, North Gyeongsang Province.

The NIS also revealed that a total of six South Korean nationals are currently detained in North Korea, most arrested for engaging in religious activities or helping North Korean defectors.

And that number rises to 10 if Korean-Americans are included, the NIS told parliament.

The regime has seen a 'significant surge' in oil prices, as the United Nations has continued to enforce its economic sanctions and China has reduced its supply of crude and refined oil.

'North Korea supplies most of its oil to special places. Therefore, the household oil price has increased a lot. The oil price had been set at around 6,000 won ($5.30) per kilogram. The price increased to 20,000 won in May and it stands at around 15,000 won currently,' the NIS said.
Shedd Aquarium Experts Went To Canada To Help Rescue A Lost Beluga Whale

By Mae Rice in Arts & Entertainment on Jun 16, 2017 8:10PM



Photo courtesy of the Whale Stewardship Project

Experts from Chicago's Shedd Aquarium flew to Canada and helped return a lost young Beluga whale to his herd on Thursday.

The healthy whale was found alone in the New Brunswick area earlier in June, hundreds of miles from his herd's typical summer stomping grounds.

Marine mammal health experts from Shedd were part of the 20-person team that transported the whalefirst via a sling, then a truck, then an airplane, then a "pontoon raft"!to St. Lawrence Estuary, where his herd awaited.

The Shedd Aquarium's Tim Binder called it "a bold plan" in a statement.

However, the Shedd and its collaboratorsincluding the Vancouver Aquariumdeemed the plan necessary because Belugas are endangered in Canada. Their numbers have been thinned by pollution, underwater noise and other human effects.

Dr. Martin Haulena, head veterinarian at the Vancouver Aquarium and a member of the rescue team, further explained the significance of the rescue in a statement. "We were concerned about the animals welfare of course, but this effort is also a feasibility study to determine if rescuing individuals will help the population."

The team gave the rescued whale a satellite tag, to help determine the long-term effects of the rescue.

So far, the prodigal whale has been frolicking with three other young Beluga whales in his herd.

Below, you can see a close-up of his face during the rescue process. He's not a super photogenic whale, but then again, the slogan was never Save the Cute Whales Only.
A Georgia teen built his very own themed roller coaster in his backyard.

Jackson Crosskno, 19, started building 'White Mountain Railroad' in his backyard in Canton, Georgia, five years ago.

By the time he opened the ride to friends and family on May 27, it had its own theme and back story: a railroad for a logging company that went out of business and became a tourist attraction.

Jackson Crosskno, 19, started building 'White Mountain Railroad' in his backyard in Canton, Georgia, five years ago

Crosskno had the platform and the first drop done in 2012, but left the project off for about two years

'I started construction in 2012, when we got the platform and first drop done,' he told the Cherokee Tribune Ledger-News.

'Then I got distracted from it for a while, for about two years. Last year in April we started back on it and built the rest of it.'

His decision to build the ride came after seeing several other people create their own roller coasters on YouTube and the ride's back story was an attempt to imitate the way Disney themes their rides.

'My parents always took me to Disney so I have been exposed to it since I was two-years-old,' he said.

'I decided to write a whole story around it just like they do at Imagineering. I am going to try to use this as a way to get in.'

Crosskno is a sophomore at Georgia State University and hopes to work with a company that designs theme parks one day, ideally at Disney Imagineering.

Before he started college, Crosskno hadn't taken a single engineering class. He built his roller coaster more on trial and error than on math.

'We just came out and built it - not a whole lot of math involved or preplanning,' he said. 'We saw what worked and went from there.'

Crosskno, pictured, is a sophomore at Georgia State University and he completed the roller coaster in May

Because the Georgia teen hadn't taken any engineering classes before he started college, Crosskno built the ride using trial and error instead of calculations

He and his friends would ride the coaster and catch each other at each stop of the way, though there were still several crashes

Along the way, he and his friends would test the ride to make sure it was safe.

'I was actually too scared to get on it first. We tested it as we went,' he said.

'We would have two people catch you at each point so no one flew off the end. We had to lower the second hill a little bit because it wouldn't make it.

'We had a few crashes along the way. We grease the wheels on it because it was running way too slow, so one of my friends ran through it really fast and flew off before we built the platform.'

The teen also bought antique props to decorate around the ride to make it as authentic as possible to the coaster's back story, which he posted on YouTube.

'I tried to find railroad artifacts, like actual props like railroad lanterns,' he told ABC News.

'I found a few deals on them and I have a few fake ones, but they look real. I walked along railroad tracks and picked up railroad spikes that they had tossed aside.'

Crosskno also wrote an entire back story of an abandoned logging railroad that was turned into a tourist attraction

The teen was inspired by the way Disney Imagineers design roller coasters with themes and back stories

He wrote the entire back story of his roller coaster on a YouTube video he posted on May 27, the opening day of the ride.

'The story of White Mountain Railroad begins in the late 1800's with the White Mountain Logging Co., which operated until the 1940's. The rail lines had been built without blasting through the mountain to create tunnels, as it was cheaper for the money hoarding management.

'Two tracks were created, one was the longer but slower route, and the other was a faster more direct route to the bottom. As the years went by the operation began to decline, and the mill closed sometime in the 1940's.

'The management decided to leave everything where it was since most of the equipment was to outdated to be sold and it was cheaper to leave the rotting railroad tracks than to remove them.

The operation sat abandoned for many years until a couple of urban explorers caught wind of the railroad and decided to have a look for themselves. What they found was a railroad that resembled the twists and drops of a rollercoaster, and a lightbulb went off.

'About a year later the White Mountain Switchback Railroad officially opened, allowing riders to ride along the slower and more scenic route of the railroad.'

Though White Mountain Railroad won't be open to the public, the ride is open to Crosskno's friends and family.

'It's nice to see people enjoy all the work I've done and see it all paid off. It's very gratifying. To see people ride it and say 'that's awesome'  it's the most rewarding thing I've ever felt.'

Crosskno bought antique props like old railroad lanterns to decorate around his ride and to keep the theme of his back story
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Diamond hunters will be searching for valuable gems at 140 metres below sea level in this state-of-the-art 122 million trawler.

With Namibia's land supply of diamonds expected to run out within 15 years, company De Beers and the Namibian Government are moving more and more into offshore exploration.

They have now inaugurated the mv SS Nujoma - a 12,000 tonne, 113 metre long vessel described as the world's largest and most advanced diamond exploration and sampling vessel.

It uses unique technology to scan the seafloor for potential diamond hotbeds before using a crawler to dredge the area.

The crawler can lift 60 tonnes of sediment each hour to the vessel through a giant pipe attached.

With Namibia's land supply of diamonds expected to run out within 15 years, De Beers and the Namibian Government are moving more and more into offshore exploration

It uses unique technology to scan the seafloor for potential diamond hotbeds before using a crawler to dredge the area. SS Nujoma is pictured in the Port of Cape Town undergoing fitting of mission equipment

The mv SS Nujoma - named after Namibia's founding president - was constructed in Ulsteinvik, Norway and fitted with its subsea sampling system, designed by De Beers Group, in Cape Town, South Africa. It is pictured here during construction

The mv SS Nujoma is seen sailing to from Norway to the Port of Cape Town on its maiden voyage

Sediment that doesn't contain diamond-bearing material is then passed back to the ocean, while the natural ecosystem is closely monitored.

The mv SS Nujoma is the work of Debmarine Namibia, a joint venture between De Beers and the government of Namibia, which is the only company in the world to mine diamonds offshore.

They have been trawling for diamonds since 2002 and last year produced around 1.2 million carats.

The mv SS Nujoma - named after Namibia's founding president - was constructed in Ulsteinvik, Norway and fitted with its subsea sampling system, designed by De Beers Group, in Cape Town, South Africa.

The inauguration this week follows five months of successful sea trials.

Diamond hunters will be searching for valuable gems at 140 metres below sea level in this state-of-the-art 122 million trawler

The huge trawler is searching for valuable gems at 140 metres below sea level in Namibia

Bruce Cleaver, CEO, De Beers Group, said: 'Offshore diamond mining is becoming increasingly important in meeting global demand for diamonds as many of the major onshore deposits have now been discovered.

'The mv SS Nujoma will allow even more of Namibia's high quality offshore diamonds to be discovered and mined, ensuring a strong future for Namibia's diamond industry, as well as the global diamond market.'

Diamond mining is the single biggest contributor to Namibia's economy and it is estimated 95 per cent of diamonds will come from the seabed off the coast of West Africa.

Otto Shikongo, CEO, Debmarine Namibia, said: 'We are delighted to officially welcome the mv SS Nujoma to our fleet.

'The important collaboration between all parties involved, and the exceptional efforts of those who worked on the vessel's construction, fitting and sea trials, has seen this impressive vessel delivered three months ahead of schedule and on budget.'

It uses unique technology to scan the seafloor for potential diamond hotbeds before using a crawler to dredge the area

Diamond mining is the single biggest contributor to Namibia's economy and it is estimated 95 per cent of diamonds will come from the seabed off the coast of West Africa

The crawler can lift 60 tonnes of sediment each hour to the vessel through a giant pipe attached
A Muslim man has revealed his life changed the first time he tried bacon after ditching his religion and becoming an atheist.

Author Sami Shah, 38, appeared on Network Ten's The Project to promote his new book, and told Islamic host Waleed Aly about the joys of eating pig - which is banned in Muslim culture.

'I thought I can't do this... and then I took one bite and thought, "I'm never going back",' Mr Shah told Aly.

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Muslim author Sami Shah (pictured) admitted he loved bacon after converting to atheism

He told Project host Waleed Aly (pictured) he 'took one bite and am never going back' after trying bacon

'I open my day with bacon now. My fridge right now is an entire pig dissected.'

A fascinated Aly asked Mr Shah if he was frightened about trying bacon for the first time because 'some atheists who are Jewish cannot eat pork', but the ex-Islamic comedian assured him it was worth it.

'I tried it five years ago for the first time and was scared out of my mind... and I took my first bite and it was like a huge cultural overcoming.'

Mr Shah penned his third book The Islamic Republic of Australia, and spoke candidly about his transition from a devout Muslim to a non-believing atheist.

'For me it was just a matter of skepticism and once I started becoming skeptical about religion I thought I couldn't call myself a believer anymore,' he admitted.

Mr Shah (pictured) penned his third book The Islamic Republic of Australia, and spoke candidly about his transition from a devout Muslim to a non-believing atheist

A fascinated Aly asked Mr Shah if he was frightened about trying bacon for the first time because 'some atheists who are Jewish cannot eat pork', but the ex-Islamic comedian assured him it was worth it

'For me it was just a matter of skepticism and once I started becoming skeptical about religion I thought I couldn't call myself a believer anymore,' the comedian (pictured) admitted

The Pakistani-born writer was also questioned about his thoughts on Australia's Islamaphobic landscape - to which he responded with wry jokes about profiling Muslims as terrorists.

'Have you ever judged anyone based on how they look?' asked host Anthony Lehmann.

'I shouldn't based on my experiences whenever I go through an airport,' Mr Shah replied.

'But I was at a Centrelink in Brunswick and a man walked in and he looked like a terrorist... it's okay I can say that.'

Mr Shah, who is an author of several books and a popular comedian, converted to atheism after he was raised a Muslim.
A 10-month-old boy died in his father's arms after three men opened fire at them as they were putting out the trash outside their apartment complex.

Messiah Marshall was hit by a spray of bullets as his father, in a bid to protect his son, ran away from the men in the estate in Houston, Texas.

Houston police announced on Thursday that they urgently sought the killers who had targeted Messiah's father after an argument.

Messiah Marshall was hit by a spray of bullets as his father, in a bid to protect his son, ran away from the men

A furious Police Chief Art Acevedo called the slaying of the baby 'callous' and promised his department 'will not rest until we bring three cowards into custody.'

'You don't shoot at a man carrying his 10-month-old son, you don't shoot multiple rounds at a man that's running trying to protect his son, you don't take the life of a 10 month-old child,' Acevedo said at a news conference.

'You know, there's lines you cannot cross and a line was crossed.

'I don't know about the rest of this community, but I can tell you we are angry here and we are angry because there is no excuse in this day and age to cross this line.'

Authorities said the 22-year-old father was approached by the three men on Wednesday afternoon at an apartment complex on the city's southwest side as he was helping his young son walk while taking out the trash.

After the argument one of the trio pulled a pistol and began shooting. As the father, who has remained unnamed by authorities, ran carrying the boy, the child was hit.

Witnesses told CBS affiliate KHOU the father ran to a nearby gas station, screaming for help with the lifeless baby in his arms.

Police cars swamp the scene of the crime earlier on Thursday

'I went to put gas in my car and later I saw a guy coming around with a little baby and he said, 'Somebody shot my baby,' and I am close to him and I'm in shock and when I saw the baby, I just started screaming, 'Oh my God, oh my God,'' said a witness on the scene.

A motorist spotted a deputy constable at a convenience store nearby who summoned paramedics but the little boy was pronounced dead at the scene.

The chief declined to speculate on a motive. Authorities have said the father told them he didn't know the three men.

'Bottom line is ... it doesn't matter what motivated them,' Acevedo said. 'To me, I don't care what was going through their minds.'

Acevedo has appealed for witnesses at the complex to come forward with information, despite fears of retaliation.

'When a little kid gets shot and killed ... we're not going to put up with this,' the chief said.

'Gangsters killing each other, not good. But gangsters, and these are going to end up being gangsters, killing a 10-month-old boy being held by his father, that's outrageous.'

Messiah's grandfather, Willie Mason, paid tribute to the boy: 'That baby smiled every time you looked at him, every time you looked at him. He was just the sweetest baby you want to see. You take an innocent life...it's cowardly.'

A GoFundMe has been launched by his family and has so far raised more than $5,000.
Authorities in the Mexican resort city of Cancun found two dismembered bodies stuffed in suitcases Friday and a gun battle rattled a downtown boulevard, just days ahead of a regional gathering that is to include top Latin American diplomats.

The hacked-up bodies of two men were found stuffed into two suitcases left in a marshy area just beyond Cancun's tourist zone, according to the prosecutors' office of the Caribbean coast state of Quintana Roo. The bodies have not yet been identified.

Late Thursday, two suspects were wounded during a gun battle with police, and two others arrested unharmed. The confrontation erupted after police tried to serve an arrest warrant, and the suspect tried to escape.

A terrifying shootout between army police and Mexican mafia hitmen in one of the country's tourist hotspots left frightened holidaymakers running for cover

The gun battle - outside a shopping centre in Cancun - left one gang member dead, two seriously injured and two more in custody

The shootings were near the main tourist area of Cancun although no tourists have been directly caught up in the violence

The state public safety office said the incident broke out as agents tried to arrest the suspects, who were accused of 'various crimes.' The office wrote in its Twitter account that 'we have restored peace and order.'

A state official confirmed the gunfight had occurred in a downtown area of Cancun that tourists often pass through on their way to hotels, but which is not in the hotel zone itself.

A video posted to social media recorded the sound of bursts of automatic gunfire, in an area where there are stores and strip malls.

The Organization of American States is scheduled to hold its general assembly in Cancun from Monday to Wednesday, and foreign ministers from throughout the region are expected to attend.

Witnesses say the battle began when the gang members opened fire on a military patrol. Smartphone footage of the bloody shootout has been circulating on social media

One man had died at the scene from multiple gunshot wounds. Four others were arrested, with two of them in hospital being treated for gunshot wounds

Tourists have not been directly affected by violence in Cancun

The once-peaceful resort, by far Mexico's most popular beach destination, has been hit by violence in recent months. In January, gunmen attacked the state prosecutors' office in Cancun, killing four people. A day earlier, a shooting at a music festival in the nearby town of Playa del Carmen left three foreigners and two Mexicans dead.

While tourists have not been directly affected by violence in Cancun, killings have run high in the Pacific coast resort of Acapulco and recently spiked in the Baja California resorts of Los Cabos.

In the first four months of 2017, there were about two dozen homicides per month in Los Cabos, more in two months than there were in all of 2016.

By comparison, Cancun, with a much larger population, has had only about a dozen killings per month this year.

The violence in Los Cabos has been more grisly: this month alone, two severed heads were found in a cooler just two blocks from the tourist zone of Cabo San Lucas. Days earlier, the bodies of five women and 13 men were found in 12 clandestine graves near San Jose del Cabo.

The Los Cabos killings are believed to be tied to battles between drug gangs, including factions of the Sinaloa cartel.

The place where the shooting happened at a local shopping center in Cancun

Security analyst Alejandro Hope said the problems at beach resorts, may eventually affect tourism, as they have in Acapulco. Foreign tourists and cruise lines now generally avoid Acapulco, which was a glittering attraction for movie stars in the 1950s.

Rings of slum housing have sprung up around many of the resorts, areas where criminal groups find fertile ground to recruit, set up drug sales to tourists and locals, and demand extortion payments from local businesses, as they have done in the Pacific coast resort of Zihuatanejo.

'The development model has to change,' Hope noted. 'An isolated tourist zone, that leaves little in the way of taxes or opportunities, that has to change.'

'If you want tourism, you have to integrate the local population better,' Hope said.

Tillerson and other diplomates attending the OAS summit are unlikely to see or be affected by the violence. Cancun's hotel zone is located on a narrow strip that can be temporarily blocked off from the rest of the city, and more isolated beach hotels exist just south of Cancun.

But that is just a temporary solution; as in Acapulco, gang battles that start in the slums eventually make their way to the tourism zones.

'The temptation is to protect the enclave, not to allow gunfights on the seaside boulevard, but that doesn't work,' Hope noted. 'The outlying areas inevitably devour the enclave.'
The number of violent Islamist extremists in Sweden has soared from 200 in 2010 to 'thousands' today as an intelligence chief said 'this is the new normal'.

'We would say that [the number] has gone from hundreds to thousands now,' Sapo chief Anders Thornberg told news agency TT in an interview, describing the situation as 'serious'.

'This is the "new normal" ... It is a historic challenge that extremist circles are growing,' he said.

But he stressed that only a few of the 'thousands' had both the intention and ability to carry out a terror attack.

Intelligence agency head Anders Thornberg said the large number of extremists in Sweden represents 'the new normal'. Picture: Police in Stockholm

Pictured: The truck used to kill five people in Stockholm on April 7 in an Islamist terror attack

A 2010 Sapo report estimated the number of violent Islamist extremists in the Scandinavian country at 200.

Thornberg attributed the rise primarily to the propaganda machine of Islamic State (IS), which has united different groups of Islamist extremists.

'We used to have different circles. We had radicalised [people] from North Africa, the Middle East and Somalia, but they were all separate,' he said.

Thornberg said Sapo now receives around 6,000 intelligence tips a month concerning terrorism and extremism, compared to an average 2,000 a month in 2012.

Sweden was shocked by the terror attack, which Uzbek national Rakhmat Akilov admitted carrying out. Pictured: Women mourn the deaths in Stockholm

Sapo has previously said that about 300 people from Sweden are known to have travelled to Syria and Iraq to join IS since 2012.

Jihadists or sympathisers from Sweden have been linked to several terrorist attacks in recent years.

On April 7, an Uzbek national who had shown sympathies for jihadist groups including IS used a stolen truck to mow down pedestrians on a busy shopping street, killing five people and injuring 15.

And a Swedish national, Osama Krayem, has been charged with terrorist murders over the 2016 Brussels metro bombing.
The search for missing mother-of-two Renata Antczak is now a murder inquiry, police have revealed - as her husband awaits a court hearing for allegedly plotting to poison her.

Detectives hunting for the 49-year-old from Poland - who vanished seven weeks ago - are said to have made 'significant developments'.

The lawyer - who lived in Hull, East Yorkshire - was captured on CCTV dropping her 11-year-old daughter at the city's Broadacre Primary School on Tuesday April 25 - but has not been seen since.

The mother-of-two has now been missing for seven weeks after she was last seen dropping off her little girl at primary school on April 25

Police jointly charged Renata's dentist husband, Majid Mustafa (pictured), 47, and Robert Lipinski, 45, with conspiracy to administer a noxious substance to Renata

The lawyer, from Hull, East Yorkshire, was captured on CCTV dropping her 11-year-old daughter at the city's Broadacre Primary School on Tuesday, April 25

Her husband Majid Mustafa has been arrested in connection with her disappearance after his home and workplace were searched by police officers.

But Mr Mustafa initially told police he believed she had gone back to her native Poland to join a cult.

Renata Antczak may still in Britain, according to top police investigators

Mr Mustafa and another man, Robert Lipinski, were subsequently both charged with conspiring to cause GBH with intent to a man and conspiracy to administer a noxious substances to Renata Antczak.

Mr Lipinski has also received a further charge of conspiracy to administer a noxious substance to another woman.

They are both due to appear at Hull Crown Court on Monday.

Speaking outside Humberside Police HQ this morning, Detective Superintendent Casey said: 'It's been 52 days since Renata went missing and we have got no confirmed sightings of her since then.

'We are treating this inquiry as a potential murder - our primary goal is to still to find her.

'The investigation is being conducted by detectives from the major crime team and a senior investigating officer has been appointed.

'Specialist officers are continuing to support the family.

Police are continuing to appeal for Ms Antczak, from Hull, East Yorkshire, to get in touch, or for anyone with any information to come forward

Police officers at the house of missing Renata Antczak, in Kingswood, near Hull, where she was last seen

Ms Antczak (pictured with one of her children) may still be in Britain, police have revealed, as her husband appeared in court accused of trying to poison her

'I'd appeal to anyone that knows Renata to make contact with us by calling 01482 220427.

'Have you seen her? Do you know where she is? Do you have any information that could help our investigation?

'We're not currently in a position to share any more detail for operational reasons but would again urge anyone with any information to get in touch.'
Reginald Kimbro (pictured) was indicted Wednesday on new charges of sexual assault

A 23-year-old man who is awaiting trial for the rape and murder of two Texas women earlier this year is facing new charges of sexual assault in the rape of a third woman.

Reginald Kimbro was indicted on Wednesday in connection to a 2014 sexual assault at the Isla Grand Beach Resort on South Padre Island.

The unnamed victim says that she met Kimbro at the resort on March 21 of that year, and that at one point they started kissing.

According to a police report, Kimbro took the woman into a women's restroom and tried to have sex with her but she refused. So he choked her and raped her.

She immediately called police, and Kimbro was arrested at the scene. A rape kit also found his semen inside of her.

However, prosecutors later dropped the charges when Kimbro claimed the sex was consensual.

An unnamed victim says Kimbro choked and raped her at this resort on South Padre Island, Texas in March 2014

Prosecutors changed course after his recent arrests, sending the case in front of a grand jury which ruled to press sexual assault charges.

Kimbro has been in Tarrant County Jail since April 24, when he was arrested for the sexual assault and murder of his ex-girlfriend Molly Matheson, 22, who was found dead in the shower of her home on April 10.

A month later, prosecutors accused him of murder in the death of another woman, 36-year-old Megan Leigh Getrum.

Kimbro admitted to police that he'd visited his ex-girlfriend on the evening of April 9, claiming that the two began to kiss, but said that she declined to have sex and he left the apartment around 1.30am on April 10, according to an arrest warrant affidavit reported by the Star-Telegram.

Kimbro is already in jail on charges of sexual assault and murder in the deaths of his ex-girlfriend Molly Matheson (left) and 36-year-old Megan Leigh Getrum (right)

Police questioned Kimbro in the murder on April 14, and hours later, Getrum was murdered while hiking in the Arbor Hills Preserve in Plano.

Her body was found on April 19 in Lake Ray Hubbard, about 30 miles away.

Prosecutors alleged that Kimbro raped and murdered Getrum by 'compressing her neck and dumping her in a lake, which resulted in lethal blunt force trauma and indications of drowning'.

DNA connects Kimbro to both sex assaults and murders.
Just 27 per cent of the public support Theresa May's plan to strike a deal with Northern Ireland's DUP to ensure she can stay in power.

While few in Westminster believe the deal will not eventually be struck, news the public already loath the idea will further rock the already ailing prime minister.

Almost half of voters think poorly of the DUP, while only 8 per cent of the public have a favourable view, according to YouGov research. More than a third don't know.

The Conservatives have been locked in talks with the socially conservative party founded by the late Ian Paisley since the results of the election emerged last week.

Just 27 per cent of the public support Theresa May's plan to strike a deal with Northern Ireland's DUP to ensure she can stay in power, a poll on the idea revealed today

DUP leader Arlene Foster and her Westminster chief Nigel Dodds attended talks at No 10 on the possibility of a deal on Tuesday (pictured)

But despite Downing Street announcing an agreement last Saturday, no deal has yet been struck despite hours of meetings in London and Belfast.

The DUP's Westminster leader Nigel Dodds threw further doubt on the whole process by insisting there was 'no deadline' - despite the looming start of Brexit talks on Monday and the delayed Queen's Speech on Wednesday.

Mrs May has confirmed the Queen's Speech will go ahead on Wednesday despite the deal not being signed - a signal she expects to have the votes to get her legislative plan passed.

Mr Dodds said the DUP were not worried about scheduling the speech, adding: 'It's quite proper that a date for the Queen's Speech should be set and that should proceed but that's separate from the discussions that we're having now.'

Theresa May (pictured today at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital) has scheduled a Queen's Speech despite not yet having sealed a DUP deal

A senior Conservative source said there was a 'steady dialogue ongoing' with the DUP on a deal to prop up a minority Tory administration.

It is understood there is 'broad agreement' on the principles of the Queen's Speech, setting out the Government's legislative programme for the coming year.

Tories have made clear since last week's election that their discussions with the DUP revolve around assurances of support in key Commons votes, rather than a full coalition.

With her tally of Conservative MPs slashed to 317 in last week's poll, Mrs May needs the backing of the DUP's 10 members to reach the 320 required for a working majority in the Commons.

A Tory source said: 'Both parties are committed to strengthening the Union, combating terrorism, delivering Brexit and delivering prosperity across the whole country.'

The listing of four policy areas where the parties are in agreement suggests a final deal may go further than a basic confidence and supply arrangement, which would see the DUP guarantee its support only on financial measures and no-confidence votes.
Internationally recognized hairstylist Fabio Sementilli was found by his family beaten and stabbed to death in their upscale Los Angeles home in January this year

The wife of a celebrity hairdresser has been arrested on suspicion of killing her husband in their Los Angeles home.

Monica Sementilli, 45, was arrested on Wednesday in connection with Fabio Sementilli's death.

She is being held without bail at the Los Angeles Police Department's West Valley Jail in Van Nuys.

The 49-year-old stylist and vice president of cosmetic giant Coty was found by paramedics on the outdoor patio of their Woodland Hills home in January.

He had several stab wounds to his face, neck and torso.

Twenty-four hours after the murder, his black 2008 Porsche Carrera 911 was located a few miles from the home.

Neighbors told KTLA that they were shocked to hear the news of Monica's arrest.

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Monica Sementilli accepted a lifetime achievement award on June 11 at the 2017 Mirror Awards on behalf of her husband, seen above. She was arrested three days later in connection with murder

Monica Sementilli, 45, the wife of Fabio Sementilli was arrested on suspicion of murder Thursday afternoon by LAPDs West Valley detectives and is being held without bail

Fabio Sementilli, 49, pictured with wife Monica, was a professional hairdresser and vice president of cosmetic giant Coty

'That is a shocker. I don't what to say. That's very sad,' said Stacy Salley. 'He was very well liked. He had lovely family; two beautiful children and a lovely wife. They seemed very happy.'

Fabio Sementilli worked as a creative director at salon products company Wella.

Known lovingly as 'Big Daddy', will be remembered for his love of family and mentoring, and has been mourned by his industry following his sudden death.

His wife Monica accepted a lifetime achievement award this week on June 11 at the 2017 Mirror Awards on behalf of her husband.

Videos courtesy of KTLA:

His Los Angeles home was heavily protected with a gated entry, home surveillance and night vision security cameras

Sementilli, pictured here with his wife, Monica, 45, who has now been charged with his murder. Initially, she claimed she discovered him stabbed and beaten to death on their patio

Sementilli pioneered the Hairdressers at Heart scholarship program through Wella Hair Care company, which 'supports stylists at every phase of their careers'.

Modern Salon posted a touching tribute to his life, and said he 'mentored tens of thousands of hairdressers with a hands-on approach either on a one-to-one basis or on a grander scale'.

Their tribute also discussed his humble beginnings in Canada. He had split his time between Toronto and Los Angeles as a successful stylist.

In an eerie artist profile by American Salon posted in June 2015, the artist discussed how he would like to be remembered personally and professionally.

In January he celebrated the 30 year anniversary of being certified as a hairstylist

Canadian born Sementilli split his time between Toronto and Los Angeles

He said: 'I always say I want to be remembered for the relationships I've built.

'I want to be remembered for, maybe, how I've made people feel, in a positive light. And if it was negative for any reason it's because I was honest.

'I hope that's what I'm remembered for. Family, my friendships, my real close friendships, and I think the third is for me all the stylists that I've touched in my life.

'I've traveled the world an I've been so fortunate, and I don't deserve any of this, but the stylists I have touched over my life has been so rewarding.

'I hope they also remember that maybe I gave them a hand or a leg up or maybe some good advice.'
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Construction of a Chinese campus for New York's renowned Juilliard School started in Tianjin Thursday.

As Juilliard School's first overseas campus, the Tianjin Juilliard School is scheduled to open in the autumn of 2019 in north China's Tianjin Municipality. Construction should be completed by the end of 2018.

The Tianjin campus of the Juilliard School would be built by the Haihe River and offer college preparatory courses and non-academic music training, said Zheng Weiming, an official with the administrative committee of central business district, Tianjin's Binhai New Area.

Zheng said that the school was expected to stage more than 150 music concerts a year, which will be open to the public.

He said the Juilliard School would also cooperate with Tianjin Conservatory to set up Tianjin Conservatory-Juilliard Academy to provide master's degree courses.

The Juilliard School was founded in 1905 and specializes in performing arts education. Its alumni have won numerous world-class musical awards, including Grammy, Tony and Emmy Awards.

Approved by the Chinese Ministry of Education in 2015, the Juilliard School's programs in Tianjin are the first collaboration between Chinese and foreign conservatories.
Two emaciated lions are fighting for their lives after being found weak and abandoned in a Russian hotel.

The owner fled abroad to avoid police, apparently leaving the wild animals to die, according to reports.

The starving big cats - wounded from beatings with a metal rod - were bought on the black market and used to promote Kirill Babenko's business before he ran to India 'several weeks ago'.

The starving big cats - wounded from beatings with a metal rod - were bought on the black market and used to promote Kirill Babenko's business before he ran to India weeks ago

A lion was discovered in a cramped cage, and a lioness in the absconded owner's bedroom.

The wild animals were 'moaning and groaning' from hunger, say reports in Russia.

Natalia Zinkova, a volunteer who helped to release them, said: 'The lion was so weak he couldn't move towards food that we brought for him.

'His fur is in terrible condition, he is badly dehydrated.

'The lion was left locked inside his small cage.

'We also found a lioness inside a bedroom on the second floor.

'Both animals were used by the owner of the hotel and bar to attract more visitors.'

The lion was discovered in a cramped cage, and a lioness was in the absconded owner's bedroom. The wild animals were 'moaning and groaning' from hunger, say reports in Russia

Ildar Khantemirov, another volunteer, said: 'They were abandoned with old bones that they tried to gnaw.

'Both the lion and the lioness had scars from being punished with a metal baton.'

The big cats were around 18 months old, he said.

He had heard from local teenagers that they had found lions 'dying from hunger' in the abandoned premises in the Ramenskoye district of Moscow region.

Natalia Zinkova, a volunteer who helped to release them, said: 'The lion was so weak he couldn't move towards food that we brought for him' and he was badly dehydrated

'I went to prosecutors when local teenagers told me about the lions,' he said.

'They were secretly sneaking to the building and feeding both animals with meat pies and spam.'

He revealed: 'The lions were kept in absolutely appalling conditions.

'We are now moving them to a rehabilitation centre where they can stay until the end of their days.

Both the lion and lioness had scars from a metal baton and are believed to be approximately 18-months-old. They were found in an abandoned hotel in the Ramenskoye district of Moscow

'I don't think they will be ever able to get back to the wild.'

He warned: 'This is a clear consequence of an utterly cruel black market of wild animals.

'I know that a three month old African lion cub can be bought for as little as 140,000 roubles (1,900).

'The buyer will not be given any documents, he or she will just receive a carrier bag with a lion cub inside.

The lions were bought on the black market and subsequently subjected to appalling cruelty. A three-month-old African lion cub can allegedly be bought for 140,000 roubles (1,900) ilegally

'And there is no control over the flow of cubs.

'Nor any monitoring over what happens to them.

'What we witnessed is the very sad end result of such black market purchases.

'I just hope that both young lions make it.'

Experts say they will take 'months to recover' from their tragic ordeal.

The owner of the abandoned hotel failed to respond to requests for comment.
Sabah Abdullah, 72, pictured today, told MailOnline how he had been searching for his wife outside the burning building in London

A retired lecturer today revealed his heartbreak after his wife escaped the burning Grenfell Tower inferno - only to die on the grass outside just 50ft from where he was waiting for her.

Sabah Abdullah, 72, told MailOnline how he had been searching for his wife, Khadija Khalloufi, 52, outside the burning building in West London until 6am.

Today, however, he was told by police that her body had been found on the grass only a short distance away.

Speaking exclusively to MailOnline, he said: 'The police said that we are here now to inform you that we did find the body of your wife and we found it opposite the tower building next to the leisure centre.

'They said she died in the greenery and the flowers, in the fresh air. Outside the leisure centre. So how did she get out? Why did nobody help her? I was standing outside until six in the morning looking for her, and I didn't see her. They told me she died just 50 feet from me.'

Mrs Khalloufi was not found with any burns and it is possible that she died of smoke inhalation, though this has not been confirmed. It is not clear whether she received any first aid.

Mr Abdullah was told by police today that the body of his wife Khadija Khalloufi (left) had been found on the grass only a short distance away from the building

Police have given little information to Mr Abdullah.

However, one theory is that Mrs Khalloufi was swept out of the building in the crowd, past her husband, and died on the grass nearby. It is unclear, however, whether she left the building while her husband was outside or after he had left.

He added: 'How is it possible that she didn't die inside and when she got into the fresh air, she passed away?'

The retired lecturer is in a state of shock and is unable to comprehend how his wife perished while he survived. 'I experienced the same thing, the black smoke, the struggling to get out, but I survived,' he said.

'My wife is younger than me. I am 72, she is 52. She was very active. She was one of my students 30 years ago. How could this happen?'

One theory is that Mrs Khalloufi was swept out of the building in the crowd, past her husband, and died on the grass nearby

Mr Abdullah had tried to lead his wife to safety through the smoke-filled stairwell as they fled their flat on the 17th floor. He had overbalanced and lost her hand in the stampede.

He had been hoping against hope that his wife would be named among the injured, he said. This morning, however, police informed him that she had become the latest victim of the tragedy.

In a heartbreaking interview, Mr Abdullah  whose wife was caring for him full-time on account of his diabetes and heart condition  said: 'We had a 30-year marriage. She was my other half, she was my partner. She was everything.

'Being a retired person, she was the only one to look after me. Thanks to my friends who are all here, but that was my wife. This is a different situation now.

'She was always with me. Someone very important is missing. And why? What did she do? Does she really deserve that?'

Mr Abdullah had been hoping against hope that his wife would be named among the injured

Yesterday, police moved Mr Abdullah to a one-bedroom flat in a nearby old age home and today they informed him that his wife had passed away.

'When I arrived here, I was asking where my wife is going to sleep as there is only a single bed,' he told MailOnline.

Mr Abdullah is waiting to sign the paperwork so that his wife's body can be released

'The police looked at each other and told me to just try it for tonight. Then today they told me she had passed away.'

Mr Abdullah is waiting to sign the paperwork so that his wife's body can be released. Even though she is British, he said, she is going to be buried in Morocco.

'I feel lost. I don't know what's going on. I just want my wife back,' he told MailOnline.

When the fire started, both left their flat in pyjamas and dressing-gowns, having been asleep when the block filled with smoke.

'I said to my wife, put a part of your robe over your nose so you can at least filter it, and I pulled her from the flat,' he said.

'I pulled her from the 17th floor and it was very awkward. People were pushing and forcing you to move because each one was running for his life.

'It was a stampede, with killer smoke. I could see only half a metre in front of me. The noise was indescribable. Not only were people screaming, you could feel that every one of them was very nervous and afraid, scared, wondering what's going on. Nobody was expecting this.

'We were all coughing terribly in the black smoke. There was a mixture of people, mainly adults but some children.

When he got to the 15th floor, Mr Abdullah realised his wife was missing. Concluding that she must be making her own way down, he followed the crowd down through the building

'I thought, OK, my wife is behind me. All I need to do is keep my hand in her hand and the other hand over my nose.

'But how could I keep my balance? They kept pushing me left and right, how could I balance?

Mr Abdullah described his wife as 'wonderful and generous'

'I found myself letting go of her hand and putting my hand on the rail. I thought she was safe behind me.

'I couldn't keep hold of her hand and keep my balance,' he added. 'I had to let go. I can't say exactly what happened next because I couldn't see anything. I never had a head at that time. It was crazy.'

When he got to the 15th floor, Mr Abdullah realised his wife was missing. Concluding that she must be making her own way down, he followed the crowd down through the building.

'Thereafter, I didn't care. I thought she was downstairs,' he said. 'I was pushing other people, doing exactly the same thing as them. I felt like I was behaving like an animal, but everybody was the same. Everybody was panicking.

'When people fell on the floor, we pulled them up and carried on.'

When he got out of the building, he was shocked to see that his wife was nowhere to be seen.

The fire at Grenfell Tower in North Kensington, West London, has claimed at least 30 lives

'A police officer told me to get out of the way. I told him my wife was missing, and he pushed me. It was not a graceful push. I fell over, cutting my feet.'

The rest of the night, he said, was a blur. 'I don't know if it's today or yesterday. I can't concentrate on anything,' he said. It's not easy, I can't sleep last night. But when it got to five, automatically I slept.'

Mr Abdullah described his wife as 'wonderful and generous'. They met when she attended one of his lectures in Business Studies at Kensington and Chelsea Colleges 28 years ago, he added.

'We were married for 28 years, wonderful, wonderful years,' he told MailOnline. 'We have two stepchildren.'

A friend of the family said: 'When you look at Khadija, she's full of life with a big heart. She is such a humble person, very welcoming. She opens her home to you, when you go to their house, she can't stop feeding you.

'She is a very generous person, very pure. She supports a lot of people in their lives. She cares for neighbours and everyone and loves her husband and stepchildren very much.'
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Former Labor leader Mark Latham has launched a petition against curtains that have been put up around a Sydney pool to cater for Muslim women saying 'public services must be available to all the public.'

In a post on The Rebel Latham suggests the expected traditions within a public swimming pool are being 'threatened' after Cumberland Council in Western Sydney erected a curtained partition to allow the women to swim in private.

'Islamic women are on one side of the curtain, the rest of the community on the other,' his text states.

'This is local government Sharia Law: changing the rules at Auburn pool to enforce the teachings of the Koran  that Islamic women should not show bare flesh to men.'

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A Sydney council have been criticised by angry locals for erecting a curtain (pictured) for a ladies-only swimming session

Former federal Labor leader Mark Latham asked if curtains for Muslim women was a step towards drapes at Bondi Beach

He believes if women have self-image issues, they need to take responsibility for that by wearing a burkini.

The media personality recently stated that putting up curtains at a Sydney public swimming pool to cater for Muslim women is a step towards putting drapes around section of Bondi Beach - as an Islamic sheikh likened it to imposing sharia law in Australia's suburbs.

The council-run Auburn Ruth Everuss Aquatic Centre in the city's west has installed a retractable curtain around one of its three pools so women can swim privately during two set time slots on Wednesdays, infuriating many residents who said it was like 'segregation'.

The organiser of the swim group, Yusra Metwally, said the idea behind the sessions was to 'accommodate people who wouldn't otherwise swim at a beach, or swim in a swimming pool because they don't feel comfortable'.

Adelaide shia imam Sheikh Mohammad Tawhidi says the pool curtains for Muslim women are part of sharia law which forbids a strange man from seeing the body of another woman

However Mr Latham, a former federal Labor leader, said it set an awful precedent and undermined Australia's egalitarian values about people from all different backgrounds mixing together.

'Where does it end? What's the next step? Down at Bondi Beach, we're going to have some curtained-off area, or something, it's just ridiculous,' he told Daily Mail Australia on Wednesday.

While Mr Latham supported the right of Muslim women to swim in a burkini, he said councils were bowing to left-wing demands to protect minority groups instead of encouraging individuals to come to terms with their modesty issues.

'It's not going to be very helpful for Islamic integration into the broader Australian community,' he said.

'Enclaves are a disaster for Australian multiculturalism. It becomes monocultural.'

There are even critics within the Muslim community, with Adelaide Shia imam Sheikh Mohammad Tawhidi likening the swimming pool policy to sharia law.

'It is part of sharia law that a strange man must not see the body of another woman, therefore they are installing the curtains,' he told Daily Mail Australia.

Sheikh Tawhidi said religious Muslims should build 'Muslim-only swimming pools for themselves' rather than have their laws imposed on non-Muslims.

'Ruth Everuss Aquatic Centre is not an Islamic swimming pool, therefore they should not be accepting of such an idea in the first place,' he said.

'The Muslim community can afford a private swimming pool for themselves that observes their sharia laws.'

Some locals have slammed the idea as 'segregation,' saying the women are receiving 'special treatment'.

The Auburn Ruth Everuss Aquatic Centre in the city's west has installed the retractable curtain around one of its three pools

'These communities should be encouraged to integrate and uphold the values of equality and respect not division and segregation paid for by taxes and council rates,' one woman wrote.

Anthony McIntosh, manager of the centre's operator Belgravia Leisure, said the covering for the swimming pool's glass walls was intended to make Muslim women more comfortable with aquatic activities.

Behind the curtain, Muslim women who wear a hijab would be able to swim in whatever attire they feel comfortable instead of a modesty suit or burkini.

Ms Metwally said other swimmers would not be affected as the other pools would be open to everyone during the session times.

'We had a record number of people drown at the end of last year which matches up with the road fatalities,' she said.

'So if we can have more women who are water-safe, that's surely a good thing.'

The organiser of the swim group, Yusra Metwally, said the idea behind the sessions is to 'accommodate people who wouldn't otherwise swim at a beach, or swim in a swimming pool because they don't feel comfortable'

Richard McIntosh, manager of the centre's operator Belgravia Leisure, said the covering for the swimming pool's glass walls was intended to make Muslim women more comfortable

Some locals have slammed the idea as 'segregation,' saying the women are receiving 'special treatment'

Muslim women who wear a hijab would be able to swim in whatever attire they feel comfortable instead of a modesty suit or burkini

Ms Metwally said the group, Swim Sisters, have a lot of women attend wearing a modesty suit or burkini

Cumberland Council general manager Malcolm Ryan told Daily Mail Australia female lifeguards are present during the women's only swim sessions.

'Council has a responsibility to cater for the needs of its community,' he said.

'The curtains, which are retractable and can be used or not used at any time, ensure we have provided a space that is accessible to and inclusive for all'.

The pool is also used for children's swimming classes and use by the elderly, people with a disability and patients having hydrotherapy or physiotherapy, who may prefer additional privacy during their use of the pool.

It is not only used by Muslim women and can be used by any women.

The retractable curtain has been put up at Auburn Ruth Everuss Aquatic Centre in the city's west

Cumberland Council General Manager, Malcolm Ryan, told Daily Mail Australia female lifeguards are present during the Women's Only swim sessions

The Auburn Ruth Everuss Aquatic Centre in the city's west has installed the retractable curtain around one of its three pools

Muslim women who wear a hijab would be able to swim in whatever attire they feel comfortable instead of a modesty suit or burkini (stock image)

Cumberland Council General Manager, Malcolm Ryan, told Daily Mail Australia female lifeguards are present during the Women's Only swim sessions

Ms Metwally said although she is an avid swimmer, she 'didn't like swimming in a burkini and for a long time.'

'I remember when I was younger I was told by a lifeguard that my clothes weren't appropriate for the pool  you feel like you are being policed and that you stand out.

'Some women are worried that what they wear in the pool can expose them to questions, comments or stares.'

A Sydney council have been criticised by angry locals for erecting a curtain (pictured) for a ladies-only swimming session
Janet Jackson has been seen outside the High Court in London as her divorce battle gets under way.

She split from her multi-millionaire husband just months after giving birth to her first child at the age of 50.

The pop-star sister of the late Michael Jackson wed Qatari businessman Wissam Al Mana in 2012 and their son, Eissa, was born on January 3.

Her recent retreat from the limelight  and the postponement of her Unbreakable world tour last year involving 36 gruelling stadium shows  had been put down to contentment with her marriage.

Janet Jackson has been seen outside the High Court in London as her divorce battle gets under way

Confirming their separation last month, Jackson said in a video posted on Twitter: 'Yes, I separated from my husband. We are in court. And the rest is in God's hands'

Jackson, pictured, split from her multi-millionaire husband just months after giving birth to her first child at the age of 50

Janet Jackson, pictured left, wed Qatari businessman Wissam Al Mana, pictured right, in 2012

When the couple married, there was much speculation, never confirmed, that Ms Jackson had converted to Islam, fuelled by her appearance at the time in a head scarf

Janet Jackson was all smiles outside the High Court in London today

The hearing is understood to have been held in private. Jackson looked delighted as she exited the court

The couple could not have looked more different as they exited the court today.

Wissam Al Manna looked sombre and was alone when he made his way out of a side entrance of the court.

He cut a lonely figure in comparison to Janet who left the building in great spirits with an entourage that included her brother Randi, her assistant and her legal team.

Confirming their separation last month, Jackson said in a video posted on Twitter: 'I just want to keep it real with you guys for a second.

'Yes, I separated from my husband. We are in court. And the rest is in God's hands.'

The hearing is understood to have been held in private.

Janet who left the building in great spirits with an entourage that included her brother Randi, her assistant and her legal team

There were rumours of a split within days of her sons birth, when she was seen in public without a wedding ring but these were discounted at the time

Jackson individually hugged her entourage outside the court in London

She was driven to the High Court in the back of a dark vehicle and met her legal team

In contrast to her husband, Jackson was in high spirits - while he cut a much more sombre figure

When the couple married, there was much speculation, never confirmed, that Ms Jackson had converted to Islam, fuelled by her appearance in a head scarf.

There were rumours of a split within days of her sons birth, when she was seen in public without a wedding ring but these were discounted at the time.

The singer was briefly married to singer James DeBarge in 1984 but the pair split the following year and the marriage was later annulled.

Her second husband was Mexican back-up dancer Rene Elizondo.

The couple wed in 1991 but divorced in 2000, with Ms Jackson paying him a reported $10 million (around 8 million).

Rather than being surrounded by an enormous entourage, Al Manna was spotted checking his phone

Wearing a dark suit, he made a quick exit from the High Court

He was also seen holding prayer beads outside the building in central London

In court papers filed as part of their divorce, Elizondo claimed she was paranoid about privacy and pretended the couple were boyfriend and girlfriend throughout their marriage because she wanted me out of the limelight.

He said she refused to give him songwriting credits on her Rhythm Nation album because my involvement had to be kept secret to protect her image.

Ms Jackson has claimed that their marriage was destroyed by his alleged addiction to prescription drugs.

In an interview after the end of her second marriage, the singer spoke about her conviction she might be unlucky in love.

I thought I was jinxed, she said. Maybe marriage isnt for me? Maybe its my fault it never works.

I was always faithful. When it was over, I put up shields to protect myself from being hurt.

It was reported she gained up to 100lbs (7 stone) during her pregnancy.
A Connecticut high school arranged for a private graduation ceremony for one of its seniors who suffered from bullying at the hands of her classmates.

Mackenzie Torcello, a student in Lyman Hall High School's Class of 2017, will not be participating in commencement ceremonies on Friday evening.

Instead, school administrators organized her very own graduation ceremony attended by her teachers and other officials in the town of Wallingford, Connecticut, on Wednesday, according to Fox 61.

Torcello, who was on the Autism spectrum, has been hesitant to participate in events with her peers going back to middle school.

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A Connecticut high school arranged for a private graduation ceremony for one of its seniors, Mackenzie Torcello (above), who suffered from bullying at the hands of her classmates

School administrators organized her very own graduation ceremony attended by her teachers and other officials in the town of Wallingford, Connecticut on Wednesday. Torcello is seen above receiving her diploma from a school administrator

'The bullying, the making fun of, the name calling, the just, I didn't feel comfortable being near them,' Torcello said of her fellow classmates

'The bullying, the making fun of, the name calling, the just, I didn't feel comfortable being near them,' she told Fox 61.

She said she has been made to feel 'terrible, like worthless' because of the teasing.

The harassment was so abusive that school officials exempted her from attending class and instead provided her with a tutor at the local library during her senior year.

The family was moved by the school's gesture to arrange a private graduation for Torcello.

'Her teachers were there. Her counselors were there. It was a really, it was just really a great day,' her mother, Priscilla Torcello, said.

Torcello, a student in Lyman Hall High School's Class of 2017, will not be participating in commencement ceremonies on Friday evening

She said she has been made to feel 'terrible, like worthless' because of the teasing. The harassment was so abusive that school officials exempted her from attending class and instead provided her with a tutor at the local library during her senior year

'This went a long way not only with her but with our family in how we view the school system because they didn't have to do that.'

'I felt special,' Mackenzie Torcello said.

'They did it. They went out of their way just to do it for me.'

She says she is planning to pursue a career in still photography.
American filmmaker Oliver Stone, who interviewed Russian President Vladimir Putin over two years, says Australia is 'not an ally but a hostage' of the US.

The Oscar winning film maker also said the world is heading for a nuclear war and Australia is under threat.

Stone interviewed Vladimir Putin twelve times for a documentary titled The Putin Interviews.

American filmmaker Oliver Stone (pictured), who interviewed Russian President Vladimir Putin over two years, says Australia is 'not an ally but a hostage' of the US

Stone interviewed Vladimir Putin six times for a documentary titled 'The Putin Interviews

The Oscar winning film maker also said the world is heading for a nuclear war and Australia is under threat (stock image)

From the interviews the filmmaker said he was able to see 'from the other side' what the West was preparing.

He said the build-up of weapons used as 'defence shields' made the possibility of a nuclear accident very real.

'I do believe that could happen, an accident, and number two is the American policy is ultimately one of looking for a first strike option like they did in the old days of the 1960s, where they talk about taking out the Russian capability first,' Stone told The Daily Telegraph.

'He (Vladimir Putin) makes the point that all these countries (like Australia) are vessels or you might even say hostages but they are not allies because the United States listens in on all its allies.'

Stone said Australia was in too 'thick and deep' with the US and their stance against Russia.

He likened this to the way former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott threatened to shirt front Putin over Russian-backed military involvement in the shooting down of flight MH17.

'I saw that (the Abbott shirt front threat), it was typical of the bellicose Anglo Saxon reaction to anybody that challenges your superiority,' he said.

Former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott threatened to shirt front Putin over Russian-backed military involvement in the shooting down of flight MH17
A six-year-old girl died after her kindergarten teacher wrapped her mouth with sellotape to stop her talking too much, a father has revealed.

The devastated parent, from China, accused the school and the girl's teacher in a social media post on June 12.

The girl, named Guo Jintong, allegedly died in her kindergarten after the morning exercise on the same day.

Guo Jintong (pictured) is said to have died after her teacher taped her mouth in China

She was a pupil at the Huadian Experimental Kindergarten (pictured), according to her father

The father described the incident on Weibo, a Chinese social media platform.

According to the post, six-year-old Guo Jintong was a pupil at the Huadian Experimental Kindergarten in the city of Huadian, Jiin Province.

The man claimed that Jintong's teacher had accused the girl of talking too much during the morning exercise.

After the Jintong and her classmates went back to the classroom, the teacher sealed the girl's mouth with glue and sellotape.

The girl's father claimed she died after being punished by her teacher, who thought she had talked too much during the morning exercise on June 12. The father posted pictures of her on his social media account along with the story

Jintong is said to be sent to the kindergarten's clinic soon afterwards and she died around 40 minutes after her mouth had been taped.

The man also claimed that when the ambulance arrived, his daughter had been dead for 30 minutes.

The angry father wrote that Huandian's authority tried to bury the news, and neither the city's supervising department or the police bureau had been able to given him an explanation.

In a later post, the parent claimed a teacher, named Ju Chunwei, as the one who allegedly taped his daughter's mouth.

The post (above) also said that ambulance arrived 30 minutes after the girl had died

According to a statement issued by the internet information centre of Huadian, an ambulance was sent to the kindergarten at 10:19am on June 12.

Teachers at the kindergarten sent the girl to the clinic after realising she had been twitching. The school informed the girl's grandfather, who accompanied her to the hospital.

The girl was said to be pronounced dead at around 11am at the hospital after resuscitation had failed.

The statement, however, did not reveal whether or not the girl had had been taped on the mouth. It didn't mention if she had been accused of talking too much, either.

According to the statement, the case is under further investigation.

China News reported that the teacher in question had been suspended by the kindergarten.
A taxpayer funded study has made the audacious claim that Australians need to show 'cultural sensitivity' towards migrant men who physically abuse their wife and children.

The study conducted over a three year period was funded by the Australian Research Council and points out that some human rights affect migrants' integration and 'successful settlement in Australia', specifically those in relation to women and children.

The study refers to some refugees claiming that these rights 'contravene the cultural values, norms and mores' of their ethnic groups, according to The Daily Telegraph.

Minister for Women Michaelia Cash has shown strong resistance to any form of domestic violence, stressing its unacceptable in any situation

What was most upsetting for many refugees was the strong stance Australians had when it came to domestic violence (stock image)

Yet the study has faced strong resistance in the shape of federal Minister for Women Michaelia Cash who has stated Australia is categorically against family violence.

'Violence against women is unacceptable in any circumstances,' Ms Cash told The Saturday Telegraph.

The study has however called for 'cultural sensitivity and understanding of the impact on male refugees' who suffer a sense of separation and an overwhelming feeling of disappointment when their views are repulsed by society.

The report did point out refugees' appreciation for the factors of Australian life such as healthcare and education that were not available to them in their home nations, yet a 'major point of contention' was the differing views on women's and children's rights.

What was most upsetting for many refugees was the strong stance Australians had when it came to domestic violence.

It will be this Australian ethos that will repel the study's findings with many in union with Prevention of Domestic Violence Minister Pru Goward who insists wife beaters must 'change their ways.'

Prevention of Domestic Violence Minister Pru Goward who insists wife beaters must 'change their ways'

Many in Australia showed strong resistance to Sydney primary school teacher Reem Allouche telling the women's arm of hardline political group Hizb ut-Tahrir that men are permitted to hit women with sticks

The study which was orchestrated by UNSW that the issue of domestic violence could be worsened if male refugees are ignored

A recent example of the nation's position on the matter was its reaction towards Sydney primary school teacher Reem Allouche telling the women's arm of hardline political group Hizb ut-Tahrir that men are permitted to hit women with sticks.

The practice was widely condemned across Australia with Ms Cash again denouncing the violence.

The research has come at a time of migrant change, where Malcolm Turnbull's government has tightened immigration by implementing an 'Australian values' test for hopefuls in search of citizenship.

The government has been accused of 'racial profiling' after grilling prospective citizens on domestic violence and forced marriage, with The Settlement Council of Australia raising concern.

The study which was orchestrated by UNSW that the issue of domestic violence could be worsened if male refugees are ignored.

It also argues that women and children who do make attempts to adopt an Australian way of life and its values will be 'cruelly punished'.

Many migrant victims of the abuse are oblivious to the support they can receive or avenues they can take to rectify their problems such as divorce according to Shakti migrant women's support group national co-ordinator Tamana Mirzada.

'Often they don't have the capacity to leave,' Ms Mirzada revealed.

She also pointed out seeking help indicates weakness in a marriage, something which is strongly frowned upon within their community.

Ms Cash did reiterate the constant efforts to provide ongoing support for migrant women who need it.
The USS Carl Vinson arrived in Hawaii following a six-month deployment in the Pacific operating alongside the Republic of Korea Navy and the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force.

The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier left San Diego on January 5 for its deployment, alongside the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser Lake Champlain and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Michael Murphy and Wayne E. Meyer.

Family members of the Vinson's crew will go on a short cruise and witness an air power demonstration.

Machinist's Mate 3rd Class Tucker Casey from Marysville, Washington, whose father is a retired Navy captain said: 'I'm excited to be pulling into Hawaii after an extended time at sea and meeting up with my father, who is joining the ship for the Tiger Cruise. Having my dad on board is something I've been looking forward to and I think it will be a great experience for us both.'
A Baptist minister was found dead and burned beside his church Friday morning.

The charred body of Rev. Michael Dean Walworth, 55, was discovered on the ground between the First Missionary Baptist Church and his house beside it in Chickasha, Oklahoma.

Chickasha Police Department Lt Scott Weaver said the pastor was found around 7.45am Friday and pronounced dead at the scene.

The charred body of Rev. Michael Dean Walworth, 55, pictured, was discovered on the ground between his church and his house in Chickasha, Oklahoma

Chickasha Police Department Lt Scott Weaver said the pastor was found around 7.45am Friday beside his church, First Missionary Baptist Church, pictured

Officials are investigating the cause of Walworth's death and how his body was burned.

They do not know whether he was killed by the fire, or if his body was set on fire after he was killed, News 9 reported.

Courtesy of KOCO

Police had blocked off the church property and the property with the house beside it on Friday after they found the body.

Investigators say they believe the pastor's death is an isolated incident and that the public is not in danger.

Walworth, pictured, was pronounced dead at the scene. One of his neighbors described him as 'a great guy' who cared about his neighbors and could cross religious and political lines

One of the pastor's neighbors was upset at hearing the news of his death.

'We'd have countless conversations, religious, politics,' the neighbor told KOKH.

'He was a great guy to be able to reach across lines like that. You know, seeing somebody's having a bad day and having a joke to cheer them up.

'People like that, they're rare.'

A police statement read: 'The thoughts and prayers of the members of the Chickasha Police Department are with the family and friends of Pastor Michael Walworth during this most difficult time.'



Chickasha Police had blocked off the church property and the property with the house beside it on Friday after they found the body
Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Yu Hong (2nd L in front) and Foreign Secretary of Nepal Shanker Das Bairagi (2nd R in front) sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Kathmandu, Nepal, on May 12, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua]

After passing his mantle on to Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba, former prime minister and CPN-Maoist Center Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda is basking in the glory of the "success" of his 10-month tenure as the head of government.

Prachanda had become prime minister by unceremoniously toppling former PM and CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli, who had become a bete noire of India for two reasons. First, Oli led the constitution-making process from the front, defying India's desire to be a stakeholder in Nepal's domestic politics. Second, he stood up to the Indian embargo imposed in the wake of a devastating earthquake and entered historic trade and transit accords with China.

Former PM Prachanda claimed to have scored a string of gains during his short term, but the execution of his foreign policies has come under critical scrutiny.

Immediately after taking office, Prachanda openly advocated a new tilt towards India, arguably to "balance" Nepal's foreign relations with the two neighbors. His flirtation with the southern neighbor was reflected in Point No 11 of a 25-point joint communique signed by the Nepalese and Indian prime ministers during PM Prachanda's visit to India in mid-September 2016. It reads, "The two Prime Ministers believe that both countries hold similar views on major international issues, including the comprehensive reforms of the UN and other international organizations, affecting the developing countries and work in close coordination with each other in the United Nations and other international fora."

Nepal and India don't hold similar views on key international issues given their dissimilar goals and priorities. The two nations vastly differ in size of economy, population and geography. The controversial statement undermined the country's independent foreign policies based on the principles of non-alignment, Panchsheel (five principles of peaceful coexistence) and the UN Charter.

The postponement of Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Nepal was largely due to his apathy. With the deferment of Xi's visit, Nepal saw a huge amount of aid and Chinese investment slip through its fingers. Similarly, he demonstrated a sheer disregard for the signing of China's Belt & Road Initiative (BRI) for months.

In order to mitigate his embarrassment, he finally inked the MoU on the BRI at the end of his tenure. It was a big achievement of his premiership, but critics argue Nepal put conditions in it to meet the interest of other foreign powers. He also hurt Nepal's nonalignment foreign policy when his government issued a statement against Pakistan in the wake of the postponement of the SAARC Summit in 2016.

The growing anti-Chinese activities taking place under his nose were a disgrace to the conduct of his foreign policies. His ally and incumbent PM Sher Bahadur Deuba shared a forum with representatives of the Dalai Lama in India last year. Just a few weeks ago, a climber waved the flag of free Tibet on the peak of Mt Everest. Prachanda's failure to contain pro-Tibetan activities raised questions regarding his commitment to a One-China policy.

Nonetheless, his positive steps to improve relations with China helped him remove the label of pro-Indian PM and enhance his image at home. The joint military drill between the Nepal Army and the People's Liberation Army, his meeting with Chinese President Xi in Beijing, the signing with the BRI, the commitment of investment by Chinese investors and the awarding of the Budhi Gandaki Hydropower Project to China Gezhouba Group Corporation were some notable developments undertaken by Prachanda to bring Nepal-China relations back on track during his tenure.

Foreign affairs expert Hiranya Lal Shrestha says that in the beginning Prachanda tilted towards India to secure his position, but in the latter months he succeeded in maintaining balanced relations with neighbors.

"Prachanda has shown that unlike Bhutan, Nepal should not be seen to be in India's pocket," he said, adding that the government of Narendra Modi tried to use the Dalai Lama to sour Nepal-China relations.

According to him, Nepal's commitment to the One-China policy is beyond question, but shortcomings lie in its effective implementation. However, Dr Upendra Gautam terms the foreign policies of Prachanda as "manipulative." "Prachanda brought into play the manipulative foreign policies that are not based on broader national interest. Rather they are guided by strategy to appease neighbors to meet personal or partisan interests," notes Dr. Gautam, general secretary of the China Study Centre.

Ritu Raj Subedi is an associate editor of The Rising Nepal.

Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn.
Bathers in Brazil have been savaged in a wave of horrific attacks by piranhas scavenging for food near popular holiday resorts.

Scores of tourists have complained to local authorities are not doing enough to warn of the threats of shoals of the predatory fish.

Last Saturday a young woman had a chunk of flesh bitten out of the sole of her foot by the omnivorous six-inch red-eye species after swimming off the Praia de Cristo in north east Brazil.

Tourists have complained that local authorities are not doing enough to remind them of the threats of the shoals of predatory fish

The 22-year-old was rushed to hospital suffering from shock and heavy blood loss from the open wound.

She is the sixth person to be attacked by white piranha in the region this month and one of over forty since the beginning of this year.

In May, Daniele Cardosa, 28, was holidaying with her husband and five-year-old daughter on the shores of the San Francisco River in Pernambuco, when one of the lethal predators sunk its razor-sharp jaws onto the second toe of her right foot.

A traumatised Mrs Cardosa said: 'I was only in the water for a few minutes when I felt a severe pain.

Last Sunday a 22-year-old woman had a bite taken out of her foot (left), while Daniele Cardosa (right) was bitten on her second toe

'I screamed out thinking I had trodden on something. But when I pulled up my foot a piranha fell off and I saw a bunch of fish swimming close by.

'There was a lot of blood and I ran out of the water as fast as I could. I almost lost my toe to the bite because it was so deep it came close to the bone.

'Luckily, I had only gone into the shallow end of the river. It was as if they were waiting for me to move in deeper. If I had it could have been worse.'

The saleswoman said the area, popular with families and young children, has had numerous reported attacks but tourists were not being warned to stay out of the water.

She added: 'I was shocked to discover I wasn't the first person affected when a waiter rushed over carrying a first aid box and told me loads of other people had been bitten.

'It's outrageous that local restaurant owners gave us no information about the threat of piranhas and there are no warning signs put up by the local authority.'

There have been numerous reported of piranha attacks over the last few months

Mrs Cardosa has recovered after being treated at hospital. She has lodged a formal complaint with the council and may take legal action.

'I will never go to the place again, the risks are too high for me and my family,' she vowed.

Petrolina local authority, which is responsible for the area, denied it had a problem with piranha attacks but said it would be monitoring the situation to establish if the area 'should have restricted use'.

The local authority has denied that there is a problem with piranha attacks

Screens are meant to protect bathers from piranhas on the Tocantins river

In Tocantins, central north Brazil, at least 12 bathers on Praia de Coco were victims of the man-eating fish during April this year.

The resort on the banks of the Tocantins river in has protection screens set in deeper stretches of the water which are meant to provide a zoned off, safer area for swimming.

But according to locals, the screens have been breached by powerful jaw red-bellied piranhas as the rains have raised river levels.

However locals report that the screens have been breached by the red-bellied piranhas

Scientists have blamed deforestation and the reduction in the flow of the San Francisco river for the increased piranha attacks

One of the victims, Antonia Rejane Oliveira, said she and her 19-year-old son were cooling their feet in the water as they sat around tables placed in the shallows when they were both bitten.

She said: 'I felt a nip on my toe and when I lifted it there was blood. We left immediately because we knew our wounds would attract more fish.

Babaculandia mayor, Aleno Dias Guimaraes, admitted sections of the protection screens had been cut and damaged.

He added the smell of food from restaurants on the banks of the river is also to blame for attracting the lethal freshwater fish.

'We have warned chefs to keep their barbeque grills well away from the water's edge but the smell brings the creatures in and people make the situation worse by throwing scraps of food into the water,' Mr Guimaraes said.

Chefs have been warned to keep their barbecue grills away from the water's edge

This is not the first time the beach has recorded attacks for the year. In January, three people were treated at the city's health centre suffering from bites to their toes.

Many said they have complained to the local authority about insufficient warning and lack of protection from the ferocious beasts.

Last year there were over 50 reported cases of piranha attacks.

Environmentalists claim deforestation and reduction in the natural flow of the river are largely to blame for piranha aggression in the San Francisco River.

They also cite an imbalance in the food chain in other rivers, alleging over-fishing of other species has left the predators with a shortage of food and schools are increasingly scavenging along the banks of the rivers in search of a meal.

Piranha's possess one of the most fearsome reputations. The predators can smell blood up to two miles away, devour cattle to the bone in a matter of minutes, and pound for pound their sharp toothed bite is more powerful than a great white shark's and three time stronger than an alligator's.
John William Beaumont was sentenced to 16 years in prison

A man who duped teenagers into thinking they had radiation poisoning from Chernobyl before injecting them in the genitals has been jailed for 16 years.

John William Beaumont, 59, posed as a doctor and a Ministry of Defence worker in order to persuade his victims to let him examine them.

He told his victims they had potentially been contaminated by the 1986 nuclear disaster - despite them never visiting the area in what is now the Ukraine.

Beaumont would get them to undress before inserting hypodermic needles into the victims' arms, neck and genitals under the guise of taking samples.

In one case, he also used a Geiger counter to 'check' for radiation, whilst he injected another victim in her genitals with what is now believed to be water.

The abuse, which happened more than 20 years ago, came to light after the now-adult victims came forward to police in 2014.

Beaumont, from Bury, Lancashire, pleaded guilty to one count of assault and nine counts of indecent assault against two children and a woman between 1986 and 1996.

He was sentenced to 16 years imprisonment Friday at Manchester Minshull Crown Court.

Beaumont would undress his victims before inserting hypodermic needles into his victim's arms, neck and genitals

As part of enquiries, it was revealed Beaumont had previously been convicted for similar offences dating back 30 years in Scotland.

Speaking after the sentence, Detective Constable Debra Gallagher, from Bury's Specialist Protective Services team said: 'In my career as a detective I have never dealt with a case as unusual at this one and I will never comprehend how anyone could use such tragic circumstances to manipulate and abuse people.

'Beaumont went to extreme lengths to convince these victims they could have radiation poisoning by spinning a web of lies including a false identity of working for the Ministry of Defence.

Beaumont convinced his victims that they had been poisoned by radiation after the 1986 Chernobyl disaster

'He even placed the Geiger counter in the room to make his examinations appear legitimate and told the victims the samples would be sent away for tests.

'Beaumont was able to carry out these sickening assaults which were uncomfortable and painful by abusing their trust and scarring them.

'These victims had no reason to doubt him and were extremely vulnerable.

'It took huge bravery coming forward to police and words can't begin to describe what they have been through.

At Minshull Street Crown Court, Judge Paul Lawton was told that Beaumont had convictions for more than 40 similar offences he carried out in Scotland during the 1970s and 1980s

'They should be incredibly proud of themselves for the courage they have shown throughout this case.

'I can only hope this sentencing today has gone some way to providing them with comfort.'

Beaumount claimed to be a trainee minister with the Church of Scotland, however a spokesperson denied this.

They said: 'We have checked our historical records and are unable to locate any reference to this individual or establish any connection he may have had to the Church.'
A 'liberal mosque' where all Muslims can pray together regardless of their gender, sexuality or branch of Islam has opened in Germany.

The Ibn Rushd-Goethe mosque, which is housed inside a Protestant church in Berlin, is the first of its kind in the country.

Sunni and Shiite believers are encouraged to preach alongside one another and women will not be allowed to wear veils.

Women's rights activist Seyran Ates, who has campaigned for a progressive place of worship for Muslims in Germany for eight years, said: 'I couldn't be more euphoric, it's a dream come true. This project was long overdue.

The Ibn Rushd-Goethe mosque, which is housed inside a Protestant church in Berlin, is the first of its kind in Germany

Women's rights activist Seyran Ates leads the prayer in the mosque

More than 4 million Muslims live in Germany, the majority from Turkey but also from the Balkans, the Middle East and Northern Africa

'There's so much Islamist terror and so much evilness happening in the name of my religion ... it's important that we, the modern and liberal Muslims, also show our faces in public.'

Ms Ates told Der Spiegel newspaper that headscarves are banned at the mosque.

'No one will be let in with a niqab or burqa veil,' she said.'This is for security reasons and also it is our belief that full-face veils have nothing to do with religion, but rather are a political statement.'

More than 4 million Muslims live in Germany, the majority from Turkey but also from the Balkans, the Middle East and Northern Africa.

Most started coming to Germany in the 1960s as workers to help rebuild the economy after World War II. While it was Germany's intention to send them home after a few years, many stayed and brought over their families.

More recently, Germany has taken in more than 1 million refugees since 2015, most of them Muslims from war-torn countries like Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Relations between the country's majority Christian population and the Muslim minority traditionally have been complicated.

They have been strained by several terror attacks in Germany by Muslims in the name of the extremist Islamic State group.

Sunni and Shiite believers are encouraged to preach alongside one another and women will not be allowed to wear veils

Police officers are posted at the entrance of the Ibn Rushd-Goethe-mosque. Ms Ates waved aside any potential worries about threats or criticism from more conservative Muslims

Raids on, and bans of, radical Muslim associations and arrests of extremist suspects have become commonplace.

Ms Ates said the new mosque will be a place of liberalism where everyone is welcome and equal. Women will not have to wear headscarves, can preach as imams and call the faithful to prayer just like men.

'There won't be any hate preaching against democracy here,' Ms Ates said. Instead, followers can express doubt about their beliefs and approach their religion with sense and reason instead of blind devotion, she said.

Ms Ates waved aside any potential worries about threats or criticism from more conservative Muslims.

The mosque currently housed in a room on the third floor of the St Johannes Lutheran church

'I've received a few messages via social media, mostly full of expletives,' she said. 'But 95 percent of the feedback has been beautiful and positive.'

The mosque's name combines the names of medieval Andalusian philosopher Ibn Rushd and German writer Johann Wolfgang Goethe.

It is currently housed in a room on the third floor of the St Johannes Lutheran church.

In the future, Ms Ates and colleagues dream of building a real mosque with several prayer rooms for believers of all the different Islamic sects as well as an academy devoted to the education of liberal imams, male and female.

Ates herself preached at the opening ceremony on Friday.

'I will start studying Islamic theology and Arabic in Berlin this fall,' she said beforehand. 'I want to become an imam myself.'
Fox News host Tucker Carlson missed his Thursday night show after he went to the hospital with appendicitis.

Ed Henry took over the 8pm show, which went ahead and aired Carlson's interview with Frank Warmbier, father of the released North Korean detainee Otto Warmbier.

CNN anchor Jake Tapper wished Tucker a speedy recovery on Twitter, but his followers did not share in his sympathy, with one man writing: 'If I were an internal organ I'd want to get the F out of Tucker too.'

Fox News host Tucker Carlson missed out on his Thursday night show after he was diagnosed with appendicitis

Ed Henry took over the 8pm show on Thursday, while Dana Perino is set to host Tucker Carlson Tonight on Friday

Carlson's pre-taped interview with Frank Warmbier, father of the released North Korean detainee Otto Warmbier, went ahead and aired on Thursday night

On Friday morning, Tapper wished Carlson a 'speedy recovery' - even though Twitter users did not share in his good will

Carlson had a fever, and his doctor urged him to go to the hospital, where he was diagnosed with appendicitis, Mediaite reported.

The condition, which can lead to death if not treated in time, usually requires the inflamed appendix to be surgically removed.

A Fox News spokesperson confirmed the medical emergency and said: 'Tucker is now being treated for appendicitis. He is in good spirits and expects to back on the air soon.' Dana Perino will take over for Tucker on Friday night.

On Friday morning, Tapper tweeted: 'Get well soon to @TuckerCarlson -- hoping for a speedy recovery!'

While some Twitter users credited Tapper for being 'classy', others were happy to use it as an opportunity to knock the FOX News host.

Not everyone was sympathetic. But the response then faced a backlash from people like Alana Mastrangelo, who called liberals 'appalling'

User @suzg2017 wrote, 'All that regurgitating venom finally needed a way out' while Myra Parker tweeted: 'Hope he has better insurance than the @GOP is offering us.'

Steve Minard chimed in, asking: 'So he's finally having his head surgically removed from his a**?'

User @D_Anthony36 wrote: 'Was hoping he was getting vocal chords removed. Oh well. Hope he gets better soon and takes a long time resting before returning.'

User @a662 pushed back at the response and wrote: 'It's disappointing how quick people are to take feckless jabs when Jake Tapper here is just trying to be genuinely nice and wish him well.'

Alana Mastrangelo, on the other hand, lashed out at liberals, writing: 'Tucker Carlson is in the hospital for appendicitis, and as usual, liberals jump at the opportunity to display how appalling they are.'

Carlson's pre-taped interview with Fred Warmbier aired on Thursday even though the host was in the hospital. The father called North Korea a 'pariah regime'

Warmbier was sentenced to 15 years of hard labor for stealing a poster during a visit to the hermit state. He was released this week, although doctors said much of his brain has died

Carlson's pre-taped interview with Fred Warmbier aired on Thursday even though the host was in the hospital.

In it, Warmbier said: 'They're brutal. There's no sense to anything here. They've crossed a line with my son, Otto.'

He added: 'Otto was terrorized and brutalized for 18 months by a pariah regime in North Korea.

'We are thrilled to have him home. Hes with his family. His mom is with him right now, and Ill be with him later today.'

At a Thursday afternoon press conference, doctors at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center revealed that much of the 22-year-old's brain has died, leaving him without the ability to speak, understand language or even move - besides the occasional fluttering of his eyelids.

The doctors appeared to refute the North Korean regime's account that Warmbier went into a coma after getting botulism a day after he was sentenced to 15 years of hard labor for stealing a poster during a visit to the hermit state.
Jailed for life: Paedophile Paul O'Neill

A retired maths teacher who used webcams to direct and record the 'horrifying and chilling' rape and sexual abuse of girls as young as four in the Philippines has been jailed for life.

Sunday school teacher Paul O'Neill, 57, from Nottinghamshire was told he must serve a minimum of 12 years but may never be released for the unprecedented crimes committed against at least 12 victims over the internet.

The paedophile - who has now quit his post as 'minister with special responsibilities for children' with the New Apostolic Church - pleaded guilty to 30 child sex offences in what is believed to be the first prosecution of its kind.

Nottingham Crown Court heard that the father-of-two preyed on poverty-stricken families from his home, becoming a 'virtual' child rapist during years of sickening abuse.

Passing sentence, Judge Gregory Dickinson QC told O'Neill, of Wollaton Vale, Nottingham: 'You demanded that these little children should suffer pain and degradation.

'This is a case without parallel in the experience of all of us involved - police, counsel and judge.

'Some of these ghastly events you recorded for repeat viewing. I have seen a short compilation - it should reduce any compassionate human being to tears.

'I do not know when it may be safe to release you into the community. A sentence of life imprisonment means that you will not be released unless and until the Parole Board considers that it is safe to do so.'

The court heard O'Neill - who retired from The Becket School in Nottingham last year - arranged the abuse via instant messaging to satisfy his 'fetishes' with child abuse, virginity and incest.

Opening the facts of the case, prosecutor James Varley told the court: 'Mr O'Neill, a retired teacher, a bastion of the local church community and a Sunday school teacher, appeared to be a wholesome married father of two.

'In fact, he had a dark side to him which he kept concealed - he was obsessed with the sexual exploitation of pre-pubescent girls.'

O'Neill, who sat in the dock with his face and body angled away from court reporters and police officers in the public gallery, enjoyed the financial imbalance between him and his victims, the court heard.

The victims - aged between four and 15 - included some from families desperate for cash for medicine and hospital bills.

Nottingham Crown Court heard that the father-of-two preyed on poverty-stricken families from his home, becoming a 'virtual' child rapist

On one occasion, the court was told, O'Neill offered to double his payment if the victim was aged just five.

After the ordained church minister pleaded guilty to offences including three charges of child rape, conspiracy to rape, arranging the commission of child abuse and child prostitution, Mr Varley said: 'It was that (financial) imbalance which allowed him to do what he did.

'There is, it would seem, tragically, an industry in the Philippines whereby very young children are exploited for the titillation of western men over the internet on webcams.

'He was - via text - providing instructions as to what should happen. It is quite chilling in its coldness.'

Other offences admitted by O'Neill included making 3,416 indecent images of children between 2008 and 2016, and possessing a further 2,832 prohibited images when he was arrested in November last year.

After O'Neill's arrest, it became clear that he sent around 6,000 to people in the Philippines and had visited the country, ostensibly as a teacher for a charity.

Following O'Neill's arrest, the New Apostolic Church in the UK said: 'As soon as we became aware of the allegations, O'Neill was instructed to cease all church activities and he subsequently resigned.

'We can confirm that the charges do not relate to the New Apostolic Church in any way.'
The two escaped inmates who were held at gunpoint by a Tennessee homeowner before being arrested made their first court appearances.

Donnie Rowe, 43, and Ricky Dubose, 24, appeared in Rutherford County court in Tennessee on Friday and both waived extradition.

Because they chose to waive extradition, the two men will not have a hearing before being sent back to Georgia.

Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills said the inmates will be brought back to Georgia in the next few days, though he would not say specifically when.

'The gang situation is a concern of ours,' he said.

As soon as the two arrive back in Eatonton, Georgia, they will appear before a Putnam County judge.

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Ricky Dubose (left), 24, and Donnie Russell Rowe (right), 43, appeared in Rutherford County court in Tennessee on Friday, one day after they were captured. They both waived their extradition to Georgia and will be brought back to the state within the next few days

The two men were wanted for killing two guards on a Georgia prison bus before they escaped, leading to a multi-state manhunt that started Tuesday morning.

They were caught on Thursday in the rural community of Christiana, Tennessee, when they tried to steal a homeowner's vehicle and instead, the man held them at gunpoint until police arrived.

'True bravery is what's caused us to stand before you tonight to talk about a successful capture instead of a tragic incident,' Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Director Mark Gwyn said at a news conference. 'So I'm totally grateful to everyone involved.'

The man who held the fugitives at gunpoint before authorities arrived is expected to get a portion of the $130,000 reward from the state of Georgia and from the Putnam County Sheriff's office, AJC reports.

Dubose (left), 24, and Rowe (right), 43, were caught on Thursday after their shocking Tuesday escape from a prison bus, in which they killed two guards

The pair had taken an elderly couple hostage before tying them up, stealing their Jeep and getting involved in a 100mph car chase with police. They crashed, fled and were captured

Earlier in the day, police in nearby Shelbyville had responded to a call about a home invasion, where a couple had been held captive, Georgia Bureau of Investigation spokeswoman Nelly Miles said.

The suspects fled in the couple's vehicle and fired on sheriff's deputies chasing them on Interstate 24 about 50 miles southeast of Nashville, Tennessee, Highway Patrol spokesman Lt. Bill Miller said. Rutherford County Sheriff Michael Fitzhugh said his deputies did not return fire and none of them was injured.

Rowe and Dubose crashed the car and bailed out, running into the woods, Miller said. They then came across a home set back on a long driveway.

Tennessee Highway Patrol Lt. Bill Miller, center, speaks during a news conference held at a truck stop Thursday, June 15

Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Director Mark Gwyn, center, at the briefing

The trooper said the homeowner looked outside and saw the two allegedly trying to steal his car. The man held the two at gunpoint with a neighbor he called for help until the sheriff's department could get there to arrest the fugitives.

The two were being held at the Rutherford County jail.

Georgia Department of Corrections Commissioner Greg Dozier said in a news release that he was relieved the two inmates were captured and no longer a threat to the public.

'They will be brought to justice swiftly for their heinous crime against our officers,' he said, also expressing gratitude to all of the law enforcement officers who provided support and assistance in the search for the two men.

Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal applauded the 'tireless efforts' of law enforcement but also turned his thoughts to the families of the two officers, saying their pain remains.

'We will do everything in our power to support their loved ones, and we will not forget their sacrifice and service,' Deal said.

Tennessee Bureau of Investigation spokesman Josh DeVine said the bureau's agents will take part in processing the scene.

The two men had been on the run since early Tuesday, when they are accused of having killed Sgt. Christopher Monica and Sgt. Curtis Billue.

The rampage began (1) on state highway 16 in Georgia on Tuesday at 6:45am, when Dubose and Rowe killed their guards and carjacked a passerby. (2) At 10:30am, they ransacked a home in Madison and stole clothes. (3) Around 12 hours later, they ditched the car and store a white pickup from a quarry near Madison. They fell off the radar until 2:30pm, when they held an elderly couple hostage in their Shelbyville, Tennesee home for three hours before stealing their Jeep. They were quickly spotted and after a 100mph chase, they crashed on the I-24 (4). They fled on foot but were captured in Christiana, Tennessee, at 7pm

The pair had escaped on Tuesday from a prison bus in Georgia. They were arrested around 200 miles away in Tennessee. In-between, they jacked two cars, stole a third and burgled a house

The two inmates overpowered and disarmed the guards on a bus about 6:45 a.m. Tuesday as 33 inmates were being driven between prisons, authorities have said. One of them fatally shot both guards, and then they jumped out of the bus and carjacked a driver who happened to pull up behind them on state Highway 16 in Putnam County, southeast of Atlanta, authorities said.

The two inmates then fled in the stolen Honda Civic and drove about 25 miles north to Madison, where they ransacked a home, stealing food and clothes and leaving their prison uniforms behind around 10:30 a.m. Tuesday.

Late Tuesday night, about 12 hours after the home burglary, the pair stole a Ford pickup truck from a rock quarry about 9 miles from the burglarized home when the trail had gone cold.

Dubose is seen left in an earlier photo, before he got his distinctive tattoos, and right afterward. Both men were said to be highly dangerous

The FBI announced a tip line and said pictures of the men and information about a $130,000 reward would appear on billboards in multiple states. TBI's Gwyn said Thursday he wasn't sure who would collect the reward.

One of the murdered guards was Christopher Monica (pictured), who had been a prison guard since 2009. He had been working an extra shift to pay for his ill wife

Authorities warned that the men, who had escaped with the guards' 9 mm pistols, were considered very dangerous. Gwyn said investigators believe both weapons have been found at the site where the men crashed the vehicle.

Monica and Billue were transfer sergeants at Baldwin State Prison. Monica had been with the Georgia Department of Corrections since October 2009 and Billue since July 2007.

Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills said the escaped inmates had been inside a secured area of the bus. He said he didn't know how they got through the locked cage to overpower the guards.

Protocol is to have two armed corrections officers on the bus, but the officers don't wear bullet-proof vests during transfers, Dozier said.

Both escapees were serving sentences for armed robbery and other crimes. The Department of Corrections said Rowe, 43, had been serving life without parole since 2002, and Dubose, 24, began a 20-year sentence in 2015.

If convicted of capital murder for the deaths of the guards, they could now face the death penalty.
Otto Warmbier was a typical 22-year-old college kid with a giant T-shirt collection and a hopelessly tangled set of headphones in his backpack when he went off on his trip to China and then North Korea.

His father, Fred Warmbier, showed Fox New's anchor Tucker Carlson on Thursday what his son packed for his trip to North Korea.

Fred spread Otto's belongings on his bed at their home in Cincinnati, including his University of Virginia notebook and calculator he was going to use for a finance class.

Otto was scheduled to be in North Korea on a five-day tour with a Chinese travel company but was arrested and sent back to his family 18 months later in a comatose state.

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Zany t-shirts: Otto Warmbier packed a variety of eclectic t-shirts with him. They were returned to Cincinnati with him on Tuesday

Tucker Carlson commented that Otto seemed like a 'straight-arrow kid'. He brought a duffel bag full of t-shirts and swim gear when he visited North Korea in December 2015

Otto brought a notebook and calculator he was going to use for a finance class with him to North Korea. He is still comatose and American doctors said he suffered brain damage

'That's his crazy shirts and ties. It looks like he was packing for a three month trip,' Fred said.

'This is typical of Otto. He has a lot of pool stuff to wear and some neat shoes, some running shoes. He loved to run, he is in excellent shape.'

He showed Carlson Otto's t-shirt from the 2011 Hood to Coast Relay which begins on on Mt. Hood in Oregon and ends 200 miles later at the town of Seaside on the Pacific coast.

Otto also packed a pair of Brooks running shoes and a pair of Sperry's boat shoes.

Fred said his son bought most of his clothes at thrift shops. Carlson pointed out how Otto clearly had a taste for 'zany shirts' which made his father smile.

'He does and he looked good in them.'

Fred said Otto's belongings smelled musty since they had been in the bag for a year.

Fred's face was pained when Carlson asked what the lessons of his son's captivity. The Fox News host asked 'Why did this happen?'

Otto's father Fred joked that it looked like he was packing for a three month trip. He said his son likely bought most of his clothes from thrift shops

Otto packed a pair of Brooks running shoes (right) and a pair of Sperry's boat shoes (left)

Otto was only supposed to be in North Korea for five days. His dad showed what his son brought on his trip at their home in Cincinnati

Fred responded: 'Being in the wrong place. The lessons of Ottos captivity, thats going to be for others to decide.'

'The Warmbiers have been living with this situation for 18 months. Theres no meaning here. This is a rogue pariah regime. Theyre terrorists, theyre brutal. Theres no sense to anything here.'

Warmbier, who is a Theta Chi brother at UVA, spent almost a year-and-a-half in captivity after being arrested in January 2016.

The North accused the college student of entering the country under the guise of a tourist and plotting against the nation's unity with 'the tacit connivance of the U.S. government.'

Paraded before the media a month later in Pyongyang, he tearfully apologized for attempting to steal a political banner from a staff-only section of his hotel.

Fred said Otto's belongings smelled 'musty' when they were taken out of the bag after being held in North Korea for 18 months

Otto is an avid runner and brought walking shoes and running shoes with him on his trip

Fred told Fox News and Tucker Carlson it would be up to other people to decide the lessons of Otto's detainment

The Swedes, who represent U.S. interests in North Korea, managed to visit him in March 2016, a few weeks before he was sentenced to 15 years hard labor.

What happened next, and how Warmbier ended up in a coma, is still unclear. Warmbier's family said North Korea insisted the coma was the result of botulism and a sleeping pill. But the family wasn't buying the explanation. Doctors treating him in the U.S. said they found no evidence of botulism, but did find severe brain damage consistent with losing oxygen to the brain.

It took months of 'quiet diplomacy,' a change in U.S. presidents and an American diplomat's extraordinary, secret visit to Pyongyang to bring Warmbier home.

U.S. special envoy Joseph Yun was a household name to almost no one before Warmbier's return to Ohio on Tuesday, yet he joins an exceedingly short list of U.S. officials to set foot in furtive North Korea in recent years. The last such visit is believed to have been in November 2014, when former National Intelligence Director James Clapper brought home two other jailed Americans.

'Theres no meaning here': A pained Fred Warmbier said there weren't any lessons for the family in Otto's kidnapping

The North Korean government claimed Otto's coma was the result of botulism and a sleeping pill. US doctors have not found evidence of this (Otto, center)

New details that emerged Thursday about Yun's brief visit to the North Korean capital illustrate the deep level of estrangement between the U.S. and North Korea, two countries that don't have diplomatic relations and have technically been in a state of war for more than half a century, despite the armistice that ended the Korean War.

When Yun finally laid eyes on the comatose Warmbier in a North Korean hospital, it was the first time the U.S. could verify his condition in person since his sentencing more than a year earlier, the State Department said.

For Yun, a longtime Asia hand who joined the foreign service in 1985, the trip was the culmination of a series of delicate and rare conversations between the U.S. and North Korean officials that transpired since President Donald Trump took office. They started in Norway, playing the role of neutral third party, and moved to New York, where North Korean diplomats are accredited at the United Nations.

Though Warmbier supposedly had been in a coma for more than a year, the U.S. didn't learn the full extent of his condition until Yun and the doctors saw him in a Pyongyang hospital.

In this March 16, 2016, photo, American student Otto Warmbier, center, is escorted at the Supreme Court in Pyongyang, North Korea

It took months of 'quiet diplomacy,' a change in U.S. presidents and an American diplomat's extraordinary, secret visit to Pyongyang to bring Otto Warmbier home

In February, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson briefed Trump on the Americans held in North Korea. Trump directed him to do everything possible to secure their release. The State Department called the effort 'quiet diplomacy' at a time of North Korean missile tests and increasing U.S. pressure on Kim Jong Un's totalitarian government.

In May, Yun met in the Norwegian capital of Oslo with senior officials from North Korea's Foreign Ministry. The North Koreans agreed to let Swedish diplomats visit the U.S. detainees, including Warmbier. Shortly after the Swedish visits, the North reached out to the U.S. with an urgent request to meet in person, officials said.

Yun met with the North Korean ambassador to the U.N. in New York on June 6 and was told of Warmbier's medical status. Over the next days, officials said, Tillerson and Trump discussed the case. Tillerson then dispatched Yun to North Korea 'with the intent of bringing Otto back to the United States,' according to a White House timeline.

It's unclear if Yun knew as he set off for North Korea that he'd be allowed to bring Warmbier home.

'I know the answer to that,' State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said - but then she wouldn't say. 'Some of these, as I hope you can try to understand, are sensitive, diplomatic matters.'

Yun boarded a private aircraft along with two doctors and arrived Monday in Pyongyang, where they were met by North Korean officials and saw Warmbier in a hospital. Yun demanded his release, the White House claimed. The next day, Warmbier was flown to a U.S. base in Japan before making the longer journey to Ohio to be reunited with his family.

U.S. officials wouldn't say if Yun met with other North Korean diplomats while in the country or conducted more extensive diplomacy. He hasn't spoken to the media since returning and U.S. officials have referred most questions to Warmbier's family.

Fred Warmbier, father of Otto Warmbier, spoke during a news conference on Thursday at Wyoming High School

But Yun managed to see the other three detained Americans while in Pyongyang, providing the U.S. with much-sought information about their condition. The U.S. wouldn't publicly describe their condition.

Though former President Barack Obama's administration tried, too, to secure Warmbier's release, it wasn't enough, Warmbier's father, Fred, said Thursday.

He said he and his wife grew frustrated with the lack of progress and with the Obama administration's instructions not to talk about their son's case publicly out of concern it would upset the North and make a release less likely.

Fred Warmbier, in an emotional news conference in Ohio, did not demur when asked if Obama could have done more.

'I think the results speak for themselves,' he said.
Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein has privately told colleagues that he may have to recuse himself from the Russia probe, according to ABC News.

It was Rosenstein who appointed Special Counsel Robert Mueller to take over the year-old investigation into Russian election meddling started by the FBI, in the wake of President Trump's decision to fire FBI Director James Comey.

Now the probe has expanded to include investigating whether Trump attempted to obstruct justice when he fired Comey.

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Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein has spoken with colleagues about potentially recusing himself from the Russia investigation, as he could become a witness

Rod Rosenstein recommended to President Trump that he fire former FBI Chief James Comey, though also decided to bring in Robert Mueller, now the probe's special counsel. Mueller is reportedly looking into whether Trump attempted to obstruct justice when axing Comey

If Rod Rosenstein recused himself from the Russia probe, his responsibilities would fall to Associate Attorney General Rachel Brand

Rosenstein had written a memo, which was publicly released, recommending to the president that Comey be axed.

Rosenstein is aware that he could become a witness, the network reported.

Sources told ABC News that Rosenstein raised the possibility of his own recusal during a meeting with Associate Attorney General Rachel Brand, who's next in line at the Department of Justice after Rosenstein.

The White House originally pointed to Rosenstein's memo, which was also signed off on by Attorney General Jeff Sessions, when explaining Trump's decision to let Comey go.

But later, in an interview with Lester Holt, the president said he had already made up his mind.

He also said that Russia was on his mind when making the decision.

'And in fact when I decided to just do it, I said to myself, I said, "You know, this Russia thing with Trump and Russia is a made-up story, it's an excuse by the Democrats for having lost an election that they should have won,"' Trump said at the time.

Rosenstein's selection of Mueller puts the probe in the special counsel's hands, but it would still fall to Rosenstein to make decisions about resources, staffing and, ultimately, prosecutions, ABC News pointed out.

In his conversations with Brand, Rosenstein told the No. 3 Justice Department official that she would take over these responsibilities if he decided to step aside.

A Harvard Law grad who clerked for Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy, the court's swing vote, Brand was sworn in last month and who Sessions called a 'brilliant lawyer.'

Sessions had already recused himself from the investigation, testifying earlier this week that he did so because he had worked on the Trump campaign.

'I recused myself, not because of any asserted wrongdoing, or any believe that I may have been involved in any wrongdoing in the campaign, but because a Department of Justice regulation .. I felt, required it,' Sessions said in testimony before the Senate Intelligence Committee this week.

It's clear that both Rosenstein and the Trump White House are feeling the heat of the investigation with the deputy attorney general releasing a statement late Thursday telling the public to be skeptical when they read news reports citing anonymous officials.

'Americans should exercise caution before accepting as true and any stories attributed to anonymous "officials," particularly when they do not identify the country  let alone the branch or agency of government  with which the alleged sources supposedly are affiliated.'

'Americans should be be skeptical about anonymous allegations,' Rosenstein continued. 'The Department of Justice has a long-established policy to neither confirm nor deny such allegations.'

Rosenstein's comments weren't attached to any particular story, though the Washington Post had just reported that Mueller's probe had expanded and investigators were looking into the president's son-in-law Jared Kushner's business dealings.

Rosenstein's statement clearly didn't go far enough, as Trump took to Twitter Friday morning and bashed the top Justice Department official.

'I am being investigated for firing the FBI Director by the man who told me to fire the FBI Director! Witch Hunt,' Trump said.
Cuberon co-founder Abhishek Gattani, 38, will only have to spend two weeks in a California jail after a judge approved a plea deal for beating his wife Neha Rastogi over their 10-year marriage

A former Silicon Valley CEO accused of beating his ex-wife for a decade will only have to spend two weeks in jail after a judge approved a plea deal.

Cuberon co-founder Abhishek Gattani, 38, was ordered on Thursday to serve 30 days behind bars as part of his domestic violence plea deal.

Due to time already served, Gattani will spend 13 days in prison for beating his estranged wife Neha Rastogi, 36, over the duration of their 10-year marriage.

Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge Allison M. Danner ordered that Gattani must perform weekend community service for five months after his release from jail.

He also has to avoid alcohol during his probation given it appeared to be a contributing factor in his violence towards his estranged wife.

His estranged wife, who is a former Apple engineer, had begged the judge for a longer jail sentence, calling domestic violence 'truly terrorism' and saying that she had been victimized by the judicial system.

'My abuse continued by proxy, by the court system,' Rastogi told the court, according to the San Jose Mercury News.

'Domestic violence is truly terrorism and should be termed such.'

Gattani had faced two felony counts of domestic abuse but pleaded no contest earlier this year to a non-violent felony charge of being an accessory after the fact and a misdemeanor count of offensive touching.

That could reduce the chances of Gattani facing deportation to his native India.

Rastogi had provided audio evidence of her estranged husband beating and verbally abusing her. She claimed Gattani abused her during 10 years of marriage and the plea deal announced by prosecutors enraged her sympathizers.

His estranged wife Neha Rastogi - who is a former Apple engineer - had begged the judge for a longer jail sentence, calling domestic violence 'truly terrorism'

A small group of protesters gathered outside the court on Thursday. However, prosecutors have said they did the best they could.

In an April 28 memo to the court, District Attorney Brian Welch said the plea deal 'struck hard blows, but not foul ones' and took into account several factors, including the strength of the evidence, inconsistent statements in the past by Rastogi, and the likelihood of winning a conviction if the case went to trial.

The case began last July when Rastogi told police that Gattani - with whom she has a 3-year-old daughter - had beaten her.

It came to a head April 13, when Rastogi ripped the plea deal in Santa Clara County Superior Court, prompting a judge to postpone sentencing.

Rastogi had read a harrowing victim impact statement during Gattani's scheduled sentencing urging the judge, who was on vacation at the time, to rethink the punishment.

The victim, who used to work at Apple helping to develop products like iPhones, started secretly recording the abuse on May 17, 2016.

In one six minute recording, which was obtained at the time by the Daily Beast, Gattani can be heard verbally berating his wife before he starts hitting her as they discussed software bugs.

'We are talking about a bug, what is a bug... NEHA... Rastogi?' he asks.

'No, no, no. When did I say that's a bug? We talked about bugs right? Is it getting very difficult for you to focus? You really do need help. You need me to take another step and come to you. You need help?

'You don't want to get beaten up? Then control yourself.'

At one point in the video, Rastogi can be heard begging for him to stop hitting her.

'Abhishek, please don't hit me more,' she said. 'I am just trying to be more critical over here. I am just trying to question this... Please don't do this, please don't do this. Please don't do this. Please don't do this. Please don't do this.'

Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge Allison M. Danner ordered Gattani on Thursday to serve 30 days behind bars as part of his domestic violence plea deal

In another recording on June 14, 2016 Rastogi can be heard asking him: 'You are telling me that you are at the brink of cutting my throat and killing me?'

'Yeah I would like to see you murdered,' he says. 'And I am not kidding. If you can't believe me I can swear on anyone's life.'

Rastogi then took the recordings and several photos of her injuries to police and Gattani was arrested for his second domestic violence charge. He was previously charged with felony assault in 2013 after a postal worker saw him beating his wife on the street. The charge was reduced at Rastogi's request.

The pair wed in an arranged marriage in 2009 and they have a 3-year-old daughter.

She read her victim impact statement to the court in April after Judge Allison Marston Danner scheduled Gattani's sentencing for a day she was away.

But the judge filling in for her, Rodney Stafford, postponed Gattani's sentencing until May saying he didn't know how the negotiations for the plea deal were made.

He added that Judge Danner may not have known some of the more harrowing details included in Rastogi's 'powerful' victim statement.

Rastogi told the court she had been abused by Gattani for the entire duration of their decade-long marriage. She said she had been silenced during her marriage and the court proceedings were her only chance to speak out.

She made clear her outrage at the reduced charge, including a misdemeanor of 'offensive touching'.

'Please explain to me is it offensive touching when a 8 month pregnant woman is beaten and then forced to stand for the entire night by her husband, is it offensive touching when a mother nursing her 6 day old child is slapped on her face by her husband because he thinks she is not latching properly with the child, is it offensive touching when a women is flung to the floor and repetitively kicked in her belly, is it offensive touching when a woman is slapped 9 times by her husband until she agrees to everything he is saying and then gets hit again for not agreeing with it sooner?', she said.

Rastogi said she called the abuse terrorism.

'That's how I felt - terrorized and controlled, held hostage by the fear of pain, humiliation and assault on my being and my daughter's.'
MBE: George 'Johnny' Johnson

Britain's last remaining Dambuster has been awarded an MBE despite a campaign for him to be knighted.

George 'Johnny' Johnson, 95, was a bomb aimer with the RAFs 617 Squadron when it attacked German dams in 1943 to try to disable Hitlers industrial heartland.

TV presenter Carol Vorderman launched a petition to get him a knighthood and delivered 235,000 signatures to 10 Downing Street in January.

Yesterday Mr Johnson said of the MBE: I think the MBE is as much honour as I could really expect and I thought, if a knighthood comes up, Im going to having difficulty not only in accepting it but pointing out to all and sundry that its not me.

'Im the lucky one. Im still alive. Im representing the squadron and it is the squadron that is being honoured, not me.

He added that he was very grateful to all those people that signed the petitions and made it possible.

Miss Vorderman said: Im thrilled that wonderful Johnny Johnson has been recognised with an MBE. He is a remarkable man and friend.

Mr Johnson, who lives in Bristol, is one of only two living survivors of the legendary bombing raids on the Mohne, Eder and Sorpe dams.

The other is Canadian front gunner Fred Sutherland.

TV presenter Carol Vorderman launched a petition to get Mr Johnson a knighthood

A total of 133 Allied aircrew led by Wing Commander Guy Gibson left for the mission in May 1943 on 19 Lancaster bombers, carrying Barnes Walliss bouncing bombs.

Fifty-three men were killed in the raids which were immortalised in the 1955 film The Dam Busters.
 Flash

The U.S. Senate on Thursday overwhelmingly passed new sanctions on Iran and Russia and put a limit on the White House's ability to roll back any Russia sanctions.

The new sanctions, passed by a 98-2 vote, was also so far one of the strongest U.S. congressional responses to alleged Russian meddling of the 2016 U.S. presidential election.

The new sanctions aim to impose new restrictions on Iran's ballistic missile program and to punish Tehran for "supporting terrorism and human rights violations."

As for Russia sanctions, the new sanctions target among others "those conducting malicious cyber activity on behalf of the Russian government" and "those doing business with the Russian intelligence and defense sectors," according to a press release by Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs.

The new Russia sanctions also requires the White House to get a congressional review if it attempts to relax, suspend or terminate Russia sanctions.

The new Senate sanctions on Russia and Iran came one day after U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson called on lawmakers to grant "flexibility" to the White House in dealing with Russia.

During a congressional hearing on Wednesday, Tillerson urged the Congress "to ensure any legislation allows the president to have the flexibility to adjust sanctions to meet the needs of what is always an evolving diplomatic situation."

The bill was now heading toward the House for passage before reaching U.S. President Donald Trump's desk.

It remained unknown whether Trump, who had been seeking rapprochement with Russia for months, would sign the bill into law. However, he would have to reject new sanctions against Iran, which he supports, to derail the latest congressional effort to punish Russia.
Knighthood: Jonathan Fault

The Eurocrat who presided over the shambolic Brussels effort to keep Britain in the EU is to be rewarded with a knighthood.

Jonathan Faull, 62, is rewarded in the Queens Birthday Honours for services to UK relations with the EU  despite acting for Jean-Claude Juncker in talks with David Cameron ahead of the Brexit referendum.

Described in Brussels as the ultimate Eurocrat, he worked for the European Commission for 38 years before retiring on a 136,000-a-year pension earlier this year.

As the most senior British official working in the Commission, he oversaw Mr Camerons much derided renegotiation deal, which led to Britain rejecting its EU membership.

Last night former Ukip leader Nigel Farage ridiculed the decision to reward Sir Eurocrat.

He said: I dont know if we should laugh or cry. Its farcical that a man who has worked for the European Commission against the interests of the UK can receive an honour.

The official release announcing Mr Faulls knighthood praised him as one of the most outstanding Britons of his generation working on EU matters. It also said: Jonathan Faull is recommended for his long and distinguished career in the European Commission which saw him rise to its highest levels in four different Director General roles.

He was, until his retirement in January 2017, the most senior British Commission official and was hugely influential in a number of areas.

Mr Faull, who speaks six languages, joined the Commission in 1978 as a junior civil servant after studying law at the University of Sussex and the College of Europe in Bruges.

In September 2015, he was appointed director general of a task force set up to deal with issues around Mr Camerons renegotiation of Britains membership of the EU.

He acted as a link between Brussels bureaucrats and civil servants in Whitehall.

In the months after Britain voted to leave the EU, he called on the Commission to take legal action to make it easier for British-born Eurocrats to get Belgian citizenship. Since retiring, he has become a regular Twitter user and has posted links to articles critical of Britain leaving the EU, including one warning the hidden costs of Brexit continue to mount.

Last night former Ukip leader Nigel Farage ridiculed the decision to reward Sir Eurocrat

On the other side of the political spectrum, Eurosceptic business leaders have also been handed awards in the honours list.

In contrast to Mr Faull, the three top corporate figures being recognised have all voiced trenchant opposition to the EU.

John Timpson, head of key-cutting chain Timpson, star investor Helena Morrissey and Iceland chief executive Malcolm Walker have each raised concerns about Brussels in the past.

Don't know if we should laugh or cry

Mr Timpson was knighted for hiring ex-convicts and for fostering 90 children with late wife Alex.

The 74-year-old has been an outspoken supporter of Brexit, claiming that it was a risk worth taking as it would give Britain more control of its own laws.

Mrs Morrissey, 51, of investment giant Legal & General, was made a dame for her efforts to get more women onto City boards.

She argued before the Brexit vote that British people could thrive outside the EU.

Mr Walker  who was knighted for services to retail  was not in favour of leaving the EU. But back in 2015, the 71-year-old said that some changes were needed, adding: We need power back to Westminster.

And designer Sir Terence Conran, 85, who put his name to a paper arguing that design can help the UK thrive after Brexit, has been made a Companion of Honour for his world-renowned work.

A Ukraine-born billionaire and Tory party donor will be handed a knighthood after he donated millions to museums and universities.

Leonard Blavatnik, who grew up in Russia and is Britains second richest man with a 16billion fortune, gave a record 75million to Oxford University.
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The captain of the stricken USS Fitzgerald was among those injured during the collision of the warship with a 29,000 ton cargo vessel on Saturday as the US Navy said that up to seven missing sailors could be trapped in the mangled wreck.

Rescuers worked to recover the missing crew members as it was tugged back to port without its captain Bryce Benson, who was 'transferred to U.S. Naval Hospital Yokosuka and is reportedly in stable condition', according to a press statement from the US 7th Fleet.

The Wisconsin native, who took command of the AEGIS-equipped vessel in May of 2016, was med-evacuated along with two other crew members from the ship after the collision with the the container vessel ACX Crystal and is in a stable condition.

Meanwhile, the United States has refused to speculate on the shocking accident despite not having an official ambassador to Japan after Caroline Kennedy returned home and the Trump administration not announcing a replacement.

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Collision: Heavy damage is pictured on the US Navy missile destroyer USS Fitzgerald after it collided with a cargo ship near Japan early on Saturday morning

Bryce Benson, has been transferred to U.S. Naval Hospital Yokosuka and is reportedly in stable condition

The destroyer's commanding officer is Commander Bryce Benson (pictured) who earned his commission through the Naval ROTC program at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

The guided missile destroyer USS Fitzgerald suffered severe damage when the container ship plowed into it at 2.30am local time

Missing: A US defense official confirmed that there are seven sailors unaccounted and that the destroyer suffered flooding in three compartments

The commander of the guided missile destroyer Bryce Benson was injured during the collision. He took command two months ago

An injured sailor is carried by U.S. military personnel, left, and Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force members upon arriving at the U.S. Naval base in Yokosuka, southwest of Tokyo

U.S. military personnel prepare to transfer an injured sailor on board USS Fitzgerald, after the Navy destroyer collided with a merchant ship

Rescuers are searching for seven US Sailors thought to be lost at sea or trapped inside the damaged Navy destroyer which collided with a 29,000 ton cargo ship 56 miles off the coast of Japan on Saturday.

The guided missile destroyer USS Fitzgerald suffered severe damage when the container ship ACX Crystal  which is four times the size of the naval vessel  plowed into it at 2.30am local time.

Aerial footage shows the crushed exterior of the 9,000 ton $1.5billion destroyer which is commanded by Commander Benson, who took over in May.

Japanese coast guard spokesman Yoshihito Nakamura said the rescuers are searching for the seamen who were thought to have been thrown into the sea or possibly trapped inside damaged sections of the destroyer. Two crew berthings and one engineering main space have been flooded.

Three aboard the destroyer were medically evacuated, including the ship's commanding officer, Cmdr. Benson, who was reportedly in stable condition after being airlifted to the U.S. Naval Hospital in Yokosuka, the Navy said.

The other two injured were transferred to the hospital for lacerations and bruises, while other injuries were being assessed, it said.

'It was a was real fight by crew to keep the ship afloat. Our concerns now are with ship mates; seven sailors missing and 2 evacuees. When the news came we were all focused on the safety of or ship and the crew,' a naval spokesman in Yokosuka told DailyMail.com. 'We at the base are still reeling from the events.'

Course: This was the approximate route of the ACX Crystal before it collided with the USS Fitzgerald on Saturday morning

The ACX Crystal's course shows that it performed a rapid U-turn at speed and then turned to head back to Tokyo - at which point it collided with the USS Fitzgerald

The president offered his thoughts and condolences to those affected by the USS Fitzgerald collision

Most of the more than 200 sailors aboard would have been asleep in their berths, some of which were reportedly flooded.

At full strength the Fitzgerald - a 154-meter long Aegis destroyer weighing 8,315 tons - has a crew of 331 sailors.

It is unclear how fast the destroyer was going when it collided with the merchant ship. The area is particularly busy with sea traffic, said Yutaka Saito, of the coast guard.

The 7th Fleet revealed that the ship is proceeding back to her home port of Yokosuka under her own power although her propulsion is limited. The USS Dewey - another destroyer - and two Navy tugs have been dispatched to provide assistance. Naval aircraft are also being readied.

The Fitzgerald arrived back in Tokyo on Saturday.

The ACX Crystal, which is 222.6 meters long and weighs 29,060 tons, is now on route to Tokyo with superficial damage and no reports of casualties.

Damage to the US destroyer is catastrophic, with the ship sustaining damage on starboard side above and below waterline. Helicopter and spy satellite footage shows considerable damage to the starboard of the Aegis destroyer.

Listing: The $1.5billion missile destroyer is listing to the side and is taking on water after the violent collision

Damage: Damage to the bow of the 29,000 ton cargo ship ACX Crystal after it collided with the USS Fitzgerald

The 29,000 ton ACX Crystal is much larger than the 9,000 ton USS Fitzgerald. The cargo ship appears to have hit the destroyer head on

According to the US Navy, the collision occurred 56 nautical miles southwest of Yokosuka, off the coast of Japan (above)

'U.S. and Japanese support from the Navy, Maritime Self Defense Force and Coast Guard are in the area to ensure that the Sailors on USS Fitzgerald have the resources they need to stabilize their ship,' said Adm. John Richardson, Chief of Naval Operations in a statement.

'As more information is learned, we will be sure to share to it with the Fitzgerald families and when appropriate the public. Thank you for your well wishes and messages of concern. All of our thoughts and prayers are with the Fitzgerald crew and their families.

The collision hit the crew's sleeping quarters squarely on, and there are fears that lives may have been lost.

Footage taken of the crash by Japanese media outlet NHK shows damage to the starboard side - above and below the waterline of the destroyer - but the Navy says the extent 'is being determined'.

According to marine tracking websites, the Philippine-flagged cargo ship was on its way to Tokyo.

It is unclear how much warning the crew had that a collision was imminent.

Footage also captured a person in a stretcher being taken up to a helicopter from the deck of the USS Fitzgerald. The injured sailor had a head injury.

Following the collision, the Navy requested the assistance of the Japanese Coast Guard, with cutters Izunami and Kano on station.

The cargo ship (pictured) weighs 29,000 tons and is more than 740 feet long. According to marine tracking websites, it was on its way to Tokyo

According to Japanese broadcaster NHK, one person is injured and seven are unaccounted for (damage pictured above)

The ACX Crystal received minimal damage to the port bow (pictured). According to marine tracking websites, the Philippine-flagged cargo ship was on its way to Tokyo

The USS Fitzgerald (pictured in August 2012) was commissioned in 1995 and is based in Yokosuka, according to the Navy

THE USS FITZGERALD Armaments: One 29 cell and one 61 cell Mark 41 vertical launching systems - a shipborne missile canister launching system which provides a rapid-fire launch capability against hostile threats

90 RIM-156 SM-2, BGM-109 Tomahawk or RUM-139 VL-ASROC missiles

Two Mark 141 Harpoon Missile Launcher SSM (surface-to-surface missile)

One Mark 45 5/54 inch (127/54 mm) lightweight gun

Two 25 mm chain guns

Four .50 caliber (12.7 mm) guns

Two 20 mm Phalanx CIWS (an advanced radar-controlled gun system)

Two Mark 32 triple torpedo tubes Specifications: 9,000 tons

505 feet long

66 feet wide

Top speed: 30 knots

Range: 4,400 nautical miles

Crew:

33 commissioned officers

38 chief petty officers

210 enlisted personnel

Propulsion: 4 General Electric LM2500-30 gas turbines, two shafts, 100,000 total shaft horsepower Advertisement

Relatives of crew members were awaiting news of their loved ones.

'Just heard the sweetest voice and saw a wonderful face. He's okay. Thank you all for the prayers,' Rita Schrimsher of Athens, Alabama, tweeted after speaking with her 23-year-old grandson Jackson Schrimsher, a sailor aboard the Fitzgerald, via Facetime.

'It could have been worse so we're grateful,' she said by phone.

In a statement, Admiral Scott Swift, Commander of the US Pacific Fleet, said: 'Right now we are focused on two things: the safety of the ship and the well-being of the Sailors.

'We thank our Japanese partners for their assistance.'

The destroyer's commanding officer, Commander Bryce Benson, earned his commission through the Naval ROTC program at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

In November 2015, Benson reported as the Executive Officer of the USS Fitzgerald as part of the Surface Navys Command Fleet Up program.

On May 13 this year, he relieved Commander Robert Shu as the Commanding Officer of the destroyer.

According to a report from the Navy Times, Executive Officer Commander Sean Babbitt has assumed command after the collision.

The USS Fitzgerald - whose motto is 'Protect Your People' - was commissioned in 1995 and is based in Yokosuka, according to the Navy, at a cost of $1.48billion.

Its crew includes roughly 33 officers, 38 chief petty officers and 291 enlisted members of the Navy.

The Fitzgerald completed $21 million in upgrades and repairs in February, and recently made a port call to the US Navys Subic Bay base in the Philippines and conducted patrols in the South China Sea.

The ships crew used the stop to conduct some minor repairs with the assistance of Philippine companies.

Ryan Barenklau, from the Washington-based intelligence company Strategic Sentinel, told DailyMail.com: 'This is a very tragic event. There is not much information currently on how an advanced destroyer could have collided with a massive cargo ship, but I am confident that there is a reasonable explanation and I am sure we will hear what that is in the coming days.

'The ship was hit near 2 berthings and 1 engineering compartment. It is likely that the berthings had crewman sleeping due to the early hour of the incident.'
Southern Railway yesterday offered train drivers a salary of 75,000 a year in an attempt to settle their long-running dispute.

Some 1,000 drivers were offered a bumper pay rise equivalent to an increase of 23.8 per cent over four years. It would see basic salaries for a 35-hour, four-day week, rise from 49,001 to 60,683.

Most train drivers also work a regular fifth day as overtime for an extra 25 per cent pay, meaning their salaries will be topped off with an extra 15,000. Southern relies on this extra day to run its full timetable for more than 300,000 passengers a day.

The pay rise has been given the green light by Southerns parent company Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR).

Commuters could face fresh disruption on June 29 when Aslep enforces an overtimes ban. Railway users are pictured here on October 18 last year during strike action by Souther Rail workers

It is desperate to end a bitter 14-month dispute which began amid safety concerns over changes to the role of train guards and plans for driver-only operated trains.

Aslef, the train drivers union, has yet to accept the deal. It has denied asking for a pay deal to be included in talks over the dispute and is furious that Southern has used negotiations over salaries to try to settle the row which has caused misery for hundreds of thousands of commuters.

Passengers across Kent, Surrey and Sussex are due to face fresh disruption from June 29 when Aslef enforces an overtime ban.

The last overtime ban, which ran from December to early January, forced the cancellation of hundreds of services and saw some train lines closed for weeks. A GTR spokesman described its pay offer as very generous and said the announcement of another overtime ban was both surprising and extremely disappointing.

Mick Whelan, general secretary of Aslef, said: We have been talking to the company over the last fortnight in parallel, but separate, talks about drivers terms and conditions, industrial relations and pay.

'The companys failure to engage over driver-only operation is the reason our members will no longer work overtime  which, of course, is entirely voluntary.

Aslef has twice agreed a deal with GTR but these have been rejected by drivers.

Commuters walk through London Waterloo station after strike action by Southern Rail workers caused another morning of travel disruption on January 10 this year

Critics have pointed out that drivers are voicing concerns over systems that have been in operation in the UK for decades, having been approved by safety watchdogs.

The introduction of more driver-only trains would give responsibility to drivers instead of guards to open and close the train doors. Unions claim this is unsafe.

But the Rail Delivery Group, which represents train operators, said more than half of trains in Britain, including the London Underground, operate with drivers in charge of closing the doors. It argues that the change would reduce the time that trains have to wait at stations.

In April it emerged that the boss of Southern was paid almost 500,000 in 2016 while presiding over a year dominated by strikes and commuter disruption. Charles Hortons pay packet came despite a 15.3million loss for GTR.

ASLEF general secretary Mick Whelan, pictured in December last year, said: We have been talking to the company over the last fortnight in parallel, but separate, talks about drivers terms and conditions, industrial relations and pay'

In accounts for the year to July 2016, bosses apologised and said: The service we have been able to offer our customers has fallen well short of our expectations.

Strike action meant that nearly one in three of Southerns mainline and coast services were late last year.

It has even been suggested that the dispute caused the Conservatives to lose seats in last weeks general election. Many of their key seats were along Southern routes serving Croydon, Eastbourne and Brighton. Home Secretary Amber Rudd also came close to defeat in Hastings.

Talks between Southern and the RMT union over changes to the role of guards were adjourned last month.

Official figures recently showed the number of days lost to strike action has almost doubled in a year. The Office for National Statistics reported that 322,000 working days were lost in 2016, compared with 170,000 the previous year, with Southerns crippling walkouts and the junior doctors strike largely to blame.
President Trump's lawyer Michael Cohen has hired his own lawyer to help him navigate the Russia probe.

Cohen chose Stephen M. Ryan, a D.C. based lawyer who works for the firm McDermott, Will & Emery to represent him.

Ryan is a former U.S. attorney who has experience prosecuting criminal cases.

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President Trump's attorney Michael Cohen, a familiar face to those in politics for acting as a surrogate during the campaign, has hired representation

Michael Cohen chose Stephen M. Ryan (pictured), a D.C.-based lawyer who works for the firm McDermott, Will & Emery to represent him

Cohen confirmed the news to the Washington Post. It was first reported on Twitter by NBC's Katy Tur.

Cohen's decision was likely prompted by the broadening investigation under Special Counsel Robert Mueller, but he was also asked to testify before the House committee, which is also investigating Russian meddling in the presidential election.

On Tuesday, Cohen said he was summoned to appear before the House Intelligence Committee on September 5, according to Bloomberg News.

He was one of the Trump associates who was named in the unverified dossier that alleged he had traveled to Prague in August 2016 to meet with Kremlin officials.

Cohen, along with White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer, denied this meeting happened.

'Michael Cohen, who was said to have visited Prague in August and September, did not leave or enter the United States during this time,' Spicer said in January, shortly before Trump's swearing-in.

'We asked him to produce his passport to confirm his whereabouts on the dates in question and there is no doubt that he was not in Prague. In fact, Mr Cohen has never been in Prague,' the spokesman added.

Cohen is familiar to many in the political world as he often played the role of surrogate for Trump during the presidential campaign.

His most famous television appearance came when he talked about polls with CNN's Brianna Keilar last August.

Trump had recently ditched his second campaign manager Paul Manafort, replacing him with Kellyanne Conway, who would lead the team through the November victory.

'You say it's not a shakeup, but you guys are down,' Keilar pointed out.

A contentious Cohen shot back, 'Says who?' To which Keilar replied, 'Polls. Most of them. All of them?'

'Says who?' Cohen repeated.

'Polls, I just told you. I answered your question,' Keilar replied.

'OK, which polls?' Cohen specified.

'All of them!' the newswoman answered.
High-profile yoga instructor, Keith Fox, 58, was arrested Tuesday after he was accused of engaging in a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old girl

A 58-year-old high-profile yoga instructor was arrested on Tuesday after he was accused of engaging in a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old girl.

Keith Steven Fox, who is known as 'Yoga Fox' by his fans both at his Buddha Lounge Yoga Studio and at traveling festivals such as Wanderlust and Yogafest, allegedly started the sexual relationship in June 2016.

The Delray Beach Police Department got involved in the case after the teen's concerned mother hired a private investigator to look into Fox's interactions with her child, according to the Palm Beach Post.

Her mother hired the investigator when she noticed that Fox would pick her daughter up for lessons at all times of the day.

Fox, who is married and has a child of his own, was found at his home along with the victim on at least one occasion by the private investigator.

The PI found them smoking marijuana, according to the arrest affidavit.

According to the Miami New Times, the 15-year-old told police during a July 2016 interview that she viewed the instructor as a 'mentor' and that they had a 'father-daughter relationship'.

But she then told officers about a more predatory relationship.

Delray Beach police got involved in the case after the teen's concerned mother hired a private investigator to look into Fox's interactions with her child. Her mother hired the PI when she noticed Fox (pictured), would pick her daughter up for lessons at all times of the day

Fox, who is married and has a child, was found at his home along with the victim on at least one occasion by the PI. The 15-year-old reportedly told police during a July 2016 interview that she viewed Fox (pictured) as a 'mentor' and they had a 'father-daughter relationship'

The teen also told police that Fox bought her things and talked badly of her parents, telling her that 'no one could love her the way he did'. She told police that he also had sex with her multiple times

According to the New Times, Fox would bring her things and talked badly of her parents, telling her that 'no one could love her the way he did'.

The teen told police that Fox asked if she had ever had an orgasm and offered a 'Thai massage'.

He then touched her vagina through her underwear and then without any clothing, according to the New Times.

Video courtesy of WPTV

The girl told police that he'd had sex with her on multiple occasions, but she refused a rape exam.

Last August, Fox submitted a DNA sample but declined to give a formal statement, according to the Post.

The age of sexual consent in Florida is 18. No one under the age of 16 can give consent under any circumstance.

On Thursday, Judge Dina Keever-Agrama ordered that Fox (pictured left teaching a yoga class) be placed on house arrest if he makes bail that was set at $100,000

The judge also said Fox is not allowed to have contact with anyone under age 18 except his own child. He is the owner of the Buddha Lounge Yoga Studio (pictured)

On Thursday, Judge Dina Keever-Agrama ordered that Fox be placed on house arrest if he makes bail that was set at $100,000.

The judge also said Fox is not allowed to have contact with anyone under age 18 except his own child.

His lawyer, Kerri Deitsch, told Keever-Agrama that if Fox was placed on house arrest, it 'would make it impossible for him to earn a living from the adult members of the community who still support him through this'.

Keever-Agrama kept bail at $100,000. Fox is currently being held at Palm Beach County Jail.
A national shortage of GPs is being exacerbated by young doctors working part-time, a senior NHS boss has warned.

Ian Cumming, who heads Health Education England, said millennials did not want to work the same hours as previous generations.

The average working week for GPs has fallen from 4.5 days to closer to four.

Our workforce are choosing to work fewer hours, Professor Cumming told the NHS Confederation conference in Liverpool. Part of this is because of generation Y and Z and millennials starting to come through, who are increasingly not wanting to work the same number of hours that many of the baby boomers and generation X want to work.

A national shortage of GPs is being exacerbated by young doctors working part-time, a senior NHS boss has warned (file picture)

Waiting times to see a GP are rising at 15 per cent a year and stand at 13 days for a non-emergency appointment. The figure could hit 21 days by 2022.

The Government has pledged to hire 5,000 GPs by 2020 to make up for a staff exodus  two in five are planning to retire or quit within five years.

But the target is already in danger of being missed because the workforce has dropped by more than 400 in recent months, to the equivalent of 34,000 full-time GPs. Professor Cumming said the Department of Health should reduce its staffing forecast to take into account the fact younger doctors were working fewer hours.

We have to be mindful that we arent gettingg the same number of hours out of every clinician as we used to, he said.

The NHS is obtaining 10 per cent fewer clinical hours from each GP, he said. Another way of putting that is that youre dealing with 10 per cent more patients, youre under 10 per cent more pressure, he said.

Professor Cumming welcomed the Governments plan to increase the number of medical students by 1,500 by 2019.

He said 500 of these places have been allocated, with 1,000 more to start in 2019. But he said they were still 11 years away from being GPs.

He said: We need to do it because we need to get our workforce right but its not a short-term fix.

The average GP worked 90 per cent of full-time hours in 2009, NHS data shows  equivalent to four and a half days. But now the figure is 83 per cent, closer to a four-day week.

A study by the Kings Fund has found that only one in ten trainee GPs plans to work full-time.

Helen Stokes-Lampard, who chairs the Royal College of GPs, said flexible working allowed family doctors to remain in the workforce  rather than leave it.

Four days in general practice involves working far more hours than the average full-time job, added the professor. Our research has shown that 11-hour days in surgery are not uncommon, and thats before the urgent administrative tasks that need completing on a daily basis. This is not safe for GPs, our staff or our patients.

Waiting times to see a GP are rising at 15 per cent a year and stand at 13 days for a non-emergency appointment. The figure could hit 21 days by 2022 (file picture)

GPs and our teams across the country are facing intense resource and workforce pressures.

Our workload has risen by 16 per cent over the last seven years, yet investment in our service has decreased, and the number of GPs has not risen in step with escalating patient demand. We must not get distracted from the bigger picture and what our profession really needs  more investment and thousands more GPs.

Dr Chaand Nagpaul, of the British Medical Associations GP committee, said family doctors were working harder than ever with rising numbers suffering stress and burnout as a result of growing and unsafe workload pressures.

He added: The NHS, like all parts of society, is seeing greater demand for flexible working arrangements, especially from those with families or relatives to look after. This diversity should be encouraged and is one way that general practice may be able to attract more doctors.
Chancellor Philip Hammond (pictured) is flexing his political muscles by trying to kill off the Tories energy price cap

Chancellor Philip Hammond is flexing his political muscles by trying to kill off the Tories energy price cap.

The flagship policy could be dramatically watered down or even ditched in next weeks Queens Speech.

The Conservative manifesto promised to put a maximum price on gas and electricity tariffs to end rip-off bills for customers who do not change providers.

But sources said several Cabinet ministers  including the Chancellor  were lobbying for it to be dropped.

Business Secretary Greg Clark was yesterday said to be fighting a rearguard action to save the policy. Last night Theresa May was signing off the final list of Bills to be announced in Wednesdays Queens Speech, in what is expected to be a radical slimming down of the Governments programme.

However proposed legislation essential for Brexit, including the Great Repeal Bill and an Immigration Bill, will survive.

The manifesto pledged to introduce a safeguard tariff cap that will extend the price protection in place for some vulnerable customers to more customers on the poorest value tariffs. The policy was launched to help the millions stuck on over-priced tariffs offered by the Big Six energy giants.

But free market-supporting Tories argue the policy is anti-business and intervening in markets will undermine competition.

Other policies set to be dropped include the so-called dementia tax, which was blamed for wrecking the Tory campaign.

Plans to only give the 200 a year winter fuel allowance to the poorest pensioners could also be scrapped as part of the deal with the Democratic Unionist Party.

Last night Downing Street officials refused to comment on the contents of the Queens Speech.

It is understood that the deal between Mrs May and the DUP is done but full details will not be announced until next week.

After days of uncertainty, the Government announced the State Opening of Parliament will take place on Wednesday  two days later than originally scheduled. The confidence and supply arrangement will see the DUP vote for Government Bills and back Mrs May in crunch votes.

It is a less formal arrangement than a coalition, and DUP MPs will not take ministerial jobs.

No 10 officials said the Queens Speech would focus on strengthening the Union, combating terrorism, delivering Brexit and delivering prosperity across the whole country. It is thought counter-extremism laws and powers voiced in the wake of the London Bridge attack will be formally announced.

With the number of Conservative MPs cut to 317, Mrs May needs the backing of the DUPs ten MPs to reach the 320 required for a working majority in the Commons. If the Queens Speech were to fail it could trigger another election or even allow Jeremy Corbyn the opportunity to try to form a government.
Tim Cook has revealed he believes augmented reality will be 'the next big thing'.

Talking to Bloomberg, Cook said 'I think it is profound. I am so excited about it, I just want to yell out and scream.'

He also admitted his dealings with Donald Trump have shown him the two are 'dramatically different'.

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Talking to Bloomberg, Cook said 'I think it is profound. I am so excited about it, I just want to yell out and scream.'

When asked about his experience of working with Donald Trump, Cook admitted the pair did not see eye to eye on many things.

'Ive pushed hard on immigration. We clearly have a very different view on things in that area. Ive pushed on climate. We have a different view there.

'There are clearly areas where were not nearly on the same page.

Were dramatically different. I hope theres some areas where were not.'

Cook said Trump's decision to pull out of the Paris climate accord was 'very disappointing' and pledged to bring it up again with Trump if possible, saying 'Americas more important than bloody politics from my point of view.'

Earlier this month Cook took the stage at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) to unveil Apple's latest iOS softweare, and give a glimpse of what it has in store for augmented reality.

The augmented reality technology uses the phone's sensors to detect things like depth of field, ambient light and motion sensors in order to naturally place digital objects in a real-world scene.

'Steves DNA will always be the base for Apple' Cook said, when asked about Jobs.

'The first step in making it a mainstream kind of experience is to put it in the operating system,' he told Bloomberg.

'Were building it into iOS 11, opening it to developersand unleashing the creativity of millions of people. Even we cant predict whats going to come out.'

However, Cook also warned it will take time for the technology to live up to his expectations.

'The technologys not complete yet. But thats the beauty to a certain degree. This has a runway. And its an incredible runway.

'Its time to put the seat belt on and go.'

Cook has previously called augmented reality (AR) a big idea and people will have AR experiences every day, almost like eating three meals a day.

Cook also admitted that the memory of Steve Jobs still permeates Apple.

'Steves DNA will always be the base for Apple,' he said.

'Its the case now. I want it to be the case in 50 years, whoevers the CEO. I want it to be the case in 100 years, whoevers CEO.'

A woman points her smart phone at the Brandenburg Gate as she plays the Pokemon Go mobile game. Apple is already working with Niantic and other firms such as Ikea on next generation AR apps

He also revealed that Apple's smart assistant Siri could be the biggest in the world.

'Siri is getting requests from 375 million devices right now. My guess is its the largest by far of any kind of assistant.'
A devastating security lapse at Facebook has exposed the personal details of 1,000 content moderators and put them at risk of being targeted by terrorists.

Facebook uses moderators to evaluate various areas of content, including sexual material, hate speech and terrorist propaganda.

Terrorists are known to take an interest in moderators as counter-terrorism is seen as a sin and could result in death.

One of the moderators, who is an Iraqi-born Irish citizen, has gone into hiding and says he fears for his life.

The moderator, speaking anonymously to The Guardian, said: '[When] you have people like that knowing your family name you know that people get butchered for that.

'The punishment from Isis for working in counter-terrorism is beheading.'

Facebook has confirmed the security breach in a statement, and says it has made changes to 'better detect and prevent these types of issues form occurring.'

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A devastating security lapse at Facebook saw its own content moderators put at severe risk, after their personal details were exposed to suspected terrorists (stock image)

WHAT HAPPENED? A bug in Facebook software led to the profiles of moderators appearing as notifications in the activity log of Facebook groups whose administrators had been removed for breaching terms of service. This means that their personal details were viewable by the remaining admins in these groups. Six moderators who work in Facebook's Dublin offices have been flagged as 'high priority', after the firm found that their personal profiles were probably seen by potential terrorists. The six high-risk moderators are likely to have had their personal profiles viewed by people with links to Isis, Hezbollah and the Kurdistan Workers Party. Facebook then took two weeks to fix the bug, by which point it had been active for a month. Advertisement

The bug in the software, which was discovered by The Guardian, led to the profiles of these moderators appearing as notifications in the activity log of Facebook groups whose administrators had been removed for breaching terms of service.

This means that their personal details were viewable by the remaining admins in these groups.

Facebook has confirmed the security breach, and a spokesperson said: 'We care deeply about keeping everyone who works for Facebook safe.

'As soon as we learned about the issue, we fixed it and began a thorough investigation to learn as much as possible about what happened.'

Six of the moderators who work in Facebook's Dublin offices have been flagged as 'high priority', after the firm found that their personal profiles were probably seen by potential terrorists.

Speaking anonymously to The Guardian, one of the six 'high priority' moderators, who himself is Iraqi and has gone into hiding, said: 'It was getting too dangerous to stay in Dublin.

'The only reason we're in Ireland was to escape terrorism and threats.'

The moderator went into hiding after discovering that seven individuals associated with a suspected terrorist group he banned from Facebook had viewed his personal profile.

The other high-risk moderators are aksi likely to have had their personal profiles viewed by people with links to Isis, Hezbollah and the Kurdistan Workers Party.

The anonymous moderator said: 'When you come from a war zone and you have people like that knowing your family name you know that people get butchered for that.

The six high-risk moderators are likely to have had their personal profiles viewed by people with links to Isis, Hezbollah and the Kurdistan Workers Party (stock image)

'The punishment from Isis for working in counter-terrorism is beheading.

'All they'd need to do is tell someone who is radical here.'

The problem was initially flagged after Facebook moderators started receiving friend requests from people affiliated with terrorist organisations.

Facebook then launched an urgent investigation, convening a 'task force of data scientists, community operations and security investigators', according to internal emails seen by The Guardian.

Craig D'Souza, Facebook's head of global investigations, tried to reassure the moderators that there was 'a good chance' any suspected terrorists wouldn't know who they were.

In the internal emails, he wrote: 'Keep in mind that when the person sees your name on the list, it was in their activity log, which contains a lot of information.

'There is a good chance that they associate you with another admin of the group or a hacker...'

HOW FACEBOOK SPOTS TERROR Facebook's AI is using several techniques to try and spot terror groups online. Image matching: When someone tries to upload a terrorist photo or video, systems look for whether the image matches a known terrorism photo or video. Language understanding: AI is learning to understand text that might be advocating for terrorism. 'We're currently experimenting with analyzing text that we've already removed for praising or supporting terrorist organizations such as ISIS and Al Qaeda so we can develop text-based signals that such content may be terrorist propaganda' Facebook says. The machine learning algorithms work on a feedback loop and get better over time. Removing terrorist clusters: When the system identifies Pages, groups, posts or profiles as supporting terrorism, it also use algorithms to 'fan out' to try to identify related material that may also support terrorism. It uses signals like whether an account is friends with a high number of accounts that have been disabled for terrorism, or whether an account shares the same attributes as a disabled account. Recidivism: 'We've also gotten much faster at detecting new fake accounts created by repeat offenders' Facebook says. Cross-platform collaboration: Facebook is working on systems to enable it to take action against terrorist accounts across all our platforms, including WhatsApp and Instagram. Advertisement

But many of the moderators were not happy with the response, and one replied: 'I understand Craig, but this is taking chances.

'I'm not waiting for a pipe bomb to be mailed to my address until Facebook does something about it.'

Facebook took two weeks to fix the bug, by which point it had been active for a month.

In the hopes of protecting the vulnerable moderators, Facebook offered to install a home alarm monitoring system and provide transport to and from work, as well as counselling.

And as a result of the leak, Facebook told the Guardian that it is testing the use of administrative accounts that are not linked to personal profiles.
The ability to recognise faces was thought to be too complex for a fish, but a new study suggests that this might not be the case.

Scientists have found that the tiny striped Masked Julie, which lives among the rocks of Lake Tanganyika in East Africa, can distinguish a friend from a foe.

The species detects patterns around the eyes to distinguish individual faces, a skill thought to be limited to mammals and birds.

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Scientists have found that the tiny striped Masked Julie (pictured) can distinguish a friend from a foe by detecting unfamiliar patterns around the eyes. The researchers believe the patterns are social signals, similar to other members of the animal kingdom (stock image)

MASKED JULIE Eight adult male Masked Julie fish were placed them in a tank by researchers at Osaka City University. Digital models of other fish with familiar and unfamiliar characteristics on their faces and bodies were then placed inside. The fish spent longer following models with unfamiliar faces as they moved around the tank. This suggests they were monitoring a potential threat using their ability to distinguish unique facial patterns. The researchers believe patterns around the eyes are social signals, similar to other members of the animal kingdom, including mammals. Advertisement

Researchers at Osaka City University in Japan took a group of eight adult males from their familiar surroundings and placed them in a tank.

The fish, whose scientific name is Julidochromis transcriptus, live in crevices in rocks on the lake-bed, hidden by vegetation.

This often means that only a small part of its body is visible, so researchers decided to find out which parts attracted the fish's attention.

Once inside the tank, digital models of other fish with familiar and unfamiliar characteristics on their faces and bodies were placed inside.

The fish spent longer following models with unfamiliar faces as they moved around the tank.

This suggests they were monitoring a potential threat using their ability to distinguish unique facial patterns.

Speaking to New Scientist, researcher Takashi Hotta said: 'If this fish used only the face to recognise others, that would show that "face" is an important social cue.

'We found that our subjects were especially guarded against only unfamiliar face models, regardless of body type.'

The researchers believe patterns around the eyes are social signals, similar to other members of the animal kingdom, including mammals.

The fish live in crevices in the rock on the bed of Lake Tanganyika in East Africa (pictured), hidden by vegetation. This means that only a small part of their bodies are visible, so researchers decided to find out which parts attracted the fish's attention

It had long been thought that fish's brains were too simple to perform such complicated tasks.

The Julie Fish study comes shortly after a team of US and Australian scientists discovered the archerfish is able to distinguish between faces with a high degree of accuracy - the first time the trait has been seen in fish.

The Julie Fish study comes shortly after a team of US and Australian scientists discovered the archerfish (pictured) is able to distinguish between faces with a high degree of accuracy, the first time the trait has been seen in fish

In tests, the fish were trained to select faces on a monitor above their tank and were able to accurately pick out a face they had learned from up to 44 new faces.

Researchers found the animals were able to distinguish between faces with a high degree of accuracy, despite lacking a neocortex, the brain region in primates which deals with facial recognition.
A 50-year-old plan to recycle old rockets in orbit by turning them into manned space stations is being revived by Nasa.

The agency has signed $10 million (7.8 million) contract to investigate turning used rocket tanks into space labs with support for a functioning crew.

The idea was first conceived in the 1960's by German aerospace engineer Wernher von Braun, who proposed it was the cheapest way to build a space station.

Mr von Braun, who died in 1977 aged 60, was an ex-Nazi ballistic missile engineer credited with inventing the V-2 rocket.

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An artist's impression of the Ixion recycled space station concept put forward by NanoRacks, one of three companies to partner with Nasa on its venture to build small space stations using spent rocket casings in orbit

NASA'S 50-YEAR-OLD RECYCLE PLAN The recycled rocket programme was originally put forward by German aerospace engineer Wernher von Braun. Mr von Braun remains a controversial figure - he worked with the Nazis on ballistic missiles during World War 2 before surrendering and and taking his rocket-building team and talents to the United States. He proposed in the 1960's that Nasa separately send parts for its Skylab space station and its crew aboard two Saturn IB rockets, which would launch a day apart. Once both rockets were in orbit, he offered that the astronauts could build the station that they were to inhabit within a spent rocket fuel tank. Launching a station as two payloads would considerably save on rocket fuel and costs, he claimed. Mr von Braun's plan was eventually scrapped by Nasa in favour of launching Skylab fully equipped. But now Nasa is now reviving the bizarre idea. Advertisement

Now Nasa is reviving his plan to use two rockets, one crewed and one un-crewed, to build a space station from recycled parts.

The un-crewed rocket will carry a satellite or resupply cargo, while the manned rocket - which will launch a day later - will carry the recycle crew and equipment.

Once both are in orbit, the astronauts in the crewed craft will remotely vent any leftover fuel from the un-manned rocket's large hydrogen tank.

They will then build and install life-equipment and move into the empty space, reusing a fuel tank that would otherwise have been left to float in orbit or directed into Earth's atmosphere for destruction.

'This innovative approach offers a pathway that is more affordable and involves less risk than fabricating modules on the ground and subsequently launching them into orbit,' Jeff Manber, founder and CEO of NanoRacks, one of three private US firms involved in the Nasa contract, wrote in a blog post.

'Our commitment is to bring about cost-efficient, commercial space stations via re-purposing in-space hardware, and we cant wait to bring you along for the ride into the future.'

Three private companies have been contracted to test whether the recycled rocket programme is feasible.

Nanoracks, a space commercial service company, will make the parts needed for a lab and living space.

This laboratory will be bolstered with robotic outfitting from Space Systems Loral, a company that designs and builds satellite and spacecraft systems.

United Launch Alliance, which has sold rockets and other launch services to Nasa and the US government for more than a decade, will provide the used second stages of Atlas V rockets.

Wernher von Braun, who conceived the recycled rocket idea in the 1960's, was an ex-Nazi ballistic missile engineer credited with inventing the V-2 rocket. In this image Mr von Braun is pictured alongside an explanatory model of the rocket that would eventually lift Apollo 11

The upper stage of these rockets are currently discarded after only one use, so converting them into small space stations could save the considerable costs of building new orbiting labs from scratch.

The recycled rocket programme was originally put forward by German aerospace engineer Wernher von Braun.

Mr von Braun remains a controversial figure - he worked with the Nazis on ballistic missiles during World War 2 before surrendering and and taking his rocket-building team and talents to the United States.

Eventually, he became a leader in the American space program, building the Saturn V rocket that carried Apollo 11 to the moon.

Before the United Sates' first ever space station - Nasa's Skylab - was launched in 1970, Mr von Braun proposed that the cheapest way to get the station beyond Earth's atmosphere was to send it in separate parts.

This image shows one of Nasa's Centaur upper stage rockets, which Nanoracks, along with space firms United Launch Alliance and pace Systems Loral, one day wants to turn into a space station for Nasa

He proposed that Nasa separately send parts for a space station and its crew aboard two Saturn IB rockets, which would launch a day apart from another.

Once both rockets were in orbit, he offered that the astronauts could build the station that they were to inhabit using a spent rocket fuel tank.

Launching a station as two payloads would considerably save on rocket fuel and costs, he claimed.

Mr von Braun's proposal was eventually scrapped by Nasa in favour of launching Skylab fully equipped, but now Nasa is now reviving the bizarre idea.
Cars of the future could be equipped with 3D printed smart tyres that can tell you when they need changing, if a concept unveiled by Michelin becomes a reality.

The Vision project created an all-in-one tyre and wheel made from biodegradable materials, coated in rubber tread that can be topped up when the tyre wears down.

The tyre's airless design, which is inspired by nature, would also make them impervious to flats and blowouts.

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Michelin has unveiled its airless Vision concept tyres that are 3D printed from organic material and are impervious to flats and blow outs. Cars of the future could be equipped with the smart tyres that can tell you when they need servicing (artist's impression)

MICHELIN'S VISION CONCEPT TYRES Michelin's Vision tyres use an alveolar design, similar to the air sacks in the human lung. They are 3D printed from recycled organic materials, including wood chips, straw, sugar byproducts, and orange peels. This is covered in a thin layer of rubber which makes up the tyre's tread. Customers can book in to top up the tread when needed using a specially designed app. Onboard sensors monitor the tyre's condition and notify you when they need redoing. Advertisement

The French firm unveiled the unique design at the 2017 Movin' On conference being held in Montreal this week.

The inner design of the tyre is modelled on nature, using a honeycomb-like structure to give it strength.

This alveolar pattern, similar to the air sacks in the human lung, uses a rigid centre which branches out to thousands of increasingly larger chambers.

It is 3D printed from recycled organic materials, including wood chips, straw, sugar byproducts, and orange peels.

This is covered in a thin layer of rubber which makes up the tyre's tread.

Its creators envision the tyre being rechargeable so that when the rubber tread wears down, customers can book in a top up printed layer of rubber tread.

They could even alter the tread based on the climate, perhaps by printing a winter pattern when going on a ski trip.

Onboard sensors will monitor real time information about the tyre's condition and notify you when they need redoing.

All of these features could be controlled through a specially coded Print & Go app.

Michelin hasn't given a time frame for the concept's development or commercial release.

But Mostapha El-Oulhani, the designer who headed the project, said the tyre is 'a promise that is within reach'.

The Vision concept tyre (pictured) is 3D printed from recycled organic materials, including wood chips, straw, sugar byproducts, and orange peels. This is covered in a thin layer of rubber which makes up the tyre's tread

The inner design of the tyre is modelled on nature, using a honeycomb-like structure to give it strength (left). This alveolar pattern, similar to the air sacks in the human lung, uses a rigid centre which branches out to thousands of increasingly larger chambers (right)

Writing in a press statement, he added: 'Given how we developed it, the Vision concept tire is a showcase of our expertise as well as a promise of the future.

'We wanted the Vision to be realistic since no purpose is served by designing objects or services that we know pertinently are unrealistic.

'On the contrary, Vision is possible since it is based on R&D know-how and we can already see the future applications, on which the Group is now working.'
EU officials are expected say Google abused its search engine dominance to unfairly build its Google Shopping service.

The EU's antitrust watching is preparing to fine the firm a record amount which, according to the Wall Street Journal, could be as high as 10% of its annual revenue - which in 2016 was more than $90 billion.

Brussels will make the first of three antitrust decisions on the company's actions 'in the coming weeks', the first from a leading competition regulator on the way Google operates.

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The European Commission's decision will come after a seven-year investigation into the world's most popular internet search engine triggered by scores of complaints (stock image)

WHAT HAPPENED? The European Commission's decision will come after a seven-year investigation into the world's most popular internet search engine. It was triggered by scores of complaints from both US and European rivals. The EU competition authority accused Google in April 2015 of distorting internet search results to favour its shopping service, harming both rivals and consumers. The company has in the past rejected the charges, saying that regulators ignored competition from online retailers Amazon and eBay. Fines for companies found guilty of breaching EU antitrust rules can reach 10 per cent of their global turnover. Advertisement

The EU competition authority accused Google in April 2015 of distorting internet search results to favour its shopping service, harming both rivals and consumers.

Back then the fine was expected to be at 7 billion ($9 billion).

Although latest estimates are lower, it is still expected to break the abuse penalty record set in 2009 when EU officials hit computer chip producer Intel with a 870 million ($1.12 billion) fine for anti-competitive practices, two sources close to the case told the Financial Times.

Both Google and the European Commission declined to comment on the latest rumours around the high-profile case.

The European Commission's decision will come after a seven-year investigation into the world's most popular internet search engine triggered by scores of complaints from both US and European rivals.

The US company has in the past rejected the charges, saying that regulators ignored competition from online retailers Amazon and eBay.

Fines for companies found guilty of breaching EU antitrust rules can reach 10 per cent of their global turnover.

Apart from the fine, the Commission will tell Google to stop its alleged anti-competitive practices, but it is not clear what measures it will order the company to adopt to ensure that rivals get equal treatment in internet shopping results.

The regulator could set out general principles or specific instructions for Google to follow, said an observer.

Google made three unsuccessful attempts to settle the case with the previous European Competition Commissioner Joaquin Almunia (pictured) in a bid to stave off a possible fine

The Commission's tough line is in sharp contrast with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, which settled its own web search case with the company in 2013 by requiring Google to stop 'scraping' reviews and other data from rival websites for its own products.

Google made three unsuccessful attempts to settle the case with the previous European Competition Commissioner Joaquin Almunia in a bid to stave off a possible fine and a finding of wrongdoing.

Almunia's successor Margrethe Vestager, however, has shown no willingness to settle with Google.

The company has also been charged with using its Android mobile operating system to squeeze out rivals and with blocking competitors in online search advertising related to its 'AdSense for Search' platform.

The platform allows Google to act as an intermediary for websites such as online retailers, telecoms operators or newspapers. The Commission has warned of massive fines in both cases.
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A stunning new image has revealed a look at Jupiters stormy atmosphere from the seventh close flyby of NASAs Juno spacecraft.

The image, captured from roughly 29,100 miles (49,900 kilometers), above the clouds, shows the String of Pearls phenomenon and a lone orange storm seen not far away.

It also reveals a view of the south polar region, as Juno soared over 65.9 degrees south latitude.

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A stunning new image has revealed a look at Jupiters stormy atmosphere from the seventh close flyby of NASAs Juno spacecraft. The image, captured from roughly 29,100 miles (49,900 kilometers), above the clouds, shows the String of Pearls phenomenon and a lone orange storm seen not far away

JUPITER'S CYCLONES Turning counter-clockwise in the northern hemisphere just like on Earth, the cyclones are clearly clustered near the poles. The diameters of some of these cyclones stretch 870 miles (1,400 kilometers). Even bigger - though shapeless -weather systems are also present in both polar regions. But, the two poles don't really resemble each other, puzzling experts. Jupiter's poles appear dramatically different from neighboring Saturn's, according to the scientists, with nothing like the hexagon-shaped cloud system over Saturn's north pole. Advertisement

According to NASA, the remarkable image was enhanced to reveal the striking color differences of Jupiters storms.

Four of the white oval storms known as the String of Pearls are visible near the top of the image, according to NASA.

Interestingly, one orange-colored storm can be seen at the belt-zone boundary, while other storms are more of a cream color.

The image was captured by the JunoCam on May 19, during its seventh close pass.

Earlier this month, a video stitching together over 2,000 still frames reconstructed from a recent flyover of Jupiter revealed a breathtaking new look at the largest planet in our solar system.

In March, NASAs Juno spacecraft conducted the Perijove 5 flyby, bringing it roughly 2,700 miles from Jupiters cloud tops.

Using dozens of observations from the JunoCam, a mathematician in Germany has created a stunning time-lapse video showing the planet from all angles  and, set to dramatic sci-fi music, the footage reveals the alien beauty of the massive gas giant.

The video, originally created by mathematician Gerald Eichstaedt, took 60 hours to make, using 36 images from the JunoCam, according to Wired.

It reconstructs Junos flyby from the perspective of the spacecraft, using the PJ-05 images and SPICE trajectory data, the creator explains on YouTube.

The final product, using 2,703 still frames in all, is a 125-fold time-lapse compared to real time.

The remarkable video shows a look at some of the massive planets most striking features, including its chaotic cyclones that are up to 1,400 km (870 miles) across  roughly the length of Japan.

After uploading the timelapse to an online space forum, it was picked up by animator/filmmaker Sean Doran, who then smoothed it out and enhanced the frames, Wired reports.

The image shows Jupiter's south pole, as seen by NASA's Juno spacecraft from an altitude of 32,000 miles (52,000 kilometers). The oval features are cyclones, up to 870 miles (1,400 kilometers) in diameter. Multiple images taken with the JunoCam on three separate orbits were combined to show all areas in daylight, enhanced color, and stereographic projection

Doran also added otherworldly music from the 2001: A Space Odyssey soundtrack.

Just last week remarkable new images from the Juno spacecraft revealed new secrets about its atmosphere and interior that challenge previous assumptions about the giant gas planet.

The Juno mission, which launched in 2011 and began its first orbit last year, allows scientists to view Jupiter in new ways thanks to the probe's highly elliptical orbit, which passes over the planet's poles and dives within 5,000km (3,100 miles) of its cloud tops.

A NASA statement described the planet as 'a complex, gigantic, turbulent world' that is far different than scientists previously thought.

NASA'S JUNO MISSION Nasa's Juno spacecraft (pictured, a graphic representation) reached Jupiter last year after a five-year, 1.8 billion-mile journey from Earth The Juno probe reached Jupiter last year after a five-year, 1.8 billion-mile journey from Earth. Following a successful braking manoeuvre, it has now entered into a long polar orbit flying to within 3,100 miles (5,000 km) of the planet's swirling cloud tops. The probe will skim to within just 4,200 km of the planet's clouds once a fortnight - too close to provide global coverage in a single image. No previous spacecraft has orbited so close to Jupiter, although two others have been sent plunging to their destruction through its atmosphere. To complete its risky mission Juno will have to survive a circuit-frying radiation storm generated by Jupiter's powerful magnetic field. The maelstrom of high energy particles travelling at nearly the speed of light is the harshest radiation environment in the Solar System. To cope with the conditions, the spacecraft is protected with special radiation-hardened wiring and sensor shielding. Its all-important 'brain' - the spacecraft's flight computer - is housed in an armoured vault made of titanium and weighing almost 400 pounds (172kg). Juno is in a harsh radiation environment, so its delicate electronics are housed in a special titanium vault. Eventually, Juno will succumb to the intense radiation and will be commanded to plunge into Jupiter's atmosphere to avoid any collision with the planet's moons. Pictured is a 1/5 scale model size of the solar-powered Juno spacecraft Advertisement

Two papers in the journal Science and 44 papers in Geophysical Research Letters describe a trove of discoveries made since Juno began orbiting Jupiter last year.

'We knew, going in, that Jupiter would throw us some curves,' said Scott Bolton, Juno principal investigator from the Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio.

'There is so much going on here that we didn't expect that we have had to take a step back and begin to rethink of this as a whole new Jupiter.

Juno's findings are 'really going to force us to rethink not only how Jupiter works, but how do we explore Saturn, Uranus and Neptune,' Bolton added.

The remarkable video shows a look at some of the massive planets most striking features. And, set to a dramatic sci-fi music, the footage reveals the alien beauty of the massive gas giant

This sequence of enhanced-color images shows how quickly the viewing geometry changes for NASA?s Juno spacecraft as it swoops by Jupiter. The images were obtained by JunoCam. Once every 53 days the Juno spacecraft swings close to Jupiter, speeding over its clouds

Remarkable new images from the Juno spacecraft have revealed new secrets about its atmosphere and interior that challenge previous assumptions about the giant gas planet

With dozens of cyclones hundreds of miles across - alongside unidentifiable weather systems stretching thousands of miles - the poles look nothing like Jupiter's equatorial region, instantly recognizable by its stripes and Great Red Spot, a raging hurricane-like storm.

'That's the Jupiter we've all known and grown to love,' Bolton said.

'And when you look from the pole, it looks totally different ... I don't think anybody would have guessed this is Jupiter.'

He calls these first major findings 'Earth-shattering. Or should I say, Jupiter-shattering.'
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Sweden's answer to the F-35 has taken its maiden flight, maker Saab has revealed.

During the 40-minute flight over the eastern parts of Ostergotland, the latest Gripen executed a series of maneuvers to test its systems, including extending and retracting its landing gear.

The Gripen E 'Smart Fighter' is aimed at markets not yet cleared to buy the troubled Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.

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The latest version of the Gripen fighter jet has been unveiled by Swedish aircraft maker, Saab. The E fighter, the sixth variant in the Gripen family, is slightly bigger than previous versions

THE SMART FIGHTER The Gripen E 39-8 prototype has a 15.2 metre (50ft) long body and a wingspan of 8.6 metres (28ft). This allows it to manage a take-off weight of 16,500 kg (36.376lb). It can reach Mach 2 (1,522 mph, 2,450 km/h) at high altitude with a turnaround time between missions of just ten minutes. It is designed to carry more weapons further, and to track multiple threats using the latest type of radar. Like others in the range, the Gripen E has a delta wing and fly-by-wire flight avionics. It also has greater fuel capacity, 20 per cent more thrust, more pylons, in-flight refuelling capability and increased take-off weight. Advertisement

the $85 million Gripen E or Gripen E/F is completely redesigned with an all-new avionics suite and software that allows it to be modified at short notice without extensive layovers. It's fully NATO interoperable and includes Network Centric Warfare (NCW) technology for advanced data communications, dual data links, satellite communications, and video links.

The E fighter, the sixth variant in the Gripen family, is slightly bigger than previous versions, has a stronger engine and updated radar systems.

It is designed to carry more weapons further, and to track multiple threats using the latest type of radar.

Weapons include guided glide bombs, long-range air-to-air missiles and heavy anti-ship armaments.

It also has a 27 mm Mauser BK27 gun, which can be used in air-to-surface attacks against land and sea targets.

'The flight was just as expected, with the aircraft performance matching the experience in our simulations,' pilot Marcus Wandt said after the flight.

'Its acceleration performance is impressive with smooth handling.

'Needless to say I'm very happy to have piloted this maiden flight.'

Like others in the range, the Gripen E has a delta wing and fly-by-wire flight avionics.

But unlike some others in the line, it has a greater fuel capacity, 20 per cent more thrust, more pylons, in-flight refuelling capability and increased take-off weight.

It has a 15.2 metre (50ft) long body has a wingspan of 8.6 metres (28ft) which allows it to manage a take-off weight of 16,500 kg (36.376lb).

It can reach Mach 2 (1,522 mph, 2,450 km/h) at high altitude with a turnaround time between missions of just ten minutes.

The aircraft's sensors include an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, Infra-Red Search and Track (IRST), Electronic Warfare (EW) suite and data link technology.

Saab claims that, combined, these sensors give 'the pilot, and co-operating forces exactly the information needed at all times.'

The new jet is designed to carry more weapons further, and to track multiple threats using the latest type of radar. Weapons include guided glide bombs, long-range air-to-air missiles and heavy anti-ship armaments. It also has a 27 mm Mauser BK27 gun, which can be used in air-to-surface attacks against land and sea targets.

About 500 people, including Swedish Defence Minister Peter Hultqvist and Brazilian air force commander Nivaldo Luiz Rossato, watched the rollout of the new Gripen E last week.

The event took place in Linkoping, about 105 miles (170km) southeast of Stockholm.

Selling for about $85 million excluding arms, the Gripen E is slightly cheaper than Rafale or Typhoon and significantly cheaper than the single-engined F-35, which is marketed for stealth

'The Gripen E ensures that Gripen as a brand keeps going against the Rafale, Typhoon and F-35,' said Francis Tusa, editor of Defence Analysis.

Selling for about $85 million excluding arms, the Gripen E is slightly cheaper than Rafale or Typhoon and significantly cheaper than the single-engined F-35, which is marketed for stealth, he added.

But critics say the Gripen lacks the flexibility of twin-engined rivals or the same geopolitical support as U.S., French or pan-European alternatives.

The aircraft, which is already proving in demand, has been in development for about 10 years. The first test flight is expected later this year.

Brazil has ordered 36 Gripen fighters for delivery between 2019 and 2024.

The revamped Gripen E is also one of five aircraft which has attracted Finland's interest as it weighs an order for dozens of jets, according to industry executives.

Boeing's F-18, Dassault Aviation's Rafale, Lockheed Martin's F-35 and the Eurofighter Typhoon, involving BAE Systems, may also be considered.

''The flight was just as expected, with the aircraft performance matching the experience in our simulations,' pilot Marcus Wandt said after the flight

Saab said it is also monitoring possible fighter purchases in India, which some say could seek almost 100 warplanes once it completes a delayed order for 36 French Rafales.

'I think we have a very good opportunity in India. We can make an attractive offer that would suit the Indians with their Make in India concept,' Saab aeronautics head Ulf Nilsson said in an interview.

Earlier versions of the plane are in service in the air forces of Sweden, South Africa, Czech Republic, Hungary and Thailand.
Scientists have selected some of the targets to be observed by the James Webb Space Telescope, the colossal instrument that will allow researchers to peer 13.5 billion years back in time.

These targets include objects both inside and beyond our solar system, from Trojan asteroids to the mysterious world Trappist-1e.

According to NASA, the initial observations will explore a broad spectrum of the universes mysteries, including the first light and the birth of stars and planets.

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Scientists have selected some of the targets to be observed by the James Webb Space Telescope, the colossal instrument that will allow researchers to peer 13.5 billion years back in time

THE JAMES WEBB TELESCOPE The James Webb telescope has been described as a 'time machine' that could help unravel the secrets of our universe. The telescope will be used to look back to the first galaxies born in the early universe more than 13.5 billion years ago, and observe the sources of stars, exoplanets, and even the moons and planets of our solar system. When it is launched in 2018, it will be the world's biggest and most powerful telescope, capable of peering back 200 million years after the Big Bang. Advertisement

From the very first galaxies after the Big Bang, to searching for chemical fingerprints of life on Enceladus, Europa, and exoplanets like Trappist-1e, Webb will be looking at some incredible things in our universe, said Eric Smith, James Webb Space Telescope Director at NASA Headquarters in Washington.

With over 2100 initial observations planned, there is no limit to what we might discover with this incredible telescope.

The targets include planets in our own solar system, including Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.

It will also look at objects in the Kuiper Belt, as well as trans-Neptunian objects.

But, the James Webb Space Telescope will look farther out, too.

It will investigate exoplanets and even distant galaxies to learn more about the young universe.

The JWST will follow a series of cycles, beginning with roughly 8,700 hours  or, nearly a year  of observations.

The new targets come as part of the Guaranteed Time Observations, which dedicated time to the scientists involved in the planning and building of the telescopes four instruments, according to NASA.

These participants were given 10 percent of the total observing time in this first mission, and their projects will likely be completed within the first two years of operation.

The targets selected for the initial observations by the James Webb Telescope include objects both inside and beyond our solar system, from Trojan asteroids to the mysterious world Trappist-1e

The definition of observations to be conducted by the Webb Guaranteed Time Observers is a major milestone along the timeline for producing revolutionary science with this incredibly powerful observatory, said Dr Ken Sembach, director of the Space Telescope Science Institute.

I am very pleased that were at this point since it is now possible for the broader science community to begin selecting targets and designing observations for the Early Release Science program and the Cycle 1 call for proposals, which will be issued this fall.

In March, the James Webb Telescope completed critical acoustic and vibration tests in a major step toward readying the craft for spaceflight.

The targets include planets in our own solar system, including Jupiter (pictured), Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. But, the James Webb Space Telescope will look farther out, too

These tests at NASAs Goddard Space Flight Center simulated the shaking and ear-splitting noise the telescope will experience during launch.

Then, also this spring, it moved on to further environmental tests before it is shipped to the Johnson Space Center, where it will be subjected to end-to-end optical testing in a vacuum.

According to NASA, the recent tests are only two of the many assessments the craft will undergo before spaceflight, in the most rigorous battery of testing to date.

For the vibration tests, the telescope was mounted on a system known as a shaker table, to simulate the vibration that will happen during launch on the Ariane V rocket.

The James Webb Telescope has completed critical acoustic and vibration tests in a major step toward readying the craft for spaceflight. These tests at NASAs Goddard Space Flight Center simulated the shaking and ear-splitting noise the telescope will experience during launch

In the test, it was subjected to vibrations ranging from 5 to 100 times per second.

Then, in the acoustic test, the researchers wrapped it in a clean tent and pushed it into the Acoustic Test Chamber, which is closed off by insulated steel doors that are nearly a foot thick.

Once in the chamber, it was exposed to ear-splitting noise and resulting vibration.

The James Webb Telescope will undergo further testing this spring in Houston, at extremely cold temperatures in a vacuum at the Johnson Space Center.

Eventually, it will be sent to Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems in California for final assembly and testing prior to launch, which is set to take place from French Guiana in 2018.

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is the largest space telescope ever built.

When it is launched into space it will be able to peer back in time 13.5 billion years, teaching us more than ever before about the start of the universe.

It now stands completed and almost ready to go to space, in an enormous clean room at Nasa's Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland.

Nasa describes the telescope as a 'powerful time machine with infrared vision that will peer back over 13.5 billion years to see the first stars and galaxies forming out of the darkness of the early universe'

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is the largest space telescope ever constructed. When it is launched into space it will be able to peer back in time 3.5 billion years, teaching us more than ever before about the start of the universe

The telescope is be 100 times more potent than its predecessor, Hubble, and three times larger. For this reason, it has been nicknamed 'Super Hubble'.

'Thousands of people, for almost two decades, accomplished the construction of the telescope element of the largest space telescope ever created,' said a new video, on Nasa Goddard's YouTube channel.

'The optical and science segment of the James Webb Space Telescope stands complete in one of the largest cleanrooms in the world, located at Nasa's Goddard Space Flight Center.'

The tests will including shaking and noise tests to simulate launch conditions, and cryogenic tests to simulate the cold in space.

The main component of the telescope is the primary mirror, which consists of 18 hexagonal mirrors and looks like a giant puzzle piece.

The massive golden mirror is made up of 18 components which will work together as one structure.

Each coffee table-sized mirror segment is made from beryllium and weighs roughly 46 pounds.

The parts are each coated with a fine film of vaporized gold to optimise the reflection of infrared light.

Combined with the rest of the observatory, the mirrors will help piece together puzzles scientists have been trying to solve throughout the cosmos.

Building the telescope has taken Nasa two decades, and launch is expected in 2018.

WE COULD FIND ALIEN LIFE IN THE NEXT 10-20 YEARS There at least 200 billion Earth-like planets in our galaxy  and now Nasa officials claim we could be on the verge of finding life on one of them. During a talk in Washington earlier this year, the space agency announced that humanity is likely to encounter extra-terrestrials within a decade. 'I believe we are going to have strong indications of life beyond Earth in the next decade and definitive evidence in the next 10 to 20 years,' Ellen Stofan, chief scientist for Nasa, said. 'We know where to look, we know how to look, and in most cases we have the technology.' Jeffery Newmark, interim director of heliophysics at the agency, added: 'It's definitely not an if, it's a when.' 'We are not talking about little green men,' said Stofan. 'We are talking about little microbes.' The announcement has been prompted by the recent discovery of water by Nasa in surprising places. Jim Green, director of planetary science at Nasa, noted that a recent study of the Martian atmosphere found 50 per cent of the planet's northern hemisphere once had oceans a mile deep. Advertisement

Nasa describes the James Webb Space Telescope as a 'time machine' that will peer back over 13.5 billion years, to 200 million years after the Big Bang.

'The Webb telescope segment now stands complete,' the video says.

'After launch-phase environment testing at Goddard this segment will endure more cryogenic testing at the Nasa Johnson Space Center.

'Later the telescope will travel to Northrop Grumman in Los Angeles to be mated to its sunshield and spacecraft bus, thus completing the observatory's assembly.'

Yesterday, Nasa engineers took a 'before' measurement of the telescope ready for its testing. Taking a 'before' optical measurement of the telescope's deployed mirror is crucial before the telescope goes into several stages of rigorous mechanical testing

The main component of the telescope is the primary mirror (pictured), which consists of 18 hexagonal mirrors and looks like a giant puzzle piece. Combined with the rest of the observatory, the mirrors will help piece together puzzles scientists have been trying to solve

Webb's primary mirror will collect light for the observatory in the scientific quest to better understand our solar system and beyond.

Unprecedented infrared sensitivity will help astronomers to compare the faintest, earliest galaxies to today's grand spirals and ellipticals, helping us to understand how galaxies assemble over billions of years.

Webb will see behind cosmic dust clouds to see where stars and planetary systems are being born.
Although Samsung is still riding on the success of its Galaxy S8 handsets, it appears the South Korean firm is gearing up for its next flagship smartphone  the Note 8.

A series of leaks claiming to be the Android device has surfaced, showing a dual lens camera, an S Pen stylus inside and the same edge-to-edge screen as the S8 family.

The Galaxy Note 8 is expected to be released late August and its manufacturers hope it will finally put memories of the Note 7 fiasco behind them.

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Although Samsung is still riding on the success of its Galaxy S8 handsets, it appears the South Korean firm is gearing up for its next flagship smartphone  the Note 8. A series of leaks claiming to be the Android device has surfaced

NOTE 8 RUMORS Rumors surrounding the Note 8 first came to light in April, which had suggested that the Android could have significantly smaller bezels, an infinity screen and dual cameras. Sources have said its design will mirror that of the Galaxy S8. Sources have suggested that the Note 8 will have an Infinity display, which has an 18.5-to-9 width-to-length ratio. Advertisement

The new renders were published online by a Twitter users that goes by the name Ice universe, who made the claim that the leaks are in fact the Note 8.

If the renders are real, than Android users can expect the smartphones design to mirror that of the Galaxy S8, as it appears to have the stunning edge-to-edge screen with no physical bezels.

Samsung had first dropped hints about a follow-up to its exploding Galaxy Note Series in April  the smartphones were found to have irregularly sized batteries that caused them to overheat and catch fire.

Although the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 was one of the biggest blunders in smartphone history, the South Korean firm believes it's Note 8 has the ability to stand up to Apple's 10th anniversary iPhone 8.

And in order to do so, Samsung is set to release the smartphone before Apple's does theirs.

Earlier this month it was speculated that it could unveil the Note 8 in late August.

The report regarding the Android smartphone was revealed by The Korea Herald and picked up by BGR, which noted that the Note 8s design is set to mirror that of the Galaxy S8.

If the renders are real, than Android users can expect the smartphones design to mirror that of the Galaxy S8, as it appears to have the stunning edge-to-edge screen with no physical bezels

Sources have suggested that the Note 8 is set to include the Infinity display, which has an 18.5-to-9 width-to-length ratio.

A separate report had claimed that the Note 8 was being tested on Android 7.1.1 (Nougat), rather than a beta version of the upcoming.

This news has suggested that the smartphone will launch before the new OS, dubbed 'O', is released - which is set to be released in the fall.

Another rumor had surfaced last month, which was a nice second video claiming to be the first glimpse of the Note 8.

The clip was first uploaded to Weibo, China's leading social media site.

Although the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 (pictured) was one of the biggest blunders in smartphone history, the South Korean firm believes it's Note 8 has the ability to stand up to Apple's 10th anniversary iPhone 8.

FIRST GLIMPSE OF THE NOTE 8? A nine second video was uploaded to Weibo, China's leading social media site in May. It was later posted on Twitter by the leaker @mmddj_china. If the video is to be believed, the new Note 8 would have a 6.3 inch screen which would reach to each edge of the device. This bezel-less design is similar to the Infinity Display featured on the Galaxy S8 and S8+ released earlier this year. A similar design is rumored for the next flagship iPhone. The screen dimensions shown would make the Note 8 0.6 inches larger than its predecessor. It would also be 0.1 inches larger than the S8 + which would make it the largest flagship smartphone ever released by Samsung. Other rumors suggest it will have a fingerprint scanner on the front as well as a dual camera on the rear. Advertisement

It was later posted on Twitter by the leaker @mmddj_china with the simple question 'Note 8?'.

If the video is to be believed, the new Note 8 would have a 6.3 inch (16 centimeter) screen which would reach to each edge of the device.

This bezel-less design is similar to the Infinity Display featured on the Galaxy S8 and S8+ released earlier this year.

A similar design is rumored for the next flagship iPhone.

Earlier this month it was speculated that it could unveil the Note 8 in late August and that it would mirror that of the Galaxy S8 (pictured). Sources said Note 8 is set to include the Infinity display, which has an 18.5-to-9 width-to-length ratio that was first released in April with the S8 model

The screen dimensions shown would make the Note 8 0.6 inches (1.5 centimeters) larger than its predecessor.

It would also be 0.1 inches (0.25 centimeters) larger than the S8 + which would make it the largest flagship smartphone ever released by Samsung.

A vidoe also surfaced recently that suggests the new Note 8 would have a 6.3 inch screen (left) which would reach to each edge of the device. The screen dimensions shown (right) would make the Note 8 0.6 inches (1.5 centimeters) larger than its predecessor

Other rumors suggest it will have a fingerprint scanner on the front as well as a dual camera on the rear.

In April, Samsung dropped a huge hint on the follow-up to its exploding Galaxy Note 7 series.

This bezel-less design (left) is similar to the Infinity Display featured on the Galaxy S8 and S8+ released earlier this year. The screen (right) would also be 0.1 inches (0.25 centimeters) larger than the S8 + which would make it the largest flagship smartphone ever released by Samsung

A Samsung spokesperson has said to expect a 'new flagship smartphone' before the end of the year.

A new device could hit shelves in the second half of 2017 once hype around its new Galaxy S8 and S8+ smartphones has settled down.

Samsung was forced to scrap its Galaxy Note 7 range last year after repeated reports from users that they were catching fire.

Airliners banned the devices over safety fears and the company had to recall three million handsets.

Samsung launched a vast inquiry into the issue that is expected to cost the company an estimate $5.3 billion (4.3 billion)

Samsung was forced to scrap its Galaxy Note 7 (pictured) range last year after repeated reports from users that they were catching fire (stock image)

Airliners banned the devices over safety fears due to overheating batteries led to the devices catching fire (pictured). Samsung had to recall three million handsets

It later claimed a battery fault in the Galaxy Note 7 was to blame.

Last week it was announced that the South Korean firm will begin to sell refurbished versions of its its ill-fated Galaxy Note 7, as well as plans to rebrand it.

Pictures of the new handset leaked online revealed what it will look like and, unsurprisingly, it's exactly the same.

WHAT'S INSIDE YOUR PHONE? The hazardous ingredients of mobile phones have long been kept under wraps by manufacturers who are tight lipped about the recipes they use for their high-tech components. Cobalt is also used in rechargable batteries found in many laptops, mobile phones and electric vehicles. HeathyStuff.org sampled 36 different mobile phones to see what lurks behind the sleek smartphone covers. The phones were completely disassembled and interior and exterior components were sampled by X-ray Fluorescence spectrometry - a process which determines the chemical composition of a material. Each phone reportedly had either lead, bromine, mercury, cadmium, chlorine, or some combination of those chemicals. These hazardous substances can pollute throughout a product's life cycle, including when the minerals are extracted; when they are processed; during phone manufacturing; and at the end of the phone's useful life. The average smartphone contains up to 62 different types of metals and many are rare-earth metals. Advertisement

The only difference, according to the images sent to Droidholic, are a large R stamped onto the back of the handset.

A recent report has revealed that the South Korean firm has renamed the smartphone 'Galaxy Note FE', which stands for 'Fandom Edition', in a bid to 'minimize the refurbished phone image'.

Samsung's senior official, Lee Myung-bak, has also chimed in to give more details regarding the Note 7 FE's price and release date.

'The Galaxy Note 7 Ripper Phone is most likely to launch in Korea at the end of June,' he explained.

The term 'ripper' is used in Korea to signify a refurbished phone.

The handset is said to boast the same look as the original, but with a smaller 3,200 mAh battery  it is also speculated to cost 30 per cent less than the Galaxy Note 7.

The refurbished Galaxy Note FE is set to hit the South Korean market by the end of June.

And Samsung plans to release 30,000 units at launch.
The US Air Force is turning its focus to space in efforts to stay one step ahead in the evolution of warfare.

In an article for DefenseOne, Secretary of the Air Force Dr Heather Wilson argues that getting space operations right is crucial for Americas future military success.

According to Wilson, the Pentagon is now in the process of establishing an organization to recruit and train the airmen that will be involved, in the first of many steps to ensure the USs space superiority.

The US Air Force is turning its focus to space in efforts to stay ahead in the evolution of warfare. Scretary of the Air Force Dr Heather Wilson argues that getting space operations right is crucial for future success. A recent SpaceX launch at Cape Canaveral is pictured

Next, the Air Force will be choosing a deputy chief of staff for space operations, according to Wilson.

With the coming budgets and policies, the Air Force will be able to adapt to the changing face of war, just as it has in the past.

And, space is the next step in the progression.

In short, we must develop space airmen who have the tools, training, and resources to fight when  not if  war extends into space, Wilson wrote.

Just as the Air Force built the training ranges, schools, and programs to ensure air dominance after the Vietnam War, we now must determine how best to do this in space.

According to Wilson (pictured), a focus on space is a no-fail mission'

We are currently investing in the hardware to ensure space superiority; in the near future we will need to grow the number of space airmen and the accompanying infrastructure much like we did for the combat Air Force 40 years ago.

Wilson points to several technologies that are already proving their importance, including spy satellites and technology to guide remotely piloted craft.

The expert explains that a shift toward space is a no-fail mission, as the frontier moves into a renaissance reminiscent of the 1960s, with countless military and commercial launches now taking place on a regular basis.

Space will offer an advantage, according to Wilson, allowing US forces to be smarter and faster in their operations.

SPACEX JOINS THE MILITARY Elon Musks Space Exploration Technologies Corp will fly its first mission for the U.S. Air Force in August when it launches the militarys X-37B miniature spaceplane, Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson said on Tuesday. Four previous X-37B missions were launched by United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rockets. 'SpaceX will be sending the next Air Force payload up into space in August,' Wilson said during webcast testimony before the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee. The reusable X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle (pictured) returned after an almost two-year mission in orbit, according to the US Air Force She later specified that the payload would be one of the Air Forces two X-37B spaceplanes. SpaceXs first publicly disclosed launch contract for the Air Force was awarded last year for a next-generation Global Positioning System satellite flight in 2018. A second GPS launch contract was awarded in March. The contracts are valued at $83 million and $96.5 million, respectively. Advertisement

So, in the months to come, the Air Force plans to boost the space force both 'in numbers and capabilities.'

As many have noted, warfare is becoming increasingly complex and can be fought in many places at once, Wilson wrote.

In the future, this multi-domain warfare  occurring rapidly on land and sea, in the air, and in space  will require new thinking and, perhaps, training that is not yet imagined.

With space airmen helping to lead the way, I am confident we are up to this challenge.
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This monster 100-foot wave would have most beachgoers running for the safety of the shore.

But for one daredevil surfer, the rippling wall of water off the coast of Nazare in Portugal presented itself as the ultimate challenge.

Heart-pounding drone footage shows the moment world-class Brazilian surfer Pedro Scooby Vianna, 28, hurtles down the wave just inches from being swallowed up.

Heart-pounding drone footage shows the moment world-class Brazilian surfer Pedro Scooby Vianna, 28, tackles the rolling currents and seamlessly skims along with the wave

This monster 100-foot wave would have most beachgoers running for the safety of the shore

While the skilled sportsman manages to stay upright for a good while, Vianna is eventually thrown from his board at high speed and rescued by a pal on a jet ski.

He holds on to the back of the vehicle as they attempt to pull away from a giant wave hurtling towards them.

However, they're unable to get away in time and the jet ski is flipped over into the froth.

Athletes from Red Bull who watched the incident unfold, said the two men had a long journey back to the beach but that they managed to escape the ocean's wrath unscathed.

Photos of March's remarkable attempts to surf Atlantic swells off the Portuguese coast show how daring the riders are as sheets of water crash down around them.

Footage of March's remarkable attempt to surf Atlantic swells off the Portuguese coast shows how daring Vianna is

The incredible waves are formed when strong Atlantic currents push through a 125-mile long underwater canyon

After being thrown from his board at high speed, Vianna is picked up by a pal on a jet ski. Vianna holds on to the back of the vehicle as they attempt to escaped a giant wave hurtling towards them

However, they're unable to get away in time and the jet ski is flipped over into the froth. Athletes from Red Bull who watched the incident unfold, said the two men had a long journey back to the beach but that they escaped the ocean's wrath unscathed

The incredible waves are formed when strong Atlantic currents push through a 125-mile-long underwater canyon.

The waves then come roaring into the beaches of Praia do Norte in Nazare creating an awesome spectacle outdone only by the surfers who risk it all by riding them.

The now famous break has been a shrine for big wave surfers ever since American Garrett McNamara set a world record three years ago by surfing a 78-foot wave from trough to crest.

In the peak summer months, the beaches of Nazare attract thousands of sun-seekers, but the scene transforms in the autumn and winter as the Atlantic winds pick up, causing the waves to grow in size and power.

The wild seas can prove dangerous though - local emergency services have had to rescue surfers knocked unconscious by the crashing waves in the past.
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For a truly special way to warm up in the Arctic Circle, look no further than Sweden's beautiful 'Solar Egg' sauna.

Designed by artistic duo Bigert and Bergstrom, the show-stopping sauna-meets-art installation sits perched in Luossabacken in Kiruna, which is the country's northernmost town.

Inside temperatures reach 75-85 Celsius - and its 69 stainless steel panels complete with titanium gold coating offer a prime Instagram opportunity.

Is this the ultimate Instagram snap? The 'Solar Egg' sauna in northern Sweden is a sight to be seen

The sauna is 16 feet across with an interior made up of stone, wood, brass and glass.

Complete with LEDs and solar panels, the dazzling sauna is environmentally friendly, too.

First commissioned by developer Riksbyggen, as part of an urban redevelopment project, the beautiful egg-shaped structure is envisioned to become a community meeting point and a tourist hotspot.

And it's working so far. Several travel groups have already begun offering free visits to the Egg for visitors travelling to see Sweden's midnight summer sun.

Designed by artistic duo Bigert and Bergstrom, the sauna-meets-art installation is perched in Luossabacken in Kiruna

Inside, the sauna itself can accommodate up to eight people at once and is heated via a heart-shaped wood stove

All that glitters! The exterior is made up of 69 stainless steel panels with titanium gold coating

Cozy! The interior of the sauna measures 16 feet across and is made up of stone, wood, brass and glass

First commissioned by developer Riksbyggen, the structure is to become a community meeting point and a tourist hotspot

Its opening comes on the heels of the devastating news that the town centre needs to be relocated two miles east due to a crumbling foundation.

According to Travel + Leisure, the sauna itself can accommodate up to eight people at once and is heated via a heart-shaped wood stove.

And in the spirit of community building, it's not just those in Luossabacken who will get to enjoy the 'Solar Egg.' It's scheduled to move around the Kiruna region this summer.

'Solar Egg captures Kiruna's fantastic spirit and its sauna traditions,' says Mathias Sandberg, Riksbyggen sales and marketing director. 'It symbolises the sun as catalyst for creativity, care, hope and togetherness.'

Its opening comes on the heels of the devastating news that the town centre needs to be relocated two miles east due to a crumbling foundation

In the spirit of community building, the 'Solar Egg' is scheduled to move around the Kiruna region this summer

It is said that the Solar Egg 'captures Kiruna's fantastic spirit and its sauna traditions' and also offers a stunning focal point
This is the astonishing moment a bear casually opens the door of a parked van and takes to the driver's seat, while the vehicle's shocked owners stand watching, speechless.

Matt Patterson, from Whistler in British Columbia, caught the human-like animal encounter on his mobile phone.

Footage shows the big bruin niftily standing on its back legs and opening the driver's door before hopping inside the van. At one point, he even gives the horn a quick honk.

This is the moment a bear casually opens the door of a parked van and takes to the driver's seat, while the vehicle's shocked owners stand watching, speechless

'Mate hes opened the door of your van! I swear to god. Mate, hes in your f****** van,' Patterson's friend is heard saying in part of the video.

The two men are heard spouting out expletives and chuckling away as they watch the incident unfold.

Patterson's friend suggests that he should try and scare the bear but his efforts are in vein.

The bear appears to be comfortable in its new ride and takes its time investigating the interior cabin.

Patterson told Global News Canada that he and his friend were working in the area when the bear approached them.

Initially, they didnt think much of it, until the bear started getting closer to the van.

Patterson told Global News Canada that he and his friend were working in the area when the bear approached them. Initially, they didnt think much of it, until the bear started getting closer to the van

The two-minute-18-second film clip shows the bear wandering over from a dense patch of woodland, before it shows interest in the vehicle.

Recalling the incident, Patterson said: 'He just walks up to the van and stands up and opens the door and I was just like I still dont believe it now. He just made it look so easy you know?'

Patterson said the bear spent a good 12 minutes inside the van sitting in the drivers seat.

'It was just surreal,' Patterson added.

He said the animal eventually got out of the van after failing to find food, but it did exit with a bottle of Fiji water in its mouth.

Patterson says he's seen countless bears in Whistler, as he runs a car service in the area, but he'd never seen any of them act so human-like.

Bears are common in North America, with species including the black bear, grizzly bear and polar bear. Those who encounter such creatures are advised to remain calm, so the bear doesnt feel threatened, and allow plenty of space so the animal can easily escape.
He's the Married At First Sight 'villain' rumoured to be dating Scarlett Cooper.

But despite recent photos of the couple looking cosy, Andrew 'Jonesy' Jones has denied any romance with his reality TV co-star.

On Thursday, the Perth firefighter took to Instagram to celebrate his 39th birthday and reflecting on his tumultuous year in the spotlight.

Fake news alert! Married At First Sight's Andrew 'Jonesy' Jones addressed 'false' rumours about his personal life in a bizarre Instagram post on Thursday

Andrew shared a photo montage, which including several magazine and website headlines about himself.

'Thanks so much for the birthday love everyone,' he captioned the post.

'NO I am NOT or have I ever been, nor did I ever, get into a relationship other than a friendship with any of these wacky and/or wonderful humans pictured here.'

Looking cosy: Andrew recently sparked dating rumours with fellow MAFS star Scarlett (right)

Bizarrely, the montage included photos of Andrew with his Married At First Sight 'ex-wives' Lauren Bran and Cheryl Maitland - who he dated on the TV series.

Drawing attention to the rumours about his private life, Andrew's collage included photos of Sharon and Michelle Marsh, as well as Seven Year Switch's Kaitlyn Isham.

Perhaps if his intention was to downplay gossip, taking to Instagram to share his own assiduously collected press cuttings wasn't the best idea.

Forgettable fling? Andrew denied he had ever been in a relationship with 'ex-wife' Cheryl Maitland (left) despite the fact they dated on Married At First Sight

Ladies' man Andrew recently set tabloid tongues wagging over rumours he was dating Kaitlyn, despite the fact that she is already in a long-term relationship.

Her was briefly 'married' to Cheryl Maitland on Married At First Sight before their romance fell apart in extraordinary fashion when he insulted her on a boys' night.

Cheryl is now dating Melbourne-based plumber Dean Gibbs, who was previously convicted of drug trafficking back in 2014.
They failed to interest the judges with a seafood menu during their pop-up restaurant challenge on Wednesday.

And on Thursday's episode of MasterChef, the Blue Team faced an elimination round and were forced to made do with a 'potluck' range of ingredients and kitchen items.

In the end, it was doctor Ray Silva who was given the boot, after he left the judges underwhelmed with a 'simple' fish and chips served with salad.

Bad luck! Doctor Ray Silva was eliminated from MasterChef Australia on Thursday night after the judges savaged his 'potluck' challenge fish and chips dish for being too simple

'Whatever is under there is all that you get,' judge Matt Preston told the contestants. 'You can't leave your bench for anything!'

The pressure was on for Tamara, who had been eliminated earlier in the week only to return in a 'second chance' challenge the next day.

'I can't leave anything in reserve. I would kick myself if I left this competition again without giving everything I've got,' she explained.

And Tamara's worst fears appeared to be confirmed when she discovered she would be cooking with an appliance she had never used before.

'I can't leave anything in reserve': The pressure was on for Tamara (pictured), who had been eliminated earlier in the week only to return in a 'second chance' challenge the next day

'You can't leave your bench for anything!' Judge Matt Preston (pictured) told the Blue Team contestants could only use their 'potluck' items during the 75-minute cook

'I'm pulling back that cloth and I see a hibachi grill. It's not something that I've ever worked with before, and while I'd normally be thrilled, I'm feeling a little bit overwhelmed,' she said.

But Ray was served up the most challenging array of potluck items, with no stove top to cook his food with.

'I already feel like my back's gonna be up against the wall,' he confessed. 'Once you have a stove top, you can boil things, you can boil water, you can saute, you can fry, and I don't know what to do.'

'I'm feeling a little bit overwhelmed': Tamara's worst fears appeared to be confirmed when she discovered she would be cooking with an appliance she had never used before

Gambled: Tamara decided she should take a gamble and try the hibachi grill rather than risk ruining the tenderness of her duck

The contestants quickly got to work making the most of their 75 minutes to prepare a dish that will guarantee their survival in MasterChef.

Tasked with cooking duck, Tamara decided to take a gamble and try the hibachi grill rather than risk ruining the tenderness of the bird by cooking it in the oven.

Meanwhile, Ray was having trouble deciding what to cook with his ingredients given that he didn't have a stove top.

'I'm thinking fish and chips, and maybe with like a fennel and orange salad, a little bit of caviar,' he finally decided.

'That's probably my only option to get something decent on, and who doesn't mind a good fish and chips?'

'I already feel like my back's gonna be up against the wall': Ray (pictured) was having trouble deciding what to cook with his ingredients given he didn't have a stove top available

'I'm going to make my childhood memories of Indonesian croquette': Confident Michelle (pictured) used her potluck ingredients to pay tribute to her childhood

Something sweet: Michelle made croquettes filled with apples and covered in crumbed coconut and pecans

But not everyone was struggling, with 19-year-old Michelle using the ingredients to pay tribute to her childhood.

'I'm going to make my childhood memories of Indonesian croquette, so it's going to be crepes filled with nice apples,' she said.

'I'm going to crumble the pecans and the toasted coconuts, toast it in the pan and then coat it, and then kind of flash-fry it.'

'This whole cook seems to be going up in flames!' Tamara's gamble with the hibachi grill went wrong, as the unlucky contestant turned her back on the duck with disastrous results

'Oh, s**t!' Arum (pictured) also ran into trouble after he left his sauce on the heat for too long and it started to separate

Things started heating up when Tamara's gamble with the hibachi grill went wrong, as the unlucky contestant turned her back on the duck with disastrous results.

'As I'm trying to get some clear thoughts in my head, I look over and there's a massive fire on my bench,' Tamara revealed.

'The hibachi grill has completely set alight, I just grabbed the duck, because it's now just lit in flames and this whole cook seems to be going up in flames!'

After throwing away the charred duck breast, Tamara decided to err on the side of caution and finish cooking her pieces of duck on the grill with a pan.

'It's not gonna have the same charcoal smoky flavour as cooking something over the grill, but I need the safe option at this point,' she explained.

Second time lucky? Arum decided to ditch the idea and instead used his final minutes of the cook to try and make a cream sauce

'If I do go home today, I'll have deserved it for what happened at the end there': Arum's disaster cook continued when he sliced up his beef, only to discover it was too rare

Meanwhile, Arum also ran into trouble after he left his sauce on the heat for too long and it started to separate.

'I go over to check on the sauce and the wheels have just massively come off on this,' he said as while furiously whisking the mixture.

'I can't believe it, but the whole sauce has split, and I need to do everything I can to try and rescue this - oh, s**t!

'My sauce has split... it's like being kicked in the stomach.'

Will they like it? Ray's nervousness was apparent as he brought his dish into the judges

An old classic? Ray served fish and chips with caramelised leeks and a fennel salad

Arum decided to ditch the idea and instead used his final minutes of the cook to try and make a cream sauce.

But the disaster continued when he sliced up his beef, only to discover that it was too rare.

'Time's up and I'm furious with myself, I'm a better cook than this, and I've just made a complete fool of myself I'm really frustrated,' Arum said.

'I was so in control for such a long part of this cook - if I do go home today, I'll have deserved it for what happened at the end there.'

'I feel like someone's hit me over the head with a bat!' Judge George Calombaris (pictured) savaged Ray's fish and chips dish

Would they like it? The true test came when Arum served up his dish to the MasterChef judges

'It's lovely and retro, and worked surprisingly well': Despite his trouble during the cook, Matt Preston loved Arum's '60s inspired beef dish

While the judges praised Tamara's duck and willingness to try the hibachi grill, they savaged Ray's fish and chips dish.

'I feel like someone's hit me over the head with a bat! I'm dizzy and I don't know what's going on,' George Calombaris said.

But the true test came when Arum served up his dish to the MasterChef judges.

Booted: In the end, Ray's fish and chips with fennel salad didn't make the cut and he was eliminated

'Mushroom puree, creamy meat gravy, it's like something straight out of the '60s, and I don't mind it!' Matt said as he finished off the beef approvingly.

'It's lovely and retro, and worked surprisingly well.'

In the end, Ray's fish and chips with fennel salad didn't make the cut and he was eliminated from the show.

'With these five great cooks next to you, you needed more than a fennel and orange salad in order to kind of save yourself,' Matt said.

Saying goodbye: Eliminated Ray bid farewell to his fellow MasterChef contestants

While disappointed, Ray said he was hopeful that his time on the show would set a good example for his children.

'I went into this competition to show my girls that at any point and any time you want to try something different and make a change in your life, to go for it,' he explained.

'And even though I haven't won the competition, I feel like I've gone out and given it my best.'
As the rest of the country celebrates Fathers Day tomorrow, its a good time to contemplate soaplands patriarchs.

Theyre a bit of a shower. In EastEnders this week, Ian struggles to celebrate and, despite attempting a father/son gesture, leaves Steven feeling rejected.

Still, it could be worse: he could be Ben, for whom a factory of Clintons Fathers Day cards wouldnt be enough to sort out his fractious relationship with Phil.

Chrissie and Rebecca are suspicious of Lawrences secretive behaviour in Emmerdale and theres a revelation about Chrissies biological father that sets her off on a Miss Marple trail to find closure.

Lauren is left with plenty of questions to answer when Abi lets her secret slip to Steven

But is Lawrence being totally honest? As for Cain as father material: lets hope those two apples, Kyle and Debbie, fall as far away from the tree as possible, although that looks highly unlikely.

Coronation Street has some pretty good father figures  Kevin, Tim, David (well, give or take the odd attempted murder)  but it remains to be seen how Billy and Todd will survive taking on youngster Summer. Its more likely to be a winter of discontent. Copious amounts of alcohol might be needed.

EASTENDERS: GREEN-EYED MONSTERS

Oh, for the days when Abi was a sweet little cherub who hardly ever opened her mouth. This week, unable to contain her jealousy of Lauren, she tells Steven about her sisters termination. Its anybodys guess why shes jealous; Lauren is about as enviable as a taxidermists window exhibit.

Will Abi regret her decision to tell Steven about Lauren's termination

How will Steven react, especially when he sees Lauren and Josh chatting again? And will Abi come to regret her actions? Be prepared to be surprised when her 21st birthday does not go according to plan.

Its also Kushs birthday this week, but when he spends the day with Arthur, events take a turn during an incident involving Denise and Keegan. Has any woman been more of a curse on anyones life than Denise is on Kushs? Hes touched when she leaves a present for him (touched in the head, I reckon), then stunned when the police arrive to talk to him.

Its a tough week for Ian as Kathy tries to steer him from the path of healthy righteousness. Janes having none of it and threatens to throw Kathy out. Whats Kathys motive? Maybe the costume department is worried they just dont have the budget to kit out a slimmer Ian with a whole new wardrobe.

CORONATION STREET: ON THE RUN

Will Mary succeed where others have failed and manage to convince Bethany that Nathan is a bad un? After begging her not to run away, Mary spills the beans in the Rovers, but how far will everyone have to go to keep the youngster safe?

And what does Nathan really have planned when he tells Bethany she must travel to Belgium alone? Crooked copper Neil will doubtless be at the heart of the action  an authority figure as convincing as PC Plod, but without the personality. At least Craig looks as if he might be on to him, but is this going to land him in danger?

Mary begs Bethany not to run away and spills the beans of her plans at the Rovers

Anna continues to be misery personified, obsessed with shovelling food into anyone who stands still long enough with their mouth open, and giving Kevin no attention whatsoever. Small wonder that when Dev forgets Ericas birthday, she and Kevin find themselves drowning their sorrows.

But when Erica leans in for a kiss, will Kevin respond? Im not even sure shell get that far, not without enlisting the help of a hedge-trimmer to get through that straggly beard. Maybe hell return for round two after Anna accuses him of being obsessed with sex.

Its a darn sight healthier than being obsessed with force-feeding people like geese and ducks at a foie gras factory farm, love.

Following their sudden engagement, will Aidan summon up the courage to break up with Eva? Good luck getting past those lips when you try to run out of the door.

Robert and Aaron take revenge against Rosss blackmailing by crushing his taxi

EMMERDALE: THE GODFATHER IT AINT

The Poor Mans Mafia are out in force as Robert and Rosss feud escalates. Robert and Aaron take revenge against Rosss blackmailing by crushing his taxi. Hell hardly notice the lost revenue; how many taxis are taken in the village a year? Six? Ross then takes Roberts car (Im bored now).

The ante is upped when Robert and Aaron discover the cannabis farm and destroy it. The situation gets even worse and a motorist is stabbed. But who is the victim?

Is Emmerdale the most dangerous village in Britain? Knives, guns, kidnappings  whatever happened to the days when a shearing and a cup of tea constituted excitement?
With her stunning fashion sense and youthful looks, she's certainly making an impact during her trip to Italy.

And Cindy Crawford, 51, looked effortlessly glamorous as she flashed a lot of leg during a gondola ride to the San Benedetto water gala dinner in Venice on Thursday.

The age-defying supermodel looked like a woman half her age in a plunging raven ball gown with a racy thigh-high split that showed off her toned and tanned legs as she reclined.

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Legs eleven: Age-defying supermodel Cindy Crawford, 51, looked like a woman half her age in a plunging raven ball gown with a racy thigh-high split that showed off her toned and tanned legs as she attended the San Benedetto gala dinner in Venice on Thursday

Boat chic:The mother-of-two looked effortlessly glamorous as she flashed a lot of leg during a gondola ride

As well as her catwalk-honed pins, the gown's daring neckline showed off the mother-of-two's pert bust while her toned midriff and slender waist were accentuated with the metallic belt detail.

Cindy channeled Sophia Loren with her bouncy 60s blowdry, which highlighted the star's caramel highlights in her brunette tresses

Her film star look was complemented with smoky bombshell eyes, a radiant tan and slick of pearly pink lipgloss.

She accessorised with a golden watch, hoop earrings and a sparkling starfish bracelet.

Italian glamour: Cindy channeled Sophia Loren with her bouncy 60s blowdry, which highlighted the star's caramel highlights in her brunette tresses

Wow factor: As well as her catwalk-honed pins, the gown's daring neckline showed off the mother-of-two's pert bust while her toned midriff and slender waist were accentuated with the metallic belt detail

Legs for days: Cindy also channeled Angelina Jolie at the 2012 Oscars when she stuck her honed leg outwards through the split in her gown

Glowing: Her film star look was complemented with smoky bombshell eyes, a radiant tan and slick of pearly pink lipgloss

Chatty: The star looked content as she enjoyed a chat with one of the gala guests

Adding height to her already statuesque frame the iconic supermodel donned black strappy stilettos which had chain detail.

The star looked even more youthful as she sat down for a candid chat at the event with her skin radiant under the spotlight

Cindy also channeled Angelina Jolie at the 2012 Oscars when she stuck her honed leg outwards through the split in her gown.

The stunning clotheshorse is in Venice to promote San Benedetto, which she is currently the face of.

Popular:Cindy looked like a true supermodel as she answered questions from her many fans

Gift: Cindy looked delighted as she was presented with a gigantic vase by her new friends

Hefty: The star showed off her toned arms as she lifted the giant vase and smiled at the guests

Thanks very much: Cindy looked glowing and happy as she expressed her thanks for the vase

Ecstatic: Cindy appeared to scream for joy as she grappled with the giant pink vase

The Vogue cover star looked happy and confident at the glittering gala dinner where she seemed to accept a gift of a vase.

Cindy showed her delight by lifting the porcelain into the air and smiling with glee.

Not seen was Cindy's husband of 19 years, businessman Rande Gerber.

The pair have two children, Presley, 17 and Kaia, 15.

Hands in the air: The Vogue cover star showed off her strength as she lifted the vase into the air

Seeing double: The star looked flawless on camera and in real life as she fielded some questions

It was the latest engagement for the multi-tasking model who has been kept busy since she arrived into the Italian city.

Just hours after she touched down, Cindy was on a boat traveling through the Italian city's famous canals, as she made her way to a launch party for San Benedetto water on Thursday.

Cindy showed no signs of jet lag, as she waved at fans and mingled with guests.

Strutting her stuff... Cindy looked stunning as she made her way to a launch party for San Benedetto water in Venice, Italy, on Thursday

The internationally renowned supermodel looked gorgeous in a figure-hugging powder blue shift dress.

The dress, which finished just below her knees, featured button detailing on the side pockets.

She accessorized with a thin silver belt and matching strappy silver stilettos.

The statuesque beauty wore her long brown hair in loose waves.

Fresh-faced: Despite only arriving in the Italian city earlier that day, Cindy showed no signs of jet lag, as she waved at fans

Working her charm... The statuesque beauty was seen mingling and posing for photos with fellow guests

She also donned a pair of silver hoop earrings.

Cindy was in great spirits at the event, signing a poster with her face on it and posing for photos.

The company had gone all out to welcome the American icon, with the words 'Benvenuta Cindy' (Italian for 'welcome') plastered on the glass facade of a building.

The former '90s catwalk queen shared a photo of herself en route to the event as she traveled through the canals on a boat.

On her way... The former '90s catwalk queen shared a photo of herself en route to the event as she traveled through the canals on a boat

Turning heads: The supermodel had all eyes - and camera lenses - on her as she made her way to the event

Making her feel at home... The company had gone all out to welcome the American icon, with the words 'Benvenuta Cindy' (Italian for 'welcome') plastered on the glass facade of a building

'Buon giorno, Venezia!' she captioned it.

But later on, the busy day appeared to have taken its toll.

Cindy shared a photo of herself napping on a white leather couch, her shoes kicked off on the floor beside her.

'Jet lag got me like...' she captioned the image.

Leaving her mark... Cindy was in great spirits at the event, signing a poster with her face on it and posing for photos

Worn out: Later on, the busy day appeared to have taken its toll. Cindy shared a photo of herself napping on a white leather couch, her shoes kicked off on the floor beside her

Sleepless night: Cindy appeared to have been struggling with the time difference after a long journey. She later shared a late night photo of herself sitting by one of the canals

And like the rest of us mere mortals, Cindy appeared to have been struggling with the time difference after a long journey.

She later shared a late night photo of herself sitting by one of the canals.

The tired-looking star is dressed in a white bathrobe, and doesn't appear to be wearing any makeup.

'Buonanotte, Venezia!' she captioned it. 'Tired girl.'
She's the Real Housewives Of Sydney star who insists she is a staunch vegan.

But on Thursday, Athena X Levendi was called out by fans for lying about her veganism.

The 40-year-old who's currently living the high life in Greece, posted a photo of her dairy filled lunch captioning it '100% Vegan'.

'There's dairy in all those meals': Fans call out RHOS star Athena X Levendi after calling her cheesy and creamy Greek lunch '100% Vegan'

'100% Vegan #greekfoodisthebest #veganfood #befabulous #athenaxturf #athenaxlevendi #20%not,' she captioned the post.

The array of food included Greek salads, pastries and what looked to be a bottle of cream.

Fans were quick to call out the reality star with one saying: 'You are amazing but there's dairy in all those meals.'

Umm... no: The 40-year-old who's currently living the high life in Greece, posted a photo of her dairy filled lunch captioning it '100% Vegan'

Not having it: Fans were quick to call out the reality star with one saying: 'You are amazing but there's dairy in all those meals.'

Greens: Digging herself into a bigger hole, Athena replied: '@nomattsgiven well not in the wild greens!

Digging herself into a bigger hole, Athena replied: '@nomattsgiven well not in the wild greens!'

The artist further confirmed she's only a part-time vegan, recently posting another photo of her meal in Mykonos captioning, '80%vegan.'

This is not the first time the star has come got herself into a bind over her eating choices.

When it suits her? The artist further confirmed she's only a part-time vegan, recently posting another photo of her meal in Mykonos captioning, '80%vegan'

Common topic: On The Real Housewives Of Sydney pilot episode during the dinner party Athena's veganism was brought up

During the premiere episode of The Real Housewives Of Sydney, Athena's veganism was brought up.

When asked by co-star Nicole O'Neil whether she was vegan for animal rights, Athena said it was 'an ethical thing.'

Quickly caught out, Nicole asked the star why she was wearing an ivory bracelet.

'An elephant died to make that bracelet for you,' yelled Nicole.

Refusing to acknowledge she had been caught out, Athena brilliantly replied: 'How do you know the elephant didn't die from natural causes?'

There's been recent speculation that Athena along with Krissy, Nicole, Matty and Lisa had been offered contracts for season two however it's unknown when filming will commence.
The Bachelor in Paradise contestant implicated in a scandal involving a co-star says that he's lost his recruiting job, despite claiming innocence on the matter.

DeMario Jackson, 30, told Inside Edition Wednesday he'll be vindicated when video proof of the incident involving him and 24-year-old Corinne Olympios, which occurred June 4 in Mexico, is publicly released.

'My character has been assassinated, my family name has been drug through the mud,' he said. 'The only thing I want is for the truth to come out. I feel like the truth will be able to come out in those videos.'

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His side: DeMario Jackson, 30, told Inside Edition Wednesday that he's lost his recruiter job as result of the Bachelor in Paradise sex scandal he's involved in, and that his 'character has been assassinated'

Jackson, who's been laying low at his dad's home amid the personal crisis situation, declined to address the show's producers or Olympios, again stressing he believes 'the tapes' will exonerate him of wrongdoing in the matter.

He told the show he hopes that privacy would be afforded to both Olympios' family and his own amid the ongoing scandal.

Jackson and Olympios - both 'extremely drunk' - 'did not have sex' but were involved in 'very raunchy' sexual activity akin to 'soft-core porn,' Los Angeles Times reporter Amy Kaufman said on Twitter, citing sources close to the show.

The key? Jackson said he hoped 'the truth will be able to come out' when recordings of the incident are released

A friend of Jackson's told DailyMail.com that in the incident, 'Corrine came right above [Jackson] and puts her p***y right in his face and he [performed oral sex] on her,' adding, 'It was like a porn scene.'

On Wednesday, Olympios put out a statement saying she's 'a victim' and has spent 'the last week trying to make sense of what happened' in the incident, which she has 'little memory of.

'As a woman, this is my worst nightmare and it has now become my reality,' said Olympios, adding she'll be entering therapy to deal with physical and mental trauma stemming from the incident.

Tough time: Olympios, snapped Thursday in Los Angeles while walking a dog, described the chain of events as her 'worst nightmare' come true

An insider previously told DailyMail.com that 'when Corinne awoke the next morning, people began filling her in on what happened the night before, because she claimed to have absolutely no recollection of what transpired.'

Warner Bros., the producer of the ABC reality spin-off, told the program they were 'aware of allegations of misconduct' and 'have suspended production and ... are conducting a thorough investigation of these allegations.

'Once the investigation is complete, we will take appropriate responsive action,' the company said.
There was a new family moving into Albert Square in EastEnders so for fans of the show expectations were high and the possibilities almost endless.

Would they be Chinese, Indian, African, from the Middle East, or some new Muslims to replace the Masoods? Could they be Russian, Italian, Australian, or American? Or maybe even Irish, Scottish, Welsh, or merely Northerners?

If they were British, would they perhaps be gay, black, middle-class, or  just imagine  all three of those?

In a word? no.

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The new family moved into Albert Square - a chance to reflect more on modern, multi-cultural London. But the Taylors were even louder and thicker than the other characters in EastEnders

As they say in Walford: I should cocoa! Leave it out! Are you having a giraffe?! Of course they werent!

The Taylors were loud, argumentative, and thick  so, you might think, would fit in nicely (or horribly).

If anything they were worse. Having been transplanted from the nearby tower block that was recently knocked down, they represented the kind of (non) working class Britain that made the Beales and the Mitchells look like the Middletons. No doubt they will be lovable rogues before very long.

In hindsight, it made any hopes for anything any different look at best naive and at worst totally stupid. But in fact for once there had been some justification.

The Taylors entrance was noisy and chaotic, careering into the Square in a white van blaring thumping techno, and tipping out on to the pavement in grubby, baggy, tracksuit bottoms, hoodies, and tattoos. And yes that was just the females

Since the arrival of the new producer, in recent weeks the show has encompassed such radical concepts as locals having jobs that are not even in Walford and being seen on the tube venturing as far away as Canary Wharf. Michelle Fowler is working in what looks suspiciously like something called a shopping centre.

The residents will be buying their food and booze in an actual supermarket next, rather than paying double in the Minute Mart.

Its also been reported that the set will soon include a Mosque  a long over-due reflection of real life in modern multi-cultural London.

For now though this remained a fantasy. On the contrary, as is traditional, the Taylors entrance was noisy and chaotic, careering into the Square in a white van blaring thumping techno, and tipping out on to the pavement in grubby, baggy, tracksuit bottoms, hoodies, and tattoos. And yes that was just the females

Meeting the matriarch, Karen Taylor, was like going back in time to the scroungers of Shameless, Little Britain, and Benefit Street  an amalgam of Waynetta Slob, Vicky Pollard, and White Dee

Meeting the matriarch, Karen Taylor, was like going back in time to the scroungers of Shameless, Little Britain, and Benefit Street  an amalgam of Waynetta Slob, Vicky Pollard, and White Dee. Choice!

Shift yourself you lazy git! she shouted to one of her (many) children. Ill do me bit when Ive had me ciggie.

She was so coarse and chavvy even Kim thought she was rough and for once, Sharon, was entitled to act as though she really had won the Business Woman of the Year award.

Even she wasnt sure how many kids she had but we met enough of them to know that EastEnders was expanding its array of feckless youths in its seemingly never-ending bid to be an old-fashioned soap and simultaneously serve as a replacement for Waterloo Road.

Even she wasnt sure how many kids she had but we met enough of them to know that EastEnders was expanding its array of feckless youths in its seemingly never-ending bid to be an old-fashioned soap and simultaneously serve as a replacement for Waterloo Road

The whole family was both overweight and clearly mal-nourished - so white they were practically translucent, like ghosts that were grey from decay.

Bernadette Taylor in particular was a Mini Me version of her muvver Karen - like Sonia Fowler, without the trumpet.

The cliches kept on coming as they unpacked. They had no sofa because it had been repossessed, their Staffie was called Bronson, and daughter Chantelle had secured her own council house by getting knocked up.

Predictably, as all new arrivals do in EastEnders, they were soon fighting in the street. With half the neighbours watching on, Karen dragged another of her kids into the arse by the scruff of his neck screeching, you can go and see your father if you like! See if he wants you!

Its them! said Joyce Murray to her husband Ted, two more recent additions (like-for-like, white, Cockney replacements for Les and Pam Coker). Theyre the ones that lived next door to Joanie. The ones that gave her a nervous breakdown'

This was the dreaded Keegan, the token yob who is Louises nemesis and has taken over the show with bullies Madison and Alexandra.

The fact that all three of them are precisely as charmless as Louise and Rebecca think doesnt seem to be a problem as far as the producer/scriptwriters are concerned.

Louise and Rebecca werent the only residents to be horrified by the sight of the new arrivals.

Predictably, as all new arrivals do in EastEnders, they were soon fighting in the street. This was the dreaded Keegan, the token yob who is Louises nemesis and has taken over the show with bullies Madison and Alexandra

Its them! said Joyce Murray to her husband Ted, two more recent additions (like-for-like, white, Cockney replacements for Les and Pam Coker). Theyre the ones that lived next door to Joanie. The ones that gave her a nervous breakdown.

Now it looked as if it was our turn. The Taylor family were going to give us one too - the last thing the show, and we, needed.

As Danny Dyer would say: Blinding! Sweet as! Triffic!
She landed the cover of American Vogue magazine at the age of 17.

And sixteen years later, Karolina Kurkova showed off her modeling skills once more while posing in a series of outfits for Hampton's magazine.

The 33-year-old highlighted her sculpted frame in a red bikini as well as a two patterned bathing suits.

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Summer ready: Karolina Kurkova showed off her modeling skills while posing in a series of outfits for Hampton's magazine in Miami, Florida

The blonde flaunted her svelte frame in the bold two piece swimsuit, which featured high-waisted bottoms.

Karolina styled the vintage inspired swimwear with a blue striped button up and vintage inspired sunglasses.

The star looked sensational as she styled her blonde hair loose with a fringe, opting for natural makeup.

Strike a pose: The 33-year-old highlighted her sculpted frame in a red bikini as well as a two patterned bathing suits

Blonde bombshell: The supermodel also sported a sexy one-piece for the photoshoot

Karolina later swapped out her skimpy bikini for a keyhole star emblazoned bathing suit that gave a peek of her cleavage.

The red, white, blue and gold one piece had a belted detail with a large cut-out in the center.

Karolina also rocked a large floppy brim sunhat while posing on a set of stairs.

She later changed into another one-piece look, this time in a black and white polka dot patterned bathing suit.

Stunning: The blonde flaunted her svelte frame in the bold two piece swimsuit, which featured high-waisted bottoms

Red hot: Karolina styled the vintage inspired swimsuit with a blue striped button up and vintage inspired sunglasses

Focused: Karolina chatted with a crew member during a break in shooting

Looking good: The star styled her blonde hair loose with a fringe, opting for natural makeup

Taking a break: Another shot showed the beauty posing on a lounge chair

What a beauty: The runway star flaunted her fit figure as she walked around the beach

Good times: Karolina made a playful face during the photo shoot on Thursday on the beach

Glittering: Karolina wore multiple gold rings on both hands as well as two pendant necklaces

The long-sleeved look was styled with a bright yellow belt and a silver watch.

Karolina ditched the swimwear for a silky polka dot wrap dress, adding a coordinating scarf.

The leggy black and white look had a fitted waist and a v-neckline, whilst she finished off her look with gold sandals.

relaxed: The natural beauty showed off her sunkissed skin during the lengthy shoot

Incredible: Karolina later swapped it out for a keyhole star emblazoned bathing suit that gave a peek of her cleavage

Beach ready: Karolina posed with a cowboy hat near a wooden set of stars

Sunkissed: The star also posed while leaving against a bannister with her derriere on display

Tanned and fit: She later changed into another one-piece look, this time in a black and white polka dot bathing suit

Bright look: The long-sleeved look was styled with a bright yellow belt and a silver watch

Going dotty! Karolina cut a sensational figure as she flaunted her slender legs in the swimsuit

Striding past: Karolina flaunted her enviably long legs as she walked along the beach

Stylish choice: The mother of two ditched the swimwear for a silky polka dot wrap dress, adding a coordinating scarf

Beautiful lady: Karolina finished off her look with gold sandals

Flawless: The leggy black and white look had a fitted waist and a v-neckline

Chic: Her final look was a sheer camisole with white trousers and a floral duster coat

Sky high: The model posed on top of a large rock during the shoot, as the flower emblazoned cover up fluttered in the wind

Rock and roll! Karolina posed on a boulder in the sea as she got a case of the giggles mid-shoot

Her final look was a sheer camisole with white trousers and a floral duster coat

That beach life: Karolina gave her best sultry pose in the elegant look

Her final outfit was a sheer camisole with white trousers and a floral duster coat.

The model posed on top of a large rock during the shoot, as the flower emblazoned cover up fluttered in the wind.

Karolina is mom to two sons with her husband Archie Drury: Tobin, six, and Noah, one.

Sitting pretty! Karolina dazzled in an asymmetric swimsuit as she posed in sand dunes

Hat's a good look! The star looked gorgeous in a wide brim straw hat with her swimsuit

Just peachy! Karolina flaunted her pert posterior in a high cut black swimsuit for the shoot
She gave birth to her second son Forest Sage in mid-December.

And Teresa Palmer showed off her incredible post-baby body while stepping out with her two young sons in Los Angeles on Wednesday.

The actress, 31, flaunted her svelte frame in a stylish off-the-shoulder denim frock.

Hot mama: Teresa Palmer showed off her incredible post-baby body while stepping out with her two young sons in Los Angeles on Wednesday

The mother-of-two appeared to have her hands full as she carried Forest in his baby capsule while brother Bodhi Rain, 3, walked happily beside her.

The blonde beauty cut a casual figure in her short denim ensemble, which had a single spaghetti strap over her exposed shoulder and a ruffled flap with fringed edges over her bust.

Teresa teamed her laidback outfit with a blue-stone necklace, blue cat-eye sunglasses from Sunday Somewhere and comfortable black flats.

Busy mum! The mother-of-two appeared to have her hands full as she carried Forest in his baby capsule while brother Bodhi Rain, 3, walked happily beside her

Teresa's young son looked equally as trendy in a pair of khaki shorts, black T-shirt and amber bead necklace as he walked with his famous mum hand-in-hand.

While carrying Bodhi's baby brother in her spare arm, she also toted the child's Peppa Pig backback and car keys.

Teresa shares her two adorable children with director husband Mark Webber.

The pair met over Twitter in 2012, when Teresa tweeted her support for his movie End of Love after seeing its trailer.

After writing letters to each other over email, the couple eventually tied the knot in Mexico in 2013, before welcoming their first child shortly after.
Gifted (12A)

Rating:

Verdict: Manipulative tear-jerker

The title of Gifted, a slickly manipulative crowd-pleaser of a movie, refers to seven-year-old Mary (Mckenna Grace), who has been educated by her uncle, Frank (Chris Evans), at their humble Florida home, but is now facing her first day at school.

Marys teacher, Bonnie (Jenny Slate), soon realises she has a maths prodigy on her hands.

While the rest of the class considers the answer to one plus one (which seems a little basic even for seven-year-olds, but its that kind of film), Mary shows she can handle complicated multiplications like a human calculator. Soon, the stern principal tells Frank that Mary should go to a school for gifted children.

But Frank, who was a college professor himself until he opted out of academia to become a boat mechanic, doesnt want her to feel special. The point of sending her to school in the first place was to encourage her to fit in with normal kids.

Chris Evans and Mckenna Grace in Gifted. Gifted put me more in mind of another, lesser-known picture. The fine 2015 British film X+Y also told the tale of a maths prodigy, but he was a genuine social misfit, on the autistic spectrum, and his story somehow rang much truer than Marys

At home, Marys two best friends are her one-eyed cat, Fred, and the mumsy, middle-aged woman next door (Octavia Spencer).

Her idea of breezy conversation is to ask Frank if he thinks that even if Germany bails out the euro, could there still be a global depression? Plainly, she needs to be with people of her own age. Above all, Frank is desperate to stop Mary turning into her mother, his sister Diane, who was a brilliant  but socially isolated and deeply troubled  mathematician, who killed herself when Mary was a baby.

But he hasnt reckoned on his well-heeled mother, Evelyn, entering the equation. Shes an exacting woman, my mother, he tells Bonnie, who, in deference to the cinematic theory of probability, is becoming his love interest.

Uncompromising. Very British. How U.S. film-makers like to throw a snotty Brit into the mix, and this one is played, with magnificent, icy hauteur, by Lindsay Duncan.

Evelyn has had nothing to do with Mary, but now she knows the child is a maths prodigy, she flies down from Boston  on a plane, in the absence of a broomstick  wanting to take over the childs upbringing. Evelyn hopes that Marys genius might even be applied to a famous problem that Diane, too, attempted to solve. The film duly lurches into a formulaic courtroom custody battle between Frank and Evelyn, becoming a sort of hybrid of Good Will Hunting and Kramer Vs Kramer.

Actually, though, Gifted put me more in mind of another, lesser-known picture. The fine 2015 British film X+Y also told the tale of a maths prodigy, but he was a genuine social misfit, on the autistic spectrum, and his story somehow rang much truer than Marys.

Frank, who was a college professor himself until he opted out of academia to become a boat mechanic, doesnt want her to feel special. The point of sending her to school in the first place was to encourage her to fit in with normal kids

The problem here is that director Marc Webb, who made such a nice job of the 2009 rom-com 500 Days Of Summer, doesnt want Marys extraordinary mind to deflect us from her cuteness.

So shes mildly challenging, but never remotely what youd call anti-social. When she does attack another child on the school bus, naturally its because he is a nasty bully. In fact, shes altogether lovely. Webb, and screenwriter Tom Flynn, are trying to have their cake and eat it. Or maybe, in the circumstances, their Pi. To an extent, this works, mostly because Mckenna Grace is a startlingly good, indeed gifted, young actress.

And Evans, too, in what must be a welcome break from Captain America, convinces as a decent if sardonic man who has rejected the values he was raised by in favour of getting diesel oil under his fingernails and is determined to do the right thing by his niece.

So, I cant promise this film wont prick your tear ducts.

For me, however, it is 20 per cent too calculating, with an irritatingly artful score that goes from syrupy to plaintive to jaunty and back again, and certain shots, such as one of Frank and Mary silhouetted against the setting sun, that are cheesier than a whole lorry-load of Monterey Jack.

That said, Graces hugely impressive performance deserves to be seen.

Churchill (PG)

Rating:

Verdict: Not his finest hour

Sadly, the same cannot really be said of Brian Coxs Winston Churchill in Jonathan Teplitzkys film, simply titled Churchill, about the mighty wartime leaders angst on the eve of D-Day in 1944. There have been some wonderful representations of Churchill on screen. This year alone well have had at least three more by the time Gary Oldman plays him in Darkest Hour.

Still, at least he has broadly the same stature as Churchill (unlike towering U.S. actor John Lithgow, who played Winston in the Netflix series The Crown, and could never quite stoop low enough).

But I hope Oldman and the others wont mind my suggestion that, actually, old Winston is surely quite an easy character for a good actor to inhabit.

So many mannerisms to sink ones acting chops into, not to mention the voice, the cigar, the hat, the V-for-victory.

Cox, a terrific screen actor, does it ably enough, though he isnt much helped by Teplitskys unforgiving use of the close-up. Churchill had the soft pink skin of the aristocracy, whereas Cox, if hell pardon me saying, is a pock-marked Dundonian.

Still, at least he has broadly the same stature as Churchill (unlike towering U.S. actor John Lithgow, who played Winston in the Netflix series The Crown, and could never quite stoop low enough).

Coxs overwhelming difficulty is the kind of Churchill that Teplitsky, and screenwriter Alex von Tunzelmann, want him to be. Basically, this is Churchill on the edge of madness. Haunted by memories of Gallipoli in World War I, he is tormented by the thought that D-Day will be a similar disaster, yielding horrific casualties. It is, he says, a deadly gamble and must be stopped.

Unable to get his way, and with General Eisenhower (John Slattery) calling the shots, Britains Prime Minister stomps around like an overgrown toddler, as if his famous siren suit were actually a romper suit. At one point, his infuriated wife Clemmie (Miranda Richardson) slaps him in an attempt to shock him out of his tantrum.

Unable to get his way, and with General Eisenhower (John Slattery) calling the shots, Britains Prime Minister stomps around like an overgrown toddler, as if his famous siren suit were actually a romper suit

How much of this is rooted in fact? The historian Andrew Roberts has rubbished the film, in particular the idea that Churchill was vehemently opposed to D-Day.

My own modest research throws up a couple of lines in Roy Jenkins biography of Churchill, certainly suggesting that he was gravely concerned about the operation, but not that he wanted it halted.

Yet the film shows him on his knees the night before, praying that bad weather might succeed where his own furious exhortations have failed.

He doesnt quite bellow blow winds and crack your cheeks, but Teplitsky is basically giving us Churchill as Shakespeares deranged King Lear, and it is very hard to see what the point of his film might be.
She is best known for her role as Peggy Carter in the Captain America movies.

And Hayley Atwell, 34, swapped her renowned character's espionage for the theatre as she stepped out in support of her pal Andrew Scott's new play Hamlet at The Harold Pinter Theatre in London on Thursday night.

The British beauty stunned on the red carpet in a sensational vintage emerald green dress for the press night of the iconic Shakespearean tragedy.

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Green with envy: Hayley Atwell, 34, swapped her renowned character's espionage for the theatre as she stepped out in support of her pal Andrew Scott's new play Hamlet at The Harold Pinter Theatre in London on Thursday night

Her forties inspired look featured eye-catching beaded detailing across her neckline which added an extra fashion flare to her sensational display.

With stylish ruching down her sleeves and chest, Hayley's demure attire showcased her svelte figure as it fell to her ankles, flashing her enviable gold satin platforms.

The Mary-Jane style footwear injected inches into her diminutive height as she held onto the theatre show's programme and her leather clutch in her ring sprinkled hands.

Dressed to impress: The British beauty stunned on the red carpet in a sensational vintage emerald green dress for the press night of the iconic Shakespearean tragedy

Fashion flare: Her forties inspired look featured eye-catching beaded detailing across her neckline which added an extra fashion flare to her sensational display

Style star: With stylish ruching down her sleeves and chest, Hayley's demure attire showcased her svelte figure as it fell to her ankles, flashing her enviable gold satin platforms

Sleek: She styled her brown locks into a sleek chignon which accentuated her delicate features and high cheekbones

Wow factor: The Mary-Jane style footwear injected inches into her diminutive height as she held onto her leather clutch in her ring sprinkled hands

She styled her brown locks into a sleek chignon which accentuated her delicate features and high cheekbones, while teasing at her 'L' tattoo behind her right ear.

Downton Abbey star Laura Carmichael was on hand to support her pal and former co-star Jessica Brown-Findlay - who plays Ophelia in the stage production - at the exclusive event.

Dressed in all black, her waist-cinching look featured daring thin sheer panelling across the chest, stomach and thighs while she paired it with a white trainer.

A visison: Downton Abbey star Laura Carmichael was on hand to support her pal and former co-star Jessica Brown-Findlay - who plays Ophelia in the stage production - at the exclusive event

Stepping out: Dressed in all black, her waist-cinching look featured daring thin sheer panelling across the chest, stomach and thighs while she paired it with a white trainer

Matching: While Jessica complemented her friend in a similar bardot summer dress following her performance

Castmates! The cast Juliet Stevenson (Gertrude), Andrew Scott (Hamlet) and Jessica Brown Findlay (Ophelia) posed for photos following their performance of the iconic play

Jovial: Laura (L) was all smiles are she arrived ahead of her pal's debut

The highly-awaited performance also attracted some of the biggest names in acting with Martin Freeman, Stephen Mangan and Sinead Cusack coming out to support the new incarnation of the iconic play which runs until September 2nd.

Meanwhile, Hayley was kept busy filming for upcoming TV drama Howards End in March.

The Agent Carter actress stars alongside Matthew MacFayden and Philippa Coulthard in the four-part adaption of Forsters 1910 novel.

Camera ready: Acclaimed actor Martin Freeman arrived at the highly-anticipated performance

Thrilled: Downton Abbey's Sophie McShera and Irish actress Sinead Cusack (R) watched the play

Best of British: Actor Stephen Mangan appeared in high spirits for the performance

The dark TV drama - already dubbed by some as the next Downton Abbey - explores the changing landscape of social and class divisions in turn of the century England through the tales of three families.

These are the intellectual and idealistic Schlegels, the wealthy Wilcoxes from the world of business, and the working class Basts.

British actresses Helena Bonham Carter and Emma Thompson previously starred in the 1992 film adaptation of the novel.

New perspective: The highly-awaited performance also attracted some of the biggest names in acting to support the new incarnation of the iconic play which runs until September 2nd
He's the oldest brother of the Hemsworth acting clan.

And on Thursday, Luke Hemsworth attended the premiere of the Tupac biographical drama, All Eyez On Me.

Walking the red carpet alongside wife Samantha, the 36-year-old suited up in a grey ensemble.

Looking dapper! On Thursday, Luke Hemsworth attended the premiere of the Tupac film, All Eyez On Me

Wearing a light blue shirt under his jacket, the Australian actor drew attention to his deep-set blue eyes.

Luke sported a bronzed look and was clean shaven for the premiere.

His short brunette hair was styled back with a few strands misplaced creating an edgy look.

All suited up! Walking the red carpet alongside wife Samantha, the 36-year-old looked dapper in a grey ensemble.

The Westworld actor posed for pictures with his hand in his pocket alongside his wife.

Samantha was dressed in a chic, casual ensemble of a black and white patterned top and black leather pants.

The mother-of-four teamed her look with a pair of fuchsia pink pumps for the carpet.

Effortless beauty: Samantha, dressed casually for the premiere dotting a black and white patterned top and some black leather pants

Leaving her blonde locks out, Samantha opted for a side path.

The lean yoga enthusiast also sported dewy and luminous makeup and completed her look with a nude lip.

The couple were married in 2007, and followed brothers Luke and Chris' footsteps in 2012 making the move to LA.

The pair now call Malibu home, and have four children, daughters Holly, 7, Ella, 6, Harper, 5 and son Alexandre, 2.
Princess Dianas ebullient niece, Lady Kitty Spencer, is clearly not lacking male attention.

Days after reportedly splitting from her boyfriend of four years, divorced Italian property tycoon Niccolo Barattieri, 45, she dined with comedian David Walliams, 45, in Mayfair.

Days after reportedly splitting from her boyfriend of four years, Princess Dianas ebullient niece Lady Kitty Spencer, dined with comedian David Walliams

On the same night that her father, Earl Spencer, hosted the Diana Awards at Althorp House, Lady Kitty, 26, shared this picture online as she snuggled up to Walliams in the company of friends.

Walliams is partial to shapely blondes. His ex-wife is supermodel Lara Stone. And David has already made his feelings for Kitty clear  when she recently posted a picture of herself on social media, smiling in a silk pink robe, he commented approvingly: Oh my!

Ready to make a run for it, Bea?

Princess Beatrice looked more like she was dressed for the gym as she walked through the streets of New York during a work break.

The 28-year-old daughter of Prince Andrew, who is currently working in the strategy department of a software company, was pictured leaving her office wearing a plain dark shirt and black skater skirt, which she teamed with black patent brogues and pink trainer socks.

Beatrice has been keeping her head down since the engagement of her ex, Uber executive Dave Clark, to pretty American advertising executive Lynn Anderson, just six or so months after they started dating.

Beatrice and Dave broke up last summer after ten years together.

Paul OGrady recalls how he and the late Cilla Black were once mistaken for lovers during a romantic trip on the Orient Express. Ex-drag queen OGrady, who is gay but has a daughter and grandchildren from a youthful liaison, recalls: I took Cilla on the Orient Express for her 60th. The conductor said: Shall I make up both bunks or shall I put two bunks together? I said: Im not getting in with her! and she said: Im not getting in with him neither!

Beach body battle of the Bonds!

He may be 64 years old, but Pierce Brosnan, who is on holiday with his wife Keely Shaye Smith in Sardinia, showed he can still do a passable imitation of the current James Bond, Daniel Craig, 49, who famously emerged from the sea in a pair of Speedos in Casino Royale.

The shirtless former James Bond star displayed his somewhat hairier torso while wearing a pair of blue trunks, as wife Keely, 53, looked on in admiration.
She shot to fame as the bikini-clad beach babe who appeared in Australia's tourism ad.

But Lara Worthington's (nee Bingle) style has certainly evolved over the years, with her cleavage-baring dresses being a thing of the past.

Now a hard working mother-of-two, it seems the 29-year-old businesswoman has swapped skintight ensembles for more minimalist and modest designs.

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The evolution of Lara Worthington: From bikini-clad model to fashionista, the mother-of-two's style has certainly changed over the years (left: 2008; right: 2016)

Based in New York with her husband Sam Worthington and their two sons Rocket, two, and Racer, seven months, the Dior ambassador was spotted on Thursday sporting a comfortable outfit.

With her short blonde bob worn straight, the makeup-free star styled an oversized, button-up khaki shirt with a pair of baggy trousers.

The beauty entrepreneur added a pair of flat leather sandals to her outfit, accessorising with only a gold wedding band on her left hand.

Glamour queen: The 29-year-old was known for flaunting her enviable figure in daring dresses early on in her career

My, how you've changed! The New York-based beauty has swapped her cleavage-baring dresses for more billowy and modest designs (left: 2008; right: 2017)

Meanwhile, in the early stages of her career in the spotlight, Lara was known for flaunting her figure in skintight dresses and low-cut tops.

Whether she was attending parties or film premieres, the former bikini model wasn't afraid to show some skin in racy outfits.

In 2010, the Cronulla-born stunner strutted the Allan Border Medal red carpet with her then-fiance Michael Clarke while showing off her slender frame in a white gown.

Minimalist: Lara's latest outfit while being spotted in New York this week is a far cry from her former aesthetic

'I guess I was more daring when I was younger': Lara says of her style (left: with ex-fiance Michael Clarke in 2010; right: with husband Sam Worthington in 2014)

Minimalist: The Cronulla-born beauty favours structured designs over slinky dresses in her current wardrobe (left: 2014; right: 2017)

The bronzed beauty flaunted her cleavage in a slinky cocktail dress by Michelle Jank, accessorising with body tattoos styled like necklaces around her decolletage.

Lara's old wardrobe is a far cry from the high-end designs she's often spotted wearing in recent times.

Opting for more structured and billowing pieces from fashion houses like Balenciaga and Dion Lee, it appears the mother-of-two's current style is less about flashing skin and more about functionality.

'Uniform dresser': Admitting she was more adventurous with her wardrobe in previous years, the mother-of-two insists she is more consistent with her style nowadays (left: 2006; right: 2014)

Commenting on her fashion evolution, Lara told PopSugar in 2015: 'I guess I was more daring when I was younger because youre still trying to find your style, and now I'm kind of more like a uniform dresser.'

Lara and Sam married in December 2014 and the couple share two sons, Rocket, two, and Racer, eight months.

Calling New York home, Lara now runs her cosmetics company The Base by LB while juggling motherhood.
While mom's away, Kaia Gerber will play.

The 15-year-old model was spotted taking to the streets of New York City on Thursday as her mom, Cindy Crawford, 51, stepped out in Venice, Italy for work.

The teen star was seen wandering around Manhattan's Soho neighborhood with a friend.

Stepping out in style... Kaia Gerber was spotted taking to the streets of New York City on Thursday

The pair appeared to have been having a great time, chatting and laughing as they walked down the street holding hands.

An LA native, the stunning student appears to be enjoying spending her summer school holidays in New York City.

Making the most of the warm summer weather, Kaia stepped out in a pair of denim cut-off shorts, which emphasized her seemingly never-ending legs.

She also donned a cropped baggy denim jacket and a white cropped tank top.

Girls day: The leggy teen was seen wandering around Manhattan's Soho neighborhood with a female friend

On trend: The gorgeous face-to-watch wore a pair of black cat-eye sunglasses and a series of layered necklaces

The brunette beauty topped off her urban cool ensemble with a pair of black Dr. Martens boots.

She also carried a black velvet handbag, which was on a gold chain strap.

The gorgeous face-to-watch wore a pair of black cat-eye sunglasses and a series of layered necklaces.

Flaunting it: Making the most of the warm summer weather, Kaia stepped out in a pair of denim cut-off shorts, which emphasized her seemingly never-ending legs

Best friends: The pair appeared to have been having a great time, chatting and laughing as they walked down the street holding hands

She also wore a pair of small dangly earrings.

Her medium-length brown hair was parted in the middle and worn loose.

Meanwhile, her friend opted for a pair of blue and white striped cropped pants.

The right stripes... Meanwhile, her friend opted for a pair of blue and white striped cropped pants. She also wore a cropped black T-shirt

She also wore a cropped black T-shirt.

The pretty blonde wore a pair of black suede ankle boots, which featured a block heel, and carried a black backpack.

Her hair was worn up in a messy topknot as they happily made their way down the street.
Salma Hayek opted for the casual chic look while catching a flight Thursday at Los Angeles International Airport.

The 50-year-old actress kept it simple wearing a bright white T-shirt, denim jacket and black capri trousers.

The Mexico native completed her outfit with shiny black shoes with thick white soles.

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Departing flight: Salma Hayek kept it simple Thursday while catching a departing flight at Los Angeles International Airport

The Frida star accessorized with large sunglasses and had her long dark hair down around her shoulders.

Salma accentuated her natural beauty with just a slight hint of makeup.

The Desperado star wore slippers as she raised her arms while going through airport security.

Salma recently made the rounds promoting her new drama Beatriz At Dinner that has generated some early Oscar buzz for the actress.

New movie: The actress recently has been promoting her new movie Beatriz At Dinner

Casual chic: Salma opted for the casual chic look with white T-shirt, denim jacket and black capri pants

She portrays massage therapist Beatriz who attends a dinner party hosted by her wealthy clients after her car breaks down at their house.

Beatriz during the course of dinner learns that her clients' wealthy colleagues engage in business practices that she finds appalling.

She clashes with dinner guest Doug Strutt, played by 71-year-old John Lithgow, over their opposing philosophies.

Hands up: The Frida star raised her arms while going through airport security

Beatriz At Dinner director Miguel Arteta, who is from Puerto Rico, recently told The Associated Press that he wanted to represent the feeling of being an outsider, or an immigrant, embodied in Beatriz.

'Salma's personality is so perfect for portraying what it's like to be an immigrant. She has a huge heart, she's extremely intelligent and hardworking and she is not afraid to tell the truth. Her personality really matched Beatriz, he said.

'We are hardworking, smart and compassionate people as a whole. And she has all of that in droves.'

Natural beauty: The Mexican-born actress accentuated her natural beauty with just a hint of makeup

Salma's performance generated some early Oscar buzz, but her director said he just hopes that audiences see 'how wonderful Salma is.'

'It's a sign of our very bad times that she doesn't get more leading roles. She's a wonderful actress,' he said.

Beatriz At Dinner premiered in January at the Sundance Film Festival and opened last Friday in the US.
He touched down in Sydney the day before.

And Joel Edgerton wasted no time hitting the surf on Friday following his arrival.

The 42-year-old was spotted shirtless while taking a dip at Bondi Beach.

Looking refreshed! Shirtless Joel Edgerton shows off his bulging biceps as he goes for a dip at Bondi Beach after touching down in Sydney the day before

He first arrived at the iconic beach in a grey beanie, Clubmaster style sunglasses, and a black and white Adidas jacket.

He soon stripped down to his black Billabong boardshorts, showing off his bulging biceps before hopping in the chilly water.

After his swim the Zero Dark Thirty actor looked refreshed, making his way up the sand towards his belongings.

Covered up: He first arrived at the iconic beach in a grey beanie, Clubmaster style sunglasses, and a black and white Adidas jacket

Time for a dip! He soon stripped down to his black Billabong boardshorts, showing off his bulging biceps before hopping in the chilly water

That's better: After his swim the Zero Dark Thirty actor looked refreshed, making his way up the sand towards his belongings

After drying himself with his towel he ventured on home.

The Blacktown-born actor has recently wrapped up filming Red Sparrow opposite Jennifer Lawrence and Jeremy Irons, set for release in 2018.

He also appears to be on a short well-deserved break from filming action/comedy flick Gringo, directed by his older brother Nash Edgerton.

The movie will also star A-lister's including Charlize Theron, Amanda Seyfried and Alan Ruck.

'There's nothing better than working with Nash. He came and helped me a lot on. I went and helped him a lot on that  acting and just hanging around,' he told The Sydney Morning Herald.

'And the movie's fantastic. It's a thriller in the vein of Fargo and Burn After Reading. And it's a caper about a guy going into Mexico and getting kidnapped. It has a sense of humour but it's dangerous,' Joel added.
It looks like Christina El Moussa is head over heels for her new man.

The 33-year-old HGTV starlet looked smitten on Thursday as she was spotted out in Newport Beach, California with new boyfriend Doug Spedding.

The California blonde couldn't contain her smile as she headed to a romantic dinner with the 55-year-old businessman looking chic in thigh-high boots and a flirty floral dress.

She likes him! Christina El Moussa couldn't contain her smile as she headed to dinner with her new boyfriend Doug Spedding on Thursday in Newport Beach

The Flip Or Flop star couldn't keep her eyes off the Orange County businessman as they made their way to dinner together in Newport Beach.

Christina wowed as she paraded her slim stems in thigh-high boots and a boho chic floral dress.

The mother-of-two accessorized with large hoops on her ears and a fancy quilted Chanel bag over her shoulder.

Stepping out in style! The mother-of-two showed off her slim stems in thigh-high boots and a boho chic dress while her dude donned a blue suit

Christina's new guy was also all smiles, looking fondly at the interior decorator while they walked.

While it looked like the night was going great for the HGTV beauty and her new flame, reports suggest things may already be off to a bumpy start.

InTouch Weekly recently spoke to a woman who says she's also currently dating Mr. Spedding.

Tracy Diaz told the tabloid,'Ive been seeing Doug for almost four years. He hasnt officially ended our relationship. He was just with me three days ago!' she said

Bad blood: The 33-year-old is still enduring a bitter divorce with her ex Tarek, who is reportedly 'putting her through hell.' Above you can see the estranged duo in April together

Diaz said she believes that Doug 'really likes Christina, but obviously, hes not being loyal to her.'

Christina is also still dealing with her divorce from father of her children Tarek, with a source close to the star revealing 'he is definitely putting her through hell.'

Although the interior decorator tried to convince HGTV to give her her own show, the network felt she and Tarek should continue to shoot Flip Or Flop together.

The home improvement stars kick off their seventh season of Flip Or Flop tonight at 9pm on HGTV.
Roxy Jacenko has previously stated she doesn't wear her engagement bling at the gym.

But she was spotted without the stunning diamond rock again on Friday, despite being otherwise dressed up with several other pieces of jewellery.

The video shows the 37-year-old opening a Louis Vuitton box.

No rock Roxy? PR queen Jacenko has been spotted without her engagement ring just one week before hubby Oliver Curtis is set to be released from jail

Question marks: With her husband Oliver Curtis expected to be released from prison next Friday following a one-year sentence for insider trading, his PR Queen wife continues to be caught bare-handed

With her husband Oliver Curtis expected to be released from prison next Friday following a one-year sentence for insider trading, his PR Queen continued to riddle with her engagement and wedding bling.

In footage uploaded to her Instagram story, Roxy's hands can be seen clearly as she opens an Orange Louis Vuitton box.

She's accessorised with several sparkling bracelets, a thick Rolex watch and what appears to be her wedding band on her right hand.

Missing is the diamond ring Oliver gave her when he got down on bended knee several years ago.

Latest purchase! In footage uploaded to her Instagram story, Roxy's hands can be seen clearly as she opens an Orange Louis Vuitton box

The night before, she was similarly ring-less while opening a food package in a sponsored video.

Although on that occasion, the Sweaty Betty PR founder wore no other jewelry.

In February, Daily Mail Australia reached out for comment after Roxy was seen heading to the gym without her wedding ring.

'I do weights based training, can't be doing that with rings on my fingers!' Roxy stated.

You can't miss it! Roxy Jacenko's giant diamond engagement ring (right) was once a regular feature in her snaps (pictured here in May)

But in April, the mother-of-two's marital status became the subject of rumours when she was pictured kissing her ex-boyfriend Nabil Gazal at his Sydney apartment.

Shortly before that, she appeared on TV to insist 'all is fine' in her relationship with Oliver.

The disgraced former investment banker could be released from Cooma Correctional Centre as early as June 23, if he qualifies for good behaviour.
She revealed she was pregnant during a surprise announcement on Studio 10 earlier this week.

And Sarah Harris showed off her growing baby bump during a stroll with her pal Talitha Cummings in Centennial Park in Sydney, on Thursday.

Clad in activewear, the TV host revealed her blossoming belly in a black T-shirt teamed with patterned leggings.

She's blossoming! Sarah Harris showed off her growing baby bump during a stroll with gal pal Talitha Cummings on Thursday

She wore comfortable trainers on her feet and shielded her eyes from the glare with a pair of Ray-Ban sunglasses.

Makeup free, Sarah let her pregnancy glow shine through and she tied her signature blonde bob up in a low-key bun.

Meanwhile, Talitha was dressed in head-to-toe black gym gear as the women made their way around the park.

Casual: Clad in activewear, the TV host revealed her blossoming belly in a black T-shirt teamed with patterned leggings

Low-key: Makeup free, Sarah let her pregnancy glow shine through and she tied her signature blonde bob up in a low-key bun

It appears the two pals had a lot to catch up during the outing.

This week Sarah revealed she isn't above feeling 'a little insecurity' about taking maternity leave for the second time in two years.

The journalist, 35, told The Daily Telegraph she had watched her friend Talitha go through an unfair dismissal case with Channel Seven after leaving to have a baby.

The TV personality praised Network Ten for their support, as she was able to return to Studio 10 and Shark Tank after four months of maternity leave.

Meanwhile, Talitha was dressed in head-to-toe black gym gear as the women made their way around the park

Catch ups: It appears the two pals had a lot to catch up during the outing

But like any woman in a high profile and competitive job, Sarah did have some concern about taking extended periods of time off.

'I think any woman who says stepping aside and taking time away from her career to have a child and doesn't feel a little insecurity about that is lying,' she said.

Sarah explained she had watched her friend Talitha go through her own battle to return to work after giving birth to her son Oliver last year.

'One of my dearest friends, (former Weekend Sunrise newsreader) Talitha Cummins just went through a very high profile unfair dismissal case,' she said.

'I'd like to think we've moved on from those days.'

In April, Talitha reached a confidential settlement with Channel Seven after claiming she was sacked unfairly while on maternity leave.

Concerned:This week Sarah admitted to feeling 'a little insecurity' about taking time off to have her second child after friend Talitha's legal battle

She commenced legal action just months after revealing her battle with alcoholism on ABC's Australian Story.

Talitha alleged that after giving birth she had been told she would not be returning to her role as Weekend Sunrise newsreader, and was instead offered 5am shifts which were unsuitable to her family arrangements.

According to The Sydney Morning Herald, Seven had claimed Talitha was a casual employee, had not taken parental leave, and she was not entitled to a return-to-work guarantee.
Nova's Michael 'Wippa' Wipfli rarely comes out on top when he takes on guests in his show's Friday rap battle segment.

But the radio host is now scaling the iTunes charts with a comedic self-produced rap track 'Born To Rap'.

The 37-year-old announced his redemption album on Nova's Fitzy And Wippa on Friday: 'I've lost 15 battles, but that's why I'm back... I'm here to release a single.'

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'I've lost 15 battles, but that's why I'm back!': Nova's Wippa enters iTunes rap charts with newly-released single 'Born To Rap' to redeem his rap title

New career? The radio host announced the release of his comedic self-produced rap track 'Born To Rap' on Friday's show

Since revealing his foray into music, the single has climbed to #27 on the Australian Hip Hop / Rap Apple iTunes chart as of midday Friday.

Dressed in a shiny gold hoodie with 'G' emblazoned on the chest and wearing a red cap with a gold crown printed on it, he proclaimed 'the king is back'.

Some of the lines from the song include: 'born to rap, born to call', 'people say I'm not that fat, hungry like a wildcat' and 'life in the spotlight, ladies I like 'em tight'??'

Bling! Dressed in a shiny gold hoodie with 'G' emblazoned on the chest and wearing a red cap with a gold crown printed on it, he proclaimed 'the king is back'

'I dropped the price just to up the downloads': Wippa joked he reduced the price of the track so his single would scale the Australian Hip Hop / Rap Apple iTunes chart. After the show on Friday it had jumped from #32 to #27

In a humorous 'mockumentary' video showcasing the making of the track, 'Born To Rap', he kept a straight face while saying: 'I rap about life and I rap about truth.'

'People come up to me all the time on the street and they say, "how can I rap as good as you?" and I say "be yourself, you've got to keep it real or the rap won't be there,' he said sarcastically as he wore his black hooded sweatshirt over his head.

The single is described on YouTube as: 'It ain't 8 Mile or Straight Outta Compton... It's realer.'

'It ain't 8 Mile or Straight Outta Compton... It's realer': In a humorous 'mockumentary' video showcasing the making of the track, 'Born To Rap', he kept a straight face while discussing his venture into rap and advice for other hopefuls

Wippa plugged the price of the track at $1.99, adding he 'dropped the price just to up the downloads'.

While fans called up to praise the host for his efforts, he also read out a glowing review from Australian music duo Peking Duck: 'He's got heat under that belt. 10/10 one of the best rap joints I've ever heard.'

Nova's Fitzy And Wippa airs from 6am to 9am weekdays
Dr. Dre on Thursday said he'd make a $10 million donation toward a performing arts complex to be erected at Compton High School in Compton, California.

The Compton Unified School District told the Los Angeles Times that the facility will include top-notch technology with amenities such as digital media studios and a theater that seats 1,200 people.

The former N.W.A. member, 52, told the newspaper in a statement that his goal with the donation 'is to provide kids with the kind of tools and learning they deserve.

Eye on the future: Dr. Dre, 52, will donate $10 million toward the construction of a performing arts complex at Compton High School, the LA Times reported Thursday

'A place for young people to be creative in a way that will help further their education and positively define their future.'

The music mogul, whose real name is Andre Young, will also continue to be active in fundraising to flesh out the budget for the forthcoming facility, with construction tentatively slated to begin in 2020, the paper reported.

City officials hailed the Compton native for his investment in the community.

Building community: The rapper was snapped at a Compton elementary school last year helping provide students with iPads

Satra Zurita, who serves atop Compton Unifieds governing board of trustees, praised the artist's 'unwavering' support, adding that the facility will be 'one of the greatest performing arts centers in the country.'

Compton Unified superintendent Darin Brawley said officials were 'looking forward' to working with Dr. Dre to 'provide opportunities for individuals to both explore and apply their creativity in the arts.'

Dr. Dre has a net worth in the area of $740 million, Forbes said last month, in part to his mega-successful headphones brand, Beats by Dr. Dre, that he sold to Apple three years ago.
She announced that she had rejoined Tinder in search of her 'Prince Charming' in January.

And just months later, Brynne Edelsten has taken to Facebook appearing to announce her engagement.

' I'm engaged,' she shared with her fans on Thursday, adding the hashtags #engagement and #savethedate.

Engaged? Brynne Edelsten has taken to Facebook to appears to announce that she's engaged

The 34-year-old also added several emojis, including diamonds, a bride and groom and love hearts.

Brynne, however failed to mention the name of the lucky gentleman she's planning to marry.

Some fans were skeptical as to whether the announcement was legitimate, commenting 'Have you been hacked?'

Another fan pointed out that Brynne appeared to be single only a week prior.

Legally wed? Brynne failed to mention who the lucky gentleman she's planning to marry is

Moving on: The buxom blonde split from poet Ian McAllister in October last year after just two months of dating

Her last marriage to eccentric millionaire Geoffrey Edelsten, 74, ended in divorce in April 2015.

More recently she split from poet Ian McAllister in October last year after just two months of dating.

Geoffrey weighed in on Brynne's engagement news this Thursday, telling the Sydney Morning Herald: 'It's very sudden. I have been talking to her a fair bit over the last few months and she never mentioned a relationship, so the news seems surprising.'

Looking for love: The television personality rejoined Tinder in January but said she was worried about entering a new romance

While reveraling that he didn't know the identity of Brynne's mystery husband-to-be, Geoffrey did extend his congratulations to the blonde socialite, saying: 'I wish her all the very best. I am very happy for her.'

Meanwhile, on Sunday night the socialite was spotted kissing a mystery man at the Fitzroy Street Queen's Birthday Party in Melbourne.

Brynne rejoined Tinder in January but said she was worried about entering a new romance.

Claim to fame: Brynne enjoyed a five-year marriage to eccentric millionaire Geoffrey Edelsten

Her updated Tinder profile picture featured a raunchy image of herself squirting water onto her bikini-clad bust as she sits on the beach.

'I love the idea of being with someone and am open to dating and meeting new people but I am cautious about falling into any relationship too soon,' she told Daily Mail Australia at the time.

The former fitness instructor was previously linked to bodybuilder Cemre Volkan, also known as Big Red Ra, in 2015.

Former flame: The former fitness instructor was previously linked to bodybuilder Cemre Volkan, also known as Big Red Ra

'Can't wait to devour you': Leaked raunchy texts between Brynne and Shane last year revealed their plans to meet up for a 'night cap', with Shane even telling Brynne that he couldn't wait to 'devour' her

Brynne also enjoyed a very brief encounter with controversial ex-sportsman Shane Warne in May last year.

Leaked raunchy texts between Brynne and Shane revealed their plans to meet up for a 'night cap', with Shane even telling Brynne that he couldn't wait to 'devour' her.
She made yet another spot on fashion choice.

Paris Hilton looked pretty in polka dots as she attended the screening of What We Started in Santa Monica on Thursday evening.

The gala event was held as part of the Los Angeles Film Festival at popular cinema The ArcLight.

Spot on: Paris Hilton looked pretty in polka dots as she attended the screening of What We Started in Santa Monica on Thursday evening

The 36-year-old star stunned in a little black dress featuring a sheer detailing up top and on the sleeves with a big polka dot pattern.

The heiress showed off her mile-high long legs with a pair of studded black designer booties.

She accessorized with leather fingerless gloves and a blinged out watch.

Looking good: The 36-year-old star stunned in a little black dress featuring a sheer detailing up top and on the sleeves with a big polka dot pattern

Pretty: Her blonde locks were worn down flowing over her shoulders as she let her natural looks show with natural, complimentary make-up on her face

Her blonde locks were worn down flowing over her shoulders as she let her natural looks show with natural, complimentary make-up on her face.

What We Started is a documentary about the beginnings of Electronic Dance Music directed by Bert Marcus and Cyrus Saidi.

Moby was also at the event as he sported a plain white T-shirt, jeans and sneakers. the film is expected to have a wider US release next month.

Paris has been keeping busy as she attended the Los Angeles premiere of The Beguiled on Monday night.

Casual customer: Moby was also at the event as he sported a plain white T-shirt, jeans and sneakers

Wow factor: Paris looked absolutely stunning on the red carpet of the Los Angeles premiere of The Beguiled on Monday night

Packing on the PDA: As if turning heads at the event held at Directors Guild Theatre wasn't already enough, the 36-year-old heiress was joined by her hunky boyfriend Chris Zylka.

As if turning heads at the event held at Directors Guild Theatre wasn't already enough, she was joined by her hunky boyfriend Chris Zylka.

The two certainly were not shy packing on the PDA as they shared several kisses on the red carpet of the star-studded event.

Back in March, Paris admitted to E! News that the actor a model seems to be 'the one.'

'I've never been surer of anything in my life,' she told the outlet, 'he's so incredible in every way... I don't know what else I could ask for. He's perfect for me.'

It's curtains for her: Actress Mena Suvari appeared to have dressed in her favourite drapes

Turning heads: She was impossible to ignore in her flamboyant floral frock
She publicly slammed former fling Scott Disick.

And after a high-profile romance, it seems like Bella Thorne is looking for a little more privacy.

The 19-year-old actress was spotted trying to go incognito with a scarf wrapped around her head while out in Los Angeles on Wednesday.

Suddenly shy? Bella Thorne was spotted trying to go incognito with a scarf wrapped around her head while out in Los Angeles on Wednesday

She kept her face hidden as she grabbed some takeout from hotspot Katsuya.

There was a beige designer scarf featuring a frilly detailing placed over her hair and wrapped over her mouth on the outing.

She also sported a baggy white T-shirt, tiny grey shorts, and flip flops for the occasion.

Bella then hopped into a black SUV pick-up vehicle and enjoyed her meal elsewhere.

Going incognito: The 19-year-old actress kept her face hidden as she grabbed some takeout from hotspot Katsuya

Chill: She also sported a baggy white T-shirt, tiny grey shorts, and flip flops for the occasion

Keeping it simple: There was a beige designer scarf featuring a frilly detailing placed over her hair and wrapped over her mouth on the outing

The former Disney actress was not as shy on social media, however, as she took to Snapchat to share videos of herself.

The outing comes just after her former fling Scott Disick reportedly sent her roses.

However the gesture by the 34-year-old reality star, who is father to Kourtney Kardashian's three children, might go down less well when Bella discovers his ex received a very similar bouquet.

Under wraps: She tried to go without being noticed

Getaway: Bella then hopped into a black SUV pick-up vehicle and enjoyed her meal elsewhere

Bella took to Snapchat on Wednesday to show off a huge bunch of luscious pink roses, sprinkled with few orange and yellow peonies.

However somewhat awkwardly Kourtney, 38, also took to her Snapchat, sharing a picture of a very similar-looking bouquet of flowers.

Where's the scarf? The former Disney actress was not as shy on social media, however, as she took to Snapchat to share videos of herself

Colorful character: She bragged about her newly dyed locks

According to TMZ, Scott sent the roses to Bella in a bid to make amends after their short-lived fling.

The site reports that the father-of-three invited her to his place once he returned from Cannes, and despite her public outburst she is said to have accepted.

However Bella was less forgiving when she spoke out about their short lived May romance in a candid interview with Complex magazine.

Offering up an olive branch? It looks as though Scott Disick, 34, may be trying to make amends with former fling Bella, after reportedly sending her roses

Wake up and smell the roses? The gesture by Scott, who is father to Kourtney Kardashian's three children, might go down less well when Bella (right) discovers his ex (left) received a very similar bouquet

Gift: Bella took to Snapchat on Wednesday to show off a huge bunch of luscious pink roses, sprinkled with few orange and yellow peonies

The actress revealed that while Scott is 'nice' and 'sweet,' the father of three 'really drinks a lot.'

Bella said she met him through French Montana when the rapper brought Scott to one of her house parties.

The Famous In Love star was first seen canoodling Scott at dinner dates in Los Angeles before the twosome jetted off to the Cannes Film Festival late last month.

'Scott is really nice, sweet, charming. I don't drink, and he really drinks a lot. And it just ended up...I just wasn't down,' Bella revealed in a damning interview following their brief fling
Beyonce's husband Jay Z skipped the Songwriters Hall of Fame ceremony in New York on Thursday, amid speculation his wife Beyonce has given birth to the couple's twins.

The award was picked up on his behalf by his friend and record label head Jon Platt, who passed on the rapper's apologies to the crowd.

Increasing the rumours further, Beyonce's sister Solange Knowles has been spotted at the Los Angeles medical centre rumoured to be where the couple are having their children, according to reports on Thursday.

MIA: Beyonce's husband Jay Z skipped the Songwriters Hall of Fame ceremony in New York on Thursday, amid speculation his wife Beyonce has given birth to the couple's twins

Beyonce's younger sister was seen pulling into the medical facility on Thursday, according to Radar Online and various reports on Twitter, two days after rumours went into overdrive that the star was in labour.

Jay Z meanwhile was nowhere to be seen in NYC, despite receiving the honour of being the first rapper ever to be inducted into the Songwriters Hall Of Fame.

While the rapper's mother, grandmother, sisters and many friends were in the audience, according to Variety, and a video message from Barack Obama was played, the main man failed to make an appearance.

Instead Jon Platt instead told the crowd at the ceremony on Thursday night: 'I can't begin to tell you how much this honour means to me  I'm sorry it's not my award.

'I can't begin to tell you how much this award means to Jay. He's really sorry he can't be here with you tonight.'

Jay Z also shared his thanks online, tweeting a long list of artists who inspire him before quipping: 'I'm deleting this app in the morning. S*** is impossible to get right. I promise I'm not drunk.'

By her side? Increasing the rumours further, Beyonce's sister Solange Knowles has been spotted at the Los Angeles medical centre rumoured to be where the couple are having their children, according to reports on Thursday

On Tuesday, Jay Z was spotted leaving theBeverly Hills mansion he shares with Beyonce.

The Hip Hop mogul, 47, was seen leaving their home after Twitter went into overdrive over rumours his 35-year-old wife was in labour on Tuesday.

The day marked the Lemonade hitmaker's due date, and saw increased security at the medical centre.

Jay, who is also father to 5-year-old Blue Ivy with his superstar wife, was seen talking on the phone as he left their home in the back of a chauffeur-driven Escalade.

With his face partially obscured, he looked in deep thought, perhaps anxious to be reunited the new additions to his family- rumoured to be a boy and a girl.

Day out: As the speculation mounts that Jay and Beyonce have welcomed their twins though, the singer's mother Tina Knowles enjoyed a trip to Disneyland on Thursday

The 99 Problems star, who married Beyonce in 2008 after five years of dating, was reportedly headed in the direction of the Westwood-based medical facility.

As the speculation mounts that Jay and Beyonce have welcomed their twins though, the singer's mother Tina Knowles enjoyed a trip to Disneyland on Thursday.

Tina shared updates on her Instagram page as she enjoyed the outing with her mentorship group Tina's Angels. Posing in a Minnie Mouse hat, Tina told her followers:

'Just finished a trip with Tina's Angels and Richards warriors! To Disneyland! It was hott but fun !! It was our trip to kick Off summer vacation! The kids were great fun ! Check out my micky hat.'

Congrats! Tina also posted a message on Thursday congratulating her son-in-law on his achievement

Beyonce fans first sparked a Twitter frenzy amid fevered speculation the heavily pregnant star is finally in labour in the early hours of Tuesday.

Heavy security was spotted at a Los Angeles hospital, while it was also reported her security staff were carrying two baby seats to a medical facility earlier in the day.

The superstar is due to give birth to her twins any time soon, which will increase the size of her brood with husband Jay Z to three.

Labour of love? There was fevered speculation Beyonce was at an LA hospital to give birth earlier on Tuesday

An insider told Hollywood Life: 'Beyonce's security was seen leaving her Beverly Hills home this morning carrying two baby seats to a hospital in West LA

'Beyonce's due date was yesterday and she has been seeing her OB/GYN on a regular basis at a different location. This trip to this hospital is unique.'

A storm of tweets was unleashed due to the speculation.

One fan said: 'I just need a heads up from Beyonce and the twins on when they plan to break the internet so I can cancel all my plans in advance.'

While another said: 'Did Beyonce already have the twins or is she only in labor bc if i share a birthday with them i will *die*'

Twits: There was frenzied fan speculation over whether she was really in labor

Spreading the rumour: Some tweeters claimed to have inside knowledge

Others claimed to have insider knowledge as one tweeter, Caslon Hatch, told her followers: 'You heard it here first. A friend of a friend who is an OB @ Beyonce's hospital tells me she had her twins, a boy and a girl.'

Some fans pointed out that if the twins have been born or are due imminently they will fall under the Gemini star sign, which is represented by The Twins Castor and Pollux.

One excited tweeted typed: 'So apparently Beyonce is in labor???! Her Gemini twins are coming to save us all.'

Twin sign: Some fans pointed out that if the twins have been born or are due imminently, they will fall under the Gemini star sign

Others were desperate to find out the no-doubt unusual names Bey and Jay will call their twins, with one fan quipping: 'Folk are reporting that Queen Mother, Queen Beyonce is in labor. I'm not ready for White Lotus and Purple Reign. The Beyhive has grown.'

And most fans in the US were willing to pull an all-nighter to follow the speculation, with one tweeter musing:

'I think Beyonce in labor. Might as well stay up all night to see if it's true lol.'

Give us the names! Others were desperate to find out the no-doubt unusual names Bey and Jay will call their twins

Seeing this one through: And most fans in the US were willing to pull an all-nighter to follow the speculation

If Beyonce is giving birth at a hospital, it would put previous claims she had converted part of her home so she could deliver there, quite literally, to bed.

In addition to the Twitter speculation, the NY Daily News also quote sources at Melba's restaurant in Harlem who heard DJ Khaled, whose new track Shining features performances by Jay Z and Beyonce, spreading word on Tuesday evening that his friends had welcomed their twins.

Another source who works at Jay Z's 40/40 nightclub in NYC told the publication that the couple welcomed a boy and a girl on Tuesday morning.

Three become five? Sources have speculated that the family grew at some point on Tuesday

Jay Z, real name Shawn Carter, 47, announced in February they are expecting twins.

The rapper said: 'We would like to share our love and happiness. 'We have been blessed two times over.

'We are incredibly grateful that our family will be growing by two, and we thank you for your well wishes. - The Carters.'

The couple, who got married in 2008, are already parents to five-year-old daughter Blue Ivy.

When their first child was born, the couple confirmed the news in a statement to press two days after the birth.

The low-key announcement followed Beyonce's big reveal of her pregnancy during a performance at the 2011 MTV VMAs when she ended her routine by rubbing her stomach.
She was propelled into stardom on the set of Baywatch where her famous curves took centre stage.

And Pamela Anderson, 49, ensured all eyes were well and truly on her once again when she made a dazzling entrance to The Ivy, London on Thursday evening.

Leading the glamour, the Baywatch bombshell teased a glimpse of her famous curves in the plunging neckline of her black dress.

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Show-stopping: Pamela Anderson courted the attention of onlookers when she made a dazzling entrance as she headed to The Ivy, London on Thursday evening

Incredible: The TV sensation accentuated her age-defying beauty with deftly touches of heavy make-up as she flaunted a hint of her famous cleavage in the plunging yet smart number

The A-list personality also flaunted her slender bronze legs in the knee-length ensemble as she sashayed out of the eatery.

On trend as ever, Pamela teamed her elegant attire with a sparkly clutch bag and towering black heels.

Sweeping her golden locks into a pinned up hairdo, she put the focus on her age-defying features which were accentuated with deftly touches of heavy make-up.



Sensational: The Baywatch bombshell teased a glimpse of her famous curves in the plunging neckline of her black dress

On Wednesday, she made a trip to see her rumoured boyfriend Julian Assange, 45, at the Ecuadorian Embassy in London's Knightsbridge.

Pamela was first linked to the founder of WikiLeaks when she was seen leaving the Knightsbridge embassy in September 2014.

The meeting was set up for the Canadian American actress to try to persuade Julian to back her foundation, which supports women who are victims of sexual abuse.

Instantly hitting it off, the February 1990 Playmate of the Month for Playboy magazine pin up has regularly visited the political prisoner ever since.

Leggy! The A-list personality also flaunted her slender bronze legs in the knee-length ensemble as she sashayed out of the eatery

Julian was subject to a European Arrest Warrant over allegations he raped a woman in Sweden - but the charges have since been dropped and the US Justice Department is currently deciding whether to prosecute Julian over documents published on Wikileaks back in 2010.

But the V.I.P television sensation has remained coy about whether their relationship is romantic.

In a recent interview, she told People: 'Julian is trying to free the world by educating it. It is a romantic struggle, I love him for this.

'I understand that our "affair" and the curiosity surrounding that might bring some attention to his situation.

'That's fine but I'd rather not go into private details but let's just say everyone deserves love.'

Pamela and Julian's rumoured romance comes after the star's three failed marriages.

She was married to rocker Tommy Lee from 1995 to 1998 after knowing him for only four days.

The former flames share her two children Dylan Jagger Lee, 19, and Brandon Thomas Lee, 20.

Standing tall: She added to her statuesque height with a pair of towering heels

Pamela went onto marry Kid Rock in 2006 but they were separated in 2007.

In the same year, she tied the knot with Rick Salomon and despite a 2008 annulment, she remarried him by 2014 - but they parted ways for good in February 2015.

Meanwhile on-screen Baywatch: The Movie hit cinemas in May, a new flick comedy adaptation of the NBC drama series which propelled her into the spotlight.

Kelly Rohrbach slipped into the role Pamela played from 1992 until 1997, alongside stars Dwayne Johnson, Zac Efron and Priyanka Chopra.
They're small-screen stars both known for bringing DC comic book characters to life.

And on Friday, Dean Cain and Colin Donnell thrilled fans as they appeared for a Q&A session at the Supanova pop culture festival and gaming festival in Sydney.

50-year-old Dean played Superman in the smash-hit series Lois & Clark, while Colin, 34, appeared as Tommy Merlyn on the CW show Arrow.

Comic cool! On Friday, Dean Cain and Colin Donnell thrilled fans as they made an appearance for a Q&A session at Supanova Sydney

The pair both appeared in high spirits, beaming as they answered fan questions while dressed in casual ensembles.

Dean looked casual in a simple black t-shirt, paired with a pair of dark jeans.

The former flame of Brooke Shields added a pop of colour to the outfit with bright Puma sneakers, while accessorising with a chunky wristwatch.

In good spirits: Dean looked laid back in a simple black t-shirt, paired with a pair of dark jeans

Handsome star: Normally clean-cut Colin sported a bushy new beard

Meanwhile, normally clean-cut Colin looked suitably handsome, sporting a bushy new beard.

Wrapped up against the wintry weather, the star wore a dark jacket teamed with a navy scarf.

The actor was last seen on Arrow in 2015, and now appears on the hospital drama Chicago Med, which was recently renewed for a third season.

Wowing crowds: Colin played Tommy Merlyn on Arrow, while Dean starred opposite Teri Hatcher in Lois & Clark

Cool and casual: The duo both sported dark, laid-back looks as they appeared together at the event

Following the Q&A appearance, both Dean and Colin met with fans to sign autographs and have photos taken.

According to the Supanova website, autographs from the two stars were charged at $50 a pop, while a picture with each of the genetically-blessed actors was available for $60.

Supanova continues across the weekend, with Dean's Lois & Clark co-star Teri Hatcher also set to appear.

90s nostalgia! Dean's Lois & Clark co-star Teri will appear at Supanova over the weekend
She's been single since splitting from long-term love Matthew Hitt last year.

But Dakota Johnson enjoyed a casual outing and a cosy goodbye with a very hunky male pal in Hollywood on Thursday.

The Fifty Shades of Grey leading lady looked casually cool in her black jumpsuit as she embraced her friend in the street.

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Cool looking pair: Dakota Johnson enjoyed a casual outing and a cosy goodbye with a very hunky male pal in Hollywood on Thursday

The daughter of Melanie Griffith kept chic in the California sunshine in her jumpsuit which she teamed with quirky leopard print slip-ons.

A shoulder bag and dark shades completed the style-conscious star's summer vibe.

Her companion meanwhile was looking equally cool in a tight black t-shirt and jeans while rocking some designer stubble and statement sunnies.

Godo to see you! The daughter of Melanie Griffith kept cool in the California sunshine in her chic jumpsuit as she shared a warm embrace with her friend

Dakota is currently single, after splitting with boyfriend Matthew Hitt last spring after two years together.

Speaking about the break-up earlier this year, she told Vogue: 'I think Im a little bit heartbroken all the time, even when Im in a happy relationship.

'I dont do casual very well, and my feelings, even the good ones, get so intense that they hurt.'

Ex: Dakota is currently single, after splitting with boyfriend Matthew Hitt last spring after two years together

Dakota's next project is a remake of Dario Argento's horror classic Suspiria, originally shot in 1977.

In the revival, the rising star plays the innocent American ballerina Susie Bannion alongside actresses Chloe Grace Moretz and Mia Goth, who all play students at a mysterious dance academy.

Tilda Swinton - who's collaborated with the film's director Luca Guadagnino several times before - takes on the role of Madame Blanc, the school's stern headmistress.

Suspiria wrapped up principal shooting in Berlin in March and is set for a late 2017 release.
He is newly single after his amicable split with former flame Nina Agdal in May.

But Leonardo DiCaprio has proved inseparable from his pals as he was seen out with Tobey Maguire for the second day in a row in New York City on Thursday.

Leading the boys, the Hollywood hunk, 42, opted for a casual grey T-shirt and cut-off shorts as he soaked up the summer sunshine on their stroll around Soho.

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All the single lad(ie)s! Leonardo DiCaprio has proved inseparable from his pals as he was seen out with Tobey Maguire for the second day in a row in New York City on Thursday

Pleased as punch, the American actor caught the eyes of onlookers with his huge mirrored shades.

In good company, the Titanic star wore his Oscar-winning smile as he enjoyed spending quality time with his long-term pal Tobey, 41.

Leo's childhood friend kept it simple as he wore a black tee and a pair of Nike cut-off shorts.

Here come the boys! The Oscar-winning actor, 42, has been building on his friendships, especially Tobey, 41, who he has known for 30 years

The friends were joined on their sunny shopping trip by their mutual pal Richie Akiva, who brought along his pooch.

On Wednesday, the Gatsby stars were joined on their day out by Orlando Bloom and his puppy Mighty in Manhattan's East Village.

Leo is spending more time with the single boys following his split from his supermodel former flame Nina, 25.

While this year he was flying solo, the ex couple were first romantically linked when he invited Nina to accompany him to the Cannes Film Festival in 2016.

Good company! They go way back after Leonardo met his pal when he was 12 at an audition (Western Conference finals in Los Angeles in 2000)

A few months after their Cannes appearance together, they were pictured kissing on a beach in Malibu, California.

The former flames enjoyed a year of blissful romance before an amicable split in May.

They were last seen sat side by side at a restaurant in West Hollywood on May 9.

A source told Dailymail.com: 'They both decided it was a good idea to break up.

'They are staying friends and are on good terms.'

What are friends for? The double act played best friends in The Great Gatsby film (2013), Leo took on the leading role as Jay while Tobey played his good pal Nick

Leonardo's longest relationship has been with Gisele Bundchen who is now wed to Tom Brady.

He has also dated Bar Refaeli, Erin Heatherton and Blake Lively - and one of his former flames Toni Garrn was recently spotted stepping out in Cannes.

As for his single pals, Tobey separated from his wife of nine years Jennifer Meyer in October last year.

The former married couple share two children Ruby, aged nine, and Otis, aged seven.

Meanwhile, Orlando broke up with his ex girlfriend Katy Perry in March.
She's the Bachelor runner-up who missed out on the final rose from personal trainer Sam Wood.

So it was rather fitting that Lana Jeavons-Fellows made sure to strategically posed behind a large vase of red roses during an intimate dinner for fashion label PrettyLittleThing on Friday night.

The 28-year-old socialite stunned in an all-black ensemble at the event, which was held in the trendy Sydney suburb of Rushcutter's Bay.

A beauty in black: The Bachelor's Lana Jeavons-Fellows put on a sultry display at an intimate fashion event in Sydney on Friday night

Lana was dolled up for the occasion and revealed a hint of cleavage in her black bardot top, which was teamed with tight leather trousers.

The self-described TV personality added a sexy touch to her outfit with a leather choker and strappy black stilettos.

With her brunette locks styled in loose curls, Lana opted for a vampy red lip as she pouted for the camera.

All black everything: 2016 Bachelor star Olena Khamula also opted for black at the event

Since being left heartbroken on The Bachelor two years ago, Lana has since found love with entrepreneur Jake Meah.

While Jake was not pictured at the event, Lana was joined by fellow Bachelor alum Olena Khamula who also opted for an all-black ensemble.

Olena appeared on the 2016 season of the show, shooting to fame as she pursued rope access technician Richie Strahan.

Instafamous! Social media star Meg Kylie was also invited to the exclusive gathering

White on the mark! Indy Clinton opted for sleeveless mini-dress despite the plunging temperatures

Despite being unsuccessful on the show, Olena has also found love since, calling her new boyfriend Rodney Maroun 'the one'.

A slew of Instagram influencers and models also attended the ritzy fashion dinner, including Indy Clinton (99,000 followers) Tori Levett (106,000 followers) and Meg Kylie.

Meg has amassed 248,000 Instagram followers, frequently sharing raunchy belfies with her admiring fans.
She's taking her first steps in the acting world.

But Paris Jackson's uncle Jermaine has opened up about his fears for the 19-year-old, admitting that showbiz industry could 'break her'.

The 62-year-old has also spoken about the family's delight at sister Janet's baby joy - revealing he started 'crying down the phone' when he heard the news.

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'This business is not kind to anybody': Paris Jackson's uncle Jermaine has opened up about his fears for the 19-year-old, admitting that showbiz industry could 'break her'

Jermaine described how the family had been supporting Paris as she embarks on her acting career.

He told The Sun: 'Were very proud of Paris. I just think we have to make sure she is OK because this business is not kind to anybody. It can break you.

'You have to know when to hold them, when to fold them, when to make your move and when to hold back.

'We have to make sure she's OK': The 62-year-old described how the family had been supporting Paris as she embarks on her acting career

'Shes had an incredible logic path  shes had the entire Jackson family legacy as the logic.'

Paris has spoken about her troubles in the past, revealing earlier this year that she'd attempted suicide 'multiple times' after being raped as a teenager.

She also suggested in the interview with Rolling Stone magazine that she believed father Michael's death in 2009 was a 'setup'.

Her uncles Jermaine, Jackie, 66, Tito, 63, and Marlon, 60, appeared on Loose Women on Friday, where they discussed sister Janet's new arrival.

'I started crying down the phone': Jermaine also spoke about the family's delight at sister Janet's baby joy

Newborn: Janet, 51, gave birth to her first child Eissa at the start of the year, who she shares with estranged husband Wissam Al Mana

Janet, 51, gave birth to her first child Eissa at the start of the year, who she shares with estranged husband Wissam Al Mana.

Speaking about the moment he discovered his younger sister's baby joy, Jermaine said: 'I started crying over the phone'.

Tito described little Eissa as 'adorable', while Jackie added: 'I haven't seen him yet, I'm going to see him for the first time while I'm here. We've only seen pictures so far.'

Jermaine also spoke about dealing with Michael's death in the interview, saying we 'think of him every moment'.

Close: Jackie and Tito paid a visit to Motown the Musical at Shaftesbury Theatre on Thursday

Spot the resemblance? They posed with the cast of the popular West End musical

Speaking about the upcoming anniversary of his brother's death, he said: 'It's something thats very dear to us, we go to his resting place.

'Sometimes we play his music on stage because its healing to us. We think of him every moment.

'His children are doing great, we've just got to make sure they're on the straight and narrow.'

The Jackson brothers are in the UK as part of their world tour, which marks their 50th anniversary as a group.

Jackie and Tito paid a visit to Motown the Musical at Shaftesbury Theatre on Thursday night, where they met members of the cast.

'We think of him every moment': Speaking about the upcoming anniversary of his brother's death, Jermaine said: 'It's something thats very dear to us, we go to his resting place'
She's worn some eye-catching ensembles in the past.

But Joanna Krupa was happy to blend in with the night as she rocked an all-black outfit to dinner on Thursday night.

The 38-year-old model showed off her svelte frame in tight black disco pants.

Back in black: Joanna Krupa was happy to blend in with the night as she rocked an all-black outfit to dinner on Thursday night

She paired them with black peep-toe heels and a matching tank top, with a tidy chain-strap purse.

Her famous blonde main was blown out straight and loose, worn over one shoulder.

The former Real Housewives Of Miami star does not appear to be a fan of cooking, dining out pretty much every night in LA.

Thursday night was no exception, this time opting for Italian at Madeo in West Hollywood.

Retro: The 38-year-old model showed off her svelte frame in tight black disco pants

While she arrived solo, it is unlikley the popular reality star dined alone.

It was revealed in May that the blonde beauty had separated from husband Romain Zago in December.

A source told E! that the couple 'just grew apart', after being married for three years.

Since the split, the former Dancing With The Stars contestant has been romantically linked to businessman Nico Santucci.

A source told US Weekly: 'Joanna and Nico are feeling it out and like each other. Theyve been hanging out.'

Another source added: 'They've been inseparable and enjoying their time together, and they spent Mother's Day together.'
Tom Holland has revealed he only found out he'd landed the role of Spider-Man in the upcoming Marvel film when he saw it posted on a website.

The dashing English actor, 21, told Graham Norton he competed against 1,500 other actors for the part during a 'crazy' process.

Appearing on the BBC show, alongside Mark Wahlberg and Sienna Miller, Tom let slip the unorthodox way he discovered that he landed his big break.

World Wide Web: Tom Holland has revealed he only discovered he was to be the new Marvel Superman after the film studio released the news online - six months after his original audition!

'It was a crazy process. The further I got down the line the more I really wanted the job,' Tom revealed.

'Every day I was searching the Internet for any bit of news of casting.

'After about five or six months of auditioning Marvel posted on their website that I was the new Spider-Man. I thought they would call me at least!'

Big break: Tom plays Spider-Man in the Marvel franchise following on from Andrew Garfield and Toby Maguire

Despite not getting the memo, Tom admitted he was so overjoyed at the news, he didn't mind.

Although he added: 'Marvel apologise about it all the time and I think they told me not to tell anyone  I have been travelling the world telling that story over and over again!'

And alls well that ends well with the actor appearing unfazed at the blunder as he sat alongside Hollywood stars Mark and Sienna.

Whoops! Appearing on the BBC show, alongside Mark Wahlberg and Sienna Miller, Tom let slip the unorthodox way he discovered that he landed his big break

Ironically, last week Tom revealed he has a fear of arachnids despite his starring role.

'I don't like spiders, man, just because they are sneaky  they just really scare me,' he said.

'They are hairy  ugh. The more I get asked this question, the more scared I get of spiders so I think I am going to try to convince myself that I am not afraid of spiders.'

Dashing: Ironically, last week Tom revealed he has a fear of arachnids despite his starring role

Squad: The dashing English actor, 21, told Graham Norton he competed against 1,500 other actors for the part during a 'crazy' process

Tom follows in the footsteps of Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield, who took on the role of Spider-Man in previous installments.

He went on to thank his In the Heart Of the Sea co-star Chris Hemsworth for helping him land the Spider-Man gig.

'I remember emailing him and being like 'hey man, what's up? Just so you know, I'm auditioning for Spider-Man and I thought it would be really cool if you could put in a good word for me.

'And he emailed back saying 'yeah, I'll let [the producer] know that you are always late and you never know your lines'. So thanks, Chris,' he joked.

He later clarified that Chris actually spoke highly of him to Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige, which helped him land the role.

Meanwhile Tom recently revealed that he was punched in the face in a stunt gone wrong on the Spider-Man set.

He told GQ that his assailant 'cracked [him] in the head', when he failed to spot the flying fist.

He said: 'I was supposed to dodge it and I just didn't see it coming.

'He had a big metal fist-type thing, and he punched me in the face so hard, like you wouldn't believe.

Tom blamed the accident on his Spider-Man suit, which heavily impaired his sight.

He said: 'I could only see about five feet in front of me, with no peripheral vision.'
She's one of the most respected - and enduring - actresses in Hollywood.

But Vanessa Redgrave thinks she may be too outspoken, even fearing she may be 'blacklisted' from Hollywood due to her stance on the European refugee crisis.

The 80-year-old told The Daily Telegraph that while others disapproved when she spoke out on social issues, it was 'the most important thing about Hollywood'.

Speaking out: Veteran actress-turned-director Vanessa Redgrave fears she may be blacklisted from Hollywood due to refugee crisis stance. Pictured at an anti-Trident protest in 2016

The Oscar-winning actress is currently promoting her directorial debut Sea Sorrow, a documentary about the migrant crisis which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival last month.

Speaking to News Corp, Vanessa said she had always believed in raising awareness about the wrongs of the world using her celebrity.

'That is the most important thing about Hollywood,' the Murder On The Orient Express actress said.

New role: The Oscar-winning actress is currently promoting her directorial debut Sea Sorrow

Citing the example of George Clooney and his work raising awareness about the conflict in Darfur, Vanessa reasoned that many not-for-profits would not exist without celebrities.

'Our profession keeps most charities going,' she said.

'Many charities couldnt function if it wasnt for what American stars and European and Australian stars do behind the scenes.'

'Our profession keeps most charities going': Vanessa reasoned that many not-for-profits would not exist without celebrities

A legend of British stage and screen, Vanessa has a decades-long history of using her star power to raise awareness of various causes.

In 1977 she bankrolled and narrated a documentary titled The Palestinian, which followed the actions of the Palestinian Liberation Organisation.

Her involvement in the controversial project led to an unsuccessful campaign from Jewish organisations to stop her from winning the best supporting actress Oscar for Julia in 1978.
She slammed a recent biopic script of her life, branding it inaccurate.

And Madonna has dropped the biggest hint yet that she is working on her own bio, after taking to Instagram on Friday.

The legendary hitmaker, 58, revealed she was 'prepping her film', as she shared a make-up free selfie.

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Making her own film: Madonna has dropped the biggest hint yet that she is working on her own bio, after taking to Instagram on Friday

Showing off her flawless skin, Madonna hid her bright blue eyes between rimmed glasses, leaving her blonde hair loose.

Sporting a white Adidas jumper, she put on a serious display for the camera.

She captioned the natural snap with: 'A woman's work is never done!! 6 kids and many jobs ratchet hair Prepping my film not just whistling dixie!

Telling her history? The legendary hitmaker, 58, revealed she was 'prepping her film', as she shared a make-up free selfie

This comes after she took to Instagram in a now-deleted rant, slamming a script that portrayed her life.

'I was born in Detroit, and I'm a famed high school dropout.'

'Lets start with the first page!! I was born in Bay City Not Detroit. And I did not drop out of high school in fact I went to University Of.Michigan,' she raged in an Instagram post.

'Why would Universal Studios want to make a movie about me based on a script that is all lies??' she asked.

'The Writer Elyse Hollander should write for the Tabloids. Anyone who supports this film is supporting lies and exploitation. . lies have no legs!!' she typed angrily.

'My Life.. My Journey.,,,My Voice.My Story..Let Me tell it. When Im Ready! It Will be Worth the Wait! Thank You.' She wrote after slamming the biopic script of her

Madonna, who is mum to Lourdes, 20, from a previous relationship, Rocco, 16, with Guy Richie, and adopted children Mercy and David, 11, and 4-year-old twins Stelle and Estere, then deleted the rant.

She later uploaded another snap appearing to plead with the studios to let her tell her own story, captioning it: 'My Life.. My Journey.,,,My Voice.My Story..Let Me tell it. When Im Ready! It Will be Worth the Wait! Thank You.'

According to reports Universal has acquired the rights to upcoming film Blond Ambition  a script about the star at the beginning of her career.
She's a rising Australian star who now lives in Los Angeles.

But Jessica De Gouw returned to home to film her latest movie, OtherLife.

On Friday, the 29-year-old actress revealed to The Daily Telegraph that it was the film's strong female lead that attracted her to the role.

The world's her oyster! Despite relocating to Los Angeles, Australian actress returned to her hometown of Perth to film her latest movie OtherLife

In the Australian sci-fi thriller, Jessica plays Ren, an inventor of a new revolutionary new drug who descends into madness.

'Most actresses hope to play someone like Ren at least once in their career,' Jessica told the publication about her starring new role.

The movie was shot over the course of five weeks in Jessica's hometown of Perth.

Professional and personal success: Jessica met British boyfriend Oliver Jackson-Cohen on the set of TV drama Dracula

The raven-haired beauty first appeared on an episode of The Sleepover Club, before her big-screen debut in the 2012 comedy smash, Kath and Kimderella.

After making the move to the United States, Jessica's life blossomed both personally and professionally.

The talented star secured a role in the big- budget NBC series Dracula, where she appeared opposite Jonathan Rhys Meyers.

Raven-haired beauty: Jessica's first big-screen role was in the 2012 comedy smash Kath and Kimderella

The drama also starred hunky British actor Oliver Jackson-Cohen, whom Jessica promptly began dating off-screen.

While the series was cancelled after one season, the couple are still together and have now been dating four years.

Enamoured Oliver frequently shares loved-up couple photos with his Instagram followers.

Loved-up: Enamoured Oliver frequently shares couple photos with his Instagram followers

Meanwhile, Jessica will next be seen in the highly-anticipated TV adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel, The Last Tycoon.

The series will co-star Matt Bomer, Kelsey Grammer and Lily Collins.
Former Love Island star Olivia Buckland recently let slip that she is to wed her sweetheart Alex Bowen.

And the pair looked ever so in love as they visited the trendy LDN Grill in London on Thursday.

Dressed in an extreme plunging top that showed off her ample assets, Olivia grinned from ear to ear as she embraced her beau - fellow Love Island contestant Alex.

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Loved up: Olivia Buckland, 23, looked ever so in love with Alex Bowen, 24, as they stepped out for a meal in London on Thursday

Displaying her curvaceous frame, Olivia wore figure hugging black jeans which revealed a scintillating slice of midriff alluding towards her seductive abdomen tattoo.

Tying her blonde locks back, Olivia's perfectly applied makeup highlighted her high cheekbones and delicate dimples.

Clutching a leather bag with metal chain detailing, Olivia leaned into tall Alex as they posed for pictures.

Bronzed Alex donned a short sleeved red lumberjack over a fitted black t-shirt.

Happy: Dressed in an extreme plunging top that showed off her ample assets, Olivia grinned from ear to ear as she embraced her beau - fellow Love Island contestant Alex

His trademark sleeve tattoo was complemented by a casual gold pendant and delicate nose ring.

Super skinny jeans and basic Chuck Taylor Converses completed the look as the six foot plus hunk leaned back in to his recent fiancee lovingly.

Speaking to this week's issue of Closer magazine, Olivia revealed that she wants 'party animal' Caroline Flack to come to the wedding - despite the TV presenter being accused by viewers of being flirty with Alex in the 2016 show's finale.

Olivia said: 'Caroline Flack needs to come to the wedding! She's a real party animal so we need her there. We're inviting all the Love Island producers too, as they made it happen.'

Seductive: Displaying her curvaceous frame, Olivia wore figure hugging black jeans which revealed a scintillating slice of midriff

Olivia revealed she has started planning her dream day with former co-star and best pal Cara De La Hoyde - who won Love Island in 2016 alongside Nathan Massey, before confirming their split last week.

Olivia also divulged that Cara is set to be a bridesmaid on the big day, telling Closer: 'Of course Cara is going to be my bridesmaid.'

Olivia is keeping tight-lipped about details of the wedding, but admitted that it will be in the UK so the pair's friends and family don't miss out, and they will plan a 'fab honeymoon abroad' after.

The curvaceous reality TV star has finished filming Say Yes To The Dress, so fans will have a sneak preview of what her dress is like before the big day.

Olivia and Alex announced their engagement during a New Year's Eve break in December, despite only being a couple for five months.

Hunky scaffolder and fitness model Alex ignored claims that the couple were only a "showmance" and popped the question after whisking Olivia away to a romantic trip to New York.

Olivia spoke excitedly about her upcoming nuptials, saying: 'I'm loving being engaged and calling him my fiance. I can't believe we're going to be husband and wife!

'I'm not worried it will change anything - we're meant to be together.'

Despite coming in second place to Nathan and Cara, the couple won over the hearts of the nation.
Last week she shocked fans after sharing a raunchy topless selfie.

But on Friday, Tiffany Scanlon put on a more demure display as she attended a fundraiser for children's charity, Variety.

The 30-year-old shared a snap to Instagram that showed her smiling at the Perth event while showing off her trim pins.

Out and about! Tiffany Scanlon appeared at a children's charity event in Perth on Friday, wearing a pair of patterned hot pants that allowed her to flaunt her slender legs

Tiffany opted for a navy halter top teamed with a pair of floral patterned hot pants as she cradled a range of donated children's toys.

Leaving her long locks out for the occasion, the one-time reality star also wore a pair of white heels that added extra length to her stunning stalks.

Her appearance at the event comes just a week after she uploaded the racy topless image to her Instagram story.

Trying to get Megan's attention? Tiffany shared a racy topless image to Instagram last week

In the photo, Tiffany left very little to the imagination as she relaxed on a sun chair.

Sporting just a pair of spectacles and black lacy briefs, the star went topless, revealing her very lean upper frame.

A makeup-free Tiffany used two sun emojis to cover her bare breasts and flashed the peace sign for the camera.

High-profile split: Tiffany's daring display comes just months after she split with Megan

'Sunsout (sic),' the blonde beauty captioned the moment.

Tiffany's daring display comes just months after she split with Megan Marx, 28.

The former couple met while competing on dating reality series, The Bachelor Australia.

They enjoyed a high-profile whirlwind romance before moving to Bali together - but split unexpectedly in February.
She is never shy of slipping into a sizzling underwear set for one of her many sexy selfies on social media.

And while Ashley James' wardrobe is undoubtedly heaving with high-street lingerie, the 30-year-old stunner set her sights higher on Friday as she posted her latest super sexy image taken from the changing room of upmarket couturiere La Perla.

The former Made in Chelsea star shared a photo of herself dressed in a figure hugging lingerie-inspired dress while revealing her desire for a wealthy boyfriend to clad her closet in undergarments from the pricey shop.

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Wanted: Ashley James took to Twitter on Friday to share a seductive photo of herself with the caption 'looking for a boyfriend who will fill my wardrobe with La Perla lingerie'

Ashley is never shy of showing off her body, while acting as a staunch advocate for women's empowerment and body confidence, and Friday's post was no exception.

The East London radio DJ showed off her curves with a floral number with delicate frills around her cleavage as she posed in the plush shop and stunning surroundings.

The blonde's flowing locks hung loosely past her shoulders and she stared seductively into a mirror which showed off her subtle gold jewellery that led down to her bust - perfect for highlighting her perky cleavage.

She added a cheeky caption on the shot reading: 'Looking for a boyfriend who'll fill my wardrobe with La Perla lingerie'.

Message: Ashley recently said 'I'm getting so bored of walking around and men and women muttering insults under their breath about my body'

Ashley has been very vocal about her body confidence in recent weeks, taking to Twitter last week to slam party-goers who supposedly commented on her looks at a London Fashion Week: Men party.

Despite looking sensational at the LFWM John Smedley show in an eye-popping leather dress, it appeared that somebody (or bodies) had rubbed her up the wrong way, leading her to scurry away into a corner and tweet vehemently about being insulted.

'I'm getting so bored of walking around and men and women muttering insults under their breath about my body,' she typed into the microblogging site.

Purfect: Kneeling on a bed with a kitten - Ashley captioned the sizzling photo with an uplifting message, telling her fans she's feeling confident with her curves

'My body is my body... It doesn't dictate my views, my personality, my heart. I'm embracing my body and learning to be confident after years of being slut shamed.

'And it takes so much guts to put on a figure hugging outfit that suits my body shape because I know I'll be sexualised and gossiped about... I CAN HEAR YOU!'

Ashley also posted a stunning swimsuit snap this month, while revealing that she wanted to share an untouched image to empower others.

Perky: 'I'm getting so bored of walking around and men and women muttering insults under their breath about my body,' she typed into the microblogging site

In another recent Instagram post - which featured her kneeling on a bed with a kitten - Ashley captioned the sizzling photo with an uplifting message, telling her fans she's feeling confident with her curves.

Posing in a black lingerie set, she wrote: 'Morrrrning! My new favourite part of my body is the top of my thighs where they crease.

'I've never noticed it before, so if it's a new development, I'm embracing my body and the way it changes (or pizza, I appreciate you too).'

While, supporting her body confident image, she shared a photo of herself looking less than her usual perfect shape.

She captioned: 'Thought I'd share a pic where my body isn't all stretched out with good angles,' she wrote. 'Drank and ate my way through the entire two weeks in Marbella and Sardinia.

'Definitely need to get back into a healthier balance with exercise (for my mind as much as my body), but you know what, I think I still look good a little squishier.

'Hope this helps if you're feeling be pressure to be "beach body ready", whatever the f*** that means. Life is for living.'
Zoe Kravitz has confirmed Charlize Theron and Tom Hardy clashed on the set of Mad Max Fury Road.

Speaking on Thursday's Watch What Happens Live, the 28-year-old admitted she witnessed her co-stars beef, revealing: 'They didn't get along.'

Witness: Zoe Kravitz has confirmed Theron and Tom Hardy clashed on the set of Mad Max Fury Road

'We were also in the desert for so long,' she explained. 'I think everyone was tired and confused and homesick and we saw nothing but sand for six months. Its just, you go crazy, you do.'

Zoe played Toast The Knowing in the George Miller-directed epic, which went on to scoop ten Oscars.

'I actually dont know if it was one issue. I just think they werent vibing,' she continued, adding that it was like 'summer camp.'

'At some point, everyone has like some kind of issue with somebody cause its just the way people are.'

Clash: Speaking on Thursday's Watch What Happens Live, the 28-year-old admitted she witnessed her co-stars beef, revealing: 'They didn't get along.'

Not a happy experience: The South African star clashed with the British actor during the nine month shoot in Australia and Namibia - something that mimicked the reluctant relationship between their on-screen characters

Theron famously revealed she did not gel with her British co-star during the nine-month shoot.

'From what I hear, hes not like that on every movie,' she told the Wall Street Journal Magazine afterwards. 'I hear hes had good experiences.'

The actress went on: 'Maybe the movie is what it is because we struggled so much with each other, and those characters had to struggle so much with each other. If we were chum-chum, maybe the movie would have been 10 times worse.'

She knows: Zoe played Toast The Knowing in the George Miller-directed epic, which went on to scoop ten Oscars

Theron has spoken previously about the on set clashes with Hardy, who remained in character between takes.

She told Esquire magazine back in April 2015 that they 'drove each other crazy.'

And when filming finally ended, her co-star presented her with a self-portrait and the note: 'You are an absolute nightmare, BUT you are also f***ing awesome. I'll kind of miss you. Love, Tommy.'

Dishing: The actress was joined by Ilana Glazer on Andy Cohen's show

Fight: 'I actually dont know if it was one issue. I just think they werent vibing,' she continued, adding that it was like 'summer camp.'

Hardy, for his part,didn't have a bad word to say about the South African in a subsequent interview with Esquire.

'That's disappointing. I think she is f*cking awesome. I think she's incredible,' he said. 'I think she's one of the most talented actresses of our generation.'

On Thursday's show, Zoe also addressed rumors she had dated drake, coyly admitting: 'We hung out for a minute.'

'But we are very good friends. You know,' she added, laughing off Andy Cohen's innuendo at what 'hanging out' meant. 'He's a cutie.'
Shes one of the last surviving legends of Hollywoods golden age.

Her beauty and enigmatic smile saw Olivia de Havilland play alongside the biggest names of the silver screen  Errol Flynn, Clark Gable and Montgomery Clift.

Off screen she was romanced by the likes of Jimmy Stewart, John Huston and Howard Hughes  and reportedly turned down the advances of John F Kennedy. She won two best actress Oscars in a career spanning six decades and 49 feature films  many of them considered to be classics.

Classic beauty: Olivia de Havilland as Melanie in Gone With The Wind

But it is only now  two weeks before her 101st birthday  that the Gone With The Wind actress has been given a damehood for services to drama. It makes her the oldest woman ever to receive the honour. In a statement, she called it the most gratifying of birthday presents.

For all her talent in front of the cameras, Dame Olivia  born to British parents in Tokyo  is also famous for the feud with her younger sister starlet Joan Fontaine, who took the surname of their mothers second husband.

Both sisters refused to speak for 38 years up to Miss Fontaines death, aged 96, in 2013.

To this day, Dame Olivia and Miss Fontaine, who won a best actress Oscar for her role in Alfred Hitchcocks 1941 thriller Suspicion, remain the only siblings to have won major Oscars.

Dame Olivia hit gold early in her career, with a role alongside Gable and Vivien Leigh in Gone with the Wind (1939).

The actress, then 23, picked up her first Oscar nomination for her performance as Melanie Hamilton, sister-in-law of protagonist Scarlett OHara played by Miss Leigh. She was also celebrated for her work with Errol Flynn on films including The Charge Of The Light Brigade (1936) and The Adventures Of Robin Hood (1938), with the pair hailed as a perfect on-screen match.

Screen legend: The actress on a film set with Bette Davis in 1964, left, and on the set of The Adventures of Robin Hood with Errol Flynn in 1938

Later, she won her two best actress Oscars for romantic drama To Each His Own (1946) and The Heiress (1949).

The double Oscar winner is responsible for the so-called De Havilland Law, a landmark 1944 ruling that ended the tight grip studios had on contract actors and was widely seen as the beginning of the end for the old Hollywood studio system.

It came after Dame Olivia sued Warner Brothers in 1940 when the studio extended her seven-year contract, to account for time she had spent on suspension for rejecting roles that executives wanted her to play.

Dame Olivia pictured in Paris in 2011

Born on the first day of the Battle of the Somme, Dame Olivia moved to California when she was young. She had relationships with Stewart and Huston before marrying first husband US author Marcus Goodrich in 1946, with whom she had a son, Benjamin. Following their divorce in 1953, she moved to Paris and married Pierre Galante, an executive editor for Paris Match, with whom she had a daughter, Gisele, before divorcing in 1979.

Dame Olivia, who still lives in Paris, endured a rocky relationship with her sister from childhood. Miss Fontaine, who was born one year and three months after Dame Olivia, explained that her sister was too young to accept the arrival of a competitor for the affections of her parents and adoring staff.

When Dame Olivias Hollywood career took off, it is claimed Miss Fontaine developed a Cinderella complex and saw herself as a servant. Early in their lives, the pair were said to have clashed over men, film roles and awards.

But it came to a head in 1975 when Dame Olivia was accused by Miss Fontaine of not inviting her to a memorial service for their mother after her death from cancer. The pair did not speak again before Miss Fontaines death in 2013. Miss Fontaine said the rivalry had been encouraged by their mother, who also made sure the girls had perfect upper-class English accents, which made them such hot property in Hollywood.

Dame Olivia has previously spoken about her past romances. Many suspected she and Flynn had an affair, but she denied this. She said: We did fall in love but his circumstances prevented the relationship going further.
It could only have been more apt if there were lilies or roses in there.

Lily-Rose Depp lived up to her blooming name as she arrived at her former high school bearing bouquets of flowers on Friday.

The 18-year-old returned to Oakwood High in Los Angeles for its graduation ceremony.

Flower girl: Lily-Rose Depp lived up to her name as she arrived at her former high school bearing bouquets of flowers on Friday

The model looked gorgeous in a short yellow summer dress, paired with a delicate gold chain belt and low grey heels.

She accessorized with a cute red satchel purse, tying her hair loosely back in a pony.

The daughter of Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradis seemed in top form, beaming as she floated into the school with several bunches tucked under her arm.

Beauty: The model looked gorgeous in a short yellow summer dress, paired with a delicate gold chain belt and low grey heels

Gorgeous: She accessorized with a cute red satchel purse, tying her hair loosely back in a pony

The teen only celebrated turning US legal voting age - and French legal drinking age - last month.

Her birthday party took place in Tokyo, where she was representing Chanel at its Metiers d'Art show.

Keeping her fans updated with her celebrations, she posted a clip of herself and model pal Leila Rahimi wearing a pink cowboy hats during her birthday bash, captioning it with the words: 'Cowgirls in the making'.

Happy: The daughter of Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradis seemed in top form, beaming as she floated into the school with several bunches tucked under her arm

Lily-Rose has quickly carved out a career of her own, following in the footsteps of her mother as a model and her father as an actor.

She is set to star in the horror comedy Moose Jaws, which is set in a post-apocalyptic Canada.

Directed by Kevin Smith, it is the final part of his not-very-well-received-so-far True North trilogy, after Tusk and Yoga Hosers, which also star Lilly's parents, and Smith's Daughter Harley Quinn.
The son of strict Muslim parents from Pakistan's teeming business capital on the Arabian Sea, comedian Kumail Nanjiani moved to the United States to study at Grinnell, a liberal arts college in Iowa in 1997

Growing up in Pakistan's chaotic megacity of Karachi, Kumail Nanjiani never imagined he would one day star in a Hollywood rom-com, let alone be a leading man in Donald Trump's America.

"The Big Sick," opening in selected cinemas on June 23, brings to the big screen the real-life story of how the 39-year-old comedian met and fell in love with his American wife, Emily Gordon.

It narrates their courtship, Nanjiani's strict Muslim parents trying to set him up with an arranged marriage and Emily falling gravely ill, forcing him to take charge and build a relationship with her parents.

Nanjiani and Gordon co-wrote the script and filmed the movie long before Trump's election, but the president's attempts to ban visa-holders from certain Muslim countries, has given the film renewed potency.

Its challenge of stereotypes in US popular culture, portraying Muslims as regular people rather than terror suspects or fighters, has taken on even greater significance than initially intended.

"Obviously it would be great if our movie came out and people didn't see it as a political statement because it really isn't. It is just a love story and a comedy," Nanjiani was quoted as saying by Variety at the Los Angeles premiere.

The movie premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, ironically on the day of Trump's inauguration, and Amazon acquired the distribution rights for a reported $12 million, allegedly one of the biggest deals in Sundance history.

Nanjiani, who plays a tweaked version of himself, stars opposite Zoe Kazan as Emily, and Ray Romano and Holly Hunter as her parents.

The son of strict Muslim parents from Pakistan's teeming business capital on the Arabian Sea, Nanjiani moved to the United States to study at Grinnell, a liberal arts college in Iowa in 1997.

He got into comedy at university, and after graduation moved to Chicago, where he worked in computer science by day and performed stand-up gigs at night.

He likes to say that he was inspired to get into comedy by British actor Hugh Grant's best-man speech in 1994 film "Four Weddings and a Funeral."

- 'Great for morale' -

But if Grant personifies a certain type of stuttering Englishman, Nanjiani has joined a stable of US comedians treading ground more commonly associated with public intellectuals than gags for laughs.

At a stand-up performance in New York to promote the movie, he joked about the difficulty of getting US citizenship, getting racist abuse on Twitter and being able to vote in last year's election -- "It really made a huge difference!"

"People are like 'go back to India!'. I've never been to India," he deadpanned, claiming he fantasized about being able to rescue a racist from danger to "see the awkward look on their face."

The venue, just off Times Square, was nearly full. Pre-release publicity has sent Nanjiani's profile soaring from his previously most prominent role as Dinesh, an information technology geek on HBO series Silicon Valley.

When he returned to Grinnell to deliver the commencement address last month, he spoke of being heckled with racist abuse at gigs and rejected at auditions for not being "American" or "good looking" enough.

"Have sex with an immigrant, we're going through a tough time right now and it would just be really great for morale," he joked.

Nanjiani takes his politics to Twitter, urging his 1.4 million followers to defend Obamacare, condemning the White House for rolling back federal protections for transgender students and slamming the attempted travel ban.

Neither is he only US comedian of a Muslim South Asian background with a soaring profile. Hasan Minhaj, a first-generation Indian-American has a stand-up special tackling immigration on Netflix and hosted the 2017 White House Correspondent's Dinner that Trump chose to snub.

Aziz Ansari, the most famous of the three, similarly tackles casual racism, immigration and cross-cultural relationships in his own Netflix project "Master of None," a series about a 30-something actor in New York.

But however polarized the United States may feel, America may be the only place where Nanjiani could have achieved such comedic success.

Husain Haqqani, a former Pakistani ambassador to Washington and now fellow at the Hudson Institute think tank, sees Nanjiani's success as "proof that individuals of all communities and countries can do well when they have the opportunity."

"Pakistan spends more on weapons than on education, has one of the highest out of school population of school-going age children in the world and allows jihadis to flourish rather than encouraging talented people like Kumail," he told AFP.
Police outside Turkey's embassy in Washington during a May 16, 2017 visit by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The scene erupted in violence a short time later when members of his security detail brawled with anti-Erdogan demonstrators

US authorities on Thursday announced arrest warrants had been issued for 12 members of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's security detail for assaulting protesters in Washington last month, sparking a furious response from the Turkish leader.

Erdogan said the United States had no right to arrest his guards, who he said were protecting him from "terrorists."

The Turkish foreign ministry officially "invited" the US ambassador in for discussions after the announcement.

But Washington held that Erdogan's security detail had no justification to attack the small group of Kurdish and Armenian protesters outside the Turkish ambassador's residence on May 16, just after Erdogan met with President Donald Trump at the White House.

Nine people were injured, with several going to the hospital for treatment of head injuries, broken teeth, deep cuts and bruises.

The charges against the 12, along with six other Turkish-Americans and Turkish-Canadians who joined the melee, "send a clear message that the United States does not tolerate individuals who use intimidation and violence to stifle freedom of speech and legitimate political expression," said State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert.

Erdogan lashed back, accusing US police of having allowed "terrorists" to protest "50 meters from me" during his US visit.

"Why would I bring my guards with me to the United States, if not to protect me?" he said in a speech in Ankara, adding that US police "did nothing."

"We will fight politically and judicially" against the warrants, he added.

- Extensive video evidence -

The 12 men named in the warrants were identified in detailed video footage of the assault, said Washington Police Chief Peter Newsham. The men, all Turkish citizens, include nine Erdogan security guards and three Turkish police.

The violence erupted in broad daylight in Washington's diplomatic quarter, just minutes after Erdogan arrived at the ambassador's residence from the White House.

Video of the fracas shows Turkish security aides beating demonstrators and kicking those some on the ground repeatedly in the head.

The State Department lodged a formal protest with Ankara over the incident at the time, registering its concern in the "strongest possible terms."

In a charging document presented in court Thursday against Sinan Narin, one of four Turkish-Americans already arrested in the case, Washington police detective Victor DePeralta called the incident a "vicious attack."

Shortly after Erdogan's limousine pulled up, his security officers and supporters rushed across the street at the protesters "in a nearly simultaneous, coordinated throng," the detective said.

"Members of the Turkish security detail were seen speaking with each other and touching communication devices seconds before the rush," he said.

The protesters, he said, "were not physically aggressive in any way, nor were they even physically proximate to the pro-Erdogan contingent."

- Right to protest -

Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser condemned the violence strongly on Thursday, saying it violated the constitutional right to peaceful protest.

"We host millions of people who come to the seat of their government to protest peacefully. We support them, we make sure that they are safe, but we also make sure that they follow our law," Bowser said at a press conference.

"Anyone traveling to the United States will be held to that same standard," she said.

Newsham did not explain how police expected to arrest the 12, given their location in Turkey and possible diplomatic protections. He said the State Department would determine how to execute the warrants.
A woman raped by an Uber driver in India has filed a lawsuit accusing the on-demand ride service of invading her privacy and defaming her character

A woman raped by an Uber driver in India filed a lawsuit accusing the on-demand ride service of invading her privacy and defaming her character.

The woman, a Texas resident identified in litigation as "Jane Doe," had settled an earlier lawsuit with Uber stemming from the 2014 sexual assault.

The new case filed in San Francisco federal court comes after Uber's firing of Eric Alexander, an executive who read and discussed medical information about the rape victim.

Alexander was named as a defendant in the litigation, along with Uber chief executive Travis Kalanick and former senior vice president Emil Michael, according to a copy of the court filing posted online by Wigdor law group representing the woman.

San Francisco-based Uber parted ways this week with number two executive Michael, who had been reportedly linked to questionable company practices, including a visit to a South Korean escort-karaoke bar and an attempt to dig up embarrassing information on journalists.

Uber executives "duplicitously" decried the rape publicly while privately getting hold of her medical records and speculating that the woman may have colluded with a rival ride-sharing company to hurt its business, lawyers said in court documents.

The driver in the case in India was convicted in court and sentenced to jail time.

Uber did not reply to an AFP request but US media reports cited a company statement saying: "No one should have to go through a horrific experience like this, and we're truly sorry that she's had to relive it over the last few weeks."

The lawsuit calls for a jury to decide whether Uber violated the woman's privacy and defamed her, and then award appropriate damages.

- Focus on change -

Uber has said Kalanick will take an indefinite leave of absence after the company unveiled steps aimed at restoring public confidence.

The pioneering firm has been facing pressure to rein in a no-holds-barred management style led by Kalanick and to reform its workplace culture, which has sparked charges of harassment and discrimination.

Kalanick said one of the reasons for his stepping aside was the recent death of his mother, explaining he needs time off "to reflect, to work on myself and to focus on building out a world-class leadership team."

Uber simultaneously released a list of major reforms to be implemented based on a probe led by former US attorney general Eric Holder, who investigated allegations of misconduct and ethical lapses.

The Holder investigation was aimed at cleaning up a corporate culture marred by accusations of harassment, discrimination and cutthroat practices to thwart rivals and evade regulators.

Uber, the world's richest venture-backed startup valued at some $68 billion, operates in dozens of countries despite problems with regulators in many jurisdictions and protests from established taxi operators.

Last week, Uber said it had fired 20 people following preliminary results of the investigation, after examining 215 claims of discrimination, harassment, unprofessional behavior, bullying, retaliation and "physical security."
A member of the Syrian Democratic Forces fighting the Islamic State group inspects damage inside a home in Raqa after seizing the surrounding district from the jihadists on June 14, 2017

Faced with an onslaught of weaponised drones, mortar rounds and snipers, US-backed fighters in Syria's Raqa say the cover of night is a good ally against Islamic State group jihadists.

The Syrian Democratic Forces are battling to oust the extremists from the northern city after breaking into its first neighbourhood last week.

After piercing into and taking the southeastern district of Al-Meshleb, the SDF fighters are now advancing towards the Old City.

In the daylight hours, at an apartment in Al-Meshleb, the Kurdish-led fighters catch some rest or sip tea after a night on the front line at the edge of the city's historic centre.

"We prefer to fight in the dark as we have thermal binoculars and weapons equipped with night vision scopes," says 20-year-old Kawa, giving his nom de guerre.

"There was fighting last night but not for long. The jihadists withdrew rapidly, faced with our attacks," says the cleanly shaven SDF fighter.

On the flat's balcony, he tries to liaise on a walkie-talkie with a fellow fighter at the front, but on the other end his colleague comes under fire.

"IS is attacking our positions with mortar fire. I'll get back to you when the bombardment stops," the fighter on the other end of the line says.

In Al-Meshleb, SDF fighters sometimes run into shops and houses to avoid IS weaponised drones.

Tolhildan Botan points to one such small unmanned aircraft at the foot of a wall in the district, which he says fellow fighters had shot down.

"This is the kind of drone they use to target gatherings of fighters or military vehicles. Sometimes they even target civilians," says the SDF fighter, who did not give his age.

- 'Faster' at night -

The Syrian Democratic Forces, two of whose members are shown in Raqa on June 14, 2017, have taken back three of the city's neighbourhoods from the jihadists

Baran Hassake, a fellow fighter, says battling the jihadists is easier at night.

"We advance and gain ground faster and they struggle to respond to our attacks," the 18-year-old says, his head wrapped in a red scarf embroidered with green flowers.

"We know now their tactics," Hassake says, boasting of knowledge acquired by the SDF, who have recaptured several former IS bastions in Syria.

Empty mortar rounds litter the ground, while the corpses of jihadists at times can be seen in the rubble of destroyed buildings.

The US-led coalition backing the SDF has also been intensifying its air strikes at night, SDF commanders and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitor say.

The United Nations on Wednesday warned of the danger for civilians of "excessive" air strikes on the city, where it says around 160,000 remain.

The SDF has retaken three neighbourhoods since entering the city on June 6, including Al-Senaa next to the Old City on Thursday.

This latest advance will allow SDF fighters to launch an assault on the Old City in Raqa's densely populated centre, which contains key IS positions.

On another balcony in Al-Meshleb, Mesaab al-Hussein looks out across Al-Senaa and towards the historic city walls of ancient Raqa, which date back to the Abbasid caliphate.

From 796 to 809, the powerful caliph Harun al-Rashid transferred the capital of his empire from Baghdad to Raqa, which sat at the crossroads of key trade routes.

"The SDF are nearing a part of the wall known as Baghdad gate," Hussein says.

Pointing to an IS flag in the distance, he adds: "We will liberate the entire city."
Volunteer hand out food rations to displaced people at camps fleeing the conflict in Kasai Province in Dr Congo

"Some people have even eaten sand to try and prevent starvation," says Paulin Kiyankayi, a grim-faced doctor at Kikwit general hospital in DR Congo.

He is tired after struggling for months to deal with a huge rise in the numbers of sick and hungry filling his wards, displaced people fleeing an upsurge in violence between tribal militias and the security forces in the central Kasai region.

"They suffer from anaemia, fever, diarrhoea and abrasions," Kiyankayi states, listing some of the many health issues he's battling to treat with limited supplies. "And all are affected by malnutrition."

About 1.3 million people have been forced to flee their homes in DR Congo's Kasai region, including 600,000 children, after a series of killings left hundreds dead.

The UN says at least 42 mass graves have been found.

Since last September, the armed followers of tribal chieftain Kamwina Nsapu -- who was killed in 2016 -- have challenged the authority of the central government, in the belief that Nsapu is still alive, because he was buried by officials with no respect to tribal tradition.

The fighting has led to a sharp deterioration in the political, security and humanitarian situation in Democratic Republic of Congo, and almost every week there are new victims of violence and human rights abuses.

"The militia appeared from nowhere and gathered the population together," newly-widowed Nzenga tells AFP.

Around a dozen militiamen riding motorbikes and wearing red bandanas, arrived near her village in Kasai province in May armed with machetes and bows and arrows claiming, she says, that they were going to "liberate" the people.

Instead they burned down the villagers' homes and decapitated her husband.

"He was a nurse and they accused him of working for the government," says the 30-year-old in a ripped red and white shirt. "They killed four other people who refused to listen to their message (to oppose the government)."

- People 'are dead or have left' -

After her husband's murder, Nzenga and her five children fled their home, walking for several days before eventually catching a lift to Kikwit, more than 350 kilometres away.

The family are among 17,000 displaced people, mostly women and children, to be registered by the authorities in the area, working with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees.

Since April, some 30,000 people fleeing killing, physical mutilation and sexual violence in DR Congo have also arrived in neighbouring Angola and this week the UN refugee agency called for more resources to cope with the influx.

The UN has accused the Kamwina Nsapu rebels of a string of atrocities, while also blaming the Congolese army of disproportionate use of force.

Jean Kitambala, a 41-year-old street trader, is another survivor to escape the violence, but other members of his family were not so lucky.

He holds two of his children in his arms as he recounts how their mother was decapitated by militiamen. His three other children are missing.

"Our village is deserted. The people are either dead or they have left," says Kitambala.

"The militias arrived in January but started to kill in May. But people are also afraid of the army because it considers many men to be militants," he adds.

For local people, the sparks of violence have spread like bushfire because of a deep-seated resentment of both President Joseph Kabila's regime and the local authorities.

The DR Congo has been in a constitutional crisis since Kabila refused to step down after his term ended last year.

A succession deal brokered by the Catholic Church, that would see Mr Kabila hand over power by the end of this year, has failed to resolve the crisis and the militias want the local population to rise up against him.

"We lived in peace before" the death of Nsapu, explains 63-year-old Kaluma, a diamond miner, whose nephew was killed by a rebel group. "If you agree to join them, the militiamen will let you live."
Chinese authorities often use criminal proceedings to punish critics and those perceived as threatening their grip on power

A senior executive of an investment firm linked to fugitive Chinese billionaire Guo Wengui was jailed Friday for more than two years for fraud.

Lu Tao, who worked for Beijing Pangu Investment, was convicted on charges of obtaining loans and foreign exchange "by fraud", a court in northeastern China said.

Chinese authorities often use criminal proceedings to punish critics and those perceived as threatening their grip on power.

Lu and his colleagues, Xie Honglin and Yang Ying, confessed to fraud involving 3.2 billion yuan ($470 million) in loans from the Agricultural Bank of China.

Lu was jailed for two years and three months, and the company was fined 245 million yuan, Dalian Xigang People's Court said on its social media account.

Xie and Yang were sentenced to two years in prison with a three-year "reprieve", it said, suggesting they will avoid jail time.

The three defendants had told the court that Guo, an outspoken critic of China's ruling Communist Party, was Pangu's "actual controlling shareholder".

Guo directed them "to apply for loans from the bank with fake contracts, stamps and financial statements, which disturbed financial management order and threatened financial security", the court said.

Lu and Xie also fraudulently obtained $13.5 million in foreign exchange "with falsified documents".

Lu told the court he had "privately engraved an official seal" for use on their loan applications.

"I knew (this was illegal)," Lu said, according to video published previously on the court's social media account.

"It was Guo Wengui who instructed me to do it, under the circumstances at the time I had no choice."

Guo, who left China in 2014 and currently lives in New York, has denied the allegations.

In recent months Guo has been using social media to make explosive accusations of corruption among China's powerful, including Wang Qishan, the head of the government's internal corruption watchdog.

The real estate tycoon is the subject of an Interpol "red notice" for his arrest, a non-binding warrant.
The blast occurred on the third anniversary of the junta's 22 May coup and struck a VIP waiting room inside a military-owned hospital in Bangkok, wounding 21 people

A man who 'hated the military' has been arrested for carrying out last month's blast at an army-run hospital, the junta said Friday, the first time officials have suggested a motive for the attack.

The blast occurred on the third anniversary of the junta's 22 May coup and struck a VIP waiting room inside a military-owned hospital in Bangkok, wounding 21 people.

Deputy junta leader Prawit Wongsuwan told reporters on Friday that an unnamed 62-year-old man had been detained for carrying out the blast.

"He did it absolutely," Prawit, a retired general, told reporters, adding the man "hated the military".

He also said the man was suspected of planting small bombs "three to four times since 2007".

Bangkok's criminal court later named the suspect as Wattana Phumret, a retired engineer, and issued an arrest warrant for a series of charges including attempted murder and possession of explosives.

It is not clear when Wattana was detained though police said he is being held by the military.

The junta has granted itself the power to detain anyone incommunicado for seven days but suspects are frequently held for longer periods before authorities announce their arrest.

Despite a veneer of stability Thais remain divided and uncertain over the future, three years after the ousting of the elected government of Yingluck Shinawatra.

Over the past 10 years Thais have witnessed repeated rounds of deadly protests, a string of short-lived governments and two military coups that deposed elected leaders.

The country has a long history of bomb attacks on symbolic dates -- carried out by militant political factions or separatists linked to an insurgency in the Muslim-majority south.

The junta says its 2014 coup -- the 12th time generals have successfully seized power -- was needed to bring stability and root out corruption.

But critics say the military is deeply hostile to ousted premiers Thaksin Shinawatra and his sister Yingluck, whose parties have won every poll since 2001.

Prawit declined to say whether the arrested man belonged to any political faction.

Local media reported he had pictures at his home of Thaksin, who lives in self exile overseas.

Yingluck, who is currently on trial for negligence and faces ten years in jail, said her Pheu Thai party has always condemned violence.

"I am confident that he (Thaksin) does not back violence and the Pheu Thai party has already condemned (this attack)," she told reporters.
Leading mixed martial arts promoter UFC, which has made a star of Ronda Rousey, is making a concerted bid to establish a presence in Asia

Leading mixed martial arts promoter UFC is planning to hold three-four events a year in Asia and is scouring the region for fighters, a senior executive told AFP.

Las Vegas-based UFC, which made stars of Conor McGregor and Ronda Rousey, is making a concerted bid to establish a presence in the region, starting with an event in Singapore on Saturday.

UFC will also hold an event in Tokyo in September and is planning a third Asian fight night in November, said Joe Carr, head of international and content.

But he said unearthing home-grown fighters was "the most important piece of our business".

"You look around the world, any market we've had tremendous amounts of success is because we've had local talent emerge," Carr said.

"We've been fortunate that we've been successful in Korea, Japan and some of the North Asian countries, we've been successful there.

"Our challenge is more in Southeast Asia in finding talent from this market."

Li Jingliang is the sole Chinese fighter on Saturday's card -- compatriot Wang Guan pulled out due to an injury -- which is topped by Holly Holm's fight against Bethe Correia of Brazil.

Carr said it was harder to find top-quality fighters in Southeast Asia, although the Philippines' Rolando Dy is also on the Singapore card.

"The challenge in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore is that there's not any fighters that can compete at the highest levels of the UFC," he said.

"But we're actively searching for those guys and when we find promising young prospects, we focus on bringing them to the US and fighter development programme and have them train at the best gyms have them hone their skills.

"Particularly if we feel we're going to make (Singapore) an annual event, we're gonna be very focused on finding more talent in this region."
Islamic State group chief Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi addresses Muslim worshippers in the Iraqi city of Mosul in July 2014

The Russian army on Friday said it hit Islamic State leaders in an airstrike in Syria last month and was seeking to verify whether IS chief Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi had been killed.

In a statement, the army said Sukhoi warplanes carried out a 10-minute night-time strike on May 28 at a location near Raqa, where IS leaders had gathered to plan a pullout by militants from the group's stronghold.

"Senior commanders of the military groups of the so-called IS military council, 30 mid-ranking field commanders and up to 300 militants who provided security for them were eliminated," it said.

"According to information which is being checked through various channels, the leader of ISIL Ibrahim Abu-Bakr al-Baghdadi was also present at the meeting and was eliminated by the strike," it said.

ISIL is an acronym for the so-called IS group, also known as ISIS and Daesh.

The US has been informed about the attack, the statement added.

Elusive IS supremo Baghdadi has not been seen in public since proclaiming himself "caliph" in the Iraqi city of Mosul three years ago.

His group has earned global notoriety for imposing a hardline form of Islam that has included stonings, beheadings and amputations.

The Iraqi-born world's most-wanted man has been rumoured wounded or killed a number of times in the past.

He has been nicknamed "The Ghost" as he has been reportedly spotted around the Syrian-Iraqi border but his whereabouts have never been confirmed.

US-backed Arab and Kurdish forces broke into the IS bastion of Raqa last Tuesday for the first time since it became a hub of the group's self-declared caliphate and the scene of its most gruesome atrocities.
The "Bat-signal" is projected onto Los Angeles City Hall in a tribute to the late actor Adam West who played the caped crusader in the 1960s TV series

A giant Bat-signal lit up the side of City Hall in Los Angeles Thursday night to honor Batman actor Adam West, who played the superhero role in the 1960s television series.

He died on Friday at age 88 following a battle with leukemia.

The caped crusader helped protect the fictional Gotham City in a franchise that began as a DC Comics strip before also moving to television and film.

When Gotham's authorities needed Batman's help, they projected a light beam with his logo into the sky.

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and police chief Charlie Beck led Thursday's tribute.

Hundreds of fans thronged the ceremony, many dressed up in costumes from the television series and films.

'Quick! To the Batmobile!' -- a favourite line uttered by Adam West in the 1960s TV show. Replicas of the fabled car were at Thursday night's tribute

Two replicas of the 1960s-era Batmobile were parked outside the building.

Burt Ward, 71, who played Batman's sidekick Robin on the show, also took part.

Writer Ralph Garman, actress Lee Meriwether - who played Catwoman - and Burt Ward, who was Robin in the TV show, appear at the tribute to "Batman" Adam West

"I'm here to tell you that my friend Adam would want every single one of you to be incredibly happy and to be joyous," he told the crowd.

The 1966-68 TV series had a low-brow comedy touch that made it far different from the darker "Batman" moves of today.

West delivered his often corny lines with deadpan earnestness, entertaining children and adding a touch of satirical humor for adults.

The series epitomized the era's kitsch, with exclamations like "POW!" and "BAM!" written in pop-art script flashing across television screens.

The show gave rise to a movie version in 1966, in which West also starred, and fueled a franchise that included merchandise like toy Batmobiles, Batphones, dolls and lunchboxes.
The Indian family of Ireland's new Prime Minister Leo Varadkar have said his election is 'big news for the world', and are looking forward to his first official visit to the country of his ancestors.

Dublin-born Varadkar's father is an Indian doctor who emigrated to Ireland, and he regularly visited the family home in the western city of Mumbai as a child.

Speaking to reporters from there, his first cousin Shubhada Varadkar said his win was 'big news for the world' and a testament to Ireland's openness.

The Indian relatives of Ireland's new Prime Minster Leo Varadkar posing as they take part in a segment for an Indian television channel in Mumbai

Dublin-born Leo Varadkar's father is an Indian doctor who emigrated to Ireland

'There's something amazing about democracy, its values, and Ireland that allowed Leo to become its leader,' she told AFP at the family home in Borivali, a busy, middle-class suburb to the north of India's financial capital.

'Leo stayed at our Mumbai house on numerous occasions as a child. His parents love traditional Indian cuisine.'

The meteoric rise of the openly gay 38-year-old to become the country's youngest ever taoiseach, or prime minister, has been touted as a sign of how much Ireland's once deeply conservative society has changed.

The family said they had been glued to the television as their now famous relative was sworn in on Wednesday.

'Ireland has completely accepted him and his rousing speech represents hope in troubling times for the country,' his 65-year old cousin Shekhar Varadkar told AFP.

The family home is in Borivali, a busy, middle-class suburb to the north of India's financial capital

Leo Varadkar (centre) takes part in the Dublin LGBTQ Parade on O'Connell Street

'Leo has faced many challenges in his life and succeeded against odds. Right now, Ireland is facing difficult issues including the impending Brexit, and he will provide strong leadership.'

Shubhada said her cousin had already met Narendra Modi once, when the Indian prime minister went to Ireland in 2015, but she was looking forward to his first official visit.

'We look forward to Leo's India visit and meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. They met previously when Modi visited Ireland and was received by Leo,' Shubhada said.
Otto Warmbier, a 22-year-old University of Virginia student from Cincinnati, was in North Korea as a tourist when he was arrested and sentenced to 15 years of hard labour

North Korea has a well-thumbed playbook for detained American citizens who are valuable diplomatic bargaining chips for the regime, but the case of Otto Warmbier, flown home in a coma this week, is a glaring exception.

The script is simple and familiar: arrest an American, hold a show trial ending with a lengthy jail term, release them in exchange for a high-profile visit -- Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton have both helped free detainees in the past -- which is used for domestic propaganda.

"With Otto Warmbier they wanted to play the same game again," Andrei Lankov, Korearisk.com director and professor at Kookmin University, told AFP.

When it works, "it's a brilliant propaganda coup," for the regime, he said.

Warmbier, a 22-year-old University of Virginia student from Cincinnati who was in North Korea as a tourist, looked set to follow the usual pattern. He tried to steal a propaganda poster, was arrested and sentenced to 15 years of hard labour at a show trial.

But then something went wrong.

"If you are always playing games, one day things are going to backfire. This is pretty much what happened in this case," Lankov said.

Doctors treating Warmbier in the US, where he arrived this week after being released by Pyongyang on "humanitarian grounds", said that the student is in "a state of unresponsive wakefulness," having suffered a severe brain injury, most likely due to a cardiopulmonary arrest.

Some experts suggested that the timing of Warmbier's release has been timed to coincide with a visit to Pyongyang by eccentric ex-NBA star Dennis Rodman

The US doctors could not prove what triggered this but said they had found no signs of a botulism infection -- the official explanation given by the North Korean regime for how the young man fell into a coma.

-- 'A dangerous place' --

North Korea, a one-party state that maintains prison camps and has a dire record on human rights, has for decades pursued a nuclear weapons program, despite global condemnation and successive rounds of UN sanctions.

US President Donald Trump has made "solving" the peninsula's problem a top priority for his administration.

Experts said it was unlikely North Korea would have intentionally put a detained American into a coma.

"It must have been an accident and that's probably why they were hiding it for a year," Go Myong-Hyun, researcher at the Asan Institute for Policy Studies, told AFP.

North Korean escapees have reported that it is common practice to send home prisoners who are very ill, Greg Scarlatoiu, executive director of the Committee for Human Rights in North Korea (HRNK) told AFP.

"This way, political prison camp and other detention facility officials avoid having to deal with that situation," he said.

Once Pyongyang realised the seriousness of Warmbier's medical situation, they would likely have panicked, said Stephan Haggard, Director of the Korea-Pacific Program at UC San Diego.

It could be that "Warmbier went into a coma very soon after the sentencing, but the intelligence services covered it up or didn't report it up the chain," he told AFP, adding that apparently even the North's ministry of foreign affairs had been out of the loop.

Eventually "someone realizes that the worst of all possible worlds is for the guy to die in custody," he said, at which point the North embarked on a flurry of secret diplomatic activity which led to Warmbier's release.

From journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee to missionary Kenneth Bae, most Americans detained by the North have been released after high-profile interventions.

But "what this accumulation of detainees reveals is that North Korea is a dangerous place, it is easy to step over some line," he said, adding he was increasingly in favour of a tourism ban because the "hostages" were a liability for the US government.

-- Prized prisoners --

North Korea, a one-party state that maintains prison camps and has a dire record on human rights, has for decades pursued a nuclear weapons program, despite global condemnation and successive rounds of UN sanctions

Three more US citizens are currently being held by North Korea, including two men who taught at a Pyongyang university funded by overseas Christian groups, and a Korean-American pastor who was accused of espionage for the South.

Former prisoners like Kenneth Bae have spoken of long days of hard work, medical problems and emotional and verbal abuse, but other detainees have reported that conditions were tolerable.

Analyst Lankov said in general North Korea's aim was that detained Americans "should be treated not just well, but extremely well".

"It is not good if you go back and start selling stories about suffering and torture as that will damage North Korea's international standing," he said.

Some experts suggested that the timing of Warmbier's release -- coinciding with a visit to Pyongyang by eccentric ex-NBA star Dennis Rodman -- might have allowed North Korea to salvage something from the situation.

"Pyongyang timed the release to deliver a message to Washington. The message is that the only way forward is through engagement," North Korea expert Ken Gause told Yonhap news agency.

He said that the rare exchanges might be the beginning of "a diplomatic dance" that could lead to talks.
The Russian army said earlier that it hit IS leaders in an air strike in Syria last month and was seeking to verify whether IS chief Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi had been killed

The US-led coalition battling the Islamic State group said Friday it could not confirm the death of the jihadists' leader following reports by the Russia army that he might have been killed.

"We cannot confirm these reports at this time," said US Army Colonel Ryan S. Dillon, spokesman for the coalition's Operation Inherent Resolve in Syria and Iraq.

The Russian army said earlier that it hit IS leaders in an air strike in Syria last month and was seeking to verify whether IS chief Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi had been killed.

It said it had informed Washington of the May 28 strike near the jihadists' Syria stronghold of Raqa, which is now under assault by US-backed fighters.

"Senior commanders of the military groups of the so-called IS military council, 30 mid-ranking field commanders and up to 300 militants who provided security for them were eliminated," it said.

"According to information which is being checked through various channels, the leader of ISIL (IS) Ibrahim Abu-Bakr al-Baghdadi was also present at the meeting and was eliminated by the strike."
Taiwan's relations with China have worsened drastically since Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen took power last year

Taiwan fiercely criticised the United Nations on Friday after its students were barred from visiting a public hearing in Geneva as Beijing seeks to further isolate the island internationally.

It comes after Taiwan was excluded from a major World Health Organisation meeting last month under pressure from China, which still sees the island as part of its territory.

Cross-strait relations have worsened drastically since Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen took power last year, with Beijing cutting off all official communication with Taipei.

Taiwan's foreign ministry said Friday that it had protested to the UN over the latest incident.

"The UN claims to respect freedom for all, regardless of race, nationality, political or other identities... to serve the political purpose of a particular member nation goes against its mission," it said in a statement.

The foreign ministry confirmed that a Taiwanese professor and three students had not been allowed to listen in on a UN Human Rights Council session at the UN's headquarters in Geneva.

According to Chinese-language website UP Media, security officers told labour relations professor Liuhuang Li-chuan of Taiwan's National Chung Cheng University and her students that their passports were invalid documents.

They said that "Taiwan is not a country" and that the group needed China-issued identification, the report added.

Liuhuang sought help from the director-general of the UN Office at Geneva, Michael Moller, but said on her Facebook page that Moller told her nothing could be done as "Taiwan isn't following the 'one China' policy".

"Am I speaking to a spokesman for China?" Liuhuang wrote on her Facebook page.

A UN spokeswoman in Geneva told AFP: "(Moller) simply said that the UN does not recognise Taiwan and therefore, UN Geneva will not allow persons with Taiwanese ID documents onto its premises."

She added: "Mr Moller did not make any other comment."

President Tsai has refused to agree that Taiwan is part of "one China", which Beijing says is a pre-requisite for maintaining relations.

The democratic island views itself as a sovereign country, though it has never formally declared independence.

It has been governed separately since Nationalist forces under Chiang Kai-shek fled there in 1949 after losing a civil war on the mainland.

Chiang still saw himself as leading the "Republic of China", which remains Taiwan's official name.

Taipei held the "China" seat at the UN until 1971, when recognition was switched to Beijing.

The governments in Taipei and Beijing insist that countries can recognise only one of them as legitimate, and most have sided with China as its global and political clout has grown.

Taiwan participated in some international forums when cross-strait relations improved under former president Ma Ying-jeou.

But since Tsai took the leadership, it has been repeatedly shut out.

Beijing is also pressuring Tsai by trying to woo Taiwan's dwindling allies.

Panama, for example, announced Tuesday that it was breaking diplomatic ties with Taiwan and recognising China instead.

Taiwan is left with only 20 ally states, including the Vatican, and many analysts predict that number will shrink further.
The AFP story detailed how Taliban insurgents are using enslaved children to mount crippling insider attacks against police positions

AFP's Kabul bureau has won one of Asia's most prestigious journalism prizes for a report exposing the practice of "bacha bazi", or institutionalised child sex slavery, and its detrimental effects on security in war-torn Afghanistan.

Bureau chief Anuj Chopra and the team of journalists, photographers and video reporters won the Society of Publishers in Asia (SOPA) award for "Excellence in Human Rights Reporting" for their exclusive on how the Taliban exploit bacha bazi to infiltrate security ranks.

The award was announced at a ceremony in Hong Kong Thursday, with the judges commending "impressive investigative work in one of the world's most difficult reporting regions, bringing to light some truly horrifying abuses."

Other winners in the evening included the Washington Post for a series on violence and injustice against women in India, and the Financial Times, which took the Feature Writing category for a report on neo-Maoism in China.

AFP Kabul also won the "English Feature News" category at the Human Rights Press Awards in Hong Kong last month for its work on the bacha bazi issue.

"AFP is delighted at the recognition of the fine work of our Kabul bureau which, like the rest of the media in the country, operates in extremely difficult conditions," said AFP regional director for the Asia-Pacific region Philippe Massonnet.

"This series would not have been possible without the courage of victims, their families, and officials who spoke with us and shared their stories," he added.

The ancient custom of bacha bazi, one of Afghanistan's worst human rights violations, sees young boys -- sometimes dressed as women -- recruited to police outposts for sexual companionship and to bear arms.

The AFP story detailed how Taliban insurgents are using these children to mount crippling insider attacks that have killed hundreds of police in southern Afghanistan over the previous two years.

Afghanistan's president Ashraf Ghani ordered an investigation into the abuse last year in the wake of a flurry of international reaction to the report, though the results have not yet been announced.

The practice has seen a chilling resurgence in post-Taliban Afghanistan, but officials have told AFP they were reluctant to take action, fearing that angry policemen would abandon their posts and pave the way for the Taliban.

The bureau followed up the initial story, which was published in June last year, with a series on the impact of the pervasive abuse, long shrouded in silence, including the hopeless fight to save kidnapped children.

They plan to further develop the story by chronicling the lives of bacha bazi survivors and their struggle to cope with the trauma in a country at war with little support for victims.
The attacks were believed to have been staged by Mumbai's Muslim-dominated underworld in retaliation for anti-Muslim violence that had killed more than 1,000 people a few months earlier

An Indian court on Friday convicted six men over serial bomb blasts in the commercial capital Mumbai more than two decades ago that killed hundreds, the nation's deadliest attack.

They were found guilty of involvement in a series of coordinated bomb attacks that targeted the Mumbai stock exchange, the headquarters of the state airline and a popular shopping centre in March 1993, killing 257 people and injuring hundreds more.

The attacks were believed to have been staged by Mumbai's Muslim-dominated underworld in retaliation for anti-Muslim violence that had killed more than 1,000 people a few months earlier.

A specially designated court in Mumbai on Friday convicted the six for a range of offences.

Abu Salem, one of the key figures in the attacks, was found guilty of transporting weapons from Gujarat to Mumbai ahead of the blasts.

But Judge GA Sanap acquitted all six on the most serious charge of waging war against the nation.

All six were found guilty of offences under the Terrorism and Disruptive Activities Act and five were also convicted of criminal conspiracy and murder.

A seventh defendant, Abdul Qayyam, was acquitted of all charges.

Those convicted will be sentenced at a later date.

They could face the death penalty under the terrorism act, although Salem is expected to be spared execution.

He went on the run after the 1993 attacks and was only extradited from Portugal in 2005 after India assured Lisbon that he would not face the death penalty.

Salem is a former associate of Dawood Ibrahim, India's most wanted criminal, who allegedly masterminded the 1993 blasts.

These are the latest convictions in a long-running case that at its outset involved 189 defendants.

One of the most high profile, Yakub Memon, was executed in 2015 -- a decade after he was convicted under controversial anti-terror legislation that is no longer on the statute books.

The attack also embroiled Bollywood star Sanjay Dutt, who served time for buying weapons from gangsters accused of orchestrating the bombings before walking free last year.
An estimated 862,000 people have been displaced since the start of the Iraqi offensive to retake Mosul began in October 2016

The UN said Friday that Islamic State group jihadists may be holding more than 100,000 Iraqi civilians as human shields in the Old City of Mosul.

Iraqi forces are fighting to retake Mosul from IS, after the jihadist group overran the city in 2014, imposing its brutal rule on its inhabitants.

The UN refugee agency's representative in Iraq Bruno Geddo said IS had been capturing civilians in battles outside of Mosul and had been forcing them into the Old City, one of the last parts of the city in their grip.

"More than 100,000 civilians may still be held in the Old City," Geddo told reporters in Geneva.

"We know that ISIS moved them with them as they left... locations where the fighting was going on," he said, using another acronym for IS, which is also known as Daesh or ISIL.

"These civilians are basically held as human shields in the Old City."

With virtually no food, water or electricity left in the area, the civilians are "living in an increasingly worsening situation of penury and panic," he said.

"They are surrounded by fighting on every side."

Snipers meanwhile try to kill anyone trying to leave the area under jihadist control, he said, adding that the few who manage to escape are "deeply traumatised."

Since the battle to retake Mosul began nine months ago, an estimated 862,000 people have been displaced from the city, although 195,000 have since returned, mainly to the liberated east of the city.

That means 667,000 people remain displaced, nearly all of them from western Mosul, and are living in 13 camps set up by UNHCR or with host families.

Geddo said the UN agency so far had provided assistance to more than 500,000 of the displaced people, and was also attempting to help those returning to Mosul, often to live in bombed-out buildings.

"Many of these people are returning ... to situations of penury," he warned.
New laws in Japan will increase the minimum sentence for rape and expand the definition of sexual assault victim to include men for the first time

Japan hiked minimum jail terms for rapists and widened the definition of sexual assault victims to include men for the first time Friday as part of sweeping revisions to century-old sex crime legislation.

Lawmakers decided unanimously to update the 1907 statute to impose tougher penalties on sex attackers and make prosecutions easier, as they look to boost Japan's low number of convictions.

The changes -- long called for by victim advocates -- raise the minimum prison term for those convicted of rape to five years, up from the present three.

The changes also means victims will no longer have to file a complaint before a sexual assault prosecution can go ahead. That current requirement is seen as a major reason for the underreporting of rape cases in Japan.

Sexual assault victims for the first time will also include men, with the definition of "rape" dramatically widened.

The law will also make it easier to prosecute parents and guardians suspected of abusing their children.

"I hope that these revisions will mean more appropriate punishment and draw public attention to the reality of sex crimes," Jun Yamamoto, a 43-year-old who was molested by her father as a child, reportedly told parliament.

Victims and their supporters said that the current 110-year-old law is out of date and that penalties are too lenient.

The number of rape cases in Japan recognised by police declined to some 1,200 in 2015 from more than 2,000 a decade ago, according to police.

But data from a Justice ministry study group found that nearly 75 percent of sex crime victims do not seek criminal punishment for perpetrators.

Support groups said victims tend to hesitate to take legal action as they are traumatised and feel embarrassed to speak out.
A $1.2 million illegal shipment of scales from the critically endangered pangolin have been uncovered in Malaysia, the second such seizure in a week

A $1.2 million illegal shipment of scales from the critically endangered pangolin have been uncovered in Malaysia, officials said Friday, the second such seizure in a week.

Customs officials at Kuala Lumpur International Airport discovered 16 boxes of the smuggled scales weighing almost 400 kilogrammes (880 pounds).

Last Friday, customs officers seized almost 300 kilograms of scales from the creatures, which are also known as "scaly anteaters".

Both shipments had come from Ghana and been transported by Turkish Airlines.

Pangolins -- docile mammals with a thick armour -- are indigenous to parts of Southeast Asia and Africa.

Their meat is considered a delicacy in China and their scales are sometimes used in the production of crystal methamphetamine.

Soaring demand for the reclusive creature has seen an estimated one million pangolins plucked from Asian and African forests over the past decade, sending their numbers to perilous lows.

Elizabeth John, senior communications officer of the Wildlife Trade Monitoring Network (Traffic), hailed the rapid success of the customs department in making two such busts within a week.

"But there is also a need for intelligence-led cross border investigations to nab the big players who are driving the trade," she told AFP.

Authorities in neighbouring Indonesia on Wednesday seized hundreds of live pangolins and scales in a haul worth $190,000.

Malaysia last month made its largest haul of such scales, 712 kilograms estimated to be worth more than $2 million.
Tunisian protesters confront security forces outside the El Kamour oil and gas pumping station on May 22, 2017

Protesters agreed Friday to end a blockade of a Tunisian oil and gas plant that saw bloody clashes with police last month after the government met many of their demands.

The mainly young unemployed protesters had held a three-month sit-in at the El-Kamour pumping station demanding jobs and investment in the impoverished southern Tataouine region.

Amid growing fears the social unrest could spread, Employment Minister Imed Hammami signed a deal with representatives of the protesters brokered by Tunisia's powerful trade union confederation.

"This agreement satisfies everyone... and will be very beneficial for Tataouine and Tunisia," Hammami said at the signing ceremony, which was streamed live by Radio Tataouine on its Facebook page.

"The demands of young people in Tataouine are going to be met" in terms of jobs in the oil companies and the creation of an investment fund for the region, and the plant will resume production "immediately", he said.

On May 22, the sit-in at El-Kamour turned violent when protesters tried to storm the plant and police responded with tear gas.

One protester, Anouar Sakrafi, in his early 20s, was run over by a national guard vehicle and later died of his injuries in hospital.

Sakrafi's father was one of the representatives who signed Friday's agreement on behalf of the protesters. Hammadi described it as a "noble gesture on their part".

Tunisian protesters confront security forces outside the El Kamour oil and gas pumping station on May 22, 2017

But in a mark of the distrust of the government in the region, the protesters' spokesman Tarek Haddad said they would not remove their camp outside the remote desert plant two hours' drive from the town of Tataouine until the deal had been honoured.

"The tents will remain in place until they start to implement the measures," he said.
A BAE systems HAWK jet prior to take off from the Yehlanka airforce base on the outskirts of Bangalore on February 6, 2005

The wreckage of a Malaysian fighter jet which crashed a day ago was found on Friday, the air force said.

The Hawk 108 fighter jet took off at 11am Thursday and contact was lost 30 minutes later when the plane was believed to be near the border of the Malaysian states of Pahang and Terengganu.

In a statement the air force said that the wreckage was found in a Terengganu forest.

The jet's two pilots were found dead Thursday in a swampy area in in Chukai, a town in Terengganu.

"We will conduct a thorough investigation of this crash to see it from all angles," Malaysia's defence minister Hishammuddin Hussein was quoted as saying by state news agency Bernama.

There have been other recent cases of military plane incidents in Malaysia.

In December, a military Beechcraft B200T turboprop crashed in the town of Butterworth in northern Malaysia.

In May last year, an air force Aermacchi MB339CM jet crashed in a small town in the rural state of Pahang but there were no casualties.
Tom Thabane, who was sworn in as Lesotho's new prime minister on Friday, said he was in mourning after his estranged wife was gunned down earlier this week

Lesotho's new prime minister took office Friday at the head of a coalition government, three years after he was targeted by a putsch and two days after the murder of his estranged wife.

Thomas Thabane's All Basotho Convention (ABC) party won snap elections on June 3 but failed to get an outright majority, leading it to negotiate joint rule with the Alliance of Democrats (AD), Basotho National Party (BNP) and Reformed Congress of Lesotho (RCL).

But his inauguration was marred by the murder of his estranged wife Lipolelo, 58, who was gunned down on Wednesday night in a village near the capital Maseru.

Thabane's new coalition government comes into office with the hope of ending the political uncertainty of party splits and fragile coalitions that have long dogged the mountain kingdom.

He said it was disturbing that Lesotho was increasingly becoming notorious for its failed governments and that it was time to change.

"I sincerely hope that political reforms will bring stability in Lesotho and ensure that Lesotho governments last for a normal five-year term," he said in his inaugural speech.

The new alliance replaces the government of Pakalitha Mosisili, a seven-party coalition plagued by infighting and corruption.

- 'Senseless killing' -

Mosisili's government was toppled in March and elections triggered after opposition parties called a vote of no-confidence which he lost.

At the ceremony, which was held inside a stadium in Maseru, Thabane thanked his predecessor "for facilitating the smooth transfer of power" and said the two would "remain friends forever."

Thabane, 78, previously served as premier of this nation of two million people after the 2012 elections but was forced to flee to South Africa following an attempted military coup two years later.

In his speech, Thabane commented for the first time on the killing of his estranged wife.

"I am mourning her death and (the) senseless killing of people like this... is one of many challenges that I am faced with as a new prime minister," he said.

The gunning down of Thabane's wife just two days before he took office created a sense of confusion in the tiny poverty-stricken country which is completely surrounded by South Africa.
Jakaya Kikwete was president of Tanzania from 2005 to 2015

Tanzanian weekly, Mawio, has been ordered to suspend publication for two years after pointing the finger at two former presidents in connection with huge revenue losses, the country's interior ministry said Friday.

The weekly, regularly critical of the government, was suspended after it published front page pictures of former presidents Jakaya Kikwete (2005-2015) and Benjamin Mkapa (1995-2005) on Thursday, linking them with dubious mining contracts.

On Wednesday, President John Magufuli had threatened "severe measures" against any media that suggested Kikwete and Mkapa might be involved in signing contracts that were disadvantage to the state.

Justice Minister Palamagamba Kabudi pointed out that the former heads of state enjoyed immunity from prosecution over events occurring during their mandates.

Mawio went on to report comments by opposition MP Tundi Lissu, who told parliament that Kikwete and Mkapa were mainly responsible for the controversial contracts and that both should be summoned before an enquiry commission.

A commission of enquiry set up by President John Magufuli on Monday estimated that 75 billion euros (84 billion dollars) had been lost in tax evasion arising from mining operations since 1998.

The panel found that the losses were primarily due to the failure of foreign companies operating in Africa's fourth largest gold producer to declare earnings. It blamed flawed contracts unfavourable to the state.

The information ministry said that Mawio had made the accusations against the former leaders when neither of two commissions set up by Magufuli to probe the affair had blamed them for anything.

The weekly was ordered to suspend publication of both its print edition and the internet edition for 24 months from the date of notification.

Following publication of reports on the mining sector, Magufuli ordered the revision of laws on the allocation of mining contracts and asked prosecutors to question -- and even charge -- ministers of mining and of justice found to have signed contracts harmful to state interests in recent years.

Magufuli accused Canadian mining giant Barrick Gold of "stealing from us" in a live televised address this week, but welcomed discussions when the firm's CEO John Thornton flew to Tanzania on Wednesday.

Mawio has already faced a government ban for its coverage of a political crisis after elections late in December 2015 in the semi-autonomous Zanzibar islands. That ban was lifted by the courts.

Tanzania has rich stocks of minerals. Apart from gold, the country exports copper, nickel, silver, diamonds and other precious stones such as tanzanite.
The flooding in Niger's capital Niamey caused houses to collapse, killing 14 people, most of them children

At least 14 people, mostly children, have died in Niger and 11 in Ivory Coast after heavy rains this week triggered landslides and caused homes to collapse, UN and local officials said Friday.

The UN's humanitarian affairs office OCHA said 14 people had died when houses collapsed in Niger's capital Niamey with another four missing. Nine children were reported dead there earlier this week.

In Ivory Coast's economic capital, Abidjan, the toll from the rains climbed from eight to 11 on Friday, with one person unaccounted for and hundreds affected by landslides and flooding, rescue workers said.

"If the rain continues, we're going to have a lot to do," said Vital Oulai who runs the military firefighting unit.

West Africa's rainy season, which lasts three to four months, regularly causes fatalities and damage across Abidjan's hillside shack communities, with 16 people killed last year and 39 in 2014.

In Niger, this week's rain destroyed 350 homes, leaving 3,000 people homeless. Last year, 50 people died in flooding in the country.
Western sanctions damaged the Iranian economy in recent years, with inflation soaring and the rial depreciating against major currencies

Iran on Friday condemned new sanctions adopted by the US Senate and vowed to respond with "reciprocal and adequate measures".

Tehran "will take reciprocal and adequate measures to guarantee its national interests", foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Ghassemi said, quoted by ISNA news agency.

He did not elaborate.

The Senate on Thursday overwhelmingly passed tough sanctions on Iran for its alleged "continued support of terrorism" and the bill has been sent to the House of Representatives for approval.

The new restrictions impose mandatory sanctions on people involved with the Islamic republic's ballistic missile programme and those that transact with them.

It also applies terrorism-related sanctions to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, and re-enforces aspects of the arms embargo on Iran.

Ghassemi retorted that the measure against Iran's ballistic missile programme was "totally illegal and illegitimate".

"Iran's armed forces will continue to defend the country's security and interests," the foreign ministry spokesman said. "Iran's ballistic programme is totally legitimate."

There continues to be strong resistance in Washington to the 2015 nuclear deal Iran signed with world powers, with many lawmakers still unhappy with the deal.
Morocco's neglected Rif region has seen weeks of protests demanding jobs and an end to corruption

Nightly clashes between protesters and Moroccan security forces in the flashpoint city of Al-Hoceima over the region's marginalisation are turning more violent, a witness and a news website said Friday.

"Around 100 residents gathered on an avenue (on Thursday night) to demonstrate. Security forces intervened in strength," said one witness, contacted by telephone.

"They were hitting people. Youths dispersed into sideroads and started throwing stones, while the police used tear gas," the source said, adding that women were also attacked and several protesters hurt in running battles.

Le Desk, a news website, said: "The nightly confrontations... are turning into a riot... into pitched battles with police, with stones being thrown and tear gas fired."

A local official in Al-Hoceima blamed youth protesters for the clashes and said a policewoman was wounded.

"As usual a small group of youths, teenagers and minors went out on the streets to demonstrate. The security forces asked them to disperse but they were pelted with stones," the source said.

"It was an avalanche of stones that fell on the security forces and the police had to retaliate with tear gas. A policewoman was injured in the head," the source added.

The stepped up protests come after a court on Wednesday sentenced 25 demonstrators and suspected members of their grassroots movement to 18 months in jail each, according to their defence lawyer.

The Al-Hirak al-Shaabi, or Popular Movement, has been holding protests for weeks in the neglected Rif region of northern Morocco, demanding jobs and an end to corruption.

The demonstrations have been taking place at night, after the breaking of the daytime fast observed during the holy Muslim fasting month of Ramadan.

Hirak leader, Nasser Zefzafi, was arrested on May 29 and is in custody in Casablanca awaiting trial, along with other leaders of the movement.

Al-Hoceima has been rocked by worsening social unrest since the gruesome death in October of a fishmonger, who was crushed in a rubbish truck as he tried to retrieve swordfish that had been thrown away by the authorities because it had been caught out of season.

Demands for justice snowballed into the wider grassroots movement.

Meanwhile authorities have banned a demonstration called for by activists and labour unions to mark the anniversary next Tuesday of the June 20, 1981 food riots that shook Casablanca.

Around 100 people were killed 36 years ago in a police crackdown on protesters in Casablanca who were demonstrating against an increase in the cost of food.

Authorities have banned the commemoration of the riots, fearing the event could lead to further "disturbances".
Somali-led jihadists have stepped up roadside bombings in Kenya's border areas, killing dozens, mostly police officers

Four people were killed and 11 injured when a passenger bus struck a roadside bomb in northeast Kenya on Friday, officials said, the most recent in a string of such attacks.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the blast, but in recent weeks Somali-led jihadists have stepped up roadside bombings in border areas, killing dozens, mostly police officers.

The bus was travelling between Lafey and Elwak in Mandera county close to the border with Somalia when an improvised explosive device detonated.

"The vehicle was using a prohibited road which is classified as dangerous because of proximity to the border. We had discouraged vehicles from using this road," he added.

"We have lost four people in the incident while 11 others are injured," said regional commissioner Mohamud Saleh.

Mandera county governor Ali Roba said a local chief was among the dead.

Four people -- three of them aid workers -- died in a roadside bombing close to the Dadaab refugee camp earlier this month, while last month saw a spate of bombings that left 20 police dead and others injured.

Roba blamed Al-Qaeda aligned Shabaab militants for the attack saying on Twitter that it was another example of the group's "default mode of senseless killing" after targeted attacks on Christian civilians in past years had "failed... to divide us along religious lines."
Ali bin Smaikh al-Marri, Chairman of Qatar's National Human Rights Committee, denounced the measures as 'collective punishment'

A Qatari official accused Saudi Arabia and its allies Friday of imposing a "siege" on his country with sanctions he said were having a more devastating effect than the Berlin Wall.

Ali bin Smaikh al-Marri, chairman of Qatar's national human rights committee, said the measures amounted to collective punishment and cited one case of a mother being separated from her baby.

The recent decision by several countries to cut ties with Qatar was trampling on the rights of citizens from the entire region, he said.

"This siege and these measures have led to what is called collective punishment," Marri told reporters in Geneva in Arabic through a translator, calling on the international community to intervene.

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt announced earlier this month the suspension of all ties to Qatar. They accused it of state support for extremist groups and denounced its political proximity to Shiite Iran.

Qatar denies the allegations.

Among other measures, the four states gave all Qatari citizens 14 days to leave their countries and ordered home their own citizens living in Qatar.

This had led to "gross violations of human rights", Marri said, pointing out that every Qatari family had at least one member living in other countries in the region.

These measures "are harsher than the Berlin Wall that separated families", he added.

His committee had so far received 1,064 complaints for a vast range of rights violations, from both Qataris and citizens of the other countries involved, he said.

He pointed to new laws issued by Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the UAE threatening between five and 15 years in prison for any of their citizens "who shows sympathy to the state of Qatar".

In one case, he said, a Qatari woman was ordered to leave the UAE where she lived with her husband and infant. When she arrived at the airport however, she was told she could not take her baby, who had Emirati citizenship, with her.

Thousands of students studying abroad had also been affected, he said. He cited the case of one woman from Qatar who was in her last year studying at a university in UAE who had been forced to leave.

"She has lost four years of study," he said.

Merri said his committee was urging Saudi Arabia and its allies to lift their sanctions, and was calling on the international community to pressure them to do so.

He called on UN human rights chief Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein, who has already expressed alarm at the measures, to send a delegation to Qatar to see the impact of the sanctions firsthand.

Merri also urged Qatar to "immediately move internationally to ensure the end of this siege, by going to the Security Council or other UN mechanisms."
US and Qatari navy vessels are seen during a joint military exercise off Qatar on June 16, 2017

The US and Qatari navies on Friday ended a three-day joint exercise involving nine vessels that took place at a time of high diplomatic tension between Doha and Gulf neighbours.

Among the tests carried out were air defence and surface missile simulation drills, according to a senior Qatari naval officer.

The ships which took part in the exercise off Qatar's east coast included gun boats as well as coastguard and supply vessels.

Four ships from the US Navy took part.

The joint exercise was requested by the US Navy "a few weeks back", according to Staff Commander Mohammed Desmal Al-Kuwari.

He said that exercises involving Qatar and its allies would continue.

"There are many allies asking for exercises within our waters," he told AFP.

"Many navies from our European allies are asking for exercises."

The Qatari and US navies carry out joint exercises off the Qatari coast around four times a year, said Commander Al-Kuwari, the joint exercise commander.

He added that despite the diplomatic tension in the Gulf, Qatar's navy was carrying out its duties "as normal".

Saudi Arabia and allies have imposed a political and economic "blockade" on Qatar, in protest at Doha's alleged support for Islamist extremist groups as well as over its ties to Shiite Iran.

The move has been backed by nations including Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and others.

Qatar strongly denies the charges and claims neighbouring countries are trying to interfere with its foreign policy.

Military ties between the US and Qatar remain strong.

America's largest air base in the Middle East, Al-Udeid, is in Qatar.

And earlier this week the United States agreed a $12-billion sale to Qatar of "state-of-the-art" F-15 fighters.

The deal was signed in Washington on June 14.

The Pentagon said the deal would "increase security cooperation and interoperability between the United States and Qatar".
Rickie Fowler set the pace in the first round of the US Open at Erin Hills in Wisconsin on June 15, 2017

England's Paul Casey looked to reel in Rickie Fowler at the top of the US Open leaderboard Friday as the second round got under way.

Fowler surged into a one-shot lead on Thursday with a brilliant opening seven-under-par 65 in his quest for a first major at the Erin Hills Course in Wisconsin.

Benign conditions on Thursday made for a feast of low-scoring, with a record 44 players dipping under par -- the most ever in the first round of the US Open.

Play started on Friday in similarly calm conditions, with only gentle breezes blowing across the sprawling 7,441-yard par-72 layout.

Fowler will tee off Friday in the afternoon session alongside Japan's Hideki Matsuyama and Spaniard Jon Rahm.

Casey, who finished on six under on Thursday after an opening 66, teed off early and was looking to move into the lead before Fowler gets on the course.

The world number 14, teeing off on the 10th hole, made a solid start, opening with a par.

Paul Casey (six-under-par) was a shot behind American Rickie Fowler after the first round of the US Open at Erin Hills in Wisconsin on June 15, 2017

He then joined Fowler on seven under with a birdie on the par-four 11th, playing a brilliant iron from the fairway to three feet to tap in.

But Casey's momentum ran into the buffers on the next hole, when he twice found the thick rough and had to settle for a bogey five to drop back to six under.

The 39-year-old then parred the 13th to remain one shot off the lead alongside Xander Schauffele, the lowly ranked American who was also out on the course early Friday.

Schauffele, ranked 352nd in the world, launched his second round with a par after an opening 66 on Thursday.

Elsewhere Friday, the world's top three players -- Dustin Johnson, Rory McIlroy and Jason Day -- will attempt to resurrect their chances after disappointing first round displays.

Defending champion Johnson will aim to bounce back from a lacklustre three-over-par 75 when he tees off alongside Jordan Spieth and Martin Kaymer in the afternoon session.

McIlroy meanwhile has a bigger hole to climb out of after a six-over-par 78 on Thursday.

The world number two from Northern Ireland looked set for another roller coaster round on Friday after a fluctuating start.

A bogey on the par-four 12th was followed by a birdie on the 13th to leave him at six over through four holes.

Australian world number three Day meanwhile -- who shot a seven-over-par 79 on Thursday -- opened his second round with two birdies and a bogey in his first three holes.
Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, pictured on June 5, 2017, is adamant that the Gulf states need to engage in dialogue in order to solve the tensions with Qatar

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu arrived in Saudi Arabia on Friday for talks with King Salman, continuing efforts to resolve the Gulf's biggest diplomatic crisis in years.

A Turkish diplomatic source told AFP that the minister had landed in Jeddah.

Riyadh, the UAE, Egypt and others severed diplomatic and economic ties with Qatar almost two weeks ago, accusing Doha of supporting groups, including some backed by Iran, "that aim to destabilise the region".

Qatar denies any such support for extremists.

Cavusoglu was to travel from Jeddah to the holy city of Mecca where Salman is based for the last days of Ramadan, after meeting his Kuwaiti counterpart on Thursday.

The emir of Kuwait, which did not cut ties with Qatar, has also been trying to mediate.

Turkey's chief diplomat was in Doha on Wednesday where he called for dialogue after meeting Qatar's emir and foreign minister ahead of his Saudi stop.

"Although the kingdom is a party in this crisis, we know that King Salman is a party in resolving it," Cavusoglu said earlier.

"We want to hear the views of Saudi Arabia regarding possible solutions and will share with them our views in a transparent way... We pay a great attention to our relations with them," he said.

The crisis has put Turkey in a delicate position as Ankara regards Qatar as its chief ally in the Gulf but is also keen to maintain its improving ties with regional power Saudi Arabia.

At the same time, Turkey is eager to maintain workable relations with Iran, Saudi Arabia's foe.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday described the decision by Gulf states to cut political and economic ties with Qatar as "inhumane and un-Islamic".

He stopped short of directly criticising Saudi Arabia and said that as "the elder statesman of the Gulf," Salman should resolve the matter.

Among the punitive measures, Qatar Airways is banned from the airspace of its neighbours, Gulf states gave Qataris 14 days to get out, and Saudi closed its land border through which much of Qatar's food supply crossed.
DR Congo's prominent opposition politician Moise Katumbi says he is determined to go home to "save the Congolese people"

Exiled DR Congo opposition leader Moise Katumbi on Friday said he was planning an "imminent" return after the UN asked President Joseph Kabila to guarantee he could campaign for election.

"I am going to go home. My return is imminent," said the powerful businessman and ex-governor of mineral-rich Katanga province.

"I return with a UN guarantee," Katumbi told a news conference. "I must go home to campaign and save the Congolese people."

Katumbi early this month filed a complaint with the UN Human Rights Committee in Geneva saying he had been forced into exile in a bid to "keep (him) away from the presidential elections" due to take place by year's end.

He left the country in May 2016 to seek medical treatment but faces trial if he returns for the alleged recruitment of mercenaries.

He has also been sentenced to three years in jail in a real estate dispute and authorities have ordered him arrested if he returns from abroad.

The prominent government critic said he had turned to the UN because the judiciary in his country had been "manipulated" by the state.

Katumbi's 36-page June 2 complaint to the UN lists a series of wrongs allegedly committed against him, including "arbitrary" trials, police harassment and the arrest of his supporters.

In a letter dated June 13 the UN asked the DR Congo government "to take all the necessary measures to ensure" Katumbi "can return to Democratic Republic of Congo and can participate, freely and safely, as a candidate, in the presidential elections."

The letter, shown to the media by Katumbi's lawyer Eric Dupond-Moretti, also asked the government to guarantee "his right to freedom and safety by protecting him from any form of arrest or arbitrary detention".

Katumbi is a former Kabila ally who broke with the ruling party in September 2015, and a year later was named as a presidential candidate by the G7 group of opposition parties.

But Kabila failed to step down at the end of his mandate last December, sparking tensions across the vast mineral-rich nation of 71 million people.
The European Commission launched an initial investigation into Google in 2010

The EU's powerful anti-trust regulator will decide a historic case against Google in the coming weeks that could see the Internet giant hit with a record fine, sources said on Friday.

"We are heading towards a decision this summer," one source close to the matter told AFP on condition of anonymity.

Led by hard-charging European Commission competition chief Margrethe Vestager, Google faces a massive penalty that could reach as much $9 billion, or ten percent of Google's total revenue last year.

Brussels accuses Google of giving its own online shopping services top priority in search results to the detriment of other price comparison services.

The case is one of three against Google and of several against blockbuster US companies including Starbucks, Apple, Amazon and McDonalds.

The previous record for illegal monopoly practices is held by US firm Intel, which was fined 1.06 billion euros in 2009, about 3 percent of the company's turnover.

"The commission's radio silence in the past months means that it is approaching the decision," another source close to the matter told AFP, who expected a hefty fine.

In August, Vestager shocked the world with a demand that Apple repay Ireland 13 billion euros in back taxes.

European Competitio Commissioner Margrethe Vestager

In the other cases, the EU is examining Google's AdSense advertising service and its Android mobile phone software.

The potentially painful verdict against Google came after a long period in which the two sides tried unsuccessfully to settle the case amicably.

Instead, the cases have raised tensions between Brussels and Washington, which has accused the EU of unfairly targeting US giants.

The European Commission, which polices EU competition policy, launched an initial investigation into Google in 2010 following complaints from rivals such as Microsoft and Trip Advisor that it favoured its own shopping services when customers ran searches.

Claims that practices by Google Shopping harm competition "are wrong as a matter of fact, law, and economics," Google's general counsel Kent Walker wrote in his response to the EU last year.

Vestager's predecessor, Joaquin Almunia, made three attempts to resolve the dispute but in each case intense pressure by national governments, rivals and privacy advocates scuppered the effort.
Separate clashes in Indian-administered Kashmir killed 10 people - five police officers, a soldier, two civilians and two suspected rebels - authorities said on Friday, as violence in the troubled region continues to spike.

Suspected rebels ambushed a police patrol in the town of Achhabal, killing five police personnel, a top police officer told AFP on condition of anonymity.

Rebels fighting to end Indian rule of Kashmir have stepped up attacks in recent weeks on government forces patrolling the area as counter-insurgency operations intensify.

Kashmiri protestors clash with Indian government forces in downtown Srinagar

Earlier, soldiers and a police special counter-insurgency force cordoned off Arwani village on a tip off that armed rebels were hiding in two homes, triggering a firefight, the officer said.

Two civilians, including a teenage boy, were killed when security forces fired at hundreds of villagers who marched to the site of the shootout to help the rebels escape, he added.

Two suspected rebels were also killed in the shootout, the officer said.

The unrest spread to neighbouring villages as thousands of residents clashed with government forces, hurling stones and chanting: 'We want freedom' and 'Go India, go back'.

Separately on Friday, a soldier was killed when Pakistani soldiers fired at Indian posts in southern Naushera along the Line of Control (LoC) that divides Kashmir between the nuclear-armed rivals, an Indian Army spokesman said.

The two armies have traded heavy fire along the de facto border almost daily in recent weeks, killing civilians and soldiers on both sides while accusing each other of breaching a 2003 ceasefire agreement.

Masked youths carrying the Pakistani and ISIS flags in Srinagar, Kashmir

Kashmir has been divided between the arch rivals since the end of British colonial rule in 1947, but both claim the Himalayan territory in full.

India maintains roughly 500,000 soldiers in the territory and blames Pakistan for fomenting unrest. Islamabad denies the allegation saying it only provides diplomatic support to the Kashmiri struggle for the right of self-determination.

Officials say dozens of youth have joined the rebel ranks since last July after a popular rebel leader was killed by security forces, sparking months of wide-scale protests in the territory.
Donald Trump erupted furiously on Twitter for a second consecutive day over revelations the president himself is being investigated on allegations of obstructing justice

US President Donald Trump announced he is under investigation and appeared to attack a senior Department of Justice official Friday, as the federal investigation consuming his administration gathered pace.

As Bob Mueller, the special investigator now heading the FBI's probe into allegations of Russian election meddling, filled out his legal team and prepared to begin interviews, Trump erupted furiously for a second consecutive day.

"I am being investigated for firing the FBI Director by the man who told me to fire the FBI Director! Witch Hunt" he tweeted from the White House shortly before leaving for Miami.

Trump's digital volley appeared to be trained at Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, who recommended the firing last month of James Comey -- an almost unprecedented move that could yet imperil Trump's presidency.

A source on Trump's legal team claimed the president was referring to a Washington Post story "from the other night" rather than confirming he is being investigated.

The Washington Post was one of several media that revealed this week that Trump himself is being investigated on allegations of obstructing justice.

Inside the White House, a sense of foreboding has taken hold on even the most junior staff and up to the Oval Office, as news emerged that Vice President Mike Pence has hired a high-powered outside counsel to represent him.

An aide on Thursday said Pence had hired Richard Cullen who litigated the 1980s Iran-Contra scandal, the Watergate affair and the 2000 vote recount in Florida.

The vice-president, who was also in Miami, described his move to hire an outside lawyer as "very routine."

Special counsel Mueller -- a respected former FBI director -- was also bringing in legal firepower to investigate whether there was collusion between Trump's team and Russia to fix the 2016 election or an attempted cover-up.

Peter Carr, a spokesman for Mueller told AFP he now has "13 attorneys on board, with several more in the pipeline."

- 'Witch hunt' -

That news appears to have infuriated the president, who also lashed out at the media on a day that aides hoped would be focused on his decision to undo some of Barack Obama's detente with Cuba.

Special counsel Robert Mueller has brought in legal firepower to investigate whether there was collusion between Trump's team and Russia to fix the 2016 election or an attempted cover-up

"After 7 months of investigations & committee hearings about my 'collusion with the Russians,' nobody has been able to show any proof. Sad!" Trump tweeted.

"The Fake News Media hates when I use what has turned out to be my very powerful Social Media - over 100 million people! I can go around them."

On Thursday Trump derided a "witch hunt" against him, led by some "very bad" people.

Trump's young presidency has been battered by allegations -- under investigation both by Congress and the FBI -- that Russia interfered to sway the 2016 election in his favor, in possible collusion with Trump's campaign team.

The president has long vehemently denied any collusion with Moscow.

The new allegations against Trump center on his own admission that he fired Comey because of the Russia investigation, and suggestions he asked several top intelligence officials for their help altering the inquiry's direction.

The widened Russia probe could have far-reaching repercussions for Trump's presidency, transforming his closest aides into witnesses and sucking yet more political oxygen out of the West Wing.

As the legal rope has tightened, his allies have gone on the offensive, questioning Mueller's credibility. Allies have even floated the idea that Mueller may be fired.
The now-folded Saudi construction firm Oger is linked to Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri, pictured in January 2017; The firm's closing has affected thousands of former employees

A once-mighty Saudi construction firm linked to Lebanon's prime minister Saad Hariri is finished, having left thousands of workers unpaid, sources said on Friday.

The Saudi Oger employees, most of them from abroad, suffered for months without salaries and many have already gone home.

A collapse in oil revenues that began three years ago left the kingdom unable to pay private firms it had contracted. Most were in the construction sector, chiefly at Saudi Oger and another firm, the Saudi Binladin Group.

But sources say problems at Saudi Oger, whose history in the kingdom dates back almost 40 years, went deeper and now it faces the end.

Essentially, "they are closed," said a source close to the case.

"They have a contract in Jeddah I think for a royal palace but they have nothing else."

An angry ex-employee, who asked to be identified only as Robert, told AFP that he understands Saudi Oger's last day of existence will be June 30.

"In two weeks, we will no longer talk of Saudi Oger," he said. "I have lost my future."

Since resigning from Oger in January Robert no longer has a residency permit to stay legally in Saudi Arabia, and he can't pay his children's school fees.

He says he hasn't received his salary since July last year and is owed 160,000 riyals (almost $43,000/39,000 euros)

"Really it's a big crisis," the source close to the case said.

Following negotiations between France and the kingdom, more than 200 French citizens employed by Saudi Oger received in September the equivalent of nine months' salary, paid not by Saudi Oger but by the Saudi government.

But thousands of Asian employees returned home without being paid, the source said, adding that the firm had about 38,000 workers nearly two years ago.

Under an aid plan announced by the kingdom, Saudi Arabia flew the workers home and helped to file claims in court against Saudi Oger.

"But nothing is coming," the source close to the case said.

Saudi Oger could not be reached for comment.

The company, part of the Hariri family business empire, built some of the most grandiose complexes in Riyadh, including the palatial Ritz-Carlton hotel.
An entrance is seen to one of Amazon's offices in Seattle, Washington, where the company is expanding its urban campus

Amazon has grown from a humble beginning as an online bookseller to a colossus of the internet. Now, with its acquisition of Whole Foods Market, it has become a major player in the grocery sector.

Here are some key facts about Amazon:

-- Incorporated in 1994 in Seattle, Washington, Amazon sold its first book in July 1995, with founder Jeff Bezos personally mailing packages to customers in the early days.

-- In 1999, Amazon went beyond books to become a diversified online retailer of consumer electronics, toys and games, software, home improvement and video games. A year later, it launched "Marketplace," allowing third parties to sell over the Amazon platform. It has added new categories of merchandise and services over the years.

-- Amazon Web Services, launched in 2002 to be the online hosting platform for Amazon and its partners, has grown into one of the world's biggest cloud computing operators, generating close to 10 percent of company revenues and a large share of its profit.

-- In 2005, the company launched Amazon Prime, a subscription service offering free delivery on many items and other benefits, which has become an important element in the Amazon business model. No official figures are available, but some analysts say Prime has some 80 million subscribers in the US alone.

-- Over the years, Amazon has expanded internationally, and operates as a retailer in Canada, Mexico, Britain, France, Germany, Japan, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, China and India, with plans to move into Australia.

-- In 2007, Amazon Music was launched as a platform for streaming songs, and later evolved into a cloud-based service.

-- Amazon made its first attempt at full grocery delivery in 2007 with Amazon Fresh but has been slow to roll out that service.

-- Making a major push into video streaming, Amazon rebranded its service in 2011 as Instant Video, competing with Netflix, and making thousands of movies and shows available to Prime Subscribers. The video unit has begun producing original programs and films, and won an Academy Award this year for "Manchester by the Sea."

- Hardware, drones, video -

Amazon founder and chief executive Jeff Bezos shows off a Kindle e-book reader in 2009 in San Francisco

-- Amazon started making Kindle e-readers in 2007 and expanded its hardware to tablets with the Kindle Fire in 2011. A Fire smartphone launched in 2014 flopped, but Amazon continued in hardware with its voice-activated Echo speakers, sparking a new market of home assistants powered by artificial intelligence. Amazon also produces Fire TV devices which can be used as an interface for its video and other online applications.

-- The first Amazon physical retail store opened in Seattle in 2015, and several more have opened or are in the works. Amazon has also tested a concept for a grocery store without a checkout, where items in a shopping cart are automatically billed to the customer.

-- Amazon has been pushing for drone delivery for several years, but finally launched its first project in Britain in 2016, saying regulatory obstacles were too great in the United States. Amazon also has its own aircraft and local delivery operators that avoid third parties.

-- Globally, Amazon had some 341,000 employees as of February, having boosted its employment in warehouses even as it installed some 45,000 robots. It has research operations for artificial intelligence, robotics, ad technology and related fields.

-- Amazon gained a reputation delivering little or no profits in its early years as it invested for growth. But that has changed recently and it posted a profit of $2.3 billion for 2016 on revenues of $94.7 billion.
Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir gives a press conference in the presidential palace in the capital Khartoum, on March 2, 2017

War crimes judges will rule next month on whether South Africa flouted international law when it failed to arrest visiting Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir in 2015, wanted on charges of genocide in Darfur.

The International Criminal Court "convenes a public hearing on 6 July... for the delivery of its decision," the court said in a statement Friday.

The tribunal based in The Hague "invites representatives of South Africa and the prosecutor to attend," it added.

Pretoria, at an unprecedented hearing in April, disputed accusations by ICC prosecutors that it had broken its obligations to the very tribunal it helped found in 2002.

To the frustration of prosecutors, Bashir remains in office and at large despite two international warrants for his arrest issued in 2009 and in 2010.

He faces 10 charges, including three of genocide as well as war crimes and crimes against humanity charges relating to the conflict in the western Darfur region.

Pretoria and the ICC became entangled in a bitter dispute in 2015 when Bashir was allowed to attend an African Union summit in Johannesburg despite the arrest warrants against him, flying home unhindered afterwards.

South Africa's lawyers, which had sought legal clarification from the ICC's judges shortly before Bashir's visit, argued that he enjoyed immunity as a head of state.

Prosecutors in return said that South Africa, as a member state of the court, had the duty to arrest and hand over Bashir, which it failed to do.

The ICC does not have a police force and it depends on member states to arrest and hand over wanted suspects.

The long-time Sudanese president has denied the charges against him and continues to travel to various countries with impunity.

Sudan's deadly conflict broke out in 2003 when ethnic minority groups took up arms against Bashir's Arab-dominated government, which launched a brutal counter-insurgency.

The UN Security Council asked the ICC in 2005 to investigate the crimes in Darfur, where at least 300,000 people have been killed and 2.5 million displaced, according to UN figures.

South Africa announced it had told the United Nations in October that it was pulling out of the ICC following the Bashir debacle.

But a South African court in February ordered Pretoria to reverse the decision, saying it was unconstitutional.
Khoi San community members in South Africa bury the "spirit" of traditional leader David Stuurman who died almost 200 years ago in Australia.

South Africa buried the "spirit" of one of its first rebel leaders Friday, 200 years after his death in Australia, where his bones were never found.

A traditional ritual was performed by indigenous elders to bring Khoi San chief Dawid Stuurman's spirit home, and a coffin symbolically carrying the spirit was buried on Friday in his rural hometown of southern Hankey.

Stuurman, the last Khoi San chief, resisted British colonial rule so was jailed at Robben Island from where he escaped three times before being sent to Australia in a convict ship to serve his term.

He died in Sydney in 1830 and is believed to have been buried under the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

But efforts to recover his remains were fruitless, forcing authorities to resort to so-called spiritual repatriation.

A noisy crowd of 300 people, wearing traditional Khoi San and Xhosa clothing, converged behind a Hankey school in Eastern Cape province to witness the unveiling of the tombstone and the reburial of the spirit.

Khoi San men in headgear made from lion or leopard tails and wearing lion skin shawls, led the ceremony.

After song and dance, as well as the chanting of revolutionary poetry, the wooden coffin draped in leopard skin was lowered into the grave.

A clergyman sprinkled water over it using an ox-tail.

Described as the "last chief of the Hottentots" in eulogies, Stuurman was buried a few hundred metres from a Khoisan heroine, Saartjie Baartman.

Known as Africa's "Hottentot Venus", she was paraded in circuses in 19th century Europe like a sexual freak because of her large buttocks and genitals.

Stuurman died in Australia and was buried under the Sydney Harbour bridge, Khoi traditional chief Joseph Kreeling, said Friday.

- Great grandfather back home -

A symbolic burial ceremony of Khoi San leader and freedom fighter David Stuurman was held in Hankey, South Africa, some 200 years after his death in exile in Australia.

"We are here to celebrate and commemorate the life of a fearless, bold Khoi San hero," said Kreeling.

"This closes a chapter which used to bother the Khoi San people. We are very happy our great, great grandfather is here today with us," said Chief Kreeling.

Stuurman was born in 1773 in the Gamtoos River Valley in the Eastern Cape.

His activism started over conflict with his farm owner boss, Johan Vermaark. Unhappy with the way blacks were treated by whites, he organised his people and rebelled against the establishment.

At one point Vermaark tied him to a cart, brutally whipped him, sprinkled salt on his open wounds and left him in the sun to dry, according to the eulogy read at the graveside.

"It's an emotional day for all South Africans, but most important for the Khoisan people," said Christian Martin, a Khoi activist and senior politician in the ruling ANC party.

Martin was part of an eight-man delegation which travelled to Australia this week to repatriate Stuurman's spirit.

In 2013 Martin vowed not to cut his hair until Stuurman's remains or spirit were brought home. On Friday he knelt on the dusty ground next to the grave as traditional leaders and politicians took turns to shave off his dreadlocks.

Four white doves were set free at the gravesite as a sign of peace.
Whole Foods Market, which was just bought by Amazon, says its mission is to provide high-quality natural and organic food and promises to maintain this standard moving forward

Whole Foods Market has grown from a tiny health-conscious grocer in Texas far from the US coasts into a giant in upscale foods nationwide, and now is moving into Britain and Canada.

The deal announced on Friday with Amazon could mean an even bigger impact for the pricey grocery chain sometimes known colloquially as "whole paycheck."

- History -

The company was founded in 1978 in Austin, Texas by 25-year-old college dropout John Mackey and 21-year-old Renee Lawson with money borrowed from family and friends.

Two years later Whole Foods Market was incorporated after their tiny SaferWay -- a parody of the once-dominant nationwide Safeway chain -- merged with Clarksville Natural Grocery.

Mackey views the chain as a "mission-driven" company in improving American food, and he and his team have grown Whole Foods through a series of acquisitions of like-minded food companies, including the Fresh Fields chain that started in the Washington, DC area.

- Operations -

The company now has 436 stores in 42 US states and Washington, DC.

Eight states do not have Whole Foods stores: Alaska, Delaware, Nevada, North Dakota, Montana, Vermont, West Virginia and Wyoming.

It also has expanded internationally, with 11 stores in Canada and nine in the United Kingdom.

In the 2016 fiscal year, the company had record sales of $15.7 billion, but comparable stores sales fell by 2.5 percent and profit was $507 million after declining for two years.

The company has just 1.2 percent share of the US food and grocery market, trailing far behind Wal-Mart (14.5 percent), Kroger (7.7 percent) and Costco (2.4 percent), among others, according to research firm GlobalData Retail. Amazon has just 0.2 percent.

- Philosophy -

Whole Foods calls itself "America's Healthiest Grocery Store" -- a title it has trademarked -- and says its mission is to "seek out the finest natural and organic foods available, maintain the strictest quality standards in the industry, and have an unshakeable commitment to sustainable agriculture."

Because of concerns about cruelty to animals, the company will not sell foie gras or live lobsters or crabs.

Considered a "first generation" organic market, the company was able to grow amid the rising interest in the United States in organic food and concerns about the dangers of pesticides and genetically-modified foods.

But that also posed a challenge and Whole Foods has suffered from competition as more stores have begun offering organic and natural foods at lower prices, including Wal-Mart, Kroger and Trader Joe's.

In an email to customers Friday titled "exciting news," Whole Foods vowed to keep quality high.

"No artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, sweeteners or hydrogenated fats will ever be in any of the food we sell. Meat will still come from animals raised with no-added growth hormones, ever," the company said.

"Those standards are core to Whole Foods Market and we will remain committed to them."
Israeli borderguards search a Palestinian man outside Damascus Gate in Jerusalem's Old City on June 16, 2017, following an attack

An Israeli policewoman was stabbed and killed in an attack outside Jerusalem's Old City on Friday and security forces shot dead three suspected Palestinian assailants, police said.

The attack took place as Muslims marked the end of the third Friday of the fasting month of Ramadan, during which tens of thousands of Palestinians from east Jerusalem and the West Bank attended prayers at the nearby Al-Aqsa mosque compound, Islam's third-holiest site.

"Female border policewoman injured critically in attack at Damascus gate," police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld wrote in a statement. "3 Arab terrorists shot by police units that responded at the scene."

Police said the three were killed.

The policewoman was taken to hospital in critical condition and later died of her wounds. She was identified as Hadas Malka, 23, a staff sergeant major.

According to police, two perpetrators opened fire at a group of police officers who returned fire, and a third stabbed the border policewoman a short distance away before being shot.

Jerusalem police chief Yoram Halevy identified the three attackers as Palestinians from the West Bank.

- Ramadan activity -

Israel had eased restrictions on the entrance of Palestinians from the West Bank for Ramadan, including permitting daily family visits during Sundays through Thursdays.

"During Ramadan there are large numbers of (Palestinian) youths who enter without permits, they take advantage of Ramadan to be in Jerusalem," Halevy told media at the scene of the attack.

Following the attack, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a phone consultation with the chief of police and public security minister, and decided to cancel the family visits, a police statement read.

Netanyahu, however, did not revoke the permission given to Palestinian men aged over 40 from the West Bank to enter Jerusalem for Friday prayers, police said.

The area around Damascus Gate was sealed off in the hours after the attack, with a few youths throwing fireworks at security forces.

A road leading to Damascus Gate full of stalls opened especially for Ramadan was closed off by police, and a shopkeeper said this would normally be one of the busiest nights of the year.

Inside the Old City shops were open but the atmosphere was subdued and numbers of people much lower than normal.

Large numbers of heavily armed security forces were patrolling throughout the Old City, an AFP reporter said.

- 'Popular terror activity' -

The Shin Bet internal security agency identified the three perpetrators as Braa Salah and Asama Atta, both born in 1998, and Adel Ankush, born the following year.

All three were from Deir Abu Mashal, a village near Ramallah, and had been arrested for or involved in "popular terror activity," a Shin Bet statement read.

A fourth Palestinian, a Hebron resident who had been identified by Palestinian security as a perpetrator, was in fact a passerby who was wounded by gunshots and taken to hospital, Israeli police said.

Medics said four people besides the officer were wounded in the incident, two of them moderately and two lightly. Two of those wounded were Palestinians from east Jerusalem.

The Islamist movement Hamas that rules the Gaza Strip condemned the shooting of the Palestinians as a "crime by the occupation."

A spokesman for the movement, Hazem Qassem, said the attack was "proof that the Palestinian people are leading a revolution against the enemy."

He also said the attack proved the Palestinian Authority's policy of security coordination with Israel was wrong, calling it "a national crime".

A wave of unrest that broke out in October 2015 has claimed the lives of 272 Palestinians, 42 Israelis, two Americans, two Jordanians, an Eritrean, a Sudanese and a Briton, according to an AFP tally.

Israeli authorities say most of the Palestinians killed were carrying out knife, gun or car-ramming attacks.

The Old City in annexed east Jerusalem is one of the focal points of the wave of violence.
Former German Chancellor Helmut Kohl, seen here posing before a fragment of the Berlin Wall in May, 2014, was hailed by Bill Clinton and George H. W. Bush as one of postwar Europe's greatest leaders

Former US presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton mourned the death of Helmut Kohl on Friday, praising his role in the reunification of Germany with Bush calling him "one of the greatest leaders in post-War Europe."

"Helmut hated war -- but he detested totalitarianism even more," Bush said in a statement of the former German Chancellor.

"Working closely with my very good friend to help achieve a peaceful end to the Cold War and the unification of Germany within NATO will remain one of the great joys of my life," he added.

Clinton said he was "deeply saddened" by the death of "my dear friend" whose "visionary leadership prepared Germany and all of Europe for the 21st century."

"He was called upon to answer some of the most monumental questions of his time, and in answering them correctly he made possible the reunification of a strong, prosperous Germany and the creation of the European Union," Clinton said.

"I will never forget walking with him through the Brandenburg Gate in 1994 for a large rally on the eastern side, and seeing genuine hope in the eyes of tens of thousands of young people," he said.

"I knew at that moment that Helmut Kohl was the man who could help them realize their dreams. History continues to prove that he delivered."
Elephants can sometimes come close to villages in Gabon, leading to calls for more electrified fences to protect crops

For several months, electric fences have been put up in Gabon as part of a new programme to stop the country's 40,000 forest elephants from destroying crops.

So far three electric barriers have been built but dozens more are required, Professor Lee White, the British-born director of Gabons national parks agency (ANPN), told AFP.

"I want 500 barriers," said White to emphasise that others methods had failed to stop the huge animals from trampling over villagers' fields in the west African country.

"We have already tried putting up chilli and even bee hives (to protect farming areas) but all these methods did not work," said White, who has been compared to Tarzan by the magazine National Geographic due to his work in the jungle.

Huge efforts have been made to conserve Gabon's forest elephants and the remaining rainforests of equatorial Africa that they inhabit, but people living side-by-side with the animals are upset about the destruction of their crops and economic losses.

- The elephant menace -

"The rural population are angry with the elephants, it is a problem that has long been neglected," said White.

Gabon is home to over half of Africa's forest elephants, who are highly valued by poachers because their ivory is tinged with pink and is very hard.

It is the poaching that has encouraged elephants to move closer to villages, according to White, and that has led to farmers being killed by elephants, with little compensation for the families.

In one village close to the Ogooue river and Mount Brazza in Lope national park, a new electric fence powered by solar panels is up and running, protecting a lush green plantation.

The technology has been imported from Kenya and does not come cheap: the enclosure cost about 53,000 euros, according to a fence guard.

Gabon may be a major oil producer on Africa's west coast but the authorities have struggled to provide funds to pay for more fences, as requested by Professor White.

The ANPN will try to reduce the cost of the next barriers to around 15,000 euros, White said, and villagers have backed the idea in the hope of protecting their livelihoods.

"The food is safe, the elephants do not destroy it anymore," said one farmer, describing how she can now safely grow her potatoes, bananas and tropical root vegetables, secure inside the fence.

- Elephants under threat -

The dense tropical rainforests of the Minkebe national park in northern Gabon are on the front line of a war with poachers.

Bordered by Cameroon and Congo, the Belgium-sized area has been a target for central African gangs looking to make some quick cash from Africas white gold.

More than 25,000 elephants in Minkebe were killed by poachers between 2004 and 2014 -- around 80 percent of the parks total forest elephant population -- according to a study in February by Duke University in North Carolina.

The stark reduction in forest elephant numbers in Minkebe reflects the shocking slaughter of elephants elsewhere.

According to the first ever pan-African survey of savanna elephants last year, the Great Elephant Census, numbers of savannah elephants are estimated to be about 352,000, down from 1.3 million in 1979.

In Gabon, it is hoped that if the electrified fences initiative expands then that will help ensure villagers and their elephant neighbours can live happily beside each other.
A UN vehicle after it drove over an explosive device last July in northern Mali

Mali's foreign minister on Friday pressed the UN Security Council to quickly adopt a resolution endorsing the creation of a special force to fight the jihadists increasingly plaguing North Africa's Sahel region.

The minister, Abdoulaye Diop, expressed the "deep concern" of Malian President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, who heads a five-nation regional grouping known as the G5 Sahel, over the "difficulties" slowing approval of the resolution.

He urged members to adopt it "without delay."

The G5 -- comprised by Mali, Niger, Chad, Mauritania and Burkina Faso -- agreed in March to form a 5,000-strong anti-jihadist force, but sought Security Council authorization before activating it. The force would collaborate with the UN peacekeeping force in Mali known as MINUSMA.

Keita said adoption of the resolution would "send a strong and unequivocal signal from the international community to terrorist groups and traffickers of all types."

But a French-introduced resolution to provide political and financial support to such a force has been resisted by the United States, which says the resolution is too vague and believes a simple statement, rather than a resolution, would suffice.

As the leading financial contributor to UN peacekeeping operations, Washington also wants to tighten overall spending.

Diop, the Malian minister, also urged the UN to provide "adequate" material, staffing and financing for MINUSMA.

- Jihadists gaining strength -

The mandate of the UN mission, with its 12,000 blue-helmeted troops, will expire at the end of this month unless the UN renews it. The force has been coming under ever more frequent and deadly attack from jihadists in the region.

Mahamat Saleh Annadif, who heads the UN peacekeeping mission in Mali, urged member countries to shore up MINUSMA's resources, saying it needs armored vehicles and at least 10 more helicopters.

He warned that "terrorists" are gaining strength and extending their reach in the region, notably in central Mali.

He said he was ready to sign a partnership agreement with the G5 Sahel force.

French Ambassador Francois Delattre said the mandates of MINUSMA and the G5 force are "completely complementary."

He told reporters that talks on the French resolution were moving ahead and that "a strong majority of the council is in favor of our text."

In the latest signs of regional instability, two civilians were shot dead on Friday while working in fields in central Mali by armed men on motorbikes.

Also, a Malian soldier was killed in a mine explosion on Thursday, and Malian customs and police checkpoints were set on fire near the Niger and Burkina Faso borders. Defense Ministry sources blamed jihadists.
Angolan President Jose Eduardo Dos Santos, pictured in February 2017, will retire from the presidency, but not without a golden parachute to keep him comfortable

Angola's government is preparing a golden parachute for the country's president Jose Eduardo dos Santos, complete with first-class air travel and a chauffeur-driven car.

And after 38 years in power, he will retire on a pension not far short of his current salary.

A bill to go before parliament would grant him generous benefits -- and even create a special legal status to protect him from prosecution for alleged corruption.

Dos Santos, 74, has said he will not seek another term in office in legislative elections set for August 23.

Parliament will vote next Thursday on a proposal to pay him a pension equivalent to 90 percent of his current monthly salary.

That now stands at just over a million kwanza (about 5,600 euros, $6,200) after Dos Santos granted himself a wage rise by decree on June 8.

As well as a pension for life, the proposal before parliament would grant him a chauffeur-driven car, bodyguards and first-class air travel.

And it would also create a special legal status for the future ex-head-of-state.

As "president of the republic emeritus honorary" he could only be judged before a special tribunal "for criminal or civil liability for acts unrelated to the exercise of his functions" -- which is to say for any alleged corruption.

Dos Santos has been in power since 1979 and critics accuse him of having used the State to direct money to his relatives by putting them in charge of major public enterprises.

Rights activists have also condemned abuses they say have been carried out by the police and justice system under his rule.

Raul Danda, vice president of the opposition UNITA party, told AFP they would be voting against the text. "This bill is made exclusively to benefit Dos Santos," he said.

Dos Santos is only Angola's second post-independence leader.

His predecessor Agostinho Neto, head of the former guerilla movement the MPLA (Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola) which wrested independence from Portugal on 1975, died in office in 1979.

In February, the ruling MPLA named Jose Lourenco, currently defence minister, as Dos Santos' successor and he is most likely to succeed him after the August election.

Although Angola is one of the two largest producers of oil in sub-Saharan Africa, along with Nigeria, it remains one of the poorest countries on the continent.

The fall of the price of crude oil in 2014 plunged the country into a severe economic crisis.
Otto Warmbier, 22, seen in North Korea in March 2016, suffered extensive tissue loss in all regions of his brain, doctors said, while adding they could not determine the cause of his injury

US President Donald Trump on Friday urged the nation to pray for Otto Warmbier, the university student detained in North Korea last year who was flown home this week in a coma.

"I'm glad Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and I, along with a very talented team, were able to get Otto Warmbier back with his parents. What's happened to him is a truly terrible thing," Trump said in Miami at the start of a speech on Cuba.

"But at least the ones who love him so much can now take care of him and be with him," he said, urging Americans to keep the family "in our hearts and prayers."

Warmbier, 22, suffered extensive tissue loss in all regions of his brain, doctors said Thursday, while adding they could not determine the cause of his injury.

He was incarcerated in March 2016 for stealing a political poster from a hotel. The injury apparently occurred shortly thereafter.

Neurologist Daniel Kanter told a news conference in Warmbier's home city of Cincinnati, Ohio on Thursday that his neurological condition was best described "as a state of unresponsive wakefulness."

"He has spontaneous eye opening and blinking. However, he shows no signs of understanding language, responding to verbal commands or awareness of his surroundings," he said.

The doctors said Warmbier's severe brain injury was most likely -- given his young age -- to have been caused by cardiopulmonary arrest cutting the blood supply to the brain.

The university student, who had been on a tourist trip, was sentenced to 15 years hard labor, a punishment the US decried as far out of proportion to his alleged crime, accusing the North of using him as a political pawn.
After Gabon's President Ali Bongo, pictured in March 2017, was reelected August 2016 by a margin of just a few thousand votes, his administration was accused of voter fraud and violence broke out

A team from the International Criminal Court (ICC) will visit Gabon next week to look into claims of post-election violence last year, the court prosecutor's office announced Friday, in a move welcomed by rights activists.

The ICC has yet to open a formal inquiry into the claims of violence made by defeated presidential candidate, opposition leader Jean Ping and 15 non-governmental organisations.

But an ICC spokesman said Friday they would make a two-day visit next week, arriving Tuesday to carry out a preliminary investigation.

Ping and the NGOs that filed the complaints have denounced the violence that followed the controversial re-election of President Ali Bongo by a narrow margin in August last year.

"It's good news for Gabon," said Georges Mpaga, coordinator for the 15 groups. "The crimes committed must be acknowledged, justice must be done," he said.

The ICC team will speak to officials in the interior, defence and justice ministries, as well as international organisations active in the capital Libreville.

Foreign Minister Pacome Moubelet-Boubeya also welcomed the visit as "a useful mission at a time when there is a lot of wild talk about the events that followed the election."

The visit would help clarify matters, he added.

Jean-Gaspard Ntoumtoume Ayi, a spokesman for Ping,said he hoped the ICC would open a formal inquiry after their visit.

Bongo's re-election, by just a few thousand votes, led Ping to accuse the administration of electoral fraud.

Violence broke out on August 31, four days after the election, and opposition figures say that more than 50 people died in the ensuing clashes.

The official toll was only three dead, and in a speech earlier this year Bongo played down the unrest as a "family quarrel".
Leonardo DiCaprio has surrendered gifts he received from the production company behind "The Wolf of Wall Street," a firm co-founded by the son-in-law of Malaysia's prime minister, amid an inquiry into a huge money-laundering scheme involving a sovereign wealth fund in that country

Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio confirmed Friday that he has turned over an Oscar won by Marlon Brando, along with other gifts, amid an inquiry into a multibillion-dollar money-laundering scheme involving a Malaysian sovereign wealth fund.

US authorities are seeking to recover billions in money and assets allegedly embezzled by businessmen with political connections in Malaysia. The scandal has rocked the Malaysian governing class, exposing Prime Minister Najib Razak to allegations of corruption, which he has denied.

A spokesman for DiCaprio said in a statement that the 42-year-old actor had contacted the US Justice Department last July after learning of a civil action against "certain parties involved in the making of 'The Wolf of Wall Street,'" a movie in which DiCaprio starred.

He offered to surrender to US authorities any gifts "from the parties named in the civil complaint."

DiCaprio "initiated return of these items," said the statement provided to AFP. It said he did so before the US government on Thursday filed a new complaint that cited the Red Granite production company behind "The Wolf of Wall Street."

"He has also returned an Oscar originally won by Marlon Brando, which was given to Mr. DiCaprio as a set gift by Red Granite to thank him for his work on "The Wolf of Wall Street.'"

- Jets, apartments and royalties -

US authorities announced Thursday that they intended to seize more than a half-billion dollars in additional assets acquired with money embezzled from the 1MDB Malaysian sovereign fund, at the heart of a vast international scandal.

Those assets include a $261 million yacht purchased by Malaysian businessman Jho Low, as well as paintings by Picasso and Jean-Michel Basquiat; and the royalties of "Dumb and Dummer To" and "Daddy's Home."

Those films were also produced by Red Granite, a Los Angeles company co-founded by Riza Aziz, son-in-law of Razak.

In a statement received Friday, Red Granite said it was in "active" discussions with the Justice Department.

The US authorities first moved in July 2016 to recover some $1 billion in assets, including private jets, luxury apartments and royalties from "The Wolf of Wall Street."

The Justice Department said those assets had been acquired as part of an "international conspiracy" intended to launder billions of dollars embezzled from 1MDB, or 1Malaysia Development Berhad, a public fund created in 2009. Razak is its advisory chair.

Razak created the fund shortly after coming to power in 2009, saying it would help modernize the country.

1MDB now carries debt of some 10 billion euros ($11.2 billion). The prime minister and fund officials have consistently denied any wrongdoing.
Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu attends a news conference in Kuwait City on June 15, 2017 as part of a regional tour aimed at resolving the Gulf crisis

Turkey's foreign minister visited Saudi Arabia on Friday for talks aimed at resolving the Gulf diplomatic crisis, as Qatar accused its neighbours of imposing a devastating "siege" on the emirate.

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Egypt and others severed diplomatic and economic ties with Qatar almost two weeks ago, accusing Doha of supporting extremist groups, which Doha denies.

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, who is trying to broker a solution, landed in Jeddah for talks with King Salman in the holy city of Mecca, a day after meeting his Kuwaiti counterpart.

The emir of Kuwait, which did not cut ties with Qatar, has also been trying to mediate in the row.

Among the punitive measures imposed on Doha, Gulf states gave Qataris 14 days to get out and ordered home their own citizens living in Qatar.

They also banned Qatar Airways from their airspace while Saudi Arabia also closed its land border through which much of Qatar's food supply crossed.

Ali bin Smaikh al-Marri, chairman of Qatar's national human rights committee, said the measures amounted to "collective punishment" and cited one case of a mother being separated from her baby.

This had led to "gross violations of human rights", Marri told reporters in Geneva, speaking in Arabic through a translator, pointing out that every Qatari family had at least one member living in other countries in the region.

These measures "are harsher than the Berlin Wall that separated families", he added.

Last week, US President Donald Trump expressed support for the Saudi-led allegations against Qatar, charging it had "historically been a funder of terrorism at a very high level".

Pentagon and State Department officials have since scrambled to reassure the emirate, which hosts the largest US airbase in the Middle East and the command headquarters for operations in Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan.

- Joint military drills -

The US and Qatari navies on Friday ended a three-day joint exercise involving nine vessels off Qatar's east coast including gun boats as well as coastguard and supply ships.

Among the tests carried out were air defence and surface missile simulation drills, according to a senior Qatari naval officer.

The crisis has put Turkey in a delicate position as Ankara regards Qatar as its chief ally in the Gulf but is also keen to maintain its improving ties with regional power Saudi Arabia.

At the same time, Turkey is eager to maintain workable relations with Iran, Saudi Arabia's foe.

Cavusoglu visited Doha on Wednesday where he called for dialogue after meeting Qatar's emir and foreign minister ahead of his Saudi stop.

"Although the kingdom is a party in this crisis, we know that King Salman is a party in resolving it," Cavusoglu said earlier.

"We want to hear the views of Saudi Arabia regarding possible solutions and will share with them our views in a transparent way... We pay a great attention to our relations with them," he said.

As diplomatic efforts continued, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held a three-way call with French counterpart Emmanuel Macron and the Qatar emir.

They underlined the need to "urgently lower tension" in the Gulf, Turkish presidential sources said.

Erdogan on Tuesday described the decision by Gulf states to cut political and economic ties with Qatar as "inhumane and un-Islamic".

He stopped short of directly criticising Saudi Arabia and said that as "the elder statesman of the Gulf," Salman should resolve the matter.
The aftermath of Philando Castile's fatal shooting was captured on video recorded by his girlfriend and broadcast on Facebook Live

A jury in Minnesota on Friday acquitted the police officer who fatally shot 32-year-old African American Philando Castile, whose dying moments were captured on Facebook video in a case that shocked the nation.

Jeronimo Yanez, 29, was found not guilty on three charges: second-degree manslaughter, and two felony counts of intentional discharge of a dangerous weapon for endangering the safety of Castile's girlfriend Diamond Reynolds and her four-year-old daughter.

Both were in the car when the officer shot Castile during a traffic stop.

The aftermath of the shooting on July 6 last year was captured on video recorded by Reynolds and broadcast on Facebook Live. In it, Castile can be seen bleeding to death in the driver's seat.

The video sparked protests across the United States and further exposed tensions between US police and African Americans.

Castile's family reacted with anger outside the courthouse, and several groups planned demonstrations after the verdict.

"I'm mad as hell right now. Yes, I am," Castile's mother Valerie told a gathering of reporters.

"The system continues to fail black people."

The jury in the case spent approximately 30 hours deliberating, and asked the judge to re-examine the Facebook video and the video from the police car dashboard camera, along with Yanez's testimony on the stand.

US prosecutors have found it difficult to make criminal charges stick in police shooting cases.

All six Baltimore officers charged over the 2015 death of Freddie Gray due to spinal cord injuries suffered in the back of a police van were eventually cleared.
US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson will skip a trip to Mexico in order to focus on the diplomatic crisis in the Gulf over Qatar, a US ally

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on Friday cancelled his attendance at next week's Organization of American States meeting in Mexico, opting to stay in Washington to focus on the diplomatic crisis in the Middle East.

Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan will represent the United States at the regional meeting scheduled for Monday to Wednesday in the resort city of Cancun.

"The secretary of state will continue his efforts to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East region through in-person meetings and phone conversations with Gulf and regional leaders," the State Department said in a statement.

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Egypt and others severed diplomatic and economic ties with Qatar almost two weeks ago, accusing Doha of supporting extremist groups.

Qatar -- a longtime US ally -- denies the accusations.

But last week, US President Donald Trump expressed support for the Saudi-led allegations, charging that Qatar had "historically been a funder of terrorism at a very high level."

Pentagon and State Department officials have since scrambled to reassure the emirate, which hosts the largest US airbase in the Middle East and the command headquarters for operations in Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan.

On Thursday, the United States agreed to a $12 billion warplane sale to Qatar, reaffirming its support.

Tillerson "has made more than a dozen phone calls and participated in several in-person meetings" in efforts to tamp down the crisis, the State Department said.

"The secretary will continue these efforts."
Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, pictured on June 5, 2017, is adamant that the Gulf states need to engage in dialogue in order to solve the tensions with Qatar

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu held talks in Saudi Arabia on Friday with King Salman, continuing efforts to resolve the Gulf's biggest diplomatic crisis in years.

Diplomatic sources told AFP that

"the meeting was positive", but there were no specifics.

Riyadh, the UAE, Egypt and others severed diplomatic and economic ties with Qatar almost two weeks ago, accusing Doha of supporting groups, including some backed by Iran, "that aim to destabilise the region".

Qatar denies any such support for extremists.

Cavusoglu travelled to the holy city of Mecca where Salman is based for the last days of Ramadan, after meeting his Kuwaiti counterpart on Thursday.

The emir of Kuwait, which did not cut ties with Qatar, has also been trying to mediate.

Turkey's chief diplomat was in Doha on Wednesday where he called for dialogue after meeting Qatar's emir and foreign minister ahead of his Saudi stop.

"Although the kingdom is a party in this crisis, we know that King Salman is a party in resolving it," Cavusoglu said earlier.

"We want to hear the views of Saudi Arabia regarding possible solutions and will share with them our views in a transparent way... We pay a great attention to our relations with them," he said.

The crisis has put Turkey in a delicate position as Ankara regards Qatar as its chief ally in the Gulf but is also keen to maintain its improving ties with regional power Saudi Arabia.

At the same time, Turkey is eager to maintain workable relations with Iran, Saudi Arabia's foe.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday described the decision by Gulf states to cut political and economic ties with Qatar as "inhumane and un-Islamic".

He stopped short of directly criticising Saudi Arabia and said that as "the elder statesman of the Gulf," Salman should resolve the matter.

Among the punitive measures, Qatar Airways is banned from the airspace of its neighbours, Gulf states gave Qataris 14 days to get out, and Saudi closed its land border through which much of Qatar's food supply crossed.
LONDON (AP) - With smoke still swirling around the charred remains of Grenfell Tower in west London, residents and community leaders demanded to know Wednesday how a ferocious fire could have swept through the high-rise apartment block with such speed that it killed at least 12 people.

The anger was particularly strong since activists had warned just seven months ago that fire safety procedures were so lax that only a catastrophic blaze would bring the scrutiny needed to make the building safe.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Parts of the building still burn hours after a deadly blaze at a high rise apartment block in London, Wednesday, June 14, 2017. Fire swept through a high-rise apartment building in west London early Wednesday, killing an unknown number of people with around 50 people being taken to hospital. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)

Fire and police officials have not specified what went wrong, but extensive video footage shows the flames climbing the exterior of the building at a remarkable pace.

"I've never seen a fire like that in my life," said Joe Ruane, the former deputy chief fire officer for U.S. Air Force bases in Britain. "I've never seen that in a residential block."

The 24-story public housing complex is owned by the local government council in the borough of Kensington and Chelsea and was completed in the 1970s. It is managed by the Kensington and Chelsea Tenant Management Organization, which spent 10 million pounds ($12.8 million) refurbishing the building over the last two years.

The renovation project included installation of insulated exterior cladding, double-glazed windows and a communal heating system. Investigators need to look at what materials were used in the project and who approved their use, Ruane said. But he said the speed with which the fire spread suggests that more than one fire protection safeguard failed.

"It's not just one thing," Ruane said. "It's multiple issues."

WHAT WAS THE FIRE PROCEDURE AT THE BUILDING?

Some residents suggested that Grenfell Tower's policies were to blame for the disaster.

A newsletter put out by the building's tenant organization told tenants to follow a "stay put" policy and remain in their apartments during a fire unless the blaze was inside their apartment or in their hallway or until they were told to evacuate by officials.

This policy is in place "because Grenfell was designed according to rigorous fire-safety standards," according to the 2014 newsletter about the renovation project. New front doors in each apartment could withstand a fire for up to 30 minutes, "which gives plenty of time for the fire brigade to arrive," the newsletter said.

That policy, often followed in high-rise hotels, may be effective in lesser fires. In this case, however, the fire seemed to climb the exterior of the tower so quickly that it overwhelmed protective systems like fire doors. People who initially remained in place may have been unable to escape later because the hallways and fire escapes were filled with heavy smoke and flames.

The London Fire Brigade said crews were on the scene within six minutes of the first reports of the fire, but they were unable to reach people on higher floors to prevent fatalities.

WHO IS TO BLAME?

While investigations are underway to determine what went wrong, tenants said repeated complaints were ignored. Survivor Edward Daffarn said the Kensington and Chelsea Tenant Management Organization, or KCTMO, which manages the Grenfell Tower as well as other buildings in the area, is responsible because it ignored numerous warnings.

The management organization's annual accounts for the year ending March 31, 2016, indicate that the company has been cited for fire-safety issues in the past.

Following an October 2015 arson fire at one of the buildings it manages, the 14-story Adair Tower, the London Fire Brigade issued an enforcement notice to install self-closing devices on the front doors of all 78 apartments and to improve fire safety in staircases used for escape, the organization said in the report.

The Fire Brigade issued a similar notice for another KCTMO-managed building, Hazelwood Tower. The upgrades were scheduled to be completed by 2016, the report said.

The Grenfell Tower disaster is uncomfortably similar to a fast-moving blaze at another London-area public housing project, Lakanal House, that killed six people, including three children, eight years ago. In that July 2009 fire, smoke and flames quickly engulfed the 14-story building. A coroner's inquest found that a series of failures contributed to the loss of life and made a number of recommendations to help prevent future disasters.

Investigators probing the Grenfell Tower fire will have to look at which of those recommendations were implemented in the building and which were not, said Jim Fitzpatrick, a former firefighter who now serves in the House of Commons.

"These will be matters for the scientists and the engineers ... to find out exactly how the fire started, why it spread so quickly and what could have been done to prevent it," Fitzpatrick told Sky News.

A local community organization, the Grenfell Action Group, had warned about fire dangers at the building since 2013. In a series of blog posts, the group raised concerns about testing and maintenance of fire-fighting equipment and blocked emergency access to the site.

"All our warnings fell on deaf ears, and we predicted that a catastrophe like this was inevitable and just a matter of time," the group said in a blog post Wednesday.

KCTMO said it is cooperating with investigators and that it was aware of tenant complaints. "We always take all concerns seriously and these will form part of our forthcoming investigations," it said in a statement.

The Kensington and Chelsea Council promised a full investigation into Wednesday's tragedy and a public accounting. The UK government also ordered checks at tower blocks that have had or are going through similar renovations as those at Grenfell Tower.

A person, bottom right, peers out of a window from a building on fire in London, Wednesday, June 14, 2017. Metropolitan Police in London say they're continuing to evacuate people from a massive apartment fire in west London. The fire has been burning for more than three hours and stretches from the second to the 27th floor of the building.(AP Photo/Matt Dunham)

Smoke and flames rise from a building on fire in London, Wednesday, June 14, 2017. Metropolitan Police in London say they're continuing to evacuate people from a massive apartment fire in west London. The fire has been burning for more than three hours and stretches from the second to the 27th floor of the building.(AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
SYDNEY (AP) - An Australian man was arrested at Sydney Airport on Thursday after five months of surveillance on suspicion of planning to fly to Syria to fight with Islamic State group militants, police said.

Moudasser Taleb, 22, took a taxi to the airport to buy a ticket to Turkey or Lebanon and was carrying military-style clothing when he was arrested, New South Wales Police Deputy Commissioner Dave Hudson said.

Police charged Taleb with preparing for an incursion into a foreign country to carry out violent acts. He faces a possible life prison sentence if convicted.

"We believe he was acting alone in this particular act and was radicalized by himself," Hudson told reporters.

"We are alleging through online communication he was radicalized and then made a decision to travel overseas and fight for Islamic State," he added.

Taleb is to appear in a Sydney court on Friday.
MOGADISHU, Somalia (AP) - The Latest on deadly attack on restaurant in Somalia's capital (all times local):

___

4:15 p.m.

Somalis gather outside a destroyed building near a restaurant that was the scene of a car bomb blast and gun battle in Mogadishu, Somalia Thursday, June 15, 2017. Somali survivors early Thursday described harrowing scenes of the night-long siege of a popular Mogadishu restaurant by al-Shabab Islamic extremists that was ended by security forces. (AP Photo/Farah Abdi Warsameh)

Somalia's president has condemned the overnight siege of a popular restaurant in the capital that police say killed at least 31 people. The extremist group al-Shabab has claimed responsibility.

A Somali government statement says President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed called the victims "martyrs" and noted that the attack came during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

The president notes that the attackers targeted a place frequented by teens and young adults.

Mohamed has repeatedly vowed to defeat al-Shabab within two years, but security remains a major challenge in the long-chaotic country.

___

2:40 p.m.

Police say the death toll in an overnight attack by al-Shabab extremists on a popular restaurant in Somalia's capital has risen to 31.

Capt. Mohamed Hussein says many of the victims were killed at point-blank range after the attackers hunted them down.

Police say nearly 40 people were wounded in the assault that began when a car bomb exploded outside the Pizza House restaurant in Mogadishu.

Security forces ended the siege Thursday morning after the extremist snipers fired on them. Hussein says all five attackers were killed.

___

7:55 a.m.

Fighting continued through the night as Somalia's al-Shabab Islamic extremists fought off heavily armed soldiers in a bloody siege at a popular Mogadishu restaurant.

Extremist snipers fired on security troops who surrounded the restaurant building and used big guns mounted on the backs of vehicles to neutralize militants. Soldiers entered the ground floor while the insurgent attackers held positions upstairs.

Senior Somali police office Capt. Mohamed Hussein said at dawn Thursday that at least one attacker was firing on troops from inside the restaurant.

The roofs were blown off the Pizza House restaurant and nearby buildings from the powerful blasts.

High casualties are feared in the attack on the busy restaurant. Police said the bodies of five girls thought to have been killed by militants were found in the restaurant.
TECUMSEH, Neb. (AP) - An inmate is accused of setting a fire during a deadly uprising at a southeast Nebraska state prison earlier this year.

Johnson County Court records say 26-year-old Eric Ramos is charged with felony arson in the March 2 uprising at the Tecumseh prison. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for Wednesday.

Ramos' attorney didn't immediately return a call Thursday from The Associated Press.

Ramos' charge is the first filed in relation to the riots that left two inmates dead. Prison officials have said inmates became violent after prison staffers confiscated 150 pounds (68 kilograms) of homemade alcohol.

Ramos is serving eight to 10 years on convictions for criminal mischief, domestic assault and weapons.

Tecumseh is 62 miles (100 kilometers) south of Omaha.
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - A fake architect named Newman has pleaded guilty to fraud after an investigation New York's attorney general dubbed "Operation Vandelay Industries."

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman's office says Paul J. Newman had rendered fraudulent architectural services since 2010 in Albany, Rensselaer and Saratoga counties. Schneiderman said Wednesday that Newman pleaded guilty to six felonies including grand larceny and fraud. Victims included municipalities and businesses.

Newman is expected to be sentenced to 2-1/3 to 7 years in state prison and pay more than $115,000 in restitution.

Schneiderman dubbed the operation to nab Newman "Vandelay Industries" in reference to a long-running joke on "Seinfeld" about a fictional company by that name. A character named Newman was Jerry's nemesis on the sitcom.
The UPS driver who shot dead three co-workers had a drunk driving conviction, a grievance against his company and had struggled with depression, but none of it explains his motive for the massacre, officials said.

Jimmy Lam's colleagues and investigators say they are at a loss to determine why the UPS driver showed up at his San Francisco workplace and gunned down three colleagues.

Lam, an 18-year veteran of UPS, appeared to single out the three slain drivers but investigators have yet to determine a motive for Wednesday's attack, an official in the San Francisco Police Department said.

The official was not authorized to discuss the case publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity.

A mourner visits a makeshift memorial outside of a UPS facility Thursday where three employees were shot and killed a day earlier

The shooter, Jimmy Lam, an 18-year veteran of UPS, appeared to single out the three slain drivers but investigators have yet to determine a motive for Wednesday's attack, an official in the San Francisco Police Department said. A mourner is seen above at the makeshift memorial

Two of the victims of the shooting rampage have been identified as Benson Louie (left), 50, and Mike Lefiti, 46, (right). Both men had worked with UPS for 17 years

As his co-workers frantically fled the room, Lam shot Wayne Chan (above), 56, in the back and then walked up and 'finished him', according to witnesses. Chan worked at UPS for 28 years

Police officers gather outside a UPS facility after a driver opened fire during a meeting, killing three and injuring two others before turning the gun on himself

The violence ended when the 38-year-old Lam turned the gun on himself and took his own life as workers ran from the packing facility and police closed in.

Shaun Vu, a senior UPS driver, said Lam had seemed to be on friendly terms with the three men he killed.

Lam had struggled with depression and had personal troubles a few years ago that involved a dispute with a girlfriend over visitation rights for their young child.

Vu said he encouraged Lam to seek counseling.

'I told him, "You have a problem or feel bad about yourself or your life, the best thing to do is get professional help",' he said.

Lam told Vu that he would speak with management and then took off work for several months.

He seemed fine when he returned to work but Vu noticed a few weeks ago that Lam looked troubled.

'I just saw him passing by and asked how he was doing,' Vu said. 'He said something like, "I'm hanging in there".'

'I don't think he had anybody he could talk to and it got worse and worse,' Vu said.

Lam also had a history of off-duty driving violations.

The workplace shooting rampage was reported at around 9am PT Wednesday at this sorting hub in San Francisco. The shooter, Lam, had his troubles: a drunk driving conviction, a grievance against his company, a struggle with personal issues and depression a few years ago

A UPS worker is seen reacting after the deadly shooting that left four dead - including the gunman, Lam, dead. Lam had struggled with depression and had personal troubles a few years ago that involved a dispute with a girlfriend over visitation rights for their young child

Heavily armed police officers gather outside the UPS facility after the shooting

UPS workers embraced outside the scene of the workplace shooting rampage that left three innocent victims dead

He was convicted twice of driving on a suspended license in 2013 and 2014, according to DMV records.

His license was also suspended in 2014 for negligently operating a vehicle.

Lam also had a run-in with the law in 2010, when he was convicted in San Francisco of driving under the influence and sentenced to three years' probation.

There was no indication that Lam's driving record affected his ability to work at UPS.

UPS spokeswoman Susan Rosenberg said she did not know details about Lam's driving record and would not comment.

She added, however, that UPS drivers are expected to be able to drive legally.

In March, Lam filed a grievance claiming he was working excessive overtime, said Joseph Cilia, Lam's friend and an official with the union that represents UPS drivers.

Cilia said Lam was upset with managers whom he accused of forcing him to work overtime.

But none of the men who were shot were managers, Cilia noted.

Lam was a US citizen who emigrated to the United States as a baby from Thailand, said Sharon Rummery, a spokeswoman for US Immigration and Citizenship Services.

She declined further comment.

The shooting occurred during a morning planning meeting before drivers set out on delivery routes.

Cilia said witnesses told him that Lam walked up to driver Benson Louie and shot him during the meeting.

San Francisco Assistant Chief of Police Toney Chaplin said at a press conference the shooter was dressed in a UPS uniform and was armed with an assault pistol

A police officer reacts at the scene on Wednesday. Lam was convicted twice of driving on a suspended license in 2013 and 2014, according to DMV records

As his co-workers frantically fled the room, he shot Wayne Chan in the back and then walked up and 'finished him', Cilia said, citing witnesses.

Victim Mike Lefiti was fleeing from the building when Lam went to a street and shot him, he said.

Lefiti, 46, and Louie, 50, had each worked for UPS for 17 years, according to the company.

Chan, 56, had 28 years of service.

UPS employees paid respects to the victims at a memorial erected at the packing facility where the shooting had occurred a day earlier.

People said prayers and signed a poster honoring their three longtime colleagues.

Vu described Chan as an expert handyman who would come over at any time to help him build a fence or repair an electricity outlet.

Chan leaves behind a wife and two children.

Tributes also poured on social media for Louie, who was considered a legend in nine-man volleyball, a version of a game brought over by Chinese immigrant laborers who played in the streets.

He left behind a wife and two daughters.

Mamie Wong said she had known Louie since they were in junior high school.

'He had a big, generous heart,' she said.

'He'd bend over backward for you. If you needed a place to stay, he would give you a place. If you needed a car to drive, he would give you a car.

'He's left a big hole in our hearts.'
BEIRUT (AP) - Uncertainty and confusion surrounded the fate of the head of the Islamic State group Friday as Russia announced it may have killed him in an airstrike targeting a meeting of IS leaders just outside the group's self-declared capital in Syria, but U.S. officials said there was no definitive proof of his death.

The demise of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi would be a severe blow to the extremist group as it fights to hang on to its strongholds in Syria and Iraq, although it was not clear how much operational control he retains over the organization whose capabilities keep evolving on the battlefield and beyond.

Apart from Moscow's claim that he may have been killed in the May 28 airstrike along with more than 300 militants, there was not much else to back it up. The Russian Defense Ministry said the information about his death was still "being verified through various channels."

FILE - This file image made from video posted on a militant website Saturday, July 5, 2014, purports to show the leader of the Islamic State group, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, delivering a sermon at a mosque in Iraq during his first public appearance. The Russian military claims it has killed the leader of the Islamic State group in an airstrike. The ministry said Friday, June 16, 2017, that Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was killed in a Russian strike in late May along with other senior group commanders. (AP Photo/Militant video, File)

Asked about that claim at a Moscow news conference, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said: "I don't have a 100 percent confirmation of the information."

A spokesman for the U.S.-led coalition fighting the Islamic State said he would welcome such news but urged caution.

"There have been several past claims of this kind that have been proven false, and we have seen no definitive proof that this report is true either," U.S. Army Col. Ryan Dillon said. Capt. Jeff Davis, a Pentagon spokesman, also said there was no information to corroborate the report.

Al-Baghdadi, believed to be in his mid-40s, last released an audio message Nov. 3, urging his followers to keep up the fight for Mosul as they defended the Iraqi city against a major offensive that had begun weeks earlier.

The latest report of his death comes amid major setbacks for IS, having lost significant territory on both sides of its so-called caliphate in Syria and Iraq. The group is fighting for survival in a few remaining neighborhoods in western Mosul and is now under attack in Raqqa, its self-styled capital.

The battle for Raqqa was launched a few days after al-Baghdadi's supposed killing, at a time when most of the group's commanders have relocated to Mayadeen , a remote town in the heart of Syria's IS-controlled, Euphrates River valley near the Iraqi border. The relocation could extend the group's ability to wreak havoc in the region and beyond for months to come.

Most recently, the group claimed responsibility for attacks in Iran's parliament and at the tomb of revolutionary leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in Tehran, killing at least 17 people and injuring more than 50. It also claimed responsibility for a June 3 attack in London that killed eight people. Both took place after the Russian airstrike.

On Monday, IS released an audio message from its chief spokesman, Abu al-Hassan al-Muhajer, urging supporters to carry out attacks in the United States and Europe during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. There was no mention al-Baghdadi.

At the news conference, Lavrov noted that if al-Baghdadi's death is confirmed, its importance mustn't be overestimated. He said that "past examples of similar actions to strike the leadership of terrorist groups were presented with much enthusiasm and pomp, but the experience shows that those structures later regained their capability."

Still, the death of al-Baghdadi would be a major military and propaganda success for Russia, which has waged a military campaign in support of Syrian President Bashar Assad since September 2015. Moscow has a strong interest in showing that it is also fighting IS in Syria - something that has been questioned in the West.

That is partly why the news was met with skepticism.

"Russia has a long track record of issuing fake claims and deliberate misinformation during its campaign in Syria," said Charles Lister, a senior fellow at the Washington-based Middle East Institute.

He said the claims should be taken "with a heavy grain of salt," adding that "there's no logical reason imaginable" why al-Baghdadi would have risked staying in a surrounded, sitting target with U.S.-led forces only days away from launching their final assault on Raqqa.

The claim comes nearly three years to the day after al-Baghdadi declared himself the leader of IS from a historic mosque in Mosul, the largest city the group has ever held. Since then, it has horrified the world with mass killings and other atrocities in areas it controls, as well as claiming attacks around the world that killed hundreds.

Al-Baghdadi is a nom de guerre for a man identified as Ibrahim Awwad Ibrahim Ali al-Badri al-Samarrai. The U.S. has a $25 million bounty for information leading to his death or capture.

It is not clear who would succeed al-Baghdadi. The group has lost many of its top commanders in U.S.-led airstrikes, including Fadhil Ahmad al-Hayali, said by U.S. officials to be the second in command.

The group's current No. 2 is believed to be Ayad Abdul-Rahman al-Obeidi, also known as Abu Saleh Haifa, a former Iraqi army officer under Saddam Hussein. But according to Hisham al-Hashimi, an Iraqi expert on IS who advises the Iraqi government, he is not likely to succeed al-Baghdadi as "caliph," since that title is reserved for members of the Prophet Muhammed's Quraish tribe, according to some Muslim scholars. Al-Obeidi is not a member.

Al-Hashimi predicted that al-Baghdadi's death could splinter the organization into three groups: One will return to the mother al-Qaida group and form its arm in Iraq; another will join al-Qaida's branch in Syria known as Fatah al-Sham Front; and the third group, which is the weakest, will remain loyal to al-Baghdadi's ideology.

The May 28 air raid targeted an IS meeting in Raqqa's southern outskirts and killed about 30 midlevel militant leaders and about 300 other guards, the Russian Defense Ministry said.

It said the IS leaders were discussing the group's withdrawal from Raqqa, with the military planning the airstrike after hearing that the leadership would be meeting.

Drones were sent to monitor the area, followed by Su-34 bombers and Su-35 fighter jets to carry out the attack, the ministry said.

"According to the information that is being verified through various channels, IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi also attended the meeting and was killed in the airstrike," the military said in a statement.

The Defense Ministry added that it had warned the U.S. of the coming strike.

Syrian opposition activists reported airstrikes May 28 south of Raqqa that killed more than a dozen people.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which tracks Syria's war, said airstrikes on the road linked the villages of Ratla and Kasrat killed 18 people, while the activist-operated group Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently said 17 civilians were killed in the airstrike on buses carrying civilians.

The Observatory said the dead included 10 IS members.

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Isachenkov reported from Moscow. Associated Press writer Bassem Mroue in Beirut and Lolita C. Baldor and Robert Burns in Washington contributed.

This photo taken from the Russian Defense Ministry official web site on Friday, June 16, 2017, claims to show an aerial image at left of the IS headquarters on May 13, 2017, and an aerial image taken on May 29, at right, showing the same site following the Russian airstrike on May 28, 2017 on the outskirts of Raqqa, Syria. The sign at right reads Airstrike, the target destroyed. The sign on bottom right says The date of airstrike is May 28, 2017. Russia says it is verifying whether it killed the leader of the Islamic State group in an airstrike targeting a meeting of IS leaders just outside the group's de facto capital in Syria. (Russian Defense Ministry Press Service Photo via AP)

FILE - In this file image made from video provided by Russian Defence Ministry press service on Aug. 18, 2016, shows a Russian combat fighter bomber Su-34 unloads its bombs over a target in Syria. The Russian military claims it has killed the leader of the Islamic State group in an airstrike. The ministry said Friday, June 16, 2017, that Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was killed in a Russian strike in late May along with other senior group commanders. (Russian Defence Ministry Press Service photo via AP, File)

FILE - This undated file frame grab from video posted online Monday, May 29, 2017, by the Aamaq News Agency, a media arm of the Islamic State group, shows people inspecting damage from airstrikes and artillery shelling in the northern Syrian city of Raqqa, the de facto capital of the IS. (Aamaq News Agency via AP, File)

FILE - In this file photo provided on Tuesday, March 15, 2016, by the Russian Defense Ministry Press Service, a lineup of Russian troops is held before withdrawal at Hemeimeem air base in Syria. Russia claimed Friday, June 16, 2017 it killed the leader of the Islamic State group in an airstrike on a meeting of IS leaders just outside the IS de facto capital in Syria. The Russian Defense Ministry said Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was killed in a Russian strike in late May along with other senior group commanders. (Vadim Grishankin/Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP, file)

FILE - In this file photo made from the footage taken from Russian Defense Ministry official web site on Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2016, Russian Su-33 fighter jets stand on the flight deck of the Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. Russia claimed Friday, June 16, 2017 it killed the leader of the Islamic State group in an airstrike on a meeting of IS leaders just outside the IS de facto capital in Syria. The Russian Defense Ministry said Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was killed in a Russian strike in late May along with other senior group commanders. (Russian Defense Ministry Press Service/ Photo via AP, File)
LONDON (AP) - It's been called a "tale of two cities": London's Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, with its billionaires' homes, neat rows of embassies and a royal palace, is known around the world as the wealthiest place in Britain. Yet it's also home to some of the capital's poorest, most ethnically diverse neighborhoods - including the one where an apartment block went up in flames this week, leaving at least 17 dead and whole families missing.

The shock of that tragedy, the worst of its kind London has seen in decades, has mobilized residents to set aside the extreme inequalities of the borough and come together in an outpouring of grief and support.

Churches and mosques near Grenfell Tower were inundated with donations for victims of the fire, many piled so high with boxes they had to turn away a steady stream of residents who kept appearing with food, clothing and other supplies. Strangers stopped each other in the street to catch up on which items needed to go where, offering their bikes for transporting donations.

Volunteers organise donations near Grenfell Tower in west London, Thursday, June 15, 2017. A massive fire raced through the 24-storey high-rise apartment building in west London early Wednesday, and London fire commissioner says it will take weeks for the building to be searched and 'cleared'. (AP Photo/Tim Ireland)

"We've all got compassion. We've all got children who went to school with the kids who lived in that building," said Kirsteen Malcolm, who has lived in north Kensington for 20 years.

Malcolm was helping at a makeshift collection station under an overpass, where affluently dressed Britons and headscarf-covered Arab women alike jumped in as volunteers, forming a spontaneous human chain to load cases of bottled water into a van. Other volunteers sorted through mountains of donation boxes and bags. A local restaurant closed for business Thursday, instead setting up a stall at the station to serve free meals to all.

"The community is just rallying. People have just shown up to help," said Sinead O'Hare, a volunteer working at another donation point. "When I arrived last night it was so busy, but a stranger put me up in her house. It's amazing."

Those trapped and unaccounted for in Grenfell Tower, a 24-story government-owned block, included many migrant families from the Middle East and northern Africa. A wall of prayers and condolences outside a local community church reflects the diverse backgrounds of local residents, with hundreds of messages left in English and Arabic. "Allah, make it easy for everyone," one read.

Suhad Adam, who works with a local charity helping Somali communities, said she felt the atmosphere of solidarity defied the impression that London was tense from community divisions in the wake of the recent extremist attacks on the city.

"It's the first time I've seen London come together like this, Muslims, Jews, Christians," she said. "The message now is a strong one. We are together."

While Kensington commands the most expensive property prices in the country, its northern tip, where the blaze took place, includes neighborhoods ranking among the 10 percent most deprived in England, according to official data.

Just blocks away, toward the south of the borough, are the glamorous houses and restaurants of Notting Hill, an area favored by investment bankers and wealthy expatriates, and mega-mansions owned by the likes of Russian tycoon Roman Abramovich. Kensington Palace, the home of Prince Harry, Prince William and his wife Kate, is also close by.

The tower blaze has brought out long-simmering anger about that stark divide. When approached by reporters, a local resident railed about gentrification projects that knocked down low-income housing in the area, saying no one in government had paid attention to their plight. Another man at the scene said that only better-off people "with a cut-glass accent" have any hope of being taken seriously by officials.

"The people who died and lost their homes, this happened to them because they are poor," rap musician Akala told Channel 4 television. "Repeated requests were ignored. There is no way that rich people live in a building without adequate fire safety."

Still, the overall feeling at the scene was one of a community united - for now - in its determination to help in whatever way it could.

Volunteer Joy Ebere, who was handing out free pastries, cakes and fruit, said: "The food is for everyone. They have shown their love.

"We've seen many tears - my colleague here was just crying," she added. "But at the same time we are trying to use good to overcome the pain."

People donate articles of food, clothing and household items for those made homeless by the massive fire in Grenfell Tower, in London, Thursday, June 15, 2017. A massive fire raced through the 24-story high-rise apartment building in west London early Wednesday. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)

People form a human chain as they sort out articles of food, clothing and household items that were donated for those made homeless by the massive fire in Grenfell Tower, in London, Thursday, June 15, 2017. A massive fire raced through the 24-story high-rise apartment building in west London early Wednesday. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)

People write messages on a wall for the victims and in support for those affected by the massive fire in Grenfell Tower, in London, Thursday, June 15, 2017. A massive fire raced through the 24-story high-rise apartment building in west London early Wednesday. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)

People form a human chain as they sort out articles of food, clothing and household items that were donated for those made homeless by the massive fire in Grenfell Tower, in London, Thursday, June 15, 2017. A massive fire raced through the 24-story high-rise apartment building in west London early Wednesday. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)

People form a human chain as they sort out articles of food, clothing and household items that were donated for those made homeless by the massive fire in Grenfell Tower, in London, Thursday, June 15, 2017. A massive fire raced through the 24-story high-rise apartment building in west London early Wednesday. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)

People form a human chain as they sort out articles of food, clothing and household items that were donated for those made homeless by the massive fire in Grenfell Tower, in London, Thursday, June 15, 2017. A massive fire raced through the 24-story high-rise apartment building in west London early Wednesday. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)

Volunteers organise donations, under a flyover at Latimer Road, west London, after a fire engulfed the 24-storey Grenfell Tower building yesterday morning, Thursday June 15, 2017. More than 1 million pounds ($1.27 million) has been raised to help victims of the tragedy as volunteers and charities worked through the night to find shelter, food and clothes for people who had lost everything. (David Mirzoeff/PA via AP)

Volunteers organise donations, under a flyover at Latimer Road, west London, after a fire engulfed the 24-storey Grenfell Tower building yesterday morning, Thursday June 15, 2017. More than 1 million pounds ($1.27 million) has been raised to help victims of the tragedy as volunteers and charities worked through the night to find shelter, food and clothes for people who had lost everything. (David Mirzoeff/PA via AP)

Food is served from an outdoor kitchen set-up for those made homeless by the massive fire in Grenfell Tower, in London, Thursday, June 15, 2017. A massive fire raced through the 24-story high-rise apartment building in west London early Wednesday. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)

People sort out articles of food, clothing and household items that were donated for those made homeless by the massive fire in Grenfell Tower, in London, Thursday, June 15, 2017. A massive fire raced through the 24-story high-rise apartment building in west London early Wednesday. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)
BEIJING (AP) - The bombing at the front gate of a kindergarten in eastern China that killed eight people, including the suspected bomber, is the latest in a string of attacks on Chinese schools and students. Most are blamed on people with mental illnesses or who fault society or neighbors for failures in life.

Experts cite stress and feelings of inadequacy resulting from a highly demanding and rapidly changing society as contributing factors, along with shortcomings in diagnosing and treating mental illnesses.

A look at some recent incidents:

In this photo released by China's Xinhua News Agency, medical workers transport a person injured in an explosion outside a kindergarten into a hospital in Fengxian County in eastern China's Jiangsu Province early Friday, June 16, 2017. Several people were killed and dozens more injured in an explosion Thursday at the front gate of the kindergarten in eastern China as relatives were picking up their children at the end of the school day, local officials said. (Li Xiang/Xinhua via AP)

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XUZHOU, JUNE 2017 - A 22-year-old man made a homemade bomb that exploded at the front gate of a kindergarten in the eastern Chinese city of Xuzhou, killing eight people, including the suspect. Investigators say they found bomb making materials at the suspect's nearby residence. Emblazoned on the walls were the Chinese characters for death, disaster and other related dark themes. The man, identified by his surname Xu, had left school because of a disorder whose symptoms can include depression, anxiety, dizziness, vision problems and problems with basic bodily functions. Sixty-five people were injured, including eight listed in critical condition.

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WEIHAI, MAY 2017 - A driver angry over the loss of overtime pay set fire to his school bus in the eastern city of Weihai, killing 13 people, including 11 children from China and South Korea. The driver bought gasoline which he ignited while the bus was travelling through a tunnel in the coastal city that is home to many South Korea businesses. Police determined that the fire started on the floor of the bus next to the driver's seat, where the cap to a cigarette lighter and gasoline residue were found. All 13 people aboard the bus were killed, including the driver himself and a teacher.

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HANZHONG, MAY 2010 - A 48-year-old man charged into a kindergarten in a poor region of northwestern China and hacked to death seven children and two adults with a cleaver - the fifth such rampage in less than two months. The attacker then went home and killed himself. The assault, which left 11 other children hospitalized, occurred despite heightened security countrywide, with gates and cameras installed at some schools and additional police and guards posted at entrances. The suspect was believed to have feuded with the kindergarten's owner.

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NANPING, MARCH 2010 - A former medical worker who reportedly had a history of mental illness stabbed to death eight young children and wounded five others outside an elementary school in the eastern China city of Nanping. The attacker struck in the morning as students arrived for classes. He mingled with parents at the gates before suddenly pulling out his knife and slashing children. The rampage was finally stopped by passers-by and school security guards and the 41-year-old attacker was arrested. A former co-worker said the suspect was "difficult to get along with." Zheng Minsheng was executed after being convicted on homicide charges. During the trial, police said he had no history of mental disorder - highly common in China where such conditions are almost never considered a mitigating factor.

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OTHER ATTACKS - In July 2007, a mentally ill man wielding a wrench wounded 18 children and a teacher in a kindergarten in southern China before fleeing on a motorcycle and trying to stab himself to death. In June the same year, a man slashed four students, wounding one seriously, in a high school in the southeastern city of Fuzhou. In 2002, a jealous business rival spiked food in a snack shop where students at local boarding schools bought their breakfast, killing at least 38 people, most of them believed to be children. China's worst such incident in March 2001 destroyed a schoolhouse and killed at least 42 people, most of them children. Officials blamed a mentally ill man who charged into the school in Jiangxi province with a bag full of dynamite, although parents claimed the children had been forced to make fireworks at the school.
MUMBAI, India (AP) - An Indian court on Friday convicted six people of involvement in an attack in Mumbai in 1993 in which 12 powerful bombs packed in cars, scooters and suitcases killed 257 people and injured hundreds of others.

The court found the six Muslims guilty on charges of criminal conspiracy, transporting weapons and murder, which are punishable by a maximum penalty of death. The court is to announce sentences next week.

The six are the second group to be tried in the blasts. More than 100 people were found guilty in the main trial that ended in 2007. Eleven people were sentenced to death and the rest received various jail terms and fines.

Indian police officials stand guard outside the Sessions court complex in Mumbai, India, Friday, June 16, 2017. An Indian court on Friday convicted six people of involvement in an attack in Mumbai in 1993 in which 12 powerful bombs packed in cars, scooters and suitcases killed 257 people and injured hundreds of others. (AP Photo/Rajanish Kakade)

Prosecutors said the bombings were an act of revenge for the demolition of a 16th century mosque by Hindu nationalists in northern India in 1992. That triggered religious riots in parts of India, leaving more than 800 dead, mostly Muslims.

The blasts hit a number of prominent targets in Mumbai, India's financial capital, including the stock exchange, Air India building, hotels, a cinema and shopping bazaars. Prosecutors said the purpose of the attack was to strike terror and foment violence against Hindus.

They said the attack was masterminded by underworld kingpin Dawood Ibrahim. India accuses Pakistan of sheltering Ibrahim, a charge Islamabad denies. India says he has been living in Karachi, Pakistan's financial hub, and has asked Pakistan several times to hand him over to face trial in India.
LE MANS, France (AP) - After losing to Porsche on the final lap last year, Toyota is back in force at the 24 Hours Le Mans with superfast cars.

Chasing a first victory at the endurance race, Toyota dominated qualifying at the Circuit de la Sarthe, with Kamui Kobayashi breaking the lap record with a time of 3 minutes, 14.791 seconds. That impressive performance was more than two seconds faster than the previous record set by Neel Jani in 2015.

Kobayashi and co-drivers Mike Conway and Stephane Sarrazin will start on the front row on Saturday alongside the Toyota No. 7 after Kazuki Nakajima posted the second fastest time in 3:17.128.

Toyota has three cars in the race. The No. 9 of Nicolas Lapierre, Yuji Kunimoto and Jose Maria Lopez will start the race from fifth.

"Mike Conway told me the car was perfect, so I set off fully confident and was never bothered by traffic. I had 100 percent confidence in the car and when you're in that frame of mind, you can do great things," said Kobayashi, who drove at an average speed of 251.882 kph.

"It was an incredible lap, the car was amazing, and we went after it without any trouble whatsoever with traffic," Kobayashi said. "It surpassed all our hopes. It's rare to be able to say this, but it was a perfect lap. It's cool to be the fastest in the history of the 24 Hours of Le Mans."

Porsche defended its title in dramatic fashion last year after Toyota relinquished the lead minutes from the end. With Nakajima behind the wheel of the No. 5 TS050 Hybrid, Toyota was poised to clinch its first Le Mans victory only to lose power and halt on the pit straight with five minutes left - allowing Swiss driver Jani to overtake in his Porsche No. 2.

Jani will start from third on the grid after posting a time of 3:17.259 to finish ahead of the 919 Hybrid No. 2.

"Toyota put in a great performance but we've been happy to concentrate on our race preparation rather than go for single 'qually' laps again at night," Jani said. "That has gone very well for us today so we're looking good for the race."

A year after American actor Brad Pitt got the race underway, Formula One chairman Chase Carey will be the official starter of the 85th edition of the race.
The wrongful death lawsuit filed by the parents of a Georgia teenager who was found dead inside a rolled up gym mat at school has been dismissed by a federal judge.

U.S. District Court Judge W. Louis Sands filed an order Tuesday saying the parents of 17-year-old Kendrick Johnson did not file for extensions and submit paperwork in time.

Classmates found Johnson's body on January 11, 2013, with his body upside down in one of the rolled-up gym mats propped upright against a wall next to the gymnasium bleachers at Lowndes High School in Valdosta.

Sheriff's investigators concluded Johnson died in a freak accident while reaching for a shoe inside the mat, but his parents say their son was murdered.

Kendrick Johnson was found dead on January 11, 2013 in what authorities said was a freak accident after he reached for a shoe inside a rolled up gym-mat and got stuck

Johnson got stuck inside the mat (above) in the Lowndes High School gym and died from 'positional asphyxia', the state medical examiners concluded

But Johnson's parents Jacquelyn and Kenneth Johnson (center and right) maintained their son was murdered. A wrongful death lawsuit they filed was dismissed on Tuesday

Johnson's parents, Jacquelyn and Kenneth Johnson, filed a $100million lawsuit listing 39 defendants, but the judge filed an order Tuesday saying they were negligent filing their paperwork.

Sands also said the plaintiffs' attorney was ignorant of a significant legal change tightening deadlines for certain paperwork.

The 5-foot-10, 160-pound multi-talented athlete, attended classes on the morning of January 10, 2013.

According to the sheriffs department, a school security camera captured the teen entering the gym at 1.09pm.

What happened next remains unclear, since the four security cameras inside the gym only showed a few seconds of Johnson jogging.

Despite a gym class and basketball practice later that evening, no one noticed that something was amiss.

His mother, who knew that her son always called if he was planning to stay out late, looked desperately for her son and called 911 to report him missing, Grantland reported.

At around 8.30am the following morning, Jackie drove to school to ask about her son. She was sitting in a guidance counselor's office when she heard the fateful words: 'They found a body in the gym.'

The county coroner wasn't called to the scene until six hours after Johnson's body was found.

The teen entered the gym at 1.09pm, but what happened next remains unclear since four security cameras inside the gym only showed a few seconds of Johnson jogging

Investigators found some of Johnson's books and one tennis shoe near the body and believe they tumbled from atop the mat when a gym coach frantically pulled it over trying to free Johnson after students spotted his feet.

The sheriff told The Valdosta Daily Times that students who didn't have lockers kept personal belongings such as gym shoes on top of rolled-up wrestling mats left propped up behind the gym bleachers.

Sheriff's investigators closed the case, concluding Johnson died in a freak accident after reaching for a gym shoe inside one of the mats and getting stuck inside.

A state medical examiner ruled that the cause of death was 'positional asphyxia,' meaning the teenager got stuck upside down in a position that left him unable to breathe.

But Johnson's parents and their supporters refused to let the case be put to rest and got a judge's order to exhume the body last summer so a second autopsy could be performed.

The private pathologist hired by Johnson's family reported finding hemorrhaging beneath the skin of Kendrick's jaw and neck and concluded he suffered a fatal blow near his carotid artery that appeared to be 'non-accidental'.

The results of the independent autopsy appear to dovetail with the report written by EMTs who first examined Kendricks' body on January 11, 2013, which indicated that they observed 'bruising' to the right side jaw.

Pictured, Jacquelyn and Kenneth Johnson staging a protest over the lack of information about their son's death

The strange circumstances of Johnson's death attracted attention far beyond his hometown of Valdosta

The first responders' findings, however, were later refuted by subsequent reports filed by the crime lab that handled the case and the GBI's autopsy, which cited no significant injuries.

A spokesperson for the Georgia Bureau of Investigation said the agency stands by its report after reviewing the findings of the independent autopsy.

The wrongful death lawsuit also named Johnson's classmates Branden Bell, Brian Bell and their father, FBI Special Agent Rick Bell, as defendants.

But they denied any wrongdoing, with the boys saying they were friends with Johnson and had nothing to do with his death.

Attorney Patrick T. O'Connor, who represents the Bell family, told CNN: 'We're pleased to see the case dismissed once again. The case was meritless from the beginning and has now been dismissed twice.'

A Department of Justice investigation declined to file charges in June 2016, saying there was not enough evidence to do so.
LONDON (AP) - London police said Friday a man with a knife has been arrested near the House of Commons in London. There were no injuries and the incident is not thought to be terror-related.

Friday's incident comes three months after a man barreled his car into pedestrians on nearby Westminster Bridge, fatally injuring four people, and then charged into a Parliament courtyard where he stabbed a police officer to death. The attacker was killed by police gunfire.

In Friday's case, security of the perimeter did not appear to be breached.

Police said a man in his 30s was arrested on suspicion of possessing a knife.
MOSCOW (AP) - A Moscow court has reduced jail time for Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny by five days.

Navalny was sentenced to 30 days in jail on Monday for staging an unsanctioned rally after he was detained outside his home before he could even make way to the protest in Moscow.

The Moscow City Court on Friday reduced the sentence for Navalny from 30 to 25 days in a hearing that was perceived as a formality.

Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, left, sits during a hearing on his appeal in a court in Moscow, Russia, Friday, June 16, 2017. Navalny was detained outside his home in Moscow before the protest and was sentenced to 30 days in jail for staging an unsanctioned rally. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko)

Tens of thousands took to the streets in more than 100 cities and towns across Russia on Monday in some of the most widespread protests in years, after Navalny called for rallies against government corruption. Nearly 2,000 people were detained at the protest rallies, mostly in Moscow and St. Petersburg.

Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, right, speaks to the media during a break in hearing on his appeal in a court in Moscow, Russia, Friday, June 16, 2017. Navalny was detained outside his home in Moscow before the protest and was sentenced to 30 days in jail for staging an unsanctioned rally. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko)

Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny smiles during a hearing on his appeal in a court in Moscow, Russia, Friday, June 16, 2017. Navalny was detained outside his home in Moscow before the protest and was sentenced to 30 days in jail for staging an unsanctioned rally. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko)
PLEASE NOTE!

Due to the March 23, 2020 NM DOH Public Health Order, These Event Listings Are Not Accurate!

All non-essential businesses are closed, public gatherings are prohibited!

(One day some of these events will be rescheduled or will resume, but they are not happening now!)
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - A Minnesota police officer was cleared Friday in the fatal shooting of Philando Castile, a black motorist whose death captured national attention when his girlfriend streamed the grim aftermath on Facebook.

Castile's family stormed out of the courtroom after the verdict was read, and the city of St. Anthony swiftly announced plans to dismiss Officer Jeronimo Yanez, despite his acquittal. Yanez was charged with manslaughter in the death of Castile, a 32-year-old school cafeteria worker, during a July 6 traffic stop that turned deadly seconds after Castile alerted the officer that he was carrying a gun. Castile had a permit for the weapon.

"The fact in this matter is that my son was murdered, and I'll continue to say murdered, because where in this planet (can you) tell the truth, and you be honest, and you still be murdered by the police of Minnesota," his mother, Valerie Castile, said, referring to the fact that her son was shot after he volunteered to Yanez, "Sir, I have to tell you, I do have a firearm on me."

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. Closing arguments are set for Monday, June 12, in a Minnesota police officer's manslaughter trial in the death of a black motorist. (David Joles/Star Tribune via AP, File)

"He didn't deserve to die the way he did," Philando Castile's sister, Allysza, said, through tears. "I will never have faith in the system."

Thousands of people gathered Friday evening at the nearby state Capitol to protest the verdict, and began a march that organizers said was headed for the St. Paul Cathedral. The mixed-race crowd, including many people with children, carried signs that read "Unite for Philando" and "Corrupt systems only corrupt."

The protest was peaceful as darkness fell, but a smaller group splintered off and walked down an entrance ramp to block Interstate 94, quickly snarling traffic and leading to the freeway's shutdown in both directions. A police line confronted marchers down the highway, but after a standoff of more than 90 minutes, the group dwindled and appeared to largely clear the interstate without police using force.

Jurors deliberated for about 29 hours over five days before reaching the verdict. Prosecutors argued that Yanez had overreacted and that Castile, a school cafeteria worker, was not a threat. Yanez, who is Latino, testified that Castile was pulling his gun out of his pocket despite his commands not to do so. The defense also argued Castile was high on marijuana and said that affected his actions.

Yanez stared ahead with no reaction as the verdict was read. Afterward, one of his attorneys, Tom Kelly, said the defense was "satisfied" and "felt all along his conduct was justified."

"However that doesn't take away from the tragedy of the event," Kelly added.

City officials in St. Anthony said they would offer Yanez a "voluntary separation" because they had concluded "the public will be best served" if he is no longer an officer there.

Prosecutor John Choi, who made the decision to charge Yanez, said he knows the acquittal is painful for many people, but that the verdict "must be respected."

"I don't doubt that Officer Yanez is a decent person, but he made a horrible mistake from our perspective, and that's what this case was about," Choi said. "I know that if he could, he would take back what he did, and we all wish, and he would too, that this never happened."

Castile's shooting was among a string of killings of blacks by police around the U.S. The livestreaming of its aftermath by Castile's girlfriend, Diamond Reynolds, who was in the car with her then-4-year-old daughter, attracted even more attention. Castile's family claimed he was profiled because of his race, and the shooting renewed concerns about how police officers interact with minorities.

Gov. Mark Dayton offered his condolences to Castile's family after the verdict, calling his death "a terrible tragedy" in a statement that made no mention of Yanez. Dayton, a Democrat, drew criticism in the days after the shooting for suggesting that Castile might not have been shot if he was white.

The evidence included squad car video, but its wide view didn't capture exactly what happened inside the car - leaving jurors to essentially decide whether they believed Yanez when he said Castile had his hand on the gun. Prosecutors questioned whether Yanez had even seen it, and witnesses testified that it was in a pocket of Castile's shorts when paramedics pulled him from the car.

Juror Dennis Ploussard said the jury was split 10-2 early this week in favor of acquittal. They spent a lot of time dissecting the "culpable negligence" requirement for conviction, and the last two holdouts eventually agreed Friday on acquittal. He declined to say whether he thought Yanez acted appropriately, but said the jury sympathizes with the Castile family.

"We struggled with it. I struggled with it. It was very, very hard," Ploussard said, adding that he thought the jury delivered the right verdict.

He would not identify the two early holdouts, but said they were not the jury's only two black members. The rest of the jurors were white. None was Latino.

Yanez was charged with second-degree manslaughter, punishable by up to 10 years in prison, though sentencing guidelines suggested around four years would have been more likely. Yanez was also cleared of lesser counts related to endangering Castile's girlfriend and her daughter for firing his gun into the car near them.

Yanez testified that he stopped Castile in the St. Paul suburb of Falcon Heights because he thought he looked like one of two men who had robbed a nearby convenience store a few days earlier. Castile's car had a faulty brake light, giving the 29-year-old officer reason to pull him over, several experts testified.

The squad car video shows Yanez approaching Castile's car and asking for a driver's license and proof of insurance. Castile appears to give something to Yanez through the driver's side window. Castile then informs the officer he's carrying a weapon, but before he finishes his sentence, Yanez has his hand on his own gun and is pulling it out of the holster. There is shouting, and Yanez screams, "Don't pull it out!" before he fires seven shots into the car, five of which hit Castile. Prosecutors say Castile's last words were: "I wasn't reaching for it."

After shooting Castile, Yanez is heard on the squad car video telling a supervisor that he didn't know where Castile's gun was, then that he told Castile to get his hand off it. Yanez testified that he meant that he didn't see the gun at first, then saw it in Castile's "right thigh area." He said Castile ignored his commands to stop pulling it out of his pocket. Yanez's voice choked with emotion as he talked of being "scared to death" and thinking of his wife and baby daughter in the split-second before he fired.

Prosecutors argued that Yanez could have taken lesser steps, such as asking to see Castile's hands or asking where the gun was.

Reynolds testified that she began recording the shooting's aftermath because she feared for her life and wanted to make sure the truth was known. Defense attorneys pointed to inconsistencies in several of her statements.

Police and demonstrators stand on Interstate 94 on Friday night, June 16, 2017, in St. Paul, Minn. A Minnesota police officer, Jeronimo Yanez, was cleared Friday in the fatal shooting of Philando Castile, a black motorist whose death captured national attention when his girlfriend streamed the grim aftermath on Facebook (Aaron Lavinsky/Star Tribune via AP)

Marchers walk along Interstate 94 on Friday night, June 16, 2017, in St. Paul, Minn., after a vigil at the state Capital. A Minnesota police officer was cleared Friday in the fatal shooting of Philando Castile, a black motorist whose death captured national attention when his girlfriend streamed the grim aftermath on Facebook. (David Joles/Star Tribune via AP)

Protesters leave the steps of the state Capitol after a rally in St. Paul, Minn., Friday, June 16, 2017. A Minnesota police officer was cleared Friday in the fatal shooting of Philando Castile, a black motorist whose death captured national attention when his girlfriend streamed the grim aftermath on Facebook. (Evan Frost/Minnesota Public Radio via AP)

Valerie Castile, mother of Philando Castile, spoke with passion about her reaction to a not guity verdict for Officer Jeronimo Yanez at the Ramsey County Courthouse in St. Paul, Minn., on Friday June 16, 2017. (Renee Jones Schneider/Star Tribune via AP)

Demonstrators march and hold signs along Interstate 94 on Friday, June 16, 2017, in St. Paul, Minn., after a vigil at the state Capitol. A Minnesota police officer was cleared earlier Friday in the fatal shooting of Philando Castile, a black motorist whose death captured national attention when his girlfriend streamed the grim aftermath on Facebook. (David Joles/Star Tribune via AP)

Bob Edwards, of St. Anthony, uses a mallet Friday, June 16, 2017, in Falcon Heights, Minn., to install a sign he made near the site where Philando Castile was shot and killed during a traffic stop by St. Anthony police Officer Jeronimo Yanez last year. Yanez was cleared Friday in the fatal shooting of Castile, a black motorist whose death captured national attention when his girlfriend streamed the grim aftermath on Facebook. (Aaron Lavinsky/Star Tribune via AP)

FILE - In this July 25, 2016, file photo, a memorial including a photo of Philando Castile adorns the gate to the governor's residence in St. Paul, Minn., protesting the July 6, 2016 shooting death of Castile by St. Anthony police officer Jeronimo Yanez. Closing arguments began Monday, June 12, 2017 in in a Yanez' manslaughter trial in the fatal shooting of Castile.(AP Photo/Jim Mone, File)

CORRECTS SPELLINGS OF JERONIMO AND, ON SECOND REFERENCE, PHILANDO - Family and friends of Valerie Castile and Philando Castile, including John Thompson, center, walk out of the courthouse after Jeronimo Yanez was found not guilty on all counts in the shooting death of Philando Castile, Friday, June 16, 2017 in St. Paul, Minn. (Elizabeth Flores/Star Tribune via AP)

Family and friends of Valerie Castile and Philando Castile walked out of the courthouse after Jeronimo Yanez was found not guilty on all counts in the shooting death of Philando Castile, Friday, June 16, 2017, in St. Paul, St. Paul, Minn. (Elizabeth Flores/Star Tribune via AP)

Judge Glenda Hatchett was hugged by Philando Castile supporter Guthrie Morgan, 7, after Jeronimo Yanez was found not guilty on all counts in the shooting death of Philando Castile, Friday, June 16, 2017 in St. Paul, Minn. (Elizabeth Flores/Star Tribune via AP)

Family and friends of Valerie Castile and Philando Castile walked out of the courthouse in shock after Jeronimo Yanez was found not guilty on all counts in the shooting death of Philando Castile, Friday, June 16, 2017 in St. Paul, Minn. (Elizabeth Flores/Star Tribune via AP)

Supporters of Philando Castile hold their fists up in solidarity during a gathering Friday, June 16, 2017, outside the state Capitol in St. Paul, Minn. The vigil was held after St. Anthony police Officer Jeronimo Yanez was cleared Friday in the fatal shooting of Castile last year. (Anthony Souffle/Star Tribune via AP)
GEORGETOWN, Guyana (AP) - The South American country of Guyana has issued its first oil and gas license to ExxonMobil, which has said it made "significant" oil discoveries off the Atlantic coast.

Resources Minister Raphael Trotman said late Thursday that the company and its partners, Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd. and CNOOC Nexen, also received an environmental permit and can now drill in an area believed to contain at least two billion barrels of oil.

Oil extraction is expected to start in 2020 at an initial rate of 100,000 barrels per day, Trotman said. ExxonMobil will obtain a royalty of 2 percent on gross earnings and 50 percent of profits, while the government of Guyana has estimated it could receive up to $5 billion a year in revenue.

The oil will be stored in a massive floating platform under construction since the field is more than 100 miles (160 kilometers) offshore.

ExxonMobil has drilled more than half a dozen wells since 2015 and only one has come up dry, a discovery that has attracted dozens of other oil companies to Guyana.

London-based Tullow Oil and Toronto-based Eco (Atlantic) Oil & Gas said this month that they will start surveying concessions by late June and expect to drill a first well in 2018. Several other companies including Spanish-owned Repsol and Mid Atlantic Oil and Gas also are exploring the area.

ExxonMobil's discovery also reignited a decades-old border dispute between Guyana and neighboring Venezuela, which has rejected planned development of oil fields because they are allegedly in waters claimed by both countries. The United Nations will send the matter to the World Court by year's end if the two countries cannot resolve their dispute.

The U.S. Geological Survey had long estimated that offshore Guyana was rich in gas and oil, and the tiny country of 750,000 people hopes to receive enough of a windfall to provide free education and supply households with free cooking gas and cheap gasoline. The government also has said it would invest in its military and build a 350-mile (565-kilometer) jungle road from the capital of Georgetown to northeastern Brazil, opening up Guyana's rugged, mineral-rich interior.

Guyana currently relies on products like gold, rice sugar, bauxite and timber.

To prepare for a potential surge in oil production, Guyana is updating legislation to address potential spills and other issues and has sent professionals overseas to qualify as petroleum attorneys and engineers.
Eds: Major scheduled events for the week of June 18-June 24. Note that many events are subject to change at the last minute.

The following economic reports will be issued in Washington (all times EDT), unless otherwise noted:

SUNDAY: No events of note.

MONDAY: No events of note.

TUESDAY: Commerce Department releases current account trade deficit for the first quarter, 8:30 a.m.

FedEx Corp. reports quarterly financial results after the market closes.

WEDNESDAY: National Association of Realtors releases existing home sales for May, 10 a.m.

THURSDAY: Labor Department releases weekly jobless claims, 8:30 a.m.; Freddie Mac releases weekly mortgage rates, 10 a.m.

FRIDAY: Commerce Department releases new home sales for May, 10 a.m.

SATURDAY: No events of note.

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SUNDAY, JUNE 18

No events of note.

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MONDAY, JUNE 19

WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump meets with Panama's president, Juan Carlos Varela.

WASHINGTON - Supreme Court issues orders and opinions.

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TUESDAY, JUNE 20

WASHINGTON - Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke testifies before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee about the president's budget proposal.

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 21

WASHINGTON - Former Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson testifies before the House intelligence committee regarding the Russia investigation.

WASHINGTON - Senate intelligence committee holds open hearing on election security and Russia's interference in the 2016 election.

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THURSDAY, JUNE 22

WASHINGTON - Energy Secretary Rick Perry testifies before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee about the president's budget proposal.

WASHINGTON - Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke testifies before the House Natural Resources Committee about the president's budget proposal.

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FRIDAY, JUNE 23

No events of note.

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SATURDAY, JUNE 24

No events of note.
WASHINGTON (AP) - Defense and spy-agency contractor Booz Allen Hamilton says the Justice Department is investigating a subsidiary's accounting and the way it charges the government.

The disclosure in a regulatory filing sent shares of Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corp. tumbling almost 19 percent in Friday trading.

Booz Allen said its own auditing hasn't found any major erroneous costs or problems, and that it's cooperating with the Justice Department's civil and criminal investigations.

The company, based in McLean, Virginia, is one of the biggest U.S. defense and intelligence-agency contractors. Several of its executives either previously worked for the government or left the company to take high-level government positions.

Booz Allen received unwanted publicity in 2013 after revelations that its employee Edward Snowden took and shared documents about secret U.S. surveillance programs.

Booz Allen's stock recovered after taking a hit from the Snowden episode, and the company didn't suffer any long-term damage.

Last October, federal prosecutors charged another Booz Allen contractor with stealing classified information from the National Security Agency. The Justice Department said Harold T. Martin III's theft of top-secret government information was "breathtaking" in its duration and scope.

Martin's attorneys have argued that the former U.S. Navy lieutenant was merely a compulsive hoarder and a voracious learner who got carried away, taking home documents in a misguided effort to be more skilled at his job.
MIAMI (AP) - Pressing "pause" on a historic detente, President Donald Trump thrust the U.S. and Cuba back on a path toward open hostility Friday with a blistering denunciation of the island's communist government. He clamped down on some commerce and travel but left intact many new avenues President Barack Obama had opened.

The Cuban government responded Friday evening by rejecting what it called Trump's "hostile rhetoric." Still, Cuba said it is willing to continue "respectful dialogue" with on topics of mutual interest.

Even as Trump predicted a quick end to President Raul Castro's regime, he challenged Cuba to negotiate better agreements for Americans, Cubans and those whose identities lie somewhere in between. Diplomatic relations, restored only two years ago, will remain intact. But, in a shift from Obama's approach, Trump said trade and other penalties would stay in place until a long list of prerequisites was met.

President Donald Trump arrives at the White House in Washington, Friday, June 16, 2017, after speaking about Cuba policy in Miami. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

"America has rejected the Cuban people's oppressors," Trump said in Miami's Little Havana, the cradle of Cuban-American resistance to Castro's government. "Officially, today, they are rejected."

Declaring Obama's pact with Castro a "completely one-sided deal," Trump said he was canceling it. In practice, however, many recent changes to boost ties to Cuba will stay as they are. Trump cast that as a sign the U.S. still wanted to engage with Cuba in hopes of forging "a much stronger and better path."

In a statement released Friday evening on government-run websites and television, Cuban President Raul Castro's administration said Trump's speech was "loaded with hostile rhetoric that recalls the times of open confrontation."

The lengthy statement went on to strike a conciliatory tone, saying Cuba wants to continue negotiations with the U.S. on a variety of subjects. "The last two years have shown that the two countries can cooperate and coexist in a civilized way," it said.

Embassies in Havana and Washington will remain open. U.S. airlines and cruise ships will still be allowed to serve the island 90 miles south of Florida. The "wet foot, dry foot" policy, which once let most Cuban migrants stay if they made it to U.S. soil but was terminated under Obama, will remain terminated. Remittances from people in America to Cubans won't be cut off.

But individual "people-to-people" trips by Americans to Cuba, allowed by Obama for the first time in decades, will again be prohibited. And the U.S. government will police other trips to ensure travelers are pursuing a "full-time schedule of educational exchange activities."

The changes won't go into effect until new documents laying out details are issued. Once implemented Trump's policy is expected to curtail U.S. travel by creating a maze of rules for Americans to obey. The policy bans most financial transactions with a yet-unreleased list of entities associated with Cuba's military and state security, including a conglomerate that dominates much of Cuba's economy, such as many hotels, state-run restaurants and tour buses.

Surrounded by Florida Republican officials, the president was unabashed about the political overtones of his election victory and Friday's announcement:

"You went out and you voted, and here I am, like I promised."

Cheered by Cuba hardliners in both parties, Trump's new policy is broadly opposed by U.S. businesses eager to invest in Cuba.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, typically supportive of GOP presidents, predicted the changes would limit prospects for "positive change on the island," while Rep. Tom Emmer, R-Minn., said Trump's policy was "misguided" and will hurt the U.S. economically.

Trump's declaration in a crowded, sweltering auditorium was a direct rebuke to Obama, for whom the diplomatic opening with Cuba was a central accomplishment of his presidency.

Yet it also exposed the shortcomings in Obama's approach.

Unable to persuade Congress to lift the decades-old trade embargo, Obama had used his power to adjust the rules that implement the embargo to expand built-in loopholes. Obama and his aides argued that commerce and travel between the countries, which has blossomed since he relaxed the rules, would make his policy irreversible.

Ben Rhodes, the former deputy national security adviser who negotiated Obama's opening with the Cubans, said it was disappointing Trump was halting the momentum that had built but added that it could have been worse.

"This is a limitation on what we did, not a reversal of what we did," Rhodes said in an interview.

For Cubans, the shift risks stifling a nascent middle class that has started to rise as Americans have flocked to the island on airlines, patronizing thousands of private bed-and-breakfasts.

"When he's cutting back on travel, he's hurting us, the Cuban entrepreneurs," said Camilo Diaz, a 44-year-old waiter in a restaurant in Havana. "We're the ones who are hurt."

Granma, the official organ of Cuba's Communist Party, described Trump's declarations in real-time blog coverage Friday as "a return to imperialist rhetoric and unilateral demands." Cuba's government may not formally respond to Trump's speech until a speech Monday by its foreign minister.

The Castro government is certain to reject Trump's list of demands, which includes releasing political prisoners, halting what the U.S. says is abuse of dissidents and greater freedom of expression. Refusing to negotiate domestic reforms in exchange for U.S. concessions is perhaps the most fundamental plank of Cuba's policy toward the U.S.

Cuba functioned as a virtual U.S. colony for much of the 20th century, and even reform-minded Cubans are highly sensitive to perceived U.S. infringements on national sovereignty. Trump, on the other hand, described his move as an effort to bring about a "free Cuba" after more than half a century of communism.

"I do believe that end is in the very near future," he said.

Cuba's 1470-word statement Friday night labeled Trump a hypocrite for calling on Cuba to improve human rights, saying the U.S. government "is threatening more limits on healthcare that would leave 23 million people without insurance ... and marginalizes immigrants and refugees, particular those from Islamic countries."

The statement reiterates Cuba's commitment to "the necessary changes that we're making now as part of the updating of our socio-economic model," but says "they will continue being decided in a sovereign way by the Cuban people."

The U.S. severed ties with Cuba in 1961 after Fidel Castro's revolution, and spent decades trying to either overthrow the government or isolate the island, including by toughening an economic embargo first imposed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Obama announced in December 2014 that he and Castro were restoring ties. Less than a year later, the U.S. Embassy in Havana re-opened, and Obama paid a historic visit to Havana in 2016.

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Weissenstein reported from Havana and Lederman from Washington.

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Follow Darlene Superville and Michael Weissenstein on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/dsupervilleap and http://www.twitter.com/mweissenstein

President Donald Trump speaks about Cuba policy, Friday, June 16, 2017, in Miami. The president announced changes to Obama-era Cuba policy, and challenged the Castro government to negotiate a better deal. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

A pro President Donald Trump supporter chants slogans, Friday, June 1, 2017, in Miami. The president announced a revised Cuba policy aimed at stopping the flow of U.S. cash to the country's military and security services while maintaining diplomatic relations. (AP Photo/Alan Diaz)

President Donald Trump cheers Cuban born violinist Luis Haza after playing the national anthem during a speech on Cuba policy, Friday, June 16, 2017, in Miami. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
WASHINGTON (AP) - A Virginia man is being held without bond, one of several people accused of taking part in a violent altercation outside the Turkish ambassador's residence in Washington during a visit last month by Turkey's president.

D.C. Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo ordered 45-year-old Sinan Narin of McLean, Virginia, held Friday. He's charged with aggravated and simple assault.

DeMeo noted a prosecutor's concern the alleged attack took place in daylight despite a heavy law enforcement presence. Defense attorney Susan Borecki questioned facial recognition software used to identify Narin, but Demeo noted the resemblance of the person she saw in the courtroom to the person in the video of the May 16 confrontation.

Police issued arrest warrants Thursday for a dozen Turkish security agents and two Canadians also accused of attacking protesters.
MILWAUKEE (AP) - The Latest on the trial of a former Milwaukee police officer charged in the death of a black man last year (all times local):

2:45 p.m.

The former Milwaukee police officer on trial for killing a black man after a brief foot chase says he will not testify as his defense attorneys begin presenting their case.

This image taken Thursday, June 15, 2017, from a screen during the trial of Milwaukee police officer Dominique Heaggan-Brown in Milwaukee shows Milwaukee Police Department body camera video of Heaggan-Brown behind 23-year-old Sylville Smith, right, after a routine traffic stop on Aug. 23, 2016, that turned fatal. (Milwaukee Police Department/Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel via AP, Pool)

Dominique Heaggan-Brown announced his decision Friday after prosecutors finished presenting evidence in a shooting that sparked riots in the predominantly black neighborhood where it happened. The trial adjourned for the day after his announcement.

Bodycam footage from Heaggan-Brown shows the former officer chasing after 23-year-old Sylville Smith immediately after police pulled up to Smith's car. Smith was holding a gun but he threw it over a fence.

Prosecutors argue he was defenseless when Heaggan-Brown shot Smith. But Heaggan-Brown's attorneys say he feared for his life and made a split-second decision.

Heaggan-Brown's defense begins Monday. He is charged with first-degree reckless homicide and faces up to 60 years in prison if convicted.

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12:20 p.m.

A former Milwaukee police officer charged in a shooting that sparked riots in a predominantly black neighborhood told investigators he feared he and a colleague would be "killed or seriously injured" by the man he fatally shot.

Wisconsin Department of Justice special agent Raymond Gibbs testified Friday about his interview with Dominique Heaggan-Brown two days after the officer shot Sylville Smith Aug. 13. Gibbs was the final witness to testify as prosecutors concluded their case.

Heaggan-Brown's defense begins Friday afternoon. He is charged with first-degree reckless homicide and faces up to 60 years if convicted.

Smith was armed when he ran away from police during a traffic stop but prosecutors say he had thrown his gun over a fence when Heaggan-Brown fatally shot him. His attorneys say he made a split-second decision fearing for his life.

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12:09 a.m.

Prosecutors are wrapping up their case in the trial of a former Milwaukee police officer who fatally shot a black man and sparked riots last year in a predominantly African-American neighborhood.

Dominique Heaggan-Brown is charged with first-degree reckless homicide in the Aug. 13 death of 23-year-old Sylville Smith.

Bodycam footage from Heaggan-Brown and another officer show the fatal encounter lasted about 12 seconds after police approached Smith during a traffic stop. Smith ran away holding a gun and Heaggan-Brown chased after him.

Prosecutors on Thursday said Heaggan-Brown, who is also black, shot Smith in the chest after he had thrown away his gun over a fence. Heaggan-Brown's attorneys say he was making a split-second decision and believed Smith was still armed.

The trial is expected to conclude next week.

Milwaukee police officer Dominique Heaggan-Brown sits in court during his trail in Milwaukee on Wednesday, June 14, 2017, in Milwaukee. Heaggan-Brown is charged with first-degree reckless homicide in the death of 23-year-old Sylville Smith. (Michael Sears/Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel via AP, Pool)

Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm, left, confers with Milwaukee police officer Dominique Heaggan-Brown's attorney Jonathan C. Smith, right, during Heaggan-Brown's trail in Milwaukee on Wednesday, June 14, 2017, in Milwaukee. Dominique Heaggan-Brown is charged with first-degree reckless homicide in the death of 23-year-old Sylville Smith. (Michael Sears/Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel via AP, Pool)

Dominique Heaggan-Brown, left, watches Milwaukee Police Department body camera video from his seat in court in Milwaukee on Wednesday, June 14, 2017. Heaggan-Brown is charged with first-degree reckless homicide in the death of 23-year-old Sylville Smith. (Michael Sears/Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel via AP, Pool)

Milwaukee police officer Dominique Heaggan-Brown, right, sits in court during his trail in Milwaukee on Thursday, June 15, 2017, in Milwaukee. Heaggan-Brown is charged with first-degree reckless homicide in the death of 23-year-old Sylville Smith. (Michael Sears/Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel via AP, Pool)

This image taken Thursday, June 15, 2017, from a screen during the trial of Milwaukee police officer Dominique Heaggan-Brown in Milwaukee shows Milwaukee Police Department body camera video of 23-year-old Sylville Smith, center, after a routine traffic stop on Aug. 23, 2016, that turned fatal. (Milwaukee Police Department/Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel via AP, Pool)

This image taken Wednesday, June 14, 2017, from a screen during the trial of Milwaukee police officer Dominique Heaggan-Brown in Milwaukee shows Milwaukee Police Department body camera video of Heaggan-Brown, center, running behind 23-year-old Sylville Smith, right, after a routine traffic stop on Aug. 23, 2016. The dramatic footage prompted the Smith's relatives to leave the courtroom in tears after seeing the brief foot chase that quickly turned fatal. (Milwaukee Police Department/Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel via AP, Pool)

This image taken Wednesday, June 14, 2017, from a screen during the trial of Milwaukee police officer Dominique Heaggan-Brown in Milwaukee shows Milwaukee Police Department body camera video of Heaggan-Brown, center, running behind 23-year-old Sylville Smith, right, after a routine traffic stop on Aug. 23, 2016. The dramatic footage prompted the Smith's relatives to leave the courtroom in tears after seeing the brief foot chase that quickly turned fatal. (Milwaukee Police Department/Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel via AP, Pool)
TORONTO (AP) - Ontario's securities watchdog says former Broadway theater mogul Garth Drabinsky has been permanently banned from becoming a director or officer of a publicly traded company in Canada's largest province.

He and business partner Myron Gottlieb served several years in prison for fraud that resulted in the demise of now-defunct Livent Inc. The company was behind the hits "Phantom of the Opera" and "Ragtime."

The Ontario Securities Commission made the announcement Friday. The Tony award-winning producers were both convicted in 2009 of two counts of fraud each for a book-cooking scheme.

Livent was once the largest live theater company in North America. It owned or controlled theaters in New York, Chicago, Toronto and Vancouver and its Broadway productions won 14 Tony Awards and were nominated for dozens more.
CLIFFSIDE PARK, N.J. (AP) - A man is looking forward to celebrating Father's Day a week after his first meeting with his 40-year-old daughter, who tracked him down following decades of questions.

Daughter Jyll Justamond says she was working with limited information from her mother: that her father's first name was Al, he was Italian and he worked at a bar called Neary's in the 1970s.

In April, she made a post in a Facebook group for Palisades Park, where the now-defunct bar was located. That led her to the former owner, who told her he knew exactly who she was looking for.

In this photo taken June 11, 2017, Al Annunziata and daughter Jyll Justamond meet at a restaurant in Cliffside Park, N.J. Annunziata is looking forward to celebrating Father's Day a week after his first meeting with his 40-year-old daughter, who tracked him down following decades of questions. (AP Photo/Chantal Justamond)

"I said, 'I know this is crazy, but do you happen to know a guy named Al that worked or you in 1976, 1977?'" Justamond told ABC News. "He said, 'Oh, you mean Al Annunziata.'"

Annunziata said shortly after that he received a message asking, "Are you Al?"

"She said, 'You might know my biological mother. Her name is Linda,'" Annunziata told WCBS-TV. "And now I'm really scared, my heart is pounding."

Annunziata, a 63-year-old from Cliffside Park, said when Justamond's mother got pregnant four decades ago she told him someone else was the father. He said he believed her, but the idea that the child might have been his had lingered.

"Of all the years this has been going on, it's been out there as a burning question," he said. "It was never resolved."

After a paternity test proved that he was her father, Justamond traveled to New Jersey from Littleton, Colorado, to meet him on June 11.

"This just the beginning," he said. "I'll never let her out of my life, ever."
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - A Minnesota police officer was acquitted Friday in the killing of a black motorist that drew widespread attention when video of the shooting's aftermath was streamed live on Facebook.

Key figures in the manslaughter trial of St. Anthony police officer Jeronimo Yanez in last July's death of Philando Castile:

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This combination of file photos show key figures in the manslaughter trial of St. Anthony police officer Jeronimo Yanez in the July 2016 death of Philando Castile. Top row from left are Ramsey County Attorney John Choi; Diamond Reynolds, the girlfriend of Philando Castile, who live streamed his shooting on Facebook; Philando Castile's mother Valerie Castile; and bottom row from left are defense attorney Earl Gray; defense attorney Paul Engh; and defense attorney Thomas Kelly. On Friday, June 16, 2017, Yanez was acquitted in the killing of Castile, a black motorist, that drew widespread attention when video of the shooting's aftermath was streamed live. (David Joles, David Joles, Shari L. Gross, Elizabeth Flores/Star Tribune and Evan Frost/Minnesota Public Radio via AP)

THE DRIVER

Castile, 32, was a longtime elementary school cafeteria worker who family members described as loving and laid-back. Quick with a high-five for students and always eager to sneak kids extra graham crackers and other treats, Castile was known simply as "Mr. Phil." One teacher testified at trial that Castile remembered which kids had allergies, and nudged students to finish their veggies.

Police had pulled Castile over many times before. Although he had no serious criminal record, The Associated Press examined records that show he was pulled over around 50 times in recent years in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, typically for minor offenses such as driving on a suspended license or without proof of insurance, speeding, driving without a muffler or not wearing a seat belt.

His girlfriend, Diamond Reynolds, testified that on the day of the shooting, he had gone to work, went to get his hair dreaded for his upcoming birthday, then picked her up to go grocery shopping. They were on their way home when he was shot.

She testified he had a gun, and a permit to carry it, for protection.

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THE OFFICER

Yanez, who is Latino, had worked for the St. Anthony Police Department for nearly five years. He testified that he stopped Castile because he thought Castile looked like a suspect in a recent armed robbery. A faulty brake light gave the 29-year-old officer justification to pull Castile over.

After the shooting, Yanez's body microphone captured audio of him saying first that he didn't know where the gun was, but then that he told Castile to take his hand off the gun. Yanez testified that he clearly saw a gun and that Castile ignored his commands to stop pulling it out of his pocket.

"I was scared to death. I thought I was going to die. My family's faces popped up in my mind, my wife and baby girl," Yanez said, his voice choked with emotion.

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THE GIRLFRIEND

Millions of people saw Reynolds in her live Facebook stream as Castile lay bleeding next to her in the driver's seat. She was praised for her split-second decision to stream the shooting's aftermath and her measured responses to Yanez, who had just fired shots into the car and still had his gun out.

Reynolds testified that she started recording because she feared for her own life.

"Because I know that the people are not protected against the police," Reynolds said. "I wanted to make sure if I died in front of my daughter that people would know the truth."

The defense attacked Reynolds' testimony and pointed out several inconsistencies in statements she made to authorities and in public. She also acknowledged that she and Castile smoked marijuana regularly, and that marijuana was in the car at the time of the shooting.

Reynolds' daughter - 4 years old at the time - was also in the car.

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THE PARTNER

Officer Joseph Kauser was called as backup when Yanez initiated the traffic stop.

Squad video shows Kauser was standing on the passenger side of the car and jumping back when the shots were fired. He testified that he didn't see Castile's gun, but noted that he was paying more attention to the car's passengers. He said the situation didn't seem alarming, and the shooting surprised him.

Kauser also testified that he trusted Yanez as a partner. He said he believed the officer followed proper protocol and that Castile was moving after Yanez told him not to reach for the gun.

___

THE MOTHER

Castile's mother, Valerie Castile, emerged as a calm voice for change after her son's death. She urged protesters to remain peaceful while also calling on lawmakers to consider improvements in police training, hiring and other issues she felt contributed to her son's death.

"He is the driving force in me to make sure this doesn't happen to another mother," she has said.

She remained stoic during the trial, sitting silently in the front row - across the aisle from Yanez's family - as the squad car video of her son's shooting was played repeatedly. She declined to comment to reporters during the course of the trial.

She has hired attorneys and plans a lawsuit.

___

THE PROSECUTORS

Ramsey County Attorney John Choi made the decision to charge Yanez, and a team of seasoned attorneys from his office prosecuted the case.

State prosecutors Rick Dusterhoft and Clayton Robinson, and federal prosecutor Jeff Paulsen, played squad car video of the shooting repeatedly as they presented their case. Paulsen questioned Kauser at length about police procedure, what he saw during the stop, and how the shooting took him by surprise. When Kauser said, "I don't know what (Castile) was reaching for," Paulsen replied, "Exactly. He could've been reaching for his wallet."

___

THE DEFENSE

Yanez hired three prominent Minnesota attorneys - Paul Engh, Earl Gray and Thomas Kelly - who have all handled big cases before.

During the trial, the three took turns cross-examining the state's witnesses and presenting arguments to the jury. Gray pointedly went after Reynolds on cross-examination, flustering her as he exposed many issues in statements she made.

___

THE JUDGE

Judge William H. Leary III is head of Ramsey County District Court's civil division. Leary, who is white, was assigned to the case after Yanez's attorneys asked to have another judge, who is black, removed.

Minnesota law allows defense attorneys to remove one judge without citing a reason, and Yanez's attorneys declined to say whether race was a factor.

Leary ran a no-nonsense courtroom during the trial. He issued an order in advance saying he would allow no outward facial expressions or outbursts from the gallery.

___

THE JURY

The 12 jurors that deliberated Yanez's case included two black people. The rest of the jurors are white.

___

Follow Amy Forliti on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/amyforliti
SANAA, Yemen (AP) - Yemeni officials say a missile fired by a U.S. drone has killed three al-Qaida militants who were driving in a vehicle in the country's south.

The officials say one of those killed in Friday's attack was an operative close to the al-Qaida leader in Yemen, Saad al-Awlaki. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren't authorized to speak to the press.

The officials say the missile killed everyone in the moving vehicle and left their bodies charred. The strike happened in the southern province of Shabwa.

Washington has intensified its attacks on al-Qaida in Yemen since President Donald Trump took office earlier this year
Prince Harry has praised the resilience and spirit of London as he offered his condolences to the victims of the devastating tower block fire.

Harrys words of support came as he visited Londons Borough Market to encourage visitors to return to the popular tourist attraction, which reopened on Wednesday after the harrowing attack by knife-wielding terrorists.

Fruit and vegetable trader Paul Wheeler chatted to the prince and told him how he and other traders were sending boxes of produce and other donated goods to families made homeless by the blaze at Grenfell Tower in west London that has so far claimed 17 lives.

Prince Harry meets stallholder Paul Wheeler during a visit to Borough Market in London

He said after meeting the prince: Harry said those poor people, our thoughts go out to them.

Harrys words echoed those of the Queen, who said in a message of support that her thoughts and prayers are with those families who have lost loved ones in the Grenfell Tower fire and the many people who are still critically ill in hospital.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Harry have made an undisclosed donation to an appeal fund supporting the survivors of the fire.

The tragedy at Grenfell Tower has left a number of people in need of urgent assistance - more info here: https://t.co/GiERVGZOh9 https://t.co/7YUa1fQn2v  The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) June 15, 2017

The royal trio have given money to the Evening Standards emergency appeal for the Dispossessed Fund and a Kensington Palace spokesman said: As residents of the local area, they are keen to offer their immediate support.

Earlier this month, Borough Markets traders and visitors were the target of the knife-wielding attackers, who first mowed down pedestrians on nearby London Bridge before running amok in the streets filled with pubs, market stalls and restaurants.

The prince stopped at the Bread Ahead bakery, where staff tried to fight off the attackers who had targeted two women, and also sheltered members of the public.

Prince Harry meets Matt Jones from Bread Ahead. His staff protected members of the public on the night of the attacks. pic.twitter.com/E6aPlHa8jX  The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) June 15, 2017

Owner Matt Jones told the royal visitor the attack was a horrible thing, and Harry replied: The strength of this community and London as a whole is magic.
Seven people have died and 59 others were injured after an explosion at the front gates of a kindergarten in eastern China.

The blast at the Chuangxin Kindergarten in Fengxian, Jiangsu province, took place as relatives were picking up their children at the end of the school day.

The Xuzhou city government said the incident is under investigation.

(Adam Davy/EMPICS)

It is not immediately clear whether the explosion was deliberately triggered, or the result of an accident.

BREAKING: Blast occurs near kindergarten in Fengxian County, east China, casualties unclear pic.twitter.com/ZhZs1qZGma  China Xinhua News (@XHNews) June 15, 2017

Videos purportedly from the scene and posted on social media showed children and adults lying on the ground, some bleeding.

Clothing, shoes and other items were strewn on the ground beside pools of blood.

Kindergartens in China have been targeted before in apparent revenge attacks carried out by people bearing grudges against their neighbours and society.

This has prompted a tightening of security around many schools, with the posting of guards equipped with truncheons and the installation of gates and other barriers.

China maintains tight control over firearms and most attacks are carried out using knives, axes or home-made explosives.
Concerns had been raised about the fire risk of cladding as far back as 2000 in a parliamentary report, it has emerged.

The Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee launched an inquiry after a blaze tore through a 14-storey block of flats in Irvine, Ayrshire, in June 1999, killing an elderly man.

It concluded that cladding should be non-combustible or not pose an unacceptable level of risk to tenants.

Residents who escaped the fatal Grenfell Tower fire spoke of the cladding going up like a matchstick, while TV architect George Clarke said: Theres a new cladding system put on the outsides (of the block of flats) that looks like a new skin. Theres an air gap, an insulation behind that; to me that looks like a fantastic chimney for the fire to rage around.

Grenfell Tower: external cladding graphic

London Fire Brigade said the cause of Tuesday nights fire in north Kensington is not yet known.

London Fire Commissioner Dany Cotton said: There will be an investigation but at this stage I do not want to speculate about the cause of the fire or what has caused it to spread in the way that it did.

But the parliamentary report said: We do not believe it should take a serious fire in which many people are killed before all reasonable steps are taken towards minimising the risks.

We believe that all external cladding systems should be required either to be entirely non-combustible, or to be proven through full-scale testing not to pose an unacceptable level of risk in terms of fire spread.

The view from the north side at 8pm pic.twitter.com/NTecdNntBf  Ryan Hooper (@RyanJHooper) June 14, 2017

It added: There have been few recorded incidents of serious fire spread involving external cladding, and, although in our view any loss of life in incidents such as these should be prevented if at all possible, neither have there been many deaths.

Flammable cladding has been blamed for helping to spread severe fires elsewhere in the world, including a blaze at the Lacrosse tower block in Melbourne, Australia, in 2014. It was caused by a cigarette on an eighth-floor balcony and the quickly spread vertically up the building.

An analysis report by the Melbourne Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MFB), which described many contributory factors, said the first fire crews on the scene saw that the blaze had already swept up the external walls and balconies over approximately six levels and only six minutes later, crews reported back that fire had reached the roof of the building above the 21st floor.

Appeals and donations at a church near #GrenfellTower pic.twitter.com/3vEyaINslF  Rachael Burnett (@ReporterRachael) June 15, 2017

It added: The extremely vertical nature of the burn patterns to the exterior face of the wall suggest that the Alucobest aluminium cladding, along with the foam lagging and the PVC pipe of the building wall, contributed to the fire load and the rapid spread of the fire up the vertical face of the building to the floors and balcony areas located above.

The report concluded: Had the external wall cladding been of a non-combustible type, the likelihood of fire spread beyond the level of ignition would have been greatly reduced.

Rydon, the firm that carried out the Grenfell Tower refurbishment work, said in a statement following the fire that the project met all required building regulations.

But a line stating that it met all fire regulation and health and safety standards, which was included in an earlier release, had disappeared.

Harley Facades Limited (HFL) completed the refurbishment work to Grenfell Tower which included installing the exterior cladding. The company described the Aluminium Composite Material (ACM) panels as a commonly used product and stated that HFL does not make the panels.

HFL managing director Ray Bailey said: This is an incredibly tragic incident. Our thoughts are with the residents and their families who have suffered such a personal loss.
Prince Harry has spoken of the importance of nurturing the worlds future leaders, as he opened a 3 million centre aimed at supporting the next generation of statesmen and women.

Harrys comments came as he visited the foreign affairs think tank Chatham House, the Royal Institute of International Affairs, and met some of those hoping to be at the forefront of decision making.

The prince chatted to young researchers from across the globe in the new Stavros Niarchos Foundation Floor which is home to the Queen Elizabeth II Academy for Leadership in International Affairs.

Prince Harry

Chatham House welcomes Prince Harry today to open our new extension. The new space will provide a permanent home for the @QEII_Academy pic.twitter.com/AnGQUlqetf  Chatham House (@ChathamHouse) June 15, 2017

Harry told the group: Anyone can be a fantastic leader and the key is identifying those people as early as possible, incubating them and support them all the way to the top.

The academy aims to help a new generation of potential leaders to develop skills to deal with major policy challenges and critical issues facing the world.

The Queen, who launched the academy in 2014, has been patron of the Royal Institute of International Affairs, based in central London, since 1952.
An inquest into the death of Manchester Arena suicide bomber Salman Abedi has been opened and adjourned.

Abedi killed 22 people and injured more than 200 others when he detonated a device in the main foyer of the venue as people left an Ariana Grande concert on Monday May 22.

No members of the family of the mass murderer, born in Manchester and of Libyan descent, were present or represented during the brief five-minute hearing at Manchester Town Hall.

People look at flowers and tributes left in St Ann's Square in Manchester following the Manchester Arena terror attack (Danny Lawson/PA)

The court heard that the force of the explosion severely disrupted the body of the 22-year-old attacker, who died at the scene.

Giving evidence, Detective Inspector David Warren, of Greater Manchester Police, said the body was recovered from the blast scene on May 23 and transferred to a mortuary outside Manchester.

A post-mortem examination was carried out which determined that he died of multiple injuries. He was identified primarily by fingerprints, DNA and dental records. A bank card in his name was also recovered from the scene.

(PA graphic)

Abedis full name was Salman Ramadan Abedi, his date of birth was December 31 1994 and his next of kin was his brother Ismail, the court heard.

Senior coroner for Manchester Nigel Meadows adjourned proceedings until December 1 for a pre-inquest review hearing.

He indicated that it was very likely that the hearing would be further adjourned before a full inquest takes place.

Police arrested 22 people in connection with the bombing but all have been released without charge. A total of 32 addresses were searched in the investigation carried out by the North West Counter Terrorism Unit. Two of those addresses remain under police control.

Inquests into the victims deaths were opened last Friday and adjourned until November 24.

Latest update - Anyone with information should call the Anti-Terrorist Hotline in confidence on 0800 789321. pic.twitter.com/Tde39GyAmJ  Greater Manchester Police (@gmpolice) June 1, 2017

That hearing was told an improvised explosive device was contained in a rucksack that Abedi, of Elsmore Road, Fallowfield, was carrying on his back and was packed with a massive number of small metal objects.

When detonated they flew through the air at high velocity in all directions and appeared designed to kill and maim indiscriminately the largest number of innocent people.

Abedis brother Hashim and father Ramadan have been detained in Libya. Hashim reportedly told Libyan counter-terror forces he knew his brother was planning something and that his brother was radicalised while living in the UK two years before his deadly attack. The bomber left the UK for Libya on April 15 and returned on May 18.

Police believe Abedi assembled the device by himself in the days before the attack but have said it is unclear whether he acted alone in obtaining materials for the bomb which officers believed were stored in a white Nissan Micra found parked in Rusholme.
Counter-terror detectives have launched an investigation after a man was Tasered outside the Palace of Westminster when he allegedly reached for a knife.

Police have not declared the episode a terrorist incident but say they are open-minded as to whether terrorism was a motive.

The bearded suspect, in his 30s, was arrested on suspicion of possession of a knife after being approached by officers near the Houses of Parliament.

Man arrested near Palace of #Westminster re possession of a knife. No reported injuries. https://t.co/5fSBHqSp45 pic.twitter.com/M9qfKffF18  Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) June 16, 2017

The exchange unfolded yards from the scene of the Westminster terrorist attack in March and comes amid heightened security after the Manchester and London Bridge atrocities.

Scotland Yard said: At this time it is too early to understand the motivation so we have not declared this a terrorist incident.

However, given the location, the circumstances and recent tragic events, the MPS counter-terrorism command will be investigating this incident.

We remain open-minded as to whether terrorism was a motive.

Police detain a man outside the Palace of Westminster, London (Harriet Line/PA)

At 11.10am on Friday, officers on routine duties near the Carriage Gates entrance to the Palace of Westminster became aware of a man acting suspiciously, the Metropolitan Police said.

The officers approached the man in order to speak with him, the force added. The man reached for a knife, and police discharged a Taser.

The suspect, wearing black trousers and a grey sweatshirt, was held with his arms against his back close to the forecourt where Pc Keith Palmer was stabbed to death by terrorist Khalid Masood in March.

He was led away into a van by officers after being detained for around 30 minutes, before being taken to a central London police station, where he remains in custody.

Police detain a man outside the Palace of Westminster (Harriet Line/PA)

Eyewitness Bradley Allen, 19, from Barking, east London, said he saw the man with clenched fists moments before he was detained.

Mr Allen said he was walking past Parliament when he saw a dark male stood there, who looked quite angry with fists quite clenched.

He stared at me and my mate and we walked past him. Within seconds there was a shout and police ran out of the front gate shouting at him Get on the floor, get on the ground.

Within seconds he was on the ground  Im not sure whether he was Tasered  Im not sure how he got down there, but in seconds it was over. Armed police everywhere, telling everyone to move back, and we all got pushed back.

No one was injured in the incident.

A review of security at the perimeter of the parliamentary estate was ordered following Masoods car and knife rampage, which claimed the lives of five victims, including Pc Palmer.

The use of armed officers and physical barriers has become more visible, while a permanent barrier has been erected to protect pedestrians on Westminster Bridge.

Masood, 52, was shot dead by armed police.
New Zealand sent a daunting message to the British and Irish Lions ahead of their first Test at Eden Park next Saturday with a 78-0 victory over Samoa.

The hosts ran in 12 tries in a dominant display of attacking rugby. The visitors enjoyed most of the possession and territory in the opening 10 minutes before New Zealand found their groove, with Beauden Barrett scoring 24 points, including two tries.

Ardie Savea also scored a brace with further tries from Sonny-Bill Williams, Anton Lienert-Brown, Israel Dagg, Codie Taylor, Julian Savea, Vaea Fifita, TJ Perenara and Sam Cane in a vintage performance by Steve Hansens side.

Vaea Fifita

Samoa started the contest in blistering fashion with a three-minute rolling attack which brought them within five metres of the Kiwis try line before a neck roll from Faifili Levave on Ardie Savea brought an end to their early dominance.

New Zealand started to gain momentum and took the lead after opting to take a scrum five metres out. A powerful run off the back by Ardie Savea was halted inches from the whitewash before Barrett darted to the line before offloading inside to Lienert-Brown.

Albert Nikoro missed two long-range penalties for a chance to reduce the deficit before Tim Nanai-Williams broke through the New Zealand defensive line to release Alapati Leiua only for his rushed pass to float straight into touch.

Leiua breached the hosts defence once more before a knock-on from outside centre Kieron Fonotia gifted the ball to New Zealand full-back Ben Smith for a break of his own, and following offloads from Aaron Smith and Williams, Barrett kicked the ball on to dive for a fantastic break-away try to extend their lead to 14-0.

New Zealand increased their advantage in their next attack three minutes later following a swift move from the back of a scrum, with number eight Ardie Savea strolling under the posts for his third international try.

Brodie Retallick should have joined the scorers after a neat interchange with Dagg but the lock failed to gather the ball from the return pass with the line at his mercy, before Williams crashed over from close range just before the break to put the Kiwis 28-0 ahead at half-time.

It did not take long for the hosts to cross the whitewash after the break when Lienert-Brown broke past three Samoa defenders, before a fine pass out of the back of his hand found Dagg to touch down for his 25th international score.

The hosts built up pressure on the right wing before switching play to the left, with slick passing which resulted in Julian Savea dotting down for his 46th try for New Zealand.

A quick line-up from Julian Savea and Ben Smith found a gap in the Samoa defence which led to Taylor scoring under the posts.

Two wonderful passing moves lead to Barretts second try of the match and Fafitas first international Test score.

Perenara was put in for an easy score after supporting the break from fellow substitute Lima Sopoaga to extend their lead further before Ardie Savea sealed a clinical performance with his second and his sides 12th and final try of the match.

Much of the pre-match talk was about the potential historic moment of three brothers playing at the same time for New Zealand after Barrett and siblings Jordie and Scott were all called up, but despite all three featuring they were never on the pitch at the same time.

SNAP  A proud family moment, as the three Barrett brothers line up for the anthem. #NZLvSAM #PasifikaChallenge pic.twitter.com/MOktJwY71N  All Blacks (@AllBlacks) June 16, 2017

Were sitting here and were finished for the weekend and weve come out with no injuries and we get to sit down now and get really excited about whats ahead of us which is the Lions.

We wait 12 years for them to come around so we dont want to miss it and we get to watch them play the Maori, who will throw the kitchen sink at them. Its a big game for the Lions again and then all the banters out of the way, isnt it? Were into it, and I cant wait.
Brexit talks in Brussels on Monday will focus on the status of expats, the UKs divorce bill and the Northern Ireland border, rather than on future trade relations with the European Union, it has been confirmed.

The European Commission said the one-day meeting between its chief negotiator Michel Barnier and Brexit Secretary David Davis will take place as part of the sequenced approach to the talks set out by the EU, which require progress to be made on withdrawal arrangements before any talks on trade can begin.

But Mr Davis insisted the UK still wants to negotiate its future trade relationship with the EU alongside talks on the terms for Brexit, which he said was the process set out in Article 50 of the EU treaties.

The article states that discussions on a members withdrawal must take account of the framework for its future relationship with the Union.

A spokesman for his Department for Exiting the EU said Britain had been crystal clear about its approach.

Parliament returns & Brexit talks begin: key dates.

Our view is that withdrawal agreement and terms of the future relationship must be agreed alongside each other, said the spokesman. We are clear this is what is set out in Article 50.

We believe that the withdrawal process cannot be concluded without the future relationship also being taken into account. As the EU has itself said, nothing is agreed, until everything is agreed.

As we also said in our Article 50 letter, agreeing a high-level approach to the issues arising from our withdrawal will of course be an early priority. But the withdrawal and future are intimately linked.

(Jane Barlow/PA)

The spokesman said the UKs first aim was to move ahead on securing the rights of EU citizens in the UK and UK citizens living in the EU.

We want to end the anxiety facing 4 million citizens, he said. That has always been our first aim and that is what we will do. That is why we are pushing ahead with negotiations on Monday.

Chancellor Philip Hammond said the Governments priority in the negotiations should be to protect jobs, economic growth and prosperity.

Chancellor Philip Hammond said the protection of jobs, growth and economic prosperity must be the priority for the Government in the Brexit negotiations (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

His comments are likely to be seen as a further indication he is pressing for the Government to take a softer line on Brexit than the immigration-driven approach previously set out by Theresa May.

Speaking as he arrived for a meeting of EU finance ministers in Luxembourg, he said: As we go into that negotiation, my clear view  and I believe the view of the majority of people in Britain  is that we should prioritise protecting jobs, protecting economic growth and protecting prosperity as we enter those negotiations and take them forward.

The Chancellor had been due to use a high-profile speech in the City of London on Thursday night to send out a message the Government would protect business from shocks during the Brexit process.

But his planned address was postponed because of the Grenfell Tower fire tragedy.
BUDAPEST, June 15 (Reuters) - Prosecutors said on Thursday there was nothing Hungarian authorities could have done to prevent the deaths of 71 migrants in a lorry found by an Austrian motorway at the height of Europe's migrant crisis in 2015.

The refugees from Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan - 59 men, eight women and four children - were crammed into the back of a small lorry by people smugglers and suffocated on the journey from Hungary.

The case highlighted the perils of the journey that more than a million migrants undertook as they fled conflict and economic hardship in the Middle East and Africa, causing a humanitarian crisis and political strife in Europe.

German daily Suddeutsche Zeitung reported on Wednesday that Hungarian police had intercepted and recorded mobile phone conversations among the traffickers who drove the lorry, but acted too late to stop it.

"It is incorrect to assume Hungarian authorities could have prevented the deadly crime considering its extremely rapid course," prosecution spokesman Gabor Schmidt wrote in a response to questions from Reuters.

He said Hungarian police were working to disrupt human trafficking networks that ferried migrants, often in poorly ventilated refrigerator trucks, across international borders.

Schmidt said before the deadly incident police had no indication the migrants would be in mortal danger inside the trucks and focussed on mapping the networks.

He said investigators had tapped the phones of the leaders of the trafficking ring that caused the deaths of the 71 migrants from Aug. 13, 2015 - two weeks before the deadly journey - trying to map traffickers in an earlier case.

Suddeutsche Zeitung detailed some of the conversations based on police records it obtained. In one instance, the Afghan ring leader explicitly forbids the driver to open the lorry's door despite loud banging and cries for help from the inside.

"You should in no way open the door," he says. "If people die in there unload them in a forest in Germany."

As this conversation took place in the early hours of Aug. 27, 2015, no one was listening in on the Hungarian side.

"Because there had been no data about transports threatening human life... we could not shorten the period of the wiretap (and move in on the traffickers sooner)," Schmidt wrote. There was "no reason or capacity" to listen to the conversations live.

He said the languages spoken - Pashto, and Bulgarian and Serbian dialects - posed additional difficulties.

"All of that meant the Hungarian authorities could only translate and analyse the wiretaps after the transport that led to the deaths of the 71 migrants," he said, adding authorities had observed all relevant Hungarian laws.

Eleven men have been charged in connection with the deaths. Their trial is due to start next week. (Reporting by Marton Dunai; Editing by Janet Lawrence)
By Ingrid Melander and Johnny Cotton

AMIENS, France, June 15 (Reuters) - On a school gate in the French city of Amiens, a hand-written note details the results of last weekend's parliamentary elections. The winner, by far, was abstention.

Barely a third of the 1,803 registered voters in the working class neighbourhood of Saint-Maurice bothered to cast a ballot at the school, which doubles up as a polling station.

The dismal turnout in the first round of the elections could spell trouble for President Emmanuel Macron, who was born and grew up in the northern city. While his party is forecast to win the second round run-off this Sunday easily, he will need all the support he can get to avoid street protests that could hinder his plans for far-reaching social and economic reforms.

Local people who stayed at home last weekend spoke of their disillusionment with politics in a country where job creation has been slow and frustration with an election where the result already appears a done deal.

"We're in deep shit already and we'll never get out of it, at least not for a long while, so what's the point in going to vote?" Amelie Leroy, a 25-year-old maternity ward worker, told Reuters on a quiet street of yellow and red brick houses.

These are emotions felt across France, a country where voter turnout is traditionally high but slumped to just 48.7 percent in the first round, the lowest for a parliamentary election in the country's modern history.

Opinion polls project that the run-off - contested by the top two candidates from the first round in each constituency - will hand Macron's centrist Republic on the Move (LREM) party and its smaller ally as many as three quarters of the 577 seats in the lower house.

That on paper would give Macron a powerful mandate for his reform plans that include cutting tens of thousands of public sector jobs and making it easier to hire and fire workers. But his party and its ally won just about a third of the low first round vote.

An OpinionWay poll on Thursday pointed to an even lower turnout of 46 percent in the run-off.

This high abstention rate shows Macron, a 39-year-old former banker, is struggling to rally the whole nation behind him. That means he will have to tread carefully in a country where muscular trade unions do not shy from calling strikes and where street protests have forced many a past government to dilute reforms.

Leroy, who will stay at home again for the run-off, said she knew little about the candidates courting her vote, but did know about Macron's plans to relax labour laws. And they worry her.

If he goes through with them, Leroy said, she would probably take to the streets in protest, or strike.

A survey by Elabe pollsters showed not all of those who abstained last Sunday did so in protest - 47 percent welcomed the outcome. But even the government has said the low turnout was a failure it needed to address.

"That's what's at stake in this second round vote but also for our whole five-year term - reconciling the French with politics and bringing voters back to the ballot box," said Nicolas Dumont, the 40-year-old candidate for Macron's party in the Amiens constituency where Leroy lives.

Dumont got just 210 votes cast at the Saint-Maurice school, exactly the same as Francois Ruffin, a hard-left activist who he will face in the June 18 run-off.

Many local people are unconvinced by Macron, who became modern France's youngest president last month.

"We elected a 39-year-old, a former Rothschild banker. How do you want this guy to put himself in the shoes of the average worker? That will never happen," said 63-year-old retired factory worker Philippe Lamour, a far-right sympathiser.

Lamour, who usually votes, is boycotting what he calls a "moronic" parliamentary election this time because he feels a LREM victory is a foregone conclusion.

After months of political campaigning marked by scandals, even Macron supporters are wary.

Sitting in the sun on the steps of her home, 72-year-old Amiens resident Francoise Granger said she is backing both Macron and Dumont. However, she is also worried by allegations of impropriety concerning two ministers in his government. "There needs to be full transparency," she said.

NO BLANK CHEQUE

The large parliamentary majority that is expected for LREM should not be interpreted as a blank cheque for Macron, said Yves-Marie Cann of Elabe.

"It will not exempt the government from having to seek a wide majority for its projects, or else it would run the risk of angering part of the population and foster protests that could benefit from substantial support among the population."

Macron has said labour reform is one of his top priorities and has planned to ask the new assembly, which starts work on June 27, to let him to speed up its adoption via executive decrees rather than parliamentary votes. But, in an attempt to win backing for the reform, he has also planned a series of meetings with labour unions to discuss his plans.

At this stage, the momentum behind Macron is such that active opposition to him is weak, Cann said. One in two of those voters who backed his main anti-establishment rivals for the presidency - hard-left candidate Jean-Luc Melenchon and far-right contender Marine Le Pen - didn't vote in the parliamentary election's first round.

Generally, the lower a citizen's salary and educational levels, the higher the likelihood of abstention, an Ipsos Sopra Steria poll showed. Age also plays a role.

"We know that it's the workers who won't go and vote, we know it's young people who won't go and vote," said Ruffin, who came well behind LREM's Dumont in the Amiens constituency in the first round, with 24.32 percent versus 34.13 percent.

But in a city with a history of headline-grabbing industrial action, trade unionists said the apathy would not last.

"It's not done yet. I hope he (Macron) is expecting tough protests when he puts his reform on the table," said Frederic Chantrelle, a member of the CFDT union who has worked for 20 years at a local tumble-drier factory.

(Writing by Ingrid Melander; editing by David Stamp)
By David Brunnstrom

WASHINGTON, June 15 (Reuters) - U.S. and Chinese diplomatic and defense chiefs will meet Wednesday for a security dialogue that Washington says will focus on curbing North Korea's nuclear and missile programs.

The talks in Washington will involve U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis as well as China's top diplomat, State Councilor Yang Jiechi, and General Fang Fenghui, chief of state of the Peoples Liberation Army, the U.S. State Department said.

It will be the inaugural session of the U.S.-China Diplomatic and Security Dialogue, a framework launched by President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping during a summit in Florida in April.

The State Department said the aim was "to expand areas of cooperation while narrowing differences on key diplomatic and security issues."

U.S.-China ties have warmed since the April summit, in spite of continued U.S. concerns about China's pursuit of territory in the South China Sea and a large trade imbalance.

Tillerson has said North Korea will top the agenda next week and made clear that Washington wanted more help from China in pressing Pyongyang to abandon its weapons programs, calling Chinese efforts so far "notable" but "uneven."

The focus on North Korea has been sharpened by dozens of North Korean missile launches and two nuclear bomb tests since the beginning of last year.

North Korea says it is working to develop a nuclear-tipped missile capable of hitting the United States, and this week Mattis called it the "most urgent" threat to U.S. national security.

China is party to U.N. economic sanctions on North Korea. But it remains the country's main ally and trading partner and has been reluctant to impose the sort of punishing measures experts say are needed to get Pyongyang to abandon its weapons programs.

In Beijing, asked about the talks, China's foreign ministry spokesman, Lu Kang, said, "The two sides are in close communication about the schedule, but the issues discussed will be those that both countries are concerned about and that involve China-U.S. relations." He did not elaborate.

On Tuesday, Tillerson said Washington was considering imposing "secondary sanctions" on foreign firms doing business with North Korea and had been in discussions with Beijing about the activities of entities inside China.

A Washington think tank said this week that North Korea's effort to circumvent sanctions was complex but could be defeated by targeting relatively few Chinese firms.

The U.N. Security Council expanded targeted sanctions against North Korea this month in the first such resolution agreed by the United States and China since Trump took office.

Washington has been pushing for even tougher steps, including an oil embargo, bans of North Korea's airline and overseas workers and interception of its cargo ships. (Reporting by David Brunnstrom; Editing by David Alexander and Cynthia Osterman)
KUALA LUMPUR, June 16 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - S outheast Asian governments' efforts to stop women from going abroad for domestic work are putting their citizens at greater risk of becoming victims of trafficking and exploitation, the United Nations warned.

Nearly half of the world's 53 million domestic workers are from Asia, most of them women from impoverished families seeking higher incomes abroad.

However, horrific cases of maids being beaten and raped have prompted some governments - including Indonesia, Myanmar and Cambodia - to stop sending domestic workers to certain countries in recent years.

In a study released on Friday, the International Labour Organization (ILO) and UN Women said such restrictions, designed to protect women from abuse, actually exposed women to greater risk.

"Even if there are barriers to women's regular migration, it doesn't stop women from migrating," Anna Olsen, a technical specialist from the ILO, told the Thomson Reuters Foundation by Skype from Hanoi.

Women end up migrating "irregularly" - entering the destination country and then working without documentation or permission.

"Irregular migrants have fewer protections in destination countries, which means they are more vulnerable to forced labour, exploitation and human trafficking," Olsen said.

For the report, released to coincide with the International Domestic Workers' Day, researchers studied bans imposed by Cambodia in 2011 and Myanmar in 2014, and found they led to a rise in illegal recruiters smuggling women abroad.

The U.N. agencies said the lack of a legal route made women domestic workers more vulnerable, as they were scared to seek help when they were abused.

"Within three months of going, I was tortured and wanted to come back... they told me that even if I was killed no one would know," a Cambodian domestic worker said in the report.

The study said these restrictions, which primarily impact women, were a setback for female empowerment.

"Women make decisions to migrate despite known risks, judging that potential gains outweigh potential problems. Many women report satisfaction and empowerment through migration, as they can earn much higher wages than at home," it said.

Globally about 200 million migrants, half of whom are women, sent home almost half a trillion dollars in 2016, helping to lift families out of poverty by providing financial stability and access to education, the International Fund for Agricultural Development said this week.

(Writing by Beh Lih Yi @behlihyi, Editing by Alisa Tang. Please credit the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the charitable arm of Thomson Reuters, that covers humanitarian news, women's rights, trafficking, property rights, climate change and resilience. Visit http://news.trust.org)
By Simon Lewis and Neil Jerome Morales

MARAWI CITY, Philippines, June 16 (Reuters) - When Philippines troops advanced on positions held by Islamist militants in a southern city last week, they were caught in a kill zone.

Technical Sergeant Mahamud Darang said his armoured carrier came under fire from a black-clad militant firing rocket-propelled grenades as a column of troops crossed the Agus River toward the commercial centre of Marawi City, an area held by the militants since May 23.

The first grenade hit the ground in front of them, Darang told Reuters. He then spotted the shooter, just before he fired again.

"He was on the third floor of a building. Then the second one came right into the vehicle and blew up," said Darang, speaking from a hospital bed, his head and shoulders bandaged from shrapnel wounds.

One soldier died and Darang and some of the others were wounded. Bleeding, the 21-year army veteran ordered his comrades to dismount from the burning vehicle and take cover in a nearby building.

The four soldiers were rescued later and taken to hospital.

The rest of the contingent also came under withering fire from militants in buildings, five to ten storeys high, as they crossed the low-lying Mapandi bridge over the river. Some were hit by Molotov cocktails.

Thirteen soldiers in all were killed and about 40 injured in Friday's 14-hour battle, a major setback to government forces and a signal that the battle to recapture the city from an estimated 150-200 Islamic State militants will be difficult.

President Rodrigo Duterte has said a couple of times that the battle for Marawi would be over in a few of days.

As Duterte nears the end of his first year in office his strong man image could suffer the longer the fighting drags on. He could be forced to seek greater support from the United States, despite his hostile attitude to Washington since taking power.

Some U.S. special forces soldiers are providing technical support in Marawi under a long-standing arrangement, and a P3 Orion spy plane and drone aircraft have provided reconnaissance, but U.S. troops are not directly involved in the fighting.

At least eight soldiers on the frontlines in Marawi told Reuters the militants were using accurate sniper fire, grenades and firebombs to hold off advancing troops, despite daily bombing raids and artillery fire on their positions. Many spoke anonymously as they were not authorised to speak to media.

The military says 290 people have been killed, including 58 soldiers, 206 militants and 26 civilians. Residents who have fled the shattered city said they have seen least 100 bodies in the rubble and in battle zones.

The battle for Marawi, in the midst of the southern Philippines region of Mindanao, marks the first time Islamic State has held territory for any length of time in Southeast Asia. Nearby countries like Indonesia and Malaysia, both of which have Muslim majorities, are fearful that it could herald the birth of a regional Islamic caliphate as the militant movement suffers reverses in Iraq and Syria.

REINFORCED BUILDINGS, HIGH GROUND

Lieutenant Colonel Jo-Ar Herrera, a military spokesman, said on Thursday that the army had retaken higher ground to the east of the city, reducing the enemy's field of fire.

Three bridges over the Agus had earlier been vulnerable to sniper fire, according to a military source, but Herrera said the army now had control of the bridges.

Many of the militants are locals, from the Marawi region. Military officials say they have been joined by battle-hardened Islamic State fighters from as far away as Yemen and Morocco.

The ill-equipped Philippines military has mostly operated against rebels in mountainous territory or on remote islands and is unused to urban warfare.

Aiding the militants is Mindanao's history of clan warfare - known in the local dialect as rido - and most buildings in Marawi have basements and are built with walls of thick concrete.

"The culture of this region is they have built their houses like fortresses," said one of the frontline army commanders. "They want to protect their families. They know how to make guns. That's also part of the rido culture."

The military says its attacks have to be tempered with caution because of civilians trapped in the cross-fire and because it does not want to assault one of the city's numerous mosques.

The most fearsome weapon the militants have is a sniper rifle modelled on the U.S.-made .50 caliber Barrett.

"The snipers are good, they make sure that with every shot, someone is killed or wounded," said Pendaton Guro, a retired colonel who has stayed on in Marawi.

From his rooftop overlooking the city, Guro has watched the fighting since it began on May 23 and heard the popping of sniper fire.

"The Maute leaders were trained abroad. It's hard to fight them."

If the army uses armoured carriers, the militants respond with rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) that can penetrate the armour, or shower metal splinters within the vehicle.

"Their RPGs make it hard for our armour to advance. If we get too close, they will fire RPGs," said a soldier, who said he had lost four close comrades in the siege.

Troops have responded by rigging wooden panels - adorned with painted images of skulls or slogans - on their "Simba" armoured personnel carriers to repel rockets.

A grenade "will explode as soon as it hits the wood block, and it will not explode on the metal," a combat policeman told Reuters.

WELL-STOCKED

Although the military has said it has thrown a cordon around the city, the militants appeared to have good stocks of food and ammunition. The assault on Marawi began just before the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, when many Muslim families store food because they do not eat in daylight hours.

"They put ammunition and different arms in different places," said Marawi City police commander Superintendent Marlon Tabaya.

"I believe they have planned it for a long time."

The military is using OV-10 planes for regular bombing raids and has pressed tanks into battle, and some units are armed with M-16 assault rifles.

A combat policeman who spent nine days on the frontlines, however, lamented the state of his equipment.

"We have no kevlar vests, helmets or new weapons," he said.

Despite the difficulties, troops are confident they will make a breakthrough.

Two front line officers told Reuters radio intercepts indicated that the militants' ammunition, arms and food supplies were running low.

There were also signs of discord between the different groups fighting in the city, who come from at least three different Muslim-majority ethnic groups.

"They are calling each other, looking for help, thinking they have left each other," an army radio officer said. "They are demoralised."

Lieutenant Colonel Herrera said the military was advancing toward the inner city, but added: "There are still sniper positions. We continue to assess the battlefield. The battlefield is very fluid."

Darang, the wounded armoured carrier commander, said he was eager to return to battle.

"When I recover I will go back there to fight," he said.

A Muslim himself, from Cotabatu City in Mindanao, the 47-year-old soldier was filled with disdain for the militants.

"They are not good Muslims. How could they attack us during Ramadan, these people have no religion."

(Writing by Raju Gopalakrishnan; Editing by Simon Cameron-Moore)
SOFIA, June 16 (Reuters) - These are some of the main stories in Bulgarian newspapers on Friday. Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

-- Bulgaria will re-launch the tender to run and operate Sofia airport in the autumn after it chooses international consultants for the procedure that previous government canceled, Transport Minister Ivailo Moskovski said. (Trud, Duma, Standart)

-- Russian oil major LUKOIL plans to stay in Bulgaria and expand its business, its chief executive Vagit Alekperov said after meeting Prime Minister Boyko Borissov. LUKOIL has invested over $3 billion in Bulgaria to maintain its oil refinery and petrol filling stations. (Trud, 24 Chasa, Duma, Standart, Monitor)

-- The parliament rejected the draft law that envisioned the introduction of majority voting system in Bulgaria, after the opposition MRF party withdrew its support for the bill. (24 Chasa, Trud, Monitor, Sega, Duma, Standart)

DUMA - Over 150,000 children from disadvantaged families in Bulgaria do not attend school and about 15,000 leave the system each year as their parents move abroad, the leader of the teachers' trade unions said.
GENEVA, June 16 (Reuters) - A crackdown on human rights in Bahrain, including a resumption of executions and suppression of dissent, is likely to spark increased unrest, U.N. rights investigators said on Friday.

U.S.-allied Bahrain, where the U.S. Fifth Fleet is based, crushed mass protests by the Shi'ite Muslim majority in 2011 and the Sunni-led monarchy has kept a lid on unrest since then by closing Shi'ite-led opposition groups and prosecuting activists.

"Trying to quell protests and criticism by resorting to repression and violence is not only a violation of international human rights law, it also undoubtedly leads to an escalation of tension," five U.N. investigators said in a statement.

"We fear that this increasingly hostile environment is undermining any prospect of alleviation of social and political unrest in Bahrain."

The five investigators - Agnes Callamard, Annalisa Ciampi, Michel Forst, Ahmed Shaheed and Jose Antonio Guevara Bermudez - are independent experts who report to the U.N. Human Rights Council on executions, freedom of assembly, human rights defenders, freedom of religion, and arbitrary detention.

They said Bahrain's human rights situation had deteriorated sharply in the past year, since the Ministry of Justice began legal moves to dissolve the main opposition party, the Al-Wefaq Islamic Society, and stripped the country's highest Shi'ite religious authority, Isa Qassim, of his citizenship.

"The authorities have resorted to drastic measures to curb dissenting opinions such as torture, arbitrary detention, unfounded convictions, the stripping of citizenship, the use of travel bans, intimidation, including death threats, and reprisals for cooperating with international organizations, including the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights."

The U.N. investigators also said security forces had also used excessive and lethal force against peaceful demonstrations, tragically failing in their duty to protect life.

People who stood up for human rights were being charged for offences that could result in the death penalty under "repressive legislation" such as the Law of Associations and anti-terrorism laws, they added.

Earlier this week a Bahraini human rights group said lawyers for a leading rights activist, Nabeel Rajab, walked out of court after their demand to postpone the trial was rejected by the judge.

Bahrain denies any systematic abuse by police or in its prisons and says it is facing violent revolt backed by the Gulf region's Shi'ite power, Iran, which denies the accusation. (Reporting by Tom Miles; editing by Mark Heinrich)
SHANGHAI, June 16 (Reuters) - China's securities regulator said on Friday that it hopes U.S. index provider MSCI will decide next week to include the country's so-called A shares in its Emerging Market Index - but if not, Chinese capital market reform will not be derailed.

"We would always be happy to see that A shares are included in the MSCI index, and we could welcome such a decision," Zhang Xiaojun, China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) spokesman told a news conference, according to CSRC's official website.

"Any emerging market index, including MSCI's, would be very incomplete without China stocks."

However, Zhang added that whatever the result, the direction of China's capital markets reform, and the pace of the country's opening, will not be changed.

MSCI has rejected China's inclusion three times. It is due to announce shortly after 4.30 pm New York time on Tuesday, June 20 - early Wednesday morning in Shanghai - whether to open up its Emerging Markets Index to China shares.

Investors and analysts have said a "yes" decision is likely this time, after MSCI proposed in March to change the methodology for a China inclusion.

The proposal reduced the weighting of Chinese shares for potential inclusion, cutting the number of stocks to 169 from 448 in a bid to address curbs on repatriating capital from China and concerns over the country's high number of suspended stocks. (Reporting by Samuel Shen and John Ruwitch)
By Gopal Sharma

KATHMANDU, June 16 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - In early 2015, 16-year-old Sangita Magar was in a tuition centre in the Nepali capital Kathmandu when a young man burst into the room and flung acid at her, injuring Magar and her friend.

Magar, who suffered burns to her face, chest, stomach and legs in the attack, has still not received official compensation, as there is no provision in Nepali law for an immediate payment.

That is about to change, as Nepal's Supreme Court, in response to a petition by rights group Forum for Women, Law and Development (FWLD), last month ordered the government to amend the law to ensure victims of acid attacks and burning receive immediate compensation and critical care.

"Once the law is reformed, at least victims of future burning and acid attacks will benefit," Sabin Shrestha at FWLD told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

Magar risks losing her eyesight if she does not receive urgent treatment, and will probably not benefit even if the law were to be amended, Shrestha said.

There are about 40 reported cases of burns and acid attacks every year in Nepal, with nearly three-quarters of the victims women, according to New York-based charity Direct Donor Action, citing non-profit Burns Violence Survivors Nepal.

Globally, as many as 1,500 acid attacks are recorded every year. However, many attacks go unreported because victims are afraid of reprisals from their abusers.

In many of these cases, victims are blinded or disfigured by jilted partners or relatives for not bringing adequate dowry, for refusing a man's advances or in property related disputes.

Under current Nepali law, anyone found guilty of such a crime can be sentenced to up to eight years in jail and a fine or victim compensation of up to 300,000 Nepali rupees ($2,900).

In reality, only a small amount is given to a victim, and never before a final decision is made, which can take years.

Meanwhile, victims may not be able to afford the medical care they need, and risk permanent damage, Shrestha said.

Officials say changing the law may take time because of political uncertainty in Nepal, with a new constitution prepared in 2015 rejected by some ethnic groups, and a new prime minister taking office just this month.

"We have not received a formal court order yet," said Dilli Raj Ghimire, a spokesman for the law ministry.

"Drafting the changes and completing parliamentary procedures before they become law will take time," he said, without specifying a time frame.

Campaigners say they would also like to see the government close a loophole that denies compensation to acid attack and burn victims in some cases, including those related to their attackers.

"This is a landmark judgment, but more needs to be done," Direct Donor Action said on its website.

($1 = 103.123 Nepali rupees)

(Writing by Rina Chandran @rinachandran, Editing by Ros Russell. Please credit the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the charitable arm of Thomson Reuters, that covers humanitarian news, women's rights, trafficking, property rights, climate change and resilience. Visit news.trust.org to see more stories.)
By Masayuki Kitano and Aradhana Aravindan

SINGAPORE, June 16 (Reuters) - In property-obsessed Singapore, the future and value of one house has gripped the nation due to an extraordinary feud between the children of the island state's founding father.

Lee Kuan Yew died in 2015, but a bitter row over his will, specifically what to do with the old family home, broke into full public view this week, prompting the eldest son, current Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong to issue a statement saying he was "disappointed" and "deeply saddened".

Lee Kuan Yew moved into the five-bedroom house, formerly owned by a Jewish merchant, in 1945, as the Japanese Occupation ended and the island returned to British colonial rule.

Over the next decade 38 Oxley Road became a hub of political activity, and it was in the basement that the People's Action Party, which has led Singapore since independence, was conceived.

Four years before he died, LKY, as he was popularly known, said the bungalow should be demolished once he'd gone.

He said it lacked foundations, suffered from damp, had cracks in the walls and was costly to maintain.

"But fortunately the pillars are sound," he joked to the Singapore Straits Times.

According to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's siblings, their older brother wants the house to be preserved as a symbol of modern Singapore's history.

The sister, 62-year-old Lee Wei Ling, still lives in the bungalow, just a short walk from the city's main shopping district at Orchard Road.

She and her brother, Lee Hsien Yang, insist it should be demolished in accordance with their late father's wishes, and have accused their elder brother of using "organs of the state" to intimidate them as the row, waged over social media and through the Singapore press, escalated this week.

Their father, in the newspaper interview, had disdained the idea of tourists trickling through the tired, old house, with its retro furniture.

"I've seen other houses, Nehru's, Shakespeare's. They become a shambles after a while. People trudge through," Lee said.

Not only that, he said the zoning regulations should be changed to let all owners on Oxley Road build higher than the current two-story limit to boost the value of the real estate.

Private home prices in Singapore have risen 15 times compared to 1975, government data shows. The price of bungalows in the central region, like the Lees, have doubled in the last ten years, according to real estate services firm Cushman and Wakefield.

Any demolition or redevelopment can happen only after the daughter moves out, so it could be years before any changes are made.

As things stand, if the bungalow were to be knocked down, the property could only be redeveloped as a modern residential house, or a row of terrace houses, experts suggest.

Estate agents estimated that the 12,060-square foot plot was currently worth around S$24 million ($17 million).

"You can't build 20 storeys on it, so that puts a cap on the land value," said Ku Swee Yong, CEO of International Property Advisor Pte Ltd.

"Depending on how you design the two-story mixed-landed project the land value could be worth a little bit more, so let's say S$25 million."

Christine Li, director of research at Cushman, provided a similar valuation, but added that it could fetch more due to its "special address".

"For instance, if it is sold through an auction, this address is likely to fetch a much higher value, just like how art does," Li said. (Reporting by Aradhana Aravindan and Masayuki Kitano; Writing by Miyoung Kim; Editing by Simon Cameron-Moore)
By Aaron Maasho

ADDIS ABABA, June 16 (Reuters) - Djibouti accused neighbouring Eritrea on Friday of occupying disputed territory along their border after Qatar withdrew its peacekeepers.

Foreign Minister Mahamoud Ali Youssouf said Djibouti's military were "on alert" and that it has lodged complaints to the U.N. and the African Union.

Qatar announced that it was pulling its contingent out on June 14, days after the two East African countries sided with Saudi Arabia and its allies in their standoff with Qatar.

Doha's foreign ministry did not give a reason for the move but it comes as Doha faces a diplomatic crisis with some of its Arab neighbours. They cut ties a week ago, accusing Qatar of backing Islamist militgnts and Iran, something Doha strongly denies.

"Qatari peacekeepers withdrew on June 12 and 13. On the same day, there were Eritrean military movements on the mountain," Ali Youssouf told Reuters.

"They are now in full control of Dumeira Mountain and Dumeira Island. This is in breach of the UN Security Council resolution," he added, referring to areas that the neighbours dispute.

Authorities in Asmara were not immediately available for comment.

Djibouti, a close Western ally, hosts French and U.S. military bases and is the main route to the sea for Eritrea's arch foe and Washington's top regional ally, Ethiopia.

Eritrea has fractious ties with the West, which had previously accused it of backing Somali and other regional insurgents. Asmara denies the charges.

Clashes broke out between the Horn of Africa countries in June, 2008, after Djibouti accused Asmara of moving troops across the border, raising fears the spat could engulf the entire region.

The dispute triggered several days of fighting that killed a dozen Djiboutian troops and wounded dozens. Eritrea had initially denied making any incursions, accusing Djibouti of launching unprovoked attacks.

The U.N. Security Council then requested both sides withdraw from the area, before the neighbours accepted a Qatari request to mediate and deploy peacekeepers.

(Writing by Aaron Maasho; Editing by)
By Anthony Langat

WAJIR, Kenya, June 16 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - Sitting a couple of kilometres outside the village of Wajir-bor in northeast Kenya is something quite rare for these dry parts: a small, well-maintained reservoir full of water with a watchman standing guard at the gate.

A dam was constructed here after the Wajir County Assembly passed a climate change act in 2016, one of the first in Kenya, freeing up government funds for projects chosen by local people.

The people of Wajir-bor, 40 km (25 miles) west of the border with Somalia and inhabited mainly by the Degodia clan of the Somali ethnic group, decided on the water pan, which provides water for domestic use and for livestock to drink.

With the money, they also installed a water tank and a diesel generator to pump water into an animal trough, and fenced off the shallow reservoir to keep it clean.

Wajirs Climate Change Fund, set up through the act, is resourced with 2 percent of the countys development budget. The money is set aside for efforts to adapt to climate change impacts such as worsening drought.

The fund can also harness finance from international sources, and has received about 62.7 million Kenyan shillings ($606,000) from the UK government.

Wajir residents have chosen community members to represent them on the local adaptation committees that shape the projects, with women making up at least a third.

This system gives a voice to ethnic Somali women who are traditionally excluded from leadership roles in their patriarchal communities, experts say.

In Wajir-bor, five of the 13 committee members are women. A water users association was also established, led by an elected board of 12, including three women whose job it is to manage the water pan on a daily basis.

WOMEN DECIDE

Ahmed Abdi, CEO of Arid Lands Development Focus Kenya (ALDEF Kenya), said women now have a chance to influence decisions that affect their livelihoods, particularly on issues of grazing pastures and water.

"Traditionally, women only had more say when there was water scarcity," said Abdi. "It is then they can decide that the little water that is available near the homestead will not be used for livestock but for domestic use."

In that case, men are forced to search for water further away, he added.

But now women are starting to gain more power over the wider water situation.

"After the recent rainfall, there is still water in various smaller pans and earth dams where the livestock graze," explained Amina Mohamed, 50, a committee member for the Wajir-bor water association. "This dam will be opened for use when the livestock have exhausted water in other dams."

She also works to maintain the fence around the water pan, and prevent people and animals from trespassing.

"We asked the county to build the fence so that livestock do not walk into the dam when drinking, making the water dirty," she said.

The watchman keeps them out during the day but Mohamed said a herder recently got in with his animals when the guard was off-duty.

"We investigated and found out the person who broke in and he has since been arrested," she said. The committee will ensure the trespasser pays for the fence repairs, setting an example to others.

THIRSTY GIRAFFES

El-Ben dam is another water project paid for by Wajirs Climate Change Fund. Hebla Hussein, 52, a mother of nine, helps manage the local water users association. Its committee of 12 members includes five women.

Hussein is also involved in the day-to-day running of the water pan, which has been fenced off due to the menace of wildlife like thirsty giraffes and hyenas.

"Giraffes are strong and can damage the fence and get into the dam to drink, especially when it is dry," said Hussein.

The El-Ben water users association has already reported the invasions to the Kenya Wildlife Service, asking it to provide water for the wild animals.

Womens involvement in climate change adaptation committees is a step forward but it is not yet enough, experts say, as they do not yet have equal representation in most cases.

ALDEF Kenyas Abdi said it is just as important to select female members who are well-equipped to push forward the concerns of other women when it comes to climate change.

"It is not about numbers but about getting the right person," he said. "If you get a few women who are able to articulate their issues, even among many men, then they will be able to represent themselves." ($1 = 103.4500 Kenyan shillings) (Reporting by Anthony Langat; editing by Megan Rowling. Please credit the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the charitable arm of Thomson Reuters, that covers humanitarian news, climate change, resilience, women's rights, trafficking and property rights. Visit http://news.trust.org/climate)
NAIROBI, June 16 (Reuters) - A passenger vehicle in northeast Kenya ran over an improvised explosive device on Friday, detonating it and killing four people and wounding 11 others, a senior government official said.

"There was an incident of an IED involving a public service vehicle, a (Toyota) Landcruiser which was carrying about 15 people and ran over an IED. It exploded, killing four instantly and injured 11," Frederick Shisia, Mandera County Commissioner, told Reuters by phone. (Reporting by Humphrey Malalo; Editing by George Obulutsa and Hugh Lawson)
By Guillermo Parra-Bernal

SAO PAULO, June 16 (Reuters) - A unit of Chile's Empresas Copec SA has placed a bid for pulpmaker Eldorado Brasil Celulose SA, whose controlling family put it on the block after signing a plea deal with prosecutors in Brazil, a person directly involved in the bid said on Friday.

According to the person, who asked for anonymity as terms of the bid remain private, Eldorado Brasil is also a target of Brazilian rivals Suzano Papel & Celulose SA and Fibria SA, lured by potentially significant cost savings from an acquisition.

Currently, Brazil's billionaire Batista family controls 81 percent of Eldorado through investment holding company J&F Investimentos SA, with the rest being owned by two pension funds. Eldorado is among J&F's flagship assets put up for sale after brothers Joesley and Wesley Batista were ensnared in a corruption scandal.

A deadline for bids was unclear, the person said, although Copec's Arauco unit made an offer this week to the Batistas for their stake. The person added that exclusive talks could start over the weekend.

Santiago-based Copec, Fibria and J&F declined to comment. Suzano did not have an immediate comment.

Eldorado's debt is hovering around 8 billion reais ($2.4 billion), and lenders are pressing for a sale, sources told Reuters last month.

Buying Eldorado could allow Copec to expand in Brazil, where lawmakers have discussed easing sales of land to foreign investors. Land in Brazil offers global pulpmakers strategic advantages, such as more productive soil than Scandinavia and Chile.

Copec shed 0.7 percent to 7,817 Chilean pesos on Friday, paring the stock's 2.2 percent gain since newspaper Valor Economico reported the planned Eldorado bid earlier this week.

Shares of Sao Paulo-based Fibria gained 0.8 percent and Suzano's Class A preferred shares rose 1 percent early Friday.

Valor reported on Friday, citing a person familiar with the talks, that Copec's non-binding offer valued Eldorado at 11 billion reais. According to Valor, a deal could be announced this weekend.

EXCLUSIVE TALKS

For years, family ownership of Brazilian pulp and paper companies has hindered a consolidation, as owners have resisted sharing control.

Just seven pulp and paper M&A deals have taken place in Brazil since the start of last year, compared with 11 each in Sweden and Indonesia and 54 in the United States, according to Thomson Reuters data.

A decision on which company will hold exclusive talks with the Batistas for their stake is "around the corner," the person said. Negotiating a deal could take a long time because a buyer "will not spare Eldorado from a rather stringent due diligence procedure," the person added.

One of the Batista brothers said in testimony that Brazilian President Michel Temer condoned use of bribes to silence a potential witness in a corruption scandal. Temer denies the accusations.

This month the government ordered state-controlled lender Caixa Economica Federal to stop providing financing to the Batista family, Reuters reported on June 7, citing people familiar with the decision, which a source called "retaliation."

Uncertainty surrounding the plea deal hampered Suzano's interest in Eldorado, Valor said. Fibria SA, the world's No. 1 eucalyptus pulpmaker, could bid for Eldorado as early as Friday, Valor reported, without saying how it got the information.

The investment banking units of Itau Unibanco Holding SA and Banco Bradesco SA are advising Suzano on a bid for Eldorado, according to Valor. Morgan Stanley & Co is Fibria's advisor, the person said.

Copec's Arauco is being advised by Banco Santander Brasil SA and law firms Simpson Thatcher & Bartlett LLP and Mattos Filho Advogados.

The banks did not have an immediate comment.

Valor said this week that Fibria seemed the least likely suitor because a key shareholder, state development bank BNDES, would not approve a deal that could shore up the Batistas.

($1 = 3.29 reais) (Additional reporting by Antonio de la Jara and Felipe Iturrieta in Santiago; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama, Phil Berlowitz and David Gregorio)
LUXEMBOURG, June 16 (Reuters) - British finance minister Philip Hammond said Britain should adopt a pragmatic approach to Brexit negotiations which begin on Monday, striking a different tone to Prime Minister Theresa May who has threatened to leave the EU without a deal if necessary.

The debate within Britain's government about how to quit the European Union has been blown wide open by an election that left May without a majority in parliament and damaged her authority in the ruling Conservative Party.

Hammond, speaking to reporters before a meeting of the 28 EU finance ministers on Friday, said Britain should work closely with the bloc to prioritise jobs and prosperity when Brexit talks start next week.

"As we enter negotiations next week we will do so in a spirit of sincere cooperation taking a pragmatic approach to trying to find a solution that works both for the UK and for the European Union 27," he said.

The comments added to signs that Hammond is trying to revive his calls for a business-friendly Brexit.

In contrast to May's uncompromising tone with its focus on controlling immigration, Hammond has long stressed the importance of ensuring that British employers can continue to find the skilled workers they need from the EU.

Britain's giant banking industry and other business groups see Hammond as their most powerful ally in government and they were worried when it appeared he might lose his job in the run-up to the election.

JOBS AND GROWTH

But May, weakened by her election flop, opted to keep Hammond in his job along with other key ministers.

The chancellor of the exchequer was asked whether he favoured a softer version of Brexit - such as British membership of the EU single market or of a customs union.

Hammond said Britain's position had been set out in a speech by May in January and a letter she sent to EU leaders in March when she triggered the Brexit process. May has said Britain will leave both the single market and the customs union.

"My clear view, and I believe the view of the majority of people in Britain, is that we should prioritise protecting jobs, protecting economic growth, protecting prosperity as we enter those negotiations and take them forward," he said.

The Daily Telegraph, quoting senior government sources, said Hammond wanted to pursue a deal under which Britain would become an associate member of the EU's customs union but would also have the freedom to negotiate separate trade agreements with other countries for its huge services industries.

British negotiators believe the EU might accept such a deal because it would mean Europe's trade in goods with the UK - in which the EU runs a surplus - would not be disrupted by Brexit, the newspaper said.

A spokeswoman for Hammond did not immediately respond to a request for a comment on the report.

Hammond had been due to spell out his views on Brexit in a speech on Thursday, but it was cancelled following a deadly tower block fire in London on Wednesday. He is expected to deliver it in the coming days.

The Sun newspaper reported this week that Hammond had won the backing of interior minister Amber Rudd on the need to focus on the economy in Brexit. Two former Conservative prime ministers have also urged May to soften her approach.

In a sign that Britain was sticking to its guns on some of the key points in negotiations with the EU, the Brexit minister said on Friday no deal could be struck on exiting the EU unless the future relationship with the bloc was taken into account alongside the withdrawal terms. (Reporting by Philip Blenkinsop and Elizabeth Miles; Writing by William Schomberg; editing by Andrew Roche and Richard Balmforth)
By Maya Nikolaeva

PARIS, June 16 (Reuters) - France is considering creating a special court that would handle disputes over financial contracts governed by English law after Britain leaves the European Union, a move designed in part to help lure banks to Paris from the City of London.

Banks in Britain and throughout the European Union generally place their loan and derivatives contracts under English law, but under EU reciprocity rules any judgement is instantly enforceable in any EU jurisdiction.

A British exit from the EU's single market would also mean leaving the so-called Brussels convention that requires recognition and enforcement of foreign judgements in all EU states.

The vast majority of derivatives and the contracts that underpin them are now handled in London, where an average of 885 billion euros of euro-denominated derivative trades are cleared every day, according to figures from the Bank of International Settlements.

Banks are already examining reworking contracts so their EU entities would be named as the involved bank not their UK ones.

That task would become more complicated if they had to change the law they were written under or find a workaround so they could still be enforced in the EU but arbitrated in London.

France's financial markets law committee has sent a proposal to the Justice Ministry suggesting the establishment of special courts which would rule on matters under English common law and in English. Under EU codes, rulings would be enforceable instantly across the EU.

"We would need to recruit judges that have experience in common law," Christian Noyer, a former Bank of France chief now tasked with winning business from London, told Reuters.

Banks have been developing plans for how to cope with a "hard" Brexit, which would see Britain leave the single market and customs union, and have considered varying degrees of upheaval to their British-bases businesses.

The Brexit process may have been complicated by May's botched election gamble, which has led to calls in her party for a more business-friendly and softer tack to Britain's departure.

"The enforcement of judgements rendered in the UK will not be as swift, cost-free and automatic as it is today unless new rules are agreed between the UK and the EU," said Valentin Autret, a litigation counsel at Skadden, based in Paris.

"Companies will consider strongly bringing action before courts in EU member states in order to benefit from EU rules on the recognition and enforcement of judgements," Autret added.

In the race to win new business after Britain's exist, Paris faces competition from European financial centres such as Frankfurt, Amsterdam and Dublin.

"A bank needs to know that if it submits a case to a judge, the decision will be implemented as soon as possible," said Gerard Gardella, secretary general of France's financial markets law committee.

The Justice Ministry did not respond to emails and calls for comment.

The committee proposes creating an international court within the Paris Commercial Court and a parallel court at the Paris Appeals court. Hearings, the examination of evidence, the exchange of papers and debates would all take place in English.

Some lawyers have, however, expressed scepticism.

"Any new French system is likely to rely on French judges only," said Erwan Poisson at law firm Allen Overy.

"Resorting to foreign judges can obviously pose a problem in terms of sovereignty. But not doing so could make the new system less popular," he said.

Other options are available to companies. The Netherlands is launching an international commercial court this year which would settle Dutch legal proceedings in the English language.

Depending on the assets involved and the cost of litigation, banks could also opt to seek arbitration. (Additional reporting by Olivia Oran in New York, Huw Jones and Anjuli Davies in London; Editing by Richard Lough and Edmund Blair)
By Gernot Heller and Alissa de Carbonnel

BERLIN/BRUSSELS, June 16 (Reuters) - Germany threatened on Friday to retaliate against the United States if new sanctions on Russia being proposed by the U.S. Senate end up penalising German firms.

The Senate bill, approved on Thursday by a margin of 98-2, includes new sanctions against Russia and Iran. Crucially, it foresees punitive measures against entities that provide material support to Russia in building energy export pipelines.

Berlin fears that could pave the way for fines against German and European firms involved in Nord Stream 2, a project to build a pipeline carrying Russian gas across the Baltic.

Among the European companies involved in the project are German oil and gas group Wintershall, German energy trading firm Uniper, Royal Dutch Shell, Austrias OMV and Frances Engie.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel's spokesman described the Senate bill, which must be approved by the House of Representatives and signed by President Donald Trump before it becomes law, as "a peculiar move".

He said it was "strange" that sanctions intended to punish Russia for alleged interference in the U.S. elections could also trigger penalties against European companies.

"That must not happen," said the spokesman, Steffen Seibert.

In an interview with Reuters, German Economy Minister Brigitte Zypries said Berlin would have to think about counter-measures if Trump backed the plan.

"If he does, we'll have to consider what we are going to do against it," Zypries said.

The sharp response from Berlin comes at a time of deep strains in the transatlantic relationship due to shifts in U.S. policy and a more confrontational rhetoric towards Europe under Trump.

The new U.S. president has lambasted European partners for not contributing more to NATO, slammed Germany for running a large trade surplus with the United States and broken with allies on climate change with his decision to exit the landmark Paris agreement on combatting greenhouse gas emissions.

Ironically, the part of the Senate bill that targets Russia was introduced by some of the president's top critics, including Republican hawk John McCain.

They are intent on limiting Trump's ability to forge warmer ties with Russia, a key foreign policy pledge during his campaign for the presidency, but one he has been unable to deliver on amid investigations into alleged Russian meddling in the U.S. election.

DIALOGUE BREAKS DOWN

Under Trump's predecessor Barack Obama, Washington and Europe coordinated closely as they ramped up sanctions against Moscow for its 2014 annexation of Ukraine's Crimea region.

But the dialogue has broken down under Trump, who considered easing sanctions against Russia when he first came into office, according to U.S. officials.

"I regret that the joint approach of Europe and the United States on Russia and sanctions has been undermined and abandoned in this way," Zypries told Reuters.

France and the European Commission also urged the United States to coordinate with its partners on such matters.

"For several years, we have underlined to the United States the difficulties that extraterritorial legislation spark," a French foreign ministry spokesman told reporters.

The Nord Stream 2 pipeline, due to start pumping gas from Russia to Europe from 2019, has been dogged by controversy.

Eastern European and Baltic states fear it will make them hostage to Russian gas and undercut Ukraine by depriving it of transit fees for Russian gas supplies to Europe.

Nordic nations, meanwhile, have security concerns over the pipeline running through territorial waters, where Russia has bolstered its military presence in recent months.

Some EU diplomats fear the threat of new measures out of Washington may harden Germany's defence of Nord Stream and complicate already difficult talks among EU nations over whether to seek joint talks with Russia over the pipeline.

"This is not helpful now. It tends to stir up desires to protect our territorial space," one EU diplomat said.

The House of Representatives is expected to debate the Senate bill in the coming weeks but it is unclear whether it will come up for a final vote before lawmakers leave Washington at the end of July for their summer recess. (Additional reporting by Michael Nienaber; Writing by Noah Barkin; Editing by Andrew Roche)
By Mark Weinraub

CHICAGO, June 16 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade wheat futures rallied 2.4 percent to their highest in nearly a year on Friday, with concerns about shortfalls in the U.S. crop sparking a round of short-covering by investment funds, traders said.

Corn futures also were higher, but forecasts for rain in key growing areas of the U.S. Midwest limited buying. Soybean futures were hovering near unchanged after a firm open, pressured by end-of-week profit-taking.

Reports of disappointing yields in early harvest of the Plains hard red winter wheat belt underpinned the market.

"It is not that we have a disaster, but it's not quite what people thought it was and the funds were caught short," said Greg Grow, director of agribusiness at Archer Financial Services.

At 10:40 a.m. CDT (1540 GMT), Chicago Board of Trade soft red winter wheat for July delivery was up 11 cents at $4.64-3/4 a bushel. The most-active contract peaked at $4.66-1/4 a bushel, its highest since June 27, 2016.

K.C. hard red winter wheat for July delivery, which tracks the crop currently being harvested in the U.S. Plains, was 9 cents higher at $4.74-1/4 a bushel. Hard red winter wheat peaked at its highest since March 7.

MGEX July spring wheat futures were 9 cents higher at $6.41-1/2 a bushel, threatening to surpass the 2-1/2 year high hit earlier this week.

Forecaster Commodity Weather Group said that the rain outlook was still very limited in the western Dakotas and Montana during the next two weeks, which will hinder development of spring wheat in those spots.

Concerns about crops in the Black Sea region added support to wheat prices. Wheat exports from Russia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan were expected to fall 3.3 percent to 50.4 million tonnes in the upcoming season which starts on July 1, according to a Reuters poll. Production also was seen falling.

CBOT July corn futures were 2-1/2 cents higher at $3.82 a bushel.

"For the most part its still a warm but wet forecast for the Corn Belt," ED&F Man Capital said in a note to clients. "Just what the crops need."

CBOT July soybean futures were unchanged at $9.34-3/4 a bushel.

Soybean futures had erased gains after failing to break through their weekly high. Support was noted at the 10-day and 20-day moving averages. (Additional reporting by Naveen Thukral in Singapore and Gus Trompiz in Paris; Editing by Christian Schmollinger, David Evans and W Simon)
By Barbara Lewis

LONDON, June 16 (Reuters) - Copper and gold explorer SolGold on Friday said it was raising $41.2 million, on top of more than $30 million announced in October, as it widens its search for resources in Ecuador after already finding one world class asset.

Ecuador has been increasing its profile as a country open to foreign mining and has shifted its resource focus from oil and gas as its reserves dwindle and oil prices stagnate, analysts say.

The world's biggest miner BHP rated SolGold's mineral exploration prospects sufficiently highly to seek a deal but SolGold rebuffed it in favour of an agreement with Australian gold miner Newcrest Mining.

According to a share placement announced on Friday, Newcrest will pay a further $40 million to increase the size of its stake to 14.54 percent as part of a placing to raise a total of $41.2 million.

That adds to last October's agreement that Newcrest would spend $22.86 million buying new shares equivalent to 10 percent of SolGold, while private investment firm Maxit got 4.43 percent of the company for $10.1 million.

CEO Nick Mather said the new placement at a 15.5 percent premium to Thursday's closing price and a discount to SolGold's peak share price of 46.75 pence in May this year was a vote of confidence.

The share price rose nearly 10 percent on Friday and has climbed more than 64 percent this year.

Mather said Ecuador was underexplored, especially compared with Chile, the world's biggest copper producer, where miners have been complaining about dwindling ore quality and rising costs.

Abundant reserves of gold found in association with copper add to the appeal of mining in a more northerly country.

"The great thing about the North Andean copper belt is it gets increasingly gold-rich," Mather said.

"The copper miners will say the gold will pay for the cost of producing copper and the gold miners will look at it vice versa."

SolGold's flagship project in Ecuador is named Cascabel and exploration so far implies it is a major new high-grade copper and gold find to rival some of the largest existing mines, such as Grasberg in Indonesia, controlled by Freeport McMoran Inc , and Oyu Tolgoi in Mongolia, controlled by Rio Tinto .

With a market capitalisation of more than 500 million pounds ($639 million) on AIM, London's market for growing companies, SolGold is seeking to move to a standard listing on the London Stock Exchange.

It is also seeking a listing in Toronto, which will be considered by the Toronto Stock Exchange on June 21. ($1 = 0.7828 pounds) (additional reporting by Alexandra Valencia in Quito; Editing by Elaine Hardcastle)
By Marco Aquino

LIMA, June 16 (Reuters) - Peru's opposition Popular Force party, which has a majority in Congress, asked for Finance Minister Alfredo Thorne's resignation on Friday, the party's spokesman Luis Galarreta told a news conference.

Lawmaker Mauricio Mulder said Congress would censure Thorne if he did not resign. Thorne denied wrongdoing but told lawmakers he needed their support to remain in his job.

Thorne was called to Congress over a recording in which he appears to ask the comptroller's office to approve a $520 million airport contract in exchange for a bigger budget.

Peru's President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski said earlier he had a plan in place in case Thorne was forced to resign over accusations he improperly tried to influence an airport contract.

"We have a replacement plan in case the worst happens, but I don't think that will happen," Kuczynski said in comments broadcast on state television. He did not give details of the plan.

The government withdrew the 40-year operating contract for an airport near Cusco on May 22 after the comptroller released an official report pointing to irregularities in the contract.

Earlier this month, local television station Panamericana released the recording of Thorne, a former J.P. Morgan Chase executive, appearing to ask comptroller Edgar Alarcon to greenlight the contract. Thorne has denied offering a quid pro quo and said there were gaps in the released recording.

The conversation took place after Alarcon had publicly expressed doubts about the contract but before the comptroller released the formal report.

"It would never occur to me to condition additional funds for the comptroller's budget on obtaining a favorable report on any investment project," Thorne told Congress on Friday.

Kuczynski, a business-friendly former investment banker, defeated populist Keiko Fujimori, the daughter of jailed former autocratic President Alberto Fujimori, in a razor-thin election last year. But her Popular Force party controls congress with 72 of 130 seats. (Reporting by Marco Aquino and Teresa Cespedes; Writing by Caroline Stauffer and Luc Cohen; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama and Richard Chang)
By Mark Weinraub

CHICAGO, June 16 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade wheat futures rallied 2.6 percent on Friday to their highest in nearly a year, with concerns about shortfalls in the U.S. crop sparking a round of short-covering by investment funds, traders said.

Corn futures also were higher, but forecasts for rain in key growing areas of the U.S. Midwest limited buying. Soybean futures firmed as well, supported by technical buying and signs of strong demand.

Reports of disappointing yields in early harvest of the Plains hard red winter wheat belt underpinned the market.

"It is not that we have a disaster, but it's not quite what people thought it was and the funds were caught short," said Greg Grow, director of agribusiness at Archer Financial Services. Chicago Board of Trade soft red winter wheat for July delivery settled up 11-1/2 cents at $4.65-1/4 a bushel. The most-active contract peaked at $4.68-1/2 a bushel, the highest since June 27, 2016.

K.C. hard red winter wheat for July delivery, which tracks the crop currently being harvested in the U.S. Plains, was 8-1/4 cents higher at $4.73-1/2 a bushel. Hard red winter wheat peaked at its highest since March 7.

MGEX July spring wheat futures were 10-1/4 cents higher at $6.42-3/4 a bushel. MGEX wheat failed to break through the 2-1/2 year high hit earlier this week.

Forecaster Commodity Weather Group said that the rain outlook was still very limited in the western Dakotas and Montana during the next two weeks, which will hinder development of spring wheat in those areas.

Concerns about crops in the Black Sea region added support to wheat prices. Wheat exports from Russia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan were expected to fall 3.3 percent to 50.4 million tonnes in the upcoming season, which starts on July 1, according to a Reuters poll. Production also was seen falling.

CBOT July corn futures were 4-1/2 cents higher at $3.84 a bushel.

"For the most part its still a warm but wet forecast for the Corn Belt," ED&F Man Capital said in a note to clients. "Just what the crops need."

CBOT July soybean futures were 4-1/4 cents higher at $9.39 a bushel.

Support for soybeans was noted at the 10-day and 20-day moving averages. Traders also said the monthly National Oilseed Processors Association report released on Thursday, which showed crushings well above analysts' forecasts, was still adding strength to the soy market. (Additional reporting by Naveen Thukral in Singapore and Gus Trompiz in Paris; editing by David Evans and Steve Orlofsky)
A petition signed by 15 members of the Northern Provincial Council (NPC) to counter the No Confidence Motion submitted against Chief Minister C.V. Vigneswaran, was handed over to Governor Reginald Cooray last night.

A group of NPC members including Tamil National Alliance (TNA) Councillor M.K. Shivajilimgam had handed over the petition.

The councillors told the Governor that Mr. Vigneswaran should continue as the Chief Minister.

However, the Governors office said no affidavit was found attached with the last nights motion but 15 affidavits had been attached to the no-faith motion submitted against the Chief Minister.

The No Confidence Motion was signed by 21 provincial councillors. (By Romesh Madushanka)
An explosion has struck the entrance to a kindergarten in eastern China killing seven and injuring 66.

The blast struck at 4.50pm today at Chuangxin Kindergarten in Feng County, Xuzhou as parents were waiting for their children to finish school.



Video footage caught the moment the explosion occurred. According to state media, two people died at the scene while five died later in hospital. Nine people are said to be in a critical condition.



An official at the police station in Fengxian county told AFP that the cause of the blast was under investigation.



A local shop owner told Sohu: At around 5pm, we heard a blast and thought it might have been a gas explosion at a nearby food vendor. Many people could be dead.



The cause of the blast is not yet known.

China, (Daily Mail), 15 June 2017 -
Blue Mountain erected lanterns to brighten up the streets of Colombo for Poson, earlier this week.

This initiative was carried out in collaboration with the Colombo Municipal Council to celebrate Poson Poya. Over 600 six-foot lanterns were placed in the forms of lotus flowers and stupas every six metres in and around the Town Hall area, to light up the streets and spread the joys of Poson. Like every other Poya day of the year, Sri Lankan Buddhists celebrate different aspects of Buddhism through various practices. Poson is specially regarded, like Vesak, because it represents the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka.

Over 2000 years ago, the son of Indias King Asoka, Arahat Mahinda, came to Sri Lanka and preached Sri Lankas first Buddhist sermon to King Devanampiyatissa, which officially introduced Buddhism to our beautiful country. A major symbol during this event is Mihintale, the location where this historic event, locally known as Mahindagamanaya, took place. Blue Mountain also recently illuminated the UN Vesak Day, which was celebrated in Sri Lanka this year with the participation of Buddhist leaders from around the world.

The three-day celebration began on May 12 in Colombo and consisted of an International Buddhist Symposium with the participation of over 400 delegates from 100 countries. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Nepali President Bidya Devi Bhandari attended the UN Vesak Day celebrations.
(Daily Mail), 15 June 2017 - -The Ministry of Defence today issued a 48-hour global ban on the firing of tank shells after two soldiers were killed and two more injured when ammunition exploded.



A round exploded in a Challenger 2 tanks turret which caused the vehicle to explode at the Castlemartin Ranges in Pembrokeshire, Wales.



Mr Ellwood said tonight: It is with great sorrow I can confirm the death of a second soldier from the Royal Tank Regiment following yesterdays incident at Castlemartin Ranges. The tragic incident on Wednesday afternoon happened during a live-fire exercise at the only UK Army range used for direct-fire live gunnery assignments. The first deceased soldier, who has not been named, was airlifted to Morriston Hospital in Swansea but later died. At least two others were injured but their condition was not revealed by the Ministry of Defence.



Neither of the dead have been named.
The Colombo Chief Magistrate today rejected a request made by counsel, appearing for the National Blood Banks former director Dr. Mangalika Bindusara, calling for the cancellation of the arrest warrant issued on June 7.

The counsel told Court that Dr. Bindusara was undergoing medical treatment in Australia.

Colombo Chief Magistrate Lal Ranasinghe Bandara directed the defendant to surrender after completing her treatment in Australia.

Dr. Bindusara has been charged with importing packs of expired blood plasma and using it on patients.

The case was filed by the Bribery Commission. (Yoshitha Perera)
ECONOMYNEXT: Dart Global Logistics has won a 30-year lease on a two-acre block of land in Muthurajawela, a marshland North of the Colombo port, part of which has been declared a logistics zone, with a bid of Rs102.6 million.The company, one of two bidders for the block, made the highest bid for the land of 2 acres and 11 perches whose base value was Rs.83 million, according to a proposal by Patali Champika Ranawaka, Minister of Megapolis and Western Development approved by the Cabinet of Ministers this week.

The block is part of 400 acres at Muthurajawela filled with sea sand and developed by Sri Lanka Land Reclamation and Development Corporation and given for various projects.

Most of the lands have already been disposed of various investment projects and state sector projects.

The total lease premium for the land won by Global Logistics will be paid up front and construction start within a period of 6 months after the deal is signed with commercial operations to commence within two years.
Sri Lankas economy is estimated to have grown at 3.8 percent in the first quarter (1Q) of this year on an year-on-year (basis), decelerating from the 5.3 percent growth recorded for the previous quarter, as a result of the severe drought that prevailed in the country during the first three months of the year.

Severe drought conditions that prevailed mainly in four provinces: Northern, Eastern, North-Central and North-Western from 2016 had an unfavourable impact, mainly on the agricultural activities of the country, Department of Census and Statistics said in a communique.

The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at constant (2010) prices for the 1Q recorded as Rs. 2,161 trillion compared to Rs. 2,082,544 million GDP reported for the first quarter of 2016.

The four major components of the economyagriculture, industry, services and taxes less subsidies on productshave contributed their shares to the GDP at the current price by 7.0 percent, 30.8 percent, 52.3 percent and 9.9 percent respectively for the first quarter of 2017.

In this quarter, the highest growth rate of 6.3 percent was reported for Industrial activities. Service activities reported a growth rate of 3.5 percent.

Amidst unfavourable weather conditions, performance of agricultural activities further contracted and reported a negative growth rate of 3.2 percent.

Among the sub activities of agriculture, growing of spices, animal production,  forestry and logging and marine fishing reported high growth rates: 6.1 percent, 6.9 percent, 9.3 percent and 5.8 percent respectively.

In the meantime, the substantial declines in growth rates were reported for growing of rice, and growing of oleaginous fruits by 53.1 percent, and 10.2 percent respectively in this quarter, due to the continuous drought prevailed through the respective growing areas of these crops.

During this quarter, the activities of growing of tea and growing of rubber reported negative growth rates of 5.7 percent, and 17.2 percent respectively. In the first quarter of 2017, the overall industry activities further expanded significantly, recording 6.3 percent growth rate.

The construction activity, which corresponds to the highest share of the GDP among the industrial activities, further increased by 16.1 percent during this quarter compared to the same quarter in 2016.

In addition, significant growth rates were reported for sub activities of water collection, treatment and supply manufacture of other non-metallic and mineral production, manufacture of machinery and equipment, and mining and quarrying, by 21.6 percent, 19.5 percent, 18.2 percent and 17.9 percent respectively, reinforcing the growth of the industry sector in the 1Q of 2017.

During this quarter, the growth rate of manufacture of textile and wearing apparel recovered the contraction reported in the 1Q of 2016, and recorded a positive growth rate of 0.6 percent. Meanwhile manufacture of food, beverages and tobacco recorded a slight contraction of 0.3 percent within this quarter.

The service activities, which contribute the highest share of 52.3 percent to the overall GOP, grew by 3.5 percent during the first quarter of 2017, compared to the same quarter in the year 2016.

The performance of the service activities was buoyed by the sub activities of Wholesale and retail trade, Transportation of goods and passengers including warehousing, Financial service activities and Human health, residential care and social work activities which reported significant growth rates of 4.5 percent, 3.1 percent, 14.9 percent and 11.1 percent respectively compared to the corresponding quarter of 2016. Other personal service activities reported a slight growth of 2.0 percent.
CINCINNATI - Otto Warmbier, who was medically evacuated from a 17-month detention in North Korea this week, has extensive loss of brain tissue and is in a state of unresponsive wakefulness, University of Cincinnati doctors said Thursday afternoon.



Doctors said they dont know what caused the brain damage. When asked whether it could be the result of beating or other violence while in prison, they said that Warmbier did not show any obvious indications of trauma, nor evidence of either acute or healing fractures.



The doctors said they are not aware of anything from his previous medical history, prior to his time in North Korea, that might cause cardiopulmonary arrest. One of the more common causes of cardiopulmonary arrest is respiratory arrest, said Jordan Bonomo, neurointensivistand emergency medicine physician at UC Health. That cessation of breathing could be triggered by several things, including intoxication or a traumatic injury.
The Federation of University Teachers Association (FUTA) yesterday charged that the government ignored issues triggered by the South Asian Institute of Technology and Medicine (SAITM) in the state medical education sector .

It charged that the government let it to develop into a crisis situation in medical education at state universities. Once the crisis was developed, it, said the government was trying to capitalize on it for setting up private medical colleges.

FUTA Secretary Prof. Arjuna Parakrama told the Daily Mirror that the government had attempted to weaken state universities while creating a market to establish private universities.

The government is in need to gain income in terms of taxes by establishing private medical universities. They are least concerned about the quality of the education which would be offered from such universities, he said.

He said the government had not attempted to fill vacancies created at the state universities even though they had guaranteed of increasing the enrollments to state universities.

He also said there were about 2000 vacancies at state universities during past years as per the past records of the University Grants Commission (UGC) and added that the same fact had been accepted by the Prime Minister as well as the Higher Education Minister in Parliament.

The crisis in the education and higher education sector is a result of considering education as a profit oriented consumer good, he said. (Kalathma Jayawardhane)
A Hartal was held today in the Northern Province urging the withdrawal of the no- confidence motion submitted against Northern Province Chief minister C. V. Vigneswaran.

Shops, School and all the faculties in the Jaffna University were closed in support of the Hartal.

Public transport services were also disrupted and black flags were seen raised in Mullaitivu, Kilinochchi, Mannar and Vavuniya Districts. Pics by Romesh Madushanka
Rev. Hassan Abduraheem and Rev. Kuwa Shamal were unrightfully imprisoned due to their Christian faith. They were released after the judge dropped the trumped-up charges against Rev. Kuwa and a presidential pardon for Rev. Hassan.

In November of 2015, both Pastors Hassan and Kuwa were in a Christian conference in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Rev. Abduraheem was a speaker at the said meeting. In the middle of his speech, he presented an image of a severely beaten man and shared that he was giving him the help in assisting the person's medical treatment.

Instead of seeing Rev. Hassan's Christian charity as a generous service, the Sudanese government wrongly claimed that anyone who gives any humanitarian assistance to these people had committed a crime against national security. In December of 2015, the pastors were arrested by the NISS (National Intelligence Security Service) on the grounds of national security charges.

Several weeks later, Pastor Kuwa was released without any convictions. However, Pastor Hassan was sentenced in prison to more than a decade. With only a little hope left, he believed that God is always with him and will never leave him in these difficult times.

Lawyers from the ACLJ (American Center for Law and Justice), along with Human rights activists, aggressively advocated around the world, and sent the Sudan's national leaders a letter which urges them to meet international legal obligations and not to violate religious freedom. There were more than 200,000 people who signed up for the petition as a support to the letter to be heard.

In May 11, 2017, Pastor Hassan has finally received a presidential pardon and was eventually freed from prison. With numbers of churches being demolished and with more than a dozen churches the government listed to be destroyed, Christian prosecution continues to linger in Sudan up.
Aries (Mesha):

You will come under the Ashtamaya Shani Erashtaka again when the retrograde Saturn returns to Scorpio sign falling in your 8th House on June 21. The Erashtaka will operate until Saturn returns to Sagittarius on October 26. A Shani Erashtaka is a period when a person should prove his own worth to himself by harnessing his full potential to become resourceful to meet any challenge in life with success. The Sun conjunct with Mars in your 3rd House enhances your influence and power.



Taurus (Vrushabha):

You will get a respite from the ill - effects of Ashtamaya Shani Erashtaka when Saturn leaves your 8th House for the 7th House in its retrograde movement. Saturn is due to return to your 8th again on October 26. As Saturn in the 7th House is not favourable either, you have to remain steeled physically and psychologically to face ups and downs in life. You are forewarned of possible problems on the domestic front in particular.



Gemini (Mithuna):

Saturns impending comeback to your 6th House on June 21 is quite auspicious for you. You are assured of increased wealth and improved health as a result. The Sun  Mars combination in the Lagna makes you more energetic, dynamic and proactive. Meanwhile, Mercury gaining Swakshetra status in the Lagna effective from June 18 can bring you a fortune. Venus now in your 11th House brings monetary gains from friends and places you in a pleasant environment. Jupiter in the 4th House is a warning to be tactful in dealing with kinsmen.



Cancer (Kataka):



Saturns retrograde movement to your 5th House on June 21 may lead to conflicts with sons. The inauspicious Sun  Mars conjunction in the 12th House warns that you are vulnerable to circumstances that could cause you physical harm and taint your reputation. Heavy expenses are also on the cards. The adverse influence of Venus in your 10th House also indicates the possibility of attempts to disgrace you.



Leo (Sinha):



Saturns entering into your 4th House may lead to distancing from close relatives and even estrangement from spouse. The beneficial effect of the Sun in your 11th House can counter malefic influences that can harm you. Jupiter in your 2nd House continues to confer wealth and comforts from the fair sex. Mercury transiting in the 11h House from June 18 assures increased wealth, help and company of friends and fair sex.



Virgo (Kanya):



Saturn due to enter your 3rd House on June 21 holds out increased power and influence, sound health and comfortable conveyances. A rise in career and gainful foreign travel for those in the state service in particular are among the other benefits indicated. Enhanced living comforts, love and romance and precious and beautiful ornaments are held out by Venus now in your 8th House. Meanwhile, thanks to the beneficial influence of powerful Mars now transiting in the 10th House you can look forward to increased gains from your activity, fame and higher status.



Libra (Thula):



Saturn due to enter the 2nd House on June 21 being the Yogakaraka may produce beneficial effects such as increased wealth and happiness in the family. Lagnadhipati Venus in your 7th House is a warning for you to exercise sagacity and discretion when dealing with the opposite sex for any wrong move on your part could cause much grief as well as physical harm. Swakshetra Mercury in the 9th House conjunct with the Sun and Mars can bring prosperity, high status and general happiness.



Scorpio (Vrushika):



You will come again under Ashtamaya Shani Erashtaka when retrograde Saturn enters your Lagna again on June 21. You have to consider the Erashtaka as a period that calls for the best in you  the latent strengths in you for your own and others benefit. The Sun in your 8th House warns you of the possibility of an attack of fever and problems caused by the heat of the body.



Sagittarius (Dhanu):



You are to be temporarily relieved of the direct impact of Jamma Shani Erashtaka as Saturn will move into your 12th House on June 21. However, Saturn can cause you more harm from the 12th House than from your Lagna for your Lagna is stronger than the 12th as it is the favourite sign of Jupiter. The direct aspect of Sun and Mars  both malefics over your Lagna where Saturn, another malefic is already placed indicates a generally unfavourable period ahead of you if these planets are weak and afflicted at your birth.



Capricorn (Makara):



You will benefit by way of increased wealth and enhanced comforts from Lagnadhipati Saturns entry into your 11th House on June 21. A position of enhanced power and authority is held out by the Sun  Mars  Mercury combination just formed in your 6th House. This position can also confer the resourcefulness to overcome obstacles and to have an upper hand over enemies and rivals. General happiness, relief from worries, living comforts and a general feeling of wellbeing are held out by Venus in your 4th House.



Aquarius (Kumbha):



A rise or a change in your career is in store for you following Lagnadhipati Saturns return to your 10th on June 21. Sportspersons with a strong Sun at birth and running favourable Dasas can look forward to rewards and recognition for performances par excellence. Venus in your 3rd House bestows on you influence, wealth and enhanced respectability. However, Mars in your 5th House is highly unfavourable for your children  for the eldest child in particular.



Pisces (Meena):



Saturn due to enter your 9th House is likely to turn you to a simple and austere lifestyle. However, Mercury which has just moved into Gemini -Swakshetra  falling in your 4th quadrant generating the effects of Bhadra Yoga holds out comforts and luxuries, mental peace and happiness. Mars in your 4th House makes you vulnerable to attacks of fever and digestive troubles. You might experience a pull towards immoral activity too.
Six Rooms onlyMinister Constrained in Serving Masses?

In 1967 June, exactly fifty years ago, Prime Minister Dudley Senanayake called upon the UNP front-liners who held Cabinet Portfolios to Temple Trees along with the back-benchers [Ginger Group] at the request of the latter for a face to face confrontation by the two factions. As the Daily Mirror reported in its front page in a bold headline on June 1, 1967, the entire Government group was summoned by the PM, who had one agenda-the service of the nation; He never developed favourites nor had he a close circle of school-mates or nincompoops in positions. He never had them groomed over the more dynamic men in the group, and therefore had no reason to ignore the request by the backbenchers. The leaders of yesteryear for that matter were men who respected democratic ideals hence did not bring anybody rejected by the people through the back-door and offered positions saying they are my men.

The Government submitted its 3rd instalment of a Supplementary Estimate seeking the approval of the House for a sum of Rs. 329 million to purchase eight more luxury vehicles for Ministers that included, those who sold their permits and a few rejected by voters, but came though the back door. This happened while over 200 deaths were reported from the Western, Southern and Sabaragamuwa Provinces where floods and landslides following heavy rain that had affected 128,047 people (32,215 families).



Two ministers, it was reported, were fighting for Rooms. The Foreign Minister wants to sell lotteries. The back benchers, unlike in 1967 are silent, are they frightened of white vans of Rajapaksa era? Or busy picking up crumbs falling under the table? All in the midst of this thrice blessed island celebrating the UN International Vesak Festival. There are quite a few honest, learned dynamic MPs in UNP they have an obligation by the people to act now.



Ginger Group, Pressure Group and Kitchen Cabinet

They say a horse needs to be Gingered to make it seem more energetic, and food or beverages are gingered up to add flavour or seasoning. Derived from the above maxim we have Ginger Groups. According to Websters Dictionaryit is a group that serves as an energising force within a larger body (such as a political party.) It is an informal group within, usually a political party seeking to persuade the leadership on direction and movement of the unit as a whole. Ginger groups labour to change or revise the partys strategy, practices and policies, while still supporting its objectives. The term Ginger Group also refers to a small group with men of radical ideas trying to act as a catalyst within a larger body that strive to make other members support their ideas.



Whereas a Pressure Group is an outside entity, as opposed to inside, group created to agitate and influence the course, direct and control activities of a Government or an association.



Kitchen Cabinet, a term used by political opponents, media and the general public to ridicule a closed circle pulled together around a Head of a State, and may include trusted friends and associates, outside advisors, family members and sources that fund party coffers as well. They usually take decisions on vital issues overriding the Cabinet as a whole or influence the top man to act according to their whims and fancies. While the first two groupings are beneficial, the Kitchen Cabinets are detrimental to the smooth functioning of democracy and harmful to the governing party.



The Daily Mirror main story fifty years ago says:

Ministerial inefficiency and lethargy will be the subject of discussion at a special meeting of the UNP Parliamentary group, which will be held at Temple Trees on 6th June 1967. The MPs who requested the meeting have said that they are fed up with the manner in which certain Ministers discharge their duties and hope to spotlight their short comings at this meeting.



Charges of corruption were extremely rare in the good old days.



The report continues,They also wanted to know the names of those Ministers who had attempted to negotiate with the main opposition SLFP to form a coalition.



Ginger Group within a Cabinet- 1959 Saga

The right wing of SWRDs Cabinet led by Stanley de Zoysa and Wimala Wijewardene formed an unofficial Ginger Group supported by backstage manoeuvering of Powerful Mapitigama Buddharakkita the Nayake of the Kelaniya Temple, the most influential political Bhikkhu of the day, who played a major role in 1956 victory of Bandaranaike.



They resolved to agitate for the removal of Philip Gunawardane and P. H. William de Silva the two LSSP [Marxist] members, following the passing of Philips Paddy Lands Bill.



Wimala organised a protest march by farmers to the House of Representatives. Two bus-loads of supporters from her electorate Kelaniya were given a loin cloth and a mammoty each and a demonstration on how to hold the mammoty. As the procession approached the Galle Face end of Lotus Road, hundreds of port workers affiliated to Philips Harbour and Dock workers Union attacked the hapless men sending most of them to the accident ward.



However, the Ginger Group became more powerful with a few other Ministers joining and they acted with more vigour and vitality. They initiated a historical Cabinet Strike compelling the Prime Minister Bandaranaike to reshuffle the portfolios demoting the two Socialists. The honourable men, unlike todays parasitic leeches, immediately resigned from the Cabinet strengthening the right wing. The rioters became so authoritative and influential within the Government and the SLFP that within months the criminals succeeded in assassinating the Prime Minister. The plot to murder the PM was hatched within the sacred precincts of the Historic Kelaniya Temple.



History of Ginger Groups

The earliest recorded Ginger Group actions were in UK in 1917. A faction of Conservative MPs formed a group to oppose Prime Minister Robert Bordens attempt to use the Military Service Act to conscript during the Conscription Crisis of 1917. In Canada the Ginger Group is a faction of radical Progressive and Labour Members of Parliament who advocated socialism.



The backbenchers today have nothing to fear about in making a noise. Robust debate and criticism have replaced the fear under Rajapaksas. But splits within Government and Presidents failure to take control of his Party (SLFP) prevented deeper reform and gave dethroned Rajapaksa and his cronies an opportunity to mount a comeback.



Kitchen cabinets of our past Heads of state

Most of our Heads of State did not trust their senior Cabinet Ministers. Important decisions on crucial issues were made following discussion held with their close circles.



The first Prime Minister. D.S. Senanayake had the capacity to make his own decisions and almost in all instances they were solid. If he had any doubts or hesitation on a matter of serious nature he sought the advice of three people; they were Sir Oliver Goonetillake, Dr. Andreas Nell, Governor Lord Soulbury or senior lawyer L. M. D. de Silva, which the scribes of the day described as his Kitchen Cabinet.



JR had an incomparable liking to be with a group of four. In 1920s, JR as a law student, with three of his close friends formed a clique and named it Push cannons [Derived from billiards-and coined by JR himself initially, and was subsequently changed to Priya Sangamaya];



They met once a month discussed and recorded minutes on various topics covering issues on politics, law, international scene, imperialism and independence; a habit initiated and developed from his younger days long before he entered politics.



The fiftieth of such meetings he held with DC Jayewardene [his cousin], Percy Peiris, and Gunasekara was the last chapter in the minutes that is preserved at JRJ Centre. Finally, as Executive President JR purposely left out the seniors in his government like R. Premadasa, Gamini and Lalith but had closed door sessions with brother H.W, AC.S. Hameed, Anandatissa and Esmond Wickremesinghe [Father of RW].



Sirimavo who reluctantly accepted an invitation to lead the party after her husband was gunned down by the SLFPers themselves was extremely careful with party men.



One of the first things she did was to invite her late husbands cousins son, 29-year-old advocate Felix Dias Bandaranaike to take up to politics, who remained her trusted lieutenant throughout her political carrier.



She always respected the word of her uncle William Gopallawa G-G and in administrative matters listened to Secretary Bradman Weerakoon, the illustrious civil servant, who served under nine Heads of State.



The exceptions to the rule are Dudley and SWRD, both of them stuck to norms and ethics and discussed matters with party seniors.



R. Premadasa placed his trust in another RP-R Paskaralingam-in the economic front and Sirisena Cooray and A.J. Ranasinghe for politics. He engaged DIG Rtd. A.C. Lawrence as a private investigator to spy on Ministers and SSP Ronnie Gunasinghe for his Security, his valet E.M.P. Mohideen looked after the home front at Sucharita, where he resided [His suicide killer Babu, for two years, was in and out of the place with the blessings of Mohideen] and the rest he entrusted to Gurunanses of occult practices and astrologers both local and foreign.



Chandrika Bandaranaike kept on changing her inner circle with friends, cronies, artistes, corrupt businessmen and a few politicians like Rajitha and SB, and head of her Presidential Security Karunaratne for all matters pertaining to security.



In fact, the necessity for a permanent close advisory unit did not arise as nothing worthwhile happened during her eleven years of tenure.



The infamous family rule of Rajapaksas is too well-known to mention. Mahinda Rajapaksa, who totally depended on his kith and kin in addition to deceitful soothsayers in running the Government, led the nation to a near anarchical State, which is public knowledge.
The West won the world, not by the superiority of its ideas, values or religion but, rather, by its superiority in applying organised violence. Westerners often forget this fact, non-westerners never do -- Samuel R Huntington



History matters. Obeyesekere relates events, two centuries after they had occurred and a century after the Russian Revolution. Yet they are all so contemporary! Confused by memories, living in a very unpredictable past and troubled by Fukuyamas statement that all had ended, Obeyesekere has given a fillip to re-interrogating the relevance of history. Both Hegel and Marx considered History to be teleology, moving to a purpose. The impact of Portugal and Holland on Sri Lanka was akin to the placid non-movement in a cemetery: 1815 regime change, headed by the leading country of the Industrial Revolution, promised traction to a stalled Hegel and Marx.



It is desirable to learn history, but, it is more enchanting to make it. Needed societal change- the making of history- takes place, not by pensively contemplating the navel or delivering profound statements from pulpits or their equivalents, but through actions which necessarily entail violence and pain. History making without violence is like having rice without a spicy curry. Force is the midwife for every old decaying society pregnant with the new. It is a birthing of history.



A regime change was introduced by the British in 1815, in the governance arrangements of the Kandyan Provinces of Ceylon (Sri Lanka, since 1971). Obeyesekere is the recorder of the 1815 birth event. Obeyesekere claims that the 1815 regime change in Sri Lanka is, probably the most momentous event in Sri Lankan history. The British, pushing democratic slogans and expressing concerns for the People, were specialists at inducing violent regime change round the world, all the while preaching morality.In 1952, the elected prime minister of Iran- Mossadeg- was removed by Britain, claiming popular demand. He was replaced by the reviled ex-Shah, booted out earlier to huge acclaim by the People. (Iran is yet paying the price for this British atrocity). Today, Britain is in Afghanistan fighting to introduce democracy, despite being booted out of that country on four occasions.



The 1815 regime change is a 9/11 event. A 9/11 event is not an individuals biography writ large, a great mans involvement in making history; history is not biography. A 9/11 event is a fulcrum point, giving the future a possibility, like the seething promise offered in 1917, which begat the Bolshevik revolution. A successful 9/11 event leads to all encompassing systemic changes, a full blown rehash of all aspects of the prevailing political economy of a society- politics, power relations, economics, social relations and culture. It could be progressive or retrogressive, depending on the value system of the viewer. History is tenacious, more than Fukuyama would care to know. 9/11 is a noun, a verb, an adjective and an adverb. Unfortunately, Obeyesekeres study restricts itself to the input- the mechanics of take-over of territory but not the stabilisation of take-over- for example, the inhuman crushing of the reaction to 1815, or, the output- long term exploitation of the resources taken over. If not for the regime change of 1815, todays Sri Lanka would be a Nepal.



Prior to 1505, Sri Lankas migrant streams were sourced from within the Indian sub-continent. From 1505, this migrant catchment widened, to cover the European continent. After 1505, the Portuguese and the Dutch ruled the Maritime Provinces of Sri Lanka, for periods of 150 years. In 1796, the British East India Company took over the Maritime Provinces from the Dutch, under a diplomatic deal called the Treaty of Amiens, and incorporated them as part of the Madras Presidency, a commercial company exercising sovereignty! (It is a supreme irony that this company, is, today, fully owned by an Indian citizen). This bastardly governance arrangement could not last: in 1802, this brand was re-imagined and nationalised. The Maritime Provinces were then placed under the British colonial secretary. There were now two polities in Sri Lanka, the Maritime Provinces under the British and an independent Kandyan Kingdom, under her own King. (The map on page 24 presents the cartography).

Sri Vikrama Rajasinha, (SVR) (1798-1815), the King of the Kandyan Provinces and Frederick North (1798-1805), the Governor appointed by the British authorities to head of the newly acquired Maritime Provinces, assumed their positions of responsibility in 1798. SVR and North (sequentially succeeded by Maitland (1805-1811) and Brownrigg (1812-1820)), were the dramatis personae in this gripping prose drama written by Obeyesekere. From the beginning, the only objective of the British was to make the Kandyan Kingdom a subordinate political entity to the British crown, mostly for international reasons, and prevent the Kandyan King from breaking out of her landlocked geography. This was Britains dedicated imperial project. The objective of the Kandyan Kingdom was the opposite. It was a zero-sum game. The fall of redoubtable Tipu Sultan of Mysore in 1799, further whetted Norths appetite for Kandyan conquest.



The British tried many soft approaches to gain her objective, primarily using the talent of a Cambridge educated intelligence chief, John DOyly, working under Maitland and later Brownrigg. Without suffering any moral anguish, he cynically catered to the whimsical self-development objectives of leading Kandyan nobles. He suborned personalities and dissatisfied Kandyan upper strata, which included Pilimatalawe- the first Adigar-, and later Ehelepola, his successor. The British sponsored pretenders to the Kandyan throne- Muttuswami was one of them, pushed one-sided draft treaties, supported anti-Tamil programs in the Kandyan areas. There were demonising psychological warfare campaigns- psycho-ops- to induce mass sentiment change against the King. Using a copious flow of alternative facts, SVR was painted a foreigner, an unacceptable Tamil. There was an active disinformation drive. When everything failed, the British opted for the hard approach of war.

The first, the 1803-1804 war, was a humiliating defeat for the British, North having to declare martial law in his own Maritime Provinces. The British partially burnt down the Dalada Maligawa, a precursor to the ashing of the Jaffna Library. Obeyesekere records these hard and soft strategies in meticulous detail. Eventually, persistent British efforts bore fruit, SVR falling victim to multiple dark arts of subversion. The ethic of the playing fields of Eton were not too evident in these strategies. The deck was stacked too heavily against the King. The British declared war again in 1815 on trumped up charges. It ended shortly and swiftly.



After SVRs defeat, he departed to Vellore, drummed into exile by the British, supported by a bunch of undercutting and collaborating Kandyan aristocracy, Ekneligoda being the despicable worst. A Shakesperean dramatist could have written an entrancing play of this period, portraying the interplay of intrigue, violence, power, ambition, betrayal, treachery and sheer bloody-mindedness. As Obeyesekere drily remarks, the European world at that time, and in our own times, was a world of violence and bloodshed, and it needed a great deal of self-deception to say that the British of 1815 was the exemplar of tolerance and humanity, as the British like to represent themselves. With SVRs departure, the long and distinguished history of Sri Lanka as an independent country was over, ended with her evisceration by Kandys brightest and the best.



From all accounts, SVR was a popular king devoted to infrastructure development, a compulsive builder of dams, ponds, and irrigation works. He rebuilt the Dalada Maligava, partially burnt by British forces in the 1803-04 war. He built the Octogon and the Kandy Lake. He had a spacious vision for a Cosmic City of Kandy, like the vision the government has for todays Colombo city. He had a reputation for sensuality, indulgence, depravity, brutality and evil which could partly be a labelling effect, produced by propaganda spurning any sense of objectivity. He had his enemies, who were determined to bring him down and replace him with one of their kind, if they could decide who that person was to be. SVR was the Premadasa of his age, the latter surviving a deposition by impeachment. An example offered of SVRs evil, was the Pounding Episode, the cruel punishment imposed on Kumarihamy, the wife of first Adigar, Ehelapola.



Kumarihamys family tragedy occupies significant space in Obeyesekeres narrative, as it should. It is an example of the building of a myth model. According to Obeyesekere, myth models are those forms of life with an event from a powerful story or a myth which is then employed in a variety of contexts. Myth is sometimes equated with falsehood but in Obeyesekeres specific usage, it deals with profound or symbolic truths that nevertheless operate in everyday life------Thus a myth model occurs when some powerful event from the past is replicated in the present, the latter becoming a myth model based on the former.



The Pounding Episode is an example of the visceral simplicity of myth formation. Kumarihamy, was the wife of the first Adigar (Chief Minister) Ehelapola. Ehelapola succeeded Pilimatalawa, against whom there was a proven case of traitorous relationships with the British. Pilimatalawa was unmasked, tried and executed, after which Ehelapola was appointed to the post. With the British, whose unremitting endeavour was the deposition of SVR, Kandy became the intrigue capital of Sri Lanka. Hot- house Kandy was the equivalent of Vienna of post WWII intrigue- depicted well in Orson Welless black and white film, The Third Man or Berlin of the cold war- depicted in Le Carres The Man Who Came In from The Cold. Rumour and counter-rumour swirled, many of them centering round the unsated ambitions of Ehelapola. Eventually, these rumours were confirmed. Before the King could take action, Ehelapola fled to Colombo, without obtaining the Kings approval to leave Kandy, which he was obliged to do. In such a situation, the law was that the family could be incarcerated as hostages, pending the return of the fugitive or suffer the same penalties as a traitor.

Ehelapola did not return and the rule of law was applied. Obeyesekere quotes Thoen, a Dutch gunner who reported that,  four children of Ehelapola Adigar had their heads cut off, the youngest being torn from their mothers breast for the purpose. Their bodies were dragged through the streets of Kandy and the heads put into a mortar, the pestle of which was forced into the mothers hand, and she was obliged to pound the mangled bodies of her own children. (It was said later that she had agreed to do so under duress. If she had not complied, she was threatened with ravishment by a Rodiya, an unheard of indignity). She, with three more women relations of the Adigar, were then led to the brink of a large tank, by some female slaves of the palace, their hands and feet being bound a stone tied round the neck of each. They were thrown into the lake, where their bodies still remain.

Obeyesekere, in the best traditions of a critical academic, casts doubt on the pounding episode. Thoen was not an eye witness to render this vivid account, as he was the prisoner of the King, incarcerated in distant Uva. Father Ehelapola, did not refer to the pounding nor did DOyly, though, if the story were true, they would have been the first to give it widespread publicity. Neither Brownrigg nor Thoen made any attempt to spread this story among the people. The childrens beheading did take place but the pounding is untethered by fact.



Obeyesekere attributes the behaviour of some of the Kandyan nobles, like Ekneligoda, to being suffused with Ressentiment. Ressentiment is not a fancy French noun to depict resentment. Obeyesekeres glossary clarifies, Ressentiment as an important term invented by Friedrich Nietzsche, to denote extreme and unrepentant malevolence. In page 306-307, Obeyesekere writes, Ekneligoda is an Iago or Richard III typecharacter and exemplifies what Nietzche brilliantly diagnosed as ressentiment, a man who carries a deep grudge or a sense of indubitable wrong done to him, a person with a venomous eye. This characterisation is partially correct but misleading. Re-sentiment is the psychology of a superfluous person, educated into a sense of hope and entitlement (in Sri Lanka free education) but rendered adrift by his limited circumstances and abandonment, and, thereby, open to feelings of weakness, inferiority and envy, which could ferment into malevolence. He is spiritually unmoored. He could be a member of the JVP, never the Kandyan nobility.



Obeyesekere should be congratulated on his presentation of the complex events of this period and with fidelity. His book should be read not only for the minute of the details of the regime change of 1815, but also for the alerts it provides. If historys lessons were not heeded, Mankind is surely destined to consumed by them.



Jolly Somasundram graduated in Modern History (1960), from the University of Ceylon, Peradeniya.
Nation-building needs a foundation of core values that could unite a diverse community of people. This cannot be done in a hurry and it requires sincere commitment to values that unite people. This is far from the reality we see at present with leaders paying lip service to grand concepts without intelligently perceiving what they stand for.

As to what change we wanted is the priceless question as the pace of change has also not been in line with what is expected of a newly mandated regime inspired by Good Governance

The expectation is probably to see an end to regressive policy development and practices

We need to remind the new regime we ourselves created that post-war Sri Lanka needs no lip service to grand concepts that leaders ironically cannot perceive with depth

The country has suffered immensely due to unprincipled political leaders who have never had the backbone to stand firm on democratic values

This is although for years we have been critical of the overall system that prevailed and aspired clear-cut changes for the common good. If the change we wanted was clear enough in our minds, we wouldnt have, for instance, permitted the January 8th Regime to make a mockery of the will of the people by bringing rejected candidates through the back door. This I say as someone who respects democracy and believe in highest democratic benchmarks of governance

What is the change we wanted?

As to what change we wanted is the priceless question as the pace of change has also not been in line with what is expected of a newly mandated regime inspired by Good Governance. They seldom realise that the clock ticks faster and the days are numbered for all regimes. Such sentiments have been expressed by the current leader of the opposition, Mr. R Sampanthan too as a much-respected elder statesman who obviously has national interests in mind.

Sri Lankan democracy with an unprincipled intelligentsia

At a time when we hear many say the country needs to have more educated people in legislature and provincial bodies, the expectation is probably to see an end to regressive policy development and practices. Going by what we continue to see, the question is whether we need an intelligentsia that will appease people who are alien to democratic values and promote through ignorance and inaction, regressive forms of nationalism? Today, people are reluctant to respect educated men and women who hold public office as they are considered shameless, often making grand pronouncements that they dont mean.

Lessons for the future through mindless self-contradiction in past policy-making

People say the actions of leaders of the political left and right are unthinkable, as it is the innocent people who were at the receiving end of all things, despite lesser education in terms of formal credentials. People remember a highly celebrated leader of the so called Left Movement who made his position clear on language issues by eloquently proclaiming, Two Languages, One nation: One language, two nations. But the very same people failed regarding constitutional reforms through the First Republican Constitution of 1970, in laying the foundation for a nation of unity in diversity based on equality.



It is a shame that such people fed more to partisan religious and linguistic nationalism, conferring special status to one religion and language over other religions and languages, while the moderates in this country wanted to see a constitution that respected the fundamental rights of all people protected in line with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, ensuring for instance, the right to worship. That is the lesson from India for us. The position was equally shameless regarding language as there were those who led this country by instigating tribal sentiments with Sinhala Only policies, indifferent to its consequences.



What we see even at this stage of unprecedented and complex socio-political issues are the apologists for the same policies, trying to justify how important it was then to restore the dignity of the Sinhala majority about their language and the religion of the majority in post-independent Sri Lanka. Hence we hear on and off, even at present, the arrogant statements against equality that we shall never do anything that will undermine the interest of the majority.



This again will not be countered by any one so easily as this nation is not quite blessed by men of high integrity and character in leadership who can take a stand that will be respected by all people. That is the lesson we can learn from Singapore with superior thinking on these lines. Singaporeans include not only the principal minorities but also smaller groups like the Eurasian and the indigenous communities. We need to remind the new regime we ourselves created that post-war Sri Lanka needs no lip service to grand concepts that leaders ironically cannot perceive with depth but decisive changes that will at least ensure that our future will not be as bleak as the past.

Apathy and incapacity to counter regressive nationalistic sentiments by religious groups

Is acute normlessness or anomie a condition that social institutions should deliberately promote? In recent times, we have been witnessing and reading in the national newspapers, about how members of the clergy threaten and even physically intimidate their members, making a mockery of the religious order they represent. Some were intimidated verbally as well as physically and very little has been done to discipline such clergy by their own hierarchy or by the laws of the land.



The situation is even more serious if they belong to the religion that the constitution proclaims so proudly as the state religion, as the government that habitually washes its hands off most public issues cannot be indifferent in this situation as well. The government is not carrying the obligation to ensure that the highest standards are maintained by clergy who belong to the state religion.

These problems are seen in other religions, including my own religion. The Christian Ministry of this country with different splinter groups acting with utmost impunity have been permitted to operate without registering with the National Christian Council (NCC) and the Evangelical Alliance is a shame indeed. Without adhering to principal benchmarks stipulated, we only see greater room for regressive nationalistic forces to raise their heads and make life difficult for those who are sincere devotees, irrespective of the religion they belong to.



There are splinter groups even among Christians who have taken the law into their own hands and prevent people from partaking of Holy Communion, as they have married members of other religions. These things happen with the total blessings of the Christian Affairs Ministry, in the way Ministries in charge of other religions remain inactive regarding standards they should maintain, at whatever cost. The Ministers in respective subjects need to be more inspiring for the public to respect them.



The position of the state regarding the ethno-political crisis



It is unthinkable that the governments elected by the people in post-independent Sri Lanka have failed to take a clear-cut position on how they wish to provide a clear-cut solution to the ethno-political crisis that has plagued this land for decades. Thousands of lives have been lost but the minds of those who aspire to be in national leadership have not been opened. The war that was fought ended with a most questionable position taken by the leadership of the previous regime that there are only two groups of people in this land, known as the Patriots and Traitors. That those with the government irrespective of their ethnicity and other differences are Patriots and the rest are Traitors was not a position the people of this country irrespective of their status ever wanted to tolerate.



It is ironic that these leaders who were rejected by the people have not made a fair assessment of the reasons for their own downfall. Despite a feeling good peaceful environment, it is shocking that the present regime has not moved ahead convincingly in winning the confidence of the minorities on the real political problems they encounter. Empty rhetoric should be ended on all these issues urgently, with the government taking its commitment to restore good governance in all principal frontiers that remain an annoyance to the people.

The role of the media and the academia in neutralizing regressive nationalism

Enlightened opinion formation is not easy as I have already stated in this article. What the country needs in a formidable sense is a strong foundation of nation-building in all frontiers based on democratic values. It looks like those who talk about good governance also believe such a grand project is possible within an autocratic culture too.



The country has suffered immensely due to unprincipled political leaders who have never had the backbone to stand firm on democratic values. It is similar to the eloquently proclaimed need for two languages for one nation ending up with the extraordinary position of advocating one religion over other religions.



The media as well as the academia in a developing country have a very special role to play in creating an enlightened public, as many remain unenlightened on core principles of democracy. The freedom that we have today in the aftermath of defeating an oppressive regime that believed in abducting and killing anyone with dissenting views should be used more responsibly. Those freedoms will not be ours very soon, if we, as a nation prove once again that we are not prepared to learn lessons from the past. It is time that the broad-based national mass media institutions take their role more seriously, instead of conferring status to what could set our beautiful country alight once again.

Academics are aware of the type of culture required for a university to prosper. However that too becomes an issue as they have not been sources of inspiration to the overall student population in maintaining a healthy dialogue with them on issues of grave national concern. Students take to the streets due to their indifference. In the absence of a culture that is politically more liberal in orientation, what we see is the scope for those with contradictory positions to occupy the space for vibrant discussion and debate devoid of confrontational tactics that burden the less fortunate of the land.
REUTERS: The Sri Lankan rupee traded slightly weaker yesterday as dollar demand from importers weighed on the local currency, dealers said.

Rupee forwards were active, with spot-next forwards trading at 153.00/10 per dollar, as of 0615 GMT, compared with Thursdays close of 152.98/153.02.

Spot-next-next forwards were trading at 153.10/20, compared with Thursdays close of 153.05/10.

The (dollar) demand is there today as well, said a currency dealer, requesting anonymity.

Due to the mid-year reserve targets, we dont think the Central Bank would intervene in the market unless they see a huge volatility, said the dealer, adding that the year-end seasonal demand for dollars would start from August.

The rupee has been under pressure after Central Bank Governor Indrajit Coomaraswamy said the bank would allow gradual depreciation of the currency.

The Central Bank has set a target of US$1.2 billion in direct market purchases of dollars to boost the island nations reserves this year.

The spot rupee did not trade on Thursday. The Central Bank fixed the spot reference rate at 152.50 on May 5. Foreign investors bought a net Rs.1.37 billion (US$8.98 million) worth of government securities in the week ended June 7. They have sold a net Rs.39.96 billion worth of government bonds so far this year. Sri Lankan shares were up 0.47 percent at 6,726.14, as of 0618 GMT. Turnover stood at Rs.505.3 million (US$3.32 million).
Sanje (Pvt.) Ltd (Tech One Sri Lanka) has won the 2017 Microsoft Country Partner of the Year Award for Sri Lanka.

The company was honoured among a global field of top Microsoft partners for demonstrating excellence in innovation and implementation of customer solutions based on Microsoft technology.

I am excited and thankful to Microsoft for choosing Sanje Private Limited (fully-owned subsidiary of Tech One Global) for its most prestigious award  the Country Partner of the Year 2017. Being Country Partner of the Year truly delivers the message that our company is best positioned to help clients, enterprises and institutions in private and public sector, drive business outcome from Microsoft solutions and services.

Its also the best place for IT professionals to work and develop their skills and the best regional solutions company to partner with in the worlds highest growing market. Its our 13 years of partnership with Microsoft that culminated this years achievement, said Tech One Global CEO

Lars Jeppesen.

Awards were presented in several categories, with winners chosen from a set of more than 2,800 entrants from 115 countries worldwide. Sanje (Pvt.) Ltd was recognized for providing outstanding solutions and services, as well as representing excellent subsidiary engagement in

Sri Lanka.

The Microsoft Country Partner of the Year Awards honour partners at the country level that have demonstrated business excellence in delivering Microsoft solutions to multiple customers over the past year. This award recognizes Sanje (Pvt.) Ltd as succeeding in effective engagement with its local Microsoft office while showcasing innovation and business impact, driving customer satisfaction and winning new customers.

Sanje (Pvt.) Ltd is passionate about delivering the latest solutions and insights to companies. As a Microsoft Partner for many years, Sanje (Pvt.) Ltd prides itself as the go-to partner for the crucial steps in the digital transformation journey: on-boarding, digitization, training, business solutions

and consultation.

We are honoured to recognize Sanje (Pvt.) Ltd of Sri Lanka as a Microsoft Country Partner of the Year, said Microsoft Corp One Commercial Partner Corporate Vice President

Ron Huddleston.

Sanje (Pvt.) Ltd is a prime example of the expertise and innovation we see in our Microsoft partner community to deliver transformative solutions.

The Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards recognize Microsoft partners that have developed and delivered exceptional Microsoft-based solutions over the past year.
Monday June 12 was the world day against child labour and the International Labour Organization has said it has launched this day to focus attention on the global extent of child labour, the action and efforts needed to eliminate it.



Each year this day brings together governments, employers and workers organizations, civil society, and the millions of people to highlight the plight of child labourers and what can be done to help them.

According to the ILO, globally more than 1.5 billion people live in countries affected by conflict, violence and fragility. At the same time, around 200 million people are affected by disasters every year. A third of them are children. A significant proportion of the 168 million children engaged in child labour live in areas affected by conflict and disaster.



ILO says the 2017 world day focuses on the impact of conflicts and disasters on child labour. Conflicts and disasters have a devastating impact on peoples lives. They kill, maim, injure, force people to flee their homes, destroy livelihoods, push people into poverty and starvation and trap people in situations where their basic human rights are violated. Children are often the first to suffer as schools are destroyed and basic services are disrupted. Many children are internally displaced or become refugees in other countries, and are particularly vulnerable to trafficking or child labour.

Ultimately, millions of children are pushed into child labour by conflicts and disasters.

If the United Nations sustainable development goals target SDG 8.7 which aims to eradicate forced labour, end modern slavery and human trafficking and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour is to be achieved by 2030, we need to intensify and accelerate action to end child labour, including in areas affected by conflict and disasters. We need to do it together, the ILO says.



According to web sites, a recent United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF) report highlights that children account for more than half the worlds refugees though they comprise only a third of the worlds population. Many of them and their families  from conflict-ridden nations such as Syria, Afghanistan, Somalia and Myanmar  have sought refuge. The United Nations High Commission of Refugees (UNHCR) has estimated that last year there were around 29,000 refugees and 6,000 asylum seekers in India alone. The largest groups came from Myanmar, Afghanistan and Somalia.

The UNICEF report says about 50 million children have either migrated to another country or have been displaced internally. Syria and Afghanistan account for the largest number of child refugees who have fled to try and rebuild their lives. Many of these children end up in the hands of human smugglers and traffickers only to suffer the worst forms of abuse.



But if there are children suffering displacement due to violence, even larger numbers of child migrants in Asia, and India are suffering displacement due to social and economic reasons. Professor Shantha Sinha, an anti-child labour activist and former chairperson of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights, says that during her tenure as commissioner she met several children from Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Myanmar and Nepal.



These children had no citizenship and no rights. Locals would say that these are not our children, so we can exploit them. I would insist to them that children are children, regardless of borders. We need to create social concern about them to make our system more sensitive to their needs. Unfortunately, children are not a priority for Indian democracy, she says.



In Sri Lanka, The National Child Protection Authority has proposed that a rupees ten thousand fine and a one year jail term be imposed on those who employ children in dangerous jobs. Compensation should also be paid to the child, the NCPA says, while a social environment should be created for children to enjoy the freedom of proper education, healthcare, play time and other recreation.



It says one of our main responsibilities is to create a proper environment for innocent children so that they could develop into civic-conscious citizens and contribute much towards the sustainable development of Sri Lanka.



The NCPA says that, though child labour is not a major problem in Sri Lanka, we need to ensure that it does not become a crisis. Therefore, even in our homes we need to ensure that we do not employ children under the age of 18 for domestic work.
Kia Motors (Lanka) Limited Managing Director Mahen Thambiah handing over the keys to the first Picantio customer Tisakya Senanayake  daughter of Rosy Senanayake who is presently the Deputy Chief of Staff at the Prime Ministers Office

Pic by Damith Wickramasinghe

By Supun Dias

Korean carmaker Kia unveiled its third generation 2017 Picanto in Colombo yesterday at the main showroom of its authorized distributor in Sri Lanka; Kia Motors (Lanka) Limited, emphatically shattering the ennui in Sri Lankas urban city car segment.

With its 2016 predecessor already enjoying the best-in-class tag in the market, the all-new, youthful and energetic Kia Picanto will also dispel preconceived notions about the A segment cars with exciting new hi-tech features, more space and enhanced handling and safety.

The Picanto has in the past been described as a small car all grown up and this new model takes the concept even further, literally, as well as in terms of design, performance and sophistication whilst providing a drive that will please the young at heart and the motoring aficionado alike, said Kia Motors (Lanka) Limited Managing Director Mahen Thambiah.

We believe that the third generation Picantion will be a tough competitor in the 1000cc market in Sri Lanka. Our state-of-the-art after sales facilities are ready to be opened for our customers. Since our entry into the market we have delivered the best products from Kia with the best after sales/customer service that one can expect from any agent, he added.

Picantio is available in six new colours namely; Lime Light, Shiny Red, Aurora Black, Pop Orange, Sparkling Silver and Celestial Blue in pearlescent metallic paint finishes. The Picanto is fitted with 14-inch steel wheels in its basic form but the customers can select one of four aluminium alloy wheel designs, ranging from 14-inch to 16-inch in diameter.

The new Picanto is powered by a highly efficient 1.0litre MPI engine at entry point. Upgrades to the engine include a new exhaust manifold integrated into the cylinder head and a new cooling system with shut-off valve, reducing the time it takes the engine to warm up from a cold start.

One unique feature is the dashboard layout which is more centrally aligned, with a large 7.0-inch floating touch screen human-machine interface (HMI) sitting at the heart of the centre console and moving many of the cars controls further up into the drivers line of sight.

The boot of the new model grows from 200 litres to a maximum 255 litres  the most of any car in the class. In the sphere of safety, the new Picantos body shell is cast in Advanced High-Strength Steel (AHSS) improving tensile strength by 12 percent.

The new, stronger steel has been used to reinforce the floor pan, roof rails and engine bay, as well as the A and B pillars, strengthening the core structure of the car. The car is also equipped twin airbags and anti-lock brake system (ABS). As with all Kia Picantos from the 2016 model onwards, the new Picanto is backed by a warranty of five years/150,000 km, whichever occurs first. It is priced from Rs.2.99 million, inclusive of taxes. Kia Motors (Lanka) Limited, has represented the Kia brand in Sri Lanka since 1996.
Sri Lankan film maker Jude Ratnams debut documentary, Demons in Paradise, got the rare red-carpet honour at the Cannes Film Festival recently, but he is certain that he will be called a traitor for making it. For me, the film was a way of confronting the questions I have had since childhood about my Tamil identity, he told The Hindu in an interview in Colombo.



As a five-year-old, Mr. Ratnam fled the capital with his parents to escape the July 1983 anti-Tamil riots. His formative years were spent in the Tamil-majority North-East of the island nation where, as a displaced boy, he witnessed different Tamil militant groups organising themselves.

The young men with guns, preparing to fight the oppressive Sri Lankan Army, looked like heroes to me.



Returning to the roots

Later, his family moved to Kandy in the central highlands where his father, an Anglican priest, was stationed, before returning to Colombo. More than three decades later, the filmmaker took the train to the north, just as his family had in 1983, for his 90-minute film on Sri Lankas civil war through the experiences of his own family.

NGOs think that reconciliation happens when you put five Sinhalese and five Tamils in the same hall of a five-star hotel. How can that ever work without factoring in our histories and the politics of the war? How can Tamils reconcile with the Sinhalese before reconciling within the Tamil community first?

Take the question of caste. Contrary to what many say, the LTTE never eradicated it; they merely brushed it under the carpet. Otherwise why would we see caste-based discrimination emerging as a major challenge in post-war Tamil society?



In its largely autobiographical first half, Mr. Ratnam draws on some vivid childhood memories to narrate how the war impacted his family. My mother would wipe off her pottu (bindi) and my father dressed in sarong to look like the Sinhalese. And those days our family spoke Tamil in hushed tones for the fear of being heard and killed, the 39-year-old filmmaker recalled.



All the same, the film is not about the Ratnams alone, whose ancestors came to Sri Lanka from Tuticorin in Tamil Nadu six generations ago. He uses his familys past as a peg for a larger story  of a Sinhala majoritarian state that victimised Tamils; of the birth of Tamil armed militancy; of the path it took the Tamil community on; and of the nagging questions that persist eight years after the war ended.



He goes back to eye-witnesses and people seldom heard in the narratives of war  like the Sinhalese photographer who captured the iconic image of a Tamil man being stripped naked at a bus stop in the heart of Colombo in 1983, shortly before he and others like him were murdered; and the railwayman who witnessed scores of Tamils escaping to the north, including some who were callously thrown off the train.



It took Mr. Ratnam ten years, and enormous conviction and family support, to make the film. I had to work very hard to convince some people to talk. It was when [Mahinda] Rajapaksa was in power. There was a climate of fear, many were scared to speak candidly about the past, he said.



This project came out of his disillusionment with the human rights sector  where he had worked  that he felt was severely flawed in its approach. NGOs think that reconciliation happens when you put five Sinhalese and five Tamils in the same hall of a five-star hotel. How can that ever work without factoring in our histories and the politics of the war? How can Tamils reconcile with the Sinhalese before reconciling within the Tamil community first? he asked.



These are the questions that dominate the second half of his film. Here, Mr. Ratnam probes the Tamil communitys political choices and militancy using the story of his uncle Manoranjan, who discouraged him from joining the armed struggle. Like many young boys I too toyed with the idea. But he had been there, done that and knew where it was headed.



Mr. Manoranjan, who was raised in Kandy and speaks fluent Sinhala, moved to the north as the war intensified, where he made an unusual move of joining a small left-wing group, the National Liberation Front of Tamil Eelam (NLFT). But after a few years, with the LTTEs growing hegemony and the repression of other organisations, he decided to give up the gun and continue his political work as a journalist. Following death threats from the LTTE, he was forced to leave Sri Lanka and relocate to Canada. The film shows him visiting the country after many years, re-uniting with the Sinhalese neighbours in Kandy who had given refuge to his family following communal violence; and revisiting some traumatic memories of bloodshed and brutality in Jaffna.



In this segment, the film turns its lens on the complex impact of the armed struggle on the Tamil community, including through a rare critique of the LTTE from one of its former cadres. We were so cruel you cannot accept that in the name of the struggle, says Vasudevan, now living in the U.K., when recounting his participation in the LTTEs massacre of some 900 militants from the rival Tamil Eelam Liberation Organisation (TELO) in the internal violence that gripped the Tamil polity.

Elsewhere, Mr. Manoranjan breaks down when recalling the LTTEs execution of two dissident student activists  Selvi and Manoharan  who had saved his own life and the lives of others from the Tigers. In an eerily dramatic scene, former militants from different Tamil organisations sit in the dark around a fire, reflecting on how Tamil civilians suffered at the hands of other Tamils who were weeding out rivals and dissidents in their midst.

Need for introspection

This sort of introspection  of the past and its manifestation in the present  is in Mr. Ratnams view indispensable for meaningful post-war reconciliation. Take the question of caste. Contrary to what many say, the LTTE never eradicated it; they merely brushed it under the carpet. Otherwise why would we see caste-based discrimination emerging as a major challenge in post-war Tamil society? he asked.



Asked about the lesser emphasis on state violence in the second half of the film, which depicts the time when the Sri Lankan armed forces turned more brutal as the war heightened and resorted to endless shelling to capture territory held by the LTTE, the filmmaker said: I didnt mean to underplay the atrocities of the Sri Lankan state or the armed forces. In fact, my appeal through this film is not just to the Tamils. But to everyone  are we ready for honest self-introspection?



Mr. Manoranjan also hopes that the film will open some doors in breaking the taboo around the pain inflicted by Tamils on fellow Tamils and Muslims. Tamil society is struggling within itself to do a truthful self-examination of what went wrong. Though it is slowly happening among the ordinary masses, the Tamil media, the academic community, the religious entities and the political parties are still adamantly maintaining silence, he told The Hindu via email.



While the film subtly points to this apparent silence, it makes no pronouncements. That is because I dont have definite answers. I started off with my own discomfort about being a Tamil and that led me to many questions, said Mr. Ratnam, for whom working on the documentary was cathartic.

At the end of it, I think I have come to terms with my Tamil identity, shedding the fear and guilt I have had for long, he said.



Though sceptical about whether many would be willing to screen or distribute the film, he is steeling himself to be labelled a traitor by many Tamils, as the LTTE and its supporters branded its critics within the Tamil society. Not just in Sri Lanka, I want to ask film viewers in India, and particularly in Tamil Nadu, who shed tears for Eelam Tamils, if they have the courage to watch this film made by a Sri Lankan Tamil who lived here all through the years of war.

Courtesy: THE HINDU
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A heightened sense of unease gripped the White House on Thursday, as President Donald Trump lashed out at reports that hes under scrutiny over whether he obstructed justice, aides repeatedly deflected questions about the probe and Vice President Mike Pence acknowledged hiring a private lawyer to handle fallout from investigations into Russian election meddling.



Pences decision to hire Richard Cullen, a Richmond, Virginia-based lawyer who previously served as a U.S. attorney in the Eastern District of Virginia, came less than a month after Trump hired his own private lawyer.



The hiring of Cullen, whom an aide said Pence was paying for himself, was made public a day after The Washington Post reported that special counsel Robert Mueller III was widening his investigation to examine whether the president attempted to obstruct justice.



A defiant Trump at multiple points Thursday expressed his frustration with reports about that development, tweeting that he is the subject of the single greatest WITCH HUNT in American political history.



Trump fired off several more tweets in the afternoon voicing disbelief that he was under scrutiny while his crooked Democratic opponent in last years election, Hillary Clinton, escaped prosecution in relation to her use of a private email server while secretary of state.

-WASHINGTON
The best lack all conviction, wrote the Irish poet, William Yeats, while the worst are full of passionate intensity.



Is this not true of America today? Some of the best are working to bring down President Donald Trump yet are they ready to cut to the chase? He has cards up his sleeve. He came to power partly because he won the support of working class and lower middle class whites who were prepared to vote against their economic interest for the sake of the nationalism that Trump espoused. Neither Keir Hardie nor Franklin Roosevelt nor Bernie Sanders was their leader. It was Trump.



I dont find it difficult to imagine how Trump could play the nationalist card that would rally his electorate. The best would be against this, but how many would be convinced enough to go out on the street, French style, and demand Congress impeach him? I doubt if the Harvard professors would or journalists from the New York Times, businessmen, school teachers, doctors, civil servants or airline pilots. Of course, as with the civil rights movement and the anti-Vietnam War protests, there would be students in the front row. Then there would be clergy, a few professors from the University of Wisconsin, novelists, Senator Sanders and at most 50 members of Congress. The police would easily face them down and disperse them.

Is this not true of America today? Some of the best are working to bring down President Donald Trump yet are they ready to cut to the chase?



Patriotism is the last refuge of the scoundrel, said Samuel Johnson. So is extreme confrontation, or even war. What follows is not my scenario. It is that of Philip Gordon, writing in the current issue of the respected Foreign Affairs. He was Barack Obamas Special Assistant for the Middle East, North Africa and the Gulf regions. Those who have dormant passionate intensity in their bones should read it and act now before it is too late. Events can move fast. A week is a long time in politics, said the former British prime minister, Harold Wilson.



Trump could begin his diversionary tactics with Iran, his arch enemy during the campaign. Gordon says, lets suppose that a dozen Americans are killed in an attack in Iraq by an Iranian-supported militia. Two days later Trump imposes further sanctions on Iran, effectively torpedoing the de-nuclearisation agreement negotiated by Obama. Iran continues to test its missiles.



It steps up its support for the Syrian government. Later in the year, the situation having deteriorated further, Iran announces it will resume prohibited nuclear activities, including testing advanced centrifuges and expanding its stockpile of low-enrich uranium.



Frustrated by continued Iranian support for the Houthi rebels in Yemen, the Pentagon steps up patrols in the Strait of Hormuz and loosens the rules of engagement for US forces. When an Iranian patrol boat aggressively approaches a US cruiser, the ship fires and kills 25 Iranians. Revenge is swift and 6 more American soldiers in Iraq are killed. In return Trump authorises a cruise missile attack on the Islamic Revolutionary Guard. Nationalist fervour increases in Iran, and also in America. Iran lets its nuclear scientists off the leash. Next, US bombers destroy Irans nuclear facilities. A good chunk of the US electorate cheers him on. Anti-Trump congressmen feel that they couldnt continue with their effort to impeach him while America was in such a serious situation.

Patriotism is the last refuge of the scoundrel, said Samuel Johnson. So is extreme confrontation, or even war. What follows is not my scenario. It is that of Philip Gordon, writing in the current issue of the respected Foreign Affairs



Experts later called the confrontation with China the most dangerous one since the Cuban Missile Crisis that almost erupted into nuclear war. The Presidents adviser, Steve Bannon, said at the beginning of the Administration that Were going to war in the South China Sea in five to ten years.

Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson, pushed by Trump, warns that Chinas access to the islands there is not going to be allowed. At the same time North Korea tests another long-range missile capable of reaching the western sea-board of the US. Trump demands that China pressure North Korea to stop the provocation or it would go to war with the North. China is worried about the mass of refugees that would pour into China if the regime collapsed. Also it doesnt want US-back troops to advance to its border with the North. It refuses Trump. Trump then says the days of placating China are over. Sanctions are imposed. President Xi Jinping feels he has to retaliate. He imposes a 45% tariff on imports and sells $100 billion of US Treasury bonds.



Next follows an incident in the South China Sea, a clash between American and Chinese naval boats. Each sides carriers are rushed to the region. There is a military stand-off that looks like stretching into the distant future. US-China relations are in ruins. But Trump is off the hook for the rest of his term.



During the next election? Perhaps war with North Korea.



For 17 years the writer has worked as a foreign affairs columnist for the International Herald Tribune/New York Times.
Minister Ranawaka breaking the ground at the Waters Edge Hotel premises for its one-year expansion project. Waters Edge General Manager Rohan Fernandopulle (extreme left) and its Chairman Chamath De Silva (second from left) are also present

By Lahiru Pothmulla

The Waters Edge Hotel, Battaramulla broke ground for its extensive expansion project of the 4-floor banquet facility this week, with the objectuve of providing a unique ballroom experience along with the countrys largest banquet facility to visitors by the end of next year.

Megapolis and Western Development Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka, who broke the ground, said the hotel was a precedent to all other government institutions which aspired to become

self-reliant.

The Waters Edge Hotel is a government institution, but doesnt ask for funds from the government. We are always accused of operating State institutions which incurred heavy losses and reminded of how private institutions are effective and lucrative, the minister said at the ceremony held to initiate the project.

Commenting on the previous governments inability to compensate the residents who were evacuated to facilitate the development projects in Battaramulla, he said the incumbent government was able to complete the process of compensating.

The Minister said the government would aim for a self-reliant economy instead of a debt filled one.

Meanwhile, he said a convention centre would be constructed in the Waters Edge premises in the near future and said the hotel would become the most favourite place of visit in the administrative capital within the next three years.

Chairman of Waters Edge, Chamath De Silva said the ballroom expansion was long overdue because of the completion of rising banquet halls in Colombo and its suburbs.

Silva said the expansion of the banquet facilities at Waters Edge was twofold. On one hand we will expand our space offering on each of the four floors. On the other hand we are also concentrating heavily on ensuring that service delivery at banquets is enhanced as well, he said. Once expanded, the hotel would house one of the largest banquet halls and will include two guest lifts and two service lifts. Waters Edge General Manager Rohan Fernandopulle said their ultimate goal was to improve facilities for banquet guests and be known for outstanding service delivery in all areas of our operations.

We also want to ensure our guests that the hotels operations will continue as usual despite the expansion project. This project is also envisioned to make operations smoother for our events and logistics partners who have come to trust us for all their events as well as for our staff who will be able to serve you better, he said.
The culture of a community is the way it has shaped up its inherent customs and traits, schools of thoughts and attitudes, and faiths and belief. To this end the Ministry of Cultural Affairs gave a glimpse of the beliefs and attitudes of the country at the Pallekelle

Council auditorium.



The Chief Minister who was the Chief Guest on this occasion said that the language we speak, religion we believe in, our arts and crafts and our customs and rituals handed down several generations, impact our creativity and life styles in a meaningful manner. He also said that man has created culture from the beginning and that countries such as Greece, Egypt and Babylonia with the most ancient histories, boast of rich cultures. He said that Sri Lanka could prove this, and there is evidence that a cultured society existed in this country before 1900 BC. Hence Sri Lanka has a history that we are proud of.



The Chief Minister added that all these cultural values directly address the peoples hearts, intelligence and souls. He said that Sri Lanka had a multi ethnic, intelligent, discerning, sophisticated and progressive society enriched with mental and spiritual qualities and values. Former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaranatunge had always believed in peace through consensus. She has done a great deal of work to ensure that other ethnicities were respected and their cultural identities were shared. At the National Thai-Pongal festival held at the Ranabima Royal College, thousands of Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim students enjoyed Pongal rice, cultural events and songs together.



A cultural presentation was held at the auditorium,where special items pertaining to cultural values were presented by schools. The Sri Lanka Air Force presented an Angampora presentation. A exhibition of paintings by school children were

also presented .
Environmental governance  or what passed for it  had become highly political, and the 2014 parliamentary elections had the not unexpected impact of taking it to a new low. The ruling Congress-led UPA was floundering; it was mired in multi-crore-rupee scams, including in allocation of coal blocks.

It was under attack from industry for "stalling growth" and, in an effort to "appease" this lobby, a new environment minister Veerappa Moily  who, ironically, also held charge of petroleum  was appointed just five months before the election. He softened rules to facilitate industries and proclaimed he had cleared some seventy projects in the first 20 days of his tenure.

One of the most controversial projects that got the green nod included the South Korean steel giant POSCOs $12 billion steel plant project in Orissa, which has faced long-standing and stiff on-the-ground opposition besides legal tussles related to environmental approvals.

In its ten-year reign, the Congress had well and truly shattered the green legacy bequeathed to it by its previous  and powerful  leaders like Indira and Rajiv Gandhi.

The Vanishing; Prerna Singh Bindra; Rs 599

Environment issues are rarely central to electoral dialogue in India, and in the 2014 election too, green issues were brushed aside, unless you were to consider their presence in the negative sense. The BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government, which came to power in May 2014, promised to frame environment laws to facilitate the speedy clearance of industrial proposals.

Central to their electoral campaign was the allegation that the UPA had ruined the economy, and the BJP promised to break the "policy paralysis". Its prime ministerial candidate, Narendra Modi, had served for over a decade as chief minister in Gujarat. Through his tenure Narendra Modi had carefully cultivated the image of being an economic miracle worker, a "Vikaspurush" (literally, "man of development").

He was the architect of the much-lauded "Gujarat model" of development. The highlights of this model: Gujarat was business and investment friendly, had excellent infrastructure, greater concentration of factories and manufacturing units, and a fast-growing GDP.

But Gujarats social index is poor, and it is an environmental disaster, point out critics: The state earned the dubious distinction of being the most polluted in the country, with the industrial town of Vapi on top of the toxic heap; it also had three of the most polluted river stretches (in the Sabarmati, Amlakhadi and Khari rivers) in the country. It is also pointed out that vital elements of the Gujarat model include easier, quicker permits, licences and environmental clearances.

A road through the Kutch Wildlife Sanctuary threatens the only nesting site of both the greater and lesser flamingos in India, possibly dooming the birds to extinction. Photo credit: Dhritiman Mukherjee

When the BJP government came to power in the Centre in 2014, it made good on its promise of "ease of doing business". Unfortunately this mainly focused on dissolving the existing environment regulatory regimes, thus carrying forward far more aggressively the work started by the earlier government.

In August 2014, at the behest of industry, the PMO held a meeting with the ministry of environment, forests and climate change (MoEFCC) authorities, and other stakeholder ministries such as coal, road transport, power, steel, et al.

The PMO laid out a sixty-point agenda, submitted to it by the Confederation of Indian Industry earlier in the month, to "streamline the process for environment, forest and wildlife clearances". Nripendra Misra, the PMOs principal secretary, who led the meeting, noted that many projects were pending for a long time for want of clearances "due to cumbersome procedure and difficult mechanism".

Seven months later, the government had addressed at least 55 of those action points, according to a report in the financial daily Mint. Some of these included relaxation of rules for constructing roads in forests and conducting preliminary surveys for projects in wildlife sanctuaries and national parks without any mandatory regulatory regime.

This also raises a fundamental question as to who drives the agenda of the environment ministry; it is the government who is the custodian of forests and other natural resources like water, minerals, rivers; holding the countrys natural heritage, its wildlife in trust. What is good for industry is not necessarily so for the country, and its citizens.

Within the first few months of its coming to power, the Modi government sought to review the gamut of laws that protect Indias wildlife, forests and environment and appointed a high-powered committee for the purpose.

One among the tiger cubs killed in Dudhwa early 2016.

Reviewing laws is the governments prerogative, and perhaps this was called for, given that Indias environment governance is collapsing. But the need of the hour was to strengthen governance and the law and ensure its implementation.

Unfortunately, the recommendations of the committee "seemed to be tailored primarily towards introducing changes to environmental laws  essentially relaxing procedures and standards for projects  with the primary purpose of 'doing business easier in the country'".

The process of review was heavily criticized as being hasty, undemocratic and lacking transparency. Its terms of reference were vague. The committee did the mammoth task of reviewing six environment laws  from those regulating water pollution to protecting tigers  and submitted its report in less than three months. Bizarrely, comments from the public were restricted to 1,000 characters  about a tweet-and-a-half per law  reducing the vital exercise of "public participation" to lip service.

Critiquing the committees recommendations is a lengthy affair; suffice it to say that if implemented, they would have dismantled the foundation of environment protection and justice in India.

Fortunately, the recommendations were struck down unanimously by a Parliamentary Committee which clearly stated that these should not be acted upon, as it "would result in an unacceptable dilution of the existing legal and policy architecture established to protect our environment".

However, the idea to overhaul environment laws has not slipped from the agenda but is merely biding its time.

The environment ministry also announced a policy-based regime for a range of industries and infrastructure, including roads, railways, mining and renewable energy. This ensured that once the government announces a policy  say, regarding developing ports along Indias coast, interested project developers will be assured of a smooth run, without any legal and technical issues.

Environmental lawyer Ritwick Dutta terms this approach most problematic as it puts policy above laws, and undermines peoples voice in a democracy.

Meanwhile, the government enacted a new law in March 2016  the National Waterways Act, which marks over 100 of Indias rivers as National Waterways  aquatic highways to carry cargo (never mind that most have little water left, and are more drains, not rivers). It is reasoned that such navigation is fuel-efficient, hence cost-effective and eco-friendly.

Its green credentials are highly questionable, since channelling rivers into navigable water canals involves building barrages, embankments for port terminals and dredging along channels to allow ships to sail through.

Such activity will reduce a river to a canal, and a noisy, filthy thoroughfare, ruining its ecology. For the Gangetic dolphin such a waterway could be a fatal blow. Our flagship dolphin species is virtually blind; it survives by echolocation, that helps the creature "see", detect and navigate.

It fishes, finds a mate, breeds, raises calves, senses danger and averts risks by echolocation. But this remarkable evolutionary adaptation to survive in a murky, silt-carrying river where sight will not penetrate may not save the dolphin now.

One of the six elephants crushed by a train on the Siliguri to Alipurduar track in North Bengal in November 2013. More than 1,200 trains cut through Protected Areas, taking a huge toll on wildlife. Photo: Reuters

With over 90 per cent of the Gangetic dolphin distribution overlapping the proposed waterways, its world is set to become infinitely more noisy, with the dredging and din of vessel engines and traffic. It was such mass shipping and pollution that was to eventually see the end of the Yangtze river dolphin, declared extinct in 2007.

Indias freshwater sources are further endangered with the government ignoring the vital hydrological component in defining an inviolate forest to enable its smooth and easy diversion for mining, industry and other uses.

An important factor to define forests as "inviolate", and thus protect them from coal mining, was their hydrological valuewhether they served as catchments to perennial streams, irrigation projects, or water supply schemes, or their proximity to rivers and streams.

But the government decided to prune parameters related to water, citing that "the required data doesnt exist". For one, to claim that the country does not have basic hydrological data on rivers, streams, catchments and reservoirs is doubtful  and unacceptable.

Equally distressing, is to disregard such a vital parameter, even as the country reels under drought and severe water crisis. A pressing example of this is the volatile agitations between the states of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka over the distribution of water of the Cauvery river.

Extensive deforestation along the Cauvery basin has led to an ecological imbalance in the region. Prime rainforests have been felled to make way for urbanization, plantations, agriculture, infrastructure and industry; this has contributed to decline in rainfall, flooding, soil erosion and falling water tables. Yet, even as the water wars escalate, no lessons have been learnt.

A railway line and high-tension power transmission lines through the dense evergreen forests of the Western Ghats, that require the clear felling of thousands of trees have been allowed, much to the consternation of the locals who have petitioned to save the forests of Kodagu, "the water tank of Bangalore", as these cradle the principal catchment area of the Cauvery river.

The other big problem with environment governance currently is that the central government is abdicating its role and responsibility in conservation. One indication is its view to wash its hands of wetlands  an important ecosystem that hosts waterfowl and rare mammals like fishing cats, recharges groundwater, helps in floodwater retention and supports livelihoods.

The draft Wetland Rules, 2016 proposes to do away with the Central Wetland Regulatory Authority at the central government level and replace it with a State Wetland Regulatory Authority. To justify the move in the name of "decentralisation" is to put a spurious positive spin on it, as it allows for no involvement of local stakeholders like fishermen, farmers who are directly dependent on wetlands, or independent experts.

As compared to the earlier Wetland Rules of 2010, it watered down the definition of wetland, the activities prohibited in it and did away with the requirement of an EIA for regulated activities.

The government is doing the same with its national animal, the tiger, as well as other wildlife. In April 2016, Prime Minister Modi announced a whopping 80 per cent increase in the Project Tiger budget.

Unfortunately, this jump is all smoke and mirrors. The central government simultaneously slashed its contribution to funding tiger reserves to 60 per cent, whereas it earlier provided for the entire nonrecurring expenditure.

The rest will have to be met by the states from their larger financial kitty. But with very few exceptions, states take their own sweet time to release money, with wildlife rarely perceived as a priority sector.

In fact, even funds transferred from the Centre for reserves are, more often than not, delayed. For example, when I visited Jharkhands Palamu Tiger Reserve in February 2011, funds had not yet been released even though the end of the financial year was just a month away.

The Simlipal (Odisha) director admitted that besides salaries, all other funding  for fuel to meet patrolling needs or monitoring tigers or strengthening forest roads  came from Project Tiger.

It was doubtful if the state would step in if the Centre withdrew its share.

When I visited the National Chambal Sanctuary, Rajasthan in March 2016, it had not received any funds at all for the previous financial year. How, then, are sanctuaries supposed to function, protect wildlife? There may be vehicles for patrolling, but no fuel to run them, or to pay the wages of contractual labour who perform the vital task of foot patrol, anti-poaching and tracking wildlife.

So, while the budget has been increased, whether the benefits will permeate to the ground is unlikely. What this also does is remove the Centres oversight, shrinking its active role in conserving the tiger.

Another blow is the undermining of boards that regulate crucial approvals for projects in eco-fragile areas including wildlife sanctuaries. Bodies such as the NBWL were established with a view to draw on the independent views of domain experts, bring in checks and balances and transparency in the decision-making process.

The reconstituted NBWL (formed in July 2014) lacked the mandatory number of independent experts and, going by its performance, has been reduced to a toothless body.

In its first meeting in August 2014, the boards standing committee cleared 133 projects, inside, and in the immediate vicinity of national parks and sanctuaries.

A report from the Delhi-based Centre for Science and Environment noted that, in the two-year period between 2014 and 2016, the NBWL cleared 301 projects, deferred 105 and rejected only four inside parks and sanctuaries, and in their immediate area of influence. This gives a whole new connotation to the term "Protected Areas", which are supposedly sacrosanct, set aside as havens for wildlife.

There is something even more troubling than the high rate of clearance, of decimation of protected wildlife habitats. And this is the fact that the environment ministry crowed  there is really no word that says it better  about its high clearance rate.

The environment minister Prakash Javadekar was to note in a booklet highlighting the achievements of the MoEFCC in one year that "so far 650 Public and Private Projects worth several thousand crores and with an employment potential of over one million have been cleared".

There was nothing, though, to back claims of jobs generated or details about monetary values.

The report gushed about its achievements of fast-tracking various clearances, the expeditious disposal of projects, the easing of norms for roads and railways in forests, of governance for faster growth.

The chapter on "Protection of Wildlife" is most indicative of the ministrys current priorities. It extols as its achievements projects cleared by the NBWLs standing committee such as construction and expansion of roads through Protected Areas like the Kutch Wildlife Sanctuary, fences in tiger reserves and national parks, and the expansion of gas fields in elephant habitat.

We are at another turning point in the countrys conservation history. All these years, the environment ministry had kept up a facade of its mandate of environment protection, now even this fig leaf has been shed.

Some clearances include relaxation of rules for constructing roads in forests and conducting preliminary surveys for projects in wildlife sanctuaries and national parks without any mandatory regulatory regime. Above: The Great Indian Bustard. Credit: India Today

It still makes a few noises of "development without destruction" but the MoEFCC has now officially declared its priority, and mandate, which appears to be to facilitate the clearance process, and be an enabler in Indias growth story.

Unfortunately, at a great, irrevocable cost to the environment. Indias environment governance does need a transformation, as the NDA-led BJP government rightly said. Green laws are not intended to be "roadblocks", or enable rent-seeking, but conserve a countrys scarce natural endowment, protect its wildlife, and ensure clean air and water for its citizens.

They need to be strengthened, and implemented effectively. The "ease of doing business" must have in its framework sustainability, as promised by the government, as well as a strengthening of environment safeguards.

Environment governance demands a far-reaching vision that is inclusive of intergenerational equity. Thats the trajectory that governance must take, with judicious decision-making, transparency and accountability.

More than growth of the economy, it is the health of the natural environment, on which the future of India, and its citizens, rests.

Protecting the environment is in our national interest.
"The hills are smiling," West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee had tweeted last month after the Trinamool Congress (TMC) won the municipality polls in Mirik, long considered the stronghold of the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM).

Her assertion that the hill people are satisfied with the state government has been made repeatedly since Banerjee came to power in 2011. However, today the situation has changed drastically. There has been a breakdown of relations between the TMC and the GJM, with the latter renewing its call for statehood.

And it all started with Didi announcing that Bengali would be a compulsory language from Class 1 onwards. By the time she added the caveat that the hills are exempted from it, it was too late. The GJM had already taken up the cudgels against the state government. Gorkhaland supporters are clashing with the police, tourists have fled and the hills are under a lockdown.

BREAKING: Massive police raids at GJM chief Bimal Gurung's Darjeeling residence, several sharp weapons like bow-arrows, khukuris recovered pic.twitter.com/sbIualTYsL  Indrajit Kundu (@iindrojit) June 15, 2017

Resolution for separate #Gorkhaland . The Agenda of the Gorkhaland movement is more of IDENTITY than DEVELOPMENT. Jai Mahakali, Ayo Gorkhali pic.twitter.com/YCUWPAIJnH  AD (@DOBHALz) June 14, 2017

Banerjee had worked tirelessly to ensure that GJM chief Bimal Gurung toed the line. After three years of agitating against the erstwhile Left government, Banerjee finally appeased the GJM when she took over as chief minister from Buddhadeb Bhattacharya.

Gurung agreed to the formation of the GTA in September 2011. Didi had brought peace to the hills. But her decision to order a special audit for the GTA fund earlier this year left Gurung livid. A gutsy call by Banerjee whose party is mired in Saradha and Narada controversies.

The Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) is a semi-autonomous administrative body for Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Mirik and some parts of Siliguri in West Bengal. With the GTA elections slated for this year, both sides are looking to flex their muscles. The heightened unrest in the hills and the harsh rhetoric being used by both leaders suggest an impending clash. Already the police have raided Gurungs residence and other areas; the Mamata Banerjee government is not in the mood to blink. Banerjee will not allow for the bifurcation of the state under any circumstances.

While covering the GJM agitation in 2009-2010, my impression of Gurung was that he wouldnt back down from a fight. Hes come up the hard way and admits that he has promises to keep. He was assuaged by the GTA for six years and doesnt intend to give it up. During the last agitation, Gurung had trained around 11,000 young men and women as foot soldiers terming them peacekeepers.

Dressed in army fatigues, a handful of them stood protecting their leader as he chatted with them nonchalantly. Their only job was to ensure the GJMs various diktats (dress in ethnic clothing, banning of mobile phones and bikes etc.) For this training and unflinching loyalty, Gurung was reportedly spending Rs 10 lakh a month. If Banerjee threatens to take power away from him, he may deploy his foot soldiers and unleash havoc on the hills hitting both tourism and daily life.

Meanwhile, Gurung has received support from the BJP that has been steadily increasing its footprint in the state, and especially in the hills. It will be interesting to also see how Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his party handle the situation. They have for long been supporters of the creation of smaller states, and have supported the GJM call for autonomy in the hills.

Gurung believes that the BJP-led Centre would consider its demand for a separate Gorkhaland compassionately.

If Banerjee doesnt pull a rabbit out of the hat soon, the situation may completely go out of hand. Unless she changes her approach, she could be pushing GJM and BJP closer together. Not to mention the insurmountable economic loss to the exchequer due to the ongoing shutdown.
The Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP's) talk of building a consensus on the presidential candidate is a trap the opposition parties must avoid. It's hogwash and the Opposition mustn't take the bait.

The BJP is working on a script. The party is talking about evolving a consensus to sow confusion in the Opposition's ranks.

Its strategy is to claim high moral ground later and say the BJP tried for a consensus on a non-controversial issue - for the highest office of the president in the land - but the Opposition parties didn't rise to the occasion.

Though the BJP, with its NDA partners, has the requisite number in the electoral college to elect the president of its choice, a divided Opposition will ensure smooth sailing.

Unsurprisingly, union ministers Rajnath Singh and M Venkaiah Naidu didn't disclose the BJP's choice of candidate(s) to Congress president Sonia Gandhi when they met her on June 16.

Instead, they asked Sonia Gandhi to suggest a name. The Congress' reaction was apt. How can we ensure support in the absence of a name, said senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad?

The names suggested by the BJP can't be of those associated with the RSS and Hindutva politics and the past: no compromise on this score.

Leader of the party in the Lok Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge quipped: "When they have not given any names, there is no question of consensus."

However, the BJP's charade of building a consensus will continue for a few days, until the time of filing nomination papers.

Opposition leaders must understand the BJP's game plan. They would do well to tell the BJP that the consensus can be reached on three conditions.

Firstly, the candidate for the office of the next president must be from the Opposition's panel of names but acceptable to the ruling party.

Of course, the likely names can't be of any controversial personalities. And there can be any number of eminent men and women acceptable to both the ruling and Opposition parties.

Secondly, the names suggested by the BJP can't be of those associated with the RSS and Hindutva politics and the past: no compromise on this score.

And thirdly, the BJP and the government must also agree that the consensus can't remain confined to the election of president only. Politics of consensus must extend to major national and foreign policy issues.

Obviously, the government would reject the third condition straightaway. No government would agree to this condition, let alone the Modi government, which has discarded consensus and chosen confrontation as a matter of policy.

Nonetheless, the government has to be made aware that the nation is crying out for consensus-driven politics.

There is a need for consensus in the political life today to calm the atmosphere in the country and to reassure the people that the nation is not precipitately hurtling down a catastrophic path.

Failing the three conditions, it would serve the Opposition's interest and the national interest well to reject the rhetoric of consensus and brace up for a fight.

Contest yes, consensus no if it's restricted to the election of the president. That's a preferable strategy for the Opposition.

BJP's talk of consensus in the existing atmosphere is like asking the Opposition to fetch water from the well after having put the house on fire.

The country is indeed on fire. And the sole blame for putting the nation on fire lies with the BJP and the government headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Falling for consensus would amount to shutting one's eyes to the BJP's culpability, to acquiesce in their wrongdoings.

It would mean having forgotten and forgiven the three years of omissions and commissions on part of the government.

The Left and the RJD have rightly said that supporting NDA's candidate on the pretext of a consensus would imply a compromise with the BJP's divisive ideology.

The fact is that the formation of a three-member committee of Singh, Naidu and Arun Jaitley by BJP president Amit Shah was hurriedly announced to preempt the nine-member Opposition group from intensifying their consultations over the choice of a presidential candidate.

It certainly is a ploy to divide the Opposition. There can be various ways to create confusion and division. Region, religion, caste, language, tribal, Dalit and political ideologies can influence parties' preferences.

For instance, Biju Janata Dal (BJD) will support Draupadi Murmu, the Jharkhand governor who is a Scheduled Tribe leader from Orissa, if BJP decides to put her up as a candidate.

Likewise, the Shiv Sena might break rank with the BJP if the Opposition chose a Maharashtrian not totally inimical to the Sena's politics. Political parties have tendencies to fall for symbolism and tokenism on issues that appeal to parochial and regional concerns.

The office of the president has constitutional bindings to go by the decision of the council of the minsters. The Constitution doesn't allow for an activist president.

Yet, ruling parties choose to have what's called a rubber stamp president in the office. The Modi dispensation would prefer it more so because of its brand of politics. Any person of eminence in public life and with a conscience would like to keep a distance from the politics currently being practised.

There are two factors that Modi and Shah will have uppermost in mind in their choice of the presidential candidate. Firstly, the government may have in mind certain controversial legislations, which would require a rubber stamp president in the office.

Secondly, Modi will be facing the Lok Sabha election in two years from now. The office of the president is called upon to play an important role in case of a hung Parliament.
In what seems to be the latest instalment of a prolonged theatre of absurd, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has shot off a letter to the editor of the New York Times, expressing umbrage at the latter's editorial dated June 7, 2017, titled "India's Battered Press".

The letter, signed RK Gaur, who is the press information officer and a spokesperson of the CBI, attempts to explain why the NDTV raids on June 2 weren't about muzzling of the press, as the NYT editorial, as well as several opinion pieces in India's sprawling print and digital media suggested, but just routine exercise. The CBI letter said that the "editorial is one-sided and doesnt consider the investigation history of the case against RRPR Holdings by different tax and law enforcement agencies in India since 2011".

It also said that the decision to take NDTV India off the air for "irresponsible reporting" was "arrived at after a proper inquiry in which NDTV also participated. No democracy can allow the countrys security and public safety to be compromised by irresponsible reporting of terrorist incidents".

Finally, the terse letter, reeking of highly impertinent petulance from none other than the country's top investigating body, ends with the dramatic flourish that's better suited to a WhatsApp group skirmish among friends. It says: "India does not require any lesson on freedom of the press from The Times. Our institutions and traditions are nurtured by our rich and diverse cultural heritage and democratic ethos".

That the NDTV raids came at a time when freedom of expression and of the press has become a rallying point in the country, and barely days after a spokesperson from the ruling party at the Centre was asked to leave a debate by an NDTV anchor over uncivil behaviour on live TV, are rather well known. Of course, editorials aside, the June 9 solidarity meet at the Press Club in New Delhi, where the doyens of Indian journalism, including Prannoy Roy, the NDTV co-owner and the one in the eye of the storm, Arun Shourie, Kuldip Nayar, HK Dua, Om Thanvi, as well as eminent jurist Fali Nariman, addressed a motley gathering of young and older journalists, from TV, print and digital media alike, also became a focal point of action and resistance against the raids.

Almost every day since then, there has been a piece in the Indian press responding to the NDTV raids, the "Freedom of the Press" meet - many criticised the "manel" that addressed the gathering at the Press Club, the utter and frankly unpardonable lack of diversity among the speakers, who were basically established male journalists currently out of favour with the hideously maladroit and under-performing regime, that's also overtly communal in its Hindutva agenda.

A number of pieces pointed out that the uber-polished Prannoy Roy looked out of place at the Press Club, removed as he seemed from the day-to-day drudge of news-gathering, while Arun Shourie, once the editor of the Indian Express and a former Union minister under the NDA 1 regime of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, had long supported Narendra Modi and the RSS to turn against them after been rendered out of favour.

While the Indian media was engaged in navel-gazing, divided between the polar opposites that have split it right in the middle, the CBI didn't really bother issuing a corrective beyond the statement that it didn't in fact raid the offices of NDTV at all, but only the residences in Delhi and Dehradun, of Prannoy and Radhika Roy, the owners of RRPR Holdings Ltd, the object of the criminal investigation. Yet, the well known strategy of intimidating the press by attacking the promoters, thereby squeezing the publication (such as Tehelka, Outlook in the past), or the TV channel and draining it of its finances, was called out in no uncertain terms.

However, that the CBI decided to respond in a letter brimming with churlish under-confidence and deep insecurity about its standing, to an NYT editorial that wasn't a quarter as critical of the raids as many of the pieces published in the India media, tells a very different story.

Photo: DailyO

In fact, when Arun Shourie, in his "eight commandments" for the press to strike back and regain its true role as the Fourth Estate, said that media must publish what the government wants to hide and must use the foreign press to rankle the regime's nerves, he was bang on target. That the CBI shot off a letter to the Times in a bid to correct the NYT's editorial lapse of judgment, and also to sermonise how India doesn't need a lesson from the Times on freedom of press, is beyond embarrassing, but also telling.

Exactly as the CBI is busy raiding Opposition leaders, taking on the Modi government's political and ideological adversaries in concocted or flimsy charges that barely hold, it errs once again in doing what's evidently its master's bid. The "caged parrot" has now become a political tool as also a smoking gun that lays bare the boundless hypocrisies of the present government in targeting those who call out its serial and routine lies, idiocies, false claims and the institutionalisation of bigotry evident in the slew of legislations it's bringing in to justify its communal worldview.

The curmudgeonly CBI, however, also betrays extreme unprofessionalism when it decides to preach from the pulpit and tell the press about freedom of the press while harping on our "democratic ethos" that the government is busy trampling more and more every day. Much like the needless statements issued by the Indian Army chief on matters that need delicate and studied radio silence from the armed forces, this overt attempt at self-explanation comes out as a pitiful instance of the CBI's own diminished stature in the country and abroad.

With PM Narendra Modi busy touring Europe, UK and then eventually the US to meet President Donald Trump on June 26, the global surround sound needs to be fine-tuned to the domestic panegyrics that are ritually beamed from regime-friendly TV and print news outlets. Yet, not only have serial gaffes on the part of various ministries and departments, such as the recent AltNews expose of using Spain-Morocco border to show floodlights in streets that seemingly depict the Indo-Pak border, made the regime a butt of jokes, even PM Modi's touchy-feely style has received humorous commentary in the international press.

Barely a month back, the RSS super-baby producing advice and the more recent "no sex, no meat" suggestion for pregnant women from the AYUSH ministry, have also garnered global ridicule. Certainly, the Modi government's nerves are too jangled from all the barrage of negative press, but even then, the CBI's unruly letter to the editor aimed at the NYT is beyond belief.
A social scientist, as witness and analyst, often confronts the fact that progress and irony blend together in Indian democracy. As spectators and citizens, we have witnessed major institutional reforms and yet watched with distress when the mentality required to energise these reforms lags years behind.

In that sense, one of the greatest achievements of modern Indian democracy is the passing of the RTI Bill. Yet one of its greatest ironies have been the sentencing of Nikhil Dey for pushing through the same ideas. Most papers gave the sentencing of Nikhil Dey a few lines. They probably saw it as non-news referring to a case which was 19 years old.

It is true that as cynics say a week might be a long time in politics, but in law, 19 years, given the gestation period of our cases, might sound like yesterday.

Poignancy

The poignancy of the news and the surprise and consternation it caused was manifold. First, it dealt with a case that had almost been forgotten. Second, it deals unfairly with a man who was one of the main protagonists behind the RTI Bill.

Nikhil Dey is probably the most civilised activist in India. Gentle, a perfect listener, ready to see the humour in any situation, Dey lacks a sense of hysteria, rhetoric or ideological fundamentalism which we associate with many activists today. His gentleness is deceptive because his commitment to democracy and to truth is rigorously impressive.

To accuse such a person of violence and assault is not only surreal but also creates a sense of hypocrisy as a response around the RTI cases. The facts of the case are simple. Remember today we take RTI for granted, proud of it as a fact of life, grateful that such a guarantee exists for the Indian citizen.

But go back 19 years and imagine the situation on May 6, 1998, Dey and six other activists confronted a local sarpanch. As a community they wanted clarity and information about the sarpanchs activities. The sarpanch, who ironically yet predictably turns out to be the local liquor contractor, had a whole string of allegations confronting him.

It took Aruna Roy, Nikhil Dey and MKSS decades of struggle to make RTI part of the letter and even the spirit of the law.

These included the usual cases of corruption and inefficiency, including labour payments for development activities, payments for toilets, and Indira Awas houses. Since the office of sarpanch was predictably closed during working hours, the activists visited him at home. The sarpanch and his cohorts assaulted the group.

The case is classic because RTI as a ritual involves talking truth to power and extracting truth from power. Even more impressive is the rituals of dialogue, and persuasion the activists adhere to. They adhere to all the norms and rules of dialogue and display a patience, an openness which is classic.

Despite the assault, Dey decides not to file an FIR or indulge in force, because the spirit of RTI demanded it.

Strange

It was a strange case of a gentleman activist confronting a corrupt sarpanch committed to bully boy tactics, convinced of power of might over the right to information. The case is typical of how entrenched power at the local level reacted to citizens seeking a normative frame of accountability.

The sarpanch retaliates by filing a string of false cases against the activists. His contempt for them is also obvious in the slurs he casts against the woman present. It is a typical act of sarpanch machismo against the gentle but insistent demands of activists pursuing a vision of RTI.

I confess 19 years ago RTI must have sounded like a vision from Mars. It took Aruna Roy, Nikhil Dey and Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan (MKSS) decades of struggle to make it part of the letter and even the spirit of the law.

Today when RTI is almost every day in its impact, the old cases come back like a bad dream. Oddly, the case was closed on June 30, 1998, and strangely reviewed in 2001. It is a clear case that the powerful neither forget nor forgive those who assert their democratic rights.

The sarpanch, out of his magic hat of corruption, produces a string of false witnesses and the case drags for two decades. The Damocles Sword of revenge and corruption is something activists have to be perpetually sensitive and alert to.

Verdict

The verdict is devastating, even ironic, returning to plague MKSS. The perpetrator of violence pretends to be victim and, worse, wins a verdict. The sentence has been suspended, pending an appeal by four activists in the court of Kisenganj. The case becomes a Kafkaesque fable of the travails of idealism and activism in India.

Power, especially local power, never seems to forget or forgive an act of resistance or affrontery. Worse as a resident group, it has the resources to fight battles for long periods of time, realising that goodness has its limits, boundaries beyond which it cannot go, norms of decency it has internalised and which it will uphold at all cost.

Nikhil Dey and Aruna Roy are exemplars of such a way of politics. They also represent the stamina and the quiet courage of the MKSS as it battles local forces of authoritarianism and corruption. Their track record is impressive but one can sense their desperation and despair as their struggle almost becomes a ceaseless epic.

I think it is time civil society across India responds to the implications of such a case.

First, one is astonished at the meek way in which media reports it as if the case was from yesterdays newspaper. One needs publicity and storytelling for while the law unravels its viscous self, democracy at least asserts its faith and pride in the integrity of these activists and the remarkable life-giving institutions they have introduced.
In secret, behind locked gates, our Nation's Oldest City dumped a landfill in a lake (Old City Reservoir), while emitting sewage in our rivers and salt marsh. Organized citizens exposed and defeated pollution, racism and cronyism. We elected a new Mayor. We're transforming our City -- advanced citizenship. Ask questions. Make disclosures. Demand answers. Be involved. Expect democracy. Report and expose corruption. Smile! Help enact a St. Augustine National Park and Seashore. We shall overcome!
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RICHMOND  The lead up to a quadruple shooting that killed a Richmond teenager Thursday was broadcast live on Facebook from a friend's cellphone as online comments anticipating a fight rolled in: Who fighting? Beat dat lil s--- up. Bye girl send the fight to me. Get everything.

On Friday afternoon, police confirmed Jacquesha "Billie" Clanton, 18, died Thursday night from wounds suffered during a 7:30 p.m. shooting at the Newman Village Apartments on Old Brook Road in North Richmond. Friends said she was a George Wythe High School student who anticipated graduating in August after a session of summer school. She worked at Kings Dominion in grounds maintenance.

Police said three other people in their early 20s were also shot in what witnesses described as a dozen-person melee that ended with at least 15 shots being fired by an unknown party. The injuries suffered by the three surviving victims, who police did not name, were not life-threatening.

Police said they're investigating Clanton's death as a homicide.

"She was a happy person, always playful, joking around," said Jakhira Brown, a close friend. "She had a laugh that'll make you laugh when you hear it. She was a great friend if you needed her."

Brown said Clanton was not the instigator of the fight that preceded the shooting, but was along to support a friend. "She was there for her friends no matter what," she said.

Public posts and live videos that Clanton shared earlier in the day Thursday on Facebook, where she had nearly 5,000 friends and nearly 3,000 people subscribed to her posts, appeared to show her and her friends searching for and taunting an unknown person she expected to fight.

The field is right there, she said about three hours before the shooting in a broadcast from Fairfield Court in Richmond's East End. Im really not tripping. Because yall know me  I handle my own. Anybody I fight for my damn self. I dont need nobody to fight for me baby because Im good. Im good.

The video from Fairfield was posted at roughly 4:30 p.m. It closes with an unknown teenager coming on the screen expressing disappointment that at a prior fight, pepper spray was used against her.

At no point in the videos and Facebook posts is it clear who the disagreement is with or what its about.

Brown said that the prior fight, which she said was Clanton's, was unrelated to the 7:30 p.m. brawl at Newman Village that ended in the shooting. Police said they could not discuss those details because they are part of the investigation.

"Jacquesha just was at the wrong place at the wrong time in that fight," she said, referring to the fight that ended in gunfire. "Those were two different fights which had nothing to do with each other. I'm not saying she's the best behaved teen out here, but she didn't deserve that at all. Nobody deserves to lose their life due to simple drama."

After the shooting, Clanton's friends posted on Facebook expressing disbelief that someone had brought a gun to the fight and, later, shock that Clanton had been killed.

A man who was apparently with Clanton at the shooting posted a photo of a bloody shirt with the caption, Took the shirt off my back to cover up the wound and she still aint make it bra??

In a series of messages with a reporter, the friend who posted the Newman Village video also said that Clanton was not fighting. She was just at the wrong place at the wrong time, the teen said.

The friend later posted on Facebook, where Clanton goes by the family name Billie, which is what her friends call her: Billie called me a couple days ago talking bout don't let nobody put know clouds around me when i die. i straight laughed at her a-- like wtf you talking about yo a-- ain't gone die.

Other efforts to reach other family and friends were unsuccessful Friday. Clanton's Facebook page gave the impression of a young woman with a big sense of humor who liked to share lighthearted videos of herself online. In one she danced in an exaggerated way. In another, she wrapped her hair into an oversized bun and made fun of herself. In another recent post she expressed frustration about having only two days off this week.

Hundreds of tributes appeared online Thursday night and Friday morning under the hashtag LongLiveBillie. "We need you back. This ain't right," one person posted in a typical comment.

Others used the hashtag to express frustration about the public nature in which the fight and the death was shared: "Why go live while her body laid there in blood? Why ... are you live in the hospital after they pronounced her dead.. showing everyone during their time of grief ??? WHYYYYYYY"

Similar frustrations were apparent at the scene of the shooting Thursday night, where bystanders were aware of the Facebook exchanges that preceeded the killing.

"Facebook needs to be shut down," one woman said to no one in particular as she walked away from Newman Village.

Clanton is the sixth teenager to be killed in a shooting in Richmond this year. In March, a 15- and 16-year-old were shot and killed in Mosby Court in the city's East End. In April, an 18-year-old was killed on Midlothian Turnpike. And last week, a 15- and 16-year-old were killed in a double homicide in South Richmond.

Another 12 homicide victims so far this year were younger than 25.

Police said they don't have a suspect description to release at this time and are asking the public for help. They asked anyone with information about the incident to call Major Crimes Detective R. Wigfall at (804) 646-6769 or Crime Stoppers at 780-1000 and www.7801000.com.

Police Chief Alfred Durham said the Facebook videos of the disagreements Thursday is part of the evidence officers are reviewing.

"It's no secret," he said. "You go online right now and you see that a lot of these incidents are happening - it starts with social media."

Durham said arguments on social media are driving a significant portion of violence among youths in the city. He called on parents to do more to monitor their children's activities on their phones.

"A simple posting on social media ends up with somebody seriously injured or, in this case, we have a dead child - she had just turned 18."
New Delhi: Idea Cellular today said at the IMG meeting that it supports lower data prices but the government policy framework should allow operators to recover their network costs.

Vodafone, on the other hand, said that call connect charge -- currently at 14 Paise -- is already "below cost" and any further cut in these inter-operator charges could hurt rural coverage.

Besides, it favoured lowering of spectrum usage charges (or doing away with it) as also that the USO levy should be reduced to 3 per cent from 5 per cent and then be phased out. Making presentations before the inter-ministerial group (IMG), incumbent operators, including Airtel, flagged various issues facing the industry, leading to huge debts.

Speaking to reporters after its meeting, a top Idea official said: "Government has choice of any policy...but it should cover costs. All policy framework everywhere says that cost of network should be recovered."

The Idea official further said that the company is completely in agreement that data prices need to come down. Flagging the high incidence of taxation faced by the industry, the official said levies like licence fee, spectrum usage charges and USO should be subsumed by GST, the new indirect tax regime to be rolled out from July 1.

Vodafone too has suggested that licence fee be subsumed by the Goods and Services Tax and if that's not possible then GST rate should be reduced to 5 per cent from 18 per cent for telecom services.

Airtel officials, however, refused to comment on the presentation made to the government. The IMG, constituted to suggest policy reform to mitigate

sector's financial stress, has been holding dialogue with individual operators this entire week.

It has already met senior executives from Reliance Jio, Reliance Communications, Tata Teleservices and Aircel. It has also held discussions with telecom PSUs Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd too.

The IMG also met four major lenders, including SBI, who voiced concerns over "stress" in the telecom sector and flagged possibility of defaults by debt-laden operators.

The incumbent operators have been vocal about the onslaught of free voice and data offers by the aggressive newcomer Reliance Jio (RJio), and its impact on the industry's revenue in 2016-17.

Reliance Jio earlier this week, however, ascribed the financial stress in the telecom sector to existing operators like Bharti Airtel and Idea running businesses on debt and investing heavily in unrelated sectors. It alleged that incumbent operators have been reluctant in infusing equity and hence the financial stress is their own creation.

The operators on the other hand cite Rs 4.6 lakh crore cumulative debt, and are making a case for urgent relief measures like extension on payment of deferred spectrum liability to a period of 20 years, and cut in licence fee and spectrum usage charges.

With over 1.16 billion mobile users, India is the second largest telecom market in the world, after China. Telecom regulator Trai also met all the operators yesterday to discuss the industry's financial difficulties and measures that can be taken to ease the situation. Idea asked Trai to fix a minimum floor price for voice calls and data offerings.
Trai may take up the issue in a separate consultation or as part of one of its ongoing discussions on IUC or tariff principles.

New Delhi: Incumbent telecom operators like Idea and Bharti Airtel today urged Trai to fix a minimum floor rate for voice and data as they look to counter newcomer Reliance Jio's free calls offer, a suggestion that the regulator said it will look into.

If the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India or Trai indeed sets a floor price for tariffs, it would mark the end of free voice and data dole-out to mobile consumers. This is because operators would then have to abide by the prescribed "floor" in their tariff offerings.

"There is an interesting idea that was presented by some of the operators...of creating a floor price for voice and data. It is an idea and we will deliberate on it," Trai Chairman RS Sharma said after emerging from a two-and-a-half hour meeting with senior officials of telecom companies.

Sharma admitted that floor price fixation may be contrary to the current practice of tariff forbearance and emphasised that the regulator had "no views" on the matter just yet. Sources said that the floor price was suggested by Idea Cellular at the Trai meeting today and seconded by other large incumbent operators Airtel and Vodafone.

Tariffs are currently under forbearance meaning that operators are only required to report their plans to Trai within seven days of launching them. Sharma explained that some operators felt that offering "below cost services" over a period of time was hurting the financial of the sector.

It may be recalled that Mukesh Ambani promoted Reliance Jio had stormed into the telecom market last year, wooing customers with promotional free voice and data services. Jio still offers aggressive data plans and has promised that voice calls will always be free on its network.

In fact, Jio's promotional freebies for seven months is blamed by incumbent operators for the financial woes of the sector. The industry's debt stands at Rs 4.6 lakh crore. Asked about the merit of mulling floor price at a time when a large operator is giving free voice calls, Sharma said discussing an idea does not mean that a decision has been taken on the matter.

"Trai follow a democratic and consultative process...we believe in discussions and open consultation, arguments and counter arguments," he said.

Terming floor price concept as complex one, Sharma said ultimately it would depend on multiple variables such as technology, utilisation of network, and traffic volumes.

Trai may take up the issue in a separate consultation or as part of one of its ongoing discussions on IUC or tariff principles. Sharma declined to name the firms that were in favour of a minimum rate (for telephony offers) but said that these operators had cited examples of other nations that had implemented such floors.

He was also quick to point out that there were other operators with contrarian views on the issue. Trai, which today met all the operators to discuss the industry's financial stress, also received suggestions pertaining to cut in licence fee, and spectrum usage charges. Telcos have also made a case for lowering GST rates, and extending the period for payment of deferred spectrum liability. J

io has, however, opposed any extension on spectrum-related timelines, saying the past policy had resulted in aggressive bidding for the airwaves. Trai has also decided to hold a workshop on the contentious call connect charges in July.

"The workshop is aimed at demonstrating the appropriate cost model to compute the Interconnection Usage Charges or IUC, share international experience and the long-term impact," Sharma said. He also said a distinction needs to be made between IUC and floor price setting, as the former is a settlement between operators, the latter is a consumer facing matter.

While Trai has already given its suggestions on a number of issues, including licence fee reduction, the other proposals given by operators today fall under three broad areas -- IUC, tariff principles and ease of doing business, all of which are under consultation by the regulator, Sharma added.

Industry representatives who attended today meeting included Bharti Airtel CEO Gopal Vittal, Vodafone India MD Sunil Sood, Idea Cellular MD Himanshu Kapania, and Reliance Jio MD Sanjay Mashruwala. Officials from Reliance Communications, MTS, BSNL, MTNL were also present in the meeting.
Mumbai: From today, prices of petrol and diesel will change everyday. The move has been effected to bring prices of these essential fuels in sync with global crude prices that change everyday.

Earlier, state owned oil marketing companies used to change prices of petrol and diesel every fortnight. Now as the dynamic pricing formula has been put in place, consumers should also know these things:

-- Prices of petrol and diesel will change at 6 am everyday and will be valid till 6 am next morning when the OMCs will put on display new rates. From today this is going to be an everyday practice.

-- Rates of petrol and diesel will not be uniform. They will vary from city to city and petrol pump to petrol pump also. OMCs follow marginal differential pricing formula.

-- Major players in the fuel marketing including Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum Corporation, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation follow marginal differential pricing formula in coming at rates, according to The Financial Express report.

-- Chandigarh, Jamshedpur, Puducherry District, Udaipur and Visakhapatnam are the places where the daily change in petrol and diesel prices is already in force since May 1.

-- The FE report adds that Petrol and diesel price will change on a daily basis by a few paisa per litre across all the 58,000 petrol pumps in the country.

-- We are moving into a dynamic pricing. Correction in prices now happen after a gap of a fortnight but from now on it will be on daily basis to reflect the cost, FE quoted IOC Chairman Sanjiv Singh as saying.

-- Consumers should also now what daily change of prices of petrol and diesel means for them. It is expected that everyday change will remove big jumps in petrol and diesel prices at the fortnight. The idea is to enable consumers more aligned to market dynamics.
New Delhi: Tata Motors today said a committee of the board will meet next week to consider raising Rs 500 crore through non-convertible debentures (NCDs).

"The company is desirous of offering the eighth series of its rated, listed, unsecured, redeemable NCDs aggregating to Rs 500 crore," the Mumbai-based auto major said in a regulatory filing.

In this regard, a duly constituted committee of the board would meet on June 21, it added. The NCD issuance is pursuant to the approval of the shareholders at the company's 71st AGM last year.

The company, however did not disclose reasons for raising the capital.

Tata Motors shares were trading 1.53 per cent higher at Rs 455.30 apiece on BSE today.
50 per cent of the manufacturing units are mainly located in excise free zone of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and the north eastern States.

Kolkata: The Rs 6000 crore organised Indian fan industry has expressed concern over Goods and Services Tax rate at the highest bracket of 28 per cent on its product and urged the government to revise the same to 12 per cent.

"We have been urging the government for 12 per cent GST as fans are products of mass consumption and not of luxury. But government has put fans in the 28 per cent tax bracket. Government has grouped fans and air-conditioners in the same bracket. Even premium mobiles phones are in the 12 per cent tax bracket," The Indian Fan Manufacturers Association chairman Rohit Mathur told PTI.

The apex industry body represents the fan manufacturers in India comprising of leading branded fan manufacturers such as Usha, Bajaj, Crompton, Havells, Orient, Anchor, Ortem, Surya, Luminious, Polar and Anchor.

The immediate cost impact on fan will vary between three to eight per cent depending upon whether the manufacturing unit is located in excisable or excise-free zones if GST rate is not eased and benefit of special zones are not been passed on in the new tax regime, Mathur said.

He said at least 50 per cent of the manufacturing units are mainly located in excise free zone of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and the north eastern States. Currently tax burden on fan manufacturers for excise-free zone is about 20 per cent, while the same goes up to around 26 per cent for those operating from a exciseable area.

According to rough estimates unless government intervenes the immediate price rise of fans could be at least four to five per cent. Total annual fan industry is worth Rs 9000 crore of which organised sector account for Rs 6000 crore.
New Delhi: The government has appointed Ramanathan Ramanan, a senior executive of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), to head Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) functioning under NITI Aayog.

Ramanan is currently a senior vice-president at TCS. "Ramanan has been selected by the government to head AIM," NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant today said. The government's policy making body NITI Aayog is trying to attract talent from private sector and recently it has proposed to hire advisers for 5 years and extendable up to 7 years.

The Atal Innovation Mission is the Centre's endeavour to promote a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.
The purpose of PSS is to protect farmers with the minimum support price for their produce in times of price fall.

New Delhi: The Centre has released Rs 700 crore to cooperative Nafed to undertake procurement of rabi pulses and other agri-produce, grown in the 2016-17 crop year, at the support price and protect growers from falling prices.

The fund, made available under the Price Support Scheme (PSS) operated by the Agriculture Ministry, will also be used to clear all outstanding payments to farmers for procurement of pulses, mustard seed, groundnut and other commodities undertaken in the 2016-17 crop year that ends this month.

The purpose of PSS is to protect farmers with the minimum support price for their produce in times of price fall.

"We have sanctioned Rs 700 crore to National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation (Nafed) for procurement of 2016-17 rabi crops. The line of credit will help the cooperative to make payments to farmers on time," a senior Agriculture Ministry official told PTI.

From the amount, Nafed has already released Rs 512.18 crore to Maharasthra, Gujarat and Haryana. In Maharashtra, Nafed has already procured 1 lakh tonnes of Tur under the PSS and it is making additional procurement of 15,000 tonnes.

The cooperative has also procured 845 tonnes of Moong and 160 tonnes of Soyabean in Maharashtra under the scheme. Similarly, in Madhya Pradesh, Nafed is currently procuring Moong and Urad under PSS.

The ministry has asked the cooperative to buy 11,250 tonnes of Urad and 55,500 tonnes of Moong at MSP from farmers in the state. Nafed is procuring pulses under two government schemes -- PSS and PSF (Price Stabilisation Fund). PSS, which is under the Agriculture Ministry, is operationalised only when prices of agri-produce fall below the MSP.

On the other hand, PSF, which is under the Food Ministry, commodities are purchased at market prices. Nafed had procured pulses and other commodities worth Rs 5,800 crore during 2016-17 fiscal mainly under the PSF. In the current fiscal so far, the cooperative has undertaken procurement to the tune of Rs 2,500 crore.
Mumbai: In a significant step towards tracing black money stashed in foreign bank accounts, Switzerland on Friday has ratified automatic exchange of financial account information with India.

For long, Switzerland has been regarded as the haven for black money hoarders from various countries including India. This move marks the end of Switzerlands banking secrecy.

India should now automatically be able to access transactions made by Indians with Swiss banks after September 2019 and information of accounts held by Indians residing in Switzerland for 2018 and the subsequent years.

Black money in Swiss accounts has been a point of contention between India and Switzerland. According to the Economic Times, the finance ministry had said there is no official account of black money held by Indians in Swiss banks.

Switzerlands ratification has emerged as a result of hectic parleys between India and Switzerland for introduction of the AEOI (Automatic Exchange of Information) on tax matters under the guidance of G20, OECD and other global organisations.

The Swiss Federal Council, which is the top governing body of the European nation, said the proposal to introduce AEOI with India and others was "met with widespread approval from the interested parties who voiced their opinions in the consultations".

"In concrete terms, the AEOI will be activated with each individual state or territory by means of a specific federal decree within the framework of this dispatch," it added.

Fridays decision is not subject to any referendum -- which implies there should be no further procedural delay in its implementation. The exchange of information will be carried out based on the Multilateral Competent Authority Agreement (MCAA) on the Automatic Exchange of Financial Account Information, which is in turn based on the international standard for the exchange of information developed by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

The federal council said it will prepare a situation report before the first exchange of data, which is planned for autumn 2019. "In the process, it will be checked whether the state sand territories concerned effectively meet the requirements under the standard, especially those concerning confidentiality and data security.

In the past, India has taken several steps to sort out the issue of black money. These steps have included policy-level undertakings, enforcement of ground-level action, introduction of stringent legislative and administrative structures and usage of information technology.

In 2015, the government enacted a new law - 'The Black Money (Undisclosed Foreign Income and Assets) and Imposition of Tax Act, 2015' to specifically address the menace of black money in foreign accounts. 648 declarations involving undisclosed foreign assets worth Rs 4,164 crore were made when the government gave a one-time three months' compliance window. The government collected Rs 2,476 crore through tax and penalty in such cases.
The year 2012 and a film titled Second Show. The director Srinath Rajendran was a debutant but it was the debutant actor who was the cynosure of all eyes for Dulquer Salmaan  son of Mammootty, was taking his big leap into the choppy waters of Mollywood. The film came up trumps and the star Dulquer Salmaan was born. Later, Srinath directed many more films including one with superstar Mohanlal and Dulquer went on to cement a unique place for himself in tinsel town. Now five years later, the duo  Srinath and Dulquer will be reuniting for a project and it is no ordinary film.

The film is based on the notorious conman of Kerala who is still at large, after he murdered a young man named Chacko. Dulquer will play Sukumara Kuruppu who has been the subject of intense speculations and discussions with many a sighting reported over the years. Both Srinath and Dulquer took to their respective social media accounts to reveal the first look poster of the film which shows Dulquer looking into a mirror which shows no reflection. The director Srinath captions it as, Not what has been said and not what you have heard is the story that is going to be told but something that even the shadow does not know. The film has certainly created a buzz with the theme and the hippie look and one is eagerly waiting for further news.

Meanwhile Dulquer is busy with his projects across the Southern industry including the Tamil - Malayalam bi-lingual Solo, the Telugu project Savithri and a Tamil project. On the Solo front there is news trickling in that there might also be a dubbed Hindi version of the movie. A source mentioned, The film has shaped up really well, and since Dulquer is a known name there are plans to dub the film in Hindi as well.However, when contacted Bejoy, didnt confirm it, but neither did he deny the news. Its too early to talk about it right now. Once we finish the editing, we will look at it and then decide, he added.
Rating:

Cast: Riteish Deshmukh Vivek Oberoi Rhea Chakraborty Bhuvan Arora Sahil Vaid Vikram Thapa

Director: Bumpy

Bollywood needs to unlearn a few things. That is, before it begins to appreciate and learn a few others. For starters, will filmmakers quickly recognise that a film doesnt have to be two hours long? Because if you cut 20 minutes off this Ritesh DeshmukhVivek Oberoi film, Bank Chor  supposedly titled to make teeny boppers jump with joy with its rhyming with a cuss word - this could have been a somewhat funny comedy. But is this a comedy? I like movies that dont settle into a groove, especially if the groove is already well worn. But the different kinds of movies that make up robbers and robbery are pretty worn too. And so, director Bumpy tries to blend comical situations, with elements of thrillers thrown in, to give us a confused mixed bag. Bank Chor starts off as a quirky premise as a cop, a bank teller, a customer and even robbers are introduced in quick succession to, perhaps, suggest the unintentional involvement of them all in a heist, either as committers of the affected.

A comedic adventure that insists we imagine the characters as grown men, and small-time crooks, has one of the robbers Champak Chandrakant Chiplunkar (Riteish Deshmukh) as a vaastu believer, who - you guessed it right- would attempt a robbery as per his beliefs. Two of his accomplices from North India (persistently referred to as Delhiwallahs), Genda (Vikram Thapa) and Gulab (Bhuvan Arora) are equally inept at handling a high-octane crime. The trio has a grand plan soon that unravels rather clumsily, thrusting the guys on a wild journey with dangerous consequences... Holding 28 people, including bank employees, security guards and customers, to ransom, Champak disguises as a sadhu and manages to walk past security with guns. If this reminds you of the casual and unprofessional approach of our safety measures in the country, there is enough reference to contemporary hi-tech jargon and systemic arrangements related to bank lockers to make you not feel cheated about our modern day banking system.

Champak keeps concocting stories to convince hostages about his middle-class background to make up for the treasure that has eluded him. But things get off-track quickly, causing them to cross paths with Amjad Khan (Vivek Oberoi), whose mustached look could pass off as an overzealous rookie partner. But he is a ruthless CBI officer who is supposed to do more talking through his gun. In the midst of all this, we soon realize that there is a larger plot unfolding as the home minister is seen pressing the panic button There is also the expected mad-media circus outside the bank led by crime reporter Gayatri Ganguly aka Gaga (Rhea Chakraborty) whose off-shoulder noodle-strap top and skirt would have viewers believe that reporters have nothing better to do than wear skimpy dresses to work.

With an ensemble bunch of crazy hostages  a high-strung housewife, a hyper chef, a possibly undercover cop, and rapper Baba Sehgal, there was ample scope not to derail its momentum with twists to forcibly add zing to all the action. The quirky premise generates some amusing moments, yet the patchy script cant sustain its early momentum. The only one who shines in this uneven nonsense is Sahil Vaid, playing a Faizabadi commoner, whose appearance as a hostage suggests that we are just one adventure away from finding the solid bits in-between the flabby comic set-pieces. But even his character-driven scenes become an annoyance in this low-budget comedy thats overloaded with baloney ingredients like overstretched gags stuffed in between. The result never finds a consistent tone despite a scrappy chemistry between its leads.

Though limited, Deshmukh is capable of rising to an occasion at times, as he has proved in a few of his earlier films. Here, he makes his effort show, and all along behaves as if trying to suggest that there is something more on the anvil for us. Oberoi (seen after a long hiatus) makes full use of his presence. He could do better if only he knew which way the film is headed. Towards the end, when the film keeps inventing too many rapid developments, even the unconvincing knots run out of ideas before the halfway point, and you know these are obligatory attempts to lift your sagging spirits from snoozing, and seem more like afterthoughts. Its just that by then you may be too tired and uninterested to care!
Women are rubbing rose quartz over their faces in the hopes of looking good (Photo: Pixabay)

Bored of Botox or other expensive treatments in the hopes of turning back the clock? Some women have been convinced that a quirky new technique is just as effective.

Inspired by the likes of Miranda Kerr and Victoria Beckham, who swear by the healing powers of crystal, women are rubbing rose quartz over their faces in the hopes of looking good.

The founder of The Colourful Dot, Laurey Simmons, who assisted Princess Dianas makeup artist, Mary Greenwell, has penned the book The Inner Beauty Bible, based on the power of crystals.

She says that rose quartz has long been used in beauty rituals across the world and is famed for its healing properties.

Georgia Louise Esk, who counts Emma Stone and Linda Evangelista among her clients, is another woman showing off the technique on social media - and has even created a 29 rose quartz butterfly stone to use on her clients.

Georgia tells her clients to massage their face weekly with the stone and promises it can give them a more 'contoured' look and dramatically smooth fine lines and wrinkles.

Apparently the stone also helps in detoxifying the skin and reducing pufnes in the face and around the eyes.

Elizabeth Rose, resident Healer at Gazelli House in Londin says that the fatigue and emotional stress shown in the skin can be removed by the rose quartz which clears negative emotions and stabilises and balances feelings.

However, Dr Yannis Alexandrides, British And American Board Certified Plastic Surgeon And Founder Of 111 Harley St and 111SKIN, isn't convinced.

He says that while massage stones are often used to heighten a facial experience, there is no clinical evidence to suggest that they have an effect on skin  even if the quartz remained on - or absorbed into - the skin, it would not have any benefits.
Mumbai: In a sudden move, a girl from Delhi has outclassed all others to get the most sought after bid to start the first ever floating restaurants and cruises next to two of Mumbais most iconic sites  the Gateway of India and Girgaum Chowpatty.

Shripriya Dalmia Thirani, who is an outsider in the food business, was allowed the development by the Mumbai Port Trust (MbPT) on Thursday.

The 37-year-old who has spent a lot of her childhood in the city has been passionate in chasing the cause to turn Mumbais coastline like those in Monte Carlo and Algrave.

Mumbai, which is home to some of the worlds best restaurants  over 500, has none one the Arabian Sea  till now!

Speaking about the phone call informing her of the decision exclusively to us, Shripriya says, I honestly have no words to describe how I felt at that exact moment. I was surprised and extremely happy. She adds, There were so many stalwarts and hoteliers who were trying to get the coveted bid, I am grateful that the government has shown faith in me.

It is a bit daunting and I am a little worried, but mostly I am just excited about the entire prospect, she further elaborates.

The MbPT tender says, the floating restaurant is intended to be a signature project in Mumbai to match Mumbais stature as the financial capital of India and leisure destination. MbPT through this tender process is seeking a professionally competent licensee to deliver an international experience.

Speaking about it this scion of the famous Dalmia clan said, It has been a lifelong dream and passion for me to highlight the beautiful skyline that Mumbai boasts of. Indians will no more have to travel to foreign destinations for a cruise over the best food and wine. The sea is Mumbais soul but till now we didnt have the chance to enjoy the views of Mumbai from it. We have always looked out into the sea rather than look into the sensational skyline from the sea. Not anymore.

This will be something shaandaar for my country, she adds with a laugh.

Elaborating further on the visions she has for the place Shripriya adds, The cruise will be for everybody. It will cater to locals, Indians and foreign tourists alike. We aim at creating an affordable but quality conscious place. The flavours on offer will be created keeping in mind the Indian palate. And clients will be able to enjoy a delicious meal - local, fusion and international cuisine while getting a 360 degree view of Mumbai.

It will highlight the Indian flavours and culture to outsiders, and will also cater international flavours to Indians, she adds. However, Shripriya feels it is too early to speak about how the cruise will look like but promises that it will be nothing short of spectacular.

Thirani who says that she plans to be operational by the end of the year or early in 2018 is at present travelling across the world, inspecting ships. Over the next few weeks, Ms Thirani will travel from Norway to Greece, Japan Singapore and Malaysia for sourcing the ships.

The MbPT has added the successful bidder will have to obtain a no objection certificate from the Indian Navy, Coast Guard and Mumbai Police for the purpose of operation of the restaurant ship.
Washington:Beware would-be-mommies! Fever during pregnancy, especially during the second trimester, may increase the odds of developing autism in child by 34 percent, warns a study. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a serious developmental disorder that impairs the ability to communicate and interact.

According to researchers, the effect was most pronounced in the second trimester, raising odds for ASD by 40 percent and the risk further increased by over 300 percent for the children of women reporting three or more fevers after the twelfth week of pregnancy. The team from Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health in the New York wanted to explore the risk of ASD associated with fevers across the entire span of pregnancy, and of the two different types of commonly used anti-fever medications -- acetaminophen and ibuprofen -- to address that risk.

The team followed 95,754 children born between 1999 and 2009, including 583 cases of ASD identified in Norway through the Autism Birth Cohort (ABC) Study. Blood samples were collected at mid-pregnancy and at birth to explore the possible role of specific infectious agents and the contribution of distinctive patterns of immune response among mothers and children to understand the mechanisms creating the vulnerability.

The results suggested that ASD risk was increased by 34 percent, when the mothers reported fever at any time during pregnancy and by 40 percent in the second trimester. First author of the study Mady Hornig said that the results suggest a role for gestational maternal infection and innate immune responses to infection in the onset of at least some cases of autism spectrum disorder.

The study also found that the risk was minimally mitigated among the children of women taking acetaminophen for fever in the second trimester. Although, there were no cases of ASD were reported among the children of mothers, who took ibuprofen - a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. The results appeared in the journal Molecular Psychiatry.
COLUMBUS  Technology continues to influence nearly every aspect of daily life. Hearing aids are no exception.

Beltone Audiology and Hearing Center of Columbus has been offering hearing screenings and hearing aids for more than 50 years, using technology to enhance the effectiveness of its equipment.

Tim Schilz, Beltone hearing instrument specialist, said all hearing aids switched to digital capabilities about 15 years ago, around the time he entered the field.

With digital hearing aids, if a persons hearing changes over the years, we can adjust accordingly. Basically, we can turn it up, the Atkinson native said. With analog, it was not as precise. The new hearing aids have sound ID and can work better in noise.

The digital feature also allows the local office to wirelessly adjust a patients hearing aid sound in just a few moments at the office.

All of the hearing aids are fully adjustable, Schilz said.

He shared an example of a patient with hearing aids that were a few years old.

He came in, we retested him, and changed things up, he said.

Those changes in hearing aid settings are just one of the services Beltone, located at 1551 23rd Ave., offers.

People of any age can make appointments for free video otoscopes and hearing tests. The otoscopes allow specialists to determine if hearing deficits might be caused by ear wax or some other medical issue that should be addressed by a physician.

Once the free hearing evaluation is complete, Schilz said he is able to discuss hearing aid options with patients, should they be necessary. Beltone offers custom ear molds, as well as open fit and custom hearing aids.

We offer all different styles and makes, Schilz said.

If a patient is considering hearing aids, Beltone works with several insurance companies, including Humana, Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Healthcare, EPIC and others. Financing is also available.

We offer all price ranges, Schilz said of the hearing aids. We can have people fit with hearing aids within 24 hours, depending on the style, as long as its not a custom one.

Custom hearing aids require a mold of a patients ear, so additional time is needed.

Open fit hearing aids work better for some patients, Schilz said, because they still allow natural sounds to enter the ear.

Once a patient is fitted for the aids, Beltone offers lifetime service at no charge. Normally, problems can be fixed in the office. But if more help is needed, aids can be sent away for repair.

Weve had patients who have had their hearing aids for 15 years. They have a problem and come in and it doesnt cost a thing to get them fixed here, Schilz said. The exception, however, might be if the hearing aids are worn out and need to be replaced.

Digital hearing aids are not the only way technology has improved the hearing aid world. Beltone also offers a smartphone app that allows patients to change the volume and program settings on their hearing aids. Currently, Schilz said not many patients take advantage of the app.

Most patients want to get (the aids) put in and go about their day, he said.

Remotes and other accessories are also available for purchase to use with the hearing aids.

Schilz prides himself on not being a high-pressure salesman and encourages anyone who is questioning their hearing quality to stop by the office.

There is no obligation, he said.

One thing Schilz said he is most proud of about the local Beltone office is that it is Nebraska-owned.

Owner Dean Kent of Omaha is a fourth-generation audiologist.

Were a national business, but were locally owned, Schilz said.

There are more than 1,500 Beltone offices across the country. That connection, Schilz said, is a benefit to the aging customer base, most of whom have been around about as long as the 77-year-old chain.

If a patient gets something from Beltone and goes south for the winter, they can go see a Beltone dealer in another state at no charge for adjustments, he said.

Area patients have a few options of where to receive Beltone services, including hearing tests, batteries and other services.

The Columbus office is open 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Schilz travels to the Norfolk office on Wednesdays and Fridays. He is in Albion the first Thursday morning of each month, and the David City office the first Thursday afternoon of the month.
Goat Yoga is the new craze sweeping across North America.

With the goats around, doing the snake pose, surya namaskar, downward dog or cobra pose makes it even more fun.

The project that started on a whim in 2016 in Oregon has gained huge popularity. One animal sanctuary hosting goat yoga classes is the Farm Animal Rescue and Rehoming Movement (FARRM) Animal Sanctuary in Canada.

Chantelle Theroux, a yoga instructor at FAARM told CBC people love interacting with the animals and are excited to have them around. Participants she reveals embrace the chaos even when the goats can get quite energetic.

Theroux said FAARM thought the classes would be a great was to raise awareness about animal welfare issues. Interacting with animals has also been clinically proven to relieve stress in people and improve wellbeing. So people get a variety of benefits from the classes with the adorable animals.

By the looks of it, the goats seem to be having quite the time too.
Shashi Tharoor is one of the most active Indian leaders on social media and he has been making news for all the right reasons. Be it his speech on why Britain owes reparations to India or his tweet about an exasperating farrago of distortions, Tharoor has been in the social media spotlight for quite some time.

Now the MP from Kerala is being lauded for sharing what is being described as the most secular image in recent times with a commentary describing the spirit of unity in the state.

With a picture where Tharoor can be seen seated with religious figures from different communities, he wrote how it was typical in Kerala that he was talking to a swami after addressing a Muslim Jamaat meeting at YMCA.

People commented how this is a wonderful aspect of our society that needs to be nurtured in the entire country and many praised Tharoors commentary on several similar issues as well as the message he tried to convey.

Kerala has made news in the past few days for initiatives towards communal harmony with mosques using a single loudspeaker to prevent noise pollution to locals. Weeks back a mosque opening doors to parents of children appearing for exams also made headlines.
Bengaluru: Two members of a notorious inter-state gang, involved in housebreak thefts were nabbed by the JB Nagar and Indiranagar police. Twenty three cases of theft, reported in different police stations in the city, were solved after the arrest.

The robbers were arrested along with their kit consisting of a pistol, 15 live bullets, rope, knife and gloves, which they used to commcrime. The arrested have been identified as Bijay Singh (35) and Govind Singh. Another member of the gang Nara Bahadur Singh is absconding.

According to police, the three members used to roam around the localities in and around J.B. Nagar and Indiranagar in their car and two-wheeler and look for locked houses. They would watch the house through the morning and plan for possible ways to enter the house.

After finalising the target, one of the gang members would either break open the door or cut open the window rods of the house to gain entry. The other member would stand outside with a pistol in his hand to threaten people. It is learnt that the accused used to inspect the areas in their car and booked a cab to reach the targeted house . The duo was arrested when they were found moving in a suspicious manner in Defence Colony first main.
People carry a victim from the Air India building after the serial blasts in Mumbai in 1993. (Photo: PTI/File)

Mumbai: A special TADA court convicted six persons including mastermind Mustafa Dossa and extradited gangster Abu Salem on Friday for the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts, 24 years after the attacks left 257 people dead.

This was the first-ever terrorist attack globally where RDX was used on large scale seriously injuring 713 and destroying properties worth Rs 27 crore.

The court, however, let off one accused Abdul Quayyum, for want of evidence against him. This was the second leg of the trial.

All the seven accused were facing multiple charges which included criminal conspiracy, waging war against the Government of India and murder.

In the first leg of the trial that concluded in 2007, the TADA court had convicted 100 accused in the case, while 23 people were acquitted.

The present trial of the seven accused -- Abu Salem, Mustafa Dossa, Karimullah Khan, Firoz Abdul Rashid Khan, Riyaz Siddiqui, Tahir Merchant and Abdul Quayyum -- was separated from the main case as they were arrested at the time of conclusion of the main trial.

Besides accused Riyaz Siddiqui, all the other five convicts were pronounced guilty by Special Judge G A Sanap for criminal conspiracy, murder under various sections of the IPC besides offences under TADA, Explosives Act, Explosive Substances Act, Arms Act and Destruction of Public Property Act.

Siddiqui was only convicted under TADA for helping Abu Salem and others in transportation of arms.

The court, however, absolved all the seven accused in the case from the charge of waging war against the nation.

While Dossa allegedly masterminded the landing of explosives including RDX in India and sent some youth to Pakistan to acquire arms training to execute the strikes,

Salem transported weapons from Gujarat to Mumbai ahead of the blasts.

He had also handed over to actor Sanjay Dutt-- who was an accused in the case for illegally possessing weaponsAK 56 rifles, 250 rounds and some hand grenades at his residence on January 16, 1993. Two days later on January 18, 1993 Salem and two others went to Dutt's house and got back two rifles and some rounds.

Earlier, the court had dropped certain charges against Salem in 2013 after the investigating agency --CBI-- moved a plea, saying those charges were against the extradition treaty between India and Portugal.

The arguments for sentencing in the case (for six convicts) is likely to commence on Monday.

The court, in all, recorded statements of around 750 prosecution witnesses and 50 witnesses. Three accused including Salem had confessed to their crime during investigations carried out by the CBI over the years into the blasts case.

Though the hearing in the case began in 2007, it was delayed as three petitions were pending with the Supreme Court, one each filed by Dossa and Salem, and another by CBI.

The trial resumed in 2012 and concluded this March.

The case (involving the seven accused) was first heard by judge Pramod Kode, who had also delivered the judgement in the first leg of the trial and convicted 100 accused in 2007.

It was during the trial in 2013 that the Supreme Court pronounced a judgement on appeal filed by all the accused wherein key conspirator Yakub Memon's death sentence was confirmed, while that of others (all bomb planters) were commuted to life imprisonment.

Sanjay Dutt and many others surrendered before the TADA court here in May 2013 after SC upheld their conviction.

Yakub Memon was executed on July 30, 2015 after his several pleas seeking clemency were rejected, including the post-midnight hearing by Supreme Court on the day he was hanged.

On March 12, 1993 the country's commercial capital witnessed an unprecedented terrorist attack when a series 12 bomb explosions took place one after another in about a span of two hours.

The blasts took place at Bombay Stock Exchange, Katha Bazaar, Lucky petrol pump near Sena Bhavan, opposite Passport office near Century Bazaar, Fishermen's colony at Mahim Causeway, at basement of Air India Building, Zaveri Bazaar, Hotel Sea Rock, Plaza Theatre, Centaur Hotel (Juhu), Sahar Airport (Bay no.54) and Centaur Hotel (near airport).

This was the first-ever terrorist attack in the world where RDX (Research Department Explosive i.e cyclotrimethylene trinitramine) was used on such a large-scale after the Second World War.

According to the prosecution, in order to avenge the demolition of Babri Masjid, members of the crime syndicate under the fugitive don Dawood Ibrahim along with other absconding accused Tiger Memon, Mohammed Dossa and Mustafa Dossa hatched a conspiracy to commit terrorist acts in India.

The prosecution said that the object of the crime was to commit terrorist acts with an intent to overawe the Government of India, to strike terror on the people, alienate section of the people and to harm the communal harmony.

It said that the conspirators smuggled fire-arms, ammunitions, detonators, hand grenades and highly explosive substances like RDX into India and stored it.

According to the prosecution, Mustafa Dossa, Tiger Memon and Chhota Shakeel organised training camps in Pakistan and in India to impart and undergo weapon and arms training and handling of explosives. They also sent men from India to Pakistan via Dubai for arms training.

The prosecution also said that the conspirators held 15 meetings before the execution of the blasts.
Mumbai: The Central Bureau of Investigation on Friday said that the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts that killed more than 200 people, were carried out to avenge the demolition of Babri Masjid in Ayodhya on December 6, 1992.

Talking to media after a special courts verdict on Friday which convicted underworld don Abu Salem and others for the blasts, CBI counsel Deepak Salve said "Mustafa Dossa conducted a conspiracy meeting in Dubai which was attended by Dawood Ibrahim and others. They hatched a conspiracy of Mumbai blast to take revenge of Babri Masjid demolition."

Salve further added that "the accused used to travel between Dubai and Pakistan for arms and ammunition training where Pakistan had given them green channel entry. Their targets were Indian politicians, high officials and Hindus.

A special Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA) court on Friday convicted all the six accused for a series of bomb blasts that rocked Mumbai in on March 12, 1993 leaving 257 people dead and 713 others injured.

The court has set the next hearing date on June 19 to decide the date for argument on quantum of sentence.

Abu Salem was convicted under charges of conspiracy and terror activities but was acquitted of some charges of TADA which he was framed initially.

Accused Riyaz Siddique also convicted under TADA and other charges, but court believed prosecution failed to prove conspiracy charges against Riyaz.

Accused Mustafa Dossa was found guilty of conspiracy, murder and terror activities in the case.

Accused Firoz khan was convicted under charges of conspiracy and murder under sections of IPC, TADA and Explosives Act.

Other accused Tahir Merchant, Karimullah Shaikh were also convicted. Accused Abdul Qayyum was acquitted of all charges in the case. Court ordered his release on personal bond.

However, all accused were acquitted for the charge of waging war against the nation.
Mumbai: TDP MP J C Diwakar Reddy has been banned by all domestic airlines following his alleged unruly behaviour at the Visakhapatnam airport as he was denied boarding for an IndiGo flight.

Full-service carrier Vistara and budget airlines  GoAir and AirAsia India  on Friday barred Reddy from their flights. Air India, SpiceJet and Jet Airways followed IndiGo on Wednesday, which imposed the flying ban on him.

In a show of unity, all major domestic airlines have barred Reddy from taking their flights -- similar to action taken by the carriers after the incident involving Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad earlier in 2016.

"After careful consideration of the various issues and ramifications of the actions of Reddy, GoAir has also taken a decision of not accepting any further bookings for the said passenger," the airline said in a statement.

An AirAsia India spokesperson said it has also barred Reddy from flying. AirAsia India said in its statement that it supports the decision to impose a flying ban by the fellow domestic airlines.

"We will support the decision taken by the industry with regard to the recent incident involving an Indigo staff," the AirAsia India spokesperson said in the statement. AirAsia India does not tolerate abusive or unruly behaviour by passengers that puts the safety of other guests and crew members on board at risk," the airline said.

The airline is fully committed to providing a safe and comfortable journey to guests, the statement added.

"In support of the fellow carriers, Vistara has also taken a decision to impose flying ban on J C Diwakar Reddy," a Vistara spokesperson said.

On Thursday, Reddy was scheduled to fly IndiGo's flight 6E-608, which departs from Visakhapatnam at 8.10 am, to Hyderabad. But he reached just 28 minutes before the scheduled departure, according to the airline.

As per norms laid out by the aviation regulator, airlines close check-in counters for all domestic fights 45 minutes prior to departure.

Reddy -- who had allegedly vandalised the Air India office at Gannavaram airport in Vijaywada in 2016 after he missed his flight -- got into a verbal spat with the ground staff and threw a printer kept at the airline's counter after he was informed that boarding for his flight had closed.
New Delhi: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Friday visited premises of Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia to seek clarifications in connection with a preliminary enquiry against him related to alleged irregularities in the Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) 'Talk to AK' campaign.

The agency had registered the preliminary enquiry January this year on the basis of a complaint filed by the Vigilance Department of the Delhi government.

The CBI sources said that no search or raid was conducted at the premises of Sisodia. According to rules, no search or raid can be conducted under a PE.

It is alleged in the complaint that a consultant of a well-known public relations company was hired by the Delhi government to promote "Talk to AK" (Talk to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal) campaign and a proposal of Rs 1.5

crore was prepared for this purpose.

It is alleged that despite objections from the Principal Secretary, the government went ahead with the proposal and the consultant spent the money, thereby, creating a liability for the government.

Official sources said the CBI has registered a preliminary enquiry to probe these allegations and is looking into the alleged role of Sisodia and others.
A health care centre in Lodhama and a hydel project in Rimbik were set ablaze on Thursday night. (Photo: ANI | Twitter)

Darjeeling: Amid escalating tension in Darjeeling, a health care centre in Lodhama and a hydel project in Rimbik were set ablaze by some miscreants on Thursday night.

The police on Thursday raided GJM chief Bimal Gurung's office and recovered arms, arrows and cash.

Gurung earlier had said that the police was working like the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) cadres and the fight wouldn't stop even if all Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel of the country were sent to Darjeeling.

"The police works like TMC cadres. Even if all CRPF personnel of the country are sent here, our fight won't stop," Gurung said.

Earlier, as many as six parties including the GJM and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) adopted a resolution for a separate Gorkhaland state.

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) did not attend the meeting.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is monitoring the situation developing in Darejeeling.

Inculpating the ruling TMC for the ongoing protests in Darjeeling by the GJM, the BJP accused the state government of alienating the community, which resulted in an identity crisis in them.

"The Gorkhas belong to India, but the state government has alienated them to such an extent that they lost their belief of belonging to this country. It is the identity crisis which has initiated such violence," BJP state vice president Chandra Kumar Bose said.

Bose held the state government responsible for the escalated tension in Darjeeling and said that the ruling regime cannot solve this issue by simply providing some funds and forming the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA).

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has branded the GJM protest as 'abhorrent' and has appealed to the people of the region to maintain peace.

The GJM supporters are also protesting against the alleged imposition of Bengali in the schools of the hills.
Srinagar: Security forces on Friday gunned down top Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander Junaid Matto and his close associate in Arwani area of Jammu and Kashmirs southern Anantnag district.

Matoo carried a bounty of Rs 10 lakh on his head and was active in southern districts of Kulgam, Anantnag, Shopian and Pulwama for the past few years, officials said.

The militants were trapped inside two houses.

Reports from Bijbehara, the nearest town, said that a joint cordon-and-search operation was launched by the Armys 1 Rashtriya Rifles, the J&K Polices counterinsurgency Special Operations Group (SOG) and the 90th Battalion of the CRPF in Idgah Mohalla of Arwanu on Friday morning after reports about the presence of LeT militants in the area.

In the afternoon, the security forces detonated Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) to blow up the houses in which Matto and his accomplices had taken positions during the gunfight. Both the houses caught fire and Matto and, at least, one more militant were believed to have died, said a police official over the phone from Bijbehara.

He added, The firing has stopped but the operation is still on.

Simultaneously, surging crowds of youth clashed with the security forces near the encounter site and the latter opened fire, killing one of the protesters and injuring several others, the witnesses said.

The Valley is tense again after the killing of militants and a civilian in Arwani and another civilian in security forces firing on protesters outside summer capital Srinagar. Earlier on Thursday evening, two policemen were killed and a woman was injured in three separate attacks by militants.

The civilian killed after being hit by a bullet during clashes between protesters and security forces at Arwani has been identified as Muhammad Ashraf Khar.

Reports said that he was rushed to the district hospital in Anantnag but doctors declared him brought dead. Several other locals sustained bullet and pellet wounds in the security forces action against protests during the cordon-and-search operation, reports said.

Violent protests have erupted in several areas of Srinagar and in some other parts of the Valley, including the highway town of Pampore.

The Jammu and Kashmir police and the CRPF have swung into action to quell stone-pelting mobs at these places, reports said.

Earlier, a 22-year-old youth Nazir Ahmed was killed when the personnel from Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) opened fire at a stone pelting mob in Rangreth area in central district of Budgam on Thursday evening. The officials said that the SSB personnel were withdrawing from the area when they came under stone-pelting. They responded with aerial firing in which one youth was injured, a police official said.

The injured youth was rushed to a nearby hospital where doctors referred him to Srinagars Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Science (SKIMS). The youth, however, succumbed to his injuries while being operated upon at the SKIMS early on Friday, the hospital sources said.

The locals of Rangreth have alleged that the SSB men target fired at Ahmad while he was standing near a local shop.

In yet another shooting incident, two youths were critically injured in northern district of Bandipora on Friday. The locals alleged that the Army opened fire on a Sumo car near Chek Reshipora village of Bandipore. The injured have been identified as Muzaffar Ahmed and Fayaz Ahmed Haji. The Army officials said that they have no information about the incident and that they would react to the charge only after ascertaining the facts.

Amid heightened tensions, the train services between Srinagar and Banihal were on Friday suspended as a precautionary measure in view of the emerging security situation.

However, services on Srinagar-Badgam section in the central Kashmir to Baramulla in north-western Valley were running as per schedule, officials said.

Internet services were also suspended in the Valley. Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) chairman Muhammad Yasin Malik was detained by the police to prevent him from leading protests planned by an alliance of key separatist leaders. He has been lodged in Srinagars Kothi Bagh Police Station, the police sources said.

Kashmir University examinations slated for Saturday have also been cancelled.

The alliance has called for a Valley-wide shutdown on Saturday to mourn and protest civilian killings.

On Thursday evening, two Jammu and Kashmir policemen Shabir Ahmed Dar and Shahzad Dilawar Sofi were killed when targeted with gunfire by militants in Bogund village of southern Kulgam district and Hyderpora locality of central Budgam district, respectively. A third policeman was injured in one of these attacks.

The incidents came close on the heels of the militants striking with impunity across the Kashmir Valley. They carried out four grenade attacks at the security forces camps and foot patrols in southern Pulwama district and Srinagar city, leaving over a dozen personnel injured.

After the attacks for which Jaish-e-Muhammad and Al-Umar Mujahedin jointly claimed responsibility, the authorities had sounded a high alert and have asked particularly the CRPF and the J&K police to be more vigilant and thwart reoccurrence of such acts by militants.

In a separate incident, unidentified assailants shot and wounded a woman in Katrasoo village of Kulgam. The victim has been identified as Suraya who was targeted by the gunmen after they barged into her house. The suspected militants forced their entry into the house of one Muhammad Sharif Bhat at Katrasoo and shot his daughter in the leg. She is being treated at a Srinagar hospital and her condition is stable, said an police spokesman.
Mumbai: The Indian family of Ireland's new Prime Minister Leo Varadkar have said his election is big news for the world, and are looking forward to his first official visit to the country of his ancestors.

Dublin-born Varadkar's father is an Indian doctor who emigrated to Ireland, and he regularly visited the family home in the western city of Mumbai as a child.

Speaking to AFP from Mumbai, his first cousin Shubhada Varadkar said his win was "big news for the world" and a testament to Ireland's openness.

"There's something amazing about democracy, its values, and Ireland that allowed Leo to become its leader," she said at the family home in Borivali, a busy, middle-class suburb to the north of India's financial capital.

"Leo stayed at our Mumbai house on numerous occasions as a child. His parents love traditional Indian cuisine."

The meteoric rise of the openly gay 38-year-old to become the country's youngest ever taoiseach, or prime minister, has been touted as a sign of how much Ireland's once deeply conservative society has changed.

The family said they had been glued to the television as their now famous relative was sworn in on Wednesday.

"Ireland has completely accepted him and his rousing speech represents hope in troubling times for the country," his 65-year old cousin Shekhar Varadkar said.

"Leo has faced many challenges in his life and succeeded against odds. Right now, Ireland is facing difficult issues including the impending Brexit, and he will provide strong leadership."

Shubhada said her cousin had already met Narendra Modi once, when the Indian prime minister went to Ireland in 2015, but she was looking forward to his first official visit.

"We look forward to Leo's India visit and meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. They met previously when Modi visited Ireland and was received by Leo," Shubhada said.
When the blindfold came off in the driveway of his moms rural Columbus home, Pat Eller was staring at an old friend  a show-stopping reddish-orange 1968 Dodge Coronet 500 convertible he had spent countless hours in since his teens while cruising around area towns.

Three of Ellers four children, Sarah Fackler, Cathy Wynia and Richie Eller, walked into their grandmas house to find their dad sitting at a table eating lunch.

They insisted on blindfolding the 60-year-old Eller, then guided him outside into the yard for the late-May surprise.

Fathers Day came a little early this year.

It was shocking. I just couldnt believe it, Eller said.

The ploy provided Eller with a blast into the past, a throwback to Saturday nights as a teen cruising Columbus streets, days spent buffing the muscle cars finish for area car shows and lazy Sunday afternoon trips with the kids on the way to grandmas house for dinner.

Eller bought the Coronet 500 at the age of 17 while working at Dinos Cafe at the corner of 48th Avenue and 23rd Street. He paid $800 for the car after getting his boss to agree to co-sign the loan.

Over the years he restored the car a couple of times, adding custom upholstery and rebuilding the engine, and later completing a full restoration that put the vehicle back in its original factory condition, including all-black vinyl interior.

It still runs like a tater, joked Eller, adding that all his children grew up in the Coronet convertible and got plenty of opportunities to drive it over the years.

The newly named police chief of Randolph, a town of just under 1,000 people in the southwest corner of Cedar County, and 30-year former police chief of Howells owned the car for almost four decades.

He sold the muscle car for $20,000 about four years ago to a funeral home operator in Onawa, Iowa, to catch up on some bills.

When I was around Columbus streets as a kid, the Coronet 500 was known as the hellraiser, said Eller. I shouldnt of (sold it), but I did.

Thats where the kids stepped in.

Fackler, 25, who spent six years in the U.S. Air Force after graduating from Howells High School and is now a military contractor, started asking her dad questions about the sale of the Coronet 500 aimed at tracking down the buyer.

She and Wynia joined forces, going online to try and identify the Iowa businessman, who shared a kinship with Eller of fond memories for the cars of their youth. The sisters learned the buyers name was Doug Rush.

The women traced Rush to an annual car show in Sioux City, Iowa.

We found him, Fackler said.

The sisters sat down with Rush to talk about a possible sale.

We started talking, and he said, 'You probably want me to sell it back at the same price?'" said Fackler, quickly admitting that was just what she hoped for that day.

He was very generous, said Fackler, who paid the sale price. He said he was really happy to sell it back to someone who had the same kind of feelings for the car that he had.

Fackler was just happy she and her sister and brothers could come through for their father. Theyre expecting new tires to arrive any day now for their dads new/old car.

He was always there for us, Fackler said.

(The car) was supposed to be a Fathers Day gift, but I couldnt wait that long, she said with a laugh.
New Delhi: The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) on Friday said that it would clear its stand on the upcoming Presidential Poll in couple of days.

AIADMK leader and Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker M Thambidurai on Friday met Union Information and Broadcasting Minister M Venkaiah Naidu in the national capital.

Earlier on Friday, Naidu and Home Minister Rajnath Singh met Congress president Sonia Gandhi to hold discussions over presidential candidate.

Though Thambidurai described his meeting with Naidu as a courtesy call, but it is believed that the duo may have discussed the upcoming presidential polls.

Naidu has been assigned by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah to meet with the Opposition parties to seek their support for the probable Presidential candidate of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley are also tasked to hold parleys with the Opposition over the Presidential candidate.

When asked the purpose of his visit on a day when the BJP is seeking consensus for presidential candidate, the Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker said, "It was just a courtesy call. Nothing political was discussed."

"As far as presidential election is concerned, our party will take appropriate decision. Our Chief Minister, along with other senior ministers, will have discussions on this and decide within two days," he added.

Both Naidu and Singh will also meet Communist Party of India (Marxist) general secretary Sitharam Yechury to discuss over the same issue.

Both of them have already spoken to Nationalist Congress Party's (NCP) Praful Patel and Bahujan Samaj Party's (BSP) Satish Mishra.

Naidu on Thursday spoke to Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief Chandrababu Naidu over the same.

The TDP chief said that his party will stand by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decision in this regard.

The last date of nomination is June 28.
Tamil Nadu farmers to restart strike at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. (Photo: PTI)

New Delhi: A group of Tamil Nadu farmers, who got the nation's attention with their unique way of protest at Jantar Mantar in the national capital, are planning to restart their agitation, albeit on a larger scale, this July.

Speaking to reporters in New Delhi, farmers' leader P Ayyakkannu said the decision to hold agitation in the national capital again was taken after the Tamil Nadu government failed to meet their demands.

"Even after the stipulated time, nothing has been done so far. We will come to Jantar Mantar to begin the agitation in first week of July," he said.

We will continue our protest till the Central government announces relief for farmers, he said.

Besides, the agrarian community, including those from Tamil Nadu, have set up a 10-member working committee to begin a nation-wide 'padyathra' demanding implementation of Swaminathan Committee report and providing better MSP (Minimum Support Price) for agricultural produces.

Ayyakkannu, who attended the committee meeting in Delhi on Friday, said the 'padyatra' will begin on July 6 from Mandsaur in Madhya Pradesh where five farmers were killed in police firing.

"Padyatra will begin from Mandsaur. Tamil Nadu farmers will also take part in the event," he said.

V M Singh, convenor of Rashtriya Kisan Mazdoor Sangathan, Jai Kisan Andolan chief Yogendra Yadav and representatives of Bharatiya Kisan Union and Kerala Kisan Sangathan took part in the meeting.
Mumbai: The special Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA) court on Friday found guilty six of the seven accused in the March 1993 blasts case, including extradited mafia don Abu Salem and gangster Mustafa Dossa.

Abdul Qayyum Shaikh, an alleged member of Dawood Ibrahims gang, is the lone accused who was acquitted of all charges.

The court held the accused guilty of charges related to involvement in criminal conspiracy and other charges of the TADA, Indian Penal Code, Explosive Substances Act and the Arms Act. The main trial in the case by the TADA court had led to the conviction of 100 accused out of a total of 123 in 2006, while 23 people were acquitted. The court has set Monday as the next hearing date to decide on arguments on the quantum of sentence to be awarded.

Shaikh acquitted, but cant leave India

Special TADA Judge Govind A. Sanap has convicted Salem, Dossa, Karimullah Khan, Firoz Abdul Rashid Khan, Riyaz Siddiqui and Tahir Merchant. Much to the relief of one accused, the court acquitted Abdul Qayyum Karim Shaikh and pronounced that he would not leave country till the other accused receive their punishment.

Speaking to this newspaper, Shaikh said, I have been in custody for the past 10 years and eight months. From beginning I have been shouting that I am innocent. Had I been convicted it would have been the most embarrassing thing to go through

Harun Merchant, a relative of Tahir Merchant, said, Our lawyer has not appeared today in court. When we get a copy of judgment we will decide whether it needs to be challenged or not.

On March 12, 1993 Mumbai a series of 12 explosions took place one after another in a span of two hours, killing 257 people, seriously injuring 713 and destroying property worth Rs 27 crore.

The blasts occurred at the Bombay Stock Exchange, Katha Bazaar, Lucky Petrol pump near Sena Bhavan, opposite Passport office near Century Bazaar, Fishermen's colony at Mahim Causeway, at the basement of the Air India Building, Zaveri Bazaar, Hotel Sea Rock, Plaza Theatre, Centaur Hotel in Juhu, Sahar Airport (Bay no.54) and Centaur Hotel near the airport.

March 12, 1993

The country's commercial capital witnessed an unprecedented terrorist attack when a series 12 bomb explosions took place one after another in about a span of two hours.

The attack

This was the first-ever terrorist attack in the world where RDX (Research Department Explosive i.e cyclotrimethylene trinitramine) was used on such a large-scale after the Second World War.

According to the prosecution, the attack was to avenge the demolition of Babri Masjid.

The terror conspiracy was hatched by the fugitive don Dawood Ibrahim along with other absconding accused Tiger Memon, Mohammed Dossa and Mustafa Dossa

Prolonged legal battle
Hyderabad: Almost all domestic airlines have announced a fly ban on Anantapur Telugu Desam MP J.C. Diwakar Reddy for behaving atrociously with Indigo staff at Visakhapatnam Airport on Thursday. But on Friday night, the MP and a 12-member family contingent flew out to Paris on an Emirates flight, via Dubai, on a personal 10-day trip.

Speaking to Deccan Chronicle from Rajiv Gandhi International Airport a few minutes before boarding the flight, the MP defended his behaviour, and said there was no question of offering an apology to the airline.

Grounded, MP Diwakar says will raise issue in Lok Sabha

I am going to write to the Union civil aviation ministry on my return from Paris detailing what happened at Visakhapatnam Airport and how I am being made a scapegoat in the whole issue, without taking action against Indigo staff who deliberately denied me a boarding pass.

I know how to defend myself in the whole episode. I will raise the issue in the Lok Sabha. I demand a thorough investigation into the whole affair wherein Indigo staff overbooked the flight and issued boarding passes to a few and denied the same to many by collecting huge sums. I am collecting all the details and I will fight to protect my rights both as an individual and also as a Member of Parliament, said a defiant Mr Reddy.

He said he has briefed civil aviation minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju on the episode. He denied that he had told the minister that he had arrived at the airport at 7.10 am, well in advance.

I never said I came at 7.10 am. I came at 7.35 am for the 8.15 am flight to Hyderabad. Other passengers were also there at the counter, Mr Reddy said.

He said he will go to any extent  even tendering his resignation from the Lok Sabha to prove his point. Self-respect is more important for me than other issues, he declared.

It may be recalled that it is Mr Reddys violent behaviour towards the airport staff that is at issue and not whether he was unfairly treated by the airline.
Union ministers Rajnath Singh and Venkaiah Naidu meet CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury on Presidential election in New Delhi on Friday. (Photo: PTI)

New Delhi: Both the ruling NDA and the 17-party conglomerate of Opposition parties kept their cards close to their chest on the presidential election Friday. Home minister Rajnath Singh and I&B minister M. Venkaiah Naidu began their outreach programme by meeting Congress president Sonia Gandhi and CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury, but no consensus was evolved as the ruling side didnt give any names.

The two Central ministers also met the CPIs D. Raja later to discuss the issue. While the Opposition parties will meet again on June 21 to decide their future course of action, the BJP core group is likely to meet a day earlier, June 20, to discuss the name of their candidate.

Speculation was rife that the NDA candidate would file the nomination on June 23. Significantly, Mr Singh and Mr Naidu also met veteran BJP leaders L.K. Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi on Friday, both of whose names had earlier done the rounds as possible NDA presidential candidates.

After the meeting with Mr Naidu and Mr Singh, CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury said it was a futile exercise and a mere public relations stunt as the ruling side had in fact asked the two Opposition parties if they had any names.

We reiterate that we want someone with impeccable secular credentials to grace the highest office of the Indian republic, Mr Yechury added.

Congress Rajya Sabha leader Ghulam Nabi Azad, who along with Mallikarjun Kharge was present at the two ministers meeting with Mrs Gandhi, said there was no question of a consensus as of now as no names had been given by the ruling BJP.

Mr Naidu, meanwhile, also spoke to Samajwadi patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav and Bahujan Samaj Party leader Satish Chandra Mishra.

Sources said the governments refusal to give any names had made the Opposition determined to contest. Former West Bengal governor Gopalkrishna Gandhi, who has emerged as the Opposition camps frontrunner, is said to have called up a host of Opposition leaders seeking their support.

Mr Gandhi called Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal to seek his support, and sources said the AAP leader had promised his partys support.

Sources said that top Opposition leaders, including NCP supremo Sharad Pawar, Bihar CM and JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar and West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee are likely to hold parleys over the weekend and on June 21 the name of the Opposition candidate would be announced.
Puducherry: The Puducherry assembly witnessed dramatic scenes following a private member resolution to amend the Union Territories Act, 1963 to obtain more powers to the elected government was moved in the House by the AIADMK (Amma) member. The ongoing tussle between the Lt Governor and the elected government took a new turn with the passing of the resolution, which would check the style of functioning of Lt Governor Kiran Bedi. The resolution was passed in the house amidst noisy protests by two opposition AINRC members who came in support of Ms Bedi and were later suspended for disrupting the proceedings.

As soon as the AIADMK legislator party leader A.Anbalagan moved the resolution, Congress members voiced their support of the resolution and spoke on the need to amend the Act to confer more powers on the elected government.

Chief Minister V Narayanasamy came down heavily on the Lt Governor once again for making field visits, calling meetings of officials at the Raj Nivas, holding meetings through video conferencing and sending communications through the social media. The Chief Minister said that the Lt Governor should function in support of the government and she hasnt got any right to take arbitrary decisions.

Congress legislator RKR Aanantharaman also lashed out against Ms Bedis style of functioning which he described as more autocratically than Hitler had done and alleged that the Lt Governor was acting with the intent to bring bad repute to the elected government which provoked the All India NR Congress (AINRC) members.

AINRC member Ashok Anand, who came in support of Ms Bedi earlier also, said that the students from Puducherry got admission in private medical colleges only because of the timely intervention of the Lt Governor. Citing the order of the Madras High Court order issued on Friday that directed the deemed universities to admit government-sponsored students after collecting ?l0 lakh as an interim fee, Mr Ananad lashed out against the government saying that the government was not even ready to file an affidavit in the court.

As soon as Ashok Anand made the statement, Congress members, including Chief Minister V Narayanasamy, were on their feet, countering Mr Anand. The Chief Minister said that the government had filed an affidavit in the court stating it would follow whatever decision the judiciary took on the admission issue.

The Chief Minister was also heard saying that the previous NR Congress regime was not even able to get a single medical seat from the private colleges and now the NR Congress member is making misleading statements on the medical college admission issue

As the Speaker ordered the mikes to be switched off, Mr Anand rushed out and returned with a police type of megaphone, and continued his criticism of the government. The Speaker ordered that the mike be seized from the AINRC legislator. While the marshals were snatching the mike, Anand triggered a siren sound on the mike which was there for few minutes creating tension in the house. Later, the siren of the megaphone went off, prompting the Speaker to order the confiscation of the megaphone.

After a while, Mr Anand staged a walk out along with his colleague NSJ Jayabal, where Mr Anand was seen throwing certain Assembly papers to the well of the House. Later, Congress and AIDMK legislator urged the speaker to suspend the AINRC members and the CM also asked the Speaker to take appropriate action against the members for violating the assembly procedures.
The union ministry of HRD had written to all the states stating that the learning outcomes had been incorporated in the Central Rules to the RTE Act, 2009 by amending Rule 23(2) of the Rules.

Hyderabad: Quantifying the learning should be an integral part of the education system. The directive issued by the Centre to the different states in May this year, is largely to this effect. In accordance to the directive, the Telangana state government has amended the rules specified under the Right to Education Act. With the amendment, codifying expected levels of learning for students from Std I to VIII has become mandatory.

School authorities have to prepare class-wise and subject-wise learning outcomes for all classes. They have to also devise guidelines for putting into practice continuous and comprehensive evaluation to achieve the defined learning outcomes.

The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Rules, 2010 was issued in undivided AP in March 2011 after the Act was made by previous UPA government at the Centre in 2009. However, after NDA government came to power in May 2014, it sought to make few changes to the RTE Act.

The union ministry of HRD had written to all the states stating that the learning outcomes had been incorporated in the Central Rules to the RTE Act, 2009 by amending Rule 23(2) of the Rules. It had asked all states to incorporate these learning outcomes in the State RTE Rules, 2010.

Accordingly, the TS Education Department has requested the government to amend clause (c) f sub-rule (2) of Rule 25 pertaining to curriculum and evaluation procedures under State RTE Rules, 2010. The government issued orders amending RTE rules on Friday.

With the amendment, this is the first time that learning indicators will be used in the state to assess the childrens learning progress. Learning outcomes are assessment standards which help teachers to understand the learning levels of students in their respective classes, individually as well as collectively.

The state is expected to draft learning outcomes based on the document prepared by NCERT and released earlier this year. The NCERT learning indicators have been finalised for seven subjectsEngli-sh, Hindi, Urdu, Enviro-nmental Science, General Science, Social sciences,

The NCERT document released on January 17 for public feedback, stipulates individual learning indicators for each class.

For instance, the learning indicators that has been set for writing for a Class I is that the student should not just be able to recognize letters A to Z, but also be able to follow and carry out simple simple instructions such as 'shut the door', 'bring me the book'.

In Class II, a student should be able to compose and write simple, short sentences with space between words. The levels have been gradually increased so that by Class VIII, a student would not only read and write, but also use his/ her faculties to read between the lines, understand new concepts, and explore and read other areas of knowledge. This comprehensive, holistic approach towards education may well be the key to a brighter generation, say experts.
Kochi: The initial investigation by the Mercantile Marine Department, Kochi, has come to the reasonable conclusion that Panama-flagged merchant vessel Amber L hit the fishing boat Carmel Matha off Kochi coast in the early hours of June 11 killing two fishermen while one went missing. The preliminary report submitted to the directorate general of shipping has found that the ship hit the boat 14.18 nautical miles from the nearest land.

"At the time of incident, Captain Georgiannakis Ioannis, a Greek national, was in command of the vessel and second officer, Galanos Athanasios, a Greek national, was keeping the navigational watch on the bridge, said the report adding Myanmar citizen Zewana was the designated duty able seaman at the time of the incident.

To ensure the smooth conduct of the detailed inquiry, the Principal Officer of MMD Kochi has ordered the detention of the vessel Amber L under Section 443(2) of the Indian Merchant Shipping Act, 1958 until further orders. According to MMD, the initial investigation was conducted with a limited agenda of "ascertaining the location of the incident and to establish the extent of involvement of the ship" in the incident.

The causes and circumstances of the incident along with its contributing factors, violations of national / international maritime laws if any, professional lapses and human errors, extent of involvement of both the vessels in the incident and the recommendations to avoid recurrence of such unfortunate incidents in the future will be dealt with in detail, as deem fit, in subsequent final report to be submitted to the Central government, said the MMD. Meanwhile, investigating coastal police officials said a decision on interrogating the ships crew would be taken after consultations with their higher-ups. The search for Motti Das, an Assam native who had gone missing after the collision, continued for the fifth consecutive day on Thursday.
Chennai: Amidst traffic noises in the wee hours, a melodious tune reaches the ear while crossing a Chennai girls higher secondary school at Sidco Nagar in Villivakkam.

The school makes an effort to improve concentration and develop self-confidence among students. It has been playing melodies during the morning prayer session for the last few months. The method adopted by the school is quite welcoming as students are largely benefited. The parents are equally satisfied as they say that this is a rare example. We dont see such things happen even in private schools, they said.

Lakshmi, a student of class 8, said, Our school plays melodies during morning prayer session to boost our morale and improve our concentration. We are enthusiastic to study in such environment.

It is an exuberant experience explains Shanthi, a plus-2 student. She said, Though we have been listening to melodies for quite a few months, we feel new and different every day. I feel this experience makes me alive and energetic. I am able to be attentive in classes. I also believe that I can score good marks in exams.

Construction debris dumped in the open ground adjoining the school. (Photo: DC)

However, in the recent past, on the flip side, civic issues have become a major concern for the students. Dumping of building debris, parking of four-wheeler outside the school gate. These are causing severe inconvenience to students and pedestrians.

A zonal official of Anna Nagar said, We are taking efforts to shun the practice of dumping debris near schools. The dumping area was claimed by housing boards and by a welfare association. We are trying to zero in on the owner and restrict the usage to its purpose not for dumping waste and building materials.

The school administration, public works department and some Good Samaritans took good care refurbishing the computer labs, electrifying the classrooms and also chipping in their bit to construct the damaged and dilapidated parts of the building.

Talking to DC, a teacher said, These students come from families whose livelihood depends on their meagre income. We need to educate students asserting the importance of education and discipline.

The school is producing remarkable results with 1,158 being the top score by a plus-2 student in the state exam this year.
New Delhi: CPI (M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury on Friday ruled out the possibility of offering support to the Bhratiya Janata Party until a name is being suggested by the latter.

"They (BJP leaders) did not propose any name," Yechury said after meeting Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Union Information and Broadcasting Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu.

He further reiterated his party's stand that a candidate with "impeccable secular credentials" should be the next president.

Singh, Naidu, and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley are part of a BJP panel to work out a consensus on the presidential nominee.

Singh and Naidu also met Congress president Sonia Gandhi earlier on Friday.

Stepping out from the nearly 30-minute meeting, Yechury told media that the BJP panel would meet them again. Asked about the government's efforts to develop a consensus on the presidential candidate, he said there has to be some name (proposed) to arrive at a consensus.
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Bengaluru: Leaders of the ruling Congress were left red faced as the gamble to unseat Chairman of the Legislative Council, D. H. Shankaramurthy, came unstuck with the no confidence motion moved against him being defeated by one vote in the floor test held in the House on Thursday.

CM Siddaramaiah and Home Minister Dr G Parameshwar in conversation during the Council session

All 13 MLCs of JD(S) and two independents voted against the motion, leaving the Congress one short of the number required to oust Shankaramurthy and install a candidate of its own. Of the 74 members, 37 voted against the motion and 36 in its favour. Of the five independents, Basanagouda Patil Yatnal and U D Mallikarjuna voted against the motion, giving Shankaramurthy the advantage he needed as Deputy Chairman, Maritibbe Gowda, who chaired the House, did not vote and the BJP was short of one vote owing to the death of its MLC, Vimala Gowda.

Thursday's major setback for the ruling party came with a surprise development - JD(S) state president H D Kumaraswamy challenging his father and party president H D Deve Gowda's writ by taking a decision to remain with the BJP, and getting his party legislators to follow his line on the confidence vote rather than the one his father would have chosen - to back the Siddaramaiah-led Congress.

The result of Thursdays no-confidence motion to oust Chairman of the Legislative Council D H Shankaramurthy brought to the fore an interesting development in Janata Dal (Secular): state unit president H D Kumaraswamy taking a call on backing the BJP though his father and patriarch H D Deve Gowda decided to stick to the policy of staying equi-distant from both national parties.

Sources in Janata Dal (Secular) told Deccan Chronicle that it was indeed Mr Kumaraswamy who took a stand on continuing with an understanding with the BJP so that the deputy Chairman of JD (S) would continue in office. Till Wednesday evening, Mr Deve Gowda insisted that the party should maintain its time-tested policy vis-a-vis both national parties.

The former chief minister, however, had a different strategy up his sleeve. Reason: The ruling Congress did not offer the Chairmans post to his party. Therefore, a change through a no-confidence motion would not make any difference.

Sources also ascribed his decision to two factors: One, he was keen to convey to the Congress that JD (S) would not play a second fiddle to the ruling party. Immediately after winning Assembly bypolls in Nanjangud and Gundlupet, Congress leaders announced that JD (S) was with the Congress.

To maintain the partys identity, he decided not to go with the Congress.

Two, he sent a subtle message to Chief Minister,

Siddaramaiah and his team that he was the real boss in JD (S). For, Mr Siddaramaiah and his friends were hobnobbing with Mr Deve Gowda keeping in mind the prospect of a fractured verdict in next years polls to the Legislative Assembly.

They felt that they could turn to Mr Deve Gowda for support in the event of a hung Assembly.

Todays turn of events, however, were a clear indication that Mr Kumaraswamy had complete control over the legislature party, sources added.
Chennai: Moving ahead with businesslike demeanour even amid threats from the restless TTV Dhinakaran camp, Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami on Friday set the date for his Iftar party and sent out invitations for the solemn Ramzan get-together on June 21.

The CM will be holding the Iftar party at the Chennai Trade Centre in Nandambakkam, at the same venue where late Jayalalithaa used to have her well-attended Iftar parties on behalf of the AIADMK during every Ramzan month.

While everyone else appreciated and welcomed CMs invitations, the TTV Dhinakaran camp appeared livid that their demand that their chieftain must preside over the partys Iftar party has been ignored.

This was one of the three main conditions laid by the TTV team of 32 legislators for their support to the partys choice in the Presidential election  the other two being red-carpet welcome by CM to TTV to return to the party headquarters to take charge of the AIADMK affairs, inviting TTV to preside over all the MGR centenary celebrations of the party across the state, including the finale at Chennai where Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected. We are extremely disappointed. We are angry. CM has gone against our demand, said staunch TTV loyalist Thanga Tamilchelvan, Andipatti MLA. We will meet the CM on Monday and reiterate our demand that Annan TTV must preside over the Iftar party, he told DC.

Asked if the TTV group would boycott the CMs Iftar if he does not heed to their demand on Monday, he quipped, We will take the decision after the Monday meeting. To another question about the Presidential poll, he said the TTV group will vote en bloc for the candidate pointed out by party general secretary Chinnamma (Sasikala).
She said Only MLAs and ministers continue to be with former Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam and Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palanisami, she said and added that her meeting with Panneerselvam was just a courtesy call.

CHENNAI: Announcing the change of party name from MGR Amma Deepa Peravai to ADMK J. Deepa Peravai, party founder J. Deepa said she too was in the race to get the two leaves symbol.

She told the media here that majority of the partys 1.5 crore cadre is with her and the organisation is also with her.

She said Only MLAs and ministers continue to be with former Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam and Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palanisami, she said and added that her meeting with Panneerselvam was just a courtesy call.
Curiouser and curiouser! wondered Alice in Lewis Carrolls book Alices Adventures in Wonderland. She might as well have been referring to the three Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) members ganging up on Qatar, in league with Egypt, Yemen and some others. They cut off all links, including communication ones. The United Arab Emirates even criminalised any expression of sympathy for the beleaguered Qataris. Their worry was that Dubai, the second most powerful of the seven emirates constituting the UAE, needed both Iran and Qatar as it is the entrepot for regional trade and connectivity. At play has been simmering discontent among the rulers of Saudi Arabia and the UAE since US President Barack Obama endorsed the nuclear agreement between Iran and the Permanent 5+1. This had upended the traditional US approach to Gulf security since the 1979 Iranian Islamic revolution, after the overthrow of the Shah of Iran, a US ally, which rested on containing Iran by underwriting the security of GCC members and strengthening their military capacity.

Mr Obama reasoned that the US fatigued by fighting nonstop since 2001 asymmetrical wars and that GCC members writing cheques to surrogates and not fielding troops could not counter the ISIS. Only Iran could provide full spectrum wherewithal for countering and eliminating it, as the Shias now controlled Iraq, led the Syrian government and were a powerful force in Lebanon. Once Russia jumped in with direct air support for the Bashar al-Assad regime in Damascus, the counter-ISIS alliance was in position, consisting of Iranian Revolutionary Guards officers, Hezbollah fighters and Russian equipment and air support. The Saudis loudly and Emiratis under their breath both expressed extreme displeasure over this policy shift. With Donald Trump becoming US President, hope rose as he began his foreign tours with the Riyadh summit, where the Saudis gathered Sunni potentates from across the region, including Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif of Pakistan. The time was ripe as a naive and transactional US President, paying little attention to policy details, could be led back to the past.

Mr Trumps assumption to rest policy on weaning away Russian President Vladimir Putin from Iran faded as his administration ran into charges of collusion with Russia during his election campaign. Additionally, the question of who would provide the foot soldiers was left nebulous as at best Russia could rein in its air support and Nato had no stomach for another out-of-area campaign. Whether Mr Trump would recommit US forces remained moot as it went against his isolationist rhetoric as well as his instincts. Surrounded by miasma of fact and fiction, Mr Trump stepped into the Saudi parlour. His son-in-law Jared Kushner camped in the kingdom, preparing the ground for major arms sales. The Saudis are adept at the old game of arms-purchase-for-influence. Within a fortnight of the Riyadh summit, the Saudi-Emirati core of the GCC unleashed their anti-Qatar crusade on June 5. On June 6, President Trump endorsed it through a tweet, saying the funding of radical ideology had to be punished, and Qatar qualified on that count.

A day later Teheran was rattled by coordinated attacks on its Parliament and founder Imam Khomeinis tomb. The hybrid attack by suicide bombers and gunmen caused limited damage but demonstrated ISIS widening reach. Earlier reports have claimed ISIS resurgence in Afghanistan. Recent attacks and new information that it has occupied the Tora Bora caves heightens concerns over their shifting to Al Qaedas old haunt as their base shrinks in the northern Iraq-Syria salient. President Trumps flip-flops are now assumed as integral to his policymaking. A MSNBC report, quoting sources close to Mr Trump, claimed when he was tweet-concurring with the Saudis against Qatar he was actually unaware about the US largest regional airbase at al-Udeid in Qatar, which hosts 11,000 troops and 100 US aircraft. This is indirectly confirmed by Mr Trump later tempering his rhetoric. In fact, last week, two US vessels were in Qatar for joint exercises with the Qatar Navy. Qatar also signed a deal to buy F-15 jets for $12 billion. Such opportunistic deal-making forced the Economist to lament: If only the world had a superpower focused more on diplomacy and less on selling weapons.

The fracas splits the GCC, with Kuwait and Oman refusing to rally behind the Saudi-Emirati onslaught. Regionally too cracks emerged as Iran, more openly, by sending planeloads of foodstuff to a blockaded Qatar, and Turkey, subtly, by promising troops oppose Qatar baiters. The US Senate, meanwhile, voted 98-2 new sanctions against Russia and Iran. The Trumpian strategic construct that his equation with President Valdimir Putin will be the basis for eliminating ISIS, resolving the Syrian imbroglio and resolving the Israel-Palestine dispute now lies shattered. An inexperienced prince in Saudi Arabia, empowered by doting father King Salman, impetuously shapes policy. In the UAE, relatively more experienced and yet untested Crown Prince Sheikh Moha-mmed bin Zayed has made common cause with his Saudi namesake. Unprecedented for the UAE, it committed 5,000 soldiers to fight in Yemen against the perceived twin challenges of Iran-aligned Houthis and Al Qaeda of Arabian Peninsula. But chaos caused by the fighting also creates a vacuum, and there is evidence of a Muslim Brotherhood affiliate Islah raising its head. History is forgotten as Yemen saw in the 1960s Egypts Gamal Abdel Nasser, supported by the Soviet Union, pit military might to support a republican challenge to Saudi-sponsored rulers. It ended after much loss of life and Egypt, distracted by President Nassers long-breath strategy in Yemen, was routed by Israel in the 1967 war. Nasser then fought for supremacy in the Red Sea region. The battlelines now range around the Gulf and the Saudis antagonist is local and grittier Iran. Mr Trump, by taking sides, has circumscribed US options. The outcome, still uncertain, can have serious consequences for the Indian diaspora and the economy.
It was around the mid-1960s when the Paddock brothers, Paul and William, the prophets of doom, predicted that in another decade, recurring famines and an acute shortage of foodgrains would push India towards disaster. Stanford University Prof. Paul R. Ehrlich, in his 1968 bestselling book The Population Bomb, warned of the mass starvation of humans in the 1970s and 1980s in countries like India due to overpopulation. Their prophecies were based on a rising shortage of food because of droughts, which forced India to import 10 million tonnes of grain in 1965-66 and a similar amount a year before. Little did they know that thanks to quick adoption of a new technology by Indian farmers, the country would more than double its annual wheat production from 11.28 million tonnes in 1962-63 to more than twice that in 10 years to 24.99 million tonnes. It was 71.26 million tonnes in 2007. Similarly, rice production also grew spectacularly from 34.48 million tonnes to almost 90 million tonnes in 2007. Total foodgrain production in India reached an all-time high of 251.12 million tonnes (MT) in FY15. Rice and wheat production in the country stood at 102.54 MT and 90.78 MT respectively. India is among 15 leading exporters of agricultural products in the world. The value of this is Rs 1.31 lakh crores in FY15.

Despite its falling share of GDP, agriculture plays a vital role in Indias economy. Over 58 per cent of rural households depend on agriculture as their principal means of livelihood. Census 2011 says there are 118.9 million cultivators across the country, or 24.6 per cent of the total workforce of over 481 million. In addition, there are 144 million persons employed as agricultural laborers. If we add the number of cultivators and agricultural labourers, it would be around 263 million, or 22 per cent of the population. Estimates by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) show the share of agriculture and allied sectors (including agriculture, livestock, forestry and fishery) was 16.1 per cent of the Gross Value Added (GVA) during 201415 at 201112 prices. This sums up what ails our agriculture  its contribution to the GDP is fast dwindling, now about 13.7 per cent, and it still sustains almost 60 per cent of the population. With 157.35 million hectares, India holds the worlds second largest agricultural land area. India has about 20 agro-climatic regions, and all 15 major climates in the world exist here. It is thus a large producer of a wide variety of foods. India is the worlds largest producer of spices, pulses, milk, tea, cashew and jute; and the second largest producer of wheat, rice, fruits and vegetables, sugarcane, cotton and oilseeds. Further, India is 2nd in the global production of fruits and vegetables, and is the largest producer of mango and banana. It also has the highest productivity of grapes in the world.

Agricultural export is 10 per cent of our exports  it is the fourth-largest exported principal commodity. The Agriculture Census shows only 58.1 million hectares of land was actually irrigated in India. Of this 38 per cent was from surface water and 62 per cent was from groundwater. India has the worlds largest groundwater well equipped irrigation system. There is a flip side to this great Indian agriculture story. The Indian subcontinent boasts nearly half the worlds hungry people. Half of all children under five in South Asia are malnourished, which is more than even sub-Saharan Africa. Over 65 per cent of farmland consists of marginal and small farms less than one hectare in size. Moreover, due to population growth, the average farm size has been decreasing. The average size of operational holdings has almost halved since 1970. Around 92 million households, or 490 million people, depend on marginal or small farmholdings as per the 2001 census. This translates into 60 per cent of the rural population, or 42 per cent of total population. About 70 per cent of India lives in rural areas and all-weather roads dont connect about 40 per cent of rural habitations. Lack of proper transport and inadequate post-harvesting methods, food processing and transportation of foodstuffs has meant an annual wastage of Rs 50,000 crores.

There is a pronounced bias in the governments procurement policy, with Punjab, Haryana, coastal Andhra and western Uttar Pradesh accounting for the bulk (83.51 per cent) of procurement. The food subsidy bill has increased from `24,500 crores in 1990-91 to `1.75 lakh crores in 2001-02 to Rs 2.31 lakh crores in 2016. Instead of being the buyer of last resort, the FCI has become the preferred buyer for farmers. This has resulted in mountains of foodgrains coinciding with starvation deaths, and a few regions of concentrated rural prosperity. The total subsidy provided to agricultural consumers by way of fertilisers and free power has quadrupled from Rs 73,000 crores in 1992-93, to Rs 3.04 lakh crores now. While the subsidy was started to reach lower-rung farmers, it has mostly benefited the well-off farmers. Free power has also meant a huge pressure on depleting groundwater resources. These huge subsidies come at a cost. Thus, public investment in agriculture, in real terms, had witnessed a steady decline from the Sixth Five-Year Plan onwards. With the exception of the 10th Plan, public investment has consistently declined in real terms (at 1999-2000 prices) from Rs 64, 012 crores during the Sixth Plan (1980-85) to Rs 52,107 crores during the Seventh Plan (1985-90), `45,565 crores during the Eighth Plan (1992-97) and about Rs 42,226 crores during Ninth Plan (1997-2002). The share of agriculture in total Gross Capital Formation (GCF) at 1993-94 prices has halved from 15.44 per cent to seven per cent in 2000-01. In 2001-02, almost half the amount allocated to irrigation was actually spent on power generation. While it makes more economic sense to focus on minor irrigation schemes, major and medium irrigation projects have accounted for more than three-fourths of the planned funds

By 2050, Indias population is expected to reach 1.7 billion, which will then be equivalent to nearly that of China and the US combined. A fundamental question then is can India feed 1.7 billion people properly? In the four decades starting 1965-66, wheat production in Punjab and Haryana has risen nine-fold, while rice production increased by more than 30 times. These two states and parts of Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh now not only produce enough to feed the country but to leave a significant surplus for export. Farm outputs in India in recent years have been setting new records. It has gone up from 208 MT in 2005-06 to an estimated 251 MT in 2014-15. Even accounting for population growth during this period, the country would need probably around 225 to 230 MT to feed its people. There is one huge paradox implicit in this. Record food production is depressing prices. No wonder farmers with marketable surpluses are getting restive. India is producing enough food to feed its people, now and in the foreseeable future. Since food production is no longer the issue, putting economic power into the hands of the vast rural poor becomes the issue. The first focus should be on separating them from their smallholdings by offering more gainful vocations. With the level of skills prevailing, only the construction sector can immediately absorb the tens of millions that will be released. The government must step up its expenditure for infrastructure and habitations to create a demand for labour. The land released can be consolidated into larger holdings by easy credit to facilitate accumulation of smaller holdings to create more productive farms. Finally, the entire government machinery geared to controlling food prices to satisfy the urban population should be dismantled. If a farmer has to buy a motorcycle or even a tractor, he pays globally comparative prices. Why then should he make food available to the modern and industrial sector at the worlds lowest prices? Why should Bharat have to feed India at its cost?
Google is now expanding their team of chip experts so that it can build their own chipsets for future Pixel smartphones.

Internet search giant Google has hired Indian-origin engineer Manu Gulati, who was Apple's chip architect for iPads and iPhones, to play a key role in building its upcoming flagship pixel phone, according to media reports.

Gulati, who had worked at Apple for almost eight years as a micro-architect, announced the job change through LinkedIn.

He is now the Lead SoC Architect for Google.

He has at least 15 Apple patents related to chip design under his belt and will be key in Google's plan to build its own processors, the CNBC reported.

Google is now expanding their team of chip experts so that it can build their own chipsets for future Pixel smartphones.

Gulati was instrumental in Apple's bid to build custom chips for the iPhone, iPad and Apple TV. In the past, he has been responsible for the A4 and A9 chips which powered the 2010 iPad.

Apple currently builds its own smartphone processors but Google does not.

Apple's newest A10X chips, for example, are built-in house instead of by companies like Intel or Qualcomm. Qualcomm currently supplies its Snapdragon processor for Google's Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones.

Google's new hire could help the company differentiate Pixel from the many other smartphones by other vendors that run Android on Qualcomm chips. And Gulati's exit is seen as a set back for Apple, which has filed a number of chip-related patents that credit Gulati as an inventor.

Gulati's LinkedIn profile says he is now Google's lead SOC architect. SoC stands for system on a chip.

He has also been employed by Broadcom and AMD. With Gulati now part of its team, Google can have an edge over other companies while it comes as a significant blow to Cupertino-based Apple.

"Apple filed a total of 15 chip-related patents that credit Gulati as one of the inventors. Some of these filings describe fundamental chip architecture, while others are more specific to certain applications," the report said.

If Google begins building processors in house, like Apple, it would potentially cut down on Google's reliance on Qualcomm, the report said.

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Seoul: Putting aside a rift over a US anti-missile system, top officials from China and South Korea were attending a meeting of a China-backed Asian lending bank that opened Friday on the South Korean island of Jeju.

Chinese finance minister Xiao Jie and his Indian counterpart Arun Jaitley were among those at the Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank's annual meeting, which runs through Sunday.

South Korea was picked to host the gathering before Beijing began protesting Seoul's agreement to let its ally the United States deploy on its territory key components of the so-called Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense system.

South Korea and the US say the system is needed to deter a possible North Korean attack but Beijing sees it as a threat to its own security because its radar can peer deep into northeastern China.

The China-led AIIB has 77 member countries, including some American allies such as Britain and Australia. The US has shunned the initiative, while Japan has also stayed away but expressed openness to joint projects with the Manila, Philippines-based Asia Development Bank.

Twenty five member countries sent representatives to Jeju, the lending bank's first meeting outside China, South Korea's finance ministry said. It was unclear if the meeting might pave the way for a thaw or if finance ministers from China and South Korea might meet on its sidelines.

South Korea's finance minister met with his counterparts from Iran earlier in the day.
London: At least 30 people have been confirmed killed and dozens more are feared dead in the London tower block fire, police said on Friday, as firefighters continued searching for bodies amid outrage over the use of cladding blamed for spreading the flames.

"We know that at least 30 people have died as a result of this fire... I do believe the number will increase," police commander Stuart Cundy told reporters in front of the charred Grenfell Tower.

Cundy said police had started a criminal investigation but there was nothing to suggest "that the fire had been started deliberately".

He also said the last flames had finally been put out, two days after the fire broke out in the night between Tuesday and Wednesday in the 24-storey tower in a working-class enclave of the wealthy London borough of Kensington and Chelsea.

More than 70 people are unaccounted for, according to media reports, although it was not known whether some of those were among the bodies recovered so far.

Police have warned some of the victims may never be identified because of the state of the remains.

Cundy said one of the victims was a person who died in hospital. Twenty-four injured survivors are still being treated, 12 of them in critical care.

Firefighters were using drones and sniffer dogs to search the building, saying that some of the upper floors are still inaccessible to humans because of concerns about the stability of the structure.

The mayor of London Sadiq Khan is greeted by a mob of angry locals demanding answers from authorities over a deadly fire in a tower block pic.twitter.com/M4vcNNpqah  AFP news agency (@AFP) June 16, 2017

- Queen visits survivors -

The area surrounding the council-owned tower has been plastered by desperate relatives with pictures of the missing, from grandparents to young children, and large numbers of volunteers were assisting survivors.

Queen Elizabeth II and her grandson Prince William visited a community centre where some of the survivors are being housed, as anger grows among local residents about allegations that fire safety concerns were ignored for years.

The government has ordered a judge-led inquiry into Wednesday's disaster, which is under pressure to act quickly.

"Something's gone wrong here, something's gone drastically wrong," Communities and Local Government Minister Sajid Javid told BBC radio.

Javid said inspections of similar buildings had been ordered, with particular attention to the modern cladding used to beautify and add an insulation layer to ageing concrete and steel structures.

"We need to do whatever it takes to make people that live in those properties safe: that's either make the properties safe or find some other accommodation, it has to be done," he said, adding that survivors from the tower would be re-housed in the local area.

Opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has called for houses in the area to be "requisitioned" for survivors.

- Syrian refugee victim -

Prime Minister Theresa May has come under criticism for not meeting residents when she visited the site on Thursday to talk with emergency workers.

She met with injured survivors in hospital on Friday. Locals yelled questions at mayor Sadiq Khan when he walked through the neighbourhood on Friday.

"How many children died? What are you going to do about it?" a young boy asked Khan, as the mayor tried to stop tensions rising further.

The fire forced residents to flee through black smoke down the single stairwell, jump out of windows or even drop their children to safety.

One of the victims was named as Mohammed Alhajali, a 23-year-old Syrian refugee, who came to Britain in 2014 with his brother.

"Mohammed undertook a dangerous journey to flee war and death in Syria, only to meet it here in the UK, in his own home," the Syrian Solidarity Campaign said in a statement.

Alhajali, who lived on the 14th floor, was a civil engineering student at West London University. "His dream was to be able to go back home one day and rebuild Syria," the campaign group said.

- Cladding restricted in US -

Questions are growing about how the flames spread so quickly, engulfing the tower's 120 apartments in what fire chiefs said was an unprecedented blaze.

The focus of criticism is on the cladding fitted to external walls of the 1974 tower as part of a ?8.7 million ($11 million, 9.9 million euros) refit completed last year.

According to media reports, the cladding had a plastic core and was similar to that used by high-rise buildings in France, the United Arab Emirates and Australia, which had also suffered fires that spread.

The Times reported that the type of cladding used on the building was banned in US buildings taller than 40 feet (12.2 metres) because of fire safety fears.

It said the company that manufactured the cladding also made fire-resistant models that cost fractionally more than the standard version.

Harley Facades, which fitted the panels, said in a statement: "At this time, we are not aware of any link between the fire and the exterior cladding."

In addition to debate over the cladding, questions have also been raised over why there was no sprinkler system in the Grenfell Tower which could have helped stop the fire spreading, or any central smoke alarm system that would have woken sleeping residents.
Dublin: In a gruesome murder case in Ireland, a womans dismembered remains were found at eight spots in the Wicklow Mountains.

A report in Daily Mirror said that the 61-year-old womans murder was linked to a violent row over the sale of a house. The victim Patricia OConnor also had suffered a blunt trauma wound to the head.

Furthermore, a 32-year-old man has been arrested for the murder after he surrendered to police in Wexford. He was arrested after DNA tests of remains established the sex of the victim. The police said that the suspect was seen in the CCTV footage attached to OConnors neighbours house.

The man reportedly killed the victim at her house in Rathfarnham at the end of May and then drove to Wexford with the body. OConnor was reported missing on June 2 by family members.

The suspect had buried the body in a shallow grave. However, he panicked and removed it after two days. He then dismembered it with a hacksaw, drove back towards Dublin and dumped the parts in eight different spots in the mountains.

More than 200 police and Irish army officers are part of a large scale search operation, which also includes officers from Garda Water Unit and Dog Unit.
Stockholm: The number of violent Islamist extremists in Sweden has soared from 200 in 2010 to "thousands", intelligence agency Sapo said Friday, while noting that only a handful were deemed able to carry out a terror attack.

"We would say that (the number) has gone from hundreds to thousands now," Sapo chief Anders Thornberg told news agency TT in an interview, describing the situation as "serious". "This is the 'new normal' It is a historic challenge that extremist circles are growing," he said. He stressed, however, that only a few of the "thousands" had both the intention and ability to carry out a terror attack.

A 2010 Sapo report estimated the number of violent Islamist extremists in the Scandinavian country at 200. Thornberg attributed the rise primarily to the propaganda machine of the so-called Islamic State (ISIS), which has united different groups of Islamist extremists.

"We used to have different circles. We had radicalised (people) from North Africa, the Middle East and Somalia, but they were all separate," he said. Thornberg said Sapo now receives around 6,000 intelligence tips a month concerning terrorism and extremism, compared to an average 2,000 a month in 2012.

Sapo has previously said that about 300 people from Sweden are known to have travelled to Syria and Iraq to join ISIS since 2012. Jihadists or sympathisers from Sweden have been linked to several terrorist attacks in recent years.

On April 7, an Uzbek national who had shown sympathies for jihadist groups including IS used a stolen truck to mow down pedestrians on a busy shopping street, killing five people and injuring 15.

And a Swedish national, Osama Krayem, has been charged with terrorist murders over the 2016 Brussels metro bombing.
The other charge made by Trump deals with Bill Clinton's decision to meet with then Attorney General Loretta Lynch while their planes idled on the tarmac. (Photo: AP)

London: Continuing his Twitter war against former election opponent Hillary Clinton, President Donald Trump condemned her for previously destroying her phones and "bleaching" her emails.

Why is that Hillary Clintons family and Dems dealings with Russia are not looked at, but my non-dealings are?  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 15, 2017

Crooked H destroyed phones w/ hammer, 'bleached' emails, & had husband meet w/AG days before she was cleared- & they talk about obstruction?  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 15, 2017

According to the Independent, the President' tweets could be in reference to reports from the FBI's investigation into Clinton's private email sever.

The reports, released last year, say Clinton destroyed her used phones on at least two occasions while serving as secretary of state, also that she used the 'BleachBit' software to delete some of her mails.

The other charge made by Trump deals with Bill Clinton's decision to meet with then Attorney General Loretta Lynch while their planes idled on the tarmac.

In a pair of earlier tweets, Trump called the investigation "phony" and the "greatest WITCH HUNT in American political history."

You are witnessing the single greatest WITCH HUNT in American political history - led by some very bad and conflicted people! #MAGA  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 15, 2017

Meanwhile, a Twitter account representing Hillary Clinton's 2016 presidential campaign trolled Trump for attacking Clinton.

The tweet comes as a surprise, as the account hasn't been active since a day before the 2016 election when Clinton lost to Trump.
The explosion in Jiangsu province left victims bleeding and weeping, with images posted on state media showing some had their clothes torn off by the force of the explosion. (Photo: AP)

Fengxian (China): Chinese police said on Friday the explosion that killed eight people and injured dozens more outside a kindergarten was caused by a makeshift bomb and the bomber died in the blast.

The public security ministry said in a statement that the suspect was a 22-year-old man with health problems who rented a room near the kindergarten in the eastern town of Fengxian, where Thursday's blast occurred.

The explosion in Jiangsu province left victims bleeding and weeping, with images posted on state media showing some had their clothes torn off by the force of the explosion.

The attacker, surnamed Xu, had written the words "die" and "destroy" among others on a wall in his room where police found materials used to make a homemade explosive device, the statement said. Xu made the bomb himself.

He had dropped out of school but was employed, the statement said without providing further details.
Twenty-four years after serial blasts rocked Mumbai, a special anti-terrorism court on Friday convicted six people, including underworld don Abu Salem.



Fugitive underworld don Dawood Ibrahims main landing agent and smuggler Mustafa Dossa was also convicted. The blasts on March 13, 1993, was the first major incident of urban terrorism in India and claimed 257 lives and injured 713, besides damaging property worth Rs 27 crore.



Additional Sessions Judge G A Sanap, who presides over a special court set up under the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act, also convicted Karimullah Khan, Firoz Abdul Rashid Khan, Riyaz Siddiqui and Tahir Merchant alias Tahir Taklya. They were charged with the grave charge of waging a war against the nation.



The seventh accused, Abdul Quayyum, was, however, acquitted by the court. The prosecution also could not prove conspiracy charges against Siddiqui, but he was convicted on other charges.



Salem does not face a death sentence because he was extradited from Portugal on the condition that India would not award him capital punishment. Salem had supplied the AK-56 assault rifle to Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt. The remaining convicts face the maximum punishment as prescribed under the Indian laws, but the prosecution has to satisfy the court that it was a rarest of rare case.



The hearing on the quantum of sentence would commence from Monday. Though the hearing in the case began in 2007, it was delayed as three petitions were filed before the Supreme Court, one each by Dossa and Salem, and another by CBI.



In the main trial, of the 123 accused, 100 were convicted by the TADA court, of whom 12 were given the death penalty. The Supreme Court commuted the sentence to life imprisonment for all, except Yakub Memon, the brother of chief conspirator Tiger Memon. Yakub was hanged on June 30, 2015, at a Nagpur prison.






In the wake of the December 2014 incident, Kalanick had said his company would do "everything" to help bring the perpetrator to justice and to support the victim and her family in her recovery. Douglas Wigdor, the lawyer representing the woman who currently lives in Texas, filed the suit on her behalf.



"It is shocking that Travis Kalanick could publicly say that Uber would do everything to support our client and her family in her recovery when he and other executives were reviewing illegally obtained medical records and engaging in offensive and spurious conspiracy theories about the brutal rape she so tragically suffered," Wigdor said in an email response to PTI on the lawsuit.



He added that rape denial is just another form of the "toxic gender discrimination" that is "endemic" at Uber and "ingrained" in its culture. "Hopefully, this lawsuit coupled with the changes recommended by the independent counsel will create real change and reform at Uber and elsewhere," he said.



The lawsuit also takes strong objection to the speculation by Kalanick, Alexander and Michael on whether the woman had been raped at all and if she was colluding with rival Indian ride-hailing company Ola to "jettison" Ubers business in the country.



The lawsuit said that after the womans sexual assault, Alexander went directly to Delhi where he managed to obtain her confidential, private medical records generated by physicians who examined her after the brutal rape.



Alexander then showed the records to Kalanick and Michael and the three "discussed the records among themselves and with other staff at Uber, speculating that Plaintiff had made up the brutal rape in collusion with a rival of Uber in India in order to undermine Ubers business", a reference to Ubers rival taxi/ride-hailing company Ola.



"By focusing on 'whether she was really raped at all', and painting Plaintiff as an opportunist and a liar, defendants seemed to be assuring themselves that the only reason why a woman would report a sexual assault is for personal gain, rather than to prevent similar crimes from occurring again or to right an injustice," the lawsuit said.



It added that Uber executives "duplicitously and publicly decried the rape, expressing sympathy for Plaintiff, and shock and regret at the violent attack, while privately speculating, as outlandish as it is, that she had colluded with a rival company to harm Ubers business."



The woman had filed a lawsuit in January 2015 against Uber arguing that the company did not adequately screen its drivers and its "negligence and fraud" lead to her being sexually assaulted and humiliated. However, in February, the woman had "voluntarily" dismissed the lawsuit.



Last week, Uber terminated Alexander and it also announced that it had fired 20 other employees over the last few months for harassment, discrimination and inappropriate behavior. Facing allegations of sexual harassment and a toxic work environment, Uber unveiled this week a list of recommendations from a law firm that investigated Ubers work culture.



The recommendations include that Uber should establish key metrics to which its leaders will be held accountable in the performance review process. Kalanick announced he will take an indefinite leave of absence, saying in an email to employees that he would take time off to work on himself and reflect on building a "world- class leadership team" for the company.

An Indian woman raped by an Uber driver in New Delhi in 2014 has filed a lawsuit against the ride-hailing company and its embattled CEO Travis Kalanick for "unlawfully" obtaining her medical records and engaging in offensive conspiracy theories about the brutal incident.The woman, identified only as Jane Doe in the 18-page lawsuit filed in federal court in California yesterday, said Uber has taken start-up culture, in which "fierceness" and "always be hustling" are prioritised above people to a new extreme, "perpetuating rape culture and violating all bounds of decency as to customer privacy".It is for the second time that the woman has sued Uber. She said was "violated physically" when she was brutally raped in Delhi by her Uber driver Shiv Kumar Yadav in December 2014 and then a second time when her medical records stemming from the sexual assault were inappropriately obtained and shared by the company's top executives."Sadly, in the United States, Uber executives violated her a second time by unlawfully obtaining and sharing her medical records from that vicious sexual assault and have failed, as of the date of this filing, to apologise to her for this outrageous conduct," the lawsuit said.The lawsuit has been filed against Uber, Kalanick, who has taken an indefinite leave of absence, Ubers former Vice President for Business in Asia Eric Alexander and the companys then-Senior Vice President for Business Emil Michael.
A civilian was killed in crossfire in a village of South Kashmir this morning during a gunbattle between security forces and three militants of the Lashker-e- Taiba (LeT) who were trapped inside a house.



The victim was identified as 34-year-old Mohammad Ashraf Khar, who, according to the police, was caught in crossfire when the encounter started at 10 AM at Arwani village at Bijbehara of Anantnag district, 51 km from here.



Khar, a resident of Kharpora Arwani area, was rushed to district hospital at Bijbehara where he was declared brought dead, the police said.



He had received a bullet injury in his chest.



Some people had started pelting stones on the security personnel immediately after the security forces laid a cordon around the house, located in densely populated Malik Mohalla of the village.



The security forces had received an intelligence tip-off that three militants were present inside the house.



The accompanying teams of the local police and CRPF used tear gas shells and resorted to firing pellets after the crowd continued to hurl stones at the troops, thereby, hampering the ongoing counter-insurgency operation.



Seven people have been admitted to hospital with pellet injuries.



Chatter from the terror group suggested that Junaid Mattoo, a local boy of Khudwani, was among the three trapped inside the house along with Azad Malik and a Pakistani terrorist.



Mattoo had gained notoriety after he shot dead two policemen in broad daylight at the busy Anantnag bus stand in June 2016. He was seen on CCTV footage carrying out the dastardly act.


Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju on Friday ordered a probe into the Vizag airport incident involving TDP MP J C Diwakar Reddy even as more airlines imposed a flying ban on him for "unruly" behaviour.



Reddy had created a ruckus and targeted IndiGo staff on Thursday at Vizag airport after he was denied boarding for reaching the airport late.



Raju, who also belongs to TDP, tweeted, "I will get the entire incident at Vizag airport enquired into to find out the exact details and ensure that lawful outcomes follow."



The Minister He also denied reports that he had had intervened to ensure Reddy was allowed to board the IndiGo flight, saying there was "no such intervention".



After IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet and Jet Airways, other airlines Vistara, GoAir and AirAsia India also barred Reddy from flying in a show of solidarity on Friday.



GoAir said, "after careful consideration of the various issues and ramifications" of the actions of Reddy, it has also taken a decision of "not accepting any further bookings" for the said passenger."



AirAsia India said it has also barred Reddy from flying and that it supports the decision to impose a flying ban by the fellow domestic airlines. "We will support the decision taken by the industry with regard to the recent incident involving an IndiGo staff. AirAsia India does not tolerate abusive or unruly behaviour by passengers that puts the safety of other guests and crew members on board at risk," it said.



"In support of the fellow carriers, Vistara has also taken a decision to impose flying ban on J C Diwakar Reddy," Vistara said.



Reddy was last year involved in a similar incident when he allegedly vandalised Air India office at Gannavaram airport in Vijayawada after he missed his flight.



The incident comes at a time the Ministry of Civil Aviation is working on a rule to ensure that unruly passengers land in a National No-Fly List for three months to two years or more for offences ranging from verbal abuse to murderous assault. This was initiated following Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad who repeatedly slapping an Air India manager in April.


Singh and Naidu had a 30-minute discussion with Gandhi at her 10, Janpath residence during which senior Congress leaders Ghulam Nabi Azad and Mallikarjun Kharge were also present.



The two ministers did not share the names of the probable candidates for the presidential election and merely informed Gandhi that the nomination process would be completed by next Friday, a day before Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarks on his US visit.



When they have not given specific names  or one or two, three, like that  (then) there is no question of consensus. If they come with some name, we could have considered, Kharge told reporters after the meeting.



He said the purpose of the meeting was only to seek cooperation on the preisdential elections. What I can guess is just they are seeking cooperation because they have already got something in their mind. That is why they have not given the name, Kharge said.



The ministers are also meeting CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury and fixed up appointments with NCP chief Sharad Pawar, BSP supremo Mayawati, Trinamool chief Mamata Banerjee and other opposition leaders.



Azad said instead of disclosing names, the two ministers wanted the Congress to reveal its cards.



...since no names are being given, there is no question of any discussion and cooperation. They should give us the name and then seek cooperation, Azad, the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, told reporters here.



Singh and Naidu are part of the three-member ministerial team constituted by BJP President Amit Shah to consult various political parties on the presidential elections.



Naidu has already spoken with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, who is also chief of ally TDP, PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss and N Rangaswamy of the All India Congress (NR) and sought their cooperation.

The BJP on Friday formally started the process to consult opposition on the presidential elections with senior ministers Rajnath Singh and M Venkaiah Naidu meeting Congress President Sonia Gandhi, but the duo was tight-lipped on probable nominees.
Tigerair and Scoot, the no-frills subsidiaries of Singapore Airlines that will merge by July-end, are looking at expanding its footprints in India by tapping international travellers from Tier-2 cities and secondary markets in the country.



The airlines, which will start functioning under a single brand 'Scoot' from July 25 after the merger, believes that the international connectivity from Tier-2 cities in India is "currently untapped" and is an area where it sees a "lot of growth opportunities".



"It is part of our strategy to tap into Tier-2 cities and secondary markets in India...We are definitely keen on expansion and are constantly exploring avenues to expand our footprint in India. We are already studying markets in India that we want to go to next. However, we will need to assess the market demand before we go ahead with any such plan," Scoot and Tigerair CEO Lee Lik Hsin told DH through email.



Tigerair, a short-haul airline, currently operates from Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kochi, Tiruchirappalli and Lucknow while Scoot, a medium-haul operator, operates from Chennai, Amritsar and Jaipur to Singapore and to other destinations like Australia.



Hsin said South India has been their focus area since the commencement of operations in India and "still see a lot of demand from existing markets" there as well as from "several smaller markets in South India that we do not operate to at the moment".



Asked whether they would expand beyond the south Indian market, he said, "we are already evaluating options for expansion in North India and would be happy to further expand our footprint all across India."



The increase in destinations had helped the airlines capture more passengers. While there was an increase of 8.6% from 2013 to 2014, it declined to 7.1% in 2015 compared to 2014.



However, last year saw a 22.3% rise from 2015 with the airlines attributing the significant increase in flown passengers to the launch of new routes Amritsar and Jaipur in May and Oct respectively.



Acknowledging the "tremendous growth opportunities" in India's aviation sector, Hsin said the UDAN or Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) will step up air connectivity to smaller cities and towns. "With Indian travellers increasingly looking at affordable international travel, international low-cost carriers operating to India have great prospects to offer long-haul budget travel options," he said.



Queried about their target for India in the coming years, Hsin said they will continue to access potential tier 2 cities in India for further expansion, to cater to both leisure and business demand between India to Singapore and beyond.



(The writer was in Gold Coast on the invitation of Tourism and Events Queensland and Tigerair-Scoot)
The Opposition DMK members staged a walkout from Tamil Nadu Assembly for the second consecutive day after Speaker Dhanapal once again refused their request to raise the issue of two AIADMK MLAs, who allegedly confesed that huge money was offered to the legislators for supporting chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami during their stay at Koovathur resort ahead of floor test in the House during February 2017.



Soon after the question hour, DMK working president and the leader of the Opposition M K Stalin showed a CD which he claimed to contain the evidence with regard to 'cash for MLAs' issue.



However, when Dhanapal refused to accept the CD and not allowed to discuss the issue, the DMK members staged a walkout from the House.



Later, speaking to the reporters Stalin said that he asked the Speaker to go through the CD of the sting operation and said the issue could be discussed later.



"He (Dhanapal) refused to accept it", he added.
Sri Lanka today said it will release 42 Indian fishing boats held in its custody since 2015 on a condition that they will never re-enter the country's territorial waters.



Fisheries Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said in a statement yesterday that the Indian government has been informed about this decision. "They should never return to violate our International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL)," Amaraweera said.



He said that Lanka's earlier decision not to release the boats and equipments while releasing the fishermen had its desirous effect.



The Indian government has now banned bottom trawling.



Amaraweera said the views of the local fishery organisations were also sought before making the decision to release the Indian boats.



He said the issue of poaching by Indian fishermen in Sri Lanka had gone on for over 35 years. Several governments from both the sides of Palk Straits had failed to resolve the sensitive issue.
Farmers today gathered at various places and blocked national highways in Haryana and Rajasthan as part of their nation-wide stir against the death of five cultivators in police firing in Madhya Pradesh and failure of the Centre to provide relief to the farming community.



In Haryana, led by Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Gurnam Singh, farmers gathered near Mohra in Ambala and blocked the highway there by parking their tractors. Apart from Ambala, farmers are also holding protests at Rohtak, Sonepat, Hisar, Sirsa, Jind, Bhiwani and Charkhi Dadri.



Following which authorities had to divert the traffic at some places.



Singh said that the farmers will block vehicular traffic for three hours during afternoon on all national highways across Haryana.



He, however, asked the farmers to protest in a peaceful manner and let ambulance and fire brigade vehicles to pass the blockade.



A group of 62 farmers unions had announced that it will block traffic for three hours on all national highways across the country today.



Singh said the decision to block traffic was taken to protest the killing of five farmers in police firing in Mandsaur in Madhya Pradesh and alleged failure of the government to provide relief to the farming community. The farmers are also demanding waiver of loans and implementation of Swaminathan Committee report on payment of the minimum support price (MSP).



The opposition parties, including Congress and Indian National Lok Dal (INLD), have also lent their support to the agitating farmers.



Led by former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, the Congress is organising a 'Kisan Panchayat' in Kurukshetra today.



Meanwhile, INLD workers burnt the effigy of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan near mini secretariat in Panipat, under the elevated flyover which is part of national highway, to protest the firing on farmers in Mandsaur in which five farmers were killed.



Led by former state agriculture minister Jaswinder Sandhu, INLD workers took out a protest march in Karnal demanding loan waiver for the farmers.



In view of the farmers' protest, the Haryana police has taken necessary steps to deal with the situation.





Haryana Director General of Police, B S Sandhu had yesterday said that stringent security measures have been taken in the state in view of the protest.



Four companies of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) have been deployed in Ambala, Kurukshetra, Sonepat and Jind.



Singh said it was unfortunate that the BJP had failed to fulfill their poll promise of implementing the Swaminathan Commission report.



"Swaminathan Commission report should be be implemented without any delay and all kinds of loans of farmers across the country should be waived off," he added.



Singh also said that on International Yoga Day on June 21, "the farmers will stage protests to attract attention of the entire world towards their plight."



Meanwhile, in Rajasthan, cultivators blocked Ganganagar- Hanumangarh highway as part of their protest.



The highway will remain blocked for three hours, starting 12 noon, in support of the demands of wavier of all farming loans, profitable minimum selling price (MSP) for all crops among others.



Former CPI(M) MLA Pawan Duggal claimed that a large number of farmers have taken part in the blockade.



Police have also made necessary arrangements on the highway in the wake of protest.



Apart from this, Kisan Mahapanchayat will hold demonstrations in villages in Rajasthan, national president of Mahapanchayat Rampal Jat told PTI.



Dates have not been finalised yet, he added.
Retired IPS officer Rakesh Maria, who headed the probe in the 1993 Mumbai serial bomb blasts, today welcomed the conviction of six persons, including mastermind Mustafa Dossa and gangster Abu Salem, in the case.



A special TADA court today convicted six persons in the case. While Dossa was convicted on charges of conspiracy and murder, Salem was found guilty of transporting weapons from Gujarat to Mumbai ahead of the blasts.



"People who hatched the conspiracy with Dawood Ibrahim in Dubai got convicted. It is a good judgement and I am satisfied with it," Maria, the former police commissioner of Mumbai, told PTI.

"People like Dossa and Salem, who got convicted today, were involved in planning, conspiracy and finance in the Mumbai blasts," Maria alleged.



"The investigation which our team carried out was accepted by the judiciary. This shows our investigation was right," he said.



Maria credited the Mumbai police team who did "massive work day and night".



A series of 13 blasts in quick succession ripped through various locations of India's financial capital on March 12, 1993 and the suburbs killing 257 people and injuring around 700.



The prime targeted locations included the Air India Building, Bombay Stock Exchange, Zaveri Bazar, then existing five star hotels, Hotel SeaRock and Hotel Juhu Centaur, and others leading to damage of public and private property worth Rs 27 crore.
President Pranab Mukherjee hosted lunch for RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Friday in what was described as a courtesy meeting before the former demits office next month.



There was no official word on the meeting but Rashtrapati Bhavan officials said it was a "kind of farewell" call.



Mukherjee had invited Bhagwat for the meeting, officials said, adding that both leaders had known each other for a long time.



Aides of Mukherjee and Bhagwat dismissed their interaction as "purely personal" and no political significance should be attached to it.



Mukherjee is due to host similar farewell meetings with leaders and personalities beloning to different sections before he retires on July 25.



As the outgoing president, Mukherjee will also be hosting lunch or dinner for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union Council of Ministers and opposition leaders.



Coming as it did before the presidential elections, Bhagwat's meeting with Mukherjee, however, triggered speculation about the choice of the next president in political circles. It came on a day senior BJP leaders Rajnath Singh and Venkaiah Naidu, who have been assigned the work of seeking a consensus with the Opposition parties concerning presidential candidate, met Congress president Sonia Gandhi.



Mukherjee had ruled out a second term for himself in recent interactions with senior journalists, saying that he was demitting office with a "lot of satisfaction."



The Shiv Sena, which has consistently been pushing for RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat as the next president, said a "Hindutva rubber stamp" should be installed at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Bhagwat, however, had categorically stated that he was not interested in the president's post.
Nalini Sriharan, who is a life convict in former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi assassination case, launched hunger strike in Vellore prison demanding to shift her to Chennai jail to carry out various activities for her daughter's marriage.



At present, Nalini's daughter Harithra, who is living in United Kingdom, planning to visit Chennai after her marriage was fixed few months back.



Recently, Nalini submitted a petition to prison authorities seeking parole for six months to carry out works for her daughter's marriage.



With prison officials rejected her plea, Nalini informed the jail superintendent that she will stage hunger strike inside the prison at least seeking to shift her to Puzhal prison in Chennai to monitor the works related to her daughter's wedding.



Nalani's husband, who is also convicted in Rajiv Gandhi murder case, lodged in Vellore central prison.



In her 26 years of incarceration, Nalini got parole twice. In 2004, she had got parole to attend the marriage of her brother. In 2016, she got the second parole to attend the last rites of her father.



Nalini was sentenced to death by a trial court in the case on 28 January, 1998. However, her sentence was commuted to life term by the Tamil Nadu Governor on 24 April, 2000.



In 2015, Nalini had moved Madras High Court seeking a direction to Tamil Nadu government to consider her representation for premature release, saying she has undergone imprisonment for more than 24 years.


At least 14 people, including eight policemen, were killed since Thursday evening in ambushes, clashes and encounters across the Kashmir Valley.



Three militants and three civilians are also among the deceased. Six policemen, including a station house officer (SHO), were killed after a group of heavily armed militants ambushed their vehicle in Achabal area of south Kashmirs Anantnag district on Friday evening, reports said.



Sources said the militants fatally disfigured the policemen and escaped with their weapons. All of a sudden eight to 10 militants, who had laid an ambush, opened indiscriminate fire on a passenger cab the policemen were travelling in.



The attack was so intense that the policemen didnt get time to retaliate, a source said, adding two civilians were wounded when reinforcement reached the spot and opened fire.



The slain SHO has been identified as sub-inspector Firoz Dar, a resident of Pulwama. The Lashkar-e-Toiba militant outfit has claimed responsibility for the attack.



According to the police, the attack could be in retaliation to an ongoing encounter in Arwani area of Anantnag where LeT commander Junaid Mattoo was trapped in a building along with two of his associates. All the three militants are believed to be dead.



Rs 10L bounty



Mattoo, who carried a bounty of Rs 10 lakh on his head, was involved in a daylight attack on a police van last year, in which three policemen were killed.



While the police and the army didnt confirm the death of Mattoo and his associates till evening, LeT spokesman Abdullah Gaznavi, in an emailed statement to local news-gathering agency

KNS, paid tributes to the three militants, saying sacrifices wont go in vain and the pure blood of martyrs shall prove to be the death for India.



However, reports said no body has been recovered from the encounter site, and intermittent firing was on till late evening, indicating some militants were alive.








On the professional front, the B-town girl will soon be heading to Morocco to shoot for the next schedule of Ali Abbas Zafars directorial Tiger Zinda Hai with Salman Khan. Both were last seen together in Ek Tha Tiger (2012).





Bollywood actor Katrina Kaif will turn a year older on July 16 and is expected to celebrate the special occasion in New York City.She will be in New York to perform at the IIFA Awards beginning July 14. At present, she is busy with the promotions of her upcoming film Jagga Jasoos.Katrina is really looking forward to her birthday this year as she will be spending it in New York City. The stars close friends and family will be joining her in the Big Apple, where she will party at the Meat Packing District in New York known for its buzzing nightlife, reveals a source close to Katrina.Part of her birthday plans also include pancakes at the popular Bubbys on Hudson Street, which she visits whenever she is in New York. Great food, great music, a night out dancing and spending time with friends and family is on the cards, added the source.
Parents of a bride here cancelled her marriage after rejecting the groom's family's demand that they be served beef at the nikah ceremony.



The condition put by the groom's family was: either serve our guests with beef preparations or be prepared for cancellation of the marriage.



The bride's parents chose the latter. They also rejected the demand for a car.The incident took place in Dariyagarh village under Bhot police station.



The girl's relatives lodged a police complaint against the groom's parents and some others. Patwai SHO Rajesh Kumar Tiwari today said a case has been registered against the grooms relatives and investigation is on.
US President Donald Trump today appeared to confirm that he was being probed for firing the FBI chief and described it as a "witch hunt", as he asserted that there was no proof of his "collusion with the Russians" even after seven months of investigation.



"I am being investigated for firing the FBI Director (James Comey) by the man who told me to fire the FBI Director! Witch Hunt," Trump said in an early morning tweet.



Trump's apparent confirmation that he is under probe for obstruction of justice by special counsel appointed to probe alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential polls came a day after a Washington Post report pointed to such an investigation.



The probe by special counsel Robert Mueller, a former FBI chief, "marks a major turning point in the nearly year-old FBI investigation, which until recently focused on Russian meddling during the presidential campaign and on whether there was any coordination between the Trump campaign and the Kremlin," The Washington Post had reported.



Trump did not respond to shouted questions from the media as he was leaving the White House lawns to board Marine One for the Joint Andres Air Force Base for his day-long trip to Florida.



"Despite the phony Witch Hunt going on in America, the economic and jobs numbers are great. Regulations way down, jobs and enthusiasm way up!" said the US President in another tweet.

He accused the mainstream American media for allegedly spreading wrong news.



"The Fake News Media hates when I use what has turned out to be my very powerful Social Media -- over 100 million people! I can go around them," Trump said.



In the past, he has frequently used the term 'Fake News Media' for outlets like The New York Times, The Washington Post and CNN.



"After 7 months of investigations and committee hearings about my 'collusion with the Russians', nobody has been able to show any proof. Sad!" Trump said in his first tweet of the day.



A day earlier, Trump had questioned why his general election rival Hillary Clinton was not being investigated.

"Why is that Hillary Clintons family and Dems dealings with Russia are not looked at, but my non-dealings are?" Trump questioned.



"Crooked Hillary destroyed phones with hammer, 'bleached' emails, and had husband meet with Attorney General days before she was cleared -- and they talk about obstruction?" he had said.



The Post reported that the obstruction of justice investigation of the president began days after James Comey was fired as the FBI Director on May 9.



Mueller is overseeing a host of investigations involving people who are or were in Trump's orbit, people familiar with the probe were quoted as saying.



Significantly, Preet Bharara, the India-born former top US federal prosecutor, earlier this week had said that there was enough evidence to begin an obstruction of justice case against Trump over his alleged interference in the Russia probe.



Trump has said he is "100 per cent" willing to testify under oath on Comey meetings and tell the FBI Special Consul Robert Muller that he never asked FBI to stop investigating.



In a statement, Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein said she is growing increasingly concerned that the president will attempt to fire not only Mueller, but also Deputy Attorney General Rosenstein who appointed Mueller.



"The message the president is sending through his tweets is that he believes the rule of law doesn't apply to him and that anyone who thinks otherwise will be fired. That is undemocratic on its face and a blatant violation of the president's oath of office," she said.



Feinstein said the president has no authority to fire Mueller. "That authority clearly lies with the attorney general or in this case, because the attorney general has rescued himself, with the deputy attorney general. Rosenstein testified under oath this week that he would not fire Mueller without good cause and that none exists.



"And second, if the president thinks he can fire Deputy Attorney General Rosenstein and replace him with someone who will shut down the investigation, he is in for a rude awakening. Even his staunchest supporters will balk at such a blatant effort to subvert the law," she said in a strongly worded statement.



Feinstein said, "it is becoming clear to me that the president has embarked on an effort to undermine anyone with the ability to bring any misdeeds to light, be that Congress, the media or the Justice Department".
Indias largest two-wheeler manufacturer Hero MotoCorp has envisaged an investment of Rs 2,500 crore in a bid to boost manufacturing, and increase market share.



We have planned a capital expenditure of around Rs 2,500 crore for the next two fiscals up to 2018-19 towards new product development, digitisation, phase-wise capacity installation and expansion of our existing facility at Gujarat, and our upcoming plants in Andhra Pradesh, Hero MotoCorp Chairman, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Pawan Munjal told shareholders in the companys annual report.



The said capex also includes investments towards upgradation and modernisation of existing plant and machinery. We are looking forward to commencing production at our upcoming manufacturing facility in Bangladesh in 2017-18, our second manufacturing facility at a global location, following the facility in Cali, Colombia, Munjal said.



Currently, the Bangladesh market is served through the export of over 12 motorcycles and scooters, which are retailed through 195 outlets. The said plant will come up at Jessore, with an annual installed capacity of 1.5 lakh units, and is slated to be operational in the first half of 2017-18.



During 2016-17, the fifth plant of the company at Halol, Gujarat, started commercial production during the third quarter. Hero signed a sales deed with the Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation for setting up its sixth manufacturing facility at Sri City, he said.



Meanwhile, the first phase capacity of the Vadodara plant will have a capacity of 1.2 million units annually. Gradually, the overall production capacity will be increased to 1.8 million units annually.



During 2016-17, Hero clocked sales of 6.66 million units, against 6.63 million units in the previous fiscal. Its profit after tax in 2016-17 stood at Rs 3,377.12 crore, against Rs 3,160.19 crore in the previous year, translating to an increase of 6.86%.



Hero has sold over 70 million units till date, enjoying a market share of 36.9% in the domestic two-wheeler market at moment.




Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju on Friday ordered a probe into the abusive behaviour of TDP MP J C Diwakar Reddy at the Visakhapatnam airport on Thursday.



The move comes amid a no-fly ban on the MP, imposed by domestic carriers, citing unruly behaviour. Reddy had created a ruckus and abused staff at the IndiGo airlines counter on Thursday as they disallowed him from boarding a flight for arriving late.



Raju, also from the TDP, tweeted, I will get the entire incident at Vizag airport enquired into to find out the exact details and ensure that lawful outcomes follow. The minister also denied reports that he had intervened to ensure Reddy was allowed to board the flight.



In a show of solidarity, IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, Jet Airways, Vistara, GoAir and AirAsia India barred Reddy. GoAir said, After careful consideration of the various issues and ramifications of the actions of Reddy, it has taken a decision of not accepting any further bookings of the said passenger.



AirAsia India said it has barred Reddy, and that it supports the decision to impose a flying ban by fellow domestic airlines.



We will support the decision taken by the industry with regard to the recent incident involving IndiGo staff. AirAsia India does not tolerate abusive or unruly behaviour by passengers, which puts the safety of other guests and crew members on board at risk, it said.



In support of fellow carriers, Vistara has also taken a decision to impose a flying ban on J C Diwakar Reddy, Vistara said.



Last year, Reddy was involved in a similar incident when he reportedly vandalised the Air India office at Vijayawadas Gannavaram airport after he missed the flight.



In March, Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad repeatedly slapped an Air India manager because his seat was changed from business to economy class.



The civil aviation ministry is working towards framing rules to create a no-fly list of offending passengers, who would receive a ban from three months to two years or more, for misconduct that could range from verbal abuse to murderous assault.




The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is unlikely to start hearing on Indias plea against Pakistan in the case of the death sentence awarded to former navy officer Kulbhushan Jadhav before early next year.



The ICJ, which is based in The Hague, has given India time till September 13 to file memorial or initial pleadings on its complaint against Pakistan for violation of the 1963 Vienna Convention on Consular Relations in the case of Jadhav.



Pakistan has also been given time till December 13 to respond to the memorial submitted by India, the ICJ said on Friday. The hearing will commence only after both sides submit the memorial and counter- memorial before the court. The ICJ on May 18 asked Islamabad not to execute the death sentence awarded to Jadhav by a military court in Pakistan till it decided on the plea by India.



Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, Gopal Baglay, said that the representatives of India and Pakistan had a meeting with ICJ President Ronny Abraham on June 8 to set the timeline for submission of written arguments and counter-arguments before the commencement of the hearing. India's representative had asked for four months time to file initial pleadings and it was accordingly granted time till September 13, said Baglay.



He dismissed the claim made in some reports in the media in Pakistan that India's request for six months' time till December 13 had been rejected by the ICJ. The president made the Order taking into account the views of the parties. The subsequent procedure has been reserved for a further decision, the ICJ said on Friday.




Moscow endorsed New Delhis view that India and Pakistan should resolve all outstanding disputes through bilateral talks in accordance with the Simla Agreement of 1972 and the Lahore Declaration of 1999.



After New Delhi dismissed Islamabads claim that Russian President Vladimir Putin recently offered to mediate between India and Pakistan, Moscow, too, made it clear that no third party had any role in resolving the dispute between the two South Asian neighbours.



A spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian government emphasised that Moscows principled position on resolving India-Pakistan differences remained unchanged.



The differences between Islamabad and New Delhi should be resolved by them on a bilateral basis in accordance with the provisions of the Simla Agreement of 1972 and the Lahore Declaration of 1999, said a spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian government.



The statement came after media reports quoted Nafees Zakaria, spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Pakistan government, saying that Putin offered to mediate between New Delhi and Islamabad.



Putin and Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had met on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisations summit in Astana last week.



New Delhi was quick to dismiss Zakarias claim. Like the entire international community, Russia is interested in good neighbourly relations between India and Pakistan. This would directly contribute to regional stability and security, and the development of mutually beneficial trade and economic ties, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian government said in a statement, which was circulated in New Delhi, too.
India last week provided the United Kingdom the documents required to be submitted in a London court for the extradition of fugitive business tycoon Vijay Mallya.



The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) handed over the documents received from the probe agencies to the British High Commission in New Delhi last week. The documents will be submitted to the court of the Chief Magistrate at Westminster in London. The business tycoon is wanted in India for his now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines default on loans worth nearly Rs 9,000 crore.



These papers were required in connection with the hearing in the extradition matter which, as I said, is sub-judice in the court in London and these papers were handed over to the British High Commission (in New Delhi) last week. This is a huge bunch of papers, Gopal Baglay, spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, said on Friday.



The documents the MEA handed over to the British High Commission on June 9 included a supplementary charge sheet filed by the CBI against Mallya in a court in Mumbai on June 2, and a sworn affidavit by the superintendent of police in charge of the Special Investigation Team of the agency.


Twenty-four years on, more than 24 suspects, including underworld dons Dawood Ibrahim and Tiger Memon, are yet to be traced.



Most of them are either based in Pakistan or in the Gulf countries, and are engaged in businesses, especially real estate. They also figure in the Interpol list.



Four of them are from the Memon family  Tiger, his wife Shabana, brother Ayub and his wife Reshma.



As far as Tiger and the rest of the Memon family are concerned, they were the main planners, and it was done with a purpose of creating riots in Mumbai to avenge the demolition of the Babri Masjid. The conspiracy was deep rooted and hence, they need to be brought to justice, a senior officer involved in the probe said.



Most of them have changed their identities and are leading a normal life, the officer said. Special Public Prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam, who represented the prosecution in part II of the trial, said that the verdict is very important.



It is a strong message to the wanted accused, he said. One of the accused, Riyaz Khatri, a close aide of the Memons, jumped bail on September 23, 1996. A few years ago, there were reports that he was detained in Nepal. However, it turned out to be a case of mistaken identity.



More than six accused were extradited from other countries. Those who were brought in by way of extradition or deportation include Abu Salem (from Portugal) and Mustafa Dossa (from the UAE).
Union Ministers Rajnath Singh and M Venkaiah Naidu on Friday began consultations for the Presidential election with Opposition leaders, who told them that a consensus was difficult if the BJP did not disclose its candidate.



Singh and Naidu met Congress President Sonia Gandhi, CPM leaders Sitaram Yechury, Prakash and Brinda Karat, CPI leaders S Sudhakar Reddy and D Raja. Naidu also held detailed discussions over phone with NCP chief Sharad Pawar and met AIADMK leader M Thambidurai, SP patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav and BSP leader S C Mishra.



However, in none of the meetings did the ministers disclose the names Prime Minister Narendra Modi or the BJP had in mind for the post of President that falls vacant on July 24.



When they have not given specific names  (then) there is no question of consensus, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge told reporters here. Kharge and Ghulam Nabi Azad were present when Singh and Naidu met Sonia at her residence.



Azad expressed surprise that Naidu and Rajnath were asking the Congress to reveal its cards without disclosing any names being considered by the government. ...since no names are being given, there is no question of any discussion and cooperation. They should give us the name and then seek cooperation, Azad, the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, told reporters.



Yechury dismissed the consultations by the Union ministers as a public relations exercise by the Modi government. However, he told the ministers that the next President should have impeccable secular credentials.



Government sources said they felt it inappropriate to suggest a name or a panel of names to Opposition leaders without knowing their views or suggestions. Singh and Naidu told the Opposition leaders that the BJP plans to declare the presidential candidate early next week and the nomination papers would be filed by June 23, a day before Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarks on his foreign visit.



Anticipating that the government may not share any names, the Opposition also began consolidating its ranks. The Congress President held a meeting with Yechury on Thursday night and expressed her firm resolve to put up a joint Opposition candidate.



Opposition sources said it would be their endeavour to declare the joint candidate before the government announced its nominee. Former West Bengal Governor Gopalkrishna Gandhi, former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar and senior JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav are being considered for the choice of the joint Opposition candidate for the July 17 presidential election.



Home Minister Singh and I&B Minister Naidu are part of the three-member ministerial team constituted by BJP President Amit Shah to consult various political parties on the presidential election. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley is the third member of the team.



Naidu has already spoken with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss and N Rangaswamy of the All India Congress (NR) and sought their cooperation.




The southern neighbourhoods of Bengaluru are excited: they are finally connected by Namma Metro.

President Pranab Mukherjee will flag off a train to Yelachenahalli on Saturday, and mark the completion of Phase 1.



The entire Phase 1 will be open to public from 4 pm on Sunday, allowing seamless connectivity among four different corners of the city.



Now, a stroll through Lalbagh and Cubbon Park or a visit to the Banashankari temple need not be a weekend affair for people from other parts of the city as, for the first time, they can plan every minute of their trip. The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has finally tackled the 4-km underground section between National College and Sampige Road, its biggest bottleneck, which prevented the metro from connecting some of the oldest parts of Kempegowdas Bengaluru.



BMRCL Managing Director Pradeep Singh Kharola said the stretch, especially near KR Market and Chickpet stations, had become the biggest bottlenecks.



The geographic conditions were challenging. We encountered several problems, including the breakdown of the tunnel boring machine, which delayed the work. But our engineers worked day and night to reach this day, he said.



Traffic diversions on account of Presidents visit





The traffic police will impose the following restrictions in view of the movement of President Pranab Mukherjee and his convoy in the city on Saturday. Restrictions on vehicle parking on the following roads:



n Old Airport Road: Between Suranjandas Road and ASC centre

n Trinity Church Road: Between ASC Centre and Trinity Circle

n MG Road: Between Trinity Circle and Webbs Junction

n Dickenson Road: Between Webbs Junction and Manipal Centre

n Cubbon Road: Between Manipal Centre and CTO Circle

n Raj Bhavan Road, Ali Askar Road

n Infantry Road: Between Ali Askar Road and Traffic HQ Junction

n Queens Road: Between Traffic Headquarters Jn and CTO Circle

n Dr B R Ambedkar Road: Between Coffee Board Junction and KR Circle

n Devraj Urs Road: Between Basaveswara Circle and M S Building

n Vidhana Soudha East Gate

n Vehicular movement on Devraj Urs Road will be restricted between 4 pm and 8 pm.



Vehicle parking



M S Building parking lot, old KGID and High Court parking lots, inside Cubbon Park, between West side of Central Street and Anil Kumble Circle and to B R V Junction, Freedom Park parking lot, Palace Road parking lot between CID Junction and Maharani college U-turn junction, both sides of Kasturba Road, between Hudson Circle and Siddalingaiah Circle and west side of K B Road, between Siddalingaiah Circle and Museum.
A female anganwadi worker was arrested on Thursday for selling milk powder distributed under the Ksheera Bhagya scheme to a store at Chinchali village in Raibag taluk of Belagavi district. The shopkeeper also has been arrested.



Acting on a tip-off, a team of District Crime Branch (DCB) sleuths raided Tanveer Cold Drinks Centre at Chinchali and seized 136 half-kilogram packets of Nandini Whole Milk Powder by arresting the shopkeeper, Altaf Mehboob Dange. Dange told police that Meenakshi Laxmi Balappagol, an anganwadi worker, had been selling the milk powder to him. Police then arrested her, too.

A case has been registered at the Kudachi police station.


A professor of English at Gulbarga University, who was booked by police for misbehaving with a woman during the interview for PhD admission, was arrested on Friday.



Prof Ramesh Rathod was arrested by the Gulbarga University police. A local court has remanded him in judicial custody, Kalaburagi Deputy Superintendent of Police S S Hullur told DH.



Curiously, police also arrested the head of the English department, Prof V R Badiger, on the basis of a complaint filed by Rathod. Badiger was also remanded in judicial custody. Rathod had filed a police complaint against him, accusing him of hatching a conspiracy to malign him and sending old students to assault him. Hullur further said police had submitted a report on the matter to the Vice Chancellor, S R Niranjana.



Both Rathod and Badiger have been suspended by the university with immediate effect until the issue is resolved. A decision to this effect was taken at a syndicate meeting chaired by the vice chancellor on Friday, Registrar (Administration) Dayanand Agasar told this newspaper.


The city police have arrested two people during a raid on a building near Sapthagiri College, Chikkasandra, and seized ganja worth Rs 1.80 lakh from them.



The arrested Mohammad Mustafa Shan (19) and Sayas Al Ameen (24) hail from Kerala and are residing in Koramangala.



Police said the duo had obtained ganja from Kerala and were selling it to college students and professionals.



In another case, police on Thursday arrested a 45-year-old for selling ganja and seized the banned substance worth Rs 40,000 from him.



Acting on a tip-off, the police detained Chandrappa, a resident of Sarjapur, when he was trying to sell the banned substance near Sathvik Dry Fruit stall, Marappanapalya, in RMC Yard.



During interrogation, he told the police that he had procured ganja from two people in Anekal.
In an effort to popularise biking to destinations, the state Tourism department, in coordination with bikers associations, is organising a bike rally to Nandi Hills on Sunday.



Naveen Raj Singh, Secretary, Tourism Department, told DH that this was the first time the department was participating in a motorcycle day event. We are doing this to encourage people to use their motorcycles, he said.



The department is also planning to offer discounts to tourists who ride their bikes to various destinations instead of cars or other modes of transport. Talks are on to offer discounts to tourists who ride their bikes to the Jungle Lodges and Resorts properties and to homestays registered with the department, he added.



Another official of the department said that there are many places around Bengaluru which can be reached by bikes. Bikes can even be rented like cars. The advantage of bikes is that people go to unexplored places enroute in the guise of taking breaks. Even places which are not on the department map get promoted when they are frequented by bikers on their way to their final destinations.



When people take their car or go by bus or train, their destination is fixed. But when they go by bikes, they stop over at many places, experience more and have the urge to travel more. This is what the department is now trying to tap. We want to give people an excuse to travel and we have found that Bengalureans love their bikes more than their cars. So, we are promoting biking tourism now, the official explained.



Sunday Biking

World Motorcycle Day is held globally on June 21, but Bengaluru will observe it on June 18. Over 1,000 bikes from 35 registered bikers clubs from Bengaluru will participate in the rally to be organised by the Tourism department, Association of Biking Community (ABC), Ideas Design Executed (ADE) and 6KIOMS (6000 Miles to Isle of Man).



The theme of this years bike rally is #excuseToRide. The event is being held for the first time in the state. The rally will be flagged off at 5.30 am from Kanteerava Stadium and will terminate at Eco Tourism Resort at the foot of Nandi Hills. The participants have registered with the organisers before hand.




Officials from the urban development department and the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board have decided to continue the cleaning drive in Bellandur Lake.



Urban development department officials said a team of lawyers will review the stay order issued by the Karnataka High Court on Thursday. Meanwhile, the orders have been shared with the National Green Tribunal (NGT) for examination and further guidelines, by a team of legal experts.



Mahendra Jain, additional chief secretary, UDD, told DH, Cleaning the lake was on the agenda of the state government and it was recommended by the expert committee even before the NGT issued its orders. So, it will continue. Yes, the time given by the committee was more than what was scheduled by the NGT. However, the government has set a deadline and we will adhere to it. He added that after clearing weeds and checking inflow of untreated sewage, desilting will continue.



KSPCB chairman Lakshman said that apart from the expert committees recommendations, the Board is also following the Supreme Court orders directing all pollution control boards to ensure that water bodies are free from pollution. Besides, the Board follows rules issued by the Ministry of Environment and Forests through the Central Pollution Control Board.



We have been issuing closure orders to industries around Bellandur lake and its catchment areas under section 33 (A) of the Air and Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974. According to the Act, the Board is empowered to conduct inspection and close down polluting industries around all water bodies, Lakshman said.



Members of Whitefield Rising and residents around Bellandur lake opine that it is the moral responsibility and duty of the government to ensure that water bodies are not polluted.



Though delayed, the government was doing its duty and irrespective of the orders, it should rejuvenate Bellandur lake, said Lokesh, a resident near Bellandur lake.






Parents and parishioners at a local Catholic church and adjacent school are up in arms about regular weekly visits to the church by horse ranch owner Christian Clews, who faces federal charges of possessing and distributing child pornography.

According to a court document, Clews, owner and operator of Clews Horse Ranch, has been attending services at St. Therese of Carmel Catholic Church for about 25 years, a practice that has continued since he was charged in the child pornography case in December. Typically, said the order filed by Magistrate Judge Andrew Schopler, Clews attends services on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday mornings.

A hearing to discuss Clews church attendance was held in Schoplers courtroom on Monday, June 12.

Many members of both the church and Notre Dame Academy communities are concerned about Clews proximity to children on campus during his religious observances, Schopler wrote in an order issued after the hearing, in which the judge allowed Clews to continue his church visits for the time being, under a set of restrictions. Those restrictions dictate what time Clews must arrive at the church before services, and mandate that he must be accompanied by a church staff member at all times.

A hearing to further discuss Clews attendance at the church, and other potential changes to the conditions set by the court that allow him to remain out of custody while awaiting trial, is set for Thursday, June 22.

Court documents reveal that Clews presence at the church, which shares a parking lot with the school, has roiled the community at St. Therese and Notre Dame Academy.

According to Schoplers order, an attorney for the school testified June 12 there has been a significant drop-off in attendance at the school, which the attorney attributed to Clews presence.

A number of parents chose to keep their children home or drop them off at school much later, to avoid any possible overlap with Clews when he is worshiping. The attorney feared Clews continued attendance at religious services may drive attendance down in the coming school year and cause some families to remove their children from Notre Dame Academy, the judge wrote.

The judge wrote that Clews and the church staff have already agreed to a new security procedure, under which a church staff member meets Clews in the parking lot and escorts him to and from services.

A priest at the church testified that he felt this procedure was necessary mostly to protect Clews, who he said faced harassment, the judge wrote. The priest testified that he was willing to continue this practice, at whatever times the Court ordered, to assist Clews in attending services there.

Clews is under house arrest and must remain in his home or on the property of the horse ranch much of the time, although he is allowed off the property for certain specific reasons. The judge noted in his order that electronic monitoring and unannounced covert physical surveillance have shown that so far, when he has visited St. Therese, Clews has traveled directly from the parking lot to the church and chapel grounds, without straying into the school area.

Schopler gave both sides until Monday, June 19, to submit written arguments as to whether the court should consider prohibiting Clews from attending religious services near a school, and whether such a restriction would be consistent with Clews First Amendment right to free exercise of his religion.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Renee Green, who is prosecuting Clews, declined to say what position her office will take on whether Clews should be allowed to attend church services at St. Therese while awaiting trial, except to say, We are doing our best to make sure the community is safe while he is out on bond.

Clews defense attorney, Gina Tennen, did not respond immediately to a request for comment by a reporter. Nor did church and school officials.

At the hearing set for Thursday, June 22, the judge will consider both the church visits and a motion by Clews attorney, requesting that Clews be allowed to access the internet for business, medical and religious reasons. The motion also requests that Clews be allowed to travel to certain businesses, including Marys Tack & Feed on Via De La Valle, Home Depot on Westview Parkway in San Diego, Hawthorne Country Store in Escondido and California Bank and Trust on El Camino Real.

The motion also asks the court to allow Clews to stop seeing a therapist out of concern for self-incrimination.

Tennen said she contacted Green, the prosecutor, who opposed both discontinuing the mental health treatment and allowing Clews to have internet access.

A trial date has not been set. Clews faces one count each of possessing and distributing child pornography. The charges against Clews stem from a two-year investigation by the San Diego Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
Samsung is expected to announce Galaxy Note 8 around mid-August this year with dual rear camera setup and updated Qualcomm Snapdragon 836 chipset

Samsung Galaxy Note 8, the successor to ill-fated Galaxy Note 7 is expected to launch around mid-August this year. The smartphone is reportedly codenamed 'Samsung Gr3at' and its prototype has been spotted running Android 7.1.1 Nougat.

A Samsung smartphone with model number SM-N950F has appeared on HTML5Test database, reports Sammobile. The handset believed to be Galaxy Note 8 scored 488 points out of a total 555 on Samsung Internet 5.2 browser. The prototype spotted running HTML5Test reveals that the handset is running Android 7.1.1 Nougat and not Android O beta build.

Apparently the codename for the Galaxy Note8 is not "Great" but...wait for it..."Samsung Gr3at."  Evan Blass (@evleaks) June 15, 2017

Google announced public beta of Android O at I/O 2017 and it is expected to be finalised at some point in August. Google has already confirmed that its Pixel smartphones will be the first to get the latest version of Android. It now seems likely that Galaxy Note 8 will debut with Android 7.1.1 Nougat and not Android O.

The Galaxy Note 8 is rumoured to feature a 6.3-inch Infinity Edge display and might be powered by Qualcomm's updated Snapdragon 836 chipset. The handset is also expected to feature dual rear camera setup with support for 3x optical zoom. Samsung will also include new S Pen features to differentiate it stand from Galaxy S8 series.
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Memorial Saturday for architect David Spiker

Retired Seattle architect David Spiker died Wednesday at age 70 of complications from cancer, according to landscape architect Karen Kiest.

Spiker moved to Seattle in 1998, and was an associate with Sierra Architecture Co., on staff at Hewitt and an associate principal at CollinsWoerman.

Spiker

He joined the Seattle Design Commission in 2003, and was the chair from 2004-2007. While Spiker was on the commission, he worked with Seattle's planning director John Rahaim on the early stages of the Central Waterfront Plan, design of the Central Library and Central Link Light Rail.

In a 2006 story in the DJC about replacing the viaduct with a revamped waterfront, Spiker said: This thing has to go. Seattle is a world class city and needs a world class waterfront.

Spiker was a regular at Arcade NW events, and was on the editorial board and a guest editor of Arcade magazine. He also was on AIA Seattle's executive board and co-curated the New Edge|New Blood show in 2008.

Spiker was born and raised in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, and earned a bachelor of architecture degree in 1969 from Pratt Institute in New York. He taught architecture at Pennsylvania State University, and worked for architect David Franzen.

Spiker received a master's degree from Yale School of Architecture in 1978, and worked for architect Richard Meier, and was a principal of Goshow Architects.

Rico Quirindongo, a senior associate with DLR Group in Seattle, said he met Spiker more than a decade ago. He said they shared an interest in being part of conversations about civic change and large projects.

David was a talented designer and good guy, said Quirindongo. He said Spiker cared about design projects, though there were times where I think his impatience with the Seattle process was evident.

After he retired, Spiker made regular visits to his neighborhood haunts, including the Olympic Sculpture Park.

A remembrance for him will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday. People will meet at Romio's Pizza, 2801 Western Ave., and walk to the Elliott Bay shoreline.

Spiker is survived by his sister Barbara Pinho, niece Dawn Paruta, and aunt Joan Ragan.




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Union Pacific sought a permit in 2015 to add about four miles of track.



By PHUONG LE

Associated Press

SEATTLE  An Oregon county had substantial evidence when it denied Union Pacific Railroad's proposed track expansion along the Columbia River where an oil train derailed last year, a board ruled Tuesday.

The Columbia River Gorge Commission upheld the findings by Wasco County commissioners who cited concerns about the project's impacts on the treaty rights of Native American tribes in rejecting the railroad's application last November.





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COEUR D'ALENE, Idaho (AP)  Officials in Coeur d'Alene say this will be the last year the city hosts a full Ironman race.

The northern Idaho tourism destination has hosted full Ironman competitions for 14 years. But last week, officials with the Coeur d'Alene Chamber of Commerce told City Council members that the chamber didn't want to renew its $50,000 annual financial commitment to the 140.6-mile triathlon.





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Image by LMN Architects [enlarge] All 365,000 square feet of office space has been leased to Amazon.

The recently completed Midtown21 tower at 1007 Stewart St. has sold for $330 million, according to King County records.





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Over a third of heater-cooler devices used in open heart surgery might be contaminated with deadly bacteria, according to a recent study. Thirty-three of 89 (37 per cent) heater-cooler units (HCUs) that were assessed between July 2015 and December 2016 tested positive for Mycobacterium chimaera (M chimaera), a bacterium associated with fatal infections in open-heart surgery patients, as per research presented at the 44th Annual Conference of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC). HCUs controlled the temperature of a patient's blood and organs during heart bypass surgery. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as also the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) had earlier issued safety warnings that a widely used brand of HCUs might be contaminated during manufacturing, putting patients at risk for life-threatening infections. Around 60 per cent of heart bypass procedures performed in the US used the brand of device associated with these infections. The research, presented by John Rihs, added to the knowledge about the extent of colonisation of M chimaera that might be present in these units. Rihs and colleagues assessed devices already in use for the presence of non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) colonisation (primarily M chimaera) in HCUs before and after decontamination. Around 60 per cent of surgery performed in the US used the brand of device associated with these infections. A total of 653 water samples from 89 units were tested and samples were received from 23 hospitals in 14 states, the District of Columbia, and Canada. Researchers were surprised at the degree of contamination of the units were, with 97 cultures deemed uninterpretable due to high levels of bacterial and fungal contamination. Mycobacteria of many other strains were also detected in many of the units.








A Donegal man who was part of a gang that carried out an attempted petrol bomb attack on a house and attacked a bus carrying a stag party has escaped a prison sentence.

Paul Sweeney (27) of Rooskey, Manorcunningham, admitted the offences which were carried out in September 2009 when he was 19-years-old.

Four co-accused were previously before the court and Sweeney had not appeared at a previous hearing as he was in Australia at the time.

Letterkenny Circuit Court heard that on the night of September 6th, 2009, three young men were seen running away from a house at Croagh Patrick in Letterkenny after the owner was woken by breaking glass .

Garda Derek Connaughton said the occupant of the house saw the three men running from an alley beside the house and phoned gardai. One of the men was carrying a hammer.

When he went downstairs he saw broken glass and what he thought were two petrol bombs that had not ignited.

The items were sent for analysis and it was determined that they were the components of an improvised incendiary device.

On the same night two men from Co. Fermanagh who were on a bus as part of a stag party were attacked.

Five men arrived in a car and attacked the bus on the towns Port Road breaking windows using a crossbar and a wheel brace. Fingerprints belonging to a co-accused, Alan Parke, were found on the bus.

Counsel for the State Patricia McLaughlin (BL) said the five men tried to get on the bus. Sweeney swung a wheel brace and hit one man, injuring him on the leg.

One of the men on his bus suffered injuries to his hand as he tried to prevent the accused getting onto the bus.

Sweeney was arrested and interviewed on five occasions. He initially denied any involvement but eventually admitted his role.

The court heard Sweeney had previous convictions for minor public order matters.

Defence counsel, Fiona Crawford (BL) said Sweeney has been working in Australia and London since 2012. She said he came back voluntarily last year. On the night Sweeney was a member of a group of young fellas running around Letterkenny causing havoc.

She said he has mellowed in the eights years since the incidents and is now a mature 27-year-old.

Judge OHagan said he was quite taken aback when he heard the original evidence at a previous sitting. They literally ran riot on the night and carried out a series of senseless crimes terrifying all before them, he said.

He said he would impose the same sentence that had been imposed on the co-defendants.

The judge sentenced Sweeney to two years in prison for assault causing harm but substituted it with 240 hours community service. He imposed the same sentence for criminal damage to the bus and attempted arson. All three sentences are to run concurrently.
The inquests into the deaths of the five members of the one family who died after the car they were in slid into the water off a Donegal pier will take place in November.

Sean McGrotty (49), his sons Evan (8) and Mark (12); the boy's grandmother Ruth Daniels (57) and her daughter Jodie Lee Tracey (14), all died when the Audi Q7 car they were in slid off a slipway into Lough Swilly at Buncrana on March 20th last year.

Mr McGrottys baby daughter, Rioghnanch, survived after Donegal man Davitt Walsh entered the water and took her from her father before the car sank.

A preliminary hearing into the deaths in Buncrana this afternoon heard that the inquest will take two days and will involve more than 12 witnesses.

Relatives of Mr McGrotty attended the brief hearing which was also attended by legal representatives for Donegal County Council and the insurer of the vehicle as well as gardai.

Donegal coroner Denis McCauley told the hearing that 69 depositions have been given but only 12 of those witnesses will be required to give evidence at the inquest.

The coroner said the deaths were a terrible tragedy and he intended that the inquest would look primarily at the events of the night.

He said he the inquest would also look at piers and slipways in Donegal in general and he would also seek guidelines on what to do if a car enters the water.

Dr McCauley said a jury will be required for the inquest.

Donegal County Council will be asked to give evidence on the different piers and slipways in the county and also their own risk assessments of the pier prior to the tragedy and whether there has been any change in the risk assessment since.

The coroner said any reports on the tragedy will also be included. Solicitor for Donegal County Council, Michael Staines, said the council will fully cooperate completely and thoroughly with the inquest. He said a council report that is being carried out will be ready for the inquest.

Witnesses from the Irish Water Safety Authority and the Road Safety Authority will also give evidence. The coroner said he has also asked Audi as the manufacturer of the car to send a representative, but he has not heard back from the company.

Photographs from Garda scenes of crime officers will form part of the evidence, as will Garda forensic evidence and a Garda report on the vehicle.

The inquest will be mentioned at a hearing on September 27th and will then commence on November 22nd.
The Enterprise City Council on Wednesday discussed putting two new murals in the downtown area.

During a work session at City Hall, the Council were given options from the artist, Wes Hardin, on what walls downtown on which to paint the murals. In an interview with the Ledger after Wednesdays meeting, city Communications Director Jason Wright did not reveal which walls were suggested because the projects have not been discussed yet with those buildings owners.

Hardins plans for the murals are for depictions of the history of Fort Rucker for one wall and scenes from Enterprise in the 1950s and 1960s for the other wall. The murals will be paid for with a $49,000 Alabama Power Foundation grant that closes out in December, Wright said.

Hardin painted the mural on the side of the H&R Block building at the corner of College and Main streets. He worked on the mural in the summer and early fall of 2015, with the murals ribbon cutting held in October of that year.

Also Wednesday, the Council talked about the College Street elementary school building possibly being turned into a museum and cultural-arts center. Wright said a study is being done by KPS Group in Birmingham to put together a proposal on the project. The next step, Wright said, is to have a public meeting on the project at 6 p.m. July 13 at the Civic Center.

In other discussion Wednesday:

* Engineering Director Michael Walters will be appointed by Mayor Bill Cooper to fill the public-works director position that has been open. Jared Alexander, currently the assistant engineering director, would be named the interim engineering director.

* Walters made a proposal to the Council to upgrade the Civic Center lighting to LED lighting. The change to LED lighting stands to reduce the electrical load by 75 percent and will allow the city to get its return on initial investment in about 1  years without jeopardizing security, Wright said.

* The Council is in the process of narrowing the list of candidates for the open city clerk position to three or four names for interviews. The position has been open since October when former city clerk Steve Hicks resigned to take a job in Georgia.

* The Council saw a presentation showing the proposed design of the citys portion of the project to make a turn lane on Shellfield Road near Shell Army Heliport. The city will pay up to $52,000 for its portion of the project, but Wright said the final cost likely would be less than that.

* Walters talked about the citys annual bids and changes in infrastructure that will require rewriting of bid specifications.

The City Council will have its next meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday in City Hall, with its next work session taking place at 5 p.m.
Home Four wheelers Printed Sensors Can Tell You When To Change Tyres oi-Sukesh

Scientists have developed an affordable technology to monitor car tyres. The printed sensor on tyres can warn the driver about the condition of the tyre and prompts to change the tyre.

Scientists at Duke University in the US have built the sensors using metallic carbon nanotubes. The sensors work on how electric field interact with metallic conductors. This new tech could tell the driver when to change the tyres.

Associate Professor at Duke, Aaron Franklin said, "With all of the technology and sensors that are in today's cars, it's kind of crazy to think that there's almost no data being gathered from the only part of the vehicle that is actually touching the road."

The sensor can be made of a variety of materials and methods. But printing electrodes made of metallic carbon nanotubes on a flexible polyimide film provided best results. The sensors can be printed on any material using an aerosol jet printer.

Franklin stated that the sensors should cost very less once the mass production begins. But it is not yet clear whether the direct printing will be the best manufacturing approach.

DriveSpark Thinks!

Automotive technology is reaching a whole new level. Sensors on tyres would be life-saving tech as it will monitor the condition of the tyre. It not only tells the driver when to change tyres but also warns in case of low air pressure and avoids a potential risk.
Dundalk people know only too well of the towns pull when it comes to attracting musical talent. It seems like UK newspaper The Guardian is catching onto this too, according to an article it has published today.

The paper interviewed Eamonn Quinn, the Dundalk man behind Louth Contemporary Music Society (LCMS), who for the past 11 years has, according to the Guardian turned his town into a world-class centre for new music.

As has been covered by the Dundalk Democrat, LCMS are organising Silenzio which runs 23-24 June 2017 and focuses on the work of one of the great composers of our time, Salvatore Sciarrino, who is making his first visit to Ireland.

This is an article that is well worth reading and paints a positive picture of culture in Dundalk, as well as illustrating the Trojan work and dedication of Eamon Quinn and LCMS.

To read it go here
There is an interesting article in the current edition (May/June) of History Ireland about I.R.A. executions of alleged civilian spies during the War of Independence (1919/1921).

It states that there were a total of 184 such killings in the period, mostly in Cork, but only one in County Louth. This lone killing happened on the evening of Friday, February 25, 1921 in Chapel Street.

An account in Stephen O'Donnell's book 'The R.I.C. and Black and Tans in County Louth 1919/1922', relates how a young man named Henry Murray, aged about 35, from the Carrickmacross area, was shot dead in front of Brunswick Row, Chapel Street around 8 pm.

He had enlisted in the British Army at the commencement of the Great War in 1914 and had served at the Front for most of the War but was invalided home before the end. He became associated with the 'Comrades of the War' movement and was President of that body for a period. 'About three months before his death' it is stated in the book 'he obtained work as a photographer in Dundalk. He stayed in a number of lodgings in Dundalk and it was believed that he was in Chapel Street on the evening of his death to view a house in which he possibly intended to reside.'

'According to a witness, the shots were fired from the shrubbery behind the railings of the Christian Brothers' School. Two of the shots struck him, one in the neck and one in the face. He died within minutes'.

The account goes on to say --- 'On the Sunday after the killing, people going to Mass saw notices affixed to the doors of Dundalk's churches. Henry Murray had been tried as a spy, found guilty and convicted. The notices were signed I.R.A. and ended other spies beware.

O'Donnell goes on to recount that 'Dundalk based Black and Tans' posted counter notices, printed in red ink, warning of possible effects resulting from the killing of Henry Murray but stating 'This is not a threat. It is circulated with the object of preventing the sacrifice of human life.'
With the abolishment of 457 visas, a much-talked-about concern amongst start-ups has been that it will be harder to secure skilled labour, especially as large, international competitors continue to lure local talent with competitive salary packages. What has received less attention is the fact that the reforms will make it difficult for some entrepreneurs, such as Greg Villain, to continue growing their early-stage start-ups from Australia. In fact, the French expat has been left with little choice but to take his business elsewhere.

Operating out of Sydneys Fishburners, a co-working space for tech ventures, Villain is the founder of Boutiq, a food and travel start-up. It has developed a mobile app that serves both as a memory bank of its users favourite places as well as a listing of destinations personally recommended to them by their trusted inner circle.

The app had its soft launch at the end of March and Villain and his team of four (two employees, two freelancers) began promoting it in May. While its still early days, Villain said the start-ups is seeing 400% user growth week-on-week with almost $0 spent on media due to word-of-mouth amongst foodies and travellers.

A letter to the PM

Villain had the idea for Boutiq while studying product management in San Francisco in 2015, prior to which hed lived in Sydney for two years, citing its amazing lifestyle. Once the prototype had been developed, Villain decided to pursue the start-up full-time back in Sydney.

Australias tech ecosystem was  at that time  on the rise and consolidating, with more investment by VCs from the US and Asia, he said. Being an Anglo-Saxon country situated in the Asian market with a reasonable time difference with California (technically 18 hours, but in effect six hours), Australia is in a great position to build ties with different markets.

Villain recently penned an open letter to Malcolm Turnbull, to whom he revealed: It was attending your speech at Fishburners in 2014 that truly inspired me to make Australia the home of Boutiq. Against this background, he expressed disappointment in the governments decision to abolish and replace the 457 visa as well as the unrealistic conditions of the 188 Entrepreneur visa.

Foreign-founded companies need a chance to start out, and start-ups need to be able to sponsor foreign employees, he wrote, noting that neither the 188 nor the new Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) visa offer adequate assistance in this regard.

A Catch-22 of sorts

In conversation with Dynamic Business, Villain explained that for Boutiq and other early stage companies not yet generating at least $1 million in revenue, sponsorship of skilled migrants is now unattainable. Critically, he said that not only has he been left unable to sponsor himself through Boutiq on a TSS visa, he is not in a position to secure a 188 Entrepreneur visa.

At first glance, the 188 Entrepreneur visa seemed like the perfect opportunity for a foreign entrepreneur, such as myself, to start and grow a business in Australia, instead of having to go through a 457 visa, Villain said. However, by restricting this visa only to foreign founders with investment from Australian registered Venture Capital funds  and then making them wait at least 14 months for the visa to be granted  it contradicts its intended purpose its well known that Venture Capital investors do not back ideas, they invest in operating start-ups with traction who need to execute fast!

The reality is that for a start-up with potential global reach, like Boutiq, raising money is crucial to gaining traction and going viral. We had plans to raise AU$1.5 million to hire 10 full-time employees, mainly in Australia. My intention has always been to hire locally, but for some jobs, we may have needed to hire foreigners if we did not find suitable candidates in Australia; however, investors weve been talking to want me to have my own visa, which is fair enough as they need to de-risk their investment as much as they can.

Its a Catch-22 of sorts  Australian registered VC funds are reluctant to invest in Boutiq because Villain doesnt have a visa, but he is unable to obtain a visa without investment from an Australian registered VC fund. Given this dilemma, Villain said he is unable to stay in  or operate Boutiq from  Australia.

He has, however, made plans to move forward with the start-up. He is relocating to Singapore on a Singapore Entrepreneur Pass in mid-October, while his Australian co-founder Nick Watt is moving to Berlin: The move wont be without its challenges but Im of the view that challenges will make us even stronger.

Nomadic start-ups can adapt but

Ultimately, Villain told the PM in his open letter, nomadic start-ups like Boutiq can adapt and operate from other locations, the real impact is on Australias potential for innovation.

The entrepreneur has proposed the 188 Entrepreneur Visa be amended to enable foreign entrepreneurs to quickly access a provisional two-year visa to help them establish their business, before graduating to the full visa once they have secured investment.

Asked whether the 188 visa should also be relaxed so that entrepreneurs dont have to secure funding from a registered Australian VC fund, Villain replied: As in Singapore, foreign entrepreneurs should show they have a source of income or savings to support expenses in the first 1 or 2 years. I think its fine to keep it to Australian VCs and expand it to Australian private investors, but NOT before securing the visa. The crucial point here is that entrepreneurs need to be able to establish themselves, start the business, with a fast visa process, to then be able to secure investment.
The Perry County Council of the Arts will dedicate its historical mural for veterans on July 8 as part of Newports Community Day.

The Newport Veterans Mural was created through the councils arts-in-residency program and is a co-creation of a Newport High School art class and visiting artist-in-residence Jon Laidacker of Philadelphia. Nearly 100 community members of all ages also helped paint the mural during Youth Art Day this year.

The mural dedication event will take place at 1 p.m. Saturday, July 8, at 105 Market St., Newport. The ceremony will include a citation presented by state Rep. Mark Keller, R-Perry County, and a presentation on Newports most recently completed historical markers.

This is on the same day as Newports Community Day, which includes a community yard sale at residences and businesses from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., and a Food Truck Festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with vendors Deimlers Butcher Shop, Bootlet Creamery, Hunters Valley Winery, Williams French Fries, Ickesburg Lions Club, Artisan Pizza and Popsicle Pete.

The community day is hosted by the Newport Borough Planning Commission. For more information, visit its Facebook page at Discover Newport, Pa.
Life for most of us is a series of transitions. Employment opportunities, family commitments and lifestyle choices might explain why we live in this region instead of in another state or different climate.

When commitments related to employment, raising children or taking care of parents have ended, more flexible day-to-day schedules allow us to consider various options of where we want to live during the next stage of our lives.

Retirement for most people begins sometime during their 60s. Travelling or acquiring a second home in a different climate are attractive options for many who can afford such a lifestyle. Other homeowners have a variety of motivations for wanting to have less responsibility for exterior household maintenance.

The literature that promotes housing options for aging Americans promotes positive images to catch the attention of those who have time and resources to explore their choices. Relocating from a home large enough to comfortably raise several children to a smaller, single-story home with lower taxes and utility expenses is down-sizing. Getting a first floor master bedroom and bath, while eliminating exterior chores, is right-sizing.

Making such a move can be as simple as choosing a different style of house in the same neighborhood. For others who want to become part of a community that promises excitement and activities with similarly aged neighbors, a 55-plus community can be attractive. Those who plan ahead and anticipate a need for care, and who do not want to depend on their children to provide it, might consider a continuing care retirement community (CCRC).

The differences between a 55-plus housing development and a CCRC are often not fully considered. A resident of a 55-plus neighborhood makes an investment in home equity and assumes responsibility for property taxes, utilities and fees to maintain the exterior. Although some CCRCs offer monthly fees or future rebates as options, most who enter a CCRC pay a flat entrance fee, retain no equity position and agree to pay a monthly fee toward the operation of the community.

Because CCRCs promise those who buy-in that they will not be required to leave after their personal funds are exhausted no matter what level of care they need in the future, a CCRC provides a measure of insurance against a residents future need for long-term care.

For those who could not obtain long-term care insurance because of healthrelated issues, entering a CCRC can be a good long-term care plan that does not require assistance from family members. The Pennsylvania Insurance Department has oversight responsibility with respect to promises made to new residents in an entry agreement, and the CCRCs capacity to meet them.

Unlike a CCRC, there is no government oversight of the fiscal stability of a 55-plus community. While it is being actively marketed, the developer has a strong incentive to make sure that shared recreational services are well maintained.

But when the management of the pool and community center are turned over to the aging residents, a residents right to expect the same high standards of maintenance may become an economic issue that is resolved through the political process of the neighborhood association.

People who seek a lifestyle change while in their late 50s or 60s are understandably attracted to a 55-plus communitys promotion of an active lifestyle among a younger peer group of neighbors that live in a CCRC, where the average entry age is 80. If 55-plus residents have a need or desire to host their grandchildren for an extended visit, or an adult child in transition has an economic need to move home for an indefinite period, it is likely that some neighbors will express displeasure. Such accommodations usually are expressly prohibited by a CCRC.

Some 55-plus residents buy their home with a reverse mortgage that allows them to own the home for 60 to 70 percent of the market value without an obligation to make mortgage payments. This strategy frees equity and disposable income for travel and recreational activities during the early stage of retirement.

But, the initial investment in a 55-plus property will be lost to foreclosure if the resident is not able in the future to afford escalating property taxes, utilities and management fees.

When a 55-plus resident loses interest in socializing by the community pool, or notices unsafe behavior of physically active neighbors who show signs of cognitive decline, it might be time to consider relocating from the 55-plus community, perhaps to a CCRC. It could be easier to sell a home in a 55-plus community while it is still being marketed and subsidized by the developer, even though the existing home will need to compete with the developers new, custom-built options.

Moving into a CCRC while one is still healthy enough to enjoy its many activities with a new community of friends can be wise for some people. Procrastination, sometimes because the process of the move can seem to be an inconvenient chore, can make it harder eventually to assimilate into the community. Although a CCRC guarantees its residents to provide the necessary care when needed, no CCRC can guarantee to a prospective applicant on a waiting list that a suitable vacancy will exist later when one spouse suddenly needs long-term care.

Not all CCRC agreements are the same, but most are necessarily somewhat inflexible, more like a mortgage or car loan than a purchase and sale agreement for a home. A wise CCRC applicant should meet with an attorney before signing the entry agreement to understand both it and the CCRCs required financial disclosure statement. If written provisions or restrictions seem different than what the marketing staff represents to be current policy, it is important to recognize that.

Since a CCRC promises not to evict residents if their assets have become exhausted, the CCRC has an understandable need to ask an applicant how much money exists at the time of entry. While an applicants age and other circumstances are factored in, it is generally true that a couple with less than $200,000 will likely be rejected; and a couple with more than $1 million will likely be admitted.

A CCRC has a legitimate concern that assets that are disclosed and relied upon to induce admission are not subsequently exhausted in gifts to children. However, if prior to the signing of an entry agreement, an applicant would engage in estate planning to shelter assets in excess of the assets disclosed to the CCRC in an admission application, there should be no detriment to the CCRC, since it would be getting what it bargained for.

Making a decision to relocate to a 55-plus neighborhood or a CCRC is a significant choice. We are offering a free seminar at 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 20 to discuss the issues raised in this article and others. Please call 717-697-3223 to reserve a seat and for location information.

Learn more about the articles author, and other community education opportunities, at www.keystoneelderlaw.com. Check out the book, Long Term Care Guide: Essential Tools for Solving the Elder Care Puzzle, at the Whistlestop Bookshop or Amazon, and see Keystones free directory of services for older adults at www.mypeaceguide.com. Keystone Elder Law has offices in Mechanicsburg and Carlisle. Call 717-697-3223 for a free telephone consultation.
In the June 10 edition of the Wall Street Journal, an opinion piece entitled Fiestas and Apple Orchards: Small-Town Life Before Trump offers a romanticized view of illegal immigration in Pennsylvania.

The author, Dickinson College professor Crispin Sartwell, paints an idyllic image of the vibrant, intersectional culture of York Springs, Pa., where the streets are purportedly lined with Mexican food trucks and children playing futbol and a bona-fide real estate revival is well underway thanks to townspeople [fixing] up old houses.

That is, until Donald Trump was elected president.

According to the author, stringent enforcement of immigration law by the Trump administration has precipitated the destruction of a rich, new rural culture and has sent York Springs spiral[ing] into a local depression that is personal, cultural and economic. He cites only 15 documented cases of immigration enforcement in the area but assures readers there have been many more.

Central to his narrative is the fact that Adams County is a national leader in apple production, and that York Springs 70-percent Hispanic population plays an essential role in the growth and harvest of Galas and Granny Smiths.

The thesis of Mr. Sartwells narrative, of course, is that the lawful detainment of unlawful migrant workers will devastate the local economy, to the detriment of all residents, legal and illegal. Sartwell goes on to explain how the devastation transcends economics:

This is separating families, and people are living in fear, he writes. Children arent playing out in the yard any longer. Parents are afraid to leave their homes ... the food truck is gone, and its been a while since I heard Mexican pop music.

Unsurprisingly, the narrative propagated by Mr. Sartwell aligns closely with the left-wing orthodoxy on this topic. It is rooted in the common misconception that American agriculture cannot function without illegal immigrant labor and that the concerted enforcement of federal immigration law will result in the collapse of the farming industry altogether.

According to the Pew Research Center, the U.S. civilian workforce includes 8 million unauthorized immigrants, but only 4 percent of that population is employed in agricultural jobs like farming, fishing, and forestry.

While illegal immigrants do comprise a larger share of the agricultural labor force compared to other industries, the vast majority of the American farming workforce is comprised of legal workers, foreign and native-born.

This fact alone calls into question Mr. Sartwells assertion that the removal of unauthorized immigrant labor (not to be confused with legal immigrant labor) will have an adverse impact on the domestic farming economy.

It also goes far in discrediting the leftist cliche that illegal immigrants are needed to perform the dirty, blue collar jobs American citizens are allegedly unwilling to do.

Sure, labor-intensive fruit-and-vegetable farming does attract illegal immigrant workers, but those commodities constitute a relatively small part of the overall U.S. farm economy. Bigger crops  wheat, cotton, and corn, for example  account for a far greater share of total agricultural output. The production of these major crops is largely automated and can be performed with minimal human inputs.

Bottom line: the modern agriculture economy is diverse and dynamic. Most farmhands are working legally and agribusiness in general is becoming less reliant on manual labor. The enforcement of federal immigration law will never stop Americans from engaging in one of the oldest forms of organized economic activity known to the human race.

Mr. Sartwell, and others who share his worldview, use scary rhetoric about vanishing children and food trucks to obfuscate economic reality and perpetuate the wink-and-nod immigration policies of the Barack Obama administration. In doing so, they defend a broken system which has bankrupted taxpayers and endangered American communities.

Laissez-faire immigration enforcement has resulted in dramatic population growth, not only in our cities but in rural pockets of America like York Springs. Costs in public education, healthcare, social welfare programs, and the criminal justice system  all borne by American taxpayers  have increased correspondingly.

The American opioid epidemic, which claims the lives of 10 Pennsylvanians each day, has been fueled in part by the unmitigated trafficking of heroin across the porous southern border.

Sartwell observes in his column that the migrant labor community of York Springs has been quick to adopt rural American values ... which are instinctively traditional and oriented toward family and hard work.

Before authoring opinion pieces which decry the enforcement of federal immigration law, he should be reminded that an abiding respect for the rule of law is another value rural Americans hold dear.

Illegal immigration is not a victimless crime.

Sen. Mike Regan is a member of the PA Senate Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee and previously served as U.S. Marshal in the Middle District of Pennsylvania.
In the midst of the bombardment of news about the U.S. Senates secret health care bill, the Michigan Legislature whacking teachers (again) and President Trump lashing out about the FBIs Russia investigation, its easy to overlook some revelations about Russias attempt to hack our electoral systems last year.

First, there was the Intercepts blockbuster story about a top-secret NSA report detailing Russian hacking efforts. Bloomberg News followed up with a report that the hacking attempts were more widespread than previously thought, with 39 states targeted.

Long before these reports, Michigan was a focus of electoral integrity concerns, as our presidential contest was only decided by roughly 10,000 votes. The short-lived presidential recount shed light on problems with the process, especially in Detroit, home to more than 80 broken voting machines. After vote totals in a majority of precincts couldnt be balanced, the state Bureau of Elections also conducted an audit. Despite stubborn conspiracy theories on the right about rampant voter fraud  which is rather curious, since Trump won the state  the audit found that an abundance of human errors by precinct workers was primarily to blame.

This month, the Washington Post had two experts run the numbers and assured us that the vote counts in Michigan and Wisconsin (another key state Trump won) werent hacked.

But there are still myriad concerns about possible breaches to voting systems going forward. Is Michigan prepared? I talked to someone with plenty of experience running elections here, two-term Ingham County Clerk Barb Byrum, who was also a former state representative from 2007 to 2012 and the ranking Democrat on the House Redistricting and Elections Committee. She has been awarded the national title of Certified Elections/Registration Administrator (CERA) serves on the Security Task Force with other national members for Election Center.

Byrum says she believes Michigan elections are safe and secure as a result of the many safeguards that municipal and county clerks utilize, including the isolation of election networks, the paper ballot trail, and the ability to conduct post-election audits and recounts. She stressed that the audits are vital.

The clerk also shared her experience in the 2016 general election. She said the Michigan Secretary of States Office prompted radio-to-radio communication, implemented through the Michigan State Police, the week before the election.

I worked closely with the Bureau of Elections and Ingham Countys emergency manager to take all necessary precautions to be able to communicate in case there was any interruption in communication, Byrum said. Thankfully, internet and phone services remained intact during the process of the election.

Byrum noted one change going forward. She said the Secretary of States office plans to facilitate the forwarding of emails from voters based outside of the United States to county and municipal clerks through a free email service. She said she has concerns and is raising them with the Bureau of Elections.

Given the nature of recent hacking attempts, both successful and not, I am alarmed by the recent announcement from the Bureau of Elections.  I worry that encryption will not be sufficient, Byrum said.
The U.S. Supreme Court once again has changed the landscape for software infringement litigation. In a decision released last week, the court severely undercut the ability of plaintiffs to seek out courts that have a track record of being friendly to the plaintiffs position  a practice called forum shopping.

The Supreme Courts unanimous ruling in TC Heartland v. Kraft Food Brands compels plaintiffs seeking software infringement remedies to submit their cases only in district courts located where the defendant in the case either resides, or conducts a significant amount of business. The decision overturned previous rulings that allowed the filing of such patent cases just about anywhere the defendant did any kind of business or had any connection, however tenuous.

That leeway had led to a high concentration of patent proceedings landing in just a few courts, with the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas the clear leader, by volume. Many information technology providers, as well as congressional lawmakers, have expressed dismay at the behavior of the EDTX in cases pursued by patent assertion entities, or PAEs, often disparagingly called patent trolls.

Legal analysts disagree on the impact of the Supreme Court decision, however. If their differing opinions actually play out in the legal system, the Courts ruling may not be as definitive in practice as it is in theory.

In general, PAEs, also known as non-practicing entities, or NPEs, acquire patents from parties that hold licensing rights but never intend to produce a product or provide a service covered by those patents.

The acquiring PAEs also have no intention of marketing the patented product or service. A high number of such patents involve software licenses. PAEs then search for organizations that allegedly have infringed the acquired software patents and seek to recover licensing fees  or hefty financial settlements resulting from aggressively pursued lawsuits.

A Stunning Development

The decision could reduce significantly the role of the Texas venue, and also curb software patent trolling.

The ruling stunned the nations IP community by declaring that a nationwide venue for patent cases is now dead, wrote Thomas Duston, a partner at Marshall, Gerstein and Borun. The consequences of the Supreme Courts action cannot be overstated. Venues favored by patentees  in particular, the EDTX  are destined to see a dramatic decline in patent litigation.

The courts decision can help curb decades of misuse, said Ed Black, president of the Computer & Communications Industry Association.

Patent plaintiffs flock to magnet jurisdictions because they anticipate gaining an advantage, notes an amicus brief filed by BSA/The Software Alliance. Limiting undue forum shopping is necessary to eliminate the perception that patent litigants can alter the result of litigation through choice of venue.

The high court ruling is an important step in restoring balance in litigation and confidence in the patent system, said Aaron Cooper, a vice president at BSA.

Patent holders win 72 percent of jury trials in the EDTX, according to another brief filed by a group of Internet companies and other businesses.

The Supreme Court has issued a significant ruling in the longstanding battle against those who would abuse our patent system, noted Linda Moore, president of TechNet. By ensuring that lawsuits must be filed in the states where defendants are incorporated, this ruling will help limit the practice of forum shopping and curb frivolous lawsuits.

Court Sought to Attract Patent Cases

The EDTX got into the business of patent law because several judges consciously decided to cultivate that specialty. The reasons were varied, but one draw was that such cases were intellectually stimulating. Another likely factor was a philosophical bent to prefer the jury trial, versus the summary judgment, as the ideal decision vehicle.

We have evidence that Judges Ward and Davis consciously sought to increase the number of patent cases in the Eastern District of Texas, said Greg Reilly, a professor at the Chicago-Kent College of Law and coauthor of a study of EDTX practices.

At a symposium at SMU, both acknowledged as much and identified a desire for interesting cases as their reason, he told the E-Commerce Times.

The result was that the court engaged in forum selling, according to the study.

Forum shopping is the action of the plaintiff seeking the most favorable venue. Forum selling is the actions judges take to try to attract plaintiffs, said Daniel Klerman, a professor at the USC Gould School of Law and coauthor of the study.

Forum shopping is a relatively accepted part of litigation. Forum selling is usually considered bad and is a phenomenon that has only recently been identified, he told the E-Commerce Times.

The patent activity at EDTX took off. In 2012, 23 percent of all U.S. patent cases were filed in the Eastern District of Texas, increasing to 28 percent in 2015 and 44 percent during the first half of 2015, according to Klerman and Reilly.

In 2015 alone, Judge Rodney Gilstrap was assigned 1,686 of the EDTX patent cases, according to Jonas Anderson, a professor in the Washington College of Law at American University.

To efficiently process cases, local rules were adopted to keep tight schedules and minimize summary judgment motions, other filings and discovery. The EDTX rocket docket protocols favored plaintiffs by limiting defendants opportunities to rebut, while keeping the threat of lengthy and expensive trials looming  a situation that often forces settlements.

Talk of the Extinction of Trolls is Premature

The Supreme Court decision may curb PAE activities, but by no means is it a death knell for patent trolls. Many cases will be filed in Delaware instead, as a large number of companies are incorporated there, according to David Elkins, a partner at Squire Patton Boggs.

PAE activity may slow down in general, as a result of other legal factors that limit the basis for filing suits, but a significant amount of PAE activity will remain, he told the E-Commerce Times.

Two other federal districts  Delaware, and Central California  also are good venues for PAEs, Elkins noted.

If a case that would have been filed in the Eastern District of Texas before TC Heartland is filed in one of these other districts, then the two sides motivation to settle will not be too different, he said.

Its much too soon to count out the EDTX.

NPEs may expand the range of targeted defendants from a single alleged original violator to any subsequent user to which the original violator may have passed along or marketed the software, both Reilly and Klerman suggested.

NPEs may also sue retailers rather than manufacturers  that is, original violators  in the Eastern district. That might enable them to sue even more often in that court. If a retailer such as Walmart or Target has deep pockets, the NPE might be just as happy suing the retailer as suing the original violator, Klerman said.

The decision may encourage these plaintiffs to extend their actions, Michael Smith, a partner at Siebman, Burg, Phillips and Smith, told the E-Commerce Times.

I hesitate to declare the EDTX dead. It has always managed to survive thus far, said American Universitys Anderson.

I think that there will be some dropoff in cases in east Texas, but the judges and the community are so invested on keeping the patent litigation train running, I dont think this signals the end of the district as a major player in patent litigation, he told the E-Commerce Times.

One impact of the decision is that alternative courts will not be as friendly to PAEs, and plaintiffs will have more leverage to settle for lesser amounts, said Anderson. Basically, the price of paying off trolls just went down.
While vouchers appear to be enjoying a higher profile with Betsy DeVos as the U.S. secretary of education, the research on outcomes from these programs has taken a dramatic turn, one at odds with the direction DeVos and other policymakers are pursuing.

For years, voucher advocates have pointed to a series of more than a dozen reportsusually funded or conducted by voucher proponentsthat used randomized approaches, similar to those used in medical research, to isolate the effects of vouchers on treatment groups in citywide programs . While other researchers have questioned those reports over the last decade and a half, voucher advocates have claimed that these gold standard studies showed vouchers boosting achievement significantly for some students . Furthermore, they liked to point out, no students were harmed by school voucher programs.

But that has all changed. In April, the Institute of Education Sciences released a rigorous study showing that the congressionally mandated Opportunity Scholarship Program in the nations capital caused significant negative effects on student learning. Students who used vouchers through the program to attend private schools in Washington experienced a 7-percentile-point decline in mathematics and an almost 5-percentile-point decline in reading compared with students who applied to, but were randomly rejected from, the program.

This report follows recent research on voucher programs in Louisiana, Ohio, and Indiana, all producing large, negative effects on learning for voucher students. In Louisiana, an average student using a voucher would end the first year of the program falling from the 50th to the 34th percentile in math. If the student was in 3rd through 5th grade, he or she would end the year even lower, at the 26th percentile. The impact of participation in Ohios EdChoice program was unambiguously negative across a variety of model specifications, for both reading and mathematics, according to a study from the Thomas B. Fordham Institute last year. Similar negative findings are reported for Indianas statewide voucher program, the largest in the nation.

Vouchers remain a favored program, however, for Secretary DeVos and other school choice enthusiasts. How are they dealing with the results from these new studies? Rather than addressing this research, DeVos continues to defend the $250 million voucher-grant program in President Donald Trumps proposed fiscal 2018 budget. But its been even more fascinating to watch professional voucher advocates, who have spent their careers arguing that their studies of voucher-program test scores trump all other approaches to measuring the impact of vouchers, now twist themselves into knots to belittle the importance of test scores.

Do we, as parents, taxpayers, and voters, want to fund programs that elevate choice, but lead to detrimental outcomes for children?."

Some have tried to attribute the negative results to regulations that discourage better private schools in certain states from accepting vouchers that would then require their students to take tests. This claim does not hold water when we are also seeing large, negative effects of vouchers in the other states as well. Another possible explanation is that most of the research of years past that supported the success of vouchers was funded and conducted by voucher advocates who sought a particular result. However, some of these new, negative findings were also produced by pro-voucher organizations and researchers, to their credit.

Perhaps a likelier explanation for these poor results has to do with the actual students and schools themselves, including how students were grouped in private and public schools. Prior to the recent batch of research that has cast doubt on vouchers, studies lauding vouchers tended to be based on local and more targeted programs involving relatively small, nonrepresentative sets of students and schools. Yet, overall, private schools are actually no more effective, and often less so, than public schools. Indeed, our own research indicates that any apparent advantages for students in private schools are actually more a reflection of the fact that private schools do a better job of attractingnot producinghigh-scoring students .

For our book, The Public School Advantage, we examined two nationally representative data sets to determine whether private schools really offer superior educational programs and outcomes, or whether higher test scores in private schools are simply a reflection of the fact that they serve more advantaged students. Those analyses revealed that, after accounting for differences in demographics, public schools are more effective, particularly in teaching mathematics.

Research as far as back as the Coleman Report in 1966 indicates that private school students enjoy the beneficial peer effect of being around affluent classmates who have abundant educational resources at home and parents who have firsthand experience with school success. These students benefit from the experience of having teachers who are able to focus on solely academic content, rather than the nonacademic needs of some students.

This peer effect is a significant factor in student learning, but frankly, there are only a limited number of academically advantaged peers to go around. And so, as choice programs expand, the private-school peer effect is diluted. Hence, despite benefits of greater socioeconomic integration for students from low-income families, the benefits may not be scalable in expanding voucher programs that are based on self-selection.

It makes sense, then, that negative results are now appearing as researchers carefully examine larger-scale programs. Earlier studies looked only at students leaving small groups of (presumably failing) public schools for small groups of private schools that self-selected into the voucher program. Those studies were therefore not representative of the wider populations of public and private schools.

Yet the newer, larger-scale studies are starting to more closely approximate the nationally representative samples we previously analyzed when coming to our conclusion that public schools, in fact, have an edge over private schools in student learning.

There is a disturbing disconnect between the predictable, negative effects that vouchers are having on students, and the continued enthusiasm policymakers show for these programs despite the growing consensus that they are causing harm. Do we, as parents, taxpayers, and voters, want to fund programs that elevate choice, but lead to detrimental outcomes for children? Is choice a means or an end? Do we want choice for its own sake, or do we want it to improve achievement for all children?
JNU        -:        ,  -    
About 25 teachers lay on their backs, put their arms by their sides with their palms down, planted the soles of their feet into the floorand then screamed as loud as they could.

They were doing a tantrum yoga pose to release energy and stress in a professional-development session.

Donna Harrington, a yoga and wellness teacher at Innovation Academy Charter School in Tyngsboro, Mass., helped organize the five-week professional-development course, which was meant to teach self-care to teachers through yoga, meditation, and mindfulness.

The course took place this spring, at the peak of testing season.

Im just going to ... let [teachers] see how it feels to relax deeply, just be in this moment, not be worried about grading, said Harrington, who taught two of the five classes. Hopefully, theyll come to the job a little more refreshed.

Numerous studies have been done about the benefits of yoga and mindfulness for students. They suggest that the breathing exercises and physical poses can help improve students grades , behavior , self-esteem , and physical health . But practicing yoga and mindfulness has specific benefits for teachers, too, researchers and educators say.

You cant give what you dont have, said Catherine Cook-Cottone, an associate professor in the department of counseling, school, and educational psychology at the State University of New Yorks Graduate School of Education in Buffalo. If a teacher wants to deliver a sense of well-being, a sense of safety, a sense of self-regulation, a sense of active engagement without stress, he or she cant do that if they cant create that within their own bodies.

In recent years, interest has grown from researchers, schools, and other organizations about how classroom teachers benefit from practicing yoga. At the University of Houston, researchers are studying whether the practice can help prevent teacher stress and burnout.

Teachers who practice yoga say it has given them an outlet for the daily stresses and frustrations of teaching. It also equips them with strategies to stay calm during chaotic moments and helps them understand and reflect on both their mindset and that of their students.

I dont get shaken too much. A lot of stressful things can be going on, but Im always really good at keeping centered, said Laura Baker, an English-as-a-second-language elementary teacher in Fairfield, Conn., who is also a certified yoga teacher. With mindfulness, youre able to connect with the student in a different way, person to person. Im not just thinking of test scores.

Yoga has another, more practical benefit for teachers of younger children, Baker said: It helps with getting up off the floor multiple times a day.

Getting Teacher Buy-In

While teachers who practice yoga speak positively about the effects it has had on their life and instruction, it can be difficult to persuade many educators to carve out the time to practice, researchers say.

Bradley Smith, a professor of educational psychology at the University of Houston and the director of the colleges school psychology doctoral program, has been leading yoga classes for teachers at KIPP Liberation Middle School in that city for two years. The class was originally designed solely for teachers, but few teachers have come, so Smith has opened it up to KIPP students, parents, siblings, and students at the university.

The teachers that do it seem to enjoy it, but its usually about 5 percent to 10 percent of teachers in the school, said Patrick Sajovec, a graduate student working with Smith on the research.

The two University of Houston researchers are looking at the impact of yoga or mindfulness activities on stress and burnout in teachers, as well as teacher and student well-being. They hope to study the stress-relieving effect of teachers practicing these exercises briefly every day of the week.

But teachers dont seem to be doing it spontaneously, Sajovec said. It works if you do it, but not everybody does it faithfully. ... We dont want to add stress and burnout by making teachers come to yoga after school. Then youre just increasing stress, and its not productive.

The researchers are trying to attract more teachers by touting the benefits of yoga for their students.

Theyre usually thinking of how to take care of kids, Smith said. If we can do this backdoor approach, help them do the yoga for the kids, they tend to get the benefits of the yoga.

Smith said in the future, he hopes to study whether teachers performing yoga with their own students is more impactful than having an outside yoga instructor come in.

Teachers reluctance has also been a challenge for Lisa Flynn, the founder and CEO of Yoga 4 Classrooms , a New Hampshire-based yoga and mindfulness program for schools that offers PD workshops to teachers across the country.

If I started with, This needs to start with you, they would shut me down before I could even open my mouth, she said. But when she tells teachers of the benefits yoga has for students, they are more receptive.

Flynn teaches strategies teachers can use when the classroom gets chaotic: cleansing breaths, mindful movements, short visualizations, or simple yoga postures. When teachers model those strategies in their classrooms, it can improve student behavior and save time on classroom management, she said.

If were really stressed, were really frantic, and were not grounded ourselvesyou can pretty much guarantee that your classroom is going to be the same, she said.

200 Hours of Training

Now, several yoga studios across the country offer specialized training for classroom educators. Two years ago, Breathe for Change became the first 200-hour wellness and yoga teacher training specifically designed for K-12 educators.

Ilana Nankin, the companys CEO, was teaching preservice teachers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison at the time and was struck by how stressed her graduates were in their first year of teaching. These passionate, like-minded teachers who were ready to change the world ... didnt have the tools to take care of themselves, she said.

Nankin, who started practicing yoga when she was an overwhelmed prekindergarten teacher with Teach For America and found that it completely transformed [her] well-being, decided to open her house up once a week to teachers who needed support and wanted to learn mindfulness exercises.

Those weekly sessions at her house have since expanded to annual retreats in New York City; Los Angeles; the San Francisco Bay Area; Austin, Texas; Madison, Wis.; and Washington. In those retreats, theres a daily session on social-emotional learning, where teachers learn relaxation activities, visualization exercises, and other tools that they can share with students and use to build community in the classroom.

Breathe for Change trained 34 teachers its first year, more than 200 its second, and plans to train more than 600 in its third year. All the teachers who have gone through the training have reported reductions in stress, said Nankin, who hopes to eventually research teachers well-being and their students outcomes after the teachers are trained in yoga.

Meanwhile, yogas proponents say that all teachers can benefit from taking 30 seconds during the school day to take a few deep, mindful breaths or make a purposeful movement.

Its like hitting the reset button, Yoga 4 Classrooms Flynn said. Its like having an opportunity to start the day all over again.


A local woman has been charged for what law enforcement officers say was her involvement in a hit and run accident earlier this year in Washington County.

Emily Spruell, 28, of Cadet, is charged with a class E felony of leaving the scene of an accident, failure to drive on the right half of the roadway, failure to display license plates, and failure to maintain insurance. Her bond is set at $9,000.

According to a probable cause statement, on Feb. 19 at 11:57 a.m. the Missouri State Highway Patrol was called to a two-car crash on Highway 21 north of Purcell Drive where one of the cars, a red Pontiac Grand Am, left the scene of the accident.

The victims of the crash, John and Gail Valle, told the trooper they were driving southbound on Highway 21 when the driver of the Grand Am, later identified as Spruell, was headed northbound and crossed the centerline and sideswiped them.

The report said no one was injured, and a Washington County deputy on the scene told the trooper that Spruell continued north on Highway 21 without stopping.

A short time later Spruell was located on Simpson Road, just west of Highway 21.

The trooper spoke with the Valles first and then drove to Spuells location. When the trooper arrived he reportedly saw the Grand Am had extensive damage to the entire drivers side, which was consistent with the damage to the Valle vehicle.

Spruell told the trooper she was driving the car at the time of the crash and reached down to plug her phone into the charger and crossed the centerline, striking the red truck. She said she panicked because she knew her car wasnt legal ... and left the scene.

Spruell had reportedly recently purchased the car and had not registered or titled it yet. She also did not have insurance on the car.

She was placed under arrest for leaving the scene of an accident and was taken to the Washington County Jail and booked.
Ever since Donald Trump took office as President of the United States (US) in January this year, environmentalists the world over have been asking: will he or wont he withdraw the US from the Paris Agreement on climate change? Now we know. On 1 June, Trump announced that to fulfil my solemn duty to protect America and its citizens, the United States will withdraw from the Paris climate accord (The White House 2017b). This article examines the implications of this statement for the future of the Paris Agreement, the prospects of meeting a global temperature goal, the provision of climate finance, and global climate politics.

However, to understand the implications of this action along these dimensions, it is helpful to first delve into the stated reasons for the US withdrawal, and in Trumps own rather toxic words. Trump said the Paris Agreement will have the effect of lost jobs, lower wages, shuttered factories, that it punishes the United States  while imposing no meaningful obligations of the worlds leading polluters, that it is unfair, at the very highest level, to the United States, and that it will lead to a massive redistribution of wealth to other countries. This reasoning, such as it is, supports three disturbing interpretations, all of which bode ill for the future of US participation in global climate cooperation.
Scientists from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden and the ESRF have taken the first 3D snapshots of a sperm protein attached to a complementary egg coat protein at the beginning of fertilisation. The study reveals a common egg protein architecture that is involved in the interaction with sperm in both mollusc and mammals and is published in the journal Cell.

The encounter between female and male gametes at fertilisation is one of the most fundamental processes in biology because it transmits the genetic information to the next generation and marks the beginning of a new life. Although egg and sperm were first observed centuries ago, how sperm recognises the coat of the egg and penetrates it has remained unknown.

Using X-ray crystallographic data collected at the ESRF's ID29 beamline, the team first visualised the sperm-interacting regions of two egg coat proteins, ZP2 and VERL. These are respectively found in mammals - including humans -, and in the marine mollusc abalone, a classic model system of invertebrate fertilisation. Remarkably, both ZP2 and VERL contain repeated sequences that play a key role in gamete recognition.

Mammals and molluscs are thought to be separated by 600 million years of evolution, and their sperm receptor proteins are almost completely different in sequence. However, comparison of the structures of ZP2 and VERL repeats conclusively demonstrates that both proteins share a common 3D architecture, says Luca Jovine, Professor of Structural Biology at the Department of Biosciences and Nutrition and the Center for Innovative Medicine at Karolinska Institutet.

The ESRF played an important role in the research: The determination of the structures reported in this study was possible thanks to great performance of the ESRF beamlines, explains Luca Jovine. The collaboration between the ESRF and Jovines team has been going on for many years and has always been very fruitful. Back in 2010, the team reported the structure of ZP3, another major egg coat protein from vertebrates that has also been implicated in sperm binding. However, that study did not show how the egg coat interacts with sperm at the atomic level.

Lock and key mechanism

The research group determined crystal structures of different VERL repeats bound to lysin, the counterpart protein of VERL on abalone sperm. This gave an unprecedented view of how gametes recognise each other in a species-specific way at the beginning of fertilisation.

Abalone was our system of choice for this investigation, as it is one of the few organisms where complementary egg coat and sperm proteins are known. Moreover, fertilization in abalone is highly species-specific: even if different species of abalone spawn in the open sea and there are overlapping habitats and breeding seasons, hybrids rarely occur, says Jovine.

The VERL-lysin complex structures also suggest how lysin opens a hole into the egg coat, allowing sperm to penetrate into the egg.

Gamete recognition was first compared to a lock and key mechanism more than one hundred years ago. Our study provides the first example of how this is achieved at the very beginning of fertilisation, concludes Luca Jovine.

VERL/lysin interaction. a) VERL VR3/lysin complex show in cartoon representation, VR3 (dark pink) and lysin (blue). b) Surface representations of VR3 (left) and lysin (right), highlighting hydrophobic regions (yellow) at the interface with the respective partners. Main secondary structure elements involved in the interaction are marked. c) Proposed mechanism for egg coat recognition and penetration by sperm involves disruption of VERL repeat branches by lysin. Positively charged lysin molecules are represented by blue circles, with the hydrophobic VERL repeat-binding site shown as a yellow ellipse.

Daniele de Sanctis, scientist on ID29 at the ESRF, says that it is great to be part of this very exciting project that has already been running for many years. It is amazing to capture the molecular details of a crucial moment of the beginning of life and that the ESRF could help to illustrate it.

Reference

Isha Raj et al., Structural Basis of Egg Coat-Sperm Recognition at Fertilization, Cell, online 15 June 2017. DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2017.05.033.

The research was supported by the European Research Council (grant 260759), the Center for Innovative Medicine, the Swedish Research Council (grant 2012-5093), the Goran Gustafsson Foundation for Research in Natural Sciences and Medicine, the Sven and Ebba-Christina Hagberg foundation, and an EMBO Young Investigator award to Luca Jovine.
BERLIN  Poor Alexis Tsipras.





For days, the Greek leader has been working the phones, trying to secure the best possible terms for his country as it enters the last mile of its seemingly endless cycle of bailouts. So far, his efforts have won him more mockery than respect  especially in Germany.





He keeps calling the whole time, and the chancellor says again and again, Alexis, this issue is for the finance ministers, German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schauble told an audience here on Tuesday, referring to the Greek prime ministers attempts to win over Angela Merkel to his cause.





Eurozone finance ministers are set to decide at a meeting in Luxembourg on Thursday whether to release a more than 7 billion tranche of aid to Greece. No one doubts Athens will get the money. Schauble all but committed to it on Tuesday. But Tsipras wants something even more precious: debt relief.





No serious economist believes Greece will ever crawl out from under its more than 300 billion debt without significant forgiveness from its creditors. That means convincing Germany, the country to which Greece owes the most.





Truth is, Europe stopped listening to Greece a long time ago.





For much of Greeces nearly decade-long depression, the country was hostage to its domestic politics. Now, its hostage to Germanys.





Berlin, which has long opposed outright debt relief, refuses to budge. With a general election in Germany set for late September, Merkel and Schauble are unlikely to soften their position anytime soon. The Greek bailouts remain politically toxic in Germany, and any agreement involving debt forgiveness would be seen domestically as an admission the rescue effort had failed  and at the German taxpayers expense.





Over the years, Germany has quietly accepted more subtle forms of forgiveness, like extending maturities on Greeces loans and reducing the interest burden. But a straightforward cut, as demanded by the International Monetary Fund, remains out of the question. At least until after the election.





Unfortunately for Tsipras, he has very little say in the matter. One big reason he wants debt relief now is that it would allow the European Central Bank to include Greece in its bond-buying program, known as quantitative easing.





That would go a long way toward boosting investor confidence in Greeces stability. But Greece wont be eligible for the program as long as its debt burden isnt deemed sustainable. And with the ECBs program set to be wound down soon, Greece may never benefit





Tsipras may yet try to resist a deal this week and take the matter to next weeks summit of European leaders in Brussels. Thats unlikely to make much difference.





Truth is, Europe stopped listening to Greece a long time ago.





Gone are the days when talk of Grexit (Brexits forgotten sire) triggered a nervous tick across financial traders faces. Today, mention of Greece is more likely to elicit a glazed look, if not a yawn. With the countrys debt safely out of the hands of the credit markets and in the vaults of the ECB and Europes treasuries, Athens can no longer rattle the global financial system.





Tsipras didnt understand that dynamic until after he and his leftist Syriza coalition were elected in early 2015. Syriza won by promising to reverse much of the austerity creditors had imposed on Greece over the years. Buoyed by the victory, Tsipras held a referendum on whether the government should accept bailout terms negotiated by his predecessor. Voters response was clear: Oxi, No.





Then reality set in. Faced with the collapse of Greeces banking system, exit from the eurozone and a future even bleaker than the present, Tsipras and his band of leftist firebrands came to heel. Yanis Varoufakis, the rockstar finance minister who once advocated sticking the finger to Germany, was forced out.





Ever since, Tsipras has largely complied with creditors demands for further budget cuts and economic overhauls. Berlin and its partners confronted his occasional bouts of resistance with simple patience. In the end, they knew the Greek leader would have no choice but to relent.





Time and again, they were proven right. Just last month, Tsipras pushed through cuts to pensions, a move once unthinkable.





From the beginning of the crisis, part of Germanys strategy for dealing with Greece has been not to make the process too easy. Though German officials wont say so publicly, making an example of Greece has always been part of their plan.





And its worked. Across Europe, Greece has become synonymous with economic incompetence. Officials in other European capitals refer to Athens like a wayward, unrepentant relative. No one wants to be like Greece.





Greece is de facto a colony, Polish Foreign Minister Witold Waszczykowski said in an interview with POLITICO, explaining his countrys resistance to joining the euro. We dont want to repeat this scenario.





Last week, IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde proposed a sleight of hand that would allow the bailout to go forward.





Despite the challenges that reputation poses, Greece is holding out hope that it will ultimately get what it wants.





For one, the IMF has been on its side for more than a year, refusing to participate in the bailout unless theres debt relief. Germanys parliament made its approval of the bailout in 2015 contingent on the participation of the IMF, which lawmakers regard as a guarantor that the process wont be skewed in Athens favor.





That has led to a protracted standoff. Last week, IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde proposed a sleight of hand that would allow the bailout to go forward. The IMF would formally join but not release any funds until after the Europeans spell out what kind of debt relief they will accept.





If that happens at all, it wont be until after the German election. In the meantime, Tsipras has little choice but to heed the wishes of his colonial masters.









 : politico.eu




The new watchmaking brand is aiming to challenge traditional watchmaking codes with imposing, atypical designs.

Were always on the look out for something new and unique in the world of watchmaking, and this time its Gvchiani Geneve that caught our eye  and for good reason, too.

The man behind the operation is Shant Ghouchian. A stone-setter by training, he attended the School of Fine Arts in Geneva and was quickly picked up by Patek Philippe to apply his new skills. By 2008, Shant Ghouchian set off on his own, opening his own stone-setting firm, Jewelry and Watch Settings (JWS).

In 2015 the talented designer and entrepreneur took it one further and dove into the world of watchmaking. The result was Gvchiani Geneve, a watchmaking brand focused on making atypical luxury watches. The first collection, aptly named the Big Square, clearly demonstrates that these watches are off the beaten path.

The first thing that you notice about these watches is their X-shaped bezel. This design choice sets the collection apart from classic luxury timekeepers, typically defined by round cases and modest proportions. It also makes the Big Square collection immediately eye catching, which is useful when trying to forge a new brand identity.

And if you were wondering, yes indeed, these watches are big. The cases measure in at 49mm x 50mm with a 15mm thickness, and weigh an imposing 200 grams  nearly half of a pound for our readers stateside.

Cases usually feature raised numerals for 3, 6, 9 and 12, along with a sapphire crystal in the shape of an X that dips below the front of the case. This design choice channels the attention towards the dial and unique hands, and adds significant depth to the watches.

The Big Square collection is available in a limited series, featuring materials like titanium, anthracite DLC titanium, black DLC titanium, 18K rose or white gold. There are also several stone-set versions, which we are seeing here.

If these watches were not impressive simply because of their size, the amount of bling in the stone-set models will surely do the trick. The Full Diamond version, for example, has a total of 11.50 carats.

Each watch is powered by the automatic chronograph ETA 7750. The 25-jewel movement delivers up to 48 hours of power reserve, and it has been modified slightly for Gvchiani to include a brand stylized anthracite grey oscillating weight.

While you might not have heard much of Gvchiani Geneve watchmaking yet, that wont last long. For starters, the brand seems to have already developed a strong visual identity. When combined with the design acumen of Shant Ghouchian, this brand might well be on its way to challenging some of the core codes of luxury watchmaking.
Assessing the 2017 NATO meeting: expectation vs reality

Results should always be measured against expectations. This principle is particularly valid when attempting to assess the outcome of the meeting of NATOs Heads of State and Government, held in Brussels on May 25. Expectations were high because this was the first encounter of other Alliance leaders with the recently elected American President, NATOs traditional leader.

During his election campaign, Mr. Trump declared that the Alliance was obsolete. He vehemently denounced what he perceived as an imbalance in burden-sharing as being detrimental to the interests of the United States. Consequently, NATO leaders attended the Brussels meeting in the hope that it would prove to be an opportunity for the President to dispel allies doubts about Washingtons continuing commitment to NATO solidarity. In particular, a clear and solemn reaffirmation of adherence to Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty by President Trump would have been of notable significance. Moreover, an explicit reference by the President to this mutual defence clause would have been proof that he was finally starting to follow the long-established principles of American foreign policy. In the media, the expectation to hear a positive statement from President Trump about Article 5 grew as the Brussels meeting approached.

At the same time, many also argued that it would be unrealistic to expect a dramatic change of course and that avoiding additional controversy on the Presidents part could be considered a sufficiently satisfactory result.

There were also those who did not disguise their hope that the President would adopt a course of action that would spoil the Brussels meeting and reinforce doubts over the direction in which he is taking the United States.



What was achieved?



In fact, neither anything extremely positive nor negative took place.

The pattern of President Trumps statements and actions since taking office  which made the summit a vital opportunity to shed more light on the future of the transatlantic relationship  should have lowered expectations of its outcome.

A fair assessment of what was achieved in Brussels would be that it was anything but a defining moment for the Alliance. Endeavouring to put a positive gloss on the deliberations, NATOs leaders implied that their hope was that, over time, President Trump would gradually align himself with those in Washington who have a more traditional view and a better understanding of the Alliance. In the meantime, doubts still surround the new Presidents vision and interpretation of the transatlantic coupling embodied by NATO.

The value of unifying US leadership within NATO

The reason for this lukewarm assessment is not so much that the President omitted from his speech any reference to Article 5  serious and worrying as this omission undoubtedly is  or even that he substituted it with an anodyne and vaguely indirect formulation of US commitment. In any case, in meeting the President of Romania on June 9, he finally made the long awaited reference to Article 5. The reasons for concern stem from problems much wider in nature.

It is worth remembering that Article 5 of the Atlantic Treaty, which is not automatically applicable in a case of aggression against a NATO member and was invoked only after September 11, 2001, has retained its credibility so far thanks to the fundamental principles shared by all the Allies during the Cold War era: that their security was indivisible and that it was in all their national interests to unite in common defence.

After the demise of the Soviet Union the threat perception within NATO was less unified and differences of opinion emerged. However, the debate was conducted within the limits of a constructive inter-allied dialectic, thanks to strong US leadership.

The Trump Administrations attitude toward NATO

With the advent of Trump, a lack of awareness of the historical importance of the transatlantic link has manifested itself in the White House. The President and his closest advisors seem to underestimate that NATO has been, and is, an instrument to make America great by consolidating its power and influence.

Crucial issues, such as how future European order will develop, how to interact with an ever more problematic Russia, what is the potential (or lack of potential) for NATO to expand its role and what limits there might be on that, apparently escape the attention and interest of the President.

It is unlikely that the reinstated commitment by reluctant allies to increase their defence budgets will be enough to change hearts and minds within the White House. It remains to be seen whether the announcement of an enhanced role for NATO in combating terrorism will significantly change Trumps attitude towards the Alliance. Terrorism is a multifaceted phenomenon. It is realistic to expect that there will be different views among the allies as to what form an enhanced NATO role might take in order to make a difference on the ground without further destabilizing already fragile areas of the world.

Strategic patience: how Europeans should react to Trump

It is clear that, even in the most positive scenario, Europe-US relations are subject to change. Indeed they have already changed. This demands that Europeans should consolidate their common foreign and defence policy in a convincing and concrete manner. It would be wise to avoid hubris as this will be a long and difficult process. There are considerable differences within the EU and without the encouragement and support of the United States these differences could prove a formidable obstacle to progress or, at the very least, delay results.

One principle should, in any case, be borne in mind. Just as it is of paramount national interest to the US to safeguard the transatlantic relationship, it remains an equally vital, collective European objective to protect Europes relationship with the United States.

In this respect, understandable as her frustration and irritation might be, Chancellor Merkels statement after the meetings in Brussels and Taormina sounded like a nervous overreaction. This is likely due more to the extensive disagreement with Trump over climate change and free trade at the G7 than to the NATO summit. The ensuing clarification could not dispel the impact of the initial message. Today, as it stands, no-one can predict how the Trump presidency will evolve. Europeans can only adopt strategic patience while trying to exercise maximum constructive influence in Washington. They should try to meet reasonable US expectations, including the sacrosanct request for a gradual increase in defence budgets. This should take place while attending to the essential but hazardous task of assuming and affirming their own responsibilities on the world stage.



The opinions articulated above represent the views of the author(s), and do not necessarily reflect the position of the European Leadership Network or any of its members. The ELNs aim is to encourage debates that will help develop Europes capacity to address the pressing foreign, defence, and security policy challenges of our time.
Hiring in tech can be difficult, just like it can be in many fields, so why would you want to exclude the vast majority of people in the United States from your applications? American Technology Consulting ran a job posting on Zip Recruiter that had as its headline, Java Developer  (H1B Only). It spread pretty quickly across the internet. I found this from a reader who sent me this tweet from Sara Blackwell, President of Protect US Workers:

Job posting. AMERICANS NEED NOT APPLY. Company prefers to take advantage of foreigners. Only foreigners who are controlled are allowed. pic.twitter.com/y0Xz6FitD2  sara blackwell (@4US_Workers) June 9, 2017



Unfortunately, though, American Technology Consulting didnt write the ad. Tara Jose, President of ATC told me via email:

American Technology Consulting is committed to being inclusive in the recruiting of all of its consultants, employees, and candidates for any and all positions. Unfortunately a third-party vendor recently used language when posting an advertisement on our behalf that was inappropriate and absolutely unacceptable to American Technology Consulting. The concept of H1B Only is wholly contrary to our companys values and the way we operate our business.

To keep reading, click here: Iowa Company Accidentally Says No Americans Need Apply


Authorities in the United States have announced multiple new measures to detect and deter visa fraud in connection with the programme used most frequently by companies to employ highly skilled overseas professionals.The H-1B visa stream allows firms to recruit highly skilled foreign nationals when there is a shortage of qualified workers in the country.The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced an anti-fraud programme which it said will help employers, those wishing to work in the US and also protect American workers.Officials will now take a more targeted approach when making site visits across the country to H-1B petitioners and the worksites of H-1B employees. USCIS will focus on cases where it cannot validate the employers basic business information through commercially available data.It will also look at H-1B-dependent employers who have a high ratio of H-1B workers as compared to US and employers petitioning for H-1B workers who work off-site at another company or organisations location.A spokesman said that targeted site visits will allow USCIS to focus resources where fraud and abuse of the H-1B programme may be more likely to occur, and determine whether H-1B dependent employers are evading their obligation to make a good faith effort to recruit US workers.USCIS will continue random and unannounced visits nationwide. These site visits are not meant to target non-immigrant employees for any kind of criminal or administrative action but rather to identify employers who are abusing the system, the spokesman explained.Employers who abuse the H-1B visa programme negatively affect US workers, decreasing wages and job opportunities as they import more foreign workers, he added.USCIS also wants those who know of abuse of the visa programme to report it and said that tips, alleged violations and other relevant information about potential H-1B fraud or abuse can be notified by email.Information submitted to the email address will be used for investigations and referrals to law enforcement agencies for potential prosecution, the spokesman added.In one recent case an agency was charged with faking letters from Silicon Valley bosses so it could employ cheap foreign workers, but the jobs specified in the visa applications did not exist and once the workers arrived in the US they were actually given different positions.It is one area that President Donald Trump has indicated that he want to clamp down on. The move is backed by the Department of Justice. The DoJ will not tolerate employers misusing the H-1B visa process to discriminate against U.S. workers. U.S. workers should not be placed in a disfavoured status, and the department is wholeheartedly committed to investigating and vigorously prosecuting these claims, it said in a statement.
Hello again.



1) For persons on temporary work visas minimum 2 years duration and for people on permanent class visas (Resident Visa or Permanent Residency Visa) then yes, healthcare in nz is part subsidized by ACC. Difficult to say exactly what the benefits are but as an example it drops the "normal" GP consultancy fee down from around $75 to $44. If you were here on a different type of visa, say a visitor visa etc then you'd have to pay the full amount.

I'm not sure you are correct that many people in NZ have private health insurance. I'd say not. It is readily available but it isn't super cheap. I luckily get SouthernCross Regular Care for free through my employer as part of my salary benefits and it covers all persons living with me. If I paid for this myself with corporate discount it'd probably cost maybe $2k a year for 2 adults and 2 children. Without the discount maybe up to an additional 40% ? There are many plans all at different affordability levels so it all depends what you are comfortable with. If you want benefits like dental and eye care you can only add those things with a comprehensive policy so you have to be cautious as your talking maybe $300 a month plus. I recently priced an upgrade to a fully comprehensive policy including dental (because the dentist is so expensive) and on top of the company benefit they wanted $196 per month at full corporate discount......ouch! I didn't go for it. NIB is another company that offers private healthcare.

There are some really cheap as chips policies aimed at long term travellers that could be an option for a year or two?



2) SouthernCross or NIB.



3) Your partner won't get temp residency. She will get a Resident Visa with immediate travel expiry. Means she can live study and work here forever but if she left the country the visa would expire and she'd have to go through the process again to get back in and any time on that previous permanent visa would be lost. This affects your eligibility for PRV and citizenship.

You don't really wanna go for a visitor visa as you won't be allowed to work at all. You should be able to apply for a temporary work visa based on being the partner of a resident visa holder. If this is granted for at least 2 years it'll ensure your status is more favorable, you'll be allowed to live study work here and it'll give you time for your own resident visa to be processed.



4) Nope. You'll obviously have to have an address though.
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A $500 million refinery in South Texas that was supposed break ground in a few months has fallen behind schedule as project managers review different technology and engineering plans.

This is a fluid process as we added more of the components and looked at the multiple options, said Raven Petroleum CEO Christopher Moore.

The refinery in Duval County the largest new one built in the U.S. in 40 years  would process 55,000 barrels a day of crude. Raven Petroleum purchased an 832-acre piece of land in the southwest corner of Duval County in July, and Moore revealed his plans in November.

Although Moore originally planned to file the necessary permits by the end of March, he said he needs another 4 to 8 weeks to finish the engineering review. He added that any changes to the engineering could shorten or lengthen that, and that he planned for the air permit application to be filed with the TCEQ in 60 to 90 days.

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality confirmed this week that Raven Petroleum hasnt yet filed air quality permit applications with the agency.

Tricia Cortez, a representative from the Rio Grande International Study Center, a member of grass-roots organization South Texans Against the Refinery, said the lengthening of the time frame for the project and the lack of communication with the community keeps calling into question  at least for us  their credibility and wherewithal to build this project.

We can only speculate that they dont have their investors in place, that they dont have their funding in place as they led others on, as they have led others to believe or have continued to do so, Cortez said. Thats one of my best guesses about whats happening. Again, we just dont know.

Moore said his project is still self-funded but that the next tranche of funding has been negotiated, although he would not name who was providing it.

Thats going to come from a combination of private investment and also possible private equity, Moore said.

Voter Guide: What to know for the midterm election Your guide to the Texas and San Antonio races and candidates on the Nov. 8 ballot.

Moore said hes holding a community meeting July 20 when hell take questions from residents.

Cortez said residents are most concerned about potential health hazards from such a facility.

Were still taking it seriously, she said. Even though, as I mentioned, even though he doesnt seem qualified to do this, doesnt seem reliable we are still taking this seriously.

rdruzin@express-news.net

@druz_journo
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AUSTIN  Gov. Greg Abbotts veto total for the year hit 50 on Thursday as his staff announced a final round of vetoes of bills approved during the recently completed legislative session, including five bills by state Rep. Lyle Larson.

The governor even vetoed a bill that Larson had amended.

I think its a lack of maturity. They cant separate policy and politics, Larson, R-San Antonio, said Thursday.

Larson said he believed the vetoes were retribution because he had pushed a measure that would have prevented a governor from appointing someone to a board or commission if that person had given the governor a campaign donation of more than $2,500 the previous year. The bill passed the House 91-48 but didnt even get scheduled for a committee hearing in the Senate.

Abbotts spokesman didnt immediately respond to a request for comment.

Many of Larsons measures involved water issues. The bills vetoed Thursday included one related to the development of brackish water; another on the use of a state fund for developing desalination and aquifer storage and recovery facilities; one on the extension of groundwater export permits; and one on the promotion of conservation easements, agreements that limit development for water conservation.

The fifth Larson bill vetoed would have ensured a parent has the right to view the body of a deceased child before an autopsy. It was rejected because, Abbott said in his veto message, he had signed a bill with identical language by Sen. Donna Campbell, R-New Braunfels.

Abbott also vetoed a bill by Sen. Charles Perry, R-Lubbock, that included a provision that Larson had added to provide for studies of aquifer storage and recovery projects.

Among other bills stamped with a veto Thursday was Senate Bill 790, reauthorizing the Texas Womens Health Advisory Committee. As a result, the committee will expire in September.

SB 790 would have kept the advisory committee running until fall 2019, when legislators would again have considered whether to continue it. The committee was first formed in 2015 to provide recommendations on womens health to state officials, and it has since overseen the consolidation of state programs into what is now called Healthy Texas Women.

At no point during the past six months had the governors office expressed any concerns to me over the legislation, said state Rep. Donna Howard, D-Austin, who sponsored the bill in the House. This absentee style is disgraceful, and it is now jeopardizing the health and safety of women across the state.

For his part, Abbott said there was no need for continuing legislation that has fulfilled its legislative mandate, which was the formation of Healthy Texas Women, he said.

Rather than prolong government committees beyond their expiration date, the state should focus on programs that address more clearly identifiable needs, like my call for action to address the maternal mortality rate during the special session, he said in the veto message.

Other vetoes included Senate Bill 1912, which would have established mental-health public defenders to ensure that defendants facing court action had proper representation. Abbott said current law already mandates appointed counsel, and he called the expanded bureaucracy unnecessary.

Abbott also killed House Bill 2783, which would have allowed judges the option to award attorneys fees to someone who requested public information that was initially denied by a governmental agency, forcing the requester to file a lawsuit.

Its so unfortunate that an anti-transparency attitude took hold at the Texas Capitol this year, resulting in the death of multiple open government bills, said Kelley Shannon, executive director of the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas. This attorneys fee legislation is but one example. The people of Texas are the losers in all this.

The vetoes are the most since 2007.

Abbott didnt reject everything Thursday; he also signed numerous bills, including House Bill 22, which will revamp the public school accountability system, reducing it to three categories and delaying campus A-F grades until 2019. He also signed Senate Bill 1553, requiring schools to verbally warn visitors before issuing criminal trespass warnings. It also would establish an appeals process for such warnings.

He signed other bills that some Bexar County school districts supported, adding dual credit performance to the school accountability system, providing incentives for partnerships between traditional and charter school districts, and increasing per-student funding for new campuses.

Abbott also signed into law bills that could fine law enforcement agencies that dont promptly report police shootings to the state, will license specialists who treat children with autism, allow providers of state child-welfare services to reject placements based on religious preferences, allow autonomous or driverless vehicles and make changes to laws governing craft-beer breweries.

He also signed a measure that will set a grace period for unpaid school-lunch accounts  the so-called lunch shaming bill.

Staff Writers Alia Malik and Forrest Milburn contributed to this report.
A federal jury in San Antonio on Thursday convicted a member of a drug-running family aligned with the Zetas and Gulf cartels of charges of conspiracy to traffic cocaine and conspiracy to launder money.

Reymundo Villarreal Arelis, 45, showed no emotion when the two guilty verdicts were read less than two hours after jurors began deliberating. He faces 10 years to life in prison on the drug conspiracy count and up to 20 years in prison on the money-laundering conspiracy charge. U.S. District Judge Xavier Rodriguez set sentencing for Sept. 20.

Villarreals lawyer, Guy Womack, maintains that his client was a simple farmer who was not involved in the cocaine business of his family, known as Los Piojos  the lice  and simply had an interest in quarter horses. Nearly all the dozen relatives indicted last year with Reymundo Villarreal have pleaded guilty and some have been sentenced; one remains a fugitive.

Federal prosecutors painted the indicted relatives as major transporters of cocaine for two cartels that control Northeast Mexico  the Gulf Cartel and, later, its former enforcement arm, Los Zetas. The Zetas broke off to form their own cartel.

Lets face it, without the Piojos, the Zetas or the Gulf are going to have to find someone else to get their cocaine, Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Frazier of Waco told the jury in his summation. Theyre at the very top of the pyramid when it comes to distributing cocaine.

The case was put together by a task force of the Internal Revenue Services Criminal Investigation division, the Drug Enforcement Administration and Homeland Security Investigations. During the years-long investigation, they seized 280 kilos of cocaine and $15 million to $20 million in assets, including cash, quarter horses, the Riverside Plaza shopping center in Mission, numerous residences and other real estate properties.

Todays verdict and previous guilty pleas are a testament to the tenacity of IRS-Criminal Investigation special agents when it comes to using their exceptional financial skills to help bring down the cartels, said William Cotter, special agent in charge of that agency in San Antonio.

Also during closings, Frazier said there was ample evidence to convict Villarreal. He said Villarreal was involved in laundering many millions of dollars through horse and real estate purchases with his family. In the case of the horse purchases, he said, Villarreal would direct buyers to make cash deposits and payments on money orders and cashiers checks in amounts of less than $10,000 to avoid federal reporting requirements.

The Villarreal family spent $1.3 million buying 74 horses and hundreds of thousands of dollars on real estate, Frazier said.

There is no other evidence to explain what the source of that money was other than drugs, Frazier added.

Over three days, prosecutors called former associates and members of the cartels to the stand, including one of the founders of Los Zetas, Jesus Enrique Mamito Rejon Aguilar, who deserted the Mexican army and was also known as Z-7.

Rejon admitted killing many people, or ordering the torture and murder of many, during his tenure with the bloodthirsty Zetas. But after being extradited to the U.S., hes cooperating with law enforcement in hopes of getting a reduced sentence in a drug case pending in a Washington, D.C., federal court.

Womack, spent most of his closing arguments painting Rejon and other cartel operatives or associates who testified against his client as not being credible or having incentive to lie. Womack said the feds had no supporting physical evidence linking his client  knowingly and willingly  to the conspiracy.

Womack also argued that one brother had commented to one of the witnesses that Reymundo Villarreal wasnt in their drug business because he wasnt smart enough.

In the words of (one of the witnesses), Reymundo was the (expletive) of the family, Womack said.

gcontreras@express-news.net

jbuch@express-news.net
Mayor Ron Nirenbergs campaign announced Friday that a former aide to former Mayor Phil Hardberger who has been working in government affairs will serve as chief of staff when the new City Council is seated next week.

Nirenberg tapped Trey Jacobson for the key role, which generally serves as both a close adviser to the mayor and the staffer who oversees all others working in the mayors office. Jacobson, who is currently the managing director of government affairs for the Golden Steves & Gordon law firm, advised Hardberger and worked in the citys economic development department.

Jacobson has served as the chief lobbyist for the firm, having represented a variety of companies and development interests, according to his profile on the firms website. He has worked extensively in land development and its interactions with municipal issues such as code modifications and economic development incentives.

The appointment will likely worry some environmental activists who have long supported Nirenberg while simultaneously soothing concerns from members of the development community who worried that the new administration could harm their industry.

Trey is the ideal choice to be my chief of staff, Nirenberg said in a news release. He is a dedicated public servant with a strong business background and the government experience to get things done at City Hall. I feel very fortunate to have him leading the team, and helping create jobs throughout the community.

Before joining the law firm, Jacobson worked for about 20 years in municipal government, including his tenure with Hardberger, who took significant strides to elevate environmentalism in San Antonio.

Ramiro Cavazos, the president and CEO of the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, was Jacobsons boss when he worked in economic development. Now, Jacobson sits on the chambers board. Cavazos referred to him as a superstar.

He clearly has great passion for San Antonio and downtown, and I think its a brilliant move by Mayor-elect Nirenberg to bring him in as chief of staff, Cavazos said. Its a position thats critical.

Jacobsons experience in both the public and private sectors will serve Nirenberg well, Cavazos said.

Trey is very sensible and pragmatic, he said. And he has great common sense.

Jacobson, 49, is leaving the law firm to work full time in the mayors office.

Im honored that Mayor-elect Nirenberg has placed his confidence in me to help him achieve the bold agenda he so passionately articulated on the campaign trail, Jacobson said in the release. Im ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work delivering greater opportunity to every sector of San Antonio.

Jacobson is the first hire of the Nirenberg administration. Other key positions are expected to be filled in the coming days.

jbaugh@express-news.net
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Police instructors and academy administrators from nine Mexican states spent the week at the Alamo Area Regional Law Enforcement Academy observing and learning about U.S. police training.

The training is part of a program funded by the U.S. through its Merida Initiative aid package to Mexico that brings law enforcement officials from that country to the U.S. to learn about police academies here.

The San Antonio trip, the first in a four-part training process that includes internet courses, study tours and visits to Mexico by U.S. officials, was administered by the San Antonio Council for International Visitors and hosted by the Alamo Area Council of Governments.

The main idea that we have in this type of training is that we can have an exchange of the best practices used at the academies in the United States, said Yomara Perez Garcia, head of academic services at the University of Security & Justice in Tamaulipas, the Mexican state that borders Texas from Brownsville to Laredo. We identify which practices can serve us at our academies in Mexico and that we can implement with our students.

Tamaulipas, which has been ravaged by drug cartel violence, is undergoing a major change in policing. A new governor, elected last year, is trying to overhaul the state police force, which has replaced municipal law enforcement in communities across the state. At the same time, Mexico is going through a major reform of its criminal justice system, making its court procedures more like the U.S. with open trials and presentation of evidence.

Here in the U.S., youve had this system for several years, Perez said. In Mexico, a change like this really represents a shock. Its difficult to adapt to something this new.

Over the week, the participants went through classroom courses on subjects such as ethics and law enforcement leadership. On Thursday afternoon, they were getting hands-on training in a simulator. A 180-degree screen allowed them to experience how U.S. law enforcement officers practice with stun guns and firearms.

Richard Bryan, the director of the academy, which trains cadets for local law enforcement agencies in the region, said that while showing off the technology thats available, instructors try to offer practical advice. Simulation chambers might not be feasible for every department, but recruiting drama students from nearby universities can allow cadets to experience real-life situations before they hit the streets.

Bryan said he learned that law enforcement agencies in both countries have a shared problem: budgets.

Theres this perception that we should have the best-trained, most-experienced police officers doing the job, he said. Well, you need to have the money to provide that training.

jbuch@express-news.net
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Rufus Hound believes the Natural History Museum is the best building in London.

Rufus Hound

The 38-year-old comedian and actor has admitted the popular tourist attraction in England's capital is his most favourite place because it reminds him there is not a "magic man in the sky".

Speaking about the venue, he said: "The Natural History Museum - it dates from a time when the only buildings built on any scale were churches and it housed Darwin's writings, which have done more to persuade us that we evolved and there's not a magic man in the sky."

However, Putney also holds a soft-spot for the funnyman, because that us where he "ended up" living in his younger years.

He said: "Putney. I ended up there in my 20s - me and some friends has a mate who was a computer programmer making loads of money and he wanted to live somewhere nice and said he would pay most of the rent, while we made a contribution."

However, Rufus has admitted him and his pal were later given the boot and replaced with a piano.

He said to Metro newspaper: "So, we spent all out money on beer and were eventually replaced by a piano."

by Charlotte Hough for www.femalefirst.co.uk


David Oyelowo is committed to pushing for more diversity in films so his kids will no longer be shocked to see people the same colour as them in lead roles.

David Oyelowo and co-star Lupita Nyongo

The 41-year-old British star - whose parents are Nigerian - is one of the loudest voices when it comes to calling for bigger parts for actors of colour.

Oyelowo has four children, aged 15, 12, eight and five, with his actress wife Jessica Oyelowo and was shocked when he told his eldest son that he would be starring in Disney film 'Queen of Katwe' and he asked him if he would be playing the "best friend", a comment which reinforced to him that audiences expect to see black actors in supporting roles.

In an interview on UK station BBC Radio 4, he said: "One of the biggest reasons I become so adamant with diversity and how we are going to move this conversation forward was a few years ago I told my eldest son I was about to do this film. 'Queen of Katwe' was a Disney movie and his first question was, 'Daddy are you going to play the best friend?' And that's reflective of what he thinks a film made by Disney or a big Hollywood film is for a person of my colour and by the way that was after playing Martin Luther King Jr. in 'Selma'. If my son is saying that out of a completely innocent place with no sense of irony, clearly he is being fed something that suggests someone like me belongs in the periphery when it comes to storytelling."

Oyelowo - who appeared in the Ugandan set biographical chess drama 'Queen of Katwe' with Lupita Nyong'o and Madina Nalwanga - will not stop championing the need for diversity on screen until he can see with his own eyes a positive change in movie making.

He added: "I think that when we are not having this conversation is when we will really know that change has come."

Back in 2016, Oyelowo bemoaned the lack of opportunities in the UK for black actors and admitted he felt he had no choice but to move to Los Angeles to further his career.

The actor - who has produced acclaimed performances in movies such as 'The Butler', 'Nightingale' and 'Lincoln' - said: "The odd token thrown, the odd bone given is not going to do it.

"Don't pat yourself on the back because you made that black drama. Bully for you. That's not diversity. It's got to be baked into the foundation of where the ideas flow from ... I felt I had to leave. Please stop this talent drain. You have to change the demographics of the people who are making these decisions."
Prince William, Prince Harry, and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, have donated to a fund set up to help the victims of the Grenfell Tower fire which took place earlier this week.

Prince William, Prince Harry, and Duchess Catherine

The 27-storey block of flats was engulfed in a devastating blaze which left at least 17 dead, over 70 hospitalised and dozens of residents missing on Wednesday (14.06.17) after a faulty fridge exploded inside the building, and now the royal trio have shown their support for those affected.

Prince William, 34, his wife Catherine, 35, and his younger brother Harry, 32, have donated an unspecified amount to the Dispossessed Fund run by the Evening Standard newspaper, as a spokesperson said they were "keen" to offer "immediate support".

The Kensington Palace spokesperson said: "The tragedy at Grenfell Tower has left a number of local people in need of urgent assistance.

"The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry are pleased the Evening Standard's Dispossessed Fund has immediately swung into action. As residents of the local area, they are keen to offer their immediate support."

According to the Evening Standard, the total figure for donations is around 700,000, which includes 360,000 by 9,000 people via the JustGiving website and 200,000 given directly to the Dispossessed fund by 2,800 donors.

Major donations include 100,000 from cafe chain Pret a Manger and 10,000 from global law firm Allen & Overy.

A message on the fund's website reads: "Our thoughts are with all those affected by the Grenfell Tower fire. In support of the community at this difficult time, the Evening Standard Dispossessed Fund has launched an appeal on behalf of residents. If you would like to donate to the appeal, please click below. The appeal and distribution of funds to victims in need of support will be run by The London Community Foundation."

Meanwhile, Prince Harry recently visited Borough Market to show his support after the recent terrorist atrocity which saw attackers drive a van into pedestrians on London Bridge before getting out of the vehicle and stabbing several revellers in nearby bars and restaurants on June 3.
Queen Elizabeth has visited a school where 18 children were killed during a First World War bombing raid in 1917.

Queen Elizabeth

The 91-year-old monarch and her husband Prince Philip made the trip to Mayflower Primary School in Poplar - which was named Upper North Street School at the time of the bombing - on Thursday (15.06.17) to honour the memory of the children aged between four and six who were killed 100 years ago when a daylight bomb from a German aircraft hit the building.

Queen Elizabeth and Philip, 96, also attended a memorial service at the nearby All Saints Church where, at the time, the funerals of 15 of the children took place.

Whilst at the church, the royal couple joined a 250-strong congregation in remembering the victims of the bombing, as well as honouring the victims of the more recent Grenfell Tower tragedy which took place earlier this week and saw at least 17 people killed when the 27-storey block of flats was engulfed in a devastating fire.

The Reverend Jane Hodges told the attendees: "We will pray for peace in our hearts, peace in our community and peace in our world. Today we will also hold in our hearts all those affected by the dreadful fire in west London."

The service also saw a children's choir sing 'The Lord's My Shepherd' before the names of the 18 bombing victims were read out.

During her visit, Queen Elizabeth also met some of the relatives of those killed in the blast, including 90-year-old Donald Challen, whose cousin William Challen died aged five.

From the church, the Queen and Prince Philip were driven a few hundred yards to Mayflower Primary School, which was re-built in 1928 just up the road from the original Upper North Street School, where the monarch unveiled a plaque to commemorate her visit.
The Queen's Speech will take place next Wednesday (21.06.17).

Queen Elizabeth

A piece of writing penned by the government, which is set to outline Parliament's legislation, was set to take place on June 19 following the UK election earlier this month, but it has now been revealed the event will take place two days later than anticipated because of the outcome of a hung Parliament.

It was previously reported the speech was delayed to allow the Conservative Party, led by Theresa May, to negotiate terms with the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) to form a coalition government in order to overrule her competitor and Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn.

According to the Guardian newspaper, although the Conservatives and the DUP are still yet to reach an agreement on the terms of their expected coalition, they have made a "broad agreement on the principles of the Queen's speech", which is enough to allow the event to go ahead.

The publication also reports the speech is "is expected to offer a stripped-down programme for government".

Previously, BBC news reported that First Secretary of State, Damian Green, was forced to remain tight lipped about the process and the date of the speech.

An insider said at the time: "[Green] can't confirm anything yet until we know the final details of the agreement."

But Damian reassured the public that care and time is being taken over the document to ensure they produce a "substantial Queen's Speech" in due course.

He added: "We know those talks are going well and also we know that, at this very important time, we want to produce a substantial Queen's Speech."

News of the delayed speech comes after Theresa met with Queen Elizabeth II at London's Buckingham Palace the day after the election to ask permission for her to attempt to form a new government with the unionist party.
Kate Humble wants to present a show called 'Nude Watch'.

Kate Humble

The 48-year-old television presenter currently fronts nature programme 'Springwatch', and has admitted she'd love to tackle a similar show about nudity as she has no qualms with stripping her kit off and believes the British public are "obsessed" in a "weird, unhealthy way" with seeing bare skin.

She told The Sun newspaper: "I've stripped off loads of times on camera when there are reasons for it. I don't know why we haven't done 'Nude Watch' yet. We have a shack in France by a lake and I hardly ever wear clothes when we're there and I swim naked."

It isn't the first time the blonde beauty - who is married to TV producer Ludo Graham - has spoken about her love of naturism either, as she previously said it was her "eccentric, barking-mad way" of feeling closer to nature.

She said: "There's something joyous about it. My husband and I danced naked in the desert in Jordan once. If you can't get your kicks in that innocent, joyful way, then the world is not a good place."

And although Kate might not get the chance to front the show of her dreams, it was reported in April that the 'Countryfile' presenter is due to host a new quiz show set to test celebrities' knowledge of the animal kingdom.

The BBC Two series, entitled 'Curious Creatures', will reportedly see two panels of celebrities put their knowledge to the test in a format that is set to emulate the popular sporting quiz show 'A Question of Sport'.

A TV insider said at the time: "Everyone loves panel shows and as a nation of animal lovers, BBC producers think this new series will be a real hit.

"'Countryfile' has always been one of the channel's most-viewed programmes. Producers are hoping that with Kate Humble on board as host of 'Curious Creatures', she will be able to replicate that success. As well as targeting 'Countryfile' viewers, they're also hoping this new commission will help to make young people more engaged with nature and wildlife.

"It's going to feature games and celebrity guests each week as the experts are tested on their knowledge of wildlife. It's sure to be a great laugh as well as enlightening and informative."
When Gawker posted a sex tape of professional wrestler Hulk Hogan on their website, a high stakes legal battle was sparked that pitted privacy rights against the first amendment. When the verdict came in, Gawker was bankrupted along with its founder Nick Denton, and a shadowy figure was sat behind-the-scenes laughing at everything that went down.

Coming to Netflix later this month

Nine years before the sex tape scandal, Silicon Valley venture capitalist Peter Thiel was outed as somebody who dated members of the same sex, so the billionaire was waiting for the perfect opportunity to destroy the website.

As the trial went on, a contentious Presidential Election was taking place. Donald Trump was up against Hillary Clinton in one of the most fiercely fought battles for power the United States had ever seen. Becoming the President-elect, Trump went on to fight against the mainstream media and press whenever he was given the opportunity. With his treatment of journalists echoing a trend of negative treatment against the free press, a potential threat to democracy emerged.

Now this new film asks the question, could the very wealthy be destroying the First Amendment to silence their critics? How vulnerable now is the free press that has lost traditional sources of income? Could big money silence media through legal means forever?

Nobody Speak: Trials of the Free Press is the Netflix original documentary examining all of that and more, and now the first official trailer for the film has been released. Check it out below:

Nobody Speaks: Trials of the Free Press hits Netflix globally on June 23, 2017.

by Daniel Falconer for www.femalefirst.co.uk

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Stacey Solomon had a "massive argument" with her boyfriend Joe Swash because he enjoyed a sex show in Amsterdam - even though the excursion was her idea.

Joe Swash and Stacey Solomon

The 'Loose Women' panellist - who started dating the former 'EastEnders' star in late 2015 - suggested the pair of them and a few friends check out the popular displays during their trip to the Netherlands capital, but she soon realised it was a bad idea when she found herself getting worked up because the actor was fixated on it.

She said: "We went to Amsterdam, we went for a little trip away and a part of me was curious about the sex shows, so I did wanna go and see one, I was curious, anyway, cut a long story short I went in, I went in with Joe and we ended up having a massive argument because I was literally the whole time like 'this is exploitation, you're looking at her, you're enjoying this, it was horrible.

"I made him leave and we went with a group of friends and everyone had paid so much money to get in there and I was like we had to go, I was losing it."

The 27-year-old presenter admitted that, although he trusts her beau, she would "lose it" if Joe went away on holiday without her and cosied up to another girl.

Speaking on 'Loose Women' on Friday (16.06.17), she said: "I'd be like that (paranoid) even if he kissed someone on the cheek, I'd be like kissed her did you? I'd lose it."

Her co-panelist Nadia Sawalha had different views and said she would forgive her partner Mark Adderley if he was to cheat.

She said: "I would (forgive him) in that situation. He's good hes kind he's loyal, but I also know people are fallible. I don't think he would do this but if you was to ask what if it were to happen I would look at that and think maybe it was just the mentality."
Italys famous fashion firm Brioni and Kering have announced that Nina-Maria Nitsche is the new creative director of the House, effective June 15, 2017. Brioni is recognised as the worlds most prestigious menswear couture house. A global luxury group, Kering develops an ensemble of luxury houses in fashion, leather goods, jewellery, and watches.Nina-Maria Nitsche will have creative responsibility of the Houses collections and image. She joined Maison Martin Margiela in 1989. For the following 23 years, she worked closely with the designer on the creative vision of the House. After the designers resignation, in 2009, Nina-Maria Nitsche took over the creative direction of Maison Martin Margiela.

Italy's famous fashion firm Brioni and Kering have announced that Nina-Maria Nitsche is the new creative director of the House, effective June 15, 2017. Brioni is recognised as the world's most prestigious menswear couture house. A global luxury group, Kering develops an ensemble of luxury houses in fashion, leather goods, jewellery, and watches.#

Nitsches long experience and global creative perspective will enable her to reinforce the clarity of Brionis identity, emphasise its sartorial values and reinstate its pioneering heritage.Brioni CEO Fabrizio Malverdi said, I am very pleased to welcome Nina-Maria Nitsche to the House of Brioni. Ever since I met her in 1996, I have been impressed by her creative approach, starting from a clearly defined concept and then transforming that into products that accurately resonate with the customer. Her point of view will allow the brands core values to prosper and yet inject a contemporary dialogue that will enable Brioni to evolve into the future.Nina-Maria Nitsche said, I am honoured to collaborate with the House of Brioni. Thanks to its long sartorial history, Brioni has the potential to redefine its position as a unique luxury brand. The Houses philosophy is based on a pioneering approach to menswear. My aim is to reinforce and invigorate this longstanding tradition.Francois-Henri Pinault, chairman and CEO of Kering said, I am delighted to welcome Nina-Maria Nitsche to Brioni and within Kering. Nina-Maria has a very accurate understanding of the Brioni man and she will bring a comprehensive and articulate creative vision to the House. I am sure that, together with Fabrizio Malverdi, she will build on the Houses tradition of exceptional craftsmanship to propel Brioni into a new dynamic. (GK)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
Textile clusters in Gujarat have demanded the government to exempt yarn and fabrics from the Goods and Services Tax (GST). In order to oppose the Centre's proposal to levy 5 per cent GST on these two items, various cloth markets in cities like Surat, Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Bhavnagar, Jamnagar and Junagadh in the state observed a day-long bandh on June 15.

Over 50,000 cloth shops including semi-wholesalers and wholesalers kept their shutters down in Ahmedabad, said media reports quoting Gaurang Bhagat, president of Maskati Cloth Mahajan, a cloth traders' association in Ahmedabad.

Imposing 5 per cent GST on yarn and fabric will be troublesome for cloth businesses and the GST process is lengthy, according to Bhagat. He added that yarn and fabric have traditionally been exempted from sales tax and VAT since 1957 and GST on them is uncalled for.

Textile clusters in Gujarat have demanded the government to exempt yarn and fabrics from the Goods and Services Tax (GST). In order to oppose the Centre's proposal to levy 5 per cent GST on these two items, various cloth markets in cities like Surat, Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Bhavnagar, Jamnagar and Junagadh in the state observed a day-long bandh on June 15.#

Bhagat said that the government should levy GST on cotton and raw material instead of processed cloth. The members of the association have also been asked to not register for GST until the next Council meeting on June 18, when the government is expected to review the matter.

The appeal to keep the shops closed on June 15 was given to extend support to bandh calls made by other textile bodies. Bhagat added that representatives from the textile industry will make a presentation on their demands before the government. (KD)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PHMA) has appreciated Pakistan government's move to lower sales tax on raw material supplies to 1 per cent for 5 export sectors. This was announced during final approval of budgetary proposals for 2017-18 by the National Assembly. However, the government is yet to release exporters' claims.

Earlier this year, an incentive package worth Rs 180 billion was approved by Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif for exports. Under this package, the government has approved for sanction of Rs 4 billion against the total claim of over Rs 24 billion, said PHMA chairman Adil Butt, according to Pakistan media reports. When reservation was raised during the sixth meeting of the Federal Textile Board last week, Finance Division officials assured the textile exporters that funds would be released for duty drawback from allocations under federal budgets as well as supplementary grants based upon the claims submitted in the State Bank of Pakistan," said Butt.

Further, the exporters are yet to receive their drawback of Local Taxes and Levies which is outstanding since many years. Butt has requested the government to revive the value-added textile industry and return the claims to the exporters. With insufficient finance, it has become difficult for the value-added textile exporters to compete in the global marker with other countries, he stated. (RR)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
SABIC has been named the winner of the prestigious Best Polymer Producer Award in the category of polypropylene. The award is given in conjunction with the European Plastics Converters (EuPC) annual event, held in Madrid, Spain. The winner is selected based on European-wide customer satisfaction survey conducted by the Polymers for Europe Alliance.The European Plastics Converters (EuPC) annual event was held on June 1, 2017.

SABIC has been named the winner of the prestigious Best Polymer Producer Award in the category of polypropylene. The award is given in conjunction with the European Plastics Converters (EuPC) annual event, held in Madrid, Spain. The winner is selected based on European-wide customer satisfaction survey conducted by the Polymers for Europe Alliance.#

All users of polymers in Europe rated their suppliers performances by accessing the free of charge voting tool in strict confidence from mid 2016 up to end of May 2017. Companies are evaluated regarding the five criteria - polymer quality, regulatory compliance, delivery reliability, communication and innovation.The award is an affirmation of SABICs on-going efforts in plastics value chain through customer engagement, commitment and investments in innovation and technology to provide solutions for the industry.SABIC is honoured to be named The Best Polymer Producer winner for 2017. The award is tremendous validation that our commitment to the plastics industry - which to us, means listening to our customers and leveraging our global innovation expertise in response to their needs - is helping to solve their challenges, said Sjoerd Zuidema, director of Polypropylene Business Europe for SABIC.The Best Polymers for Europe Awards represent a major opportunity for re-establishing a constructive dialogue and a good communication between suppliers and users of polymers in Europe, added Ron Marsh, chairman of the Polymers for Europe Alliance. (SV)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
The Oeko-Tex Association, provider of standardised solutions to customers manufacturing processes for sustainable products, has certified foam mattresses from Tuft & Needle, an American ecommerce and manufacturing company, according to the Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex. Tuft & Needle is the first company to achieve certification of a complete mattress system.According to the certificate, Tuft & Needle foam mattresses have been tested to be free from harmful levels of more than 300 concerning chemicals. The Tuft & Needle mattresses meet Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex Class 1 criteria, the most stringent of the four Oeko-Tex classes. The Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex certification also confirms that Tuft & Needle mattresses fully comply with US Consumer Products Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) regulations.

The Oeko-Tex Association, provider of standardised solutions to customers' manufacturing processes for sustainable products, has certified foam mattresses from Tuft & Needle, an American ecommerce and manufacturing company, according to the Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex. Tuft & Needle is the first company to achieve certification of a complete mattress system.#

Aaron Bata, head of customer experience of Tuft & Needle said, A good nights sleep requires both a fantastic mattress and peace of mind. The Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex certification reassures our customers that their Tuft & Needle mattress doesnt contain harmful chemicals so they can rest even easier. Plus, as an independent, third party certification with a trackable identification number that consumers can verify online, Oeko-Tex fits right into our companys commitment to plain speaking transparency and integrity.Ben Mead who represents Oeko-Tex in North America said, We applaud Tuft & Needle for being the first company to obtain this voluntary certification for their complete mattress system. The Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex certification indicates real commitment to producing quality mattresses that are safe for everyone in the family to enjoy. (GK)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
critic's rating: 3.0/5

Director: Bumpy





Cast: Riteish Deshmukh, Vivek Oberoi, Rhea Chakraborty, Prakash Raj, Sahil Vaid, Bhuvan Arora and Vikram Thapa





Rating: 3 stars







Quick take: Slick comedy with hilarious dialogue







Bank Chor is a heist comedy that quickly transforms into an action thriller and then gets back to the heist concept. The best parts of this film are the witty dialogues and the cleverly written situations. While the film does falter on one or two occasions, it largely pulls off its conman setting with spunk and smart tongue-in-cheek writing. Purely to provide it a genre classification, Bank Chor can be compared to movies like Now You See Me and Bluffmaster. It's just as outlandish as those films and just as entertaining too.







The story kicks off inside a bank, as the unlikely trio of Champak (Riteish Deshmukh), Genda (Vikram Thapa) and Gulab (Bhuvan Arora) appear in disguise with intentions of robbing the place. Outside the bank is an army of police, CBI and journalists while the bumbling idiots inside struggle with a hostage situation. CBI officer Amjad Khan (Vivek Oberoi) is the tough cop who's just biding his time before he nails the rookie thieves inside the bank. The good part of Bank Chor is the constant Mumbai versus Delhi argument between Riteish Deshmukh's Champak and his aides Genda and Gulab who helm from Faridabad and Ghaziabad. Instead of teaming up and robbing the bank, the three bumbling idiots spend time arguing about differences between Delhi and Mumbai. The repartee and banter in these conversations is hilarious. There are plenty of twists and turns in the screenplay. At one point, Bank Chor feels like an Abbas Mustan thriller, what with double cross, deceit and murder becoming the mainstay of the story. But the witty comedy keeps the thrill of the concept alive.







The writing of the film stays solid for the most part. The loopholes come out once the twists start revealing themselves in the second half, but even then the film manages to keep a light vein and it entertains with ease. The team of writers behind Bank Chor has to be given credit for successfully incorporating sundry everyday information like dual sim phones, mobile roaming charges, data connectivity issues etc into the story. These moments are seamless and make the film engaging and funny.







Another strong aspect of Bank Chor are the performances. Apart from the main cast, there are lot of small performances that add value to the comedy and heist elements of the story. But the stand out performers of this film are Riteish Deshmukh, Vivek Oberoi, Sahil Vaid, Bhuvan Arora and Vikram Thapa. While Riteish, Bhuvan and Vikram get the comedy bang on, Vivek and Sahil excel in their intense roles. Rhea Chakraborty brings in a dash of glamour and her Bengal inspired humour is good too. The ArGo dialogue is sheer brilliance.







Bank Chor and its smart comedy setup, especially in the second half isn't the most intelligent piece of creative writing. Even though the film and its narrative treatment feels like a Delhi Belly, it never quite becomes as detailed and sharp as it should be. But what Bank Chor excels at is creating a hilarious banter between its lead characters. Three guys deliver some excellent punchlines and quirky dialogue to entertain in a breezy two-hour film. Director Bumpy and his team of writers may not have done enough to please the classes, but their spunky little film has enough thrills and laughs to give the massy crowds value for money. Bank Chor is definitely a comedy worth watching.
Radhika Apte

Radhika Apte is seen chilling by the beach in Tuscany, Italy.

Italian Holiday

She is in Italy with her buddies and is having a good time.

Renaissance

Radhika Apte is enjoying the Renaissance art and architecture.

Happy Girl

She's all happy, relexed and cool. Of course, who wouldn't be?

Wow!

Italy is a wonderful place and Radhika is making the most out of it.

Beach Baby

She also shared a lot of pictures having yummy food.

Much Needed Break

Radhika's Italy trip was a much needed break away from work.

Italy

A holiday in Italy is must atleast once in our lifetime.

Away From Home

She's away from the hustle bustle of everyday life back in India.

Holiday!

It's good to see her taking the much needed break.

No Worries

Radhika Apte has taken the worries of away and is enjoying her vacation.

Kabali

Radhika Apte was last seen in the film Kabali.

Phobia

She also starred in an online film titled, Phobia.


WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - The Kroger Co. (KR) lowered its 2017 GAAP net earnings guidance for 53 weeks to $1.74-$1.79 per share. Kroger's adjusted net earnings guidance range is $2.00 to $2.05 per share. This assumes an $80 million LIFO charge compared to the company's original estimate of $25 million. The previous adjusted net earnings guidance range was $2.21 to $2.25 per share. Kroger continues to expect identical supermarket sales growth, excluding fuel, of flat to 1% growth for 2017. Kroger said the company continues to expect capital investments excluding mergers, acquisitions and purchases of leased facilities, to be in the $3.2 to $3.5 billion range for 2017.



Over the long term, Kroger said, the company is committed to achieving a net earnings per share growth rate of 8-11%, plus a growing dividend.



The Kroger Co. reported net earnings of $303 million, or $0.32 per share, and identical supermarket sales decline, without fuel, of 0.2% in the first quarter of 2017. Kroger's net earnings per share includes charges related to the withdrawal liability for certain multi-employer pension funds and a Voluntary Retirement Offering. Excluding the effect of these charges, Kroger's adjusted net earnings were $546 million, or $0.58 per share. Kroger's net earnings for the first quarter last year were $696 million, or $0.71 per share.



First-quarter total sales increased 4.9% to $36.3 billion compared to $34.6 billion for the same period last year. Total sales, excluding fuel, increased 2.9%. The company noted that the recent merger with ModernHEALTH contributed to sales growth.



Chairman and CEO Rodney McMullen, said: 'We are driving our strategy of lowering costs to reinvest in ways that provide the right value to our customers. We're pleased that identical supermarket sales in the last nine weeks of the first quarter were positive, and that has continued in the second quarter to date.'



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

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Technavio's latest market research report on the global solvents market provides an analysis on the most important trends expected to impact the market outlook from 2017-2021. Technaviodefines an emerging trend as a factor that has the potential to significantly impact the market and contribute to its growth or decline.

This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170615006363/en/

Technavio has published a new report on the global solvents market from 2017-2021. (Graphic: Business Wire)

Hitesh Bhatia, a lead analyst from Technavio, specializing in research on specialty chemicals sector says, "The global solvents market is driven by the demand from major application areas, such as paints and coatings, pharmaceuticals, printing inks, adhesives, and cleaning products. The market is undergoing significant changes owing to the growing environmental concerns and increasing number of regulatory pressures, and concerns over toxic emissions during the manufacturing of solvents."

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The top three emerging market trends driving the global solvents market according to Technavio research analysts are:

Favorable government regulations for bio-based solvents

Emerging opportunities of soy-based solvents

Demand from emerging economies

Favorable government regulations for bio-based solvents

The governments of various countries have implemented stringent regulations regarding the manufacturing of paints and coatings and the technologies used during the process. Regulatory authorities monitor emissions and waste disposal and management during the manufacturing process of paints and coatings. This has resulted in vendors to invest in the development of production processes that minimize waste and toxic emissions.

The use of conventional solvents leads to the emission of VOCs, which have adverse effects on both human health and the environment. Therefore, the use of traditional solvent-borne paints is facing restrictions from regulatory authorities as well as consumers. This is increasing the demand for bio-based solvents and has a positive effect on the overall solvents market.

"Adoption of less harmful green and bio-based solvents allows paints and coatings manufacturers to comply with all these regulations, thus giving the global solvents market an overall boost," says Hitesh.

Emerging opportunities of soy-based solvents

Growing awareness regarding the use of methyl soyate as a green and bio-based solvent is increasing its use in different applications. The demand for soy-based solvents increased considerably in 2015.

BioSpan Technologies in 2006 developed a new variant of soy-based solvent, which helped in the replacement of conventional solvents such as hydrocarbons. This lead to the commercialization of soy-solvents for new applications across different areas. The company also developed a replacement for asphalt cement by blending bio-solvents such as methyl soyate and other newly developed solvents. The development of methyl soyate is creating significant growth opportunities in the market as it is safer than other conventional solvents.

Demand from emerging economies

The solvent-based coatings market, in spite of certain adverse environmental effects, is expected to be driven by macroeconomic factors such as rising GDP and high income levels, especially in emerging economies such as China, South Africa, the UAE, Brazil, and India. Growth in infrastructure development, growing metal industry, and abundance of natural resources in these regions will contribute to the growth of many industries, such as construction and automotive, thereby driving the overall solvent-based coatings market. The infrastructure industry, which is a major consumer of solvent-based adhesives, accounts for a major share of this market.

Browse Related Reports:

Global Emission Control Catalysts (ECCs) Market 2017-2021

Global Paper Chemicals Market 2017-2021

Global Melamine Formaldehyde Market 2017-2021

Become a Technavio Insights member and access all three of these reports for a fraction of their original cost. As a Technavio Insights member, you will have immediate access to new reports as they're published in addition to all 6,000+ existing reports covering segments like olefinsindustrial gases, and metals and minerals. This subscription nets you thousands in savings, while staying connected to Technavio's constant transforming research library, helping you make informed business decisions more efficiently.

About Technavio

Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. The company develops over 2000 pieces of research every year, covering more than 500 technologies across 80 countries. Technavio has about 300 analysts globally who specialize in customized consulting and business research assignments across the latest leading edge technologies.

Technavio analysts employ primary as well as secondary research techniques to ascertain the size and vendor landscape in a range of markets. Analysts obtain information using a combination of bottom-up and top-down approaches, besides using in-house market modeling tools and proprietary databases. They corroborate this data with the data obtained from various market participants and stakeholders across the value chain, including vendors, service providers, distributors, re-sellers, and end-users.

If you are interested in more information, please contact our media team at media@technavio.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170615006363/en/

Contacts:

Technavio Research

Jesse Maida

Media Marketing Executive

US: +1 630 333 9501

UK: +44 208 123 1770

www.technavio.com
Technavio has announced the top five leading vendors in their recentglobal synthetic aperture radar (SAR) marketreport until 2021. This research report also lists four other prominent vendors that are expected to impact the market during the forecast period.

This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170615006367/en/

Technavio has published a new report on the global synthetic aperture radar (SAR) market from 2017-2021. (Graphic: Business Wire)

The global SAR market has seen a stable growth due to increased defense spending, especially in the Americas and the Middle East, and the rapidly growing economies like China and India. Also, the growing use of such systems by civil agencies for law enforcement and natural disaster operations has been a major reason for the market's growth.

Competitive vendor landscape

The global SAR market is fragmented with many prominent players competing to enhance their respective market shares. However, in the space-based platform segment, there are only a few major vendors who dominate the market. Thus, a strong and sturdy competition resides among the vendors for securing key major military contracts. Operators are rapidly shifting toward an integrated communication and information sharing architecture. Companies with greater technical capabilities and financial resources are anticipated to develop and offer products and services that can make their competitors' products non-competitive and obsolete, even before they are launched.

Moutushi Saha, an industry expert at Technavio for research on defense, says, "The growth of vendors depends on factors such as market conditions, government support, and industry development. Therefore, vendors must enhance their geographical presence while reviving domestic demand to achieve sustained growth. Vendors can boost their profitability by practicing efficient production techniques that minimize product costs and mitigate associated risks."

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Top five synthetic aperture radar (SAR) market vendors

Airbus Defence and Space

Airbus Defence and Space designs and develops military aircraft and a broad array of satellites that are used by defense and other government agencies across the globe. The company operates as a division of the Airbus Group.

The company developed various remote sensing satellites that are being used for Earth observation applications, which are commonly used by various European countries. Apart from that, the company has also supplied remote sensing satellites to the governments of the UAE, Kazakhstan, Japan, and South Korea.

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI)

IAI engages in the manufacture and marketing of military and commercial aerospace and defense systems across the world. The company, primarily through its subsidiary, ELTA Systems, provides intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) systems, self-protection and self-defense systems, early warning and control systems, and fire control systems. ELTA Systems also provides upgrades to airborne radar systems, as well as SAR targeting pods for military aircraft.

Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin engages in the production and supply of advanced technology systems and solutions to global defense and aerospace industries.

The company, primarily through its space systems business division, provides space-related technologies, systems, and equipment, as well as offers missiles technologies. The company offers newer-generation SAR technologies, like foliage penetration, ground moving target indication systems, and dual band (UHF/VHF) sensors for both civilian and military customers across the globe.

Northrop Grumman

Northrop Grumman supplies systems, products, and solutions focusing on aerospace, electronics, information systems, and technical services to the government and commercial customers across the globe.

Northrop Grumman designs and develops a wide range of radar systems used in IEDs, tactical reconnaissance vehicles, and other platforms. The company developed a small, lightweight radar, AN/ZPY-1 STARLite, for performing supportive tactical operations.

Thales

Thales provides solutions primarily to the aerospace and defense industries globally. The company is involved in the production of aerospace products, solutions, and commercialization.

Thales is supported by a strong operational network of subsidiaries located in France, New Zealand, the UK, and Australia and in regions, such as Asia, North America, Saudi Arabia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East. Some of its subsidiaries are Thales Optronique, Thales Air Defense, Thales Avionics, Thales Training and Simulation, and Thales Underwater Systems.

Browse Related Reports:

Global Military Aircraft Battery Market 2017-2021

Global Smart Weapons Market 2017-2021

Global Military Fire Control Systems Market 2017-2021

Become a Technavio Insights member and access all three of these reports for a fraction of their original cost. As a Technavio Insights member, you will have immediate access to new reports as they're published in addition to all 6,000+ existing reports covering segments like aerospace componentsaerospace, and defense technology. This subscription nets you thousands in savings, while staying connected to Technavio's constant transforming research library, helping you make informed business decisions more efficiently.

About Technavio

Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. The company develops over 2000 pieces of research every year, covering more than 500 technologies across 80 countries. Technavio has about 300 analysts globally who specialize in customized consulting and business research assignments across the latest leading-edge technologies.

Technavio analysts employ primary as well as secondary research techniques to ascertain the size and vendor landscape in a range of markets. Analysts obtain information using a combination of bottom-up and top-down approaches, besides using in-house market modeling tools and proprietary databases. They corroborate this data with the data obtained from various market participants and stakeholders across the value chain, including vendors, service providers, distributors, re-sellers, and end-users.

If you are interested in more information, please contact our media team at media@technavio.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170615006367/en/

Contacts:

Technavio Research

Jesse Maida

Media Marketing Executive

US: +1 630 333 9501

UK: +44 208 123 1770

www.technavio.com
The appointment of Kenneth MacKenzie as the next Chair is a constructive step in bringing much needed change to the direction of BHP.

As CEO of Amcor, Mr. MacKenzie displayed strong leadership qualities as he successfully navigated the company through the financial crisis while making difficult decisions to significantly improve shareholder returns over his decade at the helm.

As a large investor in BHP, Elliott encourages Mr. MacKenzie to use his leadership skills to address BHP's poor capital allocation and underperformance, nominate diverse and qualified directors, and review the executive management team.

Elliott renews its call for BHP to initiate an immediate, independent and transparent review of its petroleum business, unify its inefficient and obsolete dual-listed company structure, and put renewed focus on capital returns to instil greater management discipline and avoid further value-destructive acquisitions and projects.

About Elliott:

Founded in 1977, Elliott manages two funds, Elliott Associates, L.P. and Elliott International, L.P., with assets under management totaling more than US$32.7 billion.

Elliott's investors include pension plans, sovereign wealth funds, hospital and university endowments, charitable foundations, funds-of-funds, individuals and families, and employees of the firm.

With tens of millions of beneficiary stakeholders located on five continents, Elliott's primary focus is on risk control, stability, and steady growth of capital. With 40 years of experience, it is one of the oldest hedge funds under continuous management. Today, Elliott has offices in New York, London, Hong Kong and Tokyo and employs a staff of 410 people, including 145 investment professionals.

Elliott is a multi-strategy hedge fund, carrying out a diverse range of investment activities. Its strategies include actively managed equity investments in which Elliott's objectives include promoting shareholder value and good corporate governance for the benefit of all shareholders.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170615006405/en/

Contacts:

For further information, call:

New York

Elliott

Michael O'Looney, +1 (212) 478-2687

or

London

Camarco

Billy Clegg, +44(0) 20 3757 4983

or

Gordon Poole, +44(0) 20 3757 4997

or

Sydney

Honner

Michael Yiannakis, +61 481 754 366

or

Paul Cheal, +61 427 755 296

Office: +61 2 8248 3700
Development will help manufacturers enter Middle Eastern Markets

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, June 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- TUV Rheinland is proud to announce that it is the first international third-party testing, inspection and certification (TIC) company to achieve Gulf Standardization Organization (GSO) Notified Body (NB) status in Thailand and Japan. They join TUV Rheinland Hong Kong, which was the first independent technical services company in the Asia Pacific to obtain GSO Notified Body status for electrical products and toys in June 2015, and TUV Rheinland Korea, which is also newly designated as NB by GSO.

In conjunction with TUV Rheinland's global network of laboratories, these Notified Bodies are authorized to certify products with the "G Mark"-- a mandatory requirement for a variety of goods entering Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) markets.

They can certify low voltage household appliances, plugs, socket outlets and cord extensions. This will help more APAC manufacturers gain access to markets in the six affluent GCC countries of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates. The GSO member states, which also include Yemen, have a total population of around 80 million and an estimated GDP of US$3.2 trillion.

The term "Notified Bodies" refers to independent conformity assessment organizations considered competent and impartial by the GSO, which are responsible for the regulatory process and technical assessment of products intended for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) common market.

"While the GSO standards for these products closely follow EU regulations, there are still enough variations and regulatory hoops to require close attention to every product detail. As an officially recognized Notified Body, TUV Rheinland can guide customers and provide the testing and documentation they need to successfully jump into the Gulf region," said Mr Andreas Leo Hoefer, Executive Vice President, Asia Pacific / India, Middle East & Africa for TUV Rheinland.

"As an independent third-party testing, inspection and certification organization, TUV Rheinland prides itself on its in-depth understanding of the regulations across the Gulf region. Our network of offices and labs covers virtually every GCC country and we are accredited as an inspection body for the national import control schemes of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar. In addition, TUV Rheinland is recognized as an approved testing laboratory for national energy efficiency labelling schemes for air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines and lighting products," said Mr Hoefer.

To be eligible for sale in any GCC market, products must meet the essential requirements set out in the GSO Technical Regulations. These are designed to protect consumers from potential hazards, such as physical injury, high temperatures, electric shock, fire or radiation. However, while the regulations define the objectives related to safety and electromagnetic compatibility, the technical solutions generally follow the Gulf (GSO) standards or international IEC standards which benefit from a "presumption of conformity".

"Using a third-party laboratory or Notified Body, such as TUV Rheinland, can save manufacturers considerable time and expense. We have labs close to suppliers, decades of experience and are well-versed in the approval requirements to gain quick access to GCC markets. Moreover, only GSO-authorized Notified Bodies and their affiliated labs are permitted to conduct the necessary tests," said Mr Holger Kunz, Executive Vice President, Products, TUV Rheinland.

About TUV Rheinland

TUV Rheinland is a global leader in independent inspection services, founded 145 years ago. The group employs 19,700 people around the globe. Annual revenue is more than EUR1.9billion. The independent experts stand for quality and safety for people, technology and the environment in nearly all industrial sectors and areas of life. TUV Rheinland inspects technical equipment, products and services, and oversees projects, processes and information security for companies. Its experts train people in a wide range of careers and industries. To this end, the company operates a global network of approved labs and testing and education centers. Since 2006, TUV Rheinland has been a member of the United Nations Global Compact to promote sustainability and combat corruption. Website: www.tuv.com


INDIANAPOLIS (dpa-AFX) - Today's Daily Dose brings you news about how the third time proved to be a charm for Adamis Pharma's Epinephrine Pre-filled Syringe; favorable Markman claim construction ruling for Oxford Immunotec; encouraging results from Lilly's phase III trial of Taltz in patients with active psoriatic arthritis and Skyline Medical's STREAMWAY System securing the CE Mark.



Read on...



Shares of Adamis Pharmaceuticals Corp. (ADMP) surged more than 53% on Thursday, following FDA approval of its Epinephrine Pre-filled Syringe for the emergency treatment of anaphylaxis.



Anaphylaxis is a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. Certain medications, especially penicillin, anesthesia and aspirin; insect stings, certain foods and latex can trigger anaphylaxis.



The Company's Epinephrine Pre-Filled Syringe was turned down by the U.S. regulatory agency in March of 2015 as well as in June 2016.



Adamis Pharma's Epinephrine Pre-filled Syringe will sport the brand name Symjepi, and is expected to be launched in the second half of this year.



ADMP closed Thursday's trading at $5.75, up 53.33%. In after-hours, the stock was up 6.96% to $6.15.



Eli Lilly and Co.'s (LLY) approved psoriasis drug Taltz, in a pivotal Phase 3 trial, has demonstrated significant improvements in disease signs and symptoms at 24 weeks among patients with active psoriatic arthritis who had prior inadequate response or intolerance to TNF Inhibitors.



The study, dubbed SPIRIT-P2, evaluated the safety and efficacy of Taltz (80 mg every four weeks or every two weeks, following a 160-mg starting dose) compared to placebo after 24 weeks in patients with active psoriatic arthritis (PsA) who were previously treated with TNF inhibitors and had an inadequate response to one or two TNF inhibitors or were intolerant to TNF inhibitors.



Taltz was approved by the FDA last March to treat adults with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. The drug generated sales of $96.6 million in the first quarter of 2017.



LLY closed Thursday's trading at $82.05, up 0.55%.



Oxford Immunotec Global PLC (OXFD) has received a favorable Markman claim construction ruling in its patent infringement lawsuit against Qiagen Inc., Quest Diagnostics, Inc., and Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings.



In 2015, Oxford Immunotec had sued Qiagen, Quest Diagnostics, and Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings for allegedly infringing 6 of its patents related to T-SPOT TB test, a method for diagnosing TB infection.



Oxford Immunotec's T-SPOT.TB test has been approved for sale in over 50 countries, including the United States, where it has received pre-market approval from the FDA and Europe, where it has obtained a CE mark, as well as Japan and China.



OXFD closed Thursday's trading at $15.13, up 5.22%.



Skyline Medical Inc. (SKLN) has been notified that its STREAMWAY System meets all requirements and can now be affixed with the CE mark and marketed in 32 European countries.



STREAMWAY system, which is a direct-to-drain fluid disposal system designed specifically for medical applications, such as radiology, endoscopy, urology and cystoscopy procedures, has already received FDA clearance.



Revenue derived from sale of STREAMWAY systems and disposable supplies in 2016 was $456,000 compared with $654,000 in 2015.



SKLN closed Thursday's trading at $1.72, up 5.52%.



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

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Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
PARIS (dpa-AFX) - Indosuez Wealth Management said that it has entered into exclusive discussions with Credit Industriel et Commercial 'CIC' to acquire its private banking activities in Singapore and Hong Kong. The acquisition would further enhance Indosuez Wealth Management's footprint and position in Asia and would be in line with its strategic priorities to accelerate growth in key markets, as part of its 'Shaping Indosuez 2020' corporate project, which is part of the Credit Agricole Group's Medium-Term Plan. The transaction is expected to be finalised by the end of the year and is subject to both regulatory approvals and to customary employee consultation procedures in France. Indosuez Wealth Management will work closely with CIC to ensure a smooth process for both the transaction and for the transition of both clients and employees. The project would have a negative effect below 2 basis points on the fully loaded CET1 ratio of Credit Agricole S.A. and Credit Agricole Group. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
CANBERA (dpa-AFX) - The Japanese yen weakened against the other major currencies in the Asian session on Friday. The yen fell to a 10-day low of 124.02 against the euro, from yesterday's closing value of 123.65. Against the pound and the Swiss franc, the yen dropped to 1-week lows of 142.18 and 114.10 from yesterday's closing quotes of 141.51 and 113.73, respectively. Against the U.S., the Australian, the New Zealand and the Canadian dollars, the yen slid to a 2-week low of 111.27, a 1-month low of 84.51, nearly a 3-1/2-month low of 80.26 and nearly a 3-month low of 83.91 from yesterday's closing quotes of 110.94, 84.08, 79.25 and 83.59, respectively. If the yen extends its downtrend, it is likely to find support around 126.00 against the euro, 145.00 against the pound, 115.00 the franc, 114.00 against the greenback, 86.00 against the aussie, 81.00 against the kiwi and 85.00 against the loonie. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
Aalborg, Denmark, 2017-06-16 08:45 CEST (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --



Summary



Financial performance in Q1 2017/18



The profit before tax for Q1 2017/18 was DKK 0.1 million, as compared with a loss of DKK 4.1 million in Q1 2016/17. The loss after tax was DKK 0.9 million compared with a loss of DKK 3.7 million for Q1 2016/17.



Total assets amounted to DKK 2,893.9 million at 30 April 2017 against DKK 2,852.9 million at 31 January 2017. Consolidated equity stood at DKK 1,296.8 million at 30 April 2017, corresponding to a solvency ratio of 44.8%.



Breakdown by segment:



DKKm Property Asset Unallocate development management d -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Profit/loss -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Profit/loss before tax 4.5 -1.6 -2.8 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Balance sheet -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Development projects 955.8 - - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Completed properties under asset - 1,174.0 - management -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Other asset management projects - 108.7 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Other assets 320.7 259.4 75.3 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total assets 1,276.5 1,542.1 75.3 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tied-up equity 711.3 527.9 57.6 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Outlook for 2017/18



Management still expects a profit of DKK 100-120 million before tax for 2017/18, assuming a return on equity ratio of about 15% for the Group's property development activities.



This forecast is based on Management's expectations, including time estimates, for a number of specific projects. Several of the Group's major development projects have been sold in whole or in part and are expected to contribute to the current financial year's results, including Strdet, Kge, Denmark, and the Amerika Have residential project in Copenhagen, Denmark. TK Development is recording good progress on the individual projects.



Property development



TK Development handed over a retail park of about 3,200 sqm in Oskarshamn, Sweden, to the investor in the first quarter of 2017/18. In addition, TK Development sold a few minor plots of land and also generated fee income on a few projects.



Major development projects:



-- Construction of BROEN Shopping, the new shopping centre in Esbjerg, Denmark, has been completed, and the centre opened as scheduled on 10 April 2017. The current occupancy rate is 91% of the total space (Q4 2016/17: 88%). -- The construction project in Kge, Denmark, is moving ahead. The project will be handed over to the investor in three phases. The first phase, comprising a cinema and restaurants, was completed in May 2017 and will be handed over to the buyer in July 2017. The main part of the project is still expected to be completed and handed over in autumn 2017, while a minor part is scheduled for completion in 2018. The retail project, of which 88% has been let (Q4 2016/17: 86%), has been sold under a conditional sale agreement to Finnish-based Citycon together with the parking facilities. The sale to Citycon is still expected to have a significant positive impact on results for the 2017/18 financial year as the completed part of the project is handed over to the investor. -- Construction of the Amerika Have residential project in Copenhagen, Denmark, was completed shortly after the reporting date, and the apartments that have been sold were handed over to the buyers in May 2017. 114 of the 121 apartments have been sold (Q4 2016/17: 104). -- Construction of the third phase of the Bielany residential project in Warsaw, Poland, is progressing according to plan, as is the pre-completion sale. 54% (Q4 2016/17: 45%) of the residential units have been sold.



Asset management



The portfolio of completed properties in this business area, including joint venture projects, consists of 156,700 sqm and represented a value of DKK 1,593.1 million at 30 April 2017. Based on the current occupancy rate, annual net rent corresponds to a return on the carrying amount of 4.4% (Q4 2016/17: 4.3%). Based on full occupancy, the return on the carrying amount is estimated at 6.2% (Q4 2016/17: 6.2%).



Detailed development and operating plans have been drafted for each property, and the plans are generally progressing as planned.



The expectations stated in this interim report, including earnings forecasts, are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ from the guidance provided. Expectations may be impacted by factors generally affecting the sector as well as the factors referred to under Risk management and in note 2 to the consolidated financial statements in the Group's annual report for 2016/17, Accounting estimates and judgments, including the valuation of the Group's project portfolio.



Any questions regarding this interim report may be directed to Frede Clausen, President and CEO, tel. +45 8896 1010.



Attachment:

https://cns.omxgroup.com/cds/DisclosureAttachmentServlet?messageAttachmentId=635465

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Andy Ahn Head of Marketing, Suprema Inc. Email: andyahn@suprema.co.kr

SEOUL, KOREA, June 16, 2017 - (ACN Newswire) - Suprema, a global leader in biometrics and security technology, announced that the company will showcase the new CoreStation, industry's unique and the most advanced biometrics-based intelligent access controller at IFSEC 2017.The new Suprema CoreStation is an intelligent door controller which provides advantages of biometric-enabled security over centralized access control systems. Designed for mid to enterprise-level systems, CoreStation handles up to 500,000 users with incredible fingerprint matching speed of 400,000 matches per second. With provision of high-performance, biometric readiness and Ethernet communication, CoreStation is capable of offering comprehensive access control features with the company's BioStar 2 platform. The device also provides centralized biometric template management and also interfaces with complete set of reader technologies including RS-485(OSDP) and Wiegand."The new CoreStation is designed to fulfill the demand of biometric technology within the more-secure, larger scale access control applications with centralized topology. While providing intelligent controller functionalities, the device also manages fingerprint matching and biometric data storage under the hood. With the addition of this intelligent biometric controller to Suprema's existing access control portfolio, our customers will have more choices and flexibility in designing their security systems," said Hanchul Kim, Director of Global Business at Suprema. "With its versatility in application, CoreStation will provide perfect access control solutions for both new installations as well as a replacement of existing systems," Kim added.Along with CoreStation, Suprema will also present its 2nd generation fingerprint and facial recognition technologies. With the fingerprint biometrics, Suprema will demonstrate the industry's most secure anti-spoofing live finger detection technology. Suprema's patented live fingerprint detection technology well blends its advancements of image analysis techniques and optical engineering to effectively eliminate possible fraud using various fake fingerprint materials including clay, rubber, silicon, paper and film.Suprema will also showcase BioStar 2 Mobile Card, the latest addition to BioStar 2 security platform with a major update in mobile credential. BioStar 2 Mobile Card now offers the industry's most secure biometric mobile credential by storing user information and sensitive biometric data on the user's smartphone. Supporting both BLE and NFC communication, BioStar 2 Mobile Card is compatible to the most smartphones on the market today.To experience latest innovations of Suprema's products and solutions, please visit Suprema stand (D1400) at IFSEC 2017 or visit us at www.supremainc.com.About Suprema Inc.Suprema is a leading global provider of biometrics and security technology. By combining world renowned biometric algorithms with superior engineering, Suprema continually designs and develops industry leading products and solutions. Suprema's extensive range of portfolio includes biometric access control systems, time & attendance solutions, fingerprint live scanners, mobile authentication solutions and embedded fingerprint modules. Suprema has worldwide sales network in over 130 countries and is one of the world's Top 50 security company in its turnover (ranked in A&S's Security 50, 2010-2016). For more information, please visit www.supremainc.com.Source: Suprema Inc.Contact:Copyright 2017 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved.
The first anniversary is expected to be a watershed moment for every mobile game, and the most popular ARPG mobile game Legacy of Discord Furious Wings is celebrating such a moment. Starting October 20, Legacy of Discord will kick off its anniversary celebration with many sorts of treats, including Last Guardian Mode, an upgraded Metamorph System and the exclusive Furious Wing.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20171019005564/en/

Legacy of Discord celebrates its first anniversary. (Photo: Business Wire)

A PROMINENT AND SUCCESSFUL YEAR

Legacy of Discord is a free-to-play mobile Action MMORPG developed by Fancy Guo Technology Co., Ltd. and globally released by Yoozoo Games (SZ.002174). Since its launch in late 2016, nearly 70 million guardians were created in the Legacy of Discord universe with 15 languages, from over 190 countries. LoD has become the top-grossing mobile ARPG in the US and Europe and among the Top 10 grossing games in 115 countries and regions.

Now Legacy of Discord has 1.1 million Facebook fans and more than 1 million likes on the official fan page. By late April of this year, players shared over 10,000 stories on the official page. With the joint efforts of players and the project team, it has built a large and active player community.

YOOZOO Games also brought Legacy of Discord to Gamescom 2017 where the game received great feedback among players and created an exciting journey in the offline world.

A WEALTH OF SPLENDID UPDATES

With millions of players, the team is pushing to create more game modes and improve the game experience in all aspects. During the celebration, Legacy of Discord brings out the upgraded Metamorph System and a new survival mode Last Guardian.

The initial Metamorph system allows players to transform into mysterious creatures and unleash their ultimate powers in battles. After this update, the system will bring more monsters, skills and maps to the players.

Last Guardian is a 20-minute survival gameplay mode, offering a new option of advanced battle experience. All players will have the same base attributes in the mode, and only one guardian will survive.

More notably, the anniversary celebration reveals the Furious Wing. With the flame of darkness, Furious Wings is the only one wing that is a combination of a Wrathwing and Skywing.

There will be a significant class advancement in the future. Players will be able to transfer into other classes, and a brand new powerful class will appear in the game. The passion for joy will drive the game forward. More fun is on the way.

About YOOZOO Games (SZ.002174)

YOOZOO Games, formerly Youzu Interactive, is a global entertainment company specializing in game development and distribution. The company is headquartered in Shanghai with offices in London, Berlin, Hong Kong, Singapore, and other major cities. Since its founding in 2009, YOOZOO has launched a multitude of highly successful products and forged a global distribution network.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20171019005564/en/

Contacts:

Yoozoo Games

Mandy Jin, +86 (21) 3367-6512

mjin@yoozoo.com
This year Telia Lietuva will put premises and buildings, a total of 52 properties throughout Lithuania, on the market during the public auctions. The total area of premises on sale is around 22,000 square metres, while the initial value of the portfolio of assets on sale amounts to EUR 11 million. The auctions will be conducted by the international real estate consultancy company Newsec.



The first action will be held on 9 August 2017. The initial prices of premises and buildings sold by Telia Lietuva range from EUR 250 to EUR 3 million. The highest initial price was set for administrative premises located in Vilnius at Vytenio str. 18, T. Sevcenkos str. 25 and Muitines str. 35, while those premises will be auctioned later. The highest valued assets of the first auction are a separate building in Laisves Av. in Kaunas and a rest house at the center of Palanga. However, during auctions, the buyers will be able to purchase assets not only in the largest cities of Lithuania, but also in remote locations, where analogue telephony stations used to operate.



"Technological progress and effective asset management allows reducing the need for premises and buildings by selling some of them. This will allow us to optimise the operating costs and to invest the received proceeds into the main activity of the Company: the development of network, IT and telecommunications services," says Laimonas Devyzis, CFO of Telia Lietuva.



During auctions, unused administrative and utility premises will be offered for sale, so in some cases, Telia Lietuva will remain a co-owner of the assets alongside the buyer after purchase and sale transactions are completed.



Buyers may purchase some of the premises on sale before the auction, for a price that is 10 per cent higher than the initial price.



Darius Dziaugys, Head of Investor Relations, tel. +370 5 236 7878

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MONTREAL, June 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- GAC Motor, as the only Chinese auto brand, has joined Michelin Movin'On, the global sustainable mobility summit in Montreal, Canada, which is held to open up a new ecosystem in the global auto industry that benefits both the planet and the economy. Yu Jun, president of GAC Motor, has given a key speech on the way of sustainable development of the global auto industry.

The Movin'On summit, themed "Let's Reinvent Mobility", featured a series of forums, roundtables, workshops, labs and a Ride & Drive program to promote sustainable mobility solutions. Distinguished participants included government of Quebec, European Commission, HSBC, IBM, UPS, Cisco, Toyota, General Motors, BMW and more.

Yu, at the Movin'On summit, shared GAC Motor's success in building a world-class auto brand through respecting the market and the company's forward-looking strategies on developing sustainable mobility.

"We always have great respect and appreciation for this market, in the field of new energy, the best solution is not to prescribe one certain outcome, but to experiment and explore different pathways together and let the market make the final choice," said Yu Jun.

Though the transition period from conventional power to full electric power may be long, as Yu pointed out, GAC Motor's own revolution in new energy vehicle sector is now in full swing with plans to introduce seven new energy vehicle models including both electric and hybrid plug-in designs to the market this year.

While structuring a sustainable development strategy to engineer trustworthy, environmental-friendly vehicles that excel in design, performance and reliability, GAC Motor has set a practical goal of achieving 1 million in sales volume by 2020, among which 20 percent will be new energy vehicles.

As the fastest growing Chinese automaker, GAC Motor has achieved 85 percent compound annual growth rate for six consecutive years. In the first five months of 2017, GAC Motor has already blown pastprevious records with 207,000 cars sold, marking a 62.2 percent year-on-year increase. The company's boosting production capacity has rolled off 1 million cars in only six years since its first model was launched.

"We are not only looking at selling more cars, but also reinventing the way people travel. Centered on GAC Automotive Engineering Institute, our top-notch global R&D network has surprised the international market ceaselessly with trendsetting vehicles and technological breakthroughs," said Yu.

The company is expanding a global automotive R&D network supported by the company's technology center, top global suppliers and research institutes.

GAC Motor has alreadyestablished a presence in the Middle East by introducing its signature models including the GS8 and the GA8 as an initial stage of entering the global markets and is adding more distribution channels to top markets.

GAC Motor has signed strategic partnerships with the world's top 10 auto suppliers, including Michelin, Aisin Seiki, Continental and Faurecia. By expanding its footprint along the Belt and Road Initiative countries as well as European and U.S markets, according to Yu, GAC Motor will create a high-end brand image to enter the global market as a world-class automaker that excels in research, manufacturing and sales.

The company now has established a global sales and service network covering 14 countries. It also launched its talent program to gather toptalent in thefields of engineering and technology research and development, marketing and communications and management. After GAC's establishment of its first North America R&D Center in Silicon Valley, GAC Motor is set to enter the US market no later than 2019.

"We believe safety, energy conservation, environmental-friendliness and comfort are consumers' direct needs," noted Yu, "By launching quality and premium models to global customers, GAC Motor will be creating a transportation ecosystem and promoting sustainable mobility of human beings."

About GAC Motor

A subsidiary of GAC Group, GAC Motor develops and manufactures premium quality vehicles, engines, components and auto accessories, achieving a year-to-year growth rate of 96 percent in 2016, the highest among all Chinese brands in the corresponding period. GAC Motor now ranks the highest among all Chinese brands for four consecutive years and 5th among all global brands in J.D. Power Asia Pacific's 2016 China Initial Quality Study.

For more information, please visit:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GACMoto

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gac_motor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gac_motor

Media Contact:

Sukie Wong

+86-186-8058-2829

sukie_gacmotor@126.com

Taki Jiang

+86-134-5028-4242

takijiang@126.com

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/524222/Yu_Jun_GAC_MovinOn.jpg

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/524223/Yu_Jun_MovinOn.jpg

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/524224/Michelin_GAC_discussion.jpg


CANBERA (dpa-AFX) - The Canadian dollar climbed against its most major rivals in early European deals on Friday amid risk appetite, as European stocks rose after Greece clinched a deal with creditors on next stages of 86 billion bailout program.



Eurozone finance ministers approved to release EUR 8.5 billion financial aid to Greece to help Athens to repay loans maturing next month. The latest tranche of money is part of an 86 billion bailout, Greece's third rescue program that runs out next year.



Investors digested the Bank of Japan decision, at which it maintained its policy rate and kept its 10-year bond yield target at about zero percent.



The central bank retained its upbeat stance on the economy, saying ' private consumption has increased resilience against a background of steady improvement in the employment and income situation.'



Further underpinning the currency was rising oil prices, on the back of halt in oil exports from Libya through the firm Glencore, in which Qatar has an 8.5 per cent stake.



Crude for July delivery rose $0.22 to $44.68 per barrel.



In France, President Emmanuel Macron's Republic on the Move party is heading for a large majority in Sunday's legislative elections, following his groundbreaking success in May.



The currency has been trading in a positive territory in the Asian session.



The loonie rose to 1.3241 against the greenback, from a low of 1.3273 hit at 1:15 am ET. The next possible resistance for the loonie is seen around the 1.31 region.



The loonie firmed to 84.07 against the yen, its strongest since March 31. Further uptrend may take the loonie to a resistance around the 86.00 region.



The loonie recovered to 1.0055 against the aussie, from its early low of 1.0077. Continuation of the loonie's uptrend may see it challenging resistance around the 0.99 region.



Although the loonie climbed to near a 2-month high of 1.4771 against the euro in the Asian session, it eased off to 1.4814 in European deals. The pair finished Thursday's deals at 1.4786.



Looking ahead, U.S. housing starts and building permits for May and University of Michigan's preliminary consumer sentiment index are set for release in the New York session.



At 12:45 pm ET, Dallas Fed President Robert Kaplan speaks at the Rotary Club of Park Cities in Dallas.



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

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Trek Mining Inc., NewCastle Gold Limited und Anfield Gold Corporation meldeten gestern eine bindende Vereinbarung fur einen Zusammenschluss der drei Unternehmen. Es soll ein neues Unternehmen namens Equinox Gold Corp. entstehen, welches unter dem Kurzel EQX an der TSX Venture Exchange handeln wird.



Die Aktionare von Trek Mining und NewCastle Gold werden jeweils 44% an Equinox Gold halten und die Aktionare von Anfield Gold 12%.



Den Angaben zufolge wird Trek Mining im Rahmen des Deals samtliche ausstehenden Aktien von NewCastle und Anfield erwerben. Pro Aktie von NewCastle erhalten die Aktionare 0,873 einer Aktie von Trek Mining und pro Aktie von Anfield 0,407 einer Aktie von Trek Mining.



 Redaktion GoldSeiten.de / Rohstoff-Welt.de / MinenPortal.de

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TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 06/16/17 -- Editors note: Photos will be available on the Canadian Press picture wire via Marketwired, and links to a b-roll video associated with this press release will also be made available when this release is re-issued later today.

Accenture (NYSE: ACN) employees in Toronto today are packing and donating 100,000 hunger-relief meals to Daily Bread Food Bank to relieve an annual reduction in donations that typically occurs after the winter holidays have ended and warmer weather arrives. Accenture is also making a $10,000 cash donation to the food bank.

The donated meals, totaling 15,200 pounds, will be packaged at Accenture's annual Toronto employee meeting at the Enercare Centre downtown. Approximately 550 of Accenture's 1,750 Toronto and Niagara region employees are expected to attend.

"When Accenture people come together as a group, we can achieve great things" said Bill Morris, president and senior managing director at Accenture in Canada. "We are excited to be able to help get this large-scale donation out the door at a critical time for our local food bank. Our aim is to be a force for positive change in the communities in which we live and work, and that means that we will be working hardest when people need us most."

Gail Nyberg, executive director of Daily Bread Food Bank, said, "The summer season is when food and cash donations slow down, but the need in our city doesn't stop. Accenture's hunger-relief packages, together with the company's generous $10,000 gift, will provide a healthy breakfast and dinner to those who need it most this summer."

Package assembly will begin at 1:45 p.m. in the Enercare Center, where Accenture employees will assemble the 100,000 packages simultaneously in teams. Participants will pack breakfast and dinner meal servings into 4,200 boxes, which will be delivered to Daily Bread Food Bank. The packages will be distributed to Daily Bread's member agencies across Toronto throughout the following weeks.

About Accenture

Accenture is a leading global professional services company, providing a broad range of services and solutions in strategy, consulting, digital, technology and operations. Combining unmatched experience and specialized skills across more than 40 industries and all business functions - underpinned by the world's largest delivery network - Accenture works at the intersection of business and technology to help clients improve their performance and create sustainable value for their stakeholders. With approximately 401,000 people serving clients in more than 120 countries, Accenture drives innovation to improve the way the world works and lives. Accenture plans to hire 1,000 people in Canada this fiscal year. Visit us at www.accenture.com.

About Daily Bread Food Bank

Daily Bread Food Bank is a registered charity (Registered Charity Number: 11888 1549 RR0001) that is fighting hunger in our communities. A distribution hub, Daily Bread provides food and support to almost 200 programs across Toronto. Daily Bread also works towards long-term solutions to hunger, releases the annual Who's Hungry research report, and runs innovative programs to support people on low incomes. Learn more at dailybread.ca.

Contacts:

Theresa Ebden

Accenture

+1-416-358-6741

theresa.ebden@accenture.com



David Greenberg

Accenture

+1-514-867-2165

d.greenberg@accenture.com



Benita Aalto

Senior Communications Manager

Daily Bread Food Bank

416-203-0050 x 238

BAalto@dailybread.ca




MONTREAL, QUEBEC -- (Marketwired) -- 06/16/17 -- Editors Note: There is a photo associated with this press release.

This year marks the 375th anniversary of Montreal's foundation. Modern, famous for its joie de vivre, bustling with activities from sunrise to the wee hours of the morning... Quebec's largest city stands as one of North America's top-not to mention trendiest- shopping and culinary destinations. This summer, you're invited to discover Montreal's Laurier West Avenue.

A few minutes away from downtown, easily accessible by car and public transit, Laurier West encapsulates a genuine neighbourhood life. Nestled between Mile-End and Outremont, hugging the base of the iconic Mont-Royal Park, Laurier West invites you to discover a destination that has style, elegance, and that will have your taste buds racing.

Laurier West's kilometre-long stretch features over 200 exclusive addresses where Montreal's authentic, vibrant Latin vibe comes to life. Whether you're on a day trip or a week-long stay, Laurier West should definitely be top on your list of things to do and see.

Feel like experiencing all the elegance, fashion and culinary delights the city has to offer? Here is what Laurier West has in store for you.

Fashion, Food and Evenings-Out:

THREE WAYS TO DISCOVER LAURIER WEST

Laurier West holds a cluster of exclusive, independent destinations. Here are three ideas to fully appreciate all its colours and flavours.

FASHION: URBAN FABRIC

Montrealers agree-Laurier West is THE fashion destination when looking for original, exclusive creations.

This trendy spot, a favourite among stylish in-the-know fashionistas, is also at the top of the list for beauty care.

We love the Montreal-made jewellery available at MYEL and Argent Tonic. Lest we forget the feminine collections designed by Isabelle Elie, Billy le Kid's vision of children's fashion, the stylish sunglasses at Chapleau Laroche, and the beauty treatments given by professionals at Dermalounge, Coiffure & Spa St-Laurent and Arrieu. Montreal lifestyle and je ne sais quoi, at their best.

FOOD: From Asia to Paris

Laurier West offers a vast choice of good eats that are just as pleasing to the eyes as they are to the mouth. French bistros and chic Asian cuisine. Fusion cuisine showcasing local produce and independent coffee shops. Your inner food lover is sure to rejoice in these Instagram-inspired spaces. Asian palates enjoy the Thai dishes at Chao Phraya, the signature sushi at Jun I and the Japan-inspired menu at Mikado.

After an artistic stroll through the D'Avignon Gallery or the magnificent Saint-Viateur Church, your culture-driven penchant may lead you to the steps of the restaurant Chez Leveque, a two-storey bistro offering friendly service in a classic Parisian-inspired setting. Chocolate lovers succumb to Juliette et Chocolat, where chocolate is the star all year long. As for accessories, there are two addresses to remember: L'Emouleur, an intriguing shop specializing in the sale of Japanese knives; Les Touilleurs, the ideal place to purchase kitchen equipment that will turn you into a chef!

EVENINGS-OUT: Where You Should Have Been

Laurier West also features bars and terraces that reflect the nature and personality of those they welcome. Le Kabinet is the perfect pick if you like gin. You'll find a vast selection, including some local brands. Dieu du Ciel brews up a festive ambiance for the growing congregation at this craft microbrewery/pub. Their refreshing beers taste just like heaven! The M.Mme wine bar brings together everything you love about quality, modern restaurants: wine and food menus tuned to perfection.

Before calling it a night, make your way to Datcha, one of the neighbourhood's nightclubs that will have you dancing all night to music by some of the hottest DJs in Montreal and from all around the world.

An Interesting History, a Great Avenue

Laurier West was born around 1850. Then called Saint-Louis Street, it ran through the town of Saint-Louis-du-Mile-End, which would later become the village Cote-Saint-Louis. The magnificent Firehouse, at the north-east corner of Saint-Laurent Boulevard and Laurier Avenue, acted as a townhall for this young city. After amalgamation, the name was changed to Laurier, in honour of Sir Wilfrid Laurier-the first French-Canadian to become prime minister. Its charming boutiques and legendary destinations have called this area home since the 40s. Visit www.laurierouest.com to learn more.

To view the photo associated with this press release, please visit the following link: http://www.marketwire.com/library/20170615-2015-05-22_800.jpg

Contacts:

MEDIA RELATIONS

VROY Communications

Anne-Valerie Rosier

514-982-9100

pr@vroy.com




TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 06/16/17 -- Nutritional High International Inc. (the "Company" or "Nutritional High") (CSE: EAT)(CSE: EAT.CN)(CNSX: EAT)(OTCQB: SPLIF)(FRANKFURT: 2NU) is pleased to announce that FLI-branded vape pen cartridges will now be available at select Starbuds locations in Colorado.

Palo Verde LLC ("Palo Verde"), the Company's licensed tenant in Colorado, has delivered its first order of 500mg FLI-branded vape pen cartridges to Starbuds which is one of Colorado's leading dispensary operators with eight locations in Pueblo, Commerce City, Louisville, Denver and Aurora. Currently, FLI cartridges will be carried in Starbuds' Pueblo and Pueblo West dispensaries located at 4305 Thatcher Ave. and 480 S McCulloch Blvd, respectively.

David Johnson, owner of Palo Verde commented - "We are pleased with the progress being made in terms of the FLI brand's ability to penetrate the Colorado market. We're excited to continue partnering with premier dispensary operators like Starbuds and we look forward to offering FLI products at additional Starbuds locations across Colorado in the near future."

About Nutritional High International Inc.

Nutritional High is focused on developing, manufacturing and distributing products and nationally recognized brands in the marijuana-infused products industry, including edibles and oil extracts for nutritional, medical and adult recreational use. The Company works exclusively through licensed facilities in jurisdictions where such activity is permitted and regulated by state law.

For updates on the Company's activities and highlights of the Company's press releases and other media coverage, please follow Nutritional High on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or visit www.nutritionalhigh.com.

NEITHER THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE NOR OTC MARKETS GROUP INC., NOR THEIR REGULATIONS SERVICES PROVIDERS HAVE REVIEWED OR ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

This news release may contain forward-looking statements and information based on current expectations. These statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those implied by such statements. Such statements include submission of the relevant documentation within the required timeframe and to the satisfaction of the relevant regulators, completing the acquisition of the applicable real estate and raising sufficient financing to complete the Company's business strategy. There is no certainty that any of these events will occur. Although such statements are based on management's reasonable assumptions, there can be no assurance that such assumptions will prove to be correct. We assume no responsibility to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances.

Company's securities have not been registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or applicable state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold to, or for the account or benefit of, persons in the United States or "U.S. Persons", as such term is defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act, absent registration, 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 nor shall there be any sale of the securities in the United States or any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

Additionally, there are known and unknown risk factors which could cause the Company's actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information contained herein. All forward-looking information herein is qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement, and the Company disclaims any obligation to revise or update any such forward-looking information or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking information contained herein to reflect future results, events or developments, except as required by law.

Contacts:

Nutritional High International Inc.

David Posner

Chairman of the Board

647-985-6727

dposner@nutritionalhigh.com




VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 06/16/17 -- HAWKEYE Gold & Diamond Inc. (the "Company" or "HAWKEYE") (TSX VENTURE: HGO)(FRANKFURT: HGT)(ISIN: CA42016R3027)(WKN: A12A61): is pleased to announce it has entered into a Sale and Purchase Agreement (SAPA) with the vendor of the Barkerville 2 Aces Project (the "Property) to acquire a 100% interest in the 5,044 hectare Property situated approximately 32 kilometres southeast of the Town of Barkerville, BC, Canada. The Barkerville 2 Aces Project lies within the southeasterly-striking Snowshoe Group of the Barkerville Terrane. This is the geological formation that hosts Barkerville Gold Mines' ("BGM") current gold exploration and mine development projects, including Island Mountain, Cow Mountain and Bonanza Ledge.

About the Barkerville-Cariboo District and BGM

Barkerville was the centre of the historic Cariboo gold rush starting in 1860. The recorded production estimate from 1861-1987 reported more than 5,000,000 ounces of gold which included 3,800,000 ounces from placer operations and 1,230,000 ounces from lode mining. Recently, BGM, the principal property holder in the district, has announced resource definition on lode gold projects and large exploration programs focused along the Cariboo Break. BGM has eight (8) drills conducting a 130,000 metre drill program in 2017 and has released many positive results. BGM also plans to complete 120,000 metres of drilling during 2018 and 2019.

Message from the President

Mr. Greg Neeld, President & CEO states, "HAWKEYE is excited to be involved in the Barkerville-Cariboo gold district. It places HAWKEYE in a historical mining district continuously productive for more than 150 years and with recent exploration successes and ongoing mine development activity. The 2 Aces Property is on strike with the Cariboo structural trend which transects many of the past-producing gold mines. The Company has purchased the Property based on its highly favourable location, geology and geophysical features as a first step to additional strategic and prospective acquisitions in the Barkerville area. BGM is drilling 250,000 metres within two years and its success identifying greenfield drill targets points to increased potential and opportunity within the Barkerville-Cariboo gold district. We look forward to implementing our exploration program on the Property."

The 2 Aces Project

The Barkerville 2 Aces Project is situated six (6) kilometres southeast of the historical Cariboo Hudson Mine between Cariboo Lake and the north arm of Quesnel Lake within the Late Proterozoic to Paleozoic Snowshoe Group of the Barkerville Terrane. The Snowshoe Group is comprised of siltstone, conglomerate, and sandstone with lesser volcanics and carbonates, which have undergone multi-stage deformation with penetrative fabrics and metamorphism ranging from greenschist to amphibolite grade.

The lithologies are characterized by moderate to steeply dipping, southeasterly striking, locally overturned folds, with regional southeasterly striking thrust faults and later faulting along a general north-northeast direction.

The Property contains favorable geological units overprinted by extensive deformation on strike with a known corridor of gold mineralization. This southeasterly-oriented regional feature (Cariboo Break) includes a number of known gold deposits, past hard rock and placer gold producers, and numerous bedrock occurrences. The principal mineralization is associated with high strain zones and parallels magnetic features from regional and detailed airborne geophysics tracing from northwest of Barkerville to the southeast through the Property.

Previous work on the Property included geological mapping, airborne geophysics, and reconnaissance soil and stream geochemistry surveys. The Property exhibits geochemical anomalies for gold, arsenic and other heavy metals. Float and bedrock occurrences on and adjacent to the Property include gold in quartz veins or silicified replacement zones. The known Ace occurrence, along strike between the HAWKEYE claims, also includes intervals of semi-massive chalcopyrite, sphalerite and galena associated with polymetallic Cu-Zn-Pb-Au-Ag based on the Kuroko or Besshi-type model, and carbonate-hosted Pb-Zn mineralization. In addition to these sulphides, native gold, bornite and malachite also are identified along the northwesterly trend to the past-producing Cariboo Hudson gold mine and to the southeast towards Quesnel Lake.

Agreement Details

The Barkerville 2 Aces Property acquisition is subject to a $9,000.00 cash payment and the issuance of 50,000 shares and a further 250,000 share issuance should the project proceed to a pre-feasibility study. The acquisition is not subject to an NSR. The Sale and Purchase Agreement between HAWKEYE and the Vendor is subject to TSX approval.

HAWKEYE has a right of first refusal on certain other properties staked and controlled by the Vendor within the historical Barkerville-Cariboo district.

Qualified Person

Greg Davison, M.Sc., P.Geo., Senior Technical Advisor to HAWKEYE is the Company's designated Qualified Person within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"). Mr. Davison has prepared, reviewed and validated that the technical information contained within this release is accurate.

About HAWKEYE

HAWKEYE Gold & Diamond Inc. is a junior mineral exploration and development company based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada and is publicly traded on the TSX Venture Exchange under the trading symbol HGO and the Frankfurt Exchange under the ticker HGT; ISIN# CA42016R3027 and WKN# A12A61. HAWKEYE's corporate mandate is to build strong asset growth and shareholder value through the acquisition of low-cost, high-potential cash flow and production opportunities with blue sky discovery potential, and to manage our business in an environmentally responsible manner while contributing to the local community and economy.

HAWKEYE GOLD & DIAMOND INC.

Greg Neeld, President & CEO

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Notes Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This News Release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that relate to future events. These statements are only predictions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our or our industry's actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. While these forward-looking statements, and any assumptions upon which they are based, are made in good faith and reflect our current judgment regarding the direction of our industry, actual results will almost always vary, sometimes materially, from any estimates, predictions, projections, assumptions or other future performance suggested herein. Except as required by applicable law, the Company does not intend to update any of the forward-looking statements to conform these statements to actual results.

Issued: 17,875,897 shares

Contacts:

HAWKEYE Gold & Diamond Inc.

Greg Neeld

President & CEO

Vancouver: (778) 379-5393

greg@hawkeyegold.com

www.hawkeyegold.com




Site includes state-of-the-art manufacturing, distribution and technical operations

PPG (NYSE:PPG) today marked the opening of a 45 million euros (US$49 million) paint and coatings manufacturing facility and commercial operation in the Lipetsk region of Russia. The site will provide about 200 total positions and produce about 25 million liters (6.6 million gallons) of coatings at full capacity.

In addition to facilities for manufacturing and distributing coatings for automotive, industrial, packaging, and protective and marine applications, the facility includes administrative offices and technical laboratories.

"PPG's investment in this facility further demonstrates our commitment to better serve our existing customers in Russia and Eastern Europe, and to expand our presence in the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region," said Jean-Marie Greindl, PPG senior vice president, global architectural coatings, and president, PPG EMEA. "Having local manufacturing, distribution and technical operations will help PPG meet growing local demand for its innovative paint and coatings products."

Since announcing plans for the new facility in 2013, PPG has established itself as a supportive member of the Lipetsk community through various activities. Last year, PPG employees volunteered at the Griazy orphanage in Lipetsk to help repair and update the building's gymnasium, replacing materials on floors and walls with safer products donated by PPG and its local distributor. PPG also operates an adhesives and sealants plant in Kolomna, Russia, and the company donated to a local school there to help it better serve young people in the community.

"As a community partner, PPG wants to support local organizations that are making a difference where our employees work and live," said Jens Brackebusch, PPG general manager, Russia. "This is an important part of our global mission to be caring, responsible corporate citizens in our communities."

PPG: WE PROTECT AND BEAUTIFY THE WORLD

At PPG (NYSE:PPG), we work every day to develop and deliver the paints, coatings and materials that our customers have trusted for more than 130 years. Through dedication and creativity, we solve our customers' biggest challenges, collaborating closely to find the right path forward. With headquarters in Pittsburgh, we operate and innovate in more than 70 countries and reported net sales of $14.8 billion in 2016. We serve customers in construction, consumer products, industrial and transportation markets and aftermarkets. To learn more, visit www.ppg.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this news release relating to matters that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 reflecting the company's current view with respect to future events or objectives and financial or operational performance or results. The forward-looking statements contained herein include statements relating to the employment, capacity, operations and benefits of PPG Industries' operation in the Lipetsk region of Russia. Actual events may differ materially from current expectations and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including failure to achieve the expected operations of the Lipetsk facility and the other risks and uncertainties discussed in PPG's periodic reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q and its current reports on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of their initial issuance, and PPG Industries does not undertake any obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

We protect and beautify the world is a trademark and the PPG Logo is a registered trademark of PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170616005042/en/

Contacts:

PPG Media Contacts:

Mark Silvey, +1-412-434-3046

Corporate Communications Global

silvey@ppg.com

or

Ken Armistead, +44-1924-354848

Corporate Communications EMEA

karmistead@ppg.com

or

PPG Investor Contact:

Scott Minder, +1-412-434-3466

Investor Relations

sminder@ppg.com

investor.ppg.com
MOUNTAIN VIEW (dpa-AFX) - Former Chief Executive Officer of Yahoo Marissa Mayer, who once worked with Google, said that she is looking forward to using Gmail again. She later tweeted that her comment about Gmail was taken out of context and that she will continue to use the 'excellent' Yahoo Mail too. Mayer reportedly made the comment at Accelerate-Her conference in London the next day after her resignation as the CEO of Yahoo following its takeover by Verizon. Mayor said she is 'always faster when using a tool I designed myself.' Before joining Yahoo five years ago, she helped design Gmail during her 13 years at Google. In her tweet, Mayer said, 'This out-of-context comment was about Gmail's design and how it has evolved since my work in the early days.' 'I will continue to use the excellent Yahoo Mail too. 'The team's hard work paid off with a dramatically better product,' she added. Verizon finalized its $4.48 billion acquisition of Yahoo on Tuesday, following which Mayer quit reportedly with a $23 million severance package. She was hired as president and CEO of Yahoo in July 2012. Prior to that, Mayer was with Google since 1999. She became the 20th employee ever hired at Google and was its first female engineer. Mayer played key roles in developing the layout of Google's search homepage, as well as other signature Google products and features including Google Images, Google News, Google Maps, and Gmail. 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.
Technavio's latest market research report on the energy drinks market in Latin Americaprovides an analysis of the most important trends expected to impact the market outlook from 2017-2021. Technaviodefines an emerging trend as a factor that has the potential to significantly impact the market and contribute to its growth or decline.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20171211005720/en/

Technavio has published a new market research report on the energy drinks market in Latin America 2017-2021 under their food and beverage library. (Graphic: Business Wire)

The energy drinks market in Latin America has been rapidly growing over the last few years and is expected to grow at a CAGR of close to 12% during the forecast period. The growth of the market can be attributed to several drivers such as the increased consumption of energy drinks among the younger population, launch of energy drinks with natural ingredients, and the inclusion of new types and flavors in energy drinks.

This report is available at a USD 1,000 discount for a limited time only: View market snapshot before purchasing

Buy 1 Technavio report and get the second for 50% off. Buy 2 Technavio reports and get the third for free

The top three emerging market trends driving the energy drinks market in Latin America according to Technavio research analysts are:

Launch of energy drinks made using natural ingredients

Increased scope of the organized distribution channel

Increasing use of energy drinks as a mixer for alcoholic beverages

Looking for more information on this market? Request a free sample report

Technavio's sample reports are free of charge and contain multiple sections of the report including the market size and forecast, drivers, challenges, trends, and more.

Launch of energy drinks made using natural ingredients

With increasing consumer concerns regarding health issues associated with the excessive consumption of energy drinks, vendors have started to focus on producing energy drinks based on natural ingredients, like with extracts from organic guarana and organic raw green coffee beans. For instance, Organique Energy Drink was the first energy drink launched in the Brazilian market in 2014, made using 100% natural and organic certified ingredients.

"A shift toward healthy variants can be seen across the food and beverages industry. Consumers, especially women, are now shifting away from drinks with high sugar content. Players operating in the market are coming up with new products based on natural ingredients to meet the rising consumer demand. This trend is expected to help the market grow during the forecast period," says Manjunath Reddy, a lead analyst at Technavio for non-alcoholic beverages research.

Increased scope of the organized distribution channel

The increased scope of the organized distribution channel, including both organized retail and wholesale, has led to a rise in the volume sales of energy drinks. Organized retail and wholesale chains like Target, Walmart, and Costco are the major sales channels for energy drinks. In developed nations, retail stores are the major source of energy drink sales. Convenience stores have also seen a significant rise in the sales of energy drinks over the years owing to their convenient location in residential neighborhoods.

The organized retail sector has now spread across developing economies as well and is prevalent in the metropolitan cities of these nations. With the large shelf space and association with several brands, organized retail provides customers with a lot of options. Small local stores can offer only a few brands with specific flavors, but these retail giants can stock a wide variety of products.

"The easy availability of international brands because of the strong retail network chain in Latin America is also increasing the demand for energy drinks in the region. Thus, the increasing scope of the organized distribution channel will eventually increase the popularity and sales of different flavors of the same brand of energy drink," says Manjunath.

Increasing use of energy drinks as a mixer for alcoholic beverages

The use of energy drinks as a mixer for alcoholic beverages is an emerging trend in the energy drinks market in Latin America. This trend is common among the younger population segment. Energy drinks are now being increasingly used as a mixer for alcoholic beverages in parties and restaurants. Combining alcohol with energy drinks can mask the signs of alcohol intoxication. However, no proper researches have been conducted to study the health implications of consuming alcohol mixed with energy drinks.

Browse Related Reports:

Organic Tea Market in the US 2017-2021

Global Functional Powder Drinks Concentrates Market 2017-2021

Global Super Fruit Juices Market 2017-2021

About Technavio

Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions.

With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 10,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios.

If you are interested in more information, please contact our media team at media@technavio.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20171211005720/en/

Contacts:

Technavio Research

Jesse Maida

Media Marketing Executive

US: +1 844 364 1100

UK: +44 203 893 3200

www.technavio.com
BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - The U.S. housing starts and building permits data for June will be released at 8:30 am ET Wednesday. The economists are looking for consensus of 1.170 million, down from 1.092 million last month. The permits are expected to be 1.206 million, slightly up from 1.168 million last month. Ahead of the data, the greenback traded mixed against its major rivals. While the greenback held steady against the franc and the euro, it fell against the yen and the pound. The greenback was worth 1.1534 against the euro, 1.3035 against the pound, 111.89 against the yen and 0.9531 against the franc as of 8:25 am ET. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - After the release of U.S. housing starts data for May at 8.30 am ET Friday, the greenback declined against its major rivals. The greenback was trading at 1.1178 against the euro, 111.20 against the yen, 0.9739 against the franc and 1.2787 against the pound around 8:34 am ET. 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.
SEATTLE, WA -- (Marketwired) -- 06/16/17 -- CFN Media Group ("CannabisFN"), the leading creative agency and media network dedicated to legal cannabis, announces publication of an article and interview with CEO John Poss, discussing GB Sciences Inc. (OTCQB: GBLX) and its drug development pipeline for novel cannabis-based therapies.

Researchers have only scratched the surface of the medical value of cannabinoids as federal regulations are relaxed. While GW Pharmaceuticals plc's epilepsy programs are well-known, cannabinoids could also play a role in mitigating or reversing the effects of neurological disorders, inflammatory diseases, and hundreds of other areas.

Competitive Advantages

GB Sciences has several advantages over competitors ranging from its unique access to source materials to its efficient clinical discovery platform to its choice in patient populations.

The company began by selecting patient groups based on the current standard of care, the response of disease processes to cannabinoids, and the precedent for preclinical work needed to develop these therapies in FDA-sanctioned clinical trials. The goal is to develop therapeutics targeting patient groups that aren't being helped by other companies, while accelerating the time-to-market to deliver near-term shareholder value.

After identifying a patient population, the company's team of highly proficient scientists works to create a single elegant solution for the disease's problem set. The Network Pharmacology Platform and a high-throughput screening process helps to rapidly analyze thousands of potential combinations using cell-based models. This approach of working "smarter, not harder" helps keep costs low and maximizes the likelihood of success.

Finally, the company's licenses to grow, extract, and sell cannabis under state-regulated programs enables it to produce its own standardized raw materials for use in its R&D and clinical products. The company's R&D team has pioneered tissue-culture propagation techniques to reduce genetic drift in cannabis plants, while automated, controlled growing environments help standardize the production of active ingredients.

Numerous Programs

GB Sciences has filed three provisional patent applications containing formulations designed to tackle neurological disorders, inflammatory disorders, and chronic pain.

The company's first patent application covers cannabis-based complex mixtures designed to treat neurological disorders like Parkinson's disease, Lewy Body dementia, Huntington's disease, dementia, and Alzheimer's disease. The team believes that there is a common mechanism underlying these neurological disorders that its therapies address, which could prove invaluable as a growing number of patients require treatment.

The company's second patent application covers cannabis-based complex mixtures designed to treat inflammatory diseases, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, IBD, asthma, COPD, and other conditions. The therapies were designed to help patients in all groups by focusing on the commonalities in inflammatory pathways that lead to significant pain and suffering across these patient populations.

Finally, the company's third patent describes the use of a myrcene-containing complex mixture for the treatment of heart disease. Despite being the number one cause of death in the U.S., there haven't been any novel formulations in nearly 20 years. The company's therapeutics target the TRPV1 receptor that is protected under the approved patent that it licensed from Makai Biotechnology as of December 2016.

Looking Ahead

GB Sciences Inc. is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing potential for cannabinoids to treat serious medical conditions. Unlike many of its competitors, the company has carefully developed an efficient process for identifying and developing therapeutic candidates across a wide range of medical conditions. These conditions share commonalities that make class-level therapeutics possible in many cases.

Please follow the link to read the full article: http://www.cannabisfn.com/gb-sciences-builds-broad-cannabis-patent-portfolio/

For more information, visit the company's website or CannabisFN's company profile.

Learn how to become a CFN Media client company, brand or entrepreneur: http://www.cannabisfn.com/become-featured-company/

Download the CFN Media iOS mobile app to access the world of cannabis from the palm of your hand: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/cannabisfn/id988009247?ls=1&mt=8

Or visit our homepage and enter your mobile number under the Apple App Store logo to receive a download link text on your iPhone: http://www.cannabisfn.com

About CFN Media

CFN Media (CannabisFN) is the leading creative agency and media network dedicated to legal cannabis. We help marijuana businesses attract investors, customers (B2B, B2C), capital, and media visibility. Private and public marijuana companies and brands in the US and Canada rely on CFN Media to grow and succeed.

Disclaimer:

Except for the historical information presented herein, matters discussed in this release contain forward-looking statements that are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements. Emerging Growth LLC, which owns CFN Media and CannabisFN.com, is not registered with any financial or securities regulatory authority, and does not provide nor claims to provide investment advice or recommendations to readers of this release. Emerging Growth LLC may from time to time have a position in the securities mentioned herein and may increase or decrease such positions without notice. For making specific investment decisions, readers should seek their own advice. Emerging Growth LLC may be compensated for its services in the form of cash-based compensation or equity securities in the companies it writes about, or a combination of the two. For full disclosure please visit: http://www.cannabisfn.com/legal-disclaimer/.

CFN Media

Frank Lane

206-369-7050

flane@cannabisfn.com




VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 06/16/17 -- Kootenay Zinc Corp. (the "Company") (CSE: ZNK)(CSE: ZNK.CN)(CNSX: ZNK)(OTCQB: KTNNF)(FRANKFURT: KYH) provides the following update on exploration activities and upcoming drill testing at the Sully project.

Field programs have continued through May and early June and the project team has completed a number of activities at the site, with a specific focus on the E3 Target: detailed gravity surveying, interpretation and mass modeling, prospecting and mapping, soil geochemistry sampling, drilling preparations and road/access preparations.

Excel Geophysics has recently completed interpretation and mass modeling of the new data collected at E3. The work resulted in a well-defined, sizeable and discreet anomaly at this target location. As compared to measurements and analysis at E1, the data suggest that E3 is not as dissected or disturbed, making it a more attractive target for drilling. At the time of planning exploration at E1, permits to drill E3 had not yet been received. The necessary exploration permits have since been granted. Brian Jones, principle of Excel stated, "E3 has emerged as a strong geophysical target. Now it needs to be tested." A drill site has been identified and preparations are underway to mobilize FB Drilling of Cranbrook, BC.

The project team has also completed new prospecting and sampling over the EAST anomaly area and has collected outcrop samples from a number of sites for assay. Many new outcrop locations were identified and visible sphalerite was found disseminated in irregular patches at one of the outcrops. This style of mineralization is reminiscent of mineralization in rocks two to three kilometres south of the Sullivan deposit on North Star Hill. A total of 17 outcrop samples were sent for analysis. Samples from two of these sites returned zinc values greater than 10,000 ppm (roughly 1%); one of these sites is 100 metres south of the surface projection of the E3 gravity anomaly.

A soil geochemical survey extended previous coverage to complement existing property-wide geological mapping. Thirty-four samples were collected along the base of the slope, including below E3. Several samples returned anomalous zinc in the 150 to 300 ppm range with higher zinc values in general proximity to the E3 drill target.

The Company is excited to drill test E3 to determine the source of the gravity anomalies at Sully and will provide further updates on progress and results.

About the Company

Kootenay Zinc Corp. is a mineral exploration and development company based in Vancouver, British Columbia that is presently targeting the Sully Property. The Company is focused on discovering large-scale sedimentary-exhalative ("SEDEX") deposits.

The Sully Property comprises 1,375 hectares located approximately 30 kilometres east of Kimberley, B.C., and overlies rocks of similar age and origin as those which host the world-class Sullivan deposit, owned by Teck Resources Ltd. Sullivan was discovered in 1892, and is known to be one of the largest SEDEX deposits in the world. Over its 100-year lifetime, Sullivan produced approximately 150 million tonnes of ore, including approximately three hundred million ounces of silver, eight million tonnes of zinc and eight million tonnes of lead. The equivalent level of strata as at Sullivan and that formed on the margin of that same basin are present at the Sully Property. The Company cautions that past results or discoveries on proximate land are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be achieved on the Sully Property.

The scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by the Company's Project Manager, Paul Ransom, P.Geo., a "Qualified Person" as defined in National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

Forward Looking Information

This news release includes certain statements that constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law, including without limitation, statements that address the Sully Property, comments regarding the timing and content of upcoming work programs, geological interpretations, costs and timing of future exploration and development, requirements for additional capital, other statements relating to the financial and business prospects of the Company. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions. These statements relate to analyses and other information that are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "estimates" or "intends", or stating that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved), and variations of such words, and similar expressions are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statement are necessarily based upon a number of factors that, if untrue, could cause the actual results, performances or achievements of the Company to be materially different from future results, performances or achievements express or implied by such statements. Such statements and information are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future, including the price of zinc and other metals, anticipated costs and the ability to achieve goals.

While such estimates and assumptions are considered reasonable by the management of the Company, they are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive and regulatory uncertainties and risks. Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual events, level of activity, performance or results to differ materially from those reflected in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation: (i) risks related to zinc, base metal and other commodity price fluctuations; (ii) risks and uncertainties relating to the interpretation of exploration results; (iii) risks related to the inherent uncertainty of exploration and cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses; (iv) that resource exploration and development is a speculative business; (v) that the Company may lose or abandon its property interests or may fail to receive necessary licences and permits; (vi) that environmental laws and regulations may become more onerous; (vii) that the Company may not be able to raise additional funds when necessary; (viii) the possibility that future exploration, development or mining results will not be consistent with the Company's expectations; (ix) exploration and development risks, including risks related to accidents, equipment breakdowns, labour disputes or other unanticipated difficulties with or interruptions in exploration and development; (x) competition; (xi) the potential for delays in exploration or development activities or the completion of geologic reports or studies; (xii) the uncertainty of profitability based upon the Company's history of losses; (xiii) risks related to environmental regulation and liability; (xiv) risks associated with failure to maintain community acceptance, agreements and permissions (generally referred to as "social licence"); (xv) risks relating to obtaining and maintaining all necessary government permits, approvals and authorizations relating to the continued exploration and development of the Company's projects; (xvi) risks related to the outcome of legal actions; (xvii) political and regulatory risks associated with mining and exploration; (xix) risks related to current global financial conditions; and (xx) other risks and uncertainties related to the Company's prospects, properties and business strategy. These risks, as well as others, could cause actual results and events to vary significantly.

There can be no assurance that planned exploration will be completed as proposed or at all, or that economic resources will be discovered or developed at the Sully Property. Accordingly, actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward looking statements include, but are not limited to, continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions, the loss of key directors, employees, advisors or consultants, equipment failures, failure of counterparties to perform their contractual obligations and fees charged by service providers. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or events and, accordingly are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements due to the inherent uncertainty of such statements. The forward-looking statements included in this news release are made as of the date hereof and the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable securities legislation. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its regulation services provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

Contacts:

Kootenay Zinc Corp.

Hugh Rogers

Director

info@kootenayzinc.com




NEW YORK, NEW YORK -- (Marketwired) -- 06/16/17 -- Winners were announced today in the 2017 Restaurant Spotlight Awards. The Restaurant Spotlight Awards showcase and recognize those in the restaurant industry that serve the highest quality food, place their patrons first, and use innovative approaches to continually deliver the best customer service. The awards were open to any restaurant in New York State, including bars, food trucks, and other food venues (except for nationwide chains).

Winners and finalists in the 2017 Restaurant Spotlight Awards are as follows:

The Executive Award

This award recognizes the owner/operator who goes above and beyond their duties in managing their restaurant(s) and support staff.

-- Winner: Congratulations to the winner in this category, Jon Eisen of Between the Bread, a Manhattan-based chain of restaurants that provides locally-sourced food. -- Finalist: Karl Franz Williams of Solomon and Kuff Rum Hall, a pan- Caribbean fusion restaurant and rum bar in West Harlem.

The Restaurant of the Year Award

The best restaurant in the State of New York is selected based on several criteria ranging from service and food to their use of technology to improve customer service.

-- Winner: Congratulations to Chestnut Ridge-based, Southbound BBQ, a restaurant offering modern twists on traditional southern dishes, barbecue, specialty cocktails, and an impressive selection of American whiskeys. Southbound BBQ captures the essence of Southern comfort, hospitality, cuisine, and libations.

The Rising Star Award

This award recognizes a restaurant that has been operating for less than a year, and has demonstrated significant success during their short time in business.

-- Winner: Congratulations to Manhattan-based Ousia, a Greek-focused Mediterranean restaurant that opened in January 2017, for taking home this judge's choice award.

The esteemed panel of judges in the Restaurant Spotlight Awards included Pat LaFrieda, the third generation owner and CEO of NY-based Pat LaFrieda Meat Purveyors, and Damien L. Duchamp, a full time instructor and department head at St. Joseph's College in Brooklyn. Both these judges have a strong connection to the restaurant industry, and are also frequent diners with a keen eye for great service, excellent food, and other traits that were evaluated to determine the best of the best in New York's restaurant industry.

The Restaurant Spotlight Awards are presented in partnership with Edible and TouchBistro. Edible events, print publications, and digital and social channels celebrate food and drink culture season by season, community by community. TouchBistro is an iPad point of sale (POS) that helps restaurants increase sales, improve customer experience, and make better business decisions.

About the Restaurant Spotlight Awards

Based on a survey of more than 1,000 restaurants throughout North America, there is consensus that restaurants, managers, and serving staff do not receive the recognition they deserve. The Restaurant Spotlight Awards were created to showcase and recognize those in the restaurant industry that deserve to be called the "best of the best". Additional information is available at restaurantspotlightawards.com.

Contacts:

Press contact:

media@restaurantspotlightawards.com




LONDON, June 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

On the 20th June 2017, Generation Success is thrilled to invite guests to attend "GS Power Series: London Technology Week Special" hosted by Hill and Knowlton Strategies. Inspired by London tech week, Generation Success' networking event will celebrate some of the UK's leading tech talents, and provide today's aspiring youths with guidance on how to launch efficacious careers within this sector.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160303/340263LOGO )

The technology industry is by trade highly creative, dynamic and above all, diverse. The world of technology is all encompassing and far reaching as companies are constantly producing innovative and pioneering creations to support various aspects of our lives. A recent report quantified that since 2011, the UK has enticed 28billion in investment, an astounding figure when compared to fellow European nations including Germany and France, both of whom attracted less than half of the UK's figure. The technology sector is as Theresa May astutely described it, "a great British success story".

The demanding and high profile nature of this environment within the UK can install sentiments of subordination and dissuasion amongst individuals who derive from less privileged backgrounds. As a consequence of this, the technology sector suffers with a severe lack of diversity and difference. Traci Doane, President of JLL Technology Solutions spoke directly about this issue claiming that the lack of employees from under-represented backgrounds "is an industry problem, and ignoring it cuts a company off from a large pool of untapped talent and opportunities to improve your business. "GS Power Series: London Technology Week Special" will focus upon targeting today's "untapped talent" and motivate and empower them to believe in their capabilities and pursue their career aspirations.

Generation Success is pleased to welcome 5 technological experts to the podium. Each masters in their individual fields, our speakers are united in their unalterable passion and drive, which provided them with the strength and motivation to develop incredibly fruitful careers within this beguiling industry. Catherine Isichel, Director Internal Communications EMEA and AON, Naheed Afzal, Co-Founder and Director, Contracts IT Recruitment Consulting, Tom Loeffort, UK HR Director, SAP, Anastasia Petrova, Global Programmes Director and a member of D&I Task Force, Pitney Bowes and Jack Parsons, CEO @yourfeed will each share their emboldening success stories. Our speakers will educate youths from different backgrounds on the necessary skills needed to thrive within this industry, and develop fertile careers.

When asked about the motivations behind speaking at "GS Power Series: London Technology Week Special," Jack Parsons claimed "Generation Success is a purposeful incentive that is making a difference when it comes to up skilling, motivating and inspiring young people and the events that they host do just that." Parsons shrewdly captures the nature and focus of Generation Success as a movement, as our goal is to inspire our audiences with the accomplishments of today's leading business figures and help them to exceed their personal aspirations.

Venue Address:

For more information on Generation Success and forthcoming events, please visit our website http://generation-success.com

About Generation Success

Generation Success is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated towards ensuring that young professionals from less privileged backgrounds are granted equality in the recruitment process. Generation Success motivates young graduates to pursue their career aspirations through orchestrating network events with leading industry experts, who offer their invaluable knowledge and guidance.

The foundations and underpinnings upon which Generation Success now proudly stands can be found in the debris of the 2011 London Riots. FounderJames Adeleke, a Law graduate from BPP University proudly speaks of how these ruinous riots, and the tabloids labelling of today's 'lost generation' inspired him to make a change and create exciting opportunities to save today's youths. Generation Success is James' way of helping to ensure that every young person has the chance to shine.

James says, "I believe that we are limited by the boundaries of our minds, so I am always trying to expand mine- and to help others to do the same."

Contact:

James Adeleke

Email: James@generation-success.com

Telephone Number: +44(0)7883028775




WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - New residential construction in the U.S. unexpectedly showed a steep drop in the month of May, according to a report released by the Commerce Department on Friday.



The report said housing starts slumped by 5.5 percent to an annual rate of 1.092 million in May from the revised April estimate of 1.156 million.



The significant decline surprised economists, who had expected housing starts to climb to a rate of 1.215 million from the 1.172 million originally reported for the previous month.



With the unexpected decrease, housing starts fell to their lowest level since hitting a rate of 1.062 million last September.



Single-family housing starts dropped by 3.9 percent to a rate of 794,000, while multi-family starts plunged by 9.7 percent to a rate of 298,000.



The Commerce Department said building permits also tumbled by 4.9 percent to a rate of 1.168 million in May from a revised 1.228 million in April.



Building permits, an indicator of future housing demand, had been expected to rise to a rate of 1.250 million from the 1.229 million that had been reported for the previous month.



The sharp decline pulled building permits down to their lowest level since hitting 1.163 million in April of last year.



The report said single-family building permits fell by 1.9 percent to a rate of 779,000, while multi-family permits plummeted by 10.4 percent to a rate of 389,000.



On Thursday, the National Association of Home Builders released a separate report showing homebuilder confidence unexpectedly decreased in the month of June.



The report said the NAHB /Wells Fargo Housing Market Index dropped to 67 in June from 69 in May. The decrease surprised economists, who had expected the index to inch up to 70.



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

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Research Desk Line-up: Marten Transport Post Earnings Coverage

LONDON, UK / ACCESSWIRE / July 25, 2017 / Pro-Trader Daily takes a look at the latest corporate events and news making the headlines for J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. (NASDAQ: JBHT), following which we have published a free report that can be viewed by signing up at http://protraderdaily.com/optin/'symbol=JBHT. The Company announced on July 21, 2017, that it has signed an agreement to acquire Special Logistics Dedicated, LLC (SLD) and its affiliated entities. SLD provides pool distribution services in North America. The purchase price of the transaction is $136 million and is subject to customary closing conditions. For immediate access to our complimentary reports, including today's coverage, register for free now at:

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Discover more of our free reports coverage from other companies within the Trucking industry. Pro-TD has currently selected Marten Transport, Ltd (NASDAQ: MRTN) for due-diligence and potential coverage as the Company announced on July 20, 2017, its financial results for Q2. Tune into our site to register for a free membership, and be among the early birds that get our report on Marten Transport when we publish it.

At Pro-TD, we make it our mission to bring you news that matter about the stock you follow. Today, our research desk covers a blog story on JBHT; also brushing on MRTN. Go directly to your stock of interest and access today's free coverage at:

http://protraderdaily.com/optin/'symbol=JBHT

http://protraderdaily.com/optin/'symbol=MRTN

Acquisition Assists in Enhancement of J.B. Hunt's Ecommerce Delivery Capabilities

Commenting on the acquisition, John Roberts, President and Chief Executive Officer of J.B. Hunt, stated:

"SLD's strong customer base and strategically placed fulfillment centers position us as a top national pool distribution services provider."

He further added:

"This acquisition will also allow our customers to deploy "big and bulky' inventories into key markets, improving order fulfillment times for Final Mile deliveries and further enhancing our e-commerce delivery capabilities. We are excited to welcome the employees, customers, and carriers of SLD to J.B. Hunt."

J.B. Hunt to Use Existing Revolving Credit Facility to Finance the Acquisition

The Company expects to use its existing revolving credit facility to finance the acquisition which is valued at $136 million with no assumption of debt. J.B. Hunt also expects to use its existing revolving credit facility to provide liquidity for future operations. The transaction is not likely to have a significant impact on interest expense.

Preliminary valuations of the transaction indicate an incremental amortization expense between $7 million and $10 million annually. The acquisition is anticipated to be immaterial to 2017 operating results and accretive in 2018.

About J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc.

Founded in 1961, J.B. Hunt Transport Services, is one of the largest transportation logistics companies in North America, providing safe and reliable transportation services to a diverse group of customers throughout the continental United States, Canada, and Mexico. The Company provides capacity-oriented solutions centered on delivering customer value and industry-leading service. The Company is headquartered in Lowell, Arkansas, and is a wholly owned subsidiary of JBHT.

About Special Logistics Dedicated, LLC

SLD provides pool distribution services throughout North America using 14 terminals and fulfillment centers and a fleet of over 850 pieces of equipment. The Company's service offerings include dedicated transportation at both dedicated and multi-use sites, cross-docking, and contract logistics, less-than truckload product consolidation, and a Texas-based intrastate 57' dry van highway service. Based in Houston, Texas, SLD was founded in 1980 in 1980.

Last Close Stock Review

On Monday, July 24, 2017, the stock closed the trading session at $91.54, slightly falling 0.02% from its previous closing price of $91.56. A total volume of 718.38 thousand shares has exchanged hands. J.B. Hunt Transport Services' stock price rallied 5.88% in the last one month and 9.83% in the previous twelve months. The stock is trading at a PE ratio of 24.01 and has a dividend yield of 1.01%. The stock currently has a market cap of $10.06 billion.

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VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 06/16/17 -- ML Gold Corp. (TSX VENTURE: MLG)(FRANKFURT: XOVN.F) ("ML Gold" or the "Company") reports it will complete a non-brokered private placement of flow-through shares to raise aggregate gross proceeds of $306,000. The flow-through offering will comprise 1,800,000 flow-through shares, at a price of 17 cents per flow-through share. The proceeds from the sale of the flow-through units will be expended on the Company's properties located in British Columbia.

Certain directors and officers of the Company may participate in the private placement. Any such participation would be considered to be a related party transaction as defined under Multilateral Instrument 61-101. The transaction will be exempt from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 as neither the fair market value of any shares issued will exceed 25 per cent of the Company's market capitalization.

Management Changes

The Company reports that Graham Harris has resigned as a director and the CEO of the Company. Andrew Bowering, the current chairman and a director, has been appointed the new CEO. In addition, Simon Clarke has been appointed to the board to replace Mr. Harris. The Company wishes to thank Mr. Harris for his contributions to the Company and wishes him all the best in his future endeavors.

Mr. Clarke has over 25 years of corporate finance and corporate development experience, mainly focused on resources and energy technology companies. He brings significant experience in building and growing businesses and implementing successful capital market strategies. Mr. Clarke has served as a Director and Audit Committee Chair for a number of public and private companies.

Mr. Clarke qualified as a corporate and securities lawyer in 1990 and spent four years with the City of London law firm Simmons & Simmons, including two years seconded to the London Stock Exchange. From 1994 - 2000, he was an investment banker in London, first with West LB Panmure and, thereafter, with Williams de Broe Plc, focused on small-mid cap companies. Since moving to North America in 2000, Mr Clarke has held a number of senior management and board of director roles including with RailPower Technologies on the hybrid / energy storage side, Doublestar Resources and Argus Metals on the resources side.

In addition, Mr. Clarke was a Founder, Director, Audit Committee Chair and the initial Vice President of Corporate Development for OSUM Oil Sands Corp, a Calgary-based oil sands company which achieved an equity value approaching $2 billion and currently produces approximately 8,000 barrels of oil per day from the Cold Lake region in Alberta. He remains a board observer and advisor to OSUM and is the one remaining founder with an ongoing role.

Mr. Clarke holds an LLB & Diploma in Legal Practice from Aberdeen University in Scotland.

ABOUT ML GOLD CORP.

ML Gold Corp. is a Canadian listed Company, focused on creating shareholder value through discoveries and strategic development of mineral properties in Canada and the United States.

For additional information please visit the Company's website at www.mlgoldcorp.com.

ML GOLD CORP.

Andrew Bowering, Chairman

NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

This news release may contain certain "Forward-Looking Statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities laws. When or if used in this news release, the words "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "target, "plan", "forecast", "may", "schedule" and similar words or expressions identify forward-looking statements or information. These forward-looking statements or information may relate to future prices of commodities, accuracy of mineral or resource exploration activity, reserves or resources, regulatory or government requirements or approvals, the reliability of third party information, continued access to mineral properties or infrastructure, currency risks including the exchange rate of US$ for CDN$, changes in exploration costs and government royalties or taxes in Canada, the United States or other jurisdictions and other factors or information. Such statements represent the Company's current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social risks, contingencies and uncertainties. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements or information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affections such statements and information other than as required by applicable laws, rules and regulations.

Contacts:

ML Gold Corp.

Investor Relations

604-669-2279

info@mlgoldcorp.com

www.mlgoldcorp.com




VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 06/16/17 -- Red Hut Metals Inc. (the "Company" or "Red Hut") (TSX VENTURE: ROB) is pleased to announce that with the closing of the part-and-parcel private placement on June 6, 2017, the Company has proceeded to close on the transaction to acquire an interest in the Providence Gold Mines in the Summerville Mining District, Tuolumne County, California (the "Transaction"). (See press releases of February 23rd, March 1, April 5 and May 3, 2017.)

The Transaction

The Company signed an Agreement with 0999940 BC Ltd., a private B.C. Company (the "Assignors"), whereby Red Hut can acquire by way of assignment all of the contractual interests held by the Assignors in the Providence Mines and various patented and located mineral claims in Tuolumne County, California (the "Property").

The Assignors had negotiated the general terms and provisions whereby they can earn a 50% joint venture interest in the Property, or alternatively buy a 100% interest in the Property.

As consideration for the assignment, Red Hut agreed to assume all of the Assignors' obligations to the Property owner, and has made the first cash payment of US$25,000 and issued 1,500,000 Red Hut shares to the Assignors. Future commitments are as follows:

-- Following completion of the first year work program of at least C$250,000, Red Hut will issue an additional 1,500,000 Red Hut shares to the Assignors; -- Following completion of the second year work program of at least C$750,000, Red Hut will issue an additional 1,500,000 Red Hut shares to the Assignors; -- In the event that Red Hut elects to acquire 100% the Property for US$5 million, Red Hut will issue an additional 1,500,000 Red Hut shares to the Assignors.

To earn a 50% interest in the Property, Red Hut must make total payments of US$150,000 and incur at least C$2,000,000 of expenditures on the Property over the course of three years. The Company has made the first cash payment to the Property owners of US$25,000. Future commitments to the Property owners are as follows:

-- payment of US$25,000 and incurring C$250,000 of expenditures on the Property by March 28, 2018; -- payment of US$100,000 and incurring an additional C$750,000 of expenditures on the Property by March 28, 2019; and -- incurring an additional C$1,000,000 of expenditures on the Property by March 28, 2020.

When Red Hut has earned a 50% interest in the Property, a joint venture will be formed with the Property owner. Alternatively, a 100% interest in the Property can be acquired for US$5,000,000, at any time, of which one-half can be paid in Red Hut shares.

In either event, the Property owner will retain a 2.5% net smelter returns royalty ("NSR"), of which 1.5% NSR can be acquired for US$1,000,000 if the option to acquire a 100% interest in the Property is exercised.

Private Placement Completed

In conjunction with the Transaction, the Company received regulatory acceptance and closed its private placement, raising $960,000 in gross proceeds (the "Financing") through the issuance of 9,600,000 units (the "Units") at a price of $0.10 per Unit. (See press release of June 6, 2017.) The Company wishes to correct the aggregate number of securities issued as finders' fees related to this Financing. The securities issued to Mackie Research Capital Corporation as finders' fees for the portion of the financing attributable to their efforts were 585,200 common shares and 585,200 warrants containing the same terms as the Warrants attached to the Units comprising the Private Placement.

About the Property

The Providence Group of Mines is located in the Summerville Mining District, Tuolumne County, California, upon the eastern belt of the "Mother Lode" District. A number of high grade, well known Motherlode gold mines are found within this belt. The Property has a rich history of gold mineralization. An NI 43-101 compliant report entitled Technical Report on the Providence Gold Mines Property, Tuolumne County, California" dated April 24, 2017 by John P. Kowalchuk, BSc., P. Geo. can be viewed on SEDAR and on the Company's website at www.redhutmetals.com

The Property includes six parcels which have been fully patented and are owned in fee simple, and 22 staked mining claims on Bureau of Land Management and US Forest Service property (320 acres). The Property hosts several historic mines and a historic mill site.

This news release has been reviewed and approved by John Kowalchuk, P.Geo., who is acting as the Company's Qualified Person for the Providence Mines Project, in accordance with regulations under NI 43-101 standards.

Other Matters

In consideration of their efforts to bring the parties together on the opportunity presented by the Providence Gold Mines, Mackie Research Capital Corp. is entitled to a finder's fee of 5% of the value of the Transaction for years 1 and 2, in the form of Red Hut Shares. An aggregate of 230,000 shares has been issued to date, with a further 465,620 shares to be issued after Red Hut meets its commitments in year 2.

All securities issued with respect to the Transaction and the Financing are subject to a four-month hold period.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Robert Eadie, President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION: This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to: the terms and conditions of the Transaction; the terms and conditions of the Financing; future work to be carried on the Property; use of funds; and the business and operations of Red Hut after the Transaction. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. There is no assurance any of the forward-looking statements will be completed as described herein, or at all. Such factors include, but are not limited to: general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; operating and technical difficulties in connection with mineral exploration and development activities; requirements for additional capital; future prices of gold and precious metals; changes in general economic conditions; accidents, delays or the failure to receive board, shareholder or regulatory approvals, including the required permits; results of current exploration and testing; changes in laws, regulations and policies affecting mining operations; and title disputes. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Red Hut disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Contacts:

Red Hut Metals Inc.

Robert Eadie

1-604-602-4935

1-604-602-4936 (FAX)




DUBLIN, June 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Global Application Lifecycle Management Market 2017-2021" report to their offering.

The global application lifecycle management market to grow at a CAGR of 5.73% during the period 2017-2021.

The report, Global Application Lifecycle Management Market 2017-2021, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.

One trend in market is emergence of next-generation ALM. Organizations are developing and enhancing software and mobile applications at a rapid rate because of the changing market landscape and to deliver better customer experiences. Technology users across the globe are demanding faster delivery of engaging applications with high quality and excellent performance. Speed and quality are the parameters that vendors need to balance to continuously stay ahead of the competition. The constantly evolving demands to deliver new digital innovations challenge the vendors to build, test, and deliver software in new ways. To help customers accelerate their DevOps processes, HPE launched HPE ALM Octane. This solution can provide insights to developers and testers, helping them deliver applications quickly without compromising on quality or end-user experience.



According to the report, one driver in market is ALM drives productivity and quicker time to market. ALM helps organizations to achieve higher productivity by providing end-to-end performance report before the delivery of the application. It also helps organizations to deliver services on time to its users. ALM helps speed up the development and test cycles, which helps in quicker time to market. The functions in organizations are fully automated and streamlined when ALM software package is used, resulting in rapid designing, delivering, and deploying of the software. Furthermore, ALM helps to centralize the management, attain real-time visibility into the application delivery process, and implement consistent workflows and processes across the application lifecycle, thereby reducing the duplication of effort between projects.



Key vendors



Atlassian

HPE

IBM

Microsoft



Other prominent vendors



CA Technologies

CollabNet

Intland Software

Kovair Software

Micro Focus

Neudesic

Object Technology Solutions

Rocket Software

Siemens Product Lifecycle Management Software

VersionOne



Key Topics Covered:



PART 01: Executive summary



PART 02: Scope of the report



PART 03: Research Methodology



PART 04: Introduction



PART 05: Market Landscape



PART 06: Market size and forecast



PART 07: Market segmentation by deployment



PART 08: Geographical Segmentation



PART 09: Market drivers



PART 10: Impact of drivers



PART 11: Market challenges



PART 12: Impact of drivers and challenges



PART 13: Market trends



PART 14: Buying Criteria



PART 15: Five forces analysis



PART 16: Vendor landscape



PART 17: Key vendor profiles



PART 18: Market assumptions



For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/f6dhpf/global

Media Contact:

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

press@researchandmarkets.com



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MOSCOW (dpa-AFX) - Russian President Vladimir Putin has accused the US Government of repeatedly meddling in Russian politics, especially in their 2000 and 2012 elections.



Putin made the shocking revelation in an interview aired on US television network Showtime Thursday night.



US filmmaker Oliver Stone's four-part 'The Putin Interviews' series is currently available on Showtime website.



Putin's claim comes at a time multiple investigations are going on into the Donald Trump campaign's alleged links with the Russian government to manipulate the 2016 US presidential election.



Wednesday, the US Senate had passed an amendment to strengthen and expand the current sanctions against Russia for its attempts to interfere in the presidential election, and destabilizing activities in other parts of the world.



'[They did it] in 2000, and in 2012, this always happened. But especially aggressively in 2012', Putin told the Oscar-winning director.



All of the other post-Soviet republics and countries in other parts of the world have also been subject to US meddling, according to him.



He also explained how Washington has attempted to interfere in the Russian electoral process through US diplomatic staff and by providing financial support to NGOs.



He accused that American diplomatic personnel campaigned for the Russian opposition.



Putin claimed he had pointed out this to Barack Obama when he was President, and former US State Secretary John Kerry.



The Russian leader denied allegations that his government engaged in cyber attacks targeting Washington and that Moscow interfered in the November US presidential elections.



Relations between the two major powers are being held hostage to US domestic squabbles and used as 'a tool in the intra-political fight in the United States,' according to Putin.



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

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PESSAMIT, QUEBEC -- (Marketwired) -- 06/16/17 -- Mason Graphite Inc. ("Mason Graphite" or the "Company") (TSX VENTURE: LLG)(OTCQX: MGPHF) and the Innu Council of Pessamit today signed the Mushalakan Agreement, an Impact Benefit Agreement ("IBA") resulting from the 2014 Cooperation Agreement between the Parties.

The Mushalakan Agreement, negotiated directly between the Pessamit Council and the executives of Mason Graphite, reflects the willingness of the Parties to work closely together to ensure that the Lac Gueret graphite mining project is a success and benefits the Pessamit Community and the population of Manicouagan. In a same voice, Chief Rene Simon and Benoit Gascon, CEO of Mason Graphite, said they were very pleased with the agreement and welcomed this new collaboration between the Pessamit First Nation and the Company. "We are very proud to announce today the Mushalakan Agreement, which is based on a principle of equity between nations. This Agreement will benefit the people of Quebec and the Pessamiuilnut with respect of their rights and their territory" said Benoit Gascon. On his side, Chief Simon emphasized the Corporation's exemplary approach to this project: "From the outset, Mason Graphite acted with great respect and ethics towards our First Nation. The approach undertaken by Benoit Gascon and his team created a standard on the territory of Pessamit."

Employment and Financial Arrangements

Under the Mushalakan Agreement, the Parties commit to develop a specific training and employment strategy for the Pessamiuilnut. This strategy will be developed in such a way as to ensure employment opportunities at all levels for the Pessamiuilnut and to encourage their retention and advancement within the project. In addition to the strategy, this agreement will allow the Innus of Pessamit to participate in the project concretely, through contracting opportunities and will ensure fair and equitable financial and socio-economic benefits. The latter will promote and protect the rights, the way of life and the culture of the Pessamiuilnut in addition to supporting the economic development of present and future generations.

Lac Gueret Mining Project

The Lac Gueret project, with an initial life span of 25 years, consists of an open-pit mine located approximately 285 km north of Baie-Comeau on the Nitassinan (traditional territory) of the Pessamit First Nation, and a processing plant and a tailings pond located in the Jean-Noel-Tessier Industrial Park in Baie-Comeau. With a projected annual capacity of approximately 51,900 tonnes of graphite concentrate, the project will provide close to 100 direct jobs to the region's Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal workers which will be shared with the objective of reflecting the demographic proportion of the communities of Pessamit and MRC Manicouagan with a tilt for Pessamit.

Contacts Questions related to the community of Pessamit and the Mushalakan Agreement: Gerald Hervieux Advisor Tel: 418 567-8488 Cell: 418-295-6698 Hervieux66@gmail.com Questions about the Lac Gueret project, Mason Graphite and the Mushalakan Agreement: Luc Veilleux, CPA, CA Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer Tel: 514 289-3582 info@masongraphite.com

About Mason Graphite and the Lac Gueret Project

Mason Graphite is a Canadian mining and processing company focused on the development of its 100% owned Lac Gueret natural graphite deposit located in northeastern Quebec. The Company is led by a highly experienced team that has over five decades of experience in graphite production, sales, and research and development. For more information, visit www.masongraphite.com.

Mason Graphite Inc. On Behalf of the Board

"Benoit Gascon, CPA, CA", President & Chief Executive Officer

Cautionary Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. All information contained herein that is not clearly historical in nature may constitute forward-looking information. Generally, such forward-looking information 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" or "be achieved". Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to: (i) volatile stock price; (ii) the general global markets and economic conditions; (iii) the possibility of write-downs and impairments; (iv) the risk associated with exploration, development and operations of mineral deposits; (v) the risk associated with establishing title to mineral properties and assets; (vi) the risks associated with entering into joint ventures; (vii) fluctuations in commodity prices; (viii) the risks associated with uninsurable risks arising during the course of exploration, development and production; (ix) competition faced by the resulting issuer in securing experienced personnel and financing; (x) access to adequate infrastructure to support mining, processing, development and exploration activities; (xi) the risks associated with changes in the mining regulatory regime governing the resulting issuer; (xii) the risks associated with the various environmental regulations the resulting issuer is subject to; (xiii) risks related to regulatory and permitting delays; (xiv) risks related to potential conflicts of interest; (xv) the reliance on key personnel; (xvi) liquidity risks; (xvii) the risk of potential dilution through the issue of common shares; (xviii) the Company does not anticipate declaring dividends in the near term; (xix) the risk of litigation; and (xx) risk management.

Forward-looking information is based on assumptions management believes to be reasonable at the time such statements are made, including but not limited to, continued exploration activities, no material adverse change in metal prices, exploration and development plans proceeding in accordance with plans and such plans achieving their stated expected outcomes, receipt of required regulatory approvals, and such other assumptions and factors as set out herein. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information. Such forward-looking information has been provided for the purpose of assisting investors in understanding the Company's business, operations and exploration plans and may not be appropriate for other purposes. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is made as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake to update such forward-looking information except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

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.

Contacts:

Simon Marcotte

CFA, Vice-President Corporate Development

+1 (647) 801-7273

info@masongraphite.com




EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ -- (Marketwired) -- 06/16/17 -- Carl Wolf, chairman and chief executive officer of MamaMancini's Holdings, Inc. (the "Company" or "MamaMancini's") (OTCQB: MMMB), a marketer of specialty pre-prepared, frozen and refrigerated all natural food products (as defined by the United States Department of Agriculture), commented today on the proposed acquisition of Whole Foods by Amazon.

"The proposed Amazon purchase of Whole Foods augurs well for the trend of healthier, nutritious, and good tasting fresh foods in the perimeter of the supermarket," commented Mr. Wolf. "The purchase reflects the accelerating lifestyle trend of millions of American consumers purchasing prepared foods with a superior nutritional profile that require minimal preparation times. We believe this combination of retail presence to products such as ours, could have a very beneficial impact on MamaMancini's future growth. The acquisition of Whole Foods increases Amazon's ability to efficiently deliver perishable foods within hours of purchase. Recent surveys indicate that up to 70% of consumers decide on their dinner meal after 12 pm. This will make the availability of high quality, perishable products -- such as those of MamaMancini's -- a key buying decision for consumers."

About MamaMancini's

MamaMancini's is a marketer and distributor of a line of beef meatballs, turkey meatballs, and chicken meatballs all with sauce, five cheese stuffed beef, turkey and chicken meatballs all with sauce, original beef and turkey meatloaves and bacon gorgonzola beef meatloaf, and other similar Italian cuisine products. The Company's sales have been growing on a consistent basis as the Company expands its distribution channel, which includes major retailers such as Costco, Publix, Shop Rite, Price Chopper, Jewel, SaveMarts, Luckys, Lunds/Byerly's, SuperValu, Safeway, Albertsons, Spartan Stores, Bashas, Whole Foods, Shaw's Supermarkets, Kings, Roche Brothers, Key Foods, Stop-n-Shop, Giant Stores, Giant Eagle, Food Town, Randalls, Kroger, Shoppers, Marsh's Supermarkets, King Kullen, Lowes Stores, Central Markets, Weis Markets, Ingles, and The Fresh Market.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release may contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. "Forward-looking statements" describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies and are generally preceded by words such as "may," "future," "plan" or "planned," "will" or "should," "expected," "anticipates," "draft," "eventually" or "projected." You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, and other risks identified in the Company's 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2016 and other filings made by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Contact:



Carl Wolf

Chairman and CEO

MamaMancini's Holdings, Inc.

Stock Symbol: MMMB

973-985-0280



www.mamamancinis.com

carl@mamamancinis.com




NEW YORK, NY -- (Marketwired) -- 06/16/17 -- PCG Advisory Group (PCG), a leading investor relations and integrated communications agency, today announced its sponsorship of the 2017 Marcum MicroCap Conference held on June 15-16, 2017 at the Grand Hyatt Hotel, New York, New York.

PCG's CEO and Founder, Jeff Ramson, appeared on an industry panel discussion for all conference attendees, titled: "Regulation A+: Two Years After the Creation of the "The Mini IPO." The panel, held at 9:30 AM, June 16, 2017, featured Jeff and a team of industry experts, sharing their thoughts on how this significant change in capital raising has been utilized by the marketplace and was limited to conference participants.

Jeff Ramson states, "I am pleased to once again sponsor the 2017 Marcum MicroCap Conference and participate in this noteworthy panel discussion. My contribution to the discussion was certainly enhanced given PCG's client and conference participant, Myomo Inc.'s recent IPO, as the first Regulation A+ issuer to list on the New York Stock Exchange MKT. I much appreciated taking part in the panel with industry leaders and sharing ideas on how companies can benefit from Regulation A+, which is a consequential change to federal securities law."

About PCG Advisory Group:

Founded in 2008, PCG Advisory Group is dedicated to the delivery of top tier capital markets advisory services, strategic and tactical digital and social media communications, and cutting edge media and public relations for public and privately held companies. The team at PCG has extensive experience with life sciences and healthcare, high technology, metals and mining, financial services, and emerging growth companies from around the globe.

PCG's Capital Markets Advisory Services include overall investor strategy development to increase and leverage investor awareness, visibility, and credibility.

PCG's Social and Digital Media services include leveraging social and professional digital media sites to effectively and accurately communicate client stories. As an aggregation, distribution and engagement platform, PCG reaches thousands of individual, retail, and institutional investors using proprietary techniques, search engine optimization, online marketing, website development, and our proprietary and extensive distribution network. PCG's Media and Public Relations services are a strategic and integral component of all Corporate Communications. The media and public relations team works with print, broadcast, online news sites, and bloggers to communicate the best client story at the right time. PCG also has the capabilities to assist a company during a merger, acquisition, or crisis.

Communicating the client's story accurately and effectively is tantamount to maximizing exposure to its current and potential stakeholders.

About Myomo:

Myomo, Inc. is a commercial stage medical robotics Company that offers expanded mobility for those suffering from neurological disorders and upper limb paralysis. Based on patented technology developed at MIT and the Company, Myomo develops and markets the MyoPro product line of lightweight, non-invasive, powered arm braces to restore function in the paralyzed or weakened arms and hands of individuals that have suffered a stroke, spinal cord or nerve injury such as brachial plexus injury, or other neuromuscular disability such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or multiple sclerosis (MS). It is provided through clinical relationships with VA medical centers, leading rehabilitation hospitals, and Orthotics and Prosthetics ("O&P") practices. Several hundred have been successfully used by patients. It is the only device that, sensing a patient's own neurological signals through non-invasive sensors on the arm, can restore their ability to use their arms and hands so that they can return to work, live independently and reduce their cost of care. Myomo is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with sales and clinical professionals across the U.S. For more information, please visit www.myomo.com.

About the Marcum MicroCap Conference

The Marcum MicroCap Conference is dedicated to providing a forum where publicly traded companies under $500 million in market capitalization can network with the investment community. The conference features presentations by CEOs and CFOs from six principal industry sectors and provides investors with the opportunity to meet with management of these companies on a one-on-one basis. Industry sectors include Technology, Media & Internet; Software & Business Services; Life Science & Healthcare; Retail & Consumer Products; Energy & Natural Resources; and Industrials. The conference additionally includes a full agenda of panel discussions on issues of strategic importance to small cap issuers and investors, moderated by industry leaders.

The Marcum MicroCap Conference attracts fund managers and high net worth investors focusing on small cap equities. Over 2,000 participants from all segments of the microcap market attend each year, including senior management, finance and legal executives, venture and lower middle-market private equity investors, institutional investors, directors, investment bankers, buy- and sell-side analysts, and service providers to the microcap marketplace.

Investors:

PCG Advisory Group

Kirin M. Smith

Chief Operating Officer

D: 646.863.6519

E: ksmith@pcgadvisory.com




SHANGHAI and CAMBRIDGE, Massachusetts and REYKJAVIK, Iceland, June 16,2017 /PRNewswire/ --WuXi NextCODE, the contract genomics organization providing the global standard platform for genomic data, today announced that its co-founder and chief scientific officer, Jeff Gulcher, MD, PhD, will participate in the keynote lunchtime panel discussion Genetic Testing: Where We Are Today & Where We Are Going at the Cowen and Company FutureHealth Conference being held in San Francisco on Wednesday, June 21.

About WuXi NextCODE

WuXi NextCODE is a fully integrated contract genomics organization building the global standard platform for genomic data. With offices in Shanghai; Kendall Square in Cambridge, Massachusetts; and Reykjavik, Iceland, we serve the leading population genomics, precision medicine, diagnostics and wellness initiatives and enterprises using the genome to improve health around the world. Our capabilities span study design, sequencing, secondary analysis, storage, and interpretation and scalable analytics - all backed by the most proven and widely used technology for organizing, mining and sharing genome sequence data. We are also applying the same capabilities to advance a growing range of sequence-based tests and scans in China. WuXi NextCODE is a WuXi Group company. Visit us on the web at www.wuxinextcode.com.

Contact:

Edward Farmer, PhD

efarmer@wuxinextcode.com

+1 781-775-6206

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/511624/WuXi_NextCODE_Logo.jpg
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 06/16/17 -- Otis Gold Corp. (the "Company" or "Otis") (TSX VENTURE: OOO)(OTC PINK: OGLDF) is pleased to announce that 13,000,000 warrants expiring on June 18, 2017 have been exercised at a price of $.15 per common share. The Warrants were issued in connection with a private placement of units completed in June 2015. As of today, 100% of the outstanding Warrants were exercised. The proceeds from the warrant exercise totaling $1,950,000 combined with cash on hand at March 31, 2017 of approximately $5,200,000 give the Company, which is debt-free, an exceptionally strong balance sheet.

The funds received from the warrant exercise will be used for exploration and development at both the Kilgore Project and the Oakley Project and for general working capital purposes. The Company is fully funded for all planned exploration and development activities and corporate overhead for the next 12 months.

About the Company

Otis is a resource company focused on the acquisition, exploration, and development of precious metal deposits in Idaho, USA. Otis is currently developing its flagship property, the Kilgore Project, located in Clark County, Idaho.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Craig T. Lindsay, President & CEO

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This News Release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to sell any securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "US Securities Act") or any State securities laws, and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to US Persons unless registered under the US Securities Act and applicable State securities laws, or an exemption from such registration is available.

Contacts:

Mr. Tony Perri

Corporate Development

(604) 424-8100

tony@otisgold.com




VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 06/16/17 -- The Executive Director of the British Columbia Securities Commission (BCSC) has issued a notice of hearing alleging that Donald Bruce Edward Wilson (Wilson), David Scott Wright (Wright), Patrick K. Prinster (Prinster), and two companies they controlled committed fraud. All three men are B.C. residents.

DominionGrand II Mortgage Investment Corporation (DG Mortgage) and DominionGrand Investment Fund Inc. (DG Fund) are B.C.-based companies that held themselves out as mortgage investment corporations. Wilson was the president, secretary, and a director of DG Mortgage; Wright was a director of DG Mortgage and DG Fund; and Prinster was a director, agent, or both of DG Mortgage and DG Fund.

The notice alleges that between June 2011 and August 2013, the respondents raised approximately $1.1 million from 40 investors. The investors were told that their money would be invested in mortgages secured by real estate. However, the respondents did not invest the money in mortgages and instead distributed the majority of the investors' money to other companies related to the respondents, business expenses, and commissions to finders.

The notice also alleges that Wilson, Wright, and Prinster, as directors, officers, or agents of DG Mortgage and DG Fund, are liable for the companies' fraud.

These allegations have not been proven. Counsel for the Executive Director will apply to set dates for a hearing into the allegations before a panel of commissioners on July 11, 2017 at 9 a.m.

You may view the notice of hearing on our website, www.bcsc.bc.ca, by typing DominionGrand II Mortgage Investment Corporation, DominionGrand Investment Fund Inc., Donald Bruce Edward Wilson, David Scott Wright, Patrick K. Prinster or 2017 BCSECCOM 203 in the search box. Information about disciplinary proceedings can be found in the Enforcement section of the BCSC website.

Please visit the Canadian Securities Administrators' (CSA) Disciplined List for information relating to persons and companies disciplined by provincial securities regulators, the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC) and the Mutual Fund Dealers Association of Canada (MFDA).

About the British Columbia Securities Commission (www.bcsc.bc.ca)

The British Columbia Securities Commission is the independent provincial government agency responsible for regulating capital markets in British Columbia through the administration of the Securities Act. Our mission is to protect and promote the public interest by fostering:

-- A securities market that is fair and warrants public confidence -- A dynamic and competitive securities industry that provides investment opportunities and access to capital

Learn how to protect yourself and become a more informed investor at www.investright.org.

Contacts:

Media Contact:

Alison Walker

604-899-6713



Public inquiries:

604-899-6854 or 1-800-373-6393 (toll free)

inquiries@bcsc.bc.ca




SEATTLE, WA -- (Marketwired) -- 06/16/17 -- Socrata, the leading data-as-a-service platform for government organizations, welcomes Matt Miszewski as Senior Vice President (SVP) of Sales.

"As Socrata aggressively expands our cloud solution portfolio across a wide variety of public and employee-facing government data-driven programs, we are pleased to add Matt's deep expertise as a public sector technology leader to our executive team," said Kevin Merritt, Socrata Founder and CEO. "In addition to serving the needs of governments as the leader of public sector focused solutions providers for a decade, Matt spent more than four years as a public servant -- as State CIO -- directly working to modernize and streamline the technology infrastructure in his state."

Miszewski has led winning sales, marketing, and business teams for a decade. Miszewski holds a law degree from the University of Wisconsin Law School and a B.A. in Political Science and International Affairs from Marquette University. In his most recent role as SVP of Global Sales and Marketing for Digital Realty Trust, he reestablished market dominance and tripled shareholder value. Miszewski helped build the Global Public Sector Business Unit, establish the global account management program, expand into federal, state and local markets, and design the go-to-market strategy while SVP of Enterprise Sales & Public Sector at Salesforce. As General Manager of Microsoft's Worldwide Government practice he led a team serving central, local, and regional governments in 13 global regions driving double digit growth. Miszewski served for over four years as the state of Wisconsin's Chief Information Officer under Governor James "Jim" Doyle, where he established the first statewide Service Oriented Architecture, which significantly increased the agility of the state's technology infrastructure while saving more than $200M for Wisconsin taxpayers and enabling services such as the Wisconsin Justice Information Sharing system.

"I was searching for a way to put decades of revenue and technology experience to work for a larger mission, driving a technology vision that is positioned to solve important and challenging problems for people serving society," said Matt Miszewski, Socrata SVP of Sales. "With its advanced data-as-a-service platform and a strong and experienced leadership team, I am thrilled to be helping Socrata's government clients resolve some of society's biggest and most intractable problems."

About Socrata

Socrata is the market leader in making existing government data discoverable, usable, and actionable for government workers and the people they serve. Socrata provides a data-as-a-service platform and cloud applications exclusively for city, county, state, and federal government organizations. Socrata delivers unprecedented, data-driven innovation and cost-savings by bringing together disparate systems and leveraging the cloud to dramatically enhance the effectiveness of government programs, to improve quality of life for residents, positively impact local economies, and achieve excellence in government operations. Socrata solutions are designed and developed to meet strict government standards and is the first company of its size to achieve Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) Authority to Operate. The technology is optimized on the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Public Sector cloud and delivered using the exclusive Socrata Blueprint Methodology.
WINDERMERE, FL / ACCESSWIRE / June 16, 2017 / iMedicor, Inc. (OTC PINK: VMCI.OB), a Nevada corporation, formerly known as Vemics, Inc. ("iMedicor" or the "Company"), a builder of cloud based software for the healthcare and related industries, announced the resignation, for personal reasons, of Donald Sproat as the Chief Financial Officer and the Chief Accounting Officer of iMedicor, Inc. (the "Company"). Thereafter, on June 13, 2017, the Board of Directors of the Company appointed Scott Malmanger as the Chief Financial Officer and the Chief Accounting Officer, to serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors of the Company.

Previously Mr. Malmanger was Chief Accounting Officer and VP of Finance at American K-9 Detection Services, LLC. He has more than 20 years of experience establishing accounting procedures, internal controls, financial reporting and treasury functions for businesses in security services, renewable fuels, manufacturing and financial service industries.

Robert McDermott, President and Chief Executive Officer of iMedicor, said, "I am delighted that Scott Malmanger was able to step in and fill the positions of Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer that were formerly held by Donald Sproat. Scott has an excellent background in finance and will provide the Company all of the support that the Company needs in this area."

ABOUT IMEDICOR

iMedicor, Inc. is a national provider of comprehensive secure communications solutions for the healthcare community. iMedicor offers physicians and other healthcare professionals the use of a HIPAA-compliant communications network that addresses current federal standards for security and Interoperability. iMedicor also serves as one of the country's leading Meaningful Use consultants to assist doctors and dentists with conversion from paper to electronic health records (EHRs) and qualifying under Medicare and Medicaid guidelines for Federal Incentive Funding.

For more information contact: Robert McDermott, President of iMedicor, Inc., at 407-505-8934.

SOURCE: iMedicor, Inc.
NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / June 16, 2017 / Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of United Technologies Corporation ("United Technologies" or the "Company") (NYSE: UTX). Such investors are advised to contact Robert S. Willoughby at rswilloughby@pomlaw.com or 888-476-6529, ext. 9980.

The investigation concerns whether United Technologies and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.

[Click here to join a class action]

On July 21, 2015, United Technologies cut its 2015 earnings guidance, citing weak performance by the Company's UTC Aerospace Systems ("UTAS") and Otis Elevator Co. ("Otis") units. On a related earnings conference call, the Company's officers advised investors that, in their view, the assumptions relating to UTAS and Otis that had formed the basis of the earnings guidance were "way too aggressive" and that United Technologies did not "dig deep enough" when setting the guidance.

On this news, United Technologies' share price fell $7.77, or 7.03%, to close at $102.71 on July 21, 2015.

The Pomerantz Firm, with offices in New York, Chicago, Florida, and Los Angeles, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, the Pomerantz Firm pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 80 years later, the Pomerantz Firm continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomerantzlaw.com

SOURCE: Pomerantz LLP
NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / June 16, 2017 / Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against United States Steel Corporation ("U.S. Steel" or the "Company") (NYSE: X) and certain of its officers. The class action, filed in United States District Court, Western District of Pennsylvania, is on behalf of a class consisting of investors who purchased or otherwise acquired U.S. Steel securities, seeking to recover compensable damages caused by defendants' violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

If you are a shareholder who purchased U.S. Steel securities between November 1, 2016 and April 25, 2017, both dates inclusive, you have until July 3, 2017 to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com. To discuss this action, contact Robert S. Willoughby at rswilloughby@pomlaw.com or 888.476.6529 (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll free, ext. 9980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and number of shares purchased.

[Click here to join this class action]

U.S. Steel is an integrated steel producer of flat-rolled and tubular products with major production operations in North America and Europe.

Complaint alleges that throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and misleading statements regarding the Company's business, operational and compliance policies. Specifically, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) while the Company was implementing its Carnegie Way program, it was focused on cutting costs and was not making investments necessary to position U.S. Steel so that it could respond to improved market conditions; (ii) Defendants' failure to invest in improving capital assets during the industry downturn, in order to report apparent financial improvements, meant that U.S. Steel had higher production costs than its competitors, even in the face of improved pricing, which would negatively impact its financial results; and (iii) Defendants were forestalling expensive capital equipment upgrades in order to boost the Company's short-term financial results at the expense of long-term financial performance, leaving U.S. Steel in need of accelerated, costly equipment upgrades that would leave the Company years away from generating improved financial performance; and (iv) as a result of the foregoing, U.S. Steel's public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times.

During the Class Period, steel market conditions improved substantially. Indeed, in the first quarter of 2017, the average price of U.S. hot-rolled steel coil, a benchmark product used in a variety of products ranging from bridges to microwaves, rose 55% from a year earlier, helped by successful U.S. trade cases against foreign imports. By all accounts, U.S. Steel appeared primed to pounce on the domestic steel market turnaround.

After the market closed on April 25, 2017, however, the Company reported what analysts labeled "hard-to-fathom" and "abysmal" financial results, as U.S. Steel revealed shortcomings that, according to Bloomberg, "choked earnings even as prices of the metal surged." Specifically, the Company reported a net loss of $180 million, or negative $1.03 per diluted share, and adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization ("EBITDA") of $74 million. The Company's earnings release revealed negative operating cash flow of $135 million, a significant decline in the Company's Flat-Rolled segment, and a reduced 2017 outlook that widely missed analyst expectations, including a 35% reduction to 2017 EBITDA guidance. 2017 guidance was worse at the earnings level, where guidance was cut 50% from $3.08 per share to $1.50. The $1.50 earnings per share ("EPS"), however, included the benefit of an accounting change that cut $175 million from operating costs. Factoring that positive accounting change out of the mix, the Company's adjusted EPS guidance was closer to $0.85, a cut of approximately 72%. The Company also eliminated language about being "cash positive" for the year.

The Company's earnings release quoted Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") Mario Longhi ("Longhi") as stating, in part, that "operating challenges at our Flat-Rolled facilities prevented us from benefiting fully from improved market conditions." Longhi also added that U.S. Steel would "not let favorable near-term business conditions distract us from taking the outages we need to revitalize our assets in order to achieve more reliable and consistent operations, improve quality and cost performance, and generate more consistent financial results." He also added that U.S. Steel "made the strategic decision to accelerate [its] efforts to resolve the issues that challenge our ability to achieve sustainable long-term profitability." During a conference call before the market opened on April 26, 2017, Longhi stated that in 2017 the Company would "be taking more downtime at our facilities, which will limit our steel production volumes."

On this news, U.S. Steel's share price fell $8.33, or 26.78%, to close at $22.78 on April 26, 2017.

The Pomerantz Firm, with offices in New York, Chicago, Florida, and Los Angeles, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, the Pomerantz Firm pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 80 years later, the Pomerantz Firm continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomerantzlaw.com

SOURCE: Pomerantz LLP
Well, Ive finally got to the final state from our epic Route 66 adventure across the United States! We drove the entire route from Los Angeles in California through to Chicago in Illinois, sticking to the original route as closely as we could for the whole journey, using this incredible book to help us stay on track.

Ive created a post for each of the states in the series, and you can see our Route 66 highlights for each of the following states by clicking on their name: California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri & Illinois.

I also have many of these photos available for purchase in my online Route 66 photo gallery here if youre interested in having a memory of your Route 66 trip to hang on your wall.

Todays post is the last of the photo series, meaning you can now see the best of Route 66 in every state it covers! Lets see what Illinois had in store for us..

Route 66 Highlights: Illinois

Here are some of our favourite sights along Route 66 in Illinois, in no particular order.

Route 66 Signage

As with many other sections of Route 66, the Illinois route followed different alignments across the decades. We always did our best to follow the original alignment, but that wasnt always possible, as often it no longer exists!

Its always nice when the Route is this easy to find! This pretty main street is in the town of Atlanta, IL

Cozy Dog Drive In, Springfield IL

Like many of the other states on Route 66, Illinois has some classic dining options that you just have to try. In this instance, the famous Cozy Dog at the Cozy Dog Drive-In in Springfield IL. You can even pose with the Cozy Dogs, as Jess did.

Ice Cream, Wilmington

Its not just Cozy Dogs of course. Theres ice cream too. It was delicious.

Muffler Men, Atlanta and Wilmington

Naturally Illinois has no shortage of quirky statues either. This is one of the Muffler Men, a 20ft fibreglass giant constructed to serve as advertising.

Thousands of these statues could be found across the United States (and Route 66) in the 1960s, and those surviving figures on Route 66 are now iconic visitor attractions. The one above in Atlanta is holding a hot dog, whilst the chap below is known as Gemini Man and can be found in Wilmington.

Giant Abraham Lincoln and Wagon, Lincoln IL

The Muffler Men arent the only giants on Route 66! Heres a giant Abraham Lincoln aboard a giant wagon, who can appropriately be found in Lincoln, Illinois.

Lincoln Home National Historic Site, Springfield

Illinois has further connections to Abraham Lincoln. In the town of Springfield, we visited the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, where Lincoln lived for a number of years prior to becoming President of the United States. It was also the only home he ever owned.

Abraham Lincolns Tomb, Springfield Illinois

And of course, Springfield, Illinois is also home to Lincolns tomb, which can be found in the Oak Ridge Cemetery.

Henrys Rabbit Ranch, Staunton

Moving on to somewhat more whimsical subjects, a visit to Henrys Rabbit Ranch is a must when driving the Route in Illinois. Here you can meet Henry, his rabbits, and see all sorts of Route 66 memorabilia.

Henry has some pretty cool rabbits.

Yep, well worth the visit.

Pink Elephant Antique Mall, Livingstone

Naturally Illinois has its fair share of weird Route 66 roadside structures, with everything from a UFO

to a giant pink elephant. Both of the above are found at the Pink Elephant Antique Mall in Livingstone.

Route 66 Drive In, Springfield Illinois

Illinois has drive in theatres as well, definitely a must-stop somewhere along your Route 66 adventure. This one is just outside the town of Springfield Illinois.

Route 66 Murals, Pontiac

There are murals, to help you figure out where youve been and where youre going.

Route 66 Gas Stations

And of course, one of our favourite sights, those wonderful old gas stations. The above is in Joliet.

This one is in Dwight Illinois.

The above two are in Odell Illinois.

Route 66 Museum, Pontiac Illinois

As with every state, Illinois has its own Route 66 Museum, this one is in Pontiac Illinois and is called the Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum. Well worth stopping in.

And round the back of the museum in Pontiac is this incredible converted school bus. It definitely gave me some ideas for transport options! Also, dont miss the murals around the town of Pontiac, including the one at the start of the post.

Route 66 End Marker, Chicago

Finally, and a little bit sadly, we of course made it to the end of Route 66! Which is, to be honest, not quite as exciting as you might imagine, just a little sign half way up a lamp post. Still, we posed for a photo

and then went for a meal at Lou Mitchells. Founded in 1923, this is famous as being the first (or last!) stop on the Route, and was traditionally the place to eat a meal before heading out west. So naturally, it seemed like the perfect place for us to end.

Planning your own Route 66 Adventure

If youre planning your own Route 66 adventure, weve got a bit of reading for you!

Enjoy your Route 66 trip!
Adelis Equity Partners, a Stockholm, Sweden-based nordic lower mid market private equity firm, closed its second fund, at 600m.

Launched in March 2017, Adelis Equity Partners Fund II closed on June 9, 2017 with backers including pension funds, foundations and fund-of-funds from Europe and North America. Adelis employees have committed to invest 30 million.

Led by Jan Akesson, Gustav Bard, Steffen Thomsen, Erik Hallert, Rasmus Molander, and Joel Russ, Adelis II will continue its predecessor funds strategy of acquiring majority interests in Nordic companies with Enterprise Values between 20m and 200m.

Adelis Equity Partners Fund I closed on SEK 3.7 billion in October of 2013 and has so far invested in twelve companies in Sweden, Denmark and Finland. These portfolio companies have in turn made more than 20 add-on acquisitions.

FinSMEs

16/06/2017
ZCube, the research venture of Zambon, an Italian pharmaceutical and fine-chemical multinational company, has launched the second edition of Open Accelerator, a Milan, Italy-based fast track acceleration program for life science startup projects.

The call for ideas will be open until 16th July 2017 and covers four main areas:

 Drug delivery systems (systems that allow better drug delivery either through particles or devices);

 Open source prototyping: medical devices, biomarkers, diagnostics (instruments and devices that allow safe and effective treatment, rehabilitation, prevention and diagnosis of diseases);

 Wearables and digital health (technological solutions through wearable devices that improve patient outcomes; technological platforms or mobile applications that offer new solutions to improve patient health);

 Big data (projects related to data analysis and solutions to improve medical treatment, develop personalized medicine, identify new markers for early diagnosis and reduce healthcare costs).

Open Accelerator is a 12-steps program providing training to international researchers, scientists and aspiring entrepreneurs that, following a selection process, could receive seed investment of up to 100k per project. A maximum of 30 projects will be selected to take part in the acceleration program that offers training and mentoring by specialized advisors including entrepreneurs, business angels, venture capitalists and experts from other disciplinary areas.

The acceleration path is open to researchers and scientists that have the ambition to conduct translational science. The program will be based on the established methodology of the Business Model Canvas that has been adopted by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Institute of Health (NIH) in the United States.

ZCube has recently signed a partnership with IAB  Italian Angels for Biotech, an association of business angels dedicated to Life Sciences  and Innogest, a venture capital firm operating in Italy and in Europe. Advisors from IAB and Innogest, along with other international experts, will take part in the acceleration path providing mentoring and advice to guide founders through business model creation and go-to-market strategy development.

At the end of the program, the most innovative ideas could receive a seed investment of up to 100k, which will serve as an important catalyst to enter the market.

Entries can be made following this link: http://www.openaccelerator.it.

FinSMEs

16/06/2017
New Delhi: Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad beat up an Air India staffer with his slippers in April this year. This led to all domestic airlines promptly barring him from flying in a month when he had to frequently travel to Delhi to attend Parliament. He was allowed back aboard only after a weak apology to the Minister of Civil Aviation and after the Lok Sabha Speaker also seemed to suggest that a mere apology will correct this bizarre situation. So will the aam aadmi, who in case misbehaves in a similar fashion while on board, be allowed back after a mere apology? Nah. This privilege, like so many others, has till now been reserved only for the peoples representatives. Yesterday, another MP allegedly misbehaved with the crew of a private airline and was similarly barred by all the airlines from flying later in the day.

An NDTV report said JC Diwakar Reddy, the Telugu Desam Party lawmaker who created a ruckus at the Visakhapatnam airport after being denied a boarding pass for arriving late by IndiGo, refused to apologise for his behaviour. Perhaps, even seeking an apology for atrocious behavior is asking too much of our MPs. Remember, Diwakar Reddy is from the same political party as Civil Aviation Minister A Gajapathi Raju, and the minister has already denied asking IndiGo to allow Reddy to board the flight yesterday after the incident. It seems despite the violence he unleashed at the airport, IndiGo did allow him to fly and the ban by this and other airlines was imposed later.

Gaikwad's actions had pushed the government to come out with draft regulations to create a national no-fly list some time back. What could get you on this list of shame? Verbal and or physical abuse, inappropriate touching while on board, besides, of course, damage to the aircraft or other acts of violence. Will a mere apology set the record straight? Well, this will have to be decided by a 'Standing Committee' which each airline will have to form to decide on individual cases of inappropriate behaviour within 10 days of the incident. This three-member committee will function as a quasi-judicial body and the penalty that can be imposed for inappropriate behaviour in the skies ranges from three months to two years but could also be extended further. You could get barred from domestic flying forever, depending on the decision of the standing committees within the airline and then formed by the DGCA.

The draft norms were put up for public consultations in May this year and ministry officials had then said these will become the norm in about two months. Another day, another Gaikwad-like situation and the much awaited no-fly list is nowhere in sight.

Another NDTV report says the no-fly list will be ready this week. Separately, a person close to developments at Air India had said earlier that the FIR lodged against Gaikwad for his violent behavior aboard Air India is just in name since the police need the permission of the Lok Sabha speaker to proceed with investigations against an Lok Sabha MP. It is not known if any movement has happened at all on the FIR front or whether the Speaker has given her permission.

So for all intents and purposes, the hullabaloo over Gaikwad died its own death, the MP got back flying rights and India went on to witness more entitled souls abusing airline staff for merely doing their duty.

Here are the salient features of the proposed no-fly list, which is still in the works:

1) The Ministry is proposing three levels of unruly passengers ---- in level I, passengers indulging in disruptive behaviour like making physical gestures and other such activities will be penalised. In level II, passengers indulging in physical abuse, sexual harassment etc are likely to be booked. Those indulging in life threatening behaviour will be booked under level III the punishment for which could be a ban on flying with the airline on which the act has been committed for at least two years. Level I and II could see a passenger barred for three and six months respectively.

2) If a passenger is banned by one airline then it will be left to other domestic airlines to decide on whether they want to fly such a passenger or not. While the ban is proposed only to be applied on domestic airlines, nothing stops foreign airlines from implementing Indias no-fly list if the 'Rights of Carriage Act' of the international airlines also has similar provisions.

3) To implement the no-fly list the Government is also looking to see how they can link a passenger making a domestic airline booking to a common identity card be it a passport or aadhar card so that genuine passengers are not harassed.

4) Each airline has to constitute a 'standing committee' comprising a retired judge, a representative of another airline and another representative from a consumer forum to examine each complaint of unruly behaviour. The passenger accused of such beahviour can also appeal to this committee, which must decide the matter within 10 days.

5) Any aggrieved passenger may then approach the DGCA where again a similar committee will decide on the innocence of the passenger.

This is the existing Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR) which defines an unruly flyer and what all can be done to deal with such passengers does not mention any financial penalties. It merely says passengers who are likely to be unruly and disruptive must be carefully monitored, and if necessary, refused embarkation or off-loaded, if deemed to pose a threat to the safety and security of the flight, fellow passengers or staff while on board aircraft.

Let us hope the first ever no-fly list manages to create some fear in the minds of the violent law makers.
The prices of petrol and diesel will change on a daily basis from Friday (16 June). The daily price revision follows successful pilot in five cities.

The pricing system is aimed at capturing even the smallest change in international oil prices and passing it on to consumers, according to the oil ministry.

Until now, rates have been changing on the 1st and 16th of every month based on average international oil price and foreign exchange rate of the previous fortnight.

According to Sanjiv Singh, chairman, Indian Oil, the nation's largest fuel retailer, whatever the pump operators were doing at 15-day frequency, they will be required to do daily.

The company has also cut prices of petrol by Rs 1.12 per litre and that of diesel by Rs 1.24 litre (excluding state levies).

Daily price revision of Petrol and Diesel across India applicable from 6 am on 16 June, 2017. Details on https://t.co/5IgqYVmhCR pic.twitter.com/FKIG2iXsD1  Indian Oil Corp Ltd (@IndianOilcl) June 15, 2017

Here's how what changes for consumers and what they should do:

First of all, the new prices will become effective 6 am every day. Earlier, the decision was to change them at midnight. The oil companies were forced to change this after pump owners threatened to protest and go for a strike. The reason for their grudge was that the companies have not put in place automatic systems to change the price and so it required manual deployment.

Currently, only 20 percent of the petrol pumps are automated.

What this also.means is that consumers have to be doubly careful since there are chances of errors.

However, oil companies will provide information on daily price revisions through various means.

These include LED screens at petrol pumps, toll-free number, social media posts, mobile apps as well as through SMS.

Prices via SMS

For Indian Oil, customers can verify fuel prices by sending SMS: RSP< SPACE >DEALER CODE to 9224992249.

For Bharat Petroleum, you can send the same SMS in the same pattern to 9223112222.

For Hindustan Petroleum, the customer can SMS HPPRICEDEALERCODE to 9222201122.

HPCL dealers should SMS PRICES from their registered mobile to HPCLSMS Gateway (9222201122) for RSP assistance.

Price via app

The companies also have developed apps to help consumers. Indian Oil's app is Fuel@IOC and BPCL's SmartDrive. HP has an app too.

Log on to site

Consumers can also log on to the website www.iocl.com, and go to the link Locate your nearest IndianOil Petrol Pump and view prices.

HP and BP websites too have such links on their sites.

Customers of HPCL can call on 1800-226-550 (toll free) to get the prices.
Infosys Ltd, India's second largest software exporter, has been dealt a major blow after Sandeep Dadlani, the company's American head and global head of manufacturing and retail unit, announced his decision to resign from his post.

In his Linkedin post, Dadlani said, "I will always cherish my 16+ years at Infosys working and learning with some of the best leaders, mentors, colleagues, clients, partners and teams in the industry. I am extremely optimistic of Infosys continued success and its strong leadership team. I have decided to pursue my personal interests elsewhere. Next up: An out-of-the world assignment! Stay tuned."

The decision comes as a serious setback to Infosys' chief executive officer Vishal Sikka, who recently gave Dadlani the additional responsibility of generating more business from the companys new software solutions, including the artificial intelligence platform Nia.

Besides being one of the four presidents at Infosys, Dadlani was also the chairman of Edgeverve, the wholly-owned subsidiary of Infosys.

In a press release, Infosys also said that Karmesh Vaswani and Nitesh Banga would be replacing Sandeep Dadlani.

Sandeep has played a key role in the success of Infosys over his career and in our transformation journey these past three years. We wish him the best in the journey ahead,. Sikka said in the statement.

Dadlani had joined Infosys in January 2001, and was the top contender in 2015 when the company was looking for a new chief executive officer. However, Infosys rather chose SAP SE board member Vishal Sikka for the CEO's post.

Infosys has witnessed flurry of resignations at the top ever since Vishal Sikka took over as CEO in August 2014. Nine executives at the rank of executive vice-president (EVP) and above have resigned, while last month Sikkas former SAP colleague and head of Infosyss industrial internet business, Gordon Muehl, too resigned, a report in Mint said.
New Delhi: Reliance Industries and its partner BP plc announced on Thursday an investment of US $6 billion in developing new gas fields in the KG-D6 block after an eight-year hiatus.

RIL chairman Mukesh Ambani said two firms have also agreed on a strategic cooperation on new opportunities for conventional and unconventional fuel trading and marketing including jointly setting up petrol pumps.

"Changed policies have allowed us to develop new resources," BP CEO Bob Dudley said.

He said BP-RIL has agreed to progress on R-Series gas field development in the KG-D6 block and will invest US $6 billion. The gas project will reduce India's import dependence by 10 percent.

Addressing a joint press conference, Ambani said RIL-BP after many years will invest Rs 40,000 crore to bring 30-35 mmscmd of gas.

This "new and historic cooperation" will also explore trading of fuel and carbon emission trading, he said.

With regard to pending arbitration, Ambani said RIL will follow legal course for bringing them to conclusion.

"We don't see pending arbitration hampering our new investments," he added.

RIL is locked in four arbitration cases with the government. It is in arbitration against the government disallowing recovery of certain KG-D6 gas field costs as a punishment for gas output lagging targets.

Another arbitration is over deferring of a natural gas price hike due to the company from April 1, 2014. The latest arbitration is against government demanding US $1.55 billion compensation from RIL and its partners for "unfairly" producing ONGC's gas.
Ileana D'Cruz's first look from Baadshaho has been released and it is intriguing to say the least. The actress will be seen with Ajay Devgn, Emraan Hashmi, Vidyut Jammwal and Esha Gupta in the film, which is set in the 1975 Indian emergency period.

Bold, Beautiful & Badass! The exclusive look is also out in today's @htshowbiz

Badass Baadshaho  pic.twitter.com/HKykFjsMxn  Ileana D'Cruz (@Ileana_Official) June 16, 2017

Cruz looks all grace and grit in the poster as she channels her inner royalty. Ileana called herself a 'bold, beautiful and badass' in an Instagram live video that she did before her look was released.

Previously, Hashmi, Devgn, and Jammwal's looks had been released and all of them generated a lot of curiosity in the audiences. Be it Haashmi's Guns N' Roses gangster avatar, Jammwal's sophisticated ensemble or Devgn's 'badass in bandana' look, everything about this Milan Luthria film is turning out be a pleasant surprise. The makers are taking full advantage of the situation by unveiling the looks at their own pace.

Although, not much has been said about the film yet, by the looks of it, it looks like it revolves around a bunch of 'badass' conspirators, who undertake an eventful journey. The official poster of the film features a big truck, a flying car and an explosion -- all of which hints at an action-packed, high on drama flick.

The film releases on 1 September, 2017.
Thiruvananthapuram: Three filmmakers whose films, including on the Rohith Vemula suicide and the JNU protests, were denied permission to be screened at the International Documentary Short Film Festival (IDSFFK) have approached the Kerala High Court.

The 10th instalment of the IDSFFK that begins on Friday will continue till 20 June.

Speaking to IANS, an official working with the organising committee of the festival said their petitions have been filed and the matter is coming up before the court on Friday.

"Seeking legal redress is the only way out for them as the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting had denied permission and hence we can do nothing about it," said the official, who did not wish to be identified.

The three films include The Unbearable Being of Lightness, a 45-minute documentary about Hyderabad University Rohith Vemula's suicide in 2016, March March March, a 19-minute film on the Jawaharlal Nehru University protests, and In The Shade of Fallen Chinar, a 16-minute short film that shows the lives of a group of young Kashmiri artists who are university students.

The five-day festival will showcase 210 films, of which around 170 do not have a certificate from the Censor Board. However, all of them, barring these three, got the Information and Broadcasting Ministry nod for screening.

In a related development, around 160 filmmakers from various parts of the country have come out in support of the three filmmakers and written to the Union Information and Broadcasting Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu to intervene and give them permission for screening.

The filmmakers said they are deeply disturbed by these attempts to restrict artistic voices. "We cannot support actions that deprive audiences of meaningful cinema and endanger the democratic values of our country," they said.

"We unequivocally condemn this action by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and lend our unqualified support to IDSFFK and the filmmakers who are being prevented from screening their films. We urge the Ministry to immediately issue an exemption letter to the three films and ensure that films at festivals do not face arbitrary censorship in future."
Canadian poet and novelist Margaret Atwood is receiving a lifetime achievement award from one of the worlds oldest literary organizations. PEN Center USA announced Wednesday that Atwood will accept the honor at the groups annual Literary Awards Festival in October. PEN center is a division of PEN, a literary and human rights organisation.

Atwood started her literary career with the 1969 protofeminist novel The Edible Woman, which established her as a significant prose writer. An advocate of women's rights, she is one of the most celebrated writers of feminist literature. Atwood has written more than 40 books of fiction, poetry and essays. Her 19895 dystopian novel The Handmaid's Tale, was centered around women's subjugation and the resultant gender politics. The novel was nominated for The Booker Prize among others and made into a film, an opera and a TV series. The television adaptation of The Handmaids Tale premiered on Hulu earlier this year and has been renewed for a second season that will be released in 2018.

PEN Center USA says the 77-year-old author will be recognized at an 27 October, 2017 ceremony at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. Actor and writer Nick Offerman is scheduled to host the evening.

With inputs from AP.
Veteran actor Sridevi's upcoming thriller drama film MOM has been slated for release on 7 July. Sridevi will return to the silver screen with MOM after five years.

Her last Hindi movie was the critically acclaimed English Vinglish, which garnered rave reviews both for its story line and the performances delivered by the actors.

Directed by Ravi Udyawar, the film has been backed by Sridevi's husband Boney Kapoor and Zee Studios.

Boney Kapoor, Sridevi's husband and producer of Mom, has gone all out to ensure the film hits all the right notes. Kapoor, known for his opulent mega-budget films, has amped up the budget of Mom, potentially making it Sridevi's most expensive film in recent times.

The movie is based on the relationship between a stepmother and her daughter, wherein the daughter, played by Sajal Ali, is the victim of rape. The mother, essayed by Sridevi, is supportive of her daughter and the movie chronicles this story in detail.

MOM released its first song, titled 'O Sona Tere Liye', on 16 June . Composed and sung by music maestro A.R. Rahman, the song is deeply touching. Rahman took to his Instagram to share the release of the song. Shot in picturesque locations, it shows Sridevi's on screen family on vacation, however the melancholy that heavily hints at the theme of the movie is apparent. A visibly shaken Sajal Ali is seen trying to return to normalcy through the course of the song  however tragedy seems to be embedded too deep.

Oscar-winning composer Rahman has not failed to produce another melody that is sure to stick around.

A post shared by @arrahman on Jun 16, 2017 at 1:32am PDT

The movie previously faced trouble for featuring two Pakistani artistes, Sajal Ali and Adnan Siddiqui, who essay the roles of Sridevi's daughter and husband in MOM, given that Pakistani artistes were banned from working in Indian films post-September 2016 after the Uri attacks, as reported by DNA.

MOM also stars the brilliant Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Akshaye Khanna.

Regarding his look in MOM, Siddiqui said, "We worked on the look for 15 days before we finalised it. The director Ravi Udyawar planned something different. Normally, the character is created first and then the look but for MOM, it was the other way round. We tried various looks with how my character would walk and talk and his mannerisms. We used prosthetics and the entire process would take almost three hours to put on and remove. Moreover, shooting in Mumbai and Delhi during the day, when it is incredibly hot," stated another DNA report.

Watch the video of the song 'O Sona Tere Liye' from MOM here:


Tigmanshu Dhulia's upcoming film Raag Desh's poster is out and it looks really captivating with its three lead actors Kunal Kapoor, Mohit Marwah and Amit Sadh as INA soldiers in the backdrop of the second world war.

Film trade analyst Taran Adarsh took to Twitter and released the first look poster of the film on 15 July:

Releasing 28th July the true story of netaji's Indian national Army pic.twitter.com/yBPtHXWr2a  Tigmanshu Dhulia (@dirtigmanshu) June 15, 2017

The film is based on the story of three officers from the Indian National Army (INA) that reached its peak under the stewardship of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Colonel Prem Sehgal (Marwah), Colonel Gurbaksh Singh Dhillon (Sadh), and Major General Shah Nawaz Khan (Kapoor), who were prisoners of the war in Malaya (Malaysia now), Singapore and Burma (Myanmar now) respectively. They were captured and imprisoned at Red Fort (Lal Quila) in Delhi, as reported by The Indian Express.

These INA soldiers were later tried in the court room - famously known as the 'Red Fort Trials'. Dhulia's film, Raag Desh, essentially revolves around those last days of Indian freedom struggle where the War of Independence was being fought both within the country on streets as well as on foreign lands.

According to the Hindustan Times, speaking about the film in a press statement, Dhulia said,This was a great opportunity to showcase a very important chapter of independence struggle. Its a film about real life heroes, who fought armed war against the mighty British government. Raag Desh captures the valour, the camaraderie and the heroic struggles of young men who fought and lost the battle, but won the war of independence for India. It is a one of the most passionate films I have done because I really feel that the nation and the young generation must know about sacrifices of people achieve Indias independence. Its a film which will certainly make every Indian proud of their legacy."

The actors also seem very happy with the project and took to their Twitter accounts to spread the word post the poster release:

First look poster of my next film!Hounoured to be a part of this great subject! Gear up for some patriotism -in cinemas 28th July #Raagdesh pic.twitter.com/1HQXikZyzH  Mohit Marwah (@mohitsmarwah) June 15, 2017

A film I'm really proud to be a part of #comingsoon #raagdesh https://t.co/PXkucRosPX  kunal kapoor (@kapoorkkunal) June 14, 2017

The film produced by Rajya Sabha Television, in collaboration with UFO Moviez as its strategic partner for a pan-India release on 28 July opposite Arjun Kapoor's Mubarakan.
By Saad Sayeed

| ISLAMABAD, June 16

ISLAMABAD, June 16 Pakistan has revoked the visa of a Korean man running a language school where two Chinese missionaries were believed to have been working before they were abducted by Islamic State, the interior ministry said on Friday. Islamic State said earlier this month via its Amaq news service its fighters had killed the couple, who were kidnapped in May by armed men pretending to be security officials in the southwestern city of Quetta."It has been determined after the kidnapping incident that South Korean national Wan Su alias Gilbert was in Pakistan on a business visa but here he opened an Urdu academy and was involved in illegal activities," read the ministry statement on Friday.

The ministry said earlier this month the Chinese couple Lee Zing Yang, 24, and Meng Li Si, 26, had been missionaries posing as language teachers, in violation of visa rules, and that had contributed to their abductions. China said it would investigate whether the couple had been working as missionaries in a country which is 98 percent Muslim.

"Police had not only cautioned the Chinese couple about the security situation but offered them protection but the Chinese individuals had refused the offer," read the ministry statement issued on Friday. The ministry said police were still attempting to conclusively determine whether the Chinese couple had been killed.

The kidnapping was a rare crime against Chinese nationals in Pakistan, and has alarmed the growing Chinese community in the country.The incident has prompted Pakistan to boost security around Chinese and other foreigners. Quetta is the capital of Baluchistan, a region where China is investing billions of dollars in infrastructure projects. (Reporting by Saad Sayeed; editing by Andrew Roche)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
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The trial of the seven accused  Abu Salem, Mustafa Dossa, Karimullah Khan, Firoz Abdul Rashid Khan, Riyaz Siddiqui, Tahir Merchant and Abdul Quayyum  were separated from the main case as they were arrested at the time of conclusion of the main trial in which 100 people were convicted.

A special TADA court is likely to pronounce its judgment in the 1993 Bombay serial blasts case involving seven accused, including extradited gangster Abu Salem.

Judgment likely to come today at 11 am

Dossa was extradited from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). He has been charged with landing arms and explosives, conspiracy, and sending individuals to Pakistan for training.

Mustafa Dossa allegedly masterminded the landing of explosives, including RDX in India, and sent some youth to Pakistan to acquire arms training.

The court had dropped certain charges against Abu Salem in 2013 after the CBI moved a plea, saying those charges were against the extradition treaty between India and Portugal.

The court has recorded statements of around 750 prosecution witnesses and 50 witnesses in all. Three accused, including Abu Salem, had confessed to their crime when CBI was investigating the case. Though the hearing in the case began in 2007, it was delayed as three petitions were pending with the Supreme Court, one each filed by Dossa and Salem, and another by CBI.

Wanted criminal and underworld don Dawood Ibrahim and the Memon family are believed to be the masterminds behind the attack. While Dawood, Tiger and Ayub Memon are absconding, authorities nabbed Yakub Memon. Yakub was sentenced to death and hanged on 30 July, 2015 in Nagpur Jail.

Sanjay Dutt and many others surrendered before the TADA court in May 2013 after the apex court upheld their conviction. Yakub Memon was executed on 30 July, 2015 after his several pleas seeking clemency were rejected, including the post-midnight hearing by Supreme Court on the day he was hanged.

It was during the trial in 2013 that the Supreme Court pronounced a judgment on appeal filed by all the accused wherein key conspirator Yakub Memon's death sentence was confirmed, while that of others (all bomb planters) were commuted to life imprisonment.

The case, involving the seven accused, was first heard by judge Pramod Kode, who had also delivered the judgment in the first leg of the trial and convicted 100 accused and acquitted 23 in 2007. Later, judge DU Mullah presided over the TADA court, and the case is now being heard by judge GA Sanap.

ANI reported that Abu Salem has been convicted under charges of conspiracy and terror activities.

1993 Mumbai blasts case: All accused acquitted of the charge of waging war against the nation.

All accused acquitted of the charge of waging war against the state

Delhi Police arrests a shooter, who had fired on his sister & wife, also involved in a number of cases. Claims to have worked for Abu Salem

"Five of the seven accused have been charged with conspiracy...Dossa helped Yakub Memon with arms," News18 further quoted Salve as saying.

He also said that the court said that there was not enough evidence against Abdul Qayyum.

"Politicians, high-level officers and Hindus were the targets of the people behind the 1993 blasts," prosecution lawyer Deepak Salve, CBI counsel, told reporters.

We are very positive, respect TADA court, SC. Decisions are in our favour: Tushar Deshmukh, who lost his mother in 1993 Mumbai blasts. pic.twitter.com/d8w1nun43M

While Mustafa Dossa was convicted on charges of conspiracy and murder under various sections of the India Penal Code (IPC) besides offences under the TADA Act, the Arms Act and the Explosives Act, Abu Salem was found guilty of transporting weapons from Gujarat to Mumbai ahead of the blasts.

Abu Salem had handed over to actor Sanjay Dutt  who was an accused in the case for illegally possessing weapons  AK 56 rifles, 250 rounds and some hand grenades at his residence on 16 January, 1993. Two days later, on 18 January, 1993, Salem and two others went to Dutt's house and got back two rifles and some rounds.

They must be given death sentence, only then justice will be there: Kirti Ajmera, who survived 1993 Mumbai bomb blasts. pic.twitter.com/4tqUj4CkPP

A special TADA court in Mumbai is likely to pronounce on Friday its judgment in the second leg of the trial in 1993 Mumbai serial blasts case involving seven accused including extradited gangster Abu Salem.

The dastardly attacks had left 257 people dead, 713 seriously injured and destroyed properties worth Rs 27 crore.

In the first leg of the trial that concluded in 2007, the TADA court had convicted 100 accused in the case, while 23 people were acquitted.

The trial of the seven accused  Abu Salem, Mustafa Dossa, Karimullah Khan, Firoz Abdul Rashid Khan, Riyaz Siddiqui, Tahir Merchant and Abdul Quayyum  were separated from the main case as they were arrested at the time of conclusion of the main trial.

Salem was accused of transporting weapons from Gujarat to Mumbai.

He also handed over to actor Sanjay Dutt, who was an accused in the case for illegally possessing weapons, AK 56 rifles, 250 bullets and some hand grenades at his residence on 16 January, 1993. Two days later, on 18 January, 1993, Salem and two others went to Dutt's house and got back two rifles and some rounds.

The court had dropped certain charges against Salem in 2013 after the investigating agency  CBI  moved a plea, saying those charges were against the extradition treaty between India and Portugal.

Mustafa Dossa allegedly masterminded the landing of explosives including RDX in India and sent some youth to Pakistan to acquire arms training.

The court, in all, recorded statements of around 750 prosecution witnesses and 50 witnesses. Three accused including Salem had confessed to their crime during investigations carried out by the CBI over the years into the blasts case.

Though the hearing in the case began in 2007, it was delayed as three petitions were pending with the Supreme Court, one each filed by Dossa and Salem, and another by CBI.

The trial resumed in 2012 and concluded this March.

The case (involving the seven accused) was first heard by judge Pramod Kode, who had also delivered the judgment in the first leg of the trial and convicted 100 accused and acquitted 23 in 2007.

Later, judge DU Mullah presided over the TADA court, and the case is now being heard by judge GA Sanap.

It was during the trial in 2013 that the Supreme Court pronounced a judgment on appeal filed by all the accused wherein key conspirator Yakub Memon's death sentence was confirmed, while that of others (all bomb planters) were commuted to life imprisonment.

Sanjay Dutt and many others surrendered before the TADA court here in May 2013 after the apex court upheld their conviction.

Yakub Memon was executed on 30 July, 2015 after his several pleas seeking clemency were rejected, including the post-midnight hearing by Supreme Court on the day he was hanged.

On 12 March, 1993 the country's commercial capital witnessed an unprecedented terrorist attack when a series 12 bomb explosions took place one after another in about a span of two hours.

The blasts took place at Bombay Stock Exchange, Katha Bazaar, Lucky petrol pump near Sena Bhavan, opposite Passport office near Century Bazaar, Fishermen's colony at Mahim Causeway, at basement of Air India Building, Zaveri Bazaar, Hotel Sea Rock, Plaza Theatre, Centaur Hotel (Juhu), Sahar Airport (Bay no.54) and Centaur Hotel (near airport).

This was the first ever terrorist attack in the world where RDX (Research Department Explosive ie cyclotrimethylene trinitramine) was used on such a large scale after the Second World War.

According to the prosecution, in order to avenge the demolition of Babri Masjid, members of the crime syndicate under the fugitive don Dawood Ibrahim along with other absconding accused Tiger Memon, Mohammed Dossa and Mustafa Dossa (who is presently facing trial) hatched a conspiracy to commit terrorist acts in India.

The prosecution said that the object of the crime was to commit terrorist acts with an intent to overawe the Government of India, to strike terror on the people, alienate section of the people and to harm the communal harmony.

It said that the conspirators smuggled firearms, ammunitions, detonators, hand grenades and highly explosive substances like RDX into India and stored it.

According to the prosecution, Mustafa Dossa, Tiger Memon and Chhota Shakeel organised training camps in Pakistan and in India to impart and undergo weapon and arms training and handling of explosives. They also sent men from India to Pakistan via Dubai for arms training.

The prosecution also said that the conspirators held 15 meetings before the execution of the blasts.

With inputs from agencies
A special Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA) court on Friday pronounced the verdict in the 1993 Mumbai serial blast case and found prime accused Abu Salem, Mustafa Dossa, Firoz Khan, Tahir Merchant and Karimullah guilty of conspiracy, murder and terror charges.

Salem was extradited from Portugal in 2005, while Dossa was extradited from the United Arab Emirates. Abdul Qayyum has been acquitted in the case. Court ordered his release on personal bond. Salem, on the other hand, was acquitted of some charges of TADA for which he was framed initially.

1993 Mumbai blasts case- Special TADA Court has convicted 6 people out of 7 accused & 1 person acquitted: Deepak Salve,Spl public prosecutor pic.twitter.com/kbIq6a5PDh  ANI (@ANI_news) June 16, 2017

Mumbai TADA Court believes Mustafa Dossa, Abu Salem, Tahir Merchant and Firoz Khan were among the main conspirators of '93 blasts case  ANI (@ANI_news) June 16, 2017

1993 Mumbai blasts case: Mumbai TADA Court believes prosecution failed to prove charges against Riaz Siddiqui for conspiracy  ANI (@ANI_news) June 16, 2017

The convictions came as part of a judgment on Friday in the second leg of the trial in the serial blasts case involving seven accused by a special TADA court in Mumbai. The court has set the next hearing date on 19 June, to decide the date for argument on quantum of sentence. The TADA court believes prosecution failed to prove charges against Riaz Siddiqui for conspiracy. All accused have been acquitted of the charge of waging war against the nation.

Dossa has been found guilty of taking part in the blasts conspiracy meetings held in India and Dubai before the terror strike was carried out at 12 targets in Mumbai. He is also found guilty of arranging for the arms and ammunition for the blasts with his brother Mohammed Dossa and making travel arrangements for some of the persons involved to meet absconder mafia don Dawood Ibrahim Kaskar.

The dastardly attacks had left 257 people dead, 713 seriously injured and destroyed properties worth Rs 27 crore. In the first leg of the trial that concluded in 2007, the TADA court had convicted 100 accused in the case, while 23 people were acquitted.

The trial of the seven accused  Salem, Mustafa Dossa, Karimullah Khan, Firoz Abdul Rashid Khan, Riyaz Siddiqui, Tahir Merchant and Abdul Qayyum  were separated from the main case as they were arrested at the time of conclusion of the main trial. Salem was accused of transporting weapons from Gujarat to Mumbai.

He also handed over actor Sanjay Dutt, who was an accused in the case for illegally possessing weapons, AK-56 rifles, 250 bullets and some hand grenades at his residence on 16 January, 1993. Two days later, on 18 January, 1993, Salem and two others went to Dutt's house and got back two rifles and some rounds.

The court had dropped certain charges against Salem in 2013 after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) moved a plea, saying those charges were against the extradition treaty between India and Portugal. Mustafa Dossa allegedly masterminded the landing of explosives including RDX in India and sent some youth to Pakistan to acquire arms training.

The court, in all, recorded statements of around 750 prosecution witnesses and 50 witnesses. Three accused including Salem had confessed to their crime during investigations carried out by the CBI over the years into the blasts case. Though the hearing in the case began in 2007, it was delayed as three petitions were pending with the Supreme Court, one each filed by Mustafa Dossa and Salem, and another by CBI.

The trial resumed in 2012 and concluded this March. The case (involving the seven accused) was first heard by judge Pramod Kode, who had also delivered the judgement in the first leg of the trial and convicted 100 accused and acquitted 23 in 2007.

Later, Judge DU Mullah presided over the TADA court, and the case is now being heard by Judge GA Sanap.

It was during the trial in 2013 that the Supreme Court pronounced a judgement on appeal filed by all the accused wherein key conspirator Yakub Memon's death sentence was confirmed, while that of others (all bomb planters) were commuted to life imprisonment.

Sanjay Dutt and many others surrendered before the TADA court here in May 2013 after the apex court upheld their conviction.

Yakub Memon was executed on 30 July, 2015 after his several pleas seeking clemency were rejected, including the post-midnight hearing by Supreme Court on the day he was hanged. On 12 March, 1993 country's commercial capital witnessed an unprecedented terrorist attack when a series 12 bomb explosions took place one after another in about a span of two hours.

The blasts took place at Bombay Stock Exchange, Katha Bazaar, Lucky petrol pump near Sena Bhavan, opposite Passport office near Century Bazaar, Fishermen's colony at Mahim Causeway, at basement of Air India Building, Zaveri Bazaar, Hotel Sea Rock, Plaza Theatre, Centaur Hotel (Juhu), Sahar Airport (Bay No 54) and Centaur Hotel (near airport).

This was the first ever terrorist attack in the world where RDX (Research Department Explosive ie cyclotrimethylene trinitramine) was used on such a large scale after the Second World War.

According to the prosecution, in order to avenge the demolition of Babri Masjid, members of the crime syndicate under the fugitive don Dawood Ibrahim along with other absconding accused Tiger Memon, Mohammed Dossa and Mustafa Dossa (who is presently facing trial) hatched a conspiracy to commit terrorist acts in India.

The prosecution said that the object of the crime was to commit terrorist acts with an intent to overawe the Government of India, to strike terror on the people, alienate section of the people and to harm the communal harmony.

It said that the conspirators smuggled fire-arms, ammunitions, detonators, hand grenades and highly explosive substances like RDX into India and stored it.

According to the prosecution, Mustafa Dossa, Tiger Memon and Chhota Shakeel organised training camps in Pakistan and in India to impart and undergo weapon and arms training and handling of explosives. They also sent men from India to Pakistan via Dubai for arms training. The prosecution also said that the conspirators held 15 meetings before the execution of the blasts.

With inputs from agencies
After Air India and Indigo, now GoAir, Vistara and AirAsia have decided to ban Telugu Desam Party (TDP) MP JC Diwakar Reddy from their flights. Reddy allegedly created a hullabaloo on Thursday after he was denied a boarding pass by IndiGo for arriving late as check-in for that flight had closed.

Reddy, a Lok Sabha MP from Anantapur in Andhra Pradesh had reached the airport 28 minutes before takeoff. After reaching the airport, Reddy sought to abuse his parliamentary authority and attempted to coerce officials to allow him to board the flight despite the boarding counter being closed. The flight 6E-608 was bound for Hyderabad. He got away with his actions as the airline agreed to accommodate him on the flight, which was delayed beyond its departure time of 8.10 am.

Television channels also showed CCTV visuals of him allegedly pushing an IndiGo employee.

As per norms laid out by the aviation regulator, airlines close check-in counters for all domestic fights 45 minutes prior to departure.

"The staff politely informed him that boarding for the flight is closed and offered to accommodate Mr Reddy in the subsequent flight. He expressed his annoyance and soon raged against the staff using aggressive and abusive behaviour. Any untoward conduct which compromises the safety and security of our passengers and staff is a serious concern for us. Safety and security of passengers, crew and the aircraft is the top priority and it cannot be compromised", IndiGo said in a statement.

Air India soon followed suit by barring him from its own flights. "The incident that happened at Vizag airport is a matter of concern. As IndiGo has banned the MP from travelling, Air India is also barring him," Air India spokesperson Dhananjay Kumar said.

It is not the first time that Reddy has been barred from boarding a flight. In October 2016, he reportedly arrived late at the Gannavaram Airport in Vijayawada and missed an Air India flight. He was caught on camera creating a ruckus in the Air India office and damaging furniture.

Earlier this year, Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad was temporarily banned by airlines from flying after he assaulted an Air India staffer, triggering a major controversy.

Following this, the Centre released its draft rules for a national no-fly list for unruly passengers and proposed a ban on flying from three months up to an indefinite period. The government is expected to finalise these rules shortly.
New Delhi: Continuing his inspection spree, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday visited a government-run hospital in north-west Delhi and directed officials to take action after he found an alleged violation in prescription norms by a doctor.

The chief minister, accompanied by Health Minister Satyendar Jain, went to several wards at the Maharishi Valmiki Hospital in Bawana area and talked to the patients.

In a rather unusual move during the inspection, Kejriwal took prescription card of a person present near a medicine counter and himself enquired about it, only to be told by the staff manning it that "the medicine prescribed by the doctor was not available."

When the chief minister further enquired about it, the staff told him that, "the medicine was not available as it was not part of the inventory list", Aam Aadmi Party officials said.

Kejriwal then sought to know from the medical superintendent of the 150-bed hospital as to why the medicine was prescribed if it was not in the list.

The chief minister has directed officials to take action after finding this case, they said.

As per a recent government directive, only medicines listed in the inventory approved by the Delhi government are to be prescribed by doctors at government hospitals.

Kejriwal's visit caught the doctors and officials by surprise even as the people approached him with their problems. Some were seen taking photos of the chief minister.

"Is everything alright here? Are you getting all the medicines?" Kejriwal asked a patient.

On 2 June, the chief minister paid a surprise visit to Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Hospital in west Delhi's Hari Nagar area to take stock of the situation there.

Prior to that he had inspected the Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Hospital on 25 May, where he had found "several deficiencies" and expressed displeasure over the state of affairs.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supremo had also expressed unhappiness over the action-taken report following his May inspection and directed Chief Secretary M M Kutty to visit the hospital and submit a report.

Kejriwal has also written to Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal and sought removal of the medical superintendent of the Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Hospital over the "deficiencies".
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Friday visited premises of Manish Sisodia to seek clarifications in connection with a preliminary enquiry against the Delhi deputy chief minister related to alleged irregularities in the AAP's 'Talk to AK' campaign, media reports said.

"A CBI team of six to seven members has reached Sisodias residence a few minutes ago. The deputy chief minister is inside the house," Hindustan Times quoted a source as saying on Friday.

However, the CBI denied that it was conducting a raid at Sisodia's home, and said the visit was part of seeking clarification on issues regarding an ongoing enquiry against the minister, ANI reported.

The CBI, according to India Today TV, was investigating the expenses spent on Aam Aadmi Party's 'Talk to AK' campaign. The channel also reported that the CBI's visit was to record Sisodia's statement on the alleged irregularities in the campaign.

In January, CBI had started a preliminary inquiry against Sisodia in a case involving alleged irregularities in the campaign.

CBI reaches Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia's residence. pic.twitter.com/u4ssV0wxpY  ANI (@ANI_news) June 16, 2017

No raid or search at premises of Manish Sisodia. CBI visit is to seek clarification on certain issues relating to an ongoing Enquiry: CBI  ANI (@ANI_news) June 16, 2017

'Talk to AK', an interactive session with Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, was held on 17 July, 2016. The programme was streamed live on the internet.

It is alleged in the complaint that a consultant of a well-known public relations company was hired by the Delhi government to promote the campaign and a proposal of Rs 1.5 crore was prepared for this purpose.

It is alleged that despite objections from the principal secretary, the government went ahead with the proposal and the consultant spent the money thereby creating a liability for the government

The CBI has registered a preliminary enquiry to probe these allegations and is looking into the alleged role of Sisodia and others.

With inputs from PTI
On 7 June, The New York Times published a scathing editorial about the NDTV raids, titled 'Indias Battered Free Press'.

The article opines about the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) carrying out searches at the residence of NDTV founder Prannoy Roy for allegedly concealing a share transaction from 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.

CBI registered a case against RRPR Holding Pvt Limited, Roy, his wife Radhika, and unidentified officials of ICICI Bank for criminal conspiracy, cheating and corruption.

According to the Financial Express, RRPR Holdings Private Limited is the holding company of NDTV  named after Radhika and Prannoy Roy  and was created to fund buying the shares that minority shareholders wanted to sell.

To these developments, NYT claims that freedom of the press in India suffered a "fresh blow", and that the raids "mark an alarming new level of intimidation of Indias news media under Prime Minister Narendra Modi". It also said that they were part of a 'vendetta' against NDTV. The agreed with The Indian Express' strategic affairs editor Praveen Swami's assertions that the CBI's actions harken back to the excesses committed during the Emergency in 1975.

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

The article also mentions the one-day ban on NDTV India, saying that, "Last year, its Hindi-language station was ordered off the air for a day as punishment for reporting on a sensitive attack on an air base, but it stood by its reporting, insisting that it was based on official briefings."

The piece refers to the Information and Broadcasting Ministry asking NDTV India to be taken off air for a day on 9 November, in what would be the first order against a broadcaster over its coverage of terror attacks.

The strongest point the editorial made was the rhetoric at the end of the piece, which says, "Central Bureau of Investigation said on Tuesday that it 'fully respects the freedom of the press'. Even if thats true, the question still outstanding is whether Mr Modi does."

Clearly, The New York Times is unabashed in its view that these raids were a blatant political attack, something that was also stated by NDTV in their official statement.

The indignant opinion was followed by a letter to the editor on 15 June, by RK Gaur, press information officer and spokesman for the CBI. The letter, which is perhaps just as scathing as the editorial itself, begins by attacking the statement that the raids were vendetta against the news broadcasting channel. It calls the piece "one-sided" and adds that it "doesnt consider the investigation history of the case against RRPR Holdings by different tax and law enforcement agencies in India since 2011".

It also goes on to chronicle CBI's current investigations, saying that the investigative agency is looking into "over 100 criminal cases worth a total loan default of over $5 billion. Many of the leading loan defaulters are behind bars, their assets attached, and prosecutions are being pursued vigorously in the courts". It asserted that ICICI bank's loss was merely the "tip of the iceberg". It adds that there are enquiries on RRPR Holdings for mobilisation of funds used for loan repayment and 'serious' tax payment defaults as well.

With regards to the NDTV India one-day ban, the letter says, "No democracy can allow the countrys security and public safety to be compromised by irresponsible reporting of terrorist incidents."

Staying mum on the Modi rhetoric that the editorial mentions, Gaur said in the letter: "India has a robust and independent judiciary that strongly protects democratic freedom and that an aggrieved person can always approach."

The CBI's letter ends on a dismissive note, saying that, "India does not require any lesson on freedom of the press from The Times."

The New York Times isn't the only news organisation overseas that has been critical about the raids. The Washington Post also shared a report expressing concern about press freedom being under threat. Pen America's editorial said the raid was a transparent attempt to silence critics of the Indian government. Asia Times also echoed the concerns about media freedom in a piece.
New Delhi: There is no media gagging under the present regime and the media is completely free to write and express their views, information and broadcasting Minister M Venkaiah Naidu said on Friday.

"Some people are saying that the media is being gagged. But there is no such thing. The only time media was gagged was during the Emergency. There is no such thing now," Naidu said at the Akashvani Annual Awards.

"People are free. They can talk what they want, they can write what they want," he added.

He said that the Narendra Modi government believes in "freedom of press and freedom of expression".

Naidu said that an unnecessary debate was being created over the "non-existent beef ban".

"They say, India is going to be converted to a vegetarian country. I say, who told you that? I am myself a 'masahari' (non-vegetarian). Nobody ever told me what should I eat and what I shouldn't," he said.
Vijayawada: Union minister M Venkaiah Naidu on Thursday said the Centre and states must come together to solve issues of the cultivators.

However, Naidu, while speaking to reporters, also asked the farmers to be wary of the people who are instigating them.

Claiming that issues of farmers are not raised in a single day, the Information and Broadcasting minister said they are "legacy of the past and are a result of agriculture sector not being adequately taken care of all these years".

He said the NDA government has implemented many schemes for the farmers and taken measures to raise their income.

Madhya Pradesh had witnessed a major farmers' protest in the past fortnight.

Similarly, in Maharashtra the cultivators had called off their stir after the state government had announced a loan waiver for farmers and decided to form a committee to decide the criteria of debt relief.
Srinagar: Ahead of the special session of the Jammu and Kashmir legislature beginning on Saturday to discuss the extension of the GST regime to the state, opposition Congress and National Conference on Friday vowed to uphold the special status guaranteed under Article 370 of the Constitution.

The parties held separate meetings with their party legislators in Srinagar on Friday to discuss the issue.

"A meeting of party legislators was held to debate and discussed the special session convened on GST by the government and vowed to uphold the special status of the state," a spokesman of the state unit of Congress said.

He said the members expressed their reservations with regard to the implementation of GST and vowed to fight against any "misadventure, besides safeguarding fiscal and political autonomy" of the State.

"The GST in its present form is unacceptable," the spokesman said and cautioned of "serious consequences" in case it is "implemented in hurry".

Congress Legislature Party decided to oppose any move aimed at "harming" financial autonomy and prevent "dilution" of fiscal autonomy of Jammu and Kashmir.

"There has to be a policy in the pipeline to safeguard the financial interests of the State while implementing the GST regime, thereby ensuring that the special status of the State is not eroded in any way," the spokesman said.

National Conference, the main opposition in the state, also held a day-long 'orientation session' on the issue of GST for party legislators and leaders at the party headquarters in Srinagar.

The orientation session was conducted by NC state spokesperson Junaid Azim Mattu and was addressed by provincial president Nasir Aslam Wani and former finance minister Mohammad Shafi Uri, the party said in a statement in Srinagar.

The statement said the orientation program delved into the factors and ramifications of the possible extension of GST to the state in its present form and highlighted how such a "misadventure" would dilute the state's political and fiscal autonomy.

In his address, Uri highlighted the political importance of opposing the extension of a Central Law to J&K and delved into the content and significance of the 1952 Delhi Agreement.

"It is important to note that a dilution of our powers of taxation would be a death blow to the state's autonomy and would render the State more vulnerable to the extension of more central laws through presidential orders - something that hasn't happened post 1977 owing to National Conference's stoic and consistent policy of defending the State's special status at all costs," the NC leader said.

Mattu highlighted the difference between the GST regime and the existing tax structure and system in the state. He said the state draws the power to levy taxes from Section 5 of the Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir as opposed to the Central Government and other states drawing this power from Article 246 of the Constitution of India.

"If GST regime is implemented in its present form, the state will then - like all other states - derives this power from Article 246 of the Constitution of India - which is an enormous constitutional and political disempowerment", Mattu said.
New Delhi: Noting that the functioning of all the three Delhi Municipal Corporations has come to a standstill due to fights between the AAP and the BJP, the Congress on Friday said that Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal should intervene.

"Due to the fights between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-ruled MCDs, important committees in the MCDs have not been constituted," Delhi Congress chief Ajay Maken told reporters in Delhi at a press conference.

"Delhi Lieutenant Governor should intervene to play the role of a referee and end fights between the two parties," he added.

He said that in the absence of the anti-malaria and anti-flood committees, the people of Delhi face the threat of diseases like dengue.

"The AAP government wants the appointment of Aldermen first as they have voting rights in the constitution of ward committees, while the BJP-ruled MCDs want to constitute the various committees first before the appointment of Aldermen, which is the bone of contention," Maken said.

He demanded that Aldermen should be appointed without any delay.

"Congress councillors will raise the issue in the MCD meeting, and if need be, the party will come out on the streets to agitate," he said.

"Congress never allowed any delay in the constitution of various committees in the MCDs to affect the functioning of the corporations during its rule in the capital," Maken added.

In 2012, the BJP came to power in the MCDs, and these committees in the corporations were constituted quickly as the Congress government in Delhi did not create any hurdles in the formation of these committees, Maken said.

"The AAP government and the BJP-ruled MCDs are behaving irresponsibly, which is affecting the people," he alleged.

"Congress wants that the BJP and the AAP sort out their differences quickly, whether to appoint the Aldermen first or to form the committees in the MCDs first, as the functioning of the MCDs should not suffer due to their fights to put the people of Delhi to suffering," he said.
A policeman injured in a militant attack in Srinagar succumbed to his injuries on Friday. Two policemen including the victim, constable Sajad Ahmad, were injured on Thursday evening when the militants fired at a check post in the city's Hyderpora area, IANS reported.

"The injured policemen were hospitalised. Ahmad died in the early hours of Friday," said police. On the other hand, a 22-year-old man died as security forces opened fire on a stone-pelting mob in Rangreth area on the outskirts of Srinagar, according to PTI.

A group of youth pelted the security forces' vehicles with stones at Rangreth, a police official said.

The security personnel opened fire to chase away the protesters in which one person was injured.

Nazir Ahmad was rushed to Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) hospital at Soura in a critical condition where he succumbed on the intervening night of 15 and 16 June, the official said.

On Sunday evening, four security men were injured in a grenade explosion in the old city area of Srinagar. Police said militants hurled a grenade at a bunker of the security forces in Saraf Kadal in Srinagar at around 10.30 pm on Sunday evening.

"Four security men, including a CRPF sub-inspector and three police constables were injured in the explosion." "The injured have been shifted to hospital for treatment," a police spokesman had said.

Moreover, in a span of just over four hours, militants carried out series of attacks on Tuesday evening in Kashmir, injuring 13 security personnel. According to an NDTV report, there have been five attacks in south Kashmir and one in north Kashmir in the 24 hours leading up to Wednesday morning.

With inputs from agencies
Raipur: Police on Friday recovered weapons and Maoist-related material after an exchange of fire with the ultras at a forest in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada district.

The skirmish took place on Friday afternoon at a forest near Munga village in Dantewada, Deputy Inspector General of Police (Dantewada range) Sundarraj P told PTI.

A joint team of District Reserve Guard (DRG), Special Task Force (STF) and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) was out on a search operation in the interiors of Katekalyan area, located around 400 kms from here, he said.

When the security men were advancing to Munga, they came under fire from a group of armed rebels leading to the gun-battle between the two sides, the DIG said.

However, the Maoists soon fled from the spot.

"During a search, a 12 bore gun, an air gun, three 'pitthus' (shoulder bags) and some daily use items were recovered from the spot," he said.

Further details are awaited as the combing operation was still underway, he added.
Darjeeling: Violence singed the northern West Bengal hills on Thursday as angry Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) supporters went on a rampage torching a railway station, a police outpost and other vehicles after a police raid on party chief Bimal Gurung's house in Darjeeling district.

The Gayabari station of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a state transport bus and several vehicles - including one belonging to a media house - were set on fire by the protestors, hours before the GJM called an indefinite general strike in the hills encompassing Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts, and the Dooars (foothills of the Himalayas covering stretches of Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar districts).

In Kolkata, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee blamed intelligence failure for the fresh unrest in the hills, where the GJM sponsored shutdown entered day three.

On Thursday morning, GJM activists, with their women's wing Nari Morcha in the vanguard, virtually surrounded the police force as they were returning after the raid on Gurung's house in Patlebas, and started hurling petrol bombs and stones from elevated areas in the hills.

Several police personnel were injured. In response, the security forces lobbed tear gas shells at the protesters after a baton charge failed to control the situation. Later, large police reinforcements arrived in the area.

A North Bengal Transport Corporation bus, bound for Bijanbari from Siliguri, was set ablaze by pro-Gorkhaland protestors, who also beat up the driver and the conductor.

Later in the day, the picturesque Gayabari station  which had retained its old structure over the years  was torched.

In neighbouring Kalimpong district, alleged GJM supporters torched the Pedong police outpost.

Police claimed to have seized bows and arrows, knives, axes, explosives and a large quantity of cash from Gurung's house.

"Two persons have been detained so far in the incident," said Darjeeling's Superintendent of Police Akhilesh Kumar Chaturvedi.

"It seems that they gathered all these arms to attack the police. No peace loving person can have this amount of arms in store," he claimed.

Police also arrested Nari Morcha leader Karuna Gurung from Kurseong.

Accusing the state government of "high handedness and oppression", GJM General Secretary Roshan Giri appealed to the Central and state governments to intervene and sort out the "political problem".

"To protest against the police high handedness, we are calling for an indefinite general strike in the hills," Giri said.

"This is a political problem, not a law and order situation. The Government of India and the Government of West Bengal should solve it politically," he said.

The GJM central committee met at Mangalabari in the Dooars and brought out a torch rally at night in the Terai plains close to the hills and the Dooars.

GJM central committee member Sandip Chettri said protest rallies would be brought out on Friday in protest against the police action.

Refuting the police allegations, Giri said the bows and arrows stored in the party office were for the annual archery programme of the local schools.

Meanwhile, the women Morcha activists gathered outside Gurung's house in large numbers and demonstrated demanding a separate state of Gorkhaland.

"We want a separate Gorkhaland. We strongly condemn the raid and ransacking at our leaders house," a woman GJM activist asserted.

Terming the GJM's call for complete shut down as illegal and a crusade against the people, state tourism minister and Trinamool Congress leader Gautam Deb vowed to stop the strike at any cost.

Union parliamentary affairs minister and BJP leader Ananth Kumar held the chief minister responsible for the ongoing unrest, but urged her to hold discussions with the agitators in the hills.

"Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has not handled the situation in the hills with as much caution and understanding as she should have. That is why there is so much tension in the region," Kumar claimed.

Blaming intelligence failure for the trouble that sparked off on 8 June, when the state cabinet had met in Darjeeling, Banerjee, without naming the GJM, alleged that there was a conspiracy to attack her ministerial colleagues.

"The administration had no information about the brewing tension. It was an intelligence failure," she while speaking at a function organised by Kolkata police.
The violence and unrest that has spread through the northern West Bengal districts continued into Friday after suspected Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) supporters set fire to multiple government establishments late on Thursday night.

#DarjeelingUnrest: Health care centre in Lodhama and hydel project in Rimbik set ablaze by miscreants last night. #WestBengal pic.twitter.com/e0bRaHZsdX  ANI (@ANI_news) June 16, 2017

Among the structures destroyed on Thursday, GJM supporters torched the Gayabari station of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway  which was declared as a heritage site by UNESCO, a health-care centre in Lodhama, a hydel project in Rimbik, the panchayat building at Mirik, an electricity supply office, a police outpost and several vehicles including some belonging to the media, according to reports. The GJM, spearheading protests for a separate state of Gorkhaland, had called for an indefinite bandh after police teargassed and attacked crowds protesting on the streets earlier this week.

Thursday's violence was reported right after the police raided GJM chief Bimal Gurung's office on Thursday morning, recovering hundreds of weapons, including arrows, and explosives. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee later blamed intelligence failure for the unrest that followed in the hills, as the GJM-sponsored shutdown entered day four on Friday. ANI reported on Friday that Gurung has responded to the raid, saying the administration attacked his house and party office at the instruction of the chief minister. He also went on to add that GJM members and other Opposition parties will "reply" to the raids.

Admin unlawfully attacked my house, our party office in instruction of Mamata Banerjee. Such attack dangerous for democracy: B Gurung, GJM pic.twitter.com/5QkG4ORY6H  ANI (@ANI_news) June 16, 2017

Meanwhile, the Centre on Thursday rushed 400 additional paramilitary personnel to Darjeeling, taking the total number of security forces to 1,400, to assist the local administration and restore peace in the region, PTI reported.

The West Bengal government on Thursday also transfered Darjeeling deputy superintendent of police Pradip Kumar Singha and replaced him with Avijit Mitra, PTI said in another report. According to a notification issued by the state police directorate, Mitra, who was the Joint Assistant Director, Intelligence Bureau, in West Bengal, will replace Singha who will now serve as the deputy SP of Naida.

The indefinite shutdown called for by the GJM has already started to hamper the tourism industry in Darjeeling, and the region's economy. The Times of India on Friday reported that many foreign tourists are going hungry in these districts, as some Indian tourists were seen leaving the state in a hurry.

Chief Minister Banerjee has come under severe criticism from Opposition parties for her handling of the situation in Darjeeling. The Communist Party of India on Thursday blamed Banerjee for the violent agitation for a separate Gorkhaland state, saying her "unnecessary promise" earlier was the cause for the fresh round of protests, a PTI report said.

Bharatiya Janata Party leader Rahul Sinha said, "Mamata Banerjee provoked the unrest in the hills and now she is making the situation even worse with these steps. She should immediately call an all-party meeting in Darjeeling to listen to their demands and sort out the situation,"

The West Bengal government is yet to send a report to the Union Home Ministry about the the unrest that has refused to end so far.

Violent protests first took place in Gorkha-led Darjeeling after the decision to impose Bengali language in all schools from Class I to Class IX in northern West Bengal was announced by the Trinamool Congress government. On 6 June, the GJM took out a procession in the hill during Banerjee's visit.

The GJM has accused the administration of "high handedness and oppression". "This is a political problem, not a law and order situation. The Government of India and the Government of West Bengal should solve it politically," the party's general secretary Roshan Giri said.
Visakhapatnam: Civil aviation minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju has denied helping Telugu Desam party (TDP) MP JC Diwakar Reddy board the flight after the latter created a ruckus at the Visakhapatnam airport on Thursday.

Raju told a television channel on Friday that the MP came to him and told him that he had been waiting at the airport for one hour but was denied the boarding pass.

"We have a third umpire called CCTV. We don't have to take anybody's words for it. It showed what that situation was. I asked the airport director to verify from CCTV camera," the minister said.

Hours after tweeting that he would get the incident probed, Raju said there was no need for probe. "What are we going to probe? CCTV camera has said it all," he remarked.

Raju said the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) norms were clear that a passenger should get the boarding pass 45 minutes before the flight's departure time and the safety regulations were same for all categories of passengers.

He found fault with his party MP's behaviour. "This is not expected of any citizen, forget a Parliament member. Pushing, pulling and hammering people... Law will take its own course," Raju said.
The next time you reach the airport with less than 45 minutes for your flight to take off and the airline counter does not issue you a boarding pass, ensure you have already read up this week's bestseller How To Assault Airline Staff And Get A Boarding Pass, by Telugu Desam MP from Andhra Pradesh, JC Diwakar Reddy. One of the chapters in the "book" also talks about striking a friendship  political or otherwise  with civil aviation minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju.

It's only these two things that will get you a boarding pass, 10 minutes before the flight takes off.

For those unaware of this latest display of VVIP arrogance, the incident took place on Thursday morning, when Reddy reached Vishakhapatnam airport at 7:40 am for an 8:10 am Indigo flight to Hyderabad. The airline counter refused to issue him a boarding pass, upon which an argument ensued. Reddy pushed an airline official, and yanked the printer and nearly threw it away. He then realised Raju was at the airport too. Since they both belong to the same TDP family, Raju put in a word with the duty officer and got Reddy the boarding pass.

And Reddy, in whose eyes Raju ban gaya gentleman, was ready to go!

Ashok Gajapathi Raju, a scion of the royal family of Vizianagaram, is in the process of selling off the original Maharajah, Air India, but before he manages to do that, he is encouraging a breed of neo-Maharajahs: This is the tribe of MPs, ministers and MLAs who throw their weight around, demanding special privileges, so that they remain distinguished from the cattle class.

What Reddy had not bargained for was CCTV footage of the assault exposing him. He kept denying he pushed any official, without realising the footage had given him away. He then tried to cover himself up by claiming that the push did not amount to an assault. And therefore, according to Reddy, the question of an apology does not arise.

Reddy is a repeat offender. In October last year, a similar such incident took place at Vijayawada airport. Reddy demanded Air India issue him a boarding pass, though he was late again. When those manning the counter did not, the MP barged into the Air India office and damaged furniture. Incidentally, Chandrababu Naidu, his party president and Andhra chief minister was at the airport at the same time, and he sent Vijayawada MP Kesineni Nani to pacify Reddy and buy him a ticket on the next flight.

Reddy's episode comes just a few months after Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad assaulted an Air India employee. That incident created a furore with all airlines refusing to fly the MP. Subsequently it was decided to create a national no-fly list for unruly passengers and a ban on flying them, ranging from three months to an indefinite period. Reddy now faces the ignominy of being the first MP to be on the list, with Indigo and Air India refusing to fly him, and Spicejet and Jet likely to follow suit.

But along with Reddy, Raju's conduct too will need to come under the scanner. Of course, he could claim ignorance of the fracas that broke out near the booking counter. Raju should have ideally let the airline handle the issue instead of putting his ministerial weight behind Reddy. Raju is himself a non-fussy minister who also travels in the airline bus till the tarmac and does not throw his weight around, but he has clearly slipped up on this one.

This is surprising because Raju has ensured lawbreaker lawmakers got the rough end of the stick on previous occasions. YSR Congress MP Midhun Reddy was arrested for allegedly assaulting an Air India official at Tirupati airport in 2015. Did Diwakar Reddy's party affiliation then make the difference this time?

Reddy is MP from Anantapur, that falls in the Rayalaseema region of south Andhra, a patch notorious for its factional feuds where bloody battles are fought for dominance between families over generations.

Reddy in many senses is a typical Rayalaseema warlord  temperamental and used to having his way. He spent most of his political career in the Congress and was a minister in the YS Rajasekhara Reddy Cabinet between 2004 and 2009. However, he was sidelined by YSR and Kiran Kumar Reddy after 2009 and then crossed over to the TDP just before the 2014 elections and won the Lok Sabha poll from Anantapur.

The Reddy family's domination over Anantapur is said to be complete. It dabbles mainly in the mining and transport business. The family's Diwakar Travels has a fleet of buses that operate mainly in Andhra, Karnataka and Telangana. Ironically, Reddy had claimed on Thursday that the airline business had become as unruly as the private bus sector, where owners overbook and do not allow the passengers who booked first to board.

Thursday was not a good day for the Reddy family. His brother's son-in-law Deepak Reddy, who was arrested last week on allegations of land grabbing and intimidating people to give up their lands, was suspended by Chandrababu Naidu from the TDP.

Deepak Reddy is a TDP MLC and allegedly used his political clout to encroach on land worth Rs 160 crore in the posh Banjara Hills area of Hyderabad.

Airports in India have the culture of a protocol officer who meets the VVIPs at the airport gate and guides them till the aerobridge or the ladder. It is this "jee huzoori" culture that has made politicians feel they are a cut above the rest. Just like the red beacons were taken away, it is time these privileges are withdrawn as well. Let the politicians also ensure they report to the airline counters on time, stand in a queue, get frisked and wait for their baggage at the conveyer belt, like any one of us.

The Vishakhapatnam episode is proof that the red beacons have disappeared only from the cars. Because if you throw the rulebook at the politicians, they see red almost immediately.
New Delhi: Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju on Friday said he will get the entire incident involving Telegu Desam Party (TDP) MP JC Diwakar Reddy at Visakhapatnam airport 'enquired into' and will ensure that 'lawful outcomes' follow.

Reddy, who is from the same party as the minister, allegedly created a ruckus at Visakhapatnam airport on Thursday after being denied boarding by IndiGo as he was late.

While the MP was finally accommodated on the same flight, all the major domestic carriers including IndiGo later banned him from their flights.

A day after the incident, Raju today said the entire matter would be looked into.

"I will get the entire incident at Vizag Airport enquired into to find out the exact details and ensure that lawful outcomes follow," he said in a tweet.

I will get the entire incident at Vizag Airport enquired into to find out the exact details and ensure that lawful outcomes follow.  Ashok Gajapathi Raju (@Ashok_Gajapathi) June 16, 2017

The minister also denied a media report that he had intervened to ensure that Reddy was allowed to board the IndiGo flight and said there was "no such intervention".
Srinagar: A gunfight began on Friday between the security forces and militants in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam district, officials said.

Police said that security forces closed in on Arwani village in Kulgam district following specific information about the presence of militants there.

"As the security forces closed on the hiding militants, they fired at the security forces triggering an encounter which is now going on".

According to reports, a group of Three-four Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) militants are trapped inside the cordon laid by the security forces.

Meanwhile, civilian protests have started in the village to disrupt the operation against the hiding militants.
New Delhi: To highlight the miserable condition of peasants across the country, a large body of farmers from various associations on Friday came under a single banner and announced a countrywide agitation, which will start from Mandsaur in Madhya Pradesh and culminate in Champaran in Bihar.

The farmers, coming under the banner of All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee, will start their nationwide struggle on 6 July from Mandsaur in the form of a march to arrive in Champaran on 2 October.

"This is a historic day for farmers. It is after a very long time that so many farmer unions have come under one roof to become part of a unified movement. A total of 130 associations have already consented to become part of the committee... we are expecting more to join soon," Yogendra Yadav, National President of Swaraj Abhiyan and also a member of the Kisan Committee, said addressing the media.

The committee decided to raise with the Central government two issues  assurance of Minimum Support Price (MSP), as recommended by the MS Swaminathan panel in its report, and waiver of all farm debts.

Yadav said the march would be the first leg of a bigger movement, and this time they would take "the farmer struggle to its logical conclusion".

VM Singh, the National President of Rashtriya Kisan-Mazdoor Party and also the convenor of the working committee of newly formed body, pointed out that the two things on agenda were promised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi also.

"It has been three years now since he made those promises... He had said that he will ensure 50 percent profit above the cost of crop (as recommended by Swaminathan in the report) and will waive off farmers' debts. We want to remind him to make good on his promises," Singh said.

P Ayyakannu, who had led Tamil Nadu farmers during the 40-day agitation at Jantar Mantar recently; Raju Shetty, Member of Parliament from Maharashtra; and Hannan Mollah, General secretary of All India Kisan Sabha, the peasant wing of Communist Party of India-Marxist, are also part of committee.

This is the 100th anniversary of the Champaran agitation with which Mahatma Gandhi started his protest in India against the British rule by championing the rights of Indigo farmers against the oppressive policies of the British.
Chandigarh/Jaipur: Farmers on Friday gathered at various places and blocked national highways in Haryana and Rajasthan as part of their nation-wide stir against the death of five cultivators in police firing in Madhya Pradesh and failure of the Centre to provide relief to the farming community.

In Haryana, led by Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Gurnam Singh, farmers gathered near Mohra in Ambala and blocked the highway there by parking their tractors. Apart from Ambala, farmers are also holding protests at Rohtak, Sonepat, Hisar, Sirsa, Jind, Bhiwani and Charkhi Dadri.

Following the protests, authorities had to divert the traffic at some places.

Singh said that the farmers will block vehicular traffic for three hours during afternoon on all national highways across Haryana.

He, however, asked the farmers to protest in a peaceful manner and let ambulance and fire brigade vehicles pass the blockade.

A group of 62 farmers unions had announced that it will block traffic for three hours on all national highways across the country on Friday.

Singh said the decision to block traffic was taken to protest the killing of five farmers in police firing in Mandsaur in Madhya Pradesh and alleged failure of the government to provide relief to the farming community. The farmers are also demanding waiver of loans and implementation of the Swaminathan Committee report on payment of the minimum support price (MSP).

The opposition parties, including Congress and Indian National Lok Dal (INLD), have also lent their support to the agitating farmers.

Led by former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, the Congress is organising a 'Kisan Panchayat' in Kurukshetra on Friday.

Meanwhile, INLD workers burnt the effigy of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan near the mini secretariat in Panipat, under the elevated flyover which is part of a national highway, to protest the firing on farmers in Mandsaur in which five farmers were killed.

Led by former state agriculture minister Jaswinder Sandhu, INLD workers took out a protest march in Karnal demanding loan waiver for the farmers.

In view of the farmers' protest, the Haryana police has taken necessary steps to deal with the situation.

Haryana Director General of Police, BS Sandhu had said on Thursday that stringent security measures have been taken in the state in view of the protest.

Four companies of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) have been deployed in Ambala, Kurukshetra, Sonepat and Jind.

Singh said it was unfortunate that the BJP had failed to fulfill their poll promise of implementing the Swaminathan Commission report.

Singh also added that on International Yoga Day on 21 June, "the farmers will stage protests to attract attention of the entire world towards their plight."

Meanwhile, in Rajasthan, cultivators blocked Ganganagar-Hanumangarh highway as part of their protest.

The highway will remain blocked for three hours, starting 12 noon, in support of the demands of wavier of all farming loans, profitable minimum selling price (MSP) for all crops among others.

Former CPM MLA Pawan Duggal claimed that a large number of farmers have taken part in the blockade.

Police have also made necessary arrangements on the highway in wake of the protest.

Apart from this, Kisan Mahapanchayat will hold demonstrations in villages in Rajasthan, national president of Mahapanchayat Rampal Jat told PTI.

Dates have not been finalised yet, he added.
Ranchi: The opposition parties have termed the encounter between police and Maoist guerrillas in Giridih earlier in June as "fake" and demanded a judicial probe. The encounter had claimed one life.

Lal Baske, a villager, was killed in a gun battle with the security forces in Pirtand jungle of Giridih district on 9 June.

Former chief minister and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) executive president Hemant Soren, who met Baske's family members, said the "encounter was fake".

"Jharkhand government is getting innocent tribals living in jungles killed in the name of Maoists. We demand a judicial probe or CBI inquiry into the encounter. The family members should be given Rs 25 lakh as compensation," he told reporters.

Police described the killed villager as a hardcore Maoist guerrilla.

After Baske's death, his family members and villagers raised the issue of fake encounter.

Even banned Maoist group, Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist), in a statement has denied that Baske was a member of the group as the police said.

He was running a tea shop on Parasnath Hill. According to family members, Baske had gone to the jungle to collect wood on the day of the shootout.

The Congress party has termed the "innocent" villager's killing as unfortunate.

"Jharkhand was created for the welfare of people living in this region, particularly the tribal people. Now, innocent tribal people are being killed in the name of anti-Maoist operations. We demand a judicial probe into the encounter by a sitting judge of the High Court," Jharkhand Congress General Secretary Alok Dubey told IANS.
New Delhi: India and Afghanistan will operationalise in the next couple of days a dedicated air cargo link that will help increase bilateral trade hampered by their troubled ties with Pakistan that disallows Indian goods along the road route.

"The freight corridor between India and Afghanistan is on the verge of becoming a reality," External Affairs Ministry spokesman Gopal Baglay told reporters in Delhi.

The spokesman said the decision to have the "dedicated freight corridor" and overcome the difficulties between India and landlocked-Afghanistan was taken during Afghan President Ashraf Ghani's visit to India in December last year.

"The idea of establishing a dedicated air freight corridor was taken in view of the difficulties that we have on the ground in terms of connectivity between the two countries. At the moment, the idea is to try and see if this can be with a frequency of, let us say, a month or every fortnight," he said.

The road link between the two countries passes through Pakistan, which allows Afghanistan to send only a limited amount of goods to India while Indian goods are not allowed along this land route at all.

The air cargo service is aimed at giving Afghanistan an alternative trade link to the Indian market and take Indian goods to the war-ravaged country.

Afghan fruits, dry fruits and carpets are high in demand in India and the freight corridor is likely to push the imports.

"The flight will take Indian products to Afghanistan and will bring products of Afghanistan to India. It will operate between Delhi and Kabul. It is likely that this may take place either over the weekend itself or very early next week."

Asked if air freighting the goods would be commercially viable, Baglay said the first flight to be run by Afghanistan's Ariana Airlines would determine the feasibility of the idea. "It is, at the end of the day, a commercial venture which is supported very strongly and very purposefully by both the governments."

He said the idea at the moment was not to operate a daily flight but perhaps once a month or every fortnight.

Baglay said the flight would use Pakistani airspace as it is a civil cargo plane and standard operating procedures, as stipulated, would be followed by flight operators.

"There are standard operating procedures for commercial flights, freight flights, cargo flights... very clearly stipulated procedures. I am sure the companies concerned are looking into it."

Baglay also said that a warm reception would be accorded to the flight when it lands in Delhi with Afghan products like dry fruits and other agro-goods.
United Nations: India on Thursday welcomed the creation a UN office on counter-terrorism, saying the "much-awaited" step will align the world body with the changed needs and international reality in the fight against terrorism.

The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution to establish a United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism, with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres expressing hope that this reform of the UN counter-terrorism architecture will contribute to the world body's broader efforts to promote conflict prevention, sustainable peace and development.

Welcoming the creation of the new UN office, India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin said the unanimous action by the General Assembly on the issue demonstrates the importance the member-states place on collective and coordinated action on terrorism, which remains the most complex threat faced by the international community.

"India believes that the creation of the Office of Counter-Terrorism Coordinator is a much awaited first step in our efforts to enhance coordination of the UN's CT (counter-terrorism) efforts," Akbaruddin said in the General Assembly.

"It will align the UN with the changed global reality and needs of the international community" as was articulated by the secretary-general himself in Kabul where he referred to the reform and said that support to terrorism entails a high price.

Addressing reporters in Kabul, Guterres had warned that any country that supports terrorism anywhere in the world in relation to other countries, "sooner or later the price paid will be high in relations to terrorism within the country itself."

Akbaruddin said terrorist organisations are not bound by the borders, norms, legal frameworks and bureaucratic inertia that bind nations as member states and the UN at all levels.

"While Terrorist networks use modern platforms such as social media, cyber space and exist in parallel worlds alongside us in hidden trans-national networks, we cannot work in silos created either by boundaries or bureaucracy," he said.

Akbaruddin underscored that there was never a stronger case today for more multilateral action, coordination and cooperation on any matter amongst all stakeholders than on terrorism.

He noted that an all of UN approach and a certain convening power on counter-terrorism issues will be crucial for the new office to fulfil its functions effectively.

"The office should not only engage member states at a higher political level but also cooperate with other international organisations dealing with issues relating to terrorism for fulfilling its mandate effectively," he said, adding that it is important to build the UN narrative on counter-terrorism for the ordinary people who are threatened by this scourge.

A statement issued by Guterres spokesman Stephane Dujarric said the Secretary-General considers counter-terrorism and prevention of violent extremism to be one of the highest priorities of the United Nations to address a growing threat to international peace and security.

"The secretary-general expects the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre within the new Office of Counter-Terrorism to play a central role in the provision of enhanced capacity building assistance to member-states," the statement added.

India had repeatedly stressed on the need for "coherence and coordination" at the UN in dealing with terrorism. It had lamented that as many as 31 entities within the United Nations deal with some aspect of countering terrorism, calling it a case of "too many cooks spoil the broth."
In the last week of the May, two news items appeared in the media  one regarding declaration of Class X results by the Board of School Education, Haryana, and the other regarding the announcement made by the state's chief minister to supply books to school children through an e-textbook portal. But neither news item made much of a flutter either way.

A 49 percent passing rate of 49 percent for the state of Haryana is a matter of grave concern. When results of private schools are taken out of the aggregate, this statistic drops even further. More worryingly, it's not happening for the first time, nor is this special to the state of Haryana.

There are news items emanating from the neighbouring states of Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, etc. where the results are again very dismal. In Punjab, there are schools where not a single student passed Class X, and results were poor throughout the state. Himachal Pradesh also indicated poor standards of education in government schools. Even among those who have passed, only one out of 80,000 students was able to find a place in the merit list.

Board results analysed over the last many years would indicate a similar trend. Other than a few statements, authorities and other stakeholders keep giving alibis for poor results and declining standards of school education. The real issues have rarely been touched upon, and parents and students have accepted this as fait accompli.

While launching the digital India programme on 1 July 2015, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had, in the presence of top industrial magnates, talked about bringing digital revolution to the masses. At other platforms as well, Modi has vouched for the strength of the country, where more than 800 million youth under the age of 35 are poised to give a fillip to the economy.

India enrols about 59 percent of its students in government schools at primary level and retains 35 percent of them by the time they reach secondary level. Data Information System for Education (DISE), under the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD), highlights the virtues of high enrollment and retention of students up to Class IX, but seldom talks about as to why crossing the Class X barrier has become so difficult.

With such a large population being dependent on the state for providing education to its children, and given such poor standards, it is difficult to fathom as to what would happen to this great dividend of a young population of a country of 1.3 billion people.

The threshold for appearing in a good quality institute for higher education is no different for students coming from government schools versus private schools, and neither are there any bonus or grace marks accorded. The system of public instruction in India, a legacy of the British Raj, has continued for the last 70 years or so with few changes. Education at all levels has been designed with a purpose to seek jobs. But the sector has not been able to get adequate budgetary resources from the government. Subsequently, the important stakeholders in society aren't interested in government school's affairs.

Private schools have been successful to some extent in this regard. They have thrived due to falling standards in the government schools. The rising middle class' continuous demand for soft skills like English proficiency, and business, political and bureaucratic patronage have all helped strengthen the hands of commercial interests to enter this field.

The growth of the private sector with varying degrees of standards has not been able to develop any enabling infrastructure. The sector which was once the preserve of philanthropic and charitable organisations/trusts has, in the absence of any proper and adequate regulatory mechanism, failed to provide a lead role. The time is yet to come when elimination of the inefficient or incompetent would take place automatically.

Private sector has to by and large look up to the government for maintaining its standards for admission to higher education institutes, where benchmarks are laid by the state.

Demand for government schools has continued over the years. New schools have been opened with relaxed norms of distance and availability. Pressures of meeting millennium development goals have kept the pressure on governments, both at the Centre and state, to increase enrollments using incentives like mid-day meals, free books, uniforms etc.

Right to Education has obligated authorities to focus not only on enrollments but also on keeping students in school till the age of 14. The focus has now shifted to increase the enrollments at secondary level. The percentage increase in the literacy rates has really not led to any improvements in the quality of education. Authorities' focus on increased enrollments and their retention in schools has led to a No Detention Policy up to Class IX.

Teachers' shortage

Another problem pervasive at all levels of government schools is a shortage of teachers. There are vacancies touching up to 50 percent, even with relaxed norms of teacher-student ratios. There are more than 30,000 vacancies for teachers in Haryana alone. More than 800 schools are without a principal.

The DISE report card gives a glimpse of basic data for all schools  district-wise and state-wise for the whole country.

Having personal knowledge of a few schools in Haryana's Sirsa district, it was thoughtful to peruse data for this district. There are 1,160 schools in Sirsa district, of which 842 are managed by the state government's education department. Of the others, nine are private (aided), 265 private (unaided), and 41 are unrecognised; three are managed by the central government. A total of 979 are located in the rural areas and serve 1,72,189 students with 7,027 teachers; 181 are in the urban areas and serve 80,917 students with 3,000 teachers.

In 2016-17, government schools had 1,38,276 students and 5,256 teachers of all categories on their rolls, while 265 private unaided schools had 4,272 teachers teaching 1,05,882 students. All other parameters  like student-pupil ratio, student-class ratio, total enrollment, facilities like toilets, drinking water, electricity etc  have been clubbed together for all schools, and the real picture of government schools is difficult to discern.

However, visiting some of the schools shows that there are often more than 50 percent vacancies. Some of the schools don't have teachers for important subjects like Math and English for the last five years. These schools are not something remotely connected. In fact, one such school located at sub-divisional headquarters could give only 12 percent results. Another report submitted to district authorities indicates a sanctioned strength of 7,950 teachers in all categories with 3,426 posts vacant as on 31 December, 2016. This picture can be extrapolated for the whole state with minor variations here and there.

Shortcut methods adopted to fill vacancies, like guest teachers and outsourcing, have only killed the quality of education further without serving its purpose. The unqualified lot, which itself was not interested in pursueing its own studies, was tasked to fill the space vacated by highly paid regular teachers.

Important infrastructure like rooms, benches, electricity fans, drinking water and toilets don't match the minimum level of requirement.

Government supplies books to school children. But experience shows that these books do not reach the students on time. Last year, books were not available with the high schools/higher secondary schools till September end. This year, books for Class I to Class VIII have not been printed yet, and the schedule is not known.

It is heartening to know that the government of Haryana, in order to fulfil the wishes of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has come up with a scheme for providing e-books through its e-portal. But to achieve such an enormous task, it would be important to have a look at the basic infrastructure available at the ground level, which has to be compatible with the objectives of the scheme for its successful implementation.

These government schools don't have the adequate number of computers. The ones which are available are mostly non-functional and are like showpieces serving the purpose of maintaining inventory books with schools. Absence of any annual maintenance contracts has led these machines to turn into junk.

Students have not been provided with any iPads, tablets or laptops for downloading or uploading of books, or any other educational material.

Secondly, there aren't enough qualified teachers to provide digital literacy. Computer teachers recruited on contractual basis with a meagre salary are struggling only to renew their own contracts every six months. There are many schools which have no computer teacher at all.

Thirdly, computers would require power supply to operate, but as per the current policy of the state government, electricity supply to rural areas in the state is made available for only two hours during the day. Schools are not exempted from powercuts. As most of the schools fall in rural areas, generators can fill the gap, but the same would need diesel and funds for repairs.

Fourthly, downloading of books would require internet connectivity. This is a big challenge in rural areas, and schools are no exception. Wherever it is available, the speed of 2 mbps is provided in schools, which is grossly inadequate to download any book. With this speed, it will not be possible to download books for all students and make them available in either printed or soft copy.

BSNL's WiFi facility for schools is very expensive, and installation costs will discourage schools from using it. The reason given is that this may be misused, and security breached. If railway stations and airports do not feel these threats despite giving free WiFi, schools would hardly be expected to be a problem, especially given users are already limited and well-known to all.

No big private player has yet come forward in a significant way to offer internet connectivity to government schools on long-term basis free of cost or at reduced rates. Government directives have not made any effect either. Private players are targeting business alone.

In order to see that the government is able to successfully push its digital literacy programme forward and provide books through its e-portal, it would have to take some effective steps.

BSNL has installed optical fibre cables in all Haryana villages. Now it is for the government or other institutions or individuals to take connections from the main point. The government should also connect all government with internet facility with a reasonably good speed. School premises should also be given WiFi for free.

The state government should enter into an arrangement with BSNL for connecting all its schools as a special package. Issues of bandwidth, internet speed and payment mechanisms should be settled at one platform with a uniform policy.

All schools should be provided with required number of functional computers and students be given iPads or tablets. Teachers should also be given laptops or iPads. Schools should be exempted from power cuts in rural as well as urban areas. As an alternative, roof tops of school buildings should be used for solar power generation. The central government has a major programme for generation of solar energy and installation on government buildings is eligible for huge subsidies. This can also take care of operational and maintenance issues.

Supply of books through e-portals will solve many problems. It will take care of the enormous cost of printing of books and logistic arrangements for reaching them to the students. Lectures and other relevant material will be uploaded by the teachers on the tablets of students for their use at home or in the absence of the teacher due to leave or some other duty.

Lectures can be transmitted from a central point, say a district headquarters, to a number of schools. This can tackle the problem of teacher shortage as well. Students would be able to access the material already available in the public domain like YouTube or Google, which would enhance their knowledge.

Expenditure incurred in such a programme can always be set off against expenditure incurred on supply of printed books or such other schemes.

However, till such time the government is fully able to implement its scheme of providing books for all children of all classes through e-portal, providing printed books should be one of the topmost priorities. The schedule should be made in such a way that printed books should reach the schools by February-end for the calendar starting from April.

Teachers' vacancies should be filled up at the earliest. This could be achieved by delegating the powers at the district level. A committee under the chairmanship of district education officer may be constituted with other district level officers as members. JBT and BEd qualified teachers should be asked to qualify NET-like exam, to be conducted by any university or board of school education and only those who qualify should appear for interviews before a district-level committee. This will reduce time and save the authorities several hassles.

District level authorities should also be delegated with powers to make arrangements locally, by recruitments or other adjustments at the district level whenever any vacancy arises. In fact, those who are to retire after 30 September should be given the benefit of session, and be retired after 31 march.

Further, the government should reverse its 'No Detention Policy', so as to make teachers and authorities responsible and accountable. No student should be upgraded to the next level unless s/he deserves it. Board exams should be introduced at Class V and Class VIII levels as well. The Right to Education, being a central legislation, should be amended by the government of India and be not left at the discretion of the state governments.

To put a stop to falling standards of our school education, the society should be made to participate in the functioning of our schools. Village panchayats should be made accountable for development of infrastructure and proper functioning of schools. The neighbourhood school concept, if adopted with uniform standards of curriculum, would help all categories of people to appreciate the problems and will sensitise them from users' point of view. Strengthening our educational system can help in the socio-economic development of the country, which could lead to the making of a great nation.
A special TADA court is likely to pronounce its judgment on Friday in the second leg of the trial in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts case, The Hindu has reported.

The trial is against seven people, the most well-known of which is Abu Salem. Salem was extradited from Portugal in 2005 and is currently lodged in the Taloja Jail in Mumbai. Along with being named in the Mumbai blasts case, he is also accused in a number of other murder and extortion cases. The other accused are Mustafa Dossa, Karimullah Sheikh, Tahir Merchant alias Tahir Taklya, Abdul Qayyum, Abdul Rashid Khan and Riyaz Siddiqui, according to News18.

The trial was split into two parts as these seven accused were deported or arrested when the first leg was almost completed. Judge PD Kode then made this trial a separate affair as proceedings against them would have delayed the overall verdict.

The first leg of the trial concluded in 2007. The TADA court convicted 100 accused and acquitted 23. Twenty people were awarded life sentences, while 12 were sentenced to death. One of the notable convictions in the case was that of actor Sanjay Dutt, who was sentenced to six years in prison for illegal possession of arms. He was however acquitted of all terror charges.

The other convicted person who got media attention was Yakub Memon who was the brother of alleged mastermind of the blasts, Tiger Memon. Yakub was hanged to death on 30 July, 2015, after several pleas by him seeking clemency were rejected.

On 12 March, 1993, Mumbai was rocked by 13 explosions in different parts of the city which caused 257 fatalities and injured over 700, according to News18. Some news reports put the death toll at over 300 and the injured numbers at 1,400. It was the largest coordinated terror attack to take place in India in terms of number of casualties. It was also the first terror attack on Indian soil in which RDX was used as the explosive material. The attacks took place at the Bombay Stock Exchange building, the Fisherman's Colony in Mahim causeway, Zaveri Bazaar, Plaza Cinema, Century Bazaar, Katha Bazaar, Hotel Sea Rock, the Air India Building, Hotel Juhu Centaur, Worli and the Passport Office. In addition, grenades were lobbed at Sahar Airport.

The Hindu report said that during the trial, the prosecution had alleged that the attacks were planned by members of a crime syndicate led by international terrorist Dawood Ibrahim. The attacks were "revenge" for the atrocities committed on the Muslims between December 1992 to January 1993 as riots had gripped the city, after the demolition of Babri mosque in Ayodhya by frenzied Hindu mobs, reported Hindustan Times.

Ibrahim planned the attack with Tiger Memon, one of his most trusted associates. The bombings were financed by expatriate Indian smugglers based out of the UAE. Involvement of the Pakistani intelligence agency, Inter-Services Intelligence too was suspected by Indian authorities. Several terrorists received their arms, ammunition and explosives training in Pakistan. Nearly all of them were recruited from Dubai or went to Pakistan via Dubai.

The attacks were originally scheduled to take place in April during the Shiv Jayanti celebrations but had to be preponed after Gul Noor Mohammad Sheikh alias Gullu was detained at the Nav Pada police station on 9 March, 1993, as per the News18 report. Sheikh confessed to being trained in Pakistan and told the police about the planned attacks. However the police did not take him seriously. This arrest forced Tiger Memon to bring forward the date of the blasts.

The case was cracked by the Mumbai police within 48 hours as they found a vehicle loaded with explosives, which did not blow up. This vehicle was owned by Rubina Memon, which led the police to investigating the Memons and subsequently unraveling the case. It also catapulted the then Deputy Commissioner of Police, Rakesh Maria, to national fame.

Once the case went to trial, it relied heavily on the testimony of Jan Khan Usman Khan, alias Badshah Khan, per the Hindustan Times. According to Special Public Prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam, Khan's disclosures were important in furthering the investigation and proving the conspiracy. Khan now lives under another name with police protection somewhere in the western suburbs of Mumbai, apparently involved in the real estate business.
Srinagar: The escalation in militant attacks on Jammu and Kashmir police personnel is is because of the "frustration" of the ultras, director general of Police SP Vaid said in Srinagar on Saturday, asserting that necessary measures would be taken to prevent them from carrying such acts.

"We will take necessary measures. This is the frustration of the militants. Whether a militant is killed or a civilian or a cop, it is the Kashmiri who dies. The bloodshed will not take us anywhere, it is only the murder of humanity," the DGP told reporters.

He said the militants were targeting the local police as it was fighting them with eagerness.

"The local police works on the anti-militancy front with eagerness, that is why they (militants) are targeting them (police). But I am sure that we will control this soon," the DGP said.

Earlier, Vaid led the civil, police and security forces' officers and jawans at DPL Srinagar in laying floral wreaths on the mortal remains of the constable Shazad Dilawar Sofi, resident of Ashtengoo village of north Kashmir's Bandipora district, who was killed in militant firing in Hyderpora area of the city on Friday.

The DGP termed the constable's killing as "murder of humanity and Kashmiriyat".

"This is the murder of humanity and Kashmiriyat, for which our neighbouring country is using our people for its geo-political purposes," Vaid said.

He said the cop and a youth killed allegedly in security forces' firing in Rangreth area of city were related to each other.

"They are cousins, belonging to the same family and the same village. That is why I am saying that the people here are being used as pawns," the DGP said.

Asked about militants warning of attacks on policemen, the top cop said, "We will face that (challenge)".
Jammu: An Indian Army soldier was killed on Friday in firing by the Pakistan Army on the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir's Naushera sector.

The firing took place on the Line of Control (LoC) in Rajouri district.

Defence ministry spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Manish Mehta, in Jammu, said: "The Pakistan Army initiated unprovoked firing on Indian Army posts in Naushera sector around 5.15 a.m. on Friday."

"The Indian Army retaliated strongly and effectively," he said.

"In the firing exchange Naik Bakhtawar Singh was grievously injured and succumbed to his injuries while being evacuated to the military hospital."

Singh, 34, belonged to Hajipur village in Punjab's Hoshiarpur district.

"He is survived by his wife and three children aged 11 years, 9 years and a 10-month-old baby."

"The wreath-laying ceremony to honour the martyr will be held in Rajouri on Saturday." said Mehta.
As news of Junaid Ahmad Matoo, a top Lashker-e-Taiba (LeT) commander in south Kashmirs Kulgam district, trapped inside Malik Mohalla area in Arwani village, spread on social media, hundreds of protesters clashed with the army and Kashmir Police, in a bid to help the trapped militants escape.

The security forces, however, managed to kill two militants, including Matoo, in a gunfight that went on for several hours, while information on the third militant holed up inside the house remained unclear, police said.

A joint team of the Indian Army, Kashmir Police and the CRPF cordoned off Arwani village after receiving information about the three militants at around 10 am on Friday. Meanwhile, some youths gathered around the area and started pelting stones on the security forces which led to clashes.

At the time of writing this report, the security forces had razed two houses to the ground but the bodies of the dead militants were yet to be recovered.

Mattoo, 19, who was among the 12 most wanted militants in Kashmir Valley as listed by the army, was a resident of Khudwani area in Kulgam. He joined the LeT on 3 July, 2015 and he is among the new age Kashmiri militants who joined the LeT instead of the Hizbul Mujahideen. His death would severely affect the LeT operations in south Kashmir, as according to police officers of Kulgam district, he was no ordinary militant.

Last year, a CCTV footage caught Matoo running with an AK-47 in broad day light in Anantnag. He was seen attacking a police post and fleeing in a car. Two policemen were killed in that attack. He had a bounty of Rs 5 lakh on his head. He was also allegedly involved in an attack on a police van last year in which three policemen, including an officer, were killed.

Matoo became popular among his peers after carrying out the attack, videos of which went viral on social networking sites. His popularity could be the reason why there were such intense protests in south Kashmir on Friday.

On Friday morning, while the encounter was underway, hundreds of residents of Kharpora village, two kilometres from Arwani village, clashed with the security forces. Twenty-two year-old Mohammad Ashraf Khar was shot dead in his village during the protests.

Khar was hit by a bullet. They fired bullets at protesters. More than a dozen people were injured," Asgar Ahmad Kutchai, a resident of Kharpora village.

Dr Majid Mehrab, medical superintendent of Anantnag District Hospital Islamabad, told Firstpost that Khar died on the way to the hospital.

There were six bullet injuries, one suffered pellet injury in the eye and there were a dozen others in the hospital," he added.

Another teenage boy was killed in clashes near the encounter site in Arwani village after he was hit by a bullet in the chest. Ahsan Dar, 14, was referred to Qaimoh hospital where doctors declared him dead on arrival.

The protests spread to the north of the Valley as well. Clashes between forces and protesters erupted in Pampore, a small to town on the outskirts of Srinagar city towards the south. The Hurriyat Conference has called for a complete shutdown on Saturday.

Tension in the Valley was already high after a civilian, Naseer Ahmad Sheikh, died on Thursday after getting injured during protests in Rangreth locality in Srinagar. A policeman, Shahzed Dilawar, was also killed in a militant attack in Hyderpora area on Thursday evening. Both belonged to a village called Astengoo in Bandipora, north Kashmir.

Almost all the schools and colleges will remain shut on Saturday.
Srinagar: In yet another militant attack within three weeks, terrorists on Friday ambushed a police party in the outskirts of Anantnag district of South Kashmir and killed six policemen, including a Station House Officer of Achabal area. Pakistan-based Lashker-e-Taiba has claimed responsibility for the attack, police said.

In a barbaric act, the terrorists shot at the policemen with their assault rifles after overpowering them. The policemen who retaliated bravely, however, could not break the trap laid by the terrorists.

The terrorists first overpowered them, then fatally shot them in their faces from close range and escaped with their weapons.

The incident took place on Friday evening when Feroz Ahmed, a 2010 batch Sub-Inspector, was on his way to the police station at Achabal after completing his duty in Anantnag.

The militants had laid an ambush on Anantnag-Achabal road near Kulgad village and fired at the police party. The police were not travelling in a bullet proof vehicle.

All the six policemen including Ahmed died on the spot, senior police officials said. Army has been called out to undertake a combing operation in the area.

"It is an unfortunate incident to have lost six men including Sub Inspector Feroz, a resident of Pulwama. Their contribution to the police service will be remembered," Director General of Police SP Vaid told PTI in Srinagar.

32-year-old Ahmed, a resident of Dogripura in Awantipora, was a father of two daughters aged six and two.

A pall of gloom descended on Anantnag police station when Ahmed's wife and aged parents came to receive his body. He was quite popular in South Kashmir police division and had recently organised an Iftar party.

The other deceased officers include constables Sharik Ahmad and Tanveer Ahmad (Budgam district), Sheraz Ahmad (Achabal), Asif Ahmad and Sabzar Ahmed (Anantnag).

Police said it seems LeT wanted to take revenge of the Arwani encounter in which their local commander Junaid Mattoo is believed to have died.

The Arwani encounter site is located 20 kilometres from the place where the ambush took place.

The encounter at Arwani in Bijbehara area broke out on Friday morning and all the three militants are believed to be dead. No bodies have been recovered so far.

This is the second major attack on a police party. Earlier on 28 May, militants attacked a police party at Phambai area of Kulgam in South Kashmir, killing five policemen and two bank guards.

The incident saw immediate reaction from political parties including former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah who blamed the PDP-BJP government led by Mehbooba Mufti for the present crisis.

"It seems that South Kashmir is slipping everyday from the hands of the state government. I hope somebody in New Delhi wakes up now," Omar said.

CPM leader Mohammed Yusuf Tarigami said the incidents in South Kashmir were a clear example of lawlessness prevailing in the entire area.

State Congress chief GA Mir said it was a very sad incident.

"It shows that the state government has completely failed in controlling the situation. I wonder when will the Union Home Ministry wake up," Mir said.
New Delhi/Islamabad: The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has asked India to make its submission in the Kulbhushan Jadhav case by 13 September, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Friday and debunked Pakistan's claim that its request seeking more time in case had been rejected.

Pakistan has been asked by the court to complete its submission by 13 December, 2017, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay said.

Asked about Pakistan's claim that India's request for more time in the case has been rejected by the ICJ, Baglay said it was not true as India had sought four months and had got that with the court fixing the deadline in September.

Earlier, Pakistan's Attorney General Ashtar Ausaf Ali was quoted by Dawn News as saying that India had asked the ICJ to offer it time till December to file pleadings in the Jadhav case, however, "the court has dismissed their request".

"India had adopted the stance that the matter was one of life and death, but Pakistan had stated that the ICJ is not a court of appeals. The ICJ is supposed to conclude whether or not Jadhav can receive consular access, for which a time period of two to three months is more than enough to file a response," he said.

Baglay said the timelines had been decided in the 8 June meeting ICJ President Ronny Abraham had with agents of the two countries.

Asked if the hearing in the case would begin after the submissions of the two countries, Baglay said the court will decide if it needs more submissions and then take a call on the future course of action.

In a hearing of the case on May 18, a 10-member bench of the ICJ restrained Pakistan from executing 46-year-old Jadhav, a retired Indian Navy officer who has been awarded death sentence by a Pakistan army court for alleged "involvement in espionage and terrorist activities in Pakistan".

India moved the ICJ against the death sentence on 8 May, describing the charges against Jadhav as "concocted" and his trial as "farcical".
Islamabad: Pakistan on Friday claimed that the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has rejected India's request to delay proceedings of Kulbhushan Jadhav's case until December.

Pakistan through its consulate in Netherlands came to know that the ICJ ordered India to submit a response by

13 September, Dawn newspaper quoted Attorney General (AG) Ashtar Ausaf Ali as saying.

Jadhav, 45, was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court in April.

"The ICJ has written a letter to Pakistan informing us of their decision," the attorney general said.

"India had asked the ICJ to offer it time till December to file pleadings in the Jadhav case, however, "the court has dismissed their request," Ali said.

"India had adopted the stance that the matter was one of life and death, but Pakistan had stated that the ICJ is not a court of appeals," he said.

"The ICJ is supposed to conclude whether or not Jadhav can receive consular access, for which a time period of two to three months is more than enough to file a response, he said.

Dawn reported that sources privy to the information noted that Pakistan will submit its response to the ICJ in December, while the court proceedings will begin in January 2018.

In a hearing of the case on 18 May, a 10-member bench at the The Hague-based ICJ restrained Pakistan from executing Jadhav.

India moved the ICJ against the death penalty on 8 May.

The next day, the global court stayed the sentence as a provisional measure.

Pakistan claims its security forces arrested him from its restive Balochistan province on 3 March, 2016 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.
Mumbai: The Maharashtra government is going to spend Rs 4.5 crore to procure 10,000 copies of works of Jana Sangh founder Deendayal Upadhyaya which would be distributed to over 400 libraries in the state.

A government resolution said this was being done as a part of celebration of Upadhyaya's birth centenary year.

The Centre is celebrating Upadhyaya's birth centenary year as 'Garib Kalyan Varsh'.

"His life's work encapsulated in books can be a major source of inspiration for the poor youth in rural areas," an official said.

A total of 10,000 copies of his books will be purchased at a price of Rs 4,500 each, at a 30 per cent discount, from the publisher, and will be distributed to over 400 public and aided libraries across Maharashtra, it added.

Opposition Congress has objected to the expenditure.

Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant said the BJP should bear the cost and not the government.

"The chief minister should tell Maharashtra who is this person on whom the government is spending such a huge amount of money," Sawant said.

"The BJP is celebrating his (Upadhyaya's) birth centenary. So the party should bear the cost," he said.

Sawant also questioned Upadhyaya's contribution to the freedom movement, and his views about the minority communities.
Shillong: Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma has asked railway officials to work out plans and design for rail connectivity between Shillong and Sohra.

Sangma, who held a review meeting with Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) officials on Thursday, said the proposed Shillong-Sohra railway link would provide new opportunities for the state and the people who would utilise the railway for high-end tourism destination and as separate facility for farmers.

Sohra, known as one of the wettest places on the earth, is about 50 kilometres from Shillong, the state capital.

In 1895-96, the British provincial government of united Assam built the Cherra (Sohra) Companyganj State Railways and it was one of the first railway projects of that era.

It was a contemporary of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railways or the "Toy Train" now listed as World Heritage.

"It will be the most sought after train ride for people who would like to visit Meghalaya again and again. This will also provide a kind of train ride for couples enjoying their honeymoon or others celebrating their anniversary in the midst of beauty and nature," Sangma told media persons.

The Meghalaya government's proposal for the Shillong-Sohra railway line is significant in the wake of the violent protests in Khasi-Jaintia Hills region opposing the ongoing railway project connecting Meghalaya's Byrnihat in Ri Bhoi district with Assam's Tetelia in Kamrup district.

Railways have been opposed in Meghalaya by the Khasi Students' Union, claiming that it would encourage influx.

"I have asked the railway authorities to work out modalities for putting in place facilities that would dispel apprehensions over influx and illegal immigrants," Sangma said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had inaugurated the first railway station at Mendipathar in the Garo Hills on 30 November, 2014.

The 19.47 kilometres railway line will connect Mendipathar to Dudhnoi in Assam's Goalpara district.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Portugal, the Netherlands and the US beginning 24 June, during which he will hold talks on key bilateral issues including boosting of trade and security ties.

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay said Modi would visit Portugal on 24 June, the US on 25 and 26 June, and the Netherlands on 27 June.

The prime minister, who will be going to only Washington DC during his US trip, will hold talks with President Donald Trump on regional security situation as also ways to enhance cooperation in bilateral areas of strategic importance.

In the US, he will have a community event as well as a meeting with the business leaders. Ahead of the US tour, Modi will visit Portugal, where he will hold talks with his Portuguese counterpart Antonio Costa.

"We are working on several documents to strengthen India-Portugal economic, scientific and cultural engagements and we expect to finalise and sign these documents essentially which are in the nature of memorandum of understanding," Baglay said.

He said the ties with Portugal were given a new momentum when Costa visited India in January this year and the two sides look forward to continue that momentum. "We look forward to a very action-filled, useful, productive and successful visit of the prime minister," he added.

On Modi's visit to the Netherlands, the spokesperson has said India and he Netherlands are celebrating 70 years of establishment of diplomatic relations this year and therefore, the trip is more significant.

During his visit, the prime minister will meet Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte.

Describing economic relations as the core of the bilateral ties, Baglay has said the Netherlands is a leading foreign investor in India and strengthening economic corporation and boosting bilateral trade will be among the focus areas of the prime ministerial visit.
Hyderabad: Main opposition Congress on Friday said it would meet Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and work with other Opposition parties on the ground against the alleged involvement of Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) government in irregularities in different "illegal" land registrations in Hyderabad.

Congress would consult its leaders in Lok Sabha (Mallikarjun Kharge) and Rajya Sabha (Ghulam Nabi Azad) to meet Singh, who is now preoccupied with the Presidential election, to press for a CBI inquiry into the lands issue, P Sudhakar Reddy, Deputy Leader of Congress in Telangana Legislative Council, told reporters.

A Congress delegation, led by state Congress president N Uttam Kumar Reddy, met Governor ESL Narasimhan on Thursday and sought a CBI inquiry.

Congress would work with other parties and people's organisations to fight against the alleged irregularities in land registrations, he said.

Sudhakar Reddy demanded that the TRS government summon a special session of legislature to discuss the land registrations issue, besides important matters related to agriculture.

The state government has not announced annual debt plan and not even convened a meeting of state-level bankers committee (SLBC) to discuss loan disbursement to the farming sector, he alleged.

The state government sought to bring in an ordinance to check the menace of spurious seeds in a cabinet meeting on Saturday, but a Bill can be passed if a special session of legislature is convened, he said.

Dismissing the Congress allegations on "illegal" land registrations, state Irrigation Minister T Harish Rao on Thursday said the Opposition party is only indulging in "mud-slinging" and false propaganda.

Congress should come out with concrete details and proofs to substantiate its allegations, he had said.

Sudhakar Reddy and Opposition leader (Congress) in Legislative Council Mohammed Ali Shabbir condemned the reported comments of state IT Minister K T Rama Rao against the Congress on alleged corruption and "non-performance during its long rule".
Brussels: The European Parliament on Thursday debated and adopted a resolution condemning the human rights situation in Pakistan, as well as slamming Islamabad for breaching international law by not allowing consular access to Indian national Kulbhushan Jadhav, who been sentenced to death for espionage.

The resolution, which was adopted by a majority, expressed grave concern over the "roll-back in Pakistan of the respect for human rights and the rule of law", in particular the freedom granted to security forces, the use of military courts, the crackdown on NGOs, the intimidation of human rights defenders and religious minorities, and the increase in extrajudicial killings.

Expressing "deep concern at the alarming rate of executions in Pakistan following flawed trials, including of minors and persons with mental disabilities, some of which are carried out while appeals are still under way", it urged the Pakistani government to prevent misuse of the "blasphemy law", which is so vaguely defined as to render it open to abuse, including to target political dissidents.

It highlighted the case of Jadhav, who was sentenced to death in April 2017 by a military court without any access to consular services which is in breach of international law.

If Pakistan wants to remain a partner of EU in the future, it has to cease abusing human rights in their country says European Parl member pic.twitter.com/wTbonQLQr7  ANI (@ANI_news) June 15, 2017

Speaking during the debate in plenary in the French city of Strasbourg, British member of the European Parliament Neena Gill said, "In 2014, the EU allowed Pakistan to access GSP+, an exceptional tool to help kick-start the economy, and crucially encourage progress on improving human rights. It has proved its value in many countries. But I question whether this is the case for Pakistan."

A delegation of the European Parliament Foreign Affairs Committee visited Pakistan in April.

"From our meetings with government officials and civil society, it became glaringly clear that a lack of rule of law permeates Pakistani society and human rights are violated instead of advanced," said Gill, the only MEP of Indian origin.

"In March, military courts that can try civilians were reinstated for two more years. Basic rights of foreigners brought to trial are trampled on. With no access to consular rights. People who work for NGOs face harassment, arrest or worse, death," she added.

"It is high time to see real progress on human rights and strengthening of the civil judiciary in Pakistan.If not, GSP+ has to be reviewed," she stressed.
Itanagar: Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Pema Khandu on Friday conveyed his "deepest condolences" for the death of a person in Changlang district in firing by the army, which allegedly mistook him for an ultra.

"I have been informed that in the incident one villager Thingtu Ngemu (35) of Kongsa village has lost his life while several others have been injured. This kind of incident could have been averted through proper care and planning," Khandu, who is out of the state, said in a statement and expressed solidarity with the families of the deceased person and those injured.

The incident took place on Wednesday night, Defence PRO Colonel Chiranjit Konwer had said on Thursday.

Based on a specific input regarding movement of a hardcore terrorist group, the army personnel challenged the person when he arrived at the spot. However, he made "very suspicious movements" and rushed towards the troops following which the army opened fire, resulting in his death, Konwer had said.

Khandu added, "Though no measure of compensation in kind or cash would compensate for the loss, the state government is duty bound to provide ex-gratia relief according to norms to the next of kin of the deceased and assistance to the injured for the best of treatment to save their lives."

The chief minister spoke to the Ministry of Home Affairs and expressed concern over the incident and sought its urgent intervention, official sources said.
New Delhi: President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have condoled the death of former chief justice of India PN Bhagwati.

Mukherjee tweeted that,

Deepest condolences on demise of former CJI PN Bhagwati , his contribution to judicial system shall always be remembered #PresidentMukherjee  President of India (@RashtrapatiBhvn) June 15, 2017

Narendra Modi paid his condolence through twitter. He tweeted,

The demise of Justice PN Bhagwati is saddening. He was a stalwart of India's legal fraternity. My deepest condolences.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 15, 2017 Justice PN Bhagwati's remarkable contributions made our judicial system more accessible & gave voice to millions.

 Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 15, 2017 Bhagwati died in Delhi, a few days after he was admitted to a hospital with a brief illness. He was 95. Known for introducing and pioneering Public Interest Litigation (PIL), Bhagwati had also participated in India's freedom movement. Several union ministers also condoled Bhagwati's death. Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu paid condolence by tweeting,

Deeply saddened by demise of Justice P N Bhagwati.May God give his family the strength to bear this loss.My sincere condolences. RIP  Suresh Prabhu (@sureshpprabhu) June 15, 2017

Information and Broadcasting Minister M Venkaiah Naidu tweeted

Saddened by the demise of Justice PN Bhagwati, a stalwart of India's legal fraternity. My condolences to the bereaved family. Rest in Peace.  M Venkaiah Naidu (@MVenkaiahNaidu) June 15, 2017

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj also condoled the passing away of the former chief justice and tweeted,

I am sorry to know about the sad demise of Chief Justice P.N.Bhagwati. He was People's judge. My condolences to the bereaved family.  Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) June 15, 2017

He was chief justice from 12 July, 1985, to 20 December, 1986. Bhagwati was born on 21 December, 1921, and studied in Mumbai.

The son of NH Bhagwati, who went on to become a Supreme Court judge, he began his law practice at the Bombay High Court and was elevated to the bench of the Gujarat High Court in 1960. He became its chief justice in 1967, and a Supreme Court judge in 1973.
Russia has not made any mediation offer to resolve India-Pakistan issues, India said on Thursday and asserted that Moscow was "well-aware" of New Delhi's position of bilateral resolution of all such matters in a terror-free environment. The remarks by external affairs ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay came following reports in the Pakistani press that Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his intention to mediate between the two countries.

"No offer of mediation between India and Pakistan was made by Russia to India," MEA spokesperson Gopal Baglay said. A senior diplomat in the Russian embassy in New Delhi also rejected the reports and said it was Pakistan's "wishful thinking".

"In connection with reports appearing in the Pakistani media regarding the statement of the Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan about Russia's readiness to act as a mediator in the settlement of the Kashmir issue, we would like to emphasise that the Russian position remains principled and unchanged: the differences between Islamabad and New Delhi should be resolved by them on a bilateral basis in accordance with the provisions of the Shimla Agreement of 1972 and Lahore Declaration of 1999," the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

The senior diplomat in the Russian embassy also rejected reports of any mediation offer. "We do not have any information of such an offer made by our president. Russia is clear in its position that Indo-Pak issues need to be resolved, bilaterally, and we will never ever suggest anything contrary to that.

"It seems wishful thinking on part of Pakistan," said the diplomat, on the condition of anonymity.

Dawn quoted Pakistan foreign office spokesman Nafees Zakaria as saying, "We welcome UNSC permanent member Russia's attention and intention to play a role in this long-standing issue on the UNSC agenda". Zakaria was asked about reported offer made by Putin during his meeting with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on the sidelines of the SCO Summit earlier this month.

ANI quoted Baglay as saying, "It is my understanding that Russia is very well aware of India's consistent position to address all outstanding issues with Pakistan bilaterally in an environment free of terrorism and violence". Baglay further added, "No offer of mediation was made by Russia to India. Russia is very well aware of India's consistent position to address all outstanding issues with Pakistan bilaterally in an environment free of terrorism and violence."

With inputs from agencies
Singapore: Senior minister of State for Defence and Foreign Affairs Maliki Bin Osman will visit New Delhi to attend the 9th India-ASEAN dialogue early next month, the Indian High Commission said on Friday.

The dialogue, to be held from 2-4 July, is an annual international conference of political and economic leaders, and opinion-makers of the ASEAN countries with their Indian counterparts to discuss intensification and broadening of political, strategic, economic and civil society interaction in the region.

Maliki will also hold bilateral meetings with his Indian counterparts in external affairs and defence ministry in New Delhi.

The talks will also set the stage for the visit of Singapore defence minister Ng Eng Hen to India later this year for India-Singapore annual defence ministers' dialogue.

These meetings are in addition to regular ongoing annual staff talks between the Army, Air Force and Navy of the two countries.

"India is taking steps to further facilitate bilateral exercises with the Singapore armed forces. We have just conveyed that Singapore armed forces personnel going to train in India under the bilateral agreement will be given the gratis visa," Indian High Commissioner to Singapore Jawed Ashraf told PTI.

Meanwhile, defence officials from the two countries are preparing for the 25 years of the Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercises (SIMBEX).

India-Singapore defence relations are set to deepen further, after the 12-day deployment of India naval ships and the visit of Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Sunil Lanba to Singapore in May for the International Maritime Review to mark 50 years of Singapore Navy and bilateral exercises SIMBEX, he said.

India is also preparing to host Singapore's foreign minister Vivian Balakrishnan later this year as part of the high-level bilateral meetings between the two countries.

Details of the ministerial visits are being worked out.

"India and Singapore will continue to maintain a high momentum of engagement across the broad spectrum of their bilateral relations to expand and deepen the strategic partnership between the two countries.

"There have been several important developments in the recent past, including the Amravati capital city project. Singaporean companies are looking keenly at opportunities arising from the implementation of goods and services tax in India," Ashraf said.
Patna: Eleven children being taken to Mumbai to be forced into child labour have been rescued and three human traffickers arrested in Sitamarhi district of Bihar by the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), the central force said on Friday.

Four of the rescued children are from Nepal.

The paramilitary force's 20th Battalion rescued six children  three each from Nepal and India  and arrested one trafficker from Bairgania railway station on Thursday.

In a simultaneous operation, the SSB officials rescued five children  one from Nepal and four from India  and arrested two traffickers at the Sitamarhi railway station.

The rescued children have been handed over to non-governmental organisation Childline.

"The rescued children were being taken to Mumbai by the Karmabhoomi Express train to force them into child labour in plastic and garment factories," an SSB official told IANS.

He said the human traffickers were handed over to the Government Railway Police at Sitamarhi and an FIR lodged.
Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami on Friday said he was having 'frequent' meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to apprise him of issues faced by the state and seek assistance.

Palaniswami's reply came in the Assembly in response to a DMK MLA making a mention of the 'frequent meetings' between the two leaders of late.

The chief minister said 'it is a fact' that he was 'frequently' meeting Modi.

"I visit Delhi to meet the prime minister, where I apprise him of issues in Tamil Nadu and seek due assistance and schemes," he said when DMK legislator Pugazhenthi made a mention about the matter.

Palaniswami has met Modi twice after he took over as chief minister in February following the resignation of his predecessor, O Panneerselvam.
Agartala: Tripura's ruling CPM on Friday accused the BJP of "instigating" a tribal party to hold a rail and road blockade from 10 July to seek a separate state, a charge the BJP denied and said it too was opposed to the demand.

The Congress and the Trinamool Congress too expressed their opposition to the Indigenous People's Front of Tripura's (IPFT) demand for a new state, which it wants to be carved out of areas falling under the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC).

The tribal party plans to block National Highway-8 and the lone railway line to the north-eastern state for an indefinite period to put pressure on Tripura's Left Front government before the February 2018 assembly polls.

"The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is instigating the IPFT for rail and road blockade to create havoc to gain political mileage before the Tripura assembly elections," Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPM) State Secretary Bijan Dhar said.

Dhar said that before the March 2017 Manipur assembly elections also, the BJP had egged on the United Naga Council to block a vital National Highway in order to dislodge the then Congress government from that state.

"Within 48 hours of assumption of office by a BJP government in Manipur, the road blockade that stretched for several months was called off," he said.

Countering it, BJP state unit President Biplab Kumar Deb said: "The CPI-M's allegation is totally false and concocted. The BJP never supports the division of Tripura. The Left Front can take legal and administrative action against anyone trying to create trouble and disturb the peace."

He said the BJP wanted the Left Front government to call an all-party meeting to discuss the issue.

Congress Tripura unit President Birajit Sinha said his party too did not support the IPFT demand. "We do not support the blockade plan of IPFT. If they organise any democratic movement to protect tribals' interests, the Congress can support them," Sinha told IANS.

Trinamool Congress's Tripura unit President Ashish Saha said his party was also opposed to the separate state demand.

The TTAADC is an elected body formed in 1987 under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution to safeguard the political, economic and cultural interests of the tribals.

The council covers two-thirds of Tripura's 10,491 square km area. As many as 1,216,465 (mostly tribals) of the state's 37 lakh people reside in these TTAADC areas.
Violence singed the north Bengal hills on Thursday as angry Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) supporters went on rampage torching a railway station, a police outpost and vehicles after a police raid on party chief Bimal Gurung's house in Darjeeling district.

The Gayabari station of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway  declared as a heritage site by the UNSECO  a state transport bus and several vehicles including one belonging to a media house were set on fire by the protesters, hours before the GJM called an indefinite strike in the hills encompassing Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts and the Dooars (foothills of the Himalayas covering stretches of Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar district).

In Kolkata, chief minister and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee blamed intelligence failure for the fresh unrest in the hills, where the GJM sponsored shutdown entered day three. On Thursday morning, GJM activists, with their women's wing Nari Morcha in the vanguard, virtually surrounded the police force as they were returning after the raid on Gurung's house in Patlebas, and started hurling petrol bombs and stones from elevated areas in the hills.

Gurung, in a video message, asked the people of Darjeeling to stand up against what he called "police excesses a reign of terror". According to The Indian Express, Gurung said, "The struggle for Gorkhaland will continue till the goal is reached".

Meanwhile, Mamata in Kolkata said: "We want peace in the hills. There is peace in Bengal. If anybody violates the law, the administration will take action. Law will take its own course A few leaders are doing goondagiri (hooliganism). But one cannot do politics with guns and bombs. We will curb their violent agitation."

The West Bengal chief minister has been widely criticised for the way she is handling the situation in Darjeeling. Recently, Mamata urged the people of Darjeeling not to pay heed to GJM leaders who have called an indefinite shutdown of government offices. "I would like to ask the people of the hills not to listen to a few leaders there and allow them to disturb the peace," Banerjee said on 12 June.

"They will throw a few bombs and leave. The people in the hills are good and they will continue to stay there. Remember the goons cannot be assets to the nation," she said. Referring to GJMs threat that it would show black flags if she visits the hill, Banerjee remarked, "I do not get scared if someones threatens me. I know how to respond to the challenge."

"They (GJM) have challenged me saying that I will not be allowed to enter the area. But I had gone there and held a cabinet meeting and brought back peace. After that I returned," PTI quoted the chief minister as saying.

Mamata's goondagardi remark was met with some criticism as the TMC government has been accused many times of hooliganism and the party cadre have been referred as "goons" more than once. BJP, one of the key Opposition parties in West Bengal, did not let the opportunity go. Union minister Ananth Kumar criticised Mamata for her "inept handling" of the situation. "It is she (Mamata) who is responsible for the unrest in the Darjeeling hills, disrupting its continuing peace. Shant pahar ko aag lagana nahi chahiye tha (a fire should not have been ignited in the peaceful hills)," the Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertilisers said.

"It was entirely her and her government's responsibility to deal with the situation. It should have been handled carefully, cautiously and with patience, tact and proper planning and she completely failed in it. Her inept handling of the situation has resulted in what you see at the Darjeeling hills today," he added.

Later in the day, the picturesque Gayabari station  which had retained its old structure over the years  was torched. In neighbouring Kalimpong district, alleged GJM supporters torched the Pedong police outpost. Police claimed to have seized bows and arrows, knives, axes, explosives and a large quantity of cash from Gurung's house.

"Two persons have been detained so far in the incident," said Darjeeling's Superintendent of Police Akhilesh Kumar Chaturvedi. "It seems that they gathered all these arms to attack the police. No peace loving person can have this amount of arms in store," he claimed.

Police also arrested Nari Morcha leader Karuna Gurung from Kurseong. Several police personnel were injured. In response, the security forces lobbed tear gas shells at the protesters after a baton charge failed to control the situation. Later, large police reinforcements arrived in the area. A North Bengal Transport Corporation bus, bound for Bijanbari from Siliguri, was set ablaze by pro-Gorkhaland protesters, who also beat up the driver and the conductor.

Accusing the state government of "high handedness and oppression", GJM General Secretary Roshan Giri appealed to the central and state governments to intervene and sort out the "political problem".

"To protest against the police high handedness, we are calling for an indefinite general strike in the hills," Giri said. "This is a political problem, not a law and order situation. The Government of India and the state government should solve it politically," he said.

The GJM central committee met at Mangalabari in the Dooars and brought out a torch rally at night in the Terai plains close to the hills and the Dooars. GJM central committee member Sandip Chettri said protest rallies would be brought out on Friday in protest against the police action.

Refuting the police allegations, Giri said the bows and arrows stored in the party office were for the annual archery programme of the local schools. Meanwhile, the women Morcha activists gathered outside Gurung's house in large numbers and demonstrated demanding a separate state of Gorkhaland.

"We want a separate Gorkhaland. We strongly condemn the raid and ransacking at our leaders house," a woman GJM activist asserted. Terming the GJM's call for complete shutdown as illegal and a crusade against the people, state tourism minister and TMC leader Gautam Deb vowed to stop the strike at any cost.

Union Parliamentary Affairs and BJP leader Ananth Kumar held the chief minister responsible for the ongoing unrest, but urged her to hold discussions with the agitators in the hills.

"Mamata (Banerjee) has not handled the situation in the hills with as much caution and understanding as she should have. That is why there is so much tension in the region," Kumar claimed.

Blaming intelligence failure for the trouble that sparked off on 8 June, when the state cabinet had met in Darjeeling, Mamata, without naming the GJM, alleged that there was a conspiracy to attack her ministerial colleagues. "The administration had no information about the brewing tension. It was an intelligence failure," she while speaking at a function organised by Kolkata police.

With inputs from agencies
Lucknow: Hours after the Uttar Pradesh government ordered dissolution of Shia and Sunni waqf boards, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday night recommended a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the alleged irregularities worth multiple crores committed by the two bodies in the state.

"The chief minister recommended a CBI probe into the alleged scam worth crores in Shia and Sunni waqf boards," Minister of State for Waqf Mohsin Raza told PTI in Lucknow.

Raza said scam worth crores has come to the fore in a probe by the Waqf Council of India.

The chief minister had earlier given orders to dissolve both the state Shia and Sunni waqf boards.

The process to dissolve the two boards has been started after taking into account all legal aspects, Adityanath said.

There have been allegations of corruption against the Shia and Sunni waqf boards related to their properties.

The role of the chairman of the Shia Waqf Board, Wasim Rizvi, as well as the minister for waqf in the previous Samajwadi Party (SP) government, Azam Khan, had come under the scanner after an inquiry by the Waqf Council of India.

Barely a fortnight after the SP suffered a humiliating defeat in the state Assembly polls, a report by the fact-finding committee of the Central Waqf Council (CWC) indicted Khan  one of the controversial ministers in the erstwhile Akhilesh Yadav government  of corruption, mismanagement and misuse of office.

The fact-finding committee, constituted after the CWC received several complaints from the state, was headed by Syed Ejaz Abbas Naqvi, who is also the in-charge of Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand waqf boards.

Raza had recently handed over separate reports of the Waqf Council with regard to the two boards to the chief minister.

The committee in its report elaborated on how Khan as minister allegedly misused his position to grab properties under the boards.

It said Khan made a trust  Maulana Johar Ali Education Trust  and diverted funds from waqf properties to it.

The report pointed out discrepancies in maintaining rent collection records on Waqf properties.

It recommended that the Uttar Pradesh Waqf Board be dissolved immediately and all accused officials be barred from entering waqf offices pending investigation.

Khan has, however, maintained that he was absolutely clean and the allegations against him were baseless.
Life seems to be pretty sweet for gangster Abu Salem in Taloja jail in Navi Mumbai, contrary to what the gangster had claimed a few weeks ago, where he alleged that he was being tortured and tormented by the jail superintendent.

In a rebuttal, jail superintendent Hiralal Jadhav, in a five-page report, said that the gangster was living life king-size in the Navi Mumbai prison as opposed to what has been reported in the media.

In a written statement, Jadhav claimed that the gangster not only has his own manservant, but also throws parties for fellow inmates and, sometimes, even smuggled fried chicken from KFC inside the jail, reports India Today.

Jadhav, who is currently under inquiry for allegedly torturing the gangster, said that since he stopped Salem from continuing with his illegitimate demands in prison, the gangster made a series of allegations against him.

Salem made unjustified demands to be escorted to Delhi for his case hearings, despite the fact that the jail is equipped with video conferencing facility. In one year alone, Salem visited JJ Hospital at least 42 times for no reason. Even the doctors did not find anything wrong with him, wrote Jadhav in his statement, reports the Mid Day.

If Jadhav claims are true, it raises questions as to where Salem is getting funds to afford such a lifestyle inside the prison. One's reputation can only carry one so far.

Crime writer S Hussain Zaidi, who wrote a tell-all book on Salem, titled My Name is Abu Salem, shed some light on the whole affair in an interview with Rediff in 2014.

When asked asked about the financial situation and lifestyle of Salem, Zaidi said that his money is locked up in properties and only people who are close to him know know where they are, and they know that they have to help him legally and once Salem comes out he can access the money.

"Abu Salem is leading a good lifestyle in jail. He is wearing designer clothes, eating biryani, wearing shoes," added Zaidi.

In 2010, state home minister, Ramesh Bagwe, after a visit of to Arthur Road jail where Salem was held, found that his cell had marble flooring and bathroom facilities. The cell had a bed, utensils, tiffins and posters of models, reports NDTV.

But as shocking as the entire setup might seem, the situation is not unique.

In 2014, in an investigation following a police firing in the divisional jail in Bihar reaveled that a select group of prisoners was allowed to avail facilities such as air-conditioners, coolers and mobiles. Even drugs like marijuana and liquor were provided to the privileged ones, reports the Telegraph.

In 2007, a surprise raid by the Vigilance Bureau found a convict admitted to a private air-conditioned room of the Jallianwala Bagh hospital, after 'bribing' the SMO, reports The Tribune.
If Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Centre can do it, why Arvind Kejriwal and his democratically-elected government in Delhi cant?

This is the question Aam Aadmi Party-led Delhi government is asking, in relation to communicating with citizens on social media. AAP is obliquely referring to Modi's active presence on social media  the prime minister has 30 million followers on Twitter.

Delhi governments only concern is why should they be gagged from communicating with public on social media?

It all began with a tweet by Arunoday Prakash, the media advisor of Delhis deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia on Friday morning, after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) visited Sisodias residence to question him on Talk to AK programme.

While Kejriwal is busy inspecting hospitals, the Centre busy victimising. The CBI raids at deputy chief minister's residence," Prakash tweeted.

If they think @msisodia will get afraid and stop working for government schools after CBI raids,they are mistaken!#VendettaThroughCBI pic.twitter.com/nsezmnr6fS  AAP (@AamAadmiParty) June 16, 2017

The CBI's action has once again brought the spotlight on the apparent functioning of the countrys premier investigative agency. Talk to AK campaign was an interactive session of the Delhi chief minister through which people could reach out to him through Google, YouTube and social media sites like Facebook. We maintained transparency and followed rules applicable in every stage of the process. The CBI has questioned the deputy chief minister on the basis of a complaint made by the former lieutenant-governor Najeeb Jung, which is irrelevant, AAP MLA and secretary Delhi AAP, Saurabh Bharadwaj told Firstpost.

If Modi can do it, why the democratically-elected Delhi government cant, he questioned.

What was L-Gs complaint?

According to an official working in Sisodia's office, Jung had lodged a complaint with CBI whether the Delhi government had tried to financially benefit a PR agency hired by the latter to air the interactive programme on social media. Jung asked the CBI to find out whether the Delhi government had tried to provide financial benefits to the particular PR agency by hiring it for the programme. But the real motive behind it was to harass Delhi government, the official alleged.

Whats Talk to AK programme all about?

Talk to AK (Talk to Arvind Kejriwal) campaign was an interactive session with Kejriwal through which people could reach out to him through social media. The aim was to invite queries from people on various issues and Kejriwal would reply to them.

According to an official note related to the programme  Talk to AK  accessed by Firstpost, the Delhi government hired Dilip Cherians PR agency  Perfect Relations for the job.

- 8 July, 2016 was the date fixed for the programme and Delhi government asked its publicity wing  Directorate of Information and Publicity (DIP)  to go ahead with the preparation.

- Due to lack of prior experience, the DIP expressed its inability to air the programme on social media.

- Delhi government asked Perfect Relations, which has already been working with the government, to take up the initiative with a set of pre-conditions that no advance payment, no discount, no commission, etc. would be made to the agency for the job. Actual amount paid to Google, Facebook, etc. will only be made to the agency after the programme.

- No additional charges would be made to the agency, except the one as per the prior agreement with the DIP.

- On 6 July, Perfect Relations gave its proposal to Delhi government.

- On 8 July, DIP forwarded the file to the Department of Finance, and cabinet approval was given on 1 September.

What CBI has to say?

According to CBI officials, the preliminary enquiry was filed against the AAP leader and other Delhi government officials as there were allegations of impropriety and violation of rules and regulations in the award of work related to the media campaign.

The CBI has denied there was any raid or search at Sisodia's residence in New Delhi.

A team of officers went to Sisodia's residence to record his statement in a preliminary enquiry registered in the 'Talk to AK' programme scam, a CBI official told IANS.

What the Delhi government has to say?

As the DIP had never handled Facebook Live kind of projects earlier, so the responsibility was given to Perfect Relations through DIP. Google, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, etc. have no competitors and function as free determinants, so they dont invite tenders. These are pay-and-avail service type of companies. Our mode of payment is not acceptable to them. So, we had to go by their rules, but, we made it clear with our agency that payment will only be made after the programme. There were no irregularities in the entire process, said Bharadwaj.

We had asked suggestions from the Centre on how to do these kind of programmes on social media, but we failed to get any reply, he added.

AAP government calls CBIs questioning vindictive

Crying foul, the AAP government has described CBI questioning Sisodia as CBI raid on Dy CM Manish Sisodias home! Another vendetta masterstroke by Modi government!

Nothing shall shake AAP Govt's committment towards public welfare works, not even #VendettaThroughCBI pic.twitter.com/xLkmA7wrra  AAP (@AamAadmiParty) June 16, 2017

Earlier Kejriwal's office was raided. The Centre is using caged parrot to victimise voices of dissent. It is clearly a vindictive move, alleged Prakash.

In December 2015, the CBI raided Kejriwal's office and sealed it following allegations against Principal Secretary Rajinder Kumar.
Kharkutta: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Thursday hit out at the Congress for painting the BJP as "anti-Christian" on the "beef ban".

"Where is the ban? Please ask the Congress as to where a ban on beef consumption is mentioned. They (Congress) have nothing else to talk of and so this non-issue has been made to look like the BJP government is anti-Christian," said the Congress-turned-BJP leader at "Sabka Sath Sabka Vikas Sammelan" in Kharkutta, Meghalaya's North Garo Hills district, bordering Assam.

"Today, the Congress party is unable to find fault with BJP, so they have come with a political conspiracy to paint BJP with the tag of anti-Christian and beef ban. If it so, why should many BJP MLAs and front-runner of the party in Arunachal belongs from Christian community," he asked.

The Arunachal chief minister also criticised his Meghalaya counterpart Mukul Sangma for the lack of development in the state.

"A leader should have a holistic vision for the state but the chief minister of Meghalaya has failed to realise it. Sangma has failed the state. There is utter chaos in the state and the people of the state has suffered in all fronts of socio-economic development," Khandu said.

He said the Congress is a party with high command culture with no democratic system, where the party workers themselves are clueless about the party programmes.
New Delhi: "Is it appropriate that copies of files marked by the Lt Governor to the Chief Minister should reach the BJP before they reach the CM?" Arvind Kejriwal sought to know from Anil Baijal.

Kejriwal shot off a letter to Baijal on Wednesday after the latter returned a file pertaining to constitution of six wholesale markets to the Delhi government, seeking to know if all rules were followed in nominating members of the market's committees.

Notably, Vijender Gupta, a BJP MLA and the leader of opposition in Delhi Assembly, had on 13 June briefed media about the LG returning the file related to mandis to the AAP government.

"This file reached my office late last evening (June 13), much after it reached the BJP and the BJP MLA had already made a statement."

"Does the LG think it is appropriate that copies of files marked by the LG to CM should reach the BJP before they reach CM?" Kejriwal asked in the letter.

The AAP government had sent the file to the LG for his approval on formation of committees for the six mandis.

On Wednesday, Gupta had alleged that, "The committees are being formed in violation of rules which lay down that the nominated members could only be agriculturist, traders and qualified commission agents and weighmen."
Panaji: Political parties raise the Ram mandir issue as per their convenience and never do anything for the cause of construction of the temple in Ayodhya, Hyderabad BJP MLA T Raja Singh said while addressing the ongoing national Hindu convention at Ramnath village on Friday.

Around 130 Hindu organisations from as many as 21 states in the country and from Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are participating in the four-day convention, which began on Wednesday.

Singh, who represents Goshamahal constituency, said every Hindu desires the construction of the temple.

"Political parties raise the Ram temple issue before elections and forget it once elections are over. Therefore, all Hindus should unite and demand Ram Mandir in unison. If this happens then the construction of the temple will be easily possible," he said, adding that Hindu youth should unite and increase their power so that nobody can prevent them from carrying the mission of Hindutva.

The time has come now to say that Hindu dharma is our first priority and not politics, he said.

Ramesh Shinde of Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS) said that an expansive fight against the "evil tendencies" in the society should be launched.

"BR Ambedkar had said that howsoever good the Constitution might be, if the rulers implementing it are incompetent, the democracy would be a failure," he said.

"Since many members of Parliament today are corrupt and criminals, the failure of democracy has taken place in the last 70 years since Independence. The society cannot afford to remain indifferent, but should take the lead and act in a democratic way," the HJS leader said, adding that this fight itself will be the movement in the direction of establishing an ideal system--"Hindu nation," he added.

Telangana Shiv Sena president TN Murari told the gathering the ruling Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) has been

indulged in the "appeasement of minorities and doing injustice to Hindus".
New Delhi: Stung by what it called a "raid" by CBI on Delhi's deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia, the Aam Aadmi Party on Friday dubbed the central investigative agency as "Centre's Bureau of Intimidation".

Senior AAP leader Sanjay Singh said the "raid" on Sisodia's residence signalled the Modi government's "resolve" to not let the AAP regime in Delhi work

The CBI has denied it has carried out a search or raid but only visited his house in connection with a case. "So, did they (CBI) come for tea," Singh asked.

Displaying exasperation, Singh told a press conference that instead of the "daily harassment", the Centre should simply suspend the Delhi government.

AAP spokesperson Raghav Chadha added in a tweet: "Centre's Bureau of Intimidation".

Centre's Bureau of Intimidation  Raghav Chadha (@raghav_chadha) June 16, 2017

The AAP government's tenure has been marked by intense acrimony with the BJP-led central government.

"Today's raid signals the resolve of the Centre to not let the AAP government work. The BJP wants to obliterate the Opposition. The intention is to take revenge through relentless harassment," Singh said.

The CBI, constituted as an autonomous body, had also raided the Delhi Secretariat in 2015, prompting Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to call Prime Minister Narendra Modi a "coward and a psycopath".

The government denies influencing CBI.

CBI officials said they "visited" the residence of Sisodia to seek clarification about a preliminary enquiry (PE) against him relating to alleged irregularities in a social media event by Kejriwal called 'Talk to AK'.

Singh said 'Talk to AK', a programme to interact with the public, was held using the services of a public relations company, which did not charge the government. He said no tender was floated for the event as platforms such as Facebook, YouTube and Google have no competition.

The CBI had registered the PE in January this year on the basis of a complaint filed by the Vigilance Department of the Delhi government. It was alleged in the complaint that a consultant of a well-known PR company was hired by the Delhi government to promote the event and that a Rs 1.5-crore proposal was prepared for this purpose.

"One may question why a particular PR company was chosen," another AAP leader, Saurabh Bharadwaj, told reporters. "That's because the DIP (Directorate of Information and Publicity) was not capable of handling the job," he said.

The PR firm, he added, was already working for the government and was "empanelled with it". "So naturally, the government approached the consultancy. We may not have gone for a tender, but the point is this company did not charge any commission," Bharadwaj said.

The complaint said despite objections from the principal secretary, the government went ahead with the proposal. The consultant spent money on the campaign, thereby creating a liability for the government.

"When not a penny was spent on Talk to AK programme, how does CBI come into the picture? Caged parrot not briefed properly by masters again. Caged parrot CBI feeding false info to its PROs. No consultant was hired for Talk To AK  challenge anyone to show any payment made," Delhi government spokesperson Nagendar Sharma said in a series of tweets.
Kolkata: Amid continuing unrest, sporadic violence and demonstrations in the north Bengal hills, a delegation of Gorkha Janamukti Morcha lawmakers on Friday met West Bengal Governor Keshri Nath Tripathi to inform him about the situation in the region.

Meanwhile, the Calcutta High Court, citing its 2013 judgement terming bandhs/shutdowns as illegal, ordered the state government to submit an interim report within two weeks on the damage of public property in the recent act of violence.

"Three of our MLAs  Amar Singh Rai, Sarita Rai and Rohit Sharma  went to meet the governor on Friday to inform him about the present situation in the hills and the demand of the local people," GJM general secretary Roshan Giri told IANS.

"I am not completely aware of the conversation between them as I am in Delhi. The governor should be made aware of people's suffering in the hills and the state government's extreme measures to curb any form of movement in the region," he said.

After Thursday's massive clash between police and the GJM activists following a raid at the party chief Bimal Gurung's house, the Darjeeling hills continued to be tense with rallies and counter rallies, both by the Morcha activists and state ruling party throughout Friday.

Early on Friday morning, the GJM supporters torched a panchayat office at Mirik, a hydro electric supply office at Lodhama in Darjeeling and a health centre in Rimbik-Lodhama.

Accusing police of high handedness and oppression, the women wing of GJM took out a rally in Darjeeling town in the afternoon.

The activists carrying Indian national flag were seen shouting slogans in demand of the separate state of Gorkhaland. However, they were stopped mid way by police and central forces.

Countering the GJM rally, the Trinamool Congress members took out a protest rally in Darjeeling district's Mirik sub-division, a party stronghold after its victory in the recent municipal elections.

Blaming the GJM for continuous violence and arson in the hills, the participants in the rally demanded the removal of Gurung.

Slogans like "Bimal Gurung dur hato" (Bimal Gurung go away) were shouted from the gathering.

Taking a swipe at Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, BJP's national general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya accused the state government of not keeping the promises made during the formation of Gorkha Territorial Administration (GTA) in the hills.

Meanwhile, the activists of the Gorkha National Liberation Front, a Trinamool Congress ally in the last state assembly election, and Jana Andolan Party (JAP) hit the streets supporting the GJM-sponsored indefinite shutdown in the hills.

"The state government's policy is alienating them more and more from the people in the hills. This is not a good sign," JAP chief Harka Bahadur Chettri said, and urged the state government to start a discussion with the local parties in the hills.

"It seems that there is a clash of ego between the state government and GJM. there should be meetings and discussions in the hills to sort out the situation. No political solution can be achieved through police action," he added.

In the hills, hotels mostly remained shut throughout the day.

A long queue could be seen at the bus station as tourists and hotel workers prepared to leave the hills. Local administration arranged bus services so that stranded tourists could get to Siliguri.

Many tourists including those who came from abroad, complained about not getting proper food or transport to go to the plains.

"We have been waiting for a long time to come here in Darjeeling. We were very excited. But when we actually reached here, there is no trains, no tea, no rope way because of the shutdown," said American tourist Adam.
President Pranab Mukherjee on Friday hosted lunch for a most unlikely guest, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, in Rashtrapati Bhawan.

The move is significant and is loaded with multiple implications simply because for the first time a president invited an RSS chief to be his revered guest, and that too not just for an exchange of thoughts but to break bread with him. It has surprised many in the national capital as well as outside, setting off a chain of speculations.

Incidentally, the honour of having lunch in the grand ambience of the Rashtrapati Bhawan came on a day when two senior ministers  Rajnath Singh and M Venkaiah Naidu  of the Narendra Modi government drove to Sonia Gandhi's residence and later to Communist Party of India  Marxist (CPM) chief Sitaram Yechuri's place to try and build a consensus over a presidential candidate. While no names were discussed in the meetings, Singh and Naidu's arrival at 10 Janpath for discussions with the Congress president and later with CPM chief was interesting and being taken as a confidence building measure, if not anything else.

The private talk among senior leaders in the corridors of power in Delhi was, broadly, of three kinds:

First, a source, who knows Bhagwat well and has a deep understanding of the functioning of RSS told Firstpost that Bhagwat had met Mukherjee earlier also, on two separate occasions, and thus this was not for the first time that the two were meeting. It was, of course, for the first time ever that the RSS chief had gone to the Rashtrapati Bhawan on a private and exclusive luncheon invite of the president.

He, however, said that not much should be read in Bhagwat's luncheon with the president. "It was a courtesy or a goodwill meet over lunch. If this meeting had taken place two months earlier, then you or anybody else had a reason to read its possible varied implications," he said.

What he meant was that it is now clear that Mukherjee is on his way out and would demit office on 25 July. It is almost certain that he is not getting a second term in office. There was, thus, no need to speculate whether this meeting could change that situation.

Second, there are others who suggest that the luncheon meeting could create a "pregnant with possibilities" situation. Their argument is that nothing should be taken final until Prime Minister Narendra Modi announces the name of BJP presidential candidate. The proverb, "a week is a long time in politics", is quoted to give strength to their argument. Modi and Mukherjee shared excellent relation in the last three years. In fact, even in the run-up to the 2014 parliamentary election, Modi in his public speeches used to talk a lot about the strength of Mukherjee as a leader.

Modi respects Pranab as a leader and as the President of India, but the kind of numbers he (Modi) commands in the Parliament and in state Assemblies, and the kind of expectations that Sangh Parivar workers have, it was generally considered as a done deal that this time around the BJP would like to have someone from their own ranks to be President. A leader from BJP-RSS has been prime minister (Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Narendra Modi) and vice president (Bhairon Singh Shekhawat) but it never had one from amongst them as president.

Third, the fact that the RSS chief was a revered guest of the president on a very personal lunch speaks a lot about the changed status of RSS and the acceptability it has attained in Indian political and administrative structure. Mukherjee has been a seasoned Congress leader and is respected for his knowledge and depth. It is likely that in his long political career as Congress leader and union minister in various governments, Mukherjee would have gone through many reports against RSS and been part of various strategy meetings where RSS would have been identified as an enemy.

That's why his invite to Bhagwat for an exclusive luncheon, or his earlier meetings with him, were no ordinary event in the capital. Sources said this luncheon was planned over a month ago but was kept for a later date so that they could downplay its speculative implications.

There is another argument that if you consider Indian political history since Independence then BJP had been in power at the centre only for nine years. The RSS too had been evolving over the years. Former prime minister Vajpayee had famously said, "I too am a Swayamsewak." But the RSS did not have the same confidence in his political leadership and government or vice versa as they have in today's Modi-Amit Shah dispensation.

President Mukherjee's lunch with Bhagwat surely writes a fresh chapter in RSS history and elsewhere.
Mumbai: Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) president Amit Shah began his three-day Mumbai visit from Friday during which he will also meet Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray.

Shah landed this morning as a part of his extensive tour programme of various states.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, state BJP chief Raosaheb Danve and Mumbai BJP president Ashish Shelar welcomed Shah after he landed at the Mumbai airport.

After coming out of the airport, Shah accepted the greetings of several BJP workers who had gathered outside.

The BJP president then left for Shivaji Park to offer floral tributes to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, Veer Savarkar and Bal Thackeray.

Later today, Shah is scheduled to meet party MPs, MLAs, state unit office bearers, morcha presidents, presidents of districts and mandals and other elected representatives in south Mumbai.

That meeting would be followed by another with BJP ministers in Maharashtra government at the chief minister's residence 'Varsha'.

On Saturday, Shah would meet the core committee members of the state at 'Vasant Smriti' Mumbai BJP's office in Dadar.

Shah is scheduled to meet Uddhav Thackeray at the latter's residence 'Matoshree' in suburban Bandra on Sunday.

The BJP chief's upcoming meeting with Thackeray assumes significance as Shiv Sena has threatened to take an "independent stand" in the presidential election and also in wake of the ongoing war of words between allies over issues like farm loan waiver and the possibility of snap polls in Maharashtra.

Shah will also attend a meeting in connection with the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya birth centenary year at Sahyadri guest house and also review various programmes to strengthen the party at the booth level.

During his visit, which concludes on Sunday, Shah is also expected to interact with some intellectuals from Mumbai.

The Mumbai visit is part of the country-wide tour programme undertaken by Shah from April to September, party sources said.

So far, the BJP chief has visited 10 states, they added.
New Delhi: The government and opposition were on Friday locked in a battle of who will blink first, as a two-member BJP team began formal consultations on the President's election with Congress and other major opposition parties, who made it clear that a consensus will not be possible without the ruling side giving the name of its candidate.

The government side described the opposition demand for disclosure of the name as "inappropriate".

Senior ministers Rajnath Singh and M Venkaiah Naidu met Congress President Sonia Gandhi, and later CPM leader Sitaram Yechury, but placed no name of its nominee. The exercise was termed as a "PR exercise" by Yechury.

Instead, the BJP team sought from the Congress leadership the name of the opposition candidate for the 17 July election.

Interestingly, the BJP team also met veteran party leaders LK Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi, who were once talked about as possible presidential candidates. The two ministers held discussions with Yechury and his party colleagues Prakash Karat and Brinda Karat, CPI leaders S Sudhakar Reddy and D Raja, Samajwadi Party leader Mulayam Singh Yadav, BSP leader Satish Chandra Mishra and Nationalist Congress Party leader Praful Patel. They also spoke to NCP chief Sharad Pawar and Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati over the phone.

The opposition leaders were told that the government and the BJP would like to finalise the candidate for the presidential poll before Prime Minister Narendra Modi leaves on a three-nation trip on 24 June.

"The BJP leaders did not give any name to Congress President Sonia Gandhi but they wanted us to reveal the name of our candidate. We were expecting them to disclose the name so that we can discuss it in our party and other opposition parties. Since no names were given from the government side and since no names are being given, there is no question of any discussion and cooperation," Ghulam Nabi Azad, who was present at the meeting, told reporters later.

"They should give us the name and then seek cooperation," he said.

Questioned about the purpose of the meeting, Mallikarjun Kharge, who was also present said, "What I can guess is just they are seeking cooperation because they have already got something in their mind. That's why they have not given the name."

According to sources, the Congress leaders indicated to the BJP that the presidential candidate should have secular credentials, one who upholds the Constitution and respects democratic principles.

A joint statement by the opposition parties on 26 May had mentioned that their presidential candidate would be one "who shall steadfastly defend the constitutional values of the Republic".

Singh and Naidu are part of the three-member team constituted by Bharatiya Janata Party President Amit Shah for discussion with political parties for the presidential polls.

After meeting the two, Yechury virtually echoed the views of the Congress leaders and expressed dismay over the government not suggesting a name.

"We had expected that they would suggest some name which we could have seriously considered. Unfortunately, they did not come forward with any name," Yechury said, terming it a "public relations exercise" by the government.

He made it clear that support can be given to a candidate who has impeccable secular credentials and one who can uphold the Constitution.

"We would have certainly thought about such a person, but they did not suggest any name. So, there is nothing to think about when they did not suggest any name," Yechury said.

The senior communist leader said the government side has assured them they would come up with a name after three-four days and "sought our support".

On speculation doing the rounds that the Left parties want former West Bengal Governor Gopal Krishna Gandhi as the opposition nominee, he said, "They (government) know. The names that we are discussing are in public domain."

However, government sources said disclosing the name of its candidate before consultations with political parties may not be appropriate.

Sources said the government and the BJP are of the view that approaching different parties with one or a panel of names for approval without knowing their views and suggestions may not be appropriate.

They said the two-member BJP team, which met Congress President and other leaders, explained to them that the twin objectives of the consultation process was to have the benefit of views and suggestions of various parties in the matter and to seek their support.

They said that some political parties have already indicated their views in the matter of selection of a candidate.

The two senior leaders suggested to the CPM leaders to consider if putting up a candidate for the sake of it was necessary.

Venkaiah Naidu has already spoken with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, whose TDP is chief ally of NDA, PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss and N Rangaswamy of the All India Congress (NR) and sought their cooperation.

While the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister has assured Naidu that his party would stand by the decision of the Prime Minister, Pawar told him that he would come to Delhi and discuss the issue.

Venkaiah Naidu also spoke with JD-U leader Shard Yadav, who is in Shillong, and SP leaders Ram Gopal Yadav and Naresh Agarwal.

Meanwhile, BJP ally Shiv Sena floated the name of eminent agriculture scientist M.S. Swaminathan for the top job if its "first choice" RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat was not acceptable.

In the same breath, Sena President Uddhav Thackeray also said that if the BJP President has a good candidate, his party (Sena) would give it a thought.

He expressed the party's desire to have a "consensus candidate", who would be elected without a contest.

"If we want to make India a 'Hindu Rashtra', then Bhagwat is our first choice, first preference. But if anybody has objections to him, then Swaminathan should be made the President," Thackeray told media persons.

He added that "we are also known as a 'Krishi pradhan desh' and hence it is appropriate that we have a person like Swaminathan" as President.
The sight of two senior BJP ministers  Rajnath Singh and M Venkaiah Naidu  driving inside 10 Janpath, Congress president Sonia Gandhi's residence, on Friday morning by itself was very significant.

They had arrived at 10 Janpath with a due appointment to discuss the presidential election with Gandhi. The two ministers are part of an outreach committee specially constituted by BJP president Amit Shah with the purpose of "building a consensus" to elect the next head of the nation. The third member of this committee, finance and defence minister Arun Jaitley was not there because he is away in Seoul.

By deliberating with Sonia Gandhi and proposing to meet Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar and Communist Party of India  Marxist (CPM) chief Sitaram Yechuri and a host of other opposition leaders, the BJP has effectively countered the criticism by its political rivals that the Narendra Modi government was not interested in building consensus on an issue as important as the presidential election and was thrusting unilateralism over others.

Going by the media briefing of senior Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Ghulam Nabi Azad, after Singh and Naidu's meeting with Gandhi, it can be assumed that it was more of a courtesy call than a structured deliberation over a substantive matter. The ministers did not take any name or a panel of names in the meeting. Instead, Azad said they asked for a name if Sonia was to offer one to the ministers. The Congress's argument was how could there be a consensus without a name being taken on the discussion table.

It is noteworthy that in 2007, the Congress had sought the support of BJP only after announcing Pratibha Patil as its presidential candidate. In 2012 too, the situation was broadly the same when Congress decided to field Pranab Mukherjee as its presidential candidate. The Atal Bihari Vajpayee government in 2002 was successful in building a broad consensus over the surprise name of APJ Abdul Kalam. Barring the Left Front, almost all parties including Congress supported Kalam's candidature.

The nominations for the July 17 election will close on 28 June. And nobody has an idea as to how things are going to unfold over the next 12 days: will there be broad consensus or confrontation?

The numbers in the electoral college or value of votes are stacked in such a way that the candidate named by Prime Minister Narendra Modi or the BJP-led NDA is sure to win the election. But given the nature of the president's position as the head of the state, any consensus building effort across the political spectrum is always welcome.

But one must remember that Kalam was one such bipartisan name, which brought even known bitter political rivals together. Ghulam Nabi Azad is thus right when he asks how could there a consensus when no name has been given by the ruling dispensation.

The key question thus remains who would be ruling NDA's candidate as proposed by Modi in due course. So far the BJP or the Modi government has not deliberated on possible names, at least that's what was told to Sonia Gandhi by Singh and Naidu.

Shah will be meeting Shiv Sena chief Udhav Thackeray in Mumbai on 18 June. No particular agenda for that meeting has been outlined, however, it is understood that the presidential election would come up for the discussion. In the 2007 and 2012 presidential election, Shiv Sena had broken ranks from the NDA and supported Congress candidates  Pratibha Patil and Pranab Mukherjee. This time around the BJP would be keen that all NDA constituents remain united. Though Shiv Sena is part of the government at the centre and in Maharastra, it leaves no opportunity to take a potshot at Modi and the BJP. Shah's meeting with Thackeray thus assumes additional significance.

While the deadline to file nomination papers for a presidential candidate is 28 June, Modi or Shah could announce the name of ruling NDA candidate a week prior to that.

The prime minister has to leave for the United States on 24 June, where his meeting with President Donald Trump is scheduled on 26 June. A union minister told Firstpost that prime minister would like to be present beside the NDA's presidential candidates when the latter files the nomination papers. The presence of the prime minister and other top leaders of the ruling dispensation has also been the norm. Thus, if the prime minister has to be present on this occasion, it should ideally be scheduled on June 23, a day ahead of his departure to the US. If that be the case then an announcement of the presidential candidate should be done at least a day in advance on June 22 to give everyone time to prepare for the nomination.

It was suggested by senior BJP leaders that a decision or the announcement of NDA's presidential candidate can't be done prior to 22 June. After all 21 June is a big event day for the Modi government. It was at Modi's insistence that the United Nations had adopted this date as International Yoga Day. This time around Modi would move out of the national capital and fly to Lucknow to celebrate the day by doing yoga exercise with chief minister Yogi Adityanath. Modi's landing in Lucknow, first after the Yogi Adityanath government took the oath of office, has its own significance. All union ministers have been given a travel plan to go across the country and do their bit to popularise yoga. It is unlikely that Modi would nix the hype around International Yoga Day programmes by announcing the name of his presidential candidate. June 22, they say is the most appropriate date to make that big announcement.

However, given Modi's style to spring surprises while naming a person for top positions, even senior BJP leaders including ministers are not able to figure out who that person could be. The names which are appearing in the media  Draupadi Murmu, Sumitra Mahajan, Sushma Swaraj, Thawar Chand Gehlot, E Shreedharan or any such other name  are mere speculation of intelligent minds than informed reporting.

One has to wait for exactly one more week to know who is going to be the next President of India.
Mumbai: The Shiv Sena on Friday said it would recommend eminent agriculture scientist MS Swaminathan's name for the highest post if the BJP was not ready for the RSS chief's candidature.

Sena, the BJP's oldest ally, which has been consistently pushing for Mohan Bhagwat as the next president, changed its stand after the RSS chief recently expressed his disinclination to become constitutional head of the country.

Bhagwat, 66, recently said he is not interested in the president's post.

The Sena had earlier said the nation needs a person who can seal its fate as a 'Hindu Rashtra.'

It had also criticised the BJP over the recent farmers' strike in Maharashtra for their demands of a complete loan waiver and remunerative price for their produce, and asked the ally to take lessons from it.

"Today, not only in Maharashtra, but farmers across the country are in distress. They have, in several parts of the country, hit the streets in protest. If the government accepts Swaminathan Commission's recommendations, farmers will immensely benefit," Sena MP Sanjay Raut told reporters in Mumbai.

The cultivators, who recently went on a strike against Maharashtra government, had demanded implementation of the recommendations of the Swaminathan committee report, along with a blanket loan waiver.

"All his recommendations should be accepted and implemented immediately," Raut said.

"Before the Lok Sabha polls, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had in-principle agreed to implement all recommendations of the Swaminathan committee report. Even after coming to power, he had assured of fulfilling his promise," he said.

"Therefore an eminent person like him is fit to hold the President's post. Uddhavji will recommend his name to Amit Shah when he calls on him at 'Matoshree' (Thackeray's residence) on Sunday," Raut said.
League of Justice said: Yes, how dare anyone anywhere write such a factual articel, and a well respected man at that. Why we should only accept whatever MSNBC says. LOL







I think I'll go with Turley over incompetent internet posters who are clueless about the law, and have such a bias that they cannot see straight. Click to expand...

I'm glad you find it as funny as I do.Rachel Maddow exposed Bridgegate in NJMembers of Christies administration have pleaded to crimes after people like you were laughing.Oh, and Christie currently has 15% approval rating.Then she exposed the Flint water crisis.5 people have recently been charged with manslaughter, while members of the Republican governors cabinet have resigned, and the governors ratings are in the tank there.Then she went after Mike Flynn in Trumps new administration who was fired and is facing criminal sanctions.Then she reported on the oil lease deals Exxon has in Russia, and the Senate just recently voted 97-2 to increase the sanctions, meaning no oil deals for Tillerson, Exxon, Trump, or his buddy Vladimir.Now she is focused on the Russian collusion, and financial dealings with members of Trumps family and Attorney General Sessions ties to Russia which may have just been uncovered he committed perjury, and it looks like Trump is under investigation after all.Keep on laughing, laughing boy.
Senior BJP leaders and Union ministers Rajnath Singh and M Venkaiah Naidu on Friday arrived at Congress president Sonia Gandhi's residence for talks to reach a consensus on a presidential candidate, polling for which is scheduled to take place on 17 July. The meeting was part of BJP's outreach to stitch a consensus on the official nominee.

Speaking to various mediapersons on Friday, senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said that the BJP did not come forth with any names. Azad said that the BJP requested cooperation on the presidential elections, however, the leaders did not discuss any names. "First they need to give us a name, then there will be consensus," Azad said.

"They (BJP ministers) did not give us any name, instead asked us for a name. We were expecting them to suggest a name. Then we would have discussed that within our own party and with other opposition parties," Azad told the media after the meeting. Azad aside, Opposition leader in Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge was present in the meeting as well.

BJP leaders did not mention any name, instead tried asking us the same: Ghulam Nabi Azad,Congress on Sonia Gandhi meet #PresidentialPoll pic.twitter.com/YNmjTkNVy7  ANI (@ANI_news) June 16, 2017

"Since there was no name suggested from the government, there is no question of cooperation or discussion," said Azad. "They are seeking cooperation and what I can make, they have got something in their mind, that is why they have not given any name and are seeking cooperation. But unless they give a name there can't be any question of consensus or cooperation," Kharge added.

Singh and Naidu, who are part of the three-member team constituted by BJP president Amit Shah for discussion with political parties reached 10 Janpath around 11 am. The BJP will reach out to other Opposition parties as well to discuss the presidential candidate. Later on Friday, Singh and Naidu are scheduled to meet CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury too.

Singh and Naidu arrived at Gandhi's 10 Janpath residence to help evolve an agreement on the crucial election scheduled for Saturday. The meeting lasted for 30 minutes. The meeting comes barely two days after a sub group of opposition leaders constituted by Gandhi met in Azad's Parliament chamber to discuss the opposition strategy. Leaders had decided to wait for the government proposal on the matter before taking a further view.

Meanwhile, Naidu on Thursday spoke to Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar, who is part of the opposition bloc, and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief N Chandrababu Naidu, a BJP ally, over the presidential poll.

While Chandrababu said he would support Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call on the presidential nominee, Pawar offered no assurance and said he would be in New Delhi in a few days for further talks on the matter. The three-member BJP committee has so far reached out to Congress, Bahjan Samaj Party, NCP, TDP, CPM.

A group of nine opposition parties, including the Congress, the Left and the NCP besides the likes of the SP, BSP, JD(U) and RJD, has maintained that they will finalise their stand only after the BJP-led NDA discloses its candidate.

Many of them have made it clear that they will put up a joint candidate if the BJP nominee is seen as someone with strong Hindutva background.
New Delhi: As violence continued unabated in Darjeeling, home minister Rajnath Singh on Friday reviewed the security situation in the hill district of West Bengal.

He also took stock of the situation in Kashmir, where terrorists ambushed a police party on the outskirts of Anantnag district of South Kashmir today, killing six policemen.

Earlier on Friday, the Union home ministry put on hold sending more troops to Darjeeling to help restore normalcy as the state government had not yet submitted its report on the situation.

The meeting came a day after a team of BJP and Gorkha Janmukti Morch, which is leading the protests in Darjeeling, met the home minister seeking the Centre's intervention.

During the meeting, the home minister was briefed on the law and order situation in Darjeeling, official sources said.

Singh has been told the West Bengal government has not yet sent a report about the situation in Darjeeling.

Union Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi and other top security officials attended the hour-long meeting.

Around 1,000 central paramilitary personnel, including 200 women, had earlier been deployed in Darjeeling to assist the local administration.

Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) general secretary Roshan Giri, accompanied by BJP member of Parliament from Darjeeling SS Ahluwalia, had met the home minister on Thrusday and sought the Centre's intervention to restore peace in the hill district and "foil" the West Bengal government's attempt to make Bengali language mandatory in schools in the hills.

The GJM, an ally of the Centre's ruling NDA, has intensified its agitation for a separate Gorkhaland state.
Ahmedabad: Uttar Pradesh deputy Chief Minister Dinesh Sharma on Thursday said those who have suffered electoral drubbings are trying to create "unrest" in the states ruled by the BJP.

He said such "unrest" will also be created in Gujarat, which is going to polls later this year, to counter the development works done by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"There is a planned conspiracy behind riots and crimes (reported in the BJP-ruled states). The conspiracy is hatched by some people who could not digest their electoral defeat. This will happen across the country," Sharma said.

He was in the city to participate in a "mega job fair" programme organised by Education department of the state government.

"...Such incidents are going to happen in states like Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, where elections will be held in the coming months. These states are targeted by those people who are rattled by their defeat in elections," the deputy CM said.

He said such people could not digest the development ushered in by Modi.

"Elections are coming in Gujarat. Everybody knows about the development works done by our prime minister here. So they will try to create unrest here. Whether it is Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh or Gujarat (all ruled by BJP), they will try to create unrest," Sharma said.
Moscow : Russia claims killing the leader of the Islamic State group in an airstrike on Friday during a meeting of Islamic state leaders just outside the IS de facto capital in Syria.

The Russian Defense Ministry said Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was killed in a Russian strike in late May along with other senior group commanders.

If confirmed, it would mark a major military success for Russia, which has conducted a military campaign in support of Syrian President Bashar Assad since September 2015.

The ministry said the air raid on May 28 that targeted an IS meeting held on the southern outskirts of Raqqa in Syria also killed about 30 mid-level militant leaders and about 300 other fighters.

The ministry said the strike came as Islamic State leaders gathered to discuss the group's withdrawal from Raqqa, the group's de facto capital.

It said the military began planning the hit after getting word that the Islamic State leaders were going to gather for a meeting to plan their exit to the south.

The Russian military sent drones to monitor the area and then dispatched a group of Su-34 bombers and Su-35 fighter jets to hit the IS gathering.

"According to the information that is being verified through various channels, Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi also attended the meeting and was killed in the airstrike," it said in a statement.

The ministry added that it had warned the U.S. of the coming strike.

The ministry said that among other militant leaders killed in the raid were Islamic State leaders Abu al-Khadji al-Mysri, Ibrahim al-Naef al-Khadj and Suleiman al-Shauah.
Kabul: At least four people were killed and seven others wounded after two suicide bombers struck a mosque in Afghanistan capital Kabul on Thursday night, an Interior Ministry official said.

"Two suicide bombers tried to assault Al Zahra Mosque in western side of Kabul. But policemen guarding the building identified and intercepted the attackers," Xinhua quoted Najib Danish as saying.

He said the attackers fled to the building's kitchen shortly after police opened fire on them but they blew up their explosive vests, killing one police and one civilian near them.

Those among the injured were three police personnel and four civilians.

The injured were transferred to a police hospital in the district and an investigation has been launched into the incident.

No group has claimed the responsibility for the attack yet.
By William James and Padraic Halpin

| LONDON/DUBLIN

LONDON/DUBLIN Britain is likely to go into arduous talks on its exit from the European Union without a deal to keep Prime Minister Theresa May in power as negotiations with a Northern Irish "kingmaker" party grind into a second week.After a tumultuous week that pitched Britain into its deepest political crisis since the Brexit referendum a year ago, May's future was uncertain due to her botched gamble on a snap election and a muted response to a deadly fire in London.Fighting for her political survival, May has been trying to strike a deal with a small Northern Irish Protestant party to avoid a second election that could delay Brexit talks and damage the $2.5 trillion economy. While she is ultimately expected to reach a deal, a source in the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) told Reuters that an agreement to support her minority government was not likely before next week. The price of such a deal remains unclear."If there is the expected positive outcome, it will be at least the start of next week before anything is signed off," a DUP source told Reuters.Having lost a majority in parliament, May needs the DUP's 10 lawmakers to win any kind of vote, including on the pieces of legislation needed to enact Britain's divorce from the EU.When asked if a deal was in the making, DUP leader Arlene Foster told reporters in Dublin: "I think you know it takes two to tango and we're ready to dance." A source in May's Conservative Party said talks continued on Friday. The party has refused to give a time frame for reaching a deal, though May is due in Brussels for an EU summit on June 22-23 when she will want to show she has a solid grip on power.Besides forging a deal to keep her job and preparing for Brexit talks, May is also grappling with a crisis over the breakdown in power-sharing between the pro-British DUP and the Catholic nationalist Sinn Fein party in Northern Ireland's separate, devolved government.

She is also trying to contain outrage at home over a London tower block fire which left at least 30 people dead.After facing criticism for not meeting survivors on Thursday, May visited a hospital on Friday to speak to some of the people who escaped the fire.While European leaders try to gauge what to expect from the Brexit talks due to begin in Brussels on Monday, May is so weakened that her own Brexit strategy is the subject of public debate in her own party, and by her potential allies."We want to see a Brexit that works for everybody, not just in Northern Ireland from my perspective but in the Republic of Ireland as well, so it is about a sensible Brexit," DUP leader Foster told reporters."SENSIBLE BREXIT"

May wants to negotiate the divorce and the future trading relationship with the EU before Britain leaves in March 2019, followed by what she calls a phased implementation process to give business time to prepare for the impact of the divorce.But her vulnerability at home means that her plan to leave the EU's lucrative single market and customs union in order to impose strict limits on immigration is under intense scrutiny.Prompted by her poor election showing, particularly among pro-EU young people who fear losses of jobs and opportunity for Brexit, some of her most senior ministers and two former Conservative prime ministers have called for a rethink.May's finance minister, Philip Hammond, said on Friday that Britain should prioritise protecting jobs and economic growth.

"My clear view, and I believe the view of the majority of people in Britain, is that we should prioritise protecting jobs, protecting economic growth, protecting prosperity as we enter those negotiations and take them forward," Hammond said."As we enter negotiations next week, we will do so in a spirit of cooperation, taking a pragmatic approach, trying to find a solution that works both for the UK and the European Union 27," he told reporters before a meeting of the 28 EU finance ministers in Luxembourg. Britain's Brexit ministry said on Friday that no deal could be struck on exiting unless the future relationship with the bloc was taken into account."Our view is that a withdrawal agreement and terms of the future relationship must be agreed alongside each other," a spokesman for Britain's Brexit ministry said."We believe that the withdrawal process cannot be concluded without the future relationship also being taken into account. The withdrawal and future are intimately linked."EU leaders have given chief Brussels negotiator Michel Barnier no authority to so much as talk about future trade with Britain until he clinches outline deals on Brussels' priority issues, including London's exit bill.Addressing her party on Monday after one of its most memorable electoral failures, May said she would take a broader, more consultative approach to the Brexit talks.But after a generation of discord over Europe inside her party, May's future could depend on her ability to please both the eurosceptic and pro-European factions in her party. (Additional reporting by Amanda Ferguson; writing by Guy Faulconbridge; editing by Mark Heinrich)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Beijing: China said Friday that the BRICS foreign ministers' meeting being held in Beijing next week will involve a candid exchange of views to forge consensus on counter-terrorism while claiming that it opposes any "double standards" on the issue.

"On counter-terrorism, we have a clear-cut position that terrorism is the common enemy of mankind," Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lu Kang told reporters in Beijing responding to BJP General Secretary Ram Madhav's comments that BRICS countries should shun double standards in fighting terrorism.

"We oppose any double standard adopted by the countries in counter-terrorism efforts," he said without referring to the criticism against China over blocking an Untied Nations ban on Jaish-e-Mohammad leader Masood Azhar.

Lu said that "the BRICS foreign ministers will conduct a candid exchange of views on this issue".

The foreign ministers meeting from on 18-19 June is expected to unveil the agenda for this year's BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) Summit to be held in September in China's Xiamen city.

"The five countries are not expected to have any essential divergences and differences on this issue because the counter-terrorism efforts call on the international community to form consensus and forge a joint effort in this regard," Lu said.

At the same time, Lu said while everybody thinks that there should be no double standards on the issue of counter-terrorism, "indeed counter-terrorism requires the international community to build consensus on the basis of mutual respect".

Speaking at the BRICS political parties, think tanks and civil society organisations meeting last week in the Chinese city of Fuzhou, Madhav was quoted as saying that the five-member bloc should shun "narrow self-interests and double standards" which hampered the fight against international terrorism.

"We need to be convinced and convince others through our actions that all forms of terrorism are bad, and distinction of your terrorism and my terrorism or good terrorists and bad terrorists are unscrupulous and ill-conceived," Madhav had said in an apparent reference to China blocking India's efforts to get Azhar banned by the United Nations.

Lu said the BRICS will serve as an important organisation for strengthening relations between the developing countries with growing international influence.

"We think this foreign ministers meeting will help us to exchange in-depth views on important international issues and other issues of mutual concern," he said.

India will be represented at the meeting by Minister of State for External Affairs Gen (retd) VK Singh.

The meeting is a precursor to the chain of meetings of BRICS officials including the National Security Advisors (NSAs) meeting to be held later next month ahead of the Summit.

Incidentally, this is the first time the foreign ministers meeting has been called by a host country holding the BRICS Summit.

China took over the rotating presidency of the BRICS from India after last year's Goa Summit.

The ministers meeting was regarded as significant from both the bilateral point of view for India as well as for this year's Summit, the structure of which would be decided by the host country.

Bilaterally, the foreign ministers meeting comes in the backdrop of India-China discord over a host of issues, including the USD 50 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, culminating in India's boycott of the Belt and Road Forum last month hosted by China to highlight the progress of ambitious One Belt One Road (OBOR) initiative.

China also continues to maintain that there is no change in its stand on India's entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) as well as on the blocking of the United Nations ban on Azhar.

Also, China was expected to outline its proposals for the BRICS Summit, especially which are the countries it plans to invite for the Summit.

At the Goa Summit, India invited heads of the members of Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC).

Earlier this year, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke about BRICS Plus but gave no details.
LONDON British Prime Minister Theresa May urged the leaders of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Qatar on Thursday to take steps to reduce tensions that have led the Arab world's biggest powers to cut ties with Qatar."The Prime Minister raised the ongoing isolation of Qatar in the Gulf region, calling on all sides to urgently de-escalate the situation, engage meaningfully in dialogue, and restore Gulf Cooperation Council unity at the earliest possible opportunity," a spokesperson for May said in a statement.

Qatar should "continue to build on the progress it has already made to address the scourge of radicalisation and terrorism in the region, in partnership with its Gulf allies," the spokesperson added.

May's office said she spoke with the kings of Saudi Arabia and Bahrain and the emir of Qatar on Thursday evening.

British foreign secretary Boris Johnson urged Gulf states including Saudi Arabia to ease their blockade of Qatar on Monday. (Reporting by David Milliken; Editing by Elisabeth O'Leary)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
South Korea: Putting aside a rift over a U.S. anti-missile system, top officials from China and South Korea are attending a meeting of a China-backed Asian lending bank on the South Korean island of Jeju.

Chinese finance minister Xiao Jie and his Indian counterpart Arun Jaitley are among those attending the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank's annual meeting, which started Friday in Jeju.

South Korea was picked as the meeting's host before Beijing began protesting Seoul's agreement to allow its ally the United States to deploy on its territory key components of the so-called Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense system.

The China-led AIIB has 77 member countries.

It was unclear if the meeting would pave a way for a thaw or if finance ministers from China and South Korea would meet on its sidelines.
Beijing: The Chinese police have targeted one suspect in the blast at the entrance of a kindergarten in east China's Fengzian county, as the death toll in the explosion climbed to eight, the state media reported on Friday.

Sixty-six people were injured in blast that rocked the school, while no children or teachers were among the casualties, state-run Xinhua news agency reported. One of the injured died at the hospital later, it said.

Calling it a "criminal offence", the police have targeted the suspect, the report said, without providing further details. The blast occurred around 4:48 pm on Thursday. Two persons were killed on the spot, and another six died later in a hospital. The condition of eight among the injured remained critical, doctors said.

More than 10 senior doctors from Nanjing and Wuxi cities of Jiangsu have rushed to the site of the blast. A working team led by Huang Ming, deputy minister of public security, has been sent to investigate the blast that occurred as parents were about to pick up their children from the school.

The provincial government has ordered checks of possible safety risks at the production site, the Xinhua report said. A witness told Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post that the blast came just minutes before the end-of-day bell rang.

"At about 5 pm, we heard a blast and thought it might have been a gas explosion at a nearby food vendor," a local shop owner was quoted as saying by online news portal Sohu. "Many people might be dead," he said.

Another shop owner near the kindergarten, who refused to be identified, told the South China Morning Post that the blast happened a few minutes before the kindergarten opened its doors to allow parents go inside the school. "The parents were all queueing up at the school gate at the time," the shop owner said.

Because the explosion happened just outside the school grounds, the pupils waiting inside classrooms would probably have been shielded from injury, he said.

The shop owner said his daughter also attended the school yesterday and was later taken home safely by her grandfather. Many cooked food stalls operated outside the kindergarten and a gas cylinder might have caused the explosion, he said.

It is the latest tragedy to strike a kindergarten in China in recent weeks. A school bus packed with kindergarten pupils erupted in flames inside a tunnel in eastern Shandong province on 9 May, killing 11 children, a teacher and the driver. Officials later said the fire was intentionally set by the driver, who was angry at losing overtime wages.

China in the past witnessed knife attacks on kindergarten school children by disgruntled people. An explosion of this magnitude was rare.

In January, a man armed with a kitchen knife stabbed and wounded 11 children at a kindergarten in southern Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region.
Defense and security company Saab today completed a successful first flight of the next-generation smart fighter, Gripen E. The flight launched from Saabs airfield in Linkoping, Sweden and lasted 40 minutes, flown by Marcus Wandt, the companys experimental test pilot. During the flight, the aircraft carried out a number of actions to demonstrate various test criteria including the retracting and extending of the landing gear.

According to Jonas Hjelm, Senior Vice President and Head of Saab Business Area Aeronautics, the aircraft that flew today is equipped with the fully qualified software for the advanced avionics developed for Gripen E. This is about giving our customers a smart fighter system with the future designed in from the start. Hjelm said, The flight test activities will continue to build on this achievement with the program on track to achieve the 2019 delivery schedule to our Swedish and Brazilian customers, Hjelm added. On its maiden flight, Wandt took the Gripen E to an altitude of 13,000 ft. but the new fighter will be able to reach a ceiling limit of 52,000 ft.

The new aircraft uses the General Electric GE 414G turbofan engine rated at 22,000 lb (98 kN). With this powerful engine, Gripen E can fly up to a speed of Mach 2 or 1,400 km/h at sea level, its main advantage is the ability to cruise at supersonic speed without afterburner, thus saving fuel and achieving longer mission endurance.

Higher thrust is translated to better performance  at an empty weight of 8,000 kg, Gripen E is rated for maximum takeoff weight of 16.5 tons can carry over five tons of ordnance carried on 10 hardpoints, plus 3,400 kg of fuel on a mission. Defined by Saab as the smart fighter, Gripen E uses newly designed avionics and software package designed for quick modification and upgrading. These include a new and agile Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar and infraRed Search Track, and advanced Electronic Warfare (EW) capabilities.

Brazil and Sweden placed orders for 36 and 60-70 of these advanced jets, Brazil will receive newly built aircraft beginning in 2019 and Sweden will modernize 60 Gripen C models. Saab expects other opportunities in India, Finland, Belgium which already announced their plans to buy modern fighter jets. Saab has not given up hope on Switzerland, that has canceled plans to buy 22 Gripen Es in the past.
Washington: A second television personality has been sacked by an American news network within 10 days for making controversial statements about President Donald Trump.

US media reported that CNN first severed ties with Kathy Griffin and has now sacked Reza Aslan, who showed a documentary that allegedly promoted xenophobia and Hinduphobia and outraged the Hindu community in the US.

Griffin's contract was terminated after the comedian allowed herself to be photographed holding a prop of Trump's severed head. And Aslan was fired after he called Trump a "piece of s---" on Twitter last weekend.

Indian-American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi on Thursday welcomed the decision by the CNN to fire Aslan. "By cancelling the show 'Believer' and terminating its relationship with Aslan, CNN has taken a step in the right direction towards toning down the inflammatory rhetoric we've witnessed across the country," Krishnamoorthi said in a statement.

"CNN and all of us need to work together towards a more civil dialogue and a culture of tolerance to promote a greater understanding of Hinduism and other religions," he said.

Krishnamoorthi had lodged a strong protest after CNN aired the 'Believer' series.

Early this year, many from the Indian-American community had held protests outside CNN offices against Aslan over the 'Believer' series showing the Aghori sect as reflective of Hinduism.

Aslan tweeted in vulgar language against Trump after the US president used the London Bridge attack to promote his travel ban on people from six Muslim-majority countries.

He has apologised for the tweet.

"I lost my cool and responded to him in a derogatory fashion. That's not like me," Aslan said in a statement. "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 apologise for my choice of words," he said.

Later, CNN said they were "pleased that he has apologised for his tweets. That kind of discourse is never appropriate."

Aslan said he was disappointed by CNN's decision to terminate his contract. "However, in these politically charged times, the tenor of our nation's discourse has become complicated, and I recognise that CNN needs to protect its brand as an unbiased news outlet," he wrote.

"Similarly, I need to honour my voice. I am not a journalist. I am a social commentator and scholar. And so I agree with CNN that it is best that we part ways. I look forward to partnering with another platform in the future to continue to spread my message," Aslan said.
San Francisco: A woman sued Uber Technologies Inc on Thursday claiming top executives at the ride-hailing company improperly obtained her medical records after she was raped by a driver in India, according to court documents.

The lawsuit, filed in a California federal court, comes two days after Chief Executive of Uber Travis Kalanick said he would take a leave of absence from his troubled company to grieve for his recently deceased mother and to work on his leadership skills.

Kalanick, under fire for fostering a culture of sexism and rule-breaking at the company he helped found, is also named as a defendant in the lawsuit. The lawsuit cites several media reports which said Kalanick and others doubted the victim's account of her ordeal.

"Uber executives duplicitously and publicly decried the rape, expressing sympathy for plaintiff, and shock and regret at the violent attack, while privately speculating, as outlandish as it is, that she had colluded with a rival company to harm Ubers business," the lawsuit said.

In a statement on Thursday, Uber said: "No one should have to go through a horrific experience like this, and we're truly sorry that she's had to relive it over the last few weeks."

The rape occurred in Delhi in December 2014. The Uber driver was convicted of rape and given a life sentence in prison in 2015.

The lawsuit filed on Thursday said shortly after the rape occurred, a US Uber executive "met with Delhi police and intentionally obtained plaintiff's confidential medical records." The lawsuit says Uber has retained a copy of those records.

The woman, who is Indian and currently lives in the United States, sued Uber in 2015 alleging that the company had not established sufficient safety standards. That case was settled a few months later.
United States' president Donald Trump is expected to announce his administration's new Cuba-US policy on Friday and there are speculations that he plans to put new restrictions on trade and travel to Havana. Trump's policy will roll back parts of former president Barack Obama's regulations introduced in 2014.

Trump's Cuba policy, which will be announced in Miami, is expected to stop the flow of US cash to Cuba's military and security services. However, Trump will still maintain diplomatic relations and allow US airlines and cruise ships to continue service to the island.

Senior White House officials said that Obama's overtures had enriched Cuba's military while repression increased on the island. Trump is expected to justify his partial reversal of Obama's measures to a large extent on human rights grounds. After Havana's former leader Fidel Castro passed away, Trump said, "Fidel Castro's legacy is one of firing squads, theft, unimaginable suffering, poverty and the denial of fundamental human rights."

Officials have also said that the new administration would leave the door open to improved relations if Cuba undertakes democratic reforms such as allowing free elections and releasing political prisoners. The aim of this partial roll back of Obama's Cuba policy is to repair what Trump had called a "bad deal", they added.

Obama has advocated better relations with Cuba towards the end of his presidency. He eased trade and travel restrictions on the country in 2014 and became the first US president to visit the island nation since 1928. Trump has been moving steadily to alter the policies adopted by the Obama administration. He is materialising his campaign promises by changing the "bad" deals struck by the former administration.

Paris Climate Agreement

Another deal that Trump campaigned against and subsequently pulled the US out of, was the Paris Climate Agreement. Trump considered the deal "very unfair" to the United States and said that it was not tough enough on countries like India and China. Obama had, however described the accord as "the first-ever global agreement to set the world on a low-carbon course and protect the world we leave to our children," Politico reported.

West Asia

Prior to the Cuba announcement, Trump had also claimed to have intervened in the West Asia politics. He took credit for the ongoing gulf crisis through his tweets. His speech in Saudi Arabia seems to have emboldened the gulf countries to cut ties with Qatar.

"During my recent trip to the Middle East I stated that there can no longer be funding of Radical Ideology. Leaders pointed to Qatar," he had tweeted.

During my recent trip to the Middle East I stated that there can no longer be funding of Radical Ideology. Leaders pointed to Qatar - look!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 6, 2017

Trump's possible intervention has disrupted the fragile balance in West Asia, which Obama strived to maintain. Trump might have also hurt American interests by helping the Saudi regime isolate Qatar. Doha is home to 8,500 American troops and hosts the largest prepositioning American base in the world. On the contrary, Obama had welcomed Iran to play a "responsible role" in the region and had encouraged it to resolve its differences with its neighbours. Trump has on various occasions denounced the Iranian regime and accused it of supporting terror.

"It is a government that speaks openly of mass murder, vowing the destruction of Israel, death to America, and ruin for many leaders and nations in this room," he had said. Obama had referred to the US relationship with Saudi as "complicated", as Telegraph reported. However, Trump has openly embraced the Saudi regime while saying, "Today we begin a new chapter that will bring lasting benefits to our citizens." Washingtons relation with Riyadh was indeed complicated under the Obama administration. He sought a reconciliation with Iran and negotiated a deal with the country, which relaxed global sanctions. This disturbed the Saudi regime, which wants a complete dominance in the region. Obama initiated a power play between Tehran and Riyadh by signing the Iran nuclear deal.

NATO While making new friends with Russia and Saudi Arabia, Trump is also making a few enemies. His speech at NATO, where he publicly chided world leaders might have changed the US' equation with allies. He scolded NATO member countries for not meeting their financial commitments to the alliance and also refused to reiterate US commitment to the alliance's mutual defense pledge. "Twenty-three of the 28 member nations are still not paying what they should be paying and what they are supposed to be paying for their defense. This is not fair to the people and taxpayers of the United States, he had said.

While Trump wants to ban the citizens of Muslim majority countries from entering the United States, some NATO countries have opened their countries to refugees. CNN quoted German chancellor Angela Merkel as saying, "NATO allies should remain united in the trust that it is not isolation and the building of walls that make us successful, but an open society." She was making an oblique reference to the wall that Trump had vowed to build along the Mexico border to "stop drugs, human trafficking etc."

Don't let the fake media tell you that I have changed my position on the WALL. It will get built and help stop drugs, human trafficking etc.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 25, 2017

Obama had reiterated his commitment to NATO and vowed to hold fast to it throughout his career. He even shares a warm relationship with Merkel. On his first trip to Europe since leaving office, he visited Merkel in Berlin.

Great Britain

Merkel is not the only world leader visibly agitated by Trump. He managed to anger British prime minister Theresa May over leaks to the US media of sensitive information about the Manchester Arena bombing. The UK had even briefly stopped intelligence sharing with the US.

The US Department of State states that "the United States has no closer ally than the United Kingdom, and British foreign policy emphasizes close coordination with the United States." It further says that the relations were strengthened by the UKs alliance with the US during both World Wars, in Afghanistan as well as through its role as a founding member of NATO.

Trump may have changed this close relationship by constantly attacking NATO, its member countries and their leaders. In the wake of the Manchester bombing, Trump attacked London mayor Sadiq Khan for telling Londoners not to be alarmed about an increased police presence following the attack. Saying that Trump was wrong about many things, Khan had wanted his state visit to be cancelled, as BBC reported.

Trump seems to have a very different view of the world and America's relations with other countries. It is yet to see how his statements and actions play out on the global stage. His changing allegiance and fickle loyalty might change the US' relations with most of its partners.

With inputs from agencies
Cairo: Egyptian police stormed the homes of political opponents of a disputed 2016 agreement to transfer control of two Red Sea islands to Saudi Arabia, arresting dozens in raids in Cairo and at least 10 provinces across the country, according to two human rights lawyers.

Lawyers Mohammed Abdel-Aziz and Gamal Eid said that Thursday's arrests were made in raids staged before dawn or shortly before or after sunset, when Muslims break their dusk-to-dawn fast during the holy month of Ramadan with a meal known as iftar.

The lawyers put the number of arrests until nightfall Thursday at between 32 and 40 and said those detained were mostly linked to secular democratic parties. The arrests came amid calls on social media for protests against the agreement to be held Friday at Cairo's Tahrir square, epicenter of a 2011 popular uprising that toppled the regime of longtime ruler Hosni Mubarak.

It was not immediately clear what kind of response the call for a protest today would receive. A similar call, also over the islands, drew thousands last year, but police foiled their action by deploying in large numbers, beating up and arresting hundreds of protesters and activists. The call also comes at a time when most Egyptians are too preoccupied with making ends meet in the face of steep price hikes resulting from economic reforms that slashed the currency's value by more than half and removed fuel subsidies.

Still, the April 2016 protests were the largest in Egypt since Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi, a general-turned-president, took office in 2014, a year after he led the ouster of an Islamist president.

"The government has chosen more oppression rather than dialogue," said Eid, one of the two lawyers. "The arrests are meant to distract anyone who intends to protest tomorrow and sow confusion in the ranks of the opposition."

Meanwhile, eight people, including three journalists, who were detained during a small protest Tuesday against the islands transfer were released Thursday on bail, said the lawyers. They faced charges of disrupting public services and security and protesting without a permit.

Thursday's arrests came a day after a senior constitutional panel concluded that two courts which ruled to annul the transfer of the islands to Saudi Arabia had acted within their jurisdiction, defying parliament, which on Wednesday overwhelmingly backed the deal.

The panel's conclusion also signals the start of what could potentially be a destabilizing legal battle between the judiciary and the legislative branch of government.

The outcome of Wednesday's vote was a foregone conclusion since the legislature is packed by el-Sissi supporters, whose government insists the islands belong to Saudi Arabia.

The panel's report is meant as a guideline for the Supreme Constitutional Court, which is due to start hearings 30 July on whether the courts had acted within their jurisdiction when they ruled in June 2016 and in January this year to annul the deal. The panel's findings are not binding, but are rarely ignored.

El-Sissi must sign off on parliament's ratification of the agreement before the transfer of the islands can take place. It was not immediately clear whether the President would do that before the constitutional court meets next month.
In the light of rising global terrorism, many European countries made amendments to the existing laws on terrorism in 2016, found a European police report.

In its annual EU Terrorism Situation and Trend Report released late Thursday, the European police force said 718 jihadi terror suspects were arrested, up from 687 in 2015 and 395 in 2014.

According to the report, 142 terror attacks were recorded in eight European Union (EU) member states in 2016.

Many EU countries felt the need to work on their existing laws on terrorism, mainly after the 2016 Brussels terror attack. As noted by the trend report, here's a rundown of the major improvisations in the legislation of the EU member nations.

More power to security forces

The Brussels attack triggered Belgium to make immediate changes in the existing laws. According to the 62-page report, the country amended its legislation to permit house searches and arrests between 9 pm and 5 am, in case of a planned terrorist attack. Belgium also established law for common databases aimed at the prevention and suppression of terrorism and made law to share information from them with foreign intelligence services.

Belgium went beyond its geography to protect its citizens. The country extended its extraterritorial jurisdiction to allow the prosecution of those who commit terrorist offences against a Belgian national. This highly signifies the plunge the government is willing to take control terrorism.

Toward the end of 2015, the Slovak Parliament adopted the anti-terror package in response to the November 2015 terrorist attacks in Paris. The package gave new powers to police, prosecution offices, courts and intelligence services to fight against terrorism.

France, too, extended the powers of its investigators by permitting night-time house searches and allowing use of new techniques for data collection. Furthermore, France also strengthened the efficiency of administrative controls to avert terrorist acts. Amendments were also made for surveillance of those coming back to France after travelling abroad to participate in terrorist activities.

#TESAT17: 142 failed, foiled & completed terrorist attacks in the EU in 2016. 1002 arrests.

Download report here: https://t.co/mMjkmWo2Zc pic.twitter.com/IxTnjVnz8X  Europol (@Europol) June 15, 2017

Travel restrictions

Most European countries aimed to prevent travel of citizens to other nations to participate in terrorist activities. According to the report, Hungary, Belgium, France, Finland, Romania, Sweden, and Italy made strong changes in their law to bar travel with intentions of joining terrorist outfits.

While Belgium criminalised the incitement and the recruitment to travel to and from the country for terrorist purposes, Denmark made law to keep a strict check on all travel to Syria and Iraq. The Danish citizens now need to seek permission from the authorities to visit the two countries irrespective of their reason to travel.

The Netherlands also made a notable change in their law. The possibility of taking away Dutch citizenship was extended to preparatory offences (including training for terrorism). However, the decision would call for an involvement of their minister of security and justice.

Slovakia addressed the need to tackle the phenomenon of foreign terrorist fighters. In 2016, it introduced participating in combat operation within an organised armed group abroad as an offence under the criminal code.

Financing terrorism

Both Finland and Italy have amended their legislation to discourage financing acts of terror.

While Finland made the funding of travel for preparing a terrorist act or give/receive terrorist training a criminal offence, Italy made a new provision to criminalise gathering of funds to commit terrorist offence. Italy's provision considered it as an act of offence even in the absence of a link to a terrorist outfit or existing conspiracy.

Sweden, on the other hand, brought in new provisions criminalising gathering, supplying or receiving money or other property with the purpose of supporting travel for an act of terrorism.

All of the mentioned data indicate an obvious relation between the number of terror attacks and the legislative changes in the European countries. While reports similar to that of Europol successfully underscore the reality, what remains unknown is if the new and amended laws can work their way through impressionable minds.

EU security commissioner, Julian King, told BBC that the figures in the report reinforced the need for closer co-operation in intelligence sharing. So, while there are norms within countries to hunt down forces against world peace, introduction of common databases like that pitched in by Belgium is more likely to level up the war against terrorism.
The Hague: The numbers arrested in Europe on suspicion of jihadist activities nearly doubled over the last two years, Europe's policing agency said on Thursday, with an alarming rise among women and young adults.

Some 718 suspects were arrested on offences relating to jihadist terror last year as opposed to 395 in 2014, Europol said in its annual EU Terrorism Situation and Trend Report.

But actual attacks dropped from 17 in 2014 to 13 last year - of which six were linked to the Islamic State group.

The 62-page report also pointed out that women and children, as well as young adults played an increasingly important operational role.

"Female militant jihadists in the West perceive fewer obstacles to playing an operative role in a terrorist attack than men, and successful or prevented attacks carried out by women in western countries may act as an inspiration to others," it noted.

One in four of those arrested in Britain in 2016 were women, an 18 percent increase from 2015, Europol said.

In France - the EU country with the highest number of arrests at 456 last year - almost a third of the suspects were 25 years or younger, Europol said.

Overall there were 142 "failed, foiled or completed terrorist attacks" including those by jihadists - with more than half in Britain.

Britain was rocked by a suicide bombing at a pop concert in Manchester on 22 May which killed 22 people, including children. Two weeks later, a knife and van attack in central London left eight dead.

Of the 142 victims of terror attacks last year, 135 died in jihadist attacks, said the report.

That reinforced the need for closer cooperation in intelligence sharing among member states, security officials urged.

"Terrorists do not respect or recognise borders," said EU safety chief Julian King.

"In our resolve to defeat them we must draw on a new-found determination to work together, sharing information and expertise," he said in the report.

But the report also noted that not all attacks were jihadist-inspired. Most of the other attacks were carried out by "ethno-nationalist" and separatists extremists.

For instance "dissident Republican groups in Northern Ireland were involved in 76 attacks," the report said, leading to a total of 123 arrests.

British authorities in May last year raised the threat level because of terror-related incidents in Northern Ireland from "moderate" to "substantial".

This "means an attack is a strong possibility," Europol said.

In total 1,002 arrests overall were made in 2016 relating to terror activities.
Berlin: Germany on Friday lashed out at Washington over new sanctions against Russia that target the planned Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline to Europe.

The new penalties, approved by the US Senate on Thursday, include a paragraph that threatens to penalise European companies that push ahead with energy export programmes with Russia.

Those include the Nord Stream 2 pipeline which would pump Russian gas under the Baltic Sea directly to Germany.

"It is strange that in the sanctioning of Russia's behaviour, with regards to the US elections for instance, that the European economy should become a target of American sanctions. That must not happen," said Chancellor Angela Merkel's spokesman Steffen Seibert.

He added that Merkel shared the concerns raised by Germany's foreign minister Sigmar Gabriel and Austrian chancellor Christian Kern who charged in a joint statement Thursday that the measure brings a "completely new and entirely negative quality to European-US relations".

In a hard-hitting statement, the German and Austrian said they "cannot accept the threat of extra-territorial sanctions against European companies that participate in the expansion of European energy supplies", adding that this would "violate international law".

They accused Washington of using the sanctions to squeeze Russian gas supplies out of Europe in favour of US energy exports.

"The aim is to secure jobs in gas and oil industries in the US," said Gabriel and Kern.

"Political sanctions should not be mixed up with economic interests," they warned, stressing that "Europe's energy supply is Europe's business and not that of the United States".

"We decide who delivers energy to us and how, according to rules of openness and economic competitiveness," said Gabriel and Kern.

The bill as originally introduced was exclusively about slapping new sanctions on Iran. But lawmakers attached a bipartisan amendment on Russia to it early this week.

The addition came with the White House deeply embroiled in crisis over whether Trump's campaign team colluded with a Russian effort to sway the 2016 election.
Geneva: A Qatari official accused Saudi Arabia and its allies Friday of imposing a "siege" on his country with sanctions he said having a more devastating effect than the Berlin Wall.

Ali bin Smaikh al-Marri, chairman of Qatar's national human rights committee, said the measures amounted to collective punishment and cited one case of a mother being separated from her baby.

The recent decision by several countries to cut ties with Qatar was trampling on the rights of citizens from the entire region, he said.

"This siege and these measures have led to what is called collective punishment," Marri told reporters in Geneva in Arabic through a translator, calling on the international community to intervene.

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt announced earlier this month the suspension of all ties to Qatar. They accused it of state support for extremist groups and denounced its political proximity to Shiite Iran.

Qatar denies the allegations.

Among other measures, the four states gave all Qatari citizens 14 days to leave their countries and ordered home their own citizens living in Qatar.

This had led to "gross violations of human rights", Marri said, pointing out that every Qatari family had at least one member living in other countries in the region.

These measures "are harsher than the Berlin Wall that separated families", he added.

His committee had so far received 1,064 complaints for a vast range of rights violations, from both Qataris and citizens of the other countries involved, he said.

He pointed to new laws issued by Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the UAE threatening between five and 15 years in prison for any of their citizens "who shows sympathy to the state of Qatar".

In one case, he said, a Qatari woman was ordered to leave the UAE where she lived with her husband and infant. When she arrived at the airport however, she was told she could not take her baby, who had Emirati citizenship, with her.

Thousands of students studying abroad had also been affected, he said. He cited the case of one woman from Qatar who was in her last year studying at a university in UAE who had been forced to leave.

"She has lost four years of study," he said.

Merri said his committee was urging Saudi Arabia and its allies to lift their sanctions, and was calling on the international community to pressure them to do so.

He called on UN human rights chief Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein, who has already expressed alarm at the measures, to send a delegation to Qatar to see the impact of the sanctions firsthand.

Merri also urged Qatar to "immediately move internationally to ensure the end of this siege, by going to the Security Council or other UN mechanisms."
What could be more amusing than seeing US President Donald Trump and his secretaries negating each other on Qatar crisis. In his initial tweets, Trump rushed to take all the credit for Saudi-Emirati-led ban against Qatar for financing and sheltering terrorism; defence secretary signed a deal to sell 36 F-15 jets to Qatar with his Qatari counterpart Khaled Al Attiyah in Washington. If the deal is any indication, there is no confusion that the leadership in the United States has not subscribed the ban move as assumed by many in Riyadh and Abu Dhabi. Those who decided the ban diplomacy had assumptions which fell flat in just few days after the ban.

The Saudi-Emirati decision-makers found it extremely difficult to sell the ban to their allies, clients and even to smaller nations dependent on aids and charities. The ban is gradually becoming a liability with no safe and honourable exit in sight. All reactions from Abu Dhabi, Riyadh and Cairo indicate that something has gone terribly wrong. First, they undermined Qatar's media and communication capabilities to resist terror charges. Qatar-supported powerful media outlets continue to remain less-controlled than the Saudi and Emirati media outlets. The fight between Al-Jazeera and Al-Arabia will tell you that Al-Jazeera has maintained more of a professional outlook and Al-Arabia turned into a party against Qatar.

By now, it is clear that Turkey can, both, play a broker and an ally of Qatar; Iran will support Turkey; most of the European countries did not support the ban and French president Emmanuel Macron was the first to have called both sides of the dispute. Those who supported are now gradually easing or finding a way out. Morocco and Jordan lowered their diplomatic relations with Qatar but they have now offered assistance to Qatar. The Jordanian King will be visiting Kuwait this week to break the deadlock. Kuwait and Oman remain staunchly in favour of a negotiated settlement and Kuwait Emir is the main contact person to find a breakthrough. Major world powers  Russia, China, Germany and Britain  did not subscribe to the Saudi-Emirati version of the conflict.

There are three reasons why the ban on Qatar went wrong.

The terrorism discourse advanced by the Saudi-Emirati-Egypt troika was reduced to Muslim Brotherhood and Hamas which sent a clear message that the move was extremely political and taken up to appease the Egyptian authorities because of their strained relation with the Saudis. Hamas, despite its extreme anti-Israeli rhetoric, enjoys immense support in Arab nations because of its two major battles against Israel and managing the Gaza Strip under regional and international sanctions.

By singling out Hamas as a terrorist group, without resolving the Arab-Israeli conflict and without providing people with clear alternative to replace Hamas in Gaza and West Bank, people easily related it to Israeli rhetoric against Hamas. On Muslim Brotherhood, the troika ignored the long history of repression of Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt and how the Gulf countries, particularly Saudi Arabia, had rescued and sheltered the escaping Brotherhood leaders from Nasser's Egypt.

There are at least three generations who were taught and educated by Egyptian teachers many of whom belonged to the Muslim Brotherhood. Perhaps, Yousuf al Qardawi enjoys more respect and support that any Gulf Cooperation Council monarch. The Muslim Brotherhood story that they are the main victims of Egyptian state's repression is still the story most of the Arabs believe. This is what the US State Secretary Rex Tillerson meant when he said that it was problematic to place the entire Muslim Brotherhood organisation on a terror list.

The second reason that the ban is failing is that it was clearly disproportionate, compared to the previous diplomatic restrictions imposed on Qatar in 2002 and 2014.

This round of sanctions created a war-time panic among the Qatari citizens with air, land and naval blockade which stopped essential supplies shipped mostly through Saudi land routes. The ban was disproportionate to the objectives set by the banning countries. The story of Qatar supporting Hamas and Muslim Brotherhood was not new; its relations with Iran is not a secret. None of the stated reasons warranted such urgency. The controversial statements attributed to the Qatari Emir were under investigation as Qatar claimed the website of its official news website and its Twitter was hacked.

The third reason is about Egypt and UAE with whom Qatar has serious differences on issues related to regional security.

Qatar has been a key supporter of forces behind the Arab uprisings. United Arab Emirate has now adopted a pro-active foreign policy to rollback the uprisings starting from Egypt where it actively supported General Al-Sisi in overthrowing Mohammad Morsi, the first elected president of Egypt. In Libya as well, UAE, Egypt and Qatar are supporting opposite groups. UAE's role in facilitating a separate South Yemen council is one more example how UAE has gone beyond the original plan Saudi Arabia had decided about Yemen. As Saudis remain focused on Yemen, UAE and Egypt are collaborating everywhere to stop the Islamist forces, mostly by force.

Turkey took no time to sense that the Qatar ban is primarily a UAE and Egyptian design which has Saudi green light. President Erdogan's statements have referred to both UAE and Egypt and Turkish media has even reported that the UAE hand in Turkey's 15 July failed coup attempt. Turkey's Qatar diplomacy is clearly focused on sidelining UAE and Egypt while mending ties between Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The Turkish diplomacy has approached all regional leaders except UAE and Egypt.

The 2014 compromise and then King Salman's policies were more in favour of Qatar. As Saudi Arabia remains preoccupied by Yemen, where its immediate security is at stake, UAE and Egypt were in a position to force King Salman to change his approach towards Qatar.

As Europe, Turkey, Russia and Iran opposed the Qatar ban, Egypt and UAE are handing over the charge to King Salman to take the final call on the crisis. The anti-Qatar rhetoric is declining and ban is being eased. The misadventure, however, has questioned the leadership of Saudi Arabia's young and ambitious deputy prince Mohammad Bin Salman. Saudis will prefer not to let this crisis allow Iran to manipulate and align with Saudi allies Turkey, Pakistan and other Arab and European countries now opposed to Saudi-UAE imposed ban on Qatar.

The author is a Delhi-based analyst and a Research Fellow at Indian Council of World Affairs.
BERLIN Former German Chancellor Helmut Kohl, the architect of German reunification, died on Friday, the mass-selling newspaper Bild reported. He was 87.Bild reported in its online edition that Kohl died in the morning in his home in Ludwigshafen, in western Germany."We mourn," Kohl's Christian Democratic Union party (CDU) tweeted with a picture of the former chancellor.

Germany's longest serving post-war chancellor from 1982 to 1998, Kohl was a driving force behind the introduction of the euro currency, convincing sceptical Germans to give up their cherished deutschemark.An imposing figure who formed a close relationship with French President Francois Mitterrand in pushing for closer European integration, Kohl had been frail and wheelchair-bound since suffering a bad fall in 2008.

At home, he is celebrated above all as the father of German reunification, which he achieved after the 1989 fall of the Berlin Wall despite resistance from partners such as British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev.

He won voters in communist East Germany by promising them "flourishing landscapes".Shortly after leaving office, Kohl's reputation was tarnished by a financing scandal in his centre-right party, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), now led by Chancellor Angela Merkel. Kohl mentored Merkel early in her career, appointing her to her first ministerial post.Until his death, Kohl refused to identify the donors, saying he had given them his word. (Reporting by Thomas Escritt and Paul Carrel; editing by Mark Heinrich)

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By Paul Carrel and Thomas Escritt

| BERLIN

BERLIN Former Chancellor Helmut Kohl, the architect of Germany's 1990 reunification and mentor to Angela Merkel, has died at age 87, his Christian Democratic Union party (CDU) said on Friday.The mass-selling newspaper Bild reported that Kohl died on Friday morning in his home in Ludwigshafen, in western Germany."We mourn," the CDU tweeted with a picture of the former chancellor.Germany's longest serving post-war chancellor from 1982 to 1998, Kohl was a driving force behind the introduction of the euro currency, convincing sceptical Germans to give up their cherished deutschemark.An imposing figure who formed a close relationship with French President Francois Mitterrand in pushing for closer European integration, Kohl had been frail and wheelchair-bound since suffering a bad fall in 2008.Tributes quickly flowed in from around the world.

Former U.S. President George H.W. Bush said he and his wife Barbara "mourn the loss of a true friend of freedom, and the man I consider one of the greatest leaders in post-war Europe.""Working closely with my very good friend to help achieve a peaceful end to the Cold War and the unification of Germany within NATO will remain one of the great joys of my life," he added in a statement. "Helmut was a rock."Gerhard Schroeder, Kohl's successor as chancellor, called him a "great patriot and European...The unification of our country and our continent will be linked to his name for all time."

In Brussels, European flags were lowered to half mast in tribute.European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, who served as Luxembourg's prime minister while Kohl was in office, tweeted: "Helmut's death hurts me deeply. My mentor, my friend, the very essence of Europe, he will be greatly, greatly missed."At home, Kohl is celebrated above all as the father of German reunification, which he achieved after the November 1989 fall of the Berlin Wall despite resistance from partners such as British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev.

He won voters in bleak communist East Germany by promising them "flourishing landscapes".Shortly after leaving office, Kohl's reputation was tarnished by a financing scandal in his centre-right CDU, now led by Chancellor Merkel. Kohl mentored Merkel early in her career, appointing her to her first ministerial post.Until his death, Kohl refused to identify the donors, saying he had given them his word.European leaders said the EU must build on his legacy.Italian EU affairs minister Sandro Gozi tweeted: "We have lost a great leader, above all a European with vision and courage. We missed him and we will miss him. We must follow his example to relaunch the EU." (Additional reporting by Michael Nienaber in Berlin and Alastair Macdonald in Brussels; editing by Mark Heinrich)

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Berlin: Helmut Kohl, the former German chancellor who seized the chance to reunite his country after years of Cold War separation, was a colossus of contemporary European history who became celebrated as an architect of the continent's integration.

Germany's longest-serving postwar leader, Kohl, who died on Friday at 87, was a passionate European who was also central to creating the euro, despite appearing earlier in life as an unlikely candidate to emerge as a pivotal figure.

When a 52-year-old Kohl  whose surname means "cabbage" in German  first became chancellor of West Germany in 1982, the 1.93-metre tall (six-foot-four-inches) provincial conservative with the penchant for rustic pork dishes was the butt of countless food jokes.

But when the detested Berlin Wall came down in November 1989, Kohl moved to "grab the mantle of history," as he later said, forging a political stature commensurate with his towering height.

Former protegee Angela Merkel lauded Kohl's contribution to German and European integration in 2012, on the 30th anniversary of his becoming chancellor, declaring that Europeans were "united in our luck" thanks to Kohl's efforts.

Kohl, who served as chancellor for 16 years, considered Konrad Adenauer  West Germany's visionary first chancellor, who allowed the nation to make a fresh start after World War II  as an ideological forefather.

"After the fall of the Berlin Wall, Kohl acted as though the spirit of Konrad Adenauer had suddenly seized him," wrote Stanley Hoffmann, a professor of European history at Harvard University.

'Shoulder to Shoulder'

In 1989, after four decades of division, the capitalist and democratic West Germany was starkly different from the communist, dilapidated East Germany.

Uniting the two would prove a Herculean task, with "Wessis" (Westerners) loath to sacrifice their standard of living, and "Ossis" (Easterners) keen for unity but worried of being treated as second-class citizens.

On the world stage, too, the challenges were daunting.

Kohl recalled in his autobiography how he had to contend with the reticence of French president Francois Mitterrand to see Germany unified, and the even stronger resistance of Britain's "foot stomping" premier Margaret Thatcher.

"It was suddenly very clear to me that the Iron Lady wanted to maintain the status quo... All fears boiled down to one thing - that Germany would become strong again," he wrote.

Kohl assured both leaders that Germany would respect its 1945 borders and move forward "shoulder to shoulder" with its Western allies.

The conservative Kohl and the socialist Mitterrand went on to develop a warm friendship, and their tight cooperation drove Europe towards the creation of its single currency.

'One people'

Kohl wrote in his memoirs that his conviction that German reunification was necessary was vindicated in the fateful autumn of 1989, when protesters' chants in the East shifted from "We are the people" to "We are one people".

He cut short a visit to Poland on the night the Wall fell and rushed to Berlin, only to be jeered by the crowd.

But less than three weeks later, he unveiled a 10-point plan that decisively set East and West on course for unification.

Kohl persuaded US president George HW Bush to accept a larger, reunified Germany, and convinced Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev to withdraw troops from East Germany.

The new country was to be the heart of an enlarged European Union  a project he believed would ensure peace  and a staunch NATO member.

Riding roughshod over the concerns of Germany's central bank, Kohl insisted that the deutschmark and the ostmark would be given the same value.

Less than 11 months after the Wall fell, on 3 October, 1990, Germany was again whole. But unity came at a cost.

Facing significantly higher unemployment, the east remained poorer than the west, making many former East Germans nostalgic for the old days - frustrations that helped Social Democrat Gerhard Schroeder topple Kohl in 1998.

"The political  and also economic  price of delaying unification would have been much heavier than the financial burden that we accepted with fast-track reunification," Kohl insisted in 1996, by which time $480 billion had already flowed east.

"Even if I had seen those figures in 1990, I would not have acted differently on the main points."

'Rise of Merkel'

Born a Catholic on 3 April, 1930, in the western industrial city of Ludwigshafen, Kohl rose quickly through the ranks of the Christian Democratic Union party, his ever-smiling blonde wife Hannelore  with whom he had two sons  by his side.

Hannelore had long suffered from an excruciating sunlight allergy, however, and committed suicide in 2001.

Seven years later, Kohl married Maike Richter, an economy ministry aide 35 years his junior.

Though his place in history is assured, Kohl's reputation in Germany was marred in the twilight of his career by a party slush fund scandal.

The affair helped propel a young Merkel to the helm of the party  and later the country  after she turned on her former mentor.

Kohl sniped in recent years at her handling of the eurozone debt crisis, though he left politics in 2002 and had recently been confined to a wheelchair, with his speech severely impaired after his jaw was paralysed in a fall.
Washington: Indian-American CEOs Indra Nooyi of Pepsico and Ajay Banga of Mastercard along with India's IT major Wipro on Friday joined scores of US companies in welcoming President Donald Trump's ambitious apprenticeship programme aimed at developing job-related skills among the workforce.

"We applaud the president's commitment to industry-driven apprenticeships as a powerful tool to build the skilled workforce prepared for the jobs of the 21st century," Business Roundtable a group of chief executive officers of leading US companies  said in a full-page advertisement released in The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times on Friday.

Abidali Neemuchwala from Wipro Limited is the only Indian company to have signed on this advertisement.

Several Indian-American CEOs including Nooyi, Banga also signed on this advertisement supporting Trump's initiative.

Ajita Rajendra from A O Smith Corporation, Ashok Vemuri from Conduent Incorporated, Dinesh C Paliwal from Harman International Industries, Bhavesh V Patel from Lyondell Basell Industries have also signed.

Besides, the advertisement was signed by scores of US companies including American Airlines, Caterpillar, General Motors, General Electrics and Verizon.

"America needs a strong, skilled workforce to drive job creation and ensure future economic growth. America's business leaders are encouraged by the administration's focus on building a 21st century workforce and welcome president Trump's commitment to expand and improve apprenticeship opportunities in the US," said Wes Bush, chairman, CEO and president of Northrop Grumman corporation and chair of the Business Roundtable Education and Workforce Committee.

"Work-and-learn models, including internships and apprenticeships, are powerful tools to close the skills gap and meet our nation's workforce needs. We support the president's challenge and look forward to partnering with government at every level as we work together to rebuild the pipeline that generates top talent," he added.
CAIRO Iran's support to Shi'ite groups in Iraq is obstructing efforts to bridge the sectarian divide ahead of a parliamentary election next year, Iraqi Vice President Iyad Allawi said on Friday.Iraqi leaders hope to restore control over all Iraqi territory, defeating Islamic State, before an election due by the middle of next year."Iran has been interfering even in the decision (making process) of the Iraqi people," he said. "We don't want an election based on sectarianism, we want an inclusive political process ... we hope that the Iraqis would choose themselves without any involvement by any foreign power."Allawi, a secular Shi'ite politician who has supporters among some Sunnis, was in Cairo to meet Egyptian leaders including President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi for discussions about oil and the conflicts in Syria, Yemen and Libya.

Iraq lies on the fault line between Shi'ite Iran and the mostly Sunni Arab world. Deep-running animosity and distrust between the two sides is fuel led by sectarian divides.Tensions grew further after Iran, by leveraging its ties with Iraq's Shi'ite majority, has emerged as the main power broker in Iraq after the United States withdrew its troops in 2011, eight years after it toppled Sad dam Hussies, a Sunni .

Tehran denies interfering in Iraqi politics, saying the military assistance it provides to Shi'ite paramilitary groups is meant to help defeat Islamic State, the Sunni insurgents who declared a "caliphate" over parts of Iraq and Syria in 2014.U.S.-backed Iraqi forces have dislodged Islamic State from Iraqi cities the militants captured, and are about to fully capture Mogul, which used to be their de facto capital in the country. The group however remains in control of swathes of territory by the Syrian border and inside Syria.

Both of Iraq's current and previous prime ministers, Hailer al-Badri and Nutria al-Maliki, belong to the Dana party, a Shi'ite group with close ties to Iran. But Abaci has managed relations with the Sunni better than Mali, and also improved Baghdad's ties with Saudi Arabia, Iran's regional foe."This is the right time to have a fair election that nobody interferes in, neither Iran nor anybody else, nor Turkey, nor Syria nor the U.S.," said Allawi.Allawi has previously accused Tehran of blocking his bid to become prime minister in the 2010 elections, even though his group won the largest number of seats, albeit with a narrow margin. (Reporting by Amina Ismail; Writing by Maher Chmaytelli; Editing by Alison Williams)

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DUBLIN Ireland's new prime minister will meet his British counterpart, Theresa May, for the first time on Monday to discuss Brexit and the political deadlock in the Northern Irish regional assembly.

"I will be speaking to her about a renewed commitment by the two governments to work together to ensure that the (Northern Ireland) executive is established before June 29," Leo Varadkar told national broadcaster RTE on Friday, in reference to the deadline to restore the power-sharing regional government.

"Obviously also we are going to have a discussion around Brexit. I'll be interested to learn from her to what extent, if at all, British policy has changed and to relay to her once again the particular concerns that we have in Ireland about the impact on the border, trade and freedom of citizens to move freely between our two islands as we have done for centuries." (Reporting by Padraic Halpin; Editing by Janet Lawrence)

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Geneva: The United Nations on Friday said that the Islamic State group jihadists may be holding more than one lakh Iraqi civilians as human shields in the old city of Mosul.

Iraqi forces are fighting to retake Mosul from Islamic State, after the jihadist group overran the city in 2014, imposing its brutal rule on its inhabitants.

The UN refugee agency's representative in Iraq Bruno Geddo said that Islamic State had been capturing civilians in battles outside of Mosul and had been forcing them into the old city, one of the last parts of the city in their grip.

"More than one lakh civilians may still be held in the Old City", Geddo told reporters in Geneva.

"We know that Islamic State has moved the civilians with them, as they left to the locations where the fighting was going on. These civilians are basically held as human shields in the old city", he said

With virtually no food, water or electricity left in the area, the civilians are "living in an increasingly worsening situation of penury and panic", he added. "They are surrounded by fighting on every side."

Snipers meanwhile try to kill anyone trying to leave the area under jihadist control, he said, adding that the few who manage to escape are "deeply traumatised".

Since the battle to retake Mosul began nine months ago, an estimated 08,62,000 lakh people have been displaced from the city, although 01,95,000 lakh have since returned, mainly to the liberated east of the city.

That means that 06,67,000 lakh people remain displaced, nearly all of them from western Mosul, and are living in 13 camps set up by UNHCR or with host families.

Geddo said the UN agency so far had provided assistance to more than 05,00,000 lakh of the displaced people, and was also attempting to help those returning to Mosul, often to live in bombed-out buildings.

"Many of these people are returning to situations of penury", he warned.
In January this year, an explosion at a guesthouse in Kandahar left 11 people dead  including five diplomats from the UAE and the country's ambassador to Afghanistan Juma Mohammed Abdullah al-Kaabi, who succumbed to his injuries a few weeks after the blast (see here, here and here). The spokesperson for the Kandahar governor, Sameem Khpalwak, who was among those wounded in the attack, had then said that the incident took place during a meeting between senior officials and diplomats from the UAE embassy.

Kandahar governor Humayun Azizi was also wounded in the attack. He recuperated and returned home two months later after undergoing treatment in India.

Afghanistans intelligence agency NDS released its report of the investigation into the terror bombing. This was a joint investigation conducted by the NDS, Afghan Police and a foreign investigation team from the UAE.

Addressing a press conference in Kabul, NDS chief Mohammad Masoom Stanikzai called the attack heinous and said the main operative behind the attack was Sayed Mahboob Agha, the cook at the guesthouse. Stanikzai said the Taliban promised to give the cook $30,000 and a house in Pakistan in return for carrying out the explosion. He received specific instructions to kill the UAE ambassador. Further, Stanikzai added that the explosives had been carried into the guesthouse in bread baskets by the cooks co-workers, and had been detonated remotely.

The English translation of the report follows:

Afghanistan's intelligence agency NDS on Thursday released the results of the investigation into the Kandahar guesthouse blast in January which claimed at least 12 lives. Addressing a press conference in Kabul, NDS chief Mohammad Masoom Stanikzai called the attack heinous and said the main operative behind the attack was Sayed Mahboob Agha, the cook at the guesthouse.

Stanikzai said the Taliban promised to give the cook $30,000 USD and a house in Pakistan in return for carrying out the explosion. He added that the explosives had been detonated remotely.

According to him, Mahboob had worked at the guesthouse for several years. The explosives had been carried into the guesthouse by the cooks co-workers inside bread baskets.

"Someone came to me and I went to Quetta (city of Pakistan) with him and we visited a Taliban leader there. They told me that there are rumors that the Emirates ambassador is coming to Kandahar. They said that this person (the ambassador) should be eliminated. He said that their elders have decided that the individual (the ambassador) must be killed," the suspect Mahboob was quoted by Stanikzai as having said.

Mahboob went to Chaman, the capital of Qilla Abdullah district in Balochistan province of Pakistan, three times ahead of the attack and there he met with two members of the Quetta Shura (Quetta Council). Also he met with a key member of the Taliban. He got the order for the attack there, the findings reveal.

The findings of the investigation show that the explosives were placed in one of the sofas in the guesthouse and was detonated by remote control. The team has found that three main plotters of the attack are in Pakistan. Kabul and UAE have asked Pakistan to help Afghanistan in arresting the three suspects. The explosion in Kandahar guesthouse left 11 people dead including five UAE diplomats and the UAE ambassador to Afghanistan, Juma Mohammed Abdullah al Kaabi, who succumbed to his injuries a few weeks after the blast.

The victims of the Kandahar guesthouse attack were all high-ranking officials and diplomats who had gathered to welcome the UAE ambassador.

Kandahar governor Humayun Azizi was also wounded in the attack. He returned home two months later after treatment abroad.
London: Facing increasing criticism for not meeting with locals sooner, British prime minister Theresa May will visit those injured in a London tower block blaze in hospital on Friday, as pressure mounts on her after a failed election gamble.

Britain's Queen Elizabeth, Opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn and London Mayor Sadiq Khan have all met residents. The queen and Prince William visited residents on Friday morning after government ministers had done so.

May has even been criticised from within her own Conservative Party for not doing so.

She has pledged to hold a public inquiry into the fire that killed 17 people with dozens still missing after it engulfed a 24-storey social housing block in West London, and expressed her sorrow on television after meeting emergency services personnel.

"She wanted an entirely controlled situation in which she didn't use her humanity," former cabinet minister Michael Portillo told BBC. "She should have been there with the residents. You have to be prepared to receive people's emotions, and not be so frightened about people."

Asked on Thursday about why she did not meet locals, May said she wanted to be briefed by the emergency services.

The Sun newspaper said 65 people were now feared dead or missing. London police expect the toll to rise but it could take months to search the building and identify the victims.

Locals were expected to stage a march in Kensington, where social housing tenants live cheek by jowl with billionaires in one of Europe's richest districts, from 3 pm while a rally to demand justice for the victims was due to start in the government district of Westminster at 5 pm.

While the disaster has prompted an outpouring of generosity, there was also anger at politicians as the charred tower was cast as a deadly symbol of a divided society.

'Now the anger'

British newspapers, including those which backed May in the 8 June election, sharpened their criticism of the government. They cited a series of unanswered issues including whether the cladding used on the building helped the blaze spread.

Planning documents detailing the recent refurbishment of the block did not refer to a type of fire barrier that safety experts said must be used when high-rise blocks are re-clad.
London: London firefighters combed through a burned-out public housing tower on Thursday in a grim search for missing people as police and the prime minister launched investigations into the deadly inferno, with pressure building on officials to explain the disaster and assure that similar buildings around the country are safe.

At least 17 people were killed as flames raced through the 24-story Grenfell Tower early Wednesday, trapping people inside their apartments. Many people remained unaccounted for on Thursday, and officials weren't sure exactly how many were missing. But they expected the death toll to rise significantly.

London Police said an investigation had been launched to determine whether the blaze involved any crimes and Prime Minister Theresa May announced a public inquiry, a type of probe that's used to investigate issues of major public concern. In addition, London mayor Sadiq Khan called for an interim report on the fire to be published this summer.

"People deserve answers. The inquiry will give them that," said May, the Conservative leader who set aside her efforts to form a new government on Thursday to visit the scene of the blaze.

An angry crowd confronted Khan as he visited the high-rise.

"How many children died? What are you going to do about it?" asked 7-year-old Kai Ramos. As the boy pressed, the Labour politician pledged to get answers.

The tower is in the North Kensington neighborhood, a working-class, multi-ethnic area next to some of the richest neighborhoods in Britain. Some observers asked whether hazards in the Grenfell complex, which had 120 apartments that housed as many as 600 people, were ignored because its residents are mainly poor.

A tenant group had complained for years about the risk of a fire in the building, owned by the local government in the borough of Kensington and Chelsea.

Fire safety engineers were stunned at how rapidly the fire spread, engulfing the building in less than an hour in the middle of the night and preventing firefighters from reaching many people inside. Some jumped to their deaths rather than face the flames, and witnesses reported seeing small children thrown from the tower by their families in a desperate bid to survive.

Firefighters trying to race into the building were protected from the falling debris by police officers who placed riot shields over their heads.

Queen Elizabeth II praised the firefighters' bravery, and their commissioner noted the trauma they had seen. One officer was in tears after seeing someone plunge out a window, Fire Commissioner Dany Cotton told Sky News.

"We like to think of ourselves as 'roughty, toughty' and heroes  they are heroes  but they have feelings. People were absolutely devastated by yesterday's events," Cotton said.

Some parts of the tower were unsafe for firefighters to enter on Thursday, so the fire department worked with structural engineers to shore it up so crews could conduct thorough searches for victims, Cotton said. Specially trained dogs were being brought in to aid the search. Police were unsure whether they would even be able to identify everyone.

In addition to those killed, ambulance crews took 74 people to hospitals after the fire. Thirty were still hospitalized on Thursday, with 15 in critical condition.

One of the first victims was identified  Mohammed Alhaj Ali, a 23-year-old Syrian refugee studying in London and hoping to return to help his war-torn country.

Fears grew for others, such as Bassem Choukeir, his wife Nadia, her mother Sariyya and the couple's three daughters Mirna, Fatmeh and Zaynab. They lived on the 22nd floor, and the Lebanese Embassy has listed them as missing.

Families were also concerned about two young Italian architects who were missing. Gloria Trevisan and Marco Gottardi, both 27, lived on the 23rd floor.

"The flames are in the living room. There are flames around us," Trevisan told her mother in a farewell phone call thanking her for all she had done, family lawyer Maria Cristina Sandrin said. Gottardi told his father in separate calls that suffocating smoke in the stairs kept them inside their apartment and awaiting rescue.

Authorities have refused to speculate on what could have started the blaze. But the focus has turned to renovations completed last year that added decorative touches to the building.

The project included installing insulated exterior cladding, double-glazed windows and a communal heating system.

"Some very hard questions have to be asked, and some very hard questions must be answered" about the cladding, building regulations, fire protections and more, Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn said.

"Every single person that lives in a high rise apartment today is going to be thinking, 'How safe am I?'"

Britain's government has ordered checks at towers going through similar renovations, and some London neighborhood authorities said on Thursday they'd do extra fire-safety assessments at public housing high-rises.

More than 1 million pounds ($1.27 million) has been raised to help victims of the fire. Volunteers and charities worked through the night to find shelter, food and clothes for people who had lost everything.

By Thursday, community centers had been so overwhelmed by food and clothing donations that they started turning away new donations.

St Clement's Notting Dale, a church near the tower, was turned into an informal center for people searching for missing friends and family.

Signs bearing a missing persons' hotline number were tied to a fence. By the church's front door, residents taped signs looking for information about Khadija Saye, last seen on the 20th floor, and Mariem Elggwahry, last seen on the 19th floor at 2.30 am on Wednesday.

At Latymer Community Church a few blocks away, messages of hope and condolences were written on a board in English, Arabic and Spanish.

"Praying for auntie," one message read.
London: British prime minister Theresa May faced increasing criticism on Friday for not meeting survivors of a deadly London tower block blaze as she scrambled for a deal to stay in power after a botched election gamble.

May pledged to hold a public inquiry into a fire that killed at least 17 people when it engulfed a 24-storey social housing block in West London, expressing her sorrow in a televised statement after meeting with the emergency services.

But unlike opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn and London Mayor Sadiq Khan, who was confronted by a young boy asking, "How many children died?", May did not meet with residents and this struck locals, commentators and fellow Conservative party members as insensitive.

"She wanted an entirely controlled situation in which she didn't use her humanity," former cabinet minister Michael Portillo told the BBC. "She should have been there with the residents. You have to be prepared to receive people's emotions, and not be so frightened about people."

When asked on Thursday about why she did not meet residents or visit a local community centre, May said she wanted to visit the scene of the incident to be briefed by the emergency services.

The Sun said 65 people were now feared dead or missing in the fire. London police expect the death toll to rise further but said it could take months to search the burned-out building and identify the victims.

Locals were expected to stage a protest march in Kensington, where social housing tenants live cheek by jowl with billionaires in one of Europe's richest districts, while a rally to demand justice for the victims was due in the Westminster government district.

While the disaster has prompted an outpouring of generosity, there was also anger at politicians as the charred tower was cast as a deadly symbol of a divided society where the poor are neglected and the rich pampered.

Now the anger

British newspapers, including those which backed May in the 8 June election, sharpened their criticism of the government. They cited a series of unanswered issues including whether the cladding used on the building helped the blaze spread.

Planning documents detailing the refurbishment of the block did not refer to a type of fire barrier that building safety experts said should be used when high-rise blocks are being re-clad.

"Now the anger - furious locals demand answers," was the headline in The Sun, while The Daily Telegraph ran with "Sorrow turns to anger" under a picture of two girls in an emotional embrace.

May also drew criticism for seeming wooden and reluctant to engage in open debate with political rivals and voters during her election campaign, but local government minister Sajid Javid, responsible for housing policy, defended her on Friday.

"What she wanted to do was to speak to the people working on the ground on the recovery operation, the rescue operation to make sure that they've got everything they want and see how she could help," he told Sky news.

May failed to win an outright majority in the snap election and is now battling to strike a deal with Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party to support her government.
London: The Libyan-origin suicide bomber who blew himself up at a concert by US pop star Ariana Grande at Manchester Arena was identified by his DNA, through his dental and fingerprint records, a British court was told on Friday.

Salman Abedi, who was born in Manchester, killed 22 people and injured more than 200 when he detonated a device in the main foyer of the venue on 22 May.

The coroner opened and adjourned his inquest until 1 December in Manchester. No one from his family was present or represented at the five-minute hearing at Manchester Town Hall.

A full inquest will take place only once the police investigation into the attack was completed.

Nigel Meadows, senior coroner for Manchester, said it was very likely the hearing would be further adjourned from December before a full inquest takes place.

The inquest heard that the force of the explosion "severely disrupted" the body of the attacker, who died at the scene.

Greater Manchester Police said a post-mortem examination was carried out, which determined that Abedi died of multiple injuries.

Besides his DNA, a bank card in Abedi's name was also recovered from the spot.
By Alex Fraser

| LONDON

LONDON Since an inferno engulfed the London tower block she lived in, Sawsan Choucair has been desperately trying to find news of what happened to the other six members of her family who were living there with her."I'm just looking at that building every day. I'm like, God help these people," said Choucair, 42, who had lived with her family in the 24-storey Grenfell Tower for just over a year."I'm just hoping that they are in hospital, they've made it through the stairway, got out. Everyone - not just my family, every single person in there. I'm praying for them," she said.At least 30 people died after a blaze took hold in the early hours of Wednesday and engulfed the tower block in west London which housed some 600 residents in more than 120 apartments.With dozens still unaccounted for, police have said that the death toll would rise and some victims might never be identified as firefighters search the charred shell of the building to locate the victims' remains.

All around the gutted tower, posters of the missing were hanging from shop windows, telephone boxes and road signs.Choucair has added her own posters, appealing for help in finding her mother, sister Nadia and her husband Bassem, and their three children; Mierna, 14, Fatima, 11, and 3-year-old Zayneb. They had lived on the 22nd floor of the tower.On the night of the blaze, Choucair had not been at home, but rushed back to find the building alight after a friend inside had called, begging for help.Like many other residents she has spent the days following the fire living in temporary shelters with minimal sleep, printing and distributing posters wherever she can.

British media and angry local residents have raised a series of issues including whether the cladding used on the building helped the blaze spread.London Mayor Sadiq Khan has written to Prime Minister Theresa May demanding answers on behalf of residents."The local community feels their grief has been made worse by the lack of information about their missing family members and friends," he wrote."They are fully aware of the true scale of this tragedy but cannot comprehend why they are not being given more information. There is also insufficient support for victims on the ground."

May has pledged to hold a public inquiry into the fire.Choucair told Reuters residents had concerns about the safety of the building and she was angry about what has happened. But she said the welfare of her loved ones was more important."Unfortunately this had to happen for things to happen. It's like a wake up call. Everyone should have learned. This should not have happened in the beginning," she said."I'm not here to blame anyone, that's not my concern," she said. "My concern is my family and that everyone is alive." (Writing by Michael Holden; Editing by Alison Williams)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
"Clueless" is how one wonk explains the access vacuum in the new Trump administration. There was a time when policy experts spoke to people in the administration and then blogged or spoke in public forums - a pipeline that had bonafide quotes, not leaks. Not any more. Even fired FBI director James Comey talks about the "gang of eight" who have it all and the concentric circles outside of those eight are outliers in the government who are uninformed and understaffed.

While domestic fires rage on - Comey, Mueller, possible obstruction of justice, the coming midterms and a legislative agenda that's going nowhere, the White House keeps welcoming a steady parade of global leaders.

On June 26, it will be Indian prime minister Narendra Modi's first ever meeting with Trump in Washington D.C., not just their first summit meeting. In such cases, the past is a telling lens to frame these meetings in a wider contextual arc. Srinath Raghavan, Senior Fellow, Centre for Policy Research speaks to Firstpost on the Modi-Trump summit against the backdrop of Indo-US summit meeting history.

Raghavan speaks on the Indira Gandhi - Ronald Reagan meeting in 1982 which came after 10 years of troubled relationship, the backlash against the H1B, the underpinning of American hegemony that Trump is challenging and what a good Trump-Modi meeting might look like.

The link to the full interview is here.

An excerpt from the interview on Nehru's and Indira Gandhi's summit meetings in the US is below:

"The history of first meetings between Indian and American leaders is as old as our Republic itself. Jawaharlal Nehru came to the United States of America immediately after Independence and framed the visit as a journey, an exploration and education for himself. He had never been to the United States either. You learn about your counterparts, you learn about their world views, you learn to understand and appreciate their areas of interest there. To that extent, expecting concrete results to come out of such meetings may be a bit premature. Let me give you the example of Indira Gandhi meeting Ronald Reagan in 1982 after almost a decade of stagnation in US India relations. I'd say regression, actually. Reagan and Gandhi were polar opposites in their world views. It turned out to be a relaxed affair, they got along well. The Reagan administration had stepped up help to the Afghan Mujahideen through Pakistan, turning a blind eye towards the growing nuclear clout of Pakistan which was problematic for India. Yet the meeting still led to important stuff like a memorandum of understanding on tech co-operation. So a meeting that does not seem very promising at first can turn out either way."
Islamabad: Pakistani security forces Friday killed two militants who were allegedly planning a terror attack during a religious gathering of minority Shia Muslims, PTI reported.

Paramilitary Punjab Rangers conducted an intelligence-based operation early this morning in Dera Ghazi Khan area of Punjab.

In the exchange of fire, two terrorists were killed who were planning a terror attack during a gathering of Shiite Muslims observing the martyrdom of Hazrat Ali, Pakistan Army said.

The raid was part of Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad against the supporters and remnants of militants after they were expelled from the tribal region, according to Pakistan Army.

Pakistan's Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) director-general Major General Asif Ghafoor told geo.tv that "the operations aims include the elimination of the residual and latent threat of terrorism, consolidating gains of operations made so far and ensuring the security of Pakistans borders".

With inputs from PTI
Washington: The Pentagon will send almost 4,000 additional American forces to Afghanistan, a Trump administration official said on Thursday, hoping to break a stalemate in a war that has now passed to a third US commander-in-chief. The deployment will be the largest of American manpower under Donald Trump's young presidency.

The decision by Defence Secretary Jim Mattis could be announced as early as next week, the official said. It follows Trump's move to give Mattis the authority to set troop levels and seeks to address assertions by the top US commander in Afghanistan that he doesn't have enough forces to help Afghanistan's army against a resurgent Taliban insurgency. The rising threat posed by Islamic State extremists, evidenced in a rash of deadly attacks in the capital city of Kabul, has only fueled calls for a stronger US presence, as have several recent American combat deaths.

The bulk of the additional troops will train and advise Afghan forces, according to the administration official, who wasn't authorized to discuss details of the decision publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. A smaller number would be assigned to counter-terror operations against the Taliban and IS, the official said.

Asked for comment, a Pentagon spokesman, Navy captain Jeff Davis said, "No decisions have been made."

Daulat Waziri, a spokesman for Afghanistan's defence ministry, was reluctant to comment on specifics Friday but said the Afghan government supports the US decision to send more troops.

"The United States knows we are in the fight against terrorism, " he said. "We want to finish this war in Afghanistan with the help of the NATO alliance."

There was no immediate report whether NATO allies would also increase their troop commitment to Afghanistan. The US currently has 8,500 troops deployed in Afghanistan.

"We are the frontline in the war against international terrorism," Waziri said.

Although Trump has delegated authority for US troop numbers in Afghanistan, the responsibility for America's wars and the men and women who fight in them rests on his shoulders. Trump has inherited America's longest conflict with no clear endpoint or a defined strategy for American success, though US troop levels are far lower than they were under Presidents Barack Obama and George W Bush. In 2009, Obama authorized a surge of 30,000 troops into Afghanistan, bringing the total there to more than 100,000, before drawing down over the rest of his presidency.

Trump has barely spoken about Afghanistan as a candidate or president, concentrating instead on crushing the Islamic State group in Syria and Iraq. His predecessors both had hoped to win the war. Bush scored a quick success, helping allied militant groups oust the Taliban shortly after the 9/11 attacks, before seeing the gains slip away as American focus shifted to the Iraq war. In refocusing attention on Afghanistan, Obama eliminated much of the country's al-Qaida network and authorized the mission that killed Osama bin Laden, but failed to snuff out the Taliban's rebellion.

Mattis' deployment of more troops will be far smaller than Obama's.

While military leaders have consistently said more forces are needed, a decision had been tied up in a lengthy, wider debate about America's long-term military, diplomatic and economic strategy for ending the war. General John Nicholson, the top US commander there, has said the troops are necessary to properly train and advise the Afghan military and perform work handled at greater cost by contractors. Afghan leaders endorse the idea of more US troops, having lost significant ground to the Taliban in recent months.

But despite repeated questions from Congress this week, Mattis wouldn't reveal his thinking on a troop increase. He said that while counter-terrorism efforts in Afghanistan are making progress in weakening al-Qaida and IS, "their defeat will come about only by giving our men and women on the ground the support and the authorities they need to win."

Obama set a cap a year ago of 8,400 troops in Afghanistan after slowing the pace of what he hoped would be a US withdrawal.

Nevertheless, there are at least another 2,000 US troops in Afghanistan not included in the official count. These include forces that are technically considered temporary even if they've been in the warzone for months.

Trump's decision Tuesday to give Mattis authority to set force levels in Afghanistan mirrored similar powers he handed over earlier this year for US fights in Iraq and Syria. The change was made public hours after Senator John McCain, the Senate Armed Services Committee's Republican chairman, blasted Mattis for the administration's failure to present an overarching strategy for Afghanistan. McCain said the US is "not winning" in Afghanistan, and Mattis agreed.

The finality of the decision isn't entirely clear. While Trump has handed over the troop level decision-making, there is nothing preventing him from taking it back.

Mattis has repeatedly stressed that increasing the number of US troops in Afghanistan would take place within a broader, long-term strategy for stabilizing Afghanistan. In congressional testimony this week, he said the strategy will take into account regional influences, such as Pakistan's role as a Taliban sanctuary. Regional powers Iran, India and China, who all have political stakes in the fate of Afghanistan, also must be considered.

While the new troops could raise fears of mission creep, Mattis told lawmakers this week he didn't envision returning to the force levels of 2010-11, when Obama thought he could pressure the Taliban into peace talks. Despite heavy losses, the Taliban fought on.

"Reconciliation" remains the goal, Mattis told a House Appropriations panel on Thursday, along with reducing Afghan government corruption.

"We're not looking at a purely military strategy," he said. "All wars come to an end. Our job is to end it as quickly as possible without losing the very mission that we've recognized, through several administrations, that was worth putting those young Americans on the line for."

There have been almost 2,400 US military deaths in Afghanistan since 2001. Three US soldiers were killed and another was wounded in eastern Afghanistan this weekend in an attack claimed by the Taliban.
Washington: Special counsel Robert Mueller is probing the business dealings of Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump's son-in-law and adviser, as part of the investigation into Russia's interference in the 2016 presidential election, the media reported.

The Washington Post had previously reported that investigators were scrutinising meetings that Kushner held with Russians in December, first with Russian ambassador Sergey Kislyak, and then with Sergey Gorkov, the head of a state-owned Russian development bank.

At the time of that report, it was not clear that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) was investigating Kushner's business dealings.

However, Mueller's investigation is in a relatively early phase, and it is unclear whether criminal charges will be brought when it is complete, US officials familiar with the matter told The Washington Post on Thursday.

The development comes a day after the daily reported that Mueller had extended his probe into determining whether the President tried to obstruct justice by suggesting to top intelligence and law enforcement officials that they end the Russia investigation.

"We do not know what this report refers to," Jamie Gorelick, an attorney for Kushner, said in response.

"It would be standard practice for the Special Counsel to examine financial records to look for anything related to Russia. Kushner previously volunteered to share with Congress what he knows about Russia-related matters. He will do the same if he is contacted in connection with any other inquiry."

Kushner has agreed to discuss his Russian contacts with the Senate Intelligence Committee, which is conducting one of several investigations into Russian meddling in the 2016 election.

During the December meeting with Kislyak, Kushner suggested establishing a secure communications line between Trump officials and the Kremlin at a Russian diplomatic facility, reports The Washington Post.

The Russian bank, Vnesheconombank, which has been the subject of US sanctions following Russia's annexation of Crimea, has said Gorkov and Kushner's meeting was held for business reasons because of the advisor's role as head of his family's real estate company.

The meeting occurred as Kushner's company was seeking financing for its troubled $1.8 billion purchase of an office building in New York.
Washington: US vice-president Mike Pence has hired a personal lawyer to deal with requests from the special counsel investigating possible collusion with Russia during the 2016 election, a top aide has said.

"The Vice-president has retained Richard Cullen of McGuire Woods to assist him in responding to inquiries by the special counsel," Pence communications director Jared Agen said in a statement Wednesday.

"The Vice-president is focused entirely on his duties and promoting the president's agenda and looks forward to a swift conclusion of this matter."

Pence's announcement comes after several weeks of deliberations, featuring several candidates, an administration official said, adding that no taxpayer money will be used.

A final decision was made to hire Cullen earlier this week.

Cullen  who has experience litigating the Iran-Contra investigation, Watergate and the 2000 vote recount in Florida  is a former US attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia.

Pence's move follows a decision by President Donald Trump to hire outside counsel Marc Kasowitz and could signal the investigation is entering a new phase.

Amid reports that special counsel Robert Mueller is also looking into whether Trump tried to obstruct justice, several White House aides are expected to be contacted by his team and are in the process of "lawyering up."
On Thursday, Serbian president Aleksandar Vucic named an openly gay woman as the prime minister  a watershed moment for the conservative Balkans.

Although Ana Brnabic, who is not affiliated to any party, had spent only a year in Serbian politics, she will hold position of prime minister after becoming public administration minister in August last year.

As per The Telegraph, Brnabic is currently the minister of public administration and local government in Serbia.

In a matter of firsts, Brnabic will become the first female prime minister in Serbia and the first gay prime minister in the orthodox country.

Brnabic is of the opinion that her sexual orientation is not something that will interfere in her work, saying that it is of no importance whatsoever. According to German international broadcaster, DW, Brnabic told RTV: "I don't like when being gay is used as an indicator of personality. Why is that important?"

As per the Ministry of Public Administration and Local Self-government, Brnabic was born in Belgrade, Serbia, and had spent ten years working for "international organisations, foreign investors, local self-governments and the public sector in Serbia."

As per The Guardian, Brnabic entered politics last year when she became Serbias first openly gay minister; she then headed the Ministry for Public Administration and Local Self-government.

The Guardian further mentioned that after studying in the US, Brnabic graduated from Hull University with an MBA in marketing in 2001, before returning to Serbia to work in the wind power industry and for multiple development projects funded by US Agency for International Development (USAID), an agency that is responsible for administering civilian foreign aid.

In terms of helping Serbia grow, Brnabic was a board member on the PEXIM Foundation  a non-profit organisation that grants scholarships to talented university students from Serbia and Macedonia who return to their home country after graduation in order to accelerate development in economical and social spheres.

The 41-year-old minister has been winner of the Business Lady of the Year Award in the CSR category for the year 2013, as per the Ministry of Public Administration and Local Self-government, and she can speak both English and Russian, according to The Independent.
JERUSALEM Israeli security forces shot dead three Palestinians who carried out shooting and stabbing attacks that critically injured an Israeli border policewoman in Jerusalem on Friday, police said.The attacks occurred simultaneously in two areas near the Damascus gate of Jerusalem's walled old city.

At one scene, two Palestinians were shot and killed after opening fire at and trying to stab a group of Israeli police officers, police said. At the other, a Palestinian stabbed a border policewoman, critically wounding her, before being shot dead by police.

A second Israeli officer was also injured in the attacks.

A wave of Palestinian street attacks began in October 2015 but has since slowed. Israel blames the violence on incitement by the Palestinian leadership.The Palestinian Authority, which exercises limited self-rule in the West Bank, denies that and says assailants have acted out of frustration over Israeli occupation of land sought by Palestinians in peace talks that have been stalled since 2014. (Reporting by Ari Rabinovitch; Editing by Janet Lawrence)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
By Steve Holland

| MIAMI

MIAMI President Donald Trump on Friday ordered tighter restrictions on Americans travelling to Cuba and a clampdown on U.S. business dealings with the Caribbean islands military, saying he was cancelling former President Barack Obama's "terrible and misguided deal" with Havana.Laying out his new Cuba policy in a speech in Miami, Trump signed a presidential directive rolling back parts of Obamas historic opening to the Communist-ruled country after a 2014 diplomatic breakthrough between the two former Cold War foes. But Trump left in place many of Obamas changes, including the reopened U.S. embassy in Havana, even as he sought to show he was making good on a campaign promise to take a tougher line against Cuba, especially over its human rights record."We will not be silent in the face of communist oppression any longer," Trump told a cheering crowd in Miamis Cuban-American enclave of Little Havana, including Republican Senator Marco Rubio of Florida, who helped forge the new restrictions on Cuba."Effective immediately, I am cancelling the last administration's completely one-sided deal with Cuba," Trump declared as he made a full-throated assault on the government of Cuban President Raul Castro.Trumps revised approach calls for stricter enforcement of a longtime ban on Americans going to Cuba as tourists, and seeks to prevent U.S. dollars from being used to fund what the Trump administration sees as a repressive military-dominated government. (tmsnrt.rs/2rBfMTI)But, facing pressure from U.S. businesses and even some fellow Republicans to avoid turning back the clock completely in relations with Cuba, the president chose to leave intact some of his Democratic predecessor's steps towards normalization. The new policy bans most U.S. business transactions with the Armed Forces Business Enterprises Group, a Cuban conglomerate involved in all sectors of the economy. But it makes some exceptions, including for air and sea travel, according to U.S. officials. This will essentially shield U.S. airlines and cruise lines serving the island. "We do not want U.S. dollars to prop up a military monopoly that exploits and abuses the citizens of Cuba," Trump said, pledging that U.S. sanctions would not be lifted until Cuba frees political prisoners and holds free elections.While the changes are far-reaching, they appear to be less sweeping than many U.S. pro-engagement advocates had feared. Trump based his partial reversal of Obamas Cuba measures largely on human rights grounds.His critics, however, have questioned why his administration is now singling out Cuba for human rights abuses but downplaying the issue in other parts of the world, including Saudi Arabia, a close U.S. ally Trump visited last month that grants few political freedoms to its citizens.SOME OBAMA POLICIES LEFT IN PLACE

Trump, however, stopped short of breaking diplomatic relations restored in 2015 after more than five decades of hostilities. He also will not cut off recently resumed direct U.S.-Cuba commercial flights or cruise-ship travel, though his more restrictive policy seems certain to dampen new economic ties overall.The administration, according to one White House official, has no intention of disrupting existing business ventures such as one struck under Obama by Starwood Hotels Inc, which is owned by Marriott International Inc (MAR.O), to manage a historic Havana hotel. Nor does Trump plan to reinstate limits that Obama lifted on the amount of the islands coveted rum and cigars that Americans can bring home for personal use. Still, it will be the latest attempt by Trump to overturn parts of Obama's presidential legacy. He has already pulled the United States out of a major international climate treaty and is trying to scrap his predecessor's landmark healthcare programme.When Obama announced the detente in 2014, he said that decades of U.S. efforts to achieve change in Cuba by isolating the island had failed and it was time to try a new approach.Critics of the rapprochement said Obama was giving too much away without extracting concessions from the Cuban government. Castro's government has clearly stated it does not intend to change its one-party political system.Trump aides say Obamas efforts amounted to "appeasement" and have done nothing to advance political freedoms in Cuba, while benefiting the Cuban government financially."It's hard to think of a policy that makes less sense than the prior administration's terrible and misguided deal with the Castro regime," Trump said in Miami.

International human rights groups say, however, that renewed U.S. efforts to isolate the island could worsen the situation by empowering Cuban hard-liners.The Cuban government, which has made clear it will not be pressured into reforms, had no immediate comment.But ordinary Cubans said they were crestfallen to be returning to an era of frostier relations with the United States with potential economic fallout for them."It's going to really hurt me because the majority of my clients are from the United States," said Enrique Montoto, 61, who rents rooms on U.S. online home-rental marketplace Airbnb, which expanded into Cuba in 2015.Trump announced his new approach at the Manuel Artime Theater in the heart of the United States' largest Cuban-American and Cuban exile community, whose support aides believe helped him win Florida in the election.

The venue is named after a leader of the failed U.S.-backed Bay of Pigs invasion of Cuba in 1961 against Fidel Castros revolutionary government.I have trust in Trump to do the right thing when it comes to Cuba, said Jorge Saurez, 66, a retired physician in Little Havana.Trumps vow to keep the broader decades-old U.S. economic embargo on Cuba firmly in place drew criticism from some U.S. farmers, especially growers of corn, soybeans and rice. Obamas detente has already lifted exports and raised hopes for more gains, which they said were now in doubt. Mexicos foreign ministry urged the United States and Cuba to resolve their differences "via dialogue."But Venezuelan Foreign Minister Delcy Rodriguez, whose leftist government is closely allied with Havana, tweeted "undeniable solidarity with our sister republic Cuba against the aggressions of @realDonaldTrump." The biggest change in travel policy will be that Americans making educational people-to-people trips, one of the most popular authorized categories, can no longer go to the island on their own but only on group tours. Trump's aides said the aim was to close off a path for Americans seeking beach vacations in a country where U.S. tourism is still officially banned.U.S. Senator Jeff Flake, one of the Republican Party's most vocal advocates for easing rules on U.S. dealings with Cuba, called for a vote on legislation lifting restrictions on American travel there. But the Republican leadership in Congress has long blocked such a move, and it appears unlikely to budge.Under Trumps order, the Treasury and Commerce departments will be given 30 days to begin writing new regulations, which will not take effect until they are complete.In contentious deliberations leading up to the new policy, some aides argued that Trump, a former real estate magnate who won the presidency vowing to unleash U.S. business, would have a hard time defending any moves that close off the Cuban market.But other advisers have contended that it is important to make good on a campaign promise to Cuban-Americans. (Additional reporting by Matt Spetalnick, Lesley Wroughton and Patricia Zengerle in Washington, Sarah Marsh and Marc Frank in Havana, Bernie Woodall in Miami; writing by Matt Spetalnick; Editing by Jeffrey Benkoe, Jonathan Oatis and Lisa Shumaker)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Washington: US authorities on Thursday announced arrest warrants had been issued for 12 members of Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan's security detail for assaulting protesters in Washington last month, sparking a furious response from the Turkish leader. Erdogan said the United States had no right to arrest his guards, who he said were protecting him from "terrorists."

The Turkish foreign ministry officially "invited" the US ambassador in for discussions after the announcement.

But Washington held that Erdogan's security detail had no justification to attack the small group of Kurdish and Armenian protesters outside the Turkish ambassador's residence on 16 May, just after Erdogan met with President Donald Trump at the White House.

Nine people were injured, with several going to the hospital for treatment of head injuries, broken teeth, deep cuts and bruises.

The charges against the 12, along with six other Turkish-Americans and Turkish-Canadians who joined the melee, "send a clear message that the United States does not tolerate individuals who use intimidation and violence to stifle freedom of speech and legitimate political expression," said state department spokeswoman Heather Nauert.

Erdogan lashed back, accusing US police of having allowed "terrorists" to protest "50 meters from me" during his US visit.

"Why would I bring my guards with me to the United States, if not to protect me?" he said in a speech in Ankara, adding that US police "did nothing."

"We will fight politically and judicially" against the warrants, he added.

Extensive video evidence

The 12 men named in the warrants were identified in detailed video footage of the assault, said Washington police chief Peter Newsham. The men, all Turkish citizens, include nine Erdogan security guards and three Turkish police.

The violence erupted in broad daylight in Washington's diplomatic quarter, just minutes after Erdogan arrived at the ambassador's residence from the White House.

Video of the fracas shows Turkish security aides beating demonstrators and kicking those some on the ground repeatedly in the head.

The State Department lodged a formal protest with Ankara over the incident at the time, registering its concern in the "strongest possible terms."

In a charging document presented in court Thursday against Sinan Narin, one of four Turkish-Americans already arrested in the case, Washington police detective Victor DePeralta called the incident a "vicious attack."

Shortly after Erdogan's limousine pulled up, his security officers and supporters rushed across the street at the protesters "in a nearly simultaneous, coordinated throng," the detective said.

"Members of the Turkish security detail were seen speaking with each other and touching communication devices seconds before the rush," he said.

The protesters, he said, "were not physically aggressive in any way, nor were they even physically proximate to the pro-Erdogan contingent."

Right to protest

Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser condemned the violence strongly on Thursday, saying it violated the constitutional right to peaceful protest.

"We host millions of people who come to the seat of their government to protest peacefully. We support them, we make sure that they are safe, but we also make sure that they follow our law," Bowser said at a press conference.

"Anyone travelling to the United States will be held to that same standard," she said.

Newsham did not explain how police expected to arrest the 12, given their location in Turkey and possible diplomatic protections. He said the State Department would determine how to execute the warrants.
By Michelle Nichols

| UNITED NATIONS

UNITED NATIONS The United Nations Security Council urged the warring parties in Yemen on Thursday to reach a U.N. brokered deal on management of the strategic port and city of Hodeidah and resumption of government salary payments as the country slides closer to famine. The United Nations has warned a Saudi Arabia-led Arab coalition fighting Iran-aligned Houthis against any attempt to extend the war to Hodeidah, a vital Red Sea aid delivery point where some 80 percent of Yemen's food imports arrive.The coalition has accused the Houthis of using the port to smuggle in weapons and ammunition and has called for U.N. monitors to be posted there. The Houthi movement denies the allegations.Five cranes have been destroyed by coalition air strikes, forcing dozens of ships to line up offshore because they cannot be unloaded.

"The Security Council stresses the importance of keeping all Yemen's ports functioning, including Hodeidah port, as a critical lifeline for humanitarian support and other essential supplies," the 15-member body said in a statement. U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said on Tuesday that the United States believed the port could be placed under the control of a third unnamed authority to allow the delivery of humanitarian aid. "The Houthis would voluntarily turn that port over to a third authority, not the Saudis, not the Emiratis, and ... we would gain access," Tillerson told a hearing of the Senate Appropriations Committee in Washington.

Many thousands of Yemeni state workers are also facing destitution as their salaries have gone largely unpaid for several months after the internationally-recognised government shifted Yemen's central bank to Aden from the capital Sanaa, which is controlled by the Houthis.U.N. Yemen envoy Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed told the Security Council on May 30 that he had proposed a deal to avoid military clashes in Hodeidah to be negotiated in parallel with an agreement to resume civil service salary payments nationally.

However, Ould Cheikh Ahmed noted the Houthis and the allied General People's Congress, the party of former President Ali Abdullah Saleh, would not meet with him."These proposals would act as a confidence-building mechanism between the parties, with a view to a durable cessation of hostilities as a step towards the resumption of peace talks under U.N. leadership," the Security Council statement said. The United Nations has said nearly seven million people in Yemen are one step away from famine. (Reporting by Michelle Nichols; additional reporting by Arshad Mohammed; editing by Grant McCool)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
By Andrius Sytas

| ORZYSZ MILITARY BASE, Poland

ORZYSZ MILITARY BASE, Poland The United States is concerned about possible Russian incursions along NATO's Baltic borders during large Russian military exercises in September and will send more troops to the area, the commander of U.S. troops in Europe said on Friday.Russia has denied Western concerns that its Zapad 2017 war games will threaten stability in eastern Europe. NATO officials believe the exercises could involve more than 100,000 troops, the biggest such Russian manoeuvres since 2013."When (Russia) went into Crimea, that was against the backdrop of an exercise. When they went into Georgia - that was an exercise", Lieutenant General Ben Hodges told Reuters. "Their history is full of examples where they don't live up to any treaties ... They routinely violate those things," he said during a NATO exercise in Poland.Russia annexed Ukraine's Black Sea peninsula of Crimea in 2014 and in August 2008 it sent troops into Georgia, saying it was protecting civilians in Georgia's South Ossetia region.

The Crimea annexation has plunged East-West ties to their lowest levels since the Cold War, with Western governments imposing economic sanctions on Russia. NATO has sent troops to the Baltics and Poland to deter any possible Crimea-style land grab.Replying to a question, Hodges said he, like Lithuania, was concerned that the Russian exercises could lead to provocative action on Baltic borders.He said the United States would deploy three units of up to 600 airborne troops across the Baltic States for the duration of Zapad 2017.

"We are all working hard to be at the highest levels of readiness during exercises like this," Hodges said.Previous Russian large-scale exercises in 2013 employed special forces training, longer-range missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles that were later used in Russia's annexation of Crimea, its support for separatists in eastern Ukraine and in its intervention in Syria, NATO diplomats said.

Officials expect the exercise, in which Russian ally Belarus will also take part, could involve nuclear weapons training. Nuclear-capable mid-range modern Iskander missiles will be again deployed in the Russian Baltic enclave of Kaliningrad during the exercise, the officials said.Estonia's defence minister said in April that Russia may use Zapad to move troops permanently into Belarus later this year in a warning to NATO. Russia's defence ministry did not immediately reply to a Reuters request for comment on the subject. Three U.S. exercises will be underway at the same time as Zapad, in Sweden, Poland and Ukraine, and a U.S. armoured brigade team is already deployed in Europe.U.S. Defence Secretary Jim Mattis called the forthcoming Russian build-up "destabilising" last month, and officials suggested the U.S. army will be deploying a battery of Patriot missiles to Lithuania for two weeks in July. (Reporting By Andrius Sytas; Editing by Richard Balmforth)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
By Idrees Ali

| WASHINGTON

WASHINGTON The U.S. Navy said on Friday one of its destroyers collided with a Philippine-flagged merchant vessel southwest of Yokosuka, Japan, in the dead of night and the 7th fleet said "there were no reports of casualties at this time".In a statement, the Navy said the USS Fitzgerald collided with a merchant vessel 56 nautical miles southwest of Yokosuka.The U.S. 7th fleet said the destroyer had "experienced flooding in some spaces".Earlier a U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said initial reports indicated multiple injuries aboard the destroyer. The official said the destroyer had suffered damage, that there was some flooding, and that it could not operate under its own power.However a spokesman for the U.S. 7th Fleet later said the ship was heading back to Yokosuka under its own power at 3 knots and would likely dock in a couple of hours.

Situated at the approach to Tokyo bay, Yokosuka and the waters to its south are a busy commercial waterway plied by commercial vessels sailing to and from Japans two biggest container ports in Tokyo and Yokohama.Japan's public broadcaster NHK showed aerial footage of the destroyer, which had a large dent in its right, or starboard, side. Images broadcast by NHK showed it had been struck next to its Aegis radar arrays behind its vertical launch tubes.No apparent damage could be seen from the images below the waterline although damage on the deck and to part of the radar appeared significant. NHK also showed footage of the container vessel and said it was heading towards Tokyo under its own power.

Japan's Kyodo news agency said neither ship was in danger of sinking but that there was information some crew may have gone overboard. It did not provide a source. Reuters could not immediately verify that account.The 7th fleet said the collision was with a Philippine-flagged merchant vessel ACX Crystal.

A spokesman for the Philippines coast guard said he had heard of the accident but had no details since it was not in Philippine waters.The U.S. Navy said it had requested the assistance of the Japanese Coast Guard.Such incidents are rare.In May, the U.S. Navy's USS Lake Champlain collided with a South Korean fishing vessel but both ships were able to operate under their own power. (Reporting by Idrees Ali and Phil Stewart in Washington, Timothy Kelly in Tokyo and Raju Gopalakrishnan; Additional reporting by Chizu Nomiyama in New York; Writing by Yara Bayoumy; Editing by James Dalgleish)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
By Mica Rosenberg

| MIAMI

MIAMI U.S. Vice President Mike Pence held up Venezuela on Thursday as a prime example of what happens when democracy is undermined and urged Latin American leaders to condemn its government, in comments that Venezuela's president called nauseating.Already suffering a severe economic crisis, Venezuela, a member of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, has recently been convulsed by clashes between security forces and anti-government protesters."We need only look to the nation of Venezuela to see what happens when democracy is undermined," Pence told the gathering of leaders in Miami. "That once-rich nation's collapse into authoritarianism has pushed it into poverty and caused untold suffering for the Venezuelan people."Stepping up Washington's war of words with Caracas, Pence added: "We must all of us raise our voices to condemn the Venezuelan government for its abuse of power and its abuse of its own people, and we must do it now."

At least 69 people have died in the unrest in Venezuela since early April, with hundreds injured. Opposition has been fanned by Maduro's plan for July 30 elections for a special assembly to rewrite the constitution, which critics say are stacked in his favour.The Maduro government calls the protesters violent coup-mongers, supported by the United States.

"I tell the vice president of the United States, get your nose out of Venezuela, there will be no gringo, Yankee, imperialist intervention in Venezuela," Maduro said in a TV broadcast with members of the armed forces.Maduro added that he read Pence's comments "and it provokes nausea that a man who doesn't know where Venezuela is on the map gives his opinion about our country."

Earlier this month, the United States denounced Venezuela for suppressing protests and called for free elections, saying Maduro must not be allowed to follow a "dictatorship" path like Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad.Pence was at a conference to discuss improving security and economic prosperity in Central America, specifically in the violent nations of El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras. Foreign ministers from across the hemisphere will travel to Cancun, Mexico, next week for a meeting of the Organization of American States, where Venezuela will be discussed. (Additional reporting by David Alexander in Washington; Editing by Leslie Adler and Peter Cooney)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
By Alistair Smout and Jamillah Knowles

| LONDON

LONDON British Prime Minister Theresa May was rushed away under heavy police guard on Friday as protesters shouted "Shame on you" after she met residents who live near a tower block in London where at least 30 people died in a fire.May, already under pressure after a botched snap election, is facing widespread criticism for her response to the blaze. She has promised to set up a public inquiry and pledged 5 million pounds ($6.40 million) to help the victims.Separately, hundreds of protesters stormed the local town hall chanting: "We want justice."May has outlined a series of measures to help those left homeless by the devastating fire which engulfed the 24-storey apartment block on Wednesday.But fury has grown in the local community at what people say is the slow response from authorities to the fire and a failure to inform families and friends about the fate of loved ones.Media reports have said about 70 people are expected to have been killed, although police have not confirmed this. Local residents also say they are angry that their safety concerns had been ignored and that people had been told to stay in their flats in the event of a fire.May, who on Thursday met emergency services at the fire site but did not meet locals, visited residents, volunteers and community leaders at a nearby church on Friday and was rushed away afterwards by police as an angry crowd outside shouted "Coward" and "You're not wanted".A couple of miles away in west London, several hundred protesters stormed Kensington and Chelsea council town hall.The protesters barged their way through an automatic door at and sought to gain entry to an upper floor. Police barred their way and scuffles broke out, a Reuters reporter said.The protesters chanted: "We want justice", "bring them out" and "shame on you". The protesters were angered when no one from the council came out to address their concerns, reporters said.The local authority, which owns the tower block where families rent their homes, says it is doing all it can to support the victims and to help the relief operation.

It issued a statement before the protest to try to address the concerns of residents. "We entirely support the calling of the public inquiry and will cooperate in whatever way we can with it so that local people have all the answers about what has happened," the council, the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, said.DIVIDED SOCIETY

While the deadly blaze at the Grenfell Tower in north Kensington has prompted an outpouring of generosity, it has also unleashed rage at the authorities as the charred tower was cast as a deadly symbol of a divided society.The block, which housed some 600 people in about 120 apartments, is in a low-rent housing estate next to one of the most affluent areas of Britain.There have been demands for answers as to how the blaze was able to engulf the building, trapping many on the upper floors. Exterior cladding that was added during a recent refurbishment might have played a part, local residents have said.The fire broke out less than a week after a election in which May lost her parliamentary majority.

The criticism over the blaze has added to pressure on May who is trying to strike a deal with a Northern Irish party to stay in power. Her government is also due to launch difficult Brexit talks with the European Union on Monday.Earlier on Friday, May met victims privately at a central London hospital."I spoke with people who ran from the fire in only the clothes they were wearing," she said in a statement. "They have been left with nothing  no bank cards, no money, no means of caring for their children or relatives. One woman told me she had escaped in only her top and underwear."She has promised those left homeless by the blaze would be rehoused locally within weeks, and the 5 million pound fund would pay for emergency supplies, food, clothes and other costs.But even those within her own party said May should have faced the locals herself earlier."She should have been there with the residents. You have to be prepared to receive people's emotions, and not be so frightened about people," former Conservative cabinet minister Michael Portillo told the BBC.

QUEEN VISITS

London Mayor Sadiq Khan wrote to May on Friday, saying residents felt increasingly enraged and frustrated by the slow response from the authorities."The local community feels their grief has been made worse by the lack of information about their missing family members and friends," he wrote. Residents in other blocks with the same exterior cladding as Grenfell Tower were concerned, he wrote. "People are terrified that the same thing could happen to them," said Khan. However, Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, who was London mayor until last year, took to Facebook to attack opposition Labour politicians for "political game playing".Queen Elizabeth, 91, and her grandson Prince William also visited residents and emergency workers on Friday. "That's one of the most terrible things I have ever seen," William said of the tower's blackened shell.Some desperate residents pleaded to speak to the queen and her grandson about their plight and the fate of missing children as they left the site, with William promising he would return. London police said an investigation, led by a detective from its homicide and major crime unit, would examine whether criminal offences had been committed although they said there was nothing to suggest the fire was started deliberately.Commander Stuart Cundy said they had been able to remove the remains of only 12 victims from the building."Sadly, it is expected that the total will rise and it is not expected that any survivors will be found," he said. Police have said it could take months to search the building and some victims might never be identified. (Writing by Michael Holden and Guy Faulconbridge; Editing by Alison Williams)

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United Nations: The UN General Assembly has approved the establishment of a new office to coordinate counter-terrorism efforts, a move welcomed by India as a "much awaited first step" that will align the world body with needs of the global community in the fight against the menace.

The 193-member General Assembly adopted a consensus resolution on Thursday creating the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism that will be headed by an Under-Secretary-General.

India welcomed the creation of the new UN counter-terrorism office, saying it demonstrates the importance member states place on collective and coordinated action on terrorism, which remains the most complex threat faced by the international community.

"India believes that the creation of the Office of Counter Terrorism Coordinator is a much awaited first step in our efforts to enhance coordination of the UN's CT (counter-terrorism) efforts," India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin said in the General Assembly after the resolutions adoption.

He said the office's creation "will align the UN with the changed global reality and needs of the international community" as was articulated by Secretary General Antonio Guterres himself in Kabul where he said support to terrorism entails a high price.

Addressing reporters in Kabul, Guterres had warned that any country that supports terrorism anywhere in the world in relation to other countries, "sooner or later the price paid will be high in relations to terrorism within the country itself".

Welcoming the creation of the counter-terrorism office, Guterres expressed hope that this reform of the UN counter-terrorism architecture will contribute to the world body's broader efforts to promote conflict prevention, sustainable peace and development.

Akbaruddin noted that "an all of UN" approach and a certain convening power on counter-terrorism issues will be crucial for the new office to fulfil its functions effectively. He said terrorist organisations are not bound by the borders, norms, legal frameworks and bureaucratic inertia that bind nations as member states and the UN at all levels.

"While terrorist networks use modern platforms such as social media, cyber space and exist in parallel worlds alongside us in hidden trans-national networks, we cannot work in silos created either by boundaries or bureaucracy," he said.

Akbaruddin underscored that there was never a stronger case today for more multilateral action, coordination and cooperation on any matter amongst all stakeholders than on terrorism.

"The office should not only engage member states at a higher political level but also cooperate with other international organisations dealing with issues relating to terrorism for fulfilling its mandate effectively," he said adding that it is important to build the UN narrative on counter terrorism for the ordinary people who are threatened by this scourge.

A statement issued by Guterres spokesman Stephane Dujarric said the Secretary-General considers counter-terrorism and prevention of violent extremism to be one of the highest priorities of the United Nations to address a growing threat to international peace and security.

"The Secretary-General expects the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre within the new Office of Counter-Terrorism to play a central role in the provision of enhanced capacity building assistance to Member States," the statement added.

India had repeatedly stressed on the need for "coherence and coordination" at the UN in dealing with terrorism. It had lamented that as many as 31 entities within the United Nations deal with some aspect of countering terrorism, calling it a case of "too many cooks spoil the broth".

Under the new structure, the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force Office (CTITF) and the UN Counter-Terrorism Centre (UNCCT), currently in the UN Department of Political Affairs (DPA) will be transferred to the new office, together with their existing staff and all associated regular and extra-budgetary resources. The Secretary-General had proposed that the new Under-Secretary-General would Chair the Task Force and Executive Director of the UN Counter-Terrorism Centre.

The main functions of the new office would include enhancing coordination and coherence across the 38 Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force entities, strengthening the delivery of UN counter-terrorism capacity-building assistance to Member States, improving visibility, advocacy and resource mobilization for UN counter-terrorism efforts and ensuring that due priority is given to counterterrorism across the United Nations system and that the important work on preventing violent extremism is firmly rooted in the strategy.
United Nations: The president of the conference drafting what could be the first-ever treaty to ban nuclear weapons expressed confidence Thursday that with "the necessary political will" more than 130 countries supporting the initiative can reach an agreement by the 7 July target.

Elayne Whyte Gomez, Costa Rica's ambassador to the UN in Geneva, told the opening of negotiations on a draft treaty circulated on 22 May that delegates were representing their countries  but they were also "united together in historic commitment" to finalising a treaty.

Last December, UN member states overwhelmingly approved a resolution calling for negotiations on a treaty that would outlaw nuclear weapons, despite strong opposition from nuclear-armed nations and their allies.

Not one of the nine countries believed to possess nuclear weapons  the US, Russia, Britain, China, France, India, Pakistan, North Korea and Israel  is supporting a treaty.

Instead of adopting a total ban, the United States and other nuclear powers want to strengthen and reaffirm the nearly half-century-old Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty.

The NPT, considered the cornerstone of global nonproliferation efforts, aims to prevent the spread of atomic arms beyond the five original weapons powers  the US, Russia, Britain, France and China.

It requires non-nuclear signatory nations not to pursue nuclear weapons in exchange for a commitment by the five nuclear powers to move toward nuclear disarmament  and to guarantee non-nuclear states access to peaceful nuclear technology to produce nuclear power.

US Ambassador Nikki Haley said on 27 March when talks began on the nuclear weapons ban treaty that "there is nothing I want more for my family than a world with no nuclear weapons, but we have to be realistic."

She asked if anyone thought North Korea would give up its nuclear weapons, stressing that North Koreans would be "cheering" a nuclear ban treaty  and Americans and others would be at risk.

But UN disarmament chief Izumi Nakamitsu told Thursday's opening that negotiations to achieve "the clear, legal prohibition of nuclear weapons ... are truly historic."

"Nuclear disarmament has been the longest sought objective of the United Nations dating back to the very first resolution adopted by the General Assembly in January 1946," she said.

"We have seen some impressive gains since that time," Nakamitsu said. "Yet, it has been more than 20 years now since the United Nations disarmament bodies have produced a multilateral legally binding instrument on nuclear weapons."

She said "the need for progress is clear" and urgent, pointing to "the deteriorating international security landscape," new awareness of the devastating consequences of using nuclear weapons, and the modernization of nuclear arsenals by some countries.

The draft treaty, among other things, says states would pledge never to develop, produce, manufacture, acquire, possess, transfer, receive, stockpile, test or use nuclear weapons or explosives. They would also endeavour to prohibit any "stationing, installation or deployment of any nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices" in their territories or in their jurisdictions.

"We are confident the treaty can be completed and adopted by 7 July," the final day of negotiations, said David Solimini, spokesman for the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons. "Once the treaty is adopted countries are free to join."
Washington: The fugitive chief recruiter for the Islamic State in the Indian subcontinent Mohammed Shafi Armar was on Thursday named a 'Specially Designated Global Terrorist' by the US, becoming the first Indian leader of the dreaded terror outfit against whom America has slammed sanctions.

The US State Treasury Department, while updating its list of Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGT), has included in it Armar, a native of Bhatkal in Karnataka, clearing the way for sanctions against him.

An Interpol Red Corner notice is also pending against the 30-year-old Armar, who has many aliases like 'Chhote Maula','Anjan Bhai' and 'Yousuf al-Hindi'.

Armar's name has now been added to the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the US Treasury Department which enforces economic sanctions programmes, primarily against countries and groups of individuals, such as terrorists and narcotics traffickers.

The sanctions can be either comprehensive or selective, using the blocking of assets and trade restrictions to accomplish foreign policy and national security goals of the US.

This is for the first time that the US has slammed sanctions against an Islamic State leader in India.

"Mohammed Shafi Armar is a leader and head recruiter in India for the Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) group, Islamic State, the State Department said.

"He has cultivated a group of dozens of Islamic State sympathisers who are involved in terrorist activities across India, such as plotting attacks, procuring weapons, and identifying locations for terrorist training camps," said the statement.

Armar was said to have left for Pakistan along with his elder brother after crackdown on Indian Mujahideen (IM) cadres.

After a fight with Bhatkal brothers, including Riyaz, the founder of IM, in Pakistan, Armar is believed to have created Ansar ul Tawhid, which later pledged its allegiance to the Islamic State.

There have been many reports of him having been dead in a drone attack or crackdown by the allied forces. However, every time intelligence agencies began giving credence to such reports, his name or voice cropped up in intercepts.

Tech savvy, Armar has been operating on Facebook and other personal messenger services to contact, brainwash and recruit youths from India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

His links to the Islamic State were also the highlight of the interrogation of Yasin Bhatkal, who was arrested near the Nepal border in 2013.

Armar first came on the radar of investigation agencies when the NIA was probing suspected Islamic State cadres in Ratlam of Madhya Pradesh.

During the interrogation of alleged Islamic State operatives, it emerged that Armar was motivating and radicalising Muslim youths in India. He was said to have been recruiting youths for the Jund ul Khalifa-e-Hind through online radicalisation.

The NIA had charge-sheeted him along with five others for allegedly conspiring to carry out terror strikes in the national capital and also during ardh kumbh in Haridwar.

The National Investigation Agency had told a special court that these accused were planning to assemble Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) using extracts from "match sticks".

The United Arab Emirates had deported three Indians who were allegedly working for Armar.

It emerged during the interrogation of IM suspects that he was a self-proclaimed ally of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, chief of the Islamic State.

Two other Islamic State leaders in Europe and the Middle East, Oussama Ahmad Atar and Mohammed Isa Yousif Saqar Al Binali were also listed as Specially Designated Global Terrorists by the US.

Oussama is a senior leader of Islamic State external operations efforts and has established a network to carry out attacks in Europe.

"He was a leading coordinator of the November 2015 Paris attacks and March 2016 attacks in Brussels, the State Department said.

The Belgian-Moroccan national was responsible for recruiting, training, and sending at least some of the individuals to Paris to launch the November 2015 attacks, which killed and injured hundreds, including Americans, it said.

He also recruited and mentored two of the bombers involved in the March 2016 Brussels attacks that killed 32 and left many more wounded.

Mohammed Binali is a senior member of Islamic State who departed Bahrain to join the terrorist group in 2014 and has since appeared in multiple Islamic State propaganda videos calling on Bahrainis, specifically members of Bahrains security forces, to join Islamic State, it said.
The Corvallis mayor and the president of Oregon State University are among many Oregon officials who have signed a national pledge to support climate action.

The pledge, called We Are Still In, surfaced after President Donald Trump on June 1 announced that the United States would withdraw from the Paris Climate Accord. Oregon Gov. Kate Brown has signed the pledge, which promises to continue to support climate action to meet the Paris Agreement. Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum also has signed.

Corvallis Mayor Biff Traber said the city is committing to meeting climate reduction goals the city has already outlined, which are equal to or slightly better than what the country pledged in the Paris accord. The City Council in December passed a Climate Action Plan. Its primary goal is a 3.2 percent annual reduction in greenhouse gas emissions that, if achieved, would put the city at 75 percent of its 1990 emissions by the year 2050.

Under the Paris accord, the Obama administration pledged to cut domestic greenhouse gas emissions 26 to 28 percent below 2005 levels by 2025.

The accords central aim is to strengthen the global response to the threat of climate change by limiting global warming to less than 2 degrees Celsius. The landmark agreement, which was made in 2015 between nearly 200 participating countries, asks nations to set individual targets to reduce emissions.

We are going to still be doing our part, Traber said.

The citys climate plan includes municipal and community actions to improve energy conservation and efficiency, to promote electric vehicle use, to conserve water, reduce waste, expand public transit and more. Traber said a task force is drafting a process for implementing those actions.

Traber said climate change and global warming are serious problems requiring all citizens to make adjustments to their lifestyles.

Its a major worldwide problem that needs to be worked on as a whole, he said. For the president to renege on commitments the U.S. has already made, and to make some questionable claims on whether its a good deal or not good deal, I think it was a bad decision.

Oregon State University is a global leader in both sustainability and climate change research, and signing the pledge communicates those values, said President Edward Ray.

Improving the environment and addressing climate change are longstanding priorities and initiatives of the university, he said.

Ray said OSU students were among the early advocates in the 1970s for Oregons bottle bill, which requires cans, bottles, and other containers sold in Oregon to be returnable with a minimum refund value. The bill was created to address a growing litter problem in Oregon.

In 2007, Ray signed the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment, which initiated efforts to eventually end the universitys institutional carbon emissions. Since then, per-student carbon emissions at OSU have decreased on an annual basis by 38 percent, he said.

The organization Second Nature, which created the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment, provides institution leaders with guides to avoid or reduce emissions through efficiency and conservation, eliminate emissions through switching to renewable sources of energy and offset any remaining emissions.

Ray said the university is a front-runner in academically understanding and measuring climate change, including research efforts to develop renewable and low-carbon sources of energy, such as wave, wind, nuclear and solar energy systems.

OSU also has a sustainability officer, whom Ray encourages students to contact for information on what they can do personally to reduce their carbon emissions.

The Benton County Board of Commissioners has not discussed signing the We Are Still In pledge, county spokeswoman Lili'a Neville said.

The pledge was penned by a group of environmental and sustainability groups. The signees comprise 125 cities, 9 states, 902 businesses and investors, and 183 colleges and universities, Business Insider reported. The coalition represents $6.2 trillion of the U.S. economy. Oregon businesses who signed include Intel, Nike, Deschutes Brewery, KEEN, Inc., Portland General Electric, Columbia Sportswear and more.
By David Brunnstrom

| WASHINGTON

WASHINGTON Veteran former U.S. politician and diplomat Bill Richardson offered on Friday to visit North Korea to secure the release of three detained Americans and a Canadian after U.S. university student Otto Warmbier was brought back in a coma.Richardson, a former New Mexico governor and congressman who visited North Korea in the 1990s and sought the release of detained Americans, told Reuters he made the proposal in a letter to the North Korean mission to the United Nations."I have proposed that as of today," Richardson said, adding that he argued in the letter it was in North Korea's interest to free the detainees unconditionally, "in the light of its failure to properly take care and handle" Warmbier's case.Doctors say the 22-year-old university student who was returned to the United States this week after being held in North Korea for 17 months has a severe brain injury and is in a state of "unresponsive wakefulness."Richardson said he and members of his foundation had met with North Korean diplomats 20 times in the past year to try to secure the release of Warmbier and the others - Korean-Americans Tony Kim, Kim Dong Chul and Kim Hak Song and Korean-Canadian Hyeon Soo Lim.

He said the foundation's executive director travelled to North Korea in November and proposed that Richardson travel there for the purpose, but the North Koreans did not respond.Richardson said he had yet to inform the Trump administration about his letter, but had briefed the State Department and White House in recent weeks on his past efforts.In 1996, Richardson secured the release of a 26-year-old American, Evan Hunziker, who was held for three months in North Korea on spying charges.

He called on the administration to find a way to ensure Warmbier "gets the best medical care to see if he can be revived"."This is going to be a long, protracted convalescence; They should do this as a symbol that the U.S. government will stand behind our citizens who have been violated," Richardson said.

Trump said on Friday that what had happened to Warmbier was "a truly terrible thing."Richardson, who has been in close contact with the Warmbier family, said he did not believe Pyongyang's explanation that the student's condition was the result of botulism and a sleeping pill."It could be some kind of stress from the imprisonment; it could be beatings and torture," he said, adding that North Korea should cooperate with an investigation, perhaps carried out by the United Nations."They should have a detailed medical explanation why this happened and why they didnt disclose this a year ago. This is unconscionable," he said. (Reporting by David Brunnstrom; Editing by Yara Bayoumy and James Dalgleish)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
James Comey's testimony before the Senate Intelligence Committee did not reach any conclusion. It was yet another building block in a situation which increasingly looks bleaker. It remains to be seen whether this will end with President Donald Trump's impeachment but until we reach that tipping point, newer incidents keep pushing the United States towards the brink. Meanwhile, thanks to Trump and his mercurial ways, the country and its president has become a subject of ridicule.

Every year, Russian president Vladimir Putin spends a day taking phone calls from the common folk as he appears on the Direct Line on the state TV. This year, he decided to talk about asylums and Comey.

On the face of it, Putin mocked Comey as he compared him to Edward Snowden and called him not a security service director, but a civil activist advocating a certain belief. He ended up offering Comey asylum in Russia (just like he had to Snowden) should he face political persecution in the US.

However, look a little deeper and the "offer" is essentially a slap on US' face. Because when Russia starts to save your citizens from political persecution, you're clearly doing something wrong.

Now, Putin has a history of making outrageous statements. Only recently he said that he didn't have bad days because he wasn't a woman. Except these statements usually have a specific purpose. And more often than not they are part of a well-thought-out plan.

This is not the first time that Putin mocked the US, especially since Trump entered the White House. And this is despite parallel claims that Russia is trying to mend its relations with the US, which have been fraught since the Cold War. Putin supposedly wants to cooperate with the US on major issues like global climate, poverty, and nuclear non-proliferation. He also wants to "take their interaction in the international arena to a whole new level  an assertion that cuts both ways in light of Putins other antics regarding the US. The New York Times writes about how a lot of Putins statements about the US are designed to unnerve and confuse rather than advance actual policy.

In essence, Putins stance towards the US has rare been truly conciliatory. And as we look back at the other statements that he or his proxies have made, a clear pattern starts to emerge.

In May 2017, Russias foreign minister Sergey Lavrov paid a visit to the White House  a meeting arranged only due to Putins insistence after nearly four years of Lavrov being denied entry under the Obama administration. Far from being about policy, the meeting seemed designed solely so that Lavrov could mock the turmoil in the White House (Comeys firing). After observing Lavrovs actions and temperament at the meeting and in subsequent interactions with European leaders, Politico wrote, Lavrov was right where he has always wanted to be Wednesday: Mocking the United States while being welcomed in the Oval Office by the president himself.

The New York Times also stated reports which came to light stating that Trump had shared classified information with Lavrov. Putins response was to deny this and offer to release a record of the meeting that he had in order to clear up the situation.

According to Bloomberg, the suggestion was sheer mockery as it is impossible to imagine the Congress making such a request of Putin. US legislators tried to answer Putin in kind as Senator Marco Rubio suggesting that if Putin sent the information by email, he "wouldn't click on the attachment," in an oblique reference to the election hacking scandal.

However, by making the offer, Putin portrayed Russia as the superior power who had nothing to hide. At the same time, Putin attacked the domestic situation in the US as he said, Its hard to imagine what else these people who generate such nonsense and rubbish can dream up next.

Putin has toyed with the US on numerous occasion. Specifically in December 2016, when the then President Barack Obama expelled 35 Russian diplomats in retaliation for Russia involvement in the US election hacking episode, Putin actually acted like the bigger man as he decided against expelling US diplomatic staff. It allowed him to make statements like "we will not create problems for American diplomats. We will not expel anyone," and appear like a mature statesman. It also deepened his relationship with Trump who called the move "great".

Further back in time when Trump was just a candidate and not the president, Putin had described Trump as a flamboyant or colourful man, using a Russian word which can be translated with ambiguous connotations, from gaudy to striking to dazzling. Trump being Trump misinterpreted Putins comments as a great honour and clear praise, rather than consider the various meanings of the word. The fact that Putin could take such liberties with a US presidential candidate tells you how fearless he has become in matters relating to the US.

Then there was the 2013 New York Times open letter. In the letter, Putin wrote attacked American exceptionalism and the US policy of using brute force against nations that have not had the chance to embrace democracy instead of searching for peaceful solutions through international discussions. He stops short of explicitly accusing the US of pushing nations into acquiring weapons of mass destruction as they could no longer count on international law, but the implication was rather clear.

Around the same time, Russia also granted asylum to Snowden when he fled the US after leaking documents about the National Security Agencys extensive surveillance programmes.

Now, Russia is not exactly famous for being a champion of free speech in particular and human rights in general. Granting Snowden asylum was no way in keeping with the country's stance on human rights. Instead what it intended to do, according to the Guardian, was to expose the impotence of the US on the international stage and to allow Putin to pose as a champion of human rights in stark comparison to the snooping, spying US.

Putin's background as a spymaster with the Russian KGB lends him great expertise in covert warfare. The image he cultivates both at home and abroad is planned well in advance and he rarely makes off-the-cuff remarks. As such when he calls Trump "colourful" or offers Comey asylum, he chips away at the image of US superiority that the world has become used to. He then starts portraying Russia  and by extension himself  as a viable superpower alternative. It affords him great power at home where he is seen as a strong leader. But more than that it also shows other countries that Russia is not to be taken lightly in the new world order.
London: Anger mounted in London on Wednesday over a devastating tower block blaze which killed at least 17 people, as police said some of the victims were left unrecognisable by the blaze.

Locals yelled questions at Mayor Sadiq Khan as he walked through the west London neighbourhood where the 24-storey Grenfell Tower went up in flames early on Wednesday.

"How many children died? What are you going to do about it?" a boy asked Khan, as the mayor tried to stop tensions rising further.

"You can see the anger for the community, justifiably so," he said. "Many people have been saying for some time now, their concerns about the housing we're talking about now, but also other tower blocks around London."

Grenfell Tower was home to around 600 people and whole families remain missing after the fire, which forced residents to flee through black smoke down the single stairwell, jump out of windows or even drop their children to safety.

Of the 17 victims found by emergency services so far, six were outside the tower, while it has not yet been deemed safe enough to recover the 11 bodies found inside.

"They are simply not recognisable because of the fire," Fiona McCormack, from the Metropolitan Police's identification team, said of the victims found inside Grenfell Tower.

One of the victims was named as Mohammed Alhajali, a 23-year-old Syrian refugee, who came to Britain in 2014 with his brother. "Mohammed undertook a dangerous journey to flee war and death in Syria, only to meet it here in the UK, in his own home," the Syrian Solidarity Campaign said in a statement.

As the fire continued to burn more than 36 hours after the blaze started, police commander Stuart Cundy said he did not expect to find any survivors. "There is a risk we may not be able to identify everybody. The process will be very long. We're talking weeks, we're talking months," he said.

Questions are growing about how the flames spread so quickly, engulfing the tower's 120 apartments in what fire chiefs said was an unprecedented blaze.

The focus of criticism centres on the cladding fitted to external walls on the 1970s concrete block as part of a 8.7 million ($11 million, 9.9 million euros) refit completed last year.

According to the BBC, the cladding had a plastic core and was similar to that used by high-rise buildings in France, UAE and Australia, which had also suffered fires that spread.

Rydon, the firm responsible for the refit, said the project "met all required building regulations".

Harley Facades, which fitted the panels, told the BBC, "At this time, we are not aware of any link between the fire and the exterior cladding to the tower."

London Fire Commissioner Dany Cotton said they still did not the cause of the fire, where it started or why it spread in such a way.

Earlier on Thursday, British Prime Minister Theresa May ordered a public inquiry, an official review of action by public institutions.

In addition to debate over the cladding, questions have also been raised over why there was no sprinkler system in the Grenfell Tower which could have helped stop the fire spreading, or any central smoke alarm system that would have woken sleeping residents.

Official fire service advice for residents to stay in their homes and use towels to block out smoke, while awaiting help, has also come under scrutiny.

Local lawmaker Emma Dent Coad said grieving families had "lost their loved ones and their communities have been shaken to the core. They need answers".

Fellow London MP Harriet Harman urged politicians to pursue the inquiry without delay, warning fire minister Nick Hurd if they didn't act "you and all of us are culpable".

Grenfell Tower is part of a social housing estate in north Kensington, just streets away from some of the most expensive homes in the world in Notting Hill.

Residents have said their safety concerns were ignored, arguing their fears would have been addressed before the tragedy had they lived in a more upmarket area of London.

"If this happened somewhere near Knightsbridge this would have been resolved. It wouldn't have been an issue," said Nana Akuffo, 46, a chef volunteering at a local community centre.

David Collins, former chairman of the Grenfell Tower Residents' Association, said the building's management had failed to listen to residents' calls for improvements on fire safety.

"This is a multi-ethnic, multicultural, diverse community that just didn't get served by the people representing them," Collins told AFP.

The government on Thursday set up an emergency fund to allow the local authorities to deal with the disaster. Hundreds of thousands of pounds have already been raised online for the victims, while local community centres were inundated by donations of clothes and food.
Washington/Melbourne: The White House on Thursday brushed off news of a leaked video of Australian prime minister Malcolm Turnbull making fun of US President Donald Trump and alluding to ties with Russia.

I dont think anybody cares about that, a senior White House official said of Turnbull's remarks at a news media ball at Parliament House in Canberra late on Wednesday that was supposed to have been off the record.

"The Donald and I ... we are winning in the polls. We are! Not the fake polls. We are winning in the real polls. You know, the online polls. They are so easy to win," Turnbull said in the leaked recording, he adding: "I have this Russian guy ..."

An Australian journalist broadcast the recording, saying that because he had not been at the event, he was not bound by the confidentiality rule.

Turnbull, who had a famously frosty first telephone call with Trump early this year, later told the 3AW radio station that the leak was a breach of protocol, but his "affectionately lighthearted" speech was a "good-humoured roast" in which he was the butt of his own jokes.

The US embassy in Canberra said it understood the Mid-Winter Ball was the equivalent of the annual White House Correspondents' Dinner, at which the US media and president traditionally rib each other.

"We take this with the good humour that was intended," the embassy said.

The White House official, who asked to not be identified, referred to a "good" first face-to face meeting between Trump and Turnbull in New York in May at which they declared that they "get along great."

That was not the case when Turnbull became one of the first foreign leaders Trump spoke to after taking office on 20 January.

During their phone call, Trump became irritated about an agreement made by his Democratic predecessor, Barack Obama, to accept as many as 1,250 refugees held in Australian processing centres on remote Pacific islands.

Trump broke off what was supposed to be an hour-long call after 25 minutes and later tweeted that the refugee agreement was "dumb."

US vice-president Mike Pence visited Australia in April and said that while Trump was not happy about the refugee agreement, the United States would honour it.
On Thursday night, the White House released a rather mysterious statement, urging Americans to desist from believing reports emanating from "anonymous" sources.

"Americans should exercise caution before accepting as true any stories attributed to anonymous 'officials,' particularly when they do not identify the country - let alone the branch or agency of government - with which the alleged sources supposedly are affiliated. Americans should be skeptical about anonymous allegations. The Department of Justice has a long-standing policy to neither confirm or deny such allegations," the statement said.

Inbox: Bizarre statement from DAG Rosenstein pic.twitter.com/EVAUJpJWMP  Zeke Miller (@ZekeJMiller) June 16, 2017

It immediately created a flurry of excitement, with speculation high about what could have caused such a statement.

It was all the more surprising, coming from Rosenstein, who hasn't made a public announcement remark since three days, when he last said there was "no good cause" to fire Robert Mueller, the special counsel investigating Russian election interference.

However, the timing of the statement could hold possible hints at what he intended. It came just a few hours after The Washington Post reported that Jared Kushner, son-in-law and adviser to president Donald Trump, was under investigation over his business dealings.

That report had quoted "officials familiar with the matter" and was based on anonymous sources who weren't "authorised to speak". Rosenstein's statement follows several others made by Trump himself, in which he has often complained of "fake news".

The president had alleged that the media is trying to portray a negative image of him, after another The Washington Post article had said Trump himself was under investigation for obstruction of justice.
On the #ModiTrump beat in New Delhi and Washington D.C, word is that Modi may avoid wading into deeply controversial territory when he meets US President Trump for the very first time June 26 and instead focus on establishing a working rapport that India can build on.

Will Pakistan be on the table? Absolutely, says Aparna Pande, Director of Hudson Institute's Initiative on the Future of India and South Asia.

Pande spoke to Firstpost on the upcoming Modi-Trump summit. Her book 'Chanakya to Modi: Evolution of India's foreign policy' is out this summer.

Here's the link to the Facebook Live chat; the transcript of the interview, edited for brevity, is below. Follow the #ModiTrump summit on the Firstpost website and on our social pages.

Firstpost: What will success of a #ModiTrump summit look like ?

Aparna Pande: The fact that theyre meeting within the first six months of Trump taking over itself is a good place to start. Thats success. The PM (Modi) wanted to come in the years first half and he was keen that its not a sideshow or a part of a larger meeting where he first meets Trump. This is a one-on-one, its just the two of them, not a UNSC or G20. Next point - what can each leader give the other? They are both leaders who came to power primarily promising economic growth, employment, jobs and restoring their countrys position on the global area. So if both sides could offer each other job creation and investment that would be great although that would be difficult to achive in a very first meeting. Meeting of minds, photo ops and then seeing in the next few months how that can be taken forward.

FP: The Abe meeting is being talked of as some kind of touchstone, a pattern that Trumps meetings with Asian leaders has generally gone well

AP: We must remember that India is not an ally of the United States. Japan, in contrast, has been a very old ally, from post-World War 2. Germany is also an ally - those relationships with the US differ. India has always stayed away from the ally label. Mr. Modi and Mr. Trump do get along okay. They have spoken a few times. A lot of Mr. Modis supporters in the United States diaspora voted for Mr. Trump and he in turn appealed to them to do so ahead of the elections. There is a feeling that the other person (Modi) has been good for them. We are not China where we are taking away Americans jobs or dumping steel. We are relatively lucky in that sense. We have good economic and security co-operation. Post Independence, Indian leaders decided that we wont be in any alliance. For India, alliance means military - not economy, counter-terrorism. India has refused to be any other countrys military alliance. United States - we have always said we are your partner, we are your friend whereas Japan is part of formal treaties with the US.

FP: Whether the H1B comes up in the summit meeting or not, it's heading for a reset, the backlash is not ebbing...

AP: This has been a long-time problem. PM Modi will certainly discuss it with Trump either this time or the next. It did not matter traditionally but this time it does. In the 60s and 70s, it did not matter what the diaspora was up to, but now we do. The BJP has strong presence among the diaspora here. Full disclosure - I was on an H1B a few years ago. Both sides have benefitted over the years. What we need is an updating or upgrading of the visa system. What matters is not the visa but the way it has been portrayed - as a domestic issue, it impacts the vote base. Mr Modi understands this very well - how promises during an election plays to the vote bank sentiment.

FP: Par for the course - so Pakistan will be on the menu?

AP: Yes, certainly. It will come up. Pakistan has been on the table for at least two or two and a half decades. The neighbourhood is also discussed which means Bangladesh, Sri Lanka but especially Pakistan because of Indias concerns about cross border terror, because of Afghanistan. US policy towards Afghanistan is currently under review so India will want to know what the United States is planning aside from additional troops etc. By default, what is it (US) planning for Pakistan? Pakistan is also interested. What has happened is that the majority of people in this town believe that the US policy towards Pakistan must change from just providing aidQuestion is what will change? Currently, theres no big ticket sell items to Pakistan. Only question is that if US decides to send more troops into Afghanistan, what is it going to ask of Pakistan ( and India).

FP: Is there talk of an arms deal in the offing?

AP: Yesthe economic dimension will increaseUS India has been an economic -strategic partnership. The economic angle will gain prominence under this President. What will you give me? What will you buy? But theres a limit to what India can do without hurting its own say, Make In India program or its own interests. So, no big ticket items will come out, its symbolic. India will push the US to pressurise Pakistan back off on terror.

Twitter | @byniknat
Tesla CEO Elon Musk is initiating talks with the Indian government to reduce import duty. On June 15, Musk replied to a Twitter user saying, In discussions with the government of India requesting temporary relief on import penalties/restrictions until a local factory is built.

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Tesla unveiled Model 3 electric sedan last year in April. Model 3 is the most affordable car in the Tesla line-up and is a smaller hybrid of the Model S and X. This isnt the first time that Elon Musk has taken to Twitter to post details about plans in India. Earlier in February, Musk had stated that he was hoping for Tesla to enter India this summer.

At present, India imposes 60 percent customs duty on import of completely-built electric cars priced less than $40,000 (roughly Rs. 25.8 lakhs). If the electric car is assembled in India, the customs duty on the completely knocked down units is 10 percent. If the value of the imported car is more than $40,000 the customs duty is 100 percent, as per a PTI report.

In May, when a certain Twitter user had asked about the future of Tesla cars in India, Elon Musk had tweeted saying, Maybe Im misinformed, but I was told that 30% of parts must be locally sourced, and the supply doesnt yet exist in India to support that. In response to Musks tweet, the commerce and industry ministry clarified on Twitter that only foreign retailersnot manufacturersare required to source a portion of their components locally.

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Power minister Piyush Goyal said in April that India was looking at having an all-electric car fleet by 2030 with an objective to reduce fuel imports and running cost of vehicles. Earlier this month, Anand Mahindra, the head of Indias leading automaker Mahindra and Mahindra, invited Musk to come to India and be part of the countrys budding electric-vehicles market to which Musk replied saying Good Point.

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Aug. 13, 1940  June 15, 2017

Janet Vance of Corvallis passed away on June 15, at the age of 76, after many years of living with multiple sclerosis (MS).

She was born on August 13, 1940, in the bedroom of a dairy farm in Churchville, Maryland, while her father slept through the birth on the wood box in the kitchen! She was the only child of Ronda David Eller and Myrtle McCallister Eller.

She attended school in Bel Air and Pylesville, Maryland. After graduating in 1958 from North Harford High School in Pylesville, Maryland, she landed a secretarial job with the Central Intelligence Agency in Washington, DC.

While there, she met Dwight Vance on a blind date on St. Patricks Day, 1959, and married him less than six months later on September 5 in Oak Grove Baptist Church in Bel Air, Maryland.

In 1960, Dwights service in the Navy was changed from sea duty to shore duty, and he was transferred to Jacksonville, Florida, where Janet found a job in the typing pool at Riverside Hospital and Clinic. She worked there until Dwights Navy duty was up in late 1962, when they moved to Oregon, so that Dwight could continue his education at the University of Oregon in preparation for his career as a music teacher in Corvallis.

From 1963, Janet worked for the State of Oregon Workers Compensation Division and the Oregon Department of Higher Education Controllers Office and Internal Audit Division until 1988, when she retired for medical reasons related to the MS, which had been diagnosed ten years earlier.

Janet and her husband were active in the Pacific Coast Association of Magicians (PCAM) and the International Brotherhood of Magicians (IBM), an interest they shared for most of their married life. As a hobby, Dwight was an amateur magician, and Janet was secretary/treasurer and a one-time president for the local Ring of the PCAM. This interest took them to many parts of the country as they attended the PCAM and IBM conventions.

Janet was active in the Northwest Hills Community Church in Corvallis, where she volunteered in its library for many years.

Janet was preceded in death by her husband in 2008, following 48 years of marriage.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, June 22, at Park Place Assisted Living, 2595 NE Jack London St., Corvallis.

Memorial donations may be made to the Oregon Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, PO Box 2806, Portland, OR 97208-2806.

Please leave condolences at wwwmchenryfuneralhome.com.
China and South Korea put aside hard feelings over Beijing's objections to a U.S. anti-missile system to join an annual meeting Friday on the South Korean island of Jeju of a China-backed Asian lending bank.

Chinese finance minister Xiao Jie and his Indian counterpart Arun Jaitley were among those attending the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank's second annual meeting, which will wrap up over the weekend.

South Korean officials said finance ministers of the two countries met for talks on the meeting's sidelines and reaffirmed their "solid economic ties," agreed to continue collaboration as major founding members of the AIIB.

It was unclear if the meeting will pave the way for a broader thaw in chilled relations. South Korean officials declined to say whether the ministers discussed the thorny missile issue, citing a confidentiality agreement with Chinese officials.

South Korea was picked to host the gathering before Beijing began protesting Seoul's agreement to let its ally the United States deploy on its territory key components of the so-called Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense system. South Korea and the U.S. say the system is needed to deter a possible North Korean attack but Beijing sees it as a threat to its own security because its radar can peer deep into northeastern China.

Since China began protesting the THAAD deployment in late February, visits by Chinese tourists have dropped sharply and some companies operating in China, South Korea's largest trading partner, were asked to suspend their operations there.

The brouhaha between Seoul and Beijing stopped hogging local headlines after South Korea's new president took office in May and ordered an environmental review before completing the missile defense system's deployment.

Sustainable energy is a key theme at this year's meeting. The issue has taken front stage following U.S. President Donald Trump's recent decision to withdraw from the Paris climate accord, which the president characterized as being unfair to the U.S.,

In a statement issued Friday, the AIIB said it supports its members "to do their part as expressed in the Paris Agreement" and pledged to prioritize investment in renewable energy projects and projects that enhance the energy efficiency of existing infrastructure.

"We are ready to do our part in support of the Paris Agreement," Jin Liqun, the AIIB President, said in the statement.

The China-led AIIB added three more countries to its membership on Friday, bringing the total to 80 member countries. They include some American allies such as Britain and Australia. The U.S. has shunned the initiative, while Japan has also stayed away but expressed openness to joint projects with the Manila, Philippines-based Asia Development Bank.

Twenty five member countries sent representatives to Jeju, the lending bank's first meeting outside China, South Korea's finance ministry said.

Some environmental activists have expressed concerns that the AIIB may support coal.

While the Asian lending bank pledged to support "low-carbon energy," in a report earlier this year, it said the bank also might support oil- or coal-fired power plants if they replace less-efficient facilities or no other options are available. The Asian Development Bank and other experts say coal is likely to be the cheapest option for economies such as Bangladesh.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in used the meeting's opening ceremony to promote his new administration's clean energy initiatives. In his debut speech at an international conference, Moon said South Korea will sharply increase its reliance on renewable energy to 20 percent by 2030 from about 5 percent in 2015. Moon also reiterated a commitment to cut use of coal and nuclear energy by Asia's fourth largest economy.

"So far infrastructure investment has contributed to economic growth in each country, but it has also damaged natural environments in the process. South Korea also had painful experiences like that and we are learning many lessons," Moon said.

__

AP Business Writer Joe McDonald in Beijing contributed to this story.
Defense and spy-agency contractor Booz Allen Hamilton says the Justice Department is investigating its accounting and the way it charges the government.

The disclosure in a regulatory filing sent shares of Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corp. tumbling almost 19 percent in Friday trading.

Booz Allen said its own auditing hasn't found any major erroneous costs or problems, and that it's cooperating with the Justice Department's civil and criminal investigations.

The company, based in McLean, Virginia, is one of the biggest U.S. defense and intelligence-agency contractors. Several of its executives either previously worked for the government or left the company to take high-level government positions.

Booz Allen received unwanted publicity in 2013 after revelations that its employee Edward Snowden took and shared documents about secret U.S. surveillance programs.

Booz Allen's stock recovered after taking a hit from the Snowden episode, and the company didn't suffer any long-term damage.

Last October, federal prosecutors charged another Booz Allen contractor with stealing classified information from the National Security Agency. The Justice Department said Harold T. Martin III's theft of top-secret government information was "breathtaking" in its duration and scope.

Martin's attorneys have argued that the former U.S. Navy lieutenant was merely a compulsive hoarder and a voracious learner who got carried away, taking home documents in a misguided effort to be more skilled at his job.
The Latest on the London tower block fire (all times local):

5:55 p.m.

British Prime Minister Theresa May is promising a comprehensive package of help for victims of the devastating fire at a west London apartment building.

May on Friday announced a 5 million pound ($6.4 million) fund following meeting with survivors of the Grenfell Tower tragedy. The package includes a guarantee to rehouse people as close as practically possible to where they previously lived  either in the borough of Kensington and Chelsea or in neighboring boroughs.

May says she "spoke with people who ran from the fire in only the clothes they were wearing."

May says the fund aims to "give the victims the immediate support they need to care for themselves and for loved ones. We will continue to look at what more needs to be done."

The move came after strong criticism from London's mayor, Sadiq Khan.

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5:45 p.m.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has sent an open letter to British Prime Minister Theresa May, demanding that she explain how she will support the community surrounding the site of an apartment building fire that killed at least 30 people.

Khan told the prime minister Friday that residents were increasingly angry, distraught and frustrated because the government and local authorities had not done enough to help them or to answer questions about dead or missing loved ones.

Khan says he believes their grief was being exacerbated by the lack of information.

He says while "current systems in place may work well for a terrorist attack, there are legitimate questions about whether they are still appropriate in situations where obtaining this information could take much longer."

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5 p.m.

Councils across Britain are ordering urgent reviews of their social housing stock following the London fire that devastated a 24-story bloc and killed at least 30 people

The Local Government Association, representing 370 councils in England and Wales, says extra safety checks have been organized across local authorities, including Camden, Newham, Croydon and Redbridge.

Association chairman Gary Porter says that "fire risk assessments and the construction of buildings are being reviewed and double checks are being made to ensure remedial work recommended under previous assessments have been carried out."

Prime Minister Theresa May has already ordered a public inquiry into the disaster in hopes of calming public anxiety.

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4:45 p.m.

Anger following the London high-rise rise fire has boiled over with protests erupting in at least two places in the borough of Kensington and Chelsea. People are chanting "We want justice."

Some 200 people marched near Notting Hill Gate tube station on Friday, demanding action from local councilors tasked with housing people following the disaster.

A separate protest occurred near the town hall offices. Protesters are worried that councilors will dispatch homeless residents far from their communities.

London has a chronic housing shortage even in the best of times, and people fear being forced out of the city.

The protests are a reflection of the anger in the community following the devastating fire that killed 30 people.

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2:10 p.m.

Britain's Guardian newspaper is reporting that cladding used on the high-rise structure that burned this week in west London was made of the cheaper, more flammable material of two types offered by the manufacturer.

The newspaper said Friday that Omnis Exteriors manufactured the aluminum composite material used in the cladding. It quoted director John Cowley as saying that Omnis had supplied Reynobond PE cladding.

This type of cladding is 2 pounds cheaper ($2.56) per square meter than the alternative Reynobond FR, which stands for "fire resistant".

Cowley was quoted by the Guardian as saying: "We supplied components for a system created by the design and build team on that project."

Attention has focused on a recent renovation project involving cladding installation as people search for answers on the fire that claimed at least 30 lives.

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12:45 p.m.

Prime Minister Theresa May is speaking with survivors of the high-rise fire in which 30 people are confirmed to have died.

May visited Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, which is treating eight people. Three are in critical condition.

The visit can be seen as a response to the anger of residents from the west London neighborhood because May had visited the scene of the fire without meeting victims. Other members of her Conservative Party urged her to show concern for the dozens of victims and survivors of the blaze.

May will later chair a meeting on how the authorities can help affected communities and victims recover.

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12:30 p.m.

London police say the number of victims has increased to 30 in the fire that engulfed a high-rise building.

Metropolitan Police Commander Stuart Cundy said Friday that 24 people are being treated in the hospital, including 12 in critical care. The number of victims is expected to grow.

Authorities say they've examined original location of fire and there is no indication it was started deliberately

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11:05 a.m.

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince William have arrived at a west London site where community groups have gathered supplies for those affected by the tower fire disaster.

The queen is meeting with volunteers Friday.

The monarch has expressed her sympathies to families of victims of the blaze that ripped through the 24-story building, killing at least 17.

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10:00 a.m.

Relatives of those missing after a high-rise tower blaze in London are searching frantically for their loved ones, as the police commander in charge of the investigation says he hopes the death toll will not rise to three figures.

Firefighters searching the smoldering ruin in west London have recovered six bodies from the 24-story Grenfell Tower, while 11 others have been located but cannot yet be removed from the gutted structure.

Families searching for their loved ones have blanketed the area near the tower with posters searching for answers, and sorrow is quickly turning to anger over whether recent building works were properly done.

Meanwhile, Metropolitan Police commander Stuart Cundy responded to speculation that the number of dead could exceed 100, saying: "From a personal perspective, I really hope it isn't."
President Donald Trump announced changes to Americas policy regarding Cuba on Friday, doubling down on his campaign promise to take a tougher stance on relations with the communist country.

We will enforce the ban on tourism. We will enforce the embargo. We will take concrete steps to ensure that investments flow directly to the people so they can open private businesses and begin to build their countrys great, great futurea country of great potential, he said during a speech in Miami.

He added that the U.S. will restrict American dollars flowing to Cubas military, security and intelligence services that are the core of the Castro regime.

Watch the latest video at video.foxbusiness.com

However, Trump said his administration is open to crafting a new pact with Cuba and President Raul Castro, if the country takes solid strides toward improving the lives of its own people, in addition to returning criminals and fugitives to the U.S.

When Cuba is ready to take concrete steps to these ends, we will be ready, willing and able to come to the table to negotiate that much better deal for Cubans, for Americans  a deal thats fair. And a deal that makes sense. Our embassy remains open in the hope that our countries can forge a much stronger and better path, the President said.

The Obama administration restored diplomatic relations with Cuba in 2015, leading to both countries opening embassies in each others capitals. Eventually, former President Obama became the first sitting U.S. president to visit the communist country in almost a century. Trump criticized the Obama administrations attempts to thaw relations with Cuba, saying the deal was terrible and misguided and that it only enriched the communist Castro regime.
Ever since Ralph Nader wrote about it, the Chevrolet Corvair has been called unsafe at any speed.

To some residents of a small Indiana town, that includes when its standing still.

A group of neighbors in the rural community of Gaston have complained to the local zoning commission about a large hoard of dozens of Corvairs and other cars housed on a residential property, The Star Press reports.

The group alleges that its become illegal junk yard thats polluting the area and harboring rats and wild animals, and that the home on the property is uninhabited.

"It's a guy's hobby that's gotten way too big," said city-county planner Fred Daniel.

RARE 4X4 FORD MUSTANG SURFACES IN THE NETHERLANDS

Daniels also pointed out that, according to local laws governing salvage yards, the collection appears to be too close to neighboring roads and homes.

Michael McKeel and his wife Sheryl own the property at 6600 W. Delaware County Road 850-N. He told the a Star Press reporter that he in fact does live there, and collects the Corvairs as a hobby because it was his first car, then added why is it a news story? I don't want to be in the news," before hanging up.

The complaint has forced McKeel to file an application for a special use permit, in which he claims hes been working on cars on the property for 40 years.

A hearing on the matter is scheduled for July 6.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE CLASSIC CAR NEWS FROM FOX NEWS AUTOS
An Ohio judge known for handing down unusual sentences is requiring convicted drunken drivers to download ride-hailing apps on their phones as part of their punishment.

Municipal Court Judge Michael Cicconetti (chik-oh-NETT'-ee) in Painesville in northeastern Ohio also requires defendants to enter a credit card number on the Uber and Lyft apps as a condition of probation.

Cicconetti tells the Willoughby News-Herald (http://bit.ly/2rdJkaQ ) it's common sense to take advantage of the technology, which is safer than driving drunk and a cheaper alternative to thousands of dollars spent after a drunk driving arrest.

In the past Cicconetti has told a drunken driver to view crash victims' bodies at a morgue.
Brad Paisley hopes to send out a strong message with the title track of his new album Love and War. He said his single, featuring John Fogerty, is a "bit of a protest song" against the mistreatment of our veterans.

Fox News caught up with Paisley as he presented his 16-song, 62-minute movie to an audience at the CMA Festival.

Fox News: The title track Love and War what you wanted to say and why?

Brad Paisley: Once I came up with the idea for that song, I had it in mind to do that with John Fogerty who was the voice of, musically, the Vietnam Era in some ways. We think back to what we got wrong during Vietnam, which was that if you weren't for the war somehow you weren't for the troops either. And now we're getting it right, that we understand that whether or not we agree or with any sort of conflict, that we honor these troops but we're not doing it in the greater scheme of things when it comes to healthcare and the VA and the things that we need to improve. So to me, I thought there's some sort of song here that's a bit of a protest song and it's protesting the mistreatment of these guys that are heroes that are the reason that we have all of these things that we have in this country.

Fox News: What feedback do you get from service members who have heard the song?

Paisley: The main comment I get I think from service people is "thank you." Which is exactly what you want to hear. I mean, let's do better on this subject. I'd love for this song to be obsolete eventually. Unfortunately I think we're a ways away from that.

Fox News: What do you hope people take away from your album?

Paisley: There are several things. When you think about the ways you can make things three dimensional versus two dimensional by doing this. The song "The Devil is Alive and Well" can mean a lot of things. It can be the sort of [rage] on social media, it could be terrorism, it could be looking at the injustices in society. But when you see the video that we did, we focused on a church that was burned down in Nashville that's under an arson investigation -- it's a Hispanic church. So we went and shot on the steps of this there's nothing sadder than a church that's left in ruin and ashes. So maybe somebody sees this and in Nashville this leads us to rebuild that.
Oct. 7, 1927  June 6, 2017

Madelyn Chickie Bromm quietly passed away at her home at Regency Park Place in Corvallis in the company of family on June 6, the same day that her husband George, a D-Day survivor, died in 1984. She was 89.

Born and raised in New York City, Madelyn married George Bromm when he returned from WWII. They soon began a family and bought a small house in Hicksville, Long Island.

When they outgrew that house, they bought a bigger house in Highland Mills, New York, which they repaired and restored with the help of their eight kids.

When only two remained at home, the family moved to St. Augustine, Florida, to care for Madelyns mother.

After Georges unexpected passing when she was 55, Madelyn moved near a daughter in Dunedin, Florida. There, she worked in an office, bought a condo she loved, and made new friends. Her 80th birthday was celebrated there with a party attended by loved ones from eight decades.

Madelyn loved parties, and she would readily teach anyone dances and card games. She remained undefeated at Scrabble until a stroke ended her legendary dominance.

Her two oldest daughters persuaded her to move to Oregon, which she came to love for the flowers, beauty, and kindness of all the people she met, particularly the staff who cared for her at Park Place.

Her children and grandchildren came from all over the country to visit her. They called her The Phoenix, for her capacity to rise again and again from difficulties with grace and courage.

Madelyn is survived by her children, Barbara Gladstone, Theresa Bromm-Boesen, Jim Bromm, Kathleen Gibbons, Pati Chiavelli, and Larry Bromm; ten grandchildren and a great-grandson.

She outlived her children Laurie and Michael Bromm.

Following a private memorial service, her ashes will join those of her husband in a spot she selected in the Cascades.
Diane Sawyers videotaped deposition, played for jurors late Tuesday in the second week of the pink slime trial, could backfire for ABC, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Sawyer was deposed for the more than $1 billion defamation case over 2012 ABC news reports on a South Dakota meat producer's lean, finely textured beef product, which critics have dubbed "pink slime." The trial in state court between Beef Products Inc. and ABC is scheduled to last until late July.

During the deposition, Sawyer somewhat distanced herself from a report in question, noting that she read the script for a report on BPI and it seemed like solid reporting.

"I read the script and it seemed to be factual and fair and seemed to be credible reporting," she said during her deposition, according to the Sioux City Journal.

Sawyer was, at one point, named in the lawsuit but has since been dismissed from the suit. The remaining defendants are ABC and correspondent Jim Avila, who worked for Sawyer at the time.

Sawyer responded during the deposition to questions from BPI attorney Dan Webb, who asked her if she agreed that the word slime was derogatory, according to THR. She highlighted in her reply that she was told it was an accurate description, further pushing the focus away from herself and onto Avila and others at the network.



"I agree it is not a distinctively appetizing term," she replied, according to THR. "I agree it is not pleasant. I am told it is descriptive. It is a true description."

The words true description could hurt one of ABCs planned arguments that descriptors are opinions -- not facts that can be proved as true or false, according to THR.

However the network has several other arguments up its sleeve.

ABC has stated it stands by its reporting on the subject.

The network wrote in court documents that it accurately presented views and information from "knowledgeable sources on a matter of keen public interest." ABC added there isn't a "shred of evidence" that ABC meant to convey that the product is unsafe for consumption. The network also disputes that it meant to imply that the product isn't nutritious or isn't a beef product. ABC's attorneys have also argued that the term "pink slime" accurately describes the texture and color of lean, finely textured beef.

Plus, ABC attorney Dane Butswinkas has countered that BPI was losing clients over concerns about the product before ABCs reports. He said fast food companies McDonalds, Burger King and Taco Bell stopped using beef with the product before the segments debuted.

BPI must show that ABC and producer Avila made defamatory implications or statements, and that they either knew the statements were false or acted with reckless disregard for the truth. The company also must prove that ABC hurt BPI.

The actual damages BPI is seeking could be as high as $1.9 billion, according to a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filing from Disney, which owns ABC. BPI is also seeking triple the amount, under South Dakota's Agricultural Food Products Disparagement Act and punitive damages.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.


Actress Jada Pinkett Smith wrote in a series of tweets on Friday that the newly released Tupac Shakur biopic does not depict her and the slain rappers relationship correctly.

The movie, All Eyez On Me, which was released Friday, chronicles the rappers life that was abruptly cut short.

Forgive memy relationship to Pac is too precious to me for the scenes in All Eyez On Me to stand as the truth, Pinkett Smith wrote. The reimagining of my relationship to Pac has been deeply hurtful.

BACHELOR IN PARADISE SCANDAL: COULD IT SINK THE ENTIRE BACHELOR FRANCISE?

Pinkett Smith and the rapper, born Lesane Parish Crooks, met at the Baltimore School for the Arts in Maryland in the late 1980s and became close friends, accoridng to People. Pinkett Smith said the two were never romantic.

Pinkett Smith stated certain events depicted in the film between her and Shakur never occurred.



Pac never said goodbye to me before leaving for LA. He had to leave abruptly and it wasn't to pursue his career, Pinkett Smith wrote.

After writing a few tweets of clarification, Pinkett Smith praised the actors who portrayed her and Shakur, Kat Graham and Demetrius Shipp Jr.

COSBY TRIAL: JUDGET GETS FRUSTRATED, DENIES REQUEST FOR A MISTRIAL

You both did a beautiful job with what you were given. Thank you both, she wrote.

The biopic, directed by Benny Boom, opened to mostly negative reviews, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The rapper was shot and killed on Sept. 7, 1996, in Las Vegas at age 25. He would have turned 46-years-old on Friday.
Megyn Kelly could find her upcoming interview with conspiracy monger Alex Jones scooped -- by Jones himself.

Amid a firestorm leading up to Sunday evenings NBC broadcast of Kellys next major interview for the network, Jones claimed he had secretly made his own tape of the interview -- as well as talks leading up to it -- and planned to release his version in advance. Jones says his tape will show the former Fox News personality sandbagged him.

Its not going to be some gotcha hit piece, I promise you that, Kelly tells Jones in a recording released on Jones website, Infowars.com. All I can do is give you my word and tell you if there is one thing about me I do what I say Im going to do and I dont double-cross.

Kelly goes on to say in one of the pre-interview recordings that she is a combination of Mike Wallace, Oprah Winfrey and Larry the Cable Guy.

Thats what youll get in the interview  a little bit of all three of those and hopefully everybody will walk away feeling like they had a good dinner  nutritious, some red meat with some dessert at the end, she is heard saying.

Of course Im going to do a fair interview Im still

me  Im not going to go out there and be Barbara Walters, she added.

MEGYN KELLYS INTERVIEW WITH ALEX JONES GETTING COMPLETE OVERHAUL

However, Jones, in commentary interspersed throughout the recordings, accused Kelly of going back on her word.

When she got here with her crew of intelligence operatives she did the opposite of what she said, Jones told viewers. And so I was recording the whole time, from our pre-interviews, right through the interviews, we have a record of it so that you can decide for yourself what I really said and what I stood for.

You alone will be the judge, he adds. You alone will be the jury of who is fake news.

Kelly's follow-up to her debut interview with Russian President Vladimir Putin was already steeped in controversy. By early this week, the network was reportedly in crisis meetings over how to respond to enraged parents of children killed in the horrific Sandy Hook Elementary School shootings. Their criticism is that NBCs decision to send its newest star to interview Jones  infamous for having said in 2014 that Sandy Hook is synthetic, completely fake, with actors, in my view, manufactured -- will only dignify the alt-right celebrity broadcaster.

I dont know what the truth is, all I know is that the official story of Sandy Hook has more holes in it than Swiss cheese, Jones later said in a video he posted online in November 2016.

Lawyers representing the families of the victims of Sandy Hook say that NBC airing the interview will only give more credibility to conspiracy theories surrounding the tragic shooting which left 20 children and six school staffers dead.

"Airing Ms. Kelly's interview implicitly endorses the notion that Mr. Jones' lies are actually 'claims' that are worthy of serious debate, and in doing so it exponentially enhances the suffering and distress of our clients," lawyers Josh Koskoff and Katie Mesner-Hage wrote in a letter to NBC, according to The Associated Press.

Then, following the parental backlash, a major sponsor said it was pulling advertising dollars. J.P. Morgan Chase announced no more money for NBC until after the Jones interview aired, or the broadcast is cancelled.

When you say parents faked their childrens deaths, people get very angry, Kelly said in a teaser of the interview released by NBC.

I looked at all the angles of Newtown and I made my statements long before the media even picked up on it, Jones responds.

MEGYN KELLY DEFENDS ALEX JONES INTERVIEW, NBC PRESSURED TO CANCEL IT

An interview with at least one Sandy Hook parent whose child died in the shootings will be included in NBCs report Sunday, a person familiar with the show told The Associated Press.

In other parts of the pre-interview recordings released by Jones, Kelly appears to butter up the InfoWars host after the NBC interview is agreed upon.

Im not looking to portray you as some boogie man or do any sort of a gotcha moment...the craziest thing of all would be if some of the people who have some insane version of you in their heads walk away saying You know what I see the dad in him, I see the guy who loves those kids and who is more complex than Ive been led to believe, Kelly says, referencing Jones child custody trial.

In Texas, Jones recordings are protected from any potential legal action Kelly and NBC could pursue, as the state has a one-party consent law where only one person needs to agree to having recorded communications.
Supermodel Miranda Kerr was given millions of dollars worth of diamonds by her billionaire ex-boyfriend  who is accused of masterminding the theft of $4.5 billion from a Malaysian development fund.

Malaysian financier Jho Low began showering Kerr with the gems on Valentines Day 2014  shortly after her divorce from actor Orlando Bloom  the US government charges in a civil lawsuit it filed Thursday as part of an effort to seize assets it claims were bought with money stolen in the development-fund scam.

For his first gift, Low told Manhattan-based jeweler to the stars Lorraine Schwartz that he had $1 million to $2 million to spend  and that size mattered, according to the suit.

He met the jeweler in his Time Warner Center condo  which the feds say he also bought with stolen cash  and settled on a diamond big enough to be any girls best friend  an 11.72-carat, heart-shaped rock that cost $1.29 million, the suit says.

As a finishing touch, he had it inscribed it with Kerrs initials.

Low [gave] the 11.72-carat heart-shaped diamond to Kerr, who resides in Los Angeles, as a Valentines Day present, the court filings state.

That was just the beginning.

In November 2014, Low allegedly plunked down $3.8 million as partial payment for an 8.88-carat diamond pendant from Schwartz valued at around $4.5 million that he gave to Kerr as a gift.

He bought it after seeing a photo of it.

Heart looks beautiful, he wrote to his jeweler. Lets take it and be ready asap!

The diamond was sent to Low in November at the London office of a lingerie company that he had also allegedly bought with stolen money. It came with a chain and necklace that cost $800,000.

He then spent an additional $1.98 million on 11-carat diamond earrings and a matching necklace, ring and bracelet.

Low gave Kerr those diamonds aboard his new yacht, the Equanimity, which the government also wants back.

By October, Low added a $1 million 11-carat diamond earrings to his offerings to Kerr. He then wired another $4.05 million to Schwartz to pay for it all.

If the suit to claw back Lows ill-gotten bling is successful, then the feds can sue Kerr to get the diamonds back, unless she agrees to hand them over on her own.

The gifts to Kerr, who dated Low for a year, are just part of more than $1.6 billion worth of assets  including property, art, jewels, the yacht and even a jet  that the US Justice Department is now trying to recover.

Kerr  who married the billionaire founder of Snapchat, Evan Spiegel, this year  has been cooperating fully with the investigation and still has the diamonds, said a source close to her.

The feds have not asked for the diamonds back yet, the source said.

Male movie stars were also the recipient of gifts bought with money stolen from the people of Malaysia, court papers allege.

Low spent millions to fly around the world with Leonardo DiCaprio and to gamble with him.

DiCaprio announced through a spokesman on Thursday that he was returning more than $13 million worth of art given to him by a Hollywood production company, Red Granite, which is connected to Low and which funded the actors 2013 movie The Wolf of Wall Street.

DiCaprio is also returning Marlon Brandos Oscar for On the Waterfront, which Red Granite had bought for him for $600,000.

Contacted by The Post, Avra Douglas, the executor and archivist of Brandos estate, said the estate was now considering its legal options.

I know that [the Oscar] was missing when Marlon was alive, she said.

Red Granite was co-founded by Riza Aziz, the stepson of Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, and Joey McFarland, a former party booker for Paris Hilton.

The US government charges that the Hollywood production company was founded on money stolen from the Malaysian development fund 1MDB.

More than $4.2 million of the stolen money was used to buy original movie posters, including one for 1939s The Wizard of Oz and another, worth $1.2 million, for the 1927 film Metropolis.

Aziz plastered his New York condo, also bought with stolen cash, with the posters.

He also gave some as gifts to DiCaprio  who has not returned them  and to Martin Scorsese, director of The Wolf of Wall Street.

DiCaprio introduced Aziz to the owner of a company that sold the posters over dinner one night, the feds suit charges.

This article originally appeared in Page Six.
Having been tested successfully on beer-loving Czechs, the beer train is heading for the United States and China.

Just imagine: You order a pint of beer, or even a cool glass of orange juice, and your drink is served by a model freight train arriving at your table.

The only thing you have to do is to pick up your glass before the train departs.

It's reasonably fast, efficient and fun.

RESTAURANT SERVES TODDLER ALCOHOL INSTEAD OF JUICE

Petr Fridrich came up with the concept in the Czech city of Brno in 2009.

"I used to be a collector of engines, train models. It combines business with a hobby," he said. "Men are like big children."

Expansion came in the form of two further railway restaurants in the Czech capital of Prague. Around 6 million drinks have been served on the elaborate networks of rail tracks.

One of the restaurants in Prague serves about 1,500 on average every day, with about half going to foreign tourists, unsurprisingly. And about 10 percent of patrons are kids (drinking non-acoholic beverages).

"The figures look good," Fridrich said. "A reason why we decided to expand."

Next stop  Chicago.

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS

"We were looking for an interesting place in the United States and we ended up in Chicago," Fridrich said. "That we wanted to start making beer added to our decision. There is a large German community, they know what it (beer) is about and a significantly large space was available. At the moment, we are finalizing the last details of the rent contract."

There are novelties to be introduced. The restaurant that might open at the turn of the year will include a craft brewer, making a Czech style pilsner beer and a new control system for the trains. The Piko trains might also be replaced by models Fridrich has been developing with his people.

If business goes well, the plan would be for some 30 restaurants in America.

DEER FILMED CRASHING THROUGH RESTAURANT WINDOW

The China expansion will be different, involving franchises. The first one in China is also due to open by the turn of the year, with some 120 inked in for the coming 15 years.

Fridrich concedes that China is an unknown territory: "We have no idea what to expect."
No wonder Donald Trump isnt a big fan of alcohol.

A Mexico City brewery named Casa Cervecera Cru Cru has debuted a beer that pokes fun at President Trump, depicting him as a sad mariachi musician on its label.

The brewerys caricature of Trump  which is prominently featured on the front of every bottle  pictures him wearing traditional embroidered mariachi garb, albeit with a swastika-emblazoned belt buckle. Trumps sombrero, too, is inscribed with what appears to be an obscene phrase.

SMIRNOFF VODKA TROLLS TRUMP IN NEW BILLBOARD CAMPAIGN

The beers name  Amigous Cerveza  is also said to be a purposeful misspelling of the word for amigo, and a slight dig at bad American pronunciation, according to Reuters.

Casa Cervecera Cru Crus chief executive, Enrique de la Reguera, further tells Reuters that Amigous Cerveza is already a huge hit after first launching in May.

"We knew that a Trump label was going to be controversial, but it's been selling extremely fast," said Reguera of the mango-flavored New England-style pale ale.

TRUMP BEER FOR SALE AT BREWERY IN UKRAINE

However, Regueras brewery cant take all the credit for Amigous Cervezas success. The beer was the joint creation of Casa Cervesera Cru Cru, its partners at the Error de Diciembre brewery, and Epic City Brewing, located in Salt Lake City.

According to Reuters, the partnership between Cru Cru and a north-of-the-border brewery celebrates cooperation between Mexico and America during Trumps tenure in office. Whats more, the breweries had reportedly been planning Amigous Cerveza since before Trump took office, and sometime after he stated that Mexico was sending rapists, criminals and some  good people to the U.S. during his campaign.

Its also quite clear what the breweries think of President Trump, as the back of Amigous Cervezas bottle states he should be in a mad house, not the White House.

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS

Cru Cru, however, isn't nearly the first brewery to troll Trump with its craft-beer offerings. Leading up to the 2016 election, a Mexican brewery called Cerveza Cucapa sold Trump t-shirts which transformed into anti-Trump t-shirts after exposure to heat. In April 2017, a Canadian beer brewery by the name of Maverick released a limited edition Fake News Ale which also featured a caricature of Trump on each can.
Sacre bleu!

The price of butter has skyrocketed 92 percent in France, raising fears the famous flaky croissant may disappear from the shelves of French bakeries.

At best, consumers are going to have to pay more [for pastries], Matthieu Labbe of the French baking industry group Federation des Entrepreneurs de la Boulangerie, or FEB, told The Guardian. At worst, we may no longer be able to get butter.

The price of butter has increased to $5,975 a ton from $2,318 in April 2016 because of falling milk yields in Europe, making the crescent-shaped treat an endangered indulgence for French residents and tourists.

The industry is under unsustainable pressure, Fabien Castanier of FEB told the newspaper.

The industry group called on bakers to significantly increase the prices of croissants and pies. 

It warned that unless profits increase or more butter becomes available, bakery production lines could close by the end of the year, the Guardian reported.

This article originally appeared in the New York Post.
A Florida angler who claimed the $2.8 million top prize in the worlds largest billfish tournament has just lost the largest catch of his life.

Phil Heasley staked his claim to the money after catching a 76.5 pound white marlin in last summers White Marlin Open off Maryland.

But a Baltimore federal judge upheld Heasley's disqualiification Wednesday, finding that he broke tourmament rules by flunking two polygraph tests administered to winners to prevent cheating.

The judge also found that Heasley and his crew broke the rules by dropping fishing lines before the tournaments start time, the Baltimore Sun reported Friday.

MESSY DISPUTE OVER FISHING TOURNAMENT'S $2.8M TOP PRIZE HOOKS FEDERAL JUDGE

The prize money is being redistributed and the bulk of the money is going to a New Jersey fisherman, the paper reported.

Heasley testified at a two-week trial that the polygraph results were wrong, according to the paper.

We maintain that Mr. Heasely and his crew abided by all of the tournament rules and regulations, his attorney said, according to the Delmarva Daily Times.

White Marlin Open president Jim Motsko hailed the ruling as vindication.

The odds all the polygraphs were done wrong was less than one percent, he told the paper. There was a whole lot riding on thisour integrity, the tournaments integrity, and we upheld our end of the contract."
A California girl died while undergoing a simple dental procedure on Monday, leaving her parents with unanswered questions in her death, her family said.

Daleyza Avila Hernandez, 3, was getting two teeth pulled and caps put on two others at the Children's Dental Surgery Center in Stockton, east of San Francisco, her family told Fox 40.

"My daughter was very healthy," Araceli Avila said. "All I did was I take my daughter to the dentist because they were going to fix her teeth, and about 30 minutes later they brought her back dead."

DOCTOR ACCUSED OF USING PAINKILLER TO QUICKEN DEATH OF 8-YEAR-OLD BOY, POLICE SAY

Avila and her husband, Jose Hernandez, recalled seeing the toddler "vivacious and full of life" just before the procedure. The parents said they weren't allowed into the surgery room. But while waiting, Avila saw an ambulance pull up to the office.

"And I stood up and went outside because I was like, 'they are coming for a kid,' but I never thought it was for my child," Avila said.

A nurse told them their daughter's heart stopped, possibly from underlying heart issues. Daleyza Avila Hernandez was taken to the hospital and pronounced dead.

David Thompson, the administrator of Children's Dental Surgery Center in Stockton, told Fox 40 that Hernandez had a reaction to the anesthetics during the procedure. She was stabilized before being transported to the hospital, though Thompson said he didn't know what caused her death. He added the girl's parents weren't allowed in the room due to sanitary rules.

Thompson said staff members at the center were well trained and have years of experience.

"Were committed to helping kids every single day. Thats our mission, thats why were here. Its risky. Not everyone wants to do it," he told Fox 40.

COLORADO DAD RECOGNIZES 'DRY DROWNING' SYMPTOMS IN SON AFTER READING TEXAS BOY'S STORY

However, the Hernandez family said they still don't understand what led to their daughter's death.

The Dental Board of California said in a statement to Fox News:

"The Dental Board of California is aware of the tragic situation. An investigation is underway so specific details of the case cannot be shared at this time. Consumer protection is the boards highest concern and we want to extend our deepest sympathy to the family."

Click here for more from Fox 40.
Sixteen years after combat operations began in Afghanistan, the American people want to know -- how do we win in Afghanistan? Unfortunately, there is no easy answer to this question as President Trump and his administration begin to weigh the options going forward.

The question of whether to send more troops to Afghanistan is not a partisan issue  both Democrats and Republicans of all stripes have questioned our continued presence in this hostile Southeast Asian theater, with a new generation bearing the burden of the tough decisions our president will make.

If we were advising President Trump today, here are four questions we would ask before he announces his new strategy or troop increase in Afghanistan:

First, we would ask the intelligence community: Is there still a significant direct national security threat to the U.S. (or our allies) emanating from Afghanistan? This foundational question has to be answered before we would advise putting any more American lives in harms way. As we saw in the insider attack that killed three American soldiers on Saturday, extreme violence can and will happen in this theater.

The threat from al Qaeda coming out of Afghanistan somehow seemed more clear as we watched the Twin Towers smolder at Ground Zero. Sixteen years later, that vision has often dimmed as wars against Saddam Hussein, the Taliban, and new groups like ISIS have emerged.

Second, with this intelligence assessment in mind, the president should ask his national security team: What are our end goals in Afghanistan for the next four years? They need to be clearly defined and clearly articulated to the American people. As the president has promised to deliver on a foreign policy that puts Americas interests first, his team should focus less on defining winning but rather stemming the flow of extremism in Afghanistan such that we minimize and mitigate any threat to the United States or its interests abroad.

Third: How may we best recalibrate our precious resources to achieve these new goals in Afghanistan? The president has excellent generals that can advise him on specific troop increase levels, but with over 8,400 troops still in Afghanistan as part of the NATO train, advise and assist mission  alongside our own counterterrorism mission  the president needs his end goals defined before he commits additional counterterrorism forces to counter the Taliban, al Qaeda and its affiliates.

Fourth, after the national security team answers the first three questions, a pivotal one must be answered next: What can we do with Pakistan? We would advise President Trump to ask his team to develop a carefully crafted strategy for getting Pakistan more constructively involved. Pakistans involvement in Afghanistan spans decades; the raid on Usama bin Ladens compound is just one critical data point on the timeline of Pakistani involvement in the ongoing violence within, and coming out, of Afghanistan. President Trump met with his Pakistani counterpart a few weeks ago, and will need to work to get the Pakistanis to do more to stem the threat from the Haqqani Network and other groups which are destabilizing Afghanistan.

We both served in a different war zone, in Iraq, and have years of experience in national security. September 11 was the foundational event in our lives. It made us enter government service. After the attacks, the Congress authorized the President to use all necessary and appropriate force against those involved in the attacks, or those who harbored such organizations or persons, in order to prevent any future acts of international terrorism. This was a broad mandate and has been used as the basis for many operations, including our mission in Afghanistan.

The threat from al Qaeda coming out of Afghanistan somehow seemed so much more clear as we watched the Twin Towers smolder at Ground Zero. Americans didnt need to be convinced of our need to take action in Afghanistan. Sixteen years later, that vision has often dimmed as wars against Saddam Hussein, the Taliban, and new groups like ISIS have emerged. We would argue, however, not that Americans are war-weary, but rather that they are in search of leadership that clearly defines how and why our young men and women must again deploy to Afghanistan.

These are four difficult questions. But, they must be answered. Our security depends on it.
Mid-valley teams are gearing up to fight cancer through two Relays for Life this month, and for the first time in Albany, the event will be shorter than 24 hours.

The relay, the signature fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, is a team event that requires members to take turns walking around a track or other marked-off area for a 6- to 24-hour period. Teams set up themed sites, participate in group activities and raise money for cancer research in the process.

Albany's event will be Friday, June 23, at West Albany High School. For the first time this year, teams will be walking only from 2 p.m. to midnight. "That's brand-new for them," spokesman Pat Cookson said.

Cookson said she believed organizers made the change to broaden the appeal of the relay to people who might want to participate but don't have a full weekend to spare. She said numbers have dropped off somewhat in recent years, although she stressed spirits have remained strong.

"It's just to get some more people in," she said, adding: "Our lives are so busy anymore, it's tough to get people at meetings and doing all that kind of stuff. It's nice to have the energy for a short period of time."

Lebanon teams also are walking only for part of one day, but Cookson said it's her understanding that's been the case for the past couple of years.

In Lebanon, Relay for Life begins at noon Saturday, June 17, at Century Park, 375 W. Rose St. The Survivors Lap is scheduled for 12:30 p.m., the "luminaria" memorial candlelight ceremony at 9:30 p.m. and the closing ceremony at 10.

Having the event at a park "just makes it a little bit more condensed. More friendly," she said. "And we're actually getting more people from the community."

Lebanon expects 15 teams and Albany, 16. Visitors also are welcome, Cookson said.

Albany's relay has scheduled its Survivors Lap for just after its 2 p.m. start time and will follow that with a Caregivers Lap. The luminaria ceremony is 9:30 p.m. and closing ceremonies start at 11:30.

Both relays will include DJs, silent auction, food vendors and themed laps.

In Albany, where teams are following the theme, "Cruising for a Cure," visitors can check out classic vehicles brought in by local car clubs. They can add to the fundraising total by voting for their favorites, Cookson said. "It'll be a fun time to come out and just check it out."
Note: An Army spokesman clarifies the transgender policy is being implemented by the Department of Defense. The Army spokesman also says they are not the only service branch implementing the broader policy.

The Army has begun mandatory transgender sensitivity training for soldiers. The training covers everything from transfemale soldiers to transgender shower etiquette to dealing with a male soldier who becomes pregnant.

Yes, good readers. Within the ranks of the greatest fighting force known to mankind  the babys daddy could also be the babys momma. Click here to see the photo.

Click here for a free subscription to Todds newsletter: a must-read for conservatives!

That pregnancy scenario is beyond words, Chaplain Alliance for Religious Liberty executive director Ron Crews told me. This is an example of how this social policy can be used simply to promote personal agendas at the expense of taxpayers with no regard for being what the military is all about.

The matter of male soldiers with child is tucked away inside the Armys Policy on the Military Service of Transgender Soldiers Training Module, Tier 2: Commanders and Leaders.

One of my readers serving in the Armed Forces was kind enough to send me a copy of the training briefing  mandated during the Obama Administration.

The training module specifically outlines key roles and responsibilities of commanders, transgender soldiers, military medical providers and administrative management organizations, Lt. Col. Jennifer Johnson told USA Today. This training is mandatory for all uniformed members, as well as Department of the Army civilians.

The briefing materials cover all sorts of scenarios  from shower stall etiquette to transfemale soldiers deployed to anti-LGBT countries.

This situation is unique in that close proximity with women and men in foreign countries may be more complicated than in the U.S., the training module states.

Female soldiers must also come to terms with taking a shower alongside men who identify as women  even if the transgender soldier did not undergo sex-reassignment surgery.

Soldiers must accept living and working conditions that are often austere, primitive, and characterized by little or no privacy, the module states. All soldiers will use billeting, bathroom and shower facilities associated with their gender marker.

The Army guidelines mandate facilities will not be designed, modified or constructed to make transgender-only areas.

Accommodations cannot isolate or stigmatize the TG soldier, the guidelines state.

As these training materials proclaim, there will be mixed genitalia in military showers and sleeping quarters, Crews said. Moms and dads in America need to know this before they send their sons and daughters to military service.

As I mentioned earlier, the policy also covers what to do vignette for commanders should they encounter an expectant transgender male soldier.

The soldier did not have sex-reassignment surgery, and recently stopped taking male hormones in order to try and start a family. Today, the Soldier approached his commanding officer to discuss his newly confirmed pregnancy.

The Armys response to a transgender male pregnancy?

Transgender Soldiers with a medical condition, including pregnancy, will be treated the same as any other Soldier with that condition, the module states.

Ron Crews, the executive director of Chaplain Alliance for Religious Liberty was dumbfounded by the pregnancy module.

That pregnancy scenario is beyond words, Crews told me. This is an example of how this social policy can be used simply to promote personal agendas at the expense of taxpayers with no regard for being what the military is all about.

Crews called on Defense Secretary James Mattis to put a stop to what he called this nonsense.

Millions of dollars and training hours have been consumed with lectures on how to deploy transgender personnel in a war zone that has laws against that behavior, Crews said. Military commanders should be focused on fighting wars, not on how to deal with transgender personnel.
Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosensteins warning about anonymous media reports rightfully calls our attention to a growing crisis: Americans are being overwhelmed by a waterfall of highly questionable leaks about the drama in Washington, D.C.

Some of the gossip is fairly predictable, like the jockeying of power between White House staffers or dueling Congressmen.

But Rosensteins worry is focused on another, more dangerous trend: the unsanctioned release of sensitive or classified information by a group of shadowy sources.

As a former CIA officer, I share Rosensteins concern because I worked with these same types of informants. In the world of espionage, we called them volunteers. In short, these people tracked down intelligence officers to peddle information.

In the vast majority of cases, volunteers turned out to be the equivalent of human garbage. On rare occasion, however, they held credible intelligence that altered the course of history.

Unless the media identifies a source and is honest about their motivations and biases, subsequent reporting is the equivalent of cheap celebrity gossip. Maybe a little truth, but a whole lot of lies.

The challenge, then, was to vet each source to decide whether they were a heap of trash or pot of gold. In espionage  as with journalism  officers used a five-step process to sort it all out:

Identity: First, spies conducted the equivalent of a background check on the volunteer. Can we confirm their job, title, and related work functions? Can they prove their identity?

Unfortunately, the American people have no way to determine if any of the medias anonymous sources have undergone this basic check. Instead, we have to rely on the integrity of reporters.

Access: Next, spies worked to confirm a volunteers access to the information theyre providing. Do they have reason to have it? Is their access direct (personal) or indirect (through others)? If theyre using subsources, these unnamed figures have to be vetted as well.

Frustratingly, the American people have no window into whether the media has addressed this critical step and, if so, to what degree of professionalism.

Motivations: Spies have to understand why a volunteer is offering their information. If someone is bitter about a job loss, for instance, they might pass along falsehoods or cherry pick intelligence in order to get revenge against a boss.

Indeed, most volunteers are motivated by one of four things: revenge, ego, money, or partisanship. For example, NSAs most recent leaker R. Leigh Winner fits the pattern of partisanship while former FBI Director James Comeys leak may be explained  in part  by revenge.

Of course, just because volunteers have dubious motivations doesnt mean we ignore their information. Rather, the media must highlight a sources likely bias so that viewers and readers might draw their own conclusions.

Sadly, no media outlets have publically taken these steps in recent months.

Corroboration: In the world of espionage, a volunteers claims have to be checked against 1) other sources that 2) dont know of each others actions yet 3) share the same information. Relying on single-sourced intelligence is dangerous. Thats largely what drove the disastrous invasion of Iraq in 2003.

Here again, the media has yet to demonstrate that theyve corroborated any of the information theyve published. Of course, theyve promised that theyve done so but theres simply no proof. Instead, we have to rely on the honesty and integrity of journalists.

And that brings up the final step in asking whether recently leaked reporting is credible.

Bias: In the world of espionage, officials have to consider whether the officer vetting the volunteer might be biased. In other words, its possible that the officer wants the volunteer and their information to be true even if its not.

Why? Officers sometimes think they can get a promotion, receive a bonus, or be honored with an award if they find a great volunteer.

At Langley, this rarely occurs. In Americas media, however, its depressingly common.

Turn on any TV station or read any article and youre bound to consume not just facts but also the political agendas of media owners and editors. For instance, data show that The New York Times and Washington Post have a greater bias than Fox News.

Or consider the 2016 election where journalists directed 96 percent of their political giving to my partys nominee  Hillary Clinton.

While I might like that as a Democrat, I hate it as an American. We need to battle over our political differences through honest debate, not biased journalism.

All of this leaves the average person with a great challenge: What should we believe in the media, especially when it comes to the Trump / Russia allegations? And who should we believe?

Heres what Id recommend.

First, Rosenstein is right. Exercise caution when reading stories with anonymous sources and leaked information. Unless the media identifies a source and is honest about their motivations and biases, subsequent reporting is the equivalent of cheap celebrity gossip.

Maybe a little truth, but a whole lot of lies.

Second, be patient with the FBI investigation. The Bureaus Special Agents are aggressively and fairly investigating the Trump allegations. We should have results by early fall.

When we do, have faith in what we learn. If Trump or his associates are guilty of improprieties, America will demand justice. If Trump is cleared, we will take this drama to where it belongs. The ballot box.

Finally, focus on the news thats getting less attention but is equally important, like TrumpCare. If you dont like what youre seeing in Washington, tell the Democrats to come up with a better plan. Demand something like Our American Oath, which is a vision for the country that I helped draft with pragmatic Democrats and Republicans.

Bottom line: No matter what you read or hear  from Trump or the New York Times  consume your news with a critical eye. Its our job as citizens to ask tough questions and demand more honest answers.

If we dont get it, let them hear you. Cancel your subscription. Turn off the TV.

And if its a deceitful politician spreading lies, vote them out.
Sometimes history taps us on the shoulder and reminds us it is a continuum and we are only a point along the way. That happened Friday. Two significant events occurred. They are related. Neither should be treated lightly.

First, Helmut Kohl, longest serving Cold War leader, former Chancellor of Germany, unifier of East and West, the man who presided over the Berlin Walls destruction and the end of communism in East Germany, died.

Kohl was an inveterate optimist, a principled friend of America from Ronald Reagan through Bill Clinton. He was especially close to Ronald Reagan and George Herbert Walker Bush. Reagan kept only a handful of photographs on the wall of his office in California. One was of Helmut Kohl. I saw it.

Kohls vision was for a free and unified Germany. He pursued the vision with unremitting faith and confidence that it could happen, until it did happen. He was derided by Mikhail Gorbachev, and doubted even by the Iron Lady herself, Margaret Thatcher. But Kohl persisted and prevailed. Freedom prevailed. Germany was unified. Communist East Germany is no more.

By coincidence, President Trump on Friday reset American and global expectations for communist Cuba. He boldly promised that communist Cuba, like East Germany, would one day be free. He envisioned the 60-year yoke of communist oppression, murder and unrepentant violation of all moral norms, ending.

In Miamis Little Havana, the president reframed American foreign policy in terms that Ronald Reagan, Helmut Kohl and Margaret Thatcher would appreciate. He was clear, convincing and eloquent. He defended individual liberty, human rights and the sensibilities of all the long-suffering Cubans and Cuban Americans. He spoke not of things political, but of things timeless and universal. He spoke to all Americans, and to those well beyond America.

Specifically, Trump said: With Gods help a free Cuba is what we will soon achieve. And he set a nuanced policy in motion, respecting Cubas inchoate sovereignty and challenging the countrys repressive and dehumanizing leaders to change.

Noting that America should not enrich, empower or permit resources that benefit Cubas ruthless military and security services, he brought the gate down on policies that allow the transfer of free wealth to communist coffers.

The previous administrations easing of restrictions on travel and trade do not help the Cuban people, he said. So they will stop. We now hold the cards, the president said, and will play them.

While permitting divided families to travel and keeping a U.S. embassy open in Havana, he also spoke directly to Cubas violation of universally accepted human rights.

He told the story of an eight year old boy, a talented violin player, whose father was shot in front of him, by the Communists, as a dissident.

The young boy was then ordered to perform on radio for the glory of Castros communist state. He declined. His home was stormed. He was then compelled at the point of machine guns to play a solo.

So he did. He played The Star Spangled Banner.

That boy, now a world renowned violinist, fled to Spain, then in 1964 to the United States. He was present in the auditorium where Trump spoke. And he played the Star Spangled Banner again. His name is Luis Haza. Sometimes words just fail.

President Trumps call to restore a hemispheric and global focus on freedom, human rights and an end to terrorism in all variations, is resonant. It tells us that while many in Washington and the media fret over minutia, the larger story of an American and Western leadership of a sort that Helmut Kohl knew and personified, is back.

Count on it. That call was heard in Cuba Friday, just as Helmut Kohls call for East German liberty was heard in East Berlin and in Moscow.

East Germany today is free. A former East German now occupies the office of Chancellor once held by Helmut Kohl. Perhaps one day Cuba will be free. Perhaps one day that island nation will be led by someone who heard the presidents speech Friday.
On Friday, the President Trumps Commission on Combating Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis held its first meeting to address the public health scourge killing more Americans annually than gun violence or car accidents. Addressing the opioid epidemic could not be more urgent and the expertise and breadth of experience residing in this task force is a clear acknowledgement that there is no single solution: it will take the concerted efforts of all aspects of our society to resolve America's opioid crisis. But no strategy will work without a serious approach to the illegal supply chain that is allowing these drugs to enter the U.S. in the first place. Too often it begins with the global postal system.

Synthetic, lethal drugs  including fentanyl, carfentanil and Gray Death  are increasingly ordered over the dark web and shipped directly to Americans homes. A February report from the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission found chemicals from China are responsible for fueling the fentanyl crisis in the United States. Nevertheless, more than 340 million packages reach the United States every year without security information that would help law enforcement officials detect and stop packages containing illicit drugs. While private carriers provide this vital data, it is not required for packages shipped through the global postal system. This loophole has left our police and other government agencies without the tools they need to combat foreign opioids, and we are seeing the deadly results.

Its unacceptable that these poisons can seamlessly reach our communities. It just shouldnt be possible for foreign bad actors to ship deadly drugs to the U.S. without being detected.

Day after day, countless headlines tell the tragic stories of lives cut short by opioids. Just last week, new data affirmed the grim toll of the crisis, estimating approximately 59,000  65,000 Americans died from overdoses in 2016. That makes drug overdose the leading cause of death for Americans under 50. And our police and first responders are at risk on the front lines. The Drug Enforcement Administration recently released a national warning advising law enforcement to take extreme caution when handling substances that could be a fentanyl analog or another synthetic opioid, notably after several accidental overdoses among officers on duty in communities across the country.

Its unacceptable that these poisons can seamlessly reach our communities. It just shouldnt be possible for foreign bad actors to ship deadly drugs to the U.S. without being detected. As the first Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, I am committed to protecting the safety and security of all Americans. Thats why Im working with Americans for Securing All Packages, a bipartisan coalition of health care advocates, national security experts, businesses and nonprofits, to draw attention to this issue and close the loophole allowing deadly drugs to reach our communities from abroad.



Fortunately, President Trump has shown that he recognizes the severity of this issue and the urgent need for action. In a campaign speech in New Hampshire and in his plan to address the opioid epidemic, the president addressed this threat, saying his administration would crack down on the abuse of the loopholes in the postal service to literally mail fentanyl and other drugs to users and dealers in the United States. The presidents commission is a welcome step, and proof that he is dedicated to acting on his promise to the American people.

Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have also taken notice. In February, bipartisan members in both the House and Senate reintroduced the Synthetics Trafficking & Overdose Prevention (STOP) Act, which would require advance electronic security data on packages shipped to the United States from abroad. If passed, this legislation would help improve federal intelligence agencies abilities to target and stop packages containing weapons, biohazards, synthetic drugs and other contraband from entering the U.S.



Sadly, Americas opioid epidemic appears to grow increasingly dire every day. While the epidemic will not be solved with a silver bullet, we have to take a multifaceted approach to resolving this crisis. As the commission works to address the deadliest drug epidemic in U.S. history, we hope they will act on President Trumps words and target the loophole fueling the flow of deadly drugs into the U.S. Theres too much at stake to ignore this urgent matter.
The Pentagon will send almost 4,000 additional American forces to Afghanistan, a Trump administration official said Thursday, hoping to break a stalemate in a war that has now passed to a third U.S. commander in chief. The deployment will be the largest of American manpower under Donald Trump's young presidency.

The decision by Defense Secretary Jim Mattis could be announced as early as next week, the official said. It follows Trump's move to give Mattis the authority to set troop levels and seeks to address assertions by the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan that he doesn't have enough forces to help Afghanistan's army against a resurgent Taliban insurgency. The rising threat posed by Islamic State extremists, evidenced in a rash of deadly attacks in the capital city of Kabul, has only fueled calls for a stronger U.S. presence, as have several recent American combat deaths.

The bulk of the additional troops will train and advise Afghan forces, according to the administration official, who wasn't authorized to discuss details of the decision publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. A smaller number would be assigned to counterterror operations against the Taliban and IS, the official said.

Although Trump has delegated authority for U.S. troop numbers in Afghanistan, the responsibility for America's wars and the men and women who fight in them rests on his shoulders. Trump has inherited America's longest conflict with no clear endpoint or a defined strategy for American success, though U.S. troop levels are far lower than they were under Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush. In 2009, Obama authorized a surge of 30,000 troops into Afghanistan, bringing the total there to more than 100,000, before drawing down over the rest of his presidency.

Trump has barely spoken about Afghanistan as a candidate or president, concentrating instead on crushing the Islamic State group in Syria and Iraq. His predecessors both had hoped to win the war. Bush scored a quick success, helping allied militant groups oust the Taliban shortly after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, before seeing the gains slip away as American focus shifted to the Iraq war. In refocusing attention on Afghanistan, Obama eliminated much of the country's al-Qaida network and authorized the mission that killed Osama bin Laden, but failed to snuff out the Taliban's rebellion.

Mattis' deployment of more troops will be far smaller than Obama's.

While military leaders have consistently said more forces are needed, a decision had been tied up in a lengthy, wider debate about America's long-term military, diplomatic and economic strategy for ending the war. Gen. John Nicholson, the top U.S. commander there, has said the troops are necessary to properly train and advise the Afghan military and perform work handled at greater cost by contractors. Afghan leaders endorse the idea of more U.S. troops, having lost significant ground to the Taliban in recent months.

But despite repeated questions from Congress this week, Mattis wouldn't reveal his thinking on a troop increase. He said that while counterterrorism efforts in Afghanistan are making progress in weakening al-Qaida and IS, "their defeat will come about only by giving our men and women on the ground the support and the authorities they need to win."

Obama set a cap a year ago of 8,400 troops in Afghanistan after slowing the pace of what he hoped would be a U.S. withdrawal.

Nevertheless, there are at least another 2,000 U.S. troops in Afghanistan not included in the official count. These include forces that are technically considered temporary even if they've been in the warzone for months.

Trump's decision Tuesday to give Mattis authority to set force levels in Afghanistan mirrored similar powers he handed over earlier this year for U.S. fights in Iraq and Syria. The change was made public hours after Sen. John McCain, the Senate Armed Services Committee's Republican chairman, blasted Mattis for the administration's failure to present an overarching strategy for Afghanistan. McCain said the U.S. is "not winning" in Afghanistan, and Mattis agreed.

The finality of the decision isn't entirely clear. While Trump has handed over the troop level decision-making, there is nothing preventing him from taking it back.

Mattis has repeatedly stressed that increasing the number of U.S. troops in Afghanistan would take place within a broader, long-term strategy for stabilizing Afghanistan. In congressional testimony this week, he said the strategy will take into account regional influences, such as Pakistan's role as a Taliban sanctuary. Regional powers Iran, India and China, which all have political stakes in the fate of Afghanistan, also must be considered.

While the new troops could raise fears of mission creep, Mattis told lawmakers this week he didn't envision returning to the force levels of 2010-11, when Obama thought he could pressure the Taliban into peace talks. Despite heavy losses, the Taliban fought on.

"Reconciliation" remains the goal, Mattis told a House Appropriations panel Thursday, along with reducing Afghan government corruption.

"We're not looking at a purely military strategy," he said. "All wars come to an end. Our job is to end it as quickly as possible without losing the very mission that we've recognized, through several administrations, that was worth putting those young Americans on the line for."

There have been almost 2,400 U.S. military deaths in Afghanistan since 2001. Three U.S. soldiers were killed and another was wounded in eastern Afghanistan this weekend in an attack claimed by the Taliban.
Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein said Thursday evening that Americans should "exercise caution" before believing anonymously sourced reports, an apparent reference to ongoing leaks surrounding the investigation into alleged connections between Russian officials and President Trump's campaign.

"Americans should exercise caution before accepting as true any stories any stories attributed to anonymous 'officials,'" Rosenstein said in a statement, "particularly when they do not identify the country  let alone the branch or agency of government  with which the alleged sources supposedly are affiliated."

Though Rosenstein's statement did not reference the Russia investigation specifically, it was released hours after the Washington Post reported that Special Counsel Robert Mueller is investigating Jared Kushner  Trump's senior adviser and son-in-law  over his finances and business dealings.

ROBERT MUELLER APPOINTMENT TO LEAD RUSSIA PROBE WINS BIPARTISAN PRAISE

Peter Carr, a spokesman for Mueller, did not comment on the Post report when reached by Fox News, but did say that the special counsel's office "has undertaken stringent controls to prohibit unauthorized disclosures that deal severely with any member who engages in this conduct."

Trump and his supporters have repeatedly complained about leaked reports about the progress of Mueller's investigation, many of which have appeared in either the Post or The New York Times.

On Wednesday, the Post reported that Mueller was examining whether Trump has tried to obstruct justice and was seeking interviews with three administration officials: Dan Coats, the director of national intelligence; Michael Rogers, the head of the National Security Agency; and Richard Ledgett, the former NSA deputy director.

Mark Corallo, a spokesman for Trump's personal lawyer, responded Wednesday evening to the Post report by saying: "The FBI leak of information regarding the president is outrageous, inexcusable and illegal."

The Post report cited anonymous sources who were briefed on requests made by investigators. It was not immediately clear whether the FBI was the source of the information.

The president himself took to Twitter Wednesday morning to complain about the "phony story" in the Post, then did so again in the afternoon to question why Hillary Clinton's conduct during the probe of her private email server was not under more scrutiny.

Rosenstein, who appointed Mueller special counsel in the Russia investigation last month, testified to lawmakers Tuesday that he has seen no evidence of good cause to fire Mueller and that he is confident that Mueller will have "the full independence he needs" to investigate thoroughly.

Fox News' Brooke Singman and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
President Donald Trump paid a brief visit Thursday to the Supreme Court, where he had a front-row seat but no formal role in a courtroom ceremony honoring his high court pick and the newest justice, Neil Gorsuch.

The president and first lady Melania Trump also paid a brief social call on the justices, shaking hands and posing for photos, according to court spokeswoman Kathy Arberg.

But there was apparently no talk of Trump's travel ban, which his administration is asking the court to immediately reinstate after it was blocked by lower courts.

While the dispute over the travel ban and other controversies have simmered during Trump's first few months in office, his choice of 49-year-old Gorsuch for the Supreme Court won widespread praise in the legal community as well as unanimous Republican support in the Senate.

Chief Justice John Roberts gave the Trumps "a very warm welcome" at the start of the 10-minute session.

The courtroom was packed with Gorsuch's friends and family, as well as Trump administration officials, senators, former high-ranking government officials and 97-year-old retired Justice John Paul Stevens.

Before Melania Trump's appearance, Nancy Reagan was the last first lady to attend what the court calls an investiture ceremony for a new justice, Arberg said. Reagan attended the ceremonial swearing-in for Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, who in 1981 was the first woman to take her place on the court.

Gorsuch repeated the judicial oath he first took in April, placing great emphasis on its final line, "So help me God."

He already has issued his first opinion, on Monday.

The investiture ceremony typically takes place before a new justice's first day on the bench, but Gorsuch was confirmed and sworn in on a tight schedule.

He filled the seat that had been held for nearly 30 years by Justice Antonin Scalia, who died in February 2016. The high court seat was vacant for nearly 14 months after Senate Republicans refused to take up President Barack Obama's nomination of Judge Merrick Garland.


Vice President Mike Pence has brought in outside legal counsel to handle his response to the ongoing investigations into possible collusion between Russian officials and members of President Trump's campaign.

Pence's spokesman confirmed Thursday that the vice president had retained Richard Cullen of McGuire Woods "to assist him in responding to inquiries by the special counsel," referring to former FBI Director Robert Mueller.

"The Vice President is focused entirely on his duties and promoting the President's agenda and looks forward to a swift conclusion of this matter," Jarrod Agen told Fox News.

Cullen previously served as Virginia attorney general and U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. He also served as special counsel to Virginia Sen. Paul Trible during the Iran-Contra investigation and was a member of former President George W. Bush's legal team during the 2000 Florida recount, according to his official biography.



President Trump has also hired a private lawyer, Marc Kasowitz. Trump denies doing anything wrong and calls the efforts a "witch hunt."

A senior aide to Pence told Fox News that Cullen's retention was not related to recent reports about the progress of Mueller's investigation or the investigations by the House and Senate intelligence committes.

Pence chaired the president's transition after the election  a period during which Trump's former national security adviser Michael Flynn had repeated contact with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak. The Associated Press and other news organizations have also reported that Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, in December proposed a back channel between the Trump transition team and the Kremlin.

Scrutiny of the president's actions has intensified since he fired FBI director James Comey last month. Cullen and Comey used to work together at McGuireWoods.

Fox News' Serafin Gomez and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
The Pentagon has not made a final decision about how many troops will be sent to Afghanistan to try and break the stalemate in that country's 16-year-long war, two senior defense officials told Fox News Thursday.

The officials said that Defense Secretary Jim Mattis told Congress on multiple occasions this week that a new strategy would not be delivered until mid-July. Their statements contradict an Associated Press report that claimed almost 4,000 additional U.S. troops would go to Afghanistan and an announcement could come as soon as next week.

For the past two months, the Pentagon has been considering sending between 3,000 and 5,000 U.S. troops to help train and advise Afghan forces.

This week, President Trump gave Mattis the authority to decide how many troops he needed in Afghanistan. In April, the president granted Mattis similar authority to decide how many U.S. forces were needed to fight ISIS in Syria and Iraq.

Over the course of four separate appearances before lawmakers this week, Mattis said he wanted U.S. troops to operate alongside the Afghan Army and help them by calling in airstrikes in the hope of making an impact on the battlefield against the Taliban. Currently, the military operates in more of a planning role alongside Afghan forces.

Earlier this week, Mattis told a Senate panel the Obama administration's decision to cut the number of troops in Afghanistan and put restrictions on air power was "misguided."

"When we reduced our forces there, I believe in, what was probably in hindsight a misguided application of our forces, we restricted them from using our air support with some idea that we would wean them off the need of it," Mattis said to the Senate Appropriations defense subcommittee.

The number of American airstrikes in Afghanistan have increased significantly under President Trump. April saw more bombs dropped there than in any month since 2012, according to the Air Force.

In February, the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan, Gen. John W. Nicholson, said he needed a "few thousand" additional troops from the United States and NATO.

Since then, the Pentagon has been planning for an increase and taking recommendations to the White House. The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Joseph F. Dunford, Jr. told Congress this week that President Trump has seen some of the early plans. Officials tell Fox News that there have been a number of National Security Council meetings at the White House as different options are discussed, according to officials.

Earlier this week, Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., chided Mattis and Dunford for not having a strategy in Afghanistan.

Mattis responded by admitting that the U.S. "isn't winning," making him the latest senior U.S. military leader to describe the war against Islamic extremists in Afghanistan as a stalemate.

Today there are 8,400 American troops on the ground in Afghanistan, down from a high of 100,000 ground forces in August 2010. Shortly before leaving office, President Barack Obama ordered 1,500 troops withdrawn from the country after scrapping plans for a near-total withdrawal that was supposed to take place by the end of 2016.

Last weekend, three U.S. Army soldiers were shot and killed by Afghan soldiers in a reminder of the danger facing Americans there.

Today, the U.S. military estimates that the Afghan government only controls roughly 60 percent of the country. The Taliban is the most prominent insurgent group, but they are not the only concern. ISIS-affiliated fighters have taken hold of portions of eastern Afghanistan.

On Thursday, ISIS claimed to have captured Tora Bora, a mountain hideout in Afghanistan once used by Usama bin Laden, but the Taliban dismissed the claim, saying they were still in control of the cave complex.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Australia's prime minister on Friday denied he was impersonating President Trump during an off-the-record speech he gave at Parliament House, describing his performance as "lighthearted and affectionate channeling."

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has attempted to limit any diplomatic fallout from the speech he gave on Wednesday night at an annual charity ball hosted by the Federal Parliamentary Press Gallery after an Australian television network on Thursday broadcast excerpts recorded with a phone.

Turnbull made fun of both Trump and the Australian government's dismal opinion polls in an animated performance.

"Donald and I, we are winning and winning in the polls. We are winning so much. We are winning like we have never won before," Turnbull said in a speech that has now attracted international attention.

"We are winning in the polls. We are, we are  not the fake polls, not the fake polls  they're the ones we're not winning in. We're winning in the real polls, you know, the online polls. They are so easy to win," he added.

"Did you know that? I know that, did you know that? I kind of know that. I know that. They are so easy to win. I have this Russian guy, believe me it's true, it's true," he said.

A politics editor at 9 News reportedly decided to reveal the tape after Wednesdays Parliament Houses annual Mid-Winter Ball.

Turnbull told Seven Network television on Friday that he was making fun of his own poor polling performance since his conservative coalition barely scraped back into government in elections last July.

"I don't actually do impersonations; that was not an impersonation. I was speaking on my own behalf, but perhaps a little bit of lighthearted and affectionate channeling," Turnbull said.

"I was sending up my own singular performance in opinion polls and I was the butt of my own jokes," he added.

The U.S. Embassy said in a statement: "We understand that last night's event is equivalent to our White House Correspondents' Dinner. We take this with the good humor that was intended."

Turnbull's relationship with Trump has been a subject of speculation. Turnbull's first telephone conversation with Trump in January over a refugee resettlement deal was, in Trump's words, "testy." But the two leaders made a public show of solidarity and friendship when they met for the first time in New York in May.

Turnbull is rarely critical of Trump in public and says they share a bond as wealthy businessmen who entered politics late in life.

Unnamed government lawmakers have told The Australian newspaper that Turnbull's speech could damage the bilateral relationship and demonstrated the prime minister's lack of judgment.

Turnbull said on Friday the speech had to be seen in its Australian cultural context.

"We are all larrikins," Turnbull said, using an Australian term for an unconventional and lovable troublemaker. "We don't take ourselves too seriously.

Turnbull said his speech got mix reviews. "I don't think it demonstrates that I'm up for 'Saturday Night Live' yet," Turnbull said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report
Julia Gonzalez had never flown in a plane before. Kiersten Bell had, but said she was so young she didn't remember.

On June 9, the two Lafayette Elementary School fifth-graders received not only a one-of-a-kind spin in a Piper Cherokee, but a look at what their futures could hold.

Fifth-grade teachers Staci Larson and Bill Anderson offer a unit on aviation science at Lafayette every year, thanks to Larson's husband, Stefan Larson, a captain at Sky West; and his friend and fellow professional pilot Colin Cowger.

The two pilots teach the students how planes fly, how flight patterns work both on runways and in the sky, and what it's like to be a part of the aviation industry.

Students are then required to research some aspect of flight, such as a pilot, a type of aircraft or a change in technology. They are then judged on how well they present their research  their elocution, visuals, the depth of their information  and the winners get to head to the Albany Municipal Airport for their own flight experience.

Grants from the Albany Public Schools Foundation make the flights possible, Staci Larson said. The idea is to give the students a look at a larger world, both literally and figuratively.

Sure, the aviation industry is made up of pilots, she said, but it also offers a multitude of other opportunities, everything from air traffic controllers to engineers to attorneys.

"A lot of these kids don't think about careers, they just think about jobs," she said. "To see them get really excited about science, first of all, and career opportunities, and being able to travel the world and think about their future  I just think all of those are really important."

This year, teachers had a tough time choosing, so Cowger and Stefan Larson themselves reviewed the presentations and declared Julia and Kiersten the winners. (Classmates Alayna Peterson and Makenna Smith, the runners up, were invited to join everyone for lunch out after last Friday's flight.)

Julia, who turns 11 in a few days, researched the Boeing 777, the world's largest twin-engine jet airliner. "I picked that because it was really interesting, and it was one of my favorites," she said. "The engines are 13 feet tall, as much as 15 babies stacked on top of each other."

Kiersten, 11, tackled the biography of Amelia Earhart. "I picked her because I like how she tried to fly around the whole world," she said. "She won the world altitude record for female pilots. She disappeared over the Atlantic. And also, she purchased her first plane, a bright yellow secondhand biplane, which she named The Canary."

Robert Lind provided the fifth-graders' flight. His plan was to take off for two short flights over Albany, teaching each girl in turn to handle the controls for their own time at the stick.

"I loved the experience and I got to learn a lot about how airplanes work," Kiersten said. "I think the best part was flying around the town and seeing things from up high."

It's anyone's guess how the future will unfold for the two girls following the experience, but Julia said she's already thinking about a job as a flight attendant.

"This experience was one of the coolest things I have ever done. I was really lucky to win the flight," she said. "I learned so much in that one day; I am really looking forward to working on an aircraft."

Staci Larson said one of last year's winners, never interested in aviation before, has now covered her room with planes and is taking pilot lessons.

Lind, who had given that student her first ride, too, rolled his eyes to the heavens with a wry smile. "What did I do?" he sighed.
Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosensteins role overseeing the special counsel probe of Russian interference in the 2016 campaign came into question Friday as President Trump openly suggested the top DOJ official is conflicted and a new report said Rosenstein has discussed the possibility of recusal.

Senior Justice Department officials pushed back on the ABC News report, saying Rosenstein has not at this point requested any official opinion on the matter from career ethics attorneys in the department.

"He may have brought up the possibility" in discussions with DOJ colleagues, a senior DOJ official said. But it's only that, a possibility. ... There is an official process, and it has not started."

On the record, Justice Department spokesman Ian Prior said: "As the Deputy Attorney General has said numerous times, if there comes a time when he needs to recuse, he will. However, nothing has changed."

The recusal question has surfaced before, amid speculation Rosenstein could become part of the Robert Mueller probe given his role in the firing of former FBI Director James Comey. Rosenstein told the Associated Press earlier this month that if that were to happen, he would recuse himself.

During a June 13 hearing, Rosenstein specifically was asked by Sen. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, about the possibility he could have a conflict of interest if he becomes a witness in the probe.

Rosenstein said he would not answer hypothetical questions while insisting hes working with career professionals who know the rules and assuring the senator they would do the right thing.

Trump seemed to prod Rosenstein over such a conflict in a tweet Friday.

"I am being investigated for firing the FBI Director by the man who told me to fire the FBI Director! Witch Hunt," Trump wrote.

A source close to Trumps legal team said he was not confirming hes under investigation in that tweet but rather referring to a Washington Post story earlier this week  however, a source told Fox News the latter half of the tweet was indeed a reference to Rosenstein.

Rosenstein penned a detailed memo laying out the case for Comeys firing last month; the Trump administration released the memo in announcing the presidents decision to oust the head of the FBI. Rosenstein, in the document, largely cited Comeys handling of the Hillary Clinton email probe, though Trump has since suggested other factors may have been at play.

Comey himself maintains he was fired because of the Russia investigation.

ABC News reported Friday that, according to sources, Rosenstein raised the possibility of his recusal in a meeting with Associate Attorney General Rachel Brand.

Further, Rosenstein reportedly told Brand shed take over those responsibilities if he took that step. Brand was confirmed to the third-ranking DOJ position last month.

Democrats raised alarm at that prospect. In a written statement, Democratic National Committee spokesman Daniel Wessel said, Rod Rosenstein has no choice but to recuse himself from this investigation, but it would be unacceptable for him to simply hand over control to another Trump appointee.

Fox News Jake Gibson, John Roberts and Brooke Singman contributed to this report.
Conservative watchdog Judicial Watch is calling on Acting FBI Director Andrew McCabe to recover and release federal records and memos it claims were unlawfully removed by former Director James Comey, threatening the FBI with a lawsuit should the bureau not comply.

Tom Fitton, president of Judicial Watch, penned a letter to McCabe on June 14 warning of a potential violation of the Federal Records Act, which is the basis for the federal governments policies regarding the creating, maintaining, and disposing of federal records.

As you may be aware, the Federal Records Act imposes a direct responsibility on you to take steps to recover any records unlawfully removed from the FBI, Fitton wrote in the letter, claiming Comey unlawfully removed memos that could contain contents regarding the investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 election. Upon learning that records have been unlawfully removed from the FBI, you then are required to initiate action through the Attorney General for the recovery of records.

The FBI told Fox News that they have no comment on the letter from Fitton.

Were looking to get action on the records that Comey unlawfully took from the FBI, and we know initially there are memos, but depending on what the nature of the documents are, there could be liabilities for Mr. Comey, Fitton told Fox News.

The "memos" in question were written by Comey himself, leaving unclear how the FBI or the courts would view them; Judicial Watch insists they are official records.

Earlier this month, Comey testified before the Senate Intelligence Committee that he gave one of his memos regarding a meeting with President Trump to a friend, Columbia University Professor Daniel Richman, who then leaked the contents of the memo to the New York Times.

I asked a friend of mine to share the content of the memo with a reporterI thought that might prompt the appointment of special counsel, Comey said in his testimony.

Fitton said that the case of Comey removing documents from the FBI is the Hillary Clinton email scandal all over again.

But retired FBI special agent and former national FBI spokesman, John Iannarelli, told Fox News that he didnt see the case.

The things Comey allegedly took are not classified, Iannarelli said. The issue is not him taking documents, but the matter of how he released themclassified or not, there is a procedure in doing that which he did not follow.

But Fitton insisted Comeys memos and other related documents he may have were federal records which the Justice Department and FBI are obligated to get back.

The former FBI director isnt above the law and current leadership of the FBI should stop protecting him and take action, he said.

The letter said that if McCabe and the FBI do not respond by June 26, Judicial Watch will file a lawsuit in federal district court seeking that you be compelled to comply with the law.
A Republican congressman on Thursday introduced a bill that would allow any House member from a concealed-carry state to be allowed to use it in the District of Columbia.

Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., brought up the measure as lawmakers consider ways to increase their security after Wednesday's shooting rampage that left House Majority Whip Steve Scalise critically injured.

If that security detail had not been at that ball field, I shudder to think that the results would have been more than four or five casualties, Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., said. And I believe if reciprocity had been extended to those members, they would have at least had a firearm in their vehicle.

House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., have been discussing protocol and resources for members safety even before the shooting, which left the gunman dead wounded three others, a Ryan spokeswoman said.

Pelosi said she favors increased funding for Capitol Police. She said the funds would help the agency enhance its presence when members of Congress, staff and others congregate away from the Capitol.

"It's security for other people who are there, too," she said. "If somebody is coming after a member of Congress, you don't want to be anywhere nearby."

Rep. Barry Loudermilk, R-Ga., was also pushing to carry a firearm.

"We aren't any more special than anybody else, but we're targets," Loudermilk said in an interview on Your World with Neil Cavuto. "This is exactly why there's a lot of fear of doing town halls at this point."

Weapons are prohibited in the Capitol and the District of Columbia, which has some of the toughest gun laws in the nation. Carrying a firearm is generally prohibited.

Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., shot down the idea of bringing weapons onto Capitol grounds, saying he cant think of a worse idea.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
So much for unity.

Just when a debate erupts over the role of media and mendacity in the shooting of a Republican congressman, the New York Times revives a discredited theory about the six-year-old shooting of a Democratic congresswoman.

This was so egregious and embarrassing that the Times editorial page was compelled yesterday to run a correction.

And worse than that, it was utterly tone-deaf in the wake of the shooting of Steve Scalise and four others, with the Republican whip still in critical condition. The editorial seemed to say, the hell with that, what about right-wing hatred?

The argument involving the near-fatal shooting of Gabby Giffords wasnt true at the time, and appears even more ludicrous in retrospect. To resurrect it now undercuts any effort at breaking the cycle of guilt by association. The editorial suggests that its fine to blame conservative rhetoric, but not liberal rhetoric, for senseless violence.

Heres what the Times said:

Was this attack evidence of how vicious American politics has become? Probably. In 2011, when Jared Lee Loughner opened fire in a supermarket parking lot, grievously wounding Representative Gabby Giffords and killing six people, including a 9-year-old girl, the link to political incitement was clear. Before the shooting, Sarah Palins political action committee circulated a map of targeted electoral districts that put Ms. Giffords and 19 other Democrats under stylized cross hairs.

Conservatives and right-wing media were quick on Wednesday to demand forceful condemnation of hate speech and crimes by anti-Trump liberals. Theyre right. Though theres no sign of incitement as direct as in the Giffords attack, liberals should of course hold themselves to the same standard of decency that they ask of the right.



Palins use of the crosshairs may have been unfortunate, but to link it to the mass shooting was, and is, nonsensical.

As I wrote on the day of the Giffords shooting, well before I worked at Fox: This isn't about a nearly year-old Sarah Palin map; it's about a lone nutjob who doesn't value human life.

The Times has now published this correction:

An earlier version of this editorial incorrectly stated that a link existed between political incitement and the 2011 shooting of Representative Gabby Giffords. In fact, no such link was established.

In Tuesdays shooting in Virginia, James Hodgkinson was an anti-Trump zealot who despised Republicans and volunteered for Bernie Sandersnot that that makes him a stand-in for every liberal who doesnt like the president.

But Loughner was a delusional guy with incoherent political views. He had been obsessed with Giffords for years, and theres no evidence he even saw the Palin committees map.

National Reviews David French noted that the Timess own reporting from six years ago invalidates the editorial:

As he alienated himself from his small clutch of friends, grew contemptuous of women in positions of power and became increasingly oblivious to basic social mores, Mr. Loughner seemed to develop a dreamy alternate world, where the sky was sometimes orange, the grass sometimes blue and the Internets informational chaos provided refuge.



Palin tweeted yesterday that she is talking to lawyers and exploring options.

This erroneous attack was beneath the New York Times. Which top editor thought this was fit to print?
Sen. Marco Rubio slammed former President Barack Obamas Cuba outreach on Friday as he previewed President Trumps policy overhaul in Miami, Fla.

Rubio said that Trump was welcomed by dissidents as he came down the steps from Air Force One on Friday in Miami, as opposed to Obama, who met with the Cuban government on a trip last March.

Less than a year and a half ago, an American president landed in Havana greeted by a regime, Rubio said. A year and a half ago, an American president landed in Havana to outstretch his hand to a regimetoday, a new president lands in Miami to reach out his hand to the people of Cuba.

Rubio stood by the Trump administrations efforts and commitment to do whatever it takes to empower the Cuban people. Rubio said the cooperation, the commitment, the hard work from the administration toward Cuba has no precedent.

The Trump administrations new policy would restrict U.S. companies from doing business with Cuban ventures controlled by their military and strictly enforce rules on Americans traveling to the Communist nation.

Rubio was an outspoken critic of Obamas Cuba policy.

Rubio, who spoke in both Spanish and English, told the crowd Friday that one of the first conversations he had with Trump after winning the election was on Cuba. Rubio campaigned against Trump in the Republican presidential primaries.

Rubios speech inspired chants of USA throughout the facility.

This will punish the Cuban militarythis change empowers the people of Cuba, Rubio said of Trumps new Cuba policy.

Rubio added: Whether its in six months or six years, Cuba will be free.

Fox News Serafin Gomez, Samuel Chamberlain contributed to this report.
The Trump administration and its allies are firing back at the torrent of leaks surrounding Special Counsel Robert Muellers Russia probe, suggesting the anonymous sources tied to these reports cannot be trusted  while calling into question the Mueller teams neutrality.

In an unusual statement overnight, Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein said Americans should question anonymously sourced reports.

"Americans should exercise caution before accepting as true any stories any stories attributed to anonymous 'officials,'" Rosenstein said, "particularly when they do not identify the country  let alone the branch or agency of government  with which the alleged sources supposedly are affiliated."

While not specifically citing the Russia probe, the statement was issued as The Washington Post published an anonymously sourced report claiming another significant development in the Mueller investigation. The Post reported the team is probing the finances and business dealings of Trump son-in-law and adviser Jared Kushner, attributing the details to U.S. officials familiar with the matter.

TRUMP RIPS 'WITCH HUNT'

Peter Carr, a spokesman for Mueller, did not comment on the Post report when reached by Fox News, but did say that the special counsel's office "has undertaken stringent controls to prohibit unauthorized disclosures that deal severely with any member who engages in this conduct."

Its unclear whether this and other leaks are coming from inside or outside the investigation -- for instance, from associates of individuals who are the subject of scrutiny.

Trump and his supporters have repeatedly complained about leaked reports on the progress of Mueller's investigation, many of which have appeared in either the Post or The New York Times.

On Wednesday, the Post reported that Mueller was examining whether Trump has tried to obstruct justice and was seeking interviews with three administration officials: Dan Coats, the director of national intelligence; Michael Rogers, the head of the National Security Agency; and Richard Ledgett, the former NSA deputy director.

Mark Corallo, a spokesman for Trump's personal lawyer, responded Wednesday evening to the Post report by saying: "The FBI leak of information regarding the president is outrageous, inexcusable and illegal."

The Post report cited anonymous sources who were briefed on requests made by investigators. It was not immediately clear whether the FBI was the source of the information.

The president himself took to Twitter Wednesday morning to decry the single greatest WITCH HUNT in American political history. He claimed its being led by some very bad and conflicted people!

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich tweeted that Mueller is the tip of the deep state spear aimed at destroying or at a minimum undermining and crippling the Trump presidency.

Rosenstein, who appointed Mueller special counsel in the Russia investigation last month, testified to lawmakers Tuesday that he has seen no evidence of good cause to fire Mueller and that he is confident that Mueller will have "the full independence he needs" to investigate thoroughly.

Fox News' Brooke Singman and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
President Trump, speaking at a Miami theater associated with Cuban exiles, announced Friday he is nixing his predecessors one-sided deal with the Communist nation  moving to restrict individual travel to the island, crack down on the flow of U.S. cash to the Cuban military and demand key reforms in Havana.

While stopping short of a full reversal, Trump said he would challenge Cuba to come back to the table with a new agreement.

Effective immediately, I am canceling the last administrations completely one-sided deal with Cuba, Trump told a cheering crowd.

Trump cast his announcement Friday as the fulfillment of a campaign pledge to turn back former President Barack Obamas diplomatic outreach to the country.

I keep my promises, Trump said. And now that I am your president, America will expose the crimes of the Castro regime.

RUBIO RIPS OBAMA'S CUBA 'REGIME' OUTREACH

A cornerstone of the new policy is to ensure Americans traveling to Cuba only support private businesses and services, banning financial transactions with the dozens of enterprises run by the military-linked corporation GAESA.

The Trump administration also says it will strictly enforce the 12 authorized categories allowing American citizens to travel to Cuba  banning one particular type of travel, known as individual people-to-people trips, seen as ripe for abuse by would-be tourists.

Most U.S. travelers to Cuba will again be required to visit the island as part of organized tour groups run by American companies. Obama eliminated the tour requirement, allowing tens of thousands of Americans to book solo trips and spend their money with individual bed-and-breakfast owners, restaurants and taxi drivers. The rules also require a daylong schedule of activities designed to expose the travelers to ordinary Cubans.

Trump focused his speech Friday on the crimes and misdeeds of the Castro government, saying his administration would not hide from it. He accused the regime of harboring cop killers, hijackers and terrorists while casting the policy changes as meant to encourage a free Cuba.

With Gods help, a free Cuba is what we will soon achieve, Trump said.

Critics of the United States decades-long freeze  and embargo  with Cuba say it failed to spur such changes, and had welcomed Obamas outreach as a fresh approach. But many Cuban-American lawmakers recoiled.

Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., a Cuban-American lawmaker who helped craft the new policy, spoke before the president in Miami on Friday and took a shot at Trumps predecessor for his visit to Cuba last March.

A year and a half ago  an American president landed in Havana to outstretch his hand to a regime. Today, a new president lands in Miami to reach out his hand to the people of Cuba, Rubio said.

U.S. airlines and cruise ships will still be allowed to continue service to the island.

The U.S. Embassy in Havana, which reopened in August 2015, will remain as a full-fledged diplomatic outpost. Trump also isn't overturning Obama's decision to end the "wet foot, dry foot" policy that allowed most Cuban migrants who made it onto U.S. soil to stay and eventually become legal permanent residents.

Trump affirmed in his speech that the U.S. embassy would remain open, in hopes the two countries can forge a better path. But he said his administration would enforce the ban on tourism and the embargo, and would not lift sanctions until the regime releases all political prisoners and schedules free and internationally supervised elections.

Trump also demanded the return of Joanne Chesimard, a New York City native wanted in the 1973 killing of a New Jersey state trooper.

The U.S. severed diplomatic relations with Cuba in 1961 after Fidel Castro's revolution. It spent subsequent decades trying to either overthrow the Cuban government or isolate the island, including toughening an economic embargo first imposed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. The embargo remains in place and unchanged by Trump's policy. Only the U.S. Congress can lift the embargo, and lawmakers, especially those of Cuban heritage like Rubio, have shown no interest in doing so.

Reaction to the changes split largely along partisan lines. House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce, R-Calif., said in a statement the Trump administration is right to sideline the Cuban military and make human rights and internet access top priorities moving forward.

Former Obama adviser Ben Rhodes tweeted that Cubans will be hurt by a mean spirited policy meant to keep a political promise to a few people at their expense.

Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., top Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee, said the actions threaten to slam that door shut and revert to a failed policy of isolation that has done nothing to improve the lives of the Cuban people and has harmed the American economy.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Any discussion of Cuba in South Florida brings out emotion.

President Trumps plan to roll back Obama administration Cuba initiatives has Miami Cubans cheering on the president, others saying he didnt go far enough and others saying it will hurt businesses.

Older Cuban Americans who fought Fidel Castro or fled Cuba overwhelmingly voted for President Trump and a hard line against a dictatorship that in many cases cost them their families or their homes.

CUBA DEAL ROLLBACK: TRUMP SAYS HE'S NIXING OBAMA'S 'ONE-SIDED PACT

"I think from the point of view of solidarity it's a positive step up till now, said Cuban activist Ramon Saul Sanchez, but we still need to see what happens from now on."

The vocal support of these Cuban-American hardliners  including some veterans of the failed 1961 Bay of Pigs invasion  helped Trump win the key swing state of Florida.

For proponents of closer ties with Cuba, the proposed rollback is not as severe as some feared.

"There's a lot here that people from both parties can support, said Giancarlo Sopo of the CubaOne Foundation. Americans can still travel to Cuba and Cuban-Americans can still support their families. Those things are great for Cuba's private sector."

RUBIO SLAMS OBAMA FOR CUBA 'REGIME' OUTREACH

What will not change: Commercial flights, cruise ships, family visits and sending money to Cuba will continue to be permitted. Also, the "wet foot/dry foot" policy that gave preferential treatment to Cuban migrants and was nixed under the Obama administration will remain scrapped.

What will change: No tourism through sites controlled by the Cuban military  which is estimated to control as much as 60 percent of the island's economy  including most of the tourism industry.

Some in the business sector say Trumps rollbacks will hurt American businesses.

Unfortunately, while the rhetoric may be something today, the practical implications of this are another, said James Williams, president of Engage Cuba, an anti-embargo group. It will be particularly damaging for U.S. business and damaging for the U.S. private sector which is also continuing to grow.

Both supporters and critics of the rollback claim the ultimate goal is to help the Cuban people  by restricting tourism they say helps prop up a dictatorship and also by encouraging more tourism to help create Cuban entrepreneurs, some who fear the new rules.
President Donald Trumps childhood home in Queens, N.Y., hit the rental market on Thursday, Mansion Global has learned.

A mystery investor snapped up Trumps first home in an auction held days before his January inauguration for $2.14 million. The brick-and-stucco home has sat vacant ever since and has even attracted a few complaints from neighbors about overgrown grass, according to reports.

Now, the owner is looking to rent the home in the upper-middle-class neighborhood of Jamaica Estates for somewhere between $3,500 and $4,000 a month, said Jason Friedman, a Long Island luxury broker with the Friedman Team of Coldwell Banker, who is handling the rental.

The owner is listed in property records under a private company called Trump Birth House, LLC. Mr. Friedman said he could not disclose any details about landlord, saying only that the owner bought the home as an investment property.

Trumps father, Fred Trump, built the five-bedroom house on Wareham Place, in Jamaica Estates in 1940. The home is listed as the presidents address on his birth certificate.

The family lived there until Trump was 4 years old, when they moved to a grander brick property on a nearby street also in Jamaica Estates.

The home has four-and-a-half bathrooms, a fireplace, formal dining room, sunroom, and a paneled study with oak floors. Theres also a two-car garage and a fully finished basement.

The next residents wont pay a premium for the presidential pedigree, as the price will be similar to other five-bedroom homes in the neighborhood, which are renting for between $3,700 and $4,600, according to listing site Zillow.
Earth and its parent galaxy are living in a cosmic desert  a region of space largely devoid of other galaxies, stars and planets, according to a new study.

The findings confirm the results of a previous study based on observations taken in 2013. That previous study showed that Earth's galaxy, the Milky Way, is part of a so-called cosmic void. These voids are part of the large-scale structure of the universe , which looks sort of like a block of Swiss cheese, made up of dense filaments containing huge collections of galaxies surrounding relatively empty regions.

The KBC void

The cosmic void that contains the Milky Way's is dubbed the Keenan, Barger and Cowie (KBC) void, after the three astronomers who identified it in the 2013 study. It is the largest cosmic void ever observed  about seven times larger than the average void, with a radius of about 1 billion light-years, according to the study.

More From Space.com Milky Way's

The KBC void is shaped like a sphere, and is surrounded by a shell of galaxies, stars and other matter. The new study shows this model of the KBC void is not ruled out based on additional observational data, Amy Barger, an observational cosmologist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison who was involved with both studies, said in a statement from the university.

Barger's undergraduate student who led the study, Benjamin Hoscheit, spoke about their work at the American Astronomical Society meeting in Austin, Texas, on June 6.

Hoscheit sought an efficient way to verify the results of the 2013 study , but in a shorter time span. That work was led by Ryan Keenan, Barger's doctoral student at the time at the University of Hawaii.

Whereas Keenan's work measured the density of different areas of the universe using galaxy catalogs, Hoscheit verified the work using a measurement called the kinematic Sunyaev-Zel'dovich (kSZ) effect, which measures the motions of galaxy clusters within the cosmic web.

The kSZ effect looks at photons coming from the cosmic microwave background (CMB), or light left over from an early stage in the universe's evolution. As the distant CMB photons pass through galaxy clusters, the photons shift in energy. This shift in energy shows how the galaxy clusters are moving, Hoscheit said.

Galaxy clusters that exist in a cosmic void should be attracted to regions with stronger gravity. That would be revealed in how fast these galaxy clusters move through space, Hoscheit said. But if the clusters were moving more slowly than expected, then perhaps the conclusions of the previous study would need to be rethought, he said. However, the kSZ effect on the clusters was consistent with that in the 2013 study, Hoscheit added.

Follow us @Spacedotcom , Facebook and Google+ . Original article on Space.com .
Elon Musk has put his Mars-colonization vision to paper, and you can read it for free.

SpaceX's billionaire founder and CEO just published the plan, which he unveiled at a conference in Mexico in September 2016, in the journal New Space. Musk's commentary, titled "Making Humanity a Multi-Planetary Species," is available for free on New Space's website through July 5.

"In my view, publishing this paper provides not only an opportunity for the spacefaring community to read the SpaceX vision in print with all the charts in context, but also serves as a valuable archival reference for future studies and planning," New Space editor-in-chief (and former NASA "Mars czar") Scott Hubbard wrote in a statement. [ SpaceX's Interplanetary Transport for Mars in Images ]

Musk's Mars vision centers on a reusable rocket-and-spaceship combo that he's dubbed the Interplanetary Transport System (ITS). Both the booster and the spaceship will be powered by SpaceX's Raptor engine, still in development, which Musk said will be about three times stronger than the Merlin engines that power the company's Falcon 9 rocket.

The booster, with its 42 Raptors, will be the most powerful rocket in history, by far. It will be capable of launching 300 metric tons (330 tons) to low Earth orbit (LEO), or 550 metric tons (600 tons) in an expendable variant, Musk said. For comparison, NASA's famous Saturn V moon rocket, the current record holder, could loft "just" 135 metric tons (150 tons).

ITS rockets will launch the spaceships to Earth orbit, then come back down for a pinpoint landing about 20 minutes later. And "pinpoint" is not hyperbole: "With the addition of maneuvering thrusters, we think we can actually put the booster right back on the launch stand," Musk wrote in his New Space paper, citing SpaceX's increasingly precise Falcon 9 first-stage landings .

The ITS boosters will launch many spaceships and fuel tankers (which will top up the spaceships' tanks) to orbit over the course of their operational lives; the rockets will be designed to fly about 1,000 times each, Musk wrote. The spaceships, meanwhile, will hang out in orbit, and then depart en masse when Earth and Mars align favorably. This happens once every 26 months.

Eventually, Musk wrote, he envisions 1,000 or more ITS spaceships, each carrying 100 or more people, leaving Earth orbit during each of these Mars windows. The architecture could conceivably get 1 million people to Mars within the next 50 to 100 years, he has said.

The ships would also fly back from Mars, using their nine Raptor engines and methane-based propellant that was manufactured on the Red Planet. Each ITS ship would probably be able to make 12 to 15 deep-space journeys during its operational life, Musk wrote, and each fuel tanker could likely fly to Earth orbit 100 or so times.

The ITS' reusability is key to making Mars colonization affordable . This reusability  combined with other measures, such as fueling the spaceships in Earth orbit and making propellant on Mars  could bring the price of a Red Planet trip down to $200,000 or so per person, from an estimated $10 billion using conventional spaceflight systems, Musk said.

ITS spaceships could begin flying to Mars about 10 years from now, if everything goes well, Musk added. But he acknowledged that success is far from guaranteed.

"There is a huge amount of risk. It is going to cost a lot," Musk wrote. "There is a good chance we will not succeed, but we are going to do our best and try to make as much progress as possible."

And SpaceX has a history of overcoming long odds. When Musk founded the company in 2002, he wrote, "I thought we had maybe a 10 percent chance of doing anything  of even getting a rocket to orbit, let alone getting beyond that and taking Mars seriously."

You can download a free copy of Musk's Mars paper here: http://online.liebertpub.com/doi/full/10.1089/space.2017.29009.emu

Follow Mike Wall on Twitter @michaeldwall and Google+ . Follow us @Spacedotcom , Facebook or Google+ . Originally published on Space.com .
On Friday, President Trump announced plans to begin stricter enforcement of the 12 categories that currently allow U.S. citizens to travel to Cuba.

Among those categories is an educational/people-to-people exchange, which is currently the most-broad group. Since Obama relaxed travel regulations last year, the distinction has allowed U.S. citizens to travel to the island nation under the expectation that they will interact and engage with the Cuban people.

According to the U.S. Department of Treasurys explainer on people-to-people, Travelers utilizing this general license must ensure they maintain a full-time schedule of educational exchange activities intended to enhance contact with the Cuban people, support civil society in Cuba, or promote the Cuban peoples independence from Cuban authorities, and that will result in meaningful interaction between the traveler and individuals in Cuba.

WHY TRAVELING TO CUBA NOW ISN'T HASSLE FREE

So how does it really work for someone going to Cuba today?

A tour guide in Havana recently told Fox News that he doesnt believe the required detailed itineraries that prove a full-time schedule of educational exchange activities are really scrutinized these days.

The tour guide, who spoke candidly but did not wish to be named, said it has become more lax to travel from the U.S. and enter Cuba  with little regulation at either end of the trip.

Now they have made it easier, he said, comparing May 2017 to when the regulations first eased following President Obamas Dec. 2014 order which lifted decades of travel sanctions between the U.S. and Cuba. In the beginning they [the U.S. and Cuban officials] asked more questions about Why are you coming? Now its easier.

When it comes to airlines, travelers booking flights to Cuba are prompted by their selected carrier to declare their reason for travel upon purchasing their ticket. Once at the airport in the U.S., U.S. citizens must purchase a visa to visit Cuba for $100 per person. This visa is checked upon boarding the aircraft.

While onboard, travelers are required to fill out a form that details basic information such as where they will be staying in Cuba and their passport numbers. The form is checked once the traveler arrives in Havana, and they are required to keep a copy of the same form to exit the country.

After a quick a bag check at security, U.S. travelers may exit the airport.

But the relative ease of this process is something Trump has said he wants to examine more closely, and Friday announced that, "Effective immediately, I am canceling the last administrations completely one-sided deal with Cuba."

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS

Those who have been organizing trips to Cuba for many years, however, have long recognized how open the category really is. In November, Bob Guild, vice president of Marazul Charters, a New Jersey-based travel agency that has been organizing trips to Cuba for several decades, told Fox News that many Americans going to the island picked the people-to-people category when they didnt fit into any of the other classes.

The people-to-people requirements are so broadly defined, Guild said, that almost anything qualifies.

[Visitors] are responsible for having a full schedule which includes

meaningful exchanges with Cuban people, Guild added. People visiting their relatives  is still the largest single category  for anyone who has relatives who is either born on the island or born here but has Cuban ancestry.
Two escaped Georgia inmates sought in the killing of two corrections officers were apprehended Thursday following a car chase in Tennessee.

Georgia Bureau of Investigation spokeswoman Nelly Miles said that Donnie Russell Rowe, 43, and Ricky Dubose, 24, were captured in Christiana, Tenn., a rural community approximately 50 miles southeast of Nashville.

Police in Shelbyville, Tenn. responded to a call about a home invasion, where Rowe and Dubose held an elderly couple captive and then fled in the couple's vehicle, Miles said. Officers responded and chased the pair. The inmates got into a wreck, left the vehicle and then led police on a foot chase before both men were taken into custody in Christiana, she said.

Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills said Rowe and Dubose surrendered after fleeing into some woods. He said that shots were fired, but did not say by whom. The inmates were unharmed and there were no reports of injuries to law enforcement personnel.

Authorities say Rowe and Dubose overpowered and killed Sgt. Christopher Monica and Sgt. Curtis Billue early Tuesday on a bus that should have been secured as it carried 33 inmates between prisons southeast of Atlanta.

Authorities had offered a $130,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the fugitives, whom Sills had called "dangerous beyond description."

The search had involved law enforcement officers all over Georgia, as well as the FBI, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

After killing the officers, the pair then carjacked a driver who pulled up behind the bus, and fled in his Honda Civic along state Highway 16 in Putnam County, southeast of Atlanta.

The inmates then drove about 25 miles north to Madison, where they ransacked a home, stealing food and clothes and leaving their prison uniforms behind around 10:30 a.m. Tuesday.

Late Tuesday night, about 12 hours after the home burglary, the pair stole a Ford pickup truck from a rock quarry about 9 miles from the burglarized home. That's when the trail went cold.

Georgia Department of Corrections Commissioner Greg Dozier said in a news release Thursday that he was relieved the two inmates were captured and no longer a threat to the public.

"They will be brought to justice swiftly for their heinous crime against our Officers," he said, also expressing gratitude to all of the law enforcement officers who provided support and assistance in the search for the two men.

Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal applauded the "tireless efforts" of law enforcement but also turned his thoughts to the families of the two officers, saying their pain remains.

"We will do everything in our power to support their loved ones, and we will not forget their sacrifice and service," Deal said.

Rowe, 43, has been serving life without parole since 2002, and Dubose, 24, began a 20-year sentence in 2015. Both were convicted of armed robbery and other violent crimes, and they've been cellmates more than once in Georgia's prisons.

Monica, 42, and Billue, 58, were both transfer sergeants at Baldwin State Prison. Monica had been with the Georgia Department of Corrections since October 2009 and Billue since July 2007.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.


Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein said Thursday evening that Americans should "exercise caution" before believing anonymously sourced reports, an apparent reference to ongoing leaks surrounding the investigation into alleged connections between Russian officials and President Trump's campaign.

"Americans should exercise caution before accepting as true any stories any stories attributed to anonymous 'officials,'" Rosenstein said in a statement, "particularly when they do not identify the country  let alone the branch or agency of government  with which the alleged sources supposedly are affiliated."

Though Rosenstein's statement did not reference the Russia investigation specifically, it was released hours after the Washington Post reported that Special Counsel Robert Mueller is investigating Jared Kushner  Trump's senior adviser and son-in-law  over his finances and business dealings.

ROBERT MUELLER APPOINTMENT TO LEAD RUSSIA PROBE WINS BIPARTISAN PRAISE

Peter Carr, a spokesman for Mueller, did not comment on the Post report when reached by Fox News, but did say that the special counsel's office "has undertaken stringent controls to prohibit unauthorized disclosures that deal severely with any member who engages in this conduct."

Trump and his supporters have repeatedly complained about leaked reports about the progress of Mueller's investigation, many of which have appeared in either the Post or The New York Times.

On Wednesday, the Post reported that Mueller was examining whether Trump has tried to obstruct justice and was seeking interviews with three administration officials: Dan Coats, the director of national intelligence; Michael Rogers, the head of the National Security Agency; and Richard Ledgett, the former NSA deputy director.

Mark Corallo, a spokesman for Trump's personal lawyer, responded Wednesday evening to the Post report by saying: "The FBI leak of information regarding the president is outrageous, inexcusable and illegal."

The Post report cited anonymous sources who were briefed on requests made by investigators. It was not immediately clear whether the FBI was the source of the information.

RUSSIA INVESTIGATION: WHO'S WHO

The president himself took to Twitter Wednesday morning to complain about the "phony story" in the Post, then did so again in the afternoon to question why Hillary Clinton's conduct during the probe of her private email server was not under more scrutiny.

Rosenstein, who appointed Mueller special counsel in the Russia investigation last month, testified to lawmakers Tuesday that he has seen no evidence of good cause to fire Mueller and that he is confident that Mueller will have "the full independence he needs" to investigate thoroughly.

Fox News' Brooke Singman and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
A woman's jog was cut short in a dramatic way when a raccoon attacked her, latching onto her skin and refusing to budge until she drowned the animal.

Rachel Borch, 21, detailed the recent roller-coaster experience in a colorful interview with the Bangor Daily News.

She said she was on a jog when she spotted the cute animal on the path. But all of sudden, the raccoon started bounding toward her on the narrow foot path, baring its teeth.

Borch said she knew instantly it had to be rabid.

So what next? She danced around it, trying to figure out what to do -- before she dropped her phone.

GIRL GETS RABIES SHOT AFTER BEING BITTEN BY COYOTE AT PARK

Imagine the Tasmanian devil, she said, it was terrifying.

Borch saw the path was too narrow to run past it. By then, she says I knew it was going to bite me.

Borch figured she would have the greatest ability to defend herself if she used her hands to hold it down, the newspaper continued. But before she knew it, the raccoon sank its teeth into her thumb and wouldnt let go.

In the frenzy, she noticed her phone had become fully submerged in the puddle where she had dropped it. Borch, unable to unhinge the raccoon from her finger, thought holding it underwater might help. I didnt think I could strangle [the raccoon] with my bare hands she recalled, but she was willing to try.

Borch dropped to her knees and dragged the biting and frantically scratching raccoon into the puddle.

With my thumb in its mouth, I just pushed its head down into the muck, she said. It was still struggling and clawing at my arms. It wouldnt let go of my thumb. Borch held the animal belly-up with its head underwater for what she said felt like an eternity until finally it stopped struggling and its arms sort of fell to the side, its chest still heaving really slowly according to the newspaper.

Once she was able to pull her thumb free, Borch says she just bolted as fast as I could through the underbrush, hyperventilating and in hysterics. She had to look back to make sure the raccoon wasnt still chasing her.

It felt like [Stephen Kings] Pet Sematary, she recalled.

Once at home, her mother, immediately drove her to the hospital to get shots. It was revealed a few days later that the animal tested positive for rabies.

CHIHUAHUA FOUND IN THE GARBAGE IN MAINE

Borch reportedly is set to receive one more shot this coming weekend.

Click for more from the Bangor Daily News.
Officials at a Maryland beach resort can now legally ban topless women.

Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh waded into the controversy that has rocked Ocean City for days. The Washington Post reports that Frosh said Thursday that requiring women to cover up on top while allowing men to expose their chests does not violate state or federal constitutions.

Last week, the head of the beach patrol said lifeguards will no longer approach and scold women who are topless. Some on social media incorrectly assumed this meant toplessness would be allowed.

Ocean City officials, fearing for their resort's family-friendly reputation, unanimously passed an ordinance in an emergency session Saturday barring topless women.
Jurors weighing the fate of a Minnesota police officer who killed a black motorist last July are headed into their fifth day of deliberations Friday.

Officer Jeronimo Yanez is charged with manslaughter in the death of Philando Castile. Yanez shot Castile during a traffic stop in a St. Paul suburb after Castile informed the officer he was carrying a gun.

On Wednesday, the apparently deadlocked jury was summoned to court by the judge and told to keep deliberating. Thursday's deliberations passed quietly, with no sudden hearings or requests from the jury to review evidence.

Some key information about the case:

___

THE FACTS

Yanez pulled over Castile, a 32-year-old elementary school cafeteria worker, for a faulty taillight. On squad-car video of the traffic stop, Castile tells Yanez, "Sir, I have to tell you, I do have a firearm on me." Yanez tells Castile not to reach for it, then fires seven rapid shots into the car, hitting Castile five times.

The shooting gained attention immediately because Castile's girlfriend, Diamond Reynolds, livestreamed its gruesome aftermath on Facebook. Reynolds was in the car with her then-4-year-old daughter.

Yanez, who is Latino, is charged with second-degree manslaughter, punishable by up to 10 years in prison, though sentencing guidelines suggest around four years is more likely. He also faces two lesser counts of endangering Reynolds and her daughter for firing his gun into the car near them.

Central questions of the case are whether Yanez, 29, saw Castile's gun, and whether he acted reasonably. Castile had a permit to carry the firearm, and witnesses testified that it was in the pocket of his shorts when paramedics pulled him from the vehicle.

___

WAITING FOR A VERDICT

All 12 jurors must reach a unanimous decision. To convict Yanez on the manslaughter charge, they must find beyond a reasonable doubt that Yanez acted with culpable negligence, which the judge described as gross negligence with an element of recklessness.

While Yanez's squad-car video shows the shooting from a distance, there's no video showing exactly what happened in the car or what Yanez saw. So jurors are weighing conflicting evidence, including Yanez's testimony that Castile had his hand on his gun, Reynolds' testimony that Castile did not reach for the firearm, and the views of outside experts who made plausible cases for why Yanez did or did not act reasonably.

___

KEY EVIDENCE FOR PROSECUTORS

Yanez made statements to a supervisor after the shooting and to investigators the next day that, on the surface, seem to indicate he never saw Castile's gun. The statements to the supervisor were captured on Yanez's squad-car video. That audio was played multiple times at trial, as was the video of the shooting.

Prosecutors argued that other evidence shows Castile could not have had his hand on the gun when he was shot. They noted that one of Yanez's bullets grazed Castile's trigger finger and that there was no bullet hole in his shorts nor any damage to the weapon.

Prosecutors also argued Yanez had other reasonable options, including ordering Castile to put his hands on the steering wheel.

___

KEY EVIDENCE FOR THE DEFENSE

Yanez testified that Castile was pulling out his gun and ignore commands to stop. "I was scared for my life. I thought I was going to die," he said.

He also said he reacted the way he was trained to do. Asked about statements he made to investigators that seemed to indicate he didn't see the gun, he claimed he just meant he didn't see it at first.

Defense attorneys also argued that Castile was stoned on marijuana and that it contributed to his failure to follow the officer's instructions.

___

WHAT IF THE JURY CAN'T REACH A UNANIMOUS VERDICT?

The judge would declare a mistrial, and prosecutors would then decide whether to retry the case.

Castile's mother, Valerie Castile, has said she plans a lawsuit. It's common for civil suits to proceed no matter the outcome of criminal cases, as the burden of proof in civil court is less than in a criminal case.

A federal investigation into whether Yanez intentionally violated Castile's civil rights is also possible, but unlikely. Federal civil rights investigations have a higher legal standard and an accident, bad judgment or simple negligence is not enough to bring federal charges. Federal authorities have said they were monitoring the state's investigation, and a federal prosecutor helped with the state's case.

___

ARE MISTRIALS UNUSUAL IN SUCH CASES?

Not really. Philip Stinson, a criminologist at Ohio's Bowling Green State University who tracks fatal police shootings, compiled data that shows almost 40 percent of cases in which officers were charged with murder or manslaughter since 2005 have ended in mistrials or acquittals when officers testified they feared for their life.

One such case involved Ray Tensing, a former University of Cincinnati police officer. Prosecutors are retrying him in the killing of Sam DuBose, an unarmed, black motorist, during a traffic stop near the campus in July 2015.

In Charlotte, North Carolina, prosecutors decided against retrying Randall Kerrick, a white officer who was charged with voluntary manslaughter for shooting Jonathan Ferrell, an unarmed, black 24-year-old. Kerrick shot Ferrell 10 times after Ferrell crashed his car in a suburban neighborhood and banged on a neighbor's door looking for help.
An incident at a 7-Eleven store in Tampa is making the rounds on social media after cell phone footage shows a clerk angrily snapping at a customer who spoke to him in Spanish.

In a phone video taken at the scene, the irate clerk is seen lashing out at the Cuban national  and U.S. citizen  as he was trying to buy a pack of cigarettes.

After the young man asked for a pack, the clerk asked him what kind he wanted  to which Rodriguez responded in plain Spanish.

Then, suddenly, the man behind the register gets visibly angry and asks him repeatedly if he was a legal citizen.

Listen to me, the clerk is heard saying. Are you here legally? Do you have papers? His tone gets increasingly louder and the other customers start to take notice.

TRUMP CONDEMNS KILLING OF PAIR WHO TRIED TO STOP RACIST RANT

Does he speak English? the clerk asks. Then why doesnt he speak English if hes here legally?

A spokesperson for 7-Eleven issued a statement with an apology to the local network WFTS.

Every customer is important. The statements made by the sales associate were inappropriate and offensive. We are investigating the matter and will ensure it is handled appropriately.

Rodriguezs lawyer, George Lorenzo, told the network his client works full-time and is in the process of learning English.

The young man became a U.S. citizen two years ago through the Cuban Family Reunification Parole Program.
U.S. Border Patrol agents served a search warrant at a non-profit aid camp in the southern Arizona desert Thursday and arrested four Mexican men suspected of being in the country illegally.

The camp, about 11 miles north of the Mexican border, provides medical care for immigrants crossing into the U.S. across the miles-long Sonoran Desert. It has been in operation since 2004, run by the organization No Mas Muertes (No More Deaths).

"The raid on the medical aid camp is unacceptable and a break in our good faith agreements w/BP to respect the critical work of #NoMoreDeaths," the organization said in a tweet.

The NGO said in a statement that 30 armed agents entered the camp with 15 trucks and a helicopter searching for the migrants.

Border Patrol said agents reached out to camp representatives before the raid but the talks were unsuccessful.

In a statement posted on Twitter, the agency said it felt compelled to seek a search warrant to question the men and said a similar raid last month resulted in the arrest of eight undocumented men, two of whom had a criminal record.

Camp officials said that in the past few weeks, the heavy presence of law enforcement has deterred people from accessing critical humanitarian assistance.
Two girls were shot on a Chicago playground at an elementary school Friday afternoon, officials said.

The younger girl, 7, was hit in the leg, while the older girl, 13, was struck in the hand, a law enforcement source told the Chicago Tribune.

The girls were taken to Comer Childrens Hospital in serious condition, according to a spokesman for the Chicago Fire Department.

CHICAGO SHOOTING PROMPTS PUSH TO BETTER ARM POLICE OFFICERS

The girls, who were at a picnic outside an elementary school on the citys Far South Side, were unintended targets of a drive by shooting, NBC Chicago reported. A car opened fire at a group of people on a corner and hit the girls instead, according to the Tribune.

Police said they were questioning persons of interest in the incident.
Four Ohio women who followed in their father's footsteps and joined the Cleveland Police Department said their dads have always inspired them to join the force.

Officers Jennifer Dziuba, Victoria Hahn, Anglly Gavria and Carlee Seroka were among the 16 women who graduated from the Cleveland police academy this year, Fox 8 Cleveland reported. Their fathers, who are active police officers, had the honor to put badges on their daughter during the ceremony.

The four women have become "fast friends" since graduating the police academy. The fathers and daughters all bond over the similar life experiences they share.

"It''s a good bond to have and going through the experience of the police academy. It can't be broken," Dziuba told Fox 8.

10 MUST-HAVE FATHER'S DAY GIFTS WITH A TACTICAL TWIST

Dziuba said her father has always been her "support," adding that "anything that [she] need he's there for" her.

Her father, Lt. James Dziuba, also said the fathers share a similar bond, knowing that they are going through the same experience of having a child join the force.

"We all share the same experiences, same feelings of having our daughter follow in our footsteps. It just shows how far women have come along in our society that they can partake in what used to be a male-dominated profession," Lt. Dziuba said.

FLORIDA BASEBALL TEAM TO HAND OUT FREE PREGNANCY TESTS FOR FATHER'S DAY

Hahn said her father always knew she would also join the force.

"When I was growing up my dad has always said you're going to grow up to be a police officer," Hahn said. "It goes to show how my father raised me. He always [told me], 'You need to pursue your dreams. Do what's going to make you happy.'"

"She's a survivor. She's going to be fine," Sgt. Leslie Hahn said of his daughter.

Officer George Seroka's initial reaction to his daughter Carlee becoming a police officer was more "scared," he said.

"When your daughter tells you she's going to do it, I think it's a little different," he told Fox 8 Cleveland.

But when he placed the badge on his daughter, he was overwhelmed with emotions and proud of the woman she has become.

"When you put your badge on your daughter...until you walk that mile in my footsteps, I can't really explain it to you," Seroka said.

Gavria and her family moved from Colombia to the U.S. when she was 9 years old to pursue a better life. She said it was "hard" moving to America, going three years without seeing her father. She said she credits her father's work ethic in her decision to become a Cleveland police officer.

"Just to see all of them together brought back memories of when I was there too," he said. "To see my daughter right there, to have to moment to put the badge on her chest -- it was beautiful."

Click here for more from Fox 8 Cleveland.
A man who fatally shot three fellow UPS drivers appears to have felt disrespected by co-workers, but it's not clear if that was the motivation for the bloodshed, a police official said Friday.

The San Francisco Police Department official could not provide details and cautioned it's one of several possible motives for Wednesday's shooting. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the investigation is ongoing and the San Francisco police are not discussing the case publicly.

Jimmy Lam, 38, opened fire at a morning meeting of UPS drivers at a company warehouse in San Francisco before the drivers went out on deliveries. Lam and the victims worked out of the warehouse.

Shaun Vu, a senior UPS driver, has said Lam also struggled with personal issues and was depressed a few years ago. He had shown improvement, but Vu said Lam looked troubled a few weeks ago. That was around the time Lam filed a grievance claiming he was working excessive overtime.

The police official said Lam appears to have targeted the three drivers he fatally shot. It's not clear, however, that those drivers  Benson Louie, Mike Lefiti, and Wayne Chan  had anything to do with his apparent sense of disrespect.

UPS driver Jevir Gray, 34, rejected the possibility that the victims disrespected Lam, saying they were "really good people."

"They were my mentors," he said. "I looked up to them."

Vu has said Lam seemed to be on friendly terms with the three men he killed.

UPS driver Leopold Parker, who witnessed the shooting, said drivers at the warehouse generally got along and didn't mind working there. If they did have a problem with colleagues, they would talk to them or ignore them. He also stressed that drivers spent much of their time alone in their trucks, so they had limited interaction with their colleagues.

Lam sometimes complained about the workload, but Parker said he never suspected Lam would turn violent.

Parker, 53, was standing by his truck at the morning meeting when Lam walked up and shot Louie in the head, he said. Louie was a few feet in front of Parker. Lam glanced at Parker.

"I heard a pop. I saw a flash. I saw Benson drop in front of me," he said. "He glanced at me, so I thought I was next cause I was right next to Benson."

But Lam went the opposite way. Parker jumped into the cab of his truck and said he saw a couple of bodies on the ground when he looked over. He ran to the roof of the building after he saw Lam running toward an exit.

Joe Cilia, an official with the union that represents UPS workers in San Francisco, has said witnesses told him that after shooting Louie, Lam shot Chan in the back and then walked up and "finished him."

Lefiti was fleeing from the building when Lam went to a street and shot him, he said, citing witnesses.

The violence ended when Lam turned the gun on himself and took his own life as workers ran from the packing facility and police closed in, police have said.

___

AP writer Sudhin Thanawala contributed to this report.
Gen. Jack Keane, former vice chief of staff of the U.S. Army, called the United States' 16-year-long involvement in Afghanistan a "disgrace" and said some 10,000 to 20,000 additional troops were needed to win the war.

Keane spoke with Fox News on Friday as reports surfaced the Pentagon will send roughly 4,000 additional American forces to fight a reinvigorated Taliban insurgency in Afghanistan.

Defense Secretary Jim Mattis has not made an announcement on increasing troop levels in Afghanistan, but a Trump administration official told the Associated Press such an announcement could come as early as next week.

Keane said the 4,000 figure is "only speculation at this point" and not enough to defeat the Taliban and boost the Afghan Army's military might.

"There's no doubt the 4,000 will be helpful," he said. "But the real question is: Will it change the momentum of the war to our favor? My judgment is its likely not to."

The administration official told the AP that the bulk of the additional troops will train and advise Afghan forces, while a smaller number would assist in counterterrorism operations against the Taliban and the Islamic State.

The Pentagon, meanwhile, told Fox News early Friday that no final determination has been made about sending additional troops.

"No decisions have been made," Pentagon spokesman Jeff Davis said.

If a few thousands troops are sent, they will be used in the same way the U.S. military is fighting ISIS in Iraq and Syria, officials told Fox News.

Obama had set a cap a year ago of 8,400 troops in Afghanistan after slowing the pace of what he hoped would be a U.S. withdrawal.

Keane, a retired four-star general who left active duty in 2003, placed blame on the previous administration for what he called a failure to change the momentum in the war.

"Its 16 years weve been involved in this war and its an absolute disgrace that we have not ended this war before, favorable to ourselves," he said.

He said Obama never made the commitment that was necessary to turn the war around and thats why we are where we are."

"When we took the 100,000 plus troops out of Afghanistan  just left 8,000  we took all the support that the Afghan Army had," including "attack helicopters and anti-IED intelligence, communications and logistics," said Keane. "We have to put that back if theyre going to be effective."

Mattis told the Senate Armed Services Committee this week that the U.S. and its allies are not winning in Afghanistan.

During tough questioning from Sen. John McCain, the committee chairman, Mattis said, We are not winning in Afghanistan right now and promised we will correct this as soon as possible.

We want a strategy, and I dont think thats a hell of a lot to ask, McCain said.

Keane also stressed it was critical to destroy Taliban safe havens in Pakistan, where he said the Pakistani military provides the network with intelligence on U.S. operations in Afghanistan.

"The Pakistani military is assisting them. That has to stop, he said. Those sanctuaries have to go away and the United States has to insist on it or the war will just be protracted."

Fox News' Lucas Tomlinson and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
A Tennessee homeowner held two escaped inmates wanted in the killing of two prison guards at gunpoint Thursday until authorities arrived and made the arrests.

Tennessee Highway Patrol spokesman Lt. Bill Miller said late Thursday that the homeowner caught Donnie Rowe and Ricky Dubose trying to steal his vehicle.

Miller says the escaped Georgia inmates had crashed a car while being chased by law enforcement and fled on foot into woods along Interstate 24 near the rural community of Christiana.

Miller says something alerted the homeowner that people were outside his home and he saw the men trying to steal his vehicle. The trooper says the homeowner held the two at gunpoint with a neighbor he called until the Rutherford County Sheriff's Department could get there to arrest them.

Rowe and Dubose are accused of killing two guards on a prison transfer bus early Tuesday. Authorities had offered a $130,000 reward for information leading to their arrests.

Authorities say Rowe and Dubose overpowered and killed Sgt. Christopher Monica and Sgt. Curtis Billue early Tuesday on a bus that should have been secured as it carried 33 inmates between prisons southeast of Atlanta.

Authorities had offered a $130,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the fugitives, whom Sills had called "dangerous beyond description."

The search had involved law enforcement officers all over Georgia, as well as the FBI, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Gov. Nathan Deal released a statement, Rest assured, justice will be served. My sincere thanks to our local, state and federal law enforcement officers who assisted in the manhunt. Because of their tireless efforts, the public is safe."

The Associated Press contributed to this report
Members of the Iraqi Christian community in the U.S. are expressing feelings of betrayal by their adopted country after dozens of members were detained in a deportation sweep.

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted the mass arrests over the weekend with a majority of them occurring in the Detroit area. More arrests occurred earlier this week. Relatives of those detained say most of those detained were picked up for committing low-level and nonviolent offenses, and some had already served prison sentences for those offenses.

Many of these people came here legally and maybe they fell into some trouble at one point in their lives, Nathan Kalasho, an Iraqi-American Christian activist in Michigan who has been helping with legal assistance for the families of the detained, told Fox News. They have paid their debt to society. These are good people who live good lives, but they are being put at risk by being deported.

Mirvat, who declined to give her last name, says her 55-year-old uncle was arrested this past weekend as he went to his biannual check-in with immigration services for a nonviolent felony conviction from decades ago. Despite completing his prison sentence for the conviction, he has been told that he will be sent back to Iraq next Friday.

He went in and they immediately arrested him, Mirvat, who is from Warren, Mich., said to Fox News, Its so unsafe there [Iraq]. They are literally throwing him into the fire.

Mirvat said her uncle immigrated to the U.S. when he was only 5 years old with his family on a legal visa. He has no family in Iraq and the fact that he is from the U.S. and a Christian means he will certainly be a target once he arrives in Baghdad.

Hes devastated, Mirvat said. He doesnt know what is going on or what to do. All the officers are telling him is that he should call his family and tell them to pack him a bag because hes being sent to Iraq in a week.

Mirvat has a special connection to her uncle. She has been battling blood cancer, and her uncle provided her with vital bone marrow transplants on two separate occasions. Should she require an additional transplant, no one else in her family is a compatible match.

Im devastated, she said. Hes the one who has literally saved my life. Hes saved it twice.

ICE on Monday declined to say how many were taken into custody, but some advocates say at least 40 people were arrested near or at homes, mostly on Sunday, while other estimates are that more than 100 Christians were picked up.

Kalasho says that others were arrested at their churches, including one man in suburban Michigan who was nabbed by ICE agents as he arrived at church for his daughters first communion service.

The Detroit area has one of the largest communities of Iraqi Christians, known as Chaldeans, in the U.S. with an estimated 120,000 in and around the city.

The sweep follows a recent agreement by Iraqs government to allow the return of immigrants who have been ordered out of the United States. Details of this agreement first surfaced during litigation over the initial version of President Trumps travel ban.

In subsequent versions, Iraq was dropped from the list of countries whose citizens were banned. The executive order remains on hold.

The arrests come amid broader and more aggressive policies on immigration by the Trump administration. Immigrants who already have deportation orders and were allowed to stay in the country under the prior administration have now become a target under Trump, with some getting arrested during scheduled check-ins, as was Mirvats uncle.

ICE said in a statement released Monday that all of those arrested had criminal convictions, including some for murder, rape, assault, burglary, weapons violations and drug trafficking, and were ordered deported by an immigration judge after "full and fair" proceedings.

Immigration officials said the judge determined they were "ineligible for any form of relief under U.S. law," but declined to discuss the appeals process or other legal options.

Kalasho and others have set up a legal aid center at the Madison Heights, Mich., charter school he operates to help detainee families get legal assistance. At least 115 families are being paired up with attorneys, he said.

Its more of a triage than a legal center at this point, Kalasho said to Fox News. Its hypocritical to send these people to Baghdad. It just doesnt make sense. Just because people may have committed a crime doesnt mean that they are life-long criminals. Theyve established honest lives and many of them are taxpayers who are asking the courts for a fair process.

The Associated Press contributed reporting to this story.
A Minnesota police officer was acquitted Friday in the killing of a black motorist that drew widespread attention when video of the shooting's aftermath was streamed live on Facebook.

Key figures in the manslaughter trial of St. Anthony police officer Jeronimo Yanez in last July's death of Philando Castile:

___

THE DRIVER

Castile, 32, was a longtime elementary school cafeteria worker who family members described as loving and laid-back. Quick with a high-five for students and always eager to sneak kids extra graham crackers and other treats, Castile was known simply as "Mr. Phil." One teacher testified at trial that Castile remembered which kids had allergies, and nudged students to finish their veggies.

Police had pulled Castile over many times before. Although he had no serious criminal record, The Associated Press examined records that show he was pulled over around 50 times in recent years in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, typically for minor offenses such as driving on a suspended license or without proof of insurance, speeding, driving without a muffler or not wearing a seat belt.

His girlfriend, Diamond Reynolds, testified that on the day of the shooting, he had gone to work, went to get his hair dreaded for his upcoming birthday, then picked her up to go grocery shopping. They were on their way home when he was shot.

She testified he had a gun, and a permit to carry it, for protection.

___

THE OFFICER

Yanez, who is Latino, had worked for the St. Anthony Police Department for nearly five years. He testified that he stopped Castile because he thought Castile looked like a suspect in a recent armed robbery. A faulty brake light gave the 29-year-old officer justification to pull Castile over.

After the shooting, Yanez's body microphone captured audio of him saying first that he didn't know where the gun was, but then that he told Castile to take his hand off the gun. Yanez testified that he clearly saw a gun and that Castile ignored his commands to stop pulling it out of his pocket.

"I was scared to death. I thought I was going to die. My family's faces popped up in my mind, my wife and baby girl," Yanez said, his voice choked with emotion.

___

THE GIRLFRIEND

Millions of people saw Reynolds in her live Facebook stream as Castile lay bleeding next to her in the driver's seat. She was praised for her split-second decision to stream the shooting's aftermath and her measured responses to Yanez, who had just fired shots into the car and still had his gun out.

Reynolds testified that she started recording because she feared for her own life.

"Because I know that the people are not protected against the police," Reynolds said. "I wanted to make sure if I died in front of my daughter that people would know the truth."

The defense attacked Reynolds' testimony and pointed out several inconsistencies in statements she made to authorities and in public. She also acknowledged that she and Castile smoked marijuana regularly, and that marijuana was in the car at the time of the shooting.

Reynolds' daughter  4 years old at the time  was also in the car.

___

THE PARTNER

Officer Joseph Kauser was called as backup when Yanez initiated the traffic stop.

Squad video shows Kauser was standing on the passenger side of the car and jumping back when the shots were fired. He testified that he didn't see Castile's gun, but noted that he was paying more attention to the car's passengers. He said the situation didn't seem alarming, and the shooting surprised him.

Kauser also testified that he trusted Yanez as a partner. He said he believed the officer followed proper protocol and that Castile was moving after Yanez told him not to reach for the gun.

___

THE MOTHER

Castile's mother, Valerie Castile, emerged as a calm voice for change after her son's death. She urged protesters to remain peaceful while also calling on lawmakers to consider improvements in police training, hiring and other issues she felt contributed to her son's death.

"He is the driving force in me to make sure this doesn't happen to another mother," she has said.

She remained stoic during the trial, sitting silently in the front row  across the aisle from Yanez's family  as the squad car video of her son's shooting was played repeatedly. She declined to comment to reporters during the course of the trial.

She has hired attorneys and plans a lawsuit.

___

THE PROSECUTORS

Ramsey County Attorney John Choi made the decision to charge Yanez, and a team of seasoned attorneys from his office prosecuted the case.

State prosecutors Rick Dusterhoft and Clayton Robinson, and federal prosecutor Jeff Paulsen, played squad car video of the shooting repeatedly as they presented their case. Paulsen questioned Kauser at length about police procedure, what he saw during the stop, and how the shooting took him by surprise. When Kauser said, "I don't know what (Castile) was reaching for," Paulsen replied, "Exactly. He could've been reaching for his wallet."

___

THE DEFENSE

Yanez hired three prominent Minnesota attorneys  Paul Engh, Earl Gray and Thomas Kelly  who have all handled big cases before.

During the trial, the three took turns cross-examining the state's witnesses and presenting arguments to the jury. Gray pointedly went after Reynolds on cross-examination, flustering her as he exposed many issues in statements she made.

___

THE JUDGE

Judge William H. Leary III is head of Ramsey County District Court's civil division. Leary, who is white, was assigned to the case after Yanez's attorneys asked to have another judge, who is black, removed.

Minnesota law allows defense attorneys to remove one judge without citing a reason, and Yanez's attorneys declined to say whether race was a factor.

Leary ran a no-nonsense courtroom during the trial. He issued an order in advance saying he would allow no outward facial expressions or outbursts from the gallery.

___

THE JURY

The 12 jurors that deliberated Yanez's case included two black people. The rest of the jurors are white.

___

Follow Amy Forliti on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/amyforliti
A young Massachusetts woman accused of encouraging her boyfriend to commit suicide through text messages was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter on Friday.

Bristol Juvenile Court Judge Lawrence Moniz announced the decision and set the sentencing hearing for Aug. 3. Michelle Carter, 20, faces a sentence of probation and up to 20 years in prison.

The judge took into consideration the actions of Carter before, during and after her boyfriend, Conrad Roy III, decided to commit suicide in July 2014.

Carter, was 17 when she persuaded Roy, 18, to kill himself with a series of texts and phone calls, prosecutors alleged. Roy died when his pickup truck filled with carbon monoxide in a store parking lot in Fairhaven, Massachusetts.

TEXTING SUICIDE TRIAL: MASSACHUSETTS JUDGE TO DELIVER RULING

"I thought you wanted to do this. The time is right and you're ready, you just need to do it!" Carter wrote in one message.

"You can't think about it. You just have to do it. You said you were gonna do it. Like I don't get why you aren't," Carter wrote to Roy the day of his suicide.

Carter was visibly upset at the start of the hearing, but remained stoic during the sentencing. She only stood up once when the decision was read but sat down after it was announced.

Judge Moniz said Carter can remain free on bail but she cannot contact Roys family or leave the state of Massachusetts.

MESSAGE FROM WOMAN IN TEXTING SUICIDE TRIAL: ITS MY FAULT



Prosecutors said that in addition to bombarding Roy with text messages, Carter also gave Roy advice when he got out of the truck as he was inhaling the gas and told her he was scared. "Get back in," she told him, according to a friend who testified Carter described the conversation in a text message to her about a month after Roy died.

Carters lawyer, Joseph Cataldo, argued that Roy had a history of depression and suicide attempts, and was determined to take his life. He said Carter initially tried to talk Roy out of it and urged him to get professional help, but eventually went along with his plan. He also said Carters text messages were a form of protected free speech.

Dr. Peter Breggin, a psychiatrist testifying for the defense, said Carter was a very troubled youngster who suffered from depression. Carter was taking an antidepressant, Celexa, during the time of Roys death. The medication targets the frontal lobe, which controls empathy and decision-making, according to Breggin.

But texts read during Carters trial showed she admitted some guilt.

Its my fault, Carter texted to her school friend, Samantha Boardman, two months after Roys death. I could have stopped him but I told him to get back in the car.

Two other friends said Carter had texted them stating she was on the phone with Roy as he died.

I was talking on the phone with him when he killed himself... I heard him die, Carter texted to another friend, Olivia Mosolgo, days after Roys death, Mosolgo testified.

Carter appeared to express remorse in a message to another friend: Im the only one he told things too. I should have gotten him more help, she wrote.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
A New Jersey school district announced it will reissue yearbooks after photos of two high school students were altered to remove President Donald Trumps name on their clothing.

One photo was intentionally altered although it did not violate the schools dress code, Cheryl Dyer, Wall Township School Superintendent, wrote in a letter to the school's parents. The other picture was resized to match others, and it does not appear that was intentionally done to remove Trumps name.

The school district regards free speech and does not condone any censorship of political views on the part of our students, Dyer said in an earlier letter.

AFTER PRO-TRUMP PHOTOS IN HIGH SCHOOL YEARBOOK ARE ALTERED, TEACHER IS SUSPENDED

Grant Berardo, a junior at Wall Township High School, wore a blue graphic t-shirt that said TRUMP Make America Great Again but the yearbook photo depicted the student as wearing a solid color shirt.

The other student, Wyatt Debrovich-Fago, wore a vest with Trumps name but the writing did not appear in the photo because it was resized, Dyer said.

RUSSIA-TRUMP CAMPAIGN COLLUSION PROBES COULD END, RNC CHAIRWOMAN SAYS

Dyer has not been able to determine why a Trump quote submitted by the freshman class president, Montana Debrovich-Fago, was not included, according to NJ.com. The quote read, I like thinking big. If you are going to be thinking anything, you might as well think big.

The yearbook adviser has been suspended with pay.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Minnesota police officer Jeronimo Yanez has been dismissed as a police officer after he was acquitted of manslaughter in the shooting death of black motorist Philando Castile.

The city of St. Anthony said Friday afternoon that the public "will be best served" if Yanez no longer works for the city.

TIMELINE OF EVENTS IN POLICE SHOOTING OF PHILANDO CASTILE

The decision to dismiss Yanez came after he was found not guilty on all counts related to the incident.

He was also cleared of two lesser charges of endangering Castile's girlfriend, Diamond Reynolds, and her daughter for firing his gun into the car near them.

The city plans to offer Yanez a "voluntary separation" so he can find another job, but will not return to active duty, according to the police force.

WOMAN WHO STREAMED MINNESOTA SHOOTING ARRESTED IN ASSAULT

Yanez pulled over 32-year-old Castile for a broken taillight in July 2016. The officer shot Castile five times after Castile said he was carrying a gun.

The shooting drew widespread attention, mainly because Castiles girlfriend livestreamed the aftermath on Facebook.

Yanez, who is Latino, did what he had to do when he shot Castile, a defense attorney argued during the trial. Yanez testified that he feared for his life after Castile refused to not pull out his gun, despite the officers commands.

PHILANDO CASTILE SHOOTING: MINNESOTA OFFICER 'DID WHAT HE HAD TO DO,' ATTORNEY SAYS

Prosecutors argued that Yanez never saw the gun, and that he overreacted to a non-threat.

The trial included squad-car video of the traffic stop between the two, but footage did not show what happened in Castiles car, leaving it up to the jury to believe Yanezs testimony.

After three white alternates were dismissed after closing arguments, the 12-member jury included two black and ten white people.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Seven U.S. sailors are missing from the USS Fitzgerald after the ship collided with a Philippine-flagged merchant vessel ACX Crystal while operating off the coast of Japan, Fox News confirmed.

The Fitzgerald's Commanding Officer is among the four sailors who were injured and flown off the ship.

The ship was under its own power but had limited propulsion, according to the U.S. Navy. The incident happened 56 nautical miles southwest of Yokosuka, Japan.

The ship suffered damage on her starboard side above and below the waterline. The collision resulted in some flooding.

Live footage shot from a helicopter Saturday morning by Japanese broadcaster NHK showed heavy damage to the mid-right side of the Navy ship, which appeared to be stationary in the water. People were standing on various parts of the deck.

The collision occured at approximately 2:30 a.m. local time on June 17.

There is no danger of the ship sinking, one official told Fox News.

The incident will be investigated.

Fitzgerald, a guided-missile destroyer, carries Tomahawk cruise missiles and missiles capable of shooting down ballistic missiles, part of the regions ballistic missile defense program.

Fox News' Lucas Tomlinson and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
A suspect has been identified in an explosion at the entrance of a kindergarten in eastern China on Thursday, the official Xinhua News Agency reported.

Police were investigating the situation as a criminal act and "targeted" a suspect.

At least eight people were killed and 65 others were injured when a gas cylinder at a roadside foot stall exploded near the entrance of Chuangxin Kindergarten in Fengxian, located in Jiangsu province, at 4:50 p.m. local time, according to local authorities and Xinhua.

Two people died at the scene and six others died at the hospital, Xuzhou government said. At least four people suffered serious injuries. No details have been given on the victims.

Videos and photos from the scene showed people, including children, lying on the ground, with some covered in blood, according to the South China Morning Post.

It's unclear if the explosion was deliberate.

Kindergartens in China have been targeted before in apparent revenge attacks carried out by people bearing grudges against their neighbors and society.

In 2010, nearly 20 children were killed in attacks on schools, prompting a response from top government officials and leading many schools to beef up security with the posting of guards and the installation of gates and other barriers. Last year, a knife-wielding assailant injured seven students outside a primary school in a northern city.

China maintains tight control over firearms and most attacks are carried out using knives, axes or homemade explosives.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
A Moscow court has reduced jail time for Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny by five days.

Navalny was sentenced to 30 days in jail on Monday for staging an unsanctioned rally after he was detained outside his home before he could even make way to the protest in Moscow.

The Moscow City Court on Friday reduced the sentence for Navalny from 30 to 25 days in a hearing that was perceived as a formality.

Tens of thousands took to the streets in more than 100 cities and towns across Russia on Monday in some of the most widespread protests in years, after Navalny called for rallies against government corruption. Nearly 2,000 people were detained at the protest rallies, mostly in Moscow and St. Petersburg.
Djibouti has lodged a formal complaint with the African Union accusing soldiers from neighboring Eritrea of occupying a contested mountainous area after Qatari peacekeepers left the region this week, an official said.

The move threatens to renew a territorial dispute between the two East African nations that Qatar, now caught up in a diplomatic clash with other Arab nations, has helped to mediate.

"The Eritrean troops occupied the Dumeira Mountain immediately after Qatar's peacekeepers left," Djibouti's ambassador to Ethiopia, Mohammed Idriss Farah, told The Associated Press. "Sometimes the Eritrean troops go to the top of the mountain and return on the other side. What makes this one different is that they moved in right after the peacekeepers left."

The ambassador said his government was waiting for military confirmation on whether Eritrean forces still controlled the contested area.

A spokesman for the African Union, Ebba Kalondo, confirmed that Djibouti had officially lodged a complaint to the AU Commission. On Friday evening, AU chairman Moussa Faki Mahamat said on Twitter that the continental body would send a delegation to the border to monitor developments and "work with all parties."

U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said the United Nations has received written communications from Djibouti and Eritrea "and we're taking a look at it." He did not disclose the contents but called the incident "an example of the spill-over effect" from the dispute between Qatar and Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries.

Qatar said Wednesday it had pulled all of its troops from the Djibouti-Eritrea border. That came after Eritrea expressed support for the Saudi-led move to isolate Qatar amid a diplomatic dispute.

Qatar has helped to mediate the long-running Djibouti-Eritrea territorial dispute. Eritrea in the past has clashed with both Djibouti and Ethiopia over borders.

Eritrean officials could not be reached for comment. Eritrea's top diplomat to the AU on Wednesday said the country wants to solve the problem with Djibouti peacefully.

A spokesman for Eritrea's biggest armed opposition group, Nasredin Ali, said Eritrea sent two battalions to control the contested area. "They have met no resistance from Djibouti's forces."
An improvised explosive device detonated and killed at least four passengers traveling in a passenger vehicle in Northern Kenya Friday in a suspected extremist attack, an official said.

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he is not authorized to speak with the press, said the vehicle had 15 people on board and 11 others were critically injured.

Mandera County commissioner Fredrick Shisia said the vehicle is a privately owned transport service along the Elwak-Mandera route.

8 POLICE OFFICERS KILLED BY SEPARATE BOMB BLASTS IN KENYA

Al Shabaab extremists from neighboring Somalia are suspected of being behind the attack.

Similar explosions in Kenya in the past month have killed at least 34 people, including 20 police officers.

KENYA BUILDING COLLAPSE: AT LEAST 10 MISSING IN NAIROBI

Analysts call the blasts a change in strategy by Al Shabab, which has been carrying out attacks inside Kenya since 2011. The extremist group has called the attacks revenge for Kenya sending troops to Somalia to fight it.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Russia's announcement that the Islamic State group's leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi may have been killed in a Russian airstrike in Syria in late May  if confirmed  would be a huge military coup for Moscow as a key player in Syria's civil war and strengthen its hand in future peace talks.

It would also mark a climax in Russia's involvement in the Syrian conflict, in which it has sided with President Bashar Assad's government, from the first days of the air campaign two years ago to boots on the ground in the city of Aleppo.

The airstrike would also highlight the capabilities of Russia's modernized military, which has tested new precision weapons in Syria.

Here are some key moments in Russia's military campaign in Syria.

QUICK DEPLOYMENT

A series of major battlefield defeats suffered by Assad's army in 2015 prompted Moscow to intervene to protect its long-time ally. On August 26, 2015, Russia signed a deal with the Syrian government on deploying an air force contingent and other military assets at the Hemeimeem air base in Syria's province of Latakia, the heartland of Assad's Alawite religious minority.

In a matter of weeks, Russia's military built up the base so it could host dozens of Russian jets. It delivered thousands of tons of military equipment and supplies by sea and heavy-lift cargo planes in an operation dubbed the "Syrian Express." On Sept. 30, Moscow declared the launch of its air campaign in Syria  Russia's first military action outside the former Soviet Union since the federation's collapse.

TENSIONS WITH TURKEY

The Russian intervention angered Turkey, which has pushed for Assad's ouster and backed Syrian opposition forces since the start of the conflict in 2011.

On Nov. 24, 2015, a Turkish fighter jet shot down a Russian Su-24 bomber on the border with Syria. The pilot was killed by Turkey-backed Syrian opposition fighters as he parachuted from the plane, and a Russian marine was also killed during an operation to rescue the second pilot. Turkey said the Russian plane violated its airspace but Moscow denied that.

Putin described the downing as a "stab in the back" and responded with an array of economic sanctions, including a ban on the sales of tour packages to Turkey and imports of Turkish fruit and vegetables. The Russian military also beefed up its air defenses in Syria with the long-range S-400 missiles to force Turkey to back off.

FIGHTING FOR PALMYRA

In April 2016, Assad's forces, relying on Russian air support, scored a major symbolic victory by taking the ancient town of Palmyra from the Islamic State group. Russia deployed field engineers to clear mines from the world-famous archaeological site and then celebrated the victory with a concert by the St. Petersburg Mariinsky orchestra, led by renowned Russian conductor Valery Gergiev.

In December 2016, however, the Syrian army again lost Palmyra to IS. Assad's forces recaptured it in March, again under the Russian air cover and following fierce fighting.

BOOTS ON THE GROUND

Though most attention was focused on Russian airstrikes, Russia also became actively involved in ground operations. Senior Russian military officers were deployed alongside Syrian government troops to provide training, plan offensive operations and direct them in combat. Russia also dispatched special forces to conduct intelligence and coordinate air strikes. There were also some indications that Russian artillery units were deployed in key battlefield areas.

Russia's Defense Ministry never said how many troops it has in Syria, but turnout figures in voting from abroad in the September 2016 parliamentary elections indicated that Russian military personnel in the Arab nation at the time likely exceeded 4,300.

Russia has lost 38 servicemen in Syria so far, according to official data.

BATTLEFIELD TESTS

The Syrian war provided an arena for Russia's military to test its latest weapons in combat  including state-of-the art Kalibr cruise missiles launched by Russian strategic bombers, navy surface warships and submarines. The long-range precision-strike cruise capability has given a major boost to the Russian military.

In another first, Russia's sole aircraft carrier, the Admiral Kuznetsov, sailed to the Eastern Mediterranean last fall to launch the first carrier-borne combat missions in Russia's navy history, during the months-long battles between Syrian government forces and the rebels for Aleppo, Syria's largest city and once its commercial hub.

Other weapons for the first time tested in combat included the Su-34 and the Su-35 warplanes, and the Mi-28 and the Ka-52 helicopter gunships.

President Vladimir Putin said in a national call-in show on Thursday that the Syrian campaign provided a "priceless" experience for the Russian military.

BATTLE FOR ALEPPO

In December 2016 the Syrian army won full control of Aleppo, Assad's greatest victory in the war, now in its seventh year. The fall of the city, which was divided into government- and rebel-controlled parts since 2012, demoralized the rebels, depriving them of the largest urban area under their control. Russian air support helped cut rebels' communications and supply lines.

Assad's victory followed ferocious battles, in which thousands died, and left the rebel enclave in ruins. Russia now has deployed hundreds of military police to patrol the city's former rebel-held eastern part.

RUSSIA-TURKEY RAPPROCHEMENT

Faced with massive damage from Russia's economic sanctions, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan sought to mend ties, offering apologies for downing the Russian warplane in June 2016. Putin responded by strongly backing Erdogan during a failed military coup in Turkey.

Since then, the two leaders have held several meetings and frequent phone talks to narrow their differences on Syria. Turkey is also credited with playing a key role in negotiating the withdrawal of the opposition forces from Aleppo.

Also, earlier this year, Russia, Turkey and Iran brokered several rounds of Syria peace talks in Kazakhstan's capital, Astana. Those meetings  though separate from the U.N. backed Syria peace talks in Geneva  brought together the Syrian government and its foes. In May, the three powers, which back opposing sides in the war, negotiated in Astana a deal on so-called "safe zones" in Syria, which was welcomed by the U.N. But the parties are still to finalize the boundaries of the zones and work out monitoring details in talks expected to be held in the coming weeks.
The Latest on Russian claim of killing Islamic State group leader (all times local):

4:30 p.m.

The Kremlin says President Vladimir Putin has chaired a meeting of his security council to discuss the Russian military's claim that it had killed the Islamic State group's leader in an airstrike in Syria.

According to Putin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu told Friday's meeting that the strike on Raqqa had killed "over 100 militants, among which there were members of the IS leadership, presumably including (IS leader Abu Bakr) al-Baghdadi."

The Russian Defense Ministry said the information about al-Baghdadi's death was still "being verified through various channels." It posted an image of the building in Raqqa that housed the IS leader's meeting and was destroyed in the strike.

Asked about the military's claim at a news conference in Moscow, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said: "I don't have a 100-percent confirmation of the information."

___

4 p.m.

The spokesman for the U.S.-led anti-Islamic State coalition is urging caution on reports that Islamic State group leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi has been killed.

U.S. Army Col. Ryan Dillon said Friday morning that, "There have been several past claims of this kind that have been proven false and we have seen no definitive proof that this report is true either."

However Dillon added, "the Coalition and the global community would welcome the news of al-Baghdadi's demise."

Regardless of al-Baghdadi's personal status, Dillon said that the Islamic State group is "a losing organization" that would soon lose its control of its last two major urban strongholds  the Iraqi city of Mosul and the Syrian city of Raqqa.

___

1:20 p.m.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov says he can't definitively confirm the death of the Islamic State group's leader in a Russian airstrike.

The Russian Defense Ministry claimed earlier Friday that IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was killed in a Russian strike in late May, adding that the information about his death was still "being verified through various channels."

Asked about the claim at a news conference in Moscow, Lavrov said: "I don't have a 100-percent confirmation of the information."

He added on a cautious note that if al-Baghdadi's death is confirmed, its importance mustn't be overestimated. Lavrov said that "past examples of similar actions to strike the leadership of terrorist groups were presented with much enthusiasm and pomp, but the experience shows that those structures later regained their capability."

___

11:45 a.m.

The spokesman for the U.S.-led anti-Islamic State coalition says he cannot confirm reports that IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi has been killed.

The statement comes after Russia claimed it killed al-Baghdadi in an airstrike that targeted a meeting of IS leaders outside the IS de facto capital in Syria.

The Russian Defense Ministry said al-Baghdadi was killed in a Russian strike in late May along with other senior group commanders.

In an e-mailed statement, Army Col. Ryan Dillon said Friday: "We cannot confirm these reports at this time."

___

10:35 a.m.

The Russian military claims it has killed the leader of the Islamic State group in an airstrike.

The ministry said Friday that Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was killed in a Russian strike in late May along with other senior group commanders.

It said the air raid on May 28 that targeted an IS meeting held on the southern outskirts of Raqqa in Syria also killed about 30 mid-level militant leaders and about 300 other fighters.

The ministry said the strike came as IS leaders gathered to discuss the group's withdrawal from Raqqa, the group's de facto capital.
The case of American student Otto Warmbier, who sustained serious injuries while he was detained in North Korea, is renewing the focus on the horrors that prisoners face in North Koreas infamous torture camps.

Officials at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, where Warmbier is being treated, said that while there is no physical evidence he was beaten, his extensive loss of brain tissue suggests he likely lost blood supply to his brain for a period of time.

OTTO WARMBIER, FREED BY NORTH KOREA IN A COMA, TO ARRIVE IN HOMETOWN CINCINNATI FOR URGENT MEDICAL CARE

How that happened is up for debate, but after a seemingly healthy 22-year-old college student winds up with severe brain damage shortly after being sentenced to 15 years of labor, some experts are inclined to remind people about the kinds of brutality that regularly occur in North Koreas infamous camps.

Graphic video footage of what are reportedly interrogations at North Korean camps reveal that prisoners are bound at the hands as they are subjected to whatever cruelties the guards feel like inflicting. And, according to some former guards who have since defected, the level of cruelty is entirely up to them.

In a 2014 documentary on life inside of North Korea's labor camps, "Camp 14: Total Control Zone," one former labor camp official suggested that the guards at these camps serve as judge, jury and executioner.

Kwon Hyuk, who is identified in the film as an ex-commander of the guards in a North Korean labor camp, said prisoners are "treated like animals" once they arrive at the camps.

OTTO WARMBIER HAS EXTENSIVE BRAIN DAMAGE, DOCTOR SAYS

"The life of an inmate is worth less than the life of a worm, he said. They can't defend themselves, not even when they're being beaten. I could do anything with the prisoners that I like. The decision whether to kill them or let them live was completely up to me."

In a 2014 Sky News report, "The Defectors," escapees from North Korea's prison camps suggest that they are unable to fall asleep at night because "from every room there are sounds, sounds of beatings."

North Korean officials have denied that there are any "labor camps" in the country at all, instead suggesting that they are places designed for "education." According to the United Nation Human Rights Commission, "the very existence of political prison camps is considered a state secret, even though international human rights groups have reported about them since the late 1980s."

And in a 2014 report, the U.N. commission documented in specific and graphic detail the kinds of cruelty that goes on at some of these camps.

The unspeakable atrocities that are being committed against inmates of the kwanliso political prison camps resemble the horrors of camps that totalitarian states established during the 20th century, the report states.

Researchers concluded that, at the time, there were anywhere from 80,000 to 120,000 political prisoners actively detained in what were described as "four large political prison camps, where deliberate starvation has been used as a means of control and punishment."

AMB. BOLTON: NORTH KOREA'S TREATMENT OF OTTO WARMBIER WAS 'BARBARIC'

Witnesses interviewed for the U.N. report describe how special torture chamber[s] exist in these prison camps for the sole purpose of unconventional cruelty. There are hooks from which people can hang upside-down, needles for driving under fingernails, and special chili-pepper concoctions for pouring down a victims nose.

Multiple subjects also describe how subjects are immersed in water tanks to the point that they fear drowning. One woman, apparently tortured on suspicion of practicing Christianity, indicated that she was fully immersed in cold water for hours. Only when she stood on her tip-toes would her nose be barely above the water level.

Its possible that drowning could have led to the kind of oxygen deprivation that Warmbiers doctors are reportedly seeing. When asked if they saw any signs that could have been the case, however, the doctors suggested that a scan of soft tissue in Warmbiers neck revealed no abnormalities.

Joshua Stanton, a Washington-based attorney who has advised the House Foreign Affairs Committee on legislation related to North Korea, argues that whatever suffering Warmbier endured, its worth remembering that millions of North Korean citizens suffer far worse on a daily basis.

"[B]y North Korean standards [Warmbier's treatment] was entirely ordinary," Stanton writes. "[F]or North Koreans, brutality is an everyday fear, whether theyre market traders being extorted and beaten by corrupt MSS officers, women refugees who are beaten after being repatriated by China, women in Kangan Province who are raped by soldiers with impunity, or the child prisoners in places like Camp 16, where death rates may be as high as 20 percent each year... One death is a tragedy, but the death of millions is a statistic from a dying star in a distant galaxy. As we look on one tragedy, lets remember the statistics, too."








-by Noah





Way to go Nick Lyon! Who, you might ask, is Nick Lyon? Well, Nick isnt a household name, at least not yet, but he is the head of Michigans "health department." He has been charged by Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette with involuntary manslaughter for his part in the city of Flints water being poisoned with brain-damaging lead. Lyon is the highest-ranking official in his state to be charged, so far.





What amounted to willful introduction of lead into the Flint water system has resulted in untold cases of permanent brain damage among the children of Flint, along with numerous cases of the dreaded Legionnaires disease, a type of pneumonia caused by excessive amounts of bacteria in the Flint River water. Twelve people have died, hence the involuntary manslaughter charge.





In the case of Legionnaires disease, you can get it by inhaling the vapor from your buildings cooling system, which is apparently what happened. The state is disputing that and it is harder to show a connection as direct as the lead issue. To prevent the lead problem, all the government officials had to do was treat the water to reduce the leaching of lead from pipe corrosion into the water. They chose not to when they decided to switch Flints water supply to the polluted Flint River and the lead from the pipes in the water system was free to flow into the homes, offices, and schools of Flint.





With such notoriety has Nick Lyon now has, I wont be surprised if President Trump choose him for a high position in the EPA, or maybe a brand new Department of Clean Water Cabinet slot that will oversee drinking water for the entire country. Senor Trumpanzee is probably looking over his resume right now. After all, Trump has already inflicted the country with another Michigan disaster named Betsy DeVos. All Nicky will have to do is kneel before the prez and tell him what beautiful hair he has.





The charges against Lyon were announced Wednesday. Predictably, Michigans Governor, Rick Snyder was not charged, so, it looks like Nick Lyon is at the top of the list of those taking the fall. Such is justice in these United States. Others have also been charged with involuntary manslaughter, though, including former Flint Emergency Director Darnell Earley, former Flint water manager Howard Croft, and Liane Shekter-Smith and Stephen Busch of the ironically named Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. I have to add that the word involuntary in the charge seems misused to me.





In a separate move, Dr. Eden Wells, Michigans chief medical officer, has been charged with obstruction of justice and lying to a police officer. Take a few seconds to absorb the poetic meaning of the name Dr. Eden Wells, as it applies to a case where a water supply was poisoned, not just on the watch of a person named Eden Wells, but a doctor, no less. The Michigan Department of Health & Human Services website describes her position as one that serves Michigan citizens by providing professional leadership. Dr. Eden Wells formerly worked for the state Bureau of Epidemiology where her responsibilities included preparedness planning for potential bioterrorism and pandemic influenza events. Talk about irony. If what happened in Flint wasnt some sort of bioterrorism, I dont know what is. It certainly was preventable.





The events that lead to the Flint tragedy have their origins in republican-style governance. Yes, the Flint River has been polluted for over 100 years but that is precisely why it was not considered a viable source for human consumption until Rick Snyder and his people came along. It was they who brought in the republican version of Emergency Management; a legal move where by a democratically elected local government can be replaced by a hand-picked team of cronies.





The law actually has its roots in a 1990 law called the Local Government Fiscal Responsibility Act , which was passed when Democratic Governor James Blanchard was in office. Under Governor Snyders direction, the law was fine-tuned into the now infamous Emergency Manager Law. It was one of Snyders very first moves upon taking office. Initially, Michigan voters rejected the new version of the law when it was put before them in a referendum in 2012, only to see a further fine-tuning which included a stipulation that the public could not repeal it. And you thought Wisconsins Scott Walker was the worst fascist governor in the Midwest.





This amped up, steroid version of the original law is now championed by republicans who see it as a nifty way to subvert democracy, when, in their warped, agenda-packed view, the people of a town or city cant govern themselves, or they think they can do things better by making dictator moves. The side perks of running things with your own team naturally enter into the concept.





The professed ideas of self-governance, self-determination, self-reliance, and whatever else you want to call it, that republicans always mouth on about is mightily contradicted by the truths and greed of their Emergency Management we know best, we will decide for you approach to local government. Its one thing to label democrats in such a way, but its a whole other thing to say you stand for one way and do another.

That Governor Snyder hasnt also been charged with something in this case is a joke . The same can be said for all of the statehouse republicans that voted to ram through the aforementioned Emergency Management system that enabled this criminal fiasco. Flint had financial problems but at least their water was safe. Nick Lyon reportedly directly to Snyder. Are we supposed to believe Snyder had no idea what was going on with Flints water?





Snyder was called to Washington to testify before Congress but it was a classic insincere dog and pony show. Little has been done, even with a democratic president and EPA head; little that is except the distribution of water bottles and the supplying of some water filters that may or may not always work, depending on the concentration of lead in the water at a given place on a given day. At least, the Flint River is no longer being used as a water source for Flint. The state has switched them back to the Detroit River for their water.





Finally, last December, Congress approved at least $120 Million to fix Flints water situation . In March, the Trump administration cut that down to $100 Million. Dont be shocked if further subtractions are made. After all, Senor Trumpanzee has a wall he wants to build.





Nick Lyon has been a strong leader at the Department of Health and Human Services for the past several years and remains completely committed to Flints recovery. Director Lyon and Dr. Eden Wells, like every other person who has been charged with a crime by Bill Schuette, are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Fair enough Rick. That is our system, even when you decided to remove the democratically elected local government of Flint. I guess you want things both ways. I especially love the part about him saying that Lyon is committed to Flints recovery from a disaster; a disaster that he could have prevented even after the installation of the governors Emergency Management team.





All in all, the Flint water catastrophe is yet another fine example of the Republican Partys concept of healthcare and environmental protection, not to mention the protection impoverished Americans who just dont matter to them. The attitude of Snyder and his people was: Let them drink lead. Theres no just penalty in our legal system for that.





If you want to see Governor Snyder doing his Sgt. Schultz I know nothing. I dont recall fest, check this out. They dont come much more contemptuous.
Russia said Friday that it killed ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi and other leaders in a strike in late May.

The ISIS leader is considered the worlds most wanted man.

The report could not be immediately confirmed by Fox News. In an e-mailed statement, Army Col. Ryan Dillon said: "We cannot confirm these reports at this time."

The Russian ministry said Friday that al-Baghdadi was killed in a Russian strike in late May along with other senior group commanders.

It said the air raid on May 28 that targeted an IS meeting held on the southern outskirts of Raqqa in Syria also killed about 30 mid-level militant leaders and about 300 other fighters.

The ministry said the strike came as IS leaders gathered to discuss the group's withdrawal from Raqqa, the group's de facto capital.

The State Department had previously offered $25 million for information that helps the U.S. determine the location of al-Baghdadi, or arrest and convict him. The agency says that under al-Baghdadi, IS has been responsible for thousands of deaths in the Middle East, including American citizens, and terrorist attacks elsewhere.

In April, he reportedly avoided capture by Iraqi special forces by escaping through a trapdoor. It is believed the leader has been in hiding. He is known to stay on the move.

The Associated Press contributed to this report
Chilean authorities are trying to locate two miners who went missing eight days ago when the gold mine in which they were working was flooded following a landslide.

President Michelle Bachelet sent Friday a new message of support for the two miners last seen on June 9.

"All united, we Chileans will continue working without rest to find our miners in Chile Chico. They are not alone," the president posted on her Twitter account.

Authorities have not made contact with the miissing miners and do not know if they were killed or survived by reaching an emergency shelter, which is located some 220 yards underground and around 50 meters from the site of the landslide.

The men have been identified as Enrique Ojeda and Jorge Sanchez.

All operations at Cerro Bayo, which produced around 14,000 ounces of gold and 1.7 million ounces of silver in 2016, have been suspended since the accident.



ALL 33 CHILEAN MINERS RESCUED IN FLAWLESS OPERATION

Former Mining Minister Laurence Golborne said in a letter published in the daily El Mercurio not to compare this accident with what happened in 2010 in northern Chile, when 33 miners were dramatically rescued after 69 days.

"Beyond the similarities that exist in the two cases, I don't think it's right to compare these events, and even less to politicize this human drama and the pain that those affected and their families are feeling," he said.

Golborne added that "instead of making comparisons, what we should repeat is the sense of unity and make it stronger than ever. It's not the time to look for guilty parties or put the blame on others."

EFE and Reuters contributed to this report.
Lying Jemma Beale, 25, made false rape and sex assault claims against 15 different men  and sent an innocent man to jail for seven years, a court was told.

Beale made allegations over three years but they were grotesque inventions, jurors heard.

She claimed she was attacked at a pub and outside her home, and gang raped in the street.

Beale said she was raped by nine men and sexually assaulted by six. All but one were strangers.

Beales first allegation was against Mahad Cassim, who had given her a lift home after a night out. He was charged with rape and jailed for seven years.

But prosecutor John Price QC said: That was a wrongful conviction. Mahad Cassim was innocent.

The person responsible for the grave injustice was the defendant, through her false allegation and perjured evidence. She maintains that falsity still.

Mr Price said it was inherently improbable Beale was attacked so many times and so frequently.

He added: Each of her reports was entirely false.

In July 2012 Beale claimed she was sexually assaulted by four men with a piece of barbed wire in an alley.

But jurors were shown CCTV of her walking home alone that night. Her injuries were self-inflicted, the court was told.

In September 2013 Beale reported a sex assault by two men outside her home. Neither was ever identified.

Two months later, she reported a gang rape by eight men.

Click for more from The Sun.
Should indigenous groups around the globe have the same intellectual-property rights afforded to musicians, filmmakers and other artists?

The question comes from an emerging concern about what some refer to as cultural appropriation. In fact, it has become such a controversial matter that the United Nations held a meeting in Geneva this week to consider attempts to penalize cultural appropriation.

The UN-backed group is working on three pieces of international law that would give indigenous groups legal rights to their name.

Were not talking about cultural appropriation, were talking about cultural misappropriation, James Anaya, the dean of the University of Colorado law School and one of the guest speakers at the committee meeting of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), told Fox News. Companies need to get permission from an indigenous group to use something that is culturally important and we need to develop strategies for how this can be implemented.

Delegates from 189 countries are taking part in the discussions in the hopes of wrapping up negotiations into these laws. The committee was formed in 2001, but 16 years later  and much to the frustration of some indigenous leaders  it has still not come up with the proper language for laws regarding issues like how a group can grant permission for a person to use an indigenous cultural item, who gets paid for the use and what constitutes a sacred object.

A number of those in attendance in Geneva say progress has also been hampered by the fact that many indigenous communities dont know about WIPOs work.

"People at a national level don't know what's going on, and there aren't many processes where you can get information about this or contribute to the positions that are being taken here, Aroha Te Pareake Mead, a member of the Ngati Awa and Ngati Porou tribes in Wellington, New Zealand, told the CBC.

The issue of cultural appropriation came to a head in 2012 when Urban Outfitters released its Navajo line, which featured "Navajo hipster panties," a "peace treaty feather necklace" and a "Navajo print flask."

The Navajo Nation sued Urban Outfitters months after the tribe sent a cease and desist letter to the clothing retailer demanding it pull the 'Navajo' name from its products. The tribe said it wanted to protect the use of the Navajo name and its trademark. The case was eventually settled out of court late last year.

Indigenous leaders say they want their concerns to be taken seriously.

"We are only halfway through 2017 and yet the number of occurrences of misappropriation happening to indigenous peoples in all regions of the world seems relentless with no relief in sight," Mead said. "We asked the international community to help deal with a problem that traverses international boundaries and are still waiting."

But some critics say the issue cultural appropriation has gone too far. They say it demonizes anyone who attempts to represent a culture or heritage that is not their own.

As an example, many people point to an Oregon burrito shop - started by two white women after a trip to Mexico  which was forced to close its doors amid accusations of cultural appropriation that took off on social media. The women - Kali Wilgus and Liz "LC" Connelly  opened Kooks in Portland after peeking into the windows of every kitchen to learn how to make tortillas, but almost immediately drew fiery criticism.

The Left wants to divide America into tiny victim groups, each vying for government control, Dan Gainor, the vice president of business and culture at the Media Research Center, told Fox News. Dare to have a white person play an Asian role or even cook Pho or standard Mexican fare and those involved must do penance.

Gainor added: This isnt about freedom. Its about control and rejection of all things American.

But others say this is a different scenario. They say indigenous groups have the right to reimbursed when something from their culture is used by others.

Alden Abbott, the deputy director of the Edwin Meese III Center for Legal and Judicial Studies at The Heritage Foundation, told Fox News that indigenous groups have the same legal protections under trademark law that companies like Coca Cola do when trying to protect a design, symbol or name. Citing the Navajo Nations lawsuit against Urban Outfitters, Abbott said that the tribes name carries a certain level of quality and the use of Navajo by the clothing company infringed on its trademark protections.

But, Abbott warned, some claims of cultural appropriation can get out of hand.

In principle, the idea being discussed in Geneva is not crazy, but when it starts to apply too broadly is when you run into trouble, he said. You cant tell someone who is not Italian that they cant open an Italian restaurant. Thats just a class of food, its too generic.
City officials werent sure what to expect when the first Virginia Railway Express train rolled into the Fredericksburg train station in 1992.

As it turned out, there were 300 commuters waiting to board, and a whole bevy of folks had come to watch and be part of a historic occasion, Mayor Mary Katherine Greenlaw said at a VRE silver anniversary celebration held in Fredericksburg on Friday.

Today, more than 1,000 people board VRE trains in Fredericksburg each weekday, Greenlaw said, and it can be hard for them to find a seat now that a station has opened in Spotsylvania County. She spoke to a crowd of about 100 mostly local, state and VRE officials and employees across from the train station at 200 Lafayette Blvd.

Truly, commuter rail service is one of the defining characteristics of our city, Greenlaw said. It is essential to the quality of life for the citizens of Fredericksburg, and essential to the sustainable future growth of our region.

Fredericksburg has been known as a railroad community since the 1830s, when people spoke of taking cars to Richmond or Washington, she said. RF&P Railroad elevated the train tracks over the streets in 1926, and the popularity of train travel didnt begin to decline in Fredericksburg until after World War II, Greenlaw said.

When the idea of VRE was first broached, she said that not everyone in the city was for it. She gave the late Bill Greenup, whod served on City Council and been mayor, credit for being its major proponent.

Today, neighborhoods benefit from being within walking distance of VRE, and the city is looking forward to having an improved train station, bridge and sound wall.

VRE has been good to Fredericksburg, and Fredericksburg has been good to VRE, Greenlaw said. Happy anniversary to us.

VRE began providing commuter rail service on its Manassas Line on June 22, 1992, and on its Fredericksburg Line on July 20, 1992. Since its inception, VRE has grown from serving fewer than 5,000 daily commuters during its inaugural year to nearly 20,000 riders per day.

Fridays celebration also featured speeches by U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine, Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation Director Jennifer Mitchell and VRE CEO Doug Allen.

It followed a VRE operations board meeting at City Hall in which members authorized Allen to order the final design services for a 125-foot addition and repairs to the southern end of the Fredericksburg train station platform, and a staircase so people wont have to walk across Princess Anne Street to board a train. It will take about six months for the final design to be authorized, and work is expected to begin next spring at the earliest.

Kaine, who commutes to Washington from his home in Richmond each Monday, said people had to look only at how busy VRE was when Metro began its SafeTrack program, which encouraged users to find alternative means of transportation while maintenance was being done. He said 23,000 people used VRE the first day of the program, an all-time record.

Imagine, those of us who are connoisseurs of driving on I95 or I66, imagine a workday with 23,000 more vehicles. It would be impossible, he said. Thats why Northern Virginia needs transit, and Northern Virginia has so appreciated 25 years of VRE.

A recent study found that commuters in the D.C. Metro area spend 80 hours a year, or two full work weeks, sitting in traffic, Kaine added. Thats twice the national average.

He said he was a strong proponent of transit while mayor of Richmond and governor of Virginia, and the states goal should be to offer a variety of means of transportation, including Amtrak, Metro, VRE and commuter buses.

Its good to have options, Kaine said.

He said that infrastructure, including transit, is one area that is most promising for complete bipartisanship, because everyone from mayors and governors to Congress and the president all understand the need for it.

I think we have a real opportunity before us right now with a president who is a builder, Kaine said.

He said that senators griped at first when they got Trumps proposed budget because it cut funds for transportation. Then his staff told them not to worry because he was putting together a big infrastructure package that would have funding for that and more.

Last week the presidents team rolled out the basic beginnings of a proposal, and we look forward to working with the administration to kinda fill it in and then make it happen, Kaine said. And if we do, there will be more funding for transit, and roads, and broadband and renovation of old school buildings.

Some of the projects could provide jobs right away, and help boost the economy.

Im very committed to you on this anniversary, and very committed to seeing what we can do as nation to be in the infrastructure business, he said, and make sure that transit has an important role in whatever we do on infrastructure.
We didnt get too involved in this weeks Virginia primary races basically because the top race for governor pitted an establishment conservative Democrat against a fake progressive who I know personally to be unfit, in terms of character , for high office. Most of people I think of allies looked the other other way at Perriellos weaknesses and backed him. I was more excited about the Lt. Governors race, where a geneuine progressive champion, Justin Fairfax ran and prevailed in a 3-way race. Justin beat Susan Platt and Gene Rossi, 49.1% to, respectively 39.2% and 11.7%. Big win. But there was another big win for progressives to be cheered about the Democratic primary race to take on Republican House of Delegates homophobic extremist Bob Marshall in Northern Virginia. Marshall nearly lost the general election last time 8,946 to 8,448 and he is viewed as vulnerable in November. The Democratic primary drew 4 candidates and the winner Tuesday was Danica Roem, a transexual woman journalist from Manassas who took 44.3% of the vote. Her closest opponent, Steven Jansen, took 29.8%.





The irony of Democrat Danica Roems long-shot campaign to oust a veteran conservative from Virginias House of Delegates is unmistakable.



Roem, 32, is a transgender ex-journalist with a passion for public policy details that rivals that of Del. Robert G. Marshall (R-Prince William), the scholarly conservative incumbent who has spent 25 years as a foil to the LGBT community.



Marshall, 73, sponsored Virginias constitutional amendment barring same-sex marriage which stood until the U.S. Supreme Court declared such prohibitions unconstitutional and this year proposed a bathroom bill that would have kept transgender individuals from using public restrooms designated for the sex with which they identify.



In a year in which Virginia Democrats hope to use an anti-Trump wave to cut into the GOPs overwhelming majority in the state legislature, political analysts say Roem could succeed against Marshall where many other Democrats have failed. A victory over the 13-term incumbent would make her the first openly transgender elected official in Virginia, advocates say.



In a statement after Roems victory Tuesday, Marshall pointedly referred to his Democratic opponent as he, underscoring his skepticism and that of other social conservatives regarding people who identify as transgender.

Marshall has been whining that Roems supporters refer to him as Bigot Bob But he has described himself as the Virginia legislatures chief homophobe.





Danica Roem is a leader in a national movement of trans candidates who are determined to become a voice for their community in the halls of power, said Aisha C. Moodie-Mills, President & CEO of Victory Fund. This historic primary win sets up a general election battle where voters will choose between Bigot Bob Marshall the most anti-LGBTQ member of the Virginia state legislature or Danica, a proud trans woman who is committed to representing all people in her district. I am confident voters will choose leadership over divisiveness and make Danica the first out trans candidate to win and serve in a state legislature.
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The Farmers Weekly Awards 2017 finalists have been announced and the judges have visited each of the finalists for a three-hour interview and tour.

Johann Tasker reports on the Young Farmer of the Year finalists, who have taken their first steps on the farming ladder and are well on the way to building successful and thriving businesses.

See also: Book your table for the 2017 Farmers Weekly Awards night

The 2017 Farmers Weekly Awards Young Farmer of the Year finalists are: James Fairlie, Kirkton of Monikie, Broughty Ferry, Dundee

Robert Greenow, Crescent Farm, Waters Upton, Shropshire

Molly Westwood, Molland Ridge Farm, Chulmleigh, Devon The judges: Debbie Beaton, independent judge

Johann Tasker, Farmers Weekly

David Cooper, 2016 Farmers Weely Awards Young Farmer of the Year

James Fairlie, Kirkton of Monikie, Broughty Ferry, Dundee

Starting out

Farm facts 890ha arable crops plus 500kW anaerobic digester

Crops include potatoes for major supermarkets, malting barley and oats

Digestate saves an estimated 27,000 in annual fertiliser application costs

James worked in Australia after graduation before returning to the family farm. Investing heavily in technology, he has expanded the business to include an anaerobic digester and contract farms a neighbouring 570ha.

My father Ian and his brother David used to farm together as a partnership until August 2013, he explains.

They decided to split the business to help the younger generation of the family take it in the direction they wanted to go.

James says his objective has always been to be the biggest and the best at what he does  not necessarily by increasing the area farmed, but by increasing the size of the business so it can benefit from synergies and economies of scale.

Realising an anaerobic digester would fit well with the existing arable enterprises, he obtained planning permission and the plant was finally commissioned last August. It produces 500kW of electricity which is exported to the national grid.

Challenges

Local land prices of up to 20,000/acre mean limited opportunities for expansion.

Competing with big farms for land is challenging, says James. I also did not see the point in spending all that money on land when average returns wouldnt even pay the interest.

Anaerobic digestion has proved to be a lucrative way of increasing returns without expanding the farm.

But James says with hindsight he should have let someone else manage the project rather than trying to do it all himself.

During the winter months, it wasnt so hard  but once it started becoming springtime and I was tied up on machinery for sowing and planting potatoes it became extremely hard and took its toll on my stress levels.

Future

The future, though, is promising. While the AD plant was being commissioned, James was approached by a neighbouring farmer who asked him if he would be interested in contract farming some 570ha of nearby land.

I felt great pride, says James. Opportunities like this are one in a million in our area. It was as if our hard work and dedication to doing as good a job as we can was being noticed and appreciated  we accepted straight away.

More crops are sold forward and, to further optimise returns, the business has invested heavily in GPS and auto shut-off.

All in all, I feel I am the right path to creating a healthy business which at one point was struggling due to poor commodity prices.

The judges liked

Exploiting the synergies of bioenergy with farming

Managed a successful and equitable transition of the farm to the next generation

Using precision techniques to improve farm productivity and profitability

Constantly scrutinising costs and evaluating new investments

Strong community and partnership ethos

James is dramatically enhancing the familys core business by integrating new projects  including an anaerobic digester generating electricity from his own rye and local waste potatoes, and a contract farming arrangement that provides efficiencies in scale across the farm.

Robert Greenow, Crescent Farm, Waters Upton, Staffordshire

Starting out

Farm facts 66ha arable farm, including a livery and separate 249kW anaerobic digester

Haylage and 5ha of trial crop low-input, high-protein lucerne grown for horses

5% of farm in wildlife conservation after securing a mid-tier countryside stewardship grant

A farmer specialising in anaerobic digesters, Robert is also a serial entrepreneur  starting his own free-range egg business as a teen before selling it to fund a degree course in agricultural business management at Reading University.

Between terms at university, Robert worked for agricultural contractor Cadwaladrs. It taught me a lot about running a profitable business  and I soon understood that you dont need brand new equipment to start a business or do a good job. You need knowledge and ability.

A job in the on-farm biogas industry followed after graduation. But Robert was made redundant after a year. It was the push I needed to start out on my own and I formed BioG UK at the age of 22, he says. Seven years later, the business has gone from strength to strength.

Challenges

Robert now owns his own 249kW anaerobic digestor, with two larger projects under construction. He has used his experience to support other farmers through his own consultancy business and managed to purchase his own arable farm last year.

It was a redundant farm and needed a complete overhaul, with some fields being fallow for over two-and-a-half years, he says. We started with soil analysis, undertook a huge amount of drainage work and had to implement a mass weed control programme.

Some land is rented out for potatoes, carrots and grass keep. But much of the arable work remains in-house. The farm produces all the hay and haylage required for an on-farm livery run by Roberts partner Katie French.

Success is an ongoing project, says Robert. But he has turned the farm around. Its my proudest and greatest achievement, he says. Im growing multiple businesses off what is a relatively small area and making a sustainable future for myself in farming.

Future

Goals include plans to build an eco-friendly, modern farmhouse using state-of-the art installation techniques. My vision is to create renewable energy through special solar capture windows  and energy from a biomass boiler, Robert says.

Im proud to say I make money out of farming, which many people warned me wasnt possible. Through hard work, and being prepared to look at new ideas and diversifications, I have three successful businesses under my belt and I feel confident about the farms future.

The judges liked

Started a free-range egg business to help fund a place at Reading University

Single-minded business and profit focus

Secured a 17m investment to build his AD plants

Squeezing every possible value from his farming land

Keen to develop carbon neutral operation and add biodiversity to the farm

Robert thinks big. His business drive and determination has put him at the helm of six companies  soon to be 10. He sweats every asset and constantly seeks ways to keep down costs despite the scale of his investments.

Molly Westwood, Molland Ridge Farm, Chulmleigh, Devon

Starting out

Farm facts Successfully expanded from eight cattle to a 57-cow herd

Numerous top prices for freshly calved heifers through Sedgemoor market, Somerset

Sells embryos and show cattle to the UK, Italy, Germany, Canada, France and Switzerland

Walking the lines of cattle in Mollys shed is like a whos who of pedigree Holsteins: every single animal is either a world-class winner  or about to be.

Molly is founder and owner of Panda Holsteins  a Holstein genetic business breeding and producing animals of exceptionally high quality based on their confirmation, genomics, production and longevity.

Returning home after four years working in Canada for the pedigree show herd Morsan Farms, Molly founded Panda Holsteins by purchasing five embryos from a cow she believed capable of breeding exceptional offspring  and implanting them in five non-pedigree heifers.

Today, she sells embryos and show cattle to six different countries. The genetics side of the cattle has always interested me, she explains. Improving the next generation and helping build foundation cow families to improve the profitability of the business is very rewarding.

Challenges

To expand her business, Molly had to convince lenders it was a viable proposition. She needed to borrow money to construct a larger dual-purpose building that would house both cattle for showing and recipients for calving.

Our bank had never seen a five-year business plan like mine, she says.

Throughout the meetings I had to explain that I was not a typical dairy farmer  and Panda Holsteins income does not rely on fluctuating milk prices.

Having had several battles with the banks, Molly secured her first loan at the age of 23 to start expanding the business. And she says she managed to keep within budget despite the industry being at one of its lowest points.

Future

In five years, Molly aims to have a fully established business, with her first loan on its way to being paid off. Continuing to calve 30 heifers each year, she is marketing, showing and selling cattle while developing the Panda prefix internationally.

Success has come quickly but is built on strong foundations. It is hard work and involves long hours. But Molly says she loves what she does, despite having to get up a 4.30am each morning and not finishing until the last feed at 11pm every night.

With hard work and dedication, I am on the way to fulfilling my passion and my dream of establishing Panda Holsteins as a leading source of the best Holstein Genetics  not only for the UK but across the globe.

The judges liked

Created a profitable global Panda genetics brand from nothing

80% sales via a highly effective social media strategy

Meticulous detail around everything from biosecurity to building design

More than 80% embryo success (double the national average)

Investing her time to nurture new talent

Molly has so many firsts under her belt; from selecting winning genetic lines to exceptional performance standards and unique building design. In just six years, aged only 26, she has become a top world-class Holstein breeder.

Co-op Food is sponsoring 2017 Farmers Weekly Awards Young Farmer of the Year

The future of agriculture depends on youngsters coming into the industry and The Co-op is tremendously proud to sponsor the Young Farmer category.

This years entries are exceptional and it is an honour to see the passion displayed by these top farmers  all of whom are 30 or under.

Ciara Gorst, head of agriculture, Co-op Food
Story Highlights 25% of U.S. adults say government is the country's most important problem

Fewer than one in five (19%) cite an economic issue

Concern about healthcare down from May

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- One in four Americans (25%) say the most important problem facing the U.S. is government, putting it at the top of the list of their concerns for June. This is up from 18% in May and is the highest percentage citing government since November 2013, when 26% of Americans did so shortly after the partial government shutdown ended.

These data come from Gallup's June 7-11 survey, conducted as the Trump administration faces continued controversy over Russian interference in the most recent presidential election and the firing of former FBI Director James Comey. Additionally, Congress has continued to debate repealing the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and passing tax reform.

Only once in Gallup's nearly 80-year history of asking the "most important problem" question have more than 26% of respondents named government as the most important problem facing the country. That was in October 2013, during the Oct. 1-16 government shutdown, when 33% of Americans said this about the government.

Democrats are currently more likely than Republicans to mention government as the most important problem, though higher percentages of each group name it this month. Currently, 31% of Democrats and 24% of Republicans cite dissatisfaction with government as the top issue, up from 24% and 13%, respectively, last month.

Americans who say the government is the country's most important problem cite different reasons. Many mention Donald Trump specifically. However, Congress, the Democratic Party and politics in general are also commonly mentioned.

Concerns About Healthcare Down, Terrorism Up

Americans' mentions of healthcare as the most important U.S. problem declined significantly to 7% this month from 18% in May. The May survey was conducted while the House of Representatives voted to repeal the ACA. Still, healthcare remains among Americans' top concerns, behind only government dissatisfaction, and roughly tied with terrorism, race relations, unifying the country, the environment, unemployment and the economy in general.

The percentage of Americans who say terrorism is the most important problem facing the country rose to 8% in June, from 2% in May. This uptick follows a series of terrorist attacks around the globe, including in Manchester and London, England, in late May and early June.

What do you think is the most important problem facing this country today? [open-ended] Issues mentioned by 3% or more of respondents May 2017 June 2017 % % Dissatisfaction with government/Poor leadership 18 25 Terrorism 2 8 Healthcare/Insurance 18 7 Economy in general 6 6 Unemployment/Jobs 6 6 Race relations/Racism 6 6 Unifying the country 4 6 Illegal immigration 7 4 Moral/Ethical/Family decline 4 4 International problems 4 3 Lack of respect for each other 2 3 Poverty/Hunger/Homelessness 3 3 Education 2 3 Gallup

Americans' Concern About the Economy Lowest Since Great Recession

Fewer than one in five (19%) U.S. adults now cite an economic issue as the most important problem facing the country, down slightly from 21% last month. This is the lowest percentage mentioning the economy since before the Great Recession; in July 2007, only 16% of Americans named an economic issue. A smaller proportion (13%) cited economic issues in one previous poll, in May 1999.

Bottom Line

Dissatisfaction with government has ranked among the top problems in Americans' eyes in recent months, but the percentage naming it as the top overall problem has grown, nearly to an all-time high. This increase in dissatisfaction may herald a further drop in Americans' already-low confidence in government.

The increase in the percentage of Democrats citing government as the most important problem is likely attributable to greater media attention to the current political controversy involving Trump. Meanwhile, Republicans' rising dissatisfaction with government could reflect their frustration with Trump as well as anger at Democrats in Congress for their steadfast opposition to Trump.

Increased dissatisfaction among the two parties' rank-and-file is likely to lead to heightened pressure on their representatives. Democrats are likely to press their representatives for continued opposition to legislation the GOP proposes. In turn, Republican dissatisfaction may be further stoked by this continued opposition.

These data are available in Gallup Analytics.
Story Highlights Democrats and those with higher education more likely to view Merkel favorably

41% of Americans have not heard of or have no opinion of Merkel

39% of Americans have a favorable opinion of the chancellor

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- More than a decade into her tenure as chancellor of Germany, Angela Merkel has a 2-to-1 more positive image among U.S. Democrats than among Republicans. Fifty-five percent of Democrats say they have a favorable opinion, compared with 23% of Republicans. Many Americans (41%) say they don't know enough about her to have an opinion.

Americans Have Mixed Reaction to German Chancellor Angela Merkel Do you have a favorable or unfavorable opinion of German Chancellor Angela Merkel? Favorable Unfavorable Never heard of/No opinion % % % National adults 39 21 41 Republicans 23 32 45 Independents 37 21 41 Democrats 55 10 35 Gallup, June 7-11, 2017

These findings, from a June 7-11 Gallup poll, represent Gallup's first measure of Merkel's image in the U.S.

Merkel, a former research scientist, has been in power since late 2005, when George W. Bush was in the White House. The two leaders enjoyed good relations while Bush was in office, and that goodwill continued when Barack Obama became president. Obama said Merkel was his "closest international partner" during his eight years in the White House. Merkel was Time magazine's "Person of the Year" in 2015 in recognition of her stewardship over a troubled European Union economy.

Earlier this year, Merkel traveled to Washington to meet with President Donald Trump. She also interacted with the president during the G-7 summit last month. The summit was contentious due to Trump's refusal to back the Paris climate agreement, which took effect last year.

Perhaps reflecting Merkel's distant relationship with Trump and her closer ties to Obama, Democrats' views of Merkel are much more positive than Republicans'. A majority of Democrats (55%) have a favorable opinion of the German chancellor, while 10% have an unfavorable opinion. Independents' views (37% favorable, 21% unfavorable) are roughly the same as the national average.

This support among U.S. Democrats is unique partly because Merkel's Christian Democratic Union/Christian Social Union party is considered "right of center" in Germany -- though Merkel's close association with Obama may endear her to Democrats in the U.S. despite her political leanings in Germany.

The last time Gallup asked about a German chancellor was when Gerhard Schroeder had just been re-elected in 2002 after a single four-year term, far less than Merkel's 11-year tenure today. At that time, 16% in the U.S. viewed Schroeder favorably and 22% unfavorably, with 62% expressing no opinion.

Postgraduates Favor Merkel Most

Americans' familiarity with Merkel varies by education level. While 20% of those with postgraduate education have never heard of or have no opinion of Merkel, this jumps to 54% among those with a high school diploma or less.

Americans' Favorable Ratings of Angela Merkel, by Education Favorable Unfavorable Never heard of/No opinion % % % Postgraduate 68 12 20 College graduate 53 16 30 Some college 32 29 39 High school or less 26 20 54 Gallup, June 7-11, 2017

Those with more education are significantly more likely than those with less education to view Merkel favorably.

Bottom Line

Despite the U.S. media covering Angela Merkel more often over the past few months, more than two in five U.S. adults do not know who she is or have no opinion of her. She is likely to remain in the news throughout 2017, and beyond, if her party wins the German federal election on Sept. 24.

Merkel is a pivotal figure in the current struggles over the future of the European Union. She will act as the point person for the EU when it negotiates the United Kingdom's departure after the 2016 Brexit vote.

Trump's opponents and critics have described Angela Merkel as "the leader of the free world" since he took office. It remains to be seen, however, if this so-called free world leader will ever become a household name in the United States.
A Pinch of Salt: The election is over, I think, so what now?
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.
DPDHL and Ford : New joint project for electric vans

Bonn/Cologne The logistics giant and the car manufacturer are getting together to produce a battery-powered van.

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Deutsche Post and Ford-Werke in Cologne will produce electric vans together in the future. Deutsche Post has already taken on a leading role in the small van market with its Streetscooter. They are now looking to a larger type of vehicle. The vehicle will have a Ford-Transit chassis, which will be equipped with an electric drive train and bodywork that meets Deutsche Post and DHL Paket specifications.

Both companies said on Wednesday that the production of the new electric vans will start in the coming month. The model will be assembled by the Deutsche Post subsidiary, Streetscooter, in Aachen. The Bonn logistics company has owned the E-Car start up since 2014. Ford engineers were involved in the development of the model from the start, said a company spokesman. At least 2500 vehicles are to be used as Deutsche Post DHL inner-city delivery vehicles by the end of 2018. With this volume, the joint project will become the largest producer of battery-electric mid-weight delivery vehicles in Europe, it was stated.

Both companies said they were happy with the joint project. I view this partnership as a further important boost to electric mobility in Germany, said Jurgen Gerdes, a member of the Deutsche Post AG executive board. The move will relieve inner cities and improve peoples quality of life. We are continuing to work on completely CO 2 neutral logistics.

Electro mobility and innovative traffic solutions for urban areas are our focus, as we align our business with future challenges, commented Steven Armstrong, Ford Motor Companys Group Vice President and President Europe, Middle East and Africa. As a market leader in the commercial vehicle sector in Europe, this partnership is the perfect addition to our plans. In Streetscooter and the Deutsche Post DHL Group, we have a partner with vast expertise and a worldwide network.

As well as the new assembly line, the production of the Streetscooter model will also be significantly increased, as previously announced. Streetscooter GmbH is planning to manufacture up to 20,000 of its small E-delivery trucks in various models, both in Aachen and at an additional future production site in North Rhine-Westphalia. Deutsche Post already uses more than 2500 Streetscooters across Germany.

According to previous information, the price of a basic model, which currently has a range of 80 kilometres and a load capacity of four cubic metres, is around Euro 32,000. The small E-van is generating interest among delivery firms and workmen, especially now there is a threat that diesel vehicles will be banned from city centres.
An opportunity for foodies and beer lovers to get lost in a world of food and drink from a hand-selected range of food trucks and breweries from around New Zealand.
President Trump Cancels Obama's Policy On Illegal Families Who Had Children In The United States

bayonel3 at 16-06-2017 04:57 PM (5 years ago) (m)

The Trump administration announced on Thursday that it is cancelling an Obama-era policy to allow millions of illegal-immigrant parents of children born in the United States to stay in the country. The 2014 policy, known as DAPA, for Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents, aimed to help the families of so-called dreamer children stay together free from the threat of deportation.

The Trump administration announced on Thursday that it is cancelling an Obama-era policy to allow millions of illegal-immigrant parents of children born in the United States to stay in the country. The 2014 policy, known as DAPA, for Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents, aimed to help the families of so-called dreamer children stay together free from the threat of deportation.

It was never implemented after 26 states successfully sued in a Texas federal district court to block it. The US Supreme Court let the lower court ruling stand last year after a four-four tie vote. Set out in a memo from the administration of then-president Barack Obama, the policy said the government would defer any action against illegal immigrant parents of children who are lawful permanent residents  mainly those born in the country to parents without legal status.



DAPA would have affected as many as four million people by some estimates, those with US-born children who were in the country before 2010. But the Department of Homeland Security announced it was rescinding the policy with the support of the Justice Department. DHS Secretary John Kelly explained the move saying there is no credible path forward to litigate the currently enjoined policy. It comes amid a tough crackdown on illegal immigration ordered by President Donald Trump. Kelly did not say whether the government has plans to replace DAPA with another measure that would allow families living in the country for decades to remain together without the threat of deportation.



However, DHS said on Thursday that it is leaving in place a 2012 Obama policy known as DACA  Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals  that allowed people who entered the country illegally as children to stay and study or work on two-year renewals. It aimed to allow between one and two million younger people who arrived in the country illegally to stay in school and complete their studies.



It was never implemented after 26 states successfully sued in a Texas federal district court to block it. The US Supreme Court let the lower court ruling stand last year after a four-four tie vote. Set out in a memo from the administration of then-president Barack Obama, the policy said the government would defer any action against illegal immigrant parents of children who are lawful permanent residents  mainly those born in the country to parents without legal status.DAPA would have affected as many as four million people by some estimates, those with US-born children who were in the country before 2010. But the Department of Homeland Security announced it was rescinding the policy with the support of the Justice Department. DHS Secretary John Kelly explained the move saying there is no credible path forward to litigate the currently enjoined policy. It comes amid a tough crackdown on illegal immigration ordered by President Donald Trump. Kelly did not say whether the government has plans to replace DAPA with another measure that would allow families living in the country for decades to remain together without the threat of deportation.. It aimed to allow between one and two million younger people who arrived in the country illegally to stay in school and complete their studies.

Post Reply I scour the world wide web to bring you interesting stories from around the globe. [email protected] Posted: at 16-06-2017 04:57 PM (5 years ago) | Hero

Afriqueenn at 16-06-2017 05:10 PM (5 years ago)

(f) Nigerians would no longer travel to the US to give birth again.

France would be the next destination Posted: at 16-06-2017 05:10 PM (5 years ago) | Upcoming Nigerians would no longer travel to the US to give birth again.France would be the next destination Reply

jereva at 16-06-2017 05:11 PM (5 years ago)

(m) The headline "president Trump" makes it seem like he's the president of Nigeria. Make una respect una self with the title of una copy+paste articles abeg Posted: at 16-06-2017 05:11 PM (5 years ago) | Upcoming The headline "president Trump" makes it seem like he's the president of Nigeria. Make una respect una self with the title of una copy+paste articles abeg Reply

nametalkam at 16-06-2017 05:27 PM (5 years ago)

(m) Quote from: jereva on 16-06-2017 05:11 PM The headline "president Trump" makes it seem like he's the president of Nigeria. Make una respect una self with the title of una copy+paste articles abeg



illiterate, He is the president of USA na, did you even read the article? I specialize in investigative reportage across several subject matter and sectors but mainly focus on metro events and investigation. Do leave your thoughts and opinion on my reports to let me know what you think about them. Thank you Posted: at 16-06-2017 05:27 PM (5 years ago) | Addicted Hero illiterate, He is the president of USA na, did you even read the article? Reply

Ladyhap at 16-06-2017 05:47 PM (5 years ago)

(f) Whether good or bad, there must surely be a way out of survival. Posted: at 16-06-2017 05:47 PM (5 years ago) | Upcoming Whether good or bad, there must surely be a way out of survival. Reply

chukkychukky at 16-06-2017 05:55 PM (5 years ago)

(m) Quote from: Afriqueenn on 16-06-2017 05:10 PM Nigerians would no longer travel to the US to give birth again.

France would be the next destination

make i rush quick b4 him go sign am Joramentity aka chukkychukky Posted: at 16-06-2017 05:55 PM (5 years ago) | Gistmaniac make i rush quick b4 him go sign am Reply

pricklong at 16-06-2017 05:56 PM (5 years ago)

(m) Trump is that your name take your time Posted: at 16-06-2017 05:56 PM (5 years ago) | Gistmaniac Trump is that your name take your time Reply

chukkychukky at 16-06-2017 05:56 PM (5 years ago)

(m) nawaoo Joramentity aka chukkychukky Posted: at 16-06-2017 05:56 PM (5 years ago) | Gistmaniac nawaoo Reply

jereva at 16-06-2017 07:13 PM (5 years ago)

(m) Quote from: nametalkam on 16-06-2017 05:27 PM illiterate, He is the president of USA na, did you even read the article?



It should read "U.S President, Donald Trump" or "The president of the United States, Donald Trump.."



I saw another one of your posts where you were getting hounded by a couple of people due to its horrendous nature. If you have to defend "your" (because let's face it, a baboon has more literary capability in its ball sack than you do) articles, you fuucking suck. Get over yourself, you worthless piece of honeypotl belch.



Posted: at 16-06-2017 07:13 PM (5 years ago) | Upcoming It should read "U.S President, Donald Trump" or "The president of the United States, Donald Trump.."I saw another one of your posts where you were getting hounded by a couple of people due to its horrendous nature. If you have to defend "your" (because let's face it, a baboon has more literary capability in its ball sack than you do) articles, you fuucking suck. Get over yourself, you worthless piece of honeypotl belch. Reply

crocatum at 16-06-2017 09:12 PM (5 years ago)

(m) i had a wonderful day, i met the president, the one and only president trump of Nigeria and America, my day and all my days are better now. Posted: at 16-06-2017 09:12 PM (5 years ago) | Gistmaniac i had a wonderful day, i met the president, the one and only president trump of Nigeria and America, my day and all my days are better now. Reply

Goodluck-just at 16-06-2017 09:16 PM (5 years ago)

(m) Bros dos nams too many for one person na, just bcus of dis smal mistak? Abeg hav mercy.. Posted: at 16-06-2017 09:16 PM (5 years ago) | Gistmaniac Bros dos nams too many for one person na, just bcus of dis smal mistak? Abeg hav mercy.. Reply

jereva at 16-06-2017 10:15 PM (5 years ago)

(m) Quote from: Goodluck-just on 16-06-2017 09:16 PM Bros dos nams too many for one person na, just bcus of dis smal mistak? Abeg hav mercy..

Oga mi, nah simple correction wey I tell am o..

the mugu come call me illiterate. Me wey don suffer for school finish. Posted: at 16-06-2017 10:15 PM (5 years ago) | Upcoming Oga mi, nah simple correction wey I tell am o..the mugu come call me illiterate. Me wey don suffer for school finish. Reply

benosky4 at 16-06-2017 11:57 PM (5 years ago)

(m) Deport them all, Gold diggers. #MyVerdict. Posted: at 16-06-2017 11:57 PM (5 years ago) | Gistmaniac Deport them all, Gold diggers. Reply

morgan1 at 17-06-2017 04:52 AM (5 years ago)

(m) Posted: at 17-06-2017 04:52 AM (5 years ago) | Hero Reply

gogoman at 17-06-2017 10:48 AM (5 years ago)

(m) Trump carry on Posted: at 17-06-2017 10:48 AM (5 years ago) | Addicted Hero Trump carry on Reply

BournIdentity at 17-06-2017 11:16 AM (5 years ago)

(m) @jereva..,,, dem need to import special sense from China give you..., at first as I see, it should read., naim I talk sey ebi lyk dis boy sabi, den d bla bla bla wey attached to d it should... follow.., naim I no sey actually ubi sabi-anus., ur head no correct, na ur village mumu sense dey work you.. Just tell me, I beg or please.., then I will prove and explain to you in details that you know nothing you meat-headed shit sack olodo rabata

Go saw ur neighbor pikin uniform begin dey follow am go school.. amu ewu otondo..,

Beta cari ur virus waka cos ur mumu na to dey communicate with chicken wey dey roam for street as ur friend aspa na fowl sense u and ur imbecile wey feel sey u korrect get.., oponu ozu Posted: at 17-06-2017 11:16 AM (5 years ago) | Addicted Hero @jereva..,,, dem need to import special sense from China give you..., at first as I see, it should read., naim I talk sey ebi lyk dis boy sabi, den d bla bla bla wey attached to d it should... follow.., naim I no sey actually ubi sabi-anus., ur head no correct, na ur village mumu sense dey work you.. Just tell me, I beg or please.., then I will prove and explain to you in details that you know nothing you meat-headed shit sack olodo rabataGo saw ur neighbor pikin uniform begin dey follow am go school.. amu ewu otondo..,Beta cari ur virus waka cos ur mumu na to dey communicate with chicken wey dey roam for street as ur friend aspa na fowl sense u and ur imbecile wey feel sey u korrect get.., oponu ozu Reply

Larry28 at 17-06-2017 12:07 PM (5 years ago)

(f) Posted: at 17-06-2017 12:07 PM (5 years ago) | Hero Reply
Facebook is using Artificial intelligence to deal with extremism News oi -Vijeta Facebook has integrated AI on its social networking platform to filter out and curb contents and groups that support terrorism while mentioning that the algorithm is still in an early stage.

Facebook is integrating artificial intelligence to deal with extremist posts on its social media platforms. A blog post on Thursday described Facebook's efforts to curb extremist posts from social network. The post read, "Our stance is simple: There's no place on Facebook for terrorism. We remove terrorists and posts that support terrorism whenever we become aware of them."

The social media giant utilizes AI programs for image matching, language understanding and removing terrorist clusters. While the AI integration being used by Facebook are quite advanced the importance of human expertise cannot be denied. Both combined together make Facebook a secure and extremist free platform.

The image recognition technology allows Facebook to block previously removed videos and hence such content can never be uploaded again.

"In many cases, this means that terrorist content intended for upload to Facebook simple never reaches the platform," the post elaborated.

The language understanding AI helps recognize posts that support terrorism. The post continued,"We're currently experimenting with analyzing text that we've already removed for praising or supporting terrorist organizations such as ISIS and Al Qaeda so we can develop text-based signals that such content may be terrorist propaganda." The language understanding AI is still in its early stages.

For removing groups that support or advocate for terrorism, Facebook uses algorithms that identifies such groups and communities. "We use signals like whether an account is friends with a high number of accounts that have been disabled for terrorism, or whether an account shares the same attributes as a disabled account", it explained.

Facebook also made it clear that the AI integration is being used not only on Facebook but also on its subsequent apps such as Instagram and Whatsapp.

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Gionee A1 lite with 20MP camera, 4000mAh battery, Android Nougat launched News oi -Samden Sherpa Gionee has announced the launch of Gionee A1 Lite smartphone in Nepal.

Gionee has introduced a new addition to its A Series smartphones. Dubbed as Gionee A1 Lite, the smartphone is aimed exclusively at the mid-range market.

The Gionee A1 Lite has been launched in Nepal. However, at this juncture, the company has not provided any details on whether the smartphone will be released elsewhere. In any case, the new smartphone will be available in Nepal for pre-orders at retail stores from June 18.

The price of the Gionee A1 Lite is 26,999 Nepalese rupees (approx Rs. 16,931) and reports have suggested that there will be some sales offers with the handset.

Moving forward, let's have a look at some of the features and specifications of the device.

Display, Processor, RAM and Storage Gionee A1 Lite comes with a 5.3-inch display with HD resolution of 1280 by 720 pixels. The new smartphone is powered by a 1.3GHz MediaTek MT6753 64-bit octa-core processor which is coupled with 3GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage that's expandable via a microSD card. Camera, Battery and Software The smartphone is equipped with a 13-megapixel rear camera along with a LED flash. At the front, the camera should appeal to selfie lovers as it has a 20-megapixel sensor also with a flash. One of the highlights of the Gionee A1 Lite is its 4,000mAh battery which according to the company will offer around 295 hours of standby time. The handset runs on Android Nougat OS skinned with the company's Amigo 4.0 UI on top. Other features The smartphone boasts a metallic cover that's said to be extremely durable. Connectivity options include 4G, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth, and GPS, micro USB, 3.5mm audio port while the handset also boasts dual Nano SIM card support. Sensors onboard include an accelerometer, gyroscope, ambiance and proximity sensor, magnetometer, and orientation, and it also features a fingerprint sensor on its rear side that's said to use advanced solid-state technology for extra sensitivity.

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Moto C Plus will be available exclusively on Flipkart in India: Motorola confirms News oi -Samden Sherpa

The month of June has been and is going to be very eventful for Motorola fans as the company has already announced the Moto Z2 Play and the Moto E4 series smartphones. And the company has now sent out press invites for June 21st and 27th where it will be announcing some new products. If that is not enough, according to reports the company might also announce another smartphone on June 30.

It seems that the Lenovo-owned brand is keeping its promise of launching several new smartphones in 2017. However, as we are expecting some smartphones like Moto G5S Plus, Moto Z2 Force, and Moto X4 to be launched on the scheduled dates it seems, Moto C Plus is coming to India as well. The company has stated that it will arrive on June 19 which we have already reported in our previous article.

But there's a new update. As per the latest tweet from the company the upcoming smartphone Moto C will be a Flipkart exclusive. Well, this was not going to be a surprise as Motorola has been working with Flipkart in the past to sell its products. But again Motorola is banking on Flipkart as it is a popular e-commerce platform in India amongst others.

Yes, it's a cool place to be at! The #MotoCPlus will come to you, exclusively on @Flipkart. Stay tuned. pic.twitter.com/29lsSpWqic  Moto India (@Moto_IND) June 15, 2017

In any case, the other thing we know for sure is that the smartphone will be available online and consumers can just log-in to Flipkart and purchase the device easily. From what have heard the handset might be priced under Rs.10,000. However, the company has not mentioned anything about offline availability as of now.

As for the specifications of the device, Motorola C Plus comes with a 5-inch 720p display, MediaTek MT6737 SoC with four Cortex A53 cores clocked at 1.4GHz, either 1GB or 2GB of RAM, 16GB storage, microSD slot, 8MP camera, 2MP front shooter, Bluetooth 4.2, runs Android 7.0 Nougat and packs a massive 4000mAh battery.

The phone should be available in Metallic Cherry, Pearl White, Fine Gold and Starry Black color options.

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OnePlus 5 registrations cross 300,000 in 48 hours News oi -Abhinaya Prabhu OnePlus 5 registrations show the high demand.

We know that OnePlus 5 is gearing up for its announcement on June 20. The launch event will be live streamed globally for all the OnePlus fans to catch the action live.

It can be said that the company is creating history with the OnePlus 5 launch as they are planning to release their flagship phone in some countries the very next day. Other regions including China will get the device on June 22. Even in India, the company is hosting pop-up launch events in multiple cities and the release will happen on June 22.

Two days back, the Chinese retailer Jingdong.com (JD.com) had opened the registrations for the OnePlus 5 ahead of its launch. It looks like the registrations have crossed 300,000 in just 48 hours. Moreover, the registrations are growing by the minute. The increase in the number of registrations for the upcoming device shows the high demand for the soon to be launched flagship smartphone.

As per the recent leaks, the OnePlus 5 is likely to feature 8GB RAM and 128GB storage capacity. Apart from this, there are reports and confirmations of sorts that the device will arrive with the Snapdragon 835 SoC and a dual rear camera setup with horizontally posited lenses.

Moreover, the OnePlus 5 is believed to arrive with a 3300mAh battery with the improved Dash Charge technology that will power it from 0% to 100% in just 30 minutes. Recently, the company's CEO took to social media to announce that the OnePlus 5 will arrive with UFS storage.

Given the rumored specifications and features we can expect from the OnePlus 5 that is slated for June 20 launch, we can expect more details to be revealed in the coming days.

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Samsung Galaxy Note 8 appears in HTML5 Test database: Key features leaked News oi -Samden Sherpa Samsung Galaxy Note 8 appears to be running the Samsung Internet 5.2 web browser as well.

We know that Samsung is going to release it's another flagship device the Galaxy Note 8 later this year. And going by recent reports the South Korean giant may officially launch the phablet at IFA Berlin 2017 that's scheduled to start on September 1.

However, the device has already been doing rounds in the rumor mill for some time now. And we must say that the leaks and rumors about Samsung's upcoming flagship will keep pouring in more and more until it actually becomes official. Also, we know how good Samsung is at keeping secrets because we already knew almost everything about Galaxy S8 before it was even launched. The same could likely happen with Galaxy Note 8 too.

And just as we say this, a device bearing the model number SM-N950F which many are suggesting it be Galaxy Note 8 has appeared online in the database of HTML5Test. The listing reveals some of the key features of the device.

So as per the details in the listing, the device is running Android 7.1.1 Nougat at the time of its testing. HTML5Test reveals the Galaxy Note 8 is using Samsung Internet 5.2 browser version. While this is the latest browser from the company it means that the upcoming flagship will most probably launch with this particular version.

As for the scores, the alleged Galaxy Note 8 has achieved 488 out of 555 possible points in HTML5Test's benchmark. However, according to the test, Samsung Galaxy Note 8 users will have a good experience when using the smartphone.Talking about the earlier rumors, they have suggested that the Galaxy Note will likely come with a 6.3-inch or 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display panel with a QHD+ resolution and 18.5:9 aspect ratio.

The device is expected to improve on the overall design language of the Galaxy S8 series, including the famous Infinity Display with rounded corners and an almost bezel-less body with a curved screen as well.

Further, the Galaxy Note 8 is rumored to feature dual 12MP+13MP rear cameras with 3x optical zoom, and an 8-megapixel camera at the front. As for the processors, Samsung could use either an Exynos 8895 processor or a Snapdragon 836 SoC but again this will vary by region. The smartphone is expected to offer 6GB of RAM and 64GB of internal flash memory which should be expandable via microSD card.

Source

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Fighter wings successfully field test F-35A ammunition loader

By Donovan K. Potter, 388th Fighter Wing / Published June 14, 2017

HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah (AFNS) -- The 388th Fighter Wing, the Air Force's first F-35 Lightning II operational wing, recently received five F-35A bulk ammunition loaders for field use.

Airmen extensively tested one of the loaders June 6-9, 2017, during an engineering validation and verification evaluation here.

The mobile loader lets weapon experts safely and efficiently load 25mm ammunition into the F-35A while simultaneously unloading spent shells.

It's important for the Airmen who will use the loader on a daily basis to test it at an operational unit, said Lt. Col. Randall Austill, the Air Combat Command Maintenance Munitions Branch chief .

Members of Hill Air Force Base's active-duty 388th Maintenance Group and the reserve component 419th Maintenance Group used the published technical guidance to stock the loader and load the ammunition into the F-35A.

Tech. Sgt. Creighton Daetwyler, who is part of the 388th Maintenance Squadron, said the tests not only validated the loader, but also provided maintainers an opportunity to give input on improving the procedures and equipment in the future.

"I'm proud of our weapons and ammo communities for their proactive drive to unleash Air Force combat capability," said Col. Michael Miles, the 388th Maintenance Group commander. "The results of this loader evaluation will help the maintenance group deliver combat capability anytime, anywhere when tasked."

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Trump allows Mattis to raise Afghanistan troop level

Iran Press TV

Wed Jun 14, 2017 6:23PM

US President Donald Trump has reportedly allowed Pentagon chief James Mattis to increase the number of American troops in Afghanistan, amid mounting criticism about the new administration's strategy in the war-torn country.

Mattis, who has long been an advocate of sending more troops to Afghanistan, now only needs to decide how many additional forces he wants there and when, the New York Times reported Tuesday, citing three administration officials.

Trump granted the authority to Mattis on Tuesday, according to one official, hours before the Pentagon chief appeared in the Senate to answer questions about Trump's Afghanistan policy.

"We are not winning in Afghanistan right now, we will correct this as soon as possible," he told Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman John McCain, in response to his criticism about the lack of an Afghanistan strategy.

McCain said the Trump administration had yet to offer a new strategy different that that of his predecessor Barack Obama.

"We're now six months into this administration. We still haven't got a strategy for Afghanistan. It makes it hard for us to support you when we don't have a strategy. We know what the strategy was for the last eight years: Don't lose," the Arizona lawmaker said.

Trump had already granted similar permission to Mattis in Iraq and Syria.

The move signals a break from Obama, who preferred to keep a close eye on the number of troops abroad.

There are currently over 9,000 US troops in Afghanistan. Washington claims that the massive military presence is only aimed at maintaining security across the country and pushing back Taliban and Daesh (ISIL) militants until Afghan military forces are ready to take over the responsibility.

In mid-April, Trump allowed US troops in Afghanistan to drop the GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast (MOAB) bombalso known as Mother of All Bombson a purported Daesh target in the eastern province of Nangarhar.

Mattis headed to Afghanistan later that month, on a trip that coincided with the resignation of his Afghan counterpart Abdullah Habibi and Army Chief of Staff Qadam Shah Shahim following a Taliban attack on a military base that killed some 140 soldiers.

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Security Council briefed on proposal to reduce number of AU-UN troops in Darfur

14 June 2017  The African Union (AU) and the United Nations are proposing 44 per cent and 30 per cent reductions in their troop and police presence in Sudan's Darfur region as a step towards an eventual exit, a senior UN peacekeeping official told the Security Council.

"The reconfiguration of UNAMID is an important milestone towards the completion of its mandate," said Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations El-Ghassim Wane as he updated the 15-nation Council on the recommended changes to the Mission.

The AU-UN Hybrid Operation in Darfur, referred to by its acronym UNAMID, was formally established by the Security Council on 31 July 2007 through the adoption of resolution 1769.

He stated that the level of armed hostilities remained significantly lower than in previous years, noting that a successful military campaign by the Government has reduced the rebellion to a small presence in Western Jebel Marra and that the number of inter-communal security incidents has decreased. Progress has been made also on the political front, he added.

Yet, given that 2.7 million people remain internally displaced, a number of crucial grievances at the origin of the conflict and key issues related to its aftermath still needed to be addressed, he said.

These circumstances require UNAMID to adjust to new realities, Mr. Wane said, explaining the proposal features a two-pronged approach combining peacebuilding and peacekeeping tasks. Most parts of Darfur require a more peacebuilding-oriented approach, while in and around the Jebel Marra, the Mission would focus on traditional peacekeeping tasks.

The reconfiguration would bring the troop ceiling down to 8 battalions from the current 16, or to 8,736 troops, and the police ceiling down to 2,360 from 3,403. It would also include the closure of 11 team sites, the opening of one temporary operating base in the Jebel Marra and the withdrawal of the military from another seven team sites.

Mr. Wane that the political process should have a strong focus on the implementation of the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur, which is now incorporated in the Constitution and contains useful provisions to address the underlying causes of conflict and to create "peace dividends" for the population in Darfur.

Protection of civilians activities in the greater Jebel Marra area would revolve around physical protection and emergency relief, whereas in the rest of the Darfur states it will focus on livelihood issues and rule of law capacities.

On the issue of inter-communal conflict, the Mission should prioritize those that have the potential to cause the highest number of causalities and derail national political processes.

Mr. Wane said that the successful reconfiguration of the Mission requires the full support and cooperation of the Government of Sudan and its institutions, including to ensure that there is no "security vacuum" in areas vacated by UNAMID.

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Task Force Southwest Supports Afghan Forces' Operations

By Marine Corps Sgt. Lucas Hopkins, Resolute Support Headquarters

CAMP SHORABAK, Afghanistan, June 15, 2017  Marine Corps advisors with Task Force Southwest continue to support their Afghan forces during offensive operations throughout Helmand province here.

In an operation known as Maiwand Three, the Afghan army's 215th Corps' 1st and 3rd Brigades are clearing the Nad-e Ali and Marjah districts of enemy presence while also resupplying kandaks in the area. A kandak, roughly equivalent to a U.S. military battalion, consists of about 600 troops and is the basic unit of the Afghan army.

"[We've] been planning this with them and facilitating all the planning and coordination. About three days ago, they crossed the line of departure and began executing," said Marine Corps Col. Matthew Grosz, the task force's senior advisor to the 215th Corps.

Providing Mentorship, Guidance

The mission of Task Force Southwest is to train, advise and assist both the 215th Corps and 505th Zone National Police. Although the Marines are not engaged in ground combat, they are still "shana-by-shana," or shoulder-to-shoulder, with their Afghan military counterparts, providing mentorship and guidance, as well as air and intelligence assets.

"We're planning and doing this operation together. When we work together, we can take out the enemy," said Afghan army Lt. Col. Mohammed Sadeqh, the chief of planning operations for the 215th Corps.

Recently, Marine Corps advisors also travelled to Camp Nolay for an expeditionary advising package to support the 3rd Kandak, 2nd Brigade, during operations in Sangin district. Task Force Southwest remains steadfast in its commitment to promote security and stability in the region by, with and through the Afghan forces as they continue to gain traction and build a ready force.

"We've been here two months, and in two months' time, I've seen a lot of improvement in the [215th] Corp's ability to plan and execute independent operations," Grosz said. "These initial steps have been extremely positive  I think there are a lot of gains to be made in future operations."

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UN details horrible torture, killing of opponents in Burundi

Iran Press TV

Thu Jun 15, 2017 3:49PM

The United Nations says the government of the African country of Burundi is condoning the torture and killing of its opponents security forces and government-allied militia.

Investigators said state security agencies and the ruling party's youth wing the Imbonerakure are continuously engaged in torture, rape, disappearances and murder of opponents.

Those crimes are fueled by hate speech" from government officials, the UN Commission of Inquiry on Burundi said in a briefing to the Human Rights Council in Geneva on Thursday.

The investigators said they recorded a "feeling of deep and widespread fear" in the hundreds of testimonies gathered from people who had fled to neighboring countries.

"Today we can say that our initial fears concerning the scope and gravity of human rights violations and abuses in Burundi since April 2015 have been confirmed," they said.

The investigators said they were struck by the cruelty and brutality of the perpetrators.

"We most specifically gathered a number of testimonies alleging the use, during torture sessions, of clubs, riffle butts, bayonets, iron bars, metal chains or electric cables, resulting in some cases in the breaking of bones of the victim or making them lose consciousness.

"Long needles stuck into victims' bodies or unidentified products injected into them; nails ripped out with pliers; burns; and many abuses inflicted on male detainees' genital organs," they added.

Fatsah Ouguergouz, chairman of the UN commission, said a woman in her fifties was raped by four members allegedly belonging to the Imbonerakure and wearing police uniforms, as a punishment for her children belonging to an opposition party.

The government, which has denied entry to Burundi to the UN officials investigating the allegations, rejected the charges.

"We do not accept the content of this report," said the country's human rights minister Martin Nivyabandi, claiming the aim of the UN investigators was to discredit the country's officials.

Burundi was thrown into a political crisis in April 2015 when President Pierre Nkurunziza decided to run for a third term that his opponents said was unconstitutional.

Since then at least 500 people have been killed while over 400,000 have fled the country.

The UN's Commission of Inquiry on Burundi was established in September 2016 with the aim of investigating the alleged violations of international humanitarian law and crimes against humanity.

The commission's final report is due to be presented to the Human Rights Council in September.

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US deploys 2 warships to Doha for joint drills with Qatari navy

Iran Press TV

Thu Jun 15, 2017 1:58AM

Two US navy vessels have arrived in Doha to take part in joint military drills with the Qatari navy amid escalating tensions between Arab Persian Gulf states.

The US ships arrived at Hamad Port south of Doha "to participate in a joint exercise with the Qatari Emiri Navy," announced the Qatari News Agency (QNA) on Wednesday.

The news agency noted that the crews of the two ships were received by Qatari navy officers.

In early June, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) broke off relations with Doha and suspended all land, air and sea traffic with the monarchy. In their apparent bid to secure US support and that of Israel, the four countries cited Qatar's links with the Palestinian resistance movement of Hamas and accused it of supporting terrorism. Qatar has denied the allegations, calling them unfounded.

It is not clear if the deployment was planned before the recent heightened tensions in the region, or whether it is a sign of support for Qatar from the US.

The US' largest military base in the Middle East is located in Qatar with 11,000 troops assigned to the al-Udeid airbase which is the forward headquarters for the US military's Central Command for airstrikes in Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan.

On Tuesday, The Emirati ambassador to the US called on Washington to consider the relocation of its airbase in Qatar and to pressure Doha over its alleged support for terrorism.

Qatar buys 36 F-15s from the US

Also on Wednesday, Qatar's Ministry of Defense announced that the country had signed a deal to purchase 36 F-15 fighter jets from the US for $12 billion.

According to a source informed about the deal, US Defense Secretary James Mattis and several Qatar representatives were scheduled to meet on Wednesday for signing the deal for the warplanes.

The agreement was signed despite recent criticism by US President Donald Trump, who claimed Qatar supported terrorism.

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U.S. Defense Chief Says Doesn't Have 'Carte Blanche' For Afghan Strategy

RFE/RL June 15, 2017

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis says President Donald Trump has given him the authority to establish troop levels in Afghanistan but that the president has not given him "carte blanche" to set strategy in the war-torn country.

Speaking on June 15 before the House Appropriations Committee, Mattis also said that "we're not looking at a purely military strategy" and that the U.S. effort must be one that leads to "reconciliation," without elaborating.

Mattis repeated what he told a Senate panel a day earlier, that he would present a new military strategy for Afghanistan to the president within weeks, including an adjusted troop number.

Before the House panel, he said Trump "has delegated details of the forces that will be allocated to support what he approves as a strategy."

"But I assure you this is not a carte blanche for me to come up with numbers that are going into this interagency, foreign-policy-led effort."

He said the president "maintains strategic oversight, he is an actively engaged, a very hard questioner about what the strategy is."

After his comments before the Senate panel, some critics had expressed concerns that Trump had handed over too much authority to the military to set strategy in Afghanistan.

Mattis declined to answer directly when asked how long U.S. troops would be engaged in Afghanistan or what would constitute a "victory" in the conflict.

"As far as what it is we would be doing to bring this to a better conclusion, we've got to recognize that we tried to leave the Afghan forces before they were fully mature, without the sufficient air support that would allow them to hold the high ground."

He said future strategy would need to "marry itself to reality," one that does not "add to [Afghan forces'] responsibility without preparing them for success. If that means we have to keep advisers with them a little longer...we will do so."

He also said the United States must "work hard" on anticorruption efforts "to make this [Afghan] government more responsive to its people.... We're not looking at a purely military strategy."

He repeated his earlier comments that the new U.S. strategy would take a "regional approach" rather than looking at Afghanistan in "isolation."

Mattis on June 13 acknowledged that the United States was "not winning" the 16-year war in Afghanistan amid a surge by Taliban militants seeking to regain power in the country.

Some outside governments, including Russia's, have urged national reconciliation to include the Taliban to restore stability in the country.

U.S.-led forces invaded Afghanistan at the end of 2001 to oust the Taliban government, which was accused of sheltering Al-Qaeda militants blamed for carrying out the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in the United States.

The United States has about 8,400 troops in Afghanistan, and army officials on the ground have told Congress that they could use an infusion of forces to bolster support for the Afghan National Army.

U.S. media have reported that the defense secretary will recommend sending another 3,000-5,000 U.S. troops to break what he has called a "stalemate" between U.S.-backed government forces and the Taliban.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/afghanistan-us-mattis-says-no- carte-blanche-on-strategy/28557217.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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Report: Mueller Investigating Whether Trump Tried To Obstruct Justice In Russia Probe

RFE/RL June 15, 2017

U.S. special counsel Robert Mueller is examining whether President Donald Trump attempted to obstruct justice by trying to quash part of an FBI investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election and then firing the FBI director, The Washington Post reported on June 14.

The inquiry into possible obstruction of justice, which is a criminal offense in the United States, started days after Trump fired former FBI Director James Comey, The Washington Post said, citing anonymous officials, and marks a major turning point in an investigation that began nearly a year ago as a probe of signs that Russia was attempting to influence the elections through repeated leaks of Democratic e-mails.

Comey testified last week that he believes he was fired because Trump was unhappy with the Russia investigation, which Trump has called a "witch hunt."

"It's my judgment that I was fired because of the Russia investigation," Comey said. "I was fired, in some way, to change -- or the endeavor was to change the way the Russia investigation was being conducted."

Also under examination, The Post said, is Trump's suggestion to Comey in February that he drop an investigation into Russia's ties with former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn. Trump later repeated that request to other White House officials involved with the investigation.

Comey testified that he thought Trump's request to "let go" of the Flynn probe was "very disturbing...very concerning" and that he expects Mueller will closely examine whether it amounted to an obstruction of justice "offense."

Trump's legal team quickly denounced The Post report.

"The FBI leak of information regarding the president is outrageous, inexcusable, and illegal," a spokesman for Trump's legal team, Mark Corallo, said.

Earlier this week, a month after Trump fired Comey, a close associate of Trump said the president was considering firing Mueller, as well, though he was installed by the Justice Department to conduct the Russia investigation only a few weeks ago.

After the comment by Newsmax Media chief executive Christopher Ruddy in an interview with PBS, the White House denied that Trump has any plans to fire Mueller, but said he has the "right" to do so.

While a sitting president is unlikely to face criminal prosecution, obstruction of justice could form the basis for his impeachment in Congress.

Some Democrats in Congress have started to press for impeachment of Trump, citing obstruction of justice, but any move to start an impeachment process faces steep hurdles as it would require approval by the U.S. House of Representatives, which is controlled by Trump's fellow Republicans.

With reporting by The Washington Post, Reuters, and AFP

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/us-investigating-whether -trump-tried-obstruct-russia-investigation-comey -washington-post-mueller/28553720.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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Trump Says Obstruction Of Justice Probe Based On 'Phony Story'

RFE/RL June 15, 2017

U.S. President Donald Trump says that an investigation touching on whether he tried to obstruct justice stems from what he asserts is a "phony story" about possible collusion between his campaign and Russia.

Trump made the remark on Twitter on June 15, a day after The Washington Post reported that special counsel Robert Mueller -- who has been investigating alleged Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election and whether there was any collusion by Trump's campaign -- is now also examining whether Trump tried to obstruct justice.

"They made up a phony collusion with the Russians story, found zero proof, so now they go for obstruction of justice on the phony story. Nice," Trump tweeted.

In a subsequent tweet, Trump wrote, "You are witnessing the single greatest WITCH HUNT in American political history -- led by some very bad and conflicted people!"

In Russia, meanwhile, President Vladimir Putin repeated a denial that Moscow interfered in the U.S. election -- and made mocking remarks about former FBI Director James Comey during a nationally televised call-in show.

Comey, who was fired by Trump in May, testified in a Senate hearing last week that he believes his dismissal was an attempt to exert influence on the investigation into alleged Russian interference and possible collusion. Comey has also said Trump asked him to drop an investigation into ties between Michael Flynn, who advised Trump during the campaign and briefly served as national security adviser after Trump's inauguration, and Russian officials.

In January, the U.S. intelligence community issued an assessment that Putin "ordered an influence campaign" aimed at the U.S. presidential election, with goals including undermining faith in the U.S. democratic system, denigrating Democratic Party candidate Hillary Clinton, and improving Trump's chances of winning the presidency.

Trump has denied any collusion between himself or any of his associates and Russia, and Putin has denied that Moscow sought to interfere in the election.

Putin repeated that denial -- and took at aim at Comey -- during the tightly choreographed Direct LIne program on June 15.

Responding to a question phoned in by a U.S. man from the state of Arizona, Putin said that Comey's testimony did not include any evidence that Russia meddled in the election.

He said that is was "very strange" for Comey to relay the content of conversations with Trump and likened Comey to Edward Snowden, the former U.S. National Security Agency contractor who fled the United States after leaking details of extensive surveillance activities by U.S. intelligence and who has lived since 2013 in Russia, where he has been granted asylum.

Noting that Comey had "made a record of a conversation with the commander in chief" and then conveyed it to the media through a friend, Putin said: "If this is so, then there is no difference between Comey and Snowden as he is then a rights defender" -- a term he has used in the past to describe Snowden.

"By the way, if he faces any kind of persecution in this regard, we are ready to provide him with political asylum in Russia," he said wryly of Comey. "He has to know this."

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/trump-russia-phony- story-obstruction-of-justice/28555606.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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President, Speaker Trade Barbs Over Georgia's Draft Constitutional Changes

Liz Fuller June 15, 2017

As the process of adopting amendments to the Georgian Constitution enters what is intended to be the final phase, the level of recriminations between parliament speaker Irakli Kobakhidze, the constitutional lawyer who chaired the commission that drafted the changes, and Georgian President Giorgi Margvelashvili has reached a new level of intensity after confidential interim comments on the draft amendments by the Council of Europe's Venice Commission were leaked last week to the Georgian media.

Kobakhidze publicly blamed the president's office for that breach of confidentiality. Then, when Margvelashvili's parliamentary press secretary, Ana Dolidze, denied that Margvelashvili had ever received those comments, first deputy parliament speaker Tamara Chugoshvili said she had e-mail confirmation from the Venice Commission that the comments had indeed been sent to the president's office.

Meanwhile, five civil-society organizations and two extraparliamentary political parties have made a last-ditch appeal to postpone the parliamentary debate on the amendments until the autumn parliamentary session, the website Civil.ge reported on June 8. They expressed doubt that it would be possible to hold an in-depth discussion of the Venice Commission's recommendations and reach the maximum consensus in the limited time available.

Kobakhidze and Margvelashvili have been at odds since the process of drafting the amendments got under way late last year, trading accusations of insincerity, intransigence, and ignoring the interests of democracy and the Georgian people.

Margvelashvili announced at the outset that he and his staff would boycott the work of the constitutional commission because he had not been named to co-chair it. Instead, he launched his own personal campaign under the slogan "The Constitution Belongs to Everyone." While the stated aim of that campaign was to elucidate public attitudes to the proposed changes, the primary focus was on tapping into public indignation over the proposed abolition of direct presidential elections, and to a lesser degree on the risks Margvelashvili claimed were inherent in the proposed abolition of the National Security Council subordinate to the president, which he heads.

Those controversial changes were among several proposed by the ruling Georgian Dream party, whose members dominated the work of the constitutional commission. Others related to the anticipated transition from the present mixed proportional/majoritarian electoral system to a fully proportional one in which all 150 lawmakers will be elected on the basis of party lists -- a change for which opposition parties have long been lobbying.

Opposition politicians nonetheless objected vehemently that two other proposed changes effectively negated the anticipated benefits of switching to the proportional system. The first was the abolition of election blocs while preserving the existing 5 percent barrier for parties to qualify for parliamentary representation that, the opposition argues, effectively leaves small parties with no chance of winning any seats. Kobakhidze's stated rationale for that change was that it would contribute to the emergence of half a dozen strong parties rather than the survival of a multiplicity of small ones.

The second was the proposal that all the parliamentary mandates that remained unallocated as a result of votes cast for parties that failed to surmount the 5 percent hurdle should go to whichever party garnered the largest number of votes. Opposition parties construed that provision as intended to ensure that Georgian Dream preserves indefinitely its current constitutional majority. (Georgian Dream won the October 2016 parliamentary elections with 115 of the 150 mandates.) In light of that repeated criticism, prominent Georgian Dream lawmaker Gia Volsky suggested in late May that it might be preferable to preserve the existing mixed system.

In early May, civil-society groups and NGOs had appealed to the Venice Commission of expert constitutional lawyers to rule on whether the proposed amendments are appropriate and acceptable in the Georgian context, even though Kobakhidze has said repeatedly over the past few months that parliament will not endorse any amendment that the Venice Commission deems inappropriate.

And during talks with Georgian officials in Berlin later in May, Venice Commission experts were quoted as expressing overall approval of the proposed amendments while at the same time stressing the need for unspecified minor changes and to reach the maximum consensus.

The Venice Commission was scheduled to unveil its formal assessment of the planned changes on June 16, after which the parliament was to vote on the amendments in the first and second readings before the end of the spring session in late June. It therefore seems likely that the interim recommendations the Venice Commission sent to Tbilisi last week were intended as both guidance and gentle pressure on the Georgian leadership to tone down the most controversial proposals in time to meet that deadline and thus save face.

Venice Weighs In

As quoted by the website Interpressnews.ge, the Venice Commission's experts concluded that the proposed changes constitute "a positive step forward that will strengthen democracy, the supremacy of the law, and constitutional order." At the same time, they noted that Georgia "lacks a lengthy tradition of independence of the judiciary." They further registered the risk that the majority will continue to dominate the parliament and called for a system of checks and balances to preclude that, such as establishing a bicameral parliament and strengthening the role of the parliamentary opposition.

As for the proposed transition to a proportional system, the commission described it as a positive step but went on to argue that taken together, the 5 percent hurdle, the proposed abolition of electoral blocs, and the proposed allocation to the winning party of all unapportioned mandates "limit the influence of the proportional system to the detriment of pluralism and the smaller parties."

The commission therefore recommended considering alternative variants, such as that the unallocated mandates either be divided among all the parties that garner 5 percent of the vote in proportion to the percentage they received, or that an upper limit be placed on the number of unallocated mandates the winning party would be entitled to, or that the barrier for parliamentary representation be lowered to 2-3 percent.

With regard to the office of the president, the Venice Commission reportedly warned that the transition to the indirect election of the president by an electoral college comprising the 150 parliament deputies and 150 regional representatives "should not lead to the constant election of the presidential candidate proposed by the majority."

The commission's experts reportedly did not offer any recommendation with regard to the National Security Council. Just days before their interim evaluation became public knowledge, the Tbilisi Strategic Discussion, a forum convened by Margvelashvili, released a communique arguing that the proposed constitutional amendments, including the abolition of the National Security Council, would further weaken Georgia's defense capacity insofar as they do not provide "a full-fledged and coherent legal and institutional framework for security policy formulation, planning, execution and oversight." The 27 signatories, among them two former defense ministers, three former deputy defense ministers, and a former deputy foreign minister, therefore called for revising the time frame for passage of the constitutional amendments in order to allow for a detailed analysis of the threats the country faces, Civil.ge reported.

The Georgian parliament is unlikely to heed that warning, however. Kobakhidze has already gone on record as saying that "all the Venice Commission's comments are acceptable [to us]. We have promised that they will all be taken into consideration." He added that Georgian Dream was discussing the optimum limit on the number of unallocated parliamentary mandates to which the winning party would be entitled. At the same time, Kobakhidze noted that the Venice Commission did not reject outright either the proposed abolition of electoral blocs, or the 5 percent hurdle for parliamentary representation, which he pointed out was characteristic of the electoral systems of most EU member states. Those remarks suggest the party is unwilling to yield on those points.

Georgian Dream is even less likely to revise its proposal to switch to the indirect election of the president. It has already made one concession by agreeing that the new mechanism will go into effect only in 2023, thereby preserving the possibility for Margvelashvili to run for a second term next year.

How the tensions between the Georgian Dream-dominated parliament and the president's office will play out in the coming weeks after Kobakhidze publicly accused the president of lies, sabotage of the reform process, and systematic attacks on the parliament can only be guessed at.

The views expressed in this blog post do not necessarily reflect those of RFE/RL

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/georgia-constitutional- changes-conflict-president-speaker/28557117.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-Deployed HIMARS Artillery in Syria Could Strike Pro-Gov't Forces - Moscow

Sputnik News

17:55 15.06.2017(updated 20:24 15.06.2017)

The United States has redeployed HIMARS rocket artillery from Jordan to Syria, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Thursday.

"The US has redeployed two High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems from Jordan to a US special operations forces base near the Syrian town of al-Tanf [18 kilometers from the Jordanian border]. Deployment of any foreign weaponry to Syria, especially multiple artillery rocket systems, has to be coordinated with the sovereign state's government", the ministry's statement read.

It noted that "the range of HIMARS cannot allow for providing support for US-controlled Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) operating against Daesh in Raqqa".

"The US-led anti-Daesh coalition has several times already attacked Syrian government forces fighting Daesh near the Jordanian border. It is possible to assume that similar strikes could be continued in the future, involving HIMARS from now on. So what objectives is the US pursuing in Syria and whom are the US servicemen fighting there?", the statement said.

On June 8, the coalition bombed pro-Damascus forces in Syria near the town of al-Tanf. On June 6, the coalition conducted a strike on pro-Syrian government forces as they entered a de-confliction zone and allegedly posed threat. On May 18, the coalition hit pro-Assad fighters near al-Tanf for the first time.

On April 6, US Navy destroyers fired 59 cruise missiles at the Ash Sha'irat Airbase in western Syria, calling their attacks a "warning" to Damascus following a chemical weapons incident in Idlib province which Washington claimed was carried out by Syrian government forces. The claim was rejected by Damascus. The world is still waiting for the US and its allies to provide any proof for its claims of Syrian government involvement in the alleged chemical attack.

Furthermore, on September 16, US-led coalition aircraft carried out four strikes against the Syrian Army near the Deir ez-Zor airport, killing nearly 100 people, according to reports.

The US-led coalition of 69 members is conducting airstrikes, ground-based and rocket-propelled artillery fire against the Daesh in Syria and Iraq. The strikes in Iraq are conducted in support of the Iraqi government, but those in Syria are not authorized by the UN Security Council or the government of President Bashar Assad.

 Sputnik

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Independent UN probe reveals 'cruel and brutal nature' of human rights violations in Burundi

15 June 2017  A United Nations-appointed panel of experts investigating human rights violations in Burundi today released the latest findings of their probe, noting that their initial fears concerning the scope and gravity of these abuses since April 2015 have been confirmed.

"We were struck in our investigations by the feeling of deep and widespread fear running through the testimonies we gathered," Fatsah Ouguergouz, Reine Alapini Gansou and Francoise Hampson, members of the Commission of Inquiry on Burundi, during the presentation of their second oral briefing to the UN Human Rights Council.

The Inquiry experts said that these violations include extrajudicial executions, acts of torture and other inhuman and degrading treatment, sexual and gender-based violence, arbitrary arrests and detention and enforced disappearances, often accompanied by demands for large ransoms from families in exchange for promises to release detainees or to find those who have disappeared.

Many of these violations have been committed by members of the National Intelligence Service and the police, sometimes assisted by members of the youth league of the ruling party, the Imbonerakure, they added.

Despite the lack of access to the country and the Burundian Government's lack of cooperation, the Commission interviewed many Burundians in exile and visited Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Kenya, among other countries.

Since the beginning of its investigation, it has collected more than 470 testimonies of human rights violations allegedly committed in Burundi since April 2015.

"We were struck by the particularly cruel and brutal nature of the violations described to us," the Commission members stated, citing testimonies alleging the use, during torture sessions, of clubs, rifle butts, bayonets, iron bars, metal chains and electric cables.

Testimonies also cited needles stuck into victims' bodies or unidentified products injected into them; nails ripped out with pliers; burns; and many abuses inflicted on male detainees' genital organs.

"In several cases, acts of torture and ill-treatment were accompanied by violent insults and death threats, including of an ethnic nature," they said.

The Commission has also documented cases of sexual violence, particularly against female relatives of government opponents, especially by people believed to be Imbonerakure.

The Commission will present its final report at the thirty-sixth session of the Human Rights Council in September 2017.

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Trump Attacks Investigation of Possible Obstruction of Justice

By Ken Bredemeier June 15, 2017

U.S. President Donald Trump is assailing reports that the prosecutor investigating Russian meddling in last year's election is now probing whether he tried to obstruct justice in the case.

"They made up a phony collusion with the Russians story, found zero proof, so now they go for obstruction of justice on the phony story. Nice," Trump wrote sarcastically on his Twitter account Thursday.

In a second tweet, Trump said, "You are witnessing the single greatest WITCH HUNT in American political history - led by some very bad and conflicted people!"

Trump reacted after several news reports late Wednesday said that Special Counsel Robert Mueller plans to interview key U.S. national security officials about Trump's comments in seeking an end to the investigation of contacts his first national security adviser, Michael Flynn, had with Russia's ambassador to Washington. Trump fired Flynn in February after just 24 days on the job when he learned that Flynn had lied to Vice President Mike Pence about his conversations with Sergey Kislyak.

Based on accounts of people familiar with the investigation, The Washington Post, New York Times and Wall Street Journal all said that Mueller plans to interview Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats, National Security Agency (NSA) Director Michael Rogers and former NSA Deputy Director Richard Ledgett.

The news accounts said one focus of Mueller's probe centers on Trump's conversation with Coats and Central Intelligence Agency director Mike Pompeo in late March in which he reportedly asked them to intervene with then Federal Bureau of Investigation Director James Comey to ask him to halt his probe of Flynn.

A day or two later, Trump reportedly called Coats and Rogers to ask them to publicly deny the existence of any evidence that Trump aides had illegally colluded with Russian officials to help Trump win the election.

According to the news accounts, neither Coats nor Rogers complied with Trump's requests. It was not known whether Ledgett talked with Trump, but he wrote an internal NSA document recounting Trump's request to Rogers.

Coats and Rogers told a Senate panel a week ago they did not feel pressured by Trump to intervene in the case, but declined to say what Trump asked them to do.

Trump's attorney slams leakers

Mark Corallo, a spokesman for Trump's personal attorney said, "The FBI leak of information regarding the president is outrageous, inexcusable and illegal."

The chairwoman of the Republican National Committee, Ronna McDaniel, criticized the Post story as an "unfounded accusation."

"There's still no evidence of obstruction, and current and former leaders in the intelligence community have repeatedly said there's been no effort to impede the investigation in any way," she said in a statement.

In May, Trump fired Comey, saying "this Russia thing" was on his mind when he made the decision to oust the nation's top law enforcement official while Comey was leading the FBI's probe into Russia's meddling.

"When I decided to just do it, I said to myself  I said, 'You know, this Russia thing with Trump and Russia is a made-up story,'" Trump told NBC News. Trump has been dismissive of congressional and criminal probes of Russian interference in the election, saying they were an excuse by Democrats to explain their stunning upset loss to him.

About a week later, Mueller, another former FBI director, was appointed, over Trump's opposition, as special counsel to lead the criminal probe. News accounts this week said Trump was considering firing him, but the White House eventually said he does not plan to.

Comey testified before a Senate panel last week that Trump spoke privately with him several times, including by telephone and at White House meetings.

Comey said he believed Trump was trying to get him to drop an investigation of the president's former national security adviser, and that White House officials spread "lies, plain and simple" to cover up the reason for his dismissal.

"I know that I was fired because something about the way I was conducting the Russia investigation was putting pressure" on Trump, Comey testified.

The president's personal lawyer, Marc Kasowitz, told reporters immediately after the Senate hearing that Trump "never, in form or substance, directed or suggested that Mr. Comey stop investigating anyone."

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Lesotho Incoming PM's Wife Shot Dead Days Before His Swearing-in

By Anita Powell June 15, 2017

Lesotho's incoming prime minister will take office Friday with a heavy heart, his spokesman says, after his estranged wife was shot dead Wednesday outside the capital of the tiny southern African nation.

Lipolelo Thabane's killing has sparked fears that Lesotho's violent political history may be returning. Thomas Thabane is taking a second stab at being prime minister after his last term ended suddenly in 2014, when he fled to neighboring South Africa because he said the army was trying to kill him. The couple separated in 2012 but had not divorced.

Thabane recently returned his All Basotho Convention party to power in a snap poll earlier this month. It was the third election in five years, after bitter infighting brought down the previous two coalition governments.

Moeketsi Majoro, the spokesman for Thabane's party, told VOA the police have yet to name a suspect and the party is trying to not speculate on what may have happened. Thabane died on the scene from her wounds. A friend who was travelling with her is being treated at a hospital.

"It's when a death like this occurs that it raises a lot of ire and a lot of speculation," he said. "And of course it's our responsibility as the incoming government that we endure, that we don't speculate, and we let the law enforcement agencies take the lead in investigating this death."

Call for calm

Majoro, who is one of the party's 48 new lawmakers recently voted into power, urged Lesotho citizens to try to remain calm even if they, like him, are rattled.

"You know, up to the reporting of this death, I was, I thought things were going to be reasonably smooth, but this tells me that nothing should be taken for granted going forward," he said. "It sends signals that we are back to 2014 again, when it was not easy to govern."

Lesotho's military has long been tightly entwined with this nation's political woes. The army led a 1986 coup to push out a long-serving government and has been involved in a number of political actions, including the action that ended Thabane's last term just two years in.

On election day, there were worrying signs violence is still on the horizon, when soldiers armed with automatic rifles lurked outside many opposition-leaning polling places in the capital. The situation provoked alarm from the opposition, the electoral commission, and observers.

One of Thabane's strongest campaign promises was that he could embark on a set of serious reforms to bring the nation's security forces into line and keep them from interfering in political matters.

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China's first AIP submarine reaches 10-year service milestone

People's Daily Online

By Li Yan (People's Daily Online) 20:37, June 15, 2017

China has mastered air-independent propulsion (AIP) technology, and the country's navy submarines can now be equipped with the system to reach the advanced level of similar systems throughout the world.

This information was disclosed in a feature published on the website of the Ministry of National Defense on June 14. According to the article, China's first AIP submarine has already completed over 50 important tasks and safely voyaged hundreds of thousands of miles since it was put into service 10 years ago.

An industry insider who asked not to be named told the Global Times on June 14 that China's command of AIP technology is mature, and the system is widely used in the country's submarine units. This news release emphasizes the confidence of the Chinese navy, the insider noted.

AIP allows non-nuclear submarines to operate without access to atmospheric oxygen, prolonging operation duration and increasing stealth. The new submarine is based on Type 035 and 039 submarines, both diesel-electric vessels. The new units are expected to greatly increase the combat capacity of the Chinese navy.

The insider also disclosed that a batch of AIP professionals have been cultivated to both satisfy the needs of routine training and military preparedness, and to carry out maintenance and fault deletion.

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Trump Expected to Tighten US Cuba Policy

By VOA Spanish Service June 15, 2017

As a candidate, Donald Trump promised to undo parts of a historic U.S.-Cuba agreement to re-engage after more than 50 years. He said the 2014 deal forged by Presidents Barack Obama and Raul Castro was "one-sided," favoring the communist government.

Now that he occupies the White House, Trump is expected to set new demands for Havana  likely on a visit to Miami planned for Friday.

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson indicated Tuesday that the Trump administration plans to restore "pressure on the regime" by tightening some of the trade and travel loosened under Obama.

Speaking at a Senate hearing on his department's proposed budget, Tillerson said "the general approach  is to allow as much of this continued commercial and engagement activity to go on as possible."

Tillerson noted benefits to Cuba's 11 million residents, with some capitalizing on U.S. business investments and a tripling of U.S. visitors to the island last year. That came after the United States in 2015 removed Cuba from the list of terrorist sponsors, reopened its embassy in Havana, and eased restrictions on trade and travel.

Nonetheless, Tillerson said, "We think we have achieved very little in terms of changing the behavior of the regime in Cuba and its treatment of people, and it has little incentive today to change that."

Likely revisions could include prohibiting American companies from doing business with Cuban enterprises linked to the military  which controls much of the communist-run island's economy  and restricting Americans' travel to Cuba, sources familiar with the policy review said.

The administration's demands for Havana also could include broader internet access and the release of prisoners, the Associated Press reported.

Obama relaxed the Cuban economic embargo through executive orders, which Trump can easily reverse. Only Congress can formally rescind the embargo enacted in 1962.

Pushing tougher conditions

Two Cuban-American Republican lawmakers from Florida  home to a large Cuban-American exile community  are pressing for harsher terms with Havana: Senator Marco Rubio serves on the Senate Intelligence Committee investigating Russian involvement in the 2016 election; Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart serves on the House Appropriations Committee. Both are expected to join the president in Miami for his announcement.

"We've been walking through all these issues with the president and his team," Rubio told El Nuevo Herald in April. " I am confident that President Trump will treat Cuba like the dictatorship it is and that our policy going forward will reflect the fact that it is not in the national interest of the United States for us to be doing business with the Cuban military."

Diaz-Balart told VOA earlier this month that he has had "several conversations" with the president, who "wants to enforce respect for human rights, the security of the country and certainly also the rule of law."

The congressman purportedly backed House Republicans' legislation on health care in March in exchange for Trump's tougher stance on Cuba, The New York Times and other news media have reported. The congressman's office did not respond to VOA's phone and email requests for comment.

Bipartisan support

U.S. Senator Bob Corker, who chairs the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said he understood arguments for and against stronger ties with Cuba. Interviewed last week by VOA, he described himself as "someone who would like to see progress there."

Corker mentioned a visit last year to the island, where "about 25 percent of the country now is engaged in some kind of private-sector activity, which is certainly growth."

He also acknowledged frustration with Cuban officials he'd met: "If they would just be willing to show some evolution, you know, a momentum could be gained. But it's almost as if because America wants them to go in that direction, they're going to defy."

Most Republicans endorse Cuba trade and travel, which has strong bipartisan support in Congress and with the public overall. Last week, seven GOP lawmakers wrote a letter to the president, warning that restrictions would "further incentivize Cuba to depend on countries like Russia and China," Reuters news service reported.

A new poll conducted on behalf of Engage Cuba, a nonpartisan coalition favoring broader commercial and diplomatic relations with the island, showed almost 64 percent of Republicans want to continue the rapprochement with Cuba. Earlier this month, Engage Cuba released a study estimating that rolling back trade and travel measures could cost the United States more than $6 billion and would eliminate 12,000 jobs in Trump's first term.

U.S. airlines, Airbnb and other travel-related interests also have urged the Trump administration government not to reverse the new openness. Tech giant Google joined the chorus on Monday, with Google Cuba official Brett Perlmutter publicly appealing to maintain a U.S. policy "that allows telecommunications firms [to] work in Cuba," the Associated Press reported.

Google servers went online in Cuba in April, enabling quicker and potentially cheaper communication.

International Telecommunication Union data show that just 37 percent of Cubans routinely used the internet as of 2015  but that the user base was growing rapidly.

Dissidents discuss human rights

The biggest sticking point is Cuba's poor record on human rights.

The international watchdog group Human Rights Watch, in its most recent annual update, said, "The Cuban government continues to repress dissent and punish public criticism," using beatings and job termination to try to silence its critics.

Dissidents in Cuba have differing views on the renewed ties' impact.

Rapprochement has brought the island "an increase of repression, of death threats to the opposition and to the Cuban people," psychologist and journalist Guillermo Farinas said he told Obama in the second of their two meetings. Farinas, who has conducted more than 20 hunger strikes to protest the regime's actions, told VOA that "negotiating with the Cuban government and asking them nothing in return was a mistake."

"Alleged improvements, like the implementation of Wi-Fi zones on the island, have only served to enrich the monopoly the military has over the country's economy," Farinas added. He said the state-owned telecommunications company ETECSA controls "all communications inside and outside the country" and is run by the military.

Reinaldo Escobar, editor of the independent digital news outlet 14ymedio, told VOA more openness is "very positive for Cuba," because it improves contact between Cubans and their relatives and friends in the U.S., and because it reduces diplomatic "threats, retaliation and misunderstandings."

But he said economic benefits "haven't really reached" most Cubans.

VOA Spanish Branch reporter Gioconda Tapia Reynolds,Gesell Tobias, Jesenia DeMoya-C., Capitol Hill corresondent Michael Bowman, and reporter Carol Guensburg contributed to this report.

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S.Korean president proposes unconditional dialogue with DPRK if provocations stopped

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 18:51, June 15, 2017

SEOUL, June 15 -- South Korean President Moon Jae-in on Thursday proposed an unconditional dialogue with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) if Pyongyang stops any nuclear and missile provocations.

Moon made the remarks at the 17th anniversary event to celebrate the June 15th North-South Joint Declaration, which was made when late South Korean President Kim Dae-jung and late DPRK leader Kim Jong Il held the first inter-Korean summit meeting in Pyongyang.

The DPRK's determination to give up its nuclear program would become an evidence of its will to implement the inter-Korean agreement, and if Pyongyang makes the determination, South Korea will actively help, Moon said.

The South Korean leader said his government will be able to comprehensively discuss various issues, ranging from the DPRK's complete denuclearization, the building of peace regime on the Korean Peninsula and the normalized diplomatic relations between the DPRK and the United States.

It marked the first time that Moon mentioned the three issues, though he set a precondition of no provocations, since he took office on May 10.

Moon said that though the DPRK urged the implementation of the June 15th declaration and the Oct. 4th North-South Declaration, Pyongyang advanced its nuclear and missile capability and broke what it urged.

The Oct. 4th declaration was made at the second inter-Korean summit meeting, which was held in Pyongyang in 2007 between late South Korean leader Roh Moo-hyun and late DPRK leader Kim Jong Il.

Though South Korea will make its own efforts, the DPRK should do its own, Moon noted.

Referring to the July 4th Joint Statement in 1972 and the 1991 Basic Agreement as well as the two declarations, Moon said a series of the previous inter-Korean agreements would become a grand principle in improving inter-Korean relations under his government.

The president urged Pyongyang to give up its nuclear development, adding that the DPRK's nuclear and missile developments posted a serious threat to peace and stability in the region and the world.

Enditem

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Russian Military Becomes Unrivaled in Terms of Arctic Warfare

Sputnik News

18:50 15.06.2017

Russian continues to develop its military infrastructure in the Arctic, ready to deal with any threat to the country's northern reaches.

As Russia moves to ensure the safety of its polar territories, the country's military has drastically improved its ability to conduct operations in the Arctic.

Not only does Moscow command the largest icebreaker fleet in the world, but it also has a sizeable submarine force capable of challenging and defeating both surface and submersible targets.

Furthermore, as the harsh Arctic climate makes deploying aircraft carriers problematic, any enemy naval or airborne force would be hard pressed to defend itself against Russian warplanes like MiG-31 supersonic interceptors, Tu-95 strategic bombers or Tu-142 anti-submarine warfare aircraft.

Russian military analyst Victor Baranets told Sputnik Radio that Russia is indeed conducting and extensive long-term security program in the Arctic.

"It's hardly a secret that Russia is conducting a long-term comprehensive program on maintaining security in the Russian sector of the Arctic. We're rebuilding old airfields there and constructing new installations. Also, all our military hardware is adapted for Arctic climate conditions. As for our military bases there, they feature state-of-the-art technology. Take, for example, the famous Trefoil  the only military installation in the world that's 100-percent adjusted to harsh Arctic conditions. Our officers and servicemen live there as they would at some cushy five-star hotel," Baranets said.

He pointed out however that the Russian military buildup in the Arctic is aimed purely at protecting the country's borders and shouldn't be considered an indicator that the country is preparing for war.

"I wouldn't state that Russia is preparing for military action in the Arctic. We've merely deployed a military detachment capable of protecting this 'piece' of Russian land at any time. There's a lot of activity near the Russian sector of the Arctic: the US and Canada keep conducting drills there, and even Australia and China now seek to stake their claim in the Arctic. The Russian leadership quickly became aware of these developments and now seeks to be proactive, as Russia stands ready to defend this territory just like it is ready to defend any other region of the country," Baranets added.

 Sputnik

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Russia May Deploy New Radar in Arctic to Detect US Submarines

Sputnik News

16:58 15.06.2017

Chairman of the Federation Council's Committee on Defense and Security said that Russia may deploy new radar station in Arctic.

MOSCOW (Sputnik)  Russia may deploy additional elements of an early warning network, including a radar station, in its Arctic zone, taking into account the presence of US submarines nuclear submarines close to its borders, a senior Russian lawmaker said Thursday.

"The early detection and warning system has already been built, but additional elements should be placed there, I think," Viktor Ozerov, chairman of the Federation Council's Committee on Defense and Security, told Sputnik.

According to Ozerov, the additional elements could include a radar, as well as ground-, air- and space target-tracking systems.

 Sputnik

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Russian Troops to Be Able to Return to Hmeymim, Tartus Syria Bases in 2018

Sputnik News

16:55 15.06.2017

First Deputy Chairman of the Russian Federation Council's Committee on Defense and Security Frants Klintsevich said that Russian servicemen may limit their deployment locations to only Hmeymim and Tartus bases in Syria as early as next year.

MOSCOW (Sputnik)  Russian servicemen may limit their deployment locations to only Hmeymim and Tartus bases in Syria as early as next year, the issue of increasing defense capabilities of the Syrian armed forces will be resolved before then, a senior Russian lawmaker told Sputnik on Thursday.

Earlier in the day Russian President Vladimir Putin said during his annual "Direct Line" call-in session that Russian troops would be deployed in Syria's Tartus naval facility and the Hmeymim air base in the future. According to the president, Russia also plans to take steps necessary for strengthening the combat capabilities of the Syrian Armed Forces.

"This year it will not be possible, while next year it is realistic. We are ready to leave as early as tomorrow, as soon as the Syrian army is ready for this. Currently they cannot do without our support," First Deputy Chairman of the Russian Federation Council's Committee on Defense and Security Frants Klintsevich said.

According to the Russian official, the issue of increasing the combat capabilities is being resolved actively.

"This task will be resolved in the short term. Our instructors are working there now," Klintsevich added.

Tartus became home for a Soviet naval facility under a 1971 agreement with Syria, and later passed on to Russia and is still used by the Russian navy. The Hmeymim Air Base near Latakia was built in 2015 to serve as a strategic center of Russia's military operation against the Islamic State [Daesh] terrorist group (banned in Russia). In January 2017, both bases were leased to Russia by Syria for another 49 years.

 Sputnik

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Putin: Russian Troops Gain 'Absolutely Invaluable Experience' in Syria

Sputnik News

15:42 15.06.2017(updated 15:43 15.06.2017)

Russia's military gained invaluable experience during the operation in Syria, President Vladimir Putin.

MOSCOW (Sputnik)  The Russian Armed Forces have gained an absolutely invaluable experience during the military operation in war-torn Syria, Russian President Vladimir Putin said at his annual "Direct Line" session on Thursday.

"The experience of using our Armed Forces in combat conditions with the involvement of modern weapons is absolutely invaluable. I am saying without exaggeration," Putin said.

According to the president, the Russian Armed Forces have "acquired a new quality."

"Some units have been created quite recently and are very efficiently used," Putin added.

Since September 2015, the Russian Aerospace Forces have been carrying out airstrikes in Syria targeted at terrorist positions at the request of Syrian President Bashar Assad. In March 2016, the biggest part of Russian air forces left Syria in line with the decision of Putin, following successful task fulfillment.

 Sputnik

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Putin: We Need to Ensure Sovereignty, Transport Security in Russian Arctic

Sputnik News

14:43 15.06.2017(updated 17:20 15.06.2017)

President Vladimir Putin said the Arctic was an extremely important region in terms of ensuring Russia's defense capabilities.

MOSCOW (Sputnik)  Russia should ensure its sovereignty over its Arctic territories, ensure the security of transport routes and economic activity in the region, the country's President Vladimir Putin said during his annual "Direct Line" Q&A session.

"We need to ensure that we can use these routes, that we can carry out economic activity on these territories, ensure our sovereignty over these territories," Putin said.

The president also noted that the Arctic was an extremely important region in terms of ensuring Russia's defense capabilities.

The budgets include, of course, more long-term plans. Perhaps, not everything is clear with funding of the Lider [the new nuclear-powered vessel], but I am confident that we will do this too," Putin said.

The president noted that the Baltic Shipyard was building Arktika, the first of of four LK-60Ya-class nuclear-powered icebreakers with a capacity of 60 megawatts.

"We should have one more icebreaker by 2025, of a completely different class, twice as powerful as the ones I have mentioned and the one which has almost been built, [with a capacity of] 120 megawatts. If they break ice of up to three meters deep [9.8 feet], the Lider will have no restrictions at all, it will be able to break any ice," Putin said.

Russia should deploy a missile launch control system in the Arctic region due to the activities of the US submarines approaching Russian borders in the region, Putin said.

"The specialists know that US submarines are on duty to the north of Norway. Missiles could reach Moscow in 15 minutes [from this area]. We should understand what is going on there, see what is going on there We should protect this area in a proper way, to provide a border guard in the region. Additionally, the routes of the land-based US missiles located across the US territory are also there. We should take into consideration all these facts. Among other issues we should provide a missile warning system," Putin said.

The Russian leader added that Moscow had not paid enough attention to the region of Arctic, however the situation had changed.

In late January, media reported that Russian Aerospace Forces had restored in late 2016 their integrated radar field to control and warn of missile launches and attacks outside of state borders. However, the part of the field which monitors missile activity beyond the Arctic Circle had not become operational by that time.

The Russian missile attack warning system consists of three elements, namely space satellites monitoring missile launches, ground early warning radar systems calculating the movement trajectory of a missile and the Don-2N radar station based in the Moscow Region and designed to detect and track ballistic missiles, as well as to aim interceptor missiles at a target.

In March last year, US nuclear submarines conducted five-week-long exercises in the Arctic region, and US officials said they should increase country's military presence in the Arctic in response to Russian research and military exercises in the region.

 Sputnik

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Putin Says Russia is Not US Enemy, Downplays New Sanctions

By VOA News June 15, 2017

Russian President Vladimir Putin says he does not believe his country and the United States are enemies and downplayed fresh sanctions levied against his country by the American lawmakers.

During his annual nationwide call-in show Thursday, Putin said Russia and the United States had fought beside each other during two world wars and "the Russian empire was key in securing U.S. independence."

"I know the mood of our people, we do not believe America is our enemy. ... There is hysteria in the media and it affects the mood, but many people in Russia admire the achievements of the American people, and I hope relations will normalize," he said.

New US sanctions

Putin's comments came a day after the U.S. Senate voted overwhelmingly to strengthen sanctions against Russia as punishment for its campaign to influence the 2016 U.S. presidential election.

The new sanctions passed Wednesday target Russians involved in serious human rights abuses, supplying weapons to the Syrian government, carrying out malicious cyber activities and doing business with Russian intelligence and defense.

Putin downplayed the effectiveness of the sanctions and blamed U.S. domestic issues as the reason for their imposition.

"We have always lived under sanctions," Putin said. "Whenever Russia grew stronger there would always be sanctions, throughout history. There is a U.S. bill to toughen sanctions, why? Nothing has changed, why are they talking about sanctions. It's evidence of domestic political problems in the U.S."

Clinton's emails

U.S. intelligence agencies have concluded that Russian hackers stole and released thousands of emails from a top Hillary Clinton campaign aide, though no evidence has been released linking Russians to the hacking, as Putin pointed out Thursday.

"[Former FBI Director James Comey] thinks there was Russia's interference in the electoral process, but does not provide any proof again," Putin said.

He then jokingly offered political asylum to embattled former FBI Director, who had been leading the investigation into Russian election meddling until he was fired last month by U.S. President Donald Trump.

"It sounds very strange when the head of the security services writes down a conversation with the commander-in-chief and then leaks it to the media through his friend," Putin said.

Putin compared Comey to NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden, who has been given political asylum in Russia, and implied there was no difference between the actions of Snowden and those of Comey.

"That means he is not the leader of the security services, but a human rights defender. And if he faces pressure, then we are happy to offer him political asylum too," Putin said.

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US Senate Approves Russia Sanctions

By Michael Bowman June 15, 2017

The U.S. Senate voted 98-2 Thursday to approve sweeping sanctions against Russia and make it harder for President Donald Trump to ease punitive measures against Moscow.

"We have no time to waste," said Republican Senator John McCain of Arizona. "The United States of America needs to send a strong message to [Russian President] Vladimir Putin and any other aggressor that we will not tolerate attacks on our democracy."

"We must not allow this kind of interference in our elections become a normal process," said Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire.

Adopted overwhelmingly as an amendment to an Iran sanctions bill, the measure targets Russia's cyber espionage entities, energy sector, financial interests, and the flow of Russian weaponry to war zones like Syria.

"It expands the list of where sanctions can apply to the energy projects and foreign financial institutions," said Ben Cardin of Maryland, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. "It provides for actors undermining cyber security being subject to sanctions. It provides sanctions against suppliers of Russian arms to Syria. It's comprehensive."

The measure also asserts a role for Congress if the White House opts to ease any sanctions against Moscow.

"The president can't remove a sanction until he's given Congress notice and an opportunity to review," Cardin said. "We can have congressional hearings, we can put a spotlight on it. And then we have an expedited process where we could reject the president's decision to give relief. And all during that process, the sanctions remain in place."

The Trump administration reportedly is weighing the return of Russian compounds on U.S. soil seized by the Obama administration, and the president has repeatedly expressed a desire for better relations with Moscow while downplaying the impact of Russia's cyber activities.

"It's particularly significant that a bipartisan coalition is seeking to reestablish Congress, not the president, as the final arbiter of sanctions relief," said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat.

McCain described existing punitive measures against Russia as "modest" and "reversible at the discretion of the president."

"We must take our own side in this fight, not as Republicans, not as Democrats, but as Americans," McCain said.

The White House has not said if Trump would sign or veto the legislation, which would have to be passed by the House of Representatives before it could go to the president's desk. Testifying this week on Capitol Hill, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson acknowledged the need to take action against Russia but warned against measures that would cut off dialogue with Moscow.

"We would ask for the flexibility to turn the heat up when we need to, but also to ensure that we have the ability to maintain a constructive dialogue," Tillerson said.

The underlying bill imposed new sanctions on Iran for its ballistic missile program and support for international terrorism. Lawmakers of both parties stressed the measures in no way target Iran's nuclear program or the landmark international nuclear accord with Tehran.

"We see destabilizing act after destabilizing act [by Iran], from missile launches to arms transfers to terrorist training to illicit financial activities to targeting Navy ships and detaining American citizens," said the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Republican Bob Corker of Tennessee.

"It's past time for us to take steps to protect the interests of the United States and our allies. This bill is the first time Congress has come together since the JCPOA, the Iran nuclear deal, to do just that," Corker added.

"This bill will impose sanctions on Iran for its non-nuclear violations," Cardin said. "The debate we have here is on the non-nuclear activities of Iran that violate international norms and international agreements."

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Head of UN human rights inquiry decries 'disastrous' civilian death toll in Syria

14 June 2017  Conflict in Syria continues to rage with "disastrous consequences" for civilians who continue to bear the brunt of the six-year war, the head of a United Nations-mandated human rights investigation said today.

In an update to the Geneva-based UN Human Rights Council, Paulo Pinheiro, Chair of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria, appealed to the warring parties to stop fighting and get back to the negotiating table. Civilians, he said, are in the unenviable role of being the target of most of the violence, he said.

In his latest update to the Human Rights Council, Mr. Pinheiro said it was his twentieth report to the body and underscored once again the unspeakable toll on civilians.

The so-called "de-escalation zones" agreement  which is guaranteed by Russia, Turkey and Iran  had resulted in a "discernible" reduction in violence in Idlib and western Aleppo. And while that initiative  along with UN-facilitated intra-Syrian talks  was a "step in the right direction," the enduring violence in Homs, Damascus and southern Dara'a, "has not changed in nature," he explained to the Council members.

"Whether it be the unrestrained use of airstrikes against residential neighbourhoods, attacks against doctors and hospitals, or the use of suicide bombers that deliberately target civilians, fighting remains brutal in purpose and reprehensible in method," stated Mr. Pinheiro.

Intensified airstrikes led to a 'staggering loss of life' in Raqqa

He went on to note that Syrian opposition forces were continuing their assault on Raqqa city, where the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Da'esh) was losing ground. Success against the terrorist group could lead to the liberation of civilians trapped in the city, including Yazidi women and girls, three years after they were captured in neighbouring Iraq to be sold as sex slaves to ISIL fighters.

ISIL's abuse of the Yazidi people is nothing less than an "ongoing and unaddressed genocide," Mr. Pinheiro said.

Grave as this charge is, he insisted that the fight to retake terrorist strongholds should not be "at the expense" of the "mounting number of civilians" killed in airstrikes  a reference to aerial attacks that had preceded the opposition forces' advance on Raqqa, and which he said had caused a "staggering" loss of life.

Elsewhere in what remains of Syria's cities and towns, some 600,000 people remain under siege. They have been denied humanitarian aid for prolonged periods, and this has led to severe shortages of food and stunted children whose health will be affected for life, Mr Pinheiro stated.

The only way to end this suffering is to end the war, he appealed to parties involved in the conflict - and to Member States who could influence those fighting:

"Time and time again, warring parties and influential States have failed to capitalize on the opportunities presented by respites from hostilities. And time and again, Syrian men, women, and children pay the price for the continuation of the war. Warring parties must not let yet another opportunity pass by. The parties must press to ensure that any de-escalation in hostilities is accompanied by renewed efforts to access communities in need, to strengthen the human rights protections for all people across Syria, and to generate meaningful momentum for peace."

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Fighting, Red Tape Prevent Humanitarian Aid Deliveries in Syria

By Lisa Bryant June 15, 2017

A Senior United Nations official says intense fighting in Syria and bureaucratic red tape are impeding the delivery of desperately needed humanitarian assistance to hundreds of thousands of people trapped in besieged areas.

U.N. Special Envoy for Syria Jan Egeland says the United Nations has been unable to deliver food, medicine and other essential items to some 600,000 people in 12 besieged areas for the past 40 days. He says it also is extremely difficult to reach millions of others in so-called hard-to-reach areas.

He says the situation is being made even more difficult due to three very worrying developments connected to war. He says tens of thousands of civilians are trapped in Raqqa, where a ferocious battle to retake the city from Islamic State militants is being waged.

"The attacking forces are now closing in on Raqqa city," he said. "There is intense bombardment from the air and it is very hard for civilians to get out of Raqqa. There are reports that air attacks cause civilian casualties and that it has made it hard for civilians to flee."

Egeland adds that ruthless tactics by IS militants also are preventing civilians from leaving. At the same time, he says increased airstrikes on the southern city of Daara are preventing aid from reaching civilians there.

Another obstacle to the delivery of humanitarian assistance, he says, is a dangerous outbreak of polio in the city of Deir Ezzor, which is surrounded by IS fighters.

He says efforts are underway to bring polio vaccines into the city so that a mass immunization campaign to stop the spread of the crippling disease can begin.

Egeland says the U.N. has trucks ready, warehouses full of relief items, and courageous humanitarian workers ready to deliver aid to women, children and men. Unfortunately, he says bureaucratic impediments, lack of permits, and infighting among groups are preventing the aid operation from going ahead.

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Hundreds of thousands in eastern Ukraine at grave risk after water supplies disrupted - UN aid chief

14 June 2017  Raising alarm over lack of safe drinking water for hundreds of thousands of people on both sides of the so called contact line in Donetsk Oblast of eastern Ukraine since 11 June, the top United Nations relief official today called on all parties to the conflict to abide by their obligations under international law and ensure that civilian areas and infrastructure are not targeted.

Some 400,000 people have not had access to water for four days due to shelling of the First Lift Pumping Station of the South Donbass Water Pipeline this past Sunday. Water supply to another 700,000 could also be cut off at any time.

"The conflict, now in its fourth year, is denying vulnerable people of their most basic need  water," said the UN Emergency Relief Coordinator, Stephen O'Brien in a statement today.

"I appeal to all parties to the conflict to immediately ensure a prolonged cessation of hostilities to allow critical repair and maintenance to restore the water supply, including the facilitation of any movements across the 'contact line'."

In the statement, Mr. O'Brien, who is also the UN Under-Secretary-General for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, expressed deep worry over possible outbreaks of water-borne diseases and the effect that water cuts will have on health facilities in the area.

"Emergency services and aid agencies are working together to provide water to affected communities by any means possible [but] the need for urgent and permanent repairs to the pumping station is paramount," he added, reminding all parties to the conflict of their obligation to respect civilian areas and infrastructure.

"The intentional disruption of access to sufficient quality water supply in conflict-affected areas is a clear violation of international humanitarian law," he underscored.

Since the start of the conflict in April 2014, more than 1.6 million people have become internally displaced and some three million are estimated to be in territory controlled by armed groups. Also, more than 10,000 people, including over 2,700 civilians, have lost their lives and about 24,000 injured.

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LAS VEGAS  About 400 additional Spring Creek residents have been identified as being affected by water meter reading issues by Great Basin Water Co., joining more than 2,000 other customers who were overcharged for water usage in 2016.

Great Basin revealed the issue prior to this weeks two-day hearing conducted by Public Utilities Commission of Nevada staff, the Attorney Generals Bureau of Consumer Protection and water company representatives. The PUCN could determine if residents are eligible for a refund for overcharges.

The PUCN collected testimony to determine whether GBWC correctly identified customers affected by a rogue field technician who incorrectly read meters in 2016. GBWC claimed in their petition that the companys resolution of issues related to meter reading in the Spring Creek division is consistent with its tariff.

The 400 additional customers were discovered last week, according to GBWC President Wendy Barnett.

GBWC stated in a petition filed with the PUCN in January that the company experienced some issues with meter reading in Spring Creek in the summer and early fall of 2016.

The unusually high October bills were the result of the utility charging customers for actual use that had occurred during the summer months, but not billed, explained the GBWC in the petition, adding that the company worked to resolve the issue with its customers.

Witnesses were questioned Monday and Tuesday by PUCN regulatory staff, GBWC and representatives from the BCP.

Among those testifying for GBWC were Vice President James Eason, Financial Planning and Analysis Manager Aleksey Dolinko, and Barnett. They were represented by attorney Laura Grainer.

During cross-examination of BCP Senior Economist Patrick Morton, Grainer said the company is working to make sure the additional customers are included for reimbursement.

The company is willing to continue to make adjustments where there is data to support that (appropriately), said Grainer.

Morton agreed with Grainer, but said the changes from GBWC throughout the case bothered him.

It seems to be constantly evolving, Morton said. It seems now that we are in the rebuttal stage and the company is trying to make its case.

Morton said his concern was to identify the impacted customers and to make sure they were fairly reimbursed, further stating that April 2016 was the best starting point for refunds.

The hearing comes about two months after about 200 customers gathered in the Spring Creek High School gym to air their grievances with the water company, describing experiences with billing and customer service that, according to some, left them frustrated with the GBWC.

One of those customers who attended the meeting is retired utility executive and Great Basin College Foundation President Greg Brorby, who said he was impacted by the company last year. He explained in his comment posted on the docket that he was billed for using 195,420 gallons of water in October, while his household normally averaged about 59,860 gallons per month in June through October of 2016.

Brorby investigated and found there were no leaks during either period, nor did we change our irrigation settings.

After notifying the company of the discrepancy several times, he claimed the company corrected it on the sly without the courtesy of informing me that the bill was incorrect and that the billing had been updated.

President Jessie Bahr thought this weeks hearing went well for Spring Creek customers.

The PUCN staff and BCP really put in the time to understand the issues and express their continued concerns to the commission that there is likely more customers affected in this case, Bahr said.

Overall, this is a step in the right direction to help our community deal with water issues we have been facing for years, Bahr added.

The issue could be determined in a couple of months when the PUCN reviews and votes on a recommendation, said PUCN Public Information Officer Peter Kostes.

A draft order is likely to be issued within the next two weeks, and then placed on an upcoming agenda meeting, said Kostes.
It was a far more somber crowd than usual at Thursdays Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerces Business at Breakfast meeting.

Attendees chatted softly prior to the meeting and hugs were frequently shared as members talked about the death of the chambers president and CEO, Laurie Moran, the two days before.

I cant believe it; What happened; and She was amazing were comments most often heard about the community leader.

Bert Eades, chairman of the chambers board of directors, opened the meeting with a moment of silence in Morans memory and introduced the days speaker, Danville Regional Medical Centers CEO Alan Larson.

Larson also spoke of Moran  who has served on the hospitals board of directors  and asked those in the room to take a few minutes to talk to the others at their tables about their interactions with her.

Think about one lesson or two that you learned from her as you watched her lead this organization that you might benefit from in your personal life, Larson said.

Within moments there were a few chuckles and laughter, as people remembered Morans infectious laugh, seemingly-endless energy and willingness to do what it took to get the multitude of jobs she took on to work.

She was a great lady, Sherman Saunders, a member of Danville City Council and former mayor, said, noting he has worked with her on various projects since the mid-1970s. She leaves a great legacy.

Larson spoke briefly to the crowd about the recent announcement of the restructuring and renaming of both DRMC and Memorial Hospital in Martinsville. Instead of being separate hospitals, they will become a single health care provider with two campuses: SOVAH Danville and SOVAH Martinsville. SOVAH stands for Southern Virginia Health.

It will not mean any layoffs or staff reductions, Larson said. Instead it will make the partnership the two hospitals already have stronger, billing easier because there will be a single billing identification number for processing Medicare payments and add the ability to quickly share staff and facilities during emergencies.

Once patients are entered into the computer system at one location, the other will have access to it, Larson said, which will cut down on the amount of paperwork patients who use both facilities have to fill out.

No services are being cut at either location, Larson said. Instead, as staffs fluctuate  as doctors and nurses arrive or leave to take jobs elsewhere  it will make it easier to share staff between the hospitals as any gaps might need to be filled.

Dr. Gary Miller, a Danville cardiologist affiliated with DRMC and a member of Danville City Council, told the crowd of the importance of having life-saving care within about 30 minutes of having a heart attack. He emphasized that neither hospital will close.

It would be devastating, Miller said.

Larson wrapped up the talk by saying he understands there will be confusion and concern about the changes coming.

The only person who likes change is a baby with a wet diaper, he said, drawing laughs from the group.

But Larson reiterated that the changes are to make both hospitals stronger.
New U.K. Treasury chief Jeremy Hunt has reversed most of an economic package announced by the government just weeks ago, including a planned cut in income taxes. Hunt said Monday he was scrapping almost all the tax cuts announced last month by the Conservative government of Prime Minister Liz Truss, and also signaled that public spending cuts are on the way. It was a bid to soothe turbulent financial markets spooked by fears of excessive government borrowing. The move raises questions about how long the beleaguered prime minister can stay in office, though Truss insisted she has no plans to quit. She vowed to lead the Conservatives into the next general election, but many in the party want her gone.
TSX Venture Symbol: COR

VANCOUVER, June 16, 2017 /CNW/ - Camino Minerals Corp. ("Camino" or the "Company") (COR: TSX-V) reports that it has granted 900,000 incentive stock options to directors, officers, employees and consultants of the Company. The stock options are exercisable for a period of two years at an exercise price of $0.90 per share. The options were granted under and are subject to the terms and conditions of the Company's Stock Option Plan.

About Camino Minerals Corporation

Camino is a discovery-oriented mineral exploration company. The Company is focused on the acquisition and development of high grade copper and precious metal projects. For more information, please refer to Camino's website at www.caminominerals.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements and Information

This News Release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation. Statements contained herein that are not based on historical or current fact, including without limitation statements containing the words "anticipates," "believes," "may," "continues," "estimates," "expects," and "will" and words of similar import, constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

Forward-looking information may include, but is not limited to, information with respect to our planned exploration activities, the adequacy of our financial resources, the estimation of mineral reserves and resources, the results of future exploration and drilling. Wherever possible, words such as "plans", "expects", "projects", "assumes", "budget", "strategy", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "targets" and similar expressions or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved, or the negative forms of any of these terms and similar expressions, have been used to identify forward-looking statements and information.

Forward-looking information is subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking information, including, without limitation, those risks identified in the Company's annual disclosure materials, filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada and available at www.sedar.com. Readers are encouraged to read these materials. Prospective investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE Camino Minerals Corp.
VANCOUVER, June 16, 2017 - Pacific Ridge Exploration Ltd. (TSX Venture:PEX) ("Pacific Ridge" or the "Company") reports on the results of its Annual General Meeting held June 15, 2017. Gerald Carlson, Gordon Davis, Blaine Monaghan and Bruce Youngman were elected to the board.

Douglas Proctor retired from his role as Director and Chair of the Audit Committee after 10 years of service to the Company. The board would like to thank Doug for his wisdom and sage advice.

The directors are pleased to welcome Blaine Monaghan to the board. Mr. Monaghan has had a successful record with a number of exploration companies including True Gold Mining Inc., acquired by Endeavour Mining Corp., Canplats Resources Corp., acquired by Goldcorp Inc., Western Prospector Group Ltd., acquired by a subsidiary of China Nuclear National Corp. and Wheaton River Minerals Ltd., which merged with Goldcorp in 2005. Mr. Monaghan holds a bachelor of arts degree from Simon Fraser University, a diploma in public relations from the Public Relations Institute of Ireland and has completed the Canadian Securities Course.

At the Annual General Meeting, shareholders also ratified the Companys rolling stock option plan and re-appointed PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Chartered Accountants as auditors of the Company.

The Company also reports that it has granted 383,000 incentive stock options to certain directors and officers of the Company. The options have an exercise price of $0.06 per share and a term of five years.

2017 Exploration Plans

The Company is commencing an active field season exploring its Yukon project portfolio. It plans a program of geological mapping, prospecting, soil sampling and geophysical surveys at its recently acquired OGI Zinc project. It will then carry out a program of mapping and soil sampling at its new RC Gold acquisition. A soil geochemical program is planned for its White Gold district Eureka Dome project. Four Nines Gold will be completing a program of data compilation, geological mapping, trenching and geochemical sampling on the Companys Mariposa Gold project, also in the White Gold district.

The Company will be providing regular updates as this program progresses.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

Gerald G. Carlson

Gerald G. Carlson

President & CEO

Pacific Ridge Exploration Ltd.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

The technical information contained within this News Release has been reviewed and approved by Gerald G. Carlson, Ph.D., P.Eng., President and CEO of Pacific Ridge and Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 policy.

Forward-Looking Information: This release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address exploration drilling and other activities and events or developments that Pacific Ridge Exploration Ltd. ("Pacific Ridge") expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this news release include statements regarding the placements and future exploration plans and expenditures. Although Pacific Ridge 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 forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward looking statements include market prices, exploration successes, and continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. These statements are based on a number of assumptions including, among other things, assumptions regarding general business and economic conditions, the timing and receipt of regulatory and governmental approvals for the transactions described herein, the ability of Pacific Ridge and other parties to satisfy stock exchange and other regulatory requirements in a timely manner, the availability of financing for Pacific Ridges proposed transactions and programs on reasonable terms, and the ability of third party service providers to deliver services in a timely manner. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Pacific Ridge does not assume any obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.







For further information, contact:



Pacific Ridge Exploration Ltd.

Gerald G. Carlson,

President & CEO

Tel: (604)484-7104

www.pacificridgeexploration.com


The Adelaide Hills region does winter properly. Think crackling fires, slow-cooked rustic stews and the crunch of morning frost under foot. Of course, it's all in the elevation  the Hills rise in a sudden 700-metre ascent from the Adelaide Plains, causing temperatures to fall by three to five degrees.

If this climatic difference is good for delicious 'old country' vistas, it also fosters some of the world's finest cool climate red wines.

These wines and wintry tableau come together in a single celebration during the Adelaide Hills Winter Reds Weekend, an event that's suitably themed 'Play with Fire'. This year, the event will take place from 28-30 July (Friday to Sunday), when 30 wineries will ignite their fire pits, bonfires and wood ovens.

Sip wines from internationally acclaimed winemaker Darryl Catlin at Sidewood. Photo: Mike Haines

"It really is a celebration of all things winter," says Nicole Roberts, executive officer of the Adelaide Hills Wine Region. "So we're encouraging people to bring their jackets, their beanies and their boots and just embrace it. And let's be honest  there's nothing better than settling in front of a fire and enjoying a glass of red with friends."

The chill-out factor is upped thanks to a program of special events, which combine rustic settings with live music, locally-inspired dishes and more than a few special vintages.

Now in its eighth year, the event draws 15,000 visitors into the region's 48 cellar doors that have sprung up in the last 20 years. The great majority of these cellar doors are boutique in scale, ranging in style from cottages in historic streets, to old stone farmhouses to contemporary masterpieces fashioned into the sides of valleys  perfect for a warming weekend with wintering vintners.

Enjoy lunch at the picturesque Mount Lofty Ranges Vineyard. Photo: Ian Routledge

Red, red wine

Since the light from a fire is as good as any by which to judge a wine's colour, expect to see a surprising array of red varieties being swirled against the flames. "We're well-known for our cool climate shiraz," says Nicole Roberts, "but because we've got such a diverse topography, we can grow a surprising number of red varieties."

Pinot noir is the Adelaide Hills' rising star, a variety that's earning so many plaudits that it's challenging sauvignon blanc for 'local hero' status. Expect pinot aplenty at Mount Lofty Ranges Vineyard when eight vintages will be uncorked for a tasting evocatively titled 'Pinot in the Dark'. And if you've ever wondered why pinot is sometimes called the 'heartbreak grape', join famed winemaker Tim Knappstein who will be explaining its marvels and mysteries during a night of pinot and paella in conjunction with Riposte Wines.

The diversity of local topography has also enabled growers to raise some fine Mediterranean varieties including the like of tempranillo, nebbiolo and barbera. For an unusual introduction to these varieties, head to Scott & La Prova in Hahndorf's Main Street, where Spanish and Italian varieties will be pitted against each other. In the Spanish Corner is winemaker Sam Scott of La Prova; in the Italian corner is Master of Wine, David LeMire of La Linea. Expect fiery endorsements for both.

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Of course, the Hills' celebrated cool climate shiraz will be in evidence just about everywhere, from biodynamic Ngeringa Vineyards to doyen of wines, Shaw and Smith. Meanwhile, the Lane Vineyard is hosting an Apres Ski event to coincide with the launch of its new Chalet Bar. Suitably, the wine will be mulled.

Braised, roasted, barbecued

Another reason to love winter: calories keep you warm.

That's why you can indulge in twice-cooked duck at Artwine or slow-braised osso buco at Paracombe Wines. And if you're feeling especially robust, head for Udder Delights where Henschke wines will be poured with a 'bubbling cheesy lava' fondue with bratwursts for dipping.

Cosy up by the fire during Winter Reds. Photo: Supplied

South Australian guest chefs will be designing paired degustations for the weekend (for example Heather Day at Howard Vineyard) while a truffle expert will be shaving the celebrated fungus for '50 Shaves of truffle' at a long table degustation at The Lane. At Bird in Hand you can indulge on a 'Birds in the Gallery' degustation, a tasting menu from chef de cuisine Carlos Astudillo, paired with complementing wines.

You can also go for a trot around the world thanks to the range of cuisines. There's Spanish stew at Deviation Road, Latino heat at Bird in Hand, and US-style barbecue at Longview Vineyard. At Mordrelle Wines, Argentine winemaker Martin Moran gets together with cacao supremo Marcus Booth-Remmers to pair red wine with chocolate.

The spirit of international competition is also burning at Sidewood Estate near the small town of Verdun. Head chef at Maximillian's restaurant will be preparing a five-course dinner, and each course will be matched with a Sidewood wine. To prove the Adelaide Hills can hold their own anywhere, the wines will in turn be matched with a secret international equivalent. Which is better? You be the judge.

The perfect weekend at Mount Lofty Ranges Vineyard. Photo: Supplied

Ways to keep warm

Live blues, jazz and rock 'n' roll will inevitably lead to some dancing into the late hours, raising temperatures in the converted hay sheds, stables and barns.

Most cellar doors in the Hills are pretty relaxed about kids and have plenty of space (and cellar door dogs) to keep them happy. At Winter Reds, the littlies will find face painting at Wicks Estate's Winter Wonderland, games aplenty at Golding Wines and a welcome at O'Leary Walker Wines in the historic Johnston Brewery stables.

And finally, if you want to keep it real while you're keeping warm, pull on that sheepskin jerkin and horned helmet for the Feast of Valhalla. This Viking knees-up is being hosted by Unico Zelo at Glen Ewin Estate, and will include a 'spit roast of epic proportions'. Manners and cutlery are optional, but please leave your battle-axes at the door.

Entry to the non-ticketed general events is free. There are also an additional 15 ticketed events which cost from $30 to $200.

MORE INFORMATION

South Australia

GETTING THERE

Virgin Australia flies to Adelaide from all major Australian cities. Most major hire car companies are located at Adelaide Airport.

This article brought to you by the South Australian Tourism Commission.
The picturesque town of Carmona, some 35 kilometers northeast of Seville, has much to commend it: extensive Roman remains, a Moorish alcazar, or fortress, impressive walls, Baroque palaces and innumerable churches. But growing numbers of visitors, particularly from Japan, are drawn here for the spectacular sunflower fields on the outskirts of the town.

A Japanese tourist in the sunflower fields of Carmona, Sevilla.

Weve seen a huge increase in visitor numbers from Japan, as well as China and Korea, says Paula Moreno, who runs Carmonas tourism office. Its hard to say whether its just for the sunflowers, but rarely a day goes by without several groups or couples interested in seeing them. She says the number of visitors from Asia has increased from some 2,900 in 2012 to more than 4,000.

Mai Muraki, a twenty-something visitor from Japan, says she has come to Carmona especially to see the sunflower fields. I love sunflowers, they are beautiful, I love their color, their sheen, their elegance. Ive always loved them, ever since I was a child, she confesses.

I love sunflowers, they are beautiful. I love their color, their sheen, their elegance Mai Muraki, Japanese tourist

Muraki and a friend are waiting outside the tourism office for a taxi to take them to the sunflower fields, which cover more than 5,000 hectares. I dont know if Ill have time to take all the photos I want, she says.

Visitors have two options: they can take a taxi or use Girasoles de Carmona, which provides a tour of the farm, by a horse-drawn buggy if there is enough time, as well as information about sunflower growing, says Moreno. They have sunflowers in Asia, but not on this scale, where they stretch beyond the horizon, she adds, noting that the tourism office of Carmona is now in touch with travel agencies in Asia to organize larger groups during the growing season, which begins in May and lasts until the harvest in July.

They transmit happiness, something positive, says Muraki, holding onto a bag of sunflower seeds the tourism office has given her to plant. They are full of life, full of light, she adds.

Mai Muraki and a friend amid the sunflowers of Carmona.

Moreno explains that many visitors from Asia tell her that sunflowers represent vitality and fertility, and that in some parts of Japan there are sunflower festivals. They say they represent light, life, the sun, adds Victoria Perez of Girasoles de Carmona, who also shows visitors the very Spanish art of cracking open sunflower seeds  known as pipas  with her teeth.

Another visitor to Carmona, Jun Zhang, says that he fell in love with sunflowers after seeing Sophia Loren in the 1970 movie, Sunflower. They fascinated me, he explains, describing the fields in Spain as an endless sea of light.

Sunflower lovers can adopt a 40-square-meter patch and receive videos and photographs of every aspect of the growth cycle

They fill me with peace, with happiness, he says, returning from a walk through the fields. They make you want to lose yourself and stay there forever, hidden, or for 24 hours at least.

In response to the growing international interest in Carmonas sunflowers, Girasoles de Carmona is now offering virtual plantations. Via the internet, sunflower lovers can adopt a 40-square-meter patch for 250 and receive videos and photographs of every aspect of the growth cycle, from planting to harvest. They are then sent a dried sunflower from their patch.

For the first year, we have already received a good few requests. But above all, we get a lot of requests for information, says Perez.

English version by Nick Lyne.
When one thinks about a school health clinic, the image that comes to mind is likely that of a single harried nurse working in a dingy room with dated equipment. But school health centers have been undergoing something of a makeover in recent years, expanding in size and scope. In part, these changes reflect the impact of the $200 million allocated by the Affordable Care Act for school-based health centers. But they also are related to a broader push to focus on the social determinants of health.In Oregon, where school health advocates have been particularly proactive for the past two decades, the state increased its share of funding for local school clinics from $1.3 million in 2002 to $6.8 million in 2014. We emphasize that school-based health centers are part of the social safety net, and the number of kids that are in school are the number of kids who have access to health care, says Sarah Knipper, a school health economist at the Oregon Health Authority.Across the country, there is still a lot of unmet need for health services in public schools: More than half dont have even a single full-time nurse. Thats one reason that school-based health centers have been a breeding ground for experimentation in the brave new world of telemedicine.Underserved rural areas present a special opportunity for telehealth efforts. Before going to medical school, Steve North worked for Teach for America in rural North Carolina, and he was struck by just how much health impacts a childs ability to come to school and thrive. Now, as medical director of the North Carolina-based Center for Rural Health Innovation, hes overseen a telehealth program that in six years has grown to 33 schools in the state. In three rural counties, every school now has access to telehealth options. Some urban school districts also have been testing the waters. In the Bronx, where there are 23 school-based health centers but just one school child psychiatrist, telehealth has been used for psychiatric medication management appointments.But few in the school health community see telehealth as a fix-all for underserved areas, particularly when it comes to preventive care. My greatest fear is were going to buy this equipment and think its a replacement for a school nurse, says John Schlitt, president of the School-Based Health Alliance. You can do some great things with acute care and mental health, but its not a primary care tool.North agrees, adding that hes been getting phone calls from venture capitalists looking to cash in on the innovative technology of telehealth. Whenever I explain that telehealth must be integrated care focused on the whole child -- care that ultimately helps them reach educational achievement -- that typically ends the conversation.That focus on the whole child -- including family and neighborhood factors seen as determinants of health -- is one reason some school clinics have opened their doors to the outside community. North says this marks a changing attitude around school health clinics, which historically havent been brought into conversations around healthier communities. North sees school clinics ultimately fitting into a broader patient-centered community care model. School clinics, he says, should be a resource, not a competitor.
Governor Rick Scott signed a controversial, 278-page education bill Thursday that most school districts and superintendents fought against but pro-charter advocates pushed.Scott signed the bill at a ceremony at an Orlando private school, saying it will help all students.The bill would, among other things, send hundreds of millions more in taxpayer dollars to charter school operators while reducing what districts get for such things as school construction, maintenance and education programs for poor students, critics said.Proponents say the bill will be more fair to charter schools and their students."It is so gratifying to me ... to see dollars actually following the student. So many of our most vulnerable students will benefit from this," said Ken Haiko, chairman of Renaissance Charter School, Inc., which governs 30 schools in Florida, including some in Jacksonville.But Duval interim Superintendent Patricia Willis said the bill could have devastating effects on public school students, while letting charter schools skirt local government zoning laws."I am disappointed this has now been signed into law," she said. "This signature is truly a signal to families that inequities between traditional public schools and charter schools are acceptable, and restricting local control has outweighed the educational needs of our community."Duval officials said the law could lead to the closures of three Jacksonville middle schools if they don't earn a C or better this summer, and it could end up closing 20 or more schools next year, because the new law gives public schools less time to climb out of their D or F grade status than in prior years.District officials also said there will be fewer district-wide programs for Title 1 schools -- which are schools with the most students in poverty -- because the new law sends more of that money directly to schools, including charter schools, and less to district-wide efforts."To remain proactive, my leadership team has been looking at possible scenarios and strategies due to expected shifts in funding, enrollment projections, operations, and transportation," Willis said. "There are far too many questions right now, but we will remain steadfast in our planning for the upcoming school year."Bill proponents say the measure increases recess time in school districts and boosts money for students with disabilities and for teachers and principals who scored high on SAT and ACT college entrance exams.The legislation was a top priority for House Speaker Richard Corcoran, R-Land O' Lakes, whose wife runs a charter school in Pasco County. Corcoran said through a spokesman that his wife makes no money from the charter school and it won't benefit from some of the financial measures in the bill.The "Schools of Hope" measure sets aside $140 million to attract charter school operators with a track record for helping low-income students. Duval officials have questioned whether a School of Hope could open that is large enough and near enough to accommodate all displaced middle school students if their schools close.Representative Jason Fischer, a former Duval County School Board member, said the new law "marks the start of a bold and innovative plan to reform and strengthen Florida's K-12 education system."Teachers unions disagreed. This week teachers in Jacksonville and across the state protested against the bill, even though it includes something their unions want: The bill would remove the link between teacher pay and teacher "value added" scores, which are supposed to be based on student performance.Some opponents of the new bill say it slashes money for struggling schools while forcing districts to pay for charter schools they can't afford. State Sen. Gary Farmer, D-Broward County, in a letter Tuesday to Scott, called it a monstrosity created with too little public debate."This bill, which faced bipartisan opposition in the State Senate, has the potential to devastate Florida's public education system," he wrote. "This dreadful piece of legislation ... would dramatically reduce the ability of school districts across the state to devote resources towards improving our public education ... his bill is a textbook example of a failure in government transparency."Farmer serves on the Senate's Education Committee.The Florida Coalition of School Board members, a conservative education group, is taking some credit for the passage, saying it helped structure and promote the bill. It says the bill's "groundbreaking reform policies" will benefit all students.* Requires districts to split with charters equally the local money each district raises to pay for capital expenditures.* Sets aside $140 million for "Schools of Hope," which are described as charter schools with a track record of success serving poor students.* Sends $30 million more to Gardiner Scholarships, which help pay for educational services for students with disabilities.* Ends the state-required algebra II end-of-course exam, while pushing back other state exams until May.
Education bills

Child welfare

Sandra Bland Act

With three days left for him to sign or veto bills passed during the regular session, Gov. Greg Abbott has signed into law legislation that would give faith-based adoption agencies legal protection to reject gay parents, let voters decide the fate of Dallas County Schools and create a law named after a woman who died in custody after a controversial arrest.On Thursday, Abbott vetoed 50 bills, the most killed by a Texas governor in a decade, but he has also stayed busy signing laws around education, law enforcement and child welfare.Local voters will determine the fate of the embattled Dallas County Schools, which provides busing and other services for some area districts.Legislation calling for a November election was included in a catch-all education bill Abbott signed Thursday. The move to scrap the countywide agency came after several reports by KXAS-TV (NBC5) on questionable business dealings, political contributions and financial challenges. There were also reports of bus drivers running red lights and running late to schoolsInterim superintendent Leatha Mullins issued a statement Thursday saying the agency will meet as soon as Tuesday to discuss what's next."It makes no sense to dismantle an agency that has been serving the county and students for 170 years," she said. "This decision will have dire consequences for all of the school districts involved."Also in that bill was a measure allowing school staffers who have a license to carry to keep firearms in their private vehicles while parked at the campus or other district property. Another measure in the bill aimed to stop so-called lunch shaming by requiring schools to set grace periods and notify parents of low accounts.Abbott also signed a revamp of the new A-F grading system for schools.Superintendents across the state cried foul when the Texas Education Agency unveiled a preliminary look at the accountability system, saying it stigmatized schools in the poorest neighborhoods.Under the new law, districts will receive overall A-F grades next year and campuses will be graded in 2019.In recent days, Abbott finalized a measure by a Dallas lawmaker that bans suspending kids in pre-K through second grade except in the most extreme cases.The governor also signed laws that: extended the lifeline of graduation committees that allow students who fail STAAR tests to earn a diploma anyway; create stiffer penalties for cyberbullies; allow some community colleges to offer bachelor degrees; and develop an early childhood teacher certification.Beginning Sept. 1, adoption agencies will get extra legal cover if they cite their religious beliefs as a reason to deny services or turn away prospective parents.The law will apply to both taxpayer-funded and private child-placing agencies in Texas, giving these groups an additional defense if they're sued. It will also prohibit the state from taking "adverse action" against such groups for placing a child in a religious school or denying a child in their care access to abortion or contraception, among other things, if they cite their "sincerely-held religious beliefs."Opponents said the move was tantamount to state-sanctioned bigotry. Christian groups can use the new law, they warn, to turn away good families based on sexual orientation or belief in another religion, like Judaism or Islam."Abbott has codified anti-LGBTQ discrimination into law," said Marty Rouse, national field director for the Human Rights Campaign. "This law will now prioritize discrimination over the best interests of children looking for a loving, stable home."Opponents point to the state's ongoing child welfare crisis as another downside to the new law. With an overabundance of adoptable children in Texas, the state should be trying to find more prospective parents, they said, not allowing taxpayer-funded groups to turn them away.But Republicans who pushed the bill this year said it's this very crisis that spurred them to file the legislation. Christian adoption agencies in Texas have threatened to pull out, as they have in other states, if they're forced to violate their beliefs.Giving them legal cover will allow them to keep working in Texas, proponents say. The law requires the groups to find an alternative agency for families they reject.Abbott signed into law several law enforcement bills Thursday, including a hotly debated one named after Sandra Bland, an African-American woman whose death in the Waller County Jail was ruled a suicide after a state trooper arrested her during a traffic stop.Her 2015 death became a symbol of the tense relationship between police and communities of color. Rep. Garnet Coleman, D-Houston, introduced a bill named for Bland that proposed drastic changes to policing standards and policies to avoid similar deaths.Opposition from law enforcement groups doomed Coleman's bill. A companion bill by Sen. John Whitmire, D-Houston, cleared both chambers but was stripped of the toughest provisions and dealt mostly with improving mental health standards and training and reporting racial profiling. Bland's family said it "missed the mark" in addressing the factors that led to her death.Coleman said the law was a "building block" and touted its efforts to improve de-escalation training for officers and jail cell checks for people suffering from mental illness. The law also requires independent agencies to investigate jail deaths.Abbott also signed laws that will create fees for police departments that don't report officer-involved shootings or injuries, provide free prekindergarten to children of first responders killed or hurt while on duty and designate July 7, the anniversary of the downtown Dallas shooting, as Fallen Law Enforcement Officer Day.
Europe is concerned about the fact that a good portion of the so-called sharing economy is bypassing the rules. On Thursday, the European Union Parliament passed a resolution asking for common measures to fight abuse and ensure that collaborative platforms respect workers rights and consumers rights as well as honoring their tax obligations .

MEPs voting in Strasbourg. PATRICK SEEGER (EFE)

Without singling out individual companies by name, MEPs warned that this business model could lead to precarious situations, although they also stressed that regulation should not restrict the sharing, or collaborative, economy.

Meanwhile, the European Commission is analyzing new guidelines for the vacation rental industry, where peer-to-peer accommodation platforms such as Airbnb have made huge inroads.

Mixed feelings

European institutions have mixed feelings about this new reality. On the one hand, they do not wish to create hurdles to job creation in a continent where economic recovery is slow. On the other, they have observed the difficulties of getting these services to pay taxes, cover their workers social security contributions, or make themselves accountable to customers in the way traditional businesses are.

Without clearing up whether they are asking for new regulations or simply the implementation of existing rules, the EU Parliament approved a resolution that warns about the need to address regulatory gray areas that cause significant differences in the Member States national and local regulations and case law.

Regulation is required to avoid a dual legal reality between the digital and the traditional economy

Sergio Gutierrez, Socialist MEP

The non-binding resolution was approved by 510 votes to 60, with 48 abstentions

Its being addressed more through case law than anything else, said Nicola Danti, the social-democrat rapporteur who presented the report to parliament. Thats led to rules that are difficult to interpret and to a fragmentary market.

Although it originally welcomed the new business model with open arms, the vertiginous growth of the collaborative economy has created situations of unfair competition in sectors such as transportation. In Spain, there is growing confrontation between the regular taxi sector and app-based ride services such as Uber and Cabify.

Barcelona residents protesting vacation rentals, which they say are driving up rents in the city center. G Battista

In a country that relies heavily on tourism, the battle has also moved to the accommodation sector, where Airbnb and other peer-to-peer platforms have been targeted by authorities in Barcelona, Mallorca and elsewhere.

Thursdays resolution recommends establishing criteria to differentiate between individual and professional providers, and to ensure that these businesses respect labor, consumer and tax legislation.

Spanish politicians in the chamber had differing views on the text. Regulation is required to avoid a dual legal reality between the digital and the traditional economy, said Sergio Gutierrez, a Socialist who supported the resolution.

And Tania Gonzalez, of Podemos, said the text is not clear enough and asked for a regulatory framework to avoid camouflaging precarious jobs as opportunities for youth employment and entrepreneurship.

Meanwhile Anna Maria Corazza Bildt, a Swedish politician of the European Peoples Party, said that overregulation is not the solution. We must spur economic growth in Europe.

English version by Susana Urra.
A proposed "millionaire tax" constitutional amendment is heading to the 2018 ballot after Massachusetts lawmakers voted 134-55 Wednesday to place the measure before voters.Under the plan, individuals with annual incomes above $1 million would be subject to a 4 percent surtax. The surtax would only apply to portions of income over $1 million. The current income tax rate is 5.1 percent.Supporters, who have dubbed the measure the Fair Share Amendment, say it would raise an extra $1.9 billion each year that could only be spent on "quality public education, affordable public colleges and universities, and the repair and maintenance of roads, bridges, and public transportation.""This fair share amendment is asking those with the highest income among us to pay a bit more, to pay their fair share," said Democratic Rep. Jay Kaufman during the joint legislative session.Critics argue it would hurt the state's business climate, drive away jobs, and put pressure on the state's wealthiest individuals to move away.
Two years after Gov. Greg Abbott announced Texas would build the country's first state-run gold depository, the project took a major step forward Wednesday.Comptroller Glenn Hegar announced at a news conference at the Capitol that his office had selected Austin-based Lone Star Tangible Assets as the private vendor tasked with building and operating the Texas Bullion Depository.The Texas Bullion Depository will offer Texas safe, fully-insured storage of precious metals providing an alternative to the depositories largely located in and around New York City, Hegar said.In 2015, the Texas Legislature passed House Bill 483, creating a gold depository in Texas. The project's main cheerleader, state Rep. Giovanni Capriglione, R-Southlake, was only able to pass the bill after rewriting it to ensure there would be no cost to the state by requiring that a private vendor run it and charge fees.The depository will store gold and other precious metals, allowing customers to open accounts and potentially pay for transactions with them.The state has signed a five-year-contract with Lone Star Tangible Assets with two one-year extension options, Hegar said.Hegar said the depository could open in Lone Star's current Austin facility as early as January. The company will also build a new vault facility in the Austin-area specifically for the Texas Bullion Depository, Hegar said. That facility could be ready as early as December 2018.But Hegar said he expects Texans won't have to travel to Austin to open accounts at the depository.We envision a network of licensed and insured depository agents to help Texans sign up for our services, Hegar said.The announcement ends a two-year review process in the Comptrollers office for a private vendor to run the depository. More than a dozen companies responded last year to Hegar's request for private sector input on the project. Tom Smelker, the director of Treasury Operations in the Comptrollers office, will serve as the state's first Texas Bullion Depository administrator.Abbott drew national attention in 2015 when he announced that the depository would allow Texas to repatriate $1 billion in gold bullion currently being stored in New York. He was referring to gold bullion assets held by the University of Texas Investment Management Company, which oversees the assets of both the University of Texas and Texas A&M systems.The nonprofit currently has $861.4 million worth of gold bullion in storage at the HSBC Bank in New York City, according to Jenny LaCoste-Caputo, a spokeswoman for the UT system. But UTIMCO officials appear unlikely to move their gold holdings to the state depository. Officials there have previously said the Texas depository would have to be a member of the Chicago Mercantile Exchanges COMEX platform, where gold futures contracts are traded. LaCoste-Caputo confirmed Tuesday that that condition still holds.The new state depository will not be a member of COMEX, according to Matthew Ferris, chairman of Lone Star Tangible Assets. He pointed to geographical limitations as preventing the Texas Bullion Depository from joining.Ultimately, our goal is to create liquidity of COMEX levels in the state of Texas for those large institutions over time, Ferris said.LaCoste-Caputo also said that gold storage fees UTIMCO pays would have to be cheaper at the Texas depository than it currently pays in New York for the organization to make the switch.
A bipartisan group of state attorneys general announced on Thursday that they are jointly investigating the marketing and sales practices of drug companies that manufacture opioid painkillers at the center of a national addiction epidemic.Attorneys general from states including Massachusetts, Texas, Illinois and Pennsylvania announced the investigation two weeks after Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine sued five drug manufacturers for misrepresenting the risks of opioids."We are looking into what role, if any, marketing and related practices might have played in the increasing prescription and use of these powerful and addictive drugs," District of Columbia Attorney General Karl Racine, a Democrat, said in a statement.
Delaware Gov. John Carney, a Democrat, has signed a new law prohibiting prospective employers from asking job applicants about their salary history.The law also bars employers from screening applicants based on their previous compensation.In the absence of legislation from the U.S. Congress, governors in California, Connecticut, Illinois, New York, North Dakota and Oregon have signed equal pay laws in recent years.The latest move to outlaw disparate pay arrives as new studies indicate that American women earn 80 percent of what men earn doing comparable work.A study released Monday by the Harvard Business Review found that the gap widens as workers age. The report found that the average male college graduate by his early forties earns 55 percent more than the average female college graduate of the same age.In public workforces, male state workers earn more than their female counterparts in many states.In a statement, Carney said the Delaware law would address the persistent wage gap between men and women and guarantee men and women would be paid the same for equal work.
Oregon became the first U.S. state to allow residents to identify as "nonbinary," neither male nor female, on their driver licenses and identification cards Thursday in a decision by The Oregon Transportation Commission.Beginning July 1, Oregonians will be able to choose "X" for sex Instead of "F" or "M" on their licenses and identification cards. Applicants will have to pay replacement or renewal fees.Transgender and intersex Oregonians say the change validates their identities and makes them safer as they hand over their licenses at restaurants, health clinics and airports. Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles officials say they received little opposition to the change, which they first announced plans to carry out last summer. Of 83 comments, both written and oral, only 12 people opposed the change.The testimony offered "important insight into some DMV customers that according to one of the witnesses are as common as redheads," said Tom McClellan, the division administrator for the department. "People didn't share their testimony. They shared their stories. They told us of their struggles so we would understand the need."The rule change follows a historic precedent set last year when a Multnomah County Circuit Court judge allowed Portland Army veteran Jamie Shupe to legally identify as neither male nor female. Legal experts believed the ruling was a first in the United States.An estimated 20,000 Oregonians identify as transgender, according to The Williams Institute at the University of California-Los Angeles. A 2015 nationwide survey of 28,000 transgender people found that more than a third identified as neither male nor female.Since Shupe's win, judges in Polk and Benton counties have allowed transgender Oregonians to change their legal gender to neither male nor female.California legislators also are considering a bill that would allow drivers to register as "nonbinary." In Oregon, the change does not require a legislative vote because state law does not stipulate that a driver has to choose male or female.Commissioner Sean O'Hollaren said he was glad the state had embraced the change."I hope those who will use X as an identifier will feel an element of comfort moving forward," O'Hollaren said. "It's something we're not only doing because legally our hand is forced. It's something we should do because it's the right thing to do."
A federal court struck down regulations intended to cap the price of some calls to prison inmates, which can cost families thousands of dollars a year.In a 2-1 decision, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia found Tuesday that the Federal Communication Commission lacked authority to set rates for calls between inmates and people in the same state.Companies that provide prison phone service have defended their prices and sued to stop the 2015 FCC rules . The in-state rate caps, intended to stop high charges between inmates and people in the same state, were suspended by earlier court decisions and never went into effect. The FCC does regulate the price of out-of-state calls for prisoners.Advocates for prisoners and their families have long pushed for regulation to prevent price-gouging in the inmate phone market. The FCC noted in 2015 that costs for a call could be as high as $14 a minute, a prohibitive expense for many low-income families trying to stay in touch with incarcerated loved ones.
:

Budget 2017/2018 underlines Governments aim of

boosting investment, growth and job creation. To achieve this goal, the budget sets out key actions geared towards easing the processes for the labour market.

Major measures are:

Introduction of a short-term bridging work permit to address delays in processing of applications for the renewal of work permits.

Issue and renewal of work permits to be made within the reduced timeframe of 15 working days, instead of 40 working days.

Extension of the 8-year work permit policy for expatriate workers in the export-oriented enterprises to all manufacturing activities to better address manpower shortages. This concerns the textile sector, the construction industry and furniture making and agro industry.

Regarding

the Skills Development programme several measures have been enunciated in view of
(TNS)  Programs that Gov. John Kasich has advocated in recent years to spark innovation and shared services among communities and schools would die under the state Senate's proposed budget changes.Those include the governor's newly proposed chief innovation officer, a feature of his State of the State address in April.Senate President Larry Obhof, R-Medina, said the changes proposed this week were not pain-free as Republicans crafted a two-year budget designed to cover a potential $1 billion shortfall in tax revenue.Those changes include the elimination of the Local Government Innovation Fund and the Straight-A Fund, which have combined to award about $320 million in grants and loans to communities and schools in recent years."It was just a priority decision we made and thought the funds could be utilized better elsewhere," said Sen. Scott Oelslager, R-Canton, chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, who said no specific concerns were raised about the funds.Kasich set up the Straight A Fund in 2014 as a way to help fund innovative ideas to educate Ohio students and reduce costs. It has distributed $263 million in grants for 104 projects.The governor's office was unfailingly polite when asked about how legislators are treating him with a year and a half left in his final term."We will continue to work with both the House and Senate to ensure fiscal stability while finding ways to position Ohio as a leader in emerging technologies that will ultimately spur economic growth and create jobs," said Emmalee Kalmbach, the governor's press secretary.Tom Ash of the Buckeye Association of School Administrators said the fund has been successful. The idea, he said, was to start shifting some of the focus of the Straight-A Fund toward replicating successful programs that were funded by previous grants.Ash pointed to distance-learning programs to give more classroom options, and to a transportation project in southeastern Ohio that is helping to save money by using electronic monitors and GPS systems."Everyone is pretty well convinced that has saved money by making bus routes more efficient," Ash said. "I think the fund accomplished what it was set out to do. It's unfortunate there is not enough money for the replication part of it."In 2015, the Dublin schools received nearly $1 million to create a partnership to offer students dual enrollment for an associate degree in information technology. Westerville, partnering with South-Western City Schools and others, got $8.4 million to create a digital portal to assist with professional development and the selection of digital curriculum.Grant awards were significantly smaller in the past two years, as funding was reduced by about 85 percent. This year, grants included $565,500 to the Columbus schools to improve public-private partnerships and $261,800 to New Albany to help students pursue careers in environmental science, energy and engineering.Meanwhile, the Local Government Innovation Fund, which had $17.2 million available over the past two years, would see its funding go to zero under the Senate budget plan.Since 2012, the Local Government Innovation Council has given out $38 million in grants and low-interest loans through innovation and efficiency programs. Most of that money funded about 400 grants.All of the grant money has been spent, said Todd Walker, spokesman for the state Development Services Agency. About $20 million in loan money is unspent, but Senate Republicans want to shift that into the general-revenue fund to balance the overall budget.Grove City, in partnership with the South-Western schools and Jackson Township, got a $45,000 grant in 2015 to study potential cost savings from the use of alternative fuels in their vehicles and increasing fuel efficiency. The city of Hilliard got a similar $45,000 grant.In May, Columbus State Community College received $50,000 to study how to implement shared law-enforcement training.After grants helped pay for studies, the loans were designed to help communities implement the findings. However, the loans failed to gain much traction, Walker said."We reached out to all the grant recipients from phase one, and most had no interest in a loan to do phase two," Walker said.GOP legislators also might kill off a Safety Capital Grant Program that over the past two years distributed $19.5 million to help communities with public-safety purchases. That included $470,000 last year for Gahanna and surrounding townships to upgrade communications and $160,000 to improve security at the Norwich Township joint safety services building.In his State of the State address, Kasich announced a plan to better position Ohio economically and technologically to capitalize on high-tech jobs of the future. He sought $750,000 a year to create an Institute of Technology within his office, to be directed by a chief innovation officer to coordinate research and development at universities and in the private sector. The goal would be creating in-demand technology jobs.The proposal ended up on the Senate's cutting-room floor along with general across-the-board spending cuts of 3 to 4 percent for state agencies.Sen. Kevin Bacon, R-Minerva Park, a member of the Senate Finance Committee, said he would love to keep those programs funded, along with others, but money is tight. He and others suggested that some of those funds could be restored as the budget debate continues over the next two weeks."When we're underwater, everything is on the table," he said. "I don't think the funds were targeted for any particular reason, other than we're trying to find budget lines to remove."Legislators already had sunk Kasich's proposal to shift taxes to generate a small state income-tax cut.
prioritize safety;

promote continued innovation and reduce existing roadblocks;

remain tech neutral;

reinforce separate federal and state roles;

strengthen cybersecurity; and

educate the public to encourage responsible adoption of self-driving vehicles.

During a June 14 hearing, members from the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation spoke to their game-changing ability to provide a safer alternative to traditional driving.And the safety of traditional driving is questionable; also during the hearing, called Paving the Way for Self-Driving Vehicles , the statistic that 94 percent of crashes are caused by human error or decision was referenced many times, as was the potential in automation to drastically reduce this figure.To that end, senators John Thune, R-S.D., Gary Peters, D-Mich., and Bill Nelson, D-Fla., codified a set of six legislative principles for future autonomous vehicle legislation to follow:The release of the principles and the hearing itself are a great step in the right direction, Vinn White, former deputy assistant secretary for the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), who is now with Deloitte, told. This is moving faster than many of us have anticipated.To White, this release of principles seems to be a natural evolution of the process started under then-DOT Secretary Anthony Foxx. In 2016, the DOT's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released guidance for highly autonomous vehicles , breaking down what the federal government is responsible for and what the states are responsible for when it comes to the new technology. The move to put out the non-binding guidance was designed to set the framework for the discussion that's now being held, White explained.And while it may seem like it's hard to build bipartisan consensus on any issue in 2017, self-driving vehicle regulation is a rare opportunity to come together without overly politicizing the situation. However, it is not altogether surprising given the enormous benefits and how wide-ranging they are.While [senators] might have different interests, theyre all aligning on this front, said White, adding that the current ecosystem is really a mosaic of how this technology can impact the transportation network we have. While there are pockets of self-driving research happening in Silicon Valley or freight research in the Midwest or connected vehicle pilots in other parts of the country, it all starts to paint a picture of what the system as a whole looks like.Mark Dowd, who helped format the U.S. DOTs Smart City Challenge and is now a visiting scholar with the University of California, Berkeley, was also encouraged by the show of solidarity."It is great that there's a bipartisan effort to bring some clarity to the automated vehicle space," he said, noting that while he's encouraged by the action, he also wants to ensure that cities keep hold of their jurisdictions for the inevitable onset of autonomous vehicles. Understanding the need to avoid a patchwork of regulations, cities will be the de facto rollout test beds for this technology, so they need to have some oversight as to when and how AVs are demonstrated.One of the most concerning outcomes for transportation planners is that if the rollout and deployment of autonomous vehicles is not properly thought out, several of the potential benefits of AVs could be negated. Take, for instance, if the personal ownership model persists and switches to self-driving cars, this could create significantly more vehicle-miles traveled, ultimately causing worse congestion. People could potentially send their car home rather than paying for expensive parking in an urban core.This is a nightmare for people like Pete Gould, who worked for the DOT, Uber and founded a transportation consulting business called Shared Mobility Strategies. While applauding the action taken by the members of the committee, Gould said he is hesitant about the principle of tech neutrality. Favoring one companys technology is obviously wrong, but he explained that there is a difference between favoring technologies and encouraging certain policy outcomes, such as a cleaner vehicle fleet to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.It is helpful from a public policy standpoint to be putting your thumb on scale of a shared system, he said, adding that he hopes with any future legislation, Congress feels comfortable with using certain levers of influence in order to achieve an outcome that makes sense. There's a role to play there, and I don't think that they [legislators] need to stay completely neutral, and I don't know if they should.Legislators, he said, need to ensure that the rollout of AVs is woven into a broader mobility ecosystem of public transit and responsible roadway designs.Weve seen broad agreement that a fundamental shift is driving a move away from personally owned, driver-driven vehicles toward a future mobility system centered on driverless vehicles and shared mobility, White said. We believe the dream of the future of mobility  on-demand travel that is faster, safer, cleaner and more efficient  may be possible sooner than many expect.
(TNS) -- What do Mark Zuckerbergs private security officers and drivers of school buses, Uber cars and the many construction vehicles sitting curbside on Palo Altos streets have in common?Theyre all idlers  of parked vehicles. And to the dismay of many city residents, their idling vehicles spew pollutants into the air that could harm people and the environment.Neilson Buchanan, who lives just north of downtown, said he sees idling vehicles all over town.One day last week, Buchanan noticed shuttles and vans idling as they waited at the Caltrain stop for passengers; a bus idling as its passengers toured the Apple store; and Uber and Lyft drivers parked in the shade near his home waiting for customers during the evening rush hour.Not only do I see them, I can hear them and smell them, Buchanan said. The noise and smell pollution from diesel trucks is unmistakable. Its kind of annoying to hear all the rumble, rumble, rumble.Diesel trucks and buses arent the only culprits. Even Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerbergs private security detail has been outed.Norm Beamer, president of the Crescent Park Neighborhood Association, said some residents were concerned enough to approach the private security officers who sat outside Zuckerbergs home in idling vehicles around the clock.I think people understand why he needs security people 24 hours a day, and some neighbors actually like the security because they feel it makes the neighborhood less vulnerable to burglaries and such, Beamer said. But people dont like the idea of the cars running with the engines on. The optics of that are not very good in light of concerns about global warming.Residents say the officers seemed to have ceased idling in recent days, according to Beamer.A spokesperson who handles personal communication for Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla Chan said by email Wednesday: The security team takes measures to reduce idling as much as possible, from using batteries to power all of their devices to limiting how often they power their vehicle  approximately 1 out of every 8 hours.The spokesperson also said the security team has long taken measures to reduce idling, but redoubled its efforts after hearing from neighbors.Shelly Gordon, who serves on the executive committee of the Loma Prieta chapter of the Sierra Club, says Palo Alto city leaders can help solve the problem by adopting a vehicle anti-idling ordinance.The ordinance could ban vehicles from idling for longer than one minute, unless theyre waiting for traffic lights to turn green.Such an ordinance would improve air quality and human health, lower carbon emissions, protect the environment and reduce oil and gas consumption, Gordon said in a letter to the City Council.Idling vehicles are seemingly less harmful than moving vehicles, but they have a negative impact, too, Gordon noted.Idling vehicles emit more than 40,000 tons of carbon every day in the United States, Gordon said. This equates to $13,444,400 wasted on 3.8 million gallons of fuel.Besides emitting carbon, idling cars effuse all kinds of particulate matter, Gordon added. It gets lodged in our lungs and it stays there.Vice Mayor Liz Kniss and council members Karen Holman, Eric Filseth and Tom DuBois agree the city should take some kind of action on the issue. They submitted a colleagues memo for review last week and hope the full council can tackle the topic after summer break.Holman, who makes it a point to turn off her engine when shes waiting too long in a drive-thru, says it wouldnt be practical to have drivers do the same at stop lights. But she would back a city ordinance that applies to idling construction vehicles.With so many construction projects ongoing in Palo Alto at any given time, such an ordinance would go a long way, she said.We understand emergency vehicles have to keep engines running, Holman said. But I think most of our experience is seeing people sitting in the car talking on the phone.Council members say an anti-idling ordinance would help the city make headway on its Sustainability/Climate Action Plan goal of reducing carbon emissions by 80 percent from 1990 levels by the year 2030. Palo Alto also is trying to reduce the number of people driving alone in the city and considering other ways to reduce car travel, such as eliminating free public parking.The city emitted 780,900 metric tons of carbon dioxide and similar pollutants in 1990, according to its action plan. This means that the citys goal is 156,180 tons.Filseth said the city is a little over a third of the way there through transportation, energy and waste-reduction initiatives.Reducing curbside idling by cars and trucks could reduce transportation-related emissions by 1,000 tons or more per year, and every bit helps, Filseth said.This would be a modest but non-negligible contribution to the target, and we think it can be achieved simply and inexpensively, Filseth said. Just education alone would probably achieve most of it.Sierra Club members say the mission should be to inform people they are in charge of carbon emissions. They also would like to see Palo Alto join the Idle Free Bay Area campaign, in conjunction with the Spare the Air effort.Idle Free Bay Area wants to dispel myths such as how vehicles are harmed if the engine is not warmed up through idling or that shutting off and restarting vehicles hurt an engine.Thirty seconds of idling actually uses more fuel than restarting the engine, according to the group.Gordon said she envisions the ordinance as an opportunity to educate people. Cities with anti-idling ordinances often hand out a few warnings and brochures to drivers idling their cars before citing and fining them, she said.In the Bay Area, Gordon said she often hands out postcards with information about idling to drivers she sees at shopping centers and schools.Earlier this year, students Andy Zeng, Rachel Loewy and Tanli Su, members of the Sierra Club Youth Climate Action Leadership Team, monitored and educated parents and students at Hoover Elementary School about idling.Over a two-week period, the students monitored parents picking up students and counted 162 of them idling for more than 60 seconds and about 40 for more than 10 minutes.To address this issue, the students handed out pledge cards for parents to sign.In a video the students produced and posted on YouTube about their work, Loewy says that idling wastes gas and money, and wears down car engines. The students showed the video during a Palo Alto council meeting in May.
North Korea launched a charm offensive in the Spanish capital on Thursday, with the normally secretive state opening the doors of its embassy in Madrid to journalists, who had been invited to a presentation of the countrys plans to develop a tourism industry, and with it, bring in much-needed foreign currency.

The Munsu water park in Pyongyang, North Korea. Reuters

They say it is difficult to travel to our country, but thats not true. You can get a visa in less than a month, said Kim Hyok-chol, North Koreas ambassador to Spain.

Along with newly built resorts and theme parks, a rapid slide presentation highlighted North Koreas magnificent scenery, as well as architectural feats such as the tallest victory arch on the planet. Kim did not mention the more than 200,000 political prisoners Amnesty International estimates are held in jail, and there was no talk of the demilitarized zone or the countrys leader, Kim Jong-un.

There was no mention the more than 200,000 political prisoners Amnesty International estimates are held in jail

During the presentation, Taleb Rifai, the Jordanian Secretary General of the UNs World Tourism Organization (WTO), encouraged Spaniards and Europeans to visit North Korea, saying this would help open the country up to outside influences: The more Europeans go to North Korea, the more opportunities North Koreans will have to learn about the wider world.

Rifai recently visited North Korea, where he said he received a warm welcome: I have never met such hospitable people.

But while the WTO, which is based in Madrid, is encouraging people to visit North Korea, the UN Security Council is imposing sanctions over the 10 missile tests Pyongyang has carried out this year.

North Korea has also ramped up its anti-US rhetoric in recent months. Mr Kim blamed Washington for escalating the diplomatic conflict. The United States has used the media to demonize our country with fake news, he said, adding: They say my country is closed, that it is difficult to enter, but it is the United States that is closing its doors.

They say it is difficult to travel to our country, but can get a visa in less than a month Kim Hyok-chol, North Koreas ambassador to Spain

Visitors to North Korea, a country with a population of 25 million, must be accompanied by an officially appointed guide. If you wish to eat in a restaurant in Pyongyang you can go alone, but if you wish to visit areas outside the capital, you will be accompanied, said Mr Kim, insisting that such measures were a safety precaution: Until now, this has been the safest and most comfortable way to travel in the country.

The WTO says that some 120,000 people visited North Korea in 2014. Mr Kim says the country is aiming to increase that figure to one million within 10 years and aims to learn about developing its tourism industry from countries like Spain. He says that the North Korean government is developing its tourism infrastructure to attract greater numbers of overseas visitors and plans to speed up visa application approval to around one week.

English version by Nick Lyne.
Ready to Launch

Interacting With Doctors

The towering tornado that struck Hattiesburg, Mississippi, in 2013 ripped roofs off houses, twisted steel girders as though they were Play-Doh, obliterated buildings, and tossed cars through the air like toys. It barreled down Hardy Street like a bowling ball, said Dr. Italo Subbarao.In the aftermath of the twister, Subbarao, an associate dean and disaster medicine specialist at the William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Hattiesburg, sent his students out to study how quickly emergency medical teams had responded to the disaster. The tornado, with winds up to 170 mph, had injured at least 80 people. In some cases, the students found, emergency medical responders had been slowed by fallen trees, power lines and debris as they tried to reach the injured.That research led Subbarao to wonder if there was a way to deliver medical care before emergency responders could navigate the mayhem that comes with a natural or man-made disaster. His answer: a drone outfitted with audiovisual equipment and medical supplies.By combining the two technologies, drones and telemedicine, a doctor miles away could instruct a layman at the scene in how to provide rudimentary, but perhaps life-saving, medical care.Subbaraos project, which he began the year after the Hattiesburg tornado, has now produced three prototypes and conducted several demonstration flights. It appears to be the most advanced attempt to equip a drone with audiovisual equipment so doctors and survivors can interact in an emergency. Subbarao said he has gotten inquiries from state officials in Arizona, Louisiana, New York and Texas. Emergency management officials from Dallas, New York City, Phoenix and Washington, D.C., have reached out to him, as have officials from Europe, the Middle East and Africa.Drone technology has been around for at least half a century, and for years people in health care have speculated about the medical use of drones, for example to transport medicines, organs for transplants, blood supplies and anti-venom serums.But to date, very few of those possibilities have been realized, in part because of the federal rules governing drones. By law, non-military drones can only be operated within the pilots line of sight, during the daytime, and at altitudes no higher than 400 feet.The most extensive use of drones for medical purposes appears to be in Rwanda, where last year drones started dropping medical supplies to hospitals. In the U.S., Remote Area Medical, a nonprofit that delivers medical care to isolated regions around the world, did a test drop of medications in a mountainous area of southwest Virginia in 2015. The next year, Field Innovation Team, a nonprofit that devises technological solutions to disasters, ran a test off the coast of Cape May, New Jersey, to carry a blood sample from a ship two miles out in the Atlantic to a doctor on shore.Subbarao and a medical student named Guy Paul Cooper Jr. started building several interactive medical kits geared toward different types of disasters (tornadoes, shootings) and the first two drone prototypes in 2014. Then, looking for additional expertise, they joined forces with the unmanned aircraft systems program at Hinds Community College in Raymond, Mississippi, and its director, Dennis Lott.They now have three rotary-winged drone prototypes capable of carrying medical kits weighing up to 20 pounds. (The legal limit for drones in the U.S. is 55 pounds.) So far, the project has been financed by the schools, but the inventors said they will soon begin seeking grants to continue the work.They have already held several successful demonstrations , including one in December for representatives of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, federal law enforcement agencies and the United Nations. They are working with the state on integrating the medical drones with existing emergency systems, and Subbarao says he hopes to have a real-life medical drone in operation before the end of the year.Lee Smithson, director of the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency, said, This is going to be a phenomenal way to provide immediate medical attention anywhere in the state. Noting Mississippis frequent poor rankings among states in measures of well-being, he added, Its about time that Mississippi leads the nation in something good for a change.The plan, Smithson said, is to eventually station a drone in as many as nine different areas of the state, so every place in Mississippi is within two hours of a medical drone.Chris Sawyer, medical director of Remote Area Medical, isnt surprised by the broad interest in the project. It is revolutionary, he said.Its also not altogether a surprise that the idea of an interactive medical drone arose in Mississippi. The state is frequently visited by tornadoes , some of which have caused substantial numbers of deaths and injuries. The state has a shortage of doctors and, according to Smithson, many areas of the state cannot be reached quickly by medical responders.We had a tornado in January, Smithson said. All the debris prevented us from getting in there with search and rescue and medical care.Despite the federal restrictions on civilian drones, the Federal Aviation Administration does grant exemptions. Part of the agencys challenge, according to Cornelius Thiels, a surgical resident at the Mayo Clinic who writes about medical drones, is balancing requests for permission with the need to assure that the airways do not become dangerously congested.Were still a little way away from a regulatory system as nimble as we need it to be, particularly in the case of emergencies, Thiels said.The Mississippi inventors of the interactive medical drone want to fly far beyond line-of-sight, perhaps scores of miles beyond, and to fly day or night. Lott said the FAA has cooperated with the Mississippi program and is now able to give emergency permission for test flights within two hours of a request.The current prototypes can only fly up to 5 miles, at speeds up to 40 mph, Lott says, but hes working on another model that could travel far greater distances, up to 100 miles.The drones carry a suitcase with medical supplies and equipment. The audiovisual equipment comes in two varieties: stand-alone cameras with microphones and speakers, and interactive goggles that can be worn by someone on the ground. In either case, a doctor from a remote location could instruct a survivor to train the camera on victims or parts of the body to assess their condition.The doctor could give instructions on taking readings such as blood pressure, temperature, heart rate, or sugar or oxygen levels, using equipment dropped by the drone. And the doctor could talk a survivor through ways of giving aid, such as applying tourniquets, cleaning, clotting or bandaging wounds, and injecting medicines.Smithson of the state Emergency Management Agency said the medical drones will not only save lives in the field, but also help coordinate emergency medical care all over the state in a disaster, with doctors from far away able to make triage decisions and ensure that patients get taken to the most appropriate facility for their injuries.This is no longer in the realm of science fiction, he said. The skys the limit.
The city of Aurora, Ill., is about to embark on an innovation mission led by two private-sector champions.On June 14, Mayor Richard Irvin announced a new innovation team that will be led by Adrienne Holloway and Michael Pegues.Holloway, who is leaving her position as assistant professor of public service at DePaul University, will be Aurora's first chief innovation officer, and Pegues, the former vice president of information technology for global financial services company Morgan Stanley, will serve on Holloway's innovation team as the new chief information officer.Irvin said he felt the two were instrumental to his effort in taking "Aurora to the next level."Pegues will be responsible for the management, oversight and direction of the IT Department, including the Management Information Systems Division and the Police Technical Services Division, which is composed of public safety and the 911 center. Former Chief Technology Officer Ted Beck will collaborate with Pegues as the citys new chief information security officer.Both Holloway and Pegues felt driven to accept the positions on the basis of social responsibilty. Holloway told the Aurora Beacon News that she felt it was her turn to do what she taught her students to do, and Pegues said he knew Aurora as a different place when he was growing up, so he wants to be an African-American role model for people in the city today."After working with Dr. Holloway on a number of significant projects, I know she is clearly focused on strategic planning and effective results," Irvin said in the press release . "As she works to enhance our strengths in Aurora through innovative ideas and practices, her expertise will be instrumental in connecting all facets of our community and driving innovation throughout the city."The innovation team will build and better ways to use technology to the city's benefit, specifically to modernize services at City Hall.Pegues starts his new duties this week, according to the release, and Holloway begins on Monday, June 19.
(TNS) -- AUGUSTA, Maine  A bill designed to expand high-speed internet access in rural Maine won strong support from the Legislature but is in danger of failure after being thrust into funding limbo.The bill, LD 1399 , passed in the House and Senate this week but on Thursday afternoon was moved by the Senate to what is known as the special appropriations table. That is where most bills that cost money go and often die when lawmakers dont fund them. It will now compete with scores of other bills for a limited pool of state dollars.Sponsored by Sen. Shenna Bellows, D-Manchester, the bill would re-route telecommunications excise tax revenue, which currently flows to the ConnectME Authority, to a new entity in the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development called the Maine Broadband Initiative. That would provide some $6.25 million a year for the organization to help internet access companies expand their services and to bond for infrastructure improvements.Gov. Paul LePage has proposed allocating that money to municipalities but the Maine Municipal Associations Legislative Policy Committee supported using the money for the Maine Broadband Initiative.While that part of the bill wouldnt affect the states general fund, other aspects of the bill would. It calls for $66,000 next year, $139,000 the year after and ongoing costs to hire a director for the Maine Broadband Initiative.In the current budget situation, the odds are long, Bellows said Thursday. However, I was encouraged by the very strong bipartisan support for the proposal in both chambers.The bill passed 104-38 in the House on an enactment vote and unanimously in the Senate.Rep. Seth Berry, D-Bowdoinham, a co-sponsor of the bill, said some Republicans tried to erode support for it following a stronger 116-29 vote earlier this week. It is unusual for a bill to have two roll-call votes, particularly at the end of session when legislation is bottlenecked.Dozens of Maine businesses and nonprofit organizations endorsed the bill during a committee hearing earlier this year.If we want to keep our young people in Maine, this is just the bill to do it, said Berry during House debate on Thursday.Bellows said despite the importance of the project, the state should not launch it without secure, ongoing funding in place.I dont think we should go down this road unless we truly and adequately fund the entity, said Bellows. Im pragmatic and I understand that were in a particularly difficult budget dialogue right now.A panel of six legislators  three Democrats and three Republicans  continue to try to fashion a compromise on an evolving $6.8 billion two-year proposed budget that must win two-thirds support from the House and the Senate before July 1 to stave off a government shutdown. Until that spending plan wins approval, funding for bills like Bellows that pass with broad support remains in jeopardy.More than 100 enacted bills now await funding decisions by the Appropriations Committee. Given the stalemate around the biennial budget and debate around increased public education funding, its likely that only a few of those bills will be funded.Berry said that if the broadband bill isnt supported by the General Fund it could still become part of a bond package in the current legislative session.
The "only thing" that has survived the sweeping change at McLaren in recent years is "the name".

That is the claim of the once-great British team's former long-time test and reserve driver Pedro de la Rosa.

He told AS newspaper: "I don't know the current McLaren very much.

"There are still fantastic people and I still have friends, but 80pc of the people with whom I had the privilege of working at McLaren are now at Mercedes or Red Bull or Ferrari," said the Spaniard.

"The McLaren today with Honda, I cannot say anything because I do not know anyone, but the only thing that remains is the name," he added.

De la Rosa, 46, knows McLaren's top driver Fernando Alonso well, having also worked with him at Ferrari.

When asked if his Spanish countryman made a clear mistake moving to McLaren-Honda for 2015, de la Rosa answered: "That is a question only he can answer, and knowing him, some day he will.

"I am nobody to judge, but what I can say is that he had to leave Ferrari. That he should then go to McLaren, I cannot judge, but living what I lived in Ferrari it was impossible for both parties," he added.

Alonso is now clearly on the market for 2018, but given the breakdown of the relationship with Ferrari, de la Rosa is not sure he can contemplate a return.

"I have no idea where Fernando can go and if Ferrari is an option," he said.

"I think it's early to think about it and I still see Fernando focused on the McLaren-Honda project."

(GMM)
Kevin Magnussen's race engineer has likened the young Dane's character to that of Kimi Raikkonen.

Giuliano Salvi, who now works alongside Magnussen at Haas, has previously race engineered at Ferrari for the likes of Michael Schumacher, Felipe Massa, Fernando Alonso and Raikkonen.

But he said Magnussen, 24, most reminds him of the Finn.

"He is very honest and direct, which I really like," Italian Salvi told Ekstra Bladet newspaper.

"As a character, Kevin reminds me of Kimi a lot. They are both Nordic, who are -- how should I say it? They do not care about politics and they have no facade.

"The first impression may be misleading, because they struggle to have an immediate connection with you. But when you work with them, and get to know them a little deeper, they are really open," he added.

"They are like cats," Salvi continued. "If they are afraid, you see it. If they are angry, you see it. And that is really good. You know how they think and feel.

"You never leave a meeting with Kevin and think 'He said one thing to me but he may mean something quite different'. No, he said it because he believes it."

(GMM)
Formula E boss Alejandro Agag has urged F1's most famous team to enter the all-electric series.

This week, FIA president said he is glad Renault is involved in both F1 and Formula E, adding: "I am confident that one day Ferrari will follow suit, and we would like to see that."

Agag agrees.

"Ferrari in Formula E is quite possible," he told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Amid Liberty Media's impending arrival last year, Agag was linked with a leading F1 role but he now insists: "I feel very comfortable in Formula E.

"We are in the third year. It's a great signal that Jaguar is coming. We are looking at new races in Hong Kong, New York, Montreal and Marrakech. We want to grow and thrive -- I have a lot to do here."

As for F1, Agag insists that Formula E is not a rival.

"We don't race on classic race tracks, but short courses in the middle of cities, on circuits that grand prix cars could not drive on. Additionally, the technology of our cars is quite different," he said.

Rome is another prospective Formula E destination, and Agag thinks Ferrari would also be a great addition to the series.

"I see 20 drivers but no Italian flags," he said. "I already know that every young Italian dreams only of Ferrari, but I'm sure that sooner or later we will have a driver from Italy. Or an Italian brand."

Does Ferrari fit the bill?

"This is quite possible. We already have Renault, Audi, Jaguar, BMW are ready to enter, other car manufacturers like Mercedes think seriously about us.

"Three years ago, nobody could have imagined that. In Italy there are Fiat, Maserati, Alfa Romeo. I read that Marchionne is always speaking of Alfa Romeo's return. We would welcome them with open arms," said Agag.

(GMM)
Nobody picks them up after school. Nobody is waiting at home to prepare them a meal. They are Spains growing number of latchkey kids, mainly from low-income households, and who after school or during vacations spend hours at home alone, often into the evening, while their parents are working .

Hugo, the star of an awareness campaign about latchkey children. Educo

According to Spanish NGO Educo, there are around 580,000 children in Spain between six and 13 years of age who will spend their afternoons unsupervised this summer, a 66% rise from 2009. And the figure will keep growing, warns Clarisa Giamello, director of education and social action at Educo.

The passage from elementary school to high school, between the ages of 11 and 12, is the time when many parents hand over the house keys to their children, alleging that they are old enough, according to a report by Educo called Nativos de la crisis: los ninos de la llave (or, Natives of the crisis: the latchkey children).

The parents cannot afford summer camps for their children under adult supervision

Clarisa Giamello, Educo

A survey conducted by Educo found that the age range is much wider, however. Last year, there were more than half-a-million latchkey children in Spain between six and 13 years of age.

These children might have breakfast on their own, spend the afternoon by themselves and even eat dinner alone. This situation exposes them to risks such as early alcohol and drug consumption, warn the experts.

Eating disorders are also a risk, since nobody supervises what they eat, and high-calorie foods are easily within their reach.

They spend much of their time staring at screens, exposed to advertising and to all the unfiltered content available on television, reads the report.

The problem is worse in the summer. According to Educo, 58% of underprivileged households with children ages six through to 16 cannot afford to go on summer vacation, even for one week out of the year.

They dont take family holidays, and the parents cannot afford summer camp for their kids, where they could play with other children under adult supervision and that would ensure at least one full, healthy meal a day, says Giamello.

In response, Educo wants to provide latchkey children with one meal a day and has launched an awareness campaign that includes television advertisements, inviting donations toward setting up feeding centers.

The main reason given by parents who were asked why their children did not engage in summer activities was: It is an expense that we cannot afford right now.

English version by Susana Urra.
In March 2016, three men beat 27-year-old Marisela Pozo with iron bars, dragged her through the streets, tied her to a tree and then tortured her for three hours while onlookers in the small community close to Buenos Aires filmed the scene. She died three days later from her injuries.

More information Argentina exculpa a tres feminicidas que apalearon y torturaron a su victima hasta su muerte

On June 9, Pozos family was informed that public prosecutors had agreed to an abbreviated trial procedure resulting in a one-year suspended prison sentence for the three men behind the attack.

The ruling, made public on Thursday, has prompted widespread criticism of a judicial system seen by many as failing to combat Argentinas deep-rooted problem of violence against women, with more than 200 femicides each year in the South American country.

The lawyer representing Marisol Pozos family, Matias Bernal, said on Thursday he would be appealing the ruling. This is shameful, I cannot believe how the public prosecutor could have reached a deal of this kind. A murder has gone unpunished and the family once again is being victimized. Three murderers are walking free because of a prosecutor, he told EL PAIS.

This ruling shows how little gender perspective the Argentinean justice system has Matias Bernal, lawyer

Bernal said he was confident that an appeals court would overrule the deal and accept a trial. They had her tied to a tree. They beat her and they threw her body into the gutter. If they didnt want to kill her, what did they want to do? It certainly wasnt about helping her, he said. The public prosecutors office refused to answer questions.

According to local media reports, Pozo reportedly left her house in Gregorio Laferrere, some 30 kilometer southwest of Buenos Aires, on March 17, 2016  probably under the influence of drugs  and walked for a kilometer in search of help. She entered a store, but she damaged a window. The owner and two customers dragged her outside and beat her with bats and iron bars. Video footage posted on social networks show her being beaten, and then lying unconscious, covered in blood.

Public prosecutors agreed a charge of manslaughter in the first degree, saying the men did not hit her in vital areas and thus did not intend to murder her. Manslaughter is punishable with jail terms of between one and three years, and prosecutors agreed on the minimum term.

Femicides in Argentina rose by 8% between 2015 and 2016. On average a woman is murdered every 30 hours

This shows how little gender perspective the Argentinean justice system has. Marisela was 1.60 meters tall and they were three big men. If it had been a man, would they have beaten him like that? No, they killed her because she was a woman, says Bernal.

Femicides rose by 8% between 2015 and 2016 in Argentina, according to the Supreme Court. On average a woman is murdered every 30 hours. Over the last three years, there have been growing protests and demands for the authorities to put greater resources into protecting women who report abuse, as well as raising awareness among judges and lawyers of womens issues.

English version by Nick Lyne.
Bodega de la Ardosa, in the Madrid neighborhood of Malasana, which will be one of the busiest in Madrid during World Pride, from June 23 to July 2.

Enjoying a stroll, having a drink and enjoying some tapas in Madrid can be a fiesta all in itself, especially if you know where to go and what the specialty of each place is. More than ever, when it comes to gastronomy, the Spanish capital represents a huge melting pot, where the modern and traditional mix  theres everything from ethnic restaurants and traditional establishments, to Basque pincho bars and Andalusian frying joints. Not to mention the bakeries, burger bars, sandwich bars, fancy cake stores, terraces, food markets, ice cream parlors, and smoothie specialists They are all the mirror of a cosmopolitan city, where the modern lives side by side with venues that still preserve an air of centuries past.

JUSTICIA, CHUECA, GRAN VIA neighborhoods

La Panotheca

You will be surprised by the treasures that this venue hides inside. When you enter, there is a bakery counter, selling bread made with organic flours. At the back, a cafe for a quick fix. And for those looking for a take-away, theres a selection of homemade sandwiches.

Argensola, 26. +34 917 27 47 04.

A sanctuary for the best chocolate. Creative bonbons and bars of crumbling cacao. At the bar, chocolate milkshakes and some passable pastries. In spring and summer, they set up a counter on the street that supplies huge chocolate ice creams and fruit sorbets.

Orellana, 4. +34 913 19 58 40.

An organic cheeseburger in the restaurant Meat. Alfredo Arias

Cocktails and hamburgers. The inspiration here are the BBQ meat shacks in Austin, the burger joints from Venice Beach and the cocktail bars in New Orleans. An industrial look and a lot of allusions to the movie world. Recommended: the Royal Burger with Cheese.

Santa Teresa, 4. +34 910 26 62 76.

Iberian ham in all its forms: baguette, small cubes, fine slices This place is dedicated to the sacred jamon, but also offers the perfect accompaniment: pates and cheeses.

Fuencarral, 106. +34 915 21 27 41.

Its worth a visit here to take a seat and enjoy the pastries, palmeras and sweet or savory croissants. The standard of the coffee and tea is on a par with the sweet specialties. Also notable: the chocolate milk.

Barquillo, 49. +34 913 08 31 85.

Taberna Angel Sierra

Vermouth on tap, a tin bar and tiling are the distinguishing characteristics of this legendary tavern in Plaza de Chueca. On offer: olives, pickles, and fine canned produce, including pies, mussels and tuna.

Gravina, 11. +34 915 31 01 26.

A 100-year-old tavern. Its tortilla, which is juicy and compact, is one of the best in the capital. Its not alone though: creamy croquettes, artichokes, cold salmorejo soup, fried aubergine, and cured meats from Leon. Beers and a lovely vermouth to accompany.

Colon, 13. +34 915 21 49 79.

The specialty in Bocadillo de Jamon y Champan. Alfredo Arias

This venue ennobles the popular sandwich. Not because they serve it accompanied with glamorous champagne, but because the combination of their Andalusian buns with Iberian ham is notable.

Fernando VI, 21. +34 910 29 94 69.

Always bustling. This elegant tea house has a contemporary vibe, and a counter from which they serve sweet treats. Its glass cabinets are packed with dazzling delights: cakes, mini-tartlets, lemon-drizzle cakes, macaroons and pastries.

Fernando VI, 23. +34 913 91 43 64.

In the Only You hotel. Sweet and savory sandwiches that are gluten free and take their inspiration from North America. There is also a wide range of recipes for those who are lactose-intolerant, diabetic or vegetarian. Food to eat in or to go.

Barquillo, 19. +34 915 32 28 99.

La Duquesita. Alfredo Arias

The commitment made by pastry chef Oriol Balaguer to keep open this emblematic patisserie has been a complete success. Traditional pastries that nestle side-by-side with innovative specialties. The high tables with stools let you enjoy a magnificent croissant and a great coffee.

Fernando VI, 2. +34 913 08 02 31.

El Cisne Azul

Mushroom paradise Even out of season, or when the weather isnt obliging, at this store you can always find quality fungi.

Gravina, 19. +34 915 21 37 99.

A cream pastry at Oita. Alfredo Arias

An obligatory stop for those with a sweet tooth. Croissants and millefeuille in this branch of Pomme Sucre. Their specialties  from the teas, to the cakes and pastries  can all be prepared to go.

Hortaleza, 30. +34 915 21 75 37.

Another classic in Chueca. A rustic tavern with traditional Castilian and Andalusian fare, including fried eggs, fried fish, and smoked fish canapes.

Libertad, 6. +34 915 21 53 31.

A contemporary tavern with a marble bar and a creative menu. Its a charming place, that will win you over with its eggs served in a frying pan and its tomatoes.

Libertad, 1. +34 915 31 80 79.

This former venue for tertulias (meetings between friends and acquaintances for intellectual chat) has been transformed into a carefully looked after space, with a plentiful bar from where you can buy sandwiches to go, croquettes, Russian salad or tiger mussels. From 7.30am onward, breakfasts and chocolate with churros.

Glorieta de Bilbao, 7. +34 910 88 25 25.

The casual offering from Galician chef Ivan Dominguez (Alborada, Alabaster) in Madrid. Atlantic cuisine with ingredients from other latitudes: pompano tartare with tomato soup, or conger eel with yellow curry. No reservations.

Reina, 31.

At the bar, traditional Spanish fare with high-quality ingredients, including specialties from other restaurants from the Paco Quiros group in Madrid: red sea scorpion fish hash, cod fritters, roast peppers, ham and egg croquettes, and cheesecake. The creme caramel and Spanish omelet are unmissable.

Gran Via, 1. +34 910 52 06 20.

La Trastienda, in Mercado de San Anton, Chueca. Alfredo Arias

A modern bar in the bustling San Anton market. Very tasty informal fare: canapes, croquettes, smashed eggs, octopus salad, tiger prawns, and tuna tartar

Augusto Figueroa, 24B (Mercado de San Anton, 1st floor, stand 4). +34 913 30 02 71.

An unmissable stop for all coffee-addicts. Argentinean Santiago Rigoni and his wife, Patricia Alda, the cheerful owners, like to divulge cafe culture. Their filter coffees, espressos and cappuccinos  which have impeccable pedigrees  are exceptional.

La Palma 49. +34 917 02 56 20.

A modern bakery, whose produce is created in a kitchen thats visible to customers. At the bar, sandwiches made while you wait, including Iberian ham, mortadella with Parmesan, cooked ham and spicy pork sausages.

Prim, 1. +34 915 99 48 45.

The Lolos popsicle stand at Mercado de San Anton, in Chueca. Alfredo Arias

A childrens favorite turned into an adults treat: home-made popsicles made with fresh fruit, and no added colors, preservatives or artificial flavoring. The countertop, which is brimming with wooden sticks, is highly tempting.

Augusto Figueroa, 24B (Mercado de San Anton). +34 625 02 27 65.

A tiny venue packed with fresh, colored fruit, which are transformed into delicious smoothies according to the customers desire. You can invent your own or choose from the menu.

Libertad, 37. +34 675 92 88 67.

Orio

The pinchos on this bar are constantly renewed: codfish pilpil, Spanish omelet, peppers and asparagus. The cider and txakoli wine also flow freely.

Fuencarral, 49. +34 915 21 83 18.

Mistura ice cream parlor. Alfredo Arias

Quality ice creams that are finished off on a cold plate. The most in-demand: vanilla and cookies, chocolate brownie, yogurt and fruits of the forest, caramel and lemon and nuts.

Augusto Figueroa, 5. +34 917 55 63 91.

Here they sell glasses of fresh milk, tiger-nut milk drink with amusingly titled pastries named fartons, and milkshakes made to order. The star product is the yogurt, made with no additives or sugar. Breads and jams are also on offer.

Manuela Malasana, 29. +34 910 29 66 39.

La Caleta Gaditana, in Madrid. Alfredo Arias

LAVAPIES neighborhood

Perhaps the best fried fish in Madrid. They are served at the bar or at the tables, and they can be prepared to go in cones. A typical tavern that is packed out at rush hour. The calamari are unsurpassable, as are the wines from Jerez.

Santa Isabel, 38. +34 645 38 80 77.

On the ground floor of this food market youll find Japanese specialties at a moderate price. Delicious Japanese ramen, as well as trays of sushi and sashimi. Try the Japanese beers too.

Mercado de Anton Martin. Santa Isabel, 5.

Buns & Bones, in Lavapies. Alfredo Arias

The epicenter of bao in Madrid. Before these buns took off in the city, they were already in fashion. Street food with a number of Asian influences: shrimp in tempura with garlic, fried free-range chicken, or meatballs in a spicy tomato sauce.

Mercado de Anton Martin. Santa Isabel, 5.

Casa Melos

Traditional Castilian fare in the heart of Lavapies. The place is always packed out with unconditional fans, who are addicted to the zapatillas (bread, ham and cheese), croquettes, pies and peppers. The portions here are very generous.

Ave Maria, 44. +34 915 27 50 54.

Famous for its calamari baguettes, which sell in their hundreds every day. There are also bacon and pepper sandwiches, or fillings such as fried ham and cheese, and chicken and ham with tomato.

Plaza del Emperador Carlos V, 8. +34 915 28 69 66.

Located to the side of the Reina Sofia museum, with an exceptional terrace. A contemporary tavern with plenty to take away: Iberian ham sandwich, crunchy chicken burger, a roast beef sandwich The ham croquettes, tripe and Russian salad are a must.

Edificio Sabatini (Museo Reina Sofia). Santa Isabel, 52. +34 915 28 68 28.

Taberna La Dolores

A classic in the Huertas neighborhood. Outside, the slogan: Fresh beers and tapas. At the bar, well-poured beers, pinchos and small sandwiches with tuna and peppers, baby cuttlefish, duck ham and Iberian jamon.

Plaza de Jesus, 4. +34 914 29 22 43.

LA LATINA neighborhood

Juana la Loca

The culinary delights here go further than the famous Spanish omelet, which is deliciously juicy. On the bar youll find a wide range of cold and hot pinchos: spinach crepe, asparagus and salmon are just a few of the offerings

Plaza de la Puerta de Moros, 4. +34 913 64 05 25.

Lamiak

A wide range of pinchos and dishes with Basque influences: guacamole with smoked cod, pork with port, and peppers stuffed with hake. Wine is served by the glass, and there are also cocktails and special coffees.

Cava Baja, 42. +34 913 65 52 12.

Drinks are ordered at one bar and the food at another. The star dish is the smashed eggs with fries, as well as the Spanish omelet. The cold salmorejo soup is also highly recommended.

Almendro, 13. +34 913 65 42 52.

La Taberna de los Huevos de Lucio

This venue is overseen by the sons of the world-famous Restaurante Lucio. While the bar also supplies cheese and high-quality tapas, the big hit is the smashed eggs with fries. To drink, beers and a wide range of wines, champagne and cava, all sold by the glass.

Cava Baja, 30. +34 913 66 29 84.

El Bonanno

A classic tavern that has managed to keep itself up to date. Mussels, whitebait with fries, artichokes, cheeses and a range of Iberian meats. Very well-poured beers.

Plaza del Humilladero, 4. +34 913 66 68 86.

Confiteria El Riojano

Classic patisserie. The sweet specialties change according to the time of year and the religious festival. To take away or enjoy in their tea room. Try the Madrileno rosquillas, chocolate palmeras, or the torrijas, a specialty at Easter.

Mayor, 10. +34 913 66 44 82.

Casa Revuelta

At peak times you might have trouble getting through the door at this Castilian tavern. Its specialty, the battered cod, is the best in the whole capital. Whats more, it serves pork crackling and Madrileno tripe, but just on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Political analyst: Who will stand surety for these territories in exchange for status? (video)

Ethnographer Hranush Kharatyan today expressed her opinion on Azerbaijans latest statements, Azerbaijani-Turkish military exercises in Nakhichevan and the visit of parliamentarians to Artsakh. Neither Azerbaijans loud statements, nor Turkish-Azeri military exercises are a novelty for us. Azerbaijan used Turkish weapons during the Artsakh war as well. Even taking into account the spectrum of our internal problems, Armenia will have difficulty in negotiating with a country that has no sense of responsibility. Given the four-day war in Karabakh last in April 2016, I cannot rule out new hostilities but they will not grow into a war, she said. Armenia does not properly present its arguments and positions on the Karabakh conflict. Personally, I think that it was a bad dement for us. The Kazan Document was even worse. Both of them suggest a phased settlement of the conflict, she continued. Political analyst Anush Sedrakyan said if Armenia is committed to a peaceful settlement of the Karabakh conflict it must be able to work more actively with European institutions and media. The Karabakh conflict cannot and must not be compared with any other conflict in the world. Now we often hear talks about possible territorial surrender in place of status. In the past, I supported that approach but after we lost 800 hectares of land in the April war I understood that the enemy was getting much closer to us. That is why I am against concessions. Who will stand surety for these territories in exchange for status? Russia? I wonder where our diplomacy is taking us, she said.
Golden Apricot: Changes planned for jubilee edition (video)

The Golden Apricot Yerevan International Film Festival (GAIFF) presented this years programs during a press conference in Yerevan. The 14th edition of the festival will be held from July 9-16 under the banner The Crossroad of Cultures and Civilizations. More than 70 films will be presented in the non-competition sections - Yerevan Premieres, Retrospectives and Tributes. The organisers say they have planned many changes for next year's jubilee edition. Michael Stamboltsyan (GAIFF Programme Director) said Andrzej Wajda's last film Afterimage would be screened in the section Tributes. The great Polish master passed away last year at the age of 90. We wanted to invite Wajda to Armenia for a long time. Two years ago we started negotiations with him. He agreed to come to Yerevan but doctors did not allow him to board the flight to Armenia. The prize is kept in Armenia. During the screening of his film, we shall give it to the Ambassador of Poland who will transfer the prize to Wajdas family, Mr Stamboltsyan said. As usual, the festival will introduce the audience to masterpieces of world cinema. This year the Golden Apricot received about 1100 film submissions from 96 countries. More than hundred films were included in the competition and non-competition programs.
After two successful years with electric buses on route 55 in Gothenburg, Sweden, the partners in the ElectriCity venture have decided to expand electric bus operations in the city. In June next year two electrically powered high-capacity buses will start operating on route 16. At the same time, plans are under way to expand the demo arena with heavy vehicles for quiet and emission-free urban traffic.

Gothenburg has a strong automotive industry and is the Nordic region's logistics hub. One benefit is that we get involved early in testing next-generation technology. That's exciting and we learn more together with our partners in ElectriCity than we would do alone. We take these lessons with us in our urban planning as Gothenburg grows into an attractive large city. Tomorrow's quiet vehicles emitting no exhaust gases will make the city even more appealing for people to live in, work in and enjoy. I'm happy and proud that our cooperative venture has been so successful that we now want to go further in the next phase. Stefan Eglinger, Director of Urban Transport Administration, City of Gothenburg

ElectriCity has brought together companies, researchers, public authorities, the city and the region since 2013 to test and develop new solutions for sustainable transport and sustainable urban development. The most noticeable result is bus route 55 where ten all-electric or partially electrified buses have been operating since 2015. According to the original plan the tests were scheduled to end in 2018, but now the trial is being extended with additional vehicles and the test period will continue to 2020.

When the Volvo Ocean Race comes to Gothenburg in June 2018, two electrically powered articulated buses will showcase the latest developments as they operate between Nordstan and Frihamnen. These two prototype buses will then run on route 16, which will be equipped with charging infrastructure and bus stop facilities for electrified high-capacity traffic. Among much else, new charging stations will be built at Eriksbergstorget and Sahlgrenska Hospital.

We want more people to give up their cars, cut emissions and reduce noise levels. Electric buses help us reach these targets and our mission is to create the public transport of the future. That's why we are now looking forward to the next big step, testing larger electric buses on more frequent routes and with more passengers. Ulrika Frick, chair of the Region Vastra Gotaland public transport board

From previously focusing primarily on electrified public transport, the demo arena is now growing to encompass other electrically powered heavy vehicles operating quietly and emission-free in city traffic.

Electrification is on the march within the global transport sector, and the next challenge is to integrate electrification with investments in future smart and sustainable cities. This is why we need to demonstrate electrifyed articulated buses and other heavy vehicles in the city environment. With this project Sweden can lead these developments and at the same time take a major step forward for a fossil free Swedish transport sector. Erik Brandsma, Director General, Swedish Energy Agency

Within the framework of ElectriCity work will also commence on testing solutions in automation, such as automatic Bus Stop Docking and bus platooning whereby buses run close behind one other in long trains in urban traffic.

Changes to the transport sector are essential if we are to create a sustainable society and next-generation cities. We need to implement sustainable transportation of both people and goods in our cities. That's why it feels particularly gratifying that we are now expanding the ElectriCity demo arena and beginning to examine solutions for automation that can help make electrified vehicles even more efficient. Niklas Gustafsson, Chief Sustainability Officer for Volvo Group

ElectriCity partners include the Volvo Group, the Vastra Gotaland Region, Vasttrafik, the City of Gothenburg, Chalmers University of Technology, the Swedish Energy Agency, Johanneberg Science Park, Lindholmen Science Park, Goteborg Energi, Alvstranden Utveckling, Ericsson, Keolis, Akademiska Hus and Chalmersfastigheter.
Tvapatum 2017: How to remain at the helm of media during turbulent times?

Tvapatum 2017 conference of the Media Initiatives Center is waiting for the media community representatives with or without a tie. Ties suggest that Tvapatum 2017 is not only about creating media content but also organizing and managing the work of the media. Media management is the key theme of this two-day media conference. Six leading experts from Germany, USA, Poland, Russia, and the UK will present international best practices in medias survival, development, and success in the digital environment. This year participants will try to discover the secrets of medias success in the digital environment. The key theme of the meetings is media management: medias changing functions, new mechanisms of monetization, effective tools for designing and branding modern media platforms, media-social media cooperation. This year, the guest speakers' theoretical and practical advice is first of all aimed at media managers, as well as journalists, students, and other representatives of the media community. Speakers will share their personal experiences on how to deliver a new message to an old audience, how to remain at the helm of media during turbulent times, and how to resist in a world of competition and new platforms. Tvapatum 2017 international guests include Lee Hunt, founder of Lee Hunt LLC and a well-known strategy development expert (whose book Fundamentals of Television Branding and Marketing was translated and published by the Media Initiatives Center a few years ago); Grzegorz Piechota, Research Associate at the Harvard Business School, Polish editor and media manager; Vsevolod Pulya, editor-in-chief of Russia Beyond The Headlines; Justin Varilek, founder and CEO of HackPack; Natalia Loseva, senior lecturer at Lomonosov Moscow State University; and David Jacobs from the Advance Digital media organization. More information about the conference is available at conference.tvapatum.mediainitiatives.am. #Tvapatum17 hashtag will be used to share and search online posts about the conference. Tvapatum media conference is organized by the support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) within the framework of the Media for Informed Civic Engagement project. It is implemented by the Media Initiatives Center with the participation of Internews.
Visiting Cuba isn't on my bucket list, but my wife is interested. She thinks it might be a bargain getaway.

Well, it seems to be a moot point. President Donald Trump won't let us go. He will announce today that the U.S. will reinstate travel restrictions lifted by President Barack Obama.

Why? Because, if Obama did it, it's bad and must be reversed.

Of course, dollars spent in Cuba benefit the government and its repressive regime.

Which distinguishes Cuba from other countries with repressive regimes exactly how?

Americans are free to travel to and do business in China. In fact, Trump and his family do very well there. Since his election, the Chinese government has granted Trump dozens of coveted trademarks. And Trump has been effusive in his praise for Xi Jinping, who is hardly a democrat.

Americans also are allowed to travel to and do business in Russia, where Vladimir Putin regularly jails opposition party leaders, journalists and demonstrators  when he's in a charitable mood. Otherwise it's even worse. Trump is a big admirer of Putin ... and who knows what else they have going on?

After the Senate voted 98-2 Thursday for a tough new set of sanctions against Russia for its meddling in our elections, White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders answered:

"We believe that the existing executive branch sanctions regime is the best tool for compelling Russia to fulfill its commitments, and the administration will continue to work with Congress to ensure that we pursue the best course of action."

The White House won't even acknowledge the Russian interference, let alone punish it. Of course, that invites more aggressive action by Russia in the future, but Trump isn't concerned at all. He certainly would never dream of implementing a travel embargo.

On a related note, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has expressed U.S. foreign policy in the Trump era: We don't care so much about human rights.

Except when it comes to Cuba.

The long Cuba embargo may have made sense during the Cold War, but it should have been eased many years ago to bring U.S.-Cuba policy more in line with our relations with similar countries.

I don't think the U.S. government should prevent Americans from traveling where they like unless we're in a state of war with a country. Are we free people or not?

Trump's answer is no when it comes to Cuba but certainly yes when it comes to other countries where he wants to do business.

Maybe he should build a hotel in Cuba. That would change his policy.
GREENSBORO  Even as the city prepares to host its third and final National Folk Festival in September, its laying the groundwork for the events successor: the North Carolina Folk Festival.

ArtsGreensboro and the city will lead the group that will produce the new North Carolina Folk Festival starting in 2018, when the national event moves to Salisbury, Md.

Its a real opportunity for Greensboro to show itself off, said Tom Philion, the president and chief executive officer of ArtsGreensboro, the nonprofit arts marketing and fundraising agency.

ArtsGreensboro will announce those plans at its annual meeting on Wednesday.

In 2014, the National Council for the Traditional Arts chose Greensboro to host the free, three-day outdoor multicultural festival from 2015 to 2017.

The Maryland-based council has produced the festival of traditional music, dance, storytelling and crafts across the country since 1934  starting in St. Louis, Mo.  making it the countrys oldest celebration of its kind.

ArtsGreensboro and local partners said then that they planned to continue with a locally-run festival starting in 2018.

The National Council for Traditional Arts recently announced the national festival will move to Salisbury, Md., next year for three years.

So the timing was right to confirm Greensboros plans, Philion said.

People have been asking us for months, Are we going to figure out a way to keep this? Philion said. The answer is yes.

Greensboro follows the example of Richmond, Va.; Bangor, Maine; Butte, Mont.; and Lowell, Mass., in producing a festival after the national moves on.

This years National Folk Festival will be held downtown from Sept. 8 to 10.

About 300 artists  musicians, dancers, storytellers, and craftspeople  will take part, with more than 30 groups performing on seven stages and in Center City Park.

Musicians will perform a variety of genres, including jazz, blues, gospel, salsa, Cajun and beatbox. Dancers will display styles including Sri Lankan and Egyptian.

Each festival costs about $2 million to produce, Philion said. That comes from sponsorships, vendor fees, beverage revenue, on-site donations and in-kind contributions.

Last years festival attracted more than 138,000 people, up 35 percent from 2015.

They generated an estimated economic impact of $15 million, Philion said.

That estimate was based on the size of the crowd and more than 500 visitor surveys on how much they spent to attend, Philion said. A committee of experts compiled the data.

We have all been the beneficiaries of these three years of the national festival, in terms of showcasing the city to a public that obviously included a lot of people from outside Greensboro, Philion said.

Greensboro City Council will consider a resolution Tuesday supporting the creation of the North Carolina Folk Festival to follow the national event.

Its proposed resolution cites the festivals ability to attract cultural tourists, economic impact and national media attention.

That offers the opportunity to showcase Greensboro as a city on the move, and a vibrant place where people want to live, work and play, it says.

Philion expects the festival to continue on the weekend after Labor Day.

He anticipates maintaining the caliber and number of artists.

But as a locally-produced festival, it could bring back popular acts from festivals past  something that the national event doesnt do.

Philion also noted that the festivals economic impact can grow, as the city adds at least two downtown hotels in the next few years.

One company, Aloft Hotels, has said it plans to build the 150-room Aloft Greensboro on Eugene Street.

Also in the northern end of downtown, developer Roy Carroll is building the $60 million Carroll at Bellemeade across from NewBridge Bank Park that includes apartments and a Hyatt Express hotel.
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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

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The statement of the Defender on the video of the execution of Armenian PoWs by the Azerbaijani armed forces

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STATEMENT BY SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN

This criminal act is another proof that the Armenophobia policy. Tatoyan

Nikol Pashinyan, Nancy Pelosi discuss a number of issues related to the Armenian-American agenda and regional developments

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Updated at 2:56 p.m.

GREENSBORO  Police are crediting good witness descriptions and an observant N.C. A&T police officer with the apprehension of three people in a restaurant robbery early Friday morning.

Around 2:41 a.m., officers were sent to Wendys at 907 Knox Road. Witnesses said a man and a woman approached an employee who was outside of the business on break. One of the suspects pointed a handgun at the employee, and both escorted her back into the building, according to a police news release.

Once inside, the two directed other employees to different areas within the business, and demanded money from several cash registers. After getting the money, the male robber took a cell phone from one of the employees.

The two then fled the scene in a waiting vehicle. Witnesses described the vehicle as a white Chevy Trailblazer travelling at a high rate of speed to the exit for Interstate 40 West.

The A&T officer heard the vehicle description over a police radio, saw the vehicle around Yanceyville Street, followed it and notified dispatch.

Greensboro officers met the A&T officer at 1637 Glenside Drive, and began questioning one of the occupants, later identified as Shaneal Malique Turner, 22, who police say was the driver of the SUV.

Officers transported the other two occupants of the home, Mikayla Janice Campbell, 19, and Treyvohn Emory Eric Medley, 22, to a police station for further questioning.

Detectives gained sufficient evidence to charge each of the three subjects with two counts each of robbery with a dangerous weapon, conspiracy to commit robbery with a dangerous weapons and second-degree kidnapping.

All three were placed in the Guilford County jail. Bail information is not known at this time.

GREENSBORO  Police are investigating a robbery that happened Friday morning at a Wendy's restaurant.

At 2:40 a.m., police responded to the restaurant at 907 Knox Road. They were told that two robbers entered the business with one of them producing a handgun. They left in a white SUV with an undisclosed amount of cash.

Multiple suspects were located and are being interviewed at this time.
LEXINGTON  A man wanted in an April 15, 2016, double homicide has been arrested by the U.S. Marshals Service.

Kareem Henderson was arrested Thursday in Chambersburg, Pa., according to a Davidson County Sheriff's Office news release. He was wanted for his involvement in the deaths of Kevin Michael Caldwell, of Mooresville, and Joseph Dominique Anderson, of Salisbury. The two were found shot to death around 5:30 a.m. in a Ford Crown Victoria in the 4000 block of U.S. 64 West.

Henderson is currently incarcerated in Pennsylvania awaiting extradition back to North Carolina.

A second suspect named in this investigation, David White, also has two warrants for homicide in the murders. He is currently serving a federal prison sentence for unrelated firearms assault charges. He is scheduled to be released in August 2020. Upon his release from federal custody, White will be transferred back to North Carolina.
Updated at 9:37 a.m.

GREENSBORO  Police say the person who was shot Thursday night on Benjamin Benson Street remains in critical condition at Moses Cone Hospital following surgery.

The victim is a young man, according to Susan Danielsen, police spokesperson. He was found with multiple gunshot wounds around 9 p.m.

The shooting happened in the 900-block of the street.

The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information about this shooting is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (336) 373-1000.

Updated at 7:40 a.m.

GREENSBORO  A shooting Thursday night sent a male victim to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries.

According to a police news release, the shooting happened around 9 p.m. in the 900-block of Benjamin Benson Street.

No suspect information was available.

The investigation is ongoing.

Updated 10:50 p.m.

GREENSBORO  Police want to know what led to a man being shot Thursday night.

The victim was shot multiple times and suffered life-threatening injuries, said Lt. J.H. Marsh with Greensboro police. The man was in surgery late Thursday night at Moses Cone Hospital.

Marsh said detectives have gotten little information from witnesses.

About 9 p.m., police were called to 911 Benjamin Benson St. for a shooting and found the victim suffering from multiple gunshots. Marsh said it's unclear if there was an exchange of gunfire between the victim and the shooter.

Anyone with information about this shooting is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (336) 373-1000.

Updated 9:51 p.m.

GREENSBORO  A man suffered life-threatening injuries tonight after he was shot.

Police responded about 9 p.m. to 911 Benjamin Benson St. for a shooting, said Lt. J.H. Marsh with Greensboro police.

He said the victim was taken to Moses Cone Hospital by Guilford County EMS.

There is no motive in the shooting.

Anyone with information about this shooting is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (336) 373-1000.

GREENSBORO  Police are investigating a shooting.

The victim's condition has not been released.

About 9 p.m., police were called to 911 Benjamin Benson St. for a reported shooting, according to Greensboro police watch command. Police and Guilford County EMS are on the scene now.

This story is developing.
STOKES COUNTY, N.C.  Authorities are looking for a man accused of trying to run over a Stokes County deputy.

The Stokes News reported that Logan Bevill faces charges of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, assault with a deadly weapon on a government official and felony fleeing to elude.

A deputy tried to pull the suspect over on Wednesday, but the suspect took off and crashed into a ditch, according to the paper.

The deputy got out of his vehicle and the suspect tried running him over, according to the Stokes County Sheriffs Office.

The officer fired his service weapon and the suspect sped away, according to the paper.
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

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PACE co-rapporteurs on Armenia concerned by reports of alleged war crimes or inhuman treatment perpetrated by Azerbaijans armed forces

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Global Finance Names Ameriabank the Safest Bank in Armenia

Mikayel and Karen Vardanyans provided 136 million AMD support for the overhaul of the Myasnikyan statue, which was in unsafe state of disrepair

Believe me, as a representative of a country which uses the Schengen system very often, it is quite important. Vardanyan

I really look forward to having answers from the Azerbaijani side for these alleged gross human rights violations: Secretary General

I call on Armenian and Azerbaijani parliamentarians to use this Assembly as an agora of opportunities President Tiny Kox

Google Ad

UCOMS SPECIAL OFFER OF THE UNLIMITED INTERNET IS NOW TERMLESS

There is no place for the death penalty in a State that respects human rights: PACE General Rapporteur

EU and CoE call on two Member States that have not yet acceded to this Protocol  Armenia and Azerbaijan  to do so without delay

An urgent debate requested on "The military hostilities between Armenia and Azerbaijan".

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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
North Carolina Republicans appeared to fall just short in Tuesdays General Assembly elections of gaining large enough majorities to override Gov. Roy Coopers vetoes on their own. But their seat gains eroded further the Democrats ability to block bills on abortion and other highly contested legislation. The Senate GOP increased their seats to the number needed to have a veto-proof majority. But Speaker Tim Moore said that House Republicans were one seat shy of a similar threshold. Moore said Wednesday he's confident House Republicans can get help from Democrats in an override. But that could be more difficult on abortion restrictions, which Cooper and other Democrats campaigned against.
The Rev. William Barber, the N.C. NAACP president, has been banned from entering the N.C. Legislative Building following his arrest during a protest there on May 30.

The ban also applies to 31 other protesters arrested that day during a health care sit-in after they refused to clear the hallways outside legislative leaders office. The ban was a condition of the protesters release from jail, set by Wake County magistrate Jeffrey L. Godwin as he charged them with second-degree trespassing.

General Assembly Police Chief Martin Brock said Friday that his agency didnt ask the magistrate to set those conditions, but he said he plans to make the request for future arrests of protesters.

I intend to instruct the officer to ask, especially if the person has been arrested before, Brock said.

Asked why the bans are needed, Brock said, If someone has been arrested two or three times, would it be reasonable to expect that they would be arrested again? That would be my observation.

Geeta Kapur, an attorney for Barber and the NAACP, says the ban is unconstitutional. She points to the provision in the state constitution that says the people have a right to assemble together ... to instruct their representatives, and to apply to the General Assembly for redress of grievances.
BELLEVILLE, Ill.  The wife of James Hodgkinson, who authorities say shot a congressman and injured others at a ball field in Virginia, had no idea her husband would do it, and was sorry it happened.

Suzanne Hodgkinson told reporters gathered outside her Belleville home Thursday afternoon that she couldnt believe it when she heard about the shooting.

Im sorry that he did this, but theres nothing I can do about it, she said, according to interviews posted on St. Louis television stations websites.

Four people  including Rep. Steve Scalise, the House majority whip from Louisiana, who was shot in the hip  were wounded in the shooting. A Capitol Police officer was also injured in the incident. James Hodgkinson, who was 66, died of gunshot wounds suffered in a shootout with police.

Suzanne Hodgkinson said she thought her husband had traveled to Washington to focus on tax issues but had not known much of what he was doing. She works for a tax firm, she said, and was busy in recent months.

The couple had been married for 30 years, she said, and hed sold almost everything from his business before moving out to D.C. in March. She said she thought he was going to return to Illinois because hed run out of money.

Suzanne Hodgkinson asked reporters to leave the area, saying that she and her family had been through enough.

Richard Wagner, chief deputy of the St. Clair County sheriffs office, said afterward that Hodgkinson was told about the shooting by a journalist and has been with the FBI since the shooting.

She had no idea he would do this. She had no idea he felt as strong as he did, Wagner said. Shes just devastated.

In Belleville, residents continued to grapple with the news that one of their own, a man many knew could be quick to anger, but who many said didnt show outward signs of violence, could have committed the mass shooting.

Tom Reis has owned the popular T.R.s Place about a mile from Hodgkinsons home since 1997.

It makes you feel real bad that something like this is connected to here, Reis said. We had policemen and even the FBI in here asking questions, but we just dont know him.

Half a dozen patrons gathered at the tavern Thursday afternoon for the $1 taco special and to shoot pool said Hodgkinson didnt hang out there and wasnt known to them.

What makes a guy do something like that? I think its terrible, Reis said. It doesnt matter whether youre Republican, Democrat, black or white, Muslim or whatever. You just dont go out and shoot someone.

Jack McClenahan, a retired Belleville business owner, said he had several unpleasant run-ins with Hodgkinson over the years while Hodgkinson protested a favored Democratic political cause outside the local post office.

He would get politically aggressive. I go down to the post office quite often, and he would be there collecting signatures on things he was for, and if you werent of his opinion, hed be very agitated, McClenahan said.

It was super shocking for our town because you dont want bad press, and this is about as bad as press you can get, he said.



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The Washington Post reports:

The special counsel overseeing the investigation into Russias role in the 2016 election is interviewing senior intelligence officials as part of a widening probe that now includes an examination of whether President Trump attempted to obstruct justice, officials said.

The move by special counsel Robert S. Mueller III to investigate Trumps conduct marks a major turning point in the nearly year-old FBI investigation, which until recently focused on Russian meddling during the presidential campaign and on whether there was any coordination between the Trump campaign and the Kremlin. Investigators have also been looking for any evidence of possible financial crimes among Trump associates, officials said.

Former FBI director James Comey, in his testimony last week, quite clearly was laying the factual predicate for a possible obstruction charge  detailing Trumps efforts to persuade Comey to drop the investigation of Michael T. Flynn, Trumps former national security adviser, and when that did not work, firing Comey with a false pretextual explanation.

The president and his surrogates are already on the warpath, falsely suggesting that Comey engaged in improper or illegal conduct in leaking his memos and, putting out the line via Kellyanne Conway, that members of Muellers legal team had given to Democratic politicians (and therefore were biased).

None of that will prove successful, in large part because there reportedly are a parade of other witnesses. (The Post: Daniel Coats, the current director of national intelligence, Mike Rogers, head of the National Security Agency, and Rogers recently departed deputy, Richard Ledgett, agreed to be interviewed by Muellers investigators as early as this week.)

These witnesses are likely to provide an account not unlike Comeys in which the president wanted them to interfere with Comeys Russia investigation.

No wonder Trump is still ruminating about firing Mueller. His aides correctly point out that this would be politically disastrous, fueling impeachment fever. But Trump certainly has one thing right: His presidency is imperiled so long as Mueller compels witnesses to testify, accumulates written evidence and traces the myriad ties between the Trump team and Russians.

Onlookers have assumed that any obstruction was intended to prevent evidence of collusion or Russian infiltration of Trumps campaign from surfacing. However, the subject matter of the underlying investigation may extend to financial crimes, putting Trumps and his associates international business dealings under the microscope.

The addition to Muellers team of a prosecutor, Andrew Weissmann, Supreme Court advocate and criminal law expert Michael Dreeben, and others experienced in complex fraud and international bribery cases suggests that the probe may be looking at more than collusion between Russian officials and Trump team members.

For example, Wireds Garrett M. Graff reported, it appears he has recruited an experienced Justice Department trial attorney, Lisa Page, a little-known figure outside the halls of Main Justice but one whose resume boasts intriguing hints about where Muellers Russia investigation might lead. Page has deep experience with money laundering and organized crime cases, including investigations where shes partnered with an FBI task force in Budapest, Hungary, that focuses on eastern European organized crime. That Budapest task force helped put together the still-unfolding money laundering case against Ukrainian oligarch Dmitry Firtash, a one-time business partner of Paul Manafort. News reports speculate that Mueller could be investigating potential money-laundering by Trump team members.

It bears repeating that only Mueller and his team know the exact contours of an investigation. A counterintelligence inquiry into Russian interference now extends  as these things inevitably do  to possible financial dealings of Trump and his associates and possible procedural crimes (e.g. obstruction, perjury, lying to the FBI).

The president might want to consider finding an actual expert in criminal law to represent him; this investigation is extensive, serious and possibly career-ending for a growing list of figures, which now certainly includes the president.
WESTERN ROCKINGHAM  Bridgestone Aircraft Tire USA in Mayodan will expand its warehouse space, thanks in part to another local industrial leader.

The aircraft tire retread plant has plans to soon occupy a 36,000-square-foot warehouse located in the Madison Shell building, which is part of the Madison Business Park developed by Pine Hall Brick in Madison.

According to a county economic development release, the manufacturer of face-brick has spent over $600,000 to up-fit the building for Bridgestones needs.

This project is a great collaboration between two of our existing industries. Its good news to see Bridgestones need for additional warehouse capacity outside its Mayodan plant. Its even better news to have the Madison Shell Building now occupied, saidd Jan Critz, director of the Rockingham County Center for Economic Development, Small Business and Tourism, in the release.

We appreciate Bridgestones and Pine Hall Bricks commitment to and investment in Rockingham County.

According to Mayodans proposed operational budget for the 2018 fiscal year, Bridgestone Aircraft Tire is the third-highest taxpayer in the town.

The retread plant has seen growth and success since opening on Ayersville Road in late 2007. The Mayodan location is one of five Bridgestone aircraft retreading plants around the world  and the only one located in the Americas.

Business growth demanded more space for inventory needs, and the close proximity of the warehouse to our base operation facilitates a smooth flow of resources into our manufacturing process, said Joe Rayna, president of Bridgestone Aircraft Tire USA, in the release.

We were fortunate to find a building so close and the recent upgrades quickly brought it into compliance with our requirements. We appreciate everyones efforts, and something weve grown accustomed to since our relocation into Rockingham County.

As for warehouse developer Winston-Salem based Pine Hall Brick, which operates three manufacturing plants in Madison, the agreement with Bridgestone is a win-win.

From Pine Hall Bricks perspective, we are extremely pleased to now have this warehouse upgraded and being utilized by a very distinguished tenant like Bridgestone Aircraft Tire, said President Fletcher Steele in the release.

The fact that our two companies were able to forge together a long-term agreement made the substantial upgrade investment a viable one. We hope to look upon 2017 as the start of an expanded development of our Madison Business Park with its excellent geographic location, easy access to the Triad and surrounding areas, and very competitive building sites. Pine Hall Brick very much values our relationship with the Rockingham County community and wish to be an active conduit in its growth and future job opportunities.
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In its surprise $13.7 billion acquisition offer Friday morning for Whole Foods Market, Amazon has put itself into position to buy out what has been  alongside Trader Joes  the most expansion-minded grocer in southwestern Connecticut in the past decade, even as other rivals have made only token openings or stayed away altogether.

Amazon is offering $42 in cash for shares of Austin, Texas-based Whole Foods, 27 percent above the issues closing price Thursday. Amazon, whose own shares were up 3 percent Friday morning to nearly $997, vowed to continue operating Whole Foods stores under its existing brand and practices, leaving in place CEO John Mackey.

It was a stunning revelation from the respective icons of the dot-com and organic food industries, with Seattle-based Amazon having received attention of late for brick-and-mortar outposts of its online empire, but not having signaled any move as dramatic as the Whole Foods deal.

If Amazon bags Whole Foods intact, it would pick up stores in Greenwich, Darien, Norwalk, Westport, Fairfield, Milford and Danbury, representing a mix of new openings and locations inherited in Whole Foods 2009 acquisition of fellow organic chain Wild Oats.

More Business Twitter has some funny, clever things to say about Amazon buying Whole Foods

As part of that deal, the Federal Trade Commission forced Whole Foods to sell more than 30 Wild Oats locations near existing Whole Foods markets to maintain competition in those neighborhoods.

In addition to the cash cow that is Whole Foods  the company rung up sales of $3.7 billion for its second fiscal quarter ending April 9  Amazon would inherit more than 450 stores nationally totaling in excess of 18 million square feet of space. Amazon has been expanding rapidly its distribution, including last week with its announcement of plans to add a North Haven facility that would employ 1,800 people year-round and more during the holidays.

Whole Foods has been a big investor in Connecticut itself, opening new stores between 2009 and 2013 in Danbury, Darien, Fairfield and Milford, and last year renovating its Greenwich store with the addition of 7,000 square feet of extra space.

Fairway and Fresh Market arrived in the same wave, opening beachheads in Stamford and Westport but not expanding locally from there. And other household names in the Northeast like Wegmans and Hannaford have yet to set foot in southwestern Connecticut, with Wegmans purchasing land last year just over the Connecticut border in Harrison, N.Y., for its first location in New York Citys northern suburbs.

Since its big expansion, however, Whole Foods momentum has slowed as other stores have upped their own offerings for health-conscious shoppers, along with emerging preferences for smaller neighborhood stores like Trader Joes or independent grocers that dot the region locally, including Caraluzzis, Palmers Market in Darien and Stewarts Market in New Canaan. In response, Whole Foods introduced a smaller concept store dubbed Whole Foods 365 with just a handful having opened to date.

In February, Mackey took a moment to reflect on the arc of Whole Foods since its 1980 launch, during a conference call with investment analysts.

Nobody paid any attention to us, but we continued to expand and grow and we got more and more successful, Mackey said. The more conventional, mainstream supermarkets have upped their game. Theyve picked up more ... products and that has slowed the erosion of some of their business that was heading toward Whole Foods Market.

But ... we still see that our core customer  the Whole Foodie customer, the person thats really, really dedicated to Whole Foods Market  they are still coming to us, Mackey continued. Were going to double down on focusing on our best customers. We are going to create more value for them than weve ever created for them.

Alex.Soule@scni.com; 203-842-2545; www.twitter.com/casoulman
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Mark Boughton is molding himself as the anti-Lowell P. Weicker Jr.

The longtime Danbury mayor  trying to separate himself from a pack of Republicans with gubernatorial ambitions  wants to abolish the state income tax ushered in by Weicker a quarter-century ago.

Connecticut has a spending problem, not a revenue problem, said Boughton, who blamed the income tax for the exodus of residents and businesses to other states. Since it came onto the books, he said, the state has lost $13.7 billion in net adjusted gross income.

Boughton would offset lost income-tax revenue with a downsizing of state government and regionalization of some municipal services.

Obviously, one only has to look at companies like Aetna and GE, he said. I recently met with some portfolio managers in lower Fairfield County. Probably 70 to 80 percent of them are leaving.

Boughtons Reaganesque vision of tax cuts spurring economic growth coincides with an impasse between Republicans and Democrats over how to close a $5 billion, two-year state budget deficit.

The concept quickly drew plaudits and skepticism during a recent rollout by Boughton, who is raising money for a presumptive run for governor in 2018, in what would be his third shot at the states top office. The income tax accounts for $9 billion of the $15 billion in annual tax revenue collected by the state.

I tell Mark Boughton to get with the real world, Weicker said. Were way past the point in this state where thats in any way conceivable. All thats going to mean is a huge sales tax, and that will really hurt the lower-income families in our state.

History of controversy

A former Republican who ascended to the governors office under the banner of A Connecticut Party, Weicker signed the income tax into law in 1991 with support from Democrats. Connecticut became the 41st state to levy an income tax, with the top marginal rate now at 7 percent for single filers with annual incomes over $500,000.

Weicker, a former U.S. senator and ex-Greenwich first selectman, said his immediate successor vowed to do the same as Boughton proposes.

This is what John Rowland said he was going to do, Weicker said. Im sure wed all like to get rid of it. Just take a look at how much in debt we are with the income tax. Youre obviously going to have to raise corporate taxes, the very thing youre trying to avoid.

But Boughtons stock among conservatives, led by CNBCs Larry Kudlow, appeared to be on the uptick with his call to repeal the state income tax. The one-time Ronald Reagan budget guru and Redding resident tweeted Right On! at Boughton Monday night.

Its the right spirit, Kudlow told Hearst Connecticut Media. I dont know if its the right precise policy. Whichever Republican runs in 2018, theyve got to understand this: Youre not going to balance the budget or significantly reduce the deficit or, for that matter, attract new people and new businesses to the state unless you have growth-oriented tax cuts across the board. If the GOP runs root canal with Novocaine  just cutting the budget, cutting pensions for state workers and so forth  theyre not going to win.

On top of the income tax, Kudlow said, taxes on corporations, property and inheritance, as well as regulations, make Connecticut one of the least competitive states.

Who the hell wants to move to Connecticut? Kudlow said. Its a tragedy. Its a great state.

S.E. Cupp, the conservative CNN talking head, also took notice of Boughtons proposal.

Yaaaassss, @MayorMark, she tweeted Tuesday.

Boughton can use the additional exposure in a logjam of Republicans with gubernatorial hopes, which includes Tim Herbst, Trumbulls first selectman; Peter Lumaj, the GOPs 2014 nominee for secretary of the state; and Dave Walker, the former comptroller general under Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush.

Also on that list are Mark Lauretti, the longtime Shelton mayor; Prasad Srinivasan, a state representative from Glastonbury; Steve Obsitnik, a Westport businessman; Toni Boucher, a state senator from Wilton; and Joe Visconti, a former West Hartford councilman.

Themis Klarides and Len Fasano, the GOP leaders of the state House and Senate, havent ruled out running. Neither has Fasanos predecessor, Fairfields John McKinney.

Heres an opportunity

Connecticuts Republican Party boss from 2011 to 2015, Jerry Labriola Jr., said it takes courage to propose wholesale changes the way Boughton has.

Its bold, and not many candidates are willing to take bold positions, Labriola said.

Looking to be the heir apparent to Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, who is not running for re-election, several Democrats are raising money for presumptive bids for the states top office. They include state Comptroller Kevin Lembo, Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim, Middletown Mayor Dan Drew, former Consumer Protection Commissioner Jonathan Harris and former prosecutor Chris Mattei.

Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman and state Sen. Ted Kennedy Jr. havent shut the door, either.

Like many Republicans, Mark (Boughton) is doubling down on a trickle-down economic theory thats never worked, said Drew, head of the states Democratic mayors group. If you ended the state income tax, particularly for the wealthiest people among us, then state deficits will explode even further and it will lead to the dissolution of many public services, including safety and education. It will hurt the economy in the long run.

Lembo, the chief fiscal guardian of the state, declined to comment through a spokeswoman.

Should Boughton go from exploratory phase to a full-fledged candidate, he said, he will unveil a framework for eliminating the income tax and recalibrating state government.

If you exist and live in the current status quo, youre going to look at it and go, where are we going to find $9 billion?  Boughton said. Thats part of the problem. The vision of the candidates in the field right now cant see past the huge looming deficits to say, Hey, wait heres an opportunity. 

But Boughtons skeptics say that until the mayor fleshes out his proposal, its a leap of faith.

Unless hes got some other plan to magically raise money or eliminate the vast majority of the state spending, I dont see how it could be viable, said David Cadden, a professor emeritus in the School of Business at Quinnipiac University in Hamden. It would put (the state) in bankruptcy.

nvigdor@hearstmediact.com; 203-625-4436; http://twitter.com/gettinviggy
J: How old are you?

W: Im 77.

J: Are you from Greenwich?

W: No, Im from West Virginia. Well, actually I was born in Ohio, right across the river  see I married a man and I was married to him for 55 years, and he lived in West Virginia, so I moved there.

J: Did you meet your husband in Ohio?

W: Well, actually I did. My sister and his brother were going to get married in Kentucky and they wanted him to be the best man and me to be the best woman, and I was taking care of these children. I was babysitting, and we had a lady to come in to take care of the children while I went with my sister. I was 19 years old. I was on the couch on my knees looking out for him. I was in this apartment where I could see down  and I was looking right down on top of him, this man coming up the walk  and he was scared. He was looking this way and that, you know, and I said to myself, Oh, Im going to marry that man! Hes going to be my husband. Hes so cute!

J: Wow.

W: And then he came up to my door, and the girl that come in to take care of the kids, she was there. I was kind of cute, she was kind of a plain-looking girl... and I said, You answer the door for me, and she went over, and she opened up the door, and the first thing he said  his face dropped  he said, Are you Janet? and she said, No, shes sitting there on the couch, and he just lit up like a Christmas tree (laughs).

J: So you both were in the wedding, and he came from West Virginia for the wedding?

W: Yeah ... Okey and I were married three months after, and I was married to him for 55 years. Four children. We were poor but we were happy.

J: When you got married you moved to West Virginia? Where in West Virginia did you go?

W: Point Pleasant.

J: And you were 19. Did you go live with his family, or did you have a house?

W: We moved into a trailer that his dad had built. His family had a house right there beside us ... they moved out and built themselves a home in Ohio, so we moved into this trailer and lived there for about a year. After that we moved into the house.

J: So did you both work?

W: He worked. He worked at West Virginia ... Iron Company, but when we first got married he worked at this gas station. I got sick, and my sister and her husband took me over to the hospital to find out what was wrong with me, and when I got back to the gas station he come out. He was covered with oil; hed been in the grease pits all over, and he said, Whats wrong with ya? and I said, Im pregnant, and his ears looked just like neon lights!

J: So you had your first child, and was it a girl or boy?

W: She was a girl. I was staying with his mother at the time, in her house and everything until the baby was born. And I had toxemia and I had the flu, and the baby was born about a month early. We both almost died. Her name is Nora Elizabeth. She is named after her two grandmas.

J: Nora Elizabeth, thats pretty.

W: When she was born, they had her in an incubator and she would eat and everything with tubes down her neck to get her to eat, and I wasnt allowed to touch her because I had the flu. So one day the nurse brought her in so I could see her, and she said, She is pretty, but a stubborn little thing. And I thought right at that moment: This baby is going to grow up to be a nurse, and she is going to help people. And she became a registered nurse.

J: Because she wanted to or 

W: I didnt impress her or anything. She wanted to be a doctor, but she became a registered nurse.

J: And you said you had four children.

W: Yeah. And the second, see the doctor said I should not have any children for at least four years, because if I did that they might as well just get us both a coffin.

J: So it really was bad.

W: Yeah, so in seven years, I had another baby, a girl. Her name was Maria Teresa. I had a lot of trouble with her. She was born feet first, with her arms straight up in the air. She developed asthma and all the time, you know  she was little and everything  all she would do is get emotional, and she would end up with an asthma attack and in the hospital. So we got her through that, and finally when she was about 4 years old, we got her tonsils took out and that helped, but she still has asthma. To look at her you wouldnt think a thing was the matter with her. She was a big girl.

J: And she looked healthy?

W: Yeah, she looked healthy. And my oldest one was a little blonde ... and Marias hair was dark brown like my husbands hair, and mine  a beautiful baby.

J: So you had two girls, Nora and Maria. What happened after that?

W: Maria was 4 years old and I had a little boy, Mark. Mark David ... and then two years later, I had a little girl named Lisa, Lisa Anne.

J: What did you do for fun?

W: We would go to parades and fireworks and movies, and we had  see, he drove so we would go to movies. We would go out and hunt pop bottles and sell those, and get money to go to the movies and things.

J: Were you by the water?

W: Yeah, the Ohio River, and there was a big lake. We went fishing out there. We took our little boy when he was 3 years old, with a little fishing pole, and he was the only one that caught any fish, and he was so excited  and hes been a fisherman ever since (laughs).

J: How funny! and your husband 

W: Okey Johnson Hurlow. One of his aunts named him. She told his mother that she would get him a bunch of clothes and everything, you know, if she named him what she wanted him named. And she named him, and there was nothing. She didnt do anything.

J: So you were 19 when you got married, how old was he?

W: Twenty. His nickname was Sug, (shoog). His dad, when he was really little, he had whooping cough, and they would take sugar cubes and give them to him to keep him from coughing. He would say, More sug, dad! More sug! and they called him that.

J: And you got married after three months? How did that happen?

W: Yeah, we had been going out and going to movies and stuff ... One time, we went in his brother Joes car, and ... we hid in the trunk, and when we got to the movies we got out, and we both had jeans on and everything. They called us, the office, they said they caught one of us, they didnt catch the other one. We told them honestly, that we was going to go out and pay and that we was just kidding around.

J: Oh, so it was a drive-in movie.

W: Yeah, and they let us go.

J: And when did you get to Greenwich?

I came here about three years ago. My daughter Nora, was getting married, and I paid for their honeymoon.

J: And then you liked it here in Greenwich.

W: One thing I like about it here is the summers. In West Virginia it is so hot even early in the morning. Ill bet its 98 degrees right now. (In Greenwich) We have these nice cool breezes coming from the ocean and everything.

J: Yeah, so the weather here is nice.

W: I made several trips up here by plane myself.

J: Do any of your children live around here?

W: They all live in West Virginia, theyre busy.

J: Well, thats great. Thank you so much for talking with me, Janet.

W: Thank you.

E: jturiano@greenwichtime.com; T: @jturianoGT; IG: @greenwichgreen
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The former chair of the Cleethorpes Labour Party, who was an outspoken critic of the party's leadership has admitted that he was "wrong about Jeremy Corbyn."

Croft Baker ward Councillor Matthew Brown had been a vocal critic of the Islington MP, even signing a letter calling for his resignation as Labour Leader alongside other borough councillors and 600 nationally.

Mr Brown, a self-confessed Blairite, had felt that Mr Corbyn's leadership was taking his party in a direction that contradicted his political views, and that of many of his colleagues in the Parliamentary Labour Party. However, he is now ready to "publicly eat his words."

Mr Brown now feels that the Labour Party must unite behind Jeremy Corbyn if it is to progress in the future, calling his general election campaign "inspirational."

He said: "I have been very public about my criticism about Jeremy Corbyn and his strategy since he was elected Leader of the Labour Party. However, Labour performed fantastically well and I must eat my words publicly and admit I got it wrong and I misjudged the public mood nationally.

"Having reflected on this historic election result it is clear that the strategy of targeting young and first time voters was inspirational. Their engagement has changed the balance of politics and will make our democracy more representative as a result as all parties must now listen to their voice or face the consequences in the ballot box.

"As a party, we must unite behind our Leader Jeremy Corbyn in the national interest.

"The Conservatives appear to want to cling onto power whatever the cost, even if that cost is peace in Northern Ireland. The Good Friday Agreement and all subsequent agreements in Northern Ireland are now at risk as the UK Government, under the Leadership of Prime Minister Theresa May, can no longer be seen as an impartial and honest broker. That is something that should worry us all regardless of political persuasion.

The councillor also praised Cleethorpes Labour candidate Peter Keith for his stellar performance in the election, despite Conservative Martin Vickers increasing his share of the vote.

He said: "Locally we need to take inspiration from the national result, however we may need to alter our approach in order to make Cleethorpes a Labour seat once again.

"Our candidate Peter Keith, did a magnificent job and I do hope that he will stand again, the more people get to know him, the more they see that he would be a hard working, dedicated and principled member of parliament for the constituency.

"Consistency of candidate together with open and honest discussions with the public and internally on how what we need to do differently are essential for a future victory.

"This is especially true if, as is suggested by many political commentators, we are to have a second General Election in 2017 as Theresa Mays Coalition of Terror and Chaos struggles to stay afloat."
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A man has been arrested by armed police outside Westminster after he reached for a knife when approached by officers.

A bearded man, wearing black trousers and a grey sweatshirt, was pictured being held against a fence with his arms behind his back by police including armed officers.

Police said they Tasered the man after he reached for a knife.

Scotland Yard said the man - aged in his 30s - was arrested on suspicion of possessing a knife.

(Image: Harriet Line/PA Wire)

There are no reported injuries.

In March terrorist Khalid Masood, 52, drove a car into pedestrians walking on Westminster Bridge killing four and injuring more than 50 before stabbing to death policeman Keith Palmer. Masood was then shot dead by Palmers colleagues.
It's going to be one of the hottest weekends of the year - and that means some things are just guaranteed to happen.

Whether it's what to eat, what to wear or where to go, there are some traditions which everyone in Grimsby, Cleethorpes and North East Lincolnshire will be familiar with.

So, here's our round up of what to expect when the sun shines and the temperatures nudge the 90s.

There is going to be a run on barbecues and burgers

(Image: Jeff J Mitchell)

Petrol stations run out of charcoal and those little one-use barbies sell out like hot cakes. And if you want burgers and bangers make sure you head for the supermarket early or its Quorn all round - or, worse, someone trying to barbecue frozen burgers.

Also expect a surge in demand for enormous packs of lager and cider, bottles of water and expect no deals on kids Fruit Shoots for the whole weekend.

Cleethorpes prom will be heaving

It's the place to be at the weekend and traders are already looking forward to one of their best of the year.

By-pass the prom and head along the beach for some waves lapping on your bare feet and to avoid the crowds.

And parking will drive you nuts

Try your luck and join a 2mph traffic jam along Cleethorpes seafront and watch toddlers on the pavement overtake cars full of families.

Saying that, beach front boy-racers will still manage to get noisily into second gear at full revs as they impress, well no-one. Those thinking ahead might let the train or bus take the strain.

Someone you know will get sunburn

From the fella who says he doesn't really need sun lotion to the young women trying low factor tanning cream, you can be sure when you get back home on Saturday or Sunday night you'll have one person you know with a stonking red British tan.

On Monday when you see them you'll be able to say: 'I see you caught some sun then' while trying to keep a straight face.

Cleethorpes Padding Pool will look nothing like this ...

Instead, it will be heaving with toddlers running around in nappies (probably not even swim ones) and nothing else, with stressed parents chasing round after them trying to squirt them with suncream and wipe ice cream off their face.

There will be an enormous queue to get in as it switches to a one out, one in rule. And those who give up on the paddling pool queue will head for the sandpit, which will be equally packed, with the added bonus of inevitable fights over spades.

It's a fish and chips weekend

Despite temperatures heading for the 90s, expect queues at the chippies as people who couldn't get a barbecue sorted head for the chip shops. Papas on the pier in Cleethorpes will already be rubbing their battered hands with glee at the prospect of crowds of hungry day-trippers at the beach.

The white wardrobe comes out

After a winter in dark colours, a guaranteed spell of sunshine is going to ensure the whites comes out. So expect white shorts, tops, T-shirts, jeans and  of course  the occasional socks jammed into sandals. Use tongs to place in washing machine afterwards.

A lot of people will complain

Yes it may be the best weather of the year, but, after an initial rush of enthusiasm, expect at least a few people you know to soon complain about it being too warm, as they use a hand as an ineffective fan and slowly perspire in the heat.

People will rediscover the parks

Whether it's Elsham Hall or Normanby Hall, expect the parks to have a bumper weekend . It may not be the beach but a day out at one of our fine estates is the perfect alternative to the bustling beach

Every dad will still want a lie in

No matter of the kids are up at the crack of dawn, armed with their buckets, spades and swimming trunks, no dad is going to want to miss his annual kip in for the sake of beating the rush to the seaside. By the time he gets up it will be just in time to head out and get sunburned at the hottest part of the day.
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A national disability charity that had criticised the council for closing the Cleethorpes Boating Lake toilets has said "thanks for listening" upon hearing the news that they will now be reopened.

North East Lincolnshire Council had closed the Boating Lake toilets on April 1 of this year, as a cost-cutting measure, however the move was labelled "short sighted" by a number of charities and led to an outcry from local residents, businesses and visitors.

The council is currently in talks with a third party about taking control over the Boating Lake facilities, and announced yesterday that until these talks have been finalised, the toilets will remain open.

National charity Disability Rights UK had hit out at the decision to close the facilities, with deputy chief executive Sue Bott saying that the move effectively meant "that disabled people who need such facilities will be unable to visit the town."

However, now the charity has praised the council with Policy and Development Manager Philip Connolly saying: "This is excellent news, it shows that the council are listening to people, and we welcome the move.

"Thanks for listening."

(Image: Rick Byrne)

The Rock Foundation have also expressed their pleasure with the move with Matthew Wooffindin, assistant manager of the organisation, who had previously called the decision "a huge loss for the town" saying: "I think that this is a wise move.

"In our organisation we have a number of members who are mobility impaired and need to use these facilities.

"This move will not only help disabled people, but the economy of the resort in general.

"To be honest it was daft to think about closing them in the first place, it makes so much more sense to have them open."

North East Lincolnshire Council Leader Councillor Ray Oxby said the decision to open the toilets again came after the council had listened to peoples concerns over the closure.

He said: " Weve listened to peoples views and taken them on board when reconsidering the closure of the Boating Lake toilets.

Public toilets continue to be an emotive issue and while as a council we dont have a duty to provide them, we do understand that people value them and want the option to use them, especially in a popular resort like Cleethorpes.

Weve said regularly that we want to keep them open, but the stark reality is that budget pressures mean we have to look closely at everything we do. Its a dilemma thats not unique to North East Lincolnshire, councils up and down the country are closing public toilets.

Its unfortunate but as we see millions of pounds slashed from our budget, we need to make more and more decisions that will affect services that people appreciate.
Photo: iStockphoto

Welcome to Grub Streets weekly survey of the most-talked-about, must-visit restaurants in New York. The list below features spots both new and old, ranked according to one important, ever-fluctuating (and admittedly subjective) metric: Who has the most buzz? Perhaps a famed chef has taken over the kitchen or theres a new dish you absolutely must order. Maybe the restaurant is just brand new or the critics are raving about it. Whatever the reason, these are the 12 hottest restaurants in New York right now.

1. Le Crocodile (10)

Would you like some Barbuto-style roast chicken with a big pile of crisp, skinny fries? Of course you would and so, it seems, does Times critic Pete Wells, who this week gave three stars to this Williamsburg brasserie, writing, Nearly everything Ive had at Le Crocodile has made me want to come back for more.

2. Barbuto (7)

Then again, if you want your Barbuto-style chicken from Barbuto, you will be very happy to learn that the restaurant is now back in action, albeit around the corner from the original location. Everything, and everyone, you love from the original version is back, too, so the restaurants legions of regulars should have no trouble settling right in to the updated space.

3. Thai Diner (2)

Suddenly, everythings a diner  including Soho Diner, Jose Andress Spanish Diner, and chef Sam Yoos very excellent Golden Diner  and now the Uncle Boons team unveils the aptly named Thai Diner. As you might guess, its equal parts Greek-American diner and Thai restaurant with a wild mix of food (kanom krok, eggs with Thai sausage, chicken liver with pineapple and Thai herbs, straight-up cheeseburgers) that is something like a free-for-all of deliciousness.

4. Rule of Thirds (1)

The new Japanese spot at the Williamsburg-Greenpoint border is off to a good start. The bar is huge, the drinks are solid (including a list of sake for natural wine lovers), and chef JT Vuongs menu is filled with hits, like a tofu-and-Camembert hot pocket, and a deeply comforting vegan riff on kasujiru, a mushroom-and-bean-laden stew thats infused with the flavor of sake lees.

5. Ernestos (3)

Chef Ryan Bartlows impressive menu is filled with all sorts of food you find yourself thinking about long after youve left his new downtown Spanish restaurant: chicken croquettes with a beautiful custardy interior, that Instagram-famous pile of potato chips and Spanish ham, pots of long-cooked tripe, squid stewed in its own ink, and peppers stuffed with tender lamb neck.

6. Jua (4)

Chef Ho Young Kims Korean tasting-menu spot is open, and quickly finding fans. The food on the $95 set menu is polished  with an ambitious approach that marries Korean and Western techniques  and the entire room smells pleasantly of the wood fire that Kim uses to cook much of his food.

7. Karazishi Botan (7)

Returning to the idea of everythings a diner  how about a ramen diner, this one from chef Foo Kanegae, who is best known here for his work with Ippudo? Its in the space that was previously home to Battersby, which you may recall is, um, cozy. You might also know that everyone loves ramen and that this particular diner will not accept reservations. All of this is to say: Expect a wait!

8. Leo (8)

Whats not to like about this Williamsburg pizza joint? The vibe is as casual as it gets, the pizzas are exceedingly solid, you can just grab whatever wine you want off the wall (or from a cooler up front), and everyone just seems so exceedingly happy to be here. Also: those beans!

9. 232 Bleecker (11)

Chef Suzanne Cupps has teamed up with the Dig chain for this new neighborhood spot in Greenwich Village. There is a massive grill, Cuppss signature way with fresh, seasonal ingredients, and lasagna made with Moses Sleeper cheese from Vermonts Jasper Hill Farm.

10. Da Toscano (12)

Speaking of highly revered New York chefs arriving in new spaces, Michael Toscano has returned to the city with an upscale Italian spot that promises to hit all the carby, meaty notes his fans will remember and love.

11. Veronika (9)

What does Adam Platt think of Stephen Starrs newest restaurant, a gilded homage to the European luxury of yesteryear? Our critic recently wrote that much of chef Robert Aikenss cooking is extremely polished  the duck-stuffed chou farci and chicken Kiev are lovely  but as dinner progresses at Veronika, theres a sense that the kitchen, like this latest Starr concept in general, is missing that little creative twist that in cooking (and theatrical) circles is sometimes called a point of view.

12. Saltbae Burger (New this week)

You probably shouldnt actually go here, but when something is universally understood to be the worst restaurant in NYC right now  it has to make you a little curious, no?
The Motorola Moto C Plus will arrive in India next week. The company sent out media invites for a June 19 event where the device is expected to be unveiled.

Not only this, through its social media channels, Motorola has also confirmed that the phone will be a Flipkart-exclusive in the country.

Yes, it's a cool place to be at! The #MotoCPlus will come to you, exclusively on @Flipkart. Stay tuned. pic.twitter.com/29lsSpWqic  Moto India (@Moto_IND) June 15, 2017

The Moto C and Moto C Plus were made official by the company last month. The former arrived in India earlier this month, carrying an INR 5,999 ($95) price tag. There's currently no official information on how much the Plus variant will cost.

Via
Here are the nine markets where the HTC U11 will get 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage
Russian Trace behind the Lie on US Biological Weapons in Armenia

As it is known, some Armenian and Russian media outlets, as well as some activists, have addressed the activity of reference laboratories opened in Yerevan, Gyumri, and Ijevan in 2016 and funded by the Threat Reduction Agency of the US Department of Defense, claiming that the laboratories have dual function and pose a danger for the population of Armenia, which is a strategic ally of Russia, as they may create biological weapons. These allegations have been denied by all relevant authorities, namely, the RA Ministry of Health, the US Embassy in Yerevan, and etc. And though the false nature of this information has been proved multiple times, some groups continue to spread the disinformation about the biological weapons created in Armenia by the US. Yesterday three people from the aforementioned groups even organized a protest near the US Embassy in Yerevan. The protest was widely covered by the media in spite of the fact that a number of absurd ideas were expressed there (for instance, the claim that the US has founded such laboratories in 400 countries of the world). Leaving aside the content discussion (SUT.am website has addressed it several times), Union of Informed Citizens has addressed the disinformation with a short report related to the groups persistently spreading the disinformation, and their real motives. In particular, we discovered that the authors of the publications about US biological weapons in Armenia are pro-Russian groups, which spread the disinformation either through Russian or pro-Russian websites. Moreover, the most active role-players have connections with the Russian Embassy in Armenia or Russian funds in this way or other. Hence, based on the facts introduced in the report, we can state that the main aim of the aforementioned disinformation is to represent USA as an enemy and danger to Armenia, and create and reinforce an image of Russia as the guarantor of our security and our rescuer. You can find the full report here. Union of Informed Citizens




Haiti - Politics : Mission of the Minister of Agriculture in the Dominican Republic





Carmel Andre Beliard, Minister of Agriculture, accompanied by Deputy Yves Dupras, Member of the Agricultural Committee of the Lower House and several Councilors of the Presidency carried out a 48-hours mission in the Dominican Republic.



This mission enabled Minister Beliard to meet his Dominican counterpart, Angel Estevez, as well as several farmers, entrepreneurs and agro-industrialists in the sector. Exchanges mainly focused on concrete initiatives to revitalize and modernize Haitian agriculture in order to ensure a positive impact on the incomes of agricultural workers, food security, the balance of imports and the growth of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).



Poultry farming, rice cultivation, support for livestock production, commercial agriculture, water control, agricultural innovations, strengthening of agricultural sectors and agro-industry were were the highlights of exchanges.



The Haitian delegation visited agricultural and poultry farms and a rice processing and processing plant to better understand what is driving agricultural development in the eastern part of the island.



At the end of the two days, a bilateral meeting was held between the two Ministers of Agriculture in the presence of the Haitian Ambassador to the Dominican Republic, Idalbert Pierre-Jean and several officials of the Embassy. The purpose of the meeting was to create a bilateral Commission dedicated to strengthening cooperation relations : in agricultural production, phytosanitary control, agro-industrial processing, reforestation, soil conservation and capacity building of cross-border agricultural organizations.



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - Environment : UNESCO adds new biosphere reserve in Haiti





The International Coordinating Council of the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme meeting in Paris has added 23 new sites to the World Network of Biosphere, including four that straddle national boundaries. These additions were made during the MAB Councils meeting in Paris from 12 to 15 June.



The Council also approved extensions to 11 reserves and the renaming of another, as well as the request by Bulgaria and the United States of America to withdraw some of their reserves from the World Network.



The Bulgarian sites that have been withdrawn are: Doupkata; Kamtchia; Koupena.



Sites that have been withdrawn by the US sites are: Aleutian Islands; Beaver Creek; California Coast Ranges; Carolinian South Atlantic; Central Plains; Coram; Desert; Fraser; H.J. Andrews; Hubbard Brook; Konza Prairie Research Natural Area; Land Between the Lake; Niwot Ridge; Noatak; Stanislas-Tuolumne; Three Sisters; Virgin Islands.



Biosphere Reserves are learning places for sustainable development whose aim is to reconcile biodiversity conservation and the sustainable use of natural resources. New sites are designated every year by the MAB Council which is composed of representatives of 34 elected UNESCO Member.



Regarding Haiti has been added the La Selle - Jaragua-Bahoruco-Enriquillo Transboundary Biosphere Reserve (Dominican Republic/Haiti), this biosphere reserve includes the reserves of La Selle in Haiti, designated in 2012, and Jaragua-Bahoruco in the Dominican Republic, designated in 2002. These two reserves represent ecological corridors divided by a political and administrative frontier. Bringing them together should allow better management of the environment.



See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-21202-haiti-environment-nature-reserve-in-haiti-to-the-unesco-agenda.html



HL/ HaitiLibre


















Published on 2017/06/15 | Source

Korean movie of the week "The Wailing" (2016)

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Directed by Na Hong-jin

With Kwak Do-won, Hwang Jung-min, Jun Kunimura, Chun Woo-hee, Kim Hwan-hee, Heo Jin,...

Also known as "Goksung"

Crank in : 2014/08/31

Crank up : 2015/02/28

Synopsis

A story about a creepy case in a countryside village.

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Cannes 2016 (Out-of-competition)

Release date in Korea : 2016/05/12

Read Raine's review

Available on DVD and Blu-ray from YESASIA and Amazon
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Published on 2017/06/16 | Source

Added episode 5 captures for the Korean drama "Queen for 7 Days" (2017)

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Directed by Lee Jung-seob

Written by Choi Jin-yeong

Network : KBS

With Park Min-young, Yeon Woo-jin, Lee Dong-gun, Jang Hyun-sung, Kang Shin-il, Son Eun-seo,...

20 episodes - Wed, Thu 22:00

Synopsis

A period drama about Queen Dangyeong who was on the throne for 7 days before she was disposed.

Broadcast starting date in Korea : 2017/05/31

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Published on 2017/06/16 | Source

Added episodes 21 and 22 captures for the Korean drama "Suspicious Partner" (2017)

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Directed by Park Seon-ho-I

Written by Kwon Ki-yeong

Network : SBS

With Ji Chang-wook, Nam Ji-hyun, Choi Tae-joon, Kwon Nara, Lee Deok-hwa, Nam Gi-ae,...

Formerly known as "Watch out for this Woman" (  , i yeo-ja-leul jo-sim-ha-se-yo)

40 episodes - Wed, Thu 22:00

Synopsis

"Suspicious Partner" will be a romantic comedy in a judicial setting with a killer thrown into the mix. A Taekwondo practitioner turned judicial trainee turned murder suspect.

Broadcast starting date in Korea : 2017/05/10

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Hangingditch marks 10 years with Wine Gang wine fair

By Andrew Catchpole

Hangingditch, the innovative Manchester merchant headed up by Ben Stephenson, is marking its tenth anniversary with a two day tasting event this autumn in Manchester Cathedral.

The company, which has become known for its lively annual festival mixing it up with live music and wine, has upped the ante this year with a two-day consumer fair in conjunction with the Wine Gang on 27 and 28 October.

This brings together well-know wine writers David Williams, Joanna Simon, Anthony Rose and regular Harpers contributor Jane Parkinson, who will be on hand to lead tasting sessions, masterclasses and wine walkabouts.

Wines, beers and spirits from the typically quality-focused and sometimes eclectic Hangingditch portfolio, along with food, will complete the scene.

More information and tickets are available via the hangingditch website: www.hangingditch.com
While email is a vital communication tool for businesses, an organisation is vulnerable to employees who misuse it. Employer monitoring of email may be necessary to identify misconduct or to prevent harm to the employers business.



In a digital age where the line between personal and public is becoming increasingly blurred, the question often arises as to the rights of an employer to monitor employee email.



Australia is split on this issue. Australian private sector employers in states and territories other than NSW and the ACT can check employees emails without prior notice, agreement or policy. There are also special rules for public sector employers. Both NSW and the ACT have introduced legislation regulating private sector workplace computer surveillance.



In NSW and the ACT, unless a covert surveillance authority is obtained from a magistrate, complying with the legislative requirements for overt surveillance will mean an employer can lawfully check emails when needed. These requirements are:



 giving the employee 14 days written notice (or less if agreed) before commencing surveillance. Note: if surveillance has already commenced, or will commence in less than 14 days before a new employee joins, notice must be given to the new employee before they join;

 the notice must identify how the computer surveillance will be conducted, its start date, its duration (specified period or ongoing) and whether it will be continuous or intermittent; and

 the surveillance must be conducted in accordance with a policy notified to the employee in advance of the surveillance (it must be reasonable for the employer to assume the employee is aware of and understands the policy).



In the ACT, the policy must also meet certain content requirements, including providing information about how the computer resources are logged, who may access logged information and how compliance with the policy is monitored and audited.



Once the above requirements are met, employers in NSW and the ACT can check emails without their employees knowledge provided that the basis for checking is consistent with the reasons for monitoring given in the surveillance policy. As such, when preparing a computer surveillance policy, any desire to assure employees of their privacy needs to be balanced against legitimate monitoring purposes to avoid unreasonably fettering the employers prerogative to monitor its own IT email system.



Using the results



Employers must nonetheless take care when using surveillance results. Checking emails and relying on your findings in support of disciplinary action can be very helpful  but only when done lawfully and in accordance with communicated expectations regarding work email use.



In NSW and the ACT, covert surveillance results can only be disclosed as permitted by the surveillance authority. Overt surveillance results can be used more broadly. For example, the results can be used for a legitimate business purpose such as disciplinary action.



If the results are used to dismiss an employee and legislative requirements have not been met, or if the employers policy has not been complied with or is vague or contradictory, you can be certain that the employer will be staring down the barrel of a claim (unfair dismissal being the most obvious for eligible employees).



For all employers, best practice is to have a clear policy about permitted use of work email and computer surveillance. The policy should state that work email is not private and may be monitored.



In NSW and the ACT, private sector employers need to take the further steps of notice and/or consent to that monitoring. The best way to obtain such consent is by including an appropriate clause in an offer letter or contract of employment.



This article was contributed by Vanessa Andersen (Partner) and Olivia Hillier (Special Counsel), Maddocks






We're a family of seven living in Georgia where Andrew's working as a professor at GSU. You can read more about us here
A total of 17 people were found hiding inside a roughly 12-metre motorboat without proper travel documents during a routine border inspection in the Saimaa Canal on 6 June, 2017, according to a press release from the Finnish Border Guard .

The Finnish Border Guard has revealed that it has foiled an unusual attempt to smuggle people into Finland via the Saimaa Canal.

The three-person crew of the motorboat have been brought into custody on suspicion of attempting to orchestrate illegal entry into Finland. The motorboat used in the attempted offence, in turn, has been seized by border officials.

Finnish authorities are continuing their efforts to identify the foreigners aboard the motorboat, the press release indicates.

The pre-trial investigation into the suspected offence is being conducted by the crime prevention unit of the Gulf of Finland Coast Guard District in collaboration with the South-east Finland Border Guard District.

Aleksi Teivainen  HT

Photo: Handout / Finnish Border Guard
A HENLEY pensioner who has enjoyed knitting since the age of five hopes to see her creations in as many shop windows as possible this summer.

Gwynn Anstey, 91, has knitted more than 30 cuddly bees for the towns annual Henley Royal Regatta window display competition, which this year is themed around celebrating the bee.

Participating shops must create a display which illustrates that theme as well as the product or service they offer and must also incorporate one of Mrs Ansteys hand-made insects.

There are cash prizes of 125, 100, 75 and 50 for the top four entrants, each of whom will also receive a bottle of champagne donated by Henley pub operator and brewer Brakspear.

The winner will also receive a trophy.

Mrs Anstey, who moved to the town from Devon two years ago, is the mother of Carolyn Molyneux, who runs the competition through her company Delegate Office and Conference Services, of Hart Street.

She has helped her daughter to promote the competition for many years and would often visit Henley during the summer to hand out flyers and encourage businesses to get involved.

She also regularly visits the annual Henley Regatta for the Disabled, where she runs a stall selling knitted jumpers, hats, gloves and large cuddly hedgehogs.

Mrs Anstey took up knitting as a child and used to own seven knitting machines before she left the south-west to be nearer her daughter and her husband, who lives in a care home in Surrey. She now owns just three.

She said: Carolyn said she had a job for me and I was very happy to help out. I adapted it from my hedgehog design and just used a special tinsel for the stripes.

The faces are still a bit pointy so I was a bit worried that people wouldnt think they look like bees, but Carolyn says they look fabulous and it will be fun to see them hanging in all the windows.

Ive been doing this since I was five and still remember the first thing I knitted was a sock. I really enjoy it and had my girls knitting from a similar age.

I own knitting machines but I did all of these by hand. Just the other day I woke up at 4am and didnt feel the need to go back to sleep so I got up and knitted a few more.

Ive always loved it. When we lived in Devon, an inspector once came round to assess our house for council tax and said there was so much equipment that it looked like a commercial premises.

My husband replied: its not  its just my wifes hobby gone mad!.

Mrs Molyneux came up with the idea following discussions with the Henley in Bloom initiative, which is raising awareness of the growing threat to bees and their habitats worldwide.

She said: Its not just about our competition. There are lots of initiatives going on in Henley to raise awareness of bees and protect them and we hope lots of people will support them.

It is lovely to have Mum on board for this as she has always been very supportive. Its a slightly unusual theme this year but it fits in well with the summer and I look forward to seeing what our local businesses come up with.

The competition is also supported by IBS Office Solutions, financial advisers Milton Gordon & Co, the Head Partnership solicitors and Henley Town Council.

For more information, contact Mrs Molyneux on (01491) 579058

ENDS

with pics 1706339 to 343  more to come
Kieran Green arrives at court charged with the murder of Patricia OConnor

A man told gardai "it was self-defence" when he was charged with the murder of a Dublin grandmother.

Kieran Green (32) is alleged to have murdered Patricia O'Connor at the family home in south Dublin.

He is the partner of Ms O'Connor's daughter.

Ms O'Connor's dismembered remains were found scattered across a 30km area of the Wicklow mountains earlier this week. It is alleged she was killed at the end of last month.

Judge Patricia McNamara remanded Mr Green in custody. He will appear via video link at Cloverhill District Court next Thursday.

Missing

Mr Green must apply to the High Court for bail on a murder charge. The accused, of Mountain View Park, Churchtown, was brought by detectives before Tallaght District Court yesterday morning, charged with murder.

The killing of 61-year-old Ms O'Connor allegedly took place at Mountain View Park at a time unknown between May 29 and May 30.

Det Gda David Connolly said Mr Green was arrested at Bray Garda Station and charged, in his presence, at 11.28am yesterday by Gda Ross Callaghan.

Gda Connolly said Mr Green was handed a true copy of the charge sheet.

The officer said that in reply to the charge after caution, Mr Green said: "It was self- defence."

Ms O'Connor, a mother-of-two and a grandmother, worked as a chef in a south Dublin hospital. She was first reported missing on June 2, but at the time her disappearance was not considered suspicious.

Nine separate body parts have been found scattered in a 30 km area across the Wicklow Mountains in the past few days, including a head and arms in a plastic bag.

A family initially discovered the torso in a plastic bag near Military Road last Saturday and a major garda investigation was launched.

Those areas remained sealed off yesterday and garda searches are continuing in the surrounding area.

Judge McNamara noted that owing to the seriousness of the charge there was no question of bail being granted in the district court.

Defence solicitor Patrick McNeice asked that Mr Green receive medical attention while in custody.

Judge McNamara said she would note the request for medical assistance on the charge sheet, but that decision was for the prison authorities.

Mr McNeice applied for free legal aid. The court heard that Mr Green was not working and had an adult and four children as dependants.

Judge McNamara assigned Mr McNeice under the free legal aid scheme.

The dark-haired accused was unshaven and was wearing a grey hoodie top and navy tracksuit bottoms.

He stood in the dock but kept his head bowed during the proceedings.

He did not address the court during the short hearing.
A former Herald journalist has survived being hit in the neck by a stray bullet while covering the conflict in the Philippines.

Correspondent Adam Harvey, who used to work for the Herald and the Irish Independent in Dublin, posted an image on Twitter of an X-ray showing the bullet lodged in his neck.

His injuries are not life- threatening, said a director at his current employer, ABC Australia.

Harvey, who is from Australia, was in the Philippines, where militants aligned to Islamic State (IS) have taken control of parts of the island of Mindanao.

He told ABC he was on the frontline wearing a flak jacket and helmet yesterday morning before being moved back to "what was considered a safe zone".

"I was bending down. We stopped and I opened the back door of the car to get some food and water and I felt an almighty stabbing at the side of my neck," he said.

"I went down on the ground and I thought I'd been hit by a bit of shrapnel. I started bleeding, and luckily we had our ABC first aid kit, so we started doing some first aid.

"Then I was taken to a medical centre and they took me for observation at another hospital, then they did X-rays and discovered it wasn't a bit of shrapnel, I'd actually been shot in the neck with a bullet and the bullet was still in my neck.

Precaution

"Luckily, it missed everything important and it just got lodged behind my jaw."

Harvey did not lose consciousness and was advised to wear a neck brace "as a precaution".

The journalist, who is based in Indonesia, was hit at the provincial capitol building in Marawi, where officials have been giving statements to the media about the army's progress against militants, who have laid siege to the city since last month.
The scene of the bank robbery in Skerries. Photo: Arthur Carron

Masked men armed with a gun robbed a cash-in-transit van in north Dublin yesterday afternoon before fleeing the scene in a Mini.

The robbery happened outside AIB Bank on Church Road in Skerries at around 4pm.

Two masked men, one with a suspected firearm, threatened staff before fleeing with the cashbox, gardai confirmed.

They sped from the scene in a blue Mini Cooper car.

The getaway vehicle was found burned out a short time later in Kelly's Lane, Maynooth.

A garda spokesman said: "There were no reports of any injuries during the raid and investigations are ongoing."

No arrests have been made so far and gardai are depending on the public to help them with their investigation.

Shock

A worker in The Black Raven pub on Church Road told the Herald it was a "big shock" when he found out what happened.

"I didn't see or hear the robbery taking place but once I was told what had happened it was a big shock," said the worker.

"We have heard that it was done very quickly and there were a lot of guards on the scene afterwards."

Balbriggan councillor Grainne Maguire said that she heard gardai race to the scene from her home.

"I didn't see anything but I certainly heard a lot of garda cars rush to the scene earlier in the afternoon," she said.

"It's a very bizarre incident to have taken place but thank God nobody was hurt."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Balbriggan Garda Station 01 8020510 or the Garda Confidential line on 1800 666 111.

Another business was targeted in the seaside town last October, when popular ice-cream shop Storm In A Teacup was broken into and vandalised.

It was the second time the business was targeted in the calendar year.
The prison mugshot of Star Wars fan Dwyer (44) who was busted after a copy of Rogue One was found in his cell

Sex killer Graham Dwyer faced prison punishment for smuggling pornography and the latest Star Wars movie into jail, putting him at risk of a hiding from other lags after security was stepped up as a result, the Herald can reveal.

The twisted murderer, who knifed vulnerable Dublin woman Elaine O'Hara to death in August 2012, was caught with up to five USB sticks in his cell at the Midlands Prison in late April.

The authorities found a pornographic film on one stick and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story on another.

The evil killer is a big Star Wars and sci-fi fan. Last year it was revealed that Dwyer was raging that he would miss Rogue One while behind bars waiting for his appeal to be heard.

Skeletal

He has appealed against his conviction, claiming the evidence against him is circumstantial.

Expand Close Midlands Prison where Dwyer is being held / Facebook

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"I will have to wait for the DVD to come out - sigh!" he wrote in a letter to a Dublin- based Anglo-Spanish student au pair who began writing to him behind bars.

Dwyer, of Kerrymount Close, Foxrock, Dublin, was convicted of murdering Ms O'Hara on August 22, 2012.

The childcare worker's skeletal remains were found on Killakee Mountain, Rathfarnham, Dublin, on September 13, 2013.

However, parts of her body were never discovered, including her skull, making it impossible to rule precisely how she had died.

There was no physical evidence from the remains that Ms O'Hara had in fact met a violent death.

Dwyer was convinced that this fact would result in his acquittal but the jury returned a guilty verdict after considering detailed circumstantial evidence, including phone records and video recordings of sado-masochistic sex.

One of the USBs found at the prison had a pornographic movie on it, which Dwyer would have been able to watch in his cell on his television which has a USB port.

The Herald has also learned that Dwyer, who is serving life, was confronted about the devices by a senior prison official - and initially claimed that they contained only music and films.

However, sources revealed that when the official asked the 44-year-old pervert if there might be anything inappropriate on them, he replied: "There might be."

As punishment he received a P19 notice, which means he had his privileges stopped for a period of time. This is believed to have included banning him from accessing computers.

Pressure

However, while the punishments may have annoyed Dwyer, being caught with the USB sticks made other inmates angry as it put them under more pressure to hide their contraband in the wake of a heightened search regime.

This could potentially have left him more exposed to danger within the prison but Dwyer kept himself to himself, apart from coffee mornings with fellow murderer Mark Nash, the only man in the prison system serving time for two double murders.

Before being caught with the Star Wars and porno movies Dwyer was playing his bass guitar as much as possible and "reliving his college days", according to one source.

"He thinks he's 19 again with his ponytail and his bass guitar. It's like he's having a mid-life crisis," the source said.

"He's obsessed with publicity and checks the papers every day to see if he has been mentioned. He loves seeing his name and picture in print.

"He seems to enjoy the notoriety.

"Dwyer still plays cards as much as possible and runs his own table with a couple of other inmates but he has very few friends as other inmates think he looks down on them."

Drink

Yesterday, the Herald revealed how Dwyer and English-born Nash had become friends behind bars.

Sources said Nash sees Dwyer as an intelligent man who might be able to help him with his own bid to have two of his murder convictions overturned.

Dwyer is so convinced that he will be freed that he told anyone who would listen that he would not be in prison for Christmas 2017.

In the letters to his pen pal, he said he would offer to buy a drink for State Pathologist Dr Marie Cassidy, whose post-trial comments will form a central plank of his appeal.

Dr Cassidy said she had expected a not guilty verdict owing to the lack of pathology evidence to support the claim that Ms O'Hara had met a violent death.
ABINGDON, Va.  Lexie Norris combed row after row of blueberries, occasionally popping one or two into her mouth to make sure they were sweet and ripe enough for jam.

Youre not buying the berries from the store, said the Northwood High school sophomore.

We are out here picking them and will get the chance later to eat them in jam. Its a full-circle process and I get to see that.

The Berry Patch, nestled on a gravel road on acres of farmland in Washington County, has hundreds of bushes weighted down by the blue berries. Each of nearly a dozen students from high schools across the region walked away with a basket full Wednesday afternoon.

The students are participating this summer in Upward Bound, an educational program aimed at preparing them for life after graduating from high school.

The federally funded program brings the students to Virginia Highlands Community College in Abingdon for different classes. Emery Reid, academic coordinator for the program, said the main goal is to help students get access and support to further their career goals.

The Upward Bound program really gives students exposure and experiences they might not have chosen themselves, Reid said. We want to focus on careers and our program aims to have these students attend at least two years of college after they graduate from high school.

A fairly new class being offered to students in the program at VHCC is Appalachian Studies, which is taught by Ben Casteel, horticulture instructor at the college.

His class focuses on the culture, physical geography and biodiversity, Reid said. When theyre taking a hike, theyre taking in the scenery, but also are learning about native vegetation and how it was used by settlers. Theyre also taking in different areas of music and culture, too.

One of the first stops in the class was the Berry Patch. Casteel has a long relationship with Eddy and Pam Guinn, owners of the farm, and knew it was the place where the students could learn about locally grown fruit sources.

I used to pick berries with them and sell at the Abingdon Farmers Market back in the day, Casteel said. They are so generous in allowing the students to pick these berries for our jam.

Eddy Guinn said they are proud to be part of an enriching program like Upward Bound and always welcome the students to the farm on Alpine Drive.

I really appreciate them getting the chance to come out here and do it and Im glad to help them, Guinn said. I used to teach school and Ive never met a bad kid. I enjoy having them.

On Thursday, the students washed and smashed the berries and then made jam in the culinary kitchen at VHCC.

Marissa Phipps, a senior at Holston High School, said she never had an interest in learning about the agriculture field until a teacher told her about Future Farmers of America and encouraged her to take a class. Ever since, shes been hooked.

This trip really is showing us how the agriculture and cultivation of these plants can affect people, Phipps said. Im now an active agriculture student at Holston and a few teachers told me how much fun it was and that just blossomed and now thats all I do is agriculture stuff.

Phipps said she is already looking forward to the future and plans to major in large veterinary medicine at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia.

Casteel said hearing such stories makes him proud to support Upward Bound.

We want these students to stay interested in school and go on to the next level, Casteel said. This program reminds the students that we have great things and there are reasons to come back to the area and there are reasons to come back and live in Bristol or southern Appalachia. This program has been very successful and inspiring them for the future as well.
Nearly 80 PA people have been charged for Jan. 6 riot. Three are dead.

news
The fifth annual commemoration of the largest mass arrest of rabbis in U.S. history, an event that took place in St. Augustine in June 1964, will be held on Monday, June 19, at 12:30 p.m. at the historic Columbia Restaurant, 98 St. George Street, St. Augustine, Florida 32084.

The 60-minute event will include the reading of the letter written by the rabbis in the Flagler County jail. All are welcome, no advance arrangements are necessary.

Discussion will follow this event. Luncheon available from Columbia Restaurant Menu. RSVP to 804-914-4460. Call 904-819-6365 for best directions.
Many American Jews, who are at least 95 percent Ashkenazi by origin, also find it hard to relate to those Jews in Israel whose cultural background is so different. By origin, approximately 50 percent of the Israeli Jewish population identify themselves as "Edot HaMizrah" (The Eastern communities) and are generally distinguishable by the many factors that are attributable to a different cultural heritage and separation by many centuries from the Ashkenazim-in their genetic make-up (often but not always skin complexion), and a whole host of traits such as male-female relationships, social conventions, attitudes towards child upbringing, dress, food preferences, music, use of language (pronunciation, vocabulary, syntax and grammar of both Hebrew and various Judeo-hybrid languages), courtship, marriage and divorce customs, sex attitudes, perception of time, attitudes toward literacy, learning and education, recreation and leisure pursuits, work ethic, attitudes towards public space, respect for authority, the rules by which status and rank are determined, prevailing ideas of liberty and restraint, views of wealth, folklore and superstitions.

Although a gross simplification, it has become acceptable parlance to divide all Jews into two major geo-cultural groups: "Ashkenazim" from the Hebrew term Ashkenaz that came to denote Eastern and Central Europe, and "Sephardim," from the Hebrew term Spharad, denoting Spain and the Diaspora that followed the 1492 expulsion from the Iberian peninsula. Technically speaking, calling all Jews who were and are indigenous to Asia and African as Sephardim is wrong historically and just as misleading as European settlers calling the native peoples of the Western hemisphere "Indians."

Any serious student of Jewish history and tradition knows that the only authentic Sephardim are the descendants of the Jews expelled from Spain and Portugal. They went on to settle in Western Europe including England, Holland, Denmark, North Western Germany, colonial America, the Caribbean and Brazil as well as in lands dominated by Islam, throughout North Africa, the Ottoman Empire, the Balkans and across the Levant. There are thus many Sephardi Jews who have always lived in Europe and many Jewish communities around the world composed of both Sephardim and Ashkenazim, who lived together and intermarried, notably in Italy, Egypt, Syria and Bulgaria, where later Ashkenazi immigrants arrived and were welcome by Sephardi residents. This has also been true in the Caribbean, South America and modern Israel.

Just as America's Afro-American population has gone through several self-designations indicating a search for their authentic identity ranging from Black to Colored to Negro and then Afro-American and for some, back to Black (originally a term of disparagement used by whites), Israel's Jews of Afro-Asian origin have shifted from Sephardi to Mizrachi (Oriental). For religious purposes, "Sephardi" describes the nusach ("litugical tradition") used by most non-Ashkenazi Jews in the Siddur (prayer book).

In reality, there are also many Jews who are neither Ashkenazi nor Sephardi. These include the Jews of Ethiopia, Egypt, India, Iraq, Iran, Yemen, the Caucasus region (Georgia, Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Armenia), all of whom are recognized as being of Afro-Asian origin yet have nothing to do with the original Sephardim. They are the descendants of the Jews who fled into exile following the Assyrian, Babylonian and Roman conquests of ancient Israel. No doubt, they were later joined by numerous converts who were attracted to the high moral and ethical principles that distinguished Judaism in ancient times from pagan and polytheistic religions.

There is indeed a serious social and geo-cultural cleavage in Israel's diverse Jewish population groups, precisely because all the four divisions overlap to a considerable degree. Most of the Jews from Africa and Asia arrived in Israel after 1948 and being relative newcomers had to adjust to difficult conditions. Most of them arrived destitute and unlike many of the Ashkenazim never received any reparations for their confiscated property.

They still tend to have larger families and as a rule are much more religiously observant than the Ashkenazim who established the secular norms and institutions of the Zionist movement and later of the State of Israel. It is only human nature that the new arrivals from Asia and Africa resented the more established veteran European settlers and those new immigrants from Europe who immediately found more personal connections and sympathy with the veteran Ashkenazi settlers through a common knowledge of Yiddish and shared political and social backgrounds.

A list of new army recruits will probably reveal names like de Leon, Toledano, Castro, Franco, Mizrahi, Dayan, Gabbai, Abulafia, Kimhi, Shar'abi, Sassoon, Azulay, Kadouri, Marziano, Ohana, Aflalo and Hasson, as often or more than Schwartz, Goldberg, Wolf, Guttmann, Rabinowitz, Berdichevsky, Kaplan or Finkelstein. So how then can they then be one people? They are, because history, traditions and their faith (whether they are orthodox observant or secular) have instilled in them the idea of sharing a common peoplehood.

Jews, although a small minority in the South, were well respected and even elected as mayors in towns such as Ocala and Tampa in the 1890s long before the post-World War II mass migration to the state! The fact that these mayors were all conservative businessmen does not fit the "image" of the natural tendency of American Jews towards liberal/Left and radical politics.

Yemeni Sephardic boys in Egypt.

Prior to the mass immigration of Jews from Eastern Europe and Russia following the Civil War, the American Jewish community was predominantly Sephardi (of Spanish-Portuguese origin and who later emigrated to Holland and then the New World), and German-Alsatian. The Jews of Savannah, New Orleans, Charleston and nearby Georgetown were wealthy, conservative, very educated and cultured and predominantly of Sephardi origin. They gravitated toward Reform but were determined to maintain a strong sense of communal identity.

Cultural and folklore difference

Sephardim eat rice during Pesach. They have a more relaxed attitude toward sex and erotic themes (song), are more self-forgiving, self-mocking and understanding of human faults and weaknesses. They are less maudlin; Zionist leader and great poet, Ze'ev Jabotinsky, explained his support of the Sephardi (Judeo-Spanish) pronunciation of Hebrew as due, in part, to appreciation of the gayer, more carefree, less inhibited nature of the Sephardim and their Mediterranean traditions than the heritage of the more morose and somber Ashkenazi (East European Jewish) past.
JERUSALEM (JTA)Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas is willing to suspend his demand that Israel freeze Judea and Samaria settlement construction as a condition for restarting peace talks, a top adviser said.

Abbas is also willing to mute his campaign to single Israel out for condemnation at the United Nations and prosecute Israeli officials for war crimes, Bloomberg reported on Thursday.

We have not made the settlements an up-front issue this time, Mohammad Mustafa, a senior economic adviser to Abbas and a former PA deputy prime minister, told Bloomberg in an interview Monday at his office in Ramallah. We think its better for all of us right now to focus on giving this new administration a chance to deliver.

Mustafa, chairman of the Palestine Investment Fund, told Bloomberg that high levels of unemployment and international donors failure to provide promised aid are among the reasons Abbas is willing to sit at the negotiating table.

President Donald Trump has stated that he would like to broker the ultimate deal approved by the Arab world to bring peace to Israel and the Palestinians. Last week, he signed a waiver to delay shifting the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem for six more months.

Mohammad Shtayyeh, a member of the Central Committee in Abbas ruling Fatah party, told Bloomberg that Trump earned the confidence of the Palestinians by signing the waiver.

With this administration, the White House is engaged and thats a huge difference, Shtayyeh said.

That doesnt mean that I am optimistic, he added.
After Saturday's London Bridge terror attack, U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May (pictured) vowed to crack down on the 'evil ideology of Islamist extremism.'

Following Saturday night's terror attack that killed seven people and injured as many as 50 in London, British Prime Minister Theresa May said "enough is enough" and vowed to crack down on the "evil ideology of Islamist extremism."

In response to the U.K.'s third major Islamist terror attack in recent months-prompting May to describe the attacks as a "new trend"-the prime minister asserted, "We cannot, and must not pretend that things can continue to carry on as they are."

May also reiterated the U.K.'s commitment to defeating the Islamic State terror group, which later claimed responsibility for Saturday's attack, saying British security services have foiled at least five terror plots since March.

During remarks delivered Sunday in Liberia at the conference of the Economic Community of West African States, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, "In recent hours, another terrible attack was launched on innocent people in the heart of London. We condemn it."

He added, "We send our condolences to the British people and we pledge our commitment to fight this scourge-this scourge that knows no bounds. These terrorists worship death. They murder indiscriminately, but they will not frighten us. They will not terrorize us. They will only harden our resolve to defeat them. Here in Africa, the Middle East, Europe, everywhere-together, we will defeat them faster."

Saturday's attack began on the London Bridge, when a white van veered off the road at 50 miles per hour and plowed into crowds of pedestrians, hitting at least six people. After the speeding van crashed into a fence by Southwark Cathedral, three men armed with hunting knives exited the vehicle and embarked on a stabbing rampage throughout crowded bars and restaurants in the nearby Borough Market, attacking anyone within their reach.

The attackers also appeared to be strapped with suicide bomb vests, which Metropolitan Police counterterrorism chief Mark Rowley later determined to be "hoaxes." Multiple British media outlets reported eyewitness accounts of the terrorists shouting, "This is for Allah." One eyewitness reported seeing a woman being stabbed "10 or 15 times" by the attackers shouting the Islamic proclamation, the BBC reported.

Armed police officers arrived at the scene within eight minutes of receiving the first emergency call, and paramedics arrived just two minutes later to treat wounded individuals. Shortly thereafter, police had neutralized three terrorists on the outskirts of the bustling Borough Market.

During a police raid Sunday on an apartment owned by the one of attackers, 12 people were arrested in connection with the terror attack. In the wake of the attack, the U.K.'s ruling Conservative party and opposition Labour party both announced a suspension in national campaigning ahead of the June 8 British general election.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan, meanwhile, called the incident a "cowardly attack on innocent Londoners and visitors to our city enjoying their Saturday night."

Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Gilad Erdan wrote on Twitter, "This was an attack not just against the U.K. but against Western values and democracy. Our prayers are with the victims."

Islamic State had also claimed responsibility for the May 22 suicide bombing during an Ariana Grande concert at the U.K.'s Manchester Arena, killing 22 people and injuring 59. At the time, Erdan noted the similarity between the incident and Palestinian terror attacks in Israel, writing on Facebook, "Terror is terror, in Jerusalem, Paris or as we unfortunately see again, this time in Manchester."

In March, a British convert to Islam carried out a terror attack on London's Westminster Bridge when he rammed into pedestrians, killing four, and then stabbed a policeman to death outside the British Parliament building.

From Israel to Europe, the use of knives and vehicles-as alternatives to explosives and firearms-has become a preferred method for terrorists in recent years, particularly during the Palestinian "stabbing intifada" against Israeli Jews in 2015 and 2016.

In her condemnation of Saturday's terror attack in London, British Prime Minister May said "terrorism breeds terrorism," and that terrorists often mimic each other in ideology and method.
(JNS.org) The IDF called up thousands of soldiers from its Northern Command conscript divisions Sunday to conduct a surprise military exercise on Israel's northern border with Lebanon.

The drill, which ended Monday afternoon, simulated a large-scale attack on Israel by the Lebanese terror organization Hezbollah. The exercise was conducted to test the IDF Galilee Division's preparedness in the event of such an attack after receiving only brief intelligence information beforehand.

Soldiers from the IDF's elite Golani Brigade, special operations Oz Brigade, Combat Intelligence Collection Corps and other special forces all participated in the drill. Troops were notified of the exercise only a few hours before departing from their regularly assigned posts for Israel's northern border. The drill, specifically intended to test the readiness of conscripted soldiers, did not include the participation of reserve forces.

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Gadi Eizenkot observed the exercise along with GOC Northern Command Maj. Gen. Yoel Strik and Galilee Division Commander Brig. Gen. Amir Baram.

"The way to prevent war is to ensure your preparedness," Eizenkot said, The Times of Israel reported.
(JNS.org) The U.S. Senate urged President Donald Trump to fulfill his campaign promise of relocating the American embassy in Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, unanimously passing legislation in support of the move Monday.

The Senate voted 90-0 in favor of a resolution introduced in May by Majority Leader Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), commemorating the 50th anniversary of Jerusalems reunification and acknowledging Israels sovereignty over its capital.

The resolution urges the president and all United States officials to abide by the 1995 Jerusalem Embassy Act, which calls on the U.S. to relocate its embassy and recognize Jerusalem as Israels capital. Since the laws passage, every sitting president has signed successive six-month waivers delaying the move. Most recently, Trump signed the waiver June 1.

Trump has repeatedly stated his intention to move the embassy, the question is not if that move happens, but only when, White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer said after the president signed the waiver.

McConnell said the Senate resolutions passage serves as yet another indication of the United States commitment to standing by our Israeli friends.
The decision by the Jewish weekly newspaper The Forward to publish a paid advertisement supporting imprisoned Palestinian terrorist Marwan Barghouti is being questioned by some editors of other American Jewish newspapers.

The full-page ad appeared in The Forwards June 2 edition. It was sponsored by Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP), a controversial organization that supports the BDS movement and is described by the Anti-Defamation League as the largest Jewish anti-Zionist group in the U.S. The ad featured a statement by Barghouti calling for more privileges for jailed terrorists, and charging that Israels arrest and prosecution of Palestinian terrorists is unlawful because it constitutes forcibly transferring Palestinian civilians into captivity.

The ad also included an illustration of Barghouti flashing a V-for-victory sign beneath the slogan, Palestine Will Be Free.

In a Note to Our Readers on The Forwards editorial page, Publisher Rachel Fishman Fedderson wrote that when the ad was submitted, it gave us pause because JVPs text identified Barghouti only as the leader of a recent 40-day hunger strike by Palestinian terrorist prisoners, without noting he was convicted of murdering five Israelis.

The Forwards official advertising policy states it will not accept an ad if the text is intentionally misleading or contains known false statements. JVP Media Coordinator Naomi Dann told JNS.org that The Forward had no issues with the content of the ad. While JVP was not asked to change the text, The Forward did require it to include a disclaimer, which stated, The views printed here are not intended to represent those of The Forward.

Fedderson explained in her note to The Forwards readers that despite our reservations, she and her colleagues decided to publish the ad because mass media itself is on the firing line, and freedom of expression is under pressure from our own government.

Yet some other editors disagree with the argument that free speech is the issue.

Freedom of expression is indeed a vital American value, one that this publication cherishes, Sue Fishkoff, editor of J. The Jewish News of Northern California, told JNS.org. But it has nothing to do with whether or not a publication chooses to run a particular ad. While I respect The Forwards decision to accept this ad, we at J. would not have.

In view of Barghoutis murder convictions, an ad supporting his hunger strike would be antithetical to our mission, Fishkoff said.

Like The Forward, the Detroit Jewish News believes that freedom of expression is of paramount importance in times like these. But our first concern is for our readers, who would be greatly offended by this particular ad, said Jackie Headapohl, the newspapers managing editor. If it were submitted to us, wed suggest that Jewish Voice for Peace place this ad somewhere else.

Several editors said they reject certain types of advertisements. Alan Smason, editor of the online Crescent City Jewish News, told JNS.org he would not accept an ad supporting a convicted murderer, or an ad that was lacking in truth or potentially libelous. David Portnoe, editor of the New Jersey Jewish Community Voice, said he has rejected ads that target Jews for conversion.

Rob Eshman, publisher and editor-in-chief of the Jewish Journal of Greater Los Angeles, said his newspaper refuses ads from groups that advocate or incite violence, racism [or] conversion out of Judaism, or ads that are too sexually explicit. While declining to say if he would have accepted the Barghouti ad because the question is hypothetical, Eshman added, I think The Forward is a great Jewish newspaper with a long legacy of service to the Jewish community and the world.

Dovid Efune, editor-in-chief of The Algemeiner, said there is no amount of money that could convince us to run an ad like this. Frankly, its disgraceful. Hiding behind the freedom of expression concept, The Forward has engaged in a shocking abdication of moral judgement...The Constitution doesnt guarantee the right to terrorists to be provided a platform by leading Jewish newspapers.

Robert Cohn, former editor of the St. Louis Jewish Light and current co-chair of the American Jewish Press Associations Committee on Ethics and Professional Standards, told JNS.org that if the question of the Barghouti ad was brought to our committee, I might question the judgment of one who accepted such an ad, but would not want to be in a position to censure the publisher. If someone like [former Ku Klux Klan leader] David Duke wanted to place an ad, I would consider that to be crossing a line.

Several other editors likewise raised the question of whether The Forward would accept an advertisement from other extremist groups. If you substitute any other minority for Israel or Jews, I seriously doubt The Forward or another Jewish periodical would publish an ad advocating their annihilation or glorifying those who do, said Ed Weintrob, editor and publisher of The Jewish Star of Long Island, N.Y.

Would The Forward, in the interests of freedom of expression, accept ads from white supremacists? To ask the question is to answer it, Jason Maoz, senior editor of The Jewish Press of Brooklyn, told JNS.org.

Asked by JNS.org if The Forward would publish an advertisement from supporters of an imprisoned killer who targeted other minorities, such as Dylann Roof (perpetrator of the South Carolina church massacre) or Jeremy Christian (who was arrested in the recent Oregon train killings), Fedderson did not directly address the question, but reiterated that the newspaper is dedicated to free speech within and beyond the Jewish community and is also committed to equal advertising access.

Barghouti, a leader of the Palestinian Fatah movements Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades terrorist organization, was convicted in 2004 of masterminding the murders of Jerusalem motorist Yula Hen; Father Georgios Tsibouktzakis, a Greek Orthodox priest; and three Israelis who were killed in an attack at Tel Avivs Seafood Market restaurant. He was also found guilty of an attempted suicide bombing in Jerusalems Malha Mall. Barghouti did not contest the charges, but instead delivered a speech in court accusing the judges of being as bad as those who drop bombs on Palestinian children.
Every time I see the movie Titanic I hope that there will be a different outcome. I hope that the captain will successfully avert the massive iceberg. I hope that the ship wont sink, that so many of its passengers wont perish. I hope that Jack will live to write his strongly worded letter to the shipping line.

Despite knowing the outcome, thats the same feeling I got when reading Six Days of War by noted historian and former Israeli ambassador to the U.S., now Knesset member Michael Oren. Leading up to the 50th anniversary of the Six Day War, I thought it was finally time to read the book gathering dust on my shelf for years. As I read the first half, recounting the weeks leading up to the war, I couldnt help but think that there were so many instances that war could have been averted. If only Egyptian President Nasser hadnt done one of any of a number of things. If only Jordanian King Hussein heeded Israels warning to stay out of the war and avoid being attacked. If only the combined armies of the Arab world and Soviet Union didnt promulgate lie after lie. If only the UN stood fast and retained its troops in Sinai, or had reacted aggressively to the Egyptians brazen aggression. If only Israel hadnt felt so very isolated as the Arabs threatened to annihilate the 19-year-old Jewish state. If only.

Six Days of War is filled with incredible historical detail that brings the reader a concise and objective look at what led up to the war, and then follows day by day the miraculous Israeli army routing of armies of its neighboring Arab countries, lusting to push Israel into the sea and slaughter its Jewish citizens. And miraculous it is indeed, with the odds so deeply stacked against Israel, while the Arabs falsely blamed U.S. and British intervention on Israels behalf, they missed giving credit to the One who truly stood by Israel with His divine intervention. The awakening of Jews and Christians who understood Gods protection makes this chapter of Israeli history a must read if only to give Him praise.

I decided not to be intimidated by the sheer size (446 pages, of which 118 are notes and the index) and to dig right in. I figured that even if I didnt learn anything new, then at least it would be a good refresher on the historical milestone of the 50th anniversary of the war itself, and specifically the 50th anniversary of the reunification of Jerusalem. While that is celebrated according to the biblical Jewish calendar on the 28th of Iyar the war began on June 5, 1967 and Israels liberating Jerusalems Old City was complete on June 7.

An historian will have a field day with this book as it recounts a wide array of Israeli, Arab, American, Soviet, and UN officials that make it challenging to keep track of all the players, even for someone well versed in Middle East history. Names and places of battles and strategic significance, whether parts of urban Jerusalem today or distant desert locations, are also noted in great depth. The sources, research, and time to put this book together are laudable, as is its historical objectivity.

Not to be a spoiler, but the war ended with a ceasefire on June 11 with Israel completely vanquishing the armies of its Arab neighbors, and taking control of all of Sinai, the Golan Heights, whats commonly called the West Bank but is historically biblical Judea and Samaria, and of course the reunification of Jerusalem. Six Days of War is one of the most authoritative and best sources of historical documentation of the war, yet there are many other sources of information and personal perspectives from the Six Day War. (Please write and I will be happy to share a list of others.)

Following Jerusalems liberation, Defense Minister Moshe Dayan made a statement that was at once historic and celebratory, but conciliatory at the same time. He reflected a common feeling then among Israeli leaders that Israels victory was a new opportunity for peace. This morning, the Israel Defense Forces liberated Jerusalem. We have united Jerusalem, the divided capital of Israel. We have returned to the holiest of our holy places, never to part from it again. To our Arab neighbors we extend, also at this hourand with added emphasis at this hourour hand in peace. And to our Christian and Muslim fellow citizens, we solemnly promise full religious freedom and rights. We did not come to Jerusalem for the sake of other peoples holy places, and not to interfere with the adherents of other faiths, but in order to safeguard its entirety, and to live there together with others, in unity.

One point of difference I have with the book is use of the loaded term Palestinian. While the PLO was founded in 1964, use of that word implies, as it has become common to do today, that somewhere along history there was a country called Palestine that Israel occupied. The term may be correct today only if because of how commonly it is used now, but in June 1967, Jordan controlled all of whats today called the West Bank and eastern Jerusalem, and Egypt controlled Gaza. Palestinian identity was hardly well established, except as a foil for Israel and as a vehicle and excuse for terror and war. Use of this term today, that was not in vogue then, to describe a population as this could have been chosen differently, or noted that while unavoidable, it emphasizes an historical bias and is possibly not entirely accurate, something the author certainly tried to avoid.

As documented in Six Days of War, two weeks before the outbreak of the war, UN Secretary General U Thant met with President Nasser in Egypt. Also attending was General Indar Jit Rikhye, commander of the UNEF forces in Sinai until they were expelled a week earlier. Maybe it didnt take a rocket scientist to figure it out, but Rikhyes comments following the meeting (p.86) were prophetic. I think youre going to have a major Middle Eastern war and I think we will still be sorting in out 50 years from now.

Indeed.

Jonathan Feldstein was born and educated in the U.S. and immigrated to Israel in 2004. He is married and the father of six. He has a three-decade career in nonprofit fundraising and marketing and throughout his life and career, he has become a respected bridge between Jews and Christians. He writes regularly on major Christian web sites about Israel and shares experiences of living as an Orthodox Jew in Israel. He can be reached at FirstPersonIsrael@gmail.com.
The most important incident during President Donald Trumps visit to the Middle East took place out of view of the international press. At the time, it went unreported and unremarked upon. The president not only didnt mention it publicly, he also failed to tweet about it. But Trumps outburst of anger at Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas during their meeting in Bethlehem may have set a tone that will either create real progress toward peace or, more likely, instill a degree of realism about Israels antagonists that has been lacking in the new administration.

According to reports first broadcast on Israeli television and subsequently confirmed by Abbas in a meeting with PLO leaders, Trump blew up at Abbas during their meeting. Abbas had assured the president during their earlier meeting in the White House that the PA didnt conduct incitement against Israelis and Jews. Trump had believed Abbass assurances, but subsequently learned Palestinian official media and schools routinely conduct incitement that helps buttress a culture of hatred that is incompatible with peace. Trump also now knows the PA pays salaries to Palestinian terrorists and their families, a total that amounts to more than $1.1 billion in just the last four years.

Instead of another love-fest with his new friend Mahmoud, the meeting in Bethlehem turned into a tense session including Trump playing Abbas a video of examples of the PA leaders vicious attacks, as well as one statement in which Abbas confessed to incitement. According to various accounts, Trump pounded the table and yelled at Abbas while accusing him of lying when he spoke of Palestinians raising their children in a culture of peace, when the two stood alongside each other at their White House press conference in early May.

The fact that Trump, a man with no filter or compunction about venting his spleen in public, chose not to share his anger at Abbas with the world was significant. Indeed, in his speech at the Israel Museum, which came after the stormy exchange with the Palestinian leader, Trump assured the world again that Abbas was dedicated to peace.

Moreover, in the following days, Trumps Jewish supporters were eating crow over his decision to sign a waiver ensuring the U.S. Embassy in Israel wouldnt be moved from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Though the decision was no surprise, it still had to sting for those on the right who were convinced Trumps disregard for every other rule of presidential behavior would impel him to be the first not to break a promise on Jerusalem.

These incidents paint a portrait of a president who seriously believes a peace deal is possible and wishes to do nothing that might interfere with a new round of talks. Given the reality of Palestinian intransigencetheyve already either turned down or ignored a number of Israeli peace offers, included statehood, independence, and control over almost all of the West Bank and a share of Jerusalemand the incitement that belatedly came to Trumps attention, the odds of success are slim to none. If Trump really believes the missing ingredient for peace has been a master real estate dealmaker, hes wrong. But his willingness to pound the table at Abbas is nevertheless significant.

The common thread throughout the history of peace negotiations that began with the Oslo process has been a refusal on the part of the West to hold the Palestinians accountable. Yasser Arafat made little secret of the fact that he saw the power he gained at Oslo as a stepping stone to future conflict rather than a way to end it. Though his successor Abbas wears a suit rather than military fatigues, he has played the same double game in which he sometimes talks peace while also buttressing a culture of hatred and war that ensures the continuation of the conflict.

Neither Trump nor the Saudis can bribe Abbas to act differently when the dynamic of Palestinian politics and worries about his Hamas foes tell him he must stall peace in order to survive. But a U.S. president who is willing to hold him accountable for his conduct is an innovation that can only advance the cause of peace. For too long, Abbas has gotten away with brazen lies and condoning violence while being applauded by U.S. presidents. If peace is ever to come, it will only happen when the Palestinians realize they must change. Such a moment cant come soon enough.

Jonathan S. Tobin is opinion editor of JNS.org and a contributing writer for National Review. Follow him on Twitter at: @jonathans_tobin.
Where is the Anti-Defamation League?

As a new anti-Semitism casts the Jewish state as the cruelest of nations, and her Jewish supporters as racists, the ADL has been largely silent. The lies are spread in newspapers, churches and college classrooms. On campuses, Jewish students are harassed and intimidated. Even the curricula in many public high schools and middle schools is biased against Israel. Yet the ADL, once the Jewish peoples defense agency, seems unable or unwilling to effectively fight back.

Case in point: Linda Sarsour, a virulently anti-Israel Islamist who is a supporter of terrorists, and a defender of Sharia law, was a featured speaker at the City University of New York (CUNY) School of Public Healths graduation on June 1.

Yet it was only after weeks of silence, and only when upbraided for that despicable silence, that the ADL finally issued a statement criticizing Sarsour. (Ms. Sarsour is an antisemite who fights to bar Jewish women from the feminist movement unless they renounce Israel, and has tweeted that, Nothing is creepier than Zionism.

And even the ADLs belated criticism of Sarsour, penned by its CEO, Jonathan Greenblatt, was weak. The ADL statement rejected Sarsours support of BDS, but it supported CUNYs decision to invite her, citing her right to free speech. But, as former CUNY trustee Jeffrey Weisenfeld has pointed out, allowing someone to speak and giving them one of the most honored platforms that a university can provide are two different things. Even Abe Foxman himself, the legendary ADL leader who reportedly selected Greenblatt as his heir, unblinkingly told reporters that CUNY should not have invited Sarsour.

The ADLs problem is that it has never figured out what to do about the new anti-Semitismwhich is exactly what Sarsour represents.

When the enemies of the Jewish people were only Nazis, neo-Nazis, Christian anti-Semites and skinheads, the ADL did just fine. They exposed, they warned, they scolded and they sued. In every city with a sizable Jewish population, the ADL functioned as the Jewish Civil Defense Department.

But sometime during the late 1960s, the virus of anti-Semitism began to morph. Age-old accusations against the Jews and their religion were re-directed toward the Jewish state, and its Jewish supporters. Anti-Semitic smears were used to paint Israel as the Jew among nationsan art that the United Nations has perfected. And much of this hate comes from liberals and leftists, along with the traditional anti-Semites (white supremacists, neo-Nazis, etc.)

But the ADL and its donorsstuck in the past, like old generals fighting the last warcannot or will not adjust.

The ADL was born on the progressive side of politics, fighting right-wing Jew-hatred, and supporting social justice. The group has chosen to stay there, even whenin my viewthe threats from the left now eclipse those of the right in their intensity and reach. And so the ADL kept sending those (fundraising) postcards with swastikas found in bathroom stalls in Iowa, and campaigned against Pat Robertson, whom it painted as the same sort of right-wing threat that we all once kneweven though many people now believe that Robertson and Christian evangelicals are Israels, and the Jews, best allies.

And as it ignores anti-Semitism from the left, the ADL has similarly shrunk from confronting Islamic Jew-hatredthe biggest threat to Jewish life on the planetfor fear of being labelled Islamophobic by its left-wing allies. Some scholars now describe the new anti-Semitism as being propelled by a Red-Green Allianceof radical leftists and radical Islamists. The ADL hesitates to defend the Jews against either threat.

Morton Klein, of the Zionist Organization of America, and others like him who pressured the ADL to condemn Sarsour were right, and they deserve credit for shining a light on the Sarsour/ADL scandal. ADLs weakness on this controversy is emblematic of its failure to adopt to the new anti-Semitism. And it is a timely reminder to American Jewry of the need for a new, and bold, leadership that is up to the challenge of confronting these dangerous times.

Charles Jacobs is the founder of Americans for Peace & Tolerance. This article was originally printed in The Algemeiner.
Why arent Muslim countries leading givers to the Palestinian cause? The question has renewed relevance upon a United Nations agencys recent release of its list of donors.

The U.N. Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East claims to provide aid to around 5 million Palestinian refugees, a number that is disputed by the pro-Israel community because UNRWA also serves refugees descendants. Published this month, UNRWAs list of donors for 2016 says Western countries and Japan are the most significant contributors to the agencys budget, while the only major Muslim givers are Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Further, the Muslim nations giving lags behind top donors such as the U.S. and European Union countries.

Ronen Yizhak, head of the Middle East Studies department at Israels Western Galilee College, told JNS.org the discrepancy between Western and Arab-Muslim giving to the Palestinians has been the case throughout the history of the [Israeli-Palestinian] conflict. On the Arab-Muslim side, there is a lot of talking, but little actual deeds, he said. Yizhak pointed out that after the 2014 Gaza war, the international community pledged $5 billion to rebuild the Hamas-ruled coastal enclave, but much of the money pledged by Arab stateswent undelivered.

Daniel Pipes, a historian and president of the Middle East Forum think tank, explained the funding discrepancy by noting that given Arab and Muslim leaders belief that the West is to blame for Palestinian refugees plight, they view funding UNRWA as a Western responsibility because the West backs Israel.

UNRWA bias

Critics of UNRWA say the international dollars invested in the U.N. agency serve to perpetuate the Palestinian conflict with Israel, particularly due to anti-Israel bias in UNRWAs school curriculum and its broad definition of what constitutes a Palestinian refugee.

Asaf Romirowsky, executive director of the Scholars for Peace in the Middle East nonprofit and the co-author of Religion, Politics, and the Origins of Palestine Refugee Relief, told JNS.org that if Palestinians gave up their identity as refugees, it would feel as if they were giving up their Palestinian identity as a whole.

The perception within the Palestinian and larger Arab world is that the Palestinians have a divine right to return to Israel and that no leader has the mandate to ever give this up, said Romirowsky, who is also a fellow at the Middle East Forum think tank.

Romirowsky said there is international pressure to keep the funds flowing to UNRWA despite shortcomings in the program, such as anti-Israel incitement in school textbooks and alleged associations with Hamas.

The refugee issue, according to Romirowsky, is a tool used for bashing Israel.

UNRWA says they are needed until a resolution of the conflict, he said, but in fact they are gatekeepers that ensure there will be no resolution, with Palestinian refugees being the only ones in the world kept in their position for perpetuity.
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While many civilisations have celebrated and venerated rivers on the banks of which they have flourished, rarely has a river enjoyed the kind of prestige the Ganga has. Not only does it find repeated mention in religious scriptures and folklore, it is equally associated with traditional customs and popular culture. In March this year the Uttarakhand High Court declared the Ganga to be a living entity, conferring on it the same legal rights as a human. The rivers holy status and the belief in the purifying powers of its water though, is more of an affliction for the Ganga than an advantage. Piety seekers eager to wash off their worldly sins have for years been polluting its waters with the burden of their ritualistic cleansing, choking its flow with the residue of their worship. An ongoing exhibition at the National Museum titled Ganga: The River Of Life And Eternity, traces this journey of the river from its divine origin to its current state of abuse.

A view of the exhibition. (Image courtesy: National Museum)

Though the exhibition was not initially conceived with any moral of the story, but any work on Ganga, from any perspective in its present condition cannot avoid dwelling on the dichotomy of its veneration and abuse. We need to take on the responsibility for it. There is an intrinsic link between culture, environment, and life, says Shakeel Hossain, the curator of the exhibition. An architect and urban designer, Hossain is presently a consultant to the Agha Khan Trust for Culture.

The exhibition begins with the different theories on the origin of the river, all associated with Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva and how those narratives have been interpreted and expressed in works down the eras. It then goes on to explore the theme of her descent to earth, her role as nurturer and mother and the cultural and popular manifestations of the belief in the Ganga as the goddess of purity and salvation. The final section addresses how we are polluting the very river that we worship.

On display are sculptures, miniature paintings from manuscripts and Mughal portfolios, pat paintings, utility items associated with the Ganga and decorative and iconographic fragments of architecture. There are old maps to show the path of the Ganga and a detailed timeline to present the various empires that have flourished along the river. Plus photographs and models representative of the present-day rituals and festivals associated with the Ganga  the Kumbh Mela, the tazias of Muharram, idols for worship that are made from the clay on the banks of the Ganga and are immersed in it after the puja and the Ganga aarti of Benaras. One section is dedicated to Ganga in pop culture, with posters of films such as Ram Teri Ganga Maili and Jis Des Mein Ganga Behti Hai adorning the wall.

A painting of Kartika who is said to be the foster son of Ganga. This painting is dated 1800 AD. (Image courtesy: National Museum)

I conceived of the exhibition about 30 years ago for the Festival of India at Leningrad. It did not materialise then. The exhibition concept was inspired by a travelogue by Eric Newby  Slowly Down the Ganges. The Ganga as an icon of India provided an all encompassing canvas to present the myths, history, culture and art of the country, says Hossain, who has curated the show with Tara Sharma.

From the time that he proposed the idea to the National Museum, Hossain says it took him two years to put it all together. Arts, crafts, rituals and practices along the Ganga and associated with Ganga were researched and documented. Once the exhibition narratives got firmed up we started researching for objects in various museums which complement the narrative and commissioning new objects where required, he explains.

Krishna Mollifying Radha by BL Rajput. It is said that Radha was so upset by Krishnas fondness for Ganga, that Ganga hid herself under Krishnas feet in her water form. (Image courtesy: National Museum)

Putting together an exhibition of this magnitude couldnt have been without its challenges. There are no catalogued listings of objects in the Museum collection - research from every other source was explored to identify the exhibits, make the selection and acquire approval to display them. The curatorial structure required additional works of art, which needed to be commissioned, to complete the narrative. Besides illustrating Ganga in puranas and epic narratives, they present living traditions associated with Ganga, says Hossain.

Bhishma on the bed of arrows and Ganga quenching his thirst, by Mohan Soni. (Image courtesy: Mohan Soni)

Even after all the planning and hard work put in, the exhibition is less than what he had envisioned, says Hossain, primarily because of a funds crunch. The project was curated as a year-long cultural festival celebrating the Ganga, with activities ranging from concerts, film screenings, art workshops, international conference, publications, etc. All had to be grounded because it got no funds, he says. We had to decide whether to cancel the exhibition at the National Museum or put it up with personal funds. Could not waste two years of work so did whatever I could afford to put together. What you see now is just half of what was envisioned and prepared. In the beginning, the National Mission for Clean Ganga had promised the funds required, but it did not come through. The Ministry of Culture also could not allot any funds for it.

The original plan had been to take the exhibition to major cities along the Ganga. But with no funds for that, Hossain is unclear about whether that can be achieved.

What: Ganga: River Of Life And Eternity

When: 10 am to 6 pm, till June 20 (closed on Mondays)

Where: National Museum, Janpath

Nearest Metro Station: Central Secretariat

Call: 23019272

Entry: 20 for Indian adults and

650 for foreigners

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There is no big release in Bollywood this Friday, but one film that can bring you to the theatres could be Bank Chor, a production of Yash Raj Films sister concern, Y Films. the film stars Riteish Deshmukh, Vivek Anand Oberoi, Rhea Chakraborty, Sahil Vaid, Bhuvan Arora, Vikram Thapa and Baba Sehgal in important roles. More than the film and its characters, Bank Chor was in the limelight for its title and its resemblance to a Hindi cuss word. In a candid conversation with Hindustan Times, Bhuvan Arora - who plays a thief (Gulaab) in the movie, explains why the title should not be considered as an abuse.

Bhuvan Arora plays one of the thieves in Bank Chor.

Bank Chor is the story of 3 idiots who go to rob a bank on a day when everything goes wrong.

Excerpts from the interview:

How did you get the role in Bank Chor?

I had done a film with YRF before Shuddh Desi Romance (where he played one of Sushants friends), Bank Chor director Bumpy had seen me in that flick and asked Shanoo to call me for an audition for Shudd Desi Romance. However, they finalised me for Bank Chor.

There were reports that CBFC had objected to the title.

It is purely coincidental that the title of the film sounds like a cuss word when spoken without a pause. But that has never been used as a marketing stunt. It is a clean film with no double meaning jokes. It is a family entertainer and has been passed by the censor with a U/A certificate.

When did you know that acting is your calling?

I knew since my childhood that I wanted to act. I was fascinated by cinema and the emotions a film is capable of stirring in the audience. So I made sure I learn the craft properly and I went to FTII (Pune) for a formal training. That changed everything.

You have played the heros friend at times and have largely remained in the background. Why do you think that happens?

It is just the way things function here (in Bollywood). People who dont belong to a Bollywood family usually have to prove their mettle in the background to come to the foreground. Its just human nature. We take time to bank on new things. The earlier we acknowledge it, the better it is. But things are getting better everyday. It is a good change.

Others like Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub have had their share of fame. Actors like Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Irrfan Khan have carved a niche for themselves. Does that make you uncomfortable that your contemporary secondary characters are getting lead roles?

Not at all, why should it? In fact, it makes me happy when I see someone rise on their merit. It gives me hope. It makes me believe that there is space for me if I have the talent. He (Zeeshan) is a fabulous actor. He deserves every bit of what he has achieved. Not just him but so many others Rajkumar Rao, Nimrat Kaur, Deepak Dobariyal, Jaideep Ahlawat, Tahir Bhasin, Vijay Varma, the list is long. In fact, Irrfan and Nawazuddin are the biggest examples.

What is your dream role?

I cant just choose one dream role. There are so many films and roles I would have loved to do. For starters Leonardos in The Departed, Joe Pecci in the Goodfellas and Peter Sellers in Being There. When it comes to Bollywood, Amitabh Bachchan in Sholay, Ranbir Kapoor in Rocket Singh and Dev Patel in Slumdog Millionaire had great roles. As for the directors, Rajkumar Hirani, Shimit Amin, Anurag Kashyap, Maneesh sharma, Imitiaz Ali, Martin Scorsese, David Fincher are some of the filmmakers I would love to work with.

Watch Bhuvan in the trailer of Bank Chor:

Why should people spend their money on Bank Chor?

Because they will come out happy. Its value for money. It assures a good time and it has been made with a lot of heart.

Bank Chor is slated to hit theatres on June 16.

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The first poster of Tigmanshu Dhulias ambitious project, Raagdesh was unveiled late Thursday.

The first poster of Tigmanshu Dhulias Raagdesh.

Starring Kunal Kapoor, Amit Sadh and Mohit Marwah in the lead roles, Raag Desh is the story of three leading officers of the INA namely Colonel Prem Sehgal, Colonel Gurbaksh Singh Dhillon, and Major General Shah Nawaz Khan, who were captured and imprisoned in the Lal Quila (Red Fort).

Set in the backdrop of the famous Red Fort Trials, Raagdesh aims to recreate the last days of freedom struggle in India - where the battles were being fought on borders, on streets, in media and as well as in the court room.

The film captures the courtroom drama of the trials conducted by the British government in 1945 against the top brass of the Indian National Army, established by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. The trials that were observed with great curiosity by the world forces who had won the World War II, as also by the nation who now witnessed another streak of patriotism which was valiant, violent, vociferous and quite different from non-violence practiced by the Congress.

The trials made India aware of the heroic deeds and struggles of the INA, which was till then suppressed by the British authorities through strong armed press censorship. As the trial progressed, the entire nation was galvanized into the final call for independence, leading to Mumbai Naval Mutiny and crumbling of British Empire. The film poignantly portrays the battle travails, border sacrifices and trial of three heroes of INA who changed the course of freedom struggle.

The film is produced by Rajya Sabha Television, who has joined hands with UFO Moviez as its strategic partner for a pan-India release.

This was a great opportunity to showcase a very important chapter of independence struggle. Its a film about real life heroes, who fought armed war against the mighty British government. Raagdesh captures the valour, the camaraderie and the heroic struggles of young men who fought and lost the battle, but won the war of independence for India. It is a one of the most passionate films I have done because I really feel that the nation and the young generation must know about sacrifices of people achieve Indias independence. Its a film which will certainly make every Indian proud of their legacy, Tigmanshu Dhulia said in a press statement.

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Filmmaker Imtiaz Alis films are known for their unconventional stories, flawed characters and picturesque locations. Besides actors Shah Rukh Khan and Anushka Sharma, who will be seen in Imtiaz Alis film jab Harry Met Sejal, the filmmaker has worked with some of the biggest names in Bollywood such as actors Deepika Padukone, Saif Ali Khan and Shahid Kapoor. Here is what they have to say about him.

Deepika Padukone

Presenting the first poster of @TamashaOfficial starring #RanbirKapoor and Deepika Padukone. #TamashaPosterOut #Tamasha27thNovember Trailer out on 22nd September. Aren't we excited already? A post shared by Deepika Padukone (@deepikapadukone) on Sep 18, 2015 at 9:58pm PDT

Before her film Tamasha (2015) released, in which she was seen alongside actor Ranbir Kapoor, Deepika had said that she was looking forward to work with Imtiaz again. I have worked with Imtiaz in Love Aaj Kal (2009) and he also wrote Cocktail (2012). We are on good terms with each other and I am really glad that he has roped me in for the movie. I always wanted to work with this combination where Imtiaz would direct me opposite Ranbir, she was quoted as saying.

Shah Rukh Khan

Oh really.... just like.... #JabHarryMetSejalAug4 @iamsrk @redchilliesent A post shared by AnushkaSharma1588 (@anushkasharma) on Jun 9, 2017 at 5:04am PDT

Actor Shah Rukh Khan is gearing up for the release of Imtiazs film Jab harry met Sejal and says, In a certain way, he reminds me of Mr Yash Chopra because he writes love stories, which travel all over India too and have a Punjab taste. His writing is fantastic.

Saif Ali Khan

Actor Saif Ali Khan worked with Imtiaz in his film Love Aaj Kal (2009) and says that his wife, actor Kareena Kapoor Khan, who worked with the filmmaker in Jab We Met (2007) convinced him to work with Imtiaz. Kareena highly recommended Imtiaz when I decided to produce a film. At that time,Jab We Met hadnt released. So I met him. It was the script and the way he narrated it to me that really impressed me and we decided to make Love Aaj Kal, Saif said at the time.

Shahid Kapoor

Actor Shahid Kapoor worked with Imtiaz Ali in the film Jab We Met.

Actor Shahid Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor Khan worked with Imtiaz in Jab we Met (2007). The film did exceedingly well and Shahid says that this increased peoples expectations from Imtiaz. I think Imtiaz is one of the most talented people Ive worked with...I feel Jab We Met is a film that happens and people shouldnt put that pressure on Imtiaz. Its very difficult to live up to a film like Jab We Met, though as a director, in the long run, Im sure he will prove to be better than what people judge him on the basis of Jab We Met to be, he said.

Nargis Fakhri

Actor Nargis Fakhri, who Imtiaz roped in for his film Rockstar (2011), alongside Ranbir Kapoor, says, When I met Imtiaz Ali in Prague, I was blown away; his energy was just fantastic! I sat and listened to his story, and what a story! After our second meeting he asked me if Id like to take a chance and come to audition in India after some tuition and acting classes  he never said I had the job.

Randeep Hooda

Actor Randeep Hooda worked with Imtiaz Ali in Highway.

During the shoot of his film Highway (2014), actor Randeep Hooda felt that Imtiaz was being partial to actor Alia Bhatt, who is filmmaker Mahesh Bhats daughter. Talking about the shoot, he says, that one night he got quite emotional and Imtiaz understood what he was going through. One night when we were filming the Kashmir scene, Alia had to shoot for something else and I was nearing the end of my shoot. That night I broke down in my hotel room. Imtiaz heard it. He sat with me beside my bed for three hours. I was crying and doing what not, he just sat there with me. I appreciate that about him. That is when I found something within myself, he said at the time.

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Every time actor Shraddha Kapoors film releases, her father, actor Shakti Kapoor flies to Delhi to watch it. The 58-year-old says the Capital is lucky for her.

Your priorities change as per your childrens preferences and this doesnt happen consciously. It puts a lot of pressure on you. I didnt see Shraddhas two films in Delhi and both of them didnt do well. Before that, I used to watch every film of hers in Delhi and they were successful. Before the release of Half Girlfriend, I flew to Delhi to watch the film, though I was shooting the previous night. I watched the first show. Thankfully, the film did well. It wasnt a super-duper hit, but did decent business.When you become a father, these thoughts come to your mind that main apni beti ki khushi ke liye main kidhar bhi jaunga (For my daughters happiness, Ill go anywhere).

The actor says he, too, feels the pressure when Shraddhas film is up for release. Jitters happen, and as a father, you cant help it. There were some films that I wanted Shraddha to do and she had some misunderstanding and didnt agree. You always think that when your child is in movies, they should do the best work. Ive always taught my children to not run after money but good work. Today, there is good work happening and they are taking it up, adds Shakti, whos now more involved in his daughters career than his own.

Actor Shakti Kapoor flew all the way to Delhi to watch Shraddhas last release Half Girlfriend. (AFP)

Every successful film of your child is like a successful film you are doing. Earlier, I used to be involved in my work, and now I want to see what my children are doing. I tell them that the most insecure life in the world is that of a celebrity. I make sure I give them the best advice, he says.

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Actor and comedian Vir Das was in a deep sleep, shedding the tiredness of filming his Netflix original show Abroad Understanding, when frantic calls woke him up. It was good news: the influential US-based magazine Variety has named him as one of the worlds Top 10 comedians to watch out for in 2017.

I got to know this at 3 am, says an excited Vir Das. My agent and my manager both tried to call me in the middle of the night. My phone kept vibrating and I got six missed calls from them. When I saw it, I thought that kuch to gadbad hua hai (something has gone wrong. And he was so wrong about that!

Vir, who came back to Mumbai from his world tour a fortnight ago, didnt understand the weight of the news until he got into the details of the Variety magazine list. I was very sleepy when I got to know this. And to be honest, I didnt realise how big this was, and then they explained that Variety is not the one who picks this [list]. They survey the entire comedy community, they survey studios and castings agents, and based on that, it is the industry that makes this list  people they feel are to watch out for. Then it hit me... what it means to be part of this list, shares the comedian, who has been part of multiple standup acts and Bollywood films as well.

He adds, Im the only Indian on that list, and thats very interesting. If they are optimistic about my career, then I should be, too.

Vir recently announced his next act, in which he has invited 27 people for the rehearsal of his show at a secret venue. So, instead of revelling in the success of Abroad Understanding, he is again feeling jittery. Aside from the show on Netflix, Abroad Understanding is also a very well-received show with which Vir has been touring several countries. One leg of the tour is over.

The world tour is happening. Tonight, I am doing a secret rehearsal for my next show in the presence of 27 people and right now Im excited about that. Im not thinking about the world tour, but Im wondering if these 27 people will enjoy my work or not, and Im nervous about that, he says.

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IT major Infosys on Friday appointed Karmesh Vaswani as the Global Head of Retail, CPG and Logistics (RCL) and Nitesh Banga as Global Head of Manufacturing.

Vaswani and Banga will replace Sandeep Dadlani, President and Head of MRCL, who is leaving the company.

The new appointments will be effective from July 15.

I have tremendous faith in their passion for client success and their ability to help clients see and achieve their digital aspirations. I am confident that our RCL and Manufacturing businesses will thrive under their leadership, said Infosys CEO Vishal Sikka in a statement.

Vaswani and Banga have held strategic portfolios across Infosys for nearly a decade.

In a related development, the global software major appointed Inderpreet Sawhney as Group General Counsel from July 3.

Inderpreet joins Infosys from Wipro where she was the General Counsel. Prior to that, she was Managing Partner of a mid-sized law firm in the Silicon Valley and with ITC Ltd as in-house counsel, said the city-based company in the statement.

A double graduate in Arts and Law from Delhi University, Sawhney did Masters in Law (LL.M) from Queens University at Kingston in Canada.

Inderpreet has global experience over a career spanning 24 years and her expertise will be integral to the transformation journey we are on, Sikka said in the statement.

Acting General Counsel Gopi Krishnan Radhakrishnan is leaving the company later this month to pursue other opportunities.
Amazon.com Incs billionaire founder Jeff Bezos on Thursday turned to an unusual source of inspiration for how to donate part of his wealth: Twitter.

I want much of my philanthropic activity to be helping people in the here and now - short term - at the intersection of urgent need and lasting impact, Bezos, one of the worlds richest people with a net worth of more than $76 billion, said in a Twitter post.

If you have ideas, just reply to this tweet with the idea (and if you think this approach is wrong, would love to hear that too.)

The request signalled a shift for Bezos, who has invested in longer-term bets like space exploration and kept quieter about other givings.

The e-commerce executive has said he will sell about $1 billion of Amazon stock annually to fund his company Blue Origin, which aims to cut the cost of space travel and kick off entrepreneurship in the cosmos.

For philanthropy, Bezos has supported a foundation run by his parents that focuses on education. His family has also given more than $40 million to Seattles Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, not far from Amazons headquarters.

Still, Bezos has yet to make charity a cornerstone of his work, like Microsoft Corps Bill Gates or Facebook Incs Mark Zuckerberg have. Bezos has not joined them and 167 other of the worlds richest people in pledging to give more than half of their fortunes to philanthropy.

Asked in an interview with Charlie Rose last year if he one day would rival Gates magnanimity, Bezos joked, Well, yeah, if there is anything left after I finish building Blue Origin.

His Twitter post had generated nearly 4,000 replies within three hours.

Recommendations ranged from food programs for children, to protecting forests and fighting homelessness.

Repurpose shipping containers to provide micro-homes for the homeless, tweeted journalist and analyst John Koetsier. Give them a safe, dry place to sleep, then work on further needs.
US-based electric car major Tesla is in discussions with the Indian government seeking relief on import duties till a local factory is built here, according to the companys chief executive Elon Musk.

Earlier this year, Musk had stated he was hoping for Tesla to enter India this summer with its products, which has so far not materialised.

In discussion with the government of India requesting temporary relief on import penalties/restrictions until a local factory is built, Musk said in a tweet. At present, India imposes 60% customs duty on import of completely-built electric cars priced less than $40,000.

If the electric car is assembled in India, the customs duty on the completely knocked down units is 10%. If the value of the imported car is more than $40,000 the customs duty is 100%.

Replying to Musks tweet, Paytm founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma asked if there was an option to import some right-hand drive Model X in India and indicated that, if so, he would pay full duties.

Last year in April, Tesla had stated that it planned to enter India with its Model 3 in 2017 while it began global roll-out of the vehicle in late 2016.

Model 3 is Teslas most affordable car yet and achieves 215 miles of range per charge while starting at $35,000 before incentives.

The companys other models include Model S and Model X. Musk has been showing increasing interest in the country of late and had earlier this month tweeted about Indias commitment to sell only electric cars by 2030.
The United States has accused a Chinese-based company of acting as a front for laundering money on behalf of a sanctioned North Korean bank and has filed a complaint seeking $1.9 million from it, US prosecutors said on Thursday.

Mingzheng International Trading Limited has facilitated prohibited dollar transactions through the United States on behalf of the Foreign Trade Bank, a North Korean bank, and laundered the proceeds, the US Attorneys Office in the District of Columbia said in a statement.

The $1.9 million forfeiture action represents one of the largest seizures of North Korean funds by the Department of Justice, it said.

The sum was transacted in 2015 by Mingzheng, based in the Chinese city of Shenyang, via wire transfers, using their Chinese bank accounts, the statement said.

Mingzheng could not be immediately reached for comment

In March 2013, the US Treasury Department placed the Foreign Trade Bank under sanctions linked to proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. It described the bank as a state-owned entity that acts as North Koreas primary foreign exchange bank, the US prosecutors statement said.

Chinas foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said the country

opposed, in principle, the use of unilateral sanctions outside the scope of United Nations Security Council resolutions.

The foreign trade bank mentioned by the United States is not on the list of U.N. sanctions for North Korea, so we oppose any country using their own so-called domestic laws to implement long arm jurisdiction, he told a regular news briefing.
Over 5 lakh students appeared in the NDA exam for entry to the armed forces this year. Of these, two in the top 10  including All-India Rank (AIR) 1 Nangals Shashank Sharma and Muktsars Armaandeep Singh, AIR 8 are from the same institute in Chandigarh.

With 25 selections of 41 students who appeared (the exam was held in September), the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Armed Forces Preparatory Institute (AFPI), in Sector-77 Chandigarh, a Punjab government institute set up in 2011, has been a consistent success. Twelve of the institutes students are in top 100 this year.

Final call letter for joining the academy is issued subject to medical fitness of the applicant, an official said.

Discovery channel programme triggered desire

Both Shashank and Armaandeep want to join Armoured Corps in the army. An episode on Discovery Channel in 2014, featuring the NDA motivated me to join the forces, said Shashank, son of a BSNL employee. Prior to joining the AFPI, he was a student of Mount Carmel School, Jindwari, Ropar.

The first in a family of civilians to harbour dreams of a military career, he said, At the AFPI, we rigorously followed the programme that the director Maj General BS Grewal (retd) chalked out. What also helped was that we did not have our mobile phone.

There was no distraction of WhatsApp and Facebook. I studied for five hours a day, he adds.

Shashanks father Dinesh Kumar Sharma belongs to Manakpur village in Nangal. His mother is a teacher.

Relatives inspired me

Armaandeep, the son of a farmer from Muktsar, said, I was hopeful of a good position but never thought, I will get be ranked 8th, he said. A relative in the family who rose to the rank of a brigadier inspired me to join the NDA, he added.

He credits the strict regime and the discipline instilled at the institute as key reasons for his success.

Meanwhile, three boys from Nishan-E-Sikhi institute at Khadoor Sahib bagged AIR in the written examination. Out of 23 who appeared from the institute, three could make it to the merit. They are Adeshparkash Singh who got AIR116, Harsidakpal Singh with AIR 198 and Dharampreet Singh with AIR 252nd.

Out of the lot, Adeshparkash Singh will serve Indian Air Force, Harsidakpal Singh is selected for Indian Army and Dharampreet Singh will join in navel force of the country.

52 applicants vie for each seat at the institute

The first batch of cadets passed out in April 2013. So far, five batches have passed out from the institute and 63 students have joined various military academies.

Admission to the institute starts in January every year with an entrance test for boys from across the state. The exam is conducted at Jalandhar, Patiala and SAS Nagar and those in Class 10 can apply.

The batch starts in April. The institutes intake capacity is 48 seats, with 2,500 students apply for admission. So, 52 apply for each seat. All students of AFPI do their Classes 11 and 12 from Shemrock Senior Secondary School, Sector 69, SAS Nagar.
Perhaps there are only two things about Prime Minister Narendra Modis decision-making that can be forecast with any certainty  he likes to disrupt status quo assumptions with an element of surprise (more shock and awe, really) and all his decrees carry a highly personalised imprint of authority and ownership (there is no community- driven resolution in this government).

If you look at Modis key decisions  going public with the surgical strikes, demonetisation or the last minute choice of Yogi Adityanath as chief minister of Uttar Pradesh  not one of them was predictable. So the usual caveats apply to any speculation over who the government wants as the next President of India. That said, there is good reason to argue that July will see a madam president in Rashtrapati Bhavan. There are very good political reasons for a contender to emerge from a shortlist of three accomplished women  Sushma Swaraj, Sumitra Mahajan and Draupadi Murmu. Of these there is no question that Swaraj would be the best candidate.

The first reason that makes Swaraj a favourite for the post is that her nomination would easily break Opposition unity. The personal popularity of the external affairs minister  remember how Parliament erupted in warm applause when she returned after her kidney transplant  has ensured she has many friends across the aisle. Regional stalwarts like Mamata Banerjee and Nitish Kumar have already indicated a willingness to consider supporting a consensus candidate if s/he is not a Hindutva hardliner; Swaraj could easily be that nominee.

Though the Modi government will easily win the presidential election if it comes down to one  the small shortfall in numbers could easily come from state parties like YRS Congress or the AIADMK factions  there is a clear political advantage in isolating the Congress within its own camp. If Swaraj is the declared candidate the Congress and the Left are likely to be the only Opposition parties who will still insist on a contest.

To drive a wedge through Opposition unity, especially at a time when there are murmurs of a Mahagatbandhan against Modi for 2019, would fit right in with the BJPs Congress Mukt Bharat blueprint. Since Sonia Gandhi is personally leading the dialogue among 17 non-BJP parties to choose a presidential candidate, pulling leaders away from this informal alliance in support of Swaraj would further weaken the clout of the Gandhi brand. This would perfectly suit Amit Shah and Modis preparations for 2019. Swaraj is the only political candidate who could trigger this confusion and divide in the Opposition ranks.

The other good reason for Swaraj to be the frontrunner choice is that she would restore an Abdul Kalam-like Peoples President reputation to the otherwise stodgy and formal office. As minister she has adopted the persona of mom-in-chief to countless stranded Indians across the globe, by turns warm, firm and funny, as she responds to everything from requests for visas to bring-me-back-home pleas from an abused wife. Of course it could be argued that with the prime minister doing most of the heavy-lifting in the foreign policy department Swaraj was compelled to reinvent her role. But this accessible charm has helped her build bipartisan popularity in the public imagination, even among trenchant critics of the government. And its not as if her Twitter-friendly avatar diminishes her reputation for efficiency and competence. Bureaucrats who have worked with her swear by her professionalism and her firm articulation has often come to the rescue in delicate or sticky situations. Lastly, if Swaraj is the next president (and supreme commander of the armed forces) we would finally have a woman president who goes beyond the symbolism of her gender. Unlike the little-known Pratibha Patil, the seven-term MP has a successful and long record in politics and would have more than earned the position compared to her female predecessor.

The only factor that could work against Swaraj is her past closeness to LK Advani who has been decisively marginalised by Modi. When Swaraj and her family were drawn into a raging controversy around the IPL and businessman Lalit Modi, it was widely believed that her detractors within the BJP were pleased with her being diminished. But Swaraj hunkered down and kept chipping away within the limitations of her job, deliberately steering clear of all media attention. If she is the BJPs choice for president it will be the final proof that she has reset her terms with the prime minister. And while the other two women contenders have advantages too, Swaraj as madam president will be an ace in Modis House of Cards.

Barkha Dutt is an award-winning journalist and author

The views expressed are personal

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Indias chief of the Censor Board has had trouble proving his mettle in pretty much every department, except exhibiting sense of humour. Its another thing that he doesnt know he has it. Pahlaj Nihalanis statements justifying the proposed cuts in films applying for certification have managed to invoke more humour than all the slapstick comedy films he made in the 80s, taken together.

From declaring that a film on homosexuality will ignite unnatural passion to reducing the length of James Bonds onscreen kisses, saying a kiss THAT long can lead to lust, Nihalani has more or less covered the entire ground when it comes to absurdity. His most recent remarks in an interview, however, where he threatens to resign if the charges of favoritism towards big production houses are proved against him, are not a matter of joke. Because in the same breath, the chairman of the censor board, an autonomous body, also reveals that it is regular practice for influential producers to approach the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, and have them (he doesnt name anyone) call him to clear a big-budget film out of turn.

As it goes in India, its hardly a surprise that lobbying, and putting pressure through the government helps influential producers get their ads, trailers and films certified ahead of turn. Whats surprising, rather alarming, however, is the casualness with which Nihalani mentions it. Yes we are asked to look specially into certain films because some big-name producers bypass us and ask the I&B ministry directly for clearance, he says, almost shrugging off the practice that should have had his heckles raised much more than the length of the Bond kiss did. He does realize the implications, however, when he adds, This undermines our power and makes us look silly. Like hell it does, Mr Nihalani, and will continue to do so, till the censor board does not shift its focus from raising inconsequential objections to every bold attempt at new-age cinema to actually facilitating the independently produced, small-budget films make their way into the theatres.

Till the time the censor board is stuck in the rut of passing derisory orders such as the recent one where films made on politicians have to get a No objection certificate from every public figure perceived to have been shown in the film (three films currently stuck on account of NOCs awaited from PM Modi, AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal and former PM Manmohan Singh), silly isnt an adjective thatll leave the Board anytime soon. And by the way, Sir, kudos for having cleared the title of Bank Chor, despite successfully discovering that it sounds similar to a Hindi cuss-word. So what if youve made them re-dub it everywhere in the film to pronounce the word Bank differently. At last its suitably sanskaari now.

Follow the author on Twitter @sonalkalra

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The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) reached the house of Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia at Mathura Road on Friday. The CBI reportedly recorded the Deputy CMs statement in its preliminary enquiry into the Talk to AK programme.

A CBI team of six to seven members has reached Sisodias residence a few minutes back. The deputy CM is inside the house, an aide of Sisodia told HT.

Initial reports suggest that this is related to the CBIs Preliminary Enquiry (PE) into chief minister Arvind Kejriwals Talk to AK programme.

The CBI had registered a PE against Sisodia and others for alleged irregularities in the interactive campaign that helped people reach out to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader through social media.

Delhi government spokesperson Nagendar Sharma took to twitter against the CBIs visit at the deputy CMs residence.

3   CBI     ,

   CBI       Urmilesh (@Urmilesh_) June 16, 2017

The CBI had said earlier that the PE was registered in the case over allegations of improprieties and violation of extent rules and regulations in award of work pertaining to the media campaign.

The probe agency said no raid or search was conducted at Sisodias place, adding that the visit was aimed at seeking clarification on certain issues related to the ongoing inquiry.

Earlier this year in Janaury, the CBI had visited Delhi governments information and publicity department in connection with the PE.

AAP leader Sanjay Singh said the CBIs move reflected the Centres bid to stall work by AAP government in Delhi. Todays raid signals the resolve of the Centre to not let the AAP govt work. BJP wants to obliterate the opposition. The intention is clear, to take revenge through relentless harassment. Instead of daily harassment, the Centre should suspend the AAP govt once and for all, Singh said. He added that Talk to AK was held using the services of a PR firm which in turn did not take any commission. There was no tender as platforms like Facebook, YouTube and Google have no competition. The CBI refused to call it a raid, then why did its officials go there? To have tea? he asked.

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A 23-year-old man was found hanging at his female friends flat in southwest Delhis Dwarka area on Tuesday evening.

Arnav Duggal, who worked at a hotel chain, reportedly went to her house for a stay over and was found hanging the next morning. No suicide note was recovered from the spot.

According to the police, Duggal was in love with the girl and was forcing her to be in a relationship with him. She was however, not interested and had turned down his proposal.

On Monday night, he reportedly went outside the womans office and waited for her to finish work. She finished her shift by 1:30 am and when she stepped out to take a cab, he offered to drop her.

The woman initially refused. She told him she had to go to a friends house in Safdarjung for a house party. Duggal then offered to drop her to Safdarjung. Since he was with another friend, she agreed, a senior police officer said.

Duggal then went to drop the woman for the party and stayed over for a couple of drinks. The friends reportedly partied till late night.

The next morning they all left together from Safdarjung and Duggal dropped the woman to her house in Dwarka. When they reached her house, Duggal started complaining of uneasiness. For around 20 minutes, Duggal kept strolling around the womans apartment while she went upstairs to her house.

After 20 minutes, he went to her flat and started knocking at the door. He asked her of he could stay over at her house as he was not feeling fit to drive, a senior police officer said.

The woman agreed and opened the door. She told him to fetch tea for himself and sleep in the other room. She went inside her room to sleep and locked the door from inside, he added.

Around 4 pm that she woke up to her fathers call. When she went to the other room to check on Duggal, she found him hanging from the ceiling fan.

She said that she panicked and immediately called her friend. She then informed her father about the incident who then asked her to call the companys management committee. They then made a PCR call, a police officer said. A forensic team visited the room and collected samples for investigation.

While Duggals family alleged that Arnav was murdered, police said it appears to be a suicide. They both worked together. The woman has alleged that he was forcing her to be in a relationship with him and often stalked her but she had made it clear to him that she was not interested in him. She said she could not believe her eyes when she saw the body. She also informed that Duggal became aggressive the night before at the party and was also driving rashly after getting drunk a police office said.

Duggals body has been sent for a postmortem examination and the matter is under investigation.
Is there a more pleasurable morning ritual than unveiling a crisp, unread newspaper?

Bhim Sen Puris daily beat always starts with newspapers.

In his 90s, Mr Sen is the man behind the Central News Agency (CNA). The Connaught Place landmark has been supplying newspapers from across the globe long before when we all learned to download The New York Times or The Guardian apps.

Rewind to the 1930s when his brother Rajinder Pal set up a small newspaper distribution business. In 1942, the police arrested Rajinder for his involvement in the Quit India Movement, forcing Mr Sen to take over the reins.

The next half century was spent building up the CNA into a Delhi institution. In the years following Independence when Nehrus India followed a more socialist model, the Puris developed business ties with the Soviet Union, regularly visiting cities as far apart as Moscow and Vladivostok to renew subscription of Soviet magazines such as Misha and Soviet Nari.

In the 1980s, the then Prime Ministers son Rajiv Gandhi routinely visited the agencys retail counter at Connaught Places P Block to procure hard-to-get foreign photography magazines. Teji Bachchan, mother of film star Amitabh Bachchan, travelled daily in an auto rickshaw from Gulmohar Park to pick up newspapers. Before he became the Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh came regularly to get a copy of The Guardian Weekly.

Mr Sens working life is incomplete without mentioning Santosh, his wife since 1966. She was the first woman in her hometown, Jammu, to drive a Lambretta scooter. With a Masters in Economics from Delhi University, Masters in Hindi from Punjab University and a Bachelors in Education from Kashmir University, Santosh was already the principal of a higher secondary school when they met. For years, the couple together managed the company, along with the rest of the extended family.

These days, they have shortened their work week, but you still find them seated at their respective desks in Connaught Place during the morning hours. Looking at the tender scene, you are likely to end up affirming your faith not just in print but also in longtime companionship.
Students who have applied for admission in Delhi University under the Extra Curricular Activities (ECA) quota, will have their preliminary rounds of trials beginning on Saturday.

Many students who may be intimidated by the skyhigh cut-offs at DU colleges, find solace in the ECA quota to realise their dreams of studying at one of these prestigious colleges. The Delhi University relaxes its cut-offs by up to 15% depending on the colleges, based on ones prowess in the various extra-curricular activities such as dance, music, debate, theatre and creative writing, among others.

Last year, there were 865 seats under the ECA category, which is expected to rise up to 1,000 this year, according to DU sources.

Admissions to these seats are based on performance in trial rounds, which will begin on Saturday. Students can apply under 12 different categories to the ECA quota, with dance, music, debate and theatre being some of the more popular choices, according to Shalini (who goes by her first name), the head of ECA admissions at DU.

Most of these trials, especially for the more popular activities, happen over a span of a few days and in batches. The morning batch begins at 9 am, and the afternoon batchs trials begin at 1 pm, and it is imperative that students reach well in time.

Students will be notified of which batch they will have to attend on which day, on the admissions portal, said Shalini.

This year, the DU had received a total of 2,21,309 applications, with 20,207 applications for the ECA quota.

National Cadet Corps (NCC) has received the highest number of applications, with 3,281students opting for the activity. The trials for these will be held on June 22, 23, 24 and 27 at Ram Lal Anand College.

The second popular choice appears to be dance, with 2,797 students applying for this. There are four sub categories under dance  Indian classical, Indian folk, western dance, and choreography, with over half of these students opting for Indian classical dance.

The trials for the Indian dances will be held between June 21 to 26 at Rajdhani College, while the trials for western dance and choreography will be held between June 17 to 20 at Shyama Prasad Mukherjee College.

For most of these activities, the students are not required to bring their certificates or other documents, however, Shalini has advised that students should read the guidelines available on the portal carefully to ensure the requirements.

During the final round, we do check all the certificates a student has, added Shalini. Students are expected to bring their original certificates and self attested photocopies of these to the final rounds of trial, if they are shortlisted.

Students who are shortlisted after the preliminary trials will be notified on the website, and the final rounds of trials are expected to begin tentatively on June 30. Students in the final round will be evaluated at 75% for the trials and 25% for the certificates.

Though the ECA trials can help you get into your preferred colleges, it does come with a caveat of commitment.

We at DU take our societies and extra-curricular activities very seriously. So a student admitted under the ECA quota will have to sign a bond, that they will attend all practices and performances, Shalini had explained while addressing students at an Open Day event last month.

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The CBI on Friday visited the house of Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia seeking clarification on issues relating to an ongoing Enquiry in the Talk to AK programme. Here is why CBI is probing Sisodia for the programme:

* The programme was launched on July 17 last year where chief minister Arvind Kejriwal held a live interactive session with people from across the country and took questions through social media, phone calls and text messages. A website www.talktoAK.com was launched to live stream the interaction. Prior to the programme, the interaction was to be publicised through social media and conventional methods.

* The programme was launched, months ahead of the assembly polls in Goa and Punjab, as a counter Prime Minister Narendra Modis Mann Ki Baat programme. It was promoted as a two-way interaction as opposed to the PMs one-way radio speech.

* The programme ran into trouble after its first edition. The opposition alleged that the ruling party was using public money to whet its election campaign in Goa and Punjab. The programme was criticised for taking on questions related to Goa and Punjab, instead of talking about the capitals issues.

* The three-member Shunglu Committee, formed soon after the Delhi High Court stamped the L-G as the citys administrator, also slammed the programme and pointed to irregularities in it. The Talk to AK programme was among the seven cases of alleged irregularities by the Arvind Kejriwal government referred to the CBI by former Delhi lieutenant governor Najeeb Jung.

* The complaint alleged that a public relations company was hired to promote the campaign and a proposal of Rs 1.5 crore was prepared for this. It alleged that the government went ahead with it despite objections from the principal secretary.

* Manish Sisodia head the department for information and publicity (DIP) which had conducted the programme.

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The Delhi High Court has confirmed the jail term of a man who sexually assaulting a five-year-old, relying on the description given by the child of her ordeal through a baby doll.

Justice SP Garg relied on the oral testimony of the girl who by referring to the private parts of the doll in her hand conveyed what had happened with her.

She had conveyed as to what was done by the appellant with her. Nothing more can be expected from a child aged around five years considering her limited understanding, the judge said while upholding the five-year jail term awarded to the 23-year-old man by a trial court here.

The incident dates to July 2014 when the girl was going to school with her 10-year-old brother. Convict Hunny gave Rs 10 to the boy and asked him to bring something from a shop and kidnapped the girl.

The man took her to Narela in north west Delhi, sexually assaulted her and left the child near her house.

A neighbour found the child crying and wandering on the streets without her skirt and took her home. Initially, the minor, who was in a state of shock, did not disclose anything. She later told her mother about the incident.

The accused was identified with the help of CCTV footage of the area from where the child was kidnapped.

To make the child comfortable at the time of recording her testimony in court, the sessions judge gave a doll to the girl which kept her engaged.

The crime committed is very serious. The victim a child aged around five years was sexually assaulted and defiled...The court can well understand the trauma of the kid whereby she suffered sexual assault at such a small age, the high court said.

The appellant aged around 23 years was well aware of as to what he was doing. The trial court has already taken a lenient view and no modification of the sentence order is called for; there being a minimum sentence under Section 10 POCSO Act, the bench said dismissing the appeal made by the convict.
The National Green Tribunal on Friday stayed the Delhi Pollution Control Committee shutdown notices to small hotels running without kitchen or laundry.

A vacation bench of Justice UD Salvi and expert member PC Mishra issued the order while hearing a petition filed by Delhi Hotel & Restaurant Owners Association.

Almost 350 of budget hotels in the city have been sent closure notices again by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee because of absence of proper effluent and sewage treatment plants.

They had been given some extra time, till the end of this month,to comply and prevent shutdown by Delhi environment minister Imran Hussain. However, the hotels and guest house owners demanded complete exemption for establishments without kitchen.

Guest houses have not been categorised by the Central Pollution Control Board. That needs to be done first. And when categorised, they should be under non polluting category as these small establishments neither have kitchen nor laundry. This is by definition of the Master Plan, advocate IK Kapila, who represented the hotel owners body, told HT.

According to him, the green court stayed the shutdown notice only for establishments without kitchen and laundry and the matter will be heard next on July 21.

There are around 1,500 budget hotels in Delhi, most of which are located in Paharganj, Karol Bagh and Mahipalpur. Most of these dont have consent to establish (CTE) or consent to operate (CTO), which are mandatory to run hotels in Delhi. CTE is the first step for any industry or trade to begin operations and the permission is given within four months of it being applied for. The CTO is given by the DPCC. This permission is a mandatory part of the process in place for ensuring that water and air are not polluted. However, these hotels didnt have the required permission.

The DPCC notice says if they (hotel owners) failed to comply, power and water supplies will be snapped. Delhi Police and the health department of the North corporation have been asked to cancel the licences of these establishments.

The notices asked the individual owners to submit compliance reports under section 33A of Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and section 31A of Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, within 15 days.

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A couple of western disturbances  storms from West Asia  would not just trigger rain and thundershowers almost on all the days next week but could also drag the monsoon nearer to Delhi, officials of the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Friday.

With monsoon round the corner and rain expected almost every day starting June 19, Delhiites can get to enjoy a spring-like weather in the coming days, Met officials predicted.

A couple of western disturbances are coming. As a result, rain and thundershowers are expected to lash the city almost every day next week. This would help to bring down the day temperature to around 30 degrees Celsius by Wednesday, said a senior official of the regional weather forecasting centre.

Usually the city enjoys such cooler temperature till March after which the mercury starts shooting up. It reaches the peak in May and June.

While the normal temperature (an average of three decades) of March in Delhi is 29.6 degrees Celsius, it shoots up to 36.3 in April. The climatic normal of maximum temperature, in the peak summer months of May and June, hovers around 39 degrees Celsius, said an official.

Met officials also hope that once the western disturbances arrive, they would induce favourable conditions for the monsoon to advance further towards Delhi. The usual date of arrival of the monsoon in Delhi is June 29.

On Friday the south west monsoon managed to cover almost half of Maharashtra, almost entire Odisha and West Bengal and had touched Bihar and Jharkhand.

Sometimes the monsoon current is strong enough and advances on its own. But at times it needs some push to advance over the Indian landmass. Certain atmospheric conditions such as a cyclonic circulation, a low pressure or a depression in the sea, provides this push.

We are hopeful that the western disturbances arriving early next week and the prevailing cyclonic circulations over north-west India would pave the way for the monsoon to advance further towards Delhi, said a met official.

Met officials said that by next week, the picture would become clearer as to when monsoon could hit Delhi.

It is just like driving a car on a road. Sometimes you get stuck in a traffic snarl and sometimes when you get a clear road you press the accelerator hard to make up for the loss. The monsoon getting delayed in some parts of south or eastern India doesnt mean that Delhi would get a delayed monsoon, said an official.

Arrival of monsoon in Delhi Usual date of arrival: June 29 2016  July 2 2015  June 25 2014  July 3 2013  June 16 2012  July 7 2011  June 26

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A 35-year-old woman jumped off the fifth floor of an under-construction building in south Delhis Kishangarh on Thursday evening, allegedly due to repeated harassment by her sisters-in-law after her husbands death three years ago.

Having gauged her intention before she could jump, the womans 15-year-old son, Deepanshu, made a desperate attempt to prevent her from jumping, but failed.

The woman,Bhupendri Mehlawat, is battling for her life at Fortis Hospital. Her family said the fall has left her paralysed waist down.

Chinmoy Biswal, additional DCP (south), said that according to Deepanshus statement, the victim was allegedly being harassed by her three sisters-in-law for property and money.

Mehlawat lives in Kishangarh with her two children, 17-year-old Priya and her younger brother Deepanshu. She lost her husband Sanjeev in 2014.

My aunt (fathers sister) fought with my mother on Thursday and that prompted her to jump off the building, alleged Priya.

It was around 5.30 pm on Thursday that an agitated Mehlawat began hurriedly climbing the stairs of an under-construction building near her home.Suspecting that not all was well, her son ran behind her. I tried to physically stop my mother, but she managed to run up. Just before she was to jump, I pleaded with her to stop, but she was distraught and not in a position to listen to anyone, he said.

During the fall, the woman hit pipes jotting out of the building before landing on the floor. Deepanshu ran downstairs to find his mother bleeding and unconscious.

She was rushed to the nearby Fortis Hospital, where according to her sister Savitri, she is on ventilator.

Biswal said a case under Indian Penal Code section 498A, pertaining to cruelty by husbands relative, has been registered at Vasant Kunj (North) police station and investigation taken up.
Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is used to humiliation. Traditionally, those who put banana skins under his feet are his own generals. In recent weeks, however, it has been the foreign governments who Pakistan sees as its friends who have left him red-faced.

First there was the United States president, Donald Trump, who declined to meet Mr Sharif when the two were in Riyadh together last month. Mr Sharif reportedly carefully worked on his speech on the flight to Saudi Arabia only to be told, on arrival, that the US president had better things to do.

Then Chinese leader Xi Jinping pointedly did not hold a bilateral meeting with Mr Sharif at the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit, held at the Kazakhstan capital Astana. Reportedly Mr Xi was unhappy at the recent deaths of two Chinese in Pakistan. This week Mr Sharif was put on the spot by the Saudi ruler who asked whom he supported in the present fight between Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

A foreign policy built around hanging a For Sale around your sovereignty runs into problems when you have multiple buyers. For decades, Pakistan has sought to balance Indias preponderance by wooing external allies. During the early half of the Cold War its preferred friend was the US. In the 1960s, Islamabad developed a taste for Chinese. A few decades later it began positioning itself as the sword arm of Islam to Saudi Arabia. Amid all this it has also flirted with Iran, Bangladesh, and recently with Russia.

There were two contradictions in this policy. One, Pakistans reasons for alignment were all centred on countering India. However, other than China, none of its other allies shared this interest and signed up with Pakistan for other reasons. Two, many of the countries Pakistan has sworn fealty are today at daggers drawn. The worst contradictions are in the rising friction between Saudi Arabia and Iran, a subset of which is the present boycott of Qatar. It has had to walk a tightrope on the US and China relationships as well.

Unlike India, which has always made it clear that its closeness to specific countries is about a convergence of interests, Pakistans has been based on thinly-veiled geopolitical falsehoods.

With global faultlines becoming sharper, Islamabad is finding it harder to avoid injury. Afghanistan is an example of where Pakistan has had to juggle a variety of patrons. There is evidence that similar contradictions are spilling over into Balochistan. The humiliations of Mr Sharif are an almost comic harbinger of worse things to come.
When joining Delhi University, every aspirant has certain expectations from their college and college life. But, as many seniors (the so called DU veterans) might tell you, things dont really go the way you planned. What is the usual fuccha expectations towards college? Great infrastructure, rocking cultural fests, a friendly faculty, a canteen that serves delicious food, and all the fun that is usually shown in movies. We decided to talk to a few students and do a reality check on what really happens, and this is what we found.

REEL VS REAL LIFE

via GIPHY

Expectation:

Amish Behl* of Sri Venkateswara College clearly expected a lot from his college. I had seen the general image of colleges to be these really cool places where one could chill. Bollywood made me believe that I could sneak away from college for parties, have a bash, roll with the coolest gang and forget the school culture we got so used to. College was this mecca of all things cool in my mind, he says.

Reality:

However, his Bollywood dreams were slashed on the first day of college. It still is pretty fun, but Bollywood seems to have misled us all along. No fancy cars, or uber cool people roaming around, and what hurts the most is that it sometimes is stricter than school. If you look at it properly, college is basically school where you dont have to wear a uniform. What a dissapointment.

WHERE IS THE FEST?

via GIPHY

Expectation:

Neha Bhalla* of Indraprastha College for Women expected her college to have a rocking fest, thanks to the Delhi Universitys image of hosting grand college fests. Since its a Delhi University college, and is in close proximity to the North Campus, I expected the fest to be huge and a star-studded affair. I also expected the activities to be super fun, she says.

Reality:

What she really got was a dud fest that did not live up to her expectations. There was extremely low footfall (and no celebrities either). The stalls put up and the activities undertaken at the fest were also not that interesting.

THIS CAFE IS NOT SO FANCY

via GIPHY

Expectation:

Much like every other student who joins Lady Shri Ram College, Ishita Sharma, too, expected a lot from the colleges famous cafeteria (just what they really call their canteen). It is called a cafe, and if at all you call it a canteen, you are said to have broken the ethical code of college culture. I had high expectations in terms of the quality and taste of food, and also the feel, she says.

Reality:

The canteen.. errr... cafe did not really amaze her. The quality and taste deteriorated over time, especially after the cafe was taken over by new contractors. Also, the food was overpriced, despite the low quality offering that lacked in taste too. And its not a very happening place.

REALITY IS BETTER

via GIPHY

Expectation:

When Nishita Sharma got her admission in Aryabhatta College, she wasnt as pumped with expectations. Since it is an off-campus college, and also one not many have heard of, I did not expect the college to have a good faculty at all, she says.

Reality:

However, her perception changed once she attended a few classes. I felt like I had judged the college too soon. Soon after admission, when a few classes took place, I realised that the faculty is brilliant, especially the ones for our course, B.Com.

AS FUN AS EXPECTED

via GIPHY

Expectation:

Every student wishes for their college to be chilled out and fun, and Devanshi Malik of SGTB Khalsa College expected the same. My college is located right at the beginning of North Campus, and I expected it to be really chill. I also expected it to be relaxed in terms of attendance, and hoped the teachers would be approachable and friendly too, she says.

Reality:

Devanshi says that thankfully the college delivered.  I am glad my bubble remained intact. You dont get any marks for low attendance, but at least you are not debarred from attempting the examinations (something that happens in most colleges). The teachers, too, are really friendly and approachable. What else could I want now!

STRUMMING THE WRONG STRINGS

via GIPHY

Expectation:

Vivek Singh* had really high hopes from the colleges music society when he joined Delhi College of Arts and Commerce (DCAC), and hoped that it would fuel his passion for playing the guitar. DCAC had a reputation for having one of the coolest music societies on campus. They were even known for Knight Shades, a band from the college which one many accolades, he says.

Reality:

He feels that while everything started well, things did not end up the way they should have. The society was indeed cool and did welcome me in as a member. We still do try to deliver something as great as our previous batches, but the college seems to have a different plan for us. The band, instead of staying true to its image, was asked by the college to perform Vande Mataram and other songs (which arent really cut out for someone with potential for rock music) when the NAAC team was visiting. So much for all the rockstar dreams.

Follow @htshowbiz for more.
Answering a call on March 30, Uma Shankar Mondal had no clue he had walked into a trap as he voluntarily shared his banking details with a caller, who claimed to be customer service executive of the bank.

He had been saving his hard-earned money for months and had just submitted documents to open an account in a leading private bank.

Police said the caller sought his personal details for account verification. When Mondal gave all the data, the bank executive asked for account details of another bank. He said that for opening a new account and its verification, it was mandatory to give information about alternate bank accounts, if any, the police said.

Mondal, a labourer who has an account in a government bank, said he unwittingly shared his banking details with the caller.

Few hours later, he received three text messages informing him about three transactions from his account. A sum of Rs49,990 had been debited from his account.

Uma Shankar filed a complaint the next day, which was forwarded to our cyber cell. The cyber cell sent it back to us on Wednesday confirming that he had, indeed, been cheated, Vikas Kaushik, station house officer (SHO), Sector 29 police station, said.

Kaushik said they registered an FIR under IPC Section 420 (cheating) and Section 66D of the IT Act (cheating by impersonation using computers).

While Mondal is not literate, I have seen many highly educated people falling prey to such fraud, Kaushik said. He said the police will soon begin an investigation into the case.
Few days after a caretaker allegedly abducted a dog in Sushant Lok for ransom, a dog owner flung his 4-month-old female pet from the balcony of his first floor apartment in Gurgaons Sector 42. The man, identified as Philip Maxwell, hails from South Africa and was angry after the dog, Papi, allegedly broke his laptop and chewed up television cables.

The incident took place between 7.30pm and 8pm on Wednesday evening. The dog lay in a bush behind the house and writhed their in pain before it was rescued at midnight.

When confronted by his neighbour Arvind Kumar, Maxwell drove off in his car. The dog lay in the bushes for almost 4 hours before being taken to the hospital by NGO workers accompanied by Maxwells wife, Doria Shlem. His wife is from Meghalaya.

I heard a dog barking while washing clothes and went to check. I found her lying in the bushes and it appeared as if someone had thrown her out of a house. A labourer had spotted him writhing in pain and put him behind the bush. I confronted the accused when he came out, but he rushed to his car and drove away, said Kumar, who is now planning to lodge a written complaint with the police.

As he waited for the owner to return, Kumar called a Delhi-based NGO, Fauna Police, which rescued the pet at midnight.

Arvind Srihan, a member of the NGO who sent his dog rescue vehicle and assistants to the Sector 4 address, said, The dog was thrown out around 7.30pm and lay in pain for almost 4 hours before our team rescued it. Later, it was taken to CGHS hospital by our team and Doria, the wife of the accused, said Srihan.

At the CGHS hospital, it was found that the dog had suffered a fracture in her right leg.

Doria Shlem, while handing over the dog to the NGO, admitted that her husband had flung the dog from the first floor balcony in anger. The dog is presently in the custody of the Fauna Police and recuperating at their centre in Asola Bhati, Delhi.

However, speaking to HT, Doria, who works as a nurse in a private hospital, contradicted her earlier claim saying the dog fell accidentally from her husbands hand as he was chiding it. The dog had gone berserk that day and it bit the chairs, the sofa, broke the laptop and chewed off wires. My husband just held Papi in the air and was trying to instill some fear in her when it fell off the balcony. We love the dog. It is very friendly, Shlem said.

She, however, said that they were scared after the dog fell down and it was only after the rescue team came that she went looking for it.

Maxwell left home after Kumar rang up the NGO and asked why he tossed the puppy out of the balcony. A native of South Africa, Maxwell helps his uncle run his business in the city.

An officer of the Sushant Lok police station, however, said that no complaint had been filed in connection with the incident on Tuesday. No case has been registered in this regard, said an officer at the police station.

There have been a number of incidents in Gurgaon over the past couple of months which raised concern over the safety of pet dogs in the city. Shakti, a 6-month old white Labrador owned by designer Sanjana Jon, was abducted from Nirvana Country by the caretaker, who demanded ransom from the owner. The accused was caught two days from Kotla Mubarakpur in Delhi and the dog was returned to its owner, two days after the incident.

Read I Pet dog kidnapped, beaten to death and eaten in Gurgaons DLF Phase II

Dr Aashita Dawar, who works for welfare of animals, said most of the accused in such incidents get away because of such acts are deemed non-cognizable. These acts are a manifestation of our criminal tendencies and could lead to serious consequences. There needs to be a law to put an end to such acts, she said.

Another pet dog, Brownie, was stolen from DLF Phase 2 in the month of April and it is suspected that a group of persons picked it up from the street and later ate it. A case was also registered at the DLF Phase 2 police station.

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Environmentalists wrote to the Haryana government and the Ministry of environment and forests (MoEF) on Friday asking them to do more to save the Aravallis that are fast losing green cover. Written by Chetan Agarwal and SS Oberoi, the letter is signed by environmentalists Ameema Sherwani, Vivek Kamboj and Jitender Bhadana.

The move comes as the state government plans to observe World Day to Combat Desertification on Saturday. At the occasion, chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar and Union minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Harsh Vardhan, will be laying out what they claimed will be a roadmap to save the Aravallis, in Bhondsi.

In their letter, the environmentalists said that the Haryana government had assured in 2015 that it will maintain the status quo of the areas falling under the yet to be decided natural conservation zone (NCZ), but the reality is quite different. In the 35th meeting of the MoEF in June 2015, the chief secretary of Haryana had admitted that Haryana has 90,000 acres of confirmed NCZ, while 50,000 acres are still in yet to be decided NCZ category, the letter said. It added that in the same meeting, the state government had assured that the status quo for the yet to be decided category would be maintained till a clear definition is obtained.

In the meeting the state government had said that no construction would be allowed in the yet to be decided areas till a definition can be arrived it.

It is shocking to find how the Haryana government has diluted the yet to be decided NCZ category. The Haryana forest secretary on April 1 in a letter said that Haryana does not have any areas in the yet to be decided NCZ category, the letter said.

Activists maintained that Haryana should clear the confusion over the definition of forests in the region. However, the state government said it is not aware of the situation. Sunil Gulati, additional chief secretary to the government of Haryana, wildlife and forest department, said, We will investigate the issue and clear the confusion.

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A 23-year-old man from Jharkhand reportedly jumped before a metro train at Iffco chowk metro station on Friday noon. The man fell between the train tracks and was critically injured. He has been taken to AIIMS in Delhi after being initially treated at a private hospital near the metro station.

The police identified the man as Ashish Verma from Devghar, Jharkhand. He had come to Gurgaon only a month back, and was searching for work, his paternal uncle Sunil Kumar, who stays in Delhi, told HT. He was working as a labourer in the city, the police said.

He has inscribed name of a girl on his arm with blade. The mark seems a day or two old. Similar but old marks are on his chest also. We will record his statement and a case will be filed accordingly, said investigating officer Assistant sub inspector Razak Khan of Metro police station, Gurgaon.

The police identified the man as Ashish Verma from Jharkhand. (Parveen Kumar/HT Photo)

Dr N. Neelima Rani, who treated the man at the private hospital, said that he was critical. She told HT that Verma had many self-inflicted cut marks on his body, and had also inscribed a womans name on his arm.

Rani said though she didnt know what actually happened, it seems that he would have jumped deliberately.

Khan said that the CCTV footage of the metro station shows that he closed his ears with his hand before he fell down or jumped before the train around 12.30 pm.

We talked to his maternal uncle in Jharkhand who said that Verma likes a girl and was upset about her for past sometime said Khan.

Khan said the incident happened when the train was just about to stop at the Iffco Chowk metro station and that Verma was about to travel towards Delhi.

It is not clear whether he fell down intentionally or accidentally. It will only be clear after his statement is recorded the IO said.

Verma was rushed to a private hospital near Iffco Chowk metro station. After the initial treatment of Rs 4300, his uncle Sunil Kumar shifted him to AIIMS, where a CT scan would be done. The doctors said that he was critical and besides his head, has received injuries on his arm, right hand and has even dislocated his shoulder.

On February 20, a 27-year-old woman doctor working with a private insurance company in Delhi had allegedly jumped before the metro train at the Guru Dronacharya metro station in Gurgaon.

The police had not confirmed suicide bid but the CCTV footage showed the woman doctor jumping on the tracks when the train pulled into the station. She was taken to a hospital with multiple fractures and was discharged a few days later with her family wanting no police case.
The Sohna police on Thursday booked nine persons for allegedly raping a 20-year-old Dalit woman for over a year. The men allegedly threatened to circulate videos of the gang-rape if she told anyone about it.

A case against was registered at Sohna city police station on Thursday, after the men allegedly not only gang raped the woman again on June 8, but also stole jewellery worth Rs10 lakh from her house in the village.

The accused have been identified as Khalid, Nizam, Naseem, Appal alias Irfan, Kale, Javed, Akbar, Allaudin and Sarvez. They have been booked under various sections of the IPC including section 376 D and IT Act, Arms Act and SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

The victim alleged that in June last year, Khalid and his brother had entered her house and raped her at gunpoint. She said they also shot videos and photos of the incident, which they used to blackmail her over the year. She alleged that while the Khalid kept raping her, he also brought others who also sexually exploited her.

She added that even after her marriage they kept harassing her and when she came to her parents house in the village, they asked her for money to settle the matter. According to her complaint, on the night of June 8, the accused forcibly entered her house and two of them raped her before decamping with gold ornaments worth around Rs10 lakh. The woman said the theft shocked her family and her in-laws too questioned her, which is when she told them about the alleged gang-rape and blackmail.

The victim and her family also alleged that the local police was reluctant to register the case when approached. The police at local level should handle crimes against women with more sensitivity as the victims already face mental trauma, said advocate Rajiv Kaushik, who helped the family register the case.

Ashok Bakshi, DCP, South said the case was registered on Thursday and a probe is underway. The matter is being investigated and the accused will be nabbed soon, he said.

Sources said a police team had searched the village of the accused near Sohna, but they remained absconding.

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Delhi-NCR is no stranger to bizarre events. More often than not, we hear about incidents involving criminal offences, but with hilarious undertones. From a former Haryana judge firing gunshots at the electricity staff for power cut in his residential area, to a gang that robs people, but first greets them with a gentle Namaste  we ask standup comedians to comment on a few such reports. Heres their witty, hilarious spin to the incidents. Go on, have a laugh!

Upset over power cuts, a retired judge fired gun shots at Haryana electricity staff in Gurgaon

Standup comedian Sorabh Pant reacts on the news report of a Haryana Judge firing gun shots at electricity staff.

Its raining gun shots quite literally in Gurgaon as a retired Haryana judge, who fired gun shots at electricity staff on Wednesday evening, was sent to the jail after a court remanded him to the judicial custody for 14 days. He reportedly fired gunshots at workers, who were fixing electricity faults at Civil Lines area.

This is a typical Haryana story. A guy has a gun and somebody uses a tractor to hide behind something. This epitomises all of Gurgaon pretty clearly, says standup comedian Sorabh Pant when HT City spoke to him about the incident. The comedian finds the incident quite fascinating. He adds, Whats up with these judges on their last days after retiring, doing weird things. First the [former] judge from Rajasthan, who said some stuff about peacocks (that they dont have sex) and then this! This is what happens when you dont have AC in this weather. People just lose their minds.

Im curious if the tactic worked. I hope it did because specifically that particular state of Haryana, if other people realise that this kind of tactic works, then youll see gunshots [fired] all over the place. It seems thats the only way to get governments attention in Haryana (laughs). I am glad nobody got injured at the end of the day. I have done some research on guns in Haryana specifically. There is something in place where you could get home delivery of guns in Haryana (laughs), he says.

20-year-old youth attempts to rob his maternal grandparents,fails miserably

Standup comedian Papa CJ reacts to a news report of an old couple who fought tooth and nail to foil grandsons robbery attempt.

Seeking revenge against his maternal grandparents for not offering financial help for his sisters wedding, a 20-year-old youth in the city attempted to rob the elderly couple at their home in outer Delhis Rohini. The aged couple fought back, raised an alarm leading to the arrest of Rajat and his accomplice.

Standup comedian Papa CJ feels there is a pertinent lesson here. He says, There is a lesson here for all young people. Apni maa se kabhi panga mat lena. Apne baap se kabhi panga mat lena. Aur apni maa ke maa-baap se tho kabhi bhi panga mat lena.

Delhi Police busts the Namaste gang of Delhi, that would greet people before robbing them

Standup comedian Maheep Singh shares his witty humour on the Namaste Gang of Delhi.

In another incident, a gang of thieves inspired by the character of Bob Biswas in Kahaani (2012)  an insurance agent by day, by night a contract killer, who greeted his targets with a polite Namoshkar before shooting them.This Namaste gang is seemingly inspired by our politicians rather than Bob Biswass Kahani, says, Maheep Singh, adding, In my opinion they are impressionable youth who are inspired by some of the politicians of our times, who come to the innocent public with folded hands and then take everything and disappear.

He adds, They are also custodian of our Indian culture in a way. They are non-violent, polite and they greet everyone including their victims with Namaskar. A small detail like they are going to rob general public shouldnt come in the way of propagating ones culture and Sanskaars. They are also probably representatives of demonetisation and digital economy and trying to discourage people from carrying cash. Also they wish to spread the message of sab moh maya hai which again is to motivate people to go on the path of Indian philosophy to let go of their worldly things like gold jewellery, expensive watches and other meaningless things, and devote themselves to hard work and simple life.

A 16-year-old refuses to throw a party for successfully clearing his Class XII examinations

Standup comedian Anshu Mor, shares a comical take on news report of a 16-year-old boy, who was allegedly beaten up by his two friends in Greater Noida on Saturday after he refused to throw a party for successfully clearing his Class XII examinations.

What a mind-blowing case? Kind of case which even Sherlock Holmes would have found difficult to crack. There are so many variables in this story, says standup comedian Anshu Mor, where a 16-year-old boy was allegedly beaten up by his two friends in Greater Noida on last Saturday after he refused to throw a party for successfully clearing his Class XII examinations.

The student has been identified as Ashu, a resident of Chiti village in Dankaur. However, the police said the two youths had a personal enmity, which resulted in the scuffle.

Commenting on the incident, Mor says, While Ashu, the victim claims it was because he refused to give a party, for some reason the police is insisting that it was personal animosity. What was the real reason? Party? Animosity? or Ashu saying mind your language? I can almost understand the thrashing if it was because a party was refused. Chintu would have already hated the fact that his friend passed XII. Everyone knows, and 3 Idiots (2009) confirmed that nothing hurts more than your friend doing better in exams.

He asks, Why is the police insisting on the animosity angle? Do they have a target to achieve this month for cases with animosity? Or do they know something that even Ashu doesnt know? Wouldnt Ashu mention that they were enemies in his FIR? Also, why would enemies ask each other for a party. Imagine in the movie Sholay (1975), Dharmendra calling Gabbar and saying, I hate you bro but give me a party na on successful completion of a robbery.The twist, however, is that the story claims that Ashu was beaten up by his two friends. However, only Chintu is named in the report!! Why, what happened to the other one? I have a feeling that the second friend is the key to finding the answer, which clearly the world is dying to know now because global warming can wait!.

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A 37-year-old fashion designer, who works in Delhis Patel Nagar area, was allegedly molested at Gurgaons Iffco Chowk metro station on Tuesday night. The station is one of the busiest and most-frequented public spaces in the city.

The woman, a regular at the busy Iffco Chowk station, uses the metro to commute to office. Police said she got off at the Iffco Chowk station around 11pm on Tuesday and was walking towards the exit when an unknown man touched her inappropriately from behind.

Shocked, she turned around. The man started walking away and she followed him. However, she lost him as he melted into the crowd of commuters exiting the station. As it was late, she decided to return to her PG accommodation.

She was back at work the next day and did not consider lodging a complaint with the police. However, when she narrated the incident to her colleagues, they advised her to file an FIR at the earliest, said Umesh Kumar, station house officer (SHO), Metro Police Station.

She filed the complaint the day after the incident, on her way back from office. We examined the CCTV footage on Thursday. The accused travelled in the same metro train as the complainant. The CCTV footage of the station shows him touching her from behind. However, his face isnt clear, Kumar said.

Read I Woman from Darjeeling alleges molestation at Sohna Chowk, case filed

He said the police are in the process of having a rough sketch of the accused drawn. An FIR under section 354A (sexual harassment) of the Indian Penal Code has been registered.

The city has, of late, seen several incidents which have evoked concern over womens safety.

Just two weeks ago, a 19-year-old mother was gang-raped by three youths in a Tata Magic van in Manesar. The accused choked her 8-month-old baby to death before fleeing the scene.

In another incident in May, a Darjeeling woman who works as a nurse, claimed she was molested on the busy Sohna Road while on her way back from work.
Reese Witherspoon is off to an adventure trip with her wilderness buddy - son Deacon Phillippe.

The 41-year-old actor and her 13-year-old son headed on an outdoor adventure to Canada earlier this week. Witherspoon took to Instagram on Wednesday to share photos from their mother-son excursion, reports etonline.com. Wilderness buddy, Witherspoon captioned the selfie.

Wilderness buddy  @deaconphillippe A post shared by Reese Witherspoon (@reesewitherspoon) on Jun 13, 2017 at 11:51am PDT

River kayaking adventure! We survived, Canada, Stay wild, Witherspoon wrote in another Instagram slideshow.

River kayaking adventure with @deaconphillippe  #WeSurvived #Canada #StayWILD A post shared by Reese Witherspoon (@reesewitherspoon) on Jun 14, 2017 at 11:23am PDT

Last year, the wilderness buddies took a special hiking trip to British Columbia and documented their exploration on social media.
A designated court of the Terrorist And Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act will pronounce its verdict against seven people accused of perpetrating the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts on Friday.

A series of 12 blasts rocked Mumbai on March 12, 1993, killing 257 people and injuring 713 others. Check the affected spots here.

The accused are Abu Salem, Mustafa Dossa, Firoz Khan, Riyaz Siddiqui, Karimullah Shaikh, Mohammad Tahir Merchant alias Tahir Taklya and Abdul Qayyum. Special public prosecutor Deepak Salvi concluded the arguments in July 2016.

The case is being heard by judge GA Sanap.

Their roles

According to the prosecution, Mustafa Dossa and his brother, Mohammad, organised key meetings to discuss the blasts. Mustafa is accused of sending weapons from Dubai and Pakistan to the western coast of India while Mohammad is alleged to have used the network to receive the consignment.

Salem was booked for delivering the consignment of arms and ammunition at various places, including the house of Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt on January 16, 1993. Two days later, Salem and two others went to Dutts house and retrieved two rifles and some rounds.

Siddique provided logistical support  arranging car and finance for transportation of the accused  and ammunition. He also attended many of the meetings where the conspiracy was hatched.

Tahir has been charged with helping the accused travel to Pakistan via Dubai for training in handling arms and ammunition.

Shaikh and Khan have been charged with off-loading consignments sent by Dossa.

The trial dilemma

The TADA court had separated the trials of the accused and those declared absconding with the ruling that evidence of witnesses recorded through the earlier trial can be used against all of them. The Supreme Court allowed the evidence to be considered (taken on record), on the condition that the accused be allowed to cross-examine all witnesses.

Dossas questions

Using this privilege, Dossa asked the prosecution (i) If the evidence of witnesses recorded in the previous trial can be used against the accused who were not declared absconders but arrested later in the case, and (ii) The confessions of accused who were tried earlier can be used against the accused now facing the trial.

Dossa had earlier moved an application alleging he was never declared an absconder, but was arrested at a later stage during investigation. Dossas lawyer, Rizwan Merchant, argued as his trial was separated from the main case and he was not declared an absconder, the evidence recorded in previous trial cannot be used against him. The same argument was raised by all the accused, except Salem.

Confession issues

The key evidence against the seven accused were the confessions of the co-accused, convicts and witnesses. The accused said the confession statement of the co-accused, who were part of the first trial, cannot be used against them as they were not tried together. The court, during the conclusion of arguments, said the issues would be decided at the stage of final judgment.

Salvi said the accused and those absconding should not be allowed to take advantage of legal loopholes to escape punishment.

Mangled cars in the basement of the Bombay Stock Exchange after the serial blasts in Mumbai in 1993. (PTI File Photo)

First leg of the trial

In the first leg of the trial that concluded in 2007, the TADA court convicted 100 accused and acquitted 23 others. In 2013, the Supreme Court pronounced a judgement on appeal filed by all the accused  wherein key conspirator Yakub Memons death sentence was confirmed and that of the others (all bomb planters) were commuted to life imprisonment.

Dutt and many others surrendered before the TADA court in May 2013, after the apex court upheld their conviction. Main accused Yakub Memon was executed on July 30, 2015, after several pleas for clemency were rejected.

Motive behind the blast

According to the prosecution, fugitive don Dawood Ibrahim and other members of a crime syndicate  including Tiger Memon, Mohammed Dossa and Mustafa Dossa  hatched a conspiracy to commit terrorist acts in India to avenge the Babri Masjid demolition.

The prosecution said that the object of the crime was to commit terrorist acts with the intent to overawe the Union government, spread terror among the people, alienate a section of the population, and disrupt communal harmony.

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Six people, including Mustafa Dossa and gangster Abu Salem, were convicted on Friday of conspiring and carrying out a string of bomb blasts that ripped through the heart of Mumbai in 1993 and killed 257 people in what was Indias worst terrorist attack.

The Terrorist And Disruptive Activities (Prevention) (TADA) Act court in Mumbai also convicted Firoz Khan, Karimullah Shaikh, Tahir Merchant and Riyaz Siddiqui. Abdul Qayyum Shaikh  who was accused of accompanying Salem to deliver arms  was let off.

However, all the seven accused were acquitted of the charge of waging war against the nation.

Dossa was convicted on charges of conspiracy and murder as well as for offences under the TADA act, the arms act and the explosives act. Dossa allegedly planned the landing of explosives, including Research Department Explosive or RDX, in India and sent some men to Pakistan to acquire arms training to execute the blasts.

Salem was held as one of the main conspirators and found guilty of transporting weapons from Gujarat to Mumbai ahead of the blasts.

He also delivered AK 56 rifles, 250 rounds and some hand grenades to actor Sanjay Dutt, who was an accused in the case for illegally possessing weapons, at his residence on January 16, 1993. Two days later, Salem and two others went to Dutts house and got back two rifles and some rounds.

Earlier, the court dropped certain charges against Salem in 2013 after the investigating agency  the Central Bureau of Investigation  moved a plea, saying those charges were against the extradition treaty between India and Portugal.

The blasts were master-minded by gangster Dawood Ibrahim Kaskar and carried out by his henchmen, absconder Tiger Memon and others to avenge the 1992 Babri Masjid demolition and foment communal tensions.

The trial for the seven accused was separated from the main case because many of them surrendered when the first trial was coming to a close. In the first leg of the trial that concluded in 2007, the TADA court convicted 100 people and acquitted 23.

In 2013, the Supreme Court confirmed the death sentence of Yakub Memon, the brother of Tiger Memon and one of the prime suspects in the bombings.The only well-educated member of the Memon family was found guilty of criminal conspiracy, arranging money for buying vehicles used by the bombers and organising air tickets to Dubai for some of them.

The prosecution said that the object of the crime was to commit terrorist acts with an intent to overawe the government of India, to strike terror into the people, alienate a section of the people and to harm the communal harmony.

It said the conspirators smuggled fire-arms, ammunitions, detonators, hand grenades and highly explosive substances such as RDX into India and stored it.

According to the prosecution, Dossa, Tiger Memon and Chhota Shakeel organised training camps in Pakistan and in India to impart weapons and arms training and handling of explosives. They also sent men from India to Pakistan through Dubai to train them to handle arms.

The prosecution said the conspirators held 15 meetings before the execution of the blasts.

On March 12, 1993, a series of 12 blasts in quick succession rocked Mumbai, killing 257 people and injuring 713 others. Property worth about Rs 27 crore was destroyed. The blasts were the first-ever terrorist attack in the world in which RDX was used on such a large-scale after the World War 2.

The blasts hit the Bombay Stock Exchange, Kalbadevi, Shiv Sena Bhavan, Air India building at Nariman Point, Fishermens Colony in Mahim, Worli Century Bazar, Zaveri Bazar, Hotel Sea Rock in Bandra, among other places.
Twenty four years after 12 coordinated blasts rocked Mumbai and took 257 lives and injured over 700 people, a special TADA court in Mumbai on Friday convicted six people and acquitted one in the second leg of the trial of the case.

Several conspirators and masterminds of the worst terror attack on the country including underworld don Dawood Ibrahim, his right hand man Chhota Shakeel and late Yakub Memons elder brother Tiger Memon are still absconding and are believed to be sheltered in Pakistan.

Yakub, the lone condemned convict in the case, had been hanged in Nagpur jail in 2015.

Following is the detailed role of the six convicts in the case, whose trial was separated from the main one, which concluded in 2007.

Abu Salem: He went to Baruch in Gujarat in January 1993 along with an absconding accused for receiving arms, explosives and ammunitions. He got nine AK-56 rifles, 100 hand grenades and some bullets from Baruch in Gujarat and transported them to Mumbai by concealing them in fake cavities of a Maruti Van which was allegedly given to him by accused Riyaz Siddiqui.

Salem also delivered (along with two others) some arms and ammunitions to Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt at his residence on January 16, 1993 and took back some of them two days later.

On August 13, 2013, TADA court let CBI drop some charges against Salem as per an extradition treaty between India and Portugal. His another application to marry a 26-year-old woman is pending with the court.

Mustafa Dossa: One of the masterminds of the March 12, 1993 serial terror blasts, he smuggled firearms, ammunitions, detonators, hand grenades and highly explosive substances like RDX into India.

Dossa along with Tiger Memon and Chhota Shakeel organised training camps in Pakistan and in India to impart and undergo weapon and arms training and handling of explosives. They also sent men from India to Pakistan via Dubai for arms training. He also attended many conspiracy meetings.

Tahir Merchant alias Taher Taklya: He attended conspiracy meetings in Dubai and motivated his associates to arrange men from Mumbai to be sent to Pakistan for arms training. He collected funds to procure arms and planned to set up an illegal arms manufacturing factory in India.

Riyaz Siddiqui: He arranged for a van with specially- crafted secret cavities, which had been used for transporting 9 AK-56 rifles, 100 hand grenades and some boxes of magazines from the godown at Baruch to Mumbai.

Firoz Abdul Rashid Khan: On January 8, 1993, two months ahead of the blasts, Mohammed Dossa (absconding brother of Mustafa Dossa) sent Firoz Abdul Rashid Khan and another accused to Alibagh and Mhasla to inform Customs officials and landing agents about the landing (of arms and explosives) that was to take place the next day. He also attended conspiracy meetings.

During the fag end of the trial, in May last year, he sought to become an approver. However, the court rejected his plea after the CBI told the court that it has enough evidence against all the accused and they dont need any approver.

Karimulla Khan: Karimullah attended conspiracy meetings. He also played an active role in landing of consignments comprising arms, ammunitions, detonators, hand grenades and RDX that took place in Shekhandi in Raigad Maharashtra ahead of the blasts. According to prosecution, Karimulla had informed another accused that he was going to Pakistan for arms training via Dubai.

One accused Abdul Quayyum, was let off for want of evidence against him.
India is in touch with all the countries which can help in locating 39 Indians, believed to have been abducted by terrorist outfit Islamic State (IS) in Iraq in 2014, the government said on Friday.

Responding to a question on the issue, external affairs ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay said Sushma Swaraj had met representatives and families of these 39 Indians early this month.

We are in touch with all nations who are helping us or who can help us. All possible steps are being taken. As of now we have the information that the people are alive. We have no such information to suggest that they are not alive, Baglay said.

The families said they had last heard from the men on June 14, 2014, when they all called home to say they were being taken away by IS fighters.
Bank accounts that are not linked to Aadhaar will be frozen and no new accounts can be opened without the 12-digit biometric identity number after December 31, according to new government rules.

Aadhaar cards along with Permanent Account Numbers (PAN) or Form 60 for those outside the tax net will also be mandatory from now on for transactions above Rs50,000. Those who dont have the documents will have to prove they have applied for them.

The latest regulations, issued by the revenue department on June 1, come as amendments to the anti-money laundering law that the government is seeking to tighten to fight black money and funding of terrorism.

Frozen accounts can be reactivated by linking to Aadhaar details. The money will be safe but the accounts will not be operational. Once the account holder shows the required documents they will be unfrozen, a finance ministry official said.

The new rules apply to individual account holders and the authorised signatories where accounts are in the name of companies and partnerships firms.

Some 65% of Indias estimated 70 crore savings accounts are Aadhaar-linked. Similar official data for current and other kinds of accounts wasnt immediately available. The government issued one billion Aadhaar cards till April 2016, the latest year for which data is available.

The government has also moved to watch more closely small accounts with deposits under Rs50,000.

So far these accounts could be opened without adhering to the stringent Know Your Customer (KYC) norms, but now they will have to comply with the new norms within a maximum period of two years.

The small account shall be monitored and when there is suspicion of money laundering or financing of terrorism or other high risk scenarios, the identity of client shall be established through the production of officially valid documents, the notification said.

The central government has been pushing for the use of Aadhaar, saying it is necessary to plug leakages in its subsidy schemes and to ensure benefits reach those targeted.

But critics say the move violates privacy, is vulnerable to data breaches and helps government spy on people. The Supreme Court is hearing several petitions against making Aadhaar mandatory to avail public services.

As per the Aadhaar Act and the orders of the Supreme Court, Aadhaar cannot be made mandatory, said Gopal Krishna of the Citizens Forum for Civil Liberties.

The government has already made the use of Aadhaar mandatory for filing income tax returns.
Two young men from India and Pakistan are attempting to gather stories and narratives of people affected by Partition and talk about the memories of happiness and friendship that goes beyond borders and communal divides.

Sandeep Dutt, an IT professional from Punjabs Ludhiana, and a journalism student Faisal Hayat (19) from Pakistans Rawalpindi have created a Facebook page Bolti Khidki - The Speaking Window.

They post experiences of people from both sides of the border during and after the violent chapter when India and Pakistan were separated by the British in 1947.

(left) Sandeep Dutt, Faisal Hayat

The page launched just two months ago posts complex and heart-wrenching stories of people and also gives them a chance to interact and forge a bond. It shares the stories twice a week and already has more than 6500 followers, who are growing by the day.

Dutt said the story of 86-year-old Prem Singh Bajaj, a retired college principal who is now a librarian at Ludhianas Punjabi Bhawan, motivated him to start the page with Hayat. He studies Urdu at Punjabi Bhawan.

Bajaj sirs story forced me to contemplate about the life circumstances of other people who were affected by the Partition. Where were they? What were they going through? Why should they remain anonymous to our generation? Why does our generation know nothing about them or our common shared history of sorrow and bloodshed? the 22-year-old budding poet said.

Dutt shared the first story he heard about the Partition on the Facebook page of Aman ki Asha, where he received positive comments and saw an interest about the pre-partition era in people. He shared his idea of collecting few such stories in his free time and sharing it with the world with Hayat, who he had met on Aman ki Asha.

Aman ki Asha or Hope for Peace is a campaign by two leading media houses, The Jang Group of Pakistan, and The Times of India in India to promote peace and cultural relations between the two nations.

Hayat and he connected instantly and he happily agreed to work with him. They then got Ritika Sharma, a Ludhiana based-English teacher, to edit their interviews for their page.

The stories that people share are very important and what makes the recordings unique is the lack of malice or hatred in the hearts of these people, Sharma said when asked about her experience with Bolti Khidki.

They decided they would collect 16 stories  eight from each side  and it took them a month and a half of hard work and efforts to collect them and create a platform to start sharing with the world.

We discussed many names and finalised Bolti Khidki  The Speaking Window as neighbours usually share stories and talked through windows and India and Pakistan are neighbouring states. The goal was to engage and encourage communication, Dutt said.

Dutt said while all stories are heart wrenching and tragic in their own ways but one that would stay with him forever was of Pushpa Rani from Ludhiana.

Rani told him how she was thrown out of a train in a heap of corpses on way to Ferozepur from Okara when she was just five-years-old. The mob assumed her dead and threw her out of train.bShe was separated from her family and her two paternal uncles and grandmother were killed.

Later, she reunited with her mother and siblings and got married in Ludhiana.

Dutt said Bolti Khidki is not just about pain and suffering but it is also about the memories of happiness and friendship that goes beyond borders and communal divides. It is true that the Partition was filled with hatred and violence but there was also love, compassion and commitment to reduce the suffering and embrace the change, he said while referring to Punjab Rai Talwars story.

The page is gaining a lot of momentum and love not just in India, on the other side of the border as well.

Its something that cant be expressed in words. I cant tell you how I felt when a 93-year-old lady kept asking me, Tu Pakistan jayega? Tu mera Sialkot jayega? (Will you visit Pakistan? Will you visit my Sialkot?). These old people talk about their love for their motherland and get emotional and it motivates me to keep sharing their voices with the world, Dutt said.

In order to continue sharing the personal narratives, Dutt and Hayat now plan to initiate a volunteer programme to broaden their base. They also want to publish a book once they have gathered 120 stories.

They have already expanded their team by including graphic designer Rajat Ahuja and Najam-ul-Asar from the British Council in Lahore.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Friday registered a criminal case into the death of IAS officer Anurag Tiwari whose body was found on May 17 outside a State guest house in Lucknow.

Thirty-six year old Tiwari was a native of Bahraich district, Uttar Pradesh, and was posted as the commissioner of the Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs department in Bengaluru. He was in Lucknow for a few days to attend a training for IAS officers.

The family lodged a case with the local police which registered an FIR against unknown people under the provisions for murder. The FIR was taken over by CBI on Friday.

According to the FIR, Tiwari's brother Mayank suspected foul play. In his statement to local police, Mayank said that Anurag confided in him about exposing a scam in Karnataka and was under immense pressure to sign certain documents against his will. Mayank also told police that Anurag had once spoken about a threat to his life.

Earlier this month, Tewari's family met with UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath and asked for a CBI investigation.

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The Centre said on Friday it will not send additional forces to quell a violent agitation in Bengals hill districts till the Mamata Banerjee government gives a report on the situation in the semi-autonomous region.

The governments refusal could lead to a showdown with the Trinamool regime, which accuses the BJP of backing the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM)s agitation for a separate state.

Since Thursday, rampaging protesters have torched government buildings and vehicles to protest a police raid on an office of the GJM which administers the Gorkha Territorial Council (GTC).

We will take a decision on sending additional paramilitary forces only when we make an assessment of the prevailing situation in Darjeeling. It is possible only when we receive a report from the state government, which has not sent it yet, a home ministry spokesperson said in Delhi.

On Thursday, the Centre had agreed to send 400 personnel to Darjeeling, in addition to 1,000 sent earlier. The state has sought eight more companies of central paramilitary forces even as the chief minister sent seven additional IPS officers to the hills to control the situation.

The Centre sought a report from the Trinamool government on June 13, days after the first wave of violence started over an alleged move to impose Bengali in schools in the hills.

Though the state government later said the subject will be optional, the GJM refused to back down and revived its demand for a separate state.

On Friday, the Calcutta high court declared as illegal an GJM-called indefinite shutdown, upholding its own order in 2013.

The court also sought an estimate from the state government on the losses incurred due to the agitation that has affected the regions biggest money-spinner, tourism.

As violence raged across three districts including Darjeeling, a popular hill station, security forces guarded sensitive areas across the hills. The army was called out last week.

Though the GJM suffered a setback in court, in Darjeeling it won the support of the Jan Andolan Party (JAP) which has not joined the protests. The JAP had skipped a called by GJM on June 13 for a resolution to fight for Gorkhaland.

Led by party chief Harkabahadur Chettri, JAP activists staged a silent march in Kalimpong to demand Gorkhaland and to protest the raid on GJMs office.

Chettri carried a placard that said,I support Gorkhaland. Arrest me.

Throughout the day, the streets were deserted as shops and business establishments remained closed. GJM president Bimal Gurung continued to remain in hiding fearing arrest.

A few hundred tourists were still stranded in the hills following the bandh called on Thursday.

Throughout Thursday night, suspected protestors attacked government properties including torching residential quarters of forest department employees at Tarkhola, about 30 km from Kalimpong town.

A primary health centre run by the state government-owned Ramam hydel project at Lodhama, about 70 km from Darjeeling and an supply were also set on fire. A panchayat building in Mirik, where the Trinamool Congress won the civic poll last month, was also set on fire.

The Ghayabari railway station of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, popularly known as the toy train, was set ablaze on Thursday night but local people managed to douse the fire.

The station is 31 km from Siliguri, which falls under Darjeeling district but not part of the GTC.

(With agency inputs)
The unrest that spread in Darjeeling continued throughout Thursday night with suspected Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) supporters setting fire to government establishments such as hydel projects and health centres.

Well after midnight, miscreants set fire to a primary health centre run by the state government-owned Ramam hydel project at Lodhama, 70 km fr om Darjeeling. An electricity supply office at the same spot was set ablaze. Both the establishments were completely gutted. The panchayat building at Mirik, where the Trinamool Congress, won the civic poll only last month, was also set fire to.

Stray incidents of violence were reported from Darjeeling and nearby areas and six suspected GJM supporters were detained on Friday - the second day of the shutdown called by the outfit.

The health care centre that was set on fire by suspected GJM supporters in Lodhama on Thursday night. (HT Photo / Bikram Sashanker)

The nearest police station is six km from Lodhama. According to sources, the state government is dispatching five more IPS officers to the hills. On Thursday, the Centre rushed 400 additional paramilitary personnel to Darjeeling, taking the total number to 1,400, to assist the local administration in restoring peace and normalcy.

The indefinite bandh called in the hills by the GJM continued with roads remaining empty and shops and business establishments closed.

An official said the six were detained after they set afire a forest office at Tarakhola in Kalimpong on Thursday night.

Normal life in the hills was affected on Friday, with schools, markets and ATMs remaining closed. An examination could not be held at an IGNOU centre in view of the bandh, he said.

Tourists were most affected as hotels, restaurants and eateries remained shut, and there were few buses to come down to Siliguri in the plains.

We are waiting for a bus since 5.30am but not a single bus is available to take us to Siliguri, said Aninda Bhaduri, a tourist.

Another tourist Swati Rai said, I have practical exams in Siliguri but there is not a single bus to take me there.

A senior government official, on condition of anonymity, said, We will not allow anybody to hamper the law and order situation in the hills and law will take its own course. If anybody is found trying to break the law, he/she will face action and the administration will handle the situation in a very tough manner.

Around 9.15pm on Thursday, protesters set fire to the Ghayabari railway station of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a World Heritage item popularly known as the toy train, but people managed to douse the fire, officials said. The station is 31 km from Siliguri.

Throughout Thursday, agitators vandalised and set ablaze government buildings and vehicles as violence gripped one of Indias most beautiful hill stations.

The flare-up followed a police raid at a GJM office in Darjeeling as police said they seized arms, explosives and night-vision equipment.

The GJM that rules the hill districts under the semi-autonomous Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) immediately struck back with an indefinite shutdown.

They set fire to a police outpost and a sericulture department office in Kalimpong. An attempt to torch a government tourist lodge was foiled by police. In Darjeeling, protesters set a vehicle on fire.

Police caned protesters and fired tear gas shells in retaliation to the stone pelting by GJM supporters.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Farmers blocked traffic in various parts of the country on Friday as part of their nation-wide stir against the death of five cultivators in police firing in Madhya Pradesh and failure of the Centre to provide relief to the farming community.

In Haryana, led by Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Gurnam Singh, farmers gathered near Mohra in Ambala and blocked the highway there by parking their tractors. Apart from Ambala, farmers are also holding protests at Rohtak,Sonepat, Hisar, Sirsa, Jind, Bhiwani and Charkhi Dadri.

A group of 62 farmers unions had announced that it will block traffic for three hours on all national highways across the country on Friday. The farmers are also demanding waiver of loans and implementation of Swaminathan Committee report on payment of the minimum support price (MSP).

The opposition parties, including Congress and Indian National Lok Dal (INLD), have also lent their support to the agitating farmers.

In Rajasthan, cultivators blocked Ganganagar- Hanumangarh highway as part of their protest. Former CPI(M) MLA Pawan Duggal claimed that a large number of farmers have taken part in the blockade.

In Madhya Pradesh, the proposed state-wide strike called by various farmers organization proved to be a damp squib. In Bhopal, head of Rashtriya Kisan Mazdoor Sangh Shivkumar Sharma alias Kakkaji was arrested in the morning along with some of his supporters.

The entire Malwa belt which saw violent farmers protest that resulted in the death of six farmers in Mandsaur last week, was also peaceful. Ujjain zone IG, ADG V Madhukumar said the proposed farmers strike did not have any impact and things functioned normally in all the six districts under him.

In Gujarat, several Congress men were detained Friday as the party blocked highways at various places across the state demanding agriculture loan waiver by the state government. In various parts of Gujarat including Saurashtra, north, central and South Gujarat, Congress workers took to the highway. In the process light traffic jams were reported from some places. At Mehsana, Gandhinagar and Ahmedabad districts, they also burned tyres.
Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar is expected to lead the advance party to Washington early next week in order to firm up the official agenda before Prime Minister Narendra Modi meet US President Donald Trump on June 26. While Jaishankar may leave for Washington around June 21, PM Modi leaves for his first meeting with Trump via Amsterdam on June 24 morning.

While the focus of Modis forthcoming visit is to build up a personal rapport or a working relationship with President Trump, Jaishankar will be meeting his counterpart Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan and key White House officials before PMs arrival to flesh out the content/deliverables of the crucial meeting. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval will accompany PM to Washington.

Read more | Modi-Trump meeting: Not bromance, this will be more like an awkward first date

Even though the US defence manufacturers are keen to push up the offer of F-18 and F-16 fighters under the Make in India rubric, South Block wants the process to be first decided within the Indian Defence Ministry in consultation with Air Force before committing anything on a bilateral document. The Indian focus is more on the civil aviation sector with the intentions of creating jobs on both sides. With Indian private airlines committing to buy nearly 260 passenger jets including latest 737-10 jets from Boeing Aerospace, no less than 25,000 new jobs will be created in Trumps America, said an US diplomat.

South Block said the main purpose of the no frills visit is for PM Modi and President Trump to come on the same page on key issues such as terrorism, UN reforms, South China Sea and the future of climate change. While PM Modi is expected to raise Indian concerns over H 1B visa, the fundamental purpose is the build one to one rapport with President Trump and his administration with better sharing of information on key bilateral issues.

PM Modi will be holding a top CEOs dinner on June 25 along with a community event in Washington before he goes to meet President Trump. At the CEOs forum, the PM will invite American mega companies to invest in India in high technology sectors including cybersecurity.

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The Nadia police has arrested four Bangladeshi nationals from Phoolbagan area here for entering India without proper documents.

Acting on a tip-off, a team of police officials reached the spot and arrested them after they failed to furnish the requisite documents. The have been taken into custody, a police official said.

We are interrogating them to find out the reason behind entering India without proper documents, the official said.
Give me a minute and a topic, and Im sure I can come up with a tongue-in-cheek one-liner, says MS Nagendra Kumar, laughing. The Bengaluru deputy police commissioner has had plenty of practice.

His department has lately drawn on the Netflix hit Narcos, to post an anti-drug warning to dealers; used a Game of Thrones meme to remind people not to default on loans, and even had a witty retort to a troll go viral.

And the Bengaluru police arent the only ones using trendy memes, cheeky gifs and witty one-liners to get their message across to a new generation.

In Mumbai, the police admitted there were two questions they couldnt answer: Why did Katappa kill Bahubali? and Why dont people follow traffic rules? Kolkata surprised everyone when they used the famous Beatles Abbey Road picture to say if the pop icons can use a zebra crossing, so can you.

Allahabad drew on Sholay and compared Thakurs line Woh haat nahi phansi ka fanda hain (Those arent arms, theyre the noose of the gallows) to warn against drink-driving. The Pune police promoted road safety with a Selfie with Yamraj campaign. And Hyderbad ran a Dont be an Angry Bird campaign against road rage

What theyre going for, they say, is humour that will make you think. We realise that todays youngsters are more likely to respond to a meme or a GIF online than offline posters or banners, so we had to make our online presence felt, says Deven Bharti, Mumbais joint commissioner of police for law and order.

This Game of Thrones-inspired meme by the Bengaluru police warned its Twitter followers not to default on their loans.

A flasher is swept up in Mumbai The Mumbai police Twitter account has more than 3 million followers. A girl once tweeted to us about a flasher, while commuting, says joint commissioner of police Deven Bharti. Because of her timely tweet, we nabbed the guy. She thanked us on social media. It was very rewarding for the cops who helped her.

Nothing connects people more than humour, he adds. As we target the youth of the city, we try to make the tweets as engaging and funny as possible.

In Bengaluru, there are in-house contests to see who can come up with the wittiest slogan or sassiest post. But we also make clear that we are here to engage, not entertain, said a senior officer.

We definitely want recall value from our posts and messages, but we dont want to be reduced to a page famous for churning out funny memes. After the laughter, we want the message to stay with the youngster, so they think about issues like drink-driving, speeding and drug use.

Team social

While most of the current generation of cops were on social media personally, using the same platforms to interact with the public required sensitisation and orientation.

Its one thing to share or comment on a meme. But when youre representing a police department, the same message takes on another level of importance. We had to be really careful and self-aware about the image we were creating online, and make sure it matched the image we wished to project offline, says Sudhir Hiremath, the deputy commissioner of police, Pune.

Some police departments  Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Allahabad, for example  now have in-house social media teams.

In Bengaluru, the in-house social media team consists of 10 constables and officers who work in shifts to manage the Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat handles of the department.

We keep an eye on whats in the news  a drug haul, drink-driving, helmets  and draw on that for our campaigns, says Kumar.

Angry Bird helped the Hyderabad police fight road rage via Facebook.

Stop, say Irrfan Khan and Drake via AIB The Bengaluru city police Twitter handle has 768,220 followers. They recently used an AIB meme of Irrfan Khan impersonating Drake to urge motorists to stop at red lights.

In Allahabad, a three-member team handles only social media.

We went through extensive training in Lucknow. We still attend workshops and training sessions to stay updated on trends, says constable and social media handler Rohit Bhartiya, 31.

Hyderabad has social media as a kind of beat, and even calls the cops who work it e-cops. Each police station has at least two, while the control room has 15.

They are selected based on their technical knowledge and expertise in using social media. They operate round the clock, in shifts, under the supervision of an inspector-rank officer, says G Anitha, a sub-inspector with the Hyderabad police IT wing.

Some police departments, like those in Mumbai and Pune, also get outside help for the creative content. Regardless of how it works, though, they all stressed that they keep a close watch on whats being published online.

The commissioner of police and I sit with our policemen to decide what subjects we should talk about on social media, says Bharti. The subjects are mainly core policing issues such as traffic violations, narcotics, child labour and street crime. We take care to ensure that the subject is serious, even if the approach and message take on a lighter tone.

Among the consultants on board is Sunchika Pandey, 35, a former crime journalist who works with the Mumbai, Thane and Pune police departments on their social media messages.

The Kolkata police offer a cheeky reminder on helmets.

Whos your buddy? The Pune City police Buddy Cop WhatsApp group helps track crimes against women in the IT sector. Here, one cop is assigned to a group of 50 women via WhatsApp. In case of a crime involving themselves or others, members can drop their buddy cop a message and seek help. Since March, 25 such WhatsApp groups have been set up. The project has won the FICCI Smart Policing Award 2017.

For me, crime reporting was always about educating people about their safety and making them aware of the dangers around them, Pandey says. Social media is just a wider platform on which to continue doing that. What surprise me when I first began two years ago was that some of the senior officers are grammar nerds too!

We also have Pankaj Ghode, a cyber expert, to assist us on website development, interactive platforms and activities, adds Sudhir Hiremath, deputy commissioner of police, Pune.

The flip side

There are two immediate areas of concern when it comes to the police and social media: First, they are only reaching a thin slice of the population and should not lose sight of that, as senior cop Meeran Borwankar puts it. Second, they will need to be wary of overstepping, especially when it comes to responding to alerts, identifying fake news and dealing with trolls.

Ashish Mishra, who handles social media in Allahabad, says their cops are trained to take what they can from negative comments, use it to learn or improve, but refrain from reacting.

On the whole its a very positive thing to have the police reaching out to a new generation in new ways, says Borwankar, director-general of the Bureau of Police Research and Development.

Being on social media makes the police more accessible. Police work is so full of stress that we too need some humour in our lives. But we mustnt forget that social media reaches just the tip of the iceberg. Theres a huge population in the country that is not online and cant reach us directly that way. So our efforts have to continue to go much beyond that.

YP Singh, IPS officer turned criminal lawyer, goes a step further. Making witty memes and spreading social awareness is the job of the public information department of the government of every state, he says. The police need to focus on what they are supposed to do, which is take seriously the grievances of the public and solve crime. Direct communication with the public via platforms such as Twitter should not become a PR exercise. The social media accounts of police departments should be used to issue news and alerts, say in cases of a bomb blast or if there is a suspect on the loose.

A Mumbai Police post uses an iconic scene from Sholay to warn people against cyber crime.

#SafeDriveSavesLife in Kolkata The Kolkata police Twitter account has 450,831 followers. A popular campaign was #SafeDriveSavesLife. People praised the popular culture references we used, says Bivas Chatterjee. Chatterjee, a public prosecutor, conducts social media training and sensisitisation workshops for the city police.

Going the extra mile

For now, social media is leading to more direct communication between citizen and law-enforcement. The Hyderabad police now have a mobile app called Hawk Eye, which has had over 3.5 lakh downloads since its launch in December 2014.

The app can be used to send a message, photo or video clip of any irregularity or crime, says Anitha. The message is relayed to the nearest police station or patrol team in real time and an action taken report is sent to the original sender too.

The Bengaluru police are using image-based campaigns on WhatsApp to reach smartphone users who may not be on social media networks. We believe WhatsApp forwards are a good way to put technology to its best use, says Kumar. We also want to change the notion that cops are to be feared. We want to tell people that we can laugh with you, connect with you and also bring you on to the right track.

(With inputs from Anesha George in Bengaluru, Farhan Ahmed Siddiqui in Allahabad, Srinivasa Rao Apparasu in Hyderabad and Sumanta Ray Chaudhuri in Kolkata)

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The government is planning to rope in regional stars to push its family planning programme in states and districts where the average family size is bigger than the national norm.

Local radio spots with messages from local actors would be promoted to create necessary awareness, as part of health ministrys Mission Parivar Vikas to control Total Fertility Rate (TFR)  the number of children a woman produces during her reproductive age.

Data analysis from across the country found 146 districts in seven states with a TFR as high as 3 and above. The national average is 2.3, and for population to stabilise, the ideal rate is said to be 2.1.

We did a micro analysis at the district level of the reasons behind our family planning programmes not showing desired results in these districts, said CK Mishra, health secretary, adding that they have designed a plan keeping in mind their specific needs that includes roping in local stars, among other things.

The district action plan, shared with state governments, talks about organising saas-bahu sammelans, to facilitate better communication between mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law to bridge the gap in their attitudes and beliefs about reproductive and sexual health.

A family planning kit will also be given to newly-weds to improve inter-spousal communication and consensual decision-making with regard to their reproductive and sexual health as well as about delaying the birth of the first child and spacing the second.

The seven high TFR states  UP, Bihar, MP, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Assam, together also contribute to 28% of Indias population. And about 25-30% of maternal deaths and 50% of infant deaths in the country are also reported from these states.

TFR has a direct correlation with maternal mortality rate and infant mortality rate. The greater the TFR, the more will be MMR and IMR, said Vandana Gurnani, joint secretary, health ministry.

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The environment ministry has set up a committee to consider de-notifying almost half of the Indias only desert sanctuary - Desert National Park - home to more than half of the Indias population of the endangered Great Indian Bustard (GIB) apparently for easier proliferation of wind mills.

The Rajasthan governments had proposed to free 1,400 square kilometers of the total 3,162 for other uses saying there was no wildlife in the zone. The state wildlife board headed by chief minister Vasundhara Raje approved the proposal last year and formed a committee to examine the rationalisation of the boundary.

The decision was challenged in the Bhopal bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on the ground that the area had other wildlife such as desert fox, desert cat, chinkara and monitor lizards, which the state forest department did not consider wildlife.

The NGT while disposing off the petition asked the environment ministry to examine the proposal.

In lieu of this, the ministry has constituted a committee of expert members of the standing committee of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) HS Singh and R Sukumar to examine the proposal. The committee will be assisted by a representative of the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) and a nominee of the wildlife division of the ministry, said the minutes of the latest standing committee meeting.

The Centre has also sought comments of the chief wildlife warden of Rajasthan on the proposal to de-notify parts of the national park. It has been mentioned in the petition that the respondents are going to de-notify an area of 1400 square km out of an area of 3162 square km of the protected area for commercial purpose, the minutes read.

The Great Indian Bustard is an endangered bird. (Wikimedia Commons)

The petitioners have told the NGT that the Rajasthan government planned to set up windmills in the de-notified area as the region in Jaisalmer and Barmer have huge potential to generate power from the renewable source.

Several windmills are already operational outside the park, considered biggest home for bustards locally godavan.

Wildlife Institute of India scientist VY Jhala told HT last month that in Rajasthan the birds face the risk of hitting electricity lines near windmills in the desert national park, where they are found in large number. This was after conservations demanded underground power lines in the park to prevent deaths of the bustards.

In the last count in 2013, their number was less than 200, down from thousands a few decades ago. The bustards are mostly found along India-Pakistan border in Rajasthan and Gujarat.

However, the Rajasthan forest department officials said the state wildlife board in October 2016 had decided against de-notification saying it was not feasible. The decision was based on a feasibility study done by former IAS officer MK Ranjitsinh which said that rationalization of the boundaries will be detrimental for future of the endangered species.

Sources said that the environment ministry has now revived the proposal.

(With inputs from Sachin Saini in Jaipur)

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The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has moved an application in a Delhi court to seek a non-bailable warrant for the arrest of Kashmiri separatist leader Shabir Shah in connection with a decade-old Hawala case.

Officials said in the last two years, the ED had summoned Shah on eight occasions, but the separatist leader had evaded questioning without offering a reason for his absence.

Official sources added that after Shah was summoned for the seventh time earlier this month, he communicated with the directorate through an advocate who told ED that the separatist leader had not been able to present himself because he has been under house arrest since two years.

Speaking to HT over phone, Shah called the case against him politically motivated.

We have recently written to the ED that I am under house arrest for three years and have not been able to meet them in Delhi. Even as we talk, officials of the police force have barricaded my home in Rajbagh, Shah said.

In March, Shah has submitted his resignation from the post of general secretary of Hurriyat (G) faction.

At the time of his resignation, Shah had said there was no point in holding charge of the post as he had been under house arrest for over three years.

A senior ED official, however, said the reason offered by Shah is invalid as the Code of Criminal Procedure Act, 1973, does not consist of provision for house arrest.

The official said ED decided not to issue any more summons to Shah according to the norms. The application to seek an NBW was moved on June 9.

The CPC act does not have any provision for house arrest. We still went ahead and tried to find out whether there was any substance in his claims, which we found out to be incorrect, the ED official said.

A Delhi court will now hear EDs application on June 22, official sources told HT. ED had asked Shah to be present at its offices on June 6.

The move comes amid a major crackdown on Valley-based separatists whose homes and offices were raided by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) earlier this month on allegations that they were receiving funds from Pakistan to conduct subversive activities in Kashmir.

The ED case, however, goes back to 2005 when Aslam Wani was arrested by the special cell of Delhi Police.

The cops had claimed that Wani was arrested along with Rs63 lakh out of which Rs50 lakh were to be delivered to Shah, the leader of Democratic Freedom Party.

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One example of the potential damage social media messaging can inflict was seen last month in Jharkhand. Villagers in Kolhan region, who had been constantly getting WhatsApp messages warning them of child traffickers, lynched seven men, suspecting them to be traffickers. WhatsApp messages containing pictures of dead children had been circulated in the region which has a history of child trafficking. The messages and pictures were fake but there was no mechanism to verify their authenticity.

Increasing Internet penetration, cheaper smartphones and technology that enables social media communication in regional languages are among the factors that have made India the biggest market of WhatsApp. It has become the most favoured communication platform for family members, friends, colleagues and young entrepreneurs. At the same time, it hosts an avalanche of rumours that have led to fatal tragedies.

WhatsApp has become the most popular form of rich messaging, better than sms and mms, said Pratik Sinha, who runs AltNews, a site that debunks fake propaganda. Many morphed images get circulated. It was an image from Syria that got circulated in Jharkhand. I have seen videos in which people [in the videos] are speaking a different language but when people are in a certain emotional state because of their ideology or situation on the ground, it affects them. In Jharkhand, it was a fear psychosis.

Vibodh Parthasarthy, faculty at the Centre for Culture, Media and Governance at Jamia Millia Islamia University, said, The conditions under which messages circulate often tend to act as triggers. In an already charged environment, false pieces of information could be interpreted in ways that contribute to enhancing pre-existing prejudice, rumours or intent.

Incidents of rumours and half-truths finding their way on WhatsApp outnumber cases of genuine information getting circulated. The 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots were triggered by a video which showed two young men being killed. It turned out that the incident had taken place in the Gulf Region. The UP police highlighted the misuse of social media in the lynching of Mohammad Akhlaq in Dadri in late 2015 -- it was rumoured that he possessed cow meat. Earlier this year, a video purportedly showing a Muslim mob lynching a Marwari woman for refusing to wear a burqa did the rounds on social media. It was a two-year-old video from Guatemala.

Experts argue that one should be cautious in attributing violence to irrational media reception. Violence and threats to violence exist in contexts that exceed media reception. Media is often held out as a causal factor when other factors are not addressed, said Ravi Sundaram, professor at Centre for the Study of Developing Societies. Under colonial rule, newspapers were seen as promoting seditious content; following independence, cinema was seen as exciting the passions of unruly mobs. In recent years, this burden has passed on to social media.

Agreed Sanjoy Hazarika, director, Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative, During the Emergency when many people were detained and arrested on flimsy grounds, I remember seeing large street hoardings saying telling people not to spread rumours. Rumour mongering has now a new avatar: a part of social media.

The real problem, Hazarika said, is the confidence of the perpetrators that they can buck the law and get away scot-free after posting provocative posts. The police must not just enforce the rule of law but strongly uphold the rights of citizens everywhere.

That can be a tall order. It is difficult to trace the person at the beginning of the messaging chain because WhatsApp is encrypted end to end, meaning every user has a unique encryption key. It is good for privacy but makes it difficult to monitor, said Sinha.

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Abu Salem, Mustafa Dossa, Firoz Khan, Riyaz Siddiqui, Karimullah Shaikh, Mohammad Tahir Merchant alias Tahir Taklya and Abdul Qayyum appeared in todays proceedings. Six were found guilty with Abdul Qayyum being acquitted.

Police and explosives experts investigate a blast site after an explosion at one of the locations. (Sanjay Sharma / HT Photo)

The attack, which involved the use of RDX killed 257 people and injured 713 others. The blasts are considered retaliatory to the Mumbai riots in December 1992 and January 1993 which were followed the demolition of the Mughal-era Babri Masjid situated in Ayodhya in December 1992. The city witnessed a cycle of protests, rioting and retributive violence that claimed around 900 lives.

Devastation seen at Worli following one of 12 blasts that rocked Mumbai on March 12, 1993. (Sanjay Sharma / HT Photo)

The locations hit by the blasts were Bombay Stock Exchange, Katha Bazaar, Zaveri Bazaar, Hotel Sea Rock, Centaur Hotel in Juhu, Air India Building, Lucky petrol pump, Fishermens colony at Mahim Causeway, opposite Passport office near Century Bazaar, Plaza Theatre, Sahar Airport and Centaur Hotel near the airport.

The blasts were the largest single use of RDX since the second world war . (Sanjay Sharma / HT Photo)

The seven accused were separated from the main trial which ended in 2007 where the TADA court convicted 100 accused, acquitting 23 others. Arguments in this second leg were concluded in July 2016 by Special public prosecutor Deepak Salvi.

Passersby observe the burnt remains of a car after a blast on March 12, 1993 in North Mumbai. (Sanjay Sharma / HT Photo)

The accused in this trial faced charges of smuggling arms and ammunition, RDX and hand grenades into the country, harbouring, transporting and supplying explosives later used in the blasts and sending over other convicts to Pakistan for training. All accused were acquitted of the charge of waging war against the nation.

Relatives of Mumbai blast victim head to Chandanwadi Burial Ground for the victims last rites. (Sanjay Sharma / HT Photo)
The government ordered an inquiry on Friday into alleged misbehaviour by Telugu Desam Party MP JC Diwakar Reddy at Vishakhapatnam airport as all domestic airlines banned the politician following uproar over his conduct.

Eyewitnesses said Reddy, the MP from Anantapur, shouted at Indigo staff and pushed employees before throwing a printer because he was denied boarding for arriving late.

Reddys alleged misconduct came two months after Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad sparked widespread criticism for assaulting an elderly Air India employee. Gaikwad apologized before Parliament after all airlines came together to ground him and pushed the government to draft a national no-fly list.

I will get the entire incident at Vizag Airport enquired into to find out the exact details and ensure that lawful outcomes follow.  Ashok Gajapathi Raju (@Ashok_Gajapathi) June 16, 2017

Full-service carrier Vistara and budget airlines -- GoAir and AirAsia India -- on Friday barred Reddy from their flights. Air India, SpiceJet and Jet Airways followed IndiGo on Thursday, which imposed the flying ban on him.

After careful consideration of the various issues and ramifications of the actions of Reddy, GoAir has also taken a decision of not accepting any further bookings for the said passenger, the airline said in a statement.

Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu also asked Reddy to apologise and sources said the TDP chief spoke to Raju. Reddy, however, refused to talk to react on the ban imposed by the airlines. There is nothing I can talk. You have already ruined me. I dont want to talk to media anymore. Please leave me alone, Reddy told the media at his residence.

On Thursday, Reddy was scheduled to fly IndiGos flight 6E-608, which departs from Visakhapatnam at 8.10 am, to Hyderabad. But he reached just 28 minutes before the scheduled departure, according to the airline. As per norms laid out by the aviation regulator, airlines close check-in counters for all domestic fights 45 minutes prior to departure.

Reddy -- who had allegedly vandalised the Air India office at Gannavaram airport in Vijaywada last year after he missed his flight -- entered the cabin of the Indigo Airlines counter and shouted at the staff, when they refused to give him boarding pass to take the flight to Hyderabad, as he came to the airport after the closure of the boarding time and the flight was ready to take off. He banged the boarding pass printer and even pushed an airlines employee out of the cabin.

The video footage obtained from the closed circuit cameras installed in the airport showed Reddy arguing agitatedly with the airlines staff who were trying to convince him about the closure of boarding hours. He was seen lifting the printer and banging it on the desk, besides pushing one of the airlines staff out of the cabin.

Reddy, along with the other TDP officials, had been to Visakhapatnam on Wednesday to attend the marriage of Srikakulam MP K Rammohan Naidu and were returning to Hyderabad.

In November 2015, YSR Congress party MP from Rajampet P V Mithun Reddy allegedly assaulted an Air India manager at the Tirupati airport, after the latter refused to issue boarding passes to his relatives for a flight to Delhi, since they were late. He was later arrested by the police.

(With agency inputs)

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Information technology minister Ravi Shankar Prasad dismissed on Friday reports of large-scale job losses at Indian IT firms, calling them motivated.

There has been a lot of debate, and by any standards of economy, this talk of job decline in the IT sector is motivated, Prasad said after a meeting with the captains of the Indian tech sector.

He noted that the IT sector has been Indias largest employer, employing 40 lakh people directly.

You know by any standard scrutiny, the way Indian digital economy is rising, the question of slackness in jobs is absolutely factually incorrect. Obviously, those who dont perform, will have to go. This annual tripping in case of any institution is natural, Prasad said.

He cited examples of Tata Consultancy Services and Infosys who have clarified that companies continue to hire, and people who were asked to leave were told to do so for lack of performance.

Tech Mahindra chief CP Gurnani said employees need to re-skill themselves in areas like artificial intelligence (AI) and Blockchain as these technologies offer newer avenues of growth.

We need to re-skill and re-purpose ourselves. We have a list of different skills, where we need people... If you re- skill yourself in blockchain or AI, there is no shortage of jobs globally, he said.

Infosys Co-founder Kris Gopalakrishnan said that there is no job loss in the country. Instead, the growth has slowed down which is adversely impacting new hiring.

Growth has slowed down but data shows every large company is hiring net. TCS and Infosys are hiring over 20,000 more people each. I dont believe there is job cut. Yes, growth has come down. Recruitments from colleges have also slowed becuase the industry has slowed down. Otherwise, there are no job losses that I can see, Gopalakrishnan said.

He added that global economy has slowed down and there are uncertainities in the horizon.

Visa regime in several countries have tightened becuase they have issues of job losses. The base itself is every large. On that base, growth of 6 per cent is itself very large, Gopalakrishnan said.

There have been reports of layoffs across companies like Wipro, Infosys, Cognizant and Tech Mahindra that have initiated annual performance reviews, a process that weeds out bottom performers or non-performers.

This has compounded fears that thousands of employees in the sector could be shown the door over the next few weeks.

The IT sector is already battling challenges in business environment and stricter work permit regime in countries like the US, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand. Various employee unions have approached labour commissioners and state governments to intervene in the matter.
Two militants, including a commander of the Lashkar-e-Taiba, were reportedly killed on Friday in a gunfight with security forces in south Kashmirs Kulgam district.

The gunbattle started at about 10am in Arwani village after security forces, including army personnel, cordoned off the houses in Malik Mohalla following an intelligence tip-off that three Lashkar-e-Taiba militants were present inside, officials said. When the forces closed in, the militants opened fire triggering an encounter, police said.

The terrorists opened fire at the security forces after being asked to surrender. In the gunfight, two of the terrorists have been killed. One of them is reportedly identified as Lahskar commander Junaid Mattoo, CRPF deputy inspector general M. Dinakaran told IANS.

Mattoo, who carries a bounty of Rs 10 lakh on his head, was involved in a day light attack last year on a police van in which three policemen, including an officer, were killed. His involvement is also suspected in the killing of a policeman in Kulgam on Thursday afternoon.

Reports from the area said the security forces used improvised explosive devices (IEDs) to blast the two houses where the militants had been hiding.

A civilian identified as Muhammad Ashraf Khar, 22, was killed in clashes between the security forces and a stone pelting mob which gathered near the encounter site. Twelve protesting civilians were injured in these clashes.

Chatter from the terror group had suggested that besides Mattoo, the Lashkar militants are believed to be one Azad Malik and a Pakistani national.

(With agency inputs)
In yet another militant attack within three weeks, terrorists on Friday ambushed a police party on the outskirts of Anantnag district of South Kashmir and killed six policemen, including a station house officer, of Achabal area.

The daring attack took place when the police party was travelling in a jeep at Thujwara in Achabal area, some 65 km from summer capital Srinagar.

The militants laid an ambush on Anantnag-Achabal road near Kulgad village and fired at the police party. They fatally shot the policemen in their faces from close range, disfiguring them, and escaped with their weapons.

All the six policemen, including station house officer, Feroz Ahmed, died on the spot, senior police officials said. Army has been called out to undertake a combing operation in the area.

It is an unfortunate incident to have lost six men, including sub-nspector Feroz, a resident of Pulwama. Their contribution to the police service will be remembered, director general of police SP Vaid told PTI.

Feroz Ahmed, 32, a 2010 batch sub-inspector and a resident of Dogripura in Awantipora, was a father of two daughters aged six and two. The other deceased officers are constables Sharik Ahmad and Tanveer Ahmad (Budgam district), Sheraz Ahmad (Achabal), Asif Ahmad and Sabzar Ahmed (Anantnag).

Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba has claimed the responsibility for the attack. Its spokesman Abdullah Ghaznavi told a news agency that they attacked the police party in Achabal in which six policemen were killed.

Police said it seems they wanted to take revenge of the Arwani encounter on Friday morning in which their local commander Junaid Mattoo is believed to have died.

After the encounter at Arwani in Bijbehara area, all the three militants involved are believed to be dead. No bodies have been recovered so far.

Mattoo, who carries a bounty of ~10 lakh on his head, was involved in a day light attack last year on a police van in which three policemen, including an officer, were killed. His involvement is also suspected in the killing of a policeman in Kulgam on Thursday afternoon.

This is the second major attack on a police party. Earlier on May 28, militants attacked a police party at Phambai area of Kulgam in South Kashmir, killing five policemen and two bank guards.

The incident saw immediate reaction from political parties, including former Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah. It seems that South Kashmir is slipping everyday from the hands of the state government. I hope somebody in New Delhi wakes up now, Omar said.

CPM leader Mohammed Yusuf Tarigami said the incidents in South Kashmir were a clear example of lawlessness prevailing in the entire area.

State Congress chief G A Mir said: It shows that the state government has completely failed ... I wonder when will the Union home ministry wake up.

(With agency inputs)
The government will come out with three new policies, including electronics manufacturing and data protection, as part of its efforts to make India a $1 trillion digital economy in a few years.

Speaking after a two-and-a-half hour meeting with Indian tech industry captains, IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Friday exuded confidence that India is well-positioned to become a $1 trillion digital economy in next few years.

The industry has assured us that they are committed to support us in this mission... We will be shortly laying down the new electronics policy because between the old policy and now, India under Narendra Modi has changed completely, Prasad said.

He added that the government will also come up with a new software product policy and a framework for data security and protection.

The minister, however, did not disclose the timeline for these new policies.

The meeting was attended by top experts such as Nasscom President R Chandrashekhar, Google Indias Rajan Anandan, Wipros Rishad Premji, Indian Cellular Association National President Pankaj Mohindroo, Internet and Mobile Association of India President Subho Ray and Hike Messenger CEO Kavin Bharti Mittal, among others.

Cybersecurity was also discussed (at the meeting). Low cost cyber security products have great potential... and we are going to have a framework for data security and data protection, Prasad said.

Notable absentees from the event included Flipkart co- founder Sachin Bansal and Paytm founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma.

The Ministry has identified digital payments, Make In India, Start-Up India, Skill India among the key drivers of the digital economy.

MeitY expects IT/ITeS sector to grow to USD 350 billion by 2025 from USD 160 billion, while electronics sector is poised to touch USD 300 billion by the same time (from USD 100 billion currently.

Telecom and e-commerce are projected to grow to USD 150 billion each, while sharing economy and digital skilling each presents a USD 30 billion opportunity.

Digital payments, cybersecurity and Internet of Things -- all of which are expanding at a significant pace -- are expected to touch USD 50 billion, USD 35 billion and USD 20 billion, respectively.

It was also projected that the digital economy will generate 30 million employment by 2024-25, which is double than the current scenario.

Highlighting the potential of the new economy with avenues like digital payments and e-commerce, Prasad said the focus needs to be on creating technology that is affordable, developmental and inclusive.

He added that being an industry with an estimated worth of USD 400-450 billion already, Indian digital economy would not take long to reach USD 1 trillion.

Prasad said that deliberations at the meeting had also brought out the need to promote an ecoystem to facilitate more startups in areas like education, agriculture and healthcare.

I have decided that we will have a coordinated action with Health, Agriculture and HRD Ministries to promote an ecoystem to facilitate more startups in these areas, he said.

Prasad added that the idea of setting up special innovative zones for startups will be explored and a framework for startup cluster policy will be developed.

Besides, digital skilling has a lot of potential as India has a rich talent pool that can be used to meet global demand in emerging technologies like artificial intelligence.

We need to re-skill and re-purpose ourselves. We have a list of different skills, where we need people... If you re- skill yourself in blockchain or AI, there is no shortage of jobs globally, Tech Mahindra Managing Director and CEO CP Gurnani said.

Citing a Nasscom report, Prasad said that in the last three years, almost six lakh people have been employed in the IT sector, while in 2016-17, the number of people employed was around 1.7 lakh. About 2.5-3 million new jobs are expected to be created by 2025.

He refuted reports of job losses by Indian IT firms, terming them as motivated.

There has been a lot of debate, and by any standards of economy, this talk of job decline in the IT sector is motivated, he said.

In terms of challenges, the participants had pointed out the need for setting up a dispute resolution mechanism and liberal regulatory norms.
A group of government officials allegedly lynched a 55-year-old Muslim man for trying to stop them from photographing women defecating in public in a Rajasthan town on Friday.

Five municipal council officials  including the commissioner  allegedly kicked, punched and beat social worker Zaffar Hussein with a stick in Pratapgarh town, said a police complaint filed by his brother. The officials were out on a morning round in a slum to photograph people defecating in the open when Zaffar objected, local residents said.

Police said they registered a case of murder against the five officials. We are investigating the case and no arrests have been made so far, said Pratapgarh station house office Mangilal Bishnoi. The Pratapgarh assembly seat is held by the BJP.

Ashok Jain, the Pratapgarh municipal council commissioner, told HT he had no idea how Khan died, saying the man was in perfect health when he left the area.

We went to the slum to spread awareness about the adverse effects of open defecation. This man, Zaffar Hussein, arrived there and started abusing us and later also assaulted one of our sanitation staff. Following that, he left the place and returned to his home. At that time he was perfectly healthy, said Jain.

We met the people and heard their grievances before writing their feedback. When we left we assured them that toilets will be built. We went to the police station later to lodge a case...for assaulting our team but learnt that he has died. He denied his team tried to shame people going for open defecation.

The incident in Pratapgarh  around 400 kilometres from state capital Jaipur  is the latest in a string of cases of lynching across India. In April, a Muslim dairy farmer was killed by alleged cow protection vigilantes while legally transporting cattle.

Two years ago, Mohammad Ikhlaq was lynched in Greater Noidas Bisada village on suspicions that he had slaughtered a calf and consumed beef. Last month, seven people were murdered in 24 hours by frenzied tribal mobs in Jharkhand.

Husseins killing ratcheted up tensions in the area as people blocked the highway for hours and Muslim community leaders claimed that the assault was communally targeted. Protesters, including Husseins family, demanded compensation and the arrest of the municipal council commissioner, and blocked the funeral till 3pm.

The administration is trying to hush it up but the Pratapgarh incident is a communal lynching, said Dr M Iqbal Siddiqui, media secretary of Muslim advocacy group, Jamat-e-Islam-e-Hind.

The policy of naming and shaming people  a common practice in impoverished and backward areas because of lack of functional toilets  was introduced by the government last year as part of the Swachh Bharat mission to eradicate open defecation that causes several diseases and hurts public hygiene.

Many states have announced stiff fines for people caught defecating in public, others  such as Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh -- have decided to publish the names of perpetrators or put photographs up on social media to shame people. But critics say the tactics are futile because functional toilets are scarce and funding inadequate.

Husseins nephew Qayoom said there are no toilets in the slum where he was killed. He had been demanding construction of toilets in the area from the district administration for many days, Qayoom added.

Official statistics released earlier this year put Rajasthan in the top spot in building toilets in rural areas, but showed that the state had a long way to go to completely stop open defecation by 2019, the target set under Swachh Bharat, as nearly 22% households still didnt have access to toilets. A Swachh Bharat survey ranked Pratapgarh as 447 among 679 districts surveyed on household toilet coverage.

Mass open defecation has been linked to the spread of infectious diseases, poor health among children, and even deaths. According to World Bank estimates, losses from poor sanitation shave off about 6% of Indias GDP. A government study last year found 52% of rural population still defecated in the open and an almost equal said they preferred open defecation because it was pleasurable, comfortable or convenient.

(with agency inputs)
A board in his Kochi office reads: Whatever to be done I do. But in reality I do not do anything. The lines from Yoga Vasistha Ramanaya is dear to his heart. Metro Man E Sreedharan has revolutionised the way urban people commute. He has become a household name now and speculations are rife that hes in the race for the first citizens slot, which he refuses to discuss. As his latest venture, Kochi Metro, is all set to be unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, its principal adviser, E Sreedharan, spoke to Ramesh Babu of the Hindustan Times about the challenges before the country and his future plans. Excerpts:

Q: You helped change the concept of urban mass transport in the country. What are real challenges before the country in this sector?

The real challenge before the country is to reduce personal vehicles and promote public transport system, particularly in cities. Unfortunately, sufficient attention is not being paid for improving the public transport system. Metro rail is best suited to our cities where population is more than two lakh. The pace at which metros are being introduced in our cities are deplorably low. Every year, China is building 200 km-long metros in its cities but our rate is well below 20 km. The Centre will have to take a lead in introducing more metros and ensure that they are financially sustainable.

Q: Your name is doing the rounds for the Presidents post. Did anyone contact you in this regard?

It seems to be the wish of some people. I cant comment on this.

Q: Konkan Railways to Kochi Metro; you were in the limelight for more than five decades. Did you see any change in the work culture?

I dont find any perceptible change. If at all, there is deterioration, except in the private sector. We have to change a lot.

Q: You were behind many metro projects. What was the most challenging project?

I love taking up challenges. I consider the underground line of Mumbai  airport to Colaba  was the most challenging.

Q: What future you visualise for the country? Is it on right track?

No doubt the country is on the right track. But we need to gather speed. While the progress on the economic front is visible, we need to transform our nation with good ethics and values.

Q: India boasts of one of the largest rail network in the world. But what is ailing it?

Ours is the fourth largest network in the world. It is the lifeline of the nation but technologically we are far behind the rest of the world. The work culture in the railways has to change a lot, from bureaucratic to a more friendly and efficient style.

Q: It is often said in Kerala, controversy is part of your life. Did you face any while working for Kochi Metro?

Fortunately there have been no major controversies and the project has gone through smoothly. We completed the first phase in record time. It was good team work. I won't be there for the second phase of Kochi Metro. KMRL (Kerala Metro Rail Limited) is now competent enough to chug on. It is not time for any controversies.

Q: You turned 85 this month. Your future plans?

I have decided to slow down a bit but I am available for the country whenever my services are required.
Moral policing appears to have backfired on the Isak-Muivah faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM) in Manipur.

Off guerrilla warfare for 20 years since their outfit signed a ceasefire with Delhi in 1997, members of the NSCN-IM have been more into moral policing and tax collection. The outcome, at times, has been confrontation with the

very people it claims to represent.

The latest such incident happened on Thursday in Manipurs Ukhrul district, home of most NSCN-IM leaders.

District officials said the insurgents tortured Romeo Shally of Khamasom Khullen village to death after accusing him of raping a woman, who locals claimed was his girlfriend.

Romeo died in the NSCN-IMs Wung Tangkhul Region office. The villagers gathered outside the office and protested their kangaroo court justice but the insurgents inside opened fire resulting in the death of 25-year-old Chingripam Lungleng. Both Romeo and Chingripam were Manipur government employees.

Some 500 people then attacked the outfits office with stones and also made an abortive bid to barge into it before the local authorities took control of the situation.

On Friday, officials assisted the villagers in taking Romeos body out of the office but the locals refused to remove Chingripams body from the road until they get justifiable explanation from the outfits leaders for killing the duo.

Shamim Ahmed Shah, the assistant commissioner of Ukhrul, has asked the districts superintendent of police to book the culprits responsible for Romeo and Chingripams death. An action taken report has also been sought, he said.

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Questioning the authenticity of the 18-20 per cent agriculture growth rate registered by Madhya Pradesh, Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia on Friday claimed that 21,000 distressed farmers committed suicide under the BJP rule in the state during past 13 years.

Madhya Pradesh claimed to have registered 18-20 per cent growth in agriculture production. If this claim is real, then why 21,000 farmers have committed suicides during the past 13 years and why migration from rural areas of state continued unabated, Scindia told reporters amid his ongoing 72-hour long Satyagraha here.

The villagers are migrating to other places for jobs. During the past six days alone, nine farmers have committed suicides in state including the farmers in CMs own constituency, said Scindia, Congress Chief Whip in Lok Sabha.

He quipped that instead of Krishi Karman Award, Madhya Pradesh government should have been given economic magician award.

To a question, Scindia said according to Hindu traditions, the people should visit the home of the deceased, but the (state) chief minister called them (the family members of farmers killed in police firing at Mandsaur on June 6) to Bhopal for meeting them on the stage.

Scindia also alleged that the state government has been targeting the Congress leaders to implicate them in the police cases during the farmers stir.

He reiterated that the party would extend the legal support to such leaders.

He also said if BJP-ruled Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra can announce farm loan waivers, then why the party-ruled Madhya Pradesh cannot do this.

He said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited several countries during past three years but not the home of even a single farmer.

The venue of remaining period of the total 72-hour long Satyagraha of Congress would be shifted to Khalghat in Dhar district where former union minister Kamal Nath is slated to address the agitating cultivators.
A New York Times editorial that described the recent raids on properties belonging to NDTV founder Prannoy Roy as an alarming new level of intimidation of Indias news media under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been trashed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

The CBIs response, which was carried by the American newspaper on Thursday, termed the editorial as a one-sided piece that doesnt consider the investigation history of the case against RRPR (NDTVs holding company) by different tax and law enforcement agencies in India since 2011.

CBI spokesperson RK Gaur was scathing in his criticism of the newspaper. India does not require any lesson on freedom of the press from The Times. Our institutions and traditions are nurtured by our rich and diverse cultural heritage and democratic ethos, he wrote.

Even the decision to take NDTV Hindi off the air for a day over covering the Pathankot air base attack was enforced after a proper inquiry that witnessed NDTVs participation, he added.

Roy has rejected the CBIs allegation that he defaulted on a loan taken from ICICI Bank in 2008. While many eminent personalities have described the June 5 raids as governmental vendetta originating from NDTVs critical coverage of the ruling alliance, others have pointed out how corporations on friendly terms with the NDA government are allowed to regularly default on loans without fear of punitive action.

The New York Times editorial was published on June 7.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Portugal and the Netherlands before and after his two-day visit to the US on June 25.

The prime minister will be in Portugal on June 24 before heading to the US. And on his way back, Modi will go to the Netherlands.

External affairs ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay said as of now the prime ministers visit to the US features only one city, Washington. The spokesperson said Modi will meet business leaders and his programme is still evolving.

This will be Modis first trip to the US after President Donald Trump came to power on January 20.

The spokesperson said the meeting will help in giving new directions, setting priorities and consolidating gains in the bilateral ties.

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The electoral context of two former presidents, Pratibha Patil and APJ Abdul Kalam, were among the key points of discussions between the managers from the Narendra Modi-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Friday.

Sources said Union ministers Venkaiah Naidu and Rajnath Singh pointed out that the then government led by the Congress didnt consult with the Opposition but went ahead and announced Patils candidature in 2007. The incident was brought up to counter the oppositions earlier charges that the Modi government has not reached out to them.

During the meeting, some unfortunate allegations also came up against Patils husband.

Naidu and Singh spoke to the Congress president at her residence, 10 Janpath, for half an hour.

In the meeting, Naidu and Singh also reminded the Congress president that APJ Abdul Kalam was elected in 2002 as a consensus choice barring the left, who put their own candidate.

Sources said Naidu explained the purpose of the meeting: to know the views of the opposition parties before the PM and the party chief pick a nominee. The government nominees also indicated the Congress leadership that its views will be seriously considered.

Both sides didnt discuss any names of possible candidates.

Singh and Naidu reportedly asked Gandhi if she had any nominee in mind, but she remained elusive. The Congress maintained there was no point in the NDA holding talks with them without disclosing the name of its choice for presidential candidate.

Theres no question of reaching a consensus when they havent given any names. We can discuss it with our allies and other political party leaders only if they give names, party leader Mallikarjun Kharge told media persons.

Gandhi had met CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury for a few minutes before Naidu and Singh  who are part of a three-member panel constituted by BJP president Amit Shah to negotiate with other parties  dropped by. The panel is slated to meet Yechury at his party office later in the afternoon.

The governments outreach had kept opposition parties from finalising a presidential candidate during a meeting on Wednesday.

According to sources, the NDA is trying to win over Sharad Pawar of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) from the opposition camp. A day after speaking to party leader Praful Patel, Naidu sought an appointment with Pawar on Thursday. The veteran from Maharashtra responded saying he will be New Delhi in a couple of days for further talks.

With just 20,000 votes required to be drawn from other parties, the Narendra Modi government seems set to push its candidate into Rashtrapati Bhavan in the upcoming poll.

The presidential election will be held on July 17, and the votes will be counted three days later.

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The government on Friday found little support as it started consultations with opposition parties for a possible consensus on the next President even as its ally Shiv Sena proposed agriculture scientist MS Swaminathan for the countrys top job.

Opposition leaders said the governments move was more like a PR exercise as it did not reveal the names of its potential candidates.

The successor of President Pranab Mukherjee will be elected on July 17 through a complex voting pattern involving parliamentarians and state legislators.

Two Union ministers, Venkaiah Naidu and Rajnath Singh, met several opposition leaders, including Congress president Sonia Gandhi, to seek their views and suggestions.

The BJP leaders reminded the Congress of the 2007 presidential polls when the UPA government propped up Pratibha Patil without consulting the NDA, which was then in the opposition. They also referred to media reports of unfortunate allegations against Patils husband.

Naidu and Singh also mentioned the 2002 polls, when APJ Abdul Kalam became the consensus choice of both the NDA and the Congress.

Even as they indicated that the oppositions views would be considered, Gandhi, flanked by senior party leaders Ghulam Nabi Azad and Mallikarjun Kharge, said consultations can take place only if there are specific proposals.

Whenever they decide on the name, they will seek our cooperation and come back. Till the time any name comes, there is no question of discussion or support, Azad said.

The NDAs nominee will be announced before Prime Minister Narendra Modi leaves for a foreign tour on June 24.

The opposition parties have also not revealed the name of their candidate, saying it will be announced if the talks for a common choice fails.

On the Sena proposal, most opposition parties backed Swaminathans credentials but said his name could be considered only if the government came with a formal proposal.

One factor which could go against Swaminathan was his age the man considered the architect of Indias agriculture revolution is 91.

Amid the parleys between the government and opposition, Pranab Mukherjee hosted a lunch for Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat.

Naidu and Singh also met BJP patriarch LK Advani and another party veteran Murli Manohar Joshi.

CPM chief Sitaram Yechury, who was also consulted by the ministers, said a person with impeccable secular credentials should be the next president.

When Naidu asked if Yechury has candidates, the communist leader was quoted as saying, We have many candidates. But you first tell us who is your candidate?

It was suggested to the CPM leaders to consider if putting up a candidate just for the sake of it would be necessary, the sources added.

Naidu later spoke to Samajwadi Party president Mulayam Singh and Bahujan Samaj Party Mayawati.

The ruling BJP-led National Democratic Alliance is short of around 20,000 votes to ensure victory of its candidate. It expects to make up for the shortfall with support from the AIADMK and BJD. The TSR Congress has agreed to back the NDA.

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The Narendra Modi-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has initiated formal negotiations on the presidential election with the Congress, but is yet to reveal the name of its nominee for the position.

Union ministers Venkaiah Naidu and Rajnath Singh spoke to Congress president Sonia Gandhi at her residence, 10 Janpath, for half an hour on Friday. The first meeting was not to choose a candidate but to understand the sentiment of Opposition parties. We wanted to check if there is any scope of a consensus, a government official said.

Singh and Naidu reportedly asked Sonia if she had any nominee in mind, but she remained elusive.

The Congress maintained that there was no point in the NDA holding talks with them without disclosing the name of its presidential choice. Theres no question of reaching a consensus when they havent given any names. We can discuss it with our allies and other political party leaders only if they give names, party leader Mallikarjun Kharge told mediapersons.

Gandhi had met CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury for a few minutes before Naidu and Singh  who are part of a three-member panel constituted by BJP president Amit Shah to negotiate with other parties  dropped by. The panel is slated to meet Yechury at his party office later in the afternoon.

The governments outreach had kept Opposition parties from finalising a presidential candidate during a meeting on Wednesday.

According to sources, the NDA is trying to win over Sharad Pawars Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) from the Opposition camp. A day after speaking to party leader Praful Patel, Naidu sought an appointment with Pawar on Thursday. The NCP chief has told his allies that he wasnt keen on contesting the presidential election.

With just 20,000 votes required to be drawn from other parties, the Narendra Modi government seems set to push its candidate into Rashtrapati Bhavan in the upcoming poll.

The presidential election will be held on July 17, and the votes will be counted three days later.

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The Narendra Modi government has secured the support of its southern ally Telugu Desam Party (TDP), a day before it starts negotiations with Congress, the principal Opposition party.

Information and broadcasting minister Venkaiah Naidu spoke to TDP chief and Andhra Pradesh chief minister Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday. Sources in Naidus office said, Chandrababu told him his party would stand by the PMs decision.

On Friday, the government managers will formally start negotiations with the Opposition. Ministers Rajnath Singh and Venkaiah Naidu are set to meet Congress president Sonia Gandhi and CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury in a bid to evolve consensus over the next President of India.

The governments outreach prompted the Opposition parties to not decide its candidate in its meeting on Wednesday.

The government is also trying to woo Sharad Pawars Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). A day after talking to NCP leader Praful Patel, Naidu spoke to Pawar on Thursday and sought time for a meeting. Pawar has told Opposition parties that he is not keen to fight the presidential election even as a section of the Opposition considered his name.

A section of the Opposition expects that the ministers will come up with specific names of candidates for discussions with the Opposition leaders. Singh and Naidu are part of the three-member team constituted by BJP president Amit Shah. With Naidu solidly behind the BJP, the NDA needs around 20,000 votes while the Opposition is short of 1.5 lakh.

(With inputs from agencies)
The race to supply amphibious warships to the Indian Navy has entered its last lap, with the frontrunners likely to submit their commercial bids to the defence ministry next week.

The Navy might spend an estimated $3 billion to scale up its amphibious warfare capabilities for possible expeditionary missions.

While Reliance Defence has teamed up with French shipbuilder DCNS, L&T has tossed its hat into the ring by partnering with Spanish state-owned company Navantia to build the amphibious warships  known as landing platform docks (LPDs)  in the country. The firms have to respond with their commercial bids by June 22.

The LPDs will have a displacement of nearly 30,000 tonnes, making them the largest warships to be built in the country after the 37,500-tonne aircraft carrier INS Vikrant being assembled at the state-owned Cochin Shipyard Limited. They will carry helicopters, marine commandos, tanks, armoured personnel carriers and other equipment to support ground forces on enemy beaches.

Navy sources said the electrical propulsion-powered LPDs would have an endurance of around 1,000 nautical miles. Each warship would be designed to accommodate more than 1,400 personnel, and have a hangar to accommodate around 12 helicopters.

The Navys solitary LPD, the INS Jalashwa, has a displacement of 16,950 tonnes. Formerly known as the USS Trenton, it was bought from the United States. The Navy also has a fleet of five smaller amphibious warships with a displacement of 5,600 tonnes, and even smaller 1,150-tonne landing ship tanks.

Senior Navy officials said that after the firms submit their bids, the defence ministrys Technical Oversight Committee (TOC) will scrutinise various aspects of the deal to make sure that all the procedures are complied with. The TOC report could be out by July-end, following which commercial negotiations would begin.

The officials said the lucrative contract could be awarded to the lowest bidder by the year-end.
Two senior ministers of the Narendra Modi government will meet Congress chief Sonia Gandhi on Friday to gauge if there could be a candidate for the July presidential election on whom the two sides could reach a consensus.

Home minister Rajnath Singh and urban development minister M Venkaiah Naidu are unlikely to reveal to Gandhi the ruling sides choice for the top post but will ask her if she has anyone in her mind whom the treasury bench could also consider.

Chances of the government picking any leader not having BJP affiliation is very bleak and talks of an apolitical leader replacing Pranab Mukherjee may not eventually see the light of the day.

It is for the first time in the Bharatiya Janata Partys history that it has got an opportunity to get its own man or woman elected to the top post. Last time the BJP was in power, it picked APJ Abdul Kalam to build a consensus.

Now that the party has an absolute majority in the Lok Sabha and power in about a dozen states, it appears in no mood to let the occasion go without installing a BJP man in the top seat.

External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj, Uttar Pradesh governor Ram Naik, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, and party veteran Murli Manohar Joshi are being seen as contenders. All of them come from the BJP background and have close links with the RSS too.

Meanwhile, Venkaiah spoke to NCPs Sharad Pawar on Thursday. The veteran from Maharashtra responded saying he will be New Delhi in a couple of days for further talks.

Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu, whose Telugu Desam Party is an ally of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), has assured he will go with Prime Minister Narendra Modis choice for the top post.

Finance minister Arun Jaitley, too, is returning from abroad on Saturday and is expected to touch base with socialist parties over the next few days.

The governments outreach prompted the opposition parties to not decide its candidate in its meeting on Wednesday.

The notification for the July 17 polls was issued on Wednesday, beginning the nomination process for the election. The last date for filing papers is June 28. The election involves a complex voting pattern involving all parliamentarians and state legislators.

The NDA needs around 20,000 more votes to ensure the victory of its candidate and the reach out to the opposition is seen as an exercise to test if there could be a consensus and ensure a greater margin of victory.

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A Sikh man allegedly murdered two minor girls in Rishikesh for touching his turban, police said on Friday.

Parvan Singh, who lives at a gurdwara there, murdered two sisters  Riya (3) and Manisha (13) - on Thursday morning, a police officer said.

Singh got infuriated after Manisha touched his turban while he was taking bath in the gurdwara premises.

Rishikesh police station in-charge Niharika Bhatt said Singh admitted that he chased the girls till their home. He first strangulated the elder sister and then the three-year-old inside their home.

The mother of the deceased works as daily labourer while their father is serving jail term in a rape case.

A court in Rishikesh on Friday sent Singh to 14-day police remand.
Passers-by, migrant labourers, a beggar, and a mentally-ill woman have been among the objects of a panic about child trafficking that is gripping multiple districts in West Bengal.

Police say the swirling rumours are baseless.

They may have originated in WhatsApp messages in Jharkhand, where nine men were lynched in four separate incidents last month on suspicion of child trafficking and abuse. When the police reached one village in the area, a mob vandalised their car.

In Bengal, the rumours started after a teenager in Silda, a village in the district of Jhargram, was abducted on May 12. Her rescue from traffickers by police on the 15th did not quell lingering suspicions.

Three days later, three people were beaten up in the village of Belpahari in Jhargram. Residents of a nearby village suspicious of an electrician broke his right arm the next day.

On May 22, two persons were beaten near another Jhargram village. On the 23rd, residents of Goaltore in West Midnapore assaulted four persons who had gone there to carry out a survey for electrical work. Sumitra Singh Mahapatra, the pradhan of the local gram panchayat, had to rush to rescue them.

A week later, a man was badly thrashed in the village of Jamshole. The same day, residents of another Bengal village grew suspicious that a mentally ill woman was involved in trafficking and locked her up in a local club. She was later rescued by police.

On May 31, villagers of Balarampur in Purulia district thrashed Sanjib Sahu and Chandrakumar Babu, who had gone there to work on a mobile tower. Sujit Mandal, the driver of their vehicle, was not spared.

When we entered in the village, the locals encircled us wanted to know who we were, said Mandal. Despite telling them our identity, the locals said that we had come to steal children and began to beat us.

The most recent attack was on Wednesday, when Ratan Soren travelled to a West Midnapore village to see a relative and got beaten up by residents who suspected him of trafficking.

Fear has set in. We are afraid to go and seek alms, said Chabi Sen of West Midnapore district. I was recently beaten up in Kalaimuri near under Salboni, where I went to beg.

Rumours are swirling for the past one month, said Chandan Mahato, a resident of Belpahari. Everyone is saying that child lifters had come to a nearby village. Police should take steps against those spreading such fear.

There have been two police complaints but, so far, no arrests. A police officer in Balarampur said that the local police force was aware of the attack on mobile tower workers and had broadcast informative messages via loudspeaker and distributed leaflets.

We are extremely cautious that a Jharkhand-like situation does not take place here, said Sukhendu Hira, superintendent of the Bankura police. We are also constantly on the lookout for any social media messages that may stoke the panic and trigger trouble.

Y Raghubanshi, the additional superintendent of police in the district of West Midnapore, said his force was addressing rumours directly. We are telling the locals that if they suspect anyone of being a child lifter, they should inform the local police and not sit in judgment themselves.
A soldier was killed and another injured in Pakistani shelling along the Line of Control (LoC) in Nowshera sector of Jammu and Kashmirs Rajouri district on Friday morning, officials said.

The dead soldier was identified as 34-year-old Naik Bakhtawar Singh of 8 Sikh Light Infantry, and a resident of Hajipur village in Punjabs Hoshiyarpur district.

Pakistan Army opened heavy fire around 4am and the exchange lasted for around 20 minutes. During brief exchanges, two Indian soldiers were injured at Kalsian. One of them died around 5am, an intelligence official said.

Nowshera sub-divisional magistrate Harbans Lal Sharma and Nowshera police station head Kuldip Krishan confirmed that the soldier died around 5am when he was hit by a mortar shell at a forward post in Kalsian area of Nowshera sector.

Defence spokesman Lt Col Manish Mehta said the Pakistan Army initiated unprovoked firing on Indian Army posts in Nowshera sector around 0515 hours on Friday morning.

The Indian Army retaliated strongly and effectively, and in the exchange of fire, Bakhtawar Singh was grievously injured and succumbed to his injuries while being evacuated to the military hospital, he said.

Bakhtawar Singh is survived by his wife, Jasbir Kaur, and three minor children.

A wreath-laying ceremony will be held in Rajouri on Saturday. The soldiers body will be taken to his native village where the last rites will take place with full military honours.

Naik Bakhtawar Singh was a brave and sincere soldier. He loved his job to the core. The nation will always remain indebted to him for the supreme sacrifice and devotion to duty, said Lt Col Mehta.

The identity of the injured soldier has not been ascertained yet.

Since May 1, when Pakistans BAT killed and mutilated two Indian soldiers  JCO Paramjit Singh and BSF head constable Prem Sagar in Krishna Ghati sector of Poonch  there have been firing incidents along the LoC in Poonch and Rajouri districts.

Three civilians  Akhter Bi, Tuffail Hussain, Asyia Bi  and army man Bakhtawar Singh have been killed, and 11 people, including five soldiers, have been injured, all in Nowshera sector.

Pakistan has been continuously violating the 2003 ceasefire agreement with India, and the firing and shelling has left the hapless villagers in a precarious situation. Nearly 3,000 villagers continue to put up in five relief camps set up in Nowshera.

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A group of Tamil Nadu farmers who got the nations attention with their unique way of protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi are planning to restart their agitation, albeit on a larger scale, this July.

Speaking to reporters, farmers leader P Ayyakkannu said the decision to hold agitation in the national capital again was taken after the Tamil Nadu government failed to meet their demands.

Even after the stipulated time, nothing has been done so far. We will come to Jantar Mantar to begin the agitation in first week of July, he said.

We will continue our protest till the Central government announces relief for farmers, he said.

Besides, the agrarian community, including those from Tamil Nadu, have set up a 10-member working committee to begin a nation-wide padyathra demanding implementation of Swaminathan Committee report and providing better MSP (Minimum Support Price) for agricultural produces.

Ayyakkannu, who attended the committee meeting in Delhi today, said the padyatra will begin on July 6 from Mandsaur in Madhya Pradesh where five farmers were killed in police firing.

Padyatra will begin from Mandsaur. Tamil Nadu farmers will also take part in the event, he said.

VM Singh, convenor of Rashtriya Kisan Mazdoor Sangathan, Jai Kisan Andolan chief Yogendra Yadav and representatives of Bharatiya Kisan Union and Kerala Kisan Sangathan took part in the meeting.
Motorists on the Chandigarh-Ambala-Delhi national highway (NH 1) underwent harrowing times in different places in the wake of the blockade set up by farmer unions and political parties condemning farmers killing in Madhya Pradesh and demanding implementations of the Swaminathan commission recommendations, Friday afternoon.

The demands of the farmers who blocked traffic between 12pm and 3pm also included a complete loan waiver for farmers.

Though the local administrations and police had made diversions, the vehicular movement was still disrupted at different places, mainly in Ambala, Kurukshetra, Panipat, Sonepat, Hisar and Sirsa. More than 10 companies of the central paramilitary forces were also deployed on different points, besides the state police.

In Ambala, a group of farmers led by Congress leader Nirmal Singh held a rally at grain market and later on the NH 1 near Mohra village.

The members of the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) assembled in Ambala near village Mohra and blocked the NH 1 traffic by parking their vehicles and tractors there. However, the ambulances were give way by the protesting farmers.

The workers of Indian National Lok Dal (INLD), the principal opposition party in Haryana, burnt an effigy of Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan under the elevated flyover near mini secretariat, Panipat.

In Kurukshetra, former chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda led a Congress workers protest near mini secretariat in Kurukeshtra, while in Karnal, INLD workers led by former agriculture minister Jaswinder Sandhu took out a protest march demanding loan waiver.

In Charkhi Dadri, the BKU members staged a jam on Loharu road for about an hour.
Two farmers allegedly committed suicide in Sehore, home district of Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, taking the number of such deaths to 11 in the state since June 8.

Mukesh Yadav (23) of Lachaur village in Sehore, who had consumed poison on Thursday in his field, died on Friday while undergoing treatment, Sehores Nasrullaganj sub divisional magistrate (SDM) HS Choudhary said.

He was suffering from colic for a very long time and was depressed due to poor harvest, his acquaintances said.

Khaju Khan (75) of Bapcha Kala village in Sehore hanged himself from a tree on Thursday, police said.

His son Sabir Khan said his father took the extreme step as he was upset after being unable to acquire seeds and manure.

Police said they are investigating both incidents.

Madhya Pradesh had been in the grip of a major farmers protest in the past fortnight. The killing of five farmers in police firing in Mandsaur on June 6 had triggered a series of violent protests in various parts of the state.
Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath has announced the Shia and Sunni Waqf boards in the state will be dissolved amid allegations of corruption charges against them.

The CM also recommended a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into reports of corruption and irregularities against these boards on Thursday. The UP government plans to release a white paper on the allegations against the waqf boards.

The role of Samajwadi Party leader and former minorities affairs minister Azam Khan and his wife Tazeen Fatima, a Rajya Sabha legislator, would also be probed, minister of state for waqf Mohsin Raza told the Hindustan Times.

Raza was the first to demand the dissolution of the boards and seek CBI probe into corruption that he claimed took place under the SP rule. The minister said the government would soon appoint administrators to the board for six months and chairperson of both waqf boards would be suspended.

The dissolution process has begun after considering all legal aspects, Raza said. There have been serious allegations of corruption against the Shia and Sunni waqf boards. The CBI probe would reveal the truth. We welcome it, he added.

Khan described the move to dissolve the boards as unconstitutional and undemocratic. These boards cannot be dissolved, he told HT on phone from Rampur.

He, however, said he had no issues with the government move to recommend the CBI probe. I have been against corruption and anything that is aimed at checking it is more than welcome, he said even as SP leader Rajendra Chaudhary said the action smacked of vendetta politics.

The role of the chairperson of Shia Waqf Board, Wasim Rizvi who is considered close to Khan, also came under the scanner in an inquiry conducted by the Waqf Council of India.

Rizvi was attending an Iftar hosted by RSS-backed Muslim Rashtriya Manch in Lucknow when he came to know about the dissolution of boards was announced. Rizvi, who has been targeting Raza, said he wasnt aware of the decision.

Soon after the Bharatiya Janata Party came to power, the Central Waqf Council indicted Khan accusing him of corruption, which the senior SP leader dismissed as politically motivated.

The BJP welcomed the dissolution move and the probe.

Corruption in waqf boards was ignored by the previous governments due to vote bank politics. We have been against appeasement and corruption from day one, BJP spokesperson Chandramohan said.

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Sri Lanka on Friday said it will release 42 Indian fishing boats held in its custody since 2015 on a condition that they will never re-enter the countrys territorial waters.

Fisheries Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said in a statement on Thursday that the Indian government has been informed about this decision.

They should never return to violate our International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL), Amaraweera said.

He said that Lankas earlier decision not to release the boats and equipments while releasing the fishermen had its desirous effect.

The Indian government has now banned bottom trawling.

Amaraweera said the views of the local fishery organisations were also sought before making the decision to release the Indian boats.

He said the issue of poaching by Indian fishermen in Sri Lanka had gone on for over 35 years. Several governments from both the sides of Palk Straits had failed to resolve the sensitive issue.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the Rs5,181 crore Kochi Metro on Saturday. The 13-km metro service, the eighth metro service to be made operational in India, is unique in many ways.

With its doors opening to the music of ChendaKeralas traditional percussion instrumentto having the longest first phase metro operation in the country and offering free Wi-Fi, the Kochi Metro has many firsts to its credit.

Apart from improving a citys urban mobility quotient, a metro service is highly desirable for its development. While India has metro rail services in the cities of Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Jaipur, Gurgaon, Bengaluru and Chennai, having a total route length of 326 km, new projects totaling 546 km are under construction in 11 cities. Also, 13 cities are considering the symbol of modern mobility involving a route length of 903 km.

Here are the five things to watch out for in Kochi Metro:

 Water ferry: Apart from offering mobility solution, the Kochi metro also plans to offer boat rides with water transport envisaged as a feeder service to the rail corridor. The Rs819 crore water metro project is in the works to connect the metro to the 10 islands of Kochi, with the first phase of the water corridor expected to be operational by end-2018.

Read the full report here

Published in arrangement with Livemint
The nation is condemning his alleged misbehaviour at Visakhapatnam airport. All domestic airlines have grounded him, the government has ordered an inquiry and his own party chief has called for an apology.

But Telugu Desam Party MP JC Diwakar Reddy has refused to react on the incident or the ban. There is nothing I can talk. You have already ruined me. I dont want to talk to media anymore. Please leave me alone, Reddy told the media at his residence.

On Thursday, Reddy was scheduled to fly IndiGos flight 6E-608, which departs from Visakhapatnam at 8.10 am, to Hyderabad. But he reached just 28 minutes before the scheduled departure, according to the airline. As per norms laid out by the aviation regulator, airlines close check-in counters for all domestic fights 45 minutes prior to departure.

Reddy entered the cabin of the Indigo Airlines counter and shouted at the staff when they refused to give him a boarding pass. He banged the boarding pass printer and even pushed an airlines employee out of the cabin.

Last October, Reddy was accused of creating a ruckus at the Gannavaram airport in Vijayawada after authorities refused to delay the departure of his Air India flight. The angry politician barged into the Air India office and damaged property.

Full-service carrier Vistara and budget airlines -- GoAir and AirAsia India -- on Friday barred Reddy from their flights. Air India, SpiceJet and Jet Airways followed IndiGo on Thursday, which imposed the flying ban on him.

Fearing negative press, his party chief N Chandrababu Naidu has asked Reddy to apologise but the MP has remained non-committal on the issue.

Two months ago, Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad sparked widespread criticism for assaulting an elderly Air India employee. Gaikwad apologised before Parliament only after all airlines came together to ground him and pushed the government to draft a national no-fly list.
A 22-year-old man was killed when security forces opened fire on a stone-pelting mob in Rangreth area on the outskirts of Srinagar, police said on Friday.

A group of youth pelted stones at security forces vehicles in Rangreth, a police official said.

The security personnel opened fire to chase away the protesters in which one person was injured.

Nazir Ahmad was rushed to SKIMS hospital at Soura in a critical condition where he succumbed on the intervening night of June 15 and 16, the official said.
Tejveer Singh Sodha is a relieved man. The 25-year-old former Pakistani Hindu can now lead a normal life as he has become an Indian.

Sodha, along with Sandesh Kumar and Vinita , was among the three Pakistani Hindus to be made Indian citizens on Wednesday by the Jaipur district collector after they satisfied the eligibility conditions  seven years of stay in India.

While Kumar and Vinita were cautious about talking to the media for fear of being identified by their past, Sodha was only too happy to express his elation and gratitude.

I cant express how happy I am to become an Indian citizen and to shed the Pakistani tag. I want to thank the district collector and all the officials who supported us, he told HT on Thursday.

The happiness and suffering he went through can be dated back to 1947 when India was partitioned into India and Pakistan after independence from the British. In the bloodiest of mass churnings, many Muslims from India moved to Pakistan and Hindus from there shifted to this part of the subcontinent. Yet, many were left behind or stayed back, and have been facing harassment and discrimination.

According to activists, 1.35 lakh Pakistani Hindus have come to India since 1965 and now their population is estimated to have increased to around 5 lakh. In Rajasthan, their numbers is said to be 21,000 and counting.

Many of them take up odd jobs or live in ghettos in Jaisalmer and Jodhpur districts. Those who are lucky and better-educated find occupations that pay them more. But they often have to face difficulties because of their Pakistani citizenship.

Sodha came from his ancestral home in Sindh province of Pakistan in 2006, a year after his sisters were married off to Indian men, and has been staying with them in Jaipur until his parents came here a couple of years ago (they are not yet eligible for applying for Indian citizenship).

After school, he completed his hotel management degree from an institute in the Pink City three years ago and has been hunting for a good job. The Pakistani tag had, however, affected the process.

It took me five years to get the (Indian) citizenship. A little late, and it would have done irreparable damage to my career, Sodha said, adding that he now plans to move out of Jaipur to some metro cities to pursue a career in the hospitality industry.

A December 2016 order from the Union ministry of home affairs had given 40 district collectors, including those of Jaipur, Jodhpur and Jaisalmer, the power to award citizenships to Pakistani migrants who fulfilled the criteria for the same.

Discrimination and mistreatment

Sodha recalled how he was mistreated by people here and called a Pakistani.

At times I have been called a Pakistani by people here who couldnt quite fathom that why we are here. It felt bad, to be discriminated in across the border because of being a Hindu and in India as a Pakistani, he said.

Sandesh Kumar noted that he had to face discrimination in Pakistan too.

When I used to travel by public transport in Pakistan during Rakshabandhan, I would wipe off the tilak from my forehead and remove the Rakhi that my sister tied me. I would never call my family members by their names, in fear that they will be identified as Hindus, he told HT.

Kumar said that he can now finally breathe a sigh of relief.

I urge the government to consider our plight and reduce the eligibility criteria from seven to five years. It becomes extremely difficult in India without proper identity cards, he said, without revealing further details about himself.

Vinita did not talk to journalists on the matter.
State Congress chief Sachin Pilot on Friday said it is unfortunate that farmers of worlds largest agrarian country are committing suicide and any farmer who raises his voice, is shot.

Addressing a farmers protest meet in Kotas Itawa, Pilot said the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has the farmers as vote bank.

The BJP, which makes tall claims of sabka saath - sabka vikas, has not made any provisions uplift farmers and agriculture sector due to which the situation has worsened to such an extent that they are committing suicide, he said.

When loan to farmers can be waived in the BJP-ruled states, then why not in Rajasthan?

The BJP during the election campaign made tall promises but failed to fulfill them, he said.

The present tenure of the BJP-led state government has proved to be unfortunate, especially for farmers who have been neglected.

Every 41 minutes, a farmer is committing suicide and the anti-farmer policies of the BJP government are responsible for it, the state Congress chief said.

The BJP government at the Centre waived off loans of big industrialists but did not consider it appropriate to do the same for farmers, he said.

The minimum selling price of crops has been neither been increased nor was bonus announced due to which farmers have incurred huge losses.

The BJP government will try to suppress the farmers movement but the Congress is with the farmers, he said.

The farmers in Rajasthan cannot be suppressed by bullets or guns and their movement cannot be crushed by government.

Pilot assured farmers that the protest will continue until the government provides relief to farmers. The Congress has always and will stand by farmers, he said.

Congress general secretary and state in-charge Avinash Pande said the BJP has not fulfilled promises made during the elections due to which farmers feel cheated.

We warn the government to fulfill the promises made by the BJP, failing which Congress workers will take to the streets and continue demonstrating, he said.
The Nagaur police have arrested four people for allegedly shooting dead a 50-year-old man from Sikar district and decamping with 2 lakh.

According to the police, the attack on the man, who is a cattle trader, took place on Thursday evening.

The cattle trader, identified as Mohammed Majid was passing through Nagaur when the attack took place. A group of around five men were waiting in an SUV and attacked Majid and his father, said Ghanshyam Meena, station house officer, Chitawa police station, Nagaur.

The police said that the miscreants assaulted both the men and beat them up before opening fire on them.

The men fled the spot after opening fire, in which Majid was fatally injured. His father, who was also injured, is currently in a hospital, said Meena.

The police rushed to the spot after getting information about the incident and a search was initiated for the men.

The miscreants had gone a little far when the SUV in which they were travelling overturned. They abandoned the car and continued on foot. A team of officials, who were pursuing the men, arrested four of them late last night, said the SHO.

The police said that those arrested men have been identified as Vikram Singh, Mukesh Meghwal, Kanaram Meghwal and Rajesh Saharan.

The fifth man, Mahesh Charan managed to escape. We are searching for him, said the police.

The police said that Majid was a resident of Sikar and was engaged in cattle trading. He and his father were heading towards Kuchaman City in Nagaur district when the men attacked them.

We suspect that the miscreants had prior information that Majid and his father had money with them, as his family has said. We are investigating the case, said Meena.

We suspect that the miscreants had prior information that the Majid and his father had money with them, as his family has said. Further investigation is on in the case, said Meena.
The bows and arrows seized from a Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) office in Darjeeling on Thursday are legal items used for sporting activities, experts have told HT.

The confiscated articles, which included a compound crossbow (a bow but with short arms and long string, horizontally fitted to a rifle-like stock to ensure perfect aim) and two compound longbows (technically similar to a traditional bow but with shorter arms and longer strings attached to pulleys that generate more energy), were termed by the Mamata Banerjee government as weapons stockpiled to target police personnel.

Far from being illegal, these bows and arrows made of fibre-glass can be bought from stores as well as online shopping websites such as Amazon and eBay, experts said. The crossbow, often seen in Hollywood movies, is regularly used in competitions across the globe, they added.

Crossbow shooter Rajat Vij (second from left) at the 2013 world championship in Sweden where India took part for the first time. (Indian Crossbow Shooting Association)

Both compound crossbows and the less-powerful recurve crossbows are used in competitions where one has to hit targets set at distances ranging from 20 to 70 metres. As crossbows dont come under the purview of the Indian Arms Act, they are completely legal, said Anil Kaushik, president of the Crossbow Shooting Association of India.

The Bengal administration didnt say if any of these bows had been used against the police in Darjeeling since the unrest began last week.

The televised seizure of the bows and arrows triggered a controversy on Thursday, with GJM leaders claiming that bows and arrows recovered from the office were meant for cultural events. A crossbow or a modern compound bow can be used to injure or kill, just like a traditional bow. But then, even a common kitchen knife can be used for that purpose. Its a matter of intent, Kaushik said.

Today, crossbow shooting is gaining popularity in India. As we are affiliated to the World Crossbow Shooting Association, we regularly organise and participate in international events, said Rajat Vij, president of the Indian Crossbow Shooting Association. Crossbow shooting would probably have been more popular here if it was recognised as a regular event in the Olympics or Commonwealth Games. But thats not to be, probably because it cant be legally owned by civilians in a few countries, such as Malaysia.

A younger Amitabh Bachchan poses with a crossbow in Toofan. (File photo)

Bollywood has had its brush with the humble crossbow too. Toofan, a 1989 superhero flick directed by Ketan Desai, had Amitabh Bachchan using a bow fitted with a rifle-like butt to take on the dreaded bandit Shaitan Singh.

Bows and arrows have always been an integral part of tribal life in India, especially Jharkhand and West Bengal. In 2009, hundreds of tribals armed with traditional weapons  including bows and arrows  staged an armed protest against the Left Front government in Kolkata. Back then, the Trinamool Congress had supported them.

Police raided the main GJM office near Darjeeling on Thursday, sparking a strike call that stands to spur further violence in the hill town.

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The Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (BBAU) was back in the news after registrar Sunita Chandra, a dalit, alleged that the finance officer misbehaved with her on Thursday.

Police registered an FIR against finance officer Rama Shankar Singh on the complaint of Chandra. A case of SC/ST Act and IPC Section 323 was slapped against Singh, said Sudhakar Pandey, inspector Ashiana. Singh also lodged a complaint against Chandra.

IN A NUTSHELL The registrar alleged that the university administration was harassing her ever since she resumed duty on May 1 this year after a court order. The finance department has deprived me of HRA (Rs 7,000 to 8,000) despite the fact I was putting up in a private accommodation, said Chandra. Sources said the university top brass was apparently against the registrar as she was sympathetic towards dalit students.

The registrar alleged that the university administration was harassing her ever since she resumed duty on May 1 this year after a court order. The finance department has deprived me of HRA (Rs 7,000 to 8,000) despite the fact I was putting up in a private accommodation, she said.

Sources said the university top brass was apparently against the registrar as she was sympathetic towards dalit students. A professor challenged Chandras appointment to the university on deputation from BHU to BBAU. As the matter was subjudice, the court restrained her from official duty. But she was allowed to resume duties from May 1.

The university reduced my salary by Rs 9,000, deprived me of HRA, deprived me of an official vehicle and security, said Chandra. She wanted to report the matter to the HRD ministry, for which she needed a certified copy of her salary slip. But the university allegedly refused to oblige.

This led to a confrontation between the registrar and the finance officer. An irked Chandra registered a case against the latter.

For many days, I had been asking the officer to give me the certified copy of salary slip. But he asked me to download it from the universitys website, said Chandra.

According to Chandra, the downloaded salary slip did not serve any purpose and hence she insisted on a certified copy of it. I went to the finance officer at 5.50 pm, but he was not there. He came to the office after receiving a call from his staff, she said.

The duo entered into verbal duel as the finance officer refused to give the certified copy.

When he left the office, the registrar followed him. According to Chandra, it was here the finance officer tried to hold her hand and misbehaved. She said vice-chancellor RC Sobti was also aware of the fact that the officer was not giving her the copy of the salary slip.

When contacted, the finance officer said he never misbehaved with the registrar. Registrar Sunita Chandra slapped me, used abusive language and also threatened me. Proctor RB Ram is witness to the episode, alleged Rama Shankar Singh.

Meanwhile, Singh urged the V-C to lodge an FIR against Chandra for this incident.

The spat between the registrar and finance officer left dalit students of the university angry. They threatened to launch a stir against the university administration. Chandra is the only officer who is sympathetic towards dalit students, they said. It may be mentioned that the university had been in the news for caste controversies.
Bank Chor

Director: Bumpy

Cast: Ritiesh Deshmukh, Viveik Oberoi, Sahil Vaid, Rhea Chakraborty, Bhuvan Arora, Vikram Thapa

Rating: 1/5

Riteish Deshmukhs Bank Chor was a much-delayed project with the initial one being touted as TV star Kapil Sharmas Bollywood debut. However, the production house - Y Films - had a fallout with Sharma and he was replaced by Riteish.

Finally out in theatres, the film has been marketed as a comedy but is actually an aspiring comic-thriller. Aspiring, because it fails majorly in being a comedy, and gives us little thrilling experience. Bank Chor is director Bumpys first film.

Riteish Deshmukh, Vikram Thapa and Bhuvan Arora in a still from Bank Chor

Champak (Riteish), Gulaab (Bhuvan Arora) and Genda (Vikram Thapa) are three novice robbers trying to rob a bank. However, they happen to chose the wrong day and bank for their attempt and end up being caught  amidst a larger scam. Will they be held accountable for the bigger crime? Are they really as innocent and stupid as they seem? But the larger question is, will the gang entertain the audience?

The answer is no, they wont.

To begin with, the story is lame and the characters plain stupid. Even the background characters, like the hostages in the bank, show traits of being completely insane. When in a hostage-like situation, how can people not be concerned about their own well-being and keep helping the criminal? A few comic characters showing concern about bathroom facilities is understandable, if they otherwise wish to be set free. But an entire group of 28 people, being held at gunpoint, helping the armed robber cannot be justified. Both the robbers and the hostages are way too trusting and end up harming each other in the attempt to help.

The screenplay and characters reek of laziness on the part of the writer. While Champak is supposed to be a strong believer of vastu shashtra, Genda and Gulaab are two hot-headed losers, but except for a few dialogues, there is no assertion of these characteristics. The trio keeps arguing about Delhi Vs Mumbai (Champak is a proud Marathi manoo while Gulaab and Genda are rude, in-your-face Delhi men).

It is sad that the film fails to strike a chord even with a widely popular aspect. Champak wants to give a miss to the stash of cash under Bappa, an idol of Lord Ganesh, but the Delhi guys say, Humare yaha bappa nahi aate, toh hum utha lete hain ye paise.

Perhaps the filmmaker wanted to draw attention to the futility of the north-south divide, but he fails miserably at doing that smartly.

Riteish Deshmukh often tries to ape Abhishek Bachchan from Dhoom series while Riteishs character looks like a righteous and sanskari version of Aamir Khan from the third film of the hit series.

There are, nonetheless, some smart twists in the plot but the thrill lasts for a short span and fizzles out under the lame script. The film gains pace and gets interesting towards the end with a few more twists thrown in. But the cheeky references to Dhoom (a YRF production) kill half the charm.

It is sad to see Riteish Deshmukh in the film because he is such a waste of talent. After powerful performances in Lai Bhaari, Ek Villain and Banjo, it is a shame to see him in this joke of a film. Riteish has mostly managed to shine in the worst of films  he has the legendary Humshakals to his credit  but even he fails to rise above the mundane and lame film.

It is only in the last few minutes that we see the Ritiesh we know  but then, he is mocking himself in those shots. Vivek Oberoi, on his part, tries his best to play the supercop (an honest and smart CBI officer) who has two pistols and a whiskey bottle under his belt. Sample some of his sadist dialogues:

Is desh me 150 crore ki abaadi hai, 100-150 kam bhi ho gae to mujhe koi farak nahi padta.

Media kuch din hungama karegi fir India-Pakistan ka agla match cover karne mein busy ho jaegi.

It is best not to comment on the acting of Vikram, Bhuvan and Rhea Chakraborty (who plays a reporter) as the script offers little scope for them.

Eventually, Bank Chor proves to be the poor mans version of Dhoom. Only, this one leans on trying to be more comic than thriller and fails at doing so. Completely avoidable.

Interact with the author @swetakaushal

Follow @htshowbiz for more

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Even as the demand for farm loan waivers was at its peak and Maharashtra farmers outfits were preparing to begin their agitation, as many as 243 committed suicide in May. As many as 1,129 farmers have killed themselves between January and May this year.

Osmanabad (in Central Maharashtra) and Yavatmal (in Vidarbha) were the two districts in which the maximum farmer suicides were reported. In Amravati, 426 farmers committed suicide, while in Aurangabad, 380 did this year.

However, the number of suicides has dropped slightly, compared to last years tally of 1,293 during the corresponding period.

Officials from the agriculture department expect the number of the suicides to drop over the next few months after the governments loan waiver is implemented. In 2008, loan waivers by the then Congress-led government had brought respite to farmers. The suicide rate dropped immediately after the announcement. This time, too, the trend is likely to repeat, said an official, who did not wish to be identified.

Activists, however, said the governments loan waiver was unlikely to help reduce the rate of suicides. Farmer suicides continued despite the Sangharsh Yatra, strikes and talks of loan waiver in April and May as farmers do not have faith in political leaders. The farmers agitation was restricted to western Maharashtra. Farmers in Marathwada and Vidarbha, which have a high suicide rate, did not participate, said Amar Habib, a farm activist in Marathwada.

The government should give monthly financial aid to genuinely distressed farmers if it really wants to reduce the suicides, he added.

The Fadnavis government has announced that the loans of farmers in Maharashtra will be waived by the end of October. Waivers worth Rs33,000 crore are likely to benefit about 30 lakh farmers.

In 2016, 3,063 farmers committed suicide despite satisfactory rainfall, following three consecutive years of drought. The falling prices of agricultural produce and outstanding loan payments left the farmers distressed despite the bumper crops in 2016-17. Experts blame the failed policies of the government for the plight of the farmers.

Suicides by month 2017 2016 January 203 252 February 205 228 March 255 267 April 223 276 May 243 270 Total 1,129 1,293

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The prosecution is likely to seek capital punishment for three men -- Mustaffa Dossa, Firoz Khan, Tahir Merchant  held guilty of actively participating in the conspiracy for the 1993 serial blasts.

A special Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act court on Friday held six men -- Abu Salem, Mustafa Dossa, Firoz Khan, Tahir Merchant, Karimullah Khan, Riyaz Siddique -- guilty and acquitted Abdul Qayyum Shaikh. The prosecution is likely to begin arguments on quantum of sentence from Monday.

Siddique was not held guilty of conspiracy, but only under various sections of TADA, the maximum punishment for which is life imprisonment.

The prosecution will seek life for Salem, who was held guilty of supplying arms, ammunition and hand grenades, as the Portugal authorities had allowed his extradition only on condition that he will not be given capital punishment.

Karimullah was held guilty of being present when the conspiracy was being hatched, which, too, will attract only life.

As the court termed Dossa, Khan and Merchant active participants of the conspiracy and its execution, similar to Yakub Memon, who was awarded capital punishment, prosecution may seek death for them.

Special public prosecutor Deepak Salvi told HT, Considering their roles, we will seek maximum punishment for the convicts.

While giving the judgment, the Supreme Court held that Memon and other absconding accused were the archers, while the convicts [planters of the bombs and attackers who were awarded capital punishment] were the arrows in their hands.

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From Adarsh to Sohrabuddin Sheikh encounter, Deepak N Salvi, the public prosecutor in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts case, has handled several high-profile cases.

He got enrolled as an advocate with the Bar Council of Maharashtra and Goa in 1986. In his initial days as a junior lawyer, he worked with advocate PK Limaye at the Alibaug district and sessions court.

He later moved to the Bombay high court, where he worked as a judicial officer. He worked as the probationary district and sessions judge at Sangli for 10 months, but later resigned to resume his practice at the Bombay high court.

He was appointed as the CBIs first retainer counsel in the Bombay high court in 2011. Subsequently, he was appointed by the CBI to work as their special counsel in the VG Patil murder case at Jalgaon, Sohrabuddin Sheikh encounter case at Ahmedabad and the Mumbai serial blasts case.

He represented the Indian Army before the Adarsh Commission in Mumbai. The ministry of defence later appointed him as special counsel in the Milani land-grab case in Pune.
After trouble with the Shiv Sena, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is facing opposition from another ally, Swabhimani Paksha, headed by farmers leader Raju Shetti.

Shetti decided to skip meeting BJP national president Amit Shah on Friday. After joining the farmers protest in the state, he has now declared that he will participate in the national farmers agitation, which will start from July 6 in Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh. The participating farmers will demand for better crop prices and loan waivers.

Mandsaur has been witnessing a stir after violent agitations, in which six farmers died in a police firing last week.

Shah is on a three-day tour in Mumbai as part of the partys preparation for the Presidential election scheduled next month. The BJP president met two of its allies on Friday  Mahadev Jankar of Rashtriya Samaj Paksha and Vinayak Mete of Shiv Sangram. Shah is scheduled to meet Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday to discuss the issue.

All major organisations representing farmers in the country have called a meeting on Friday to decide on the course of action for the farmers agitation demanding loan waiver and implementation of the Swaminathan Commissions recommendations, which suggests higher minimum support price (MSP) for crops.

I had been invited to meet Amit Shah but because I am a farmers leader, a meeting protecting their interests was more important to me, Shetti said after attending a meeting of farmers organizations in Delhi.

We have now decided to start Janjagruti Yatra (an awareness campaign) from July 11 to unite farmers from all the states and fight for their rights. It will conclude on October 2 at Champaran in Bihar. Mahatma Gandhi had started his Satyagraha movement there for farmers in 1917, he added.

On October 2, the country will celebrate 100 years of Chamapran Satyagraha.

Shetti was inducted as member of the core committee formed to make the movement a success.

When the Prime Minister talks about waiving farmers loans in Uttar Pradesh, he will also have to consider farmers in other states. We demand loan waivers for all farmers, he said.

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BJP president Amit Shahs three-day Mumbai visit starts from today. Shah is scheduled to hold 27 meetings, a majority with a cross section of his party cadre and leaders to review the organisationss goal posts and preparedness for the next assembly polls.

In view of the crucial upcoming Presidential elections, Shah will meet Shiv Sena President Uddhav Thackeray at his residence Matoshree on Sunday. However, the going may not be too easy for Shah, given that the tiger has been sulking since the Brihanmumbai Municiapl Corporation (BMC) polls.

Thackeray is expected to bargain for better seats in the cabinet in the next round reshuffle in the state, before getting on board. The meeting will be significant, given that the relations between the allies have only worsened and there continues to be talk of mid-term polls.

Besides political and organisational meetings, Shah will also be meeting with a section of the citys intellectuals, writers and actors during this visit. He will also hold an interaction with senior editors on day one of his visit, and address a press conference on Saturday.

Read: Amit Shah to meet Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday on Prez poll

The BJP president will have a separate meeting on Friday evening with local actors, and on Sunday evening he will hold an interaction with intellectuals and writers. This is how Amit bhai normally organises his state visits. He wants to get a pulse of what people are saying and hearing, said a party functionary.

Within the state BJP, party functionaries and leaders slated to meet the president have been asked to work, and present to him the work undertaken by them so far. For instance, every minister will have to present important decisions or projects undertaken by them. Party functionaries will have to outline status organisational programmes and initiatives like `Sampark Abhiyan  farmers outreach programme across 46,000 state villages.

The ongoing discussion on loan waiver is likely to get discussed by Shah as will be the state of the saffron alliance. These discussions may be, however, reserved for smaller group of senior party leaders.

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As many as 23 of the Mumbai civic bodys employees, aged between 30 and 50, recently cleared their Class 10 exams, proving the old adage  better late than never.

Their determination has not only made them role models for other employees in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), but has also improved their chances of getting promotions and salary hikes, said assistant municipal commissioner Udaykumar Shiroorkar.

News of their success has spread and made other employees more confident. Employees keep asking me to enrol them in school next year, which is a good sign, said Shiroorkar, who spearheaded the campaign to improve literacy levels among the civic bodys class IV workers.

He said he was inspired to start this initiative when he visited the Dongri Municipal School and found out that it was to be shut owing to a lack of students.

I discussed the idea of going to school with a few of BMCs class IV employees, who work as sweepers, manhole cleaners and road and pipeline repairmen. I convinced them to work during the day and study at night. They agreed and enrolled at the Dongri Municipal School, the official said.

Nilesh Sawant, 37, a road maintenance worker, secured 62%. I am a matriculate today. All the credit goes to Shiroorkar saheb. Without his support, this would have not been possible, he said.

He persuaded us to study, filled our forms and helped study. He also bought our stationery, he added.

Shiroorkar, who recently felicitated the 23 workers, said he appreciated their commitment to academics.

Two workers, Jayshree Kamble and Kalpana Jadhav, travel around 44 km a day to reach work. They go to school after their work ends. Their efforts have yielded success, he said.

Jadhav, who has a seven-year-old son, said she has realised the importance of education only now.I had to quit school in 1998 owing to my familys financial constraints. But, now that I have realised the importance of education, I will make sure that my son never quits school, she said.

Kamble was happy with her results. My family and I are thankful to Shiroorkar. I am happy as I will now be acknowledged as a literate person, she said.
Tears, anger and prayers  this is how the families of the six accused reacted to their conviction in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts case.

A designated TADA court held Abu Salem, Mustafa Dossa, Firoz Khan, Tahir Merchant, Karimullah Khan, Riyaz Siddique guilty and acquitted Abdul Qayyum Shaikh on Friday.

As the judge pronounced the verdict, there were muffled conversations in the courtroom. Policemen, including those of the rank of ACP and DCP, stood guard on the fourth floor of the building.

While Salem stood in the corner of the trial box trying to avoid eye contact, Dossa seemed restless and anxious. When one of the inspectors stopped him from meeting his family, he brushed off the officer and said, Bhaag nahi jaunga [I will not run away].

Members of the Dossa family broke down in the corridor. As he walked past them, two women and a child started to cry. Dossa did not stop to talk to them. He warned them against crying.

Have faith in Allah, one woman said to his son, to which he responded, Sab kuch khatam ho gaya hai [everything is over].

Families of victims, however, want strict punishment for the guilty. Justice delayed is justice denied. We have suffered a lot till now. He [Abu Salem] must be hanged or given life imprisonment, said Kirti Ajmera.

With inputs from agencies
A major fire broke out at choreographer Terence Lewis dance academy at Khar on Friday afternoon. Around 20 dancers were rehearsing in the studio at the time. No injuries were reported.

Officials said the fire was caused by a short-circuit at Nateshwar Bhavan on Khar Danda road. It took four fire engines and two water tankers around an hour to bring the fire under control.

The fire was caused by a short-circuit in an air conditioner, said a Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) field officer Swapnil Joshi, who was at the spot.

A spark from the short-circuit landed on clothes kept next to the air-conditioner and it spread to a tarpaulin sheet placed on one side of building, said Nath M Lokhande, the duty officer at the Khar police station.

According to Joshi, the tarpualin shed was put up without permissions from the BMC. Lewis got the shed removed once the fire was doused, but declined commenting about the incident.

No one was hurt. We are looking at how much the property has been damaged, Lokhande said.
A designated court of Terrorist And Disruptive Activities (Prevention) (TADA) Act pronounced its verdict against the seven accused in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts today. Six were found guilty, while accused Abdul Qayyum was acquitted. While BJP president Amit Shah landed in the city for a 3-day visit, the Shiv Sena suggested MS Swaminathan, known for steering Indias Green Revolution programme, as its preference for the National Democratic Alliances (NDA) presidential candidate. In a new development in the murder case of model Kritika Chaudhary, who was found dead in her Andheri apartment, police suspect that she might have known her killers, as there was no forced entry into her house. Also, a major fire has been reported at a ground plus three floor building in Khar. Officials said that the fire is in a studio on the first floor of the building located at the 17th road.

Here are todays top five picks:

1. Highlights: 1993 Mumbai serial blasts accused Abu Salem, 5 more convicted, next hearing on June 19

A designated court of Terrorist And Disruptive Activities (Prevention) (TADA) Act has pronounced its verdict against the seven accused in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts today. Six were found guilty, while accused Abdul Qayyum was acquitted. On March 12, 1993, a series of 12 blasts rocked Mumbai, killing 257 people and injuring 713 others. Here are the sites of the blasts.

2. Shiv Sena suggests agri expert, 91-year-old MS Swaminathans name for President

After first pitching Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat as the countrys next president, the Shiv Sena has now suggested MS Swaminathan, known for steering Indias Green Revolution programme, as its preference for the National Democratic Alliances (NDA) presidential candidate.

3. Fire breaks out at residential building in Mumbais Khar

A major fire has been reported at a ground plus three floor building in Mumbais suburban Khar on Friday afternoon. Officials said that the fire is in a studio on the first floor of the building located at the Khar 17th road. Anandini Thakoor, a local activist present at the spot said that the fire has spread onto the tarpaulin sheet over the building. Officials from the disaster department said that four fire engines and two water tankers have been rushed to the spot.

No injuries have been reported. (HT Photo)

4. BJP president Amit Shah in Mumbai from today, will meet Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday

BJP president Amit Shahs three-day Mumbai visit starts from today. Shah is scheduled to hold 27 meetings, a majority with a cross section of his party cadre and leaders to review the organisationss goal posts and preparedness for the next assembly polls. In view of the crucial upcoming Presidential elections, Shah will meet Shiv Sena President Uddhav Thackeray at his residence Matoshree on Sunday.

5. Mumbai model Kritika Chaudharys murderer may have been known to her, say cops

The Amboli police investigating the murder of 27-year-old Kritika Chaudhary said that the murderers might have been known to her, as there was no forced entry. A police official confirmed that Kritika had consumed drugs in the past, and that they are probing the involvement of any drug dealer in her murder. He also said that a fight took place between Kritika and her murderers before she was killed. She had suffered a head injury.
You wanted affordable sushi  you got it. Regional dishes in Indian restaurants  those appeared too. Fresh ingredients - check. Foreign produce  check. Artisanal, locally grown, foreign ingredients  check, check, check.

So whats the wishlist for dining out in Mumbai? Whats yet to make the jump from Instagram to the local cafe/bistro/gastropub/fine dine/patisserie? Four restaurateurs tell us what Mumbai is now ready for.

AD Singh, managing director, Olive Bar and Kitchen

Peruvian food: Its something Ive been looking for, having tried it at Coyas Mumbai pop-up, hosted by the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in May. I feel its something the Indian palate will easily relate to. I loved the fresh flavours of the pale pink sea bass with thick noodles, and felt as if the fusion is something we Mumbaikars can really enjoy.

Cauliflower in a starring role: When I went to Sydney on a food tour, I was surprised to find the humble cauliflower headlining some Western menus. It certainly needs to make its presence more felt.

Tasting menus: Over the years Ive tried some great tasting menus including Tetsuya and Peter Gilmores in Sydney, Nobu in London and Indian Accent in Delhi. Theyre yet to come of age here and are the best way to explore a new restaurant or understand a chefs vision.

Chiptole flavour:Its not just an ingredient but a trend in the US. La Bodega Negra in London is popular for its chipotle. It has clearly demonstrated that Mexican food, presented in an easy setting with a focus on ingredients and presentation, can be very successful.

A sushi conveyor belt. The belt has still not made it to our eateries. (iStock)

Neville Vazifdar, owner, Royal China restaurants

Middle Eastern cuisine: We dont have any authentic Lebanese cuisine. It has many flavours that India can resonate with and has ample choice in vegetarian dishes. Its about time we had our share of authentic fattoush and shish taouk in the city.

Heated salt blocks: Curing thinly sliced meat and fish with blocks of Himalayan sea salt is something we need to see. It can also be used with other quick-cooking foods to bring out their flavour without chemicals or additives.

Conveyor-belt dining: Instead of sushi, we could do it with dim sum and momos.

Creative fries: French fries served with a variety of different toppings like cheese, sauces or even meats, are a rage abroad. How about we come up with fries topped with chicken tikka masala sauce?

The amuse bouche needs to be on our tasting menus. Because the two together are a great way to explore a new restaurant or understand a chefs vision. (iStock)

Pooja Dhingra, owner, Le15 Patisserie

Mexican meals: Id like to see a good Mexican restaurant in the city, because we love all things spicy! The best Mexican food Ive had is at a small taco place in Rio de Janeiro. It was a very flavoursome pork-belly taco that I remember gorging on. Id love to get some of it here.

Flour substitutes: I recently started baking cookies with bottle-gourd or doodhi flour. They have high fibre, bind beautifully and are perfect for eggless recipes.

Better food trucks: Its about time we saw more of them in a city where everything is on the fast-track. The parks in New York and Boston usually have several food trucks, making for a foodies paradise.

Cookie-ice-cream sandwiches: Those and cream-filled chocolate cakes popularised by the American brand Ring Dings is bound to find favour here.

Cuban cuisine has fantastic flavours and ingredients common with India. We need to add it to our repertoire. (iStock)

Pinky Dixit, owner, Soam

Cuban cuisine: Because it has an amazing range of dishes to offer. Its got fantastic flavours and a few ingredients that we use here in India, but cooked and flavoured differently. Something as simple as Cuban sandwiches served with plantain chips can definitely fit into Mumbai menus.

More pickles: We need to encourage the use of pickled or cured veggies in our meals, which is a trend abroad. Beans in olive oil, or Korean kimchi need to be introduced as sides.

Hot pots: The oriental DIY hot-pot format is extremely interesting. You set a pot of simmering broth or stock in the middle of the table and place plates of meat, seafood, and vegetables, all prepped and ready to be cooked in it around it. Diners choose their combinations and serve themselves a bowl.

Small bites and drinks: Serving an aperitif (a drink served as an appetizer) with fresh unlimited amuse bouche (single bite-sized starters) is a trend I saw in Torino, Italy and really hope to see in India soon. All you need to do is buy a drink, settle down in a spot and wait for the chef to churn out fresh appetizers one after the other (a new one every 20 minutes!).

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Karimullah Shaikh, an accused in the 1993 Mumbai blasts case, tells CBI how Tiger Memon got him involved in smuggling of arms and ammunition for the blasts.

Excerpts from his confession to the CBI

Born in 1963 to a dock labourer at the Mumbai Port Trust, I studied till class 7. From 1981 to 1986, I worked as a labourer. My group got into a fight with a drug dealer, Dilip Panchal, and ended up killing him. We were arrested. During our term in prison, I met gangster Ejaz Pathan and got roped into the Pathan gang and met Yeda Yakub.

After the demolition of Babri Masjid, Ejaz Pathan went to Dubai. In February 1993, Ethesham, Munna, Akbar and Shah Nawaz came to my home at Chandshawali Darga and told me that Pathan wanted to meet me at a flat near Rajasthan Hotel in Khar.

Pathan asked me to assist him in smuggling silver in coordination with one Khan. I later learned that Khan was Tiger Memon.

Khan along with Riyaz, Ethesham, Shahnawaz, Akbar and Munna came to Vashi Bridge in a blue car. Javed Chikna, Nasir, Dhakla and some other people met me at the same spot in another car.

Some of the boxes were opened in front of us. They contained machine guns, hand grenades, bombs and chemicals.

Chikna asked us to follow him. We went to Hotel Big Splash at Alibaug. Tiger, Yeda Yakub and some other boys were present at the hotel. There, Memon told us he was going to Shekhadi coast. Tiger Memon, Javed Chikna, Anwar Theba, Yeda Yakub and some boys went in a boat and came back with a bag. They took the bags and went into a hut on the bank. Memon removed machine guns and gave it to Munna, Ethesham, Anwar Theba, Javed Chikna and Shaikh Ali.

He told them to guard it. We were asked to guard the labourers. There were 100-150 boxes in the boat and each of the boxes and packets were wrapped in a cloth. The labourers unloaded the packets and put them on trucks. We followed the truck to a tower. Usman was noting down the details of the luggage.

Some of the boxes were opened in front of us. They contained machine guns, hand grenades, bombs and chemicals. Tiger asked us to shift the luggage to a room in a tower and many of the boxes were kept in secret cavities in five jeeps that left for Mumbai. Goods that could not be accommodated in jeeps were put in a truck.

I then met Ejaz, who asked me to join them at another landing. I was reluctant but Khan convinced me it was a silver consignment. But this consignment, too, was of arms. There were AK-56 rifles, ammunition, chemicals, and other weapons in the box. Tiger followed the same procedure and loaded it in a tempo and took it to Mumbra.

On hearing that Ethesham, Munna, Babulal and other boys were arrested, I called Pathan, who got me air tickets to Dubai. From there, I went to Pakistan.

One of the accused, Munna, told me that Pathan had sent Akbar, Ethesham, Shah Nawaz to Pakistan for weapons training. Later, Ethesham, Shah Nawaz and Akbar told me they could not undergo any training as there was no facility in Pakistan and they came back from Dubai.

On March 12, Munna and I rode a bike from Mahim to Bandra. I feared for my life as I felt I had been trapped by Tiger.

On hearing that Ethesham, Munna, Babulal and other boys were arrested, I called Pathan, who got me air tickets to Dubai. From there, I went to Pakistan. Pathan got me a Pakistani passport and made me his bodyguard. I was later appointed as Anees Ibrahims bodyguard.

Despite being aware of an arrest warrant against me, I came to India via Nepal and started living with my family in Mira Road. In August 2008, I was arrested from Nalasopara.
Abu Salem, one of the accused in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts case, tells the CBI about his journey from an electronics shop to a gangster.

Excerpts from his confession to the CBI:

I was born on February 2, 1965 at Saraimir Ajamgarh. My father was a lawyer. When I was around six years old, my father was killed in an accident. I studied up to Class 9 at Alamgir. In 1986, I came to Mumbai and started living with my cousin, Akhtar Ali Ansari. I started to work at his shop in Musafir Khana. In 1986, Akhtar started his own shop -- Lufty Electronics at Arsha Shopping Centre, Andheri. Soon, I started running it. I got the customs notified licence to sell foreign goods at the shop. I met Aziz who had a shop at Mahim and who frequented our store in 1992. I learned that he sold gold and silver ornaments. Wanting to make more money, I started to buy jewellery from Aziz and sell it to jewellers in Kandivli and Andheri.

During the 1993 riots, Aziz called me to his shop and asked me to accompany him to collect silver in his white Maruti car. He didnt tell me where we were going. More than two hours later, we stopped at a hotel at a place a little ahead of Bhiwandi. I dont remember the name of the hotel. The Gujarati driver made an entry in the register and rented a room in the hotel. Aziz and the driver went around the hotel, while I stayed in the room. A few hours later, Aziz told me silver will be brought in a white Maruti van. He told me to collect the keys of that vehicle and handover the keys of our car to their driver.

Sanjay Dutt took 2-3 rifles, hand grenades, a few bullets and magazines. Baba Chauhan took three rifles, magazines, hand grenades and bullets.

The car, which was registered in Gujarat, reached the hotel a few hours later. A man, in his 50s, and a woman was sitting inside. I took the consignment, gave the keys, took their car keys and left.

We came to Mumbai in their van. On our journey back home, I asked Aziz who the man was. He told me he was Riyaz Siddiqui. We first went to Mahim to drop Aziz. The driver then dropped me outside Arsha Shopping centre and left from the spot, leaving the key in the vehicle. From there, I then returned to my home in Jogeshwari.

In the evening, I met Aziz at his home. He asked me to go with Samir and Hafin, owner of Magnum video, to the bungalow of actor Sanjay Dutt at Pali Hill, Bandra. Samir and Hanif spoke to Sanjay. Later, Aziz told me to go to Dutts bungalow the next day too, this time with Baba Chauhan, brother-in-law of Aziz; Samir and Hanif.

The next morning, I went of Baba Chauhans home. He told me to get the white van (with Gujarat registration number) that was parked outside Arsha Shopping centre to Magnum video office. Baba Chauhan came there in a white Maruti Van, which we got from Riyaz in Bhiwandi. Samir also reached there in his car. From there, we went to Sanjay Dutts house.

By the end of 1993, Aziz instructed me to go to Dubai and live in his house there. Later, I moved to the US. In 2002, I was arrested from Lisbon (Portugal) and extradited to India on November 11, 2005.

Dutt called for a tool kit, which he used to open the sides and flooring of the van. The vehicle had 9-10 rifles, 80-90 hand grenades, magazines and bullets. I was seeing these things for the first time. I was shocked. I was also scared as I thought Riyaz got silver in the van.

Sanjay Dutt, Baba and Hingora saw the rifles. Dutt took 2-3 rifles, hand grenades, a few bullets and magazines. Baba Chauhan took three rifles, magazines, hand grenades and bullets.

Baba and I put the remaining weapons back in the vehicle. Baba and Samir left, while I went to Azizs shop in Mahim. I left the van outside his shop.

After 2 to 3 days, Aziz asked me to go to Dutts home, with Hanif Kadawalla and his friend Manjoor Ahmed. Dutt gave me a bag containing 2 rifles, hand grenades and bullets. After keeping the van at Mahim, I telephoned Aziz and asked what was happening. Aziz told me there was nothing to worry and the material belonged to Anwarbhai and Qayyum. He asked me to keep quiet. I later learnt the material was sent by Anees Ibrahim Kaskar and his close acquaintance and friend Qayyum. As Aziz was Anees close friend, I kept quiet.

On March 12, 1993, when there were bomb blasts in the city, I was at my shop at Andheri. After some days, Aziz told me Baba Chauhan was arrested and asked me to leave the city. I left for Azamgarh with my wife. After staying there for 2 to 3 days, I moved to Lucknow. I got passports for us in fake names -- Akil Ahmed Azmi and Salima Azmi.

By the end of 1993, Aziz instructed me to go to Dubai and live in his house there. Later, I moved to the US. In 2002, I was arrested from Lisbon (Portugal) and extradited to India on November 11, 2005. I often saw Riyaz with Aziz and Anees in Dubai.
On March 12, 1993, a series of 12 blasts in quick succession rocked Mumbai, killing 257 people and injuring 713 others. Property worth about Rs27 crore was destroyed The blasts were master-minded by gangster Dawood Ibrahim Kaskar and carried out by his henchmen, absconder Tiger Memon and others. The Black Friday attack was one of the most well-planned terror attacks on Indian soil till the 26/11 Mumbai attacks happened. It was also the first terror attack on Indian soil in which RDX was used as the explosive material

THE TRIGGER

Babri Masjid at Ayodhya was demolished on December 6, 1992. After its demolition, violence broke out throughout the country. In order to take revenge, Tiger Memon and Dawood Ibrahim hatched a conspiracy to commit a terrorist act in Mumbai

Take a look at the 12 spots, here

ABSCONDING ACCUSED: THE BRAINS BEHIND THE BLASTS Thirty-five people, including prime accused Dawood Ibrahim, associates Tiger Memon, Mohammed Ahmed Umar Dosa and Javed Chikna, are still wanted in the case DAWOOD IBRAHIM KASKAR: A constables son who rose from Mumbais underbelly, he fought a pitched battle against rival mafia dons, and gave a corporate culture to Mumbais underworld. He left the country in 1984, and emerged after nine years, as the man who sponsored the 1993 Mumbai serial blast. Dawood is believed to be in Karachi, Pakistan IBRAHIM ABDUL RAZAK MEMON ALIAS TIGER MEMON: A convent-educated student, the lure of money got Memon to Mumbais underworld. However, the riots in 1992, where his family allegedly suffered, changed his views. He then went on to plan, coordinate and execute 1993 Mumbai serial blasts. Memon, through his contacts in Mumbais underworld, travelled to Pakistan via Dubai, and chalked out the extensive plan to get RDX on the Maharashtra coast to carry out the blasts. Little has been heard about Tiger Memon since he fled the country. Police sources claim Memon shuttles between Pakistan and Dubai MOHAMMED UMAR AHMED DOSSA: Brother of Mustafa Dossa, an accused in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts, Mohammed is believed to have facilitated meetings of those involved in the blasts in Dubai. It was because of the wide network of landing agents from the Dossa company that Tiger could get explosives to the city. While Mustafa Dossa was deported to Mumbai and faces trial in the1993 Mumbai serial blast, Mohammed has become one of the top three hawala operators in the world, said sources. Mohammed, police sources said, has a chain of jewellery stores in Dubai operated under various aliases. JAVED DAWOOD TAILOR ALIAS JAVED PATEL ALIAS JAVED CHIKNA: He suffered a bullet injury in the 1992 Mumbai riots. Javed, who got the alias Chikna for his good looks, ensured the vehicles were loaded with explosives, and monitored the planting of bombs. He was in Mumbai till the blasts, after which he escaped to Dubai. Javed, too, is believed to be in Pakistan DAWOOD PHANSE: Tigers landing agent. Agreed to help after meeting Dawood in Dubai. His men unloaded RDX from boats and transported it to Mumbai SHARIF ABDUL GAFOOR PARKAR: Convicted for aiding the landing of arms and ammunition. The Raigad resident was part of Tigers smuggling operation. The 70-year-olds son Mujib has also has been convicted of the same charges.

THE INVESTIGATION

Investigation was led by then joint commissioner of police MN Singh, who later became police commissioner, and then DCP Rakesh Maria, who recently retired

A special court was set up under the draconian TADA Act (later repealed), inside the Arthur Road jail. Fifteen years later, the jail was the scene of another sensational trial, the November 26, 2008, Mumbai terror attacks

For nearly 15 years in the 1993 blasts case, four judges conducted the trial -- special judge JN Patel, special judge PD Kode, special judge UD Mulla and currently it is special Judge GA Sanap

ACCUSED FACING TRIALS AND THEIR ROLES

Mustafa Dossa

ARRESTED: March 20, 2003

CHARGES: He has been charged with arranging landing of arms, ammunition and explosives at Dighi in Raigad district and participating in the blast conspiracy

Abu Salem Ansari

ARRESTED: August 2, 2005

CHARGES: Charged with supplying arms, ammunition and hand grenades

Riyaz Ahmed Siddique

ARRESTED: August 2, 2005

CHARGES: Siddique is charged with transporting explosives in a van, which were later used in the blasts

Abdul Qayyum Shaikh

ARRESTED: February 13, 2007

CHARGES: He has been charged with accompanying Abu Salem to Sanjay Dutts house to deliver arms and ammunition

Firoz Khan

ARRESTED: February 5, 2010

CHARGES: Charged with arranging transportation and distribution of arms, ammunition and explosive

A bomb being defused at Naigaum. (HT FILE PHOTO)

Mohammad Tahir Merchant Alias Tahir Taklya

ARRESTED: June 8, 2010

CHARGES: Charged with making arrangements to send other convicts to Pakistan for training

Karimullah Shaikh

ARRESTED: August 21, 2008

CHARGES: He has been charged with smuggling arms into the country through the Shekhadi coast of Raigad district

KEY DATES IN THE CASE

MARCH 12, 1993: At least 12 blasts rock Mumbai. 257 people killed, 713 injured.

JUNE, 1995: Trial begins in TADA court in Mumbai, which is housed in high-security Arthur Road jail

SEPTEMBER 2006: 100 accused, including Yakub Memon (brother of prime accused Tiger Memon), are convicted.

JULY 13, 2006: Gangster Abu Salems trial is separated from the other accused.

JULY 27, 2007: Judge PD Kode of the TADA courts awards death sentence to Yakub.

JULY 30, 2015: Yakub is hanged to death.

Mangled remains of a car at BSE. (HT FILE)

HOW IT WAS PLANNED

Mohammad Dossa held the first meeting on January 1, 1993, in Hotel Persian Darbar, Panvel

On January 19, 1993, Dawood Ibrahim and Tiger Memon held another meeting in Dubai. At the meeting, they made a blueprint of the plan. Tiger agreed to arrange for landing of arms, ammunition and explosives

The arms and ammunition were delivered from Dubai and Pakistan through the sea route

Between February 2 and February 8, 1993, two more consignments of arms, ammunition, detonators, hand grenades and explosives like RDX were delivered at Shekhadi Coast in Raigad district

On March 4, 1993, Tiger Memon called for a preparatory meeting at Taj Mahal Hotel.

On March 7, 1993, another meeting was held at the house of Shafi, where Tiger Memon formed separate groups for reconnaissance of targets.

On March 8, 1993, another meeting was held at the residence of Babloo, where Tiger Memon finalized the targets

On March 10, 1993, a meeting was held at the house of Mobina alias Bayamoosa Bhiwandiwala In the second meeting, Tiger Memon distributed Rs5,000 to each one of them and again formed groups.

On the intervening night of March 11 and March 12, 1993, another meeting was held at Al-Hussaini Building, Dargah Street, Mahim, where details of the plan were finalised. Co- conspirators stored explosives such as RDX and firearms in garages owned by Memons and their relatives at Al-Hussaini building

On March 12, 1993, bombs and other explosives were planted at various places.

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The family of a 76- year-old brain-dead woman from Thane on Thursday saved the lives of three patients who were diagnosed with end-stage diseases. This was the 25th cadaver donation in the city this year, according to data maintained by the Zonal Transplant Coordination Committee.

The woman, Nirmala Galgali , was declared brain-dead on June 5. The family donated her kidneys and liver to the three patients. Galgali was rushed to a nursing home in Thane on June 14. Doctors there referred her to a larger facility. She was later shifted to Apollo Hospital, Navi Mumbai.On June 15, she died of intracranial bleeding.

Doctors from the hospital counselled her family about organ donation. This is the second cadaver donation from the hospital.

The liver was transplanted into a 49- year-old man from Navi Mumbai and a kidney into a 50-year old man from Thane. Both were at Apollo Hospital in Mumbai. The other kidney was donated to a patient at PD Hinduja Hospital, Mahim.

Dr Darius F Mirza of Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai, said The donor continues to be alive in these three individuals and we sincerely thank the family for donating her organs.
Maharashtra health minister Dr Deepak Sawant on Thursday suggested that each government employee adopt a malnourished child from Palghar who is receiving help from the government and track their progress. He said that such supervision would help eliminate malnutrition from Palghar. I want each government employee to adopt one malnourished child. The adoption doesnt mean giving monetary help to the children. Instead, officials must ensure that each malnourished child benefits from our welfare schemes, Dr Sawant said.

The health minister was speaking at the launch of a special drive to curb malnutrition in Palghar, which has witnessed a large number of malnutrition deaths despite its proximity to Mumbai.

Last year, more than 300 children from Palghar died of malnutrition.

If government officials and employees join hands with social workers, I am sure we will be able to improve the health of such children, he added.

Under the special drive, government officials and ministers will visit 26 tribal villages in Palghar every weekend.

They will also and form groups comprising sarpanch, aanganwadi workers and gramsevaks to provide nutritious meals to malnourished children.

In the past four months, the state has organised 82 medical camps with the help of private and public hospitals.

Of 6,481 children checked, 1,493 were severely malnourished and 2,945 were moderately malnourished.

To deal with rising number of malnutrition deaths, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis last year formed a task force headed by the health minister. It will recommend long term measures to tackle malnutrition.

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After declaring controversial preacher, Zakir Naik's school asillegal, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is now cracking its whip on other unauthorised primary schools in the city. It has identified 193 schools across Mumbai running without government permits and has sent show-cause notices to shut them down. Their students might be moved to municipal schools.

Out of the 193 illegal schools, 140 offer English-medium curriculum from classes 1 to 8, some are attached to secondary schools up to class 10. Most are located in slum pockets of the city such as Antop Hill, Sion Koliwada, Jogeshwari, Behram Baug, while the rest are scattered from south Mumbai to central and western suburbs.

The civic-body has come up with this list after a period of four years- 29 illegal schools were asked to shut down in 2012. Parents take note that these schools are not recognized by the government. So do not approach them for admissions, said Mahesh Palkar, education officer, BMC.

BMC is consulting with the states legal department on the implications of closing the schools down. They will be fined Rs 10, 000 to Rs 2 lakh daily for operating without authorisation, stipulated under the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009. If necessary we will move the students to our civic schools, added Palkar.

READ: Zakir Naiks illegal school in Mumbai faces penalty

Palkar said that the BMC will consider giving them approvals if they send their proposals for recognition. However, approvals can only be given if the school meets with the 14 infrastructure norms of the RTE Act, such as having a compound wall, student teacher ratio of 1:30, prescribed number of classrooms, headmistress, and drinking water facilities, among others.

But most of these schools are not likely to meet the required criteria, so it will be tough to give them approvals. Many of these schools are operating from a couple of rooms. They do not have their own building or any infra-structure, said another education officer.

Activists are in favour of moving the students to civic-schools, enrolment in which is declining as parents prefer to admit their students in private schools through the 255 quota for economically weaker sections. Civic-schools have the infrastructure and teachers, which is being wasted right now as students are moving to private schools. Transferring the students here will be a good idea, said Nitin Wadhwani, founder director, Citizens Association for Child Rights, which works closely with child rights.

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Eight-year-old Hazequa Kapadia, who was in a coma for more than a month after a cooking pan fell on her head, attended school on Thursday after two-and-a-half months.

Holding her mothers hand, Kapadia climbed up four floors of her school building. The second we reached the campus, she let loose of her mothers hand and greeted her friends. She was so thrilled to see her friends and teachers, said Faizan , her father.

To friends who couldnt make it to the hospital, she told them all about how she was put on ventilator support for 15 days, he said. On March 31, Kapadia was on her way home, when a tawa flung off the thirteenth floor of the high-rise apartment she lives in fell on her head.

READ: Mumbai girl hit by tava thrown from 13th floor back home after 2-month stay in hospital

She was rushed to the BYL Nair Hospital at Mumbai Central, and the doctors had said her chances of survival were slim. She was later shifted to Bombay Hospital at Marine Lines.

Doctors performed a brain surgery, and had to push out a part of her skull bone that had pierced into her brain in the impact. Soon after surgery, she started recovering quickly, Dr Keki Turel, professor and head of neurosurgery at Bombay Hospital had told HT.

A healthy Kapadia was discharged on June 6, two months after she was admitted. Her parents said god had answered their prayers. She had a speedy recovery. We have to take her to the doctor check ups next month, but other than that, she is back to normal said her father.
The Amboli police investigating the murder of 27-year-old Kritika Chaudhary said that the murderers were known to her, as there was no forced entry.

A police official confirmed that Kritika had consumed drugs in the past, and that they are probing the involvement of any drug dealer in her murder.

He also said that a fight took place between Kritika and her murderers before she was killed. She had suffered a head injury.

Three small holes were found above her right ear, made with a brass knuckle. The weapon, with blood stains, was recovered from her rented room on the fifth floor of an SRA building near Andheri RTO, where the murder took place.

According to the statement by her buildings watchman, he last saw her entering the buildings premises around 2.30 am on June 8 with the two men. The police are trying to identify the two men who, as of now, are the prime suspects.

Kritika was not seen by anyone after that, and the police suspect she was murdered that night.

The murder came to light On June 12, when a pungent stench started emanating from Kritikas room. She was found in a semi-nude state, lying on her bed with a towel wrapped around her face. The police are hoping to get leads from her mother and brother, but they do not suspect anyone.
After first pitching Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat as the countrys next president, the Shiv Sena has now suggested MS Swaminathan, known for steering Indias Green Revolution programme, as its preference for the National Democratic Alliances (NDA) presidential candidate.

Shiv Sena Member of Parliament (MP) from Rajya Sabha, Sanjay Raut, on Friday told the media:, The Shiv Senas first preference for the NDAs presidential candidate is RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat. But if the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is opposed to Bhagwats candidature, then it should declare green revolution expert MS Swaminathan as the presidential candidate.

MS Swaminathan is a geneticist and an international administrator. He is referred to as the Indian Father of the Green Revolution for his leadership in the development of high-yielding varieties of wheat in the country.

Read: BJP president Amit Shah in Mumbai from today, will meet Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday

Incidentally, BJP chief Amit Shah, who is on a three-day visit to the city, will meet Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday morning, likely to seek his partys support for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidate.

Voting for the presidential election is scheduled on July 17, while the counting will take place on July 20, four days before the term of current President Pranab Mukherjee ends.

The Sena suggested Bhagwats name twice , trying to embarrass the BJP by saying only a president like him can take the country towards the direction of a Hindu nation,ensure that the Ram Temple is built, and a uniform civil code is put into force. Bhagwat, however, ruled himself out.

With 18 MPs and 63 Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLA), the Shiv Sena has 25,893 votes with the party for the election, as the electoral college for the presidential election includes 708 points for every MP and 175 for every legislator from Maharashtra.

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After supporting farmers outfits across the state in their demand for a loan waiver, which the Maharashtra government recently sanctioned, the Shiv Sena now wants the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to exchange old notes worth Rs2,771.856crore in central cooperative banks for new ones.

The party said this will help the banks disburse fresh loans to farmers, which was the objective of the waiver.

Sena minister Diwakar Raote said that demonetisation had hit several cooperative banks, which found themselves unable to sanction farm loans. The condition of at least 14 of these district banks is very severe, he added.

Maharashtras district cooperative banks had Rs 2,771.86 crore in old notes as of March 18, 2017. The figure was Rs 5,458.59 crore on November 14, 2016, while the Central government effected demonetisation on November 9.

Raote said, These banks are the backbone of the rural banking system. The point of a loan waiver is to ensure that farmers get fresh debt. But, demonetisation has strained the cooperative banks. Neither can they invest these old notes, nor use them anywhere in the credit system. The RBI should look into the plight of the farmers in Maharashtra and exchange all the old notes.

Raote said he had already raised the issue with revenue minister Chandrakant Patil, who had assured that he would talk to chief minister Devendra Fadnavis. If the RBI cannot step in, the state government should help the banks move forward. If needed, the government can take action against people who deposited most of the demonetised notes.

There are 31 district central cooperative banks in the state. Besides, the district banks of Beed, Osmanabad, Dhule and Nandurbar, and Ratnagiri have some amount of cash in the decommissioned notes. The banks of Pune, Nashik and Sangli are the worst affected, with Rs 573.89 crore, Rs 341.01 crore and Rs 315.8 crore in old notes, respectively.

Soon after the demonetisation, which the Sena bitterly criticised, the party demanded that district central cooperative banks should be allowed to accept and exchange old notes. Party leaders joined an opposition parties march to protest against demonetisation and also led a delegation to the finance minister as well as Prime Minister Narendra Modi to press their demand.

Read more

1,129 farmers in Maharashtra committed suicide from Jan to May, loan waiver wont help: Activists

Farm loan waiver: Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray warns of political earthquake

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The Ghaziabad police on Friday arrested two alleged vehicle thieves on charges of entering Ghaziabad daily from Meerut and making away with stolen vehicles. The police said that the duo then sold the vehicles to a scrap dealer in Muzaffarnagar.

The two were nabbed from near Dasna toll plaza on NH-24 after police teams chased them for over five kilometres.

The duo, Zeeshan and Shahnawaz, aged 24 and 21, respectively, are related and used to mostly steal bikes parked in public places. The two had stolen a bike from Shastri Nagar on Thursday afternoon, around 2.30pm, but the owner spotted them.

The owner took a lift from a biker who was passing by and chased them. In between, he found a police team and signalled to them about the thieves fleeing with his bike. We got on a patrol bike and chased the two accused. They rode onto Hapur Road and then towards NH-24. When they slowed down near the toll plaza, the police team nabbed them, said Beenu Singh, sub-inspector, Kavi Nagar police station.

Following their arrest, they revealed that they came to Ghaziabad almost daily from their house in Lisadi Gate, Meerut for stealing bikes, according to the police.

After stealing bikes, we used to go to Muzaffarnagar where the stolen bike was handed over to Sadiq, a scrap dealer. He used to dismantle the bikes and sell them for parts. We were paid Rs5,000 per bike. We were unemployed so we started stealing bikes and even prepared master keys to unlock them, Shahnawaz said.

Following the information about Sadiq, a police team also went to search him at Muzaffarnagar but he fled.

The two have accepted their involvement in stealing more than 100 bikes in the last couple of months. We also recovered three bikes on their instance. We were also able to connect these two bikes to cases of vehicle thefts. The bikes were parked amid bushes in Kavi Nagar industrial area, Singh said.

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UP Police chief Sulkhan Singh on Friday said that the police will soon arrest those responsible for the recent Jewar gang-rape, murder and robbery.

I wont disclose the details of the investigation by the police in this case but we are sure of nabbing the culprits soon. We have reached a conclusion, said Singh.

On May 25, a family from Jewar was waylaid by a gang of robbers nearby the Yamuna Expressway, after which the robbers allegedly raped four women and killed a man. The police received widespread criticism for their failure to curb crimes along the expressway.

The director general of police (DGP) met senior police officials under Meerut range in Greater Noida on Friday for the first time since his appointment to discuss the law and order situation in the western belt of UP, which is close to the national capital.

Gautam Budh Nagar senior superintendent of police (SSP) Love Kumar, superintendent of police (rural) Suniti and other police officials of Hapur, Meerut and Ghaziabad attended the meeting at the SSPs office in Surajpur.

DGP Singh also spoke about the need to increase patrolling on expressways and highways in Delhi-NCR in the wake of increasing crimes. We have also tried to increase the number of police personnel patrolling the highways and expressways near and in Noida, Greater Noida and Ghaziabad. The number of PCR vans has also been increased, Singh said.

Singh said that all efforts are being made to ensure that the law is enforced in the region and the residents are satisfied with the response of the police.

This region, especially Gautam Budh Nagar, has always been sensitive due to past incidents. However, the response of police has been equally good to curtail violence and maintain law and order. We have also lauded the efforts of police in such cases, said Singh.

The DGP also dismissed allegations that Saharanpurs Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar Azad is being framed by the police.

Azad, a lawyer turned activist, was arrested by UP Police in Himachal Pradesh on June 8 after being on the run for 30 days following the May 9 violence in Saharanpur between Thakurs and Dalits. He has been charged with instigating violence and enmity between groups through social media.

The evidence, on the internet and social media, is on record. These allegations are baseless, said Singh.

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Coming from small towns and humble backgrounds, seven students of Vidyagyan School (Bulandshahr and Sitapur) will be heading to the United States of America (USA) to study in reputed colleges.

Seven years ago, these children had never stepped out of their villages. However, an intervention by Shiv Nadar Foundation resulted in their enrolment in Vidyagyan School in class 6. Thus started the journey that has brought them here.

Today, they are all set to study in reputed universities such as Virginia Tech, University of California, Davis, Purdue University, Penn State University, Ohio State University and Wellesley College.

The students shared their experiences and thoughts about the prospect of studying in America. Many have already started preparing for the American lifestyle through changes in eating habits, dressing and speaking. They will also receive training from HCL to understand the work and education system of the US and to get acquainted with the American lifestyle.

I have heard a lot about American culture. People over there are much more practical and understanding. They are focussed on their goals and are rarely intrusive. Most of all, they never ask people about their marks as people do in India, said Himanshu (17), a student from Pilibhit who will be studying general engineering from Virginia Tech University. As a child, he was also kidnapped by human traffickers, but thankfully rescued a few days later.

Of the seven students, Manvi Chaudhary (18) from Amroha has been to the US two years ago. She had stayed in Minneapolis for 10 months in a student exchange-cum-scholarship programme. She will now to pursue International Relations from Wellesley College.

Those 10 months were an amazing experience for me as I made a lot of friends. As I have been to the US and I know the dos and donts over there, it is a fun experience to teach my friends here, she said.

My whole village knows that I will be flying to the US in August and my family is buzzing with excitement. After all this hysteria, I want to prove myself now, said Darshan Kumar (17) from a Shahjahanpur village who will be studying computers and information security from Ohio State University.

Read I Students put up a visual treat at Amity youth fest in Noida

However, behind all their excitement lies a story of their struggles rising from underprivileged backgrounds to eventually achieve a good education.

Kumar, whose father is a tailor, comes from a family of seven. Before enrolling in Vidyagyan School in Sitapur, he had never stepped out of his village. Similarly, Sumit Kumar (17), from Mainpuri, who will be studying computer engineering from Penn State University, belongs to a farmers family. Despite coming from an impoverished background where he never had access to a personal computer, Kumar has developed useful software tools for his secondary school such as Mess Feedback System, entry/exit management system, hostel room management and library management software.

I hope to be hired by IT giants such as Google and Facebook once I complete my education, he said.

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Our institutions and traditions are nurtured by our rich and diverse cultural heritage and democratic ethos  this is part of the rather astounding response by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to an editorial in the New York Times that referred to the alarming levels of intimidation of the news media in India with reference to the recent raids on the homes and offices of Prannoy Roy, the founder of the television channel NDTV. Whatever the merits or demerits of the NDTV case, the CBI is hardly qualified to respond to an editorial in a foreign newspaper and tell it that India does not require any lesson in freedom of the press from it.

The CBI has no jurisdiction or competence to answer questions of editorial propriety either in the foreign press or the Indian press. Its rambling response in which it takes upon itself the role of a government spokesperson further erodes its credibility and is inappropriate to say the least. The CBI is an investigative agency and to take on a case for press freedom and rail against an editorial should not be in its remit. In fact, with this ham-handed response from a CBI spokesman, the issue of intimidation and vendetta, which the government is being accused of, gets further attention and credence.

The government of India has several competent bodies that can answer a foreign editorial or report which is seen as negative. The ministry of external affairs has a huge press and protocol wing, the Press Information Bureau has competent officials and it is they who should be doing this job.

The CBI has no experience in dealing with such matters and indeed it should stick to its core competence. That India has a robust and independent judiciary that protects democratic freedom hardly needs any reiteration by the CBI nor is it relevant to the editorial which speaks of intimidation of the press.

If the editorial is deemed to be one-sided, there are proper channels in which the governments point of view can be conveyed, but certainly not through the very organisation that conducted the raid. This sort of response and out-of-turn remarks does nothing to bolster the credibility of either the CBI or indeed the government. The CBI has in past too been accused by sections of the Indian media of acting in a less than impartial manner. Does this mean that any organisation which is criticised should feel that it has the competence and legitimacy to take on those criticising it? And bringing in Indian culture and heritage on an issue dealing with press freedom is farcical to put it kindly.

The very wording of the rebuttal shows a level of amateurishness and lack of focus. This does more harm than good if its intention was to rush to the defence of the government. The CBI does not have to state the obvious, that it fully respects the freedom of the press. In which case, it ought not to have rushed in with this counter to the NYT which has the full freedom to say what it thinks fit.

The NDA should pull up the CBI for overstepping its limits. It should get on with its job of prosecuting cases of financial impropriety without fear or favour instead of taking on roles which are out of its ken and for which it is certainly not qualified.

@LalitaPanicker

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Offence is the best form of defence, they say. Emboldened by a divided opposition, the Congress government was able to outwit its rivals by going on the offensive during the debate on the governors address on Friday.

The Shiromani Akali Dal-BJP alliance had harped on a farm debt waiver, and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on the sand mine auction controversy, on the first two days of the budget session. On the third day, the AAP scored a self-goal when its senior MLA Sukhpal Khaira uploaded a Facebook live video of unruly scenes in the house between Akali Dal and Congress MLAs. He was suspended for the rest of the session, leaving AAP with little firepower. Its ally Lok Insaaf Partys Simarjeet Bains was already suspended on Thursday for the session by speaker Rana KP Singh.

The elder Bains brother, Balwinder, sat on the floor next to his chair throughout the days proceedings, as a mark of protest. The AAP, however, did not boycott the debate following Khairas suspension, though its MLA Kanwar Sandhu asked the speaker to allow Khaira to attend the session till the Privileges Committee gave its report.

The SAD seemed rudderless with neither former CM Parkash Singh Badal, nor party president Sukhbir Badal, nor former minister Bikram Singh Majithia present during the debate. Former finance minister Parminder Singh Dhindsa put up a meek defence to the tirade from treasury benches.

Congress MLA Raj Kumar Verka moved the motion of thanks on the governors address (made during the first session of the new government in March). In his speech spiced with couplets and proverbs, Verka targeted the Badals and Majithia as bhagore (absconders) and asked the opposition how a minister (Rana Gurjit Singh) could be faulted if someone that he knows bought a mine worth lakhs for crores and enriched the state treasury!

SAS Nagar MLA Balbir Singh Sidhu, who seconded the motion, accused the previous SAD-BJP government of looting the state, of using the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) for personal gains; and cited cases of corruption against its ministers and other leaders.

Bring MLAs under conflict-of-interest law: AAP

AAP MLA Aman Arora, also the partys co-president for Punjab, questioned the delay in bringing the reforms mentioned in the governors address, such as a law to end monopoly over cable network, the delay in a new transport policy, and the alleged dilution of the proposed conflict-of-interest law.

The CM has said that the law will only cover the CM and ministers, and not MLAs. Why should the MLAs not be unseated if the are found guilty of conflict of interest? he said. He also took a dig at finance minister Manpreet Badal for saying their government cannot end mafia raj in the first year.

From the SAD, Nakodar MLA Gurpartap Singh Wadala alleged that Congress leaders were now acting as halqa in-charges. When reminded by treasury benches that the SAD had introduced the system, Wadala retorted, Two wrongs do not make a right. The CM intervened to say the halqa in-charge system of the Akalis had been disbanded and the Congress had no such precedent.

The BJPs blink-and-you-miss presence in the House  two of its three MLAs were present  did not help matters for its ally. BJP legislator Som Parkash took on local bodies minister Navjot Sidhus allegations of misuse of funds of the department, giving Sidhu the opportunity to hammer him with his Sidhuisms. You were attached to the then local bodies minister (BJPs Anil Joshi) when tubewells worth Rs 13 lakh were installed for Rs 27 lakh, Sidhu said. For every intervention by SAD MLAs, Sidhu shot back with: Tusi das saal sutte paye si (Were you sleeping for 10 years)?

Punjab cabinet minister Navjot Singh Sidhu and finance minister Manpreet Singh Badal along with others during a press conference in Chandigarh on Friday. (Keshav Singh/HT Photo)

AAP legislator Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer questioned the heroin seizures claimed by the government. The arrests show the average quantity of heroin seized is just a few grams. This proves the government is catching addicts, and the crocodiles are sitting safely in their havens, he said.

Congress strikes back, speaker smiles

Embroiled in the sand mining controversy, the three-month-old government was able to tackle the opposition by the fiery speech of Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, who heaped lavish praise on the CM and mimicked Sukhbir, Kejriwal and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, using drama and substance.

Now I know why Captain is called babbar sher (lion) by Punjabis. Where is Sukhbir who thumped his chest and said he will rule Punjab for 25 years? And what happened to the billa? I mean the Proud to be Akali badges, Warring said. He then trained his guns at AAPs poll slogan, Kejriwal, Kejriwal, sara Punjab tere naal (Kejriwal, the whole of Punjab is with you). Where are the 100 seats that the AAP was winning? Now even a Delhi minister has levelled allegation of taking bribe against the CM (Kejriwal), he said.

Leader of opposition HS Phoolka sprang to his feet along with other AAP MLAs at the mention of the Delhi CMs name, saying that Kejriwal is not a part of the House. Amarinder could not help taking a jibe too. He got up to tell the AAP that the CBI has just now raided the premises of their deputy CM in Delhi.

Aam Aadmi Party leaders protesting outside Punjab Vidhan Sabha in Chandigarh on Friday. (Keshav Singh/HT Photo)

Even the speaker seemed to allow Warring a lot of legroom. He defended Warrings naming Sukhbir, who too was not present in the House, saying he is a member and can defend himself later. On the mention of Kejriwal, who is not a member of the House, the speaker said one can use a name along with the word allegation. He could not hide his smile as Warring mocked and mimicked opposition leaders and Captain took a dig too.

Before ending his speech, Warring gave Rana Gurjit the clean chit by saying the governments job is to see its coffers do not suffer. Finding out the source of money of the bidders of sand mining is the job of the Enforcement Directorate and the income tax department. Our countrys law and Constitution say you cannot pronounce anyone guilty until he is proven guilty, he said.

Cong MLAs wanted share too

Pointing towards SAD legislator Kanwarjit Singh Rozy Barkarndi, he said, My brother from Muktsar made Rs 9.5 crore daily from sand mines out of Rs 10 crore of daily business. Many Congress MLAs wanted to get our share in the spoils of power, too, but Captain told us to have tea and then showed us the door, Warring said.

Barkandi stood up in protest but Warring had the last laugh by saying, I did not name anyone.

Later, SAD MLA NK Sharmas speech was interrupted by ruling benches and the speaker asked the AAP MLAs to speak. The Congress strategy of divide-and-rule paled the AAPs strategy to allow more speakers and the SADs to have meek speakers.

The debate lasted three hours. It will formally conclude on Monday with the CMs speech.

Sidelights

Barb of the day

This came from none other than CM Captain Amarinder Singh who got up to express his sadness at the questioning of Delhi deputy CM Manish Sisodia by the CBI on Friday. I just read the news. I am deeply pained by it, he told AAP leaders. But the smile on his face and that of his cabinet colleagues and the assembly speaker betrayed their emotions.

Cook of the day

Power and irrigation minister Rana Gurjit Singh loves to host people and remind them of his kind gesture. When AAP MLA Baljinder Kaur said he was not giving them an audience over irrigation issues, the minister told her he had invited leader of opposition HS Phoolka for lunch when the latter had called up. An angry Phoolka stood up to say that he wanted to meet the minister with his delegation of MLAs for some work and not lunch. But Rana never misses the chance to cook up a controversy, be it lunch invites or sand mining contracts allegedly awarded to his cook.

Slip of the day

Congress MLA Raj Kumar Verka fumbled on numbers and kept quoting Rs 1,026 crore as the amount Congress government made from sand mining auctions. The figure had actually reduced to Rs 300 crore as many bidders defaulted. But Verka was trying to make the point that the government coffers had swelled. So did his numbers.

Lost in tenses

Congress MLA Balbir Sidhu referred to former CM Parkash Singh Badal as the CM and the previous government as the incumbent one quite a few times. A Congress MLA referred to former finance minister Parminder Singh Dhindsa as the FM leaving Manpreet Badal blushing.

MLA of the day

The crown goes to soft-spoken Akali Dal MLA Gurpartap Singh Wadala. He started his speech by saying both the Opposition and treasury benches should stick to debating issues in the governors address. He then reminded the speaker that there should be no pick-and-choose policy for MLAs. During the last government, then leader of opposition Charanjit Singh Channi had uploaded a video of his speech from the House. Why has Sukhpal Khaira been suspended for a similar act? he asked.

Man of the match

Congress MLA Amrinder Singh Raja Warring was patted by the CM and hugged by ministers and MLAs after his speech. Known for his histronics, Warring had become a selfie sensation during the sit-in of Congress MLAs when in opposition. This time, some Congress MLAs quipped, his speech could well bag him a berth in the cabinet.

Pairs of the day

Every party has its pairs, and the Congress is no exception. They may seem like next-in-line competitors but ministers Navjot Singh Sidhu and Manpreet Badal held a joint briefing at the press gallery and later entered the session together. They sit next to each other and appear to be friends. The other pair is of Rana Gurjit Singh and Faridkot MLA Kushaldeep Dhillon. The two were sitting together and chatting as their MLAs debated on the governors address. Whats common? You will have to dig deeper to know!

Flight of the day

Congress MLS Balbir Sidhu referred to a former Akali minister whose department allegedly sold fake pesticide for cotton crop. When the Akalis objected, Sidhu said, I said Tota (a bird) not Tota Singh! Sidhu had more in his kitty. Mocking Sukhbir Badals bus terminal project at SAS Nagar that boasts of a helipad, he said, No bus comes there. Those who want to board a bus, take the helicopter!

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The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has decided to install photographs of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and other Sikhs killed during Operation Bluestar in the memorial gallery inside Darbar Sahib complex, Amritsar.

The decision was taken at the SGPC executive committee meeting held on Thursday. The meeting was presided by SGPC chief Kirpal Singh Badungar. Talking to the media after the meeting, Badungar said 300 photographs of the Sikhs killed during the Operation Bluestar, including Bhindranwale, General Subegh Singh, Thara Singh and others, would be installed in the memorial.

The executive committee also passed a resolution supporting the SGPC participation in the statewide dharnas organised by Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) in association with the BJP against the Capt Amarinder Singh government on June 12.

The committee also supported the walkout by SAD from Punjab assembly on the obituary references to former DGP KPS Gill stating his name did not deserve to be included in the list of the persons for the purpose.

The SGPC also passed a resolution to contest cases of nearly 40 members of the Sikligar and Vanjara communities who are lodged in jails in other states.

They are wanderers, poor and uneducated and have nobody to fight for their cause. They have faith in Sikhism and they used to make weapons for the Gurus. False cases were registered against them, said Badungar. The SGPC will admit 100 children from the two communities to provide them skill development courses in its colleges. It will open 10 centres outside Punjab to run courses on stitching to their women, said Badungar.

Most of the population of two was living in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Karnatka and Bihar.

Rs 1 LAKH EACH TO 11 SIKHS KILLED IN PILIBHIT

Badungar announced that SGPC will give Rs 1 lakh each to 11 Sikhs killed in Uttar Pradeshs Pilibhit jail in 1994 and Rs 50,000 to the 21 injured. He said they would pay fees of lawyers contesting cases of Sikh families killed at Hondh Chillar village in Haryanas Rewari district during the 1984 riots.
Management programmes are growing increasingly popular at the undergraduate level, largely due to the numerous career opportunities that become available to graduates after the course. The fact that BBA programmes enhance business skills makes them all the more relevant in a world that is driven by constant flux. In fact, a BBA programme is a perfect fit because it meets the high demand for managerial roles across various industries.

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Apart from this, MRU offers BBA (Entrepreneurship & Family Business) in association with the National Entrepreneurship Network (NEN), MSME, and National Institute for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (NIESBUD). A course in BBA (Health Care Management) is also available at the institute, which is offered in association with Cygnus Hospitals.

While the BBA (General) programme enables students to understand the business environment, along with marketing, finance, and quantitative analysis, the BBA (Banking and Financial Markets) provides students a fascinating avenue for exploring the banking world. The course is run with inputs from ICICI Direct, an educational vertical of ICICI and a leading knowledge hub in the field of banking, derivatives, bond and stock market, and international financial management.

BBA (International Business) at MREI takes business studies to a whole new level, by training students in the global aspects of various business operations, so that they can work well in companies with international operations. The programme is conducted in collaboration with Auckland Institute of Studies (AIS), New Zealand, which provides curriculum and accreditation support. Students are provided Level-5 Diplomas after two years of the course and are free to complete their Bachelors Degree from AIS, New Zealand. What makes the course well-rounded is the exchange of faculty and students as well as expert lectures from both sides delivered on Skype.

At MRU, BBA (Finance & Accounts) provides international credibility with USAs CMA qualification and direct membership of ICWAI. This curriculum is aligned with Association of International Accountants (AIA). The students also undergo training and have access to Bloomberg terminals and software.

While pursuing BBA (Entrepreneurship & Family Business) at MRU, students are mentored and provided infrastructural support for a new venture creation, through Manav Rachna Innovation and Incubation centre (MRIIC). They also have access to management simulation on software licensed by Marketplace, U.S.A Simulation Games, along with platforms like Startup Jalsa, Angel networks, and UpGrad. In addition, they are given opportunities to participate in entrepreneurial contests such as Accenture Innovation Jockey and Google Innovation.

Considering the boom in the health care industry, the BBA course (Health Care Management), in association with Cygnus Hospitals, provides unlimited opportunities. The programme provides On-the-Job Training (OJT) from the second semester onwards, where students are trained by doctors and managers of Cygnus Hospitals and health care professionals, in addition to hospital and facility visits.

All BBA programmes focus on experiential and outcome-based learning. To give a real corporate feel, the BBA students are trained in business process re-engineering and corporate culture, informs Dr Suresh Bedi, Dean, Faculty of Commerce & Business, MRU. With more than 40 years of experience, his areas of interest span from Research Methodology, Quantitative Techniques, to Project Management and International Business, to name a few. Prof (Dr.) Rajat Gera is another esteemed educationist at MRU with more 35 years of experience. A reputed academician and researcher in marketing, he has been a Guest Faculty at Fontys University, Netherlands and at Dr Bang University, Almaty, Kazakhstan. He is an alumnus of the Institute of Rural Management Anand (IRMA) and has a PhD from GGS Indraprastha University, New Delhi. He has been associated with IMT, Ghaziabad and Fore School of Management, New Delhi, as faculty of marketing.

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(This content was created in partnership with HT Brand Studio and not the editorial team)
Three filmmakers whose films, including on the Rohith Vemula suicide and the JNU protests, were denied permission to be screened at the International Documentary Short Film Festival (IDSFFK) have approached the Kerala High Court.

The 10th installment of the IDSFFK that begins on Friday will continue till June 20.

Speaking to IANS, an official working with the organising committee of the festival said their petitions have been filed and the matter is coming up before the court on Friday.

Seeking legal redress is the only way out for them as the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting had denied permission and hence we can do nothing about it, said the official, who did not wish to be identified.

The three films include The Unbearable Being of Lightness, a 45-minute documentary about Hyderabad University Rohith Vemulas suicide in 2016, March March March, a 19-minute film on the Jawaharlal Nehru University protests, and In The Shade of Fallen Chinar, a 16-minute short film that shows the lives of a group of young Kashmiri artists who are university students.

The five-day festival will showcase 210 films, of which around 170 do not have a certificate from the censor board. However, all of them, barring these three, got the Information and Broadcasting Ministry nod for screening.

In a related development, around 160 filmmakers from various parts of the country have come out in support of the three filmmakers and written to the Union Information and Broadcasting Minister M Venkaiah Naidu to intervene and give them permission for screening.

The filmmakers said they are deeply disturbed by these attempts to restrict artistic voices. We cannot support actions that deprive audiences of meaningful cinema and endanger the democratic values of our country, they said.

We unequivocally condemn this action by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and lend our unqualified support to IDSFFK and the filmmakers who are being prevented from screening their films. We urge the ministry to immediately issue an exemption letter to the three films and ensure that films at festivals do not face arbitrary censorship in future.

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Every woman dreams of a fairy tale wedding and Malaysian photographer, Keow Wee Loong, took it to another level for his bride.

Loong and Marta Sibielak, who is from Poland, travelled around the world to take pictures at iconic locations. From London and Venice to Mount Fuji and the meadows from The Sound of Music, the couple can be seen kissing in their wedding outfits, creating memories of a lifetime.

Life is about experiencing every moment together with your loved one and see as much as we could before we die. I am only gonna live once, might as well live an epic life before I kick the bucket, he says in his Facebook post.

Loong adds he managed to do the photo shoot across 11 global destinations with a meagre budget of around 1000 euro. This photoshoot is done under 1000euro . well nothing is impossible .. kickass adventure with someone you truly love (sic), he says.

Its not just their wedding photo shoot thats unique, Loong popped the question to his then-girlfriend last November in an equally dramatic way. He climbed the 1853 foot Beipanjiang Bridge in China, one of the tallest in the world, holding a placard saying Will You Marry Me?

He climbed the 1853 foot Beipanjiang Bridge in China, one of the tallest in the world, holding a placard saying Will You Marry Me? (Keow Wee Loong Facebook) (readers are advised not to repeat this at home)

His daredevil act earned him a big Yes, and now the couple is back with these stunning images.

Have a look...

The duo in the meadows from the famous movie The Sound of Music. (Keow Wee Loong Facebook)

The couple can be seen kissing against the backdrop of Mount Fuji (Keow Wee Loong Facebook)

The newly-weds on the Westminster Bridge, London (Keow Wee Loong Facebook)

In Venice (Keow Wee Loong Facebook)

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Afghanistan has formally asked Pakistan to hand over three suspects believed to be involved in plotting a deadly bomb attack in Kandahar in January that killed 13 people, including the UAEs envoy.

Masoom Stanekzai, the chief of the National Directorate of Security (NDS) spy agency, provided details of the plot behind the January 10 blast at Kandahar governor Humayun Azizis guesthouse during a news conference on Thursday.

A probe conducted by the NDS with the intelligence agency of the United Arab Emirates and the US Federal Bureau of Investigation had revealed that Taliban leaders based in the Pakistani city of Quetta had plotted and coordinated the attack.

A chef at the governors residence, Syed Mahboob Agha, was promised $30,000 and a home in Pakistan by the Taliban to carry out the bombing, Stanekzai said.

We have officially given the names of three people involved in this attack to Pakistani authorities to demand their handover to Afghanistan, he was quoted as saying by the Afghan media.

We are determined to punish everyone involved in this attack. We have established their involvement in planning this attack. We have passed on all the important information to nab them.

Stanekzai added: I dont want to disclose their nationality and want Pakistan to hand over these people who are involved in the Kandahar attack.

The chef travelled to Quetta and Chaman in Pakistans restive Balochistan province six times to receive instructions from the Quetta Shura of the Taliban on targeting the UAE envoy Juma Mohammed Abdullah al-Kaabi.

Someone came to me and I went to Quetta with him and we visited a Taliban leader there. They told me that there are rumors that the (UAEs) ambassador is coming to Kandahar. They said that (the ambassador) should be eliminated. He said their elders have decided that (the ambassador) must be killed, Stanekzai quoted the chef as saying.

The chefs co-workers smuggled in RDX and TNT explosives that were planted in a sofa and detonated by remote control while the Kandahar governor was meeting Kaabi and his delegation, Stanekzai said.

Kaabi was seriously wounded and succumbed to his injuries in the UAE a month later. The Kandahar governor was seriously injured but survived.

Stanekzai said the NDS, UAE intelligence and FBI had come to similar conclusions, including the type of explosives used in the attack and the manner in which the explosion was triggered.

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A 16-year-old Hindu girls alleged abduction and conversion in Pakistan has created an uproar among the minority community, a media report said on Friday.

Ravita Meghwar had been abducted from the Syed community of Wanharo village near Nagarparkar in the southeast Sindh province on June 6.

Yesterday, she along with her husband Nawaz Ali Shah, met with local journalists in Umerkot to inform them of her consent in the conversion and marriage, Dawn reported.

The girl, demanding protection for herself and husband, said that she had not been kidnapped but had eloped with Shah, the report said.

She claimed to have embraced Islam in the presence of Pir Mohammad Ayub Jan Farooqui, an Islamic preacher, near the Samarro town of Umerkot district, it said.

However, the Hindu community, along with the girls family, has insisted that she was kidnapped and forced to convert, the report said.

Her father Satram Das Meghwar alleged that influential members of the Syed community had kidnapped his daughter after giving sleeping pills to the family.

He alleged that despite frequent appeals, Thar police did not take any actions to trace the girl till she was forced to convert, the report said.

According to the marriage certificate issued by the preacher, The girl is 18 years old, can marry the person of her choice and her Islamic name is Gulnar, the report said.

However, her primary school certificate shows that Ravita is only 16-year-old as she was born on July 14, 2001.

The PML-N member of national assembly from Thar and chief of the Pakistan Hindu Council, Dr Ramesh Kumar Vankwani, has expressed his concern over the alleged abduction and the subsequent conversion of Ravita.

A Hindu girl below 18 years of age cannot be converted according to the Hindu Marriage Act, he was quoted as saying by the report.

Terming the abduction of the girl an attempt to vitiate the peaceful and harmonious atmosphere of Thar, activists from various communities and political parties have demanded the early recovery of the girl and her production before a court of law, the report added.

Scores of people have questioned the validity of the marriage certificate issued by the cleric and condemned the incident on social media, demanding a probe into the incident.

Earlier, an FIR was registered on the girls request at the Dano Dhandal police station against four persons  Syed Nawaz Ali Shah, Syed Noor Ali Shah, Mohammad Nohrio Junejo and Sher Ali Junejo.
The blast that killed eight people and injured dozens outside a kindergarten in eastern China was caused by a makeshift bomb and the assailant died in the explosion, authorities said Friday.

The public security ministry said in a statement that the suspect was a 22-year-old man with health problems who rented a room near the kindergarten in Fengxian, where Thursdays blast occurred.

Police found material to make a homemade explosive device at the apartment and the words die, death and destroy written on the wall.

The statement said the man, surnamed Xu, suffered from dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system, a disorder that can cause heart and blood pressure problems. He had dropped out of school but was employed.

The explosion in Jiangsu province left victims bleeding and weeping, with images posted on state media showing some had their clothes torn off by the force of the explosion.

A survivor told broadcaster CCTV from her hospital bed that the school gate had just opened for kids to leave, though none had come out when the fireball erupted.

The woman, who was holding a baby during the interview as she sat on her bed, said she blacked out and only woke up while being treated.

The Fengxian county government said class had not yet been dismissed and that no teachers or students were among the casualties.

At least eight people were killed and 65 injured, including eight seriously, according to authorities. Two died at the site of the explosion and six while being treated.

So scary

Pictures of the scene showed more than a dozen people outside a building, many lying on the ground and some appearing to be unconscious, including a small child.

A video posted by the Peoples Daily showed emergency workers arriving at the scene with gurneys. Another showed people in hospital.

Online media reports cited a business owner near the kindergarten as saying that around 5:00 pm (0900 GMT) he heard a bang, and found that there had been an explosion at the kindergarten entrance only 100 metres (330 feet) away.

Local people said hundreds of students attend the school and that the victims were thought to be people waiting to pick up the children.

Its so scary, said a man surnamed Meng, who learned about the explosion online.

Investigators concluded that the blast was caused by an explosive, ruling out previous news reports of an accidental gas cylinder explosion.

On Friday, police officers wearing blue plastic around their shoes scoured the scene of the explosion in front of the kindergarten on the outskirts of Xuzhou city.

History of attacks

It is the latest in a string of tragedies to strike school children in China in recent months.

A school bus packed with kindergarten pupils erupted in flames inside a tunnel in eastern Shandong province on May 9, killing 11 children, a teacher and the driver.

Officials later said the fire was intentionally set by the driver, who was angry at losing overtime wages.

There have also been knife attacks at schools in recent years, the most recent being in January, when a man armed with a kitchen knife wounded 11 children at a kindergarten in southern China.
A Chinese quantum satellite has dispatched transmissions over a distance of 1,200 km, a dozen times further than the previous record, a breakthrough in a technology that could be used to deliver secure messages, state media said on Friday.

China launched the worlds first quantum satellite last August, to help establish hack proof communications between space and the ground, state media said at the time.

The feat opens up bright prospects for quantum communications, said Pan Jianwei, the lead scientist of the Chinese team, Quantum Experiments at Space Scale (QUESS), according to the official Xinhua news agency.

The scientists exploited the phenomenon of quantum entanglement, in which a particle can affect a far-off twin instantly, somehow overcoming the long distance separating them, a situation termed spooky action at a distance by the Nobel-prize winning physicist Albert Einstein, Xinhua added.

The team had successfully distributed entangled photon pairs over 1,200 km, it said, outstripping the distance of up to 100 km at which entanglement had previously been achieved.

The technology so far is the only way to establish secure keys between two distant locations on earth without relying on trustful relay, Pan told Xinhua, referring to encrypted messages.

The new development illustrates the possibility of a future global quantum communication network the journal Science, which published the results of the Chinese team, said on its website.

China still lags behind the United States and Russia in space technology, although President Xi Jinping has prioritized advancing its space program, citing national security and defence.

China insists its space programme is for peaceful purposes, but the US defense department has highlighted its increasing space capabilities, saying it was pursuing activities aimed at preventing adversaries from using space-based assets in a crisis.

Chinas launch of the first experimental quantum satellite was a notable advance in cryptography research, the Pentagon said this month.
China said on Friday it was cooperating with Pakistan to find out if two of its nationals, who were murdered in Balochistan, had violated local laws and customs in the restive region.

The Chinese statement came two days after South Korea, in an exclusive response to Hindustan Times, rejected claims that Lee Zingyang, 24, and Meng Lisi, 26, were involved with a South Korean missionary group active in Quetta.

China said it was yet to successfully verify the antecedents of Lee and Meng as well as 11 other Chinese nationals still in the area. The foreign ministry said it was verifying information about the incident.

I think that the Indian journalist cited the South Korean diplomats words that the government has denied the involvement of South Korea in this incident. We also noted this. Some reports mention that these two Chinese nationals and other 11 Chinese citizens were taken advantage of by the Korean religious group in preaching against the local (Pakistani) customs, foreign ministry spokesperson Lu Kang told a regular news briefing.

Lu said Chinese nationals are advised to follow local law and regulations.

We have always advised Chinese nationals that they abide by the local laws and regulations in their business activities and tourism overseas. If they did violate the local laws and regulations of Pakistan, we will cooperate with Pakistani government in investigating this, Lu said.

Responding to a question on whether Lee and Meng were forced to do something unwillingly, Lu said: We are looking into this matter. We will cooperate with Pakistan in the investigation. We are not qualified to say anything while the investigation is underway.

We have not successfully verified the conditions of these two Chinese and remaining 11 nationals. So, it is inconvenient for us to offer what we are doing now. Some reports allege that Chinese nationals were taken advantage of by the Korean religious groups. We will just cooperate with Pakistani side in investigation.

File photo of the two Chinese nationals who were kidnapped from Quetta last month. The Islamic State claimed responsibility for killing them. (Twitter)

On Wednesday, South Korea rejected Pakistans claim that the two Chinese nationals  abducted and allegedly killed by the Islamic State  were preaching Christianity under the guise of studying Urdu at a school run by a South Korean.

With regard to the two Chinese confirmed to have been killed...by the Islamic State, nothing has so far been found to verify the suspicion that they were involved with a Korean missionary group, an official from the South Korean foreign ministry said.

Nevertheless, it is a fact that the two Chinese, along with ten other Chinese, took classes at a local Urdu language school run by a national of the Republic of Korea by the name of Seo, the official said, using the formal name for South Korea.

There is a discrepancy in the number of Chinese nationals involved in the episode in Balochistan  Beijing says there are 11 who remain in the area, while Seoul says 10.

The incident continues to remain cloaked in mystery, with the Chinese government sharing little information about Lee and Meng.

Chinese state media has all but put the blame on the two. Quoting sources, the nationalistic Global Times tabloid said they were killed because they were preaching Christianity, guided and encouraged by the South Korean.
China on Friday opposed what it described as double standards in fighting terrorism ahead of the first meeting of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) foreign ministers in Beijing during June 18-19.

On counter-terrorism we have a clear cut position that terrorism is the common enemy of mankind. We oppose any double standard adopted by the countries in counter-terrorism efforts, foreign ministry spokesperson Lu Kang told a regular news briefing.

Minister of state for external affairs VK Singh will represent India at the meeting to be chaired by Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi.

Wangs counterparts from Russia (Sergey Lavrov), South Africa (Maite Nkoana-Mashabane) and Brazil (Aloysio Nunes) will attend the meet. Lu said the ministers will conduct a candid exchange of views on terrorism.

The five countries are not expected to have any essential divergences and differences on this issue. Because counter-terrorism efforts call on the international community to form consensus and forge a joint force in this regard, he said.

Lus comments indicated that counter-terrorism will be in sharp focus during the meeting.

New Delhi is expected to flag cross-border terrorism from Pakistan, particularly the case of Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar, who has been accused of masterminding a string of attacks in India.

China has repeatedly blocked Indias efforts to get Azhar added to a UN list of proscribed terrorists, saying there isnt enough evidence against him.

Our criteria is only one, we need solid evidence. If there is solid evidence the application can be moved. If there is no solid evidence there is hardly consensus, Chinas foreign ministry said in February on Azhars case.

Privately, diplomats say more than lack of evidence, it is Chinas all weather strategic friendship with ba tie or iron brother Pakistan that is preventing it from saying yes on the issue.

Asked whether Indias application to join the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) will come up at the BRICS meet, Lu said: On the issue of NSG, I can tell you Chinas stance on the accession of new members in NSG has not changed.

China has blocked Indias entry to the 48-member bloc because New Delhi is not a signatory to Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Beijing has suggested a two-step approach for inclusion of non-NPT countries such as India - forge conditions that apply to all non-NPT countries and then discuss the applications of such nations.

Lu said BRICS is an important organisation for relations between developing countries with growing international influence. We think this foreign ministers meeting will help us exchange in-depth views on important international issues and other issues of mutual concern.
Donald Trump took to Twitter Friday to insist that despite months of investigating, no proof has emerged that he colluded with Russia to tilt the 2016 presidential election in his favor.

After 7 months of investigations & committee hearings about my collusion with the Russians, nobody has been able to show any proof. Sad! the US president tweeted.

After 7 months of investigations & committee hearings about my "collusion with the Russians," nobody has been able to show any proof. Sad!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 16, 2017

Trumps young presidency has been battered by allegations -- under investigation both by Congress and the FBI -- that Russia interfered to sway the November election in his favor.

The president has long vehemently denied any collusion with Moscow.

In a second tweet, Trump touted his powerful presence on social media, despite widespread criticism that his recurring rants on Twitter and other online media have only compounded his legal and political problems.

The Fake News Media hates when I use what has turned out to be my very powerful Social Media -- over 100 million people! I can go around them.

On Thursday, Trump blasted news reports that he is under criminal investigation as a witch hunt against him led by some very bad people.

You are witnessing the single greatest WITCH HUNT in American political history -- led by some very bad and conflicted people! he said in an early morning tweet.

The president did not directly address allegations that he is being probed for possibly obstructing justice -- a potentially impeachable offense.

The FBI probe, now in the hands of special counsel Robert Mueller, reportedly shifted its focus to allegations of obstruction in the days after Trump fired the agencys then-director James Comey on May 9.

The new allegations against Trump center on his own admission that he fired Comey because of the Russia investigation, and suggestions he asked several top intelligence officials for their help altering the inquirys direction.
US President Donald Trump on Friday will announce a plan to tighten rules on Americans travelling to Cuba and significantly restrict US companies from doing business with Cuban enterprises controlled by the military, senior White House officials said on Thursday.

Trump will lay out his new Cuba policy in a speech in Miami that will roll back parts of former President Barack Obamas opening to the communist-ruled island after a 2014 diplomatic breakthrough between the two former Cold War foes.

Taking a tougher approach against Havana after promising to do so during the presidential campaign, Trump will outline stricter enforcement of an existing ban on Americans going to Cuba as tourists and will seek to prevent US dollars from being used to fund what the new US administration sees as a repressive military-dominated government.

The new policy will ban most US business deals with the Armed Forces Business Enterprises Group (GAESA), a sprawling conglomerate involved in all sectors of the economy, but make exceptions related to air and sea travel, the officials said. This will essentially shield US airlines and cruise lines now serving the island.

But even as he curbs Obamas detente with Cuba, Trump will stop short of closing embassies or breaking off diplomatic relations restored in 2015 after more than five decades of hostility, US officials said.

He will also leave in place some other tangible measures implemented by his Democratic predecessor, including the resumption of direct US-Cuba commercial flights, though Trumps more restrictive policy seems certain to dampen new economic ties overall.

And, according to one White House official, the administration does not intend to disrupt existing business deals such as one struck under Obama by Starwood Hotels, which is owned by Marriott International Inc, to manage a historic Havana hotel.

There are also no plans to reinstate the limits that Obama lifted on the amount of the islands coveted rum and cigars that American can bring home for personal use, one White House official said.

As a result, the changes  though far-reaching  appear to be less sweeping than many pro-engagement advocates had feared.

Human rights

Trump will justify his partial reversal of Obamas measures to a large extent on human rights grounds. His aides contend that Obamas easing of US restrictions has done nothing to advance political freedoms in Cuba, while benefiting the Cuban government financially.

Saying that the aim was to repair what Trump has called a bad deal struck by Obama with Havana, one US official said the new administration would leave the door open to improved relations if Cuba undertakes democratic reforms such as allowing free and fair elections and the release of political prisoners.

International human rights groups say, however, that reinstating a US policy of isolating the island could make the situation worse by empowering Cuban hardliners. The Cuban government has made clear it will not be pressured into political reforms in exchange for diplomatic engagement.

At home, Trumps critics have questioned why his administration is now singling out Cuba for its human rights record while insisting that in other parts of the world it will not lecture other countries on the issue.

Trump will issue a presidential memorandum when he delivers his speech at the Manuel Artime Theater in Miamis Little Havana district, the heart of Americas Cuban-American and Cuban exile community. The venue is named after a leader of the failed US-backed Bay of Pigs invasion of Cuba in 1961 against Fidel Castros revolutionary government.

Republican Senator Marco Rubio, who was played a key role in pushing for Trumps changes, was expected to attend along with US Representative Mario Diaz-Balart and other Cuban-American lawmakers.

Under Trumps order, the treasury and commerce departments will be given 30 days to begin writing new regulations and they will not take effect until they are complete.

Under the revised travel policy, US officials say there will be tighter enforcement to make sure Americans legally fit the 12 authorised categories they claim to be travelling under, which could spook many visitors, wary of receiving a hefty fine.

While tourism to Cuba is banned by US law, the Obama administration had been allowing people to travel to Cuba as part of people to people educational trips for visitors, a classification that a White House official said was ripe for abuse by those looking for beach vacations.

Trumps new policy will eliminate such visits by individuals while still allowing them to be done as group tours, and also retaining individual travel under other authorized categories such as religious, artistic and journalistic activities, the official said.

But Trumps planned rollback of Obamas policy has drawn opposition from American businesses and the travel industry, which have begun making inroads on the island, as well as many lawmakers, including some of Trumps fellow Republicans.

The new policy has come together after contentious meetings within the administration.

Some aides have argued that Trump, a former real estate magnate who won the presidency promising to unleash US business and create jobs, would have a hard time defending any moves that close off the Cuban market.

But other advisers have contended that it is important to make good on a promise to Cuban-Americans whose support they considered significant in winning Florida in the 2016 election. Miami is home to the largest Cuban-American community.
The Gaza Strip is in the midst of an electricity shortage that has left residents with just a few hours of power a day, turning many aspects of everyday life in the Hamas-ruled territory upside down and raising concerns about a humanitarian crisis.

Heres a look at the Gaza power crisis:

WHAT CAUSED THE CRISIS?

Gazas power woes began in 2006, when Israel bombed the territorys power plant after Hamas-allied militants captured an Israeli soldier.

It took years for the plant to be fixed, but due to its limited capacity and growth in Gazas population, it provides just a small fraction of the territorys needs. As a result, Gaza relies on electricity purchased from neighboring Israel and Egypt.

For several years, Gaza has scraped by with roughly eight hours of electricity a day. But in recent months, the situation has worsened due to a combination of factors.

The power plant has not operated since April after emergency fuel shipments, purchased from Israel by Hamas allies Qatar and Turkey, ended. Electricity deliveries from Egypt, which is busy fighting its own Islamic militants, are unreliable, and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, locked in a bitter rivalry with Hamas, wants to reduce electricity purchases for Gaza by about 40 percent.

This reduced supply, combined with peak demand during the Ramadan holiday season, has created rolling blackouts that give people just two to four hours of power at a time.

WHAT IS THE EFFECT ON DAILY LIFE?

The blackouts are most noticeable at night, when Gaza City, the territorys capital, and other population centers are largely in the dark.

Residents must carefully plan daily tasks such as doing the laundry or taking a shower when they expect to have power, even if that means waking up in the middle of the night. Many Gazan homes use electric water pumps, so no electricity also means no water.

Many homes and businesses also rely on gasoline-fueled generators to keep the lights on or elevators running for a few extra hours a day. Others turn to large batteries to run household appliances. A privileged few can afford solar panels to provide hot water, and a new industry of ice salesmen has sprouted up to help keep refrigerators cool.

Still, most residents are unable to keep their refrigerators running full-time and instead go shopping each day for items like milk and meat. Power-hungry appliances like air conditioning are rarely used, and in the hot summer weather, many residents flock to the beach at sundown to break the daily Ramadan fast because their homes are so uncomfortable.

WHAT DOES ABBAS WANT?

The Islamic militant group seized control of Gaza in 2007 from Abbas forces, leaving him in control only of autonomous zones in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

Abbas, claiming to represent all Palestinians, has paid for Gazas electricity for the past decade. But after repeated failures at reconciliation with Hamas, he has decided he no longer wants to subsidize the groups rule.

WHAT IS ISRAELS STRATEGY?

Israel and Hamas are bitter enemies that have fought three wars since the Gaza takeover.

While Israel is wary of helping Hamas maintain power, it has delivered the limited flow of electricity for pragmatic reasons: It does not want a humanitarian disaster on its doorstep, and it fears further deterioration could lead to renewed violence.

Israels Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman tried to describe the crisis as an internal Palestinian matter on Thursday and said Israel is merely a supplier.

We are not a side in this issue. They pay, they get electricity. They dont pay, they dont get electricity, he said, accusing Hamas of wasting its limited funds on weapons and attack tunnels.

But Israel may have no choice but to find a creative way to keep the power flowing, such as finding an international donor to pay for it.

IS THERE ANYTHING HAMAS CAN DO?

The internationally isolated Hamas is in a grave financial crisis. Already struggling to pay the salaries of its thousands of civil servants and security men, it cannot afford to buy fuel. It also is unlikely to significantly cut spending on its military activities  the base of its support.

It will continue to appeal to Abbas to resume the fuel purchases and will likely seek help from Qatar and Turkey. But both countries are distracted with their own problems and in Qatars case, under heavy international pressure to cut ties with Hamas.

WHAT ABOUT THE PEOPLE?

Residents are clearly suffering, and many privately express dissatisfaction with the widespread poverty and hardship under Hamas rule.

But the group maintains an iron grip on power and has quickly suppressed any signs of public dissent. For Gazans, there does not seem to be any alternative in sight.
Seyran Ates vision of a liberal mosque where all Muslims can pray together women and men, Sunni and Shia, straight and gay turned into reality Friday as dozens of people came together in Berlin to inaugurate a new house of prayer.

Ates, a well-known womens right activist and lawyer, preached in front of the crowd which filled the mosque. A female imam from the United States, Ani Zonneveld, called for prayer as the faithful kneeled behind her in rows, all turned in the direction of Mecca.

I couldnt be more euphoric, its a dream come true, Ates, the 54-year-old daughter of Turkish guest workers in Germany, told The Associated Press this week with a smile.

Ates fought for eight years to establish a place of prayer where progressive Muslims in Germany can leave religious conflicts behind and focus on their shared Islamic values. The mosque is the first of its kind in Germany, she said.

This project was long overdue, Ates said. Theres so much Islamist terror and so much evilness happening in the name of my religion ... its important that we, the modern and liberal Muslims, also show our faces in public.

The mosque is named Ibn-Rushd-Goethe-Mosque, combining the names of medieval Andalusian philosopher Ibn Rushd and German writer Johann Wolfgang Goethe. It is located on a busy shopping street in the immigrant neighborhood of Moabit, which is dotted with Indian and Vietnamese restaurants and Middle Eastern cafes.

Visitors looking for a minaret or trying to follow the call of the muezzin will search in vain. For now, the mosque occupies a big room on the third floor of an old red brick Lutheran church.

To get started, weve rented this room for one year, Ates said.

More than 4 million Muslims live in Germany, the majority from Turkey but also from the Balkans, the Middle East and Northern Africa.

Most started coming to Germany in the 1960s as workers to help rebuild the economy after World War II. While it was Germanys intention to send them home after a few years, many stayed and brought over their families. Germany has also taken in more than a million refugees since 2015, most of them Muslims from war-torn countries such as Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Relations between the countrys majority Christian population and the Muslim minority traditionally have been complicated. They have been strained by several terror attacks in Germany by Muslims in the name of the extremist Islamic State group. Raids and bans of radical Muslim associations and arrests of extremist suspects have become commonplace.

Ates said the new mosque will be a place of liberalism where everyone is welcome and equal. Women dont have to wear headscarves, can preach as imams and call the faithful to prayer just like men.

There wont be any hate preaching against democracy here, Ates said. Instead, followers can express doubt about their beliefs and approach their religion with sense and reason instead of blind devotion, she said.

Ates, who was shot and almost died while working as a counselor for Turkish women in 1984 and was attacked by an enraged husband, waved aside any potential worries about threats or criticism from more conservative Muslims.

Ive received a few messages via social media, mostly full of expletives, she said. But 95 percent of the feedback has been beautiful and positive.

Turks, Kurds and Arabs alike have donated money, businesspeople have called to offer help with creating signage and advertisements and several Middle Eastern restaurants were delivering free food for the iftar, the breaking of the Ramadan fast on Friday night, she said.

Ates sister brought 30 prayer rugs from Istanbul a few weeks ago, and an Indonesian interior architect has offered her services to refurbish the 90-square-meter (970-square- foot) room.

For the future, she and the seven colleagues who supported her project from the beginning, dream of building a real mosque with several prayer rooms for believers of all the different Islamic sects as well as an academy devoted to the education of liberal imams, male and female.

Beyond that, Ates is already working on her next big project.

I will start studying Islamic theology and Arabic in Berlin this fall, she said. I want to become an imam myself.
A Qatari official accused Saudi Arabia and its allies Friday of imposing a siege on his country with sanctions he said were having a more devastating effect than the Berlin Wall.

Ali bin Smaikh al-Marri, chairman of Qatars national human rights committee, said the measures amounted to collective punishment and cited one case of a mother being separated from her baby.

The recent decision by several countries to cut ties with Qatar was trampling on the rights of citizens from the entire region, he said.

This siege and these measures have led to what is called collective punishment, Marri told reporters in Geneva in Arabic through a translator, calling on the international community to intervene.

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt announced earlier this month the suspension of all ties to Qatar. They accused it of state support for extremist groups and denounced its political proximity to Shiite Iran.

Qatar denies the allegations.

Among other measures, the four states gave all Qatari citizens 14 days to leave their countries and ordered home their own citizens living in Qatar.

This had led to gross violations of human rights, Marri said, pointing out that every Qatari family had at least one member living in other countries in the region.

These measures are harsher than the Berlin Wall that separated families, he added.

His committee had so far received 1,064 complaints for a vast range of rights violations, from both Qataris and citizens of the other countries involved, he said.

He pointed to new laws issued by Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the UAE threatening between five and 15 years in prison for any of their citizens who shows sympathy to the state of Qatar.

In one case, he said, a Qatari woman was ordered to leave the UAE where she lived with her husband and infant. When she arrived at the airport however, she was told she could not take her baby, who had Emirati citizenship, with her.

Thousands of students studying abroad had also been affected, he said. He cited the case of one woman from Qatar who was in her last year studying at a university in UAE who had been forced to leave.

She has lost four years of study, he said.

Merri said his committee was urging Saudi Arabia and its allies to lift their sanctions, and was calling on the international community to pressure them to do so.

He called on UN human rights chief Zeid Raad Al Hussein, who has already expressed alarm at the measures, to send a delegation to Qatar to see the impact of the sanctions firsthand.

Merri also urged Qatar to immediately move internationally to ensure the end of this siege, by going to the Security Council or other UN mechanisms.
The Russian Army said on Friday it was seeking to verify whether Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the reclusive Islamic State chief, was killed when its warplanes hit the groups top leaders in a raid in Syria last month.

Within hours, the US military said it could not immediately confirm Baghdadis death. Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov too said he couldnt definitively confirm the death of the worlds most-wanted man.

Reports about Baghdadi being killed or injured in air raids by coalition forces seem to emerge every few months. Last year alone, there were three reports that he had been killed or injured in air strikes or that he had been poisoned by an assassin.

According to the latest reports, Russias defence ministry claimed Baghdadi was killed with scores of IS commanders and fighters when Sukhoi combat jets carried out a 10-minute strike early on May 28 at a location near Raqqa in Syria, one of the last strongholds of the terror group.

The jets struck when the IS leaders had gathered to plan a pullout from Raqqa. Senior commanders of the military groups of the so-called IS military council, 30 mid-ranking field commanders and up to 300 militants who provided security for them were eliminated, the defence ministry said in a statement.

According to information which is being checked through various channels, the leader of ISIL Ibrahim Abu-Bakr al-Baghdadi was also present at the meeting and was eliminated by the strike, it added.

But the US-led coalition said it could not confirm Baghdadis death. We cannot confirm these reports at this time, said the Operation Inherent Resolve spokesman, US Armys Col Ryan Dillon.

Asked about the claim at a news conference in Moscow, Lavrov said: I dont have a 100% confirmation of the information.

He said even if Baghdadis death is confirmed, its importance mustnt be overestimated. Lavrov said past examples of similar actions to strike the leadership of terrorist groups were presented with much enthusiasm and pomp, but the experience shows that those structures later regained their capability.

Iraq-born Baghdadi has not been seen in public since proclaiming himself caliph in the Iraqi city of Mosul three years ago. The re-emergence of Baghdadi after reports of his death has only added to his mystique, given that most people didnt even know what he looked like till he appeared in a video of a sermon at a mosque in Mosul in July 2014.

Here are past occasions when Baghdadi was reported dead or injured

November 2014

Baghdadi was named the leader of the Islamic State of Iraq, the predecessor of the IS, in May 2010. One of the first reports that he had died emerged months after he was made the caliph of the IS in June 2014. In November that year, it was reported Baghdadi had been killed in a US air strike.

A week later, Baghdadi surfaced with an audio tape that called for volcanoes of jihad around the world.

March 2015

Baghdadi was seriously injured in an air strike by the US-led coalition at al-Baaj in Nineveh on March 18, 2015, leading to urgent meetings of IS leaders who believed he would not survive and even made plans to name a new leader. Reports later said he had made a slow recovery.

A subsequent report even said Baghdadi remained incapacitated because of suspected spinal injuries some two months after the attack and that he had been secretly treated at a hideout by two doctors from Mosul.

October 2015

After an air strike on a convoy of senior IS commanders near Iraqs border with Syria in October 2015, the Iraqi military had said in a statement the attacked had targeted Baghdadis motorcade as he travelled to Karbala. As with several other claims by the Iraqi military about targeting Baghdadi, this too turned out to be incorrect. Though other IS leaders were killed, Baghdadi was not among them.

June 2016

There were reports in the media in several countries, including Turkeys Yeni Safak daily and Iraqs Al Sumariya TV network, that Baghdadi was killed or injured when an air strike hit an IS convoy near Raqqa. This was later found to be incorrect and reports even suggested someone had circulated a fake claim about Baghdadis death that was digitally altered to suggest it was issued by one of the media outlets of the IS.

October 2016

Irans FARS new agency reported that Baghdadi was poisoned in Iraq by a suspected assassin. The report had described his condition as critical.

June 2017

Syrias state-run television had reported on June 11 that Baghdadi had been killed in US-backed strikes in Raqqa. The channel even aired what it claimed was footage of his body. However, it later emerged the images were fake and had been associated with earlier claims about Baghdadis death.
Indian-American CEOs Indra Nooyi of Pepsico and Ajay Banga of Mastercard along with Indias IT major Wipro on Friday joined scores of US companies in welcoming President Donald Trumps ambitious apprenticeship programme aimed at developing job-related skills among the workforce.

We applaud the presidents commitment to industry-driven apprenticeships as a powerful tool to build the skilled workforce prepared for the jobs of the 21st century, Business Roundtable -- a group of chief executive officers of leading US companies -- said in a full-page advertisement released in The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times today.

Abidali Neemuchwala from Wipro Limited is the only Indian company to have signed on this advertisement.

Several Indian-American CEOs including Nooyi, Banga also signed on this advertisement supporting Trumps initiative.

Ajita Rajendra from A O Smith Corporation, Ashok Vemuri from Conduent Incorporated, Dinesh C Paliwal from Harman International Industries, Bhavesh V Patel from Lyondell Basell Industries have also signed.

Besides, the advertisement was signed by scores of US companies including American Airlines, Caterpillar, General Motors, General Electrics and Verizon.

America needs a strong, skilled workforce to drive job creation and ensure future economic growth. Americas business leaders are encouraged by the administrations focus on building a 21st century workforce and welcome president Trumps commitment to expand and improve apprenticeship opportunities in the US, said Wes Bush, chairman, CEO and president of Northrop Grumman corporation and chair of the Business Roundtable Education and Workforce Committee.

Work-and-learn models, including internships and apprenticeships, are powerful tools to close the skills gap and meet our nations workforce needs. We support the presidents challenge and look forward to partnering with government at every level as we work together to rebuild the pipeline that generates top talent, he added.
Iran on Friday condemned new sanctions adopted by the US Senate and vowed to respond with reciprocal and adequate measures.

Tehran will take reciprocal and adequate measures to guarantee its national interests, foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Ghassemi said, quoted by ISNA news agency.

He did not elaborate.

The Senate on Thursday overwhelmingly passed tough sanctions on Iran for its alleged continued support of terrorism and the bill has been sent to the House of Representatives for approval.

The new restrictions impose mandatory sanctions on people involved with the Islamic republics ballistic missile programme and those that transact with them.

It also applies terrorism-related sanctions to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, and re-enforces aspects of the arms embargo on Iran.

Ghassemi retorted that the measure against Irans ballistic missile programme was totally illegal and illegitimate.

Irans armed forces will continue to defend the countrys security and interests, the foreign ministry spokesman said. Irans ballistic programme is totally legitimate.

There continues to be strong resistance in Washington to the 2015 nuclear deal Iran signed with world powers, with many lawmakers still unhappy with the deal.
An American lobbyist for Russian interests who helped craft an important foreign policy speech for Donald Trump has confirmed that he attended two dinners hosted by Jeff Sessions during the 2016 campaign, apparently contradicting the attorney generals sworn testimony given this week.

Sessions testified under oath on Tuesday that he did not believe he had any contacts with lobbyists working for Russian interests over the course of Trumps campaign. But Richard Burt, a former ambassador to Germany during the Reagan administration, who has represented Russian interests in Washington, told the Guardian that he could confirm previous media reports that stated he had contacts with Sessions at the time.

I did attend two dinners with groups of former Republican foreign policy officials and Senator Sessions, Burt said.

Asked whether Sessions was unfamiliar with Burts role as a lobbyist for Russian interests  a fact that is disclosed in public records  or had any reason to be confused about the issue, Burt told the Guardian that he did not know.

Several media reports published before Trumps election in November noted that Burt advised then candidate Trump on his first major foreign policy speech, a role that brought him into contact with Sessions personally.

Burt, who previously served on the advisory board of Alfa Capital Partners, a private equity fund where Russias Alfa Bank was an investor and last year was lobbying on behalf of a pipeline company that is now controlled by Gazprom, Russias state-controlled energy conglomerate, first told Politico in October that he had been invited to two dinners that were hosted by Sessions last summer, at the height of the presidential campaign.

Sessions, a former senator for Alabama who was chairman of the Trump campaigns national security committee, reportedly invited Burt so that he could discuss issues of national security and foreign policy.

When John McCain, the Republican senator from Arizona who is a frequent critic of Trump and Russian president Vladimir Putin, asked Sessions in a hearing this week before the Senate intelligence committee about whether the attorney general had ever had any contacts with any representative, including any American lobbyist or agent of any Russian company during the 2016 campaign, Sessions said he did not.

I dont believe so, Sessions said.

Other outlets, including the New Yorker magazine and Reuters, also reported last year that Burt had contributed his views to Trumps speech. When NPR interviewed Burt in May 2016 about the talk, he said he was asked to provide a draft for that speech, and parts of that draft survived into the final [version].

The speech, delivered on 27 April 2016 at the Mayflower Hotel, was attended by Russian ambassador Sergey Kislyak and is now at the heart of new questions about Sessions personal dealings with Russian officials. Sessions recused himself from oversight of the FBIs investigation into possible collusion between the Kremlin and the Trump campaign in March after it emerged that he held two undisclosed meetings with the Russian ambassador last year.

In his explosive testimony before Congress earlier this month, former FBI director James Comey, who was fired by Trump, suggested that he had known that Sessions would eventually have to recuse himself from the Russia probe, but declined to explain the details in public.

Questions directed at Sessions by lawmakers days later  after they had privately been briefed by Comey  suggested it related to a third alleged encounter with Kislyak that had not been disclosed, this time at the Mayflower Hotel speech. In his confirmation hearing, Sessions had told lawmakers under oath that he had never had communication with Russian officials.

This week, in the latest hearing, Sessions said he may have possibly had an encounter with the Russian ambassador during a reception at the Mayflower, but could not recall any specific conversations.

The speech was hosted by the Center for the National Interest, a Washington thinktank. Burt sits on the groups board of directors.

While Burt has not played a central role in the FBI and congressional investigation, Sessions response about his dealings with American lobbyists  which appears to contradict previous reports that Burt and Sessions communicated during the campaign  could invite more scrutiny of the attorney generals testimony.

It is also possible that Sessions was not fully aware of Burts lobbying history, although Burts affiliation with Russian interests is fairly well known in Washington circles.

The former ambassador is managing director of the Europe and Eurasia practice at McLarty Associates. In that role, hes served as a lobbyist for the New European Pipeline AG, the company behind Nord Stream II. At the time the work started, Gazprom, the Russian state-owned oil company, owned a 50% stake, but it now owns the entire entity. The pipeline, which is seen as making Europe more dependent on Russian energy exports, was opposed by the Obama administration.

Burt also serves on the board of Deutsche Bank s closed-end fund group, according to his online biography.

The former ambassador and lobbyist appears to have recently sought to downplay his role in helping Trump to formulate the Mayflower speech, telling the Daily Beast earlier this year that he had transmitted his counsel through a third party intermediary.

In the speech, Trump said an easing of tensions and improved relations with Russia  from a position of strength  is possible and that common sense says this cycle of hostility must end.

The Department of Justice did not respond to a request for comment.

Asked about Burt and the exchange between McCain and Sessions, Carter Page, another former foreign policy adviser to Trumps campaign and a central figure in the Russia investigation, said he found the entire line of questioning to be near the pinnacle of witch hunt tactics.

In the grand scheme of things, the severe civil rights abuses by Clinton-Obama-Comey regime carried out against myself and other supporters of the Trump campaign in their illegal attempts to influence the 2016 election will help clarify how irrelevant all these petty side-questions are, he said.

Page added that he was writing a book on his experience and that he was still in discussions with publishers.
A Japanese man accused of taking pictures up a womans skirt stabbed two court officers on Friday as the verdict in his sex pest case was being delivered, a court spokesman and media said.

Seiji Yodogawa, 30, reportedly yelled what a rotten justice system as he lunged at the two officers standing in the court gallery and slashed them on their face and back with a hidden knife.

Yodogawa was immediately taken into custody on attempted murder charges, the spokesman added.

The two policemen were sent to hospital with non-life threatening injuries, Japans public broadcaster NHK reported.

The courtroom drama erupted just as the judge was delivering a verdict in Yodogawas upskirting case.

He had been charged over allegations he secretly took pictures under a female train passengers skirt in Sendai, a coastal city north of Tokyo.

The accused man was out on bail and did not go through a body search when he turned up for the verdict in his case on Friday.

The original charge against Yodogawa has been temporarily suspended since the verdict was not fully read, the court spokesman said.
The Libyan-origin suicide bomber who blew himself up at a concert by US pop star Ariana Grande at Manchester Arena was identified by his DNA, through his dental and fingerprint records, a British court was told on Friday.

Salman Abedi, who was born in Manchester, killed 22 people and injured more than 200 when he detonated a device in the main foyer of the venue on May 22.

The coroner opened and adjourned his inquest until December 1 in Manchester. No one from his family was present or represented at the five-minute hearing at Manchester Town Hall.

A full inquest will take place only once the police investigation into the attack was completed.

Nigel Meadows, senior coroner for Manchester, said it was very likely the hearing would be further adjourned from December before a full inquest takes place.

The inquest heard that the force of the explosion severely disrupted the body of the attacker, who died at the scene.

Greater Manchester Police said a post-mortem examination was carried out, which determined that Abedi died of multiple injuries.

Besides his DNA, a bank card in Abedis name was also recovered from the spot.
NASAs James Webb Space Telescope will search for signs of extraterrestrial life on Earth-sized planets of the recently discovered TRAPPIST planetary system, as well as on Jupiters moon Europa, the US space agency said on Thursday.

The James Webb Space Telescope is designed to complement and extend the scientific capabilities of other NASA missions such as the Hubble Space Telescope. It will be the most powerful space telescope ever built.

From the very first galaxies after the Big Bang, to searching for chemical fingerprints of life on Enceladus, Europa, and exoplanets like TRAPPIST-1e, Webb will be looking at some incredible things in our universe, said Eric Smith, James Webb Space Telescope Director at NASA Headquarters in Washington.

With over 2,100 initial observations planned, there is no limit to what we might discover with this incredible telescope, said Smith.

The broad spectrum of initial observations will address all of the science areas the telescope is designed to explore, from first light and the assembly of galaxies to the birth of stars and planets.

Targets will range from the solar systems outer planets such as Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune, and icy Kuiper Belt to exoplanets to distant galaxies in the young universe.

These observations by the teams of people who designed and built the Webb instruments will yield not only amazing science, but will be crucial in putting the observatory through its paces and understanding its many capabilities, said Ken Sembach, director of the Space Telescope Science Institute in the US.
Hobbled by a lack of majority after the June 8 election, Prime Minister Theresa Mays efforts to strike a coalition with the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) to shore up her minority government have been hit by a backlash from key parties in Northern Ireland.

The ruling Conservative Party won 318 seats in the 650-member House of Commons, falling short of the majority mark of 326. Northern Ireland-based DUP won 10 seats. Talks between the two are ongoing but the opening of the new Parliament is set for Wednesday.

On the agenda is the Queens Speech (equivalent to the presidents address in Indias Parliament), which is drafted by the ruling party and mentions its policies. Failure to get the speech passed in the House is seen as the ruling party losing confidence.

May, however, expressed confidence about getting the speech passed, even if a deal is not reached with the DUP before the state opening of Parliament. She has held meetings with key Northern Ireland leaders, including the DUP.

Several Conservative and other leaders have cautioned against the coalition since it would compromise Londons neutral position between the contending groups in Northern Ireland - the Republicans and Unionists - and adversely hit the Good Friday Agreement.

Gerry Adams of Sinn Fein told May specifically of his opposition to the coalition during a meeting with her at Downing Street: We have just finished a meeting with the British prime minister and her secretary of state.

And we told her very directly that she was in breach of the Good Friday Agreement and we itemised those matters in which she was dilatory or in default in relation to that agreement.

Coolum Eastwood of the Social Democratic and Labour Party also expressed doubts: "The prime minister will have to do a lot more to convince us that the DUP tail isnt wagging the Tory dog. Their influence on the British government is a cause for deep concern that must be addressed to assure the public and political parties of the independence of the talks process.

The Irish government will be critical to that and they should reassert their role as co-guarantors of our agreements, he added.

May held talks with the new Ireland Prime Minister, Leo Varadkar, after his confirmation in the post in the countrys Parliament on Wednesday. Ireland has a key role in the arrangements and structures set out in the Good Friday Agreement that has led to a period of peace in the trouble-torn region.

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Pakistan has revoked the visa of a Korean man running a language school where two Chinese missionaries were believed to have been working before they were abducted by Islamic State, the interior ministry said on Friday.

Islamic State said earlier this month via its Amaq news service its fighters had killed the couple, who were kidnapped in May by armed men pretending to be security officials in the southwestern city of Quetta.

It has been determined after the kidnapping incident that South Korean national Wan Su alias Gilbert was in Pakistan on a business visa but here he opened an Urdu academy and was involved in illegal activities, read the ministry statement on Friday.

The ministry said earlier this month the Chinese couple Lee Zing Yang, 24, and Meng Li Si, 26, had been missionaries posing as language teachers, in violation of visa rules, and that had contributed to their abductions.

China said it would investigate whether the couple had been working as missionaries in a country which is 98 percent Muslim.

Police had not only cautioned the Chinese couple about the security situation but offered them protection but the Chinese individuals had refused the offer, read the ministry statement issued on Friday.

The ministry said police were still attempting to conclusively determine whether the Chinese couple had been killed.

The kidnapping was a rare crime against Chinese nationals in Pakistan, and has alarmed the growing Chinese community in the country.

The incident has prompted Pakistan to boost security around Chinese and other foreigners. Quetta is the capital of Baluchistan, a region where China is investing billions of dollars in infrastructure projects.
Russian President Vladimir Putin lifted a little of the secrecy around his grandchildren and mockingly offered former FBI chief James Comey asylum during his annual televised chat with the Russian people.

But the Kremlin strongman appeared rattled on Thursday when facing tougher questioning from journalists at the end of the four-hour phone-in event, angrily accusing a BBC reporter of supporting jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny.

Putin also refused to be drawn on whether he will stand for a fourth term in 2018.

During the television show aimed at a domestic audience, Putin insisted the latest US sanctions over alleged election meddling are efforts to contain Russia.

The US Senate voted overwhelmingly to approve further sanctions against Russia on Wednesday.

The United States is not our enemy, Putin said, but he complained of Russia facing sanctions throughout all of our history from global partners who fear a serious competitor.

He also jokingly suggested offering political asylum to fired FBI director James Comey -- who had been overseeing the bureaus Russia investigation -- likening him to fugitive NSA leaker Edward Snowden, who has asylum in Russia.

If he (Comey) is persecuted, we would be ready to offer him asylum in Russia. He should know this, Putin said.

An electronic screen at Artillery Bay in the Black Sea port of Sevastopol in Crimea shows the live nationwide broadcast call-in attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin. (REUTERS)

Staged questions

At one point in the carefully choreographed live show, the screen displayed some rather caustic questions from viewers sent in by text message.

Putin, do you really think people believe this circus with staged questions? asked one viewer, following reports of secret rehearsals held outside Moscow for people reading questions to the camera.

Close to the end of the show, a presenter read that question to Putin, however, suggesting the producers want to counter perceptions the show is stage-managed.

The president insisted the questions are definitely not prepared.

People watch Russian President Vladimir Putin answering questions during the annual Direct Line with Vladimir Putin broadcast live by Russian TV channels in Moscow. (AFP)

Some of the texted questions to Putin urged him not to run for re-election next year when he is expected to seek a fourth term.

One message said simply: Goodbye, Vladimir Vladimirovich.

Putin was asked whether there would be another annual phone-in -- implying that he would be in power after 2018 polls.

But he dodged the question, saying enigmatically: If there is a phone-in, it will be live.

Attack on Navalny

Asked by the BBC whether he sees Navalny as a political competitor following nationwide protests organised by the Kremlin critic, Putin lost his cool, however.

He told the reporter from the British broadcaster, When I heard you were from the BBC, I didnt doubt for a moment you would ask precisely that question because its in a certain sense propaganda of the people whom you support.

Continuing his practice of not referring to Navalny by name, Putin accused him of using these protests as an instrument for provocations and exacerbating the situation for self-promotion.

Navalny has been sentenced to 30 days behind bars after being detained on Monday ahead of an unauthorised protest in Moscow against government corruption that saw hundreds arrested. It followed a similar protest on March 26.

The Saint Peterburg courts meanwhile convicted 522 people for their part in the protests, court officials said. Most received fines but at least 50 people were also handed 10-day jail terms.

Putin the grandfather

Cautiously lifting the veil on his closely-guarded personal life, he revealed to for the first time that he has grandchildren, while saying he wants to keep them out of the spotlight so they can grow up normally.

The president had talked of having grandchildren to film director Oliver Stone in a documentary released this month in the United States but not yet shown in Russia.

On the phone-in show, Putin said that one grandson was born recently, to applause in the studio, while another is already in pre-school.

The thing is, I dont want them to grow up like hereditary princes, I want them to grow up to be normal people, Putin said, explaining the secrecy around his family.

If I mention ages and names, they would be identified and never left alone.

Otherwise it was business as usual with Putin talking to young mothers in poor housing and hard-hat labourers, and being introduced to a newborn baby by a doctor.

The president admitted the number of Russians living in poverty has grown in recent years while noting that the recession has ended and the economy has seen modest growth over the last three quarters.

According to official statistics, last year almost 19.8 million Russians were living below the poverty line -- 13 percent of the population.
US President Donald Trump publicly confirmed he is under investigation in connection with Russian meddling in the 2016 elections and alleged collusion by his campaign aides, as he sought to attack and undermine the justice department and officials responsible for it.

Trumps stunning admission came in a tweet on Friday, in which he pushed back against thus-far unconfirmed reports that he was being investigated for obstruction of justice for trying to stop the FBI probe into former national security adviser Michael Flynns Russia dealings.

I am being investigated for firing the FBI Director by the man who told me to fire the FBI Director! Witch Hunt  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 16, 2017

The man he is referring to is deputy attorney general Rod Rosenstein on whose recommendation Trump had fired FBI director James Comey in May.

In the firestorm that followed, fuelled by Trumps suggestion that he had recordings of conversations with Comey and the fired FBI directors alleged the president had asked him to stop the Flynn probe, Rosenstein appointed Robert Mueller as special counsel to take over the Russia investigation.

Comey has said he was dismissed by the president because of the Russia investigation. He told US senators at a recent hearing, I was fired in some way to change, or the endeavour was to change, the way the Russia investigation was being conducted. But he had insisted Trump himself was not under investigation.

And that had been the narrative, enforced and reinforced most doggedly by the president himself. That changed with indications that Mueller might now be probing the president  not for election meddling or collusion, but for trying to stop the Flynn probe.

The first sign of that came from interview requests sent by Muellers office to national intelligence director Daniel Coats and national security agency chief Mike Rogers, both of whom were reported to have been asked by Trump to stop the Flynn probe and publicly proclaim he was not being investigated.

In another sign of a deepening crisis for this White House, Mueller is reported to be investigating the business and financial dealings of Trumps son-in-law and closest adviser Jared Kushner, said to have had some controversial interactions with Russians.

In a meeting with Russian ambassador Sergey Kislyak in December, Kushner had requested setting up a secret communication system with Kremlin based in a Russian diplomatic facility to avoid American surveillance. He had also met, at Kislyaks urging, a Russian banker close to President Vladimir Putin.

Kushners lawyer Jamie Gorelick told The Washington Post, We do not know what this report refers to. It would be standard practice for the Special Counsel to examine financial records to look for anything related to Russia. Mr. Kushner previously volunteered to share with Congress what he knows about Russia-related matters. He will do the same if he is contacted in connection with any other inquiry.

Meanwhile, Vice President Mike Pence  who has remained largely untouched by the controversy apart from being misled by sacked national security adviser Michael Flynn about his Russia links  has hired an outside counsel to help him deal with issues arising from the expanding probe, if needed.
An American university student who was returned to the United States this week after being held in North Korea for 17 months has a severe brain injury and is in a state of unresponsive wakefulness, doctors said on Thursday.

Otto Warmbier, 22, who arrived in the United States on Tuesday, is stable but shows no sign of understanding language, responding to verbal commands or awareness of his surrounding, said Dr. Daniel Kanter, medical director of the neuroscience intensive care unit at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center.

He has not spoken, Kanter said at a news conference. He has not engaged in any purposeful movements or behaviours. He said Warmbier was breathing on his own.

Warmbier, from Wyoming, Ohio, has been in a coma since March 2016, shortly after he was sentenced to 15 years of hard labour in North Korea, his family said on Tuesday.

He was arrested for trying to steal an item bearing a propaganda slogan, North Korean media reported. He was visiting North Korea with a tour group.

On Thursday, North Korea said that it had released Warmbier on humanitarian grounds.

The University of Virginia students father, Fred Warmbier, said at an earlier news conference that his son had been brutalized and terrorized by the North Korean government.

Fred Warmbier said the family did not believe North Koreas story that his son had fallen into a coma after contracting botulism and being given a sleeping pill.

Doctors said on Thursday that there was no sign of botulism in Otto Warmbiers system.

Kanter said that Warmbier had suffered extensive loss of brain tissue in all regions of the brain, but he declined to discuss Warmbiers prognosis at the request of his family.

While doctors are uncertain as to what exactly caused the condition, cardiac arrest that stops the flow of blood to the brain is generally seen as resulting in the death of brain tissue.

Cardiac arrest in young, healthy people is rare and generally caused by either intoxication or traumatic injury, Dr. Jordan Bonomo, a specialist in neurosurgery and neurocritical care at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, said at the news conference.

Although doctors had no information about the type of medical treatment Warmbier received while in North Korea, they did receive MRI images from North Korea dated April 2016, Kanter said. Based on those images, doctors estimate the brain injury likely occurred in the preceding weeks, he said.

Doctors said there was no evidence that Warmbier suffered any broken bones.

On Thursday, the State Department said that its special envoy on North Korea, Joseph Yun, who negotiated Warmbiers release during a visit to the country this week, had also met with three other U.S. citizens being held in North Korea.

Tensions between the United States and North Korea have been heightened by North Korean missile launches and two nuclear bomb tests. Pyongyang has vowed to develop a nuclear-tipped intercontinental ballistic missile capable of hitting the US mainland.

Fred Warmbier said he was stunned when told of his sons condition one week ago.

I dont know what being in shock is, but Im pretty sure I was, he said.

There is no excuse for any civilized nation to have kept his condition secret and denied him top-notch medical care for so long.

He said his wife, Cindy, had not left their sons side since his return to the United States and that he had spoken with US President Donald Trump on Wednesday night.

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson told reporters on Thursday, Were glad hes home. He said officials would not comment on Warmbiers health or how he came to be in his current condition.

Tillerson said on Wednesday that US officials were considering some type of travel visa restriction to North Korea.

US lawmakers introduced a bill last month that would ban US citizens from travelling to North Korea as tourists and require them to obtain special permission for other types of visits, following the detention of at least 17 Americans there in the past decade.

In Wyoming, a northern Cincinnati suburb of about 8,000 people, Warmbiers return to the United States was marked by blue and white ribbons, representing the colours of the local high school, tied around trees and telephone polls.

(Writing by Timothy Mclaughlin in Chicago; Additional reporting by Jon Herskovitz in Austin, and Mohammad Zargham and David Brunnstrom in Washington, Texas; Editing by Toni Reinhold and Leslie Adler)
The Pentagon will send almost 4,000 additional American forces to Afghanistan, a Trump administration official said on Thursday, hoping to break a stalemate in a war that has now passed to a third US commander-in-chief. The deployment will be the largest of American manpower under Donald Trumps young presidency.

The decision by defence secretary Jim Mattis could be announced as early as next week, the official said. It follows Trumps move to give Mattis the authority to set troop levels and seeks to address assertions by the top US commander in Afghanistan that he doesnt have enough forces to help the Afghan army against a resurgent Taliban insurgency.

The rising threat posed by Islamic State extremists, evidenced in a rash of deadly attacks in the capital city of Kabul, has only fueled calls for a stronger US presence, as have several recent American combat deaths.

The bulk of the additional troops will train and advise Afghan forces, according to the administration official, who wasnt authorised to discuss details of the decision publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. A smaller number would be assigned to counterterror operations against the Taliban and IS, the official said.

Asked for comment, Pentagon spokesman Navy Capt Jeff Davis said, No decisions have been made.

Daulat Waziri, spokesman for Afghanistans defence ministry, was reluctant to comment on specifics on Friday but said the Afghan government supports the US decision to send more troops. The United States knows we are in the fight against terrorism,  he said. We want to finish this war in Afghanistan with the help of the NATO alliance.

Afghan lawmaker Nasrullah Sadeqizada, however, was skeptical about additional troops and cautioned that the troop surge should be coordinated with the Afghan government and should not be done unilaterally by the US. The security situation continues to deteriorate in Afghanistan and the foreign troops who are here are not making it better, he said.

Although Trump has delegated authority for US troop numbers in Afghanistan, the responsibility for Americas wars and the men and women who fight in them rests on his shoulders. Trump has inherited Americas longest conflict with no clear endpoint or a defined strategy for American success, though US troop levels are far lower than they were under Presidents Barack Obama and George W Bush.

In 2009, Obama authorised a surge of 30,000 troops into Afghanistan, bringing the total there to more than 100,000, before drawing down over the rest of his presidency.

Trump has barely spoken about Afghanistan as a candidate or president, concentrating instead on crushing the Islamic State group in Syria and Iraq. His predecessors both had hoped to win the war.

Bush scored a quick success, helping allied militant groups oust the Taliban shortly after the Sept 11, 2001, attacks, before seeing the gains slip away as Americas focus shifted to the Iraq war. In refocusing attention on Afghanistan, Obama eliminated much of the countrys al-Qaeda network and authorised the mission that killed Osama bin Laden, but failed to snuff out the Taliban rebellion.

Mattis deployment of more troops will be far smaller than Obamas.

While military leaders have consistently said more forces are needed, a decision had been tied up in a lengthy, wider debate about Americas long-term military, diplomatic and economic strategy for ending the war. Gen John Nicholson, the top US commander there, has said the troops are necessary to properly train and advise the Afghan military and perform work handled at greater cost by contractors. Afghan leaders endorse the idea of more US troops, having lost significant ground to the Taliban in recent months.

But despite repeated questions from Congress this week, Mattis wouldnt reveal his thinking on a troop increase. He said that while counterterrorism efforts in Afghanistan are making progress in weakening al-Qaeda and IS, their defeat will come about only by giving our men and women on the ground the support and the authorities they need to win.

Obama set a cap a year ago of 8,400 troops in Afghanistan after slowing the pace of what he hoped would be a US withdrawal.

Nevertheless, there are at least another 2,000 U.S. troops in Afghanistan not included in the official count. These include forces that are technically considered temporary even if theyve been in the war zone for months.

Trumps decision on Tuesday to give Mattis authority to set force levels in Afghanistan mirrored similar powers he handed over earlier this year for US fights in Iraq and Syria. The change was made public hours after Senator John McCain, the Senate Armed Services Committees Republican chairman, blasted Mattis for the administrations failure to present an overarching strategy for Afghanistan.

McCain said the US is not winning in Afghanistan, and Mattis agreed.

The finality of the decision isnt entirely clear. While Trump has handed over the troop level decision-making, there is nothing preventing him from taking it back.

Mattis has repeatedly stressed that increasing the number of US troops in Afghanistan would take place within a broader, long-term strategy for stabilising Afghanistan. In congressional testimony this week, he said the strategy will take into account regional influences, such as Pakistans role as a Taliban sanctuary. Regional powers Iran, India and China, which all have political stakes in the fate of Afghanistan, also must be considered.

While the new troops could raise fears of mission creep, Mattis told lawmakers this week he didnt envision returning to the force levels of 2010-11, when Obama thought he could pressure the Taliban into peace talks. Despite heavy losses, the Taliban fought on.

Reconciliation remains the goal, Mattis told a House appropriations panel on Thursday, along with reducing Afghan government corruption.

Were not looking at a purely military strategy, he said. All wars come to an end. Our job is to end it as quickly as possible without losing the very mission that weve recognised, through several administrations, that was worth putting those young Americans on the line for.

There have been almost 2,400 US military deaths in Afghanistan since 2001. Three US soldiers were killed and another was wounded in eastern Afghanistan this weekend in an attack claimed by the Taliban.
Swearing in fury, the crowd strips the man naked and stomps on his head as he sprawls on the ground.

You want things that come easy? Then take this, you bastard.

In Venezuela, this is what robbers get when they are caught by passers-by.

It is not just the countrys economy and political system that are sick, but society itself, experts say. An epidemic of lynchings is one of the most gruesome symptoms.

Justice

AFP journalists filmed a lynching close-up in a busy street in the capital Caracas.

A witness says he stopped the man who had tried to rob a woman at gunpoint in a bakery. Then the mob took over.

Youre lucky we didnt burn you, a voice yells, as police lug the man, limp but still breathing, into the back of their car.

The crowd yells in satisfaction -- but not at the mans arrest. They think they are the ones who have done justice here.

Their aim is to kill the person before the police arrive, says Marco Ponce, coordinator of the Venezuelan Social Conflict Observatory (OVCS).

The body says some 60 people were recorded as killed in lynchings in the first five months of this year alone.

Last year there were 126 such killings -- a surge from the 20 reported in the previous year, coinciding with the worsening of political tensions and economic chaos.

In lynchings, citizens let out their anger in the face of a state that is not defending their right to justice, says Ponce.

They think they are dispensing justice, and they do so with anger, so they go as far as killing the person.

No pity

Caracas resident Damaso Velasquez recalls taking part himself in a separate lynching.

I didnt feel pity for that person because I knew he was a criminal, he tells AFP.

I felt rage and hatred towards that person... I saw him committing a robbery. That makes you feel furious, so whatever happens to him, its alright, he goes on.

The government grabs him, puts him in jail and then they let him go again. There is disorder here in Caracas -- starting with the government.

Venezuela has one of the highest annual murder rates in the world -- 70 for every 100,000 inhabitants in 2016, according to the state prosecution service.

Yet only about six crimes out of every 100 here result in a sentence, says criminologist Fermin Marmol.

People feel that the state is not protecting them, so they opt to defend themselves, says Freddy Crespo, a criminologist at the University of the Andes.

Their fear turns into anger.

Social breakdown

Ponce sees the rise of lynchings as a sign of a social breakdown in Venezuela.

President Nicolas Maduro suggested that a man who was set on fire during a demonstration in May was targeted for being a government supporter. Witnesses said the crowd accused him of thieving.

Maduro broadcast a chilling video of the 22-year-old man running in flames after being doused in fuel and set alight. The man died in hospital two weeks later.

In another case, a man was set on fire by a crowd who thought he had committed a robbery, but it turned out he had been trying to help the victim.

A man was sentenced to six years in jail in March for taking part in that killing.

For some Venezuelans, the lynchings inspire as much terror as the criminals they are meant to punish.

The state is supposed to provide you with civil and judicial security, which we are totally lacking, says one Caracas resident, Maria Hernandez.

But I dont think it is just for me to come and kill or burn you just because you have robbed, she adds.

That way I would turn into someone more barbaric than you.
In 1885, during the hunt for Geronimo, Captain Boyd of the 8th U.S. Cavalry and Colonel Blake of the 1st Regiment of the New Mexico Militia confronted each other.

In July 1885 seven half-starved Apache women emerged from the hills and sought refuge in Canada Alamosa, a New Mexico Territory village that had always been friendly to them. They had been on the run since Geronimo broke from the hated San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation in Arizona Territory six weeks earlier. Their July 3 surrender to 8th U.S. Cavalry Captain Orsemus Bronson Boyd led to a standoffnot between troops and Geronimos men but between the New Mexico Militia and U.S. Army Regulars.

Colonel Fletcher Americus Blake, commanding the 1st Regiment of the New Mexico Militia, learned about the prisoners a few days later and rode to the village, where Boyd and his troops from Fort Stanton had them under guard. Blake concealed his men nearby and visited Boyd. The colonel demanded those squaws, to wring from them information on the whereabouts of the renegade warriors. Boyd refused. The women were wards of the federal government and prisoners of war, he stated. The territory had no jurisdiction.

Supposing I come with the writ, backed by all my men? Blake asked. Would you give them up then?

No, you have not men enough, said Boyd. Neither could you get enough to take them from me. Boyd was bluffinghe had just 15 men with him. He did allow Blake to ask one woman the whereabouts of Geronimo. I want no intimidation, he insisted.

Boyd doubled the guard at the adobe house sheltering the women. I will not allow these squaws to go as long as there is a man of us left, he stated. Blakes men made threats that night but left the next morning without the captives.

A couple of weeks later Captain Edmond G. Fechet asked Boyd if he had met Blake. Oh, Fechet, I have got a hell of a report to make against that man, Boyd replied. I wish I was well enough to make it out now. They ought to know it at Santa Fe as soon as possible.

Fechet wrote up Boyds comments and reported to their superiors. Blake had a different story about his confrontation with Boyd but found himself arguing with a dead man.

Some two months earlier, on May 17, 1885, Geronimo had slipped away from San Carlos, a reservation established in 1871 for the Chiricahua Apaches. With Geronimo were Chiefs Naiche, Chihuahua, Mangas and old Nana, along with 34 men, eight large boys and 92 women and children. They headed east for New Mexico Territorys Black Range, onetime home of the great Apache Chief Victorio. But what had been a refuge was now dotted with ranches and pocked with mines. Apache raiders descended on the settlers to take livestock, weapons and ammunitionand lives. Word flew back to territorial authorities, and newspapers spread the warning. On May 22 The Silver City Enterprise blared, INDIAN DEPREDATIONS: FIFTY BLOODTHIRSTY RED DEVILS, WITH THEIR SQUAWS AND PAPOOSES, ON THE WARPATH. Both volunteers and Army Regulars were in pursuit, the paper reported.

Colonel Luther Prentice Bradley, commander of the Armys District of New Mexico, ordered four companies of the 6th U.S. Cavalry from Fort Bayard, just outside Silver City. On May 22 Apaches ambushed Captain Allen Smiths command at Devils Canyon, about 20 miles northeast of Alma (see map, P. 63).

The Apaches initially camped in the Mogollon Mountains. Chihuahua and Naiche operated separately from Mangas and Geronimo. Over the next few weeks these bands would seek hidden canyons and remote parks, always moving, often parting and reuniting later. Small parties splintered off to steal horses and loot cabins or divert troops. Pursuers exhausted themselves and their horses but found only deserted camps. (For details on the Apaches movements, see Edwin R. Sweeneys book From Cochise to Geronimo: The Chiricahua Apaches, 18741886.)

Mangas and about 40 followers (including a dozen men) went into camp near Kingston, while Geronimo continued east toward the Black Range with six men and two women and crossed the Continental Divide. Near the mining camp of Grafton they ambushed and killed three white men, taking their weapons and stock. Geronimo proceeded with his wife, She-gha, another woman and two men along an Indian trail between Chloride and Fairview (present-day Winston) and crossed the Rio Grande.

The two women continued alone to recruit Mescalero Apaches at their reservation in south central New Mexico Territory. If the Mescaleros would meet Geronimo in the San Andres Mountains, the women promised, they could join in raids east of the Rio Grande. Mescaleros had ridden with Victorio, but they had no desire for further hardship or deaths. Mescalero police arrested the women when they arrived on May 26.

Outside Kingston, Major James Biddle picked up the trail of Mangas, who had abandoned camp and later met up with Geronimo about 10 miles northeast of Fort Cummings. A detachment from Biddles command cut the trail of 54 Apaches, including 19 men, but there would be no confrontation. On May 29 Geronimo and Mangas crossed into Mexico. On June 8 Chihuahua did the same, and the next day Naiche followed.

In late May, New Mexico Territorial Governor Lionel Allen Sheldon scrawled hasty notes ordering Blake, Colonel Albert Jennings Fountain and other militia officers to quickly turn out their troops. Volunteers usually get little mention in the stories of manly action during the Apache wars, while Regulars get ink, medals and biographies, and yet the ranchmen, supplying their own horses and rifles, were often the first line of defense.

Territorial officials had fielded two militia companies during the 1880 Victorio outbreak, but Apaches werent the only danger. The boomtowns of south central New Mexico Territory remained unruly. After Victorios death in 1880, settlers and prospectors had streamed in, along with rustlers and the usual purveyors of vice. Rustler John Kinneys energetic gang alone had in two years run off some 10,000 head from as far north as Socorro to the Mexican border. Sheldon empowered local militia units to pursue outlaws and promised to clean up the region if it [took] every man and dollar in New Mexico. In 1883 the Mesilla militia under Colonel Fountain captured Kinney.

As Sheldon contemplated disbanding the militia at Socorro in early 1884, he received a petition signed by every prominent citizen, including Blake, asking that it be retained to guard the jail and its notorious guest, murderer Joel Fowler. Sheldon apparently didnt act on the petition, as vigilantes plucked Fowler from the lockup in late January and promptly lynched him.

By then Blake, a land broker in Socorro, was commander of the 1st Regiment of New Mexico Militia and apparently well respected by his men and peers. Fellow militia officer Fountain a prominent territorial attorney who would disappear in 1896, courtesy of his political enemiesreferred to Blake as my old friend and wrote to New Mexicos Adjutant General Edward L. Bartlett: Colonel Blake is a good, energetic officer, and can, I think, organize a regiment that would be of value in case of emergency. Such a regiment is badly needed.

Dr. Jesse Thompson, who recruited 40 men in the mineral mecca of Lake Valley, also wrote in praise of Blake: I am willing to be placed under Colonel Blakes orders, as nearly all my men are (cattlemen).Though it is hard work, I would be glad to take to the field under an experienced officer to fight Apaches.

To Blake, Adjutant General Bartlett wrote, Be as prudent as possible, but use every effort to protect people. Blake suspended business and rode from settlement to settlement to organize units. Fountain advised him to enlist men who were their own masters, namely farmers and stockmen. Miners and prospectors were good material, Fountain said, but too transient; farmers and stockmen knew the country. Fountain also visited the Mescalero Reservation, where Chief San Juan said his people would fight Geronimo.

Blake sometimes sent companies in search of hostiles. One company led by Captain Charles T. Russell, Socorros sheriff, left town on May 28 and rode 200 miles southwest through the mountains. Evidence of Apaches was scant until they reached the Mogollons, where they found a large, recently abandoned camp. But Russells command was out of supplies and turned back.

The country was fearfully rugged, and men and horses were exhausted, Blake said, adding that the Indians broke into small parties, making it almost impossible to find them in the steep, wooded mountain recesses. No men or officers ever worked harder than did this company. Some of the men marched over 500 miles during the time we were out.

Captain James Blain and his Chloride militia company also found signs of Indians, mostly afoot, but then lost the trail. The elusive Apaches prompted Blake to consider reorganizing his regiment and, as he put it, adopting a more practical plan of protecting the people and killing off these Red Devils whenever they start on a raid.

On May 30, 1885, Apaches attacked a ranch between Lake Valley and Hillsboro and took horses. Fountain and his militia, reported The Silver City Enterprise, aided by some Silver City citizens, will move upon them tomorrow, and hot work is expected.

In mid-June Blake was ordered to muster out his men, but the Apaches continued raiding, and the colonel soon planned to ride out again. The governor had a change of heart, and at months end he ordered Blake to enlist companies and distribute them as he saw fit.

The arrest of Geronimos wife, She-gha, and the other Apache woman at Mescalero on May 26 set Fort Stanton in motion. The following day, Major James J. Van Horn left with two troops of 6th U.S. Cavalry and Mescalero scouts under Chief San Juan. They searched the San Andres and Oscura ranges and watched river fords but found nothing.

In late June Major John A. Wilcox sent 8th Cavalry troops from Fort Stanton and scouts from Mescalero to four mountain camps near Hillsboro, Grafton, Alma and Malone. Captain Orsemus Boyd and his men occupied Grafton, a silver mining town in the foothills of the Black Range. In late May raiding Apaches, probably Geronimos group, had killed a ranch foreman and the teenage sons of two local families. In the wake of those killings Graftons nervous population had melted to three women and 15 men, and they had guarded the town around the clock.

The only water for Boyds men was two miles away in a 45-foot well, and it was rank. Soon all the officers and most of the enlisted men had diarrhea or dysentery. The Apache scouts, whose people moved often for sanitary reasons, must have wondered why the soldiers did not go elsewhere. The answer was buried in Boyds personal history.

During the Civil War Boyd had distinguished himself in action with the 89th New York Volunteer Infantry, rising from color bearer at 16 to second lieutenant at 18, commanding a company in which his older brother and father served. After his appointment to West Point, the battle-hardened Boyd refused to submit to freshmen cadet hazing, which made him a target for worse treatment.

In 1865 he was falsely accused of stealing money, and although a court of inquiry found him not guilty, his fellow cadets ostracized him. Boyd steadfastly remained at the academy two more years until he graduated. When the accusation followed him into his regiment, his response was to be a model soldier. In 1872 a former fellow cadet the very one who had conducted the investigation of Boydadmitted having planted the evidence. It engendered in him a great unwillingness to demand even his just dues, wrote his wife, Frances Mullen Boyd, in her 1894 memoir Calvary Life in Tent and Field. He submitted without a murmur.

To escape the East, Boyd chose the 8th Cavalry and served in Nevada, Arizona and New Mexico territories and Texas. At Fort Stanton in 1871 Boyd had the post carpenter build a boat so that he and another officer could explore Fort Stanton Cave and its underground river. The boat turned over but remained in the cave for decades. (In 2009 Bureau of Land Management archeologists identified its wooden remains.) Boyd greatly disliked the Grafton camp, his wife wrote. The country was rough, and the drinking water had sickened him.

In early July, informed of the seven Apache women in Canada Alamosa (present-day Monticello), Boyd led a detachment there and took them into custody, while a scouting party went in search of a party of 18 Apaches reported to be in Alamosa Canyon. A concerned citizen in the village begged Boyd to rest a few days, as he was obviously very sick, but Boyd was anxious to return to camp with the women.

Arriving within days, Colonel Blake told Boyd, according to a fellow officers later report, he wanted those squaws. Boyd refused and doubled the guard in case Blake tried to seize the women. Blake and his militia, though, left without them. On July 11 Boyd returned to the Grafton camp with the seven women, sending them on by wagon to Fort Apache in Arizona Territory.

An army surgeon visited the camp on July 22 and ordered Boyd hospitalized, but he died the next day. He was 41. His wife later wrote that bad water and other privations during his Civil War service had weakened him. That Indian campaign resulted in some terrible deaths, wrote Frances Boyd, but none was more shocking than this sad ending to a long and most faithful career.

The army surgeon told Major Wilcox that the crowded camp violated sanitary and hygienic standards, the water was poor, and it was difficult to obtain fresh meat and vegetables. Wilcox quickly had the camp moved, a step he might have taken earlier had Boyd complained.

Captain Fechet wrote up his late friends comments about Colonel Blake and on August 16 sent the report to district commander Colonel Bradley, who demanded the governor instruct his militias they had no authority over Regular troops. The letter filtered down to Blake, who penned an indignant response: The statement as to my demand from Captain Boyd for those squaws is wholly false. He denied that Boyd had made any such statement or that he had threatened to use force.

Blakes version of the story varies considerably from Boyds. According to the colonel, he and his men had been scouting for hostiles near Canada Alamosa when the two officers exchanged courteous notes pledging cooperation. After sending most of his volunteers to scout the San Mateo Mountains, Blake took a small detail with him to visit Boyd. He arrived about 11 p.m., and Boyd rose from bed and spoke to Blake at length.

There was some feeling among the men with me that the squaws ought to be turned over to the civil authorities, especially on the part of one man whose son had been killed by the Indians, Blake wrote. He shared that sentiment with Boyd, but the captain insisted he couldnt relinquish his wards without orders. Blake said thats what he told his men. This settled talk in that direction.

Boyd did grant Blakes request to have an interpreter question the women. The captain, according to Blake, also confessed that the people placed no confidence in the U.S. troops, and the settlers might be more satisfied after Blake spoke to the women and scouted the country. The statement has a ring of truth. Las Cruces Rio Grande Republican summed up the prevailing opinion: The entire uselessness of the United States troops in fighting Indians has been well demonstrated lately.The troops are being charged with cowardice. But we have hopes that our militia boys will do some good work.

Blake said he left Boyd on cordial terms, only later learning that the militiaman mourning his murdered son had made threats against the women while the volunteers were in Canada Alamosa, even though Blake had forbidden such loud talk. Army officials berated the militia.

Three days later Blake was still fuming. It is evident the whole matter has grown out of a petty supercilious dislike of the militia by the Regular Army officers, and they are sensing or trying to sense an opportunity under cover of a dead man to bring the militia into discredit. District commander Bradley had put his foot in his mouth, Blake added, and I intend to help him keep it there until it chokes him, if he doesnt drop that dirty pack of lies pretty expeditiously.

Blakes superiors had other concerns. The new governor, Edmund Ross, didnt share his predecessors zeal for cleaning up the territory at any cost and ordered militia commanders to quickly muster out volunteers to avoid further expense. Ross, convinced no hostile Apaches remained in New Mexico, took issue with Blakes expenses. Blake reported: Many citizens have sent their families away, and all are on the defense.We shall try and make it interesting for the Red Devils in case they remain in the vicinity much longer.

Blake then revealed motivations that cast a different light on his actions. Many settlers, he explained, were in a very excited frame of mind. They didnt trust the Apache scouts and thought little better of Army troops. There was a quiet but determined move to raise a force to attack reservation Indians

The air was full of rumors of Indians in all directions, which was keeping up the excitement, he said, and cattlemen and miners were impulsive. Blake concluded that the only way to keep his hotheaded volunteers in line was to channel the fear and anger by ordering out Captain Blains company from Chloride and show the people that the governor and territorial authorities were able and willing to do all that was necessary to protect the lives and property of the people in a legitimate way.

Blake wasnt blowing smoke. New Mexicans had previously threatened to organize and wipe out reservation Apaches, and peaceful Mescaleros were even then suffering attacks. Settlers were so irate that they threatened to shoot on sight the Apache scouts. Major Wilcox complained that he couldnt send his scouts anywhere without an escort. I regret to have to make this statement, coming from a people in whose interest these scouts were sent here, he wrote. On August 17 he sent his scouts back to Mescalero.

Blakes strategy worked, improving morale and silencing talk about attacking the reservation, which, he wrote, has been worth much more to the territory than all of the money it cost.

Governor Ross directed Blake to reorganize the militia and gave him command of the four southwestern counties to establish a militia line between New Mexico and Arizona and along the Mexican border. It is a weary, thankless job, so far as I am concerned, the colonel wrote, and I shall cheerfully retire from the work if the governor so desires. By early August he had a cavalry regiment of 12 companies.

When the renegades returned, the militia was ready, and so was the Army. By that time all was forgiven.

On September 11, 1885, Geronimo and a small band of Apaches shot a man cut- ting poles, killed another in ambush, murdered a teen herding cattle and kidnapped his 11-year-old brother. Cavalry started from Fort Bayard and militia from Hillsboro. The Apaches moved rapidly from the Mimbres River toward the Gila wilderness, looting a cabin and exchanging shots with militiamen in close pursuit. The soldiers horses were worn out, but so were the Apaches mounts. Captain Jesse Thompsons volunteers also rode west from Lake Valley, covering some 200 miles in just two days. But once again the Apaches managed to slip the noose and find places to hide.

Regulars and volunteers crisscrossed the region through October to no avail. Blake, meanwhile, working with Captain Henry W. Sprole of the 8th Cavalry, proposed a plan to distribute soldiers to act most effectively against hostile bands of Indians and allow militia to aid them with the least expense to the territory. The Army accepted.

In early November, Chihuahua and his group surprised a wood camp near Lake Valley, killing a man and looting the camp. The Indians continued north to the Mimbres Mountains and over the next several days openly stole stock, showing little concern of pursuit by military or militia. Blake and three militia units responded.

On November 7 Chihuahuas brother Ulzana, in his infamous raid, attacked two ranches farther south. Blake, Sprole and a militia unit investigated. At a ranch 22 miles from Deming they found the bodies of Andrew Yeater and his wife and heard the harrowing story of the Yeaters neighbor John Shy, who fought his way out of a burning house and saved his family. Ulzana, like his brother, roamed and raided in the Black Range and the Mimbres before recrossing the border in late December. Nine months later the Apache wars ended with Geronimos surrender.

Colonel F.A. Blake remained in Socorro for a time, where he bought and sold land, dabbled in mining, ran a newspaper and involved himself in civic activities. The late Captain O.B. Boyd also gained a higher profile, thanks to his widow, Frances, who, like Elizabeth Custer, was determined that her husband not be forgotten. Mrs. Boyd, too, memorialized her husband in a memoir, and she pressed to have his body buried in the San Antonio National Cemetery, despite resistance from the secretary of war, who quibbled over cost.

In 1967, a century after O.B. Boyds graduation from the U.S. Military Academy, his grandson Francis Orsemus Boyd, of Boonton, N.J., served as adjutant of the centennial event at West Point that brought more than 150 descendants from 26 states to honor the class of 1867.

Sherry Robinson of Albuquerque, N.M., writes often about Apache Indians,including the story of the Apache couple Massai and Zanagoliche in the December 2012 Wild West Indian Life department. She is the author of Apache Voices: Their Stories of Survival as Told to Eve Ball (2003) and I Fought a Good Fight: A History of the Lipan Apaches (2013). For this article Robinson relied primarily on period military and militia correspondence.

Originally published in the June 2013 issue of Wild West. To subscribe, click here.
Sieges in American history may lack castles and siege engines, but those who endured them demonstrated ample bravado.

The concept of the siege is as old as human conflict itself, dating from mans earliest efforts to fort up against hostile forces. The written record of American sieges stretches back to colonial times. Some of these sieges were monumental, some personal, others simply quirky. All met the requisite criterion: people on the inside striving desperately to keep people on the outside from either getting in or forcing them out.

During the French and Indian War what now constitutes upstate New York was a hotly contested battleground between the colonists of British America and those of New France, the 32-mile-long stretch of Lake George forming an uncertain barrier between the two. In late 1755 the British constructed Fort William Henry on the southern shore of the lake as a potential staging ground for incursions into Canada. The British fortress looked impressive. Built on an irregular square, it boasted bastioned corners and 30-foot-thick walls, surrounded on three sides by a dry moat and on the fourth by the lake itself. The walls, however, comprised earthen berms faced with logs andas the garrison would soon discoverwere no match for artillery.

Some 16 miles southeast of Fort William Henry stood Fort Edward, on the banks of the Hudson River. Connecting the two was a recently cleared wilderness road, over which Fort William Henry could presumably draw support from Fort Edward should the French attack.

Attack they did. In the summer of 1757 French Brig. Gen. Louis-Joseph de Montcalm-Gozon, resolving to launch a preemptive strike, assembled a formidable army of some 6,200 regulars and militia and 1,800 Indians from allied tribes, supported by 36 cannon and five mortars.

Getting wind of the French plans, Maj. Gen. Daniel Webb, commanding at Fort Edward, reinforced the garrison at Fort William Henry to around 2,400 men. The fort itself could only house up to 500, however, so the bulk of the force occupied an entrenched camp within a half-mile southeast of the fort. A number of British soldiers were suffering from smallpox and were quartered in either the forts makeshift hospital or sick huts.

After boating down Lake George with the bulk of his army, Montcalm arrived outside Fort William Henry the night of August 23. The next morning, having failed to convince British Lt. Col. George Monro to surrender his post, the French general commenced siege operations. In the days that followed, Montcalms gunners kept the British under near continual bombardment while his sappers dug trenches toward the fort, bringing the French guns ever closer. Monro sent several couriers to Fort Edward, appealing for help. But Indians and militia blocked the road, and on August 4 they shot down a rider carrying a reply from Webb. The dispatch they recovered from the couriers body advised Monro to surrender. Three days later, as the French closed to within 1,000 yards of the fort, Montcalm shared the intercepted missive with the British commander. On August 9, with little hope of relief, Monro capitulated.

Montcalm offered generous terms: He would allow the British to march out in parade order, under their colors, in return for a pledge not to bear arms against the French for 18 months. They could keep their personal belongings, weapons and one symbolic cannon, but no ammunition. French doctors would tend their sick and wounded, who would be returned to Fort Edward when well. The terms seemed too good to be trueand they were.

The Indians, angered by Montcalms leniency, plundered the surrendered fort and killed 17 of the incapacitated soldiers. The next morning, as the British column marched away ostensibly under French escort, the Indians attacked, at first robbing and beating, then killing and scalping unarmed soldiers and their families. Discipline among the British collapsed, as men, women and children broke for the woods, pursued by hundreds of screaming Indians.

In coming days only about 500 of the 2,308 British troops and followers who had surrendered made it to Fort Edward. Lurid reports claimed the Indians had butchered as many as 1,500. But scores of the British had escaped, and the Indians took hundreds more captive. A more accurate count of those killed and missing falls between 69 and 184. In the weeks following the attack dozens of fugitives trickled into Fort Edward and other British bastions, while French and British authorities successfully negotiated the release of hundreds more. But the slaughter remained a blot on Montcalms otherwise impressive military record.

The first siege of the American Revolution followed on the heels of the April 19, 1775, Battles of Lexington and Concord. Lasting nearly a year, it resulted in a key strategic victory for the young nation and its commander in chief, George Washington.

Pursuing the British from Lexington and Concord, Mass., the Patriots blockaded the land approaches to Boston and established a siege line from Roxbury to Chelsea, corralling Lt. Gen. Thomas Gage and his troops within the strategically vital town. The only remaining access was via Boston Harbor, through which, over the months that followed, the British reinforced the garrison to a peak of some 6,000 troops.

At that point the Continental Army was little more than a disparate gaggle of ill-trained, ill-equipped militiamen who felt little kinship with one another. By that summer desertion had further thinned its ranks. Worse yet, Washington lacked sufficient artillery to mount an effective siege. Arriving at a solution, the American commander sent Colonel Henry Knox, a resourceful young officer, to Fort Ticonderoga, N.Y., which Benedict Arnold and Ethan Allen had captured from the British that May. His mission? To haul the forts artillery back to Boston. In early December, after selecting some five dozen cannons, mortars and howitzers from Ticonderogas arsenal, Knox proceeded to haul and float his 60 tons of ordnance nearly 300 miles through winter gales down Lake George, across icebound rivers, over snow-covered mountains and through dense forests, finally delivering the guns to Washington in Boston in late January 1776.

On the night of March 45 Washington ordered a diversionary bombardment while hundreds of Patriot soldiers silently mounted guns atop Dorchester Heights, overlooking the British troops and ships. Finally wielding sufficient firepower, the American commander gave the British little choice but to evacuate the town. On March 17, with the arrival of favorable winds, General William Howewho had replaced Gage as garrison commanderembarked his troops and thousands of terrified Loyalists and sailed for Nova Scotia. Despite its shortcomings, the fledgling Continental Army had successfully besieged a British army for nearly a year.

In the mid-1880s the Wyoming Stock Growers Association (WSGA), comprising the territorys leading cattle barons, suffered a spate of bad luck. First came drought and the resultant dearth of grass. Then came the Big Die-uptwo consecutive winters (188586 and 188687) so brutal they killed 80 percent of the stock, bankrupted many of the big spreads and all but wiped out the cattle industry.

Then came organized rustlers. While the cattlemen could do nothing about the weather, they could certainly put an end to human depredations. Consequently, in 1892 WSGA members resolved to invade Johnson County, suspected hotbed of rustling in the region. They compiled a hit list of 70 names, including a number of small ranchers who, while perhaps guiltless of rustling, had had the temerity to start a competing association. Topping their list was Nate Champion, a Texas-born cowboy who had made his reputation in Wyomingfirst as a top hand, then as owner of a small herd. Champion was admired by many and trusted by most. But as unofficial leader of the small ranchers, he represented a thorn in the side of the big cattle interests. Champion had survived an earlier attempt on his life, and the cattlemen were eager to keep him from implicating them in that attack.

The barons hired nearly two-dozen Texas gunmen at $5 a day, plus a $50 bounty for every man on the list they killed. Far from a clandestine mission, their plan had the tacit support of Wyoming Gov. Amos W. Barber, a onetime association member, who would rally a far higher authority to their defense when things didnt go as planned. The little armys first stop was Champions remote cabin on the KC Ranch, south of Buffalo.

At dawn on April 9 the party of 52 armed cattlemen and hired killersjoined, bizarrely, by two newspaper reporterssurrounded the cabin. Inside were an unsuspecting Champion, partner Nick Raywhose name was also on the listand two visiting freighters. The men outside quietly nabbed the visitors as they emerged to collect water. But when Ray left the cabin, they opened fire, mortally wounding him. Moments later Champion bolted from the cabin. Rapid-firing his rifle at the attackers, he ran to his partner, grabbed him by the collar andbullets kicking up dust all around himdragged Ray back inside.

The besieged cabin soon came under a torrent of gunfire from the stable 75 yards to the northeast, from the riverbank to the northwest, from behind the house and from a ravine 50 yards south. Remarkably, as his partner lay dying and his own hopes of mercy or rescue ebbed away, Champion opened a small notebook and began to write:

Me and Nick was getting breakfast when the attack took place, he opened. Nick is shot but not dead yet. I must go and wait on him. Two hours later he wrote, Nick is still alive. Between entries he shot back whenever a target presented itself. The firing remained intense. Boys, there is bullets coming in like hail. Around midmorning Champion wrote, Nick is deadhe died about 9 oclock. He then bluntly assessed his situation: I dont think they intend to let me get away this time.

Boys, I feel pretty lonesome just now, Champion mused as the siege dragged on past noon. I wish there was someone here with me so we could watch all sides at once. By 3 p.m. hed begun to lose hope. It dont look as if there is much show of my getting away.

Late that afternoon Champion heard the sound of splitting wood, as the invaders filled a wagon with splintered pitch pine and hay. I think they will fire the house this time, he wrote. He was right. While the others kept up a steady fire, a handful of men ran the burning wagon up against the outside of the cabin. Flames engulfed the structure as Champion wrote his final entry: The house is all fired. Goodbye, boys, if I never see you again.

Signing the entry, he pocketed the notebook and, armed with a rifle and six-shooter, bolted from the cabin toward the nearby ravinestraight into the muzzles of waiting gunmen. Champion got off a single shot before his attackers poured round after round into him. After inspecting their quarrys lifeless body, one of the killers pinned a hastily scrawled placard to Champions bloody vest: Cattle Thieves, Beware!

By delaying the invasion a day, Champion had allowed an alert neighbor to get word to Buffalo, where Johnson County Sheriff William Red Angus threw together a force of more than 200 outraged citizens. They intercepted the invaders on the morning of April 11, trapping them in the barn of a nearby ranch. Within hours, however, Gov. Barber telegraphed President Benjamin Harrison, pleading on behalf of the now besieged besiegers. On Harrisons authority a cavalry troop from Fort McKinney soon rescued the cattlemen and their hired killers. Ultimately, not a single invader was convicted of a crime. The Texans went home after collecting their blood money, and the cattle barons returned to their ranches. Nonetheless, by his stand in the face of certain death Champion had thwarted mass vigilantism in the lawless early days of Wyoming.

One of the most storied sieges in the history of westward expansion began on June 27, 1874, at Adobe Walls, a settlement amid the ruins of an abandoned Texas Panhandle trading post.

Ten years earlier at Adobe Walls some 400 enlisted men and Indian scouts of the 1st New Mexico Volunteer Cavalry under Colonel Christopher Kit Carson had successfully fought off several thousand Comanche, Kiowa and Kiowa-Apache warriors. History was set to repeat itself. The buffalo trade was brisk in 1874, and that spring a handful of Kansas entrepreneurs had built a makeshift trading post near the ruins to service the dozens of hunters ranging the surrounding countryside. By June it comprised two stores, a corral, a blacksmith shop, a restaurant and, not surprising, a saloon.

Determined to drive out the intruders, several hundred of the regions Comanches and Cheyennes, along with a handful of Arapahos and Kiowas, banded together for what Comanche medicine man Isa-tai had guaranteed would be a successful campaign. He further promised his magic would protect the warriors from the buffalo hunters bullets.

At dawn on the 27th the army of allied Indians, under the leadership of Isa-tai and Comanche Chief Quanah Parker, swooped down on the encampment. Inside the complex were one woman and 28 very surprised merchants, drovers, hunters and skinners. Among them were Bat Masterson and Billy Dixon, two young men destined to become Western legends. Among the hunters were veterans of earlier Indian fights. They were proficient marksmen, and their favored weapon was the long-range .50-caliber Sharps rifle. From 1,000 yards a single well-aimed round could kill a buffalo, let alone a man. Inside the stores were cases of the Sharps Big Fifties and thousands of rounds of ammunition. They outshone the Indians weapons in range, power and accuracy.

When the warriors attacked, the besieged buffalo men took refuge in the saloon and both stores, sheltering behind stacked hides, grains sacks and anything else they could find. The Indian fire was daunting, and three men died in the initial onslaught. At times, Dixon recalled, the bullets poured in like hail and made us hug the sod walls like gophers. As sod doesnt burn, at least there was no danger of being burned out, and the defenses held.

Over the next several days the buffalo men repelled repeated charges, during which some foolhardy warriors rode in close enough to pound on the doors and windows. Digging gun ports through the sod walls, the hunters picked off their exposed attackers one by one. We tried to storm the place several times, Quanah recounted, but the hunters shot so well, we would have to retreat.

It seemed no matter how far they withdrew from the sod buildings, the .50-caliber rounds continued to find them. On the third day of the siege Dixon reputedly dropped an Indian from his horse at a distance of nearly a mile. By then the Indians belief in Isa-tais prediction had faded. And when Quanah himself took a blow to the shoulder from a spent bullet, they wholly lost faith. Although they remained in the area a few more days, the warriors staged no more direct attacks on the encampment. When the last of them drifted away, the buffalo men emerged from their fortifications. The bodies of more than a dozen warriors still lay on the surrounding plain. In addition to the three buffalo men killed in the initial assault, a fourth died as he descended a ladder and his own gun accidently discharged, tearing off the top of his head.

The allied Indians raided the area throughout the summer, destroying settlements, outlying homesteads and wagon trains and killing an estimated 190 settlers over a 1,000-mile swath from Texas across the Plains states into Colorado. As devastating as the raids were, they only prompted relentless military pursuit, resulting in the ultimate subjugation and relocation of the Southern Plains tribes and the opening of the region to permanent settlement. The failed siege of Adobe Walls was merely a harbinger of the inevitable defeat that followed.

Freelance writer Ron Soodalter is the author of Hanging Captain Gordon and The Slave Next Door. For further reading he recommends Adobe Walls: The History and Archaeology of the 1874 Trading Post, by T. Lindsay Baker and Billy R. Harrison, and Wyoming Range War: The Infamous Invasion of Johnson County, by John W. Davis.
News, events, history, and other mid-week tidbits.

Tuesday, October 25, 4:30  7 p.m.

Orr Area EMS Open House

Brats and burgers will be served. Event includes a new ambulance tour and blood pressure screenings. For more info: 218-780-3798.

Orr Fire Hall

4540 Lake St., Orr

Tuesday, October 25, 12  6 p.m.

Essentia Health Job Fair

Talent recruiters and department managers will be on-site at Essentia Health-Virginia. Candidates from all backgrounds are encouraged to attendnurses, nursing and clinical assistants, surgery technicians, radiology technicians, respiratory therapists, human resource professionals, and those interested in environmental services or nutrition services. Essentia staff will greet candidates, conduct an initial screening and filter them to appropriate hiring managers for interviews. Select candidates will be verbally offered a position before leaving. Candidates are asked to bring a resume, but its not required. Attire is business casual. For more info: www.essentiacareers.org.

901 9th St. N., Virginia
Chief Keef, born Keith Cozart in a city hes since been banned from, is approaching his 22nd birthday. Over the past six years of his career, hes birthed an entire scene of music, engaged in deadly beefs and faced equally dire legal issues. In his own words, he describes a cycle of potential success being marred by violence and death  preventing him from fully realizing his talent. Before long, the forced exile from Chicago, coupled with the birth of his children and the death of his cousin, Big Glo, sent him seeking salvation in the relative quiet of Los Angeles.

An introverted creative, he took to the Hollywood lifestyle in his own way  burrowed in his mansion, surrounded by a group of those he trusts most, learning how to produce from the likes of DP Beats. And after the high of his well-documented collaborations with Kanye West, climaxing with the stunning turn on Hold My Liquor, his presence felt muted. But in the context of his aforementioned soul-searching, it kinda makes sense: he fell out with certain associates, withdrew into himself even more, and started unceremoniously dumping out tapes under his own label, Glo Gang.

Regardless, the inconsistency of his output since his 2011 breakout hit I Dont Like, is often exaggerated. If youve been paying a lick of attention, Keefs prolific nature and propensity to lackadaisically freestyle his way around cult classics has been readily apparent (Faneto; Earned It; Sosa Chamberlin). So have his more traditional capabilities as a rapper and songwriter (see: any of his features on Travis Scott, Mike WiLL Made It or Mac Millers recent projects). But despite a consistent stream of output, including a project dedicated to the late Atlantan icon, Bankroll Fresh, from this past January, its the long anticipated Thot Breaker (first teased for Valentines Day a lifetime ago, in 2015) that finally feels like his next definitive body of work.

While there are a whole slew of mixtape and double albums worth of content we can parse over, this feels like a direct follow up to 2014s Nobody. Where Finally Rich, his debut two years prior, was received on the biggest of stages, spawning three massive hits, the follow up was a layered and understated experiment that unfortunately fell on deaf ears. Nobody and Thot Breaker are of the same ilk and a large part of why an elusive artist like Keef can be so riveting. The latter reaches for a larger audience than the guarded rumination found on the former, but it still comes from an earnest desire to vocalize and subsequently process ones most primal insecurities. And both remind us of the pride Keef takes in workshopping and refining his talents.

Where he once believed the industry to think of him as a joke, Keef now seems to be comfortable with his place as an innovator. So while its easy to take his own claim that Drake inspired the island vibes of lead single Can You Be My Friend, and extend that influence to the whole tape, its worth remembering the deep rooted origin of Keefs idiosyncrasies. The melodic DNA of Thot Breaker stems from album cuts as early as No Tomorrow to off-the-cuff experiments like Go To Jail, Oh My Goodness, or How it Go. In many ways, its a natural maturation of his craft, a logical extension of the vivid, auto-tuned evocation found in many of Keefs more understated ballads.

These are same the disarmingly tender, drug addled thoughts, skewed through the lens of a young cult heros irreverence, that weve come to expect from Keef. He isnt extending himself too much as a rapper on here, but he wears his heart on his sleeve and the blunt, sparse writing makes for increasingly poetic turns. Much to his credit, Keef is effortlessly honest in a way many of his contemporaries often struggle with. Where artists like Drake, Bryson Tiller or Future become vindictive and self-indulgent in their emotional manipulation, he walks the line between callous and caring with a lot more finesse. If you fall for him, despite the dozen red flags hes raised himself, he assumes youre doing so at your own risk. This mindset is best exemplified by the Grab a Star hook:

Mama say I have trust issues, I been feelin like Jesus She wants me to be her man, I cant baby, Ima break you Baby, I would not lie to you, Id be careful if I were you

And when he starts falling too deep himself, he prematurely concocts ways to distance himself, afraid to invest energy into something he feels hell eventually mishandle. I know I can fuck up, another man can luck up quickly turns to yeah, she say she want some more, I say thats all I got to give. Despite the deep, hypnotic love he experiences on tracks like Whoa or You & Me, he takes any minor speed bump as a chance to flee the scene. It becomes clear that he still fantasizes about the idea of love  always chasing after his next Rapunzel. But hes working on it.

Keef has become quite the virtuoso in recent years, his keen ear for melody and his rapidly improving capabilities as a composer elevating this project to new heights. Hes clearly studied the modern R&B landscape, but its what he subsequently chooses to draw from the mainstream thats most interesting. Theres an equal balance between instrumentals that breathe, ones that are dark and claustrophobic, and ones that are refreshing in their up tempo bounce. The album is also structured as a blatant struggle between his ego and his heart, with minor touches, like the skit at the start of Couple of Coats, really highlighting Keefs paranoia and struggle with communication.

Thot Breaker isnt as malicious as the title suggests, but its definitely anchored by Keefs ostensibly shameless womanizing. Alone (Intro) acts as Keefs thesis statement, making clear his intent to pardon himself from any emotional damage that may lay in his wake: I am not trying to redo your life, he assures anyone who may be interested in the young Zac Efron. But you can tell its a front. Fortunately, its a mask he slips off enough times to give us a true picture of his bruised ego. Trust, intimacy and commitment issues  these are love scars we all bare. And like many of us, he wears disaffection as a form of armour, only selectively revealing the helpless romantic underneath.

Nothing exemplifies this dynamic like the pair of closing songs. Slow Dance is a stripped down confessional, a last ditch effort to maintain what youve underappreciated. Its a renewal of vows thats from a genuine place, despite being a forced hand. Her face suitable for my chest, is definitely a line thats going to win you a second chance  I dont care what transgressions youve committed. Going Home, on the other hand, is him pushing away again, in the kind of self-assured, lets just live in the moment way Keef has spent the whole album mastering. He knows shes gonna fall in love with him  because every woman does  but he also knows his lifestyle isnt conducive to being wifed up (But we cant go out in public, theres paparazzi to dodge).

Thot Breaker resonates because of this expertly choreographed dance. It plays like a lucid self-assessment from a man taking a moment to appreciate the progress hes made thus far, despite being acutely self-aware of his persistent shortcomings.

Chief Keef
XXL Editor-In-Chief Vanessa Satten visited The Breakfast Club yesterday to discuss the 2017 XXL Freshman Class and some of the artists that didnt make it. After revealing that Famous Dex was left off the list because of an old video of him beating his girlfriend, the artist went off in a personal video, calling Satten too disrespectful.

When Charlamage tha God asks Satten if that was main reason he wasnt selected, she says I guess if you want to put it that way.

Upon hearing this the Chicago rapper responded B**** she just had my son, you fat b****! Atleast you coulda said congratulations on your son, you lame fat b****!

Take a look at the video below:

dex
This will be a record breaking fine, the largest in the history of all monopoly abuse cases, and will more than likely exceed Intels 2009 fine of 1 billion.

The multinational company has been accused by the European Commissioner of abusing its market dominance. According to the commissioner, the company has been manipulating its search results to favour its new online shopping service which offers price comparisons on products.

The European Competition Regulator is now about to make the first of 3 antitrust decisions. EU officials are expected to announce the sanctions soon but no comment has been made by officials on when this decision will be made or how much exactly the company will be fined.

These sanctions follow an extensive seven year investigation by Brussels, as well as a variety of charges from the Commissioner, including an investigation into whether or not the company banned competitors from websites that used its search bar and adverts and an investigation into how the company pays and limits mobile phone providers who use the Android software and Google Play App Store.

Europes Competiton Commissioner, Margrethe Vestager, has been encouraged to take a tough stance on the case. Although there are fears of possible future transatlantic tensions, Vestager is unlikely to be swayed by this, breaking records for fines in the past including the 13 billion Apple tax bill.

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A financial sanction for abuse of a monopoly position is capped at a maximum of 10% of the companys total revenue. In the case of Alphabet, this was 90bn last year. It is calculated as up to 30% of Googles shopping revenues multiplied by the number of years this abuse has been on going.

Google will also have a certain amount of time to propose how it plans on operating in the future. If a deal with the commission is not reached, Google can be fined up to 5% of their average daily turnover for each day they delay the decision.

Although Google are more than likely to appeal their case in the European courts, this will delay the case further by several years. Officials in Brussels have still not commented on the case.
The brainchild of renowned musicians Colm Quearney and Graham Hopkins, Square Pegs' debut record is filled with electrifying R&B covers. Just don't call them a supergroup.

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People in the solar industry like to say that Texas is second only to California in its potential for solar power - particularly West Texas, with its abundant sunshine.

But Texas has, nonetheless, done little to encourage the spread of solar - it has no statewide net metering policy, which requires utilities to buy the excess electricity produced by small residential and commercial solar systems. In states like California, net metering has encouraged the widespread adoption of solar energy and helped avoid electricity shortages and price spikes during periods of peak demand on hot summer days.

Texas' lack of a statewide net metering policy, meanwhile, has hindered the spread of rooftop systems as solar companies and retail electricity providers are left to determine their own values for solar power.

But Texas residents who get rooftop panels are eligible for federal tax credits; companies can qualify for a tax abatement if they build utility-scale projects that produce more than 1 megawatt, or enough to power 200 homes on a hot Texas day. And so solar has started to spread, albeit slowly, as Texas utilities, retail electricity providers and grid operators try to resolve problems that state government hasn't take on - like determining rates for solar power sales and how to work home-generated solar power into the grid.

Texas solar companies gathered in Austin last week for a small summit to talk about how the industry, among other things, values the energy that it produces. But there seemed to be little consensus. The regulated utilities said they want to be able to raise transmission rates on all their customers to account for the customers who rely on solar and no longer need their transmission lines.

Solar panel companies, on the other hand, argued that homeowners should be compensated for the energy they put into the grid. Houston-based Sunnova often fights for a higher price for solar power than retail electric companies will give, said Meghan Nutting, the company's vice president of policy and government affairs.

Valuing solar power is not a problem exclusive to Texas' deregulated market. El Paso Electric, the public utility in the far western corner of Texas, has thousands of customers in Texas and New Mexico producing their own solar power. The company is working on a rate structure that will pay those customers for the power they generate, said Jim Schichtl, the company's vice president.

But the utilities have to get something out of it, too, Schichtl said. As more customers require less power from the grid, utilities have to consider the business they are losing. For example, when customers produce their own power, less electricity travels on transmission lines, meaning less revenue for utilities, which are charged with maintaining the reliability of the system.

The problem comes if utilities don't earn enough to cover the fixed costs of maintaining and upgrading their transmission.

"Recovering a revenue requirement or cost is pretty important," Schichtl said. "You have to recover the cost of the service you provide."

Schichtl argued that the growth of solar power in Texas has made the state's competitive and noncompetitive markets more alike.

"I don't think we should say anymore that El Paso is not a competitive company. That's not true anymore," he said. "We are competing with our own customers."
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Bitcoin and other virtual currencies are on a tear this year, surpassing the returns seen in stocks, bonds and most other investments.

The price of bitcoin has tripled since the beginning of the year, surging above $3,000 for the first time last week before dropping by more than 10 percent the next day. Returns for ethereum - a lesser known but quickly growing cryptocurrency - have been even more dramatic: It's gained nearly 5,000 percent, touching a record price of $407 Monday before coming down.

Meanwhile, the amount of cash in virtual currencies has ballooned. The market cap for cryptocurrencies is now more than $100 billion, up from roughly $20 billion at the beginning of the year, according to cryptocurrency tracker CoinMarketCap.com.

So what is going on? Some recent events may have convinced investors that these currencies are here to stay - including a move from the government of Japan to make bitcoin legal. But that only explains part of the rise, cryptocurrency experts say.

Investors have been clamoring for a slice of the virtual market based on potential uses that have yet to materialize, says Garrick Hileman, a research fellow at the Cambridge Center for Alternative Finance. For instance, the currencies have the potential to disrupt the way startups raise money or how certain financial transactions are handled, experts say. But they're also known to be volatile.

To give you a better understanding of the digital currency world, we answered some key questions about these tools and highlight some of their perks and risks:

What are they?

A cryptocurrency is a digital alternative currency. That means it doesn't have physical bank notes or coins and is not issued by a government.

Bitcoin, one of the best-known cryptocurrencies, was started in 2009 by a software developer using the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto. At the start of the year, bitcoin made up 87 percent of the cryptocurrency universe, but that market share has dropped to about 40 percent as other cryptocurrencies have gained traction, according to CoinMarketCap.com.

Bitcoin gained popularity as a way to send money quickly and pretty much anonymously, since transactions don't need to be linked to a certain identity.Transactions are tracked on an online database called blockchain.

People use bitcoin to send money to friends and relatives in other countries. But bitcoin has also been used for illicit transactions, such as to buy and sell drugs or to pay hackers during ransomware attacks.

What is ethereum?

Toronto native Vitalik Buterin developed a younger cryptocurrency called ether in 2013, but most people refer to the digital currency as ethereum, the name for the blockchain it trades on. Ethereum sets itself apart for its ability to incorporate so-called "smart contracts," or computer-based contracts that only pay parties after certain conditions have been met and verified. (Imagine if you could set up an algorithm that automatically pays your dog walker only after you have evidence that your dog has been walked the agreed-upon distance, Hileman says.)

Investors are excited by the potential for these smart contracts, which could make it easier for startups to raise money and for businesses to complete international transactions, says Eric Piscini, a principal at Deloitte Consulting who focuses on cryptocurrencies. One common use for the smart contracts is for companies to raise money through what's known as an Initial Coin Offering, which give investors a chance to buy a new kind of digital token.

Why are prices so high?

Demand for bitcoin and ethereum has soared over the past few months after a few changes contributed to their legitimacy. In April, Japan recognized bitcoin as a legal currency, boosting demand for the virtual coins.

Some investors expect that other countries in Asia, including South Korea and Malaysia, may follow Japan's regulatory framework and begin to accept bitcoin as a legitimate currency, says Dmitry Lazarichev, co-founder of Wirex, a platform where people can send and receive digital currencies.

But some experts say the rising prices of these cryptocurrencies may be based on speculation. Investors are focusing on what they the digital currencies will be worth in the future - and not on how they are being used today.

Because the market for cryptocurrencies is still small, the price of these digital currencies can swing wildly up - or down - after a big development like what happened with Japan, experts say.

Cryptocurrencies are also decentralized, meaning there is no government or central bank regulating the currency or taking steps to make sure it doesn't move too much in anyone direction, Hileman says.

Prices for bitcoin and ethereum have also jumped this year in part because there's been a flurry of initial coin offerings, or ICOs, which start-ups use to create new digital currencies. Similar to a company issuing stock for the first time through an initial public offering, investors can use ICOs to purchase tokens issued by the company. But instead of buying ownership in the company, investors are buying access to the company's product or service, Hileman says.

Tokens can become more valuable if a startup - say a company trying to develop a new online storage system - is successful, he says. The tokens can also become worthless if the startup fails.

How do I track them?

There are several websites that track the price of cryptocurrencies, including CoinDesk.com and CoinMarketCap.com.

What are the risks?

Because the market for cryptocurrencies is still small when compared to traditional currencies, prices can be extremely volatile. That means people who own the currencies could face sudden losses. "There is no guarantee that the exchange rate for virtual currencies will be the same or higher the next day - or the next minute," Lazarichev said.

Since the currencies are virtual and unregulated, the transactions and exchanges can be vulnerable to hacks. The lack of government oversight also means that investors have no guarantee they'll get their money back if something happens, says Lazarichev.

People storing money in a traditional bank account, however, have up to $250,000 of their deposits at each bank insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

The latest run-up in prices also has many experts worried that some of the cryptocurrencies, including bitcoin and ethereum, may be in a bubble that's ready to pop. Don't put any money into virtual currencies that you can't afford to lose, Piscini said. And if you can, you should diversify by buying more than one currency, he says.

Investors should also be skeptical of the start-ups trying to raise money through ICOs, experts say. If the creators don't provide a detailed white paper explaining their plans that should be a red flag.

How do I buy them?

The easiest way for people to buy cryptocurrencies is to use an online platform, such as Coinbase, Blockchain and BitGo, which lets you exchange dollars for digital currencies. Investors can also buy cryptocurrencies from other owners using peer-to-peer networks such as LocalBitcoins.

Investors could soon have other ways to take part in the market. The Securities and Exchange Commission is reconsidering an application from the Winklevoss twins for an exchange-traded fund that invests in bitcoin. Such an ETF would track the price of bitcoin, but investors would be able to buy and sell the fund as easily as a stock.

The regulator initially rejected the application in March, citing a lack of regulation in the exchanges that are used to buy and sell bitcoin.
President Donald Trump is taking one the most concrete steps of his presidency on Thursday to address the employment prospects of workers left behind by the current economic expansion. In doing so, he also joins a long-running and occasionally contentious debate over whether those workers have the skills they need to land desirable jobs.

Trump's action comes in the form of an executive order expanding federally funded apprenticeship programs. The order would create a category of programs that industry groups and other third parties could develop and then submit for Labor Department approval, rather than working within existing department guidelines.

"Apprenticeships place students into great jobs without the crippling debt of traditional four-year college degrees," Trump said. "Instead apprentices earn while they learn."

Trump would redirect over $100 million of federal job training money to pay for the new apprenticeships, supplementing $90 million in funding for the existing program.

Corporate groups hailed the idea of expanding apprenticeship programs and making them more flexible, arguing that apprenticeships are a reliable path to good-paying jobs in sectors like retail and hospitality for those who could no longer support themselves in production sectors like manufacturing.

"We applaud the Department of Labor and the administration for being willing to look at how to craft this in a way that brings apprenticeships to a new range of audiences," said Rob Gifford, executive vice president of the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, which oversees the industry group's apprenticeship programs.

Gifford gave credit to the Obama administration for making industries like his eligible for apprenticeship funding. The restaurant industry group won a contract worth up to about $9.75 million under the Obama-era program to create apprenticeships that would run from six months to two years and help candidates for management positions acquire skills in such areas as accounting and sanitation practices.

But Gifford said that streamlining regulations could make apprenticeship programs even more effective.

In the eyes of the president and many corporate leaders, the crux of the problem is skills - the proposition that employers are eager to fill millions of good-paying jobs that workers lack the skills to perform.

"The U.S. faces a serious skills gap," Labor Secretary R. Alexander Acosta said during a call with reporters last week, pointing to 6 million vacant jobs, which he said was the most since the 1980s. The vacancies were especially abundant in manufacturing, information technology and health care, he said.

Proponents of the skills gap hypothesis typically contend that the loss of many jobs in manufacturing, for example, is offset by the creation of jobs at comparable pay that the same workers could perform with somewhat more training.

But extensive economic research on the subject suggests essentially the opposite trend: The proportion of middle-skill jobs in the economy has declined since the 1980s, while relative job growth has been concentrated at either the low end of the spectrum, like retail, or the high end, like software development, a related phenomenon economists refer to as job-market "polarization." The former class of jobs tends to be undesirable for many former factory workers. The latter tends to be out of reach even with additional training.

"When the jobs these guys filled go away, it's not clear there is something new and substitutable any time soon," said Jason Faberman, an economist at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago who has studied the skills gap issue.
BISMARCK, N.D. - A judge's ruling that might open the door for at least a temporary shutdown of the disputed Dakota Access pipeline surprised the industry that hailed the project as a "game changer" for North Dakota oil.

But shippers said Thursday that they aren't concerned that there will be any long-term disruption to service on the $3.8 billion pipeline that on June 1 began moving crude from the Bakken oil patch to a distribution point in Illinois, from which it's shipped to the Gulf Coast and potentially high-paying markets abroad.

"It's business as usual today," said Ron Ness, president of the North Dakota Petroleum Council, which represents nearly 500 energy companies including Dallas-based Energy Transfer Partners, which built Dakota Access.

U.S. District Judge James Boasberg ruled Wednesday that the Army Corps of Engineers "largely complied" with environmental law when approving the pipeline but didn't adequately consider some matters important to the Standing Rock Sioux. The tribe draws its water from Lake Oahe and is opposed to the pipeline crossing beneath the Missouri River reservoir in North Dakota.

The pipeline - whose completion was pushed through earlier this year by the Trump administration - has the capacity to move half of North Dakota's daily oil production. Ness just a few weeks ago called it a "game-changer that opens up everything."

But the Standing Rock Sioux and other tribes are fighting the project in federal court in Washington, D.C., and they've hailed Boasberg's ruling as a victory.

Boasberg said the Corps didn't adequately consider how an oil spill under Lake Oahe might affect tribal fishing and hunting rights, or whether it might disproportionately affect the tribal community.

He will rule later on whether the pipeline should be shut down while the Corps reconsiders those matters, though he acknowledged such a move "would carry serious consequences that a court should not lightly impose."

ETP in a Thursday statement said, "Dakota Access believes the record supports the fact that the Corps properly evaluated both issues, and that the record will enable the Corps to substantiate and reaffirm its prior determinations."

"Pipeline operations can and will continue as this limited remand process unfolds," the company said.

Corps spokeswoman Catalina Carrasco said the agency was still reviewing Boasberg's decision.
Jeannie Nuss/STF

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - Exxon Mobil Corp. has settled a lawsuit over a 2013 pipeline spill that dumped tens of thousands of gallons of crude oil into an Arkansas neighborhood.

Attorneys representing 64 families announced the settlement Thursday. They say terms will remain confidential.
Red Bull motorsport boss Helmut Marko insisted once again that neither Daniel Ricciardo nor Max Verstappen will be racing with any other team than Red Bull next season.

Pundits still appear to spinning rumors of either driver leaving the Milton Keynes-based outfit, but Marko has stepped up once again to clear the matter once and for all.

"Ricciardo and Verstappen have fixed contracts, Ricciardo for 2018, and Verstappen with some clauses for even much longer," the Austria told Germany's Sport Bild.



Marko also confirmed that Carlos Sainz - another man frequently short-listed by rival teams - was also on a tight leash with the energy drinks company.

"That also applies to Carlos Sainz," said Marko.

"He is also bound to us in the longer team. Until 2019.

"Only we can end contracts -- the drivers cannot."

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Two years ago, the Texas Legislature set in motion a plan to bring the state's gold back home. About $650 million of it is sitting in a vault in New York, incurring more than $600,000 a year in storage fees. Why not build a facility to hold it ourselves?

The state comptroller is now executing on that commonsense goal. But bringing Texas' gold back to Texas is more complicated than it sounds  which could be why no state has ever done it before  and the plan for doing so still has some large unanswered questions.

Foremost among them: Once the gold leaves New York, it becomes very difficult to sell if the state ever needs the cash.

On Wednesday, officials announced a big step forward in implementing the 2015 law that authorized a state-administered metals depository: The selection of private-sector partner to build the vault at its own expense, with oversight by the state treasury. Lone Star Tangible Assets (LSTA), a Texas company that owns such businesses as WholesaleCoinsDirect.com and an e-commerce platform called the U.S. Gold Bureau, won out over five other bidders.

Lone Star currently has a facility near Austin, and will be building another to meet the state's specifications. But there's one requirement that might be more challenging.

The reason people store gold in New York depositories is they're able to become members of COMEX, a metals exchange with standards that ensure all gold transmitted between accounts is in fact solid gold. When bullion comes in from other places, it has to be melted down and measured to make sure it's exactly the value it's claimed to be. To facilitate trade between member institutions, COMEX only licenses depositories within about 150 miles of New York City.

The University of Texas  the owner of that $650 million in gold bars, which would fit in a big bathtub  has said it won't transfer it to an institution that's not a full COMEX member, in order to maintain the ability to buy and sell parts of the cache quickly and easily.

So: How exactly is the new depository planning to bring Texas' gold back to Texas, which was the entire point?

Tom Smelker, the Treasury official appointed administrator of the new bullion depository, said the solution is still being figured out. "So far, we don't think they're interested in having a partner down in Texas," Smelker says, of COMEX. "But we're going to work on that."

One idea is to basically create a COMEX alternative. Lone Star Tangible Assets, the vault builder, says that it will try to work with state banks, COMEX members and metals refiners to facilitate cash sales.

"In order to accomplish an alternative liquidity option, there will need to be numerous parties involved," says Matthew Ferris, the company's chairman. "LSTA will work to bring the right parties to the table."

The state representative who sponsored the original legislation, Giovanni Capriglione, even expressed a vision of Texas as a "commodities hub" for North America that could eventually compete with New York for deposits.

But Phillip Streible, a commodities broker at RJO Futures in New York, doubts that a Texas-based network could replicate COMEX. There are only a handful of metals exchanges in the world, after all, and COMEX is among the most efficient.

"I don't think it's large enough or has that large enough of gold holdings in order to provide both sides of the trade," Streible said, of Texas. "It's a great concept, I just don't think they can pull it off."

The state has a fallback position, however. Even if the Texas Bullion Depository doesn't work for the University of Texas' gold, it could attract enough private deposits to keep it running.

Some companies are already making the bet that gold owners need a place to keep their assets safe, and there's no better place than Texas. Among them is California-based Noble Gold, one of the unsuccessful bidders for the state operation.

Noble opened a depository near Dallas about four months ago. Charles Thorngren, Noble's CEO, says that many oil and gas businesses use gold to hedge against currency risk, and need a place to store it securely.

Meanwhile, political and economic uncertainty seems to be rising, and he thinks Texas  with has demonstrated a fierce commitment to state and individual rights  is the only place willing to defend private assets should the federal government attempt to seize them. (Indeed, Governor Greg Abbott mobilized the Texas State Guard in 2015 to monitor a U.S. military exercise after suspicions arose that it could be part of a federal takeover.)

"If I have to choose a state that will fight the government to keep my metals safe, there's only one state I'm choosing," Thorngren says. He doesn't cite particular instances in which that might be necessary, but says that some clients like to be prepared "against any possibility."

His clients don't need him to be a member of the COMEX because they hold their gold for the long term, rather than trading or leasing it out. For example, more people are opting to put their retirement savings in gold, in order to avoid losing it all in a stock market collapse like the one that struck in 2008.

The state-sanctioned bullion depository will be able to participate in that business as well, and people might feel more comfortable with some government monitoring, says Comptroller spokesman Chris Bryan.

"That's one of the unique things the project brings to folks who are interested in storing gold," Bryan says. "This is bringing the kind of innovation and entrepreneurial spirit that the private sector has, and adding some government oversight and a little bit of regulation to make sure that folks can really trust it."

If it works, the state will derive some income through a revenue-sharing agreement with LSTA. If it doesn't, well, no taxpayer money went into building it anyway.
For Jose R. Perez, Jr., an immigration lawyer and native Cuban, then-President Barack Obama's 2014 reinstatement of relations between the U.S. and Cuba was bittersweet.

Things are moving in the right direction, he thought.

Yet Perez, 62, struggled to get past the seemingly ubiquitous acceptance among world leaders that the Castro regime, which prompted Perez's family to flee the island nation for Texas decades ago, wasn't going anywhere.

Trump's announcement Friday that he would scrap many of Obama's initiatives added to Perez's frustration that human rights did not appear to be improving for Cuba's 11.4 million residents.

It also exposed a largely generational divide among Cubans in Houston and nationwide about how to reach that goal: through new crackdowns or loosening restrictions.

Jorge Ferragut, 69, a retired engineer, welcomed Trump's announcement.

He, his wife and their three children left Cuba in 1979, after years of religious persecution. Ferragut, who co-founded a nonprofit to educate American-born Cubans about their heritage, is nostalgic for the country where he lived before the communist revolution in 1959, when Fidel Castro seized power.

He said he knew first-hand of atrocities committed by Castro's regime. He left because of them.

And Obama's attempts to work with Cuba's authoritarian leader, despite possibly good intentions, were misguided, Ferragut said.

Instead of helping Cubans challenge the regime, Obama legitimized it, he added.

"We are not helping the Cuban people," Ferragut said. "We are helping the military structure that are the owners of every business in Cuba."

Trump's directive tightened travel restrictions for Americans that had been loosened under Obama and banned U.S. business transactions with Cuba's military conglomerate that makes up about 60 percent of the nation's economy, the Miami Herald reported.

Ferragut agreed with Trump's crackdown on American dollars flowing to Cuba's military.

"You have to be tough," Ferragut said.

Javier Gonzalez, a 30-year-old Cuban native, advocates a different approach.

He left Cuba in 2005, when he was 18.

Like Ferragut, he wants to see Cubans' quality of life improve and an end to the authoritarian regime.

But he's convinced loosening restrictions between the United States and Cuba is the right course to reach that goal.

Gonzalez, who operates several Cuban-related social media channels, fears Trump will do away with the economic benefits he believes have come to Cuba since 2014, primarily through the country's burgeoning tourism industry.

"I don't think about the past," Gonzalez said. "I think about the people in Cuba right now."

It took Perez, the immigration lawyer, years to come to his conclusion that economic sanctions against Cuba aren't an effective strategy.

He steadfastly believes the country needs to become a democracy - he won't travel there until it does - but thinks even the current trade embargo is a vestige of Cold War policies.

Neither Obama's nor Trump's directives can change the trade embargo. Only Congress has the power to do so.

Tough sanctions were meant to make the Castro regime collapse, Perez said. Yet, it's been 58 years without change.

"You have to reconcile," Perez said. "And go forward."
Infowars founder Alex Jones made a preemptive move ahead of the broadcast of an upcoming interview he did with NBC News host Megyn Kelly.

Jones has questioned whether the Sandy Hook Elementary School mass shooting actually occurred.

On Dec. 14, 2012, Adam Lanza, 20, killed 20 schoolchildren between the ages of 6 and 7, as well as six adult staff members at the Newtown, Connecticut, campus.

Police say he killed his mother, Nancy Lanza, about 9 a.m. that day before driving her car to the school. After the massacre, he shot and killed himself.

On Thursday, Jones released what he claims is a pre-interview conversation with Kelly, stating she "misrepresented" him.

"All I can do is give you my word and tell you if there's one thing about me, I'm going to do what I say I'm going to do, I don't double cross," a woman's voice is heard on the recording, presented with a picture of Kelly. "It's not gonna be some gotcha hit piece, I promise you that."

According to the Hollywood Reporter, NBC has received outcry on social media for Kelly's decision to interview Jones.

JONES SPEAKS: Infowars founder 'is just playing a character,' says his lawyer

Kelly was also picked to host an event organized by parents of children killed at the school. The Hollywood Reporter says Kelly has been dropped in light of the interview.

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Kelly told the Hollywood Reporter that she would "discuss the considerable falsehoods he has promoted with near impunity."

Jones claims the NBC News host told him the interview would not be about Sandy Hook.

Jones has called for Kelly to cancel the interview.

Kelly's sit-down with Jones is scheduled to air on Sunday.
WASHINGTON - Special Counsel Robert Mueller is investigating the finances and business dealings of Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump's son-in-law and adviser, as part of the probe into Russia's interference in the 2016 presidential election, according to officials familiar with the matter.

FBI agents and federal prosecutors have also been examining the financial dealings of other Trump associates, including former national security adviser Michael Flynn, former campaign chairman Paul Manafort and Carter Page, who was listed as a foreign policy adviser for the campaign.

The Washington Post had earlier reported that investigators were scrutinizing separate meetings that Kushner held with Russians in December - first with Russian ambassador Sergey Kislyak and then with Sergey Gorkov, the head of a state-owned Russian development bank. At the time of that report it was not clear that the FBI was investigating Kushner's business dealings.

The officials who described the financial focus of the investigation spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly.

At the December meeting with Kislyak, Kushner suggested establishing a secure communications line between Trump officials and the Kremlin at a Russian diplomatic facility, according to U.S. officials who reviewed intelligence reports describing Kislyak's account.

The White House has said the subsequent meeting with the banker was a pre-inauguration diplomatic encounter, unrelated to business matters. The Russian bank, Vnesheconombank, which has been the subject of U.S. sanctions following Russia's annexation of Crimea, has said the session was held for business reasons because of Kushner's role as head of his family's real estate company. The meeting occurred as Kushner's company had been seeking financing for its troubled $1.8 billion purchase of an office building on Fifth Avenue in New York, and it could raise questions about whether Kushner's personal financial interests were colliding with his impending role as a public official.

Mueller's investigation is still in a relatively early phase, and it is unclear if any criminal charges will be brought when it is complete.

"We do not know what this report refers to," said Jamie Gorelick, a lawyer for Kushner. "It would be standard practice for the Special Counsel to examine financial records to look for anything related to Russia. Mr. Kushner previously volunteered to share with Congress what he knows about Russia-related matters. He will do the same if he is contacted in connection with any other inquiry."

Kushner has agreed to discuss his Russian contacts with the Senate Intelligence Committee, which is conducting one of several investigations into Russian meddling in the 2016 election.

Kushner rarely speaks publicly about role in the White House, but he has become a major figure in the administration with a sprawling list of policy responsibilities that includes Canada and Mexico, China, and peace in the Middle East.

Peter Carr, a spokesman for Mueller, declined to comment for this story, but said "that the Special Counsel's Office has undertaken stringent controls to prohibit unauthorized disclosures and will deal severely with any member who engages in this conduct."

Mueller, who was appointed as special counsel by Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein on May 17, is investigating possible coordination between the Kremlin and the Trump campaign to influence the 2016 presidential election, and related matters. The inquiry has expanded to include an examination of whether Trump attempted to obstruct justice, The Post reported Wednesday.

Trump on Thursday tweeted that the investigation was "the single greatest WITCH HUNT in American political history - led by some very bad and conflicted people!"

Trump also compared his position to the investigation of Hillary Clinton's use of a private email server in another tweet.

"Crooked H destroyed phones w/ hammer, 'bleached' emails, & had husband meet w/AG days before she was cleared- & they talk about obstruction?" he wrote.

After Trump fired FBI Director James Comey, Trump said that Comey had told him three times that he was not under investigation. Comey confirmed that in his testimony before the Senate Intelligence Committee last week. The first time he told Trump was in his first meeting with the president before the inauguration on Jan. 6.

Before he met with the president, Comey gathered his leadership team at the FBI to discuss with them whether he should be prepared to assure then-President-elect Trump that the FBI was not investigating him personally.

Comey testified that not everyone on his FBI team agreed he should. Comey did not name the dissenter, but The Washington Post has learned it was FBI General Counsel James Baker. Comey testified that the member of his leadership team said that although it was true at the moment that Trump was not under investigation, it was possible that could change.

"His concern was, because we're looking at the potential - again, that's the subject of the investigation - coordination between the campaign and Russia, because it was President Trump - President-elect Trump's campaign, this person's view was, inevitably, his behavior, his conduct will fall within the scope of that work," Comey said.

"And so he was reluctant to make the statement that I made," Comey said.

Baker's views didn't change, even as Comey told Trump a second and third time that he was not being investigated.

"His view was still that it ... could be misleading, because the nature of the investigation was such that it might well touch - obviously, it would touch the campaign, and the person at the head of the campaign would be the candidate. And so that was his view throughout," Comey said.

Baker declined to comment.

In the days following Trump's firing of Comey on May 9 and before Mueller's appointment, the obstruction-of-justice investigation of the president began, according to people familiar with the matter.

Discussing the firing of Comey, Trump said in an interview with NBC, "In fact, when I decided to just do it, I said to myself, I said, 'You know, this Russia thing with Trump and Russia is a made up story, it's an excuse by the Democrats for having lost an election that they should have won.' "

Comey took notes after each of his nine meetings or phone calls with Trump, including one alone with the president in the Oval Office on Feb. 14, the day after Flynn was forced to resign. Comey testified that Trump said to him, "I hope you can let this go. The president has denied that he told Comey to drop the Flynn investigation.

Comey told lawmakers he gave notes he had taken after that meeting and his other eight meetings or phone calls he had with Trump to Mueller.

Two senior intelligence officials, Daniel Coats, the current director of national intelligence, and Mike Rogers, the head of the National Security Agency, agreed to be interviewed by Mueller as early as this week.

Trump spoke to Coats and Rogers about the Russia investigation, according to officials. Coats told associates that Trump asked him whether he could intervene with Comey to get the FBI to back off its focus on Flynn, the officials said. Coats later told lawmakers he never felt pressured to intervene.

Trump later telephoned Coats and Rogers to separately ask them to issue public statements denying that there was any evidence of coordination between Trump's campaign and Russian officials. Coats and Rogers refused to comply with the president's requests, officials said.

- - -

The Washington Post's Ellen Nakashima contributed to this report.
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An infant was shot and killed Wednesday afternoon as his father was taking him for a walk outside his southwest Houston apartment.

At a press conference Thursday, Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo vowed to track down the perpetrators of the shooting and to end violence at the apartment complex in the 5400 block of Braesvalley.

"We're not going to put up with this," Acevedo said. "Gangsters ... killing a 10-month-old boy being held by his father, that's outrageous. And I promise you we are going to come after these people."

CrimeStoppers is offering up to $5,000 for information that leads to suspects' capture.

Police believe three men in the early 20s are responsible for the shooting, which happened around 1:30 p.m.

The father was taking his 10-month-old son for a walk outside of the Nob Hill apartment complex when the three men approached them.

One of them was armed with a pistol. "He began shooting at the father. The father turns and runs," said Sgt. Mark Holbrook with the Houston police homicide division.

The boy - identified by Acevedo as Messiah Marshall - was struck by the gunfire.

Joshua Levy was returning home from work when the father ran up to his car.

"He was yelling, 'Help me. Help me.' I was kind of shocked. I didn't know what was going on," Levy said.

The father was holding his bleeding son in his arms. At first, Levy thought the child might have merely been injured in some sort of accident.

Levy said he remembered seeing a Harris County constable minutes earlier at a Valero station down the street from the apartment complex.

"I hoped he (the constable) was still there. I didn't know where else to take him," Levy said.

They raced down the street to the service station about a block away. The constable hadn't left yet.

The father got out, still carrying his son. The constable called for help after Levy told him what had happened.

"I saw him (the father) walking around with the baby - basically dead in his arms," Levy said.

An ambulance was called, but the child died at the Valero.

Levy said he lived in the same complex as the child's father but didn't know him.

HPD investigators said the father told them he didn't know the assailants. It wasn't immediately clear whether they had targeted the man, police said.

"I don't know at this time. Maybe, maybe not," Holbrook said. Police did not have a detailed description of the gunman or the two men he was with at the time. They remained at large Thursday morning.

All three could be held equally responsible for the 10-month-old's death, Acevedo said Thursday.

Police are continuing to canvass the neighborhood around the location where the child was shot for any clues into the fatal shooting.

Acevedo added he plans to increase police presence at the complex.

Speaking directly to the criminals, Acevedo said, "You got our attention, and we're going to start paying very close attention to your complex."

"We're going to turn that place around," Acevedo said.

Acevedo asked community members during Thursday's press conference to come forward.

"There's no doubt that there are people right now who know who these suspects were," Acevedo said. "And there's no doubt in my mind that we're going to bring justice to this little boy."

He cautioned community members against retaliating on their own.

"Retaliation is just going to lead to more bloodshed," Acevedo said. "Let us bring these people to justice so they can rot in prison, as far as I'm concerned."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.
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One day after a 10-month-old boy was killed in his father's arms in a hail of gunfire in southwest Houston, Chief Art Acevedo offered a fiery vow to find the three men responsible for Wednesday's slaying.

"We're not going to put up with this," Acevedo said at a Thursday morning news conference. "Gangsters killing a 10-month-old boy being held by his father, that's outrageous. And I promise you we are going to come after these people."

Then Thursday evening - more than 24 hours after the slaying - Acevedo and a slew of officers swarmed the scene again, even as police questioned two men detained in the area. The chief announced new plans to target the city's most crime-ridden apartment complexes with long-term operations and promised safety to any witnesses willing to come forward.

"I've been a cop 31 years, and there's certain lines you don't cross," he told reporters near the scene of the crime at Nob Hill Apartments on North Braeswood. "You don't kill a child in front of their parent."

Crime Stoppers is offering a $5,000 for information leading an arrest.

Police believe three men in their 20s are responsible for gunfire that killed 10-month-old Messiah Marshall.

The tragedy unfolded Wednesday around 1:30 p.m., when the boy's father - who police have not publicly identified - was out walking with his son.

The trio approached the father and child and began firing multiple rounds "indiscriminately," according to police.

The father fled across the Nob Hill parking lot, trying to shield his son. But at least one bullet hit the baby, who died at a nearby Valero.

Afterward a GoFundMe campaign sprang up to raise money for Messiah's funeral costs.

"It is with the heaviest of hearts that we mourn unexpected and sudden passing of Baby Messiah Justice Marshall," the page reads.

"A beautiful soul was lost. He brought joy and laughter to all." In just over 24 hours, the campaign brought in more than $4,500.

But as of Thursday morning, police still lacked a detailed description of the suspects. One was wearing a red hat and shorts during the shooting, Acevedo said. Another was wearing a white t-shirt.

"You got our attention," the chief said, directly addressing the suspects. "And we're going to start paying very close attention to your complex. We're going to turn that place around."

But he cautioned community members against taking matters into their own hands.

"Retaliation is just going to lead to more bloodshed," he said. "Let us bring these people to justice so they can rot in prison, as far as I'm concerned."

He urged anybody who witnessed the gunfire to contact law enforcement instead.

"There's no doubt that there are people right now who know who these suspects were," Acevedo said. "And there's no doubt in my mind that we're going to bring justice to this little boy."

At least two people were arrested and questioned as a result of the increased police focus on the area, but Acevedo said it's not yet clear whether the pair was involved in the slaying. A spokesman emphasized late Thursday afternoon that their detention may be unrelated.

Even as police prowled the community Thursday evening, locals seemed unfazed. Some came outside to witness the hubbub, but others went about their days as normal.

"Relatively speaking, it's safe," said Ann Estle, who's lived in the Meyerland area her whole life. "But you don't have to go far for that not to be the case."

The 59-year-old pointed down the street to the site of a stabbing last year, but said she still feels safe outside at night.

"When you look at the data, this isn't one of our worst complexes," Acevedo said later. But he added that there were already special operations underway in the area at the time of the shooting.

"Ever since I've been walking around, it's been safe," said 16-year-old Zaria Scales as she strolled down the street in front of an armed security guard mid-afternoon. "But you never know," she added.

On Thursday night, Nob Hill held a 7 p.m. meeting to discuss security concerns. Although media were barred from the event, Acevedo addressed the packed room, a move reinforcing his interest in zeroing in on gun crime.

Since becoming the city's top cop, Acevedo has taken several major steps to retool his department to combat the problem, including ordering investigators to respond to non-fatal shootings immediately.

He created a citywide tactical unit to target the most dangerous offenders throughout Houston, announced plans to create another investigative unit specifically devoted to overnight shootings, and prioritized ballistics testing to try to get investigative leads to detectives more quickly.

Throughout the evening, officers patrolled the area, hoping to send a message to both the residents and the killers.

"We know that people saw things here, we want to reassure them. We want to reassure witnesses that we're going to protect them," Acevedo said before the meeting. "And we want to reassure the suspects that we are not going to rest until we catch them."

Brooke Lewis and St. John Barned-Smith contributed to this report.
Twenty years ago, when Harris County social services officials first asked Dr. Carmel Dyer to help check on homebound elderly residents, the geriatrics physician figured she'd be sipping tea with grandmas while checking their blood pressure.

Instead, she was horrified to find senior citizens living in squalor, neglected by caregivers, or worse, abused and exploited by them. And little was being done to protect them.

"We found that people had died because we were not getting services to them quickly enough, we were not recognizing the problems quickly enough, and we were not prosecuting the perpetrators," said Dyer, a professor of geriatric medicine at UTHealth's McGovern School of Medicine. "And so the idea for the Senior Justice Assessment Center was born."

After years of planning, that idea became a reality on Thursday as Harris County officials launched a new collaborative office with the goal of better investigating and prosecuting elder abuse.

The Harris County Senior Justice Assessment Center, the first of its kind in Texas, will be similar to the county's Children's Assessment Center, pulling together experts in geriatric medicine, protective services, civil and criminal prosecution, and law enforcement.

"We're taking lessons that have been learned in handling child abuse cases and applying it to cases in which an older adult has been abused or neglected," Dyer said prior to the ceremony at the Harris County Protective Services center, where the new office will be located.

Every year, thousands of elderly residents are abused or exploited, said Mary McFaden, a Harris County prosecutor who oversees elder exploitation cases. Only a small number of elder abuse cases - as little as 1 in 14 according to one study - are ever reported. And those that are reported are difficult to prosecute, McFaden said, in part because of bureaucratic obstacles.

The problem will only get worse as the state's elderly population continues to swell, said Hank Whitman, the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services Commissioner.

According to the 2010 U.S. Census, Texas had about 3.8 million people age 60 and older, roughly 15 percent of the population. The number is expected to more than triple to 12 million by 2050, a sobering statistic when paired with a recent study finding that one in 10 Americans older than 60 have suffered some form of abuse.

"The sad thing about it is a lot of our elderly population is being exploited by family members," Whitman said. "I'm glad now that we've risen to that forefront and have realized this is a big problem, and that Harris County has taken this step."

The new center will put social workers, investigators, health experts and prosecutors together in the same room, allowing them to work collaboratively on cases, potentially streamlining and strengthening prosecutions.

"What we face is an epidemic," McFaden said during the ceremony. "An epidemic that cannot be approached by traditional investigations. An epidemic that cannot be approached through traditional prosecutions."

One factor making elder abuse cases more difficult than child abuse cases - particularly those that involve financial exploitation - is the legal requirement to prove the victim was vulnerable at the time of the abuse.

That's why Dyer is leading a team from UTHealth and Harris Health that will interview elderly victims and provide medical assessments that can be introduced as expert opinions in court.

"A child has a presumption of lacking capacity," Dyer said. "With older adults, you have to prove they lack that capacity, which is why the medical piece of this is important."

The new center, launched with the help of a $383,000 grant from the Governor's Criminal Justice Division, builds on similar efforts in New York City and California and is part of a greater nationwide trend toward collaborative approaches to elder abuse cases.

Whitman said the new center - the idea Dyer began dreaming of more than a decade ago - will be a model that should be replicated across the state.

"We want convictions," Dyer said. "The goal is to protect the older adult and, in doing so, protect the broader community from perpetrators of these crimes."
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The Houston Fire Department division responsible for ensuring building safety keeps inadequate records, does not examine buildings on a regular schedule and inflated its inspection numbers, all while exceeding its overtime budget, according to an audit released by the city controller's office Thursday.

The audit for fiscal years 2015 and 2016 is the latest in a series of blistering critiques of the Life Safety Bureau and casts doubt on whether the city is complying with its fire code.

Just 526 of Houston's more than 5,000 apartment buildings were inspected in the last two fiscal years, well below the bureau's goal of 470 apartment inspections per month. There is also no evidence the city inspected Bush Intercontinental, Hobby or Ellington airports within the last two years.

Many of the 28 high-risk problems - from an incomplete inspection database to poor job training - were identified by the controller's office more than a decade ago.

"It's not a matter of if, it's when, unfortunately, something happens," City Controller Chris Brown said. "We need to make sure that we don't let this one go another 12 years without any action."

Fire Chief Samuel Pena, who was appointed last year, said he welcomed the audit and has pledged to make a series of changes.

"Nobody likes to be told their baby's ugly, but right now there's a lot of need," Pena said.

Among the latest audit findings:

The Life Safety Bureau spent $5.6 million on firefighter overtime in fiscal years 2015 and 2016, $2.4 million over budget.

Inspectors provided many hotel, motel, high-rise and apartment building owners with self-inspection checklists rather than conducting inspections themselves.

The city does not require the Life Safety Bureau to inspect buildings before issuing certificates of occupancy, except in the case of hazmat facilities.

The "inadequate" - and at times "non-existent" - recordkeeping system consists of storing inspection reports in the city's database, file cabinets and inspectors' desk drawers.

To address failings uncovered in the audit, Pena promised reforms that include finalizing a risk-based inspection program and regular inspection cycle by this summer; improving the bureau's database; ceasing to rely on self-inspections; and working to ensure fire inspections are completed before the city issues certificates of occupancy.

Frayed relations

Leadership changes also were in the works.

Fire Marshal Jerry Ford stepped down last week, and Pena said he expects to tap Ford's successor in the coming weeks.

"Our biggest priority is the inspection process," Pena said.

Mayor Sylvester Turner's spokeswoman said the mayor, who was returning Thursday from a trade mission to Israel, would not be available for comment but was aware of the audit and would work to address the issues it identified.

The controller's audit, which a Life Safety Bureau chief requested, comes at a time of frayed relations between the city and its fire department.

The fire union hit an impasse last month in its efforts to negotiate a new contract with higher pay, and the fire pension board has sued the city alleging the pension reform plan signed into law last month violates the Texas Constitution.

The Life Safety Bureau, part of the Fire Marshal's Office, has been plagued for decades by shoddy record keeping, poor training and questionable inspection practices, audits and departmental records show.

That record came under intense scrutiny last year after a Spring Branch warehouse storing more than 40,000 pounds of hazardous chemicals burned down, eight years after the fire department last inspected it.

The mayor responded by calling for the city to more regularly inspect buildings, including those that store hazardous materials.

The bureau previously did not have an inspection schedule for facilities that store hazardous materials, according to the audit. Fire department inspectors called the Chronicle in the aftermath of the Spring Branch fire, asking for the newspaper's map of potentially harmful hazmat facilities.

The hazmat team now is in the process of identifying all of the buildings under their purview, with the goal of establishing an inspection cycle, the audit said.

Financial constraints

Inspection schedules vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, Guy Colonna of the National Fire Protection Association said, but association standards indicate high-risk occupancies such as apartment buildings, hotels and health care facilities ought to be inspected annually.

"Not enough has been done," said Councilwoman Brenda Stardig, who chairs the city's public safety and homeland security committee.

Though she acknowledged the city's financial constraints - next year's budget trims about $14 million from the fire department to help close a $123 million gap - Stardig said Houston has no choice but to improve its inspection process.

"Performance factors must be in place, and accountability, communication," Stardig said. "But we also must ensure that we've given them the tools to do so."
AUSTIN - Hundreds were delayed from voting and others nearly turned away entirely during the presidential election because of confusion over the status Texas voter ID laws, a new report from a voting rights advocacy group shows.

It's just one of numerous problems Texas voters - particularly minority groups - faced during the 2016 election cycle, the report from the Texas Civil Rights Project detailed Thursday.

"Unfortunately, throughout the state, voters faced numerous obstacles that complicated the process," said Beth Stevens, voting rights director at Texas Civil Rights Project. "Through our Election Protection Coalition, we heard directly from thousands of voters about the barriers they faced in our electoral system."

The first of its kind Texas-based report on voter issues was limited in scope to just over 4,000 incidents that were logged. But Stevens said it's safe to assume many more Texans experienced similar obstacles who simply did not know who to turn to.

"Common sense says that there is whole subset of voters that didn't know who to call and just walked away," she said.

Polling site problems

Of the 4,000 incidents that were tracked by a coalition of voting advocacy groups during the presidential election, most were issues related to polling place problems, voter registration status or voter ID requirements.

More specifically:

Hundreds of callers reported that they were not on the voter rolls because of slight discrepancies in their names or addresses.

123 people during early voting and 186 on Election Day called to report confusion about voter identification requirements, often prompted by misleading information at polling locations or inaccurate information from poll workers.

About 57 percent of calls were related to polling location problems, most notably polling sites being changed or eliminated. Most of the reports came from predominately black areas of Houston, the report showed.

And many voters reported wait times in excess of one hour noting that there were too few poll workers to process voters or that multiple machines were either inoperable or not being utilized.

The report comes nearly a year after a federal appeals court first ruled the state's strict voter ID law passed in 2011 discriminated against minorities and the poor. That law would have required all voters to present a government-issued ID. Before that law, voters needed only to bring a voter registration card.

Supporters of the tougher ID laws, including Gov. Greg Abbott, have said they are needed to prevent voter fraud.

"Voter fraud is real, and it undermines the integrity of the election process," Abbott said last year after the courts struck down the state's tougher ID laws.

But critics argued such requirements disenfranchise poor and minority voters, who face difficulties obtaining IDs. More than 600,000 Texas voters lack a suitable ID under the law.

Even though the court ordered voters who did not have one of the forms of ID must still be allowed to vote, many polling sites during early voting included signs that said voter ID was required with no reference to allowable exceptions.

"The inaccurate signage and misinformation combined with apparent failures in poll worker training resulted in at least several cases where voters were almost wrongly turned away," the TCRP's report showed.

Larger effort planned

The group cited one incident in Harris County as an example, but did not provide the name of the person involved. According to the group, the man did not have a photo ID but presented his voter registration card and a utility bill. He was initially turned away, but election protection volunteers stationed at the polling place were there to make sure the man was allowed to vote by signing a "reasonable impediment declaration."

Not every voter who came in contact with the Texas Election Protection Coalition gave their race, but of the 3,100 that did, more than 70 percent said they were Latino or Hispanic or black or African-American.

That coalition is led by the TCRP, the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, the Texas Organizing Project Education Fund and Texas Common Cause.

While the TCRP's actions were focused largely on Harris and Dallas counties in 2016, next year the groups are planning a larger effort with more trained volunteers to cover a larger portion of the state.

Texas routinely ranks at the bottom of voter turnout nationally and critics have long blamed the state's laws for keeping 4 million potential voters from participating in elections.
Residents in Houston's Near Northside have added a new defendant to their lawsuit against the White Oak Music Hall concert venue - the city of Houston.

Neighbors of the controversial concert venue argue in court documents filed Tuesday that the city has not correctly enforced sound ordinances against the music hall on Main Street, north of Interstate 10.

Enforcement is erratic because the city does not give the Houston Police Department sufficient resources, the residents' lawyer said.

"You have a major rock mosh-pit venue in the middle of a neighborhood, and there's one sound meter for a single sergeant to use in a wide geographic area," said attorney Cris Feldman.

Residents also argued the city should measure the venue's noise from the White Oak Music Hall property line, Feldman said.

"If the city properly enforced the sound ordinance  White Oak Music Hall would not be able to maintain its current conduct," the attorney said. "But the city is giving them a pass with its head-in-the-sand approach."

City declines comment

City officials declined to comment on the lawsuit Tuesday.

The concert venue's management called the latest development "disappointing" in a statement:

"White Oak Music Hall believes that both the City of Houston and the Houston Police Department have faithfully fulfilled their obligations to respect both the rights of nearby residents and White Oak Music Hall in a fair and impartial manner. The City of Houston and the Houston Police Department remain important gatekeepers against the plaintiffs' strategy of making frivolous emergency calls for service to prop up their case, which directs police resources away from real emergencies."

Residents of the historically Hispanic, working-class neighborhood first filed suit in December, arguing the concert venue infringed on their property rights by hosting "loud and disruptive events with large crowds." Neighbors say they cannot get "uninterrupted sleep, partake in indoor activities without the invasion of inordinately loud and disruptive noise, or enjoy their home environment without the windows and walls shaking."

A nearby resident, Theresa Cavin, said her son, who has autism, is disturbed by the noise from concerts, panics and has trouble sleeping.

The neighbors won a temporary restraining order last year that banned outdoor events with amplified sound. But that order expired Dec. 30. The music hall proceeded to book outdoor shows for the summer months.

Several bands are scheduled to play outside on upcoming weekend nights, including the Turnpike Troubadours on July 21, Young the Giant on Sept. 30 and alt-J on Nov. 17, according to the White Oak Music Hall calendar.

The residents previously appealed to Mayor Sylvester Turner, who in January promised a "deep dive" into the issue.

Efforts to appease

Music hall owners Johnny So, Will Thomas, Will Garwood and Jagi Katial say they have built goodwill in the Heights and beyond by opening their doors for community-enriching events that appeal to a variety of interests, the Chronicle previously reported.

"Here's an asset," So said. "We are locally owned and operated, and we want to be approachable for outside organizations to come to us with ideas."

They said they've hosted morning yoga sessions with Heights-based Black Swan Yoga. Another event was a "Sober Bowl" that featured celebrities, music and activities for kids on the day of the Super Bowl for those who wanted in on the fun but not the hangover. The venue recently allowed Northside High School to use the space for its jazz and dance teams, as well as summer dance and music clinics while the high school undergoes renovations.

But neighbors say some of those activities were paid events while others were mandated under an agreement with the city.

The lawsuit will go to trial in October, according to court documents.
Update: The southeast Texas health system that Thursday reported the first Harris County cases of Zika in 2017, six then-pregnant women, has backed off the claim.

Six pregnant women in Harris County have tested positive for Zika, the first cases of the mosquito-borne disease to be reported locally in 2017.

All of the women have since delivered their babies, none with the abnormally small head that characterizes the worst form of the disease when the virus is passed on by the mother. The women, who contracted the virus south of the border, were tested because of their risky travel histories, not because they were experiencing Zika symptoms.

"All indications we have are that the babies are healthy," said Dr. Ann Barnes, chief medical officer at Legacy Community Health, a Southeast Texas network of clinics where the expectant mothers had gone for appointments and to have their blood drawn.

Babies born to mothers infected with Zika can appear healthy at birth, only to have neurological problems become apparent later. Dr. Peter Hotez, a Baylor College Medicine infectious disease specialist and expert on Zika, said he hopes all of the babies have been referred to pediatric neurologists for a work-up, emphasizing that the full impact of Zika on the nervous system is still being determined.

More Information By the numbers 6Pregnant women who have tested positive for Zika locally so far in 2017. 75Zika cases - all in people who contracted the virus while traveling - in Harris County in 2016. 80Countries or territories Zika has spread to since 2007. 5%A U.S. study reports low occurrence of Zika birth defects. See More Collapse

Barnes said the cases show pregnant women should remain vigilant about Zika, even though the disease threat appears lower this year than it did last year in the U.S. Gulf Coast, when public health officials sounded the alarm that imported cases could trigger a local outbreak. New reports have shown decreased viral activity in the Caribbean, Central America and most of South America, all hotbeds of activity last year, and the World Health Organization now says the virus is no longer a global health emergency.

The six Harris County cases were confirmed in late May by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and announced Thursday by Legacy. Three of the women had their blood drawn in late 2016, and three had it drawn in 2017, between January and April. Legacy sent the blood to the Texas Department of Health for preliminary testing before it went to the CDC.

Zika emerged as a global threat in 2007. It started spreading extensively in 2015 and 2016, reaching at least 80 countries and territories, mostly in the Southern Hemisphere. The only reported cases in Harris County have involved people acquiring the virus while traveling to regions that had outbreaks. Seventy-five such cases were imported to Harris County in 2016.

Microcephaly research

Local transmission of the virus occurred in Florida last summer and in South Texas in November and December.

Zika is not considered fatal, but it has been linked to thousands of cases of microcephaly, in which the infected mother's baby is born with an abnormally small head and brain. The condition can result in developmental delays, intellectual disability and hearing, vision and feeding problems.

But recent research has also found the babies affected by the virus can experience developmental delays even though they do not have microcephaly. The finding suggests a baby whose head looks normal may in fact suffer from serious brain deficits that parents and doctors may not notice until they get older.

The Harris County mothers delivered the babies at hospitals. Barnes said Legacy's information that the babies appear healthy is based on pre-delivery imaging and post-delivery updates.

Conflicting data exists about the level of birth defects caused by Zika. One Brazilian study reported defects in 42 percent of such babies while another in the U.S. reported defects occurred in just 5 percent, 15 if the mother was infected during the first trimester of pregnancy.

Zika and pregnancy

Texas' health department has received 206 reports of pregnancy-related Zika infections, most not involving women experiencing symptoms, since the virus' onset in the state in late 2015. Ninety-two of those have been reported in 2017.

Overall, Zika disease has started slowly this year, with only 14 people having been reported to have been infected and experiencing symptoms.

An exact breakdown was not available, but Mexico, Guatemala and El Salvador were the countries to which the Harris County women traveled while pregnant. It is unclear what the level of Zika activity was in those countries when they were there, but Barnes and Hotez said their experience shows the virus is still being transmitted and can be spread, despite the current lesser threat.

"Patient education in Harris County must continue through this year's mosquito season," Barnes said in a statement put out by Legacy. "Prevention must still be the key message coming from public health officials and health care providers."

In the U.S., CDC-issued travel alerts are still in effect for Cameron County in South Texas and Miami-Dade County in Florida.
MIAMI - In an overhaul of one of his predecessor's signature legacies, President Donald Trump will redraw U.S. policy toward Cuba on Friday, tightening travel restrictions for Americans that had been loosened under President Barack Obama and banning U.S. business transactions with Cuba's vast military conglomerate.

Trump's changes, shared Thursday with the Miami Herald, are intended to sharply curtail cash flow to the Cuban government and pressure its communist leaders to let the island's fledgling private sector grow. Diplomatic relations reestablished by Obama, including reopened embassies in Washington and Havana, will remain. Travel and money sent by Cuban Americans will be unaffected.

'Better deal' for exiles

Trump is expected to announce the presidential policy directive Friday, surrounded by Cuban-American supporters at Miami's Manuel Artime Theater, a venue named after one of the late leaders of the Brigade 2506 Bay of Pigs veterans whose group offered Trump their endorsement last October after he promised exiles a "better deal."

In his remarks, Trump plans to cite human-rights violations in Cuba as justification for the new U.S. approach. Dissidents say government repression has increased.

While not a full reversal of Obama's historic Cuba rapprochement, Trump's recast U.S. policy hews closer to the hard line espoused by Cuban-American Republicans who derided Obama's 2014 policy as a capitulation. Florida Sen. Marco Rubio was instrumental in drafting Trump's changes, with help from Miami Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart. Other Cuban-American lawmakers started getting briefed on the policy Thursday.

"If we're going to have more economic engagement with Cuba, it will be with the Cuban people," Rubio told the Miami Herald.

He called the new policy a strategic, long-term attempt to force aging Cuban military and intelligence officers to ease their grip on the island's economy as a younger generation of leaders prepares to take over.

"All the pressure comes from American business interests that go to Cuba, see the opportunities and then come back here and lobby us to lift the embargo," Rubio said. "I'm trying to reverse the dynamic: I'm trying to create a Cuban business sector that now goes to the Cuban government and pressures them to create changes. I'm also trying to create a burgeoning business class independent of the government."

Trump's policy will not reinstate wet foot, dry foot, the policy that allowed Cuban immigrants who reached U.S. soil to remain in the country. It will not alter the U.S. trade embargo, which can only be lifted by Congress. And it will not limit travel by or remittances from Cuban Americans, as former President George W. Bush did - though fewer Cuban government officials will be allowed to come to the U.S. and receive money than under Obama.

More scrutiny for travelers

Outright tourism to Cuba is prohibited by the embargo, but Obama had relaxed travel rules, allowing non-Cuban Americans to go under one of 12 legally authorized categories, such as family visits, professional research or educational activities. The Obama administration relied on what was effectively an honor system in which travelers self-reported their trip's purpose.

Under Trump's rules, which federal agencies have 90 days to implement, travelers will be subject to a Treasury Department audit of their trip to ensure they fall under one of the permitted categories. Educational trips and so-called "people-to-people" group exchanges will fall under greater scrutiny, with educational groups once again having to travel with a guide from a U.S. organization sponsoring the trip, a requirement the Obama policy had effectively eliminated.

Main target is GAESA

Commercial flights and cruise trips to Cuba will be allowed to continue, because paying landing fees at military-run airports and seaports will be exempt from the Trump ban. (So will paying bank fees at the military-run bank, to allow Americans to still send money and rent private properties like those offered on Airbnb.) But the audit threat could shrink demand for Cuban travel, and hurt private-run bed-and-breakfasts and restaurants favored by American travelers.

The main target of Trump's policy is the Cuban military's umbrella enterprise for state-run businesses, GAESA (short for Grupo de Administracion Empresarial, S.A.), the sprawling conglomerate that experts estimate controls about 60 percent of the Cuban economy. Americans and U.S. companies will be barred from financial transactions with GAESA and any of its "affiliates, subsidiaries or successors."

"That's a huge deal - that's pretty much everything," Diaz-Balart told the Herald. "That's the entire tourism industry."
AUSTIN -- Gov. Greg Abbott's veto total for the year hit 50 on Thursday as his staff announced a final round of vetoes of bills approved during the recently completed legislative session, including the continuation of a women's health advisory committee and a tree-replacement law.

Abbott also signed into law bills that could fine law enforcement agencies that don't promptly report police shootings to the state, will license specialists who treat children with autism, will allow providers of state child-welfare services to reject placements based on religious preferences, allow "autonomous" or driverless vehicles, as well as changes to laws governing craft-beer breweries.

He also signed a measure that will set a grace period for unpaid school-lunch accounts -- the so-called "lunch shaming" bill.

The vetoes are the most since 2007. Among the reasons for rejection include that they duplicated current law, would create costly and unnecessary new bureaucracy or that they would be too burdensome or unfair to taxpayers.

One bill that would have tweaked the licensing of electrical contractors was killed because it was "the exact same bill" that Abbott said he vetoed two years ago.

Abbott also vetoed:

Senate Bill 1912 that would have established mental-health public defenders to ensure that defendants facing court action had proper representation. Abbott said current law already mandates appointed counsel, and called the expanded bureaucracy was "unnecessary."

House Bill 2783 that sought to plug a loophole in the state's open-records law that forced some taxpayers to file a suit to get documents from recalcitrant agencies. Abbott said the measure created an incentive for lawsuits.

Senate Bill 667 that would have expanded official monitoring of the state's guardianship programs for elderly Texans. Abbott said he did so because it would have cost taxpayers an additional $5 million, and he already had signed several reform bills that should address problems.

House Bill 3281 that would have extended an Austin program for homestead preservation districts and reinvestment zones. Abbott said it gave "special tax treatment to certain neighborhoods at the expense of other taxpayers."

He also vetoed other bills that would have made it a crime to install a tire incorrectly or violate flood-plain rules, would have prohibited state licensing agencies from considering an applicant's past criminal record, would have given preference to Indian tribes to purchase surplus state property and would have allowed elected officials to also serve as county elections administrators -- a policy that Abbott said could improperly mix politics with the fair administration of elections.

Several bills were vetoed that deal with issues Abbott said he wants the Legislature to address in a special session set to begin July 18.

One was a bill extending the life of the women's health panel -- a state committee that provides recommendations on women's health issues. It was vetoed because Abbott said it "does nothing more than extend the expiration date of a governmental committee that has already successfully completed its mission."

"Rather than prolong government committees beyond their expiration date, the state should focus on programs that address more clearly identifiable needs, like my call for action to address the maternal mortality rate during the special session," Abbott said.

Advocates for the panel quickly decried the veto. "Dismantling this committee is incredibly shortsighted, especially since the maternal mortality rates are skyrocketing across our state. Texas women deserve better," said state Sen. Borris Miles, D-Houston, the author of Senate Bill 790.

A second was House Bill 2410, a measure allowing mail-in-only ballots in certain elections in some small counties. He said he wants lawmakers to enact a tougher mail-ballot fraud law during the special session.

Another was Senate Bill 744 , legislation that would have required municipalities to allow residents to plant new trees instead of paying tree-removal fees. Abbott has said he wants the Legislature to preempt cities from enforcing local ordinances regulating trees on private property.

Abbott also signed into law bills that could fine law enforcement agencies that don't promptly report police shootings to the state, will license specialists who treat children with autism, will allow providers of state child-welfare services to reject placements based on religious preferences, allow "autonomous" or driverless vehicles, as well as changes to laws governing craft-beer breweries and a measure that will set a grace period for unpaid school-lunch accounts -- the so-called "lunch shaming" bill.

The governor also signed into law the Sandra Bland Act, an effort designed to force local jails to ramp up mental-health supervision and training to prevent suicides like one in Waller County two years ago that made national headlines. The new law, which takes effect Sept. 1, requires that county jails divert people with mental health and substance abuse issues toward treatment, and it mandates that independent law enforcement agencies investigate jail deaths.
Houston has never been known as a town of demonstrations. So it was all the more remarkable when thousands of people wearing black armbands with pink triangles showed up at City Hall 40 years ago this week to protest gay rights opponent Anita Bryant. Bryant, a 1970s vocalist and gay-rights opponent, was invited to sing at the Texas Bar Association meeting in Houston.

In the decades since, gay marriage has been legalized and Houston has elected a gay mayor multiple times. As a result, many have become complacent about LGBT rights, but the HIV/AIDS public health crisis provides proof of lingering injustice.

While the virus is no longer a death sentence and rates of infection have plummeted, advances have stopped on the doorstep of the African-American gay and bisexual communities, already struggling with low levels of education, high incarceration rates and poverty.

One in two gay and bisexual African-American men will be infected with the virus in their lifetimes if current rates continue, as predicted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Put another way, if gay and bisexual African-American men made up a country, its rate of HIV infection would be the highest in the world, according to an article by Linda Villarosa in The New York Times Magazine.

Let this sink in: In the richest nation in the world, one segment of the population has an infection rate surpassing impoverished Swaziland's, according to the Times. Compounding the problem, now that the virus has concentrated on this doubly marginalized community, for too many people, the disease has ceased to exist from their consciousness.

In the 1980s, politicians, celebrities and community leaders came together, albeit too slowly. But they eventually united behind the goal of finding a treatment for HIV and developing a campaign to promote safe sex. The time has come for our community to take its blinders off as to this latest challenge and provide additional help to those who need it most.

Although the skeletal faces of AIDS victims marred with purple blotches initially appeared on the West and East coasts in San Francisco and New York, the new ground zero for HIV/AIDS is the South, including Texas.

The southern states - which represent 37 percent of the country's population as of 2014 - accounted for 54 percent of all new HIV diagnoses, according to Villarosa's article. The South also has the highest number of people living with HIV who don't know they have been infected.

HIV/AIDS is not a "gay disease." Thirty percent of those living with HIV in Harris County are heterosexual. This deadly disease must be eradicated everywhere.

It's tragic that our region - famous for its warm hospitality and iconic music - is increasingly known for the poor health outcomes for the poorest of its citizens. HIV/AIDS is a health systems problem, but it's also an issue of poverty, lack of education, stigma and discrimination.

Here in Houston and Harris County, with 1 out of 200 residents having been reported as receiving an HIV diagnosis, Houston's Department of Health is leading a planning effort in conjunction with other partners, including Legacy Community Health, to tackle this pernicious problem.

Mayor Sylvester Turner has endorsed the comprehensive plan, but he hasn't committed local funding to bring it to fruition. Additional federal resources to aid in this fight may not be forthcoming either. President Trump's proposed budget includes a major cut in CDC funding for HIV/ AIDS prevention, testing and support services. This is short-sighted.

In the 1980s, grassroots support drove change, and it can drive it again. "A true ending to the epidemic requires a strategy that includes an expansion of non-traditional partners in coordination of resources and support from all systems of government and social services, not just the city of Houston alone," according to city Health Director Stephen Williams.

Inspired by Lewis Carroll's quirky fantasy world, the theme of the local LGBT Pride celebration on June 24 is, "Wonderland." A true Wonderland would be a world where HIV/AIDS is eliminated for all populations. That Wonderland is within our reach if we come together as a community to rid our city, state and nation of this dread disease.
Comfort station

Regarding "Sleek new public restrooms being installed along Galveston seawall" (Chron.com, Wednesday), portable toilets are disgusting, smelly and hot, especially in this climate. This is definitely a step in the right direction if they want more people down at the beach.

Now if only they'd clamp down more on the drunk driving on the seawall.

Scott Lewis, posted via Facebook

Lingering dark clouds

Regarding "Trump asserts 'leaker' Comey lied under oath" (Page A1, Saturday), President Trump has made clear that he is willing to place his version of recent events up against the one set forth by former FBI Director James Comey in his testimony before the Senate Intelligence Committee. We have thus entered the realm of a "he said-he said" contest.

Conservatives in and out of government are now busy trying to bolster the president's chances of winning this "game" in the court of public opinion by defaming Comey and excusing Trump While this approach might make sense on one level, it misses badly on another: What we can call "Russia-gate" has now entered the realm of a serious criminal investigation headed by Special Prosecutor Robert Mueller.

While we are only at the beginning of that process, committees in the House and Senate are continuing their investigations into Russia's meddling in our election. A cloud does hang over the Trump presidency, and it won't dissipate any time soon.

Marty Adams, Houston

Legislators and vouchers

Regarding "School Districts Feeling Austin's Pinch," (Page A1, Saturday), I was shocked to read this comment on school funding by Sen. Larry Taylor, R-Friendswood, who champions special education vouchers: "When people realize that money's not coming, they may be willing to put up with a small number of parents having the opportunity to choose for their child." Does this not sound like extortion? In effect, he is saying that this special session will put a chokehold on money for the education of all our state's children until his side gets the vouchers they want?

Those familiar with the educational services provided in both public and private settings, understand that vouchers, or their euphemism "education savings accounts," are not an answer for the state's special needs children.

First, the vast majority of private schools will not accept these children BECAUSE of their special needs. This is not discriminatory on the part of private schools, but borne of necessity. Unless created for the purpose of serving special needs children, these private schools are unequipped to meet their needs. The teacher-to-pupil ratio necessary to serve special needs students makes it nearly impossible to support in the usual private setting. Public schools MUST meet the needs of these children as mandated by federal law.

Second, although Houston has some excellent private schools created for special needs children, tuition rates can range up to $45,000 and beyond. The state's educational allotment of little more than $5,000 per child doesn't come close to meeting this. Thus, even if created for special needs, private schools are not an option for the average family.

Consequently, this call for vouchers for special needs is nothing but the toehold in the door that some legislators are attempting to use to get the expansion of vouchers approved in Texas.

Jane May, Friendswood

Being loyal

President Trump's reaction to former FBI Director James Comey's testimony is just as I had expected. He denies any attempts at obstruction of justice. Allegedly, Trump asked Comey for "loyalty."

But did this mean a willingness to ignore or obfuscate facts should they not be in the presidents favor? This is the pressing question before us.

The FBI has a lawful duty to be loyal to the law. Being loyal to a cult of personality will not suffice. The latter smacks of the rule of dictators.

John L. Indo, Houston
Recently, President Donald Trump announced the United States was pulling out of the Paris Climate Accord. That news upset and depressed many of my friends and students. But surprisingly, this step by the president may lead to positive climate action in the United States.

After the president's withdrawal, the business community will be challenged to take action on its own. Corporations often prefer governmental regulation because it provides business cost equality. Now, however, individual companies will be tested to determine whether their stated concerns about greenhouse gas emissions are real. We will soon discover that many of these commitments are very real, and major differences will emerge.

We have many climate leaders in the business community. It is now routine for corporate websites to display metrics about carbon dioxide emissions. Some companies have reached carbon neutrality, which means that they have - through the use of renewables, efficiency measures and the purchase of carbon dioxide offsets - managed to have a net zero output of carbon dioxide emissions. Others aspire to this goal.

And it is not just businesses that are pursuing carbon neutrality. Nearly 600 U.S. colleges and universities are participants in the College and University Presidents' Climate Commitment, which requires carbon neutrality. These institutions have agreed to reach this goal at different times, generally within the next 20 years, a goal that many will accelerate.

And then there is the city movement to carbon neutrality. Several U.S. cities are members of the Carbon Neutral Cities Alliance, including Boston, Minneapolis, Portland, Seattle, Boulder, Colo., New York City, San Francisco and Washington D.C. These cities will enjoy a competitive advantage in recruiting companies interested in carbon neutrality.

Additionally, key building construction, landscape architecture and engineering certification programs award points for carbon neutrality, with some, like the Living Building Challenge, requiring carbon neutrality for certification. Carbon neutrality is rapidly becoming the design standard for the future.

At its core, climate change response demands personal commitment. We all contribute to carbon dioxide emissions and, more important, we are part of the solution. And if enough of us commit to understanding and addressing our carbon footprint, we can change the U.S. without the assistance of the federal government.

The key here is understanding our carbon dioxide emission pattern and acting to change it. When we buy food and clothes, we are purchasing products that carry with them a level of emitted carbon dioxide. When we buy a car or appliances, we make a carbon emission decision. And when we fly somewhere, we leave carbon dioxide in our wake. The sum of that activity leaves a so-called carbon footprint.

Each of us should know and understand our carbon footprint, as should every law firm, accounting firm, fast food store, shopping mall and every other business out there. A personal carbon footprint can be calculated using any of a number of carbon footprint calculators that can be found on the internet. And if we know these effects - if we understand these issues - we can change them.

This optimistic view comes, at least in part, from a belief in the power of the market system and from the knowledge that we are a nation of consumers. If we consumers get our act together and spend our money wisely, we can have a significant influence on corporations that depend upon us - their customers - for their very existence. And it does not take a great percentage of us who choose to vote with our money to change corporate thinking and our climate strategy.

For these and many other reasons, carbon neutrality will become a key element of the economy of the future, and we are at an interesting crossroads. The products that damage our climate and contribute to warming and its associated dangerous weather patterns will become obsolete.

Years ago, my business mentor asked me if I knew anyone who was upset about the fate of the manufacturers of the buggies that used to be pulled by horses. In their day, buggy makers were economic powerhouses. But times changed, and they did not. Times are again changing.

Now stop and think for a moment. We are at a critical turning point, and each of us has a chance to make history. So learn about your carbon footprint and do something about it. And send the business community, and the president, a message by how you spend your money.

Blackburn is an environmental lawyer and co-director of the SSPEED Center at Rice University.
A Cabool woman is held without bond in Webster County following her arrest Thursday evening, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

Amanda R. Wallace, 32, was arrested on five charges: two counts of felony possession of a controlled substance, misdemeanor possession of marijuana, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, permitting another to drive a vehicle without insurance and no seat belt. She also faced a misdemeanor Greene County warrant for a probation violation.
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The overall package of terms and conditions of our employees is better than our competitors in the sector and includes a faster pathway for new employees to increase their skills and build their careers, said group CEO Russel Creedy.

The new deal will see wages across all job rates increase by between 60 cents per hour and $1 per hour, effective from 1 April 2017. An earlier agreement which included a minimum pay rise of 50 cents per hour was rejected by Unite Union in April.
Across Canada this summer, communities are celebrating Pride in many different ways. Increasingly, these celebrations include children thanks to family-friendly Pride events and rallies. A reading circle with drag queens was a popular part of Edmonton Pride earlier this month, for example.

Canadian children are increasingly educated about LGBTQ issues thanks to updated curriculums that address gender and sexuality in age-appropriate ways. But many kids also have people in their lives who are in non-straight relationships or identify outside a gender binary. And, of course, some of those children themselves may identify as LGBTQ.

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Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, his wife and kids at the 38th Annual Vancouver Pride Parade last year.

Bringing your children to Pride doesn't just give them the chance to celebrate with a community your family is part of or that you actively support. It also demonstrates to your children that you're open to the many ways people can identify and love, which is particularly important for them to know as they grow and discover who they are.

So why do some parents bring kids to Pride events?

My own son attended Pride when he was almost two. We were in Toronto shortly after his uncles were married and he spent an evening there with them. For me, it's important both in the context of support for his uncles and their community, and as part of larger efforts to raise him to be open-minded, welcoming and respectful of everyone.

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We go because we love celebrating with our community and we have lots of friends we meet up with there every year, says Avila Cohen, who first took her son to Toronto Pride when he was a year old. Pride is a celebration of love and unity and that's what I want him to take away from all the fun and excitement.

The annual Boston Pride Parade in 2013.

Julie Schwietert Collazo and her husband, who are from New York, bring their three children along when they attend anti-Trump protests, Black Lives Matter rallies, and other social justice demonstrations, including Pride.

Pride is important because it helps our kids  especially our seven-year-old  understand that heteronormativity can be harmful, a lesson that's especially important as an antidote to the public school curriculum, which still presents couples and families only in heteronormative configurations, and only presents individuals as boys or girls in fairly rigid, traditional gender norms, Schwietert Collazo explains.

Michigan mom Jill Hermann-Wilmarth and her wife also attend Pride with their two children in hopes that it will open up their kids world views.

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A woman carrying a child on her shoulder at the 2016 Gay Pride parade in Tel Aviv.

It is important to bring kids to Pride events so that they see the wide range of diversity in our community, says Hermann-Wilmarth. Its also important so that kids who are or who will eventually come out as queer, and kids whose parents are queer, get to experience a few moments where other people and families are like theirs, where, at least for the few hours of Pride, they are among lots of people whose experiences of queerness overlap with their own in big or small ways. I think this is especially important for kids who live in smaller cities and towns where the queer community might not be as visible as it might be in larger cities.

Lastly, it is important for all kids to see the LGBTQ+ community celebrated and celebrating, she adds.

And on top of all the other reasons to attend Pride with children, it's also just a lot of fun. Because love is love and it is a damn good party! Nfld. resident Megan Marshall says when asked why she attends with her daughter.

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The Quebec government wants to centralize the health-care system even more with Bill 130, giving the health minister more power over administrators and over the management and operation of hospitals. The government would be better off following the example of Sweden, which has successfully moved in the opposite direction, in addition to benefiting from the contribution of the private sector.

One notable difference with Quebec is that in Sweden, the government has a very limited degree of bureaucratic control over the health-care sector. Essentially, Stockholm is responsible only for establishing principles and guidelines, patient safety and setting the political agenda. This is a far cry from the health department determining the one menu to be served in every hospital, clinic and long-term care facility.

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Autonomous hospitals

As for the funding and provision of services, they fall under the jurisdiction of Sweden's 21 county councils. It is up to each county council to arrange, administer, and oversee the way health care operates. Unlike in Quebec, different regions apply different strategies. Some offer hospitals financial incentives like linking reimbursement to the volume of services provided, while others still allocate hospital funding according to global budgets.

Either way, hospital administrators have substantial autonomy. They have full authority to adjust service provision based on demand and resources, including the power to hire or lay off doctors and other staff.

This does not preclude political action if a hospital underperforms or exceeds its given budget. Hospital management must also comply with labour market and environmental legislation, rules on the reporting of statistics, and so forth. But again, hospital administrators are entrusted with the authority to handle such tasks, without any specific hospital-related rules.

If we don't want to read the same news about the same failings of our health-care system in 20 years, we need to radically rethink our methods.

Time for a change

By tightening its grip on the management and administration of hospitals, the Quebec government is moving in the opposite direction. This is not a new trend, but that doesn't mean that a change would not be welcome.

Uniform approaches and the multiplication of decision-making levels prevent the experiments required to improve the way we do things. To be blunt, if we don't want to read the same news about the same failings of our health-care system in 20 years, we need to radically rethink our methods.

Instead of subjecting tens of thousands of health care workers to a centralized authority, they should be given both more freedom and more responsibility. This obviously starts with hospital administrators, who need to have wide discretion combined with an obligation of accountability. The same approach should also be applied to those who take care of patients.

The most important reform

The implementation of accessible, transparent performance indicators would also be beneficial, as would activity-based funding, which turns the patient into a source of revenue instead of an expense. But the most important, essential reform would be to allow the private sector to complement the public system as well as introduce some competition into the provision of care.

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In Sweden, many private care providers now operate side by side with public providers, seamlessly integrated into a publicly funded system. Patients make copayments to cover a small fraction of the cost of medical fees and medication. Yet all facilities, private and public, are financed in the same way, with public funds: Patients access care with the Swedish equivalent of a Medicare card, not with a credit card.

Far from being a threat to universal access, integrating private provision of care into the system has helped make Sweden's egalitarian values sustainable: Access to frontline care is quicker than it is in Quebec, and the wait to consult a specialist or undergo surgery is shorter. And also, in Sweden, the proportion of patients who had to forego care because of cost considerations is lower than it is in Quebec.

The Swedish model, like many others, shows that there is no contradiction between private provision of care and equal access, and that competition on the contrary leads to improved services for patients. A key part of the success of this model can also be attributed to hospital-level autonomy, a lesson that our politicians, with their tendency to prefer centralization, could benefit from studying.

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DrAfter123 via Getty Images Vibrant vector illustration is showing a teacher and adult students in the middle of the process of facilitating learning. On the bottom part of the illustration there are students and teacher; above them there are different speech bubbles randomly filled with different elements/icons related with education, learning and teaching. Those elements are: light bulb for new knowledge and ideas; gears and wheels for thinking and processing; question mark for questioning; magnifying glass for looking the right solution or to look closer to the problem; brain for thinking and intelligence; speech bubbles for communication ect. Illustration is nicely layered.

The Canadian job market is in a state of flux, with the explosion of the on-demand economy and part-time employment increasingly becoming the norm for many workers. As a result, we're seeing more Canadians turn to entrepreneurship or self-employment for financial stability than ever before. In fact, full and part-time freelancers, independent contractors and on-demand workers are projected to comprise up to 45 per cent of the workforce by 2020.

This means that students today are graduating and entering a labour market that's nearly unrecognizable from the market the previous generation entered. Gone are the days of joining a company straight out of school and spending your career in one place. It's a dynamic, exciting and uncertain new world order.

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I recently had the opportunity to judge the Enactus national competition, organized by Enactus Canada, and witness firsthand the next-generation of entrepreneurial leaders and their fierce passion to advance the economic, social and environmental health of Canada. This competitive process got me thinking about how we as a national community should be fostering entrepreneurial ambition among today's youth and equip them with the hard skills they need for success.

Despite the shifting economy, our colleges and universities are still geared towards training people to be great at one thing. While we'll always have a need for specialized professionals - like doctors, engineers, or teachers - the fact is that for many workers, long-term success won't come from mastering a single skill, but by being prepared to navigate an ever-changing world.

Long-term success depends upon anticipating change, adapting your skillset and creating your own opportunities. In the words of Milton Berle, "If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door."

Here are a few ways we can better encourage today's youth to build these doors and set our future business leaders up for success from the very beginning.

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Nurture lifelong learning

Formal entrepreneurship courses in MBA programs are undoubtedly valuable, but fostering the self-sufficiency and drive paramount to entrepreneurship needs to begin earlier and continue throughout your entire career.

That's why we're working with organizations like Junior Achievers, who created an 18-week flagship program for students, helping them to ideate and launch their own business. The program also teaches students to track their finances, equipping them with cloud-based tools like QuickBooks Online to hone their financial management skills from the very beginning.

As well, online learning tools like LinkedIn's Lynda.com can help close gaps between the skills students are taught and those needed for entrepreneurial success, offering skills-based training like how to raise startup capital and pitching to investors. Local education and training courses, such as Launch Academy and BrainStation, also empower professionals and would-be entrepreneurs to compete in an increasingly technological and creative economy.

This is a promising start, but we still have a long way to go in bringing entrepreneurship skills to students across the country when they are at their most creative and inspired age. The Knowledge Society (TKS), an after-school innovation program for students aged 13 to 17, aims to do just that, "training the future Elon Musks of Canada." We need more organizations like TKS to show kids the various pathways to entrepreneurial success and celebrate creativity and innovation from an early age.

Stress the importance of financial literacy from the start

Poor financial literacy is a leading cause of new business failure, and one of the top reasons that small businesses struggle to get funded.

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Although Canadian youth are among the world's top-performing students in terms of financial literacy, there's still a significant gap. A recent study found that 82 per cent of Canadians millennials felt they lacked financial knowledge and investing confidence.

We must continue to stress the importance of financial literacy and make these skills more accessible to every student in the country. By incorporating financial management skills education into secondary school curriculums, we can empower young entrepreneurs earlier on with the confidence they need to make better decisions and ultimately fuel business success. The Ontario government is rolling out pilot projects at 28 high schools to lay the groundwork for financial literacy to become part of the curriculum. This is a welcome first step, and I hope to see programs like this rolled out nationwide.

Embrace Design Thinking and Experiential Learning

We can further kick-start students' entrepreneurial dreams by devising new ways to teach old ideas. The idea of "learning by doing" - also known as experiential learning - has proven a learning valuable tool in any educational environment but is especially relevant for self-employment programs, where new ideas can be tested with a mock or even real business.

Governments and education institutions are already realizing the value of this approach. Last month the Ontario government unveiled its Career Kick-Start Strategy to create development opportunities for students at all education levels and better prepare them for the workforce. As part of this strategy, the government is working with Canadian employers to launch workplace learning initiatives so students and recent grads can build their skillsets through real-world experience. Rolling out similar initiatives tailored to empower would-be entrepreneurs will help today's youth better understand what it takes to launch their own venture.

Additionally, Design Thinking, which is solution-driven process drawing on logic, imagination, intuition and systemic reasoning, offers a structured framework for understanding and driving innovation to contribute to a business' growth. Encouraging our educational institutions to adopt this problem-solving technique can cultivate more agile student mindsets, and equip them with the problem-solving tools they need to flourish in a world of self-employment.

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Red fox family (Photo from Wikimedia Commons)

Across the world, millions of animal fathers strive to ensure their offspring's survival. In honour of Father's Day, learn about 10 of the animal kingdom's most devoted dads and the fascinating ways they look after their brood.

Fanatic fathers

The male stickleback constantly keeps an eye on his egg clutch, fanning the eggs at 400 beats per minute to oxygenate them and get rid of waste. Once the young have hatched, he gathers any strays in his mouth for a week and puts them back in the nest.

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Getting a true taste of fatherhood

After they hatch, the male sea catfish will keep his young in his mouth for several months, until they reach lengths of almost five centimetres. During this time, he fasts to avoid mistakenly eating one of his offspring.

Playful papas

While mothers and recently born kits stay in their dens, red fox fathers go hunting every six hours and bring back prey for the entire family to eat. Dads have even been seen playing with their pups during their first three months of life, such as by hiding food morsels underneath twigs and leaves for the pups to find, which helps develop their foraging skills.

Giant water bug (Photo from Wikimedia Commons)

Piggy-back parenting

After mating, a female water bug lays up to 150 eggs on the male's back, which remain there until they hatch a week or so later. Using his legs, the male combs through the eggs regularly to aerate them, preventing fungal infection. He also remains on the move to safeguard the eggs from predators.

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Fraternal frogs

After a female South American Darwin frog lays her eggs, the male swallows them and keeps them safe within his vocal sacs for about six weeks. Once they're about to hatch, he "throws up" his young.

Rheas (Photo from Wikimedia Commons)

Single dads

The male rhea constructs a nest for his mate to lay her more than 50 eggs in. After laying her eggs, the female mates with other males. While the female is away, the male incubates the eggs for more than a month, while consuming only two weeks' worth of food. He then looks after the young on his own for close to two years once they hatch. To maintain contact with his chicks, the male makes whistling noises. Rhea fathers even go so far as to adopt chicks that have lost their own parents.

Freezer fathers

While female emperor penguins journey to the ocean to catch fish to feed their future offspring, males incubate eggs for around 65 days in temperatures below -40 degrees Celsius. To avoid leaving the eggs unguarded, the male won't eat anything during this time. If the chick is born before the female comes back, the father regurgitates a curd-like substance to feed it.

Polygynous papas

Wolverine fathers often travel hundreds of kilometres per month to visit their two to three mates and their kits while the females are still nursing. Male parental care likely evolved in this species because it increases the kits' chances of survival and the probability of the male passing on his genes to the next generation.

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Faithful fathers

Once their offspring are born, male marmosets are not tempted to mate with ovulating females. In fact, when scientists exposed father marmosets to sexually receptive females' odours, the males' testosterone levels did not change, even though they were predicted to increase as an indication of sexual arousal.

Pregnant seahorses (Photo from Wikimedia Commons)

Prego-papas

Just like Arnold Schwarzenegger's character in the 1994 film Junior, seahorse males get impregnated. The female transfers between 50 and 1,500 eggs into the male's abdominal pouch, using a specialized tube called an ovipositor. The male then fertilizes the eggs within the pouch and keeps them there for between one to six-and-a-half weeks. Throughout this period, offspring are provided with nutrients, oxygen and a comfortable environment to develop. The father also maintains his offspring's health by monitoring salt levels within his pouch to make sure they are similar to those of the external environment.
In the GTA's high-priced real-estate market, where the barrier to entry for owning a single-family home is exorbitantly high, the City of Brampton represents a rare vestige where detached properties still average for below the million-dollar mark.

That being said, Brampton is far from an "affordable housing market" and prospective buyers, generally speaking, still need a six-figure household income to land a property in the major suburb.

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Repeatedly ranked high up on the list of best places to invest, TheRedPin put the spotlight on Brampton and analysed the diverse city and its housing market by the numbers.

Brampton's detached home market is huge

Brampton represents the second largest market for detached homes in the GTA, only behind the City of Toronto.

In 2017 so far, a total of 2,426 detached homes sold in Brampton alone. That's more than the 1,857 sales in Richmond Hill and Vaughan combined, and over 50 per cent more transactions than in neighbouring Mississauga during the same time.

In simple terms, roughly one in every 10 detached homes sold across the GTA is located in Brampton.

Consequently, it's far from surprising to find that 52 per cent of Brampton residents live in a single-detached home while only 15 per cent live in apartments. Just for comparison's sake, far fewer (37 per cent) of Mississauga's population live in detached properties.

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The dynamic 905 city is anything but a sparsely populated bedroom community.

Home prices have skyrocketed

While looking at the current state of prices is eye-opening, to say the least, turning back the clock and measuring how drastic housing values have changed in the matter of a few years is what really puts the market into perspective.

Since 2012, the average price of Brampton homes increased a whopping 83 per cent, a significant six-figure $336,978 difference. Today, the average price for all home types sits at around the low-to-mid $700,000's.

The city is also no stranger to bidding wars, as roughly one in three Brampton homes sold in 2017 closed for at least 10 per cent over their original asking price.

Brampton is one of Canada's most populous cities, as well as one of its youngest

While Brampton's population may pale in comparison to that of Toronto, which famously ranks as North America's fourth largest city with a total of 2.7 million residents, the dynamic 905 city is anything but a sparsely populated bedroom community.

In fact, Brampton's 593,638 residents propel the city as the ninth largest in Canada -- just shy of Vancouver's position as eighth largest with its population of 631,486.

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Aside from Brampton, Toronto and Mississauga, no other GTA cities cracked the top 10 list according to 2016 figures.

Of Canada's major cities, Brampton has one of the youngest populations, with a median age of 36.5, which clocks in at four years less than the national average. Moreover, the city's population is continuing to grow at a rapid pace. Between 2011 to 2016, Brampton's population jumped 13.3 per cent, well ahead of Ontario's 4.6 per cent increase.

Brampton homes sell in under 10 days

According to figures from the Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB), homes in Brampton spent an average of just nine days on market (DOM) in 2017 before finding a prospective buyer, which is up to 18 per cent faster than the GTA-wide average.

The only cities with a DOM below Brampton's nine days were Whitby and Oshawa with a record-fast DOM of eight.

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Brampton is home to a mix of dynamic schools

Brampton is home to a richly diverse population, which stems from over 170 cultures and speaks over 89 languages. That diversity is exemplified in the list of Brampton's best schools, such as the Khalsa Community. The private institute, which nabbed an acclaimed ranking of 9.7 out of 10 by the Fraser Institute academic rankings, is recognised as Ontario's largest Sikh elementary school. From St. Agnes Elementary Schools, Wali ul Asr Learning Institute and Castlemore, Brampton is home to a roster of religious private and public schools.

In total, Brampton has an estimated 117 public elementary and secondary schools.

Transit in Brampton is only going to get better

Along with its local Zum transit system, which stretches along five routes on major corridors such as Queen and Steeles, Brampton boasts a total of 16 GO Stops in its bounds, three of which are GO Train stations (Bramalea, Brampton and Mount Pleasant stations).

The most exciting transit development to hit the city is undoubtedly the upcoming Hurontario Light Rail Transit. The 20-kilometre, 22-stop LRT will stretch along the Hurontario corridor, linking the cities of Brampton and Mississauga.

The transit development carries a hefty $1.4-billion price tag and is slated to open in 2022.

Brampton may soon be home to a new Ryerson U campus

Ryerson University, one of Toronto's top educational institutions, is currently in talks with the City of Brampton to open up a new campus in partnership with Sheridan College. If approved, the campus will only up the city's profile and investment potential.

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There is not a humble pie in the world big enough to feed all the commentators and MPs who said Corbyn's Labour Party would not amount to anything. Labour hasn't won a Commons majority, yet. However Labour's advances under Corbyn's leadership combined by endemic Tory divisions reveal our road back to government.

Six weeks ago at the start of the election I wrote for the Huffington Post that Corbyn's new kind of politics provided Labour with a winning formula that other Parliamentary Candidates should follow. Having won in Derby North it's vital that this formula be revisited and solidified.

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The Midlands represents one of Labour's major weak spots. All four seats lost by Labour are here: the Tories took North East Derbyshire, Mansfield (virgin Tory territory), Stoke-on-Trent South (likewise) and Walsall North. That means winning in this region should be of interest to everyone in the Party.

So how did we do it? At its most simplistic our winning formula in Derby North was two fold. First, Labour's manifesto is the best manifesto this country has seen since 1945. It's power comes not from timeless principles (for or against the free market, for example) but through its fit as a plan to rebuild Britain after years of austerity in much the same way as Labour rebuilt the UK after the War.

Second, Corbyn's new kind of politics are roomy enough to accommodate a broad political coalition. The swing of UKIP voters to the Conservatives appears to have been a significant force driving Tory advances. However on the doorstep, UKIP voters will often give Jeremy Corbyn a fair hearing. Many in my experience are happy to hear that Labour has returned to its true values: sticking up for the ordinary person against the elites. As I wrote six weeks ago, Labour's task should be to put clear red water between former UKIP voters and the Conservatives.

At the same time, the Corbyn factor has attracted tens of thousands of younger voters into the party. These voters have no memory of the left-right divisions that have plagued Labour in its long history. For them, a vote for Labour is not a question of left or right, it's a question of right and wrong.

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These younger voters now form a fundamental backbone of our Party. As well as turning out to vote (against expectations) they have turned out to canvass both online and on the doorstep, most often being organised through Momentum. It came as a surprise to me to find that one younger activist in Derby North had set up a Chris Williamson fan page, for example.

So what next, what have we learnt in this election and what can Labour do in places like Mansfield? To make more advances in the Midlands and elsewhere Labour must promote fierce and straight talking candidates. We need a new crop of politicians who are not shy about Corbyn's anti-austerity manifesto and who possess an unwavering drive to take on the Tory establishment.

Ben Bradley, the current Tory MP for Mansfield, was pictured celebrating outside the count with champagne, whilst in his constituency child poverty is running at an incredible 22.7%. That poverty has been caused by his Party, from the point at which they violently closed the mines right through to the endless pumping of money into the City of London at a cost to the real economy.

With strong candidates and a message of hope will follow Labour's energised and young activist base. At the same time, the diversity of youth culture and cosmopolitan values must be nurtured in areas that have been left behind. Labour must dust off its early encounter with post-War social movements when initiatives promoting diversity and equal rights were written off by the Tory establishment as the "loony left".
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News that Three Mile Island nuclear power plant may be shut down in 2019 will reawaken the stuff of nightmares for many of the older generation. Think before Chernobyl, or Fukushima and the horrors we now associate with them, Three Mile Island was the name that spelt fear and dread. In March 1979, one of the plant's two reactors suffered a partial core melt down, resulting from mechanical and human error. Radioactivity was released into the environment in what was the worst commercial nuclear power accident in US history.

Despite official claims that the human health impact was minimal, the accident led to massive protests, in the US and around the world, and the nuclear power industry in the US faced a shattering setback. Within a few years construction of new nuclear power plants had pretty much ground to a halt and the national debate over nuclear power was largely won by its opponents. These included the likes of Jane Fonda, who combined celebrity glamour with activist grit, and the release of her film The China Syndrome just days before the accident gave the issue massive popular cultural exposure.

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Now it looks like the plant's days are numbered. The reactor that suffered meltdown was never reopened, and the owner has said that the plant is no longer financially viable, given the competition from natural gas and renewables. And other Pennsylvania nuclear plants are at risk of closure too on economic grounds. For the reality is, that although Three Mile Island may have been iconic in a previous age, its fate is now becoming the new norm. Many reactors, across Europe, the US and beyond, are being closed without replacement.

Close observers may have noticed foreign companies pulling out of bids to take on new power stations here in Britain. Again, the key problem is a financial one, experienced by a number of major nuclear power companies. EDF, Europe's biggest nuclear operator is in significant debt, and the problem is thrown into sharp relief by the fate of Westinghouse. This is the major company that developed the pressurized-water reactor and has been the world's largest provider of nuclear technology. Now it has filed for bankruptcy following major problems with its newest reactor design. Its parent company, Toshiba, is having serious problems too, as a result.

The truth is, this is not going to change. Gas and renewables are getting cheaper. The cost of nuclear power is rising, and it continues to have associated problems that renewables just don't face. The risk of catastrophic accident, the impact of radiation, the unsolved problem of waste storage, the dirty and dangerous nature of the fuel cycle. These are all problems that won't go away, but fortunately there is no need for nuclear, because we have renewable energy. It's time for our politicians to grasp this and kick their outdated nuclear addiction.

Nuclear power, along with nuclear weapons, is part of a tragic phase in twentieth century history which has done too much damage to people and planet. That era is now ending.

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We all face the dilemma whether to send our kids to private or state school. However, for most people it's not a dilemma. Paying out on average 6-8k a term - perhaps triple that if you have more than one child - is simply a privilege reserved for the better off.

And yet, there are people surprisingly, for whom funds are not an issue and yet they still choose state school over private.

When most independent schools boast better facilities, smaller class sizes, extensive extra-curricular activities... Who would really risk their children's success knowing all of that?

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Whereas less than ten per cent of our population actually attends private school, the stats show a disproportionate percentage represented in top positions. 71 per cent of senior judges attended private school, 50 per cent of the House of Lords and 44 per cent of The Sunday Times Rich List. I always thought if the funds were there, it would hardly be a question.

And yet, here are seven successful families that I came across who can arguably afford the fees, the lifestyle and whose social network perhaps has more in common with most private school parents. Definitely more so than at our school, which has a high proportion of free school meals pupils. I'd never heard of this phenomenon before but it got me thinking...

If money wasn't an issue and setting an individual's politics aside, why would you choose state school over private?

Their answers surprised me.

1. "Because [ps] gives our children a false sense of reality". Number one on parents' list. One set of parents I spoke to (both of whom went to private school themselves) claimed "ps offers a mind-numbing environment and a false sense of security that children are 'entitled' and 'deserving' of all their privilege". It fails to equip their children for the realities of the world, which they subsequently will have to learn at university. "I don't want my children to be surrounded by people who are only like them and have lots of money", said one parent. "Not sure it makes them a nicer person."

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2. Ethnic diversity. A no brainer I suppose. Most people know private schools are not as ethnically diverse as state schools though some are better than others. Outside London it is possible to have a diverse intake - in London it seems more polarised. For children who come from non-white backgrounds, this can be an important factor that is overlooked for the sake of achievement, but confidence and identity can suffer. On the other hand, even for children who are not from an ethnically diverse background, surrounding them with children and families who are ethnically similar gives a false sense of reality for when they enter the working world. The world is a melting pot and (think Made in Chelsea), having friends of different backgrounds can show children different ways of working and compromise.

3. It can give kids a false sense of entitlement and achievement. Knowing that your parents paid for your education and that you got to where you are because of help can also effect confidence. Many parents don't want their children to feel that they're entitled to a 'leg up' and feel that they should work hard to get to where they want to be.

4. "I can think of better ways to spend 350k (a lifetime of school fees)". Well, so could I when you put it that way. Parents I spoke to said it's important for them to give their children experiences outside of school which will enrich their learning. For example, they took them on holiday to Kenya where they got to see animals in the wild and visited a local village and an orphanage. Still a privileged lifestyle but they argued they may not have been able to afford those trips if the children were in private school.

5. Higher expectations. It never occurred to me that there was more pressure from universities if your child attended private school. Some universities will ask for higher exam results from certain private schools than from some state secondary schools.

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6. Private schools in the area only offer single sex education. Many private schools are single sex but state primaries and secondary's are co-ed. Depending on the child, this can be a big factor for parents making that decision.

7. No need. Many parents look for private schools to fill in the gaps of parenting, But if you are hands on and supportive of your children's schooling, it is possible to make up the difference. It can be expensive, but less so than private school if you enrol your children in music/sport/drama/languages and tutoring in areas of weakness. And still have plenty left over to help them through university and setting up a home or career.

8. Life is not purely about academic achievement. Yes, private schools can guarantee better results and they will challenge your children to do their very best but for some parents, it's about providing a happy home, making sure they get jobs they enjoy and are good at, but which they can leave behind at the end of the working day. Achievement and results are part and parcel of most academic private schools. And that's not a bad thing but perhaps not what's right for all children or all parents. "I want to support my children in their ambitions", said one parent. "That's more important than an Oxbridge degree or friends in high places."

9. Depends on the child. Some children need that extra push that a private school can give- they're much more hands on. Some children will get lost in the academic pressure that governs many independent schools. So it really can be about what would suit your child best.
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Photo: 50:50 Parliament the 21st Century Suffragettes demanding political equality

So the 2017 General Election is over. There are 12 more women at Westminster with a record 208 women MPs (32%). Some say we should be celebrating but nearly 100 years after women gained the vote this is a sad record. In the corridors of power, men still outnumber women by more than 2:1 in the Commons and 3:1 in the Lords. On the government benches there are nearly four times more men than women. So 50:50 Parliament will carry on in calling for a better democracy with a more inclusive, gender balanced Parliament.

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50:50 Parliament is a non-partisan campaign with a clear aspiration because "what gets measured gets managed". 50:50 is making a difference, the number of women MPs has gone up from 23% when the campaign started in 2013 to 32% today but this is not equality. 50:50 Parliament will not give up until our demands are met and we will continue to inspire, encourage and support political engagement .

All the political parties agree a gender balanced, 50:50 Parliament would be better, as the old suffragette saying goes we need "deeds not words!". For equality we need 325 women MPs (sitting on the front and back benches and on both sides of the House) and 400 women peers, we are a long way off that. "This is a non-partisan issue, concerning the quality of governance and nature of democracy" says the 50:50 submission to the Women's and Equality select committee.

An extra 12 winning women might seem good, but it is not good enough. At this rate it will take another 10 elections to achieve gender parity, which is over 50 years and we cannot wait that long. For gender balance at Westminster we need 117 more women in the Commons and 200 more women in the Lords. In 1997, 60 more women MPs were elected, that's more like it, 60 extra women would be true progress.

The fight for equality is still on. If you you agree that we need a more inclusive and gender balanced Parliament then say so and sign change.org/5050Parliament and if you know a woman who would make a great MP ask her to stand, 50:50 Parliament are here to support her.

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Photo: Jeremy Corbyn standing by Frances Scott in support of 50:50 Parliament

Jeremy Corbyn supports 50:50 Parliament and in this election the largest increase in women MPs came from Labour, with 18 more Labour women taking their places on the opposition benches. Women now account for 119 (45%) of Labour MPs. This goes a long way to meeting Jeremy Corbyn's target of having 50% of Labour MPs being women by 2020. There are now 12 SNP and 4 Liberal Democrat women in the Commons.

Photo: Labour Women MPs after the 2017 General Election

The record on the government benches is not so great. For the Conservatives, the number of women is down by 3. The 67 Tory women are outnumbered 4:1 by the 250 male MPs in their party. The DUP have one woman amongst their 10 MPs.

Women merit fair inclusion and, as has been acknowledged by all the political parties, Parliament would be better if it was gender balanced. Women account for over 50% of graduates and make a massive contribution to society with their paid and unpaid work. Their life experience is relevant and useful. Our political systems should be accessible. If the 32 million UK women, who make up the majority of the population, still find the barriers to political participation insurmountable many others must and do. Currently Westminster is clearly not representative.

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There are many solutions to this historic problem, see them all outlined in the 50:50 Parliament submission to the Women and Equalities Select Committee. They include better recruitment and support of women in politics, which is why 50:50 Parliament launched the "Ask Her To Stand" campaign in December 2016, with great cross-party support from both Justine Greening MP (then Minister for Women and Equalities) and Jess Phillips MP, amongst many other Parliamentarians showing unity over this democratic aspiration. Maria Miller MP (then Chair of the Women and Equalities Select Committee) applauded "the work of 50:50 Parliament and the Ask Her to Stand campaign" when speaking in the chamber of the House of Commons.

Photo: Justine Greening Minister for Women and Equalities showing support for 50:50 Parliament

But if gender equality is a human right as specified in the UN Declaration of 1948 then perhaps the time has come for legislation. In December 2016 The Women and Equalities Select Committee recommended that at least 45% of candidates, in the all the political parties should be women, going into any general election in future, they even quoted 50:50's submission in reference to this serious "democratic deficit".

It is women like the inspirational Rosie Duffield MP who are making a difference. Rosie has now made history becoming the first ever Labour MP in Canterbury. She has been involved with the 50:50 Parliament campaign since 2015 and says

" It is thanks to the 50:50 Parliament that I got involved in politics. They gave me the confidence to stand. Of course we should all be campaigning for women to have political equality."

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This was the election where the youth were mobilized. It is clear that there is a yearning for change and a more modern style of government. Gender equality is part of that. This is a principle which should transcend politics. Men and women should not be competing for power but sharing it, running the country and determining our future together, in roughly equal numbers.

So if you know a woman who would make a good MP ask her to stand, our country still needs them. It should not be difficult to find 117 more women from a population 32 million. 50:50 Parliament is here to help see #AskHerToStand page on www.5050Parliament.co.uk. and continue to put pressure on those in power by signing and sharing the 50:50 Parliament Petition at change.org/5050Parliament. Everyone unite in this, join 50:50 Parliament, let's build a better democracy together!

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Fathers are a source of so many great things in the world. Whether it's their care, guidance, sense of humour or unconditional love, a good dad can transform a child's life.

As we prepare to celebrate all things fatherly this Sunday, here's a look at three dads in rural Kenya who are standing up and speaking out to stop FGM and early marriage. Not only are they keeping their own daughters safe, they are setting an example to help protect future generations of young girls.

FGM is a dangerous procedure that entails cutting a girl's clitoris and labia, often using unsterilised blades and knives. It can cause severe bleeding, infections, infertility and even death.

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Pastor Emmanuel beams as he stands with his three daughters, who are immaculately dressed and ready for school.

The family live in Kongelai, western Kenya, where poverty is high, and many families rely on cattle grazing and subsistence farming.

Around 75 per cent of girls endure female genital mutilation, which is seen as a prerequisite for marriage. Often, a girl who has been cut can claim more cows as her bride price.

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Pastor Emmanuel, is campaigning to stop FGM in his community, because he has seen how it can lead to a girl dropping out of school, marrying too young and facing problems during childbirth.

"My girls will never, ever, undergo FGM," he said. "My daughters are my life. I cannot do that. FGM will rob them of their rights. FGM will cut their education short."

Instead, he hopes that his daughters Shamma, seven, Rebecca, 12, and Sharon, 10, will go on to become more successful than him.

"I've told them...I want you, in the next 20 years, to drive your own car," he said. "You will live in a very good house; better than mine."

As a Christian pastor, Emmanuel preaches about the dangers of FGM to 100-strong congregation.

He has also teamed up with the Kongelai Women's Network, a group of more than 100 local women supported by funding from ActionAid and the players of the People's Postcode Lottery.

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Most of the women have endured FGM and understand the local sensitivities. Yet they are unwavering in their determination to stop other girls from suffering.

They go from village to village and talk about the health problems caused by the practice, which was outlawed in 2011 but has simply been driven underground.

Emmanuel joins them at the talks and tries to lobby fathers, brothers and sons. It can be difficult work because of the preconceptions surrounding masculinity.

"If a man tries to talk about FGM people will say you are a man, you are not allowed to talk about it," he said. "These are women's matters."

Despite the resistance Emmanuel has seen progress over the years. One success story is a local girl who has avoided having FGM and is currently in university.

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"That is my greatest joy," he said. "I know when she comes back next year she will speak to the young girls about the negative effects of FGM. So there is a big change."

Keke, is a father of two daughters and an assistant village chief in his part of Kongelai. Part of his job, is to uphold the Kenyan law banning FGM. He believes poverty is a big driver behind the practice.

"If your family is poor, that poverty ends the day your daughter gets married," he said.

But Keke's story shows that there is an alternative. His daughters are in their 30s and married. Neither of them had FGM.

"My daughters have served as good examples in the villages," he said.

He added that girls who complete their education can also support their parents financially.

"When a girl studies and gets a job and gets married, she will be of great importance to the family as she brings in more wealth," he said.

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Keke takes his message to surrounding villages and is also a partner of the Kongelai Women's Network. He believes their wide reach in the region is making a difference.

"Every village has a women's network representative so they've really helped in spreading the message against FGM," he said.

Many girls who are at risk of FGM can also flee their homes and seek shelter at a boarding school run by the network and supported by funding from the players of the People's Postcode Lottery.

"It is important to have a place for them," Keke added.

Joel is a cattle herder in Kongelai who has undergone a remarkable transformation.

He never went to school but is determined that his daughter, 12-year-old Veronica, completes her education.

The father of six did not always think that way. Until very recently he was considering arranging her marriage in the hope of boosting the family income.

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Luckily Veronica, who wants to be a teacher, had heard of the Kongelai Women's Network. When she got wind of her father's plans, she ran to get help from members of the network.

The women spent time doing outreach work with Joel and other men in his community. They held awareness-raising sessions about the importance of girls' education and did-door-to-door counselling, which included targeting Veronica's mum.

Their efforts bore fruit and Joel agreed to allow Veronica to continue with her education. To Veronica's delight, he also abandoned plans to marry her off.

She said some girls she knows have not been as fortunate. They have had to flee their homes to avoid being married off early and are now seeking shelter in the safe houses built by the women's network.

"I love my father," Veronica added. "I know he loves me too because he protects me from early marriage and he has refused to accept requests for my hand in marriage."

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Ends
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The autopsy of this election campaign reveals that the 'dementia tax' debacle was a defining issue, one that undoubtedly contributed to the shock result.

Dementia has long been the most discriminated against condition - despite being caused by diseases of the brain, it is dismissed as 'social' rather than 'medical.' As a result, the majority of those affected have to fund their own care.

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While the 'dementia tax' isn't new, what this election campaign achieved was to bring this terrible inequity - and the realisation that families up and down the country are being forced to sell their homes and part with a lifetime of savings to pay for essential care - to the fore.

Put simply, the solution put forth in the Conservative Manifesto misjudged the far reaching impact of dementia and its grip on the electorate. The outrage sparked on doorsteps, and the unified outcry from all sections of society, revealed a public deeply troubled by what a future could hold should they develop this condition as opposed to some other.

At Alzheimer's Society, we were inundated by people affected by dementia, angry and upset over the Conservative's fudged manifesto pledge. One branded the situation a 'miserable lottery', while another urged us to 'tell the Government dementia is a disease, it's not a lifestyle choice.' A third said they felt their husband had first been mugged by dementia, and 'is now being mugged by the Government.' They argued 'if he had MS or cancer, his care would be funded. It is grossly unfair.'

As we take stock of the implications of a hung-parliament and the uncertainty this brings, one thing is clear. The electorate have sent politicians a thundering message about the grip of dementia on lives up and down the country.

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For years the social care crisis has dogged political debate, too big and unwieldy to tackle head on and mushrooming by the minute. The social care crisis is a dementia crisis - two thirds of people receiving care have dementia. Their experience, and that of their family carers, should be listened to. We cannot have policies to tackle social care plucked out of the air.

We know as a new government forms, Brexit will demand much of the attention. But if politicians don't listen to the voices of the 850,000 people in the UK with dementia now we will never reach a day when a diagnosis is free from unjust financial punishment. Public outcry has shown the electorate is united against dementia and won't let this issue lie.
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This time last week, young people voted in the UK's general election. This fact, discussed with astonishment and awe, has become central to the post-election analysis and one of the key explanations for Labour's better than expected performance. In places such as Canterbury, where I live, 'the student vote' has become the phrase of choice for those getting to grips with how a 10,000 strong Conservative majority could be overturned.

But it's worth keeping the so-called 'youthquake' in perspective. Although David Lammy and the NUS were quick to big up a 73 per cent youth turnout, a YouGov poll released earlier this week puts the figure at a far more realistic 57 per cent. This is a big increase from the 2015 election when only 44 per cent of young people voted; however, it still means 18 - 24 year-olds are less likely to vote than any other age group.

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It seems that many people so wanted to see a youthquake they didn't wait for the actual statistics before they began heaping praise on young people for voting.

Labour's Paul Flynn, re-elected in Newport West, said: 'I would like to say how thrilled and exhilarated I am about the welling up of idealism among young people. We can look forward with great excitement to the future of those young people, politicised now by hope, by idealism, by integrity.'

Staff at the music mag NME declared themselves to be 'incredibly proud' of young voters. The lecturers' union, UCU, was said to be 'delighted'; President Sally Hunt claimed it was 'a vindication of all those who worked so hard to encourage young people to register to vote, and to vote for the first time.'

At the same time, others have expressed cynicism that young people were so easily swayed by what the Daily Mail described as an '11 billion tuition fee bribe'. Even Alan Johnson, Labour's former education secretary slammed the party for offering 'freebies for all to win elections'. 'There is nothing progressive,' he argued, 'about working people, many of whom will get nowhere near a university, cross-subsidising mainly middle class students to have a completely free higher education.'

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It seems that the Conservatives want to believe in the youth vote so they have an easy target to blame for their poor performance. And Labour, having lost the support of many working class voters, want the youthquake to be real so they have a new constituency to provide them with a sense of purpose.

It's good that young people have engaged with the general election and the suggestion that they were all motivated by nothing other than financial self-interest is undoubtedly simplistic. But, at the same time, it's patronising to heap so much praise on young adults just for putting a cross on a piece of paper. Voting is hardly manning the barricades.

Let's be honest. The love young people are getting from celebrities and academics, campaigners and politicians, is not just for making that cross: it's for putting it in the right box. Young people might have been least likely to vote, but they were most likely to vote Labour. In this regard, young people have done as they were told.

Describing the youth vote as a 'welling up of idealism' says more about the desperate projections and wishful thinking of jaded politicians than it does about young people. Voting might be a good place to start, but political engagement is about more than just standing in line every few years.

Many different factors no doubt contributed to a majority of young people choosing to vote Labour and not all of them are necessarily radical. Rather than idealism, voting Labour seems to signal a moral position. It's become a way of affirming you're a nice person.

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The pitching of one generation against another, as if young people today have it uniquely bad in a way their parents and grandparents didn't, is actually very ugly. It's good that students question why they should pay for higher education - but they should remember that when university was free, far fewer people attended.
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Make no mistake, last week's General Election result was a victory for Labour. We gained thirty seats, destroying the Conservatives majority and turning the tide in areas like Scotland where we had been on the defensive. In the North East too, it was a good night. We gained the key seat of Stockton South where Paul Williams will be an excellent MP, and maintained seats such as Darlington and Hartlepool, which were on the Tory target list. The only blemish on a great night was the loss of Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland in a tight race.

One overriding message that has come from these local results is a rejection of the Conservative narrative that Leave areas, and especially the North East, voted for the hardest of Brexits.

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Voters were presented with a binary choice on the 23rd June 2016 - to leave or to remain in the EU. They were told by several prominent Leave campaigners what Leave would look like and quite often it was contradictory. Nationalists such as Farage talked about restricting the borders and cutting migration, Daniel Hannen claimed that we could maintain access to the Single Market. When I was on the doorstep last year campaigning for Remain, Leave voters gave both of these reasons and a multitude of others. Many simply wanted things to change. It is unfair then, to say that the result was a call to pull up the drawbridge and go for an extreme form of Brexit.

This, however, seems to be what Theresa May believes. Since coming to power, she has set about isolating herself from an increasingly united EU and grandstanding on the lives of the 3 million EU citizens living in the UK. She has said in a government white paper that she wants us to leave the Customs Union and the Single Market in order to limit people coming into the country. She did this because the Brexiteers in her Cabinet claimed it's what Britain wanted, not just their fringe in the Tory Party. She called this General Election to prove this idea right and it has been overwhelmingly rejected.

In Hartlepool, where the Leave vote topped 70%, we saw UKIP's vote collapse and Labour increase its majority by 4,600 votes. Sunderland Central, famously one of the first places to declare for Leave, had a 5.3% swing to Labour. Most commentators believed that these northern Labour heartlands would begin to turn blue, that the desire for a hard Brexit would remove all love for the Labour Party and send voters into the arms of Conservatives.

They didn't because people didn't like what they heard from Theresa May. They rejected the complete isolation that her chaotic Brexit encapsulated. They realised what May didn't. That to have a healthy divorce you must try to work with the other party. It's no use talking about how strong and stable you are if you have nothing to show for it at the end.

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Instead, people accepted Labour's argument. That there is a way to do Brexit that is reasonable and managed. Firms like Nissan and Hitachi rely on trade with the EU, and the people of the Northeast rely on these firms for jobs. People do not want those jobs thrown on the bonfire of Brexit to make Theresa May feel like some sort of Churchillian Prime Minister, taking on Europe. They know that these will be difficult negotiations and false bravado gets you nowhere. It seems the Prime Minister doesn't.
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The devastating fire at Grenfell Tower in west London was a tragedy, and the fear is, an avoidable tragedy at that. Hundreds of people lived in the social housing block, which was managed by the council's arms-length Kensington and Chelsea Tenant Management Organisation. Residents have been left with nothing and hundreds are now homeless.

At present, we do not even know how many people have died, nor how the fire started and crucially why it spread so rapidly.

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The prime minister has confirmed that there will be a public enquiry. The residents and all others living in tower blocks need the firmest assurances that a thorough investigation will be completed and recommendations acted on. In the meantime, Shelter is working with local advice agencies to help those made homeless by the fire.

The cladding used to retrofit the building - to improve insulation for residents and not, as erroneously reported to improve the views for "posh neighbours" - appears to have burnt horrifically quickly. This is not the first fire linked to such cladding and the appropriateness of the technique will surely form a central focus of any review.

We know as well that residents did raise concerns about fire safety in the building. Residents were concerned about the risks created during the refurbishment, including exposed gas pipes. There were reports of power surges and rubbish creating a fire risk. The building had not been inspected for 18 months, despite a significant refurb being completed. We do not know if that refurb was completed in line with existing fire safety regulations, or if existing provision is in fact inadequate.

Advice to tenants to remain in their flats in the event of a fire had been posted, but was catastrophically misplaced given the failure of compartmentalisation to contain the fire in its original flat.

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We also know that the building was not fitted with sprinklers, despite warnings from the coroner after a similar fire in Southwark in 2009. Buildings built today over 30 metres high must be fitted with sprinklers, which do save lives. DCLG had encouraged councils to retrofit existing towers, but they were not required to do so.

The government promised to review fire regulations in tower blocks last October but the review was not forthcoming. Perhaps this reflects standard civil service timescales. Perhaps it was simply not a priority. Or perhaps it was delayed because of an ongoing aversion to new regulations. DCLG will rightly be under scrutiny as to why it did not act sooner.

The enquiry must establish how the fire could spread so quickly, why residents' concerns were not listened to and how such tragedies can be prevented. This must include considering whether current regulations are fit for purpose.

In the absence of clear answers and recommendations it is important to focus on helping the victims and rush for facts, not jump to conclusions. There have been claims made that the fitness for human habitation amendment to the housing and planning act could have prevented the fire. This is sadly not the case. Shelter supported the amendment and believes it could have acted as an important tool to drive up standards and tackle damp and disrepair in private rented homes. The remit of the legislation would not have covered fire safety concerns in communal areas of social housing blocks such as this one.

Where we know what could have saved lives, it is vital that the government moves quickly to require change. It is simply unacceptable to expect residents, often those unable to move anywhere else, to put their children to bed each night without knowing if it is safe to do so. There will likely be other tools that a review will identify to prevent such catastrophic loss of live in future. It is vital that they too are implemented as soon as possible.

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As the dust settles after the General Election, it is crucial that Government does "get on with the job" - and that must mean not only dealing with Brexit but also not ignoring pressing social issues at home.

We can't afford to put on hold the reforms so desperately needed to transform women's lives.

There are thousands of women and girls across the UK who are being failed by the system and consigned to a life of poverty, violence and inequality. They need action now. They can't afford the policy inertia that might accompany political uncertainty.

The urgency of the situation has been horrifically illustrated by the case of Angela Wrightson, a 39-year-old woman murdered by two teenage girls in 2014.

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Yesterday, three separate reports into what happened found a series of failures in the system that should have been there to intervene and support both Angela and her young killers before the murder happened.

Because not only was Angela Wrightson vulnerable - a women with a traumatic and unhappy childhood who struggled with alcohol - but the reports highlighted the sustained parental neglect and abuse the girls who killed her had also endured before they committed the murder at the ages of just 13 and 14.

The blame does not lie entirely with the system of course, but it remains an extreme and unusual example of what can happen when it does not work. It also illustrates why there is a real and pressing need for change.

One in 20 women have experienced violence as both a child and an adult: that's 1.2 million women in England alone.

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Women and girls who have these experiences are often deeply traumatised and face multiple problems. More than half (54%) have a diagnosable mental condition, 21% have been homeless, 31% have an alcohol problem and 8% are dependent on drugs. Many end up involved in prostitution or in prison. These are women and girls at the sharpest end of inequality.

Without proper support, they can move from one expensive crisis - trips to hospital, contact with the police - to the next at a great cost to themselves, their families and society as a whole.

And yet, it remains that there is just not enough support for women and girls at risk. Evidence shows that women-only services that take into account the specific issues women face, especially their experiences of abuse and trauma, can make a real difference. Yet they struggle for funding and are constantly under threat.

Many existing services - such as for addiction or homelessness - are dominated by men and do not have the expertise to respond to the specific issues women face. Sometimes they can even make bad situations worse, with women not listened to, blamed or treated as a problem.

This needs to change urgently and we have some suggestions as to where to start.

The problems women like Angela Wrightson and the girls who killed her face don't sit in any one government department. They cross health, justice, the home office, education, work and pensions and local government, so we want to see the creation of a cross-government approach to ensure that women and girls facing multiple disadvantage are getting the support and protection they need.

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Policies and services across all these areas must take into account women's needs so that the system works to support them, not marginalise or disadvantage them further. In particular, we know that poor mental health underpins many of the issues women face and is closely linked to abuse, so it is vital that mental health services recognise and respond to women's experiences of trauma.

Funding specialist services specifically for women and girls struggling with multiple issues must also be a priority. For this to happen, the government must again take a joined-up approach. We want to see the creation of a central funding pot to support women and girls addressing the whole spectrum of their needs. Currently, funding tends to come through different departments, commissioners and authorities separately, with a focus on tackling one issue at a time. This is short-sighted and inefficient, not to mention often ineffective - and means services doing good holistic work are missing out on valuable funds.

The reviews into Angela Wrightson's death ultimately concluded that it could not have been prevented. But there is more that we can do to prevent many women's lives being blighted by disadvantage, pain and suffering.

Like Angela and the girls who killed her, many girls in the UK are growing up in chaotic, abusive and unhappy environments. They deserve a chance to rebuild their lives and fulfil their potential - not to end up homeless, in prison or dead. We should not wait for the worst to happen before they become a priority.

So we look forward to the government "getting on with the job" and that starts with ensuring women and girls are right at the top of the to-do list.

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Most of our nation woke up a week ago surprised about the results of the general election. Our political pundits, pollsters and politicians all got it wrong. The big question is why?

I didn't wake up surprised or shocked and it wasn't because I stayed up to watch the count. Six days before the General Election, on a community radio station I had predicted Corbyn's leadership to take 260 seats in Parliament (okay, even I didn't expect Labour wins in Canterbury and Kensington) but looking at the results I celebrated. I knew we did it, we had changed politics and none of them saw us coming: we, the youth had shaken the system. How did I get it right? Just like YouGov and Survation, I knew the mood on the ground and knew the youth vote would come out in huge numbers.

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As the days went by, we started to see the emergence of two distinct camps.

The first camp started to indulge in a conversation and assess the surge of social media, grime artists and policies such as the scrapping of tuition fees. All of which played a role in engaging young people, but in assessing the situation this camp missed the fundamental cause. Yes, social media, grime artists and the scrapping of tuition fees had been mediums to engage with young people but none of them explain why 72% of young people came out and mainly voted for Labour. The root cause was that for the first time, a leader of a party like Jeremy Corbyn listened to young people and actually considered them part of the electorate by including them within the political debate. The young had gone from being the 'forgotten voices' to 'valued' members of our electorate.

On the other hand, rather than celebrating the diversity of our great democracy, the second camp either chose to ignore the 'youthquake' or instead launched an attack on the young electorate. Theresa May in the morning after the election, stood on the steps of No. 10 and spoke about moving forward and getting on with the job but failed to mention even once the huge success of our democracy in engaging the voices of young people. Others including, Clare Foges (David Cameron's former speech writer) launched an attack on the political choices of our young. Foges argued the election results showed that the political choices of the young were 'hopelessly naive' or based on wanting 'free stuff' without considering how such policies would be funded. She didn't stop there, Foges even suggested because of how they chose to vote, we should support increasing the voting age to 21. Just imagine if I turned to policies relating to elderly people and pensions and used the very same argument, to come to the very same ridiculous conclusion. However, unlike Clare Foges and others in her camp, I celebrate the diversity of our democracy and the benefits it brings when we are all involved. After all, isn't that what democracy really is?

The whole rhetoric on the subject made me ponder back to the pages of history. The opponents of the People's Charter of 1838 opposed the right to vote for the working man because they were too poor and uneducated to understand the workings of democracy. The opposers of black and minority ethnic political representation claimed that only white people were capable of making the best democratic choices. It wasn't so long ago when women's political choices were seen as too emotional or too feminine. Yet now we have over 200 women MPs, the most BME, LGBT and disabled MPs in Parliament and with such diversity, our democracy is only enhancing.

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Labour's much better-than expected support raises the distinct possibility of its victory in the next election. The significance of the Labour surge is not, as most media commentary suggests, a question of a shift in the balance of political power in parliament. It is much more profound than that. Labour's campaign let the proverbial genie of class politics out of the bottle.

For decades that genie has been kept prisoner. First, under Thatcher's momentous attack upon the trade union movement and her declaration that there was 'no such thing as society'. Second, under Blair's third way progressive policies were framed as benign gifts to the poor, to be delivered in a context where Labour was Labour were, in Peter Mandelson's infamous words, 'intensely relaxed about people getting filthy rich'.

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Blair's New Labour discouraged any revival of working class militancy. For example, he famously opposed and beat back the Fire-Fighter's strike for a 30K a year wage. Thirdly, following David Cameron's Conservative-led coalition, austerity was imposed with a vengeance, with working class communities bearing the brunt.

During the election campaign Corbyn was relentless in his critique of the wealth-gap in the UK. The campaign gave confidence to the millions of people, who voted Labour, that an alternative to austerity is possible.

The hung parliament represents a breathing space for Labour, and a chance for it to consolidate and strengthen its base. A core ingredient of Labour's victory was the unprecedented volunteer mobilisation across the country to campaign and canvass for the party. While the hugely successful Bernie Sander's campaign was built over two years, Labour's election campaign was put into action in less than two months.

The question is, how can Labour increase the momentum of this campaign so that it can prevail when it faces a better-organised Tory party at the next election?

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There are a number of things that Labour can do. I must continue to expand its membership. Given the success of the campaign it is not unrealistic to aim for a membership of one or even two million people. Such a base, with each member contributing financially to the party, would generate the resources to finance its momentum.

However, membership and support for the party cannot be based, simply, on the electoral cycle. The culture-ideology of self-seeking individualism has sunk deep roots in the UK. Labour needs to help generate a counter-culture of solidarity and community. Labour party branch meetings are places to discuss local and national politics. But they must be much more. Tens of thousands of artists, intellectuals, and musicians support Labour. Branch meetings can be a place for a counter-cultural flowering, supporting myriad cultural events (for example, showing films such as I Daniel Blake with discussions).

A counter-cultural flowering represents an ideological insurgency. The Tory mantra during the election was that Labour are fiscally irresponsible and that there is 'no magic money tree' to pay for Labour's projects. Let us leave aside that, in response to the global financial crisis, the Bank of England and the UK Treasury collaborated to create 375 billion of new money through quantitative easing. There is a real need for something approaching a Labour party membership and supporter education which explains the rationale of alternative economic and social policies.

In addition to challenging dominant cultural and political narratives, there is a need for a combination of defensive and offensive campaigning, at the local and national level. Defensive campaigns will range across issues such as defending the NHS and schools against cuts and privatisation. Offensive campaigns will probably include those to reinstate free education, to cease arms-sales to dictatorships (such as Saudi Arabia) to protect the environment, and ensure clean air for all.

Crucially, struggles and strikes by workers need to be supported and stimulated. Theresa May leads the weakest Tory party government since the Edward Heath. Strikes will not only contribute to weakening it further, but can also be part of the generation of a solidarity-based counter-culture.

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Visa-free regime with EU has not yet caused boom of trips by air

The Ukrainian aviation market should study new demand on transportation after the introduction of visa free regime between Ukraine and the European Union (EU) in the near future, Ukraine International Airlines (UIA) President Yuriy Miroshnykov told Interfax-Ukraine during the launch of the Kyiv-Budapest flights on Thursday.

"The aviation market should track the trends. They are unpredictable. One cannot say how it will happen. We should monitor and work in the market economy and respond to demand by supply. Now new demand is appearing. We do not know what it is. We have not seen a large boom," he said.

He said that for Ukrainian citizens now there is an opportunity to use free visa regime to expand geography of their flights.

"The improvement of welfare is required, as unfortunately, despite lifting the visa barrier, there are large economic barriers," he said.
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Every Friday morning, a small group of us, sometimes three, sometimes five, hold a vigil outside the Embassy of Saudi Arabia. We're the most genteel and well-behaved protestors anyone could want, yet the embassy always posts a guard behind the railings, watching and monitoring us.

As they must be watching and monitoring vigils across the world every Friday morning. Because we're not the only ones outraged by a barbaric, medieval sentence on a man who merely used peaceful words.

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Five years ago, on 17th June 2012 Raif Badawi was arrested by the Saudi Arabian authorities, for allegedly "insulting Islam through electronic channels". Raif had taken to his keyboard and set up a liberal website. An action which would have gone completely unremarked in this country and many others.

However, Raif was living in Saudi Arabia. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison, a fine of one million Riyals (209,330.), a 10-year travel ban, and - barbarically - a thousand lashes! To be inflicted 50 at a time on Fridays, after morning prayers. Causing an international outcry and condemnation.

The first 50 lashes were administered outside a mosque. Ensaf, Raif's wife, who had fled to Canada with their three children, describes the unbearable agony of watching it on video.

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'The man himself (the one lashing him) could not be made out in the video. But I saw clearly that he was striking Raif with all his might. Raif's head was bowed. In very quick succession he took the blows all over the back of his body: he was lashed from shoulders to calves, while the men around him clapped and uttered pious phrases. It was too much for me. It's indescribable, watching something like that being done to the person you love.'

Apparently, after each batch of lashes, medics check the sentenced person to ensure they've healed sufficiently, to receive the next batch. In Raif's case, the medics declared him unfit for the following week.

The actual sight of this brutal and savage punishment, for a man who had merely exercised his right to free speech, intensified the pressure on the Saudi Arabian authorities. Writers' organisations across the world protested, sent letters and held vigils. Amnesty, Reporters Without Borders, and many other organisations joined forces calling for Raif's release.

17th June 2017 will mark the fifth year of Raif's imprisonment.

It will also mark the birthday of Waleed Abu Al-Khair.

Waleed is also in prison in Saudi Arabia, a lawyer who represented Raif Badawi in court, and who happens to be Raif Badawi's brother-in-law. A man who's spent his life fighting the abuse of human rights in Saudi Arabia. It appears the kingdom took its revenge by convicting him on charges including 'striving to overthrow the state and the authority of the King'; 'criticising and insulting the judiciary'; 'assembling international organisations against the Kingdom'; and 'inciting public opinion'. After all Waleed is a man who's won the Ludovic Trarieux International Human Rights Prize; been awarded the Swiss Freethinker Prize and been twice nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. This is the 4th year Waleed will be spending a birthday in prison.

Supporting Raif isn't just important because he's the victim of an abuse of power and the subject of a savage sentence, but also because freedom of speech can never be taken for granted; it underlies all our freedoms, allows us to choose our own values, confers equality and dignity on us all.

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Raif Badawi shouldn't be caged up in a prison, for having set up a website to discuss liberal views. With the ominous threat of 950 lashes hanging over his head, Raif must not be forgotten. The only reason the Saudi Arabian authorities haven't carried out this brutal sentence is because they know people are watching. Our actions may seem small but on a global level, they've constrained the hand of one of the most authoritarian countries in the world.

Ensaf, Raif's wife, has become his voice in the world: 'The first day Raif was sent to prison I decided that I had two choices: to be weak, give up and hide in a corner weeping, or to stay strong and fight for Raif's freedom.'

The title of Raif Badawi's book captures his plight: 1000 Lashes. Because I Say What I Think
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Today we celebrate Day of the African Child. Around the world and in many countries in Africa, children suffer daily because of wars they did not start.

Conflicts in the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan rarely make it onto the news agenda, but millions of children have been forcibly moved from their homes, separated from their families, or have witnessed the violent death of a loved one. Many have been sexually assaulted or forced to commit violent acts against others. The violence children have seen and experienced is likely to leave lasting scars and to continue to impact their lives long after.

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Years after conflict, communities are left destroyed. Children lose out on a chance of education and early marriage and child labour increase. A lack of employment and livelihood opportunities leave young people vulnerable to recruitment by armed groups.

Many children we work with at War Child have known nothing but war. Speaking of the conflict in Central African Republic, where violence between rival militias is inescapable for most, Stephanie, 15, says, "Pregnant women gave birth to a generation of kids that have war in their mind and spirit."

Jean, 18, says, "After war, it's a disaster."

"Things need to be rebuilt, but unfortunately people's hearts have been hurt. War changes people's minds, war makes people violent, war transforms people. That is how it is in my country, where people have no compassion left."

The impact of the conflict on young people has been devastating.

Before the war, the education system was already struggling. Now it's been virtually destroyed - particularly in rural areas. Schools have been occupied by militia, looted and razed to the ground by rebel groups. Any schools that are functioning aren't always safe spaces. Corruption and abuse by teachers, including the horrifying process of demanding sex for grades, is all too common.

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Jean and Stephanie are members of VoiceMore, War Child's youth advocacy programme in the Central African Republic. VoiceMore empowers children and young people affected by armed conflict to share their thoughts and influence decisions that are made about them. It's a space where young people are supported to speak up about what they've been through in war affected areas. Groups discuss, debate and share the impact of conflict on children and what they feel could be done to help improve their lives and the situations they find themselves in.

Dieudonne, 15, says, "It feels good to work with VoiceMore because it helps me to make things change. VoiceMore helps me to develop my intellectual capacity so I know how to express myself and how to react in certain situations.

"I feel more able bring some change, even in a complicated situation. That is basically what I like - the capacity to defend my present and my future but also to correct my past."

Andrew, 17, says, "At the beginning War Child taught us how to be a citizen, how to behave in society."

"War Child also taught us about our rights. I really like the programme because I didn't know my rights before and now I can defend other children who don't know their rights.

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"On our project, we are helping children avoid the sale of notes and 'sex for grades' corruption and abuses in schools that affect children's futures."

"War Child helped me build my skills and gave me the opportunity to defend others. I now know how to think to help others."

Young people like the VoiceMore group tend to be their own best advocates. They know the problems they face better than anyone else. The onus is on world leaders to listen to them.

International governments must of course prioritise peaceful resolutions to conflicts. But such interventions are not immediate, and in the meantime young people are often left in a state of limbo.

When war breaks out, children are confronted with difficult and traumatising situations that they have no control over.

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When I think of gin culture, images of London old and new spring to mind. From the latest Shoreditch gin festivals and micro distilleries, to tawdry Victorian gin palaces and Hogarth's infamous Gin Lane. And of course the city has its own style, the classic London Dry. But as much as we Londoners like to think that we're at the centre of every significant trend to hit the UK, the truth is that gin production is thriving outside the capital. From south-coast distilleries such as Brighton Gin (distilled in the basement of the Urchin Pub in Hove) to a burgeoning number in Yorkshire, Liverpool and Scotland.

Photo credit: Victoria Ferran

Take for example the Langley distillery in the West Midlands. They don't make bottled gin for you and I to drink. They specialise in producing gin concentrates (including London Dry) which they then supply to over 80 different gin brands in the UK and abroad.

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It may also surprise you to know that a whopping 70% of British gin is now produced in Scotland. From Edinburgh to Perth, over 70 new gin distilleries have opened in the last few years, capitalising on the recent gin boom. You can even do a tourist trail visiting Scottish gin distilleries. From Rock Rose near John O'Groats to The Botanist on the Isle of Islay in the Inner Hebrides. A magical island, beloved by many whisky aficionados around the world, since it's historically known for scotch.

Photo credit: Victoria Ferran

When I recently visited Islay, it had been six weeks since the last distillation but the copper pot still, named Ugly Betty, had a wonderful aroma of juniper, orange and coriander. It was made with local Octomore spring water and steeped in nine base botanicals. Then slowly infused with a tea bag or giant hessian sack stuffed with an additional 22 dried botanicals, hand-picked on the island by two local botanists.

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Photo credit: Victoria Ferran

One great advantage to gin distilleries popping up all over the UK is the range of botanicals now being used. For example, Brighton Gin uses milk thistle, whilst Whittaker's gin in Yorkshire relies on whortleberries. The Botanist's sack includes Mugwort, Tansy, Gorse, Creeping Thistle and Hawthorn flowers. So you could say that craft gins are starting to acquire their own terroir (to borrow a phrase from the wine world). To me all wine tastes more or less the same, I've never had a sophisticated enough palate to understand wine. But with gin it's really noticeable - bartenders, or we at home, can really emphasise these flavours with a slice of grapefruit, vanilla pod, lavender or thyme, elevating the classic G&T to a thing of wonder.
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Councillors in Hull have given their backing to Hull becoming an official City of Sanctuary.

The title will be officially be conferred in a special ceremony at Hull Minster next Tuesday as part of World Refugee Day celebrations.

Ahead of the event, councillors at a full council meeting backed a motion supporting Hull being recognised as a City of Sanctuary for refugees and asylum-seekers.

Sheffield became the UK's first City of Sanctuary in 2007 and others have followed since then.

Councillor Helena Spencer, who proposed the motion, said all asylum-seekers, refugees and migrants in Hull should be treated with respect.

And she called on people to reject a "sub-culture of fear" surroundings the issue.

She said: "It is most fitting that we should become part of this movement now. Not only are we the UK City of Culture but also because we are the city of freedom.

"We have been a sanctuary for hundreds of years and have grown to be what we are as a result.

"Britain, and indeed Hull, has a long tradition of offering protection to those fleeing persecution, many who have gone on to make a considerable contribution to our society.

"We also have a reputation for fairness and justice that is the envy of much of the world.

"I believe that, despite the reports of the more right-wing media, the great majority of British people are sympathetic towards those who come here seeking our help and protection."

Cllr Spencer said refugees and migrants were facing "unprecedented" upheaval as a result of conflicts around the world.

"We can no longer jsut watch in silence as milions flee Syria and other war zones only to be housed in refugee camps.

"We can no longer watch thousands drown in desperate attempts to reach safety across the sea. This really is a matter of life and death."

She said becoming an official City of Sanctuary would enhance Hull's reputation for being a safe place for those fleeing persecution.

"In supporting this movement, we underline the enormous positive benefits that society gains from those who come to take part in it and we reject the sub-culture of fear promoted by those who seek only to generate hate and discord."
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Hospital chiefs have moved to allay fears over the fire safety of Hull Royal Infirmary following the tower block tragedy in London.

Concerns have been raised over whether the cladding on the city hospital is the same as that on the Grenfell Tower block after a blaze which killed at least 17 people.

While the cause has yet to be established, many believe the cladding was responsible for the fire spreading so quickly.

Duncan Taylor, director of infrastructure, estates and development at Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust, admits he cannot rule out the possibility the cladding is the same or similar but insists fire safety is a main priority.

He said: Without detailed knowledge of the Grenfell tower block, it would be wrong to suggest that the encapsulation system used on that building is the same as that used on Hull Royal Infirmary.

However, I would like to take this opportunity to reassure patients, staff and visitors that the safety of everyone using the hospital is of utmost importance to us.

The hospital underwent 8m work to replace the cladding in 2013. It was completed in 2014 with the aim of improving the appearance and boosting energy efficiency.

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Mr Taylor said: Hull Royal Infirmary is a concrete building with an outer framing system predominately made of aluminium with double glazed windows surrounded by further glass panels. Fire protection is incorporated within the cladding horizontally, across floors, to prevent a fire moving up, and similarly vertical fire protection is in place to limit any outward spread.

In addition, over the last two years, we have continued to make significant investment in upgrading fire protection throughout the building following review and audit.

A key area of investigation into the fire will be the common rainscreen system used on the Grenfell Tower, which is designed to include fire-breaks at every floor and around every window.

Experts believe this may have failed, with the void between the aluminium panels and building fabric acting as a chimney to spread the fire.

Meanwhile, all residents living in high-rise council blocks in Hull will receive door-to-door visits following the Grenfell Tower fire alongside letters posted to them.

Speaking at Thursday's full city council meeting, cabinet member for housing Councillor John Black said the aim was to reassure people over safety issues.

Hull has 25 high-rise council blocks along with 425 low-rise flats.

A total of 17 fatalities have been confirmed following the Grenfell blaze with 80 people hospitalised and 17 in critical care.

The search for the remaining victims could take weeks and the death toll is expected to rise further.

Prime Minister Theresa May has called for a full public inquiry into what happened.
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Police are searching land near the home of missing Hull mum Renata Antczak.

Officers can be seen going through fields between Kesteven Way and Bude Road, in Kingswood. It is just a few hundred metres away from Mrs Antczaks home in Beamsley Way.

It comes as detectives confirmed on Friday morning that they are now treating the investigation into the mum-of-twos disappearance as potential murder. She has not been seen since April 25, when she dropped her daughter off at Broadacre Primary School.

On Friday, passers-by said they saw a heavy police presence at the Kingswood site.

Lots of marine and police presence on Kingswood at the moment, they said.

They are opposite Bude Road entrance, on the fields between Asda and Home Bargains.

I saw one marine police van and another police car pull up as I drove past.

Police were also spotted at the site on Wednesday, with residents saying officers in two vehicles were searching the grassland.

(Image: Trell Burton)

Speaking to the media on Friday, Detective Superintendent Grainne Casey said the investigation was now to a potential murder case.

It has now been 52 days since Renata went missing and we have had no confirmed sightings in this time. We are investigating the case as a potential murder, she said.

Our primary goal is still to find Renata alive and well, however the investigation at this stage raises significant concerns that some harm may have come to her.

Mrs Antczak has not been seen since April 25, when she dropped her daughter off at school in the familys black Mercedes car.

An extensive police and public appeal for her whereabouts has followed.

Her husband, Majid Mustafa, 47, and Robert Lipinski, 45, of Emerald Grove, west Hull, have been jointly charged with conspiring to cause GBH with intent to a man and conspiracy to administer a noxious substances to Renata Antczak. Lipinski has also been charged with conspiracy to administer a noxious substance to his wife. They will appear in Crown Court on Monday, June 19.

Call police on 01482 220427 if you have any information over her disappearance.
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Victoria Shuck, 38, of Homethorpe, Orchard Park, was discharged conditionally for 12 months, and must pay 39.99 compensation, for three counts of fraud by false representation, by attempting to use a receipt to get a refund for an item purchased, using a receipt to get a refund for an item that had not been paid for, and attempting to use a receipt to get a refund for an item that had not been purchased. She must pay 85 costs.

Alexander Hunsley, 26, of Greenwood Avenue, Beverley, received a three-month prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, and must pay 1,250 compensation, for causing 1,250 of damage to a shop window belonging to Wykeland Limited. He must pay 85 costs and a 115 surcharge.

William Rudkin, 21, of Sandringham Court, west Hull, was fined 40, and must have up to 15 days rehabilitation, for possessing 6.27 grams of MDMA, a Class A drug, in Beverley. He must pay 40 costs and an 85 surcharge.

Sean Ramsden, 30, of Arundel Close, east Hull, was fined 120 for wilfully obstructing a constable in the execution of his duty. He must pay 85 costs and a 30 surcharge.

Michelle Proby, 22, of Peel Street, west Hull, was fined 10, and must have up to 25 days rehabilitation, for breaching a criminal behaviour order by sending threatening text messages. She must pay 85 costs and an 85 surcharge.

Matthew Godfrey, 39, of Cambeak Close, Bransholme, was discharged conditionally for 12 months for harassment by sending threatening and offensive messages by public media. He was made subject to a one-year restraining order and must pay 85 costs and a 30 surcharge.

Lucy Orwin, 34, of Gee Street, west Hull, was discharged conditionally for 12 months for assault by beating. She must pay 85 costs and a 20 surcharge.
Vice President of the European Commission for Energy Union Maros Sefcovic, will hold a meeting with Naftogaz Ukrainy CEO Andriy Kobolev in Brussels on Thursday, June 22.

According to the information posted on the website of the European Commission, Sefcovic will take part in the panel discussion "The Role of Ukraine as a Strategic EU Energy Partner" at the European Parliament, in Brussels, on June 22 in the European Parliament.

He will meet with Kobolev the same day.
Superior Court Briefs: June 12 - June 13

Cases heard before Judge Maureen Hogan on Monday, June 12.

Laura Reilly, 42, of Easthampton had not guilty pleas entered on her behalf on three counts of misleading a police officer or other person.

She was released on $1,500 bail. Reilly is accused of misleading State Police detectives in the investigation of the disappearance of 39-year-old Joanne Ringer. Ringer has been missing from her Clarksburg home since March 2, 2017.

Thomas Tobin Jr., 43, of Pittsfield had not guilty pleas entered on his behalf on single counts of trafficking in cocaine, possession of a large capacity firearm during the commission of a felony, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, illegal possession of a large capacity weapon, illegal possession of a large capacity feeding device, illegal possession of a firearm, and illegal possession of a loaded firearm.

He was released on $1,000 bail. The charges stem from a motor vehicle stop in Pittsfield on April 17, 2017.

Cases heard before Judge Maureen Hogan on Tuesday, June 13.

Duane Griffiths, 34, of Clarksburg had not guilty pleas entered on his behalf on three counts of assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon, two counts of reckless endangerment of a child, two counts of assault and battery on a child with injury, and single counts of assault and battery on a child, assault and battery, and carrying a dangerous weapon.

He was released on $2,500 bail. The charges stem from incidents involving two children, ages 13 and 14, in Adams and Clarksburg on October 1, 2015, and February 17, 2017.

Jessica Lescarbeau, 34, of North Adams had not guilty pleas entered on her behalf on two counts of assault and battery on a child with injury, two counts of assault and battery, two counts of intimidation of a witness, two counts of reckless endangerment of a child, and a single counts of assault and battery on a child.

She was released on personal recognizance. The charges stem from incidents involving two children, ages 13 and 14, in Adams and Clarksburg on October 1, 2015, and February 17, 2017.

Samuel Thomason, 21, of Lenox had not guilty pleas entered on his behalf on single counts of trafficking in cocaine, possession of a large capacity firearm, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, illegal possession of a large capacity weapon, illegal possession of a large capacity feeding device, illegal possession of a firearm, and illegal possession of a loaded firearm.

He was released on $1,000 bail. The charges stem from a motor vehicle stop in Pittsfield on April 17, 2017.


A GoFundMe has been set up for Kaileigh Lewis, the young mother who was a passenger in the Honda and who is in critical condition at BMC.

Update, 3:19 p.m., June 17: The driver of the Dodge Durango involved in Friday's head-on collision is expected to face "numerous motor vehicle charges," according to police.

Robert Matte Jr., 43, of North Adams, has been identified as the owner and driver of the northbound Durango that apparently veered into the opposite lane and hit a Honda CRV with five people in it, including two very young children.

Kaileigh Lewis, 23, of North Adams, a passenger in the back seat of the Honda, was severely injured in the crash. Also injured was Diane Pearson, 49, the Honda's driver, who was visiting from Texas to see her new grandchild, 4-day-old Aleksei Davila, who was in the back seat.

Also in the Honda was Marcos Davila Rodriguez, the car's owner, in the front passenger seat, and 2-year-old Inali Davis, also in the back.

Both children were in secure car seats but Lewis, who was sitting between them, was not wearing a seat belt, according to Sgt. James Burdick.

"Everybody was transported to various hospitals," he said on Saturday. "Some when to BMC North and some went to BMC Pittsfield and some went to Bay State Medical Center in Springfield. ... Ms. Pearson was pretty severely injured and Ms. Lewis was severely injured."

The 2-year-old was taken as a precaution to Bay State because of striations, or bruising, caused by the seat belts, he said. However, he added, "that's because they had the child properly seat belted and locked in a child safety seat, which is excellent."

Both the driver and the passenger in the Honda had seat belts on; Lewis and Matte did not.

"That's why we advocate all of the time for seat belts and car seats," Burdick said.

He said the accident is still under investigation and that "Matte will be facing numerous motor vehicle charges."

"We are still waiting on accident reconstruction to finish with their investigation and we will put the charges together at that time and he will be charged accordingly," the sergeant said.
The former church remains on the market.

Diocese Weighing Multiple Bids For Former St. Mary The Morning Star

PITTSFIELD, Mass.  The Diocese of Springfield is looking to sell the former St. Mary the Morningstar Church in a "reasonable time" and its broker is speaking with multiple parties.

The former church on Tyler Street has been closed and on the market since 2010; the church was closed in 2008.

In 2014, Cafua Management planned to raze the church and build a Dunkin' Donuts. That proposal faced tremendous opposition and eventually the company withdrew its offer.

Earlier this year, developer David Carver put in an offer and a plan to turn many of the existing buildings into market-rate housing, as he has done with numerous other churches in the area. Most recently, he has just begun work on the former Holy Family Church on Seymour Street.The plan for St. Mary's included transforming the former rectory and school buildings into market-rate housing, and a plan for the church itself would later be determined.

"The church was off the side a little bit, we are going to let that percolate a little bit and see if something will come up. So instead of cutting that into housing, our plan was to let it percolate to see if something came forward that makes sense," Carver said earlier this week, adding that he does have 10 additional housing units sketched out for the church if something "creative" doesn't come to fruition.

At this point, Carver is just waiting to hear from the broker on whether or not the offer his offer will be accepted. Carver said he knows there is at least one other bidder for the property.

"Our offer is on the table. Working with the diocese, it is my understanding they have others they are trying to work with and haven't made a final decision yet," he said.

Right now there is no indication of who else is interested in the property. Diocese of Springfield spokesman Mark DuPont said earlier this week that the property remains on the market.

"Yes, this property remains on the market. While it is the policy of the diocese to limit comments on potential real estate transactions, I can say there are interested parties speaking with our real estate brokers," DuPont wrote in an email last week.

"The diocese is always mindful of finding a re-use that brings value to the community as a whole. We also consider the ability of any potential buyer to execute the sale in a reasonable time. This is especially important in light of the fact that with St. Mary's the Pittsfield, there are ongoing expenses for general upkeep and real estate taxes which are being shouldered by the Pittsfield Catholic community."

The idea of multiple bidders concerns some who fear who the other developers might be  such as another Dunkin Donut's-like restaurant or store. The rumors have been that the new buyer is being aggressive toward closing on the property.

Officials in the Department of Community Development Office said they have not been approached by potential developers for the site regarding permitting or any other application. Others in city government have also said they had not heard anything from a potential buyer.

The site is 2.6 acres and features a rectory, convent, a small garage, and former school building. It is listed through Colebrook Realty Services for $850,000. The structures consist of more than 41,524 square feet.

The property is also one of several eyed by MassDevelopment as key properties for redevelopment through the Transformative Development Initiative. That state-funded program is eyed to revitalize the Morningside neighborhood.
Cheshire to Move Forward With Increasing Select Board

CHESHIRE, Mass.  The town will continue the process of increasing the Board of Selectmen from three to five members amid some resistance at town meeting.

Town meeting narrowly approved Article 16 by 53-49 on Monday that will allow the town to solicit the state to approve the change.

Although most of town meeting was focused on the school budget, which was voted down, the select board article was also somewhat controversial, with town officials standing up for and against it.

Paul Astorino, former longtime selectmen, said he was worried about more salaries and possible insurance costs that would come with adding two more members.

"The select board does have the opportunity to no longer offer insurance to elected officials and until something like this happens, I think we are getting ahead of ourselves," he said. "I can see this just costing us more."

Astorino said he anticipated that with added salaries and, if the new members took family plans, the insurance costs for elected officials could be more than $100,000 annually.

He added that only one other community Cheshire's size in the state has five selectmen and it is in eastern Massachusetts near Cape Cod.

Selectwoman Carol Francesconi also came out opposition to the increase, saying only five communities in Berkshire County have a five-member select boards.

However, Selectman Robert Ciskowski, who has been a proponent of the increase, said the town needs more leadership now than ever. He pointed to the vote by the regional school committee to close Cheshire Elementary School, which has angered residents.

"I believe we needed five selectmen before the school crisis. We needed it before and we clearly need it now," he said. "This town has changed so drastically and with the Master Plan, we will need a lot more from the board. ...

"It seems like we are starting way down here without the school. We need to fight and get back up. Vote for five selectmen and I think you will be impressed when you see what happens."

He added that he did not see insurance as a problem because most elected officials do not use town insurance and the Selectmen may decide to no longer offer it.

Having only three members has somewhat hindered the board because of public meeting law, he said. Because there are three, it only takes two to have a quorum and the individual selectmen can't sit in on other town meetings if not posted or have subcommittees.

Francesconi said she simply thought there was no interest in town with such low voter turnout.

"My concern is whether we want to admit it or not there is voter apathy in Cheshire," she said. "I am concerned qualified interested people won't come forward."

Town Clerk Christine Emerson agreed and looked out into the dwindling crowd Monday night that fallen precipitously from more than 200 to less than 50 as the 3 1/2 hour town meeting wore on.

"As we look around this meeting, we started out with 242 that all had a copy of the warrant and knew this article was coming," she said. "They all got up and walked out."

Advisory Committee member E. Richard "Dick" Scholz, who originally put forward the citizen's petition at a past town meeting, disagreed and said he felt there was a new energy in town with the closing of the school.

"These are complex issues we are facing and we need the ability to communicate with more people and have more brain power in the room," he said.

He added that the new town leaders would be unlikely take town insurance and probably would do the job even if the salary was reduced to zero.

Resident Eileen Quinn rose to remind officials that voters had already approved increasing the board once at town meeting and again during an election.

The initial vote on the citizen's petition had followed an incorrect procedure. Town meeting specifically had to vote Monday to send the request to the state for approval.

Even after this vote, the town still has to vote on accepting the increase again at a town election.
Berkshire Family YMCA Hires Mission Advancement Director

PITTSFIELD, Mass.  Berkshire Family YMCA has announced that Kristine Hurley will assume the role of mission advancement director effective June 26. Hurley will support the Y's growth and visibility in the region through marketing, communications, and outreach and development efforts.



Hurley most recently served as executive director of Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. While there, she helped the organization increase membership, create marketing initiatives, advocate to elected officials on downtown-related issues, and build relationships with downtown stakeholders. To her role at the Y, she will bring comprehensive experience in marketing and special events, nonprofit management, sales, constituent outreach, training and development, and a passion for helping people.



"The Berkshire Family YMCA is very excited to have Kristine be part of our team. Kristine brings a wealth of nonprofit professional experience, which will help our organization continue to grow and advance our mission in the communities we serve," said Randy Kinnas, CEO of the Berkshire Family YMCA.



As mission advancement director, Hurley will join the Berkshire Family YMCA's Leadership Team, which oversees operations at the Pittsfield and North Adams branches, and the new licensed childcare center in Lenox. She will provide strategic leadership in financial development, marketing and branding to advance the Y's mission to put caring, honesty, respect and responsibility into programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.




Haiti - FLASH Diaspora : Invitation to meet President Moise





"The Consulate General of the Republic of Haiti in Miami is pleased to invite the Haitian community to join His Excellency President Jovenel Moise, of the Republic of Haiti for an open dialogue with the Haitian community this Friday, June 16, 2017.



This unique and special event will take place at the Little Haiti Cultural Complex, located at 212 NE 59th Terrace, Miami, FL 33137 at 7:00 pm.



To emphasize the importance of this event, the Consulate General of the Republic of Haiti in Miami is counting on your presence in numbers."



HL/ HaitiLibre


















The European Business Association (EBA) backs the introduction of the national exhaustion of trademark rights principle outlined in bill No. 5419, the association has said in a press release.

"The absence of the clear interpretation of exhaustion of trademark rights in Ukrainian legislation results in the application of the international principle in practice and the impossibility of proving smuggling," the EBA said.

The association said that the introduction of the national principle proposed in the bill would help to fight counterfeit goods and improve investment attractiveness. The principle means in practice the receiving of a permit from trademark owners to import and sell goods in Ukraine which sales were started on the territory of other states.

The EBA believes that the introduction of the national principle would help to develop fair competition and could result in the reduction of the cost of officially imported goods.

The international exhaustion of trademark rights principle applied in practice now results in the fact that manufacturers cannot develop their own chains and control the quality of goods due to saturation on the market. Consumers have a risk of facing poor quality goods bought online, and the state fails to receive taxes to the budget from sales of officially imported goods.
Qatar has lifted restrictions on imports of poultry from Ukraine, introduced in the middle of March due to outbreaks of bird flu, according to the website of the State Service of Ukraine for Food Safety and Consumers' Rights Protection.

The corresponding information came from the Ukrainian Embassy in Qatar.

As reported, in the middle of March a ban on the sale of poultry products from all over Ukraine due to bird flu outbreaks was introduced by Iraq, China, Qatar, Yemen, and Jordan.

The principle of regionalization to the supply of Ukrainian poultry was applied by Hong Kong, the EU, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. The ban on deliveries to these countries concerns only hose Ukrainian regions where outbreaks of avian influenza were recorded.
Cherkasy Azot, Rivneazot and Severodonetsk Azot, part of Ostchem Group, have resumed production of fertilizers after a forced, more than three-month downtime, the press service of Group DF has said.

According to the press service, Cherkasy Azot has already launched start-up operations and plans by June 20 to bring the capacity of the three main workshops - carbamide, ammonium nitrate and carbamide-ammonium nitrate - to 100%. Rivneazot and Severodonetsk Azot are starting preparations for the commissioning of works necessary to start production.

"The work of all the group's chemical plants will be primarily aimed at satisfying the demand of Ukrainian agrarians. We estimate consumption in the domestic market during the autumn planting season at about 1.2 million tonnes of nitrogen fertilizers. The current total production capacity of Cherkasy Azot, Rivneazot and Severodonetsk Azot is about 350,000 tonnes of fertilizers per month, which is fully enough to meet the needs of Ukrainian farmers for the autumn sowing season in 2017," the report said.
Conference on reforms in Ukraine will be held in London

A conference on the issue of reforms in Ukraine will be held in London on July 6, the UK embassy in Ukraine has said.

The report says the reform of the Ukrainian judicial system is an important component of the program of the government of Ukraine.

"This conference will provide a further opportunity for the Ukrainian government to demonstrate its devotion to real progress in reforming the judicial system and fighting against corruption," the report said.
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Elizabeth Banks has written a formal apology after receiving a backlash to comments she made about Hollywood film director Steven Spielberg.

The Pitch Perfect 2 filmmaker, who was who was receiving an honour for excellence in feature directing at the Women in Film Crystal + Lucy Awards on Wednesday (14 June), criticised Spielberg for not making enough films with women in the lead roles saying: I went to Indiana Jones and Jaws and every movie Steven Spielberg ever made. And by the way, hes never made a movie with a female lead. Sorry, Steven. I dont mean to call your ass out, but its true.

Following the comment, many were quick to point out that - while a small amount when taking into account his career spanning four decades - three of the filmmaker's films have, in fact, featured female characters in the lead roles: The Sugarland Express (1974) bore a top-billing for Goldie Hawn while Whoopi Goldberg is one of the leads in 1985's The Color Purple. Additionally, aside from Mark Rylance's turn as The BFG, young star Ruby Barnhill is arguably the lead of the maestro's 2016 Roald Dahl adaptation.

The Hunger Games star Banks has since elaborated upon her comments on social media telling her fans that she ...messed up and had framed her words... inaccurately.

The actors fighting against sexism in Hollywood Show all 12 1 /12 The actors fighting against sexism in Hollywood The actors fighting against sexism in Hollywood Anne Hathaway The 32-year-old actress said she has already experiences job rejections because of her age. Now I'm in my early thirties and I'm like, 'Why did that 24-year-old get that part? I was that 24-year-old once. I can't be upset about it, it's the way things are, she told Glamour. EPA The actors fighting against sexism in Hollywood Helen Mirren On news that Maggie Gyllenhaal had been turned down for being too old, aged 37, to play a 55-year-old mans partner: Its f***ing outrageous. Its ridiculous. Honestly, its so annoying. And twas ever thus. We all watched James Bond as he got more and more geriatric, and his girlfriends got younger and younger. Its so annoying. Getty The actors fighting against sexism in Hollywood Maggie Gyllenhaal Gyllenhaal revealed she was told by a Hollywood producer that she was too old, aged 37, to play the love interest of a 55-year-old man. It was astonishing to me. It made me feel bad, and then it made feel angry, and then it made me laugh, she said at the time. Getty Images The actors fighting against sexism in Hollywood Meryl Streep Meryl Streep has helped fund an all-female screenwriters group called The Writers Lab to encourage more women to pen Hollywood scripts. She previously told Vogue in 2011: Once women pass childbearing age they could only be seen as grotesque on some level. Getty The actors fighting against sexism in Hollywood Emma Thompson The actress said she thought Hollywood is still completely s*** when it comes to treating women equally to men. When I was younger, I really did think we were on our way to a better world. And when I look at it now, it is in a worse state than I have known it, particularly for women, and I find that very disturbing and sad. EPA The actors fighting against sexism in Hollywood Elizabeth Banks Banks said she was driven from acting to directing due to the lack of roles for older women in Hollywood. "[Industry sexism] drove me to direct for sure. I definitely was feeling that I was unfulfilled and a little bit bored by the things that were coming across my desk. I mean look at Gwyneth Paltrow who has her Oscar [for Shakespeare in Love] and played fifth banana to Iron Man, she told Deadline. PA The actors fighting against sexism in Hollywood Viola Davis I had never seen a 49-year-old, dark-skinned woman who is not a size 2 be a sexualised role in TV or film. I'm a sexual woman, but nothing in my career has ever identified me as a sexualised woman. I was the prototype of the mommified role, she told The Hollywood Reporter. Getty The actors fighting against sexism in Hollywood Liv Tyler The Lord of the Rings actress said she only get cast in roles where she is treated as a second class citizen at the age of 38. When youre in your teens or twenties, there is an abundance of ingenue parts which are exciting to play. But at [my age], youre usually the wife or the girlfriend - a sort of second-class citizen. There are more interesting roles for women when they get a bit older, she told More magazine. Getty Images The actors fighting against sexism in Hollywood Cate Blanchett The actress famously called out sexism on the red carpet at the 2014 Screen Actors Guild Awards. When a camera operator scanned her up and down, she said: Do you do this to the guys? In her Oscar acceptance speech for Blue Jasmine, she reminded the film industry that movies with leading women can still be successful. And thank you to... those of us in the industry who are still foolishly clinging to the idea that female films, with women at the centre, are niche experiences. They are not -- audiences want to see them and, in fact, they earn money. The world is round, people. Gareth Cattermole/Getty The actors fighting against sexism in Hollywood Ellen Page Asked if she had ever encountered sexism in Hollywood, Page told The Guardian: Oh my God, yeah! It's constant! It's how you're treated, it's how you're looked at, how you're expected to look in a photoshoot, it's how you're expected to shut up and not have an opinion, it's how you... If you're a girl and you don't fit the very specific vision of what a girl should be, which is always from a man's perspective, then you're a little bit at a loss. Getty Images The actors fighting against sexism in Hollywood Zoe Saldana The actress says she refuses roles where she has to play the generic girlfriend, wife or sexy bombshell. "It's very hard being a woman in a man's world, and I recognised it was a man's world even when I was a kid. It's an inequality and injustice that drove me crazy, and which I always spoke out against  and I've always been outspoken, she told Manhattan magazine. Getty The actors fighting against sexism in Hollywood Charlize Theron The actress spoke to ELLE about negotiating equal pay for the Snow White and the Huntsman sequel: "This is a good time for us to bring this to a place of fairness, and girls need to know that being a feminist is a good thing. It doesn't mean that you hate men. It means equal rights. If you're doing the same job, you should be compensated and treated in the same way." Andreas Rentz/Getty Images

When I made the comments, I was thinking about recent films Steven directed, it was not my intention to dismiss the import of the iconic #TheColorPurple [sic] she wrote.

You can read Banks' full statement below.

One of Spielberg's next films, The Papers, will be led by Tom Hanks and Meryl Streep alongside a supporting cast including a crop of the best actors working on TV right now.
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When American Teen was released, Khalid told himself that his life was about to change.

He wasn't wrong. On top of the success of his enormous hit Location  a sultry, flirty jam that went platinum and currently boasts over 190 million streams on Spotify  the 19-year-old has also released his debut album and appeared on tracks by Kendrick Lamar and Calvin Harris.

He's in London after a pop-up show on a roof in Dalston, where fans could text into find out his location and see him perform a few songs.

I had one day [in London] where I just walked, he says. I didnt know where I was going! I dont usually walk in America so... it was a first.

Khalid performs at Dalston Roof Park in London (@jdshotyou / Jamie Drew)

Still on a high since American Teen dropped in March, he says people have been contacting him to say how much they love it, which has given him a boost of confidence.

His profile was raised considerably thanks to praise from celebrities such as Kylie and Kendall Jenner, who tweeted and shared Snapchats of themselves listening to his music.

They're of the same generation, and Khalid is one of few artists who really seem to speak for an entire age group.

I try to tap into a lot of my friends emotions, he says. "Some of my friends go through it and they ask for advice, and I can only talk so much. But once I put it into a song they can listen to  thats my goal. Creating happiness. Because Ive been upset, and Ive turned to music to help me out. And it helped me even more when I started writing my own."

Before he began creating his specific brand of soul-infused R&B  that descends from a lineage including The Weeknd's earlier work along with new offerings from the likes of Bryson Tiller, Frank Ocean, Syd and The Internet  Khalid originally thought he might be a performing artist in opera or musicals.

"It was definitely a transition," he smiles. "My mind was so geared towards being a performing artist, singing all these classical pieces, but the sense of loneliness I got when I moved from New York to El Paso meant that writing turned into singing. Id sing all these songs and theyd make me feel better. Songs that crafted the way my life was going to go."

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In the video for Location there's an obvious use of classic American iconography that can be held up against the progressive message in Khalid's lyrics on American Teen, almost as though he and his peers are new settlers staking a claim, and demanding that their voices are heard. It must make for particularly poignant viewing for real American teenagers, considering everything that's happened in the past year.

The 19-year-old hails from El Paso, Texas (Press image/Facebook)

"The crazy thing about that song ['American Teen'] is that I wrote it before the election," Khalid says. "I wrote it mostly in my senior year as an ode to my high school. It felt like everything related. 'Cos I wrote a whole different song on that beat, trashed it then started writing 'American Teen'.

"It had this sense of nostalgia. Then after everything happened I was like Should I still release this song? And I was like definitely. Because Im still proud of who I am, of my youth, and I feel like now as individuals we begin to realise that we can change the future. We all have to participate.

"A lot of people feel pressured by the outside influences, whether its your job, whether its school. But who says you cant take care of that stuff and still be young?"

There's a lovely touch in the outro where Khalid brought his friends into the booth to sing along: "Theyre still all my best friends, and I can look back and be like, damn, they were really a part of this."

He admits he was worried about the effect that early fame could have on his relationships, and I feel like it was smart for me to be worried, because a lot of people did change.

I felt like it was realising who was there for me and who was there for... other stuff, he says slowly. Its a hard process, losing friends who you thought were true. But I guess its because a lot of people created this idea that I was changing. It was more like I was evolving. Im still me, you know? Still the same friend. Ive had friends for 12 years, always the same relationship.

Some people see everything around me and feel like they have to change, or start to try and take advantage  which was upsetting," he acknowledges. "But thats life, especially when youre young and successful youll find other people who want to rush. But it takes time for things to happen."

From one voice of a generation to another, Khalid is set to go on tour with Lorde during her UK and Europe headline dates, something he's obviously ecstatic about.

"Shes a great individual, shes smart, shes an amazing songwriter, and shes one of my biggest influences," he beams. "When we came to the discussion of me going on tour with her I still couldn't really believe it was happening. Its definitely going to be a breaking point I think. Im going to break through a lot of different boundaries, and Im going to see a lot more of my international fans, which I'm so excited about."

It's a given that Khalid is a wonderful voice to follow on social media, where he frequently shares new artists that he loves  most recently the debut album from Cigarettes After Sex.

It features a track called Young & Dumb, which hints at similar themes to Khalids second single Young Dumb & Broke but is markedly different in tone.

"I love it, and theyre from El Paso!" he says. "Its transient, that album. When I listened to that project when it came out, I was definitely entranced  I got lost. Its so peaceful and serene, and then you start focusing on the words. I listened to it on my flight from DC to Heathrow on repeat, on a loop continuously. You can listen to it in multiple ways if you want to, thats the best kind of music."

Khalid says he also loves rediscovering music he fell in love with years before: "I definitely associate songs with the places that Ive been.

Last time I was in London I was listening to SEXUAL by Neiked. I was in the car and it was on the radio and I was like what is this?! This is so much fun. And I remember when Slide came out by Frank Ocean, Calvin Harris and Migos. I was in Paris. Its amazing how you can pinpoint where you were when you first heard a song.

Appearing on Kendrick's The Heart Part 4 happened when Khalid was working on a song that he later scrapped. Producers turned it into a beat and said it "sounded like something that would be for Kendrick".

"And he heard it," Khalid says, looking stunned even now. "Im freaking out. and he cuts the song, I didnt know until the single came around. And when I heard it I was like, no way. Hes such an amazing creative, Im blessed to say that I was even a part of it."

His mother, Sgt First Class Linda Wolfe, who recently retired from the US army after 23 years of service, is still a huge inspiration.

"She sings  she just retired but she still sings  and if it wasnt for her I definitely wouldnt have the voice that I do," he says. "I heard her singing the records I grew up on. We listened to a lot of stuff, my mum introduced me to a lot of music and allowed me to keep such a broad ear."

People dont know what to expect from a 19-year-old kid who lives in El Paso, Texas, he says, and are often surprised when he expresses admiration for someone like Father John Misty.

It's strange, considering his generation is one that has grown up with the liberty of having almost-unlimited access to music from all over the world.

"Everything is so easily distributed now, its so within reach," he nods. "And I feel like thats why genres are doing what theyre doing right now, were getting so much music, and people arent afraid to listen to all of it. Its definitely changing the way that younger people receive and make music.

Khalid in a way is the physical embodiment of music that travels  from moving around the country as an army brat to making waves on the internet.

"Musics just so much bigger than... everything," he says. "Genres were definitely created for radio, and radio is still a powerhouse but its not the way we receive music right now, we listen to it in so many different ways. So you always have so many different suggestions.

"I remember when I used to click on YouTube, one song would lead into another, and youd end up on completely a different genre but it still linked in some way to the first song.

"I feel like some people are definitely still close minded when it comes to music. But even if you dont like it, theres a hell of a lot of people who do."

American Teen, the debut album by Khalid, is out now. He tours with Lorde during her UK and European dates from September 2017
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12 teenage girls from California have created a solar-powered tent which they hope will help tackle homelessness.

In the San Fernando Valley, 20 miles northwest of downtown LA, homelessness increased by 36 per cent to 7.094 people last year, according to the Los Angeles Homeless Services Agency's annual count.

Although they had little money to give, a group of teenage girls wanted to make a difference. So theyve created a specially engineered tent.

Because we come from low-income families ourselves, we cant give them money, high school senior Daniela Orozco told Mashable.

We wanted to offer something besides money, adds her classmate Veronica Gonzalez.

The 12 girls have designed and built a solar-powered tent that rolls up into a backpack. None of them have any engineering training so largely taught themselves using online videos and tutorials.

Having spent a year working on the project, theyre today presenting the tent at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

They were recruited by non-profit organisation DIY Girls and also won a grant of $10,000 (7,800) from the Lemelson-MIT Program to work on their invention.

DIY Girls aims to encourage young women from low income families to pursue careers in maths, science and engineering.

According to the National Science Board, just 29 per cent of the science and engineering workforce are women. And only six per cent of working scientists and engineers are Hispanic or Latina.

Many of the girls will be the first in their families to go on to higher education. Theyve started using the motivational hashtag: #wegetitdone.

The reason the tent is so special is that it has button-powered lights, two USB ports and a micro-USB port.

Youre learning new things youve never even heard of or even thought of, says Chelly Chavez.

And they particularly wanted to make a difference in their local community, because they see how bad the homelessness is every day.

Because we live here, we see it growing constantly, Maggie Mejia says. If your parents miss X amount of bills, you can fall into homelessness too.

As coverage of their invention grows, the team hope to encourage other girls to follow in their footsteps.

Me and her, were the only two junior girls in our AP Calculus class, which has way more guys than girls, says Paola Valtierra, pointing to Kassandra Salazar, who wants to be an astronaut. But were gonna change that.


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HSBC sees the chances of a hard Brexit receding after Britain's shock election result, which could result in fewer jobs moving out of London, its investment bank chief said.

HSBC, Europe's biggest bank, has said it could move up to 1,000 investment bankers to Paris, where the bank has a licence and significant operations, in the event of a hard Brexit that would mean losing access to the single market.

But the Conservative Party's setback in an election last week has deepened uncertainty over Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit plans that included quitting the European customs union and single market, and a focus on controlling immigration.

Recommended Hard Brexit could starve UK tech industry of workers

I don't think that we'll go for hard Brexit anymore from all that we hear, Samir Assaf, HSBC's investment bank chief said at an investor presentation on Thursday.

If the hard Brexit transformed into a soft Brexit that's as well very good news for us because it will be less hassle and we will be able to do much more things from London ... We would be very happy to remain in London, business as usual, he said.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond said on Friday that Britain should prioritise jobs and prosperity in talks on leaving the European Union, adding London would take a pragmatic approach to finding a deal that worked for Britain and the EU.

Mr Assaf said the one-off cost from reorganising operations once Britain leaves the EU would be limited for HSBC and should also provide an opportunity for the bank.

We have our base in France, we have our building in France, we have our systems in France, we have our licences in France and the addition that we have to do for Brexit effort is marginal but Brexit is as well for us is an opportunity because ...a lot of clients will come to us, said Mr Assaf.

Large global banks in London plan to move about 9,000 jobs in the next two years to financial centres that will stay in the EU, including Frankfurt, Paris and Dublin, according to a Reuters' tally of job warnings.

Many international banks have used London as a hub to conduct activities across the EU and are now having to reorganise operations to varying degrees to ensure they can still service clients once Britain leaves the bloc.

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.

Investec analyst Ian Gordon said HSBC's global banking and markets management sees the bank as a relative beneficiary of a hard Brexit as its existing licences in the EU and French operations could help it grab market share from others less well placed.

Under soft Brexit, HSBC believes that such relative advantage would be diluted. We find it somewhat ironic therefore, that HSBC Group management continues to be perceived as campaigning vociferously for soft Brexit, which would seemingly be to the detriment of shareholders? he wrote.
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Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is asking Twitter how he should spend some of his $82.8bn fortune. The second richest man in the world is looking for charity ideas that will spark immediate change in the world.

Social media was not short of responses. The billionaire, would-be philanthropist has received 15,000 responses within 24 hours.

Predictably, responses ranged from sensible to stupid. While some thought the Silicon Valley entrepreneur should funnel his cash into helping homeless young people and supporting LGBT rights, others hopefully requested personal cash payouts.

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Mr Bezos tweeted to his 230,000 followers: I find Im drawn to the other end of the spectrum: the right now. I want much of my philanthropic activity to be helping people in the here and now  short term  at the intersection of urgent need and lasting impact.

The Amazon boss is already a benefactor of Princeton University, his alma mater, and supports efforts such as cancer research and the Marys Place homeless shelter in Seattle.

Whatever philanthropic endeavours he decides to spends his money, it seems unlikely he will run out of cash any time soon. Mr Bezos is closing in on becoming the richest person in the world, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.

His $82.8bn puts him $7bn behind Bill Gates but another year like this one and Mr Bezos will surge into the lead. His net worth has increased by an estimated $17.4bn this year.

He joins other corporate bosses, including Mr Gates, in seeking ways to put their money to use helping various causes.

Last month it was announced that 14 billionaires from around the world had pledged to give away the large majority of their wealth, by signing up to an initiative started by Mr Gates, along with his wife Melinda and famed investor Warren Buffett. It now has 168 signatories from 21 countries around the world.
Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has called on the parliament to accelerate the process of introducing medical reform in Ukraine.

"The system we inherited from the Soviet Union and artificially preserved during all these 25 years is absolutely unfit for new social and economic realities. We now immediately need fundamental changes," the president said at the celebrations on occasion of the Day of Medical Worker in Kyiv.

According to him, the basic principles of this reform have already been proposed.

"The government has reviewed [the proposals] and submitted [them] to the National Reforms Council, where a very serious discussion took place. I want to thank the group of people's deputies in the Verkhovna Rada that was created to finalize the bill in parliament," the president said.

Poroshenko stressed voting on medical reform at first reading testifies that "we are on the right way".

"But now we should not remain indifferent, we should carefully study all the proposals and to second reading we should submit the improved medical reform, which in the shortest time will radically change the situation in the medical sphere," the head of state said.
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Chinese bike-sharing startup Mobike has raised $600m (470m) in its latest round of funding as the company prepares for its UK launch later this month.

The investment represents the companys most lucrative funding round to date and turned up the heat on its global battle with Didi Chuxing-backed rival ofo. Mobike has now raised over $900m since October.

The company operates in around 100 Chinese cities and has also expanded to Singapore. It plans to roll out its service in Manchester and Salford on 29 June, its first launch outside Asia.

The company said in a statement that it aims to be in 200 cities by the end of the year.

The GPS-tracked bikes, which are distinguished by their orange wheels, can be locked and unlocked anywhere using a smartphone app. The service has attracted 100 million users and support roughly 25 million rides a day.

The funding round was led by internet group Tencent, while Sequoia, TPG and Hillhouse Capital, which had previously invested in Mobike, also joined the round. State-controlled investment banks Bank of Communications and Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, as well as Singaporean asset management firm Farallon Capital, became new investors in the firm.

Chinese bike-sharing businesses have benefitted from large amounts of investment over the past year, with Mobike and ofo emerging as early market leaders. Ofo raised $450m in May from various investors including Didi.

In an attempt to gain market dominance, both Mobike and ofo offer cash bonuses to riders in China, which means they operate many bikes at a loss. The strategy is resemblant of the fierce battle between Didi and Uber for a monopoly of Chinas ride-sharing market, which culminated in Didis purchase of Ubers China business in August last year.

In February, ofo launched a trial service of its yellow bikes in Cambridge.
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A woman sued Uber on Thursday claiming top executives at the ride-hailing company improperly obtained her medical records after she was raped by a driver in India, according to court documents.

The lawsuit, filed in a California federal court, comes two days after Uber chief executive Travis Kalanick said he would take a leave of absence from his troubled company to grieve for his recently deceased mother and to work on his leadership skills.

Mr Kalanick, under fire for fostering a culture of sexism and rule-breaking at the company he helped found, is also named as a defendant in the lawsuit. The lawsuit cites several media reports which said Mr Kalanick and others doubted the victim's account of her ordeal.

Uber executives duplicitously and publicly decried the rape, expressing sympathy for plaintiff, and shock and regret at the violent attack, while privately speculating, as outlandish as it is, that she had colluded with a rival company to harm Ubers business, the lawsuit said.

In a statement on Thursday, Uber said: No one should have to go through a horrific experience like this, and we're truly sorry that she's had to relive it over the last few weeks.

The rape occurred in Delhi in December 2014. The Uber driver was convicted of rape and given a life sentence in prison in 2015.

The lawsuit filed on Thursday said shortly after the rape occurred, a US Uber executive met with Delhi police and intentionally obtained plaintiff's confidential medical records. The lawsuit says Uber has retained a copy of those records.

The woman, who is Indian and currently lives in the United States, sued Uber in 2015 alleging that the company had not established sufficient safety standards. That case was settled a few months later.

Reuters
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Nurses have said they are not getting their hopes up after Jeremy Hunt offered to discuss a pay rise for NHS staff  with one campaigner saying she is furious action is only being considered now after years of real-terms pay cuts.

The Health Secretary said he is sympathetic to the idea of raising NHS staff pay and would personally bring up the case with the Chancellor.

Nurses raised the possibility of striking for the first time in history last month over low pay, which has been cut by 14 per cent in real terms since 2010, according to the Royal College of Nursing (RCN).

Speaking at the NHS Confederation Conference in Liverpool, Mr Hunt appeared to indicate there could be a relaxing of the public sector pay freeze that has been in place for seven years, which has prevented nurses and other staff pay from rising by more than one per cent.

I have a great deal of sympathy for the case that nurses have made, Mr Hunt said, praising the way NHS staff and other emergency services have responded to three appalling tragedies in the last few weeks  the Manchester bombing, the London attacks and now the Grenfell Tower fire.

We have a budget that we have to live within and public sector pay is a matter for the Chancellor, he said on the issue of pay.

"But I have had a constructive letter from Janet Davies [chief executive of the RCN] and I will meet with her and make sure that our conversation is reflected back to the Chancellor.

Nurse and campaigner Danielle Tiplady told The Independent there was a lot of anger towards the recently re-appointed Health Secretarys announcement among her colleagues.

The most frequent response Ive seen is: Ill believe it when I see it, she said. There shouldn't have to be these horrific events for us to be valued by the Government.

 John Major: The NHS is about as safe with Tory Brexiteers as a hamster is with a phython

Its quite insulting that its taken a general election for them to lose their majority to speak to the RCN, when for seven years nurses have been telling them about hardship and the fact theyve been going to food banks and using payday loans.

Actually this is about self preservation. If theyd had a landslide majority, theyd have no intention of doing this. Its all well and good Jeremy Hunt saying he will speak to the Chancellor, but Im not getting my hopes up at all.

The RCN said they welcomed Mr Hunts comments and looked forward to meeting him to discuss the issue further.

Pay packets have been cut by 3,000 and Englands NHS is now more than 40,000 nurses short. The Government must begin to recognise the impact on patients and nurses themselves, said Ms Davies.

Nurses should not have to fund the NHS deficit from their own pocket. This summer, the Government has one last chance to scrap its pay cap.

The RCN has said low levels of pay are responsible in part for tens of thousands of unfilled nursing posts. Last year there were more than 23,000 nursing vacancies across England, Wales and Northern Ireland  equivalent to nine per cent of the workforce.

And this week it was revealed that the number of European nurses registering to work in the UK has plummeted by 96 per cent since the EU referendum last June.

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

Alan Taman, spokesperson for the campaign group Keep Our NHS Public, said if a pay rise is implemented, it alone will not be enough in the face of years of austerity.

Im sure Mr Hunt was moved on seeing how selfless, hard working and compassionate NHS staff are. Yes, thats the default position, when they arent on their way to the food bank to feed themselves after a knackering 12-hour stint, some of it routinely unpaid. They deserve better pay, he said.

But frankly with the way his government under-funded all of the NHS systematically for years  and shows no signs of stopping  while it hurries through massive changes forged in secret and largely kept from public scrutiny, this alone will not be enough.

Recommended NHS staff praised after 48 victims survive London attacks

The NHS will still crumble through neglect, even with better paid nurses.

Before the election, Jeremy Corbyn said Labour would give overworked and underpaid NHS staff a pay rise.

During the election campaign, Theresa Mays evaded a question about nurses using food banks and insisted theres no magic money tree when confronted about the issue by a nurse.

Last month more than 50,000 RCN members voted to consider strike action over low pay, but leadership decided not to issue a formal ballot on industrial action.
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Angel was 11 the last time her mother tried to kill her. She remembers the handful of rat poison pellets, the urging: Take this. She screamed until a neighbour rushed over and pulled her away. That was a decade ago, before the counselling, and now Angels mother is bending over her shoulder, pouring her a cup of black tea. They share a bed, a concrete house without electricity and a history that horrified the world.

Over a hundred days in 1994, genocide devastated Rwanda, an East African country the size of Belgium. The assailants claimed roughly 800,000 lives and raped an estimated 250,000 women, which, according to one charitys count, produced up to 20,000 babies.

Angel is part of this generation in the shadows. These young people are now stepping into adulthood, coming to terms with an identity no parent would wish on a child. Yet they are defying expectations that tragedy would define their lives.

Historically, such children often met an early death. Thousands of Chinese women endured sexual violence during the Rape of Nanking in 1937, for example, but none publicly acknowledged raising a Japanese soldiers child, as far as historians can tell. Reports from the time suggest that victims who became pregnant widely committed infanticide.

Recommended Rwanda doubles its fee for gorilla trekking

A United Nations Children Fund (Unicef) study on the war babies of Bosnias 1992-1995 conflict, meanwhile, concluded that many were probably abandoned or killed by their mothers. The number of survivors remains unknown.

In Rwanda, data from support groups provide a clearer picture. The children of killers, as they are often disparaged, tend to live in poverty, facing higher rates of HIV and domestic abuse than their peers.

But thats not the whole story.

We hear everyones lives are destroyed, that theyre the walking dead, said Dara Kay Cohen, a Harvard University professor who studies sexual assault in conflict. Then you talk to people and hear theres this hopeful underbelly.

Angel, who declined to let us use her first or last name (Angel is her middle name), puts on make-up before going to church (Whitney Shefte)

Researchers are just starting to explore how children overcome such trauma. The Rwandan government, tasked with rebuilding a shattered nation, laid out no formal policy to help those conceived in the mass rape.

Ingvill Mochmann, founder of the International Network for Interdisciplinary Research on Children Born of War, recently published a report summarising a decade of studies on the effects of war on children.

Many have coped fairly well with their lives, Mochmann wrote. The interesting question is  what makes the difference?

Interviews with three families, just before the massacres 23rd anniversary, offer a clue.

Angel and Jacqueline

Sunlight streams through Angels window, catching her metallic hoop earrings. She sits at a wooden table next to her mother, Jacqueline. They split a loaf of bread for breakfast and wash it down with tea. Jacqueline sprinkles brown sugar into their cups.

Murakoze, Angel tells her in Kinyarwanda. Thank you.

They live together under a tin roof in a rural village, where a Catholic church pays their monthly rent, the equivalent of 4. The cracked walls are painted turquoise. A mosquito net dangles above their full-size bed. A rooster outside crows.

Angel is 22 now, with a quick grin and braids down her back. She was born HIV positive, so she takes free pills from the government to stay healthy. She has just finished high school and is waiting for the test score that will shape her future.

High marks would net her a scholarship. The results will appear online in a couple of weeks. Angel and her mother will pray before heading to the internet cafe.

Tourism is her dream career. Her back-up plan is selling tomatoes.

We dont have money, she explains.

Angel learned early how she came to be. Jacqueline would tell her: Youre not my real daughter.

Whenever she would go somewhere, and if I asked her to let me come with her, she always refused and locked me inside, Angel says softly through an interpreter. She would also not permit me to play with other kids.

Angel eats bread and drinks tea with her mother Jacqueline, left, at their home before they go to church (Whitney Shefte)

Jacqueline tears up when she thinks of this.

Before the genocide, she was someone elses mother. They were in fourth and sixth grade, her girls. They complained about bullies hounding them for being Tutsis, a minority ethnic group. Jacqueline was on her way to Kigali, the nations capital, to secure spots for them in a new school when the violence started. Rwandan government leaders had commanded the majority population, the Hutus, to exterminate the Tutsis. Neighbours slaughtered neighbours. Colleagues murdered colleagues. Hutu fighters found Jacqueline hiding in a Catholic school and took turns raping her. She remembers praying to die.

But three months passed, and a Tutsi rebel army overthrew the government, and there she was, following a UN soldier out of the rubble. Her husband and children were dead. She now had HIV and a baby on the way.

Jacqueline once poured soap and hair dye into Angels bottle and decided to drink the toxic mix, too. She wanted everything to go black. But instead they vomited, and Jacqueline reluctantly decided to keep going.

She would hug Angel, then beat her. Affection and rage, affection and rage. This pattern held until they started therapy in 2007, run by an organisation called Foundation Rwanda. (The Washington Post agreed to a request from the foundation and the families interviewed for this article to withhold their last names, so they can avoid discrimination and harassment.)

The charity organised weekly support groups, and the other mothers inspired Jacqueline to become a Christian. She began to feel that Angel had come from God.

Foundation Rwanda paid Angels school tuition through graduation. Which has brought her to this point, this limbo.

She mostly hangs around her house, except to buy food or refill her medicine or go to church. She recently broke up with her boyfriend of five years  he wanted to get married, and she didnt want to tell him about her HIV.

Beyond her plank fence, the hills burst with banana trees. Adobe homes dot the horizon  tiny from here, like Monopoly pieces. Men play draughts outside a shuttered dive bar. Someones cow moos.

Angel is comfortable in her universe, but she is curious about what else is out there. She waits for the test score.

Albert and Agnes

Albert, 21, stands in his familys field, hacking saplings with a machete. His leather flip-flops sink into the red dirt. His forehead shines with sweat. He graduated last year from a boarding school near Kigali and feels a little out of place here in the rural Mukura sector, with his smooth hands and Puma track pants.

Albert grew up in an orphanage, a four-hour bus ride from home, leafing through French and English dictionaries, dreaming of a future in politics. College pamphlets now litter his concrete room (Michigan State University, St Leo University in Florida).

For now, he is helping his mom with her 2 acres of hillside  trying to help, that is. He is gathering sticks to feed her cow. She waits for him in their back yard, knifing pale kernels from corn cobs.

Agnes was a Tutsi teenager when the streets began filling with bodies. A Hutu man from the village offered her shelter. Then, she says, he kept her as his sex slave, threatening to kill her if she tried to leave.

When the war ended and the militants fled Rwanda, the man forced Agnes to join him over the border. She gave birth to two babies in Tanzania, each healthy: Albert and his younger brother.

Agnes finally escaped and returned to her old neighbourhood. People asked about the babies: did they come from the killers?

Agnes put both boys in a government-run orphanage, where she could afford to visit them once a year. She married an old friend, moved into a cottage beside rows of banana trees and started to rebuild.

Still, the separation broke her heart and confused Albert.

I told her, I want to be with you, he recalls in English. And she said, Im trying to get money for you.

Albert didnt know he came from rape. He found himself among children who had lost both parents in the genocide. He felt lucky to have one.

There were 2,000 of us, he says, with different backgrounds and different stories. Other people had struggled more than me.

At age 17, he learned about his father.

The man returned to Rwanda years ago and was sentenced to life in the Mpanga prison, about 30 miles north of the familys land. Albert wonders what it would be like to meet him. He hasnt worked up the nerve.

It shocked my heart, the way my mother met him, he says.

Still, Albert says: I dont think he is inhuman. I want to see his face.

The orphanage in the northern city of Gisyeni gave Albert an advantage. Public funds covered his educational expenses. He tested into the countrys top-ranked high school. He got a perfect score on the Rwanda equivalent of the SAT.

One warm February afternoon, Albert sat across from a college adviser at a Kigali company called Globe Education Consult, which helps Rwandan students get into international schools. Albert had put on his khakis and taken the bus there.

With your grade, its going to be much easier, Godfrey Nkurunziza said, grinning. It gives us a picture of how you would perform in school.

Albert wanted to apply to colleges in the United States and Canada. He had no strong preference, just a desire to explore.

Nkurunziza told Albert to budget between $10,000 and $20,000 a year for housing, books and tuition. They would hunt for scholarships, of course.

Albert, who declined to use his last name because of the stigma surrounding his situation, rides the bus from Huye to Kigali (Whitney Shefte)

Just one thing first...

To apply with us, Nkurunziza said, bring in $200, for the application fees.

Albert slumped forward. He didnt even have the bus fare  about $5  to get back home.

But the world had carried him this far. He would nudge a friend to lend him some cash. Then he would return to the house and his glossy pamphlets.

Ntare and Assoumpta

When the thoughts start, Ntare writes. He scribbles in a notebook, on stray pieces of paper, whatever he can grab. Its a way to blast gloom from his head and trap it on a page. Lately, it has been turning into more  a song.

He could record it on a computer at his boarding school and send it to a Kigali radio station. A DJ there plays homemade tracks free of charge. The idea excites and scares him.

Right now, Ntare is finishing a construction internship outside the southern city of Gitarama. But inside, he is an artist, a lover of music and film. After work, he ditches his bright orange coveralls, slips into a fuzzy pink robe and watches the American hip-hop series Empire.

With his creativity, though, comes confession. This song is autobiographical. Many of his friends, including his girlfriend, dont know his story.

Africa Rising - in pictures Show all 12 1 /12 Africa Rising - in pictures Africa Rising - in pictures Men using the natural Bogolan dyeing technique, which is an ancient craft tradition in the Niger River, particularly Mali. By Le Ndomo / Boubacar Doumbia. Photography by Adriaan Louw / Design Network Africa Gestalten 2016 Africa Rising - in pictures An art piece by South African-born artists Athi-Patra Ruga. Photography by Adam McConnachie, Courtesy of Athi-Patra Ruga and WHATIFTHEWORLD Gestalten 2016 Africa Rising - in pictures An image from C-Stunners by Nairobi-based artist Cyrus Kabiru. The phrames were made using scraps of disused technology. Photography by SMAC Gallery, South Africa Gestalten 2016 Africa Rising - in pictures Photography by Flurina Rothenberger published in the magazine 'I love to dress like I am coming from somewhere and I have a place to go'. Gestalten 2016 Africa Rising - in pictures From the photographic series Proud Women of Africa: Rainbow Girls, which captures the lesbians of South African townships of Gugulethu and Khayelitsha who have been disowned by their families. Photography by : Magic Group Media, Amsterdam, NL Gestalten 2016 Africa Rising - in pictures Babylonstoren, where guests partake in curated dining experiences. Most of the food is planted and cultivated on the farm. Photography by Babylonstoren Gestalten 2016 Africa Rising - in pictures Work by The Nest Collective which spans film, music, fashion and visual arts. Photography by Phyllis Galembo Gestalten 2016 Africa Rising - in pictures Photography by Phyllis Galembo, who documented the clothing of people across Nigeria, Benin, and Burkina Faso. Gestalten 2016 Africa Rising - in pictures Architecture by Kunle Adeyemi / NLE Photography by Reze Bonna. In collaboration with Makoko Waterfront Community, Blok Kats van Veen architecten, Dykstra Naval Architects, Thieu Besselink, Roel Bosch architecten, Urhahn + Borra, Pieters Bouwtechniek, Ikeyi & Arifayan, Matrix Design & Works Nig Ltd., Solarmate Engineering Nig Ltd. Gestalten 2016 Africa Rising - in pictures A collaboration between Amandine David and Marie Douel, inspired by Burkina Faso. Photography by Emile Barret / Hors Pistes Gestalten 2016 Africa Rising - in pictures Photography by Hector Mediavilla, whose photo series the SAPE Society of Ambianceurs and Elegant People captures the dandies of Congo. Gestalten 2016 Africa Rising - in pictures Fantasma, a 'superband' formed in 2014 by producer and rapper Spoek Mathambo who recruited members from acros South Africa. Photography by Fantasma Gestalten 2016

On this recent afternoon, Ntare, tall and toned, is practising in his back yard, next to a rabbit pen he built with chicken wire. He bobs his head and raps in Kinyarwanda:

Some of them on the streets,

Others jailed because of their crimes.

But sometimes consequences come over us.

For instance, I am among those called Interahamwe.

But we dont worry about it.

We look forward.

His biological father belonged to the Interahamwe, the Hutu militants who helped carry out the genocide. Some survivors see him as a child of the killers, including his mothers family. They wont look at him.

He didnt learn why until he turned 12.

Assoumpta remembers the day she told him. Her son was a troublemaker back then, starting fights with other kids.

Would this revelation make things worse?

She willed herself not to sugarcoat it. She told him about the genocide. The militants who found her in a school and raped her. The relatives who kicked her out of their home once her belly started showing.

That was why she would snap easily and hit him.

Ntare kept quiet. He didnt look her in the eye for a week. Then he started doing extra chores. He stopped getting into brawls. He brought her fruit, saying she needed the nutrition.

The way Assoumpta tells it, he started acting like the man of the house. He no longer blamed her for the beatings or for the people who called him a bastard.

Ntare recalls feeling relief. So this was what he was. His mother had had no choice.

He practised swagger. Am I a bastard? Yes, Im a bastard.

Ntare met other kids like him at a camp organised by Foundation Rwanda. He wrote a play about a mother telling her son the truth and got some of his new friends to help him perform it.

That stayed between them, but his song, it would be public. He might have to tell his girlfriend, an accountant. Theyve been dating for nearly two years, and hed like to marry her someday.

He has revealed his secrets to her slowly  step by step, he says. All she knows now is that he doesnt have a dad.

But hes got to come out at some point. He wants the children of killers to hear his song and feel less alone.

Hes calling it Son of Rwanda.

Update: Months after taking her exams, Angel received her score. It was not high enough to win a college scholarship. Albert never found the $200 to apply to schools through Globe Education Consult. He has applied to be sponsored by the Rwandan government for international colleges. As for Ntare, he will graduate from high school in November. He is still hoping that his song will be played on the radio.

 The Washington Post
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On Bank Holiday Monday in August 1979, Patricia, Lady Brabourne, as she was then, was on a family sailing trip, lobster-potting and tuna-fishing off the coast of County Sligo. She was with her father, Earl Mountbatten, her husband, Lord Brabourne, their twin sons Nicholas and Timothy, her mother-in-law, the Dowager Lady Brabourne, and a 15-year-old crew member, Paul Maxwell.

During the night a member of the IRA, Thomas McMahon, had slipped on board the unguarded Shadow V and planted a radio-controlled 50lb bomb. It was detonated a few hundred yards from the shore: the last thing Patricia remembered hearing was her mother-in-law saying, Isnt it a beautiful day?

Earl Mountbatten was pulled alive from the water but died shortly afterwards; the Dowager Lady Brabourne died the following day. Nicholas, 14, died, as did young Paul Maxwell. Timothy was blinded in one eye. Patricia, who became Lady Mountbatten on her fathers death, received facial injuries that required 120 stitches. My IRA facelift, she called it.

I was so overwhelmed with grief for Nicky, who was just on the threshold of his life, that I began to feel guilty that I was not able to grieve for my father, whom I really adored, in the same way, she recalled. But the world was mourning him, and there was comfort in that.

A few weeks later, Gerry Adams, then the vice president of Sinn Fein, was unapologetic. What the IRA did to him is what Mountbatten had been doing all his life to other people, and with his war record I dont think he could have objected to dying in what was clearly a war situation ... In my opinion, the IRA achieved its objective: people started paying attention to what was happening in Ireland.

Actress Joanna Lumley (left) and Countess Mountbatten of Burma at a ceremony in 2005 to mark the 60th anniversary of victory over Japan (AFP/Getty)

Patricia was born in 1924 in London. Queen Victorias great-great-granddaughter, she was first cousin to Prince Philip and third cousin to the Queen. She was close to her father, but her mother, Edwina, was a distant figure in her childhood.

She was schooled in England and abroad, served in the Wrens and was on the signals staff in Portsmouth. It was during her military service that she met John Knatchbull  Lord Brabourne  a captain in the Coldstream Guards, and when they married in 1946, princesses Elizabeth, Margaret and Alexandra were bridesmaids.

Two years later she was with her father in India when Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated: My father and I had been riding together. We came back at dusk to be met by a white-faced ADC with the news.

After her fathers assassination she took her seat in the House of Lords, and worked with the Child Bereavement Charity and Compassionate Friends. Lord Brabourne was a successful film producer  of A Passage to India, Murder on the Orient Express and Death on the Nile, among others  and a chairman of Thames Television and Euston Films.

He died in 2005, and Patricia is survived by their four sons and two daughters. The bomber, McMahon, served nearly 20 years in jail for the murder, and was released under the Good Friday Agreement in 1998. In 2011 he helped Martin McGuinnesss campaign for the Irish presidency, putting up posters.

Patricia had spent five weeks in hospital after her fathers assassination, but the inner scars remained with her. I cried every day for over six months and intermittently for the next year, she later recalled. I can still cry over it very easily.

Patricia Edwina Victoria Mountbatten, 2nd Countess Mountbatten of Burma, born 14 February 1924, died 13 June 2017
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Theresa May didn't meet with Grenfell Tower fire victims during a visit to the scene due to concerns over security, a Tory minister has said.

Defence minister Tobias Ellwood told Question Time "security concerns" stopped the Prime Minister from meeting with survivors of the blaze, which killed at least 17 and injured scores more.

Ms May paid a private visit to the scene of the fire in north Kensington on Thursday afternoon, during which she spoke with emergency service crews but refused to meet any survivors of the tragedy and blocked media access.

The decision prompted fury among local residents, one of whom reportedly told Jeremy Corbyn, who also visited the scene, Ms May was s***, adding: Theresa May was here but she didn't speak to any of us.

The Labour leader spoke with volunteers and members of the local community during a visit to St Clements Church, which is being used as a refuge centre. He promised the truth has got to come out and it will during the visit.

Dozens of people remain missing after the 24-storey block went up in flames on Wednesday, with the death toll expected to increase as the recovery operation proceeds.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan visited the scene shortly afterwards. He was confronted by local residents demanding answers and urging that the community cannot wait a year for an independent inquiry.
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An image has emerged of the moment a man suspected of carrying a knife was arrested by armed police outside Parliament.

Officers placed the entire Parliament complex on lockdown during the incident, with bystanders reporting the man in a grey hooded top being tasered by police.

One photo shared on social media appeared to show the suspect being held at gunpoint and then handcuffed.

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 10 November 2022 A grey heron lands on the river Dodder in Dublin on a sunny autumn morning PA UK news in pictures 9 November 2022 Australia and Spain play during the Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup group A match at the Copper Box Arena, London PA UK news in pictures 8 November 2022 A migrant attempting to communicate with journalists is pinned against a fence by members of staff, before being taken out of view, at the Manston immigration short-term holding facility, located at the former Defence Fire Training and Development Centre in Thanet, Kent PA UK news in pictures 7 November 2022 Handout photo issued by Just Stop Oil of a protester who has climbed a gantry on the M25 between junctions six and seven in Surrey, leading to the closure of the motorway PA UK news in pictures 6 November 2022 A grey seal with its pup, at the Donna Nook National Nature Reserve in north Lincolnshire, where they come every year in late October, November and December to give birth to their pups near the sand dunes, the wildlife spectacle attracts visitors from across the UK PA UK news in pictures 5 November 2022 Demonstrators with placards calling for a General Election march near the Houses of Parliament AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 4 November 2022 A peacock is seen in the early winter sunshine in the Dutch Gardens in Holland Park AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 3 November 2022 Florence Kasumba, Letitia Wright, Tenoch Huerta and Lupita Nyongo attend the European Premiere of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever in London Getty UK news in pictures 2 November 2022 A red squirrel gathers nuts in Pitlochry, Scotland Reuters UK news in pictures 1 November 2022 Englands Tara-Jane Stanley scores their sides seventh try against Brazil during the Womens Rugby League World Cup group A match at Headingley Stadium, Leeds PA UK news in pictures 31 October 2022 GBs James Hall competes during the mens parallel bars qualification at the World Gymnastics Championships in Liverpool AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 October 2022 People dressed in Halloween costumes paddle board along the river Avon in Christchurch, Dorset PA UK news in pictures 29 October 2022 Members of the public take pictures as police officers remove activists from a road during a Just Stop Oil protest, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 28 October 2022 A cosplayer attends the MCM Comic Con London 2022 at the ExCel Centre in London Reuters UK news in pictures 27 October 2022 98-year-old D-Day Veteran Bernard Morgan, whose story is among those featured on the giant poppy wall, during the launch of The Royal British Legion 2022 Poppy Appeal, at Hay's Galleria in central London PA UK news in pictures 26 October 2022 A meerkat explores a pumpkin in the enclosure at Wild Place, Bristol, where some of the animals are having pumpkin treats as part of their environmental enrichment PA UK news in pictures 25 October 2022 King Charles III welcomes Rishi Sunak during an audience at Buckingham Palace, where he invited the newly elected leader of the Conservative Party to become Prime Minister and form a new government PA UK news in pictures 24 October 2022 Rishi Sunak celebrates with Tory MPs outside the Conservative Campaign Headquarters after becoming the new leader of the Conservative Party Reuters UK news in pictures 23 October 2022 The Green Man at October Plenty, Borough Market's annual Autumn Harvest festival, in London, which returns for the first time post pandemic PA UK news in pictures 21 October 2022 Sculptor Peter McKenna puts the finishing touches to a pumpkin that will form part of the Planet A Hebden Bridge Pumpkin Trail in the West Yorkshire town PA UK news in pictures 20 October 2022 Britains Prime Minister Liz Truss delivers a speech outside of 10 Downing Street in central London to announce her resignation AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 19 October 2022 Salmon leap up Stainforth Force on the River Ribble in the Yorkshire Dales as they swim upriver to their spawning grounds during the annual Salmon migration PA UK news in pictures 18 October 2022 Just Stop Oil protesters continue their protest for a second day on the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, which links Kent and Essex and which remains closed for traffic, after it was scaled by two climbers from the group PA UK news in pictures 17 October 2022 Hundreds of students take part in the traditional Raisin Monday foam fight on St Salvator's Lower College Lawn at the University of St Andrews in Fife PA UK news in pictures 16 October 2022 A protester holds a placard during a march into central London at a demonstration by the climate change protest group Extinction Rebellion AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 15 October 2022 A member of the public drags an activist who is blocking the road during a "Just Stop Oil" protest, in London, Britain REUTERS UK news in pictures 14 October 2022 Germanys Womens double skulls during day one of the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals at Saundersfoot beach, Pembrokeshire PA UK news in pictures 13 October 2022 Family and mourners arrive at St Michael's Church, in Creeslough, for the funeral mass of 49-year-old mother of four Martina Martin, who died following an explosion at the Applegreen service station in the village of Creeslough in Co Donegal on Friday PA UK news in pictures 12 October 2022 Motorists in Coventry pass trees showing autumnal colour PA UK news in pictures 11 October 2022 A woman and her dog in the the North Sea at Tynemouth Longsands beach before sunrise PA UK news in pictures 10 October 2022 Police officers remove a campaigner from a Just Stop Oil protest on The Mall, near Buckingham Palace, London PA UK news in pictures 9 October 2022 A drummer plays during the Diwali on the Square celebration, in Trafalgar Square, London PA UK news in pictures 8 October 2022 Timothee Chalamet attending the UK premiere of Bones and All during the BFI London Film Festival 2022 at the Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, London PA UK news in pictures 7 October 2022 Two young male fallow deer lock antlers in Dublins Phoenix park as rutting season begins PA UK news in pictures 6 October 2022 The Princess of Wales during a cocktail making competition during a visit to Trademarket, a new outdoor street-food and retail market situated in Belfast city centre, as part of the royal visit to Northern Ireland PA UK news in pictures 5 October 2022 Greenpeace protesters interrupt Prime Minister Liz Truss as she delivers her keynote speech to the Conservative Party annual conference PA UK news in pictures 4 October 2022 Prime Minister Liz Truss and Britains Chancellor of the Exchequer Kwasi Kwarteng wearing hard hats and hi-vis jackets, visit a construction site for a medical innovation campus in Birmingham AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 3 October 2022 British artist Sam Cox, aka Mr Doodle, reveals the Doodle House, a twelve-room mansion at Tenterden, in Kent, which has been covered, inside and out in the artist's trademark monochrome, cartoonish hand-drawn doodles PA UK news in pictures 2 October 2022 Erling Haaland celebrates after scoring Manchester City's second goal against Manchester United at Etihad Stadium. Haaland went on to score a hattrick, his third of the season in the Premier League. City beat United 6-3. Manchester City FC/Getty UK news in pictures 1 October 2022 Protesters hold up flags and placards at a protest in London. A variety of protest groups including Enough is Enough, Don't Pay and Just Stop Oil all demonstrated on the day AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 September 2022 British Prime Minister Liz Truss, who has not been seen in days, leaves the back of Downing Street after a meeting with Office For Budget Responsibility following the release of her governments mini-budget Getty UK news in pictures 29 September 2022 The Virginia creeper foliage on the Tu Hwnt i'r Bont (Beyond the Bridge) Llanwrst, Conwy North Wales, has changed colour from green to red in at the start of Autumn. The building was built in 1480 as a residential dwelling but has been a tearoom for over 50 years PA UK news in pictures 28 September 2022 Criminal barristers from the Criminal Bar Association (CBA), demonstrates outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London, as part of their ongoing pay row with the Government PA UK news in pictures 27 September 2022 David White, Garter King of Arms, poses with an envelope franked with the new cypher of King Charles III 'CIIIR', after it was printed in the Court Post Office at Buckingham Palace in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 26 September 2022 A gallery staff member poses next to a painting by Lucian Freud - Self-portrait (Fragment), 1956 - on show at a photocall for the Credit Suisse exhibition - Lucian Freud: New Perspectives at the National Gallery in London PA UK news in pictures 25 September 2022 Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer is interviewed by Laura Kuenssberg in Liverpool before the start of the Labour Party annual Conference which he opened with a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II and sang the national anthem PA UK news in pictures 24 September 2022 Handout photo issued by Buckingham Palace of the ledger stone at the King George VI Memorial Chapel, St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle PA UK news in pictures 23 September 2022 A climate change activist protests against UK private jets while lighting his right arm on fire during the Laver Cup tennis tournament at the O2 Arena in London EPA UK news in pictures 22 September 2022 Woody Woodmansey, Lee Bennett, Kevin Armstrong, Nick Moran and Clifford Slapper attend the unveiling of a stone for David Bowie on the Music Walk of Fame at Camden, north London PA UK news in pictures 21 September 2022 A flock of birds in the sky as the sun rises over Dungeness in Kent PA

Police said a man in his 30s was being held on suspicion of possession of a knife near to the Palace of Westminster. They said the incident was not believed to be terror-related.

There are no reports of any injuries, the Metropolitan Police said.

A commotion was heard outside Parliament shortly after 11.10am, and armed police ran towards the gates to New Palace Yard, the scene of the terrorist attack on 22 March in which PC Keith Palmer was stabbed to death.

Joe Murphy, political editor of the Evening Standard, said there were shouts of knife knife knife and a man was brought down [by police] with a Taser.

The gates to the Palace of Westminster were then shut and journalists inside were told they could leave.

St Stephen's Gate and Carriage Gate were locked, with a number of police vehicles and officers gathered in New Palace Yard.
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For more than half a century, the Special Boat Service has operated in the shadows, silently carrying out the toughest special forces missions in some of the worlds most deadly conflicts.

Unlike its slightly showier, much better known sister regiment the SAS, it has remained happy for other units to take credit for its achievements, all the better to exploit the anonymity that allows it to operate according to its motto By strength and guile.

In the same way, its Association, which cares for former and serving SBS members and their families, has kept under the radar for the 20 years that it has existed, relying on discreet fundraising dinners and the generosity of donors who want to help but dont want it shouted about.

Now, however, that has changed. The SBS Association (SBSA) has launched its first ever fully public fundraising drive.

It hopes to raise 250,000 for SBS veterans by recreating the journey taken by the units founding fathers, the Cockleshell heroes, who in December 1942 slipped out of a Royal Navy submarine, paddled 105 miles upriver in collapsible canoes, and blew up Nazi shipping in the docks of Bordeaux.

Churchill is said to have credited the raid  known officially as Operation Frankton  with shortening the Second World War by six months. The Cockleshell Heroes  Major Herbert Blondie Hasler and his men  did far more than just cripple six enemy ships.

They dented the Germans sense of invincibility at a time where they had seemed to be winning in every arena.

That Britain, a nation that had seemed on its knees, could strike so far into occupied territory left the Nazis fearful about using their ports and ships, interrupting the trade in materials between Japan and Germany that had been so helpful to both countries war efforts.

The impact was such, that after the war one German officer who had been in Bordeaux when the British limpet mines started blowing up ships, freely confessed it had been the outstanding commando raid of the war.

Now, on the 75th anniversary of the raid, the plan is to honour the Cockleshell heroes by sending a mixed party of SBSA members and volunteers from the public to paddle from the Gironde Estuary to Bordeaux in 10 slightly modernised versions of the cockle canoes used by the original raiders.

Ahead of that mission, which will take place in September, the SBSA has already broken cover.

On Thursday, in full view of anyone watching from the banks of the Thames, association members joined politician and former SBS member Paddy Ashdown, model Jodie Kidd and Olympic rower Helen Glover to paddle five canoes under London and Tower Bridge in order to publicise the Cockleshell Hero commemoration.

Such unprecedented openness had not been embarked upon lightly, admitted Mick Betteridge, 49, CEO of the SBS Association.

Its a very nervous step for us, he admitted. We dont really want the limelight shone on us and what the guys get up to, but at the same time we think its only right we celebrate the Cockleshell heroes. These were our founding fathers. Its our roots, our bloodlines.

The Disclosure Cell of the Special Forces Directorate, he added, had only agreed to the publicity because the techniques used by the Cockleshell Heroes were now historical.

We were allowed to go public because this is going back to World War Two. We are not putting forward the skills and techniques we use today. Its pretty old hat.

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 10 November 2022 A grey heron lands on the river Dodder in Dublin on a sunny autumn morning PA UK news in pictures 9 November 2022 Australia and Spain play during the Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup group A match at the Copper Box Arena, London PA UK news in pictures 8 November 2022 A migrant attempting to communicate with journalists is pinned against a fence by members of staff, before being taken out of view, at the Manston immigration short-term holding facility, located at the former Defence Fire Training and Development Centre in Thanet, Kent PA UK news in pictures 7 November 2022 Handout photo issued by Just Stop Oil of a protester who has climbed a gantry on the M25 between junctions six and seven in Surrey, leading to the closure of the motorway PA UK news in pictures 6 November 2022 A grey seal with its pup, at the Donna Nook National Nature Reserve in north Lincolnshire, where they come every year in late October, November and December to give birth to their pups near the sand dunes, the wildlife spectacle attracts visitors from across the UK PA UK news in pictures 5 November 2022 Demonstrators with placards calling for a General Election march near the Houses of Parliament AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 4 November 2022 A peacock is seen in the early winter sunshine in the Dutch Gardens in Holland Park AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 3 November 2022 Florence Kasumba, Letitia Wright, Tenoch Huerta and Lupita Nyongo attend the European Premiere of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever in London Getty UK news in pictures 2 November 2022 A red squirrel gathers nuts in Pitlochry, Scotland Reuters UK news in pictures 1 November 2022 Englands Tara-Jane Stanley scores their sides seventh try against Brazil during the Womens Rugby League World Cup group A match at Headingley Stadium, Leeds PA UK news in pictures 31 October 2022 GBs James Hall competes during the mens parallel bars qualification at the World Gymnastics Championships in Liverpool AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 October 2022 People dressed in Halloween costumes paddle board along the river Avon in Christchurch, Dorset PA UK news in pictures 29 October 2022 Members of the public take pictures as police officers remove activists from a road during a Just Stop Oil protest, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 28 October 2022 A cosplayer attends the MCM Comic Con London 2022 at the ExCel Centre in London Reuters UK news in pictures 27 October 2022 98-year-old D-Day Veteran Bernard Morgan, whose story is among those featured on the giant poppy wall, during the launch of The Royal British Legion 2022 Poppy Appeal, at Hay's Galleria in central London PA UK news in pictures 26 October 2022 A meerkat explores a pumpkin in the enclosure at Wild Place, Bristol, where some of the animals are having pumpkin treats as part of their environmental enrichment PA UK news in pictures 25 October 2022 King Charles III welcomes Rishi Sunak during an audience at Buckingham Palace, where he invited the newly elected leader of the Conservative Party to become Prime Minister and form a new government PA UK news in pictures 24 October 2022 Rishi Sunak celebrates with Tory MPs outside the Conservative Campaign Headquarters after becoming the new leader of the Conservative Party Reuters UK news in pictures 23 October 2022 The Green Man at October Plenty, Borough Market's annual Autumn Harvest festival, in London, which returns for the first time post pandemic PA UK news in pictures 21 October 2022 Sculptor Peter McKenna puts the finishing touches to a pumpkin that will form part of the Planet A Hebden Bridge Pumpkin Trail in the West Yorkshire town PA UK news in pictures 20 October 2022 Britains Prime Minister Liz Truss delivers a speech outside of 10 Downing Street in central London to announce her resignation AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 19 October 2022 Salmon leap up Stainforth Force on the River Ribble in the Yorkshire Dales as they swim upriver to their spawning grounds during the annual Salmon migration PA UK news in pictures 18 October 2022 Just Stop Oil protesters continue their protest for a second day on the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, which links Kent and Essex and which remains closed for traffic, after it was scaled by two climbers from the group PA UK news in pictures 17 October 2022 Hundreds of students take part in the traditional Raisin Monday foam fight on St Salvator's Lower College Lawn at the University of St Andrews in Fife PA UK news in pictures 16 October 2022 A protester holds a placard during a march into central London at a demonstration by the climate change protest group Extinction Rebellion AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 15 October 2022 A member of the public drags an activist who is blocking the road during a "Just Stop Oil" protest, in London, Britain REUTERS UK news in pictures 14 October 2022 Germanys Womens double skulls during day one of the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals at Saundersfoot beach, Pembrokeshire PA UK news in pictures 13 October 2022 Family and mourners arrive at St Michael's Church, in Creeslough, for the funeral mass of 49-year-old mother of four Martina Martin, who died following an explosion at the Applegreen service station in the village of Creeslough in Co Donegal on Friday PA UK news in pictures 12 October 2022 Motorists in Coventry pass trees showing autumnal colour PA UK news in pictures 11 October 2022 A woman and her dog in the the North Sea at Tynemouth Longsands beach before sunrise PA UK news in pictures 10 October 2022 Police officers remove a campaigner from a Just Stop Oil protest on The Mall, near Buckingham Palace, London PA UK news in pictures 9 October 2022 A drummer plays during the Diwali on the Square celebration, in Trafalgar Square, London PA UK news in pictures 8 October 2022 Timothee Chalamet attending the UK premiere of Bones and All during the BFI London Film Festival 2022 at the Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, London PA UK news in pictures 7 October 2022 Two young male fallow deer lock antlers in Dublins Phoenix park as rutting season begins PA UK news in pictures 6 October 2022 The Princess of Wales during a cocktail making competition during a visit to Trademarket, a new outdoor street-food and retail market situated in Belfast city centre, as part of the royal visit to Northern Ireland PA UK news in pictures 5 October 2022 Greenpeace protesters interrupt Prime Minister Liz Truss as she delivers her keynote speech to the Conservative Party annual conference PA UK news in pictures 4 October 2022 Prime Minister Liz Truss and Britains Chancellor of the Exchequer Kwasi Kwarteng wearing hard hats and hi-vis jackets, visit a construction site for a medical innovation campus in Birmingham AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 3 October 2022 British artist Sam Cox, aka Mr Doodle, reveals the Doodle House, a twelve-room mansion at Tenterden, in Kent, which has been covered, inside and out in the artist's trademark monochrome, cartoonish hand-drawn doodles PA UK news in pictures 2 October 2022 Erling Haaland celebrates after scoring Manchester City's second goal against Manchester United at Etihad Stadium. Haaland went on to score a hattrick, his third of the season in the Premier League. City beat United 6-3. Manchester City FC/Getty UK news in pictures 1 October 2022 Protesters hold up flags and placards at a protest in London. A variety of protest groups including Enough is Enough, Don't Pay and Just Stop Oil all demonstrated on the day AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 September 2022 British Prime Minister Liz Truss, who has not been seen in days, leaves the back of Downing Street after a meeting with Office For Budget Responsibility following the release of her governments mini-budget Getty UK news in pictures 29 September 2022 The Virginia creeper foliage on the Tu Hwnt i'r Bont (Beyond the Bridge) Llanwrst, Conwy North Wales, has changed colour from green to red in at the start of Autumn. The building was built in 1480 as a residential dwelling but has been a tearoom for over 50 years PA UK news in pictures 28 September 2022 Criminal barristers from the Criminal Bar Association (CBA), demonstrates outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London, as part of their ongoing pay row with the Government PA UK news in pictures 27 September 2022 David White, Garter King of Arms, poses with an envelope franked with the new cypher of King Charles III 'CIIIR', after it was printed in the Court Post Office at Buckingham Palace in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 26 September 2022 A gallery staff member poses next to a painting by Lucian Freud - Self-portrait (Fragment), 1956 - on show at a photocall for the Credit Suisse exhibition - Lucian Freud: New Perspectives at the National Gallery in London PA UK news in pictures 25 September 2022 Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer is interviewed by Laura Kuenssberg in Liverpool before the start of the Labour Party annual Conference which he opened with a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II and sang the national anthem PA UK news in pictures 24 September 2022 Handout photo issued by Buckingham Palace of the ledger stone at the King George VI Memorial Chapel, St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle PA UK news in pictures 23 September 2022 A climate change activist protests against UK private jets while lighting his right arm on fire during the Laver Cup tennis tournament at the O2 Arena in London EPA UK news in pictures 22 September 2022 Woody Woodmansey, Lee Bennett, Kevin Armstrong, Nick Moran and Clifford Slapper attend the unveiling of a stone for David Bowie on the Music Walk of Fame at Camden, north London PA UK news in pictures 21 September 2022 A flock of birds in the sky as the sun rises over Dungeness in Kent PA

The money raised, said Mr Betteridge, was needed more than ever because medical advances meant men who served in recent conflicts like Afghanistan were now surviving injuries and loss of limbs that would have killed those who fought in earlier wars.

Especially in the last five years in Afghanistan, we have more people survive injuries that would have killed them before. We think they deserve gold-plated assistance in terms of things like prosthetic limbs, hydrotherapy and neurorehab.

The money was also needed, Mr Betteridge said, because like the country as a whole, the SBSA had an ageing population.

When we started, he explained, The oldest guys were in their sixties. Now the oldest member is a World War Two veteran in his nineties. We can help these older guts with filling out forms, getting mobility vehicles and hearing aids.

Whatever the ages of the veterans being helped, insisted Mr Betteridge, they had continued the traditions set by the Cockleshell Heroes:

We owe them a debt of gratitude for their service whether it was 75 years ago or 75 days ago. What these guys do, they do not for recognition, but because they believe in the cause.

We should celebrate them and give them the recognition they deserve but never seek.

Courage, cheerfulness in adversity, added Mr Betteridge, All those lovely words that would fill out a commando training manual: they still ring true today.

The equipment has been modernised, but the bloke remains the same.

Operation Frankton was immortalised in the 1955 film The Cockleshell Heroes, but the irony is that in selecting men to go on the raid Blondie Hasler deliberately steered clear of brash film-type tough guys, who, he thought, had a tendency to turn soft when truly tested.

Instead he went for men whose pre-war lives had already included brushes with adversity, who were often modest and from humble backgrounds.

So in one canoe, you found Marine James Conway, just 20, who before the war had been a Co-op milkman living with his mum in Stockport. He gained the enduring affection of his fellows when he admitted, that while doing his rounds by cart and horse, he would often talk to his horse.

He was paired in canoe Cuttlefish with Lieutenant Jacky Mackinnon, an officer, but one who had risen through the ranks after growing up in a Glasgow tenement: A terribly nice boy, Hasler called him, A real gem.

All who went on the raid had answered an advert calling for Volunteers for hazardous service.

All had been told at interview by Blondie Hasler, Do you realise that your expectation of a long life is very remote?

And all had pressed on.

It was on 7 December 1942 that Hasler assembled his men and gave the order to up canoes to leave HMS Tuna and begin the mission.

One of the canoes was damaged as it was being passed through the hatch rendering it unusable leaving Haslers unit down to ten personnel in five craft: Catfish, Crayfish, Conger, Cuttlefish and Coalfish.

The canoes began their journey towards Bordeaux but, fighting against strong tides and winds, Conger soon disappeared, its crew later dying from hypothermia.

Further on, the surviving crews encountered high waves and Cuttlefish capsized and was lost.

The crew held on to the remaining canoes before landing ashore, where they evaded capture before being arrested by Gendarmes, handed over to the Germans and executed.

That first night the three remaining canoes covered 20 miles in five hours and landed at Port de Goulee near Saint-Vivien-de-Medoc. At daybreak, the Coalfish crew were captured, interrogated and subsequently executed near the Chateau de Dehez in Blanquefort.

Only two canoes remained, Catfish, manned by Hasler and Marine Bill Sparks, and Crayfish, with Corporal Laver and Marine Mills who continued down the estuary finally reaching Bordeaux on the night of the 11th December.

At 9pm Hasler and Sparks attacked the left bank of the dock, placing limpet mines on three vessels. They had planted all their mines and left the harbour soon after midnight. Meanwhile, Laver and Mills placed mines on two vessels further north in Bassens, before fleeing.

Downstream, the two crews met by chance. They beached their canoes near Blaye and sank them. Further south, as dawn approached, one by one the mines exploded seriously damaging the five ships.

The two crews then set out separately on foot. After two days, Laver and Mills were arrested, transferred to Paris and executed in March 1943. Hasler and Sparks made it to Ruffec, to the north of Angouleme, where they spent more than a month in hiding with help from the Resistance.

When it was safe they made their way across the Pyrenees and down to Gibraltar, eventually arriving back in Britain in April 1943 - the sole survivors of the ten men who had set out from HMS Tuna five months previously.

To donate and support former members of the SBS, please go to www.CH75.org
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More than 2.2 million has been raised in two days by the Evening Standard newspaper's appeal for the Grenfell Tower victims.

Thousands of people donated to Dispossessed Fund, some of which will be given to uninsured residents to help replace their possessions. If required, the fund will also cover the cost of funerals.

The first payments will be made over the weekend to community groups providing frontline help to those affected by the fire, which claimed the lives of at least 30 people.

Many more are still missing and feared dead. At least 24 people, including 12 in critical care, remained in hospital.

 Queen arrives to meet victims of Grenfell Tower fire

Among those to donate were:

 1.4 million from 23,500 donors via JustGiving and the Dispossessed Funds own website.

 250,000 from the NEX Group (formerly known as ICAP) headed by chief executive Michael Spencer.

 250,000 from Sky.

 100,000 from HSBC.

 100,000 from The Sun.

 Vodafone to match up to 100,000 in donations via JustTextGiving.

 50,000 from Burberry.

 Composer Hans Zimmer donated the proceeds of last nights concert at Wembley Arena.

The money will be administered by the London Community Foundation, have already been made by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry.

Pret A Manger and law firms Allen & Overy and Linklaters have also given money to the good cause. Microsoft and Adobe are matching staff donations.

Bucket appeals have also been set up in branches of Morrisons, Tesco and in National Rail stations.

London Community Foundation chief executive Russell Delew said it would do everything in our power to help bring the community back to where it was before the fire.

The London Community Foundation would like to thank all those who have supported the Evening Standard Dispossessed Fund in the aftermath of the devastating fire at Grenfell Tower, he said. Londons community spirit and generosity have shone through when local people need it most.

Our 20-year record of supporting Londons most disadvantaged groups and communities has ensured that we can react swiftly in these difficult circumstances. Whilst we provide immediate assistance, the London Community Foundation is also about the long term, and we will continue to support the people of Grenfell Tower.

The Vodafone Foundation will matchfund up to 100,000 of text donations made to the Dispossessed Fund. Text GREN88 10 to 70070.

Helen Lamprell, Vodafone UK corporate & external affairs director, said: Our hearts go out to the families affected by the Grenfell Tower fire. Vodafone staff from local stores will continue to help people in the area stay in touch with their loved ones and support the community over the coming days.

Hans Zimmer, famed for his scores for The Lion King and Gladiator, was met with thunderous applause and a standing ovation when he announced that the proceeds from last nights concert at Wembley Arena would be handed over to the fund.

Describing London as his second home, the German turned to his orchestra and said: I havent discussed it with you lot yet, but I am sure youll be fully behind this. Ill donate the proceeds to the victims of the fire. My daughter Zoe was there helping out last night and she told me all these stories that made my heart heavy.

Recommended May to visit Grenfell Tower fire victims in hospital after criticism

The British Red Cross will draw on its experience of emergency fundraising after the 7/7 terror attacks on London in 2005 and the recent atrocities in Manchester and London Bridge.

Chief executive Mike Adamson said: The people living in Grenfell Tower have suffered an unimaginable tragedy. Our hearts go out to all those who have lost so much. We have already seen the incredible outpouring of support from the local community, greater London and the whole country.

We are now launching this national appeal, together with Kensington and Chelsea council, to support those people who have lost everything, so they can receive financial help as soon as possible.

As well as launching this appeal we are also keen to use our convening power to bring partners together to work out the best way to raise funds and distribute them. We thank the UK for their continued generous support and overwhelming show of humanity in this time of need.

Nick Paget-Brown, leader of Kensington and Chelsea council, said: The generosity of the British public has been truly overwhelming so we are very grateful indeed that the British Red Cross has stepped in to lend its muscle and expertise to the relief operation.

In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Show all 51 1 /51 In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Police have released images from inside the tower where at least 58 people have died Metropolitan Police In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A still from a video shared by polices what appears to be a stationary bicycle sitting among the ashes In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A still from a video shared by police shows the remnants of a burnt-out bathroom In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Picture showing the lifts on an unknown floor Metropolitan Police In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Emergency crews outside the front entrance to the tower Metropolitan Police In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Fire crews inspecting flats in the burnt out tower London Metropolitan Police In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Grenfell Tower is seen in the distance PA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A drone flies near the scene of the fire which destroyed the Grenfell Tower block REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire 'Theresa May Stay Away' message written on the messages of support at Latymer Community Church for those affected by the fire Ray Tang/REX In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire An aerial view of the area surrounding Grenfall tower Getty In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Donated shoes sit in the Westway Sports Centre near to the site of the Grenfell Tower fire Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Messages of support for those affected by the massive fire in Grenfell Tower are displayed on a well near the tower in London AP In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A local resident stands on her balcony by the gutted Grenfell Tower in Latimer Road Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Messages of condolence are left at a relief centre close to the scene of the fire that broke out at Grenfell Tower, EPA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A police officer stands by a security cordon outside Latimer Road station Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Firemen examine the scorched facade of the Grenfell Tower in London on a huge ladder AP In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A search dog is led through the rubble of the Grenfell Tower in London as firefighting continue to damp-down the deadly fire AP In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn comforts a local resident (name not given) at St Clement's Church in west London where volunteers have provided shelter and support for people affected by the fire at Grenfell Tower David Mirzoeff/PA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn hugs councillor Mushtaq Lasharie as he arrives at St Clement's Church in Latimer Road, where volunteers have provided shelter and support for people affected by the fire at Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn meeting staff and volunteers at St Clementis Church in Latimer Road David Mirzoeff/PA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Firefighters with a dog walk around the base of the Grenfell Tower REUTERS/Peter Nicholls In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Emotions run high as people attend a candle lit vigil outside Notting Hill Methodist Church near the 24 storey residential Grenfell Tower block in Latimer Road, West London Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Debris hangs from the blackened exterior of Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A woman speaks to Mayor of London Sadiq Khan outside Notting Hill Methodist Church near Grenfell Tower in west London after a fire engulfed the 24-storey building Yui Mok/PA Wire In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A woman holds a missing person posters near the Grenfell Tower block REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Sadiq Khan speaking with a resident James Gourley/REX In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Ken Livingstone walks near the scene of the Grenfell Tower fire Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Mayor of London Sadiq Khan is confronted by Kai Ramos, 7, near Grenfell Tower in west London after a fire engulfed the 24-storey building Yui Mok/PA Wire In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Mayor of London Sadiq Khan speaks to a woman outside Notting Hill Methodist Church near Grenfell Tower Yui Mok/PA Wire In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Volunteers distribute aid near Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Family and friends of missing Jessica Urbano, 12, wearing photographs of Jessica pinned to their t-shirts gather near Grenfell Tower EPA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Family and friends of missing Jessica Urbano, 12, wearing photographs of Jessica pinned to their t-shirts gather near Grenfell Tower EPA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Family and friends of missing Jessica Urbano, 12, wearing photographs of Jessica pinned to their t-shirts gather near Grenfell Tower EPA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire People attend a vigil at Notting Hill Methodist Church near Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire People gather to observe a vigil outside St Clement's Church following the blaze at Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire People light candles as they observe a vigil outside St Clement's Church following the blaze at Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire People attend a vigil at Notting Hill Methodist Church near Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A man distributes food from the back of a van near the scene of the fire which destroyed the Grenfell Tower block REUTERS/Paul Hackett In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A firefighter is cheered near the scene of the fire which destroyed the Grenfell Tower block REUTERS/Paul Hackett In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A T-shirt with a written message from the London Fire Brigade hangs from a fence near The Grenfell Tower block REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A young girl on her way to lay flowers near Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire The remains of residential tower block Grenfell Tower are seen from Dixon House a nearby tower block Getty In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Volunteers prepare supplies for people affected by the Grenfell Tower block which was destroyed in a fire REUTERS/Neil Hall In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Volunteers move a car to make space for a lorry picking up supplies for people affected by the Grenfell Tower block REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire People distribute boxes of food near the scene of the fire which destroyed the Grenfell Tower bloc REUTERS/Paul Hackett In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A woman touches a missing poster for 12-year-old Jessica Urbano on a tribute wall after laying flowers on the side of Latymer Community Church next to the fire-gutted Grenfell Tower AP In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A man looks at messages written on a wall near the scene of the fire which destroyed the Grenfell Tower block REUTERS/Paul Hackett In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Candles and messages of condolence near where the fire broke out at Grenfell Tower EPA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Police carry a stretcher towards Grenfell Tower Rick Findler/PA Wire In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Emergency services at Grenfell Tower Rick Findler/PA Wire In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Police carry out a body from Grenfell Tower in west London after a fire engulfed the 24-storey building Rick Findler/PA Wire

Money donated to the Dispossessed Fund is being allocated to voluntary organisations, churches and community centres providing frontline help in west London. This is the quickest way to deliver immediate help to as many people as possible in the first instance.

Beneficiaries include the ClementJames Centre and the Rugby Portobello Trust, each receiving 5,000 today.

Payments will follow to residents affected by the fire to enable them to replace clothes and possessions.

Bereaved families will also be offered help with funeral costs. The London Community Fund, which administers the Dispossessed Fund for the Standard, is setting up an online form for people to apply for immediate hardship funds.

To donate to the Evening Standards appeal go to dispossessedfund.org.uk.
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Concerns have been raised that a public inquiry into the Grenfell Tower fire could potentially be a whitewash as it will be Government-led and as such will not have the independence of an inquest.

More than 50,000 people have signed a petition calling for an inquest to be held instead of a public inquiry, which Prime Minister Theresa May announced on Thursday.

The solicitor who represented bereaved relatives in the inquests following the Lakanal House fire said she believed the sudden decision to call a public inquiry was a deliberate attempt to avoid close scrutiny of the various public bodies involved in the running and maintenance of Grenfell Tower.

 Grefnell Tower fire protest reaches Downing Street

Sophie Khan told the BBCs Newsnight: In an inquest, they lose control of what a jury verdict will do. The juries will come out with narrative verdicts which may be very difficult for the Government to hear.

You cant have both, you can only have one or the other.

In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Show all 51 1 /51 In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Police have released images from inside the tower where at least 58 people have died Metropolitan Police In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A still from a video shared by polices what appears to be a stationary bicycle sitting among the ashes In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A still from a video shared by police shows the remnants of a burnt-out bathroom In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Picture showing the lifts on an unknown floor Metropolitan Police In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Emergency crews outside the front entrance to the tower Metropolitan Police In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Fire crews inspecting flats in the burnt out tower London Metropolitan Police In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Grenfell Tower is seen in the distance PA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A drone flies near the scene of the fire which destroyed the Grenfell Tower block REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire 'Theresa May Stay Away' message written on the messages of support at Latymer Community Church for those affected by the fire Ray Tang/REX In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire An aerial view of the area surrounding Grenfall tower Getty In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Donated shoes sit in the Westway Sports Centre near to the site of the Grenfell Tower fire Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Messages of support for those affected by the massive fire in Grenfell Tower are displayed on a well near the tower in London AP In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A local resident stands on her balcony by the gutted Grenfell Tower in Latimer Road Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Messages of condolence are left at a relief centre close to the scene of the fire that broke out at Grenfell Tower, EPA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A police officer stands by a security cordon outside Latimer Road station Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Firemen examine the scorched facade of the Grenfell Tower in London on a huge ladder AP In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A search dog is led through the rubble of the Grenfell Tower in London as firefighting continue to damp-down the deadly fire AP In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn comforts a local resident (name not given) at St Clement's Church in west London where volunteers have provided shelter and support for people affected by the fire at Grenfell Tower David Mirzoeff/PA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn hugs councillor Mushtaq Lasharie as he arrives at St Clement's Church in Latimer Road, where volunteers have provided shelter and support for people affected by the fire at Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn meeting staff and volunteers at St Clementis Church in Latimer Road David Mirzoeff/PA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Firefighters with a dog walk around the base of the Grenfell Tower REUTERS/Peter Nicholls In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Emotions run high as people attend a candle lit vigil outside Notting Hill Methodist Church near the 24 storey residential Grenfell Tower block in Latimer Road, West London Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Debris hangs from the blackened exterior of Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A woman speaks to Mayor of London Sadiq Khan outside Notting Hill Methodist Church near Grenfell Tower in west London after a fire engulfed the 24-storey building Yui Mok/PA Wire In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A woman holds a missing person posters near the Grenfell Tower block REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Sadiq Khan speaking with a resident James Gourley/REX In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Ken Livingstone walks near the scene of the Grenfell Tower fire Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Mayor of London Sadiq Khan is confronted by Kai Ramos, 7, near Grenfell Tower in west London after a fire engulfed the 24-storey building Yui Mok/PA Wire In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Mayor of London Sadiq Khan speaks to a woman outside Notting Hill Methodist Church near Grenfell Tower Yui Mok/PA Wire In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Volunteers distribute aid near Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Family and friends of missing Jessica Urbano, 12, wearing photographs of Jessica pinned to their t-shirts gather near Grenfell Tower EPA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Family and friends of missing Jessica Urbano, 12, wearing photographs of Jessica pinned to their t-shirts gather near Grenfell Tower EPA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Family and friends of missing Jessica Urbano, 12, wearing photographs of Jessica pinned to their t-shirts gather near Grenfell Tower EPA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire People attend a vigil at Notting Hill Methodist Church near Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire People gather to observe a vigil outside St Clement's Church following the blaze at Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire People light candles as they observe a vigil outside St Clement's Church following the blaze at Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire People attend a vigil at Notting Hill Methodist Church near Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A man distributes food from the back of a van near the scene of the fire which destroyed the Grenfell Tower block REUTERS/Paul Hackett In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A firefighter is cheered near the scene of the fire which destroyed the Grenfell Tower block REUTERS/Paul Hackett In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A T-shirt with a written message from the London Fire Brigade hangs from a fence near The Grenfell Tower block REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A young girl on her way to lay flowers near Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire The remains of residential tower block Grenfell Tower are seen from Dixon House a nearby tower block Getty In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Volunteers prepare supplies for people affected by the Grenfell Tower block which was destroyed in a fire REUTERS/Neil Hall In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Volunteers move a car to make space for a lorry picking up supplies for people affected by the Grenfell Tower block REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire People distribute boxes of food near the scene of the fire which destroyed the Grenfell Tower bloc REUTERS/Paul Hackett In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A woman touches a missing poster for 12-year-old Jessica Urbano on a tribute wall after laying flowers on the side of Latymer Community Church next to the fire-gutted Grenfell Tower AP In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A man looks at messages written on a wall near the scene of the fire which destroyed the Grenfell Tower block REUTERS/Paul Hackett In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Candles and messages of condolence near where the fire broke out at Grenfell Tower EPA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Police carry a stretcher towards Grenfell Tower Rick Findler/PA Wire In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Emergency services at Grenfell Tower Rick Findler/PA Wire In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Police carry out a body from Grenfell Tower in west London after a fire engulfed the 24-storey building Rick Findler/PA Wire

An inquest into the death would almost certainly have been jury-led because of the possible involvement of public bodies in the deaths, and guided by a coroner who acts independently of the Government. But inquests do not go ahead once a public inquiry has been announced.

The petition on change.org states: Theresa Mays decision to carry out a public inquiry into the Grenfell tragedy ensures that the Government has control over any uncomfortable revelations about the negligence and poor planning of the Grenfell estate by the Tory-run Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.

Bu choosing a PUBLIC INQUIRY the government protects itself as well as those who should be held accountable. It also blocks any possibility of an INQUEST from taking place: the necessary process would unearth the true causes of the fire for the public interest.

Started by Andrew Gow, the petition urges signees to: Prevent the Government from whitewashing the truth and keeping the UKs planning and regulation laws in the dark ages any longer. Stand with the residents of Grenfell as well as the residents of the UKs 4,000 other tower blocks and make sure this does not happen again.

 Protesters try to storm Kensington and Chelsea town hall

In a public inquiry, surviving residents of the fire and bereaved families will not have the right to participate and ask questions.

In an inquest, they would be able to question the coroner and witnesses and even to call their own expert witnesses with agreement. An inquest is not a trial, although criminal proceedings can result from their findings and from the findings of public inquiries.

Multiple private and public organisations will be probed at the inquiry, with the question as to how the fire was able to engulf the entire tower so quickly at the forefront of peoples minds.

With the death toll almost certain to rise above the figure of 30 already confirmed, the instruction given to residents to remain in their flats will be examined.

Former housing ministers are likely to come under scrutiny after it emerged reports recommending the installation of sprinklers into tower blocks were sat on. Kensington and Chelsea council, which owned the 24-story building, will be one of the public bodies with questions to answer, as will the company KCTMO, which managed the tower on the councils behalf.

And private companies, including the building companies and sub-contractors who carried out recent renovations to the tower, and the manufacturer of the cladding suspected of having caused the rapid spread of the fire, will also be under investigation.

London Fire Brigade will also have to explain its actions after residents were instructed to remain in their flats after the blaze broke out in the early hours of the morning.

The public inquiry was announced amid growing public anger after the initial shock of the fire. A police-led investigation into the fire is currently ongoing and it is likely to be some time until the inquiry takes place.

Ms May said: Right now people want answers, and its absolutely right, and thats why I am today ordering a full public inquiry into this disaster. We need to know what happened; we need to have an explanation of this, we owe that to the families. To the people who have lost loved ones, friends, and the homes in which they lived.

An inquest was carried out into the six deaths in the 2009 Lakanal House fire in Southwark, but the recommendations of the coroner - including the installation of sprinklers - were not acted on by a majority of councils, including Kensington and Chelsea. Southwark Council was subsequently taken to court for being in breach of safety regulations by the London Fire Brigade and fined 570,000.

Recommended Council threatened blogger with legal action over tower warnings

The Lakanal families solicitor Ms Khan said: Questions have to be asked as to how, after a very detailed inquest, a narrative verdict and a rule 43 report to the Government, why this could happen again.

She said she did not believe a public inquiry is the best way to get to the truth of the matter.

Thats not the right way. The right way is inquests. The families have a right to participate, they have a right to cross-examine, they have the right to out questions to all the experts, they are even able to get their own experts if the coroner gives permission.

She added: The Coroner is independent of the Government. In a public inquiry, it is very much Government-led, Government controlled, Government outcome.

Ms Kahn said that in her view, the tragedy of Grenfell Tower was avoidable had sprinklers been fitted to the flats.

The sprinkler, even though they wouldnt have saved the building, they would have saved the people inside the building. It would have given them time to get out, she said.

She urged residents to demand an inquest. Im very concerned as to why Mrs May came out so quickly to say, public inquiry. What is there that she knows that needs to be hidden?
Some 11 Ukrainian agricultural enterprises have been allowed to export livestock products to Moldova, including cheese factories, poultry farms, and cold store facilities.

According to a report by the State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumers' Rights Protection, the agency received the relevant letter from the National Food Safety Agency of Moldova.

The list of enterprises granted the right to export goods to Moldova includes Olis Firm Ltd (Zaporizhia region), Rozhysche cheese factory (Volyn region), Dunai fish canning factory (Odesa region), Hubyn poultry complex LLC (Volyn region), Malynivka LLC (Chernivtsi region), Fores LLC (Odesa region), Food Development LLC (Vinnytsia region), PJSC Lviv cold store facility (Lviv region), Dniprovsky poultry farm (Dnipropetrovsk region), Cherkasyrybhosp (Cherkasy region), and Bar poultry farm (Vinnytsia region).
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The deadly fire that broke out at Grenfell Tower was caused by a faulty fridge in a fourth-floor apartment, reports suggest.

The flats owner, said to be mini-cab driver Behailu Kebede, reportedly attempted to warn other residents about the blaze in his kitchen, potentially saving lives.

Neighbours told how Mr Kebede, a father of one, immediately raised the alarm after discovering the fire in his flat, which was number 16 in the 24-story block, as well as contacting the police and fire services.

Recommended Police open criminal investigation into Grenfell Tower blaze

Maryann Adam, 41, lived next door to Mr Kebede at number 14. She said her neighbour had woken her up to warn her about the fire.

He knocked on the door, and he said there was a fire in his flat, she told MailOnline. It was exactly 12.50am because I was sleeping and it woke me up.

The fire was small in the kitchen. I could see it because the flat door was open. There was no alarm.

 Grenfell Tower fire: How the community responded

The account appears to back up reports in the hours immediately after the fire suggesting a faulty fridge had been to blame, but investigators said their inquiries are at an early stage and have not confirmed what started the blaze.

The fire engulfed the building within minutes - fuelled, reports suggest, by cladding that had been added to the outside of the tower last year in order to improving the appearance of the block.

Grenfell tower fire Show all 42 1 /42 Grenfell tower fire Grenfell tower fire Local residents watch as Grenfell Tower is engulfed by fire Getty Images Grenfell tower fire London Fire Brigade said there has been a number of fatalities from the blaze Rex Features Grenfell tower fire The fire was first reported in the early hours of Wednesday and continued into the morning Rex Features Grenfell tower fire A local resident sees the fire over the rooftops @Ebajgora Grenfell tower fire A firefighter reacts at the scene of the blaze Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Residents watch as the blaze continues Getty Images Grenfell tower fire More than 200 firefighters have been fighting the blaze PA Grenfell tower fire London Mayor Sadiq Khan has declared the fire a major incident Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Police and fire services attempted to evacuate the concrete block of flats Getty Images Grenfell tower fire A woman runs to assist paramedics working at the fire at the Grenfell Tower Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Smoke rises from the building after a huge fire engulfed the 24 story Grenfell Tower in Latimer Road, West London in the early hours of Wednesday morning Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Fire fighters tackle the 24-storey building in West London Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Ambulances are stationed nearby Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Paramedics arrive with oxygen Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Emergency services believe it will take some time to establish the cause of the fire Grenfell tower fire Tens of people have been taken to five different hospitals across London Getty Images Grenfell tower fire A man comforts a boy after the tower block was severely damaged Reuters Grenfell tower fire Firefighters stand amid debris in a childrens playground nearby Reuters Grenfell tower fire Firefighters are stationed at the building Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Smoke engulfs Grenfell tower Rex Features Grenfell tower fire Lots of people donating water, food and clothing to St Clement's church for the residents of Grenfell Tower in Latimer Road Samuel Osborne Grenfell tower fire A man speaks to a fire fighter after a huge fire engulfed the 24 story Grenfell Tower in Latimer Road, West London Getty Images Grenfell tower fire According to the London Fire Brigade (LFB), 40 fire engines and 200 firefighters are working to put out the blaze. Residents in the tower were evacuated and a number of people were treated for a range of injuries EPA Grenfell tower fire A resident of Grenfell Tower is trapped as smoke billows from the window after a fire engulfed the building Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Members of the emergency services work at the scene of a huge blaze which engulfed Grenfell Tower, a residential tower block in Latimer Road Getty Images Grenfell tower fire According to the London Fire Brigade (LFB), 40 fire engines and 200 firefighters are working to put out the blaze EPA Grenfell tower fire Fire fighters tackle the building after a huge fire engulfed the 24 story Grenfell Tower in Latimer Road, West London Getty Images Grenfell tower fire The burnt facade of Grenfell Tower, the night after the fire in Latimer Road, West London REUTERS/Neil Hall Grenfell tower fire Local residents gather at a community centre near Grenfell Tower in Latimer Road REUTERS/Toby Melville Grenfell tower fire A resident in a nearby building watches smoke rise from Grenfell Tower in Latimer Road, West London AP Grenfell tower fire Police and rescue services operate near the fire at Grenfell Tower, a 24-storey apartment block in Latimer Road EPA Grenfell tower fire A man stands amid debris on the A40 after a serious fire in a tower block at Latimer Road in West London REUTERS/Toby Melville Grenfell tower fire A view of the empty A40 highway after it was closed in both directions, due to the proximity of the fire at Grenfell Tower block in Latimer Road EPA Grenfell tower fire Smoke rises from the building after a huge fire engulfed the 24 storey residential Grenfell Tower block in Latimer Road, West London Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Bodies are removed from the scene after a fire engulfed the 24-storey Grenfell Tower in west London Rick Findler/PA Wire Grenfell tower fire Bodies are removed from the scene after a fire engulfed the 24-storey Grenfell Tower in west London Rick Findler/PA Wire Grenfell tower fire Provisions on tables at the Westway Sports Centre close to the scene after a fire engulfed the 24-storey Grenfell Tower in west London Jack Hardy/PA Grenfell tower fire Beds are laid out in the Westway Sports Centre close to the scene after a fire engulfed the 24-storey Grenfell Tower in west London Jack Hardy/PA Wire Grenfell tower fire A pile of donated clothes, sleeping bags and water lie next to a police cordon near the burning the 24 storey residential Grenfell Tower block in Latimer Road, West London Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Signs asking for donations are seen outside the Notting Hill methodist Chruch Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Smoke rises from the building after a huge fire engulfed the 24 storey residential Grenfell Tower block in Latimer Road, West London Getty Images Grenfell tower fire A man is rescued by fire fighters after a huge fire engulfed the 24 storey residential Grenfell Tower block in Latimer Road, West London Getty

Seventeen people are confirmed to have died in the blaze but police said they expect the death toll to rise significantly.

Mr Kebedes friend, Eshete Meried, said the taxi driver, who is originally from Ethiopia, escaped the building but was in shock.

Behailu did raise the alarm, that is what I am hearing, she said.

He is fine but he is not in a position to talk about anything right now. I understand that he in a temporary shelter, staying with friends.

Mr Kebede said he was very upset but did not want to comment further.

It comes as police opened a criminal investigation into whether any individual or company should be held legally responsible for the fire.

Reports suggest that warnings by residents about inadequate fire safety provisions in the tower block were not dealt with by the buildings management company, Kensington and Chelsea Tenant Management Organisation.

Theresa May also announced there will be a full public inquiry, led by a judge, to get to the bottom of what happened and rule on whether the fire could and should have been prevented.
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Kensington and Chelsea Council threatened a resident of Grenfell Tower with legal action after he blogged about his concerns over fire safety.

The Grenfell Action Group (GAG) raised their fears time and again both with the council and with the company which managed the doomed 24-storey tower block, writing an eerily prophetic post last year warning that only a catastrophic event would expose the ineptitude and incompetence of their landlord, the KCTMO.

Instead of taking their concerns seriously, the Conservative-run council replied with its own warning letter from solicitor, Vimal Sama, dated 25 July 2013 and addressed to Francis OConnor, accusing him of defamatory behaviour and harassment.

The letter reads: I am advised by the Director of Housing that you are the author of the Grenfell Action Group blog and maintainer of the website. I am instructed that you previously posted blogs that have in general been critical of everything that takes place in Lancaster West in relation to the Kensington Academy Leisure Centre and investment on the estate.

It continues: In your more recent postings, you have made direct accusations about unfounded criminal actions. You will no doubt appreciate that if you have evidence of criminal activity this should be reported and pursued through the police."

Written on the instructions of the borough solicitor, the letter goes on: I would also ask that you remove from your blog unfounded accusations against named individuals which are your personal opinion and likely to be considered defamatory and also likely to be perceived as harassment by the individuals concerned.

I would be grateful if you could contact Vimal Sama immediately to confirm that you have removed the offending blog and that you will refrain from making unsubstantiated accusations of criminal behaviour and personal comments about an individuals performance or actions whilst working on or for the Estate Management Board.

It concluded: I look forward to receiving your co-operation and await receipt of your confirmation that you will remove your blog on or before 29 July 2013.

The missing people from Grenfell Tower Show all 23 1 /23 The missing people from Grenfell Tower The missing people from Grenfell Tower Jeremiah, son of Zainab Dean The missing people from Grenfell Tower Zainab Dean The missing people from Grenfell Tower Malek Belkadi The missing people from Grenfell Tower Tamzin Belkadi The missing people from Grenfell Tower Rania Ibrham The missing people from Grenfell Tower Jessica Urbano The missing people from Grenfell Tower Yasin el-Wahabi and Nurhada el-Wahabi The missing people from Grenfell Tower Ali Yawar Jafari The missing people from Grenfell Tower Anthony Disson The missing people from Grenfell Tower Mohamed 'Saber' Neda The missing people from Grenfell Tower Mariem Elgwahry The missing people from Grenfell Tower Hesham Rahman The missing people from Grenfell Tower Mohamednur 'Mo' Tuccu The missing people from Grenfell Tower Hamid Kani The missing people from Grenfell Tower Mary Mendy The missing people from Grenfell Tower Sheila Smith The missing people from Grenfell Tower Khadija Saye The missing people from Grenfell Tower Berikti Habtom (L) was still missing according to her sister Arsiema Alula (R) The missing people from Grenfell Tower Ligaya Moore The missing people from Grenfell Tower Dennis Murphy The missing people from Grenfell Tower Nadia Choucair The missing people from Grenfell Tower Gloria Trevisan and Marco Gottardi The missing people from Grenfell Tower Sakineh Afraseiabi and Fatima Afraseiabi

The Grenfell group warned the council and the KCTMO, which manages the borough's housing stock, that the building of a school and gym next to the estate would restrict access for the emergency services, including fire engines.

The group ignored the threat from Kensington and Chelsea and no legal action was taken.

Almost four years on, the authorities could find themselves in the dock if any of the various bodies are found to have been in breach of health and safety laws over the 1970s-built tower block as police announced a criminal inquiry is under way.

Labour MP for Tottenham, David Lammy, a barrister by profession, labelled the fire corporate manslaughter and called for arrests to be made, although he did not name any individuals.

While the cause of the fire may take time to establish, there could be questions to answer at the level of central as well as local government after it emerged former Conservative housing minister Gavin Barwell delayed a fire safety review following a deadly blaze in Camberwell in 2009 which left six people dead, including three children.

It has also been reported that former housing minister Brandon Lewis sat on information and resisted making sprinklers a legal requirement because it would "discourage building.

John Halford, a public law specialist for Bindmans solicitors, who have acted for the Hillsborough families, among other high-profile cases against public bodies, said there were various ways in which criminal proceedings could be brought against public authorities, if they were found culpable in the catastrophe.

Recommended Theresa May announces full public inquiry into Grenfell Tower disaster

He said the Crown Prosecution Service could use health and safety law to prosecute public bodies, as in the case of Jean Charles de Menezes, an innocent man who was shot dead by anti-terrorist officers at a London tube station.

There may be some pressure on the health and safety executive over the future taking of criminal proceedings against public authorities if it turns out that the building was not as it should have been legally.

If it turns out that there is state responsibility, people could also seek compensation under the Human Rights Act  although this is usually not the first thing on peoples minds in these cases.

Recommended Sadiq Khan confronted on live TV by furious Grenfell Tower residents

Amid a growing clamour for answers, Prime Minister Theresa May announced a full public inquiry into the disaster as the death toll continued to climb to 30, although it is expected to be far higher once the grim recovery process concludes.

Some have raised concerns that a Government-led public inquiry will take place instead of inquests, which are independent and jury-led, directed by the Coroner.

On behalf of the Government, Greg Hands, the new minister for London, said: This is an ongoing incident and all parts of the Government will be working together along with the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and the Mayors office.

Under-pressure council leader Mr Paget-Brown appeared on Newsnight last night to say he would not comment on the possibility of corporate manslaughter or other criminal charges.

I think thats a matter for the inquiry, Im not going to comment on any of these allegations. I think that would be the wrong thing to do," he told the programme.

Theres a lot of political comment on this, I understand it, I appreciate it, but I think my job at the moment is to make sure that our borough looks after people whose lives have been devastated. Thats what Im focusing my energies on.

The Metropolitan Police announced they have opened a criminal inquiry shortly after news broke of the full public inquiry.

Metropolitan Police Commander Stuart Cundy said: "As the police, we investigate criminal offences. I am not sitting here and saying there are criminal offences that have been committed, that's why you do an investigation.

We have heard a number of theories about the cause of the fire at Grenfell Tower. All of these will be thoroughly investigated as part of the formal investigation which has already begun.

"This will need to be a lot of work between us and other investigating agencies to establish what has happened and why and that is going to take a considerable period of time."
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An architect and fire expert who presented a damning report to the Home Office about the safety of high rise apartments, has described the Grenfell Tower fire as entirely predictable.

Sam Webb, surveyed hundreds of residential tower blocks across the country in the early 1990s and found that half of those buildings didnt meet basic fire safety standards

He presented his findings in a report to the Home Office.

We discovered a widespread breach of safety," he told The Guardian. "But we were simply told nothing could be done because it would make too many people homeless."

Mr Webb also investigated 2009's fatal Lakanal House fire in Camberwell, south London, which claimed the lives of three women and three young children.

He said both tragedies could have been prevented if his recommendations had been followed.

Cladding panels underneath windows at Lakanal House, a fire that claimed six lives, had caught fire within four-and-a-half minutes  something Mr Webb highlighted.

This tragedy was entirely predictable, sadly, Mr Webb said in a separate interview with the Architects Journal. What we saw at Lakanal House should have been enough to make people think about what was going on with the outside of our buildings in terms of cladding.

Mr Webb sits on the Parliamentary All Party Fire & Rescue Group and said they had been pressuring ministers to ensure sprinkler systems were installed in refurbished and new towers.

Grenfell tower fire Show all 42 1 /42 Grenfell tower fire Grenfell tower fire Local residents watch as Grenfell Tower is engulfed by fire Getty Images Grenfell tower fire London Fire Brigade said there has been a number of fatalities from the blaze Rex Features Grenfell tower fire The fire was first reported in the early hours of Wednesday and continued into the morning Rex Features Grenfell tower fire A local resident sees the fire over the rooftops @Ebajgora Grenfell tower fire A firefighter reacts at the scene of the blaze Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Residents watch as the blaze continues Getty Images Grenfell tower fire More than 200 firefighters have been fighting the blaze PA Grenfell tower fire London Mayor Sadiq Khan has declared the fire a major incident Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Police and fire services attempted to evacuate the concrete block of flats Getty Images Grenfell tower fire A woman runs to assist paramedics working at the fire at the Grenfell Tower Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Smoke rises from the building after a huge fire engulfed the 24 story Grenfell Tower in Latimer Road, West London in the early hours of Wednesday morning Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Fire fighters tackle the 24-storey building in West London Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Ambulances are stationed nearby Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Paramedics arrive with oxygen Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Emergency services believe it will take some time to establish the cause of the fire Grenfell tower fire Tens of people have been taken to five different hospitals across London Getty Images Grenfell tower fire A man comforts a boy after the tower block was severely damaged Reuters Grenfell tower fire Firefighters stand amid debris in a childrens playground nearby Reuters Grenfell tower fire Firefighters are stationed at the building Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Smoke engulfs Grenfell tower Rex Features Grenfell tower fire Lots of people donating water, food and clothing to St Clement's church for the residents of Grenfell Tower in Latimer Road Samuel Osborne Grenfell tower fire A man speaks to a fire fighter after a huge fire engulfed the 24 story Grenfell Tower in Latimer Road, West London Getty Images Grenfell tower fire According to the London Fire Brigade (LFB), 40 fire engines and 200 firefighters are working to put out the blaze. Residents in the tower were evacuated and a number of people were treated for a range of injuries EPA Grenfell tower fire A resident of Grenfell Tower is trapped as smoke billows from the window after a fire engulfed the building Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Members of the emergency services work at the scene of a huge blaze which engulfed Grenfell Tower, a residential tower block in Latimer Road Getty Images Grenfell tower fire According to the London Fire Brigade (LFB), 40 fire engines and 200 firefighters are working to put out the blaze EPA Grenfell tower fire Fire fighters tackle the building after a huge fire engulfed the 24 story Grenfell Tower in Latimer Road, West London Getty Images Grenfell tower fire The burnt facade of Grenfell Tower, the night after the fire in Latimer Road, West London REUTERS/Neil Hall Grenfell tower fire Local residents gather at a community centre near Grenfell Tower in Latimer Road REUTERS/Toby Melville Grenfell tower fire A resident in a nearby building watches smoke rise from Grenfell Tower in Latimer Road, West London AP Grenfell tower fire Police and rescue services operate near the fire at Grenfell Tower, a 24-storey apartment block in Latimer Road EPA Grenfell tower fire A man stands amid debris on the A40 after a serious fire in a tower block at Latimer Road in West London REUTERS/Toby Melville Grenfell tower fire A view of the empty A40 highway after it was closed in both directions, due to the proximity of the fire at Grenfell Tower block in Latimer Road EPA Grenfell tower fire Smoke rises from the building after a huge fire engulfed the 24 storey residential Grenfell Tower block in Latimer Road, West London Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Bodies are removed from the scene after a fire engulfed the 24-storey Grenfell Tower in west London Rick Findler/PA Wire Grenfell tower fire Bodies are removed from the scene after a fire engulfed the 24-storey Grenfell Tower in west London Rick Findler/PA Wire Grenfell tower fire Provisions on tables at the Westway Sports Centre close to the scene after a fire engulfed the 24-storey Grenfell Tower in west London Jack Hardy/PA Grenfell tower fire Beds are laid out in the Westway Sports Centre close to the scene after a fire engulfed the 24-storey Grenfell Tower in west London Jack Hardy/PA Wire Grenfell tower fire A pile of donated clothes, sleeping bags and water lie next to a police cordon near the burning the 24 storey residential Grenfell Tower block in Latimer Road, West London Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Signs asking for donations are seen outside the Notting Hill methodist Chruch Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Smoke rises from the building after a huge fire engulfed the 24 storey residential Grenfell Tower block in Latimer Road, West London Getty Images Grenfell tower fire A man is rescued by fire fighters after a huge fire engulfed the 24 storey residential Grenfell Tower block in Latimer Road, West London Getty

We provide people with water in their homes, why cant we provide sprinkler systems  its not rocket science, Mr Webb said.

Ron Dobson, the then chief fire officer of the London Fire Brigade, concluded at the end of the Lakanal House inquest that these would have saved those who died.

Police have said the death toll from the Grenfell Tower fire has risen to 30, including at least one person who was taken to hospital but later died.

More than 70 people are believed to be unaccounted for since the blaze, which police fear was so devastating that some victims may never be identified.
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Grenfell Tower residents should demand an inquest rather than a public inquiry to get answers about the tragedy, according to a solicitor who acted for people affected in the 2009 Lakanal House fire.

Sophie Khan said that in an inquest the Government would lose control and a jury would be able to deliver its conclusion regardless of whether it was uncomfortable to hear.

In a public inquiry, such as that ordered by the Prime Minister into the fire that killed at least 17 on Wednesday, a minister will set the terms of reference, which guide how the hearings proceed.

Recommended Urgent safety reviews across Britain after Grenfell Tower fire

Ms Khan told BBC Newsnight: In an inquest they lose control of what a jury verdict will do. Juries will come out with narrative verdicts which may be very difficult for the Government to hear.

You can't have both, you can only have one or the other. They [residents] should really be demanding an inquest.

I'm very concerned as to why Ms May came out so quickly to say, 'public inquiry'. What is there, that she knows, that needs to be hidden?

She added: We have to look at the fire assessments because here there is a fire issue as well. It's not just the council we need to look at. What were the fire brigade doing? Refurbishments have been done, what tests did they do on the building?

Grenfell tower fire Show all 42 1 /42 Grenfell tower fire Grenfell tower fire Local residents watch as Grenfell Tower is engulfed by fire Getty Images Grenfell tower fire London Fire Brigade said there has been a number of fatalities from the blaze Rex Features Grenfell tower fire The fire was first reported in the early hours of Wednesday and continued into the morning Rex Features Grenfell tower fire A local resident sees the fire over the rooftops @Ebajgora Grenfell tower fire A firefighter reacts at the scene of the blaze Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Residents watch as the blaze continues Getty Images Grenfell tower fire More than 200 firefighters have been fighting the blaze PA Grenfell tower fire London Mayor Sadiq Khan has declared the fire a major incident Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Police and fire services attempted to evacuate the concrete block of flats Getty Images Grenfell tower fire A woman runs to assist paramedics working at the fire at the Grenfell Tower Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Smoke rises from the building after a huge fire engulfed the 24 story Grenfell Tower in Latimer Road, West London in the early hours of Wednesday morning Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Fire fighters tackle the 24-storey building in West London Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Ambulances are stationed nearby Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Paramedics arrive with oxygen Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Emergency services believe it will take some time to establish the cause of the fire Grenfell tower fire Tens of people have been taken to five different hospitals across London Getty Images Grenfell tower fire A man comforts a boy after the tower block was severely damaged Reuters Grenfell tower fire Firefighters stand amid debris in a childrens playground nearby Reuters Grenfell tower fire Firefighters are stationed at the building Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Smoke engulfs Grenfell tower Rex Features Grenfell tower fire Lots of people donating water, food and clothing to St Clement's church for the residents of Grenfell Tower in Latimer Road Samuel Osborne Grenfell tower fire A man speaks to a fire fighter after a huge fire engulfed the 24 story Grenfell Tower in Latimer Road, West London Getty Images Grenfell tower fire According to the London Fire Brigade (LFB), 40 fire engines and 200 firefighters are working to put out the blaze. Residents in the tower were evacuated and a number of people were treated for a range of injuries EPA Grenfell tower fire A resident of Grenfell Tower is trapped as smoke billows from the window after a fire engulfed the building Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Members of the emergency services work at the scene of a huge blaze which engulfed Grenfell Tower, a residential tower block in Latimer Road Getty Images Grenfell tower fire According to the London Fire Brigade (LFB), 40 fire engines and 200 firefighters are working to put out the blaze EPA Grenfell tower fire Fire fighters tackle the building after a huge fire engulfed the 24 story Grenfell Tower in Latimer Road, West London Getty Images Grenfell tower fire The burnt facade of Grenfell Tower, the night after the fire in Latimer Road, West London REUTERS/Neil Hall Grenfell tower fire Local residents gather at a community centre near Grenfell Tower in Latimer Road REUTERS/Toby Melville Grenfell tower fire A resident in a nearby building watches smoke rise from Grenfell Tower in Latimer Road, West London AP Grenfell tower fire Police and rescue services operate near the fire at Grenfell Tower, a 24-storey apartment block in Latimer Road EPA Grenfell tower fire A man stands amid debris on the A40 after a serious fire in a tower block at Latimer Road in West London REUTERS/Toby Melville Grenfell tower fire A view of the empty A40 highway after it was closed in both directions, due to the proximity of the fire at Grenfell Tower block in Latimer Road EPA Grenfell tower fire Smoke rises from the building after a huge fire engulfed the 24 storey residential Grenfell Tower block in Latimer Road, West London Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Bodies are removed from the scene after a fire engulfed the 24-storey Grenfell Tower in west London Rick Findler/PA Wire Grenfell tower fire Bodies are removed from the scene after a fire engulfed the 24-storey Grenfell Tower in west London Rick Findler/PA Wire Grenfell tower fire Provisions on tables at the Westway Sports Centre close to the scene after a fire engulfed the 24-storey Grenfell Tower in west London Jack Hardy/PA Grenfell tower fire Beds are laid out in the Westway Sports Centre close to the scene after a fire engulfed the 24-storey Grenfell Tower in west London Jack Hardy/PA Wire Grenfell tower fire A pile of donated clothes, sleeping bags and water lie next to a police cordon near the burning the 24 storey residential Grenfell Tower block in Latimer Road, West London Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Signs asking for donations are seen outside the Notting Hill methodist Chruch Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Smoke rises from the building after a huge fire engulfed the 24 storey residential Grenfell Tower block in Latimer Road, West London Getty Images Grenfell tower fire A man is rescued by fire fighters after a huge fire engulfed the 24 storey residential Grenfell Tower block in Latimer Road, West London Getty

Ms May has said there will be a proper investigation following the Grenfell Tower fire, adding that if there are any lessons to be learned they will be, and action will be taken.

Announcing the inquiry, she added: We need to ensure that this terrible tragedy is properly investigated. People deserve answers. The inquiry will give them.

Downing Street declined to comment further when approached by The Independent.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan said residents were understandably very angry that previous concerns had not been addressed in one of the wealthiest areas of the UK, calling for the inquirys leading judge to release an interim report over the summer.
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An Italian couple feared dead in the Grenfell Tower fire phoned their families to say goodbye as they watched the flames rise towards them, it has emerged.

Gloria Trevisan and Marco Gottardi were in their 23rd-floor flat when they became aware of the blaze, which killed at least 30 and injured many more.

With little chance of escape the 27-year-old architects phoned their parents, who said they told them they could see the flames raging up the stairs.

 Grenfell Tower fire: Protesters storm Kensington Town Hall

I am so sorry I can never hug you again, Ms Trevisan said, her father Loris told La Repubblica newspaper. I had my whole life ahead of me. Its not fair. I dont want to die. I wanted to help you, to thank you for all you did for me.

I am about to go to heaven, I will help you from there.

After the phone line cut out at around 3am, he added that they made hundreds of calls to their daughter, but they were unable to get through.

Their daughter had phoned them at their home in Padua earlier on to say that they had heard there was a fire on the fourth floor.

But she reassured her parents that it appeared that firefighters would be able to extinguish it.

As they watched the blaze on television, Mr Trevisan said his daughter told him they wanted to go down but said they could see flames going up the stairs and the smoke was more and more intense.

Mr Gottardi also called his family twice at 2.45am and again just over 15 minutes later, at which point he said the apartment was flooded with smoke and the situation had reached emergency, his father, Giannino Gottardi, told Il Mattino di Padova.

In the first call, Marco told us not to worry, that everything was under control, that basically we must not worry. He was trying to minimise what happened, probably not to unsettle us, he said.

The missing people from Grenfell Tower Show all 23 1 /23 The missing people from Grenfell Tower The missing people from Grenfell Tower Jeremiah, son of Zainab Dean The missing people from Grenfell Tower Zainab Dean The missing people from Grenfell Tower Malek Belkadi The missing people from Grenfell Tower Tamzin Belkadi The missing people from Grenfell Tower Rania Ibrham The missing people from Grenfell Tower Jessica Urbano The missing people from Grenfell Tower Yasin el-Wahabi and Nurhada el-Wahabi The missing people from Grenfell Tower Ali Yawar Jafari The missing people from Grenfell Tower Anthony Disson The missing people from Grenfell Tower Mohamed 'Saber' Neda The missing people from Grenfell Tower Mariem Elgwahry The missing people from Grenfell Tower Hesham Rahman The missing people from Grenfell Tower Mohamednur 'Mo' Tuccu The missing people from Grenfell Tower Hamid Kani The missing people from Grenfell Tower Mary Mendy The missing people from Grenfell Tower Sheila Smith The missing people from Grenfell Tower Khadija Saye The missing people from Grenfell Tower Berikti Habtom (L) was still missing according to her sister Arsiema Alula (R) The missing people from Grenfell Tower Ligaya Moore The missing people from Grenfell Tower Dennis Murphy The missing people from Grenfell Tower Nadia Choucair The missing people from Grenfell Tower Gloria Trevisan and Marco Gottardi The missing people from Grenfell Tower Sakineh Afraseiabi and Fatima Afraseiabi

But in the second call  and I cant get this out of my head  he said there was smoke, that so much smoke was rising. We were on the phone until the last moment  At 4.07am [Italian time] he told us their apartment was flooded with smoke and that the situation had become an emergency.

The communications broke down and from that moment on we no longer had any contact. The phone didnt pick up again.

Police confirmed on Friday afternoon that the death toll had risen to 30, and was likely to increase further. Twenty-four people remain in hospital, of whom 12 are in a critical condition, while scores of others remain unaccounted for.
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Kensington and Chelsea council was warned it should review the fire risk posed by external panelling on its buildings months before the devastating Grenfell Tower fire.

London Fire Brigade wrote to all councils in the capital after a faulty tumble dryer caused a huge blaze in Shepherds Bush in August 2016.

Its analysis found exterior panelling may have contributed to the spread of the fire on the outside of the Shepherds Court flats building  similar to the effect seen in Wednesdays inferno in north Kensington.

The cladding attached to the outside of Grenfell Tower during a refurbishment in May 2016 was made of aluminium and polyethylene, different to that in the Shepherds Court incident, which was constructed of plywood and polystyrene, according to a report in Inside Housing.

A London Fire Brigade spokesman said in a statement to The Independent: Tests were carried out by the brigades scientific advisors on exterior panels from the block of flats at Shepherds Court as part of our investigations into the cause of last Augusts fire.

These revealed materials that formed part of the panels construction may have contributed to the spread of the fire on the outside of the building.

We have written to Hammersmith and Fulham Council and all other London boroughs to inform them of the results and have advised that they review the use of these panels in their buildings and take appropriate action to mitigate the fire risk.

Kensington and Chelsea council did not respond to a request for information about its response to the letter by the time this article was published.

In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Show all 51 1 /51 In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Police have released images from inside the tower where at least 58 people have died Metropolitan Police In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A still from a video shared by polices what appears to be a stationary bicycle sitting among the ashes In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A still from a video shared by police shows the remnants of a burnt-out bathroom In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Picture showing the lifts on an unknown floor Metropolitan Police In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Emergency crews outside the front entrance to the tower Metropolitan Police In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Fire crews inspecting flats in the burnt out tower London Metropolitan Police In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Grenfell Tower is seen in the distance PA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A drone flies near the scene of the fire which destroyed the Grenfell Tower block REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire 'Theresa May Stay Away' message written on the messages of support at Latymer Community Church for those affected by the fire Ray Tang/REX In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire An aerial view of the area surrounding Grenfall tower Getty In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Donated shoes sit in the Westway Sports Centre near to the site of the Grenfell Tower fire Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Messages of support for those affected by the massive fire in Grenfell Tower are displayed on a well near the tower in London AP In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A local resident stands on her balcony by the gutted Grenfell Tower in Latimer Road Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Messages of condolence are left at a relief centre close to the scene of the fire that broke out at Grenfell Tower, EPA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A police officer stands by a security cordon outside Latimer Road station Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Firemen examine the scorched facade of the Grenfell Tower in London on a huge ladder AP In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A search dog is led through the rubble of the Grenfell Tower in London as firefighting continue to damp-down the deadly fire AP In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn comforts a local resident (name not given) at St Clement's Church in west London where volunteers have provided shelter and support for people affected by the fire at Grenfell Tower David Mirzoeff/PA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn hugs councillor Mushtaq Lasharie as he arrives at St Clement's Church in Latimer Road, where volunteers have provided shelter and support for people affected by the fire at Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn meeting staff and volunteers at St Clementis Church in Latimer Road David Mirzoeff/PA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Firefighters with a dog walk around the base of the Grenfell Tower REUTERS/Peter Nicholls In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Emotions run high as people attend a candle lit vigil outside Notting Hill Methodist Church near the 24 storey residential Grenfell Tower block in Latimer Road, West London Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Debris hangs from the blackened exterior of Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A woman speaks to Mayor of London Sadiq Khan outside Notting Hill Methodist Church near Grenfell Tower in west London after a fire engulfed the 24-storey building Yui Mok/PA Wire In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A woman holds a missing person posters near the Grenfell Tower block REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Sadiq Khan speaking with a resident James Gourley/REX In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Ken Livingstone walks near the scene of the Grenfell Tower fire Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Mayor of London Sadiq Khan is confronted by Kai Ramos, 7, near Grenfell Tower in west London after a fire engulfed the 24-storey building Yui Mok/PA Wire In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Mayor of London Sadiq Khan speaks to a woman outside Notting Hill Methodist Church near Grenfell Tower Yui Mok/PA Wire In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Volunteers distribute aid near Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Family and friends of missing Jessica Urbano, 12, wearing photographs of Jessica pinned to their t-shirts gather near Grenfell Tower EPA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Family and friends of missing Jessica Urbano, 12, wearing photographs of Jessica pinned to their t-shirts gather near Grenfell Tower EPA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Family and friends of missing Jessica Urbano, 12, wearing photographs of Jessica pinned to their t-shirts gather near Grenfell Tower EPA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire People attend a vigil at Notting Hill Methodist Church near Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire People gather to observe a vigil outside St Clement's Church following the blaze at Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire People light candles as they observe a vigil outside St Clement's Church following the blaze at Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire People attend a vigil at Notting Hill Methodist Church near Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A man distributes food from the back of a van near the scene of the fire which destroyed the Grenfell Tower block REUTERS/Paul Hackett In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A firefighter is cheered near the scene of the fire which destroyed the Grenfell Tower block REUTERS/Paul Hackett In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A T-shirt with a written message from the London Fire Brigade hangs from a fence near The Grenfell Tower block REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A young girl on her way to lay flowers near Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire The remains of residential tower block Grenfell Tower are seen from Dixon House a nearby tower block Getty In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Volunteers prepare supplies for people affected by the Grenfell Tower block which was destroyed in a fire REUTERS/Neil Hall In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Volunteers move a car to make space for a lorry picking up supplies for people affected by the Grenfell Tower block REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire People distribute boxes of food near the scene of the fire which destroyed the Grenfell Tower bloc REUTERS/Paul Hackett In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A woman touches a missing poster for 12-year-old Jessica Urbano on a tribute wall after laying flowers on the side of Latymer Community Church next to the fire-gutted Grenfell Tower AP In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A man looks at messages written on a wall near the scene of the fire which destroyed the Grenfell Tower block REUTERS/Paul Hackett In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Candles and messages of condolence near where the fire broke out at Grenfell Tower EPA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Police carry a stretcher towards Grenfell Tower Rick Findler/PA Wire In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Emergency services at Grenfell Tower Rick Findler/PA Wire In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Police carry out a body from Grenfell Tower in west London after a fire engulfed the 24-storey building Rick Findler/PA Wire

But a chartered surveyor told The Independent the authority may not have had enough staff to examine its entire estate for potentially flammable external cladding.

Arnold Tarling, of Hindwoods, said: They wont have the people to go around and check every building.

How many thousands of properties are being built? Leisure centres, schools, God knows where this stuff is. Doctors surgeries, hospitals, where the hell is it?

I would support a ban on any flammable cladding.

Theresa May could take an executive decision to ban all cladding until its safety is assessed, he added.

In the wake of the fire, which claimed at least 30 lives, reports suggested other local authorities were suspending or reviewing construction projects that included cladding.

The Prime Minister has ordered a public inquiry to find out how the tragedy occurred.

Documents from the Kensington and Chelsea Tenant Management Organisation said it had been in close liaison with the fire brigade throughout the duration of the project, which cost some 8.6m.

A board meeting report from November 2016 added: At the conclusion of the work some of the operational firefighters from the local fire station attended an onsite briefing where the contractor demonstrated the fire safety features of the building.
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Grenfell Tower residents complained two years ago about the refurbishment of the building being done using cheap materials and workmanship that cut corners, The Independent can reveal.

They later claimed that Conservative-led Kensington and Chelsea Council, owner of the building consumed by fire on Wednesday, had done nothing to address their concerns.

Surfacing days after the catastrophic blaze that killed at least 30 people, the allegations are likely to fuel claims that cost-cutting might have been put before safety.

They come amid reports that cladding used in the refurbishment contained a flammable plastic core, of a kind allegedly banned in the US for buildings taller than 40ft, despite a fire resistant alternative costing only about 5,000 extra.

Recommended Grenfell Tower residents storm Kensington Town Hall in angry protest

Numerous survivors of the blaze have claimed the exterior cladding was linked to the way the fire spread so rapidly up the outside of the tower, with one describing the flames coming up really fast, because of the cladding, [which] just caught up like a matchstick.

Minutes from an emergency residents meeting held on 17 March 2015 show that more than 100 people living in the block produced a long list of issues about the refurbishment.

The minutes detail anxieties about the way the firm Rydon was doing the work and the role of the towers administrators Kensington and Chelsea Tenant Management Organisation (TMO) and mention the concern that TMO/Rydon are using cheap materials and cutting corners on workmanship.

Other problems included grave concerns at standard of works inside a number of residents properties.

Kensington and Chelsea Council, which owns Grenfell Tower, told residents a working group would be commissioned at some point in the future to investigate their worries. But in June 2016, six months after receiving this promise, the Grenfell Action Group claimed nothing had been done.

It is not yet clear whether anyone ever looked into the residents warnings.

 Grenfell Tower Fire protesters enter Kensington Town Hall

It has also emerged that in order to save money, Kensington and Chelsea council ditched Leadbitter, the original proposed contractor, and instead went with Rydons cheaper bid for the refurbishment work.

In July 2013 the councils Housing and Property Scrutiny Committee proposed to market test the works through an open tender after noting: Leadbitter currently estimate the cost of the works to be 1.6m above the current, proposed budget.

Rydon eventually completed the refurbishment in May 2016, for 2.5m less than the 11.278m quoted by Leadbitter.

In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Show all 51 1 /51 In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Police have released images from inside the tower where at least 58 people have died Metropolitan Police In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A still from a video shared by polices what appears to be a stationary bicycle sitting among the ashes In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A still from a video shared by police shows the remnants of a burnt-out bathroom In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Picture showing the lifts on an unknown floor Metropolitan Police In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Emergency crews outside the front entrance to the tower Metropolitan Police In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Fire crews inspecting flats in the burnt out tower London Metropolitan Police In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Grenfell Tower is seen in the distance PA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A drone flies near the scene of the fire which destroyed the Grenfell Tower block REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire 'Theresa May Stay Away' message written on the messages of support at Latymer Community Church for those affected by the fire Ray Tang/REX In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire An aerial view of the area surrounding Grenfall tower Getty In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Donated shoes sit in the Westway Sports Centre near to the site of the Grenfell Tower fire Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Messages of support for those affected by the massive fire in Grenfell Tower are displayed on a well near the tower in London AP In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A local resident stands on her balcony by the gutted Grenfell Tower in Latimer Road Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Messages of condolence are left at a relief centre close to the scene of the fire that broke out at Grenfell Tower, EPA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A police officer stands by a security cordon outside Latimer Road station Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Firemen examine the scorched facade of the Grenfell Tower in London on a huge ladder AP In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A search dog is led through the rubble of the Grenfell Tower in London as firefighting continue to damp-down the deadly fire AP In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn comforts a local resident (name not given) at St Clement's Church in west London where volunteers have provided shelter and support for people affected by the fire at Grenfell Tower David Mirzoeff/PA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn hugs councillor Mushtaq Lasharie as he arrives at St Clement's Church in Latimer Road, where volunteers have provided shelter and support for people affected by the fire at Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn meeting staff and volunteers at St Clementis Church in Latimer Road David Mirzoeff/PA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Firefighters with a dog walk around the base of the Grenfell Tower REUTERS/Peter Nicholls In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Emotions run high as people attend a candle lit vigil outside Notting Hill Methodist Church near the 24 storey residential Grenfell Tower block in Latimer Road, West London Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Debris hangs from the blackened exterior of Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A woman speaks to Mayor of London Sadiq Khan outside Notting Hill Methodist Church near Grenfell Tower in west London after a fire engulfed the 24-storey building Yui Mok/PA Wire In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A woman holds a missing person posters near the Grenfell Tower block REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Sadiq Khan speaking with a resident James Gourley/REX In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Ken Livingstone walks near the scene of the Grenfell Tower fire Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Mayor of London Sadiq Khan is confronted by Kai Ramos, 7, near Grenfell Tower in west London after a fire engulfed the 24-storey building Yui Mok/PA Wire In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Mayor of London Sadiq Khan speaks to a woman outside Notting Hill Methodist Church near Grenfell Tower Yui Mok/PA Wire In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Volunteers distribute aid near Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Family and friends of missing Jessica Urbano, 12, wearing photographs of Jessica pinned to their t-shirts gather near Grenfell Tower EPA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Family and friends of missing Jessica Urbano, 12, wearing photographs of Jessica pinned to their t-shirts gather near Grenfell Tower EPA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Family and friends of missing Jessica Urbano, 12, wearing photographs of Jessica pinned to their t-shirts gather near Grenfell Tower EPA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire People attend a vigil at Notting Hill Methodist Church near Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire People gather to observe a vigil outside St Clement's Church following the blaze at Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire People light candles as they observe a vigil outside St Clement's Church following the blaze at Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire People attend a vigil at Notting Hill Methodist Church near Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A man distributes food from the back of a van near the scene of the fire which destroyed the Grenfell Tower block REUTERS/Paul Hackett In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A firefighter is cheered near the scene of the fire which destroyed the Grenfell Tower block REUTERS/Paul Hackett In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A T-shirt with a written message from the London Fire Brigade hangs from a fence near The Grenfell Tower block REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A young girl on her way to lay flowers near Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire The remains of residential tower block Grenfell Tower are seen from Dixon House a nearby tower block Getty In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Volunteers prepare supplies for people affected by the Grenfell Tower block which was destroyed in a fire REUTERS/Neil Hall In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Volunteers move a car to make space for a lorry picking up supplies for people affected by the Grenfell Tower block REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire People distribute boxes of food near the scene of the fire which destroyed the Grenfell Tower bloc REUTERS/Paul Hackett In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A woman touches a missing poster for 12-year-old Jessica Urbano on a tribute wall after laying flowers on the side of Latymer Community Church next to the fire-gutted Grenfell Tower AP In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A man looks at messages written on a wall near the scene of the fire which destroyed the Grenfell Tower block REUTERS/Paul Hackett In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Candles and messages of condolence near where the fire broke out at Grenfell Tower EPA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Police carry a stretcher towards Grenfell Tower Rick Findler/PA Wire In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Emergency services at Grenfell Tower Rick Findler/PA Wire In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Police carry out a body from Grenfell Tower in west London after a fire engulfed the 24-storey building Rick Findler/PA Wire

Although this may have been a legitimate cost-saving exercise by the council, the Grenfell Tower fire has led to questions about whether enough money was spent on the building, which is situated in the northern, poorer part of one of the wealthiest boroughs in the UK. Questions have also been raised about the funding of 4,000 similar high rises around the country and whether they can now be considered safe.

Peter John, leader of Southwark Council, where six people died in the Lakanal House tower block fire in 2009, has complained that spending restrictions imposed by central Government are limiting local authorities ability to build safety features into high rises.

He told the BBC: You dont hear of tragedies like this happening in private blocks. It is a scandal, an absolute scandal that it only seems to befall public housing and social housing.

In January 2016, residents of Grenfell Tower took their concerns about cheap materials and poor workmanship to a meeting of the councils Housing and Property Scrutiny Committee.

Minutes of this meeting confirm that councillors were addressed by Edward Daffarn, lead representative of the Grenfell Tower Residents Association.

 London fire: Flames engulf Grenfell Tower in Kensington

Mr Daffarn, 55, who this week nearly choked to death as smoke engulfed his 16th floor flat, complained of poor workmanship and the lack of response to legitimate complaints.

The minutes added: He concluded that there was a need for urgent scrutiny of the management of the works that had been carried out. He said residents had been belittled, ignored or side-lined and their day-to-day concerns downplayed.

The minutes also show that the Conservative chairman of the committee Quentin Marshall: Agreed that a working group would be commissioned at some point in the future, but that this was dependent on a number of factors including the conclusion of existing working groups and the review work conducted by the TMO.

Six months later, in June 2016, residents on the Grenfell Action Group complained: No form of investigation has occurred and the Housing and Property Scrutiny Committee seems determined to turn a blind eye to the abuse and ill-treatment of which we so bitterly complained.

The Independent has contacted the council and TMO for comment, but it was not immediately clear whether any action was ever taken to look into the residents complaints.

Olesea Matcovschi, chairwoman of the residents association for the Lancaster West Estate, which contains Grenfell Tower, said tenants who raised concerns about the building were considered troublemakers by the council.

She said: "Whenever we tried to contact the council directly they would not actually let us. They would say we have to speak to them through the TMO.

"Whenever we had concerns they were just ignored, or people who were raising the concerns were considered troublemakers.

"We were not listened to at all. Although we knew about the safety issues, we were just ignored. It looks like they chose to ignore us."

Responding to the anger of local people, Kensington and Chelsea Council leader Nick Paget-Brown insisted: "It's not a question of wealth, it's not question of economy. This was a major refurbishment of a tower.

He told Sky News: "Clearly something has gone tragically wrong, but the intention was to improve the quality of the housing, and to ensure heating systems, boilers, central heating, insulation was improved. That was the whole purpose of doing this renovation."

The council has also issued a statement in which it said: We have heard a number of theories about the cause of the fire at Grenfell Tower. All of these will be thoroughly investigated as part of the formal investigation which has already begun.

Rydon has been contacted for comment. It has repeatedly said that all the refurbishment work carried out at Grenfell Tower met both building and fire regulation standards and was signed off by the council.
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Installing fire-resistant cladding at Grenfell Tower would have cost just 5,000 extra, it has been claimed, after the spotlight fell on the building's facade as a factor in Wednesday's devastating fire.

The Kensington tower block was totally incinerated in the blaze and at least 17 people were killed. It was refurbished in 2016 at a cost of about 8.6m and new aluminium panels were added to the exterior.

A salesman for the US company Reynobond, which produces the panels, told The Times the type of material believed to have been used on Grenfell Tower was banned on tall buildings in the US because of the fire and smoke spread.

Recommended Urgent safety reviews across Britain after Grenfell Tower fire

According to the paper, a flammable version with a plastic core was used at Grenfell Tower, in place of a fire-resistant one that cost 2 more per square metre.

Kensington and Chelsea council documents show the refurbishment, which also included new windows, was intended to provide better insulation and energy efficiency.

Rydon Construction, which refurbished the building, said that it was confident the construction was up to standards.

It said it was "shocked to hear of the devastating fire" but that all the work "met all required building control, fire regulation and health & safety standards".

Grenfell tower fire Show all 42 1 /42 Grenfell tower fire Grenfell tower fire Local residents watch as Grenfell Tower is engulfed by fire Getty Images Grenfell tower fire London Fire Brigade said there has been a number of fatalities from the blaze Rex Features Grenfell tower fire The fire was first reported in the early hours of Wednesday and continued into the morning Rex Features Grenfell tower fire A local resident sees the fire over the rooftops @Ebajgora Grenfell tower fire A firefighter reacts at the scene of the blaze Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Residents watch as the blaze continues Getty Images Grenfell tower fire More than 200 firefighters have been fighting the blaze PA Grenfell tower fire London Mayor Sadiq Khan has declared the fire a major incident Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Police and fire services attempted to evacuate the concrete block of flats Getty Images Grenfell tower fire A woman runs to assist paramedics working at the fire at the Grenfell Tower Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Smoke rises from the building after a huge fire engulfed the 24 story Grenfell Tower in Latimer Road, West London in the early hours of Wednesday morning Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Fire fighters tackle the 24-storey building in West London Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Ambulances are stationed nearby Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Paramedics arrive with oxygen Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Emergency services believe it will take some time to establish the cause of the fire Grenfell tower fire Tens of people have been taken to five different hospitals across London Getty Images Grenfell tower fire A man comforts a boy after the tower block was severely damaged Reuters Grenfell tower fire Firefighters stand amid debris in a childrens playground nearby Reuters Grenfell tower fire Firefighters are stationed at the building Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Smoke engulfs Grenfell tower Rex Features Grenfell tower fire Lots of people donating water, food and clothing to St Clement's church for the residents of Grenfell Tower in Latimer Road Samuel Osborne Grenfell tower fire A man speaks to a fire fighter after a huge fire engulfed the 24 story Grenfell Tower in Latimer Road, West London Getty Images Grenfell tower fire According to the London Fire Brigade (LFB), 40 fire engines and 200 firefighters are working to put out the blaze. Residents in the tower were evacuated and a number of people were treated for a range of injuries EPA Grenfell tower fire A resident of Grenfell Tower is trapped as smoke billows from the window after a fire engulfed the building Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Members of the emergency services work at the scene of a huge blaze which engulfed Grenfell Tower, a residential tower block in Latimer Road Getty Images Grenfell tower fire According to the London Fire Brigade (LFB), 40 fire engines and 200 firefighters are working to put out the blaze EPA Grenfell tower fire Fire fighters tackle the building after a huge fire engulfed the 24 story Grenfell Tower in Latimer Road, West London Getty Images Grenfell tower fire The burnt facade of Grenfell Tower, the night after the fire in Latimer Road, West London REUTERS/Neil Hall Grenfell tower fire Local residents gather at a community centre near Grenfell Tower in Latimer Road REUTERS/Toby Melville Grenfell tower fire A resident in a nearby building watches smoke rise from Grenfell Tower in Latimer Road, West London AP Grenfell tower fire Police and rescue services operate near the fire at Grenfell Tower, a 24-storey apartment block in Latimer Road EPA Grenfell tower fire A man stands amid debris on the A40 after a serious fire in a tower block at Latimer Road in West London REUTERS/Toby Melville Grenfell tower fire A view of the empty A40 highway after it was closed in both directions, due to the proximity of the fire at Grenfell Tower block in Latimer Road EPA Grenfell tower fire Smoke rises from the building after a huge fire engulfed the 24 storey residential Grenfell Tower block in Latimer Road, West London Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Bodies are removed from the scene after a fire engulfed the 24-storey Grenfell Tower in west London Rick Findler/PA Wire Grenfell tower fire Bodies are removed from the scene after a fire engulfed the 24-storey Grenfell Tower in west London Rick Findler/PA Wire Grenfell tower fire Provisions on tables at the Westway Sports Centre close to the scene after a fire engulfed the 24-storey Grenfell Tower in west London Jack Hardy/PA Grenfell tower fire Beds are laid out in the Westway Sports Centre close to the scene after a fire engulfed the 24-storey Grenfell Tower in west London Jack Hardy/PA Wire Grenfell tower fire A pile of donated clothes, sleeping bags and water lie next to a police cordon near the burning the 24 storey residential Grenfell Tower block in Latimer Road, West London Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Signs asking for donations are seen outside the Notting Hill methodist Chruch Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Smoke rises from the building after a huge fire engulfed the 24 storey residential Grenfell Tower block in Latimer Road, West London Getty Images Grenfell tower fire A man is rescued by fire fighters after a huge fire engulfed the 24 storey residential Grenfell Tower block in Latimer Road, West London Getty

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has demanded a public inquiry, ordered by the Government, produce an interim report so residents and politicians can get answers sooner about how the disaster happened.

And thousands of homes in tower blocks across the UK are undergoing urgent safety reviews following the fire.
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A Syrian refugee family believed to have gone missing following the devastating Grenfell Tower fire have been found safe and well.

The Khudair family, believed to be made up of two parents and their three adult daughters, were living in a flat about midway up the 24 storey tower in west London having fled the civil war.

They were reported missing by Catherine Lindsay, an adult language tutor at a local charity, who was teaching them English.

Ms Lindsay told the Huffington Post the family had arrived from Syria recently and she hoped they were alive and well.

But The Independent has now managed to speak to one of the daughters, Rawan, via Facebook who said they were unhurt in the fire but their flat was burned and all their belongings had been destroyed.

She said they were now getting help from the local community, saying they had been very nice.

At least 30 people have died in the fire, with the death toll expected to rise, and the first victim has been identified as Syrian refugee Mohammed Alhajali.

The 23-year-old tried to leave his 14th-floor flat with older brother Omar but the pair became separated on the way down and he returned upstairs.

While waiting for over two hours to be rescued by firefighters, Mr Alhajali messaged family and friends in Syria to say goodbye.

Grenfell tower fire Show all 42 1 /42 Grenfell tower fire Grenfell tower fire Local residents watch as Grenfell Tower is engulfed by fire Getty Images Grenfell tower fire London Fire Brigade said there has been a number of fatalities from the blaze Rex Features Grenfell tower fire The fire was first reported in the early hours of Wednesday and continued into the morning Rex Features Grenfell tower fire A local resident sees the fire over the rooftops @Ebajgora Grenfell tower fire A firefighter reacts at the scene of the blaze Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Residents watch as the blaze continues Getty Images Grenfell tower fire More than 200 firefighters have been fighting the blaze PA Grenfell tower fire London Mayor Sadiq Khan has declared the fire a major incident Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Police and fire services attempted to evacuate the concrete block of flats Getty Images Grenfell tower fire A woman runs to assist paramedics working at the fire at the Grenfell Tower Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Smoke rises from the building after a huge fire engulfed the 24 story Grenfell Tower in Latimer Road, West London in the early hours of Wednesday morning Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Fire fighters tackle the 24-storey building in West London Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Ambulances are stationed nearby Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Paramedics arrive with oxygen Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Emergency services believe it will take some time to establish the cause of the fire Grenfell tower fire Tens of people have been taken to five different hospitals across London Getty Images Grenfell tower fire A man comforts a boy after the tower block was severely damaged Reuters Grenfell tower fire Firefighters stand amid debris in a childrens playground nearby Reuters Grenfell tower fire Firefighters are stationed at the building Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Smoke engulfs Grenfell tower Rex Features Grenfell tower fire Lots of people donating water, food and clothing to St Clement's church for the residents of Grenfell Tower in Latimer Road Samuel Osborne Grenfell tower fire A man speaks to a fire fighter after a huge fire engulfed the 24 story Grenfell Tower in Latimer Road, West London Getty Images Grenfell tower fire According to the London Fire Brigade (LFB), 40 fire engines and 200 firefighters are working to put out the blaze. Residents in the tower were evacuated and a number of people were treated for a range of injuries EPA Grenfell tower fire A resident of Grenfell Tower is trapped as smoke billows from the window after a fire engulfed the building Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Members of the emergency services work at the scene of a huge blaze which engulfed Grenfell Tower, a residential tower block in Latimer Road Getty Images Grenfell tower fire According to the London Fire Brigade (LFB), 40 fire engines and 200 firefighters are working to put out the blaze EPA Grenfell tower fire Fire fighters tackle the building after a huge fire engulfed the 24 story Grenfell Tower in Latimer Road, West London Getty Images Grenfell tower fire The burnt facade of Grenfell Tower, the night after the fire in Latimer Road, West London REUTERS/Neil Hall Grenfell tower fire Local residents gather at a community centre near Grenfell Tower in Latimer Road REUTERS/Toby Melville Grenfell tower fire A resident in a nearby building watches smoke rise from Grenfell Tower in Latimer Road, West London AP Grenfell tower fire Police and rescue services operate near the fire at Grenfell Tower, a 24-storey apartment block in Latimer Road EPA Grenfell tower fire A man stands amid debris on the A40 after a serious fire in a tower block at Latimer Road in West London REUTERS/Toby Melville Grenfell tower fire A view of the empty A40 highway after it was closed in both directions, due to the proximity of the fire at Grenfell Tower block in Latimer Road EPA Grenfell tower fire Smoke rises from the building after a huge fire engulfed the 24 storey residential Grenfell Tower block in Latimer Road, West London Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Bodies are removed from the scene after a fire engulfed the 24-storey Grenfell Tower in west London Rick Findler/PA Wire Grenfell tower fire Bodies are removed from the scene after a fire engulfed the 24-storey Grenfell Tower in west London Rick Findler/PA Wire Grenfell tower fire Provisions on tables at the Westway Sports Centre close to the scene after a fire engulfed the 24-storey Grenfell Tower in west London Jack Hardy/PA Grenfell tower fire Beds are laid out in the Westway Sports Centre close to the scene after a fire engulfed the 24-storey Grenfell Tower in west London Jack Hardy/PA Wire Grenfell tower fire A pile of donated clothes, sleeping bags and water lie next to a police cordon near the burning the 24 storey residential Grenfell Tower block in Latimer Road, West London Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Signs asking for donations are seen outside the Notting Hill methodist Chruch Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Smoke rises from the building after a huge fire engulfed the 24 storey residential Grenfell Tower block in Latimer Road, West London Getty Images Grenfell tower fire A man is rescued by fire fighters after a huge fire engulfed the 24 storey residential Grenfell Tower block in Latimer Road, West London Getty

Friends confirmed 25-year-old Omar made it out and is currently being treated for smoke inhalation at King's Cross hospital.

Local artist Khadija Saye, whose work is currently being exhibited at the prestigious Venice Biennale art show, was also confirmed to have died in the blaze.

She lived on the 20th floor with her mother, Mary Mende, who is still unaccounted for.

Anger has grown about the conduct of the authorities both before and after the blaze.

It has emerged that the fire, which is believed to have been started on one of the lower floors, may have spread quickly due to the plastic cladding on the corners of the building.

The managers of the building, the Kensington and Chelsea Tenants' Organisation, have been accused of putting the cladding on the building to make it look nicer for their wealthier neighbours.

They were heavily criticised for not installing slightly more expensive but non-flammable type of cladding which would have cost just 5,000 more, and for the lack of sprinklers in the building.

Grenfell Tower Action Blog, which had been campaigning for changes to the safety procedures in the tower, wrote in a 2016 post the block was a "catastrophe waiting to happen" and said residents had repeatedly warned the council about fire safety.
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People living in flats opposite Grenfell Tower were reportedly left shaking with rage after they received legal threats about ball games less than two days after the tragedy that killed dozens of local residents.

The Kensington and Chelsea Tenant Management Organisation (KCTMO), accused flat-owners of antisocial behaviour by allowing their children to play games in the private courtyard of More West & Frinstead House.

The company works closely with the council and also managed the burned out apartment building,

The letter said plants and wooden structures are being damaged by children playing and that costs would be passed onto whoever is identified as responsible.

It added: There are signs in the Courtyard regarding no ball games are to be played in this area. These signs are being ignored.

May I remind you of the Antisocial Behaviour and Harassment clause of your tenancy agreement, which states the tenant will not cause a nuisance or disturbance to any person or commit any acts of harassment to any person within the property.

If the tenant is found to be in breach of this agreement the landlord may commence legal proceedings that may include possession of the property, injunctions, orders or arrest.

Residents of More West & Frinstead House told ITV News they were incensed by the timing of the hand-delivered missive.

Residents here are shaking with rage, he tweeted. One woman ran up to me screaming through gritted teeth.

In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Show all 51 1 /51 In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Police have released images from inside the tower where at least 58 people have died Metropolitan Police In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A still from a video shared by polices what appears to be a stationary bicycle sitting among the ashes In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A still from a video shared by police shows the remnants of a burnt-out bathroom In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Picture showing the lifts on an unknown floor Metropolitan Police In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Emergency crews outside the front entrance to the tower Metropolitan Police In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Fire crews inspecting flats in the burnt out tower London Metropolitan Police In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Grenfell Tower is seen in the distance PA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A drone flies near the scene of the fire which destroyed the Grenfell Tower block REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire 'Theresa May Stay Away' message written on the messages of support at Latymer Community Church for those affected by the fire Ray Tang/REX In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire An aerial view of the area surrounding Grenfall tower Getty In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Donated shoes sit in the Westway Sports Centre near to the site of the Grenfell Tower fire Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Messages of support for those affected by the massive fire in Grenfell Tower are displayed on a well near the tower in London AP In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A local resident stands on her balcony by the gutted Grenfell Tower in Latimer Road Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Messages of condolence are left at a relief centre close to the scene of the fire that broke out at Grenfell Tower, EPA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A police officer stands by a security cordon outside Latimer Road station Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Firemen examine the scorched facade of the Grenfell Tower in London on a huge ladder AP In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A search dog is led through the rubble of the Grenfell Tower in London as firefighting continue to damp-down the deadly fire AP In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn comforts a local resident (name not given) at St Clement's Church in west London where volunteers have provided shelter and support for people affected by the fire at Grenfell Tower David Mirzoeff/PA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn hugs councillor Mushtaq Lasharie as he arrives at St Clement's Church in Latimer Road, where volunteers have provided shelter and support for people affected by the fire at Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn meeting staff and volunteers at St Clementis Church in Latimer Road David Mirzoeff/PA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Firefighters with a dog walk around the base of the Grenfell Tower REUTERS/Peter Nicholls In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Emotions run high as people attend a candle lit vigil outside Notting Hill Methodist Church near the 24 storey residential Grenfell Tower block in Latimer Road, West London Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Debris hangs from the blackened exterior of Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A woman speaks to Mayor of London Sadiq Khan outside Notting Hill Methodist Church near Grenfell Tower in west London after a fire engulfed the 24-storey building Yui Mok/PA Wire In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A woman holds a missing person posters near the Grenfell Tower block REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Sadiq Khan speaking with a resident James Gourley/REX In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Ken Livingstone walks near the scene of the Grenfell Tower fire Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Mayor of London Sadiq Khan is confronted by Kai Ramos, 7, near Grenfell Tower in west London after a fire engulfed the 24-storey building Yui Mok/PA Wire In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Mayor of London Sadiq Khan speaks to a woman outside Notting Hill Methodist Church near Grenfell Tower Yui Mok/PA Wire In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Volunteers distribute aid near Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Family and friends of missing Jessica Urbano, 12, wearing photographs of Jessica pinned to their t-shirts gather near Grenfell Tower EPA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Family and friends of missing Jessica Urbano, 12, wearing photographs of Jessica pinned to their t-shirts gather near Grenfell Tower EPA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Family and friends of missing Jessica Urbano, 12, wearing photographs of Jessica pinned to their t-shirts gather near Grenfell Tower EPA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire People attend a vigil at Notting Hill Methodist Church near Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire People gather to observe a vigil outside St Clement's Church following the blaze at Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire People light candles as they observe a vigil outside St Clement's Church following the blaze at Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire People attend a vigil at Notting Hill Methodist Church near Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A man distributes food from the back of a van near the scene of the fire which destroyed the Grenfell Tower block REUTERS/Paul Hackett In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A firefighter is cheered near the scene of the fire which destroyed the Grenfell Tower block REUTERS/Paul Hackett In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A T-shirt with a written message from the London Fire Brigade hangs from a fence near The Grenfell Tower block REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A young girl on her way to lay flowers near Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire The remains of residential tower block Grenfell Tower are seen from Dixon House a nearby tower block Getty In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Volunteers prepare supplies for people affected by the Grenfell Tower block which was destroyed in a fire REUTERS/Neil Hall In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Volunteers move a car to make space for a lorry picking up supplies for people affected by the Grenfell Tower block REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire People distribute boxes of food near the scene of the fire which destroyed the Grenfell Tower bloc REUTERS/Paul Hackett In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A woman touches a missing poster for 12-year-old Jessica Urbano on a tribute wall after laying flowers on the side of Latymer Community Church next to the fire-gutted Grenfell Tower AP In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A man looks at messages written on a wall near the scene of the fire which destroyed the Grenfell Tower block REUTERS/Paul Hackett In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Candles and messages of condolence near where the fire broke out at Grenfell Tower EPA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Police carry a stretcher towards Grenfell Tower Rick Findler/PA Wire In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Emergency services at Grenfell Tower Rick Findler/PA Wire In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Police carry out a body from Grenfell Tower in west London after a fire engulfed the 24-storey building Rick Findler/PA Wire

The message Im getting here - shouted, screamed, sobbed - is people feel nobody in government cares about them.

Police have said the death toll from the fire in the neighbouring tower block has risen to 30. Among them was one person who was taken to hospital but later died.

Officers have also warned that the number is expected to increase further deaths.
Ukraine has shipped the fifth batch of new main battle tank Oplot-T, consisting of five tanks built at the facilities of state-owned Malyshev Machine-Building Plant (Kharkiv) under a $240 million contract signed in 2011.

According to reports in Thai social networks, the fifth batch of Oplot tanks recently arrived from Ukraine by sea to the Sattahip Naval Base. According to information of Interfax-Ukraine, the fifth batch of the tanks was loaded on ships in March. The new six batch will be shipped in June.

The Oplot tank was developed by the Kharkiv-based Morozov Machine Building Design Bureau under the Ukrainian Defense Ministry's order. It was introduced into service in May 2009. The Ukrainian army received the first two Oplot battle tanks.

A contract with Thailand was concluded in 2011 to the tune of over $240 million for the supply of 49 Oplot tanks. In April 2012, the Malyshev Machine plant began working on the contract.

The Malyshev plant spent some $30 million to launch serial production of the Oplot. The first five tanks were delivered to Thailand at the start of 2014, four more in December 2015 and 10 more in early 2016. The fourth shipment of Oplot tanks occurred in November 2016.

Completion of the contracted deliveries is scheduled for the fall of 2017.

Following Russian aggression in 2014 Ukraine was compelled to suspend a number of export contracts to supply military hardware. The equipment was instead used in battle operations in eastern Ukraine. Exports were resumed in 2015-2016 by expanding production capacities of Ukraine's government-owned military concern Ukroboronprom.
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The brother of the first named victim of the Grenfell Tower fire has said repeated concerns from residents over the gas works and lack of smoke alarms in the building were ignored.

Omar Alhajali, said residents including his brother Mohammed Alhajali, had all complained about gas pipes that were left exposed in the buildings central stairwells.

He told the BBC that at one point gas was leaking in the building.

It wasnt working in the flat," the 25-year-old told the corporation. "It was leaking before and then they stopped it. It wasnt working for a year. Then, the gas company came and fixed new gas pipes on the outside of the wall. They werent on the inside. They were very dangerous and they were exposed."

He added: The residents all complained about it. They were sending messages by post, because its not right."

Mr Alhajali said smoke alarms had been installed in his flat just three days before the devastating fire broke out.

There were no smoke alarms, Mr Alhajali said. Just three days before the incident, they came and fitted smoke alarms in the flat. I was in the flat on that day and the man said: We need to check for fire alarms, so let me fix one for you.

Mohammed Alhajali came to the UK as a Syrian refugee in search of a better life

The two brothers had come to the UK from Syria as refugees in search of safety and better lives.

Mr Alhajalis brother Mohammed lived on the 14th floor of the 24-storey tower block in west London.

Omar was brought to safety from the flat by firefighters and thought his brother had been rescued with him.

In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Show all 51 1 /51 In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Police have released images from inside the tower where at least 58 people have died Metropolitan Police In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A still from a video shared by polices what appears to be a stationary bicycle sitting among the ashes In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A still from a video shared by police shows the remnants of a burnt-out bathroom In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Picture showing the lifts on an unknown floor Metropolitan Police In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Emergency crews outside the front entrance to the tower Metropolitan Police In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Fire crews inspecting flats in the burnt out tower London Metropolitan Police In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Grenfell Tower is seen in the distance PA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A drone flies near the scene of the fire which destroyed the Grenfell Tower block REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire 'Theresa May Stay Away' message written on the messages of support at Latymer Community Church for those affected by the fire Ray Tang/REX In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire An aerial view of the area surrounding Grenfall tower Getty In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Donated shoes sit in the Westway Sports Centre near to the site of the Grenfell Tower fire Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Messages of support for those affected by the massive fire in Grenfell Tower are displayed on a well near the tower in London AP In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A local resident stands on her balcony by the gutted Grenfell Tower in Latimer Road Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Messages of condolence are left at a relief centre close to the scene of the fire that broke out at Grenfell Tower, EPA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A police officer stands by a security cordon outside Latimer Road station Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Firemen examine the scorched facade of the Grenfell Tower in London on a huge ladder AP In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A search dog is led through the rubble of the Grenfell Tower in London as firefighting continue to damp-down the deadly fire AP In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn comforts a local resident (name not given) at St Clement's Church in west London where volunteers have provided shelter and support for people affected by the fire at Grenfell Tower David Mirzoeff/PA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn hugs councillor Mushtaq Lasharie as he arrives at St Clement's Church in Latimer Road, where volunteers have provided shelter and support for people affected by the fire at Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn meeting staff and volunteers at St Clementis Church in Latimer Road David Mirzoeff/PA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Firefighters with a dog walk around the base of the Grenfell Tower REUTERS/Peter Nicholls In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Emotions run high as people attend a candle lit vigil outside Notting Hill Methodist Church near the 24 storey residential Grenfell Tower block in Latimer Road, West London Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Debris hangs from the blackened exterior of Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A woman speaks to Mayor of London Sadiq Khan outside Notting Hill Methodist Church near Grenfell Tower in west London after a fire engulfed the 24-storey building Yui Mok/PA Wire In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A woman holds a missing person posters near the Grenfell Tower block REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Sadiq Khan speaking with a resident James Gourley/REX In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Ken Livingstone walks near the scene of the Grenfell Tower fire Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Mayor of London Sadiq Khan is confronted by Kai Ramos, 7, near Grenfell Tower in west London after a fire engulfed the 24-storey building Yui Mok/PA Wire In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Mayor of London Sadiq Khan speaks to a woman outside Notting Hill Methodist Church near Grenfell Tower Yui Mok/PA Wire In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Volunteers distribute aid near Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Family and friends of missing Jessica Urbano, 12, wearing photographs of Jessica pinned to their t-shirts gather near Grenfell Tower EPA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Family and friends of missing Jessica Urbano, 12, wearing photographs of Jessica pinned to their t-shirts gather near Grenfell Tower EPA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Family and friends of missing Jessica Urbano, 12, wearing photographs of Jessica pinned to their t-shirts gather near Grenfell Tower EPA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire People attend a vigil at Notting Hill Methodist Church near Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire People gather to observe a vigil outside St Clement's Church following the blaze at Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire People light candles as they observe a vigil outside St Clement's Church following the blaze at Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire People attend a vigil at Notting Hill Methodist Church near Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A man distributes food from the back of a van near the scene of the fire which destroyed the Grenfell Tower block REUTERS/Paul Hackett In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A firefighter is cheered near the scene of the fire which destroyed the Grenfell Tower block REUTERS/Paul Hackett In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A T-shirt with a written message from the London Fire Brigade hangs from a fence near The Grenfell Tower block REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A young girl on her way to lay flowers near Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire The remains of residential tower block Grenfell Tower are seen from Dixon House a nearby tower block Getty In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Volunteers prepare supplies for people affected by the Grenfell Tower block which was destroyed in a fire REUTERS/Neil Hall In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Volunteers move a car to make space for a lorry picking up supplies for people affected by the Grenfell Tower block REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire People distribute boxes of food near the scene of the fire which destroyed the Grenfell Tower bloc REUTERS/Paul Hackett In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A woman touches a missing poster for 12-year-old Jessica Urbano on a tribute wall after laying flowers on the side of Latymer Community Church next to the fire-gutted Grenfell Tower AP In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A man looks at messages written on a wall near the scene of the fire which destroyed the Grenfell Tower block REUTERS/Paul Hackett In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Candles and messages of condolence near where the fire broke out at Grenfell Tower EPA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Police carry a stretcher towards Grenfell Tower Rick Findler/PA Wire In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Emergency services at Grenfell Tower Rick Findler/PA Wire In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Police carry out a body from Grenfell Tower in west London after a fire engulfed the 24-storey building Rick Findler/PA Wire

They opened the door, the smoke came inside. I could see the fire around me. They were pushing us, all of us, he said.

I went outside and called [Mohammed]. I said: Where are you? He said: Im in the flat. I said: Why didnt you come, they brought us outside, I thought you were with us. He said: No one brought me outside. He said: Why you left me?

Firefighters were unable to save Mohammed, because they could not reach above the 13th floor.

Many other residents have said they tried to flag safety concerns to local council members and building managers.

 Kensington Town Hall Grenfell Tower protest: People chant "Shame on you!"

The Grenfell Action Group said it tried to warn local councillors and building managers, pointing to a series of blog posts it says fell on deaf ears.

Local councillor Judith Blakeman, who lives near the tower and sits on the tenant management organisation of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, said she raised the alarm about the National Grids installation of exposed gas pipes in the buildings main stairwells in March.

She told The Guardian the landlord had assured her they would be contained in fire-rated boxes, but the boxes appear to have never been installed.

The tower was originally built in 1974, but a refurbishment project last year brought a number of changes, including the installation of new gas pipes and cladding.

At least 30 people have died in the massive fire, but London's Metropolitan Police have said the death toll is expected to rise significantly.
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Protesters have stormed Kensington Town Hall amid mounting anger over the official response to the deadly Grenfell Tower fire.

Hundreds of demonstrators chanting "justice" burst into the building, carrying a list of demands they said authorities must meet.

Other large protests later emerged in other parts of London, including hundreds elsewhere in Kensington and at least 1,400 people on Downing Street, according to organiser estimates.

Police, including a number of mounted officers, arrived at Kensington Town Hall after the disturbance.

Having initially entered the building, protesters were called back away from the foyer by an organiser, Mustafa Mansour, who urged them to remain calm.

Kensington town hall protest Show all 7 1 /7 Kensington town hall protest Kensington town hall protest A man carries a picture of a missing person on his back as people gather to call for justice for those affected by the fire that gutted Grenfell Tower, a residential tower block in west London on June 14, during a protest outside Kensington Town Hall on June 16, 2017. Dozens of people are feared dead in the London tower block fire as emergency workers continued searching for bodies in the high-rise on Friday, warning they may never be able to identify some of the victims. AFP/Getty Images Kensington town hall protest Demonstrators are watched by security personnel on a staircase after they entered Kensington Town Hall, during a protest following the fire that destroyed The Grenfell Tower block, in north Kensington, West London REUTERS Kensington town hall protest Demonstrators are confronted by security personnel as they attempt to enter Kensington Town Hall, during a protest following the fire that destroyed The Grenfell Tower block, in north Kensington, West London, REUTERS Kensington town hall protest Demonstrators crowd onto a staircase as they enter Kensington Town Hall, during a protest following the fire that destroyed The Grenfell Tower block, in north Kensington, West London REUTERS Kensington town hall protest Demonstrators confront a man they believe to be Robert Black, the Chief Executive of KCTMO, outside Kensington Town Hall, during a protest following the fire that destroyed The Grenfell Tower block, in north Kensington, West London REUTERS Kensington town hall protest A demonstrator holds a banner during a protest at Kensington Town Hall, following the fire that destroyed The Grenfell Tower block, in north Kensington, West London, Reuters Kensington town hall protest Demonstrators confront a man they believe to be Robert Black, the Chief Executive of KCTMO, outside Kensington Town Hall, during a protest following the fire that destroyed The Grenfell Tower block, in north Kensington, West London REUTERS

A disturbance briefly broke out near a different exit to the building, reportedly as police tried to escort council staff out. Bystanders told The Independent that two people who emerged from the town hall were punched.

Pictures showed demonstrators confronting a man they purportedly believed to be Robert Black, the Chief Executive of KCTMO, the Kensington and Chelsea Tenant Management Organisation responsible for managing Grenfell Tower on behalf of the council.

Scores of people remained inside the Town Hall lobby, calling for councillors to face the crowd.

They shouted "we need answers" and "we need to be heard". A young woman at the top of the stairs urged peaceful protest.

"There's going to be no violence, but we're staying here until we get answers," she said.

The crowd then chanted: "We want justice" and "You left them there to die!"

The protesters then began to disperse from the building, but hundreds remained outside. Many had lived in the tower and lost family and friends.

Siar Naqshbandi, 30, lived on the third floor of Grenfall Tower, but his relatives lived on the 20th.

Theres been no proper help, he told The Independent. "The only help has been the emergency services and the community. Weve not received anything.

Prime Minster Theresa Mays quiet visit to Grenfall Tower  now called Ground Zero by the community  had caused further anger.

I didnt know she came until I saw her on the news, Mr Naqshbandi said. When the Queen can walk in a crowded room, why cant she [Theresa May]?

Fazia Sheikh, 37, agreed: Theresa May came just to show her face. She didnt see anyone.

Among the five demands handed by protesters to council officials, one asked the authority to guarantee all those left homeless by the deadly inferno be rehoused in the borough of Kensington and Chelsea.

On the Town Hall steps, Mr Mansour read out responses to the demands from the council, which stated those affected would be rehoused as near to the area as possible.

At least 30 people were killed in the devastating blaze at the 24-storey Grenfell tower block in west London. Twelve people remain in hospital, with dozens still thought to be missing.

 Kensington Town Hall Grenfell Tower protest: People chant "Shame on you!"

The government has been talking rubbish, lies, continued Ms Sheikh, a resident of area for 30 years. She said she grew up with most of the people at the town hall demonstration.

We will never know the truth, she said. If we do nothing now, if we get no answers, it will happen again."

They think they can get away with it. Its not fair, those are kids, families [in Grenfall Tower].

They dont realise how tight the community is. But were under so much pressure to leave, theyre putting the rent up. They want the area to be for the rich people.

A council spokesman initially declined to comment on the action. A Met Police spokesman said no arrests were made at the Kensington town hall protest.

A police statement said: "At around 16:35hrs on Friday, 16 June, a number of individuals entered the public area of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Town Hall to protest.

"After a short period of time police and security escorted them out."
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The brother of the first named victim of the Grenfell Tower fire has described his final phone call with Mohammed Alhajali before he died.

Mr Alhajali, a 23-year-old Syrian refugee, lived on the 14th floor of the 24-storey west London tower block.

His brother Omar, 25, who was rescued from the flat by firefighters, told the BBC he called Mohammed when he could not find him outside.

They opened the door, the smoke came inside, I could see the fire around me. They were pushing us, all of us. I couldnt talk, I couldnt look around, I couldnt see anything. Not even my fingers, he said.

I went outside and called [Mohammed]. I said: Where are you? He said: Im in the flat. I said: Why didnt you come, they brought us outside, I thought you were with us. He said: No one brought me outside. He said: Why you left me?

Mohammad Alhajali (Facebook)

The death toll of the devastating incident has risen to 17, with police expecting the number to increase amid fears it could reach 100. A police commander said it may be impossible to identify some bodies.

Witnesses told The Independent the block went up in flames like a matchstick, with the blaze appearing to rapidly spread up the outside of the building.

Mr Alhajali, described by friends as kind charitable and full of passion for his family, was studying civil engineering at the University of the West London. He and his brothers had come to Britain to seek safety from Syria, where their family remains.

I was watching the flat. It was burning. And my brother, he was inside. The thing is, we came from Syria to be safe here, and now were dying here, said Omar.

Another brother of the victim, 20-year-old Hashem, told the broadcaster his parents would like to travel to Britain from Syria for their sons funeral.

We were doing well, we were settling down in the UK, but then suddenly, everything just collapsed. I dont think we can cope as we did before, he said.

Grenfell tower fire Show all 42 1 /42 Grenfell tower fire Grenfell tower fire Local residents watch as Grenfell Tower is engulfed by fire Getty Images Grenfell tower fire London Fire Brigade said there has been a number of fatalities from the blaze Rex Features Grenfell tower fire The fire was first reported in the early hours of Wednesday and continued into the morning Rex Features Grenfell tower fire A local resident sees the fire over the rooftops @Ebajgora Grenfell tower fire A firefighter reacts at the scene of the blaze Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Residents watch as the blaze continues Getty Images Grenfell tower fire More than 200 firefighters have been fighting the blaze PA Grenfell tower fire London Mayor Sadiq Khan has declared the fire a major incident Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Police and fire services attempted to evacuate the concrete block of flats Getty Images Grenfell tower fire A woman runs to assist paramedics working at the fire at the Grenfell Tower Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Smoke rises from the building after a huge fire engulfed the 24 story Grenfell Tower in Latimer Road, West London in the early hours of Wednesday morning Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Fire fighters tackle the 24-storey building in West London Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Ambulances are stationed nearby Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Paramedics arrive with oxygen Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Emergency services believe it will take some time to establish the cause of the fire Grenfell tower fire Tens of people have been taken to five different hospitals across London Getty Images Grenfell tower fire A man comforts a boy after the tower block was severely damaged Reuters Grenfell tower fire Firefighters stand amid debris in a childrens playground nearby Reuters Grenfell tower fire Firefighters are stationed at the building Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Smoke engulfs Grenfell tower Rex Features Grenfell tower fire Lots of people donating water, food and clothing to St Clement's church for the residents of Grenfell Tower in Latimer Road Samuel Osborne Grenfell tower fire A man speaks to a fire fighter after a huge fire engulfed the 24 story Grenfell Tower in Latimer Road, West London Getty Images Grenfell tower fire According to the London Fire Brigade (LFB), 40 fire engines and 200 firefighters are working to put out the blaze. Residents in the tower were evacuated and a number of people were treated for a range of injuries EPA Grenfell tower fire A resident of Grenfell Tower is trapped as smoke billows from the window after a fire engulfed the building Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Members of the emergency services work at the scene of a huge blaze which engulfed Grenfell Tower, a residential tower block in Latimer Road Getty Images Grenfell tower fire According to the London Fire Brigade (LFB), 40 fire engines and 200 firefighters are working to put out the blaze EPA Grenfell tower fire Fire fighters tackle the building after a huge fire engulfed the 24 story Grenfell Tower in Latimer Road, West London Getty Images Grenfell tower fire The burnt facade of Grenfell Tower, the night after the fire in Latimer Road, West London REUTERS/Neil Hall Grenfell tower fire Local residents gather at a community centre near Grenfell Tower in Latimer Road REUTERS/Toby Melville Grenfell tower fire A resident in a nearby building watches smoke rise from Grenfell Tower in Latimer Road, West London AP Grenfell tower fire Police and rescue services operate near the fire at Grenfell Tower, a 24-storey apartment block in Latimer Road EPA Grenfell tower fire A man stands amid debris on the A40 after a serious fire in a tower block at Latimer Road in West London REUTERS/Toby Melville Grenfell tower fire A view of the empty A40 highway after it was closed in both directions, due to the proximity of the fire at Grenfell Tower block in Latimer Road EPA Grenfell tower fire Smoke rises from the building after a huge fire engulfed the 24 storey residential Grenfell Tower block in Latimer Road, West London Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Bodies are removed from the scene after a fire engulfed the 24-storey Grenfell Tower in west London Rick Findler/PA Wire Grenfell tower fire Bodies are removed from the scene after a fire engulfed the 24-storey Grenfell Tower in west London Rick Findler/PA Wire Grenfell tower fire Provisions on tables at the Westway Sports Centre close to the scene after a fire engulfed the 24-storey Grenfell Tower in west London Jack Hardy/PA Grenfell tower fire Beds are laid out in the Westway Sports Centre close to the scene after a fire engulfed the 24-storey Grenfell Tower in west London Jack Hardy/PA Wire Grenfell tower fire A pile of donated clothes, sleeping bags and water lie next to a police cordon near the burning the 24 storey residential Grenfell Tower block in Latimer Road, West London Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Signs asking for donations are seen outside the Notting Hill methodist Chruch Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Smoke rises from the building after a huge fire engulfed the 24 storey residential Grenfell Tower block in Latimer Road, West London Getty Images Grenfell tower fire A man is rescued by fire fighters after a huge fire engulfed the 24 storey residential Grenfell Tower block in Latimer Road, West London Getty

My mum has cried lots of tears when she heard. She said: Ive been waiting to see him for four years and then he died. At least I can see his grave, his body before they bury him. I want to kiss him, I want to see everything that belongs to Mohammad.

Abdulaziz Almashi, co-founder of the Syria Solidarity Campaign and a friend of Mohammed, said he had been planning an event with the student in memory of murdered MP Jo Cox.

Theresa May has ordered a full public inquiry into the disaster to establish exactly what happened to let the fire spread too far and too fast for families to escape.

The Prime Minister was criticised for failing to face residents in a visit to the site that saw her talk to firefighters and emergency responders , while Jeremy Corbyn made a separate trip to the scene and spoke directly with residents.

Hundreds of thousands of people in our country live in tower blocks, very high-rise tower blocks, the Labour leader said.

Every single person who lives in a high-rise apartment today is going to be thinking, 'How safe am I?

Residents said they had sounded the alarm over issues dating back several years at Grenfell Tower, which was covered in aluminium panels to improve its external appearance last year.

Buildings across the UK renovated by the same firm that installed the tower's cladding will now be reviewed, The Independent has learnt.
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A moving video addressing hate crime has been released by George the Poet to coincide with the anniversary of the death of former MP Jo Cox.

The spoken-word artist and rapper cleverly addresses issues surrounding the topic, including the cause of hate crimes and the lack of a response from the public to witnessing them.

"The defining characteristic of a hate crime is not actually hate...it's prejudice," the poem starts.

Recommended Events to be held to celebrate the life of Jo Cox

We use the word the word hate to define itbecause the prejudice is born of a hateful climate.

Following the terror attacks in Manchester and London, police say hate crimes have spiked, with some reports of up to 54 a day.

However, there are allegedly more than 170,000 hate crimes that go unreported each year.

On June 16 2016 Jo Cox was shot and stabbed by a far-right extremist in Birstall, near her constituency of Bateley and Spen.

One year on from her death, more than 100,000 events are expected around the country, collectively named The Great Get Together, to celebrate the life of the 41-year-old mother of two.

Her husband Brendan Cox, who is behind the idea, has called on the country to unite against hatred on a number of occasions.

Jo Cox tributes - in pictures Show all 20 1 /20 Jo Cox tributes - in pictures Jo Cox tributes - in pictures Floral tributes and candles are placed by a picture of slain Labour MP Jo Cox at a vigil in Parliament square in London AFP Jo Cox tributes - in pictures Tributes to Labour Party MP Jo Cox are placed on her houseboat in Wapping in London REUTERS Jo Cox tributes - in pictures The Union flag at half-mast on top of Portcullis House in London after Labour MP Jo Cox was shot and stabbed to death PA Jo Cox tributes - in pictures Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn (2R) and deputy leader Tom Watson (L) light candles as they attend a vigil to slain Labour MP Jo Cox in Parliament square in London AFP/Getty Images Jo Cox tributes - in pictures Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn and deputy leader Tom Watson (rear) arrive to leave tributes at Parliament Square PA Jo Cox tributes - in pictures People leave St Peter's Church after a vigil in memory of Jo Cox REUTERS Jo Cox tributes - in pictures Flowers left at Parliament Square opposite the Palace of Westminste, following the death of Labour MP Jo Cox PA Jo Cox tributes - in pictures People react as they look at tributes left for Labour Member of Parliament Jo Cox in Parliament Square, London REUTERS Jo Cox tributes - in pictures A man writes a message at Parliament Square PA Jo Cox tributes - in pictures People stop to look at tributes left at Parliament Square opposite the Palace of Westminster PA Jo Cox tributes - in pictures A woman arrives to lay flowers at a statue to Joseph Priestly in Birstall near to the scene where Labour MP Jo Cox was shot AFP/Getty Images Jo Cox tributes - in pictures Tributes at Parliament Square opposite the Palace of Westminster PA Jo Cox tributes - in pictures A woman places candles in tribute to Labour Party MP Jo Cox REUTERS Jo Cox tributes - in pictures A member of the public signs a memorial for British MP Jo Cox in Parliament Square, London EPA Jo Cox tributes - in pictures People sign messages of condolence for MP Jo Cox during a vigil in Parliament Square in London Getty Images Jo Cox tributes - in pictures Flags at half mast outside Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh, after Labour MP Jo Cox was shot and stabbed to death in the street outside her constituency advice surgery in Birstall PA Jo Cox tributes - in pictures People arrive in Market Square with floral tributes after the death of Jo Co Getty Images Jo Cox tributes - in pictures Floral tributes are placed in Market Square next to the statue of Joseph Priestley following the death of Jo Cox Getty Images Jo Cox tributes - in pictures Floral tributes are brought to the scene after the death of Jo Cox Getty Images Jo Cox tributes - in pictures A police officer carries bunches of flowers at the scene of the shooting of Labour MP Jo Cox in Birstall REUTERS

George the Poets video was released in collaboration with the Equality and Human Rights Commission, in an attempt to help fight the cause of hate crimes, and encourage people to report them.

"During times like these it's important to hold on to the values of fairness and respect that distinguish us as humans, said George on his poem, whose real name is George Mpanga.

David Isaac, chair of the commission added: The recent attacks have shocked and saddened us all,

We need to stand together and show the people who want to divide us that we are united.

We will not go back to a them and us culture where distrust and hate exist and the best way to help end prejudice is by talking to each other and understanding our various communities.

The Commission is calling for a zero tolerance approach to hostility and hatred and I would urge anyone who experiences or witnesses hate crime to report it.
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The fire and deaths at Grenfell Tower are directly linked to attempts to regenerate and develop housing, according to Kensingtons MP.

Emma Dent Coad, who was elected only last week, said that attempts to make the block look prettier for wealthier residents had led to the fire and deaths in the tower.

The council want to develop this area full of social housing, and in order to enable that they have prettified a building that they felt was ugly, she told The Guardian. The idea that that has led to this horrendous tragedy is just unthinkable.

Grenfell tower fire Show all 42 1 /42 Grenfell tower fire Grenfell tower fire Local residents watch as Grenfell Tower is engulfed by fire Getty Images Grenfell tower fire London Fire Brigade said there has been a number of fatalities from the blaze Rex Features Grenfell tower fire The fire was first reported in the early hours of Wednesday and continued into the morning Rex Features Grenfell tower fire A local resident sees the fire over the rooftops @Ebajgora Grenfell tower fire A firefighter reacts at the scene of the blaze Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Residents watch as the blaze continues Getty Images Grenfell tower fire More than 200 firefighters have been fighting the blaze PA Grenfell tower fire London Mayor Sadiq Khan has declared the fire a major incident Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Police and fire services attempted to evacuate the concrete block of flats Getty Images Grenfell tower fire A woman runs to assist paramedics working at the fire at the Grenfell Tower Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Smoke rises from the building after a huge fire engulfed the 24 story Grenfell Tower in Latimer Road, West London in the early hours of Wednesday morning Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Fire fighters tackle the 24-storey building in West London Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Ambulances are stationed nearby Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Paramedics arrive with oxygen Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Emergency services believe it will take some time to establish the cause of the fire Grenfell tower fire Tens of people have been taken to five different hospitals across London Getty Images Grenfell tower fire A man comforts a boy after the tower block was severely damaged Reuters Grenfell tower fire Firefighters stand amid debris in a childrens playground nearby Reuters Grenfell tower fire Firefighters are stationed at the building Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Smoke engulfs Grenfell tower Rex Features Grenfell tower fire Lots of people donating water, food and clothing to St Clement's church for the residents of Grenfell Tower in Latimer Road Samuel Osborne Grenfell tower fire A man speaks to a fire fighter after a huge fire engulfed the 24 story Grenfell Tower in Latimer Road, West London Getty Images Grenfell tower fire According to the London Fire Brigade (LFB), 40 fire engines and 200 firefighters are working to put out the blaze. Residents in the tower were evacuated and a number of people were treated for a range of injuries EPA Grenfell tower fire A resident of Grenfell Tower is trapped as smoke billows from the window after a fire engulfed the building Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Members of the emergency services work at the scene of a huge blaze which engulfed Grenfell Tower, a residential tower block in Latimer Road Getty Images Grenfell tower fire According to the London Fire Brigade (LFB), 40 fire engines and 200 firefighters are working to put out the blaze EPA Grenfell tower fire Fire fighters tackle the building after a huge fire engulfed the 24 story Grenfell Tower in Latimer Road, West London Getty Images Grenfell tower fire The burnt facade of Grenfell Tower, the night after the fire in Latimer Road, West London REUTERS/Neil Hall Grenfell tower fire Local residents gather at a community centre near Grenfell Tower in Latimer Road REUTERS/Toby Melville Grenfell tower fire A resident in a nearby building watches smoke rise from Grenfell Tower in Latimer Road, West London AP Grenfell tower fire Police and rescue services operate near the fire at Grenfell Tower, a 24-storey apartment block in Latimer Road EPA Grenfell tower fire A man stands amid debris on the A40 after a serious fire in a tower block at Latimer Road in West London REUTERS/Toby Melville Grenfell tower fire A view of the empty A40 highway after it was closed in both directions, due to the proximity of the fire at Grenfell Tower block in Latimer Road EPA Grenfell tower fire Smoke rises from the building after a huge fire engulfed the 24 storey residential Grenfell Tower block in Latimer Road, West London Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Bodies are removed from the scene after a fire engulfed the 24-storey Grenfell Tower in west London Rick Findler/PA Wire Grenfell tower fire Bodies are removed from the scene after a fire engulfed the 24-storey Grenfell Tower in west London Rick Findler/PA Wire Grenfell tower fire Provisions on tables at the Westway Sports Centre close to the scene after a fire engulfed the 24-storey Grenfell Tower in west London Jack Hardy/PA Grenfell tower fire Beds are laid out in the Westway Sports Centre close to the scene after a fire engulfed the 24-storey Grenfell Tower in west London Jack Hardy/PA Wire Grenfell tower fire A pile of donated clothes, sleeping bags and water lie next to a police cordon near the burning the 24 storey residential Grenfell Tower block in Latimer Road, West London Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Signs asking for donations are seen outside the Notting Hill methodist Chruch Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Smoke rises from the building after a huge fire engulfed the 24 storey residential Grenfell Tower block in Latimer Road, West London Getty Images Grenfell tower fire A man is rescued by fire fighters after a huge fire engulfed the 24 storey residential Grenfell Tower block in Latimer Road, West London Getty

She pointed in particular to the recent refurbishment, which was according to planning documents aimed at making the building more efficient and improving the aesthetics of the tower block.

People in Grenfell Tower have been complaining that the aesthetic refit hadnt helped them at all. It was more about making it look better for the people who want to regenerate the estate, she said.

Recommended Why the Glenfell Tower cladding was added

As part of that 10 million refurbishment work, developers wrapped the building in cladding, which is a low-cost way of improving the outside of the building.

Heavy focus has turned on the cladding ever since the fire, when it seemed to help propel it up the building. The blaze seemed to sweep over the entire block far more quickly than would be expected  and fire experts have speculated that as well as acting as a flammable covering, it may also have created a chimney effect that amplified and sped up the burning.

The view that the cladding was a result of attempts to prettify the building has been echoed by other local residents.

Rapper Akala, who lives in the area, said that the panelling had been an attempt to stop the tower being an "eyesore" to nearby rich residents.

"It was an eyesore for the rich people who lived opposite," he told Channel 4 News.

"So they put panels, pretty panels on the outside, so the rich people who lived opposite wouldn't have to look at a horrendous block."

Writer and resident Ishamahil Blagrove said that the regeneration work amounted to "ethnic and class cleansing".

Though Latimer Road and North Kensington, where the tower is situated, aren't especially well off, the borough also includes some of the most expensive houses in the world.

Residents are now worried that they will be sent out to live far away from their homes, and that the council may now succeed in sending them as far afield as Peterborough or Hastings, Ms Dent Coad said.

Ms Dent Coad became Kensingtons MP last week, after winning the historically conservative seat by just 20 votes. Social housing provision was a central part of that campaign, coming after decades of campaigning work for social housing and against the poor quality of regeneration schemes.

She said that she thought she had won the election because even Conservative voters had become upset about how the council  which runs the most wealthy borough in the country  had been treating its poorer residents.

We have a very rich council which spent 26m repaving Exhibition Road for tourists at the same time as it was closing nurseries, pruning youth clubs, closing older peoples lunch clubs, not investing in social care, she told the paper. I found that absolutely sickening. We have very large reserves, of around 300m.
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US intelligence agencies suspect that a string of at least 14 recent deaths in the UK may be the work of Russian assassins, possibly at the orders of the Kremlin, despite the fact that they were dismissed as non-suspicious by British police, according to a report.

BuzzFeed News said that a two-year investigation into the 2014 death of multimillionaire Scot Young and his business associated had revealed explosive evidence pointing to Russia that the police overlooked.

Documents, phone records, interviews and secret recordings showed Young, who was impaled on the spikes of a wrought iron fence in London after falling from a height, was one of a circle of men linked to exiled oligarch and fierce Vladimir Putin critic Boris Berezovsky. All died in mysterious circumstances on UK soil after making powerful enemies in Russia.

The body of Scot Young was found outside flats in Marylebone, central London, in December 2014 (PA) (Tim Goode/PA Wire)

Former and current officials in US spy agencies were quoted by BuzzFeed News as saying the men may have been assassinated in the UK by Russias security services or mafia groups. In some cases they said there was a moderate to high likelihood of the deaths being state-ordered.

Although US intelligence was shared with the UK in connection to all 14 deaths, it was reported, British police ruled out foul play in every case.

Based on what we know and intelligence gathered in the field and analysed, you can say safely that the strongest conclusion is that circumstances suggest Russian involvement in the deaths of those men and then demand more investigation from UK, an unnamed US official told BuzzFeed.

The Russian government passed laws in 2006 giving its agents licence to kill enemies of the state abroad.

In the same year, two assassins from Russias spy agency, the FSB, flew to London to poison one-time KGB agent and defector Alexander Litvinenko with radioactive polonium.

Litvinenko died in intensive care on 23 November 2006 after drinking a cup of poisoned tea during a meeting with Andrei Lugovoi and Dmitri Kovtun at the Millennium hotel in Londons Mayfair.

A British public inquiry found last year that Vladamir Putin had likely approved the assassination, branding the act nuclear terrorism.

Russian oligarch Boris Berezovsky was found dead by a member of staff inside a bathroom locked from the inside at his Berkshire mansion (Reuters)

But, BuzzFeed reports, high-ranking intelligence sources told the news website other assassinations have gone unpunished.

Seventeen current and former British and American intelligence officials told the news outlet Russian assassins have been able to kill in Britain with impunity over the last decade.

One-time KGB agent and defector Alexander Litvinenko died in intensive care after sipping a poisoned cup of tea at a London hotel (Getty)

They cited fear of retaliation, police incompetence, and a desire to preserve the billions of pounds of Russian money that pour into British banks and properties each year as driving reasons behind the UKs dismissal of suspicious Russian deaths, such as Youngs.

Berezovsky was found hanged in his bathroom with the door locked from the inside in 2013. Police ruled the death a suicide.

His business partner, Georgian oligarch Badri Patarkatsishvili and an acquaintance of theirs, Yuri Golubev, who founded oil giant Yukos, also died around this time - and Western intelligence agents also reportedly belief they were killed by Russian agents.

The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Show all 17 1 /17 The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Paul Manafort Mr Manafort is a Republican strategist and former Trump campaign manager. He resigned from that post over questions about his extensive lobbying overseas, including in Ukraine where he represented pro-Russian interests. Mr Manafort turned himself in at FBI headquarters to special counsel Robert Muellers team on Oct 30, 2017, after he was indicted under seal on charges that include conspiracy against the United States, conspiracy to launder money, unregistered agent of a foreign principal, false and misleading US Foreign Agents Registration Act statements, false statements, and seven counts of failure to file reports of foreign bank and financial accounts. Getty The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Rick Gates Mr Gates joined the Trump team in spring 2016, and served as a top aide until he left to work at the Republican National Committee after the departure of former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort. Mr Gates' had previously worked on several presidential campaigns, on international political campaigns in Europe and Africa, and had 15 years of political or financial experience with multinational firms, according to his bio. Mr Gates was indicted alongside Mr Manafort by special counsel Robert Mueller's team on charges that include conspiracy against the United States, conspiracy to launder money, unregistered agent of a foreign principal, false and misleading US Foreign Agents Registration Act statements, false statements, and seven counts of failure to file reports of foreign bank and financial accounts. AP The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation George Papadopoulos George Papadopoulos was a former foreign policy adviser for the Trump campaign, having joined around March 2016. Mr Papadopoulos plead guilty to federal charges for lying to the FBI as a part of a cooperation agreement with Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation. Mr Papadopoulos claimed in an interview with the FBI that he had made contacts with Russian sources before joining the Trump campaign, but he actually began working with them after joining the team. Mr Papadopoulos allegedly took a meeting with a professor in London who reportedly told him that Russians had "dirt" on Hillary Clinton. The professor also allegedly introduced Mr Papadopoulos to a Russian who was said to have close ties to officials at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Mr Papadopoulos also allegedly was in contact with a woman whom he incorrectly described in one email to others in the campaign as the "niece" to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Twitter The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Donald Trump Jr The President's eldest son met with a Russian lawyer - Natalia Veselnitskaya - on 9 June 2016 at Trump Tower in New York. He said in an initial statement that the meeting was about Russia halting adoptions of its children by US citizens. Then, he said it was regarding the Magnitsky Act, a US law blacklisting Russian human rights abusers. In a final statement, Mr Trump Jr released a chain of emails that revealed he took the meeting in hopes of getting information Ms Veselnitskaya had about Hillary Clinton's alleged financial ties to Russia. He and the President called it standard "opposition research" in the course of campaigning and that no information came from the meeting. The meeting was set up by an intermediary, Rob Goldstone. Jared Kushner and Paul Manafort were also at the same meeting. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Jared Kushner Mr Kushner is President Donald Trump's son-in-law and a key adviser to the White House. He met with a Russian banker appointed by Russian President Vladimir Putin in December. Mr Kushner has said he did so in his role as an adviser to Mr Trump while the bank says he did so as a private developer. Mr Kushner has also volunteered to testify in the Senate about his role helping to arrange meetings between Trump advisers and Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Rob Goldstone Former tabloid journalist and now music publicist Rob Goldstone is a contact of the Trump family through the previously Trump-owned 2013 Miss Universe pageant, which took place in Moscow. In June 2016, he wrote to Donald Trump Jr offering a meeting with a Russian lawyer, Natalya Veselnitskaya, who had information about Hillary Clinton. Mr Goldstone was the intermediary for Russian pop star Emin Agalaraov and his father, real estate magnate Aras, who played a role in putting on the 2013 pageant. In an email chain released by Mr Trump Jr, Mr Goldstone seemed to indicate Russian government's support of Donald Trump's campaign. AP images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Aras and Emin Agalarov Aras Agalarov (R) is a wealthy Moscow-based real estate magnate and son Emin (L) is a pop star. Both played a role in putting on the previously Trump-owned 2013 Miss Universe pageant in Moscow. They allegedly had information about Hillary Clinton and offered that information to the Trump campaign through a lawyer with whom they had worked with, Natalia Veselnitskaya, and music publicist Rob Goldstone. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Natalia Veselnitskaya Natalia Veselnitskaya is a Russian lawyer with ties to the Kremlin. She has worked on real estate issues and reportedly counted the FSB as a client in the past. She has ties to a Trump family connection, real estate magnate Aras Agalarov, who had helped set up the Trump-owned 2013 Miss Universe pageant which took place in Moscow. Ms Veselnitskaya met with Donald Trump Jr, Jared Kushner, and Paul Manafort in Trump Tower on 9 June 2016 but denies the allegation that she went there promising information on Hillary Clinton's alleged financial ties to Russia. She contends that the meeting was about the US adoptions of Russian children being stopped by Moscow as a reaction to the Magnitsky Act, a US law blacklisting Russian human rights abusers. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Mike Flynn Mr Flynn was named as Trump's national security adviser but was forced to resign from his post for inappropriate communication with Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak. He had misrepresented a conversation he had with Mr Kislyak to Vice President Mike Pence, telling him wrongly that he had not discussed sanctions with the Russian. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Sergey Kislyak Mr Kislyak, the former longtime Russian ambassador to the US, is at the centre of the web said to connect President Donald Trump's campaign with Russia. Reuters The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Roger Stone Mr Stone is a former Trump adviser who worked on the political campaigns of Richard Nixon, George HW Bush, and Ronald Reagan. Mr Stone claimed repeatedly in the final months of the campaign that he had backchannel communications with WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange and that he knew the group was going to dump damaging documents to the campaign of Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton - which did happen. Mr Stone also had contacts with the hacker Guccier 2.0 on Twitter, who claimed to have hacked the DNC and is linked to Russian intelligence services. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Jeff Sessions The US attorney general was forced to recuse himself from the Trump-Russia investigation after it was learned that he had lied about meeting with Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Carter Page Mr Page is a former advisor to the Trump campaign and has a background working as an investment banker at Merrill Lynch. Mr Page met with Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak during the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland. Mr Page had invested in oil companies connected to Russia and had admitted that US Russia sanctions had hurt his bottom line. Reuters The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Jeffrey "JD" Gorden Mr Gordon met with Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak during the 2016 Republian National Convention to discuss how the US and Russia could work together to combat Islamist extremism should then-Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump win the election. The meeting came days before a massive leak of DNC emails that has been connected to Russia. Creative Commons The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation James Comey Mr Comey was fired from his post as head of the FBI by President Donald Trump. The timing of Mr Comey's firing raised questions around whether or not the FBI's investigation into the Trump campaign may have played a role in the decision. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Preet Bharara Mr Bahara refused, alongside 46 other US district attorney's across the country, to resign once President Donald Trump took office after previous assurances from Mr Trump that he would keep his job. Mr Bahara had been heading up several investigations including one into one of President Donald Trump's favorite cable television channels Fox News. Several investigations would lead back to that district, too, including those into Mr Trump's campaign ties to Russia, and Mr Trump's assertion that Trump Tower was wiretapped on orders from his predecessor. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Sally Yates Ms Yates, a former Deputy Attorney General, was running the Justice Department while President Donald Trump's pick for attorney general awaited confirmation. Ms Yates was later fired by Mr Trump from her temporary post over her refusal to implement Mr Trump's first travel ban. She had also warned the White House about potential ties former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn to Russia after discovering those ties during the FBI's investigation into the Trump campaign's connections to Russia. Getty Images

BuzzFeed reports that Young was part of a close network of associates who helped Berezovsky funnel his money through offshore trusts and facilitate his deals in London and in Moscow.

Young reportedly expressed fears for his safety to family members and those in his circle before his death, deemed a suicide.

Former Scotland Yard counter-terror commander Richard Walton admitted to the news outlet that there had been a series of suspicious deaths connected to Russia over the last 10 years.

Theresa May has faced growing calls to address claims the Government concealed information on Russian assassinations in Britain (PA)

However, he said the anti-terrorism branch of the police force was never complacent and said that investigating such cases is very, very dangerous territory and completely out of the scope of local police.

Scotland Yard did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Prime Minister Theresa May has faced growing calls to address claims that the Government has concealed information on Russian assassinations in Britain.

Earlier this week, the Government was accused of turning a blind eye to evidence that Russian whistleblower and financier Alexander Perepilichnyy was assassinated in the UK on Vladimir Putins direct order.

Perepilichnyy uncovered a $230m (150m) Russian money-laundering operation before collapsing near his home in Weybridge, Surrey, as first reported by The Indepedent back in November 2012.

 Senator Kamala Harris and Jeff Sessions have testy exchange in Senate hearing over Russia

Surrey Police told an inquest in to the cause of his death there was no evidence of third party involvement or fou play, but a US intelligence official told BuzzFeed: We strongly believe that Perepilichnyy was assassinated on direct orders from Putin or people close to him.

Former head of Britains National Counter Terrorism Security Office Chris Phillips also said he believed the financier had been assassinated.

Theres no way it wasnt a hit. Its ridiculous, he said.

A Home Office spokesperson said: We do not comment on the detail of national security matters.

The spokesperson would only say: The UK Government takes seriously its obligation to protect people in the UK from hostile state activity  including assassinations.

We continue to use all the tools at our disposal to counter such threats.
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The Government has been accused of an unacceptable failure by Jeremy Corbyn after a promise made just 24 hours earlier to rehouse all Grenfell fire victims near their old homes began to crumble.

On a day when thousands of people took to the streets to demand answers and justice over the deadly blaze, the Labour leader said ministers had a duty to stick to their guarantee, but officials attempting to find places for those displaced gave the impression of being overwhelmed.

Demonstrators chanting justice for Grenfell and May must go marched from the Home Office to Downing Street, while a separate rally made its way from Kensington and Chelsea council headquarters to the burnt out shell of the 24-storey tower.

Earlier, hundreds gathered at the town hall, where scores forced their way into the building, to deliver a list of demands, including the immediate rehousing of all victims within the borough.

The Government admitted it may be necessary to push some residents out across the capital, despite Communities Secretary Sajid Javid having repeated the promise to keep people local hours earlier.

The Prime Minister sought to undo bad publicity from her failure to meet residents on a site trip on Thursday, by finally visiting victims in a London hospital.

She later, under heavy policy guard, visited St Clements Church, a community hub that has been offering support to residents since the fire, but was greeted by angry crowds, who shouted coward and shame on you as she left via a side door, again, without facing the public.

Inside the church, the Prime Minister announced a 5m fund for emergency supplies, food and clothing. She said residents would be rehomed within three weeks as far as possible within the borough, or in neighbouring boroughs, but stopped short of guaranteeing they would not be sent further afield.

In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Show all 51 1 /51 In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Police have released images from inside the tower where at least 58 people have died Metropolitan Police In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A still from a video shared by polices what appears to be a stationary bicycle sitting among the ashes In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A still from a video shared by police shows the remnants of a burnt-out bathroom In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Picture showing the lifts on an unknown floor Metropolitan Police In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Emergency crews outside the front entrance to the tower Metropolitan Police In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Fire crews inspecting flats in the burnt out tower London Metropolitan Police In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Grenfell Tower is seen in the distance PA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A drone flies near the scene of the fire which destroyed the Grenfell Tower block REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire 'Theresa May Stay Away' message written on the messages of support at Latymer Community Church for those affected by the fire Ray Tang/REX In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire An aerial view of the area surrounding Grenfall tower Getty In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Donated shoes sit in the Westway Sports Centre near to the site of the Grenfell Tower fire Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Messages of support for those affected by the massive fire in Grenfell Tower are displayed on a well near the tower in London AP In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A local resident stands on her balcony by the gutted Grenfell Tower in Latimer Road Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Messages of condolence are left at a relief centre close to the scene of the fire that broke out at Grenfell Tower, EPA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A police officer stands by a security cordon outside Latimer Road station Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Firemen examine the scorched facade of the Grenfell Tower in London on a huge ladder AP In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A search dog is led through the rubble of the Grenfell Tower in London as firefighting continue to damp-down the deadly fire AP In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn comforts a local resident (name not given) at St Clement's Church in west London where volunteers have provided shelter and support for people affected by the fire at Grenfell Tower David Mirzoeff/PA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn hugs councillor Mushtaq Lasharie as he arrives at St Clement's Church in Latimer Road, where volunteers have provided shelter and support for people affected by the fire at Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn meeting staff and volunteers at St Clementis Church in Latimer Road David Mirzoeff/PA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Firefighters with a dog walk around the base of the Grenfell Tower REUTERS/Peter Nicholls In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Emotions run high as people attend a candle lit vigil outside Notting Hill Methodist Church near the 24 storey residential Grenfell Tower block in Latimer Road, West London Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Debris hangs from the blackened exterior of Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A woman speaks to Mayor of London Sadiq Khan outside Notting Hill Methodist Church near Grenfell Tower in west London after a fire engulfed the 24-storey building Yui Mok/PA Wire In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A woman holds a missing person posters near the Grenfell Tower block REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Sadiq Khan speaking with a resident James Gourley/REX In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Ken Livingstone walks near the scene of the Grenfell Tower fire Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Mayor of London Sadiq Khan is confronted by Kai Ramos, 7, near Grenfell Tower in west London after a fire engulfed the 24-storey building Yui Mok/PA Wire In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Mayor of London Sadiq Khan speaks to a woman outside Notting Hill Methodist Church near Grenfell Tower Yui Mok/PA Wire In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Volunteers distribute aid near Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Family and friends of missing Jessica Urbano, 12, wearing photographs of Jessica pinned to their t-shirts gather near Grenfell Tower EPA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Family and friends of missing Jessica Urbano, 12, wearing photographs of Jessica pinned to their t-shirts gather near Grenfell Tower EPA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Family and friends of missing Jessica Urbano, 12, wearing photographs of Jessica pinned to their t-shirts gather near Grenfell Tower EPA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire People attend a vigil at Notting Hill Methodist Church near Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire People gather to observe a vigil outside St Clement's Church following the blaze at Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire People light candles as they observe a vigil outside St Clement's Church following the blaze at Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire People attend a vigil at Notting Hill Methodist Church near Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A man distributes food from the back of a van near the scene of the fire which destroyed the Grenfell Tower block REUTERS/Paul Hackett In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A firefighter is cheered near the scene of the fire which destroyed the Grenfell Tower block REUTERS/Paul Hackett In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A T-shirt with a written message from the London Fire Brigade hangs from a fence near The Grenfell Tower block REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A young girl on her way to lay flowers near Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire The remains of residential tower block Grenfell Tower are seen from Dixon House a nearby tower block Getty In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Volunteers prepare supplies for people affected by the Grenfell Tower block which was destroyed in a fire REUTERS/Neil Hall In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Volunteers move a car to make space for a lorry picking up supplies for people affected by the Grenfell Tower block REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire People distribute boxes of food near the scene of the fire which destroyed the Grenfell Tower bloc REUTERS/Paul Hackett In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A woman touches a missing poster for 12-year-old Jessica Urbano on a tribute wall after laying flowers on the side of Latymer Community Church next to the fire-gutted Grenfell Tower AP In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A man looks at messages written on a wall near the scene of the fire which destroyed the Grenfell Tower block REUTERS/Paul Hackett In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Candles and messages of condolence near where the fire broke out at Grenfell Tower EPA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Police carry a stretcher towards Grenfell Tower Rick Findler/PA Wire In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Emergency services at Grenfell Tower Rick Findler/PA Wire In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Police carry out a body from Grenfell Tower in west London after a fire engulfed the 24-storey building Rick Findler/PA Wire

She added that some people may actually want to go to another part of London where perhaps they have a greater support network.

Earlier, Londoners confronted and shouted at a Tory cabinet minister at the scene of the fire, while Ms Mays chief of staff fled reporters asking why he had failed to undertake a called-for safety review.

With rehousing victims a main priority, Mr Corbyn told The Independent: It is absolutely critical that all the residents of Grenfell Tower are rehoused in the community they love.

 Grenfell Tower Fire: Theresa May leaves church to chants of 'coward'

It is unacceptable that at this time of intense stress and trauma for them, the council and the Government are not able to guarantee this. The entire community has been affected by the fire and are looking to the country to assist in their hour of need. We must not let them down.

All those made homeless by the fire must be housed in the borough, using all methods possible to make this happen, including, if necessary, requisitioning empty properties.

His call was echoed by London Mayor Sadiq Khan who wrote an open letter to Theresa May demanding that she confirm as a matter of urgency that everyone from Grenfell Tower and other evacuated properties will be rehoused locally immediately".

Although additional local authority resilience arrangements have been activated today to provide additional leadership to the local operation, I would urge the Government to provide all necessary assistance and satisfy itself that the operation is functioning to the standard local residents have the right to expect.

The Mayor also said the public could not "afford to wait years for the outcome" of the full public inquiry announced earlier in the week by the Prime Minister, and demanded a timeline on how long it would take to check existing buildings thought to be at risk of similar fires.

He also asked that the local community were given as much information as possible on the number of victims and identities. Police have confirmed at least 30 are dead, but there are still more than 70 unaccounted for. During the town hall protest, locals chanted "not 17", referencing an early death toll released by police.

The missing people from Grenfell Tower Show all 23 1 /23 The missing people from Grenfell Tower The missing people from Grenfell Tower Jeremiah, son of Zainab Dean The missing people from Grenfell Tower Zainab Dean The missing people from Grenfell Tower Malek Belkadi The missing people from Grenfell Tower Tamzin Belkadi The missing people from Grenfell Tower Rania Ibrham The missing people from Grenfell Tower Jessica Urbano The missing people from Grenfell Tower Yasin el-Wahabi and Nurhada el-Wahabi The missing people from Grenfell Tower Ali Yawar Jafari The missing people from Grenfell Tower Anthony Disson The missing people from Grenfell Tower Mohamed 'Saber' Neda The missing people from Grenfell Tower Mariem Elgwahry The missing people from Grenfell Tower Hesham Rahman The missing people from Grenfell Tower Mohamednur 'Mo' Tuccu The missing people from Grenfell Tower Hamid Kani The missing people from Grenfell Tower Mary Mendy The missing people from Grenfell Tower Sheila Smith The missing people from Grenfell Tower Khadija Saye The missing people from Grenfell Tower Berikti Habtom (L) was still missing according to her sister Arsiema Alula (R) The missing people from Grenfell Tower Ligaya Moore The missing people from Grenfell Tower Dennis Murphy The missing people from Grenfell Tower Nadia Choucair The missing people from Grenfell Tower Gloria Trevisan and Marco Gottardi The missing people from Grenfell Tower Sakineh Afraseiabi and Fatima Afraseiabi

On Friday morning Communities Secretary Mr Javid was asked if he could guarantee that everyone affected by the blaze would stay locally, replying: Absolutely. We will keep that guarantee.

He added: I think it is hugely important for local people, goodness knows theyve gone through so much and no one can add to that by asking them to move from their local area.

But by the afternoon Kensington and Chelsea Council said 110 households had been given temporary accommodation, and that while it was working to find more the situation was difficult.

A spokesman said: While we will try do our utmost to ensure those affected remain in or near the borough, given the number of households involved, it is possible the council will have to explore housing options that may become available in other parts of the capital.

Residents staying in temporary accommodation said they felt abandoned by the Government, and expressed deep concern that they did not know where they were going to be rehomed.

Genet Shawo, 38, who lost her five-year-old son Isaac in the blaze, said she was staying in hotels, but has not been told where she is supposed to live next.

She said: I need a place in the area. My son is going to school in the Borough. They havent said anything yet, its day by day. They called today and said its another hotel. But I need to be in one place, I cant move every day. I need that today. I dont know how long Ill be in the place Im in tonight.

Where is the Government?"

Ms Shawos sister Maseret added: She needs somewhere to stay. Yesterday she was in a hotel near Ladbroke Grove station. Today she has to move to another hotel in High Street Kensington. Its not local  we have to be around here, we dont have a car.

Its painful. Family have come from all over to help. But even in this hard time, the council has to do something.

Larry Castro, 60, who has lived in Grenfell Tower for 26 years has been staying in a hotel in Earls Court since the blaze.

Im angry, he said. The fire spread so quickly, like theyd put gasoline on it. The Government, until now they have offered no support. Theyve given us 500. But thats nothing. We can buy trousers. We said well wait, but when will we know? When? They wont give us an exact date.

[Theresa Mays visit] is not enough.

Protests outside Downing Street on Friday evening (Getty Images) (Carl Court/Getty Images)

Father Alan Everett, the vicar at St Clements, said it was hugely important for families to stay in the local area.

There are tight networks here, he said. There was a promise they would be able to stay in the local area, but how many options there actually are remains to be seen to enable that to happen.

There's an area that's been evacuated including the surrounding accommodation. Grenfell Tower will eventually have to be demolished, and something else will be built. I have no idea how long that will take, so the people who have to be rehoused, that will take some time. Whether people be able to be rehoused on a temporary basis locally is an open question.

Reece Saint, 23, who lives two streets away, said: I dont understand why Theresa May came. Shes abandoned all communities like this, not just here. Its different class people that are suffering. I know four or five people from Grenfell Tower who are dead. I dont know anyone who survived.

Grenfell tower fire Show all 42 1 /42 Grenfell tower fire Grenfell tower fire Local residents watch as Grenfell Tower is engulfed by fire Getty Images Grenfell tower fire London Fire Brigade said there has been a number of fatalities from the blaze Rex Features Grenfell tower fire The fire was first reported in the early hours of Wednesday and continued into the morning Rex Features Grenfell tower fire A local resident sees the fire over the rooftops @Ebajgora Grenfell tower fire A firefighter reacts at the scene of the blaze Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Residents watch as the blaze continues Getty Images Grenfell tower fire More than 200 firefighters have been fighting the blaze PA Grenfell tower fire London Mayor Sadiq Khan has declared the fire a major incident Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Police and fire services attempted to evacuate the concrete block of flats Getty Images Grenfell tower fire A woman runs to assist paramedics working at the fire at the Grenfell Tower Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Smoke rises from the building after a huge fire engulfed the 24 story Grenfell Tower in Latimer Road, West London in the early hours of Wednesday morning Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Fire fighters tackle the 24-storey building in West London Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Ambulances are stationed nearby Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Paramedics arrive with oxygen Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Emergency services believe it will take some time to establish the cause of the fire Grenfell tower fire Tens of people have been taken to five different hospitals across London Getty Images Grenfell tower fire A man comforts a boy after the tower block was severely damaged Reuters Grenfell tower fire Firefighters stand amid debris in a childrens playground nearby Reuters Grenfell tower fire Firefighters are stationed at the building Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Smoke engulfs Grenfell tower Rex Features Grenfell tower fire Lots of people donating water, food and clothing to St Clement's church for the residents of Grenfell Tower in Latimer Road Samuel Osborne Grenfell tower fire A man speaks to a fire fighter after a huge fire engulfed the 24 story Grenfell Tower in Latimer Road, West London Getty Images Grenfell tower fire According to the London Fire Brigade (LFB), 40 fire engines and 200 firefighters are working to put out the blaze. Residents in the tower were evacuated and a number of people were treated for a range of injuries EPA Grenfell tower fire A resident of Grenfell Tower is trapped as smoke billows from the window after a fire engulfed the building Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Members of the emergency services work at the scene of a huge blaze which engulfed Grenfell Tower, a residential tower block in Latimer Road Getty Images Grenfell tower fire According to the London Fire Brigade (LFB), 40 fire engines and 200 firefighters are working to put out the blaze EPA Grenfell tower fire Fire fighters tackle the building after a huge fire engulfed the 24 story Grenfell Tower in Latimer Road, West London Getty Images Grenfell tower fire The burnt facade of Grenfell Tower, the night after the fire in Latimer Road, West London REUTERS/Neil Hall Grenfell tower fire Local residents gather at a community centre near Grenfell Tower in Latimer Road REUTERS/Toby Melville Grenfell tower fire A resident in a nearby building watches smoke rise from Grenfell Tower in Latimer Road, West London AP Grenfell tower fire Police and rescue services operate near the fire at Grenfell Tower, a 24-storey apartment block in Latimer Road EPA Grenfell tower fire A man stands amid debris on the A40 after a serious fire in a tower block at Latimer Road in West London REUTERS/Toby Melville Grenfell tower fire A view of the empty A40 highway after it was closed in both directions, due to the proximity of the fire at Grenfell Tower block in Latimer Road EPA Grenfell tower fire Smoke rises from the building after a huge fire engulfed the 24 storey residential Grenfell Tower block in Latimer Road, West London Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Bodies are removed from the scene after a fire engulfed the 24-storey Grenfell Tower in west London Rick Findler/PA Wire Grenfell tower fire Bodies are removed from the scene after a fire engulfed the 24-storey Grenfell Tower in west London Rick Findler/PA Wire Grenfell tower fire Provisions on tables at the Westway Sports Centre close to the scene after a fire engulfed the 24-storey Grenfell Tower in west London Jack Hardy/PA Grenfell tower fire Beds are laid out in the Westway Sports Centre close to the scene after a fire engulfed the 24-storey Grenfell Tower in west London Jack Hardy/PA Wire Grenfell tower fire A pile of donated clothes, sleeping bags and water lie next to a police cordon near the burning the 24 storey residential Grenfell Tower block in Latimer Road, West London Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Signs asking for donations are seen outside the Notting Hill methodist Chruch Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Smoke rises from the building after a huge fire engulfed the 24 storey residential Grenfell Tower block in Latimer Road, West London Getty Images Grenfell tower fire A man is rescued by fire fighters after a huge fire engulfed the 24 storey residential Grenfell Tower block in Latimer Road, West London Getty

On a day when angry residents stormed Kensington Town Hall and protesters shouted at the Prime Minister, Mr Saint warned that demonstrations could turn soon violent.

Now its all love and prayer, but soon it will turn into, maybe like a war zone. Riots might start, worse than before, he said.

Tensions on the ground boiled over in the afternoon as protesters outside the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea headquarters stormed the building. Hundreds of people, gathered outside the town hall, said they wanted answers before surging towards the building's entrance.

Police, including a number of mounted officers, arrived at the town hall after the disturbance.

Recommended Grenfell Tower residents storm Kensington Town Hall in angry protest

Having initially entered the building, protesters were called back away from the foyer by an organiser, Mustafa Mansour, who urged them to remain calm.

A disturbance briefly broke out near a different exit to the building, reportedly as police tried to escort council staff out. Bystanders told The Independent that two people who emerged from the town hall were punched.

People gathered in the lobby shouted we need answers and we need to be heard. A young woman at the top of the stairs urged peaceful protest.

There's going to be no violence, but we're staying here until we get answers, she said.

The crowd then chanted we want justice and you left them there to die.

 Kensington Town Hall Grenfell Tower protest: People chant "Shame on you!"

Once the crowd dispersed, people made their way up to Notting Hill and towards the site of the tower. Throughout the march chants of justice had rippled up the crowd.

We are here today because you must look at that building with tears streaming down your face, one woman told the group as they neared the foot of the tower.

Pausing, the hundreds fell silent for a moment before breaking into applause and cheers for those killed.

We need answers and we need answers now, another man said through a megaphone.

This should not be happening in the United Kingdom, this should never happen.

Other demonstrations spread throughout the capital, with around 1,400 descending on Whitehall, shouting: May must go. Others performed a sit-down protest at Oxford Circus and gathered outside the BBCs Broadcasting House.

Chris Imafidon, whose home overlooks Grenfell Tower, gave an emotional address to the crowd heading for Downing Street, holding a poster for one of the young children missing in one hand and a scorched piece of cladding in the other.

He said: I'm not here because I support the Tories, Labour or Liberals.

I'm here because this child ... on Tuesday went to bed and now nobody knows where this child is.
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More than 100,000 events will be held around the country to celebrate the life of Jo Cox on the one year anniversary of her death.

The 41-year-old mother of two was shot and stabbed by a far right extremist in Birstall, in her constituency of Bateley and Spen on 16 June 2016.

To mark the anniversary of her death her family and friends have urged people to hold events that celebrate her life.

The Great Get Together, will see a series of picnics, street parties and concerts run across the weekend.

Kim Leadbeater, Ms Coxs sister, said the events had nothing to do with religion or politics.

"Nothing to do with anything other than getting together with people in your communities," Ms Leadbeater told the BBC. "People are desperate for it - people want something that is about coming together and being positive."

The event is intended to bring people together and Ms Cox's widower, Brendan, said there could be "no more fitting tribute" to his wife.

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 10 November 2022 A grey heron lands on the river Dodder in Dublin on a sunny autumn morning PA UK news in pictures 9 November 2022 Australia and Spain play during the Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup group A match at the Copper Box Arena, London PA UK news in pictures 8 November 2022 A migrant attempting to communicate with journalists is pinned against a fence by members of staff, before being taken out of view, at the Manston immigration short-term holding facility, located at the former Defence Fire Training and Development Centre in Thanet, Kent PA UK news in pictures 7 November 2022 Handout photo issued by Just Stop Oil of a protester who has climbed a gantry on the M25 between junctions six and seven in Surrey, leading to the closure of the motorway PA UK news in pictures 6 November 2022 A grey seal with its pup, at the Donna Nook National Nature Reserve in north Lincolnshire, where they come every year in late October, November and December to give birth to their pups near the sand dunes, the wildlife spectacle attracts visitors from across the UK PA UK news in pictures 5 November 2022 Demonstrators with placards calling for a General Election march near the Houses of Parliament AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 4 November 2022 A peacock is seen in the early winter sunshine in the Dutch Gardens in Holland Park AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 3 November 2022 Florence Kasumba, Letitia Wright, Tenoch Huerta and Lupita Nyongo attend the European Premiere of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever in London Getty UK news in pictures 2 November 2022 A red squirrel gathers nuts in Pitlochry, Scotland Reuters UK news in pictures 1 November 2022 Englands Tara-Jane Stanley scores their sides seventh try against Brazil during the Womens Rugby League World Cup group A match at Headingley Stadium, Leeds PA UK news in pictures 31 October 2022 GBs James Hall competes during the mens parallel bars qualification at the World Gymnastics Championships in Liverpool AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 October 2022 People dressed in Halloween costumes paddle board along the river Avon in Christchurch, Dorset PA UK news in pictures 29 October 2022 Members of the public take pictures as police officers remove activists from a road during a Just Stop Oil protest, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 28 October 2022 A cosplayer attends the MCM Comic Con London 2022 at the ExCel Centre in London Reuters UK news in pictures 27 October 2022 98-year-old D-Day Veteran Bernard Morgan, whose story is among those featured on the giant poppy wall, during the launch of The Royal British Legion 2022 Poppy Appeal, at Hay's Galleria in central London PA UK news in pictures 26 October 2022 A meerkat explores a pumpkin in the enclosure at Wild Place, Bristol, where some of the animals are having pumpkin treats as part of their environmental enrichment PA UK news in pictures 25 October 2022 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"When Jo was killed a year ago it took the heart out of our family, Mr Cox told The Telegraph. "The first emotion was shock, both numbing and shattering. That in time gave way to a grief that remains very fresh, very raw and continues to hit us in vicious waves when we least expect it. But our family has not been broken."

It is thought that more than 100,000 events have been planned from 16 June to 18 June.
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Andrea Leadsom has been heckled by a Grenfell Tower resident asking Where is Theresa May, during a visit to victims of the devastating fire.

The newly installed House of Commons leader was speaking to reporters outside a community centre helping the stricken families in west London when a man interrupted to ask why the Prime Minister had not spoken those affected during her visit.

"At least she could have met the victims. At least. [Jeremy] Corbyn, he is a good man, and he met them. He came and met the people. He didnt come with a bunch of police...no one saw her", he said.

"Sadiq Khan, Corbyn, have come down here, not with all these bodyguards", he added.

Ms May has been widely criticised for only speaking to the emergency services during her visit to the scene on Thursday, which Downing Street said was for "security reasons".

He continued to asked if any member of the Conservative party had been to the community centre where volunteers were dropping off food, clothing and other items to help the estimated 400 people who have been made homeless by the fire.

At least 17 people have died and over 70 people were rushed to hospital following the blaze at the 24 storey tower in North Kensington in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

Ms Leadsom said several ministers had visited the scene privately "to talk to residents and give practical support".

She said she was there on behalf of the entire House of Commons to express their "horror and devastation" at what had happened.

Grenfell tower fire Show all 42 1 /42 Grenfell tower fire Grenfell tower fire Local residents watch as Grenfell Tower is engulfed by fire Getty Images Grenfell tower fire London Fire Brigade said there has been a number of fatalities from the blaze Rex Features Grenfell tower fire The fire was first reported in the early hours of Wednesday and continued into the morning Rex Features Grenfell tower fire A local resident sees the fire over the rooftops @Ebajgora Grenfell tower fire A firefighter reacts at the scene of the blaze Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Residents watch as the blaze continues Getty Images Grenfell tower fire More than 200 firefighters have been fighting the blaze PA Grenfell tower fire London Mayor Sadiq Khan has declared the fire a major incident Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Police and fire services attempted to evacuate the concrete block of flats Getty Images Grenfell tower fire A woman runs to assist paramedics working at the fire at the Grenfell Tower Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Smoke rises from the building after a huge fire engulfed the 24 story Grenfell Tower in Latimer Road, West London in the early hours of Wednesday morning Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Fire fighters tackle the 24-storey building in West London Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Ambulances are stationed nearby Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Paramedics arrive with oxygen Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Emergency services believe it will take some time to establish the cause of the fire Grenfell tower fire Tens of people have been taken to five different hospitals across London Getty Images Grenfell tower fire A man comforts a boy after the tower block was severely damaged Reuters Grenfell tower fire Firefighters stand amid debris in a childrens playground nearby Reuters Grenfell tower fire Firefighters are stationed at the building Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Smoke engulfs Grenfell tower Rex Features Grenfell tower fire Lots of people donating water, food and clothing to St Clement's church for the residents of Grenfell Tower in Latimer Road Samuel Osborne Grenfell tower fire A man speaks to a fire fighter after a huge fire engulfed the 24 story Grenfell Tower in Latimer Road, West London Getty Images Grenfell tower fire According to the London Fire Brigade (LFB), 40 fire engines and 200 firefighters are working to put out the blaze. Residents in the tower were evacuated and a number of people were treated for a range of injuries EPA Grenfell tower fire A resident of Grenfell Tower is trapped as smoke billows from the window after a fire engulfed the building Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Members of the emergency services work at the scene of a huge blaze which engulfed Grenfell Tower, a residential tower block in Latimer Road Getty Images Grenfell tower fire According to the London Fire Brigade (LFB), 40 fire engines and 200 firefighters are working to put out the blaze EPA Grenfell tower fire Fire fighters tackle the building after a huge fire engulfed the 24 story Grenfell Tower in Latimer Road, West London Getty Images Grenfell tower fire The burnt facade of Grenfell Tower, the night after the fire in Latimer Road, West London REUTERS/Neil Hall Grenfell tower fire Local residents gather at a community centre near Grenfell Tower in Latimer Road REUTERS/Toby Melville Grenfell tower fire A resident in a nearby building watches smoke rise from Grenfell Tower in Latimer Road, West London AP Grenfell tower fire Police and rescue services operate near the fire at Grenfell Tower, a 24-storey apartment block in Latimer Road EPA Grenfell tower fire A man stands amid debris on the A40 after a serious fire in a tower block at Latimer Road in West London REUTERS/Toby Melville Grenfell tower fire A view of the empty A40 highway after it was closed in both directions, due to the proximity of the fire at Grenfell Tower block in Latimer Road EPA Grenfell tower fire Smoke rises from the building after a huge fire engulfed the 24 storey residential Grenfell Tower block in Latimer Road, West London Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Bodies are removed from the scene after a fire engulfed the 24-storey Grenfell Tower in west London Rick Findler/PA Wire Grenfell tower fire Bodies are removed from the scene after a fire engulfed the 24-storey Grenfell Tower in west London Rick Findler/PA Wire Grenfell tower fire Provisions on tables at the Westway Sports Centre close to the scene after a fire engulfed the 24-storey Grenfell Tower in west London Jack Hardy/PA Grenfell tower fire Beds are laid out in the Westway Sports Centre close to the scene after a fire engulfed the 24-storey Grenfell Tower in west London Jack Hardy/PA Wire Grenfell tower fire A pile of donated clothes, sleeping bags and water lie next to a police cordon near the burning the 24 storey residential Grenfell Tower block in Latimer Road, West London Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Signs asking for donations are seen outside the Notting Hill methodist Chruch Getty Images Grenfell tower fire Smoke rises from the building after a huge fire engulfed the 24 storey residential Grenfell Tower block in Latimer Road, West London Getty Images Grenfell tower fire A man is rescued by fire fighters after a huge fire engulfed the 24 storey residential Grenfell Tower block in Latimer Road, West London Getty

Since the confrontation, Downing Street has announced Ms May will visit survivors in hospital later this morning.

The fire is believed to have started on one of the lower floors before spreading quickly up along one corner of the building via the plastic cladding that was put on the building during a refurbishment last year.

Angry has continued to grow about the fire, especially after it emerged the type of cladding used had been banned from use on tall buildings in the US and Germany over concerns it allows fires to spread much quicker.

Some have accused the building's managers, the Kensington & Chelsea Tenants Organisation, of installing the cladding to improve the look of the 1970s tower block for the benefit of its wealthier neighbours.
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The jury in Bill Cosby's sexual assault case tested the patience of defence lawyers and even the judge on the fifth day of deliberations as it repeatedly asked to run through testimony from the TV star, his accuser and others, struggling to break a deadlock that threatens to end the trial without a verdict.

With deliberations running about as long as the testimony of all the witnesses combined, the 79-year-old TV star's lawyer complained that jurors were seeking a replay of the entire trial.

Judge Steven O'Neill twice refused defence requests for a mistrial, declaring that jurors could talk as long as they wanted over allegations that Cosby drugged and molested a woman at his suburban Philadelphia mansion in 2004 - allegations Cosby denies.

But even the solicitous judge had his limits, putting his foot down late Friday afternoon when the jurors asked to hear a sliver of testimony they'd just had read back to them. The judge told them they had to rely on their collective memory.

Cosby thanked his fans and supporters as the jury deliberated sexual assault charges that could send him to prison for the rest of his life. He tweeted shortly after the panel asked to review his testimony about giving drugs to women with whom he wanted to have sex.

It was the first Twitter message from Cosby in more than a week and came as jurors spent a fifth day in talks, trying to break an impasse that has raised the possibility his trial will end without a verdict. The defence said the jury had struggled with the charges long enough, twice asking for a mistrial Friday.

Cosby lawyer Brian McMonagle objected in court to the panel's repeated requests to review testimony, saying it suggested some jurors were trying to coerce other jurors in an attempt to bring an end to the deadlock.

"They were here!" said Mr McMonagle, exasperated.

Judge Steven O'Neill said he saw no evidence of coercion or trouble in the deliberating room after the jurors reported their impasse on Thursday and he instructed them to keep trying for a verdict.

"There's a misperception that there's a time limit," the judge said, adding he'd let the jurors work as long as they wanted.

On Friday, the panel listened again to what Mr Cosby had to say about his use of Quaaludes, a now-banned party drug.

Cosby testified in a 2006 deposition that he got seven prescriptions for the powerful sedative in the 1970s for the purpose of giving them to women before sex.

Bill Cosby: Career in pictures Show all 20 1 /20 Bill Cosby: Career in pictures Bill Cosby: Career in pictures Bill Cosby Winner of his first Emmy for 'I Spy' is Bill Cosby being congratulated by his wife Camille held at Americana Hotel, 1966 Bill Cosby: Career in pictures Bill Cosby Bill Cosby in 'I Spy', 1960s Bill Cosby: Career in pictures Bill Cosby Bill Cosby in July 1973 in Perth Bill Cosby: Career in pictures Bill Cosby Bill Cosby and Richard Pryor in 'California Suite', 1978 Bill Cosby: Career in pictures Bill Cosby Bill Cosby and Elmo in Sesame Street, 1989 Bill Cosby: Career in pictures Bill Cosby Bill Cosby poses for a picture with Florence Griffith-Joyner in June 1989 Bill Cosby: Career in pictures Bill Cosby Comedian Bill Cosby back in 1992 Rex Features Bill Cosby: Career in pictures Bill Cosby A scene from a 1992 episode of 'The Cosby Show' AP Bill Cosby: Career in pictures Bill Cosby US Monica Seles breaks into laughter as she jokes with comedian Bill Cosby during a celebrity match in the stadium at the US Open for the Arthur Ashe AIDS Challenge on 27 August 1995 Bill Cosby: Career in pictures Bill Cosby Bill Cosby meets Toronto Blue Jays' All-Star Joe Carter after the Stars played the Stripes in the Celebrity All-Star game which preceded workouts for the 67th All-Star Game at Veterans Stadium on 8 July 1996 in Philadephia Bill Cosby: Career in pictures Bill Cosby Co-hosts Oprah Winfrey and Bill Cosby joke with each other during the opening of the 2000 Essence Awards 14 April 2000 at Radio City Music Hall in New York City Bill Cosby: Career in pictures Bill Cosby Bill Cosby jokes with baseball great Hank Aaron after they both received the Presidential Medal of Freedom Award from U.S. President George W. Bush during a ceremony on 9 July 2002 at the White House in Washington Bill Cosby: Career in pictures Bill Cosby Bill Cosby poses backstage after winning the 'Bob Hope Humanitarian Award' during the 55th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards at the Shrine Auditorium on 21 September 2003 in Los Angeles Bill Cosby: Career in pictures Bill Cosby 'Tonight Show' host Jay Leno and comedian Bill Cosby laugh during a surprise visit by Cosby to sign a Harley-Davidson motorcycle that Leno is using to raise money for the victims of Hurricane Katrina at NBC studios on 9 September 2005 in Burbank, California Bill Cosby: Career in pictures Bill Cosby Bill Cosby speaks during a taping of 'Meet the Press' at the NBC studios on 14 October 2007 in Washington Bill Cosby: Career in pictures Bill Cosby Bill Cosby at the 12th annual Mark Twain Prize for American Humor at the John F. Kennedy Center on 26 October 2009 in Washington Bill Cosby: Career in pictures Bill Cosby Bill Cosby speaks at the National Action Network's 20th annual Keepers of the Dream Awards gala in New York on 6 April 2011 Reuters Bill Cosby: Career in pictures Bill Cosby Bill Cosby during the 100th anniversary celebration of the Beverly Hills Hotel & Bungalows supporting the Motion Picture & Television Fund and the American Comedy Fund, 2012 Getty Images Bill Cosby: Career in pictures Bill Cosby Bill Cosby speaks onstage at the Thurgood Marshall College Fund 25th Awards Gala on 11 November 2013 in Washington Bill Cosby: Career in pictures Bill Cosby Bill Cosby performs at the Treasure Island Hotel & Casino on 26 September 2014 in Las Vegas

The testimony is relevant because Cosby is charged with drugging and molesting Andrea Constand, a former Temple University employee, at his suburban Philadelphia home in 2004.

Cosby, 79, has said he gave Benadryl to Ms Constand, 44, before a consensual sexual encounter. Prosecutors have suggested he might have given her Quaaludes.

Cosby, who gave the deposition as part of Ms Constand's lawsuit against him, said in 2006 he never took Quaaludes himself, preferring to keep them on hand for social situations.

"When you got the Quaaludes, was it in your mind that you were going to use these Quaaludes for young women that you wanted to have sex with?" Mr Cosby was asked.

"Yes," he answered.

But he said he no longer had the sedative  a highly popular party drug in the 1970s that was banned in the U.S. in 1982  when he met Ms Constand in 2002 at Temple University.

Cosby's lawyer said he and Ms Constand were lovers sharing a consensual moment of intimacy.

The jurors went back to the deliberating room after having the Quaaludes testimony read back to them and listening again to the definition of reasonable doubt, the threshold that prosecutors must cross to win a conviction. After a lunch break, reviewed testimony from Ms Constand's mother about phone conversations they had with Mr Cosby after the encounter. According to the testimony, Cosby called himself a "sick man" but refused to identify the pills he gave to Ms Constand.

The panel must come to a unanimous decision to convict or acquit.

If the panel can't break the deadlock, the judge could declare a hung jury and a mistrial. In that case, prosecutors would get four months to decide whether they want to retry Cosby or drop the charges.

The case has already helped demolish Cosby's image as America's Dad, cultivated during his eight-year run as Dr. Cliff Huxtable on the top-rated The Cosby Show in the 1980s and '90s.

Dozens of women have come forward to say Cosby drugged and assaulted them, but this was the only case to result in criminal charges.

Associated Press
If the parties to the Donbas conflict were to come to some sort of settlement mechanism different from the Minsk one, Washington could support it, spokesperson for the U.S. State Department Heather Nauert said at a briefing on Thursday.

"If the parties were to come to some sort of an agreement on their own through some sort of different mechanism, and those parties could adhere to it and agree to it and it would be successful, I think that would be something that we would be open to supporting that," she said at a briefing adding that the U.S. remains committed to the Minsk agreements.

Nauert said the U.S. continues to call on the parties to the Minsk agreement to honor their commitments. "We are not satisfied with the progress in implementing the agreements. We are deeply disturbed by the escalating violence in Donbas," she said.

She said she was not aware of Washington offering any new plan.
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A young woman who sent text messages to her boyfriend urging him to kill himself, has been found guilty of manslaughter.

A judge, sitting without a jury, found that a barrage of messages sent by Michelle Carter when she was aged 17 and 18, had persuaded her teenage boyfriend, Conrad Roy III, to take his own life, by means of carbon monoxide poisoning.

One crucial message, highlighted by Judge Lawrence Moniz, was delivered by Carter to Mr Roy after he climbed out of his vehicle after getting scared. Get back in, she told him.

She admits in subsequent texts that she did nothing, she did not call the police or Mr Roys family, Mr Moniz told the court in the city of Taunton, as he explained his reasoning. She did not notify his mother or sister. And finally, she did not issue a simple additional instruction: Get out of the truck.

The judge then asked Carter to get to her feet as he delivered his verdict and she stood there sobbing. This court, having reviewed the evidence, finds you guilty on the indictment with involuntary manslaughter, he said.

The case had sparked intense debate among legal experts and many had anticipated that Carter would be cleared.

Unlike many other states, Massachusetts has no law against encouraging suicide. In addition, Carter was not present when Mr Roy took his life.

Carters defence lawyer, Joseph Cataldo, had argued that Mr Roy had a history of depression and suicide attempts and was determined to end his own life. He said Carter initially tried to talk Mr Roy out of it and urged him to get professional help, but eventually went along with his plan, according to the Associated Press.

But the prosecution presented a mass of evidence to support its argument that her behaviour amounted to wanton and reckless conduct.

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I thought you wanted to do this. The time is right and youre ready, you just need to do it, she wrote in one message.

Prosecutor Katie Rayburn said that Carter told Mr Roy that his family would be fine if he were to kill himself and that she would help look after them. She said Carter frequently scolded her boyfriend if he became frightened with his suicide plan.

It got to the point he was apologising for not being dead yet, said Ms Rayburn.

Mr Roy was found dead in his vehicle (CNN)

Dr Peter Breggin, a psychiatrist testifying for the defence, said Carter was a very troubled youngster who suffered from depression.

At the time of Mr Roys death, Carter was taking Celexa, an antidepressant that Mr Breggin said targets the brains frontal lobe, which controls empathy and decision-making.

He said Carter was in the grips of a grandiose delusion that she alone could help Roy find his way to heaven and she would care for his family.

Mr Roy, 18, was found dead of carbon monoxide poisoning in his truck in a store parking lot in Fairhaven, near New Bedford, in July 2014.

The judge ruled that Carter can remain free on bail but ordered her not to make any contact with Mr Roys family and can't leave the state. She faces a sentence of probation to 20 years in prison.

The case opened a window into the trauma of teen depression. However, the American Civil Liberties Union denounced the verdict as unconstitutional and said it exceeded the limits of our criminal laws and violates free speech protections guaranteed by the Massachusetts and US Constitutions.
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The Minnesota police officer who killed Philando Castile last year during a traffic stop has been acquitted of all charges he faced over the gruesome death that was broadcast live.

Jeronimo Yanez shot Mr Castile after the black motorist informed him that he had a gun in his car. Mr Castile was licenced to have the weapon, and had been told to inform officers of the firearm in those situations for his safety.

Mr Yanez was fired from his position on the police force following his acquittal.

Recommended Black Lives Matter protesters block Minneapolis highway

Mr Castile's mother spoke to the media after the decision, expressing anger and sorrow with the verdict.

"There has always been a systemic problem in the state of Minnesota, and me thinking, common sense that we would get justice. But nevertheless the system continues to fail black people", she said. "I am so disappointed in the state of Minnesota".

Mr Yanez and his family, meanwhile, quietly slipped out of the courthouse and into a van before leaving without taking question. Jurors similarly declined to comment on the verdict.

Mr Castile's death last year was a flash point in the debate over police treatment of black Americans in the country, after a string of videos showing police shooting unarmed black men had shocked the country and captured headlines. Like those shootings and deaths, Mr Castile's was caught on tape and sparked widespread protest. Unlike many of them, his was posted live on Facebook by his girlfriend, who was in the passenger seat of the car.

Black Lives Matter organises march to Trump Tower Show all 15 1 /15 Black Lives Matter organises march to Trump Tower Black Lives Matter organises march to Trump Tower Kandy Freeman participates in a Black Lives Matter protest in front of Trump Tower in New York City, U.S. January 14, 2017. Stephanie Keith/Reuters Black Lives Matter organises march to Trump Tower People participate in a Black Lives Matter protest in front of Trump Tower in New York City, U.S. January 14, 2017. Stephanie Keith/Reuters Black Lives Matter organises march to Trump Tower Hawk Newsome, a Black Lives Matter activist, leads a protest outside Trump Tower in New York City on January 14, 2017. Dominick Reuter/AFP/Getty Images Black Lives Matter organises march to Trump Tower Hawk Newsome (C) leads a chant during a Black Lives Matter protest in front of Trump Tower in New York City, US. January 14, 2017. Dominick Reuter/AFP/Getty Images Black Lives Matter organises march to Trump Tower People participate in a Black Lives Matter protest in front of Trump Tower in New York City, U.S. January 14, 2017. Stephanie Keith/Reuters Black Lives Matter organises march to Trump Tower An NYPD officer speaks with a Black Lives Matter leaders during a protest in the snow outside Trump Tower in New York City on January 14, 2017. Dominick Reuter/AFP/Getty Images Black Lives Matter organises march to Trump Tower Kandy Freeman participates in a Black Lives Matter protest in front of Trump Tower in New York City, U.S. January 14, 2017. Stephanie Keith/Reuters Black Lives Matter organises march to Trump Tower An NYPD officer speaks with a Black Lives Matter leaders during a protest in the snow outside Trump Tower in New York City on January 14, 2017. Dominick Reuter/AFP/Getty Images Black Lives Matter organises march to Trump Tower Carol Garza, a Black Lives Matter supporter, protests outside Trump Tower in New York City on January 14, 2017. Dominick Reuter/AFP/Getty Images Black Lives Matter organises march to Trump Tower People participate in a Black Lives Matter protest in front of Trump Tower in New York City, U.S. January 14, 2017. Stephanie Keith/Reuters Black Lives Matter organises march to Trump Tower A Black Lives Matter supporter protests in the snow outside Trump Tower in New York City on January 14, 2017. Dominick Reuter/AFP/Getty Images Black Lives Matter organises march to Trump Tower Black Lives Matter activists march in front of Trump Tower on January 14, 2017 in New York City. Kevin Hagen/Getty Black Lives Matter organises march to Trump Tower Black Lives Matter activists march in front of Trump Tower on January 14, 2017 in New York City. Kevin Hagen/Getty Black Lives Matter organises march to Trump Tower Black Lives Matter supporters protest in the snow outside Trump Tower in New York City on January 14, 2017. Dominick Reuter/AFP/Getty Images Black Lives Matter organises march to Trump Tower Black Lives Matter Kandy Freeman marches in front of Trump Tower on January 14, 2017 in New York City. Kevin Hagen/Getty

The Minnesota jury acquitted Mr Yanez of one count of second-degree manslaughter, and two counts of intentional discharge of a firearm that endangers safety. He faced the latter charges because Mr Castile's girlfriend and her four-year-old child were in the vehicle with him.

That jury heard two different narratives during the two weeks long trial. Their decision followed 27 hours of deliberation.

Prosecutors painted Mr Yanez as a nervous officer who lost control. He pulled the trigger too quickly after learning about the firearm, and that he was partially driven to do so because he suspected Mr Castile of a crime.

Mr Yanez testified that he feared for his life when Mr Castile grabbed for his firearm, even though he was told not to.

"I thought I was going to die", Mr Yanez testified on the fifth day of testimony in his trial. I had no other choice. I was forced to engage Mr Castile. He was not complying with my directions".

The video capturing Mr Castile's death is gruesome. In it, he can be seen gasping for air and slumped over to the right of his seat. Mr Yanez is seen with his gun drawn and pointed at him through the window. Writhing in apparent pain, Mr Castile's white shirt is stained deep red with blood from the five rounds he was hit with.

That video sparked protests around the country, and renewed charges that racial bias persists in America's police force. The vast majority of police officers who have killed unarmed or innocent black men have not been prosecuted for those actions, or have been acquitted.
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A government agency has corrected a provision in its equal employment policy so that it once again protects the LGBTQ community, but there are underlying concerns.

The Department of Commerce website with the statement has been updated to include the phrases sexual orientation and gender identity, though this change did not occur until Buzzfeed reported on the change.

The inclusion is welcomed by the LGBTQ community but David Stacy, Human Rights Campaigns Government Affairs Director, told The Independent there are concerns surrounding the message it sends and the US Census, which is run by the agency.

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The Department of Commerce had not made a formal announcement or press release about the change but added it to the Federal Register, the official journal of the US government which includes agency rules, changes, and public notices.

The earlier 2017 statement, signed by the head of Commerce Wilbur Ross had read: "The Department of Commerce does not tolerate behavior, harassment, discrimination or prejudice based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability...We will also provide reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities."

In January, the White House had announced that LGBTQ rights in the federal government, including protections outlined in orders signed by Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, would "remain intact".

LGBTQ federal workers were still legally protected from harassment and discrimination through a 2015 amendment the Civil Service Reform Act despite the initial change in the wording of the Commerce policy.

Government agencies do not have the power to abrogate federal law, Mr Stacy said.

LGBTQ federal contractors and vendors are also still protected through the Department of Labour regulations thanks to an executive order signed by Mr Obama.

But, there are bigger, underlying issues, according to Mr Stacy.

Jessica Stern, Executive Director of OutRight International, said that though no rights were taken away by Commerces initial change, it sends a hostile message and causes confusion.

She said: If I worked in the Commerce Department, I would treat this statement as significant and intimidating, and I'd be asking myself whether I should look for another employer.

Normally, if an employee that identified as LGBTQ had a workplace issue within their federal agency, they go to that agencys Equal Employment Office.

Policy changes such as what Commerce tried to do are cause for worry because - before the change - it causes confusion and sends a signal to LGBT employees: dont come to us, we wont help you, said Mr Stacy.

Employees would have had to go to the federal governments Office of Special Counsel, separate from any other federal agency, to seek help.

Thousands march against Donald Trump in LGBT rights parade Show all 8 1 /8 Thousands march against Donald Trump in LGBT rights parade Thousands march against Donald Trump in LGBT rights parade AP Thousands march against Donald Trump in LGBT rights parade AP Thousands march against Donald Trump in LGBT rights parade AP Thousands march against Donald Trump in LGBT rights parade AP Thousands march against Donald Trump in LGBT rights parade AFP/Getty Images Thousands march against Donald Trump in LGBT rights parade AP Thousands march against Donald Trump in LGBT rights parade AFP/Getty Images Thousands march against Donald Trump in LGBT rights parade AP

There is nothing to stop other federal agencies from instituting similar changes to their equal employment statements.

For the time being, advocacy groups are keeping a close eye on the Federal Register because this is not the first time the Trump administration have issued changes without press releases or other public announcements.

The US Census, conducted every ten years, and the annual American Community Survey are the basis for federal funding of programmes in health and human services, voting districts, and crucial demographic information.

To underscore the importance of these surveys to how all levels of government help citizens, Mr Stacy said: If youre not counted, you dont count.

Data is critical to understanding what challenges LGBTQ community faces, Mr Stacy explained.

In a report to Congress on the Census and American Community Survey earlier this year, Commerce detailed what questions may be asked in the upcoming rounds of data gathering.

There have never been questions about gender or sexual orientation in the surveys, however, in the index of the report to Congress, there was an entry for such questions.

However, there was no such section of questions in the actual report, meaning a change was made, said Mr Stacy.

Another similar incident occurred with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) survey on aging populations in the US.

It is a very large and important statistical report that helps the government identify the particular challenges older Americans are facing when it comes to employment, healthcare, housing, and other issues.

That survey, conducted every three years, has had a sexual orientation question on it.

The HHS under the Trump administration said in the Federal Register that no changes had been made to the survey, said Mr Stacy.

However, they had actually pulled the sexual orientation question from the survey.

During the open comment period, nearly 10,000 advocates wrote in to address the issue.

The US Census and other surveys also address problems with vulnerable homeless populations, a particularly important issue because nearly 40 per cent of homeless youth identify as LGBTQ.

Relying on anecdotal evidence in all these areas is not enough because solutions tend to be stop-gap rather than long term. Having data would help solve problems for the community through funding, targeted advocacy, and public awareness, according to policy experts.
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Donald Trump has said that he is being investigated for possible obstruction of justice over his decision to fire the FBI Director who was heading a probe into possible collusion between his election campaign and Russia's alleged effort to interfere with the 2016 election.

Earlier this week, it was reported that in the aftermath of the firing of James Comey, Robert Mueller, the man appointed to take over the probe as special investigator, had began looking at whether Mr Trump's behaviour represented an obstruction of justice. Mr Mueller has reportedly already scheduled interviews with several senior intelligence officials. Mr Trump's lawyer denounced the development and accused the FBI of leaking material.

Now, Mr Trump has suggested that he is indeed being investigated. "I am being investigated for firing the FBI Director by the man who told me to fire the FBI Director! Witch Hunt," he wrote on Twitter.

It is believed he was referring to Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, who appointed Mr Mueller as special prosecutor to investigate the Trump campaign. In the immediate aftermath of Mr Comeys firing, the White House made public, memos from Mr Rosenstein and Attorney General Jeff Sessions that made a case for getting rid the FBI Director. There has certainly been no indication that Mr Mueller told Mr Trump to fire Mr Comey.

The President's words of apparent confirmation come after a week of reports from Washington that his firing of Mr Comey, who was heading up a probe into his former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn and his possible ties to the Kremlin, had led the investigation to broaden its scope.

 Richard Branson says Trump is a 'dangerous individual'

In another tweet earlier on Friday, Mr Trump had said: After 7 months of investigations & committee hearings about my 'collusion with the Russians,' nobody has been able to show any proof. Sad!

The Associated Press said Mr Mueller was among the candidates Mr Trump interviewed to replace Mr Comey. A day later, Mr Rosenstein appointed Mr Mueller, who was at the helm of the FBI during the September 11 attacks, as special counsel.

The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Show all 17 1 /17 The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Paul Manafort Mr Manafort is a Republican strategist and former Trump campaign manager. He resigned from that post over questions about his extensive lobbying overseas, including in Ukraine where he represented pro-Russian interests. Mr Manafort turned himself in at FBI headquarters to special counsel Robert Muellers team on Oct 30, 2017, after he was indicted under seal on charges that include conspiracy against the United States, conspiracy to launder money, unregistered agent of a foreign principal, false and misleading US Foreign Agents Registration Act statements, false statements, and seven counts of failure to file reports of foreign bank and financial accounts. Getty The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Rick Gates Mr Gates joined the Trump team in spring 2016, and served as a top aide until he left to work at the Republican National Committee after the departure of former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort. Mr Gates' had previously worked on several presidential campaigns, on international political campaigns in Europe and Africa, and had 15 years of political or financial experience with multinational firms, according to his bio. Mr Gates was indicted alongside Mr Manafort by special counsel Robert Mueller's team on charges that include conspiracy against the United States, conspiracy to launder money, unregistered agent of a foreign principal, false and misleading US Foreign Agents Registration Act statements, false statements, and seven counts of failure to file reports of foreign bank and financial accounts. AP The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation George Papadopoulos George Papadopoulos was a former foreign policy adviser for the Trump campaign, having joined around March 2016. Mr Papadopoulos plead guilty to federal charges for lying to the FBI as a part of a cooperation agreement with Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation. Mr Papadopoulos claimed in an interview with the FBI that he had made contacts with Russian sources before joining the Trump campaign, but he actually began working with them after joining the team. Mr Papadopoulos allegedly took a meeting with a professor in London who reportedly told him that Russians had "dirt" on Hillary Clinton. The professor also allegedly introduced Mr Papadopoulos to a Russian who was said to have close ties to officials at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Mr Papadopoulos also allegedly was in contact with a woman whom he incorrectly described in one email to others in the campaign as the "niece" to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Twitter The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Donald Trump Jr The President's eldest son met with a Russian lawyer - Natalia Veselnitskaya - on 9 June 2016 at Trump Tower in New York. He said in an initial statement that the meeting was about Russia halting adoptions of its children by US citizens. Then, he said it was regarding the Magnitsky Act, a US law blacklisting Russian human rights abusers. In a final statement, Mr Trump Jr released a chain of emails that revealed he took the meeting in hopes of getting information Ms Veselnitskaya had about Hillary Clinton's alleged financial ties to Russia. He and the President called it standard "opposition research" in the course of campaigning and that no information came from the meeting. The meeting was set up by an intermediary, Rob Goldstone. Jared Kushner and Paul Manafort were also at the same meeting. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Jared Kushner Mr Kushner is President Donald Trump's son-in-law and a key adviser to the White House. He met with a Russian banker appointed by Russian President Vladimir Putin in December. Mr Kushner has said he did so in his role as an adviser to Mr Trump while the bank says he did so as a private developer. Mr Kushner has also volunteered to testify in the Senate about his role helping to arrange meetings between Trump advisers and Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Rob Goldstone Former tabloid journalist and now music publicist Rob Goldstone is a contact of the Trump family through the previously Trump-owned 2013 Miss Universe pageant, which took place in Moscow. In June 2016, he wrote to Donald Trump Jr offering a meeting with a Russian lawyer, Natalya Veselnitskaya, who had information about Hillary Clinton. Mr Goldstone was the intermediary for Russian pop star Emin Agalaraov and his father, real estate magnate Aras, who played a role in putting on the 2013 pageant. In an email chain released by Mr Trump Jr, Mr Goldstone seemed to indicate Russian government's support of Donald Trump's campaign. AP images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Aras and Emin Agalarov Aras Agalarov (R) is a wealthy Moscow-based real estate magnate and son Emin (L) is a pop star. Both played a role in putting on the previously Trump-owned 2013 Miss Universe pageant in Moscow. They allegedly had information about Hillary Clinton and offered that information to the Trump campaign through a lawyer with whom they had worked with, Natalia Veselnitskaya, and music publicist Rob Goldstone. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Natalia Veselnitskaya Natalia Veselnitskaya is a Russian lawyer with ties to the Kremlin. She has worked on real estate issues and reportedly counted the FSB as a client in the past. She has ties to a Trump family connection, real estate magnate Aras Agalarov, who had helped set up the Trump-owned 2013 Miss Universe pageant which took place in Moscow. Ms Veselnitskaya met with Donald Trump Jr, Jared Kushner, and Paul Manafort in Trump Tower on 9 June 2016 but denies the allegation that she went there promising information on Hillary Clinton's alleged financial ties to Russia. She contends that the meeting was about the US adoptions of Russian children being stopped by Moscow as a reaction to the Magnitsky Act, a US law blacklisting Russian human rights abusers. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Mike Flynn Mr Flynn was named as Trump's national security adviser but was forced to resign from his post for inappropriate communication with Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak. He had misrepresented a conversation he had with Mr Kislyak to Vice President Mike Pence, telling him wrongly that he had not discussed sanctions with the Russian. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Sergey Kislyak Mr Kislyak, the former longtime Russian ambassador to the US, is at the centre of the web said to connect President Donald Trump's campaign with Russia. Reuters The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Roger Stone Mr Stone is a former Trump adviser who worked on the political campaigns of Richard Nixon, George HW Bush, and Ronald Reagan. Mr Stone claimed repeatedly in the final months of the campaign that he had backchannel communications with WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange and that he knew the group was going to dump damaging documents to the campaign of Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton - which did happen. Mr Stone also had contacts with the hacker Guccier 2.0 on Twitter, who claimed to have hacked the DNC and is linked to Russian intelligence services. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Jeff Sessions The US attorney general was forced to recuse himself from the Trump-Russia investigation after it was learned that he had lied about meeting with Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Carter Page Mr Page is a former advisor to the Trump campaign and has a background working as an investment banker at Merrill Lynch. Mr Page met with Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak during the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland. Mr Page had invested in oil companies connected to Russia and had admitted that US Russia sanctions had hurt his bottom line. Reuters The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Jeffrey "JD" Gorden Mr Gordon met with Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak during the 2016 Republian National Convention to discuss how the US and Russia could work together to combat Islamist extremism should then-Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump win the election. The meeting came days before a massive leak of DNC emails that has been connected to Russia. Creative Commons The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation James Comey Mr Comey was fired from his post as head of the FBI by President Donald Trump. The timing of Mr Comey's firing raised questions around whether or not the FBI's investigation into the Trump campaign may have played a role in the decision. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Preet Bharara Mr Bahara refused, alongside 46 other US district attorney's across the country, to resign once President Donald Trump took office after previous assurances from Mr Trump that he would keep his job. Mr Bahara had been heading up several investigations including one into one of President Donald Trump's favorite cable television channels Fox News. Several investigations would lead back to that district, too, including those into Mr Trump's campaign ties to Russia, and Mr Trump's assertion that Trump Tower was wiretapped on orders from his predecessor. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Sally Yates Ms Yates, a former Deputy Attorney General, was running the Justice Department while President Donald Trump's pick for attorney general awaited confirmation. Ms Yates was later fired by Mr Trump from her temporary post over her refusal to implement Mr Trump's first travel ban. She had also warned the White House about potential ties former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn to Russia after discovering those ties during the FBI's investigation into the Trump campaign's connections to Russia. Getty Images

The tweets are the latest in a week of angry social media responses by the President over a report by the Washington Post that Mr Mueller was looking into whether he had obstructed justice.

The Twitter storm comes as it emerged Vice President Mike Pence had also hired a personal lawyer to represent him in the intensifying investigation. Mr Pences office confirmed he had retained Richard Cullen, a former Virginia attorney general and US attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, to assist in responding to inquiries from Mr Mueller.

Mr Mueller's investigation appeared to be reaching a broadening circle of current and former officials. The Post said investigators had requested interviews with CIA Director Dan Coats, National Security Agency chief Michael Rogers and Richard Ledgett, the former NSA deputy director. Recent news reports have suggested Trump sought all three officials' help in pressuring FBI Director James Comey to drop his investigation into Mr Flynn.
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President Donald Trump has announced that his administration will be tightening regulations on Cuba in order to help the Cuban people, calling former President Barack Obama's deal to thaw relations with the country's government "terrible".

"We will not be silenced in the face of communist oppression any longer", Mr Trump said in front of an excited crowd in the Little Havana neighbourhood of Miami, Florida.

The President pledged to help the people of Cuba, and to ensure that American money spent in Cuba will go to the Cuban people instead of the Cuban government. He characterised the administration of Raul Castro as a "brutal, brutal regime", and spoke with a flourish describing the brutal crackdown and imprisonment of religious worshippers in the island country.

"Effective immediately, I am cancelling the last Administration's completely one sided deal with Cuba", Mr Trump said.

Mr Trump also described Cuba as a major security threat to the United States, saying that the country had shipped weapons to North Korea while allowing "cop killers" to seek refuge within its borders.

The cop killer Mr Trump was referring to is Joanne Chesimard, a former Black Panther who fled to Cuba in 1984 after escaping from a New Jersey prison, where she was serving a life sentence for murdering a state trooper.

Before signing the Cuba policy rollback, Mr Trump brought several Cuban dissidents onto the stage and allowed some of them to speak. One played the Star Spangled Banner on a violin as the president and crowd saluted or placed their hands over their hearts.

Florida Senator Marco Rubio, a one-time political foe who engaged in a heated primary run against the President last year for the Republican nomination, praised the Presidents efforts to reform policy toward Cuba before he took the stage. Mr Rubio flew down to Miami with the President on Air Force One, and is said to have played a leading role in advising the White House on the new policies. Mr Rubio, a Cuban American, riled up the crowd with anti-communist rhetoric in both English and Spanish.

But, in a sense Mr Trump's policy changes are more rhetoric than action few immediate changes, and they are not intended to completely end the diplomatic relationship that former President Barack Obama established. That thaw was aimed at bringing to a close five decades of hostility.

Pictures of everyday life in Cuba Show all 20 1 /20 Pictures of everyday life in Cuba Pictures of everyday life in Cuba A man rides his modified bicycle past a vintage American car in Havana Getty Images Pictures of everyday life in Cuba A taxi sits parked by Ancon Beach waiting for returning bathers in Trinidad Getty Images Pictures of everyday life in Cuba Afrocuban carnival group "Los componedores de batea" performing in the streets of La Habana Vieja Rex Pictures of everyday life in Cuba Pastel colours for an ice-cream place and a vintage American car in Cienfuegos after sunset Rex Pictures of everyday life in Cuba A man on the phone in a bookshop in Old Havana (Habana Vieja) selling books and displaying propaganda poster of the Cuban Revolution Rex Pictures of everyday life in Cuba Street Musicians in Santiago De Cuba Rex Pictures of everyday life in Cuba A man works to repair his classic American car after it broke down along the Prado, a wide avenue that runs from Parque Central to the Malecon seafront highway, in Havana Getty Images Pictures of everyday life in Cuba Members of the 'Ladies in White,' a group founded by the partners and relatives of jailed dissidents that regularly protests against the Cuban government, demonstrate on the streets of Havana Getty Images Pictures of everyday life in Cuba Street vegetables vendor in Havana Getty Images Pictures of everyday life in Cuba The sun setting through the palm trees and creates long shadows on the pool deck at this resort in Cuba Varadero Rex Pictures of everyday life in Cuba General view of a street in Havana Getty Images Pictures of everyday life in Cuba A girls plays on a street in Havana Getty Images Pictures of everyday life in Cuba Girls walk past graffiti art along the Paseo de Marti, the wide boulevard that runs through the heart of the historic Old Havana neighborhood in Havana Getty Images Pictures of everyday life in Cuba A woman smokes her Havana cigar Getty Images Pictures of everyday life in Cuba A man harvests tobacco leaves for drying at a tobacco drying house on a co-op plantation in Pinar del Rio Getty Images Pictures of everyday life in Cuba Men play chess on a street in Havana Getty Images Pictures of everyday life in Cuba Locals take part in a gay parade in Havana Getty Images Pictures of everyday life in Cuba Scene of the Memories Paraiso Azul resort in Santa Maria Key Getty Images Pictures of everyday life in Cuba Beach on the Bay of Pigs, Zapata Peninsula Pictures of everyday life in Cuba Divers swimming above coral reef in Caribbean Sea Rex

Instead, Mr Trump has instructed his government to begin reviewing how they might change policy in order to meet the administrations goals. Those policy reviews will focus on how to best eliminate individual travel to Cuba that the White House says is being abused (technically tourism to Cuba is not currently legal for Americans), and on how to ensure that American money spent in Cuba or on Cuban goods gets into the hands of the Cuban people and not the government. American investment in Cuba is likely to see more restrictions than what is already in place.

The new policies wont change family travel allowances, and will leave other forms of travel to Cuba open, including trips for journalistic purposes. The new policies wont affect the current wet foot dry foot policy that seeks to shelter Cubans who land on American soil seeking refuge.

Commercial flights will not be stopped from servicing Havana, nor will cruise lines. The administration, according to one White House official, has no intention of "disrupting" existing business ventures such as one struck under Mr Obama by Starwood Hotels Inc, which is owned by Marriott International Inc, to manage a historic Havana hotel.

Nor does Trump plan to reinstate limits that Mr Obama lifted on the amount of the island's coveted rum and cigars that Americans can bring home for personal use.

But, Mr Trump has long promised to pull back on his predecessors landmark Cuba policy changes, and secured the first endorsement in decades from the Bay of Pigs Veteran Association in Miami thanks to that policy. Senior White House officials said during a conference call before the Presidents announcement that his promise to the group to hold the Cuban government accountable was a major factor in his decision in February to instruct his staff to begin reviewing the policy.

Critics of the President's decision, however, note that the US has a relatively friendly relationship with other countries with poor civil rights records, including Saudi Arabia, where Mr Trump travelled to during his first foreign trip in office in May.

Mr Obamas 2015 announcement that travel restrictions to Cuba would be loosened resulted in a flash of excitement from Americans who were eager to travel to Havana to get a glimpse of a country that sits just 100 miles off the coast of Florida, but has been behind a veil for American tourists. Since then, however, interest in travelling to the country has waned somewhat in the US, with roughly 76 per cent of Americans saying they arent planning on a trip there this year compared to 70 per cent last year.

Trump aides say Mr Obama's efforts amounted to appeasement and have done nothing to advance political freedoms in Cuba, while benefiting the Cuban government financially.

It's hard to think of a policy that makes less sense than the prior administration's terrible and misguided deal with the Castro regime, Mr Trump said in Miami, citing the lack of human rights concessions from Cuba in the detente negotiated by Mr Obama.

Critics say that Mr Trumps plans wont actually push the Cuban government to strive for better human rights record, and will likely hurt the Cuban people. Thats because many Cubans are self employed in retail and other services that serve tourists.

Sarah Stephens, an expert on US-Cuba policy who works to secure diplomatic changes like the ones made by the Obama administration, told The Independent that the lack of substance in Mr Trumps changes doesnt amount to substantial policy, and is instead a political ploy to secure conservative Cuban votes in Florida.

This is not a serious policy. This is a policy that has no achievable goal, it imagines no process, and it offers no end game, she said. By choosing to make the announcement before the diehards in Miami, the White House isnt even looking for window dressing, but admitting that this is simply about their game of politics.

Still, it will be the latest attempt by Mr Trump to overturn parts of Mr Obama's presidential legacy. He has already pulled the United States out of a major international climate treaty and is trying to scrap his predecessor's landmark healthcare program.

International human rights groups say that renewed US efforts to isolate the island could worsen the situation by empowering Cuban hard-liners. The Cuban government has made clear it will not be pressured into reforms in exchange for engagement.

The Cuban government had no immediate comment, but ordinary Cubans said they were crestfallen to be returning to an era of frostier relations with the United States with potential economic fallout for them.

It's going to really hurt me because the majority of my clients are from the United States, Enrique Montoto, 61, who rents rooms on US online home-rental marketplace Airbnb, told Reuters. Airbnb expanded into Cuba in 2015.

"I have trust in Trump to do the right thing when it comes to Cuba, Jorge Saurez, 66, a retired physician, said in Little Havana. That's why I voted for him.

Mexico has urged the governments of the United States and Cuba to find points of agreement and resolve their differences via dialogue.

Venezuelan Foreign Minister Delcy Rodriguez, whose government is a close ally to Cuba, tweeted that his country has "undeniable solidarity with our sister republic Cuba against the aggressions of @realDonaldTrump".

At least one of Mr Trump's fellow Republicans has pushed back against isolating Cuba. Arizona Senator Jeff Flake, one of the most vocal advocates for easing rules for American companies looking to make deals in Cuba, called for a vote on legislation to lift restrictions on American travel to the island nation. It is unlikely that other Republicans in the Senate will allow that vote to happen, and has repeatedly blocked that move.
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President Donald Trump is rolling back a number of his predecessors policy changes toward Cuba, making good on a campaign pledge he made that likely helped secure votes from conservatives in Florida.

He drew raucous cheers from a crowd in Miami announcing the changes, and brought several Cuban dissidents onto the stage with him to emphasise the point that the Cuban government has been oppressive to its people.

The President plans on tightening travel restrictions for Americans who would head to Cuba, and on tightening restrictions for American investment in the island country in order to keep US money from flowing into the hands of the government. The aim, Mr Trump said, is to get more money into the hands of the Cuban people while pushing reforms in the Cuban government to respect human rights, and return American fugitives hiding out on the island.

Recommended Trump is tightening Cuba regulations and policy

We spoke to Sarah Stephens, the founding executive director of the Centre for Democracy in the Americas and Director of the Atlantic Fellows Platform for Innovation and Narrative. Ms Stephens works focuses on US-Cuba policy, and favours normalised relations between the two countries.

Heres what Ms Stephens has to say about Mr Trumps announcement on Cuba.

What does it mean for the Cuban economy and people that travel will be restricted further?

Only the U.S. imposes travel restrictions on its citizens in deterring travel to Cuba. By taking some US travel out of the equation, the administration will harm US jobs and possibly airlines, but Cuba will remain an attractive travel destination for tourists from every other country on the planet. Cubas allies from across the world will happily fill the void created by the US, and it sounds like Cuban Americans  the most regular visitors  will still be allowed to travel.

Is the Cuban military really benefiting from US policy there compared to the Cuban people?

Because more than half-a-million Cubans are self-employed, with many operating retail and service businesses that cater to travellers, they will be hurt by a reduction in demand travel from the US At the same time, our defence and intelligence agencies, senior military officers, retired and active, consistently tell us  and tell the administration  that Cuba is not a security threat.

This is not about the Cuban military, it is about politics, as evidenced by the presidents decision to make this announcement in Miami, and the administrations unwillingness to make a serious strategic argument for the policy.

Pictures of everyday life in Cuba Show all 20 1 /20 Pictures of everyday life in Cuba Pictures of everyday life in Cuba A man rides his modified bicycle past a vintage American car in Havana Getty Images Pictures of everyday life in Cuba A taxi sits parked by Ancon Beach waiting for returning bathers in Trinidad Getty Images Pictures of everyday life in Cuba Afrocuban carnival group "Los componedores de batea" performing in the streets of La Habana Vieja Rex Pictures of everyday life in Cuba Pastel colours for an ice-cream place and a vintage American car in Cienfuegos after sunset Rex Pictures of everyday life in Cuba A man on the phone in a bookshop in Old Havana (Habana Vieja) selling books and displaying propaganda poster of the Cuban Revolution Rex Pictures of everyday life in Cuba Street Musicians in Santiago De Cuba Rex Pictures of everyday life in Cuba A man works to repair his classic American car after it broke down along the Prado, a wide avenue that runs from Parque Central to the Malecon seafront highway, in Havana Getty Images Pictures of everyday life in Cuba Members of the 'Ladies in White,' a group founded by the partners and relatives of jailed dissidents that regularly protests against the Cuban government, demonstrate on the streets of Havana Getty Images Pictures of everyday life in Cuba Street vegetables vendor in Havana Getty Images Pictures of everyday life in Cuba The sun setting through the palm trees and creates long shadows on the pool deck at this resort in Cuba Varadero Rex Pictures of everyday life in Cuba General view of a street in Havana Getty Images Pictures of everyday life in Cuba A girls plays on a street in Havana Getty Images Pictures of everyday life in Cuba Girls walk past graffiti art along the Paseo de Marti, the wide boulevard that runs through the heart of the historic Old Havana neighborhood in Havana Getty Images Pictures of everyday life in Cuba A woman smokes her Havana cigar Getty Images Pictures of everyday life in Cuba A man harvests tobacco leaves for drying at a tobacco drying house on a co-op plantation in Pinar del Rio Getty Images Pictures of everyday life in Cuba Men play chess on a street in Havana Getty Images Pictures of everyday life in Cuba Locals take part in a gay parade in Havana Getty Images Pictures of everyday life in Cuba Scene of the Memories Paraiso Azul resort in Santa Maria Key Getty Images Pictures of everyday life in Cuba Beach on the Bay of Pigs, Zapata Peninsula Pictures of everyday life in Cuba Divers swimming above coral reef in Caribbean Sea Rex

Does this sound like a significant reset of President Barack Obamas Cuba policies?

Its very important that they have maintained diplomatic relations, but if they have disagreements with the Cuban government, the way to resolve them is not by cutting flights, but by using the diplomatic channel.

The president is ordering these new regulations under the auspice of human rights defence, but he recently met with the major rights offender Saudi Arabia. Any thoughts on that dichotomy?

It lays bare the fact that this isn't a serious human rights policy. The Obama policy was based on the pursuit of the US national interest and improving the lives of the people of both countries. Through diplomacy Obama was able to get human rights on the table.

Polls show that most Americans favour more normalised relations with Cuba, and cited a small group of Bay of Pigs veterans in his reasoning  a group that endorsed Mr Trump in what was their first endorsement in decades last year. How do you explain that?

A majority of Americans, a majority of Cuban Americans, and over 90 per cent of Cubans want the policy of engagement to continue. The presidents announcement is about politics, not advancing a serious strategy.
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American travellers hoping to take a trip to Cuba are going to have a difficult time doing so going forward, roughly a year after airlines opened up commercial flight routes to Havana.

Thats because President Donald Trump, making good on a 2016 campaign promise, is expected to announce Friday a review and overhaul of US-Cuba policy unveiled by Barack Obama in 2015.

The changes will include rolling back provisions that made it easier for individual Americans to travel to Havana, and American companies who made investments in the country in the past couple of years may see regulatory changes as well, senior White House officials told reporters during a conference call.

Recommended Fears for Cuba as American visitors set to rise sevenfold by 2025

American tourist travel was never technically speaking legal, and the White House says that they are generally making changes to travel categories so that it will be harder to abuse loopholes to go do things like hang out on Cuban beaches. Family travel will still be legal alongside other categories like permissions for journalism travel to the island nation. The US wet foot dry foot policy to protect Cuban refugees who land on American shores will not be altered.

The White House says that the revised regulations will send a strong human rights message to Cuban President Raul Castro, and that the Cuban government will be able to negotiate with Washington to ease regulations should it choose to. The embassies opened during the Obama administration will not be closed, and diplomatic relations wont be changed significantly under the new policy.

The primary goal, according to the White House, is to push the Cuban government to adopt stronger human rights protections, to release political prisoners, and to ensure that any economic advancement benefits the Cuban people instead of the military. A main concern is that Mr Obamas White House made it too easy for money spent by American companies and individuals to flow to Cuban government sources instead of benefiting regular Cubans.

Pictures of everyday life in Cuba Show all 20 1 /20 Pictures of everyday life in Cuba Pictures of everyday life in Cuba A man rides his modified bicycle past a vintage American car in Havana Getty Images Pictures of everyday life in Cuba A taxi sits parked by Ancon Beach waiting for returning bathers in Trinidad Getty Images Pictures of everyday life in Cuba Afrocuban carnival group "Los componedores de batea" performing in the streets of La Habana Vieja Rex Pictures of everyday life in Cuba Pastel colours for an ice-cream place and a vintage American car in Cienfuegos after sunset Rex Pictures of everyday life in Cuba A man on the phone in a bookshop in Old Havana (Habana Vieja) selling books and displaying propaganda poster of the Cuban Revolution Rex Pictures of everyday life in Cuba Street Musicians in Santiago De Cuba Rex Pictures of everyday life in Cuba A man works to repair his classic American car after it broke down along the Prado, a wide avenue that runs from Parque Central to the Malecon seafront highway, in Havana Getty Images Pictures of everyday life in Cuba Members of the 'Ladies in White,' a group founded by the partners and relatives of jailed dissidents that regularly protests against the Cuban government, demonstrate on the streets of Havana Getty Images Pictures of everyday life in Cuba Street vegetables vendor in Havana Getty Images Pictures of everyday life in Cuba The sun setting through the palm trees and creates long shadows on the pool deck at this resort in Cuba Varadero Rex Pictures of everyday life in Cuba General view of a street in Havana Getty Images Pictures of everyday life in Cuba A girls plays on a street in Havana Getty Images Pictures of everyday life in Cuba Girls walk past graffiti art along the Paseo de Marti, the wide boulevard that runs through the heart of the historic Old Havana neighborhood in Havana Getty Images Pictures of everyday life in Cuba A woman smokes her Havana cigar Getty Images Pictures of everyday life in Cuba A man harvests tobacco leaves for drying at a tobacco drying house on a co-op plantation in Pinar del Rio Getty Images Pictures of everyday life in Cuba Men play chess on a street in Havana Getty Images Pictures of everyday life in Cuba Locals take part in a gay parade in Havana Getty Images Pictures of everyday life in Cuba Scene of the Memories Paraiso Azul resort in Santa Maria Key Getty Images Pictures of everyday life in Cuba Beach on the Bay of Pigs, Zapata Peninsula Pictures of everyday life in Cuba Divers swimming above coral reef in Caribbean Sea Rex

What specific changes the Cuban government would have to make to their human rights approach in order to begin loosening relations again was not made clear. Cuba will also not be reclassified as a state sponsor of terrorism under the new policy.

When asked why the administration is setting up stricter regulations on trade and travel with Cuba over human rights after visiting Saudi Arabia during Mr Trumps first official visit abroad, White House officials said that the administration plans on fighting for human rights. Saudi Arabia, like Cuba, is well known for human rights abuses.

The White House has been working on the Cuba announcement since February, when the President instructed his national security advisor to start an interagency review. The review included several interested parties including the Treasury Department, the State Department, the Department of Commerce, the Department of Agriculture, and the Department of Transportation.

Members of Congress were also consulted, and the White House said that Democrats were included in that effort. Florida Senator Marco Rubio, who campaigned viciously against Mr Trump during last years Republican primary, played a central role in the drafting of new Cuba policy.
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Mmm. Not very good optics here.

As the federal probe into possible collusion with Russia expands and members of the White House staff rush to get legal representation, it has emerged that Donald Trumps personal lawyer has felt the need to retain his own attorney.

NBC reporter Katy Tur said that Michael Cohen, who advises Mr Trump on many personal issues, had hired Washington attorney Stephen Ryan.

Exclusive: Trump personal lawyer, Michael Cohen, has hired his own counsel: Stephen Ryan, of McDermott, Will & Emery - source w knowledge, Ms Tur wrote on Twitter.

 Donald Trump invites Cabinet members to offer message of praise

She added: Cohen will testify in front of House Intel on Sept 5. House intel source says the delay is due to scheduling and logistics.

The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Show all 17 1 /17 The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Paul Manafort Mr Manafort is a Republican strategist and former Trump campaign manager. He resigned from that post over questions about his extensive lobbying overseas, including in Ukraine where he represented pro-Russian interests. Mr Manafort turned himself in at FBI headquarters to special counsel Robert Muellers team on Oct 30, 2017, after he was indicted under seal on charges that include conspiracy against the United States, conspiracy to launder money, unregistered agent of a foreign principal, false and misleading US Foreign Agents Registration Act statements, false statements, and seven counts of failure to file reports of foreign bank and financial accounts. Getty The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Rick Gates Mr Gates joined the Trump team in spring 2016, and served as a top aide until he left to work at the Republican National Committee after the departure of former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort. Mr Gates' had previously worked on several presidential campaigns, on international political campaigns in Europe and Africa, and had 15 years of political or financial experience with multinational firms, according to his bio. Mr Gates was indicted alongside Mr Manafort by special counsel Robert Mueller's team on charges that include conspiracy against the United States, conspiracy to launder money, unregistered agent of a foreign principal, false and misleading US Foreign Agents Registration Act statements, false statements, and seven counts of failure to file reports of foreign bank and financial accounts. AP The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation George Papadopoulos George Papadopoulos was a former foreign policy adviser for the Trump campaign, having joined around March 2016. Mr Papadopoulos plead guilty to federal charges for lying to the FBI as a part of a cooperation agreement with Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation. Mr Papadopoulos claimed in an interview with the FBI that he had made contacts with Russian sources before joining the Trump campaign, but he actually began working with them after joining the team. Mr Papadopoulos allegedly took a meeting with a professor in London who reportedly told him that Russians had "dirt" on Hillary Clinton. The professor also allegedly introduced Mr Papadopoulos to a Russian who was said to have close ties to officials at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Mr Papadopoulos also allegedly was in contact with a woman whom he incorrectly described in one email to others in the campaign as the "niece" to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Twitter The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Donald Trump Jr The President's eldest son met with a Russian lawyer - Natalia Veselnitskaya - on 9 June 2016 at Trump Tower in New York. He said in an initial statement that the meeting was about Russia halting adoptions of its children by US citizens. Then, he said it was regarding the Magnitsky Act, a US law blacklisting Russian human rights abusers. In a final statement, Mr Trump Jr released a chain of emails that revealed he took the meeting in hopes of getting information Ms Veselnitskaya had about Hillary Clinton's alleged financial ties to Russia. He and the President called it standard "opposition research" in the course of campaigning and that no information came from the meeting. The meeting was set up by an intermediary, Rob Goldstone. Jared Kushner and Paul Manafort were also at the same meeting. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Jared Kushner Mr Kushner is President Donald Trump's son-in-law and a key adviser to the White House. He met with a Russian banker appointed by Russian President Vladimir Putin in December. Mr Kushner has said he did so in his role as an adviser to Mr Trump while the bank says he did so as a private developer. Mr Kushner has also volunteered to testify in the Senate about his role helping to arrange meetings between Trump advisers and Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Rob Goldstone Former tabloid journalist and now music publicist Rob Goldstone is a contact of the Trump family through the previously Trump-owned 2013 Miss Universe pageant, which took place in Moscow. In June 2016, he wrote to Donald Trump Jr offering a meeting with a Russian lawyer, Natalya Veselnitskaya, who had information about Hillary Clinton. Mr Goldstone was the intermediary for Russian pop star Emin Agalaraov and his father, real estate magnate Aras, who played a role in putting on the 2013 pageant. In an email chain released by Mr Trump Jr, Mr Goldstone seemed to indicate Russian government's support of Donald Trump's campaign. AP images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Aras and Emin Agalarov Aras Agalarov (R) is a wealthy Moscow-based real estate magnate and son Emin (L) is a pop star. Both played a role in putting on the previously Trump-owned 2013 Miss Universe pageant in Moscow. They allegedly had information about Hillary Clinton and offered that information to the Trump campaign through a lawyer with whom they had worked with, Natalia Veselnitskaya, and music publicist Rob Goldstone. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Natalia Veselnitskaya Natalia Veselnitskaya is a Russian lawyer with ties to the Kremlin. She has worked on real estate issues and reportedly counted the FSB as a client in the past. She has ties to a Trump family connection, real estate magnate Aras Agalarov, who had helped set up the Trump-owned 2013 Miss Universe pageant which took place in Moscow. Ms Veselnitskaya met with Donald Trump Jr, Jared Kushner, and Paul Manafort in Trump Tower on 9 June 2016 but denies the allegation that she went there promising information on Hillary Clinton's alleged financial ties to Russia. She contends that the meeting was about the US adoptions of Russian children being stopped by Moscow as a reaction to the Magnitsky Act, a US law blacklisting Russian human rights abusers. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Mike Flynn Mr Flynn was named as Trump's national security adviser but was forced to resign from his post for inappropriate communication with Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak. He had misrepresented a conversation he had with Mr Kislyak to Vice President Mike Pence, telling him wrongly that he had not discussed sanctions with the Russian. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Sergey Kislyak Mr Kislyak, the former longtime Russian ambassador to the US, is at the centre of the web said to connect President Donald Trump's campaign with Russia. Reuters The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Roger Stone Mr Stone is a former Trump adviser who worked on the political campaigns of Richard Nixon, George HW Bush, and Ronald Reagan. Mr Stone claimed repeatedly in the final months of the campaign that he had backchannel communications with WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange and that he knew the group was going to dump damaging documents to the campaign of Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton - which did happen. Mr Stone also had contacts with the hacker Guccier 2.0 on Twitter, who claimed to have hacked the DNC and is linked to Russian intelligence services. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Jeff Sessions The US attorney general was forced to recuse himself from the Trump-Russia investigation after it was learned that he had lied about meeting with Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Carter Page Mr Page is a former advisor to the Trump campaign and has a background working as an investment banker at Merrill Lynch. Mr Page met with Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak during the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland. Mr Page had invested in oil companies connected to Russia and had admitted that US Russia sanctions had hurt his bottom line. Reuters The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Jeffrey "JD" Gorden Mr Gordon met with Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak during the 2016 Republian National Convention to discuss how the US and Russia could work together to combat Islamist extremism should then-Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump win the election. The meeting came days before a massive leak of DNC emails that has been connected to Russia. Creative Commons The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation James Comey Mr Comey was fired from his post as head of the FBI by President Donald Trump. The timing of Mr Comey's firing raised questions around whether or not the FBI's investigation into the Trump campaign may have played a role in the decision. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Preet Bharara Mr Bahara refused, alongside 46 other US district attorney's across the country, to resign once President Donald Trump took office after previous assurances from Mr Trump that he would keep his job. Mr Bahara had been heading up several investigations including one into one of President Donald Trump's favorite cable television channels Fox News. Several investigations would lead back to that district, too, including those into Mr Trump's campaign ties to Russia, and Mr Trump's assertion that Trump Tower was wiretapped on orders from his predecessor. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Sally Yates Ms Yates, a former Deputy Attorney General, was running the Justice Department while President Donald Trump's pick for attorney general awaited confirmation. Ms Yates was later fired by Mr Trump from her temporary post over her refusal to implement Mr Trump's first travel ban. She had also warned the White House about potential ties former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn to Russia after discovering those ties during the FBI's investigation into the Trump campaign's connections to Russia. Getty Images

Mr Ryans law firm said in a statement to The Independent: "Steve Ryan of McDermott Will & Emery has been retained to represent Michael Cohen, Esq of NYC in all aspects of the governments inquiries regarding the Russia investigations. Mr Cohen intends to cooperate with all governmental inquiries.

The report comes amid revelations that many members of the senior White House staff have retained lawyers to assist them with any queries from the federal probe, being headed by special counsel Robert Mueller.

Mr Trump has retained Marc Kasowitz to assist him with the inquiry. Meanwhile, earlier this week it was confirmed that Vice President Mike Pence had also hired a lawyer, Richard Cullen, a former United States attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia.

The vice president is focused entirely on his duties and promoting the presidents agenda and looks forward to a swift conclusion of this matter, Mr Pences communications director, Jarrod Agen, said in confirming the hiring.
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Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein has privately indicated that he may need to recuse himself from the probe into Russia's influence on the 2016 US election, which would make him the second top tier law enforcement official to do so.

Mr Rosenstein reportedly told Associate Attorney General Rachel Brand that she would have authority over the probe if he were to remove himself from the investigation.

His boss, Attorney General Jeff Sessions, recused himself from the Russia investigation earlier this year. Mr Sessions said later during testimony before the Senate Intelligence Committee that he had done so because he was involved with Donald Trump's 2016 campaign, not because he had done anything wrong.

Recommended Trump confirms he is being investigated for obstruction of justice

Until Mr Rosenstein decides to formally recuse himself from the matter he has the ultimate authority over the special counsel he appointed to investigate any possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia, and the extent of Russian meddling in the election overall. That means that he has the final say on resources, personnel, and potential prosecutions.

The deputy attorney general encountered controversy last month when the White House credited a memo he wrote as a primary reason Mr Trump fired former FBI Director James Comey. The President later indicated, however that he had decided to fire Mr Comey with or without approval from the Justice Department, and said in a nationally televised interview that the Russia probe was part of his rationale for the sacking.

Mr Rosenstein's potential recusal shows that the Russia probe is widening. The investigation now reportedly includes the President himself, after Senate testimony by Mr Comey indicated that he had tried to get him to drop an investigation into former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn's Russia connections.

The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Show all 17 1 /17 The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Paul Manafort Mr Manafort is a Republican strategist and former Trump campaign manager. He resigned from that post over questions about his extensive lobbying overseas, including in Ukraine where he represented pro-Russian interests. Mr Manafort turned himself in at FBI headquarters to special counsel Robert Muellers team on Oct 30, 2017, after he was indicted under seal on charges that include conspiracy against the United States, conspiracy to launder money, unregistered agent of a foreign principal, false and misleading US Foreign Agents Registration Act statements, false statements, and seven counts of failure to file reports of foreign bank and financial accounts. Getty The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Rick Gates Mr Gates joined the Trump team in spring 2016, and served as a top aide until he left to work at the Republican National Committee after the departure of former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort. Mr Gates' had previously worked on several presidential campaigns, on international political campaigns in Europe and Africa, and had 15 years of political or financial experience with multinational firms, according to his bio. Mr Gates was indicted alongside Mr Manafort by special counsel Robert Mueller's team on charges that include conspiracy against the United States, conspiracy to launder money, unregistered agent of a foreign principal, false and misleading US Foreign Agents Registration Act statements, false statements, and seven counts of failure to file reports of foreign bank and financial accounts. AP The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation George Papadopoulos George Papadopoulos was a former foreign policy adviser for the Trump campaign, having joined around March 2016. Mr Papadopoulos plead guilty to federal charges for lying to the FBI as a part of a cooperation agreement with Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation. Mr Papadopoulos claimed in an interview with the FBI that he had made contacts with Russian sources before joining the Trump campaign, but he actually began working with them after joining the team. Mr Papadopoulos allegedly took a meeting with a professor in London who reportedly told him that Russians had "dirt" on Hillary Clinton. The professor also allegedly introduced Mr Papadopoulos to a Russian who was said to have close ties to officials at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Mr Papadopoulos also allegedly was in contact with a woman whom he incorrectly described in one email to others in the campaign as the "niece" to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Twitter The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Donald Trump Jr The President's eldest son met with a Russian lawyer - Natalia Veselnitskaya - on 9 June 2016 at Trump Tower in New York. He said in an initial statement that the meeting was about Russia halting adoptions of its children by US citizens. Then, he said it was regarding the Magnitsky Act, a US law blacklisting Russian human rights abusers. In a final statement, Mr Trump Jr released a chain of emails that revealed he took the meeting in hopes of getting information Ms Veselnitskaya had about Hillary Clinton's alleged financial ties to Russia. He and the President called it standard "opposition research" in the course of campaigning and that no information came from the meeting. The meeting was set up by an intermediary, Rob Goldstone. Jared Kushner and Paul Manafort were also at the same meeting. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Jared Kushner Mr Kushner is President Donald Trump's son-in-law and a key adviser to the White House. He met with a Russian banker appointed by Russian President Vladimir Putin in December. Mr Kushner has said he did so in his role as an adviser to Mr Trump while the bank says he did so as a private developer. Mr Kushner has also volunteered to testify in the Senate about his role helping to arrange meetings between Trump advisers and Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Rob Goldstone Former tabloid journalist and now music publicist Rob Goldstone is a contact of the Trump family through the previously Trump-owned 2013 Miss Universe pageant, which took place in Moscow. In June 2016, he wrote to Donald Trump Jr offering a meeting with a Russian lawyer, Natalya Veselnitskaya, who had information about Hillary Clinton. Mr Goldstone was the intermediary for Russian pop star Emin Agalaraov and his father, real estate magnate Aras, who played a role in putting on the 2013 pageant. In an email chain released by Mr Trump Jr, Mr Goldstone seemed to indicate Russian government's support of Donald Trump's campaign. AP images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Aras and Emin Agalarov Aras Agalarov (R) is a wealthy Moscow-based real estate magnate and son Emin (L) is a pop star. Both played a role in putting on the previously Trump-owned 2013 Miss Universe pageant in Moscow. They allegedly had information about Hillary Clinton and offered that information to the Trump campaign through a lawyer with whom they had worked with, Natalia Veselnitskaya, and music publicist Rob Goldstone. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Natalia Veselnitskaya Natalia Veselnitskaya is a Russian lawyer with ties to the Kremlin. She has worked on real estate issues and reportedly counted the FSB as a client in the past. She has ties to a Trump family connection, real estate magnate Aras Agalarov, who had helped set up the Trump-owned 2013 Miss Universe pageant which took place in Moscow. Ms Veselnitskaya met with Donald Trump Jr, Jared Kushner, and Paul Manafort in Trump Tower on 9 June 2016 but denies the allegation that she went there promising information on Hillary Clinton's alleged financial ties to Russia. She contends that the meeting was about the US adoptions of Russian children being stopped by Moscow as a reaction to the Magnitsky Act, a US law blacklisting Russian human rights abusers. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Mike Flynn Mr Flynn was named as Trump's national security adviser but was forced to resign from his post for inappropriate communication with Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak. He had misrepresented a conversation he had with Mr Kislyak to Vice President Mike Pence, telling him wrongly that he had not discussed sanctions with the Russian. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Sergey Kislyak Mr Kislyak, the former longtime Russian ambassador to the US, is at the centre of the web said to connect President Donald Trump's campaign with Russia. Reuters The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Roger Stone Mr Stone is a former Trump adviser who worked on the political campaigns of Richard Nixon, George HW Bush, and Ronald Reagan. Mr Stone claimed repeatedly in the final months of the campaign that he had backchannel communications with WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange and that he knew the group was going to dump damaging documents to the campaign of Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton - which did happen. Mr Stone also had contacts with the hacker Guccier 2.0 on Twitter, who claimed to have hacked the DNC and is linked to Russian intelligence services. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Jeff Sessions The US attorney general was forced to recuse himself from the Trump-Russia investigation after it was learned that he had lied about meeting with Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Carter Page Mr Page is a former advisor to the Trump campaign and has a background working as an investment banker at Merrill Lynch. Mr Page met with Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak during the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland. Mr Page had invested in oil companies connected to Russia and had admitted that US Russia sanctions had hurt his bottom line. Reuters The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Jeffrey "JD" Gorden Mr Gordon met with Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak during the 2016 Republian National Convention to discuss how the US and Russia could work together to combat Islamist extremism should then-Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump win the election. The meeting came days before a massive leak of DNC emails that has been connected to Russia. Creative Commons The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation James Comey Mr Comey was fired from his post as head of the FBI by President Donald Trump. The timing of Mr Comey's firing raised questions around whether or not the FBI's investigation into the Trump campaign may have played a role in the decision. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Preet Bharara Mr Bahara refused, alongside 46 other US district attorney's across the country, to resign once President Donald Trump took office after previous assurances from Mr Trump that he would keep his job. Mr Bahara had been heading up several investigations including one into one of President Donald Trump's favorite cable television channels Fox News. Several investigations would lead back to that district, too, including those into Mr Trump's campaign ties to Russia, and Mr Trump's assertion that Trump Tower was wiretapped on orders from his predecessor. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Sally Yates Ms Yates, a former Deputy Attorney General, was running the Justice Department while President Donald Trump's pick for attorney general awaited confirmation. Ms Yates was later fired by Mr Trump from her temporary post over her refusal to implement Mr Trump's first travel ban. She had also warned the White House about potential ties former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn to Russia after discovering those ties during the FBI's investigation into the Trump campaign's connections to Russia. Getty Images

Mr Flynn was forced to resign less than a month into Mr Trump's presidency over concerns that he had misled Vice President Mike Pence about the content of conversations he had with Russian officials during the transition period. Mr Flynn reportedly told Mr Pence that he hadn't discussed US sanctions imposed on Russia as a result of 2016 meddling, but he had.

Mr Trump also repeatedly tried to convince Mr Comey to publicly state that he was not being personally investigated in the Russia probe, which he declined to do. At the time, he was not under investigation but Mr Comey's revelations prompted an investigation to be started - which Mr Trump has acknowledged in Twitter posts.
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An unusual statement from the Department of Justice has many in Washington scratching their heads.

Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein recently issued a statement telling Americans to be sceptical about anonymous allegations.

Americans should exercise caution before accepting as true any stories attributed to anonymous officials, particularly when they do not identify the country  let alone the branch of government  with which the alleged sources supposedly are affiliated, he said.

Recommended Attorney General Rosenstein may recuse himself from Russia probe

The statement  which came without context or reference to any story in particular  left many feeling confused. Some suggested the statement signalled an upcoming scoop, while others thought it was made at the behest of the White House.

What an odd statement - that feels consistent with the White House's recent war on leaks, Jonathan Lemire, White House reporter for The Associated Press, tweeted.

The statement is indeed in keeping with President Donald Trumps rhetoric about anonymous leaks, which he has called fabricated lies and falsely deemed illegal.

The real scandal here is that classified information is illegally given out by intelligence like candy, Mr Trump tweeted in February. Very un-American!

The Trump White House has been subject to numerous embarrassing leaks since the firing of former FBI Director James Comey. Anonymous leakers have claimed Mr Trump asked his former FBI director to pledge his loyalty, and pressured him to drop an investigation into one of his former staffers  allegations Mr Comey confirmed in his Senate testimony.

The latest such leak came via The Washington Post, which reported on Wednesday that the Justice Department is investigating Mr Trump for obstruction of justice. The Post cited five anonymous individuals briefed on the interview requests for the investigation.

The news caused Mr Trump to lash out about the investigation  and seemingly confirm its existence.

I am being investigated for firing the FBI Director by the man who told me to fire the FBI Director! he tweeted. Witch Hunt.

The tweet may be a reference to Mr Rosenstein, who previously wrote a memo supporting Mr Comeys firing and is now assisting in the Justice Departments investigation. Mr Rosenstein has reportedly told colleagues he may need to recuse himself from that investigation.

The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Show all 17 1 /17 The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Paul Manafort Mr Manafort is a Republican strategist and former Trump campaign manager. He resigned from that post over questions about his extensive lobbying overseas, including in Ukraine where he represented pro-Russian interests. Mr Manafort turned himself in at FBI headquarters to special counsel Robert Muellers team on Oct 30, 2017, after he was indicted under seal on charges that include conspiracy against the United States, conspiracy to launder money, unregistered agent of a foreign principal, false and misleading US Foreign Agents Registration Act statements, false statements, and seven counts of failure to file reports of foreign bank and financial accounts. Getty The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Rick Gates Mr Gates joined the Trump team in spring 2016, and served as a top aide until he left to work at the Republican National Committee after the departure of former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort. Mr Gates' had previously worked on several presidential campaigns, on international political campaigns in Europe and Africa, and had 15 years of political or financial experience with multinational firms, according to his bio. Mr Gates was indicted alongside Mr Manafort by special counsel Robert Mueller's team on charges that include conspiracy against the United States, conspiracy to launder money, unregistered agent of a foreign principal, false and misleading US Foreign Agents Registration Act statements, false statements, and seven counts of failure to file reports of foreign bank and financial accounts. AP The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation George Papadopoulos George Papadopoulos was a former foreign policy adviser for the Trump campaign, having joined around March 2016. Mr Papadopoulos plead guilty to federal charges for lying to the FBI as a part of a cooperation agreement with Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation. Mr Papadopoulos claimed in an interview with the FBI that he had made contacts with Russian sources before joining the Trump campaign, but he actually began working with them after joining the team. Mr Papadopoulos allegedly took a meeting with a professor in London who reportedly told him that Russians had "dirt" on Hillary Clinton. The professor also allegedly introduced Mr Papadopoulos to a Russian who was said to have close ties to officials at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Mr Papadopoulos also allegedly was in contact with a woman whom he incorrectly described in one email to others in the campaign as the "niece" to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Twitter The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Donald Trump Jr The President's eldest son met with a Russian lawyer - Natalia Veselnitskaya - on 9 June 2016 at Trump Tower in New York. He said in an initial statement that the meeting was about Russia halting adoptions of its children by US citizens. Then, he said it was regarding the Magnitsky Act, a US law blacklisting Russian human rights abusers. In a final statement, Mr Trump Jr released a chain of emails that revealed he took the meeting in hopes of getting information Ms Veselnitskaya had about Hillary Clinton's alleged financial ties to Russia. He and the President called it standard "opposition research" in the course of campaigning and that no information came from the meeting. The meeting was set up by an intermediary, Rob Goldstone. Jared Kushner and Paul Manafort were also at the same meeting. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Jared Kushner Mr Kushner is President Donald Trump's son-in-law and a key adviser to the White House. He met with a Russian banker appointed by Russian President Vladimir Putin in December. Mr Kushner has said he did so in his role as an adviser to Mr Trump while the bank says he did so as a private developer. Mr Kushner has also volunteered to testify in the Senate about his role helping to arrange meetings between Trump advisers and Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Rob Goldstone Former tabloid journalist and now music publicist Rob Goldstone is a contact of the Trump family through the previously Trump-owned 2013 Miss Universe pageant, which took place in Moscow. In June 2016, he wrote to Donald Trump Jr offering a meeting with a Russian lawyer, Natalya Veselnitskaya, who had information about Hillary Clinton. Mr Goldstone was the intermediary for Russian pop star Emin Agalaraov and his father, real estate magnate Aras, who played a role in putting on the 2013 pageant. In an email chain released by Mr Trump Jr, Mr Goldstone seemed to indicate Russian government's support of Donald Trump's campaign. AP images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Aras and Emin Agalarov Aras Agalarov (R) is a wealthy Moscow-based real estate magnate and son Emin (L) is a pop star. Both played a role in putting on the previously Trump-owned 2013 Miss Universe pageant in Moscow. They allegedly had information about Hillary Clinton and offered that information to the Trump campaign through a lawyer with whom they had worked with, Natalia Veselnitskaya, and music publicist Rob Goldstone. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Natalia Veselnitskaya Natalia Veselnitskaya is a Russian lawyer with ties to the Kremlin. She has worked on real estate issues and reportedly counted the FSB as a client in the past. She has ties to a Trump family connection, real estate magnate Aras Agalarov, who had helped set up the Trump-owned 2013 Miss Universe pageant which took place in Moscow. Ms Veselnitskaya met with Donald Trump Jr, Jared Kushner, and Paul Manafort in Trump Tower on 9 June 2016 but denies the allegation that she went there promising information on Hillary Clinton's alleged financial ties to Russia. She contends that the meeting was about the US adoptions of Russian children being stopped by Moscow as a reaction to the Magnitsky Act, a US law blacklisting Russian human rights abusers. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Mike Flynn Mr Flynn was named as Trump's national security adviser but was forced to resign from his post for inappropriate communication with Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak. He had misrepresented a conversation he had with Mr Kislyak to Vice President Mike Pence, telling him wrongly that he had not discussed sanctions with the Russian. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Sergey Kislyak Mr Kislyak, the former longtime Russian ambassador to the US, is at the centre of the web said to connect President Donald Trump's campaign with Russia. Reuters The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Roger Stone Mr Stone is a former Trump adviser who worked on the political campaigns of Richard Nixon, George HW Bush, and Ronald Reagan. Mr Stone claimed repeatedly in the final months of the campaign that he had backchannel communications with WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange and that he knew the group was going to dump damaging documents to the campaign of Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton - which did happen. Mr Stone also had contacts with the hacker Guccier 2.0 on Twitter, who claimed to have hacked the DNC and is linked to Russian intelligence services. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Jeff Sessions The US attorney general was forced to recuse himself from the Trump-Russia investigation after it was learned that he had lied about meeting with Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Carter Page Mr Page is a former advisor to the Trump campaign and has a background working as an investment banker at Merrill Lynch. Mr Page met with Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak during the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland. Mr Page had invested in oil companies connected to Russia and had admitted that US Russia sanctions had hurt his bottom line. Reuters The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Jeffrey "JD" Gorden Mr Gordon met with Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak during the 2016 Republian National Convention to discuss how the US and Russia could work together to combat Islamist extremism should then-Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump win the election. The meeting came days before a massive leak of DNC emails that has been connected to Russia. Creative Commons The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation James Comey Mr Comey was fired from his post as head of the FBI by President Donald Trump. The timing of Mr Comey's firing raised questions around whether or not the FBI's investigation into the Trump campaign may have played a role in the decision. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Preet Bharara Mr Bahara refused, alongside 46 other US district attorney's across the country, to resign once President Donald Trump took office after previous assurances from Mr Trump that he would keep his job. Mr Bahara had been heading up several investigations including one into one of President Donald Trump's favorite cable television channels Fox News. Several investigations would lead back to that district, too, including those into Mr Trump's campaign ties to Russia, and Mr Trump's assertion that Trump Tower was wiretapped on orders from his predecessor. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Sally Yates Ms Yates, a former Deputy Attorney General, was running the Justice Department while President Donald Trump's pick for attorney general awaited confirmation. Ms Yates was later fired by Mr Trump from her temporary post over her refusal to implement Mr Trump's first travel ban. She had also warned the White House about potential ties former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn to Russia after discovering those ties during the FBI's investigation into the Trump campaign's connections to Russia. Getty Images

The statements from both men come as Washington struggles to make sense of investigations into the Trump campaign's potential ties to Russia  and the White House's ever-changing response to those investigations. But Adam Blickstein, the former Pentagon public affairs strategic planner, says the recent statements are "extraordinary" even in this context.

Rosenstein puts out an incredibly bizarre statement that reads more like a muddled Trump speech than a DOJ release. Meanwhile Trump himself confirmed hes under FBI investigation for obstruction of justice, an investigation Rosenstein may need to recuse himself from given he's potentially a key witness," Mr Blickstein told The Independent.

"The bottom line is someone who claims to definitively know what this all means or where the news cycle will be in 24 hours also likely thinks 'The Mummy' will win Best Picture at next years Oscars," he added.
Militants conducted 50 attacks on Ukrainian army positions on Thursday, killing one serviceman, the press service of the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) headquarters reported.

"Nine instances of the enemy's use of weapons prohibited by the Minsk Agreements were observed, and the occupation forces twice opened fire on residential areas in the frontline populated localities... A hostile attack inflicted lethal injuries on one Ukrainian soldier yesterday; unfortunately, he passed away," the ATO HQ said on Facebook on Friday morning.

The HQ reported 24 attacks in the Mariupol sector. Residential areas of Maryinka came under rocket launcher fire on Thursday morning. A number of houses sustained tangible damage, but there were no civilian casualties, it said.

The same sector was seeing 120mm mortar fire in the vicinity of Maryinka, Pavlopil, Shyrokyne and Vodiane during the day, while 82mm mortars were used near Krasnohorivka and Talakivka, the staff said. A number of armed provocations were staged near Hnutove, Lebedynske, Chermalyk and Novomykhailivka, where Ukrainian strongholds repeatedly came under fire of grenade launchers, heavy machineguns and small arms with a varying degree of intensity.

Thirteen attacks were mounted on Ukrainian army positions in the Donetsk sector, the staff said.

Ukrainian army positions were shelled by 122mm artillery near the town of Pivdenne from the side of a Horlivka suburb. At the same time, the hostiles were intensively bombing Ukrainian army strongholds near Kamianka, using tanks and 120mm mortars. The same type of mortars shelled Ukrainian defense lines near Pisky in the Donetsk airport direction in the evening.

Tensions were the highest in the evening in the southern and northeastern suburbs of Avdiyivka, where Ukrainian army positions came under fire of 82mm mortars and infantry weapons, the staff said.

Thirteen armed provocations were seen in the Luhansk sector, the staff said. For instance, several mortar shells were fired on Ukrainian positions near Katerynivka late at night. The area of Schastia and Krymske saw 82mm mortar attacks. Three mortar shells were fired directly on a residential area of Schastia. None of the local civilians was hurt. Information about possible damage is being verified.

Besides, various types of grenade launchers and small arms were engaged in the attacks on Ukrainian army positions near Novozvanivka, Malynove, Donets, Valuiske, Novooleksandrivka, Stanytsia Luhanska and Popasna, the staff said.
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Support for the European Union has rebounded dramatically in most major member countries after Brexit, although the majority of citizens believe they should also have a referendum, new research has found.

The study by US think tank, the Pew Research Center found that people had a positive view of the EU in nine out of the 10 countries.

Even in the UK, 54 per cent of people approved of the 27 nation bloc, although 40 per cent disapproved.

The only country with a negative view of the EU was Greece which is still struggling to meet the terms of the deal made with the troika  the European Central Bank, the Eurogroup and the International Monetary Fund  for bailout loans in 2010, 2012 and 2015.

A decade on from the country's financial crisis and a quarter of the workforce is still unemployed and nearly a third live in poverty.

The findings come as pro-EU leaders are beginning to feel a renewed sense of confidence and believe that the tide of right-wing populism which has spread across Europe over the last few years is starting to ebb.

In France, where support for the EU has risen 18 points to 56 per cent in favour. It followed an overwhelmingly victory by pro-European centrist Emmanuel Macron in the presidential runoff against far-right Front National (FN) candidate Marine Le Pen.

In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions Show all 12 1 /12 In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions European commission member in charge of Brexit negotiations with Britain, French Michel Barnier listens at the President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker speaking at the European Parliament in Strasbourg Getty Images In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions Frank-Walter Steinmeier, President of the Federal Republic of Germany, delivers his speech at the European Parliament in Strasbourg EPA In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions European Union's chief Brexit negotiator Guy Verhofstadt, President of the Group of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE), addresses the European Parliament during a debate on Brexit priorities and the upcomming talks on the UK's withdrawal from the EU Reuters In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions Michel Barnier, European Chief Negotiator for Brexit reacts during a meeting at the European Parliament in Strasbourg EPA In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions Member of the European Parliament and former leader of the anti-EU UK Independence Party (UKIP) Nigel Farage wears socks with Union Jack flag at the European Parliament in Strasbourg Getty Images In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions Nigel Farage, United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP) member and MEP, addresses the European Parliament during a debate on Brexit priorities and the upcoming talks on the UK's withdrawal from the EU Reuters In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions European commission member in charge of Brexit negotiations with Britain, French Michel Barnier gestures during speeches at the European Parliament in Strasbourg Getty In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions The President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker (L) speaks with European commission member in charge of Brexit negotiations with Britain, French Michel Barnier at the European Parliament in Strasbourg Getty In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions European Union's chief Brexit negotiator Guy Verhofstadt, President of the Group of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE), addresses the European Parliament during a debate on Brexit priorities and the upcomming talks on the UK's withdrawal from the EU Reuters In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions Getty In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions German president Frank-Walter Steinmeier delivers a speech during a plenary session at the European Parliament in Strasbourg Getty In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions The European Parliament in Strasbourg, eastern France Getty Images

The victory was compounded over the weekend, when the FN saw its share of the vote drop significantly in parliamentary elections.

The party won around 13 to 14 per cent of the vote, which compared poorly with the 21 per cent Ms Le Pen won in the presidential race.

FN is on course to win between one and 10 seats in the National Assembly after the 18 June run-off while Mr Macrons centrist La Republique En Marche! Party and its MoDem party ally are expected to win of 445 out of 577 seats.

The report shows support for the EU is highest in countries with anti-EU leaders.

For instance, only 13 per cent of Hungarians believed the country should leave the EU even though their prime minister, Viktor Orban, has been a thorn in the side of his partners in Brussels.

Mr Orban called refugees entering Europe a poison last year and opposed the EUs plan to use a mandatory quota system to distribute migrants around the 28-nation bloc.

But the report also said immigration is still an issue which people believe they should have more control over.

Seventy four per cent of people surveyed across the 10 countries felt their national government should be able to do more to control immigration from outside the EU and 66 per cent said it should have more power to restrict migration within the bloc.
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As many as 10,000 Muslims are set to protest in a rally against extremism in Cologne on Saturday.

The protest comes in the wake of recent terror attacks in the UK and around the world.

The attacks by people who justify their acts by invoking Islam, without justification, are becoming more frequent, protest organisers write on a website for the rally called NichtMitUns, or Not With Us.

 Thousands of roses handed out by British Muslims at London Bridge

Recommended Hundreds of Austrian Muslim imams come together to condemn Isis

Our faith is being abused, defiled, insulted and distorted into something unrecognisable by this. Let us put a powerful sign against violence and terror."

Dozens of organisations have backed the protest. However, one of the largest Muslim associations in Germany has refused to take part.

The Turkish-Islamic Union for Religious Affairs (Ditib), which represents more than 900 Muslim communities across the country, rejected the event in a statement accusing organisers of stigmatising Muslims during the holy month of Ramadan.

Calls for Muslim anti-terror demos fall short, stigmatise Muslims, and confine international terrorism to being just among them and within their communities and mosques, Ditib said.

It also suggested the event was not well thought through, saying it was unreasonable for organisers to expect fasting Muslims to march through Cologne on a day thats expected to see temperatures of 25C.

Instead, Ditib said it would be collecting signatures under a joint petition against terrorism and for peace during a Friday prayer.

Rally organiser Lamya Kaddor criticised the Turkish-Islamic unions decision, writing on Twitter that the organisation has missed a great opportunity and has played into the hands of Islams enemies.

Now more than ever. I appeal to everyone at DITIB to #NichtMitUns to come and take responsibility, she added.

A number of politicians have thrown their support behind the rally, including Armin Laschet of Angela Merkels CDU and SPD politician Heiko Maas.

Earlier this week, around 300 imams in Austria signed a declaration calling Isis the black sheep of the Islamic faith.

The declaration signed by the Islamic Religious Community of Austria (IGGO) in Vienna condemns extremism, quoting a passage from the Quaran, which states: When a man kills a man, it is as if he had killed all mankind.

Muslim man comforts elderly Jewish woman in symbol of Manchester unity Show all 4 1 /4 Muslim man comforts elderly Jewish woman in symbol of Manchester unity Muslim man comforts elderly Jewish woman in symbol of Manchester unity A Jewish woman named Renee Rachel Black and a Muslim man named Sadiq Patel react next to floral tributes in Albert Square REUTERS Muslim man comforts elderly Jewish woman in symbol of Manchester unity REUTERS Muslim man comforts elderly Jewish woman in symbol of Manchester unity REUTERS Muslim man comforts elderly Jewish woman in symbol of Manchester unity REUTERS

The Not With Us rally is expected to take place in the German city on Saturday, 17 June, a day the group says it chose specifically because it is an important day in German history and a day in the middle of Ramadan.

Ramadan is the holy month in Islam. A month of peace, solidarity with the poor ... Perversely, the terrorists use this time again and again for especially many of their abominable acts.

Thats why the month is particularly appropriate to go out into the streets and cry out to them ... Not with us! You are not one of them! You are not us, and we are not you!

Isis has claimed responsibility for a string of terror attacks since it called on its followers to wage all-out war on the West at the start of the Muslim holy month.

The terrorist group renews its call for attacks each year at the start of Ramadan, which sees 30 days of fasting and prayer.
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The first liberal mosque has been opened in Germany as part of a movement against conservative Islamic values including the wearing of full-face veils.

The Ibn Rushd-Goethe mosque was set up by Seyran Ates, a lawyer and womens rights activist. It will share space with the St Johannes protestant church in Berlin.

Women and men will be permitted to pray together and all members of the LGBTQ community will be welcomed without prejudice, Ms Ates told the Der Spiegel newspaper. Sunni and Shiite believers will also be encouraged to preach alongside each other.

No one will be let in with a niqab or burqa veil, she said. This is for security reasons and also it is our belief that full-face veils have nothing to do with religion, but rather are a political statement.

Ms Ates, who moved from Turkey to Germany as a child, has previously condemned the oppression of women in certain Muslim communities and called for liberal values to be upheld.

A Muslim was reported to us who was frightened by the backwardness and hatred that prevails here in many prayer houses, she 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. 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In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. 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Muslim students who are from more liberal environments deny their religion, so as not to be harassed by conservative Muslims. We have to address this and counter it.

You can only achieve change through setting an example, opening doors, in a space where every question can be asked.

Ms Ates said Wolfgang Schauble, Germany's finance minister, once told her that liberal Muslims should band together, which helped inspire the idea.
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Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi may have been killed in a Russian air strike in Raqqa which took place following intelligence reports that the Isis chief was meeting with commanders to plan the last-ditch defence of the besieged capital of the caliphate.

The defence ministry in Moscow confirmed that an attack had been carried out on 28 May after information was received about the meeting. It continued: According to the information which is now being checked via various channels, present at the meeting was [Isis] leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, who was eliminated at the strike.

Recommended Russia says it may have killed Isis leader in Raqqa air strike

There had been previous reports of the death or wounding of Baghdadi. However, if verified this time, it would be a massive blow to Isis, both symbolically and strategically, with the group now all but driven out of Iraq and clinging on to its territory in Syria. It is likely, Russian and Western military officials believe, to lead to a crumbling of resistance and a rise in the already high number of desertions from the groups ranks.

Killing Baghdadi will also further raise the prestige of Vladimir Putin, whose sending in of forces to Syria has been widely viewed internationally to be in marked contrast to the indecision and prevarication which has marked the American and European posture in Syria.

The American military, Moscow stressed, was kept fully informed of the operation. Colonel John Dorrian, a spokesman for the US-led coalition in Iraq, said he could not confirm if Baghdadi had been killed. Rex Tillerson, the US Secretary of State, said in March that a large number of the Isis leaders lieutenants were dead and it was only a matter of time before Baghdadi himself met the same fate. There has been no reaction, so far, from Isis outlets or the groups supporters to the reports.

The 10-minute strike between 12.35 and 12.45 in the morning, by SU-34 and SU-35 warplanes, it is claimed, killed up to half a dozen senior leaders of the group, as many as 30 field commanders and more than 300 fighters who had been brought in to guard the meeting. If confirmed, this means that Isis has lost a major part of its command as its enemies close in on Raqqa from three sides. Among those reported killed were the senior figures Abu-al-Khadzhi al-Mysri, Ibrahim Haef al-Khadi and Suleiman al-Shuauakh, the groups security chief.

Assaults on Raqqa have been launched by troops of the Assad regime, backed by Russian air strikes and Iranian and Lebanese Hezbollah forces on the ground; a Kurdish and Arab force with US and British special forces and backed by American warplanes; and an Arab and Turkman contingent supported by the Turks.

The Isis meeting in the southern edge of Raqqa, according to Russian officials, was due to discuss plans of delaying the enemy with the use of suicide bombers and IEDs (improvised explosive devices) while escape routes were organised for the leadership.

In pictures: Isis' weapons factories Show all 11 1 /11 In pictures: Isis' weapons factories In pictures: Isis' weapons factories A mortar round fin manufactured by Isis in Gogjali, Mosul, November 2016 Conflict Armament Research In pictures: Isis' weapons factories Isis rocket components discovered in Gogjali, Mosul, Iraq in November 2016 Conflict Armament Research In pictures: Isis' weapons factories Isis mortars discovered near Karamlais, Iraq, in November 2016 CAR In pictures: Isis' weapons factories An Isis rocket launch frame in Qaraqosh, November 2016 Conflict Armament Research In pictures: Isis' weapons factories A memo from Isis' COSQC on quality control at a manufacturing facility in Gogjali, Mosul, November 2016 Conflict Armament Research In pictures: Isis' weapons factories Electrically-operated initiators manufactured by Isis in forces Gogjali, Mosul, November 2016 Conflict Armament Research In pictures: Isis' weapons factories Isis mortar tubes at a manufacturing facility in Karamlais, November 2016 Conflict Armament Research In pictures: Isis' weapons factories An Isis mortar production facility discovered in Gogjali, Mosul, in November 2016 Conflict Armament Research In pictures: Isis' weapons factories An Isis weapons manufacturing facilities near Mosul in November 2016 Conflict Armament Research In pictures: Isis' weapons factories Stocks of French-manufactured Sorbitol, Latvian potassium nitrate and Lebanese sugar at an Isis weapons factory in Iraq Conflict Armament Research In pictures: Isis' weapons factories A destroyed Isis weapons facility in Qaraqosh, Iraq, November 2016 Conflict Armament Research

The only public appearance of Baghdadi took place when he declared the creation of a caliphate during a sermon in Mosul in June 2014. He was believed to have been in the city before Iraqi forces, backed by the Americans, began the offensive to retake the city. Since then his whereabouts have been unknown, with reports that he was hiding in the desert rather than in any urban location.

There have been a number of reports in the past that Baghdadi had either been killed or injured. He was said to have been severely wounded in a US air strike in March 2015 and in May that year Isis threatened retribution for the attempt to kill its leader. Some subsequent terrorist attacks in Europe, it was claimed, were the results of this threat. There were reports in October last year that he and three other senior leaders of the group had been poisoned but had survived. There were also reports in May and June of this year that he had been badly wounded or killed.

Baghdadi, it is believed, was born Ibrahim Awad Ibrahim al-Badri in Samarra, Iraq, in 1971. His radicalisation took place while being held at the American detention centre, Camp Bucca, in Iraq. He joined al-Qaeda in Iraq after his release and later became the head of Isis. The US offered a reward of $25m (19.5m) for his capture or death in 2011.
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The Russian defence ministry says it believes it may have killed the Isis leader Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi in an air strike south of Raqqa, Syria. In a statement, the ministry said it was still seeking confirmation following the strike in late May.

The air strike targeted a meeting of Isis leaders on 28 May, Russian news agencies cited the defence ministry as saying.

"According to the information which is now being checked via various channels, Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, who was eliminated by the air strike, was also present at the meeting," RIA news agency quoted the ministry as saying.

Sergei Lavrov, the Russian foreign minister, said Russia has not yet confirmed the death of Baghdadi, and warned against exaggerating the significance of his possible demise. He said the "beheading of terrorist groups has always been presented with great enthusiasm, however, history shows that the fighting capacity of these structures [terror groups] were then restored" afterwards.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Petrov declined to comment on the reports, saying only that that Russian President Vladimir Putin received reports from the ministry on a regular basis.

And the US-led coalition said it was unable to verify that Baghdadi had been killed.

The statement from the Russian defence ministry claimed the 28 May strike killed around 30 mid-level Isis leaders and another 300 fighters, during a meeting of Isis's "military council" on the southern outskirts of Raqqa. The jihadi group's de-facto capital is surrounded to the north, east and west by advancing Syrian rebel and Kurdish forces backed by the US-led coalition.

Russia said multiple Su-24 and Su-25 aircraft were involved in the strike, acting upon intelligence captured by drone footage. It said it had informed the US in advance of the strike.

In pictures: Isis' weapons factories Show all 11 1 /11 In pictures: Isis' weapons factories In pictures: Isis' weapons factories A mortar round fin manufactured by Isis in Gogjali, Mosul, November 2016 Conflict Armament Research In pictures: Isis' weapons factories Isis rocket components discovered in Gogjali, Mosul, Iraq in November 2016 Conflict Armament Research In pictures: Isis' weapons factories Isis mortars discovered near Karamlais, Iraq, in November 2016 CAR In pictures: Isis' weapons factories An Isis rocket launch frame in Qaraqosh, November 2016 Conflict Armament Research In pictures: Isis' weapons factories A memo from Isis' COSQC on quality control at a manufacturing facility in Gogjali, Mosul, November 2016 Conflict Armament Research In pictures: Isis' weapons factories Electrically-operated initiators manufactured by Isis in forces Gogjali, Mosul, November 2016 Conflict Armament Research In pictures: Isis' weapons factories Isis mortar tubes at a manufacturing facility in Karamlais, November 2016 Conflict Armament Research In pictures: Isis' weapons factories An Isis mortar production facility discovered in Gogjali, Mosul, in November 2016 Conflict Armament Research In pictures: Isis' weapons factories An Isis weapons manufacturing facilities near Mosul in November 2016 Conflict Armament Research In pictures: Isis' weapons factories Stocks of French-manufactured Sorbitol, Latvian potassium nitrate and Lebanese sugar at an Isis weapons factory in Iraq Conflict Armament Research In pictures: Isis' weapons factories A destroyed Isis weapons facility in Qaraqosh, Iraq, November 2016 Conflict Armament Research

Baghdadi rose to international prominence when he declared the territories occupied by the Isis militancy a so-called "caliphate" during a rare public appearance in Mosul in the summer of 2014.

There have been multiple previous unverified reports of his death. In mid-June, a doctored online statement purporting to be from Isis's Amaq news agency claimed Baghdadi had been killed in a US air strike.

In March, the US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said "nearly all" Baghdadi's deputies had been killed as Isis's territory was squeezed in both Syria and Iraq. He said it was "only a matter of time before Baghdadi himself meets this same fate".
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Helmut Kohl, who served as German chancellor from 1982 to 1998, and presided over the end of the Cold War, has died at the age of 87.

The so-called father of reunification was modern Germanys longest serving chancellor, coinciding with the tearing down of the Berlin Wall that separated the communist East from the capitalist West.

Former US President George Bush Snr once described him as the most important European leader of the late 20th century.

A politician for most of his adult life, Mr Kohl was chancellor of then West Germany between 1982 and 1990, and of the reunified Germany between 1990 and 1998.

As leader of the centre-right Christian Democratic Union party, his 16-year tenure was the longest of any German chancellor since Otto von Bismarck.

We are in sorrow, the party said, announcing his death on Twitter.

Born in 1930 to conservative, Catholic parents, he was obliged to join the Hitler Youth in 1940 at the age of just ten.

He dedicated his political life to rebuilding Germany within a united Europe following the Second World War.

As chancellor of a unified Germany, he made sure the country was at the heart of the European Union and was a driving force behind the creation of the euro, enjoying a particularly close relationship with French President Francoise Mitterand.

Chancellor Kohl at Camp David in 1992 with President George Bush, who called him a rock (Getty) (Getty Images)

His first wife Hannelore committed suicide in 2001, apparently because of a very rare allergy to light which forced her to live in darkness. The couple had two sons, Walter and Peter.

He became wheelchair-bound following a fall in 2008, the same year he married his second wife, Maike Richter, 35 years his junior.

He died in Ludwigshafen, Germany, the Rhine port city where he was born.

Tributes began flooding in from his former political allies.

Former US President George HW Bush said he and his wife Barbara mourn the loss of a true friend of freedom, and the man I consider one of the greatest leaders in post-war Europe.

Working closely with my very good friend to help achieve a peaceful end to the Cold War and the unification of Germany within Nato will remain one of the great joys of my life, he added in a statement. Helmut was a rock.

Gerhard Schroeder, Kohls successor as chancellor, called him a great patriot and European... The unification of our country and our continent will be linked to his name for all time.

In Brussels, European flags were lowered to half mast in tribute.

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, who served as Luxembourgs prime minister while Kohl was in office, tweeted: Helmuts death hurts me deeply. My mentor, my friend, the very essence of Europe, he will be greatly, greatly missed.

In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions Show all 12 1 /12 In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions European commission member in charge of Brexit negotiations with Britain, French Michel Barnier listens at the President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker speaking at the European Parliament in Strasbourg Getty Images In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions Frank-Walter Steinmeier, President of the Federal Republic of Germany, delivers his speech at the European Parliament in Strasbourg EPA In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions European Union's chief Brexit negotiator Guy Verhofstadt, President of the Group of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE), addresses the European Parliament during a debate on Brexit priorities and the upcomming talks on the UK's withdrawal from the EU Reuters In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions Michel Barnier, European Chief Negotiator for Brexit reacts during a meeting at the European Parliament in Strasbourg EPA In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions Member of the European Parliament and former leader of the anti-EU UK Independence Party (UKIP) Nigel Farage wears socks with Union Jack flag at the European Parliament in Strasbourg Getty Images In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions Nigel Farage, United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP) member and MEP, addresses the European Parliament during a debate on Brexit priorities and the upcoming talks on the UK's withdrawal from the EU Reuters In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions European commission member in charge of Brexit negotiations with Britain, French Michel Barnier gestures during speeches at the European Parliament in Strasbourg Getty In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions The President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker (L) speaks with European commission member in charge of Brexit negotiations with Britain, French Michel Barnier at the European Parliament in Strasbourg Getty In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions European Union's chief Brexit negotiator Guy Verhofstadt, President of the Group of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE), addresses the European Parliament during a debate on Brexit priorities and the upcomming talks on the UK's withdrawal from the EU Reuters In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions Getty In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions German president Frank-Walter Steinmeier delivers a speech during a plenary session at the European Parliament in Strasbourg Getty In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions The European Parliament in Strasbourg, eastern France Getty Images

His dream of a unified Germany was realised in November 1989 with the fall of the Berlin Wall, despite resistance from other world leaders including Margaret Thatcher and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev.

Post-unification, he won the backing of voters in the former East Germany by promising them flourishing landscapes.

Shortly after leaving office, Mr Kohls legacy was tainted by a financing scandal in his party, now led by Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Mr Kohl mentored Ms Merkel early in her career, appointing her to her first ministerial post.

European leaders said the EU must build on his legacy.

Italian EU affairs minister Sandro Gozi tweeted: We have lost a great leader, above all a European with vision and courage. We missed him and we will miss him. We must follow his example to relaunch the EU.

German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel paid tribute to a great German statesman and above all a great European.
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Blue and tranquil, the busy waters of the Bosphorus are good-looking enough at the best of times. But this week theyre even more Instagrammable than usual, having been turned bright turquoise by phytoplankton.

The Bosphorus Strait, which slices through Istanbul, dividing the continents of Europe and Asia, has long been one of the main attractions of Turkeys largest city. The Galata Bridge is full of locals fishing, the shore of Kadikoy on the Asian side is scattered with cafes looking out towards the European side, and the ferries that ply the waters rank as some of the most scenic commutes in the world.

But this week, the famous waters turned bright turquoise, after a surge in the Emiliania huxleyi (or Ehux) plankton in the Black Sea.

Locals, initially concerned that it might be due to pollution, quickly took to social media to share photos of the colours

Others had worried it might be linked to Mondays earthquake.

The effect was so startling that even Nasa tweeted a photo of the Black Sea. On its website, it describes the phytoplankton bloom as an annual occurrence.

The May ramp-up in reflectivity in the Black Sea, with peak brightness in June, seems consistent with results from other years, ocean scientist Norman Kuring told Nasa.

However, he added that it was one of the brightest of the past five years.
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89 per cent of UK citizens would like to have a second citizenship and many of them are prepared to spend a considerable amount for the privilege, according to a new survey.

Some 58 per cent admitted Brexit has been the motivating factor in their decision. According to the "Citizenship Survey", conducted by CS Global Partners, three in four participants believed a second passport would give them the ability to travel and explore the world with greater ease.

The second most popular reason was the belief that a second non-UK citizenship would mean "increased freedom and human rights" - with nearly three in five citing this as their concern. One in six people wanted a second passport for business and career opportunities.

CS Global Partners - a law firm specialising in citizenship and residence solutions - spoke to 500 people between the ages of 18 and 50 years old within the last month.

Of those that wanted a second passport, 15 per cent said they would be willing to invest half their annual salary to become a citizen of a second country. Over 80 per cent were willing to pay 5 per cent of their annual income for the privilege.

CS Global CEO Micha-Rose Emmett said: The results indicate that people are looking now more than ever for certainty and security amid a landscape of economic and political change.

Emmett believes the uncertainty created by the general election result could reinvigorate the conversation around second citizenship: Brexit has clearly had an influence on the UKs views on citizenship and I believe the current political context stimulates similar discussion. It has always been our advice however to act preventively in the face of potential uncertainty: a second citizenship is an insurance policy against socio-political change.

Australia was the top country of choice for dual citizenship, followed by the US, then Canada and Germany.
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Within a couple of hours of the strike call by some British Airways cabin crew, Geoff Harper and Graham Mitchell had contacted me.

I am booked to travel on British Airways 1 July from Heathrow to Zurich, return 8 July, said Geoff. What should I do?

Any indications yet of the likely impact on passengers of the BA strike?, asked Graham. Flying to Lisbon from Heathrow on 1 July.

Unhelpfully, to both gentleman I have to say: wait and see.

The airline vows: All British Airways customers will be able to fly to their destinations. But that is not the same thing as saying: Geoff and Graham, just relax  we guarantee youll fly exactly as booked.

It looks most unlikely that Geoffs plans will be affected; Zurich is not a route operated by Mixed Fleet, the cabin crew division in dispute with BA.

While in theory Eurofleet crew could be re-deployed from one of the five Heathrow-Zurich flights to cover for striking staff on another route, I make it a 500-1 shot.

Grahams trip to Lisbon looks potentially more vulnerable, since I believe the link to the Portuguese capital is one of the Mixed Fleet route  British Airways declines to confirm the list, so I have made an educated guess.

But looking at the fares being charged for the three Heathrow-Lisbon flights on 1 July, loads look very heavy. The cheapest one-way fare is 221. So lets make that a 50-1 chance.

Even at those long odds, though, and with the racing certainty that most passengers will travel exactly as booked, BA is still set to be damaged by the strike call.

Travellers, whether they are taking a much-needed holiday or going on an important business trip, really dont like uncertainty. Everyone accepts that anything from striking French air-traffic controllers to erupting Icelandic volcanoes can ground flights, but passengers like to maximise the chance they will take off.

The timing of the strike by the Unite union looks carefully calculated to put as much pressure as possible on British Airways, while stopping short of jeopardising summer holidays for UK families.

The first half of July still sees plenty of business travel, which underpins BAs revenues, and long-haul flights are full with vacationers heading to Europe for summer.

Confidence in British Airways had already taken a dent after last months IT outage, which led to more than 700 flights being cancelled.

With discontent over the airlines initial rejection of some compensation claims after the fiasco, the much-publicised ending of complimentary food and drink on short-haul economy flights, and the airlines desire for densification (packing many more passengers in the same sized plane), some will interpret the latest strike call as evidence that BAs brand is rapidly eroding.

Yet the airlines industrial relations are in better shape than those of Air France and Lufthansa. And unlike the French and German giants, BA has decades of experience in responding to ferocious competition on its home turf, from Virgin Atlantic to easyJet and Ryanair.

Long term, British Airways prospects look robust. But if the airline could settle with the union sooner rather than later, it would improve the summer outlook for Geoff, Graham and hundreds of thousands of fellow travellers.
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British Airways bill for the Bank Holiday weekend IT fiasco is 80m, according to the boss of the airlines holding company, IAG.

Willie Walsh, chief executive of IAG, told shareholders: On May 27, British Airways suffered a power failure to its primary data centre, which led to severe disruption to its flights at the beginning of the UK half term school holiday.

Recommended BA agrees to cover all claims for compensation under EU rules

Mr Walsh described it as a dreadful experience for many of our customers and said we are truly sorry.

But he rejected suggestions that outsourcing was responsible for the IT collapse, saying: This failure had absolutely nothing to do with changes to the way we resource our IT systems and services. He described the restoration of the failed systems as an outstanding achievement by the teams involved, given the nature and extent of the damage suffered.

At the IAG Annual General Meeting, Mr Walsh said BA is seeking to compensate the passengers on the 726 cancelled flights as soon as possible.

The airline faced criticism for initially refusing to compensate passengers who had used their initiative to find alternative flights.

The chairman of IAG, Antonio Vazquez Romero, said: You can be reassured that we will do everything in our powers to avoid similar problems in the future and to boost our customers faith in BA as their airline of choice.

Shareholders heard that bookings for flights originating in the UK have gradually stabilised since the EU referendum, though the Brexit vote had hit profits hard.

Passengers at Heathrow faced further problems on Thursday when the airports baggage system failed at Terminals 3 and 5. British Airways is telling passengers: All of the delayed bags from the baggage system outage have now been sorted into destination order and the vast majority were flown from Heathrow on alternative flights throughout Thursday. Some cities are not served on a daily basis or only have one service per day.
Ukraine's Justice Ministry is conducting the policy of interfering into the free legal aid system at all levels, threatening its institutional independence and acting not in line with international standards, Deputy Justice Minister of Ukraine Andriy Vyshnevsky said at a press conference at Interfax-Ukraine on Thursday.

"Last year under the initiative of the Coordinating Centre for Legal Aid Providing the Council of Europe independently assessed the free legal aid provision system, and one of the key problems international experts were pointing was too broad powers of the Justice Ministry towards the system," he said.

Commenting on the situation around the tender to select the director of the Coordinating Centre for Legal Aid Providing, Vyshnevsky said that at present the Justice Ministry is conducting the policy of interfering into the system at all levels.

"All facts of illegal interference have been recorded in paper and they have been posted on the website of the Coordinating Centre for Legal Aid Provision," he said.

Vyshnevsky said that in the past two weeks Minister Pavlo Petrenko regularly organizes telephone conferences and working meetings with top managers of the center and the Bureau for Legal Aid Providing, first with unclear goal and secondly, they do not have these powers.

Earlier Petrenko wrote on his Facebook page that the ministry did not interfere in the operations of the Coordinating Centre for Legal Aid Provision and the tender to select its head was transparent.

The minister said that the results of the first tender where deputy minister for public registration Pavlo Moroz was announced the winner will be annulled and a new tender will be held soon.

Vyshnevsky filed in resignation on Thursday.
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EasyJet is not known for offering a luxury experience; the budget airlines strength is in delivering cheap as chips flights with a decent enough customer experience. And it generally does that very well.

But its latest partnership is all about providing an upmarket option. EasyJet has teamed up with private-jet logistics company Signature Flight Support to give passengers the chance to access the facilities of the private jet terminal at Luton Airport.

Opting for this exclusive experience means guests will whizz through customs, immigration and security in minutes, away from the riff-raff, before enjoying complimentary food and drink and being driven to the aircraft by a private car.

The cost of this chance to pretend youre an A-lister  before the inevitable come-down when you board a regular, no-frills easyJet flight  is so out of step with its normally budget-friendly prices, though, that one has to wonder whos going to use it.

Terminal access will set luxury-chasing punters back 475, plus an extra 125 for each subsequent passenger on the same booking. While its a nice extra to have a breezy, stress-free airport experience, for these prices you could book business class flights to a number of destinations via a quality carrier. For example, British Airways return flights to Ibiza cost from 328 in July, flying Club Class. This includes access to the lounge and free food and drink on board, plus a better seat with more leg room.

Andrew Middleton, head of ancillary revenue for easyJet, said: While easyJet will always be famous for our low fares and fantastic on board service, for some passengers this is a chance to combine those things with a VIP experience for their loved ones and we think it will be particularly popular for those celebrating a milestone birthday, anniversary or other special occasion or for those travelling on business.

However, with such a high price point, travellers looking for a VIP experience without breaking the bank might find it preferable to opt for a more expensive flight with extras thrown in. Alternatively, companies such as No.1 Lounges offer access to an airport lounge, regardless of your ticket type, from as little as 24. For an extra 10 passengers can upgrade to a Clubroom Lounge, which includes complimentary meals and unlimited Champagne and cocktails.
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Struggling to find the perfect holiday home without nosy neighbours? The Isle of Skye has a solution: buying an entire village.

Marys Cottages, four thatched stone holiday cottages in Elgol on the Isle of Skye could be yours if you have around 1.25million.

They are up for sale as a lifestyle business along with the owner's modern five-bedroom house. Not that "modern" in this case means unattractive - it has a pitched, tiled roof that blends in with its surroundings in the Inner Hebrides.

The cottages, meanwhile, are traditional Scottish blackhouses. Over the last 20 years, two have been restored from ruins and two are newly built to match the originals. All four have classically decorated interiors with vaulted ceilings, underfloor heating, Caithness slate floors and oil stoves.

Two of the cottages have been restored from ruins. (Strutt & Parker) (Strutt & Parker)

Each cottage has traditional built-in kingsize beds, as well as a mezzanine area with single beds tucked up in the eves.

Elgol is a 45-minute drive from Portree, Skyes capital, and a mere six hours from Edinburgh. At the small harbour - a short walk away from the cottages - you can see fisherman hauling in their langoustine catches, and watch for dolphins, otters, eagles and basking sharks which all frequent the bay. Boat trips run from the jetty and take you to Loch Coruisk, a fresh water loch 20 minutes away in the heart of the horseshoe shaped Cuillin Mountains, which sit opposite Elgol. The location is "ideal for holidaymakers", according to The Scotsman.

If hiking across the Cullin in potentially dubious weather doesnt appeal, taking in the views from any your five new properties across the sweeping countryside makes for an equally fulfilling pastime. After all, with agents Strutt and Parker after starting offers of 1.25m, you'll have spent enough.
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Travelling with a disability usually requires extra effort  not to mention time, expenditure and hassle. But a new water park opening in Texas tomorrow aims to make all those problems disappear.

Morgans Inspiration Island, which calls itself the worlds first accessible waterpark, has been designed especially for people with mobility issues. Whats more, every visitor with a disability gets free entry.

The water park is part of Morgans Wonderland, an accessible theme park in San Antonio that opened in 2010. Owners Gordon and Maggie Hartman named it after their daughter, Morgan, who has both physical and cognitive disabilities. Inspiration Island will, the Hartmans say, be the worlds first all-inclusive splash park.

Inside the world's first wheelchair-accessible water park Show all 10 1 /10 Inside the world's first wheelchair-accessible water park Inside the world's first wheelchair-accessible water park Morgan's Inspiration Island is the first accessible waterpark in the world Robin Jerstad/Morgan's Inspiration Island Inside the world's first wheelchair-accessible water park The park has specially designed waterproof wheelchairs, for free rental by visitors Robin Jerstad/Morgan's Inspiration Island Inside the world's first wheelchair-accessible water park The park is part of Morgan's Wonderland, an accessible themepark Robin Jerstad/Morgan's Inspiration Island Inside the world's first wheelchair-accessible water park Power wheelchairs are normally not waterproof so can't be used in parks, even if they're accessib;le Robin Jerstad/Morgan's Inspiration Island Inside the world's first wheelchair-accessible water park There are five 'splash pads' Robin Jerstad/Morgan's Inspiration Island Inside the world's first wheelchair-accessible water park The park is a fully inclusive area Robin Jerstad/Morgan's Inspiration Island Inside the world's first wheelchair-accessible water park There are private quiet areas for those who are sensitive to noise Morgan's Inspiration Island Inside the world's first wheelchair-accessible water park It will be open daily till August and then on weekends Robin Jerstad/Morgan's Inspiration Island Inside the world's first wheelchair-accessible water park The water park is family-friendly Morgan's Inspiration Island Inside the world's first wheelchair-accessible water park The park is inclusive rather than for people with disabilities, say the owners Robin Jerstad/Morgan's Inspiration Island

The $17m (13m) park, overlooking the Wonderlands fishing lake, will have six attractions including a jungle-themed five-minute river boat ride which is wheelchair accessible. Five tropical-themed splash pads or play areas will include elements like geysers, water cannons, jets, raintrees and tipping buckets.

Rather than risk damaging your own wheelchair, the park has designed specially accessible, waterproof wheelchairs, which are powered by compressed air instead of batteries. The lightweight chairs  which weigh about half of a normal power chair  are handed out for free on a first come first served basis. Waterproof buggies and manual wheelchairs are also available. Service animals are allowed in the park, though not on the splash pads.

Other features include water temperature control, so cold-sensitive visitors can still use the attractions, special quiet areas for those sensitive to noise, and high-tech wristbands designed to locate guests who might wander. Even the water is constantly filtered and recirculated, to make it eco-friendly as well as as healthy as possible.

The park offers waterproof wheelchairs free of charge to visitors (Robin Jerstad/Morgan's Inspiration Island)

Srin Madipalli, CEO of Accomable who has done everything from scuba dive in Bali to wheelchair-trekking in Yosemite, told The Independent:

Morgans Inspiration Island would have been an absolute dream to me as a kid. Accessibility is so often an add-on or an afterthought, but here theyve really thought through everything to make the park ultra-accessible.

I love the high tech features. I have very little muscle function, and get cold quickly, so the way they can change the water temperature, is ideal. It shows a brilliant level of insight into different individuals needs, which is really quite unusual. Normally a waterpark on this scale might offer an accessible changing room and a pool hoist to help you get into the water but very little else. The fact that this waterpark has accessibility built into every feature is truly inspiring - and looks like great fun!

Its great to see such inclusive facilities being developed.

But dont think of it as a park for disabilities. Like Morgans Wonderland, Morgans Inspiration Island is not a special-needs park; its a park of inclusion, Gordon Hartman said in a statement. Both were designed with special-needs individuals in mind and built for everyones enjoyment.

The icing on the cake? Prices are well below usual theme park rates. Visitors with disabilities get in free, while regular entry costs $17 (13) for adults, and $11 (9) for children.

The water park will be open daily until mid-August and then on weekends the rest of the year.

For something closer to home, Sandcastle Waterpark in Blackpool has won awards for its accessibility.
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After dominating cities, towns and food delivery around the world, Uber is attempting to command the high seas.

The transportation behemoth is launching UberBOAT on the Dalmatian Coast in Croatia, an on-demand speedboat service available through its app from June 26th.

Recommended What Uber looks like around the world from Bali to Brazil

It will serve Split, Hvar and Dubrovnik and is being rolled out as a permanent feature - unlike its previous temporary forays into boat-based travel in Boston, Miami and Istanbul.

Initially, UberBOAT will offer two services: an airport transfer or an afternoon out. The shuttle service is available from Split or Divulje airport to Hvar at a flat rate of 352 for a standard 8-person boat, or 493 for the XL option for up to 12 people. From Arrivals, the app will direct customers to the nearest pickup point, where the captain will be waiting with lifejackets and bottled water.

The second service is an adventure option for half- or full-day trips from Split, Hvar and Dubrovnic to explore the nearby islands. Customers can hire the boat for a set amount of time and can pick their own itinerary. The price will depend on the specific journey, but a full-day fare for a standard boat will start from 980.

Hvar: One of the locations you can now pick up an UberBOAT (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Uber is billing the service as opening up private boat rental to a mass market. Davor Tremac, General Manager of Uber in Croatia and Southeast Europe said: UberBOAT will offer locals and tourists a new way of exploring and travelling around the Croatian coast by providing a unique yet reliable and straightforward adventure to the islands around Split. Hvar and Dubrovnik.

We are confident that the service will greatly increase on-demand island travel while contributing the the overall growth of Croatian tourism.

Boats aren't the only way Uber is dodging traffic. Its UberMoto option gives riders the choice of picking a motorbike ride in the heavily trafficked cities of Thailand, Indonesia and India.
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It is a dangerous moment for any government when the public suspects that it is incapable of preventing a great disaster like the Grenfell Tower fire. Angry people see the state as failing in its basic duty to keep them safe. Politicians in power, in such circumstances, are embarrassingly keen to show that there is a firm hand on the tiller, calmly coping with a crisis for which they are not to blame. Above all else, they need to dissuade people from imagining that a calamity is a symptom that something is rotten in the state of Britain.

Whatever the real culpability, it is vital to play for time in the expectation that the news agenda will ultimately move on. The old PR adage holds that the accused should first say no story or, in other words, deny all guilt until the media has lost interest and they can safely say old story.

This ploy is usually effective but is difficult in the present case. The mistakes that led to the inferno in Kensington are so blatant, undeniable and easy to establish that the Government looks evasive as it pretends that long enquiries are necessary to establish what went wrong.

It is already known that the cladding that encased the tower was inflammable and led to the building igniting like a torch within 15 minutes. It is likewise established that this material is banned in buildings of any height in the US because it poses a fire risk and that it was chosen in preference to fire-resistant cladding because it was cheaper. A sprinkler system, which would have suppressed the original blaze before it spread, was never installed because it would have cost a small amount of money. The Government is quoted, in words that it may come to regret, as saying that it is the responsibility of the fire industry, rather than the Government, to market fire-sprinkling systems effectively.

What I find so shocking and disgusting is the way in which the Government has deregulated the building industry with the excuse that it is cutting red tape, while at the same time it is strangling the weakest, poorest and most vulnerable people with red tape in order to deprive them of meagre benefits they receive from the state. Compare the enthusiasm of successive governments to increase regulations for claimants in the name of austerity with their laggard performance when it comes to protecting the public.

Just as ministers were trying to explain their snail-like progress in putting in place basic rules to stop tower blocks burning down, I spoke to a charity worker about the hideous maze of regulations facing those in most need. People with mental health problems must fill in labyrinthine forms, something which, by the nature of their disability, they cannot do. Once upon a time, an experienced social worker would have helped them, but their numbers have been slashed. The charity worker, who wanted to stay anonymous, said that often the red tape was so complicated that mental patients give up in despair and do without the benefits which should be theirs by right.

It is not only the mentally ill who fall victim to these regulatory booby traps. Another example is families who are about to be evicted and become homeless. The charity worker said: I always tell them that they must stay in the house until the bailiffs begin to break the door down. This is because, if they leave even a few hours before the bailiffs arrive, the council may deem them to be intentionally homeless and refuse to do anything for them.

The Government is clearly frightened that the burned bodies in Grenfell Towers will be seen as martyrs who died because of austerity, deregulation and outsourcing. It is not as if Theresa May does not know about social wrongs and her speeches often contain eloquent descriptions of the miseries facing the mentally ill. But her proposals smell of political opportunism, primarily geared to attracting media attention and usually ending up as an expression of good intentions with nothing concrete happening.

In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Show all 51 1 /51 In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Police have released images from inside the tower where at least 58 people have died Metropolitan Police In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A still from a video shared by polices what appears to be a stationary bicycle sitting among the ashes In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A still from a video shared by police shows the remnants of a burnt-out bathroom In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Picture showing the lifts on an unknown floor Metropolitan Police In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Emergency crews outside the front entrance to the tower Metropolitan Police In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Fire crews inspecting flats in the burnt out tower London Metropolitan Police In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Grenfell Tower is seen in the distance PA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A drone flies near the scene of the fire which destroyed the Grenfell Tower block REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire 'Theresa May Stay Away' message written on the messages of support at Latymer Community Church for those affected by the fire Ray Tang/REX In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire An aerial view of the area surrounding Grenfall tower Getty In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Donated shoes sit in the Westway Sports Centre near to the site of the Grenfell Tower fire Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Messages of support for those affected by the massive fire in Grenfell Tower are displayed on a well near the tower in London AP In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A local resident stands on her balcony by the gutted Grenfell Tower in Latimer Road Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Messages of condolence are left at a relief centre close to the scene of the fire that broke out at Grenfell Tower, EPA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A police officer stands by a security cordon outside Latimer Road station Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Firemen examine the scorched facade of the Grenfell Tower in London on a huge ladder AP In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A search dog is led through the rubble of the Grenfell Tower in London as firefighting continue to damp-down the deadly fire AP In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn comforts a local resident (name not given) at St Clement's Church in west London where volunteers have provided shelter and support for people affected by the fire at Grenfell Tower David Mirzoeff/PA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn hugs councillor Mushtaq Lasharie as he arrives at St Clement's Church in Latimer Road, where volunteers have provided shelter and support for people affected by the fire at Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn meeting staff and volunteers at St Clementis Church in Latimer Road David Mirzoeff/PA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Firefighters with a dog walk around the base of the Grenfell Tower REUTERS/Peter Nicholls In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Emotions run high as people attend a candle lit vigil outside Notting Hill Methodist Church near the 24 storey residential Grenfell Tower block in Latimer Road, West London Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Debris hangs from the blackened exterior of Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A woman speaks to Mayor of London Sadiq Khan outside Notting Hill Methodist Church near Grenfell Tower in west London after a fire engulfed the 24-storey building Yui Mok/PA Wire In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A woman holds a missing person posters near the Grenfell Tower block REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Sadiq Khan speaking with a resident James Gourley/REX In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Ken Livingstone walks near the scene of the Grenfell Tower fire Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Mayor of London Sadiq Khan is confronted by Kai Ramos, 7, near Grenfell Tower in west London after a fire engulfed the 24-storey building Yui Mok/PA Wire In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Mayor of London Sadiq Khan speaks to a woman outside Notting Hill Methodist Church near Grenfell Tower Yui Mok/PA Wire In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Volunteers distribute aid near Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Family and friends of missing Jessica Urbano, 12, wearing photographs of Jessica pinned to their t-shirts gather near Grenfell Tower EPA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Family and friends of missing Jessica Urbano, 12, wearing photographs of Jessica pinned to their t-shirts gather near Grenfell Tower EPA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Family and friends of missing Jessica Urbano, 12, wearing photographs of Jessica pinned to their t-shirts gather near Grenfell Tower EPA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire People attend a vigil at Notting Hill Methodist Church near Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire People gather to observe a vigil outside St Clement's Church following the blaze at Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire People light candles as they observe a vigil outside St Clement's Church following the blaze at Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire People attend a vigil at Notting Hill Methodist Church near Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A man distributes food from the back of a van near the scene of the fire which destroyed the Grenfell Tower block REUTERS/Paul Hackett In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A firefighter is cheered near the scene of the fire which destroyed the Grenfell Tower block REUTERS/Paul Hackett In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A T-shirt with a written message from the London Fire Brigade hangs from a fence near The Grenfell Tower block REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A young girl on her way to lay flowers near Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire The remains of residential tower block Grenfell Tower are seen from Dixon House a nearby tower block Getty In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Volunteers prepare supplies for people affected by the Grenfell Tower block which was destroyed in a fire REUTERS/Neil Hall In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Volunteers move a car to make space for a lorry picking up supplies for people affected by the Grenfell Tower block REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire People distribute boxes of food near the scene of the fire which destroyed the Grenfell Tower bloc REUTERS/Paul Hackett In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A woman touches a missing poster for 12-year-old Jessica Urbano on a tribute wall after laying flowers on the side of Latymer Community Church next to the fire-gutted Grenfell Tower AP In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A man looks at messages written on a wall near the scene of the fire which destroyed the Grenfell Tower block REUTERS/Paul Hackett In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Candles and messages of condolence near where the fire broke out at Grenfell Tower EPA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Police carry a stretcher towards Grenfell Tower Rick Findler/PA Wire In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Emergency services at Grenfell Tower Rick Findler/PA Wire In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Police carry out a body from Grenfell Tower in west London after a fire engulfed the 24-storey building Rick Findler/PA Wire

Despite all Mays supposed concern for the mentally ill, something she presents as a sort of signature policy, her accomplishments are small. Criminalisation of mental illness has continued relentlessly and the number of beds available to mental patients is now 17,000. This is well below the number of mentally ill people who are in prison  21,000, a quarter of the prison population.

Most of these miseries are suffered in silence by deprived people unable to defend themselves. Injustices may evoke concern, but there is little pressure for action because most people are not affected. This is very different from the Grenfell Tower disaster, visually overwhelming even as a burned-out hulk, as were the shattered towers of the World Trade Centre on 9/11. Everything about the disaster conveys a sense of total failure in which the whole political system is implicated.

Natural and man-made disasters have frequently been the last nail in the coffin of governments that were already tottering. There was the Tangshan earthquake in China in 1976, which helped determine who would rule the country after Mao Zedong. The Rex Cinema fire in Abadan in Iran in 1978 was blamed on the Shah and helped end his reign. The failure of President Bashar al-Assad to do anything for the two or three million Syrians who fled to the cities to escape the four-year-long drought in 2006-10 helped to cause the uprising the following year.

But commentators are probably right in seeing the closest parallel to the burning of the Grenfell Tower as being the devastating floods in New Orleans 12 years ago when Hurricane Katrina sent a 9m-high surge of water into the city on 29 August 2005 that led to the death of 1,464 people. The disaster had been repeatedly predicted by experts, but nothing effective was done so the levees and flood walls were too low or too weak or had been built out of clay that rapidly disintegrated under the impact of the rising water. The victims were mostly poor African Americans without the influence to get adequate flood defences.

As New Orleans was being engulfed, President George W Bush was on an extended holiday at his ranch in Crawford, Texas, where he remained for several days. He finally flew back to Washington on 31 August, his plane making a detour over the stricken city. It was a picture of him looking distant and disengaged as he viewed the wreckage of New Orleans that destroyed his reputation forever.

It is curious that Theresa May should make much the same mistake as Bush by not meeting survivors in Kensington while appearing cold and uninterested. Even the photo editors have turned against her and mostly chose to contrast her chilly appearance with a cuddly looking Jeremy Corbyn comforting a victim. She appears to be somebody who cannot handle pressure, which makes it look particularly odd of her and her advisers to have sought to win re-election as the unshakeable national leader. Corbyn, on the contrary, seems to thrive on crisis and adversity.
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The first rule of a negotiation is to try to see yourself from the other sides point of view. In the case of the Brexit talks, which will start in Brussels on Monday, this is not a pretty sight.

Our negotiating partners think we British have taken leave of our senses. They didnt understand our referendum vote to leave the EU. They couldnt see why we got rid of David Cameron. They were baffled by our friendliness towards Donald Trump.

But now they think we have really blown it. They see a Prime Minister who asked for a stronger Brexit mandate and didnt get it, beset by cabinet splits, and who is still trying to put together a deal to give her the votes she needs in Parliament. They wonder, not surprisingly, if we are really ready to start on Monday.

It doesnt help, as The Independent reported yesterday, that the UK has not yet submitted its position papers for the first meeting. But the EU negotiators dont need to see the paperwork, and they do not need their diplomats to report back via private channels, to know what the mood is on the British side. They can see from the media a Government in disarray. Although they are ready to talk and are impatient to get on with it, they wonder if the British side know what their instructions are.

 Sinn Fein claim Theresa May was in 'direct breach' of Good Friday Agreement

They read, just as we all do, that David Davis, the Brexit Secretary, insists that nothing has changed  the hollow phrase echoing from the Prime Ministers U-turn on a social care cap in the election campaign  but they know that Philip Hammond, the Chancellor, Amber Rudd, the Home Secretary, and other senior ministers think that the specifications for Brexit do need to be altered.

Nor is this just a matter of being ready for Mondays meeting. I am told that the mood among EU negotiators is: Whats the point of bending over backwards to do a deal with a country that is going down the plughole? If May is not going to be Prime Minister for long, they think, why spend time, effort and political capital on trying to reach an agreement with her?

Some of this is unfair. The continental press can be as extravagantly scathing as our own. One of the Dutch newspapers featured a cartoon of May hitting herself with a hammer. Yet it is worth pointing out that many of our EU partners are familiar with the idea of unstable governments. The Netherlands, for example, had an election three months ago and still hasnt formed a coalition.

 Theresa May says Brexit timetable still on track

At least May is as certain as she can be that she can win the vote with DUP support after Wednesdays delayed Queens Speech.

And in the end, the fundamental incentives in favour of a Brexit deal remain in place. The most important thing to note is that what the EU side calls a disorderly exit  the UK leaving without having agreed terms  would be damaging to all EU members. Even Malta would take an economic hit, said one source.

Because of this, a second incentive comes into play, which operates on Michel Barnier himself. The EUs chief negotiator wants to succeed Jean-Claude Juncker as President of the European Commission, whose term comes to an end in late 2019. The best route to this ambition would be to follow Juncker by being chosen as the Spitzenkandidat, the leading candidate, of the European Peoples Party, the centre-right grouping in the European Parliament.

And the best way to do that would be to deliver a Brexit deal that EU leaders regarded as firm but fair. Although Emmanuel Macron, the French President, said that the door remains open to Britain staying in the EU, most EU leaders think that is unlikely, and our election and its aftermath havent really changed that.

So a deal can be done, but are we British ready to start discussing it?
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The treatment the North Koreans evidently meted out to Otto Warmbler, an American student who fell foul of the authorities, was appalling and utterly disproportionate to whatever minor offence he committed. It is, though, perfectly normal in a nation that routinely imprisons its enemies in the most barbaric and inhuman places.

The stories that are told by the few dissidents fortunate enough to escape tell of virtual death camps run by the state where starvation, beatings, rape and maiming are considered normal prison practice. This is a country that endured starvation so bad in the 1990s that some in the countryside turned to cannibalism. Some say the camps are reminiscent of institutions run by the Japanese in the war or Stalins gulags.

Many thousands of Korean prisoners have been though what Warmbuer has been though, being abused so badly that it caused brain damage. Maybe the guards did so with added violence because they have been taught that the Americans are sub-humans. They may have murdered an American citizen, and done so with maximum cruelty. The reaction of the American people is rightly distressed; the difficulty is how their president can exact some sort of justice without igniting a regional conflagration.

It is getting more urgent as every missile launch becomes more sophisticated, accurate and longer-ranging. Meanwhile, the North Koreans are also becoming world-leaders at cyber warfare. We know that they have endangered the health of many people in this country too. For we now know it was from inside North Korea that the NHS was brought to its knees using WannaCry ransomware.

Kim Jong-un inspects military exercises and missile launch Show all 11 1 /11 Kim Jong-un inspects military exercises and missile launch Kim Jong-un inspects military exercises and missile launch The North Korean leader inspects a missile launch from a safe distance Kim Jong-un inspects military exercises and missile launch Kim Jong-un discusses plans with military leaders Kim Jong-un inspects military exercises and missile launch A ballistic rocket of the type launched by the DPRK in defiance of UN sanctions Kim Jong-un inspects military exercises and missile launch UN officials tracked two ballistic missile launches from North Korea on Friday 18 March Kim Jong-un inspects military exercises and missile launch The Supreme Leader laughed with officials as the missiles were fired Kim Jong-un inspects military exercises and missile launch Kim Jong-un was also pictured observing military exercises Kim Jong-un inspects military exercises and missile launch Tanks fire missiles during military manoeuvres at an undisclosed location Kim Jong-un inspects military exercises and missile launch The exercises are timed to coincide with military drills by the US and South Korea Kim Jong-un inspects military exercises and missile launch As well as a tank-driving competition, amphibious craft carried out landing and anti-landing exercises Kim Jong-un inspects military exercises and missile launch Including paramilitary reserves, the North Korean army is the largest in the world Kim Jong-un inspects military exercises and missile launch The Supreme Leader appeared pleased with the show of force

The world's last Stalinist state needs the money from such ransom attacks to fund  in the correct order  Kim Jong-un's lavish lifestyle, to pay off anyone who might dethrone him (such as his vast army), to finance is nukes and missiles programme and the welfare of his devoted people. North Korea's leader will do anything to get the cash, as did his dad and granddad. This, as we now see, appears to include sponsoring a bunch of formidable hackers to develop malware to bring in some much needed forex.

It should not be a shock. The North Korean rogue regime has long been known to have got up to any manner of illegal activities to fund itself, from uncannily authentic-looking $100 bills (fake Benjamins, after the portrait of Ben Franklin they bear), arms trafficking and the manufacture and smuggling of narcotics. Plus people trafficking and the kidnap of hapless Japanese citizens. You name it, theyve done it.

Sometimes, as with the attack on Sony Pictures after the release of the hilarious comedy movie The Interview, it is out of pique at being mocked; mostly it is just a question of money or gathering intelligence. The great irony is that nobody in North Korea apart from a few in the elite is able to access the internet or even make a telephone connection abroad, while the country's leaders can terrorise the world with their digital expertise (the WannaCry attack had a flaw that limited its damage; we may not be so lucky next time).

The Kim dynasty has had a long and disgraceful record in abusing its status as sovereign state and the diplomatic bag to indulge in crime. It highlights how desperate the regime is. The Chinese, it is no secret, are the state's main supporter and have long been running out of patience. China claims that it cannot control Kim, and it is right.

 North Korean defector: Kim Jong-Un would launch a nuclear attack if his rule was threatened

North Korea produces many things that the world does not want: Vinylon, for example  a coarse flammable synthetic fabric made out of processed coal, responsible for the permanently-pressed look on the Kims outfits  some low grade manufactured goods, some rice. The only thing that it knocks out in quantities to keep things going is coal  and the Chinese buy most of that.

Now China is applying sanctions to North Korean coal, and purchasing far less of it. The danger is  a risk that is well appreciated in Beijing  that they push things too far, and heaven knows what the Kims will do in retaliation, from a nuclear attack through to unleashing another cyber hack that could prove the most effective in history. More likely, there might be an economic collapse that would create unstable regime change and floods of refugees cloning across the border. Armed conflict, of some sort, wouldnt be far behind.

The Russians also view any North Korean breach with China as an opportunity for them, though the Kremlin is wise enough to realise what they are getting into. Seemingly just for the sheer hell of it, the North Koreans have also now detained a Russian yacht supposedly in their waters, and not for the first time. (The roots of their uneasy relations with Russia date back decades. North Koreas historic devotion to Stalinism guaranteed friction with the old Soviet Union after the Russians denounced Stalins reign in the 1950s. In the great ideological and now forgotten Sino-Soviet ideological split on the issue the Kims were firmly on the side of the Chinese. Now Stalinism has in any case been replaced by worship of the Kims and their home-grown philosophy of socialist self-reliance, Juche. The massive portraits of Marx, Engels and Lenin that used to be commonplace have long-since disappeared.)

At least the Chinese have some idea of what to do, tricky as it is. Here in Britain we have to rely on the Americans to attempt to restrain Kim. This incident also demonstrates, were it further necessary, that Britains independent nuclear deterrent is quite useless even against a rogue state that actually has nuclear weapons.

If British citizens are harmed by the actions of the DPRK should we react? Yes, in principle. Can we practically deploy Trident against targets in North Korea? Without US permission? Of course not. (And nor could America when, in a historic humiliation, the North Koreans managed to capture a US Navy vessel in 1968  the USS Pueblo, now proudly displayed as war booty at the Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum in Pyongyang.)

All that leaves us with one man who could do something about Kim: Donald Trump. The problem is that every previous policy, from the sunshine approach during the Clinton years pursed with the enthusiastic support of the South Koreans, through to the toughest of UN sanctions, has failed to have much effect.

 Ivanka Trump: I have been shocked by the level of 'ferocity' and 'viciousness' against my father

Kim has seen the example of despots around the world, such as Saddam, Assad and Gaddafi, who have either given up their weapons of mass destruction or just been found to be bluffing, and faced lethal changes both to their rule and to the lives of themselves and their families. He knows that the only thing keeps him on his throne is his nukes. The West (that is, Trump) has to persuade him that he will be able to stay there and prosper at the expense of his people without those nuclear missiles, and, indeed, without threatening hospitals in Britain. Even the most dedicated appeaser or deal maker would find that a difficult challenge.

Donald Trump may yet do it. I have written before about the value of an audacious, even reckless, visit to Pyongyang by President Trump to make some sort of breakthrough, whether by bribing, bullying, cajoling or even charming America's most unpredictable of enemies. That may not be for now, given the rawness of the emotions after Kims latest crime against humanity.

A world where President Trump is our only hope against the ruthless Kim is not a comfortable place.
The majority of companies in Ireland maintain that the Government is not helping them enough ahead of Brexit, according to a leading accountancy firm.

In a business sentiment survey carried out by BDO, four out of five companies say they are not being provided with enough information to adequately prepare for Brexit.

"The survey reflects the volatility of markets and the different views of Brexit by both London and Brussels, and how that has led to a growing frustration amongst Irish businesses," BDOs managing partner, Michael Costello said.

"There is clearly an information gap and uncertainty. The sooner these are addressed, by the lead negotiators, the better. It is an evolving situation, but businesses are calling for clarity."

Despite the recent UK election result of a hung parliament - which indicates more of a possibility of a soft Brexit - optimism levels have dropped.

BDOs Optimism Index is down marginally from this point last year, slipping from 66.7 in 2016 to 65.9 in 2017.

However, this index has still achieved an improvement of 15pc over the last four years, with medium to large firms in the services sector the most optimistic.

Furthermore, only 46pc of companies expect growth in business activity in the next quarter - a drop of 7pc from the same period last year

"We are advising clients who may be affected by Brexit to analyse their supply chains and business strategy, so that they can isolate their exposure to the British market," said Mr Costello.

"There are state services and grants available such as the Enterprise Ireland Brexit scorecard and Be Prepared grant. Firms such as BDO as well as Enterprise Ireland and Local Enterprise offices are resources that should be utilised by firms to assist with this preparatory work."
Two escaped inmates sought in the killings of two guards on a US prison bus were captured after they were held at gunpoint by a rural homeowner whose vehicle they were trying to steal, authorities said.

Donnie Rowe and Ricky Dubose were arrested in the rural community of Christiana, Tennessee, ending a multiple state manhunt that began early on Tuesday in Georgia.

"True bravery is what's caused us to stand before you tonight to talk about a successful capture instead of a tragic incident," Tennessee Bureau of Investigation director Mark Gwyn said.

"So I'm totally grateful to everyone involved."

Earlier in the day, police in nearby Shelbyville had responded to a call about a home invasion, where a couple had been held captive, Georgia Bureau of Investigation spokeswoman Nelly Miles said.

The suspects fled in the couple's vehicle and fired on sheriff's deputies chasing them on Interstate 24 about 50 miles southeast of Nashville, Tennessee Highway Patrol spokesman Lieutenant Bill Miller said.

Rutherford County Sheriff Michael Fitzhugh said his deputies did not return fire and none were injured.

Rowe and Dubose crashed the car and bailed out, running into the woods, Lt Miller said.

They then came across a home set back on a long driveway.

The trooper said the homeowner looked outside and saw the two allegedly trying to steal his car.

The man held the two at gunpoint with a neighbour he called for help until the sheriff's department could get there to arrest the fugitives.

The two are being held in the Rutherford County jail.
Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Oleksandr Turchynov and NATO Assistant Secretary General Camille Grand have discussed Russia's aggression against Ukraine and cooperation in the military and technical area.

"The two discussed Russia's hybrid aggression against Ukraine, cooperation with NATO member countries in the defense industry and cyber security, as well as the Ukraine's security and defense sector transition to NATO standards," the NSDC press service reported.

Turchynov noted that Russia's aggression can be stopped only by "powerful weapons and a strong army," and said the resumption of multilateral military and technical cooperation of Ukraine with the Allies is one of the country's top priorities.

For his part, Grand assured that NATO does not neglect the topic of the annexation of Crimea by Russia and events in Ukraine's east. "NATO shows unity as regards Russia's actions, which are extremely dangerous for the world order ... NATO considers Ukraine to be one of the most important partners and is very optimistic about the prospects for our cooperation," he said.
Diarmuid Murray has just begun working on his uncle Seamus's 95 acre farm at Knockcroghery in Co Roscommon where is hoping to build up his own dairy herd over the next few years.

And when he is not in the milking parlour, Diarmuid (23) is away on Macra business having been elected as the organisation's Roscommon chairman last month. It's not a full-time job but it is taking up two days of his week at the moment.

"We have good old crack in Macra. It is a great education and it is great for socialising. I'd be on Macra business at least one day during the week and one at the weekend. I cover the Macra stands at the local shows and social evenings.

"We had a sheep racing contest at the Roscommon Lamb festival last month and everyone really enjoyed it," says Diarmuid.

To the uninitiated a sheep racing contest sees lambs and ewes run over an enclosed 40 metre course and the winner takes all as they say.

At the moment Diarmuid and his uncle are milking a herd of 105 black and whites and supplying milk to Aurivo at an average price of between 31c/l and 32c/l.

The plan is for Diarmuid to take over from his uncle in a few years time. In the meantime, he plans to continue building up the British Friesian herd. Calves from the herd are reared at the nearby farm of his parents Sean and Mary.

Diarmuid, the middle son of three, is obviously the farmer of the family. His brother Colm is doing an engineering degree at the University of Limerick and his other brother, Stephen, is on a post education grand tour and travelling through South America at the moment.

When I ask Diarmuid if he ever got the travel bug himself the young farmer replies matter of factly: "No I am sure the world won't worry about me not travelling.

"I have been interested in farming since I became fascinated by tractors as a kid and I am only interested in dairy now."

Diarmuid has completed his Level 6 dairy management course at Ballyhaise College in Cavan and as far as he is concerned that's it with the studying for now.

Hobby farmers

His main focus is developing his uncle's farm and his own farming skills, but he also takes a keen interest in the farming scene nationally.

The two pebbles in his shoe are the Basic Payment Scheme and the cost of buying and renting land.

Diarmuid gets particularly animated by the structure of the EU's Basic Payment Scheme which he says is not geared enough towards the productive farmer.

He can't understand why "hobby farmers" should be in receipt of equal payments as 'real' farmers from Brussels.

"The idea behind farming is food production and the farm payment funds should be channelled mainly to those producing food.

"I am not against hobby farmers but the payment system should be changed to favour productive farmers who are producing the food," he says.

Diarmuid is equally animated by the cost of buying or renting land which he says is both "exorbitant and unsustainable" not only in Roscommon but throughout the country.

"I don't see how the prices being asked by auctioneers are sustainable.

"Nobody could make money from the land at the current purchase and rental prices," he says.

Economics aside, his main off farm interests are playing and watching GAA - he is active with the local St Dominic's club.

For now, though, most of his spare time is consumed by Macra business.
Dear Deirdre, myself and my wife of 10 years spent the past five years building up the farm, when my parents signed it all over to me. It was a beef farm and we went into dairying and installed a milking parlour and invested a lot in it.

In fairness to her, it was the income from her job that allowed us to do this, as we had to finance about 400,000 of work between installing a new milking parlour, buying in stock, reseeding and drainage and were really only beginning to start to pay this off now.

My parents built a bungalow on the farm and live there and we live in the old farmhouse, which was built by my grandfather.

Now Ive found out that she has cheated on me and it seems everyone in the parish knows about it. Im a laughing stock locally. I knew we had some issues in the marriage but I didnt realise how bad things were until one of my friends told me recently in the pub about the affair. He said the whole parish was talking about it and I should know.

I confronted my wife about it and she admitted it but said its over and wont happen again, but I dont believe her. The man she had the affair with is a work colleague of hers  they have a dental practise together in the next town. The business is in both their names since they set it up 15 years ago and her income from this is around 80,000 and this was used to finance the restructure of the farm.

I want to divorce her but Im afraid Ill lose part of the family farm. My parents would also be destroyed.

What do I stand to lose?

Marital breakdown is always difficult for a family and after the children, if any, the division of assets is a big concern. This is particularly so for farming families where a farm has been passed down for generations.

You say you want to divorce your wife and in order to do so in Ireland, three requirements must be met:

you must have been living apart for four out of the previous five years before applying for a Divorce

there must be no reasonable prospect of reconciliation and

proper arrangements must have been made or will be made for the spouse and any dependent members of the family.

It appears from your letter that the breakdown of your marriage has just happened and so you will have to wait to get a Divorce but you could apply for a Judicial Separation (court ordered separation) which can also deal with the division of assets. Once the requisite time has passed, you could then apply for a Divorce on the same terms as the Judicial Separation.

In terms of the division of assets, there is a misconception in the public that a spouse is automatically entitled to half the farm in the event of marital breakdown.

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This is not always the case. The outcome of a family law case varies depending on the particular circumstances of that case and yes, in some situations, the spouse does get half the farm but a number of factors are considered before that happens.

Courts are in fact reluctant to divide a family farm and/or order the sale of the farm or part thereof. This is so for a number of reasons, for example, a farm has traditionally been in a family for generations and has generally been inherited or gifted to a successor with the intention that it will eventually in turn be passed down to their successors.

Courts tend to treat inherited property differently to that property obtained by both spouses during their marriage. Furthermore, dividing a family farm can affect the viability of that farm and its ability to generate an income for the spouse and dependents.

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This is a huge factor as to divide the farm could effectively deprive someone of their livelihood.

In your particular case, you received a gift of the farm from your parents five years ago and since then, your wifes salary enabled you to develop the farm and you borrowed 400,000 on the strength of your wifes income.

You and your wife are living in the farmhouse built on the farm by your grandfather. As you only got the farm five years ago, presumably your wife is not registered on the title of the farm and the house.

Your wife therefore will likely have what is called an equitable interest in the property. Your wifes contribution, both directly and indirectly, to the farm and the house, will be taken into account by the Court in assessing the overall division of assets.

You may well have to provide her with a lump sum payment and/or seek her release from the borrowings of 400,000.

If you do have to pay your wife a lump sum, in order to determine where this money is going to come from, you will have to look at a number of options. Firstly, you will have to see if there is any equity left in the farm by getting an auctioneers valuation of the entire farm and see how much more you can borrow against it in your own name.

If you cannot borrow any more money, you will have to raise it in some way. Perhaps, depending on the amount that may have to be paid to your wife, you could pay same over a set number of years and the EU Entitlement lump sums, if you are getting them, could be used towards these payments. If that is not an option either, then you will have to look at selling something, be it shares if you have any, a site or some land.

If you have to sell land, then you will have to get an Agricultural Consultant on board to assess the viability of your farm without a parcel of land and to advise on what parcel would be most suitable for sale, i.e. what parcel of land is least necessary in terms of generating an income from the farm.

Although not part of your question, it is prudent to point out that your wife has a business which provides her with an annual income of 80,000 and it is worth noting that she is also financially exposed to you in any family law proceedings, particularly as her income is presumably higher than yours.

In any family law proceedings, both parties must make full financial disclosure so you will be aware of her financial position also.

It is an exceptionally difficult road and you should immediately consult with your solicitor to get specific preliminary advices.

It is important that you surround yourself with the appropriate professionals should you decide to formally separate and it would be better to negotiate a settlement outside of Court to keep costs down and to retain some level of control of how assets are divided.

Deirdre Flynn is from a farming background and practices as a Solicitor at Deirdre Flynn Solicitors, Cathedral View, Ardfert, Co. Kerry Tel: 066 7115695 Email: info@deirdreflynnsolicitors.ie

The information in this article is intended as a general guide only. While every care is taken to ensure accuracy of information provided, Deirdre Flynn does not accept responsibility for errors or omissions howsoever arising. You should seek legal advice in relation to your particular circumstances at the earliest possible time.
After waiting for the rain to arrive, the big change has obviously been the explosion in grass growth. The trick now is to manage this grass to get the best value from it for the ewes and lambs.

We are often coming out of a period of slow growth.

A month ago there was growth of about 40kg DM per day but this has now shot up to 80kg DM per day. The key priority now is to keep grass cover down and keep things under control.

It is important to walk the farm regularly and know what grass is ahead of you.

Trying to graze all available grass is not an option now so other measures to control grass will have to be used. If you do not, quality will suffer when grass gets too strong - the leaf is the good part of the grass, not the stem.

If you do not keep on top of it, it can be hard to graze swards out and quality will drop maybe not this time but next time you graze it.

The options when grass gets too strong are to take out paddocks for silage bales or graze the paddocks as best as you can and take it out the next time it is due for grazing. This will help to rejig the quality.

Another option if you have dry hoggets or dry ewes is to graze them and then, by using the mower, topping off what stemmy grass they leave.

Paddock divisions are also a useful tool for grass management. By dividing paddocks and instead of taking six days or more to graze out a paddock, you should get three days of quality grass on each side of the division.

This way animal production is enhanced.

My sheep are getting regular access to good, leafy grass with the grass taken out at the right stage of growth before it goes stemmy and starts to go to seed.

The paddocks we took out for silage in early May have been grazed once since and next time will be used for lambs after weaning. We made more bales on May 20 - this yielded over 12 bales per acre with quality good.

Aftergrass

There should be plenty of aftergrass on this ground for the lambs when we wean them the first week in July. We have about 20 acres more to cut now. If we get a few fine days together, we will not hesitate as quality is more important now than quantity.

Next jobs to be done on the farm include shearing the ewes as soon as possible with a few going over on their backs and in this weather fly strike could become a problem.

The sooner the wool is off them the better.

This year it is probably best not to think about the price we will get for the wool.

From reports I have heard it will not cover the cost of shearing.

Lambs have to get a second shot of Heptavac-P, a dose for worms and a spray-on for fly treatment.

Most will get Clik Extra and the heaviest single lambs will get Clikzin, because it has a short withdrawal period. That should keep me busy for a while.

Later this month we're planning to go to Teagasc Athenry for the open day on June 21.

It should be interesting to see the early results from the research trial comparing the performance of high genetic merit New Zealand ewes with the best of the Irish.

I'm sure we will come away with some new ideas on how we can make technical improvements on our farm in terms of breeding, grassland management, animal health and financial management.

John Large is a sheep farmer based in Co Tipperary
Mr Dolan will begin his new role on July 1.

Applegreen have appointed Niall Dolan as the group's new chief financial officer (CFO).

Mr Dolan is currently Head of Corporate Finance & Treasury at the forecourt and food-to-go retailer.

He will begin his new role on July 1.

Before joining the business in May 2015, Mr Dolan was CFO of ISS Ireland Ltd for five years.

Mr Dolan holds a Masters in Accounting from University College Dublin and qualified as a Chartered Accountant with PwC in 1998.

"Niall has been a valuable member of our senior team since he joined us, prior to the 2015 IPO," CEO Bob Etchingham said.

"He has gained wide and valuable experience in his career to date and has demonstrated an ability to contribute to the strategic direction of the business and work with colleagues at all levels. We wish him well in his new role.

Chairman Danny Kitchen said that the appointment follows a wide ranging search process.

Niall succeeds current CFO Paul Lynch who steps down from his role as CFO and board director on June 30.
The Revenue Commissioners has boosted the number of staff focused on audit investigations and tax evasion by 100 since the start of the year.

However, almost two-thirds of them will first have to go through a two-year training programme.

Budget 2017 set out plans by the Government to target tax cheats who stash their money overseas.

An extra 5m was set aside for the taxman to take on extra staff for audit and investigation activities, including tackling off-shore tax evasions, as well as enhancing ICT systems.

More than 100 executive officers have been recruited into Revenue's ranks since the start of 2017 - 65 of whom were moved into a comprehensive two-year training programme. The balance went into a fast-track programme as they were already suitably qualified.

"It is anticipated that these staff will commence full time audit and compliance activities from mid-2017," the now former Finance Minister Michael Noonan said recently, in response to a parliamentary question from Fianna Fail's Michael McGrath.

It was estimated that the extra cash brought into the State's coffers through this clampdown would be around 80m.

At the announcement of the Budget in October, Mr Noonan said the release of the so-called 'Panama Papers' earlier in the year showed how use off-shore structures and accounts helped avoid paying tax.

Mr Noonan said Revenue estimates that about 500 audit staff will retire over the next five years. There are currently about 400 new staff at various stages of training.

"It is noted that the investment in the training and development of a Revenue auditor or investigator can take up to three to four years, depending on previous relevant experience," he said.

"Revenue plans to recruit 150 executive officers per annum over the next five years with the majority of these going into audit training based on current resource provision."

Overall last year, the yield from audit and compliance investigations was 555.6m, with 6,173 audits completed, yielding 247.9m.

Other compliance interventions yielded 307.7m.
I own a flat in Dublin purchased in 1986 at 70,000, now valued around 350,000. If I sell now, I understand I will be liable for Capital Gains Tax (CGT). But can I then gift the amount from the sale to my son within his limit for Gift Tax or bypass this altogether by gifting the flat directly to him?

A. This is a complex query on two fronts. While CGT is an issue, Revenue makes no distinction between cash or any other asset gifted, or bequeathed to another person. So, you certainly cannot avoid CGT or Gift Tax by transferring a property, as opposed to cash, to your son. Both are considered 'disposals' by Revenue.

I asked Barry Flanagan of Taxback.com for his advice. "The CGT liability would be approximately 77,200, assuming your annual exemption of 1,270 and no incidental costs on acquisition and disposal," he said.

"If you choose to sell the property now and gift the cash, the consequences for you and your son will be the CGT payable by you and possible Capital Acquisitions Tax (CAT) at 33pc on the taxable value of the gift (less the 3,000 annual small gift exemption), payable by your son. If this is the first time your son is receiving a gift from you or your spouse, there will be no CAT liability, as the value of the gift falls within the Group A Threshold of 310,000. If, however, your son has already used part or the entirety of his Group A threshold, a CAT liability may arise.

"If you choose to gift the property, the value of the gift receivable by your son is the market value, 350,000. As this exceeds the Group A CAT Threshold, CAT at 33pc would be due on the excess. However, where CAT and CGT arise on the same event, a credit for the CGT paid is available, and CAT is due only to the extent it exceeds the CGT paid. It should be noted, however, that in such a scenario, your son should not dispose of the property within two years of the gift, as otherwise the Revenue will seek a clawback of the taxes".

Q. You recently featured a question from someone who had lost the deeds to her house. Our situation is that we have the title deeds but are looking for a safe place to hold them, as our bank will no longer keep them for us. Have you any recommendations? We were told of a place called Merrion Vaults but do not know anything about them. Would we have any guarantee that the deeds would be 100pc safe?

A. It used to be the case that Irish banks had great big vaults underneath their head offices, or sometimes off-site to store deeds, records and files. With the advent of so many online services, these have been phased out and I cannot think of a bank here that now offers these services to customers, which is a pity. I expect they really don't want the responsibility. I got quite a number of enquiries about this topic in the last couple of weeks, so it's clearly something that concerns many people.

Less than 40pc of private dwellings in Ireland are mortgaged, so that means that the majority of home-owners are responsible for storing their own house deeds - an onerous obligation, since they are vital for sale or transfer.

I contacted a spokesman from the company you named - Merrion Vaults, which is Ireland's first independent safe deposit box facility, and has been operating for four years. Based in Dublin's Merrion Square, they offer ten different 'box' sizes; the standard one, suitable for house deeds or other important documents, costs 199 per annum.

This includes insurance cover of 10,000 and each owner is given a unique key. They tell me deeds are commonly stored, along with cash, jewellery and computer memory backup devices. It has the added bonus of reducing your house insurance premium, if you let your insurer know, as some All Risks items no longer need to be covered.

The Ryan Review

Ongoing reductions in the number of mortgages in arrears continue, with the Central Bank reporting a 15th straight month of declines, leaving just 10pc of accounts in trouble.

Restructuring options are moving upwards and 87pc of these are deemed to be meeting the terms of the new arrangements. However, there the good news ends. Buy-to-Let mortgage arrears are still stubbornly high, with 14,367 in arrears over two years.

Although out-sourcing debt to non-bank funds (and just 60pc of them are regulated here) continues, the pace remains terribly slow. What possible reason could banks have to hold these properties on their books, especially the ones in the leafier suburbs of Dublin, despite their basket-case repayments? Hmmm.

As an aside, in last week's column I pointed to 20 housing units for sale at knockdown prices in Munster which could be bought to house homeless families. So, kudos to the Housing Agency for its purchase of two former B&Bs in Clontarf (for almost 2million, mind) to house 13 families, albeit temporarily. Locals don't seem impressed at the effort to make inroads into the homeless crisis with one saying the "hairs stood up" on the back of her neck at the news.

Nimby-ism aside, neighbours should be used to dubious characters living among them former jailbird TD Ivor Callely lived on the same road for years.
Many of us have taken a shell or two home after a visit to Dollymount Beach - but we may not have noticed the business opportunity that the seaside stroll had to offer.

Dubliner Jennifer Kinnear was so inspired by the pieces of shell she found on the Bull Island beach that she made unique pieces of jewellery based on their design.

And after a five year hiatus, the designer is bringing her affordable range of rings, earrings and necklaces back to Irish stores.

"In 2008, when the recession hit I made the decision to leave Ireland. I had a successful shop in Crow Street but I didn't think I would cruise through the recession," Jennifer (40) told independent.ie.

"I had no other ties to Dublin and I felt like I needed a break so I moved to Spain to pursue my other passion, kite-surfing!"

In the last nine years, Jennifer met her partner and had son Luca (now 4), and has made a home for herself in Gibraltar.

But her inherent passion for creating beautiful accessories had led to the latest beautiful collection - which has been snapped up by buyers in Arnotts.

"My son was getting a little bit older so I decided to get back into the jewellery again - it's what I'm good at," said Jennifer.

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"So I chose all of my favourite pieces I had made over the years and I made a collection out of those."

Although currently based in Spain, Jennifer is still inspired by the Dublin coastline and city and travels to Ireland several times a year.

Her Cockle Shell Necklace, for example, was born of a trip to Dollymount Beach and the stunning Hummingbird Pendant sparked by a tile pattern in a Stoneybatter chipper.

"My business is actually registered in Ireland, my pieces are all hallmarked in Ireland and Iuse Irish suppliers," she said.

"I love the ethos of Irish design so I'll still be splitting my time between the two countries - and I'll still be beach combing with my son on Dollymount."

There is a detailed process behind the silver and gold plated - and 9ct gold - items that Jennifer creates.

"My latest find is a tiny crab, so I will make a mould of the claws and then use lost wax casting techniques to make tiny crab claw earrings, same goes for the shells and sea urchins," she said.

"The hummingbird, key, slipper and various others are made using traditional metalsmithing techniques."

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The delicate but wearable jewellery is also available in Galway, Westport, Sligo, Kildare and Ranelagh as well as Kinnears own online shop.
Extradited suspect in Chernovol beating hangs himself in prison

Oleh Netrebenko, a suspect extradited to Ukraine from Belarus involved in the beating of Tetiana Chernovol during December 2013, hung himself in a pretrial holding facility in Kyiv last week. Chernovol is presently a member of the People's Front Party and parliament deputy.

"Yes, he hung himself in a pretrial holding facility in Kyiv. Kyiv's Prosecutor General's Office (PGO) is investigating the suicide," Interior Ministry Spokesman Artem Shevchenko told the Kyiv-based Interfax-Ukraine news agency.

As earlier reported, during the summer of 2015 two of Chernovol's assailants were convicted, while three more remained on Interpol's wanted list.

Investigators determined that Dneprodzerzhinsk native Netrebko, a.k.a. Netrik in criminal circles in eastern Ukraine, recruited thugs to beat Chernovol up in late 2013.

Prior to becoming a parliament deputy, Chernovol was a well-known journalist and civil activist. She was elected to parliament in 2014.
Facebook is facing growing pressure to identify and prevent the spread of content from terrorist groups (AP)

Facebook is to beef up attempts to battle terrorism as it tries to face down a wave of international criticism on the issue. The social media giant's head of global policy, Monika Bickert, told the Irish Independent that the company is to introduce new systems to fight Isil and other terrorist groups online.

Separately, the company is to hire a key new data-protection executive in Dublin in response to tough new European laws that increase fines to 20m or up to 4pc of global turnover.

Facebook's initiative against escalating extremism online comes after British prime minister Theresa May and French president Emmanuel Macron called on tech companies to do more to tackle dangerous and threatening content on the internet.

New measures include image-matching, language analysis and deeper forms of artificial intelligence to weed out threatening activity.

But Ms Bickert, pictured, said that the initiative is part of a longstanding company policy and not the direct result of calls from European leaders.

"We remove this content primarily because it's not okay to have it on our site," she said.

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"That comes from us and the policies we've had for years. Recent attacks have made people question what we should be doing to stand up against radicalisation but our commitment is longstanding. This is something that we have cared about for a long time."

Under the initiative, new technology will be able to match faces and other imagery with databases featuring previously flagged content.

"When someone tries to upload a terrorist photo or video, our systems look for whether the image matches a known terrorism photo or video," said Ms Bickert.

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"This means that if we previously removed a propaganda video from Isil, we can work to prevent other accounts from uploading the same video to our site. In many cases, this means that terrorist content intended for upload to Facebook simply never reaches the platform."

In a separate development, the company is reacting to next year's EU General Data Protection Regulation law with the imminent appointment of a new "senior" executive to be based in Dublin.

"That's a senior role coming into the team of many hundreds of people on our privacy program," said Stephen Deadman, Facebook's global deputy chief privacy officer.

He added:"It's a key appointment for us."

Facebook recently announced an expansion of its Dublin headquarters.

Mr Deadman was speaking at the Dublin Data Summit, where executives and regulators are meeting to discuss new developments.
Soon after Australia's New South Wales state announced it was doubling the tax for foreigner home buyers earlier this month, calls started flooding in to Sydney-based real estate agent Shan Lin.

"My phone never stopped, I charged my phone three times, no kidding - overseas clients, overseas agents, my channels in China," said Lin, who deals mostly with Chinese-based investors.

"They definitely feel the pressure. They say, 'Shan, look, I will not consider investing in Australia or investing in Sydney'."

Chinese property investors are turning their backs on Australia as a series of measures designed to cool one of the world's hottest real estate markets targets foreign buyers, raising the risk of a damaging correction in house prices.

Australia's latest move follows similar measures imposed in Vancouver, Singapore and Hong Kong.

But there are fears the Australian measures have been introduced into a frothy market already showing signs of stress.

Sutono Pratiknya, a Sydney-based sales consultant, said the changes sent a clear signal to his overseas investors they were not welcome.

"We used to do five property tours a month, picking up a dozen investors from the airport and showing them our latest offering," Pratiknya said. "Now, there's nothing."

With Australian banks heavily reliant on mortgages, economic growth slowing, and the Reserve Bank warning about households groaning under record amounts of debt, any sharp fall in house prices risks derailing Australia's record 26-year recession-free run.

New South Wales' new tax arrangements will see duties from home sales to foreigners rising to 8pc of the purchase price, taking total taxes on overseas buyers to more than 13pc.

While Australia is not alone in introducing foreign property taxes, the number and speed at which new policies are being imposed is spooking foreign buyers.

In just over a year, all major east coast cities have introduced and, in the case of Sydney, expanded foreign duties; the country's biggest banks have stopped lending to overseas buyers; and the government has introduced punitive measures for foreigners who leave properties vacant.

Foreigners will also lose a capital gains tax exemption for their primary residence in changes unveiled in last month's national budget.

Foreigners account for a quarter of new housing sales in New South Wales, with Chinese investors by far the biggest buying group.

Sydney home prices, after doubling since 2009 to top A$872,000 (592,000), recorded a rare fall in May, according to property consultant CoreLogic. Auction clearance rates - a key indicator of demand -have also been slipping as an abundance of new homes hit the market.

Meriton Group, Australia's largest apartment developer, is expected to be impacted given it has a cluster of new Sydney developments targeting Chinese buyers.

Janice Jiang, a Meriton sales consultant in Sydney, said the company made about half its sales to foreigners, and that the extra taxes would have little impact in the long run.

"It seems like the tax increases are never-ending," said Esther Yong, a director of Chinese property agencies Sodichan and ACproperty. \

"I have buyers who were looking at Australian property and agents in China convinced them to buy in the UK instead."

(Reuters)
Amy Huberman as Tara in Striking Out

What lies beneath: Shailene Woodley, Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman in Big Little Lies

Amy Huberman as Tara in Striking Out

A respected Hollywood critic has predicted Amy Huberman could win an Emmy Award this year.

While nominations won't be announced until July 13, preliminary voting is already underway and Emmy fever has swept Hollywood.

Scott Feniberg, awards critic with The Hollywood Reporter, has put forward his predictions on who he he expects will take home the gongs on the most important awards night in the TV calendar.

In his category for Best Actress in a Limited Series or Television Movie, Feinberg has tipped Amy Huberman has a "major threat" for her role in the RTE legal drama Striking Out.

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Diving his predictions into four categories: frontrunners, major threats, possibilities and long shots; Feinberg included actresses from shows such as American Crime, Big Little Lies, Feud and Fargo.

Nicole Kidman is one of his frontrunners for her role in Big Little Lies, along with Carrie Coon (Fargo), Reese Witherspoon (Big Little Lies), Jessica Lange (Feud), Susan Sarandon (Feud) and Oprah Winfrey (The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks).

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But he considers Amy Huberman to be a "major threat" to his top picks, placing her alongside Felicity Huffman (American Crime), Viola Davis (Custody), Cynthia Nixon (Killing Reagan), Andrea Riseborough (Agatha Christie's The Witness For Prosecution) and Jessica Froggatt (Dark Angel).

Striking Out was given a major international boost when it was acquired by Acorn TV to be screened in the US and received rave reviews.

The New York Times gave it its stamp of approval, describing it as "fairly appealing, if you like the idea of a legal soap opera done like a restrained British rom-com.

"Or if you like the travelogue style of drama that includes lots of slow-motion nighttime helicopter shots of dramatic riverside skylines and daytime scenes set in front of public- art installations. Its as if Dublin were auditioning for a best-places-to-visit-in-2017 feature."

The Emmy Awards take place on September 17.
A plate of fried kidneys with a "fine tang of faintly scented urine" doesn't exactly whet my appetite first thing in the morning.

Animal innards are certainly a tougher 'breakfast sell' than buckwheat blueberry pancakes, smashed avocados, or maple syrup-drenched French Toast.

But, sadly for me, none of the latter feature in James Joyce's iconic text Ulysses.

Instead, protagonist Leopold Bloom wants to tuck into an early morning meal of "mutton kidneys, thick giblet soup, nutty gizzards, a stuffed roast heart, and liver slices fried with crust crumbs".

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While sensitive souls - like me - may retch just reading that list, Joycean enthusiasts have embraced Leopold's questionable culinary tastes with enthusiasm.

Perhaps loading up on top-notch offal provides them with the sustenance they need to spend a day faffing about in boater hats and boasting (or bluffing) about reading all 18 episodes of Joyce's masterpiece.

Whatever the reason, there's a rich and meaty tradition of Bloomsday breakfasts; the first took place on the inaugural Bloomsday celebrations in Paris in 1929. Publisher Sylvia Beach invited Joyce to toast the 25th anniversary of Bloomsday by organising a Dejeuner Ulysse held appropriately at the Hotel Leopold near Versailles. The tradition has held strong since then, and, in the last several years, Dublin's Woodstock cafe has hosted Bloomsday Breakfasts in the James Joyce Centre on June 16.

And kidneys - but thankfully not the thick giblet soup - have a starring role on the menu.

This year, the three breakfast sittings sold out within a matter of minutes so co-owner of Woodstock and head chef, Liam Moloughney agreed to teach me how to create a Joycean feast in the comfort of my own home.

Leopold was a man of bold taste, and liked simply to toss the maroon organs in some spitting butter.

I, on the other hand, have never knowingly eaten offal in my life so was feeling a little squeamish at the prospectof eating buckets of the stuff.

So I was pleased (and relieved) to discover that Liam's kidney recipes have been pimped up a good deal.

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We will be having two types of kidneys it appears, the first are lamb - Leopold's favourite.

As he removed them from their suet casing and snipped through the thin membrane, Liam explains that he will flambe these internal organs in Marsala wine, before adding heavy cream, Dijon mustard and some parsley.

The secret to cooking these kidneys are keeping things "hot and fast" to prevent them getting as tough as an old boot.

"Think of it as similar to cooking squid."

As he plated up, Liam told me that lamb's kidneys are more popular than pork kidneys.

"I think it's because there's less of a taste of urine," he explains, handing me cream covered kidneys sitting on a piece of golden brioche.

At this stage, I had heard the words 'kidney' and 'urine' mentioned in the same sentence a disconcerting number of times, and was half-expecting the meaty hunks to taste like the inside of an Armitage Shanks toilet bowl.

But thankfully there was no tang of pee at all - the kidneys were pink in the middle, soft and feathery with an earthy sweetness.

Next up were the pork kidneys - which are considerably heftier than the lamb ones.

To mask the 'distinctive' flavour, we made 'devilled kidneys' - a snack that was a hot favourite in the gentlemen's clubs that populate William Thackeray's Book of Snobs.

There are lots of ingredients - like sherry and cayenne pepper and a spoonful of blackcurrant jam. And, of course, more mustard and more cream.

It smelled very Christmas-y, very rich and heavy, even a little decadent.

These kidneys were harder to eat - tougher but still very tasty - I suppose anything is when you chuck that much cream and booze at it. I decided that, contrary to popular opinion (and my own expectation), kidneys are not half bad, though they're not exactly more-ish either. I couldn't imagine craving them on the bus journey home, or getting excited after spotting them on a menu.

Liam was aware of this - which is why his Bloomsday Breakfast in the James Joyce centre also consists of a traditional fry up with all the trimmings and homemade potato cake.

Aside from breakfast dishes, the book is crammed full of food - from gorgonzola grilled sandwiches (washed down with a glass of Burgundy) and crunchy salads to Plumtree's Potted Meat which Blazes Boylan enjoys in Leopold's bed.

"I think you have to get creative with it," Liam says.

"Maybe use the book as a starting point. For example we will be preparing gorgonzola tarts as part of our Afternoon Tea menu. The book can be the inspiration for recipes rather than something you strictly adhere to."

As someone with a mouth full of sweet teeth and a mild obsession with tea, I was intrigued by the afternoon teacakes and crust-free sandwiches. Out of the kitchen, Liam brought one of the treats: four Banbury buns.

Bloom buys two of the spice minced buns in 'Episode 8: Lestrygonians' and feeds them to hungry seagulls. These buns also famously featured in David Lean's epic Brief Encounter, when they were dramatically knocked from the counter to the buffet floor.

The puff pastry treats are like a less dense mince pie, and are delicious when dunked in thick, whipped double cream.

It may take a while to fully appreciate the delicacies of kidneys but Banbury buns I could eat from sunrise to sunset.

For more information visit woodstockcafe.ie or bloomsdayfestival.ie
Victims of the Buncrana pier tragedy; Sean McGrotty (49), the couple's sons Evan (8) and Mark (12), Jodie Lee Daniels (14) and Ruth Daniels (57). Baby Rioghnach survived the tragedy. Louise James (top right) was the only member of the family who did not travel with them from their Derry home.

A DATE has been set for inquests into the drowning of five members of one family in the Buncrana pier tragedy.

A preliminary hearing into the deaths was told this afternoon the formal inquests would be held before a jury over two days in November.

Proceedings in the Co Donegal town got underway today to make arrangements for the inquest.

Sean McGrotty (49), his sons Evan (8) and Mark (12); the boy's grandmother Ruth Daniels (57) and her daughter Jodie Lee Tracey (14) all lost their lives when their jeep rolled into the waters of Lough Swilly.

Local man Davitt Walsh was hailed a hero after he swam out to the sinking jeep and rescued a baby girl in the March 2016 tragedy.

Sean McGrotty handed out his baby daughter Rioghnach-Ann to Davitt who took her to safety.

Today, members of the McGrotty family, who are from Derry, were present at the sitting of Donegal County Coroner's Court in the Inishowen Gateway Hotel in Buncrana, where the hearing took place.

Donegal Coroner Dr Denis McCauley said it was a terrible tragedy and that the inquest would seek to give guidance to people as to what to do when a car goes into the water.

He set November 22 and 23 as the inquest dates and adjourned proceedings, for mention on September 27.

Dr McCauley said the inquest would firstly examine the events of the night. The scope would include include an examination of piers and slipways in Donegal generally.

He said although it was unusual in Donegal, the inquests should be held before a jury. Although 69 draft depositions had been taken, he said these had been distilled down into 12 statements which would form part of the inquests.

The witnesses would include a representative of Donegal County Council to give evidence about any risk assessments done prior to the tragedy.

Solicitor Michael Staines, for the council, said a consultants report would be available before the inquests.

Dr McCauley said it would be quite important if there had been any change in risk assessment since the tragedy. He had contacted the Irish Water Safety Authority and The Road Safety for any advice they could give in relation to cars and water.

Audi Ireland had also been contacted but had not responded yet.

Dr McCauley said documents to be disclosed would include depositions post mortem reports.

There was no video evidence of the event, but Garda Inspector David Murphy said scene of crime unit officers had taken photographs and these would be available.

Dr McCauley said the first inquest to be held would be that of Sean McGrotty as he had been driving the vehicle. Inquests for the four remaining people would then take place in shortened versions, he said.

The jury would be asked to return verdicts at the end of each.

Donegal County Council will co-operate completely and thoroughly, Mr Staines said.

Also present was Eoin Armstrong, a solicitor for the vehicles insurers.

Dr McCauley advised that any pre-inquest disclosure was confidential and should not be disclosed to anyone.

The tragedy happened at 7.15pm on March 20 last year. Sean, his sons Mark and Evan, their grandmother Ruth and her daughter Josie Lee were enjoying a day out in Buncrana when their jeep suddenly slid into water from the pier.

Davitt plunged into the lake waters to help and Sean held up baby Rioghnagh-Ann, through the jeep window. Davitt managed to grab the child before the Audi slipped beneath the water and made the exhausting swim back to the pier with her.

Seans partner Louise James was on a rare trip away in LIverpool when she lost her partner, sons, mother and sister

In March this year, the family held a memorial mass and walk to mark the first anniversary.

At the time, a statement was released by Fr Michael Canny on behalf of the family. "Louise, The Daniels and The McGrotty family are deeply grateful for the prayers and support over the last year.

"As the anniversary of the terrible tragedy approaches they would welcome space for privacy at this time," the statement read.
Rahel Ciurar (Center) of Church View, Dromiskin, Co. Louth pictured leaving the Four Courts with dad, Cornel (right) and her sister, Maria (Left) after a High Court action. Pic: Collins Courts

A 16-YEAR-old girl who was injured in a road traffic accident in which her aunt and cousin died has settled her High Court action for 255,000.

Rahela Ciurar, who was nine at the time, suffered multiple fractures when the car in which she was a back seat passenger crashed in to a wall near Castlebellingham, Co Louth on December 18, 2010.

Her aunt and a cousin died in the crash, Mr Justice Kevin Cross was told.

Ms Ciurar, from Dromiskin, Co Louth, through her father, Cornel Ciurar, sued Virgil Covaci, Rivervale Grove, Dunleer, Co Louth as a result of the accident.

The girl's aunt, Leontina Covaci (35) and her cousin Ezacheal Covaci (9), died in the crash on the old N1, south of Castlebellingham.

Senior Counsel Jonathon Kilfeather said Rahela suffered multiple injuries and fractures and was in hospital for 34 days afterwards. He said she still suffers from headaches but otherwise has made a good physical recovery.

Approving the settlement Mr Justice Cross said Rahela, whose family are originally from Romania, had a very distressing and painful accident and suffered significant injuries but thankfully did not suffer a head injury.

He noted she is doing well in school and has ambitions to be a journalist.

The judge said it was a good settlement and he wished the young girl well for the future.
Ukraine will use the experience of Croatia in the process of re-integration of Donbas, Ukraine's Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman said.

During his working trip to Zaporizhia on Thursday, the prime minister noted that it is necessary to focus primarily on the needs of residents of Donbas, who "now are living in the forced occupation by Russia and militants." In addition, he said, it is necessary to work on restoring the infrastructure of the occupied territories.

"We are now studying the experience of Croatia's peaceful reintegration. I returned just yesterday. Croatia has a very important experience in such matters due to the events that took place in the Balkans," Groysman said.

According to him, the joint working group comprised of representatives of the governments of Croatia and Ukraine will develop and adopt the experience that proved to be efficient in Croatia.

As reported, a plan for cooperation in reintegration of territories as part of a joint working group was signed during Groysman's working visit to Croatia. The joint working group will shape schemes for settling the situation in the occupied territories meeting the Minsk agreements and within the Normandy format.

The cooperation plan of the Ukrainian-Croatian working group sets top priority tasks for 2017, including studying experience of Croatia in reintegration of occupied territories and return of internally displaced persons, restoration of trust of the population and infrastructure, attraction of international assistance and social support on the reintegrated territories.
A Ryanair passenger had about 2,000 worth of jewellery stolen from a carry-on cabin bag that was taken from her and put in the hold of an aircraft, a judge was told today Friday.

Marie McKeogh had sued the airline and had been awarded 1,800 compensation in the small claims section of the District Court which had ruled that the restrictions of the Montreal Convention did not apply to her loss.

Ryanair had appealed the District Court judges decision to the Circuit Civil Court on the basis that the Convention, which restricted compensation for such loss to just 1,400:02cent, did apply.

Circuit Court President, Mr Justice Raymond Groarke, heard that when Ms McKeogh and her partner, James ORourke, turned up at Budapest airport for the return leg of their holiday journey, their cabin bags had been taken from them.

Judge Groarke was told it had been explained to the couple that since they did not have a priority boarding ticket their bags would have to be stowed in the hold of the aircraft and they each had been given a receipt of an identifying bag tag.

Staff had told them overhead lockers were firstly restricted to priority boarders and, when full, non-priority passengers had to pass up their carry-on cabin bags to go in the hold.

McKeogh, of Raheny, Dublin, said she had not removed her jewellery box from her cabin bag before handing it over because she knew it would be in the care of the airline and she trusted them.

She said that after retrieving her carry-on bag from the carousel at Dublin Airport she had not immediately inspected it but later found that pieces of personal jewellery, including ear rings, a ring and a necklace to the value of about 2,000 had been stolen.

She told Peter Lennon, solicitor for Ryanair, that the airline staff had not told her to remove her valuables from her bag before handing it over at the gate at Budapest airport.

It didnt trigger with me that somebody might steal my jewellery. I wasnt panicking. I think it is Ryanair's responsibility to look after their customers' property, she told Mr Lennon.

Mr ORourke, a solicitor, said it was he who had entered into the contract of conveyance with Ryanair. Their hand luggage had been taken to one side but he had not been told what was going to happen to it.

Mr Lennon said it was a condition of the contract that if they werent purchasers of priority boarding passes their carry-on bags could be taken from them and carried as free baggage in the hold and retrieved at the carousel.

Judge Groarke was told that Ryanair carried 120 million passengers a year and this happened numerous times every day.

Mr Lennon said that under the Montreal Convention the airline was responsible for a strict liability limit of 1,400:02c. He said Ryanair was appealing the decision of the District Court to award 1,800 compensation on the basis that the Convention did not apply in Ms McKeoghs case.

Judge Groarke said the terms and conditions of travel applied and restricted the first 90 bags to the overhead bins. Thereafter other bags went into the hold.

He was satisfied the travellers were not warned or reminded to take valuables from their carry-on luggage before transfer to the hold. He said Ryanair, in its instructions to staff, told them to remind travellers to remove items of value when their cabin luggage is taken off them.

There would be some queue of people waiting to board the aircraft if people had to stop and remove items. It would just not be practical in this day and age of travel, Judge Groarke said.

He said the Montreal Convention did apply and awarded Ms McKeogh compensation of 1,400.

A spokesperson for Ryanair said: "We have instructed our lawyers to immediately appeal this decision as we are not responsible for any loss of valuables."
Staff-to-client ratios and life-saving equipment at a Wicklow day service centre have been upgraded after a 39-year-old woman choked to death on a sweet

Denise Flahive, of Shanganagh Road, Shankill, had received the confectionery as a Kris Kindle gift and was eating them while making Christmas cards when she got into difficulty, an inquest was told.

She died at St Vincent's Hospital in Dublin two days later.

Slaps

The incident happened at a Sunbeam House Services facility for people with intellectual disabilities in Bray on December 16, 2015.

Dublin Coroner's Court heard Ms Flahive had got up from the table she was working at and gone to a kitchen sink where she brought up a sweet.

A staff member followed her and administered first aid in the form of back slaps.

Another member of staff arrived and continued with back slaps and abdominal thrusts but Ms Flahive's airway remained blocked.

She lost consciousness, stopped breathing and was put in the recovery position while an ambulance was called.

She was taken to the intensive care unit at St Vincent's but was pronounced dead at 23.23pm on December 18.

In a post-mortem report, Dr Ruth Law gave the cause of death as lack of oxygen to the brain due to cardiac and respiratory arrest following inhalation of a foreign body.

Ms Flahive's father, Peter Flahive, said his daughter had an intellectual disability but her general health was good and she was rarely ill.

He told the hearing that she attended the day service at Herbert Road in Bray most days.

"She was very productive and happy. She was outgoing and loved art, particularly painting," he said.

The managing director of Sunbeam House Services, John Hannigan, said a full independent investigation was conducted after the incident, and staff were commended for their high level of training.

However, it found that equipment needed updating and recommended staff-client ratio levels be addressed.

Mr Hannigan said all of the recommendations had since been implemented including the provision of a defibrillator. He said staff receive training updates in emergency care every two years.

Coroner Dr Myra Cullinane recorded a verdict of death by misadventure.
Migrant students in Ireland lag behind in reading proficiency and the gap is largest for East Europeans, a seminar heard today.

Differences in achievement in maths between Irish and migrant children are not as great, although African students have slightly lower scores.

The findings are based on evidence of the performance of nine-year-olds from the Growing Up in Ireland survey and bolster calls for moves to counter the disadvantages experienced by immigrant children.

Professor Frances McGinnity of the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI), said that the survey showed that, overall, migrant children in Ireland had positive attitudes to school and their parents had very high aspirations for them.

But, she told the annual Maynooth University Education Forum that the findings highlighted the need for proper English language provision for immigrants.

She said the monitoring of both spending on English language provision and the effectiveness of such provision were important elements to facilitate the integration of migrant children in Irish schools.

Monitoring the proportion of migrant students in schools and their performance in state exams is also important to detect potential problems and areas of concern, she said.

The seminar also heard that migrant children can be at a disadvantage because of socio-economic inequality and teacher expectations.

Professor Irena Kogan of the University of Mannheim, Germany said across the OECD - countries in the developed world - first generation migrants perform on average 10pc worse than students without a migrant background when it comes to reading performance, and they are also typically outperformed by non-migrant students in science.

Ireland is slightly ahead in this respect, with data for science performance showing there is little difference between students from migrant and non-migrant backgrounds.

However, a significant gap can be observed between the native and migrant groups when it comes to reading performance.

Professor Kogan said there were many factors that contribute to the performance gaps between migrants and their peers.

Language proficiency is obviously an important one, but parental socio-economic status is also an important factor. By virtue of their often less advantageous economic positions, students with migrant backgrounds are less likely to have access to tutoring and learning supervision.

Migrants are also effected by ethnic and socio-economic segregation, which often concentrates large numbers of them in poorer quality schools.

She also pointed to how differing expectations from teachers played a role in determining the performance of migrant students. According to a 2016 study in Germany, teachers expect lower performances from their Turkish students in German and maths and students from better off backgrounds are typically expected to perform better.

Professor Kogan said: There might be an element of self-fulfilling prophesy in this situation. Students often perform in accordance with their teachers expectations. Positive expectations lead to better academic performance. Education is a two-sided process, and teachers need to be wary of pre-empting student competence and capabilities.
Caravaggio, the subject of a major exhibition in the National Gallery this year, also turned up on the Leaving Certificate higher level Art paper, to the delight of students.

Gerard Lane, a teacher at Presentation College, Athenry, Co Galway, said a question on the baroque period would have allowed "any art student who went to see the exhibition, and nearly everyone did", to write about the Italian master.

Mr Lane, a subject representative for the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI), said overall any reasonably well-prepared student would have been "very happy" with the papers, at both higher and ordinary level.

A Teachers' Union of Ireland (TUI) subject spokesperson described higher level as "straightforward". He said that while the gallery/museum interpretive centre demanded the students describe and discuss how to display artefacts - an unusual twist that had not been seen for a while - they should have been able to apply what they knew about exhibitions to the artefacts on the list.

Earlier in the day, Leaving Cert students sat the Business papers and Ruairi Farrell of the TUI described higher level as a "good test of student knowledge, with plenty of choice".

Not unusually in this year's exams, Brexit featured, but Mr Farrell said there was an interesting slant to the question, with candidates asked whether Ireland should leave the EU, and to outline the reasons for their answer.

At ordinary level, Mr Farrell, of Colaiste Chraobh Abhann, Kilcoole, Co Wicklow, said students were "very happy".

Margo McGann, for the ASTI, agreed that the higher level paper was "very fair", with "no question being too difficult and ruled out automatically".

Ms McGann, of St Augustine's College, Dungarvan, Co Waterford, noted students had to answer questions on two different forms of legislation, consumer and data protection, where normally it is only one.

She said students may have been put off by the (c) part of the question, requiring them to draft a report outlining a named company's obligation in relation to data protection. She said: "My students hate drafting a report. The (a) and (b) part of the question were lovely but (c) could have been a deterrent."
Pretty much everything - from removing chewing gum from a school jumper, to a comparison of the nutritional value of gluten free and wholegrain fish fingers and strategies for positive mental health - appeared across the Junior Certificate Home Economics papers.

But, as teacher Margaret Kent, of the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) said, the syllabus covers everything from the proverbial "needle to an anchor".

She had no real quibbles, although she said higher level candidates may have been thrown by a short question featuring the British safety symbol for electrical or gas appliances, something she felt was more appropriate to senior cycle.

Students may also have been surprised by the absence of a full question on physiology. "Instead they got two short questions," she said. Ms Kent, of Loreto Secondary School, Fermoy, Co Cork, said higher level students would have especially liked question four, on the family.

It, among other things, presented an opportunity to compare the role of parents and teenagers.

Ms Kent described the ordinary level paper as very comprehensive, and she particularly welcomed the use of graphics. "Their importance is growing with the increasing percentage of students for whom English is not their first language."

The afternoon's religious education papers were "very fair", according to Stephen O'Hara, of the Teachers' Union of Ireland (TUI) and a teacher at Colaiste Choilm, Ballincollig, Co Cork.

Students who had kept the focus of their studies broad would have been well-rewarded, he said.
Students would have been under pressure timewise to complete the Leaving Certificate higher level German paper, according to teacher, Orla Ni Shuilleabhain

But she thought it a fair paper overall, although certain parts were "tricky as is to be expected from a German paper."

Ms Ni Shuilleabhain, of the Institute of Education, Dublin, said while the first comprehension was quite long, the questions were clear and precise and gave students good direction.

She added that a lot of the questions were fairly open ended, so students had to be careful they gave enough detail in their answers."

Meanwhile she described the second comprehension, on street children in Hamburg, as topical and accessible. And the grammar section was also accessible, she said.

Ms Ni Shuilleabhain said, as is usual with the written section, there was no scope or potential for students to give back any prepared material on the themes that appeared.

She thought students had "decent scope" in the letter section where the topics included the musical La La Land and dance lessons, and what you would so if you had to leave your smart phone at home.

In the essay question, students would have had to write quite spontaneously; while a topical subject it was unpredictable, she said.

Ms Ni Shuilleabhain regarded the aural as challenging in parts and said,  as with the written paper, the key thing was to ensure that students gave enough detail in their answers.
Convicted killer Graham Dwyer faced prison punishment for smuggling pornography and the latest Star Wars movie into jail, putting him at risk from other inmates after security was stepped up as a result.

Dwyer, who stabbed Dublin woman Elaine O'Hara to death in August 2012, was caught with up to five USB sticks in his cell at the Midlands Prison in late April.

The authorities found a pornographic film on one stick and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story on another.

The killer is a big Star Wars and sci-fi fan. Last year it was revealed that Dwyer was furious that he would miss Rogue One while behind bars waiting for his appeal to be heard.

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Skeletal

He has appealed against his conviction, claiming the evidence against him is circumstantial.

"I will have to wait for the DVD to come out - sigh!" he wrote in a letter to a Dublin- based Anglo-Spanish student au pair who began writing to him behind bars.

Dwyer, of Kerrymount Close, Foxrock, Dublin, was convicted of murdering Ms O'Hara on August 22, 2012.

The childcare worker's skeletal remains were found on Killakee Mountain, Rathfarnham, Dublin, on September 13, 2013.

However, parts of her body were never discovered, including her skull, making it impossible to rule precisely how she had died.

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There was no physical evidence from the remains that Ms O'Hara had in fact met a violent death.

Dwyer was convinced that this fact would result in his acquittal but the jury returned a guilty verdict after considering detailed circumstantial evidence, including phone records and video recordings of sado-masochistic sex.

One of the USBs found at the prison had a pornographic movie on it, which Dwyer would have been able to watch in his cell on his television which has a USB port.

The Herald is also reporting that Dwyer, who is serving life, was confronted about the devices by a senior prison official - and initially claimed that they contained only music and films.

However, sources revealed that when the official asked the 44-year-old if there might be anything inappropriate on them, he replied: "There might be."

As punishment he received a P19 notice, which means he had his privileges stopped for a period of time. This is believed to have included banning him from accessing computers.

Pressure

However, while the punishments may have annoyed Dwyer, being caught with the USB sticks made other inmates angry as it put them under more pressure to hide their contraband in the wake of a heightened search regime.

This could potentially have left him more exposed to danger within the prison but Dwyer kept himself to himself, apart from coffee mornings with fellow murderer Mark Nash, the only man in the prison system serving time for two double murders.

Before being caught with the Star Wars and porno movies Dwyer was playing his bass guitar as much as possible and "reliving his college days", according to one source.

"He thinks he's 19 again with his ponytail and his bass guitar. It's like he's having a mid-life crisis," the source said.

"He's obsessed with publicity and checks the papers every day to see if he has been mentioned. He loves seeing his name and picture in print.

"He seems to enjoy the notoriety.

"Dwyer still plays cards as much as possible and runs his own table with a couple of other inmates but he has very few friends as other inmates think he looks down on them."

Drink

Yesterday, it was revealed how Dwyer and English-born Nash had become friends behind bars.

Sources said Nash sees Dwyer as an intelligent man who might be able to help him with his own bid to have two of his murder convictions overturned.

Dwyer is so convinced that he will be freed that he told anyone who would listen that he would not be in prison for Christmas 2017.

In the letters to his pen pal, he said he would offer to buy a drink for State Pathologist Dr Marie Cassidy, whose post-trial comments will form a central plank of his appeal.

Dr Cassidy said she had expected a not guilty verdict owing to the lack of pathology evidence to support the claim that Ms O'Hara had met a violent death.
Police investigators have enough evidence to convict the would-be assassin of Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO) volunteers Adam Osmayev and his wife Amina Okuyeva. Motives behind the murder attempt, including ties with Russia, are being investigated.

"There are two major elements to the crime. The first  shots were fired and wounded Osmayev, as well as the shooter. There is no doubt the killer fired shots and was wounded when Okuyeva returned fire " Head of the Kyiv branch of the National Police of Ukraine Andriy Kryschenko said in an exclusive interview with Interfax-Ukraine.

Kyiv's police chief said the suspect was talking with investigators.

"[The assassin] said he wanted to give them a present," Kryschenko says, adding enough evidence of the attempted murder has been collected to qualify the crime committed and to bring the suspect to justice.

"The second fact  how the shooter came to Kyiv, got to know Osmayev and Okuyeva, the motive behind the attempted murder, including the weapons used " Kryschenko said, adding that investigators are looking into how the killer received legal status in Kyiv and received a Ukrainian passport.

The police chief said the main motive behind the assassination attempt is the patriotic activity of Osmayev and Okuyeva as ATO participants.

"We are convinced the murder attempt is linked to their activities, not only during the last several years, but earlier," Kryschenko said.
A man has been rushed to hospital after he was stabbed during an altercation with a group of teenagers.

Emergency services were called to the scene at Dolphin House in Dublin's South Inner city this afternoon.

A source said the 64-year-old man was set upon by by a number of young men.

The victim suffered two lacerations to his leg and was bleeding heavily when paramedics arrived.

A knife was discovered by gardai on the window ledge of a nearby funeral home.

The victim has been taken to St James's Hospital where he is being treated for his injuries. He was discharged this evening.

No formal complaint has been made to gardai at this point.
A farmer sustained gunshot wounds and his dog was killed during an incident on a rural farm this morning.

The shooting occurred around 11am in Killballycasey, Kildimo, Co Limerick.

The victim, aged 65, was attempting to gain access to a field on his tractor when he received a gunshot wound to the shoulder.

The man's sheepdog was also shot dead during the incident.

A sister of the injured man said he was "shocked".

"He has a fine laceration to the shoulder. The doctors don't know yet if part of the bullet is still lodged in it," she said.

The man's wife and two children are due to return home later today from a family holiday in Portugal.

"I was out shopping when I got a phone call from a neighbour to tell me there had been a shooting and the dog was dead," the man's sister said.

"I rang my brother and he answered his phone in the ambulance. I started crying."

"He was being very brave but something like this is going to hit him hard later on tonight or tomorrow," she added.

"I'm worried for him," she said.

Gardai have arrested a man in his 70s in connection with the shooting.

Armed gardai responded to the scene and intercepted a man in a vehicle a few kilometres away in Patrickswell.

"We have one person arrested for questioning. He was arrested under the Offences Against the State Act and he's being held under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act," a spokesman said.

The victim was taken by ambulance to University Hospital Limerick where he is being treated for non life threatening injuries.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Newcastle West Garda Station.
In the era of new politics, Independent TDs Michael Healy-Rae and Mattie McGrath managed to slip past security at Coppers to celebrate with Leo Varadkar. Picture: Kyran O'Brien

In some ways it was the perfect, if somewhat unexpected, place to mark the 'shifting' of power from one generation to the next.

Brian Cowen was paraded on the back of a truck in Offaly. There were bonfires waiting for Enda Kenny when he came off the government jet in Mayo. And Leo Varadkar? Well, the 38-year-old was feted in one of Dublin's most infamous nightclubs, Copper Face Jacks.

There were no guards or nurses at the private party to mark his ascension to the office of Taoiseach. Instead the Harcourt Street club was crammed with TDs, senators, councillors and Fine Gael workers when the Cabinet arrived after its first meeting.

Tanaiste Frances Fitzgerald, Rural Affairs Minister Michael Ring, Arts Minister Heather Humphreys and Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy mingled with super junior ministers Mary Mitchell O'Connor and Paul Kehoe and Chief Whip Joe McHugh.

And in the era of 'new politics', Independent TDs Michael Healy-Rae and Mattie McGrath managed to slip past security.

It had been a busy day for everyone, especially the new Taoiseach. Aside from two visits to the President and two Dail speeches, there were individual meetings with 17 ministers.

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Sources say he gave each of them a personal "pep talk".

"He told me that it was up to me as a minister to make things happen in my department but that his office would always be open to help. It was empowering. I left the room feeling energised," said one reappointed minister.

Inevitably the Coppers soiree will raise eyebrows among the people who moan about everything, but after a hard-fought campaign and two days of pomp and ceremony, the gathering was innocent enough.

In fact Mr Varadkar was so determined to stay on message he managed to address the crowd on his plans for Brexit and health. That must be a first for Coppers.

It was after midnight by the time the Taoiseach walked into a wall of selfie-seeking young Fine Gaelers. He had no need to borrow Noel Rock's gold card.

"I'm only here because I stood on your shoulders," he told them. "We'd a fabulous campaign, a mediocre candidate but a fabulous campaign."

Mr Varadkar mused that if Ireland was able to resolve a 800-year conflict, weather the recession and fix the banking system, then "surely problems like the housing crisis and health crisis are not beyond us as a people".

He joked he had important phone calls to make to "the three M's": Merkel, Macron and May. Trump would be "in due course", he said to a chorus of laughter before getting serious again.

"Crucially for me is tackling the profound issues that exist in our health service which evaded me in so many ways as a minister. But when you're Taoiseach you've so much more power."

Then music came back on. Standard Coppers fare like B*Witched and Oasis, mixed with Maniac 2000.

Mr Varadkar posed for a few more pictures, practised his new Taoiseach handshake and was gone into the night.

It was a business-like performance that he will have to repeat time and again over the coming years - but probably in more conventional venues.
Simon Harris wants to be the minister who brings forward legislation that will facilitate a referendum on abortion.

The Health Minister told the Irish Independent he would work to ensure a vote on the contentious issue takes place next year - but he wanted to carefully lay the groundwork for a civil debate.

"This is an issue that, as a nation, we now need to deal with definitively. This must be a respectful debate and I am determined that we will prove ourselves capable of addressing these issues in a respectful way," Mr Harris said.

In his first speech as Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar signalled he would be giving responsibility for dealing with the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution to Mr Harris.

The amendment gives equal right to life to a woman and her unborn child. A new Oireachtas committee is being set up to try to find a political consensus on what question a referendum should ask.

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The recent Citizens' Assembly proposed a liberal regime that would effectively offer abortion on demand, but the Dail is likely to put a more conservative option to the public.

Mr Harris said it was "very important" that the Special Joint Committee on the Eighth Amendment started its work to examine the recommendations of the Citizens' Assembly.

"I want to be the minister who brings forward the legislation to enable this important referendum in 2018," he said.

Mr Harris could not set a timeline for what stage in 2018.

However, ministerial colleagues told the Irish Independent they would like to see it held in the first half of the year in order to avoid a clash with the visit of Pope Francis in August.

"Everything about this will be tricky because Fine Gael and Fianna Fail have a free vote so there is no guarantee what will pass through the Dail," said one minister.

Sources noted that even getting the Cabinet to agree to the wording of a referendum could prove difficult.

The cross-party committee, which is made up of TDs and senators, is due to begin its work in the coming weeks and will bring a report to the Dail later this year.

During the Fine Gael leadership hustings Mr Varadkar said that he struggled with the question of abortion, and would allow all of his TDs to vote on the issue based on personal convictions.

The Taoiseach said he had "an evolving view on this issue".

"I find it very difficult," he said, adding that while he would support a victim of rape who became pregnant seeking a termination, he did not back abortion on demand.
The Independent Alliance's members of Cabinet are meeting this evening to discuss the fallout from the Maire Whelan "cronyism" affair.

It's understood ministers Shane Ross and Finian McGrath are to release a statement later which will condemn Ms Whelan's appointment to the Court of Criminal Appeal.

The statement is expected to describe the process as "flawed". However, sources told Independent.ie that the alliance will not call on Ms Whelan to step aside from the role.

The statement will state that Ms Whelan, the former Attorney General, is eminently qualified for the post.

But its criticism of the process will place further pressure on Taoiseach Leo Varadkar as Fianna Fail warned that the appointment may be a breach of the confidence and supply arrangement.

In a statement released this evening the Taoiseach said Ms Whelan has an "outstanding legal mind" and shes highly qualified to serve on the Court of Appeal.

"The position of Attorney General is one of a handful which is mentioned in the Constitution. It affords Maire Whelan unique experience in terms of matters of the law. I am very pleased that nobody appears to be questioning her competence or her quality."

He said the issue which is attracting comment is "solely a matter of procedure".

"I am satisfied that the correct procedures were followed. Under Article 13.2 of the Constitution the Government and only the Government can appoint Judges. The Tanaiste recommended Maire Whelan to Cabinet as the stand-out person for the vacancy.

"I am committed to fully respecting the Confidence & Supply Agreement between Fianna Fail and Fine Gael. I read the Agreement again this morning and it does not require the Government to run public appointments by Fianna Fail, nor could it."

He said he was not at liberty discuss what transpired at Cabinet meetings, nor can any other Minister.

Attorney General appointment: Everything you need to know about the first scandal to rock Varadkar's government

A row has erupted over the government's nomination of former Attorney General Maire Whelan to become a judge on the Court of Appeal.

What happened?

The decision was made at the last Cabinet meeting chaired by then-Taoiseach Enda Kenny last Tuesday.

A vacancy on the State's second highest court arose in March when Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan retired.

Ms Whelan's nomination did not come about as a result of a recommendation by the Judicial Appointments Advisory Board (JAAB) which is the current routine procedure.

According to this morning's Irish Examiner, Ms Whelan stayed in the room as ministers discussed her appointment to the Court of Appeal.

Will the current routine procedure change?

Independent Alliance minister Shane Ross has been pushing for legislation to replace the JAAB with a new agency to recommend judicial appointments which would have a majority of non-legal professionals as members.

It would also recommend less candidates for each vacancy, limiting the choices available to the government and reducing the potential for political patronage.

The judicial appointments reform legislation is to go before the Dail imminently, but in advance of that Mr Ross has been allowing vacancies on the bench to be filled so as not to impede the work of the courts.

Mr Ross allowed the nomination of Ms Whelan on Tuesday.

What did Shane Ross say?

Initially his spokeswoman said on the day: "He did point out at Cabinet that he didn't like the process, he went along with it."

Who replaces Maire Whelan?

Ms Whelan - who has links to the Labour Party - was appointed as Attorney General by the Fine Gael-Labour government.

She developed a good working relationship with Mr Kenny.

Her nomination as a judge meant there was a vacancy in the Attorney General position.

New Taoiseach Leo Varadkar appointed Fine Gael member Seamus Wolfe to that role on Wednesday.

The proposal to appoint Ms Whelan to the Court of Appeal was brought to Cabinet on Tuesday.

The Department of Justice confirmed that the JAAB did not recommend anyone for the vacant post at the Cort of Appeal but insisted Ms Whelan was nominated in accordance with the Constitution and said that she is qualified for the job.

What has this all to do with Stepaside Garda station?

It was announced after the same Cabinet meeting that Stepaside Garda Station would reopen.

Speaking in the Dail on Wedneday Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin raised suspicion of a link between the appointment of Ms Whelan and the reopening of Stepaside Garda Station, which Mr Ross has been campaigning for.

He said that Mr Ross has been insisting on removing politics from political appointments, but had now agreed to "the most directly political appointment in nearly a quarter of a century."

He said he expects Mr Varadkar to outline any discussions with Mr Ross on the matter and what he called the "highly unusual" decision to reopen Stepaside before the Garda Commissioner has finished a report on which six stations are to be re-opened.

Mr Ross later insisted in the Dail that there was no link between that issue and the nomination of Ms Whelan to the Court of Appeal.

He said on Wednesday: "I learned first about Maire Whelan's proposed appointment yesterday morning. When I learned about it, there was no conversation about Stepaside Garda station. There has been no link of any sort between the two."

What have other politicians said?

Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin criticised Ms Whelan's appointment in the Dail arguing that it was "directly political".

He said: "It directly bypassed established procedures and the excuse that there were no qualified applicants is clearly false given that the last application process closed nearly six months ago and there was no public advertisement of this vacancy."

Today it has been reported by the Irish Times that Independent Minister Denis Naughten said the proposal to appoint Ms Whelan "came as a surprise to me and to pretty much all the Cabinet".

He told Shannonside Radio that the issue will be discussed by government next week.

Fianna Fail TD Jim O'Callaghan told RTE's Today with Sean O'Rourke today that he believes the appointment could represent a breach of the terms of the party's 'Confidence and Supply' agreement with Fine Gael under which there are supposed to be "no surprises".

He said he wasn't suggesting that there will be a general election over the issue and that there needs to be "cool heads" but that the issue is a threat to the government.

Can the decision be reversed?

The appointment of Ms Whelan to the Court of Appeal is not final until President Michael D Higgins signs off on it.

Meanwhile, it's a headache carried over from Enda Kenny's last day as Taoiseach, that his successor Leo Varadkar could do without.
Katherine Zappone has said she is "heartbroken" at the death of her wife, Dr Ann Louise Gilligan, as tributes poured in for the prominent equality campaigner.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar praised Dr Gilligan for making a "lasting contribution to Irish society" and extended his "deepest sympathies" to the Minister for Children.

Ms Zappone said that Dr Gilligan "has been my love and my life-partner" since 1981 and described her as an "educator extraordinaire".

They co-founded the An Cosan community education centre in Tallaght and Dr Gilligan taught primary school teachers. The pair married in Canada in 2003 and were high-profile campaigners for marriage equality in Ireland.

Ms Zappone proposed to her wife in Dublin Castle on the day the 'Yes' campaign triumphed in the 2015 referendum. The pair renewed their vows last year.

Ms Zappone said "as a champion of equality, fairness and justice, Ann Louise was fearless".

Independent Senator Lynn Ruane, who attended An Cosan as a young mother, said Dr Gilligan was an "educator through and through" and brought a "gentle, pure nature" to her work in Tallaght. She extended her sympathies to Ms Zappone.

Tanaiste Frances Fitzgerald said Dr Gilligan made Ireland a "more equal, more compassionate and kinder place".

Labour leader Brendan Howlin said her work has been "transformative to so many lives", while Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin said she was a "fierce and dedicated campaigner" for equality. Dr Gilligan died after a brief illness in St James's Hospital. Her funeral will take place in Dublin tomorrow.
Mary Mitchell OConnor with her son Steven in Copper Face Jacks at a party to mark Leo Varadkars ascension to the office of Taoiseach

Legislation will have to be passed in order to top up Mary Mitchell O'Connor's TD salary to reflect her status as a 'super junior minister', the Irish Independent can reveal.

Under existing laws the Taoiseach can appoint a maximum of two ministers of State to the Cabinet table, meaning incumbent 'super juniors' Paul Kehoe and Finian McGrath are paid an extra allowance of 16,288-a-year on top of their minister of state salary of 124,439.

Ms Mitchell O'Connor was demoted by Leo Varadkar from the position of Jobs Minister but handed a soft-landing as a minister of State with responsibility for higher education.

The appointment followed a period of uncertainty after she initially turned down a post with responsibility for equality and law reform.

Sources say the Dun-Laoghaire TD held an eight-minute meeting with the new Taoiseach on Wednesday, during which he revealed she would be losing her job.

She is understood to have expressed upset at the proposed move to the Department of Justice, leading Mr Varadkar to phone her a short time later with a revised offer.

The move was criticised by a significant number of Fine Gael TDs who believed Ms Mitchell O'Connor's refusal to accept the original offer should have led to her being dropped entirely.

But last night, Ms Mitchell O'Connor suggested she should not have been sidelined, telling the Irish Independent she secured a number of "great" job announcements that have to date remained under wraps.

"There is a great pipeline of FDI (foreign direct investments) coming into the country in the next number of months," she said.

She added that unemployment had dropped significantly since she was appointed 13 months ago and she had spearheaded a number of pieces of legislation.

Mr Varadkar's decision to keep her at the Cabinet table now presents a problematic conversation with Fianna Fail, already claiming the concept of super junior minister is "beginning to be abused".

Last year, when two super junior ministers were appointed in addition to the Chief Whip, the issue was overcome by creating a new allowance for the position then held by Regina Doherty.

By adding yet another Cabinet place Mr Varadkar is now likely to have to introduce legislative changes.

A spokesperson for the Department of Public Expenditure confirmed: "Matters, including this issue, arising from the recent announcements by the Taoiseach will fall to be considered by the Government in the period ahead, at which point an announcement will be made."

Labour Party leader and former public expenditure minister Brendan Howlin said the Taoiseach made his appointments with "little attention to the legal constraints on the number of people who can be paid for such roles".

"The Taoiseach now needs to tell us whether he is appointing one minister on lower pay than the others, or if he intends to bring forward amending legislation to allow him to give higher allowances to a larger number of ministers," he said.

Meanwhile, newly appointed Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney has launched a staunch defence of his decision to leave the Department of Housing.

The Cork South Central TD issued a lengthy statement saying he asked for the housing portfolio 12 months ago "because I wanted to lead the Government's response to what was then and still remains one of our greatest national challenges".

"Over the last year, a lot has been achieved, most significantly in terms of a focused and co-ordinated approach to tackling homelessness," he said.

Mr Coveney is understood to have asked to be appointed Foreign Affairs Minister, with a special focus on Brexit.

But in his statement he said: "I am delighted to serve in whatever capacity the Taoiseach thinks appropriate, but I will take with me an enduring commitment to the objectives set out in 'Rebuilding Ireland'."
A Sinn Fein delegation led by leader Gerry Adams along with leader in the North Michelle O'Neill (left) deputy leader Mary Lou McDonald and MP Michelle Gildernew (right) arrive at Government Buildings in Dublin for a meeting with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar. Brian Lawless/PA Wire

Sinn Fein and the Democratic Unionists both agree a deal to restore a powersharing administration in Northern Ireland can be done by the end of the month.

But speaking in Dublin after a meeting with the new Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, the DUP leader Arlene Foster said it was down to Sinn Fein whether an agreement is reached.

"It takes two to tango and we're ready to dance," she said.

Northern Ireland has been without a powersharing executive since March and without a first and deputy first minister since January, after Sinn Fein collapsed the administration amid faltering trust and relations with the DUP.

Talks to restore confidence took a back seat in recent days as the political focus largely shifted to London and the DUP's deal to prop up the Conservatives at Westminster.

But Stormont parties have a June 29 deadline to end the impasse and reach consensus on re-establishing a devolved administration in the region.

"We want to see an administration set up again that will last and one that will last for all of the people of Northern Ireland," said Ms Foster outside Dublin's Government Buildings.

"We will go in to speak with Sinn Fein again on Monday morning to try and get that set up as quickly as possible , because devolution works and works for everybody in Northern Ireland."

Ms Foster said the talks deadline remained "realistic".

"I think it is very much doable to have a deal by the end of this month," she added.

Also in Dublin for a meeting with Mr Varadkar, Sinn Fein Stormont leader Michelle O'Neill voiced her optimism that a deal was "doable".

"We remain fully committed to making the institutions work," she said.

"We also respect the other parties' mandates, we want to get back to an executive that has all the parties around the table to collectively take decisions.

"I think it is all very doable."

Gerry Adams led a delegation to Government Buildings including Ms O'Neill, Sinn Fein deputy leader Mary Lou McDonald and newly-elected Fermanagh South Tyrone MP Michelle Gildernew.

Mr Adams said they would be pushing Mr Varadkar to raise the prospect of a border poll on Irish reunification within the next five years in discussions with the British government.

On his talks in London with Prime Minister Theresa May on Thursday, he said they had offered an "Irish solution to an English problem" as giving Northern Ireland special EU status after Brexit to keep an open border on the island.

"We made the case to her that we would oppose any deal that undermined the Good Friday Agreement," he said.

Ms Foster dismissed suggestions her deal with the Tories threatened the peace process.

"There is an irony to being lectured by some about our role in the national government of the United Kingdom when Sinn Fein want to be in government here in the Republic of Ireland," she said.

"What would happen then? Would we then say they shouldn't be in government in the Republic? They can't have it both ways, it has to be dealt with sensibly," she said.

On Brexit, Ms Foster said her party wanted to see "a sensible Brexit and one that works for everybody."

The former Northern Ireland First Minister said her meeting with Mr Varadkar was very good and that she was looking forward to a very positive relationship with the Irish premier.

"We know each other and we understand each other," she said.
Ukraine has presented a statement to members of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) asking to respond to provocative illegal actions made by Russia which are threatening safety of navigation in the northern part of the Black Sea which has literally turned into a "grey zone" for international shipping as a result of the continued illegal occupation by the Russian Federation of the Crimean peninsula.

"Recent provocative actions of the Russian Side related to attempted interference to operation of the Ukrainian rescue vessel during regular exercises of the Maritime Search and Rescue Service of Ukraine in search and rescue region of Ukraine, which had occurred on 23 April 2017, proves once again Russias disregard of all norms and principles of international law. This was stated by Ukraine at the 98th session of the IMO Maritime Safety Committee in London," the press service of Ukraine's Foreign Ministry reported on Thursday.

In its statement at the Committees session the representative of Ukraine called on the Russian Federation to take all measures to prevent internationally wrongful acts in Ukraines search and rescue region as well as to provide appropriate assurances and guarantees that they will not repeat it in the future.

The delegation of Ukraine also drew attention of IMO Member States to the fact that at the previous session of the Maritime Safety Committee it was decided to begin monitoring of the situation with the security and safety of navigation in the northern part of the Black Sea.
The UK is committed to a "close and special partnership" with the Irish Republic post-Brexit, the Prime Minister has told new Taoiseach Leo Varadkar.

The two leaders discussed a variety of issues during a phone call on Thursday.

During the exchanges, a Downing Street spokeswoman said Mrs May had assured Mr Varadkar of her steadfast commitment to the terms of the Good Friday Agreement.

The Government's adherence to the 1998 peace accord, in particular the requirement for it to act with "rigorous impartiality" in Northern Ireland, has been questioned by some in the wake of Mrs May's anticipated parliamentary deal with the DUP.

The Prime Minister and Mr Varadkar's conversation came a day after he was elected Ireland's new premier, replacing the retiring Enda Kenny.

"The Prime Minister spoke to Leo Varadkar on the phone earlier today to offer her congratulations on becoming Taoiseach," said the Downing Street spokeswoman.

"The Taoiseach expressed his deepest sympathies for recent tragic events and said the thoughts of the Irish people were with the people of London at this time.

"Both leaders agreed on the importance of continued cooperation between the two countries and the Prime Minister said she was personally committed to a close and special partnership with Ireland as the UK embarks on leaving the European Union.

"They also spoke about a crucial need for the parties in Northern Ireland to come together to form a fully functioning Executive by the 29 June and how both leaders would continue to engage closely on this important issue.

"The Prime Minister also emphasised her steadfast commitment to the Belfast Agreement and its successors and the two leaders agreed to meet in person at the earliest possible opportunity."
Leo Varadkar's first Cabinet truly can be called a "Dublin government". The problem is the convenient shorthand term, normally used to distinguish the Irish Republic's administration from the one in London, Belfast, or elsewhere in the EU, now takes on a more ironic tinge.

Precisely half of the 18 senior and super-junior ministries thus far allocated by the new Taoiseach go to the capital. There's a light sprinkling across the country, and some really alarming gaps.

There are just three close to the entire Atlantic coast with an enormous gap from Mayo/Roscommon all the way south to Cork which has two. There are two in the north-east; one in the midlands; and just one in the entire south-east.

True, coalition governments can cause complications with the idea of distribution as a stack of jobs are taken from the Taoiseach's gift. Three of the Independents attending Cabinet - Shane Ross, Finian McGrath and Katherine Zappone - are Dublin-based.

But Fine Gael has often struggled with the idea of geographic distribution. Its former leader and Taoiseach Garret FitzGerald famously complained that Irish political culture placed undue emphasis on geography.

Former Taoiseach Enda Kenny saw his career stunted for decades in part due to geography and was more sensitive to the realpolitik attached to it. But even his last cabinet struggled with western seaboard representation with a huge chasm masked by the presence of the Taoiseach in Mayo and the Finance Minister, Michael Noonan, in Limerick.

Read More

Leo Varadkar's first Cabinet has Joe McHugh in Donegal and the redoubtable Michael Ring in Mayo. Then there is nothing as you journey from Mayo all the way south to Macroom, where Michael Creed is based, little more than 30km from Cork city where you will find Simon Coveney.

The gaping hole left in Galway, Clare, and especially Limerick, looks pretty risky for Fine Gael. Limerick has lost a particularly strong local advocate in Michael Noonan. That absence could compound problems regaining a foothold in five-seat Tipperary, where Fine Gael has no TD, and Kerry where they have just one out of five. This writer has previously noted the case of Donegal which last had a full senior minister in 1957. Contrast that with national household names in the interim who were pushed forward by Fianna Fail: Neil Blaney, Pat 'the Cope' Gallagher, Mary Coughlan and Jim McDaid.

Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan is flying a lone flag in the midlands. But for several counties all around him there is nobody else. You have to go to the far south-east to find another minister, Paul Kehoe.

Read More

If you come from Dublin, or have forgotten where you came from, look at those Government jobs so far by county:

Nine for Dublin: Taoiseach Leo Varadkar; Enterprise & Innovation Frances Fitzgerald; Finance & Public Expenditure Paschal Donohoe; Education Richard Bruton; Children Katherine Zappone; Housing Eoghan Murphy; Transport Shane Ross; super junior, Education Mary Mitchell O'Connor; super junior Health Finian McGrath.

Two for Cork: Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney; Agriculture Michael Creed. One each for: Laois (Charlie Flanagan, Justice); Wicklow (Simon Harris, Health); Roscommon (Denis Naughten, Communications); Mayo (Michael Ring, Rural Affairs); Meath (Regina Doherty, Social Protection); Donegal (Joe McHugh, Chief Whip); and Wexford (Paul Kehoe, super junior Defence).

Will it be Leo's undoing at the next election?

It all puts an even sharper focus on the appointment of junior ministers next Tuesday.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is to travel to London to meet British Prime Minister Theresa May on Monday for discussions on Brexit and Northern Ireland.

He said he wants to know to what extent, if at all, the British approach to leaving the European Union has changed since the UK General Election.

Conservative Prime Minister Mrs May lost her majority in the election and needs the support of Northern Irelands DUP to continue in government.

Mr Varadkar met DUP leader Arlene Foster in Dublin today and also held talks a Sinn Fein delegation that included its leader in the North, Michelle ONeill.

The Northern Ireland power-sharing Executive collapsed earlier this year and fresh elections will be required unless there is a deal by the end of the month.

Mr Varadkar said that he is encouraged and a little more confident that it is going to be possible to re-establish the Northern Ireland Executive and Assembly before the deadline of June 29.

I think both sides want to do that, he added.

The Taoiseach said the meeting with the two parties was helpful in advance of his trip to London next week.

He said hell be speaking with Mrs May about a renewed commitment by the two governments as co-equal guarantors of the [Good Friday] Agreement to work together to ensure that the Executive is established before the 29th of June.

He added: Obviously were going to have a discussion around Brexit saying he wants to learn from her to what extent if at all British policy has changed.

Mr Varadkar also told RTE News a that he will raise with her once again the particular concerns that we have in Ireland about the impact on the border, about trade and the freedom of citizens to move freely between our two islands and to transact in the normal way that we have done for centuries.
The search under way at the Glenmacnass waterfall

A hearse near the site of the first discovery at Military Road near Enniskerry

A fourth and fifth lot of human remains were found yesterday (Tuesday) in the Wicklow mountains as gardai and the defence forces continue to search for body parts.

The operation began on Saturday night when walkers discovered the torso of a white man in his mid-to-late 20s to the side of Military Road, Enniskerry.

After an appeal for information, a tip led gardai to Glenmacnass Waterfall, closer to Laragh, and Lough Brea Lower where further discoveries were made. Another discovery was made three kilometres north of Glenmacnass.

Superintendent Pat Ward of Bray Garda Station said that the search area was expanded to a radius of 30 kilometres. This may expand further depending on what happens over the next day or so.

They believe that the body parts were thrown from a moving vehicle travelling from Glencree to Glenmacnass.

Gardai have yet to establish the man's identity or cause of death. They believe he died violently at some time in the previous 10 days.

Supt Ward said that they do not know what is behind the death at this stage. 'It could be anything from personal grudge to criminal activity,' he said.

Gardai, the army and the civil defence have all been involved in the extensive search which has included divers, boats, foot patrol and a cadaver dog.

Supt Ward said that they are still missing 'significant parts' of the deceased man, parts, he said, which would be important for identification.

He said that they have been checking a number of missing persons, however there is no match with the database as of yet. Samples of DNA will also be taken from the remains.

The hope, according to Supt Ward, is that someone will come forward in the belief that this may be their family member or loved one.

The scenes of the discoveries are being preserved for Garda forensic examinations.

The original discovery was made by day-trippers at approximately 7.45 p.m. on Saturday night near the Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation. They immediately contacted gardai. Supt Ward said that their car had been broken into and they were searching the undergrowth for their belongings when they came across the torso.

A local doctor attended the scene and confirmed that the remains were those of a human.

Deputy State pathologist Michael Curtis attended the scene. The remains were removed by Murphy's funeral directors the following morning and brought to the Mater Hospital where a post-mortem examination was carried out.

The deceased man does not correspond to the identity of any person reported missing. Gardai are urging anyone concerned about their loved ones to make contact.

They have ruled out any possibility that this could have been convicted rapist James Nolan, whose body parts have been found in several locations in Ireland since his disappearance in 2011.

Supt Ward said that the search is expected to continue for at least the next number of days.

Investigating Gardai are appealing for any person who may have seen anything suspicious in the area or who may have information in relation to this investigation to contact Bray Garda Station at 01 6665300.
'I would never ever call myself a hero,' said advanced paramedic David Kelly, following his win at the 98FM Dublin Hero Awards.

He was nominated for the award by the mother of a deceased boy who said that David went over and above the call of duty in his kindness following the death of Zach (2).

David works from the ambulance base in Shankill and he started his career with the Eastern Health Board in December 1996. He is the eldest of three sons of the late Bridie and EJ of Library Road, Shankill. He now lives in Newcastle.

He was one of the first pupils to go to St Anne's National School when it opened in OCtober 1961.

From St Anne's he went to St Brendan's CBS and is a graduate of UCD.

He is very well known in the community of Shankill, having been involved for many years with St Anne's Church, where he was a reader and was also heavily involved in fundraising and the pantomime at ST Anne's School.

He is no stranger to awards having been awarded a National Chubb Alarm Award for his contribution, dedication and initiative in setting up and organising over 55 neighbourhood watch schemes in south county Dublin and north Wicklow.

David is married to Anne Marie, a midwife and phlebotomist at the National Maternity Hospital.

Tragedy struck the Kelly family in March 2014 with the death of their eldest son Jonathan who died by suicide.

The late Jonathan, David Jr and Matthew also attended St Anne's National School.

On December 26 last year, David in a professional capacity along with colleagues attended to a two-year old child in Killiney who had collapsed and was not breathing.

Despite prolonged resuscitation and pre-hospital care, and advanced cardiac life support, two-year-old Zach was pronounced dead at the scene.

Over his many years working in the area of pre-hospital care, David has been involved in treating and dealing with thousands of patients and their families. He has witnessed scenes and sights the majority of people will never witness or see.

He has seen pain, grief, heartbreak, joy and delight for so many families and patients.

Despite all of this, he loves his job with the same commitment and passion which he has had from day one almost 41 years ago.

In May of this year, Zach's mum decided to nominate David for the 98FM Hero of the Year Award.

'David has been an absolute hero to me and my family since Zach died,' she wrote in the nomination. 'I would be in a totally different place without him. He is so selfless and goes above and beyond the call of duty in every way.'

'Following on from Jonathan's death, I got involved with a parent bereavement group called Anam Cara,' said David. 'I've since become a parent facilitator with that group.' He stayed in touch with Zach's mum and explained that Anam Cara was open to her as a bereaved parent if she wanted to go along. 'She subsequently did come along to Anam Cara,' he said.

David said that a team of people battled to try to save Zach that day in December. 'I had a superb paramedic working alongside me by the name of Sinead Kenny,' he said. Dr David Menzies from the emergency department at St Vincent's arrived and the fire fighters from Dun Laogahir fire station arrived. There was a whole team of us. We tried everything, we did everything we possibly did to save that child and it just wasn't to be.' Sadly they were not able to revive the young boy. 'I find it difficult to take this "hero" bit on board. It's a whole team of people.'

On a personal level, David was able to understand the pain of losing a child. 'Her child was two, my child was 26, but it's still your child,' he said.

Out of hundreds of nominations, and over 800,000 votes, David reached the final five and attended a recent ceremony in the RDS. There, he was announced as the 98FM Hero of the Year for 2017 for his outstanding contribution to people and to the capital.

He was presented with his award by Dublin Lord Mayor Brendan Carr.

He didn't know walking into the RDS on the night of the awards that he would win. 'I had absolutely no idea,' he said. 'There were five very good nominees in the final. There was a fire-fighter, someone from Community First Responders, a lady from a homeless group, and someone from the emergency department in Crumlin. I wouldn't have thought it would be me. Anyone was so worthy of winning it.'

He has received many messages of support and thanks from people all over the country who remember his help over the years in situations both tragic and joyful. 'One family told me their father died 32 years ago. They hadn't seen me for 32 years, but they remembered me at the scene,' said David. 'Another girl wrote to me because I delivered her baby in the front room on the floor 14 years ago!'

David said that he is most humbled by the nomination and absolutely thrilled and delighted to with this wonderful award, where members of the public made him the Dublin Hero. Having given his whole life to the care and welfare of others, David said that this accolade is 'the icing on the cake'.

He was touched that Zach's mother thought of nominating him, during her own time of grief. 'To think that a mum who has been grieving for just a few months is remarkable. It's three and a half years since the death of my son and I'm still grieving. She sat down and literally wrote a piece to nominate me. That nomination, even if you never won, was something very special.'

She came to the ceremony and it was an emotional evening, during which David dedicated the award to Zach, and his own son Jonathan.
Every summer for the past 200 years, the Munster Agricultural Society has put on a very special show in Cork. A great family day out and Cork tradition, the Cork Summer Show, sponsored by Cork County Council, takes place on June 17th and 18th at the Showgrounds at Curraheen and this year it promises to be the biggest and best show yet.

From pig agility courses to the All-Ireland Cook off heats, from pet dog shows to best in breed livestock competitions, vintage motors and high tech farm machinery, live music with great food and craft beers, the Cork Summer Show brings together so much fun in one place that it has to be one of the best days out of the summer in Ireland.

"Whether it's your first time at the Cork Summer Show, or you come every year, this show always has something special to offer," said Gerard Murphy, Chairman of the Munster Agricultural Society and show organiser. "From young to old, motoring enthusiast to animal lover, this 2 day show is hugely diverse but guarantees a great day out and a real appreciation of Irish life."

A snapshot of Ireland's incredible farming life, the 100-acre site becomes home to more than 1,700 animals including 700 horses, 120 sheep, 80 goats, 100 poultry and 400 cattle. There will also be more than 300 dogs competing across 9 categories in the pet and pedigree dog shows. The Cork Summer Show includes a tribute to Ford's 100 years in Cork alongside vintage tractors and high tech farm machinery, free children's play zones, the region's largest food market with everything from bouncy castles to pet farms where you can stroke a lama or hold a baby bunny.

At 25, the show also represents great value for money with something for everyone on offer.

Ample free parking and free bus routes from the city are available. For ticket prices and more information, see www.corksummershow.com.
The report rejected the amalgamation of the County and City council's that would create what had been dubbed a single 'super council'.

Instead, it recommended that the boundary of Cork City Council be extended to include Ballincollig, Carrigrohane, Blarney, Glanmire, Carrigtwohill and cork Airport (but not including Passage West, Monkstown, Ringaskiddy, Carrigaline or more rural parts of the city.

This would see the population of the area under Cork City Council's control increased by around 100,000 people

Cork City Council would pay 40 million annually for 10-years to Cork County Council to compensate for the loss of revenue for local property tax and commercial rates it would lose from the transfer.

The Lord Mayor and County Mayor will be elected by their respective local council for a five-year term and should carry responsibilities 'over and above' their traditional representative and ceremonial roles.

The number of councillors in each authority should be revised to reflect 'a better balance of representation'. A newly configured County Council would have 56 elected members, with its city counterpart 39.

The recommendations should take effect following the 2019 local elections. The report recognised that some of its logistical implications, for example staff transfers, may take longer.
The main military prosecutor general's office has synchronously raided 28 houses and premises of companies, including those related to officials of Ukrzaliznytsia as part of the pretrial investigation in the criminal case under Part 3, Article 258-5 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (financing terrorists).

"It was established that some commercial enterprises and officials of public joint-stock company Ukrzaliznytsia organized the delivery of products of companies located in so-called LPR/DPR for the needs of Ukrzaliznytsia using public funds and paying through some shell companies to the budgets of pseudo-republics," the public relations department of Prosecutor General's Office reported.

"These persons in the interests of Russia, being representatives of Russian enterprises [including Federal Freight sanctioned by Ukraine), with the help of officials of Ukrzaliznytsia reduced the tariffs for Russian companies when they signed contracts to carry out transit cargo transportation by rail in Ukraine," the department said.

Documents and money have been seized during the raids.

The investigation is underway.
The Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin has been scathing of the current governments first year at the helm saying it has been marked by an inertia that has seen it fail to tackle key issues such as housing, healthcare and the possible implications of Brexit for Ireland.

Speaking to The Corkman during his visit to the Cork North West constituency accompanied by party chief whip Deputy Michael Moynihan. Deputy Martin said he also believed the uncertainty over Enda Kennys position and the resultant Fine Gael leadership battle has stagnated government.

I think our assessment of the first year since the government formed is that it has been bedevilled with angst within the Fine Gael party and that meant that ministers were not focussed on the job, said Deputy Martin.

I think they lost focus and as a result the last year has not been as productive of effective as it could have been, particularly in the big areas of housing and health. There has been a lack of delivery, something that I made very clear to Leo Varadkar when I met him last week, he added.

He described his two-hour meeting with the new Fine Gael leader as cordial, professional and businesslike.

We discussed a whole range of topics from the central administration of justice through to Brexit and a range of other issues. We went through the confidence and supply agreement to review its implementation, or indeed the lack of its implementation particularly on the big tickets items such as housing and health. We indicated that people were not seeing the progress that they need to see, said Deputy Martin.

People are fed up with seeing new strategies and plans unveiled with great fanfare and not seeing the results of these impact on the ground. People give out about new politics, but this has nothing to do with the failure to see these plans through. The fault lies with the government, he added.

Despite his obvious displeasure with the current government, Deputy Martin ruled out an early general election, saying Fianna Fail remained committed to the confidence and supply agreement.

I recall in the 1981/82 period we had three general elections within 18-months. That did not do the country any good, creating instability and having an effect on the decision making process. While we are disappointed with the lack of progress over the past 12-months and the lack of any real movement on key issues, we do believe that government stability is important in tacking issues such as Brexit and the general economy, said Deputy Martin.

With confidence and supply we committed to three budgets and will be watching carefully what happens over the next 12-months. We are getting more impatient with the lack of progress.

The inertia and lack of urgency in getting on top of problems is frustrating. In the meeting with Leo Varadkar we put across very strongly the issues that we want to see progress on over the coming year.
The Cork East Fianna Fail TD has welcomed the allocation of funding for two local national schools under CLAR funding.

Curraghalla NS has been awarded 50,000 under the initiative, money that will be used public lighting, road markings and ancillary works to the car park for safe access.

Castletownroche NS has also been awarded an allocation 50,000 for a raised pedestrian crossing at the school car park.

"This scheme has brought great benefits to the region and I would urge schools to apply each year" said Deputy O'Keeffe.
A Wexford woman who had major organs removed after being diagnosed with an extremely rare form of cancer is to take part in a local fund raiser for the Irish Cancer Society at the end of next month.

Sandra Ennis Kavanagh, from Ballymurn, had the organs removed in a life-saving operation in Basingstoke in the UK after being diagnosed with Pseudomyxoma Peritonei, a rare cancer which which spreads cancerous cells to the lining of the abdominal cavity.

'I had to have my womb, ovaries, spleen, gallbladder, part of my bowel, part of my small intestine, part of my large intestine and my belly button removed,' said the 45-year-old mother of two who had been admitted to Wexford General Hospital with a suspected appendicitis.

'I woke up in ICU,' said Sandra, who then underwent a series of chemotherapy sessions in Wexford before having the major operation in Basingstoke where she spent seven weeks.

At the time Sandra told this newspaper that she wondered whether she was going to make it back to Wexford.

'I remember even asking one of the nurses was I going to make it, as I going to die.

'Things were really bad. It was a tough operation and I had 86 staples in my stomach which had been cut completely open because they had to get everything out, ' she said.

Sandra, who spent three months in a wheelchair following the surgery, is back working part time in the canteen at Wexford General Hospital, but says that more than two years after the operation she is still on medication and gets exhausted very easily.

'I'm clear at the moment,' said Sandra, the mother of James, aged nine, and Aaron, who has just turned eight.

She is taking part in the fund-raising local leg of the Relay for Life at Wexford Park on July 29 and 30 and is anxious to spread the message about the support from the Irish Cancer Society available for people suffering from the disease.

'They helped us pout in a few different ways, helped us to understand what was going on at some very difficult times,' she said.

Sandra said she still wasn't well enough to run in the relay, which will be more about keeping the track going.

'I'm going to walk and will be selling Candle of Hope bags,' she said.

Visit www.cancer.ie/relayforlife.
'... as many different choirs chant the psalms as there are nations..'

To the academics, it is the land of the Bible, to the Jews it is the Promised Land, to Christian Pilgrims down through the centuries it's always been affectionately been known as The Holy Land, that area of Israel and Jordan (Palestine) where the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ occurred and where pilgrims go to walk in His footsteps.

From earliest times, this land has always been remarked upon as a place of particular attraction. Writing way back in the 4th Century - St Jerome said of it -

'Illustrious Gauls congregate here, and no sooner has the Briton, so remote from our world, arrived at religion than he leaves his early setting sun to seek a land which he knows only by reputation and from the Scriptures.

'Then the Armenians, the Persians, the people of India and Ethiopia, of Egypt and of Pontus, Cappadocia, Syria and Mesopotamia!..They come in the throngs and set us examples of every virtue. The languages differ but the religion is the same; as many different choirs chants the psalms as there are nations..'

I was fortunate enough to have been invited to attend this pilgrimage by the pilgrims from St Therese of Carmel, a very vibrant parish community from San Diego (CA), a faith community led by a Wexford native Fr. Nicholas Dempsey, who comes from Davidstown.

A group of 72 pilgrims, the journey had the added attraction that not only did it cover the areas of Galilee (where Jesus ministered) and of Jerusalem (the stage on which the trial, execution and resurrection of Jesus occurred), it also crossed the Jordan river into areas of the Decapolis where Jesus himself walked, and it took in the ancient sites of Jerash, the Citadel of Amman and on to Petra, before heading to Mount Nebo (where Moses glimpsed the Promised Land) and on to the site of the Baptism of Jesus, viewed this time from the eastern side of the river Jordan.

Visits to the Holy Land for all the major religions are important as it's here that the shared roots of the sons and daughters of Abraham become very visible and very tangible - Jews, Christians, Moslems - religions that are very different, but religions who share common ancestors and in many instances, common beliefs and some broad similarities in terms of their codes of conduct.

For Christians visiting, it is important to search out fellow Christians who continue to live in the Holy Land - the 'living stones' - who are becoming fewer and fewer as the years progress.

Now down to less then 1.25% of the population of the Holy Land, it is no exaggeration to say that their future is under threat.

For reasons of politics and economics, it is becoming increasingly difficult for Christians to survive - the preferential option to shop in Christian shops and to speak with those who care for the holy sites is almost a must for us now, not for any sectarian reason, but quite simply to offer encouragement and gratitude and to assist in ensuring an element of increased economic viability for our fellow Christian disciples who reside in a land that poses for them very real and particular challenges.

Christians in the Holy Land mind the sites for the rest of us, a noble vocation and one worthy of our gratitude.

Overall the public mood is one of vigilance but calm.

A very imposing Israeli-built wall that separates is a strong player in enforcement at present. Differences and feelings of discrimination and loss on one side are matched with fear and anxiety on the other.

The search for peace in the Middle East has always been a mammoth task. That task has not gone away and there is today more than a whisper in the air of the need to address it again in a deeper way as mounting hurts unaddressed - on all sides - are something that are growing and they will ultimately reappear in ugly form in the future.

Much gratitude must go to the many people of peace on all sides in the Middle East, most especially the people who go about their daily lives as Jews, Christians and Moslems, rearing families, making provision, helping out neighbours and friends and seeking to remain faithful to the calling that is theirs in the particular branch of the religious family in which they have grown up since the time of Abraham, our father in faith.

The Holy Land is a most beautiful place. It is a holy and a sacred place; it is a vibrant place, a location where proximity to the earthly Jesus and all of the other biblical players assists greatly in helping the pilgrim to understand in more detail and colour the life and mission of the Master.

The Holy Land is also an assault on the senses. Nobody got this better than St Jerome to whom we will leave the last word:

'Here bread and herbs, planted with our own hands, and milk, all country fare furnish us with plain and healthy food. In summer the trees give us shade. In autumn the air is cool and the falling leaves restful. In spring our psalmody is sweeter for the singing of the birds. We have plenty of wood when winter snow and cold are upon us.'
Gardai are investigating after a teenage schoolgirl was racially abused in Wexford town.

The 14-year-old's mother said her daughter was verbally abused by a group of teenagers, both boys and girls, who called her 'ISIS' and shouted 'Allah Akbhar, Go Back To Your Country'.

She said her daughter was now too scared to go into Wexford town without an adult in case there was a repeat of the incident, which she said happened 'because of the colour of her skin.'

'She hasn't gone out to town since it happened,' said the woman.

The schoolgirl, who was with three friends at the time of the incident, is Irish-born, Ireland is her home and has lived in Wexford with her family for the past 10 years.

'What if she was alone? I'm scared about what might happen,' she said.

'(Is) it a beginning of something worse in Wexford that our African-Irish Kids have to be protected from some groups of teens because the colour of their skin?

'This is not Wexford I know,' said the woman.

She said the incident took place in the car park at the back of Colman Doyle's in the town centre on the afternoon of Saturday, June 3.

'There was a group of young people there, both girls and boys, who shouted racist abuse at her.

'Her friends spoke up for her, but they ran away from the confrontation because they were scared,' she said.

During the incident, a passer-by intervened and reportedly told the teenager being abused 'not to mind them...what they doing is disgusting'.

The woman said her daughter was now getting over the incident and had the support of a large group of friends and her family.

'I feel that what happened is because of what is happening in the world with terrorism and ignorance and the fact that children are often exposed to what is on the Internet.

'My fear is if it happens to other children. We are multi-cultural and have refugees living in the town now.

'It's scary for an adult, you can imagine what it's like for a child,' said the girl's mother, who asked not to be identified.

'I hope this isn't the start of something that's going to get worse, she said.

The woman said the incident was reported to Wexford gardai who are investigating the complaint.
The 'weather exam' did not live up to its expectation as dull clouds rolled in when 4,140 Wexford students entered school examination halls last Wednesday for their first day with English Paper One.

The nerves seemed to have settled for many students who left the halls relaxed and happy after English went very smoothly, with options that suited everyone's needs.

For the first time, new school Creagh College, Gorey will have their very first lot of sixth years complete their Leaving Cert Friday, June 23.

Student Jordan Curran, who would like to do beauty therapy after school, didn't face any problems when she first opened her exam Wednesday.

'The options we had for the composing section were very good, I was able to apply some of my life experiences to create and write a story,' said Jordan.

Rachel Hempenstall, along with many other of her peers, did not have great sleep the previous night as she was worrying about what was waiting for her the next morning when she opened that paper.

'I don't know why I was nervous, I didn't have any problems at all. Everything went great for me,' said Rachel, who will attend Kildalton College to study horse riding.

Nerves were absent for Creagh College student Nod Dunne as he found paper one to be easy but is not looking forward to paper two of English.

Nod was very happy with how he did in his exam and he hopes to get enough points to go to Waterford Institute of Technology to do Visual Communication in Graphics.

Many students, including Brendan Barnes made use of their time and stayed until it was time to go, in case they wanted to add anything extra into their pieces.

'I was very happy with the exam, it went better than the mocks. I stayed until the end and kept reading over it all. I hope the rest of the exams go like this for me as I really want to do computer forensics and cyber security,' said Brendan.

Over in Gorey Community School the feeling about the first day was the same as those in Creagh College, nerves were a lot better when they got day one done and over with.

Even though Probhalcar Rawat forgot a question, which was only worth a small percentage, he was still very pleased with his English paper and did not come across any problems.

Lily Heinrich-Doyle was delighted that they were given two questions this year in the composing section to write a speech.

'Never has there been two questions relating to a speech, it is normally just one so I was very happy with that,' said Lily, who wishes to study drama.

Meanwhile, student Megan Lawlor was certainly feeling sore after writing 13 pages in her exam but found it went very well for her.

'I think I did OK, it was simple enough. The essay style question in the composing section was definitely a lot easier than the time of our mocks,' said Megan.

The class of 2017 have been answering long questions, writing reams and enduring the pain of hand cramps daily since the start of the Leaving Certificate with English, Irish, Home Economics, Maths and Geography.

Students will finish June 23 after exams such as Biology, French, German, Business, Physics and much more, with results released Wednesday, August 16.
Deloitte marked the 10th anniversary of its Best Managed Companies Awards, and invited Wexford companies to enter this year's programme, in association with new programme sponsor Bank of Ireland.

The 2008 launch of the first Best Managed Companies Awards coincided with the emergence of the global financial crisis and marked the beginning of a decade of unprecedented economic turbulence for indigenous Irish companies, operating all around the country, and exporting to the UK, Europe and further afield.

The awards programme showcases the success of indigenous companies and acknowledges the contribution that they make to the Irish economy. The network of Best Managed Companies developed over the last decade now stands at 127, and nine companies are marking a decade within the programme this year. These companies represent excellence in management abilities and practices across all the key functions of their business.

Brendan Jennings, Managing Partner, Deloitte said: 'For ten years, we have met and worked alongside some of the finest Irish companies. Some of these were established from opportunities spotted during the downturn, others were faced with the task of surviving during a torrid few years for the Irish and global economies. In spite of the challenges, they have grown and developed'.

The Best Managed Companies judging panel considers companies from every perspective using a wide range of criteria including strategy, capability, commitment, financials and management performance and practices.
Fiona Falconer, owner Wild about with Wexford Rose, Julie Sinnott at the Wild about Stall at Bloom

Local Wexford producer Wild About struck gold at Bloom 2017, winning the Top Exhibitor prize in the Food Village .

Monamolin based Wild About makes a range of seasonal foods from produce grown on their permaculture farm and specialises in native wild ingredients, hosting Ireland's first commercial Nettle Farm.

Fiona Falconer of Wild About said: 'We are absolutely thrilled to win the exhibitors prize, it is voted for by all the other producers in the food area. These are the very best food producers in the country, so to be recognised and awarded by our peers is a real honour.'

Wexford was well represented at Bloom. 'Wexford food is on fire' said Fiona. 'Looking around the Food Village we were easily the most represented county at the show.'
Pipework in Eastport by Paul Maloney which won the overall prize

Tony Robinson's painting Crabfishing, Eastpoint which won first prize in the Paint the Bay category at Paint Annapolis 2017

Artists Paul Maloney and Tony Robinson arrived home from the Paint Annapolis plein air festival in Maryland USA this week with two major awards in their luggage.

Paul of Paul Maloney Pottery and Gallery in Ballindinas, Barntown won the overall prize of the festival with a painting of roadworks while Tony of Spectrum Art Shop in Selskar, Wexford captured the top prize with a crabfishing scene in a category called Paint the Bay, celebrating Chesapeake Bay.

The talented pair were among 30 jury-selected American and international artists invited to take part in the prestigious week-long festival hosted by Maryland Federation of Art which brings painters to Annapolis to explore and paint the unique colonial architecture and atmosphere.

Attending the prize-giving was Wexford woman Kate Tyrrell, Consular and Cultural Affairs Counsellor for the Embassy of Ireland in Washington DC.

Tony is an organiser of Wexford Art in the Open festival which will hold its 10th annual event in the week leading up to the August bank holiday weekend. Annapolis where the United States Naval Academy is based, has strong Wexford links through Commodore John Barry who is regarded as the founder of the American Navy.
Investigative procedures related to the assassination of former State Duma deputy Denis Voronenkov in Kyiv are under way in the city of Pavlohrad, the Dnipropetrovsk region, the Ukrainian National Police reported on Friday.

"Law enforcement officials are detaining people suspected of involvement in this crime. The detainees are being brought to police stations for further necessary investigative procedures," the National Police said on its website.

"The necessary investigative procedures, including searches, are under way," it said.

The investigative procedures are being handled by the Prosecutor General's Office along with police, it said.

It had been reported earlier that Voronenkov had been assassinated in the center of Kyiv on March 23, 2017; his killer had been wounded by Voronenkov's bodyguard and later died at a hospital.
Hanton Coaches were the winners of the 'Best Tasting Cake' and pictured are Kate, Tracey, Skye, Summer and Shannon Hanton with Charlene Hiscock, of Fethard-on-Sea, Country Markets

Fethard Hall Committee were the winners of the 'Ace of Cakes' category at the Cake Biz competition organized by Fethard-on-Sea Country Markets. Pictured are Derek O'Reilly, Sharon McCracken, Esther Byrne and Mark Brennan

Emma, Lorraine and Linda O'Leary, who made a cake of their grandfather Jimmy O'Leary's historic garage in Fethard-on-Sea. Their efforts saw them win the 'People's Choice' category

A colourful cake called after seriously ill Tintern youth Rory Whelan, was the winner of a chocolate cake competition recently which raised over 3,100 for him as he undergoes treatment at hospital in Dublin.

28 businesses from the Fethard On Sea area attended the 'Cake Biz' competition, which was organised by Fethard on Sea Country Markets.

The businesses in Fethard and the Hook got full behind the fundraiser and baked a cake each to raise funds for Rory and people got to vote on their favourite cake. The competition was a great success with 3,150 being raised today to assist Rory and his family.

Around 15,000 in total has been raised to support the family of the talented Wexford hurler Rory Whelan, between GoFundMe donations and money raised from fundraisers like Cake Biz.

Rory, 13, from Tintern, Saltmills, was in perfect health up until early April when he was taken to CareDoc on the Easter bank holiday weekend and was diagnosed with a chest infection. He was later diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome - a condition where the immune system attacks the body's nervous system and muscles.

Charlene Hiscock of Fethard Country Market judged the competition, along with Olive Power. Ms Hiscock said there was great creativity on show with cakes featuring names including Jimmy O'Leary's garage, Pigs in Mud and St Mary's Hall committee's overall winning creation, Rory's Chocolate Factory, being outstanding. Ms Hiscock said: 'We raised 3,150. Hundreds of votes were sold prior to competition day.'

Anyone wishing to donate to the fund can do so through the webpage: www.gofundme/Rory's Road To Recovery.
Oliver Sweeney, Bishop Denis Brennan, who unveiled the commemorative plaque marking the opening of the new school, Patricia Silkstone, Domini Codd and June Anne Faulkner

Bishop of Ferns, Denis Brennan cuts the ribbon to officially open Scoil Mhaodhoig. Pictured also are Emily Moran, Rev. Oliver Sweeney, Patricia Silkstone, Domini Codd, principal and pupils, Sarah Kierans, Ellie Wall and Cara Devlin

AJ Drought and Bishop Denis Brennan cut the cake to mark the opening of the new school. The cake was made by AJ's grandfather

Waving a bubble wand amid 167 pupils, Bishop Denis Brennan brought a bubbly atmosphere to the new Scoil Mhaodhoig in Poulfur when he launched it on June 1.

Pupils moved into the school in March, which is twice the size of the original and features The Teach Solais Centre for Children with Autism.

Board of management chairperson Patricia Silkstone said the day was for the children of the school. Bishop Brennan cut the ribbon, officially opening the building and unveiled the school plaque.

He blessed all of the classrooms before addressing the pupils in the school hall. Bishop Brennan outlined the school's history and Ms Silkstone described how the new school is benefiting the school's teachers, who were in inadequate accommodation for too long in the old school. Bishop Brennan was handed a tub of bubbles and got into the spirit of the occasion, waving bubbles in the hall for the pupils to catch, in a blessing of the pupils with bubbles. Refreshments provided by the parent's council were served.
Siobhan O'Neill, Laura Murphy and Karen Peacock, Our Lady of Lourdes, checking out English Paper 2

Hundreds of students from across County Wexford began their Leaving Cert on Wednesday, focused and steeled for the challenging days ahead.

At St Mary's secondary school, where 112 students were sitting their exams, students were full of excitement and nerves as they entered the exam room.

For Ballycullane's Rachel Campbell the thought of facing into her Leaving Cert was a little 'scary', but she was looking forward to her Geography and Maths exams. Laura Callaghan said she was a little nervous and daunted by all of the writing that lay ahead in the English exams.

Shauna Blake from Clongeen said she was anxious, adding: 'I want to get this week over and done with'.

Chloe Bookle from Cassagh was sanguine about her prospects, saying: 'I'm grand. I just want to get on with it now,' while Sinead Egan from Gusserane and Ciara Bennett from New Ross were also looking forward to getting on with their exams.

Shakespeare's Hamlet question wasn't to be for many students at Our Lady of Lourdes school and for students across the district.

Emma Connick said she liked English Paper 2, preferring it to Paper 1. Students said they were surprised by some of the questions.

Niamh Fitzgerald from Glenmore said: 'It was grand. I was prepared for most of the questions.'

Kerri Moran said she was happy to have English over with, looking forward to her upcoming exams.

Niamh Ryan from New Ross said: 'I thought it was a nice paper, but I thought there would be more about women in Hamlet.'

Patricia Vieira from Adamstown said the exam was 'doable', adding that she was happy with the poetry questions.

Roisin Cahill from Wellingtonbridge said she liked the poetry questions, particularly answering the questions on the modern poem about mobile phone addiction.

Sarah Dempsey from Graiguenamanagh said she was happy with how the paper went, while twin sisters Colleen and Megan Ryan from The Rower found the paper to be fair.

CBS principal Pat Rossier said students were happy with how the exams went last week.

Speaking on Friday, he said: 'Things have settled down. There is always a big anxiety on the first morning, but students are happy enough and working away industriously.'

Good Counsel College Deputy Principal Aidan O'Brien said there are 124 students sitting the Leaving Cert in the school this year.

Mr O'Brien said: 'There hasn't been anything on the papers to date that has been too traumatic. The question about Horatio and Laertes was a bit of a curve ball, but students were happy with the poet questions.'

He said the students have settled into exam mode.

'Once the students get up and running the days run off very quickly.'

Kennedy College principal Suzanne Barrett said the 34 students sitting the Leaving Cert at the school found the papers to date to be fair.

At Ramsgrange Community School 51 students are sitting the Leaving Cert and eight are sitting Leaving Cert Applied students.

Principal Tracey Edwards said: 'Students are settling in well to the exam routine and in general have been happy with the exam papers so far. We wish them all the very best with the remainder of their exams.'
Great wine and tapas are just one click away!

Here in Ireland, we have always had a serious love for the Spanish way of life. From the incredible wines and tasty tapas to afternoon siestas and all-night dancing, its not just the weather that has us heading off to Spain at every turnaround.

Thanks to Campo Viejo, you dont have to leave the house to get a taste of Spain this summer. To celebrate their incredibly popular annual Tapas Trail, they have teamed up with Deliveroo to bring wine and tapas straight to your door. Just crank up Despacito and wait for your order  you dont even have to get dressed. Yes, dreams do come true.

This partnership between Campo Viejo and Deliveroo is the first-of-its-kind here in Ireland with restaurant tapas and lovely wines available to order online.

Imagine patatas bravas and gambas al ajillo brought straight to you with a beautiful bottle of Campo Viejo wine, youll never need to leave the house again.

The tapas have been matched with a Campo Viejo red and white wines, Tempranillo and Viura, and come from 4 restaurants across Dublin, Cork and Galway.

In Dublin, you can choose from Drury Buildings and Havana Tapas Bar, Cork Deliveroo-ers can order from Feed Your Senses and Eco in Douglas and finally, Galwegians can get deliveries from Lime Restaurant, right beside the very aptly-named Spanish Arch. Or Sparch as the locals call it.

Wait, we havent even told you the best part yet  you can get wine and tapas for two to four people from 24 to 48 delivered for free! All you need to do is click here to see all the tapas and wine packages on offer, place your order and then call all your friends round for a Spanish fiesta.

Why not really impress your mates by hosting a Spanish dinner party? Place your order, make up a Spanish-inspired playlist and await your delivery.

If youd rather get out and about and explore Dublins best restaurants, then Campo Viejo still has you covered with tickets on sale now for their sell-out Tapas Trail restaurant tour. The trail brings you to four of the best restaurants in Dublin City where you can sample some amazing tapas married with a Campo Viejo glass of wine at each stop. Lined up for this year is the Market Bar, Eden Bar and Grill, Drury Buildings and Dublin institution, Fallon & Byrne. The trails run every Wednesday and Sunday from June 21st until the end of July.

You can book tickets for the Campo Viejo Tapas Trail here. The trail always sells out so you better act fast - Vamos!

Find more information on the Campo Viejo Deliveroo partnership and place your order here.

Please drink responsibly. Visit drinkaware.ie.

Sponsored by:
Ronan Keating and Storm Keating attending the End the Silence Charity Fundraiser at Abbey Road Studios, London

Ronan Keating shared a photo of wife Storm with their newborn son Cooper on Instagram (Ronan Keating/PA Wire)

Ronan and Storm Keating with Jack, Missy and Ali Keating and baby Cooper. Picture: Instagram

Ronan Keating and Storm Keating attends the World Premiere of "Another Mother's Son" on March 16, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Danny Martindale/WireImage)

Storm Keating has shared a sweet photo of her husband Ronan and their new baby Cooper.

The new mother posted a photo to Instagram of the former Boyzone star holding his son after returning from New Zealand.

"When you've been away and sit in the backseat catching up on #cuddles before heading home from the airport," she wrote.

The 35-year-old tv producer gave birth to the new arrival in April and aside from a select few social media posts, the high profile couple have been largely avoiding the limelight as they adjust to life as new parents.

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For their first outing, the loved-up pair attended the End the Silence Charity Fundraiser at Abbey Road Studios, London, at the start of this month alongside a host of stars including Geri Horner and husband Christian, as well as Princess Eugenie with her boyfriend Jack Brooksbank and mother Sarah Ferguson.

Last month, Ronan (40) said he and his wife of two years were "incredibly excited" to announce baby Cooper's arrival.

"Were all bursting with love for the newest little member of our family," he said.

"Feeling very blessed to be daddy to this little man and the luckiest man in the world to be husband to such a strong, loving and warm-hearted woman and add to my beautiful family."

Expand Close Ronan Keating and Storm Keating attending the End the Silence Charity Fundraiser at Abbey Road Studios, London / Facebook

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Ronan has three children - Jack (17), Missy (15) and Ali (11) - from his marriage to Yvonne Connolly and he said they were "over the moon" at their expanding family.
In a theoretical robot takeover of the world, youd think opera would be the last thing the machines get their metallic hands on.

But after the University of Sussex trained two robots to take part in a sing-song, it looks as though opera is one of the first things to fall.

This new style is going to take some getting used to.

The bots performed a special piece entitled O, One, which was unsurprisingly sung partly in binary code  a treat for the ears.

Dr Evelyn Ficarra, from the University of Sussex, said: The virtues of the musician  listening, co-operation, group creativity  are transferable skills that could apply in all kinds of human situations.

The music of The Beatles is safe for now, but its surely only a matter of time before The Robot-tles conquer the charts.
Ukraine's state-run Ukroboronprom is preparing to create a training center for security and defense experts with the help of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

The idea of the training center, dubbed Ukroboronprom Academy, was presented by the Ukrainian side in Kyiv on Thursday by a joint Ukraine-NATO working group, Ukroboronprom's press service said.

"The initiative will ensure preparation of qualified specialists, who can conduct reforms of Ukraine's military industrial complex, introduce NATO standards, improve quality and more closely integrate with NATO, as well as much, much more," Ukroboronprom deputy head said, according to the press release.

Ukraine and NATO activated talks on cooperation in the military and defense sphere in 2014. At the start of 2015, Kyiv announced plans to join NATO's equipment purchasing pool. Ukraine plans to modernize military production to NATO standards in 2020.
A father claimed his daughter has suffocated to death after her teacher sealed her mouth with tape and glue as a punishment for talking too much.

The girl named Guo Jintong, died 40 minutes after her mouth was allegedly taped shut.

According to witnesses at the school in Huadian City, China, Juntong was chatty while the class did their morning stretches and aerobics.

It's alleged that her teacher decided to tape her mouth closed to keep the little girl quiet.

A witness, who was not named, claimed tape and possibly glue were used to keep her mouth shut, effectively "smothering" her to death.

While her mouth was gagged, it is said that Juntong continued to jump with the rest of her class.

However, teachers soon realised the girl was twitching and brought her to the nurse.

The nurse immediately called for an ambulance upon seeing the girl's condition.

The child was later taken to hospital, but doctors said resuscitation had failed and they were unable to bring her back.

The nursery school has yet to release a statement about the incident.

China News reported that the teacher has been suspended.

Government officials have confirmed the case and said they are investigating with local police.

Jintong's parents have taken to the Chinese social media site Weibo to demand answers.

Meanwhile, a candlelight vigil has been established outside the school.
Fred Warmer, father of Otto Warmer, speaks during a news conference in Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S. June 15, 2017. REUTERS/Bryan Woolston

Dr. Jordan Bonomo, a Neurointensivist, fields questions about the condition and treatment of Otto Warmbier during a news conference at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S., June 15, 2017. REUTERS/Bryan Woolston

Dr. Jordan Bonomo (L), a Neurointensivist, Dr. Daniel Kanter (C), Medical Director of the Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit, and Dr. Brandon Forman (R), a Neurointensive Care Specialist, field questions about the condition and treatment of Otto Warmbier during a news conference at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S., June 15, 2017. REUTERS/Bryan Woolston

Dr. Daniel Kanter (R), Medical Director of the Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit, speaks about the statement of the condition and treatment of Otto Warmbier during a news conference at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S., June 15, 2017. REUTERS/Bryan Woolston

Dr. Jordan Bonomo (L), a Neurointensivist, Dr. Daniel Kanter (C), Medical Director of the Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit, and Dr. Brandon Forman (R), a Neurointensive Care Specialist, field questions about the condition and treatment of Otto Warmbier during a news conference at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S., June 15, 2017. REUTERS/Bryan Woolston

In this March 16, 2016, file photo, American student Otto Warmbier, center, is escorted at the Supreme Court in Pyongyang, North Korea.(AP Photo/Jon Chol Jin, File)

In this March 16, 2016, file photo, American student Otto Warmbier, center, is escorted at the Supreme Court in Pyongyang, North Korea. (AP Photo/Jon Chol Jin, File)

An US college student who emerged from prison in North Korea in a coma has severe brain damage but doctors do not know what caused it, a team treating him has said.

The doctors described Otto Warmbier, 22, as being in a state of "unresponsive wakefulness" but declined to discuss his outlook for improvement, saying such information would be kept confidential.

"He has spontaneous eye opening and blinking," said Dr Daniel Kanter, director of neurocritical care for the University of Cincinnati Health system.

"However, he shows no signs of understanding language, responding to verbal commands or awareness of his surroundings. He has not spoken."

Expand Close In this March 16, 2016, file photo, American student Otto Warmbier, center, is escorted at the Supreme Court in Pyongyang, North Korea.(AP Photo/Jon Chol Jin, File) / Facebook

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Whatsapp In this March 16, 2016, file photo, American student Otto Warmbier, center, is escorted at the Supreme Court in Pyongyang, North Korea.(AP Photo/Jon Chol Jin, File)

Mr Warmbier is in stable condition at the UC Medical Centre, where he was taken immediately after his arrival in Ohio on Tuesday after more than 17 months in North Korean captivity.

The reclusive country accused the University of Virginia student of anti-state activities.

His father, Fred Warmbier, said the family was proud of their son, calling him "a fighter". He said the family is trying to keep him comfortable.

The elder Mr Warmbier said he did not believe North Korea's explanation that the coma resulted from botulism and a sleeping pill.

Expand Close Fred Warmer, father of Otto Warmer, speaks during a news conference in Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S. June 15, 2017. REUTERS/Bryan Woolston / Facebook

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Whatsapp Fred Warmer, father of Otto Warmer, speaks during a news conference in Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S. June 15, 2017. REUTERS/Bryan Woolston

US doctors said they found no evidence of active botulism, a rare, serious illness caused by contaminated food or a dirty wound.

He said there was no reason for North Korea to keep his son's condition, apparently dating back to March 2016, a secret and to deny him top medical care.

Dr Kanter said the young man suffered "extensive loss of brain tissue in all regions of the brain".

Doctors said his injuries are consistent with respiratory arrest cutting off oxygen to the brain, but the are not certain what caused it.

Expand Close Dr. Jordan Bonomo (L), a Neurointensivist, Dr. Daniel Kanter (C), Medical Director of the Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit, and Dr. Brandon Forman (R), a Neurointensive Care Specialist, field questions about the condition and treatment of Otto Warmbier during a news conference at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S., June 15, 2017. REUTERS/Bryan Woolston / Facebook

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Whatsapp Dr. Jordan Bonomo (L), a Neurointensivist, Dr. Daniel Kanter (C), Medical Director of the Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit, and Dr. Brandon Forman (R), a Neurointensive Care Specialist, field questions about the condition and treatment of Otto Warmbier during a news conference at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S., June 15, 2017. REUTERS/Bryan Woolston

They said an examination of the rest of Mr Warmbier's body found no evidence of fractures that might be evidence of severe beatings.

The family feels "relief that Otto is now home in the arms of those who love him and anger that he was so brutally treated for so long", his father said.

Expand Close Dr. Daniel Kanter (R), Medical Director of the Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit, speaks about the statement of the condition and treatment of Otto Warmbier during a news conference at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S., June 15, 2017. REUTERS/Bryan Woolston / Facebook

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Whatsapp Dr. Daniel Kanter (R), Medical Director of the Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit, speaks about the statement of the condition and treatment of Otto Warmbier during a news conference at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S., June 15, 2017. REUTERS/Bryan Woolston

He spoke at Wyoming High School, where Mr Warmbier graduated in 2013. Blue-and-white ribbons were tied around trees and utility poles along the main road.

To honour his son, Fred Warmbier wore the same jacket Otto wore when North Korea presented him before the media on February 29 2016, at an event where he tearfully confessed that he tried to steal a propaganda banner.

He was last seen publicly that March, when he was sentenced for subversion to 15 years in prison with hard labour.

Fred Warmbier said that he does not know why North Korea released his son but the country does not do anything out of "the kindness of their hearts".

He called on the country to release three other Americans held there.

"There's no excuse for the way the North Koreans treated our son," he said.

In its first official comment since Mr Warmbier was returned home, North Korea said it released him for humanitarian reasons. The state-run Korean Central News Agency did not comment on his medical condition.

Mr Warmbier's father said he received "a very nice phone call" from President Donald Trump, who said Secretary of State Rex Tillerson worked hard to bring Otto home.

Mr Warmbier said the family was "extremely grateful for their efforts and concern".

He said he and his wife grew frustrated with the lack of word about their son from former president Barack Obama's administration, which they said instructed them to keep a low profile to avoid upsetting the North Koreans.

Asked whether he thought the previous administration could have done more, Fred Warmbier replied: "I think the results speak for themselves."

Mr Tillerson said on Tuesday that the State Department continues "to have discussions" with North Korea about the release of the other imprisoned Americans.
An Irishman was among those killed in the Grenfell Tower tragedy, a London based lawyer has claimed.

Michael Kingston, a director of the Irish Cultural Centre in Hammersmith, London, told Independent.ie that a Claddagh ring worn by one of the victims was used to identify the elderly Irish man.

Today police confirmed that at least 30 people were killed in the tragedy but that number is expected to rise significantly.

Mr Kingston, a solicitor who is originally from Schull in West Cork, said the disaster in London bore striking similarities to the Whiddy oil disaster which took place in Bantry in 1979.

His father, Tim Kingston, was one of 50 people killed when oil tanker 'Betelgeuse' exploded.

Mr Kingston said: "I was told that an elderly Irish gentleman was identified with the assistance of his Claddagh ring."

Expand Close London-based Irish solicitor Michael T Kingston / Facebook

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In a letter to Andy Slaughter, Labour MP for Hammersmith, Mr Kingston said: "I have a duty as an Irishman to the man that just passed our door here in Hammersmith (RIP), no different to my father 38 years ago."

Mr Kingston said he is an an "authority" on regulation and why best practice and implementation of regulation is so important and offered his assistance to those investigating the incident.

Mr Kingston narrowly escaped a recent lone-wolf terrorist attack in London "by seconds".

The solicitor was just yards from Westminster Bridge when terrorist Khalid Masoud drove a car into pedestrians - killing four and injuring 50.

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A spokesman for the Department of Foreign Affairs said: "We have no confirmation that any Irish citizens are caught up in the incident but we stand ready to provide assistance."

Yesterday it was revealed that a second generation Irishman is missing after the tragedy.

Dennis Murphy (56), told his sister Anne Marie that he was "trapped" on the 14th floor.

A spokesman for the Murphy family urged anyone with any information about Dennis to contact them.

He told Independent.ie: "He left his brother a voicemail at 1.30am saying, 'I'm stuck in the fire, there's black smoke everywhere and they are telling us to stay in the flat.

"His last contact was with his sister Anne Marie at 2am saying he was trapped and then his phone went dead."
Extensive damage is seen to the Grenfell Tower block which was destroyed in a disastrous fire, in north Kensington, West London, Britain June 16, 2017. REUTERS/Hannah McKay

Demonstrators try to enter Kensington Town Hall, during a protest following the fire that destroyed The Grenfell Tower block, in north Kensington, West London, Britain June 16, 2017. REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth

Demonstrators hold up banners during a march in Westminster, following the fire that destroyed The Grenfell Tower block, in north Kensington, West London, Britain June 16, 2017. REUTERS/Peter Nicholls

A terrace of houses is seen in front of the Grenfell Tower block that was destroyed in a fire, in north Kensington, West London, Britain June 16, 2017. REUTERS/Toby Melville

Irish social worker Siobhan Campbell who worked in Grenfell Tower has described the "grim" state of the building during her time there.

Ms Campbell worked in the social service office on the first floor of Grenfell Tower between 2005 and 2010, specialising in child protection and rehousing families.

She said she was shocked to hear about the London tower blaze and recalled memories of the cramped stairway of the building.

"I woke up Wednesday morning to emails from colleagues I worked with showing me links to the news. I honestly thought London had been attacked again. I just couldn't believe it, it was just horrific looking at it. I immediately thought about people trying to get down that stairway," she told Matt Cooper on Today FM.

"It was, maximum three people wide, concrete block stairway, which was the only external stairway in the whole building.

"It was encased, one side was cement and the other side was a cage. It was a totally enclosed stairway. So for me that was the hardest thing, just imagining people trying to get down those stairs. It was really difficult."

Expand Close Extensive damage is seen to the Grenfell Tower block which was destroyed in a disastrous fire, in north Kensington, West London, Britain June 16, 2017. REUTERS/Hannah McKay / Facebook

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Whatsapp Extensive damage is seen to the Grenfell Tower block which was destroyed in a disastrous fire, in north Kensington, West London, Britain June 16, 2017. REUTERS/Hannah McKay

Siobhan said that the recent renovations on the building were superficial, made to look good from the outside only.

"It was a very grim kind of building. The renovation just made it look very good from the outside, but the inside was exactly the same. Very grim, very dingy. The stairway was the only one for people to come down during the fire," she said.

She said that most people think of Kensington and Chelsea as an affluent area but it's incredibly diverse. Siobhan described "pockets of deprivation" within the luxury borough that billionaires also call home.

One of her concerns is that survivors of the fire will be ripped away from their community because there is no social housing within that borough.

Expand Close Demonstrators try to enter Kensington Town Hall, during a protest following the fire that destroyed The Grenfell Tower block, in north Kensington, West London, Britain June 16, 2017. REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth / Facebook

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Whatsapp Demonstrators try to enter Kensington Town Hall, during a protest following the fire that destroyed The Grenfell Tower block, in north Kensington, West London, Britain June 16, 2017. REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth

Kensington and Chelsea Council said 110 households had been given temporary accommodation by Friday morning, and added that it is working to find more permanent homes.

"When I left Kensington and Chelsea Social Services to return to Ireland in 2013 there was no social housing in Kensington and Chelsea, " Siobhan said.

"I see on the news today that the chances of getting those families rehoused in the borough is minimal. Most of my work was rehousing people in Kensington and Chelsea but there are no social housing in that area so we had to move people to areas in East London and of course we just moved the problems elsewhere."

She added: "All those kids were in the local schools and they're just going to be ripped out of their community and told 'well, we've provided you with alternative accommodation'."

Expand Close Demonstrators hold up banners during a march in Westminster, following the fire that destroyed The Grenfell Tower block, in north Kensington, West London, Britain June 16, 2017. REUTERS/Peter Nicholls / Facebook

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Whatsapp Demonstrators hold up banners during a march in Westminster, following the fire that destroyed The Grenfell Tower block, in north Kensington, West London, Britain June 16, 2017. REUTERS/Peter Nicholls

At least 30 people died in the tragic blaze, but that figure is expected to rise substantially. Of the injured, 30 remain in hospital with 15 in a critical condition.
Gerry Adams attempted to dictate terms to Theresa May yesterday by telling her that she could not form a government with the backing of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP).

The Sinn Fein president said he had told the British prime minister "very directly" that she was "in breach of the Good Friday Agreement" by trying to agree a deal with the DUP to support her minority government in the Commons.

Mr Adams said his party would not take its seats in Westminster or swear an oath to the queen, joking: "No harm to her."

It follows warnings from John Major, the former British prime minister, that the government will compromise its impartiality in the North if it enters a confidence and supply deal with the DUP at Westminster.

The 1998 Good Friday Agreement commits the British and Irish governments to demonstrate "rigorous impartiality" in their dealings with the different political traditions in Northern Ireland.

Mr Adams was speaking hours after No.10 said the queen would open parliament on Wednesday and set out Mrs May's planned laws in the Queen's Speech.

That will come after the start of the first round of talks about leaving the European Union on Monday.

Nigel Dodds, the DUP deputy leader, suggested that any "confidence and supply" deal might not be signed by the time of the Queen's Speech. Sources said it could be signed on Tuesday or Thursday.

This could mean that Brexit talks could begin and parliament is opened without Mrs May being able to agree terms with the DUP to support a minority Conservative government.

With her tally of Conservative MPs reduced to 317 in last week's poll, Mrs May needs the backing of the DUP's 10 members to reach the 320 required for a working majority in the House of Commons.

A Tory source said Mrs May was "confident" of getting the Queen's Speech through the Commons whether or not a deal was reached with the DUP.

The decision to have it two days later than the scheduled date of June 19 was made after Mrs May's regular audience with the queen on Wednesday.

The state opening will be much reduced in scale, with the queen arriving in a Bentley and wearing a dress rather than robes because of the event's proximity to Trooping the Colour on Saturday, palace sources said.

The queen, who has already cancelled the annual garter ceremony on Monday, will travel on to Royal Ascot after the state opening. Tim Loughton, a former Tory minister, was critical of the timing. He said that having annoyed most pensioners with the Tory manifesto, Mrs May was "determined to include our most pre-eminent one too" through the clash with Ascot. ( Daily Telegraph London)

Telegraph Media Group Limited [2022]
A photo provided by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation shows the arrest of the two Georgia fugitives Donnie Rowe and Ricky Dubose (AP)

Two escaped inmates sought in the killings of two guards on a US prison bus were captured after they were held at gunpoint by a rural homeowner whose vehicle they were trying to steal, authorities said.

Donnie Rowe and Ricky Dubose were arrested in the rural community of Christiana, Tennessee, ending a multiple state manhunt that began early on Tuesday in Georgia.

"True bravery is what's caused us to stand before you tonight to talk about a successful capture instead of a tragic incident," Tennessee Bureau of Investigation director Mark Gwyn said.

"So I'm totally grateful to everyone involved."

Earlier in the day, police in nearby Shelbyville had responded to a call about a home invasion, where a couple had been held captive, Georgia Bureau of Investigation spokeswoman Nelly Miles said.

The suspects fled in the couple's vehicle and fired on sheriff's deputies chasing them on Interstate 24 about 50 miles southeast of Nashville, Tennessee Highway Patrol spokesman Lieutenant Bill Miller said.

Rutherford County Sheriff Michael Fitzhugh said his deputies did not return fire and none were injured.

Rowe and Dubose crashed the car and bailed out, running into the woods, Lt Miller said.

They then came across a home set back on a long driveway.

The trooper said the homeowner looked outside and saw the two allegedly trying to steal his car.

The man held the two at gunpoint with a neighbour he called for help until the sheriff's department could get there to arrest the fugitives.

The two are being held in the Rutherford County jail.

Georgia Department of Corrections Commissioner Greg Dozier said in a news release he was relieved the two inmates were captured and no longer a threat to the public.

"They will be brought to justice swiftly for their heinous crime against our officers," he said, also expressing gratitude to all of the law enforcement officers who provided support and assistance in the search for the two men.

Georgia Governor Nathan Deal applauded the "tireless efforts" of law enforcement but also turned his thoughts to the families of the two officers, saying their pain remains.

"We will do everything in our power to support their loved ones, and we will not forget their sacrifice and service," Mr Deal said.

The two men had been on the run since early Tuesday, when they are accused of having killed Sergeant Christopher Monica and Sergeant Curtis Billue.

The two inmates overpowered and disarmed the guards as 33 inmates were being driven between prisons, authorities have said.

One of them fatally shot both guards, and then they jumped out of the bus and carjacked a driver who happened to pull up behind them on a state Highway 16 in Putnam County, southeast of Atlanta, Georgia, authorities said.

Both escapees were serving sentences for armed robbery and other crimes.

The Department of Corrections said Rowe, 43, had been serving life without parole since 2002, and Dubose, 24, began a 20-year sentence in 2015.

AP
Russia is trying to verify reports that its military has killed the leader of the Islamic State group in an air strike targeting a meeting of militant leaders.

The Defence Ministry claimed that Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was killed in late May with other senior group commanders just outside the group's de facto capital in Syria, adding that information is "being verified through various channels".

Foreign minister Sergey Lavrov said: "I don't have a 100% confirmation of the information."

There have been previous reports of al-Baghdadi being killed but they did not turn out to be true.

The IS leader last released an audio recording on November 3, urging his followers to keep up the fight for Mosul as they defend the Iraqi city against a major offensive.

A spokesman for the US-led anti-IS coalition said he could not confirm the Russian claim.

The report of al-Baghdadi's death comes as IS suffers major setbacks in which they have lost wide areas of territory and both of their strongholds - Mosul in Iraq and Raqqa in Syria.

Both are still under attack by various groups fighting under the cover of air strikes by the US-led coalition.

As the militants take a pounding in their eroding strongholds, US officials and Syrian activists say many commanders have fled Mosul and Raqqa in recent months for Mayadeen, a remote town in the heart of Syria's IS-controlled Euphrates River valley near the Iraqi border.

Their relocation could extend the group's ability to wreak havoc in the region and beyond for months to come.

Most recently, the group claimed attacks in Iran's parliament and a shrine to revolutionary leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in Tehran, killing at least 17 people and injuring more than 50.

It also claimed the June 3 London attack that killed eight people. Both attacks would have taken place after al-Baghdadi's alleged killing.

Mr Lavrov said that if al-Baghdadi's death is confirmed, its importance must not be overestimated.

He said that "past examples of similar actions to strike the leadership of terrorist groups were presented with much enthusiasm and pomp, but the experience shows that those structures later regained their capability".

The claim of al-Baghdadi's possible death comes nearly three years to the day after he declared himself the leader of an Islamic caliphate in Iraq and Syria, from a historic mosque in Mosul.

If confirmed, his death would mark a major military success for Russia, which has conducted a military campaign in support of Syrian President Bashar Assad since September 2015.

It is not clear who would replace al-Baghdadi if he was killed - the group has lost many of its senior commanders in US-led air strikes, including Fadhil Ahmad al-Hayali, said by US officials to be the second in command of the group.

He was killed in an August 2015 air strike by the US in Iraq.

Another top figure was Abu Ali al-Anbari, the extremist group's leading finance official who was killed last year.

One of the best known IS commanders, Abu Mohammed al-Adnani, the spokesman who frequently released audio messages calling for stepped-up attacks, was also killed last year.

Moscow's Defence Ministry said the air raid on May 28 that targeted an IS meeting on the southern outskirts of Raqqa killed about 30 mid-level militant leaders and 300 other fighters.

The ministry said the IS leaders were gathered to discuss the group's withdrawal from Raqqa, the group's de facto capital.

AP
U.S. may send coast guard consultant to Ukraine

Ukrainian and American officials are discussing the possibility of dispatching a long-term coast guard advisor to consult Ukraine's Border Service officials.

"Ukrainian and American officials discussed the possibility of sending a U.S. Coast Guard official to Ukraine," Ukraine's Border Service's press service said following talks in Washington, D.C.

First Deputy Border Service of Ukraine Vasyl Servatiuk visited the U.S. from June 12 through June 16. His delegation met with U.S. Coast Guard officials.

The sides discussed cooperation and U.S. assistance for reforming Ukraine's Border Service.
Alexei Navalny speaks to the media during a break in his appeal hearing (AP)

A Moscow court has reduced a prison sentence handed to Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny by five days.

He was sentenced to 30 days in jail on Monday for staging an unsanctioned rally after he was detained outside his home before he could make way to the protest in Moscow.

Moscow City Court has reduced the sentence to 25 days in a hearing that was perceived as a formality.

Tens of thousands of people took to the streets in more than 100 cities and towns across Russia on Monday in some of the most widespread protests in years, after Mr Navalny called for rallies against government corruption.

Nearly 2,000 people were detained at the protest rallies, mostly in Moscow and St Petersburg.
The Solar System once had two suns, scientists believe, and one of them may have wiped out the dinosaurs.

A theoretical physicist at the University of California and an astronomer from Harvard University have discovered that most stars are born with a 'brother' and our own Sun is likely to be no exception.

In fact, this 'evil twin', which has been dubbed Nemesis, may have been responsible for kicking an asteroid into Earth's orbit which led to the extinction of the dinosaurs.

In the 1980s, two paleontologists from the University of Chicago suggested that the regular rate of mass extinctions on Earth - every 26 million years - was caused by a mysterious extraterrestrial source. But, despite years of searching, nobody could ever find it.

Now the new study suggests that the Sun did have a companion star billions of years ago, but it probably escaped our Solar System and is now lost in the Milky Way.

The 'second Sun' would have been 17 times farther away from the Sun than Neptune, but would have been visible from Earth and would have appeared as a bright dot in the night sky.

It was suggested that while still part of the Solar System it made a pass closer to the Sun every 26 million years, triggering enhanced comet activity, and lashing Earth with a hail of meteorites which brought death and destruction to the planet.

Scientists believe Nemesis must have existed after studying a giant cloud of recently formed stars in the constellation Perseus.

The Sun's sibling most likely escaped billions of years ago, mixing with all the other stars in our region of the Milky Way galaxy, and impossible to locate.

The research was published in 'Monthly Notices' of the Royal Astronomical Society.
A Minnesota police officer has been acquitted of manslaughter over the fatal shooting of a black motorist.

Jeronimo Yanez was also cleared of two lesser charges in relation to the incident in a St Paul suburb.

Mr Yanez shot Philando Castile five times just seconds after Mr Castile informed him he was carrying a gun.

The officer testified that Mr Castile was pulling his gun out of his pocket despite his commands not to do so. The defence also argued Mr Castile was high on marijuana and said that affected his actions.

Mr Castile had a permit for the weapon and prosecutors questioned whether Mr Yanez ever saw the gun. They argued the officer overreacted and that Mr Castile was not a threat.

The case received immediate attention because Mr Castile's girlfriend streamed the aftermath live on Facebook.

AP

Mr Yanez, who is Latino, was charged with second-degree manslaughter, punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

He also faced two lesser counts of endangering Mr Castile's girlfriend Diamond Reynolds and her daughter for firing his gun into the car near them.

Mr Castile's shooting was among a string of killings of black people by police around the US, and the livestreaming of its aftermath attracted even more attention.

The public outcry included protests in Minnesota that shut down highways and surrounded the governor's mansion.

Mr Castile's family claimed he was profiled because of his race, and the shooting renewed concerns about how police officers interact with minorities.

Minnesota Democratic governor Mark Dayton also weighed in, saying he did not think the shooting would have happened if Mr Castile had been white.

Mr Yanez testified that he stopped Mr Castile in the St Paul suburb of Falcon Heights because he thought the 32-year-old school cafeteria worker looked like one of two men who had robbed a nearby convenience store a few days earlier.

Mr Castile's car had a faulty brake light, giving the 29-year-old officer a legally sufficient pretext for pulling him over, several experts testified.

Police car video played repeatedly for the jury shows a wide view of the traffic stop and the shooting, with the camera pointed toward Mr Castile's car.

While it captures what was said between the two men and shows Mr Yanez firing into the vehicle, it does not show what happened inside the car or what Mr Yanez might have seen.

The video shows the situation escalated quickly, with Mr Yanez shooting Mr Castile just seconds after he volunteered, "Sir, I have to tell you, I do have a firearm on me."

Five of the officer's seven shots struck Mr Castile. Witnesses testified that the gun was in a pocket of Mr Castile's shorts when paramedics removed him from his vehicle.

Prosecutors called several witnesses to try to show that Mr Yanez never saw the gun and acted recklessly and unreasonably. But defence attorneys called their own witnesses to back up Mr Yanez's claim that he saw Mr Castile pulling the gun and that Mr Yanez was right to shoot.

AP
A woman who sent her boyfriend a barrage of text messages urging him to kill himself when they were both teenagers has been convicted of involuntary manslaughter in a trial that raised questions about whether words can kill.

The judge on Friday found that Michelle Carter caused the death of Conrad Roy III, who intentionally filled his truck with carbon monoxide in a car park in Fairhaven, Massachusetts, in the US, in July 2014.

Carter, who faces up to 20 years in prison, cried and clutched a handkerchief to her face as Juvenile Court Judge Lawrence Moniz detailed her conduct and the circumstances of Roy's death, but she was stoic when the verdict was formally pronounced.

As the public and members of both the Roy and Carter families left the courtroom, she sat at the defence table sobbing, while her lawyers tried to comfort her.

The judge focused his ruling on three words Carter said to 18-year-old Roy after he climbed out of his truck as it was filling with toxic gas and told her he was scared.

"Get back in," Carter told Roy, according to a friend who testified that Carter described the conversation in a text message to her about a month after Roy died.

The judge said those words constituted "wanton and reckless conduct".

He said Carter, then 17, had a duty to call someone for help when she knew Roy was attempting suicide. Yet she did not call the police or Roy's family, he noted.

"She did not issue a simple additional instruction: Get out of the truck," the judge said.

The case provided a disturbing look at teenage depression and suicide.

Carter and Roy met in Florida in 2012 while both were on holiday with their families. Their relationship consisted mainly of texting and other electronic communications. They only met in person a handful of times.

Both struggled with depression. Carter had also been treated for anorexia, and Roy had made earlier suicide attempts.

The sensational trial was closely watched in legal circles and was a hot topic on social media, in part because of the insistent tone of text messages Carter sent to Roy.

"You can't think about it. You just have to do it. You said you were gonna do it. Like I don't get why you aren't," Carter wrote to Roy the day of his suicide.

"I thought you wanted to do this. The time is right and you're ready ... just do it babe," she wrote in another text that day.

In the end, the judge found that it was not the coercive text messages that caused Roy's death. It was Carter's insistence that he get back in the truck.

The judge ruled that Carter can remain free on bail but ordered her not to make any contact with Roy's family or leave the state. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for August 3.

Carter's lawyer, Joseph Cataldo, argued that Roy was determined to kill himself and nothing Carter did could change that.

He said Carter initially tried to talk Roy out of it and urged him to get professional help, but eventually went along with his plan.

The judge said he did not take into account in his verdict Roy's previous suicide attempts.

Roy's father said the family was pleased with the conviction.

"This has been a very tough time for our family, and we'd like to just process this verdict that we are happy with," Conrad Roy Jr. said.

Assistant district attorney Katie Rayburn said the case dealt with important societal issues, "but in the end, the case was really about one young man and one young woman who were brought together by tragic circumstances."

The American Civil Liberties Union denounced the conviction, saying it "exceeds the limits of our criminal laws and violates free speech protections" guaranteed by the Massachusetts and US constitutions.

Matthew Segal, the ACLU's legal director for Massachusetts, called Roy's suicide tragic but said: "It is not a reason to stretch the boundaries of our criminal laws or abandon the protections of our constitution."

AP
The Kannapolis woman charged with running a puppy mill with almost 130 animals was convicted on all counts in court this week.

Patricia Yates of 4048 Hilton Lake road in Kannapolis was convicted of all 12 misdemeanor charges of cruelty to animals Wednesday, June 14. Her sentence also included an order for physiological evaluation, two years of supervised probation, a ban on owning animals for two years, a 12-day jail sentence starting Wednesday and an order to pay the Humane Society of the United States more than $30,000 in restitution.

According to the Cabarrus County Clerk of Court, Yates appealed the conviction the same day. Her case will now go to Superior Court; her next appearance has not been set.

The case originated in September 2016 when the Humane Society, in partnership with the Cabarrus County Sheriffs Office, rescued nearly 130 animals from her property. Officers found about 105 dogs, 20 cats and three goats. All animals were crammed in unsafe and unsanitary conditions, and many had untreated medical issues, were pregnant and in urgent need to veterinary care.

The bust

An anonymous tip came into local law enforcement, sparking an investigation into Yates' property. The Cabarrus County District Attorney's Office and the sheriff's office determined a need for further action, and deputies obtained a warrant.

Animal cruelty comes with serious consequence, Lt. David Taylor with the sheriff's office said in a release. Our No. 1 priority is the protection and safety of the animals, including their environment. In Cabarrus County, were investigating claims and prosecuting to the fullest extent of the law. However, the investigation is just the beginning of the story. We are fortunate to have the support of The HSUS as we move forward with the response.

The Humane Society of the United States assisted the two law enforcement agencies in removing the dozens upon dozens of animals to rescue vehicles, joined by the Cabarrus Animal Hospital for on-site veterinary care. The team moved the dogs and cats to a temporary emergency animal shelter. Animal rescue volunteers and responders from Red Rover helped care for the dogs and cats, and Banfield provided medical supplies.

Deputies transported the goats to a safe facility for large animals.

The conditions

The animals festered in their own filth, suffering from an apparent lack of medical care. Erica Geppi, North Carolina State Director for the Humane Society, said many of them had been overbred, forced to have litter after litter until they could no longer produce and therefore had no more value.

"You never know exactly what you're going to walk into, but the first thing that hits you is the smell and the barking and then just the sheer volume of dogs and cats that were on the property," she said. "But then walking in, seeing inside the enclosure, the urine, the feces they were having to sit in all day their entire lives, lots of pregnant dogs, very dirty water bowls, inadequate levels of food, just overall squalorstanding there all day but even standing there for a few minutes just gets to you. Physically and emotionally it's very heartbreaking to see."

A second chance

Many of the animals have since been adopted, some to people in the Cabarrus County community. Recovery is slow, but with a lot of love, time and patience, the new families are moving forward.

When you rescue a puppy, especially from a puppy mill, you cant just put them on the ground and have them acting a dog, Brenda Tortoreo, who rescued a dog, B.B., from the Kannapolis puppy mill, said. The backyard, it took maybe a month, five to six weeks, where she would go in the grass, and she would follow the other dogs. She would step in the grass a bit and jump back. But now she plays. She runs. She loves the grass.

In some ways B.B. will never be like a typical dog, Tortoreo said, but never for a second does she regret the decision to bring her into the family.

Shes doing great now, but there are still obstacles that we have to overcome, she said. Were taking baby steps. When they rescue a puppy mill dog, dont expect them to act like a dog. Youve got to put a lot of love and a lot of time into it. Its 100 percent worth it. I would do it again and again. Youre saving a lifeabsolutely worth it.
Nasirov may be summoned to British court if he violated law

British law enforcement officials are looking into whether suspended head of Ukraine's Fiscal Service Roman Nasirov committed violations and will summon him to court in the United Kingdom if they find any.

"We are deeply concerned about the recent decision in Kyiv's Solomiansky Court where evidence provided by the UK in relation to the case against Roman Nasirov was ruled inadmissible and disregarded. The UK authorities will now review the facts and consider if criminal offences have been committed by a British citizen who may be tried in the UK," the British embassy in Kyiv said on its Facebook page on Friday.

"This case underscores the urgent need for progress towards a reformed, independent and transparent judicial system and the swift introduction of the Specialized Anti-Corruption Court with strictly vetted judges capable of properly trying high profile corruption cases," the report on Facebook reads.

"The UK is a strong supporter of reform in Ukraine, which is why we are hosting the Ukraine Reform Conference in London on July 6. The reform of the Ukrainian judicial system is a crucial part of the Ukrainian government's program. The Ukraine Reform Conference will offer a further opportunity for the government of Ukraine to demonstrate commitment to real progress in reforming the judicial system and further tackling corruption," it states.

British Ambassador to Ukraine Judith Gough has confirmed to the Ukrainian authorities information about the British passport of suspended Ukrainian Fiscal Service Head Roman Nasirov.

As reported, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine suspects Nasirov of committing crimes pursuant to Part 2 of Article 364 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (misuse of public office leading to serious consequences).

Kyiv's Solomiansky District Court on March 7 remanded Nasirov in custody for 60 days and set bail at UAH 100 million. Ukraine's Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO), meanwhile, requested the court set bail at UAH 2 billion.

On March 16, SAPO said Nasirov and his wife had posted UAH 100 million bail.

On May 30, NABU turned down Nasirov's request to leave Ukraine for medical treatment.

Kyiv's District Solomiansky District Court on June 2 turned down a request by Nasirov to change the terms of his pretrial detention.

NABU detectives and SAPO agents filed a motion to recover UAH 100 million bail from Nasirov because he did not turn in his British passport. The court rejected the motion and its decision cannot be appealed.
Tiger Zinda Hai , the larger than life, slick spy drama from Yash Raj Films has wrapped up its schedule in Mumbai. Having travelled to exotic locales of Austria and Abu Dhabi, the film shot it's next schedule in Mumbai. This time, the shoot featured Katrina Kaif in fighting fit form for an action sequence.

A source from the film's unit said, "Director Ali Abbas Zafar has committed to deliver action, stunts and fight sequences that will compete with global standards with Tiger Zinda Hai. To shoot for Katrina's action scenes, Tom Struthers, the action and stunts director of the film worked with her. Buster Reeves, the fight coordinator of many Hollywood films, also worked with Katrina on this portion. Given Struthers shot for certain action sequences for Christopher Nolan's Batman films including the Dark Knight Rises, expect the absolute best from these scenes. There are also stuntmen from France, UK and Spain involved in this portion, which is quite elaborate."





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The Trilateral Contact Group on Ukraine will meet several times more before the end of the summer, and a total of 14 meetings are planned before the end of the year, a source from the group organizing the Trilateral Contact Group negotiations has told Interfax.

"Preparations are underway for the next meeting on June 21, then four more meetings are planned before the end of the summer on July 5 and 19 and on August 2 and 23," the source said.

The Contact Group should meet in Minsk nine more times in the fall and winter of 2017, he said.

"Meetings are planned for September 6 and 20, October 4, 18, and 27, November 15 and 29, and December 5 and 20," the source said.

The implementation of the Package of Measures for settling the conflict in Donbas could continue in 2018, and local elections in Donbas are unlikely before the end of this year, the source said.

"The parties are far from a consensus on a political settlement yet, and the organization of local elections requires the implementation of a number of preconditions. The conflicting parties have not yet started their implementation. Efforts are currently focused on stabilizing the military situation, and so it would be too optimistic to talk about local elections in Donbas this year," the source said.
Bollywood promotions are getting innovative day by day. From promoting films in trains and public transports to digitally making the audience hooked to the film and its content, Bollywood has surely come a long way.

And now, Salman Khan's film has achieved a new feat. Salman Khan's Tubelight has reached Times Square, New York. Laxman (Salman Khan's character) is seen seeking help in finding his brother Bharat in the poster of Kabir Khans Tubelight.

Salman Khan Films

This surely is a very big achievement for any Bollywood film. This is for the first time ever that a Bollywood movie is being promoted internationally, at the Times Square.

Ever since the poster of Salman Khan's film has gone up, on Times Square, it has managed to grab a lot of attention. Even though we are not sure if Salman Khan and the team is now planning to go to New York for the promotion but this for sure makes us proud for a Hindi film.

And that's not all.

Yashraj Films

While we have high expectations from Salman Khan's film Tubelight, his another release from last year, Sultan is now heading to the 20th Shanghai International Film Festival!
Heres a statistic thatll pique anyones interest; especially if youre looking for a fling in a country where you could find the most possible sexually proactive women.

a2z-support.com

Cheating site Victoria Milan did us a favour and identified the top twenty countries with women who had the highest sex drive; countries in Northern Europe ranked the highest. Surprisingly, not only did women reveal that they heightened sex drive; a lot of them also stated that their sex drive was high enough for them to be considered nymphomaniacs!

tuwenba.com

The study took into consideration more than 1 million profiles of its active female members from 20 countries to determine how these ladies viewed their sex drive.

India seems to be missing from this list of 20 countries

Founder and CEO of Victoria Milan, Sigurd Vedal, said the study revealed that womens sex drives increase based on their standards of living. The more affluent and comfortable life is in a certain country, the more time the people have to enjoy sex.

gesundewohnkultur.de

The analysis shows that the more comfortable life is and once these elements have been taken care of, women feel powerful and sensual and have the time to indulge and invest in their sex life. Women love sex, and they deserve it to have it whenever and wherever they want, Mr Vedal said.

What do the statistics reveal about these women from different nationalities?

Scandinavian women have the most heightened sex drive in the world, according to the study, followed by Italian and Portuguese who claim their sex drive is way above average, due to their passionate nature. Irish women with their confident personalities reveal an appetite thats much higher than average as well.

hellosehat.com

Finland, Sweden, Denmark and Norway disclosed that they enjoy sex so much, which is not surprising given the freezing temperatures these countries endure for half the year that some of them could be classified as nymphomaniacs! While Belgian women considered to be reserved revealed that they are highly sexually charged.

menshealth.com

Seven out of every ten Spanish women claim to have a higher sex drive, but can get turned off they dont get enough affection from their partner. While German, South African, Swiss and Australian women had almost identical views about their heightened sex drives.

someecards.com

A third of the American women unsurprisingly had above average sex drives. Czech women, however, who are touted to have the prettiest faces in the world, sadly showed the lowest ratings on the sex drive scale.

intimatewithamy.com

Scandinavian countries are globally recognised for their amazing standards of livinghealthcare, salaries, living conditions and career opportunities are among the best in the world,  added Vedal.

Here is the complete list put together by Victoria Milan:

Countries where women have a high sex drive

Finland 79%

Sweden 78%

Denmark 76%

Norway 76%

Ireland 75%

Poland 73%

Portugal 73%

United Kingdom 72%

Italy 72%

Germany 71%

Spain 71%

Australia 71%

South Africa 70%

Switzerland 70%

United States 69%

Austria 69%

Netherlands 65%

Belgium 60%

France 53%

Czech Republic 47%

besthealthmag.ca

Countries where women have a very high sex drive

Sweden 39%

Norway 35%

Italy 34%

Denmark 34%

Portugal 33%

United States 30%

Finland 30%

Australia 29%

Switzerland 29%

United Kingdom 28%

Germany 27%

South Africa 27%

Spain 27%

Austria 27%

Ireland 26%

Poland 24%

Netherlands 21%

France 21%

Czech Republic 20%

Belgium 20%
Twenty-four years after 12 blasts rocked the city killing 257 and leaving 713 grievously injured, a special Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act court on Friday convicted six out of the seven accused, including Abu Salem and Mustafa Dossa.

bccl

In the dock is a second batch of accused, tried by special judge Govind A Sanap, after the main trial of 123 accused ended in 2006 with the conviction of 100.

The court has set the next hearing date on June 19 (Monday) to decide the date for argument on quantum of sentence.

Also Read: 1993 Mumbai Blasts: Abu Salem, Mustafa Dossa Convicted; Dawood Ibrahim Still At Large

Others who were convicted include Feroz Khan, Taher Merchant, Riyaz Siddiqui, Karimulla Khan. The court pronounced the sentence after hearing arguments from the defence and the prosecution. Out of the six convicted by the Tada court, only five face the gallows. Riyaz Siddiqui will only attract life sentence as he is not held guilty of criminal conspiracy.

ap

Abdul Qayyum Shaikh who has been acquitted by the court had allegedly sent arms and ammunition from abroad which landed at Dighi Jerry. He also had allegedly sold a licensed revolver to Sanjay Dutt in September 1992.

Special CBI counsel Deepak Salvi said trial for the seven, arrested between 2003 and 2010, had to be separated as they were nabbed after a substantial portion of the previous trial was completed.

times content

With no other accused currently in custody, the Friday verdict was the last in the case for now. Thirty-three accused are absconding, including key conspirators Dawood Ibrahim, his brother Anees Ibrahim, Mustafa's brother Mohammed Dossa and Tiger Memon.

Salem was extradited in November 2005 from Portugal. His confession led to the arrests of Siddiqui and Shaikh. Mustafa was named in 1995 by a co-accused and arrested in 2003 after he arrived in Delhi from Dubai.

times content

The CBI submitted the attacks were planned to avenge the demolition of the Babri Masjid on December 6, 1992, and the riots in its aftermath.

The lesser known Taher (60) also has a predominant role. A resident of Kambekar Street in central Mumbai, he grew up with Dawood and his brothers and was said to be the don's trusted aide. He allegedly motivated associates to arrange men from Mumbai for training in handling of arms and ammunition in Pakistan. Taher is also accused of collecting funds to procure arms and ammunition.

toi

He was extradited from Abu Dhabi in 2010. The 12 coordinated attacks between 1.30 pm and 3.40 pm on March 12, 1993, planned over 15 meetings across UAE and India, also destroyed property worth Rs 27 crore. Special CBI counsel Deepak Salvi told the court in his opening arguments that "this was the first ever terrorist attack in the world where RDX was used on such a large scale after the Second World War."

Special judge Sanap took over the trial in 2011 and the proceedings concluded in March this year.

The trial was stayed after both the accused and the prosecution moved the apex court challenging various legalities.Dosa's lawyer Rizwan Merchant Challenged the applicability of the voluminous evidence of 686 witnesses from the previous trial.
Twenty-four years after 12 blasts rocked the city killing 257 and leaving 713 grievously injured, a special Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act court will pronounce its verdict against seven, including Abu Salem and Mustafa Dossa, on Friday.

times content

In the dock is a second batch of accused, tried by special judge Govind A Sanap, after the main trial of 123 accused ended in 2006 with the conviction of 100. If convicted, all the seven could face the gallows.

times content

Others whose fates hang in the balance include Feroz Khan, Taher Merchant, Riyaz Siddiqui, Karimulla Khan and Qayoom Shaikh.

times content

Special CBI counsel Deepak Salvi said trial for the seven, arrested between 2003 and 2010, had to be separated as they were nabbed after a substantial portion of the previous trial was completed.

With no other accused currently in custody, Friday's verdict will be the last in the case for now. Thirty-three accused are absconding, including key conspirators Dawood Ibrahim, his brother Anees Ibrahim, Mustafa's brother Mohammed Dossa and Tiger Memon.

times content

Salem was extradited in November 2005 from Portugal. His confession led to the arrests of Siddiqui and Shaikh. Mustafa was named in 1995 by a co-accused and arrested in 2003 after he arrived in Delhi from Dubai.

times content

The CBI submitted the attacks were planned to avenge the demolition of the Babri Masjid on December 6, 1992, and the riots in its aftermath.

times content

The lesser known Taher (60) also has a predominant role. A resident of Kambekar Street in central Mumbai, he grew up with Dawood and his brothers and was said to be the don's trusted aide. He allegedly motivated associates to arrange men from Mumbai for training in handling of arms and ammunition in Pakistan.

times content

Taher is also accused of collecting funds to procure arms and ammunition. He was extradited from Abu Dhabi in 2010. The 12 coordinated attacks between 1.30 pm and 3.40 pm on March 12, 1993, planned over 15 meetings across UAE and India, also destroyed property worth Rs 27 crore.

times content

Special CBI counsel Deepak Salvi told the court in his opening arguments that "this was the first ever terrorist attack in the world where RDX was used on such a large scale after the Second World War."

times content

Special judge Sanap took over the trial in 2011 and the proceedings concluded in March this year.

times content

The trial was stayed after both the accused and the prosecution moved the apex court challenging various legalities. Dossa's lawyer Rizwan Merchant challenged the applicability of the voluminous evidence of 686 witnesses from the previous trial.

times content

On Friday, security will be beefed up across the court premises and entry to the courtroom will be restricted.
Kulbhushan Jadhavs case isnt just one as a slew of cases of human rights violations that have surfaced in Pakistan. Now, even the European Parliament (EP) has slammed Pakistan for continuous violations. The EP debated and adopted a resolution condemning Pakistan in this regard.

The Parliament took special cognizance of Jadhavs case and slammed Islamabad for breaching international law by not allowing consular access Jadhav, who has been sentenced to death for espionage.

EP resolution has come within a month after International Court of Justice (ICJ) stayed the execution of Jadhav. India had moved to ICJ alleging that charges against Jadhav were concocted and the trial was farcical in which he was sentenced to death.

The resolution, which was adopted by the majority, expressed grave concern over the "roll-back in Pakistan of the respect for human rights and the rule of law". The resolution also questioned the absolute freedom given to security forces especially to run military courts. The questions were also raised on the crackdown on NGOs the intimidation of human rights defenders and religious minorities.

AFP

"Parliament is deeply concerned at the alarming rate of executions in Pakistan following flawed trials, including of minors and persons with mental disabilities, some of which are carried out while appeals are still underway," the resolution said.

It also called on Pakistan to reinstate its moratorium on the death penalty, with the ultimate goal of full abolition. "The EP deplores the use in Pakistan of military courts that hold hearing in secret and have civilian jurisdiction; insists that the Pakistani authorities grant access to international observers and human rights organisations for purposes of monitoring the use of military courts," the resolution said.
Along with the good, fame has also brought me in contact with people of dubious character. One of them was Dawood Ibrahim. The year was 1988. I had landed in Dubai with my closest friend, Bittu Anand, for an Asha Bhosle-RD Burman night. Dawood always had a man at the airport to keep him posted on VIP movement. When I was leaving the airport, a stranger walked up to me and handed me a phone. He said, 'Dawood sa'ab baat karenge (Dawood sa'ab would like to talk to you).' Obviously, this was before the 1993 blasts in Mumbai and I didn't think of Dawood as a fugitive on the run. He wasn't an enemy of the state yet. Or, at least, that was the impression I had. Dawood welcomed me and said, 'If there is anything you need, just let me know.' He also invited me to his house. I was taken aback.

BCCL

Later, I was introduced to a fair, pudgy guy who looked British. This was Baba, the don's right-hand man. He said to me, 'Dawood sa'ab wishes to have tea with you.' I didn't see any harm in that and accepted the invitation. That evening, Bittu and I were picked up from our hotel in a gleaming Rolls Royce. While we were being driven to his home, a conversation went on around us, in Kutchi. I don't understand Kutchi but my friend did, and he realized that we were being driven around in circles, so we wouldn't know the exact location of his house.

Dawood, immaculately dressed in an Italian ensemble that wasn't exactly a suit, greeted us warmly and apologetically explained, 'I called you to tea because I don't drink or serve alcohol.' So, we had a tea-and-biscuits session for four hours. He spoke of a number of things, including some of his criminal activities for which he had no regrets. 'I have carried out petty thefts but I have never killed anyone, though I have got someone killed,' he revealed. He claimed to have had someone shot in a Mumbai court for lying. I can't remember exactly what he said, but it was about someone going against Allah's word and so they had to do it.

He claimed, 'I was Allah's messenger, so we shot him through his tongue and then through his brain.' Director Rahul Rawail later used this real-life incident as the basis of a courtroom murder scene in his film Arjun (1985).

rediff.com

Dawood also told me he'd loved me in the film Tawaif because my name in it was Dawood. Dawood was pleased that through the film I had (unwittingly) glorified his name. Years later, in Nikhil Advani's D-Day, I once again played Dawood on screen. Dawood spoke of his fondness for my father, my uncles, Dilip Kumar, Mehmood, Mukri and other actors. I remember feeling rather fearful when I first arrived there, but as the evening progressed my anxiety melted away and I relaxed, and we shared innumerable cups of tea over four hours. He asked me again if I needed anything. His exact words were, 'If you need anything at all, any money, anything, just feel free to ask me.' I thanked him and said that we were well taken care of.

* * *

TOI

I met Dawood only once after that, in Dubai. I love buying shoes and I was with Neetu at a sprawling Lebanese store called Red Shoe Company. Dawood was there too. He had a mobile phone in his hand and was surrounded by eight or ten bodyguards. This time too he said, 'Let me buy you whatever you want.' I politely declined and said, 'I appreciate your gesture but I'd like to do my own shopping.' He gave me his mobile number, but I couldn't offer one in return because this was in 1989 when we didn't have mobile phones in India. Finally Dawood said, 'I am a fugitive because I will not get justice in India. There are a lot of people there who are against me. There are also many in India I have bought. I pay several politicians who are in my pocket.' I said to him, 'Dawood, please leave me out of all this, yaar. I am an actor and I really don't wish to get involved.' He understood.

He was always extremely nice to me and showed me a lot of warmth. But everything changed soon after. I don't know what made him go after my country the way he did. I have had no interaction with him at all after that chance meeting at the shoe shop. But there have been some more encounters with members of his family. I made a film called Shreemaan Aashique which had music composed by Nadeem-Shravan and lyrics by Noora, Dawood's brother, who had a flair for writing. I heard that Dawood's cronies would wake Nadeem up at 2 am. and say, 'Noora wants to speak to you.'

TOI

'I sank into depression after Karz'

I had thought Karz (1980) would do wonders for my career. It had wonderful music, and some great work by the cast and crew. When that didn't happen, I lost my nerve, sinking into a deep depression. I couldn't face the camera anymore. At that time I was shooting simultaneously for four films: Naseeb, Deedar-e-Yaar, Zamaane Ko Dikhana Hai and Prem Rog. But I couldn't bring myself to go to work. Big stars like Amitabh Bachchan, Hema Malini and Shatrughan Sinha were on standby because one last day of filming was left for Naseeb. But I wouldn't turn up. My father was a worried man. Doctors were called in, psychiatrists were consulted. Meanwhile, four film crews were considerate enough to hold everything and wait for me to get well. Director Nasir Husain thought I was in financial difficulties, so he sent me Vitamin M (money), hoping to ease my troubles.

But in my brief moments of clarity I also knew that I had to pick myself up. And although the process was slow, I managed to climb out of it and regain normalcy. Many months later, Amitabh confessed to me that he had faced something similar. My father also recalled a time when Yusuf sa'ab had suffered a similar trauma and had torn off his own shirt while shooting for Dil Diya Dard Liya (1966).
The Central Crime Branch (CCB) has found that the three Pakistanis arrested last week along with an Indian for illegally staying in the city purchased Aadhaar cards for just Rs 300 from a middleman in Banashankari, south Bengaluru. Kirhon Ghulam Ali, 26, Khasif Shamshuddin, 30 and Samira Abdul Rehman, 25, natives of Karachi, and Muhammad Shihab, an Indian from Kerala, are now in police custody. Shihab is married to Samira and Khasif is married to Kirhon.

Twitter

All four were arrested from a house in Kumaraswamy Layout, south Bengaluru on Thursday. Police have launched a manhunt for the person or persons who helped the trio get Aadhaar cards.

Sources said the cards were issued to the three Pakistanis in January this year. The trio told investigating officers that after settling down in their Kumaraswamy Layout residence, they were trying to get local identity cards like ration card and voter ID card. "Muhammad Shihab said they approached a middleman to get an Aadhaar card, so that getting other cards like voter ID card and ration card would be easier," they said.

Twitter

Kirhon and Khasif approached a local who promised them Aadhaar card without any supporting documents. "First, he demanded Rs 500 per card and we told him we are very poor and couldn't cannot shell out Rs 500 per card. After much bargaining, the deal was finalized at Rs 100 per card," Kirhon and Khasif Shamshuddin told investigating officials. "Locals helped them get Aadhaar card without any documents," sources said.

Request to Pakistani high commission

Representational Image

Bengaluru police have written a four-page letter to the Pakistani embassy in Delhi, explaining the arrest of three Pakistanis staying illegally in the city. "We have asked them to confirm the residential address and names of Kirhon, Khasif and Samira who stayed in Karachi," a senior police officer said.

Nurses to assist Samira

Two nurses will assist Samira who is in police custody. Samira is four months pregnant and is housed separately in a women's cell at the interrogation center in Madiwala, south-east Bengaluru, police said.
Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has expressed his condolences on the death of former German Chancellor Helmut Kohl.

"[I'm expressing] sincere condolences to the German people over the irreparable loss of the man who meant the whole epoch, Helmut Kohl, the leader who has made an invaluable contribution to strengthening European unity and healing the scars of the Cold War," Poroshenko wrote on Facebook on Friday evening.

As reported on Friday, June 16, the German newspaper Bild, former German Chancellor Kohl died at the age of 87 at his home in the city of Ludwigshafen, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. Kohl was chancellor from 1982 to 1998. He also chaired the Christian Democratic Union of Germany for many years. As Germany united during his leadership, Kohl was dubbed the "chancellor of unity" and the driving force behind European integration. The causes behind the death were not reported.
A video shot on "Kashmir Day" in Pakistan on February 5 has had Indian intelligence agencies on their toes. In the video, accessed by TOI, Jamat-Ud-Dawa chief Hafiz Saeed's son, Talha, is seen inciting a crowd to wage war against India using Dawood Ibrahim's name.

BCCL

This is the first time that a Pakistan-based terror outfit has made a direct reference to the don.

Talha asks the crowd if they wanted to become a judge, police or doctors to which the crowd says no. Talha then asks them if they would want to become Dawood and the crowd shouts, saying yes.

rediff.com

Talha then goes on to ask them if they want to become Burhan Wani, and again gets a "yes" from the crowd. The agencies are now probing if D Company and JuD are operating in collusion.
Muslims who were awake during the night because they were observing Ramzan helped save lives after noticing the blaze in London's Grenfell Tower.

BCCL

The massive blaze, which engulfed the 24-storey residential tower housing over 100 families in west London, claimed the lives of at least 12 people and injured 74 others.

But had it not been for the alarm raised by some Muslim youths, the toll may have been significantly higher, said a local woman outside the tower block.

"If it wasn't for all these young Muslims, young boys round here - coming from mosques, helping us... people would have [died]. A lot more people would have [died]," she said.

#london tower fire muslims save lifes pic.twitter.com/kQ2HKlAILz  Khalid naeem (@Khalid123khan) 14 June 2017

The woman added that the Muslim boys banged on doors and shouted warnings to alert the residents who were unaware or in bed.

"People want to talk about them when they do wrong - but when they're doing good... They were the first people with bags of water, giving to people and helping people - running and telling people," she said.

ALSO READ: Man On Ground Catches A Baby Dropped From 10th Floor Of London Tower Which Was On Fire

BCCL

Some residents said they hadn't heard the fire alarms and it was only when fellow residents, Muslims among them, alerted them that they could quickly evacuate the burning building, The Independent reported.

ALSO READ: Huge Fire Engulfs 27-Storey London Tower Block! Residents Trapped, 200 Firefighters Battling Flames On Scene

BCCL

The area around Grenfell Tower is home to a large number of Muslims, many of who were awake in the wee hours to eat suhur, the early morning meal before beginning the daily fast in the month of Ramzan.

BCCL

The fire is believed to have broken out on the second floor of the tower block shortly after midnight on Wednesday, and had quickly swept through the entire building.
Russia's Defence Ministry said on Friday it was checking information that a Russian air strike near the Syrian city of Raqqa may have killed Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in late May.

Reuters

The air strike was launched after the Russian forces in Syria received intelligence that a meeting of Islamic State leaders was being planned, the ministry said in a statement posted on its Facebook page.

"On May 28, after drones were used to confirm the information on the place and time of the meeting of IS leaders, between 00:35 and 00:45, Russian air forces launched a strike on the command point where the leaders were located," the statement said.

"According to the information which is now being checked via various channels, also present at the meeting was Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, who was eliminated as a result of the strike," the ministry said.

The US-led coalition fighting Islamic State said it could not confirm the Russian report that Baghdadi may have been killed.

Brookings Institution

The strike is believed to have killed several other senior leaders of the group, as well as around 30 field commanders and up to 300 of their personal guards, the Russian defence ministry statement said.

The IS leaders had gathered at the command centre, in a southern suburb of Raqqa, to discuss possible routes for the militants' retreat from the city, the statement said.

The United States was informed in advance about the place and time of the strike, the Russian military said.

Islamic State fighters are close to defeat in the twin capitals of the group's territory, Mosul in Iraq and Raqqa in Syria.

Russian forces support the Syrian government which is fighting against Islamic State mainly from the west, while a US.-led coalition supports Iraqi government forces fighting against Islamic State from the east.

AFP

The last public video footage of Baghdadi shows him dressed in black clerical robes declaring his caliphate from the pulpit of Mosul's medieval Grand al-Nuri mosque back in 2014.

Born Ibrahim al-Samarrai, Baghdadi is a 46-year-old Iraqi who broke away from al-Qaida in 2013, two years after the capture and killing of the group's leader Osama bin Laden.

Rami Abdulrahman, director of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, cast doubt on the report Baghdadi may have been killed. He said that according to his information, Baghdadi was located in another part of Syria at the end of May.

"The information is that as of the end of last month Baghdadi was in Deir al-Zor, in the area between Deir al-Zor and Iraq, in Syrian territory," he said by phone.

Questioning what Baghdadi would have been doing in that location, he said: "Is it reasonable that Baghdadi would put himself between a rock and a hard place of the (U.S.-led) coalition and Russia?"
On Wednesday, June 21, at 14.00, the Interfax-Ukraine News Agency's press center will host a press conference "How to Make Loans Cheaper: What's Stopping It and the Way Out?". Statistical data on the volume of loans issued by financial institutions in 2016 will be published, the cost of loans will be analyzed, and further steps of the state and the financial market aimed at reducing the cost of credit resources will be considered. The participants will include Secretary of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Financial Policy and Banking MP Maksym Poliakov; Member of the National Commission for State Regulation of Financial Services Market Olha Maksymchuk, Director General of the Financial Institutions Association (AFI) Viktoria Volkovska, and head of a financial company Dmytro Kravchenko (8/5a Reitarska Street). Accreditation is required by phone: (098) 879 3701.
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The Real Conspiracy

By Jonathan Cook

June 15, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - Israeli and US officials are in the process of jointly pre-empting Donald Trumps supposed ultimate deal to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. They hope to demote the Palestinian issue to a footnote in international diplomacy.

The conspiracy  a real one  was much in evidence last week during a visit to the region by Nikki Haley, Washingtons envoy to the United Nations. Her escort was Danny Danon, her Israeli counterpart and a fervent opponent of Palestinian statehood.

Mr Danon makes Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu look moderate. He has backed Israel annexing the West Bank and ruling over Palestinians apatheid-style. Ms Haley appears unperturbed. During a meeting with Mr Netanyahu, she told him that the UN was a bully to Israel. She has warned the powerful Security Council to focus on Iran, Syria, Hamas and Hizbollah, instead of Israel.

To protect its tiny ally, Washington is threatening to cut billions in US funding to the world body, plunging it into crisis and jeopardising peacekeeping and humanitarian operations.

On the way to Israel, Ms Haley stopped at the UNs Human Rights Council in Geneva, demanding it end its pathological opposition to Israels decades of occupation and human rights violations  or the US would pull out of the agency.

Washington has long pampered Israel, giving it millions of dollars each year to buy weapons to oppress Palestinians, and using its veto to block UN resolutions enforcing international law. Expert UN reports such as a recent one on Israels apartheid rule over Palestinians have been buried.

But worse is to come. Now the framework of international laws and institutions established after the Second World War is at risk of being dismembered.

That danger was highlighted on Sunday, when it emerged that Mr Netanyahu had urged Ms Haley to dismantle another UN agency much loathed by Israel. UNRWA cares for more than five million Palestinian refugees across the region.

Since the 1948 war, Israel has refused to allow these refugees to return to their lands, now in Israel, forcing them to live in miserable and overcrowded camps awaiting a peace deal that never arrives. These dispossessed Palestinians still depend on UNRWA for education, health care and social services.

UNRWA, Mr Netanyahu says, perpetuates rather than solves their problems. He prefers that they become the responsibility of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), which looks after all other refugee populations.

His demand is a monumental U-turn, 70 years in the making. In fact, it was Israel that in 1948 insisted on a separate UN refugee agency for the Palestinians.

UNRWA was created to prevent the Palestinians falling under the charge of UNHCRs forerunner, the International Refugee Organisation. Israel was afraid that the IRO, formed in the immediate wake of the Second World War, would give Palestinian refugees the same prominence as European Jews fleeing Nazi atrocities.

Israel did not want the two cases compared, especially as they were so intimately connected. It was the rise of Nazism that bolstered the Zionist case for a Jewish state in Palestine, and Jewish refugees who were settled on lands from which Palestinians had just been expelled by Israel.

Also, Israel was concerned that the IROs commitment to the principle of repatriation might force it to accept back the Palestinian refugees.

Israels hope then was precisely that UNRWA would not solve the Palestinian refugee problem; rather, it would resolve itself. The idea was encapsulated in a Zionist adage: The old will die and the young forget.

But millions of Palestinian descendants still clamour for a right of return. If they cannot forget, Mr Netanyahu prefers that the world forget them.

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As bloody wars grip the Middle East, the best way to achieve that aim is to submerge the Palestinians among the worlds 65 million other refugees. Why worry about the Palestinian case when there are millions of Syrians newly displaced by war?

But UNRWA poses a challenge, because it is so deeply entrenched in the region and insists on a just solution for Palestinian refugees.

UNRWAs huge staff includes 32,000 Palestinian administrators, teachers and doctors, many living in camps in the West Bank  Palestinian territory Mr Netanyahu and Mr Danon hunger for. The UNs presence there is an impediment to annexation.

On Monday Mr Netanyahu announced his determination to block Europe from funding Israeli human rights organisations, the main watchdogs in the West Bank and a key data source for UN agencies. He now refuses to meet any world leader who talks to these rights groups.

With Mr Trump in the White House, a crisis-plagued Europe ever-more toothless and the Arab world in disarray, Mr Netanyahu wants to seize this chance to clear the UN out of the way too.

Global institutions such as the UN and the international law it upholds were created after the Second World War to protect the weakest and prevent a recurrence of the Holocausts horrors.

Today, Mr Netanyahu is prepared to risk it all, tearing down the post-war international order, if this act of colossal vandalism will finally rid him of the Palestinians.

Jonathan Cook is a Nazareth- based journalist and winner of the Martha Gellhorn Special Prize for Journalism.

http://www.jonathan-cook.net
With Macron as President, What to Expect?

By Isabelle Metral

June 15, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - Two quotes from a related article in lHumanite, by Lionel Venturini:

 Indeed the central fact concerning the first round of the legislative election is that only 16% of the population (those eligible to vote), mostly older people in favored classes of society, will be represented in the next National Assembly, and will thus hold full power.   This transcription of the state of emergency into the common law does not arise by chance. It is an expression of the baring to public view of the truly minoritary character of this presidential power 

Accompanying graphic for that article:

13.43% is the percentage of those on the electoral lists who actually voted for the LREM

70% is the estimated percentage of seats in the National Assembly that will be filled by deputies of the LREM and their close ally.

In the aftermath of the first round of the parliamentary elections, the LREM movement ("The Republic in Motion") of President Emmanuel Macron, who was elected last April, is sure to have a strong majority in the National Assembly. The promised success is concomitant with a vast demobilization of the popular electorate: less than 50% of those registered to vote participated in the first round of voting on Sunday 11 June. This can be explained by two factors: on the one hand the self-fulfilling prophesy furnished by the polls and abundantly relayed by virtually all media (in the pay of employers), and on the other hand the deep division of the alternative left, sufficient to discourage the electorate.

Paradoxically, the electorate of Emmanuel Macron does not adhere, on the whole, to his devastating program. Only half of his voters in the first round of the presidential election declared their adherence to that political line. But the reassuring illusion that it is possible to transcend the opposition between the right and the left, and the style of this dashing young president for whom everything seems to be going his way, have obviously seduced the electorate.

The success of the LREM movement is also based on the rejection of the "old parties", some of which, the right wing and the Socialist Party, have actually been largely chronicled in compromising affairs. This rejection of the old parties has also succeeded for the "movement" La France Insoumise (LFI, Rebellious France), created by Jean-Luc Melenchon, the only candidate for the presidential election of the alternative left. One of their main slogans was Get them all out of here!, which has as actually been accomplished. Not that he managed to kick the ball between the goal posts after promising showing in the presidential election (nearly 20% of the vote), since he only got 11% of the votes in the first round of the legislative elections. It was a victory in his eyes, nevertheless, since the strategy of the LFI was not to gather the left-wing forces of the Socialist Party to beat the right, but to refuse any alliance with the left-wing parties (ecologists, socialist rebels, and the French Communist Party (PCF )), in order to assert itself as the unavoidable party: "replace the PS" (in his own words), beat the PCF (which had provided almost half of the sponsorships required for his presidential candidacy and which had campaigned for him), all this for the benefit of the leaders of his own party, the Left Party (PG), backbone of LFI, who were very smiling at the end of this first round because they are well placed to win beautiful places next Sunday.

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To return to the real winner of this long electoral sequence, the new president Emmanuel Macron is supported by the employers and the banks. Through him, they are the ones who are installed in power.

Its slogan "neither left nor right" is actually a "neither left nor left". Francois Hollandes ministers and Socialist Party deputies quickly joined LREM even before the end of Hollands mandate in the wake of the hollandaise policy that betrayed its campaign commitments and converted the so-called socialist policy into a governance that filled its supposed right-wing opponents with ease. This, to the extent that very few elected members and cadres of the Socialist Party supported Francois Hamon, the socialist candidate nominated by the primary for the presidential election, too rebellious in their eyes.

The violence of the program of Emmanuel Macron will not take long to open the eyes of our fellow citizens. The timeline and pattern of reforms reveal the haste involved in getting them passed without any real debate across the country, or with trade unions, through the expeditious means of "ordinances" (a procedure authorised by the Constitution under certain conditions), which are likely to be adopted by the end of September.

These "reforms" are primarily concerned with labor law, which until now has been governed by a labor code already severely damaged under Holland by the traitorous law called the El Khomri law. Now it is a question of finishing the demolition of the law that guarantees employees protection of the law against the arbitrariness of the employers, the law according to which agreements by industrial sector have precedence over the unequal balance of power between capital and labor at the level of a single firm. It is a question of further undermining the legal foundation of social security as it was established after the Liberation under the communist labour minister Ambroise Croizat, in order to give over to capital new opportunities to invest in the sector of health insurance. It is also a question of accentuating the austerity policy voted in 2013, of strengthening the subjection of the localities to the government by depriving them of the resources of a large part of the local taxes: 80% of the households will no longer pay the main local tax, and the government will be free to decide in what proportion the financial deficit at the local level will be compensated by the budget of the State. It is also a matter of including in the fundamental law specific provisions of the state of emergency, the latter having been once more extended by six months by the government after the presidential election, the time necessary to make these legislative changes.

Under President Hollande, the state of emergency allowed the arrest of hundreds of people, militants, demonstrators against the El Khomri law, who had nothing to do with terrorism. ... This president has the pretention to choose, by himself, the journalists of the various media who will be permitted to follow his actions. And what opposition can one hope for from a national assembly with a majority of new-comers to politics, originating, for the most part, from the business sector?

Democracy is in peril. The awakening to this reality is certain to be painful.

The sole arena of combat for the true left wing will be in the workplaces of industry, in the hospitals, in the schools, in the streets, ...
On July 7-8, Odesa with the support of the Ukrainian Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food and the Ukrainian Ministry of Infrastructure will hold the II International GRAIN UKRAINE Conference. It is organized by the TIS group of terminals, head of the conference organizing committee is Mr. Andrey Stavnitser. The special sponsor of GRAIN UKRAINE 2017 is Ag Growth International (AGI), the conference second day sponsor is RISOIL S.A.; official sponsors are CIS Commodity Inspection Services, Louis Dreyfus Commodities, SD Capital and Alebor Group. GRAIN UKRAINE 2017 MAIN TOPICS GRAIN UKRAINE is the main summer event where every land market player can touch on the most urgent and pressing topics. This year, the hot subject of discussion will be the land issue. The conference will consist of: The discussion panel "Land Reform: From Emotion to Understanding" - the project will raise the acute topic of land moratorium withdrawing with presentation of different scenarios of land market opening. This discussion will be moderated by Valerii Pekar, businessman and public figure, President of Euroindex company, lecturer at KMBS, co-founder of the Nova Kraina platform. The Round Table "Land issue: how to open the land?" Options, risks, prospects" - here the issue practical side will be considered, namely: the forces balance with respect to the market opening; which bill has a better chance of becoming standard reform; what are the key points in the market launching; what to do with state-owned land inventory; how the large business plans its activities for the next 3-5 years with respect to the land market opening. The results of the round table will form the basis of the bill for moratorium withdrawal. In addition, the conference guests will have opportunities to discuss other important issues in the following topics: Global trends in agriculture Origination Markets Consumption Markets Investments and financing of agribusiness MAIN SPEAKERS OF GRAIN UKRAINE 2017 Opening speakers of the GRAIN UKRAINE 2017 Conference: Andrey Stavnitser, CEO of "TIS Group of Terminals" Volodymyr Omelyan, Minister of Infrastructure of Ukraine Raivis Veckagans, Acting CEO at Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority Sevki Acuner, Director of the EBRD Office in Ukraine Both in the discussion and in the round table the following persons will take part: Valery Pekar (an entrepreneur and public figure, president of Euroindex company, lecturer at KMBS, co-founder of the Nova Kraina platform) - moderator of the discussion; Vladyslava Rutitskaya (National Reforms Council) - the round table initiator; Alexey Mushak (the People's Deputy of Ukraine, Member of the Supreme Council Committee on Agrarian Policy and Land Relations)  the round table initiator; Ivan Miroshnichenko (the People's Deputy of Ukraine, member of the Parliamentary Committee on Agrarian Policy and Land Relations)  the round table participant; Andrei Gordiychuk (the Founder of the Svarog West Group Corporation, Member of the Ukrainian Agrarian Business Presidium, the Vice-President on AIC of the International Chamber of Commerce Ukrainian National Committee)  the round table participant; Andrey Dligach (the co-founder of the "Nova Kraina" Civil Platform, Associate Professor at the Kyiv National Taras Shevchenko University and CEO at AdvanterGroup) - the round table participant. The educational part of the program will be continued by: Darren Cooper with the topic "Global grains and oilseeds markets  some observations and what to expect in 2017/2018"; Tamas Benko with the topic "Ukraine's position in the Global corn markets"; Ivanna Dorichenko; Andrei Agapi with the topic "Black Sea Grains pricing mechanics and the new derivative landscape"; Ezequiel Hajnal with the topic "Experience of the South American Grain Market"; Bogdan Tymkiv with the topic "World trade flows of grain and oilseeds: the role of the Black Sea region in their distribution"; Marcelo Neri and Arthur Neto with the topic "Overview of Brazilian Grain Logistics"; Daniel Donner with the topic "Similarities in grain infrastructure developments in both countries (Brazil and Ukraine)"; Jeffery Xu with topic "Review on 4 Systematic Crises of Soybean Import Industry in China Since 1996"; Karen Braun with the topic "Global trends in key grain suppliers and consumers"; David Hightower with the topic "Return of funds to Commodities, The Reflation Trend and the Prospect of a Weaker Dollar and the currency influence on Grains"; Oleksandr Artiyushyn with the topic "Risk management solutions across the agribusiness supply chain"; Olivier Bouillet with the topic "The consequences of the Ukrainian grain production growth on pricing within Ukraine"; Cedric Hermann with the topic "New innovative agricultural insurance solutions: Hedging commodities with price insurance and managing drought with soil moisture index insurance". MAIN COMPANIES OF GRAIN UKRAINE 2017 GRAIN UKRAINE 2017 is sponsored by: Ag Growth International, a leading manufacturer whose products include screw conveyors, belt conveyors, silos for grain storage, equipment for grain transportation, conditioning and drying, as well as for storage and transportation of fertilizers; CIS Commodity Inspection Services, a company established in the Netherlands in 1989 that offers a wide range of inspections, both qualitative and quantitative, as well as technical and consulting services; RISOIL S.A. a company whose structure and resources allow its stable, efficient, dynamically development, with a clear understanding of the prospects and the possibility of responding to changes in the world market; Louis Dreyfus Commodities, a leading trading and manufacturing agricultural products company that uses a global reach and a broad network for safe and reliable delivery around the world; SD Capital, an investment boutique that cooperates with international and local companies to increase the value of investment in Ukraine; Alebor Group, the companies group providing a full range of services for the cereals and oil crops harvesting up to the trading in the domestic and foreign markets. The export of grain is more than 1 million tons per year. The support for GRAIN UKRAINE 2017 is provided by: The Ukrainian Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food; The Ukrainian Ministry of Infrastructure. Among the participants of the conference has been already announced such structures and companies: AGRICOM Group; Credit Agricole Bank; Mitsubishi Corporation; Louis Dreyfus; CME Group; SGS; R.J. O'Brien; CIS Commodity Inspection Services; Risoil S.A.; Astarta-Kyiv; ECTP and many others. MAIN ADVANTAGES OF THE GRAIN UKRAINE 2017 Worldwide TOP speakers; Comfortable communication at the main venue location with stunning city views; AGI Evening Cocktail; Secret party with DJ Ravin (Buddha Bar, Paris); Weekend Party by RISOIL S.A. on the seafront with a volleyball tournament, boat trips and music bands. Book your GRAIN UKRAINE tickets at the best price with SD Capital Promotion Code. You can use the promotional code either on the conference site or by contacting the GRAIN UKRAINE manager. More details about GU 2017 on the conference site: grain-ukraine.com. Speaking about GRAIN UKRAINE, we can safely say  all agricultural market will be here again! GRAIN UKRAINE 2017 International grain conference phone +38 067 975 9433 info@grain-ukraine.com www.grain-ukraine.com sign in to follow the news GU 2017: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company-beta/16179663/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/GRAINUKRAINE Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/grainukraine/ Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpZG5_5n-qDGb1FDocmFSLQ The Interfax-Ukraine news agency is the general news partner of the conference.
America Last





Will Trump Set a Record for the History Books?



By Tom Engelhardt

June 15/16, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - In its own inside-out, upside-down way, its almost wondrous to behold. As befits our presidents wildest dreams, it may even prove to be a record for the ages, one for the history books. He was, after all, the candidate who sensed it first. When those he was running against, like the rest of Washingtons politicians, were still insisting that the United States remained at the top of its game, not an -- but the --  indispensable nation , the only truly  exceptional  one on the face of the Earth, he said nothing of the sort. He campaigned on Americas decline, on this countrys increasing lack of exceptionality, its potential dispensability. He ran on the single word again -- as in make America great again -- because (the implication was) it just isnt anymore. And he swore that he and he alone was the best shot Americans, or at least non-immigrant white Americans, had at ever seeing the best of days again.

In that sense, he was our first declinist candidate for president and if that didnt tell you something during the election season, it should have. No question about it, he hit a chord, rang a bell, because out in the heartland it was possible to sense a deepening reality that wasnt evident in Washington. The wealthiest country on the planet, the most militarily powerful in the history of... well, anybody, anywhere, anytime (or so we were repeatedly told )... couldnt win a war, not even with the investment of trillions of taxpayer dollars, couldnt do anything but spread chaos by force of arms.

Meanwhile, at home, despite all that wealth, despite billionaires galore , including the one running for president, despite the transnational corporate heaven inhabited by Google and Facebook and Apple and the rest of the crew, parts of this country and its infrastructure were starting to feel distinctly (to use a word from another universe) Third Worldish. He sensed that, too. He regularly said things like this: We spent six trillion dollars in the Middle East, we got nothing And we have an obsolete plane system. We have obsolete airports. We have obsolete trains. We have bad roads. Airports. And this : Our airports are like from a third-world country. And on the nations crumbling infrastructure , he couldnt have been more on the mark.

In parts of the U.S., white working-class and middle-class Americans could sense that the future was no longer theirs, that their children would not have a shot at what they had had, that they themselves increasingly didnt have a shot at what they had had. The American Dream seemed to be gaining an almost nightmarish sheen, given that the real value of the average wage of a worker hadnt increased since the 1970s; that the cost of a college education had gone through the roof and the educational debt burden for children with dreams of getting ahead was now staggering; that unions were cratering ; that income inequality was at a historic high ; and... well, you know the story, really you do. In essence, for them the famed American Dream seemed ever more like someone elses trademarked property.

Indispensable? Exceptional? This country? Not anymore. Not as they were experiencing it.

And because of that, Donald Trump won the lottery. He answered the $64,000 question . (If youre not of a certain age, Google it, but believe me its a reference in our presidents memory book.) He entered the Oval Office with almost 50% of the vote and a fervent base of support for his promised program of doing it all over again, 1950s-style .

It had been one hell of a pitch from the businessman billionaire. He had promised a future of stratospheric terrificness , of greatness on an historic scale. He promised to keep the evil ones -- the rapists , job thieves, and terrorists -- away, to wall them out or toss them out or ban them from ever traveling here. He also promised to set incredible records, as only a mega-businessman like him could conceivably do, the sort of all-American records this country hadnt seen in a long, long time.

And early as it is in the Trump era, it seems as if, on one score at least, he could deliver something for the record books going back to the times when those recording the acts of rulers were still scratching them out in clay or wax . At this point, theres at least a chance that Donald Trump might preside over the most precipitous decline of a truly dominant power in history, one only recently considered at the height of its glory. It could prove to be a fall for the ages. Admittedly, that other superpower of the Cold War era, the Soviet Union, imploded in 1991, which was about the fastest way imaginable to leave the global stage. Still, despite the  evil empire  talk of that era, the USSR was always the secondary, the weaker of the two superpowers. It was never Rome, or Spain, or Great Britain.

When it comes to the United States, were talking about a country that not so long ago saw itself as the only great power left on planet Earth, the lone superpower. It was the one still standing, triumphant, at the end of a history of great power rivalry that went back to a time when the wooden warships of various European states first broke out into a larger world and began to conquer it. It stood by itself at, as its proponents liked to claim at the time, the end of history .

Applying Hard Power to a Failing World

As we watch, it seems almost possible to see President Trump, in real time, tweet by tweet , speech by speech , sword dance by sword dance , intervention by intervention, act by act, in the process of dismantling the system of global power -- of soft power, in particular, and of alliances of every sort -- by which the U.S. made its will felt, made itself a truly global hegemon. Whether his America first policies are aimed at creating a future order of autocrats , or petro-states , or are nothing more than the expression of his libidinous urges and secret hatreds, he may already be succeeding in taking down that world order in record fashion.

Despite the mainstream pieties of the moment about the nature of the system Donald Trump appears to be dismantling in Europe and elsewhere, it was anything but either terribly liberal or particularly peaceable. Wars, invasions, occupations, the undermining or overthrow of governments, brutal acts and conflicts of every sort succeeded one another in the years of American glory. Past administrations in Washington had a notorious weakness for autocrats, just as Donald Trump does today. They regularly had less than no respect for democracy if, from Iran to Guatemala to Chile, the will of the people seemed to stand in Washingtons way. (It is, as Vladimir Putin has been only too happy to point out of late, an irony of our moment that the country that has undermined or overthrown or meddled in more electoral systems than any other is in a total snit over the possibility that one of its own elections was meddled with.) To enforce their global system, Americans never shied away from torture , black sites , death squads , assassinations , and other grim practices. In those years, the U.S. planted its military on close to 1,000 overseas military bases, garrisoning the planet as no other country ever had.

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Nonetheless, the cancelling of the Trans Pacific Partnership trade deal, the withdrawal from the Paris climate accord, threats against NAFTA, the undermining of NATO, the promise of protective tariffs on foreign goods (and the possible trade wars that might go with them) could go a long way toward dismantling the American global system of soft power and economic dominance as it has existed in these last decades. If such acts and others like them prove effective in the months and years to come, they will leave only one kind of power in the American global quiver: hard military power, and its handmaiden, the kind of covert power Washington, through the CIA in particular, has long specialized in. If Americas alliances crack open and its soft power becomes too angry or edgy to pass for dominant power anymore, its massive machinery of destruction will still be left, including its vast nuclear arsenal . While, in the Trump era, a drive to cut domestic spending of every sort is evident, more money is still slated to go to the military, already funded at levels not reached by combinations of other major powers.

Given the last 15 years of history , its not hard to imagine whats likely to result from the further elevation of military power: disaster. This is especially true because Donald Trump has appointed to key positions in his administration a crew of generals who spent the last decade and a half fighting Americas catastrophic wars across the Greater Middle East. They are not only notoriously incapable of thinking outside the box about the application of military power, but faced with the crisis of failed wars and failing states , of spreading terror movements and a growing refugee crisis across that crucial region, they can evidently only imagine one solution to just about any problem: more of the same. More troops , more mini-surges , more military trainers and advisers, more air strikes , more drone strikes ... more .

After a decade and a half of such thinking we already know perfectly well where this ends -- in further failure, more chaos and suffering, but above all in an inability of the U.S. to effectively apply its hard power anywhere in any way that doesnt make matters worse. Since, in addition, the Trump administration is filled with Iranophobes, including a president who has only recently fused himself to the Saudi royal family in an attempt to further isolate and undermine Iran, the possibility that a military-first version of American foreign policy will spread further is only growing .

Such more thinking is typical as well of much of the rest of the cast of characters now in key positions in the Trump administration. Take the CIA, for instance. Under its new director, Mike Pompeo (distinctly a more kind of guy and an Iranophobe of the first order), two key positions have reportedly been filled: a new chief of counterterrorism and a new head of Iran operations (recently identified as Michael DAndrea, an Agency hardliner with the nickname the Dark Prince). Heres how Matthew Rosenberg and Adam Goldman of the New York Times recently described their similar approaches to their jobs (my emphasis added):

Mr. DAndreas new role is one of a number of moves inside the spy agency that signal a more muscular approach to covert operations under the leadership of Mike Pompeo, the conservative Republican and former congressman, the officials said. The agency also recently named a new chief of counterterrorism, who has begun pushing for greater latitude to strike militants.

In other words, more!

Rest assured of one thing, whatever Donald Trump accomplishes in the way of dismantling Americas version of soft power, his generals and intelligence operatives will handle the hard-power part of the equation just as ably.

The First American Laster?

If a Trump presidency achieves a record for the ages when it comes to the precipitous decline of the American global system, little as The Donald ever cares to share credit for anything, he will undoubtedly have to share it for such an achievement. Its true that kings, emperors, and autocrats, the top dogs of any moment, prefer to take all the credit for the records set in their time. When we look back, however, its likely that President Trump will be seen as having given a tottering system that necessary push. It will undoubtedly be clear enough by then that the U.S., seemingly at the height of any powers power in 1991 when the Soviet Union disappeared, began heading for the exits soon thereafter, still enwreathed in self-congratulation and triumphalism.

Had this not been so, Donald Trump would never have won the 2016 election. It wasnt he, after all, who gave the U.S. heartland an increasingly Third World feel. It wasnt he who spent those trillions of dollars so disastrously on invasions and occupations, dead-end wars, drone strikes and special ops raids, reconstruction and deconstruction in a never-ending war on terror that today looks more like a war for the spread of terror. It wasnt he who created the growing inequality gap in this country or produced all those billionaires amid a population that increasingly felt left in the lurch. It wasnt he who hiked college tuitions or increased the debt levels of the young or set roads and bridges to crumbling and created the conditions for Third World-style airports.

If both the American global and domestic systems hadnt been rotting out before Donald Trump arrived on the scene, that again of his wouldnt have worked. Thought of another way, when the U.S. was truly at the height of its economic clout and power, American leaders felt no need to speak incessantly of how indispensable or exceptional the country was. It seemed too self-evident to mention. Someday, some historian may use those very words in the mouths of American presidents and other politicians (and their claims , for instance, that the U.S. military was the finest fighting force that the world has ever known) as a set of increasingly defensive markers for measuring the decline of American power.

So heres the question: When the Trump years (months?) come to an end, will the U.S. be not the planets most exceptional land, but a pariah nation? Will that again still be the story of the year, the decade, the century? Will the last American Firster turn out to have been the first American Laster? Will it truly be one for the record books?

Tom Engelhardt is a co-founder of the American Empire Project and the author of The United States of Fear as well as a history of the Cold War, The End of Victory Culture . He is a fellow of the Nation Institute and runs TomDispatch.com . His latest book is Shadow Government: Surveillance, Secret Wars, and a Global Security State in a Single-Superpower World .

Follow TomDispatch on Twitter and join us on Facebook . Check out the newest Dispatch Book, John Dower's The Violent American Century: War and Terror Since World War II , as well as John Feffer's dystopian novel Splinterlands , Nick Turses Next Time Theyll Come to Count the Dead , and Tom Engelhardt's Shadow Government: Surveillance, Secret Wars, and a Global Security State in a Single-Superpower World .
Germany And Austria Warn US Over Expanded Russia Sanctions





Europes energy supply is a matter for Europe, and not for the United States of America.



By Christian Krug and Kalina Oroschakoff

Germany and Austria on Thursday hit back at proposed U.S. sanctions that would threaten European companies participating in the Nord Stream 2 pipeline project, accusing the U.S. of politicizing its economic interest in selling natural gas to Europe.

Europes energy supply is a matter for Europe, and not for the United States of America, Germanys Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel and Austrias Federal Chancellor Christian Kern said in a joint statement .

U.S. senators on Wednesday supported extending and expanding sanctions against Moscow.

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The two politicians warned that it wouldnt only be highly regrettable, but also damaging to their countries cooperation on the Ukraine crisis if irrelevant considerations such as U.S. economic interest in exporting gas were to gain the upper hand. At the heart of their push-back is the planned expansion of the Nord Stream gas pipeline between Russia and Germany

To threaten companies from Germany, Austria and other European states with penalties on the U.S. market if they participate in natural gas projects such as Nord Stream 2 with Russia or finance them introduces a completely new and very negative quality into European-American relations, they said.

The Russian pipeline project has split Europe, too. The European Commission and Eastern European and Baltic countries have long opposed it over concerns that it would tighten Moscows grip on the regions gas market and undermine EU efforts to diversify supplies. Western European countries, especially Germany, instead argue its a commercial project.
Britains Gambling Tories Now Risk Irish Peace

By Finian Cunningham

June 15/16, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - Like a crazed gambler who bet the house  and lost  Theresa Mays Conservative (Tory) government is now doubling down to risk peace in Ireland so that she might cling on to power. Having lost her partys overall majority in the House of Parliament in last weeks humiliating British general election, May is having to rely on a rabidly sectarian party from Northern Ireland to cobble together a working government.

The so-called Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) is being wooed by May to provide its quota of 10 MPs in order to form an ad hoc parliamentary coalition. If a deal is done, that would give the Tories a total of 328 parliamentarians  scraping just enough lawmakers to pass future legislation.

It remains to be seen if the proposed arrangement will work. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has derided it as a coalition of chaos and is urging his own party to get ready to contend another election in the coming months resulting from the Tory governments possible collapse.

Several leading British and Irish political figures are warning May that her gamble to govern with the Northern Ireland DUP is risking the return of violence in the British-ruled province. The danger stems from the DUP demanding concessions from London which would inflame sectarian tensions in Northern Ireland.

For the past 20 years since the signing of a peace agreement in 1997, Northern Ireland has witnessed a period of relative calm. A thirty-year sectarian conflict between mainly pro-British Protestants and pro-independence Catholics that began in 1968 had been largely settled. A local administration of power-sharing between the DUP unionists and republicans belonging to Sinn Fein was forged. That managed to keep the lid on seething sectarian passions. But now that lid is in danger of being blown away by Mays one-sided deal-making with the unionists.

John Major, a former British Conservative prime minister (1990-97) who helped facilitate the Irish peace process, has this week added his voice to a chorus of public figures warning Theresa May that her proposed pact with the DUP could reignite conflict in Northern Ireland.

Major said a fundamental part of the Northern Ireland peace deal is that the London government needs to be seen as impartial between competing political parties in the province. With May now moving to explicitly rely on the DUP to govern Britain that official impartiality is cast aside.

The warnings from Major have been echoed by the former southern Irish premier Enda Kenny, as well as by former British Labour minister Peter Hain. Hain, who was also involved in implementing the Irish peace process, said that any deal between Mays government and the DUP will come at a painful price for Northern Ireland.

This comes at a particularly delicate time in Northern Ireland. For the past six months, the local administration based in Stormont, Belfast, has been suspended. Sinn Fein  the second biggest party after the DUP  collapsed the power-sharing assembly over a public spending scandal involving DUP ministers.

Some members of the DUP  who were never supportive of the power-sharing deal anyway  are now seizing on the chance to end it entirely. With a direct line of power from London owing to the proposed coalition with May, the DUP are emboldened to go it alone, without Sinn Fein. The latter is the political wing of the Irish Republican Army, the guerrilla group that fought against the British army and police force during the 3o-year conflict. The DUP have never fully reconciled with Sinn Fein whom they accuse of being terrorists.

Also, another incendiary factor is that the summer months in Northern Ireland are traditionally a time of increased sectarian tensions. This is because pro-unionist organizations led by the Protestant Orange Order (a Masonic group likened to the KKK in the USA), as well as associated paramilitary factions, take to the streets in large-scale marches to commemorate centuries-old battles. The marches which culminate next month on July 12 are seen by many Catholics as provocatively sectarian. Historically, the Orange parades are organized in a triumphalist display or supposed supremacy over the minority Catholic community in Northern Ireland.

An ominous fact is that the Orange marches were a tipping factor in the eruption of violence in Northern Ireland back in 1968.

Since the signing of the peace accord in 1997, the British government agreed to demands to restrict these pro-unionist marches from entering into Catholic communities. Again, now with the DUP being seen to have governing favor with the Conservative administration in London, the Orangemen and their overlapping rank-and-file membership of the DUP are demanding that the marching restrictions be lifted.

As former Labour minister Peter Hain notes it will be difficult for May to say no to the unionists demands owing to the imperative of her own political survival in Westminster. That imperative for the shaky minority Conservative government is all the more amplified because of the impending Brexit negotiations due to start next week with Brussels.

The Brexit talks following last years British referendum to leave the European Union are billed as the most important negotiations facing Britain since the Second World War. Yet Mays government is going into these talks with Brussels not knowing whether its negotiating position should be to seek a hard or soft Brexit, that is, what the degree of separation from the EU should be, either full or partial. Mays government is in a shambles on the Brexit rubicon. Shoring up a semblance of stability in London is therefore seen by the Tories as vital. And that is why May is wide open to leveraging by the DUP, no matter the potentially dire consequences for Irish peace.

Other inflammatory demands expected from the DUP include the closing down of historical prosecutions against members of the Northern Ireland security forces who are accused of collusion with unionist paramilitaries.

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The notion that Northern Ireland was beset only by republican terrorists is a DUP hobby horse. A hobby horse which is shared incidentally by large sections of the Conservative party and the British establishment. That is why Labours Jeremy Corbyn was vilified as a terrorist sympathizer during the recent election campaign, owing to his past verbal support for Sinn Fein.

The truth is that other parties, primarily the Conservative government of the late Margaret Thatcher (1979-90) and unionist political parties in Northern Ireland like the DUP, were deeply complicit in colluding with illegal paramilitary organizations that supported the political cause of political union between Northern Ireland and Britain. These terrorist organizations included the Ulster Volunteer Force and Ulster Freedom Fighters. They were enabled covertly by British military intelligence, in conjunction with the British-run but now-disbanded Royal Ulster Constabulary police force in Northern Ireland, as well as a local battalion of the British army known as the Ulster Defense Regiment (also disbanded).

This British state counter-insurgency apparatus carried out hundreds of assassinations of republican politicians and other innocent civilians in a deliberate covert campaign of terror to thwart republicanism and the reunification of Ireland as an independent state from Britain.

The DUP and associated organizations like the Orange Order and Ulster Resistance helped to arm the unionist death squads with massive caches of weapons smuggled into Northern Ireland from apartheid South Africa during the 1980s.

One of the present DUP MPs whom Theresa May will be counting on for support to govern Britain is Emma Little-Pengelly. Her father Noel Little, also a DUP member, was convicted for his part in the arms smuggling operation from South Africa.

Several other senior members of the DUP were also implicated in the gun-running for unionist terror groups, including the party founder Ian Paisley (died 2014) and Peter Robinson, who was formerly the First Minister of Northern Ireland before his replacement by the current head of the DUP Arlene Foster. Foster is leading the current talks in London with May to form an informal governing Westminster coalition.

Given the horrendous legacy of bad sectarian blood in Northern Ireland, it seems highly irresponsible for the British Conservative leader to be giving one of the parties to that conflict such disproportionate leverage.

However, tragically, history shows that British Conservative governments have always had a criminally reckless disregard for Irish peace and sovereignty. During the partition of Ireland in 1921, the Tories in London fully embraced the Northern unionists in their seditious threat to use wide-scale violence against Irish democratic rights.

Theresa May made a disastrous gamble to call the British general election last week in a misguided calculation that it would give her a stronger negotiating hand against the rest of Europe. She bet the House of Parliament on her partys selfish ambitions and she lost big time.

Now May is gambling with peace in Ireland to recoup her disastrous losses.
Tillerson calls for regime change in Iran

By Adrienne Mahsa Varkiani

June 16, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - The new U.S. policy towards Iran includes regime change, according to Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.

Tillerson was asked on Wednesday whether the United States supports regime change inside Iran. He replied in the affirmative, saying that U.S. policy is driven by relying on elements inside of Iran to bring about peaceful transition of that government.

He made the comments in a hearing on the 2018 State Department budget before the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Rep. Ted Poe (R-TX) asked Tillerson about U.S. policy towards Iran, including whether the U.S. government would sanction the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and whether the U.S. supported a philosophy of regime change.

They are doing bad things throughout the world, on behalf of terrorism and destroying human rights of many people, Poe said, referring to the IRGC. Id like to know what the policy is of the U.S. toward Iran. Do we support the current regime? Do we support a philosophy of regime change, peaceful regime change? There are Iranians in exile all over the world. Some are here. And then theres Iranians in Iran who dont support the totalitarian state. So is the U.S. position to leave things as they are or set up a peaceful long-term regime change?

Well our Iranian policy is under development, Tillerson replied. Its not yet been delivered to the president, but I would tell you that we certainly recognize Irans continued destabilizing presence in the region, their payment of foreign fighters, their export of militia forces in Syria, in Iraq, in Yemen, their support for Hezbollah. And we are taking action to respond to Irans hegemony. Additional sanctions actions have been put in place against individuals and others.

We continually review the merits both from the standpoint of diplomatic but also international consequences of designating the Iranian Revolutionary Guard in its entirety as a terrorist organization, he added. As you know, we have designated the Quds [Force]. Our policy towards Iran is to push back on this hegemony, contain their ability to develop obviously nuclear weapons, and to work toward support of those elements inside of Iran that would lead to a peaceful transition of that government. Those elements are there, certainly as we know.

Trumps foreign policy team is filled with hawks on Iran , but Tillerson is the first administration official to advocate for regime change in his official capacity.

The Iranian government was quick to condemn Tillersons remarks. On Thursday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qassemi called Tillersons comments interventionist, in gross violation of the compelling rules of international law, unacceptable and strongly condemned.

Since the 1950s, the United States tried to meddle in Iranian affairs by different strategies such as coup detat, regime change, and military intervention. Qassemi said, referring to U.S. involvement in the 1953 coup in Iran , dubbed Operation AJAX by the CIA. These efforts have all failed, Qassemi said, adding that the new U.S. government was confused and could be easily manipulated by wrong information.

Tillersons focus on nuclear weapons in his comments on Wednesday are notable, given that he has previously acknowledged that Iran is in full compliance with the Iranian nuclear agreement (as has the International Atomic Energy Agency ).

Last week, Iran suffered an attack claimed by the Islamic State that killed at least 17 people and injured dozens. The White House response implied that Iran deserved the attack. We grieve and pray for the innocent victims of the terrorist attacks in Iran, and for the Iranian people, who are going through such challenging times, the statement read. We underscore that states that sponsor terrorism risk falling victim to the evil they promote.

The next day, Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA), a vocal Trump supporter, praised the attack in Tehran and suggested that the United States should work with the Islamic State to counter Iran.

On Thursday, the Senate passed an Iran sanctions bill, despite former Secretary of State John Kerrys warning that new sanctions could threaten the Iranian nuclear agreement.

This article was first published by

ThinkProgress

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Barbarians at the Gate





By Mike Holmes

June 16, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - As a libertarian I am firmly against violence directed at functionaries of the State, as a strategy or tactic to produce positive change.

This doesnt work (like killing cockroaches with your shoe, theres always many more) and causes a tremendous blowback. Nearly everyone in the US believes in democratic voting for change rather than victory by killing your opponents. Violence can only intimidate, not convince.

This is why the recent anti-Trump/GOP, progressive Democrat shooter in Virginia was totally wrong-headed for his attack. Any similar acts should be condemned regardless of who or why committed.

That is clear.

Nonetheless, it is hard to miss the irony. There is dramatic fuss over the (thus far) nonlethal act by one deranged individual against members of a body which  as a whole  directs millions of armed killers who daily inflict thousands of grievous wounds upon others. Congress tells us we need no obsolete Declaration of War to arm and fund these military killers in dozens of foreign lands. They merely label people as enemies and the shooting begins. Let the drones fly!

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In Roman imperial times when the Huns, Goths and Vandals arrived at the gates of the capital city, Senators knew trouble was at their door. They either bugged out or coughed up treasure as bribes. They were happy to vote for imperial wars so long as they could stay safe at home and enjoy the spoils. Not so happy when vengeful barbarians wanted payback. Rome was sacked more than once.

Well, Congressmen and Senators, barbarians are now at your gate. As cries of not my President and Resistance are heard from the sore losers in the recent elections, the thirst for revenge stirs not only in the parlors of Georgetown DC and Upper East Side Manhattan, but in the suburban American ranch homes of agitated partisan malcontents. Attacks on supporters of the elected president and riots preventing public appearances by conservative speakers are quietly condoned or applauded by resentful media-intellectual elites. If Congress can effortlessly commit mass mayhem, why not unhappy Harvey Q. Nutcase? Is not his war equally legal? Are not the President and Republicans illegitimate rulers? Then declare them your enemy on your Facebook page and start shooting.

The pain and injury of being attacked is all too real today for those in our own imperial capital. Some in Congress were victims of vengeful violence on June 14.

If they have the wisdom and morality they often claim, Congress should develop empathy for this same grief and pain they inflict upon others using their military agents in far off lands. Angry vengeful barbarians are already lining up at their gates. Foreign and domestic.

For any real healing to occur, Congress needs to halt their support for senseless and unending violence and work instead for peace here and abroad.

Mike Holmes [ send him mail ] is a practicing CPA in the Houston area.

This article was first published by

Lew Rockwell

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What is "the Resistance," Anyway?

By Danny Haiphong

Any resistance to the Trump Administration that includes the Democratic Party can only be seen as an effort to empower the ruling class through its preferred political party.

June 16, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - The 2017 Left Forum made "resistance" the central theme of the annual gathering of left thinkers, activists, and organizers. The term has become increasingly relevant in the midst of the instability surrounding the Trump Administration. "Resistance" has become the catch-all phrase for any force that opposes Trump. Only a small segment of those who attended the Left Forum attempted to spell out the dangers of such "resistance." Yet an important task of any self-proclaimed "left" movement is to define what the word resistance actually means in this period of confusion and crisis.

Any conversation about "resistance" must start with the state. The state, better known as the interconnected institutions of governance, is the central force that manages oppression in society. Under US imperialism, the state manages oppression through a variety of mechanisms. Special bodies of armed men play an especially critical role in the maintenance of oppressive social relations. Police, military, and private security forces all serve to violently enforce ruling class law and generalize submission to the interests of the ruling class. However, "the resistance" finds itself entangled in another form of state power.

That form is the non-profit industrial complex and its attending Democratic Party paymasters. "The Resistance" has significant support from the non-profit industrial complex and the Wall Street-stuffed coffers of the Democratic Party. Such support is evident in the organizations MoveOn.org , the Town Hall Project , and Indivisible. The Democratic think-tank Center for American Progress (CAP) assists each of these so-called anti-Trump focused organizations. On CAP's Board of Directors sits Democratic Party elites Madeline Albright and John Podesta.

This is the same Albright who helped enforce brutal sanctions against Iraq as Secretary of State under Bill and Hillary Clinton. It was Albright who commented that it was "worth it" to murder over 500,000 Iraqi children by way of US-sponsored starvation. Podesta was Hillary Clinton's campaign chair during her losing Presidential campaign in 2016. Leaked Podesta emails revealed that the Clinton campaign rigged the Democratic primaries against Bernie Sanders. They also outlined how Clinton used her extensive connections with Wall Street firms to expand the influence of the Clinton Foundation .

Any real "resistance" to the Trump Administration's policies in this period must be equally opposed to the machinations of the Clinton camp of the state. Anything less should warrant suspicion from resistance forces. One cannot separate the rise of Trump from the failures of the Democratic Party. It was the Democratic Party, not Trump, that pushed the political trajectory of the US even further rightward through its incessant collaboration with capital. Since the 1980s, the Democrats have led the way in the projects of austerity, mass incarceration, and war. These policies have understandably bred a high degree of cynicism among more left-leaning Democrats, requiring the intervention of the first Black President to keep "hope" for the party alive.

Any real resistance to the Trump Administration's policies in this period must be equally opposed to the machinations of the Clinton camp of the state.

Non-profits have been deployed to maintain the illusion that the Democratic Party represents the "left" wing of the two-party duopoly. Because the Democratic Party is in fact the War Party of the 21st century, it has attempted to utilize a well-funded opposition to achieve the material interests of its ruling class donors. The opposition to Trump based on alleged connections to Russia is case and point. For all of the reasons to oppose Trump, his rhetorical gesture to ease relations with Russia was not one of them. Even so, the Democratic Party has relentlessly pursued an anti-Russian campaign against Trump in a bid to unite their disenchanted voters with ruling class aspirations and paint it as resistance.

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The Democratic Party's consortium of non-profits have made war against Russia a top priority. Indivisible makes "investigating" Trump's ties to Russia one of their agenda points. So does MoveOn.org. Yet the FBI's nearly 8-month investigation on Trump has yielded no conclusive evidence. What is conclusive is the Democratic Party's commitment to escalating war with Russia. Under Obama, US provocations against Russia reached crisis levels . The 2014 US-sponsored coup in Ukraine placed a fascist nightmare state right on Russia's doorstep. World War III became an imminent threat to humanity under a Black Democrat.

Since the 1980s, the Democrats have led the way in the projects of austerity, mass incarceration, and war.

"Resistance" to Trump on the basis of alleged ties to Russia is a continuation of this war project. The Democratic Party is steering the wheel on behalf of the rich. Not even the New York Times can deny the Democratic Party's support from the top ten percent of income earners. In the 2016 elections, Hillary Clinton received 47 percent of votes from the top ten percent, as opposed to 46 percent for Donald Trump . Any "resistance" to the Trump Administration that includes the Democratic Party can only be seen as an effort to empower the ruling class through its preferred political party.

And the Democratic Party and its arsenal of non-profits may succeed in toppling Trump or weakening his Administration to the point of irrelevancy. Hillary Clinton's "resistance" Super PAC could pay dividends in future elections. A war with Russia is certainly possible, if not imminent. The question is, what does any of this have to with "resistance?" Islamophobia, patriarchy, and racism certainly won't eviscerate with Trumps demise. In fact, they stand to intensify should the Democrats and their Republican allies get their way.

The contradictions of the current period make clear that the word resistance is useless without definition. Resistance must target a specific problem, issue, or system to be called resistance at all. Real resistance includes tangible goals and objectives that materially benefit the people. Resistance to Trump alone is not resistance. Not only does such narrow activity fail to grasp the complexities of the moment, but it also paves an open path for establishment Democrats and Republicans to shape mass consciousness. This form of resistance leads directly to the normalization of war with Russia and the nuclear disaster that would follow.

Danny Haiphong is an Asian activist and political analyst in the Boston area. He can be reached at wakeupriseup1990@gmail.com -
The Deplorable Witch-Hunt Targeting Trump

By Stephen Lendman

June 16, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - Hes dead wrong on vital domestic and geopolitical issues - serving wealth, power and privilege exclusively, harming most others at home and abroad.

Hes right about a deplorable witch-hunt - dark forces assaulting the office of the presidency and the nation if successful, an undeclared coup detat attempt, wanting easily controlled Pence replacing him.

He may have been the deep states choice for president all along, once Trump emerged last aspirant standing among the array of GOP hopefuls - Pence a neocon Tea Party hardliner, an imperial war cheerleader, an Islamophobe and Russophobe, hostile to immigrant rights, and much more of concern.

Hes anti-progressive, anti-social justice, anti-governance serving everyone equitably, anti-abortion rights, anti-LGBT and womens rights, anti-gay marriage, an evangelical supporter of Israels worst crimes.

Hes part of the lunatic fringe infesting Washington, a bigoted Christian white supremacist, a far-right religious fundamentalist, serving in the nations second highest office.

Hes for virtually everything free societies abhor. Americans have just cause to fear a Pence presidency if Trumps ousted from office - from the frying pan to the fire, as the saying goes.

Trump made a colossal mistake appointing him. GHW Bush was much wiser choosing Dan Quayle, unqualified for any public office, unlikely any Washington power broker would want him replacing GHW.

Democrat VP candidate Lloyd Bentsen put him down resoundingly in their one vice-presidential debate, memorably saying Senator, youre no Jack Kennedy. Neither was Bentsen or any US president past or present.

Its too late for second thoughts on his VP choice, Trump stuck with Pence, a decision he may long regret if things go against him.

Responding to the assault on his presidency, he tweeted (y)ou are witnessing the single greatest WITCH HUNT in American political history - led by some very bad and conflicted people!

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They made up a phony collusion with the Russians story, found zero proof, so now they go for obstruction of justice on the phony story. Nice

Tweets arent the solution to his dilemma, a clear attempt to further denigrate, weaken and oust him from office by whatever means it takes.

Hes responsible for appalling domestic and geopolitical policies - including war crimes for escalating aggression in multiple theaters, along with other abuses of rule of law principles.

No legal basis exists for charging him with obstruction of justice. No evidence suggests it. Nothing indicates he or his team colluded improperly or illegally with anyone in Russia.

Law Professor Jonathan Turley advises no tweeting about special counsel Muellers investigation - calling it highly damaging to both his public and legal case.

He should consult his legal team before saying, doing, or tweeting anything relating to the ongoing investigation. They know whats in his best interest, and what can cause him further trouble.

According to Turley, his comments into aspects of the investigation could put his position under great scrutiny.

As they say, anything he says can be used against him. Trump should follow the advice of competent attorneys representing him.

Perhaps its his only chance to stay in office - besides avoiding one or more assassination attempts.

Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago. He can be reached at lendmanstephen@sbcglobal.net. - His new book as editor and contributor is titled "Flashpoint in Ukraine: How the US Drive for Hegemony Risks WW III." - http://www.claritypress.com/LendmanIII.html - Visit his blog site at sjlendman.blogspot.com.
Why Bernie Sanders is an Imperialist Pig

By Glen Ford

The United States does not have a national health care system worthy of the name, because it is in the war business, not the health business or the social equality business.

June 16, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - The United States is a predator nation, conceived and settled as a thief, exterminator and enslaver of other peoples. The slave-based republics phenomenal geographic expansion and economic growth were predicated on the super-exploitation of stolen African labor and the ruthless expropriation of native lands through genocidal wars, an uninterrupted history of plunder glorified in earlier times as Manifest Destiny and now exalted as American exceptionalism, an inherently racist justification for international and domestic lawlessness.

Assembled, acre by bloody acre, as a metastasizing empire, the U.S. state demands fealty to its imperial project as a substitute for any genuine social contract among its inhabitants  a political culture custom-made for the rule of rich white people.

The American project has been one long war of aggression that has shaped its borders, its internal social relations, and its global outlook and ambitions. It was founded as a consciously capitalist state that competed with other European powers through direct absorption of captured lands, brutal suppression of native peoples and the fantastic accumulation of capital through a diabolically efficient system of Black chattel slavery  a 24/7 war against the slave. This system then morphed through two stages of Jim Crow to become a Mass Black Incarceration State  a perpetual war of political and physical containment against Black America.

The U.S. state demands fealty to its imperial project as a substitute for any genuine social contract among its inhabitants.

Since the end of World War Two, the U.S. has assumed the role of protector of the spoils of half a millennium of European wars and occupations of the rest of the world: the organized rape of nations that we call colonialism. The first Black U.S. president, Barack Obama, was among the most aggressive defenders of white supremacy in history -- defending the accumulated advantages that colonialism provided to western European nations, settler states (like the U.S.) and citizens -- having launched an ongoing military offensive aimed at strangling the Chinese giant and preventing an effective Eurasian partnership with Russia. The first phase of the offensive, the crushing of Libya in 2011, allowed the United States to complete the effective military occupation of Africa, through AFRICOM.

The U.S. and its NATO allies already account for about 70 percent of global military spending, but Obama and his successor, Donald Trump, demand that Europeans increase the proportion of their economic output that goes to war. More than half of U.S. discretionary spending -- the tax money that is not dedicated to mandated social and development programs -- goes to what Dr. Martin Luther King 50 years ago called the demonic, destructive suction tube of the U.S. war machine.

The first Black U.S. president, Barack Obama, was among the most aggressive defenders of white supremacy in history.

The United States does not have a national health care system worthy of the name, because it is in the war business, not the health business or the social equality business. The U.S. has the weakest left, by far, of any industrialized country, because it has never escaped the racist, predatory dynamic on which it was founded, which stunted and deformed any real social contract among its peoples. In the U.S., progress is defined by global dominance of the U.S. State -- chiefly in military terms -- rather than domestic social development. Americans only imagine that they are materially better off than the people of other developed nations -- a fallacy they assume to be the case because of U.S. global military dominance. More importantly, most white Americans feel racially entitled to the spoils of U.S. dominance as part of their patrimony, even if they dont actually enjoy the fruits. (WE made this country great.) This is by no means limited to Trump voters.

Race relations in the U.S. cannot be understood outside the historical context of war, including the constant state of race war that is a central function of the U.S. State: protecting American values, fighting crime and urban disorder, and all the other euphemisms for preserving white supremacy.

War is not a side issue in the United States; it is the central political issue, on which all the others turn. War mania is the enemy of all social progress -- especially so, when it unites disparate social forces, in opposition to their own interests, in the service of an imperialist state that is the tool of a rapacious white capitalist elite. Therefore, the orchestrated propaganda blitzkrieg against Russia by the Democratic Party, in collaboration with the corporate media and other functionaries and properties of the U.S. ruling class, marks the party as, collectively, the Warmonger-in-Chief political institution in the United States at this historical juncture. The Democrats are anathema to any politics that can be described as progressive.

Race relations in the U.S. cannot be understood outside the historical context of war, including the constant state of race war that is a central function of the U.S. State.

Bernie Sanders is a highly valued Democrat, the partys Outreach Director and therefore, as Paul Street writes , the imperialist and sheep-dogging fake-socialist Democratic Party company man that some of us on the hard radical Left said he was. Sanders is a warmonger, not merely by association, but by virtue of his own positions. He favors more sanctions against Russia, in addition to the sanctions levied against Moscow in 2014 and 2016 for its measured response to the U.S-backed fascist coup against a democratically elected government in Ukraine. Rather than surrender to U.S. bullying, Russia came to the military aid of the sovereign and internationally recognized government of Syria in 2015, upsetting the U.S. game plan for an Islamic jihadist victory.

Back in April of this year, on NBCs Meet The Press, Sanders purposely mimicked The Godfather when asked what he would do to force the Russians to the table in Syria:

I think you may want to make them an offer they can't refuse. And that means tightening the screws on them, dealing with sanctions, telling them that we need their help, they have got to come to the table and not maintain this horrific dictator.

Of course, it is the United States that has sabotaged every international agreement to rein in its jihadist mercenaries in Syria.

We need a strong military, it is a dangerous world, Sanders told voters in Iowa.

Sanders is a regime-changer, which means he thinks the U.S., in combination with self-selected allies, is above international law, i.e., exceptional.

We've got to work with countries around the world for a political solution to get rid of this guy [Syrian President Bashar al-Assad] and to finally bring peace and stability to this country, which has been so decimated.

During the 2016 campaign, Sanders urged the U.S. to stop acting unilaterally in the region, but instead to collaborate with Syrias Arab neighbors -- as if the funding and training of jihadist fighters had not been a joint effort with Saudi Arabia and the other Gulf monarchies, all along.

According to Politico , As late as 2002, Sanders campaign website declared that the defense budget should be cut by 50 percent over the next five years. But all the defense-cutting air went out of his chest after Bush invaded Iraq. Nowadays, Sanders limits himself to the usual noises about Pentagon waste, but has no principled position against the imperial mission of the United States. We need a strong military, it is a dangerous world, Sanders told voters in Iowa, during the campaign.

Like Paul Street said, hes an imperialist...Democratic Party company man.

A Sanders-led Party would still be an imperialist, pro-war party.

At last weekends Peoples Summit , in Chicago, National Nurses United executive director RoseAnn DeMoro endorsed Sanders for a mission he finds impossible to accept: a run for president in 2020 on the Peoples Party ticket. Sanders already had his chance to run as a Green, and refused. He is now the second most important Democrat in the country, behind the ultra-corrupt Bill-Hillary Clinton machine -- and by far the most popular. On top of that, Sanders loves being the hero of the phony left, the guy who gimmick-seeking left-liberals hope will create an instant national party for them, making it unnecessary to build a real anti-war, pro-people party from scratch to go heads up with the two corporate machines.

Sanders doesnt even have to exert himself to string the Peoples Party folks along; they eagerly delude themselves. However, a Sanders-led Party would still be an imperialist, pro-war party.

The U.S. does need a social democratic party, but it must be anti-war, otherwise it commits a fraud on social democracy. The United States is the imperial superpower, the main military aggressor on the planet. Its rulers must be deprived of the political ability to spend trillions on war, and to kill millions, or they will always use the necessity of war to enforce austerity. The left domestic project will fail.

For those of us from the Black Radical Tradition, anti-imperialism is central. Solidarity with the victims of U.S. imperialism is non-negotiable, and we can make no common cause with U.S. political actors that treat war as a political side show, an elective issue that is separate from domestic social justice. This is not just a matter of principle, but also of practical politics. Left imperialism isnt just evil, it is self-defeating and stupid.

Glen Ford can be contacted at Glen.Ford@BlackAgendaReport.com.
Washingtons War Crimes in Syria

By Bill Van Auken

June 16, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - The United States government is guilty of war crimes. This is the stark conclusion reached by the independent international commission of inquiry established by the United Nations in 2011 to investigate human rights violations stemming from the protracted US-backed war for regime change in Syria.

The Pentagons relentless bombing campaign in and around the northern Syrian city of Raqqa, the so-called capital of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), has inflicted a staggering loss of civilian life, while forcing over 160,000 civilians to flee their homes, Paulo Pinheiro, chairman of the UNs commission of inquiry, said on Wednesday.

US warplanes have dropped tens of thousands of munitions on Raqqa and the surrounding area, killing and maiming thousands of Syrian men, women and children. US Marines units, which have steadily swelled the ground forces illegally deployed on Syrian soil, have unleashed further lethal firepower, firing 155mm howitzers into crowded urban neighborhoods and flying Apache attack helicopters to provide close air support to the so-called Syrian Democratic Forces. This proxy force of Washington is dominated by the Kurdish YPG militia and advised by US Special Operations troops.

The bloody siege of Raqqa is unfolding even as the Pentagon is carrying out a similar slaughter, begun last October, in Mosul, an Iraqi city 232 miles to the east that once boasted a population of over 2 million. Most of Mosul has been pulverized by US bombs, rockets and shells. Thousands have been killed and wounded, while many remain still buried under the rubble.

The scope of the war crimes being carried out by the Pentagon comes more sharply into focus with the verified reports that US artillery units are firing white phosphorus shells into both Raqqa and Mosul. These incendiary chemical weapons, banned under international law for use in populated areas, ignite human flesh on contact, burning it to the bone, while those who breathe the gases released by the shells suffocate and burn from the inside out. The horrific wounds caused by these weapons reopen when exposed to air. White phosphorus is used to strike terror among those under attack.

Another murderous weapon being employed against the populations of Raqqa and Mosul is the MGM-140B rocket. Fired from a mobile rocket launcher, the weapon detonates in midair, scattering some 274 anti-personnel grenades, each of which is capable of killing anyone within a 15-meter radius.

Last month, US Defense Secretary James Mattis told the media that the Pentagon was adopting annihilation tactics in its anti-ISIS campaign, adding, Civilian casualties are a fact of life in this sort of situation. Mattis, a recently retired Marine general whom the military nicknamed Mad Dog, knows whereof he speaks. In 2004, he led the two murderous sieges of Fallujah that claimed the lives of thousands of Iraqis, and, as in the latest US atrocities, made use of white phosphorus shells against a civilian population.

The US military interventions in Iraq and Syria are not aimed at annihilating ISIS, itself the product of the 2003 US invasion and occupation of Iraq, followed by Washingtons utilization of Islamist fighters as proxy ground forces in the regime-change wars in both Libya and Syria. While Raqqa has been surrounded by US-backed forces from the north, east and west, an escape route for ISIS fighters has been opened up to the southeast in order to funnel them into the province of Deir al-Zour, so they can fight the Syrian army there. Similarly, large numbers of ISIS fighters were allowed to flee Mosul, crossing the border into Syria for the same purpose.

Washingtons strategic objectives in Iraq and Syria are not those of fighting terrorism, but rather consolidating US hegemony over the oil-rich Middle East and preparing for war against the principal obstacles to this objective, Iran and Russia. For US imperialism, undisputed control over both the Persian Gulf and Central Asia would provide the means to cut off energy supplies to its global rival, China.

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These predatory aims are the source of war crimes, and not only in Iraq and Syria. In Yemen, Washington is backing a near-genocidal war led by the Saudi monarchy with the objective of weakening Irans influence in the Persian Gulf. During his visit to Riyadh last month, President Donald Trump announced a $110 billion arms deal with the kingdom, which will, in the first instance, replenish the bombs and missiles it is raining on the population of the most impoverished nation in the Arab world.

This arms package follows similar deals signed by the Obama administration, which also supplied the Saudis with logistical and intelligence aid for the Yemen war, including mid-air refueling for its warplanes and US naval backing for a blockade that is starving the population and denying it medical supplies. In addition to killing 12,000 people outright, the US-Saudi war has left at least 7 million Yemenis on the brink of famine, while cholera is threatening to kill thousands more. Save the Children reports that, on average, one Yemeni child is contracting the disease every 35 seconds.

Meanwhile, Washington is preparing to once again escalate the protracted slaughter in Afghanistan. US officials reported Tuesday that Trump has authorized Mattis to set troop levels in the country, which the US has occupied since 2001. Thousands more soldiers are expected to be deployed, with the aim of carrying out the annihilation tactics favored by the defense secretary. A taste of what is to come was seen Monday when US troops whose convoy hit a roadside bomb opened fire indiscriminately on civilians, killing a brick kiln laborer and his two sons, ages eight and 10.

As these atrocities play out across an ever-expanding global battlefield, what is striking is the absence of any organized opposition to US war crimes. The continuous wars are not even a subject of debate in Congress and are supported by both Democrats and Republicans. The media, a faithful propaganda arm of the Pentagon and the CIA, has shown a complete disinterest in US war crimes, paying attention only when allegations are made against Russia or the Syrian government.

Moreover, while masses of working people in the US and around the world are opposed to war, the pseudo-left groups that got their start in the middle class antiwar protests of the 1960s and 1970s have abandoned even verbal opposition to US military aggression. Reflecting the interests of privileged middle-class layers, groups like the International Socialist Organization in the US, the Left Party in Germany and the New Anti-capitalist Party in France have articulated the politics of this new constituency for imperialism, justifying neo-colonial interventions in the name of human rights and portraying CIA regime-change operations as in Libya and Syria as revolutions.

The emergence of a genuine antiwar movement is today a matter of life and death, as the war crimes being carried out by Washington across the globe threaten to coalesce into a global conflict involving the major nuclear powers. Such a movement can be built only in the fight to mobilize the working class independently on the basis of a socialist program to put an end to capitalism, the source of war.

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Authorities say four local journalists in northeast Cambodias Ratanakiri Province were sent to the provincial court on Friday for allegedly extorting money from a wood transporter.

Brig.-Gen. Kim Rasmey, chief of Ratanakiri Provincial Military Police, said the four journalists, including a female were caught on Wednesday following a complaint filed by a truck driver who transported wood poles for pepper plantation.

He said the detainees were Yon Tith from the Khmer Youth News, Peng Soktharak from the CPN Online, Mey Menghuy from the Phnom Penh News, and Chan Nara from the TNM Online.

These media outlets are little known in the country.

Yon Tith was arrested for demanding the wood transporter pay him 500 U.S. dollars monthly, while the three others were nabbed for extorting 600 U.S. dollars from the wood transporter, Rasmey told Xinhua via telephone.

He said the group had confessed to the crime during an interrogation.

Rasmey said under the countrys Criminal Code, the act of extortion could face between two and five years in prison if convicted.

Source: ( PM News )
The Federal Government witness in the in the trial of a former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki, has been granted witness protection by a Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday gave an order permitting the witness to testify behind a screen.

Dasuki is being prosecuted before the court on seven counts of stealing Federal Governments sophisticated weapons, illegal possession of firearms and money laundering.

Justice Ahmed Mohammed, in a ruling on the prosecutions application for witness protection, ordered that the witnesses would be allowed to testify behind a screen to be provided by the court.

The judge ordered that the screen would be used in such a way that it would not shield the witnesses from being seen by him (the judge), the defendant, as well as the members of the prosecution and defence teams.

Members of the public will not to be allowed to see the witnesses.

In dismissing the objection of the defence to the application on Thursday, Justice Mohammed ruled that the application was in order since section 232(4) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 allowed the use of a screen to be used by prosecution witnesses in cases pertaining to economic and financial crimes.

The judge ruled, Section 232(4) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act permits the use of a screen in a charge of economic and financial crimes and money laundering.

Therefore, the request is in order especially when it has not been shown that it will prejudice the defendant.

The judge dismissed the grounds of objection by Dasukis lead counsel, Mr. Ahmed Raji (SAN), who argued that the application constituted an abuse of court process because a similar one filed by the prosecution in the same case had been dismissed by the former trial judge, Justice Adeniyi Ademola.

Justice Mohammed agreed with the lead prosecution counsel, Mr. Dipo Okpeseyi (SAN), who maintained that none of the prayers sought in the old application dismissed by Justice Ademola was asked for in the fresh application.

The judge noted that apart from asking for permission to allow its witnesses to testify behind a screen, the prosecution never sought any other prayer.

Justice Mohammed reiterated that none of the said prayers sought in the old application before Justice Ademola was sought in the fresh application.

He, therefore, ruled that the fresh application did not constitute an abuse of court process as alleged by Raji.

The judge fixed September 20 and 21 for trial.

Okpeseyi had during the hearing of the application on May 11, 2017 argued that there was a possible threat to the witnesses lives by the virtue of Dasukis current and previous positions.

Okpeseyi argued that there was the need to shield the identities of the prosecution from the public.

He said this was because the witnesses were operatives of the Department of State Services carrying out covert operations on behalf of the Federal Government in various parts of the country and even beyond.

Okpeseyi also noted that Dasukis status as a former senior military officer, an ex-aide-de-camp to a sitting President, a former NSA and a crown prince (of the Sokoto Emirate), collectively conferred a large followership on him (Dasuki).

He went further to argue that considering the defendants former and current positions, the witnesses, whom the prosecutor said had previously served under Dasuki, stood the risk of being harmed.

Dasukis lawyer, Raji, however, urged the court to view the alleged threat as mere speculation without any evidence supporting it.

But the prosecutor insisted that the threat was real even as he alluded to an alleged inexplicable accident which he said had virtually incapacitated the principal prosecution witness in the case.

Source: (Punch Newspaper )
A Nigerian woman who was desperate to travel out of the country by all means has been caught after procuring fake visas.

A 34-year-old woman, Modupeola Afolabi, has been arrested by operatives of the Police Special Fraud Unit (PSFU), Ikoyi, Lagos, for procuring fake United Kingdom and Chinese visas as well as fake Heathrow Airports entry/exit stamps, The Nation has reported.

Afolabi was paraded by the spokesman for SFU, Lawal Audu, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), alongside two suspected visa racketeers, Sesan Awolola, 31, and Adebayo Ajase, 28, who allegedly specialised in cloning visa payment slips and receipt.

While confessing before journalist, Afolabi who claimed to be a university graduate, told journalists that she resorted to procuring fake UK and Chinese visas after she was denied United States visa twice.

The woman said when she contacted a visa agent, she was told that her application was rejected her because she had a virgin passport.

Afolabi said: The agent, Olawale told me there was something he would do so that when my documents are sent again, the U.S people will grant my visa request. He told me that the U.S Embassy doesnt verify the authenticity of visas from other countries and so, I agreed to do it.

I paid him N70,000 for the fake visas and stamps. I badly needed to travel to America to buy clothes for sale. I usually shopped online and I felt if I started travelling to America to buy, it would be cheaper for me.

I have a registered business and I think I have enough money in my account but they rejected me twice. They found out when they were asking me questions during interview that I have not been to the UK and that was how I was arrested.

According to Audu, the SFU received a petition from the U.S Embassy last year lamenting the amount of money it was losing to fraudsters, who use Corel Draw application and Microsoft Word to clone old receipts and present them for use by other visa applicants.

Following the petition, Audu said the SFU commenced an investigation which led to the arrest and arraignment of three suspects, including one Ismaila Adefile before a Lagos Magistrates Court, Igbosere.
Cristiano Ronaldo wants to leave Real Madrid because he does not want to play in Spain any more, Sky sources understand.

The former Manchester United winger is angry about the way he has been treated by Spanish tax authorities and has told Real he wants a move away from the club.

Spanish prosecutors have accused Ronaldo of avoiding 14.7m in tax  a charge he completely denies.

The Portugal captain is facing allegations from Madrids regional state prosecutor of four counts of tax fraud relating to image rights payments.

The four-time Ballon dOr winner spoke briefly when quizzed on the subject by reporters following a training session with Portugal on Wednesday, saying he had a clear conscience.

Ronaldo, 32, signed a new five-year contract last November which means he is contracted to Real until 2021, but has previously stated a desire to return to Manchester United at some point in the future.

There is interest from China with the mid-season window there opening on Monday.

(The Sun)
Justice Kudirat Akano of the Osun State High Court will determine today ( Friday) the bail application for Oba Ademola Ademiluyi, Pastor Taiwo Fakowajo and four other suspects, who are on trial in connection with the Ile-Ife clash of March 8, 2017.

The judge had on April 28 ordered that the suspects be remanded in prison custody and the defence counsel, Mr. Wale Olawoyin (SAN), raised the issue of bail application on Wednesday when the trial started but the judge did not deliver her ruling on it.

Olawoyin told the court that the bail application of his clients was still pending and his clients were awaiting the judges ruling on it.

While addressing journalists outside the courtroom, the defence counsel stated that the judge would likely decide on the bail application on Friday.

He said, The application for bail was argued yesterday (Wednesday) and the court has indicated that ruling will be delivered on it tomorrow (Friday).

The prosecution witness, Nasri Malami, had on Wednesday while giving his evidence, told the court that one of the suspects, simply identified as Fakowajo, shot and killed one Salmon Mohammed in his presence.

He also testified that some of those, who attacked Hausa residents at Sabo, Ile-Ife, during the clash wore masks.

However, Prosecution Witness 2, Abubakar Muntari, while being cross-examined on Thursday, said those that attacked him and his Hausa kinsmen did not wear masks.

The prosecutor, Mr. Simon Lough, said he had lined up nine witnesses, adding that he could call more witnesses depending on the situation.

The judge adjourned hearing in the matter till Friday.

It will be recalled that the police arrested 21 suspects all of whom are Yoruba, following the clash which left 45 persons dead and properties worth several millions of naira destroyed.

Following persistent condemnations which trailed the one-sided arrests, some of the suspects were freed and six suspects were brought down to Osogbo from Abuja.

The six suspects were arraigned by the police on April 28.
The Indigenous People of Biafra on Thursday expressed their anger at the Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, for holding a South-East peace and conflict resolution meeting without involving its leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

According to the statement released by the Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, on Thursday, in Akwa, IPOB said those who attended the meeting had no major stake in the conflict intended to be resolved.

Osinbajo had on Wednesday held a meeting with leaders of thought from the South-East at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, where he warned those who had been engaging in hate speeches across ethnic lines in all parts of the country to always take into consideration that wars sometimes start with words and not necessarily with bullets.

IPOB, in the statement, faulted Osinbajos meeting and described it as of no effect.

It said This meeting, we understood, was convened at the instigation of the Nigerian acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, following the political fallout from the hugely successful IPOB sit-at-home order of 30th of May, 2017.

Source: ( Punch Newspaper )
An Idi-Ogungun Customary Court in Agodi, Ibadan, Oyo State, was approached by one Ajumoti Ajibola, on Friday, seeking the dissolution of his three-year marriage with his wife, Bolaji, over her alleged inability to cook a decent meal.

He said the divorce would enable him to marry a woman who can cook good meals for him.

Testifying before the court, Ajibola described the defendant as a wife who hardly obeys instructions and does not know how to do domestic chores.

She is not respectful; and her mother, who is in the position to correct her mistakes, always supports her whenever I report my wife to her.

Also, she cannot prepare a decent meal and I can no longer eat tasteless meals.

So, the court should end our union of three years, to enable me to marry a woman that can cook good food for me, he pleaded.

The defendant, however, informed the court that she and her husband underwent court marriage, hence the customary court has no jurisdiction to entertain the case.

Though I agreed with the dissolution of the marriage, we did court marriage at Ibadan North Local Government Registry when we married, Bolaji said.

The President of the Court, Mukaila Balogun, struck out the case, saying that evidence of both parties proved that they did court marriage.

Balogun advised the couple to proceed to high court for the dissolution of their marriage.

Source: (NAN)
The families of the three soldiers killed during a clash with militants in the coastal areas of the state in May have been given N1.5 million by the Ondo State governor,Rotimi Akeredolu

The governor who paid a condolence visit to the 19 Battalion of the Nigeria Army, Okitipupa, Ondo State, on Thursday, gave N500, 000 each to the families of the deceased soldiers and N250, 000 to another soldier who sustained bullet wounds during the gun battle.

The affected soldiers were members the Army task force code named, Operation Safe Delta, which sought to sanitise the Niger Delta area of the state.

The men engaged militants in Ajakpa community, in Ese Odo Local Government Area of Ondo State, an encounter which led to the killing of the leader of the militant group, Ossy Ibori, and 15 other members of the group.

The governor was represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Security, Jimoh Dojumo.

Mr. Dojumo, paying a condolence visit to the Commanding Officer of the battalion, described the death of the military men as regrettable.

This administration would continue to provide logistics support for the military and other security agencies to carry out their functions of protecting the people, he said.

The Commanding Officer of the battalion, Mohammed Maaji, a Lt.-Col., who was represented by Michael Ogundele, a captain, thanked the governor for his support for the suffering officer and the families of the fallen men.

He assured the governor of the militarys commitment to the discharge of its duties.

Source: ( Premium Times )
According to the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, confirmed that the Acting President Yemi Osinbajo gets in touch with President Muhammadu Buhari everyday and that there is so much trust between both men.

Mohammed said this when he appeared on Politics Today on Channels Television.

Asked if President Buhari is in support of the meetings the Acting President is having with leaders of the North and South East amid growing tension in both regions, the minister said there is no concern about that.

He said, The Acting President is daily in touch with Mr President so I am very confident that Mr President is in the full know of what the Acting President is doing and there is so much trust between the acting president and the president. I dont think there should be an area of concern at all.

On the calls for the restructuring of Nigeria, Mohammed said that was not a priority for the government.

He said, I have said at several fora that the priority of government right now is to keep this government one and safe. The priority is to revamp the economy and the priority of this government right now is to ensure that we fight corruption and that we put this country on a very stable footing. The issue of restructuring might come later but right now it is not on our front burner.

Source: ( PM News )
Three assertive young artists recently embarked upon a search for new cultural and artistic identities. The artists also participated in an exhibition titled, Idanimo: Leaders of the new school volume 1 and held in Lagos a few days ago.

The three artists are Promise ONali, Dipo Doherty and Ayobola Kekere-Ekun. Apart from the fact that they are relatively young, they have something in common, which is the determination to be self-dependent and to make a decent living by using every available medium around them without having to sit around in offices and work for somebody else.

The artists also have a common goal, in a sense that they all desire to influence the youth, through their works, to start thinking of themselves as key players in the general quest for social re-orientation. The most important thing is being aware of who we are and of the fact that we can also change the environment or society without having to wait for anybody to tell us what to do, ONali told our correspondent.

Explaining the objective of the exhibition, Oba Osoba, who was the curator of the event, said, We are basically trying to celebrate our cultural and personal identities. At the same, we are trying to encourage people to develop their individual identities and possibly, use that as a tool for change.

The exhibition highlighted the primary goal of the LMC, which is to promote visual arts across all the departments of the Nigerian society. Nigerians, especially residents of Lagos, are very artistic people. We hope that with the cutting edge techniques that people are bringing into the art space in the city, more artists will begin to create new art forms and processes. We feel that there are many ways in which things can be done differently to bring about the desired change in the society, Osoba added.

Describing the exhibition as the product of the drive to expand the market for Nigerian art works beyond the countrys borders and to attract patronage from more foreign art collectors interested in cultural products from this part of the world, he said, Our culture is exportable and it is important that we realise this. We package it, we make it new everyday and let people pay for it.

Most of the works, especially paintings, were executed with acrylic on canvas  from ONalis thought-provoking Ellas dream pod to Dohertys intricate drawing titled, Summer rhythms and Kekere-Ekuns dazzling Blossom, bubbles and buttercup.

For ONali, whose personal belief in the triumph of the mind over matter clearly resonates in most of his works, Idanimo provided an opportunity to showcase his works to a more critical audience outside his native Niger Delta.

In Ellas dream pod, which depicts an imaginary single mother, who is absorbed in a struggle to survive the hard times against all odds, for example, the artist explores the depth and power of the human imagination, as well as how it can be manipulated to achieve positive goals.

Similarly, Kekere-Ekun examines how the Nigerian society relates to the cultures conflicting constructs in her work, Blossom, bubbles and buttercups.

Source: Punch
I went to IBM InterConnect* this spring, and theres great newsthe cloud is becoming bigger, faster, and more secure. And most exciting, its becoming smarter. Were working with IBM to combine Intel technologies and expertise with IBM Cloud to create a cloud-native architecture that drives machine efficiency, maximizes resource utilization, and enables the creation of vastly scalable and powerful new applications like artificial intelligence (AI) and cognitive computing.

Ill explain how thats happening, but first let me tell you about bigger, faster, and more secure. Those are advances you can use today to take control over your data to meet performance, security or data sovereignty regulation, protecting sensitive information in the cloud.

Creating a More Secure Cloud

With IBM, we announced they are the first cloud service provider to enhance security and compliance for data and applications via automated deployment and configuration of HyTrust* and Intel Trusted Execution Technology (Intel TXT).

HyTrust (an Intel Capital portfolio company) makes cloud computing safer and compliance easier by letting you establish and enforce security policies across private and public clouds. It gives enterprises a single control point for cloud deployment and configuration. Every action taken is routed through the HyTrust virtual appliance where compliance with policies like PCI DSS, HIPAA, FISMA, and GDPR is verified before the action is allowed. And it automates and simplifies compliance reporting by letting you demonstrate your operating and security processes to auditors and verify those processes have been followed.

But security starts at the bottom of the stack. So HyTrust relies on Intel TXTa security feature of Intel Xeon processors that assures that applications running in the cloud run on trusted servers and operating systems that havent been tampered with. Intel TXT is Intels technology for establishing more secured platforms. It uses processor, chipset, and BIOS enhancements to measure the components of a launch environment to enforce that only known good configurations are launched. This helps protect against a number of software based attacks and provides a powerful control point for securing virtualized workloads.

Intel TXT can also make sure that VMs are started and data is decrypted only in approved locations. This geo-fencing assures customers know where their data is, and it enables them to comply with the data sovereignty regulations now imposed by many countries.

Making It Bigger and Faster

The future of the cloud is in the data it can acquire, store, and process. So were collaborating with IBM to establish a testbed to accelerate the development of cloud-based solutions for data-intensive apps based in Intel Optane storage technology.

Intel Optane technology is a new media that delivers an unparalled combination of high throughput, low latency, high QoS and high endurance vs traditional NAND-based solutions. It reduces data access latency to tenths of a nanosecond, and enables many uses including system acceleration, fast caching and storge and memory expansion. Intel Optane technology is Intels best solution for any application, device or cloud service requiring fast access to large sets of data..

This new approach to storage not only enables bigger datasets at less cost, it enables real time analytics to derive new insights from larger data sets. And Intel Optane memory can automatically learn a users computing behaviors to accelerate frequent tasks. We expect our collaboration with IBM to uncover new ways to apply Intel Optane technology to bring new, data-driven workloads to the cloud.

Toward a Thinking Cloud

But I said the cloud was getting smarter too. Heres how...

Many businesses are adopting multi-cloud strategies and with the explosion of data, they are leveraging technology and the cloud to create new markets and services based on artificial intelligence (AI) and cognitive computing. Protecting data, enabling the storage of vast quantities of it, and enabling fast access to it opens the door to a new generation of previously unthought-of applications. When we know personal information, patient data, and financial records are secure, we can apply analytics, AI, and cognitive computing to enhance humans lives in the same way computing itself has.

Intel is building AI acceleration capabilities based on Intel and Nervana technologies into Intel processors. Were optimizing AI software frameworks to tap that power, and were making cognitive computing accessible to developers in every field through training, support, and high-level development environments. We believe AI and cognitive computing will become a part of almost every workload and will change much of what we do with computers and with the cloud.

IBM shares that belief, and we will be talking more about our joint work on that front later this year. Intel and IBM will continue our partnership to apply Intel silicon technology, security technologies, and expertise to advance our goals for cognitive computing and make it available to everyone through a bigger, faster, more secureand smartercloud.

Learn more here:

*Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.
Raw Sugar (SB) Reclaims 61.8% Fib Retrace of Apr-Sep Slide Tradable Patterns - 46 minutes ago Raw Sugar (SBH23) edged higher yesterday, gaining for the 9th straight day and closing above the 61.8% Fib retrace of the April to September slide. SB is now comfortably above the October high, downchannel... SBH23 : 19.41s (+0.15%) SGG : 61.02 (+0.64%)

Hog Futures Weaken on Thursday Barchart - Thu Nov 10, 4:46PM CST Front month lean hog prices closed the Thursday session with 32 to 82 cent losses, but are still in the black on net for the week due to the Monday strength. The USDA National Average Base Hog Price was... HEZ22 : 84.875s (-0.47%) HEJ23 : 94.225s (-0.42%) KMZ22 : 95.500s (+0.05%)

Mixed Close for Thursday Cotton Barchart - Thu Nov 10, 4:46PM CST Cotton futures worked both sides of UNCH on Thursday, and settled the day mixed. December traded in a 251 point range on the day to close 12 points red. May 23 through the new crop futures were higher,... CTZ22 : 86.45 (+0.08%) CTH23 : 84.69 (+0.15%) CTK23 : 84.08 (+0.13%)

Cattle Rise on Weaker Grains Barchart - Thu Nov 10, 4:46PM CST Live cattle futures firmed up after a red midweek trade, erasing yesterdays action and going home back up by $0.72 to $1.50 in the front months. USDA reported cash sales from $149 to $150 in the South... LEZ22 : 153.075s (+0.99%) LEG23 : 155.025s (+0.57%) LEJ23 : 158.500s (+0.46%) GFX22 : 178.625s (+0.51%) GFF23 : 181.700s (+1.14%)

Wheat Holds Relatively Firm Barchart - Thu Nov 10, 4:46PM CST As corn and soybean futures fell 1-2% on Thursday, wheat markets were relatively firm on 1 1/2 to 8 cent losses across the complex. MGE wheat faired the worse of the domestic classes, and went home 6 3/4... ZWZ22 : 808-4 (+0.62%) ZWH23 : 830-0 (+0.51%) ZWPAES.CM : 7.3619 (-0.41%) KEZ22 : 928-6 (+0.38%) KEPAWS.CM : 8.8355 (-0.51%) MWZ22 : 936-2 (+0.51%)

Double Digit Drop in Corn Market Barchart - Thu Nov 10, 4:46PM CST Corn futures faded the Thursday session with double digit losses and closed near the low. December dropped the most on an 11 1/4 cent pullback to lows not seen since mid/late August. USDA announced a... ZCZ22 : 656-4 (+0.50%) ZCPAUS.CM : 6.5135 (-1.71%) ZCH23 : 662-2 (+0.42%) ZCK23 : 662-2 (+0.42%)
SnapNsure Insurance Services LLC has launched an independent insurance program that provides coverage for goods in self-storage units. Renters can purchase a policy directly through the companys website for any facility in their area. Its program is underwritten by The Hanover Insurance Group Inc., a holding company for several property and casualty insurance companies.

The monthly fee for the program ranges from $4.99 to $14.99, depending on the amount of coverage desired. Customers can choose $2,000 to $10,000 in property coverage. A discount of 5 percent is offered for those who sign up for the six-month program. Customers who choose a 12-month policy will receive a 7 percent discount, according to the companys website.

Covered causes of loss include fire or lightning, vandalism, burglary, water damage and more. Specialized coverage can be purchased for rodents, flood, earthquake and named storms. Items excluded from coverage include any kind of money or securities, wildlife, firearms, fur garments, jewelry, contraband, valuable documents and records, and others.

Every account includes a free photo and receipt archive, which can be accessed at any time. If the customer already has self-storage tenant insurance through another carrier, SnapNsure will handle the cancellation of the existing policy at no extra cost, according to the website.

SnapNsure, based in Wilmington, Del., was established earlier this year.

Based in Worcester, Mass., Hanover Insurance has provided products and services to individuals, families and businesses for more than 160 years. Through its international member company, Chaucer, it underwrites business at Lloyds of London in several insurance and reinsurance classes, including marine, property and energy.
With the news that the insurance giants chairman, Wu Xiaohui, has stepped aside following his alleged detention by Chinese authorities, Xi Jinpings government is once again throwing its weight around ahead of Communist Party elections in the fall.

Wu Xiaohui, chairman of Chinese financial giant Anbang Insurance Group Co., has gone on a $30 billion spending spree over the past three years, most famously snapping up the landmark Waldorf Astoria hotel in Manhattan for nearly $2 billion back in 2014.

But earlier this week, Anbang posted a statement on its web site saying its chairman had stepped aside and that business at the privately held group, which controls 1.97 trillion yuan ($290 billion) in assets, was being managed by others. The announcement follows revelations that Wu was taken by Chinese investigators from his offices in Beijing on June 8, as reported by the BBC, citing an official source.

Wu may be one of Chinas wealthiest businessmen, but his spending power and political connections have not protected him from the wrath of Chinese President Xi Jinping. Indeed, some of those connections  namely, his attempted business dealings with U.S. President Donald Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner  may have compounded his problems, sources tell Institutional Investor. Chinese finance experts say the recent investigation and detention of the Chinese insurance tycoon also is an indication that Xi has fully consolidated his power and gained an upper hand over political rivals ahead of the nations 19th Party Congress of the Communist Party of China, a summit set for this fall that will elect leaders for the coming five years.

A wealth of connections

Neither Anbang nor the government has revealed the reasons for Wus detention. But sources with knowledge of the current investigations tell Institutional Investor that Wu, 52, is being questioned by investigators looking into alleged insider trading during Chinas stock market crash of 2015.

Those same investigators already have detained at least one other tycoon. In January, Xiao Jianhua, a Chinese billionaire who controls four listed companies, allegedly was nabbed by Beijing security agents from his suite at the Four Seasons Hotel in Hong Kong. Xiao was a business partner of the sons of several retired Chinese leaders  among them, former vice president Zeng Qinghong  and seemingly had access to inside information in government and business circles.

Wu was once married to Zhuo Ran, a granddaughter of former Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping, and is known in Chinese political circles as a princeling: a child or relative of a powerful senior leader. Wu arguably had much higher-level contacts, sources say, and in particular, was still managing funds linked to one of Chinas preeminent political families, despite his reported separation from Zhuo more than a decade ago.

Where he got in trouble, says Andy Collier, an independent research analyst in Hong Kong, was getting too close to Kushner, which prompted scrutiny in both the U.S. and in China.

Earlier this year, Anbang attempted to invest in a Manhattan office tower at 666 Fifth Avenue owned by the Kushner familys Kushner Companies, a potential deal that attracted scrutiny from regulators and the U.S. Congress and eventually fell through.

Anbangs overseas ambitions caught the attentions of American regulators, who then requested more information, which Anbang did not want to disclose, says Collier, who from 2009 to 2011 was the New York-based president of Bank of China International, the offshore equity arm of Chinas third-largest bank. This, coupled with their ill-fated connections to Jared Kushner, brought them far more attention than Beijing wanted.

U.S. regulators also were investigating Anbangs aggressive spate of attempted acquisitions, including a failed attempted last year to buy Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide for $14 billion. Back home, an Anbang subsidiary was censured by Chinas insurance regulator in May for designing insurance and investment products that skirted regulations aimed at curtailing risk. The censure came amid an industry-wide crackdown on excessive use of universal life products by some insurers and as Chinas leaders moved to curb financial-sector risk.

A government crackdown

Willy Lam, a political scientist at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, says he believes the government detained Wu as part of a crackdown on massive capital flight by wealthy Chinese.

The major problem has to do with the leaderships efforts to prevent or curtail capital flight  corporations that make big investments overseas for the purpose of parking their money in safer places, either the U.S., Hong Kong or tax havens such as British Virgin Islands, Lam notes. Although Anbang is putatively a private company with connections to big clans in China, it has to follow general rules established by the party-state authorities.

Founded in 2004 as a small property and casualty insurer, Anbang has become a behemoth in only a little more than ten years under Wus leadership. Wus personal ties to the Dengs helped him raise a lot of funds from the nations wealthy families, many of them linked to the sons and daughters of senior Communist Party officials.

Since President Xi took office in 2013, he has been leading a crackdown on official corruption, including attacking a few of the powerful families that once led China, among them the scion of the family of Bo Yibo, a vice premier and former ally of Dengs. Xi sacked Bos son, Bo Xilai, from his post as Chongqing party chief in 2012. Bo was subsequently imprisoned for life after being prosecuted by a Chinese court for corruption.

Xi even went after a few other officials and former officials, but this is the first time he dared to go after someone who handled the wealth of the Deng family, says a retired senior Chinese official, who asked not to be identified by name for fear of incrimination. The fact that Xi dared to go after Wu means even the Deng family is no longer sacred or safe from Xis campaign. It takes a lot of guts to go after the Dengs, and Wus arrest means Xi has guts.

If anything, the retired official says, President Xi is not only ensured a second term through 2022, but he also may have a hand in putting one of his cronies in as his successor, and that means he may rule China through 2032.
The Government has announced that industry funding for ASIC has passed into law.The new funding model will see brokers and others regulated by ASIC foot the bill for the regulator through annual levies.Currently, it is not known how much brokers will have to pay under the new model as so far there have only been indicative prices indicated by the Government. In order to calculate costs to brokers, ASICs budget needs to be analysed and it needs to be determined how much time and funding will be allocated to each sector.The industry funding model delivers on a recommendation from the 2014 Murray Financial System Inquiry, as well as a 2013 Senate Inquiry into ASICs performance. Greg Medcraft, ASIC chairman, welcomed the dawning of a new regulatory era.This is an important milestone not just for ASIC, but also for the companies and wider corporate sector that we regulate, Medcraft said.Industry funding, in one form or another, applies to other areas of public oversight in Australia and in many comparable economies around the world. Not only will the different elements of the broad business sector more fairly share the load, but the taxpaying public will benefit through the more accountable use of the funds provided for the task. Dallas Booth , CEO of NIBA , meanwhile, expressed concerns with the model.There are elements of the funding model that we have got real problems with but the Government is committed to moving ahead with the funding model that is put on the table so it is going to happen, Booth told Insurance Business.Our main job is to make sure that across the various sectors of financial services, insurance brokers are not required to contribute an unfair proportion of the regulatory costs given that ASIC spends very considerable amounts of its time in other areas.
(Xinhua) 08:46, June 16, 2017

BEIJING, June 15 -- China's Minister of Public Security Guo Shengkun has called for enhanced efforts on a campaign to fight gang-related and organized crime.

Guo, also deputy head of the Commission for Political and Legal Affairs of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made the remarks at a national conference on this issue Thursday.

Noting that the campaign is vital for a safe and stable environment for the 19th National Congress of the CPC later this year, Guo said the crackdown should be strictly carried out to maintain "high pressure" on organized crime.

The focus of the campaign should be crime in rural areas, Guo said.

He also stressed that efforts should be made to resolutely eradicate the "protective umbrella" and the economic base for such crime.

Supervision and regulation in key industries and areas should be promoted to rid them of organized crime, according to Guo.
A not-for-profit network of business leaders has lashed out against the red tape and excessive bureaucracy delaying the much-needed levee bank upgrades in North Wagga.The comment was issued in the face of skyrocketing claims suffered by North Wagga residents due to the looming threat of catastrophic flooding.Projections estimate that another flood event could inundate up to 2,600 homes, 1,100 businesses, and displace 7,000 people.Committee for Wagga (C4W) chair Judy Galloway blamed the delay in vital levee upgrades to distractions within the council, The Daily Advertiser reported.Theres been a lot of distraction going on at the council and some significant staff turnover, so that may have something to do with it, she said.One resident, Jason Dunn, who has spent two years rebuilding his flood-damaged home, told the publication he fears the councils complacency could be catastrophic.He said that since the 2012 floods that inundated his home and left many people with nothing, his insurance has risen fourfold.Even five years down the track its still affecting us  Im paying about $3,000 more than I used to, he told The Daily Advertiser. This has been going on for so many years and yet it feels like weve made little progress.After the major flood in Roma in 2012, the town was deemed uninsurable, which led to insurers refusing to offer new policies, the report said.Mayor Greg Conkey said he hoped the entire project would be completed within three years, saying: I understand the concerns of the community about how long its taken but we have been reliant on government funding and so now weve achieved that hopefully it will progress in a timely manner.
In a cut-throat industry, competitively spanning the length and breadth of the country, being recognized for your successful contribution to the sector can be rewarding.Both personally and professionally, formal recognition from within the industry that youre being noticed and appreciated means a lot, says Insurance Business 2016 Young Gun recipient Daniel Kaufman , senior vice president and managing director at H.W. Kaufman Financial Group, the parent company of Burns & Wilcox.Its a competitive industry, he noted. Its fairly cutthroat, really. But overall were all working towards the same goal, which is to help the insurance company and help our partners. And really we want to showcase that and we want to celebrate it.An advocate for maintaining talent within the industry, Kaufman helped develop Kaufman Financial Groups Emerging Leaders Program, and was awarded the H.W. Kaufman Financial Group Leadership Distinguished Service Award in recognition of his efforts. No stranger to awards, he also won the 2015 William R. Story Memorial Award from City of Hope for his leadership and professionalism.Speaking of his industry-wide recognition in Insurance Business magazine, he said: Im definitely proud of it. Its meaningful to be recognized among thousands upon thousands of people in the industry. Its something that Ill carry with me in my bio for the rest of my career. People have definitely noticed it, people who read your magazine. Theyve come to me and congratulated me, and Ive received emails congratulating me. Its nice.Its always nice to be recognized. Within companies or externally, recognition is always appreciated.Following on from Insurance Business Canadas highly successful awards, Insurance Business America is pleased to announce the launch of the inaugural Insurance Business Awards in Chicago. For a full list of individual and organizational award categories, click here and find out how to become a winner this October!
by Timothy MontalesThe state House in Delaware has approved legislation that restricts the factors that insurers can utilize in establishing automobile insurance rates. The bill, which is a toned-down version of legislation that had stalled amid industry groups opposition, will now go to the Senate after being approved on a 24-14 vote.The original bill restricted the use of age, marital status, credit scores and income in creating auto insurance premiums. Instead, insurers must establish rates based on drivers claims, experience, safety record, mileage, and years of driving experience.The revised measure establishes acceptable uses of credit information in establishing rates, and restricts companies from increasing rates simply because a customer is 75 or older or because a spouses death triggered a change in marital status, as reported by The Washington Times.
Takata Corp. plans to file for bankruptcy as soon as next week, paving the way for a sale of the 84-year-old Japanese air-bag maker behind the biggest safety recall in automotive history.

The supplier is expected to seek protection in its home country first, with its U.S. subsidiary filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy shortly thereafter, according to a person familiar with the matter, who asked not to identified because the matter isnt public and the timing could change. Trading on Takata shares were suspended by Tokyo Stock Exchange from 8:20 a.m. to confirm the authenticity of media reports, the exchange said on its website.

Bankruptcy filings would put Takata a step closer to a sale to Key Safety Systems Inc., the U.S. air-bag maker owned by Chinas Ningbo Joyson Electronic Corp. A Takata steering committee has recommended Key Safety as the preferred bidder for the manufacturer of faulty air bag inflators linked to at least 17 deaths worldwide. Mounting liabilities from having to replace more than 100 million of the devices forced Takata to seek an acquirer that could help see through the costly restructuring process.

They were trying to avoid this as much as possible, Scott Upham, the president of Valient Market Research, said of Takata. Thats what has been holding this up. But all of the bidders insisted that this happen so they can manage the liabilities.

Major Recalls

A spokeswoman for Tokyo-based Takata said she wasnt aware of the reported plan and the company will issue a statement on it soon. Representatives for Key Safety and Takatas steering committee were not immediately available for comment.

A bankruptcy filing would mark the end for an iconic Japanese company that started out as a textile maker and produced parachutes for the Imperial Japanese Army during World War II. Honda Motor Co., a Takata shareholder and the auto-parts makers largest customer, first started recalling Accord and Civic models in 2008 due to the flaw that may end up being Takatas undoing.

The suppliers air bag inflators use a propellant that can be rendered unstable after long-term exposure to heat and humidity, leading them to rupture and spray deadly metal shards at vehicle occupants. More than a dozen automakers have recalled vehicles, include Volkswagen AG, Toyota Motor Corp. and General Motors Co.

Toyotas priority at this point is to ensure a steady supply of replacement inflators for its customers, said spokeswoman Sonomi Aikawa in an email. While the automaker continues to monitor the situation, it isnt in a position to comment on Takatas financial condition, she said.

Automakers have been going to Takata rivals to get replacement air bag inflators. Takata currently provides none of the replacement inflators for Honda and Acura vehicles under recall in the U.S., according to Chris Martin, a spokesman for the carmaker.

U.S. Penalties

Takata in January agreed to pay $1 billion to U.S. regulators, consumers and carmakers. The settlement includes a $25 million criminal fine, $125 million in victim compensation and $850 million to compensate automakers who have suffered losses from massive recalls.

The U.S. District Court in Detroit earlier this month said it will consider Kenneth Feinberg, a lawyer who has administered some of the nations highest-profile settlements, to replace former Federal Bureau of Investigation director Robert Mueller in overseeing the $1 billion settlement fund. Mueller stepped down from his role to accept an appointment as special counsel to oversee the FBIs investigation of Russias alleged efforts to influence the presidential election.

Takata isnt the only major Japanese company to have issues this year. In March, Toshiba Corp.s U.S. nuclear unit Westinghouse Electric filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

The Nikkei reported earlier that Takata is expected to file for bankruptcy in Japan as early as this month, with liabilities exceeding 1 trillion yen ($9.02 billion).

Copyright 2022 Bloomberg.

Topics USA
Iowa could be the first state in the nation with no health insurance company willing to offer policies on its Affordable Care Act exchange next year unless President Donald Trumps administration approves a stopgap proposal, Iowa Insurance Commissioner Doug Ommen said.

Ommen said he and officials from two major Iowa insurance carriers met last week with Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services officials in Washington to pitch a proposal that would save the Iowa market from collapsing.

Several counties in Missouri, Ohio and Washington state have no insurer for next year, but Iowa would be the first state to lose all insurers on an ACA exchange.

While legislation appears to slowly be moving at the federal level, it is unlikely any changes to the ACA will be enacted in time to keep Iowas individual health insurance market from a total collapse leaving nearly 72,000 individuals with zero options to purchase health insurance for 2018, Ommen said in the proposal to federal officials.

He is seeking a waiver from the ACA that would allow Iowa to reallocate federal subsidies currently used to lower costs for low-income and older participants. He proposes using them to entice younger people into the insurance market and using federal reinsurance dollars to help insurers absorb high-cost claims.

Ommen said thousands of young healthier people have fled the Iowa market as insurance rates increased, leaving a higher number of older, sicker people in a smaller individual market pool. That drove up costs and left insurance companies losing millions of dollars.

Minnesota-based Medica is the only company offering coverage across Iowa that hasnt announced that it will stop selling health insurance on the ACA exchange next year. Ommen said the company indicated its likely to drop out if changes arent made soon.

During the first week of April, Wellmark Blue Cross & Blue Shield and Aetna announced they were pulling out of the Iowa market. That followed the withdrawal of United Healthcare in April 2016 and the failure in early 2015 of an insurance cooperative CoOpportunity that had been set up by the ACA law.

What that seems to suggest to me is that even a market that appears stable and has pretty robust competition can lose it almost overnight and thats sort of what weve seen with Iowa, said Cynthia Cox, a health insurance reform expert at Kaiser Family Foundation, non-profit organization focusing on national health issues.

In addition to those problems, Iowa, which has about 200,000 people who dont get insurance through work or other sources and buy their own policies, had more than 85,000 people keep their existing plans through Wellmark. When the ACA was created President Barack Obama promised that they could keep existing plans.

These grandfathered plans kept a large percentage of Iowas more healthy individual market participants from joining the ACA exchange, leaving those who did join more frequent health care insurance users. As a result, Wellmark increased premiums 25 percent in 2016 and more than 42 percent for this year. Aetnas increases were around 20 percent for each of the last two years. Even with the increased premiums the carriers were still losing money, Ommen said.

The proposal will hit older and poorer people the hardest in an attempt to save the Iowa market with a standardized plan that Wellmark has committed to selling next year and Medica is considering, provided the Trump administration approves the waiver, Ommen said.

Our proposal is to have a market versus not to have a market, Ommen said.

According to the estimates that are part of the state proposal to the government, a person aged 21-34 making between $15,000 and $18,000 a year would get a monthly credit of $336 reducing their premium to $62 a month. The same individual would have paid $34 in the current year after subsidies. A person over age 55 in the same income group would pay $136 a month after getting a premium reduction credit of $828. That person would have paid $34 after subsidies this year.

Iowa residents receive approximately $194 million in tax credit subsidies and $48 million in cost-sharing reduction payments in 2017. The cost-sharing payments, given to insurers to help customers with modest incomes cover out-of-pocket expenses like co-payments and deductibles will be diverted under stopgap plan.

In addition to Iowa and some counties in other states without an insurer, several states appear to be down to one insurer for next year including Alaska, Alabama, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Wyoming.

Blue Cross-Blue Shield plans in Alabama and Oklahoma have both indicated they intend to return, but that could change over the next few months as insurers get a better sense for their customer base and finalize their plans for next year.

Tom Murphy contributed to this story from Indianapolis.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Carriers Iowa
Midwest Employers Casualty has promoted Brian Billings to vice president of Predictive Analytics.

As the Midwest Employers Casualty strategy evolved from data acquisition to leveraging data assets, Billings led the effort to deploy machine learning technology for the early identification of high-risk workers compensation claims.

In addition to his current responsibilities, Billings is now tasked with expanding the reach of this technology to include more of Midwest Employers Casualtys clients and business partners.

Billings has more than 20 years of technology experience in industries including banking, investment services, insurance services and healthcare, including the last eight years with Midwest Employers Casualty. He formerly was the director of business analytics for Midwest Employers Casualty. Billings is licensed to practice law in Missouri and Tennessee.

Midwest Employers Casualty provides workers compensation excess insurance products to individual employers, groups and insurance companies nationwide, and is a member company of W. R. Berkley Corp.

Source: Midwest Employers Casualty

Topics Commercial Lines Business Insurance Data Driven Casualty
A Nebraska bank violated federal law by paying women and men unequally for jobs with the same required skill, effort, responsibility, and working conditions, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has charged.

According to the EEOC, Christine Schwieger began working for Heritage Bank, which is based in Wood River, Neb., in 2010 as a relationship manager who sold insurance.

From 2010 to 2013, Heritage Bank paid Schwieger and another woman, in the same position as Schwieger, the same base salary.

However, when that other woman quit and was replaced by a man in 2014, Heritage Bank paid him 33 percent more. After Schwieger learned of the pay inequity and complained, Heritage Bank did nothing.

When Schwieger quit in December 2015, she was still being paid the same unlawfully discriminatory base salary that she earned when she was hired, even almost six years earlier.

Such alleged conduct violates the Equal Pay Act of 1963, which prohibits companies from paying women and men unequally for doing a job with the same required skill, effort, responsibility, and working conditions.

The EEOC filed its lawsuit (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission v. Heritage Bank, Civil Action No. 4:17-cv-03068), in U.S. District Court for the District of Nebraska after first attempting to reach a pre-litigation settlement through its conciliation process.

The EEOC seeks monetary relief, an order requiring the company to implement policies and practices to prevent future discrimination, and declaratory judgment.

Source: EEOC

Topics Lawsuits Nebraska
Some see insurtech as the enemy. Others see it as a sign of things to come.

Then theres EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants, which is clearly embracing the insurtech craze while soliciting brokers to join them.

San Francisco, Calif.-based EPIC and Two Sigma Private Investments kicked in a total of $60 million in late March to fund insurtech benefits startup Decisely to make potential acquisitions and to expand the firms services.

Decisely has until recently been quietly making preparations to launch for the last few years.

Now the firms executives say a solid structure is in place and its full steam ahead.

Two Sigma is now the controlling owner of Decisely. The New York City-based hedge fund acquired the majority interest in Decisely at the end of 2016. Two Sigma, EPIC and The Carlyle Group, EPICs private equity partner, are represented on the board.

The Decisely business model was created in June 2015 and the brand and technology were launched in February 2016. The incubation of the business was funded by EPIC and The Carlyle Group until the Two Sigma acquisition. Details of the funding are not being released.

Decisely provides benefits administration, risk management and human resources services via an automated technology platform. It focuses on serving small businesses in the U.S. with less than 100 employees.

Sounds like another tech company thats presenting competition  and disruption  for the insurance industry right?

Decisely executives view this more as a sort of for the industry, by the industry type of thing.

Decisely and EPIC are closely situated. Chris Duncan, chief operations officer at Decisely, was the chief growth officer and national employee benefits leader at EPIC, where hed been for more than three years.

EPIC has a very strong relationship with Decisely as well as an ownership interest, Duncan said. Really, the backdrop here that is relevant is EPIC launched itself on a very aggressive growth strategy, particularly in employee benefits, about three-and-a-half years ago.

According to Duncan, EPIC has quadrupled its employee benefits revenue from three years ago, when its employee benefits business was around $20 million. In 2017, its already in excess of $80 million, according to Duncan.

This growth got them to doing some thinking, and some self-examination.

One of the things that we looked at three, three-and-a-half years ago, was that we were very long in small business, Duncan said. We saw that the market was changing in the small business arena. Insurtech was really going to be the wave of the future. Insurtech being turnkey technology and solutions for small businesses, including the benefits and benefits administration.

Thats when they moved to invest in a insurtech firm specializing in small employee benefits targeting less than 50 employees, thereby creating an opportunity to solve a long-standing problem for brokers that struggle to service and grow small employee benefits business on a profitable basis, according to Duncan.

Its always been a bit of an Achilles heel for the brokerage industry, Duncan said.

By investing in Decisely, EPIC in effect helped create a new small service partner where EPICs clients could get a greater depth of needed technology and integration, he said.

Starting in mid-2016, we piloted a small business shift to Decisely in Atlanta, Duncan said. With proof we could migrate clients to the Decisely platform, EPIC has selectively moved, or is in the process of moving, about half of its small business accounts by end of 2017 that will benefit from the broader Decisely platform. In addition, EPIC continues to refer small business opportunities to Decisely.

Duncan added: We see it as a huge strategic opportunity for EPIC as well as for the rest of the industry.

Is it really an opportunity for the rest of the industry?

Its not uncommon to hear words of caution cast about insurtech startups from groups like the Independent Agents and Brokers of America Inc., which has been busy lately either shushing naysayer-speak over disruptors bringing about the demise of the brokerage model or encouraging brokerages to embrace technology themselves.

Christopher J. Boggs, executive director of the Big I Virtual University for IIABA, is cautiously optimistic about the Decisely promise.

If I was a small agent, it looks like Decisely wants me to view them as a partner, Boggs said. I would be interested in seeing the contract/agreement to see if there is truly a partnership.

He acknowledged the primary perk to doing a deal with Decisely is attractive: most small agencies dont have the expertise to manage a benefits program for their clients.

My fear as an agent  is that another agency or brokerage would get in the door on the benefits side and then weasel away the P/C from me  or at least try to do it, he added. If I can keep all my clients insurance program in house  and properly service them  I see this as a win for me.

This is why Matthew Josefowicz, president and CEO of Novarica, an insurance technology consulting and research firm, believes the Decisely model has a good chance to succeed.

I think its a focused offering with a very clear strategy that fits into the current structure of the insurance market, Josefowicz said. I can see that having a lot of appeal for larger brokers in terms of sending over referrals.

An early move for Decisely was to bring on people with a background in technology as well as the brokerage business.

Kevin Dunn came on board as the CEO in 2015. Before that he was with Mercer, where he was global head of strategy for mercermarketplace.com. He also served for a time as chief operating officer retirement consulting. Before that, he was a managing director for Marsh and McLennan Companies Inc.

Dunn originally headed Delta Airlines e-commerce launch with delta.com in 1995 and ran it through its first $2 billion worth of revenue before the tech bubble burst.

It was with the success of delta.com that Dunn first realized the potential of e-commerce.

Since airlines and the travel industry first decided to embrace e-commerce, websites like Priceline, Expedia and Travelocity have radically altered the industry, he said.

Its fundamentally changed the industry so that consumer expectations change, pricing transparency changed, and overall the customer experience got much better, much more efficient, and much more available, Dunn said.

He believes in the same potential for employee benefits, where business owners are seeking onestop solutions that cover all of their human resources needs.

Last thing an owner wants to deal with, because he or she is usually also the HR person when youre a 10person operation, is to really understand HR and employee benefits, Dunn said. They need help recruiting, and they want to go to one platform to do all those things.

The Decisely business model isnt completely new, nor is it without its share of perils, Josefowicz noted.

He was referring to the woeful tales of a recent insurtech benefits startup, Zenefits, which has had it out with regulators in several states.

The latest Zenefits matter involved the North Carolina Department of Insurance, which in late May reached a settlement resulting in a $104,500 penalty for engaging in unauthorized insurance activity in North Carolina. That activity reportedly resulted in 46 unlicensed and/or un-appointed insurance producers participating in the issuance of 186 policies to North Carolina consumers from January 2014 through November 2015.

Josefowicz sees that as a lesson about biting off more than one can chew that Decisely executives can take away from the Zenefits experience.

The question is Whats their ambition in terms of rapid scaling?' he said. From a business model point of view, its similar to what Zenefits is offering.

Zenefits, however, promised astronomical growth rates and had problems with licensing requirements, he added.

Despite its speedbumps, the Zenefits endeavor seems to have also showed that taking labor-intensive small business accounts with small profit margins off insurance brokers books is a viable opportunity for insurtechs.

I think Zenefits proved that the value proposition was attractive, Josefowicz said.

Dunn resisted comparisons to Zenefits that were put to him, and said that unlike Zenefits, Decisely is a broker at heart.

Taking a technology and creating a slick user interface is easy to do, Dunn said. Its actually satisfying the back office, where if you dont feed the carriers correctly, if you dont understand brokerage at the end of the day, it potentially infects employees at an employer.

Dunn maintains that they built Decisely with a brokerage in mind, spending the last 18 months building the back office, building the technology and the efficiency of the data.

Another difference is that Zenefits doesnt partner with brokers, Dunn added.

The fact is they have outwardly said theyre going to compete with the brokers, Dunn said. Thats not our intent. We hand the clients back to the brokers when they become larger, while Zenefits services clients up to 500 lives.

With the Decisely model, a brokers clients and referrals are tracked and reported to the broker by Decisely. Depending on the broker partners arrangement, Decisely is willing to offer back to the referring/selling broker the clients business when they reach a mutually agreed growth hurdle, usually 100 lives.

Decisely acts as a referral partner. When a small business comes in as a new business for broker, that can refer the company to Decisely. The firm provides technology as well as an employee benefits solution that is free to brokers, who get paid referral fees and have their books of business purchased. Ultimately, that book gets handed back to brokers when it becomes larger.

Then we basically take that small business, we nurture that business, take care of that business, until it gets to 100 lives or close to 100 lives, Dunn said. Then our business model recontacts that producer or the broker and asks them if they would like the client back at that point in time. Thats, specifically, how we are brokerfriendly, is that we do not extend our brand or product above 100 lives as we return the client to the individual broker.

He notes that theres no charge to the brokers to use their product and allow them to nurture those small businesses.

The Decisely executives did not say how many brokers they are dealing with at present, but noted that over the past two years they have spent the majority of their time and resources building back-office operations, technology and process mapping to carriers and third-party vendors.

We began contracting with brokers and acquiring books of business in Q1 2017 and made our broker-friendly news release in March 2017, Dunn said. We are entering the market after two years of incubation.

According to Dunn, demand is strong and they have already acquired more than 200 new clients and are contracted with an additional 200-plus this summer. Decisely now serves clients in 38 states, is licensed in all 50 and has offices in Georgia, Utah, California and North Carolina.

For some, being tossed into the gears of automation can feel inhuman and be a turn off. However, Dunn doesnt believe businesses will get turned off by dealing with an automated process.

Decisely is digital broker that recognizes an employer and employee needs someone to verify and validate decision, Dunn said. We are a trusted advisor. We pair self-service with specific guidance tailored to each client so they receive the best combination of insurance services and protection.

For example, when an employer signs into the Decisely system, they immediately see a picture of their relationship manager along with that persons full contact details, while employees at that business receive the same relationship managers information for assistance.

We were built by brokers and understand that a trusted advisor is required, Dunn added.

Dunn, who evidently is a big fan of A Few Good Men, and/or Jack Nicholson, stressed the continued importance of the broker-client relationship.

Bottom-line, the insurance/brokerage world has walls, and those walls have to be guarded with industry experts in brokerage, carrier product development and technology, he said. Decisely has a responsibility to be a trusted advisor who properly guards the wall and provides the protection and insight that our clients employees and families deserve.

Josefowicz with Novarica said theres also no wall stopping the Deciselys of the world from heading into other lines.

In a lot of ways a small commercial buyer is not a lot different than a personal lines buyer, he said, adding that if youre an owner of a business with 20 or 30 employees, you are often the one who is making all the decisions. Small businesses are banking online, theyre buying their supplies online, theyre serving their customers online. Theres no reason they shouldnt be buying their insurance online.

Related:

Topics Agencies Commercial Lines InsurTech Tech Business Insurance North Carolina Human Resources
Mechlin D. Moore, former president and chief executive officer of the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.), passed away on Tuesday, June 13, following a lengthy battle with cancer.

Moore, of Rye, New York, led the I.I.I. from 1979 until his retirement in June 1991, when he formed MDM Communications, a marketing, advertising, public affairs and media relations firm.

Moore began his career as a reporter for The Washington Post and later served with the Urban Land Institute and the National Association of Real Estate Boards (now known as the National Association of Realtors) in Washington, D.C. For five years, he was executive director of the Seattle Downtown Development Association. For many years he served as the National Risk Retention Associations director of Communications; as a marketing communications executive at Ultimate Risk Solutions, LLC, an international financial risk software firm; and a feature writer with the Risk Retention Reporter. Prior to his years with I.I.I., Moore was senior vice president of United Airlines, responsible for all public and government relations, and industry and consumer affairs.

Moore graduated from Harvard University, where he studied philosophy and attended Culver Military Academy in northern Indiana, a college-preparatory boarding school.

For 12 years, Mechlin led the organization on many important issues including drunk driving, said Sean Kevelighan, chief executive officer of the I.I.I. He was instrumental in launching the I.I.I.s first-ever industry drunk driving ad campaign.

Mechlin was a forward thinker, added Kevelighan. Decades ago, he was already talking about the incredible pace of technological change and the proliferation of technology choices facing insurance agents.

Moore is survived by his wife, Valery. His first wife, Betsy, preceded him in death as did his daughter, Pamela Moore. He is also survived by a son, Lansing Moore and a grandson, Lansing Moore Jr.
Dozens of insurance companies say theyre not obligated to help pay for Duke Energy Corp.s multi-billion dollar coal ash cleanup because the nations largest electric company long knew about but did nothing to reduce the threat of potentially toxic pollutants.

The claim is in a filing by lawyers for nearly 30 international and domestic insurance companies that were sued by Duke Energy in March to force them to cover part of the utilitys coal ash cleanup costs in the Carolinas.

The 57 policies generally promise to help Duke pay what its legally obligated to pay for property damage caused by an occurrence, even if liability for an incident doesnt become known until decades later, the Charlotte-based company said in the same filing last week in the state court that hears complex business cases. Both sides filed the document in describing a litigation timeline that would lead to trial in mid-2019.

The insurers counter theyre not on the hook to pay. They say that because Duke Energy stored its coal ash in unlined pits as part of its normal practices, any property damage was caused intentionally, by or at Dukes direction and there werent any distinct pollution events that triggered coverage.

They note that Duke was well aware that burning coal to generate electricity leaves byproducts containing toxic substances that can contaminate groundwater. They say Dukes ash ponds were built without safeguards to prevent groundwater pollution, and some ash ponds placed the ash in direct contact with groundwater.

Duke continued to dispose of (coal ash) in unlined ash ponds long after it knew it had environmental problems. By the 1990s Duke submitted insurance claims to some of the defendants and other insurers for the same ash ponds that are now at issue in this action. Although Duke was aware of these issues, it continued to operate its unlined ash ponds for decades, the companies lawyers said.

Duke Energy has estimated its liability for cleanup and storage efforts at $5.1 billion for 14 North Carolina coal ash sites and one in South Carolina. The utility had spent more than $725 million through November. Money recovered from insurers would reduce the price tag for consumers, the company has said.

The utility earlier this month asked North Carolina regulators for rate increases starting next year that include passing along to customers about $977 million over five years. South Carolinas utilities commission allowed Duke Energy Progress to start recouping coal ash cleanup costs as part of a $56 million rate increase approved in December.

Coal ash contains arsenic, lead, mercury and other elements that may be hazardous in sufficient concentrations. Environmentalists and state regulators have alleged those heavy metals have been draining through the unlined bottoms of pits where liquefied coal ash has been stored for decades.

A pit at a Duke Energy plant in North Carolina ruptured in 2014, coating miles of the Dan River in gray sludge.

Duke Energy said it stored coal ash in line with industry practices and regulations that were in place over preceding decades.

Duke Energy delivers electricity to about 7.4 million customers in the Carolinas, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky and Florida.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Carriers Claims Pollution North Carolina
The family of an autistic student will receive $900,000 from the Clark County School District to settle claims the student was improperly restrained by a teachers aide during the 2011-12 school year.

The Las Vegas Review-Journal reported that one federal and one state lawsuit were settled in the case of former Variety School teachers aide Lachelle James, who John and Dina Phipps accuse of abusing their then-11-year-old nonverbal son.

A three-member arbitration panel agreed the child was subject to multiple batteries and inappropriate physical restraint by the teachers aide.

James pleaded guilty in June 2014 to two counts of gross misdemeanor child abuse, neglect or endangerment and was sentenced to probation.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
A California man who was bitten by a police dog while trying to rescue a friends cat at a construction site two years ago has been awarded $1.1 million by a civil jury.

Jurors ruled this week that San Mateo County Sheriffs deputies used excessive force in deploying the animal in January 2015.

The award came after two days of deliberations in the case of 64-year-old Richard Earl May Jr., who entered a fenced construction site to retrieve the cat and triggered an alarm.

May alleged in his lawsuit that the dog bit his legs after receiving commands from deputies.

The Mercury News reported that sheriffs officials called the jurys decision disappointing.

The newspaper says Domino the cat was successfully rescued amid all the commotion of that day.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics California
A tsunami of changes is forcing tax departments to rethink how they operate

The tax environment is in a state of flux. Continuing economic uncertainty is increasing pressure on costs. Globalisation continues to drive the centralisation of finance and tax functions. Companies are expected to increase their tax governance, accountability and transparency. Meanwhile, recent regulations require greater disclosure of global tax data to tax authorities while increased public scrutiny of companies' tax arrangements is leading to government demands for 'fair share' tax payments where profits are earned.

To see what companies are doing to face up to these changes, KPMG and International Tax Review conducted a survey of in-house senior tax personnel from large multinationals and UK companies and groups to assess how businesses are adapting their tax models, teams, and processes.

The headlines

A number of themes emerged from the survey results:

The two biggest drivers for change are increased regulation and changing tax legislation, and greater tax transparency. The latter has led to changes in regulatory and fiscal policy; this, combined with greater competition for tax revenues, is creating a perfect storm for tax within multinational groups;

These changes have brought internal pressure to bear on tax departments. Nearly 90% say they now have to demonstrate the value they bring to the organisation. The demand for even greater value is one of the three greatest challenges tax heads face: the others are managing system and process changes, and changing business and finance models;

Despite the demand to demonstrate greater value, insights from the tax function are used to inform business decisions in slightly more than 70% of organisations;

Technology is changing the face of tax departments. Tax operating models are evolving because of new technology in two thirds of the organisations surveyed;

Almost three quarters of respondents believe that data and analytics will be the most valuable technology for tax. Most use ERP systems, audit reports and their intranet to collect the data used for current tax analytics; and

More than 80% are evaluating the talent in their tax function. They are either investing in training, recruiting data analysts, or looking at outsourcing opportunities.

Why tax functions need to transform

The survey results show just how much the new tax landscape is affecting the tax function. Stakeholder attitudes have shifted from indifference to interest, leading to changes in laws and regulations to make companies' tax affairs more open to public scrutiny than ever before. Meanwhile, UK companies have to publish their tax strategy in another move that cements tax's place on the board's agenda.

At the same time, tax departments are being asked to do more with less. Globalisation continues to spur the centralisation of back-office functions. Managing tax across the organisation has become increasingly complex, with companies expected to improve their governance, accountability and transparency.

In the past, the sole measurement of the tax function was the effective tax rate. This is shifting. What worked well in the past is no longer enough in today's world. A better way for tax to align itself today is to move away from being a back-office function to supporting the business  being more business facing and more aware of its objectives and strategies. This kind of tax function knows where the vulnerabilities lie across the organisation, making sure risks are being controlled and mitigated, and having clear roles and responsibilities about the way tax is managed.

The tax function is expected to manage compliance and reporting processes, provide transactional tax advice and manage relationships with tax authorities. All this while disclosing tax strategies and dealing with initiatives such as BEPS, the common reporting standard and country-by-country reporting.

These pressures are forcing companies to adapt their tax function and the way they manage tax. The new tax operating model has to be fit for purpose in today's environment  and capable of adapting to tomorrow's. Strategies and policies around the management of taxes need to be robust and, where possible, technology should be used to drive greater efficiency, control and oversight.

Organisations are now looking to have an effective operational model that manages taxes across their firm and through the markets and territories in which they operate. This model has to enable them to meet their tax compliance and reporting obligations in a coherent and simplified manner while ensuring they pay their fair share of tax. It also manages tax risk effectively and within appropriate and determined tolerance levels.

The features of tomorrow's tax operating model

We believe seven pillars underpin a successful tax operating model.

Governance and risk: Designing and implementing a coherent tax strategy, tax policy and risk framework to enable the effective management of taxes. The aim is to balance costs with an appropriate level of control.

Organisational model: Organising the tax function to maximise its efficiency and effectiveness within the business. This can lead to economies of scale by using data gathering centres and functional efficiencies through skills centres for judgment issues.

People and capability: Developing programmes to nurture and retain tax talent across the organisation. This hinges on maintaining a culture of continuous improvement.

Process and responsibility: Redesigning processes to maximise efficiency across the business. Organisations need to be enabled to develop the right source model to meet their regulatory and compliance obligations so they can simplify processes, maintain one version of the truth, and achieve the right answers first time.

Data and information: Focusing on data quality to minimise data re-work and increase control. This relies on integrating tax and finance systems, standardising data structures to improve consistency and the quality of reporting.

Systems and technology: Using technology more effectively to enable process efficiency and the increased use of data. A range of integrated tax technology solutions enable tax processes to be delivered and managed more effectively, removing tax professionals from day-to-day routine activity to using analytics to highlight outliers and give a wider view of the tax impact on the organisation.

Performance management: Reviewing performance measures that allow tax functions to demonstrate value. Tax function KPIs need to be aligned to wider business objectives while supporting the tax function to show it is delivering on its own objectives.

What a well-aligned tax operating model can achieve

Tax is now firmly on the board agenda. The directors need to set the tax strategy; but they must have confidence in the tax function to carry this out. Creating clear lines of accountability and governance clarifies reporting responsibilities, ensuring that the structures needed to carry out the tax strategy are in place.

In a sound operating model, tax leaders have a clear vision of the top and emerging risks and objectives for tax across the organisation. Clearly aligning operating structures and ways of working with the business and finance strategy can drive the tax function to meet its overall vision and strategic objectives, creating a strong business case for change. This helps tax react better to change, structuring itself around external factors and increasing its agility and responsiveness.

A good operating model should align the tax function with the business. This is vital as business often does not recognise potential tax issues. Once the tax function services the operational side well, it will be clear just how effective a business partner tax can be. The greater understanding of business activities, risks, and their impact on tax will feed through to a virtuous circle of greater value and more effective business decisions.

Cost has always been the driver for change: the tax operating model case is no different. Pushing the tax function towards an appropriate cost base can reduce complexity, duplication and waste, while enabling effective investment priorities to be followed through.

Meanwhile a more aligned tax function will help identify and mitigate tax risks. By making sure tax obligations are accurately calculated, reported when they need to be and met in an efficient and timely basis, a company reduces tax leakage and mitigates the risk of bearing the costs of not accurately collecting the right taxes from its customers and employees.

Having an effective operating model, in which the company fulfils all its duties and obligations in good time and accurately, will gain the trust of the tax authority. Showing an open and transparent approach can increase that trust, securing a lower risk profile with the tax authority. This means fewer enquiries, fewer audits, and less intrusion into tax affairs  freeing up resources and helping keep down costs.

The clock is ticking on all this. As tax authorities get a grip on data mining and analytics, organisations are realising they need to have a better understanding of their data  and fast. Many tax leaders we speak to are frank: they know they have poor data and inadequate systems. But they also appreciate that this situation cannot continue. In a world in which tax authorities are shedding tax trained staff to hire data analysts, companies cannot risk getting left behind. Their concern is when the tax authorities get hold of the organisation's data in real time  something that is already happening to a limited extent in countries such as Brazil, Spain and the UK  they will open enquiries into the quality of data and treatment of items in prior year returns.

Meeting the challenges

Tax is part of the board's agenda as never before. The financial consequences of getting it wrong, through penalties and interest charges, are rising.

The potential for reputational damage is immense. Nobody wants to see their company's name as front page news because of their tax affairs. What's more, companies want to ensure that they act in a manner that their customers, shareholders and employees expect of them.

It is no longer feasible for companies not to change because they have not had an issue in the past. The calling out of a number of businesses because of their tax affairs has led to a seismic shift in the tax landscape and greater demand from the public around corporations paying their fair share of tax. The times are changing. Tax authorities are driving for better tax control frameworks and increased transparency. This means all tax functions must review their operating model to ensure they can cope with today's demands  and be flexible enough to adapt to those of tomorrow.

Meanwhile business needs are changing too. The tax function can no longer be a back-office backwater, but has to transform into a key business partner that should be part of board discussions and help the organisation achieve its wider strategy. For a business to achieve the full potential value of the tax function, it needs to be prepared to invest in adapting tax models to face the new realities. Tax functions, for their part, need to be able to make the strong business case for this adaptation and investment, showing how they can support the business and help it meets its objectives.

The challenge is for tax functions to make the business case where there is no immediate problem. The simple answer is that the cost of doing nothing is far greater than the cost of doing something. By not investing and not having in place an appropriate and flexible tax operating model and using appropriate tax technology and systems, companies open themselves to financial loss and reputational damage, while closing off the benefits that a more integrated tax function can bring to the wider business. This is no time for inertia. Companies that want to protect their future need to act on their operating models now.
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(Xinhua) 09:06, June 16, 2017

BEIJING, June 15 -- China Thursday promised to assist Panamanian students in Taiwan affected by the breaking off of diplomatic relations between Panama and Taiwan.

Panama established relations with China Tuesday, ending relations with Taiwan. "China will enhance educational and cultural exchanges with Panama," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said at a regular news briefing Thursday.

"We are aware some Panamanian students who have received scholarships from Taiwan may experience difficulties. We welcome them to study in the Chinese mainland and are willing to offer timely and necessary assistance," Lu said.

Lu also promised assistance for other Panamanian students in Taiwan while respecting their own decisions.

In the future, China will provide annual scholarships for students from Panama, according to Lu.

Recent media reports said that Taiwan missions in some countries are under pressure from China to change names and use Taipei rather than the Republic of China or Taiwan in their names.

In response to questions about such reports, Lu said the Chinese government highly appreciates relevant countries dealing with Taiwan-related issues in line with the one-China policy.

Adhering to the one-China policy is the general trend within the international community and is a precondition and political foundation for China to develop diplomatic relations and friendly cooperation with other countries, Lu said.
A 32-year-old man has appeared in court charged with the murder of a Dublin grandmother.

The remains of 61-year-old Patricia OConnor were found scattered in the Wicklow Mountains over the past few days.

Last Saturday a garda investigation was launched after walkers found a torso near Enniskerry in Co Wicklow.

Since then various body parts have been found scattered along a 20 to 30km stretch of the area and tests confirmed the remains belonged to Patricia OConnor  a grandmother from South Dublin.

This afternoon Kieran Green of Mountain View Park in Churchtown in Dublin appeared in court charged with her murder - which is alleged to have taken place between May the 29th and 30th at that address.

Tallaght District Court heard Mr Green was charged at Bray Garda Station at 11.28 this morning by Garda Ross Callaghan and his reply after he was cautioned was it was self defence.

Mr Green kept his head bowed and did not speak during the brief hearing.

He has been remanded in custody to appear in court again next week.
Update 5.12pm: The prospect of a general election in a matter of weeks has increased with Fianna Fail saying it cannot support the way the former attorney general Maire Whelan was made a judge.

The minority government's proceeding with the plan despite revelations three High Court judges had expressed an interest in the role in the court of appeal.

An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, has said that Maire Whelan has an "outstanding legal mind" and that she is highly qualifies to serve on the Court of Appeal.

"The position of Attorney General is one of a handful which is mentioned in the Constitution. It affords Maire Whelan unique experience in terms of matters of the law. I am very pleased that nobody appears to be questioning her competence or her quality.

"The issue which is attracting comment however is solely a matter of procedure. I am satisfied that the correct procedures were followed. Under Article 13.2 of the Constitution the Government and only the Government can appoint Judges. The Tanaiste recommended Maire Whelan to Cabinet as the stand-out person for the vacancy.

"I am committed to fully respecting the Confidence & Supply Agreement between Fianna Fail and Fine Gael. I read the Agreement again this morning and it does not require the Government to run public appointments by Fianna Fail, nor could it.

"I am not at liberty discuss what transpired at Cabinet meetings, nor can any other Minister," he said.

Update 2.05pm: A Government spokesman has confirmed it will press ahead with nominating the former attorney general Maire Whelan to a high-paid role as a judge.

That is despite claims by Fianna Fail that doing so would breach the confidence-and-supply arrangement with Fine Gael.

Fianna Fail says it has serious concerns that the role was not contested and that Ms Whelan did not leave the room while the cabinet was considering her nomination.

Her name was put forward by the former justice minister, Frances Fitzgerald, after the Judicial Appointments Advisory Board was unable to suggest any candidates.

Earlier: Fianna Fail's Justice Spokesman Jim O' Callaghan,, has said the appointment of the former Attorney General Maire Whelan to the Court of Appeal is mired in controversy and his party has a serious issue with it.

Ms. Whelan was appointed to the role during Enda Kenny's final Cabinet meeting as Taoiseach.

However, it has emerged that she never applied for the 180,000 a year role.

Speaking on Today with Sean O' Rourke, he said he does not want to personalise this issue but he thinks she should stand aside and her appointment should not proceed.

He said there is not a problem with the Attorney General being appointed but the problem is Maire Whelan did not go through the judicial appointments advisory board.

"If an appointment is done in this fashion, if that is permitted, there is a shadow cast over the appointment process.

He said if the Attorney General went through the job process, Fianna Fail would have no objection.

"It is now a significant political issue and if we can't find answers to the questions raised, then the nomination must be revoked.

He also said FG leader Leo Varadkar needs to know this is a threat to government.

"At the next meeting he needs to say this appointment should not have been made."

He said if the appointment goes ahead it will mean a breach of the confidence and supply agreement.

"There is a provision within the confidence and supply agreement which said there should be no surprises. This is clearly a surprise that was sprung not just on Fianna Fail but on the whole political system last Tuesday at a time when they thought they could sneak it through.

It is my view that it would be a breach of agreement if this stands without the satisfactory explanations and assurances.

The appointment was 'just not right', according to the head of the Labour party.

Brendan Howlin claims MsWhelan is qualified for the job, but he is objecting to the way she was given it.

Brendan Howlins issue is with the lack of competition: I know she would meet any objective test for appointment to that position but that is the difficulty. On the face of what we know, there seems to have been no objective test and no opportunity for anyone else to apply for the position.

Thats just not right.

Sinn Fein Justice spokesperson Jonathan OBrien has said the method of the appointment of Ms Whelan has brought the impartiality and integrity of the judiciary into disrepute and called on Ms Whelan to step aside to allow a proper appointments procedure to take place.

Mr OBrien said Gerry Adams and Mary Lou McDonald will raise this issue directly with the Taoiseach when they meet him this afternoon.

There are serious questions to be answered in relation to the method of Maire Whelans appointment to the Court of Appeal.

This whole situation stinks. It undoubtedly casts a shadow over the government and the judicial appointments process.
A man who had sex with a 14-year-old has been jailed for two years for defilement.

The Dublin man (23), who cannot be identified to protect the victim's anonymity, had pleaded not guilty to defilement of a child under the age of 17 at a location in Dublin on April 8, 2015.

A jury convicted him last month (May) after a trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.

The man had also pleaded not guilty to two counts of sexual assault and one of sexual exploitation of a child. The jury acquitted him of the sexual assault charges and failed to reach a verdict in the sexual exploitation charge.

Today Judge Patricia Ryan said there was a great disparity in age between the two persons.

He knew she was 15 on his own evidence, she said. She also noted that the accused knew the victim was under the influence of alcohol at the time.

She backdated a two year prison sentence to December 2016 and ordered that he go on the sex offenders register for the next 10 years.

The accused admitted to gardai that he had sex with the girl but claimed it was consensual. A child under the age of 17 is legally unable to give consent regarding sexual matters.

The jury heard that he had been in contact with her on Facebook for several months before they met.

The court heard that on the day of the offence the man met up with the victim and a number of other young people and had been drinking on the beach.

He believed the teenage girl was 15 years old at the time as she had indicated this to him during an exchange of messages on Facebook.

The man has three previous convictions for minor offences.
A man has been tasered outside the Palace of Westminster in London after he allegedly reached for a knife when approached by officers.

Police became aware of the suspect, aged in his 30s, acting suspiciously, Scotland Yard said.

The Metropolitan Police then discharged a Taser after the man allegedly reached for a knife.

No one was injured in the incident.

The bearded suspect, wearing black trousers and a grey sweatshirt, was led away into a van by officers after being detained for around 30 minutes outside the Houses of Parliament.

He remains in custody at a central London police station, the force added.

He was held with his arms against his back just yards from the forecourt of the building, where Pc Keith Palmer was stabbed to death by terrorist Khalid Masood in March.

A review of security at the perimeter of the parliamentary estate was ordered by Commons Speaker John Bercow following the incident.

The use of armed officers and physical barriers has become more visible, while a permanent barrier has been erected to protect pedestrians on Westminster Bridge, where Masood murdered four people and injured more than 50 others by mounting the pavement in a car.

Bradley Allen, 19, from Barking, east London, said he saw the man with clenched fists moments before he was detained.

Mr Allen said he was walking past Parliament when he saw a "dark male stood there, who looked quite angry with fists quite clenched".

"He stared at me and my mate and we walked past him. Within seconds there was a shout and police ran out of the front gate shouting at him 'Get on the floor, get on the ground'.

"Within seconds he was on the ground - I'm not sure whether he was Tasered - I'm not sure how he got down there, but in seconds it was over.

"Armed police everywhere, telling everyone to move back, and we all got pushed back."
The figure is based on an initial assessment and IAG will update the market on the exact figure in due course, Willie Walsh, the groups chief executive said at its annual shareholder meeting yesterday.

It was a dreadful experience for many of our customers and we are truly sorry, Mr Walsh said in Madrid, adding that BA passengers will be compensated as soon as possible.
Commercial manager at the port, Captain Michael McCarthy, said it made absolutely no sense for exporters to drive from Cork and Kerry to Dublin or Belfast to transfer their goods to the UK or Europe, when regional ports, such as Cork, could be used.

Mr McCarthy, who was speaking following a seminar hosted by the Irish Exporters Association (IEA), in Cork, warned that the Government would be left with massive regional imbalance post-Brexit, unless the issue was tackled.

He said the Port of Cork had received great support from load-on, load-off (LoLo) cargo transporters, but that it needed to be replicated by roll-on, roll-off (RoRo) transporters. LoLo uses cranes to load and unload cargo, while RoRo uses ships with in-built ramps.

Mr McCarthy said: The Government is going to have to take a serious look at it, because it will become a huge issue post-Brexit. Our LoLo partners have been excellent  Cork has a strong LoLo service offering, growing at 6.5% in the first quarter of 2017, with exports up 8.5%  but RoRo exporters are just not looking outside of Dublin. It is because they are too satisfied with the status quo. They are consolidating, rather than innovating.

He said major supermarket chains, and other multinationals, were ignoring the benefits of regional ports. They preferred the traditional method of driving to Dublin or Belfast and ferrying goods to the UK and Europe. Logistics are most efficient in a direct straight line  the shortest route. There are major opportunities for ferries from Cork bypassing the UK and direct to continental Europe. Why is this not being debated by the IEA? Why is this not being debated by Irish business interests? Why is this not being debated by multinational companies, who are facing major compliance with environmental footprint? Why is this not being debated by the Irish Government, who are not pressuring industry to have a regional balance for our imports-exports? This un-balancing of regional distribution is undermining the viability of our Irish ports, with the exception of Dublin and Belfast, he said.

Dublin and Belfast had major growth, leading to more facilities for exporters, which was a chicken and egg situation for regional ports, Mr McCarthy added. The Port of Cork will invest 80m to realise its potential by 2040 and that commitment had to be matched, he said.

We could be second to none, if we had the same enthusiasm and commitment. To debate why cargo has to travel from Cork and Kerry, the full length of Ireland, to Warrenpoint and Belfast, to be carried across the Irish Sea to the UK, and onwards to the Continent, makes absolute no sense, he said.

The challenges of Brexit were also debated at the seminar. General manager of Midleton Distillery, Paul Wickham, said the burgeoning global demand for Irish whiskey had to be protected.

Irish whiskey comprises 28% of Irelands beverage exports, making it one of Irelands fastest-growing export sectors. Ensuring that we maintain access to existing markets and open up access to new markets, particularly in the Brexit context, should be a priority in furthering the global Irish whiskey renaissance, he said.
The Government has come under fire from opposition for appointing Maire Whelan to the appeals court during the final Cabinet meeting under Enda Kennys leadership.

It has emerged that Ms Whelan, who faced much criticism for her handling of scandals within An Garda Siochana in recent years, did not recuse herself from Tuesdays Cabinet meeting as ministers decided on her appointment.

Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin slammed the appointment in the Dail as directly political, and last night the partys justice spokesman, Jim OCallaghan, said there were numerous unanswered questions around the decision.

Mr OCallaghan claimed every member of the High Court would have been qualified for the position and questioned why a shortlist had not been provided to Cabinet.

When this came before Cabinet, all of the members of Cabinet would have been aware that usually they are presented with a list of names, he said. Did no one ask why no list had been provided and why only one person had been nominated?

The job on the Court of Appeal became vacant in March, but the Judicial Appointments Advisory Board was not able to name any candidates for approval. However, sitting judges do not go through the board and instead generally write directly to the attorney general if they want to seek a promotion.

However, one political source hinted that the position in the Court of Appeal had been left open since March purely to give it to Ms Whelan. He said: It was almost as if the Court of Appeal was held open for her as a safety net.

Separately, Mr OCallaghan also pointed to the fact that Transport Minister Shane Ross has made reforming the system of judicial appointments a clear priority in this Government.

If Government is not applying the current vetting system how can they argue that a more rigorous system be introduced? he asked.

Mr Ross has denied the appointment was linked in any way to the reopening of Stepaside Garda Station in his Dublin Rathdown constituency after coming under pressure in the Dail.

There has been no link of any kind between the two, Mr Ross said. When I learned about it, there was no conversation about Stepaside station.

Newly appointed Employment and Social Protection Minister Regina Doherty said she was not aware before last Tuesdays Cabinet meeting that Ms Whelan was to be nominated to join the Court of Appeal.

I cant speak for every member, I can only speak for myself, but no I didnt know she was going to be appointed, she said. It wasnt on the documentation that was circulated in the days before the meeting.

The appointment was put to Cabinet and approved by Cabinet.

However, the former Government chief whip went on to praise Ms Whelan describing her as an eminently qualified judge who has done an absolutely super job for this government and the previous government.

One legal source said it was not a surprise that Ms Whelan was appointed to the position, as traditionally attorneys general have been rewarded with a position on the Supreme Court or the Court of Appeal.

Education Minister Richard Bruton also defended Ms Whelans appointment, saying she is eminently qualified against any criteria.

This was a Government decision and we exercised our Constitutional prerogative to appoint a person, said Mr Bruton.

She is a woman of great compassion, of judgement, of understanding she is eminently experienced across the public service.
(Xinhua) 09:14, June 16, 2017

BEIJING, June 15 -- China's service sector is expected to play a bigger role in powering the world's second largest economy as increasingly affluent Chinese consumers crave more diverse and better-quality services.

A slew of economic indicators released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) Wednesday showed that the Chinese economy expanded steadily in the first five months, with the service sector being a major bright spot.

Official data showed that China's service sector continued to expand in May, with the Index of Services Production maintaining rapid growth of 8.1 percent year on year, while business activities expanded faster than April to reach 53.5 percent.

Meanwhile, investment in the service industry jumped 11.6 percent year on year in the first five months, 3 percentage points higher than overall investment growth.

Despite rapid growth, China's service sector still holds much potential for growth, with per capita GDP for Chinese exceeding 8,000 U.S. dollars.

The service sector's added value accounted for 51.6 percent of China's total GDP last year, well below the average of 57 percent among middle-income economies, let alone the 74 percent for developed countries, according to Meng Wei, spokesperson with the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC).

"The supply of the service sector still has to catch up with upgrading demand, and China's service sector is now at the middle-and-lower parts of global industrial value chain with a rather big deficit in service trade" Meng said.

The top economic planner in China released a blueprint for the sector's development from 2017 to 2025, which highlights reform efforts to unleash the sector's vitality, including streamlining regulation, encouraging market competition and improving standardization.

China will further open up its booming service sector to expand engagement in the global industrial chain and boost competitiveness, according to the blueprint.

The service sector is a priority in China's opening-up progress, and the government will keep opening up the market while guarding against risks to national security, it added.

Efforts will be made to improve the professional quality of service sectors, including information technology, finance, human resources and energy conservation, while expanding the supply of services in education, sports, elderly care and health care.

China will integrate the development of the service and manufacturing sectors to increase the service sector share of total GDP to 60 percent by 2025. The service sector will provide 55 percent of the country's employment by that time, according to the blueprint.

Meanwhile, China aims to develop service city hubs and brands with global influence by 2025, with enhanced competitiveness in service trade.

"The service sector is closely related to people's livelihood. The stronger the service sector grows, the steadier the economy expands," said Liu Aihua, NBS spokesperson.
The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) published its mortgages options paper, presenting the Government with a range of options the CCPC said will develop a better-functioning, competitive and stable mortgage market.

The paper was requested by the the then-Minister for Finance Michael Noonan last year as part of the Programme for a Partnership Government.

Isolde Goggin, chairwoman of the CCPC, said the scale of the mortgage market has far-reaching implications for the economy, society as a whole and millions of consumers in Ireland.

Our analysis shows that this market is currently quite dysfunctional from both a competition and a consumer perspective, she said. The market we have is the legacy of the last 15 years of boom and bust and unfortunately there are no quick fixes to significantly increase levels of competition or consumer choice.

The CCPC also warned that mortgage providers in the Irish market are competing on auxiliary items rather than rates, which can have the ability to mislead consumers in their choices, and result in consumers drawing down on a mortgage product which may not be best suited to their needs or financial circumstances.

The report was critical of cash-back offers.

On one level this can be seen as proactive competitive behaviour by lenders to differentiate their product offering from those of competitors, it said. At another level, it could be argued they represent a sophisticated attempt to manipulate consumer behaviour.

Ms Goggin said the response to the issues posed by the market will require a long-term vision.

In our paper we have set out options to enable Ireland to start building a mortgage market which is more competitive, stable, and fit for purpose, but these need to be implemented in the context of this vision, said Ms Goggin. Otherwise, nothing will change.

The ideas proposed in the option paper include the development of a national forum for the development of a long-term strategy, the introduction of measures that would make it easier for customers to switch mortgage providers, and government-led business-friendly initiatives that would attract new lenders into the highly concentrated Irish market.

While mortgage interest rates are lower in other European countries, the report found that comparisons while informative, are of limited value when assessing competitive performance in the Irish market and the barriers faced by potential new entrants.

It said low rates require large volumes of loans and Ireland would not have the same levels of scale as other countries.
Mr Varadkar had what he described as constructive phonecalls with French President Emmanuel Macron, German chancellor Angela Merkel, and British prime minister Theresa May.

He extended the Governments sympathies to Ms May on the tragic fire in Londons Grenfell Tower.

Both Mr Varadkar and Ms May reiterated the shared objectives of avoiding a hard border, maintaining the common travel area, and supporting the Good Friday Agreement.

They also discussed the ongoing political discussions in London and in Belfast, agreeing on the need to have the Northern Ireland executive up and running as quickly as possible, and they discussed Brexit.

Mr Varadkar is due to meet the leaders of Sinn Fein and the DUP in Dublin today with talks around Northern Irelands power-sharing agreement likely to be top of the agenda.

He is expected to talk about Brexit and the implications it will have on both side of the border with DUP leader Arlene Foster and senior members of the party at todays meeting.

Mr Varadkar agreed that he would meet with Ms May in the very near future to continue their discussions.

Mr Macron and Mr Varadkar discussed Brexit. They looked forward to seeing each other at the European Council in Brussels, where negotiations around Britains exit of the EU begin in earnest next week, and they agreed to explore options for an early bilateral meeting.

Ms Merkel discussed the Northern Ireland talks and spoke about the renewed closeness of relations between Germany and France being a positive force for the future of the EU.
The former jobs minister was the only one of Enda Kennys cabinet not to retain a full ministerial position and has been dropped to a minster of state with special responsibility for higher education.

However, the super-junior role means that she will still attend Cabinet each week.

Ms Mitchell OConnor said: I was a tiny bit disappointed yesterday  of course I was and it would be disingenuous of me to say that I wasnt. But, you know, putting it into perspective with whats going on and what happened in London, my job pales into insignificance.

But I am now delighted to be in education, to be in higher education, she told RTE news.

Education Minister Richard Bruton, who was not moved from his department by Mr Varadkar, yesterday defended Ms Mitchell OConnors appointment within his department by claiming that education is one of the areas that needs to be beefed up.

Mr Bruton said Mr Varadkar recognises education will have a pivotal role in shaping our future economy and pointed to the Taoiseachs speech in the Dail on Wednesday night.

I think Mary Mitchell OConnor will come to this with a great deal of skill, she has been in the enterprise portfolio so she will know acutely how important those skills needs will be to the growth of our economy.

He added that he is happy to work with Ms Mitchell OConnor and Independent Alliance TD John Halligan, who has already been a minister of state in the Department of Education.

Meanwhile, the new Minister for Social Protection, Regina Doherty, has set out her stall by claiming her main aim will be to ensure that money and supports are given to those who are most in need.

She added that she is now relishing the opportunity and the challenge ahead.

However, speaking on Newstalk Breakfast, she warned that there are still pockets in the country where there are high levels of unemployment despite the economic recovery: I want to look at the social responsibility of people.

Donegal TD, Joe McHugh, who has replaced Ms Doherty as Government Chief Whip, has hinted that he will change the system within the Dail to ensure that all voices are heard in a proportionate way.

He said a very, very honest conversation now needs to take place within the Dail and within the different Dail groupings as to what has worked in the last year and what has not.

One area the Taoiseach is very interested in is the area of proportionality and Ive started that conversation this morning. Ive had a number of meetings and want to reach out to my colleagues about the divide.

Rural and Community Affairs Minister Michael Ring said funding for rural Ireland is badly needed and that he has received assurances that an additional budget would be allocated to this area.

I expect that funding will be put in place because there are many many challenges in rural Ireland and funding is badly wanted, he said.
The ECHR ruled that Ireland had breached Article 10 of the European Convention with regard to freedom of expression, after Independent News and Media had argued that the 1.25m libel award by the Supreme Court to former Government press adviser Monica Leech had a chilling effect on journalism.

News Brands Ireland and the National Union of Journalists were among those who welcomed the ruling. Minister for Justice, Charlie Flanagan, said the judgment was a significant one and he added that while the case refers to Irish law prior to the introduction of the 2009 Defamation Act, a review of the current legislation would take the ECHR ruling into account.

The case of Independent Newspapers (Ireland) Ltd v Ireland was brought to the court in Strasbourg more than seven years after the initial libel hearing at which Ms Leech, a PR consultant, had been awarded record damages.

A series of articles in the Evening Herald in late 2004 made allegations relating to Ms Leech. She sued for defamation and in June 2009 a jury in the High Court assessed damages at 1.872m. The newspaper published an apology in January 2010, but appealed the extent of the damages, claiming that no reasonable jury could have made such an award.

Later, in the Supreme Court, the level of damages was reduced to 1.25m. In its submission to the ECHR, Independent News and Media (INM) argued that there had been a disproportionate interference with its freedom of expression and that the unpredictability of the domestic system meant that there was a strong and continuous chilling effect on the news media in Ireland.

The eight-person ECHR panel ruled in its favour in what the NUJ acting general secretary Seamus Dooley said was a landmark judgment for Irish journalism.

The ECHR emphasised the need for a detailed and specific direction to juries and this is consistent with the long-held belief of the NUJ, he said.

INM group editor-in-chief Stephen Rae said: The judgment is a very positive step forward in our campaign as journalists to reform the expensive and oppressive defamation law in Ireland.

Allan Prosser, acting editor of the Irish Examiner, said that the European Court decision in the Monica Leech case was generally to be welcomed and that it represented a significant move against the high and punitive benchmarks which had been set by both of the original judgments.

Mr Prosser added: In recent years Dublin has become the libel capital of the world, a role that was once filled by London, and that is is no cause for national pride.

This is a step in favour of freedom of expression and rights to information. To that extent it is a victory, but there will be further challenges to come.

The ruling does not affect the damages previously awarded to Ms Leech.
However, on Wednesday night the popular nightclub that is Copper Face Jacks hosted an altogether different gathering, with a Fine Gael celebration party heading out on the town in the wake of the appointment of Leo Varadkar as Taoiseach. Ministers clutching their seals of office just after the first Cabinet meeting with the President at Aras an Uachtarain made a beeline for the nightclub to cheer on the newly elected Fine Gael leader. An entire floor had been booked out for the celebrations.

I t was a rare sight to see ministers ditching their lever arch files to hit the dancefloor, with Independent TDs Michael Healy-Rae and Mattie McGrath, as well as Fianna Fail TDs, joining in.
Mr Donohoe began his first day in charge of the two departments by travelling to Luxembourg to attend a meeting of European finance ministers. He is to be briefed by his new officials tomorrow.

It is understood Mr Donohoe will be joined next week by two junior ministers, one operating in each department.

However, it is seen as significant that, while the two departments operated out of the same building, Mr Donohoe will move into Mr Noonans old office on the ground floor, with a rejoining of the two departments possible.

On foot of his decision to move office, Mr Donohoes current ministerial office will be freed up to accommodate the junior ministers or it could be used to house one of two secretaries general under his command.

Mr Donohoe has expressed his delight at being appointed to both ministries.

He tweeted it is the greatest of privileges to lead the departments of @IRLDeptPER and @IRLDeptFinance. Will give my all.

The Irish Examiner understands there was considerable resistance from senior civil servants  particularly in Public Expenditure  to any suggestion of the two finance departments merging.

Mr Noonan was seen in Leinster House yesterday, getting used to life as a back bencher after six years in office.

In Luxembourg, when asked about the AIB sale, Mr Donohoe said the time was appropriate to dispose of a portion of the States share in the bank.

I am limited in what I can say by law. That progress is underway and is going well. The completion of that process is an important milestone in the development of the Irish economy. We have seen our economy now move into sustained growth, he said. We have seen a recovery take place within the Irish banking system and that is the reason the Irish Government have decided that it is appropriate to proceed with a disposal of a share of AIB.

Mr Donohoe would not be drawn on whether the shares would be sold at the higher end of the range specified by the process.

This is a matter which is being evaluated by the market. The key thing is we get a good support for the Irish taxpayer and this will mark an important milestone for the stability of the Irish banking system, he said.
The EU police agency said there has been a sharp rise in arrests relating to jihadi terrorism across the union, from 169 in 2012 to 687 in 2015, rising further in 2016, to 718.

In its EU Terrorism Report 2017, Europol said just one person was arrested in Ireland in relation to jihadi terrorism in 2016 and that no attacks  attempted or completed  were carried out here.

While the threat level in Ireland remains at moderate  meaning a jihadi attack is possible, but not likely  senior gardai have told the Irish Examiner that they, along with all European police and security agencies, were concerned at the return of foreign fighters.

An estimated 30 Irish citizens are known to have travelled to jihadi warzones, some five of whom are known to have been killed. The fate of the others is not known.

Referring to the risks posed by foreign fighters coming back to Europe, the report said: The number of returnees is expected to rise, if IS, as seems likely, is defeated militarily or collapses.

An increasing number of returnees will likely strengthen domestic jihadist movements and consequently magnify the threat they pose to the EU.

The report said there were increased efforts to incite Islamic State (IS) sympathisers in the West to perpetrate attacks at home with practical guidance for lone-actor assaults in IS publications, including the use of knives, vehicles and arson.

It also said there were increased efforts by IS to directly recruit vulnerable people via social media.

The report said there were 76 failed, foiled, and completed attacks by dissident republicans in Northern Ireland, with four bombings, one of which resulted in the death of prison officer Adrian Ismay.

A total of 123 people were arrested in 2016, while, in the Republic, 16 such arrests were carried out.
While an agreement to provide the mobile lab was reached last January, the HSE will only start the tender process next week. Ger OCallaghan, the chief operations officer for the South/South West Hospital Group, said the process should take eight to 10 weeks, with the expectation that the cath lab would be up and running by September or October.

However, it will operate 9am-5pm only and not at all at weekends. In fact, it is yet to be decided the number of days a week the lab will open. Mr OCallaghan said the objective is to try to clear the waiting list  not to offer an out-of-hours service.
Kate McGrew mounted a legal challenge against her conviction on the basis that the landlords discovery of the cannabis-growing tent was illegal and the Garda search warrant was defective.

Landlord Liam ODriscoll said the smell from the flat was so strong he was afraid something had happened to Ms McGrew.

She could have been lying on the ground dead. Anything could have happened to her. I was saying God almighty I am damned if I do, damned if I dont, he testified yesterday at Cork Circuit Appeals Court.

Ms McGrew was convicted at Cork District Court on the charge of cultivating the cannabis at apartment 4 on the second floor of 30 Patricks Hill, Cork, at the relevant time, on May 24, 2014, and she was ordered to do 200 hours of community service.

Judge James ODonohoe found the facts of the case proven by the prosecution in yesterdays appeal. He said the warrant used by gardai was valid.

Alan ODwyer, defending, said the accused was working in Ireland, now living in Dublin, and working in an organisation campaigning for the rights of sex workers. She had no previous convictions and was anxious to avoid a conviction for cultivating cannabis against a background where a relative suffering from Parkinsons was using the cannabis for pain relief.

Judge ODonohoe said: Given her good character and the fact that she has no previous convictions I am disposed towards dismissing the charge under the Probation of Offenders Act on her making a donation of 300 to the Peter McVerry Trust within nine months
(Xinhua) 09:17, June 16, 2017

SAN FRANCISCO, June 15 -- Facebook, Inc., the social networking service claiming to have 1.94 billion monthly active users worldwide, said Thursday it wants to be "a hostile place for terrorists."

Criticized by some to be a platform for propaganda or even recruitment by terrorists, the U.S. company headquartered in Menlo Park, Northern California, pledged that it is "absolutely committed to keeping terrorism off our platform."

Monika Bickert, Facebook's Director of Global Policy Management, and Brian Fishman, the company's Counterterrorism Policy Manager, acknowledged in a posting on its website that they believe social media should not be a place where terrorists have a voice.

However, before detailing what the company is doing or plans to do to help fight terrorism, they noted that "the challenge for online communities is the same as it is for real world communities - to get better at spotting the early signals before it's too late."

They revealed that the company has a team of more than 150 counterterrorism specialists, including academic experts on counterterrorism, former prosecutors, former law enforcement agents and analysts, working exclusively or primarily on countering terrorism as their core responsibility.

Besides, the two executives wrote that Facebook will grow its community operations teams around the world by 3,000 people over the next year, who will work 24 hours a day and in dozens of languages to review accounts or content that may violate its policies, including those that may be related to terrorism.

To keep terrorist content off Facebook, Facebook is also deploying artificial intelligence (AI) technology to stop anyone uploading a photo or video that matches a known terrorism photo or video; remove material related to pages, groups, posts or profiles already identified as supporting terrorism; and detect new fake accounts created by repeat offenders.

"We believe technology," Bickert and Fishman wrote. adding that "although our use of AI against terrorism is fairly recent, it's already changing the ways we keep potential terrorist propaganda and accounts off Facebook."

In addition to targeting ISIS, Al Qaeda and their affiliates, they said Facebook's counterterrorism efforts will "expand to other terrorist organizations in due course."
Friday, June 16th, 2017 (11:51 am) - Score 1,462

Thousands of extra homes in the county of Wiltshire (England) look set to benefit after the local authority awarded a total of 3 million in extra public funding to BT and Gigaclear, which are both tasked with expanding the reach of their 100Mbps+ capable fibre broadband networks into rural areas.

Independent data from Thinkbroadband suggests that 89.7% of Wiltshire (excluding North and South Swindon) can already access a superfast broadband (24Mbps+) network and the raw fibre network footprint covers 97.2% (this also includes areas that only receive sub-24Mbps speeds), which has been helped by the joint state aid supported Wiltshire Online project between BT and the local authority (so far this has benefited 84,000 premises).

The project was then given a further boost in September 2015 when the council agreed to a 3.86m extension deal with Openreach (2.46m from BDUK, 0.5m from Wiltshire Council and 0.9m from BT), which would expand the service to an extra 5,000 premises by the end of 2017 (here). This was followed in December 2016 by a third 2.8m deal (supported by Phase 1 BT clawback) to help another 5,000 premises (here).

However the latest deal, which is supported by 2m from Broadband Delivery UK and 1m from the Swindon and Wiltshire LEP, appears to end the total reliance on BT. Instead BT will extend their network to an unspecified number of additional premises and Gigaclear will build their Gigabit capable Fibre-to-the-Premise (FTTP) network to reach 5,800 premises (all focused on North Wiltshire).

Joe Frost, Gigaclears Business Development Director, said: Were looking forward to partnering with Wiltshire Council to bring ultrafast broadband to approximately 5,800 homes and businesses in the area. This will revolutionise daily life for so many people in these rural locations with up to 1000mbps for uploads and downloads, putting Wiltshire on the map as one of the best-connected counties in the UK. It also marks a fantastic milestone for Gigaclear as we continue to expand our pure fibre network across the country.

Sadly theres no solid information on the roll-out plan and were not told which technologies BT will use for their part, although its probably safe to assume that FTTP or G.fast will be deployed since the contract is for 100Mbps+ capable ultrafast broadband.

Paul Coles, BTs Regional Director for the South West, said: The award of this contract recognises the confidence Wiltshire Council has in our ability to deliver ultrafast broadband across the county. Were committed to making high-speed fibre broadband as widely available as possible and, when our commercial roll-out is also included, more than 277,000 homes and business can access superfast broadband across Wiltshire today. Additionally, because the network is being installed by Openreach, local households and businesses can choose from more than 100 of the main [ISPs] offering competitive fibre broadband products. Were already delivering significant ultrafast broadband across Swindon, which can deliver speeds of up to 1 gigabit, and are delighted to have been selected by Wiltshire council to extend the reach of ultrafast across other parts of Wiltshire.

Apparently the roll-out phase for this contract is due to start later in 2017 and a detailed plan should be unveiled in due course. Curiously the local authority has not provided a figure for the commercial contribution (such contracts are usually gap-funded models), although given Gigaclears past form we wouldnt be at all surprise if their contribution is more than the public commitment combined.

Meanwhile a question mark remains over how much BT has contributed to the effort and how many premises they intend to target. Otherwise TBB predicts that Gigaclears commitment alone could raise the local superfast broadband coverage level by another 2.5 to 3% points.

UPDATE 4:38pm

Gigaclear has kindly informed ISPreview.co.uk that their contribution to the contract is an impressive 8 million, which as we predicted dwarfs the public funding.

As for the BT side of things, were still waiting to hear back from the council on that. However, we understand that its likely to be a mix of FTTC, FTTP and even a tiny bit of FTTrN, which reveals that it doesnt all involve ultrafast infrastructure (both FTTC and FTTrN are currently VDSL2 based). The FTTP side is believed to reflect 2,156 premises from Openreach and we hope to have confirmation soon.

UPDATE 26th June 2017

The local authority has finally responded to confirm the details we requested. Firstly, Openreachs deployment aims to pass around 3,200 premises and over 2,000 of those will be FTTP (as above), while the rest (over 1,000) will be via FTTC. Theres no mention of FTTrN this time but that technically falls into the same FTTC product box.

In terms of investment, Wiltshire CC said that BTs NGA Network Build investment comes to approximately 1.7m and its also noted that Gigaclear are separately investing around 13m for their planned commercial roll-out in the county (this is on top of the 8m assigned for this project above).

UPDATE 19th June 2019

Both contracts commenced delivery in 2018 and collectively will deliver an Ultrafast broadband service to over 8,000 premises across Wiltshire by the end of 2020.
Sprint Corporation just started a new promotion that will make their customers very happy because of a very good deal. The American telecommunications holding company is now offering an entire year of free service, that is unlimited data, call and text to all customers who switch to them and bring over a suitable phone.

The existing postpaid subscribers of other telecommunication companies such as Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile can still avail the deal of Sprint. In addition to that, as reported by The Verge, the mobile data plan also covers family plans of the registered user.

In addition to that, Sprint's offer has no contract involved. Meaning, an interested customer just got to pay a $30 activation fee up front and enjoy the unlimited offer. However, the payment gets refunded within two billing cycles and this is only for new Sprint customers.

"They're offering their hated network for nothing. Because that's what it's worth," said Verizon spokesman Jeffrey C. Nelson. According to Investors, as long as an individual sign up sometime before June 30, he/she will get a whole years worth of service that runs through July 31, 2018.

Sprint notes that the customers have to cover a SIM card, as well as pay taxes and fees each month. Also, the customer gets hit with other monthly charges if he/she turn off AutoPay or eBilling. Disabling both payment method will result in a recurring $7.99 payment each month.

The new offer comes as speculation heats up over a Sprint and T-Mobile merger. Sprint's new offering on unlimited plan includes the ulimited data, call and text, HD Streaming of Videos at speeds up to 1080p, music at up to 1.5mbps, gaming streams at up to 8mbps, unlimited 4G LTE data but deprioritization applies during congestion, and 10GB of high-speed data per line plus mobile hotspot, VPN and Peer-2-Peer use.
(Xinhua) 11:33, June 16, 2017

BRASILIA, June 15 -- Brazilian Foreign Affairs Minister Aloysio Nunes will be traveling to China to meet with authorities there over bilateral matters and take part in a meeting of ministers from the BRICS bloc of emerging economies Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

The June 16 to 20 trip will see Nunes meet with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Friday, and take part in the second Brazil-China Strategic Global Dialogue, the Foreign Affairs Ministry said on Thursday.

"The strategic dialogue, one of the principal institutional mechanisms for coordination between the two countries, offers both a regular and direct opportunity to interchange ideas on bilateral, regional and multilateral issues," the ministry said.

Later, Nunes will meet with China's Minister of Commerce Zhong Shan, to discuss economic and trade matters of interest to both sides, as well as matters relating to the Sino-Brazilian High-Level Commission for Concertation and Cooperation.

The June 18 and 19 BRICS ministerial gathering is set to discuss current global affairs, as well as cooperation within the increasingly consolidated bloc and preparations for an upcoming summit to be held in September in Xiamen.

"BRICS contributes to perfecting and strengthening institutions of global governance in the field of politics and diplomacy, as well as in the area of economy, finance and trade. A player with global interests and concerns, Brazil gives great importance to political dialogue with its BRICS partners," said the ministry.

Since 2009, China has been Brazil's leading trade partner, with bilateral trade exchange amounting to 58.5 billion U.S. dollars in 2016, and is a key investor in the South American country.
(Xinhua) 11:35, June 16, 2017

MOSCOW, June 16 -- In his annual call-in with the public and media in and outside Russia on Thursday, President Vladimir Putin highlighted the national economy, the Moscow-Washington relations and regional conflicts involving Russia, among others.

Putin chose to answer 73 questions among the 1.9 million questions he received at the 15th nationally televised "Direct Line" questions-and-answers session.

WESTERN SANCTIONS "A DOUBLE-EDGED SWORD"

The Russian top leader said that Western sanctions against Russia have had only a limited effect, and the national economy has even benefited from them.

Russia has managed to overcome its recession and achieved a year-on-year growth of 0.7 percent in the first quarter of 2017, he said.

Western sanctions, imposed since 2014 over Crimea, are a double-edged sword since Russia lost some 50 billion U.S. dollars while the West lost 100 billion dollars, Putin said, adding some sectors of the Russian economy, particularly the agriculture, have benefited from the sanctions.

He announced that the Russian agricultural sector has shown a 3-percent growth, and the country, now the world's biggest wheat exporter, has significantly reduced its food imports and increased domestic production of pork and poultry.

Other sectors positively affected by the sanctions include radio electronics, aircraft building, the space industry, the pharmaceutical industry and heavy engineering, among others.

Putin added that Russia is ready to lift its sanctions if Western countries lift their own, too. "We will watch how our relations develop with the countries that imposed restrictions on our economy."

RUSSIA-PHOBIA A RESULT OF U.S. DOMESTIC WRESTLE

The prevalent Russia-phobia in the United States revealed the country's domestic political wrestle, said the Russian president.

He added that Russia is willing to grant asylum to James Comey, former chief of the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), in case he is persecuted in his nation.

Comey, sacked by the Trump administration last month, acted like U.S. whistleblower Edward Snowden, said Putin.

"When a special service head records a conversation with the commander-in-chief and gives it to the media ... he is then not a special service head but a human rights advocate who defends a certain position," said Putin.

Trump had said he fired Comey because of his handling of Hillary Clinton's email leaks during the 2016 presidential elections. But the former FBI chief said he was sacked due to his investigation into Russia's ties with Trump's campaign.

As for Comey's investigation into Russian interference in the presidential elections, Putin said that Comey provided no evidence.

NON-INTERFERENCE IN UKRAINE ISSUE

On the Ukraine issue, Putin noted that Russia did not seek to interfere in its neighbor's domestic affairs, and Washington shall play a constructive role in settling the crisis in Ukraine's southeastern area.

He also said that Russian armed forces and defense industry have benefited from the anti-terrorist operations in Syria.

"The experience of deploying our troops and newest weapons in combat conditions is absolutely priceless," Putin said, explaining that the Russian troops have acquired a "different quality" and some units operated very effectively.

The use of the newest weapons allowed Russians to understand how they perform in combat conditions, and the Russian defense industry had a chance to see whether it shall make necessary adjustments, Putin said.

The task of the Russian armed forces in the near future is to raise the combat capability of the Syrian troops and provide them with occasional support in fighting terrorists, he added.

Russia began to participate in the combat operations in Syria in September 2015. It has now withdrawn the majority of its troops from the war-torn country.

Speaking of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative, Putin said he hopes it could start a new stage of cooperation in Eurasia and beyond.

This initiative is unique and successful, he said. "I have no doubt that we will work together and this work will be effective and beneficial for the Chinese and Russian people as well as the global economy."
"Heroic - that's the only word I can use to describe their actions."

Islander Steve Apter, deputy commissioner of London Fire Brigade, has paid tribute to the incredible efforts of firefighters who risked their lives to tackle this week's horrific Grenfell Tower blaze and rescue those trapped inside.

In his first interview after coming off shift, Mr Apter, the former chief fire officer for the Isle of Wight, told the County Press how he had hugged fellow Island firefighter Stuart McDonald as he donned breathing apparatus and prepared to enter the burning building.

"Many of the firefighters were marking their names on their helmets before they went in.

"They knew that building could collapse. At one point we had 104 firefighters in that building, or just outside. They all knew what they were walking into and not one of them questioned it," said Mr Apter.

His involvement started with a call at 1.15am on Wednesday, when he was told they were dealing with a fire of unprecedented scale.

"I spoken to firefighters who have been with the brigade for 40 years and even they had seen nothing like this," he said.

He described the blaze, which has claimed the lives of at least 17 people, as unprecedented, not only in scale, but also the speed with which it spread.

Watching footage as he worked to co-ordinate resources from the fire service HQ, Mr Apter said he could not believe what he was seeing.

"I thought that can't be the incident we're dealing with, that looks like it has been burning for days," he said.

After ensuring resources were in place to keep the rest of London safe, while huge numbers of firefighters were diverted to north Kensington, Mr Apter headed to the scene himself.

"When I drove around the corner and saw it with my own eyes for the first time, my first thought was of 9/11."

Firefighters worked tirelessly throughout the day to attempt to reach those trapped in the building, but by 7.30pm and with mounting concerns about the building's stability, Mr Apter was involved in making the difficult decision to order a tactical withdrawal.

"The incident commander made the decision with my full support. At that point it was a really difficult decision. We knew there were still people in there."

Yesterday the operation switched from rescue to recovery, with specialist emergency services working through the building - "trying to identify all those affected."

Mr Apter, who yesterday met with Prime Minister Theresa May and leader of the opposition Jeremy Corbyn at the scene, said he was "extremely proud" of the efforts of his colleagues.
Southwestern Chinas Sichuan province, which is already a top draw for tourists from around the world, is taking measures to attract still more visitors.

By the end of 2020, the province will build an ecological travel route that incorporates major panda tourism sites, including the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding and Dujiangyan Panda Base. Beyond panda bases, the province plans to build urban leisure resorts and creative industrial zones to promote sightseeing and ecotourism.

According to the plan, the panda resort near the Chengdu base will be expanded to 800 mu (53.3 hectares). Highways linking the bases will also be upgraded to provide tourists with a smoother ride.

Sichuans fourth giant panda survey in 2015 found that the province was home to 1,387 wild giant pandas, accounting for almost 74.4 percent of the country's total. The province had over 2 million hectares of natural habitat for giant pandas, or 78.7 percent of Chinas total.
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(Xinhua) 13:39, June 16, 2017

(Photo/Xinhua)

DALIAN, June 16 -- Three people working for Beijing Pangu Investment Company have been given prison terms for fraudulently obtaining loans and foreign exchange, a court announced Friday.

The company's senior executive Lyu Tao was sentenced to two years and three months in prison, while another two employees Xie Honglin and Yang Ying were both sentenced to two years in prison with a three-year reprieve, according to the People's Court of Xigang District, northeast China's Dalian city.

The company was fined 245 million yuan (over 35.96 million U.S. dollars) for fraudulently obtaining loans, according to the court ruling.

The three defendants and the representative of the company accepted the ruling and said they would not appeal.

Evidence showed that fugitive Guo Wengui, who controlled the company, directed the three individuals to apply for loans from banks with fake contracts, stamps and financial statements, which disturbed financial order and threatened financial security, the ruling said.

Lyu Tao and Xie Honglin fraudulently obtained a large amount of foreign exchange with falsified documents, disturbing the country's financial and foreign exchange management order.

A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said in April that Interpol had issued a "red notice" for Guo Wengui.

On June 9, the People's Court of Xigang District opened a trial into the suspected crimes of the company and the three individuals.

During the trial, the defendants did not object to any criminal facts and charges from prosecutors. They pleaded guilty, expressed regret and thanked judicial organs for the lawful handling of their cases.

The defendants asked for leniency, saying that their actions were made at the instruction or suggestion of Guo Wengui.

The court agreed that the three were accessories. Moreover, Xie gave himself up to the police, while Lyu and Yang confessed before the trial, and they have all returned the loans involved in the case and were given lenient terms accordingly.

The trial is part of a series of cases involving Beijing Pangu Investment Company and Beijing Zenith Holdings Company.

A number of other personnel tied to the two companies have also been sued in three separate cases, accused of taking advantages of positions to gain benefits illegally, destroying accounting evidence and fraudulently obtaining bank loans.

Judicial authorities revealed that they are handling several connected cases involving forced transactions, offering bribes, embezzlement and unlawful detention.
A second national report on teen smoking patterns shows traditional cigarette smoking dropping again to a historic low, with electronic cigarette and vaporizer use also declining.

The federal governments 2016 National Youth Tobacco survey determined that just 8 percent of ninth through 12th-graders smoked at least once over a 30-day period.

Thats down from 15.8 percent in 2011 and 9.3 percent in 2015. The rate was 28.5 percent when the survey debuted in 1999.

E-cig and vaporizer usage fell from a high of 16 percent in 2015 to 11.3 percent for 2016. That represented a reversal of a five-year trend of increased youth e-cig use.

Some analysts say the jump from 4.5 percent of teens using e-cigs and vaporizers in 2013 to 13.4 percent in 2014 came primarily from changes in how questions about other tobacco products were presented.

Overall, teen use of any tobacco product dropped from 25.3 percent to 20.2 percent.

By comparison, the 2016 version of the Monitoring the Future study by the University of Michigan determined 10.5 percent of 12th-graders used tobacco products, down from 11.4 percent in 2015, and 4.9 percent of 10th-graders, down from 6.3 percent.

As for e-cigs and vaporizers, the breakdown was 13 percent of 12th-graders, down from 16 percent, and 11 percent of 10th-graders, down from 14 percent.

FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb has indicated support for the role that e-cigs and other innovative nicotine and tobacco products can have in reducing overall traditional cigarette use.

While the latest numbers are encouraging, it is critical that we work to ensure this downward trend continues over the long term across all tobacco products, Gottlieb said Thursday.

The decline in traditional and e-cig usage was applauded both by anti-tobacco advocates, who want to severely limit or ban innovative tobacco and nicotine products along with traditional cigarettes, and anti-smoking advocates, who believe there is a prominent societal role for the innovation products.

The advocates, as typical, differed on what they credited for producing the decline in tobacco usage.

Matthew Myers, president of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, cited higher tobacco taxes, comprehensive smoke-free laws, enhanced federal regulatory oversight, and more than 245 communities and California and Hawaii recently raising their minimum age for buying tobacco products to 21.

Anti-smoking advocates say the increased use of e-cigs and vaporizers is a sign of youths recognizing that those products are a potential reduced-risk way to consumer tobacco and nicotine. Some studies, most notably the Royal College of Physicians, have determined that e-cigs may be 95 percent less harmful than traditional cigarettes.

With e-cigs and vaping becoming a more popular choice over traditional cigarettes for a third consecutive year, there is concern among anti-tobacco advocates that their use will normalize the use of all tobacco products.

Myers said it is too soon to determine whether the e-cig use decline is a long-term trend or a one-year blip.

Myers repeated his concern that the Trump administration and Republican-controlled Congress will thwart the progress through rolling back restrictions put into place by the Obama administration.

Critics also have taken state legislatures, controlled by Democrats and Republicans, to task for continuing to siphon Master Settlement Agreement funding, paid by tobacco manufacturers to be used for health-care programs, into their General funds.

Given budget cuts to public health and tobacco cessation in North Carolina, the challenge will be to continue this trend, said Dr. John Spangler, a professor of family and community medicine at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center.

Reynolds spokeswoman Jane Seccombe said the recent decline in youth use of all types of tobacco products is really good news.

Reynolds and its subsidiaries share societys belief that minors should never use tobacco products, and we remain committed to transforming the tobacco industry through youth tobacco prevention efforts, Seccombe said.

David Sweanor, an adjunct law professor at the University of Ottawa and the author of a recent e-cig study, said the survey provides more evidence that the fear-mongering about vaping leading to cigarette smoking lacks any credible evidence.

The safer and less expensive products speed the demise of the more hazardous and more costly alternatives.
Public hearings set

on HPFabrics incentives

Two public hearings have been set on incentive requests by a Turkish textile company pledging to create up to 390 jobs in Winston-Salem.

The Winston-Salem City Council will hold its incentive hearing at 7 p.m. Monday at City Hall. The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners will conduct its hearing at 2 p.m. June 26 in its chambers.

Tukek Holding Inc. is requesting up to $125,000 in performance-based incentives from the city and county over seven years to help offset capital expenses for its startup company, HPFabrics Inc. The countys legal notice said the company also is requesting up to a matching $250,000 from the states One North Carolina fund.

The incentive hearings are the companys next step following its February purchase of the assets of defunct Microfibres Inc. Tukek told Winston-Salem economic development officials it would spend $3.85 million over five years to upgrade the former Microfibres facility at 3821 Kimwell Drive, along with buying new equipment and machinery.

Microfibres, which was based in Pawtucket, R.I., filed for Chapter 7 voluntary bankruptcy protection Jan. 27, 2016  the same day it closed its Pawtucket, Winston-Salem and Lee County, Miss., facilities and ceased production.

The local plant had 125 employees when it closed. The local workforce was at 270 as recently as 2004.

Richard Craver

Auto dealer agrees to pay $89,746 fine to N.C.

N.C. Attorney General Josh Stein said Thursday that his office has reached a settlement with Hopkins and Raines Inc. and Pro Automotive LLC over what he called deceptive auto dealer advertisements.

The state Justice Department previously had investigated Hopkins and Raines, with the result being an agreement in 2011 that prohibited the company from doing business in the state.

Stein sued the companies for violating the agreement and North Carolinas consumer protection laws.

The settlement with Hopkins and Raines requires it to pay a fine of $89,746, which will go into the state General Fund.

Richard Craver

Gilbarco conducts chip transaction at fuel pump

Gilbarco Veeder-Root said Thursday it has made the first successful processing of a chip point-of-sale transaction at a fuel dispenser in the United States.

The Greensboro company said its Passport system and Encores fuel dispensers were used on the First Data network.

Gilbarco has used its FlexPay chip point-of-sale system for in-store transactions since May 2016.

The company specializes in providing retail technology for the convenience-store industry.

Richard Craver

First Bancorp board has 8-cent stock dividend

The board of directors of First Bancorp declared Thursday a cash dividend of 8 cents a share on its common stock.

The dividend is payable July 25 to shareholders registered as of June 30.

First Bancorp, based in Southern Pines, has increased its Winston-Salem and Triad presence significantly in the past year with seven and 18 branches, respectively.

Richard Craver
Apple slices. Juice boxes. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. As a mother of three, I have made a lot of school lunches over the years. Sometimes I made them the night before, sometimes I made them last minute in the morning. I never missed a day.

Too many North Carolina children are at risk of missing a day of lunch  not because their parents simply forget to make it, but because so many North Carolina families are struggling to make ends meet. Far too often, food becomes the fall guy, the place where families cut back so they can keep a roof over their heads and pay for other necessary expenses, like utilities and childcare. One in four children in Northwest North Carolina lives in a food insecure family.

School administrators, teachers and support staff recognize this problem and work hard to ensure that children in need have access to free and reduced meals through the Federal School Lunch Program during the school year. It is no small feat for the school system: in Forsyth County, 51 percent of children income-qualify for these free meals. School meals have become central and essential to not just the children they feed, but to our communities as a whole.

During the summer months, however, only 16 percent of these children have access to similar summer meal programs in Forsyth County, leaving nearly 27,750 children at risk of hunger. Just as schools rise to the challenge of providing daily nutritious meals to children in need during the academic year, we, as responsible adults, must rise to that same challenge and provide for our communitys children during the summer.

In addition to our year-round work with over 450 on-the-ground partner programs including school pantries, kids cafes and BackPack programs, Second Harvests Childhood Hunger Programs team seasonally amps up our work to fill in the summer meal gap. We coordinate 27 summer meal sites across 6 counties, bringing the fruits and veggies that children need to grow and thrive through the summer. That way, we know they are returning to school in the fall ready to learn.

My own children are now grown; they have graduated college and made families of their own. While I may no longer pack their lunches, I do go to work each day knowing that my team is working hard to make lunches happen for all the children of our communities. Of course, we cant do this work without support from the communities we serve and people like you. Your gifts of time, food, and dollars are essential to our efforts to fill the support meal gap. Every $1 you give provides 7 nutritious meals, and through June 30, generous supporters of our work will match your generosity to do double the good for kids this summer. Together, we can be sure that all our children can eat lunch every day.

Daisy Rodriguez is the director of Childhood Hunger Programs for Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest North Carolina.
The unveiling ceremony for the UCLG-ASPAC Committee on the Belt and Road Local Cooperation

The city of Hangzhou in Zhejiang province hopes to build itself into a major strategic hub along the online Silk Road Economic Belt. The city will accomplish this objective by giving full play to its advantages in cross-border electronic commerce, Xu Liyi, Hangzhou's mayor, stated at the June 15 unveiling ceremony of the UCLG-ASPAC Committee on the Belt and Road Local Cooperation, China News reported.

The committee was established by the Chinese Peoples Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the Hangzhou Municipal Government. Its purpose is to enhance the sharing of experiences, prosperity, communication and mutual trust between governments.

Its arrival in Hangzhou is monumental for both historical and economic reasons. Hangzhou is now one of the most economically dynamic cities in China. The city in eastern China, which hosts the headquarters of e-commerce giant Alibaba, had an aggregate economic output value of 1.1 trillion RMB in 2016. In recent years, the city created the online Silk Road and modeled itself as a good example for "Belt and Road" development through Internet plus technology.

Former German President Christian Wilhelm Walter Wulff noted that the committee will infuse new life into the Silk Road and provide a new platform for cooperation between Asia and Europe. The G20 summit is expected to further promote economic development and achieve win-win outcomes by combining the potential of China and Europe, the former president said.
In a case currently before a federal judge, the local IFB Solutions optical lab stands to lose 52 jobs, 43 of which are held by blind employees and several by veterans, and a lot of money. We hope it doesnt come to that.

On one side is the federal Veterans Administration, joined by IFB, formerly known as Winston-Salem Industries for the Blind Inc., which has a contract to provide visual products including eyeglasses to the VA. On the other is PDS Consultants Inc., a small New Jersey business owned by a disabled service veteran. PDS has sued to get IFBs contract, claiming it should have preference in government contracts for the visual products.

At its essence, the Journals Richard Craver reported, the legal case is about PDS motion to require the federal government to enforce PDS interpretation of the federal Veterans Benefits Act of 2006. The act is considered one of the ways Congress recognizes and repays disabled veterans for their military service.

The VA would like to continue its contract with IFB, but thats up to Judge Nancy Firestone, whose final judgment is expected before the end of the month.

IFB estimated that the proposed ruling could cost the agency more than $15.4 million, or about 54 percent of its annual revenue, if the VA is not allowed to extend IFB contracts through an annual option.

This would cause the immediate loss of jobs for at least 20 individuals who are blind or seriously visually impaired, and 10 veterans, some of whom have service-connected disabilities, IFB told the Journal. There is no currently available replacement jobs for these individuals.

Danny Kelly, IFBs chief operating officer, says that IFB is prepared to take the case to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Its a complicated case. We hope the judge rules in favor of IFB. But whichever way it goes, we appreciate the good work done by IFB and the opportunities it supplies for local blind people to support themselves. If this contract is lost, we hope IFB and its supporters will be able to find other opportunities for its good workers.
Today

Cloudy with periods of rain. Potential for heavy rainfall. High 69F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near an inch.

Tonight

Rain early. Decreasing clouds late. Low 52F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%.

Tomorrow

A mix of clouds and sun in the morning followed by cloudy skies during the afternoon. Slight chance of a rain shower. High 67F. Winds light and variable.
The European Court of Justice [official website] on Thursday ruled [press release, PDF] that the BitTorrent sharing site, The Pirate Bay (TPB) [website], is directly infringing on copyright laws. TPB allows users to share and download movies, television shows and audio files. Unlike earlier piracy websites, such as Napster [official website], TPB does not host files or link to them. Instead, it connects users directly to share files, most of which are copyrighted. The court held that operators of the site facilitate illegal activity by

index[ing] the torrent files so that the works to which those files refer can be easily located and downloaded by users. The Pirate Bay also offersin addition to a search enginecategories based on the type of the works, their genre or their popularity. Furthermore, the operators delete obsolete or faulty torrent files and actively filter some content.

The ruling ends a seven-year legal battle [Guardian report], during which the website was blocked and seized and three of its founders were fined and jailed. In November 2014 one of the founders was arrested [JURIST report] when he was trying to cross from Laos into Thailand. Jeremy Harris, a partner at law firm Kemp Little, told the BBC [report]: The effect on The Pirate Bay will not be that great because it is already well blocked, but it is very significant for other sites who might do something similar and which are now potentially infringing.

Various countries have struggled in recent years with Internet piracy and copyright infringement. The Federal Court of Australia [official website] last April ordered [JURIST report] six Internet service providers (ISPs) to hand over information about alleged illegal downloaders of the US film Dallas Buyers Club. In April 2014 the Senate of Brazil passed a bill [JURIST report] that eliminates ISPs liability for content published by their users and requires providers to remove offensive materials following court orders. That March Viacom and Google settled [JURIST report] a copyright infringement lawsuit that Viacom had filed against Googles YouTube website for allowing clips of Viacoms television programs to be posted without authorization. In June 2013 Russia passed an anti-piracy bill [JURIST report] that allows websites to be blocked by ISPs upon copyright infringement claims. In 2012 the Spanish government approved a law [JURIST report] that created a government agency with the authority to force ISPs to block certain websites that are involved in pirating copyright materials.
Kansas Governor Sam Brownback [official profile] allowed a bill that permits public hospitals, mental health facilities and other health-providing facilities to ban concealed weapons, to become law on Thursday without his signature. HB 2278 [text, PDF] was passed by Senate [JURIST report] on a 24-16 vote. Brownback, a strong gun rights advocate, in a criticized the bill [text, PDF] for restricting gun owners rights, but also noted there are safety concerns at mental hospitals by allowing guns into the facilities. HB 2278 makes permanent the exemption banning concealed weapons in healthcare facilities granted back in 2013, which was due to expire this July. Those opposing the bill, such as the National Rifle Association (NRA) [advocacy website], argue the ban should only apply to restricted areas inside healthcare facilities in order to uphold gun owners right to protect themselves, especially in building without heightened security. Brownback urged legislators to later review this issue again to find a better balance between hospitals safety concerns and citizens safety concerns.

Gun ownership and carry rights have become an increasingly prevalent issue. In April Iowa Governor Terry Branstad [official website] signed legislation [JURIST report] expanding gun rights in the state. In March North Dakota Governor Burgum signed a constitutional carry handgun bill [JURIST report] into law. Earlier that week, Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson signed into law [JURIST report] a bill allowing individuals over the age of 21 to get enhanced concealed carry permits which will allow them to carry concealed weapons at public colleges, airports, polling places, sporting events, some state offices and the state capitol. In February the New Hampshire House of Representatives approved a bill that would repeal the law [JURIST report] prohibiting state citizens from carrying concealed firearms without a permit. Earlier in February the US House of Representatives voted to repeal [text, PDF] an Obama-era gun regulation that required mental health information to be shared with the national gun background check system. In December Ohio Governor John Kasich signed Senate Bill 199 [JURIST report], making it legal to carry concealed weapons at daycare facilities and onto college campuses. In March the US House of Representatives [official website] approved a bill [JURIST report] making it easier mentally incompetent veterans to obtain firearms. That same month, US President Donald Trump signed a bill [JURIST report] revoking gun restrictions on those with mental illness, contrary to the Obama-era gun regulations.
Three Kentuckians filed a lawsuit [complaint, PDF] on Wednesday against Governor Matt Bevin and Attorney General Andy Beshear [official websites] challenging the states criminal ban on medical marijuana. Dan Seum Jr., 59, Amy Stalker, 37, and Danny Belcher, 69, claim they rely on medical marijuana [AP report] for relief of ailments such as chronic pain and irritable bowl syndrome. Stalker, who moved back to Kentucky to help support her ailing mother, was prescribed marijuana while living in Colorado. Since moving, she has struggled to maintain her health and seeks the ability to be able to openly communicate with her doctors as people in many other states can. Twenty-nine states and the District of Columbia have passed legislation to permit the use and distribution of medical marijuana. The suit focuses on the assertion that the medical marijuana ban violates states constitutional privacy protections between a doctor and patient. Additionally, according to the complaint, medical marijuana supplants the use of more dangerous and addictive drugs such as opioids. In 2015 Kentucky had the third highest death rate of opioid overdoses in the country.

As more states have enacted legislation legalizing marijuana, many lawmakers have become concerned by the anti-marijuana policies promoted by Attorney General Jeff Sessions [official profile]. Earlier this week, Sessions asked congress [WP report] to undo the federal protections on medical marijuana. In June the California State Assembly [official website] passed a bill [JURIST report] on Thursday with the bare minimum 41 out of 80 votes that, if passed by the Senate, will prohibit state and local authorities from assisting federal agencies in the enforcement of marijuana laws without a court order. Before Sessionss confirmation, Hilary Bricken of the Canna Law Group [advocacy website] wrote [JURIST op-ed] about how the Trump administration could impact the status of cannabis at the state level. In April, marijuana advocates at an annual gathering in Washington D.C. discussed [NPR report] their uneasiness with Sessions positions. Elsewhere in North America, marijuana legalization has become a priority. The Mexico Chamber of Deputies [official website] approved [JURIST report] a bill in April allowing the use, production and distribution of marijuana for medical and scientific purposes. Also in April Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker [official website] signed [JURIST report] Senate Bill 10, legalizing the medicinal use of a marijuana extract, into law. In March a government official from Canada announced [JURIST report] the countrys intention to legalize recreational marijuana by July 2018.
[JURIST] Six individuals joined with several civil rights groups, including Black Lives Matter Chicago [advocacy website], to file a federal lawsuit against Chicago, accusing the city police force of racial discrimination against African Americans and Latinos. According to the lawsuit, the plaintiffs are seeking [complaint, PDF] a city-wide, class action injunction prohibiting the abusive policies and practices undergirding the alleged constitutional and state law violations alleged herein. The alleged violations include, among others, a system of racial discrimination within the police force, disproportionate force against African Americans and Latinos, hand-to-hand violence, and harassment of African American and Latino minors. The plaintiffs want [Chicago Tribune report] judicial monitoring of police department reforms, as recommended by the Obama administration. The lawsuit comes after Mayor Rahm Emanuel [official profile] sidestepped his earlier promise to have a judge monitor police reforms. Emanuel maintains that he is still committed to reforming the police department.

The transition from the Obama to Trump administrations has brought changes in how the Department of Justice views police reform. In May Jeff Sessions, the attorney general appointed by Trump, ordered [JURIST report] a review of police reform activities. In March Sessions gave [JURIST report] his support for local law enforcement agencies against government lawsuits. In January Baltimore reached [JURIST report] an agreement with the DOJ on police reform after a finding [JURIST reports] in August by the DOJ that the police force had violated First and Fourth Amendment rights. In November Cleveland submitted [JURIST report] a revised use-of-force policy to a federal judge after a 2014 DOJ investigation found[JURIST report] the department was using excessive force.
[JURIST] Texas Governor Greg Abbott [official profile] signed an adoption bill into law on Thursday that allows adoption agencies receiving public funding to refuse to place children in adoptive families or foster homes that conflict with the agencies religious beliefs. The bill passed [JURIST report] in the Senate in May. The law states [text], A child welfare services provider may not be required to provide any service that conflicts with the providers sincerely held religious beliefs. Civil rights groups believe that this new law will be used to allow adoption agencies to discriminate against LGBT parents and children and those who are religious minorities. Texas Freedom Network [advocacy website] said [press release], The fact that this bill is now law reinforces the reputation of Texas as a state run by politicians who are hostile to treating everyone equally under the law. The bills sponsor, Representative James Frank [official website] denies [Reuters report] that the intent of the bill was to discriminate.

The rights of same-sex couples remains an ongoing issue after the Supreme Courts Obergefell decision. Earlier this month a lesbian appealed [JURIST report] a Mississippi court decision that she is not a legal parent. In February a federal judge ordered [JURIST report] South Carolina to list both same-sex parents on a childs birth certificate. In December the Arkansas Supreme Court upheld a law [JURIST report] that allows only the biological parents to be placed on the birth certificate, finding that equal protection was not violated by acknowledging basic biological truths. In August New Yorks top court expanded [JURIST report] the definition of parent to better accommodate same-sex couples. In May 2016 the Alabama Supreme Court vacated [JURIST report] its prior ruling refusing to recognize same-sex adoption from other states.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) [official website] announced in a memorandum [text, PDF] on Thursday that it will keep the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) [materials] program in place for the foreseeable future. DACA allows for immigrants who came to the US as children, known as Dreamers, to obtain work permits and remain in the country legally. According to the New York Times [report], though, the White House and the DHS said Friday morning that the statements made regarding DACA were intended only to clarify that immigrants enrolled in the DACA program would not immediately be affected by a separate action officially ending a similar program for the parents of those immigrants. The same memorandum rescinds another Obama-era policy, Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA) [materials], which was designed to protect the immigrant parents of children who are US citizens or have permanent resident status. DAPA was never fully implemented [DHS fact sheet] because federal courts halted the policy. Rather than continue to defend it, the DHS formally rescinded the program.

President Donald Trump pledged to repeal DACA and DAPA during his 2016 campaign. As a result, both been contentious issues in recent months. In February John Kelly [official profile], Secretary for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), signed several memos [JURIST report] detailing plans to facilitate the detention and deportation of immigrants in the US illegally. In January DACA-protected Mitzie Perez and the California League of United Latin American Citizens filed a lawsuit [JURIST report] against Wells Fargo alleging that the bank refused to extend Perez and other similarly situated students loans solely because of their immigration status. A Georgia state court refused to back down from its earlier ruling granting in-state tuition to Georgia university students protected by DACA. Also in January the US House of Representatives passed a funding bill [JURIST report] that included amendments designed to repeal key elements of DACA. A collection of mayors from major US cities, including Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, warned [JURIST report] then president-elect Trump in December about potential negative economic consequences of repealing DACA.
A UN-appointed panel of experts released its findings [UN report] from an investigation regarding human rights violations in Burundi on Thursday. According to the experts, these human rights violations include illegal executions, torture, inhumane treatment, sexual and gender-based violence, arbitrary arrests and detention, and orchestrated kidnappings. The experts also attest that many of these violations were committed by members of the National Intelligence Service, police, and occasionally the Imbonerakure, who are youth members of the ruling party. The investigation began in April 2015, concluding with nearly 500 testimonies of alleged human rights violations. The Commission of Inquiry on Burundi will present their final report at the thirty-sixth session of the Human Rights Council in September.

The controversy from President Pierre Nkurunzizas third term has plunged the country [HRW backgrounder] into a period of political violence and human rights violations. Last year, a report [HRW report] of government forces targeting perceived opponents with threats and violence heightened. As a result thousands of Burundians have fled the country [JURIST report]. In 2015, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Raad Al Hussein [official profile] condemned [JURIST report] the suspension of 10 non-governmental organizations in Burundi, calling it an attempt by Burundian authorities to silence dissenting voices. In October the National Assembly of Burundi [official website, in French] voted to withdraw [JURIST report] from the International Criminal Court (ICC) [official website] after the ICC began investigating into how the government interacts with those who oppose Nkurunziza. Nkurunziza was elected [JURIST report] for his third term July 2015 causing public protest and violence.
Baojun and Wuling are two of the best selling brands in China, and each is controlled by the SAIC General Motors Wuling joint venture. This is the first part of a look into each of GMs passenger vehicles divisions and their worldwide models, both current and future.

Free Report What's next for the Automotive industry? The theory of the peak car  particularly in the triad markets of the US, West Europe and Japan  and the need for sustainable transportation have driven the pivot to mobility in the automotive industry. Both of these drivers are motivating OEMs to change, while society at large is interested in sustainable transport. GlobalDatas forward-looking report provides you with insights into the direction that the automotive industry is heading in the next few years. It covers: The forces transitioning automotive to mobility services

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Background and Manufacturing

SAIC holds 50.1 per cent of SGMW and Wuling Motors controls 5.9 per cent. GM has a 44 per cent stake.

SAIC-GM-Wuling Automobile Co., Ltd. (SGMW) is a joint venture that was founded in November 2002. State-controlled SAIC holds 50.1 per cent of SGMW and Wuling Motors controls 5.9 per cent. GM has a 44 per cent stake, having bought an extra 10 per cent from Liuzhou Wuling Motors in November 2010.

SGMW is based in Liuzhou, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, in southwestern China. There is a second manufacturing base in Qingdao, Shandong, and a third production site in Chongqing Municipality. The joint venture manufactures Wuling brand light commercial vehicles and minivans as well as Baojun passenger vehicles.

Baojun

As at the end of May, the Wuling Hong Guang remains Chinas best selling vehicle, its sales having reached 226,510 which places it comfortably ahead of the VW Lavida/Gran Lavida, their combined total being 220,363 units.

A big change for SAIC GM Wuling in recent times however, is the rise of the Baojun brand. The 730 minivan has racked up 115,907 registrations over the first five months with the 560 crossover being the second best selling model for the low cost brand, with 85,076 cars delivered, ahead of the rapidly rising 510, a B segment SUV, 72,197 examples of which had been sold by 31 May.

Baojuns first EV will be similar in concept to the smart fortwo electric drive.

The smallest Baojun model is yet to be launched. The E100 is to be a tiny plug-in hatchback which shares some styling features with the former smart fortwo. It is expected to be on sale in China later in 2017.

Prototypes have been seen in near-production spec. SAIC has previously stated that the cars name is meant to represent a 100km/h top speed. The range is expected to be between 100 and 160km. The 2,488mm long E100 will have seating for just two occupants.

The 330 replacement is almost certain to use a new GM-SAIC small car architecture.

The 330 joined the Baojun range in November 2015. This 4.3m long sedan is based upon the previous Chevrolet Sail and is powered by a 1.5-litre GM-sourced four-cylinder petrol engine. No changes are expected until 2019, which is when a facelifted model should appear. The 330 replacement is almost certain to use a new GM-SAIC small car architecture.

The 310 is a hatchback version of the 330 and as such, it is based upon the previous Chevrolet Sail. This models public debut was at April 2016s Beijing motor show and the car entered production four months later, going on sale in September 2016. A facelift should arrive in 2019 and a replacement in 2023. This will be some months after the arrival of the next generation 330. Like that car, the next 310 be based upon the future GM-SAIC small car architecture.

The new 310 Wagon, SGMWs first estate, may open up a new segment.

SGMW revealed the 310 Wagon at Auto Shanghai 2017. This five-seat estate is 4,620mm long, 1,710mm wide and 1,535mm high (including roof bars). The boots stated capacity is 740 cubic litres with the rear seat in place and double that when folded flat. As for the 330 and 310, a mid-cycle update should be launched in 2019 and a successor in 2023.

The 510 is a very recent success story. This is not only the markets new number nine best selling model (24,108 sold in May) but it is also now ahead of the 310 hatchback and wagon (a combined 69,150 units). This 4.2m long SUV had its world premiere at the Guangzhou motor show in November 2016. Sales in China commenced in February 2017 and prices start at an affordable Yuan 54,800. SAIC GM will likely facelift the 510 in 2020 and replace it in 2024, basing the second generation model on its future small car platform.

The 560 was another additional model for the joint venture. It had its world premiere at the Shanghai motor show in April 2015, going on sale in China three months later. This 4,620mm long crossover is powered by a 101kW 1.8-litre VVT-iTECH aluminum engine.

SGMW says the Baojun 560 is built on a Lotus chassis developed to maximise comfort and handling. The body structure consists of more than 55 per cent high-strength steel. The architecture is an adaptation of General Motors Global Delta. A facelift should take place in 2019. The 560s successor is due in 2022.

The 630 is way down the sales charts, with only 1,219 units sold for the year to date.

The 630 is way down the sales charts and fading fast, with only 1,219 units sold for the year to date. This C segment sedan was Baojuns first model, having gone on sale in 2011. Developed in Australia by GM Holden, the 630 is a rebodying of the Buick Excelle, though the Baojun has a longer wheelbase. The platform was derived from the architecture introduced by the Daewoo Nubira in 2003.

Small scale production of the 630 started in November 2010 on the 8th anniversary of the founding of the SAIC GM Wuling joint venture.

The vehicle itself was previewed at the World Expo in Shanghai earlier in 2010, badged as the Wuling Demo Car. In July 2010, SGMW revealed that the car would be launched under a new brand, Baojun, which translates as Treasured Horse. The 630 debuted in production form at the Guangzhou motor show in December 2010.

The 630 officially went on sale in eight Chinese cities in August 2011 priced from CNY 62,800. It was also the first model to be built at a then-new plant which SGMW opened at Liuzhou in November 2012. The car was already in production at another facility in the same city.

A minor facelift for the 630 was revealed at the Shanghai motor show in April 2013 and went on sale in China immediately afterwards.

The 630 was launched in certain African markets in 2014, badged as the Chevrolet Optra. Both these sedans are due to be phased out by the end of 2017. Several newer crossovers/SUVs have already replaced them in the Chinese market and SGMW will likely export one or more to the relevant countries in North Africa.

The Baojun 610 is a five-door hatchback version of the 630. It was first seen at April 2014s Beijing motor show and went on sale days later. It is powered by the choice of 1.5- or 1.8-litre engines. The 610 is also expected to be phased out later in 2017.

The 730 had its chassis tuned by Lotus Engineering.

The 730, a low-priced minivan, had its world premiere at the Beijing motor show in April 2014 and went on sale in China three months later. It is powered by the same four-cylinder petrol engines as the Baojun 610 and 630. The 730 has McPherson front suspension and torsion beam rear suspension. Both were tuned by Lotus Engineering. A restyle should go on sale in 2018, to be followed by a second generation 730 in 2021.

Wuling

SGMW has only a small range of models, yet it punches way above its weight in the Chinese market, selling 667,629 passenger vehicles in 2016. The emphasis has traditionally been on a small but well priced range of passenger vans and this formula has worked perfectly for the Wuling brand. Now, with the Communist Partys decision to encourage OEMs to introduce more NEV (New Energy Vehicles) models, SAIC GM Wuling is developing EVs too.

A small Wuling electric car is expected to go on sale in China later in 2017. It is likely to be closely related to the Baojun E100.

From a future model to Wulings oldest vehicle now. The Sunshine and its derivatives, whilst technically classed as delivery vans in China, can be ordered with up to eight seats and so serve the needs of families and small businesses perfectly. Production first commenced in 2002. SGMW has launched several other models into the segment which was once controlled by the Sunshine, which is why SGMW has chosen to let this former big seller become so old.

The Rongguang is also known as the Wuling Glory and in certain markets outside China, it is the Chevrolet Move.

There was a facelift for the Sunshine in August 2006, with another premiering at the Beijing motor show in April 2010. The Rongguang (also known as the Wuling Glory and in certain markets outside China, the Chevrolet Move) is a restyled, long wheelbase derivative of the Sunshine. Its most recent update was at the Guangzhou motor show in November 2013.

The latest update for the Sunshine was yet another facelift. This went on sale in China in July 2015. SGMW will likely continue building the Sunshine for some years yet, discontinuing it only when demand falls away. The reason why it continues to be made is its low price.

SGMW revealed the Hong Guang, a tall and narrow minivan, at the Beijing motor show in April 2010. It was launched in China in September 2010. The Hong Guang, which was the best selling vehicle in China during 2016 and continues to be for the year to the end of May, is also known as the Glory in the home market. Both 1.2- and 1.4-litre gasoline engines are offered. SGMW has made and sold more than 3.2 million units of this model, it stated in April.

A facelifted Hong Guang S was announced in August 2015. It had its public debut a month later at the Chengdu motor show. Then, a renamed and rebodied model, the Hong Guang S1, premiered at November 2015s Guangzhou motor show.

There should be another facelift for the Hong Guang range in 2018 with a second generation model due to arrive in 2020.

Another minivan for the Wuling brand is the

The 5,090mm long Zhengcheng (Journey) is Wulings largest model.

Zhengcheng (Journey). At 5,090mm long and 1,780mm wide, this is Wulings largest model. The standard engine is a 1.5-litre four-cylinder, with an optional 1.8. There are both seven- and nine-seat versions. Expect a facelift in 2018, a second update in 2022 and a replacement in 2025.

Wulings newest model is the Hong Guang S3. This was a world premiere at Auto Shanghai in April. The S3 is a 4,655mm long seven-seat crossover, though SGMW stated when revealed this model that it is Wulings first SUV. It could well become a big seller in China, given the power of the Wuling brand.

The S3 line-up at launch earlier in June offers the choice between 1.5-litre normally aspirated and turbocharged units. The architecture is shared with the Hong Guang. SGMW should update the S3 with a facelift in 2018 and launch a successor model in 2022.

Expect more SUVs to be added to the Wuling range by 2020.

Expect more SUVs to be added to the Wuling range by 2020. The most likely segment would be in the size class below the S3, with the model name for this B-SUV likely to be Hong Guang S2. A D segment crossover-SUV is also said to be planned, and its name should be Hong Guang S4.

Future model plan reports for other manufacturers can be viewed in the OEM product strategy summaries section of just-auto.com.

Future product program intelligence

Additional data on vehicle lifetime and future product plans, such as model code names, are available in PLDB from QUBE.
The 8th UAV Show China hosted exhibitors and audiences at Zhongguancun Science Park in Beijing on June 16. Jointly organized by the China Center for Aerospace Science Technology International Communications and the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems of China, the show saw more than 500 drone and drone-related pieces of equipment from 102 enterprises, which hailed from six countries and regions. This year's show was larger than any before it.

The manned drones from Sun Hawk (Henan) Aviation Industry were a pull for many visitors, as they boast the ability to transport an adult man via autogiro (a rotary-wing aircraft with a propeller) or multi-rotor drone. According to the company, such manned drones are expected to be deployed for medical rescues.

An employee of the company told the Peoples Daily Online that they hope to cooperate with the Red Cross after their products finish testing. He said that the biggest advantage of their drones is that they offer a more economical option, as they are cheaper than helicopters and do not require a pilot on board.
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BEIJING, June 16 (Xinhua) -- China is to improve the role of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in prevention and treatment of major diseases.

The plan by the Ministry of Science and Technology and the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine lays out major tasks including developing technology and developing new TCM products and applications.

According to a 2016 white paper on TCM, 45 items of TCM research have won national science and technology awards with five taking the top prize.

TCM is an important health and economic resource with huge potential. However, domestic TCM development faces significant challenges particularly in standards and quality control.

The plan stresses that, by 2020, problems hindering TCM expansion should be solved and at least 50 pharmacopeial standards as well as 100 industry standards should be established.

China should also complete the registration of five to 10 medications with TCM ingredients in developed countries, the plan said.
ELWOOD  A former bookkeeper and office manager at an Elwood business is accused of stealing $4,414 from her employer.

According to a Gosper County Sheriffs Office press release, Sandra Flint, 48, of Smithfield is charged in Gosper County Court with two counts of theft by unlawful taking $1,500-$5,000, both Class IV felonies. Flint was arrested Monday and booked into Dawson County Jail.

According to court records, Flint was employed by Lofquist Welding of Elwood as the bookkeeper and office manager between Sept. 14, 2015 and Feb. 20, 2017.

During Flints employment, court records say she allegedly withdrew petty cash 29 times from Lofquist Weldings bank account, which totaled $4,942. The investigation allegedly revealed that Flint deposited $2,764 in cash to her bank account on corresponding dates that she withdrew cash from Lofquist Weldings bank account. Additionally, the investigation allegedly revealed that Lofquist Weldings petty cash fund, "...did not have sufficient funds to cover all of these withdrawals and no receipts were present in the cash box to signify where the petty cash funds were spent," court records say.

On Nov. 22, 2015, Flint allegedly agreed to purchase a van for $1,800 from Lofquist Welding, and was to pay $150 a month until Nov. 25, 2016. She made one payment, court records say, and as the bookkeeper for the business, generated a ledger showing that she made the remaining payments.

Flints arraignment was scheduled for 10:30 a.m. today in Gosper County Court. If shes convicted and not placed on probation, she faces up to two years in prison for each Class IV felony charge.
EDITORS NOTE: This is the second of two stories about the value of ag-related exports to Nebraskas economy. On Thursday, the focus was re-opening China to U.S. and Nebraska beef.

KEARNEY  When Nebraska Farm Bureau President Steve Nelson of Axtell and other ag industry leaders say that whats good for agriculture is good for Nebraska, they can back it up with economic impact data.

Nebraska exported $5.4 billion worth of ag products in 2016, according to the Nebraska Department of Agriculture and based on U.S. Department of Agricultures National Agricultural Statistics Service data.

That extends to the whole economy of Nebraska, Nelson said. All Nebraskans do well when agriculture does well.

When the 2009 U.S. recession was dragging down other states economies, Nebraska was doing well because ag income was higher. In recent years of depressed ag commodity prices, state revenues have fallen below projections.

Exports are vital to a state where agriculture is the number one industry. We certainly dont have enough hungry mouths to feed in Nebraska to consume all that we raise, said NDA Assistant Director Mat Habrock. ... We have to find access to foreign customers.

China has dominated this weeks headlines as Greater Omaha Packing shipped the first boxes of Nebraska beef since China banned U.S. beef imports 13 years ago. However, Nebraska Beef Council Executive Director Ann Marie Bosshamer of Amherst said there are constant efforts to maintain established foreign markets for beef.

All of our eggs arent going into the China basket, she said. We must keep attention on Japan, Mexico, South Korea and other partners across the globe.

Gov. Pete Ricketts will lead a September trade mission to Japan and Nelson plans to participate.

At the Agricultural Economic & Technology Summit in Kearney Wednesday, Habrock said that of Japans total U.S. ag imports, 28 percent of beef, half the pork and 81 percent of eggs are from Nebraska.

Nelson said the length of Chinas U.S. beef ban is an example of how difficult exporting ag products can be, especially when political or protectionism issues are involved.

Trade in general is not easy and dealing with each country or each importer has its own issues you have to deal with, he said.

Nelson praised the work of Nebraska leaders and NDA staff to find and develop trade opportunities. We compete very well, especially in high-end products, and we know there is demand for those products all around the world, he said.

Opening world markets and keeping them open depends on trade agreements and protocols negotiated at the federal level.

One of President Donald Trumps first actions was to withdraw the United States from 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership talks. Trump has said he wants to negotiate bilateral trade agreements with those countries.

Nelson said Farm Bureau supported TPP, but bilateral agreements could have similar impacts for agriculture. Habrock said Nebraska officials will watch those efforts to determine how Nebraska products can fit such agreements.

Trump also threatened to withdraw the United States from the nearly 24-year-old North American Free Trade Agreement with Mexico and Canada, but has since said he wants to renegotiate NAFTA.

The American Farm Bureau Federation estimates the value of U.S. ag exports to those two countries grew from $8.9 billion in 1993 to $38 billion in 2016.

NAFTA has been very good for farmers and ranchers in the United States and in Nebraska. A lot of what we talk about with NAFTA is about doing no harm, Nelson said, as attempts are made to address concerns of non-ag industries.

He also worries that enhanced negative talk about trade is having impacts, such as some Mexico partners adding stipulations to contracts.

Habrock and Nelson said a key to export success is having stories that can differentiate Nebraskas products and also satisfy domestic and foreign consumers who want to know more about their food.

In almost every place Ive been around the world  and its the same in the United States  people want to know something about where their food comes from, Nelson said. The seller isnt always the person who raised the product. Its so important to do the trade missions, to go there and tell about our farmers and ranchers.

He said the NDA staff plans trade mission events that allow consumer contact with Nebraska ag producers.

One misconception Nelson often encounters overseas is a belief that U.S. agriculture primarily involves huge corporate farming operations. He tells people that while U.S. farms are bigger than in many parts of the world, most remain family owned.

People want to engage about what happens on my farm or a ranch in Nebraska, Nelson said.
Im tired, really tired, of saying good-byes the past 10 months: a brother on Aug. 6, Mom on Dec. 6 and a best friend last week. I knew immediately when I arrived home June 6 (a Tuesday) from Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks, where I sought a few days of joy in a season of sorrow, that something was seriously wrong with my gray kitty Thai.

She was lethargic and sitting on a box under the kitty room desk where Id never seen her sleep or hide before. My recent suspicion that she was losing weight was obvious.

When I went home to check her at noon Wednesday, she was sitting in a corner under the desk. During an after-work visit to Hilltop Pet Clinic, a blood test confirmed what I already knew. Thai was in kidney failure, with some functions too high or low to measure.

When my first kitty, a Persian-Himalayan cross, succumbed to kidney failure also at age 11, I was told that fancy cats tend to have weak kidneys. I dont know the background for Thai, a shelter-adopted girl, but she looked a little Persian and obviously inherited a bad kidney gene.

There was no cure and nothing to do that would significantly improve the length or quality of Thais life, so I decided to bring her back to the clinic on Saturday and have her put to sleep. However, I took her on Thursday morning (June 8) instead. I could tell she was suffering  although not in pain  from feeling bad, and I couldnt stand to see her sitting alone in the corner.

Her calico stepsister Tas, adopted from the same mixed-group litter at the Kearney shelter, always growled at Thai for a few days after she came home smelling like the vets office. So there was no sisterly comfort last week.

Each time I say good-bye to a kitty friend  family member really  I vow to not put myself through it again. But the loneliness overwhelms me. I brought Thai and Tas home just a few weeks after Murphy the Wonder Cat died in 2006.

All pet lovers experience such highs and lows. As I waited in the Hilltop office June 7 for Thais blood test results, a lifelong Wilcox friend was leaving after having one of her two dogs put to sleep.

After the deaths of my brother James and Mom late last year, another friend advised that the grief will sneak up on you, and Ive found that to be true.

I know only a little about human Heaven and even less about pet Heaven, but I hope that somewhere up there Thai found Mom, who for many years loved to come home with me after Sunday dinners at Northridge to play with Thai and Tas.

Tas seems to know that Thai isnt around. Although Tas has been more clingy, which has helped me, she doesnt seem heartbroken. I often wished that my kitties showed more affection for each other, but their independence in usually choosing different sleeping and lounging places now seems like a good thing.

Thai was my mellow girl who had a perfect purr and liked to follow me around the house. Tas has a bigger, more impulsive personality. I sang to them sometimes, You Are My Sunshine, Baby Face and Daisy a Day, a 1973 song by Jud Strunk about a man who gave his girlfriend-wife a daisy daily while they were together and laid them on her grave after she died.

As I held Thai in my arms for 20 minutes after she was given a sedative and before I left her with the vet who would administer the euthanasia drug, I stroked her, talked to her about sitting on Grandmas lap in Heaven and whispered the last two lines of the daisy song chorus: Ill love you until the rivers run still and the four winds we know blow away.

Lori Potter is a Hub staff writer.
BEIJING, June 16 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli said Friday that China should endeavor to develop the Belt and Road into a path of peace, prosperity, opening up and innovation, as well as one that connects civilizations.

Addressing a work conference on the Belt and Road Initiative, Zhang said local authorities must encourage the Silk Road spirit of "peace and cooperation, openness and inclusiveness, mutual learning and mutual benefit" to push forward the China-proposed initiative.

To build the initiative into a safe cooperation environment, China should connect the initiative with the development strategies of other countries along the Belt and Road, raise the ability of overseas security protection and create an environment featuring joint contribution and shared benefits, Zhang said.

"By focusing on development, the country must continue to focus on connectivity and industrial cooperation as the major fields of cooperation for building the Belt and Road into a road of prosperity," Zhang said.

He said that to build an open business environment, unswerving efforts should be made to safeguard multilateral trade systems, enhance investment cooperation and facilitate trade and investment.

"China should also enhance cooperation with countries along the Belt and Road in innovation-related fields, including the Internet, big data, cloud computing, digital economy, artificial intelligence and nanotechnology," Zhang said.

More platforms should be created to enhance multi-layered people-to-people exchanges in building the Belt and Road into a means of connecting different civilizations, Zhang noted.

The country should do its best to implement the outcomes from the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, which was held from May 14 to 15, Zhang said.

He added that the government should increase guidance and supervision for Chinese companies doing business overseas, strictly regulate their investment and business operations, and prevent risks in major investment projects.

China should also find new means of international investment and financing and create a multi-level financial platform to give the initiative stable and sustainable financial support with controllable risks, he said.

The vice premier also called for the setting up of think tanks and studies into important issues to offer valuable consultation and facilitate decision-making in building the initiative.

Named after the ancient Silk Road, the Belt and Road Initiative is seeking to integrate the rapidly expanding Chinese economy with the development of Asia, Europe, Africa and beyond.
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Conrad Roy Jr. makes a statement to the press after Michelle Carter was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in the death of Mr. Roy's son, Conrad Roy III., Friday, June 16, 2017, in Bristol Juvenile Court in Taunton, Mass.(Glenn C.Silva/Fairhaven Neighborhood News, Pool via AP)
Reports surfaced late Thursday that both Kenosha and Racine counties were on the short list for a multi-billion dollar electronics assembly plant that could employ thousands.

First circulated by the Milwaukee Business Journal and on some Milwaukee news outlets, Foxconn  a huge manufacturer of cell phones and other electronic gear based in Taiwan  is looking at two sites in the Kenosha area and, if the company were to locate in southeast Wisconsin, most of the jobs would come to Racine or Kenosha counties.

How large a tract?

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported late Thursday night that Foxconn's desire for a 1,000-acre site was contained in a request for proposals circulated about a month ago, according to Thomas Shircel, interim village administrator in Pleasant Prairie.

In addition, Shirecel said, the request sought a second parcel, that one covering 400 acres.

The Kenosha County village received the request for proposals, but cannot assemble that much acreage, Shircel said.

We just dont have that land mass here, he said.

For perspective, the former General Motors plant in Janesville occupied 246 acres in a complex crossed by two rail lines, according to the real estate listing for the site. Chryslers former engine plant in the center of Kenosha took up 109 acres.

Foxconn confirmed

A person with direct knowledge of the negotiations who was not authorized to speak publicly confirmed to The Associated Press on Wednesday that the state is in talks with Foxconn. At least one other state, Michigan, is also pursuing the plant.

On Wednesday, the Associated Press, citing an unnamed source, reported that at least two states, one of them Wisconsin, were negotiating with Foxconn.

In Michigan, Crain's Detroit Business reports that Foxconn is proposing a $4.2 billion dollar assembly plant in metropolitan Detroit that would employ 5,000 people.

Foxconn is described online as the world's largest contract electronics maker. With more than a million employees in China alone, Foxconn is that country's largest private-sector employer, according to a 2013 MoneyWatch story.

Several months ago, Reuters reported that the company, mindful of President Trump's 'America first" trade initiatives, revealed that it was considering investing more than $7 billion in the U.S.

Foxconn  its formal name is Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. Ltd.  had revenue last year of about $135 billion. Thats roughly equivalent to Amazon.com, which ranked 12th on the Fortune 500 list.

Best known for assembling Apples iPhones, Foxconn last year bought a share of stumbling Japanese electronics firm Sharp Corp.

It is Sharps large TV panels, and not the iPhone, that Foxconn is considering making in the United States, online reports indicated.

State Senator Bob Wirch, D-Kenosha, was quoted by online media reports saying he would not be overly concerned that the company would bring with it unacceptable practices. That came in response to some reports earlier this decade of worker complaints in Asian plants about working conditions.

"I think we have a highly competitive standard in southeastern Wisconsin and I think that would send a message out there that they would have to compete on that standard of wages and work (conditions)," Wirch said Wednesday.

The list of those officials withholding comment on the AP report includes a spokesman for the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. and at least one member of its board, State Assembly Minority Leader Peter Barca, D-Kenosha.

Meeting in Racine

On Tuesday, the same day that President Trump told a Wisconsin audience that a major manufacturer might move to the state, the Racine County Board was meeting in closed session to discuss unspecified economic issues.

The printed agenda said officials planned to meet privately to deliberate "the investment of public funds regarding competitive multi-site economic development opportunities." The discussion, it said, would include deliberations over "strategies associated with pursuing the same."

County Board Supervisors and other officials emerged after about 20 minutes with no public comment. The meeting included Racine County Economic Development Corp. Executive Director Jenny Trick and Mt. Pleasant Village Board President Dave DeGroot.

A bit earlier in the day, DeGroot had been among those local officials who greeted Trump as he arrived at Mitchell International Airport. Trump was here with his daughter Ivanka to promote apprenticeships at Waukesha Technical College and speak at a political fundraiser.

By Trump's account, the visit also included some negotiations that took place backstage involving that unnamed manufacturer.

"I think they're going to give the governor a very happy surprise very soon," he told the technical college audience.

Tom Still, President of the Wisconsin Technology Council thinks the Badger State would be a perfect fit for Foxconn.

"We have a great work force," Still said. "We have the ability to train more workers. Our higher education system in particular is really set up to provide workers who would be good in a setting like Foxconn. Wisconsin, with its proximity to Chicago, with its proximity to the Twin Cities, is a better place logistically for a company like that to operate."
BEIJING, June 16 (Xinhua) -- China and Pakistan on Friday agreed to improve security and anti-terrorism cooperation, to guarantee the construction of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

The agreement came out of a meeting between Meng Jianzhu, head of the Commission for Political and Legal Affairs of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, and Pakistan's Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Zubair Mahmood Hayat.

"China considers terrorism the common enemy of us all. China hopes the two sides will keep in close contact and strengthen coordination in fighting terrorism to ensure safety of the economic corridor, and to maintain the safety and stability of both countries and the region," said Meng, also a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee.

Zubair said Pakistan expects better security cooperation with China to guarantee the smooth progress of cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative and the building of the economic corridor.
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I receive a significant amount of email in response to my blog posts about locum tenens work. Curious colleagues (from surgeons to internists and emergency medicine physicians) ask for insider insight into this mysterious business of being a part-time or traveling physician. I am always happy to respond individually, but suddenly realized that I should probably post these conversations on my blog so that all can benefit.

The most common question I receive is: How do the agencies compare with one another? Followed closely by: Where should I start? There is no online rating system for this industry, and so grade-focused physicians (taught to value performance ratings) feel at a loss as to where to begin. One day I hope well have a locum tenens quality website, but for now, I can offer you my N=1, case study experience.

Ive been doing hospital-based, locum tenens work for six years in the field of inpatient rehabilitation medicine. I have accepted 14 assignments through the following agencies:

CompHealth, Weatherby Healthcare, Jackson & Coker, Medical Doctor Associates, LocumTenens.com, and All Star Recruiting

I have had extensive conversations with recruiters at the following agencies, but have not ended up taking an assignment through them:

Staff Care, Delta, Onyx, Barton Associates, and Farr Health

I have summarized my experiences in this table:

Agency Name Number of Assignments Quality of Client (Hospital or Employer) Quality of Recruiter(s) Salary Provided (percent of what I would consider standard) Comp Health 4 B,B,C,C A 80-100% Weatherby Healthcare 3 A,B,C A 85-100% Jackson & Coker 3 A,C,D C 85% Medical Doctor Associates* 1 A+ A 100% LocumTenens.com* 2 A,D B 50-100% All Star Recruiting* 1 B- A 150% Self-Negotiated 3 A,B,D N/A 175%

*These agencies use VMS systems.

These data are highly subjective, of course, but there are a few important points to be gleaned:

1. Bad clients are hard to avoid. When I give a client a D rating, that means a hospital or employer that is so bad, you have concerns for your medical license or dont feel ethically comfortable with what they are asking you to do. These are nightmare assignments and must be carefully avoided. I describe my experience with one of the Ds here. Big name agencies (and even I on my own) can be duped into accepting bad apple clients. Since its hard to know which ones are truly bad (even after a phone interview), I now only commit to a short (about two week) initial assignment and then extend once I feel comfortable with the match.

2. There are good recruiters everywhere. Although the larger agencies pride themselves in outstanding customer service, the truth is that I have had great relationships with most recruiters at most agencies. From a physician perspective, the customer experience is fairly uniform.

3. Vendor Management Systems (VMS) dont create the race to the bottom I expected. The largest agencies are strongly against automated physician-client matching software (which is essentially what VMS does) and argue that they destroy the customer service experience for both hospitals and physicians. Although I am philosophically opposed to being listed on a hospital purchase order along with IV tubing and non-latex gloves, the truth is that such matching has brought me higher-paying assignments at good quality hospitals that do not hire locum tenens physicians outside of a VMS system. I see no reason to exclude agencies who use VMS, though there is a risk of being in a larger competitive pool for each individual assignment. This means that you may waste some time before being placed, but in the end, if the pay is $150 percent of base, then its probably worth it.

4. Boutique is not better in the locum tenens world. Unless you are in a specialty that is so small you require recruiters who can perform highly customized job matches, boutique agencies can be home to some of the most depressing assignments in America. Desperate clients who have not had success in filling positions through the (highly motivated) big agencies will turn to boutique ones, hoping that their sheer force of personality will cover for the flaws that make their hospitals hiring difficult. I have learned to steer clear of the boutique charm offensive.

5. You can make a higher salary if you find your own job. Agencies provide significant value to physicians. They do the hard work of locating and updating job assignments, assisting with credentialing and licensing paperwork, negotiating salary and overtime, providing professional liability insurance, and handling logistics (travel/lodging booking and re-booking). That being said, if youre willing to do all that yourself, you can negotiate a much higher salary if you work directly with hospital HR.

6. Will gig economics eventually bypass the current agency model? Online job-matching sites will probably take a big chunk of market share, but wont own the space because they dont provide the logistical, legal, and credentialing services that physicians enjoy from agencies. However, given that agency fees add about 40% costs to physician hiring, there is strong motivation to find alternative hiring strategies, and I suspect that Millennial physicians wont mind doing extra work for higher pay. Websites like Nomad Health are suffering from limited user sign up (both on the client and worker side), but will likely reach a tipping point when a VC firm provides the marketing capital to raise sufficient awareness of the new hiring marketplace that bypasses recruiters and saves hospitals money. Until then, dipping your toes into the healthcare gig economy is easiest to do through an agency  and the big ones (CompHealth and their subsidiary Weatherby Healthcare have about 50% of the market share, followed by Jackson & Coker as the next largest) provide the largest number of options.

The bottom line is that part-time and short-term physician assignments can prevent physician burnout and overwork. The pay is generally very good, and agencies can make the experience as painless as possible. Those who desire higher hourly rates can achieve them if theyre willing to take on more responsibility for paperwork and logistics. Whether this do it yourself movement is enhanced by online marketplaces, or good old fashioned cold-calling to find work  physicians hold the cards in this high demand sector. I suspect that more of us will be ready to play our cards in the locum tenens space in the upcoming years, because full-time medical work (at the current pace) is, quite ironically, simply not healthy.

Val Jones is physiatrist and founder and CEO, Better Health.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com
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I recently attended a conference in Savannah, Georgia sponsored by the Association for Prevention Teaching and Research.

Since I havent spent much time in Georgia outside of Savannah and Atlanta, the welcoming plenary on improving health outcomes for the states rural and underserved populations was eye-opening. According to Dr. Keisha Callins, Chair of the Department of Community Medicine at Mercer University, Georgia ranked 39th out of 50 states in primary care physician supply in 2013 and is projected to be last by 2020. 90 percent of Georgias counties are medically underserved. Mercer supports several pipeline programs that actively recruit students from rural areas, expose all students early to rural practice and community health, and provide financial incentives for graduates who choose to work in underserved areas of the state. But its an uphill battle. Even replicated in many medical schools across the country, these kinds of programs likely wont attract enough doctors to rural areas where they are most needed.

When people talk about places where doctors wont go, they tend to focus on international destinations, such as war zones in Syria or sparsely populated areas of sub-Saharan Africa. Its hard to believe that many places in America are essentially devoid of doctors, and access to medical care is as limited as in countries where average income is a tiny fraction of that in the U.S. Providing health care coverage for everyone, while important, wont automatically ensure the availability of health professionals and resources in rural communities. In a recent JAMA Forum piece, Diana Mason discussed the financial struggles of rural hospitals that support community health alongside primary care clinicians, which may become more acute if budget cuts to rural health programs and grants occur as proposed in President Trumps budget.

Georgia is hardly the only state struggling to attract doctors to rural communities. In the Harpers Magazine story Where Health Care Wont Go, Dr. Helen Ouyang chronicles the evolving tuberculosis (!) crisis in the Black Belt, a swath of 17 historically impoverished, predominantly African American counties in rural Alabama and Mississippi. In Marion, Alabama, a single family doctor in his mid-fifties and an overwhelmed county health department grapple daily with the lack of resources to contain the spread of the disease:

There is no hospital in town. The nearest one, twenty minutes away in Greensboro, has minimal resources. The road to get there is narrow, unlit at night, and littered with roadkill. Perry County has only two ambulances, one of which is on standby for the local nursing home. Life expectancy here is seven years lower than the U.S. average, and the percentage of obese adults is almost a third higher; by the latest count, more than a quarter of births take place without adequate prenatal care. [Dr. Shane] Lees clinic is Marions only place for X-rays.

Ouyang goes on to describe the University of Alabamas Rural Health Leaders Pipeline, a program that recruits and trains medical students from rural communities to eventually become primary care physicians for those communities. Although the program has been modestly successful (since 2004, more than half have gone on to work in rural areas, compared with only 7 percent of their classmates), many Black Belt counties have yet to benefit from it. Many medical schools use a minimum score cutoff on the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) that tends to penalize applicants from rural and minority communities, even though those students are more likely to become primary care physicians for underserved populations:

The purpose of doctors, after all, is to tend to patients ultimate needs. Increasing the supply of primary care physicians is linked to lower mortality rates; after compiling data from studies across different parts of the country, a group of public health researchers found that by adding one more doctor for every 10,000 people, as many as 160,000 deaths per year could be averted. When the same researchers considered race as a factor, this benefit was found to be four times greater in the African-American population than among white people. Studies have also observed that the availability of primary care significantly reduces health disparities that result from income inequality.

The problem of too few primary care clinicians is not limited to rural America, but those communities are where the need is greatest, since a town without a family doctor is unlikely to have any other types of physicians. Medical schools cant easily change social determinants of health on their own, but they can rewrite their mission statements to emphasize providing health care to everyone regardless of geography, and implement recruitment and admissions policies that actually support that goal.

Kenneth Lin is a family physician who blogs at Common Sense Family Doctor.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com
Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang

China expressed appreciation for a number of countries willing to follow the One China policy in dealing with Taiwan-related issues, following reports that five countries had asked Taipei to rename its unofficial representative offices.

The Chinese government highly commends relevant countries for adhering to the One China principle while handling Taiwan-related issues, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said at a regular press conference on June 15, neither confirming the reports nor mentioning any of the specific countries involved.

Referring to the policy as a political prerequisite and basis for China establishing official ties with other countries, Lu emphasized that adhering to the One China principle follows the trend of times and the wishes of the international community.

Media outlets including Reuters and the Associated Press quoted a statement from Taiwans foreign affairs authority, saying that Nigeria, Bahrain, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates and Ecuador are requesting that Taiwan use "Taipei" rather than the Republic of China (ROC) or "Taiwan" in the name of its trade offices. None of the countries have a formal diplomatic relationship with Taiwan.

The official website of Taiwans office in Dubai shows that its current name is Commercial Office of Taipei, revised from Commercial Office of ROC. Earlier this year, the Nigerian government closed its Taiwan office and asked Taipei to move it from the countrys capital Abuja. Taiwan representatives were also asked to leave the country within a limited period of time.

China applauded Nigerias move, saying it helps settle the legacy issue that bears on political trust between China and Nigeria once and for all.
We used to think of them as the fortunate few: retirees with enough income to live comfortably without having to tap into their qualified retirement plans, such as their IRAs, 401(k)s and 403(b)s.

When you read about all the people who havent saved nearly enough to last 20 or even 30 years in retirement, to actually end up with more than you need seems almost impossible.

But lately, our office is getting more and more questions about required minimum distributions (RMDs), those pesky withdrawals Uncle Sam says you have to take when your reach age 70.

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These folks are managing quite well, thank you very much, with their Social Security benefits plus a pension and/or some other investment income. For some, the extra income from their 401(k) or 403(b) is almost a burden, because now they have to pay taxes on it.

Many say theyd like to use that money to leave some kind of legacy for their children, grandchildren or charities. So my firm uses a strategy called IRA Maximizer, which uses their after-tax RMDs to pay for a life insurance policy that will transfer substantially more money to their heirs when they die.

For example, lets say were working with a 70-year-old couple with $431,520 in an IRA. Instead of taking out their $16,182 RMD each year, paying the taxes and sticking the money into some other savings account, they use it to buy life insurance, more specifically a guaranteed universal life insurance policy, aka GUL. If they die in 15 years, their income-tax-free death benefit at age 85 will be $1,171,453. Combined with their remaining IRA value of $346,492, theyll leave a legacy of more than $1.5 million. (The amount decreases at 20 and 25 years, but it is still more than $1.4 million.) That result would be 132% better than just having the IRA without this strategy.

This plan does exactly what it says: It maximizes your IRA to the benefit of your family or favorite charity. Thats an appealing thought to clients who want to put that extra income to good use.

This is just one way savers can make the most of their retirement dollars.

Talk to an experienced, knowledgeable and creative-thinking retirement professional about how you can push past the usual income options. Beyond helping you make rational investment decisions, he or she can walk you through the increasingly complex strategies that can keep your money working for you and your family.

Kim Franke-Folstad contributed to this article.

Andrew Costa is a Registered Representative with Securities offered through GF Investment Services, LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC.

Any comments regarding safe and secure investments, and guaranteed income streams refer only to fixed insurance products. They do not refer, in any way, to securities or investment advisory products. Fixed insurance and annuity product guarantees are subject to the claimspaying ability of the issuing company and are not offered by Global Financial Private Capital or GF Investment Services. Information is not intended to provide specific legal or tax advice. Global Wealth Management, GF Investment Services and Global Financial Private Capital are not qualified to give tax/legal advice. You are encouraged to consult with the Social Security Administration or your tax or legal professional for guidance on your individual situation.
Jayant Bhandari the host of the highly acclaimed Capitalism & Morality sits down with Maurice Jackson of Proven & Probable to discuss Gold, Emerging Markets, Geopolitics, and Arbitrage. Mr. Bhandari is one of the most respected names in the Natural Resources with extensive experience in Emerging Markets, Junior Mining Companies and Philosophy. Find out what makes Mr. Bhandaris perspective unique and valuable for speculators in the Natural Resource space. In addition, Jayant provides listeners with current arbitrage opportunities occurring right now in the market!

Maurice: Welcome to Proven and Probable where we focus on metals, mining, and more. Im your host, Maurice Jackson. Joining us for a conversation is the host of the highly acclaimed Capitalism & Morality and a highly sought out adviser to institutional investors, Mr. Jayant Bhandari. Jayant, thank you for joining us.

Jayant: Thanks very much for having me, Maurice.

Maurice: When we spoke, you were in India and we discussed the fate of emerging markets. And I have to tell you, shortly after our interview, I found myself in Madagascar and literally, I mean word for word, lived out our interview.

So for our listeners, if youre planning on traveling to an emerging market, we encourage you to revisit the conversation entitled Emerging Markets, Buyer Beware.

Jayant, today youre in Vancouver, BC. But earlier this month, you were in London and you conducted a presentation entitled Gold in India: Current Market Dynamics and Future Opportunities. For our audience that could not attend your presentation, can you please share some of the talking points?

Jayant: In London, I gave a speech on why Indians buy so much gold. And the reason I gave behind why Indians buy so much gold is that India simply does not offer people opportunities to save their money. They dont really have a way to save their money. When they invest their money in the stock market or in properties, they tend to have a negative yielding investment. This is exactly the reason why Indians buy so much gold.

I also talked about what has been happening with the volume and price of gold in India. And the funny thing, Maurice, is that gold at their street level India trades for about 110% of the international price. Now, if you actually add up all the taxes that this gold faces, gold in India should trade for about 115% to 120% of the international price.

And the reason why gold trades at such a discount to what it should trade at is that most of the gold that comes to India comes via smuggling. It is very easy to cross the border from Bangladesh to India and if nothing else, all you have to do is to pay a bribe of a few dollars to move your goods from Bangladesh to India. So I talked about these two issues in London.

Maurice: Thats interesting you mentioned that because we discussed the emerging markets on our last interview and it seems that scenario plays itself out well in these emerging markets or am I incorrect?

Jayant: Absolutely. There is a huge amount of corruption in these countries. Also, for a person who wants to do business the proper way, which is if he wants to comply with all the legalities, he simply cannot do business. If a commodity gets sold at a price that is less than what it should be after including taxes, if it sells for less than that, how can a businessman who does things properly can ever do business? You all have to cheat on taxes. And Im using cheat in inverted commas because there is simply no other way for these people to survive because the government is rapacious and extraordinarily corrupted these countries.

Maurice: It doesnt seem too farfetched believe it or not because thats the same reason and/or virtues of owning gold here in the West. Its just that its much more dire I would say in the emerging markets. And Im assuming you would agree with that comment.

Jayant: Oh, absolutely. The kind of corruption that you see in emerging markets is a hundred or a thousand or much more than what happens in Canada or the US. And I do agree theres corruption, irrationalities, bureaucracy, and tyranny in the Western countries. But this is absolutely nothing compared to what happens to lets say, 80% or actually 70% of the worlds population.

Maurice: Indeed. Today, Jayant, lets focus a little bit on geopolitical events that have your attention that are not being headlined in the mainstream news.

Jayant: Well, lets stick with the emerging markets then. There continuous to be rioting and problems in the country. Hindu fanatics are increasingly getting an upper hand in India. They lynch people. They kill people for the mere crime of transporting cows. Now, cows have become this holy  big holy symbol in the country now. And a High Court judge recently said that India should make cow the national animal.

Now, India is increasingly looking like a joke to me the way North Korean dictator is. They are focused on exactly things they should not be focused on. They are not focused on development. They are focused on regressing the country to medieval times. And as I have said to you earlier, Maurice, India is very, very rapidly becoming a polices state. And the world fails to see that for many reasons.

And the same is happening in a lot of emerging markets. South Africa has increasingly a civil war like situation but not really covered very well by the Western media. And Western media does not really want to recognize the fact that while apartheid was a horrible system, what South Africa today has is much worse. So a lot of problems in the emerging markets which the international press does not want to see.

Maurice: Lets discuss also geopolitical events that again, arent making the news. Youre in British Columbia. Is there anything there thats concerning to you?

Jayant: Recently, Maurice, British Columbia had prevention elections. And a party called the Green Party has won 17% of votes. This is absolutely amazing that this party which used to own 1% or in that kind of range not too long back in the past and which owned  got only 8% votes in the last election now suddenly has 18% of the votes in this election. They are basically now in a position to decide who rules British Columbia next and they will partner with NDP, which is a left-center party.

British Columbia will very likely become much more leftist than it has been recently. These people are talking about killing. A major gas pipeline project which has mostly been approved but they now want to create problems to stop this from happening. This is a $7.4 billion project.

They are also talking about killing a hydroelectric project. They want to increase minimum wages to $15 an hour. They want to impose very high punitive taxes on people, foreigners, who want to buy properties in British Columbia. They want impose a 30% tax on these people.

So, some of the policies are absolutely outrageous and this will set British Columbia very badly. But again, Alberta has chosen to lean left now. British Columbia is leaning left. And Canada as a country has increasingly taken the path of the left in the recent past with the election of Justin Trudeau as the Prime Minister of the country.

Maurice: Yeah, it sounds like the same demographic from Seattle is having an influence in that B.C., Vancouver area. Is that what youre seeing there?

Jayant: Oh, yeah. If you look at the statistics closely, it seems to me that people who vote for the left are mostly the so-called educated, people who live in high technology urban areas. This is very ironic because I would have expected these people to be more enlightened than the none-urban people, than the less educated people.

But my guess is that living a very structured life of urban areas ensures that these people become very simplistic in their thinking. So they get prominent to be attracted towards leftist ideology which is very simplistic.

Maurice: Switching gears, Jayant, listeners are always anxious to hear your share of arbitrage opportunities. Are there any that have your attention at the moment?

Jayant: There are always companies. There are always mergers and acquisitions happening in the market, Maurice. And mergers and acquisitions offer a very low risk, high reward way to invest in their stock market.

Two names I want to mention to you. Neither of the names is a current investment opportunity because the volume of the acquiring companies are very high right now because the announcements were made recently. Im hoping for both these volumes to dry up a bit and expect arbitrage to increase as days pass by.

So let me give you the two names. One is Mariana Resources. It is being acquired. And the ticker is MARL. The current arbitrage is only 4%. I would expect at least 7-10% arbitrage upside before I invest in Mariana Resources.

Another company that I find interesting and again, an arbitrage opportunity, is Integra Gold. The ticker is ICG. And again, the arbitrage is about 4%.And I want the arbitrage to grow to about 7-10% before I invest in this company.

Your audience should do simple math on the value of Integra. They should do simple math on the value of Mariana Resources and compare it with the share price. And then invest for about 7-10% arbitrage upside and hopefully more. I actually look for about 20% arbitrage upside, Maurice.

Maurice: And usually, we find these arbitrage opportunities to provide more than 20% but in this case, thank you again for sharing those. I know our audience is quite delighted.

Before we close, Jayant, July is approaching which means Capitalism & Morality is upon us. For the first time listener, please tell us about this unique blend of reasoning, argumentation, and liberty.

Jayant: Well, last Saturday of July, we will have Capitalism & Morality seminar which I have run for about seven, eight years now. And its an amazing day. This is the day I look forward to and a day a lot of my audience looks forward to.

We get some of the best people, best philosophers coming to speak at the seminar. There are about 10 to 15 speakers, Iam Plimer, Rakesh Wadha, Rick Rule, Doug Casey, Adrian Day. This is just a long list of people speaking at the seminar. And it challenges people who think because we talk about issues that you dont really talk about in the general public these days.

So this is very intellectually challenging. People love this seminar and I invite people to come. They can actually even get 10% discount if they use coupon called P&P and they can get a 10% discount.

Maurice: Well, on behalf of our listeners again, Jayant, thank you for that invitation. Jayant, if someone wants to get more information, where can they purchase the tickets and learn more about your work? Give us the contact details.

Jayant: They can go to my website, JayantBhandari.com. And there on the website is a tab called Capitalism & Morality. And they will find all the details about the seminar and registration tabs, PayPal tab within that page.

Maurice: And last but not the least, please visit our website, www.ProvenandProbable.com where we interview the most respected names in the natural resource-based. You may reach us at Contact@ProvenandProbable.com.

Jayant Bhandari, the host of Capitalism & Morality. Thank you for joining us today on Proven and Probable.

Jayant: Thank you for the opportunity, Maurice.

Maurice: All the best, sir.

Jayant: Thank you.
BEIJING, June 16 (Reuters) - China's insurance regulator said on Friday it will continue its months-long crackdown on illegal sales of Hong Kong insurance products by mainland agencies which it said have led to asset outflows and even money laundering. The regulator, China Insurance Regulatory Commission, launched a drive late last year to curb illegal sales of Hong Kong insurance products. It has withdrawn one mainland agency's permit and shut down 35 websites and public accounts on wechat, China's main messaging platform.

(Reporting by Beijing Monitoring Desk and Josephine Mason)

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.
* Dinar re-tests 17-month high, S&P may upgrade Serbia's rating

* Serbian president names next PM after months, reforms seen kept

* CEE currencies regain ground after slide due to dollar buying

By Sandor Peto and Aleksandar Vasovic

BUDAPEST/BELGRADE, June 16 (Reuters) - The dinar tested 17-month highs against the euro, helped by Serbia's reforms to improve revenue collection, which may yield a credit rating upgrade from Standard & Poor's on Friday, while other Central European currencies also firmed.

The dinar traded at 121.94 against the euro at 0853 GMT, up 0.2 percent, testing Thursday's peak at 121.92, which was its strongest level since January last year.

Two and a half months after winning presidential elections and quitting the post of prime minister, Aleksandar Vucic named his successor, Ana Brnabic, late on Thursday. Little is known about the political preferences of Brnabic but she is expected to keep to investor-friendly policies.

"She will be remotely controlled (by the president) and her job will be not to deviate an inch from present policies that have been agreed with the World Bank and the IMF," Sasa Djogovic at the Belgrade-based Institute for Market Research said.

Blue Bay Asset Management analyst Timothy Ash said the nomination "shows the strength of Vucic's own domestic political position - given his three straight election wins now, and also likely his own confidence in the abilities of Brnabic".

Central Europe's main currencies also strengthened, regaining some of the ground that they lost after Wednesday's hawkish Federal Reserve comments triggered dollar buying.

The dinar escaped Thursday's wave of selling in the region.

While domestic markets are illiquid, euro supply is boosted by Serbians living abroad returning for holidays, Djogovic said.

The fundamental support to the dinar is the fiscal reforms which secured a budget surplus worth 1.2 percent of GDP in the first quarter of the year instead of a deficit agreed with the International Monetary Fund. The Serbian central bank even had to continue euro buying interventions in the market to stem the gains of the dinar. It has bought 235 million euros so far this year. Both Standard & Poor's and Fitch are due to review their credit ratings to Serbia on Friday.

"S&P has had Serbia on positive outlook since the last year while strong fiscal consolidation and political commitment to deepening the reform zeal are likely to win Serbia one notch upgrade," Raiffeisen analyst Gintaras Shlizhyus said in a note.

"Meanwhile, Fitch would be likely to upgrade its outlook to positive for the same reasons," he said.

CEE MARKETS SNAPSH AT 1053 CET

OT

CURRENCIES

Latest Previo Daily Change

us

bid close change in

2017 Czech crown 26.228 26.262 +0.13 2.97%

0 5 % Hungary 307.77 308.20 +0.14 0.34% forint 00 50 % Polish zloty 4.2192 4.2336 +0.34 4.38%

% Romanian leu 4.5815 4.5854 +0.09 -1.01%

% Croatian kuna 7.4015 7.3995 -0.03% 2.08% Serbian dinar 121.94 122.15 +0.17 1.16%

00 00 % Note: daily calculated previo close 1800 change from us at CET

STOCKS

Latest Previo Daily Change

us

close change in

2017 Prague 1000.8 996.74 +0.41 +8.59

2 % % Budapest 35727. 35534. +0.54 +11.6

61 50 % 4% Warsaw 2300.3 2295.9 +0.19 +18.0

6 9 % 9% Bucharest 8431.3 8406.2 +0.30 +19.0

4 9 % 0% Ljubljana 785.73 786.18 -0.06% +9.50

% Zagreb 1851.4 1855.8 -0.24% -7.19%

5 4 Belgrade 715.72 718.61 -0.40% -0.23% Sofia 684.86 683.66 +0.18 +16.7

% 8%

BONDS

Yield Yield Spread Daily

(bid) change vs change

Bund in Czech spread Republic 2-year 0 0.058 +061b +3bps

ps 5-year -0.035 0.004 +033b -1bps

ps 10-year 0.946 0.086 +064b +7bps

ps Poland 2-year 1.936 0.018 +255b -1bps

ps 5-year 2.6 0.033 +297b +2bps

ps 10-year 3.162 0.02 +285b +0bps

ps

FORWARD RATE AGREEMENT

3x6 6x9 9x12 3M

interb

ank Czech Rep <PR 0.34 0.41 0.5 0

IBOR=> Hungary <BU 0.19 0.22 0.28 0.15

BOR=> Poland <WI 1.76 1.78 1.8 1.73

BOR=> Note: FRA are for ask quotes prices ********************************************************** **** (Writing by Sandor Peto; Editing by Louise Ireland)
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 16

Trend:

Azerbaijani Armed Forces soldier Sultan Shahveledov was killed during the prevention of an Armenian provocation, Azerbaijans Defense Ministry said June 16.

The Defense Ministry leadership has offered condolences to the family and friends of the martyr.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts.

The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts.
BERLIN, June 16 (Reuters) - The budget committee of Germany's Bundestag lower house of parliament will debate the latest compromise deal for Greece and the International Monetary Fund's role in the bailout next Wednesday, parliamentary sources told Reuters on Friday.

"This will be subject for discussion as a normal matter on Wednesday in the budget committee," a parliamentary official said.

Another source said it remained unclear if the committee would call for a full parliamentary debate on both the aid package and the IMF's role in the third bailout.

Earlier on Friday, a senior lawmaker from the centre-left Social Democrats (SPD) had called for a full parliamentary debate on the euro zone's latest financing deal for Greece, challenging Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble who suggested such a debate was unnecessary. (Reporting by Gernot Heller; Writing by Michael Nienaber; Editing by Joseph Nasr)
LUXEMBOURG, June 16 (Reuters) - Asking the German lower house to debate the euro zone's decision to give Greece a new credit lifeline could lead to market uncertainty, Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble said on Friday.

He was responding to a call by a senior lawmaker from Germany's centre-left Social Democrats (SPD) for a full parliamentary debate on the euro zone's latest financing deal for Greece. The Bundestag's budget committee will on Wednesday debate the new deal and decide whether a full debate is needed.

"I assume that such a decision by the budget committee would lead to new agitation and new uncertainty on the markets," Schaeuble said in Luxembourg.

A vote in the Bundestag on an 8.5 billion euro disbursement of aid for Greece could embarrass conservative Chancellor Angela Merkel as some of her lawmakers oppose aid to Greece.

Schaeuble said there were discrepancies between Germany, EU institutions and the International Monetary Fund on whether Greece's debt was sustainable.

(Reporting by Tom Koerkemeier; Writing by Joseph Nasr; Editing by Michelle Martin)
BERLIN, June 16 (Reuters) - A senior lawmaker from Germany's centre-left Social Democrats (SPD) called on Friday for a full parliamentary debate on the euro zone's latest financing deal for Greece, challenging Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble who suggested such a debate was unnecessary.

Schaeuble said after a Eurogroup meeting on Thursday that it would be up to the budget committee of the Bundestag to decide whether full parliamentary approval was needed.

But he said that he did not believe the agreement represented a substantive change to Greece's bailout programme, meaning a broader debate in the Bundestag was not necessary.

"I don't believe that the budget committee should do this alone," said SPD lawmaker Johannes Kahrs, who is a member of the committee. "The Bundestag should do this."

A vote in the Bundestag on the 8.5 billion euros of loans from the euro zone's 18 other states could embarrass conservative Chancellor Angela Merkel as some of her lawmakers oppose aid to Greece.

Altogether 63 German conservative lawmakers voted against the third bailout for Greece in August 2015 and a further three abstained.

(Reporting by Gernot Heller; Writing by Joseph Nasr; Editing by Noah Barkin)
Comex gold has bounced slightly from Thursdays multi-week lows, helped by short covering, with $1,300 an ounce still doable, says George Gero, managing director with RBC Wealth Management. Short covering is buying in which traders are exiting short, or bearish, trades. As of 9:02 a.m. EDT, Comex August gold was up $2.20 to $1,256.80 an ounce. Gero blames selling this week on a move higher by the U.S. dollar after the Federal Reserve appeared more hawkish than expected, as well as selling by disappointed short-term traders and funds who had expected $1,300-an-ounce gold sooner rather than later. One focus next week is an options expiry, Gero notes. He looks for stalling prices in gold until after option expiration unless surprise headlines change prices again, then back to basics -- budgets and geopolitical and political worries, as $1,300 is still on the table.

By Allen Sykora of Kitco News; asykora@kitco.com

Ira Epstein: Gold Is Attempting To Bottom Out

Veteran futures trader Ira Epstein says gold is attempting to bottom out. Prices peaked in 2011 and are now in a consolidation phase, says the director of the Ira Epstein division of Linn & Associates. The current triangle formation shows a market with prices narrowing in, made up of well-defined uptrend and downtrend lines, he says. Epstein follows the 18-month moving average of closes, which he says does a good job of defining both support and resistance levels. I think longer-term traders are buying right here, against the 18-month moving average of closes and will likely risk their trade to just under $1,214.30, the most recent swingline low, he says. If prices get under $1,214.30, the downtrend will be back in place and a move down to the lower Bollinger band of $1,131 is possible.

By Allen Sykora of Kitco News; asykora@kitco.com

MKS Sees Limited Gold Downside Amid Geopolitical Climate

Gold could slip some more but probably not much, given the geopolitical climate, says MKS (Switzerland) S.A. Spot metal hit a three-week low of $1,251.60 an ounce Thursday before bouncing slightly, trading up $1.35 to $1,255.70 as of 7:27 a.m. EDT. Some demand emerged in Asia at the lower prices. We saw renewed interest in the metal late in trade once China returned from lunch and as Europe began to open, edging toward $1,255 to print the session high, says Sam Laughlin, senior precious-metals trader. We do continue to see some downside risks to the metal as the market contemplates the Fed comments and recent U.S. data releases; however, it's difficult to see the metal extending declines far below $1,240 - $1,250 considering the recent price action and the geopolitical climate.

By Allen Sykora of Kitco News; asykora@kitco.com

Commerzbank: EU Car Data Suggests Solid Demand For Platinum

Commerzbank says European auto data are supportive for platinum prices. Analysts cite a report from the European Automobile Manufacturers Association showing that 7.6% more new cars were registered in the European Union in May than in the same month last year. The German auto market in particular was robust, Commerzbank says. After five months of the year, new car registrations in the EU are 5.3% up on the same period last year  this points to solid demand for platinum and should thus lend support to the platinum price.

By Allen Sykora of Kitco News; asykora@kitco.com

BBH: Central Banks Hinting At Less Monetary Accommodation

A number of central banks are signaling potentially tighter monetary policy, says Brown Brothers Harriman. This has implications for currency rates and therefore gold, since the yellow metal trades inversely to the U.S. dollar. Other than Japan and Switzerland, a number of central banks  including the European Central Bank and Bank of Canada -- have begun preparing the market for a less accommodative stance, BBH says. The ECB is expected to announce a reduction of its purchases (currently 60 billion euros a month) in September as it extends its purchases into the first part of 2018, BBH says. The Bank of Canada signaled it too is reconsidering the extent of accommodation needed given the pick-up in economic activity and strengthening of the labor market. Meanwhile, there was a surprising dissent at the Bank of England this week as three members favored a rate hike, although the majority left rates on hold. Nevertheless, there are doubts the central bank will hike any time soon given a backdrop of political uncertainty, weakness in earnings, and a pullback by consumers, BBH says.
LONDON, June 16 (Reuters) - Greece's 10-year government bond yield fell to its lowest in almost a month on Friday, after euro zone governments threw the country a credit lifeline worth 8.5 billion euros and sketched new detail on possible debt relief. Ten-year government bond yields edged down 7 basis points to as low as 5.78 percent , the lowest since May 23. More broadly, Greek bond yields were down 2-10 bps on the day .

The deal between Greece and its creditors late on the Thursday was broadly in line with expectations and allows the indebted country to avoid a default on bailout repayments due next month.

Some analysts said it could open the door for the European Central Bank to start buying Greek government bonds under its stimulus scheme in the coming weeks, and possibly pave the way for a return to markets.

(Reporting by Dhara Ranasinghe; Editing by John Geddie)
JAKARTA, June 16 (Reuters) - Indonesia and Hong Kong have agreed on an exchange of financial information that will allow the Indonesian tax office to have access to data on taxpayers who have accounts there, Indonesia's finance ministry said on Friday.

Indonesia's Director-General of Taxes, Ken Dwijugiasteadi, and Hong Kong's Commissioner of Inland Revenue Department, Wong Kuen-fai, have signed a "Bilateral Competent Authority Agreement", according to the Indonesian statement.

Indonesia will use the financial information obtained from Hong Kong to complement its tax database, "so hopefully this will encourage Indonesian taxpayers to voluntarily fulfill their tax obligations," the statement said.

(Reporting by Eveline Danubrata and Nilufar Rizki; Editing by Christian Schmollinger)
WARSAW, June 16 (Reuters) - An investment fund owned by Poland's state-run insurer PZU has asked chemical company Ciech , controlled by the billionaire Kulczyk family, to spend almost all of its 2016 profit on a dividend, Ciech said in a statement on Friday.

The investment fund, TFI PZU, which owns a 12.2 percent stake in Ciech, wants the company to pay out a dividend of 152.3 million zlotys ($40.49 million) or 2.89 zlotys per share. Ciech's management in March recommended allocating its 2016 net profit of 152.4 million zlotys to reserve capital. In 2016, Ciech paid out a dividend of 2.85 zlotys per share. Ciech shareholders will vote on the dividend payout at their annual meeting on June 22.

Ciech was privatised in 2014 when Kulczyk Holding bought a 51-percent stake in the company.

($1 = 3.7610 zlotys)

(Reporting by Agnieszka Barteczko. Editing by Jane Merriman)
By Samuel Shen and John Ruwitch

SINGAPORE, June 16 (Reuters) - As China struggles to wean its economy off excessive debt, fledgling securitisation markets have exploded with cash-starved banks, local governments and private firms rushing to convert assets into cash.

China's market in asset-backed securities (ABS), a financing instrument via which a wide range of assets such as loans, real estate, toll ways and scenic parks have been converted into tradable bond-like securities, surged 50 percent in 2016 alone and now exceeds a trillion yuan ($147.1 billion).

But there are signs of risks building in this market, which barely took off three years ago.

Its first default struck late last year when a securitised bridge in Inner Mongolia could not collect enough tolls to pay investors.

Analysts say some securitised projects have had over-optimistic cash flow projections, and in other cases there has been an excessive concentration of risk.

Chinese media reports have added to that worry by suggesting the government may soon lower the regulatory bar for government-backed infrastructure projects to be securitised.

"Asset securitisation can help companies reduce leverage in a controllable manner and support the economy," said Song Qinghui, a Beijing-based independent economist.

"It's only a financial tool, but in recent years, ABS has been trumpeted to the sky in China, and the rapid growth of the business even shares some resemblance to the budding stage of the U.S. subprime crisis."

The securitisation drive by the government ironically comes alongside China's stepped-up efforts to reduce its massive debt load and excessive investment.

It is in part responsible for pushing banks and real estate firms to try and convert the illiquid future receivables on their balance sheets into immediate cash.

The first batch of public-private partnership (PPP) projects was securitised early this year and included two water treatment projects, a tunnel operator and a heating facility.

A second batch of projects is expected to begin trading on China's two main stock exchanges soon, raising billions of yuan for the local governments that securitise the assets.

There could be more securitisation of such PPP projects if the government changes rules that currently bar projects that have been in operation for less than two years from being securitised.

QUESTIONABLE QUALITY

China launched ABS in a pilot scheme in 2005, but suspended the market during the 2007-08 global financial crisis, which was triggered by the collapse of shaky mortgage-backed securities in the United States.

China resumed ABS issuance in 2012, and has issued a range of policies since to promote the business, with the State Council, or China's cabinet, identifying asset securitisation last year as a way to help Chinese companies reduce leverage.

Financial regulators believe ABS could help China's local governments manage their massive 15 trillion yuan debt.

Lin Hua, chairman of consultancy China Securitization Analytics, warns however that it is the local governments with lower ratings or those in China's less-affluent regions, such as Guizhou, or Shandong, that would be tapping the ABS market.

Although in a typical asset securitisation structure, a special purpose vehicle is set up to insulate the issuer's credit-worthiness from the underlying assets backing the ABS, there is also growing concern underwriters and credit rating agencies could paint an unrealistically rosy picture of the securitised assets' future cash flows.

That was the case with the bridge in Inner Mongolia that missed payments after its toll income collapsed due to a slump in coal transportation, a far cry from the stable cash flows projected by rating agency China Lianhe Credit Rating Co.

In February, Shenwan Hongyuan Securities Co was reprimanded by securities regulators for having made "inconsistent" due- diligence reports in several ABS deals that "lack adequate supportive evidence" and that failed to fully reflect the borrowers' creditworthiness.

Zhou Hao, president of China Chengxin Securities Rating Co, said brokerages paid more attention to winning the ABS underwriting business than to collecting future cash flows.

"Brokerages have poor management in collecting future cash flows, and there are also disclosure problems."

Bank of Tianjin issued an ABS in July 2015 that was created from loans to just 22 borrowers, with lending to Shandong Shanshui Cement Group, a struggling cement maker, accounting for 12 percent of the underlying assets.

In another case, the China Development Bank raised 5 billion yuan by issuing an ABS product backed by loans to just one borrower, state-owned steelmaker Shougang Group.

The big worry is that some underwriters and rating agencies could collude with issuers to package shoddy assets into risky, opaque and hard-to-understand bundles of products sold to an unsuspecting public.

"If assets of zombie companies are sold to investors in the form of ABS, with acquiescence from banks and regulators, that would be organized fraud," Wang Jun, finance professor at China Europe International Business School (CEIBS) told a forum in December.

<^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ China ABS ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^> (Reporting by Samuel Shen and John Ruwitch; Editing by Vidya Ranganathan and Eric Meijer)
KAMPALA, June 16 (Reuters) - The Ugandan shilling was stable on Friday as most players stayed on the market sidelines, wary of taking positions ahead of a central bank key rate decision announcement on Monday. At 1053 GMT commercial banks quoted the shilling at 3,585/3,595, stable from Thursday's close level. UGX Spot Rate................... Ugandan Shilling Money Guide.... Calculated Cross Rates.......... Deposits..................... Deposits & Forwards............. Uganda Equities Guide....... Uganda All Share Index........ Shilling background ..... Ugandan Debt Guide............ All Uganda Bonds............. Uganda T-Bills.............. Uganda Benchmark............. Central Bank ................ Ugandan Contributor Index.... Uganda Coffee Prices....... (Reporting by Elias Biryabarema; Editing by George Obulutsa)

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.
* Indonesia and Hong Kong signed agreement on Friday

* Indonesia says to use info to complement its tax database

* HK has committed to OECD's automatic exchange of information

(Adds details of the agreement, background)

By Eveline Danubrata

JAKARTA, June 16 (Reuters) - Indonesia and Hong Kong have agreed to share financial information that will give the Indonesian tax office access to data on taxpayers who have accounts in the wealth management hub, Indonesia's finance ministry said on Friday.

The government of Southeast Asia's biggest economy, which is eager to ramp up tax collection to narrow its budget deficit and fund infrastructure expansion, launched a tax amnesty scheme last year to bring back billions of dollars stashed abroad.

Hong Kong's government has come under pressure after the so-called Panama Papers scandal last year, which showed that the Chinese territory was the most active centre in the world for the creation of shell companies.

These shell companies have many legitimate purposes but can also be used to hide assets and evade taxes.

Indonesia's Director-General of Taxes and Hong Kong's Commissioner of Inland Revenue Department had signed a "Bilateral Competent Authority Agreement", a statement issued by the Indonesian government said.

Indonesia will use the financial information obtained from Hong Kong to complement its tax database, "so hopefully this will encourage Indonesian taxpayers to voluntarily fulfill their tax obligations," the statement said.

The move is in line with a global effort to boost tax transparency. An increasing number of countries have committed to the automatic exchange of information (AEOI) led by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

Based on the result of Indonesia's tax amnesty program, Hong Kong was the third-biggest source of repatriated funds at 16.31 trillion rupiah ($1.23 billion). Indonesians also declared 58.15 trillion rupiah worth of assets in the Asian financial centre.

In 2014, Hong Kong stated its commitment to implement the AEOI on a reciprocal basis with "appropriate partners" and said it aims to start exchanging information by 2018.

($1 = 13,298.00 rupiah)

(Reporting by Eveline Danubrata; Additional reporting by Nilufar Rizki; Editing by Christian Schmollinger and Vyas Mohan)
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 16

By Elena Kosolapova  Trend:

Resolving the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is possible only within the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, taking into account the right of peoples to self-determination, Matthew Bryza, former US ambassador to Azerbaijan, told reporters in Baku June 16.

He noted that there is no trust between the conflict sides, they do not believe in the sincerity of each other and this hampers settlement of the conflict.

Complex compromises are needed for the conflict to be resolved, according to Bryza.

The only way is if the US and Russia, with participation of the EU, are able to provide political support to the leadership of Azerbaijan and Armenia in the conflict resolution, Bryza said, adding that Nagorno-Karabakh is one of the few issues, on which the US and Russia have a common position and are ready to act together.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts.

The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts.
(Adds lawyer's comments, background)

ROME, June 16 (Reuters) - The Italian government is considering intervening to prevent troubled lender Veneto Banca from having to repay 86 million euros ($96 million) worth of subordinated bonds due to mature next week, a source said on Friday.

The cabinet will discuss the matter later on Friday, the source added. If Veneto Banca were to honour the repayment, it could anger other bondholders who risk bearing large losses under the rules of any future bailout of the lender.

But if the bank decided not to pay back the bond, it could trigger a default. The source close to the situation said this scenario could be avoided if the government imposed a suspension of the repayment.

Veneto Banca and fellow regional lender Banca Popolare di Vicenza have turned to the state to fill a 6.4 billion euro ($7 billion) capital shortfall as they seek to offload bad debts.

Talks between the government and the European Commission, which must approve state aid, have dragged on for months as Brussels demands an injection of 1.25 billion euros in private capital before any taxpayer money can be used to bail out the two banks.

Rome has put pressure on other Italian banks to step in but to little avail so far. With both Veneto lenders bleeding deposits, a European Union official warned last month that the two banks may be wound down if no deal is reached by the end of June.

But before that, the subordinated bond issued by Veneto Banca and falling due on June 21 is creating a headache for the bank and the Italian government.

Legal experts say that repaying the bond could expose the bank to potential legal claims from other bondholders who face substantial losses in the event of a bailout under EU rules for dealing with bank crises.

Given the bank's precarious situation, its board members could also be held responsible if they authorised the bond's repayment.

"The situation is very delicate, the subordinated bond is one of the thorniest issues at the moment," another source close to the matter said. Veneto Banca was not immediately available for comment.

($1 = 0.8953 euros)

(Reporting Giuseppe Fonte and Valentina Za; Editing by Mark Bendeich and Adrian Croft)
The Herald reports:

Federated Farmers has applauded the Governments decision to reject recommendations to tighten firearms rules, including having police record serial numbers on guns.

Police Minister Paula Bennett has today responded to the law and order select committee report on illegal firearms, accepting only seven of 20 recommendations designed to stop criminals getting their hands on guns. 

The committee inquiry had caused concern among some gun owners and widespread changes would have been a controversial issue in election year.

Rejected recommendations include requiring police to record serial numbers of all firearms upon renewal of licence or inspection, requiring a licence to possess ammunition, and making dealers keep records of ammunition sales.

Bennett also declined to act on the recommendation to investigate the creation of a category of restricted semi-automatic rifle and shotgun.

Federated Farmers national board member Katie Milne said the rejected recommendations would have done little to stop firearms getting into the hands of criminals.

The farming community is frustrated with poorly thought out solutions to real problems that simply burden law abiding citizens, Milne said.

We are pleased to see the Government has listened and is directing attention to where it should be.

Labours police spokesman Stuart Nash said he believed Bennett had got it 100 per cent right, and backed the same recommendations he had come to believe were needed.

As a member of the select committee he had received a large amount of feedback after the recommendations were released, including through public meetings. Nash said he came to realise many of the recommendations wouldnt help keep guns out of the hands of criminals.
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 16

By Elena Kosolapova  Trend:

The Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict hinders the economic development of the South Caucasus and security in the region, Matthew Bryza, former US ambassador to Azerbaijan and former co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, told reporters in Baku June 16.

Armenia keeps the Azerbaijani lands under occupation, said Bryza, adding it is necessary that Armenian troops withdraw from those lands and the parties reach an agreement.

The framework agreement [Madrid Principles] has existed for 10 years already, said Bryza, adding it is necessary to complete this process.

The former OSCE MG co-chair believes that this wont be possible if the US and Russian leaders dont contribute to this process.

According to Bryza, when he served as an OSCE MG co-chair, the co-chairs made progress, because the presidents of the US and Russia  George W. Bush and Dmitry Medvedev  paid more attention to the conflict and directly participated in its settlement.

At that time, Russias Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov creatively approached this issue, and he also encouraged the co-chairs to take a creative approach, noted Bryza.

He voiced concern that currently there is no specific policy in the US, not only about the South Caucasus, but also about the whole world.

President Donald Trump, during his election campaign, wanted very much the improvement of relations between the US and Russia, said the former ambassador, reminding that currently an investigation is underway into Russias intervention in the US electoral process. Until all these problems are resolved, the improvement of relations between the US and Russia will be impossible, according to Bryza.

The former envoy added that neither Azerbaijan, nor Armenia is interested in the resumption of hostilities on the line of contact.

He believes the deployment of heavy weapons to the line of contact, such as the OSA missile systems, can contribute to resumption of hostilities.

Bryza doesnt expect progress in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflicts resolution until the presidents of Russia and the US make their personal contribution to its settlement. They should put this conflict to the agenda of the Russia-US relations, he said, but now the relations are not at a proper level.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts.

The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts.
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 16

Trend:

Chairman of Nakhchivans Supreme Assembly Vasif Talibov, Azerbaijani Defense Minister, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, and Commander of the Turkish Armed Forces Mechanized Brigade, Major General Ercan Ilhan observed the drills of the Azerbaijani and Turkish armed forces, Azerbaijans Defense Ministry said.

The joint tactical drills started June 12 in Azerbaijans Nakhchivan under a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed between the governments of Azerbaijan and Turkey.

Along with the units of Azerbaijans Separate Combined Arms Army, about 5,000 personnel of Combined Arms Border Division, Combined Arms Operational Brigade and the Civil Defense Regiment, as well as more than 250 armored vehicles are involved in the joint drills.
By Yun Suh-young





The French Embassy is sponsoring a street music festival in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, this weekend and on June 21.

The "Fete de la Musique," which is an annual street music festival in France, will take place in the streets of Sinchon and Chungjeongno. Previously, the festival was held annually on a smaller scale in Seorae Village, a French community in Bangbae-dong, southern Seoul. In France, the festival is held every year on June 21, the longest day of the year. It started in 1982.

The festival is free and features musicians ranging from amateurs to professionals. It is open to all genres of music. The festival was created to commemorate music in general, regardless of type and style. Last year, the music festival was held simultaneously in 120 countries around the globe.

This weekend, the festival will be held in the streets of Sinchon near Yonsei University, from noon to 8 p.m. On June 21, the festival will be held in Chungjeongno starting at 7 p.m.

In Sinchon, the streets will be decorated with the French flag, and a variety of French artworks, foods and music will be available.

On Saturday, French music group Colours in the Street and Korean bands Diealright, DTSQ and LudiSTELO will perform. Colours in the Street is a young rising band that has performed in several French festivals, such as Printemps de Bourges and Francofolies de La Rochelle. It performed at Zandari Festa in Seoul last year. The group will head to China following its Seoul performance.

On Sunday starting at 6 p.m, the Moon Band, Today's Hot Song and Marmello will perform.

On June 21, six restaurants in Chungjeongno will host musicians and pedestrians are urged to linger as they pass by. A diverse range of genres, from classical, jazz and K-pop to acoustic and indie will be offered at Le Chef Bleu, Man in Moon, The Table, Jena Fair, Dough and Le Tarot.
By Yoon Ja-young



State-invested companies will scrap the merit pay system enforced by the previous Park Geun-hye administration.



The public institutions steering committee under the Ministry of Finance and Strategymet Friday and decided not to penalize state-run enterprises for not adopting the system.



"The companies that have adopted the merit pay system can choose to withdraw it," the committee said. "We will not take it into account in evaluating the performance of each state-run enterprise."



Under the system, employees are judged on their achievements. Those evaluated as the best get over 10 million won more in annual pay than those deemed the worst.



The new pay system had been applied to managerial-level workers only  around 7 percent of the public service workforce. But the Park administration planned to expand it to 70 percent of the workers.



However, labor unions fiercely resisted the plan, claiming it doesn't suit the public sector where cooperation for public interest should have priority over competition and profits. The rail workers' labor union, for instance, said the merit pay system is likely to motivate workers to hide minor safety problems they detect for fear of getting poor evaluations.



But the Park administration pressured state-run enterprises to adopt the system as part of public sector reform aimed at enhancing efficiency. As a result, 120 state-run enterprises adopted the system, but many got approval from their boards of directors rather than agreement from their labor unions. Therefore, dozens of public entities have begun legal action to nullify the decisions, citing undue process.



Scrapping of the merit pay system was expected after President Moon Jae-in pledged to abolish it during his election campaign.



Despite opposition to the new system, workers at state-run entities received incentives worth 160 billion won last year for adopting it.



The KoreaConfederationofTradeUnions and the FederationofKorean TradeUnions, the country's two umbrella union groups, said the workers should return the money following the nullification of the system. They said it should be spent on improving working conditions for irregular workers and on hiring more young people in the public sector.



Experts, however, say the public sector needs pay reform because the system doesn't reflect performance. Some suggest a "job classification pay system" in which each worker's wages are determined by the value of the work, such as the level of difficulty.



"The labor unions of the public sector should also seek alternatives for the current pay system," Chae Jun-ho, a professor at Chonbuk National University, said. "There should be revision, but it should be based on fair procedure and guarantee stable basic pay."




By Jay Vontobel





The launch of the Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank's (AIIB) energy strategy this week on Jeju Island could not come at a more crucial time.



Southeast Asia's expanding economies are hungry for power. Indonesia alone is looking to build 35 gigawatts of new power plants by 2020 and Vietnam's electricity demand is projected to grow more than threefold between now and 2030.



Getting this right is critical for the region's development potential: growing its economies while not sacrificing its future to pollution from coal and climate change.



But clean air need no longer come at a price because, in the right conditions, renewable energy is beating fossil fuels like coal on cost and efficiency.



India, for example, is on track to construct a remarkable 275 gigawatts of renewable energy by 2027.



Last month, costs for solar hit a record low, dropping 45 percent since January 2016. Coal plants are being shelved for the simple reason they can no longer compete on price.



However, the reality is that there exists a tried and tested blueprint for investing in coal-fired power stations in the region. Governments know how to set up the requisite regulatory and investment framework, utilities know how to operate the plants and investors are experienced in packaging the deals.



Renewable energy is often smaller in scale and more diversified. That's a positive for a variety of factors, such as the ability to come online more rapidly, but it does require new ways of thinking for utilities and investors alike.













On the global level, that potential is already being realized. In 2016, for the fifth consecutive year, investment in new renewable power capacity was roughly double that of fossil fuel generating capacity.



But this is only the tip of the iceberg because, according to the International Energy Agency, Southeast Asia alone will need a cumulative $2.4 trillion in investment in energy supply.



This presents a major opportunity for private capital investors, but support is needed from governments and international financial institutions to surmount the challenge of change itself.



That's why potential leadership by AIIB will be so important. By leaving behind the fuels of the past and focusing on renewable energy, the AIIB can turbocharge the economies of Southeast Asia and unleash billions in new investment.



The AIIB recognizes this, but unfortunately it still leaves the door open for fossil fuels, a mistake in our view.



In light of the Paris agreement on climate change, as well as cost competitiveness, we believe that the days of fossil fuels are behind us.



For scarce public finance, we need investment in the generation assets of the future, not relics of the past at risk of being stranded. And international financial institutions have a major role to play in addressing long-term lending to reduce the costs of borrowing. The investment community requires their guidance.



AIIB President Jin Liqun has promised a "lean, clean and green" institution with a "pioneering spirit." At the World Economic Forum in Davos in January, AIIB's vice-president for strategy and policy, Joachim von Amsberg, also suggested that the bank would abide by this pioneering spirit. "There's a strong consensus that AIIB has to be a green bank and the portfolio has to show that it's a green bank, and if the portfolio is full of coal projects, you won't look like a green bank," he said.



Indeed, AIIB has about $100 billion of capital at its disposal. None of it should be invested in coal-fired power generation in our view.



By living up to this promise and deploying its considerable capacity to catalyze the transition to renewable energy, AIIB can play a vital role in leading the region toward a truly sustainable future. Smart investors are ready to follow.



Jay Vontobel is responsible for business development at Vietnam Holding, one of Vietnam's largest asset managers.
An LG Electronics official helps a woman to walk, as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) program in Myanmar. The company seeks to enhance its brand value by continuing to offer diverse CSR activities in Asia. / Courtesy of LG Group

By Lee Min-hyung

LG Group is widening its corporate social responsibility (CSR) drive in Asia, as part of its efforts to become a more trustworthy brand by giving back to those in need.

Under the leadership of LG Group Chairman Koo Bon-moo, major affiliates of the conglomerate have led a series of CSR activities for the underprivileged in such countries as Bangladesh, Vietnam and the Philippines.

LG Electronics has particularly led group-wide efforts for good corporate citizenship. The company has been conducting free medical checkups and vaccinations in Indonesia and the Philippines since 2008 by teaming up with the International Vaccine Institute (IVI).

The LG-IVI joint project is a large-scale humanitarian move conducted with groups of medical manpower and healthcare institutions across the globe. Under the joint partnership, LG has served as a frontrunner to help protect local residents from any infectious diseases.

The electronics and auto-parts manufacturer has also been a key supporter of Doctors Without Borders by offering medical education programs in such areas as high blood pressure, diabetes and hygiene in major Southeast Asian countries including Cambodia, Myanmar and Bangladesh.












By Park Hyong-ki, Nam Hyun-woo

SEOGWIPO, Jeju Island  President Moon Jae-in said Friday Korea will serve as a bridge between developed and emerging countries by increasing its contributions to the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).

"The direction which the AIIB is pursuing is in line with the Korean government's approach to drive economic growth," Moon said at the opening ceremony of the multilateral bank's second annual meeting at the Jeju International Convention Center. "As a key member, Korea will also increase its contributions of materials and human resources to the bank."

The AIIB meeting began its three-day run under the theme of "Sustainable Infrastructure." More than 2,500 participants from business and the public sector from around the world gathered here to bring together their collective experiences.

The gathering is the first AIIB annual meeting held outside of China and the first international event Moon has attended as head of state.

A day earlier, Strategy and Finance Minister Kim Dong-yeon and AIIB President Jin Liqun agreed Korea will inject $8 million into an AIIB fund this year to support the banks' infrastructure projects for emerging countries.

Korea will become the second country following China to join the fund, named the AIIB Project Preparation Special Fund, established last July. China promised to inject $50 million into the fund, which has attracted $30 million so far.

The AIIB said it is committed to pursuing sustainable development in its investments and is actively working to facilitate its clients' transition to a less carbon-intensive energy mix.

"Our approach is to support economic and social development by investing in infrastructure and other productive sectors," AIIB President Jin said.
By Choi Yearn-hong





"Three Poets' Siga Collection"

Famous novelist Choonwon Lee Kwang-soo became the father of modern Korean literature at the turn of the 20th century. "Mujeong,"first published as a seriesin a daily newspaper in 1917, was not only his first novel but also the first in modern Korean literature. In celebration of the centennial year since the publication of "Mujeong," George Mason University is hosting the Centennial Symposium on Mujeong, which will also showcase the writer's lesser known poems. While Choonwon's poems are not as celebrated as his novels, his mark on the poetry world is no less significant.

Before writing "Mujeong,"he cowrote the first modern Korean poem with Yukdang Choi Nam-sun, and continued poetry writing until his tragic death from the Korean War in 1950. Poetry was inseparable from his life. He wrote more than 234 poems. This year, his handwritten poems were discovered and published by the Sogang University Korean Literature Program, compiled by a Japanese scholar and two Korean scholars. Choonwon also wrote many "sijo" poems and children's songs. He should be rediscovered as a poet. Today, tourists will find or read two of his poems inscribed on monuments "Nakwhaam" at Puyo, South Choongchung Province, and "Haewooddae" at Pusan, the southernmost port city. I translated "Haeundae,"which means "Sea-Cloud-Hill," for foreign readers.

"Haeundae"



Bright moon on blue waves,

Fresh wind in green mountains,

Bright moon and fresh wind dwell on this seashore pavilion

and my soul and body, dusted from the city, are cleansed.

The sea alone is good.

The mountain alone is good enough.

The village, however, is blessed where the sea meets the mountain.

Bright moon and fresh winds make this village a dreamland.

Lying on the floor, I see the moon over the mountain.

Sitting on the floor, I see the moon over the sea.

Through the Five Islands, a passing fishing boat carries the moon on its mast.

How can I leave this pavilion?

How can I leave this fresh wind and bright moon?

I will enjoy this scene until morning.

Who dares to sleep tonight?

His first poetry book, "Three Poets' Siga Collection," was cowritten with fellow poets JooYo-han and Kim Dong-hwan and published in 1929. His first solo poetry book, "Choonwon Siga Collections," was published in 1940. "Siga" means poems and songs. His third poetry book, "Sarang," was posthumously published in 1955. "Sarang" means love.

Korean literary critics clustered his poems into three different and evolveing stages: the first stage, 1910-1918; the second stage, 1919-1930; and the third and last stage, 1930-1950.

The first stage of modern Korean literature was represented by Choonwon and Yukdang Choi Nam-sun, who opened a new era of literature under the Japanese colonial rule. In this first stage, Choonwon wrote 16 poems and Choi wrote 61 poems. Choi and Choonwon were the most prolific in the Shinchesh style of poetry, which was quite different from what was then the traditional style of poetry.

The second stage poems emerged in the "Three Poets' SigaCollections," cowritten with the two other poets mentioned above and published in 1929 . This second stage of poetry was a result of a turbulent time in his life after he wrote the first Korean Declaration of Independence in Tokyo on Feb. 8, 1919, when he was a student at Waseda University. The Korean students' independence movement in Japan sparked the Korean Declaration of Independence on March 1, 1919, in Korea. He escaped arrest by Japanese police three days before the February 8 Declaration and joined the exiled Korean government in Shanghai led by Syngman Rhee, Ahn Chang-ho and Kim Koo, among other patriotic Korean leaders. He returned to Korea after experiencing the disappointing operation of the exiled government.

He published his poems in new literary Korean magazines in Korea at the time, such as the Chinju (Creation) in 1919-1921, Kaebyuck (New Dawn) in 1921 and Chosun Mundan (Literary Stage), which he founded himself in 1924. In this second stage, he published 49 poems, among them "Mibbum" ("Beauty"), "Dongji" ("Comrade"), and "Boothanjaru" ("My Pen"), and "Chonsun ei San" (Mountains"). His poems, vibrant and energetic and hopeful, were quite different from those of his contemporaries, such as Kim Ok, Hwang Suk-woo, Joo Yo-han, Oh Sang-soon and Park Jong-wha, who indulged in romanticism or nihilism in an age of decadence. Here is my translation of "My Pen."

"My Pen"

The pen is my eternal gift.

Everyone receives his blessing in this world.

I am blessed with my pen.

I cannot thank my pen,

Even if I write and compose great works.

Dear friends,

Stop for a while in the midst of your hard work

To listen to my story,

My story for you.

Dear pen,

The bright moon and fresh winds make living in this village

like living in a dream.

The "Choonwon Siga Collections," published in 1940, presented his "sijo poems" along with his free verses, which indicated a return to the traditional style poems with rhythm and condensed words. This book contains 63 sijo poems and 46 free verses were found in this book. During this stage , he was imprisoned for six months owing to his involvement in Korean independence movements, the so-called Sooyang Donguhoe Incident, and spent some periods of time in the hospital owing to the ensuing illnesses. After his recovery, he travelled to the countryside and to various mountain temples. His poems in this stage were centered around Buddhist meditation and chanting, and nature worship, as reflected in such poems as "Mam" ("Mind"), "Moetse" ("Mountain Bird") and "Yoksaga" ("Historian"). Some were satirical poems reflecting the dark or grey time and place surrounding him.

During the time of Korea's Liberation, he was based out of his country home in Yangpyoung, Gyeonggi Province. However, the Liberation offered more painful punishments for his so-called pro-Japanese collaborations; he was arrested, tried and freed in November 1949.

Then, the Korean War broke out on June 1950. He was arrested and forced to go to North Korea, where he died in captivity in 1950. His life was tragic despite his great contribution to his country as a writer, educator, patriot and leader. He died at the Cross as Christ. Not many Koreans understand his good conscience and innocence, even in his collaboration with Japanese authorities.

He never wrote a poem justifying and glorifying Japanese imperialism and the colonial status of Chosun.

Between the Liberation in 1945 and the Korean War in 1950, he wrote 113 poems, exceeding the total number of poems he had written to date. Poetry must have been his close companion during this time period. His poetry book, "Sarang," posthumously published in 1955, includes "Dolbyoge" ("Stone Pillow),"which symbolizes his uneasy life after the Liberation, "Jigoo" ("Earth") and "Koryo-Jagi"("Porcelain").

His poems were free of sophisticated metaphors and modern-day ambiguity. They were simple and conveyed straightforward messages to enlighten his fellow people with poems with traditional "sijo" rhythm, and to inspire people with new hope during the depressing times he endured and witnessed. The poems in the third and last stage must have comforted him more than anything else. These more confessional poems under his stone pillow drew my sympathy and compassion. His poetry was honest to himself. His humane concern for the poor and disadvantaged drew from his real life and reflected in his poems. That is why I am more sympathetic to him.

His poems, as well as his novels, were written in antique and simple languages . His life was not separable from his time and space. We should not review his life and works from today's eyes.



Dr. Choi is a Washington, D.C.-based poet and writer.
Lee Sung-ju, a former North Korean child beggar and now aspiring to become an international affairs expert, poses with his English book "Every Falling Star" at a Manchester library last year. / Courtesy of Lee Sung-ju



By Kim Ji-soo



With an infectious smile and a matching soft laugh, Lee Sung-ju, 30, in jeans and sporting a backpack fits right in with the myriad of students in the crowded neighborhood of Gangnam in southern Seoul. He just finished a group meeting to study for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE); he wants to enter a doctoral program in the United States to become an expert in conflict resolution and international relations.

"Studying for the GRE is hard," he said over coffee. Lee is a former North Korean child beggar who reunited with his family to settle in South Korea.

If his book "Shoes of a Street Boy" should serve as a guide, Lee is all too familiar with the many aspects of hardship. His current hardship of studying for the GRE is a mere step toward his dream of becoming an international conflict resolution expert. Living on the streets from 1998 to 2002 in Hamgyeong area of North Korea, he knows what living without a dream of a better future means, when your only goal in life is to fill your stomach and nothing else.

"When you hit bottom, you realize how important hope is," Lee said. Through his young adult novel, he wants to convey this message and urge readers to have courage and love in their lives. First written in English and published last September as "Every Falling Star," the book has now been translated into Korean with the title "Shoes of a Street Boy."

"I lost everything when I was 11, but I want to tell people, especially those in their teens and 20s, that life is hard, but when you have hope, courage and love, you will come through," Lee said.

"I had always hoped that I would reunite with my father and my mother, and I shared this hope with my child beggar friends. Sure I was scared when I had to fight other street gangs, because fights can physically hurt you or even kill you. But I did it for my friends and also to survive," Lee said.

Born in 1987, Lee and his parents lived well in Pyongyang before they were exiled to Gyeongseong in the northeast for his father's political mistake. Food was scarcer outside of the North Korean capital.

Then one day in 1998, his father left for China for food but never returned; then, his mother left for his aunt's house for food but never returned as well. Left alone, he sought the company of six likeminded friends or "siblings," with whom he begged for food and stole.

He was a leader, often leading his group in turf fights. He saw two of his friends die.

"The title Every Falling Star' is a song my mother used to sing to me when I lay on her knees and she told me that if you wish upon a falling star, your wish will come true. Also, there is a saying in the North that when a person dies, a star falls. It is also my tribute to all the deaths, the silent deaths, that I have seen while on the streets," he said.

Turn the pages of "Shoes of a Street Boy," and you'll find it easy to imagine being in the shoes of street children, who are thrown into the surreal reality of life on the streets.

When Lee was 15, he was spotted on the streets near Gyeongseong train station by his maternal grandfather, and he went to live with his grandparents. Now a devout Christian, he calls this event a blessing.

"Everybody asks me whether that is true, and it is. My grandfather said he was actually looking for his daughter, not for his grandson,"Lee said, smiling ruefully. His mother remains missing.

When he was living with his grandparents, a man came with a letter from his father who had settled in South Korea, and Lee trekked to China and then flew to South Korea in 2002.

In the South, he attended one year of middle school in Pyeongtaek and then took an exam to advance to high school. He went to the church-run Jiguchon School in Busan and then entered Sogang University in 2009.

"I began learning English only at 18. So, I started out writing about my life in the North when my English teacher in high school advised that I write a daily diary," Lee said. His book, "Every Falling Star," is based on those journals. After college, Lee won a scholarship to the University of Warwick. He has his eye on prestigious schools such as Princeton and Johns Hopkins University in the United States to earn his doctorate. Currently as he studies, he works with the Citizens' Alliance for North Korean Human Rights and also appears on a cable channel show featuring panelists talking about life in the North.

Cover of Lee's book

Lee has had received many offers to write his story in South Korea, but they all offered their own angles or titles for his story, so he refused. But when he was doing an internship for Conservative member of Canadian Parliament Barry Devolin, his editor and coauthor Susan McCLelland proposed Lee write about his life his own way.

He said the main buyers of his book in Korea are those in their 60s, while those in the United States vary in age.

"I consider myself as a person of the Korean Peninsula. Both North and South Korea are my home, so I am a man of the Korean Peninsula," he said.

When he says this, he asserts not only his identity but also a life goal. Lee has his mind set on becoming a conflict resolution expert who identifies various conflicts around the globe, assesses their causes and prescribes solutions. In the same vein, Lee sees the South-North divide as a conflict that needs to be resolved, eventually leading toward reunification.

However, with inter-Korean tensions ratcheting as the North launches missiles, is he worried about the possibility of North Korean teens suffering more hardships, including the acute hunger he himself experienced?

"I think North Korea, at most, will have two more nuclear tests. For nuclear tests, a country acquires the technology for a nuclear arsenal, so at the maximum, there are one or two more nuclear tests ahead," the international relations major said. "After that, they will continue to fire missiles, but that doesn't necessarily mean the economic suffering will deepen."

He explained the economic alignment between China and its borders with North Korea may mean China will continue to support the North up to a certain level. "That's why I say the United States' pressure tactics toward Pyongyang will not work," Lee said. "We need a combination of both pressure and dialogue."

But how does he really feel, in his heart and mind, when reading about the bellicose North Korean regime?

"Of course I am worried about the sufferings of the people," he said.

He opined that, as hard as it seems, South Korea should regard the North Korean regime and its people separately.

"If the new Moon Jae-in government is serious about reunification, it should legislate some minimum law regarding reunification that both the liberals and conservatives in the South can agree on," Lee said.

He is not limiting his future to academia; rather, he sees himself more at work in the field. He also hopes to one day write about what he thinks of the Korean Peninsula, its nations, reunification, peace and human rights.

"Human rights, it comes through the mouth. Human rights are about resolving the hunger of the people," he said.
A North Korean envoy has been appealing for larger humanitarian assistance from United Nations aid bodies on the margins of a multilateral conference in New York, a news report said Friday.



North Korean human rights ambassador Ri Hung-sik attended a meeting of parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities at the U.N. headquarters from Tuesday to Thursday.



According to the Washington-based Radio Free Asia (RFA), it is unusual for North Korea to dispatch a delegation to a regular U.N. conference where it is not scheduled to deliver a keynote speech.



"Ambassador Ri isn't here simply to attend the conference," RFA quoted a U.N. source as saying. "The (real) reason can be found in the fact that he is accompanied by Ri Tong-il, director-general of the North Korean foreign ministry's bureau of international organizations."



Ri Tong-il served as Pyongyang's deputy ambassador to the U.N. from 2011-2014. He is well known within diplomatic circles and to the international media for conducting press conferences in fluent English.



The U.N. source said the two diplomats have been meeting with officials of UNICEF, UNDP and other aid organizations with representations in Pyongyang to seek greater humanitarian assistance.



"It appears that North Korea sent a delegation in an attempt to escape the deepening international isolation caused by the U.N. Security Council sanctions resolutions on its nuclear and missile programs," RFA said.



It also raised the possibility that the delegation held secret talks with U.S. officials on the three U.S. citizens who remain detained in North Korea following the release of 22-year-old Otto Warmbier this week. (Yonhap)




By Lee Han-soo



North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is allegedly on edge about being assassinated, the National Intelligence Agency (NIS) told lawmakers at a restricted session of the South Korean parliament Thursday.



"Kim is engrossed with collecting information about the 'decapitation operation' through his intelligence agencies," said Lee Cheol-woo, a Liberty Party of Korea lawmaker who attended the meeting. "Kim has taken to traveling at dawn and switches between different subordinates' cars instead of always traveling in his own Mercedes-Benz."



The "decapitation operation" is a clandestine operation by U.S. and South Korean special forces that would be tasked with eliminating the North Korean leadership in the event of war.



The unit is scheduled to be created by the end of this year.



Kim's nervous state has increased since March, when members of the US Navy's Seal Team Six took part in exercises with South Korean special forces.



The U.S. made it clear then that the units were training for a "decapitation operation."



"The number of Kim Jong-un's public activities this year amounted to 51, a 32 percent decrease from last year," said Lee, quoting the NIS. "Since 2013, we have seen a downward trajectory of Kim's public activities. It shows that Kim has already succeeded in seizing power and secured his status in the regime."



Meanwhile, the NIS said a drone discovered last week after it apparently crashed took 551 pictures of the South's territory, including the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense battery in Seongju, North Gyeongsang Province.



The NIS also revealed that six South Korean nationals are detained in North Korea, most arrested for religious activities or helping North Korean defectors.




Baku, Azerbaijan, June 16

By Elena Kosolapova  Trend:

The UN must exert pressure on the countries that do not observe the international law and do not fulfill the UNs decisions, Hans-Joachim Heintze, professor of international law at the University of the Ruhr Bochum, Germany, said.

Heintze was commenting on Armenias non-fulfillment of the UN Security Councils resolutions for many years.

He added that many countries are disappointed in the UN with certain countries not complying with its decisions.

Heintze stressed that the Armenians in Azerbaijans Nagorno-Karabakh region have no right for declaring an independent state and for self-determination as they are a national minority in Azerbaijan and such issues must be solved by the entire population of the country.

If we consider this issue proceeding from such logic, then there must be more than 3,000 countries in the world, which means an end to the system of international relations, Heintze said.

He added that the illegal regime in the Nagorno-Karabakh region was created as a result of Armenia's intervention.

I always criticize the OSCE Minsk Group for mentioning the principle of the right to self-determination of peoples in the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict along with the principle of ensuring the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, he said. The Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh region have rights as a national minority. Azerbaijan should protect their rights in this aspect after the conflict settlement, which was repeatedly stated by the Azerbaijani government.

The settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict directly depends on Armenia and Azerbaijan, Heintze said, adding that the sides must eliminate stereotypes towards each other. The conflict settlement is impossible with external interference.

He said the external players are interested in preserving the status quo, therefore, Armenian and Azerbaijani civil societies should also talk to each other.

Heintze recalled that the two parts of Germany began to unify with the efforts of civil society.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts.

The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts.


By Yi Whan-woo

The first summit between President Moon Jae-in and U.S. President Donald Trump, slated for June 29, faces possible complications after an American college student detained in North Korea for almost 18 months was returned home in a coma.

The summit in Washington, D.C., will take place as Moon pushes to resume inter-Korean dialogue. On Thursday, he proposed to the Kim Jong-un regime to suspend nuclear and ballistic missile provocations in exchange for resumption of cross-border talks.

But on the U.S. side, pessimism appears to be prevailing against any engagement with North Korea, especially after Otto Warmbier, a University of Virginia student, was released from the repressive state early this week with extensive brain damage. He had been convicted of "hostile acts" for stealing a propaganda poster from a tourist hotel in Pyongyang in 2016.

"Strictly speaking, this is about Pyongyang-Washington relations. But Moon and Trump are expected to touch on the related issues inevitably during their summit because it is about universal values after all," said Yang Moo-jin, a professor at the University of North Korean Studies.

Koh You-hwan, a professor of North Korean studies at Dongguk University, agreed, rejecting Pyongyang's claim it released Warmbier on humanitarian grounds.

"It's evident the Kim regime only released him due to concerns over his deteriorated health and its negative impact on Pyongyang-Washington ties," he said.












The Academy of Korean Studies and India's state textbook publisher, the National Council of Educational Research and Training, sign a memorandum of understanding to expand cooperation on education, in New Delhi on Thursday. / Yonhap



By Lee Han-soo

Indian textbooks will soon contain more Korean history related to the subcontinent.

The new information will feature historical exchanges between the two nations. This will include the marriage of Kim Suro, the king of Gaya, and Heo Hwang-ok, a princess from India, and the Wang ocheonchukguk jeon, a travelogue by Buddhist monk Hyecho, who traveled from Korea to India in the seventh century.

India plans to revise its textbooks within three years after confirming new guidelines.

"India also plans to include the contents of the oldest metal type textbook Jikji' and Tagore's poem Lamp of the East' in the 10th grade political science textbook of India no later than 2020," a Ministry of Education official told Yonhap News Agency.

The textbook additions come after the Academy of Korean Studies signed an agreement to deepen cooperation with India's state textbook publisher, the National Council of Educational Research and Training, in New Delhi on Thursday.
By You Soo-sun

Students at an all-girls high school in Seoul donated 5 million won ($4,446) Monday for a campaign to support former "comfort women," victims of sexual slavery by the Japanese before and during World War II. The students, members of a history group at Ewha Girls' High School, began an online campaign to erect "statues of peace" at 100 schools to memorialize the victims. In about two months, more than 500 people donated 15 million won, five times the group's initial goal of 3 million.

After erecting a Statue of Peace in 2015 at the Franciscan Education Center near its school, the student group started an online campaign to encourage other schools to join the effort. Seventy-three schools  including 10 in Seoul, 20 in Gyeonggi Province, and three in Incheon  agreed to put up the same statues and more than 100 have shown interest.

"It really took us by surprise," said Seong Hwan-cheol, 41, a history teacher and adviser to the group at Ewha Girls' High School. Seong commended the online campaign that helped mobilize student communities that were previously difficult to reach. "It was an amazing experience that brought us together," he said.

The statue, which depicts a seated woman in traditional Korean dress, is a publicly recognized symbol to remember "comfort women," around 200,000 girls and women who were forced into sexual servitude for Japanese soldiers. The first such statue was erected in 2011 outside the Japanese Embassy in Seoul, and now other "statues of peace" are found around the world despite the diplomatic dispute between the two countries. Recently, more statues have been erected to oppose the December 2015 comfort women deal, which is widely believed to have favored Japan.












A man diagnosed with a mental illness died after police shocked him with a stun gun while attempting to take him to a mental hospital, police said Friday.



Police in the southeastern city of Hamyang said that the 43-year-old man's parents called them around 6:20 p.m. on Thursday seeking help with their son, who resisted being taken to a mental hospital and wielded a shovel and a sickle in a rampage at their house.



After arriving at the scene, one of two police officers used a Taser on him during the confrontation but the shot went wide of the mark.



Another Taser was used as he was acting violently and combative with officers, police said. He fell down after being shocked twice and was handcuffed. But police had to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation after the man stopped breathing and he was pronounced dead around 8:20 p.m. after being treated at a nearby hospital.



The man was confirmed to have a record of stays at mental hospitals. His parents were attempting to have him admitted again as his condition worsened due to his refusal to take medication.



At the scene, there were three officials from a mental hospital located in the neighboring city of Jinju.



The Hamyang Police Station expressed its condolences over the man's death and promised to investigate whether the officers' handling of the situation was appropriate. (Yonhap)




Green Friends Seongsan in Mapo-gu, Seoul /Courtesy of Green Friends



By Kim Se-jeong

Social enterprise Green Friends builds homes in the middle of Seoul and rents them cheaply to those who cannot afford the market prices for similar homes.

Rates are 70 percent cheaper and tenants can stay for up to 10 years.

Its first project, Green Friends Seongsan in Mapo district, opened earlier this year, providing homes to 11 households. The second project, Green Friends Changcheon in Seodaemun district, has 11 flats and tenants are now moving in.

This is how Green Friends' business works.

The Seoul city government owns the land and Green Friends leases it for 40 years. For construction, Green Friends needed 1 billion won, of which 700 million won was borrowed from the city government's social investment fund. The remaining 300 million won was borrowed from the construction company.

Green Friends repaid some of the borrowed money from down payments collected from the tenants when they moved in. Monthly rent will cover interest for the next five years and other administrative expenses.

"It was a big help," Green Friends CEO Kim Jong-sik told The Korea Times. "If I had to borrow the money from banks, it would not have been possible."

The city's social investment fund was begun in January 2013 to nurture companies that are social value-oriented.

"The fund was born to support social enterprises that would work to solve social problems such as the environment and housing," Kang Seon-seop, the director of the city government's social economic division, said. "We believe what we are doing is meaningful change and we'll continue to do so."

Green Friends speaks volumes about the housing issues facing Seoul. Skyrocketing rents and jeonse, a type of contract that involves paying a big amount up front instead of rent, hit people hard. High living expenses also trigger other economic and social issues.

The social investment fund has 70.2 billion won and funds 263 companies  52.6 billion won is from the city's pool and 17.6 billion won is private-sector investments. Green Friends is one of 21 companies that run housing projects. Other recipients conduct business in culture education, healthcare, social welfare and the environment. The city used to outsource the running of the fund but took it back this year.

CEO Kim believes the social investment fund is crucial to building the community in the city and making Seoul more inclusive.

"Housing companies like Green Friends are so meaningful because they create a sense of community among people and this eventually improves the quality of life for the residents," Kim said.
The chief of South Korea's Red Cross on Friday offered to resign, expressing hope that her successor will help promote inter-Korean reconciliation, officials said.



Kim Sung-joo, president of the Korean Red Cross, announced her resignation, three months before her three-year term ends, according to the Korean Red Cross. She will step down June 30.



"The role of the Red Cross is critical at a time when an improvement of the two Koreas' ties is urgent," Kim was quoted as saying by the agency. "I hope that my successor will make efforts to serve as a catalyst for inter-Korean reconciliation and unification."



The Korean Red Cross is playing a role in arranging reunions of families separated by the 1950-53 Korean War and handling humanitarian assistance to North Korea.



Kim, chairwoman of the fashion company Sungjoo Group, took office in October 2014 as the head of the Red Cross. It was the first time that a business person has become the agency's head.



She is a former aide to ex-President Park Geun-hye, who was ousted in March over corruption charges. Kim was a co-head of the election polling committee for Park when she was running for the presidency in 2012.



She led a group of South Korean separated families to visit Mount Kumgang in North Korea in October 2015 for reunion events.



The Red Cross' central committee will name her successor and the nomination will be finalized after approval by President Moon Jae-in, honorary head of the Red Cross. (Yonhap)




South Korean President Moon Jae-in on Friday called for sustainable and people-oriented investment by a China-led regional development bank and vowed to share his country's development experience to help less developed countries in the region.



"Today, the world is directing its attention to the dynamics in Asia. Asia accounts for 60 percent of the global population and more than one-third of global gross domestic product," Moon said in his congratulatory remarks marking the start of a three-day annual meeting of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) on South Korea's southern resort island of Jeju.



"It is the world's largest market and also an important production facility. At the same time, it is a region with great potential to lead the global economy," he added.



South Korea is a key member of the AIIB, currently headed by China's Jin Liqun. This week's meeting on the South Korean island marks the second annual meeting of the regional bank, launched in 2016.



Moon said the bank has already helped developing countries in the region a great deal, noting the bank has financed US$2.5 billion for 16 development projects in such countries.



The South Korean president said the direction of the bank's investment conformed with that of his country's own development plan.



He suggested the bank stick to three main principles to ensure its investments truly help developing countries.



First, new investment in infrastructure must contribute to sustainable growth, he insisted.



"Up until now, infrastructure investments have contributed to the economic growth of each country, but they have sometimes damaged the environment in the process," Moon said.



"Development that destroys the environment is bound to come back as a greater cost in the future. Environmental issues affect not only the host country but also other surrounding countries. That is why environmentally friendly development and cooperation between countries are so important," he added.



The president said his country will do what it can, revealing a plan to boost the proportion of power supplies from clean and renewable energy sources in South Korea to 20 percent of the total by 2030.



The new South Korean president has announced plans to shut down aged nuclear reactors and coal-fired power plants as a way of creating a safe environment and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but it marked the first time he revealed how he apparently planned to make up for the loss in power supplies.



"(I) plan to reduce coal-fired power plants and move towards a country free of nuclear power plants. We will actively share with other AIIB member nations our experience in building 'sustainable infrastructure,' such as renewable energy sources and environmentally friendly energy towns," Moon told the meeting.



New infrastructure investments must also contribute to "inclusive growth," he said.



"For sustainable development, all members in a society must grow together. Investment in new infrastructure must ensure balanced development that narrows the gap between countries and regions," Moon added.



Lastly, new investments must lead to new jobs, he said.



"Not just South Korea but the entire world faces a problem of growth without employment, lack of jobs for the youth," he noted.



"South Korea realized both economic development and democratization, rising from the ashes of war in just half a century. It also is the world's first country to have become a donor nation from a recipient of international aid," President Moon said.



"From now on, South Korea will be a partner that will accompany Asia's developing nations in their journey to make economic and social developments," he said. "We promise to fulfill our role and responsibility as a bridge between developing and developed nations." (Yonhap)




Ahn Kyong-whan, the nominee for justice minister, addresses the controversies surrounding him at the Korea Legal Aid Corporation in southern Seoul, Friday. / Yonhap

Ahn's abrupt departure to complicate President's cabinet-building

By Jung Min-ho

Ahn Kyong-whan, the nominee for justice minister, withdrew his nomination late Friday amid multiple allegations that raised serious questions over his qualifications as minister.

Ahn's decision came 10 hours after a press conference in which he pledged to stay on through the confirmation hearing despite his controversial past record that caused a public uproar.

"I don't want to impede the Moon Jae-in government's reform drive," Ahn said in a statement Friday night. "Although I drop out, I believe the reforms in the prosecution and justice ministry are important and will support the drive as a private citizen."

He became the first nominee to drop out as President Moon has been struggling to fill his Cabinet posts amid growing resistance from opposition parties over several of his minister nominees, including Foreign Minister nominee Kang Kyung-wha.

There was no immediate response from Cheong Wa Dae, which had previously hinted at withdrawing Ahn's nomination if evidence continues to surface and discredit the nominee.

Earlier in the day, the 69-year-old admitted to secretly filing a marriage certificate without the consent of his unwitting bride and making comments many consider "very misogynistic," but he said these mistakes reveal only a small part, not all, of how he has lived.

"I was blinded by selfishness and caused distress to the woman and her family 40 years ago. It was my biggest, inexcusable mistake," he told reporters. "I have reflected upon it since then, and my current wife knows all about it."

Ahn filed a marriage certificate in 1975 after stealing the seal of a woman when he was 27. The woman, surnamed Kim, later filed for an annulment with a Seoul court and won the case.

In his book titled, "What is a Man," which was published last year, he described women as "necessary for all drinking sessions" and said they never end up homeless because "they can proudly live as prostitutes."

Specifically about Korean women, he noted, "They want everything. Some women say they want a funny guy, but they also want a luxury brand bag, which makes Korean men pitiful."

Ahn said he did not mean to belittle women and urged people to understand the sentences "in context."

"I tried to give people a learning opportunity by exposing the nature and desires of men," he said.

But these are only two of many allegations brought against him. Ahn, the former chairman of the National Human Rights Commission of Korea, is also accused of pressuring the principal of his son's high school not to expel him over a rule violation in 2014 when he was a Seoul National University professor. Drunk driving and thesis plagiarism are among the others.

Ahn denied the accusation that he abused his power to protect his son, and did not address other allegations.

"They are my mistakes," he said. "But it is not right that my whole life should be denied by the mistakes."

Chung Woo-taik, the floor leader of the main opposition Liberty Korea Party, said he is the "worst nominee for justice minister ever," urging Moon to withdraw his nomination.

Given all his "criminal acts," Rep. Ha Tae-keung of the Bareun Party also said he is unsuitable for the post.

The People's Party criticized his "shocking arrogance" in a statement.

"Ahn should realize he is not the only person who is capable of reforming the prosecution," the party said. "A majority of the people believe he should not be the leader of the reformation."
By Yi Whan-woo





Kim Sung-joo

Kim Sung-joo, president of the Korea Red Cross (KRC), has tendered her resignation, the organization said Friday.

Kim, chairwoman of the fashion company Sungjoo Group who has a global accessories brand MCM, had only a couple of months remaining before the end of her three-year term. She was appointed to the post by then President Park Geun-hye in 2014.

Her resignation came as the Moon Jae-in government is taking steps to revitalize inter-Korean civilian exchanges, of which the KRC is expected to be a major part.

Kim will officially step down on June 30, the KRC said a press release.

"The role of the Red Cross is more than important than ever considering a growing need to improve the inter-Korean relations," she said. "I hope the next KRC present can lay the groundwork for reconciliation and as well as unification between the two Koreas."

Kim was the first entrepreneur to lead the organization.

The Red Cross' responsibilities in Seoul include organizing inter-Korea reunion of the families separated by the 1950-53 Korean War.

In October 2015, she led the family members from the South Korean side to Mount Geumgang resort in North Korea where the reunion took place.

She built reputation as a successful businesswoman for establishing a fashion company named after her and also buying the German accessories brand MCM in 2005.

Her career helped her to join Park's presidential campaign in 2012.

Kim's appointment as the KRC president triggered dispute over it was a kind of reward for her contribution during the presidential election.

The job often has been held by former ministers with high levels of expertise, not to a favored friend of a president.
By Choi Ha-young





Cho Dae-yop

Labor Minister nominee Cho Dae-yop faces a tough parliamentary confirmation hearing on June 28 for allegedly lying about drunk driving.

Cho, a Korea University sociology professor, was caught driving under the influence of alcohol in 2007 near the university campus, with a blood alcohol level of over 0.1 percent. This was enough to cancel his license.

When naming Cho Sunday, Cheong Wa Dae revealed this incident and asked for public understanding, emphasizing his capability and expertise on labor issues.

"Driving under the influence was my obvious fault. I sincerely offer an apology to citizens," Cho said, Monday. The liberal professor said he drank to console student activists who were ousted for their progressive movement, but they denied the explanation.

"It seems Cho lied to the Assembly and the people," said Chung Woo-taik, floor leader of the largest opposition Liberty Korea Party, Friday. "The presidential secretaries should take responsibility for their missteps on personnel affairs."

Former People's Party chairman Park Jie-won, who gave the okay signs to Moon's other nominees, disapproved of Cho. "The continuous media reports and tip-offs feel quite serious. A stitch in time saves nine," he said on social media Friday, urging Moon to give up on Cho and justice minister nominee Ahn Kyong-whan.

His high-handed remarks toward the university students made last December are causing an uproar as well. "We were very dejected to see Moon's appointment of Cho," Korea University's student union said on an attached poster, Wednesday.

In the middle of the conflict between student bodies and the university authority around the reorganization of the school's structure, Cho talked down to students. Asked to be polite to the students, the professor reacted sarcastically: "Oh, yes. Dear students."

"The newly appointed minister of employment and labor is charged with a mission of great importance, to achieve the great compromise between labor groups and employers. The task requires thorough belief in democracy," the poster reads. "Cho's attitude was not democratic at all. We cannot help question whether he is qualified for this role."

Opposition parties also take issue with lack of experience. After 26 years as a scholar, the professor has published only one academic article that dealt with labor issues.

The Assembly's Environment and Labor Committee, in charge of verifying the designate, has signaled fussy verification. "He would be bombarded by opposition lawmakers," committee member Rep. Ha Tae-keung of the Bareun Party told The Korea Times. "It would be difficult for the ruling party to defend him."

Rep. Lee Sang-don of the People's Party cast his doubts that Cho served as a nonexecutive director for a company, without approval of Korea University. "I confirmed that Cho's director post was not documented on the university intranet. This is a violation of the Private School Act and the Public Educational Officials Act," Lee said via email, Thursday.

The tough confirmation hearing is likely to escalate the tensions between Cheong Wa Dae and opposition parties, following the frictions around nominations of others  foreign minister nominee Kang Kyung-wha and Constitutional Court president nominee Kim Yi-su.

The President revealed his firm will to push ahead Kang's nomination Thursday, while the opposition bloc are digging in their heels. Backed by overwhelming popularity  83 percent according to Gallup Korea's poll issued Friday  Moon decided to break through the opposition parties' political offensives.

"I will await the decision with a modest attitude," the longtime United Nations official told reporters, Friday.
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 16

By Elmira Tariverdiyeva  Trend:

The United States-Azerbaijan Chamber of Commerce (USACC) in conjunction with over twenty women business leaders, CEOs and entrepreneurs successfully concluded a briefing on Capitol Hill, titled Transformation and Economic Empowerment of Women: Case Studies of Georgia and Azerbaijan.

The initiative was launched by women-entrepreneurs, in particular CEO of C.L. Russell Group Connie Russell and CEO of Browne & Associates, Inc and President of National Medical Association Doris Browne, who traveled to Azerbaijan and Georgia in September 2016 as part of a US trade mission.

The event was supported by many women representatives of the US Congress, including Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence and Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee as well as US Department of Commerce.

Connie Russell opened the event by sharing her positive impressions of the two countries, her communication with local women-entrepreneurs and the great potential for bilateral commercial cooperation.

Azerbaijans Ambassador to the US Elin Suleymanov delivered welcoming remarks, noting the rich history of the country in uplifting women. As Azerbaijan is the first Muslim country to enfranchise women with voting rights, he stressed the importance of womens role in Azerbaijani society both in the past and future.

Keynote Speaker Holly Vineyard, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the US Department of Commerce also noted the importance of regular trade missions to the region and new initiatives, government procurement and economic resources for empowering women in the US and the region.

Deputy Chief of Mission of Georgian Embassy Giorgi Tsikolia, USACC Executive Director Susan Sadigova and CFO of Washington, DC-based Middle East Institute Tamara Kalandiya also briefed the audience about their personal experiences and the leading positions that women hold in Georgia and Azerbaijan, both in government and private sectors. DCM Tsikolia also described the initiative as a great opportunity to highlight the current friendship between Azerbaijan and Georgia and to inform the US audience about the role of women in these two societies.
By Jacob Lotinga





Yesterday, I explored how North Korea escape narratives became bestsellers. Today, I ask: have human rights abuses been tackled as a result of the escape narratives, or have these stories become a form of grim escapism?

First, a recap: the list of published escape narratives by, or about, defectors, has run into double figures; Michael Breen, author of "The New Koreans," proposes they can even be divided into subgenres. Several have become bestsellers. Spotting a formula that works, risk-averse publishers want more. With over 30,000 North Korean defectors processed through official channels as of May 3rd (according to one news report that cites South Korea's Unification Ministry), there is potential for hundreds of gripping narratives to make our shelves groan  but are they helping?

The scale of suffering at the hands of North Korea's regime and human traffickers in China boggles the mind. According to Amnesty International, 100,000 people  children included  languish in prison camps and detention facilities with "dire" conditions: torture is rampant, public execution common; inmates die of malnutrition.

Phil Robertson, deputy director of Human Rights Watch's Asia Division, says: "The UN Commission of Inquiry really left no doubt that North Korea is in a league of its own when it comes to systematically suppressing human rights and basic liberties."

It's time to ask whether the escape-from-North-Korea genre is helping  or merely generating an appetite for more among publishers and readers.

Travel literature editor Jennifer Barclay, author of "Meeting Mr Kim," says: "I think it's extremely unlikely that the North Korean authorities would care whether a few thousand Westerners believe what they read in a book."

Breen agrees that escape narratives are not likely to embarrass Kim Jong-un into behaving better  though he adds that North Korea's government is highly sensitive to human rights reports by the UN and the US State Department.

North Korea escape narratives help indirectly, says Breen: "The books give their authors credentials that allow them to address all kinds of venues and to help activists on human rights raise both awareness and funds."

Paul French, author of "North Korea: State of Paranoia," agrees that the narratives raise awareness of human rights abuses in the closed state.

But French adds that escape narratives encourage little sympathy for North Korea, as they're couched in first-person narratives. Thus, when charities, the government or the UN ask for donations or taxpayers' money for aid to the DPRK, we are unlikely to agree.

"Ultimately," Breen tells me, "the only hope for human rights is for North Korea to become a democracy."

The problem, he adds, is that this requires regime change, which nobody wants to do forcibly because of the potential unintended consequences.

Barclay notes the positive impact of escape narratives: "If it helps a few thousand people to care more about the situation in Korea, and to see the truth behind the rhetoric, then the books are doing a good thing."

North Korea escape stories, says Breen, "appall" people in China; this sentiment may eventually prompt policy change: "A decision by Beijing to stop sending North Korean escapees back could trigger the end for North Korea's horrendous government."

Einstein once said imagination was more important than knowledge. Imaginatively, we can keep travelling to North Korea's gulag, peering inside this Orwellian state with the help of escape narratives. But we know the vast scale of abuses; more must be done.

Robertson, of Human Rights Watch, says: "There must be accountability for the grave and systematic crimes committed under Kim Jong-un's rule, and we will not rest until those responsible for the grievous abuses against the North Koreans are held accountable."





Jacob Lotinga is an author based in Sheffield, U.K. Write to jblotinga@yahoo.com.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions was given the opportunity "to separate fact from fiction and to set the record straight" on the swirling charges of Russian meddling in the 2016 election and the firing of FBI Director James Comey for investigating it all.



Disappointingly, he didn't do so in his testimony Tuesday before the Senate Intelligence Committee. Worse, Sessions refused to commit to tell senators more in a classified, closed-door session as Adm. Mike Rogers, the National Security Agency director, did on Monday evening.



Sessions was combative in angrily defending his reputation against "scurrilous and false allegations" that he personally colluded with Russia in the campaign. Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon asked Sessions whether there were any undisclosed reasons for his recusal from the Russia probe. "Why don't you tell me? There are none!" he replied indignantly.



But Sessions was less convincing in many other answers. It was not reassuring to repeatedly hear "I don't recall" responses about what happened during the campaign and his contact with Russian officials. He even admitted at one point that he was nervous about some rapid-fire questioning.



But his refusal to answer questions about his conversations with President Donald Trump, particularly whether they discussed the reasons for Comey's firing in an Oval Office meeting the day before the dismissal, was most disturbing. His insistence that there was no reason to recuse himself from the dismissal of Comey because it was due to Comey's improper handling of the Hillary Clinton's email case and not to end the Russia investigation, as Trump himself said in a TV interview, was just not believable.



Sessions' claim of a vague, possibly unwritten or even nonexistent policy that he couldn't talk about his conversations with the president likewise didn't hold water. The White House has not invoked executive privilege and Sessions, in a novel legal argument, said he was trying to protect Trump in case the president wanted to invoke the privilege at some later point.



As Sessions testified, Trump, who traveled to Wisconsin to discuss a workforce development initiative, declined to answer a reporter's question about whether he had confidence in his attorney general.



The strangest disconnect of the day was among Republicans and Democrats on the intelligence committee who agree that the Russians dangerously interfered with the 2016 election and will do so in future ones, and a White House that has a bizarre lack of interest in what happened. Chairman Richard Burr of North Carolina repeatedly noted the gravity of what the committee is uncovering and the need for Americans to be given the facts to make their own judgments.



Yet, the president has continued to call the hearings and probes a "witch hunt" and "fake news," and the White House continues its aggressive pushbacks. The latest tempest includes stories that Trump is considering firing Robert Mueller, the special counsel who picked up where Comey left off. At least Sessions said he had "confidence" in Mueller.



But Sessions did little to persuade the American public to have confidence in him.





This editorial appeared in Newsday and was distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.




President should not rush dialogue with North Korea



It has been 17 years since the first inter-Korean summit between the leaders of the two Koreas.



In 2000, former President Kim Dae-jung and his counterpart Kim Jong-il, the father of the incumbent leader Kim Jong-un, adopted the June 15 Joint Declaration as the main outcome of the summit. The inter-Korean accord paved the way for active economic and human exchanges between the two Koreas. However, Kim Jong-il died in 2011 without having reciprocated a visit to Seoul as mentioned in the historic declaration and inter-Korean relations have been perpetually tense since his son took power.



The young dictator's North Korea is different from that of his father. The country has conducted repeated military provocations, displaying improvements in its nuclear and missile capabilities. North Korea's state media has hinted that it is in the final stages of developing an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capable of hitting New York.



Given these circumstances, President Moon Jae-in's policy direction for resuming dialogue and exchanges with North Korea is premature and detached from reality. His latest proposal for talks with North Korea came during an event to mark the 17th anniversary of the June 15 Joint Declaration organized by the Kim Dae Jung Peace Center. It was the first time in 11 years for an incumbent president to take part in the event. The last president to attend was the late Roh Moo-hyun in 2006. Therefore, Moon's presence shows his determination to honor the spirit of the declaration, which is considered a considerable shift from the positions of the past two conservative administrations.



The President said he will "succeed and develop" the policy of reconciliation and cooperation of Kim Dae-jung and the policy for peace and prosperity of Roh Moo-hyun "in accordance with the current situation." He also said it is necessary to legalize past inter-Korean pacts.



It is important to carry out inter-Korean accords regardless of change in government. But Moon should not aim to achieve a significant improvement in inter-Korean relations during his term by rushing a dialogue with North Korea or even another inter-Korean summit. Moon's been appointing officials related to unification and national security affairs who had been involved in the previous inter-Korean summits.



Moon said he will pursue "unconditional talks" with North Korea if it stops additional nuclear and missile provocations. The Moon administration has also shown some eagerness to reopen the inter-Korean industrial complex in Gaeseong. These are not at all consistent with the focus on strong pressure and sanctions of the U.S. to curb North Korea's military provocations.



Moon's North Korea policy must be based on reality and carried out in step with the U.S. and the international community.




By Hyon O'Brien





Sitting here at our younger daughter's kitchen table in Washington D.C., through the windows I see oak trees, a pine tree, an acacia tree, a fir tree, a magnolia tree and other trees I can't name. They are so tall and wide that the neighbors' houses are almost invisible.

This reminded me of a children's picture book that I used to read to our daughters years ago. "The Giving Tree" was written and illustrated by Shel Silverstein in 1964. The book follows the intertwined lives of a boy and an apple tree, and the odd relationship that grows between them. Throughout the book we see the tree as a totally selfless giver while the boy is a thoughtless taker to the very end. Nevertheless the tree is happy and fulfilled because the boy needed the tree in different ways at different times as it provided its apples, its branches and finally its stump. The tree's love for the boy is unshakable and unchanging.

But because of the boy's selfish one-sided take-take-take attitude, the book had a mixed reception and even came to be regarded as somewhat controversial. However, by 2011 8.5 million copies of the book had been sold, and in a 2007 online "Teachers' Top 100 Books for Children" poll by the National Education Association, "The Giving Tree" was third in the "Teachers' Top 100 Books for Children."

Some years ago, visiting Machu Picchu, the famous 15th century Inca citadel situated on a mountain ridge about 50 miles (80 km) northwest of Cuzco, I asked our guide why we were seeing so many eucalyptus trees there. He said that most of the native trees in that area had been cut down to provide building materials when the Spanish colonized the region and built the buildings they needed to rule the land. They naturally used the trees growing in that area for lumber. Before long they realized that they had to reforest with trees that would grow fast and would not require too much tender loving care.

Their choice was eucalyptus trees from Australia. Now these trees are headaches to those Peruvians who care about their aboriginal trees, as eucalyptus are known to be quite invasive and can smother other trees' healthy growth. At least some traces of those trees from 300 years back remain in the form of historic buildings in Cuzco and elsewhere.

Speaking of re-foresting, one of the great success stories is the Republic of Korea. About 2,000 Peace Corps Volunteers served in Korea from 1966 to 1981, at a time when Korea's mountains were almost devoid of trees. Some of them responded to the Korean government's generous invitation to re-visit Korea in recent years, and returned to see the places they had served and experience the country's progress over the years. These visits took place over a five-year period during our stay in Seoul, so I had a chance to meet and chat with many of them.

One of the things the returned volunteers most frequently mentioned was the impressive tree-covered mountains. They said they remembered the bare hills and mountains during their service in various parts of Korea. Many of them also remembered participating in the annual tree-planting day, Arbor Day (April 5), during those years. Korea has certainly come a long way.

(Unfortunately, when it comes to trees North Korea still has a very long way to go. When I was in North Korea years ago I was dismayed to see so much that reminded me of the naked mountains of my youth. This could be a fruitful area for South-North cooperation.)

Back home, as our youngest grandchild's birthday is approaching, we've decided that the best gift to give him is to plant a dogwood tree in his back yard. How delightful it will be for us to watch this tree growing up along with Julian!

At its recent annual State Convention, the Rotary Club of Florida resolved to require every Rotarian in Florida to plant a tree in 2017. For the past six years our living room hosted a Norfolk Island pine that grew from a tiny seedling into a six-foot tall monster. I recently donated it for replanting on the grounds of the Miami Shores Country Club. Adding that to our grandson's tree, I think I can say that I've fulfilled the Rotary's tree-planting mandate.

I close with two memorable and profound reminders of the glory of trees:

"I thank You God for this most amazing day: for the leaping greenly spirits of trees and a blue true dream of sky; and for everything which is natural which is infinite which is yes"

(e. e. cummings)

"God writes the Gospel not in the Bible alone, but also on trees, and in the flowers and clouds and stars."

(Martin Luther)

Let's all cherish the trees we have around us. They constantly give and give. It's time for us to give something back to them. What does that mean? Plant more trees!





Hyon O'Brien is a former reference librarian now living in the United States. She can be reached at hyonobrien@gmail.com.
By Oh Young-jin





When the disruption of the U.S. Army 2nd Infantry Division's centennial celebration party was reported, Americans and Koreans reacted the same way  it's a resurgence of anti-American sentiment.

But it may not be. However alien it may sound, it may be the other way around  the emergence of anti-Koreanism among Americans  both the public and government.

Don't blame them for failing to know what's coming. Americans are so accustomed to being hated that they have made a kneejerk reaction. The same goes with Koreans, too.

But anti-Koreanism can prove to be more of a deal breaker to the ROK-U.S. alliance than anti-Americanism because the latter is time-tested, while the first is a new phenomenon. The picture is made clearer when the Uijeongbu incident is thrown together with U.S. President Donald Trump, the ROK-U.S. row over the deployment of a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile interceptor and North Korea apologist Bruce Cumings' winning of the 2017 Jeju April 3 Peace Award.

First, the June 10 concert in Uijeongbu looks anecdotal but it is not.

Performers canceled their appearances at the centennial celebration, organized by the city, which owes a lot of its revenue to 2nd ID GIs, mainstay fighting force from U.S. Forces Korea (USFK). Civic activists demanded the concert be canceled, arguing that it was inappropriate because it came ahead of the 15th anniversary of the Yangju Highway Incident in which two Korean girls  Hyosun and Misun  were crushed to death by an American tracked vehicle.

From facebook accounts, it is not difficult to find the sentiment among foreigners that come down to "not again." They obviously anticipated anti-American sentiment in the familiar thread of the two allies' long-running love-hate relationship.

But seen from the perspective of hundreds of young U.S. soldiers in the audience, it would not be such a yawn-causing, "I-have-seen-it-before" reaction. After all, on a daily basis, they put their lives on the line to defend a country that is not theirs. It would be odd, if they didn't feel unappreciated or more humiliated. The top brass  U.S. Forces Korea commander Gen. Brooks, 8th Army commander Lt. Gen. Vandal and 2nd ID commander Maj. Gen. Martin who were present at the concert  without a doubt would not be happy. Just think about what these soldiers will tell their families and friends via social media about the disrupted concert and how the generals will report it to the chain of command back to Washington. It is like "Yankee go home" so loud for the GIs' parents and the American public to hear.

Juxtapose that with the THAAD brouhaha.

The new government publicly raised an issue over the omission of four launchers to the battery during the defense ministry's report to the presidential office. This matter could have been dealt with more discreetly but President Moon Jae-in stoked it by calling it "shocking." Then, he went a step further to declare that the deployment would be put on hold pending an extensive environmental assessment review. Deployment within this year is out of the question. The U.S. ended up looking like an accomplice in a smuggling operation together with some rogue Korean defense officials.

The U.S. government  departments of state and defense  went on the defensive first by arguing that it didn't do anything wrong. Korea plays the junior role of beseecher in its alliance with the U.S. but this time, the tables have been turned.

Trump called in his top lieutenants and let it be known that Washington wants no retractions on the deployment. Can you see anything amiss? Trump obviously found the reversal of roles unpleasant. In their June 29 and 30 summit in Washington, Moon won't take the blows hands down from or yield in a handshake contest with Trump. In other words, one should hopes that there will be no fist fight between the two leaders.

Anti-Koreanism in the U.S. is at best a novelty. After all, Korea has been a model student following its superpower ally's lead. Any ill-blood with Korea has been limited to a small number of wonks in Washington.

It has all changed due to the Trump campaign. Trump called Seoul the "freeloader" thriving on American taxpayers, and the bilateral free trade agreement "the worst deal."

Trump displayed a visceral indiscriminate dislike for traditional allies and partners  Japan, Europe, Mexico, Canada and Korea, arguing that they have cheated Americans. This put Korea on the map for the American public.

Trump won the election and earned the voters' endorsement of his vow to make America great again at whoever's expense. Now, Korea is officially one of the bad guys. Trump may touch off a wellspring of anti-Koreanism.

Finally, these developments have come against the background of the growing leftist tendency in Korean society  one interesting example is captured by U.S. historian Bruce Cumings winning the prize to commemorate the 1947 massacre of its own people by the South Korean government. Cumings is known for exempting North Korea from the responsibility of triggering the 1950-53 Korean War. He also blames the U.S. for the North Korean nuclear and missile challenge.

Where do all these lead?

One can't rule out that it is the beginning of the end of the long Korea-U.S. marriage. It's hard to tell whether the two will eventually divorce or get reconciled with each other. I had a flurry of gives and takes with one facebook commentator, who observed that presidents come and go and that the alliance will remain intact. But what if there are one too many presidents that have come and gone to maintain the status quo?





Oh Young-jin is The Korea Times' chief editorial writer. Contact foolsdie5@ktimes.com and foolsdie@gmail.com.
Medytox CEO Jung Hyun-ho Daewoong Pharmaceutical CEO Lee Jong-wook

By Lee Hyo-sik

Medytox, Korea's largest maker of botulinum toxin, has filed a civil lawsuit against Daewoong Pharmaceutical and its U.S. partner Alphaeon, accusing them of stealing its strain of the toxin.

The company said Friday that law firm Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton lodged a suit with the Orange County Court in southern California on June 7, adding the court will validate its claim that Daewoong illegally obtained the strain via a former employee who stole it from the lab.

Botulinum toxin (BTX) is a biopharmaceutical substance used to remove facial wrinkles by paralyzing muscles. The demand for BTX has been growing rapidly in Korea and elsewhere as more people undergo the treatment to look younger and prettier. Medytox's BTX product, Meditoxin, is also available in Japan, Thailand, Brazil and dozens of other countries.

Medytox has been insisting its former employee surnamed Lee, who was part of the Meditoxin development team, stole the strain and gave it to an acquaintance at Daewoong in exchange for money and other perks.

The company, which also filed a suit against the two individuals, alleged that Daewoong gave the former employee $120,000 and offered a paid position at a U.S. university for his postdoctoral study.

"We decided to ask the court to force Daewoong to return our stolen intellectual property concerning the BTX strain," a Medytox official said. "We are positive the law will side with us and order Daewoong to correct its wrongdoings."

But he said the company has no plans to take Daewoong to court in Korea.

"In addition to protecting our valuable asset, the lawsuit also aims to raise the awareness of inappropriate handling of toxic substances, such as BTX," the official said. "BTX can be used as a deadly biochemical weapon as 1 gram could kill more than 1 million people. So, the behavior of Daewoong and the two individuals could pose a grave threat to the public."

The suit came a month after Daewoong and Alphaeon filed for U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for its BTX strain, Nabota.

Medytox, in cooperation with its U.S. partner Allergan, has been conducting clinical trials in the U.S. to get approval for Meditoxin. Another local firm, Hugel, has also been implementing clinical trials to obtain the FDA's green light.

However, Daewoong dismissed Medytox's lawsuit, saying it never stole the BTX strain from it.

"Medytox asked the police last year to look into the matter and officers found nothing that could support its claims," a Daewoong spokesman said. "While Medytox cannot do anything here, it decided to sue us in the U.S. We will take all possible measures to deal with its malicious actions."
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 16

By Elmira Tariverdiyeva  Trend:

The Consulates General of Azerbaijan and Israel held a joint event on June 12, 2017, in Los Angeles to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Israel.

The event was hosted by the Sinai Temple, which is one of the largest and most influential synagogues not only in Los Angeles, but also in the entire US, says an article posted on azeriamericanews.com.

Attended by over 300 guests, including consuls general of various countries, elected officials, representatives of different ethnic and religious communities, journalists and others, the celebration included a discussion between Azerbaijans Consul General Nasimi Aghayev and Israels Consul General Sam Grundwerg.

Speaking afterwards, Rabbi David Wolpe of the Sinai Temple recalled the 2015 trip of 45 members of his congregation to Azerbaijan, noting that the journey offered the opportunity to learn more about Azerbaijans model of interfaith tolerance and harmony up close.

He noted that celebrating the Azerbaijan-Israel relations was important also in terms of showcasing the possibility of peace between Muslims and Jews.

Then Consul General of Azerbaijan Nasimi Aghayev and Consul General of Israel Sam Grundwerg addressed the audience.

In his remarks, Consul General Aghayev informed the attendees about Azerbaijans long-standing traditions of tolerance, inclusion and multiculturalism.

Noting the centuries-long peaceful co-existence of Azerbaijani Muslims and Jews, Consul General Aghayev said that these bonds between the two peoples provided a strong foundation for the emergence of close friendship and partnership between Azerbaijan and Israel after the collapse of the Soviet Union when Azerbaijan restored its independence.

Speaking about the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict, Consul General Aghayev emphasized appreciation for Israels unwavering support for Azerbaijans territorial integrity. In this regard, Aghayev also expressed gratitude for Israeli President Rivlins special reference to the 1992 Khojaly Massacre  committed by Armenia against Azerbaijani civilians  in his 2015 UN speech on the occasion of the International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Aghayev noted that this was another indicator of a genuine friendship between the two countries.

Consul General of Israel Sam Grundwerg called the environment of interfaith tolerance and harmony in Azerbaijan a great model and example. He also highlighted the strategic nature of Azerbaijani-Israeli partnership, encompassing many crucial areas. Recalling the high-level bilateral visits, Consul General Grundwerg expressed his satisfaction with the current level of Azerbaijan-Israel strategic partnership.

Touching upon the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict, Grundwerg noted that Israel supports the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan as well as the peaceful resolution of the conflict within the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts.

The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts.
There have been a number of rumors that point to Song Joong Ki and Park Bo Gum having an affair with each other. This is because of the close friendship that the two have. However, reports are coming in that say that Song Joong Ki is jealous of Yeo Jin Hoo. It is worth knowing that Yeo Jin Hoo is a close friend of Park Bo Gum.

In one of the interviews, Yeo Jin Hoo reveals the truth between the connection he has with Park Bo Gum. He says that they have a very close connection with each other and that they have a special friendship going on.

According to Korea Portal, Park Bo Gum was the first to initiate talking with Yeo Jin Hoo. It then soon lead to the close friendship that would blossom between the two of them.

The actor then reveals that he had saw Park Bo Gum once in an award show and in a couple of movie premiers. Since then, he wished that they could become friends. And so, that was just what happened.

Another hint that Park Bo Gum and Yeo Jin Hoo have a relationship is when Yeo Jin Hoo says that there was a time when Park Bo Gum sent him a food truck that includes a sweet personal message for him. The message says that Park Bo Gum wants to see his newest friend really soon.

With this, it makes perfect sense for Song Joong Ki to get jealous of Yeo Jin Hoo, knowing that he and Park Bo Gum are also very close friends. According to Headline Grabber, there are even reports that they have a relationship with each other and that they recently split because of Yeo Jin Hoo. Though there is no confirmation regarding this matter, it still is a plausible speculation.
T.O.P's fans are doing everything to make sure that their idol knows that they support him in this trying time. In particular, his fan group 'T.O.P's Fools' are launching two projects to encourage the embattled YG artist on his trial date set on June 29th.

Based on their Twitter post, 'T.O.P's Fools' are asking for support from fellow fans and VIPs on BIGBANG's official fandom to rally behind T.O.P. against drug charges filed against him by the prosecutor's office. It can be recalled the that the rapper was found positive of marijuana in a hair follicle test performed on him by the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency.

T.O.P. acknowledged in a handwritten letter that he did marijuana last year prior to his enlistment in the military for his mandatory service. He apologized to his label, fellow BIGBANG members, his family and his fans for his mistake and acknowledged that his lapse in judgement will come with consequences.

As his case was forwarded to the prosecutor's office for further investigation, T.O.P. was dismissed from being a conscripted police officer pending verdict of his case. As a result, T.O.P was found unconscious in his home and was rushed to the hospital after he took an excessive amount of anti anxiety medicine. T.O.P. remained in critical condition at the Ehwa University Hospital's Intensive Care Unit for several days before he regained consciousness and was transferred to another hospital for mental health treatment.

T.O.P's Fools launched the online contest to create fan art of their beloved T.O.P or Choi Seung-hyun, where the winning fan art will be used for their global campaign to show support for T.O.P across social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. They also encouraged fans to use the hashtag #WeAreHereForYouTOP on the day of T.O.P's first trial.

Another project that the fan group has planned is a photobook for T.O.P which encourages fans to send their message of love and support for the BIGBANG idol. Messages in different languages suh as English and Spanish will be translated by admins and be included in a photobook that will be sent to T.O.P. himself so his fans' love will reach him. Messages of love and support should be emailed to tops.fools@gmail.com, should not exceed 150 words and include the name of the sender. Deadline of sending messages is set for July 1st.
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 16

By Elmira Tariverdiyeva  Trend:

US Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Joseph Dunford, during the hearings on the budget of the Department of Defense in the House of Representatives of the Congress, noted the great role of Azerbaijan in the US operation in Afghanistan, according to a message posted on the Departments website.

He recalled visiting Azerbaijan in February and meeting with the countrys leadership.

Answering a question about the role of Azerbaijan as one of the US allies in the region in the operation in Afghanistan, Dunford thanked the country for providing help with Afghanistan, mentioning access through Azerbaijan to get to Afghanistan.

Dunford further said that today theres no need to increase that access.
Details added (first version posted on 11:31)

Baku, Azerbaijan, June 16

Trend:

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has received Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Colombia Maria Angela Holguin Cuellar.

Colombian Foreign Minister Maria Angela Holguin Cuellar praised the opening of the Colombian Embassy in Azerbaijan, adding that they operate together with Peru and Mexico, member countries of the Pacific Alliance.

Hailing Azerbaijans huge opportunities, Maria Angela Holguin Cuellar underlined her country's readiness to work with Azerbaijan to boost the bilateral cooperation. She praised good political relations between Azerbaijan and Colombia, saying her country is keen to develop bilateral ties in other fields too.

Maria Angela Holguin Cuellar briefed the head of state on ongoing processes in her country, saying construction works started in Colombia after a peace agreement was reached as a result of a long-lasting conflict in the country. She added that a number of agricultural development projects were implemented in Colombia.

President Ilham Aliyev emphasized that the development of districts and agriculture is one of the key priority issues in Azerbaijan too, highlighting the reforms carried out in the country in this regard.

The sides hailed good opportunities for developing Azerbaijan-Colombia cooperation in a number of fields, including economy, agriculture, trade and tourism, and underlined both countries interest in expanding these ties.
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 16

Trend:

Azerbaijans Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov met with Foreign Minister of Colombia Maria Angela Holguin June 16 in Baku, said a message from Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry.

The foreign ministers of Azerbaijan and Colombia had a meeting and reviewed the current status of the bilateral relations and expressed their satisfaction with the positive developments in their political dialogue.

The ministers noted the importance of mutual visits to foster the ties of friendship and cooperation between Colombia and Azerbaijan, and in this regard, gladly recalled the official visit of Minister Holguin to Azerbaijan on July 8, 2013 and the recent official visit of Minister Mammadyarov to Colombia on June 29-30, 2017.

In this regard, the ministers emphasized that exchange of permanent diplomatic presence in both countries has provided additional impetus to furthering bilateral cooperation.

The ministers reiterated their mutual respect and support to each others territorial integrity, sovereignty and inviolability of internationally recognized borders. They also emphasized the inadmissibility of the use of force for the acquisition of territory.

Minister Mammadyarov congratulated the people of Colombia for the peaceful settlement of long-lasting conflict in the country and hoped that the Peace Agreement would bring opportunity for a sustainable reconciliation and development in Colombia.

Minister Holguin expressed the importance to abide by the purposes, principles and provisions of the UN Charter, the rules of international law and the UN resolutions adopted both at the Security Council and at the General Assembly, all aimed at a peaceful and negotiated resolution regarding the situation of the occupied territories of Azerbaijan.

The ministers emphasized the wide range of opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation in the economic, trade, education, tourism, agriculture, energy, logistics, investment and humanitarian sectors. In education, the exchange of students and scholars was particularly highlighted. Regarding the cooperation between the diplomatic training and education institutions of the two states, the ministers mentioned the importance of Spanish language courses organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Colombia for the diplomats of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan.

The ministers mentioned that the current trade turnover does not reflect the potential of the two countries and shared a common position on boosting trade relations with the encouragement of direct contacts between the business communities of the two countries. Minister Holguins visit to the regions of Azerbaijan  Hajigabul, Kurdamir, Goychay, and Zagatala  had the purpose of strengthening bilateral cooperation to produce hazelnut and pomegranates, considering its future contribution as a productive project, important for Colombias peace building.

The ministers expressed assurance that Agreement on cooperation in the field of culture between the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Colombia, signed during the visit of Mammadyarov to Colombia in May this year, will boost cooperation in the field of culture and tourism. They also exchanged the views on further expansion of the legal base between the countries.

The ministers mentioned the special role of parliamentary diplomacy in advancing bilateral cooperation and in this respect the activities of Azerbaijan-Colombia Parliamentary Friendship Group were commended. Minister Mammadyarov expressed his appreciation for the documents adopted by the Senate of Colombia, namely the resolution on Illegal occupation of the territories of the Republic of Azerbaijan and document on the 25th anniversary of Khojaly Genocide.

The ministers also discussed issues on the international agenda and expressed their commitment to respect the norms and principles of international law at the base of an international order with peace and security.
Open Doors Day for more than 50 senior pupils of Baku schools and their parents was held at the new campus of Baku Higher Oil School (BHOS). It started with a guided tour of the campus. The visitors were shown the main building, a 600-seat auditorium, a swimming pool, two gyms, a 110-seat audience, a stadium with artificial surface, a dining room, classrooms, administrative and service rooms, a library, state-of-the-art teaching laboratories, and a dormitory.

Then Head of BHOS Student Affairs Department Habiba Gajiyeva conducted a presentation with usage of audio and visual materials for the guests at the conference hall. She provided detailed information about BHOS history, recent developments and latest achievements. The Head of BHOS Student Affairs department spoke about BHOS long-term partnership with leading higher educational institutions around the world and local and transnational companies operating in Azerbaijan. Within this cooperation, she said, the companies arrange workshops, training and internship for BHOS students. Habiba Gajiyeva also told about the Higher School students life, their social, scientific and cultural activities, and youth societies and clubs operating at BHOS.

The meeting concluded with question and answer session. The schoolchildren also received Higher Schools promotional materials and leaflets, and group commemorative photos were taken.
The body of a 19-year-old sailor from Weaubleau who died at Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, is back in Missouri. The remains of Charles Thompson arrived at Kansas City International Airport late Friday morning. The Patriot Guard and the Missouri State Highway Patrol gave him an honor escort to the funeral home here in Wheatland.

Thompson was stationed on the USS Oklahoma when it and other Navy ships in Pearl Harbor were attacked by Japanese bombers. He was unable to escape. His unidentified remains were buried in Hawaii.

Two years ago, because of advances in DNA testing, the U.S. Navy confirmed that Thompson's body had been found.

Funeral services will be here on Saturday morning at 9 at Hathaway Peterman Funeral Homes chapel. His burial will follow at Fairview-Butcher Cemetery, a country cemetery near Weaubleau, where he grew up.

Thompsons obituary says he was born Dec. 25, 1921, the son of Claude C. and Rosa Ana (Selvidge) Thompson. His mother passed away when he was 3 years old. He then lived with an aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs. Charley Selvidge, who raised him as a son.

Thompson graduated from the Weaubleau High School in 1939. He completed two terms at Springfield Teachers College (now Missouri State University) in Springfield before enlisting in the U.S. Navy in January 1940.

After his training at Grand Lakes Naval Training Center in Illinois, Thompson was assigned to the USS Oklahoma. Thompson and 428 other crewmen on the USS Oklahoma were posthumously awarded the Purple Heart.

Thompson achieved the rank of Fireman First Class. His letters to family and friends said he loved his job and enjoyed being in the Navy, his obituary said.

----

More information from a military agency news release:

On Dec. 7, 1941, Thompson was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when the ship was attacked by Japanese aircraft. The USS Oklahoma sustained multiple torpedo hits, which caused it to quickly capsize. The attack on the ship resulted in the deaths of 429 crewmen, including Thompson. No single vessel at Pearl Harbor, with the exception of the USS Arizona, suffered as many fatalities.

From December 1941 to June 1944, Navy personnel recovered the remains of the deceased crew, which were subsequently interred in the Halawa and Nuuanu Cemeteries.

In September 1947, tasked with recovering and identifying fallen U.S. personnel in the Pacific Theater, members of the American Graves Registration Service (AGRS) disinterred the remains of U.S. casualties from the two cemeteries and transferred them to the Central Identification Laboratory at Schofield Barracks. The laboratory staff was only able to confirm the identifications of 35 men from the USS Oklahoma at that time. The AGRS subsequently buried the unidentified remains in 46 plots at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (NMCP), known as the Punchbowl, in Honolulu. In October 1949, a military board classified those who could not be identified as non-recoverable, including Thompson.

In April 2015, the Deputy Secretary of Defense issued a policy memorandum directing the disinterment of unknowns associated with the USS Oklahoma. On June 15, 2015, DPAA personnel began exhuming the remains from the NMCP for analysis.

DNA analysis and circumstantial evidence were used in the identification of his remains. To identify Thompson's remains, scientists from DPAA and the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System used mitochondrial (mtDNA) DNA analysis, which matched two nephews and a niece, as well as circumstantial evidence and

laboratory analysis, to include dental comparisons.

Of the 16 million Americans who served in World War II, more than 400,000 died during the war. Currently there are 73,057 service members still unaccounted for from World War II.

For additional information on the Defense Department's mission to account for Americans who went missing while serving our country, visit the DPAA website at www.dpaa.mil, find us on social media at www.facebook.com/dodpaa or call (703) 699-1420.
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 16

Trend:

Director of UNECs Career Center Fuad Aliyev and Head of the Department Organization of Internship Natig Gurbanov has made a business trip at CEFAM University (Centre dEtudes Franco-Americain de Management) situated in Lion, France. UNEC employees acquainted with the organization of career services and internship at CEFAM, including establishment of ties with corporate sector during the trip realized within the Erasmus+ Exchange Program. They studied the working mechanism of the Alumni Association. They also delivered expanded information about work done for the career development of UNEC students and administration of major experiences.

Views on the perspectives of major internships of UNEC students in France, countries of the European Union and the US as well were exchanged with CEFAM students and the initial agreement was achieved during the meeting.

About UNEC:

UNEC is the brand of Azerbaijan State University of Economics. The brand of UNEC has been registered and patented by the State Committee on Standardization, Metrology and Patent on January 21 2016.
La Jolla Cove Beach received a D grade on the annual Heal the Bays report card, and came in No. 5 in 10 of its Bummer Beaches with the worst water quality in the State of California.

A new addition to the Bummer List, this San Diego beach sits in an enclosed area with limited water circulation. Its also home to growing  sea lion populations, reads the groups press release, issued June 15. Those failing grades indicate a significant health risk to the tens of thousands of year-round ocean users in Southern California, who can contract a respiratory or gastrointestinal illness from one morning swim or surf session in polluted waters.

In 2016, La Jolla Cove beach-goers were often warned by signs posted by the County Health Department to swim at your own risk for high concentrations of bacteria in the water. Events such as the 10-mile Relay Swim and the Challenged Athletes Foundation Triathlon Challenge had to be relocated to other swimming spots in the vicinity as a health precaution.

La Jolla Cove is the only beach in San Diego County to make the Top 10 Beach Bummers of Heal the Bays report card. With D grades for both summer days and wet weather measurements in the 2016-2017 season, this is the first time the world-renowned beach enters such a list. Past measurements of water quality indicate that La Jolla Cove was awarded A+ and A in 2013-2014 and 2014-2015 seasons. The 2015-2016 measurements show B grades for summer and winter dry weather, and an A+ for wet weather.

Heal the Bay is a Los Angeles-based non-profit advocating for cleaner oceans.

Read the full story here.
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 16

By Azad Hasanli  Trend:

About 75 percent of tax revenues in Azerbaijan in January-May 2017 accounted for the non-oil sector, Deputy Taxes Minister Ilkin Valiyev told reporters in Baku June 16.

He noted that in total tax revenues in January-May 2017 increased by more than 4 percent compared to the same period of 2016.

Tax revenues of Azerbaijans state budget reached almost 2.83 billion manats in January-May 2017, exceeding the forecast by 4.7 percent.

(1.7023 manats = $1 on June 16)
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 .
The murder occurred in February 1992, in a shabby house in a small town in Louisiana. A 6-year-old boy named Jeremy Guillory was looking for his friend Joey. Beloved BB gun in his hand, he knocked on Joeys door. The man who opened it was Ricky Langley, a 26-year-old man who lived with Joeys family and often watched Joey and his sister, Joy. A pedophile who previously served time in Georgia for molesting a little girl, Langley welcomed Jeremy into the house, where he was alone; the boys body was found three days later wrapped in a blanket and propped up in a closet, the BB gun leaning against the wall next to him.

Alexandria Marzano-Lesnevich first saw Langley on videotape in a Louisiana law office while working as a summer intern for the firm defending Langley in his death-penalty appeal. She had studied the law even before entering law school; as the child of two lawyers she had absorbed its ethos. The young law student was surprised by her reaction to the man on the tape. I came here to help save the man on the screen, she writes.

She felt her previously solid opposition to the death penalty shudder, then crack. Despite what Ive trained for, what Ive come here to work for, despite what I believe, she writes. I want Ricky to die.

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In her intense, often harrowing The Fact of a Body, Marzano-Lesnevich braids together the story of the Guillory murder and its legal aftermath with her own story, which also includes her sexual abuse as a child by a relative, questions of guilt and punishment and the lingering effects of familial secrets and lies. For Marzano-Lesnevich, these included deeply buried facts about her own birth and infancy, as well as a kind of conspiracy of silence around her grandfathers habit of entering her childhood bedroom at night. Once they are told, her parents response is to model unaffecteness, Marzano-Lesnevich writes. They arrange the memory as carefully as a script.

Of course, her trauma is no less damaging for its being kept quiet; as she enters adolescence Marzano-Lesnevich struggles with an eating disorder, sinks into a bed-bound depression, her days webbed and sticky with the cotton of sleep.

The mission at the heart of this book is Marzano-Lesnevichs attempt to understand Langley, and her own abuser, by exploring more deeply who she herself is...

Langley, the killer, also bears the scars of family wounds. Born while his mother was in a full-body cast following a car accident that took two of his siblings, he grew up haunted by the shadow of his lost brother, Oscar, and marked by the affects of his mothers prenatal drinking and drug use. He may or may not have been beaten by an abusive father (accounts differ). He was a strange child, small and friendless, and knew by the time he was a teenager that he had a problem with sexual attraction to little children. As Marzano-Lesnevich recounts, Langley tried to get help, wanted to be cured, but through a combination of institutional bureaucracy and the stubborn, intractable fact of his own pedophilia, never was. The man at the center of this trial, she writes, will remain an enigma.  What you see in Ricky may depend more on who you are than on who he is.

Stories take on different meanings depending not only on who tells them, but on how they are shaped  who decides when a story starts, when it ends, what the most important characters are? The mission at the heart of this book is Marzano-Lesnevichs attempt to understand Langley, and her own abuser, by exploring more deeply who she herself is: as a sexual-abuse survivor, a daughter, a sister, a lawyer, a writer. As a law student, she studied the concept of proximate cause through a classic case involving an accident in a railroad station. The idea of proximate cause is a solution, she writes, and the problem it solves is one inherent in storytelling as well as law: how far back do we go to understand what happened, and whom to blame for it? How do we make of our lives  or any lives  a story that makes sense?

These questions have always been relevant but feel particularly urgent at the moment. True-crime storytelling has become one of the hottest genres in books and television; Marzano-Lesnevichs work here shares similar concerns to those raised by the popular documentary series The Keepers and Making a Murderer. Perhaps inevitably, The Fact of a Body also raises some of the same questions about its own fidelity to truth. For a book so concerned with the vast and often unacknowledged power in how we choose to frame our stories, its a little disquieting how often Marzano-Lesnevich rearranges reality to suit her own narrative needs. She acknowledges in an authors note and a separate essay on sources that some scenes are compressed, dialogue invented and details imagined.

This is not to indict book or author. As Marzano-Lesnevich writes, [n]o one story is simple. No one story complete. Someone is always selecting the point at which to begin a narrative, the proximate cause to assign credit or blame for every victory or tragedy. Art that both entertains and challenges us to look at very unpleasant truths  even when it poses disorienting questions about the nature of truth itself  is always more vital than art that seeks to comfort, to silence, to bury. So if The Fact of a Body ends up making readers question just what a fact is, maybe thats about as useful as a book can be in todays world.

Tuttle is the president of the National Book Critics Circle.

The Fact of a Body: A Murder and a Memoir

Alexandria Marzano-Lesnevich

Flatiron Books: 336 pp, $26.99
Amazon can ship books, furniture and clothing across the Pacific Ocean in what feels like a blink of an eye. But when it comes to delivering fresh groceries to your doorstep, the e-commerce giants logistical prowess wilts like a bag of salad left out in the sun.

Thats because the long journey of, say, an avocado from Mexico gets progressively harder the closer it gets to the final consumer. Its more costly and time consuming to deliver individual pieces of fruit to many customers. The hurdle, which has long vexed online retailers and is one of the chief reasons the grocery business is notorious for its low profit margins, is known in the logistics industry as the last mile.

By acquiring Whole Foods, Amazon is buying not just an established, upscale supermarket brand, but also a vast distribution network of warehouses and more than 460 stores worldwide  replete with back rooms and cold storage  in some of the most affluent ZIP codes in America. Thats a significant boost in numbers for the Seattle company, which currently operates fewer than 100 distribution centers in the U.S., a handful of them in the Inland Empire.

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More hubs means quicker and fresher delivery, which will bolster Amazons existing grocery delivery service, AmazonFresh. The service, which is offered to the companys subscription Prime members for a monthly fee of $14.99, is available only in about 20 U.S. cities. While the bid for Whole Foods may not bridge Amazons last mile, it certainly brings it closer, experts say.

In the U.S. this adds 440 refrigerated warehouses within 10 miles of probably 80% of the population, said Michael Pachter, an analyst for Wedbush Securities. More importantly, it puts refrigerated distribution within 10 miles of probably 95% of Prime members. That means we can rely upon Whole Foods consistently high quality meat and produce, and can rely upon prompt delivery from the store as a distribution point.

The marriage of the two companies means Amazon can vertically integrate a business it has dabbled in since 2007, when it first offered grocery delivery in Mercer Island, Wash. Thats a blow to rivals like Target and Walmart, which boasted brick-and-mortar stores as the one thing they had over Amazon. The physical stores allow people to try on clothing before buying, still one of the biggest hang-ups about online fashion, and they allow shoppers to choose the groceries they want, lest there be a bruised apple in their order.

Those big-box competitors were already disadvantaged by Amazons captive audience, an estimated 80 million Prime members, who could theoretically order groceries online or task Alexa, Amazons virtual assistant, to prepare a delivery or arrange for a pick-up at the nearest Whole Foods.

The deal could also make competing delivery services such as Instacart  which Whole Foods invested in last year  superfluous. Why pay for food delivery elsewhere if Amazon is cheaper and easier?

Its a natural progression for Amazon, said Brendan Witcher, a retail analyst at Forrester. The e-commerce behemoth first disrupted retail by offering lower prices. Now its focusing on logistics and fulfillment and the ability to get what you want when you want it, Witcher said.

To that end, Amazon is encroaching on territory long dominated by the likes of UPS, FedEx and the U.S. Postal Service. In the last two years, the tech giant has leased 20 Boeing 767 air cargo jets from Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, won shipping licenses that allows it to pay for containers at wholesale rates and rent them out for more expensive retail rates, and added thousands of long haul trucks emblazoned with the Amazon logo.

Jeff Bezos, Amazons founder and chief executive, said his company wasnt looking to replace legacy supply chain companies. Instead, Amazon is adding its own logistics network because it simply cant have enough  not surprising considering the company was responsible for 43% of all online sales in the U.S. last year.

We will take all the capacity that the U.S. Postal Service can give us and that UPS can give us and we still need to supplement it. So were not cutting back. Were growing our business with UPS. Were growing our business with the U.S. Postal Service, Bezos said at Recodes 2016 Code Conference in Rancho Palos Verdes, according to Bloomberg.

Analysts say theres no reason to think Amazons deal with Whole Foods will be limited to groceries. The company could one day use Whole Foods locations as a place for customers to drop-off e-commerce returns and make exchanges for items bought online. The stores could also serve as a hub to pick up non-grocery items, a move that would pare delivery costs and provide an alternative for shoppers who dont want their packages lying unattended on their porch.

Ultimately, we see the deal allowing Amazon to take further share of its customers wallet and see a large opportunity to leverage many of its technologies to grow and optimize the Whole Foods business. We are also highly confident that Amazon will leverage the new store footprint for much more than just selling groceries, said Daniel Salmon, an analyst for BMO Capital Markets.

The $13.7-billion deal for the high-end supermarket chain could pay off quickly, but it still runs counter to trends in the tech world, where fixed assets like real estate and heavy equipment are shunned, said Amit Sharma, a former supply chain executive at Walmart and now chief executive of Narvar, a retail app.

Look at companies in the sharing economy. You dont need to own assets long term, Sharma said.

But other experts see advantages to buying Whole Foods beyond just its array of gourmet and organic food, and access to the affluent customers who favor it.

Groceries can serve as a lure  one that consumers cant live without  which could result in more sales of Kindle e-books and other high-margin goods that could find their way onto Whole Foods shelves.

You dont shop for appliances multiple times a week. You dont shop for any durable goods multiple times a week. But you need to put fresh food on the table, said Lloyd Greif, a Los Angeles investment banker and president and chief executive of Greif & Co. Thats what drives customer traffic. The more touch points you have with a consumer, the more youll be able to sell them everything else. From Amazons standpoint, they dont have to focus so much on making money on groceries if they make money everywhere else.

david.pierson@latimes.com

Follow me @dhpierson on Twitter

makeda.easter@latimes.com

ALSO

Remember when Amazon only sold books?

Will Amazon change the food business  or will the food business change Amazon?

Amazon is buying more than Whole Foods  its getting 460 stores it can turn into warehouses and showrooms
The Senate could reduce regulations for small and midsized banks, but Wall Street may be out of luck.

House Republicans and the Trump administration want a major rollback of the 2010 Dodd-Frank financial reform law, including changes that would help the nations largest banks. But as debate shifts to the Senate, those changes are likely to be scaled back significantly because Republicans lack the votes to push many of them through.

We will have an easier time getting bipartisan agreement at the smaller size level of institution, Senate Banking Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) told an industry trade group this week. As you move up the size level for institutions, the ability to get bipartisan agreement diminishes. But it doesnt go away.

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Crapo is working with the committees top Democrat, Sen. Sherrod Brown of Ohio, on a bill revising Dodd-Frank law that could draw enough Democratic support to prevent a filibuster.

Now the effort of the two senators is in the spotlight after the House passed a financial regulatory overhaul bill on June 8 and Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin weighed in with a lengthy report on Monday.

Brown vowed he and his fellow Democrats would not loosen the reins on large banks.

Based on the current Wall Street reform debate, the activity in the House and the report put out by Treasury earlier this week, I am concerned that some seem to have forgotten that we even had a financial crisis at all, Brown declared at a committee hearing Thursday.

Let me be clear: Proposals to weaken oversight of the biggest banks have no place in this committees process, he said.

One of the key targets of the House bill and the Treasury report is the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which would have its authority gutted.

The changes include making its director subject to removal by the president for any reason, eliminating the independent funding stream so Congress could reduce its budget, and stripping the agency of its ability to send supervisors into banks to make sure they are complying with consumer protection laws.

For Brown and Senate Democrats, changes like that amount to a poison pill for any legislation.

What they want to do with the CFPB is emasculate it, Brown said in an interview, declaring such changes to the agency a huge problem for bipartisan legislation.

Dodd-Frank was passed by Democrats in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis with almost no Republican support. The legislation, one of President Obamas signature accomplishments, stiffened bank regulations, sought to avoid future bailouts by creating a process to shut down teetering financial giants, prohibited federally insured banks from engaging in risky trading for their own profit and created the consumer bureau to oversee credit cards, mortgages and other financial products.

Republicans and many in the banking industry said the regulations went too far. Trump has promised to dismantle Dodd-Frank and in one of his first executive actions ordered Mnuchin to conduct an extensive review.

Mnuchin delivered a 149-page report to Trump on Monday that recommended reducing oversight of large financial institutions and providing even more relief for smaller banks. In many ways, the Treasury report was similar to legislation from Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R-Texas) that passed the House last week with no Democratic votes.

Mnuchin noted that many of the changes could be made by the Federal Reserve and other agencies as Trump appoints new regulators. But major rollbacks, such as those directed at the consumer bureau, would require legislation.

In most cases, such legislation would require 60 votes in the Senate to overcome a likely Democratic filibuster. There are only 52 Republican Senators.

That makes major legislative changes unlikely, said Edward Mills, a financial policy research analyst with FBR Capital Markets & Co.

The agenda that Im focused on is anything that can be done through regulation or a vote in Congress that doesnt require a single Democrat, he said.

But there appears to be bipartisan desire to ease some regulations on small and midsized banks, which pose less risk to the financial system.

The Senate Banking Committee hearing on Thursday focused on those institutions, and lawmakers expressed optimism about legislative changes as they heard complaints from bankers about some of Dodd-Franks regulations.

Robert Hill, chief executive of South State Corp., which has 80 bank branches in South Carolina, North Carolina and Georgia, said his company faces more extensive oversight because its assets this year crossed the $10-billion level.

The increased regulatory costs, including now for annual stress tests, led the bank to close 10 branches, Hill said.

I assure you that adding one dollar in incremental assets as we crossed $10 billion did little to change the risk profile of our company, Hill told senators.

He urged senators to increase the $10-billion threshold. Mnuchin wants to raise the stress-test level to $50 billion in assets, and there appears to be bipartisan support for such a move.

When a bank has more than $50 billion in assets, it is considered a systemically important financial institution under Dodd-Frank and faces even tougher regulatory oversight, including more extensive stress tests and requirements to hold more capital.

Crapo and other Republicans agree with regional banks that the $50-billion threshold should be raised as well.

Harris Simmons, chief executive of Zions Bancorporation, the smallest of the 43 banks with more than $50 billion in assets, said the threshold was arbitrary and should be raised so that only the biggest banks are covered.

The overlay of all of these regulations has made it Increasingly difficult to do business, he said.

Mnuchin has recommended the $50-billion threshold be raised to be better tailored to the complexity of bank holding companies.

But Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) was critical of such a move, showing the difficulty facing Dodd-Frank changes in the Senate affecting larger banks.

She reminded Simmons that he had testified to Congress in 2006 against increased oversight for banks with a high concentration of commercial real estate loans. Two years later, the bank needed $1.4 billion in federal bailout money in part because of its commercial real estate exposure, Warren said.

Like nearly all the banks that were bailed out, Zions repaid the money. The bailouts stabilized the U.S. banking industry, which posted a record $171 billion in profits last year, according to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.

Whenever things are going OK, the banks come in here and say, Yay, lets reduce the rules. What could possibly go wrong? Warren said. And then when things go wrong, banks like yours line up and say to the taxpayers, Bail me out. Our job is to make sure that we do not permit the next failure to happen because it helps short-term bank profits.

Twitter: @JimPuzzanghera

jim.puzzanghera@latimes.com
Lindsey Buckingham is ready to record a sale in Brentwood, listing a newly built home in the Westside community for $22.5 million.

Buckingham, the longtime Fleetwood Mac member who last week released a duo album with Christine McVie, bought the property five years ago for $5.8 million, public records show.

Described as Modern Georgian in the listing, the three-story house has wood-shingle siding, sets of dormers and crisp white trim that give off an East Coast vibe.

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The interior, awash in white walls and light wood floors, includes formal living and dining rooms, chefs and prep kitchens, a library, six bedrooms and 7.75 bathrooms. A marble-topped bar and screening room lie within the adult family room area. The master suite has one of three fireplaces and a balcony overlooking the grounds.

A guesthouse, which could double as a writers retreat or studio space, sits across from the swimming pool. Bluestone terraces, a fire pit, an outdoor shower, lawns and mature landscaping fill out the grounds.

David Offer of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties is the listing agent.

Buckingham, 67, gained fame as the frontman and lead guitarist for Fleetwood Mac. He contributed to seven of the bands studio albums, including the critically acclaimed Rumours in 1977.

As a solo artist, he has released nine albums. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the group in 1998.

Last year the veteran rocker and his wife, designer Kristen Buckingham, bought about 10 acres of land in Santa Rosa Valley for $1.5 million. They own other property on the Westside of Los Angeles.

neal.leitereg@latimes.com

Twitter: @LATHotProperty

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The city of Alhambra can rightly boast of its beautiful neighborhoods, with its troves of historic homes in virtually every style popular over the last 100 years. It can also boast of having one of the most remarkable founders of any Southern California city, in the person of Benjamin Wilson.

Wilson came to California in the 1800s with dreams of sailing away to China, but a chance meeting with Ramona Yorba, the beautiful daughter of one of the prominent local Californios, convinced him to stay.

He immersed himself completely in the culture of Alta California, learning Spanish, converting to Catholicism and marrying Yorba. His transformation from Yankee to Californio was so complete that he soon became known as Don Benito.

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After California became a state, Wilson embarked on a successful political career. He was the first L.A. County clerk, the second mayor of Los Angeles, an L.A. County supervisor and a three-term state senator.

In 1874 he bought a tract in the San Gabriel Valley and subdivided it for a new housing development he called Alhambra, after the Washington Irving book.

Children cool off at a park in Alhambra, a city with a good location and desirable schools. (FREDERIC J. BROWN / AFP/Getty Images)

The settlement was the first in the region to have water delivered to each home site via iron plumbing, and its location on a busy spur of the transcontinental railroad ensured a steady supply of homesteaders.

Wilson didnt live long enough to see the land bust that would nearly sink Alhambra in the 1880s. He died in 1878 and is memorialized by the naming of Mt. Wilson after him, and by a statue in downtown Alhambra.

The settlement eventually recovered from the bust and incorporated in 1903. Main Street became a bustling commercial corridor, and the Pacific Electric Railway built a line down the middle of the street, knitting the city deeper into the fabric of the rapidly growing L.A. region.

Shifting consumer tastes led to the decline of the Main Street shopping district beginning in the 1970s, and efforts to revitalize the strip resulted in the demolition of large swaths of the historic storefronts that lined the street.

Alhambras historic housing stock fared much better and remained a draw for suburban home buyers over the years, including Chinese Americans joining the eastward exodus out of L.A.s Chinatown into the San Gabriel Valley.

Neighborhood highlights

A city of homes: Alhambras homes appeal to a wide range of tastes, with well-preserved examples of early 20th century architecture as well as more contemporary styles.

Downtown renaissance: Residents of Alhambra are embracing its historic downtown once again, and restaurants, bars and a movie theater are now flourishing there.

Dine on the Boulevard: Valley Boulevard offers some of the best Asian food in the San Gabriel Valley, including Sichuan specialists Chengdu Taste and Szechuan Impression.

Neighborhood challenges

Quiet  too quiet: Alhambras laid-back suburban vibe and dearth of clubs might be enough to turn off younger home buyers looking for bright lights and big-city nights.

Expert insight

Diana Tran, a Realtor with RE/MAX Elite Realty in Alhambra, said the city is desirable because of its schools, easy access to the 10 and 710 freeways and its proximity to downtown L.A.

And unlike its much more expensive neighbors, South Pasadena and San Marino, Alhambra provides more moderately priced real estate options, she said.

Inventory has been very low, and it has been for the last two years, Tran said. So anything that hits the market  if its priced right  really doesnt stay on the market more than two weeks.

Market snapshot

The 91801 and 91803 ZIP Codes compose the majority of Alhambra. In April, based on 11 sales, the median sales price for single-family homes in the 91801 ZIP Code was $623,000, up 5.1% year over year, according to CoreLogic. In the 91803 ZIP Code, eight sales resulted in a median sales price of $598,000, a 12.7% increase year over year.

Report card

There are nearly two dozen public and private schools within the boundaries of Alhambra. Among them is Martha Baldwin Elementary, which scored 899 out of 1,000 in the 2013 Academic Performance Index.

Ramona Elementary scored 872; William Northrup Elementary had a score of 840; and Emery Park Elementary scored 835. Alhambra High and San Gabriel High had scores of 798 and 790, respectively. Independence High, an alternative school, scored 655.

The towns housing stock includes early 20th century architecture as well as contemporary styles. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

hotproperty@latimes.com

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Baku, Azerbaijan, June 16

By Elena Kosolapova  Trend:

Azerbaijan has become an important transit center in Eurasia, Xu Jian, vice president of the China Institute of International Studies, said at an international conference in Baku June 16.

A number of important transport projects are being implemented with participation of Azerbaijan, he said. A container train was sent from China to Europe via Azerbaijan. The international North-South railway corridor project is also being implemented, which will allow transporting goods from northern Europe and Russia to the Persian Gulf countries and beyond.

Azerbaijan is an important country with the biggest economy, population and territory in the South Caucasus, Xu Jian said, adding that the country plays a special role in Chinas One Belt  One Road initiative.

Azerbaijan and China are actively cooperating, he said, adding that China is interested in building up this cooperation.

Xu Jian also said China is willing to support Azerbaijan in its efforts to diversify the economy. He added that China is ready to offer Azerbaijan both investments, and its technologies and innovations.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @E_Kosolapova
Anna Fasshauers delightful sculptures at Mier Gallery look like they were made by a giant playing with twist ties. The three floor sculptures and three smaller wall pieces are made from strips of aluminum that the German artist paints, bends and fastens by hand into whimsical, rumpled shapes. Despite the industrial nature of the materials, the works have an organic ease about them. Theyre like doodles in three dimensions.

Birdy Croissant is pretty much what it sounds like: an 8-foot-wide orange crescent whose upward pointing ends resemble the head and tail of a bird. The metal strips also evoke the banded, crinkly texture of a croissant. Although the creased and crumpled surface is reminiscent of John Chamberlains cataclysmic forms, the work is more of a spiritual cousin to Claes Oldenburgs super-sized everyday objects, with their gentle sense of humor.

Tall Tico is more Seussian, a tilting red T emerging from a pale green orb. It was inspired by the sign for a Mexican restaurant, but it also looks like an eccentric cactus, or the key to a windup toy.

Anna Fasshauer, Tall Tico, 2017. (Lee Tyler Thompson)

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Billy the Grid is more obviously a geometric painting extruded into 3-D. Its sagging and dented bars of yellow, blue and beige, punctuated with hints of red, form an imperfect grid, a kinder, gentler, more fallible take on hard-edge abstraction. (If youre wondering about the references to the American West, all the works in the show were created here in L.A.)

The smaller wall pieces on view consist of strips of metal wrapped into rectangular shapes. They reminded me of Japanese obi sashes, those sometimes ornately knotted strips of brocade. This reference to the body seems apt for Fasshauer, who takes a cold, stiff, industrial material and renders it fluid, easy and human. Walking around one of her sculptures is like being inside a drawing where every line has an inside and an outside, twisting and turning through space.

Mier Gallery, 1107 Greenacre Ave., L.A. Through July 1; closed Sundays and Mondays. (323) 498-5957, www.miergallery.com

Anna Fasshauer, Billy the Grid, 2017. (Lee Tyler Thompson)

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On Thursday night, Mukhtar Mai went to the opera for the first time in her life. And though the experience might have been new for the Pakistani educator and activist, the operas plot was wholly familiar.

Mai came to Los Angeles from her home in Meerwala, Pakistan, to attend the West Coast premiere of Thumbprint, an opera by composer Kamala Sankaram and librettist Susan Yankowitz based on Mais story.

Fifteen years ago this month, Mai was gang raped by members of a powerful tribe in her village. She gained international attention when she defied local tradition by taking her case to the police in pursuit of justice. Thumbprint tells that story, ending with a local courts prosecution of her rapists.

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In real life that prosecution was overturned in convoluted legal proceedings, by Western standards, and Mais rapists ultimately acquitted. The legal battles that Mai continues to fight have changed her life. She used the money she received after news of her case spread worldwide to found Mukhtar Mai Womens Organisation, a nonprofit that supports two co-ed elementary schools, a high school for girls, a free legal help clinic and a womens shelter.

Illiterate at the time of her trial, Mai become the first student in her own school. She learned to read so that she could fight for justice.

In her hotel a few hours before Thursdays performance of Thumbprint, Mai described the challenges she faces today: More than 400 women come to her for help every year. Financial resources are limited, and she struggles to keep up with the demand and properly maintain the shelters crumbling structure. She regularly receives threatening phone calls, and she fears for the safety of her family and staff. When she walks to the school she founded, she has to pass the home of her rapists, who often mock and catcall her.

I used to think I was the only one in this predicament, Mai said. I never thought there were so many others. Every day women come to us for help. It is heart-wrenching. Emotionally one might feel like reacting and solving everything immediately, but that is not possible. We have to follow due process, and that takes time.

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Despite her lack of formal education, Mais knowledge of the Pakistani legal system is expansive. When the case workers in her clinic are stumped, they come to her for guidance. If I had an education, I would be a lawyer, she said matter of factly.

The men who assaulted her send their children to her school, which Mai says she does not mind because children are innocent and education teaches right from wrong. Recently the men have become jealous of the international attention her organization has received and are trying to put their names on her school.

They want to erase me, Mai said. But I dont care. My intention is to provide education to people, whether I do it or they do it doesnt matter. I just tell them to build two schools.

Mai said there are days when she feels discouraged, but she draws strength from her God, her mother and people around the world who support her cause.

Many days I do get depressed, but then I get back on my feet. If Allah wants something to be done, it will get done. Another door will open. I just keep going forward.

During a post-performance talk-back Thursday night, Mai said watching Thumbprint was uncomfortable because it was so real.

I felt good at the same time, she said. Because, at least in the opera, justice was served.

         

Thumbprint

Where: REDCAT, 631 W. 2nd St., L.A.

When: 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday

Tickets: $69 (subject to change)

Info: (213) 972-8001, LAOpera.org

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Filming for the final season of IFCs beloved sketch comedy series Portlandia begins Monday, and the shows stars/creators/writers/occasional directors Carrie Brownstein and Fred Armisen stopped by The Times before heading to Oregon.

Armisen though doesnt really want to declare this season as The End because whenever anyone does that  and he cites the Who and Cher as examples (Brownstein chips in with the Eagles)  it rarely turns out to be the last chapter.

I dont like to say anything is final, like This is it,  Armisen says. We all love each other, we all get along. Basically this is our last season, but who knows?

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During the interview, the Portlandia pair talked about some of last seasons sketches, including Armisens turn playing a hunk (and his disappointment that no one started calling him Scoot afterward) and how the Uber passenger rating obsession came from a conversation Brownstein had with friends.

We all went and checked our ratings and there was an instant divide in the room, Brownstein remembers. You really do wonder, Why does this person who I thought I knew have a low score? Are they rude? 

You can watch the full interview here.

 The duo strives to perform characters from a place of understanding. Sound too serious? Dont worry, we cover the shows few examples of bathroom humor too.

glenn.whipp@latimes.com

Twitter: @glennwhipp
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.
The L.A. Film Festival opened on Wednesday night with the world premiere of The Book of Henry, directed by Colin Trevorrow and written by Gregg Hurwitz.

Trevorrow first broke out with festival circuit hit Safety Not Guaranteed in 2012, which launched him into a career that now finds him in an enviable position as part of both the Jurassic World and Star Wars franchises.

In introducing The Book of Henry, a comedy-drama hybrid about a family starring Naomi Watts, Trevorrow acknowledged the unique position he has come to occupy in the industry.

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The Book of Henry director Colin Trevorrow on the red carpet. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

I asked to come here, I wanted to come here and its because this festival is important and this festival matters, Trevorrow said. I know what this festival does to encourage new and diverse voices, perspectives on the human condition that we may not have seen before. It is so important in a business that can get a little heavy into the business side sometimes, for us to remember why were here, why we started and why we do this. So for me to be able to return to a film festival is a great privilege and its an honor for me.

He added, I started as an independent filmmaker, I still feel like an independent filmmaker, and youre about to see an independent film.

Before bringing out the cast, Trevorrow called out a number of key creative collaborators, including cinematographer John Schwartzman, editor Kevin Stitt, production designer Kalina Ivanov and composer Michael Giacchino. He noted songwriters Ryan Miller and Thomas Bartlett, who created Your Hand I Will Never Let It Go, sung by the queen of rock Stevie Nicks. (Nicks was in attendance at the premiere.)

Jacob Tremblay shakes Stevie Nicks hand on the red carpet. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

Trevorrow then brought out the members of his cast that were in attendance, introducing Bobby Moynihan, Dean Norris, and young stars Maddie Ziegler, Jacob Tremblay and Jaeden Lieberher.

Watts was not at the event because she is shooting another film  She couldnt leave Budapest on a Wednesday, said Trevorrow  but did send along a taped introduction that played before the feature. In it, Watts noted how the movie celebrates the strength, power and exhausting responsibility it takes to be a mother.

Actress Maddie Ziegler from the movie The Book of Henry. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

Trevorrow concluded his introduction by addressing any other filmmakers in the audience with movies showing in the festival.

I feel like an old guy  enjoy this time in your life, kids. Its not that, he said. Very sincerely, this is a very special moment in your evolution as a filmmaker as you share your voice with others. Having had other experiences since, I can tell you that being at a film festival and meeting other filmmakers like you, and creating relationships that will last for the rest of your career and even the rest of your life, is special and youll never forget it. And youll look back on it in a way that I dont think you will anything else youll ever experience.

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Mark.Olsen@latimes.com

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Movie recommendations from critics Kenneth Turan, Justin Chang and other reviewers.

Abacus: Small Enough to Jail Steve James compelling documentary on how a small bank in New Yorks Chinatown became the only one to face criminal charges in the wake of the 2008 economic crisis. (Kenneth Turan) NR.

Beatriz at Dinner Salma Hayek gives perhaps the best performance of her career as an empathetic holistic healer who comes face-to-face with a rotten billionaire real-estate mogul (a marvelous John Lithgow) in this queasily funny and suspenseful dark comedy from director Miguel Arteta and screenwriter Mike White. (Justin Chang) R.

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Churchill Brian Cox, in a towering, Oscar-caliber performance, proves the literal beating heart of this superb look at iconic statesman Winston Churchills torturous days leading up to the pivotal D-Day landings of June 6, 1944. (Gary Goldstein) PG.

Dawson City: Frozen Time An aesthetic knockout thats crammed with amazing facts, a documentary thats also a detective story, a history of a particular place that turns into an examination of an entire art form, this Bill Morrison documentary inspired by the Klondike gold rush and a legendary cache of silent films will make you swoon. (Kenneth Turan) NR.

It Comes at Night Confirming the filmmaking skill of writer-director Trey Edward Shults (Krisha), this nightmarish post-apocalyptic thriller about two families seeking refuge in the wilderness is a tour de force of narrative economy, etched in dim light and implacable shadows. (Justin Chang) R.

The Lost City of Z Based on David Granns nonfiction bestseller about the British explorer Percy Fawcett (well played by Charlie Hunnam), James Grays rich, meditative and deeply transporting adventure epic is the sort of classical filmmaking that feels positively radical. (Justin Chang) PG-13.

My Cousin Rachel Daphne du Mauriers melodramatic thriller of a novel is turned into a triumphant exercise in dark and delicious romantic ambiguity courtesy of an extremely persuasive performance by Rachel Weisz. (Kenneth Turan) PG-13.

Norman: The Modern Rise and Tragic Fall of a New York Fixer Subtle, unsettling, slyly amusing, Israeli director Joseph Cedars first English-language film provides Richard Gere with a splendid role as a hustler forever on the make in Manhattan. (Kenneth Turan) R.

Their Finest Genial and engaging with a fine sense of humor, this story of making movies in World War II Britain stars Gemma Arterton and a marvelous Bill Nighy and makes blending the comedic with the serious look simpler than it actually is. (Kenneth Turan) R.

Wonder Woman With forthright emotion, spirited humor and a surprisingly purposeful sense of spectacle, director Patty Jenkins and her superb star, Gal Gadot, have made a thrilling new superhero saga that might just save the typically nonthrilling DC Extended Universe. (Justin Chang) PG-13.

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After 30 years, the annual Bridge School benefit concert in Northern California is taking a hiatus. Its long-term future is uncertain, apparently a casualty of the 2014 divorce between the concerts principal figures, musician-philanthropists Neil and Pegi Young.

The pair had worked together annually on the event that they started in 1986 to help fund the Hillsborough, Calif., institution that serves severely disabled students. Their son, Ben, is among many Bridge School alumni.

Although I will continue in fundraising efforts, for personal reasons beginning this year I will no longer be hosting The Bridge School Concert, Neil Young wrote in a statement posted on the Bridge School website, without elaborating on the reason for his decision.

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I wish everyone the best as the school heads into the future, Neil Young wrote. My heart is with each and every child we have had the honor to serve and those we will continue to serve, and your parents, siblings, and extended families. Thanks to you all for the honor of serving such a great mission.

Pegi Young posted a separate statement, also on the schools site, stating only that no benefit will be held in 2017, and adding, because our mission is of such great importance to so many, we proceed onward with optimism into the future. Stay tuned for updates as we begin to shape what the next steps will be in reaching our endowment goals.

Over the years the shows have attracted performers representing a broad swath of pop music s from different generations, typically including Young and cohorts such as Stephen Stills, Graham Nash and David Crosby as well as David Bowie, Simon & Garfunkel, Bruce Springsteen, the Who, Willie Nelson, Pearl Jam, Tom Petty, Don Henley, Patti Smith, Sonic Youth, Elvis Costello, Thom Yorke, Jimmy Buffet, Emmylou Harris, Elton John, Leon Russell, Lucinda Williams, Metallica, Fleet Foxes, No Doubt, Sheryl Crow, Billy Idol and Adam Sandler.

Neither statement from the Youngs referenced their split.

I love the students most of all because the light in their eyes tells me we have been doing the right thing for the last 30 years, Neil Young wrote. We have earned millions of dollars and the school is stable financially, able to go forward although we still need an endowment and would welcome one.

randy.lewis@latimes.com

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Seoul is a city on the forefront of technology and beauty, yet it has spawned few global luxury fashion labels.

There are some beginning to attract notice, one of which is Ader Error, a youth-culture driven brand that has grown an international following by forging its own marketing, retail and styling path. Even without significant distribution outside its native country, the brand has managed to amass in excess of 425,000 Instagram followers over four accounts with its content-driven approach to fashion design and execution.

More interesting than the metrics is how the brand has challenged South Koreas hard-lined understanding of gender roles. All of Ader Errors collections are unisex, and while often styled on female models, it is nearly equally purchased by men. Just three years old, the brand has grown 200 percent annually since its founding.

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Ader is the work of an anonymous crew  a band of 20 or so employees from varying disciplines including interior design, fashion, architecture and finance. The entire staff is a subculture in itself  crowd-surveyed for opinions and ideas regarding all facets of the brand. These findings are then spun in the labels Hannam-dong studio like a creative centrifuge  churning out an urban aesthetic that is simultaneously austere and helter-skelter.

The brands eccentric yet approachable designs have created buzz, emboldening its crew to begin wholesale distribution for the spring 2018 season, with a pop-up strategy it will unveil today at 10 Corso Como.

In May it also launched a new lifestyle brand of home objects and beauty items, Day After Day  DAD for short  that it projects will outpace sales of the Ader Error apparel line, with items such as candles, slippers and organic toiletries.

The label releases two main collections a year, with all apparel produced in South Korea, typically priced from $40 to $300. Ader purposefully limits each collections production to spur desire among its clientele. The label said more than 90 percent of each collection sells out.

More than 70 percent of the brands consumer base is under the age of 35, with 40 percent of its customers in Asia, another 40 percent spread across Europe and the remaining 20 percent in the U.S.

Ader Error was set up in 2014 by four anonymous cofounders. One of these individuals, who requested that his name not be published, met with WWD on the roof of Cafe Onion  a metal factory turned bobo hot spot in the developing neighborhood of Seongsu-dong. There, in whats being referred to as Seouls Brooklyn, a skyline of converted shoe factories, warehouses and raised train tracks has become the backdrop for artist lofts, coffee houses and boutiques.

This individual said of Ader Errors ideology: The main reason why we started this brand was that we enjoying making content  it could be images, clothing, videos, but the first category was fashion. We started with T-shirts, sweatshirt, hoodies. We started with the easy things because our brand slogan is But near missed things. This means we want to find our content and inspiration near our closest things.

The label expanded its offering in 2015 to include more tailored items  overcoats, trousers and shirting. Each season builds upon the last, with esoteric themes projected onto its signature oversize T-shirts, turtlenecks, broad-shouldered coats and slim track pants at the whim of the Ader Error crew.

There is no one concept, we are a crew so if we have to make a new concept we collect the opinions of our whole crew, we create idea boards and we summarize that into a concrete idea, the cofounder said.

For us, clothing and fashion are a means for communication with other people. Our brand is based on simplicity, which has minimalistic and contemporary sensibility. We focus on mishmash styling, thinking about how we can show our design and sensibility through images. We call it the edit process, like a magazine, the cofounder said of the brands final, articulated vision.

For spring 2017, Aders theme is futro  it means retro with future, mixed  which manifested more in its retail environment than the graphic clothes hanging on the racks of the brands Hongdae flagship.

Entering the three-story store, shoppers are greeted by a grand, nihilistic display. Music reminiscent of a superhero blockbuster blares, while an installation of two wrecked cars, piled atop each other, is inlaid with branding materials. Clothing racks share real estate with gallery space, curated from a rotating list of Ader-aligned artists. The full display is ripped up each six months  replaced with new theme materials conceptualized by the crew.

But bigger than Aders installations and branding tactics is the social change that the brand has helped herald. In South Korea  where male and female gender roles are well-defined and unrelenting  the success of unisex fashion is somewhat revolutionary.

Our clothing is unisex and this kind of styling runs counter to the usual Korean dress culture. In the past, so many people felt strange, asking Why do they do that? But these days its very trendy and people enjoy this kind of styling. We started to change peoples minds  we didnt mean it at first when we started, its a coincidence. Now we are seeing the positive effects of what were doing. We feel that these kinds of changes can make Korean fashion more strong, the cofounder said.

Now with a brand language in place, Ader feels it is ripe for expansion. It has partnered with Tomorrow Ltd. for global distribution  starting with the spring 2018 season. Ader Errors only current retail outside South Korea is with Tom Greyhound in Paris, as well as two stores in Berlin and Fig Collective in New York. Tomorrow Ltd. feels the brand has exponential market value, but aims to keep Aders distribution small and fleeting  capping its stockist list at around 20.

Given Aders environmental approach to retail and branding, it will look to establish pop-ups in each stockist it takes on. The first to give this exercise a go will be 10 Corso Como, which will stage an Ader exhibition from June 16 to 20.

Said Tomorrow Ltd.s Cesare Prevedello, responsible for Ader sales: Its all about the brand, its not the people designing, its not even about the product. We want people to be able to want to review the brand as immersive  all the things that are around you. There is no point to identify the brand with someone or something specific. Its a new vision for fashion.

Silvia Bertocchi, 10 Corso Comos buyer, said of the label: Ader Errors clothing has many strong attraction points. We like the idea of a multidisciplinary collective behind the brand, all with different skills and personalities. Ader Errors clothing is conceived with linear graphics  with details and a kind of imperfection  its different.

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Baku, Azerbaijan, June 16

By Anvar Mammadov  Trend:

Foreign currency deposits related to the required reserves of Azerbaijani banks should be stored on the foreign exchange correspondent accounts of the Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA).

This is required under the amendments to the Procedure of Determining the Norm, Calculation and Placement of Required Reserves, approved by the decision of the CBA Board May 30.

According to the amendments, deposits in Azerbaijans national currency and precious metals, included in the settlement base of banks required reserves, should be stored on the Azerbaijani manat correspondent accounts of the CBA, while deposits in foreign currency (related to required reserves) should be stored on any foreign exchange correspondent account of the CBA.

This change will come into force August 1.

Currently, the deposits included in the settlement base of banks required reserves can be stored on any correspondent account of the CBA, regardless of the type of currency.
Marine layer in the morning, long lines at Disneyland, and concerts in the park (or the beach or pier) signal the official start of summertime in Southern California. Although theres nothing we can do about overcast skies or wait times that feel like rush hour on the 405, there are plenty of ways to crank up your game when it comes to gathering gear for the perfect picnic.

Portable tables

(Crate And Barrel) (Crate And Barrel / Crate And Barrel)

Elevate your dining experience. Pack one table, or set two or three end-to-end for a larger group  depending on available space. Table-in-a-Bag, $49. Crate and Barrel

Solar lanterns

(Solight Design) (Solight Design / Solight Design)

Forget the phone flashlight. See your food, set the mood. Solar Puffs are ultra lightweight, collapsible, origami-inspired cubes that glow with captured sunlight. $30. SoLight-Design.com

Wagons ho!

(CrateandBarrel.com) (CrateandBarrel.com / CrateandBarrel.com)

Take a load off. Wheel up to 150 pounds of food, supplies and kids in style. Collapsible steel-frame Coleman Camp Wagon with carry bag. $119.95. CrateandBarrel.com

Sound system/portable charger

(Scosche)

The party doesnt have to end when the band stops playing. The wireless, waterproof BoomBottle+ offers 360-degree sound, fits into a cup holder and has USB ports to charge other devices. $179.99. Scosche.com

Growler

(Hydro Flask)

Fill an insulated growler with a favorite beverage. (Whether its an adult beverage is up to you, and park rules.) Hydro Flask, a 64-ounce wide-mouth growler with double wall insulation and carry system. $64.95. HydroFlask.com

Technical totes

(Yeti) (Yeti / Yeti)

Upgrade the carryall. This rugged, waterproof Yeti Two 30 tote promises to keep ice cold for days without leaking, $349.99. Yeti.com

Earth-friendly

(Crate and Barrel)

Hate plastic, but dont like toting dirty dishes? Think renewable resource. Bambu plates and flatware are made from organic bamboo and designed to be recycled. $9.97 for set of eight flatware, and $11.97 for set of eight dinner plates. Crate and Barrel

Stylish

(Sur La Table) (Sur La Table / Sur La Table)

Lightweight, unbreakable acrylic plates have come a long way. Many styles are so beautiful its hard to tell them apart from their porcelain cousins. Make your tabletop the Instagrammable envy of the park. Pack a plastic bag to carry home dirty dishes. $120 for Floreales 12-piece Melamine dinner set with four appetizer plates. SurLaTable.com

Go glam

(Wal-Mart) (Wal-Mart / Wal-Mart)

Go for the gold or silver with disposable plastic knives, forks and spoons that look like the real thing. $2.33 for 24 silver plastic forks. Wal-Mart

Grill, baby grill

(Frank Sobieray / Sur La Table)

Smells like summer. Consider inviting a picnic-sized grill to the party. The Lotus Grill is a portable, travel-sized grill with carrying case that cranks up heat quickly using a battery-powered fan that ignites coals inside a closed mesh container. Make sure your venue allows grills before you go. $299. SurLaTable.com

Time for a picnic

Feeling inspired? There are plenty of summertime concerts and other happenings around Southern California. Start by checking with your local park services  and check any rules about what you can and cannot bring to the party. Then, pack a picnic and go. Here are just a few we found:

Concerts on the Green, Woodland Hills. AlleyCultural.org/concerts-programs

Levitt Pavilion Los Angeles, LevittLosAngeles.org

Levitt Pavilion Pasadena, LevittPavilionPasadena.org

Santa Clarita Concerts in the Park, Santa-Clarita.com/Concerts

Summer Concerts in the South Bay, SouthBayEvents.com/summer-concerts-south-bay

Twilight Concerts, Santa Monica Pier, TCS.SantaMonicaPier.org

home@latimes.com

Bonnie McCarthy contributes to the Los Angeles Times as a home and lifestyle design writer. She enjoys scouting for directional trends and reporting on whats new and next. Follow her on Twitter @ThsAmericanHome

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A San Gabriel Valley resident was hospitalized with West Nile virus in what health officials say is the first case in Los Angeles County this year.

The patient ended up in the hospital in March and has since recovered, officials announced this week.

West Nile virus is transmitted by mosquitoes, and officials say this winters heavy rains could breed more mosquitoes and lead to a higher chance of infection statewide.

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West Nile virus can be fatal, and theres no vaccine to protect people from it.

Health officials warn people to avoid the insects, check for holes in window screens, wear mosquito repellent and dump out standing water in yards where mosquitoes might breed. That advice also protects against Zika virus, which is also spread by mosquitoes and can cause stillbirths and birth defects if a pregnant woman is infected.

West Nile virus killed five people in L.A. County last year and infected an additional 148. Most people who get the virus dont become very sick, but a small number develop meningitis or paralysis.

Birds carry West Nile virus, and mosquitoes that bite them then start carrying the virus. Humans contract the virus when theyre bitten by those infected mosquitoes. Humans cant get the virus from each other or from birds.

Theres been at least one other case of West Nile virus in California this year. State health officials reported in April that someone in Kings County had contracted West Nile.

West Nile is a serious illness spread by mosquitoes in Los Angeles County, said Dr. Jeffrey Gunzenhauser, the countys interim health officer, in a statement Thursday. There is currently no vaccine or treatment for West Nile virus. Elderly persons and other people with weak immune systems are at highest risk of developing severe illness.

soumya.karlamangla@latimes.com

Twitter: @skarlamangla

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Seven male cougars have crossed Interstate 15 near Temecula over the last 15 years, and one sired 11 kittens. Wildlife biologists are heartened by this because it demonstrates that a single male can enhance genetic diversity among inbred cougar populations.

The fact that only one managed to reproduce, however, also shows how tough it is to diversify the gene pool in the small, isolated populations of mountain lions remaining in the Santa Ana Mountains, according to a study published in May in the online journal Royal Society Open Science.

For the record: An earlier version of this article stated that the mountain lion study was published on June 13. It was published in May.

Now the research team led by Winston Vickers, a veterinarian at the UC Davis Wildlife Health Center, is proposing a puma conservation network along a 2-mile stretch of the freeway, comprised of wildlife corridors, bridges and improvements in underpasses currently occupied by homeless camps.

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An estimated 20 mountain lions currently prowl the Santa Ana range, a landscape fragmented by development and highways.

Vickers said there are a number of ecological reasons to protect the big cats.

Removing the top predator could have serious cascading effects all the way down the food chain to birds and plants, he said. Mountain lions help control populations of deer, coyotes, raccoons and other species.

From the human perspective, he added, increasing numbers of deer could potentially lead to more collisions with vehicles.

Mountain lions are not threatened or endangered in California, but they are legally classified as a specially protected species by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The statewide population of about 6,000 is relatively stable.

Removing the top predator could have serious cascading effects all the way down the food chain to birds and plants.  Winston Vickers, UC Davis Wildlife Health Center

One of the largest mountain lion populations in Southern California is confined within 275 square miles in and around the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, which is bordered by the Pacific Ocean, major freeways, housing and commercial developments and agricultural fields.

Studies suggest that that terrain, which is bisected by Interstates 405 and 101, may have reached its carrying capacity with two or three adult male lions, four to six females and some kittens. Inbreeding is a serious problem among these big cats, which have extremely low genetic diversity.

1 / 7 Jeff Sikich, wildlife biologist with the National Park Service, walks a trail in Griffith Park near the observatory to access remote cameras used to monitor possible activity by mountain lion P-22. Sikich and his team captured and radio-collared the lion near Griffith Park on March 28, but the GPS has stopped functioning. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) 2 / 7 Jeff Sikich, wildlife biologist with the National Park Service, uses a radio receiver near Griffith Park to monitor possible activity by mountain lion P-22. Sikich is using radio telemetry to monitor P-22 and hopes to recapture the lion to attach a new GPS. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) 3 / 7 Biology tech Matt Whitmire, left, secures a remote camera as wildlife biologist Miguel Ordenana, right, both of Cooper Ecological Monitoring, surveys the area as they check one of several remote cameras aimed at a possible wildlife corridor in the Cahuenga Pass. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) 4 / 7 Daniel S. Cooper, president of Cooper Ecological Monitoring, crosses the Mulholland Drive Bridge over the 101 Freeway through the Cahuenga Pass. Cooper believes the bridge may have been the route taken by mountain lion P-22, who managed to cross both the 405 and 101 freeways to reach Griffith Park. Cooper Ecological Monitoring places remote cameras on potential wildlife corridors for the Griffith Park Wildlife Connectivity Study to evaluate the movement of mammals through the corridors that may connect Griffith Park to neighboring natural areas. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) 5 / 7 Jeff Sikich, wildlife biologist with the National Park Service, adjusts the infrared trigger used on remote cameras in Griffith Park to monitor possible activity by mountain lion P-22. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) 6 / 7 Daniel S. Cooper, right, president of Cooper Ecological Monitoring, checks a remote camera at Tunnel 6, which goes under the 134 Freeway and is used by equestrians, in Griffith Park. Cooper is monitoring possible access routes of mountain lion P-22, who successfully crossed both the 405 and 101 freeways to reach Griffith Park. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) 7 / 7 Jeff Sikich, wildlife biologist with the National Park Service, walks a trail in Griffith Park near the observatory to access remote cameras used to monitor activity by mountain lion P-22, who scientists believe crossed both the 405 and 101 freeways to access one of the largest municipal parks in the country. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

In Southern California, we have different mountain ranges  the Santa Monicas and Santa Anas  where lion populations are separated by freeways, Vickers said. Enabling lions to cross the freeways safely could help these struggling populations stave off extinction.

On Wednesday night, a mountain lion was struck and killed while attempting to cross I-15 near the Temecula Creek bridge, Vickers said.

Louis.Sahagun@latimes.com

Twitter: @LouisSahagun
USC names retired aerospace executive Wanda Austin as acting president, announces Nikias departure By Harriet Ryan USC appointed a retired aerospace executive as interim president and laid out a detailed plan for selecting a permanent leader Tuesday, ending speculation about whether outgoing President C.L. Max Nikias might remain in the post. Nikias, embattled over his administrations handling of a campus gynecologist accused of sexually abusing patients, relinquished his duties after a meeting of USCs board. The trustees tapped one of their own, Wanda Austin, an alumna and former president of the Aerospace Corp., to temporarily run the university. The trustees also approved the formation of a search committee and the hiring of firm Isaacson, Miller to coordinate the selection of a successor. A second search company, Heidrick & Struggles, will also advise trustees. Read More Facebook

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Ex-student sues elite Brentwood School after teacher is charged with sexually abusing him By Richard Winton A former student sued the elite Brentwood School on Monday in the wake of a female teacher being charged with repeatedly having sex with the minor, alleging that other faculty members encouraged the unlawful behavior and failed to report it to authorities. The lawsuit accuses the private school, whose students include the children of many of Hollywoods elite and L.A.s powerful, of acting negligently and allowing Aimee Palmitessa to abuse and batter the teenager sexually. The suit alleges that the student was abused in summer 2017 after one of the schools counselors offered words of encouragement to the then-17-year-old, identified in the suit as only John Doe, to engage in an illegal relationship with the teacher. Read More Facebook

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Civil jury vindicates fired Montebello school executives in whistleblower case By Howard Blume The Montebello school district is in dire straits  at risk of insolvency and under apparent criminal investigation. An outside audit in July found some teachers earning more than $200,000 a year, as well as improper raises, excess paid vacation time and inappropriate overtime, sick leave and car allowances. Fixing the district and pinpointing blame could take time. Read More Facebook

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L.A. schools fall short on safety measures, new report warns By Howard Blume After the mass shooting at Floridas Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in February, Los Angeles school officials reassured parents that much had been done to keep local schools safe. California had tougher gun laws, after all, and the school district paid close attention to students mental health. But a new report issued Monday by a panel convened to take a close look offers some cause for concern, flagging inconsistent campus safety measures, thinly spread mental health staff and inadequate coordination between the school district and other public agencies. With the stakes this high, we must strive to do better, said L.A. City Atty. Mike Feuer, who assembled the panel. Read More Facebook

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L.A. school district says more are graduating, but rate may not show it By Howard Blume The L.A. Unified School District has hopes of continuing its winning streak this year with another record graduation rate, but the official numbers may not show it. A senior district administrator warned the board Tuesday that graduation rates were likely to decline 2% to 3% across the state, even though L.A. Unified is likely doing better than ever in producing graduates, he said. The issue is that the state will now count high school students who transfer to adult school as dropouts, said Oscar Lafarga, who heads the districts office of data and accountability. Previously, schools treated these students as though they had simply enrolled in another high school, he said. Read More Facebook

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Betsy DeVos to California: Not so fast on that federal education plan By Joy Resmovits In April, Californias top education officials breathed a sigh of relief. After months of debate and back-and-forth with Betsy DeVos staff, they had finalized a plan to satisfy a major education law that aims to make sure all students get a decent education. The state focused on aligning its plan to fulfill the requirements of the federal Every Student Succeeds Act with Californias Local Control Funding Formula, which gives extra money to districts to help students who come from low-income families, are in the foster system or are English learners. But this week, DeVos team said not so fast. Jason Botel, the U.S. Department of Educations principal deputy assistant secretary, sent California education officials a letter asking for more information in such areas as measuring student progress, graduation rates and English learners. In an unsigned statement, the California Department of Education declared itself surprised and disappointed because officials thought  after a meeting with federal officials in Washington  that they were on the right track to get approval. Now the Every Student Succeeds Act plan will be up for discussion once again at the July meeting of the State Board of Education. The U.S. Department of Education has already approved most state plans. Every Student Succeeds is the Obama administrations 2015 replacement for the No Child Left Behind Act. Facebook

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L.A. school board sets a new goal: prepare every grad to be eligible to apply for Cal State or UC By Sonali Kohli Last month, Los Angeles school board president proposed a spate of highly ambitious mandates aimed at ensuring that every district graduate be eligible to apply to one of the states public four-year universities by 2023. By the time the L.A. Unified school board unanimously approved the resolution Tuesday, the original language had been watered down. The goal is no longer that in five years 100% of students meet the long list of benchmarks, which include not just college eligibility for graduates but first-grade reading proficiency and English fluency by sixth grade for all students who enter the district in kindergarten or first grade speaking another language. The original college-readiness goal, for example, called for 100% of all high school students to be eligible to apply to one of the states four-year universities. Now the goal seems to offer more wiggle room: Prepare all high school graduates to be eligible to apply to a California four-year university. Read More Facebook

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We have been hurt. More women say they were mistreated by USC gynecologist By Richard Winton USC student Anika Narayanan says she vividly recalls her first appointment with Dr. George Tyndall at the campus health center, alleging that he made several explicit comments during an examination she felt was inappropriate and invasive. When she came back for a second visit in 2016 after a nonconsensual sexual encounter, he allegedly chastised her, she said in a civil lawsuit and at a press conference Tuesday. He asked me if I had forgotten to use a condom again,  said Narayanan, 21. At one point, she said, Tyndall asked if I did a lot of doggy style,  she said. Read More Facebook

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L.A. Unified gives inspector general brief contract extension By Howard Blume The Los Angeles school board on Tuesday extended the contract of Ken Bramlett, its inspector general, by three months, though his job is far from secure and questions remain about the future direction of his watchdog office. Board members also unanimously promoted Vivian Ekchian, who had been the runner-up for the superintendents job, to deputy superintendent  the districts No. 2 position. Both moves had elements of peacemaking between different factions on the board. Read More Facebook

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USCs handling of complaints about campus gynecologist is being investigated by federal government By Harriet Ryan The U.S. Department of Education announced Monday that it has launched an investigation into how the University of Southern California handled misconduct complaints against a campus gynecologist, the latest fallout in a scandal that has prompted the resignation of USCs president, two law enforcement investigations and dozens of lawsuits. In revealing the inquiry by the departments Office of Civil Rights, officials rebuked USC for what they alleged was improper withholding of information about Dr. George Tyndall during a previous federal investigation. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, who has been criticized for taking a less vigorous approach to examining sexual misconduct than predecessors, called for a systemic examination of USC and urged administrators to fully cooperate. Read More Facebook

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Judge to sentence woman and her boyfriend for the murder of an 8-year-old that led to L.A. child welfare reforms By Marisa Gerber A woman and her boyfriend are expected to be sentenced Thursday for the torture and murder of an 8-year-old boy whose killing in 2013 provoked public outrage, prompted sweeping reform of Los Angeles Countys child welfare system, and led to unprecedented criminal charges against social workers who handled the childs case. Pearl Sinthia Fernandez, 34, faces life in prison without the possibility of parole for her role in the death of her son, Gabriel. A jury decided last year that her boyfriend, Isauro Aguirre, 37, should be executed. When paramedics arrived at the boys Palmdale home in May 2013, Gabriel had slipped out of consciousness. He had a fractured skull, broken ribs, burned skin, missing teeth and BB pellets embedded in his groin. A paramedic would later testify that every inch of the boys small body had been abused. Read More Facebook

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L.A. Unifieds spending out of step with similar school systems, task force says By Howard Blume The Los Angeles school district is out of step with similar school systems, spending more on teachers pay and health benefits and less on activities that could enhance student learning, according to a new report by an outside task force. The L.A. Unified School District Advisory Task Force did not make specific recommendations, but instead posed a series of questions it said the district needs to answer to make sure its funding is aimed at providing a full opportunity for all students to succeed. What were trying to say is: Lets put the data on the table. Lets look at the truth. Lets be transparent and here are the numbers, said task force member Renata Simril. This is not to say that  we should cut teachers salaries. Read More Facebook

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Top USC medical school official feared dean was doing drugs and alerted administration, he testifies By Paul Pringle A former vice dean of USCs Keck School of Medicine testified Tuesday that he feared the schools then-dean, Dr. Carmen A. Puliafito, could be doing drugs and expressed concerns about his general well-being to the universitys No. 2 administrator before Puliafito abruptly left his job in 2016. Dr. Henri Fords testimony at a hearing of the state Medical Board marks the first suggestion that any USC administrator had suspicions about Puliafitos possible drug use before he stepped down. A Times investigation in 2017 found Puliafito led a secret second life of using illegal drugs with a circle of young criminals and addicts. Puliafito testified about his behavior at the hearing Tuesday, saying he took drugs with one young woman on a weekly basis. Ford said that he decided to alert USC Provost Michael Quick after receiving reports in early 2016 that Puliafito was partying in hotels with people of questionable reputation, and that he came to worry about his mental stability. Read More Facebook

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Why L.A. Unified may face financial crisis even with a giant surplus this year By Jessica Calefati With more than half a billion dollars socked away for next school year, the Los Angeles Unified School District hardly seems just two years from financial ruin. Its a scenario that is especially tough to swallow if youre a low-wage worker seeking a raise or a teacher who wants smaller classes. But budget documents show that todays $548-million surplus cannot be sustained  and that even basic services face steep, seemingly unavoidable cuts because of massive problems barreling the districts way. Theres a disconnect between the rosy short-term picture and what we know is coming, said board member Kelly Gonez. Read More Facebook

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We have failed: Top USC officials try to reassure students amid gynecologist scandal By Joy Resmovits Top administrators at USC are reaching out to students in the wake of misconduct allegations against the universitys longtime gynecologist, acknowledging failings and vowing reforms as they try to address growing outrage over the revelations. Several USC deans have sent out messages trying to reassure students and faculty that the university is committed to changing. We have failed, wrote Jack H. Knott, dean of USCs Sol Price School of Public Policy, in a May 24 letter. What happened is antithetical to everything we know is right. Read More Facebook

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Rick Caruso is named chair of USCs trustees, vows swift investigation of gynecologist scandal By Thomas Curwen The University of Southern Californias board of trustees has elected mall magnate Rick Caruso to be the new chair of the board, giving fresh leadership as the university navigates a widening scandal involving a longtime campus gynecologist. The move marks the latest effort by USC to address the case, which has sparked a criminal investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department and dozens of civil lawsuits. More than 400 people have contacted a hotline that the university established for patients to make reports about their experience with Dr. George Tyndall. In his first act as chairman, Caruso announced that the white-shoe L.A. law firm OMelveny & Myers would conduct a thorough and independent investigation into the gynecologists conduct and reporting failures at the clinic. He set an ambitious timeline for the review, pledging it would conclude before students return for the fall semester. Read More Facebook

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UC Berkeley students persistence helps win more liberal rules for in-state tuition By Teresa Watanabe Ifechukwu Okeke thought shed be a shoo-in for in-state tuition when she was admitted to UC Berkeley for fall 2016. She had moved to the United States from Nigeria in 2012 to go to Chaffey College in Rancho Cucamonga. By the time she got her acceptance to transfer to UC to study molecular and cell biology, she had lived in California four years. She had a California drivers license, bank account and rental records as proof. UC Berkeley, however, ruled she was a nonresident  which meant she would have to pay nearly $27,000 more. Read More Facebook

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State medical board calls former County-USC doctor a sexual predator, suspends his license By Matt Hamilton A UCLA cardiologist has been temporarily stripped of his medical license after state regulators described him as a sexual predator who assaulted three female colleagues when he was working and training at L.A. County-USC Medical Center. Read More Facebook

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Global California 2030 aims to get more students learning more languages By Joy Resmovits Tom Torlakson (Andrew Seng / Associated Press) Outgoing state Supt. of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson on Wednesday announced a new statewide effort to encourage students to learn more languages. Called Global California 2030, its goal is to help more students become fluent in multiple tongues. Torlakson said that by 2030, he wants half of the states 6.2 million K-12 students to participate in classes or programs that lead to proficiency in two or more languages. By 2040, he wants three out of four students to be proficient enough to earn the State Seal of Biliteracy. Torlakson announced the initiative at Cahuenga Elementary School, which offers a dual-language immersion program in English and Korean. Californias public school students speak more than 60 languages at home, and 40% come to school with knowledge of a language other than English. Torlakson called his plan a call to action that invites parents, legislators, educators and community members to pool resources to expand language offerings in schools and get more bilingual teachers trained. He said the state already is working with Mexico and Spain to expand a teacher-exchange program. Fluency, the plan argues, can help students succeed economically  and language acquisition can help their overall critical thinking. The initiative builds on Proposition 58, a ballot initiative passed in 2016 that undid an earlier requirement that English learners be taught in English-immersion classes unless their parents signed waivers. Torlakson recently visited Mexico and met with that countrys education secretary. They later signed a pact to increase collaboration, particularly in language education. This [Global California 2030] is great follow-through on Toms part and very important, Patricia Gandara, a UCLA education professor who hosted the Mexico meeting, said in an email. It hands over a plan to move forward in an area in which California has a unique advantage, but must seize the opportunity. Facebook

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Jury convicts man of murder in 2015 slaying of UCLA student found inside her burning apartment By Marisa Gerber A jury on Tuesday convicted a man in the 2015 slaying of a UCLA student found dead inside her burning apartment  a gruesome stabbing case that led to a fierce rebuke of the police response amid concerns that the killing could have been prevented. The panel deliberated for about six hours before finding Alberto Medina, 24, guilty of murder, arson, burglary and animal cruelty. On Sept. 21, 2015, firefighters found the charred body of Andrea DelVesco inside her apartment after responding to the complex a block from campus. The 21-year-old student  an Austin, Texas, native known to her sorority sisters as a fearless giver who befriended others with ease  was stabbed at least 19 times, authorities said. Read More Facebook

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LAPD begins sweeping criminal probe of former USC gynecologist while urging patients to come forward By Adam Elmahrek The Los Angeles Police Department said Tuesday it is investigating 52 complaints of misconduct filed by former patients of USCs longtime campus gynecologist as detectives launch a sweeping criminal probe into the scandal that has rocked the university. LAPD detectives also made an appeal for other patients who feel mistreated to come forward, noting that thousands of students were examined by Dr. George Tyndall during his nearly 30-year career at USC. More than 410 people have contacted a university hotline about the physician since The Times revealed the allegations this month. Tyndalls behavior and practices appear to go beyond the norms of the medical profession and gynecological examinations, said Asst. Chief Beatrice Girmala. We sincerely realize that victims may have difficulty recounting such details to investigators. We are empathetic and ready to listen. Read More Facebook

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At L.A.'s only school for the deaf, parents want leaders who speak the same language By Anna M. Phillips Ever since her son was 6 months old, Juliet Hidalgo has been bringing him to the Marlton School, a low-slung building in Baldwin Hills that for generations has been a second home for deaf and hard-of-hearing students in Los Angeles. Marlton staff taught Hidalgos brother and sister, both of whom are deaf. The school was where her deaf son learned to make the signs for milk and food. Hidalgo had planned to enroll her daughter, taking advantage of a popular program that allows hearing children to learn American Sign Language alongside their deaf siblings. But after more than a decade of involvement, she and other family members are considering withdrawing their children. They are not alone. Read More Facebook

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Fueled by unlimited donations, independent groups play their biggest role yet in a California primary for governor By Ryan Menezes An unprecedented amount of money from wealthy donors, unions and corporations is flowing into the California governors race, giving independent groups  unrestricted by contribution limits  a greater say in picking the states chief executive than ever before. The groups have already spent more than $26 million through Thursday, the most ever spent by noncandidate committees in a gubernatorial primary, according to a Times analysis of campaign finance reports. California elections have always been expensive, and the future is even more expensive, said Jack Pitney, a political science professor at Claremont McKenna College and a former state Republican leader. The stakes are very real. Read More Facebook

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2 hurt in Indiana middle school shooting; suspect in custody, authorities say By Associated Press Authorities say two victims in a shooting at a suburban Indianapolis school are being taken to a hospital and the lone suspect is in custody. Bryant Orem, a spokesman for the Hamilton County Sheriffs Office, said in a news release that the victims in Friday mornings attack at Noblesville West Middle School are being taken to Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis and their families have been notified. He says no other information is available about the victims. Orem said the suspect is believed to have acted alone and was taken into custody. No additional information about the suspect was made public. Read More Facebook

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For new L.A. schools chief Austin Beutner, some key unions are giving no honeymoon period By Howard Blume In the less than two weeks since Austin Beutner took charge of Los Angeles schools, unions representing teachers and administrators have staged a job action and a protest. Theyve made it clear that they will not give the new superintendent the traditional honeymoon period, and they are bashing him for his wealth and lack of experience running either a school or a school district. Beutner is a billionaire investment banker with zero qualifications, local teachers union President Alex Caputo-Pearl told members in a phone alert urging them to participate in a Thursday afternoon rally in Grand Park. The board is saying that billionaires who made their money blowing institutions up and making money off it know best  not the education professionals who have dedicated our careers to working with students. Read More Facebook

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Pressure grows on Board of Trustees amid USC gynecologist scandal By Paul Pringle USCs large and powerful Board of Trustees is coming under growing pressure to provide a stronger hand as the university faces a crisis over misconduct allegations against the campus longtime gynecologist that has prompted calls for President C.L. Max Nikias to step down. Allegations that Dr. George Tyndall mistreated students during his nearly 30 years at USC have roiled the campus, with about 300 people coming forward to make reports to the university and the Los Angeles Police Department launching a criminal investigation. USC is already beginning to face what is expected to be costly litigation by women who say they were victimized by the physician. So far, the trustees to whom Nikias reports have expressed sympathy for the women who have come forward and launched an independent investigation while also publicly backing the president. Read More Facebook

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UC regents approve leaner budget for Janet Napolitano By Teresa Watanabe University of California regents on Thursday unanimously approved a leaner, more transparent budget for President Janet Napolitano, moving to address political criticism over the systems central office operations. The $876.4-million budget for 2018-19 reflects spending cuts of 2%, including reductions in staffing, travel and such systemwide programs as public service law fellowships, carbon neutrality and food security. Napolitano shifted $30 million to campuses for housing needs and $10 million to UC Riverside to support its five-year-old medical school. She also permanently redirected $8.5 million annually to help enroll more California students, as required by the state. Read More Facebook

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USCs Academic Senate calls on university president to resign after a series of scandals By Matt Hamilton The body that represents USCs faculty called on President C.L. Max Nikias to resign Wednesday in the wake of relevations that the universitys longtime gynecologist faced years of accusations of misconduct by students and colleagues at the campus health clinic. The Academic Senate took the vote late Wednesday afternoon after a fiery town hall meeting attended by more than 100 faculty members, many of whom voiced outrage over Nikias and the Board of Trustees leadership. The vote came a day after the trustees executive committee stood firmly behind Nikias, saying it has full confidence in his leadership, ethics and values. At the town hall meeting, Senate President Paul Rosenbloom said he did not think Nikias or Provost Michael Quick committed wrongdoing but that the university president deserved criticism for a lack of transparency. Read More Facebook

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Californias public universities on the way to getting a big longed-for boost in funding By Teresa Watanabe The University of California and California State University systems are poised to get major funding boosts that will help them enroll thousands of additional state students and eliminate the need for tuition increases in the coming school year. A key Assembly budget panel on Wednesday approved $117.5 million in new funds for the UC. A Senate panel approved a similar sum last week. The same committees recently approved even more funding for the Cal State system. Read More Facebook

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UC regents to scrutinize Janet Napolitanos office budget in a step toward stronger oversight By Teresa Watanabe University of California regents this week plan to scrutinize the budget of President Janet Napolitano, whose office came under political fire last year for questionable spending and murky accounting. Regents will vote on the proposed $876.4-million budget for 2018-19 during their two-day meeting, which starts Wednesday, at UC San Francisco. They also will discuss state funding, financial aid, online education and transfer student policies. Board Chairman George Kieffer said regents are stepping up to exert stronger oversight of the presidents office after a blistering state audit last year found financial problems including an unreported $175 million budget reserve. Read More Facebook

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State legislative panels approve major funding boost for Cal State By Teresa Watanabe After months of intensive lobbying, Cal State University has convinced two key legislative panels to approve funding to enroll nearly 11,000 more students, hire more faculty and expand housing aid to those without shelter this fall. An Assembly budget panel on Tuesday approved $215.7 million more for Cal State, adding to Gov. Jerry Browns proposed $92.1 million general fund increase. A Senate budget panel approved a similar increase last week. The extra funding  which went beyond Cal States own request to the Legislature of $171 million  is still subject to final budget negotiations with Brown. But the actions by the Senate and Assembly panels amount to a demand from Democrats that the governor hike higher education spending. Cal State University is the workhorse undergraduate university serving hundreds of thousands of Californians, said Assemblyman Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento), who heads the Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance. We need more graduates for the California workforce and higher education is the ticket to the middle class. Cal State Chancellor Timothy P. White hailed the actions, but said it was too soon to celebrate. The CSU has a singular focus on helping students earn high-quality degrees sooner, and the entire university community has rallied to reinforce that message to our states lawmakers, he said in a statement. The actions taken thus far by the Assembly and Senate are promising and show that our message is being received, but there is still work to be done. Funding for the University of California was not taken up Tuesday as originally scheduled. McCarty would not comment on sticking points but said he was confident that a resolution would be reached this week. Were looking to provide resources above whats in the governors budget, but negotiations are ongoing, he said in an interview. State per-student funding is not what it once was, leaving both Cal State and the UC in a tough financial squeeze. Both systems raised tuition last year after a six-year freeze on higher costs. For this year, Cal State had asked for funding to enroll an additional 3,621 students, but both the Senate and Assembly panels approved three times that amount. Cal State, the largest public university system in the nation, turned away 32,000 eligible students last year because its campuses werent able to accommodate them. The panels asked that at least $50 million of the extra funding be used to hire more tenure-track faculty to help boost graduation rates. The Assembly panel also approved one-time funding of $5 million to ease hunger on campuses and $14 million for rapid rehousing pilot projects at three campuses, offering needy students rental support and short-term case management. Other items approved include $5 million to support the CSU Long Beach Shark Labs research on sharks and beach safety and $2 million for equal employment opportunity practices. This post has been updated to include comments from Assemblyman Kevin McCarty and Cal State Chancellor Timothy P. White. Facebook

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Faculty members call for USC president to step down: He has lost the moral authority to lead By Matt Hamilton Two hundred USC professors on Tuesday demanded the resignation of university President C. L. Max Nikias, saying he had lost the moral authority to lead in the wake of revelations that a campus gynecologist was kept on staff for decades despite repeated complaints of misconduct. Read More Facebook

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Gun battle, negotiations lasted 15 minutes before Texas school shooter was apprehended, sheriff says By Molly Hennessy-Fiske Minutes after a school shooter opened fire in an art class last week, killing 10 people and wounding 13, including a local police officer, fellow officers returned fire in a protracted gun battle before isolating the suspect, the local sheriff said Monday. Galveston County Sheriff Henry Trochesset praised first responders as well as Santa Fe Police Officer John Barnes, who was working as a resource officer at the school the day of the shooting. Their actions, he said, prevented the attack from spreading to other classrooms and potentially claiming additional victims. As officials continue to probe last Fridays shooting at Santa Fe High School, students are worried about returning to the scene of the attack when classes resume next week. Read More Facebook

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6 women sue USC, alleging they were victimized by campus gynecologist By Richard Winton Six women filed civil lawsuits Monday alleging that a longtime gynecologist at the University of Southern California sexually victimized them under the pretext of medical care and that USC failed to address complaints from clinic staff about the doctors behavior. One woman alleged Dr. George Tyndall forced his entire ungloved hand into her vagina during an appointment in 2003 while making vulgar remarks about her genitalia, according to one of the lawsuits. Another woman alleged that Tyndall groped her breasts in a 2008 visit and that later he falsely told her she likely had AIDS. A third woman accused the doctor of grazing his ungloved fingers over her nude body and leering at her during a purported skin exam, the lawsuit states. The wave of litigation comes as USC continues to grapple with the scandal, which legal experts said could prove costly to the university as scores of former patients come forward about their experiences with the gynecologist. Read More Facebook

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Fatalities reported in Texas high school shooting; suspect arrested, officials say By Associated Press Houston-area media citing unnamed law enforcement officials are reporting that there are fatalities following a shooting at a local high school Friday morning. Television station KHOU and the Houston Chronicle are citing unnamed federal, county and police officials following the shooting at Santa Fe High School, which went on lockdown around 8 a.m. The Associated Press has not been able to confirm the reports. The school district has confirmed an unspecified number of injuries but said it wouldnt immediately release further details. Assistant Principal Cris Richardson said a suspect has been arrested and secured. Read More Facebook

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This student followed the new L.A. schools chief on his first-day tour Melissa Barales-Lopez, a senior at Garfield High School followed Supt. Austin Beutner on his first day on the job, as he toured a variety of programs around the Los Angeles Unified School District. Heres what she took from the experience. LAUSD students and staff alike are looking for a personal champion, someone who will address and improve the difficulties afflicting their education.  What LAUSD students need is someone whos willing to listen and learn, someone who can understand the current issues affecting their schools and act to efficiently amend them, someone who can unlock the full potential of LAUSD students and enable them to reach their goals. During the entirety of his first day, superintendent Austin Beutner did indeed demonstrate a willingness to learn. Posing questions to teachers and students, Beutner engaged with the student communities he encountered to gain a better comprehension of the minutiae and nuances that distinguish each school inside an overwhelmingly large district. From inquiries about Grand View Boulevard Elementary Schools dual language program to questions regarding the services of LAUSDs after-school program, Beyond the Bell, Beutner revealed he has a lot to learn about the system. But, Beutner also showcased a willingness to tackle challenges head-on on his first day. Read More Facebook

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USC let a gynecologist continue treating students despite years of misconduct allegations By Matt Hamilton For nearly 30 years, the University of Southern Californias student health clinic had one full-time gynecologist: Dr. George Tyndall. Tall and garrulous with distinctive jet black hair, he treated tens of thousands of female students, many of them teenagers seeing a gynecologist for the first time. Few who lay down on Tyndalls exam table at the Engemann Student Health Center knew that he had been accused repeatedly of misconduct toward young patients. The complaints began in the 1990s, when co-workers alleged he was improperly photographing students genitals. In the years that followed, patients and nursing staff accused him again and again of creepy behavior, including touching women inappropriately during pelvic exams and making sexually suggestive remarks about their bodies. Read More Facebook

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Cal State trustees to discuss Browns latest budget proposal, which they say still falls $171 million short By Joy Resmovits Just how much money does California State University need to serve its students? In recent years, this question has been front and center for the nations largest public university system. Cal States leaders say that to keep their campuses quality from slipping, they need much more money than the state is giving them. This year, theyre also at odds with Gov. Jerry Brown on the question of whether any extra money should come in one-time bursts or be ongoing. Read More Facebook

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On his first day as L.A. schools chief, Beutner plans a day of visits across the district By Howard Blume L.A. Unifieds new superintendent, Austin Beutner, will kick off his first day of work on Tuesday with a choreographed tour of the nations second-largest school district, from the San Fernando Valley to Carson. His day is scheduled to begin at 5:15 a.m. at a school bus depot and end more than 12 hours later at a parent meeting at Garfield High School. Along the way, Beutner is expected to be joined by school district administrators, L.A. Unified board members and the vice president of the union that represents school bus drivers. Though he will be covering a lot of ground, Beutners tour has him skipping Tuesdays school board meeting, when board members are expected to discuss labor negotiations in closed session. Read More Facebook

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Cal State trustees to discuss Browns latest budget proposal, which they say still falls $171 million short By Joy Resmovits Just how much money does California State University need to serve its students? In recent years, this question has been front and center for the nations largest public university system. Cal States leaders say that to keep their campuses quality from slipping, they need much more money than the state is giving them. This year, theyre also at odds with Gov. Jerry Brown on the question of whether any extra money should come in one-time bursts or be ongoing. Read More Facebook

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Why a handful of rich charter school supporters are spending millions to elect Antonio Villaraigosa as governor By Ryan Menezes California voters have seen a barrage of sunny television ads in recent weeks touting former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosas record on finances, crime and education, aired by Families & Teachers for Antonio Villaraigosa for Governor 2018. But the group is, in fact, largely funded by a handful of wealthy charter-school supporters. Together they have spent more than $13 million in less than a month to boost Villaraigosas chances in the June 5 primary  at a time when his fundraising and poll numbers are lagging. Reed Hastings, the founder of Netflix, jump-started the group with a $7-million check, by far the largest donation to support any candidate in the election. Their efforts are part of a broader proxy war among Democrats between teachers unions  longtime stalwarts of the party  and those who argue that the groups have failed low-income and minority schoolchildren. Read More Facebook

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Talking schools with L.A. Unifieds new superintendent By Anna M. Phillips Austin Beutner, who officially starts Tuesday as the new superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District, is taking on a famously difficult job at a particularly difficult time. The school board is divided and did not back him unanimously. The nations second-largest school district has deep-seated problems, including declining enrollment, lagging academic achievement and rising pension and healthcare costs that eat away at its budget. The 58-year-old former investment banker and former L.A. Times publisher has years of experience in the financial world but none as an educator. Earlier this week, he sat down with the Times education team to discuss the challenges facing the district, which has about 60,000 employees and 500,000 students in traditional public schools. He did not talk about his plans  saying repeatedly, stay tuned  but he spoke in broad terms about his mindset in approaching the tough decisions ahead. Read More Facebook

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Suspect detained, authorities search campus after reports of armed man at Palmdale high school By James Queally One person has been detained after a report of an armed man at a Palmdale high school sparked a massive law enforcement response Friday morning. The suspect was spotted at 7:05 a.m. on the campus of Highland High School in Palmdale, according to Sheriffs Department spokeswoman Nicole Nishida. The person was detained in a nearby parking lot, according to Nishida, who did not know whether that person was an adult or juvenile. Deputies at the scene are clearing the school methodically, and students will be transported home via school buses once the campus is deemed safe, Nishida said. Read More Facebook

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The education of Bertha Perez: How a UC Merced custodians disenchantment led to a political awakening By Robin Abcarian Its the third day of a three-day strike, and UC Merced custodian Bertha Perez is taking a break from a picket line at the universitys unremarkable entrance, an intersection with stop lights. Photos from other UC campuses this week have shown big crowds of striking service workers  members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees  marching and chanting pro-labor slogans as they try to force the University of California back to the negotiating table. But here, at UC Merced, whose handful of big buildings rise from a flat expanse of farmland, the picket line is tiny, maybe two dozen workers and a few students. Its not a big-city-style show of force. Then again, a union sympathizer is banging relentlessly on a snare drum, so its noisier than youd expect. Read More Facebook

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Ref Rodriguez resigns from teacher credentialing commission By Howard Blume Ref Rodriguez appears during a court appearance. (Al Seib/Los Angeles Times) Los Angeles school board member Ref Rodriguez has resigned from the states Commission on Teacher Credentialing, which oversees the integrity and quality of Californias teachers. Rodriguez faces felony and misdemeanor charges for political money laundering. Separately, his former employer, a charter school organization, has accused him of improperly authorizing checks to a nonprofit under his control. Rodriguez has denied wrongdoing. Rodriguezs resignation from the state body was effective May 4, days after he cast a crucial vote as part of a narrow majority that voted to authorize contract negotiations with Austin Beutner to become superintendent of the L.A. Unified School District. Beutners first official day on the job is Tuesday. Rodriguez remains in his $125,000-a-year position on the Los Angeles Board of Education. The mission of the state body is to ensure integrity, relevance, and high quality in the preparation, certification, and discipline of Californias teachers. Critics had questioned Rodriguezs continued service on the commission, given that teachers can be suspended from work if they face criminal charges. They also can lose their jobs for lapses in personal behavior, such as excessive drinking, with the potential to affect their performance. Police in Pasadena arrested Rodriguez on a Friday afternoon in March for public drunkenness. He was not charged in the incident and has apologized. The state commission reviews teacher discipline cases and can take action to remove a teachers credential to work in a California classroom. The commission has 15 members. Rodriguezs departure was disclosed in a one-sentence announcement on the agencys website. Facebook

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School board members request for restraining order against blogger is rejected By Priscella Vega An Orange County Superior Court judge on Wednesday denied a school board members petition for a permanent restraining order against a Huntington Beach blogger. Attorney Jeffrey W. Shields filed the petition on behalf of Ocean View School District trustee Gina Clayton-Tarvin, 46, who alleged in court documents that Charles Keeler Johnson, 56, has threatened her on social media and at school board meetings, causing her to fear for my own safety and for that of my immediate family members. Johnson, who goes by Chuck and publishes HBSledgehammer.com, said the trustee tried to stifle his freedom of speech. He also contended that Clayton-Tarvin took his blog posts and Facebook comments too seriously and out of context, saying anyone who is afraid of metaphors has serious issues. Read More Facebook

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Deal with workers averts one-day strike that could have shut down L.A. schools By Howard Blume Los Angeles school district and union officials announced a contract agreement Tuesday night that averted a one-day strike planned for next week. The pact, which runs through June 2020, removes one labor problem from the desk of incoming Supt. Austin Beutner  whose first day on the job would have coincided with the strike. Plenty of other challenges remain. Read More Facebook

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UC labor strike expands with show of support from more unions By Teresa Watanabe Fong Chuu is a registered nurse who has assisted with countless liver transplants, kidney surgeries and gastric bypasses during 34 years at UCLA. Working with her are scrub technicians who sterilize equipment, hand medical instruments to the surgeon and dress patient wounds. They are a team, Chuu says, which is why she walked off her job Tuesday in support of those technicians and other members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 3299. The 25,000 member AFSCME local, the University of Californias largest employee union, launched a three-day strike Monday. Read More Facebook

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We are humans too: Voices of UCLAs striking custodians, hospital aides and imaging technicians By Joy Resmovits Demonstrators parade in front of Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times) This week, thousands of UC employees are staging a three-day strike for better pay and working conditions. On Monday, more than 20,000 custodians, cooks, lab technicians, nurse aides and other members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 3299 walked off their jobs. By Tuesday, two more unions joined in sympathy strikes. The union and UC reached a bargaining impasse last year. The university has said it wont meet the workers demands. The strikers said they wanted better pay, more equity in the allocation of work, stable healthcare premiums and an end to the universitys use of contract workers. These are their stories. Read More Facebook

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Massive UC workers strike disrupts dining, classes and medical services By Joy Resmovits A massive labor strike across the University of California on Monday forced medical centers to reschedule more than 12,000 surgeries, cancer treatments and appointments, and campuses to cancel some classes and limit dining services. More than 20,000 members of UCs largest employee union, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 3299, walked off their jobs on the first day of a three-day strike. They include custodians, gardeners, cooks, truck drivers, lab technicians and nurse aides. Two altercations involving protesters and people driving near the rallies were reported at UCLA and UC Santa Cruz. At UCLA, police took a man into custody Monday after he drove his vehicle into a crowd, hitting three staff members. They were treated for minor injuries at the scene and released, said Lt. Kevin Kilgore of the UCLA Police Department. Read More Facebook

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Sen. Kamala Harris to skip UC Berkeley commencement in support of striking workers By Teresa Watanabe California Sen. Kamala Harris has canceled plans to deliver UC Berkeleys commencement address this weekend in support of UC workers who are on strike over wages and health benefits. Due to the ongoing labor dispute, Sen. Harris regretfully cannot attend and speak at this years commencement ceremony at UC Berkeley, said a statement from Harris office issued Monday. She wishes the graduates and their families a joyous commencement weekend and success for the future. They are bright young leaders and our country is counting on them. UCs largest employee union, the 25,000-member American Federation of County, State and Municipal Employees Local 3299, launched a three-day strike Monday and had earlier called for a speakers boycott. The union and university reached a bargaining impasse last year and subsequent mediation efforts have failed to produce an agreement. The union is asking for a multiyear contract with a 6% annual pay increase while the university is offering 3% annual increases over four years. UC Berkeley Chancellor Carol Christ will deliver the keynote address instead, the university announced. About 5,800 students are expected to participate in the ceremony Saturday. Facebook

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School mural depicting Trumps bloody, severed head sparks controversy By Gary Warth A Chula Vista school mural that depicts the bloody, severed head of President Trump on a spear sparked a controversy that prompted officials to cover it and issue a response distancing themselves from the work. The statement also said the artist will alter the painting. We understand that there was a mural painted at the event this past weekend that does not align with our schools philosophy of non-violence, read the statement from MAAC Community Charter School director Tommy Ramirez. We have been in communication with the artist  who has agreed to modify the artwork  to better align with the schools philosophy. Read More Facebook

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New blackface incident at Cal Poly prompts calls for state investigation By Kim Christensen Cal Poly San Luis Obispo officials have asked the state attorney generals office to investigate after a new photo of a white student in blackface surfaced on a fraternity groups private Snapchat. I am outraged, Cal Poly President Jeffrey D. Armstrong said in a video address Friday to the campus. These vile and absolutely unacceptable acts cannot continue. We must not allow these acts to define us as an institution. Armstrong said the latest photo was intended to imitate an incident last month in which a white member of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity was photographed at a party wearing blackface. Read More Facebook

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More than 50,000 UC workers set to strike this week but campuses will remain open By Teresa Watanabe More than 50,000 workers across the University of California are set to strike this week, causing potential disruptions to surgery schedules, food preparation and campus maintenance. The systems 10 campuses and five medical centers are to remain open, with classes scheduled as planned. UCs largest employee union, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 3299, plans to begin a three-day strike Monday involving 25,000 workers, including custodians, gardeners, cooks, truck drivers, lab technicians and nurse aides. Read More Facebook

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New L.A. schools chief Beutner pledges to listen, learn and take action By Howard Blume New Los Angeles schools Supt. Austin Beutner proved Wednesday that hes a quick learner even without an education background. Like countless public officials before him, he appeared at an important event  his first speech and news conference  with a photogenic background of students. His message  that he would put those students first  seemed heartfelt if hardly original. Nor was it a huge surprise that he pledged to push cooperatively but unflinchingly to improve the districts academic performance and stabilize its finances. As an introduction, Beutner, a former investment banker who made a fortune on Wall Street, offered little flash, but that was partly the point. Read More Facebook

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In a school lockdown, one student takes stock of the stressful scene At the beginning of lunch one day late last month, Duarte High School, Northview Middle School, and California School of the Arts-San Gabriel Valley were advised by the Los Angeles Sheriffs Department to go into lockdown mode due to police activity in the immediate area. Phalaen Chang, a junior at the California School of the Arts, wrote a series of notes on her iPhone while she sat in a room with her classmates. By the time the lockdown ended an hour later, she wrote, she knew which of her friends would hold open the door for others, be the ones calming others down, be the ones barricading the doors. She knew that all of them have the potential to be such strong people. Read More Facebook

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Tale as old as time: L.A. Unified superintendent pick follows a historical pattern of outside-the-box choices By Joy Resmovits L.A. Unified has long gone back and forth between picking insiders and outsiders to run the nations second largest school district. The choice of Austin Beutner, announced Tuesday, places the district squarely back in the outsider camp  months after a consummate insider, Supt. Michelle King, announced that she had cancer and would not return to the job. Check out this timeline of former L.A. superintendents to see how the school board members have changed their minds, sometimes favoring leaders who come from the world of education and sometimes executives from elsewhere, recruited to shock the system into change. At one point, the district hired someone from the military  retired Navy Vice Adm. David L. Brewer III, who served as superintendent from 2006-2008. In hiring Brewer, board members had opted for a non-educator  largely because they sought a fresh thinker, unwedded to the bureaucracy, unafraid to make bold, even unorthodox moves, reads a 2008 Times story. Facebook

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Austin Beutner named superintendent of Los Angeles schools By Howard Blume Austin Beutner, a philanthropist and former investment banker, on Tuesday was named superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District, the nations second-largest school system. His selection was the biggest move yet by a Los Angeles school board majority elected with major support from charter school advocates. The decision came after lengthy public testimony, most of it in support of the other remaining finalist, interim Supt. Vivian Ekchian, who is well known within the school system. Beutner, 58, has no background leading a school or school district. Less than 2 years ago, a school board with a very different balance of power named Michelle King, a former teacher who rose through the district throughout her career, to L.A. Unifieds top job. Read More Facebook

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Hearing delay gives both sides more time in Ref Rodriguezs potential trial By Howard Blume Ref Rodriguez and his attorneys will have more time to prepare their defense against charges of political money laundering, a judge ruled Monday. The preliminary hearing in the case had been scheduled to begin May 9, but that date will now be pushed back to July 23 per the ruling from L.A. Superior Court Judge Deborah S. Brazil. Rodriguez, 46, faces three felony charges of conspiracy, perjury and procuring and offering a false or forged instrument, as well as 25 misdemeanor counts related to the alleged campaign money laundering. Read More Facebook

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L.A. school board poised to name Beutner as superintendent By Howard Blume The Los Angeles Board of Education is poised to select philanthropist and former investment banker Austin Beutner to be the next superintendent of the nations second-largest school system. Barring a last-minute development, the only mystery is whether Beutner emerges with four or five votes from the boards seven members. Terms of his contract already have been under discussion, according to sources close to the process who requested anonymity because they are not authorized to speak. The selection of Beutner, 58, who has no experience managing a school or a school district, would be a signal that the board majority that took control nearly a year ago wants to rely on business management skills instead of insider educational expertise. Read More Facebook

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Teacher walkouts in Arizona and Colorado continue national debate on money for schools By Michael Livingston Following the lead of teachers who walked off the job in other states in recent weeks, thousands of teachers and their supporters took to the streets in Arizona and Colorado for the second day in a row to demand better pay and more funding for education. Read More Facebook

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Three decades before the #MeToo movement, UC San Diego led the way against sexual assault By Teresa Watanabe When Nancy Wahlig first started her fight against sexual assault, one company was marketing a capsule for women to stash in their bras and then smash to release a vile odor. Because of the very nature of society, the only person who can prevent rape is the woman herself, read a 1981 advertisement for the Repulse rape deterrent. Ideas about how to prevent sexual violence have come a long way since then, and Wahlig has helped lead that evolution on college campuses. In 1988, she started UC San Diegos Sexual Assault Resource Center (SARC), the first stand-alone program at the University of California. Today, she remains the systems most senior specialist. Read More Facebook

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Andres Alonso withdraws from consideration for L.A. schools job By Howard Blume Andres Alonso, believed to be one of three remaining finalists to lead the Los Angeles school system, has withdrawn from consideration. The remaining known candidates in the confidential search are former investment banker Austin Beutner and interim Supt. Vivian Ekchian. Alonso, 60, announced his decision on Twitter on Thursday night, saying he had notified the L.A. Unified School District on Monday. The exit of Alonso, the former Baltimore schools chief, seems to solidify the front-runner status of Beutner, who also was a former L.A. Times publisher and a Los Angeles deputy mayor. He held each of those positions for about a year. Read More Facebook

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Heres why the apparent increase in autism spectrum disorders may be good for U.S. children By Karen Kaplan The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder among American children continues to rise, new government data suggest. And that may be a good thing. Among 11 sites across the U.S. where records of 8-year-olds are scrutinized in detail, 1 in 59 kids was deemed to have ASD in 2014. Thats up from 1 in 68 in 2012. Normally, health officials would prefer to see less of a disease, not more of it. But in this case, the higher number is probably a sign that more children of color who are on the autism spectrum are being recognized as such and getting services to help them, according to a report published Thursday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Read More Facebook

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UC shelves tuition increase for now, in hopes of getting more state funding By Teresa Watanabe University of California regents will not vote on a tuition increase next month, shelving the plan for now in hopes that state lawmakers will come through with more funding. Raising tuition is always a last resort and one we take very seriously, UC President Janet Napolitano said Thursday in a statement. We will continue to advocate with our students who are doing a tremendous job of educating legislators about the necessity of adequately funding the university to ensure UC remains a world-class institution and engine of economic growth for our state. Last week, Cal State Chancellor Timothy P. White said the 23-campus system no longer would consider a plan to raise tuition for the 2018-19 academic year. But unlike Cal State, UC officials have not taken a tuition increase off the table entirely. Read More Facebook

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A chemical spill, unchecked eyewash stations, poor training: Audit details Cal States lax lab safety By Joy Resmovits In May 2016, two bottles tumbled off a poorly supported shelf and broke, leading to a chemical spill in a Sacramento State University lab. The liquid got onto one students legs and soaked anothers feet. Five employees cleaned up the mess, even though no one knew for sure what it was and whether it was dangerous. They called fellow employee Kim Harrington, their union representative, to let her know what happened. Read More Facebook

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After blackface incident, minority students at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo say they dont feel welcome By Hailey Branson-Potts Aaliyah Ramos was walking through the Cal Poly San Luis Obispo campus last year when a prospective student approached her. Ramos was the only black person, the young woman said, that she and her mother had seen that day. They asked about the quality of education and the diversity of the student body. Ramos, a mechanical engineering student, didnt want to sugarcoat the truth: Cal Poly long has been predominantly white. But she told the young woman  who also was black  that she didnt want to discourage her from applying, because that wouldnt help with diversity at a school where only 0.7% of students are African American  the lowest percentage of any university in the California State system. Read More Facebook

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El Camino Real Charter High School in Woodland Hills wins the 2018 U.S. Academic Decathlon By Carlos Lozano El Camino Real Charter High School in Woodland Hills has won the 2018 U.S. Academic Decathlon, officials said. The winner was announced early Saturday at a ceremony in Frisco, Texas. More than 600 students from the U.S., Canada, China and the United Kingdom gathered there over the last three days to compete in the 37th annual U.S. Academic Decathlon. Congratulations to El Camino Real Charter High School for another impressive victory, said Vivian Ekchian, interim superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District. Your academic stamina and competitive spirit to win is remarkable. The entire L.A. Unified family is so proud of you. Read More Facebook

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Anticipation mounts as L.A. school board meets over superintendent selection By Howard Blume The Los Angeles Board of Education is reconvening in closed session Friday at noon as anticipation mounts about the choice of the next leader of the nations second-largest school system. The presumed front-runner is former investment banker and philanthropist Austin Beutner, but interim Supt. Vivian Ekchian and former Baltimore Supt. Andres Alonso also are in the running. Most district insiders appear to be rooting for Ekchian, who has spent her entire career in education within the school system. After her 10 years as a teacher, her roles have included head of human resources, chief labor negotiator and regional administrator for campuses in the west San Fernando Valley. Shes managed the district since September, when then-Supt. Michelle King went on medical leave and chose Ekchian to fill in for her. King, who is battling cancer, never returned and announced her retirement in January. Numerous influential civic leaders have urged  and pressured  the board to select Beutner. Also lending their weight have been advocates for charter schools, which are independently operated, growing in number and competing for students with district-operated campuses. Four of the seven board members  enough to control the outcome  were elected with major financial support from charter supporters. Beutner has two ongoing connections with the L.A. Unified School District. The first is his leadership of an outside task force that is making recommendations on how to improve the school system. The second is his charity, Vision to Learn, which supplies glasses to low-income students. The charity and the school system are in a dispute at the moment over who is responsible for delays in providing services to students as part of a $6 million contract, half of which is paid for by L.A. Unified. Unlike Ekchian and Buetner, Alonso, who currently teaches at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, has no deep-seated local constituency, but the prospect of his selection has generated some excitement. While in Baltimore, Alonso was recognized for pushing for progress at low-performing schools, and for being willing to take strong action. While in Baltimore, he also weathered a test-score cheating scandal and occasionally rocky relations with the teachers union. But by the time he resigned, after six years, he and union leaders seemed to be working together without rancor. Leaders of some community groups have split from the pro-Beutner camp. They worry that Beutners approach to confronting the districts financial problems could shut out their voices or involve severe economic cutbacks that would undermine programs that are helping students. Some prefer Ekchian; some Alonso. Theyve been reluctant to speak out publicly because theyll have to work with whoever is selected, but they have tried to get the ear of board members. On Friday morning, one leader of a community group decided to come out in favor of Alonso. L.A. Unified has the opportunity to bring in an instructional leader of color with a history of success, said Alberto Retana, president and chief executive of Community Coalition, which works on behalf of low-income students and families in South Los Angeles. If we have a shot at that, we should go for it  because its in the best interests of our kids and of our community. Retana said his statement was not meant to criticize Beutner or Ekchian but to alert board members that there also is community support for Alonso. Facebook

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Cal State leader shelves proposed tuition hike: Its the right thing to do, but its not without risk By Joy Resmovits Cal State, the nations largest public university system, will no longer consider a plan to raise tuition for the 2018-19 academic year, Chancellor Timothy P. White announced Friday. The decision is a bet that Sacramento will come through in the end. If Cal State loses that bet, it could mean cuts to campus programs. White said in an interview that Californias economy is strong enough that families should not be shouldering the burden of higher college costs. Read More Facebook

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L.A. students to participate in national walkout activities on Friday By Joy Resmovits Students are taking to the streets again Friday to protest gun violence on the 19th anniversary of the Columbine school shooting. Starting at 10 a.m., students at many schools will spend 13 seconds honoring the 13 people  12 students and one teacher  killed on that day in Littleton, Colo. After that, theyll participate in a host of different activities. Within L.A. Unified, one school is having an open-mic event for students to talk about school violence, and lawmakers are visiting campuses to hear students thoughts. According to a central hub for organizing the protests  written by the students of Ridgefield High School in Connecticut  the walkouts are intended to drive the political change necessary to curb school violence. The day is also a time for students to interact on an elevated platform they have never had before, the site states. It is a day of discourse and thoughtful sharing. Bringing together communities and students to get a national discussion rolling. Organizers have suggested using the event to convey the importance of curbing gun violence to legislators. They are encouraging students to push legislation that would ban assault weapons and tighten up rules around who can buy guns and how. Over 2,500 schools nationwide are expected to participate. In L.A., some students  at campuses including Eagle Rock High School, the Ramon C. Cortines School of Visual and Performing Arts and Bravo Medical Magnet  plan to walk out. Students from various schools expect to join area marches, including those in Santa Monica and Huntington Park. Other schools are hosting career days and voter registration drives. At 1 p.m., students plan to start a rally in front of L.A. Unified headquarters. For the record: An earlier version of this article stated that 12 teachers and one student were killed in the Columbine shooting. The opposite is true: twelve students and one teacher died. Facebook

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Stabbing of popular student devastates South El Monte High School; teen friend suspected in slaying By Sonali Kohli When administrators at South El Monte High School called Jeremy Sanchezs parents to say he never showed up for class Wednesday, his father began to worry. It was unusual for the 17-year-old junior to miss school, so his father filed a missing persons report and assembled two of Jeremys close friends to look for the popular student-athlete. Their search took them to a scenic stretch of the San Gabriel River Trail, where one of the friends  a 16-year-old boy  made a tragic discovery. Among the bushes in the riverbed near Thienes Avenue and Parkway Drive was Jeremys body, punctured with stab wounds, according to Lt. John Corina of the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department. Read More Facebook

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Racist fliers spark outrage at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo By Alene Tchekmedyian Soon after Neal MacDougall arrived on the Cal Poly San Luis Obispo campus Tuesday, the professor noticed university police standing outside a restroom near his office. A racial slur against African Americans had been scrawled in red marker on a stall wall. Later, he discovered a series of racist fliers pinned up next to his door. Someone had also slashed posters hed hung outside his office supporting students in the country illegally. The discovery was the latest controversy on the prestigious campus  which the president said is less than 55% white  that MacDougall said demonstrates a culture of racism at the university. Last week, photographs emerged of white fraternity members, including one in blackface, flashing gang signs. Read More Facebook

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The superintendent waiting game, paying for L.A.'s College Promise, Princetons slave history: Whats new in education By Joy Resmovits Acting LAUSD superintendent Vivian Ekchian is a finalist for the permanent job. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) In and around Los Angeles: The L.A. Unified school board spent 10 hours interviewing and discussing candidates for superintendent. When they adjourned after 10 p.m., they said they would reconvene on Friday. Who is paying for Mayor Eric Garcettis much-touted College Promise, a program that promises two years of community college for LAUSD grads? In California: The Legislature is considering a proposal that would boost K-12 education funding for black students. When the cost of living is taken into account, California has the highest rate of child poverty. Nationwide: The families of two children killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School are suing Alex Jones and Infowars for saying the school massacre never occurred. Princeton will name two spaces  an arch and a garden  after slaves who lived or worked on the campus. Facebook

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L.A. school board meets privately with finalists and debates choice for school district leader By Howard Blume The Los Angeles Board of Education adjourned late Tuesday after spending more than 10 hours interviewing candidates and trying to reach a decision on who would be the next leader of the nations second-largest school system. When the meeting finally recessed at 10:11 p.m., a spokesman announced only that the school board would reconvene Friday at noon. Going into the days meetings, there were apparently four finalists, according to sources who could not be named because they were unauthorized to speak. Read More Facebook

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Two Sandy Hook families sue Alex Jones and Infowars for saying the school massacre never happened By David Altimari Families of two children killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School have filed lawsuits in Texas against controversial radio host Alex Jones for continually claiming the massacre never happened. Neil Heslin, the father of Jesse Lewis, and Leonard Pozner and Veronique De La Rosa, whose son Noah Pozner died in the massacre, filed separate lawsuits late Monday in Travis County, Texas. The lawsuits allege that Jones defamed the parents by constantly calling them crisis actors and insisting the shooting was a false flag operation; they also claim Jones accusations have led to death threats against the Sandy Hook families by Jones followers. Read More Facebook

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Beutner emerges as a top pick for L.A. schools superintendent amid last-minute jockeying By Howard Blume Austin Beutner has emerged as a leading contender to run the Los Angeles school district, with backers saying he is smart enough and tough enough to confront its financial and academic struggles. Though he does not have a background in education, the former investment banker has in the last year examined some of the districts intractable problems, serving as co-chair of an outside task force with the support of then-Supt. Michelle King. Sources inside and outside the school district said Beutner appears to have more support on the seven-member board than other finalists, and his name could come up for a vote as early as Tuesday. Read More Facebook

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Challenge at Chicago school construction site: Watch for 38,000 unmarked graves By Nereida Moreno A 15-year effort to build a school in Chicagos Dunning neighborhood is underway with an unusual complication: Construction workers are taking careful steps to avoid disturbing human remains that may lie beneath the soil. The $70-million school is to be built on the grounds of a former Cook County Poor House, where an estimated 38,000 people were buried in unmarked graves. Among the dead are residents who were too poor to afford funeral costs, unclaimed bodies and patients from the countys insane asylum. There can be and there have been bodies found all over the place, said Barry Fleig, a genealogist and cemetery researcher who began investigating the site in 1989. Its a spooky, scary place. Read More Facebook

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Oklahoma teacher walkout winds down despite lawmakers failure to meet demands By Washington Post Oklahomas largest teachers union has announced an end to a walkout that has drawn thousands of educators out of classrooms and to the state Capitol demanding greater investment in the states schools, which have endured the nations steepest funding cuts. The announcement Thursday from the Oklahoma Education Assn. does not necessarily end the protests at the Capitol, as teachers not affiliated with the union vowed to stay longer. Instead of a walkout, the union and school districts across the state have said they plan to send delegations of teachers to Oklahoma City to keep the pressure on lawmakers. Teachers and their supporters have also promised to push education issues to the forefront of November elections, when the state chooses a new governor. As school districts begin to reopen, the protests may lose steam. The Legislature is not in session Friday, and observers are waiting to see what happens Monday, when lawmakers return. Read More Facebook

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Most Californians are worried about school shooting threats and oppose arming teachers, survey finds By Joy Resmovits Hamilton High School student Aiyana Dabriel holds a sign during a March 14 walkout in support of the Parkland shooting victims. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) Most Californians are worried that a school shooting like the one that occurred in Parkland, Fla., in February could shed blood closer to home, a new survey found. Some 73% percent of adults and 82% of public school parents said they were very concerned or somewhat concerned about school shootings. The Public Policy Institute of California surveyed 1,704 adults in the state by phone just after the March for Our Lives protest against gun violence. Latino and black respondents were significantly more likely to be concerned about school violence than white or Asian respondents, the institute found. Two-thirds of adults and public school parents said they opposed letting more educators carry weapons in school. The response differed across party lines, with 86% of Democrats and 69% of independents voicing their opposition, while 60% percent of Republicans said they would support a measure to arm educators. The poll, which had a margin of error of 3.2% in either direction, also asked Californians about school funding, educational issues in the governors race and the impact of immigration enforcement on students. You can find the full results here. Facebook

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Californias largest virtual charter school network agrees to contract with its teachers By Anna M. Phillips Nearly four years after teachers at Californias largest online charter school voted to unionize, they have reached a deal to increase pay and create job protections, according to a spokesman for the California Teachers Assn. The contract, which is still tentative and subject to ratification, is a victory for the teachers union. Although charter schools are publicly funded, most are privately managed and their employees arent protected by labor contracts. Under the terms of the contract  the result of years of negotiation and legal wrangling  approximately 500 teachers working for California Virtual Academies will no longer be at-will employees who can be dismissed for almost any reason. Their average salary will rise to just over $45,000, according to union estimates, a figure that remains far below the norm for traditional public school teachers. Still, it is an improvement over the previous average of $38,000. The accord also places a limit on the number of students each teacher is responsible for monitoring in online homeroom classes. Were very satisfied with the gains we made, said teacher Brianna Carroll, president of California Virtual Educators United. I think were going to see some extraordinary changes in our schools. According to Carroll, teachers at California Virtual Academies  better known as CAVA  had grown frustrated with the organizations foot-dragging and were making preparations to go on strike when CAVAs leadership agreed to the deal. CAVA and K12, the Virginia-based for-profit company linked to its schools, did not immediately respond to an email Tuesday asking for comment. The network currently operates nine virtual charter schools across California. In 2016, the charter network agreed to pay $8.5 million to settle claims of false advertising, misleading parents and inadequate instruction. The state attorney generals office had also accused K12 of controlling the charters for its own financial benefit. Neither CAVA nor K12 admitted to wrongdoing in the settlement. A year later, the state imposed a $2-million fine on CAVA after an audit found that it had misspent public funds. The network disputed the findings. Facebook

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School board approves a new formula for funding high-need schools By Sonali Kohli L.A. schools will soon get more money if they are located in neighborhoods with such problems as high levels of gun violence and asthma. The Los Angeles Unified school board voted unanimously Tuesday to adopt a new formula to determine how to dole out some funding to schools, based not only on the characteristics of the student populations but on the traumas that affect the communities around campuses. The new formula will be applied to $25 million in funding next fiscal year and about $263 million annually in future years  a small part of the districts $7.5 billion annual budget. Read More Facebook

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Protesters demand Ref Rodriguez resignation outside school board meeting By Sonali Kohli Students, parents, teachers and UTLA marching outside the board meeting chanting "Ref resign" pic.twitter.com/W0LRWZSIXY  Sonali Kohli  (@Sonali_Kohli) April 10, 2018 A few dozen parents, students and teachers marched outside the Los Angeles Unified School Board meeting Tuesday, some calling for board member Ref Rodriguez to resign the week after news broke that he was taken into custody on suspicion of being drunk in public at a Pasadena bar and restaurant. Rodriguez was not cited or charged in that incident, but was held for more than five and a half hours before being released. The school board member faces felony and misdemeanor charges for political money laundering. He is accused of getting more than two dozen people people to donate to his campaign for his school board seat with the understanding that he would reimburse them. He stepped down from his post as school board president after he was charged last fall, but he did not give up his seat on the board. He has pleaded not guilty to three felony counts of conspiracy, perjury, and procuring and offering a false or forged instrument, as well as 25 misdemeanor counts related to the alleged campaign money laundering. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for May. He cant give his full focus to our students, said Rebecca LaFond, a Highland Park parent whose three children marched with her as she chanted, Ref resign. One daughter marched in front of her, using a drum stick to hit the bottom of a gallon-size empty water jug. Our kids deserve someone who has the utmost ethical standards representing them, LaFond said. The protests continued into the board meeting, where some addressed Rodriguez directly, calling on him to step down during public comment portions of the meeting. Rodriguez, through his chief of staff, declined to comment. Some parents outside the board meeting did not know about the charges against Rodriguez but came out to protest the possibility of sharing their school campuses with charter schools. Protesters also oppose colocation  not all of the parents are here to ask Ref Rodriguez to step down pic.twitter.com/1Co8zQ9zSi  Sonali Kohli  (@Sonali_Kohli) April 10, 2018 Cynthia Martinez said her son, who goes to Christopher Dena Elementary School in Boyle Heights, has been bullied in the past by students from a charter school sharing the campus. She said she didnt know who Rodriguez was. Some parents and teachers are worried about losing computer labs, robotics rooms and fitness centers if they are required to share their campus with charter schools, said Ilse Escobar, a parent community organizer for United Teachers Los Angeles. The issues of Rodriguez and colocation are related, Escobar said. Rodriguez is part of a majority on the school board elected with financial backing from charter school supporters, and many parents, she said, feel that the school board is compromised if he is a part of it. Staff reporter Howard Blume contributed to this post. Facebook

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Delaine Eastin tries to gain momentum in the California governors race, one voter at a time By Seema Mehta Delaine Eastin was a sophomore in high school when a drama teacher urged her to try out for a part in The Man Who Came to Dinner. She hesitated until he told her: This is a metaphor for your whole life. If you never try out, you will never get the part. Eastin auditioned and won the role. Decades later, the advice sticks with the former state schools chief, this time in her unlikely run for governor. Despite calls for more women in leadership roles in state politics following sexual misconduct allegations in Sacramento, Eastin has been largely overlooked in the race, lagging far behind her Democratic rivals in fundraising and the polls. Read More Facebook

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Arizona high court rejects in-state tuition for DACA recipients By Associated Press Young immigrants granted deferred deportation status under a program started by President Obama are not eligible for lower in-state college tuition, the Arizona Supreme Court ruled Monday. The unanimous ruling will affect at least 2,000 students attending the states largest community college district and hundreds more at other colleges and the states three public universities. The Maricopa County Community Colleges District and state universities said they would begin raising tuition immediately for the coming school year. Read More Facebook

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New York high school students injured when bus strikes overpass By Associated Press A charter bus carrying teenagers returning from a spring break trip Sunday night struck a bridge overpass on Long Island, seriously injuring six passengers and mangling the entire length of the top of the bus. The crash happened shortly after 9 p.m. Sunday on the Southern State Parkway in Lakeview, according to New York State Police. One of the six injured passengers had very serious injuries, said State Police Maj. David Candelaria. Thirty-seven other passengers suffered minor injuries. Read More Facebook

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Some good news for California in national student test scores By Joy Resmovits Every two years, the nations fourth- and eighth-graders are tested in math and reading  and newly released results from last years tests give California at least a little reason to be pleased. The 2017 results  out Monday night  were mostly flat nationwide compared with 2015, though the average score in eighth-grade reading went up. But while that improvement largely came from the increased scores of the highest-performing students, California eighth-graders showed some reading progress from the lowest levels to the highest. Read More Facebook

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Under state control, Inglewood school districts financial picture worsened By Anna M. Phillips When Eugenio Villa agreed to return to the Inglewood schools for a second tour last summer, he knew the district remained one of Californias most troubled. Inglewood Unified had been nearly insolvent when it was taken over by the state Department of Education in 2012. Six years later, its enrollment was still declining. Its school buildings were tired  some edging into decrepitude. Its test scores and graduation rates were still below the state average. And the public was out of patience. Still, Villa, who had signed back on as the districts chief business official, was shocked at what he found when he arrived in June 2017. Two years earlier, he had left the school system on what he thought was firm ground. Read More Facebook

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Charter school group drops two lawsuits against L.A. Unified By Howard Blume A charter schools advocacy group last week announced that it would end two long-running lawsuits in which it was seeking more classroom space and construction money from the Los Angeles school district. The decision, the California Charter Schools Assn. said, reflects better relations between charter schools and the L.A. Unified School District. But the move also suggests that the litigation, which already contributed to significant gains for area charters, was unlikely to produce much more. It takes time, money and effort to litigate, said Ricardo Soto, general counsel for the charter group. Maybe its better to see if we can find the time and opportunity for collaboration. Read More Facebook

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L.A. school board member Ref Rodriguez is arrested on suspicion of public intoxication By Richard Winton Los Angeles school board member Ref Rodriguez was arrested recently on suspicion of being drunk in public at a Pasadena restaurant, the latest trouble for an elected official who faces political money-laundering charges. Pasadena police took Rodriguez into custody on March 16, according to city spokeswoman Lisa Derderian. Officers arrested Rodriguez at about 4:30 p.m. at the Yard House restaurant and bar at the Paseo Mall and held him in jail for more than five-and-a-half hours. Rodriguez was ultimately released without being cited or charged, Derderian told The Times. Other details about the arrest were not available, she said. Read More Facebook

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Kentucky teachers rally at Capitol over state budget By Associated Press Thousands of Kentucky teachers filled the streets near the state Capitol in Frankfort on a cold, overcast Monday to rally for education funding. Teachers and other school employees gathered outside the Kentucky Education Assn. a couple of blocks from the Capitol chanting, Stop the war on public education and holding or posting signs that say, Weve Had Enough. Were madder than hornets, and the hornets are swarming today, said Claudette Green, a retired teacher and principal. Read More Facebook

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A man who killed eight people in a shooting rampage at a Southern California hair salon uttered a courtroom apology Thursday, while his victims relatives voiced outrage over sentencing delays.

Scott Dekraai pleaded guilty in 2014 to killing his hairstylist ex-wife and seven others at a Seal Beach salon in 2011.

His lawyer wants him spared the death penalty.

Im sorry. Im very, very sorry, Dekraai said, according to the Orange County Register  his first public sign of remorse.

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Dekraai spoke and wiped his eyes moments after Bethany Webb, the sister of victim Laura Webb Elody, criticized him for referring to those killed as collateral damage.

You cant give me back what you took, Webb said. Im sorry, you cant apologize for this. ...You will never give me back what was stolen from me.

A decision on whether Dekraai should face death or life in prison has been postponed because of allegations that jailhouse informants were improperly used to elicit information from Dekraai and suspects in other cases.

Orange County Superior Court Judge Thomas M. Goethals has been holding hearings on whether the Orange County Sheriffs Department withheld information about the use of informants in the murder case.

Paul Wilson  whose wife, Christy Lynn Wilson, was killed  said his father and father-in-law are suffering from advanced cancers.

It is awful and pathetic to know they may not live to see the coward that took Christys life brought to justice, Wilson told the judge.

A county grand jury report released this week blamed jailhouse problems on rogue deputies and said there was no evidence of a conspiracy involving key law enforcement officials.

The allegations also have prompted state and federal investigations.

UPDATES:

6:15 p.m.: This article was updated with additional details from the hearing.

The article originally was published at 5:05 p.m.
San Francisco police have arrested three motorcyclists and are searching for a fourth in connection with a brutal attack on a Lyft driver on U.S. Highway 101 that was recorded by passing drivers.

In a Facebook post announcing the arrests, the California Highway Patrols Golden Gate Division said, This case involved a complete disregard for public safety and a vicious attack on an innocent victim. We did not forget about this matter.

Investigators used the motorists cellphone video, tips from the public and officers knowledge of the suspects to identify them. Then, on Wednesday morning, San Francisco police served arrest warrants on Derwayne Johnson, 33; Gabriel Rodriguez, 25, and Jarrell Williams Jr., 19.

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A fourth suspect, Quintrell Anderson, 21, remains at large, said CHP Officer Vu Williams.

On March 8, authorities said, the men were part of a group of 10 to 15 dirt bike and all-terrain-vehicle riders who harassed and assaulted the Lyft driver when he attempted to pass them as they shut down traffic near the freeways Cesar Chavez Avenue exit to perform a sideshow.

When the driver tried to pass them, they boxed him in, according to video of the incident. The riders then began to ram and punch the mans car.

These guys dont have a lot of regard for public safety, Williams said. They got no qualms about even riding on a sidewalk.

When the motorist exited his Toyota to confront the riders, they surrounded him and began to punch and kick him, authorities said.

By the time officers arrived, the riders were gone and the injured driver was being loaded into an ambulance. The attackers wore helmets and their bikes had paper plates, making it difficult to identify them, authorities said.

The driver suffered cuts and a broken leg. The latter injury was inflicted by Johnson, authorities said.

While the victim was lying bruised and bloodied on the highway, Johnson rode his dirt bike over the drivers leg, fracturing it, Williams said.

Johnson is being held on $1-million bail and was booked on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon and mayhem, among other charges, Williams said. The other suspects face potential charges including assault with a deadly weapon, conspiracy to commit a crime, assault, battery, vandalism, possession of stolen property and possession of a controlled substance, officials said.

Officers searching their homes found guns and drugs, Williams said.

joseph.serna@latimes.com

For breaking California news, follow @JosephSerna on Twitter.

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A homeless man and his 17-year-old girlfriend have been arrested and charged with fatally stabbing a man earlier this week near a 101 Freeway onramp in Hollywood.

The Los Angeles County district attorneys office filed a murder charge Thursday against Alex Conn Vasquez, alleging he carried out the killing of Jimmy Bradford, 47, during a robbery.

Officials said the slaying occurred about 8 a.m. Monday in an area frequented by commuters and tourists. It marked the third homicide this year in the neighborhood, a noticeable decrease from prior years, according to LAPD Det. John Radtke.

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Investigators believe that Vasquez, 23, and his girlfriend attempted to rob Bradford, which led to a verbal and physical fight, Radtke said.

Like Vasquez, Bradford was homeless and likely panhandling in the area, near Hollywood Boulevard and the freeway onramp.

Prosecutors allege that Vasquez stabbed Bradford several times in the back before fleeing east on Hollywood Boulevard with his girlfriend.

Witnesses alerted police, officials said, and paramedics rushed Bradford to the hospital, where he died.

Radtke said officers delved into the investigation, recovering surveillance video and witness accounts. Officers were familiar with Vasquez, who has had prior run-ins with the law, he said.

A key break in the case came when Vasquezs girlfriend turned herself into authorities and made admissions in connection with the killing, Radtke said.

Her identity was not released because she is a minor. She was charged with murder in juvenile court, and a judge will later decide if she will be prosecuted as an adult, police said.

LAPD officers, aided by an FBI team, arrested Vasquez on Tuesday in the 4600 block of Santa Monica Boulevard, authorities said. He is being held without bail in L.A. County Jail.

Once in custody, Vasquez spoke with detectives and pointed the finger at his girlfriend, with whom he also has a child, Radtke said. The detective said he did not know the childs current whereabouts.

Its unclear if an attorney was representing Vasquez, who has been in and out of custody over the last four years.

In 2013, he pleaded guilty in two grand theft cases, and in 2014, he was sentenced to two years in state prison on a felony robbery conviction, according to court records. He also pleaded guilty to petty theft in 2013.

Before this week, Hollywood had seen two homicides this year, including an officer-involved killing. On Jan. 31, police fatally shot Solomon Picart, 37, inside a Sunset Boulevard restaurant after he stabbed three people in a rampage.

Bryan Delatorre was fatally shot at his Hollywood apartment building on May 19.

matt.hamilton@latimes.com

Twitter: @MattHjourno

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When Kelly Wong was a young boy and shopping with his mother in Hong Kong, he asked her for a toy.

She was a single mom, and money was tight. She reached into her pocket and showed her son the few coins she had. Wong could choose the toy, she said, or he could choose to eat.

He chose to eat.

Wong did eventually get a toy that he cherished for many years: a firetruck. So when he became a fireman for the Los Angeles Fire Department two years ago, graduating at the top of his recruit class, his mother was not surprised.

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She told him he may even become chief some day. But Wong, who died during a training exercise this month, never got the chance.

On Friday, hundreds of mourners, including scores of uniformed firefighters, gathered at Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in downtown Los Angeles to pay their final respects to the 29-year-old fireman.

Firefighters wore black mourning bands, with the name Wong spelled in white letters, across their badges. Wongs flag-draped casket was driven up Temple Street in the bed of an LAFD truck covered in black and purple bunting. Bagpipers played beneath a blue, cloudless sky.

Wong died June 5, two days after falling 55 to 65 feet from an aerial ladder during a training exercise at the Barclay Hotel on 4th Street, according to a preliminary investigative report from the LAFD. He landed on the trailer deck of a firetruck.

Wong was climbing the ladder during a simulated fire incident when he fell, wearing full protective firefighting equipment, according to the report. Three people ascended the ladder; Wong went first.

Fellow firefighters and paramedics treated him at the scene before he was taken to Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center, where he died two days later, officials said. Investigations into his death by the LAFD and state agencies are ongoing.

At his funeral Friday, colleagues lamented an ambitious young mans life being cut short in its prime. Wong, they said, packed a full, happy life into his 29 years.

He was a new father, leaving behind a 10-month-old son, Colton, and his wife, Danielle. He had just been approved to transfer to a new station to work alongside his two best friends in LAFD Station 9, which serves the skid row area downtown and is one of the departments busiest stations.

One of Wongs mentors, retired Los Angeles County Fire Capt. Bill Travis, said Wong would be remembered for his humility and unfettered passion for being a fireman.

I was continually amazed by his intelligence, wisdom, compassion and humbleness, Travis said. It was exciting to mentor Kelly. I marveled at his potential and what he would become.

Travis read a eulogy written by Wongs mother, Anne  including the story of his wanting a toy  because she was too emotional to speak.

Wong was born in Hong Kong and immigrated to the United States with his mom when he was 8. Neither of them spoke English, but by the time Wong was 16, attending school in Upland, he could read, write and speak four languages and carried a perfect 4.0 grade-point average, according to his mothers eulogy.

Wong was an avid outdoorsman and fitness enthusiast who worked out twice a day, colleagues said. He had been working on getting his private pilots license just before he died.

Wong worked for several years as a forest firefighter, battling wildfires with the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management, where he was part of an elite hotshot crew. He also worked for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

In August 2015, Wong graduated from the LAFD Recruit Academy on Terminal Island in San Pedro as the top academic performer in his class, according to the LAFD. Becoming a Los Angeles fireman was his dream job.

Mayor Eric Garcetti remembered meeting Wong and how impressed he had been by him. Speaking directly to Wongs wife and infant son, Garcetti choked up.

He was our firefighter, Garcetti said. Not just any firefighter. He was an L.A. city firefighter, and they dont get any better.

Wong was last assigned to LAFD Station 92 in Rancho Park and was in the process of transferring to Station 9 in skid row to work with his friends, firefighters Ernie Orrante and Steve Oransky, who were groomsmen at his wedding.

A lot of people dont want to work in Station 9, which is the busiest firehouse in the city, Orrante said. Wong couldnt wait. He was working at Station 9 at the time of his fall.

I know weve all seen the movie Step Brothers, Orrante said, referencing the 2008 Will Ferrell comedy. That kind of describes our relationship. Kelly was our best friend. Us three goofballs, we did almost everything together.

The morning of Wongs fall, he came to the firehouse early, thrilled to be working with his new station. For a rare moment, there were no alarms going off. Wong, Orrante and Oransky had the stations kitchen to themselves as they ate breakfast.

Us three monsters sat down side-by-side, shoulder-to-shoulder, laughing, making fun of each other, talking out our future, whats going to happen throughout the day, Orrante said. That was the most beautiful moment I will never forget.

Wong had made his two friends personalized elevator picks  used to open elevators during rescues  as a gift. He told them to keep it secret, otherwise hed have to make some for the whole crew.

Orrante and Oransky told him OK, hugged and thanked him  then promptly announced the gift to the rest of the station, saying hed agreed to make the tools for everyone. Wong had such a big heart, he agreed to do so, Orrante said.

A short time later, Kelly climbed that aerial ladder to heaven, Orrante said.

Oransky, the godfather to Wongs son, said Wongs passion for the fire service was intense  but that he was most excited to become a new father, telling his friends about all the new books he was going to read about being a dad and about the kind of man he wanted Colton to be.

No matter how busy he was, hed always make time for the people he cared about, Oransky said.

As a tribute to Wongs fire service, a bell was rung 10 times near his casket, with his colleagues standing around him. The final ring lingered in the air of the cathedral.

hailey.branson@latimes.com

Twitter: @haileybranson
With a sizzling heat wave expected to drive uncounted Southern California residents to area beaches this weekend, lifeguards in Long Beach are urging anglers and film crews to stop attracting sharks with bloody chum.

The warning comes at a time of increased shark activity along the California coast. A seasonal glut of juvenile great white sharks has prompted the temporary closure of several beaches and resulted in the injury of at least two surfers.

Long Beach safety officials said they were alarmed recently to hear reports of film crews tossing fish guts near shore in order to draw the predators closer to their cameras.

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There is no shot worth somebodys life  we are all responsible for maintaining public safety, said firefighter-paramedic Jake Heflin, spokesman for the Long Beach Fire Department.

Lifeguards have recently spotted film crews as well as commercial and recreational fishing vessels throwing chum into the water to lure sharks near the Long Beach harbor, according to Heflin.

When lifeguards approached the groups, the activity often stopped, he said.

On one occasion recently, lifeguards intervened before a film crew with National Geographic could begin chumming, Heflin said. He said the crew was cooperative.

The recent chumming activity has been a significant public safety issue for the fire department, he said. As the department gears up for the busy summer beach season and prepares to launch its junior lifeguard program, Heflin said, officials are worried that swimmers could have an unpleasant encounter with a shark lured to the shore with bait.

I know everybody wants the picture, but you put peoples lives at risk, Heflin said. You really have to question why you are doing that.

Lifeguards have been looking for chumming activity along the shore, but enforcement has been difficult, he said. They must observe individuals tossing fish into the ocean to be able to issue a citation, for polluting the water, Heflin said.

When we do see it, we are citing, Heflin said.

Along with the citations, lifeguards have been conducting additional patrols of the water, he said. Signs posted along the waters edge warn beachgoers of shark sightings.

Over the spring, the fire department received numerous reports of sharks in the waters off Peninsula Beach. Juvenile great white sharks, typically 5 to 6 feet long, have been regularly spotted near the shore.

Experts said the California coast is swarming with young sharks attracted to its safe ecosystem. Young sharks feed off a rich supply of sting rays, and pregnant female sharks prefer Southern Californias warmer water for gestation.

Its a nursery for young sharks, said Chris Lowe, head of the Shark Lab at Cal State Long Beach.

But there is no way to tell how many sharks inhabit the waters off Southern California, he said.

More state and federal protections have allowed the predator population to thrive over the past 20 years.

But feeding the sharks could change their behavior, Lowe said.

Sharks could become complacent and rely on chum to survive. They could become aggressive and also linger in the waters for longer periods.

In general, its a bad idea, he said.

veronica.rocha@latimes.com

Twitter: VeronicaRochaLA
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 16

By Leman Zeynalova  Trend:

The uptick in OPEC production originates from the so-called unregulated members - Libya, Nigeria and Iraq - whose production is determined by internal dynamic rather than the decisions made in Vienna, Gal Luft, co-director of the Institute for the Analysis of Global Security (IAGS), a Washington based think tank focused on energy security, and a senior adviser to the US Energy Security Council, told Trend.

The reality is that the oil trading market is driven by discounts and the discounts offered by those members are attractive. Buyers therefore drift in their direction despite the greater risk, he added.

Earlier, the International Energy Agency (IEA) said in its report that OPEC crude output rose by 290,000 barrels per day in May to 32.08 million barrels per day, the highest level so far this year.

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.

Regarding the diplomatic tension between Qatar and some Gulf countries, the expert said he doesnt see long-term market implications, as none of those countries affords to lose revenues at the moment.

Besides, Qatar's main source of revenue is LNG (liquefied natural gas) exports and its contracts are stable and lasting. It is far less dependent on crude exports as the members of the Gulf Cooperation Council, added Luft.

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.

Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Yemen, Libya, Bahrain, and Maldives have severed diplomatic ties with Qatar, accusing it of fueling extremism and terrorism.

Qatar says move is "unjustified" and says it carries out its duties in the fight against terrorism.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @ Lyaman_Zeyn
The wife of a hair products mogul who was found stabbed to death in his Woodland Hills home in January was charged with capital murder Friday along with her boyfriend, the Los Angeles Police Department said Friday.

Monica Sementilli, 45, and Robert Baker, 55, were both arrested Wednesday in the San Fernando Valley and booked on suspicion of murdering Fabio Sementilli.

The body of the 45-year-old hairdresser was found in a pool of blood on the patio of his home on Jan. 23. Initially, his death appeared to be the result of a home-invasion robbery. However, after months of investigation, detectives determined that his death was the result of a plot to collect $1.6 million in life insurance, according to LAPD Robbery Homicide Capt. William Hayes.

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Fabio Sementilli was directly targeted in this case, Hayes said. Monica Sementilli and Robert Baker were involved in an intimate relationship for a year and half.

Monica Sementilli and Baker were charged Friday with capital murder with a special circumstance of murder for financial gain, making them eligible for the death penalty. They are being held without bail.

Police say a third person was involved in the plot, but they still dont know who that person is, and that they remain at large.

Hayes said on the day of the killing, two men were seen jogging up to the home before the slaying. Hayes said the men drove away in the dead mans Porsche and were recorded by a surveillance camera as they abandoned the vehicle five miles away.

DNA gathered at the crime scene and in the vehicle matched Bakers, Hayes said. Additional DNA collected at the scene belonged to an unknown person who could not be found in state and national databases, Hayes said.

Bakers DNA was in the system because he was previously convicted in 1993 of lewd and lascivious conduct with a minor and is a registered sex offender, according to Hayes.

Investigators do not believe Monica Sementilli was present during the slaying, Hayes said.

Monica Sementilli and Baker met at an LA Fitness gym in Woodland Hills, Hayes said.

Fabio Sementilli, who was born in Canada,was a vice president of education for the cosmetics giant Coty, according to Modern Salon magazine.

Sementilli mentored tens of thousands of hairdressers with a hands-on approach either on a one-to-one basis or on a grander scale, Modern Salon wrote.

After his death, Mirella Rota Sementilli said on Facebook that her brother had a profound existence that affected family, colleagues, friends and the beauty industry.

You left behind precious memories that we will forever hold close to our hearts, she wrote. I will never accept the suffering they put you through because being your older sister meant experiencing all your pain with you. Im so hurt and I hope you will give me strength and guidance to live the life you were so proud of.

Days before his death, Fabio Sementilli had posted a photograph of his 1987 hairstylist certification on Facebook in celebration of his 30 years of work in the field.

[Thirty years] ago today I received my hairstylist certification and my professional career started with optimism, an immigrant family work ethic with no pedigree in hairdressing to speak of but I had a strong conviction with hopes and dreams, he wrote.

joseph.serna@latimes.com

For breaking California news, follow @JosephSerna on Twitter.

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UPDATES:

3:05 p.m.: This article was updated with comments from Hayes.

12:55 p.m.: This article was updated with details of a second arrest.

This article was originally published at 6:20 a.m.
Gary Friedman, a longtime photojournalist who over the decades covered presidential elections, Olympic games and the devastation of the 9/11 terror attacks for the Los Angeles Times, has died after a long fight with cancer. He was 62.

Friedman, who died Wednesday in Los Angeles, had an expansive career, covering landmark moments such as the breakup of the Soviet Union and small yet tender stories of triumph, like his gripping photos of twin women who were conjoined at the head. The photos won a World Press Photo award in 1981.

A self-avowed eccentric, Friedman was known as a master of being able to wiggle into news events while other journalists waited patiently for credentials or official escorts.

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One of the photos of Yvonne and Yvette Jones that won a World Press Photo award (Gary Friedman/Los Angeles Times)

Los Angeles Times columnist Steve Lopez recalled traveling with a group of colleagues to New York City after the terror attacks, only to find out that obtaining credentials to get near Ground Zero would be a grinding, hours-long process.

Inching closer to the front of the line, Lopez said he suddenly spotted Friedman crawling through the brush, covered in soot and flecked in mud. Hed somehow bypassed the security detail and had been shooting photos of the devastation for hours, having sent several batches of photos back to the newspaper while others waited dutifully in line.

Hey, is this where we get credentials? Friedman said, casually slipping into line with Lopez.

Bob Chamberlin, a former Times photographer who worked with Friedman for years, recalled a similar story of the photographers remarkable ability to get from point A to point B without detection. The two were in New York for an anniversary event at the Statue of Liberty, and organizers had issued credentials for only 50 journalists. Lacking credentials, Friedman looked to be the odd person out.

No worries, Friedman told Chamberlin.

With his head down and walking with a purpose, Friedman strode briskly through security and onto the boat headed to the statue. When he realized that he would no doubt be asked to produce his credentials at some point, Friedman came up with a plausible story: The wind, now whipping across the water, had swept the credentials into the harbor.

The story worked and he was promptly awarded a set of credentials.

Born in Detroit on July 20, 1954, Friedman attended Wayne State University and landed an internship at National Geographic Magazine after college. He was hired by The Times in 1980 and retired in 2015.

While Friedman had covered many of the defining moments in recent Los Angeles history  the riots of 1992, the fires that chewed through the hillsides, the last time the Dodgers went to the World Series  it was a photo he captured of the space shuttle Endeavours return to Southern California in 2012 that forced him to defend himself and his work.

1 / 21 The space shuttle Endeavour passes the Hollywood sign before landing at Los Angeles International Airport on Sept. 21, 2012. (Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times) 2 / 21 LAPD officer Delwin Fields guards the intersection at Central and 46th Street on April 30, 1992. (Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times) 3 / 21 A search team scours the World Trade Center site after the 9/11 terror attacks. (Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times) 4 / 21 A Lakers float leaves the Staples Center during a victory parade on June 21, 2010. (Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times) 5 / 21 Kobe Bryant in 2013. (Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times) 6 / 21 Ballet dancer Mikhail Baryshnikov in 1996. (Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times) 7 / 21 Announcer Vin Scully in his booth before a DodgersReds game on Aug. 22, 2010. (Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times) 8 / 21 Jamey Wentling and others in Hollywood protest against police violence on Dec. 6, 2014. (Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times) 9 / 21 Director-photographer Agnes Varda at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art on Oct. 30, 2013. (Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times) 10 / 21 President Clinton gives a speech in Beverly Hills on May 1, 2003. (Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times) 11 / 21 Actor Terry Crews in Beverly Hills on June 9, 2010. (Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times) 12 / 21 A performing dog dives into a pool during the 2010 Rose Parade. (Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times) 13 / 21 Jay Leno plays a gramophone at the studios of The Tonight Show on Jan. 28, 2014. (Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times) 14 / 21 Actor-rapper Ice Cube in his Sun Valley studio on April 11, 2014. (Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times) 15 / 21 Members of the Choinumni tribe walk on a sacred burial ground threatened by proposed mining near Sequoia National Park on Sept. 23, 2010. (Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times) 16 / 21 People dance at Olympic Boulevard and Olive Street in downtown Los Angeles after a Los Angeles Lakers victory in 2000. (Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times) 17 / 21 Then-L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa at City Hall on June 25, 2013. (Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times) 18 / 21 President Obama greets L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa at Los Angeles International Airport in 2013. (Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times) 19 / 21 An unarmed ICBM launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base lights the sky over I15 freeway about 30 miles west of Baker, Calif., in 2002. (Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times) 20 / 21 Actor Djimon Hounsou, photographed on Oct. 11, 2006, had a breakout performance in Blood Diamond with Leonardo DiCaprio. (Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times) 21 / 21 One of the photos of Yvonne and Yvette Jones that won a World Press Photo award. (Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times)

The shuttle, riding atop a 747, circled the L.A. skyline in its return and  for a second or two  glided above the Hollywood sign. It was a classic L.A. moment, so perfect that one reader complained that the shot had to be photoshopped.

Friedman typed up a story on how hed shot the picture. The day of the Endeavours arrival, hed planted himself on the helipad at the top of the 73-story U.S. Bank building in downtown L.A. He had a 360-degree view and elected to use a 400-millimeter lens, fearing that with a longer lens the shuttle might move out of the frame before he could get off a shot. He kept his hand on the shutter, firing off three clicks. The first one was perfect.

It was not Friedmans first time photographing a space shuttle. In 1983, he captured Challengers landing at Edwards Air Force Base.

I felt like an excited kid, he wrote.

Marc Friedman said his brother had battled prostate cancer for more than 15 years, far surpassing normal expectations.

Friedman is survived by his wife, Helen, and his brother.

steve.marble@latimes.com

twitter.com/stephenmarble
President Trump on Friday rolled back some, but not all, of his predecessors historic opening to Cuba, making it more difficult to travel to and do business with the Communist-ruled island.

In a speech in Miamis Little Havana enclave, Trump said Cuban rulers were profiting from better relations with Washington but that ordinary Cuban citizens continued to be repressed.

Trump said he was completely canceling the terrible and misguided deal that President Obama forged in secret negotiations in 2014 with Pope Francis and other international leaders.

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We will not be silent in the face of Communist oppression any longer, Trump said. Effective immediately, I am canceling the last administrations completely one-sided deal with Cuba.

Cubas leaders on Friday night criticized Trumps hostile rhetoric and said his announcement signaled a return to the coercive methods of the past.

In a letter signed by Cubas revolutionary government and published in Granma, the ruling partys official mouthpiece, the leaders said that Trumps actions contradict the majority support of American public opinion. It suggested Trump was influenced not by overall opinion polls but by the views of a minority of Cuban Americans who opposed Obamas moves to improve relations with Cuba.

Despite their obvious anger at Trumps attacks, the Cuban leaders did not threaten retaliatory measures. They said they would be willing to continue negotiating with the U.S., so long as it was via respectful dialogue.

The actual order Trump signed, however, was considerably more modest than the presidents sweeping rhetoric might suggest. His directive left key elements of Obamas overtures open: He did not close the U.S. embassy in Havana, nor did he completely block commerce.

In addition, the new restrictions will not take place immediately and are not expected to force businesses to unwind existing deals, an administration official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told reporters in a briefing Thursday.

John Kavulich, director of the Cuba Trade Organization, which tracks business with the island, said businesses will have 90 days to make deals before the American government shuts down.

The starter pistol has been fired, he said.

Despite those limitations, the new restrictions drew objections from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which said in a statement that Trumps moves actually limit the possibility for positive change on the island.

The main goal of the new regulations is to keep keep money out of the hands of Cubas military and intelligence services and empower the Cuban people, a White House official said.

The new rules include prohibitions on Americans spending money on businesses controlled by the military, which has a wide reach in the Cuban economy. That change would affect some proposed hotel projects in which Cuban entities controlled by the military would be partners.

In addition, rules on American travel to Cuba will be tightened, limiting casual tourism. But airlines will continue to be able to fly to Havana, and cruise ships will still dock at the islands ports.

Trumps speech, before an audience that included aging veterans of the 1961 Bay of Pigs invasion  an effort by CIA-backed Cuban exiles to overthrow Fidel Castros government  was heavy with Cold War rhetoric and references to images, such as gunshots in the ocean breeze, that no longer exist in Cuba.

It amounted to an effort to partially return to the status quo from before December 2014, when President Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro announced they were reopening diplomatic ties after a half-century of hostility.

Soon, Americans could travel to Cuba and businesses, including the tourism industry and food-producing farm states, were involved in commercial deals.

But conservative members of Congress, especially those based here in south Florida, objected, saying that it was mostly the Communist government and Cuban military who were benefiting. Until Cubas human rights situation improved, they argued, deals with Cuba should be limited.

Floridas Republican Sen. Marco Rubio had lobbied Trump intensely to stick with his campaign pledge to roll back the opening to Cuba.

The timing and location of Trumps announcement raised some eyebrows. He came to Miami as his vice president and three Cabinet secretaries were hosting leaders of Mexico and Central America in a two-day conference on immigration and regional prosperity.

All of the visiting Latin Americans were among the hemispheres leaders who welcomed Obamas decision to recognize Havana. Until then, the United States was the only country in the world that continued to maintain a hostile position toward Cuba, and Obamas decision to reverse that gained enormous good will for the United States throughout the Western Hemisphere.

Trumps announcement is all but certain to anger Latin America and erode U.S. ability in the region, including Washingtons efforts to pressure Venezuelas abusive, leftist government.

The optics are not the best, said a senior international Latin American finance official in Miami for the conference. Like many diplomats, he spoke on condition of anonymity to talk about the Trump administration.

The entire region welcomed the United States normalization of relations with Cuba, said Cynthia Arnson, director of the Latin America program at the nonpartisan Wilson Center think tank in Washington. The hardening of policy can only add to the growing distance between Washington and the regions democracies.

National Security Council spokesman Michael Anton denied that the timing was aimed at Latin American leaders.

Theres nothing intentional about the timing. Its not a slap in the face, he told reporters on Air Force One as Trump flew to Miami.

We hope we can get support from other Latin American leaders for this policy, Anton said. This is a policy that favors the Cuban people over and against an oppressive regime.

But even among Cuban Americans here, some were dismayed.

Arsencio Acevedo, a Cuban who has lived in Miami for nearly 30 years, was critical of Trumps gesture.

We need communication, Acevedo, 48, who works as a waiter, said. It is communication that helps us all connect. Cut that off, and you cut off everything.

tracy.wilkinson@latimes.com

For more on international affairs, follow @TracyKWilkinson on Twitter

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UPDATES:

6:20 p.m.: This story was updated with a statement from the Cuban government.

This story was originally published at 3:50 p.m.
A jury on Friday found 29-year-old Minnesota police Officer Jeronimo Yanez not guilty in the fatal shooting of black motorist Philando Castile during a traffic stop near St. Paul, an incident partially broadcast on Facebook Live.

Yanez was charged with second-degree manslaughter and faced up to 10 years in prison. The jury also found him not guilty of two counts of reckless discharge of a firearm.

Castiles death triggered protests throughout the Twin Cities area, and Friday evening protesters once more took to the streets. In St. Paul, hundreds of demonstrators gathered at the state Capitol and then began to march carrying photographs of Castile and signs reading Black lives matter, Police brutality and Shame.

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A line of police confronted hundreds of protesters who initially marched onto Interstate 94 late Friday night, the Associated Press reported. After a peaceful standoff of more than 90 minutes, the crowd dwindled and officers appeared to succeed in forcing the remaining demonstrators off without incident.

Hours earlier, the city of St. Anthony, where Yanez was employed, announced he would not return to active duty and would be offered a separation package to leave the force.

Castiles mother, Valerie Castile, expressed anger and bewilderment during a televised news conference after the verdict.

My son loved this state, she said. He had one tattoo on his body, and it was of the Twin Cities  the state of Minnesota with TC on it. My son loved this city, and this city killed my son, and a murderer gets away.

People have died to advance civil rights, she continued, but civilization was now devolving, not evolving. Were going back to 1969. Damn! she said.

NEW: Philando Castile's mother reacts to not guilty verdict against police officer in the death of her son: "I'm mad as hell right now." pic.twitter.com/rWsq3XnhHt  ABC News (@ABC) June 16, 2017

Castiles death last July garnered national attention when Castiles girlfriend, Diamond Reynolds, began broadcasting on Facebook Live shortly after he was shot. The video quickly went viral and prompted days-long demonstrations in Minnesota.

His death was one in a series of fatal police shootings that spurred nationwide conversations on the culture of policing.

Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton included his voice in that conversation shortly after the incident and suggested that had Castile been white, he wouldnt have been shot.

Would this have happened if those passengers, the driver were white? I dont think it would have, the Democratic governor told reporters. So Im forced to confront, and I think all of us in Minnesota are forced to confront, that this kind of racism exists.

The video shows that, in the moments before Castile died, a calm Reynolds told him, Stay with me, and then explained they had been stopped due to a broken taillight.

When Yanez pulled over the 32-year-old school cafeteria manager, who was in the car with Reynolds and her 4-year-old daughter, Castile told Yanez that he had a gun with him and was licensed to carry it, according to prosecutors. Yanez, who said he feared for his life, shot Castile moments later.

During the trial, Yanez testified that he saw Castiles gun and that Castile had ignored his orders not to pull it out. But prosecutors argued that that was impossible and that Yanez had racially profiled Castile and pulled him over because he looked like a suspect in a robbery that had occurred earlier in the day.

A 10-page criminal complaint filed in Ramsey County District Court, based on interviews and dialogue captured on the video, described what happened. Yanez told Castile to leave his weapon alone. Dont pull it out, Yanez said.

Im not pulling it out, Castile responded. Hes not pulling it out, his girlfriend added.

Moments later Yanez fired seven shots, five of which hit Castile.

You just killed my boyfriend! Reynolds yelled.

I wasnt reaching for it, Castile murmured. He died shortly after.

Castile was shot in Falcon Heights, a suburb of St. Paul. Law enforcement had reportedly pulled Castile over 52 times before the stop that resulted in his death.

We need to stand in solidarity to let them know that we are ... a community and let people know we are here, Valerie Castile said in a video posted on Facebook a few days ago. My son shouldnt have died in the manner that he had died.

The verdict in Yanezs trial comes amid a series of recent acquittals in officer-related shootings. In May, the Justice Department announced that it would not indict Baton Rouge, La., officers in the shooting death of Alton Sterling, who was African American. Later that month, a jury acquitted a white Oklahoma police officer, Betty Shelby, in the shooting death of an unarmed black man named Terence Crutcher.

melissa.etehad@latimes.com

Follow me on Twitter @melissaetehad

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UPDATES:

10:25 p.m.: Updated with police confronting the protesters and the crowd dwindling.

8:20 p.m.: This story was updated to report protests denouncing the not-guilty verdict.

3:10 p.m.: This story was updated with comments from Valerie Castile.

2:35 p.m.: This story was updated to report that Jeronimo Yanez will no longer serve on the St. Anthony police force.

This story was originally published at 1:20 p.m.
The United States isolated Cuba diplomatically and economically for half a century in an effort to force Fidel Castro out of power, or at least to change his repressive ways. But the freeze-out  a misguided Cold War policy the U.S. clung to for far too many years  didnt work. In fact, the White House sanctions, along with a separate congressionally mandated embargo, made life more miserable for the Cuban people rather than better, while failing to dislodge Castro, who outlasted nine U.S. presidents before retiring.

Finally, in 2014, President Obama acknowledged reality and began normalizing diplomatic relations. He opted for engagement, rather than estrangement, to persuade Fidels successor (and brother), Raul Castro, to loosen domestic restrictions on speech, political activity and other human rights. But now, just as that policy was getting underway, President Trump, who seems to view every Obama policy as a personal affront, wants to return some chill to the relationship. In Miami on Friday, he announced that he would once again bar American tourists from traveling on their own to Cuba and ban business transactions with firms connected with Cubas military and security services, which covers a large part of the island nations economy.

Thats bad policy for Americans as well as Cubans, and its based on a disingenuous argument. The putative reason for the change is that Cuba still violates the human rights of its own people, including jailing dissidents and independent journalists. But hasnt the Trump administration been moving the U.S. away from its focus on human rights around the world? Pressing foreign governments to end oppression has been a mainstay of U.S. foreign policy for decades under Republican and Democratic administrations  but Secretary of State Rex Tillerson told State Department employees last month that the U.S. would no longer put such a premium on human rights issues because such considerations could interfere with our national interests. Trump has vowed to put America first and has been loathe to criticize foreign leaders publicly for their violations of human rights.

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Trump decides to draw a line at Cubas human rights policies? He could at least try to make a fake excuse a little more believable.

Consistent with that amoral approach, human rights wasnt on the agenda when Chinese President Xi Jinping, whose regime has engaged in a years-long crackdown on dissidents, visited President Trump at Mar-a-Lago two months ago. The subject went unaddressed when Egypts authoritarian president, Abdel Fattah Sisi, visited the White House earlier in April. Sisis government, which receives $1.3 billion a year in military aid from the U.S, is accused of killing, jailing or torturing thousands of dissidents. Trump has also praised President Rodrigo Duterte for doing an unbelievable job on the drug problem in the Philippines  a campaign that has involved, according to human rights monitors, the extrajudicial executions by police and vigilantes of more than 7,000 suspected addicts and dealers.

Now Trump decides to draw a line at Cubas human rights policies? He could at least try to make a fake excuse a little more believable.

Whats really happening is that Trump has let the anti-Castro sect in Congress take the wheel on this issue, no doubt for cynical political reasons. Remember that Trump broke with his Republican rivals during the campaign and supported Obamas rapprochement with Cuba. Then he flipped and disparaged the policy as a bad deal, and pledged to undo it unless Cuba met fresh demands on human rights, including the freeing of political prisoners.

Cuba certainly needs to do much more to respect human rights. Under Fidel and Raul Castro, dissidents have been jailed and political freedom has been restricted. But the U.S. maintains normal relations with many countries that have weak records on human rights; cutting ties and slapping on sanctions and restrictions that hurt ordinary Cubans is not the best way to change things, as the U.S. learned long ago.

We gain by connecting with other nations, not by pushing them away. Whether Trump likes it or not, we live in a globalized economy and in a world where discussion and diplomacy provide the best avenues for resolving differences. Instead of cutting back on connections with Cuba, Trump should expand them, and lean on Congress to lift its punitive embargo as well, while also pressing the country on its human rights record.

Trump has said he wants to help the Cuban people begin their journey toward prosperity and liberty. He cant do that, though, by reverting to the ineffective policies that caused so much pain for so many years. A better outcome, for the U.S. and Cuba, would be reached through normalized relations, diplomacy and the exercise of soft power.

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The gap between President Trumps climate change policy and the science-based needs of the world grows wider by the day. But if theres a silver lining to the presidents rash and dangerous decision to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris climate agreement, its that it has reinvigorated the environmental ambitions of a wide range of local, state and foreign governments, as well as businesses  persuading them not only to carry on with their existing efforts to reduce carbon emissions, but to create broad coalitions to achieve even bigger gains.

You could see the manifestation of that in the photos of California Gov. Jerry Brown sitting recently with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, discussing ways California can work with China, the worlds biggest carbon emitter, to reduce greenhouse gases. Trumps policy be damned, the picture implies; the American people will continue to work with the rest of the world.

State and local governments  with the assistance of forward-looking market forces  already were reducing emissions when Trump won the White House. Browns Under2 MOU, a 2015 agreement of subnational governments around the world to reduce emissions, now has more than 170 signatories representing more than 1.1 billion people and 39% of the global economy. Nearly 300 U.S. mayors, led in part by L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti, have joined together to reduce carbon emissions within their jurisdictions. Businesses have been moving in a similar direction.

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Local and state governments are economic engines that can expand demand for renewable energy by helping drive down the costs for nongovernmental consumers.

These are more than Kumbaya steps. Local and state governments are economic engines that can expand demand for renewable energy by helping drive down the costs for nongovernmental consumers. This is one way around Trumps fossil fuel-burning agenda. In March, Los Angeles joined 30 other cities in asking the automotive industry about the feasibility of buying a combined 114,000 electric vehicles for their fleets, a potential $10-billion deal that would reduce city fleet emissions and drastically expand the market for such vehicles. Last year, only 159,139 electric vehicles were bought, a tiny fraction of the 17.55 million total vehicles sold.

California and 10 other states already have a mandate in place setting specific goals and applying pressure to auto manufacturers to increase sales of zero-emissions vehicles. In another arena, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power announced last week that it is postponing a $2.2-billion investment in renovating aging natural gas-fired power plants in the face of a statewide supply glut, and that it would search out renewable sources to help meet a state mandate that half of Californias electricity must come from clean energy sources by 2030. At the same time, Senate leader Kevin de Leon (D-Los Angeles) is seeking to push that mandate to 100% renewables by 2045.

Of course, setting goals is one thing and meeting them is another. But even officials with firms such as Sempra, which is heavily involved in natural-gas power generation, and the California Independent System Operator, which oversees about 80% of the state power system, see the 100% renewables goal as attainable.

Its not just California making these inroads. Washington recently announced a plan to make at least 20% of its state fleet of motor vehicles electric-powered. Houston, of all places, is the nations largest municipal user of renewable energy, with wind and solar providing 89% of its power. Minneapolis works with two investor-owned utilities to analyze usage data and target energy-saving programs to non-complying buildings. Across the Pacific, smog-choked Beijing is looking to replace nearly 70,000 taxis with electric vehicles.

Businesses have taken steps too, recognizing that there is money to be made and saved through reduced carbon emissions. Many major corporations publicly lobbied Trump to remain in the Paris agreement, arguing that their interests are best served by a stable and practical framework facilitating an effective and balanced global response.

What subnational governments and corporations do now could have a significant impact on where the world winds up (businesses could help more if they stopped donating to the campaigns of climate-skeptic politicians). Yes, much more needs to be done and the effort would be far more effective if it were made in tandem with the U.S. government. But that Trump has turned his back on a habitable planet doesnt mean the rest of us should. Or can.

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Since President Trumps inauguration, an unusual amount of attention has been paid to the 25th Amendment to the Constitution. Thats the measure, ratified in 1967, that allows for removal of the president in the event that he is unable to discharge the powers and duties of the office. What does that mean, exactly? Lawyers surely have some ideas. But as a psychiatrist, I believe we need a rational, thorough and coherent definition of the mental capacities required to carry out the powers and duties of the presidency.

Although there are volumes devoted to outlining criteria for psychiatric disorders, there is surprisingly little psychiatric literature defining mental capacity, even less on the particular abilities required for serving in positions of great responsibility. Despite the thousands of articles and books written on leadership, primarily in the business arena, I have found only one source where the capacities necessary for strategic leadership are clearly and comprehensively laid out: the U.S. Armys Field Manual 6-22 Leader Development.

 The New York Times published a letter signed by 35 psychiatrists, psychologists and social workers. The letter suggests Trumps grave emotional instability makes him incapable of serving safely as president. (Feb. 21, 2017)

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The Armys field manual on leadership is an extraordinarily sophisticated document, founded in sound psychological research and psychiatric theory, as well as military practice. It articulates the core faculties that officers, including commanders, need in order to fulfill their jobs. From the manuals 135 dense pages, I have distilled five crucial qualities:

Trust

According to the Army, trust is fundamental to the functioning of a team or alliance in any setting: Leaders shape the ethical climate of their organization while developing the trust and relationships that enable proper leadership. A leader who is deficient in the capacity for trust makes little effort to support others, may be isolated and aloof, may be apathetic about discrimination, allows distrustful behaviors to persist among team members, makes unrealistic promises and focuses on self-promotion.

A good leader demonstrates an understanding of another persons point of view and identifies with others feelings and emotions.

Discipline and self-control

The manual requires that a leader demonstrate control over his behavior and align his behavior with core Army values: Loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage. The disciplined leader does not have emotional outbursts or act impulsively, and he maintains composure in stressful or adverse situations. Without discipline and self-control, a leader may not be able to resist temptation, to stay focused despite distractions, to avoid impulsive action or to think before jumping to a conclusion. The leader who fails to demonstrate discipline reacts viscerally or angrily when receiving bad news or conflicting information, and he allows personal emotions to drive decisions or guide responses to emotionally charged situations.

In psychiatry, we talk about filters  neurologic braking systems that enable us to appropriately inhibit our speech and actions even when disturbing thoughts or powerful emotions are present. Discipline and self-control require that an individual has a robust working filter, so that he doesnt say or do everything that comes to mind.

Judgment and critical thinking

These are complex, high-level mental functions that include the abilities to discriminate, assess, plan, decide, anticipate, prioritize and compare. A leader with the capacity for critical thinking seeks to obtain the most thorough and accurate understanding possible, the manual says, and he anticipates first, second and third consequences of multiple courses of action. A leader deficient in judgment and strategic thinking demonstrates rigid and inflexible thinking.

Self-awareness

Self-awareness requires the capacity to reflect and an interest in doing so. Self-aware leaders know themselves, including their traits, feelings, and behaviors, the manual says. They employ self-understanding and recognize their effect on others. When a leader lacks self-awareness, the manual notes, he unfairly blames subordinates when failures are experienced and rejects or lacks interest in feedback.

Empathy

Perhaps surprisingly, the field manual repeatedly stresses the importance of empathy as an essential attribute for Army leadership. A good leader demonstrates an understanding of another persons point of view and identifies with others feelings and emotions. The manuals description of inadequacy in this area: Shows a lack of concern for others emotional distress and displays an inability to take anothers perspective.

The Army field manual amounts to a guide for the 25th Amendment. Whether a presidents Cabinet would ever actually invoke that amendment is another matter. There is, however, at least one historical precedent. The journalists Jane Mayer and Doyle McManus tell the dramatic story in their 1988 book, Landslide: The Unmaking of the President 1984-1988.

Before he started his job as President Reagans third chief of staff, in early 1987, Howard Baker asked an aide, James Cannon, to put together a report on the state of the White House. Cannon then interviewed White House staff, including top aides working for the outgoing chief of staff, Donald Regan. On March 1, the day before Baker took over, Cannon presented him with a memo expressing grave concern that Reagan might not be sufficiently competent to perform his duties. Reagan was inattentive and disinterested, the outgoing staff had said, staying home to watch movies and television instead of going to work. Consider the possibility that section four of the 25th Amendment might be applied, Cannon wrote.

After reading the memo, Baker arranged a group observation of Reagan for the following day. On March 2, Baker, Cannon and two others  Reagans chief counsel, Arthur B. Culvahouse Jr., and his communications director, Tom Griscom  scrutinized the president, first at a Cabinet meeting, then at a luncheon. They found nothing amiss. The president seemed to be his usual genial, engaged self. Baker decided, presumably with relief, that Reagan was not incapacitated or disabled and they could all go on with their business.

Much has changed since the Reagan era, of course. Because of Trumps Twitter habits and other features of the contemporary media landscape, far more data about his behavior are available to everyone  to citizens, journalists and members of Congress. And we are all free to compare that observable behavior to the list of traits deemed critical for leadership by the U.S. Army.

Prudence L. Gourguechon, M.D., is a psychiatrist and psychoanalyst in Chicago.

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For one bright and flickering moment last year, it looked like the global war on drugs was about to die. California  the sixth largest economy in the world  voted to fully legalize cannabis, while a smorgasbord of countries including Uruguay, Canada and Jamaica were also moving toward more sensible policies. But like Freddie Krueger after the nubile teenagers believe he is finally slain, the drug war is suddenly back with even sharper claws. Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions is reviving the worst of the old policies that led to mass incarceration. President Trump has said that the Philippines is doing a great job on the drug war under a president, Rodriguo Duterte, who publicly boasts: Theres 3 million drug addicts. There are. Id be happy to slaughter them.

To understand the likely consequences of this grim renaissance, we could wheel out the familiar arguments that have been around for decades now  but, buried in the forgotten history of California, there is a story that explains the situation better than any abstract case.

For most of the history of the United States, drugs were legal. People could buy opiates and cocaine-based products from their local pharmacy. An opiate-laced brew called Mrs. Winslows Soothing Syrup, for example, was particularly popular with housewives. One person who viewed this legal system with skepticism was a Los Angeles doctor named Henry Smith Williams. When a small number of his patients became addicted, he was disgusted, and he came to see them as despicable weaklings. So when opiates and cocaine were banned in 1914, he welcomed this first birth-pang of the drug war with glee.

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Policies based on punishment and stigma will only make our drug problems spiral.

But then he noticed what happened to his addicted patients. They didnt stop using. Instead, here were tens of thousands of people, in every walk of life, frantically craving drugs that they could in no legal way secure, he wrote in one of his books. They craved the drugs, as a man dying of thirst craves water. They must have the drugs at any hazard, at any cost.

At the same time, Smith Williams realized that the drug war was in effect ordering a company of drug smugglers into existence. Because pharmacists could no longer sell these drugs, the Mafia and other criminal organizations stepped in, selling a vastly inferior product at extortionate prices. In the pharmacies, morphine had cost two or three cents a grain, but the criminal gangs charged a dollar.

The death rate among addicts rose, and those who survived began to behave very differently. An official government study had found that, before the drug war kicked in, three-quarters of self-described addicts had steady and respectable jobs: some 22% were wealthy, while only 6% were poor. They were more sedate as a result of their addiction, but they were rarely out of control or criminal. Yet faced with the need to meet these extortionate new prices, many of the men started to commit property crimes, and many of the women started to steal or prostitute themselves.

So Smith Williams watched as the drug war created two waves of crime: first a wave of violent criminal drug-dealers, and then a wave of criminality among addicts. The United States government, Henry wrote in shock, had become the greatest and most potent maker of criminals in any recent century.

Because so many people noticed these effects, there was actually significant resistance to the early drug war across the United States. And some began to take advantage of a loophole in the legislation banning these drugs: Any doctor was free to prescribe heroin or cocaine to anyone who was addicted. Smith Williams brother, Edward, was one of the people who pioneered this approach in Los Angeles.

Henry described what he saw: When an addict came in, the man is a wreck, at the verge of collapse, Henry wrote. He is deathly pale. Sweat pours from his skin. He is all a tremor. His life seems threatened. But when he was given a legal prescription to meet his addiction, it would restore him miraculously to a semblance of normality. With help and support, they could then get back to a decent life.

Narcotics police began to shut down this loophole, state by state, actually rounding up 17,000 doctors nationally between the mid-1920s and the mid-1930s. In California, the success of the legal drugs program was so clear that many people fought back; the mayor of Los Angeles was one of its strongest defenders. But the feds came for Californias legal drug program too, and in the early 1930s Edward Smith Williams was arrested.

The reasons for this crackdown only became public years later, when they were established in a trial.

The head of the Narcotics Bureau in California in the 1930s, Chris Hanson, was approached one day by a local drug lord called Woo Sing. He pointed out that in states like Nevada, where the legal clinics had already been closed, addicts were forced to go to dealers; and he was furious that in California, the gangs couldnt find customers because users and addicts could buy their drugs legally. So Woo bribed Hanson to introduce the drug war into California. Hanson was convicted of taking bribes  but the war on drugs he brought to California continues.

After learning all this, Henry Smith Williams realized he had been terribly wrong to demand a war on drugs, and he wrote a prophetic book called Drug Addicts Are Human Beings in which he opened his heart, and argued for a return to the system that had prevailed for most of U.S. history  a limited, licensed trade. He also predicted in the 1930s that if the drug war continued for another 50 years, there would be a $5-billion smuggling industry in the United States  and the journalist Larry Sloman later calculated that his prediction was eerily accurate.

Everywhere the drug war has been tried, it has had the effects that Henry Smith Williams witnessed at its birth. To resist the renewed push by Sessions and President Trump, we only need to remember what the people of California knew almost a century ago: Policies based on punishment and stigma will only make our drug problems spiral. The path back to sanity can only come through love, compassion  and a regulated trade.

Johann Hari is the author of Chasing The Scream: The First and Last Days of the War on Drugs.

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To the editor: Thank you for your editorial noting that President Trump firing special counsel Robert S. Mueller III would likely entail dismissing not only Mueller, but also Rod Rosenstein, the deputy attorney general who hired him. (Firing Mueller would be a stupid, reckless act even for Trump, editorial, June 13)

Such a move would echo the infamous Saturday Night Massacre that, far from ending the Watergate investigation, led inexorably to President Nixons resignation in disgrace.

Former FBI Director James B. Comeys testimony before Congress has forced the nation to confront the question of whether Trumps words and actions constitute obstruction of justice and, if so, whether they rise to the level of high crimes and misdemeanors meriting impeachment and removal from office.

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Muellers investigation should be allowed to proceed without interference.

Stephen A. Silver, San Francisco

..

To the editor: Impeaching and removing Trump would be good for the country but bad for Democrats. A conservative Mike Pence presidency would create a smooth-running assembly line of reactionary Republican legislation ready for his signature.

To save their majority in Congress with a Pence presidency, it is conceivable Republicans would cynically join with Democrats to remove Trump from office. Republicans were apparently ready to do this to Nixon in the Watergate crisis.

Carl Martz, Redlands

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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 16

By Elena Kosolapova  Trend:

Providing access to energy resources, their access to the market and delivery to consumers is a part of US foreign policy, Matthew Bryza, former deputy assistant secretary of state for European and Eurasian affairs and former US ambassador to Azerbaijan, told reporters in Baku June 16.

Meanwhile, according to Bryza, the US does not set a task of controlling energy resources, and even US energy companies are not controlled by the government.

He added that as part of this strategy, the US supported the implementation of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) and Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum pipeline projects, and is currently supporting the Southern Gas Corridor (SGC) project.

The Southern Gas Corridor envisages the transportation of gas from the Caspian Sea region to the European countries through Georgia and Turkey.

At the initial stage, the gas to be produced as part of the Stage 2 of development of Azerbaijan's Shah Deniz field is considered as the main source for the Southern Gas Corridor project. Other sources can also connect to this project at a later stage.

As part of the Stage 2 of the Shah Deniz development, the gas will be exported to Turkey and European markets by expanding the South Caucasus Pipeline and the construction of Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP) and Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP).
President Trump plans to roll back some of President Obamas opening to Cuba on Friday while leaving other changes  including the embassy in Havana opened two years ago  intact.

White House aides, speaking on condition of anonymity Thursday, revealed some of the policy changes Trump plans to announce during a speech in Miami on Friday.

The main goal of the new regulations is to keep keep money out of the hands of Cubas military and intelligence services and empower the Cuban people, the White House officials said. The new rules include prohibitions against Americans spending money on businesses controlled by the military, which has a wide reach in the Cuban economy. That change would immediately affect some proposed hotel projects in which Cuban entities controlled by the military would be partners.

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Many details of the new policy will be subject to regulations that have yet to be drafted by Cabinet secretaries, including the Treasury Department, which will determine how to interpret some of the new limits on investment and spending.

The changes, part of a months-long review, are aimed at fulfilling a campaign promise Trump made to roll back Obamas moves to reopen ties with the island. The promise helped Trump win support from hard-liners within south Floridas large Cuban American community, an important constituency for Republican presidential candidates for decades. Winning Trumps agreement has been a major priority for Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.).

In addition to the limits on investment, Trump plans to more strictly enforce the ban on American tourism to Cuba, eliminating people to people exchanges that have allowed far more visits to the island for recreation, with little enforcement of rules that require trips to have an educational or cultural component.

The new rules would still allow other forms of travel, including family visits, and would not prohibit visits by cruise ships or commercial flights, administration officials said.

Critics of the changes warn that scaling back travel could hurt small businesses that have sprung up in Cuba, catering to a wave of U.S. tourists who have come to the island since the travel ban was relaxed.

In addition to retaining the embassy in Havana, the Trump policy would keep Obamas immigration changes in place. In January, Obama ended the long-standing so-called wet-foot, dry-foot policy, which had allowed migrants who reach U.S. shores automatic visas and an easy path to permanent residency.

The administration wants to see better commercial ties with the island, but its entirely up to Raul Castro to make that happen, an official said. Trump wants to see improved human rights, free elections and the release of political prisoners, officials said. Thats a contrast with other aspects of the administrations foreign policy that have played down human rights concerns.

The officials said Castro had not lived up to promises made when Obama agreed to liberalize relations, one of his signature second-term accomplishments. Obamas policy shift was designed in part to improve relations with other Latin American countries that opposed a U.S.-led embargo against Cuba, in place since 1960. The embargo, which has the force of law, was not ended under Obama.

But the Trump administration acknowledged that some of Obamas initiatives had momentum that made reversal of the former presidents opening impractical.

We want this relationship to be one in which we can encourage the Cuban people through economic interaction, an official said. You cant put the genie back in the bottle 100%.

noah.bierman@latimes.com

Twitter: @noahbierman

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A flurry of rumors, conflicting reports and divergent statements on Friday highlighted deep divisions within the Trump administration over a major element of immigration policy  the fate of the roughly 750,000 so-called Dreamers who are shielded from deportation by an Obama-era policy.

The rumors began after Homeland Security Secretary John F. Kelly, moving to meet a court deadline, issued a memorandum late Thursday evening that formally ended the legal fight over former President Obamas 2014 DAPA program, known as Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents. That initiative sought to temporarily remove the threat of deportation for more than 4 million immigrant parents of children who are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents.

The DAPA program was never fully implemented because of a series of legal challenges by mostly Republican-led states. So formally revoking it had little direct impact.

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But one line of the memorandum noted that Obamas 2012 order that shielded Dreamers  young people who came to the U.S. illegally as children  will remain in effect. That program, known as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, began five years ago this week.

The language saying that DACA remained in effect raised hopes among immigrant activists that President Trump had decided to permanently maintain the program. Immigrant advocacy groups issued statements hailing a victory, only to see those forecasts reversed later in the day when administration officials said the Homeland Security statement was not intended to change the programs tenuous status quo.

Trump vowed as a candidate to end DACA, calling it an unconstitutional executive amnesty. But since he took office in January, his administration has continued to receive applications and renewal requests, and grant work visas to eligible individuals. Immigration advocates have mounted a sustained effort to put political pressure on the White House and Republicans in Congress to protect the program.

The president has openly discussed wrestling with the issue.

To me, its one of the most difficult subjects I have because you have these incredible kids, he said at a news conference in February, referring to the Dreamers.

But within the administration, some officials continue to press for Trump to stick with his promise. They presented him with a draft executive order that would rescind the original 2012 directive.

Officials who favor repealing the program have found alternative ways to end it. One path explored by the White House would rely on an approach similar to the one that ultimately blocked Obamas broader proposal to shield parents. The idea would have governors file a legal challenge to the program, at which point U.S. Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions could instruct Justice Department lawyers not to defend it in court, leading to a potentially indefinite suspension.

So far, however, Trump has not agreed to any course of action. The Homeland Security Department has no other formal process underway to terminate the 5-year-old program, an administration official said.

At the same time, administration officials are anxious not to appear to have given up on the campaign vow to overturn DACA, knowing that the promise is popular with many who favor restrictive immigration laws, a group that is politically important for Trump.

A White House official insisted Friday that there has been no final determination on DACA, leaving it, and the fate of the estimated 750,000 Dreamers who have won work permits under the program, uncertain.

Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D-N.M.), chairwoman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, said the ambiguity surrounding the administrations policies continues to create fear and anxiety in immigration communities.

Their announcement to keep DACA, while revoking DAPA and deporting family members, is deceitful and is another effort to keep immigrant families feeling uncomfortable about their place in America, she said in a statement Friday.

On the other side of the debate, Trumps failure to repeal DACA continues to generate complaints from advocates for reduced immigration.

I certainly am very happy that Secretary Kelly ended DAPA ... that is a good thing and needed to happen  but it does not fulfill Trumps campaign promise. DACA needs to be ended, said Rosemary Jenks, the head of government relations for NumbersUSA, a group that advocates lower immigration levels.

There are ways to end DACA to make it less painful by phasing the work permits out gradually, Jenks said in an interview. NumbersUSA often mobilizes supporters to pressure lawmakers and the White House to adopt more restrictive immigration policies.

It is clear the decision on DACA has been made at the White House, Jenks said. That is truly on Trump, and he needs to do it, she said.

You cant continue to do something that is unconstitutional, Jenks said, noting Trumps repeated campaign statements labeling DACA as unconstitutional.

The administration has consistently said the priority of immigration authorities has been to identify and deport individuals who are in the country illegally and have a criminal record, or pose a threat to the American people. Testifying on Capitol Hill this week, Thomas Homan, acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, said DACA recipients have maintained their protected status.

Some DACA recipients have been arrested, but they are people who committed a crime and did something to violate the status, he said.

We are not as part of our operations targeting anybody in DACA status thats fulfilling their obligation within the deferred action requirements, he said.

Immigration advocates are pursuing multiple tracks to protect the program and its beneficiaries, working to identify and defend individuals protected by the order who have been subject to deportation orders and keeping pressure on the administration and Republicans.

Theres been a lot of work to change minds and hearts. So I dont think its easy for Donald Trump to just end this program, said Lorella Praeli, director of immigration policy and campaigns for the American Civil Liberties Union. [That] is why we must remain vigilant even though its still standing. We may see them try to chip away at the program internally.

Praeli said that despite Homans comments this week, many requests from DACA recipients to renew their deferrals have been rejected without cause.

Angelica Salas, executive director for the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, which helps guide potential DACA-eligible individuals through the application process, said the continued uncertainty is forcing families to make difficult choices, especially about whether to file applications that reveal information about a persons immigration history.

They understand [DACA] has always been temporary, but theres a different level of sense of protection today, she said. Parents are fearful that that information can come back against the families. And there are other families that choose to apply understanding the risk.

michael.memoli@latimes.com

For more White House coverage, follow @mikememoli on Twitter.

brian.bennett@latimes.com

Twitter: @ByBrianBennett

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President Trump attacked a top official in his own Justice Department on Friday, and in the process appeared to confirm reports that he is under investigation on suspicion of obstruction of justice.

It was the latest example of the president moving to publicly undermine an investigation he has criticized as politically motivated.

But Trumps confrontational style has also renewed fears that he may attempt to derail the inquiry by firing those leading it.

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In one of a series of morning tweets, he complained he was being investigated for firing the FBI Director by the man who told me to fire the FBI Director! Witch Hunt.

Trump is probably pointing to Deputy Atty. Gen. Rod Rosenstein, who named Robert S. Mueller III as a special counsel last month to oversee the inquiry into Russian meddling in the 2016 election.

The Washington Post reported Wednesday that Mueller has expanded that investigation to include whether Trump attempted to obstruct the inquiry by firing former FBI director James. B. Comey.

Rosenstein told a Senate panel this week that he hadnt spoken to Mueller about the substance of the investigation since he appointed him, adding that Mueller should make his own determinations about what is within the scope of it.

Rosenstein appointed Mueller after Trump fired Comey, a decision that the White House initially said was largely based on a memo written by Rosenstein outlining concerns about Comeys leadership  but that never explicitly recommended his termination, despite what the presidents tweet Friday suggests.

Trump told NBC News in an interview last month that he was planning to fire Comey anyway, independent of Rosensteins memo.

White House officials would not comment on whether Trump was confirming a possible obstruction of justice case against him or simply commenting on the reports of one, referring all questions to his personal attorney. But it was another example of him commenting about the larger investigation in a way that frustrates his personal attorneys and administration officials.

It also comes amid speculation that Trump is considering firing Mueller  a course of action congressional Republicans are widely advising against, though some Trump allies, like former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, support.

On Monday, Christopher Ruddy, the chief executive of Newsmax Media and a Trump associate, told PBS NewsHour that Trump was weighing whether to fire Mueller. The news set off a firestorm of criticism and warnings from both Democrats and Republicans.

After initially declining to deny the report, the next day Deputy White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said, While the president has the right to, he has no intention to do so.

Trumps tweet Friday apparently referring to Rosenstein, who was appointed by Trump and confirmed by the Republican-led Senate overwhelmingly earlier this year, comes after the deputy attorney general issued a cryptic statement Thursday night advising Americans to exercise caution before accepting as true any stories attributed to anonymous officials.

That statement appeared to be linked to a separate report that Mueller is also investigating the business dealings of the presidents son-in-law, senior advisor Jared Kushner.

Also Friday, the Justice Department said Rosenstein saw no reason now to recuse himself from supervising Mueller.

As the deputy attorney general has said numerous times, if there comes a time when he needs to recuse, he will, said Ian Prior, a department spokesman. However, nothing has changed.

The statement came after ABC News reported that Rosenstein had discussed the possibility that he might have to step aside from overseeing the special counsels office because of his role in Comeys firing.

Trumps latest tweets have Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) concerned that he will try to fire both Mueller and Rosenstein.

The message the president is sending through his tweets is that he believes the rule of law doesnt apply to him and that anyone who thinks otherwise will be fired. Thats undemocratic on its face and a blatant violation of the presidents oath of office, Feinstein said in a statement Friday.

Its becoming clear to me that the president has embarked on an effort to undermine anyone with the ability to bring any misdeeds to light, be that Congress, the media or the Justice Department. The Senate should not let that happen. Were a nation of laws that apply equally to everyone, a lesson the president would be wise to learn, she said.

Feinstein stressed that only Rosenstein has the authority to fire Mueller, not the president.

If the president thinks he can fire Deputy Atty. Gen. Rosenstein and replace him with someone who will shut down the investigation, hes in for a rude awakening. Even his staunchest supporters will balk at such a blatant effort to subvert the law, Feinstein said.

Meanwhile, the inquiry continues to pose legal challenges to those in the administration.

A spokesman for Vice President Mike Pence said Thursday that Pence had hired an experienced criminal lawyer to respond to requests from the special counsel and congressional committees.

Richard Cullen, a former federal prosecutor and currently chairman of the McGuireWoods law firm, will help Pence handle inquiries from Mueller, said Jarrod Agen, Pences communications director, in a statement.

Pence, who joined Trump in Miami on Friday, told a reporter that the move was very routine.

In recent days, Mueller reportedly has asked to talk to senior Trump administration officials as the team of investigators looks into whether people working on Trumps presidential campaign colluded with Russian officials to interfere in the election process.

The vice president is focused entirely on his duties and promoting the presidents agenda and looks forward to a swift conclusion of this matter, Agen said.

In late May, Trump hired Marc Kasowitz to handle legal and media requests about the Russia investigation.

Michael Cohen, one of Trumps personal attorneys, has hired Stephen M. Ryan, a Washington-based lawyer from McDermott, Will & Emery, who has experience prosecuting criminal cases as an assistant U.S. attorney, according to NBC News.

Times staff writers Brian Bennett and Joseph Tanfani contributed to this report.

michael.memoli@latimes.com

sarah.wire@latimes.com

For more White House coverage, follow @mikememoli on Twitter.

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Nothing changed after moviegoers were slaughtered in Aurora. Nothing changed after children were massacred in Newtown, after worshipers were killed inside a church in Charleston, after office workers were mowed down at a holiday party in San Bernardino.

And even though members of Congress were attacked Wednesday by a gunman on a ball field just outside the capital, nothing is likely to change in the Washington debate over gun control, save the addition of Alexandria to the list of blood-soaked postmarks.

The two sides of the debate are simply too dug in, the political forces too firmly entrenched, the worldview of opposing sides so vastly different it is impossible to see how the gulf narrows even slightly, however close to home the latest attack.

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Underscoring that notion, the one thing both sides shared after the latest mass shooting was the capacity to look at precisely the same event and see it in a way that buttressed diametrically opposing views.

For those demanding a crackdown on guns, the attack in Virginia showed the danger of promiscuous laws that let a political malcontent turn his rage into actions spoken through the barrel of an assault-style rifle.

For those opposing stiffer laws, the fact the carnage was not far worse testified to an abiding view that, in the words of a popular adage, the most effective thing to stop a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun.

They shot the shooter, Rep. Joe L. Barton of Texas, one of the GOP lawmakers targeted during softball practice, said of the police officers who returned fire and, ultimately, killed James T. Hodgkinson. The security detail saved a lot of lives because they attacked the shooter.

If anything, some Republican lawmakers said, the incident encouraged them to start packing their own firearm and look for ways to make guns more widely accessible, not less.

The debate over guns and gun control in many ways distills the very essence of politics today, where opposing sides dont simply differ on philosophical or ideological grounds but fail to agree on even the basic facts.

It also underscores the power of one of the countrys mightiest special-interest groups, the National Rifle Assn., and its hold over Republican lawmakers whose greatest fear is not losing an election to a Democrat but, given gerrymandering, a Republican primary opponent with an even harder-line view on guns.

That is one reason Congress has failed to pass a law requiring universal background checks, even though the overwhelmingly majority of Americans express their support. Notwithstanding that fact, the overwhelming majority of Americans dont vote in individual GOP primaries.

The sway of the NRA and other groups opposing tougher gun laws is also a function of one of the most fundamental tenets of politics: intensity matters far more than raw numbers.

Supporters of unfettered gun rights may be a minority of the population but they have a degree of loyalty and emotional attachment to their movement that isnt reflected on the opposing side, said Robert Spitzer, a professor of political science at State University of New York at Cortland.

Its only when the mass shooting occurs that the public pays real attention, said Spitzer, who has written five books on gun policy. But the sentiment doesnt last long. Most people turn their attention back to other things, as does the media, and soon its back to business as usual.

Indeed, despite the emotional outcry that has followed every headline-grabbing attack, Republicans in Congress have thwarted each major gun control effort attempted in the last several years. The most recent came after the killing last June of 49 people at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Fla.

With President Trump in the White House, thanks in no small part to the staunch support of the NRA, congressional Democrats have virtually thrown up their hands.

As a result, pro-gun control groups have increasingly turned their efforts to the state and local levels, where the political forces on either side are less formidable.

But the divide over guns is more then political. It is also cultural, and rooted in values both sides hold deep and unshakable.

One side sees firearms essentially as instruments of evil, said Harry Wilson of Virginias Roanoke University, who has also written extensively on gun issues. On the other side are people who associate them with a sense of freedom, of individualism  [and] also the right to self-defense.

Therein lies perhaps the most important reason the gun debate has reached this impasse.

It is one thing to forge a political agreement on a matter that is pliable and open to negotiation. It is another to surrender what some deem a natural, inalienable right.

With no room for compromise, even Wednesdays attack directly aimed at Republican members of Congress wont bring about political change.

mark.barabak@latimes.com

@markzbarabak on Twitter

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California lawmakers gave final approval Thursday to a $183.2-billion state budget, a plan that broadly boosts government spending while also continuing the recent effort to build up cash reserves.

Both houses of the Legislature ratified the spending blueprint after completing negotiations earlier in the week with Gov. Jerry Brown . While most of the budget was put in place during Thursdays lengthy floor sessions in the state Senate and Assembly, a handful of related bills wont be considered until later.

Brown is expected to sign the plan into law before the new fiscal year begins on July 1.

Heres a look at some of the most important changes to California government services and programs in the coming 12 months.

One-third of the budget goes to public schools

The budget allocates $74.5 billion to K-12 schools and community colleges, a mix of state revenue and property taxes. Thats $3.2 billion more than the final tally of funds for the current year. The budget spends more than $11,000, on average, for each student  a figure thats grown by about a third since 2011.

Lawmakers also are paying off more than $600 million in school obligations from prior years. And they voted to extend another five years Californias district of choice law  allowing some schools to admit students regardless of where they live  but made changes to address criticism the existing law is unfair to minority students.

The budget adds more than 2,900 spots for students in state preschool classes, and boosts funding for both preschool and child care programs.

California voters created the mandate that public schools must receive the largest share of state tax dollars, but the final number depends on economic forecasts and thus is subject to political negotiations. Education advocates also worry the mandate creates a perception that its all the money schools need.

Demonstrators rally against cuts in the amount the state pays for Medi-Cal provider payments in Sacramento in 2013. (Rich Pedroncelli / AP) (Rich Pedroncelli / AP)

Californias largest government program is healthcare

While schools get the largest slice of California tax dollars, the combination of federal and state funds makes healthcare the single biggest function of state government  with a total price tag of $105.6 billion in the budget approved by the Legislature.

That spending is focused on Medi-Cal, the healthcare program for low-income Californians. Estimates are that 14.2 million people, more than one in three state residents, are now enrolled. The new budgets most notable provision will boost the payments made to doctors and dentists who treat Medi-Cal patients, money generated by the tobacco tax increase contained in falls Proposition 56. The budget also adds new funding for dental and vision services offered to Medi-Cal patients.

The budget provides $50 million in state funding for womens health services, a response to federal efforts to strip dollars from Planned Parenthood. It changes state law to speed up the use of federal dollars for efforts to fight the rising epidemic of opioid abuse. And it expands funding for everything from the states help line that answers health insurance questions to support for suicide prevention programs.

The budget envisions more California college students

Lawmakers added money to boost the enrollment of in-state students at both the University of California and California State University. And they rejected Browns effort to cancel the states scholarship program specifically designed for students from families of middle-class incomes.

Highlights of UC and CSU budget items University of California $131.2 million in additional funding.

Assumes 1,500 additional in-state students, although the final decision would be made by the UC Board of Regents.

In the wake of an audit critical of UC President Janet Napolitano, imposes new rules governing her offices operations.

$2.5 million to help students who lack money for food, including campus pantries offering free food and advisors for students who qualify for food stamps . California State University $162.3 million in additional funding.

$12.5 million for a program that helps more CSU students earn their degrees in four years.

CSU leaders will be required to offer applying students a spot on another university campus if they dont get into their first choice.

$2.5 million for students who lack money for food, including campus pantries offering free food and advisors for students who qualify for food stamps.

1 million households to get tax credits for the working poor

Democratic legislators praised the expansion of Californias earned income tax credit. The 2-year-old program provides cash payments to those who earn too little to pay state income taxes. Under the approved budget, eligibility will rise for those who earn almost $22,000 a year and will now include people who are self-employed. Its estimated an additional 1 million households will now qualify for the tax credit.

Counties will receive an additional $109 million for welfare-to-work services, and will not shoulder the full cost of an existing program that coordinates health services for seniors and the disabled  a rejection of a plan Brown proposed in January.

The budget includes $15.5 million for vouchers that would help provide child care for foster children. And it spends some $10 million to remove limits on respite care thats available to families of the developmentally disabled.

(Justin Sullivan / Getty Images)

Money for roads and flood protection

The budget sent to the governor begins to dole out new dollars, either from tax increases or from the sale of long-term government bonds, for a variety of projects.

Transportation funding in new state budget

$2.8 billion from taxes and fees approved in April for California transportation needs.

Most of that money, $1.7 billion, will go to local street, road and transit projects.

Flood-control dollars to be spent in the fiscal year beginning July 1

$111 million total spending, with the money coming from borrowing approved by voters under Proposition 1 in 2014.

Money will be spent to evaluate the safety of dams across California, and to review emergency action plans in the event of flood dangers.

The state will spend more than ever on public employee pensions

State government is required to contribute money each year to the retirement promises made to public sector employees, from those who work at state agencies and departments to teachers and college faculty. Those required contributions to the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) and the California State Teachers Retirement System (CalSTRS) total some $8 billion in the budget that was approved by lawmakers.

On top of that, Brown plans to borrow an additional $6 billion from surplus state agency funds to make an extra CalPERS payment  though the final language still needs to be crafted this summer. Current projections show both of Californias pension funds, absent big changes, will come up at least tens of billions of dollars short in covering future retirement obligations.

john.myers@latimes.com

Follow @johnmyers on Twitter, sign up for our daily Essential Politics newsletter and listen to the weekly California Politics Podcast

ALSO:

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UPDATES:

6:57 p.m.: This story was updated to reflect final passage of the budget in both houses of the Legislature.

This story was originally published at 4:25 p.m.
Trump promotes sons Justice with Judge Jeanine interview President Trump promoted via Twitter an interview with his son Eric Trump just before it aired Saturday night on Fox News Justice with Judge Jeanine. Eric Trump on @JudgeJeanine on @FoxNews now!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 21, 2018 Eric Trump called into the show to defend his father from criticism prompted by the first government shutdown in more than four years, as well as a series of Womens March events that saw protesters in dozens of cities take to the streets to oppose the presidents policies. .@EricTrump joined me over the phone from Mar-a-Lago ! pic.twitter.com/Hro3TzUW52  Jeanine Pirro (@JudgeJeanine) January 21, 2018 Speaking to host Jeannine Piro  who is reportedly an old friend of the presidents  Eric Trump offered effusive praise for his father, ticking off glowing statistics to illustrate the strength of the U.S. economy and gains against Islamic State fighters overseas. My fathers working like no ones ever worked before to bring back this country and to fulfill his promise to make America great again, said the executive vice president of the Trump Organization. He also repeated a sentiment recently expressed on Twitter by his father: That Democratic lawmakers forced a government shutdown on the anniversary of the presidents inauguration in a bid to distract from his achievements. You look at this whole government shutdown, and the only reason they want to shut down government is to distract and to stop his momentum, Eric Trump said. I mean, my father has had incredible momentum. Hes gotten more done in one year than arguably any president in history. Facebook

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Trump tweets: a perfect day for all Women to March President Trump hailed the nationwide Womens March gatherings Saturday. On Twitter, the president called it a perfect day for all Women to March, seeming to imply that those taking part were celebrating his administrations accomplishments: Beautiful weather all over our great country, a perfect day for all Women to March. Get out there now to celebrate the historic milestones and unprecedented economic success and wealth creation that has taken place over the last 12 months. Lowest female unemployment in 18 years!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 20, 2018 Participants in the marches across the United States were actually seeking to deliver a powerful rebuke to Trumps policies and mount a crucial mobilization for this years midterm elections. But Trump continued to tout his administrations unprecedented success in tweets sent later in the day: Unprecedented success for our Country, in so many ways, since the Election. Record Stock Market, Strong on Military, Crime, Borders, & ISIS, Judicial Strength & Numbers, Lowest Unemployment for Women & ALL, Massive Tax Cuts, end of Individual Mandate - and so much more. Big 2018!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 20, 2018 The Trump Administration has terminated more UNNECESSARY Regulation, in just twelve months, than any other Administration has terminated during their full term in office, no matter what the length. The good news is, THERE IS MUCH MORE TO COME!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 21, 2018 In addition to the roll call of major American cities where womens marches took place  including New York, Washington, Los Angeles, Dallas, Philadelphia, Chicago, San Francisco, Atlanta  protesters also raised their voices in suburbs and small towns, reflecting the aim of coalescing a broad-based movement on the anniversary of Trumps inauguration to oppose the presidents stance on immigration, healthcare, racial divides and an array of other issues. Read More This post contains reporting from Times staff writer Laura King. Facebook

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Trump calls shutdown a present from Democrats By Associated Press President Trump is blaming Democrats for the government shutdown  tweeting that they wanted to give him a nice present to mark the one-year anniversary of his inauguration: This is the One Year Anniversary of my Presidency and the Democrats wanted to give me a nice present. #DemocratShutdown  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 20, 2018 That comes after Senate Democrats late Friday killed a GOP-written House-passed measure that would have kept agencies functioning for four weeks. Democrats were seeking a stopgap bill of just a few days in hopes that would build pressure on Republicans, and they were opposing a three-week alternative offered by GOP leaders. Democrats have insisted they would back legislation reopening the government once theres a bipartisan agreement to preserve protections against deporting about 700,000 immigrants  known as Dreamers  who arrived in the United States illegally as children. Trump on Saturday accused Democrats of holding our Military hostage over their desire to have unchecked illegal immigration: Democrats are holding our Military hostage over their desire to have unchecked illegal immigration. Cant let that happen!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 20, 2018 Democrats are laying fault for the shutdown on Republicans, who control both chambers of Congress and the White House and have struggled with building internal consensus. In a series of tweets hours after the shutdown began, the president tried to make the case for Americans to elect more Republicans to Congress in November in order to power through this mess: Democrats are far more concerned with Illegal Immigrants than they are with our great Military or Safety at our dangerous Southern Border. They could have easily made a deal but decided to play Shutdown politics instead. #WeNeedMoreRepublicansIn18 in order to power through mess!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 20, 2018 He noted that there are 51 Republicans in the 100-member Senate, and it often takes 60 votes to advance legislation: For those asking, the Republicans only have 51 votes in the Senate, and they need 60. That is why we need to win more Republicans in 2018 Election! We can then be even tougher on Crime (and Border), and even better to our Military & Veterans!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 20, 2018 #AMERICA FIRST!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 20, 2018 The stopgap spending measure won 50 votes in the Senate, including five from Democrats. Although the House and Senate were in session Saturday, it was unclear whether lawmakers would take any votes of consequence. Trump had been set to leave Friday afternoon for a fundraiser at his estate in Palm Beach, Fla., where he intended to mark the inauguration anniversary. But he remained in Washington and ended up scrapping his plans to attend the Saturday fundraiser. Read More Facebook

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Trump tweet casts doubt on likelihood of averting shutdown President Trump appeared to cast doubt on the likelihood of reaching a deal to avert a government shutdown Friday night in a tweet. Trump also sought to blame Democrats for what would be the first shutdown since 2013. His message came just hours before the midnight deadline by which lawmakers must pass a measure to fund government agencies, or some operations will cease. Not looking good for our great Military or Safety & Security on the very dangerous Southern Border. Dems want a Shutdown in order to help diminish the great success of the Tax Cuts, and what they are doing for our booming economy.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 20, 2018 Despite last-minute negotiations Friday between Trump and Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer, Congress remained deadlocked over a spending bill and the federal government was headed toward a shutdown at midnight. Senate Democrats  joined by some GOP deficit hawks and immigration allies  were set to filibuster a stopgap funding bill approved by the House on Thursday. A Senate vote was planned for 10 p.m. Eastern, and even White House officials predicted it would fail. Read More This post contains reporting from Times staff writer Lisa Mascaro. Facebook

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Trump signs surveillance law after confusing tweets By Associated Press President Trump on Friday signed a bill into law to renew a foreign intelligence surveillance program, announcing his action in the latest in a series of confusing tweets about the spy program: Just signed 702 Bill to reauthorize foreign intelligence collection. This is NOT the same FISA law that was so wrongly abused during the election. I will always do the right thing for our country and put the safety of the American people first!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 19, 2018 Trumps tweet on Jan. 11 created chaos in the House just before it voted to reauthorize what is known as Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. He linked the intelligence program to a dossier that alleges his presidential campaign had ties to Russia. That caused people to wonder if he didnt support the program that allows U.S. spy agencies to collect intelligence on foreign targets abroad. Trump and other Republicans have alleged that Obama administration officials improperly shared the identities of Trump presidential transition team members mentioned in intelligence reports. Democrats say there is no evidence that happened. Shortly before the House vote, and after conferring with House Speaker Paul Ryan, Trump did an apparent about-face. This vote is about foreign surveillance of foreign bad guys on foreign land, he tweeted. We need it! Get smart! In his tweet announcing that he had just signed the bill, Trump wrote: This is NOT the same FISA law that was so wrongly abused during the election. I will always do the right thing for our country and put the safety of the American people first! There are no obvious links between the dossier Trump spoke of, which includes salacious but unsubstantiated allegations against him, and the reauthorization of the spying program, or between the program and Trumps oft-repeated claims that the Obama administration conducted surveillance on Trump Tower during the presidential campaign. Facebook

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In tweet, Trump suggests that Pennsylvania trip is a political one The White House press office was once again forced to walk back a tweet from President Trump on Thursday morning after he described a trip to Pennsylvania later in the day as a political one  a statement that would force the Republican Party, not taxpayers, to pay for the journey. The White House had said Trump was going to an industrial equipment company outside of Pittsburgh to highlight the good economy and new tax cuts, making it an official, policy-oriented event. It was widely assumed that the trip had a political cast  the area is holding a special election to fill a congressional seat vacated by a Republican who resigned. Trump, by his tweet, seemed to confirm that politics was the whole purpose: Will be going to Pennsylvania today in order to give my total support to RICK SACCONE, running for Congress in a Special Election (March 13). Rick is a great guy. We need more Republicans to continue our already successful agenda!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 18, 2018 Trump later shared via Twitter a pair of video clips of his speech at H&K Equipment, in which he touted the tax cuts he signed into law just before Christmas and tried to turn the conversation back to his accomplishments after weeks dominated by distractions, including questions about his mental health and comments about immigration that some considered racist: Departing Pittsburgh now, where it was my great honor to stand with our incredible workers, and to show the world that AMERICA is back - and we are coming back bigger and better and stronger than ever before! pic.twitter.com/kWPgylqFzj  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 18, 2018 AMERICA will once again be a NATION that thinks big, dreams bigger, and always reaches for the stars. YOU are the ones who will shape Americas destiny. YOU are the ones who will restore our prosperity. And YOU are the ones who are MAKING AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! #MAGA pic.twitter.com/f2abNK47II  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 18, 2018 The Republican National Committee, rather than the White House, is supposed to pay for political travel so that taxpayers are not financing party activities; for trips that combine policy and politics, parties have split the cost under past presidents. Neither the RNC nor the White House responded to emails sent Thursday asking who would pay. White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders released a statement later Thursday suggesting that taxpayers would foot the bill. She insisted that Trump would be conducting government business while in Pennsylvania. Read More This post contains reporting from the Associated Press and Times staff writer Noah Bierman. Facebook

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Trump tweets praise of Bob Dole after awarding him Congressional Gold Medal By Associated Press Former Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole knew the art of the deal before President Trump published the 1987 book of the same name. The two shared a stage under the Capitol dome Wednesday as Dole, 94, accepted Congress highest civilian honor, the Congressional Gold Medal, for his World War II service and decades of work in the House and Senate. Trump later praised Dole in a tweet, attaching to his message a video composed of clips from the ceremony: Today, we witnessed an incredible moment in history  the presentation of Congress highest civilian honor to our friend, and true AMERICAN HERO, Bob Dole. #CongressionalGoldMedal pic.twitter.com/qNQqDLRmCk  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 17, 2018 At the ceremony, the president saluted Dole as a patriot and gave tribute to Doles struggle as a veteran who worked his way back from a grievous shoulder wound he suffered in Italy. He knows about grit, said Trump. But it was Doles penchant for working across the aisle that earned him his latest award, according to the legislation. Bob Dole was known for his ability to work across the aisle and embrace practical bipartisanship, reads the legislation Trump signed in September. Some of the awards 300 recipients include George Washington and Mother Teresa, according to the Congressional Research Service. Read More Facebook

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Trump touts report that seeks to link terrorism cases with immigration By Joseph Tanfani The Trump administration on Tuesday released a report attempting to link terrorism with migration, arguing that it was evidence of the need to dramatically reshape the nations immigration system. New report from DOJ & DHS shows that nearly 3 in 4 individuals convicted of terrorism-related charges are foreign-born. We have submitted to Congress a list of resources and reforms....  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 16, 2018 ....we need to keep America safe, including moving away from a random chain migration and lottery system, to one that is merit-based. https://t.co/7PtoSFK1n2  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 16, 2018 The report, ordered by President Trump in an executive order last year, said that 75% of the 549 people convicted of terrorism charges since 9/11 were born outside the U.S. Administration officials called that a sign that the U.S. needs to scrap its policy of family preferences for visas, which they call chain migration, and a diversity visa lottery program. But the report did not specify how many  if any  of the convicted terrorists entered the country through those means. It also did not detail how many of the convictions were related to attacks or plans in the U.S. versus overseas and how many involved people who went to fight overseas for the Islamic State or another terrorist group. Those details were not available, officials said. The report, due last year, is being released in a highly charged moment in the immigration debate, as Trump and some Republicans in Congress seek tough new border and immigration measures in return for a deal protecting the 690,000 people in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. Trump also fired off a pair of tweets on the topic earlier Tuesday: We must have Security at our VERY DANGEROUS SOUTHERN BORDER, and we must have a great WALL to help protect us, and to help stop the massive inflow of drugs pouring into our country!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 16, 2018 The Democrats want to shut down the Government over Amnesty for all and Border Security. The biggest loser will be our rapidly rebuilding Military, at a time we need it more than ever. We need a merit based system of immigration, and we need it now! No more dangerous Lottery.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 16, 2018 The focus of our immigration system should be assimilation, a senior administration official said on Tuesday, speaking on condition that his name not be used. He said the nation should give priority to potential immigrants who speak English, who have an education and those who are committed to supporting our values  not family members of people already here. The official said the timing of the report was coincidental. Read More Facebook

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Trump tweets welcome to president of Kazakhstan By Associated Press President Trump said Tuesday that he and the president of Kazakhstan are united in a shared determination to prevent North Korea from threatening the world with nuclear devastation. Trump and President Nursultan Nazarbayev discussed North Korea along with other issues during meetings at the White House. Today, it was my honor to welcome President Nursultan Nazarbayev of Kazakhstan to the @WhiteHouse! pic.twitter.com/TerYFZViax  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 16, 2018 Trump said Kazakhstan, once part of the Soviet Union, is a valued partner in our efforts to rid the Korean peninsula of nuclear weapons. Together we are determined to prevent the North Korean regime from threatening the world with nuclear devastation, he said, as both presidents addressed journalists between meetings. Nazarbayev noted that his country once had one of the worlds largest nuclear arsenals but voluntarily gave it up after the Soviet Union collapsed. He said his country is in talks with Iran, which was the focus of a global deal that lifted some economic sanctions in exchange for Irans curbing its nuclear program. Trump has sharply criticized the Iran nuclear deal and threatened last week to pull out soon unless other countries fix what he says are terrible flaws. Read More Facebook

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Trump falsely claims his approval rating among black Americans has doubled By Alex Wigglesworth President Trump lashed out at the news media Tuesday morning in a tweet denouncing the special counsel investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 election and possible collusion among members of his campaign team. Do you notice the Fake News Mainstream Media never likes covering the great and record setting economic news, but rather talks about anything negative or that can be turned into the negative. The Russian Collusion Hoax is dead, except as it pertains to the Dems. Public gets it!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 16, 2018 It wasnt immediately clear exactly what prompted the presidents tweet, but it appeared as though he was watching Fox & Friends. A short time later, Trump tweeted a headline from a report that aired during that mornings episode: 90% of Trump 2017 news coverage was negative -and much of it contrived!@foxandfriends  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 16, 2018 The segment focused on the latest survey results from conservative watchdog Media Research Center, which purportedly analyzed the evening news broadcasts on ABC, CBS and NBC from Jan. 20 to Dec. 31 and found that 90% of the statements made about Trump were negative. Study: 90% of Trump media coverage in 2017 was negative pic.twitter.com/vbrwup4Drg  FOX & friends (@foxandfriends) January 16, 2018 But believe it or not, through all this negative coverage, they did a survey of 600,000 people about how black America views this president, co-host Brian Kilmeade said. His numbers have actually doubled in approval. Trump highlighted the statement in another tweet: Unemployment for Black Americans is the lowest ever recorded. Trump approval ratings with Black Americans has doubled. Thank you, and it will get even (much) better! @FoxNews  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 16, 2018 But its not true. The claim appears to have originated from a misreading of data from the online polling firm SurveyMonkey, according to factcheck.org. The firm polled 600,000 Americans in 2017 and found that Trumps approval rating among blacks actually dropped from 23% early in his presidency to about 17%, as of the week ending Jan. 3. Some conservative outlets, including Breitbart, produced an average from those and other SurveyMonkey figures and compared them to the scores Trump received from black voters in the 2016 exit polls. That methodology is not sound. And since the statistics measure different things, the comparison is misleading. Facebook

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Trump goes after senator who surfaced his immigration remark By Associated Press President Trump turned his Twitter torment Monday on the Democrat in the room where immigration talks with lawmakers took a famously coarse turn, saying Sen. Richard J. Durbin misrepresented what he had said about African nations and Haiti and, in the process, undermined the trust needed to make a deal. Senator Dicky Durbin totally misrepresented what was said at the DACA meeting, Trump tweeted, using a nickname to needle the Illinois senator. Deals cant get made when there is no trust! Durbin blew DACA and is hurting our Military. Senator Dicky Durbin totally misrepresented what was said at the DACA meeting. Deals cant get made when there is no trust! Durbin blew DACA and is hurting our Military.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 15, 2018 Trump was referring to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which protects young people who came to the United States illegally as children. Members of Congress from both parties are trying to strike a deal that Trump would support to extend that protection. Trump also cast doubt on the likelihood of reaching an agreement in tweets sent earlier Monday: Statement by me last night in Florida: Honestly, I dont think the Democrats want to make a deal. They talk about DACA, but they dont want to help..We are ready, willing and able to make a deal but they dont want to. They dont want security at the border, they dont want.....  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 15, 2018 ...to stop drugs, they want to take money away from our military which we cannot do. My standard is very simple, AMERICA FIRST & MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 15, 2018 On a day of remembrance for the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., Trump spent time at his golf course with no public events, bypassing the acts of service that his predecessors staged in honor of the civil rights leader. Instead, Trump dedicated his weekly address to Kings memory, saying Kings dream and Americas are the same: A world where people are judged by who they are, not how they look or where they come from. That message was a distinct counterpoint to words attributed to Trump by Durbin and others at a meeting last week, when the question of where immigrants come from seemed at the forefront of Trumps concerns. Some participants and others familiar with the conversation said Trump challenged immigration from shithole countries of Africa and disparaged Haiti as well. Without explicitly denying using that word, Trump lashed out at the Democratic senator, who said Trump uttered it on several occasions. Read More Facebook

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Trump thanks pundit for laudatory Fox & Friends spot By Alex Wigglesworth President Trump thanked Fox News personality Stuart Varney after Varney praised Trump during an appearance on Fox & Friends. In a pair of tweets early Sunday, Trump quoted from Varneys commentary, in which he argued that Trump deserves more credit for the booming economy. The pundit, who also hosts a show on Fox Business Network, cited moves by some corporations to raise workers minimum wage or pay out one-time bonuses in response to the GOP tax cuts. President Trump is not getting the credit he deserves for the economy. Tax Cut bonuses to more than 2,000,000 workers. Most explosive Stock Market rally that weve seen in modern times. 18,000 to 26,000 from Election, and grounded in profitability and growth. All Trump, not 0...  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 14, 2018 ...big unnecessary regulation cuts made it all possible (among many other things). President Trump reversed the policies of President Obama, and reversed our economic decline. Thank you Stuart Varney. @foxandfriends  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 14, 2018 Varney was reacting to a quote from House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco), who on Thursday called the bonuses handed down to workers pathetic in comparison to the gains corporations are expected to see from the tax cuts. In terms of the bonus that corporate America received versus the crumbs that they are giving to workers to kind of put the schmooze on is so pathetic, Pelosi told reporters. Its pathetic. Varney shot back Sunday that the bonuses, along with explosive stock market growth, are enriching all Americans. This is a huge shot in the arm, its the result of this tax cut deal and I think President Trump should get the credit for it, he said. .@Varneyco Sets the economic record straight after Nancy Pelosi calls U.S. mass bonuses crumbs pic.twitter.com/BvjIHGm3HE  FOX & friends (@foxandfriends) January 14, 2018 The sweeping tax plan passed last month lowers the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% and cuts personal income taxes. Analysts say the benefits will largely flow to corporations and the wealthy, as theyre more likely to be in positions to share in corporate profits. For instance, Wells Fargo & Co., which responded to news of the tax overhaul by announcing it will raise workers pay to at least $15 an hour, also reported that it expects to pay an effective tax rate of 19% this year, down from about 31% in previous years. That should amount to tax savings of more than $3 billion annually. On average, middle-class Americans are expected to see a very small tax cut in the near term and a tax increase after 2025, when all of the tax cuts for individuals expire. The tax cuts for corporations, however, are permanent.  This post contains reporting from Times staff writer James Rufus Koren. Facebook

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Trump touts MLK proclamation in tweet, but ceremony is overshadowed by reports of racist remarks By Associated Press President Trump signed a proclamation Friday for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, noting the contributions of a great American hero. Today, it was my great honor to proclaim January 15, 2018, as Martin Luther King Jr., Federal Holiday. I encourage all Americans to observe this day with appropriate civic, community, and service activities in honor of Dr. King's life and legacy. pic.twitter.com/samlJsz1Nt  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 12, 2018 Overshadowing the event was mounting backlash from Trumps comments during a private meeting with lawmakers the day before. A short time after the meeting, which was called to discuss a possible immigration deal, reports emerged that Trump had asked participants why the United States should accept immigrants from shithole countries in Africa, Central America and the Caribbean. Illinois Sen. Richard Durbin, the Senates second-ranking Democrat, appeared to confirm those reports on Friday. Trump did not respond Friday to several questions about the incident, including whether he actually used vulgar language to describe African nations, or if he is racist. The president said at the White House that love was central to the slain civil rights leader. Trump said the nation celebrates King for standing up for the self-evident truth Americans hold so dear, that no matter what the color of our skin or place of our birth, we are all created equal by God.  This post contains reporting from Times staff writer Noah Bierman. Facebook

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Trump criticizes Democrats in tweet calling for stricter immigration rules President Trump hit out at Democrats on Thursday night in a tweet calling for stricter immigration rules. Trump wrote that members of the party seem intent on having people and drugs pour into our country from the border with Mexico: The Democrats seem intent on having people and drugs pour into our country from the Southern Border, risking thousands of lives in the process. It is my duty to protect the lives and safety of all Americans. We must build a Great Wall, think Merit and end Lottery & Chain. USA!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 12, 2018 It wasnt immediately clear exactly what prompted the tweet. Earlier Thursday, Trump rejected a bipartisan compromise to resolve the standoff over so-called Dreamers, young immigrants who were brought to the United States illegally as children but have temporary permits to work, attend school or serve in the military. The president drew widespread condemnation after reports emerged that he had asked participants in an Oval Office meeting about the proposal why the United States should accept immigrants from shithole countries in Africa, Central America and the Caribbean. Read More Facebook

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Trump touts bill aimed at improving border screening for fentanyl By Associated Press President Trump signed legislation Wednesday aimed at giving Customs and Border Protection agents additional screening devices and other tools to stop the flow of illicit drugs. Speaking at a surprise bill-signing ceremony while flanked by members of Congress from both parties in the Oval Office, Trump described the bill as a significant step forward in the fight against powerful opioids such as fentanyl, which he called our new big scourge. He echoed that language Thursday in a tweet: Yesterday, I signed the #INTERDICTAct (H.R. 2142) with bipartisan members of Congress to help end the flow of drugs into our country. Together, we are committed to doing everything we can to combat the deadly scourge of drug addiction and overdose in the United States! pic.twitter.com/ELZvFol5Lo  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 11, 2018 The legislation will pay for new portable and fixed chemical screening devices to detect and intercept fentanyl at ports of entry and in the mail, along with other laboratory equipment and personnel, including scientists. Trump has made fighting the opioid epidemic a centerpiece of his administration, though critics say he hasnt dedicated nearly enough money or resources to make a difference. Trump suggested during his remarks on Wednesday that hed like to take a more aggressive approach to the drug crisis  but the countrys not ready for what he has in mind. So were going to sign this. And its a step. And it feels like a very giant step, but unfortunately, its not going to be a giant step, because no matter what you do, this is something that keeps pouring in, he said. And were going to find the answer. There is an answer. I think I actually know the answer, but Im not sure the countrys ready for it yet, he added. Does anybody know what I mean? I think so. Facebook

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Trump applauds news that Toyota-Mazda plant is slated for Alabama By Associated Press Japanese automakers Toyota and Mazda on Wednesday announced plans to build a mammoth, $1.6-billion joint-venture plant in Alabama that will eventually employ about 4,000 people. President Trump lauded the news in a tweet: Cutting taxes and simplifying regulations makes America the place to invest! Great news as Toyota and Mazda announce they are bringing 4,000 JOBS and investing $1.6 BILLION in Alabama, helping to further grow our economy! pic.twitter.com/Kcg8IVH6iA  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 10, 2018 Good news: Toyota and Mazda announce giant new Huntsville, Alabama, plant which will produce over 300,000 cars and SUVs a year and employ 4000 people. Companies are coming back to the U.S. in a very big way. Congratulations Alabama!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 11, 2018 Several states had competed for the project, which will be able to turn out 300,000 vehicles per year and produce the Toyota Corolla compact car for North America and a new small SUV from Mazda. Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey and company executives held a news conference to announce that the facility is coming to the Huntsville area not far from the Tennessee line. Production is expected to begin by 2021. The decision to pick Alabama is another example of foreign-based automakers building U.S. factories in the South. To entice manufacturers, Southern states have used a combination of lucrative incentive packages, low-cost labor and a pro-business labor environment, because the United Auto Workers union is stronger in Northern states. Read More Facebook

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Trump highlights call for border wall in tweets on visit with Norways prime minister By Associated Press President Trump praised Norways prime minister in a tweet on Wednesday after Erna Solberg became the first foreign leader to visit with the president in 2018. Today, it was my great honor to welcome Prime Minister Erna Solberg of Norway to the @WhiteHouse - a great friend and ally of the United States! Joint press conference: https://t.co/qWR1BhfQZI pic.twitter.com/PJvwznjRCO  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 10, 2018 Trump also shared via Twitter a video clip of a joint news conference he held with Solberg on Wednesday afternoon. In the clip, Trump responds to a question from a reporter by saying there can be no bipartisan immigration deal absent funding for his long-promised wall along the U.S. border with Mexico. Republican and Democratic lawmakers have been seeking a solution for hundreds of thousands of so-called Dreamers, young people who were brought to the United States as children and are living here illegally. The United States needs the security of the Wall on the Southern Border, which must be part of any DACA approval. The safety and security of our country is #1! pic.twitter.com/4CFzQXb5aS  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 10, 2018 We need the wall for security, we need the wall for safety, we need the wall for stopping the drugs from pouring in, Trump said Wednesday.  Any solution has to include the wall because without the wall, it all doesnt work. On Tuesday, Trump drew widespread attention when he said during a meeting with a bipartisan group of lawmakers that he would be agreeable to signing a stand-alone bill to protect the Dreamers, before moving on to a more comprehensive immigration bill. That contradicted the Republican consensus that Dreamers fate needed to be part of a broader immigration bill that would include some version of Trumps promised border wall and other immigration reforms. Trump backed away from a stand-alone Dreamer bill in subsequent tweets and public comments. Read More This post contains reporting from Los Angeles Times staff writer Noah Bierman. Facebook

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Trump praises Cabinet in tweet touting meeting By Associated Press President Trump promoted a meeting of his Cabinet on Wednesday, sharing via Twitter a link to a video of the session posted on the White House YouTube account. In his tweet, Trump thanked his Cabinet for working tirelessly on behalf of our country and wrote that the last year has been one of monumental achievement. I want to thank my @Cabinet for working tirelessly on behalf of our country. 2017 was a year of monumental achievement and we look forward to the year ahead. Together, we are delivering results and MAKING AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! https://t.co/ptXa1hAPwW pic.twitter.com/yv6RALkQf3  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 10, 2018 The former reality television star continued to dispense accolades at the meeting Wednesday, greeting reporters in the Cabinet Room by saying: Welcome back to the studio. Then he proceeded to relive a Cabinet Room session from the prior day, when he had allowed reporters and TV cameras to stick around for much of his meeting with a bipartisan group of legislators on the thorny issue of immigration. It was a tremendous meeting. Actually, it was reported as incredibly good. And my performance  you know, some of them called it a performance  I consider it work, Trump said. Trump went on to say he had received letters from news anchors calling it one of the greatest meetings theyve ever witnessed. He added that the media will ultimately support Trump in the end, because theyre going to say, if Trump doesnt win in three years, theyre all out of business. Asked for examples of letters received from news anchors, the White House said it had received private communications. It also offered a series of positive on-air comments and tweets from journalists about the unusual access to the meeting. During his remarks, Trump swung from praising his own meeting coverage to telling journalists that they were dependent on his presidency for ratings to threatening a strong look at libel laws. Still, Trump thanked the journalists in front of him, joking: Youve gotten very familiar with this room. I appreciate your nice comments yesterday. Facebook

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Trump blasts DACA ruling in tweet calling courts broken and unfair By Lisa Mascaro President Trump denounced the federal courts Wednesday as broken and unfair after a district judge in San Francisco issued a nationwide injunction keeping protections in place for so-called Dreamers. Trump tweeted: It just shows everyone how broken and unfair our Court System is when the opposing side in a case (such as DACA) always runs to the 9th Circuit and almost always wins before being reversed by higher courts.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 10, 2018 On Tuesday night, U.S. District Judge William Alsup in San Francisco temporarily blocked the Trump administrations decision to phase out the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, known as DACA, which has protected from deportation some 700,000 people who came to the country illegally as children. Alsup granted a request by the state of California, the University of California and other plaintiffs to stop Trump from ending DACA on March 5. The administrations decision to end DACA, which was announced in September, was based on a flawed legal analysis, Alsup wrote in his decision. Dreamers would be irreparably harmed if their DACA protections, which allow them to live and work legally in the U.S., were stripped away before the courts had a chance to fully consider their claims, he ruled. The action is the mirror image of a ruling in 2015 by a federal judge in Texas who ruled in favor of that state when it sought to block President Obama from expanding DACA to include the parents of Dreamers. Trump administration officials praised that judicial ruling. By contrast, they sharply criticized Alsups decision. Read More Facebook

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Trump thanks lawmakers for productive immigration meeting, says deal must include border wall President Trump thanked a bipartisan group of lawmakers for participating in a meeting on immigration legislation on Tuesday. Much of the discussion involved so-called Dreamers, an estimated 700,000 young people who were brought to the country illegally as children and are now facing deportation. In a tweet, Trump wrote that there was strong agreement to negotiate a bill to protect Dreamers, as well as put into place some of the reforms favored by Republicans. Thanks to all of the Republican and Democratic lawmakers for todays very productive meeting on immigration reform. There was strong agreement to negotiate a bill that deals with border security, chain migration, lottery and DACA. https://t.co/SdqAQ3aL3z pic.twitter.com/8DYHZHspAy  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 9, 2018 The most notable exchange of the meeting came when Sen. Dianne Feinstein, the San Francisco Democrat, asked Trump whether he would be agreeable to signing a stand-alone bill to protect the Dreamers, before moving on to a more comprehensive immigration bill. Yeah, I would like to do it, Trump responded. The statement drew widespread attention because it contradicted the Republican consensus that Dreamers fate needed to be part of a broader immigration bill that would include some version of Trumps promised border wall and other immigration reforms. Trump later backed away from a stand-alone Dreamer bill, tweeting that a wall along the U.S. border with Mexico must be part of any deal: As I made very clear today, our country needs the security of the Wall on the Southern Border, which must be part of any DACA approval.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 10, 2018 Pressure has been mounting for Congress to broker an immigration deal by Jan. 19 as part of a must-pass budget package to fund the government. This post contains reporting from Times staff writer Noah Bierman. Facebook

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Trump thanks officers and veterans in tweets President Trump doled out a slew of accolades Tuesday via Twitter. He thanked the nations law enforcement officers, including in his message a hashtag denoting a day of appreciation organized by a national support group for law enforcement families. On behalf of the American people, THANK YOU to our incredible law enforcement officers. As President of the United States - I will fight for you, and I will never, ever let you down. Now, more than ever, we must support the men and women in blue! #LawEnforcementAppreciationDay pic.twitter.com/Qb4uxB4JRm  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 9, 2018 Trump later expressed gratitude for federal immigration agents, in particular: .@ICEgov HSI agents and ERO officers, on behalf of an entire Nation, THANK YOU for what you are doing 24/7/365 to keep fellow Americans SAFE. Everyone is so grateful!#LawEnforcementAppreciationDay

President @realDonaldTrump https://t.co/HXCpTlruVo  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 10, 2018 The president thanked veterans as he cited his administrations efforts to curb the number of veteran suicides by improving mental health treatment for the high-risk group: Today, it was my great honor to sign a new Executive Order to ensure Veterans have the resources they need as they transition back to civilian life. We must ensure that our HEROES are given the care and support they so richly deserve! https://t.co/0MdP9DDIAS pic.twitter.com/LP2a8KCBAp  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 9, 2018 Trumps tweet included photos of the president signing an executive order Tuesday directing the secretaries of Defense, Homeland Security and Veterans Affairs to develop a plan to provide seamless access to mental health and suicide prevention resources for 12 months for members leaving the armed forces. Also on Tuesday, Trump touted a law he signed the day before designating the birthplace of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. a national historic park: It was my great honor to sign H.R. 267, the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park Act, which redesignates the Martin Luther King, Junior, National Historic Site in the State of Georgia as the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park. https://t.co/Qe0b6HBFTY pic.twitter.com/QTgaqTawPT  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 9, 2018 And he thanked House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Bakersfield) for sharing a video compilation comprised of clips of politicians and commentators praising the GOPs tax cut bill: Thank you @GOPLeader Kevin McCarthy! Couldnt agree w/you more. TOGETHER, we are #MAGA https://t.co/QaxtqpyXTR  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 10, 2018  This post contains reporting from the Associated Press and Times staff writer Alex Wigglesworth. Facebook

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Trump hails tax bill in tweets recapping speech to farmers By Associated Press Connecting with rural Americans, President Trump on Monday hailed his tax overhaul as a victory for family farmers. Farm country is Gods country, Trump told the annual convention of the American Farm Bureau Federation. Trump became the first president in a quarter-century to address the federations convention. His Southern swing also included a stop in Atlanta for the national college football championship game. Cant wait to be back in the amazing state of Tennessee to address the 99th American @FarmBureau Federations Annual Convention in Nashville! #AFBF18



On my way now - join me LIVE at 4:00pmE: https://t.co/QaljAqekdD. pic.twitter.com/Wm7Io0hYT8  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2018 Joined by Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) and a group of Tennessee lawmakers, Trump said most of the benefits of the tax legislation are going to working families, small businesses, and who  the family farmer. The package Trump signed into law last month provides generous tax cuts for corporations and the wealthiest Americans, and more modest reductions for middle- and low-income individuals and families. In every decision we make, we are honoring Americas PROUD FARMING LEGACY. Years of crushing taxes, crippling regs, & corrupt politics left our communities hurting, our economy stagnant, & millions of hardworking Americans COMPLETELY FORGOTTEN. But they are not forgotten ANYMORE! pic.twitter.com/MdYS7xnukQ  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2018 The president vastly inflated the value of the package in his speech, citing a total of $5.5 trillion in tax cuts, with most of those benefits going to working families, small businesses and who? The family farmer. The estimated value of the tax cuts is actually $1.5 trillion for families and businesses because of cuts in deductions and the use of other steps to generate offsetting tax revenue. We have been working every day to DELIVER for Americas Farmers just as they work every day to deliver FOR US. #AFBF18 pic.twitter.com/QDH7fvFkZ7  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2018 From Nashville, Trump traveled to Atlanta to watch Alabamas Crimson Tide and Georgias Bulldogs face off Monday night in the College Football Playoff National Championship. We are fighting for our farmers, for our country, and for our GREAT AMERICAN FLAG. We want our flag respected - and we want our NATIONAL ANTHEM respected also! pic.twitter.com/16eOLXg6Fi  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2018 Before departing for the game, Trump referenced his ongoing defense of the American flag and the national anthem, saying there was enough space for people to express their views. We love our flag and we love our anthem, and we want to keep it that way, he said. Facebook

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Trump tweet hails drop in unemployment rate for African Americans By Associated Press President Trump touted a drop in the unemployment rate for African Americans on Monday in a tweet. African American unemployment is the lowest ever recorded in our country. The Hispanic unemployment rate dropped a full point in the last year and is close to the lowest in recorded history. Dems did nothing for you but get your vote! #NeverForget @foxandfriends  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2018 The rate fell to 6.8% in December, the lowest level since the government began tracking such data in 1972. The reasons range from a greater number of black Americans with college degrees to a growing need for employers in a tight job market to widen the pool of people they hire from. Trump also hailed the development via Twitter on Saturday. His latest tweet on the topic came about an hour after it was discussed during an episode of Fox & Friends, according to Mediaite. Facebook

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Trump talks up the economy and dresses down the media in Sunday tweets With President Trump cheering from the sidelines, the White House on Sunday pressed its defense of the presidents fitness to govern, as fired former aide Stephen K. Bannon reversed course and apologized for his role in a new books explosive portrait of Trump. The presidents critics, meanwhile, said Trumps stream of taunts and insults in response to the book  Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House, released last week  served only to underscore the authors unsettling portrayal of Trumps year-old presidency, depicting a leader whose own aides consider him childish, ignorant and dangerously erratic. Trump provided more ammunition Sunday morning, as he continued to attack the book via Twitter while preparing to depart Camp David for the White House: Leaving Camp David for the White House. Great meetings with the Cabinet and Military on many very important subjects including Border Security & the desperately needed Wall, the ever increasing Drug and Opioid Problem, Infrastructure, Military, Budget, Trade and DACA.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 7, 2018 Ive had to put up with the Fake News from the first day I announced that I would be running for President. Now I have to put up with a Fake Book, written by a totally discredited author. Ronald Reagan had the same problem and handled it well. So will I!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 7, 2018 The most vehement defense of Trump on Sunday came from senior advisor Stephen Miller, a onetime Bannon acolyte who distanced himself from his former mentor. In a combative appearance Sunday on CNNs State of the Union, Miller called the book grotesque and writer Michael Wolff the garbage author of a garbage book. Trump is known to closely monitor aides televised performances in putting forth his case, and he gleefully weighed in within moments of Millers televised clash with host Jake Tapper. CNN has long been a particular target of Trumps ire. Jake Tapper of Fake News CNN just got destroyed in his interview with Stephen Miller of the Trump Administration. Watch the hatred and unfairness of this CNN flunky!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 7, 2018 Trumps reaction, however, seemed to bolster Tappers on-air depiction of Miller as using his appearance on the show to play to the president rather than addressing questions put to him. I get it  theres one viewer that you care about, the host said exasperatedly after Miller turned the discussion repeatedly to negative news coverage of the president while deflecting specific queries. Later on Twitter, Trump took up two themes that have been prevalent on his social media feeds recently. The president again went after the news media, tweeting that the recipients of his self-proclaimed most dishonest & corrupt media awards of the year, which he promised earlier in the week to announce on Monday, would actually be revealed the following Wednesday: The Fake News Awards, those going to the most corrupt & biased of the Mainstream Media, will be presented to the losers on Wednesday, January 17th, rather than this coming Monday. The interest in, and importance of, these awards is far greater than anyone could have anticipated!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 7, 2018 Trump later lauded a New York Post opinion piece that compared him favorably with his predecessor, President Obama, as well as Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton. In quoting the op-ed, Trump initally misspelled consequential as consensual, but he deleted those tweets and re-sent the messages. His is turning out to be an enormously consequential presidency. So much so that, despite my own frustration over his missteps, there has never been a day when I wished Hillary Clinton were president. Not one. Indeed, as Trumps accomplishments accumulate, the mere thought of...  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2018 ...Clinton in the WH, doubling down on Barack Obamas failed policies, washes away any doubts that America made the right choice. This was truly a change election  and the changes Trump is bringing are far-reaching & necessary. Thank you Michael Goodwin! https://t.co/4fHNcx2Ydg  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2018 Trump also continued talking up the economy, which has been enjoying a period of strong gains. The Stock Market has been creating tremendous benefits for our country in the form of not only Record Setting Stock Prices, but present and future Jobs, Jobs, Jobs. Seven TRILLION dollars of value created since our big election win!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 7, 2018 In addition to Miller, other senior administration officials made the rounds of Sunday news talk shows to decry the claims made in Wolffs book. CIA Director Mike Pompeo said Wolffs characterization of Trump as averse to digesting classified briefing material was ludicrous, and the ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, insisted that that those around Trump love their country and respect their president. Read More This post contains reporting from Times staff writer Laura King. Facebook

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Responding to book that mocks his intelligence, Trump tweets hes like, really smart By Tracy Wilkinson President Trump declared himself a very stable genius on Twitter on Saturday and later in a televised news conference called the author of a book that questioned his mental fitness a fraud. His comments came on a bone-cold day at Camp David during a weekend retreat with top administration officials and Republican congressional leaders strategizing on the years legislative agenda, including matters such as infrastructure, immigration, welfare reform and national security. Now that Russian collusion, after one year of intense study, has proven to be a total hoax on the American public, the Democrats and their lapdogs, the Fake News Mainstream Media, are taking out the old Ronald Reagan playbook and screaming mental stability and intelligence.....  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2018 ....Actually, throughout my life, my two greatest assets have been mental stability and being, like, really smart. Crooked Hillary Clinton also played these cards very hard and, as everyone knows, went down in flames. I went from VERY successful businessman, to top T.V. Star.....  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2018 ....to President of the United States (on my first try). I think that would qualify as not smart, but genius....and a very stable genius at that!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2018 Still, Trumps explosive rebuttal to author Michael Wolffs claims not only opened the day, but it also ensured the presidents capability to fill the highest office in the land was a topic that would not go away. In his early-morning tweets, Trump said two of his greatest assets have been mental stability, and being, like, really smart. He noted that his former Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton, played these cards [about competence] very hard and, as everyone knows, went down in flames. I went from VERY successful businessman, to top T.V. Star to President of the United States (on my first try). Read More Facebook

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In morning tweets, Trump touts job numbers and takes digs at news media By Associated Press President Trump used Twitter on Saturday morning to tout a drop in the unemployment rate for African Americans. He also used the tweets as an opportunity to take digs at media outlets whose past coverage he has found to be critical. The African American unemployment rate fell to 6.8%, the lowest rate in 45 years. I am so happy about this News! And, in the Washington Post (of all places), headline states, Trumps first year jobs numbers were very, very good.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2018 The unemployment rate for African Americans fell to 6.8% in December, the lowest level since the government began tracking such data in 1972. The reasons range from a greater number of black Americans with college degrees to a growing need for employers in a tight job market to widen the pool of people they hire from. Still, the rate for black workers remains well above those for whites and some other groups, something experts attribute in large part to decades of discrimination and disadvantages. Robust job creation has lowered unemployment for all Americans. U.S. employers added nearly 2.1 million jobs in 2017  the seventh straight year that hiring has topped 2 million. In his tweet, Trump praised a report that noted the numbers, touting the fact that it appeared in the Washington Post (of all places). Minutes later, Trump renewed his attack on an ABC News reporter who was suspended last month after filing an erroneous report on Michael Flynn, Trumps former national security advisor. Brian Ross, the reporter who made a fraudulent live newscast about me that drove the Stock Market down 350 points (billions of dollars), was suspended for a month but is now back at ABC NEWS in a lower capacity. He is no longer allowed to report on Trump. Should have been fired!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2018 The reporter, Brian Ross, was reportedly reassigned within ABC News upon returning from his unpaid suspension. But on Saturday, Trump wrote that he should have been fired. Trumps tweets came hours before he was set to host congressional Republicans and administration officials at Camp David. The meeting scheduled to begin at midmorning Saturday was expected to touch on the budget, infrastructure, immigration, welfare reform and the shape of the midterm election this fall. Facebook

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Trump commends Sen. Rand Paul after he proposes eliminating all U.S. aid to Pakistan President Trump commended Sen. Rand Paul after the Kentucky Republican announced plans to introduce legislation that would eliminate all U.S. aid to Pakistan. Trump tweeted Friday night: Good idea Rand! https://t.co/55sqUDiC0s  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2018 On Thursday, the Trump administration announced it was suspending security assistance to Islamabad until the country moves aggressively against local militants who have attacked U.S. troops in neighboring Afghanistan. Trump has repeatedly expressed frustration at the apparent inability of Pakistani authorities to rein in militants who cross out of the countrys rugged tribal areas to attack U.S. troops in Afghanistan. Read More This post contains reporting from Times staff writer Tracy Wilkinson. Facebook

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Trump continues to lash out at Sloppy Steve Bannon in tweets on tell-all book By Associated Press President Trump is praising a major Republican donor family for distancing themselves from his former advisor Steve Bannon. Trump tweeted Friday: The Mercer Family recently dumped the leaker known as Sloppy Steve Bannon. Smart!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 5, 2018 Trump has continued to lash out at Bannon over an explosive new book that quoted his former aide as questioning Trumps competence and describing a June 2016 meeting at Trump Tower among Donald Trump Jr., Trump campaign aides and a Russian lawyer as treasonous and unpatriotic. On Thursday, billionaire GOP donor Rebekah Mercer issued a statement distancing her family from Bannon. Mercer is a co-owner of Breitbart, the populist website Bannon helps run. I support President Trump and the platform upon which he was elected, Mercer said. My family and I have not communicated with Steve Bannon in many months and have provided no financial support to his political agenda, nor do we support his recent actions and statements. The book, Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House, quickly shot atop Amazons best-seller list, and the publisher moved up its release date by four days, to Friday. Trump took up the topic again on Twitter on Friday night, denouncing both Bannon and the books author, Michael Wolff, in starkly personal terms: Michael Wolff is a total loser who made up stories in order to sell this really boring and untruthful book. He used Sloppy Steve Bannon, who cried when he got fired and begged for his job. Now Sloppy Steve has been dumped like a dog by almost everyone. Too bad! https://t.co/mEeUhk5ZV9  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2018 Trumps message linked to a meme depicting a parody book cover titled, Liar and Phony, that featured a photo of Wolff and disparaging quotes about the author. In a tweet sent earlier Friday morning, Trump suggested the book was intended to serve as a distraction from the FBIs investigation into possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia, which Trump wrote is proving to be a total hoax. Well, now that collusion with Russia is proving to be a total hoax and the only collusion is with Hillary Clinton and the FBI/Russia, the Fake News Media (Mainstream) and this phony new book are hitting out at every new front imaginable. They should try winning an election. Sad!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 5, 2018 That came amid reports that Trump directed his White House counsel to tell Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions to not recuse himself from the Justice Departments Russia investigation. Trumps effort to keep Sessions, a vocal and loyal supporter of his election bid, in charge of an investigation into his campaign offers special counsel Robert Mueller yet another avenue to explore as his prosecutors work to untangle potential evidence of obstruction. Read More Facebook

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Trump praises the economy ahead of meetings at Camp David By Associated Press President Trump is praising the strength of the U.S. economy ahead of meetings at Camp David with congressional Republicans. Trump tweeted early Friday: Dow goes from 18,589 on November 9, 2016, to 25,075 today, for a new all-time Record. Jumped 1000 points in last 5 weeks, Record fastest 1000 point move in history. This is all about the Make America Great Again agenda! Jobs, Jobs, Jobs. Six trillion dollars in value created!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 5, 2018 The president also told reporters on the South Lawn that the tax cuts are really kicking in after Congress passed a package of tax cuts at the end of 2017. And the president praised the December jobs report, which found U.S. employers added 148,000 jobs in December and the unemployment rate stayed at 4.1%, the lowest level since 2000. The modest but steady pace of hiring is a reassuring sign for investors who have been buoyed by the just-passed Republican tax plan and have been sending stock market indexes roaring to uncharted heights. The president is meeting with Republican congressional leaders and members of his Cabinet on Friday and Saturday to discuss the 2018 agenda. Read More Facebook

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Trump tweets as Dow crashes through 25,000 By Associated Press President Trump dispatched a congratulatory tweet as the Dow Jones industrial average rose above the 25,000-point mark Thursday, just five weeks after its first close above 24,000. Dow just crashes through 25,000. Congrats! Big cuts in unnecessary regulations continuing.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2018 After the Dow closed above 25,000, Trump shared a graphic depicting the stock indexs record-setting rise. MAKING AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! pic.twitter.com/iONbr1DkVk  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 5, 2018 Later in the day, the president was back on Twitter, complaining that news outlets had barely covered the stock market milestone. He suggested that the strength of the economy would be the biggest story on earth, had it unfolded during the presidency of his predecessor. The Fake News Media barely mentions the fact that the Stock Market just hit another New Record and that business in the U.S. is booming...but the people know! Can you imagine if O was president and had these numbers - would be biggest story on earth! Dow now over 25,000.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 5, 2018 The Dow broke past 1,000-point barriers in 2017 on its way to a 25% gain for the year, as an eight-year rally since the Great Recession continued to confound skeptics. Strong global economic growth and good prospects for higher company earnings have analysts predicting more gains, although the market may not stay as calm as it has been recently. The Dow has made a rapid trip since it reached 24,000 points Nov. 30, partly on enthusiasm over passage of the Republican-backed tax package, which could boost company profits this year with across-the-board cuts to corporate taxes. Read More Facebook

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Trump reacts to Fire and Fury book in tweet lashing out at author and Sloppy Steve President Trump lashed out at the author of a soon-to-be-released book about the chaotic first year of his presidency Thursday night. In a tweet, Trump called Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House, a phony book and claimed that hed never spoken to its author, Michael Wolff. Look at this guys past and watch what happens to him and Sloppy Steve! Trump wrote. He appeared to be referring to former White House chief strategist Stephen K. Bannon, whose stunning criticisms of Trump and his circle figure prominently in the title. I authorized Zero access to White House (actually turned him down many times) for author of phony book! I never spoke to him for book. Full of lies, misrepresentations and sources that dont exist. Look at this guys past and watch what happens to him and Sloppy Steve!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 5, 2018 Trumps tweet came hours after he had his lawyer demand that Henry Holt & Co. and Wolff stop publication the book. Instead, the publisher expedited the books release to Friday, four days before it was slated to hit bookstore shelves, in response to unprecedented demand. Published excerpts on Wednesday and Thursday whetted that appetite and roiled Washington. Bannons comments, including that it was treasonous and unpatriotic for Trumps son Donald Trump Jr., son-in-law Jared Kushner and campaign manager Paul Manafort to have met in 2016 with Russians said to have dirt on Democratic rival Hillary Clinton, prompted Trump on Wednesday to rebuke his former advisor, saying Bannon had lost his mind. Read More This post contains reporting from Times staff writers Brian Bennett and Alex Wigglesworth. Facebook

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Trump thanks senators who attended meeting on immigration President Trump tweeted thanks to Republican senators who attended a meeting about possible immigration legislation on Thursday. In his message, Trump also listed his top priorities when it comes to any type of overhaul of the nations immigration system. Thank you to the great Republican Senators who showed up to our mtg on immigration reform. We must BUILD THE WALL, stop illegal immigration, end chain migration & cancel the visa lottery. The current system is unsafe & unfair to the great people of our country - time for change!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2018 Trumps tweet echoed his remarks at the beginning of Thursdays meeting, when he insisted again that constructing a border wall and overhauling two legal immigration programs must be part of any deal with Democrats to protect the so-called Dreamers from deportation. Two-year deportation protections and work permits given under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program begin to expire March 6 under an executive order. Trump announced in September that he was ending the Obama-era program, but told Congress to draft a law to continue protections for people brought to the country illegally as children  a group that has widespread public support. Read More This post contains reporting from Times staff writer Brian Bennett. Facebook

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Trump resumes Twitter war against kneeling NFL players President Trump has resumed his Twitter war against NFL players who kneel during the national anthem to protest social injustice and racial inequality. In a tweet early Thursday, Trump replied to a supporter who shared a meme that appears to depict family members lying on the grave of a fallen soldier with the caption: This is why we stand. Show this picture to the NFL players who still kneel! Trump wrote. So beautiful....Show this picture to the NFL players who still kneel! https://t.co/tJLM1tvbvb  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2018 The president has denounced players who kneel during the anthem in previous tweets. Hes also called for the firing of players who do so. His latest message came amid news that the NFL finished the regular season with TV ratings that fell nearly 10% below the previous season. Analysts attribute the drop to controversies facing the league, as well as changing viewing habits and a possible saturation point in the number of games available. Read More This post contains reporting from Times staff writers Stephen Battaglio and Alex Wigglesworth. Facebook

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Trump credits himself with facilitating talks between North and South Korea By Associated Press President Trump says his tough stance on nuclear weapons on the Korean peninsula is helping push North Korea and South Korea to talk. Trump tweeted early Thursday: With all of the failed experts weighing in, does anybody really believe that talks and dialogue would be going on between North and South Korea right now if I wasnt firm, strong and willing to commit our total might against the North. Fools, but talks are a good thing!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2018 That assertion is in conflict with some of the presidents own statements. Last year, he ridiculed Secretary of State Rex Tillerson for talking about negotiations with the North. This week, Trump seemed open to the possibility of an inter-Korean dialogue after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un made a rare overture toward South Korea in a New Years Day address. But Trumps ambassador to the United Nations insisted that talks wont be meaningful unless the North is getting rid of its nuclear weapons. The overture about talks came after Trump and Kim traded more bellicose claims about their nuclear weapons. In his New Years Day address, Kim repeated fiery nuclear threats against the United States. Kim said he has a nuclear button on his office desk and warned that the whole territory of the U.S. is within the range of our nuclear strike. Trump mocked that assertion Tuesday evening in a tweet. Facebook

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After disbanding his vote fraud panel, Trump still says voting system is rigged By Brian Bennett One day after disbanding his troubled voter fraud commission without any findings of fraud, President Trump continued to call the U.S. voting system rigged and said states should require that Americans have voter-identification cards. In two tweets on Thursday morning, Trump blamed the commissions failure on the lack of cooperation from mostly Democrat States that refused to hand over voter rolls because they know that many people are voting illegally. However, voting supervisors in Republican-led states refused as well, objecting on privacy and other grounds. Many mostly Democrat States refused to hand over data from the 2016 Election to the Commission On Voter Fraud. They fought hard that the Commission not see their records or methods because they know that many people are voting illegally. System is rigged, must go to Voter I.D.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2018 As Americans, you need identification, sometimes in a very strong and accurate form, for almost everything you do.....except when it comes to the most important thing, VOTING for the people that run your country. Push hard for Voter Identification!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2018 Despite Trumps assertions, analysts have not found evidence of widespread voter fraud. Trump created the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity in May after alleging, without proof, that millions of illegal votes were cast for Hillary Clinton in the 2016 election. Trump was elected after winning a majority in the electoral college, but the nationwide count showed Clinton received nearly 3 million more votes. The commission sought personal data on voters across the country and faced mounting lawsuits in recent months over privacy concerns. Read More Facebook

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Trump touts another good day for stocks, credits tax cut By Associated Press President Trump touted another good day for the stock market Wednesday in a tweet. Stock Market had another good day but, now that the Tax Cut Bill has passed, we have tremendous upward potential. Dow just short of 25,000, a number that few thought would be possible this soon into my administration. Also, unemployment went down to 4.1%. Only getting better!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2018 Big gains for technology and healthcare stocks helped U.S. indexes set records again Wednesday. Some analysts attributed the surge to investor enthusiasm for Trumps $1.5-trillion tax cut. All told, Wall Street analysts estimate the tax package should boost earnings for companies in the Standard & Poors 500 index by roughly 8% this year. Thats much more generous than the average tax cut of 1.6% that middle-class families will receive, according to the Tax Policy Center. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2018 The public has been less enthusiastic about the tax law. A Monmouth University poll last month found that nearly half of Americans disapproved of it, with only 26% in support. Still, as Trump also noted on Twitter, some workers have seen a benefit: So far, dozens of companies have announced bonuses and higher minimum wages as a result of the tax cut. AT&T, Comcast, Bank of America, and American Airlines have all pledged to pay $1,000 bonuses to their employees. Some 40 U.S. companies have responded to President Trumps tax cut and reform victory in Congress last year by handing out bonuses up to $2,000, increases in 401k matches and spending on charity, a much higher number than previously known. https://t.co/bmWrwWzxMR  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2018 Investors also appear less concerned than many politicians about how the additional profits will be used. The Trump administration says it expects companies will plow much of the extra profit back into their businesses, purchasing more software, machinery, and other equipment. Those investments will make workers more productive and provide a key boost to the economys long-run growth. They should also boost wages and salaries for employees. Opponents of the tax law respond that companies are more likely to pass the windfall on to shareholders in the form of higher dividend payments and share buybacks, which raise the price of those shares still in investors hands. Previous cuts in corporate tax rates, in the United States and overseas, havent always led to higher wages. For Wall Street, its all good, at least in the short run. Most analysts take the view that either way, companies and the economy will benefit. Facebook

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Trump reacts to death of Mormon Church president By Associated Press President Trump mourned the death of Mormon Church leader Thomas S. Monson on Wednesday evening. Trump tweeted a link to a statement in which he said that Monson demonstrated wisdom, inspired leadership, and great compassion and delivered a message of optimism, forgiveness, and faith. Melania and I are deeply saddened by the death of Thomas S. Monson, a beloved President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints...https://t.co/ETD3fWtfU3  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2018 A church bishop at the age of 22, Monson became the youngest church apostle ever in 1963 at the age of 36. He served as a counselor for three church presidents before assuming the role of the top leader of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in February 2008. After a life of church service, Monson died Tuesday at his home in Salt Lake City, according to church spokesman Eric Hawkins. He was 90. Read More Facebook

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Trump tweets that Iranian protesters will see great U.S. support at the appropriate time By Associated Press President Trump continued to express support for Irans anti-government protesters on Wednesday. In a tweet, Trump commended the protesters and pledged that the United States will support them at the appropriate time. Such respect for the people of Iran as they try to take back their corrupt government. You will see great support from the United States at the appropriate time!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 3, 2018 Trumps tweet Wednesday morning came as Iranian Ambassador Gholamali Khoshroo sent a letter to United Nations officials complaining that Washington was intervening in a grotesque way in Irans internal affairs. The President and Vice-President of the United States, in their numerous absurd tweets, incited Iranians to engage in disruptive acts, the ambassador wrote to the U.N. Security Council president and U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. The U.S. didnt immediately respond to the letter, which maintains that Washington has crossed every limit in flouting rules and principles of international law governing the civilized conduct of international relations. At least 21 people have been killed and hundreds arrested in Iran during a week of anti-government protests and unrest over economic woes and official corruption. Meanwhile, tens of thousands of people took part in counter-demonstrations Wednesday backing the clerically overseen government, which has said enemies of Iran are fomenting the protests. Trump has unleashed a series of tweets in recent days backing the protesters, saying Iran is failing at every level and declaring that it is time for change in the Islamic Republic. Facebook

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Trump congratulates Sen. Orrin Hatch upon news of his retirement By Associated Press President Trump congratulated Sen. Orrin Hatch for an absolutely incredible career upon news of Hatchs impending retirement. In a tweet Tuesday afternoon, Trump called Hatch a tremendous supporter and wrote that he will be greatly missed in the Senate. Congratulations to Senator Orrin Hatch on an absolutely incredible career. He has been a tremendous supporter, and I will never forget the (beyond kind) statements he has made about me as President. He is my friend and he will be greatly missed in the U.S. Senate! pic.twitter.com/0VjzLEeHTl  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 Hatchs decision to retire from the Senate after four decades lets the Utah Republican walk away at the height of his power after helping to push through an overhaul of the tax code and persuading Trump to downsize two national monuments. Retirement also preserves the 83-year-olds legacy by allowing him to avoid a bruising reelection battle that would have broken his promise not to seek an eighth term. Read More Facebook

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Trump tweet exaggerates progress in improving veterans care By Associated Press President Trump played up tremendous progress in improving care for veterans in his first year on Tuesday in a tweet. His message linked to an Instagram video describing eight accomplishments that show Trump is fighting for our veterans. But it overstates the impact of these steps. We will not rest until all of Americas GREAT VETERANS can receive the care they so richly deserve. Tremendous progress has been made in a short period of time. Keep up the great work @SecShulkin @DeptVetAffairs! https://t.co/ir25vW15hx pic.twitter.com/OtuzIgxMn6  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 Of the eight achievements cited, two are ceremonial proclamations recognizing National Veterans and Military Families Month and National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. Two are pieces of legislation that extended the troubled Veterans Choice program on a temporary basis. This became necessary because the Trump administration repeatedly miscalculated the amount of taxpayer dollars available to pay for care from private doctors outside the Veterans Affairs system when veterans had to endure long waits for treatment at VA medical centers. The departments poor budget planning caught lawmakers off guard. A fifth claim involves telehealth, a step letting doctors practice medicine across state lines using digital technology. Announced in August, it has yet to take full effect because a proposed VA regulation hasnt been completed. The VA wants authority to practice across state lines to come from legislation, not a regulation. On Wednesday, the Senate approved a telehealth measure that now goes to the House. A sixth claim refers to legislation that streamlines the appeals process for disability compensation claims within the VA. This step has had limited effect so far because it applies to new disability claims, not the 470,000 pending claims. The last two initiatives make it easier for the VA to discipline employees. The department has pointed to more than 1,300 employees who have been fired under Trumps watch. Because their infractions are not detailed in public documents, the effect on veterans care is not fully known. Facebook

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Trump unleashes his first tweetstorm of 2018 By Noah Bierman President Trump clearly didnt resolve to change his Twitter habits this year. With nine disparate tweets over three hours on Tuesday morning, the first working day of 2018, Trump continued to exploit social media to be the most aggressive commentator in chief in American history. For any other president, his posts would have made for a monumental day of (mis-)statements. Yet for Trump, the series  attacks on political foes and media, provocations of foreign leaders and self-praise for events he had nothing to do with  was all but unremarkable. His Twitter barrage  sent between 7:09 a.m. and 10:16 a.m.  reflected a familiar gamut after nearly a year in office: Attacks on political foes: Nearly 14 months after his election, Trump called for the jailing of Huma Abedin, Crooked Hillary Clintons top aid (his misspelling, another occasional feature of Trump tweets). Crooked Hillary Clintons top aid, Huma Abedin, has been accused of disregarding basic security protocols. She put Classified Passwords into the hands of foreign agents. Remember sailors pictures on submarine? Jail! Deep State Justice Dept must finally act? Also on Comey & others  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 In the same tweet, he disparaged the Deep State Justice Dept, headed of course by his appointees, calling on it to act against James B. Comey, the FBI director he fired for investigating the Russia thing. Diplomatic provocations: Trump again called North Korean leader Kim Jong Un Rocket man, ridiculed the volatile nuclear-armed foe for recent military defections and openly speculated about potential talks between North and South Korea. Sanctions and other pressures are beginning to have a big impact on North Korea. Soldiers are dangerously fleeing to South Korea. Rocket man now wants to talk to South Korea for first time. Perhaps that is good news, perhaps not - we will see!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 Perhaps that is good news, perhaps not  we will see! Trump wrote. Later Tuesday, Trump tweeted: North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un just stated that the Nuclear Button is on his desk at all times. Will someone from his depleted and food starved regime please inform him that I too have a Nuclear Button, but it is a much bigger & more powerful one than his, and my Button works!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 3, 2018 Also later Tuesday, Trump tweeted an attack on Pakistan, his second in as many days, and added a new one against Palestinians: It's not only Pakistan that we pay billions of dollars to for nothing, but also many other countries, and others. As an example, we pay the Palestinians HUNDRED OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS a year and get no appreciation or respect. They dont even want to negotiate a long overdue...  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 ...peace treaty with Israel. We have taken Jerusalem, the toughest part of the negotiation, off the table, but Israel, for that, would have had to pay more. But with the Palestinians no longer willing to talk peace, why should we make any of these massive future payments to them?  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 Undermining media: Trump offered Congratulations! to A.G. Sulzberger, who took over as publisher of the New York Times this week. The Failing New York Times has a new publisher, A.G. Sulzberger. Congratulations! Here is a last chance for the Times to fulfill the vision of its Founder, Adolph Ochs, to give the news impartially, without fear or FAVOR, regardless of party, sect, or interests involved. Get...  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 ....impartial journalists of a much higher standard, lose all of your phony and non-existent sources, and treat the President of the United States FAIRLY, so that the next time I (and the people) win, you wont have to write an apology to your readers for a job poorly done! GL  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 But the two-part post was really yet another slam against a perceived media foe: Trump said the paper had a last chance to fulfill its journalistic mission, and accused it of relying on phony sources and substandard reporters  just days after he granted another exclusive interview to the paper. As a bonus, the tweet contained a recycled falsehood, that the paper apologized after the election for reporting on him unfairly. It didnt. Trump later said on Twitter that he would soon announce the most dishonest & corrupt media awards of the year. Stay tuned! I will be announcing THE MOST DISHONEST & CORRUPT MEDIA AWARDS OF THE YEAR on Monday at 5:00 oclock. Subjects will cover Dishonesty & Bad Reporting in various categories from the Fake News Media. Stay tuned!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 3, 2018 The president also tweeted a quote from Fox Business Networks Lou Dobbs Tonight, which aired a segment praising Trumps first-year accomplishments. Dobbs reportedly joined Trump at Mar-a-Lago on Sunday for a gala to celebrate New Years Eve. President Trump has something now he didnt have a year ago, that is a set of accomplishments that nobody can deny. The accomplishments are there, look at his record, he has had a very significant first year. @LouDobbs Show,David Asman & Ed Rollins  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 3, 2018 Taking credit: Trump congratulated himself for policing the border with Mexico, an area where his policies and anti-immigration rhetoric are believed to have had some effect on reducing illegal crossings. Thank you to Brandon Judd of the National Border Patrol Council for your kind words on how well we are doing at the Border. We will be bringing in more & more of your great folks and will build the desperately needed WALL! @foxandfriends  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 He took credit for employee bonuses by companies after he signed Republican tax cuts into law last month. Companies are giving big bonuses to their workers because of the Tax Cut Bill. Really great!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 But the jaw-dropper was Trump congratulating himself for planes not crashing. Since taking office I have been very strict on Commercial Aviation. Good news - it was just reported that there were Zero deaths in 2017, the best and safest year on record!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 It was the safest year on record worldwide, but the American streak without commercial jet passenger deaths goes back to 2009. Trump, who has promoted deregulation as one of his top accomplishments, has not signed off on any new airline safety regulations. The White House pointed to new security screening of passengers, to electronic devices to prevent terrorist attacks and to Trumps support for privatizing air traffic control  a proposal that has gotten nowhere in Congress. Falsehoods: Trump said President Obama, in brokering the 2015 nuclear arms limitation deal with Iran, foolishly gave money to the brutal and corrupt Iranian regime. He didnt. The people of Iran are finally acting against the brutal and corrupt Iranian regime. All of the money that President Obama so foolishly gave them went into terrorism and into their pockets. The people have little food, big inflation and no human rights. The U.S. is watching!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 The nuclear deal, which included major U.S. allies as signators, released Irans own funds that had long been frozen. Trumps art of the deal: When Trump sees a big deal looming, he often blasts the other side  to gain leverage, as hes written. This week he resumes a showdown with Democratic lawmakers over funding the government and immigration protections for so-called Dreamers, who were brought to the country illegally as children. Democrats are doing nothing for DACA - just interested in politics. DACA activists and Hispanics will go hard against Dems, will start falling in love with Republicans and their President! We are about RESULTS.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 Trump, who in September ordered a gradual end of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, sought to shift blame for the resulting controversy, saying Democrats are doing nothing for DACA and are just interested in politics. Trump has insisted that any help for Dreamers be paired with funding for a border wall and a crackdown on legal immigration. Democrats, and some Republicans, are opposed. Read More Facebook

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In tweet, Trump suggests U.S. will withdraw financial assistance to Pakistan By Shashank Bengali Pakistan lashed out Monday after President Trump accused its leaders of lies & deceit and suggested the United States would withdraw financial assistance to the nuclear-armed nation it once saw as a key ally against terrorism. It was the presidents latest broadside against Pakistan after a speech in August in which he demanded its leaders crack down on the safe havens enjoyed by Taliban militants fighting U.S.-backed forces in neighboring Afghanistan. The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies & deceit, thinking of our leaders as fools. They give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. No more!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 1, 2018 U.S. Ambassador David Hale was summoned to the Foreign Ministry to discuss the presidents statement, U.S. Embassy spokesman Richard Snelsire said. Pakistan lodged a strongly worded protest and asked for clarification about Trumps comments, according to two foreign office officials who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly. Pakistans prime minister, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, called a Cabinet meeting for Tuesday and a meeting of the National Security Committee on Wednesday to discuss Trumps New Years Day tweet. Read More Facebook

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Trump continues to tweet in support of Iranian protesters By Laura King President Trump expressed renewed support Sunday for protesters in Iran, declaring that people are finally getting wise as to how their money and wealth is being stolen and squandered on terrorism. In a tweet from his Florida estate, Mar-a-Lago, the president said the nationwide economic protests that began on Thursday  and have taken on wider political overtones as they have grown in size  were a signal that Iranians will not take it any longer. Big protests in Iran. The people are finally getting wise as to how their money and wealth is being stolen and squandered on terrorism. Looks like they will not take it any longer. The USA is watching very closely for human rights violations!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 31, 2017 Trump has tweeted about the protests for three days straight as Iranians took to the streets despite a heavy police presence, tear gas and scores of arrests. The defiance gained urgency after two people were reported shot to death in the city of Dorud, about 200 miles southwest of Tehran. As the conflict escalated, Iranian authorities on Sunday slapped a temporary ban on Instagram and the messaging app Telegram, which were widely used to fan protest fervor. Iran, the Number One State of Sponsored Terror with numerous violations of Human Rights occurring on an hourly basis, has now closed down the Internet so that peaceful demonstrators cannot communicate. Not good!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 31, 2017 Irans leaders already are casting Trumps increasingly effusive expressions of support for the demonstrators as opportunistic meddling and are painting the demonstrators as foreign pawns, adopting a strategy that some analysts say could jeopardize the legitimacy of the nascent antigovernment protests. Read More Facebook

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Trump tweets condolences after Colorado deputies are shot in ambush, one fatally By Associated Press A man fired more than 100 rounds at sheriffs deputies in Colorado early Sunday, killing one and injuring four others, before being fatally shot himself in what authorities called an ambush. Two civilians were also injured. President Trump expressed sorrow, writing on Twitter: My deepest condolences to the victims of the terrible shooting in Douglas County @DCSheriff, and their families. We love our police and law enforcement - God Bless them all! #LESM  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 31, 2017 Douglas County Sheriff Tony Spurlock said deputies came under fire almost
Trumps latest tweet in media war is a literal show of mock pugilism By Laura King President Trump on Sunday circulated a doctored video clip on Twitter that showed him physically attacking a crudely rendered stand-in for CNN, a post that drew rebukes from critics as an incitement to violence, but prompted renewed expressions of support from backers. In doing so, Trump also ignored pleas to stop tweeting or at least take a more presidential tone -- from lawmakers in his own party -- after he took his war against news media to new heights last week with a coarse post on the appearance and intellect of cable television host Mika Brzezinski. On Saturday he also posted several anti-media messages as Americans began their Fourth of July celebration. Sundays tweet, which used an edited version of a years-old promotional video for professional wrestling, showed Trump, clad in a business suit and tie, administering a choreographed beat-down to a figure whose face was obscured by CNNs logo. #FraudNewsCNN #FNN pic.twitter.com/WYUnHjjUjg  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 2, 2017 CNN, which has been a particular target of the president since the network was forced to retract a story relating to an element of the sprawling investigation into possible collusion with Russia by the Trump campaign, quickly condemned the tweet. It is a sad day when the President of the United States encourages violence against reporters, the network said in statement. It also tweeted a recent assertion by White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders that Trump had never engaged in such incitement. "The President in no way form or fashion has ever promoted or encouraged violence. If anything, quite the contrary." - @SHSanders45 6/29/17  CNN Communications (@CNNPR) July 2, 2017 As is often the case, the presidents surrogates were left scrambling to explain or justify an inflammatory Twitter outburst. Homeland security advisor Thomas Bossert, who was shown the clip while appearing on ABCs This Week, watched it stone-faced and then declared: No one would perceive that as a threat. I hope they dont. The night before, Trump had used a celebration of veterans at Washingtons Kennedy Center to again denounce the news media. The president, who had briefly broken a weekend golf getaway to appear at the rally, pounded away at the theme that he is being treated unfairly. The fake media tried to stop us from going to the White House, he told the raucous crowd. But Im president, and theyre not. Facebook

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Increasing number of states reject request for personal information on voters from Trump commission By Colleen Shalby (Carolyn Kaster / Associated Press) A growing number of states have rejected a request for personal information about voters from a presidential commission on vote fraud led by Kansas controversial Secretary of State Kris Kobach. Kobach, the vice chairman of the commission, sent letters to each state and Washington, D.C., asking for voters personal information. The request asked for names, addresses, voting history and the last four digits of voters Social Security numbers. The commission was set up to look into voter fraud after President Trump alleged that he lost the popular vote in 2016 only because millions of people voted illegally -- a claim that numerous states election officials from both parties and outside experts have dismissed as groundless. As of Friday afternoon, at least 13 states had outright rejected the request from the Presidential Advisory Committee on Election Integrity. Officials in several other states either said they would not supply all the information or needed more information before making a decision. Some officials did not mince words in their nos. They can go jump in the Gulf of Mexico, and Mississippi is a great State to launch from, Mississippi Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann wrote in a statement. California Secretary of State Alex Padilla said in a statement that strongly criticized Kobach that he would continue to defend the rights of all eligible voters to cast their ballots free from discrimination, intimidation or unnecessary roadblocks. Secretary Padilla's response to the Election Commission's request for personal data of CA voters: pic.twitter.com/UdUt55HSim  CA SOS Vote (@CASOSvote) June 29, 2017 As a Kansas official, Kobach has been a leading backer of immigration restrictions and of measures to put new requirements on who is allowed to vote. His opponents note that he was fined last week for misleading a federal court in a voting rights case. Democratic elected officials in several states criticized the commission, itself, not just the information request. The president created his election commission based on the false notion that voter fraud is a widespread issue  it is not, Kentucky Secretary of State Allison Grimes wrote. "I do not intend to release Kentuckians' sensitive personal data to the fed. gov't."  Sec. Grimes



Statement on Pres. Commission request: pic.twitter.com/9Js05x99eF  Alison L. Grimes (@KySecofState) June 30, 2017 In an odd contradiction, Kobach said that Kansas, like some other states, will partially reject at least one aspect of the request. In Kansas, the Social Security number is not publicly available.  Every state receives the same letter, but were not asking for it if its not publicly available, he told the Kansas City Star. The states that have fully rejected the request include California, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, North Dakota, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, Mississippi and Minnesota. Others, including Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, Connecticut, Missouri, Kansas, Utah and Texas will turn over some of the requested information. Vermont has requested an affidavit from the commission. And Wisconsin has suggested that the commission could purchase the publicly available information, just as political campaigns do. Officials in Washington state said they were reviewing the request. Facebook

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Look at possible conflicts of interest in Trump teams OneWest Bank probes, 2 Democrats urge By Jim Puzzanghera Protesters gather outside a OneWest Bank in Pasadena in 2014. (Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times) Two House Democrats want Congress to look into possible conflicts of interest in the Trump administrations handling of investigations into Pasadenas OneWest Bank  a bank formerly headed by now-Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin. Reps. Maxine Waters (D-Los Angeles) and Al Green (D-Texas) said Friday that there was room for considerable doubt as to the impartiality and the adequacy of this administrations investigations into OneWest and a subsidiary, Financial Freedom. Mnuchin was the banks chairman from 2009 to 2015. President Trump has nominated Joseph Otting, the former chief executive of OneWest, to be comptroller of the currency, a key bank regulator who is part of the Treasury Department. And Brian Brooks, who was OneWests vice chairman, reportedly will be tapped to be deputy Treasury secretary. Read More Facebook

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Healthcare issue delivers nothing but pain for Nevadas embattled Sen. Dean Heller By David Montero Dean Heller is Stephanie Diaz-Gonzalezs problem now. Shes never met Nevadas Republican senator and hadnt had much time to familiarize herself. How could she? The 25-year-old is holding down a full-time job and ra+ising a 7-year-old son, who keeps her busy with soccer games, math homework and those too-often terrifying moments when he cant breathe. When President Trump was elected and congressional Republicans moved on their top priority to dismantle Obamacare, Diaz-Gonzalez got to know Heller a whole lot better. Given his back-and-forth on the issue, she came to distrust him. I dont know if I could vote for him or support him, the Democrat said. He seems very contradictory. Which is why Heller is also Karen Steelmons problem. Steelmon, a 48-year-old Republican who grew up in northern Nevada, isnt happy with the lawmaker, who is considered the most vulnerable GOP senator in the country when he comes up for reelection next year. Obamacare has always been an abomination to Steelmon, an ardent supporter of repeal. To her, deeply held principles are at stake. Heller has never acted in favor of what I would consider conservative, constitutional principles as a general rule, said Steelmon, who would like to see the incumbent taken out in a GOP primary. And on the very few times he has, its always come as a surprise. This is Hellers dilemma. Read More Facebook

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Trump will meet face-to-face with Putin in Germany next week By Brian Bennett (Alexei Nikolsky / Associated Press) President Trump has governed five months under a cloud of questions about his relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin, yet the two men will meet next week for the first time, on the sidelines of the G20 summit of world leaders in Hamburg, Germany. White House officials on Thursday confirmed plans for the private meeting but said no decisions had been made about the topics Trump will raise. So its unclear whether the men will discuss Russias election-year cyberattacks that are the focus of criminal and congressional investigations. Our relationship with Russia is not different from any other country in terms of us communicating with them, really, what our concerns are, where we see problems in the relationship but also opportunities, said Trumps national security advisor, H.R. McMaster. McMaster said he expected the two men to have a broad, wide-ranging discussion about problems in the relationship but also about where the U.S. and Russia have common interests. Theres no specific agenda, McMaster said. Its really going to be whatever the president wants to talk about, he added. The White House has refused to say whether Trump would sign legislation with new sanctions on Russia for meddling in the elections by hacking, including into some states voting systems, and by spreading false news stories. But Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin indicated the existing restrictions against Russia were sufficient. Weve got plenty of those as well, Mnuchin said. Trump will also meet with the leaders of China, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Indonesia, Singapore and other countries during the summit of 20 major world economies. Trumps director of the White House National Economic Council, Gary Cohn, said the meeting would fall short of a typical bilateral discussion between the American president and the head of another country, but would be more than whats known in diplomacy-speak as a pull aside  a quick, informal get-together on the edge of a conference. Trumps scheduled meeting with Putin in Hamburg places added significance on his stop in Poland next Wednesday. In Warsaw, McMaster said, Trump intends to bolster U.S. relationships with Poland and other central European and Baltic states that were once in Moscows orbit under the Soviet Union, but now rely on the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the U.S. to counter pressure from Russia. Trumps meetings there seem designed to strengthen his hand with Putin. McMaster called Poland a front-line NATO nation with regards to the eastern flank, noting that it sent troops to fight alongside the U.S. in Afghanistan and Iraq and has exceeded its pledge on NATO defense spending. As a candidate and president, Trump has criticized other NATO countries that have not yet met those pledges for military spending equal to at least 2% of the size of their respective economies. Facebook

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Travel ban seen a win by at least one conservative; Breitbart focuses on upcoming votes in Congress By Kurtis Lee After it stalled for several months in federal courts, a portion of President Trumps travel ban is set to take effect Thursday evening and will bar individuals from six majority-Muslim countries. Some in conservative media are viewing it as a much-needed political victory for Trump. Here are some of Thursdays headlines: Two wins for Trump (Washington Times) Trump has seen setbacks in his fledgling administration  probes into possible collusion with Russia, infighting among his party over a healthcare overhaul, federal courts halting his travel ban. But now, the president gets a W. The Supreme Courts decision to allow portions of President Trumps travel ban to proceed is a much-needed victory for the administration, Cal Thompson writes. In doing so the unanimous court affirmed  at least temporarily, pending a full hearing on the case in the fall  a presidents constitutional authority to determine whether people seeking admittance to the U.S. pose a threat to our safety and security. Thompson also highlights the Supreme Court decision this week that churches have the same right as other charitable groups to seek state money for new playground surfaces and other non-religious needs. Thompson called the ruling in the case, Trinity Lutheran Church of Columbia Inc. v. Comer, a victory for religious institutions and Trump, who at times has touched on the issue of religious freedom. Breitbart prods GOP leaders to pass pro-American immigration reforms (Breitbart) For Trump, Breitbart hasnt always delivered the most approving headlines for his administration  particularly on immigration. Some right-wing bloggers and pundits dont think Trump has done enough on immigration, a key pillar of his campaign platform. This piece turns the attention to members of Congress, where two bills  focused primarily on detaining people in the country illegally  could come up for a vote . The GOP-run House is expected to vote for two modest immigration-reform bills as soon as this week, but pro-American reformers are using the two votes to build loud and energetic public pressure for major reform legislation, notes the right-wing website. Trump attacks Psycho Joe Scarborough, Crazy Mika Brzezinski in Twitter tear (Fox News) At first, they were friends; now, perhaps, enemies?

Trump used Twitter early Thursday to jab Morning Joe hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski, who the president in past has said he admires. The tweets have drawn the ire of Republicans. Heres what the president wrote: I heard poorly rated @Morning_Joe speaks badly of me (don't watch anymore). Then how come low I.Q. Crazy Mika, along with Psycho Joe, came..  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 29, 2017 ...to Mar-a-Lago 3 nights in a row around New Year's Eve, and insisted on joining me. She was bleeding badly from a face-lift. I said no!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 29, 2017 And the response? pic.twitter.com/8YhzcCUwM1  Mika Brzezinski (@morningmika) June 29, 2017 Facebook

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Trump plans to nominate Brendan Carr to fill final FCC seat and provide crucial vote on net neutrality rules By Jim Puzzanghera President Trump intends to nominate Brendan Carr, a former aide to Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai, to fill the final open seat at the agency and provide a crucial vote on the future of tough net neutrality rules. Carr, the FCCs general counsel, would fill a Republican slot on the commission and would be expected to support Pais push to roll back the regulations for online traffic. Carrs intended nomination was announced by the White House on Wednesday night. It comes after Trump nominated Jessica Rosenworcel, a former FCC commissioner, on June 14 to fill a Democratic seat. If the Senate confirms both nominees, as expected, the FCC would have its full complement of five commissioners and a 3-2 Republican majority. Read More Facebook

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Gorsuch is already pushing Supreme Court to the right on religion, guns and gays By David Savage Supreme Court Associate Justice Neil Gorsuch (J. Scott Applewhite / Associated Press) When Judge Neil M. Gorsuch went before the Senate in March as President Trumps first nominee to the Supreme Court, he sought to assure senators he would be independent and above the political fray. There is no such thing as a Republican judge or Democratic judge, he said more than once. We just have judges. But in just his first few weeks on the high court, Justice Gorsuch has shown himself to be a confident conservative activist, urging his colleagues to move the law to the right on religion, gun rights, gay rights and campaign funding. He dissented along with Justice Clarence Thomas when the court rejected a gun-rights challenge to Californias law that strictly regulates who may carry a concealed weapon. The 2nd Amendments core purpose, they said, shows the right to bear arms extends to public carry. He wrote a dissent, joined by Thomas and Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr., when the court struck down part of an Arkansas law that gave opposite sex-couples, but not same-sex couples, the right to have both spouses listed on a childs birth certificate. The court said it had already decided that same-sex couples deserve fully equal rights under state law. And when Trumps travel ban came before the court this week, Gorsuch dissented from the majoritys middle-ground approach, which allowed the ban to take effect except for foreign travelers who had a relationship with this country, such as a close relative or a student enrolled in a university. Read More Facebook

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When he meets South Koreas president, Trump will be asking for trade concessions and help confronting North Korea By Brian Bennett (Nicholas Kamm / AFP Photo) President Trump plans to pressure South Korean President Moon Jae-in to make trade concessions when they meet Friday, while at the same time seeking closer cooperation against North Koreas accelerating nuclear program. Both aims, outlined Wednesday by a senior administration official, could make for some difficult discussions, especially since the newly elected Moon campaigned for a softer approach to the government in Pyongyang. Moon, who arrived Wednesday in Washington, began his four-day visit by laying a wreath at a memorial at Marine Corps Base Quantico in northern Virginia to the U.S. Marines who died during the Korean War in the battle at Chosin Reservoir. Trump will host Moon and his wife, Kim Joon-suk, for dinner at the White House on Thursday before the two leaders meet one-on-one in the Oval Office on Friday morning. Having criticized the two countries trade agreement when he was running for president, Trump will argue for a more balanced trade relationship, the administration official said in a background briefing. In particular, Trump will cite the large amount of Chinese steel that is sometimes processed in South Korea before being sold cheaply in the U.S. market. The two leaders will have a friendly, frank discussion about the trade imbalance between South Korea and the United States, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity. Seouls trade surplus is shrinking, the official added, but there is still a large gap. The visit will mark the first time the two leaders have met since the liberal Moon took office last month after the ouster of President Park Geun-hye, a scandal-tarred conservative who had taken a hard line against North Korea. Trump and Moon share precisely the same goal, the Trump aide said -- the complete dismantlement of North Koreas nuclear program. But the approach of the two leaders is starkly different. Trump has called for maximum pressure against North Korea, seeking additional economic sanctions and demanding that China, North Koreas main ally and patron, do more to shut off assistance to Pyongyang. Moon has risen through the ranks of his countrys politics advocating for closer ties between the Koreas, which technically are still at war. Already he has taken steps to delay the deployment of the U.S. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system, known as THAAD, an anti-missile system intended to counter any North Korean strikes. The anti-missile system is a divisive issue in South Korea; it prompted protests last weekend at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul. China has objected to installation of the powerful radar defense as well, but the White House believes the U.S. system will ultimately be fully operative. The delay should not be equated as a reversal of the decision to deploy THAAD, the official said, and suggested that the topic would not be central to the two presidents discussions. As important as anything [will be] building a rapport and getting to know each other, the official said. Facebook

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Senate Republicans aim for new healthcare bill by Friday, but skeptics remain By Lisa Mascaro (Alex Brandon / Associated Press) Senate Republicans reconvened behind closed doors Wednesday trying to break the impasse on their healthcare overhaul but emerged with no apparent strategy for resolving differences by an end-of-week deadline. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky vowed to try again for a vote after the Fourth of July recess, despite having abruptly delayed action this week. Senators were aiming for a revised bill by Friday, the Republican whip, Sen. John Cornyn of Texas, told reporters, so it could be assessed by the Congressional Budget Office during the break. But senators remained skeptical after the lengthy lunchtime huddle that appeared to run long on ideas but short on consensus. I think its going to be very difficult, said Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine). McConnell surprised senators by delaying this weeks expected votes once it became clear he did not have a majority for passage  or possibly to even open the debate. As many as 10 Republican senators now publicly oppose the bill, the Better Care Reconciliation Act, and leaders are scrambling to win them over with an estimated $200 billion in savings from the bill that can be applied to their particular states needs. But even with that fund of resources, it is not clear McConnell will be able to satisfactorily improve the legislation, which now threatens to cut 22 million Americans off health insurance. He can only afford to lose two Republican votes in the face of Democratic opposition. Its going to be very difficult to get me to a yes... have to make us an offer we cant refuse, Sen. Dean Heller (R-Nev.) said on a telephone town hall late Tuesday, according to journalist Jon Ralston, who monitored the call. Fresh polling Wednesday showed paltry support for the Republican approach to overhauling the Affordable Care Act, known as Obamacare, which has enjoyed a surge in popularity now that Republicans are closer than ever to repealing it. A USA Today poll put approval of the Senate GOP bill at 12%. Republicans, though, are under enormous pressure from their most conservative supporters  and big dollar donors, including the powerful Koch network  to deliver on their promised to end Obamacare. Senate Democrats, meanwhile, suggested that President Trump convene all 100 senators  much the way then-President Obama did during his first days in office for a session at Blair House  to see how they might be able to work together to improve, rather than repeal, the Affordable Care Act. Id make my friends on the Republican side and President Trump an offer: Lets turn over a new leaf. Lets start over, said Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.). President Trump, I challenge you to invite us  all 100 of us, Republican and Democrat  to Blair House to discuss a new bipartisan way forward on healthcare in front of all the American people. No such invitation, however, seemed forthcoming. Trump dismissed Schumers proposal  he just doesnt seem like a serious person, the president said  and instead promised his own big surprise on healthcare. Healthcare is working along very well, Trump told reporters at the White House. We could have a big surprise, with a great healthcare package. Asked what he meant by a big surprise, Trump simply repeated: A great, great surprise. The Republican bill, like its counterpart passed by House Republicans, does not fully gut Obamacare, but rescinds the new taxes imposed on high-income individuals and healthcare companies to pay for expanding coverage through Medicaid and subsidies for private insurance on the ACA marketplace. Senators said the private talks Wednesday focused mainly on changes to the Obamacare marketplace that could bring down the cost of insurance premiums. One idea from Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) to allow insurers to offer policies that do not meet the Obamacare benchmarks for what insurance needs to cover met with mixed reaction, senators said. Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), a physician, warned that such changes would alter the risk pool, keeping insurance costs high. You end up with policies that, for example, dont cover maternity, Cassidy said. Do you want a policy that doesnt have maternity, which would be principally appealing to young men, when obviously typically men have had a role in that pregnancy? Other senators were floating new ideas, but McConnell gave no indication whether those proposals would be included in the final revised product. Michael A. Memoli contributed to this report. Facebook

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No new laptop bans, but air travelers to the U.S. will face tighter screening all over the globe By Joseph Tanfani Homeland Security officials said Wednesday they will order stricter passenger screening and other new security measures for all flights entering the United States but will not bar laptop computers in carry-on luggage as airlines and passenger groups had feared. The new order will cover about 2,000 flights a day from 280 airports in 105 countries, a move that could make international flying even more onerous just as the busy summer travel season starts. Security officials would not detail the new measures but said passengers headed to the United States will face more intensive screening at airports, and probably more security dogs. They gave no date for when the new procedures will start. If carriers dont implement the measures effectively, Homeland Security still may ban laptops, e-readers and other electronic devices larger than cell phones from cargo holds as well as passenger cabins. The decision follows intelligence, reportedly gathered from Islamic State in Syria by Israeli spy services, suggesting a lethal new threat from bombs that could be concealed in digital devices and that could evade detection by airport screening devices. In March, U.S. and British authorities banned laptops in cabins on flights from eight Muslim-majority countries in North Africa and the Middle East, saying terrorists were seeking innovative methods to bring down commercial jetliners. Secretary of Homeland Security John Kelly told a security conference in Washington on Wednesday that the new security measures will be both seen and unseen and will be phased in over time. He said they will include tougher screening, particularly of electronic devices, plus new technology and procedures to protect planes from so--called insider attacks by airline employees. It is time that we raise the global baseline of aviation security, Kelly said. We cannot play international whack-a-mole with every new threat. He said terrorists still see commercial aircraft as the crown jewel target for attacks, and that intelligence has shown renewed interest by terrorists to attack airlines. Kelly told a House committee several weeks ago that the department was considering extending the laptop ban to 71 more airports overseas. But Kelly ultimately decided to tighten screening across the board, instead of focusing on laptops or chasing after each item that might be used to bring down a jetliner, senior Homeland Security officials said Wednesday in a conference call with reporters. The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity to brief reporters, said Kelly worked with airlines to find ways to improve screening without unduly inconveniencing passengers. Intensive doesnt always mean slower, said one official. In some cases, airlines have been doing these things at international airports for some time. The officials said more security dogs, which sniff for explosives, may be used. And they said airlines and airports may institute pre-check programs like those approved by the Transportation Security Administration for use in U.S. airports. The officials said restrictions on the first 10 airports will be lifted once airlines in those countries satisfy the new security protocols, officials said. Airport authorities in the eight countries affected by that ban  Jordan, Egypt, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Morocco and the United Arab Emirates  have been told about the new security measures and will put them in place so the ban is lifted, the officials said. In recent weeks, Kelly and his aides have huddled with their counterparts overseas, as well as with representatives of major airlines, to discuss whether to expand the ban around the globe. Airlines protested that a laptop ban would inconvenience passengers and not remove the threat. Aviation experts and European security officials warned that putting laptops in cargo holds would pose other dangers because the lithium batteries could start fires. In 1988, a bomb hidden in a radio cassette player exploded aboard a Pan Am jet flying over Lockerbie, Scotland, killing all 259 passengers and crew. The plot was blamed on then-Libyan strongman Moammar Kadafi. In 2010, powerful bombs hidden in printer ink cartridges were found aboard two cargo jets headed from Yemen to Chicago. Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula later claimed responsibility for the plot. Facebook

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Its crunch time for McConnell after Senate GOP is forced to delay vote on healthcare bill By Lisa Mascaro ( (Alex Brandon / Associated Press)) The abrupt decision Tuesday by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to temporarily shelve a vote on the Republican Obamacare overhaul gives him a few extra weeks to build support for a revised bill before it risks becoming hopelessly stalled by the opposition. The seasoned GOP leader will be aided by what amounts to a $200-billion piggy bank to push Republican holdouts into line. Thats the bills extra cost savings, compared with the House version, that McConnell can tap to provide perks to individual senators, from more opioid assistance to expanded tax-free health savings accounts. A similar strategy  delay and enticements  worked well in the House, where Republicans last month passed their healthcare bill on the third try. But prolonging the debate also gives Democrats and other critics time to mobilize, and ensures that senators will be exposed to an onslaught of opposition as they head home for the weeklong holiday break to defend a bill that has estimated would leave tens of millions of Americans without insurance. After the delay was announced, President Trump hosted a White House gathering of all GOP senators. But rather than rally them around the bill with the power of the presidential bully pulpit, he struck a surprisingly detached tone. This will be great if we get it done, Trump told senators in the East Room. And if we dont get it done, its just going to be something that were not going to like. And thats OK. Read More Facebook

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As vote looms, concerns over Medicaid cuts rise from some in conservative media By Kurtis Lee Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) (J. Scott Applewhite / Associated Press ) The vote  for now  is delayed. As President Trump has urged Senate Republicans to pass a bill that would overhaul the Affordable Care Act, some, including Sens. Dean Heller of Nevada and Rob Portman of Ohio, have expressed concerns over cuts to Medicaid. Both represent states that, under Obamacare, expanded Medicaid coverage to low-income adults. The current Senate healthcare bill would deliver deep cuts to Medicaid, leaving millions uninsured. While Trump awaits a vote in the coming weeks  originally scheduled for this week, but pushed back until after the July 4 recess  its on Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to gather enough support from within his GOP caucus to secure the bills passage. Some in the conservative media are questioning the current bill. Here is an overview of todays headlines on this and other issues: Republicans have a Medicaid problem (Weekly Standard) The Republican healthcare bill would cut Medicaid spending by $772 billion over the next decade. Chris Deaton writes that Republicans aim to offset the consequences of these Medicaid changes by offering tax credits for private insurance to people under the poverty line. In this piece, Deaton raises the question of whether low-income earners would be better off with Medicaid coverage or obtaining insurance through a GOP tax credit? He answers by noting, Its long been a contention of conservative thinkers that healthcare outcomes improve with private insurance rather than Medicaid. Paul Manafort, former Trump campaign chairman, registers as foreign agent (Associated Press) Hes among those facing scrutiny in an FBI investigation into Russian meddling in last years election. Now, Paul Manafort, who at one time served as Trumps campaign chairman, has registered with the Department of Justice as a foreign agent. In a filing with the department, Manafort notes that his consulting firm received nearly $17 million between 2012 and 2014 from a Ukrainian political party with links to Russia, according to the Associated Press. Last spring, former national security advisor Michael T. Flynn, who resigned from his position in February after misleading administration officials about contacts with Russians, also registered as a foreign agent, for consulting work he did for a Turkish businessman. A Democratic road to recovery (American Spectator) The party is attempting a reboot. After Hillary Clintons 2016 loss and defeats in several special elections this year, Democrats are in search of a new face for the party. Even so, liberals are in lock-step in their opposition to Trump. This piece offers Democrats some advice  from the right  on how to recover. Leftists: You have been lied to and taken advantage of. When you eventually come out of this haze you are in, you will realize that it was done not by the president, but by the snake oil salesmen and charlatans, who took advantage of your sickness and weakness, simply for money and power, writes Judah Friedman. Ask yourselves this: What is the Democratic Party, right now, without this rage, and hate, with which it is fueling your addictions? The answer is nothing. Facebook

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Sarah Palin sues the New York Times for tying her PAC ad to mass shooting By Associated Press Former vice presidential nominee and Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin is accusing the New York Times of defamation over an editorial that linked one of her political action committee ads to the mass shooting that severely wounded then-Arizona Congresswoman Gabby Giffords. In the lawsuit filed in Manhattan federal court Tuesday, Palins lawyers say the Times violated the law and its own policies when it accused her of inciting the 2011 attack that killed six people. The lawsuit refers to a June editorial in the Times on the recent shooting of Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise. The editorial later was corrected. Palin is seeking damages to be determined by a jury. A spokeswoman for the Times, Danielle Rhoades Ha, says the company hasnt seen the lawsuit but will defend against any claim vigorously. Facebook

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Trump succeeds where Obama failed  spawning a new wave of liberal activism By Mark Z. Barabak Amanda Litman and Ross Morales Rocketto launched the Democratic activist group Run For Something, which encourages people under 35 to seek elected office. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) The night Hillary Clinton lost the White House, Amanda Litman cried so hard she threw up. In Atlanta, as the returns rolled in, Traci Feit Love faced a question from her anguished 8-year-old daughter: Now what do we do? Across the country, in the heart of Silicon Valley, Rita Bosworth wondered the same thing. The three never met, never spoke, never communicated in any fashion. But in the days and weeks that followed, they became common threads in a sprawling patchwork: the angry and politically aggrieved who  with no help from politicians, political parties or any formal campaign structure  have joined to fight President Trump and his policies. Read More Facebook

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Trump on healthcare bill: If we dont get it done ... thats OK By Associated Press (Evan Vucci / Associated Press) President Trump said that if the healthcare bill fails to pass in the Senate, he wont like it  but thats OK. Trump spoke Tuesday at a gathering of Senate Republicans after their leaders delayed a vote on their healthcare bill until at least next month. Trump said, This will be great if we get it done and if we dont get it done its going to be something that were not going to like and thats OK and I can understand that. He added, I think we have a chance to do something very, very important for the public, very, very important for the people of our country. Facebook

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Watch live: Press briefing with Deputy Press Secretary Sarah Sanders and Energy Secretary Rick Perry Facebook

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Senate GOP leaders abruptly delay vote on healthcare bill until after July 4th recess By Lisa Mascaro Facing resistance from their own party, Senate Republican leaders said Tuesday they would postpone a vote on their healthcare bill until after the July 4th recess. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell wants to provide more time to make changes to the bill to try to convince reluctant GOP senators to vote for the measure. Were going to press on,' McConnell said, adding he remains optimistic. Were continuing to talk. Since the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office said the bill would leave 22 million more Americans without insurance after 10 years, several Republicans senators had said they would not even support allowing the bill to be brought to the Senate floor for a vote. Meanwhile, President Trump invited all GOP senators to the White House for a meeting Tuesday afternoon. But Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), a moderate who has expressed serious doubts about the bill, questioned whether revisions would make a difference. I have so many fundamental problems with the bill, that have been confirmed by the CBO report, that its difficult to see how any tinkering is going to satisfy my fundamental and deep concerns about the bill,' Collins said on CNN. McConnell is struggling to appease two factions in his party. Centrists like Collins want to lessen the impact of proposed cuts to Medicaid, while conservatives want to go further in repealing benefits provided under Obamacare. Senate leaders hope to continue talks this week, with an eye toward moving quickly when Congress returns after the holiday. McConnell plans to wait for the CBO to review any changes and reissue a score. He can only afford to lose two Republicans given the partys 52-seat majority in the Senate. Theres more work that needs to be done, its pretty obvious, said Republican Sen. Jim Risch of Idaho as he was leaving a Senate lunch with Vice President Mike Pence. Pence ignored reporters questions about the decision. If more work needs to be done, you shouldnt try to light the fire. But the delay in a vote will give Democrats and other opponents of the repeal bill more time to mobilize, particularly as Republicans return to their home districts during the holiday. We know the fight is not over,' said Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer of New York. Facebook

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Trump administration warns of Syrian chemical attack, but with damaged credibility By Noah Bierman The Trump administration Monday night sent the kind of dire warning -- of the Syrian regimes apparent preparation for another chemical weapons attack, and a threat of U.S. retaliation -- that requires credibility to have a receptive national and foreign audience. Yet the initial bafflement about the warning among U.S. defense officials, and the simultaneous distraction of President Trumps unrelated tweets, seemed to undercut the seriousness of the moment. More broadly, the episode is testing the damage Trump has done to his and his administrations trustworthiness by his assaults on the intelligence community as well as other perceived enemies. Trump has spent months attacking the credibility of the intelligence community, at one point comparing their tactics to Nazis and repeatedly calling its findings of Russian meddling in the election a hoax and witch hunt, even as foreign policy experts cautioned that he was diminishing the reputation of a community he would need in times of crisis to rally public support. At a moment of crisis when U.S. decisions and actions rest upon information coming from the intelligence community, [Trump] may have diminished the credibility of that information in the eyes of the public and the eyes of the international community, said Daryl G. Kimball, the executive director of the Arms Control Assn. Kimball called the White House statement unusual and said such messages would normally be sent through private diplomatic channels. He added that the public allegation should be followed by a formal presentation of the evidence to the United Nations Security Council, to build international support against suspected Syrian violations of the chemical weapons ban. The four-line statement on Syria from the White House Press Secretary came just after 9:44 p.m. EDT Monday. The United States has identified potential preparations for another chemical weapons attack by the Assad regime that would likely result in the mass murder of civilians, including innocent children, the statement read. The activities are similar to preparations the regime made before its April 4, 2017 chemical weapons attack. If Syrian President Bashar Assad conducts another mass murder attack using chemical weapons, he and his military will pay a heavy price, it concluded, citing a U.S. missile strike after the previous chemical attack to reinforce the new threat. A Pentagon spokesman confirmed Tuesday that preparations for a chemical attack were observed at the same base in Syria from which its military launched a sarin nerve gas attack that killed 86 people, including children, in April. We have observed activities at Shayrat Air Base that suggest possible intent by the Syrian regime to use chemical weapons again, Pentagon spokesman Maj. Adrian J.T. Rankine-Galloway said in a statement. These activities are similar to what we observed prior to the regime chemical weapons attack against Khan Sheikhoun in April. But some senior U.S. defense and intelligence officials reached late Monday and early Tuesday were caught off guard by the White House statement. Some knew, some didnt, said a U.S. official who sought anonymity to discuss the intelligence matter. The official described the release of the nighttime statement as ungraceful, but said the assessment that Syria was preparing for an attack is sound. Such official statements are typically distributed widely across an administration for internal vetting before theyre publicly released. The White House said the relevant agencies were informed before the statement was published. Yet Trump lent further confusion about the urgency of the matter and his own level of concern by sending out a tweet about domestic politics only minutes later. He cited a Fox news report about the FBIs Russia investigation, writing as he often does about the probe, Witch Hunt! From @FoxNews "Bombshell: In 2016, Obama dismissed idea that anyone could rig an American election." Check out his statement - Witch Hunt!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 27, 2017 Indeed, Trump continued through the next morning to demonstrate his frustration with the Russia investigation and what he calls the American medias fake news with posts on his Twitter feed. Many tweets quoted supportive conservative commentators and Fox News reports. Trump was eager to go after CNN, one of his top media targets, after it retracted a Russia-related story and three journalists involved resigned. So they caught Fake News CNN cold, but what about NBC, CBS & ABC? What about the failing @nytimes & @washingtonpost? They are all Fake News!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 27, 2017 Trumps willingness to mix politics and his administrations ominous red line to Syria opened him up to criticism that he was trying to divert attention from other unfavorable news Monday. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office had found that the Republican plan to replace Obamacare would strip 22 million people of health insurance coverage over the next decade. The Syria statement also prompted a sharp backlash from the Kremlin, which is Assads military ally in his nations civil war. Russian officials denied there is evidence of an imminent chemical attack and called the White House threat unacceptable. The tensions have heightened as Trump is expected to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin next week at the G20 Summit of industrialized nations in Germany. Mondays statement may be seen as a warning not just to Syria but to Russia, which is widely seen as enabling Assads harsh tactics by bolstering his military as he has tried to retain power. Facebook

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Kremlin calls White House warning to Syria unacceptable, denies any Assad chemical attack in the works By Sabra Ayres The Kremlin is calling unacceptable a White House warning to Syrias government that it would pay a heavy price if it carries out another poison gas attack against its own people. Dmitry Peskov, spokesman for Russian President Vladimir Putin, also declared Tuesday that there is no indication that a chemical weapons strike is in the works. The White House said late Monday night that activity had been detected similar to that preceding a nerve gas attack on April 4 that killed dozens of civilians, including children, in rebel-held Idlib province. President Trump responded by launching nearly 60 Tomahawk cruise missiles at a Syrian military airfield that U.S. officials said was used for the chemical attack. It was the first U.S. attack on Syrian forces in the six-year civil war. Russia continues to deny that Assads forces carried out the April 4 gas attack and Peskov criticized the White House for saying there were signs of preparation for another such strike. Peskov said the Kremlin does not think it is possible to lay the blame on the Syrian armed forces for the April strike on the village of Khan Sheikhoun, which the U.S. and its allies said involved sarin, a banned nerve agent. Despite all the demands from the Russian side, an impartial international inquiry into a previous tragedy using chemical agents has not been carried out, the spokesman told Russian news agencies. Peskov criticized the White House warning to Assad, saying such threats to Syrias legitimate leaders are unacceptable. Read More Facebook

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Senate healthcare overhaul hits trouble as Republicans hesitant to proceed to vote By Lisa Mascaro The Senate Republican healthcare bill ran into serious trouble late Monday when key GOP senators indicated they may block the Obamacare overhaul from proceeding to a vote this week. Political turmoil has been building over the bill for days. But GOP tension burst open after the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office reported that 22 million more Americans would lose insurance coverage under the plan and that out-of-pocket costs for many of those buying policies on the Affordable Care Act marketplace would rise. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell hoped to start procedural votes by Wednesday, and President Trump called key senators over the weekend as support splintered. Its the same political dynamic that stalled the House Republican bill last month, as conservative and centrist factions wrestle for dominance. Conservatives want a more complete repeal of the Affordable Care Act, which they hope will lower premium costs, while centrists are trying to avoid leaving millions of Americans without health coverage. Senate bill doesnt fix ACA problems for rural Maine, tweeted Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine). I will vote no on mtp, she said, referring to the motion to proceed to the bill. Conservative Sen. Mike Lee of Utah is also working to change the bill so that he can vote yes on the procedural motion. We are not there yet, Lees spokesman said. Senators have bristled at what they viewed as McConnells secretive and rushed process, and several other senators said they wanted more time before voting. Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas was among those Republicans who shared concerns in weekend calls with Trump. We continue to make progress, Cruz told reporters Monday, as Democrats, who oppose the bill, planned an almost-all-night protest session. Cruz is part of the gang of four conservatives -- including Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, Sen. Mike Lee of Utah and Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky -- who have said they cannot vote for the bill as is. Among the changes being pursued is one provision that would allow insurers to offer cheaper policies that do not meet ACAs requirements and another to let consumers sock more money into health savings accounts We can get there and Im hopeful we will get there, Cruz said. However, he declined to say whether he would agree to Wednesdays procedural vote. Also hesitant to proceed was Nevada Sen. Dean Heller, who has strongly criticized undoing Obamacares Medicaid expansion that has enabled about 200,000 people to gain coverage in his state. Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski, for example, wanted changes to help residents in her geographically far-flung state where healthcare costs are particularly high. Some senators, though, dismissed the budget analysis and said keeping the ACA would be worse. Its clear the CBO cannot predict the purchasing patterns for millions of Americans, said Georgia Sen. David Perdue, a Trump ally, in a statement. This bureaucratic analysis will do nothing to prevent Obamacare from failing. Others are weighing their votes. Republican Sen. Bob Corker, whose office is receiving thousands of daily calls, spent part of Monday on the phone with health officials in Tennessee as he assesses the fallout in his state of 22 million more people in the country without healthcare. I kind of figured it was going to be a pretty big number, said Corker, who remains undecided. Theres a lot of incoming. CBO says 22 million people lose insurance; Medicaid cuts hurt most vulnerable Americans; access to healthcare in rural areas threatened. 2/3  Sen. Susan Collins (@SenatorCollins) June 26, 2017 Facebook

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Supreme Court puts off decision in three pending cases about borders and immigration By David Savage ((Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images) Amid its flurry of decisions Monday about Trumps travel ban and cases involving religious liberties and guns, the Supreme Court put off final rulings on three pending cases involving immigration and the U.S. border. In Hernandez vs. Mesa, the court in an unsigned opinion told the U.S. appeals court in New Orleans to take a second look at a border shooting case. The parents of a 15-year-old Mexican boy sued a U.S. border patrol agent who shot and killed the teenager when he was standing a few feet from the border on the Mexican side. The 5th Circuit had thrown out the parents suit. The facts alleged in the complaint depict a disturbing incident resulting in a heartbreaking loss of life, the court said in sending the case back for a further hearing. The court said it would rehear in the fall a Los Angeles case involving whether immigrants awaiting deportation can be jailed indefinitely, or instead have a right to a bond hearing after six months. The courts action suggests the eight justices were evenly split in Jennings vs. Rodriguez. The court also said it will rehear the case of Sessions vs. Dimaya to decide whether non-citizens can be deported for an offense like breaking into an empty home because it may be deemed a crime of violence. Facebook

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Refugee advocates says even partial reinstatement of travel ban will cause hardship By Laura King Immigration and refugee advocates expressed disappointment Monday with the Supreme Courts partial reinstatement of President Trumps travel ban, saying even limited implementation could cause hardship to refugees and others seeking to travel to the United States from six affected Muslim-majority countries. However, organizations taking part in the months-long legal fight against the revised travel ban expressed hopes that the high court ultimately will reject the restrictions after arguments are heard in October. And they welcomed what they described as an implicit rebuke of the White Houses assertion that Trump has unfettered powers to exclude arrivals based on purported national security concerns. The initial rollout of the ban, days after Trump took office in January, caused pandemonium at airports across the United States and overseas as tens of thousands of visa-holders arriving from seven affected countries were turned away without warning or detained. After courts blocked that order, Trump issued a revised travel ban that took Iraq off the list. A replay of Januarys travel chaos was unlikely Monday because the courts action will allow visa-holders with bona fide ties to people or entities in the U.S. to enter, meaning students, employees and family members can still get in. But refugee advocates said the courts limited ruling, which the administration can move to implement on Thursday, could leave many would-be arrivals in limbo pending the finalizing of new vetting procedures. The administration had originally said a three-month travel ban was needed in part to review the checks to which would-be entrants are subjected. David Miliband, president of the International Rescue Committee, said the partial reinstatement of the ban particularly threatens vulnerable people waiting to come to the U.S., including those with urgent medical conditions. We urge the administration to begin its long-delayed review of the vetting process and restart a program which changes lives for the better, said Miliband. The National Immigration Law Center, one of the groups that challenged the ban, said that as of this week, approximately 50,500 refugees from the six affected countries had been approved for travel and resettlement in the United States  all having already undergone intensive checks. The Middle East Studies Assn., one the groups contesting the ban in the lower courts, said many students and academics were ensnared by the original order. Even though Mondays court move should allow entry to those studying or working at American academic institutions, many from the affected countries remained wary of leaving and then attempting to re-enter the United States, the group said. Iran  along with Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, Syria and Libya  is one of the affected countries, and Southern California is home to a large Iranian American community that was hit hard by the original ban. Some advocates said even with Mondays limited action, there has already been a chilling effect on movement. Todays Supreme Court decision immediately places the status of many Americans families into question again, said Shayan Modarres, legal counsel for the National Iranian American Council. The group said that visas issued to Iranian passport-holders had fallen by nearly half since the legal battle over the ban began, and that obtaining a U.S. visa was becoming so onerous that many would not even try to get one. The Trump administrations new idea is to make it so hard on Iranians and Muslims to get a visa that visa officers will have the unrestricted discretion to reject visa applications, Modarres said. He added that grounds for rejection could be social media postings critical of Trump or not being able to produce airline boarding passes that could have been issued and used more than a decade ago. Advocacy groups reiterated their position  which was argued in a number of the lower court cases that propelled the issue to the high court  that the travel restrictions run counter to core American traditions and values. Mark Hetfield, president of the refugee resettlement agency HIAS, said the group considered the courts move an affirmation that the president does not have unfettered, unchecked authority to bar refugees from the U.S. without evidence to justify such action. But he added that the executive orders partial resurrection would once again cause irreparable damage to refugees, immigrants, and Americas reputation as a welcoming country. The initial ban prompted large nationwide protests, and advocates suggested they would again seek to marshal popular opposition to the restrictions. When the first order went into effect, tens of thousands of Americans showed the world that this is not who we are and not what we want, said Becca Heller, director of the International Refugee Assistance Project, another of the groups involved in the legal challenge. We will never give up defending the rights of those who are affected by this discriminatory executive order. Facebook

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Trump says Supreme Court action on travel ban gives him important tool By Michael A. Memoli .@POTUS statement says SCOTUS action allows him to "use an important tool for protecting our Nation's homeland." Will admin press further? pic.twitter.com/gxBJO5aYYZ  Mike Memoli (@mikememoli) June 26, 2017 President Trump celebrated the Supreme Courts decision Monday to allow a curtailed version of his travel ban to take effect, calling it a clear victory for our national security. In an official White House statement, the president said he was particularly gratified that at least part of the ruling was 9-0; three conservative justices said they would have let the presidents revised executive order take effect completely. My number one responsibility as Commander in Chief is to keep the American people safe. Todays ruling allows me to use an important tool for protecting our Nations homeland, he said. The White House has long maintained that the president was acting within his authority in seeking to temporarily restrict travel to the United States. They most often point to a provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act that states a president can suspend or limit entry of individuals whenever the president finds that the entry ... would be detrimental to the interests of the United States. Facebook

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Rival Senate factions push competing agendas as healthcare bill hangs in balance By Laura King Heading into a week of intense jockeying and arm-twisting over the Senates polarizing healthcare plan, the rift appeared to widen Sunday between moderates who consider the measure too punitive and conservatives who want to see the sweeping bill toughened up before agreeing to back it. President Trump, who made the repeal of his predecessors signature Affordable Care Act a campaign centerpiece, expressed optimism about chances for Senate passage, but declared again that he wanted to see a plan with heart  suggesting he might undercut Republican efforts to bring recalcitrant conservatives on board. With Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) seeking to push ahead with a vote this week, the bills prospects hung in the balance. Five GOP senators have said publicly they oppose the measure as written; the defection of only three Republicans would be enough to sink it. Read More Facebook

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Analysis: Atop 2017 losses, a sobering challenge for Democrats aiming at Trump next year By Cathleen Decker Republican Karen Handel, winner of last weeks special House election in Georgia. ( (Bob Andres / Atlanta Journal-Constitution)) Democrats have hoped that President Trumps deep unpopularity would propel them to gains in next years midterm election as they fight to take control of the House and improve their position in the Senate. But last years contests and this years special elections suggest a complication: Trump is so distinctive a politician that its hard to persuade voters that other Republican candidates are carbon copies of the president. Trumps outsized persona makes even those Republicans who share his views seem more moderate, an important attribute to swing voters. That presents a problem for the party out of power. Midterm elections traditionally serve as referendums on the president, but voters complicated views of Trump may give Republicans more running room than his popularity figures suggest. The votes cast by individual Republican incumbents may be more important to their survival than any linkage with the president. Read More Facebook

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Conservatives at Koch summit outline changes to Senate healthcare bill to win their support By Lisa Mascaro Tim Phillips, who heads Americans for Prosperity, the largest of the Koch networks advocacy groups, speaks to the media at the White House in Washington on March 8. (Andrew Harnik / Associated Press) Conservatives floated two amendments for toughening up the Senates Obamacare overhaul this weekend at the influential Koch networks confab of wealthy donors, as Republicans seek ways to win over detractors and tip enough GOP votes for passage. That the Koch network quickly panned the Senate bill is no surprise. The organization of deep-pocketed conservative advocacy groups similarly rejected the House GOP bill this spring until party leaders tacked on tough amendments to appease right-leaning Republicans. Weve been disappointed that movements not been more dramatic toward a full repeal or a broader rollback of this onerous law Obamacare, said Tim Phillips, who heads Americans for Prosperity, the largest of the Koch networks advocacy groups. But we are not walking away, he said. We worked to make the House bill better and it did get better. Were doing the same thing on the Senate front. One key lawmaker attending the weekend summit at the luxurious Broadmoor Hotel, Rep. Mark Meadows (R-N.C.), the chairman of the House Freedom Caucus and a chief negotiator on the House bill, outlined two key changes to the bill that he said could likely win enough conservative support for passage. One amendment from Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) would allow companies that offer insurance policies on the Obamacare marketplace to also offer plans that do not meet the ACAs strict requirements. Such a change would in essence allow insurers to offer cheaper, though skimpier, policies that may help achieve the GOPs goal of lowering premiums for consumers. Another amendment would broaden the ability of those who buy insurance on the marketplace to sock away more money in tax-free Health Savings Accounts to help them pay for their premiums. Cruz is one of four Senate conservatives who have said they would not support the bill unless changes are made, positioning them for negotiations in the days ahead. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) needs to win back some of their votes to pass the bill with his slim 52-seat Republican majority. One of the conservatives, Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah), was among those feted Saturday night at a reception with Charles Koch, the billionaire industrialist who funds the conservative network. Koch told those gathered for an outdoor cocktail reception on a breezy Colorado Springs evening about how far his team has come over the years at promoting what is a libertarian-leaning conservative agenda. Now when I look at where we are, at the size and effectiveness of this network, Im blown away, he told donors. Koch met Friday with Vice President Mike Pence. But the politics in the Senate remain difficult as McConnell continues to negotiate behind closed doors and rushes the bill to a vote expected this week. On Sunday, one key centrist, Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, doubted a swift resolution. Its hard for me to see the bill passing this week, she said on ABCs This Week. Another crucial vote, Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, a physician who had offered his own proposal, also criticized the rush. I frankly would like a few more days to consider this, Cassidy said on CBSs Face the Nation. But Republicans are anxious to resolve the healthcare debate, which has created a logjam in their legislative agenda. Meadows also told reporters if the Senate passes the bill this week, the House could quickly follow with a weekend session -- ahead of a Fourth of July bill signing by the president. Facebook

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Schiff: Obama should have acted on Russian interference, but Trump shouldnt complain By Laura King A top House Democrat says President Obama should have reacted more forcefully upon learning of Russian election-meddling, but also asserted that it was illogical for President Trump to levy such criticism against his predecessor. I think the [Obama] administration needed to call out Russia earlier, needed to act to deter and punish Russia earlier, Rep. Adam B. Schiff (D-Burbank), said in an interview aired Sunday on CNNs State of the Union. Failure to do so, he said, had been a very serious mistake. But Schiff, the ranking Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, said Trumps criticism of Obama made little sense in light of the current presidents own inaction in the face of decisive U.S. intelligence conclusions about Kremlin efforts to tip the 2016 race to Trump. Trump, Schiff said, is in no position to complain here in light of the fact that as a candidate, he openly urged the Russians to hack Clintons emails. To criticize Obama is now a bit like someone knowingly receiving stolen property blaming the police for not stopping the theft, said Schiff, a former prosecutor. On Saturday, Trump issued a statement on Twitter referencing a Washington Post report a day earlier detailing the previous administrations wrestling with how, when and whether to make public the degree of Russian interference. Since the Obama Administration was told way before the 2016 Election that the Russians were meddling, why no action? Focus on them, not T! the president tweeted. The Post report said Obama was worried about the appearance of improperly using mounting intelligence reports about Russian activities to aid Clintons candidacy. The subject was particularly inflammatory because at that point in the race, Trump had complained repeatedly about the rigged political process and even suggested he might not respect the election outcome. Facebook

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Trump says hes optimistic about Senate approval of GOP healthcare measure By Laura King President Trump says he believes that backers of a sweeping GOP healthcare measure are going to get there and pass the measure despite the refusal of five Republican senators to endorse the bill as written. Healthcare is a very, very tough thing to get, but I think were going to get it, Trump said on Fox and Friends in an interview aired Sunday that he had touted beforehand on Twitter. We dont have too much of a choice because the alternative is the dead carcass of Obamacare, the president said, referring to the Affordable Care Act, his predecessors signature piece of legislation. Opinion polls have indicated low public support for the version of the healthcare bill passed earlier by the House of Representatives. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), wants to bring the Senate version, unveiled days ago, to a vote this week. In addition to the five Republican senators who have publicly aired their opposition, several others have declined to explicitly endorse the bill, which would overhaul the U.S. healthcare system and set the stage for massive tax breaks that would primarily benefit the wealthiest Americans. With a 52-seat Republican advantage in the 100-member chamber, only three GOP defections would be sufficient to derail the measure, since Vice President Mike Pence could cast a tie-breaking vote. Facebook

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Pro-Trump group launches new attack ad against special counsel Robert Mueller By Lisa Mascaro A Southern California group backing President Trump is out with a new ad attacking special counsel Robert S. Mueller III, criticizing the investigation into the Trump campaigns possible cooperation with Russian interference in the 2016 election. The ad, called Witch Hunt, features conservative favorite Tomi Lahren reflecting Trumps own language to complain about the probe. The more than $400,000 ad buy is expected to start running Sunday. Only in Washington could a rigged game like this be called independent, Lahren says, using air quotes in the ad to emphasize her point. She is now a senior advisor to Great America Alliance, which backs Trump. The ads chief complaint echoes Trumps criticism that Muellers team has ties to Democrats, because some of the lawyers have given campaign contributions to the party. Trump has also complained of the relationship between fired FBI Director James B. Comey and Mueller, who was once his boss. Mueller is a registered Republican. Among the members of the legal team he is assembling for the Russia probe -- which is also looking into whether the president obstructed the federal investigation by firing Comey -- four have donated to Democrats. One who gave the maximum donation to Trump rival Hillary Clinton also donated to Republicans. Both Republicans and Democrats have praised Muellers credentials and ability to handle the Russia probe as an independent investigation. The group, which ran a similar attack against Comey ahead of his testimony earlier this month on Capitol Hill, has emerged as a key pro-Trump organization. Facebook

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Koch brothers political network says Senate GOP healthcare bill is insufficiently conservative By Associated Press ( (Andrew Harnik / Associated Press)) Chief lieutenants in the Koch brothers political network lashed out at the Senate Republican healthcare bill on Saturday, becoming a powerful outside critic as GOP leaders try to rally support for their plan among rank-and-file Republicans. This Senate bill needs to get better, said Tim Phillips, who leads Americans For Prosperity, the Koch networks political arm. It has to get better. Phillips called the Senates plans for Medicaid a slight nip and tuck over President Obamas healthcare law, a modest change he described as immoral. The comments came on the first day of a three-day private donor retreat at a luxury resort in the Rocky Mountains. Invitations were extended only to donors who promise to give at least $100,000 each year to the various groups backed by the Koch brothers Freedom Partners  a network of education, policy and political entities that aim to promote small government. No outside group has been move aggressive over the years-long push to repeal Obamas healthcare law than the Kochs, which vowed on Saturday to spend another 10 years fighting to change the healthcare system if necessary. The Koch network has often displayed a willingness to take on Republicans  including President Trump  when their policies arent deemed conservative enough. Read More Facebook

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Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions wants to get tough on crime. These people think hes got it all wrong By Jaweed Kaleem Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions has vowed to crack down on crime by sending more criminals to prison for longer periods of time. Every one of our citizens, no matter who they are or where they live, has the right to be safe in their homes and communities from the scourge of criminal gangs, rapists, carjackers and drug dealers, Sessions said in an address to law enforcement officials in Memphis, Tenn., last month. In his view, imprisoning more criminals would make families safer, and fewer people would break the law if there were more severe punishments for crimes such as drug offenses. In a recent memo to federal prosecutors, Sessions instructed them to pursue the harshest punishments legally allowed, a reversal of an Obama-era move giving federal lawyers more leeway to reserve such prosecutions for repeat offenders and people who had committed the worst of crimes. Department of Justice officials hope the changes at the federal level  where a sliver of crimes across the country is prosecuted  will trickle down to a similar approach to crime in states. Read More Facebook

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Vice President Mike Pence stops in for an unscheduled chat with billionaire Charles Koch By Lisa Mascaro Vice President Mike Pence popped in for a visit this weekend with Charles Koch, the billionaire GOP donor hosting his semi-annual confab of like-minded business leaders assessing their priorities for the White House and Congress. The meeting was not listed on Pences official schedule for the day. President Trump never much enjoyed backing from Koch s sprawling, secretive, political enterprise, which has emerged as a libertarian-leaning power center, sometimes overshadowing the traditional Republican Party apparatus with its high-dollar donors and vast operations. Kochs group did not endorse the GOP presidential nominee. But the network has always had close ties with Pence. The vice president had previously attended the exclusive gathering of donors, held this weekend at the luxurious Broadmoor hotel. And his top staff was plucked from a key Koch organization, Freedom Partners. Pence and Koch and their top aides spoke for nearly an hour late Friday, according to a Koch spokesman. They discussed tax reform, the GOPs healthcare overhaul and other heavy legislative lifts that have run into resistance in the Republican-controlled Congress. The aide described the talks as casual. Pence was in the area making other stops, including at the Air Force Academy and an evening fundraiser for GOP Sen. Cory Gardner. Even without investing in Trump, the Koch network has made impressive strides in advancing its agenda this year. Congress swiftly rolled back more than a dozen regulations, including some intended to protect the environment, that Koch-backed groups complained were too rigorous and invasive in industry operations. The Koch network groups, including Freedom Partners, a free market-oriented, chamber of commerce-type organization, is pushing the Trump administration and Congress to pass tax reform and overhaul healthcare. Both those efforts have stalled in Congress amid Republican infighting, but the Koch groups is able to put their army of resources  money, staff and volunteers in the states  to pressure lawmakers to act. Facebook

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Kris Kobach fined for misleading court and refusing to produce previously exposed Trump memo By Colleen Shalby (Carolyn Kaster / Associated Press) Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach has been fined $1,000 for misleading a federal court in an effort to keep two documents private. The American Civil Liberties Union filed a lawsuit last year against Kobach arguing that his states proof of citizenship law violates the National Voter Registration Act. ACLU lawyers asked Kobach to produce two documents they said pertained to the case. One of those documents was a draft of a proposed amendment to the National Voter Registration Act. The second was a document that had been photographed and widely shared in late November after Kobach met with then-President-elect Donald Trump. The power of a zoom lens exposed certain details of his proposal to Trump to deport potential terrorists. In a 24-page ruling made public Friday, U.S. Magistrate Judge James OHara wrote that Kobach did not accurately represent the contents of the documents when he argued against producing them. Defendant refused to produce these documents, asserting that they are beyond the scope of reopened discovery, do not seek relevant information, and are protected by the attorney-client, deliberative-process, and executive privileges, the judge wrote. The court took Kobach at his word, OHara wrote, but upon review of the documents  produced under a court order  found that they did relate to the voting rights case. The judge wrote that while the court could not say that Kobach flat-out lied, the defendants statements can be construed as wordplay meant to present a materially inaccurate picture of the documents. For now, the documents will remain classified, as Kobach designated them. But, OHara wrote, that status could change. Trump tapped Kobach last month to serve as vice chairman of a presidential commission that would oversee a voter fraud investigation. Facebook

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Number of refugees admitted to U.S. drops by almost half By Tracy Wilkinson (Patrick T. Fallon / For the Los Angeles Times) The number of refugees admitted to the United States was cut by nearly half in the first three months of the Trump administration compared with the final three months of the Obama presidency, reflecting the new presidents skepticism toward immigration. Government statistics released Friday showed that more than 25,000 refugees were permitted to enter and reside in the United States at the end of the Obama administration. In the initial months under President Trump, the number fell to 13,000. The statistics were released by the Department of Homeland Security, based on information supplied by the State Department. Countries of origin were largely unchanged. In both periods, two-thirds of the arrivals came from five countries: the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Syria, Iraq, Somalia and Myanmar. Refugees from two of those countries  Syria and Somalia  would have been banned under Trumps executive order against entries from certain Muslim-majority nations, but federal courts have blocked the order. Trumps original order covered Iraqis as well, but he omitted Iraq from his revised order. The data suggest that the Obama administration, as it was about to turn over power to Trump, significantly stepped up the number of refugees admitted. Arrivals in its final three months reflected an 86% year-over-year increase compared to the same period the previous year. In Trumps first three months, arrivals were 12% lower than for the same period in the previous year. Trump has sought to limit the number of refugees to 50,000 this year. But adverse rulings in the courts could work against him. The United States already has one of the lowest quotas of refugee admissions among major receiving countries. Nations closer to conflict zones such as Syria have taken in millions of refugees. More people have been displaced from their home nations, because of violence and poverty, than at any time since World War II. Facebook

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Trump nominates former Dodgers co-owner Jamie McCourt as ambassador to Belgium By Lauren Rosenblatt Trump nominated Jamie McCourt, former co-owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, as ambassador to Belgium. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times) President Trump nominated Jamie McCourt, former co-owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, to be the ambassador to Belgium on Thursday night. McCourt, who co-owned the Dodgers with her husband, Frank, until their messy 2011 divorce, has donated money to several Republican organizations, including funds for Trumps campaign and his transition to the White House. McCourt was among many business leaders who signed their support for Trump early on in his campaign, praising his plan for economic development and growth. In the months leading up to Trumps victory, McCourt gave more than $400,000 to the Trump victory fund, according to data from the Federal Election Commission. She signed a letter in October 2016 with 100 other business executives and CEOs championing Trumps plan and criticizing opponent Hillary Clinton for having thrown in the towel on strong economic growth. McCourt was listed as a 2016 State Victory Finance Chair for Trumps campaign in July, according to a report from the GOP. Robert Wood Johnson, chairman and CEO of the New York Jets and Trumps nominee for ambassador to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, was also on the list as Trump Victory vice chair. After Trump won the election, McCourt continued to financially support his transition to office. In December, she helped host a fundraiser breakfast for the incoming president where tickets sold for $5,000 a piece. Prior to her support for Trump, McCourt also donated to the campaigns of several other Republican presidential candidates, including John Kasich, Marco Rubio and Carly Fiorina, although in much smaller amounts. In the past, she has also supported former President Obama, contributing to his campaign and victory funds in 2011 and donating $50,000 to the inauguration in 2009. She donated about $2,000 to Hillary Clinton for her presidential campaign in 2007, according to the FEC. McCourts ex-husband said his former wife had political aspirations of her own, with an end goal of ending up in the White House, according to a March 2010 Los Angeles Times article. Her high-profile divorce gathered a lot of public attention and ended in dispute over finances and assets. McCourt has founded and directed entrepreneurial enterprises in Los Angeles and Boston throughout her career as a entrepreneur and attorney. Her investment firm, Jamie Enterprises, invests in real estate and technology start-ups. She has degrees from Georgetown University, the University of Maryland School of Law and from MIT/ Sloan School of Management. The Senate must confirm McCourts nomination for ambassador. Facebook

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Nevada Sen. Heller -- a key swing vote -- says he opposes Senate healthcare bill By David Lauter (Andrew Harnik / AP) Nevada Sen. Dean Heller said Friday that he planned to vote against the Republican healthcare bill, a potentially key defection. Although the White House and Majority Leader Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky have said they plan further negotiations over the bill, its going to be very difficult to get me to a yes, Heller said at a news conference in Nevada with Gov. Brian Sandoval (R). The bill unveiled Thursday by McConnell is simply not the answer, he said. In this form, I will not support it. Given the unified Democratic opposition to the bill, McConnell can afford to lose only two Senate Republicans, so Hellers announcement is significant. A no vote by Heller would not seal the fate of the bill, however. Heller is widely viewed as the most vulnerable Republican senator up for reelection in 2018 -- the only one running in a state that Hillary Clinton carried last year -- and Republican leaders have been hoping to avoid having to count on his vote. Heller cited several reasons for opposing the bill, but the chief one was its deep reductions in federal support for Medicaid. This bill will mean a loss of coverage for millions of Americans and many Nevadans, he said. Nevada, under Sandoval, has used its authority under the Affordable Care Act to expand Medicaid, which has given health coverage to more than 210,000 additional state residents, Sandoval said. These are folks who are worth fighting for, he added. The cutbacks the Senate bill, which would end Medicaid expansion, would cost the state $120 million a year by 2022, with the cost rising sharply after that the governor said. Thats a cost that the state cannot sustain. Heller also cited the bills impact on treatment for opioid addiction and the likelihood that the plan would fail to reduce premiums. There isnt anything in this piece of legislation that will lower your premiums, he said, contradicting one of the main arguments that supporters of the bill have made. Hellers announcement increases the pressure on McConnell to find ways of persuading several other reluctant senators to support the bill. Four conservatives, Sens. Rand Paul of Kentucky, Mike Lee of Utah, Ted Cruz of Texas and Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, said Thursday they were opposed to the bill in its current form because it does not go far enough to roll back the Affordable Care Act. Several more centrist senators, including Sens. Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Rob Portman of Ohio and Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia, have voiced concerns similar to Hellers about the depth of the bills Medicaid cutbacks and its impact on opioid treatment. Collins and Portman have both said they want to review the analysis of the bill from the Congressional Budget Office before making up their minds. The budget office has said it will release that assessment early next week. Facebook

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Trump signs VA reform bill to make it easier to discipline and fire employees By Lauren Rosenblatt President Trump signed into law Friday a bill that will ease restrictions on the discipline and termination of employees from the troubled veterans affairs department. The Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017 is designed to speed up the process to discipline an employee for misconduct and put more decision-making power in the hands of Secretary of Veterans Affairs David Shulkin. The act is in response to the 2014 VA scandals involving long wait times for medical care and attempts by VA employees to cover up the delays. Trump, who promised to improve healthcare for veterans during his campaign, said the bill was one of the largest reforms to the VA in its history and is essential to making sure our veterans are treated with respect. The bill passed the House with bipartisan support June 13 and the Senate on June 6. Although the bill is widely supported by veterans advocacy groups, civil servant unions condemn the legislation as a way to get around long-standing protections for government employees and whistle-blowers. The reform, Shulkin said, will not be used as a tool for mass firings, but rather a way to raise morale throughout the department and attract new employees. Slow, steady, incremental change isnt what this organization needs, Shulkin said. Right now, I believe this is progress. Facebook

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Mexico pushes back against Trumps tweet calling it the second deadliest country in the world By Kate Linthicum Mexicos Foreign Minister Luis Videgaray speaks during a news conference in Cancun, Mexico, on June 19. (PEDRO PARDO/AFP/Getty Images) After President Trump incorrectly tweeted that Mexico is the second deadliest country in the world after Syria, the Mexican government responded quickly. No, Mexico isnt the second deadliest place on the globe, said a tersely worded statement issued by Mexicos secretary of foreign relations, pointing to a host of other Latin American countries that have higher per capita murder rates. And while homicides have been rising in Mexico in recent years, rising violence in Mexico is inextricably linked to demand for drugs in the United States, the statement said. Illicit drug trade is indeed the most important cause of violence in Mexico and drug trafficking is costing thousands of lives both in Mexico and the U.S., the foreign ministry said Thursday. However, as has been repeatedly stated by the U.S. government itself, drug trafficking is a shared problem that will end only by addressing its root causes: high demand for drugs in the U.S. and supply from Mexico and other countries. In order to be effective, we must be able to move beyond finger-pointing, the statement said. The Mexican government issued the response after Trump tweeted a reference to a controversial recent study that ranked Mexico as the worlds second most-dangerous conflict zone after Syria. Trump misrepresented the study in his tweet, saying Mexico was just ranked the second deadliest country in the world. He also neglected the considerable debate about the studys accuracy. The annual Armed Conflict Survey, released this year by the International Institute for Strategic Studies, has been called into question by the Mexican government and others who say it wrongly points to the existence of an armed conflict in Mexico. The existence of criminal groups is not sufficient criteria to speak of a non-international armed conflict, said a joint statement issued by Mexicos secretaries of governance and foreign relations in May, adding that drug-war violence is part of a bigger regional problem. Although Mexicos homicide rate has soared  the first two months of 2017 were the most violent since the government started releasing such statistics in 1997  other countries are experiencing higher homicide rates. In January, Mexico had a homicide rate of 20 deaths per 100,000 people, according to a Times analysis of Mexican crime statistics. By comparison, El Salvadors homicide rate was 81 deaths per 100,000 people in 2016, according to InSight Crime, a think tank that studies organized crime in Latin America. Venezuela had a homicide rate of 59 deaths per 100,000 people. Trump ended his tweet with a frequent campaign mantra: We will BUILD THE WALL! Mexico was just ranked the second deadliest country in the world, after only Syria. Drug trade is largely the cause. We will BUILD THE WALL!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 22, 2017 Facebook

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Supreme Court says final decisions of term will come on Monday By David Savage The Supreme Court is shown at sunset on Feb. 13, 2016. (Jon Elswick / Associated Press) (Jon Elswick / Associated Press) The Supreme Court announced it will hand down its final rulings for this term on Monday. But that does not mean the justices will actually decide the six cases that remain, which include three significant disputes involving immigration and the U.S. borders. Heres a look at the notable decisions so far. On Nov. 30, with one seat on the court still vacant, the eight justices heard arguments in a Los Angeles case on whether noncitizens who face possible deportation can be held in jail indefinitely or instead have a right to a bond hearing after six months. The case, Jennings vs. Rodriguez, has taken on added importance in the Trump era, but the long delay may signal that the justices are split 4-4. If so, the court may announce Monday that the case will be reheard in the fall, leaving it to new Justice Neil M. Gorsuch to cast the tie-breaking vote. Also still pending, since January, is a California case that will decide whether a crime such as breaking into an empty home qualifies as a crime of violence, triggering automatic deportation, even for an immigrant who is a longtime legal resident. A ruling in Sessions vs. Dimaya could affect thousands of deportations The third case, pending since February, is a closely watched border shooting. At issue in Hernandez vs. Mesa is whether a U.S. agent can be sued for fatally shooting a 15-year-old who was standing on the Mexican side of the border. On Friday, the justices gave a second chance to a Korean restaurant owner from Memphis who faces deportation for selling Ecstasy pills. Based on his lawyers advice, he pleaded guilty to the drug charge, having been assured it would not trigger his deportation. The lawyer was wrong. By a 6-2 vote in Lee vs. United States, the court said the Korean man may withdraw his guilty plea and go to trial. But for his attorneys incompetence, he would not have accepted a plea, said Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr.. Dissenting were Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel A. Alito Jr.. The justices, including Gorsuch, are likely to rule in a significant case on religion and funding for church schools. In Trinity Lutheran vs.Comer, the justices will decide whether states may exclude church schools from receiving public funds. Also still pending, but on a different track, is the Trump administrations appeal over his blocked foreign travel ban. The court may act on that appeal at any time. Facebook

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Trump backs L.A. Olympic bid in meeting with IOC officials By Michael A. Memoli The opening ceremonies of the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. (Ken Hively / Los Angeles Times) President Trump pledged his full support for the Los Angeles bid to host a future Summer Olympics, the White House said Friday after an Oval Office meeting with the head of the International Olympic Committee. Trump met Thursday with IOC President Thomas Bach and three U.S. members of the IOC -- Larry Probst, Anita DeFrantz and Angela Ruggiero. A White House official called it a very constructive conversation in which Trump backed a potential third Summer Games in Los Angeles. With only L.A. and Paris bidding to host the 2024 games, the IOC is moving to reward both cities, giving one hosting duties in 2024 and the other in 2028. The United States hasnt hosted a Summer Olympics since the Centennial games in Atlanta in 1996. Salt Lake City hosted the Winter Olympics in 2002. Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said he discussed the citys Olympic bid during a post-election conversation with Trump last November and that the then-president elect pledged his backing. Facebook

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Trump says he tweeted about tapes to influence Comeys account of their private conversations By Michael A. Memoli .@POTUS on why he wanted former FBI Dir. James Comey to believe there were tapes of their conversations pic.twitter.com/pCuibM5Z6k  FOX & friends (@foxandfriends) June 23, 2017 President Trump called it bothersome that the special counsel now overseeing the Russia probe was good friends with fired FBI Director James B. Comey, and said he hinted at having tapes of his private conversations  apparently falsely  to try to influence Comeys eventual testimony. The president made his remarks during an interview that aired Friday morning on Fox & Friends, but was recorded on Thursday just hours after he tweeted that he did not, in fact, have tapes. Trump said that floating the possibility they did exist might have forced Comey to tell what actually took place at the events. When he found out that, I, you know, that there may be tapes out there, whether its governmental tapes or anything else, and who knows, I think his story may have changed, Trump said. My story didnt change. My story was always a straight story. Foxs Ainsley Earhardt followed up: So it was a smart way to make sure he stayed honest in those hearings? It wasnt very stupid, I can tell you that, Trump answered. Many disagree, including Republicans. Comey testified that Trumps tweet is what prompted him to as
Inspiration can strike in the most unlikely places. It struck chemist Lukas Goossen at a biodiesel factory in Rwanda.

Goossen was visiting the factory to see how it produced fuel from local plants. But he was surprised to learn that only one specially constructed bus was capable of running on pure biodiesel.

The fuel might be environmentally friendly, he thought, but what good would it do if regular vehicles couldnt use it? He set out to use his know-how to make a plant-based fuel that could work in a normal diesel engine.

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Can I help with chemistry? he wondered.

The answer turned out to be yes. After Goossen returned to his lab at Ruhr-University Bochum in Germany, his team developed a biodiesel fuel that works like regular petrodiesel and meets European standards for diesel engines.

The key to the new recipe, described Friday in Science Advances, was a mixture of catalysts that changed the sizes of the molecules in the fuel.

Both standard petrodiesel and biodiesel contain long chains of carbon atoms; the main difference is the length of those chains. Petrodiesel is a mixture of chains of various sizes, while the chains in unmodified biodiesel all contain around 18 carbon atoms, Goossen said.

To understand why size matters, lets go back to high school chemistry.

Small molecules boil at lower temperatures than big ones. Because petrodiesel contains molecules of different sizes, it boils steadily over a wide range of temperatures  the smaller ones boil at around 350 degrees Fahrenheit, while the longer ones boil closer to 660 degrees.

But since the molecules in biodiesel are all the same size, they all want to boil at the same time. Thats a problem for diesel engines: The fuel cant all boil at once. If it tries to, it can damage the engine and result in increased emissions. (This is why biodiesel can make up only 5% to 20% of a diesel blend.)

Goossen realized he could build a better biodiesel if he could mix up the size of its molecules. As it happened, he had been working on a reaction with the potential to fix this problem. The reaction breaks molecules apart, shuffles the broken pieces around, and fits them back together.

To test the idea, Goossen and some of his students went to the grocery store and bought some ordinary rapeseed oil to use in their reaction. Sure enough, it worked as if the researchers had fed the big molecules to a microscopic paper shredder, then taped random pairs back together. The result was a wide distribution of molecule sizes, which in turn changed the boiling behavior.

Goossen and his colleagues used computer models and small-scale tests to come up with just the right combination of catalysts to make their rapeseed biodiesel combust like petrodiesel. They didnt have enough to drive a normal car, but the fuel was able to turn a propeller that powered a model car across a plaza.

The work isnt done. Though the new biodiesel can work in petrodiesel engines, it might degrade those engines over time. Goossen said further tests would be needed to find out.

Another potential problem is that the reaction doesnt remove certain oxygen-containing components called esters. These tend to attract water and could pose problems for the transport and long-term storage of biodiesel fuel, according to Allen Schaeffer, executive director of the Diesel Technology Forum in Frederick, Md.

Schaeffer and Dev Shrestha, an agricultural engineer who researches biofuels at the University of Idaho in Moscow, noted that there is already a renewable, or green, diesel that is made entirely from plant sources and can be used in standard diesel engines.

But Shrestha, who was not involved in the study, said it was valuable for demonstrating a low-temperature way of making biodiesel that could be cheaper than current methods.

Aside from this achievement, Goossen said his favorite thing about this project was that it gave him the chance to use chemistry for the common good.

Sometimes I just have an idea for a new chemical process, he said. That process can be cool but absolutely meaningless if it doesnt do anything good for you.

mira.abed@latimes.com

Follow me on Twitter @mirakatherine and like Los Angeles Times Science & Health on Facebook.

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Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, June 16

By Huseyn Hasanov  Trend:

Turkmenistans State Migration Service hosted a meeting with Vera Tkachenko, a representative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), said the Migration Service in a message.

During the meeting, an exchange of views was held on prospects and opportunities of partnership.

The sides expressed confidence that the cooperation will continue to develop dynamically, according to the message.

Turkmenistan is an active participant in the international UN Conventions on combating illicit trafficking of drugs and psychotropic substances, as well as a number of regional and international projects.

Turkmenistan has a long border with Afghanistan, the territory of which, according to the UN, is actively used for narcotic cultivation.
Whether it be makeup that creates a shadow under the eye, or the amount of light shining on a set, staff and volunteers of the Pageant of the Masters honed in on the details during a rehearsal Thursday night.

Its three weeks from opening night of the famed Laguna Beach show that features re-creations of classical and contemporary works of art, with real people posing to look exactly like their counterparts in the original art pieces.

The title of this years show is The Grand Tour, an ode to the European tradition during the 17th and 18th centuries of crossing continents to look for art masterpieces.

Weve never really had a storyline like this, never created characters for the show, Pageant director Diane Challis Davy said. We have many beautiful landscape paintings from the 18th century. Were going to project images to show how everyone looked in the 18th century. Its a real insight to the past.

The narration consists of a man writing letters from various destinations to his father at home in England.

Since February, Pageant staff have held weekly rehearsals, typically going through two or three scenes each night.

On Thursday, Connor Fink, 15, wearing boots, pants and a T-shirt, sat on a stool while makeup artist Maryam Kavousi applied foundation to his face for his role as the man riding a horse in artist Harry Jacksons Pony Express.

Kavousi worked methodically, regularly glancing at a print or a painted mannequin head to make sure she had the right shade of color. Kavousi occasionally dabbed his forehead and cheeks with a pad.

This will be Connors third year volunteering in the Pageant. Connor said his brother Drew convinced him to audition three years ago.

It gives me something to do instead of sitting at home during the night, Connor said.

With makeup applied, Connor fit into a jacket, part of which was fanned open to replicate the winds impact on the fabric.

This piece has got a lot of movement, costume director Reagan Foy said. The horse has taken off and the wind is whipping through the costume. We have to create that movement in a static piece.

A crew member stitched a wire into the jacket to hold its shape.

The big thing tonight is looking for any final adjustments that need to be made, Foy said.

Outside in the Irvine Bowl, crew members experimented with lighting on a depiction of the marble sculpture Apollo served by the Nymphs.

Technical director Richard Hill watched for anything that might cause a difference with the original work.

An electrician climbed up a tower to change a bulb.

Stage crew, can you pull one side of the stage? Hill said. Ive got a big shadow on Apollo.

This years Pageant will feature works by Leonardo da Vinci, Giovanni Tiepolo, and Jean-Antoine Watteau among the 41 pieces of art with stops in Venice, Pompeii and Paris, according to a news release.

Performances will be held nightly at 8:30 p.m. from July 7 through Aug. 31 at 650 Laguna Canyon Road.

Ticket prices range from $15 to $230.

For information, call (800) 487-3378 or visit pageanttickets.com.

bryce.alderton@latimes.com

Twitter: @AldertonBryce
The No. 1 reason women dont want to go to the doctor is because they dont want to get on the scale, offered television journalist Joan Lunden addressing a sold-out audience for the 30th anniversary gathering of Circle 1000 supporting the Hoag Family Cancer Institute.

Lunden, the former long-running co-host of Good Morning America, was diagnosed with stage 2 triple negative breast cancer in June of 2014, requiring chemotherapy, surgery and radiation.

With a take no prisoners attitude and optimistic spirit, Lunden has used her experience in surviving cancer as a platform to encourage other women that a cancer diagnosis is not necessarily a death sentence.

Her memoir, written and published last year titled Had I Known: A Memoir of Survival, reflects on a number of cancer related issues specifically detailing the relatively unknown concept of breast density.

Lunden went on at length sharing with her audience facts pertaining the significance of breast density as it relates to womens overall breast health and the treatment of breast cancer if and when diagnosed.

Many in the crowd shared that they were not aware of the significance of breast density as a major factor in the screening process for breast cancer.

Perhaps most important was Lundens telling that a customary mammogram may deliver clean results, which could be a misdiagnosis, again based on breast density factors.

In her case, an ultrasound followed her mammogram, which revealed her stage 2 cancer condition. Without the ultrasound, she might not have known until it was too late.

The Circle 1000 Founders Celebration brunch is all about hope.

It is an annual gathering of survivors and supporters coming together to tell the world that cancer is something to be overcome, and with advanced medical research and treatment, it will one day be a thing of the past.

The 2017 chair of the Founders Committee was Sheryl Anderson, assisted by Heather Gaughan, handling underwriting, Francis Applegate, Gini Robins, Ginny Ueberroth, Vicki Booth and Lin Auer. Also, prominent members of the committee include Jill Aschieris, Mary V Buckingham, Pam Schmider, Tara Shapiro, Katie Flamson, among other generous women.

Some 400 guests came together for brunch at the Balboa Bay Resort to meet Lunden and to celebrate another year of freedom from cancer. An honored tradition of the event is calling for cancer survivors to stand and be recognized based on how many years they have been cancer-free, beginning with those for more than 30 years, 20 years, 10 years, 5 years and so forth.

Major support for the morning confab comes from a huge cross section of community involvement.

Major underwriting comes from Janet Curci, Sandy Sewell, Dee Dee Anderson, Laura Khouri, Tom Larkin, Michael Hayde, Laurie Cappello, Serena and Jeff Sewell, Ginny and Peter Ueberroth, and Sue Werner and John Hagestad.

Also, supporting Circle 1000 were Jackie Glass, Karen and Tom Linden, Ann and Robert Lucas, and Mike and Tara Shapiro.

Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Ron Suskind addresses Heritage Pointe luncheon

Senior national affairs journalist for The Wall Street Journal, Ron Suskind, is familiar to readers across America following decades of reporting out of Washington, D.C.

His long career has covered serious issues focusing on race, poverty and class struggles in America, earning him a Pulitzer in 1995.

Suskind came to Orange County last month as a guest of Heritage Pointe, a senior residential community in Mission Viejo that provides vital care services for elderly residences of the Jewish faith.

The facility is a nonprofit that is able to operate based on contributions from donors providing some $1.5 million annually in assistance to senior residents in financial need.

The May 10 luncheon was Heritage Pointes 27th annual gathering.

The event was created around a shopping boutique that helped raise record sums from a sold-out crowd at the Irvine Marriott Hotel. The event was co-chaired by Donna Markovitz and Gail Taleisnik.

Suskind shared his personal story about his familys lifelong struggle with his youngest son, Owen, who battled autism from a very early age losing his speech at age 3.

In one of Suskinds books titled Life, Animated: A Tale Of Sidekicks, Heros, and Autism, he detailed the path of his familys attempt to find answers to Owens condition, which relates today to so many Americans sharing a similar challenge with their own autistic child.

More than 400 guests from all over Orange County attended the luncheon and shopping boutique.

Luncheon guests included Judy Binder, Nancy Chase, Jill Edwards, Roberta Feuerstein, Jane Fischel, Hannareta Fishman, Alison Goldenberg, Ellie Gordon, Adrienne Green and Jodi Greenbaum. Also supporting Heritage Pointe were Ellie Jaffy, Lauren Klein, Dorothy Leshner, Debbie Margolis, Nancy Meyer, Cindy Mirsky, Ann Moskowitz, Allison Pinsky, Meryl Schrimmer, Sonia Silverstein, Roz Vogelfanger, and Charlene Zuckerman.

B.W. COOK is editor of the Bay Window, the official publication of the Balboa Bay Club in Newport Beach.
If you booked an ocean cruise or group tour to Cuba before President Trump announced his policy shift Friday, dont panic.

Cruises and group tours are unaffected by planned revisions to travel rules eased last year under President Obama. Flights by U.S. commercial airlines also will continue.

Carnival Corp., the big dog in the Caribbean cruise world, on Thursday released a statement to reassure its passengers ahead of Trumps announcement.

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The company said it was pleased the policy changes will allow our ships to continue to sail to Cuba.

Katharine Bonner, senior vice president of high-end tour operator Tauck, was careful to point out in a phone interview Friday that no changes will take effect until new regulations are written by the Treasury Departments Office of Foreign Assets Control.

Theyre basically saying If youve already paid money for a cruise or trip, then you are OK, Bonner said.

Tauck, like other operators, will go ahead with two upcoming land tours to Cuba and a small-ship cruise in 2018. And, yes, theyve had calls from clients concerned about the planned changes.

Among cruise companies, Carnival expanded Cuba itineraries on several of its lines this spring. (It operates Carnival Cruises, Holland America Line, Seabourn, Princess Cruises and others.)

We will review the extent of the tightening of the travel rules, but our guests have already been traveling under the 12 approved forms of travel to Cuba , the company statement said.

Technically, travel to Cuba is illegal. But the U.S. government allows tourism that falls into 12 categories, including people to people cultural exchange tours, which cruises and tour operators currently follow.

That means organizing a full schedule of educational exchange activities to comply with the rules, Bonner said. Under the proposed changes, however, individual travelers will no longer be allowed to use the people-to-people category.

But back to cruises. If you want to go, here are some expanded offerings by major lines in 2017 and beyond.

Carnival Cruises started sailing to Cuba in June with four- and five-day voyages from Tampa, Fla., that include daytime and overnight stops in Cuba.

Royal Caribbean in May opened bookings for 58 cruises to Cuba between January 2018 and March 2019. Its offering four- and five-night sailings from Tampa, with an overnight stay in Havana, aboard the Empress of the Seas.

Holland America Line also announced in May that it would begin cruises to Cuba in December aboard the Veendam. It plans to sail nine cruises, each seven days long, and stop at Havana and Cienfuegos, Cuba, as part of its Caribbean itineraries. Its also planning a 12-day Christmas holiday cruise leaving Dec. 22 from Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

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travel@latimes.com

Twitter: @latimestravel
The sun was already scorching on a recent Friday morning when David Eubank, a former U.S. Special Forces operative turned aid worker, caught sight of the bodies.

They were scattered over a street near Mosuls now destroyed Pepsi factory.

There was a woman sprawled on her face. Dead, Eubank said. A baby, all shot up. Dead. Near them, two old people. Dead. And then you realize all those lumps of rags were kids. Dead, dead, dead.

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All had been shot, he said, by Islamic State snipers cutting down those fleeing the hell their neighborhood had become as Iraqi forces fought to dislodge the jihadis from what had been the militant groups Iraqi capital.

Then, in the distance, Eubank noticed movement among a group of corpses clustered before a wall pocked by bullets: A half-naked toddler stumbled over the bodies; a girl of about 5 peeked from under the hijab of her dead mother; propped up against the wall, a wounded man waved for help.

The sniper fire continued, and the the survivors were 150 yards away. Eubank and some Iraqi troops quickly came up with a plan: Eubank would try to rescue the girl.

Eubank, 56, heads a volunteer services organization, known as the Free Burma Rangers.

The son of Christian missionaries from Texas, Eubank had earlier served in the U.S. armed forces, enlisting at the age of 18 and eventually rising to lead a military free fall team with the First Special Forces Group. There, he ran missions in Central and South America, and then mostly in Thailand.

In 1992, after almost 10 years in the military, he left the Army and joined the Fuller Theological Seminary, a nondenominational institution in Pasadena.

He wanted, he said, the freedom to go where God was leading. Soon thereafter, he met his wife-to-be, Karen, who was studying to become a teacher.

She wouldnt date, so I asked her to go climbing with me, Eubank joked.

When a Burmese Bible group asked for help from his parents, they immediately thought of him.

The Burmese said they were a warrior people, and they needed someone like that. My parents called me up and asked what I thought, said Eubank. I figured I could go and even if I helped only one person, at least they would be happy and I would be happy.

With Karen in tow, Eubank said, he began to make regular trips to Burma, also known as Myanmar, eventually moving there full time and forming the Free Burma Rangers, or FBR, an aid group that delivers medicine, supplies and humanitarian support where other organizations simply cannot go.

But for the last two years, FBR has shifted its focus to Islamic State; the group has deployed with Kurdish forces known as peshmerga in Mosul, but has also worked in places ravaged by the jihadis, such as Kobani, Manbij and Al Bab in neighboring Syria.

The eight-month offensive to take Mosul is like nothing the group had seen until now, said Hosanna Valentine, 37, a longtime member of the organization who came to Iraq in 2015 along with a core group that comprises Eubank, four Burmese and other volunteers.

This is one of the starkest and most desperate situations in the world. And with ISIS, it doesnt feel melodramatic to say its evil, said Valentine, using an acronym for Islamic State. Valentine spoke at the medical clinic of the Iraqi 9th division, with which the group is traveling.

One of the first things David does is apologize to people for what America did here. Not all of it was wrong, but some of it was. So we come and help not from a desire to have control or use the resources. If you go act out of love, that can be life changing, she said.

It was that idea that drove Eubank to join the effort to rescue the toddler, girl and wounded man.

The Iraqi troops Eubank was traveling with coordinated with the U.S.-led coalition to drop smoke canisters to shield the rescuers from the snipers view. Eubank and others crept up on foot behind an advancing tank, bullets pinging all around them as they got closer to the wounded civilians.

Then the Americans dropped the biggest barrage, the most perfect wall of smoke Id ever seen, Eubank said.

His team was yards away from the girl, and there still was shooting everywhere. But it was now or never.

I thought, If I die doing this, my wife and kids would understand.

For Eubank, his aid work is literally a family affair. A scant mile from the front line, in a room above the 9th divisions medical clinic, Karen Eubank home-schools the couples three children: Sahale, 16; Suuzane (named after Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi), 14; and Peter, 11.

Although people would say its dangerous, said Karen Eubank, the work brings meaning.

Its not like we thought 25 years ago, Lets take our kids to a war zone with ISIS. But in Burma the people we worked with poured love into us, and this is more than what I can give my kids on my own, she said.

Their chosen lifestyle makes for a strange juxtaposition, akin to an episode of MASH by way of The Waltons.

One Wednesday, when a large group of wounded poured into the clinic, Karen Eubank mopped up blood from the floor, while Sahale and other volunteers scrambled to assist Valentine and a number of Iraqi medics in providing treatment.

Karen Eubank also runs what she calls The Good Life Club, which she describes as a day program of spiritual encouragement and healthcare.

When an elderly woman, with one leg amputated and the other scorched, was rushed to the clinic, Eubank called his wife from the front line with a request: Give the woman special attention.

Eubanks rescue effort was captured on video. As clouds from the smoke canisters swirl about, it showed him preparing to dash from behind the tank to save the girl. He was wearing a helmet and a bulletproof vest over a black T-shirt.

He ran out as his colleagues, armed with machine guns, gave covering fire. He scooped up the girl, her hair tied with pink ribbons into pigtails, stumbling as he ran back. He was gone and back in 12 seconds.

But when he went back for the toddler, he couldnt find him among the bodies. Another man they tried to rescue didnt make it after ISIS lit the place up.

The following day, one of the Iraqis fleeing the Mosul area spoke of more survivors. A girl was pinned down on a street near the defunct Pepsi factory. Acting as a guide, the man sneaked far enough into the factory with Eubank and an Iraqi policeman that they could throw a rope to a girl and drag her to safety.

We could hear ISIS guys talking near us, and we were stepping all around empty soda cans  it sounds like a movie, said Eubank, shaking his head as he spoke.

As dusk came to the Iraqi 36th brigades position and the stream of terrified residents had finally ebbed, Eubank stole a moment to reflect on his mission.

I believe God sent me here, and I dont think about security  but I always ask myself if Im doing it out of pride, he said.

Bulos is a special correspondent.

@nabihbulos

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All material is subject to strictly enforced copyright terms & conditions and cannot be repurposed or reproduced.  19882022 Latin American Financial Publications Inc.
United States President Donald Trump, alongside Republican Senator Marco Rubio of Florida, spoke to a Miami crowd on Friday announcing his rollback of former President Barack Obama's rapprochement with Cuba. The boisterous cheers reached a climactic roar when the president declared the official cancellation of the U.S.-Cuba deal.

According to the new directive, diplomatic relations between Washington and Havana and their respective embassies will stay open. It will, however, push for tighter restrictions on tourism and business dealings with commercial entities owned by the military.

If Cuba is unwilling to make a better deal for the Cuban people, the Cuban/American people and the U.S. as a whole, I will terminate deal.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 28, 2016

Circumventing the congressional U.S. embargo on the island, the Obama administration took action in December 2014 to thaw icy relations with Cuba, an act that, according to Pew Research Center, enjoys overwhelming support from the American public; 75% to be exact.

Garnering political points from the strong Cuban-American lobby, Mr. Trump is attempting to fulfill a rather empty promise to his Floridian constituents. Reversing course on the Obama-era policy initiatives with Cuba is a mistake for several reasons.

First, the 56-year-old strategy of isolation did little to accomplish America's goal of getting Cuba to do what it otherwise would not do. In other words, the Cuban government continued to act in its own interests with little regard for the economic pressure stemming from the embargo. Counterintuitively, the Cuban government used the embargo as an excuse to double-down on its actions.

Democratic values in Cuba, such as freedom of speech and basic human rights, were consistently repressed during the latter half of the 20th century. Therefore, to expect a different outcome from the same failed policy is irrational.

Second, Mr. Trump's ambiguous six-month stance regarding Cuba did not encourage American businesses to push for greater investment on the island. Riding high on the coattails of the Obama initiative, business leaders capitalized on information conveyed between both governments, which resulted in the safe investment of capital. The lack of commercial urgency does little to convince the president to adopt a policy favorable to businesses.

Third, the rest of America's economic competitors, namely China, have a strong interest in the evolving U.S.-Cuba dynamic. In terms of potential economic gains, many European and Canadian investors perceive an advantage over America's hesitation to work with Cuba. U.S.-Cuba relations during Mr. Obama's lame-duck term galvanized many of these outside parties to secure investment opportunities before the U.S. realized its failure to act more swiftly.

New governmental initiatives will always take time to visibly yield any fruitful gains. However, abiding by a tired policy, which, for decades, produced no benefits for any of the parties involved, is bound to sow deeper divisions and mistrust between the neighboring countries.
A judge in Massachusetts has decided that a teen can be held legally responsible for a string of text messages that led her boyfriend's suicide.

Michelle Carter has been convicted on charges of involuntary manslaugter after state's attorneys convinced a judge in a jury-waived trial that she encouraged Conrad Roy III to take his own life. Carter could face up to 20 years in prison in a sentencing hearing scheduled for August of this year.

I cant take the pain, Conrad Roy III wrote in a suicide note to his father. I did this to be finally happy, I dont feel like I belong here.

The 18-year-old Massachusetts native with a history of mental health problems and suicide attempts also left a note for his 17-year-old girlfriend Carter, who prosecutors say instigated his May 2014 suicide. Roy's body was found in a local parking lot after he had inhaled fatal amounts of carbon monoxide from a gasoline-powered generator in his pickup truck. Roy had apparently begun coughing and had second thoughts until Carter texted him to get back in the car and finish the deed.

How bad do you want it because if you want it bad, you should succeed, she texted him.

The prosecution read off pages of Carter's text messages goading Roy into going further with more dangeous acts of self-harm leading up to his suicide and framed Carter as an individual desperately seeking sympathy and attention from her peers. Bristol County District Attourney Katie Rayburn argued Carter didn't need to be in the room to have made him want to take his life.

It got to the point where he was apologizing to her, apologizing for letting her down, and for not being dead yet, Rayburn said. Her words of encouragement are throughout, but are especially prevalent when he has doubts. She told him to get back into the car and she knew he was going to die.

Carter's defense team countered that she had issues of her own that were made worse by Roy, who was bent on committing suicide regardless of her actions. She had struggled with an eating disorder, self harm, and suicide attempts of her own, but these weren't enough to convince Juvenile Court Judge Lawrence Moniz to grant Carter a not guilty verdict.

This sets a new and revolutionary legal precedent in which people can be held liable for criminal acts instigated over the phone. Everyone, not just smartphone addicted teens, will now heed the Carter case a cautionary tale about the newly found responsibility that comes with words and images shared electronically. This will change the face of bullying and cyberbullying cases for years to come, because it has been formally established that one need not be present to commit a criminal act that leads to tragic death.

Phones allow you to be virtually present, Rayburn said in concluding remarks. People fall in love over the Internet and text, people bully over the Internet, you can encourage someone to die via text, and you can commit a crime via text.
Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, June 16

By Huseyn Hasanov  Trend:

Ashgabat hosted political consultations between Turkmenistan and Hungary, the Turkmen Foreign Ministry said in a message June 16.

The Hungarian delegation was led by Hungarian Minister of State for Security Policy and International Cooperation Istvan Mikola.

The sides mulled political and diplomatic, as well as economic and trade cooperation.

Speaking of the interest of Hungarian companies in investment, Mikola expressed hope for the further expansion of cooperation.

Diplomatic relations between Turkmenistan and Hungary were established in 1992.
Tashkent, Uzbekistan, June 16

By Demir Azizov  Trend:

A single service for geological exploration of uranium, precious and non-ferrous metals will be created in Uzbekistan under the State Geology and Mineral Resources Committee, according to the decree of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

The decree published June 16 reads that the Scientific and Production Center Geology of Precious Metals and Uranium of the Navoi Mining and Metallurgical Complex and the Scientific and Production Center Geology of Non-Ferrous Metals of the Almalyk Mining and Metallurgical Complex must be transferred to the new single service for geological exploration within two months.

Uzbekistans State Geology and Mineral Resources Committee was instructed to conduct an active investment policy for the industrial development of mineral deposits and develop recommendations for their rational use.

Navoi Mining and Metallurgical Complex is one of the largest gold producers in Central Asia and is a monopoly operator for production, enrichment and export of uranium in Uzbekistan.

Almalyk Mining and Metallurgical Complex is one of the largest producers of non-ferrous metals in Central Asia and is the sole copper producer in Uzbekistan.
Jun 16, 2017, 10:07am ET

California demands VW charging stations in disadvantaged areas

As part of the emissions cheating settlement, the company had hoped to focus on high-traffic corridors.

California legislators have stepped up pressure on Volkswagen to build EV charging stations in disadvantaged communities.

VW's diesel emissions settlement requires the company to spend $2 billion on an 'Electrify America' campaign. Nearly half the money will be spent in California, helping pay for a network of charging stations and outreach programs.

The company recently outlined its plans for the first $200 million of spending in California, intending to focus infrastructure buildout in high-traffic corridors and areas where EVs are already popular. The plan was not universally well received, however, as some critics raised concerns that VW was investing in areas that will naturally be served by rivals.

The California Air Resources Board in May politely asked VW to invest 35 percent of its first spending round in poorer areas. The state legislature has since passed a bill that requires CARB to "ensure to the maximum extent allowable" that the 35-percent target is fulfilled, according to a Reuters report.

The legislation must still be signed by Governor Jerry Brown before becoming law.
As many as 100 people either fought a wildfire or supported the effort Thursday on Blue Mountain in Northampton and Carbon counties, an official said.

The fire damaged an estimated five to seven acres of forest, some of it in Lehigh Township but about 95 percent in Carbon County, said Richard Deppen, assistant forester of Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources District 17.

No one was injured despite the number of rattlesnakes on the mountain, Deppen said.

Firefighters came from Northampton, Lehigh and Carbon counties as well as the DCNR.

Friday's rain -- and even the higher humidity and cloud cover -- should take care of whatever fire remains, Deppen said.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, he said. Crews were on scene from about 3:30 p.m. until midnight and District 18 DCNR personnel, who cover Carbon County, were expected back on Friday, he added.

No structures burned and no support from the air was used, Deppen said.

Pine trees and grasses provided fuel to the fire that was "running pretty good" at one point, he said. Greenbrier is another fuel on the mountain that if heated enough can "carry fire pretty good," he said.

"There's a lot of fuel up there," he added.

Eventually the fire encountered fuel that wasn't as conducive and as the sun set and the humidity rose, the firefighters began to prevail, Deppen said.

The shifting winds created added danger at the height of the blaze, Deppen said. He inspected char patterns that indicated "erratic winds," he said.

"When it shifts like that, it gets hairy," he said.

Emergency radio reports showed trucks being moved and firefighters adjusting for the challenge of the wind.

While fires over the years have burned out some of the heavier trees, there is plenty left to burn on the mountain, including trees killed by gypsy moths, he said. But the benefit of the regularity of the blazes is "we have a lot of experience fighting fire up there," he said.

"The biggest hurdle is access and rocks."

Leaves can get jammed into the rocks and fire can burn down through them, going underground and "popping up somewhere else," Deppen said. But at least fire travels slowly below the surface, he added.

There was a significant effort to support the firefighters, including EMS, fire police and logistics personnel, Deppen added.

The fire was under control about 9 p.m. and they figured it would be 100 percent controlled -- thus contained -- by midnight.

Tony Rhodin may be reached at arhodin@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyRhodin. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
UPDATE: Body of missing man recovered near Appalachian Trail

A Monroe County man reported missing Tuesday still had not been found as of Friday morning, Pennsylvania State Police said.

Kevin M. Woolf, 32, was last known to be riding a purple-and-white 1997 Suzuki 350 dual-sport motorcycle in the area of the 800 block of Boulder Drive in Upper Mount Bethel Township.

The motorcycle and Woolf's helmet were found along a trail that he was known to frequent, police said, though the exact location was not immediately available for release by authorities.

"The bike was sitting upright," Trooper Sean Ahearn, from state police at Belfast, said Friday morning. "It wasn't wrecked."

Woolf was believed to be riding the dual-sport, on-road/off-road bike back home to the 2500 block of Mountain Road in Jackson Township, police had said.

A post to Woolf's public Facebook page said the motorcycle and helmet were found on the Appalachian Trail, near the Northampton-Monroe county line, next to a burn pit.

"We have yet to find Kevin but I know in my heart that he is safe," Cassandra Lynne Youngling wrote in the post. "Kevin is a survivor, with undeniable strength and would never lay down and give up. He's pushing forward and thinking carefully and logically to ensure he comes home to us safely."

Northeast Search and Rescue, which describes itself as a nonprofit organization based in Stroudsburg, was continuing the search for Woolf, according to police.

Police ask anyone who has seen Woolf since Tuesday to call state police at Belfast at 610-759-6106.

Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @KurtBresswein. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 16

By Leman Zeynalova  Trend:

The US Senate vote for imposing sanctions on Iran was expected, as even during the Obama Administration, a majority of Senate and House of Representatives was against the nuclear deal in total, Cyril Widdershoven, a Middle East geopolitical specialist and energy analyst, a partner at Dutch risk consultancy VEROCY and SVP MEA-Risk, told Trend June 16.

Earlier, the US Senate voted overwhelmingly to advance a bill that would impose new sanctions on Iran.

The legislation would impose new sanctions on Iran over its ballistic missile development, arms transfers, support for Islamist militant groups and human rights violations

The current vote represents the unease that the US has with the deal in place, especially when looking at the ongoing developments inside of Iran and the role Iran is playing in the region, Syria, Lebanon, Bahrain, Iraq and Yemen. This is not taken as positive, and most are more than willing to increase pressure on Iran, said the expert.

He pointed out that the nuclear deal has a main fault in it, as an opening to Iran will be bringing theoretically more money to the Iranian economy and regime.

Most of the oil-gas, energy and industrial projects in Iran are either fully in the hands of the IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) or linked to this group. At the same time, increased financial prowess of Iran will directly lead to a more military expansion of the Iranian forces and IRGC, said Widdershoven.

The ongoing conflict between Iran and the West is still clear, as there are a lot of military confrontations in the Persian Gulf arena, where Iranian and US fleet are sometimes almost in direct conflict, he noted.

As long as the Tehran government is not showing a total change in regional politics, and a more open stand towards the West-Arab world and even Israel, nothing will change in the US views. The UK and others are currently also reassessing their options, added the expert.

Regarding the possible consequences of the US sanctions on Iran, Widdershoven said that it will directly impact all European companies with shares on the New York Stock Exchange.

Most probably, Western/European companies will be talking a lot to Iran, as it holds vast oil-gas reserves and a large economy, but real deals will be put on ice for longer, said the expert. Main investors in Iran will come from FSU republics, Russia, China and other Asian countries, which are not afraid to confront US sanctions. European companies and countries are too interlinked with the US economy to take the chance.

At the same time, most companies are also having major projects or investments in the Arab world, he said, adding that supporting Iran will put this also under severe pressure, especially in Saudi-UAE-Bahrain or Egypt.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @ Lyaman_Zeyn
A Bethlehem Township man was jailed this week on child porn charges in an investigation that originated in Louisiana, court records say.

Dustin M. Wagner, 31, of the 1600 block of Farmersville Road, was arrested by the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office. That office had taken over the case on referral from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, as part of the multi-state investigation into "known sharing of apparent child pornography," records say.

The investigator with the attorney general's office is assigned to the Pennsylvania Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

Authorities had searched Wagner's apartment in November 2015, when he admitted to investigators to sexually explicit online chats with children ages 10 to 12, records say. A forensic analysis of items seized from his home allegedly turned up at least 1,000 images of apparent child pornography.

Wagner was arraigned Thursday night before District Judge Roy Manwaring II on 20 charges of child pornography and single counts of dissemination of images of child sex acts and criminal use of a communication facility.

Wagner was sent to Northampton County Prison in lieu of $150,000 bail and faces a preliminary hearing tentatively scheduled June 29 before District Judge Charles Crawford.

If released on bail, he would have to remain under the supervision of Northampton County Pretrial Services and have no contact with any minor.

Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @KurtBresswein. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
There is a story out there that says the Russians interfered with our elections. Well, no kidding, this is the dirty little secret that no one is talking about. The CIA and the KGB interfere in others countries' elections all the time. So in your name the CIA as been interfering in at least 81 countries elections since 1948.

In 1947-48 the CIA interfered in the Italian election on the side of the Christian Democrats against the Communist Party and the KGB. And let's not forget that we interfered in at least two Russian elections, once with Boris Yeltsin in 1996. In 2011, Vladimir Putin blamed then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton for interfering in the Russian election.

So here's a short list of countries where the CIA interfered with elections: Guatemala, Chile, Nicaragua, Czechoslovakia, South Vietnam, Afghanistan, Indonesia. There are many more. And let's not forget the Obama administration interfering in the Israel election against Prime Minster Benjamin Netanyahu.

Bruce Knipp

Nazareth
Two people suspected in several robberies were charged Friday in another holdup -- this one at a service station in the Slate Belt.

Charged were Ezekial Lee Dingle, 21, of Bangor, and Alan Howard Oren Jr., 17, of Washington Township.

The pair were charged May 3 with robbing the CVS in Wilson Borough, and they've been charged with robberies in Bethlehem and Upper Mount Bethel Township as well.

On Friday, they were arraigned on charges tied to the April 30 robbery of the Penn Jersey gas station at 989 W. Pennsylvania Ave. in Plainfield Township, Slate Belt Regional police Chief David Mettin said in a news release.

Dingle was arraigned on robbery and related offenses and Oren on conspiracy to commit robbery and related offenses. As with the Wilson robbery, Oren is charged as an adult, Mettin said.

Dingle, of the 400 block of Raspberry Lane in Bangor, robbed the cashier at gunpoint at 10:55 p.m. and left with $860 and several cartons of cigarettes, Mettin said. Oren, of the first block of Bunny Trail Road in the Northampton County township, drove Dingle from the robbery scene, Mettin said.

After Dingle and Oren were processed following the Wilson robbery, "additional investigations" led to the most recent charges, Mettin said. The robbery was captured on surveillance video, Mettin added.

District Judge Alicia Rose Zito arraigned the two Friday in Bangor and sent them back to Northampton County Prison in lieu of $50,000 bail.

Their preliminary hearings on the Slate Belt Regional police charges are tentatively scheduled June 29 in Zito's court.

Tony Rhodin may be reached at arhodin@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyRhodin. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
A Phillipsburg man was arrested Thursday after driving away without paying from a Lopatcong Township gas station and injuring the attendant in the process, township police said.

Devon McBride, no age given, of Anderson Street in town, got a full tank and then started to pull away from the Eagle Gas station at 1075 Route 22, police said.

The attendant had asked for payment and then reached out to try to stop McBride, but the vehicle sped away, police said. The attendant, who suffered abrasions and was bleeding, was treated by Lopatcong EMS but declined to go to the hospital, police said.

Witnesses provided a license plate number and described the vehicle.

Phillipsburg police found the vehicle on Anderson Street and township officers arrested McBride, police said.

James Webster III , no age given, of Newark, was a passenger in the vehicle and he had synthetic marijuana, leading to his arrest by town police, township police said.

McBride, who was also wanted on three warrants, was charged with theft of fuel, assault by auto and vehicular violations, township police said. He was released pending a court appearance, police said.

Lopatcong police were also assisted by the Warren County Prosecutor's Office and the Washington Township, Warren County, police K-9 unit.

Tony Rhodin may be reached at arhodin@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyRhodin. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
A Pohatcong Township police officer faces two counts of assault stemming from a dispute with his wife that involved a gun and eventually a vehicle, Lopatcong Township police said.

Officer James C. Heebner Jr., 47, faces two counts of assault, authorities said. (lehighvalleylive.com file photo)

James C. Heebner Jr., 47, entered his home on June 5 in the 200 block of Beers Street in Lopatcong with a firearm and, while making several statements he was going to harm himself, injured his wife as she struggled for the weapon, police said.

The victim suffered a bruised arm as Heebner grabbed and pushed her before Heebner briefly left the home, police said. It wasn't clear if the victim was able to take away the gun.

A short time later, Heebner got into a vehicle and his wife tried to enter the driver's side, police said. As the woman held the driver's side door, Heeber drove off, causing her to fall and hit her head and scrape her left knee, police said.

A responding Lopatcong Township officer saw the woman's injuries and a warrant was obtained June 6 for Heebner's arrest, records show.

Heebner was charged with assault by a motor vehicle, which, because the injuries weren't considered serious, will be treated as a disorderly person's charge, the statute and court records say. He was also charged with simple assault -- also a disorderly persons offense.

Disorderly persons offenses can result in six months in jail and a $1,000 fine per count.

Heebner faces no indictable charges, Warren County Prosecutor Richard Burke said, so the case will play out in municipal court.

It wasn't immediately clear when he was taken into custody, but Heebner spent a night in jail, consistent with New Jersey's new bail standards, Burke said. Heebner went before a judge the next day and was freed pending a future court date, Burke said.

The prosecutor wasn't certain about conditions of Heebner's release, but one certainly would be that Heebner has to stay away from his wife, Burke said.

Heebner's case was initially in Lopatcong's municipal court, but it was transferred to Belvidere, Burke said. A clerk at the Belvidere court late Friday afternoon said Heebner's next appearance has yet to be scheduled.

Burke was not certain of Heebner's current status on the Pohatcong Township Police Department. Pohatcong police Chief Jeffrey Greenmeir confirmed an incident and said there is an internal investigation happening in the department, but he would not elaborate.

Mayor James Kern III on Friday evening said Heebner is on administrative leave and "the governing body will take further action at our next meeting Tuesday." Only that group can decide if the leave is paid or unpaid, Kern said.

(UPDATE: Kern said Wednesday that Heeber remains on paid leave.)

Heebner did not immediately respond to a voicemail.

Tony Rhodin may be reached at arhodin@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyRhodin. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 16

By Emil Ilgar  Trend:

The UNs nuclear body, International Atomic Energy Agency, has reported that the safeguards expenditures from its extrabudgetary contributions were 29.8 million in 2016, 10.9 percent more compared to 2015.

This increase resulted mainly from the implementation of Irans Additional Protocol, verifying and monitoring Irans nuclear-related commitments as set out in the JCPOA and the Agencys MOSAIC project, IAEA reported June 16.

Regular Budget appropriation for 2016 was adjusted to 133.1 million.

IAEA has continued monitoring and verification in the Islamic Republic of Iran in relation to the nuclear-related measures set out in the Joint Plan of Action (JPA) until being informed, on January 19, 2016, by China, France, Germany, Russia, the UK, the US and Iran, the report said.
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After this week's false dawn, it looks like the summer is about to return to Ireland at least for the weekend anyway, according to Met Eireann.

The State weather forecaster had to row back on its forecast for this week, but it now looks like the sun will return from Friday into the weekend.

Friday is set to be a warm and mostly dry day. While the morning will be cloudy in many areas, with a few spots of light rain or drizzle, it will brighten up gradually, with sunny intervals developing in most areas.

Maximum temperatures 20 to 24 Celsius generally, in mostly moderate southwesterly winds.

Friday night will be dry and very mild with slack variable or southwest breezes. Minimum temperatures 11 to 13 degrees.

The HEADLINE for the weekend is A lot of dry weather in store, with some warm sunshine in places at times, but cloudy misty periods too.

Saturday is expect to be a mainly dry day, with a mix of cloudy periods and warm sunny spells. The best of the sunshine is likely to be over Leinster, east Ulster, Munster and east Connacht.

Temperatures will peak at between 21 to 24 C, in sunshine , but fresher on some coasts with values 17 to 20 C. Winds moderate to fresh southwest or variable.

Sunday will be another warm and mainly dry day for most. Some cloudy periods, with local mist and fog on south and west coasts at times, but sunny spells too. Light variable winds. Temperatures in the low twenties in sunshine, but once again in the high teens where cloud and mist linger in coastal districts.

As for next week, Monday will be somewhat cloudier but almost all areas dry and warm again. Moderate northeast breezes. Present signs are for a dry day again in most places on Tuesday, but an increasing chance of showers developing towards midweek when it'll become cooler. Winds at this stage will freshen from an east or southeast direction.




Laois Sinn Fein TD Brian Stanley has called on Charlie Flanagan to finally secure the future of Portlaoise hospital on his reappointment to Cabinet by Leo Varadkar.

Deputy Stanley extended his best wishes to his Laois constituency colleague in his new role as Minister for Justice and Equalty, but he tempered this with a call for action.

"I wish Charlie well on his appointment as Minister for Justice where he will have his work cut out for him.

"The reform of the gardai needs to be a priority for him in his new portfolio and it needs to be accelerated. He should increase front line policing with improved garda visibility along with enhanced powers for Joint Policing Committees," said the Sinn Fein TD.

However, Dep Stanley said the local priority must be healthcare. Minister Flanagan has opposed downgrade but Dep Stanley believes Mr Flanagan now has a responsibility to end doubts.

"Now that he is back in Cabinet there is an onus on him to secure the future of the Emergency Department in Portlaoise Hospital. We've had enough of the procrastination, enough reports, reviews and can kicking and Charlie now needs to deliver on it," said the Laois TD.

Deputy Stanley has said the new Taoiseach Leo Varadkar "showed little interest in Portlaoise Hospital" when he was Minister for Health.

"In particular he showed an unwillingness to take on board the necessity of retaining and upgrading the 24 hour Emergency Department," he said.

Dep Stanley said that he wants to know what view Leo Varadkar will take on the future of the hospital.

When all the hype over Leos elevation dies down, the key question will be what does his appointment mean for public services and in particular Portlaoise Hospital? The health care of the people of Laois and surrounding counties is paramount, he said..
Laois TD and new Minster for Justice and Equality Charlie Flanagan has welcomed the recruitment of prison officers after 'deep recession'.

In his first public engagement as Minister Flanagan visited the Irish Prison Service (IPS) Training College in Portlaoise and addressed 17 Recruit Prison Officers in advance of their formal Passing Out ceremony this afternoon.

The class is the first Recruit Prison Officer class to leave the IPS College since October 2011 and is the first of up to 80 Recruit Prison Officer that will complete training this year.

I am delighted to carry out my first official engagement as Minister for Justice and Equality here at the Irish Prison Service Training College in Portlaoise to mark a very special day in the lives of the new recruits and a proud day for their families and loved ones.

This is also an important day for the Irish Prison Service, now recruiting again after some difficult years during our deep recession, said Minister Flanagan.

The Minister also viewed the refurbishment work underway at the college and presented medals to a number of prison officers in recognition of their years of dedicated service.

Addressing the new prison officers, Minister Flanagan congratulated them saying that it was a hugely important day for you, for your families and for the Irish Prison Service.

The Minister noted the challenging and rewarding role of prison staff saying that the Service was not defined by walls, locks and bars but by the men and women who make up its ranks.

"While it is your role to enhance public safety by holding prisoners securely and by providing care and rehabilitation, treating people with dignity and respect should always be a core aim. You will play a special role on behalf of society and will have the opportunity to change the lives of many people who will look to you for help, support and an opportunity to change, he said.

The Minister said that the unique role of a Prison Officer required a number of key competencies.

The ability to direct others, to support others, conscientiousness, adaptability, and communications are all key competencies. However you will also need resilience. Prison Officers have to work in a potentially stressful environment, encountering conflict and distress and you will need to be able to manage you own stress and emotions he said.

The Minister added that the Irish Prison Service would provide the staff with the support and skills to help them meet the challenges and maintain good physical and mental health.

Minister Flanagan also met with the Director General of the Prison Service, Michael Donnellan and the Governor of the College, David Clarke.
For the first time Kildare learners can apply online for further education and training courses through a new website fetchcourses.ie.

Launched by Kildare South TD Fiona OLoughlin in ETBI in Naas the online service has over 5,000 courses to chose from.

There are 5,577 courses to chose from so there has be something for everybody on here, said Deputy OLoughlin.

At times like this I myself would love to be back in Leaving Cert seeing all courses that are on offer here. I am an advocate of life long learning and believe that is important that we have serivces like this for the community.

The ability to apply online for courses is just one of the recent features that have been added to the fetchcourses.ie website, all of which aim to make finding and applying for a FET course as easy as possible for people. Fetchcourses.ie also provides the capability to search for a course near you and will map the location of courses as well as providing information on transport links to the centre where the course takes place.

The site is inclusive and accessible to everyone including school leavers, career changers, people returning to employment, people with disabilities and older people.

Speaking at the launch Michael Moriarty, Secretary General, Education and Training Boards Ireland said it is is hugely significant for the Further Education and Training Sector.

"This portal brings together the vast range of accredited further education courses in a very accessible way," he said.

"It will prove to be a massive support for learners on their learning pathways. It will open up new opportunities for career and personal development and will become a significant cornerstone in the further development of education and training in Ireland.
This article first appeared on 15 June 2016, in the wake of the Orlando massacre. Its worth reading again today after another week full of avoidable tragedy.

One of the first things I tell people about myself, really as a warning, is that I cry a lot. At good news, bad news, RSPA appeals. Even a particularly nostalgic Hovis advert will do it.

Since Orlando, Ive cried on public transport. In the office. In a car park. At home. In response to eye witness accounts, doctors stories, and politicians reactions. I suppose like many Ive been grieving. But what with it this time is a physical reaction. A need to reach out my arms and hug the relatives, the police, the victims. To run and be there, as if that would somehow help. A need to shout out that Im a human too, that I get it, that though Im from the other side of the planet we feel it just the same.

Of course thats probably no use at all, I dont know. But on a practical level, what can we do? There are crowd funder pages to help the victims families, we could attend vigils, continue to live our lives.

Though for me, when Im sitting on a train trying desperately not to hug the stranger sitting next to me, I need to do more.

My mind wandered to the mindset of the shooter, and all those committing these atrocities. And I thought, have they ever been in love? Sometimes when my mind wanders I think about what would happen if the person I love fell under a bus. Though not likely but they are incredibly clumsy. And that single thought will make me cry every time. Im so lucky to feel this, but many people dont know what thats like.

When I thought about the loss thousands of people across America are going through  and yet to go through  I made a decision. Im going to make a change. Im going to smile at people more, help old ladies across the street, call my relatives and my friends more often. Always, always be kind.

Is that too simplistic? Probably. But Im not making a political argument. Im not trying to figure out how or why. I just dont want to give up on people. Along with millions of others I want to make the world a better place. And it starts with us.

* Jenny Marr is a Liberal Democrat member living in Edinburgh and former co-President of Liberal Youth Scotland
Im not going to mince my words or toe the centre-line in my summary of the Liberal Democrats election result for reasons that will become clearer the further you read.

Our result on the 8th June was embarrassing, demoralising, and worst of all, irrelevant. 7.4% of the vote was all that our party could accrue; 40,000 votes fewer than our 2015 performance which we naively thought was our floor. When the country was crying out for a party of the centre with both Labour and the Conservatives lurching to the extremes, we didnt answer the call.

Whilst our swelling membership and activist base can feel rightly proud of their efforts in the campaign which saw an increase in Lib Dem MPs, they should also feel aggrieved at the lack of support our national message gave to them.

As a party we have failed to broaden our support, something that would have seen unthinkable in the wake of the 2015 election or even just a few weeks ago. We must address why we are primarily appealing to the white middle-classes and not other groups. As per Lord Ashcrofts exit poll, just 6% of BME voters lent their support to the Liberal Democrats in this election, compared to 9% of white voters.

We cannot be content with this, knowing as well as we all do that liberalism is an ideology that seeks to unashamedly champion the causes of marginalised groups  not perturb them, like the data suggests. The figures are similarly bleak for those in the C2DE social class group who are half as likely to vote Liberal Democrats as the AB group  we must begin to reach out to those social classes too.

However, whilst Ashcrofts polling is full of problematic figures for the Lib Dems, our failure to win more than 18% of self-described Brexit resisters is the most humiliating.

In what was supposed to be the Brexit election, you would feel it reasonable to assume that the most unabashed pro-EU party would gain votes nationally, or at least from those who cannot reconcile themselves to the idea of Brexit  but we didnt. Among that very group, we came second  39 points behind pro-Brexit Labour. 39 points.

And what is the cause of these problems? Lack of clarity of position? Partly. Lack of invigorating leadership? Somewhat. But the real issue is that our party has been plagued with wet lettuce centrism.

For a party who nobody is expecting to form a government in the immediate future, we are far too concerned with being sensible and moderate. Of course, centrism is a perfectly fine position to take but what we fail to understand is that whilst we applaud our restraint as reasonable and fair, those outside the party see it as weak and wishy washy.

Take Brexit as an example  why, as a pro-EU party did we not say, if we win a majority in Parliament then we will cancel Brexit  its not undemocratic, and its more exciting to resisters of Brexit than another mudslinging referendum, this time solely on trading arrangements.

Then theres our policy on cannabis legalisation  the only party policy according to Britain Thinks that made a significant impression on the public  it was even the fifth most memorable policy of the campaign from any party. It is one we should have been milking for all it was worth.

Yet, when we did mention it in the media, we werent flying the bright yellow flag and fighting the good fight of returning bodily autonomy from government to individuals. Instead, were harping on about the mundane regulation detail and pontificated tax revenues it would produce. Are you starting to see my point?

Liberalism, as an ideology, is as popular around the world than it has ever been  more so in fact. But on our own shores, the liberal banner is drifting aimlessly in the breeze. Liberalism only wins when it is loud, brash and radical.

Justin Trudeau used charisma and eloquence to offer Canada a radically liberal refuge, Emmanuel Macron used his poise and desire to trump xenophobic isolationism with open liberal internationalism, and although we disagree on many things, Jeremy Corbyns Labour Party used passion to ignite their own relative electoral success last week.

The return of radicalism to our party is long overdue. We have to embrace our liberal traditions of fighting for personal freedoms, open borders and fair, free-market solutions. We have to throw all of our weight behind cannabis legalisation, the Negative Income Tax, proportional representation, legalising sex work, ending the MSM blood ban, introducing blind job applications, the Land Value Tax, opposing Brexit  and all the other wonderfully radical things we stand for.

It is high time we stopped getting ourselves in a muddle by trying to be everything to everyone and ending up being nothing to no one. No longer should people be able to say that the Liberal Democrats are fence-sitters, by-standers, irrelevant. We have to change and do so now. The choice for our party is clear  embrace radicalism or face extinction.

* Chris Whiting was a member of the Liberal Democrats until 2020.
While watching the Theresa May profile by Tory and newspaper sketch writer Matthew Parris on BBC Newsnight on the eve of the General Election I was alarmed by hearing various people interviewed by Parris repeating objections to Mays breath of knowledge and policy interest I had earlier encountered in the Economist editorial and Bagehot column about her.

In his column in The Economist of 27th May, Bagehot writes that in the social care U-turn fiasco, two worrying trends in Mays approach of being (prime) minister and politician came together with an aspect of her policy interests and knowledge.

Firstly, he says it is an established impression that May knows precious little about business and economics, and doesnt mind that omission, doesnt try to remedy it. In the Economist editorial endorsing not the Tories or Labour but us Lib Dems the paper also mentions her ignoring the economic aspect (starving the economy of the skills it needs to prosper) of a purely numbers-based restriction of immigration.

In the Newsnight profile, the point about economics was brought forward both by her former Cabinet colleague Nick Clegg, and by baroness Camilla Cavendish, ex-McKinsey consultant and prominent journalist with The Times before being in Camerons No. 10 Policy unit (2015-6). Clegg said he was struck by her lack of interest in economic aspects of for example immigration policy, while obsessing about immigration numbers. Vince Cable, former business secretary, made the same point in this campaign, criticizing Mays cavalier pushing of a hard Brexit in spite of the thousands of jobs in London in branches of companies whose HQ is on the EU continent.

Secondly, Bagehot says she relies on a small group of advisers she took along from her Home Office days, and who share her neglect of economic aspects or ditto facts of life. Like the Dutch VVD (NatLib) prime minister Rutte, shes extremely loyal to trusted advisors and party allies, but drops them when it gets too akward. She may have sacked the most notorious two, but will she amend that pattern of behaviour? She may have promised her cabinet colleagues/critics to do so, but old habits die hard. Liberal Democrat MPs, pay attention!

In the Newsnight profile, Clegg suggested part of Mays assertive style and attitude in putting forward bold proposals could be part sublimated uncertainty. That could indeed play a role when, as Bagehot tells us, she relies more on likeminded advisors than on ministers covering the policy terrain or subject at hand; and ignores expert briefs like the Dilnot report on costing/paying for social care. Knowing how little you know yourself on a relevant terrain, and sensing your advisors are the same, should make one uncertain. Especially negotiating with a transforming (Macron), well versed European Economic Community.

* Dr. Bernard Aris is a historian, a D66 parliamentary researcher and a LibDem supporting member.
Tehran, Iran, June 16

By Mehdi Sepahvand  Trend:

Shortly after the US Senate voted for new sanctions on Irans ballistic missile program, Tehran has said it will give a proper response to the move, the Young Journalists Club reported June 16.

Ali Akbar Velayati, international affairs advisor to Irans supreme leader, making the statement added that the sanctions are against the spirit of the JCPOA.

He said slapping this new set of sanctions is a response by Washington to its successive defeats in Iraq and Syria.

Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani also last week ordered the National Security and Foreign Policy Commission to draft a plan to counter the proposed Senate sanctions.

The Senate voted nearly unanimously on Thursday for legislation to impose new sanctions on Iran over its ballistic missile program and other activities not related to the international nuclear agreement reached with the United States and other world powers.
I joined the Liberal Party the day of Margaret Thatchers first victory. I will be leaving its successor party the day after I return a spoiled ballot in the election for the next party leader.

As a party we have had our fights, our disagreements, and our debates. We have also proven that the strength of our shared commitments and ideals has been of a power that protects the very essence of what it means to be liberal and democratic.

One of my first committee appointments in the party offered the opportunity to work closely with Richard Wainwright, a devout Quaker. His faith guided him. At times, it made him uncomfortable. But, more often than not, his faith, which so few of us shared, offered him the impetus, the strength and, yes, the courage, to expect more of us than we often thought possible.

I worked in Liverpool on occasion with a Liberal city council that was helping re-shape that city. I was there the day of the Toxteth riots. Very soon thereafter, David Alton, our first MP from that city in so many years, and Eric Heffer, MP, sat down with Michael Heseltine and shape the only action plan I know of that caused Thatcher to have to admit that there was such a thing as society. Two of those men, Heffer and Alton, shared little. But they did share a faith and that faith shaped both of them in years of service that made the lives of so very many people so much better than it would otherwise have been.

Richard Wainwright and David Alton were not alone, but I worked with them well enough, and knew them well enough, to write what I did above with confidence.

And heres the point: there came a time when David Altons faith left him so uncomfortable with LibDem policy that he left us. That was his right. That was at it should be. We debated policies, we talked issues, and the heart of liberalism was strong enough that our identity, our commitments to rights and opportunities grew and never wavered. There was a place for him until he could no longer call himself a liberal democrat.

I voted for Tim Farron for leader.

It was not an easy choice. Not because of his faith, but because Norman Lamb, too, was so terrific an option.

But I never doubted that Tims faithwhich is not minewould be a problem. To the contrary, I was sure it would be a strength. As it was. Tim did not back down.

When the smart money was on re-shaping our stance, on trimming and prevaricating, Tim stood up, with us and for us, committing us to being a liberal party: open, tolerant, united.

His words made it clear that was his, and our, commitment.

His actions made that clear.

Reeling from near electoral collapse, Tim made it clear that on our principles we would not bend. He made it clear that all-women lists had his full support. More than that, he expected them.

He made it clear that BME and other minorities must be an integral part of the party, part of the face, part of the heart, and part of the soul of the party.

Tim was clear that health care, education, housing were rights we would seek to secure for all.

Tim was clear that no religious test of any sort must ever determine how and where one lived or worked.

Tim made no concessions to the Mail or the Telegraph, and he challenged us and the country to stand up to hate and violence, to say that refugees must be welcomed here.

Tim spoke up against hate and bigotry whenever he saw it. Often first. Sometimes alone.

Tim opened up opportunities in the party and in the country.

And now some who would appoint themselves guardians of a party with a liberal tradition have determined that he must go.

Not for what he did. His votes were not, perhaps, perfect, but whose are? They were darn near perfect, though.

Not for what he said. He spoke the truth in a pained and deeply humble way when he might have done better to dodge the question and say that faith and politics were not to be confused.

Not for what he did. Not for what he said, but for what others thought he believed.

Never has there been a clearer rejection of the very core principles upon which our party must stand or fall.

Tim stood for an open, tolerant party and country.

Others would have us be a closed, intolerant party.

I am an atheist. I am a liberal. I am a democrat. I will soon no longer be a Liberal Democrat.

* Chris Fauske, an Essex-native, is now is a resident of Massachusetts.
A BENCH warrant for the arrest of former senator James Heffernan was issued when he failed to appear before Kilmallock Court on Tuesday.

Mr Heffernan, whose name was listed in Irish  Seamus OHifearnain  failed to appear at the local court.

The former general election candidate is accused of failing to appear at Kilmallock Court on March 14 last.

On June 8 it was reported that the Kilfinane man is to contest public order charges in connection with his arrest for walking into a crime scene in Dublins Temple Bar.

The 37-year-old was arrested on the night of March 10, 2016, in Temple Bar square where gardai had set up a perimeter following an unrelated serious assault.

Mr Heffernan of Main Street, Kilfinane was released without charge later that night but a summons was subsequently issued. He was scheduled to appear at Dublin District Court on Thursday.

One charge is for failing to leave the area in a peaceful and orderly fashion after being directed by a garda.

The second charge is breach of the peace by engaging in threatening, abusive and insulting words or behaviour.

When his case was called on the morning of June 8 last, Mr Heffernan was absent and a bench warrant was issued for his arrest.

About an hour later Mr Heffernan turned up to court and his solicitor Brian Keenan said his client had earlier been making his way to Dublin from Limerick.

On Thursday evening, Mr Heffernan appeared at a later sitting of Dublin District Court over an older bench warrant.

He was charged with failing to appear in court in Limerick on May 19 last.

There was no objection to bail and Judge Jones ordered him to appear again on this charge on June 23 next.
FOR the first time in its history, Limericks annual Solemn Novena will be extended to some 250 male and female inmates at Limerick Prison.

The Redemptorists at Mount St Alphonsus and Bedford Row Family Project, which support families affected by imprisonment, will be working together this year to enable prisoners and their families join in celebrating the novena.

Healing the hurt brought about by imprisonment in a family can take time, a lot of listening, understanding, and a belief that everyone has the potential to change, said Fr Seamus Enright, rector of the Redemptorists.

Fr Enright said they were inspired to spread the message of the novena to the prison, after the positive reception they received when they brought an icon of Our Lady to both Limerick Prison and Mountjoy jail last year.

Masses in the Mulgrave Street jail on Sunday, June 18, will be celebrated as part of the Novena, while there will be a special novena celebration at the Bedford Row Project on Friday, June 16, the first day of the Novena.

The festival of faith  the largest religious celebration in the Mid-West  has been described as the Munster final of religion in Limerick, and will look at marriage and the role of family life in modern society as a way of preparing for the World Meeting of Families event in August 2018.

The novena at the Redemptorists begins this Friday, June 16 and continues until Saturday, June 24. There will be 10 celebrations each day, beginning at 7am and ending at 10.30pm. The blessing of babies and children will take place on Sunday, June 18 at 4.30pm.

The special novena celebration for the sick, elderly and infirm will take place on Saturday, June 24 at 11.30am. Confession and a free walk-in counselling service will be available during each day.

Last Friday, the annual Kilmallock Solemn Novena to Our Lady of Help commenced in Kilmallock Church. This community-driven celebration will finish on June 17.
A COUNTY Limerick man has pleaded guilty to charges relating to a violent incident last year during which a car was hijacked and a woman assaulted with a crutch.

When arraigned at Limerick Circuit Court on Tuesday, Raymond McDonagh, aged 28, who has addresses in Bruree and Fedamore pleaded guilty to two charges including unlawfully seizing control by force of a Nissan Qashqai belonging to the victim.

Both offences occurred at or near the Brother of Charity centre at Mulgrave Street in the city on June 12, 2016.

Previously, Limerick District Court heard the defendant approached the owner of the 131-registered Qasquai and struck her with a crutch before forcing her to get back into the vehicle.

He then drove off at speed before allowing the woman to get out in the Ballysimon area.

The victim  a woman in her 30s  was treated at University Hospital Limerick (UHL) following the incident and her car was recovered that night from the sea at Quilty in West Clare after it was seen entering the sea near the local pier.

After Mr McDonagh pleaded guilty on Tuesday, Mark Nicholas SC said his client had consumed a mixture of alcohol and medication on the day

A probation report and a GP report are to be prepared by next month.
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 16

By Emil Ilgar  Trend:

Iran has prevented a possible terror attack, revealing a terrorist group in the countrys Sistan and Balouchestan Province, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced June 16.

The report said that IRGC's elite foreign operations unit, the Quds Force, engaged in an armed confrontation with terrorists in Qasr-e Qand Mountains.

The report said some of terrorists were killed, some injured and the rest managed to escape.

IRGC reported on its official website that about 1.3 tons explosive materials were found. Some of the explosives were in a car, other five bombs were reportedly ready for suicide attacks.

On Thursday, Irans media outlets reported that armed clashes broke out when Iranian security forces ambushed a group of militants in the southeastern heights of Qasr-e-qand in Sistan and Baluchestan Province amid the countys recent crackdown on terrorists.

Irans media outlets have reported that police, Intelligence Ministry and the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) with the support of helicopters have joined efforts to clear the region from Ansar Al-Furqan, a pro-Sunni militant group operating in Irans Baluchestan province.

According to the reports, the security forces have seized massive amount of explosives and several suicide vests, following the clashes in which a number of militants were killed and wounded.

On Wednesday two members of the militant group were shot dead and five more were detained in southeastern Iranian port city of Chabahar.

Iranian security forces have arrested dozens of suspects over the past few days following recent terror attacks in capital Tehran.

Two separate attacks shocked Tehran on June 7, leaving 17 dead and 54 injured.
Limerick City and County Council has moved to reassure its tenants that recent refurbishment works carried out on homes across the city and county do not pose any risk and are fire compliant.

In a statement, issued this Friday, the local authority said there is no reason for tenants to be concerned given this weeks fire at a tower block in London.

From the initial reports on the fire in Grenfell Tower, its understood there was a cavity between the cladding and the building structure itself. This is not the case in any refurbishment work carried out by the local authority, said a spokesperson for Limerick City and County Council.

The spokesperson confirmed the external insulation used during the recent refurbishment works at the Watergate complex in the city centre is fixed directly to the exterior, with no cavity.

The cladding meets the fire regulations set down by law and there are fire stopping measures at each compartment junction as per the fire safety requirements, he added.
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Lincoln County and Boston's Pilgrim Hospital has been given a cash boost of almost 1 million to help relieve pressure ahead of winter.

This money will be used to set up GP streaming services in front of the A&E departments at Lincoln County Hospital and Pilgrim Hospital, Boston.

These services aim to free up the A&E departments to deal with emergencies more quickly and effectively.

The investment has been announced by the Department of Health this week as part of a 100 million fund being allocated to hospitals across the country to relieve pressure on A&E departments and improve A&E waiting times.

Mark Brassington, chief operating officer for United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust which has been awarded the money, said: "We are delighted that Lincolnshire's bid for this funding has been successful.

"This will allow us to create a new streaming service at our two busiest A&E departments, which should really help to relieve pressure on those departments.

"With these new services, we will be able to direct patients when they arrive in A&E, with a clinician assessing their needs and deciding where they can receive the most appropriate care.

"We hope that this development will help us to see and treat patients more quickly and ensure that everyone is getting the right level of care that they require."

Matt Warman, Boston and Skegness MP, said the investment will help to improve performance and make sure the vast majority of patients are seen within four hours of arriving at hospital.

He added: "There is increased pressure on our hospitals, especially once the weather starts to turn colder. This funding is very welcome for our local hospitals in Lincolnshire, including Boston's Pilgrim Hospital, and will help them to prepare well in advance for winter.

"This investment will change the way local hospitals assess and see patients so they can get the most appropriate and best quality medical care for their needs. And it simply would not exist without the Conservative commitment to running a successful economy that can power our brilliant NHS."

Work will start on developing the new facilities in the coming weeks
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Around 15 firefighters attended a kitchen fire at a house near Boston.

Fire crews from Woodhall Spa, Billinghay and Sleaford attended the kitchen fire on Mill Lane, New York.

They were at about 3.25pm today, Friday, June 16.

There was fire damage to the kitchen area and smoke damage to the first floor of the house.

There were no injuries reported. The cause was accidental.

It came just hours after 10 firefighters were called to the smell of burning at Ingoldsby Primary School on Lenton Road.

There was no fire and crews used thermal imaging cameras.

This happened at about 1.40pm on June 16.
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Police were called after a woman allegedly approached school children asking them for money.

The children were allegedly stopped by the woman while on their way to school.

It is alleged she approached them as they walked to South View Community Primary School, in Crowland on June 14, and asked them if they had any money.

A police spokesman said: "A community support officer attended and spoke to the children.

"The circumstances appear to be that the woman was very much under the influence of alcohol. She was picked up by someone in a van and driven away. There were no further calls."

One local resident said she had heard through the grapevine that there was a woman asking children for money.

She said: "These children are very young and it must have been frightening for them. This woman should know better, if this is the case. It's horrifying to even think that someone could such a thing,"
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The nation's most iconic steam locomotive The Flying Scotsman will be making its way through Lincoln next week.

Train enthusiasts will be able to board the Scarborough Flyer, which will be hauled by the historic locomotive, in the North Yorkshire seaside town on Saturday June 24.

It will then make its way through Malton and York to pick up more passengers before hitting its maximum 100mph speed at Doncaster, as it heads into Lincolnshire.

The Scotsman will cross the River Trent in Gainsborough, before heading to Lincoln, where more passengers will board.

It will then move on to Sleaford, before leaving the county.

Its final stop will be in London, where passengers will be given an afternoon break before returning in the same carriages pulled by a diesel engine

The Flying Scotsman was built in 1923 as the first locomotive of the London and North Eastern Railway.

It was used in a number of publicity events for the company and became the first locomotive in the UK to reach 100 miles per hour in 1934.

The iconic train returned to the East Coast Main Line last year after a 10-year, 4.2million refurbishment by the National Railway Museum.

However, the day was marred in parts by several dangerous incidents of trespass  where members of the public were seen walking along the tracks and taking photographs of the locomotive while other trains continued to pass on opposing lines.

Tickets for passengers for the June 24 trip have all sold out.
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Sleaford station footbridge received a makeover when students got together to show off their artistic flair.

The pupils from Ancaster Primary School have brightened up Sleaford Station footbridge with their art work.

The initiative was started by Jon Moody from Sustrans East Midlands in conjunction with the Poacher Line Community Rail Partnership.

This saw pupils use their artistic talent and knowledge of the local area to create a permanent piece of art for the station.

The final design was drawn up by local artist Louise Hill, who amalgamated all of the childrens artwork. She then led a series of half day workshops at Ancaster School with pupils putting the mosaic together.

Jon Moody said: "It is fantastic to see this first stage of a larger project come to fruition. Not only is it visually stunning in its own right; it represents a lasting summary of a fabulous, whole term scheme of work that has been enjoyed by the pupils and staff at Ancaster both of whom have been enormously receptive and engaged in this exciting collaboration.

Asking the children to reflect and create an image to visually represent their recent learning is both a very powerful and innovative educational tool but typical of the many ways in which the school demonstrates how they value their students voice and celebrate their successes!"

The unveiling of the art comes in a timely manner as the whole of the Sleaford footbridge is being refurbished this summer.

Kaye Robinson, Community Rail Partnership Officer, said:  The partnership working with Ancaster School and Sustrans has been a lovely way to showcase the difference that can be made to the Poacher Line. It also adds incredible educational value to the pupils and were really excited to take this project across other schools in the coming year.

Donna Adams, Stakeholder and Community Rail Manager for East Midlands Trains, added: Our aim is to make our stations a real part of the community and its great that the pupils at Ancaster school have worked with us to create a piece of fantastic piece of artwork for Sleaford station.

"Wed like to thank everybody involved in this initiative, particularly the children who have worked so hard. Were certain that our customers will love the new mosaic.

The Poacher Line is a designated community rail partnership which works with local communities to enhance the stations along the route between Nottingham and Skegness.
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A man has appeared in court after allegations he sexually assaulted an 11-year old girl when he delivered a takeaway meal.

Ismet Kekec, 47, of Sandbeck Arcade, Drummond Road, appeared before Boston Magistrates' Court on June 14 on allegations he sexually assaulted the girl at a house in Skegness.

Nick Todd prosecuting, said Kekec was alleged to have kissed the girl on the cheek and the mouth when she answered the door to him when he delivered the meal on September 4 last year.

He denied the allegation and after representations from the Crown Prosecution Service, the magistrates committed him to stand trial at Lincoln Crown Court.

Kekec was granted conditional bail until the first hearing on July 12.
Is Voice Stamp a real option? Plus a look inside a significant cover: Weeks Most Read

Jun 16, 2017, 4 AM

In our top post of the week, the possibility of voice-sensitive mail is becoming more and more of a reality, as the U.S. Postal service continued to hint at the future of postage with a recent YouTube video about what it calls Voice Stamp.

By Colin Sallee

Its time to catch up on the week that was in stamp-collecting insights and news.

Linns Stamp News is looking back at its five most-read stories of the week.

Click the links to read the stories.

5. Postal Service leaves collectors in the dark regarding imperforate uncut press sheets: What is the fate of the United States Postal Service program centered around uncut press sheets of imperforate stamps?

4. Downward-facing dog, other yoga postures strike graceful poses on U.N. stamps: The United Nations Postal Administration is celebrating the International Day of Yoga by issuing a pane of 10 stamps and se-tenant (side-by-side) labels.

3. Sometimes it is what is inside the cover that makes the difference: What good is a cover with the stamp cut out? This cover is not all that attractive, but it is historically significant.

2. Stamps that look scrumptious enough to eat: Netherlands Dutch Treats pane of 10: The Netherlands highlights regional delicacies on a pane of 10 stamps to be issued June 19.

1. Voice Stamp: experimental USPS project could spell the demise of postage stamps: Described in a recent YouTube video, Voice Stamp will get rid of the antiquated stamp and make postage paperless.

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Jun 16, 2017, 11 AM

A total of $7.70 postage was required to send this Express Mail letter from Buffalo, N.Y., to Denver, Colo., on Jan. 2, 1980. Most of the postage was satisfied with a $5 John Bassett Moore stamp, the top denomination in the 1965-78 Prominent Americans ser

By Charles Snee

Are you ready for the weekend? The Linns editors certainly are, following a busy week of philatelic reporting. The presses, however, are coming on line to print the July 3 issue of Linns Stamp News that goes in the mail Monday, June 19, to subscribers. Here we serve up a few teasers of exclusive content to pique your philatelic curiosity.

How many $5 John Bassett Moore stamps did the BEP print in seven hours?

Charles Snee, in Dollar-Sign Stamps, provides the answer. He also describes the important change made at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, a first for a United States $5 stamp, that allowed this impressive print run in a such a short period of time.

Do you have a passion for all things mathematical? Have we got a website for you

If you answered yes, then you need to head on over to Math Stamps. In this months Computers and Stamps column, William F. Sharpe takes Linns readers on a guided tour of this fascinating corner in cyberspace, a joint creation of the Portuguese Mathematical Society and the British Society for the History of Mathematics.

Venda, a tribal homeland in South Africa, issued 280 stamps during its almost 15-year existence

In 1962, the government of South Africa created Venda as a tribal homeland for the Venda-speaking people. So begins Janet Klugs delightful Stamp Collecting Basics column about the fascinating people, animals, industries, and events depicted on stamps of the Venda tribal homeland in South Africa.

Want to subscribe?

Get access to all of these articles, and so much more, with a Linns Stamp News print or digital edition subscription!

Sign up and start reading now!
Pressemitteilung: Silvia Kuhn startet YouTube-Kanal Clever Money mit Silvi Die Tochter der Honorarberater und Stiftung Warentest Autoren Stefanie und Markus Kuhn startete Mitte Mai mit ihrem neuen YouTube Kanal Clever Money mit Silvi. Ziel ist es, jungen Menschen alles Wissenswerte rund um Geld und Finanzen auf einfache Art und Weise nahe zu bringen. Die Idee zu einem YouTube Kanal ist aus einem Schulerpraktikum in 2019 entstanden. Silvia Kuhn hat

[mehr] Die Tochter der Honorarberater und Stiftung Warentest Autoren Stefanie und Markus Kuhn startete Mitte Mai mit ihrem neuen YouTube Kanal Clever Money mit Silvi. Ziel ist es, jungen Menschen alles Wissenswerte rund um Geld und Finanzen auf einfache Art und Weise nahe zu bringen. Die Idee zu einem YouTube Kanal ist aus einem Schulerpraktikum in 2019 entstanden. Silvia Kuhn hat

Pressemitteilung: Buntes Wachstum: Ceresana untersucht den Markt fur Farben Farben und Lacke verschonern nicht nur, sie konnen auch schutzen. Die Wande von Krankenhausern zum Beispiel werden zunehmend mit antibakteriellen Eigenschaften versehen. Hauchdunne, aber sehr haltbare Lackschichten bewahren Fahrzeuge vor Rost. Ceresana hat bereits zum vierten Mal den gesamten europaischen Markt fur Farben und Lacke untersucht: Im Jahr 2019 wurden 9,1 Millionen Tonnen dieser Beschichtungen verbraucht. Farbenfrohe Hauser und Autos Bautenfarben sind

[mehr] Farben und Lacke verschonern nicht nur, sie konnen auch schutzen. Die Wande von Krankenhausern zum Beispiel werden zunehmend mit antibakteriellen Eigenschaften versehen. Hauchdunne, aber sehr haltbare Lackschichten bewahren Fahrzeuge vor Rost. Ceresana hat bereits zum vierten Mal den gesamten europaischen Markt fur Farben und Lacke untersucht: Im Jahr 2019 wurden 9,1 Millionen Tonnen dieser Beschichtungen verbraucht. Farbenfrohe Hauser und Autos Bautenfarben sind

Pressemitteilung: Altlasten 2.067 Mrd. Euro - Krisensubvention 1.000 Mrd. Euro Die Welt leidet unter der Corona-Pandemie, deren Kosten viele Staaten an den Rand der Exixtens bringen konnte. Wie konnte es in Deutschland dazu kommen? Die Welt leidet unter der Corona-Pandemie, deren Kosten viele Staaten an den Rand der Exixtens bringen konnte. Wie konnte es in Deutschland dazu kommen? Lehrte 29.05.2020 In Deutschland wurden in den letzten 50 Jahren 25 Steuerarten

[mehr] Die Welt leidet unter der Corona-Pandemie, deren Kosten viele Staaten an den Rand der Exixtens bringen konnte. Wie konnte es in Deutschland dazu kommen? Die Welt leidet unter der Corona-Pandemie, deren Kosten viele Staaten an den Rand der Exixtens bringen konnte. Wie konnte es in Deutschland dazu kommen? Lehrte 29.05.2020 In Deutschland wurden in den letzten 50 Jahren 25 Steuerarten

Pressemitteilung: 16. Juni und 18. Juni um 15 Uhr CEST europaischer Zeit Real-Time Innovations (RTI) organisiert zwei neue Webinare speziell fur den europaischen Markt. Hier geht es um die Themen Konnektivitat von Elektrofahrzeugen sowie Landfahrzeugplattformen in Kombination mit Software-Systemen und DDS. Sie finden zu europaischer Zeit um 15 Uhr CEST statt und sind im Anschluss on Demand verfugbar. Sunnyvale (USA)/Munchen, Mai 2020 - Real-Time Innovations (RTI) organisiert zwei neue Webinare speziell fur

[mehr] Real-Time Innovations (RTI) organisiert zwei neue Webinare speziell fur den europaischen Markt. Hier geht es um die Themen Konnektivitat von Elektrofahrzeugen sowie Landfahrzeugplattformen in Kombination mit Software-Systemen und DDS. Sie finden zu europaischer Zeit um 15 Uhr CEST statt und sind im Anschluss on Demand verfugbar. Sunnyvale (USA)/Munchen, Mai 2020 - Real-Time Innovations (RTI) organisiert zwei neue Webinare speziell fur

Pressemitteilung:

[mehr] MCM Investor: Wohnen in Deutschland bis 2060 teuer Laut einer aktuellen Untersuchung der Universitat Freiburg wird das Wohnen bis 2060 vorrausichtlich. Magdeburg, 28.05.2020. In dieser Woche analysiert die MCM Investor Management AG aus Magdeburg eine aktuelle Untersuchung der Uni Freiburg uber die zukunftige Entwicklung des deutschen Immobilienmarktes. Demnach gehe die Bevolkerungszahl hierzulande zwar tendenziell zuruck, die Nachfrage nach Wohnraum steige aber weiter an. In der Studie geht

Pressemitteilung: Latest in Electronic Test & Measurement Equipment MICHIGAN - May, 2020 - An international provider of electronic test and measurement equipment, AAATesters has announced that it now offers the INNO View 500 SM Fiber Optic OTDR w/ V20 Fiberscope (https://www.aaatesters.com/Inno_View_500_OTDR_Model_View500_Inno_500_1.html). This new addition to AAATesters expanding inventory of electronic test and measurement equipment, will assist consumers save time and money with greater testing proficiency and success. AAA

[mehr] MICHIGAN - May, 2020 - An international provider of electronic test and measurement equipment, AAATesters has announced that it now offers the INNO View 500 SM Fiber Optic OTDR w/ V20 Fiberscope (https://www.aaatesters.com/Inno_View_500_OTDR_Model_View500_Inno_500_1.html). This new addition to AAATesters expanding inventory of electronic test and measurement equipment, will assist consumers save time and money with greater testing proficiency and success. AAA

Pressemitteilung: Thomas May ist neuer Chefredakteur fur Perfect Eagle Thomas May ubernimmt mit 1. Juni 2020 die redaktionelle Leitung der fuhrenden multimedialen Golf-Lifestyle-Plattform im deutschsprachigen Raum. Bilder zur Meldung in der Mediendatenbank:  Mato Johannik https://leisure-my.sharepoint.com/:f:/g/personal/office_leisure_at/Es4aLP2m5bhHtlEPowWj1SEB5hhgDDEv96D9i9Z_Ok9ajA?e=Xi0L1x Wien (LCG)  Perfect Eagle hat heuer allen Grund zum Feiern. Nachdem das Golf-Lifestyle-Magazin mit der Marz-Ausgabe seine erste Dekade feierte, begrut Herausgeber Thomas Wasserburger nun Thomas May als neuen Chefredakteur fur das multimediale Golf-

[mehr] Thomas May ubernimmt mit 1. Juni 2020 die redaktionelle Leitung der fuhrenden multimedialen Golf-Lifestyle-Plattform im deutschsprachigen Raum. Bilder zur Meldung in der Mediendatenbank:  Mato Johannik https://leisure-my.sharepoint.com/:f:/g/personal/office_leisure_at/Es4aLP2m5bhHtlEPowWj1SEB5hhgDDEv96D9i9Z_Ok9ajA?e=Xi0L1x Wien (LCG)  Perfect Eagle hat heuer allen Grund zum Feiern. Nachdem das Golf-Lifestyle-Magazin mit der Marz-Ausgabe seine erste Dekade feierte, begrut Herausgeber Thomas Wasserburger nun Thomas May als neuen Chefredakteur fur das multimediale Golf-

Pressemitteilung: Frische fur den Sommer mit UNIKA Kalksandstein Frische fur den Sommer mit UNIKA KalksandsteinFur die einen ist es eine Wohltat, fur die anderen eine Herausforderung: sommerliche Warme. Keine Frage, Menschen lieben die Sonne. Aber nicht jeder mag hohe Temperaturen, schon gar nicht in den eigenen vier Wanden. ... Fur die einen ist es eine Wohltat, fur die anderen eine Herausforderung: sommerliche Warme. Keine Frage, Menschen lieben die

[mehr] Frische fur den Sommer mit UNIKA KalksandsteinFur die einen ist es eine Wohltat, fur die anderen eine Herausforderung: sommerliche Warme. Keine Frage, Menschen lieben die Sonne. Aber nicht jeder mag hohe Temperaturen, schon gar nicht in den eigenen vier Wanden. ... Fur die einen ist es eine Wohltat, fur die anderen eine Herausforderung: sommerliche Warme. Keine Frage, Menschen lieben die

Pressemitteilung:

[mehr] Humor und Lachen - ein ernstes Thema Humor und Corona Rechtzeitig zu einer Zeit, in der vielen das Lachen vergangen ist, mit oder ohne Corona, erscheint das 14. Buch von Jurgen W. Goldfu. Wahrend sich die bisherigen Werke des Autors mit Themen der Fuhrung (von sich und anderen) sowie Wirtschaftsthemen beschaftigten, geht es nun ums Lachen, die Welt und sich selbst mit lachenden Augen zu betrachten. Auf

Pressemitteilung: ...einfach, schnell und effizient ...einfach, schnell und effizientUberall da verkaufen, wo die Kunden sind, ist das Ziel aller Handler. plentymarkets bietet als Softwarehersteller eine E-Commerce-Losung, die genau diese Philosophie im Markenkern tragt. ... Uberall da verkaufen, wo die Kunden sind, ist das Ziel aller Handler. plentymarkets bietet als Softwarehersteller eine E-Commerce-Losung, die genau diese Philosophie im Markenkern tragt. Eine, die alle relevanten Marktplatze unterstutzt

[mehr] ...einfach, schnell und effizientUberall da verkaufen, wo die Kunden sind, ist das Ziel aller Handler. plentymarkets bietet als Softwarehersteller eine E-Commerce-Losung, die genau diese Philosophie im Markenkern tragt. ... Uberall da verkaufen, wo die Kunden sind, ist das Ziel aller Handler. plentymarkets bietet als Softwarehersteller eine E-Commerce-Losung, die genau diese Philosophie im Markenkern tragt. Eine, die alle relevanten Marktplatze unterstutzt

Pressemitteilung:

[mehr] Neuer Corona-Mitarbeiterschutz - digitaler Abstandshalter Auch nach den Lockerungen beeinflusst die Corona-Pandemie die Weltwirtschaft tiefgreifend. Die Betriebe sollen wieder sicher anlaufen. Die Schlusselrolle spielen dabei die Einhaltung der Hygieneregeln und des Mindestabstands fur Mitarbeitende. Auch nach den Lockerungen beeinflusst die Corona-Pandemie die Weltwirtschaft tiefgreifend. Die Betriebe sollen wieder sicher anlaufen. Die Schlusselrolle spielen dabei die Einhaltung der Hygieneregeln und des Mindestabstands fur Mitarbeitende. Dazu

Pressemitteilung: HUP aktiviert neuen Geschaftsbereich ready2boxx my-buddy-app  die HUP Reminder App. Schutzt vor Verlust des iPhones. Mit den ersehnten Lockerungsmanahmen rund um die Coronavirus-Pandemie steigt ein ganz anderes Risiko: der Verlust des iPhones auf Geschaftsreise, beim Einkauf oder etwa dem Besuch von Oma und Opa. Einfach, weil man das mittlerweile nahezu unverzichtbare Device schlicht und einfach liegen lasst. Das Braunschweiger Software-Entwicklungsunternehmen HUP hat fur Apple

[mehr] my-buddy-app  die HUP Reminder App. Schutzt vor Verlust des iPhones. Mit den ersehnten Lockerungsmanahmen rund um die Coronavirus-Pandemie steigt ein ganz anderes Risiko: der Verlust des iPhones auf Geschaftsreise, beim Einkauf oder etwa dem Besuch von Oma und Opa. Einfach, weil man das mittlerweile nahezu unverzichtbare Device schlicht und einfach liegen lasst. Das Braunschweiger Software-Entwicklungsunternehmen HUP hat fur Apple

Pressemitteilung: Das Lernen, wie wir es kennen, andert sich immer mehr. Online ist die neue Ara der Weiterbildung, die Freude macht und die viel leichter in den eigenen Lebens-Zyklus integrierbar ist! Ayurveda-Seminare und Ayurveda-Ausbildungen fordern ein gesundes Leben und geben viel Sinn-Erfullung. Viele Menschen sind wissbegieriger geworden und wollen ihr volles Potenzial durch Bewusstseinsveranderungen ausschopfen. Durch die digitale Welt ist es einfacher und schneller denn je geworden an Informationen zu kommen. Ich stelle

[mehr] Online ist die neue Ara der Weiterbildung, die Freude macht und die viel leichter in den eigenen Lebens-Zyklus integrierbar ist! Ayurveda-Seminare und Ayurveda-Ausbildungen fordern ein gesundes Leben und geben viel Sinn-Erfullung. Viele Menschen sind wissbegieriger geworden und wollen ihr volles Potenzial durch Bewusstseinsveranderungen ausschopfen. Durch die digitale Welt ist es einfacher und schneller denn je geworden an Informationen zu kommen. Ich stelle

Pressemitteilung:

[mehr] Gasnetz Hamburg pruft monatlich 1.200 Hausanschlusse  Arbeiten unter umfassenden Schutzmanahmen  Haushalte erhalten detaillierte Informationen zum Corona-Schutz  Sichere Gasanschlusse stehen im Mittelpunkt Hamburg. Ab sofort klingelt an vielen Hamburger Hausturen wieder der Gasanlagen-Prufer. Die turnusgemae Inspektion der Anschlusse in Kellern oder Wirtschaftsraumen von Ein- und Mehrfamilienhausern ist alle zwolf Jahre vorgeschrieben. Seit Marz hatte Gasnetz Hamburg die Hausbesuche unterbrochen. Nun schickt das Unternehmen wieder seine Fachleute zu den Anschlusskunden

Pressemitteilung: Wie COVID-19 unsere Kommunikation verandert Sprachexpertin Tatjana Lackner von Die Schule des Sprechens analysiert, wie sich das Kommunikationsverhalten in der COVID-19-Zeit verandert und welche Kommunikations-Trends daraus entstehen. Bilder zur Meldung in der Mediendatenbank https://leisure-my.sharepoint.com/:f:/g/personal/office_leisure_at/EuP2VeRtjsdPpxlLUzBimIsB-GcG-m5aFr4de0hEQ_WCPw?e=s2GwN1 Wien (LCG)  Die Manahmen zur Eindammung der COVID-19-Verbreitung verandern durch Physical Distancing und zahlreiche neue Verhaltensregeln den personlichen Umgang miteinander. Korpersprache, Social Codes und Rituale bekommen eine wichtig Bedeutung in der neuen

[mehr] Sprachexpertin Tatjana Lackner von Die Schule des Sprechens analysiert, wie sich das Kommunikationsverhalten in der COVID-19-Zeit verandert und welche Kommunikations-Trends daraus entstehen. Bilder zur Meldung in der Mediendatenbank https://leisure-my.sharepoint.com/:f:/g/personal/office_leisure_at/EuP2VeRtjsdPpxlLUzBimIsB-GcG-m5aFr4de0hEQ_WCPw?e=s2GwN1 Wien (LCG)  Die Manahmen zur Eindammung der COVID-19-Verbreitung verandern durch Physical Distancing und zahlreiche neue Verhaltensregeln den personlichen Umgang miteinander. Korpersprache, Social Codes und Rituale bekommen eine wichtig Bedeutung in der neuen

Pressemitteilung: Facebook diskutiert Strategie in der COVID-19-Pandemie Beim Moving Forward-Round-Table sprechen Facebook-Manager uber die Zusammenarbeit mit der WHO, die Intensivnutzung in Italien und andere Strategien gegen Falschmeldungen. Bilder zur Meldung in der Mediendatenbank:  JMC https://leisure-my.sharepoint.com/:f:/g/personal/office_leisure_at/EsGAMdDUM2lNt4Jo2RfF_R4BhwzfZ8LXK305xeAAjGcAdw?e=EyC94A Video zur Meldung auf Facebook https://www.facebook.com/movingforwardconference/videos/973105823109354 Dublin/Wien (LCG)  Die Verbreitungsgeschwindigkeit der sozialen Medien war in den letzten Wochen essenziell, um Informationen zu COVID-19 zu streuen. Auch Fake News fanden in diesem Umfeld einen fruchtbaren

[mehr] Beim Moving Forward-Round-Table sprechen Facebook-Manager uber die Zusammenarbeit mit der WHO, die Intensivnutzung in Italien und andere Strategien gegen Falschmeldungen. Bilder zur Meldung in der Mediendatenbank:  JMC https://leisure-my.sharepoint.com/:f:/g/personal/office_leisure_at/EsGAMdDUM2lNt4Jo2RfF_R4BhwzfZ8LXK305xeAAjGcAdw?e=EyC94A Video zur Meldung auf Facebook https://www.facebook.com/movingforwardconference/videos/973105823109354 Dublin/Wien (LCG)  Die Verbreitungsgeschwindigkeit der sozialen Medien war in den letzten Wochen essenziell, um Informationen zu COVID-19 zu streuen. Auch Fake News fanden in diesem Umfeld einen fruchtbaren

Pressemitteilung: Musikfestival Steyr: Kulturgenuss trotz Pandemie Als kultureller Impulsgeber fur die Region ermoglicht das Musikfestival Steyr auch heuer Kulturgenuss und wartet mit einem neuen Programm auf. Bilder zur Meldung in der Mediendatenbank https://leisure-my.sharepoint.com/:f:/g/personal/office_leisure_at/EnbiYHVH3KNOg_ZakCqco3wBz529TPFExmEgRThtSEHHQA?e=fAzk1G Steyr (LCG)  In den vergangenen Wochen und Monaten haben die Manahmen der osterreichischen Bundesregierung zur Eindammung der COVID-19-Verbreitung die Kulturnation Osterreich in einen regelrechten Stillstand versetzt. Seit Anfang Mai 2020 setzt die neue Normalitat

[mehr] Als kultureller Impulsgeber fur die Region ermoglicht das Musikfestival Steyr auch heuer Kulturgenuss und wartet mit einem neuen Programm auf. Bilder zur Meldung in der Mediendatenbank https://leisure-my.sharepoint.com/:f:/g/personal/office_leisure_at/EnbiYHVH3KNOg_ZakCqco3wBz529TPFExmEgRThtSEHHQA?e=fAzk1G Steyr (LCG)  In den vergangenen Wochen und Monaten haben die Manahmen der osterreichischen Bundesregierung zur Eindammung der COVID-19-Verbreitung die Kulturnation Osterreich in einen regelrechten Stillstand versetzt. Seit Anfang Mai 2020 setzt die neue Normalitat

Pressemitteilung: OstseeResort Olpenitz bei Kappeln/ Schlei Private Vermietung von ausgefallenen Ferienobjekten an der Ostsee - "Nie mitten drin, aber immer ganz nah dran!" ist hierbei die Devise. Auch wenn die Corona-Pandemie Urlaub und Ferienvermietung weltweit lahm gelegt hat  das Leben im OstseeResort Olpenitz ist trotzdem weitergegangen, und Ferienobjekte in diesem neuen Ferienresort bei Kappeln/ Schlei verkaufen sich weiterhin gut. Oder aber jetzt erst Recht? Das

[mehr] Private Vermietung von ausgefallenen Ferienobjekten an der Ostsee - "Nie mitten drin, aber immer ganz nah dran!" ist hierbei die Devise. Auch wenn die Corona-Pandemie Urlaub und Ferienvermietung weltweit lahm gelegt hat  das Leben im OstseeResort Olpenitz ist trotzdem weitergegangen, und Ferienobjekte in diesem neuen Ferienresort bei Kappeln/ Schlei verkaufen sich weiterhin gut. Oder aber jetzt erst Recht? Das

Pressemitteilung: Gut vernetzt: Ceresana-Report zum Markt fur Kunststoff-Rohre Die Nachfrage nach Kunststoffrohren steigt in vielen europaischen Landern. Besonders in Ballungsraumen werden derzeit neue Wohnungen gebaut. Allerdings boomt die Bauwirtschaft nicht uberall: Ausgelastete Kapazitaten, steigende Preise, Fachkraftemangel, fehlendes Bauland und zunehmende wirtschaftliche Unsicherheit bremsen die Dynamik. Dabei konnen sich Hochbau, Tiefbau und Infrastrukturbau sehr unterschiedlich entwickeln: Die verschiedenen Bausegmente sind in hohem Mae von den offentlichen Investitionen im jeweiligen

[mehr] Die Nachfrage nach Kunststoffrohren steigt in vielen europaischen Landern. Besonders in Ballungsraumen werden derzeit neue Wohnungen gebaut. Allerdings boomt die Bauwirtschaft nicht uberall: Ausgelastete Kapazitaten, steigende Preise, Fachkraftemangel, fehlendes Bauland und zunehmende wirtschaftliche Unsicherheit bremsen die Dynamik. Dabei konnen sich Hochbau, Tiefbau und Infrastrukturbau sehr unterschiedlich entwickeln: Die verschiedenen Bausegmente sind in hohem Mae von den offentlichen Investitionen im jeweiligen
The Pentagon will send almost 4,000 additional American forces to Afghanistan, according to a Trump administration official, an attempt to break a stalemate in a war that has now passed to a third US commander-in-chief, The Guardian reported.

The decision by defense secretary Jim Mattis could be announced as early as next week, the official said, and will be the largest deployment of American manpower under Donald Trumps young presidency.

It follows Trumps move to give Mattis the authority to set troop levels and seeks to address assertions by the top US commander in Afghanistan that he does not have enough forces to help Afghanistans army against a resurgent Taliban insurgency. The rising threat posed by Islamic State extremists, evidenced in a rash of deadly attacks in the capital city of Kabul, has only fueled calls for a stronger US presence, as have several recent American combat deaths.

The bulk of the additional troops will train and advise Afghan forces, according to the administration official, who was not authorized to discuss details of the decision publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. A smaller number would be assigned to counterterror operations against the Taliban and Isis, the official said.
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Baku, Azerbaijan, June 16

By Rufiz Hafizoglu  Trend:

Iraqs Kurdish Autonomous Region is firmly determined to hold the independence referendum, Iraqi media cited Masoud Barzani, head of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) in northern Iraq, as saying June 16.

Barzani stressed that everything has been prepared for holding the referendum.

"Iraqs Kurdish Autonomous Region does not intend to postpone the independence referendum each time," Barzani said.

Earlier, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that those in Iraqs Kurdish Autonomous Region should understand that they are not alone in the region and there are also Arabs and Turkomans living there.

Iraq's territorial integrity is a priority for Turkey, Erdogan said.

Last week, Barzani said the KRG is ready to hold an independence referendum.

Barzani noted that the referendum is scheduled for September 25.

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Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu
Climate change is as much local as it is global We don't need to look far for examples of climate change effects. There are many local stories in our own backyard /smart-living/environment/climate-change-is-as-much-local-as-it-is-global-111646914323300.html 111646914323300 story

Around a fortnight ago, just when US President Donald Trump pulled out of the Paris climate pact, a veteran naturalist, sitting in the Kanha National Park, said, I have rarely seen the barasingha munch so much on leaves before!" The barasingha, a rare swamp deer with magnificent branched antlers, is known to feed solely on grass, aquatic vegetation and a few shrubs.

According to local naturalists, there is a change in the barasinghas feeding habits because its favoured grass is slowly disappearing. The grasslands of Kanha in Madhya Pradesh, with its famed deer and tiger population, were empty as we took a round of a meadow.

On 1 June, Trump announced that his country was pulling out of the historic Paris Agreement. The pact, agreed by 195 countries in December 2015, is aimed at countering the threat of climate change by keeping global mean temperatures from rising more than 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

Across the world, we can already see small changes all around usbeyond the dramatic images of melting polar ice and rising sea levels.

Climate change is as much local as it is global, and its the smaller stories on how communities are being affected that often move people the most," says Bill McKibben, well-known American environmentalist and author of The End Of Nature.

But since climatology is complex, and the perceived threats or impact are not immediately visible, its a topic which is difficult to communicate. However, there are many local stories in our own backyard. Here is a small example.

I spent the last fortnight in the forests of central Indiain and around two famed national parks and tiger reserves, Pench and Kanha. In the 19th century, this forest landscape was celebrated in two iconic booksRudyard Kiplings Jungle Book (1894) and Captain James Forsyths The Highlands Of Central India (1871).

Apart from rich biodiversity, the vast forests that Forsyth eulogized in his book, are also home to one of the oldest tribes of Indiathe Gonds.

These forests exist today in fragmented patches. From 1880-2012, the average global temperature on earth increased by 0.8 degrees Celsius, according to US space agency Nasas Goddard Institute for Space Studies. During the same period, India lost about 40% of its forest cover.

The Gonds of Pench hold the forest close to their hearts. Their principal deity, Bada Dev, the creator and protector, lives in the saj tree (Terminalia elliptica,or the crocodile bark tree), and their knowledge of the forest and its ways is second to none.

Aage jaisa jungle aur nai raha (the jungles are no longer what they used to be), I was told by the village elders in a Gond hamlet. In the past, it used to drizzle for days at a stretch, but now the rain comes down in short and heavy spells and the water drains away quickly, they said. Annual rainfall figures may not change but the number of rainy days is down and rainfall has become erratic. Due to this change, the soil is unable to absorb the rain and recharge the water table, resulting in drier forests. Scientists at the US Stanford University have also corroborated the Gond observation in a study which predicts that extreme dry and wet spells will lead to more droughts and floods in central India.

Nature is a complex web. As moisture in the soil dries up, it affects the regeneration of the forest and its undergrowthgrasses and shrubs. In Kanha and Pench, this has led to weed infestation and the rise of climate-resilient exotic species such as Parthenium hysterophorus, Hyptis suaveolens and Lantana camara, which have overpowered native species.

For example, Parthenium, which originates in central and south America, is known to cause widespread damage to grass and farm land and can lead to respiratory problems. Exotic species (species not native to a particular region) tend to be introduced either accidentally, through international trade, or for ornamental reasons.

In Kanha, at least two long-term scientific studies show that grasslands known for hosting diverse populations of herbivorous wildlife are shrinking even as the ranks of the herbivores increase.

Most of the grasslands (meadows) within the reserve have changed drastically, resulting in the preponderance of less palatable and fire-resistant grasses and decrease in cover of perennial fodder species. Several grassland patches have been taken over by alien invasive species," states a 2016 Wildlife Institute of India report.

The profusion of non-palatable grasses has forced herbivores to move out of grasslands and raid croplands in villagesmany of them tribal villageson the edges of forests. And as these herbivores move towards human habitation, predatorsespecially the tigerfollow in search of food. This in turn leads to increasing human-wildlife conflict, posing a huge challenge for the forest department to manage and protect species.

Climate change affects forests immensely. Since the beginning of the 20th century, temperatures in India are said to have increased by more than 1.2 degrees Celsius. Add erratic rainfall to the mix, and its a far from ideal scenario.

We often forget the invisible force of climate in our lives, the little changes that slowly alter our planet. Despite what climate change deniers like Trump may suggest, the connection and impact are impossible to miss.

Out In The Wild is a column on the good, bad and ugly of nature conservation.
Samsung Q8C Curved QLED TV: Redefining the modern television The improved quantum dot technology has clear advantages in terms of contrast and viewing angles, among other improvements /how-to-lounge/movies-tv/samsung-q8c-curved-qled-tv-redefining-the-modern-television-111646834092268.html 111646834092268 story

Samsung has fired the first salvo in the battle against the likes of Sony and LG, with its 2017 flagship televisions. Out goes last years SUHD" branding, and in comes the QLED TV"the name comes from quantum dots technology.

What exactly are quantum dots? The quantum dot display technology uses particles (known as dots) instead of white LED lights that do not produce colours efficiently. These are incredibly small particles, usually 2-10 nanometres in diameter, that directly convert light into specific colours. In Samsungs case, these dots have an additional aluminium component, which will allow better projection of light on the panel. They are coated on a polymer film, which is placed between the display and the LED lighting. Thus, what you see is a cleaner white colour, brighter display, shades reproduced correctly, and richer colours all through.

The Q8C Curved QLED is the flagship television, and it looks the part. The bezels are minimal, and the mix of silver and black colours on the chassis lends it a sophisticated look. The table-top stand is quite solid as well, and its design matches the curve of the screen. Since this is a thin TV, all the connectors and ports have been moved to an external One Connect" boxit has four HDMI inputs and three USB ports. However, its a heavy television, despite the slimness, and some of that has to do with the solid materials used for the panel.

The 55-inch and 65-inch panels have a 3,840x2,160 resolution (4K), and are capable of 200Hz motion rates. These TVs are Q HDR 1500 standard capable, which means these panels can hit the maximum illumination rated at 1,500nitsthis is higher than the 1,000nits that the 2016 TVs from Samsung were able to achieve, and makes them even more usable in brightly lit rooms. And that shows up in real-world performance, with an exquisite amount of vibrancy, detailing and contrast visible in HDR content on services such as Netflix.

In fact, the Q8C support for HDR extends beyond the current industry standard of HDR10 (this is a rival for Dolby Vision, which other TV brands offer), and will also work well with the new Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG) format, which will be used for broadcast content in the future, and the upgraded HDR10+ standard (Amazon Video has announced support for this). The net result is that you get picture quality not seen so far in any television. There are settings that allow forced HDR-upscaling even on standard-definition (SD) and high-definition (HD) content. The HDR+ mode, along with some software-based trickery to improve colour, will add vibrancy to content that originally didnt have it. This could be good news for movie buffs.

This is a high-quality paneland you pay a premium for it. Getting the best visual performance isnt difficult. The picture settings menu is simple to get around, and it is best experienced with noise-reduction features set to their lowest settings (for broadcast content such as DTH or cable TV) and turned off for higher-resolution sources such as Netflix and Blu-ray movies.

It is also worth arguing that even though curved TVs are designed for better viewing angles, particularly if you are sitting on one side of the screen, the Samsung Q8C does even better by eliminating reflections almost completely. In the long run, this also reduces strain on the eyes, given that most of your viewing will happen in a room with at least some ambient lighting.

The updated Tizen smart TV software is now slicker. In fact, if you plug in, for instance, an Xbox One console or a TataSky HD set-top box, it will automatically detect and label those sources for you.

There are some shortcomings. For one, an occasional judder in fast-moving visuals, irrespective of the picture settings. Second, there is still some light bleed" on the panel that many OLED TVs suffer fromif you look closely, it is sometimes visible during dark scenes.

If you need something to show off in your living room and want the best TV tech money can buy right now, nothing comes close to the Samsung Q8C Curved QLED TV. At least not just yet. For Samsung has taken quantum dot technology to a new level, negated the reflective annoyance of ambient lighting, achieved excellent black levels and colours, as well as complete future-proofing in terms of HDR standards. This is the benchmark for television right now, and could remain so for a while.

Samsung Q8C Curved QLED TV

Rs3,29,900 (55 inches); Rs4,49,900 (65 inches)
Beautiful and bizarre things to buy: From Jacobsens salt to a Cougar Tie Pin

Beautiful and bizarre things to buy: From Jacobsens salt to a Cougar Tie Pin In this weekly compendium of objects of desire, also a Vanities column by Swapan Seth /fashion/beauty/beautiful-and-bizarre-things-to-buy-from-jacobsen-s-salt-to-a-cougar-tie-pin-111646829695329.html 111646829695329 story

For Your Sole: Jutti by Fizzy Goblet X Payal Singhal

Fiori Felicia line born from a collaboration between the handcrafted footwear brand Fizzy Goblet and designer Payal Singhalcombines pastel botanicals with embroidery, making the traditional jutti chic.

Fizzygoblet.com; Rs2,700-3,450.

Tracking Titles: Show Room by Love Birds

Show Room by Love Birds

This zine of poster-art curated by Lovebirds features works from visual artists and photographers, including Sameer Kulavoor, Bharat Sikka, BLOT!, Thukral & Tagra, Anushree Fadnavis and more.

Love Birds, Hauz Khaz Village, Delhi; Rs1,250.

Keepsake-Craft: Miniature model of the Vatican dome

Miniature model of the Vatican dome

A tiny replica of the Michelangelo-designed dome of the Vatican, the original of which sits in the Vatican Museum, Italy. Made of cherry wood.

Designerstudio.co.in; Rs31,300.

Wearable Art: Cougar Tie Pin by Shivan & Narresh

Cougar Tie Pin by Shivan & Narresh

For a collection called Confluence, designers Shivan & Narresh crafted this tie-pin studded with Swarovski crystals and set in brass.

At www.ogaan.com, Rs4,990.

This Is Lit: Erratic Lamp by Bent

Erratic Lamp by Bent

Not just light, this wood lamp brings some postmodern whimsy into interiors.

Bentchair.com; Rs9,999.

Compiled by Komal Sharma.

****

By Invitation: Vanities

An ode to things you dont need but must have

Jacobsens salt.

This week: Jacobsens salt

Everyone has their weakness.

Mine is salt.

I collect it. Colleagues and friends know that it is the best gift to get back for me from their holidays. So I now have salt infused with wasabi, hibiscus, and truffle.

But I am most particular about the plain salt that I consume.

For years, it was Maldon. Their sea-salt flakes are sublime.

More recently, I have lost my heart to Jacobsens salt.

It is harvested from the cold, pristine waters of Netarts Bay on the Oregon Coast in America. There are several reasons why the water in Netarts Bay is the perfect source of salt. It has very few freshwater inputs, which leads to higher salinity. It also has a massive population of oysters that act as a natural filter for the salt.

The companys founder, Ben Jacobsen, developed an obsession with salt after his stay in Denmark. In 2011, he founded Jacobsen Salt Co., the only salt company to harvest salt in the Pacific Northwest since Lewis and Clark.

The salt is harvested by human hands. And Jacobsen looks for some simple virtues in the salt that he produces. The first is evidently the taste. It has to be super clean and grainy in taste. The texture: light and flaky. And finally, the colour: beautiful, white, shiny flakes.

Many years ago, I was told that Zubin Mehta carried a bunch of green chillies with him every time he ate out. He carried them in an elegant silver box.

I love the Jacobsen tins. They are portable and make every meal palatable.

If you are a purveyor of meats like me, salt assumes a strategic position on the table. It adds an altogether different fabulousness to a fillet. And sprinkling your own salt also feels therapeutic (and reassuring).

Robert Baden-Powell once said: Life would pall if it were all sugar; salt is bitter if taken by itself; but when tasted as part of the dish, it savours the meat. Difficulties are the salt of life." How delicious.

Two-pack Signature Pure Sea Salt Slide Tins for $5 (around Rs320) from www.jacobsensalt.com.

By Swapan Seth , CEO, Equus
Film Review: G Kutta Se No country for young women. Rahul Dahiya's film is a nightmare vision of Haryana /how-to-lounge/movies-tv/film-review-g-kutta-se-111646834083318.html 111646834083318 story

When Rahul Dahiyas film played at the 2015 Mumbai Film Festival, it was called G  A Wanton Heart. For its theatrical release, the makers have swapped that title for G Kutta Se. Though its weird to say out loudI mumbled it at the ticket counterI like the terse honesty of this better than the Shakespearean flourish of wanton". A film about crude, violent characters deserves a crude, violent title.

The film, set in interior Haryana, deals in tremendous violence, most of it directed towards, or undertaken on behalf of, women. This may sound similar to 2015s NH10, in which Anushka Sharma was pursued by murderous Haryanvi thugs, but there are a couple of significant differences. NH10 was a genre film, albeit one grounded in reality: it had a setup, conflict, crisis, catharsis. G Kutta Se is no thriller; its a nightmare that wont let up, at times unfolding like a dramatization of the harrowing accounts in Nakul Singh Sawhneys documentary on khap panchayats, Izzatnagari Ki Asabhya Betiyan.

It takes a while for the film to play its most intriguing card. In the first of three intersecting stories, a young woman, Preeti, elopes with her husbands driver, only to find herself kidnapped by three men on the highway. Shes nearly raped in the back seat by one of them before their leader, Virender, intervenes. He sits next to Preeti, calms her down, talks to her, and, before you know it, shes smiling. A couple of scenes later, they hug, and he gets her phone number.

While I have a problem with the speed of Preetis recovery and the idea that shed be friendly with her kidnapper a couple of minutes after being assaulted, theres a theme that this scene triggers. Desire, the film seems to argue, will spring up, unbidden, even in the most women-unfriendly environments imaginable. We see this repeated in the other stories as well. A young girl, Diksha, spies on a group of boys bathing in a pond, and when one leads her away to make a lewd video, shes too curious to protest. Her older cousin, Kiran, is in a secret relationship with a local lad, and is shown as eager to initiate a physical relationship with him, going to the extent of risking her reputation and well-being.

These small grasps at desire aside, women in G Kutta Se are denied agency so consistently that even relatively minor transgressions begin to assume significance, like an unwilling Diksha being forced to sing by her father, or Kirans boyfriend cussing at her for refusing to have sex. The film is shot, documentary-style, by Sachin Kabir and Alok Shrivastav: the roving camera and the starkness of the surroundings match the sordidness of speech and subject matter. The few visual flourishes included  a womans hair blown a passing train, a spectacular burning Raavan  are well judged, but theres little beauty here, or mercy.

Dahiya, who also wrote the film, occasionally reaches for metaphors that dont quite make sense, like the crosscutting of a deliberate murder with the inadvertent killing of a dog. Yet, for the most part, this is a sharp, pitiless look at a society governed by feudal minds overly concerned with womens honour while utterly dismissive of their rights. G Kutta Se might seem violent and unsubtle. Then again, so might India.
Iran asks the United Nations nuclear agency to take Israels nuclear activities into serious consideration, lambasting the Wests duplicitous policies concerning the regimes military nuclear capability.

Reza Najafi, Irans ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), made the remarks to the quarterly meeting of the agencys Board of Governors, Press TV reported.

He said that Israel has over the past years, continued to advance its military nuclear program in contravention of all international regulations by ignoring the international communitys legitimate calls, and thanks to the blind support by some countries.

Israel is estimated to have more than 200 nuclear warheads in its arsenal. However, it refuses to either accept or deny having the weapons.

It has also evaded signing the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

Najafi considered Israels nuclear activities to be a source of concern for regional countries and the entire international community, accusing the West of double standards in its treatment of Tel Avivs nuclear program.

The Iranian official further highlighted repeated international calls for Israel to join the NPT and put all its nuclear facilities under IAEA supervision, stressing that Israels continued non-membership of the treaty sullies its reputation.
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 16

By Rufiz Hafizoglu  Trend:

The Turkish Armed Forces killed 60 terrorists within one week in the country, Turkeys General Staff said in a message June 16.

The operations were held in the Turkish southeastern provinces of Shirnak, Hakkari, Mardin and Siirt.

Firearms and explosives were seized in the operations, according to the message.

The conflict between Turkey and the PKK, which demands the creation of an independent Kurdish state, has continued for more than 30 years and has claimed more than 40,000 lives.

The UN and the European Union list the PKK as a terrorist organization.

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Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 16

By Rufiz Hafizoglu  Trend:

Turkey will send 15 tons of humanitarian aid to Gaza, the Turkish Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency said in a message June 16.

Also, a new hospital will be opened in Gaza with the support of the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency, according to the message. The cost of the hospital construction will be $50 million.

Turkey and Israel reached an agreement in 2016 for the provision of humanitarian aid to Gaza.

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Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu
This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate 5 1 of 5 San Francisco Fire Department Show More Show Less 2 of 5 Fred Sharples Show More Show Less 3 of 5 4 of 5 San Francisco Fire Department Show More Show Less 5 of 5









Firefighters battled a stubborn blaze at a warehouse near Candlestick Point in San Francisco for nearly three and a half hours on Friday before bringing it under control, officials said.

More than 120 firefighters and 40 apparatuses were sent to the scene to keep the fire from spreading, according to Lt. Jonathan Baxter, a spokesman for the San Francisco Fire Department.
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Laredo Sector Border Patrol said Friday it had rescued 59 immigrants who had entered the country illegally.

The rescues occurred in three separate incidents, Border Patrol said.

The first incident occurred June 2 at the Border Patrol checkpoint on Interstate 35 when agents encountered a tractor-trailer at the primary inspection lane.

The driver and passenger were questioned regarding their immigration status and consented to further inspection. A non-intrusive inspection of the tractor-trailer resulted in the rescue of 48 immigrants inside the refrigerator-locked trailer.

They were determined to be from the countries of Mexico, Honduras and Guatemala. The driver, a U.S. citizen, was arrested.

The second incident occurred June 5 at the same checkpoint when agents encountered a white Ford van at the primary lane.

READ MORE: Laredo police identify officer who shot unarmed man

The driver was questioned regarding his immigration status and was referred for further inspection after a Border Patrol canine alerted agents to the presence of concealed humans or narcotics. A further search of the vehicle resulted in the rescue of six immigrants concealed in two separate, non-factory locked wooden cabinets in the rear of the van.

They were determined to be from the countries of Mexico, Honduras and Guatemala. The driver, a U.S. citizen, was arrested.

The third incident occurred June 8 at the checkpoint on U.S. Highway 83 when agents encountered a white Chevrolet van at the primary lane.

The driver was questioned regarding his immigration status and was referred for further inspection after a Border Patrol canine alerted agents to the presence of concealed humans or narcotics.

A further search of the vehicle resulted in the rescue of five immigrants concealed in two separate, non-factory wooden boxes inside the van. They were determined to be from the countries of El Salvador and Guatemala. The driver, a U.S. citizen, was arrested.

The disregard for human life in which these persons were subjected to and the inhumane conditions that they were placed in demonstrates how callous and heartless these smugglers can be, said Laredo Sector Assistant Chief Patrol Agent Gabriel Acosta.
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Online shopping giant Amazon made a dramatic push Friday into brick-and-mortar retail, organic kale and kombucha with its $13.7 billion purchase of Austin-based organic grocery chain Whole Foods Market.

With more than 460 stores, Whole Foods has come under fire from shareholders for dreary sales as organic grocers such as Sprouts Farmers Market and Natural Grocers  and traditional grocers such as H-E-B, Walmart, Kroger and Target  increasingly home in on the Austin-based grocery chains turf with their own organic options. The company reshuffled its board and appointed a new chief financial officer in May after reporting its seventh straight quarter of falling same-store sales, a key indicator of retail performance.

But the organic grocery chain, which has two stores in San Antonio, couldnt overcome pressure from activist investors to sell the company. Jana Partners disclosed an 8.3 percent stake in Whole Foods in April and pushed for a sale. The hedge fund pitched four new nominees to the companys board and suggested reassessing the companys real estate strategy and 365 brand of stores, which is aimed at attracting younger and budget-conscious shoppers.

The pressure unnerved Whole Foods CEO John Mackey enough for him to call Jana Partners greedy (expletive) who were interested only in profiting from a forced sale of the grocer.

The strategy seems to have worked out well for Jana Partners and other Whole Foods shareholders, who were offered a 29 percent premium over the companys closing stock price Thursday of $33.06 a share. Jana Partners did not return requests for comment Friday.

The transaction also boosts Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos ambitions to shake up the food sales industry with its Fresh grocery delivery service. It also augments its growing brick-and-mortar retails sales, adding to the two grocery stores and convenience store it already owns in Seattle as well as its fleet of bookstores and mall kiosks.

Whole Foods gives Amazon much more than just a high-end grocery store chain. It effectively delivers hundreds of new distribution centers located in prime, upper-income locations throughout the U.S.

News of the merger devastated grocery stocks Friday as investors worried that Bezos may disrupt the industry similar to Amazons devastating effects on book sellers, video rentals and clothing retailers. Walmart  Amazons primary competitor  closed down 4.6 percent a share to $75.26. Other major retailers and grocers, including Target Corp. and Costco, similarly slid while Kroger Co. dropped 9.2 percent to $22.29 a share.

The largest grocer in the San Antonio area, H-E-B, is privately held. H-E-B spokeswoman Dya Campos declined to comment for this article.

The announcement made for quick social media fodder for comedians and shoppers alike whose derision of the stores pricey produce gave rise to the nickname Your Whole Paycheck.

Comedian Jim Gaffigan, who once called Whole Foods a refugee camp for people with too much money, quickly tweeted Friday morning: Its nice to know I wasnt the only one overcharged by Whole Foods. Chelsea Handler asked her followers to Retweet if youve also spent $13 billion at Whole Foods.

The transaction is no laughing matter to Amazon, which agreed to buy the organic grocery chain for $42 a share in an all-cash transaction that also assumes the companys debt. The Seattle companys stock closed at $987.71 a share Friday, up 2.4 percent.

The deal is expected to close in the second half of this year pending regulatory approval, the company said in a news release Friday.

Millions of people love Whole Foods Market because they offer the best natural and organic foods, and they make it fun to eat healthy, Amazons Bezos said in the release. Whole Foods Market has been satisfying, delighting and nourishing customers for nearly four decades  theyre doing an amazing job and we want that to continue.

Whole Foods will keep its headquarters in Austin and continue to operate under the Whole Foods brand with Mackey remaining as CEO.

This partnership presents an opportunity to maximize value for Whole Foods Markets shareholders, while at the same time extending our mission and bringing the highest quality, experience, convenience and innovation to our customers, Mackey said in a statement.

Analysts hailed the transaction as a savvy move by Amazon to enter the physical grocery space and a possible method to drive down prices at Whole Foods.

This will be a good deal for consumers, including those who might not have been doing business with Whole Foods in the past, either because of its positioning in the organic branding space or because prices have been seen as high, Mark Hamrick, Bankrate.com senior economic analyst, said in an email. Amazon can be expected to work to deliver better value to grocery customers, both online and within the brick-and-mortar space.

The pending merger is a transformative transaction, not just for food retail, but for retail in general, Charlie OShea, Moodys lead retail analyst, said in a statement Friday.

Implications ripple far beyond the food segment, where dominant players like Walmart, Kroger, Costco and Target now have to look over their shoulders at the Amazon train coming down the tracks, but also the potential for multi-channel, which Amazon up until now has largely eschewed, OShea said.

Amazon wasnt the only retailer with its eye on Whole Foods. Cerberus Capital Management, the New York-based private equity firm that controls Albertsons, held preliminary talks with bankers about a potential buyout of Whole Foods but did not make a formal offer, according to unnamed sources cited in a Financial Times report published in April.

Neuberger Berman Group, a New York-based investment management firm that has a 2.7 percent stake in Whole Foods, had also pushed the company to sell, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Amazon currently operates its own $14.99-a-month Fresh grocery delivery service and $5.99-a-month Pantry service. The company also delivers grocery items through its same-day Prime Now delivery service for members who pay a $99 annual fee.

jfechter@express-news.net

Twitter: @JFreports
He Calls Me by Lightning: The Life of Caliph Washington and the Forgotten Saga of Jim Crow, Southern Justice, and the Death Penalty

By S. Jonathan Bass

Liveright. 413 pp. $26.95

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How is it possible in a country that prides itself on having a Bill of Rights, expresses reverence for due process and touts equal protection that a 17-year-old can be arrested, put on trial and sentenced to death, and then spend 13 years being shuttled among death row cellblocks in disgusting jails and prisons with his case under appeal, all for a crime he didn't commit?

The answer contains some simple prerequisites: He had to be black, live in the Jim Crow South and be accused of committing, as one deputy sheriff put it, a "supreme offense, on the same level of a white woman being raped by a black man" - that is, the murder of a white police officer.

Teenager Caliph Washington, a native of Bessemer, Ala., was on the receiving end of all three conditions. And as such, Washington became a sure-fire candidate to suffer the kind of tyrannical law enforcement and rotten jurisprudence that Southern justice reserved for blacks of any age.

In "He Calls Me by Lightning," S. Jonathan Bass, a professor at Alabama's Samford University and a son of Bessemer parents, resurrects the life of Washington, who died in 2001 finally out of prison - but with charges still hanging over his head.

Bass, however, does more than tell Washington's tale, as Washington's widow, Christine, had asked him to do in a phone call. Bass dives deeply into the Bessemer society of 1957 where Washington was accused of shooting white police officer James "Cowboy" Clark on an empty dead-end street near a row of run-down houses on unpaved Exeter Alley.

Bessemer-style justice cannot be known, let alone understood, however, without learning about that neo-hardscrabble town 13 miles southwest of Birmingham.

Bessemer served as home to a sizable black majority, an entrenched white power structure and an all-white police department, consisting at the time of a "ragtag crew of poorly paid, ill-trained, and hot-tempered individuals" who earned less than Bessemer's street and sanitation workers.

Bessemer was a town with its own quaint racial customs, such as forcing black men to "walk in the middle of the downtown streets, not on the sidewalks, after dark - presumably to keep them from any close contact with white women."

Bessemer was a town where in 1944 the police forced black prisoners to participate in an Independence Day watermelon run. White citizens reportedly cheered as firefighters blasted the inmates with high-pressure hoses to make the race more challenging. Winners, it is said, received reduced sentences and the watermelons.

It was in that town that Caliph Washington was born in 1939, the same year of my birth in Washington, D.C.

Bessemer's racial climate was no different the year Washington was accused of killing Cowboy Clark. The town's prevailing attitude on race was captured at the time in a pamphlet distributed by a segregationist group, the Bessemer Citizens' Council. Black Christians, the white citizens' council said, should remain content with being "our brothers in Christ without also wanting to become our brothers-in-law."

If ever there was a place to not get caught "driving while black" - which is what Washington was doing on that fateful night in July 1957 - it was Bessemer. And that night's hazard appeared in the form of Clark and his partner, Thurman Avery, who were cruising the streets in their patrol car looking for whiskey bootleggers.

Washington was not one.

But his color was enough to get him chased, pulled over and told by Clark to "get out, boy."

Washington's color was enough to cause Cowboy to instruct him to place his hands over his head, to get him patted down and escorted to the rear of Cowboy's patrol car, where a tussle ensued following Cowboy's accusation that Washington had whiskey in his car; Washington's denial; Cowboy calling Washington a "smart n-----"; and Cowboy getting so angry that he pulled his weapon and started to strike Washington in the head with the butt of the gun.

Three shots went off in rapid succession - the prosecution said Washington pulled the trigger; Washington's defense said the bullet that ripped through Cowboy resulted from an accidental discharge - that it hit the car, ricocheted and tore into Cowboy.

Both sides agreed on one thing: Washington ran off.

It was a dash compelled by fear and a Southern-bred instinct that no good comes to a black man who defends himself against a white man.

Next, a massive manhunt, arrest in Mississippi, return to Bessemer courthouse, angry cursing white cops, lots of guns, plenty of hate and a jury decidedly not of Washington's peers.

Washington, accused of committing a crime against a white man in Bessemer, Ala., entered a courtroom to face a white prosecutor, a white judge and an all-white jury. To have a black lawyer defend Washington in 1957, Bass observes, would have been seen as an affront to Southern traditions.

Bessemer had only one black lawyer: David Hood Jr., a Howard University Law School graduate. Hood and another black lawyer, a fellow Howard graduate, Orzell Billingsley Jr. of Birmingham, helped prepare Washington's case for trial.

But they knew what Bass would later write in his book: that white supremacy and racial superiority were so deeply ingrained, Bessemer in 1957 was no place or time for a black lawyer to defend a black man. So, to represent Washington, the court appointed a white lawyer, giving him 14 days to prepare for the murder trial.

It was the start of a legal proceeding that stretched more than 13 years - a trek that, along the way, found countless opportunities to celebrate the triumph of racial traditions over justice.

Washington endured police interrogations without counsel; denial of the right to cross-examine witnesses; years of confinement behind bars without trial; more than a dozen scheduled dates with the electric chair, relieved by last-minute reprieves; blatantly discriminatory jury selections; and often languid and lukewarm efforts by the defense bar.

One notable exception in Bass' recitation of Alabama judicial horrors is the role played by Gov. George Wallace. Morally opposed to the death penalty, Wallace granted Washington 13 stays of execution. But Wallace's opposition wasn't enough to stop him from letting other prisoners be put to death, and the governor denied Washington's 14th petition for a reprieve.

I stop short of Bass' sympathetic portrayal of Wallace.

It fell to federal Judge Frank M. Johnson Jr., a law school classmate and onetime friend of Wallace, to render justice. Johnson, not Wallace, stayed Washington's execution. Johnson, not Wallace, recognized errors in the trial that found Washington guilty. Johnson, not Wallace, ordered Washington's conviction and death sentence be set aside. It was Johnson, not the racially demagogic Wallace, who redeemed what little there was left of integrity in Alabama jurisprudence and set Washington free to live what was left of his life. And out of America's sight.

In sharper focus, thanks to Bass' painstaking research, is a picture of how Jim Crow legal systems operated at the local and state levels. Because of his diligent examination of the backgrounds, upbringing and pedigree of those white Southern men and women who enforced Deep South justice, we know more about how courtrooms and jails functioned, and how cops, lawyers, courts and juries combined to degrade the judicial system. Bass provides details, details and more details, to the point, at times, of being overdone.

There is much in "He Calls Me by Lightning" that we needed to know. There is much, almost too much, in this book that is simply nice to know. But we are left, at the last page, with insight into a history of America that can no longer be left unknown.

---

King, winner of the 2003 Pulitzer Prize for commentary, joined the editorial board of The Washington Post in August 1990 and was deputy editorial page editor from January 2000 until his retirement in 2007. He continues to write a weekly column.
NEW YORK - For Oskar Eustis, artistic director of the Public Theater, and director of the "Julius Caesar" in Central Park that has ignited a political firestorm, one of the saddest outcomes is the position that the nation's embattled agency for supporting the arts has been compelled to take.

"So far, three major corporate sponsors and the NEA have felt it necessary to distance themselves from the show," Eustis said in an interview on Thursday. "And I feel just heartsick for the NEA. That they're forced to distance themselves from a work of art - Oh, my God."

Eustis was referring to the statement the National Endowment for the Arts issued on Monday, after the Public's production of Shakespeare's storied Roman play came under attack from conservative websites and even from one of the sons of President Donald Trump, who questioned whether it was taxpayer supported. They targeted the production because of the obvious references it draws to the current president, and the depiction in the play of the assassination of its Caesar-as-Trump figure, played by Gregg Henry.

"No NEA funds have been awarded to support this summer's Shakespeare in the Park production of 'Julius Caesar' and there are no NEA funds supporting the New York State Council on the Arts's grant to Public Theater or its performances," the NEA declared, in what struck many in the arts world as an extraordinary act of disavowal. It came as two high-profile corporate supporters of Shakespeare in the Park, Delta Air Lines and Bank of America, withdrew financial backing, and a third, American Express, said that while its contributions go exclusively to the Public's main theater in downtown Manhattan, it did not condone the interpretation staged in Central Park.

As has been widely noted, conservative voices were nowhere to be found protesting a production of "Julius Caesar" in 2012, mounted by the Guthrie Theatre and the Acting Company, in which Caesar was played by a black actor, and that seemed to be invoking comparisons to then-President Barack Obama. Delta Air Lines was one of the sponsors of that production, too, and it never backed away from its funding. All of this history has persuaded Eustis that we've entered a frightening chapter in the cultural wars, in which snippets of information are disseminated on the web and elsewhere to discredit a piece of political art.

"The thing that's new is that somebody is using the arts as a way of manipulating people and lying about the arts," he said. "That's the new toxic element in our culture."

There does indeed seem to be a newly supercharged atmosphere in this country, fueled by supporters of the president who want to vilify political dissent of any kind in the performing arts. It's only been a few months since Trump went after the Broadway cast of "Hamilton" for reading a statement at a performance attended by then-Vice President-elect Mike Pence, in which the actors implored the incoming administration to be mindful of the nation's demographic diversity.

"The theater must always be a safe and special place," Trump tweeted afterward. "The cast of 'Hamilton' was very rude last night to a very good man, Mike Pence. Apologize!"

Of course, Trump's requirement that theater be "safe" is laughably inane. One of theater's mandates is to rock the boat, not to sit by, demurely, in the hull. And surely, Eustis, as head of one of the most influential theater companies in the U.S. - the birthplace of everything from "A Chorus Line" to "Hamilton" - understood that by including specific allusions to the current president in a play eternally with powerful points to make about democracy, he was not projecting an interest in a "safe production."

"I felt my job as director was try to make the issues of 'Julius Caesar' as pertinent, as present, as visceral, as alive as they could be for the audience," he said. "The fundamental question in 'Julius Caesar' is what do you do to protect a democracy when a demagogue is threatening the thing that you love. My job is how do you make the audience feel that."

Eustis acknowledged that underlying the production is a belief that we're headed down a dangerous path. "The election of Donald Trump and the Trump phenomenon is threatening our democratic norms," he said. But the takeaway, he added, is anything but what the production's enemies are alleging: "No one can sit through my production and think, 'I can go out and kill somebody.' " As he noted, the play is a kind of eulogy for democratic government, for after the Roman experiment with it failed, it disappeared for 2,000 years. "So in the end, Caesar is triumphant and the Roman democracy is over."

"My fear is that we're going to have a climate where the level of discourse turns into what happens to Antony in the mob scene," he said. "The people are led to destroy the thing they want to preserve."

As for the Public's future in this climate, Eustis said, "This is damaging for us and we definitely lost money, and nobody likes losing money. But we will survive it." More worrisome is what he describes as the possible chilling effect of the episode on smaller theater companies and arts organizations, that might find themselves in the crosshairs of groups seeking to intimidate or silence them. "That terrifies me," he said.

Still, he has no intention of changing paths, and observes that in spite of the backlash, not a single aspect of the production has been altered. "The key element of our brand," he said, "is a theater that believes we have a place at the table for the discussion of the great issues of our time."
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Remember Donna Parker, the sunny TV blonde next door who anchored and reported at KSAT-TV for 10 years in the 1980 and '90s?

She said people still approach her to say 'hi' in the grocery store during visits here -- even though she's been off the air in San Antonio for 24 years.

"Frequently when I'm home and go to H.E.B., they'll recognize me and say, 'You used to be on TV.' There aren't a lot of markets like that. In other places, people aren't as attached to their television news people," Parker said in a phone chat.

"It's a comfortable, welcoming feeling every time."

RELATED: Photos: San Antonio TV host weds country singer

That's one reason she's so thrilled to be back "telling stories," as she put it, in the city she still considers her hometown.

Starting Thursday, Parker will be seen out in the field doing just that on KLRN's weekly local program devoted to the arts.

"ARTS" airs at 8 p.m. Thursdays on the public TV station.

April Ancira remains the in-studio host, but Parker will be the one who goes out in the field and reports the who and what of the art, architecture and music worlds in San Antonio and surrounding cities each week.

"What's so wonderful is I can do longer stories that are all positive and showcase San Antonio," she said.

RELATED: Popular news face exits San Antonio TV

Recently, she went down to the River Walk to do a piece, and "it was so fun to get back into it, talk to people on camera. I'm a storyteller in my heart," she said.

Parker, a military brat who lived all over the country, always felt strong ties to Texas because both her parents hail from the Lone Star State.

She started in local radio here, sharing a morning show on KTSA with the legendary Bruce Hathaway from 1980 to '83.

KSAT's news boss liked her work and beckoned her to television. She started as a consumer reporter, but it wasn't long before she was co-anchoring the weekend news with another name from S.A.'s TV past, John Kirby.

Soon, she was promoted to the morning and noon newscasts with another familiar KSAT personality of yesteryear, Mario Bosquez of "PM Magazine" fame.

Flip through slideshow above to get updates on Kirby and Bosquez.

RELATED: Ex-San Antonio radio DJ calls out successor in Facebook post

Parker remained at KSAT until 1993, then got married, moved to Dallas and had a baby, who's now a college graduate with a political science degree.

From Dallas, she went to Maryland, but like a homing pigeon, headed back to San Antonio in 2001, where her son grew up and she started her own public relations and video production firm, Donna Parker Media Group.

Now she lives in Maryland with her husband -- who works nearby for the Federal Aviation Administration in Virginia -- and her second baby, beloved toy poodle Sam.

"Now, with my job at KLRN, I'll be splitting time between Maryland and San Antonio," she said.

Fortunately, she has a place to crash. Parker's sister lives in downtown San Antonio, which is a short distance from the public TV station on Broadway.

jjakle@express-news.net
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 16

By Rufiz Hafizoglu  Trend:

Turkey offered Saudi Arabia opening a military base there, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in an interview with Portuguese TV channel RTP.

At the time when we decided to open a military base in Qatar, during a meeting with the king of Saudi Arabia I offered him to open a military base in the territory of the Kingdom, Erdogan said.

He added that the Saudi king said back then that Riyadh would consider this option.

Turkey still has not received a response from Saudi Arabia, Erdogan noted.

Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the UAE announced about breaking their diplomatic relations with Qatar June 5, accusing Doha of supporting terrorist organizations and destabilizing the situation in the Middle East. Later, a number of other countries also announced about severing diplomatic relations with Qatar.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu
In a phone call Friday with Qatari and French leaders, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan urged dialogue to help resolve the Gulf crisis over Qatar, according to a presidential source.

In a trilateral conversation with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and French President Emmanuel Macron, Erdogan brought up recent issues in the Gulf, said the source, who asked not to be named due to restrictions on speaking to the media, Anadolu reported.

The three exchanged views on the Qatar crisis with a view to immediately ease tension in the region, the source added.

The leaders reportedly stressed that only dialogue and negotiations will resolve the current tension, and called for support for efforts towards this end.

On June 5, five Arab countries -- Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain and Yemen -- abruptly cut diplomatic relations with Qatar, accusing Doha of supporting terrorism.

Qatar denied the accusations, calling the moves to isolate it diplomatically "unjustified.
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Plastic bag bans should be eliminated statewide, said Attorney General Ken Paxton in a brief he filed Thursday with the Texas Supreme Court.

Paxton asked the court to affirm the Fourth Court of Appeals decision that declared Laredos plastic bag ban unlawful. He also wants the Supreme Court to expand the ruling to eliminate all bag bans across the state.

Cities across Texas are failing to respect the rule of law and unlawfully passing the burden of municipal solid waste management to residents and retailers through bag bans, Paxton said in a statement Thursday. Municipalities do not get to violate Texas law merely because they dont like it.

In August, the Fourth Court of Appeals deemed the citys plastic bag reduction ordinance unenforceable as a matter of law, finding it was preempted by the Solid Waste Disposal Act, a section of the Texas Health and Safety Code.

READ MORE: Laredoans enjoy nightlife scenes around town

The opinion was in response to an appeal filed by the Laredo Merchants Association in September 2015, challenging the legality of the ordinance. The City of Laredo then filed a petition for review with the Supreme Court in November, hoping that it would hear its case and overturn the appellate courts decision.

Over 10 cities in Texas are in jeopardy of having their plastic bag ordinances overturned depending on the Supreme Courts decision. Other cities have postponed deliberations on proposed bag ordinances while they await the final outcome of the case.

In a response filed Dec. 7, the Laredo Merchants Association requests the citys petition for review be granted, saying guidance from the court is needed to bring clarity and uniformity to the preemptive effect the Texas Health and Safety Code has on plastic bag ban ordinances.

Paxtons friend-of-the-court, or amicus, brief highlights a statewide issue of waste management. This is the second brief Paxton has filed in this case.

An amicus brief is filed by someone who is not a party to a case but wants to provide their legal opinion or testimony.

In the brief, Paxton says the Supreme Court should clarify that municipalities cannot pass waste management duties onto consumers by banning packages or containers.

Texas must be empowered to enforce its statewide solution of waste disposal, the brief states.

The Texas Health and Safety Code forbids municipalities from implementing rules that prohibit or restrict, for solid waste management purposes, the sale or use of a container or package in a manner not authorized by state law.

According to Paxtons brief, Most of us never think twice about the garbage we throw away. But because that waste must end up somewhere within our scenic borders, all Texans, whether they realize it or not, share an interest in efficient and effective municipal solid waste management.

That means this case is not just about Laredo. Its about Texas, because waste management is a statewide issue.

RELATED: Laredo police identify officer who shot unarmed man

Paxton isnt the only third-party to file an amicus brief in favor or against the plastic bag ban.

This case has seen amicus briefs filed by state lawmakers, the Texas Municipal League, Texas City Attorneys Association and the Texas Retailers Association.

Last week, the Texas Public Policy Foundation submitted a brief requesting the court affirm the Fourth Court of Appeals opinion, saying local control does not give cities authority to regulate in areas where the Legislature has expressly and definitively removed city authority.

The Public Policy Foundation is a nonprofit, non-partisan research organization dedicated to to promoting liberty, personal responsibility, and free enterprise through academically-sound research and outreach.

When local governments exceed their scope of authority, the rule of law requires courts to enforce objective, black letter restrictions against them. Accordingly, the court should affirm the Fourth Court of Appeals opinion, strike down Laredos ordinance, and thereby uphold the rule of law, the foundations brief states.

In January, state Sen. Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, filed a brief in support of Laredos ordinance, saying the citys storm-drain infrastructure would suffer if the appellate courts ruling is upheld.

The brief says the court of appeals erred in its opinion and history and background circumstances should be considered when interpreting the statute applied to Laredos ordinance.

The appellate court should have taken into account the absence of any reference to bags in the Solid Waste Disposal Acts legislative record, as well as the fact that municipal bag bans were virtually unheard of at the time of (the acts) enactment and therefore probably not in the mind of any legislator, according to Zaffirini.

Perhaps the strongest single indication that the Legislature did not intend to preempt plastic bag bans is the fact that, at the time the preemption was enacted, such bans were almost entirely unheard of in the U.S., Zaffirinis brief states.

In February, the Supreme Court issued a request for a new round of briefs to the city and merchants association, saying the citys petition for review remains under consideration.

The Supreme Court's request for a brief on merits allows the parties an opportunity to file more extensive arguments with the court, increasing the page limit from 15 to 50 pages.

Both the city and the merchants association have filed the requested briefs.

The city was given a June 23 deadline earlier this month to file a brief in reply to the merchants association after requesting a deadline extension.
The U.S. Army has broken off negotiations with Arlington County over a long-planned land exchange to aid the expansion of Arlington National Cemetery after a dispute over what the county would allow on land it would control adjacent to the burial ground.

The Army, which runs the military cemetery, will go forward on its own to turn the site of the former Navy Annex around the Air Force Memorial into space for 40,000 to 60,000 additional graves and inurnments for the cremated remains of deceased veterans, their spouses and dignitaries. The $274 million southward expansion should allow the cemetery to be able to handle demand until about 2050.

The land swap would have involved Arlington giving the Army control of Southgate Road and Joyce Street in exchange for getting a compact piece of nearby land that is controlled by the military.

The county wanted to use the land for what it called county or public uses - possibly storing its vehicles, building a fire station or creating a museum.

But the Army, which needed control of the roads to remove Southgate Road as a barrier to the cemetery, did not want to hand over its parcel to the Arlington government because it was concerned that the county would place a heavy-duty maintenance facility there.

Brian Stout, the county's federal liaison, said that although he assured the Army that plans for a heavy-duty maintenance facility had died with the cancellation of the Columbia Pike streetcar, federal negotiators "couldn't get comfortable" with the county's planning process.

The Army did not respond to repeated requests for comment Friday.

The cemetery's superintendent, Katharine Kelley, said in a statement to Congressional Quarterly Roll Call that "the Army made every reasonable effort to negotiate [the] land exchange . . . [but was] never able to reach an agreement where the Army was comfortable with the county's several proposed projects for land adjacent to future burial space."

No negotiations have been held since late last year. Kelley informed County Manager Mark Schwartz that it was moving forward without an agreement last week, Stout said.

Under a provision in the fiscal 2017 defense authorization law, quietly passed in December, the cemetery now has the authority to condemn county land that is needed for the expansion.

Schwartz said in a statement that the local government will focus on getting fair compensation for the five acres the cemetery intends to buy.

The cemetery will also acquire about seven acres, located between Columbia Pike and I-395, owned by the state of Virginia.

Lance Allen, president of the Foxcroft Heights Civic Association, which represents the small neighborhood just south of the Navy Annex land, said residents support the cemetery's expansion but are worried about traffic, which he described as "dangerous" and "a nightmare."

Drivers from heavily used Columbia Pike cut through three small streets - Oak, Ode and Orme - on their way to Southgate Road, the southern access route into Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, he said.

A new Southgate Road will be realigned by the Army and run parallel to those three small streets.

The federal government will also straighten Columbia Pike, using money set aside three years ago.

The roadway realignment and the additional state and local land will increase the size of the cemetery, where more than 400,000 people are buried or interred, from 624 acres to 662 acres.

The cemetery has conducted about 7,000 burials each year since 2004, and it's been running low on space for years.

In 2013, it began a 27-acre expansion in its northwest corner that will provide about 27,000 new gravesites, which is expected to handle demand through the mid-2030s.

An April report from the Secretary of the Army said that, without additional land, the military may have to tighten eligibility requirements to control demand enough to allow burials to continue through 2050.
BEIJING - Chinese police said Friday they believe that a 22-year-old school dropout planted a homemade explosive device outside a kindergarten, killing eight people including himself.

Written on a wall near the school: a manifesto-style rant. It said "Giving birth is a crime," and added that India, China and Bangladesh will not "have a good end."

The explosion took place at 4:48 p.m. on Thursday outside a kindergarten in the city of Xuzhou in the eastern coastal province of Jiangsu, as mothers were gathered at the school gates to pick up their children.

There was initially some speculation the incident might have been caused by a gas cylinder from a streetside food vendor, but it now appears the explosion will go down as the latest in a long series of puzzling and disturbing attacks on schools in China in recent years, perpetrated by people with grievances against society or with mental health issues.

Although other attacks were aimed at young children, the manifesto, if confirmed to be written by the perpetrator, would suggest that mothers might have been the target.

"The explosion was caused by a homemade explosive device," Pei Jun, the deputy head of the Jiangsu public security office said at a news conference, blaming a man he named only as Xu who died at the site.

Police said their investigation, together with DNA testing, had helped identify Xu, who they said had dropped out of school with autonomic nervous dysfunction, a disorder that can cause heart and breathing problems, and who went on to work and live near the kindergarten.

"Materials for making an explosive device were found at his room, and words such as 'die' were written on the wall," Pei said. "At this point we believe the case is solved."

There was no confirmation that the manifesto was written by the bomber.

An image circulating on social media purported to show the same manifesto written on the wall of Xu's home. Later, another photo was circulated of the same piece of wall, with the words removed. It could not be immediately confirmed if those photos were genuine.

"Crime equals giving birth, two people commit a crime, two people die, group commits a crime, group dies, country commits a crime, country dies, ethnic group commits a crimes, ethnic group dies, India, China and Bangladesh, none will meet a good end," the statements said, handwritten in Chinese characters.

Police said 65 people were wounded in the attack, eight seriously, of whom four remain in critical condition. Many appeared to be mothers.

Videos circulating on social media showed women lying on the ground among pools of blood, some motionless and others barely moving.

The attack happened before the children were let out of the school, the authorities said, saying no teachers or pupils were among the victims. But one video showed two very young children among the wounded - one cradled in a mother's arms and another lying on the ground - who may have been waiting for elder siblings to emerge from the school.

Clothes and shoes were also seen strewn across the ground.

Although the videos could not be verified, they appeared to be from the same location as other footage posted by state media, which showed ambulances arriving, stretchers being wheeled out and police securing the scene.

Sociologists blame the pressures of a society undergoing rapid change for the attacks on schools and young children, with rising inequality and huge pressures on young people to compete and succeed.

A lack of support for the mentally ill, and a dysfunctional legal system, where people who feel they have been treated unfairly or have suffered injustice have few avenues to seek redress, are also thought to be possible causes.

Police said two people died at the scene and six died at a hospital.

Li Meijin, a professor in the department of criminology at the People's Public Security University of China in Beijing, said many of the attackers appear to be men in the prime of their life, who may be struggling to cope with pressure or difficulties in their lives.

"Socially isolated individuals are more likely to commit crimes," she added. "If they can't get effective help, or there's no good way for them to vent their feelings, they may become reckless in desperation, and take revenge on society."

"I am wondering if we should have more ways for people to file a complaint or appeal," she added.

Last month, six Chinese children and six South Koreans, all between ages 3 and 7, died after their kindergarten bus driver lit a fire on his bus, police said. The man was apparently angry that his overtime and night shift pay had been cut, police told state media.

But with China maintaining strict control on firearms, most of the other attacks have involved knives or other sharp implements, such as last year's attack on an elementary school in northern China that left seven children wounded.

Between 2010 and 2012, there were at least nine separate attacks on elementary schoolchildren in China, which left at least 25 people dead and more than 100 wounded, with weapons including knives, a hammer, an ax, a cleaver and a box-cutter.

Police ascribed motives ranging from an employment dispute to a disgruntled suitor spurned by a woman, in addition to blaming mental illness.

The attacks on children are perhaps even more troubling in a society where many parents only have one child, thanks to four decades of draconian family planning policies.

Those attacks prompted the government and schools to beef up security, posting guards and installing gates and barriers outside schools, and on Friday the Ministry of Education issued a fresh directive instructing schools to carry out a "comprehensive investigation of security risks."

Among other things, it said schools should look at former personnel who may have been dismissed, individuals with mental illness and illegal street stalls in the vicinity.

Guns are banned in China and official data shows violent crime is relatively low in China compared to other parts of the world, with a murder rate less than one-fifth of that in the United States. However experts question the accuracy of the Chinese data and say many crimes go unreported.

---

The Washington Post's Yang Liu, Shirley Feng and Luna Lin contributed to this report.
As part of a tour to communicate with French citizens abroad on her electoral campaign to win a seat in the French national assembly as part of Frances newly elected President Emmanuel Macrons Le Republic en Marche (LREM) Party, candidate Amal Amelia Lakrafi, along with the party's representative in Egypt Thibault Veck, held a press meeting on Thursday at Al-Ahram Foundation in Cairo to speak about French-Egyptian relations and the politics of a new France.

Macrons newly established LREM Party has stepped up efforts to secure the votes of French nationals in the Middle East before the second round of the French legislative election set for 18 June.

Lakrafi and Veck, who is also a member of the French-Egyptian Chamber of Commerce, met with Egyptian journalists, intellectuals, businessmen and university students to talk about combatting terrorism, the economy, and education under the new administration of President Macron.

Lakrafi, 39, has been touring to secure the votes of the French expat community in 49 countries in the Middle East and Africa as part of her campaign leading up to the second round of voting.

Lakrafi visited a number of Arab countries on her trip, and highlighted that Egypt was one of the most important on her list.

Egypt is home to 6,000 French citizens, half of whom hold Egyptian citizenship, Lakrafi says, stressing the historically strong Egyptian-French ties.

Although she has no previous political experience, Lakrafi says that she has for many years been committed to volunteering in West Africa to promote equality, education, womens rights and medical service provision.

On relations with Egypt, the French candidate of Moroccan origin expressed France's commitment to fighting terrorism in cooperation with Egypt, saying she first decided to take part in her country's war against terrorism after the 2015 deadly attack on Charlie Hebdo offices in Paris.

As an entrepreneur and an intelligence and cyber security expert, Lakrafi says she has previously worked in counterterrorism.

Lakrafi also affirms that education is a main focus of her campaign, and that she would push to increase the education budget and access to scholarships for her constituents.

"LREM sent out two questionnaires to all three million French citizens abroad, receiving 16,000 responses that highlighted education and social security as top priorities."

"Everything is now changing with LREM and this new dynamic that is outpacing France's traditional major parties and historical political players, the choice of officials in France is based on in-depth experience in the sectors they will oversee," Lakrafi says.

On economic collaboration, the LREM representative in Egypt and member of the French-Egyptian chamber of commerce Thibault Veck affirmed that enhancing economic cooperation between France and Egypt is one of the main objectives of the party and the chamber.

"There are a lot of French companies that invested in Egypt that are a facing a lot of challenges that are not limited to the French, but to foreign investors in general, Veck said, adding that the Egyptian government embarked on a courageous reform programme of which we are waiting to see the results in boosting economic ties.

When the French people elected Macron, they voted for an open France and not a closed country, and being open means to be 100 percent pro-European and seeking a more open and stronger union that will positively reflect on Europe, the Middle East and Egypt.
Ernestina Herrera de Noble, who transformed her late husband's newspaper from a struggling political project into Argentina's most powerful media organization, a telecommunications giant whose size allowed her to tangle with presidents and quietly shape national politics to her advantage, died June 14. She was 92.

Grupo Clarin, the Argentine conglomerate that she formed in 1999, announced her death but did not provide additional details. With annual revenue of more than 11 billion pesos ($700 million), the company is among the largest telecom businesses in Latin America. Its flagship paper, the Buenos Aires-based tabloid Clarin, claims to have one of the highest circulations in the Spanish-speaking world.

Herrera de Noble, a former flamenco dancer, had neither business experience nor a college education when she took the reins of Clarin in 1969 following the death of her husband, Roberto Noble. A wealthy rancher with a reputation as a charismatic womanizer, Noble had served as a conservative-aligned minister in Buenos Aires Province before founding Clarin in 1945.

The paper - its name means "bugle" in Spanish - at first distinguished itself with striking, photo-filled front pages that were designed to capture a working-class audience. Yet by the time of Noble's death, it had fallen into debt and had acquired a reputation as a pro-development political organ, limiting its mass appeal.

"I was distressed, but at the same time I arrived with a tremendous determination," Herrera de Noble later recalled of her first days running Clarin. "I had to continue the work of Noble, not imitating it, because people are irreplaceable and each one has his own style."

She soon set about broadening the paper's scope and surrounding herself with talented advisers, including accountant Hector Magnetto, Grupo Clarin's current chief executive. Within a decade, according to journalist and Clarin historian Graciela Mochkofsky, Herrera de Noble had pulled the paper out of debt and set it on a path to become Argentina's most widely read publication.

She went on to grow her company into a political heavyweight, ignoring critics who accused her of seeking a media monopoly through investments in provincial broadsheets, local radio stations, websites, film productions, printing plants, a wireless carrier and the country's largest cable and Internet business, Cablevision.

The company's growth was driven in part by favorable relations with strongmen and presidents who regarded Herrera de Noble as a kingmaker, a backroom operator capable of cutting deals or skewering her opponents with negative press coverage.

She and Clarin "were always a power player," Mochkofsky said, from the era of military rule that began in 1976 and on through the return of democracy in 1983. The company, she said, was "opportunistic . . . always negotiating behind closed doors, with every government from the dictatorship on, to obtain licenses for cable television or support for their business growth."

Herrera de Noble's dealings with the government remained largely out of view until 2008, when a spat with then-President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner began dominating headlines. Kirchner's husband and predecessor, Nestor Kirchner, had been championed by Grupo Clarin, and the president signed off on the company's acquisition of Cablevision during his final days in office.

Yet Cristina Kirchner, a left-wing populist, felt antagonized by Herrera de Noble's media outlets shortly after being elected. Clarin papers and stations criticized the president for raising taxes on agricultural exports and for her subsequent, aggressive handling of farmers who were protesting the tax measure.

In response,Kirchner helped direct investigations into links between Herrera de Noble and atrocities committed during the Dirty War of the 1970s and early '80s.

It was during those years that Herrera de Noble joined with several rival papers to purchase the country's sole newsprint manufacturer, Papel Prensa. Ownership of the plant helped fuel Clarin's growth in the coming decades, ending its reliance on imported paper that could be heavily taxed or outlawed by disgruntled government officials.

Kirchner and her allies charged that the purchase was facilitated by the junta, to take the plant away from owners who were sympathetic to the leftist Montoneros guerrilla group. Herrera de Noble, they said, was complicit in the sale and in the subsequent torture and murder of associates of the plant's former owners.

Her two children, whom she said she adopted in 1976, also were alleged to have been stolen from mothers who were abducted as political prisoners during the Dirty War. An estimated 30,000 people were killed or "disappeared" by the military during the conflict, while Clarin and other Argentine papers avoided coverage of the incidents, largely threatened into silence.

Herrera de Noble insisted that she had done nothing wrong in adopting her son and daughter, and at one point testified that she adopted her daughter after finding her sitting inside a cardboard box outside her door. In 2011, DNA tests found that her children were not part of a group of 55 families whose children had been abducted.

Ernestina Laura Herrera was born in Buenos Aires on June 7, 1925, the youngest of six children. Her father was a humanities professor and her mother was a pianist from Valencia, Spain.

She once said that she met her future husband, who was 23 years her senior, during a 1946 cruise down the Parana River. They saw each other intermittently and married in 1967, by which time Noble had divorced another woman.

Following Noble's death, Herrera de Noble vied for control of the paper with a daughter from Noble's earlier marriage. They eventually settled in court, with Herrera de Noble taking control of Clarin.

Survivors include her adopted children, Marcela and Felipe, and three grandchildren.

The election of Cristina Kirchner's successor, former engineer Mauricio Macri, helped Grupo Clarin expand further as telecommunications regulations began to be rolled back. In August, the company announced a plan to convert Cablevision into an independent business, allowing it to compete directly against Argentine phone carriers.

Herrera de Noble remained tight-lipped about her plans, as well as her own life. She seemed to follow the advice of her late husband, adopting his motto as her own, according to an obituary in Clarin.

"Those who make a newspaper," she liked to say, "do not have to be news."
Helmut Kohl, the West German political leader who became an unlikely international statesman when he helped unite Communist East Germany with the West after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 and served as chancellor of a unified Germany for much of the 1990s, died Friday at his home in Ludwigshafen. He was 87.

Kohl's party, the Christian Democratic Union, confirmed the death in a tweet but did not provide other information.

After succeeding the worldly Helmut Schmidt as chancellor in 1982, Kohl was sometimes perceived as a clumsy politician with an uninspiring speaking style and a penchant for public relations gaffes, such as his insistence that President Ronald Reagan visit the German military cemetery in Bitburg, where members of the Waffen-SS were buried.

Kohl's legacy seemed to change overnight with the collapse of the Berlin Wall on Nov. 9, 1989. For 28 years, the wall had stood as one of the most visible symbols of separation between Western Europe and the Communist bloc of eastern European countries. Kohl seized the opportunity to transform himself into a leader of international stature.

Many Germans on both sides of the wall that divided the nation during the Cold War found Kohl's shambling, diffident manner a comforting relief from the charismatic style of politician that had become nearly taboo in the post-Hitler period.

When Kohl made a dramatic appearance before 50,000 East Germans in Dresden just six weeks after the fall of the Berlin Wall, he was greeted with tears and chants of "our chancellor." He drew roaring approval from East German residents by saying, "When the historic moment allows it, let us have the unity of our country."

He added, "We won't leave our countrymen in the lurch."

Kohl made good on that promise by welcoming East Germans into the West with an expensive but powerful gift - agreeing to let East Germans exchange their virtually worthless Communist marks for West Germany's valuable Deutsche marks on a one-to-one basis. Economists argued that he was risking his country's most cherished asset, but the bet paid off in political calm and stability. Kohl was elected chancellor four times and held Germany's top political office until 1998.

He was careful to position his country's expansion and reunification in the postwar structures of the European Union and NATO, devoting much of his energy to reassuring France, Britain, the United States and the Soviet Union that Germany still knew its place.

"We are not a world power, and I consider it foolish to dream world-power dreams," he said immediately after Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev gave his surprise endorsement of German unity in 1990.

During the Cold War, a divided Germany had played host to the most destructive weapons and most concentrated collection of forces on the planet. The new Germany, Kohl told his partners, would be a successful merchant with a modest diplomatic front, a limited military and a deep fear of getting involved in international conflicts.

Kohl repeatedly promised that the new nation would be a European Germany, without any ambition of creating a German Europe.

His greatest moment, according to Harvard University historian Charles S. Maier, came in a speech to the West German Parliament on Nov. 28, 1989, in which Kohl outlined a plan for unification.

In drafting his speech, he consulted no foreign leaders except President George H.W. Bush. The French and British, suspicious that Germany might try to dominate Europe, pushed the United States to disavow Kohl's plan, but the Bush administration embraced it wholeheartedly.

Unification was completed by October 1990 in part because Kohl initiated payments of billions of Deutsche marks to the Soviet Union to withdraw troops from East Germany.

He allayed the fears of his Western European allies by committing a unified Germany to NATO and other European institutions. He called German reunification and the European Union "two sides of one coin" and successfully promoted the euro as a common European currency.

In reality, German reunification proved extremely expensive. Residents of the former East Germany struggled with high unemployment rates and neo-Nazi violence. Psychological and sociological differences continued to divide the country.

As East and West Germany came together to create a new country, united for the first time since the fall of the Third Reich, political support in Western Europe and the United States was tempered by concern over the depth of change in a society that spawned the Holocaust.

Kohl had through most of his political career been visibly discomfited by discussions of Germany's decimated Jewish heritage. He often spoke of the need to normalize German culture and emerge finally from decades of self-doubt and blame. But during the reunification period, Kohl reached for a more balanced tone as he searched for a way forward.

"I can understand the anxieties people have," he said. "We have our history, the crimes committed by the Nazis in the name of the German people, dark periods. But in the last 40 years we have proved ourselves. We would like to be a normal country in Europe. Talk of the Fourth Reich is talk of things that will not happen again."

Still, Kohl was deeply worried about the idea that Germans would continue to grow up thinking of themselves as some sort of moral monsters. When plans for a Holocaust museum in Washington were being discussed in the late 1980s, Kohl looked for ways to ameliorate its message and sought to have the museum include a section on modern Germany - a proposal that got nowhere.

Helmut Michael Kohl was born to conservative Catholic parents on April 3, 1930, in Ludwigshafen, a small city on the Rhine River in western Germany. His father worked for the local tax and revenue office and also fought in both world wars.

Kohl's early life was shaped by the bombing raids of Allied planes during World War II. He exhumed dead bodies from ruined buildings and, during the closing months of the war was a member of the Hitler Youth. His only brother, Walter, died in 1944 at age 19 while serving in the German army.

In 1956, when he graduated from the University of Heidelberg, Kohl became the first member of his family to receive a college degree. He received a doctorate in political science in 1958.

Kohl quickly became a well-known figure in the Christian Democratic Party (CDU) and by 43 was the party's national chairman

He classified people as supporters or opponents and reportedly even trained his German shepherd dog, Igo, to wag his tail at the words "Christian Democrat." The command "Soz" - Kohl's word for Social Democrats and others to the left of his party - caused the dog to bare its teeth and snarl.

In 1976, Kohl lost an election as West German chancellor to Schmidt, a member of the Social Democratic Party. Six years later, as Schmidt faced a political crisis, Kohl won the chancellorship after building a coalition with the Free Democratic Party, Germany's liberal party.

In office, Kohl seemed at times to lack the historical sensitivity required for such a high-profile job. One of his greatest stumbles was the controversy surrounding his 1985 visit with President Reagan to a German military cemetery in Bitburg.

The state visit by Reagan was intended to celebrate the normalization of relations between the United States and Germany on the 40th anniversary of the end of World War II. But a public relations disaster ensued when it was revealed that the cemetery contained the graves of 49 members of the Waffen-SS.

Secretary of State George P. Shultz wrote years later in The Washington Post that Kohl exerted tremendous pressure on Reagan to go through with the visit. Ultimately, they visited the cemetery and the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp.

Kohl told Time magazine at the time of the Bitburg protest, "If we don't go to Bitburg, if we don't do what we jointly planned, we will deeply offend the feelings of our people," Kohl told Time magazine. "This has nothing to do with the glorification of the Nazis."

For much of his career, Kohl was accompanied by his wife of 41 years, the former Hannelore Renner. She suffered from a painful and incurable skin condition that forced her for years to live in a shaded house and avoid sunlight. She committed suicide in 2001.

The relationship between Kohl's sons, Walter and Peter, was known to be difficult, especially after their father married Maike Richter, 34 years his junior, in 2008. The sons were not invited to the wedding.

Kohl's new wife shielded him from public view, and only a few trusted friends had access to the former chancellor during his final years.

In 1998, Kohl resigned from the chancellorship after voters rejected his party in the election, citing high unemployment and other problems.

It marked the end of an era for many younger Germans for whom he had been the only chancellor they had ever known, hence giving him the nickname the "Eternal Chancellor."

Almost immediately after his resignation, Kohl was entangled in a financial scandal involving several million dollars in illegal donations to the CDU.

His party faced sharp penalties and lost political credibility, in part because Kohl refused to mention the names of his donors. The scandal deepened when it was revealed that many files were missing or destroyed.

Kohl at first deflected blame for the scandal, but in 2001 agreed to pay a fine of about $143,000 and to acknowledge a "breach of trust." In return, prosecutors dropped criminal charges.

Members of his party were tarred by their association with Kohl, but he picked a protegee from the former East Germany, Angela Merkel, who echoed his views and style - governing with a stiff spine and a sure sense of what Germany's limitations should be, while daring to be dull in a country wary of flashy, outspoken politicians.

Kohl hoped to be remembered for unifying the two Germanys and ushering the united country into the international community.

"We Germans have learned from history," he said. "We are a peace-loving, freedom-loving people. There is only one place for us in the world: at the side of the free nations."

---

The Washington Post's Marc Fisher contributed to this report.
As the crisis at Uber reached a critical moment this week, a familiar voice filled the company's San Francisco headquarters. Board member Arianna Huffington - the onetime pundit and digital publisher with a distinctive Greek accent - addressed employees, emerging as the most visible leader of a company trying to recover from months of self-inflicted wounds.

But where many saw a company that exemplified the worst of the tech industry's male-dominated "bro" culture, Huffington had concluded that there was an additional reason for the rampant sexual harassment and other unprofessional conduct reported at the company: a work-life balance gone disastrously awry.

She had publicly warned of the dangers of coddling "brilliant jerks" at Uber, but she also worried that Uber - and Silicon Valley generally - had developed what she called a "workplace culture fueled by burnout."

"It's one of the delusions that drives modern workplaces, especially here in the Valley - that burnout is necessary for growth and success," she said in a statement to The Washington Post. "That's why it was important to lose 'always on' and 'working longer' from the cultural values, especially given that we now have the data that proves conclusively that being always on and working longer, far from enhancing performance, lead to terrible consequences."

Her view carries special weight in light of the announcement Tuesday that chief executive Travis Kalanick would be taking an indefinite leave and the resignation of one of Huffington's colleagues on the board, billionaire David Bonderman, who stepped down after making a widely criticized quip about women during an event intended to address the company's problems with sexism and sexual harassment.

The flurry of moves, coming after months of executive departures at Uber, left Huffington with an uncommonly prominent role for a board member. Her concerns about employee well-being also dovetail with her latest professional incarnation as a self-described "sleep evangelist" and the founder of a company that sells products to help promote rest and a healthy relationship with work.

Uber, if it follows Huffington's lead, could provide a test case for her belief that work-life balance, sufficient sleep and meditation can improve employee well-being and lead to better behavior - and better corporate performance.

Skeptics might argue that - regardless of a better work-life balance - for Uber to improve, it needs a profound change in attitude toward what is acceptable behavior in the workplace. And Huffington's approach might also conflict with the data-driven, coffee-fueled start-up culture that is endemic to Silicon Valley.

Huffington friend Kenneth Lerer, a venture capitalist who co-founded the Huffington Post with her in 2005, offered a cautionary note about the risk inherent to trying to re-engineer how companies work.

"Uber got to where it is because of its culture. But Uber can't continue to grow and flourish if it continues with it's same culture," Lerer said. "If you take the culture out of Uber, might it not succeed? Only time will tell."

There are already signs of a possible backlash. When Huffington in an appearance on CNBC last week praised chief executive Travis Kalanick for having begun to meditate in stressful moments, the remark prompted criticism that the new approach was unlikely to remedy the many problems at a company built in his image. They also note that his choice of a venue, a company lactation room, was a space typically reserved for nursing women.

The mission of combating burnout is one that Huffington has embraced with characteristic fervor, writing books on the importance of rest and founding Thrive Global, described as a "corporate and consumer well-being and productivity platform."

It offers an online course on well-being and sells luxury sleep aids such as silk sleep masks for $39.95 each and, for $100, a cellphone charging station shaped like a tiny bed that "makes putting our smartphones to bed a regular part of our nightly ritual."

As Huffington pushes for a reformed corporate culture, the stakes are high for Uber. The company has prided itself on the breakneck growth that allowed it to upend the taxi industry while spreading to 75 countries and building nearly $70 billion in estimated investor value.

Uber's board on Sunday adopted 47 recommendations from a sweeping report by former U.S. attorney general Eric Holder Jr. - a list that includes new policies devoted to family leave, employee compensation and responsiveness to allegations of sexual harassment.

But unanswered, for now, is whether a kinder, gentler and better-rested Uber workforce can thrive in the cutthroat fight for global supremacy in a ride-hailing market where rivals already are making inroads. Business experts say such radical revamping of companies can bring unintended consequences.

There is evidence, experts say, that happier workforces are more committed to their jobs. This is something that could be crucial to Uber at a time when many in Silicon Valley - especially women - are expressing distaste for the company even as Huffington and other board members promise sweeping workplace improvements.

"The data all depends on whether or not this translates into the employees' sense of work satisfaction and commitment," said James Bailey, a management professor at George Washington University. "If they impact job satisfaction and organizational commitment - those are the two concepts used in the literature - if it does that, yes, it increases productivity. That's beyond a shadow of a doubt."

Huffington, 66, a Greek immigrant born Ariadne-Anna Stasinopoulou, has shown a durable talent for invention and reinvention. She has written more than a dozen books, opined from the right, opined from the left, run for governor of California and co-founded a news organization that bears her last name - a remnant of her marriage to Michael Huffington, a former member of Congress, whom she divorced in 1997 after having two daughters with him.

She spent more than a decade leading the Huffington Post, which caught the rising digital wave to challenge entrenched news organizations for online readers. Huffington and the other founders sold the company for $315 million to AOL in 2011. She stayed as executive editor for five years more before stepping down in August. She announced the founding of Thrive Global that month.

Huffington's role at Uber - she was the first female board member at the company founded in 2009 when she was appointed last year - had begun to grow sharply after a February blog post from former employee Susan Fowler detailing what she said was her own terrible experience with sexual harassment at Uber.

That night, Huffington tweeted about Fowler's blog post, announcing that, after she spoke with Kalanick, the company was launching a "full independent investigation." Uber the next day hired Holder to lead the inquiry and, a week later, created a committee of three board members to oversee it. Huffington was one of them and soon began meeting privately and publicly with women at the company to hear their concerns.

"As the only woman on the Board at the time, in addition to helping oversee the Holder investigation I wanted to be available to everyone in the company who wanted to talk to me," she told The Post. "That's why I shared my email address at the all hands [meeting] back in February and went on to meet with employees in person at different offices."

Her role grew yet again when Bonderman abruptly quit the board Tuesday night after furious employee backlash to a remark he made at the employee meeting that day, joking that the addition of female board members would lead to "more talking."

Huffington tried to laugh off the joke at first, amid audible gasps in the crowd, but employees soon emailed in the hundreds, demanding Bonderman's resignation. When he acceded a few hours later in an apologetic statement, Huffington - and not the company or the board as a whole - issued a personal statement praising his decision.
Thursday's passage of a bill that criminalizes preparations for terrorist attacks marks a major step forward in efforts to prevent terrorist attacks in Japan, but actually applying the revised law will still require clearing high hurdles.

Criminalizing such preparations is the main pillar of the revised Law on Punishment of Organized Crimes and Control of Crime Proceeds. At a time when acts of terrorism are occurring one after another in Europe and the United States, the threat of terrorism striking Japan, which is preparing to host the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, is also increasing.

How will investigations aimed at combating terrorism change under the revised law? Although many observers expect the revised law will be a useful weapon for combating terrorism, as things stand, investigations in Japan still face many high hurdles compared with those conducted overseas.

"Making it possible to prevent terrorist attacks at the preparation stage represents a huge step forward in the fight against terrorism," a senior police official said of the revised law.

The current legal framework contains no provisions that allow police authorities to directly crack down on an organization planning to carry out a terrorist attack - even if that group has reached the planning and preparation stage. While the Firearms and Swords Control Law and other laws could be applied if the organization procured weapons, in many cases it would be difficult for police to prevent an attack before it happens.

Under the anti-terrorism law, if an organized criminal group, such as a terrorist organization, of two people or more planned a major crime such as premeditated murder and conducted preparations for that crime, every person involved in the planning could be punished. Passage of the law has also made it possible for Japan to conclude the U.N. Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, which will have the advantage of speeding up cooperation with overseas investigative authorities.

Gathering evidence

Investigative organizations overseas have successfully prevented terrorist attacks from happening in some cases. Following the simultaneous terrorist attacks in Paris in November 2015, French investigative authorities prevented a "second terrorist strike" by using wiretaps that did not require court approval and searches conducted without warrants to detain suspects.

Anti-terrorism investigations are often described as a "race against time." According to one senior police official, the revised law alone is insufficient. "We won't be able to prevent terrorist attacks just because we have criminalized preparations for these attacks," the official said.

In Japan, a warrant is necessary for an arrest. In the event authorities want to conduct a criminal investigation involving a search or an arrest, they must get a warrant issued by a court. If police want a warrant when investigating preparations for a terrorist attack, they would need to show a judge evidence that the organization in question is planning an attack, and that the plan has reached the preparation stage of procuring funds and materials.

Although this would be a very challenging investigation, police cannot use wiretaps because the crime of preparing for a terrorist attack is not covered by the Wiretapping Authorization Law. The police would need to take basic, steady steps, such as tailing suspects or checking nearby areas.

"Meticulously gathering evidence will be necessary, so there likely will need to be careful discussions with prosecutors," a senior investigator told The Yomiuri Shimbun. "It won't be easy to apply [the law]."

Gang bosses in crosshairs

The revised law will be applied to violent organizations and groups involved in "special fraud" cases, but designated crime syndicates will not be subject to it as things stand. Police and prosecutors will need to discuss each case and, after considering previous incidents and other factors, consider if it constitutes an organized criminal group.

Say a group is recognized as being an organized criminal group and a gang war breaks out. If a group plans to shoot dead a senior member of a rival organization and prepares funds to buy a gun for this purpose, the "procurement of funds" would be tantamount to a "preparatory act." If the syndicate leader was involved in the plan, he could be arrested.

Hitoshi Suzuki, a lawyer who heads an anti-organized crime committee of the Daiichi Tokyo Bar Association, said: "When the Antigang Law was enacted, there was debate about whether it also would be applied to labor unions and similar groups, but these concerns ended up being unjustified. I hope the revised law is allowed to function effectively so it can help curb violent groups and other organized criminal groups."
In a landmark case, a Massachusetts judge has ruled that Michelle Carter, who urged her boyfriend through phone calls and text messages to kill himself, is responsible for his death.

Bristol County Juvenile Court Judge Lawrence Moniz announced Friday that Carter, 20, is guilty of involuntary manslaughter after placing Conrad Roy III in a situation that led to his suicide in 2014.

Legal experts say the decision could have national implications as courts grapple with how to apply long-standing laws as technological changes have taken interactions online. In Carter's case, the ruling suggests that in effect, she was whispering in Roy's ear, "kill yourself, kill yourself," said Laurie Levenson, a criminal law professor at Loyola Law School in Los Angeles. And it essentially says that those words can lead someone to suicide.

Carter, who could face up to 20 years in prison, will be sentenced in August. Her attorney could not be reached for comment, but he told reporters he was "disappointed," according to the Boston Globe.

While handing down the verdict Friday morning, Moniz said Roy, who was found dead from carbon monoxide poisoning on July 13, 2014, outside Boston, had followed Carter's instruction and placed himself in a "toxic environment" in his truck, where he used a gas-powered water pump to commit suicide.

Roy, 18, and Carter, who was 17 at the time, had been texting about death in the days and weeks leading up to the tragedy, according to court records. In one message, Carter told him: "You're finally going to be happy in heaven. No more pain. It's okay to be scared and it's normal. I mean, you're about to die."

Moniz, however, focused on Roy's final moments when he wavered, stepping out of the truck - and Carter told him to "Get back in." The judge said that though Carter knew Roy was in trouble, she took no action.

"She admits in a subsequent text that she did nothing - she did not call the police or Mr. Roy's family," Moniz said in court. "Finally, she did not issue a simple additional instruction: 'Get out of the truck.'"

Carter was tried in a juvenile court because she was 17 at the time of the boy's suicide. Carter waived her right to a jury trial.

Levenson, the Loyola professor, said the judge's decision does not so much set a legal precedent because it does bind other courts, but it sends a strong message that "there are new means of committing old crimes," and prosecutors will be more likely to look at those cases.

"This is one of the most extreme cases we've seen," Levenson said in a phone interview. She added the question is: "When does bullying cross over into committing a homicide?"

Martin Healy, chief legal counsel for the Massachusetts Bar Association, said that Carter sealed her own fate "through the use of her own words," according to the Boston Globe.

"The communications illustrated a deeply troubled defendant whose actions rose to the level of wanton and reckless disregard for the life of the victim," he said in a statement.

Healy said the verdict, which was captured widespread attention, will have "national implications" and is "a clarion call that seemingly remote and distant communications will not insulate individuals from heinous acts that could rise to the level of criminal culpability."

The American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts issued a strong rebuke, arguing the conviction violates free speech protections.

"The implications of this conviction go far beyond the tragic circumstances of Mr. Roy's death," Matthew Segal, legal director at the ACLU of Massachusetts, said in a statement. "If allowed to stand, Ms. Carter's conviction could chill important and worthwhile end-of-life discussions between loved ones across the Commonwealth."

Following the guilty verdict, Katie Rayburn, the prosecutor in the case, told reporters that though she was pleased with the ruling, "there are no winners here," according to CNN.

"Two families had been torn apart and will be affected by this for years to come," she said. "We hope the verdict will bring some closure. . . . It's been an extremely emotionally draining process for everyone involved."

Roy and Carter met in 2011 and later struck up a romantic relationship - mostly online. Her attorney said they had met only a few times in person over the course of two years before Roy's death.

Roy had a history of depression and had attempted suicide in the past, but his family was hopeful he would get through it. However, police said text messages they recovered suggest that by 2014, Carter had tired of Roy's idle talk of suicide and wanted him to go through with it.

Weeks before Roy committed suicide, he texted Carter, telling her, "we should be like Romeo and Juliet at the end," according to court documents.

"F- - - NO! WE ARE NOT DYING," she responded.

Days before his death, Carter urged him to get help. "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," she wrote. "Part of me wants you to try something and fail just so you can go get help."

But eventually, Carter's tone appeared to change.

On July 12, 2014, a day before Roy was found dead, Carter wrote: "So I guess you aren't gonna do it then, all that for nothing.  I'm just confused like you were so ready and determined."

"I am gonna eventually," Roy responded. "I really don't know what I'm waiting for  but I have everything lined up."

"No, you're not, Conrad. Last night was it. You keep pushing it off and you say you'll do it but u never do. Its always gonna be that way if u don't take action," Carter replied. "You're just making it harder on yourself by pushing it off, you just have to do it."

"If u don't do it now you're never gonna do it," she added.

Carter was indicted in 2015 and appealed, taking the case to the state's Supreme Court. Last summer, the court ruled that she could stand trial for her alleged role in Roy's death.

In that ruling, the court found that Carter's "virtual presence" at the time of the suicide and the "constant pressure" she had placed on Roy, who was in a delicate mental state, were enough proof for an involuntary manslaughter charge.

Her sentencing hearing is set for Aug. 3.
Donald Trump tweets five times a day and regularly gives extended interviews. Since Emmanuel Macron became president of France last month, voters have barely heard from him.

Macron has had one short conversation with a newspaper, left tweeting to his communications team and avoided direct contact with the traditional media. The glimpses the French public has had of its 39-year-old leader have largely been confined to set-piece events with foreign dignitaries, tightly controlled speeches and made-for-Facebook video clips, such as his snub to the U.S. president at a NATO summit in Brussels.

Pollsters say the approach is set to give him a historic majority in the National Assembly on Sunday. The question is whether it will keep voters on board once he gets down to running the country.

"Rarity will be difficult to maintain in the age of social media," said Philippe Moreau Chevrolet, a communications consultant and professor at the Sciences Po institute in Paris. "It has worked very well during this very particular period. The risk is that it won't work for governing. Macron himself has proved one thing -- the electorate is very volatile."

While the styles of the U.S. and French presidents are as different as their ages, their politics and their backgrounds, both have scorned conventional wisdom on political communication after victorious campaigns that were widely dismissed at the outset.

In Macron's case, the strategy hinges on rationing his public appearances to add weight to his words on the rare occasions that he does speak.

A survey by OpinionWay released Thursday projected that approach will see the president's party win a majority of at least 300 in the 577-seat legislature after the runoff vote this weekend.

But his ways have alienated one group that his predecessors worked hard to keep on side: the French media.

Within hours of his inauguration, Macron's team raised hackles by trying to cherry-pick the journalists who would accompany him on a visit to troops in Mali. The labor ministry has launched a legal investigation into a leak. And last week Justice Minister Francois Bayrou tried to bully news organizations into ignoring his possible misuse of European Parliament funds.

"Does the new executive have a problem with the press?" Liberation, Agence France-Presse, BFM TV and dozens of other media asked in a June 13 opinion piece that listed a variety of run-ins with the government. When it comes to freedom of information, they "opt to apply pressure, take legal action and question motives."

Macron's approach is in stark contrast to the last two residents of the Elysee Palace. Francois Hollande talked at length to select journalists every week, resulting in a series of books stuffed with embarrassing quotes. Nicolas Sarkozy's hyper approach led to media blitzes interspersed with periods of fatigue.

The new president's strategy is based on techniques devised by Jacques Pilhan, a Communist poker player and communication guru who worked for Francois Mitterrand, the Socialist who dominated French politics in the 1980s and was nicknamed "The Sphinx" for his long periods of public silence.

Pilhan's central idea was that a leader must remain above the political fray. In the French lexicon, that's become known as the Jupiter approach -- the president is like the king of the gods who fires lightning bolts down to Earth, impressing voters with carefully crafted images and just a few words of wisdom.

"It is imperative to take great care with the slightest public appearance," according to "The Sorcerer of the Elysee," a 600-page book on Pilhan written by Francois Bazin in 2009. "The president must appear alone and majestic in short moments designed with precision."

Pilhan left no written account of his ideas, so Bazin's book has been the main source for Ismael Emelien, the 30-year-old aide charged with applying that approach in the era of social media and the smartphone. Emelien, like Macron a graduate of the elite Sciences Po institute in Paris, has never spoken on the record.

His problem, in Moreau Chevrolet's view, is that the French want their president to embody a powerful and proud nation just like Louis XIV and Charles de Gaulle did. But they also want their leader to be modern, approachable and down-to-earth like Canada's Justin Trudeau or former U.S. President Barack Obama.

"The two things are almost impossible to reconcile," Moreau Chevrolet said.

In one vignette that displayed Macron's common touch, the president showed up at the switchboard of the Elysee Palace to answer the phone -- and transmitted the footage via Facebook and Twitter.

Yet scarcity remains the main tenet of the president's efforts. Macron has held just seven press conferences since he took office on May 14, always with strict limits, and two of those were in the past 24 hours. He took just three questions from reporters in Rabat on Thursday night and four on Friday in a joint press conference with Spain's Mariano Rajoy.

"I'm going to answer the second question to make sure there's no frustration," Macron said, when Rajoy was asked about Thursday night's agreement on Greek aid.

In his only interview, with the Journal du Dimanche, he explained how carefully he prepares episodes like his first meeting with Trump on May 25, when images of his crunching handshake with the U.S. leader went viral.

"I don't leave anything to chance," Macron said. "That's how you get respect."

--With assistance from Gregory Viscusi
Egyptian authorities decided to temporarily shut down downtown Cairos Sadat metro station citing security concerns, state news agency MENA reported late Thursday.

In statements to MENA, spokesman for the Egyptian Company for Metro Management and Operation Ahmed Abdel-Hady said the pivotal station would be reopened after security approval.

Sadat is one of two main hubs where commuters can switch between the city's two main lines.

The decision to close the station comes amid anonymous calls for protests in the square on Friday afternoon to oppose parliament's final approval on Thursday of the controversial Egyptian-Saudi Red Sea island deal, which places the islands of Tiran and Sanafir under Saudi ownership.

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WASHINGTON - If Donald Trump thought he could intimidate Bob Mueller, he thought wrong.

A person who spoke with Trump on Tuesday told the New York Times that the president was pleased by the intentional ambiguity of his position on firing Robert Mueller as special counsel, "and thinks the possibility of being fired will focus the veteran prosecutor on delivering what the president desires most: a blanket public exoneration."

If the president truly believes this, he fundamentally misunderstands what motivates the former FBI director - who has stood up to previous administrations and never swayed under political pressure.

Marines Corps veterans don't scare easily. Mueller, 72, earned a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star with Valor for his gallantry in Vietnam before devoting most of the rest of his life to public service. Trump, 71, avoided military service by claiming a medical deferment for "heel spurs," and he's said that his "personal Vietnam" was avoiding sexually-transmitted diseases while sleeping around in New York. "I feel like a great and very brave solider," the president once told Howard Stern.

Just as almost every previous effort at damage control has made Trump's Russia-related headaches worse, keeping the door open to firing Mueller earlier this week has now backfired. Key figures on Capitol Hill and in the conservative legal firmament have now gone on the record to warn that ousting the special counsel would trigger a constitutional crisis. That would make it much harder for Trump to go that route down the road.

"Firing Mueller would be an insult to the Founding Fathers," Kenneth Starr, the independent counsel in the Whitewater and Monica Lewinsky investigations during the Clinton administration, writes in an op-ed for today's Post: "Subject to the possibility of being fired for 'good cause,' Mueller should be allowed to do his work unhindered and unimpeded. Absent the most extreme circumstances, the president would be singularly ill-advised to threaten, much less order, Mueller's firing. Under legally binding regulations, the special counsel's fate rests exclusively with Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein. He alone is empowered to make that fateful decision. As a matter of honor, and in light of his sworn testimony before Congress, Rosenstein would inevitably resign if confronted with a White House directive to dismiss the special counsel. Wisdom counsels strongly against unleashing a 21st-century version of the Saturday Night Massacre of Watergate-era infamy."

On the investigative side, Mueller is demonstrating a willingness to pursue the facts wherever they lead - regardless of what Trump does or doesn't say about firing him.

The Washington Post reported Wednesday that the special counsel's investigation now includes an examination of whether the president himself attempted to obstruct justice - a major turning point in the nearly year-old FBI investigation, which until recently focused on Russian meddling during the presidential campaign and on whether there was any coordination between the Trump campaign and the Kremlin.

Following the money: Mueller is also investigating the finances and business dealings of Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law and senior adviser, The Post reported Thursday. "The White House has said Kushner's meeting with [Sergey Gorkov, the head of a state-owned Russian development bank] was a pre-inauguration diplomatic encounter, unrelated to business matters. The Russian bank, Vnesheconombank, which has been the subject of U.S. sanctions following Russia's annexation of Crimea, has said the session was held for business reasons because of Kushner's role as head of his family's real estate company. The meeting occurred as Kushner's company was seeking financing for its troubled $1.8 billion purchase of an office building on Fifth Avenue in New York, and it could raise questions about whether Kushner's personal financial interests were colliding with his impending role as a public official."

Another significant development: The vice president, whose balancing act as Trump's number two is showing signs of strain amid the White House turmoil, has just hired his own outside lawyer to help him deal with the special counsel, The Washington Post's Ashley Parker scooped Thursday night. Mike Pence was one of the small group of senior advisers Trump consulted with as he mulled firing James Comey as FBI director.

Richard Cullen, the lawyer Pence hired, is a pro. The former Virginia attorney general, who lives in Richmond, is chairman of the influential firm McGuireWoods. He served as U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia under George H.W. Bush and helped George W. Bush during the 2000 Florida recount. He represented Tom DeLay during the Jack Abramoff affair.

In another sign of just how seriously the V.P. is taking Mueller's probe, an aide said he spent several weeks on this process and interviewed several candidates before settling on Cullen.

Pence lawyering up will likely have a domino effect inside the White House. The president's private attorney, Marc E. Kasowitz, is focused on protecting the personal legal interests of Trump. He has told White House personnel that they do not need to hire their own lawyers. "But Pence's move to hire an outside attorney could set off a scramble among other West Wing aides - many of whom are already bracing for subpoenas - to do the same, even if only as a protective measure," Ashley notes.

Aides and volunteers on Trump's transition team were also instructed Thursday to save any records related to "several pending investigations into potential attempts by Russia interests to influence the 2016 election." Transition lawyer Kory Langhofer of an Arizona firm called Statecraft, who previously worked on Mitt Romney's 2012 campaign, sent a memo telling campaign officials to preserve all documents related to the Russian Federation, Ukraine and a number of campaign advisers and officials, including Paul Manafort, Carter Page, Rick Gates, Roger Stone and Michael Flynn. "In order to assist these investigations, the Presidential Transition Team and its current and former personnel have a responsibility to ensure that, to the extent potentially relevant documents exist, they are properly preserved," Lanhofer wrote in the memo, which was obtained by Politico.

Director of National Intelligence Daniel Coats, meanwhile, spent more than three hours in a closed session with the Senate Intelligence Committee Thursday. Last week he had declined to answer lawmakers' questions in an open session about his conversations with Trump regarding the Russia investigation but suggested he'd be more forthcoming in private.

Coats and Mike Rogers, the head of the National Security Agency, have also agreed to be interviewed by Mueller as early as this week. Coats has told associates that Trump asked him whether he could intervene with Comey to get the FBI to back off its focus on Flynn. Trump later telephoned him and Rogers to separately ask them to issue public statements denying that there was evidence of coordination between Trump's campaign and Russian officials. Coats and Rogers refused to comply with the president's requests, The Post has reported.

Leaders of the Senate Intelligence Committee also met with Mueller to deconflict their investigations. The chairman and ranking member said that they will focus on Russian meddling and whether there was any collusion. "The criminal piece of the investigation will be handled by the special counsel," Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., told CNN, adding that they will turn over any relevant information they uncover to Mueller's office.

Saturday is the one-month anniversary of Mueller being appointed special counsel. He has still not even installed a computer network in his work space at the Patrick Henry Building, but the Times reports that "there is evidence of a coordinated strategy" by Trump to try discrediting his work. The crux of the plan is to go after some of his early hires who have donated to Democratic candidates in the past. Andrew Weissmann, who led the fraud section of the Justice Department's Criminal Division, served as FBI general counsel when Mueller was its director and previously led the Enron task force. In 2008, when he in private practice, he donated to Barack Obama's campaign. Another lawyer on the team donated to Hillary Clinton in 2016, and a third has given money to both parties - but more to Democrats than Republicans.

The special counsel has now hired 13 lawyers, and several more are in the pipeline. But while Mueller won't be cowed, the prospect of personal attacks by Trump allies could deter some attorneys from coming onboard. "A former federal prosecutor said Mr. Mueller was hiring rank-and-file prosecutors to fill out his office staff, and has been prospecting for detailees from several prominent United States attorney offices, including the Southern District of New York," Scott Shane and Charlie Savage report on the front page. "But prospective hires thinking about joining Mr. Mueller's team are watching those who have signed up come under intense scrutiny of the sort that ordinary prosecutors and corporate lawyers rarely experience . . . For Mr. Trump, the tactic of trying to discredit anyone who poses a danger to him has become familiar. Campaigning for the presidency while being sued for fraud over Trump University, he attacked the judge overseeing the case as biased against him because the judge was Mexican-American."

A bizarre non-denial: Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein generated a lot of buzz but little clarity late Thursday with a cryptic statement urging Americans to "exercise caution" when evaluating stories attributed to anonymous officials. The full statement read: "Americans should exercise caution before accepting as true any stories attributed to anonymous 'officials,' particularly when they do not identify the country - let alone the branch of agency of government - with which the alleged sources supposedly are affiliated. Americans should be skeptical about anonymous allegations. The Department of Justice has a long established policy to neither confirm nor deny such allegations."

"Why Rosenstein would suddenly make that comment, or any comment, after having made no comment to story after story attributed to anonymous sources, remained a mystery," The Washington Post's Fred Barbash writes. "Since Attorney General Jeff Sessions has recused himself, Rosenstein is the Justice Department official directly responsible for matters relating to the investigation of Russian interference."

A potentially key witness for your radar: FBI general counsel James A. Baker.Another scoop from Sari, Matt and Adam: "After Trump fired Comey, the president said that the FBI director had told him three times that he was not under investigation. Comey confirmed that in his testimony before the Senate Intelligence Committee last week. The first time he told Trump was in his first meeting with the then-president-elect before the inauguration, on Jan. 6. Before he met with Trump, Comey gathered his leadership team at the FBI to discuss whether he should be prepared to assure Trump that the FBI was not investigating him personally. Comey testified that not everyone on his team agreed he should. Comey did not name the dissenter, but The Post has learned it was . . . Baker. Comey testified that the member of his leadership team said that, although it was true at the moment that Trump was not under investigation, it was possible that could change." Baker declined to comment.

As Trump lashes out on Twitter at what he's calling a "WITCH HUNT," his White House press shop has adopted a sort of bunker mentality and answers fewer questions than it used to. From The Post's Ashley Parker and John Wagner: "At a previously scheduled off-camera briefing for reporters, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, the principal deputy White House press secretary, was peppered with more than a dozen questions about ongoing investigations over about 20 minutes. In keeping with a new practice, she referred one question after another to Trump's personal lawyer. Sanders, for example, was asked whether Trump still felt 'vindicated' by the extraordinary congressional testimony last week by Comey . . . 'I believe so,' she said, before referring reporters to Kasowitz. . . . Mark Corallo, a spokesman for (the outside lawyer), did not respond to an email and phone call seeking comment on the questions Sanders referred to him."

White House aides are privately fretting to one another over Trump's obsession with the probe, Politico's Josh Dawsey reports: "Trump, for months, has bristled almost daily about the ongoing probes. He has sometimes, without prompting, injected 'I'm not under investigation' into conversations with associates and allies. He has watched hours of TV coverage every day - sometimes even storing morning news shows on his TiVo to watch in the evening - and complained nonstop. 'It's basically all he talks about on the phone,' said one adviser. . . . Aides have tried to change the subject, with little luck. Two people close to Trump note that his is an obsessive personality [but staffers] say they fear his incendiary tweets and public comments have spurred 'countless' leaks of damaging information."
Top 30 International Entrepreneurs You Should Know

Entrepreneurs are not just a Silicon Valley phenomenon. They are a global force to be reckoned with.

These towers of power don't merely have scholarly strength. The international entrepreneur keeps learning and iterating on their projects. They also have to have the physical fortitude to push forward despite anything their life and business throws at them.

The entrepreneur has to rally themselves and everyone around them -- over and over and over again. These entrepreneurs from countries all over the world create and collaborate on some of the most disruptive technology.

Interact with international entrepreneurs brings a varied perspective that can help your own business strategy. This diversified listing can also provide additional contacts and resources to keep you going and growing.

Here are 30 international entrepreneurs you should get to know and connect with:

1. Alon Braun

Alon Braun started his career as a programmer in the Israeli defense forces. During this time, he built his first startup, Webstare, which was founded by Apple Israel.

After his service, Braun joined the Hebrew University faculty of earth sciences where he received his masters degree in oceanography. From there, he specialized in plant molecular biology, marine microscopy, and paleontology.

Alon split his time between Being CEO of performance marketing network TalkingAds and CEO in Pathwwway Which is a full management customer retention agency for online businesses. Besides his passion for science and technology, his hobbies include businesses growth strategies and agile methodologies development.

Related: Building Bridges Between the Americas Is Key for Global Entrepreneurshp

2. Phav Daroath

Phav Daroath is a young entrepreneur from Cambodia who is the Executive Director of WaterSHED, a development project in Asia that develops solutions for clean water and sanitation. Daroath has worked with a wide range of market development activities across Cambodia after transitioning from a career in accounting and auditing.

Daroath's goal is to provide innovative solutions and business development opportunities within Cambodia and throughout Asia.

3. Alisee de Tonnac

Alisee de Tonnac is from France but has spent her life in other countries, including Singapore, California, Italy, Switzerland, Brazil, Cambodia and Nigeria.

She is the co-founder of Seedstars, which provides a competition to find the next big ideas among entrepreneurs. The competition is now in over 60 cities and will have 15 strategic hubs with co-working spaces and academies around the world.

De Tonnac received her masters degree in international management at the Bocconi University in Italy. Her many accolades include winning the Harvard Model Congress, Europe Award of Excellence. Previously, she worked as a product manager for LOreal Group and Voyage Prive.

4. Murray Newlands

Murray Newlands began his career as a solicitor in England but soon determined he had other entrepreneurial aspirations. His foray into building businesses began with a marketing agency and quickly led to online and technology businesses.

Over the last decade, Newlands has started, grown and sold many businesses. Currently, Murray operates Sighted, an online invoicing company, and ChattyPeople, a chatbot startup. In his spare time, he is a public speaker, thought leader, author, online and social media video personality, investor and mentor.

Related: Top 10 Best Chatbot Platform Tools to Build Chatbots for Your Business

5. Alexander Naydenov

Alexander Naydenov is a Bulgarian entrepreneur who now calls Germany his home. He is co-founder of PaperHive, an online co-working hub that is a resource for scholars. This resource is a place to collaborate, share, and annotate online texts.

Naydenov is also co-founder and chairman of Where Ideas Find Their Home, a social entrepreneurship incubator. His business has helped numerous non-profits and furthered many social initiatives. Naydenov has a bachelors degree in economics and masters degree in business and computer science. Alexander also started IdeaHub, a German startup weekend series.

6. Enrique Gomez-Junco

Enrique Gomez-Junco is a Mexican entrepreneur focused on energy efficiency and is the founder and CEO of Optima Energia. Optima Energia has helped many throughout Mexico to reduce their energy consumption and help minimize their environmental footprint.

Previously, Gomez-Junco worked for companies throughout Mexico. He applied his degree in chemical engineering before seeking out his entrepreneurial path focused on socially conscious initiatives.

7. Ishita Anand

Ishita Anand is an entrepreneur from India who is the founder and CEO of BitGiving. Anand's company was the first online social crowdfunding platform in India. The platform has partnered with all types of charities to raise money for those in need from India and Nepal. Anand's work has benefited everything from sporting events to aid after the 2015 earthquake in Nepal.

Prior to starting this company, Anand worked as a freelance filmmaker in India as well as was an intern for Ogilvy + Mather. She received a bachelors degree in English from Delhi University.

8. Michael Serbinis

Michael Serbinis is a Canadian entrepreneur and founder and CEO of League. This company is revolutionizing employee benefits and health insurance.

With over $1 billion in exits, he has built numerous companies, including Kobo, Critical Path, DocSpace, and Zip2. He is also a member of the Vector Institute's Board of Directors and an investor in new technology companies through his company Three Angels Capital.

Serbinis has always been an innovator, designing a high-temperature superconductor propulsion system. His system won Gold at the Intel International Science Fair as well as awards and sponsorships from NASA, Rockwell Aerospace, and Intel.

Related: 50 Global Entrepreneurs Recommend 50 Books That Forever Impacted Their Lives

9. Allen Lau

Allen Lau is a Canadian entrepreneur who is founder and CEO WattPad. He has experienced failure and success as an entrepreneur. These situations have taught him about business and life. Along with leading WattPad, Lau does angel investing with his wife through Two Small Fish Ventures. He loves gadgets and innovation.

10. Bonnie Chiu

Bonnie Chiu is a young entrepreneur who is originally from Hong Kong but who now resides in the UK. Chiu is the founder of Lensational, which provides marginalized women in 15 countries with training, technology, and a camera to photograph the items they make. These photos provide the means for these women to showcase and sell what they produce.

Chiu is also Managing Director of The Social Investment Consultancy, which has clients that range from non-profits to large global brands.

11. Marco Eshkenazi

Marco Eshkenazi is a serial entrepreneur from Mexico who has started more than 15 companies. His most recent venture Frogtech is a for-profit social startup that helps small retailers across Latin America. Eshkenazi teaches these retailers to compete and be successful through its POS software solution.

Eshkenazi also works with other entrepreneurs to help them launch their startups throughout Mexico and Latin America.

12. Trisha Shetty

Trisha Shetty is an Indian activist, lawyer and entrepreneur who founded the non-profit SheSays. This company is helping to empower women against sexual violence that so many women suffer in India.

Shetty works with universities and other social organizations to increase awareness of this violence. Her efforts have helped get more women engaged in the idea of fighting abuse.

13. Ronaldo Mouchawar

Ronaldo Mouchawar is an entrepreneur from Syria who is the co-founder and CEO of Souq. His company is the largest ecommerce site in the Arab world and known as the Amazon of the Middle East.

Mouchawar has built the company over the last ten years, receiving numerous rounds of funding and growing it to over 2,000 employees. He also works with other entrepreneurs to help them build out their businesses throughout the Middle East and the world.

Related: Dell Launches Effort Supporting UN's 'Goal 8' to Enhance Global Entrepreneurship

14. Alice Brennan

Alice Brennan is a young entrepreneur from Australia and co-founder of SettleIn. This app helps refugees get settled into their new life in Australia.

Brennan's background as a humanitarian professional gave her the idea. Her compassion gave her the drive to create this innovative solution. She provides ways so more people can gain control over their lives and adjust to a new life.

15. Khalid Al Khudair

Khalid Al Khudair is an Iraqi entrepreneur and founder of Glowork. This company is committed to helping women find jobs in what has been a restrictive environment. Khudair was previously COO for KPMG in Jordan and Kuwait. Khudair now serves as an advisor to Saudis Labor Minister.

16. Rossi Mitova

Rossi Mitova is an entrepreneur from Bulgaria. She is founder and CEO of FarmHopping, an online farmers market as well as co-founder of StartupTarot.com. Mitova has been named as one of the top 100 European entrepreneurs and continues to seek other opportunities to create new businesses.

17. Tom Williams

Tom Williams is founder of WeTeach, an online platform what connects teachers with Chinese primary school students. This Australian entrepreneur attended school in China and later moved there.

Williams wanted to work on innovative platforms like WeTeach and donates some of the proceeds to charities that support Chinese rural education. He is also a partner at Parallax Consulting Group, which links translators with Chinese publishing houses to translate Chinese literature.

18. Loulou Khazen Baz

Loulou Khazen Baz is an entrepreneur from Lebanon. Baz founded Nabbesh, a company that connects businesses with freelancers across 130 countries. She raised considerable funds to continue developing her business.

Baz reflects the changes in the Middle East where more female entrepreneurs are establishing a powerful presence there.

Related: Mark Zuckerberg: 'Entrepreneurship Is About Creating Change, Not Just Creating Companies'

19. Tom Webster

Tom Webster is co-founder of GrowUp Urban Farms. An entrepreneur from the U.K., he and co-founders wanted to create a way to make farm-fresh, healthy food options available to everyone.

Webster and his co-founders created an aquaponic system so that people in urban settings can grow fresh produce and fish - anytime, anywhere. He continues to seek out other ways to solve these types of social issues for those in the U.K. and across the world.

20. Nat Ware

Nat Ware is a young Australian entrepreneur who is Founder and CEO of 180 Degrees Consulting. This company specializes in assisting nonprofits and social enterprises everywhere with affordable consulting services.

Ware's consulting group also provides resources that can help other companies grow and succeed.

His idea was to tap into university student talent to provide the consulting. By using this student talent, he has provided a way to keep the consulting fees low.

Ware's company is giving university students the type of experience they need to enter the job market. This firm provides consulting while providing this talent with relevant skills and knowledge.

21. Gaston Parisier

Gaston Parisier is an entrepreneur from Argentina who founded BigBox to provide users a way to find the perfect gift for their recipients. Parisier has put together a portfolio of experiences from which you can choose.

The experiences vary from skydiving to dinning to a day at the spa. These gifts are unique and feel personalized. Parisier has been involved in other business development opportunities throughout Latin America. He continues to focus on encouraging other entrepreneurs to create local and global products and services.

22. Paul Kenny

Paul Kenny is an Irish entrepreneur who works primarily in the Middle East, including Dubai. As a tech-focused entrepreneur, he founded Cobone. This eCommerce site, similar to Groupon in other places, has been successful in the Middle East and North Africa.

Kenny's company launched in 2010 and was sold to Tiger Global Management for $40 million in 2013. The capital gave Kenny room to dust off his other ambitions. He now works with Emerge Venture, helping to mentor and advise companies all over the world.

Related: Global Entrepreneurship Support Network 1776 Chooses Dubai For Its First International Campus

23. Mauricio Osorio

Mauricio Osorio is an entrepreneur from Colombia who founded Crezcamos, a lending institution. Osorio wanted to help the Colombian population. He is able to gain more access to financial services.

Very few farmers can tap into any type of formal lending programs and Osorio includes financial help in those in rural areas. This micro-finance institution has provided opportunities that are stimulating local merchants, increasing economic vitality in the country and empower more small business owners.

24. Saygin Yalcin

Saygin Yalcin is a German entrepreneur who works primarily in Dubai where he started Sukar.com. Sukar is a flash sales site, which was sold to Souq. Since then, Yalcin started SellAnyCar.com, which has grown to encompass Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Turkey and Germany.

Yalcin plans to involve raising additional funding to expand the business throughout Europe to expand the technology platform for selling used cars.

25. Davide DAtri

Davide DAtri is an Italian entrepreneur and founder and CEO of Soundreef, which helps and distributes music royalties for publishers and artists. He has been intent on breaking up the existing royalty monopoly in place in Europe.

D'Atri has been able to use technology to disrupt the royalties industry. The company has expanded to encompass royalties from all over the world.

26. Hind Hobeika

Hind Hobeika is a female entrepreneur from Lebanon who founded Instabeat. She developed her company after being a professional swimmer. While training and competing as a swimmer, Hobeika noted a gap in the market for products that served these professional swimmers.

Hobeika recieved third place in Qatars Stars of Science Competition and first prize at the MIT Enterprise Forum, Pan Arab Business Plan Competition. Using funds she raised from crowdfunding and traditional investment sources, Hobeika is working to bring these products to market.

27. Toshiki Abe

Toshiki Abe is a young Japanese entrepreneur who founded Ridilover. This is a young travel company that arranges tours to social sites and political events.

These events include the Rokkasho nuclear fuel reprocessing plant. While Abe started Ridilover in a student group, it has quickly grown to encompass all types of tours. This type of tourism reflects the growing interest in current social issues and activism.

28. Michael Lahyani

Michael Lahyani is a Swiss entrepreneur and founder of PropertyFinder.ae. This company has grown from its inception in 2007 to one million visitors per month. PropertyFinder.ae has become a presence in Qatar, Lebanon, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain.

Lahyani continues to expand into other countries to fill a need for a platform that offers a better way to search, visit, and purchase all types of properties.

29. Anisa Haghdadi

Anisa Haghdadi is a young female entrepreneur from the UK as well as a speaker and arts scholar. She founded Beatfreeks, which is a youth engagement agency that helps major brands connect with young members.

Haghdadi gains a target audiences through involvement in socially focused projects. She is also focused on assisting minority youth in the UK find jobs.

Haghdadi's goal is obtained by employing these young members for certain campaigns and events that are better developed with these brands.

30. Jehwan Park

Jehwan Park is an entrepreneur from South Korea who is also the founder of Lumir, a company that makes lamps for developing countries. Park funded his idea through Kickstarter and came up with an light emitting plasma (LEP) lamp. Lumir is run by used cooking oil and kerosene.

Park helps people in countries like India and Indonesia enjoy light. Despite serious energy shortages there is still the need to curb carbon emissions. Park is able to supply light with a source of oil and kerosene that is usually wasted.

These international entrepreneurs share a passion and vision for solving many of the worlds social ills. By leveraging technology and innovation they drive change across numerous industries.

Many of these international entrepreneurs also prove that countries do not need borders. They opt to work in different areas of the world from their own.

These companies collaborate with businesses, entrepreneurs, and investors from all over the globe.

As this list of incredible minds illustrates, international entrepreneurs are not limited by gender, age, background, location or preconceived notions.

Related:

These 30 International Entrepreneurs Really Are Solving the World's Problems

Building Bridges Between the Americas Is Key for Global Entrepreneurship

Some Early Clues Signaled these Entrepreneurs to take their Product Global



Copyright 2017 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved
MIAMI - Michael Cohen, who for years has served as President Donald Trump's personal attorney, has hired a lawyer of his own to help him navigate the expanding Russia investigation.

Cohen confirmed Friday to The Washington Post that he has retained Stephen M. Ryan, a Washington-based lawyer from the law firm McDermott, Will & Emery who has experience prosecuting criminal cases as an assistant U.S. attorney.

Washington Post photo by Linda Davidson

Cohen's hiring of Ryan as his personal lawyer was first reported by Katy Tur of NBC News.

Cohen's decision is the latest indication that the Russia probe overseen by special counsel Robert S. Mueller III is intensifying and could end up focusing on a number of Trump associates, both inside and outside the White House.

Michael Caputo, a New York-based political operative and radio commentator who served as a senior communications adviser on Trump's campaign, also has hired a lawyer of his own to navigate the Russia probe.

Caputo has retained Dennis C. Vacco, a former New York state attorney general and a partner at the law firm Lippes Mathias Wexler Friedman. His hiring also was first reported by NBC's Tur.

On Thursday, Vice President Mike Pence's office announced that the vice president had hired outside legal counsel, Richard Cullen, to assist him with inquiries from the Mueller investigation as well as congressional committee probes.

During a Friday morning event here in Miami, The Post asked Pence whether he had any comment about hiring his own lawyer. The vice president said only: "It's very routine. Very routine."

It is not entirely clear what role Cohen or Caputo might have in the Russia investigation. Cohen, who worked as a lawyer for the Trump Organization for a decade, made an appearance in the dossier compiled by a former British spy. The dossier, which was published online in January by BuzzFeed, alleged that he had traveled to Prague to meet with Russians and coordinate their hacking efforts. Trump has rejected the dossier as "fake news," and Cohen has vigorously denied its allegations about him, noting he was in California at the time it alleged he had visited Prague.

In January, Cohen was involved in a separate incident that could potentially have drawn the attention of investigators. He has confirmed that he met with a Ukrainian lawmaker at a New York hotel at the urging of a former Trump business associate named Felix Sater. At the meeting, Sater gave Cohen a peace plan that the lawmaker had drawn up for his country that would have paved the way for the lifting of sanctions imposed on Russia after its 2014 military incursion in Ukraine.

The New York Times reported that Cohen said he took the plan and left it in the White House office of then national security adviser Michael Flynn, days before Flynn resigned over his contacts with Russia's ambassador. Cohen told the Post that he had merely recommended Flynn as the proper recipient for the plan but that he had taken the written proposal home and thrown it away.

Caputo, who briefly worked for the campaign, was an ally to former campaign chairman Paul Manafort. He lived in Moscow for several years in the 1990s, and briefly held a contract in 2000 with the Russian conglomerate Gazprom Media to improve Russian President Vladimir Putin's image in the United States.
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ROSWELL, Ga. - The unfolding drama over Russian meddling in the 2016 election and President Donald Trump's handling of it has transfixed Washington - and bored Mather Lindsay.

"Probably a little overdone," Lindsay, a 46-year-old economist and father of three girls, said during lunch this week at the Salt Factory Pub. What grabbed Lindsay's attention was the GOP's stalled legislative agenda - in particular the promised overhauls of the tax code and the nation's health-care law.

"Trump's self-inflicted wounds are my biggest disappointment," Lindsay said. "He has squandered a huge opportunity to get all that done."

"Someone," he added, "needs to take his Twitter away."

Republicans in this wealthy community on the outskirts of Atlanta - and in traditionally right-leaning suburbs nationally - are facing a reckoning. So far, they have been willing to stomach a torrent of Trump outbursts and worrying twists in the Russia probes, but they are beginning to wonder if their patience is worth it.

A crucial test of that patience will come Tuesday in Georgia's 6th Congressional District, home not only to well-educated, mostly white Republicans but also to what has become the most expensive House race in history.

The outcome here will be seen primarily as a referendum on Trump - and also a window onto the possible, with Democrats trying to score their first victory in the Trump era and pave the way to 2018, when they hope to take advantage of Trump's unpopularity and Washington's gridlock to win back the House.

The district, a historically ruby-red swath of suburbia that has evolved in recent years with an influx of younger, educated professionals along with immigrants, mirrors many of the communities where the fiercest midterm battles are expected to play out next year.

Unlike the smattering of other special elections this year in which Republicans have prevailed, these dynamics make this race a high-stakes contest for both parties.

In recent weeks, tightening polls in the contest have escalated the tension. Republican Karen Handel, a socially conservative fixture in state politics, is running against Democrat Jon Ossoff, 30, a robotically disciplined former Capitol Hill staffer who has politely nodded to the anger on the left without embracing it.

A record turnout is expected: About 120,000 people have already voted, according to Georgia officials - nearly a quarter of registered voters here.

For Republicans, who have held this seat since 1979, when former House speaker Newt Gingrich won the first of 11 terms here, the moment is fraught with anxiety. While their core voters may be shrugging off Trump-Russia questions for now, party leaders are skittish about whether they will pay a steep price for months of inaction.

Conversations with more than a dozen voters here revealed a Republican electorate that remains generally supportive of Trump. They are, after all, aiming to replace a representative who won the district overwhelmingly last year and who now works for the president: Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price. But, notably, these voters rarely echoed Trump's populist roar about "fake news" or his gripes about the special counsel looking into his role in the Russia investigation.

What they want is what they were pledged - more affordable health care, tax cuts, new roads and bridges, an economy that feels as strong as the numbers seem to show.

"This district has been extremely hard on Trump," said Jonathan Huddleston, 30, a Trump and Handel supporter, as he had lunch at Zest, a sushi tapas cafe in Roswell. "It's establishment, very establishment, and that's how it's run."

Huddleston said the GOP's agitation is based on Trump's style as much as his record.

"What Trump said on the campaign trail and what he's been doing haven't been the same because he hasn't gotten enough support from Congress. So he's tried with the executive orders," he said. "While I know it'll all happen in time, that's not how everyone around here sees it."

Atop the list of voter concerns: efforts by the Republican-controlled Congress to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. The House-passed legislation, which is unpopular in polls, has slowed in the Senate.

Huddleston's mother, Sharon, who leans toward Democrats, said she can almost feel the unrest in the air. "People are tense about what's going on with coverage for preexisting conditions," she said. "They're tense about how we're being seen in the world."

Also on voters' minds are unfulfilled promises to cut taxes and build new infrastructure projects. Those with limited investments said financial gains have been difficult to come by.

"It's been a little bit tough," said William Almgren, a 54-year-old Republican who was waiting tables at the pub. Burly and wearing an apron, he said he moved to Atlanta decades ago from New York for a back office job, but that went away. So here he was. "I'm a survivor, and I bought a house in Roswell back in November '98, so I've got that."

Almgren, who has traces of an outer borough accent, said he voted for Trump but he's not "100 percent in with Trump. He needs to calm down, stop the sensationalism."

"When the economy's doing well, the country does well," he said. "My advice is: remember that."

Across the street, in sunglasses and pushing her young daughter in a stroller, was Allison Thorne, 39. A mother of two, she watches the hipster-favorite television network Vice along with One America News Network, an upstart conservative channel.

Thorne said her politics tend to be on the libertarian Republican side of the spectrum, even though she does not identify with either party these days.

"I don't watch Russia Today," she joked. "We dip our toes in the water, but not in that end."

Thorne's views on Trump are mixed, and she isn't thrilled about either candidate in the 6th.

"It makes me uncomfortable when people call Trump dumb. But I can't help but thinking he's in over his head," she said. "He probably thought it'd be like it always was, his little kingdom, and he's figuring out that's not how government works."

Ahead of Tuesday, Thorne said she is "exhausted and disillusioned" over Trump, the media, the constant squabbling in Washington and the barrage of negative ads on TV.

"I'm tired. It never stops," she said. "Would I like to see things get done? Yes. But I doubt they will."

Handel has uneasily navigated this environment, dismissing Russia-related controversies as "noise" and fundraising alongside Trump. Yet in a district that Trump barely won, her pitch has tended to veer away from the president and to classic Republican priorities.

"What they are focused on is what's happening with the economy, the rollback of regulations," Handel said of voters this week during a stop at Rhea's, a casual hamburger restaurant in Roswell.

On health care, Handel has been careful to balance her base's desires and moderates' fears about wholesale change. She told reporters here that the "status quo is unacceptable" but pointedly refused to embrace the legislation that sits before the Senate, saying it is "not perfect."

When asked about Trump's use of Twitter, Handel flashed a tight smile.

"Look, some of you have known me. I'm a little more measured about things and sometimes that's a prudent approach," she said.

Amid the heavily nationalized atmosphere, Handel has also played up her local ties and her time as Georgia's secretary of state - and skewered Ossoff for living outside the district.

Nevertheless, Ossoff has seized on Handel's fragile hold on Republican voters and courted them with centrist platitudes, all while rousing the Trump "resistance" movement that has come to see his cause as their own - and raising more than $23 million in the process.

Whenever he has been asked in recent months whether he supports House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., Ossoff has said, as if on cue, that he has not given it "an ounce of thought." At debates, Ossoff has been more inclined to bemoan "wasteful spending" than talk up progressive totems that are championed by other millennial Democrats.

Ossoff's approach to Russia has been cautious. He has not hammered the notion of possible conspiracy or collusion but mostly pressed for an independent investigation to move forward.

"I don't think we're there," Ossoff told a public radio station last month when asked about some Democrats' calls for impeachment. "We need a full and transparent and independent assessment."

That careful strategy, combined with GOP angst, has given Ossoff's supporters confidence that he could become the first Democrat to score an upset during Trump's presidency - and a model of how to win back the House.

Sharon Huddleston said she is willing to give Ossoff a chance. She has lived in Roswell for 27 years, and "Anybody who's going to have fresh eyes on the situation would be better."

A pair of Democratic teachers - Michael Leonard, 51, and Elizabeth Ervin, 31 - were at the Waffle House in Chamblee this week, a more Democratic and diverse stretch of the district, and said most Democrats were motivated simply to stop Trump. They resisted predicting victory since special elections can be strange.

"Most of my students, who are adult immigrants, are pretty scared," Ervin said. "A lot of people are actually pretty scared."

Leonard, for his part, has had enough. "I'm tired of seeing all of them - Ossoff, Handel, Trump - and I'll be glad when it's over with. I'm sure I'm not alone," he said.

Leonard wished politics would be more about solving problems: "I'm open to Republican ideas on health care since it's so darn expensive. But let's not abolish the law."

The district is not all conservative cul-de-sac communities, dotted with gourmet doughnut shops, shiny SUVs and manicured lawns. There are transplants with various ethnic backgrounds - Chamblee is majority Hispanic and has a thriving Asian community. Blue-collar workers are all over, constructing soon-to-open Whole Foods supermarkets or working in retail.

Some of these voters said they don't think much about Trump - or Russia, either. It's all about paying bills.

"There's not much flowing capital," said Donald Hunt, 48, who works at a mill company, as he stopped by Old Brick Pit Barbeque in Chamblee. Hunt wouldn't say whom he'll choose. "Trump is out there, but I don't think about him all of the time. Russia? C'mon, it's all about China, man."

Still, the election will likely be decided by Republicans.

At Rhea's, Handel made a beeline toward Malone Dodson, 79, a retired Methodist minister who supports her. For her, he represented the rare reliable - and friendly - voter. He gave her a hearty handshake.

"Faith, health, living condition and the economy, those are my issues," Dodson said as he sat down with his sandwich. "My take on Trump is: better to leave him alone. He'll straighten out and be fine."

Asked about the Russia investigation, Dodson said, "Quit paying attention to that and see the big picture. We need a good economy, good defense and good jobs and Trump's doing it."

Back on the pub stool across town, there was no such enthusiasm. Lindsay said he planned to vote Republican on Tuesday, but he wasn't committing to the party beyond that.

"I'm all for disruption, but most people are getting fed up with the circus show," he said.

And if Trump can't get going on policies, Lindsay suggested voters could disrupt him.

"It does make you wonder about whether single-party government makes sense," he said. "Sometimes, if the pendulum swings too far one way, it swings back."
Mubarak-era former minister of trade Rashid Mohamed Rashid returned to Egypt Cairo on Thursday, six years after he left the country immediately following the toppling of President Hosni Mubarak.

Security sources told Al-Ahram Arabic news website that Rashids name was lifted from the Cairo airports arrival watch list, allowing him to enter the country with his wife on a flight from Italy.

In November 2016, the Egyptian government reached a settlement deal with the former trade minister in cases of squandering nearly EGP 600 million of public funds during his tenure as minister from 2004 to 2011.

Rashid paid EGP 500 million and all criminal proceedings against him were ended per the settlement.

A number of high-profile Mubarak-era figures accused in various corruption cases have also reached similar settlements with the Egyptian government in recent years.

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The 25/30 opposition bloc in Egypts parliament called on President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi not to ratify the governments deal to transfer sovereignty over the Red Sea islands of Tiran and Sanfir to Saudi Arabia, which was approved by parliament on Wednesday.

In an official statement on Thursday evening, the 25-30 bloc said that the president should preserve "what is left of the rule of law" by not ratifying the deal, given judicial rulings as well as the recent recommendation by the Supreme Constitutional Courts office of Commissioners on the issue.

On Wednesday, in a general session, Egypts parliament approved the deal in a majority vote by show of hands after three days of heated debates and hearings from experts in the legislative and constitutional committee.

The 25/30 bloc, which comprises more than two dozen MPs, said around 100 MPs out of a total of 596 voted against the agreement.

The parliament's majority bloc Support Egypt overwhelmingly voted to approve the deal.

The government has maintained that the islands have always belonged to Saudi Arabia, and were only placed under Egypt's control because Riyadh asked Cairo to protect them in 1950.

On Sunday, Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry told MPs that the government approved the deal only after a national committee, which has worked on the issue for six years, reached the conclusion that there was no legal foundation for Egypt's possession of the islands.

The parliamentary bloc explained in its statement that it is weighing whether to resign from parliament in protest against the deal, as many of its supporters have demanded, or to continue fighting in the legislative to stop the transfer of the islands.

The opposition bloc had argued during the debates that numerous maps and documents show that the two islands never belonged to Saudi Arabia, and that parliament should not discuss or vote on the deal without a ruling from the Supreme Constitutional Court on legal jurisdiction disputes.

In January 2017, the High Administrative Court ruled that the deal was null and void. However, in April 2017, the Cairo Court for Urgent Matters followed with a ruling that administrative courts have no jurisdiction over issues relating to national borders.

On Thursday, the Commissioners office at the Supreme Constitutional Court  which prepares non-binding ruling recommendations on cases under consideration by the court's panel  issued a report recommending that the court reject a government case charging that recent administrative court decisions upholding Egyptian sovereignty over the islands violated previous rulings by the Supreme Constitutional Court.

The speaker of parliament Ali Abdel-Aal maintained that the house proceedings were democratic and in keeping with the country's constitution.

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The San Antonio Zoo is celebrating the first Shark Pup virgin hatch in its 103-year history.

The white-spotted bamboo pup was hatched through a process called parthenogenesis, when an embryo matures without fertilization of a male.
WASHINGTON  The dream goes on  for now.

Despite campaign pledges to the contrary, the Trump administration signaled Friday that it is keeping in place Obama-era protections for so-called Dreamers, undocumented immigrants who were brought to the U.S. as children.

But the news came in a Homeland Security memo announcing that the administration is revoking similar protections for certain undocumented parents of U.S. citizens and legal residents. That Obama policy, known as DAPA, has been tied up in court since 2015 when a federal judge blocked it in response to a suit brought by Texas and 25 other states. It never went into effect.

The formal announcement actually came late Thursday, the same day that parties in the Texas suit challenging the program faced a court deadline in Brownsville to resolve the case. Instead, Homeland Security Department indicated on its web site that "there is no credible path forward" for the federal government in court.

Regarding Dreamers, the administration said it was not ready to end former President Barack Obama's 2012 policy known as DACA, for Deferred Action for Childhood arrivals. A memorandum by Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly said the DACA program "will remain in effect."

The program has granted temporary work permits and reprieves from deportation to nearly 800,000 people living in the U.S. illegally. A fact sheet accompanying the policy said "no work permits will be terminated prior to their current expiration dates."

But administration officials and immigrant rights activists made clear that President Donald Trump has not made a final decision about the long-term fate of the program.

"It is unclear what will happen with DACA in the future," said Ignacia Rodriguez, an immigration advocate for the National Immigration Law Center.

During his presidential campaign, Trump called both programs "illegal executive amnesties" that circumvented Congress. He vowed to end them immediately. But as president he has acknowledged that he would have trouble taking action against people who were brought into the country as children.

In April, White House press secretary Sean Spicer explained Trump's reluctance by saying that he "has a heart."

Nevertheless, immigrant rights activists said that Trump's aggressive new deportation policies continue apace, including against people with no criminal records. Many also decried the decision to revoke DAPA (Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents), saying it extinguishes the hopes of more than 4 million parents of American citizens and green card holders.

"Their situation is not ameliorated at all," said Nina Perales of the Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund, which represents three undocumented women from the Rio Grande Valley in the DAPA case. "They lead quiet lives but they're living in the shadows, taking care of their children, trying to get by as best they can with no relief on the horizon."

Trump's decision won praise from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who led a coalition of 26 state attorneys general that sued the Obama administration in 2015 to block the order. Calling it "an unlawful edict," Paxton said in a statement Friday that "Texas handed President Obama his biggest court defeat of all" after the U.S. Supreme Court halted DAPA's implementation last June.

The high court justices deadlocked 4-4 on a challenge to the DAPA ruling in Texas, leaving the ruling in place from U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen, who said Obama had overstepped his authority.

The Trump administration announcement came on the fifth anniversary of former President Barack Obama's order creating the DACA program. It also came exactly two years to the day after Trump opened his presidential campaign, making derogatory remarks about Mexican immigrants.

Taking aim at another Obama initiative, Trump was in Miami Friday to announce that he was rolling back much of the prior administration's overtures to the Communist island nation of Cuba.

Both moves scored points with the conservative base that elected Trump, particularly the immigration initiative.

Tom Fitton, president of Judicial Watch, posted on Twitter: "The restoration of our republican form of government advances. Next up, end lawless Dreamer amnesty for illegal alien children and adults."

Immigration rights activists said that in the face of Trump's campaign promises, Dreamers and their families still have cause to be worried, particularly as Trump ratchets up immigration enforcement and pursues a wall along the southwestern border.

"While the Trump administration has left the DACA program in place for now, their enforcement actions and policy decisions continue to create fear and anxiety in immigrant communities," said U.S. Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham, chairwoman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. "Their announcement to keep DACA, while revoking DAPA and deporting family members is deceitful and is another effort to keep immigrant families uncomfortable about their place in America."

Others expressed hope, noting that if Trump wanted to summarily revoke the DACA program, there would be little to stop him except the political risk of offending Americans who are sympathetic to the plight of illegal immigrants.

"The only thing that is sure in Trump's America is uncertainty," said Lorella Praeli, director of immigration for the American Civil Liberties Union. "Action speaks louder than words."

With an estimated 11 million people living in the U.S. illegally, some 1.6 million of them in Texas, activists on both sides of the debate worry that the Dreamers could become the next front in a fierce political battle.

"It is a sad day when political powers still use Dreamers as pawns to continue to spread the narrative of the good immigrant versus the undesirables," said Houston activist Cesar Espinosa, executive director of Immigrant Families and Students in the Struggle. "We hope that we can continue to advocate for family unity, and eventually we reform our broken immigration system."

Bobby Cervantes contributed to this story
Special sessions are becoming commonplace for legislatures nationwide.

When Gov. Greg Abbott announced he was calling the Texas Legislature back for a 30-day special session next month to take up a long list of unfinished business, he was following a trend.

Since April, governors in Missouri, Arkansas, New Mexico, Louisiana and Florida have all called their legislature's back into special sessions to take up everything from uncompleted budgets, abortion legislation, Medicaid reforms and job incentive programs. At least 12 governors besides Abbott have called special sessions in just the last 8 weeks. That doesn't count Wisconsin and Kentucky, where governors forced special sessions earlier in the year.

And it cuts across party lines. Republican and Democratic governors are calling legislatures back in regardless of which parties dominate the Legislature.

In many cases, like in New Mexico and Louisiana states are simply struggling to pass budgets on time, said University of South Florida political science professor Susan MacManus. But in many other cases like in Texas and Florida, governors are using the call for special sessions as much to make a political statement.

"It reinforces the idea that the bully pulpit resides with the executive branch," MacManus said.

Abbott ordered the Legislature back for a special session July 18 to take up a list of conservative Republican issues, from a bathroom bill and property tax reforms to new abortion restrictions and school choice. Many have seen it as a political move to assert his credentials with conservatives at a time Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has been staking out positions on many of those issues.

States where special sessions have been called since the end of April: Texas, Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Illinois, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, North Carolina, Washington, West Virginia. Wisconsin and Kentucky held special sessions earlier in the year. States like Alabama, North Dakota and Nevada had special sessions last year.

The biggest downside for governors politically is the potential costs of the special sessions, MacManus said. In Texas, its estimated the 30-special session could cost taxpayers at least $800,000 if lawmakers stay for the full period of time.
The Egyptian army has killed three "highly dangerous" militants during a raid in Sinai, the Egyptian military said in a statement on Friday.

The army arrested one militant and destroyed two motorbikes at a militant hideout, according to military spokesman Tamer El-Refai.

Hundreds of security personnel in North Sinai have been killed in attacks claimed by militants, while the military has killed hundreds of insurgents as part of its ongoing campaign to end the Islamist insurgency in North Sinai.

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A brief online search for black fathers reveals articles in nearly every news outlet that all attest to the prevailing myth of the absent black father.

As black fathers, we wonder why so many people think that black fathers are missing. How does this myth retain its potency in the face of so much counter-evidence?

Our simple answer to this question is this: The narrative is a simple and convenient stock story to make sense of the complex lives of black males. The absent father helps to explain black male school performance, incarceration, unemployment and any other social ill that black males are facing.

The preponderance of the evidence places black fathers, by no fault of their own, in the defensive position. With so many news outlets bringing this into focus and with their evidence coming from reputable agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it defies the label of fake news.

So why are black fathers so strongly associated with the missing in action label?

The answer lies in the unrealized power of stereotypes.

When we stereotype, we impose perceived traits onto people based on their group membership. This process operates below the conscious level. Cognitive laziness prompts us to put people in categories to avoid the processing of multiple and complex behaviors. Therefore, our society has a negative impression of black men that is automatically imposed on black fathers. When black boys exhibit negative behaviors, there is often an automatic assumption of an absent father.

Nevertheless, even when a father shows up, the assumption is not erased. Stereotype research indicates that evidence contrary to a stereotype is subjected to much more scrutiny and often attributed to chance of situational factors.

If the stereotypes cannot be explained away, people often create subcategories of black fathers they claim are different. Most people of color can attest that when they exhibit behavior outside of expected stereotyped actions, they hear the phrase but youre different.

Black men with children are often labeled as different because they dont fit stereotypical behaviors of black fathers.

Unfortunately, positive depictions of black fatherhood are often ignored or dismissed as atypical. But according to much of the research, black fathers actually do more dad stuff than fathers from other ethnic groups. Yet we still suffer from the stigma of perceived absenteeism. It is amazing how so few are willing to believe the truth.

Moving forward, if we are to change the stereotype, the real narratives about black fathers must be available to key stakeholders in the policy discourse about black males en masse. This would include influential journalists who have the capacity to reach a wide audience. Then there are legislators and policymakers at the federal, state and local government levels who would benefit from knowing the real stories of black fathers. For example, rather than assuming that black fathers are categorically absent, schools should seek ways to reach the fathers of some of the boys who are being underserved in schools.

Shifting the narrative would challenge policymakers to consider a confluence of factors such as school culture, teacher training and school curriculum that impact the educational experience of black males. The key point is all roads concerning black male social and educational conditions should not simply lead back to the black father.

As we celebrate Fathers Day and reflect on the reality of black fatherhood, our society must turn to the real and relevant research that more positively frames black fathers. Constructing a more accurate reality about black dads will provide more motivation for us to be even better fathers going forward.

Better dads make for a better world.

Louis Harrison is a professor of curriculum and instruction and Anthony L. Brown is an associate professor of curriculum and instruction in the College of Education at the University of Texas at Austin. They are also affiliated faculty of the John L. Warfield Center for African and African American Studies and the Department of African and African Diaspora Studies at UT Austin. Last year, they launched the Black Male Education Research Collection website , which collates peer-reviewed research about Black males from the nations top scholars and journals.
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Hellene Hunt had just moved into her new apartment near the swanky Shops at La Cantera in the fall of 2015 when water from a rainstorm poured through her ceiling and onto her couch, tables and chairs.

The 72-year old retiree had to throw out her ruined furniture and spent much of the next year locked in a battle with her landlord over repairs, leaving her surrounded by buckets, bins and cooking pans to catch all the leaks, she said.

She said water eventually seeped into her bedroom and black mold grew around the windows of her $685-a-month one-bedroom at the Avistar at Chase Hill, which she calls the apartments from Hell. The management company took more than a year to make the repairs, Hunt said, even though she complained more than 10 times in person or over the phone  although not in writing as required by her lease.

She wants to move, but she said she cant find anything affordable thats in a safe neighborhood and close to her son in Helotes.

The Avistar at Chase Hill is owned by a nonprofit run by David Starr, a local developer who is one of the biggest low-income housing landlords in Texas. Over the last 25 years, Starr has used property tax breaks, state tax credits and tax-exempt bonds to build a real estate empire throughout Texas and in Florida, Illinois, Kansas and other states, according to his website.

Most of his local complexes have been financed through two nonprofits he runs: American Opportunity for Housing and American Agape Foundation. Those nonprofits have a long history of allegations of poor and sometimes dangerous living conditions, according to court filings, complaints filed with the city of San Antonio and interviews with more than a dozen current and former residents.

In 2011, the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs took the unusual step of banning Starr from participating in the states Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program due to poor conditions at his Marbach Manor complex on the West Side.

Starr said in a December interview that developers of affordable rental housing in aging apartment complexes are going to have maintenance issues with them. Its normal.

However, he added, management is instructed to (fix) it  Theres not a time that Ive said, Do not spend the money.

His complexes often were built using tax-exempt bonds issued by city, county or state housing finance agencies, providing nonprofit developers like Starr cheap access to capital. Many of his properties qualify for Section 8 housing assistance for low-income renters and receive six-figure property tax exemptions every year.

In the meantime, for-profit companies owned by Starr or his son Matthew Starr have collected roughly $8.5 million in fees between 2012 and 2015 to develop the apartments. The nonprofits sometimes make loans to David Starrs for-profit companies, according to federal tax records.

The Express-News asked the city of San Antonios code enforcement division for a list of property owners that received the most code violation notices between 2011 through 2016.

Almost 1,000 complaints were filed with the city against buildings owned by Starrs various business ventures from 2011 through 2016, reporting problems such as missing smoke detectors, leaky pipes, unrepaired fire damage and hot water that doesnt work for more than a month, according to records from the citys code enforcement division.

Starr said the number of complaints isnt unusual considering how many apartments he operates. He said he owns roughly 5,000 apartments in San Antonio and another 3,000 nationally through his various tax-exempt organizations.

To read the full in-depth article on David Starr, turn to Sundays Express-News or click here on our Premium website: Low-income landlord Starr gets tax breaks despite allegations of poor living conditions

rwebner@express-news.net

@rwebner
The bathing-suit-and-bikini set can splash around happily knowing they are unlikely to get sick frolicking in the water at Bay Area beaches, all but one of which are free of harmful bacteria and pollution, according to a statewide beach report card released Thursday.

But the one that didnt make the grade  Marina Lagoon, in the Lakeshore Park area of San Mateo County  is pretty icky, getting an F for water quality and a No. 4 spot on the environmental group Heal the Bays Top 10 Beach Bummer list for California.

We are definitely improving  water quality is going up, said James Alamillo, urban programs manager for Heal the Bay, which has graded beaches in California annually for 27 years. We as a state have invested in cleaning up our problem beaches and that has had a positive effect on these important coastal resources.

The Santa Monica group, which analyzes data collected by health agencies, gave A or B grades to 94 percent of the 67 beaches it monitored in San Francisco, San Mateo, Alameda, Contra Costa and Marin counties. Most of them  84 percent  got As, the same percentage as the five-year average.

The picture in California overall was quite rosy, with 97 percent of the 416 beaches statewide receiving As or Bs for pathogen and bacteria levels. Thats higher than the five-year average of 94 percent.

Several Bay Area beach locations received perfect scores for water quality.

Sharp Park, in San Mateo County, and San Franciscos Crissy Field and Aquatic Park beaches received perfect A-plus grades.

Stinson and Muir beaches in Marin County, Crown Memorial State Beach in Alameda, and Rockaway, Surfers, Roosevelt, Dunes, Venice and Francis beaches in San Mateo County all received As.

The best news was Baker Beach, where Lobos Creek washes into the ocean. It has fared badly over the past decade, finding itself No. 8 on the groups Top Ten Beach Bummer list six years ago.

This year, it improved. It got a B, Alamillo said. When you are getting a B after historically getting Ds and Fs, thats something to highlight. If it continues to improve, it will be something to celebrate.

San Francisco and the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, which has jurisdiction over Baker Beach, worked with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory over the past few years to clean storm drains and locate and eradicate the source of fecal coliform detected where Lobos Creek meets the ocean.

Marina Lagoon wasnt the only beach in Northern California on the bummer list. Cowell and Capitola beaches, in Santa Cruz County, got an F and a D respectively, both among the worst 10 in California.

No. 1 on that list was Clam Beach County Park in Humboldt County. The bummer list was dominated by seven Southern California beaches, three of them in Los Angeles.

The study is one of the most comprehensive studies of bacteria at prime swimming and surfing locations around the state. It focuses mainly on pathogens that can cause intestinal problems, ear infections, skin rashes and respiratory ailments in swimmers.

Heal the Bay researchers do not test for oil or trash or study the health impacts on wildlife.

Peter Fimrite is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: pfimrite@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @pfimrite
Three people are dead and at least one person is injured following a head-on collision involving a dump truck in Boone Township, Indiana.

Details of the Boone Township Dump Truck Accident

According to the Chicago Tribune, the fatal crash occurred at 319 W. Indiana 8 around 4:14 pm Tuesday.

Police say the accident occurred when a 2002 Mercury Mountaineer tried to avoid rear-ending a vehicle stopped for traffic in the eastbound lanes and veered into the westbound lane. The SUV was struck by an oncoming dump truck.

Amber Fitzgerald, 45, Bonnie Sowles, 68, and Hannah Cullen, 7, were all pronounced dead the scene. All were occupants of the Mountaineer. A fourth passenger, a 15-year-old girl, transported to Franciscan Health Crown Point before being airlifted to Loyola University Medical Center.

The accident remains under investigation.

Trucking Accident Statistics

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recorded 438,000 trucking accidents in the U.S. in 2014.

These accidents result in 3,903 deaths and 111,000 injuries.

Of those killed in trucking accidents:

o17 percent were occupants of large trucks

o73 percent were occupants of other vehicles

o10 percent were listed as nonoccupants, including bicyclists and pedestrians

Texas led the nation in trucking accident fatalities with 553 trucking-related deaths reported. California followed Texas with 300 recorded deaths.

Contact an Experienced Commercial Vehicle Accident Attorney

Thomas J. Henry Injury Attorneys have handled a multitude of commercial vehicle accidents over the past two decades and continue to handle many of the largest 18-wheeler accident cases throughout the United States. We represent clients/victims all over the country.

Whether the company is small or large, our success is not an accident; it is because we understand how commercial vehicle companies operate. If you or someone you love has been injured in a commercial vehicle accident, contact our offices  we are available 24/7, nights and weekends.

Editors Note: This content is made possible by Thomas J. Henry Personal Injury Law. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of The San Antonio Express-News' or mySanAntonio.com's editorial staff. Learn more about our advertising products at www.hearstmediasanantonio.com.
1 Syrian children: The U.N. childrens agency warned Friday that a critical funding shortfall is threatening aid to 9 million Syrian children, both in their country and among the refugees in neighboring states. UNICEF said the $220 million budget gap to its Syria relief programs is the worst it has faced since the start of the conflict, in 2011. It appealed for $1.4 billion in 2017 to provide relief and education to children orphaned, displaced, wounded or otherwise affected by the Syria war.

2 Missing sailors: Seven Navy sailors are missing and two were injured  including the captain  after a U.S. destroyer collided Saturday morning with a Philippine-registered container ship 56 nautical miles off the coast of Yokusuka in southwest Japan, the countrys coast guard reported. TV footage showed heavy damage to the mid-right side of the Fitzgerald. A U.S. defense official said there is flooding in three compartments. Yokusuka is home to the 7th Fleet. Adm. John Richardson, chief of Naval Operations at Yokosuka, said Navy, Japanese maritime defense vessels and the Japanese coast guard are working to stabilize the badly damaged ship.
Several thousand people took to the streets of Turkey's two biggest cities on Thursday to protest against a 25-year prison sentence handed down to an opposition lawmaker on spying charges.

A court sentenced Enis Berberoglu, a lawmaker from the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), on charges of military espionage on Wednesday. It alleged he gave an opposition newspaper a video purporting to show Turkey's intelligence agency trucking weapons into Syria.

He is the first lawmaker from the secular CHP to be jailed in a government crackdown that followed last July's failed coup. More than 50,000 people have been imprisoned and over 150,000 sacked or suspended from their jobs.

Carrying banners that read "Justice", and waving Turkish flags, crowds demonstrated as CHP leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu started a 425 kilometre (265 mile) march from the capital Ankara to the Istanbul jail where Berberoglu is being held.

Wearing a white shirt and waving at his supporters on the way, 68-year-old Kilicdaroglu embarked on a journey that party officials said could take at least 20 days.

Kilicdaroglu has called the arrest lawless and motivated by the presidential palace, a reference to President Tayyip Erdogan. "Our march will continue until there is justice in this country," Kilicdaroglu told reporters before setting off.

Crowds gathered at a park in the capital to see him off and to protest Berberoglu's imprisonment.

"Erdogan is waving his finger at everyone who is against him," said Nuran, a retired teacher who declined to give her surname. "The arrest was made to send a message but we are not afraid. We will resist until they jail every single one of us."

Nearby, many people held banners, waved Turkish flags and carried posters of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the secular founder of modern Turkey, and the CHP.

Police imposed tight security measures at the site of the protest, setting up security barriers, sealing off nearby roads and carrying out searches with bomb disposal teams and dogs. Water cannon and armoured police vehicles waited nearby.

Lawmakers Jailed

Eleven lawmakers from the pro-Kurdish opposition Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) have been jailed over terrorism charges since last year, including the party's two leaders, according to the HDP.

Berberoglu's lawyer appealed against the lawmaker's detention, seeking his immediate release. It was not immediately clear when the court would rule on that appeal.

He has been accused of supplying the Cumhuriyet newspaper with a video it used as the basis of a May 2015 report that alleged trucks owned by Turkey's state intelligence service were found to contain weapons and ammunition headed for Syria when they were stopped and searched in southern Turkey in early 2014.

The government denied accusations that weapons were sent to Syrian rebels, saying the trucks were carrying humanitarian aid. Erdogan later acknowledged the trucks belonged to the state intelligence agency and said they were carrying aid to ethnic Turkmens battling Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Islamic State.

He accused Cumhuriyet's editor-in-chief Can Dundar and Ankara bureau chief Erdem Gul of undermining Turkey's reputation and vowed Dundar would "pay a heavy price".

Last year, Dundar and Gul were sentenced to at least five years in jail for revealing state secrets in a related case. The prosecutor is now seeking an additional 10 years in prison for the two over the report on the trucks.

Dundar is being tried in absentia after leaving the country. Gul remains in Turkey and free, but his case is in process.

Some 160 journalists are imprisoned in Turkey, according to the journalists union, and authorities have shut down 130 media outlets since the failed coup.

The government says such measures are necessary, given the vast security threats it is facing. Rights groups and some of Turkey's Western allies have voiced concern at the scope of the crackdown, decrying what they say is growing authoritarianism.

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Los bomberos evitan el suicidio de una vecina de 70 anos de la calle Victor Chavarri de Oviedo
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Local News, Crime, Politics

By Long Island News & PR Published: June 16 2017

Breast Cancer Survivors Foundation Fundraisers Pocketed 92 Cents Of Every Dollar Donated For Themselves  While Misleading Donors With Fictional Medical Services For Breast Cancer Patients.

New York, NY - June 16, 2017 - Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman today announced a settlement with the Breast Cancer Survivors Foundation, Inc., (BCSF), and its President and Founder Dr. Yulius Poplyansky. For years, BCSF and its fundraisers painted the picture of an organization that was providing medical services to breast cancer patients and those at risk of breast cancer. Instead, as the Attorney Generals investigation found, BCSF was a shell charity created and run by its primary outside fundraiser, Mark Gelvan, in order to line the pockets of Gelvan, his companies, and his business associates  who pocketed 92 cents of every dollar donated to BCSF.

As part of the settlement, BCSF will shut down its operations nationwide and pay nearly $350,000, which will be directed to legitimate breast cancer organizations.

There are few things more galling than pretending to help cancer patients, when youre really just lining your own pockets. But thats exactly what those behind the Breast Cancer Survivors Foundation did  siphoning millions in profits for themselves and sending less than four cents of every dollar raised to medical clinics, said Attorney General Schneiderman. As our Operation Bottomfeeder has shown, too often these shell charities exploit popular causes to enrich professional fundraisers. Im committed to using the full power of my office to stop those who take advantage of peoples generosity to make a quick buck.

Todays settlement is part of the Attorney Generals Charities Bureaus Operation Bottomfeeder, which targets a pervasive business model of shell charities that exploit popular causes, the professional fundraisers who take the lions share of donations and make misrepresentations, and other entities that facilitate the abuses. In August 2016, the Charities Bureau shut down the American Foundation for Disabled Children (AFDC), a shell charity that claimed to provide resources to schools, shelters and other agencies providing long and short term care to special children, but in fact served mainly as a source of money for its fundraisers. In November 2016, the Attorney General announced a settlement with the National Vietnam Veterans Foundation and its founder and president, John T. Burch, which also resulted in that charitys shuttering, the payment of damages, and the issuance by Burch of a public apology. Also as a result of the Attorney Generals exposure of Burchs actions at the charity, Burch was recently indicted by the Department of Justice for wire fraud.

BCSF was founded in 2010 and began soliciting in New York shortly thereafter. By 2014, BCSF was raising on average $3 million a year nationwide from its telemarketing and direct mail campaigns.

The Attorney Generals investigation found that Dr. Poplyansky started BCSF at the encouragement of Mark Gelvan, a professional fundraiser and longtime family friend whose relationship with Poplyanskys family dated back to the 1970s. Dr. Poplyansky had no training or experience in managing or leading any type of charitable enterprise. He and the other board members of BCSF allowed Mark Gelvan to run BCSF and turn it into a cash cow for Gelvan and his businesses. Mark Gelvan has been barred from the professional fundraising industry in New York since 2004, following litigation brought by the Attorney General.

As set forth in the findings in the settlement document, which Dr. Poplyansky admits are true, Mr. Gelvan suggested that Dr. Poplyansky start a breast cancer charity because it is a proven charitable moneymaker. Mr. Gelvan even provided Dr. Poplyansky with seed money to start the charity. Mr. Gelvan then used BCSF to fuel his own economic interests by ensuring that his fundraising companies and business associates were hired to provide services for BCSF.

Mr. Gelvan also controlled BCSFs operations by inserting himself into nearly every aspect of the charitys operations, despite having no official role in the charity. Gelvan oversaw financial reporting, attended board meetings and prepared board minutes, responded to media inquiries, and even organized and prepared the response to the Attorney Generals investigative subpoenas. Mr. Gelvan went so far as to tell BCSFs outside accountants that Dr. Poplyansky speaks very little English- a completely false statement - so they would deal directly with him.

The investigation also found that Mr. Gelvan was instrumental in developing and authorizing BCFSs charitable solicitations, which contained false and misleading statements about BCSFs program activities. These solicitations contained fictional accounts of doctor and patient interactions, descriptions of non-existent forums for breast cancer survivors, and international pharmaceutical programs  and left the donor with the distinct impression that BCSF was a medical facility providing medical services. In reality, BCSF had no medical staff, performed no medical services, had no real office, and provided no direct value to breast cancer patients or those at risk of developing breast cancer. BCSF made only a few modest grants to clinics; those grants were, on average, only 3.5% of the funds it raised in the last four years that BCSF reported to the Attorney General.

Dr. Poplyansky was not compensated for his role at BCSF. Nonetheless, he had legal responsibilities to BCSF, which he repeatedly failed to honor. Dr. Poplyansky has admitted to his wrongdoing and will cooperate with the Attorney Generals ongoing investigations into BCSFs fundraisers and associated legal and accounting professionals. BCSF and Dr. Poplyansky have also agreed to dissolve BCSF under the Attorney General s direction so that the charity can no longer be used as a shell company to direct monies to its fundraisers. Dr. Poplyansky will also be subject to a permanent nationwide bar on access to charitable assets or decision-making. On behalf of BCFS and himself, Dr. Poplyansky issued an apology to the donors of the Foundation and to the individuals and families that have been impacted by breast cancer.

BCSF and Dr. Poplyansky also admitted that BCSF had made false filings with the Charities Bureau, including failing to disclose the identity of the fundraisers that operated on its behalf in New York, and all fees associated with its fundraising activities.

The full text of the admissions of BCSF and Dr. Poplyansky, and Dr. Poplyanskys apology, are available here

This investigation into BCSF highlights the importance of the Attorney Generals Charities Bureaus annual Pennies for Charities report, which reveals that charitable donations obtained by many professional fundraisers are largely spent on fundraising and administrative expenses, with only a small fraction left for charitable work. The latest Pennies for Charities report may be accessed here

The AGs Tips for Charitable Giving are available here

This case was handled by Assistant Attorney General Elizabeth Ann Fitzwater and Enforcement Section Co-Chief Yael Fuchs, with the support of Assistant Attorney General Peggy Farber, as well as Charities Bureau Associate Accountant Cintia Brown-Felder, Legal Assistant Carolyn Fleishman, and Attorney General Investigator Ismael Hernandez. Along with Ms. Fuchs, Emily Stern is Co-Chief of the Charities Bureau Enforcement Section. James Sheehan is the Charities Bureau Chief. Alvin Bragg is Executive Deputy Attorney General for Social Justice.
Local News, Community, Charity & Cause, Arts & Culture, Travel & Local Attractions, Politics

By Long Island News & PR Published: June 16 2017

Listing Assists Property Owners in Revitalizing Buildings, Making them Eligible for Various Public Preservation Programs and Services.

Albany, NY - June 16, 2017 - Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that the New York State Board for Historic Preservation has recommended the addition of 22 properties, resources and districts to the State and National Registers of Historic Places. Additionally, in recognition of Pride Month, Governor Cuomo announced that the National Register listing for the Alice Austen House in Staten Island has been expanded to recognize the renowned photographers significance in LGBT history.

"This new historic designation of for the Alice Austen House is a recognition of the full scope of this trailblazers life and is a further recognition of this states place in the struggle for LBGT rights," Governor Cuomo said. "The rich history of New York helped shape the history of this nation and the designation of these 22 additional sites to will help ensure that these places and their histories are preserved for New Yorkers and visitors alike for generations to come."

State and National Registers listing can assist property owners in revitalizing buildings, making them eligible for various public preservation programs and services, such as matching state grants and state and federal historic rehabilitation tax credits. Since the Governor signed legislation to bolster the states use of rehabilitation tax credits in 2013, the state and federal program has spurred $3 billion of investment in historic commercial properties. In 2016, New York State led the nation in the number of completed projects using rehabilitation tax credit programs. $748 million in investments were generated by the state and federal credit to revitalize historic buildings throughout the state. More than two-thirds of the completed projects are in upstate communities.

Rose Harvey, Commissioner of the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation said, "I congratulate the property owners for winning this notable distinction. It is an important step in embracing historic preservation as a tool to create jobs, promote tourism, expand housing and encourage private investment, all while preserving natural resources."

The State and National Registers are the official lists of buildings, structures, districts, landscapes, objects and sites significant in the history, architecture, archeology and culture of New York State and the nation. There are more than 120,000 historic buildings, structures and sites throughout the state listed on the National Register of Historic Places, individually or as components of historic districts. Property owners, municipalities and organizations from communities throughout the state sponsored the nominations.

Once the recommendations are approved by the state historic preservation officer, the properties are listed on the New York State Register of Historic Places and then nominated to the National Register of Historic Places, where they are reviewed and, once approved, entered on the National Register. More information and photos of the nominations are available on the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation website

Alice Austen House

Originally listed in 1970, the National Register listing for the 17th century Staten Island house where Austen lived did not reveal the full extent of Austens significance as an artist living an openly non-traditional life and how she dealt with gender and social norms in her photography. The expanded National Register listing details that between 1917 and 1945, Austen shared the house with her companion, Gertrude Tate, with whom she had an intimate, fifty-three-year, same-sex relationship. Austen was what has become known as a New Woman, breaking from contemporary societal strictures on feminine behavior. Austen and her friends were among many middle- and upper-class educated women of the late 19th century who did not feel that they needed a man to live a successful life. Austens non-traditional relationship with Tate and her exploration of gender and societal norms were illustrated in her photographs.

The designation of the Alice Austen House is part of the broader New York City LGBT Historic Sites Project, which is working to highlight LGBT history from the founding of New York City through the 20th Century. For more information about documented LGBT historic sites in NYC and to view the organizations interactive map, please visit https://www.nyclgbtsites.org/. The project has been funded in part by grants received by the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation from the Department of the Interiors Underrepresented Communities Grant. To date, the project has received funding twice for awards of $49,999. The grant program is funded though the Interiors Historic Preservation Fund and is designed to help increase the number of listings associated with communities that are underrepresented in the National Register of Historic Places.

Allegany Council House

At the request of the Seneca Nation, the State Review Board considered a proposal to nominate the Allegany Council House in the Seneca Nation Allegany Territory to the National Register. Although the board voted to support the nomination, the Seneca Nation has its own Tribal Preservation Officer and will submit the nomination directly to the Keeper of the Register.

The 1925 wood-frame building is significant for its associations with two major 20th century events in the cultural and governmental history of the Seneca Nation. The Allegany Council House served as the primary gathering place for regular meetings of the Seneca Council and was the political epicenter for two major Seneca Nation battles: to halt the Kinzua Dam Project and to obtain the right to vote for Seneca women in Seneca elections.

Capital Region

Coeymans Landing Historic District, Coeymans  First settled by Barent Pieterze Coeymans in 1673, the Landing is one of New York's oldest continuously occupied settlement. Its history is linked with New York's late 17th century Dutch settlement and the state's 18th century water-powered industrial development.

Crandell Theatre, Chatham  Built in 1926 as a venue for both live vaudeville performances and the screening of photoplays, the theater reflects an era of improvement in the village backed by a prominent local family, the Crandells.

The Oak Hill Historic District, Durham The buildings and structures in the district chronicle the development of Oak Hill as it evolved from a Revolutionary War-era frontier settlement in the rugged Catskill Mountain foothills into a thriving hamlet with its own manufacturing and commercial firms, hotels, and religious organizations by the mid-19th century.

Central New York

The Morgan Dunne House, Syracuse  The 1911 house is a residence designed by prolific Syracuse architect Ward Wellington Ward, who was known for using a variety of designs related to the Arts and Crafts Movement in the early 20th century.

Sagamore Apartment House, Syracuse  The 1926 complex reflects a new housing type built to accommodate the needs of the growing urban middle class in early 20th century Syracuse.

West High School, Auburn  Built in 1938, West High School differed from more traditional schools by emphasizing training for students planning to enter the industrial workforce, and the schools design reflected this by including workshop style classrooms for practical, task oriented training.

Finger Lakes

The Newberry Building, Batavia  For more than a century, the building served as a primary anchor for Batavias commercial Main Street, housing local companies from 1881 to 1929 and a branch of a national JJ Newberry five-and-dime chain retailer from 1929 to 1996.

Warren-Benham House, Bristol Springs  The Tudor Revival-style summer cottage was built in 1924, when the area was transitioning from an economy based on limited agriculture and summer steamboat excursions to one based on the development of private estates and vacation homes on Canandaigua Lake.

Long Island

The Charles and Anna Bates House, Greenport  The 1845 Greek Revival period house was transformed into a seasonal boardinghouse c. 1870 as the Long Island Railroad helped make Greenport a resort community.

George Sumner Kellogg House, Baldwin  Designed and constructed from 1899 to 1900 for Civil War veteran George Sumner Kellogg, the home is the last remaining intact example of a Queen Anne style residence in the village.

The house at 390 Ocean Avenue, Massapequa  The 1913 home is the last to be built in an early Massapequa residential development of homes constructed from National Fire Proofing Company tile and Ludowici roof tile.

The Second and Ostrander Historic District, Riverhead  The district was downtown Riverheads primary residential neighborhood, growing up alongside the villages commercial corridor from 1840, when the first houses came to newly laid-out streets, through 1958.

The Swan River Schoolhouse, East Patchogue  Built in 1858, the one-room schoolhouse with Greek Revival and Italianate detailing served the growing community until it was closed and students were sent to newer schools in 1936.

Mid-Hudson Valley

Gumaer Cemetery, Godeffroy  The cemetery is perhaps the oldest burial ground used by European settlers within the bounds of present-day Orange County and is the sole surviving resource that documents the earliest settlement of the Peenpack Patent, which was granted by the English Crown in 1697.

New York City

Congregation Ohab Zedek, Manhattan  Built 192627 for Congregation Ohab Zedek, a congregation of Hungarian origin, it dates from a period when New York City had become one of the worlds major Jewish population centers.

North Country

The First Lewis County Clerks Office, Martinsburg  Local landowner Walter Martin helped construct the county clerks office in 1847 as a way to help Martinsburg retain its hold as the county seat, and it has since become a local museum and a focus of local pride.

Lady Tree Lodge, Saranac Inn  The 1896 building is historically associated with the Saranac Inn, one of the premier hotels of the early 20th century, but it also served as the summer home of two prominent individuals: Texas newspaperman Colonel Alfred H. Belo (1839-1901) and New York Governor Charles Evans Hughes, who used it as his summer executive mansion in 1908 and 1909.

Stillwater Mountain Fire Observation Station, Webb  The steel tower was erected in 1919 as part of the state-run fire observation network established after several disastrous forest fires. It was also the site where Verplanck Colvin built a wood tower on the summit in 1882 to use as a triangulation station during his survey of the Adirondacks.

Southern Tier

St. Matthews Episcopal Church, Horseheads  The modest, intact Gothic Revival church was built in 1866 with locally produced brick by a small congregation established four years earlier.

Western New York
Germany on Friday lashed out at Washington over new sanctions against Russia that target the planned Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline to Europe.

The new penalties, approved by the US Senate on Thursday, include a paragraph that threatens to penalise European companies that push ahead with energy export programmes with Russia.

Those include the Nord Stream 2 pipeline which would pump Russian gas under the Baltic Sea directly to Germany.

"It is strange that in the sanctioning of Russia's behaviour, with regards to the US elections for instance, that the European economy should become a target of American sanctions. That must not happen," said Chancellor Angela Merkel's spokesman Steffen Seibert.

He added that Merkel shared the concerns raised by Germany's Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel and Austrian Chancellor Christian Kern who charged in a joint statement Thursday that the measure brings a "completely new and entirely negative quality to European-US relations".

In a hard-hitting statement, the German and Austrian said they "cannot accept the threat of extra-territorial sanctions against European companies that participate in the expansion of European energy supplies", adding that this would "violate international law".

They accused Washington of using the sanctions to squeeze Russian gas supplies out of Europe in favour of US energy exports.

"The aim is to secure jobs in gas and oil industries in the US," said Gabriel and Kern.

"Political sanctions should not be mixed up with economic interests," they warned, stressing that "Europe's energy supply is Europe's business and not that of the United States".

"We decide who delivers energy to us and how, according to rules of openness and economic competitiveness," said Gabriel and Kern.

The bill as originally introduced was exclusively about slapping new sanctions on Iran. But lawmakers attached a bipartisan amendment on Russia to it early this week.

The addition came with the White House deeply embroiled in crisis over whether Trump's campaign team colluded with a Russian effort to sway the 2016 election.

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By Long Island News & PR Published: June 16 2017

Edwin Gaines, 38, allegedly entered into a commercial truck parked in a lot on Cooper Street and removed a wallet, authorities say.

NCPD reports that Edwin Gaines, 38, of Hempstead has been arrested for a Grand Larceny that occurred in Hempstead on Friday, May 19, 2017

Hempstead, NY - June 16, 2017 - As a result of a Nassau County Crime Stoppers Tip the defendant Edwin Gaines , 38, of Hempstead has been arrested by Third Squad detectives in the vicinity of Madison Avenue for a Grand Larceny that occurred in Hempstead on Friday, May 19, 2017 at 10:00 am.

According to detectives, Gaines entered into a commercial truck parked in the lot on Cooper Street and removed a wallet that contained an unknown amount of US currency and several credit cards and then walked away. At 6:59 pm Gaines entered into the Gulf Gas Station located at 434 Clinton Street and fraudulently used the credit cards.

Gaines is being charged with Criminal Possession of Stolen Property 4th Degree, identity Theft 3rd Degree, and Consuming Alcohol in Public. He was arraigned on Thursday, June 15, 2017 at First District Court in Hempstead.
Local News, Crime, Community, Charity & Cause, Politics

By Long Island News & PR Published: June 16 2017

New Section Of AG Website  Smart Seniors: Resources For Older Adults  Gives New York Seniors The Tools They Need To Protect Themselves.

New York, NY - June 16, 2017 - To mark World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman today announced the launch of a dedicated portion of his offices website, titled To mark World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman today announced the launch of a dedicated portion of his offices website, titled Smart Seniors: Resources for Older Adults, that will provide easily accessible safety tips, alerts and information that seniors can use to stay safe in their daily lives.

Today and every day, my office is committed to combatting and raising awareness of elder abuse, said Attorney General Schneiderman. We will continue to hold accountable those who take advantage of our seniors  and provide senior citizens easy access to information so they can protect themselves from abuse and scams.

Elder financial fraud is a serious and growing problem. Just yesterday, Attorney General Schneiderman announced a lawsuit against a Queens investment advisor for allegedly defrauding 58 elderly New Yorkers out of millions of dollars of their retirement savings. A recent study estimated the annual financial loss by victims of elder financial abuse in New York State to be at least $1.5 billion dollars per year. The Grandparent Scam, IRS Scam, and similar phone and internet-based scams are pernicious, and the resulting harm to consumers can be devastating. Often, victims are instructed to purchase gift cards or pre-paid debit cards and provide the serial number on the back of the card to the scammer  which allows the funds to be transferred without a trace. In many cases, consumers end up losing a significant portion of their savings.

The new Smart Seniors: Resources for Older Adults webpage will include tips on a variety of consumer, health, and civil rights issues and will enable older adults to stay up-to-date on the latest scams that are targeting them. Having these resources aggregated in one place will enable seniors to more easily obtain the information they need to protect themselves. Seniors will also be able to report scams to the Attorney Generals office, and victims will be able to file complaints online. The resources are available in a friendly format that is easier for those who are visually impaired.

In addition to launching the new web resources the Attorney Generals office is proud to participate in World Elder Abuse Awareness Day programs at the JSPOA Theodora G. Jackson Adult Center in Jamaica, NY, the Alpha Phi Alpha Senior Center in Cambria Heights, NY, the Hudson Area Library in Hudson, NY, and the World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Summit in Washington, D.C.

Smart Seniors Presentations

To spread the word about senior safety, presenters from the Attorney Generals office regularly visit senior centers, assisted living facilities, libraries, houses of worship, senior clubs, and other locations to teach seniors about the most common scams, the techniques perpetrators commonly use, and who to alert if they identify a scam or are victimized. Seniors are also informed of how to protect their physical safety at home and in other common day-to-day situations. Senior groups are encouraged to book a Smart Seniors presentation by calling the Attorney Generals office at 1-800-771-7755. Upcoming events include:

June 23  Leisure Knoll in Ridge, NY with County Legislator Sarah Anker

June 29  Bridgehampton Senior Center in Bridgehampton, NY with County Legislator Bridget Fleming

August 22  Lewisboro Library in Lewisboro NY

September 18  Woodland Pond in New Paltz, NY

September 25  Hillburn Senior Citizens Organization in Hillburn, NY

October 17  Senior Law Day at the Westchester County Center in White Plains, NY

Tips To Avoid Falling Victim

Scam artists are always devising new schemes to defraud consumers, so it is important for consumers to learn how to protect themselves by taking some basic precautions.

If the caller is a stranger, you should be on alert:

Never give out personal information to a stranger on the phone, even if they claim to be a representative from your bank, credit card company, or any other company with which youve done business.

Never wire money to a stranger through Western Union, MoneyGram, or any other wire service.

Never purchase gift cards for the purpose of providing the gift card numbers to a stranger or someone who claims to be a loved one; gift cards are not a legitimate form of payment.

If you have an elderly parent or loved one:

Pass along these tips to them and dont assume that they cant be victimized.

Consider seeking their permission to be involved in their finances, including asking credit card companies to alert you when they make an unusually large purchase.

Assure them that they should check with you before making a payment or purchase, especially if a caller has instructed them not to.

Encourage them to immediately contact you and/or the police if they get a call like those described here.

Attorney General Schneiderman reminds New Yorkers that in addition to being vigilant consumers, they should also report instances of fraud to his office. Consumers are encouraged to file complaints by visiting the Offices website or calling 1-800-771-7755.

For specific health-related instances of fraud, consumers are encouraged to contact the Offices Health Care Bureau Helpline at 1-800-428-9071 or file a complaint online.

Protection Against Nursing Home Abuse And Neglect

In addition to protecting seniors from financial abuse, the Attorney Generals Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) investigates and prosecutes people who have directly harmed elderly nursing home residents, as well as nursing home managers and owners who tolerated or covered up abuse and neglect. No one is above the law when it comes to the special duty that New York requires of people entrusted with the care of our seniors.

In recent years, the Attorney Generals MFCU has brought charges involving homicides through neglect, injuries from violence and from negligent care, and crimes that include stealing narcotics and falsely reporting that a patient needed the opioids for pain, as well as posting selfies or videos of disabled or distressed patients online for amusement. MFCU has ensured that fake nurses are not treating patients, greedy managers are out of business, and sex abusers are behind bars.

Since 2011, 262 persons have been brought to justice by the Attorney Generals MFCU for committing crimes against nursing home residents. Seventeen of those defendants stole valuables or money from the people who were in their care.
Sunni jihadists attacked Al Zahra mosque in Kabul as Shiite worshippers gathered for Ramadan earlier today. According to initial casualty reports, several people were killed and others wounded. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid quickly denied that his group played any role, claiming that the Talibans mujahideen wouldnt target a mosque.

However, the Islamic States Amaq News Agency did claim responsibility. Citing a purported security source, Amaq reported that Islamic State fighters executed an attack on the Shiite shrine.

The carnage at Al Zahra could have been worse. An Afghan official explained that the gunmen were repelled and forced to retreat to a kitchen, where they detonated a bomb.

There is little doubt that the Islamic States men planned to kill many more Shiites at Al Zahra and would have done so had they not been stopped. Security at Shiite mosques in Kabul has been stepped up because of the Islamic State loyalists repeated attacks.

Until May of this year, according to the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), the single deadliest conflict-related incident for civilians in Afghanistan since 2001 came on July 23, 2016, when two suicide bombers dispatched by the Islamic States Wilayah Khorasan struck a peaceful demonstration in Kabuls Deh Mazang Square. The terrorists in Deh Mazang deliberately targeted Afghanistans Hazaras, who are predominately Shiite. The so-called caliphate claimed the massacre was retaliation for Afghan Shiites participating in the Syrian war on the side of Bashar al-Assads regime and Iran. UNAMA documented 85 civilian deaths and the injury of 413 others from the heinous assault.

In terms of civilian casualties, the Deh Mazang massacre was surpassed only by the suicide bombing in Kabuls Green Zone on May 31. The Afghan government says that more than 150 people were killed in the massive blast. However, the Islamic State has not claimed responsibility for the bombing. FDDs Long War Journal assesses that because Abu Bakr al Baghdadis representatives failed to claim the attack, the likelihood that the Taliban or an affiliated group was responsible is even greater, despite the Talibans repeated denials.

The Islamic States Wilayah Khorasan (or the Khorasan province, also known as ISIS-K) has not been shy when it comes to claiming mass killings in Kabul or elsewhere in Afghanistan. And if its men were responsible for the May 31 vehicle bombing, then the group almost certainly would have trumpeted its involvement. Yet, the Islamic States prolific propaganda machine has not issued a claim of responsibility.

The Afghan government immediately blamed the Haqqani Network and its patrons in Pakistan. The Haqqanis are simply part of the overall Taliban and not a separate entity. Unlike the Islamic States representatives, the Taliban is concerned about how its operations are perceived, especially when it comes to violence targeting civilians. So even if the Taliban, or an affiliated faction, carried out the the May 31 bombing in Kabul, it has an interest in denying responsibility. (In this scenario, the Taliban would benefit by further destabilizing Kabul, but not want the public relations downside of having killed so many innocents.)

Meanwhile, Wilayah Khorasan has repeatedly and proudly targeted Shiite civilians, as well as others, in the Afghan capital.

UNAMA has been recording civilian casualties, including both deaths and injuries, since 2009. According to its annual report, 2016 was worse than any of the preceding seven years, in no small part due to the surge of violence in Kabul.

11,418 civilians were killed or wounded in 2016 across Afghanistan. (By comparison, 5,969 civilian casualties were recorded in 2009.) Afghanistans south was still the most dangerous area, but the countrys central region, which includes Kabul, was not far behind. UNAMA found a 34 percent increase in civilian casualties in the central region in 2016, as compared to 2015, due to suicide and complex attacks in Kabul city.

In addition to the assault on Deh Mazang Square, Wilayah Khorasan was responsible for several other high-profile operations. The group claimed responsibility for two additional suicide attacks at Shiite mosques in Oct. and Nov. 2016, killing at least 59 people and injuring 134 others. Wilayah Khorasan claimed that the victims deserved to die because they were polytheists.

Wilayah Khorasan continued to launch high-profile operations in Kabul during the first five months of 2017. And its operations havent solely targeted Shiites.

In February,Wilayah Khorasan claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing outside of Afghanistans supreme court, killing at least 20 people. In March, a suicide assault team raided the Sardar Mohammad Daud Khan Hospital in Kabul. The hospital is Afghanistans largest for military personnel and their families. The jihadists dressed like medical staff in order to confuse their victims. Dozens more were killed or wounded.

Then, in May, another Islamic State suicide bomber attacked a NATO convoy near the US Embassy, killing at least eight civilians in the process.

The US has been leading a counterterrorism campaign against the Islamic States Wilayah Khorasan in eastern Afghanistan since early 2016. The territory controlled by the group in Nangarhar province has dwindled. But the fighting has been intense; three American service members were killed in April. And even as the US and its Afghan allies have whittled away at the jihadists turf, they have retained the ability to launch mass casualty attacks in Kabul and elsewhere. At times, Wilayah Khorasan has also been able to advance on its Taliban rivals in Nangarhar.

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.
Earlier today, Sheikh Abdallah Muhammad al Muhaysini and his social media team claimed via his Telegram channels that he survived a suicide attack after attending Friday prayers at a mosque in Idlib, Syria. An English-language post said that one of the Khawarij, meaning an extremist, blew himself up next to the car of Muhaysini but he is fine. Muhaysini also posted a short video concerning the bombing. A picture of his car can be seen above.

The explosion was independently confirmed by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), which reported that it shook the area of Abu Thar al-Ghafari mosque in the city of Idlib.

Citing reliable sources, SOHR added that the information about the explosion in the area is still conflicted, as it isnt clear if it was caused by a person detonating himself using an explosive belt or by detonating an IED in a vehicle. Either way, approximately ten people were reportedly injured, some seriously. SOHR also received information that the explosion targeted a prominent leader in Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS). This unnamed figure was described as a Saudi, and one of his escorts purportedly died in the blast.

SOHR was likely referring to Muhaysini (seen on the right), a Saudi who is also a senior cleric in HTS. In January, several groups announced the creation of HTS. It includes the organization formerly known as Al Nusrah Front, al Qaedas branch in Syria. Months earlier, in July, Al Nusrah was rebranded as Jabhat Fath al Sham (JFS), claiming it no longer had any affiliation with external (or foreign) parties, an indirect reference to al Qaedas senior leadership outside of the country.

Thus far, the identity of the attacker who attempted to kill Muhaysini has not been revealed. But the jihadists in northwestern Syria have suffered from infighting. Some members of another al Qaeda-affiliated group, Jund al Aqsa, turned against their former allies in Idlib last year. Much of Jund al Aqsa, including its top leadership, joined Al Nusrah/JFS. But the remainder of the organization was denounced by Al Nusrah/JFS and perhaps hundreds of its members went rogue, forming Liwa al Aqsa. Since last year, Jund al Aqsa and then its offshoot, Liwa al Aqsa, were repeatedly accused of serving as a conduit for Abu Bakr al Baghdadis Islamic State to strike out at its jihadist rivals.

More recently, jihadi ideologues have been engaged in a fierce dispute over HTS and its theological legitimacy.

The dispute pits Sami al Uraydi (Al Nusrahs former senior sharia official) and Abu Muhammad al Maqdisi (an influential pro-al Qaeda ideologue) against Muhaysini and others. The two sides disagree over a range of issues, including: how HTS should deal with countries such as Qatar and Turkey, both of which have supported the jihad against Bashar al Assads regime; whether HTS has remained true to its salafi-jihadist roots or has become diluted (as Maqdisi alleges); and also over who should lead the jihad in Syria. There are even allegations, which only emerged earlier this year, that Al Nusrahs leaders betrayed their oath of allegiance to Ayman al Zawahiri during the organizations rebranding and merger with other groups. While Al Nusrahs relaunch as JFS was blessed by Zawahiris deputy, other al Qaeda leaders in Syria objected to the move. Two of Zawahiris recent messages appear to deal with the terms of the dispute.

While much of this remains to be worked out between the jihadis, there is no question that the disagreements are serious.

Earlier this month, for instance, Muhaysini interviewed a jurist in HTS known as Sheikh Abu al-Farghali. The discussion was aired on Muhaysinis online program, which is disseminated via social media. (The show was recently praised in Al Masra, a newsletter that acts as a clearinghouse for stories of interest to al Qaedas global membership.)

Abu al-Farghali, who spent time in Sudan and his native Egypt before relocating to Syria, warned that the argument between the ideologues over HTS could lead to fitna, meaning discord (or strife) in the jihadis ranks. Al-Farghali explained that younger fighters, in particular, were easily confused by the disagreement and this distracted from the main war against the Assad regime.

It is not clear who tried to kill Muhaysini earlier today, but there are multiple possibilities.

The Islamic State has assassinated senior jihadists opposed to Abu Bakr al Baghdadis self-declared caliphate in the past. In February 2014, an Islamic State suicide bomber killed Abu Khalid al Suri, who served as Zawahiris chief representative in the Levant and was a senior figure in Ahrar al Sham. Suri was a fierce opponent of Baghdadis nascent state. Muhaysini mourned Suris death on his popular Twitter feed at the time, changing his avatar to Suris martyrdom photo.

Thus far, Muhaysini has escaped Suris fate, despite being wounded more than once.

Your brother is in a good state, Muhaysini wrote on Telegram after the bombing in Idlib today. When Allah protects you, the plans of the servants cant harm you. May Allah reward everyone who asked about us and made Dua for us. Muhaysni then added: When Allah is with someone, He never Lets him down. By that logic, however, Allah has not been with many of al Qaedas senior figures, including Abu Khalid al Suri, as well as other affiliated jihadists.

Muhaysini was designated as a terrorist by the US Treasury Department last November. [See FDDs Long War Journal report, US Treasury designates Saudi jihadist cleric, three others in Syria.]

Before joining HTS this year, Muhaysini claimed to be an independent scholar. But Treasury disputed this, saying he was an accepted member of Al Nusrah Fronts inner leadership circle as of late 2015. Muhaysini has recruited for Nusrah, and also served as its religious advisor. He represented the group in a military operations room in Idlib as of July 2015. FDDs Long War Journal has repeatedly profiled Muhaysini in the past, pointing out that he has many ties to al Qaedas international network.

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.
Culture / Art Republik

Jun 16, 2017 | By Tan Boon Hau

They ARE violent! They will kidnap you! Regales Maryanto, on friends response to his a recent attempt at a jaunt into the warlord-guarded oil rigs in Africa. Im like, yeah! You think so? Okay, lets find someone who can bring us in.

The exchange epitomises Indonesian artist Maryantos ethos  a visceral approach almost detective noir-esque, jumping into the abyss. Much of his work involves inserting himself into strange and prohibited lands (not through arbitrary bravado, but of a bottomless curiosity), and him bringing back its beauty, horror and tales for a people who live untouched by the hidden atrocities of globalisation. The body of Maryantos work revolves around the issues of poverty, pollution and exploitation, and its geopolitical and local human consequences. These are woven through a web of historical research, myths and stories into his own artistic vernacular and vision, then, more often than not, saturated (or desaturated) into massive, brooding, monolithic charcoal drawings that channels beauty and the apocalypse at the same time. Maryanto makes art to engage in social and political activism, states the first lines of any text about his work. More than anything, he knows as well, like good war photographers will attest, there is a kind of sublime beauty in absolute horror.

As he lays the finishing touches on his solo show Maryanto: Story of Space at Yeo Workshop, Art Republik caught up with him in the afternoon to ruminate on his work, and his politics.

A lot of your work deals with political activism. Having spent your formative years, in Indonesia under the Suharto regime, how would you compare those times to the current political climate? Is Indonesia moving in a more positive direction under democratic rule, or do the same problems still persist?

I was born in 1977, under the Suharto era. Most of the artists then were working politically and fought the government. There was tremendous pressure from the regime on artists, and they were gagged from speaking politically. To speak means one is clashing with the authority.

Its almost impossible to make art without talking about politics, about people.

The way we talk about politics is changing. After the regime collapsed, artists were able to speak freely, so talking about politics wasnt cool anymore. Previously it was: wow, youre a rebel! Now its different.

To speak politically is to speak about the now and the future, and not just about the people. These days, artists dont clash with the government. We talk about why people do the things that they do. You asked whether things are getting better or worse in a democracy. Thats the big question now. When freedoms are given to the people, groups get competitive. Now artists face problems from peoples organisations and religious groups. If say, I speak on LGBT, on communism, they dont like it. Its been happening in Yogyakarta, with people coming to shows and demanding for it to be shut because one is talking about the communists.

Today, it isnt face-offs with the government anymore, but people against people. So to talk about politics now really is about how to make others understand the situation.

Your work, much as they deal with universal problems of the globalised economy, are very intentionally idiosyncratic to Indonesia. What is it like living in Indonesia, specifically Yogyakarta? Does it influence you?

Yogyakarta is the place that I really love; so many artists live here. It is not a place for the industry but for education. Youd be meeting people all the time and theyd be like hey, Im also an artist! There are so many young intellectuals based there as well.

Its different from Singapore. Yogya feels like we have 30 hours a day since we are so relaxed! Not exactly laziness per se, but we just have a lot of time. Its a small city and things are intuitive and spontaneous. We can go to a friends house and be working on a new thing in a snap, and people are always genuinely happy to receive you. Its like a community or an art ecosystem. Everyone is connected: activists, intellectuals, artists.

That is enviously cool. It is known that you imbue your work with theatrical devices/staging, with the deliberate intention of framing stories. I feel like the considered use of charcoal to make your lush, almost cinematic artworks arent too different from a cinematographer choosing to colour a film with a certain palette. Are narratives and stories something you think about in your practice?

When I make a drawing, I imagine the audience right next to me. I try to bring to people what I feel and see. I create a stage. Thats the only thing I can do. I can never bring you to the places I have been; I can bring you to the place I can feel, so thats the experience I can give you. A friend saw my work and said, Its a bit sad. Yeah, its sad; thats the feeling I had when I saw (the destructive mess, on location) it. Its sublime at the same time. And ironic. And these are the things I want to tell.

Works like these (points to Randu Belatung), we were in Yogya visiting an oil facility in the jungle behind the mountain. The area was named Randu Belatung. Latung means oil, since the area was surrounded by an oil rig. That is why I made this a monstrous, creepy thing. It could be that someday, people wont think about planting the trees anymore and just think about taking the oil. Pipelines will come and transform the place into a massive operation and forestry will permanently disappear. It is a story of a space, because some areas have stories behind them, and I try to convey these stories.

I digress but sometimes I think about this: Singapore and Hong Kong are the only developed places in this part of the tropics, while the others here arent. In advertising, you always see an idealised beautiful tropical locale, and when I went to Nigeria, Jakarta, wow, the tropical people are in a terrible state. Theyre really struggling, and there is so much resistance to life for them; it is not a paradise, its not a shared colonial perspective of a tropical wonderland.

I think its a bit funny, when people say certain parts of Indonesia is a tropical paradise  its a completely man-made mirage: cherry-pick old traditions, repackage it with a ribbon under the rubric of authenticity (shorn of the messiness), while the the actual denizens have to put up with an actual drag interpretation of their culture sold back to them.

That is true. Much of this is due to colonialism.

Do you think your work as an artist, as opposed to journalistic and political intervention/investigation, allows for a more dialectic, more meditative approach?

I feel artists have freedoms to say big things with their intuition. They dont need exact data; the artist can say something they feel. For example, in this exhibition, my thoughts were occupied by the utopian ideal life. To talk about utopia, Ill also have to talk about dystopia. I always think utopia is close to nature and life. Thats why in the back of the gallery, I show nature in its beauty and spiritual splendour. And then in the front, you see all the problems, with people violently stripping Earth of its resources.

You like to deal with parables, and obvious, jarring elements that one wouldnt easily associate together: personified animals living their provincial kitchensink lives to massive, hulking industrial machines that almost look like dystopian mecha-weapons of mass destruction raining death from above. Are dualities something that you think about, and what about it interests you?

I think everything is ironic. My work is black and white. Everything resides in a grey area or a graduation. On that spectrum, you can choose the position and the ideal life you want to live. The personified animals were a part of my exploration into urban life, so everybody is a character: the rabbit is a factory worker, the dog is a policeman who follows the leader. Recently, I was on a trip to South Korea. People there hold in esteem the mountains and the river. Its got me wondering: a life spent slogging in the factory, you die and your family puts your remains back in the mountain, and its like youre back with nature.

Why work so hard in the mechanised factory, and still yearn to return to nature at the end? We need to rethink our approach to life. Its so easy to find on Facebook 30-second videos that claim to know all of lifes answers! People just need to think more about their lives. It might be out of your control now, but you should still think of it. I feel that is important to at least be aware.

This article was originally published in Art Republik.
Nigeria Scholarship South Africa Scholarship Asia Scholarship

Dr Sylvia Meek Scholarship in Nigeria

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED.

Malaria Consortium is proud to announce its partnership with University of Nigeria, Nsukka, to continue Dr Sylvia Meeks legacy through the Dr Sylvia Meek Scholarship for Entomology.

The Scholarship for Entomology has been set up in the memory of Dr Sylvia Meek, Malaria Consortiums Global Technical Director whose untimely passing away in 2016 has left a big void in the fight against infectious diseases, and malaria in particular.

Both Malaria Consortium and University of Nigeria are committed to ensure Sylvia's values are carried on by the future generation of entomologists in Africa. Sylvia was not only a great scientist but someone with great compassion who was an inspiration to her associates and colleagues.

The scholarship, established in Sylvias honour by Malaria Consortium, will empower a new generation of public health entomologists and malaria staff in Africa and Asia. Given the limited number of field-oriented vector biologists, and the challenges African countries face in achieving malaria elimination, this scholarship is a great opportunity to support the next generation of public health entomologists in support of this quest.

Malaria Consortium is delighted that University of Nigeria is hosting recipients of the scholarship. University of Nigeria is the first indigenous university established in 1960, following the countrys independence. It is a land-grant university and according to webometric ranking (2017), University of Nigeria ranks among the top five universities in Nigeria.

The University of Nigeria will be accepting two scholarship students in 2017 for a two-year Masters programme in Entomology at the Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, starting mid-October.

Who can apply for the Dr Sylvia Meek Scholarship for Entomology at University of Nigeria?

Nationals from the following countries can apply: Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Chad, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, the Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Applicants need to have successfully completed a Bachelors degree

Applicants should have good knowledge of English (the language of instruction)

Applicants should demonstrate an interest in, and commitment to, entomology and the control of vector borne diseases.

Mid-career applications will be considered along with fresh graduates.

Application and Selection Procedure

First step

Applicants should apply for their studies at University of Nigeria by submitting the following documents to the Dean of the postgraduate school, Professor P Osadebe (patience.osadebe@unn.edu.ng) and to the Deputy Vice Chancellor, James Ogbonna (james.ogbonna@unn.edu.ng):

An application letter, stating the area of entomology you intend to specialise in Bachelors degree certificate Bachelors degree academic transcript (grade report where the completed courses are listed) For those applicants from countries where English is not the official language: English proficiency test result or any other proof of proficiency in English

Please submit these documents no later than Sunday 27th August 2017.

University of Nigeria will screen, pre-select and shortlist applicants. The shortlist will be submitted to a scholarship selection panel comprising of University of Nigeria and Malaria Consortium vector control experts.

Second step

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to send to the scholarship selection panel the following:

Personal statement written in English of no more than 500 words indicating why you would like to study entomology Two recommendations (can be professional or academic references)

Successful applicants will be contacted in due course.

Third step:

Selected students will start the academic year mid-October.

Financial aspects

The Dr Sylvia Meek Scholarship for Entomology will cover all tuition fees, a research study allowance, upkeep costs such as accommodation and board, an allowance to travel to Nigeria (if non-national) and return home after the course, health insurance and stationery costs for the duration of the MSc. degree, i.e. a maximum of two years, by which time the students should finish their degree.

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Sylvia Meek Scholarship in South Africa

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED.

Malaria Consortium is proud to announce its partnership with the University of Pretoria, South Africa, to continue Dr Sylvia Meeks legacy through the Dr Sylvia Meek Scholarship for Entomology.

The Scholarship for Entomology has been set up in the memory of Dr Sylvia Meek, Malaria Consortiums Global Technical Director whose untimely passing away in 2016 has left a big void in the fight against infectious diseases, and malaria in particular.

Both Malaria Consortium and University of Pretoria are committed to ensure Sylvia's values are carried on by the future generation of entomologists in Africa. Sylvia was not only a great scientist but someone with great compassion who was an inspiration to her associates and colleagues.

The scholarship, established in Sylvias honour by Malaria Consortium, will empower a new generation of public health entomologists and malaria staff in Africa and Asia. Given the limited number of field-oriented vector biologists, and the challenges African countries face in achieving malaria elimination, this scholarship is a great opportunity to support the next generation of public health entomologists in support of this quest.

Malaria Consortium is delighted that the University of Pretoria is hosting recipients of the scholarship. University of Pretoria is one of the leading higher education institutions on the continent. The universitys origins go back to 1908, and while building on a century of experience, it has transformed into the multicultural, multiracial university offering high-quality education it is nowadays.

The University of Pretoria will be accepting one scholarship student in 2018 for a two-year Master of Science in Entomology based in and supervised by academic staff in the Department of Zoology and Entomology. The MSc in Entomology offered by the Department of Zoology and Entomology is a research-only programme that does not include a coursework component. The successful applicant will start their MSc programme before the end of March 2018.

Who can apply for the Dr Sylvia Meek Scholarship for Entomology at University of Pretoria?

Nationals from the following countries can apply: Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Chad, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Niger, the Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Applicants need to have successfully completed an Honours degree or equivalent in Entomology or a related discipline

Applicants should have good knowledge of English (the language of instruction)

Applicants should demonstrate an interest in, and commitment to, entomology and the control of vector borne diseases

Applicants should be no older than 35 at the time of submission

Application and Selection Procedure

First step

Applicants should send an application to Dr Heike Lutermann at the University of Pretoria (hlutermann@zoology.up.ac.za), including the following documents:

A cover letter not exceeding one A4 page, stating your educational background, the area of medical entomology you intend to specialise in, and A preliminary proposal of no more than 2 pages (including relevant references) for your research project, including project title, background and justification, objectives, methodology, and budget (no more than ZAR50 000 over two years,

+/- 3,000) with brief justification. The preliminary proposal must focus on public health entomology. Bachelors and Honours degree certificates Bachelors and Honours degree academic transcripts (grade report where the completed courses are listed, including interpretation of grades when not numeric) English proficiency test result or any other proof of proficiency in English for applicants from countries where English is not the official language

It is advised that applicants contact Dr Lutermann before submitting their application so that she can suggest a suitable supervisor who can help to refine the preliminary proposal.

Please submit these documents no later than 17:00 (Johannesburg time; GMT+2) Friday 29 September 2017.

The University of Pretoria will screen and shortlist applications based on (1) the quality of the preliminary proposal and (2) eligibility for the MSc in Entomology programme. The shortlist will be submitted to a scholarship selection panel comprising of University of Pretoria and Malaria Consortium vector control experts.

Second step

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to send to the scholarship selection panel the following:

Personal statement written in English of no more than 500 words indicating why you would like to study public health entomology Two letters of recommendation (can be professional or academic references)

Shortlisted applicants will be informed of the outcome of the selection process by Friday 27 October 2017.

Third step:

The successful applicant will be invited to submit an online application for the MSc in Entomology programme at the University of Pretoria. An admission letter will be processed, which can then be used by successful non-South African applicants to apply for a study visa in preparation for the start of the 2018 academic year. The successful applicant must be registered and commence the MSc in Entomology programme before 31 March 2018.

Financial aspects

The Dr Sylvia Meek Scholarship for Entomology will cover all tuition fees, a research allowance to the total value of ZAR50 000, +/- 3,000, upkeep costs such as accommodation and board, an allowance for travel to South Africa (if non-national) and return home after completion of the programme, health insurance, and stationery costs for the duration of the MSc programme, i.e. a maximum of two calendar years, by which time the students should finish their degree.

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Dr Sylvia Meek Scholarship in Asia

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED.

The Dr Sylvia Meek Faculty of Tropical Medicine Scholarship for Entomology offers support to public health entomologist students, with a view to progressing South and Southeast Asia towards malaria elimination.

Background

The Scholarship for Entomology has been set up in memory of Malaria Consortiums Global Technical Director, whose untimely passing away in 2016 has left a significant void in the fight against infectious diseases, and malaria in particular. Malaria Consortium is delighted to have launched the scholarship in partnership with Mahidol Universitys Faculty of Tropical Medicine (FTM) in Bangkok to continue Sylvia Meeks legacy. FTM is a global centre of excellence for entomology, vector control, malaria elimination and tropical medicine, with whom we look forward to cooperating.

Both Malaria Consortium and FTM are committed to ensuring Sylvia's values are carried on by Asias future entomologists. Sylvia was a great scientist, her dedication and compassion were an inspiration to her associates and colleagues and her legacy will support a new generation of public health specialists in Africa and Asia.

Established by Malaria Consortium, the scholarship is a very fitting tribute to a woman with such vision and passion.

In Asia, FTM will be hosting the scholarship, which will support two students through a two-year Masters programme in tropical medicine specialised in medical entomology starting in August 2017, one being selected from the countries of the Greater Mekong sub-region and one from South Asia. It is our intention for this scholarship to be in place for at least a second intake in 2018.

Malaria Consortium is also holding discussions with African universities, allowing for the same number of African students to be eligible for scholarships in due course.

Who can apply for the scholarship at Mahidol Universitys Faculty of Tropical Medicine?

Nationals from South Asia (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka) and the Greater Mekong Sub-region (Cambodia, the People's Republic of China = specifically Yunnan Province and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Myanmar, Thailand, Viet Nam), and nationals from Indonesia and the Philippines can apply.

Applicants must have successfully completed a Bachelors degree and be able to demonstrate an interest in, and commitment to, entomology and the control of vector borne diseases.

Mid-career applications will be considered along with recent graduates.

How to apply

Applicants interested in the scholarship should provide the following information by 14 July 2017:

Applicants should also submit a copy of his/her degree transcript (grade report where the completed courses are listed) and a copy of the degree certificate.

Please send your application forms and aforementioned documents directly to: tmbstm@mahidol.ac.th

Timeline

Mahidol University Faculty of Tropical Medicine will initiate the scholarship on 15 August 2017.

Submissions from applicants will be considered by the Program Committee at its monthly meeting in the second week of July. The Program Committee will look at the students qualifications as outlined in the submission forms.

Following the Program Committee recommendation, a shortlist will be developed and a Scholarship Committee comprising both Mahidol University and Malaria Consortium vector control experts will decide on the two successful recipients of the scholarship.

Selected applicants will receive acceptance letters during the first week of August.

Finance

The Dr Sylvia Meek FTM Scholarship for Entomology will cover all tuition, room and board, transportation, health insurance and stationery costs for the entire duration of masters study (for a maximum of two years, by which time the students need to finish their degree.

[1] This form is a Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS) requirement. It will not affect the selection process. Applicants can also submit it after they are accepted; however it is needed before sending the whole application package to FGS.

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Theres something intoxicating about the 1920s. The glitz and the glamour, punctuated with the Prohibition that led to the rapid growth of illicit speakeasies. It was a rousing period of time, filled with an unparalleled opulence that gave the Roaring Twenties its nostalgic charm  one people have been clinging onto even to this day. The iconic image of a flapper was cemented then: a young, free girl, coming after the end of World War One. Its no wonder jazz music has become such an intriguing musical genre that has pleased the hearts and ears of plenty.

If you know where to look, the jazz scene in Singapore is hard to miss. This means you dont have to travel 24-four hours to New Orleans to experience the true-blue beauty of jazz. Weve rounded up 10 spectacular bars and lounges for you to check out if youre in need of your jazz fix that even the Queen of Jazz would approve of.

Lee Hui Bing

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G. Edward Eddie Cassady has been named the new chief of the Martinsville Police Department.

Cassady, who has served as Deputy Police Chief in Martinsville since 2014, was named chief on Friday and will officially begin his new role on Monday. He replaces Martinsville Police Chief Sean Dunn, who recently was hired as Williamsburg Police Chief.

In an interview with the Martinsville Bulletin on Friday, Cassady said that he joined the Martinsville Police Department in 1985 as a patrol officer at the age of 21 and has spent his entire law enforcement career with the department.

Ive been really fortunate in my career, Cassady said. Every chief Ive worked for has been a great chief. Ive worked for Terry Roop, Dave Edwards, Mike Rogers and then Sean Dunn. Ive got a lot of big shoes to fill.  To me, its just a humbling honor to be able to perform this duty for our citizens.

In 2014, Dunn was selected as Martinsvilles new police chief after previously serving as Police Commander with the city of Portsmouth. Cassady said that he and Dunn became fast friends, and he was sorry to see him leave Martinsville.

It couldnt have been a better match, he said. We hit it off from the beginning, and we had a lot of the same ideas on the direction we wanted the department to go in and how we wanted to partner with our community.

At the time of Dunns hiring in 2014, some in the community questioned why the city chose to hire a chief from outside the community rather than promote from within the department. Cassady said the decision never bothered him, and he always felt Dunn was an excellent choice for chief.

I felt that it wasnt about me, it was about the police department and our citizens, Cassady said. Before (Dunn) came here, we talked on the phone, and to be honest, I was looking forward to him getting here. People may not realize just how good it was from day one, how we worked together to accomplish so much. Sean Dunn is a great chief, and I wish him nothing but the best. I hate to see him go, because we were just that close. Its kind of like when Mike Rogers retired. We had been close for so many years, and you hate to see anybody go.

Now that hes in the chiefs chair, Cassady said, one of his main goals for the immediate future is for Martinsville to become a Certified Crime Prevention Community through the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS). According to the DCJS website, there are 12 Certified Crime Prevention Communities in the state.

Thats about a year-long process, and weve been working on it, Cassady said. I want us to get that certification. Our officers are already doing the work, I just want them to be recognized for it.

Cassady said that he also plans to maintain and build on the community policing efforts established in Martinsville by Dunn during his tenure as chief.

Its the Peelian principle, Cassady said. The police are the community, and the community are the police. It just works. Weve got to continue to work hard and build those relationships with our community.

In a release from the city of Martinsville, City Manager Leon Towarnicki said that the city is fortunate to be able to promote from within for the police chief position.

Deputy Chief Cassady knows the citys police department inside and out, is well-known and respected throughout the community, has a good working relationship with other law enforcement agencies, and is a great fit for the position, Towarnicki said. I have complete confidence in his ability to continue with the programs, direction, and great progress the citys police department has made in recent years in areas like community policing and crime prevention, as well as his familiarity with the growing opioid issues.

Were thankful for the outstanding work by Chief Dunn during his tenure in Martinsville and we certainly wish him well in his new position, Towarnicki added. With Chief Dunns last day being Friday, June 16 and Deputy Chief Cassady beginning his new role on Monday, June 19, we expect the transition to be smooth and seamless.
MARTINSVILLE  An estimated 500 people attended the Communitywide Job Fair at Martinsville Speedway earlier this week, and many received offers of employment  within the past several days, if not on the spot.

Thats according to two officials with the Martinsville-Henry County Chamber of Commerce, which organized the event, and based on preliminary information they received from participating employers.

Detailed statistics will not be available for at least a few weeks, after they can contact each of the 50 businesses and organizations that participated, they said.

Still, it shows that jobs are available in the area for people who want to work, according to chamber President Amanda Witt and Business Services Manager Robbie Knight.

Attendance was up from between 300 and 400 at a similar event last year, Witt said. She believes the increase was largely due to this years job fair being publicized more and shuttle service to and from the speedway being provided from six locations across the city and county.

Some of the participating companies expected many attendees to have limited job skills, Knight said, adding they were surprised to see just how highly skilled many of the job-seekers were.

Multiple employers said they found qualified candidates and they were calling people today to make (job) offers, or they plan to make offers soon, he said Thursday afternoon.

Many said they would be able to fill many of their vacancies through this event, he continued.

At least several people were hired before they left the speedway, having immediately undergone full interviews, Witt said.

Knight mentioned that a participating call center, which he declined to identify, reported having had trouble finding bilingual people for customer service jobs but found some at the fair and is hiring them.

Employers have different hiring procedures, so it could take longer for some firms to make job offers than others, based on what they require of applicants, chamber officials said. For example, if they require drug tests or do criminal background checks, they may not be able to offer jobs immediately.

Participating employers included ones in Martinsville and Henry County as well as some in nearby communities in Virginia and North Carolina. They included Adecco, Ameristaff, ANCHOR Commission, Arconic, the U.S. Armed Forces, Atlas EPS, Axcess Staffing, Blue Ridge Auto, Blue Ridge Therapy Connection, Brock Services, Carilion Clinic, the city of Martinsville, Danville-Pittsylvania County Community Services, Debbies Staffing, Drake Extrusion, Eastman, Epic Health Partners, Faneuil, Forest Equipment Operator Training School, Hanesbrands, ICF, IKEA, Jackson Hewitt Tax Service, Lowes and the Martinsville Adult and Career Education Program.

They also included McAirlaids, Mehler Engineered Products, Monogram Foods, Nationwide Custom Homes, Nelson Automotive Group, Nilit America, PeopleReady, Patrick Henry Community College, Phoenix LLC, Piedmont Community Services, Ply-Gem, Privacare, Rainbow International, The Results Companies, Shenandoah Furniture, Springs Glob al U.S., Staffmasters, Starsprings U.S.A., Symphony Placements, Taxing Authority Consulting Services, Team Nurse, ValleyStar Credit Union, Virginia Mirror/Virginia Glass, Workforce Unlimited and the Workforce Center.

Two companies that were supposed to participate were unable to due to unforeseen circumstances that occurred at the last minute, chamber officials said. They declined to identify those firms.

Well reach out to them, Knight said, to see if the chamber can somehow help to meet their hiring needs in the future.

Sure, there are no openings locally for marine biologists or zookeepers, Witt said hypothetically. But people who need a job of some kind so they can earn money they need to support themselves and their families can find one locally, she and Knight agreed.

If somebody is motivated to work, there are opportunities available, Knight said. Ive been told by (some) employers that if people are willing to show up (to work on time) and are not on (illegal) drugs, they are willing to provide training to those people.

If companies do not provide training themselves, many training programs are available locally for jobs available in the community, Witt emphasized.

The job fair was held in the speedways garage and pit areas. Chamber officials were surprised to learn that many people at the event  job-providers as well as job-seekers  never had visited the speedway, or at least those areas of it. People were making videos of their surroundings on their phones, they said.
MARTINSVILLE  A Stuart woman stands accused of embezzling more than $3,000 from the Texas Steakhouse in Martinsville.

Ashley Nicole Horton, 31, was charged with five counts of felonious embezzlement. Those charges stem from alleged incidents between March 8 and May 16, 2017.

A criminal complaint by Sgt. D.A. Graham of the Martinsville Police Department alleged that a regional manager of Texas Steakhouse contacted the police department to report the discovery of some missing deposits from the Martinsville restaurant, located at 283 West Commonwealth Boulevard. Officials found that a $361.34 deposit for March 8, a $1,426.29 deposit for May 3, a $441.07 deposit for May 15 and a $270.57 deposit for May 16 had all been taken from the safe.

Those deposits totaled $3,091.94.

Four of the five missing deposit bags were recovered from Hortons residence and had her signature on them, the criminal complaint alleged. During this time, she was working as one of the restaurants floor managers. The criminal complaint also states that Horton confessed to investigators that she took the money.

Upon interviewing Ms. Horton, she admitted to taking the deposit bags and had planned on using the money to pay her bills, police officials claim in the criminal complaint.

A judge in Martinsville General District Court appointed a public defender to represent Horton, setting a July 14 court date in the case.

MARTINSVILLE CIRCUIT COURT

Accusations of forgery and drug distribution were also heard this week in Martinsville Circuit Court.

Charles Douglas Coffin, 32, pleaded guilty to credit card forgery and obtaining property by false pretenses. Court records list his current address as New River Regional Jail, Dublin.

Indictments alleged that on July 1, 2016, Coffin forged the name of the card holder to a credit card sales draft drawn on a credit card in the amount of $447.53 at Kay Jewelers and obtained goods belonging to Kay Jewelers by false pretense. According to Kay Jewelers website, the Martinsville location is at 240 Commonwealth Boulevard.

Judge David V. Williams ordered a presentence report and set sentencing for Sept. 6.

The prosecution dropped but could reinstate a charge of credit card fraud against Coffin.

In another case, Judge G. Carter Greer accepted a contingent plea agreement in which Kayla Renee Kiser, 22, of Fieldale, pleaded guilty to distributing cocaine. Greer found sufficient evidence to find Kiser guilty, but did not enter a finding of guilty at this time. Instead he took the case under advisement for a year, during which time Kiser will be on supervised probation, be of good behavior and receive substance abuse assessment, counseling and/or testing as prescribed by the probation officer.

If Kiser completes the probationary period successfully, the charge will be dismissed. However, if she is deficient in any of the areas, she will be found guilty of one count of distributing cocaine and sentenced to five years in prison, with all but one year suspended on condition of two years of supervised probation and three years of good behavior.

According to court records, Kiser allegedly sold nearly 1.6 grams of powder containing cocaine on Aug. 28, 2016.
Each week, MassLive showcases pets available for adoption at shelters at rescue organizations across Massachusetts. With the participation of the shelters listed below, many animals should be able to find a permanent home. We also provide some pet-related news items that we hope you will enjoy.

Pet of the Week: Jasmine, Berkshire Humane Society

The Republican Newsroom

PITTSFIELD - Meet Jasmine. She is a very enthusiastic dog and will need more training as she gets settled into her new home.

Jasmine has been sheltered at the Berkshire Humane Society for quite a long time, and is ready to meet her forever family.

Jasmine is a female, spayed Terrierand American Pit Bull/Mix and she is 1 year, 2 months old.

Staff said she would do best in a home setting with older teens to adults.She is working on leash walking, sitting for greetings and impulse control. She loves to play with toys in the fenced play yard.

Jasmine was house trained in her previous home, but has had a bit of a set back in the kennel setting.

Anyone interested in meeting Jasmine can visit www.berkshirehumane.org, or call 413-447-7878.

(Video filmed by McGurn Media)

MASSACHUSETTS SHELTERS:

Dakin Pioneer Valley Humane Society

Address: 163 Montague Road, Leverett

Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 12:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Telephone: (413) 548-9898



Address: 171 Union St., Springfield

Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 12:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Telephone: (413) 781-4000

Website: www.dakinhumane.org

Thomas J. O'Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center

Address: 627 Cottage St., Springfield

Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Saturday, noon-4 p.m.; Thursday, noon-7 p.m.

Telephone: (413) 781-1484

Website: tjoconnoradoptioncenter.com

Westfield Homeless Cat Project

Address: 1124 East Mountain Road, Westfield

Hours: Adoption clinics, Thursday, 5-7 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Website: http://www.whcp.petfinder.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/westfieldhomelesscatprojectadoptions

Westfield Regional Animal Shelter

Address: 178 Apremont Way, Westfield

Hours: Monday-Friday, noon-5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Telephone: (413) 564-3129

Website: http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/ma70.html

Franklin County Sheriff's Office Regional Dog Shelter and Adoption Center

Address: 10 Sandy Lane, Turners Falls

Hours: Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Friday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Telephone: (413) 676-9182

Website: http://fcrdogkennel.org/contact.html

Polverari/Southwick Animal Control Facility

Address: 11 Depot St., Southwick

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

Telephone: (413) 569-5348, ext. 649

Website: http://southwickpolice.com/chief-david-a-ricardis-welcome/animal-control/

Berkshire Humane Society Address: 214 Barker Road, Pittsfield

Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 10:00 a.m.-4 p.m.; Thursday, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Telephone: (413) 447-7878

Website: http://berkshirehumane.org/

Purradise Feline Adoption

Address: 301 Stockbridge Road, Great Barrington

Hours: Monday and Tuesday: Closed; Wednesday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Thursday 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.; Friday,10 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sunday, noon-4 p.m.

Telephone: (413) 717-4244

Website: http://berkshirehumane.org/contact-us/

Greyhound Options, Inc.

Address: 43 Sygiel Rd., Ware, MA. 01082

Telephone: 413-967-9088

Website: greyhoundadoptions.org

Animal Rescue League of Boston

Address: 10 Chandler Street, Boston, MA 02116

Telephone: (617) 426-9170 Fax: (617) 426-3028

Website: adoption@arlboston.org

Worcester Animal Rescue League

Address: 139 Holden St., Worcester, MA 01606

Telephone: (508) 853-0030 Hours: Open 7 days a week from noon to 4 p.m.

Website: www.worcesterarl.org
SPRINGFIELD - Local religious leaders and an activist group announced on Friday that they are creating a sanctuary site at South Congregational Church to provide a safehaven for undocumented individuals and families in danger of deportation.



South Congregational Church is the first congregation in Western Massachusetts to provide a physical sanctuary for that purpose, according to organizers. The church is located at 45 Maple St.

The Rev. Tom Gerstenlauer, senior pastor of South Congregational, said the local faith communities declare sanctuary for those undocumented immigrants "who are oppressed by the fear of detention, separation from family, and even deportation from the place in which they have made their homes."

"At South Congregational United Church of Christ, the strangers in need among us will be welcome to take shelter and receive, to the best of our ability, the hospitality of this community of faith," Gerstenlauer said.

Faith leaders from six Springfield congregations, including South Congregational, and the activist group Pioneer Valley Project announced the sanctuary during an afternoon press conference at the church. The six faith organizations will jointly support the sanctuary.

"This network was formed as a response to the increase in immigration enforcement which continues to separate families, no longer prioritizes deportation for only those with violent criminal convictions, a system which increasingly is detaining undocumented immigrants with no criminal charges," the Pioneer Valley Project stated in a prepared release.

Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno has stated that Springfield is not a so-called sanctuary city, referring to communities where police departments do not assist federal agencies in detaining and deporting selected undocumented immigrants.

The local faith communities joining the Pioneer Valley Project and South Congregational in supporting the sanctuary are Holy Cross Church, Blessed Sacrament, Unitarian Universalist Society, Holy Name, the Sisters of St. Joseph.

There are guidelines for those seeking temporary sanctuary at South Congregational, but they were not detailed Friday. Those in need of bedding and food will be helped or can provide for themselves, Gerstenlauer said.

Sister Melinda Pellerin, of Sisters of St. Joseph and a member of the Pioneer Valley Project, said Springfield is "a city of immigrants," who have contributed to the social and economic fabric of the community since Springfield was established.

"No member of our community will stand alone," Pellerin said. "We will stand in solidarity with our undocumented friends and neighbors and we will publicly challenge these racist and unjust laws and policies."

The Pioneer Valley Project estimates that Springfield is home to between 5,000 and 6,000 undocumented residents.

Alberta Montagna, a member of South Congregational Church for more than 60 years, said the sanctuary is "the right thing to do."

"I believe we are all God's children and nobody should be frightened for their life or punished just because they want a better life," Montagna said.

The Pioneer Valley Project is an interfaith and interracial grassroots organization that is comprised of congregations, labor unions and other community groups, according to the group. Its mission is "to develop grassroots leadership and fight for racial and economic justice in Springfield."



President Donald Trump's pledge to crack down on undocumented immigrants and to withhold federal funding from so-called "sanctuary cities" has led to many protests around the nation and legal challenges.



In Springfield, dozens of people conducted a protest at City Hall on May 1, calling on the City Council to create Springfield as a sanctuary city for undocumented immigrants. A council resolution that called for Springfield to be a "welcoming" city did not pass that night.

According to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, ICE agents seeking undocumented immigrants are encouraged not to conduct enforcement actions at "sensitive locations" unless there are extenuating circumstances, there has been some other law enforcement action at the location, or if agents are invited onto the location by designated official.

Sensitive locations are defined as schools or houses of worship.
Janet Sanders, the judge in the Bella Bond murder trial, said Friday she's leaning towards allowing the jury to consider the lesser charge of involuntary manslaughter, as requested by the prosecutor.

Michael Patrick McCarthy, 37, is charged with first-degree murder. He has pleaded not guilty.

His defense attorney, Jonathan Shapiro, blasted the effort to insert involuntary manslaughter as an option and said the evidence presented in the case doesn't support it. The prosecutor is now pushing it because he has a weak case for first-degree murder, Shapiro alleged.

Relying in large part on testimony from the mother of the toddler, prosecutors say he punched Bella in the stomach and called her a "demon" before tossing her body into Boston Harbor sometime in summer 2015.

But Rachelle Bond, the mother and key witness for the prosecution, admitted under a cross-examination by McCarthy's defense attorney that she gave different accounts of her daughter's death to police in September 2015.

Bond, who pleaded guilty to being accessory after the fact and has a plea deal that includes testifying against McCarthy, said she was scared of McCarthy and heavily using drugs at the time of the alleged murder and her arrest months later. She testified that she has a clearer recollection of events now, having been clean of drugs for months.

David Deakin, the Suffolk County prosecutor, made the request that the jury be able to consider involuntary manslaughter as an option. Involuntary manslaughter means the killing was unintentional, the result of recklessness.

The Suffolk Superior Court jury is expected to get the case sometime next week, possibly on Tuesday, June 20.

With the jury gone for the day, Deakin told the judge on Friday he plans to argue that after McCarthy killed Bella, in order to rationalize her death and secure Rachelle's cooperation in a "cover-up," he called Bella a "demon."

As an example of a murder charge getting reduced, Deakin pointed to the infamous Massachusetts case of Louise Woodward, a British au pair who nearly 20 years ago was convicted of second-degree murder. A jury found her guilty of killing a baby boy, but the trial judge reduced the verdict to involuntary manslaughter.

Deakin said he doesn't believe McCarthy necessarily entered Bella's bedroom with intent to kill the two-year-old.

But Shapiro said prosecutors had argued earlier in the trial that the motive was McCarthy's alleged obsession with demons and demonology.

"Now the Commonwealth is thinking maybe its case isn't so strong and they're looking to evidence which isn't there," Shapiro said, adding that there is "no evidence of unintentional killing."

He continued: "You can't make up evidence just so the Commonwealth can squeak by and try to persuade a jury to compromise."

To say McCarthy came up with demons between fatally punching the child and telling Rachelle Bond a story to make her accept what happened to her child is "pretty ridiculous," Shapiro said. "[The] Commonwealth should just grit its teeth and deal with what it has wrought."

The judge is expected to rule on the inclusion of involuntary manslaughter on Monday.
Jurors in the Bella Bond murder trial on Thursday heard a recording of an interview from two years ago, when Massachusetts State Police investigators sat with Michael McCarthy in a hospital room.

McCarthy has been charged with the first-degree murder of Bella Bond, a two-year-old whose body washed up on Deer Island in a trash bag.

McCarthy, 37, has pleaded not guilty, and his attorney, Jonathan Shapiro, has pointed to the child's mother, Rachelle Bond as the likely killer.

On Thursday, the State Police's Joel Balducci took the stand and the Suffolk County prosecutor, David Deakin, played the 30-minute audio of Balducci's interview of McCarthy on Friday, Sept. 18, 2015.

The full audio is below.

Other troopers joined Balducci in the room for the interview, which took place before McCarthy headed into surgery to treat an abscess.

In the interview, McCarthy said he believes Bella was taken away from Rachelle. He says "DSS," or Department of Social Services, which years ago changed its name to the Department of Children and Families.
President Donald Trump visited the Supreme Court on Thursday for the first time since taking office to attend a ceremony for Neil Gorsuch, the justice he appointed, as the court mulls what to do with his blocked ban on travelers from six Muslim-majority countries.

The president and first lady Melania Trump were present in the marble-clad courthouse for an investiture ceremony formally welcoming Gorsuch to the top U.S. court. Gorsuch was confirmed by the Senate and sworn in as a justice in April and authored his first ruling last week in a debt-collection case.

Trump sat near the front of the ornate, burgundy-draped courtroom as Chief Justice John Roberts offered him and the first lady a "warm welcome" in opening remarks. The president sat quietly as Roberts administered the judicial oath to Gorsuch and joined the crowd in applauding Gorsuch, smiling broadly.

In appointing Gorsuch, Trump restored the court's 5-4 conservative majority.

Trump did not speak at the event.

Other notable figures at the ceremony included several members of the Senate Judiciary Committee and attorneys general during George W. Bush's presidency, including John Ashcroft and Alberto Gonzales. Also attending was Kenneth Starr, the former independent counsel who investigated Bill Clinton during his presidency.
An American college student released by North Korea after 17 months in detention suffered a "severe neurological injury," a hospital spokeswoman said Thursday.

After returning home from North Korea, 22-year-old Otto Warmbier was immediately transported to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center hospital, where he is in stable condition.

According to doctors, Warmbier suffered severe damage to all parts of his brain.

"He shows no signs of understanding language, responding to verbal commands, or awareness of his surroundings. He has not spoken, he has not engaged in any purposeful movements or behaviors," Dr. Daniel Kanter, who treated Warmbier, told a news conference Thursday.

Kanter and his colleagues added that they have no verifiable information about what happened to Warmbier before he left North Korea, and that, at his family's request, further information about his prognosis and prospects for improvement will remain confidential.

Warmbier's parents said their son has been in a coma for more than a year, and they described his release as a medical evacuation.


Meet Sharon Terry, a former college chaplain and stay-at-home mom who took the medical research world by storm when her two young children were diagnosed with a rare disease known as pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE). In this knockout talk, Terry explains how she and her husband became citizen scientists, working midnight shifts at the lab to find the gene behind PXE and establishing mandates that require researchers to share biological samples and work together.

Watch now http://ted.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=07487d1456302a286cf9c4ccc&id=4fe0ea08c4&e=d3135666a2
Lee Cheol-woo, the head of the National Assembly's Intelligence Committee, quoted NIS chief Suh Hoon as telling lawmakers in a closed-door meeting that the drone was "a mix of Japanese, Chinese and American" components. "An accurate assessment will be available once computer analysis has been completed," Lee added.

The National Intelligence Service said Thursday that a North Korean drone that crashed in South Korea took 551 photos of the Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense battery in the southwest as well as military bases in Gangwon Province.

The NIS also said North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is making fewer and fewer public appearances. Kim had made 51 public appearances this year as of Thursday, down from 244 in 2013 and 148 last year. The NIS concluded that this means he has consolidated his grip on power.

But it added that Kim seems more security-conscious given that he rarely appeared in public during this year's South Korea-U.S. military drills in March, which practiced so-called "decapitation operations" against the North Korean regime. He made two public appearances during that time compared to eight last year.

North Korea is also fixated on gathering intelligence on the decapitation operations, according to the NIS. Regarding the North's rapid missile development, the NIS said the regime is focused on developing a "mid-stage" missile as part of its intercontinental ballistic missile program.

In the case of the KN-17, the maximum range is 5,000 km, which is the longest so far, using a new 80-ton, liquid-powered engine. Kim appears to have watched all of the North's missile launches so far this year. There were nine test launches, and two of them failed.

The North's refusal to accept visits from South Korean civic groups as a prelude to better relations appears to be part of a war of nerves that will not likely end soon, the NIS said.


The figure has been declining since 2010 as people move to surrounding satellite cities due to rising housing costs and traffic congestion and as state-run corporations and ministries relocated to Sejong City and other parts of the country. That means that the population of Gyeonggi Province surrounding the capital, which absorbs a large portion of the exodus, is expected to rise from 12.42 million in 2015 to 13.56 million in 2045.

Statistics Korea on Thursday said the number of citizens in the capital will fall from 9.94 million in 2015 to 8.81 million in 2045. At present they make up a whopping 19.5 percent of Korea's total population.

The population of Seoul is forecast to fall from the present 10 million to less than nine million by 2045.

The population of other big cities like Busan, Daegu and eight others are also expected to shrink. But seven areas including the new administrative capital of Sejong, as well as South Chungcheong Province and Jeju Island are expected to see their populations rise.

As the birthrate keeps declining and the population ages, the economically active population between the ages of 15 to 64 is expected to fall from 37.44 million or 73.4 percent of the population to 27.72 million or 54.3 percent.

Busan (down 38.2 percent), Daegu (down 37 percent) and North Gyeongsang Province (down 33.6 percent) are expected to see the biggest declines in the working population.

In some regions older people will account for the bulk of the populations. South Jeolla Province, North Gyeongsang Province and Gangwon Province are dominated by people in their 40s, who will be in their 60s by 2045. In South Jeolla Province, the median age is expected to rise to 62.2 and in North Gyeongsang and Gangwon Provinces to 60.9.

The proportion of the population over 65 is expected to surpass 30 percent across the country by 2045, with the exception of Sejong. That means one in three people in Korea will be a senior citizen.


Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has been nominated to chair the International Olympic Committee's Ethics Commission.

The proposal by the IOC Executive Board will be put to the vote at the IOC session in Lima, Peru in September, its website said Wednesday.

Ban would be the second Korean to head an IOC commission after Kim Un-yong, the former vice president of the body.

The Ethics Commission was created in 1999 after Salt Lake City bribed an IOC official to bring the 2002 Winter Olympic Games there.


A pair of alleged racially-driven incidents on a McDowell school bus in January resulted in a conviction for a McDowell High student in District Court on Wednesday.

Emerick Jet Gilliam, 16, of Bat Cave Road in Old Fort, was found guilty of assault with a deadly weapon and ethnic intimidation. He was given a 45-day suspended sentence. He must serve 18 months of supervised probation and 48 hours of community service. He must serve 30 days of electronic house arrest. He must not have contact with the victim or all but one of the student witnesses. He must pay court costs.

On Jan. 26, an Old Fort mother filed a criminal complaint to the magistrates office regarding her 14-year-old son after she was told by the McDowell County Sheriffs Office about a string of alleged incidents that occurred on a school bus that month. According to court documents, the mother claimed that Gilliam, a McDowell High School student, had assaulted her son, a mixed-race student from West McDowell Middle School, on two different occasions on Jan. 10 and Jan. 19 and threatened him with a racial slur. The case was eventually taken to District Court.

During the five-hour trial on Wednesday, Prosecutor David Denninger laid out the events as described by the mother, the son, and a group of middle and high school witnesses: Gilliam, the victim, and another African-American student were reportedly involved in a series of altercations between September and January, which included physical roughhousing and racially motivated insults with online videos and song lyrics. During the two incidents in question on Jan. 10 and Jan. 19, Gilliam allegedly choked the victim with a rubber exercise band and claimed, Im going to hang you, (expletive) and, on the latter date, struck the victim with a broken pencil on the face and body, causing facial lacerations and a puncture wound to the leg. The prosecution also alleged that Gilliam had attempted to set the victims hair on fire with a lighter during one of the altercations. Photos of the victims face and leg wounds were presented to the judge for consideration.

During testimony, Gilliam claimed that the two instances did not happen, and that the victim himself instigated an assault by punching the defendant in the genitals during a game with friends. According to Gilliam, after he tried to defend himself, the victim pulled out a pencil and tried to stab him in the same area. Under oath, Gilliam admitted to using the racial slur in question as a response to his alleged attack, but that it was not aimed nor intended for the victim or the other African-American student in a derogatory or hateful manner and was the only racial slur he used.

As Denninger took testimonies from the victim, the victims mother and the student witnesses, defense attorney Mike Edwards claimed that there were inconsistencies between the witnesses testimonies and written statements to School Resource Officer Jason Cook. Such as, the victim and witnesses had a history of bad behavior, and that the victims mother had posted an angry Facebook post regarding the defendant, as well as unfounded claims that she requested front page coverage to The McDowell News. Minutes before the trial ended, Edwards presented two letters to the judge by character witnesses, which claimed that Gilliam did not exhibit disobedience or disrespect to his peers.

On behalf of the defense, bus driver Jeff Elkins was called to the stand.

According to Elkins, the victim and the witnesses exhibited routinely bad behavior and write-ups throughout the year. And, although he called on Gilliam and the victim twice to calm down for horseplay, he did not see the defendant choke the victim with the exercise band. When asked by Denninger if it was possible for him to miss or not hear any of the alleged action while driving, Elkins said, It is possible.

In making her final judgment at the 5 p.m. mark, Judge Laura Powell said the following: I think this probably started out as playful teasing, but I think it became totally out of control on that school bus. I cant imagine that there was no one to view what was going on this bus. It is bad practice, I think, to have middle schoolers and high schoolers on the same bus, and very dangerous, as evidenced by what was going on. For the most part, it seems that everyone was participating in criminal acts of the state on the school bus. Maybe the language he (Gilliam) thought was in play  I cant imagine the extent it was used  that it couldve been. Clearly, it is not. It cant be tolerated, will not be tolerated and is never tolerated, at home or with my children or their friends. It is heartbreaking that it is still happening.
President Moon Jae-in on Thursday offered dialogue without further conditions to North Korea if it stops its nuclear and missile provocations.

He was speaking at a ceremony in Seoul on Thursday to mark the 17th anniversary of the historic inter-Korean summit in 2000. "Despite continued antagonism and confrontation, the two Koreas have achieved progress in relations," listing several landmark agreements that have largely gone up in smoke since.

"Seoul's North Korea policy would not have been inconsistent under successive administration if the two sides had abided by these agreements," he added.

"The North has recently called for respect and implementation of the joint declarations of 2000 and 2007. But it turns out that the North has said one thing but has done another by trying to develop its nuclear and missile programs," he added. "We'll make every effort on our part, but so should the North."


Simple risk score guides surgeons in providing nutrition support sooner and more aggressively.

Patients who are at risk for malnutrition when undergoing heart surgery now can be more quickly and easily identified, leading to intervention and potentially better surgical outcomes, according to a study published online in The Annals of Thoracic Surgery.

Malnutrition resulting from inadequate calorie intake during the postoperative period is associated with high morbidity and mortality, as well as delayed recovery, increased hospital stay, early readmission, decreased quality of life, and increased health care costs.

"Nevertheless, days in the ICU can go by quickly before we realize patients are not getting the nutritional support they need to improve recovery," said senior author Glenn Whitman, MD, of Johns Hopkins Hospital (JHH) in Baltimore, Md. "This study offers a nutrition risk score that may heighten our sensitivity to patients who are most at risk for needing nutritional support, allowing them to receive intervention sooner than we might have done in the past." Dr. Whitman and colleagues at JHH and Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, Mass., identified 1,056 adult open heart surgery patients from their institutions in 2012. Among this cohort, 87 (8%) required postoperative nutritional support (NS). The patients who required NS were more likely than their counterparts to have diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

The group then developed a JHH Nutrition Score (JHH NS) generated by seven variables, such as prior cardiac interventions, white blood cell count, and urgent/emergent operation status, that independently predicted the need for NS. Each variable was given a number if it was abnormal, with higher total scores demonstrating increased need for NS.

"The JHH risk score can be used as a screening tool to divide cardiac surgery admissions into low or high risk for needing nutrition support," said Dr. Whitman. "By adding up the total point score, we can look at patients and determine how at risk they are for being unable to eat during the initial ICU period. If the patients are at high risk, and we know that, we can start nutrition sooner."

The variables used for the JHH NS are "readily accessible," all available immediately from the chart at the time of ICU admission, and the score is easily calculable and highly predictive, explained Dr. Whitman. In contrast, markers from other nutrition risk tools require more history and understanding of patients, so there are substantial limitations when applied to an ICU admission.

The researchers validated the JHH NS by applying the scores to 1,336 patients who underwent heart surgery in 2015 at their institutions. The scores strongly correlated to the 115 (8.6%) who required postoperative NS.

"In using the JHH Nutrition Score to accurately identify the at-risk patients and then aggressively pursuing nutrition support, we may improve substantially upon their current poor outcomes," said Dr. Whitman. "Individualized nutrition strategies, combined with the expertise of the nutrition support team and the clinical approach of the caregiver, may further enhance the management of these patients."

Article: A Novel Risk Score to Predict the Need for Nutrition Support After Cardiac Surgery, Ohkuma RE, Crawford TC, Brown PM, Grimm JC, Magruder JT, Kilic A, Suarez-Pierre A, Snyder S, Wood JD, Schneider E, Sussman MS, Whitman GJ, The Annals of Thoracic Surgery, doi: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2017.03.013, published 15 June 2017.
Intangible cultural heritage inheritors to have fun with citizens

By:Jiang Wenran | From:english.eastday.com | 2017-06-15 15:24

Shanghai, July 15- A growing number of young people have been paying attention to intangible cultural heritage since UNESCO declared Chinese 24 Solar Terms one of the worlds intangible cultural heritage at the end of last year.

Dozens of intangible cultural heritage inheritors from Dachang Town, Baoshan District gathered in IKEA Life Square to perform 10 traditional cultural skills including dough modeling, palm fibre weaving, sugar painting, paper cutting, and colored-lantern making.

Of these, Jiangnan Sizhu is notably also Shanghais city-level intangible cultural heritage project. Dachang Jiangnan Sizhu usually uses the Yangqin, three strings, Sheng, Ruan, Qinqin, Chung-hu, Guzheng and several percussion instruments to create a peaceful and free music style.

Numerous citizens are attracted by the intangible cultural heritageinheritors excellent performances. Even some young people enthusiastically seize the opportunity to interact with them and experience these traditional Chinese skills.

As a historic town in Shanghai, Dachang Town has been doing its best to carry on the intangible cultural heritage, especially through establishing an institute to provide classes for the public every week.
In a study involving simulated out-of-hospital cardiac arrests, drones carrying an automated external defibrillator arrived in less time than emergency medical services, with a reduction in response time of about 16 minutes, according to a study published by JAMA.

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) in the United States has low survival (8-10 percent), with reducing time to defibrillation as the most important factor for increasing survival. Drones can be activated by a dispatcher and sent to an address provided by a 911 caller and may carry an automated external defibrillator (AED) to the location so that a bystander can use it. Whether drones reduce response times in a real-life situation is unknown. Andreas Claesson, R.N., Ph.D., of the Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden, and colleagues compared the time to delivery of an AED using fully autonomous drones for simulated OHCAs vs emergency medical services (EMS).

A drone was developed and certified by the Swedish Transportation Agency and was equipped with an AED (weight, 1.7 lbs.) and placed at a fire station in a municipality north of Stockholm. The drone was equipped with a global positioning system (GPS) and a high-definition camera and integrated with an autopilot software system. It was dispatched for out-of-sight flights in October 2016 to locations where OHCAs within a 6.2 mile radius from the fire station had occurred between 2006 and 2014.

Eighteen remotely operated flights were performed with a median flight distance of about two miles. The median time from call to dispatch of EMS was 3:00 minutes. The median time from dispatch to drone launch was 3 seconds. The median time from dispatch to arrival of the drone was 5:21 minutes vs 22:00 minutes for EMS. The drone arrived more quickly than EMS in all cases with a median reduction in response time of 16:39 minutes.

"Saving 16 minutes is likely to be clinically important. Nonetheless, further test flights, technological development, and evaluation of integration with dispatch centers and aviation administrators are needed," the authors write. "The outcomes of OHCA using the drone-delivered AED by bystanders vs resuscitation by EMS should be studied."

Limitations of the study include the small number of flights over short distances in good weather.
For nearly two decades researchers have sought a way to target an estrogen receptor in the hope they could improve breast cancer survival, but an article published in Nature Communications contends that the effort may never pan out. The reason? The target receptor does not actually appear to be where they believe it to be.

The study questions whether reliance on insufficiently-validated antibodies has led science down a dead-end path since the discovery of estrogen receptor beta (ESR2) in the 1980s.

Cecilia Williams, a researcher at KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm and the joint research center, Science for Life Laboratory (SciLifeLab), says the beta receptor's discovery changed our understanding of estrogen signaling. It also raised hopes for a new endocrine treatment to complement the success of estrogen-blocking drugs such as Tamoxifen.

These therapies target estrogen receptor alpha (ESR1), which was the first and most important biomarker in breast cancer, and can predict which patients respond to anti-estrogen treatment.

But about half of such breast cancer tumors do not respond to anti-estrogen therapies, or they develop resistance over time, Williams says. "It has been thought that ERS2 had an opposite effect to ERS1, and that the beta receptor should not be blocked, but instead activated in breast cancer. This would supposedly improve survival.

"Clinical trials are ongoing in the world right now, which activate ERbeta in breast cancer patients - efforts that our study suggests are based on inadequate data," she says. "While we cannot claim that this receptor is completely absent in breast tumors, we do challenge the data behind the notion that the receptor is there."

The Sweden-based research team says their study invalidates all but one of the antibodies used to detect estrogen receptor beta. These 12 antibodies have instead been mistaking other proteins for ESR2, Williams says, and data generated with these antibodies cannot be trusted.

The one remaining antibody that can successfully be used against the beta receptor, however, can find no trace of the receptor in cancerous or healthy breast tissue, the study states.

Also estrogen research relating to multiple other tissues and diseases are impacted by this study. Many false leads over the years may be due to "insufficiently specific" antibodies in the field of immunohistochemistry (IHC), Williams says.

The researchers validated the antibodies with a level of unprecedented rigor, she says. The team, which included researchers from Uppsala University and Karolinska Institute, used negative and positive controls and applied multiple antibody-based applications. They compared performance of different antibodies on 44 different human tissue types and further identified bound proteins through techniques such mass spectroscopy at a scale not before undertaken.

They also searched large databases of gene expression, including The Cancer Genome Atlas, The Genotype-Tissue Expression, and the Human Protein Atlas, and pin-pointed a universal lack of estrogen receptor beta messenger RNA in breast tissue.

"Our study contributes to improved reproducibility within research using biologics, or antibodies, and it clarifies earlier controversies within the field of estrogen and breast cancer, thus helping move the field forward. In the end, we hope our study will help save both research funding and research time," Williams says.

Anna Asplund, a researcher with Uppsala University, says the work should bring attention to a timely topic. "Significant problems due to poor validation of antibodies have recently been brought to the headlines by major journals, including Nature. We hope that our study, together with other on-going antibody validation efforts, will lead to a better quality of antibodies and antibody-based research."

In addition to the Swedish research universities, the research involved the Division of Pharmaceutical Industries, National Research Centre, in Dokki, Egypt; and the Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Texas, USA.

The project was supported by grants from the National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health, Marie Curie Actions via the Swedish Governmental Agency for Innovation Systems (VINNOVA), the Swedish Cancer Society, the Stockholm County Council, the Swedish Research Council, and the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation.
Data from flights through plumes reveal three times the fine particle levels than officially inventoried.

Summer wildfires boost air pollution considerably more than previously believed.

Naturally burning timber and brush launch what are called fine particles into the air at a rate three times as high as levels noted in emissions inventories at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, according to a new study. The microscopic specks that form aerosols are a hazard to human health, particularly to the lungs and heart.

"Burning biomass produces lots of pollution. These are really bad aerosols to breathe from a health point of view," said researcher Greg Huey from the Georgia Institute of Technology, which led the study. The research also describes other chemicals in wildfire smoke, some never before measured, and it raises the estimated annual emission of particulate matter in the western United States significantly.

The previous EPA data had been based on plume samples taken in controlled burns ignited by forestry professionals. Measuring plumes so thoroughly, from the sky, directly in the thick of a wildfire had not been possible before this study.

Plunging into plume

Unique research missions deployed planes to plow through the plumes of three major wildfires, including the 2013 Rim Fire, the third-largest wildfire in California history. An ensemble of instruments bristling from the flanks of NASA and U.S. Department of Energy aircraft allowed teams of researchers on board to measure chemicals and particles in real time and cull masses of data, upon which the new study is based.

"We actually went to measure, right above the fire, what was coming out," said Huey, a professor in Georgia Tech's School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, which he also chairs.

Bob Yokelson, a professor of atmospheric chemistry at the University of Montana has taken a leadership role in many aspects of the research and was in a group of about 20 scientists who selected the instruments to be installed on the large NASA plane. "We really didn't have to go without anything we wanted really badly," he said. Yokelson also helped design the flight paths.

Georgia Tech had instruments and scientists on the NASA DC-8 plane. Researchers associated with a total of more than a dozen universities and organizations participated in data collection or analysis. The scientists published their peer-reviewed results in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres.

"This paper is expected to serve as a basis for the next NASA fire chemical monitoring mission," Huey said.

Refinery in flames

Methanol, benzene, ozone precursors and other noxious emissions collected from wildfire plumes may make it sound like an oil refinery went up in flames. That's not so far-fetched, as oil and other fossil fuels derive from ancient biomass.

"You can see the smoke, and it's dark for a reason," Huey said. "When you go measuring wildfires, you get everything there is to measure. You start to wonder sometimes what all is in there."

The study found many organic chemicals in the wildfire plumes, and technological advancements allowed them to detect certain nitrates in the smoke for the first time. But burning biomass does not appear to be a dominant source of these chemical pollutants, and the major findings of the study involved the fine particles.

Particulate matter, some of which contains oxidants that cause genetic damage, are in the resulting aerosols. They can drift over long distances into populated areas.

People are exposed to harmful aerosols from industrial sources, too, but fires produce more aerosol per amount of fuel burned. "Cars and power plants with pollution controls burn things much more cleanly," Huey said.

Various aerosols also rise up in the atmosphere, but their net effect on global warming or cooling is still uncertain, as some aerosols reflect sunlight away from Earth, and others, in contrast, trap warmth in the atmosphere.

Prescribed burnings

As global warming expands wildfires in size and number, the ensuing pollution stands to grow along with them. Stepping up professional human-initiated burnings may help cut these emissions, the study suggested.

So-called prescribed burnings prevent or reduce wildfires, and they appear to produce far less pollution per unit area than wildfires, the study said.

"A prescribed fire might burn five tons of biomass fuel per acre, whereas a wildfire might burn 30," said Yokelson, who has dedicated decades of research to biomass fires. "This study shows that wildfires also emit three times more aerosol per ton of fuel burned than prescribed fires."

While still more needs to be known about professional prescribed burnings' emissions, this new research makes clear that wildfires burn much more and pollute much more. The data will also help improve overall estimates of wildfire emissions.

Fire prevention professionals follow stringent rules to carry out prescribed burns to avoid calamity and sending pollution downwind into populated areas. The researchers do not recommend that inexperience people burn biomass, as this contributes to air pollution and can trigger tragic blazes, including wildfires.

Daunting flights

Experiments like these in real natural disasters are uncommon not only because of the rarity of assembling such great instruments and taking them airborne. The flights can also be dangerous. Plumes are not only filled with toxins, but their turbulence tosses planes around, shaking up technology and researchers.

"The smoke leaks into the cabin and makes you nauseous," said Yokelson, who started flying plume missions many years ago. "You're trying to take notes, run your instrument, look at the fire, talk on the headset, and get pictures. And at the same time, it's crazy bumpy. Normally, if you're in a smaller plane, your stomach is not too happy."

Also, wildfires pop up unannounced, so flight schedules must be hammered out on short notice around strict regulations that normally prohibit flights near wildfires. Research aircraft also have to coordinate with regional authorities to avoid crossing paths with fire-fighting planes.

The rare data the flights from NASA's SEAC4RS mission and the Department of Energy's BBOP mission have provided stand to greatly increase understanding of the pollutants naturally burning biomass flings into the air.
I want to be anywhere but here. Sounds poetic, I know. It's also the only truth I know at the moment. And then, I'm reminded about a quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson. It goes like this: There are three wants which can never be satisfied: that of the rich wanting more, that of the sick, wanting something different, and that of the traveler, who says, anywhere but here.

Let's see, I'm pretty satisfied at the momentand I'm grateful for thatand I don't really want more of anything, thank you, once again. Coming to the last part, yes, I'd like to be anywhere but here. But, anywhere seems too vague and indecisive; no offence, to Mr. Emerson. The Mercer's Quality of Living Index recently released their annual list of the 20 best cities in the world to live in. These cities are based on statistics drawn up on account of factors like economic, political, environment, infrastructure, public transport, health, recreation and housing. So, we picked out the top 10 from the list to share with you you know, in case you were thinking of moving out of the country for good

1. Vienna, Austria

 Telegraph UK

Renowned Austrian private tour guide, Diane Naar-Elphee tells Telegraph UK that it is a city that charms and seduces from scratch, but even more the longer you stay. Be it for a quick-paced travel agenda, or an easy-going, stop-and-stare kind of trip, Elphee says that Vienna comes with a seemingly never-ending wealth of things to do and see throughout the year, irrespective of whether you're visiting for the first time, or the hundredth time. The city which has been enlisted for eight years, in a row now, also happens to be one of the richest when it comes to culture and music, with a beautiful mix of cafes and bars, galleries, shops and street markets.

2. Zurich, Switzerland

 Telegraph UK

Divided by the River Limmat, the city sits along the northern shore of Lake Zurich, from where it gets its name, and is surrounded by snow-capped mountains. The streets are squeaky clean and the trams are always on time. And unlike in most other countries (India doesn't even qualify), the Swiss pay phones in Zurich are just as stylish as the city is posh and dotted with the classiest bunch of restaurants, cafes, bars, clubs and museums.

3. Auckland, New Zealand

 Telegraph UK

This is what celebrity chef, Monica Galetti, who grew up in the city says about it. It's big enough to feel like a bustling city but I love that you can get on a ferry and 30 minutes later, be picking oysters at one of the small islands, such as Waiheke, off Auckland. The country's primary gateway, Auckland is home to nearly one third of New Zealand's entire population. And outlining the city is the Waitekere rangesthe country's wilder side that gives it a picturesque view.

4. Munich, Germany

 Telegraph UK

Aside from the fact that Oktoberfest starts right here, Munich is easily one of Germany's most sophisticated and refined cities, what with the abundance of a thriving culture at every nook and corner, the way the city embraces change every Autumn and manages to look completely different and mesmerizing at the same time. Author Janette Griffiths tells the Telegraph UK, Some in Munich call it Toytown' because many of the grittier elements of urban livinglitter, dirt, crimeseem to be absent. And it's true, Munich does rank highly in the quality of life' surveys, but, for me, Toytown is a misnomer that belies the city's character and sense of drama, glamour and romance.

5. Vancouver, Canada

 Telegraph UK

At last year's Telegraph Travel Awards, more than 70,000 readers rated Vancouver as the second best city on Earth, after Cape Town. The city continues to find favour among people across the world, mostly for business and economic purposes as Vancouver is constantly ranked as one of the world's most liveable' cities. Even the Economic Intelligence Unit placed Vancouver on the third spot in its most recent reports, right after Melbourne and Vienna.

6. Dusseldorf, Germany

 Telegraph UK

Telegraph's very own travel writer, the well-known Simon Horsford says, Art is big in Dusseldorf. With more than 100 galleries and 26 museums, a renowned opera house and cutting-edge architecture, this chic and fashion-conscious city by the Rhine patiently loves its cultureand its beer. He further adds, It's a bonus that it's also a city where everything is within comparatively easy reach, with most of its attractions accessible on foot or bicycle, often via its many landscaped parks.

7. Frankfurt, Germany

 Telegraph UK

The city is nicknamed Mainhattan', and is inspired by Frankfurt's skyscrapers. Writing more about this, Paul Wade, Telegraph UK says, The city stretches out like a 3D map: to the north are the Taunnus Mountains; below marking the line of the old fortifications is a broad green belt of parkland; to the south, across the River Main, is the suburb of Sachsenhausen. Frankfurt is compact, with many pedestrianised streets, so can easily walk everywhere, hopping on a tram when your feet complain. Slalom your way past tourists photographing the half-timbered houses and check out the hip MMK Museum of Modern Art and Caricatura, a museum of wickedly satirical cartoons.

8. Geneva, Switzerland

 Telegraph UK

Sophie Butler, a specialist in travel consumer affairs, tells the Telegraph, Geneva has a rich and colourful history of religious turmoil and revolution, a handful of fascinating museums and grand monuments. Every year thousands of skiers pass through Geneva airport's arrivals hall, bypass the city and head straight for the mountains. They are missing out. The city is fringed by the Alps and Jura mountain ranges and extends across the River Rhone at the south-western end of Lake Leman. Old Geneva is laced with small bars, cafes and antique shops that lie tucked away on the cobbled streets, narrow lanes and hidden courtyards.

9. Copenhagen, Denmark

 Telegraph UK

The capital city of Denmark is home to one of the world's greatest chefs, Rene Redzepi's landmark, Noma which, albeit is closed now, inspired the creation and flourishing of various other popular food restaurants and cafes in and around Copenhagen; earning the city the title of one of the world's best destinations for a thriving food culture. The recent Michelin guide awarded 16 of Copenhagen's prominent restaurants a total of 20 stars which is the highest number allotted by Michelin.

10. Basel, Switzerland

 Telegraph UK

One of the relatively smaller cities in Switzerland, Basel is known majorly around the world as the hub of Baselworld, an annual event that sees the art and craft of watchmaking at its finest, come together from different parts of the world. It could very well be called the Cannes of watchmaking. Aside from this affair, Basel has a cultural platform that, according to Telegraph's Ivan Hewitt, is astonishing. The city, he says, sits on the Rhine, with views over mountains to France to the west and Germany to the north. There are plenty of historic sites. It's also a focal point for modern architecture; one of the charming things about Basel is the way old and new are found cheek-by-jowl.
Gao Xiaosong tried online audio programs on Qingting.fm

By:Jiang Wenran | From:english.eastday.com | 2017-06-15 16:02

Shanghai, June 15- The Internet has driven the digitization of communication and also enriched the way people receive information. The Chinese famous musician Gao Xiaosong recently announced to try for the first time an audio program calledAi Dajin Zhibei, which will be exclusively broadcast on Qingting.fm.

The programs slogan is Gao Xiaosongs Guide, Ai Dajin Zhibei. The latter is the antonyms of the former in Chinese. Gao chose the nickname of Ai Dajin to show his sense of humor and to create a character, which is totally different from his former image as a young artist.

The increasingly rich audio programs have gradually increased peoples awareness of online content. For nearly a year, paid content has become controversial topic in the mobile audio industry.

More and more people are willing to pay for high-quality content. Statistics from iMedia Research show that 98 million Chinese users paid for content at least once in 2016 and the number is estimated to reach 292 million in 2018.

With the newly released Gao Xiaosongs paid audio program, Qingting.fm will start a brand new audio business model and an Omni media IP business model will also be incubated in the coming future through the audio+ business ecology format innovation.
Innovation

Humans, animals and the environment  our health is all connected

Why the One Health approach is important now more than ever
Dad and me Sino-Swedish lifestyle show and photo exhibition held in Shanghai

By:Wang Jiaye | From:english.eastday.com | 2017-06-16 09:15

Twenty-five families from China and Sweden took part in Dad and me - the Swedish lifestyle show and theatre workshop for dads and kids at the Metro Music Salon at Peoples Square Station in Shanghai on June 10, 2017. Meanwhile, the Dads Photo Exhibition was on show at the transfer hall of the station.

The activity was hosted by the Consulate General of Sweden in Shanghai and co-hosted by the Shanghai Peoples Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (SPAFFC).

Deputy Consul General of Sweden Fredrik Uddenfeldt attended the activity with his daughter. He said that he was so happy to see so many Chinese and Swedish families join the activity. Everyone can relate to fatherhood. Regardless if it is because you have a father, or you are a father yourself, you have thoughts about fatherhood. I think the role of fathers will become more and more important.

Mr. Bi, a father of a 5-year-old boy taking part in the activity that day held the view that it is very important to spend time with your child, even through you just silently accompany him. Children grow up only once. The best gift we can give him is to grow up with him, the mother added.

Photo: Kids come and get the gold coins of Pippi Longstocking.

The series of father-themed events was launched in March 2017, inspired by the Swedish parental leave for dads and the Swedish Dads photo exhibition.

In 1974, Sweden was the first country in the world to replace maternity leave with gender-neutral parental leave  for both fathers and mothers. The Swedish government currently offers 480 days of parental leave for each family, of which 90 days are reserved for fathers. Today, the average Swedish father will take 120 days of parental leave.

Johan Bavman is a Swedish photographer and also a young father. He used his parental leave and spent several months at home with his son. He realized the importance of spending time with his child, learning how to take care of him. Thus, Johan started to document other fathers stories with his camera. This led to a series of photos named Swedish Dads.

Photo: Theatre workshop for dads and kids

China has now fully implemented the "second child policy" and more and more parents now have to confront the pressure of balancing work and family life.

The Swedish Consulate General in Shanghai launched a project titled Father, featuring a series of online and offline activities such as a "Chinese Dads" photography contest, a "Dad" photograph exhibition and a parent-child fashion show to review the role of fathers in modern families.

The host selected 25 finalists from over 15,000 photos that were received from all over China within a two-month period. Now they are presenting them to the people of Shanghai together with the 25 photos from the Swedish Dads exhibition in the Dads Photo Exhibition.

The exhibition is touring at the Swedish National Day celebration Peoples Square metro station, the IKEA Beicai store and the China Art Museum in Shanghai from June 6 to July 31.

At the Swedish National Day celebration and opening exhibition on June 6, the winner of the first prize was announced with an award of a family trip to Sweden.

Photo: the winning family (this photo is provided by the Consulate General of Sweden in Shanghai)

Photos by Tang Chun

Story by Wang Jiaye
Following the completion of the relevant negotiations, an agreement was signed a short while ago between Greece and the Arab Republic of Egypt on the diplomatic representation of Egypt in Qatar by the Greek embassy in Doha. The agreement enters into force immediately and covers diplomatic, administrative and consular affairs.
Society, movies or peers: Who is to blame for crimes by jilted lovers, stalkers? | News Brake Ep 41
LANSING  While a contentious education bill introduced earlier this year by Sen. Phil Pavlov is still making its way through committee, Pavlov is hopeful the state senate will have a chance to vote on it in the near future.

Senate Bill 81, introduced Jan. 31 by Pavlov, R-St. Clair, and currently in the Committee of Government Operations, is aimed to void Common Core standards and create a framework establishing state standards to replace them. A very similar piece of legislation, House Bill 4192, introduced Feb. 9 by Rep. Gary Glenn, R-Midland, also remains at the committee level. Both representatives introduced Common Core repeal laws during the 2016 legislative session that passed out of committee, but didnt see action on the floor before the end of the year.

So were starting the process over one more time, said Pavlov. I hope to get something this year on it.

Pavlov said the motivation behind the bill is the belief that education curriculum should be done at the state level, not a national one.

The federal government should not have control over our curriculum, over whats taught in our classrooms in the state of Michigan, Pavlov. I have always been a firm believer that those are states rights issues and we ought to be the ones that are developing the curriculum, setting the standards and meeting those expectations at a local level.

The Common Core State Standards Initiative was introduced in 2010, and details what standards K-12 students should know in English, language arts and mathematics at the end of each grade. Michigan was one of 45 states to initially adopt the standards in 2010 and is currently one of 42 states that have Common Core fully implemented.

While Common Core has its supporters for its set of strict learning goals, there are also critics, such as Pavlov.

I think that when you take the individuality out of education, you create a society of clones, he said. What we want to be able to do is recognize that every student has an opportunity to learn, every student is unique and we shouldnt be educating under a federal mandate of a one-size-fits-all curriculum.

If the bills are passed, Michigan would be the fourth state to repeal Common Core and replace it with something else, joining Indiana, Oklahoma and South Carolina. They would be replaced with educational standards that were once used in Massachusetts and ranked highest in the nation when they were in place.

Pavlov said the legislation has support among teachers who agree with the fact that the state should be controlling education policy closest to the students.
UBLY  Joe Candela made his return home last summer when he was hired at his former school district as its leader.

The 1989 Ubly graduates stay in Bearcat country was extended during Monday nights school board meeting as board members unanimously approved a contract extension.

Candela, superintendent of Ubly Community Schools, received a highly effective rating by school board members for his year-end performance. A highly effective rating is the highest evaluation a superintendent can receive. Candelas contract was extended to 2020.

We had a great year and things went really well, Candela told the Tribune.

Each year, school board members must evaluate their superintendent based on several factors. A few of those factors include: communication with the community, approachability, financial controls, facility management and many others.

It was a very positive year, but obviously Im only one small piece of that, Candela said. The staff here knows how to work together and do whats best for our kids and their futures.

We had a lot of accomplishments in a lot of areas like academics, sports, the FFA and our robotics program  just to name a few, he added.

If a superintendent receives a highly effective rating on three consecutive annual evaluations, board members may choose to conduct an evaluation biennially instead of annually, according to the Michigan Association of School Boards.

Im happy that I came back home and its been very nice for my family and me, Candela said.

In other news, the board set the 2017-18 budget hearing for 6 p.m. June 26 inside the districts library. The board is scheduled to approve or reject a budget for the next school year.

Other items approved at the meeting include:

 A 1 percent salary increase for Ublys teaching staff for next year.

 Hiring Roni Boynton as a new elementary secretary and Sarah Stirrett as a custodian.

 Allowing an overnight stay for the high schools cross-country team at a meet in the fall. Students will leave on a Friday night to compete in a Saturday meet.

 Accepting the resignation of August Recker and Tiffany Zurek.

 Enrolling in school of choice for the 2017-18 school year. Candela said the district has about 140 students who participate in school of choice.

 Increasing elementary school lunches by five cents and middle and high school lunches by 10 cents.

The board is scheduled to meet for its next regular meeting at 7 p.m. on July 10 in the districts library.
TUSCOLA COUNTY  The deadlock between lawmakers vision for the states renewable energy future and the wishes of some townships continues.

NextEra Energy Resources is in the process of developing its Tuscola Wind III farm with 55 wind turbines in Almer Charter, Fairgrove and Ellington townships, but the company is meeting opposition in Almer Charter and Ellington townships.

When the company started developing the wind farm, the renewable energy standard was 10 percent, but since then, lawmakers increased the standard by five percent more.

Wind development is an area of contention in Almer Charter and Ellington townships. Officials there want to have a say and control over wind development in their townships. As a result, there are lawsuits, and finger pointing.

We are still assessing our options as it relates to wind in the Thumb, said Steven Stengel of NextEra Energy Resources, LLC. The state of Michigan and its elected officials have made it clear they want more renewable energy development. In fact, the state recently expanded its renewable energy standard from 10 to 15 percent.

In February, NextEra filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court of the Eastern District of Michigan in Bay City, alleging Almer Charter Township has systematically tried to prevent the project from going forward. The suit claims the Almer Board was elected on an anti-wind agenda, that they enacted a moratorium on wind development, and denied special use permits for the project.

Also, in March, a lawsuit was filed in Tuscola County Circuit Court against Ellington Township and township planning commission members Eric Zbytowski and Ed Talaski who were appointed in January.

The suit contended they shouldnt have been appointed, sought to block them from participating in planning commission meetings along with wind development proceedings, and contends former planning commission members should be reinstated.

That suit was filed by former Ellington Township Supervisor Duane Lockwood, and township residents David Vollmar and Ronald Cybulski.

The judge recently ruled in favor of plaintiffs, said Ellington Township Clerk Bobbie Mozden.

During a special meeting on May 25, Mozden gave the oath of office to former planning commission members George Mika and Eugene Davidson who had been replaced by Eric Zbytowski and Ed Talaski.

Also at that meeting, the board voted to file with the township clerk a petition for amendments to the zoning ordinance.

The amendment vested the township board with final authority to approve special land use applications and site plans.

Upon filing with the township clerk, the petition will be forwarded to the township planning commission for a public hearing and a recommendation pursuant to Article 18 of the Zoning Ordinance and the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act, including full verbiage of MCL 125.3103, the motion reads.

The results of the roll-call were: Trustee Mike Wagner no, while clerk Mozden, Supervisor Russ Speirs, and trustees Carmell Pattullo, and Gregg Campbell each voted yes.

A public hearing has not been scheduled yet.

Since NextEra started trying to develop the Tuscola Wind III wind farm, lawmakers changed the renewable standard from 10 percent to 12.5 percent in 2019 and to 15 percent in 2021.

The Thumb of Michigan has the very best wind resource in the state  which translates to lower energy rates for residents  and many communities have chosen to host wind projects, saidStengel. Those communities are benefiting from the economic impact of those projects and others should have a chance to do the same.

According to a Wind Energy Resource Zone Board (WERZ) study conducted a few years ago, Michigan, especially, the Thumb area is a prime location for wind development. The study ranked Michigan 14th in the U.S. for wind energy potential, and identified four regions as having the highest potential for wind energy harvest. The Greater Thumb Area was one of the four.

Neighboring Huron County hosts the largest number of wind turbines in the state. However, the future of wind energy development there remains uncertain, and residents voted against wind energy referendums in early May.

In both Huron and Tuscola counties, the wind energy debate continues.
More than a dozen Air Force F-35 pilots experienced oxygen deprivation symptoms between 2011 and this year, the service disclosed Thursday as it investigates a steady uptick of hypoxia-related incidents at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona.

It marked the first time many of the cases had been disclosed publicly.

In a statement Thursday, Air Force spokesman Capt. Mark Graff said that since April 2, 2011, there "have been 15 reported F-35A in-flight and ground physiological events."

"Five of those events were reported by Luke Air Force Base pilots between May 2 and June 8th, 2017," Graff said in an email. "In all cases, pilots were able to safely recover the aircraft via established procedures."

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Graff said that the 10 previous cases were considered isolated incidents because they were not regular occurrences at a frequent rate. However, there were far fewer F-35s -- a model designed for taking off and landing on conventional runways -- in the Air Force's inventory during that timeframe.

"Overall, physiological events occur at low rates in all Air Force aircraft," Graff said. "The Air Force reviews all physiological events to learn from them and to ensure the safety and well-being of our pilots."

The service is maintaining a temporary suspension of all F-35 flights at Luke until further notice, officials said this week.

The 56th Fighter Wing at the base halted operations for all F-35As there after pilots recently complained of hypoxia-related issues.

"The 56th Fighter Wing will continue their pause in local F-35A flying to coordinate analysis and communication between pilots, maintainers, medical professionals and a team of military and industry experts," Luke spokeswoman Maj. Rebecca Heyse said in a statement Monday.

Graff did not say whether the service is any closer to pinpointing the issue, nor if the earlier cases have shed light on the recent incidents at Luke.

Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Sen. John McCain issued a statement on the Luke F-35A stand-down Wednesday, concerned for operations in his home state.

"I am in close communication with Air Force officials as they continue to conduct a technical analysis of the F-35A program at Luke Air Force Base, which has been suspended following reports of physiological incidents in recent weeks," he said. "I share the concerns of our military commanders, and believe it is critical they identify the root cause of these incidents and take the necessary steps to ensure our pilots return to safe flying operations.

"I appreciate the careful work by the team of engineers, maintainers and aeromedical specialists examining this issue, and will continue to monitor their work so we can protect the safety and well-being of our brave airmen training at Luke Air Force Base," McCain added.

Since May 2, five F-35A pilots have experienced physiological incidents while flying. In each case, the aircraft's backup oxygen system kicked in and the pilot followed the correct procedures to land safely, officials have said.

A total of 55 F-35As are assigned to Luke.

Base officials educated pilots on the effects of hypoxia last Friday, Graff said. Now, there will be "continued analysis of the incidents, and [officials will] fuse that with more information as they go about it. The incidents are the crux of the issue," he said.

There have been no additional reports from pilots suffering similar symptoms, Graff said.

The issue of military pilots suffering hypoxia-like symptoms -- shortness of breath, confusion, wheezing -- in-flight isn't limited to the F-35 fleet.

Pilots flying the F-22 Raptor fifth-generation stealth jet experienced hypoxia symptoms on various occasions between 2008 and 2012. One pilot died as a result, and one had a near-death scare, with dozens more pilots experiencing confusion and disorientation while flying, according to an ABC News investigation at the time.

Then-Pentagon spokesman George Little said investigators found the cause to be a faulty valve in the high-pressure vest worn by the pilots at extreme altitude, which was restricting their ability to breathe.

More recently, the Navy went so far as to equip the aircraft carrier USS George H. W. Bush with specialized equipment called a transportable recompression system, or hyperbaric chamber, amid a review of physiological episodes affecting pilots who fly the T-45 trainer and the F/A-18 Hornet.

Dan Ward, a former engineering officer and retired Air Force lieutenant colonel, in a 2015 opinion piece for the website "War is Boring," wrote that like its stealth jet predecessors, the F-35 will likely experience similar hypoxia setbacks.

"Forget the enormous cost overruns. Excuse the epic schedule delays. Overlook the disturbing performance limitations.  It comes down to a single word -- hypoxia," Ward said at the time.

"The likelihood of the JSF displaying a flaw similar to the F-22's is high because the JSF is just as complex as the F-22, if not more so, and all that complexity tends to hide bugs and problems and flaws," he said.

-- Oriana Pawlyk can be reached at oriana.pawlyk@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at@Oriana0214.

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The Air Force still hasn't determined what is causing pilots to experience oxygen deprivation symptoms at Luke Air Force Base, an official said Friday.

The revelation comes one week after the service grounded all 55 F-35A Lightning IIs at the Arizona base and other previously undisclosed incidents have come to light.

"We learned a lot from each other" over the past week, Brig. Gen. Brook Leonard, 56th Fighter Wing commander, told reporters during a call Friday, referencing ongoing maintenance and strategic initiatives the base has been working on since operations halted June 9.

But "we did not find a specific cause that we could put our finger on and just fix and then all of a sudden return to flying with safe operations," said Leonard, an F-35 instructor pilot and former F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot.

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The 56th Fighter Wing halted operations for all F-35As last week after pilots complained of hypoxia-related issues.

But the base hopes it can return its F-35s to flight by Tuesday, Leonard said. Engineers, maintainers and aeromedical specialists, including officials from the aircraft's manufacturer, Lockheed Martin, have been on the case, he said.

Without giving specifics, Leonard said, "We did eliminate a lot of areas" of what the causes could be regarding the maintenance or aircrew management side of operations that could cause physiological incidents.

"The solution is going to be a very multi-layered human and machine solution," he said. "We're progressing toward that."

On Thursday, Air Force officials disclosed to Military.com that there have been 15 reported F-35A in-flight and ground physiological events since April 2, 2011, including the most recent events at Luke.

Leonard on Friday added that within that same timeframe, 23 cases have occurred across the Joint Strike Fighter fleet -- 15 Air Force models, three Marine Corps B models and five Navy C models. He said the other services' incidents occurred "some years back."

In the 23 cases, 13 -- across all three models -- were discovered to have a root cause, the commander said.

A defense official told Military.com on Friday those 13 were plagued by "pressure issues, contaminated oxygen and ground events." Ground events, for example, could be attributed to "lots of jets on a ramp, of which exhaust fumes may have played a role," the official said.

The remaining 10 remain unexplained. "We may never arrive at a determination for some of these," the official said.

As for recent events, which are limited to Luke, "Some are specific to the person," the defense official said. "How they were flying, at what altitude they were flying," among other variables could play a role, the official said.

Leonard said the hypoxia-like symptoms at Luke were linked to pilots flying at a particular altitude, but would not disclose specifics.

The general said the Air Force hasn't ruled out that the issue could be linked to the On-Board Oxygen Generating System, known as OBOGS.

"We do think the OBOGS system is not as robust as it can be; however, according to all our testing, it meets the minimum standard," he said.

There are plans to modify the system, made by Honeywell, Leonard said, but he would not give details. "While that could be weakness in the OBOGS system  we did not find that a causal across the five instances," he said.

Of the recent incidents, four jets belong to the U.S. Air Force and one to an international partner, Leonard said. Australia, Norway and Italy are currently training alongside the service at the base.

Avoiding Flight Envelopes

The Air Force has created initiatives to keep pilots safe when flying, and to avoid experiencing symptoms -- shortness of breath, confusion, wheezing -- in-flight, Leonard said.

"We're looking to avoid the flight envelopes that all of the flight aircraft were in when they occurred," he said, referencing a temporary, but undisclosed, altitude restriction.

The service also is exploring wearable sensor technologies that "allow us to tell the oxygen level in the pilot, similar to what we did in the F-22" [Raptor], Leonard said.

Other measures include limiting pilots' exposure to ground effects -- by limiting how long they are exposed to high heat on the ground, excess exhaust or traces of jet fuel before getting into the cockpit, for example -- and instructing pilots how best to identify symptoms before an event occurs.

"Last but not least, we're making sure our backup oxygen systems  each time an aircraft takes off, those systems are as full and capable as they can be," Leonard said.

The defense official added, "We don't want to relearn F-22 issues here."

There have been no additional reports from F-35A pilots suffering similar symptoms, Air Force spokesman Capt. Mark Graff recently said.

'Complexity Tends to Hide Bugs'

The issue of military pilots suffering hypoxia-like symptoms in-flight isn't limited to the F-35 fleet.

Pilots flying the F-22 fifth-generation stealth jet experienced hypoxia symptoms on occasions between 2008 and 2012. One pilot died as a result, and one had a near-death scare, with dozens more pilots experiencing confusion and disorientation while flying, according to an ABC News investigation at the time.

Then-Pentagon spokesman George Little said investigators found the cause to be a faulty valve in the high-pressure vest worn by pilots at extreme altitude, which was restricting their ability to breathe.

More recently, the Navy went so far as to equip the aircraft carrier USS George H. W. Bush with specialized equipment called a transportable recompression system, or hyperbaric chamber, amid a review of physiological episodes affecting pilots who fly the T-45 Goshawk trainer and the F/A-18 Hornet.

Dan Ward, a former engineering officer and retired Air Force lieutenant colonel, in a 2015 opinion piece for the website "War is Boring," wrote that, like its stealth jet predecessors, the F-35 will likely experience similar hypoxia setbacks.

"Forget the enormous cost overruns. Excuse the epic schedule delays. Overlook the disturbing performance limitations. ... It comes down to a single word -- hypoxia," Ward said at the time.

"The likelihood of the JSF displaying a flaw similar to the F-22's is high because the JSF is just as complex as the F-22, if not more so, and all that complexity tends to hide bugs and problems and flaws," he said.

-- Oriana Pawlyk can be reached at oriana.pawlyk@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at@Oriana0214.

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Camp Lejeune Town Halls Aim to Help Those Exposed to Toxic Water. Heres How You Can Go.

Retired Marine Master Sgt. Jerry Ensminger made it his mission to tell the world that if they lived or served on Camp Lejeune...
A spokeswoman for Defense Secretary Jim Mattis on Friday pushed back against news reports that he's already approved sending 4,000 more U.S. troops to Afghanistan.

"Secretary Mattis has made no decisions on a troop increase for Afghanistan," Dana White, an assistant to Mattis and the chief Pentagon spokesperson, said in a statement.

White noted that Mattis in testimony to Congress through this week had repeatedly said that decisions on troop increases would await the presentation to President Donald Trump of a new strategy for Afghanistan that would be ready in mid-July.

The Associated Press on Thursday reported that Mattis as early as next week may announce that he supports deploying 4,000 more troops in response to the request of Army Gen. John Nicholson, the U.S. commander in Afghanistan, who had requested between 3,000 and 5,000 additional forces.

In her statement, White said that Trump had delegated authority to Mattis to set troop levels in Afghanistan, but any decision would have to await consultations with other government agencies, the Afghan government, NATO allies and other coalition members.

The U.S. currently has roughly 8,400 troops in Afghanistan (excluding those in country on a temporary basis), while NATO and coalition allies have a total of about 5,000 forces.

Mattis' quick denial through his spokesperson of the AP report attributed to a "Trump administration official" suggested disarray within the administration on the way forward in Afghanistan, where Mattis said earlier this week that the Taliban "had a good year last year."

In the course of testifying on the budget at four congressional hearings from Monday through Thursday, Mattis was challenged repeatedly on how the addition of a few thousand troops could turn around a steadily deteriorating situation in which the Taliban is resurgent, an offshoot of ISIS is stepping up terror attacks, al-Qaida maintains a presence, and widespread corruption in Kabul stifles reform.

At a hearing of the defense subcommittee of the Senate Appropriations Committee on Wednesday, Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., asked Mattis, "What are the likely prospects that sending more troops will make any more difference now than it has in the last 16 years?"

"It's a fair question," Mattis replied. In his prepared testimony and in response to questions, he said the U.S. has no choice but to continue a long-term commitment to Afghanistan to prevent another 9/11-type attack on the homeland.

"Thanks to the vigilance and skill of the U.S. military and our many allies and partners, horrors on the scale of Sept. 11, 2001, have not been repeated on our shores," Mattis said. "However, the danger continues to evolve, and that danger requires a commitment to defeat terrorist organizations that threaten the United States, other nations and the people of Afghanistan."

In assessing the way forward, "This administration will not repeat the mistakes of the past," he said. "We cannot allow Afghanistan to once again become a launching point for attacks on our homeland or on our allies."

Mattis did not go into detail on what he meant by "mistakes," but said the new strategy he is drawing up in concert with Secretary of State Rex Tillerson will be firmly based on the situation on the ground, and not be guided by arbitrary timelines for withdrawals.

In sketching the outlines of the new strategy, Mattis said, "We will continue to work with our allies, and we will ask more of them."

He said, "Our core mission will remain the same -- to train, advise and assist Afghan forces," but he is looking for more "agility" on how U.S. troops are employed, possibly moving them down to lower levels in the Afghan command chain in their advisory roles.

The new strategy will also focus on increased airpower to hold off the Taliban and give the Afghan forces breathing space to train and regroup, Mattis said.

Nicholson began asking for a "few thousand" more U.S. troops in February. He described the situation in Afghanistan at the time as being at a "stalemate."

In March, Army Gen. Joseph Votel, Nicholson's boss as commander of U.S. Central Command, backed up Nicholson's request in testimony to the Senate Armed Services Committee.

Sen. John McCain, the committee chairman, asked Votel, "Are we developing a strategy to break the stalemate and is it going to require additional U.S. troops?"

Votel responded that "the answer to your question is 'yes,' we are developing a strategy and we are in discussions with the -- with the [defense] secretary and the department right now, both General Nicholson and I are -- are forming our best advice and recommendations to the secretary and we look forward to moving forward with that."

"I do believe it will involve additional forces to ensure that we can make the advise-and-assist mission more -- more effective," Votel said.

An another SASC hearing on Tuesday, McCain prodded Mattis on why it is taking so long to come up with the new strategy for Afghanistan.

"We are now six months into this administration. We still haven't got a strategy for Afghanistan," he said. "It makes it hard for us to support you when we don't have a strategy. We know what the strategy was for the last eight years -- don't lose. That hasn't worked."

-- Richard Sisk can be reached at Richard.Sisk@Military.com.
Updated 10:29 p.m. Eastern Standard Time

U.S. and Japanese ships and aircraft rushed to help a Navy destroyer and medically evacuate at least three personnel -- including the commanding officer -- after a collision with a merchant ship southwest of Yokosuka, Japan.

Navy officials were assessing the damage to the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Fitzgerald, which officials said was damaged below the water line and experienced flooding. Seven sailors remain unaccounted for, the service said in a statement late Friday.

A Japanese television news outlet captured overhead footage of the destroyer that showed crush damage to the starboard, or right, side of the ship, including its deckhouse.

In a statement published just after 6 p.m. EST, Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John Richardson indicated the severity of the incident was still unclear.

"As more information is learned, we will be sure to share to it with the Fitzgerald families and when appropriate the public," he said in the message. "Thank you for your well wishes and messages of concern. All of our thoughts and prayers are with the Fitzgerald crew and their families."

The Japanese Coast Guard is searching for the seven missing sailors, 7th Fleet said in a statement.

In a separate message on its Facebook page, 7th Fleet said two sailors in addition to Cmdr. Bryce Benson, the commanding officer, were medically evacuated from the destroyer to U.S. Naval Hospital-Yokosuka for lacerations and bruises.

The collision happened around 2:30 a.m. Saturday local time. An official familiar with the incident could not confirm which country the merchant vessel hailed from, but characterized it as large and like a container ship.

The Associated Press identified the vessel as the container ship Philippine ACX Crystal from the Philippines.

The Fitzgerald had been conducting routine operations in Sagami Bay, about 56 nautical miles southwest of Yokosuka, a Pacific Fleet spokesman, Lt. Cmdr. Matt Knight, told Military.com.

The destroyer sustained damage on the right side above and below the waterline, resulting in some flooding, according to 7th Fleet. The vessel was operating under her own power, but with limited propulsion.

Navy officials requested and were receiving assistance from the Japanese Coast Guard, Knight said. The service's cutters Izunami and Kano were assisting, according to 7th Fleet.

The destroyer USS Dewey (DDG 105), medical assistance and two Navy tugs were also being dispatched to provide assistance, 7th Fleet said. Naval aircraft were also being readied, it said.

An investigation into the incident is planned.

The Fitzgerald is assigned to the 5th Carrier Strike Group, which is led by the carrier Ronald Reagan and operates out of Japan.

-- Hope Hodge Seck can be reached at hope.seck@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @HopeSeck.

-- Brendan McGarry contributed to this report.

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The newest weapon in the Navy's fight to prevent physical episodes that endanger fighter pilots in the cockpit is an off-the-shelf watch that can measure air pressure and altitude.

Military.com has learned that the Navy plans to equip every pilot who flies an F/A-18 Hornet or E/A-18G Growler a Garmin Fenix 3 watch, a sleek wrist-wearable device that retails for around $450. Navy Air Forces Commander Vice Adm. Mike Shoemaker released a message to the force in January announcing that he had authorized the devices for deploying strike fighter squadrons 34 and 37, which both fly the older F/A-18C Hornet, rather than the E/F Super Hornet.

Since then, the Navy has ordered enough of the watches for all Hornet and Growler squadrons, Naval Air Forces spokeswoman Cmdr. Jeannie Groeneveld told Military.com Thursday.

"We aim to have 100 percent of our fleet squadrons equipped with the watches by August," she said via email.

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The revelation comes the same day the Navy released a 69-page report about physiological episodes that have affected the crews of Hornets, Growlers, and T-45 Goshawk trainers. Commissioned after the Navy ordered a pause in T-45 training flights due to a spike in cockpit episodes, the report offers abundant data, but few solutions.

Documents released alongside the report show that the Hornet and Growler communities saw a record spike in episodes in 2016, with 125 incidents reported. Data for 2017 suggests another notable year, with 52 incidents reported just since January.

For the T-45, cockpit episodes spiked in 2015 and have stayed high since, with a record number, 36, in 2016, and 21 so far this year. March 2017 was a record month for T-45 incidents, with ten reported across the three training units that fly the aircraft.

While those in the T-45 community have speculated that mysterious hypoxia-like episodes in the cockpit are caused by a contaminant on the aircraft's onboard oxygen generation system, most F/A-18 episodes have been attributed to environmental control system issues and cabin pressurization malfunctions, according to the report.

And that's where the watches may come in handy.

The watches, the report notes, were purchased for all F/A-18 crew based in Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia, because the cabin altimeter gauge of their aircraft was difficult to read due to its size and location, and "its audible warnings are ineffective through the flight envelope."

The watches, once issued to pilots, will alert them when cabin altitude reaches a preset threshold, Navy spokeswoman Lt. Kara Yingling told Military.com. Essentially, the devices could provide pilots with an additional early warning to prevent cabin pressure problems from reaching a crisis point.

Military.com first reported in May that some Hornet pilots were wearing the watches while deployed to the Middle East to conduct airstrikes on Islamic State targets in Iraq and Syria. Capt. James McCall, commander of Carrier Air Wing 8 deployed aboard the carrier George H. W. Bush, said the idea had originated with the crew of VFA-37. The Navy then authorized them to wear the devices, he said.

"I can't speak to the Navy enterprise, their intention to do that for all type-model-series, but I know our guys wear them and like the capability they provide," McCall said.

As of May, two Hornet pilots assigned to the Bush had experienced physiological episodes during missions, McCall said at the time. They were treated using another innovation: a recompression chamber that deployed aboard the Bush for just that purpose.

The altimeter watch concept does have its detractors, however.

"These watches have not undergone [Naval Air Systems Command] testing for accuracy and dynamic range for this application," the authors of the new report warn. "NAVAIR engineers expressed concern these watches could provide a false sense of security."

Navy officials continue to look for ways to solve the problem of physiological episodes -- an issue that has claimed the lives of four Hornet pilots over the course of decades, according to recently released data.

Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Bill Moran, who ordered the recent review, told reporters Thursday that a slew of efforts were still underway to detect existing problems and to ensure that onboard oxygen generation systems were providing pilots with clean, dry, non-contaminated air. If all else fails, the Navy may order aircraft to be equipped across the board with a new, next-generation onboard oxygen generation system, Moran said.

We have been dealing with hypoxic events in naval aviation for as long as we've had high-performance jets," Moran said. "What we're seeing, though, is a trend in the wrong direction."

-- Hope Hodge Seck can be reached at hope.seck@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @HopeSeck.
The U.S. plans to send nearly 4,000 more troops to Afghanistan, the Associated Press is reporting.

The Defense Department may next week announce the deployment of mostly trainers and advisers, the AP reported Thursday night, citing a Trump administration official.

A Pentagon spokesman told Military.com "no decision has yet been made."

The figure is in line with a long-standing request from Army Gen. John Nicholson, the U.S. commander to Afghanistan, to deploy 3,000 to 5,000 additional American service members to the country.

The U.S. currently has roughly 8,400 troops in Afghanistan (excluding those in country on a temporary basis), while NATO and coalition allies have a total of about 5,000 forces.

American troop levels in the country peaked at about 100,000 in 2011 after former President Barack Obama approved a surge of about 30,000, according to the Congressional Research Service.

Defense Secretary Jim Mattis on Wednesday said President Donald Trump gave him the authority to set troop levels in the theater. He planned to present the president with a new strategy for the war -- including how and when to deploy the troops -- in a matter of "weeks, not months."

Mattis also said he would develop the strategy in concert with Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.

Last week, three U.S. soldiers were killed and one wounded after an Afghan soldier shot them in eastern Afghanistan, the Defense Department said. The so-called insider attack brings to six the number of Americans killed in combat in the country this year -- all in Nangarhar province.

Since the U.S. launched military operations in Afghanistan in 2001, a total of 2,399 American service members have died in support of the war, according to the website icasualties.org, which tracks U.S. and coalition deaths.

-- Richard Sisk contributed to this report.

-- Brendan McGarry can be reached at brendan.mcgarry@military.com. Follow him on Twitter at @Brendan_McGarry.
When I came home from my extended business trip, it was clear: My husband and our boys had together adopted a new world and language.

My trip was longer than most I've done recently, and my husband had held down the home front. Before my trip, we had both simply put up with our kids' new Minecraft obsession, and worked to control our eye rolling when they talked about "battling the Ender Dragon."

But when I returned, I could see that the three of them had formed a special bond through a Minecraft world during my absence.

I felt stuck on the outside of my family's relationship over this game -- a feeling I assume many troops experience when they return home after deployment. I struggled for the next few weeks, watching them play together and sometimes go over what we had before decided was our max on electronic time.

From my outside view, this whole thing looked like a video game problem that needed balance.

But for my husband, their newly shared hobby was a fun platform that not only gave his mind a break from work, but provided father-son quality time.

In my head, I wanted to sit in my feelings of resentment and jealousy over their time together and force them to see what I considered a problem.

When it comes to marriage, it is far too easy to assume that our spouses are the problem, especially when it involves hobbies that aren't shared. In my counseling practice, I often see intense conflicts between couples when one is invested in a hobby more than other would like.

There are endless examples of activities that start off as "cute" in the relationship, only to drive a wedge later -- hunting, crafts, sports, clubs, video games and more. At some point, the hobby isn't cute anymore because one spouse is enjoying it "too much" -- a level that the frustrated spouse has determined on his or her own.

Military life doesn't exactly help with that. When so much time is spent apart, both the service member and the spouse have to find their groove separately. We each invest in activities that interest us, fulfill us and maybe even bring us a sense of purpose. When we come back together, our worlds conflict because, frankly, we each needed different things during the separation.

If you're a service member, you may have found activities that helped you compartmentalize or deal with boredom. If you're a spouse at home, you may have immersed yourself in activities that involved community or provided a sense of purpose.

It makes sense that the two separate worlds conflict at homecoming. But that collision can create a gap in our relationships that makes us feel even further apart. We begin to see our spouses as wrong and their interests as destructive, often because they are not interests we share. And if it gets really bad, we start making ultimatums.

The number one complaint I hear from military spouses is that they feel their service member chooses video games or friends over them. And the number one complaint I hear from service members is that their spouses choose the children over them.

The conflict is real.

Regardless of which spouse you relate to, there is something in all of us that gets disappointed, even hurt, when our spouses don't appreciate what interests us. Whether our spouses care about what we do matters, especially if they don't share the same passion for it we do.

Balance and moderation are necessary, but so is room for different interests and hobbies. My conflict at my homecoming was not about Minecraft or parenting differences, it was about believing the best about one another and truly listening.

By paying attention only to my perspective, I missed that Minecraft was more than a strange digital world of building blocks -- it was an opportunity for my husband build something with his sons. Through Minecraft, he was rebuilding relationships that had endured separations and plenty of previous missed opportunities.

My own mini-reintegration gave me an opportunity to think about how many times my husband faced the same dilemma of being the outsider at homecoming. It's entirely possible that in the past he had experienced the same choice I had in that moment: Stay on the outside of the hobby or choose the harder option to reintegrate through acceptance and growth. I don't have to love Minecraft, but we all can benefit from me valuing what is important to them.

You can make this choice too. Choose to believe the best about your spouse. Choose to become interested in what he or she finds exciting. Choose to communicate instead of assume.

Celebrating battling the Ender Dragon together was far better than watching it from a distance. And even better is understanding the sweet exchange between father and sons because I have chosen to listen.

Keep Up with the Ins and Outs of Military Life

For the latest military news and tips on military family benefits and more, subscribe to Military.com and have the information you need delivered directly to your inbox.
Save the Date: Rogers to Host Investor Day August 17

Rogers Corporation (NYSE:ROG) Save the Date. Rogers Corporation (News - Alert) plans to host an investor day the morning of August 17 at the New York Stock Exchange. The company will discuss its business, strategy, technology leadership, segments, and provide investors a financial overview.

For entry into the New York Stock Exchange, pre-registration is required by July 31 with Rogers Corporation, by emailing your name, title, company affiliation, and expected arrival time to [email protected]. The investor day will also be accessible via live webcast.

Continental breakfast will be available beginning at 8am ET on August 17, with company presentations beginning at 9am. Registration confirmations and logistical details for entry ino the New York Stock Exchange will be provided at later dates to individual attendees.







For questions, comments or concerns, please contact Jack Monti, Rogers' Head of Investor Relations, via email or telephone at the contact information below. We look forward to hosting you in New York.

About Rogers Corporation

Rogers Corporation (NYSE:ROG) is a global leader in engineered materials to power, protect, and connect our world. With more than 180 years of materials science experience, Rogers delivers high-performance solutions that enable clean energy, internet connectivity, and safety and protection applications, as well as other technologies where reliability is critical. Rogers delivers Power Electronics Solutions for energy-efficient motor drives, e-Mobility and renewable energy; Elastomeric Material Solutions for sealing, vibration management and impact protection in mobile devices, transportation interiors, industrial equipment and performance apparel; and Advanced Connectivity Solutions for wireless infrastructure, automotive safety and radar systems. Headquartered in Arizona (USA), Rogers operates manufacturing facilities in the United States, China, Germany, Belgium, Hungary, and South Korea, with joint ventures and sales offices worldwide.

Additional Information

For additional information, please contact the Company directly, via email or visit the Rogers website.

Website: http://www.rogerscorp.com

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170616005098/en/
Lucrative offers and discounts are making off season travelling more popular as there was 27 per cent growth in airline searches for domestic destinations for this monsoon compared to the same period last year, as per online travel agency Cleartrip.

"The average daily searches for airline bookings grew by 27 per cent for domestic and 15 per cent for international destinations in May 2017, when compared with the sale period in May 2016," says the data collected by Cleartrip on its platform.

The data is based on searches and bookings on airlines offering discounts from May 2016 to May 2017.

This year, the travel date window has also been significantly higher in the pre-monsoon sales compared to last year, it said.

"An in-depth look into our data reveals that on an average, the market share for any airline grows by 30 per cent during the sale period, perhaps an important driver of the recurrent airline sales," Cleartrip's Chief Marketing Officer Subramanya Sharma told PTI here.

"For this year, we see a higher number of airline sales than in the same period in 2016, offering more flexibility in travel dates," Sharma said.

The data revealed that the average daily bookings grew by 48 per cent for domestic and 44 per cent for international flights.

Even as the average fares have gone up by 12 per cent for domestic flights this year, the increased number of airline sales with better travel flexibility have helped the bookings to grow by 48 per cent, Sharma said.

Among the domestic destinations, Indore and Ranchi are the new cities that have featured in the top 25 cities list this year.

Besides, among the international destinations, Muscat, Melbourne, Dhaka and Los Angeles are the new cities to feature in the top 25 list.
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This is to inform you under SEBI(Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements)Regulations,2015, a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Company will be held on Monday, 19th June, 2017 at the Corporate Office of the Company at 303-A, Vidhyapati Building, Race Course Road, Indore (M.P.) at 5.00 P.M. to transact the following business;1.To Re-appoint Mr. Rupesh Jain (DIN: 06836912) as a Managing Director of the Company for a period of 3 (Three) years.2.To call 35th Annual General Meeting of the Company and fix the day, date, time and venue of the meeting.3.To consider and approve the notice of the 35th Annual General Meeting, Director's Report for the year ending 31st March, 2017.4.To fix the date of Book Closure of the Company.5.Any other item with the permission of the chair and majority of directors.Source : BSE
Switzerland today ratified automatic exchange of financial account information with India and 40 other jurisdictions to facilitate immediate sharing of details about suspected black money even as it sought strict adherence to confidentiality and data security.

Adopting the dispatch on introduction of the automatic exchange of information (AEOI), a global convention for automatic information exchange on tax matters, the Swiss Federal Council said the implementation is planned for 2018 and the first set of data should be exchanged in 2019.

The council, which is the top governing body of the European nation, will soon notify the Indian government about the exact date from which the automatic exchange would begin.

As per the draft notification approved by the council in its meeting today, the decision is not subject to any referendum -- which means there should be no further procedural delay in its implementation.

The issue of black money has been a matter of big debate in India and Switzerland has been long perceived as one of the safest havens for the illicit wealth allegedly stashed abroad by Indians.

Today's decision follows hectic parleys between India and Switzerland for introduction of the AEOI on tax matters under the guidance of G20, Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and other global organisations.

The council said the proposal to introduce AEOI with India and others "met with widespread approval from the interested parties who voiced their opinions in the consultations".

"In concrete terms, the AEOI will be activated with each individual state or territory by means of a specific federal decree within the framework of this dispatch," it added.

The exchange of information itself will be carried out based on the Multilateral Competent Authority Agreement (MCAA) on the Automatic Exchange of Financial Account Information, which is in turn based on the international standard for the exchange of information developed by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

The council said it will prepare a situation report before the first exchange of data, which is planned for autumn 2019.

"In the process, it will be checked whether the states and territories concerned effectively meet the requirements under the standard, especially those concerning confidentiality and data security.

"It is important for the Federal Council that a level playing field be created among states and that all major financial centres, in particular, be included. This year, Switzerland has introduced the AEOI with 38 states and territories, including all EU member states, and data will start to be exchanged with them in 2018," it added.

Switzerland is satisfied with various regulations in India, including changes in the Information Technology Act, with respect to ensuring protection of privacy, according to a document released by the Swiss government today.

Among others, it has mentioned that more than Rs 4,000 crore worth of black money was disclosed by entities during the compliance window declarations in 2015.

Confidentiality and data protection requirements are to be strictly followed under the automatic information exchange framework.

Section 7 of the MCAA relates to the notification process required to bring the agreement into effect between any two signatories.

This process ensures the signatory always maintains control over its exchange partners and the treatment of the data exchanged, as per the OECD.

Last November India and Switzerland inked the pact for the implementation of AEOI.

The joint declaration was signed between the two countries amid the Indian government stepping up efforts to clamp down on the menace of black money.

The Indian government, in November 2016, had said it would be possible to receive from September 2019 onwards the financial information of accounts held by Indian residents in Switzerland for 2018 and subsequent years, on an automatic basis.

Back in January 2012, India signed the Convention on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Tax Matters.

It is a multilateral agreement that promotes international co-operation while respecting the rights of taxpayers.

Among others, the convention provides for administrative co-operation between the parties in the assessment and collection of taxes in order to combat tax avoidance and evasion.
Mitessh Thakkar of miteshthacker.com told CNBC-TV18, "On the buy side, I have three calls. The first is Bajaj Finance, that was a buy yesterday as well. Clearly, the stock continues to show outperformance and makes higher highs. Now it can be bought afresh with a stop loss at Rs 1,377, look for target close to about Rs 1,445. I also have a buy on Voltas, which after a few days of consolidation is possibly giving continuation signal. So buy with a stop loss at Rs 484, look for Rs 515 kind of target."

"One midcap name that is Delta Corp had a good bullish breakout yesterday, buy with a stop loss at Rs 160 for target of Rs 180," he added.

"Two sell calls, Bata India has broken down on the hourly charts, so that is a mild sell with a stop loss at Rs 549 and look for target close to Rs 520. In PTC India , again some intraday sell signals are there as well, so sell with a stop loss at Rs 96.50 and look for declines till about levels of Rs 89," he said.
Ashwani Gujral of ashwanigujral.com told CNBC-TV18, "You can get long on IndusInd Bank. That is a buy with a stop loss of Rs 1,495 and target of Rs 1,550. Bajaj Finance is making new highs. That is a buy with a stop loss of Rs 1,400 and target of Rs 1,475. Britannia Industries is kind of turning. This is a buy with a stop loss of Rs 3,540 and target of Rs 3,680."

"Idea Cellular possibly have all problems that you can think for a business  hyper competition, bad balance sheet. So, these stocks will move off and on because of short positions, etc. However, I dont think this is the kind of stock that people want to get into."

"I pay a lot of attention to being in the right stock which means it should be a leader of the current bull market. Housing finance is the leader of the bull market and hence one can see the kind of gains one is making. Just stay in Dewan Housing Finance, Rs 430-435 keep that sort of stock and next target should be Rs 500 and possibly it will go much higher," he said.

"My view is that by holding something it will become profitable, I dont agree with that. I want my stock to be profitable the minute I buy it. So, IDFC Bank is not participating in this current bull market. You could have Motilal Oswal, Bajaj Finance and Can Fin Homes. That will serve you much better rather than holding on to this large position at Rs 79 and watching your stock go down."

"The key to making money is to add onto winning trades. So, if we as Rs 595 here, maybe he can add on a couple of 100 as Asian Paints declines a bit and then possibly ride the next up move. So, whenever you start making money, make sure that you have enough quantity that it changes your life. For the moment Rs 1,050 type of stop loss and next target could be closer to Rs 1,400."
business Expect pre-development of Navi Mumbai Airport to complete by 2019: CIDCO Pre-development work on the Rs 16,000 crore Navi Mumbai Airport has begun. In an interview to CNBC-TV18, Sanjay Chaudhari, Chief Engineer-Navi Mumbai International Airport, at The City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra (CIDCO) discussed it in details.
domestic_airporthp

Aviation Ministry has abandoned the idea of postponing the Goods & Services Tax (GST) rollout date after a meeting with all the aviation stakeholders.

Jayant Sinha, Minister of State for Civil Aviation, on Thursday said that the aviation authority is ready for the July 1 roll-out.



Discussed preparedness with all aviation stakeholders; concerns were satisfactorily addressed. We

are prepared for GST from 1st July. pic.twitter.com/mi6rB37T8l

 Jayant Sinha (@jayantsinha) June 15, 2017

Concerns were satisfactorily addressed, Sinha said in a tweet. On Wednesday, the ministry held a discussion with all stakeholders, including airlines and airport on preparedness for GST.

Earlier this week, the Civil Aviation ministry in a letter had requested the Finance Ministry to postpone the GST roll-out date by two months as airlines needed more refurbishing-time in order to comply with the new tax regime.

The Goods and Services tax (GST), aiming to integrate all indirect taxes, is set to be implemented from July 1 as of now.

Although, the Aviation Ministry did do a U-turn on its decision, the problems faced by airlines are concerning.

Why the airlines need more time?

Officials said that airlines use global ticket distribution system and making crucial changes in that system to ensure compliance with GST would take time.

Lack of clarity on some sections of the airline business had created concerns about higher operational cost. The Aviation Ministry had pointed out that some provisions in the GST might be more beneficial to foreign carriers who offer one-stop route in long-distance international flights than Indian carriers providing direct flights.

An official told the Times of India: "For instance, Air India flies nonstop from Delhi to several places in the US like New York, Chicago and San Francisco. Gulf carriers, on the other hand, take Indian travellers to their nearby hubs in places like Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha and from there fly them to North America or EuropeSo the GST on the AI ticket will be for the entire India-US route while on Gulf carriers it will only be for India-Dubai route and therefore much less." This would result into Indian customers opting for Gulf or other foreign airlines instead of domestic ones.

On the other hand, the airlines demanded input tax credit to be completely extended to economy class. Currently, GST sanctions input tax credit only on input services for the economy class and on both goods and service for the business class..

Airlines are also in a fix over the possibility of movement of "stocks (equipment or aircraft parts)" being taxed under GST.

With inputs from PTI.
It is turning out to be bonanza time for consumers as companies, ranging from apparels to car manufacturers, woo them with attractive discounts ahead of implementation of the GST next month.

While apparel manufacturers are trying to liquidate old stock ahead of the new tax regime, automobile companies are attempting to draw buyers to showrooms with attractive limited period discounts of up to Rs 2.5 lakh across a range of vehicles sold in the country.

Brands such as Levi's, Reebok and Woodland are currently on a clearance mode offering high discounts.

"The retailers do not want to keep much of stock because the remaining stock will move to the GST regime and the margins would then vary. No brand can sell the entire stock before July 1 but they are trying to do the maximum," Woodland Worldwide MD Harkirat Singh told PTI.

He said the GST has come just ahead of the usual seasonal discount and the brands have slightly advanced their offers.

An employee at an exclusive store of Levi's in New Delhi said the company sent instructions to "clear old stock by offering these discounts as soon as possible because of the GST".

Future group multibrand retail format Central's Chief of Marketing & Head of Customer Loyalty Jitendranath Patri said discounts have also been offered keeping in mind Ramzan shopping.

The GST Council has decided to tax man-made apparel up to Rs 1,000 at 5 per cent, while those costing above Rs 1,000, will attract 12 per cent. At present the total tax incidence is around 8 per cent depending upon the states.

On the automobiles front - Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, Honda, Nissan, Mahindra and Mahindra and Ford India - have all come out with different schemes that are valid for June only.

"We are giving price protection to the customers for cars retailed from June 10 to June 30 which means that customers will buy the car at pre-GST price now. Post GST implementation whatever the difference in ex-showroom price it will be returned back to the customer by the dealer," a Honda Cars India spokesperson said.

Industry analysts said the companies have been forced to come up with the discounts as potential customers have held back on purchases expecting prices to come down after the implementation of GST. Under the GST rates, cars will attract the top rate of 28 per cent with a cess in the range of 1-15 per cent on top of it.

While small petrol cars with engine less than 1,200 cc will attract 1 per cent cess, that with a diesel engine of less than 1,500 cc will attract 3 per cent cess. Large cars with engine greater than 1,500 cc and SUVs with length more than 4 metres and engine greater than 1,500 cc will attract a cess of 15 per cent.

The Consumer Electronics and Appliances Manufacturers Association (CEAMA) said discounts are being offered as traders are worried over cash flow.

"The nearing of GST has caused a discomfort amongst the traders as they are worried over the cash flow that might occur during GST implementation therefore, offers are being introduced," said CEAMA President Manish Sharma.

He further said that businesses will be normalised over the next two-three months of operations.
CNBC-TV18 has got access to the 12 companies whom the RBI has ordered to be dispatched to the bankruptcy court. This clearly signals the beginning of the end game for India's big NPA or the bad debt problem.

Between them, these companies account for 2 lakh crore of bad loans. That is 25 percent of total bad loans. So in a way they are the example others will follow.

Will bankers be able to resolve and recover at least half the money? Three-fourth of the money? Or will most of them end in liquidation? To find answers to these questions, CNBC-TV18's Latha Venkatesh, caught up with Arun Tiwari Chairman Union Bank, R K Bansal Former ED IDBI Bank and Bahram Vakil of AZB and a legal luminary who has authored several portions of the Bankruptcy Law.

Below is the transcript of the discussion.

Q: Since these are March, 2016 non-performing assets (NPA), there would have been at least a 25 percent provisioning already done and maybe in some cases, even 30-40 percent. So do you think bankers would be willing to take a provisioning for another say 30 percent? Can we think of 60 percent haircuts?

Bansal: It depends. We have to understand why bankers have to take additional provision. Okay, we are waiting for RBI guidelines. That bankers have to take additional provisions only if they settle at much lesser amount, right? Today, if you really see, most of these cases, I have gone through the names, provision even in some cases, even 100 percent is there already. In some cases, it is about 50-60 percent. Majority of the cases, at least it is 40 percent. No case is less than 40 percent. So, in that sense and most of these companies, there is a sustainable debt of 60 percent or so at least.

The only risk is in a few cases where I find that maybe the assets may not be there, security may not be substantial, something like maybe some engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) companies, but there banks have already made substantial provision because there is an asset shortage. So banks have to make provision on secured portion plus 100 percent on the unsecured portion.

Q: Let us concentrate only on these steel companies. There you have Essar Steel and Bhushan Steel with about Rs 40,000-45,000 crore each and plus, if you add Monnet Ispat of about Rs 12,700 crore, that itself is Rs 1 lakh crore. Now here, steel prices are rising. What I wanted to ask you is, first of all, is the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) stamp good enough for bankers to take haircuts? Bansal says not very big haircuts are needed and to the extent that is needed, provision is already there. But will they take? Is there still that fear that four years later, an investigative agency will tell them that you mis-spent public funds?

Vakil: There are three layers of comfort. Under the IBC, the first layer is that you have this insolvency professional and in any of the cases that you mentioned which are large and complicated, they will probably go for one of the larger well-known IPs, all the big four, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), EY, etc. And Grant Thornton and many others have now registered.

There are in fact over 350 insolvency professionals registered. So you have that first layer of experts, very credible, neutral experts. Then you have the creditors committee which is all our major banks and they vote and you have 7 percent majority. And finally, you have NCLT giving you the stamp that you have followed the law of the land. You have followed all the due process. So, there is no question that this comfort is adequate.

Q: What do you think?

Bansal: I agree. In fact, there is a full-fledged process through the system and my simple feeling is that those cases which can be restructured which have the sustainable debt, they will be done. Those cases finally, which there is no resolution inside or assets are not there or business is not there, maybe they will get liquidated.

Q: This is Rs 2 lakh crore of cases. Whether they succeed or fail will perhaps determine the success of the remaining 75 percent of NPAs. What is your sense, will we find buyers at least for the top three assets, Bhushan Steel, Essar Steel, and Monnet Ispat?

Tiwari: Let us not forget one thing, and before they have failed why we assume that they will fail, number one. Number two, is that they have got the economic value and all are from core sector. So, I dont see they will lose their relevance in the times to come. Talking about finding buyers, there could be a way out where the resolution by way of that, we will restructure the company going forward, maybe a year or two.

I am still pretty hopeful that as we move forward -- this is the first time we are experimenting with this, route of NCLT, and the kind of roadmap which has been laid out, let us walk for a while, see what corrective measures would be required. However, I am pretty sure that since -- of course on the face of it, the lines are pretty tight, but unless otherwise our lines tight we also work at leisure and if you work at leisure with so many impediments coming in, the economic value gets eroded over a period of time.

Q: I will quickly rattle off questions and issues which potential buyers tell me. Potential buyers tell me that banks usually prefer the existing promoter, one because they always fear that this guy will spoilt the plant if a new guy comes in and there is just that familiarity, they have more levers to turn a current promoter. Is it that there will be a preference for the existing promoter?

Tiwari: It all depends. I will not put all the fruits in one basket and paint it by the same colour. It is very case-to-case basis. Depending on the committee, if they still have trust in the current promoters, on the sidelines and the control on the operations, and on the chart book is taken by the actual people, there is nothing wrong. You said about three large steel plants. Somebody absolutely new coming in from a particular date it would take a while for them to understand.

Q: It wont be new, who will buy Tata Steel, JSW Steel, maybe at best POSCO. We cant have more buyers than that. These guys are familiar but they will ask for a large haircut. So would you prefer the current guy because he will ask for a lesser haircut?

Tiwari: There are two things, one, this prospective or new buyer who comes in, he would be interested therefore he is buying this at a certain price. He also knows if he has to put in these kind of capacities, it will cost him much more. So whatever is the fair price, if they come on that, it is okay with us.

Q: So replacement cost you will be okay with?

Tiwari: Yes.

Q: What about the other than these 12 cases? Bankers were asking the RBI to tweak Corporate Debt Restructuring (CDR) rules and stuff like that. The impression I got from the RBI is like now, our job is done. Now whatever they want, they can do and can get the stamp of the NCLT or the overseeing committee as the case may be. Do you think that the bankers can move ahead with the non-12 cases also?

Tiwari: There have been certain cases which we have also moved in even before the RBI came in with the 12 cases through NCLT.

Q: Your thoughts, if there are no tweaks to CDR, but you always have the NCLT option, do you think now the other cases, other than the 12, can be resolved?

Bansal: That option was always there with the banks. The only issue as far as banks have been asking was that whether we can have some tweaking in Scheme for Sustainable Structuring of Stressed Assets (S4A) because even in normal restructuring there is a sustainable debt sometimes more than 50 percent. Otherwise in an NPA case restructuring, I have been always saying it entails additional provisioning.

Maybe RBI comes out with something on that, but otherwise we were all expecting that something on S4A, some relaxation may come. Thought the press release says that they will announce separate circular about provisioning, but that is not giving a clue whether it is adverse side or whether it is the positive side.

Q: That is true. If the provisioning were not to be relaxed, if it were very similar to the current provisioning, do you think bankers will be wary of resolving more? How will bankers react, you think?

Bansal: As of now, there is no requirement of additional provisioning just because one case has been referred to NCLT. As of now, provisioning guidelines are same. So let us say, some cases which you mentioned, today they have 50 percent provisions, suppose. And in the current year, they may be moving to 100 percent because of the NPA guidelines, RBI provisioning guidelines.

In fact I would suggest or I was expecting that RBI may announce some relief that if you refer to NCLT and find a resolution, instead of 100 percent provision in the current year, I can give you some time. But the other way of looking at it could be that RBI may even say that okay, you make immediately provision once you are referring to NCLT.

Q: Yes, it could get tighter. What if the circular asked for tighter provisioning?

Tiwari: What I feel is if we are talking about the resolution, I am in agreement with what RK Bansal said that there should be some incentive for the lenders also. Provision is ultimately a book entry, but nonetheless, if there could be a breather, and as much as provisioning is concerned, it will augur well and maybe it will pan out much faster than we are expecting as of today.

Q: What is your sense? Will there be a lot of willing buyers or will they worry that this could be a protracted legal process?

Vakil: No, I think I can only take a guess at that, but in these cases which you have mentioned, already there has been some interest, there have been willing buyers and I hope that the new process encourages them to go ahead and see that it is done in a very time bound manner. And also the fear you mentioned now being out of the way, I am cautiously optimistic that things will work out for the best.

Q: My fear out of the way is out of the way for chairmen. But when you ask lower down the ranks, the actual ED who will be in the credit committee and who will have to put his signature to the haircut, there is a little bit of trepidation among the bankers, especially after this NDTV case, where the CBI investigated a private bank for all of Rs 48 crore for an interest rate. Look at the stake involved and the investigative agencies were trigger happy. Are the bankers, the EDs or the people who will be in the credit committee really safe?

Vakil: I can only reiterate that if you have three layers of comfort and especially a tribunal stamping it that all legal due process has been followed, I truly believe that that is adequate comfort. But the Finance Minister also mentioned that he is looking at some other amendments to the relevant laws to give them even more comfort because this is something everyone is acutely aware of and as you say, past record justifies the fear. So, I think enough amount of insurance should be given so that this fear is removed.

Q: What is your sense? Some amendment to the Prevention of Corruption Act (PCA) would be a big help?

Tiwari: That would certainly be a big help, but before that amendment to PCA comes in, even as of today, all these 12 cases at least, what you commented that people down the line have got some fear psychosis. No, every MD or CMD, they also have the same skin in the game. So we have been taking those decisions for now, 3.5-4 years, so we will not shirk from our responsibilities. Ultimately, what I believe in, we have no moral rights to kill the economic value of the enterprise.

Q: I want a guess on how much of this Rs 2 lakh crore will be restored. In the sense, how much will have to go away as haircut or otherwise?

Tiwari: If I ask you three years from now, what will be your TRP? You will be at number one maybe, but exact number you cannot give as of today.

Q: Of this Rs 2 lakh crore, probably Rs 1 lakh crore will be resolved you think and maybe Rs 1 lakh crore going to liquidation? Is that a fair guess?

Tiwari: Exactly. It should be somewhere we all will be comfortable to the extent we have made the provision. So one, even our show goes on at the bank.

Q: What is your sense? How many will be liquidated, how many will be bought of these 12?

Bansal: No, buying is a slightly different thing. But resolution will happen and you yourself have given a response to that if I look into your earlier statement. Maximum outstanding and maximum are the steel projects. All steel projects are running big plants and that itself takes away almost 70-80 percent of the debt. They will be certainly resolved. I am slightly doubtful on maybe one or two EPC segments and all that. But otherwise steel and all these cases certainly will be resolved.

Q: What is your sense? Of Rs 2 lakh crore, how much do you think will be resolved? How much do you think will go into liquidation?

Vakil: Fortunately as a lawyer, I have to only go by what all of you who are the true experts, so I guess, it is pretty much a half and half is what all of you are saying.

Q: Do you think that the Supreme Court or any of the higher courts might stymie this process? Do you think the process is now safe?

No, that is a very good question and a very good one. All I can tell you is the track record in the last six months out of the over 100 cases now, that have been filed and admitted, only in one case that I know of, Falcon, the high court has given a stay and it is now before the Supreme Court and that also for a very justified reason, the hearing and notice was not given. So I hope they continue in this way that only if it is justified where natural justice requires it, but otherwise, they should follow the way they have in the last six months.
Net income tax collection till June 15 grew at a healthy 26.2 percent to Rs 1,01,024 crore from across the country as of Rs 80,075 crore in June 15 in the year ago period.

Among the metros, the Mumbai zone registered the highest revenue collection growth during the period with a growth of a whopping 138 per cent at Rs 22,884 crore from Rs 9,614 crore a year ago, sources at the income tax department here told PTI on Friday.

The Mumbai zone contributes over one-third of nationwide direct tax collections.

The New Delhi zone, which is the second largest contributor to the national kitty, registered a 38 per cent growth at Rs 11,582 crore during the period, from Rs 8,334 crore a year ago.

The Kolkata zone has also done well with net revenue collection increasing 7 per cent to Rs 4,084 crore from Rs 3,815 crore a year ago, the sources said.

Similarly, the Bengaluru zone mopped up Rs 14,923 crore from Rs 13,973 crore, which is a growth of 6.8 percent.

However, net revenue collection from the Chennai zone saw a decline during the period with mop-up Rs slipping to Rs 8,591 crore from Rs 8,986 crore a year ago.

Pune registered net revenue collection up 19 per cent at Rs 6,163 crore during the period, whereas Thane's revenue was up by 11 per cent.

The income tax department allows corporates and individuals to stagger their tax payout on the 15th of the last month of every quarter.

Typically, in the first and second quarters taxpayers pay up 25 per cent each of their presumed tax liabilities and with 15 percent in the third quarter and the rest in the final quarter.
Widely perceived as one of the safest havens for black money, Switzerland has ratified automatic exchange of financial account information with India on Friday, according to a media report.

After September 2019, India would be able to get the financial details of accounts held by Indians in Switzerland on an automatic basis, an Economic Times report says.

Authorities of India and Switzerland were in talks with each other for a long time for the introduction of the Automatic Exchange of Information (AEOI). The proposal to introduce AEOI with India "met with widespread approval from the interested parties who voiced their opinions in the consultations," reported the newspaper.

Switzerland has already introduced the AEOI with at least 38 countries and territories, including 28 members of the European Union. It will start sharing the data with them in 2018.

This decision by Switzerland comes as a great relief for Narendra Modi-led government who has vowed to bring back all the black money stashed outside India.

The central government has taken multiple steps to tackle the menace of black money which includes the much debated demonetisation of high-value currency initiated in November 2016. The government has also introduced he 'Black Money (Undisclosed Foreign Income and Assets) and Imposition of Tax Act, 2015', specifically to fight the menace.

As a result of voluntary declarations by citizens, Rs 4,164 crore worth of undisclosed foreign assets saw the light of day. The government collected Rs 2,476 crore by way of penalty and taxes on these declarations.
Allowed | Farming operations (Image: PTI)

The benefit of the loan scheme of Maharashtra government will be exclusively for agriculturists whose sole source of income is from farming.

According to a Government Resolution (GR), dated June 14, those getting income from other jobs, even if they own farms, will be out of the ambit of the scheme, under which Rs 10,000 initial crop loan assistance is provided to farmers.

"The Rs 10,000 initial loan assistance scheme is meant for farmers in distress who have agriculture as the only source of income. Hence, a detailed list is prepared in the GR that will filter out those who have other sources of income," state Cooperation Minister Subhash Deshmukh told PTI today.

Farm Crisis: Why Bumper Harvests Are Becoming Painful For Indian Farmers

"For the first time such a meticulously drafted GR is prepared to weed out the undue beneficiaries. Many teachers, professors, shop owners and service providers from rural and semi-urban areas are not solely dependent on agriculture, though they avail crop loan for cultivation," he said.

The GR states that all the teaching and non-teaching staff in the local body-run and government-aided schools in the state will be disqualified from the scheme.

Similarly, those registered under the Maharashtra Shops and Establishment Act-1948 will also be omitted from the list of beneficiaries, says the GR.

"The Rs 10,000 assistance is only for the farmers who are in distress. To avoid any diversion of money from agriculture, the state has come up with this GR and the list of those who qualify and those who do not qualify as farmers," a senior official from the cooperation department said.

"Some senior principal secretary-level officials from cooperation, agriculture, finance and revenue departments sat and brain-stormed to come up with the GR that will benefit only the farmers," the official said.

The GR also mentions that all the sitting elected representatives from panchayat level to the Central government as well as those who were previously on such posts, are omitted from the initial loan assistance scheme.

"More than 80 per cent of the teaching and non-teaching staff from rural areas have agricultural land. If most of them were availing crop loan then they are now going to be excluded from the list of beneficiaries," the official said.
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It is a busy Friday afternoon at a five-star hotel in suburban Mumbai. Employees of a large manufacturing company are busy in an interactive session. But no, they are not in a corporate seminar where they discuss business strategies. Instead, they are enacting some scenes attentively trying to gauge the reaction of their fellow participants.

Actcelerate is an experiential training company that uses theatre, meditation, cinema & improvisation (TIMC) to help individuals improve creativity and have an out-of-the-box thinking at their workplace. The company aims to unlock the emotional quotient and rekindle the spark of creativity of each person.

With sessions ranging from 2 hours to up to 3 days, the workshops look to solve particular problems of companies. Prashant Chawla, Founder and Facilitator, Actcelerate explained that being a chartered accountant by qualification, he was well aware of the fact that a regular 9-5 corporate job tends to get monotonous and hence they would need something to bring out the enthusiasm and creativity back to their workplace.

Depending on what a company is specifically looking for, we offer a package that is suitable to their needs. It could range from team-building, employee engagement, ideation for new products or innovation, he added. Actcelerate was initially set up to train actors, but has now expanded to corporates in FY14 after holding a slew of trial sessions.

Currently, they offer their solutions to companies including Tata Power, CRISIL, Radio Mirchi (Times Group), General Mills, Larsen & Toubro, Dentsu Aegis, Pepperfry, First Gulf Bank, Essentially Precise (Dubai), Price Global(Dubai), Ernst & Young(Singapore) and CEAT Tyres, among others.

Chawla said that theatre has the power to bring out the innermost emotions of individuals which a regular training session is unable to provide. Through his professional acting experiences and learnings at the National School of Drama, Chawla uses several techniques to help break the internal barriers created by individuals at the workplace.

Actcelerate aims to offer a solution customised for every companys budget and requirement. Chawla said that even if a company is unable to afford a two-day session, they can conduct half-day or full session for a larger pool of employees so that they get a taste of the services offered.

As children, we always seek new experiences. As we grow, we drop the sense of adventure and wear new masks. This is when a little drama, acting and theatre can revive the childlike nature that lies latent in us. Actcelerate is a unique concept that injects creativity, innovation and joy at work by tapping our adventurous side.

Actcelerate aspires to bring in growth and innovation within every organisation. Theatre, improvisation, meditation and cinema (TIMC) will create synergy on a physical, mental and an emotional level. It synchronises our mind, body and soul, and controls our interactions through voice and facial expressions. While kindling a spark of fun, creativity and authentic connections between people, it unleashes their full potential.

Depending on the hierarchy and the seniority in an organisation, the workshops are designed to meet the varied needs. For instance, workshops named The Godfather, Million Dollar Arms or Happy Sunshine are aimed at providing ownership towards people, rejuvenation and power to take strategic decisions. Million Dollar Arms uses theatre, improvisation and cinema with an aim to inspire people to create an innovative vision and direction for the organisation.

Chawla said that this also helps organisations in their retention efforts since this motivates employees to stay focused and loyal to their current company and brings creativity and newness in work. Employees also realise that their organisation is investing to make them happy. This improves their loyalty and breaks their linear thinking as well, he said.

Going forward, the company is looking to bring many more companies under their umbrella of services. He added that while they are not for any funding opportunities right now, he will be looking to hire assistants who could conduct smaller workshops if he is unable to be present.

Also, he said that they would also encourage companies to have interval sessions for their employees every two to three months so that they can get a refresher course in their careers and thinking abilities on a more regular basis.

That is the power of theatre. You could not only gain a more engaged workforce but also create a lot of positivity in the workplace that motivates every individual to have a renewed enthusiasm towards even the most mundane jobs, said Chawla.
petrol diesel price hike

Starting Friday, petrol and diesel prices will be revised daily in sync with any movement in international oil rates. Rates will change at 6 am every day depending on movement in cost on the previous day.

Dynamic fuel pricing, or daily revision of retail selling prices (RSP), has already been implemented on a pilot basis in Udaipur, Jamshedpur, Visakhapatnam, Chandigarh and Puducherry from May 1.

How to Check the Fuel Price Movement

- Mobile App: Customers can download Indian Oils app Fuel@IOC to keep a track of the updated daily petrol prices in all cities

Petrol & Diesel Rates Nov 09, 2022 Petrol Rate in Mumbai Nov 09, 2022 Current Petrol Price Per Litre 106 106 View more Diesel Rate in Mumbai Nov 09, 2022 Current Petrol Price Per Litre 94 94 View more Show

- SMS: The updated fuel prices will also be available on SMS. Customers can send a message  RSP< SPACE >DEALER CODE TO 9224992249. The dealer code of each petrol pump is displayed at the fuel station.

- Webpage: Customers can also check the daily revision in fuel prices using RO Locator. The link is available through IOCs official website.
The government is believed to have asked scheduled commercial banks (SCB) in the country to acquire a minimum of 100 merchants per branch and enable them to transact digitally by the end of the calendar. Quick calculations based on branch details as of end-2016 suggest the 41 SCBs will have to acquire 1.1 crore merchants and make them digitally efficient by the December deadline.

As per the order, the banks will have to ensure these merchants are capable of handling payments via any or all of the modes like debit/cards, Unified Payments Interface (UPI), BharatQR code and Aadhaar-enabled payment systems (AEPS).

An article in the Financial Express today said, quoting sources, the current target has been more than tripled. Earlier, banks were to add 30 vendors per branch by September. However, most bank branches had not even acquired 15 yet

In order to achieve the target by December, the banks will have to acquire vendors regardless of their business size and the ownership pattern.

In all these years, banks have already acquired the merchants that it made sense to acquire. If there was a business opportunity in acquiring aggressively, we wouldnt have waited for targets, a banker said.

When the banks acquire lenders, it means that the banks are getting into a business deal with them. Either banks acquire a portion of their business or the two parties strike a deal where some portion of the vendor's earnings are given to banks and banks, in return, offer deals which are beneficial to the vendors.

Here, the vendors will pay a merchant discount rate (MDR) to banks for every transaction. The banks will receive 0.25 percent for an amount upto Rs 1,000 and 0.5 percent between Rs 1,000 to Rs 2000 for point-of-sale transactions, typically card payments. The MDR is 0.25 percent for transactions amounting Rs 2,000 and 0.65 percent above Rs 2,000 for UPI. The Reserve Bank of India still has to release the final guidelines for MDRs.
Jayant Sinha, Chairman, Finance Standing Committee

"We are prepared for GST from July 1," Minister of State for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha said today even as the ministry has sought deferment of the new tax regime.

The minister also emphasised that preparedness for implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) has been discussed with all aviation stakeholders and that "concerns were satisfactorily addressed".

The GST is scheduled to be rolled out from July 1 and preparations are at an advanced stage.

However, the ministry recently had written to the Finance Ministry seeking deferral of GST implementation by two months.

The deferment has been sought as airlines are not yet ready with their systems to be in compliance with GST, according to a senior Civil Aviation Ministry official.

Against this backdrop, Sinha today tweeted about the GST preparedness.

"Discussed preparedness with all aviation stakeholders; concerns were satisfactorily addressed. We are prepared for GST from 1st July," Sinha said.

Airlines, including Air India, had expressed concern over certain aspects of GST.

Airline officials said making changes in the global ticket distribution system to ensure compliance with GST would take time. Lack of clarity on certain areas pertaining to airlines business has also given rise to concerns of higher operational cost.

Among others, airlines are in a fix over the possibility of movement of "stocks (equipment or aircraft parts)" being taxed under GST.

Sinha on Wednesday had chaired a meeting on GST preparedness with various aviation industry stakeholders, including airlines and airports.

Earlier this week, the Finance Ministry said GST is on track for scheduled implementation from July 1 and pushed back against rumours of a delay.

"The rumours about GST implementation being delayed are false. Please do not be misled by it," Revenue Secretary Hasmukh Adhia had said.
Man speaks on his mobile phone as he sits in front of a shop displaying the Idea Cellular Ltd's logo on its shutter in Mumbai

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Idea Cellular today said at the IMG meeting that it supports lower data prices but the government policy framework should allow operators to recover their network costs.

Vodafone, on the other hand, said that call connect charge - currently at 14 Paise - is already "below cost" and any further cut in these inter-operator charges could hurt rural coverage.

Besides, it favoured lowering of spectrum usage charges (or doing away with it) as also that the USO levy should be reduced to 3 per cent from 5 per cent and then be phased out.

Making presentations before the inter-ministerial group (IMG), incumbent operators, including Airtel, flagged various issues facing the industry, leading to huge debts. Speaking to reporters after its meeting, a top Idea official said: "Government has choice of any policy...but it should cover costs.

All policy framework everywhere says that cost of network should be recovered." The Idea official further said that the company is completely in agreement that data prices need to come down. Flagging the high incidence of taxation faced by the industry, the official said levies like licence fee, spectrum usage charges and USO should be subsumed by GST, the new indirect tax regime to be rolled out from July 1.

Vodafone too has suggested that licence fee be subsumed by the Goods and Services Tax and if that's not possible then GST rate should be reduced to 5 per cent from 18 per cent for telecom services. Airtel officials, however, refused to comment on the presentation made to the government.

The IMG, constituted to suggest policy reform to mitigate sector's financial stress, has been holding dialogue with individual operators this entire week. It has already met senior executives from Reliance Jio, Reliance Communications, Tata Teleservices and Aircel. It has also held discussions with telecom PSUs Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd too.

The IMG also met four major lenders, including SBI, who voiced concerns over "stress" in the telecom sector and flagged possibility of defaults by debt-laden operators. The incumbent operators have been vocal about the onslaught of free voice and data offers by the aggressive newcomer Reliance Jio (RJio), and its impact on the industry's revenue in 2016-17.

Reliance Jio earlier this week, however, ascribed the financial stress in the telecom sector to existing operators like Bharti Airtel and Idea running businesses on debt and investing heavily in unrelated sectors. It alleged that incumbent operators have been reluctant in infusing equity and hence the financial stress is their own creation.

The operators on the other hand cite Rs 4.6 lakh crore cumulative debt, and are making a case for urgent relief measures like extension on payment of deferred spectrum liability to a period of 20 years, and cut in licence fee and spectrum usage charges.

With over 1.16 billion mobile users, India is the second largest telecom market in the world, after China. Telecom regulator Trai also met all the operators yesterday to discuss the industry's financial difficulties and measures that can be taken to ease the situation. Idea asked Trai to fix a minimum floor price for voice calls and data offerings.
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Hero MotoCorp Chairman, MD and CEO Pawan Munjal took home a salary of Rs 59.66 crore in 2016 -17, up 3.94 per cent from the previous fiscal.

According to the company's annual report for 2016-17, the ratio of Munjal's pay to the median remuneration of employees was 731.

The median remuneration of the company's employees during the financial year was Rs 8.16 lakh.

Remuneration of Sunil Kant Munjal, who was the Joint MD of the company up to August 16, 2016, stood at Rs 20.99 crore, excluding gratuity, leave encashment and other retirement benefits. It was was 257 times the median salaries of the employees.

Hero MotoCorp Executive Director Operations (Plants) Vikram S Kasbekar, who joined on August 8, 2016 drew salary of Rs 2.22 crore during the year.

The company said average percentage increase made in the salary of employees other than the managerial personnel in 2016-17 was 10.80 per cent.

In his address to the shareholders, Pawan Munjal said while the company continued to expand its product portfolio, it was simultaneously looking at mobility solutions for the future also.

"One such area that is fast developing is the 'electric' vehicle category. Even as we build our own internal capacities, one of our strategic priorities is to also engage with the external ecosystem, including startups in a meaningful way," he said.

Munjal further said it was with that objective that Hero MotoCorp made an investment in Ather Energy, a start-up in the two-wheeler electric vehicle space.

Last year in October, the company had announced plans to invest up to Rs 205 crore in one or more tranches to acquire up to 30 per cent stake in Bengaluru-based Ather Energy, which is engaged into designing and manufacturing smart electric vehicles (EVs) and associated charging infrastructure.

Keeping in mind the road-map for adoption of stricter emission norms in India, Munjal said Hero MotoCorp has also started working on meeting Bharat Stage (BS)-VI standard.

"We have already started our preparations for the launch of BS VI models and are aiming to launch BS VI compliant products well before the proposed time line in 2020," Munjal said.

Reflecting on the events of FY17, he said towards the end of the fiscal the auto-industry had to pass through uncertain times on account of the transition of emission regulations from BS-III to BS-IV.

The company switched to BS IV compliant vehicles well before the date stipulated by the authorities, he said, adding the company also implemented "some tactical steps and also incentivised customers to liquidate the balance BS III stocks before the end of the financial year".

On demonetisation, he said the banning of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes in November 2016, Hero MotoCorp too faced some discomfort in the initial few months of the initiative.

"We took speedy steps to further encourage sales through the banking channels, installed point of sale (POS) machines and other devices of cashless transactions at our dealerships. By February 2017, a clear bounce-back in terms of consumer sentiments was visible in the sector," Munjal said.
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Moneycontrol Research

At a time when numerous pharmaceutical industry stalwarts are battling with regulatory issues and erosion of margin in the once highly profitable generic business in regulated markets, Eris Lifesciences's (ELL) offer for sale is a welcome change. With a predominant focus on the domestic formulations market, a robust portfolio of largely prescription-based drugs, and a tilt towards a more promising chronic portfolio, the company seems fundamentally strong.

In the past four years, while the company's revenues have grown at a CAGR of 17 percent, EBIDTA recorded a growth of 33 percent, as operating margins improved from 22 percent in FY13 to 37 percent in FY17. The after-tax-profit has exhibited a very commendable CAGR growth of 43 percent in the past four years. Consequently, the company boasts of return ratios in the mid-forties.

At the upper end of the price band of Rs 603, the stock is available at 34.3x FY17 earnings. While, prima facie, the same looks expensive, the valuations are justified on account of the superior business profile and earnings matrix. Subscribing to this IPO would certainly benefit the investors.

Background

Incorporated in 2007, Eris Lifesciences (ELL), an Ahmedabad-based company, is engaged in the business of manufacturing and commercialising branded pharmaceutical products in the Indian pharmaceutical market (IPM). Its chronic formulations cover therapeutic segments like cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, whereas the acute segment covers vitamins, gastroenterology, and gynaecology. The companys focus market in India is largely the metros and Tier 1 cities, since the incidence of lifestyle disorders and availability of specialists/superspecialists are largely concentrated in these areas.

The Rs 1,740 crore offer, with a price band of Rs 600-603, will see the complete exit of financial investor Botticelli (the investment arm of ChrysCapital) and a minor stake sale from the promoter.

So what makes Eris Lifesciences a good investment proposition?

Strong Sales Growth: ELL largely caters to diabetologists and endocrinologists that generate the highest value per prescription. ELLs chronic segment, which recorded the highest pan-industry CAGR growth of 28.9 percent in the past four fiscals, positioned the company in Indias top 25 in the chronic formulation space.

From FY13 to FY17, the companys sales grew at a CAGR of 21.7 percent, outperforming the overall markets CAGR growth of 11.8 percent.

With a steadily growing presence in the chronic pharma market pan-India, ELL's efforts are directed towards connecting with medical professionals across the country to monitor drug requirements closely.





Chronic segment revenue (Rs 549 crore) composition in FY17 (%)



Acute segment revenue (Rs 289 crore) composition in FY17 (%)

Brand Portfolio Expansion: The product portfolio of ELL includes 80 mother brand groups.

ELL targets adding one new brand per division every year through its seven divisions. To consolidate its brand strength, the companys expansion strategy entails introduction of new drug brands in therapeutic areas of neurology, dermatology, osteoarthritis, and musculoskeletalogy.

ELL and its subsidiaries, with 138 trademarks in their combined kitty, are seeking registrations for more than 200 trademarks to simultaneously intensify their brand appeal.

ELL acquired 40 trademarks from Amay Pharma (to strengthen its cardiovascular and anti-diabetic product offerings) and 75 percent of Kinedex (to enhance its footprint in connection with mobility disorders).

Local Market Focus, Industry Tailwinds: India's pharmaceutical market is amongst the biggest markets globally and continues to expand at a good pace. Unlike most of its blue chip peers, ELLs focus is solely on the domestic market, thereby insulating itself from regulatory hassles of developed market regulators and price erosion in generics.

A large portion of the market is led by prescriptions and not by hospitals or over-the-counter drugs. More number of registered medical practitioners, improving medical diagnostics, and higher healthcare spending by the government have resulted in the number of prescriptions going up.

Risks: While the business apparently looks convincing, investors must bear in mind that manufacturing of certain products is outsourced by ELL to 20 manufacturers, thus making the company dependent on latter's performance to an extent. Disruptions at the company's only manufacturing facility at Guwahati (Assam), in addition to withdrawal of region-based tax incentives due to termination or non-compliance issues, could have an adverse bearing on the financials, too.

Changes in regulatory policies pertaining to drug pricing, unpredictability associated with raw material prices, high dependence on mother brands, and an unexpected shift in demand towards generics at the expense of brands are some of the other concerns.

Financial Snapshot

Peer Comparison
3:30 pm Market closing: Equity benchmarks continued to be rangebound not only on Friday but also for the week after investors digested macro-economic data and Fed rate hike.

The 30-share BSE Sensex was down 19.33 points at 31,056.40 and the 50-share NSE Nifty rose 10 points to 9,588.05.

2:50 pm Market check: Benchmark indices erased gains in afternoon trade, with the Sensex down 4.70 points at 31,071.03 and the Nifty down 1.65 points at 9,576.40.

Lupin was biggest loser with 4.4 percent fall, followed by Sun Pharma, Infosys, Wipro, Cipla, HUL and Dr Reddy's Labs that declined 1-2 percent.

2:46 pm Management talks: Opto Circuits told CNBC-TV18 that it is optimistic of prevailing with legal claims in excess of USD 160 million against parties.

Unviable operational segments are being closed, it said, adding the company is taking various strategic alternatives for additional capital & business opportunities.

According to the medical equipment maker, market size of EuroCor is likely to double over next 3-5 years. It expects growth in profit to continue over next few quarters.

2:40 pm Citi on Aurobindo: The research house believes Aurobindo is one of the best placed to ride out a challenging environment for generic companies in the US, courtesy of its relatively low product concentration, clean compliance slate, large and improving pipeline as well as strong execution.

Recent Q4 results, management commentary and approvals such as generic version of Renvela oral suspension further validate this view, it said. Moreover, rising scale and improving profitability in Europe would gradually reduce dependence on the US market and, along with better cashflows, augur well for longer term growth, it added.

2:20 pm Jayant Agro-Organics bonus issue: Jayant Agro-Organics has approved bonus issue in ratio of 1:1 in place of stock split. It has also approved raising upto Rs 250 crore via issue of various securities.

1:36 pm Market Check: Equity benchmarks continued to be in positive terrain in afternoon trade, helped by index heavyweights and banks.

The 30-share BSE Sensex was up 32.52 points at 31,108.25 and the 50-share NSE Nifty rose 14.35 points to 9,592.40.

Outperformance by broader markets also continued on positive breadth. About 1,388 shares advanced against 1,114 declining shares on the BSE.

ITC, Tata Motors, HDFC, Axis Bank, M&M, Reliance Industries and SBI were leading contributors to Sensex' gains.

1:20 pm Buzzing: Leading healthcare stocks like Lupin, Sun Pharma, Dr Reddy's Labs etc, which have larger proportion of US business in their revenues, dropped up to 6 percent intraday after a media report indicated of likely new US order to lower drug cost in the US.

President Donald Trump's administration is preparing an executive order aimed at lowering US drug costs and officials in the administration will meet later today, Bloomberg said quoting people familiar with the matter.

According to a report, one policy being discussed is support for value-based agreement, in which pharma companies and health insurers develop arrangements to pay for products depending on how well the work.

Sharekhan said this move could further create pricing pressure and hurt Indian companies that are already facing regulatory issues and currency woes.

1:13 pm Europe trade: Markets in Europe were higher as investors digest news of a fresh disbursement to Greece and focus on wider political events.

France's CAC, Germany's DAX and Britain's FTSE were up 0.3-0.8 percent.

12:55 pm Capital needs of PSU banks: Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Deputy Governor SS Mundra said state-run lenders may need more capital beyond the budgeted total allocation of Rs 70,000 crore (USD 10.84 billion) in the four fiscal years through March 2019.

Mundra, addressing reporters in the sidelines of a banking event in New Delhi, also said there was no specific timeline set by the central bank to identify additional loan defaulters on which bankers would need to start bankruptcy proceedings.

The RBI this week had identified 12 of the largest loan defaulters and said creditors must pursue bankruptcy proceedings against them.

12:39 pm Buzzing: Havells India shares gained nearly 2 percent intraday on fundraising from UTI MF through commercial paper.

The electric equipment manufacturer informed exchanges that it is going to issue commercial paper, with a interest rate of 6.4 percent, to UTI Mutual Fund for an amount of Rs 150 crore.

Commercial papers are not proposed to be listed on exchanges, it said, adding the date of allotment of these papers would be June 20 and date of maturity would be September 18.

Yes Bank is acting as the issuing and paying agent to the said issuance.

12.19 pm Market Check: Benchmark indices continued to be rangebound in afternoon trade, with the Nifty hovering around 9,600 level due to lack of global as well as domestic cues. Experts feel GST implementation and June quarter earnings would be next triggers.

The 30-share BSE Sensex rose 26.60 points to 31,102.33 and the 50-share NSE Nifty was up 8.60 points at 9,586.65.

The BSE Midcap and Smallcap indices outperformed benchmarks, up 0.2-0.4 percent on positive market breadth. About 1,330 shares advanced against 1,073 declining shares on the BSE.

Lupin topped the selling list among Sensex stocks, down more than 4 percent followed by Dr Reddy's Labs, Infosys, Sun Pharma and Wipro while ITC, HDFC and Tata Motors were gainers.

11:50 am BoAML on RIL: While it is good that RIL has decided to restart projects in D6, these are currently long dated projects, Bank of America Merrill Lynch said.

The new D6 fields could add USD 1.3 billion (2 percent) to RIL sum-of-the-parts, but more importantly drive core earnings growth post the ongoing chemical projects (in the FY21-22 period), it said.

The new energy partnership is still in early stages and needs definition. Spending, inflow on this will take time, it feels.

In the near term, the RIL stock should depend on Jio's revenue fortunes, which may become clear only around September/December 2017. With 5 percent upside potential, it stayed neutral on the stock, BoAML said.

11:30 am Technical outlook: Domestic equity benchmarks regained bullish momentum since the start of CY17 after climbing the wall of worries in the backdrop of demonetisation and rate hike by the US Federal Reserve. A slew of financial and legislative reforms coupled with good monsoon forecasts for 2017 have boosted investor sentiments, ICICIdirect said.

The Nifty has behaved in line with expectations as it registered a breakout past two year consolidation and went onto achieve target of 9600, it added.

Based on the findings from bottom up analysis, the research house believes the renewed strength among major underlying constituents will continue to fuel the up move in Nifty towards 10500-10700 zone over the medium term.

Within the ongoing uptrend, there will be intermediate phases of consolidation that shall provide fresh opportunities, it said. It believes the support base for Nifty has shifted upwards to 8800-8900 zone. Any intermediate cool off from here on should be used as incremental buying opportunity, it advised.

11:10 am Market Check: Equity benchmarks erased some early gains on sharp correction in healthcare stocks.

Lupin fell 5 percent followed by Sun Pharma, Cipla and Dr Reddy's Labs. Infosys and HUL too were under pressure.

However, Reliance Industries rebounded after early losses, up 0.5 percent. ITC, Tata Motors, HDFC and HDFC Bank continued to support the market.

The 30-share BSE Sensex was up 16.82 points at 31,092.55 and the 50-share NSE Nifty rose 14.75 points to 9,592.80.

10:50 am Market Outlook: After a sharp rally witnessed so far in the last 12 months, the market does looks expensive and the valuations have stopped making sense, Sanjeev Prasad, Sr ED & Co-Head, Kotak Institutional Equities said in an interview with CNBC-TV18.

If you look at market valuations, it has stopped making sense. If we look at Nifty, it is trading 20x March 18 numbers, which is still expensive. The bigger challenge is that the composition of Nifty has got nothing to do with India, he said.

As much as 60 percent of the earnings are either got to do with global commodity stocks or global commodity companies, said Prasad. The bottom line is that I really cant find too much value in this market, he added.

10:25 am CLSA on RIL: Reliance and British Petroleum announced a USD 6 billion plan to develop discoveries in the D6 block which will deliver sustainable production of 30-35mmscmd beyond 2022.

The partnership has also been expanded beyond upstream to focus on fuel marketing, unconventional energy and new technology initiatives, to deliver value to customers.

"While these are clear long-term positives, start of projects worth over USD 40 billion in next 6- 9 months remains the key near-term trigger for the stock," CLSA said while retaining buy call on the stock.

Disclosure: Reliance Industries owns Network 18 and Moneycontrol.com.

10:00 am Market check: Equity benchmarks continued to trade marginally higher in morning trade but the broader markets outperformed.

The 30-share BSE Sensex was up 36.37 points at 31,112.10 and the 50-share NSE Nifty rose 22.55 points to 9,600.60 while the BSE Midcap and Smallcap indices gained over half a percent on positive market breadth.

About two shares advanced for every share falling on the BSE.

ITC, Tata Motors, ICICI Bank, M&M and Axis Bank were top contributors to Sensex' gains while Reliance Industries, Infosys, Wipro and TCS were under pressure.

9:30 am FII View: Ridham Desai of Morgan Stanley said three-month return correlations across stocks have plummeted to single-digit levels for only the third time in 15 years.

The previous two occasions were accompanied by a major upward move in the market.

"The directional view on the market is more difficult for us to judge, even though in our base case we think that the pace of returns will slow down in the second half of 2017, Desai said.

Also read - Buy, Sell, Hold: 3 stocks and 1 sector on analysts' radar today

9:15 am Market Check: Equity benchmarks opened moderately higher on Friday, with the Nifty reclaiming 9600 level despite mixed Asia trade.

The 30-share BSE Sensex was up 66.32 points at 31,142.05 and the 50-share NSE Nifty rose 26.40 points to 9,604.45.

HDFC Bank and Tata Motors were leaders in early trade while Infosys, Reliance Industries, HDFC and Asian Paints were under pressure.

The broader markets marginally outperformed benchmarks, with the BSE Midcap and Smallcap indices rising 0.4 percent each. Four shares advanced for every share falling on the National Stock Exchange.

Bhushan Steel (down 3 percent), Jyoti Structures (down 13 percent) and Amtek Auto (down 13 percent) were sharply under pressure after sources told CNBC-TV18 that these companies are in the list of 12 accounts to be sent to Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC).

Ipca Labs was down 13 percent after USFDA said all drugs manufactured at Ratlam unit will not be allowed to sell in the US.

BPCL, HPCL and IOC gained 1-3 percent.

The Indian rupee declined in the early trade. It has opened lower by 12 paise at 64.66 per dollar, lowest level since May 30, against 64.54 on Thursday.

Ashutosh Raina of HDFC Bank said the shrinking of Fed balance sheet can impact the EM currencies including rupee, and one can expect some weakness going ahead. He expects the USD/INR currency pair to trade in 64.40-64.70/dollar range today.

Indexes in Asia traded mixed following the declines in tech stocks on Wall Street and the Bank of Japan announced monetary policy. Japan's benchmark Nikkei 225 index gained 0.53 percent while South Korea's Kospi erased earlier gains to trade lower by 0.11 percent.
After a sharp rally witnessed so far in the last 12 months, the market does look expensive and the valuations have stopped making sense, Sanjeev Prasad, Senior ED & Co-Head, Kotak Institutional Equities said in an interview with CNBC-TV18.

If you look at market valuations, it has stopped making sense. If we look at Nifty, it is trading 20x March 18 numbers, which is still expensive. The bigger challenge is that the composition of Nifty has got nothing to do with India, he said.

As much as 60 percent of the earnings are either got to do with global commodity stocks or global commodity companies, said Prasad. The bottom line is that I really cant find too much value in this market, he added.

Here is a list of stock which he talked about in his interview:

Reliance Industries

Prasad said he is positive on RIL and the recently concluded press conference with BP which they announced plans to make a fresh investment of approximately Rs40,000 crore is positive. Finally, we are seeing some action on the E&P side which was hardly contributing towards the performance of the stock.

From the valuation side, RIL looks attractive. If I look at March 19 EPS numbers excluding the Jio business, it would come to be Rs130-135. There is hardly any value in the rest of the space, he said.

Disclosure: Reliance Industries owns Network 18 and Moneycontrol.com.

Oil Marketing Companies

For OMCs, as a house call, Prasad said that we have turned cautious on the whole OMC space. We are negative on all of them given the fact that they are trading at valuations which are fully valued.

The real challenge for these companies is the long-term growth challenge which is fairly limited. The marketing volumes have not increased too much and in fact, there could be a possibility that they would lose volumes to other private players. There is a lot of downside risks.

ICICI Bank & SBI

ICICI Bank & SBI have the right ingredients for significant re-rating. Both the banks have a good business when it comes to liabilities side. ICICI Bank is ahead of SBI in terms of moving into the retail space. Now, more than 50 percent of the loan book is retail while SBI numbers are on the lower side.

But, both companies are clearly in a strong position. The solution of the large corporate loan book problem will be the key in terms of performance. If we start seeing solutions from RBI coming then the gap between the adjusted book and the reported book will come down which would open room for some more re-rating.

Aurobindo Pharma

We are comfortable with Aurobindo Pharma, said Prasad. From the valuations side, the stock is placed Rs50 EPS for March 19 which looks reasonable. More importantly, the revenue contribution from the US generic business does not depend on few molecules.

Aurobindo Pharma also has a good pipeline for March 18 and 19 which should give comfort to revenue numbers going forward. They seem to be doing right things which is a positive.

Housing Finance companies

If you remember, we increased the weight of HFCs during the time of demonetisation, said, Prasad. LIC Housing was a big call during note ban but removed it from portfolio now.

But, over the last 6 months we have actually reduced the weight and in fact 15 days back we have LIC from the model portfolio. My only concern is that strong volume growth is contingent on pick up in housing loan finance, he said.

The whole housing finance companies theme is becoming more competitive and the banks are becoming a lot more aggressive in this space because now they are looking at retail lending space more aggressively.
The city of Pune is getting ready to launch Indias largest municipal bonds programme, totaling a little more than Rs 2200 crores. The money will be raised over the next 5 years and the first tranche of a Rs 200-crore issue will be listed on June 22 at the Bombay Stock Exchange. This is the first issue of municipal bond under the Modi government  and the Smart Cities Mission, and 15 more cities are lining up to launch their municipal bonds. So a lot hinges on the success of this first bond issue.

CNBC TV18s Manisha Natrajan caught up with Kunal Kumar, Commissioner of PMC to get more details on the issue.

What will the proceeds of Rs 200 crore be used for?

This is for the 24/7 water supply scheme for Pune. Broadly, there are 3 categories of work that we will be doing. First is the construction of the network. This is again divided into two parts; replenishment and complete replacement of the old network. The second part is putting in new networks and it also includes smart metering. Third part of the work is giving adequate storage capacity through water reservoirs.

Is this for all the citizens of Pune or for the small area of Aund-Baner-Balewadi which is selected for the Smart Cities Mission?

This is for the entire city of Pune. In fact, this is not only for the current city but for what it will be in 2047. The project has been designed for that population as well.

What are the likely coupon rates on this bond issue?

Thats something I don't decide. It will be decided online on the bidding platform of the BSE.

Is there any indicative range that you can give us?

Unfortunately, I'll not be able to speak anything about it. But we are the highest rated municipal corporation as far as credit rating goes we are double A+. The project is financially viable. The project structuring has been done extremely well and the tariff policy is also strong. Therefore, we expect a good rate.

The bonds are not guaranteed by the Maharashtra government  will the user charges from 24x7 water supply be enough to service the interest obligation?

Financially, PMC has done much better year-on-year. Every year we had revenue surplus. To repay the bond there is a structure payment mechanism. We have a tariff policy backing the project. From the tariff we get from the water tax, part of it will go into the escrow account, which will fund the repayment and part of it will be funded from the municipal corporations property tax and other revenues. It is a mix of user charges and subsidies. Over a period of time user charges will be sufficient to take over the subsidy.

What kind of investors have shown interest so far- domestic or foreign?

For the first tranche of Rs 200 crore we are mostly looking at the domestic investors.
Reliance Industries and BP have announced a partnership to increase gas output form KG-D6 with an investment of Rs 40,000 crore. The question is what this means to gas importer and regasifier Petronet LNG.

RK Garg, Director-Finance, Petronet LNG welcoming the new partnership between RIL and BP, says with the government targeting to increase the consumption of natural gas in the overall energy basket, there is a need for more domestic natural gas.

Currently natural gas consumption is around 6.5 percent which has to go up to 15 percent, said Garg. Production of domestic gas would help leverage more LNG import because domestic gas is cheaper than imported gas. So good for the country and consumer, he said.

On the business front, he says they are further looking to expand the Dahej Unit from 15 million tonnes (mt) to 17.5 mt by around 2019. The current 15 mt is fully available for usage and the Dahej plant along is meeting 70-80 percent of the countrys imported gas requirement.

Furthermore, he says the progress of Kochi to Mangalore pipeline is good under execution by Gail. So, if everything goes as per plan then by end of 2018 the pipeline would be read and the throughput at Kochi would increase.

For Mangalore to Bangalore that is Kochi to Mangalore and then to Bangalore via Tamil Nadu, the discussions are still one, says Garg.

Kochi refineries has been expanded and the volumes have now increased and FACT is of taking the volume right now. The current utilisation of Kochi is 13-14-15 percent as compared to 5 percent earlier. As of now there are two major consumers for Kochi that is FACT and BPCL and utilisation depends on their oftake.

Going forward if profits are good and there is sufficient cash on the books, then shareholders would be duly rewarded via dividends but the decision will be taken by the Board, says Garg.

Moreover, he clarified that the Saudi Arabia- Qatar standoff is not impacting their volume inflows and the entire volume is coming as planned.
At a meeting of the Indian technology industrys stalwarts, the IT minister Ravi Shankar Prasad called for greater cooperation between the government and industry and proposed setting up of special innovation zones to support startups better.

The government estimates the digital economy to surpass USD 1.115 trillion by 2024-25.

The industry consultation in New Delhi on Friday lasted for over two hours and was attended by names such as Infosys co-founder Kris Gopalakrishnan, Wipro's chief strategy officer Rishad Premji, Google India managing director Rajan Anandan, Hike CEO Kavin Bharti Mittal, Practo CEO Shashank ND, among others.

The round table was organised by the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) to discuss Developing the roadmap- 1 trillion dollar digital economy.

The minister said the industry as well as the government agrees that India has the potential to surpass USD 1 trillion target in the next few years.

The participants discussed ways in which Indian startups can contribute to the economy, proposing a framework for promoting startups through a startup cluster policy.

The minister said that MeitY would be coming out with a new electronics and software products policies, as well as a framework for data security and data protection in the country.

He further said that an intersection of Digital India and Startup India programmes needs to be explored, especially in the agriculture, education and healthcare domains. The minister said that MeitY would work closely with the respective ministries in these fields.

Item 2016-17 2024-25 IT/ITeS $ 160 Bn $ 350 Bn Electronics $ 100 Bn $ 300 Bn Telecom $ 80 Bn $ 150 Bn E-Commerce $ 30 Bn $ 150 Bn Digital Payments $ 3 Bn $ 50 Bn Cyber Secutiry $ 18 Bn $ 35 Bn IoT $ 6 Bn $ 20 Bn Sharing Economy $ 1 Bn $ 30 Bn Digital Skilling $ 15 Bn $ 30 Bn Total $ 413 Bn $ 1.115 Tn

The industry also spoke about the great potential for low cost cyber security products in India.

On layoffs in IT Sector

The minister downplayed concerns about IT layoffs and said the IT industry has ample employment opportunities. He said that a big BPO market stands untapped in India, and that the industry is a net hirer of talent.

He further said that the industry and the government will work together on digital skill development.

Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Kris Gopalakrishnan told Moneycontrol, We havent seen mass layoffs. The business is usual. It is a transformation stage that every industry goes through. The industry has ample resources to re-skill manpower.

Rishad Premji said that all organisations are looking to hire more people locally in the different geographies they operate in.
A Mumbai-based network of angel investors, Venture Catalysts is planning three exits in the next two months as it expands internationally into the Middle East, Singapore, Hong Kong, the US, and Japan by 2018-end.

The firm has invested in 20 startups in India to date and has had a successful exit in March in Beardo, a mens grooming products startup. Marico Group acquired 45 percent in the company for an undisclosed amount and plans to offer an exit to 100 percent of the investors gradually over the next one year.

The deals are under the works. We are happy with the kind of response the startups under our net have received. We will soon announce the deals, Venture Catalysts co-founder Apoorv Ranjan Sharma told Moneycontrol. The other co-founder of Venture Catalysts is Anuj Golecha of Golecha family which owns Raipur-based real estate firm WallFort Properties.

The firm's other investments include Vphrase, DeyorCamps, ConfirmTkt, Fynd, SuprDaily and Innov8. The firm plans to exit three of its investments in two months.

In March, Venture Catalysts had successfully sold its stake in photo-curation platform Siftr to Chinese firm APUS. The company has recently expanded its network to Bangalore and now operates in 12 cities across India.

In India, the firm claims to have a network of high net worth investors including Anirudh Damani, founder of Artha Venture Partners, Daud Ali, managing director of Peacock Industries, Neeraj Shah, founder of Titan Masterminds, Nirav Choksi, chairman of HHC Holdings, Ritesh Malik co-founder and CEO of Innov8 and Sameer Shah of Sattva Investments, among others.

The seed investment and innovation platform is now scouting for innovative startups in geographies beyond India. It has already kicked-off its expansion into Qatar, which will be a center point for the company to create its presence into other GCC countries, such as Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and UAE. For its expansion into the Middle-East region, Venture Catalysts has partnered with a local investment partner in the GCC countries  360-Nautica.

For its expansion into Hong Kong, the company has partnered with Cyberport, a platform with close to 900 digital tech companies. It is managed by Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company, which is wholly owned by the Hong Kong SAR Government. Cyberport focuses on key clusters of digital technology, namely FinTech, e-commerce, IoT and wearables, and Big Data, as well as AI.

Notwithstanding the political sanctions pertaining to the Middle-East, Sharma feels that the region has a growing ecosystem of innovative startups and we want to be present there in early stages. He also said that the expansion will strengthen the financial and innovation ecosystem between the Middle-East and India.

In the US, Venture Catalysts has partnered with Silicon Valley-based venture fund, innovation platform, and a startup accelerator with success stories that includes PayPal, Dropbox, and SoundHound.

Venture Catalysts claims that about 200 investors will join its platform in each of these countries to invest Rs 3-6 crore in early stage startups, a similar funding structure that it carries out in India. The key high growth sectors Venture Catalysts has identified are healthcare, FMCG, retail, and technology.

The idea is to create a cross-learning between startups in each of these countries and also to open up funding channels for Indian companies, Sharma said.

durba.ghosh@nw18.com
Myth 3: Everyone who has a mental illness needs medication to manage symptoms | Bulthuis says no two patients are the same. While medicines can help manage symptoms, there are some people with mental illness who do not require medication. For others, medicine is essential for recovery. (Representative image)

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Share price of Astrazeneca Pharma rose as much as 4 percent intraday Friday as it has received import and market permission from the Drug Controller General of India.

"..... received import and market permission in Form 45 (marketing authorization) from the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) for FDC of Budesonide 320 g +Formoterol Fumarate Dihydrate 9 g inhalation powder," as per company release.

"FDC of Budesonide 320 g + Formoterol Fumarate Dihydrate 9 g inhalation powder (Symbicort Turbuhaler 320/9 g) is a product of AstraZeneca global and is indicated in the regular treatment of Asthma where use of combination of inhaled regular corticosteroid & long acting -agonist is appropriate and patients with moderate to severe COPD with frequent symptoms and a history of exacerbations," it added.

In the month of May, the company had got an import and market permission in Form 45 (Marketing Authorization) from the Drug Controller General of India for Osimertinib Tablet 40 mg and 80 mg.

Osimertinib (Tagrisso TM) is the product of AstraZeneca group and has been approved in over 45 countries, including US, EU, Japan, China and other Asian countries.

In the quarter ended March 2017 the company had reported net loss of Rs 2.87 crore against profit of Rs 55 lakh in the same quarter last year.

At 09:55 hrs AstraZeneca Pharma was quoting at Rs 933, up Rs 13.50, or 1.47 percent on the BSE.

Posted by Rakesh Patil
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, Kunal Saraogi, Sumeet Jain and Jay Thakkar battle it out for top honours.

Below their top stock picks and analysis:

Kunal Saraogi of Equityrush

Buy Aurobindo Pharma with a stoploss at Rs 631 and target of Rs 665

Buy Fortis Healthcare with a stoploss at Rs 195 and target of Rs 207

Buy Capital First with a stoploss at Rs 710 and target of Rs 740

Buy L&T Finance Holdings with a stoploss at Rs 139 and target of Rs 147

Sumeet Jain of Destimoney Securities

Buy Capital First with a stoploss at Rs 708 and target of Rs 766

Buy Federal Bank with a stoploss at Rs 115 and target of Rs 127

Buy Fortis Healthcare with a stoploss at Rs 188 and target of Rs 213

Buy Bajaj Finance with a stoploss at Rs 1384 and target of Rs 1468

Jay Thakkar, Head-Technical and Derivatives Research, AnandRathi Share & Stock Brokers

Sell GSFC with a stoploss at Rs 126.45 and target of Rs 119.20

Sell CESC with a stoploss at Rs 903.10 and target of Rs 864.60

Buy Glenmark Pharma with a stoploss at Rs 625.40 and target of Rs 664.20

Buy Ujjivan Financial with a stoploss at Rs 294.80 and target of Rs 318.60
Reliance Industries | NCLT approved the resolution plan submitted by Infrastructure Projects - a division of Reliance Projects & Property Management Services, subsidiary of Reliance Industries, for Reliance Infratel under the Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code.

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Global brokerage houses said the partnership between Reliance Industries and British Petroleum (BP) to develop discoveries in the KG-D6 block is a long term positive for RIL but revenue from Reliance Jio would be key in near-to-medium term. The stock recouped early losses to trade at Rs 1,385.75, up 0.09 percent from previous close, at 11:44 hours IST.

RIL and BP on Thursday announced that they are moving forward to develop already-discovered deepwater gas fields, bringing new gas production for India. Both companies will award contracts to progress development of the 'R-series' deep water gas fields in block KG-D6 off the east coast of India.

The project is expected to produce up to 12 million cubic metres of gas a day, coming to stream in 2020, the company said, adding development of three projects, with total investment of Rs 40,000 crore, is expected to bring in total 30-35 million cubic metres of gas a day new domestic gas production onstream, phased over 2020-2022.

Reliance Industries has 60 percent participating interest in KG-D6 block while BP has 30 percent and Niko 10 percent.

CLSA | Rating Buy | Target Rs 1,710

The partnership has also been expanded beyond upstream to focus on fuel marketing, unconventional energy and new technology initiatives, to deliver value to customers.

The two companies also advanced their collaboration beyond conventional upstream. Firstly, this venture will expand in conventional fuel and ATF marketing. Pertinently, BP already has a licence to market aviation turbine fuel and set up 3,500 fuel stations in India. Secondly, the partnership plans to also look at opportunities in unconventional fuels and low carbon energy sources. This should encompass solar, wind and gas amongst other things. Thirdly, the JV will look to employ digitisation and develop futuristic and innovative solutions to deliver disruptive value, which can also be taken to other parts of the world.

Plan to develop existing discoveries in D6 is a long-term positive. At the same time, this new JV on downstream should remove any doubts on whether Reliance is focussed to expand in fuel marketing. Nonetheless, near-term stock performance will be driven by start of projects worth over USD 40 billion in the next 6-9 months. CLSA has reiterated buy call on the stock.

Morgan Stanley | Rating Overweight | Target Rs 1,506

RIL's announcement related to investment in upstream, which was slightly above expectations, while the collaboration with BP in expanding investment in conventional fuels, unconventional mobility solutions and addressing electrification, sets the tone for RIL's growth plans.

Both upstream and fuel retail expansion have been well flagged; the overall growth in capex being around 10 percent above estimates. While there were limited details on retail fuel collaboration, BP has adopted a selective approach towards retail network expansion and it believes it will co-exist and not compete with incumbent retailers.

Bank of America Merrill Lynch | Rating Neutral | Target Rs 1,450

While it is good that RIL has decided to restart projects in D6, these are currently long dated projects.

The new D6 fields could add USD 1.3 billion (2 percent) to RIL sum-of-the-parts, but more importantly drive core earnings growth post the ongoing chemical projects (in the FY21-22 period).

The new energy partnership is still in early stages and needs definition. Spending, inflow on this will take time.

In the near term, the RIL stock should depend on Reliance Jio's revenue fortunes, which may become clear only around September/December 2017. With 5 percent upside potential, it stayed neutral on the stock.

JPMorgan | Rating Neutral | Target Rs 1,310

Given that both announcements are more medium-term impact events, JPMorgan sees limited uplift to the near-term stock price.

Given that the first of the incremental gas is not before 2020 and the full ramp up would be only in 2022, the research house sees limited financial impact till FY20.

The capital spend of around USD 1 billion a year is also very manageable for RIL, it feels. The increase in KG-D6 investments comes together with increasing CBM investments by the company.

While current gas prices are low, so are capital costs for developing these fields. RIL's ability to make counter cyclical investments is a key positive as it continues to de-risk the earnings profile from energy prices, JPMorgan said.

Credit Suisse | Rating Neutral

RIL/BP's a new strategic partnership, aiming to explore opportunities in differentiated fuels, mobility and low carbon businesses, is very preliminary. Credit Suisse does not see it impacting its RIL investment thesis at the moment.

Capex, project timelines and peak output are broadly in line with prior RIL/BP guidance and already built into its models. Domestic E&P only accounts for 4 percent of its RIL sum-of-the-parts.

Disclosure: Reliance Industries Ltd. is the sole beneficiary of Independent Media Trust which controls Network18 Media & Investments Ltd.
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Shares of Ipca Laboratories touched 52-week low of Rs 443.05, slipped 13.7 percent intraday Friday after USFDA refused the admission of company's drug in the US market.

".......has received a communication from USFDA stating that all the drugs manufactured at the Company's API manufacturing facility at Ratlam (Madhya Pradesh), SEZ Indore (Pithampur) and Piparia (Silvassa) will be henceforth refused admission into the United States," as per company release.

The ban of all drugs will continue until the company can demonstrate that the drugs manufactured sites and intended for the US market are in compliance with Current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP).

API Chloroquine phosphate manufacturing at Ratlam unit is an exception, which will be reconsidered if shortage and/or medical necessity implication change.

On February 2016, USFDA had issued a warning letter to all three manufacturing units situated at Ratlam, SEZ Indore and Piparia.

At 09:18 hrs Ipca Laboratories was quoting at Rs 448.15, down Rs 65, or 12.67 percent on the BSE.

Posted by Rakesh Patil
A special TADA court is set to pronounce its verdict on the seven accused in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts case on Friday. The seven  Mustafa Dossa, Karimullah Khan,Feroz Abdul Rashid Khan, Taher Merchant, Riyaz Siddiqui, Abdul Qayyum Shaikh and Abu Salem,  have been accused of waging war against the Government of India, murder and criminal conspiracy after being arrested between the years 2003 and 2010.

What took place in Mumbai in 1993?

On March 12, 1993, 13 RDX bombs, the first time ever used in India, exploded throughout Mumbai. The blasts was the largest terror attack on Indian soil killing 257 people, and injuring 700. It is was the single most coordinated terror attack, followed 26/11 Mumbai attacks.Property worth Rs 28 crore was destroyed in the attack

Who carried out the attack?

The infamous crimelord Dawood Ibrahim carried out the attack with his right-hand man Tiger Memon. Allegedly located in Pakistan, Ibrahim is India, the United States and Interpols 'most wanted' fugitive.

The authorities have also revealed the active involvement of the Pakistani intelligence agency, Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) in the blasts.

Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt was one of 189 people accused in a chargesheet filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation in 1994. Dutt served five years in prison before being released in February 2016 for the possession of firearms used in the blasts.

100 people were convicted by the TADA court, several of whom are still absconding after more than two decades since the blast.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) claimed it extradited Dossa from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2003, where a separate trial for charges including conspiracy and transportation of arms was undertaken for him by the court.

Abu Salem was one of the prime accused with maximum exposure by the media, Sentenced to life imprisonment, he was extradited from Portugal in 2005 and is currently imprisoned in Taloja Central Jail , Raigad.

Why was Mumbai targeted ?

The demolition of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya saw communal riots rage across the country between December 1992 and January 1993, after a make-shift temple was constructed the place of the mosque.

According to the CBIs case, the terrorist attack was planned and executed as revenge to the riots that killed many Muslims. Enraged Muslim youth were taken to go to Dubai and then to Pakistan to receive training for the attacks.

The agency claims the objective of the attack was to strike terror in the people and to adversely affect the harmony among various sections of society.
Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) chief Elattuvalapil Sreedharan, 77, reacts during his visit at the site of a DMRC flyover that collapsed in New Delhi July 13, 2009. Gammon India Ltd shares tumbled by nearly a fifth on Monday after a part of the bridge it was constructing for the DMRC fell, unnerving investors. The accident killed six people on Sunday morning and prompted Sreedharan to offer his resignation. REUTERS/Adnan Abidi (INDIA DISASTER BUSINESS TRANSPORT) - RTR25MFT

While the BJP not revealing any nominee for the post of India's new President, speculators now suggested former Delhi Metro chief E Sreedharan could be in consideration.

Earlier, 'Metro Man' Sreedharan's name did not make it to the list of dignitaries who would stand alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi when the latter would inaugurate the Kochi Metro on Saturday.

Not excluding Sreedharan made some frown and the Pinari Vijayan-led Kerala government wrote to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) asking it to revise the seating plan.

The PMO later said that Sreedharan name has been included in the list but sources told India Today that Sreedharan's name was deliberately omitted from the list in the first place.

Sources privy to the development said that there is a strong probability of Sreedharan being nominated as the ruling BJP-led NDA's candidate for the President's post in the July 17 election.

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The report states that Finance and Defence Minister Arun Jaitley was going to be NDA's candidate for the president's post, but when Jaitley refused the offer, BJP then decided to choose Sreedharan.

The other BJP leaders whose names were in the reckoning were LK Advani, Sushma Swaraj, MM Joshi and Sumitra Mahajan.
Activists of the Congress party lay garlands before the portrait of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhiin Allahabad. Activists of the Congress party lay garlands before the portrait of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on the 20th anniversary of her assassination in the northern Indian city of Allahabad October 31, 2004. REUTERS/Jitendra Prakash - RTREMY8

The government has decided to observe anti-Emergency day on June 25-26 and asked all its ministers to hold programmes across the country to remind people how Emergency was clamped by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1975.

Terming the Emergency as a "black day" in the constitutional democracy of independent India, Union Information and Broadcasting Minister M Venkaiah Naidu has written to all ministers, asking them to make themselves available on the requests of the presidents of state units of the BJP to demonstrate how the party values democracy.

"We, a democratic and nationalist party, observe the day as such to reinforce our firm commitment against subversion of democratic values."

"To demonstrate how we value the real democracy and how sturdily we stand for people's rights, it has been decided that this year too, on June 25/26 to observe anti-Emergency day," Naidu said in his letter.

In the same letter, Naidu also asked the ministers to tour one or two places to explain and interact with people, traders, merchant organisations, chambers of commerce and industry to explain the highlights and benefits of the GST which would come into force from July 1.

"Though the process of creating awareness has been underway through print and electronic media all over the country, the prime minister has desired that Union ministers take upon themselves the responsibility of explaining the highlights and benefits of GST," the letter said.

Further, Naidu sought support of the Union council of ministers to make June 21, the International Day for Yoga, a successful event.

In his letter, Naidu has asked all ministers to reach their designated place by the night of June 20, as the programmes would start early next morning.
While one shouldn't dwell in the past, it shouldn't be forgotten either for it shapes events which play out in the future. Moneycontrol takes a look at some of the crucial episodes on June 16, which had a bearing on the fortunes of India and the world.

On this day in 1925, India bid goodbye to deshbandhu Chittaranjan Das, a pioneering figure in Bengal during the non-cooperation movement against British Raj. He also founded the Swaraj Party after severing ties with Mahatma Gandhi's Congress faction in 1923.

His contributions are not just limited to being a revolutionary figure in India but his versatility extends to being a lawyer, poet and a journalist who founded an anti-British Raj newspaper named 'Liberty'.

Let's go back in time and see what else happened on this day in history:
BJP president Amit Shah today began his three-day Mumbai visit during which he will also meet Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray.

The BJP chief's upcoming meeting with Thackeray assumes significance as Shiv Sena has threatened to take an "independent stand" in the presidential election and also in wake of the ongoing war of words between allies over issues like farm loan waiver and the possibility of snap polls in Maharashtra.

Shah landed here this morning as a part of his extensive tour programme of various states.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, state BJP chief Raosaheb Danve and Mumbai BJP president Ashish Shelar welcomed Shah after he landed at the Mumbai airport.

After coming out of the airport, Shah accepted the greetings of several BJP workers who had gathered outside.

The BJP president then left for Shivaji Park to offer floral tributes to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, Veer Savarkar and Bal Thackeray.

Later today, Shah is scheduled to meet party MPs, MLAs, state unit office bearers, morcha presidents, presidents of districts and mandals and other elected representatives in south Mumbai.

That meeting would be followed by another with BJP ministers in Maharashtra government at the chief minister's residence 'Varsha'.

On Saturday, Shah would meet the core committee members of the state at 'Vasant Smriti' - Mumbai BJP's office in Dadar.

Shah is scheduled to meet Uddhav Thackeray at the latter's residence 'Matoshree' in suburban Bandra on Sunday.

The same day, Shah will attend a meeting in connection with the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Birth Centenary year at Sahyadri guest house and also review various programmes to strengthen the party at the booth level.

During his visit, which concludes on Sunday, Shah is also expected to interact with some intellectuals from Mumbai.

The Mumbai visit is part of the country-wide tour programme undertaken by Shah from April to September, party sources said.

So far, the BJP chief has visited 10 states, they added.
Men sit under a banner carrying a portrait of chief of India's Congress party Sonia Gandhi outside the Congress office in New Delhi May 16, 2014. Counting of votes began on Friday after India's mammoth election, which could usher in the most profound economic change in a generation if opposition leader Narendra Modi wins a clear mandate for his agenda to revive growth and create jobs. REUTERS/Adnan Abidi (INDIA - Tags: POLITICS ELECTIONS) - RTR3PEHK

The Congress today accused the BJP-led NDA government of working against the interests of the farmers and the poor and slammed it for its Smart City project dubbing it as a "failure".

The party said that under the Smart City project majority of the funds were being spent in "certain VIP pockets" and not the slums and other such areas inhabited by the poor.

Talking to reporters here, All India Congress Committee spokesperson Ajay Maken also took on the Centre over the farmers issue and said those protesting for their rights and remunerative prices of their produce are fired upon and killed under the BJP.

He likened the present situation to the farmers' agitation of 1917 in Bihar's Champaran.

"The government is facing farmers' protest on one side and is grappling with failed policy implementation for the poor on the other side. The farmers are protesting and in cities the poor are being ignored," he said.

"This government is not sensitive towards the farmers and neither the poor. Their policies towards the poor are biased and opaque," he added.

He alleged that contrary to what was promised in 2014, the government was now pursuing anti-poor policies as there was no allocation of funds for projects for weaker section.

Maken said as many as 59 cities were selected by the government to be developed as 'Smart Cities' and Delhi being one of them, where funds have been earmarked only for select areas.

"In 59 cities, Rs 1.31 lakh crore have been sanctioned for Delhi's development, of which Rs 1.02 lakh crore have been earmarked for select VIP areas. But only 2.7 per cent of the budget is utilised for the purpose for the poor so far," he claimed, adding this showed the Centre's apathy towards the poor.

Accusing the government of bias against the poor, he said only the rich were being catered to as certain posh areas under the New Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) where all VIPs, including the prime minister and Union minister Venkaiah Naidu, reside have been selected for development under 'Smart city' project.

"There is no transparency in execution of projects and the whole process is opaque," he alleged, pointing out that the empanelment of service providers for training of professionals was being done two years after the project was launched.

On the farmers' issue, the Congress leader compared the situation to the peasants' agitation in Champaran in Bihar in 1917 against the British and said the "same is happening today".

He also dubbed the AAP and the BJP as two sides of a coin and said both worked to defeat the Congress and complimented each other as has come out in Goa and Punjab.
India Economy

The Modi government is committed to develop India as a world leader by boosting growth of every part of the country, Union minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore said at a 'ModiFest' event hosted by the Delhi BJP.

The event held in Delhi BJP president Manoj Tiwari's Parliamentary constituency in northeast Delhi showcased the achievements of the three-year rule of the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre.

"The Modi government is committed to develop India as a world leader. As a first step towards fulfilment of this goal, it is working to take the benefits of national development to the remotest areas of the country," the minister said.

He said the purpose of the 'ModiFest' (Making Of Developed India festival) is not only to showcase the government's programmes but also ensure participation of the people in it.

The three-day event has been organised by Delhi BJP at a school in Shahdara area.

Tiwari urged party workers, specially the municipal councillors, to popularise the schemes like Mudra Yojna, Start Up India and Stand Up India, among the youth in the city.

Northeast Delhi has a high number of small scale industry units that can benefit from these schemes, he added.
China said today that there is no change in its stance on admission of non-NPT states into the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), marring India's chances of entering the 48-member elite club at its crucial meeting next week.

"On the issue of Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), I can tell you China's stance on the accession of new members into NSG has not changed," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told reporters.

Lu made the remarks while responding to questions about reports that Russian President Vladimir Putin had taken up India's accession to the NSG with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping during their recent meeting at Astana on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit.

According to reports, the NSG plenary meeting is due to be held next week in the Swiss capital of Bern.

The issue has become a major sticking point in bilateral relations between India and China.

After India's application for entry into the elite group which controls the nuclear trade, Pakistan, the all-weather ally of China, too had applied with the tacit backing of Beijing.

While India, which is backed by the US and a number of western countries has garnered the support of a majority of the group's members, China has stuck to its stand that new members should sign the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), making India's entry difficult as the group is guided by the consensus principle. India is not a signatory to the NPT.

After a series of meetings, China has backed 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.
London, UK | $16.47 billion (Image: Reuters)

A man with a knife was arrested today by Scotland Yard's armed officers near the gates of the UK Parliament amid heightened security fears in the capital following the horrific terror attack earlier this month.

The Metropolitan Police said the man -- in his 30s -- was arrested for possession of a knife and there were no reports of any injuries.

"Man arrested near Palace of Westminster re possession of a knife. No reported injuries," the Met Police said in a statement on Twitter.

Witnesses reported hearing "knife, knife, knife" as armed officers swooped on the suspect, who looked in his 30s.

The man, wearing a grey hooded top, ran towards the St Stephen's entrance of the Houses of Parliament, which is the main visitor's entrance to the building.

It is feared it may have been an attempted copy-cat terror attack from March, when Khalid Masood rammed a car into the side of the Palace of Westminster, which houses the UK Parliament, killing four people and got out to stab to death a police officer on guard at the House of Commons gates.

In April, Mohammed Khalid Omar Ali, a 27-year-old foreign-born British national was arrested on suspicion of carrying knives in a very public operation near Parliament Square as part of an intelligence-led operation.

London has been on higher alert since the recent terrorist attack on London Bridge and Borough Market on June 3, which claimed eight lives, and the concert bombing in Manchester in which 22 people were killed.
Rajiv Khaitan & K A Alakiri

The defence sector offers significant opportunities for start-ups and Indian enterprises. India is one of the worlds largest importers of defence equipment and the defence budget for 2017-18 is approximately INR 3.6 lakh crore. The government is increasingly focusing on manufacturing, research, and development, through its Make in India campaign. The Defence Procurement Procedure, 2016 (DPP 2016) has, with the aim to improve efficiency in the procurement process, to promote growth of the domestic defence industry, to increase indigenisation and boost competitiveness of Indian defence industry, provided ample avenues for tapping by start-ups, Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises and information technology companies.

DPP 2016

The DPP 2016 has simplified the procedures for Indian defence enterprises as part of ease of doing business in India. To encourage local players and help achieve the objectives of the Make in India campaign, the DPP 2016 provides for higher levels of indigenous content requirements and accords highest priority to bidders qualifying for the newly introduced Buy Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured (IDDM) category, which refers to (a) products from Indian vendors that have been indigenously designed, developed and manufactured with at least 40 percent indigenous content, or (b) 60 percent indigenous content on cost basis, for products which have not been designed and developed indigenously.

In categories where defence equipment is to be obtained from foreign vendors, the DPP 2016 imposes offset obligations pursuant to which a foreign vendor is required to invest in India through the purchase of eligible products manufactured and/or services provided by Indian enterprises, foreign direct investment in joint ventures with Indian partners, investment in kind through the transfer of technology, or through the provision of equipment and services to eligible institutions. Thus, offset obligations are aimed at boosting the capacity and capability of domestic defence players and for employment generation.

Implementing offset obligations also enables Indian enterprises to gain access to foreign defence technologies. In 2015, Russia agreed to transfer technology in relation to 332 components of the Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter aircraft under the Make in India programme and a majority of the aircrafts under the deal were made in India by Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL).

Similarly, Boeing under a joint venture with Indian enterprise - Tata Advanced Systems has set up a facility in Hyderabad, for the manufacture of Boeing AH-64 Apache helicopter fuselages and other equipment. This facility will eventually be the sole producer of AH-64 fuselages globally.

Currently, the Indian government is pushing for a full-scale transfer of technology and related benefits for the multi-billion dollar joint development and production of a fifth-generation fighter aircraft (FGFA) with Russia.

Many Indian companies are expected to enter into joint ventures with foreign manufacturers. Given the above opportunities, Indian enterprises engaged in the manufacture of eligible products and/or provision of eligible services may, in addition to being offset partners for foreign vendors, provide indigenous content to foreign original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

It is also important to note that while there were some ambiguity in the past regarding whether Indian subsidiaries of foreign companies would qualify as Indian enterprises for the purpose of indigenous content requirements and discharge of offset obligations, the DPP 2016 specifically clarifies that such subsidiaries would qualify as Indian enterprises for all defence procurement purposes.

Ocean of Opportunities for Indian MSMEs and Start-ups

Under the make category, the DPP 2016 has granted micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) the first right to undertake projects, where the estimated cost of prototype development is not in excess of INR 10 crores in government-funded projects and INR 3 crores in industry-funded projects. Further, the eligibility criteria for MSMEs has also been simplified to enable them participate more easily in make projects.

Importantly, the DPP 2016 also specifies that a multiplier of 1.5 will be allowed in cases where MSMEs are the Indian offset partners, thereby increasing the appeal of such entities as offset partners. Thus, foreign OEMs are increasing the use of Indian MSMEs to discharge their offset obligations, owing to the multiple advantages available to Indian MSMEs.

Ambiguities surrounding the need for industrial license to qualify as an Indian defence offset partner have been clarified by the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) and it is now clear that an industrial license is required only by entities engaged in the manufacture of goods specified under DIPP Press Note 3 of 2014 and that holding of an industrial license is not a pre-requisite to act as an Indian defence offset partner.

Thus, Indian enterprises manufacturing eligible products and/or providing eligible services that do not require an industrial license will qualify to provide defence offsets and indigenous content.

Further, as an icing on the cake, the caps and conditions provided in the Foreign Direct Investment Policy (FDI Policy) applicable to defence sector would only apply to companies that manufacture defence products and require an industrial license. Therefore, Indian enterprises that do not require an industrial license will not attract the foreign direct investment caps and conditions applicable to defence sector entities.

Although start-ups in the e-commerce and service sectors have been taking up more of the spotlight, the time is ripe, especially given the push to the Make in India campaign, for start-ups to explore the defence sector.

It is important to note that opportunities for start-ups in the defence sector do not only include the manufacture of equipment but also the provision of technical support and integration services in information technology, maintenance, repair and overhaul, communication and navigation, among other areas.

The quantum of Offset obligations under defence contracts are also increasing. The Rafale deal signed with France contains a 50 percent offset obligation condition. Similarly, the governments of Germany and Indian are in talks for the supply of HDW 214 submarines which is expected to have significant offset obligations. Offset obligations in defence contracts open up a wide array of opportunities for Indian entities mainly for MSMEs and start-ups interested in the defence sector.

It is also important to note that India is yet to test and achieve progress in the lucrative defence export industry. However, once Indian players develop the capacity to manufacture defence equipment, start-ups and MSMEs are expected to have opportunities globally.

Authors are Rajiv Khaitan is a Senior Partner, K A Alakiri is a Senior Associate and Aishwarya Giridhar is an Associate at Khaitan & Co.

Dislaimer: The views on moneycontrol.com are their own and not that of the website or its management.
The International Monetary Fund logo is seen inside the headquarters at the end of the IMF/World Bank annual meetings in Washington, U.S., October 9, 2016. REUTERS/Yuri Gripas - RTSRHRQ

Eurozone ministers struck a long-delayed bailout deal with Greece to unlock the rescue cash, but warned Athens would have to wait for debt relief.

After hours of talks in Luxembourg IMF chief Christine Lagarde and the eurozone's 19 finance ministers greenlit a payout of 8.5 billion euros to meet debt payments due in July and avoid another summer of Greek crisis.

Payment of the latest tranche of Greece's 86-billion euro (USD 97-billion) has been held up for months by a row over its needs for debt relief pitting bailout-weary Germany against the IMF.

"I am pleased to announce we have achieved an agreement on all elements," Eurogroup head Jeroen Dijsselbloem told a news conference.

"I think this is a major step forward," he said.

In a breakthrough, Lagarde agreed in Luxembourg that the Washington-based IMF would join Greece's massive bailout, but said any payouts depended on the eurozone coming up with a full debt relief plan.

"Nobody claims that this is the best solution. This is a second best solution, but it's not a bad solution," said Lagarde, a former French finance minister.

The deal averts a repeat of the summer of 2015 when Greece spectacularly defaulted on an IMF loan, and allows Athens to meet seven billion euros of debt repayments due in July.

Athens insisted it would veto the deal, bitter that the latest disbursement would come without firm debt relief commitments after it delivered on tough reforms.

As a consolation, in a compromise negotiated by France, Greece won a certain amount of clarity from the eurozone on debt relief.

Debt relief "will be implemented at the end of the programme, conditional on its successful implementation" in 2018, said Dijsselbloem, who is also Dutch finance minister.

The eurozone would now draw up an "exit strategy" over the next year "to enable Greece to stand on its own feet again", Dijsselbloem said.

After three bailouts, Greece's debt currently stands at a staggering 180 percent of annual output, by far the biggest national debt pile in Europe.
A man purported to be the reclusive leader of the militant Islamic State Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi has made what would be his first public appearance at a mosque in the centre of Iraq's second city, Mosul, according to a video recording posted on the Internet on July 5, 2014, in this still image taken from video. There had previously been reports on social media that Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi would make his first public appearance since his Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) changed its name to the Islamic State and declared him caliph. The Iraqi government denied that the video, which carried Friday's date, was credible. It was also not possible to immediately confirm the authenticity of the recording or the date when it was made. REUTERS/Social Media Website via Reuters TV (IRAQ - Tags: POLITICS) ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. IT IS DISTRIBUTED, EXACTLY AS RECEIVED BY REUTERS, AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS. REUTERS IS UNABLE TO INDEPENDENTLY VERIFY THE CONTENT OF THIS VIDEO, WHICH HAS BEEN OBTAINED FROM A SOCIAL MEDIA WEBSITE - RTR3X9BH

Russia's Defence Ministry said on Friday it was checking information that a Russian air strike near the Syrian city of Raqqa may have killed Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in late May.

The air strike was launched after the Russian forces in Syria received intelligence that a meeting of Islamic State leaders was being planned, the ministry said in a statement posted on its Facebook page.

"On May 28, after drones were used to confirm the information on the place and time of the meeting of IS leaders, between 00:35 and 00:45, Russian air forces launched a strike on the command point where the leaders were located," the statement said.

"According to the information which is now being checked via various channels, also present at the meeting was Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, who was eliminated as a result of the strike," the ministry said.

The US-led coalition fighting Islamic State said it could not confirm the Russian report that Baghdadi may have been killed.

The strike is believed to have killed several other senior leaders of the group, as well as around 30 field commanders and up to 300 of their personal guards, the Russian defence ministry statement said.

The IS leaders had gathered at the command centre, in a southern suburb of Raqqa, to discuss possible routes for the militants' retreat from the city, the statement said.

The United States was informed in advance about the place and time of the strike, the Russian military said.

Islamic State fighters are close to defeat in the twin capitals of the group's territory, Mosul in Iraq and Raqqa in Syria.

Russian forces support the Syrian government which is fighting against Islamic State mainly from the west, while a US-led coalition supports Iraqi government forces fighting against Islamic State from the east.

The last public video footage of Baghdadi shows him dressed in black clerical robes declaring his caliphate from the pulpit of Mosul's medieval Grand al-Nuri mosque back in 2014.

Born Ibrahim al-Samarrai, Baghdadi is a 46-year-old Iraqi who broke away from al Qaeda in 2013, two years after the capture and killing of the group's leader Osama bin Laden.

Rami Abdulrahman, director of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, cast doubt on the report Baghdadi may have been killed. He said that according to his information, Baghdadi was located in another part of Syria at the end of May.

The information is that as of the end of last month Baghdadi was in Deir al-Zor, in the area between Deir al-Zor and Iraq, in Syrian territory, he said by phone.

Questioning what Baghdadi would have been doing in that location, he said: Is it reasonable that Baghdadi would put himself between a rock and a hard place of the (US-led) coalition and Russia?
The Dusty Miller that I grew in planters on this years patio garden was the clear champion of the season. Not only did the plants survive a huge deer incursion without suffering a nibble, but theyve also now held up...
June 16, 2017

When Generals Make Policies - From Tactics To Strategy To Political Decision

June 13, 2017 - Mattis promises new Afghanistan strategy by mid-July

Defense Secretary James Mattis on Tuesday promised to deliver a new military strategy for Afghanistan to lawmakers by mid-July, ...

June 15, 2017 - About 4,000 more US troops to go to Afghanistan

The Pentagon will send almost 4,000 additional American forces to Afghanistan, a Trump administration official said Thursday, hoping to break a stalemate in a war that has now passed to a third U.S. commander in chief. [...] The decision by Defense Secretary Jim Mattis could be announced as early as next week, the official said. It follows Trump's move to give Mattis the authority to set troop levels ...

The U.S. has a problem with the former Marine General Mattis as Secretary of Defense. Mattis thinks tactics, not strategy.

It makes little sense to send additional troops when one does not have a strategy they will have to serve. There is so far no other way to end the war in Afghanistan other than to simply pull out of it. The racket that the war has become can only be stopped by such a grand strategic decision. Sending troops before deciding on the strategy practically guarantees that the choice of a pull-out will be excluded from the evaluated possibilities. The tactical decision of sending more troops will drive the strategy.

Mattis already screwed up by allowing the U.S. Central Command to loudly stump around the al-Tanf border crossing between Syria and Iraq. The small al-Tanf garrison is legally very dubious and now surrounded on three sides. The only choices left are to pull out to Jordan or to start a big war with Syria, Russia and Iran. This could happen by accident. Some low officer on the ground making the decision to attack this or that Syria allied unit could launch a huge and ever escalating chain of events. A much bigger war is likely not what the Trump administration wants or needs. But to pull out will now be an acknowledgement that the tactical decision of deploying to al-Tanf was wrong and become a loss of face. Here again the tactics are driving the strategy:

Strategy should drive tactics when it comes to handling Iranian-backed elements in Syria, not the other way around. Otherwise, the United States risks upending other elements of the war effort in Syria for ill-defined reasons. This may include expanding the role of an already over stretched Special Operations Command and more wear and tear on other elements of the U.S. military  all for ill-defined and unachievable goals. The United States has the capability to defend a garrison in the Syrian desert. However, the reasons for doing so are devoid of any purpose ...

Mattis is liked by some because of his aggressive stance against Iran. His career is otherwise only remarkable for the massacres he was part in (Fallujah 2004). It is claimed that he owns 7,000 books. I doubt that he understood or even read them. To me he seems to be just one of dozens of rather mediocre general officers the U.S. military has produced. Such officers are incapable of making sound strategic decisions. They know how to run the military machine, but that is the easy part. They lack a real feel for diplomacy, economics and cultural issues. They are unable to see the world through the eyes of the other side. They never learned statecraft.

General McMaster, the current National Security Advisor, seems likewise a man of tactics, not strategy. How else can we explain that there is yet no consistency visible in any of the grand games the U.S. plays. The reaction to the flare up in the Gulf Cooperation Council was chaotic, no game plan has been shown for Afghanistan, Iraq or Syria, the "pivot to Asia" seems dead. The current policies are reactive and not part of a larger view or scheme.

The grand scheme should run from policy decision to (military) strategy and then down to the tactical decisions. What we see now are tactics driving a strategy and the strategy then driving the greater policies.

One may be grateful, especially as a foreigner, that U.S. foreign policy is in such a miserable state. But the damage that can occur due to a miscalculated tactical decisions or an emotional response to an event - without any thinking about the bigger picture - is likely bigger than the one any well chosen political strategy could cause.

Posted by b on June 16, 2017 at 13:42 UTC | Permalink

Comments
Bibica power balance coming to an end?

Bibica Corporation (HoSE: BBC) may see the end of conflicts between its two big shareholders, PAN Food Manufacturing Joint Stock Company (PAN Food) and Lotte Confectionery Co., Ltd. (Lotte), as the former is forecasted to purchase more shares and take the helm of Bibicas board of directors.

PAN Foods ambition

















In June, Bibica announced that it has received PAN Foods offer to purchase 7.27 per cent of its outstanding shares in the market, an equivalent of 1,121,670 shares, at the price of VND112,800 ($5) apiece.

It means that PAN Food will have to spend about VND127 billion ($5.6 million) on the deal. If the transaction succeeds, PAN Foods stake in Bibica will rise to 51 per cent, turning Bibica into a subsidiary.

However, currently, Lotte has two representatives in Bibicas board of directors, while PAN Food has only one, Nguyen Khac Hai.

Even if PAN Food can successfully hold 51 per cent stake in Bibica, it cannot add another representative to the board of directors immediately, as they will have to wait until a Lotte representative or an independent member end their term. Otherwise, in accordance with the Law on Enterprises, PAN Food should hold 65 per cent of Bibicas stakes to call a shareholders meeting and call for the election of a new member.

Previously, Truong Phu Chien, vice chairman cum general director of Bibica, registered to sell his 0.72 per cent stake in the company on May 19, 2017.

Bibicas leader, who has devoted 30 years of his life to Bibica, said that he wanted to transfer his entire shareholding due to personal financial reasons.

However, investors do not completely give credence to this reason, as Chien used to say that stake sale was the best way to eliminate conflicts between the two biggest shareholders.

At the same time as Chien, Vo Ngoc Thanh, another shareholder, also registered to sell a part of his stake in Bibica. From May 23 to June 11, 2017, 2.66 per cent of Bibicas stakes have been offered for sale.

From 2013, there have been conflicts between Bibicas two biggest shareholders, PAN Food and Lotte, which was exacerbated by their similarly large holdings that prevented either of them from making the final decisions in the company.

Purchasing this 7.27 per cent would give PAN Food an advantage over the other majority shareholder. Also, Chiens wish for Bibica to have one biggest shareholder will come true.

A shareholder in Bibica since 2007 by acquiring a 38 per cent stake, now Lotte holds 44.03 per cent as the biggest shareholder.

Lotte is one of the most famous confectionery manufacturers, offering vital support to Bibicas research and development department. Moreover, thanks to Lotte, Bibicas products are now exported to five countries, all part of Lottes system of 16 foreign markets.

Meanwhile, Saigon Securities Inc. (ticker SSI on HOSE) has been holding a 9 per cent stake in Bibica since the middle of 2009.

As Nguyen Duy Hung fills the position of chairman at SSI and The PAN Group, this acquisition raised PAN Foods stake in Bibica to 43.73 per cent.

PAN Food offers Bibica both financial support (on account of SSI) and support in the agriculture and food sectors.

Bibica scheduled electing additional member to its board of directors at its May 26, 2017 annual shareholders meeting, but the plan fell through and the board remained unchanged.

Nevertheless, the two board members decision to sell is expected to alter the balance between the two biggest shareholders.

Hung is expected to play a major role in this. In the past, when asked whether he wanted to increase ownership in Bibica and gain control, Hung said that even if he wanted to, not enough shares are available on the market.

When mentioning me or SSI, people may think that my investment in Bibica is a financial investment instead of a strategic one. If Kinh Do Vietnam Joint Stock Company (now Mondelez Kinh Do Joint Stock Company) had not sold 80 per cent of its stake in the confectionery sector to Mondelez International (an American multinational confectionery, food, and beverage company), we would not have invested in Bibica. We finally decided to invest in this company because in the next five years, we do not want to see our ancestors altars covered by foreign confectionery, Hung told VIR at a recent meeting in Ho Chi Minh City.

Ambition of becoming a leading confectionery company

Chien agreed with Hung about Bibicas development target, saying that the 2.66 per cent stake will be transferred to a new owner based on Bibica benefits, such as its brand and product development, instead of personal benefits.

This is an important thing as Bibica is deploying its key products.

One of its main products is chocolate pie. Upon mention of this type of confectionery, Vietnamese people may think of ChocoPie, a product of Orion Group, which generated $174.5 million of revenue in 2016 in Vietnam, or Lotte Pie.

However, in April 2017, Bibica introduced Mini Pie Orienko, which was adjusted to better suit the Vietnamese taste, so that this product can compete with other foreign brands.

Talking with VIR, Phan Van Thien, deputy general director of Bibica, said that this will be one of Bibicas main products.

The company targets to win 20 per cent of market share away from its competitors with this product.

Previously, Bibica already introduced this product, geared towards the high-income segment, but failed.

Thus, Orienko is now repositioned as a product for the middle-income segment at the price of VND30,000 ($1.32) per 264 gram box.

We employ high-technology for product preservation without using preservatives. The products quality is as good as foreign pies, while its price is 30-40 per cent lower. I believe that in the short term we will gain market share, and in the long term our products will replace foreign brands, Thien said.

With the capacity of 20 tonnes per day, this chocolate pie product is expected to induce VND200 billion ($8.8 million) of revenue, which will account for 13-14 per cent of Bibicas total revenue in 2017.

Currently, Bibica holds 30 per cent of the candy sector and 25 per cent of the pie/cake/cookies sectors.

At present, Bibica is taking advantage of agricultural products, such as coffee and coconut, or manufacturing products with functions similar to supplementary food, such as candies for sore throat.

Bibica develops its products based on the advantages of domestic agricultural products.

Other candy brands for the high-income segment will be produced in June 2017 to reach the target of 50 per cent annual growth rate.

Chien said that Bibica will develop its products in the domestic market and considers this its main market.

Bibicas products were exported to 15 countries, but they contributed only 7 per cent to the companys total consolidated revenue.

It is forecasted that the confectionery market in Vietnam will have a growth rate of 8.5-9 per cent per year, with more competition coming, as duties and tariffs in the ASEAN will be eliminated gradually.

Regarding technology, most companies in the industry across the ASEAN stand on the same technological level (except for Korea and Japan). This requires every manufacturer to focus on quality to win market share.

Bibica targets to become a leading confectionery company in Vietnam by 2021, with a revenue of VND2.618 trillion ($115.2 million), an equivalent of 20 per cent annual growth rate. This is a challenge to Bibicas board of directors and supervisors.

Bibica has announced expanding its manufacturing at Eastern Bibica Co., Ltd. and Northern Bibica Co., Ltd. In particular, in 2017, Bibica expects to spend about VND217 billion ($9.5 million) on investment (in 2016 the amount was $800,800).

Targets include Bibica Bien Hoa factory (about $2.8 million), the biscuit production line in the Eastern factory ($5.6 million), upgrading the bread production line in the Hanoi factory ($316,800), upgrading the cookie production line ($264,000), and upgrading the fire protection system of Bibica Bien Hoa factory ($132,000).

Additionally, Bibica is developing an online store with the aim of developing its distribution channels in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, so that the two cities will contribute 30 per cent of Bibicas total sales.

At present, Bibica has more than 2000 products in over 500 big and small supermarkets, with 120 exclusive distributors and retail outlets in Vietnam.

To reach these targets, it is vital for Bibica that its big shareholders get on with each other and put a stop to conflicts.

VIR
A Marion man is still at large after he led police on a 110-mph car chase late Wednesday night near downtown Morganton.

The chase, which ensued following reports of a larceny at Walmart, reached its top speed in a 45-mph zone shortly before the driver wrecked his vehicle in the woods near the Seiren building on East Union Street.

Officers approached the wrecked Ford Escape to find Kylie Cherie Hilton, 38, of Marion, in the passenger seat along with two dogs. The driver, David Richard Cable, 40, abandoned the vehicle and was not apprehended. Officers said they found his ID inside the vehicle.

Sgt. Carswell with the Morganton Department of Public Safety said officers were already at the Walmart on Morganton Heights Boulevard in response to a separate larceny. While investigating the larceny, they were alerted about Hilton and Cable loading stolen items into the Ford Escape.

Felicia Griggs, of Morganton, said she called to report the shoplifting at 11:29 p.m. Griggs said she was at Walmart two hours earlier and noticed the suspects were walking around the store suspiciously but did not have any items at the time.

The woman was acting really bizarre, Griggs said. My first instinct was they were in there to shoplift.

When Griggs returned to the store after realizing she forgot some items, she said Hilton had loaded what appeared to be mattress pads, electronics and food items into a shopping cart.

Griggs said she then noticed a young woman exiting the store with what appeared to be stolen items in a shoulder bag, and store workers followed her outside. When officers arrived and began questioning the young woman, Griggs said Hilton and Cable approached a self-checkout machine.

Griggs said she continued to watch the couple and stood close enough to the machine to hear the sounds it was making.

It looked like they were scanning items, but they werent scanning all of them, Griggs said. They would act like they were scanning something but would just place it in the buggy.

Griggs said she then left the store, identified the Ford Escapes tag number and called police.

Carswell said an officer pulled up behind the vehicle and turned on its emergency lights. When the officer exited his car, the Ford Escapes brake lights turned on.

He cranked the vehicle, and they took off, Griggs said. He jumped all the little concrete planters in the parking lot and sped out of the way and got away.

Officers in two police cars chased Cable from West Fleming Drive onto Sanford Drive, which then turned into Kirksey Drive, Carswell said. It was on Kirksey Drive that speeds reached 110 mph in a 45-mph zone.

Cable then turned onto East Union Street and attempted to turn into Seiren, but he was going too fast. Instead, he drove down into a ravine next to the entrance, Carswell said.

I knew at that speed, he wasnt going to make that turn, Carswell said. He came straight off a bank, all the way up across the entrance (to Seiren) and went straight down into the woods.

Carswell said Cable missed a tree by about 3 feet. After Hilton was removed from the vehicle, she was transported to a local hospital and charged with a misdemeanor count of resisting, delaying or obstructing an officer and failure to wear a seatbelt.

Capt. Jason Whisnant said Hilton still has unserved warrants due to being transported with serious injuries. She also had two orders for arrest for violating a domestic violence protection order and for a fictitious registration plate.

Cable, who was still at large as of Monday afternoon, has a warrant for multiple charges. His pending felony charges include fleeing arrest with a motor vehicle and hit and run with serious injuries.

The pending misdemeanors include hit and run; reckless driving in a public vehicular area; reckless driving on a highway; aggressive driving; failure to heed a light or siren; resisting, delaying or obstructing; driving while license revoked; speeding 100-plus in a 45 zone; speeding 100-plus in a 35 zone; violating a domestic violence protection order and two charges of injury to property.

Other charges include failure to wear a seatbelt, failure to maintain a single lane, three charges of stop sign violations and three charges of red light violations.

Sgt. Suttles said the incident also falls under North Carolinas Run and Youre Done law, which states law enforcement agencies are allowed to seize vehicles involved in chases.

Staff Writer Ryan Wilusz can be reached at rwilusz@morganton.com or 828-432-8941.
The outlook for Europe is looking more positive, and this is reflected in the performance of exchange traded fund that track the main European indices.

European equity ETFs are the best performing funds this year to date, out of 149 top-rated ETFs by Morningstar analysts. This is perhaps not surprising given the Euro Stoxx 50 is up by 6.8% so far this year.

With Brexit talks scheduled to start this week, Europe is enjoying more favourable economic and political conditions. In contrast to the UKs political instability, Frances President Emmanuel Macron is expected to win a clear majority in the second round of his countrys parliamentary elections  which will be held this Sunday.

European investors will also be cheered by more positive progress on the next stage of the 86 billion bailout for Greece  a problem which has dogged the economic prospects of the region for years.

As part of the deal allowing the disbursement of the new bailout, the International Monetary Fund will also come on board for the programme - a key demand made by Germany. However, the fund will not disburse money unless European creditors identify debt relief measures.

There is now light at the end of the tunnel, said Greek Finance Minister Euclid Tsakalotos.

Using Morningstar Direct, we list three top-rated and best performing ETFs.

Lyxor MSCI Europe ETF (JC5)

The Lyxor MSCI Europe ETF, which is Silver Rated by Morningstar analysts, has returned 13.5% over the year to date. The synthetically replicated Lyxor MSCI Europe ETF has outperformed its benchmark over the past three years, and is one of the top-performing MSCI Europe ETFs, according to Dimitar Boyadzhiev, passive analyst with Morningstar.

The fund had 10.3% annualised returns over a three-year period and has returned 15% over five years.

Boyadzhiev said: The fund has shown above-average risk-adjusted performance over three, five, and 10-year periods when compared with peers in the category, which includes actively managed funds.

The funds portfolio aims to represent approximately 85% of the European developed equity market. By construction, in comparison with other passive and active offerings in the Europe Large Cap Blend Morningstar Category, MSCI Europe will always have a slight overweighting in larger companies at the expense of medium-size and small companies, said Boyadzhiev. However, the ETF stands as a good representation of the investment opportunities available, with a well-balanced sector and geography composition, Boyadzhiev added.

At 0.28%, the funds ongoing charge is much lower than the median fee level of 1.77% for the category; however, it is averagely priced in comparison with the other exchange-traded funds available, said Boyadzhiev.

The MSCI Europe Index includes approximately 85% of the equity market capitalisation of 15 countries across developed Europe. Financial services and consumer defensive are the indexs biggest sectors, with a 15%-20% weighting each, followed by healthcare and industrials.

iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF (IEUR)

This ETF is Gold Rated by Morningstar analysts. The fund gained 12.2% over the year to date, and has returned 10.2% over three. It is a US-domiciled ETF so UK investors should bear in mind that investing in ETFs domiciled in the US is not tax efficient.

IShares Core MSCI Europe IEUR is one of the cheapest and best-diversified funds in the Europe stock Morningstar Category, said Alex Bryan, passive analyst with Morningstar.

The fund targets stocks listed in developed European countries, representing the largest 99% of the investable market. This sweeps in more than 900 holdings, effectively diversifying firm-specific risk. It weights these stocks by market capitalization, which promotes low turnover. This approach also reflects the market's collective view about the relative value of each holding and skews the portfolio toward the largest European stocks, said Bryan.

Since it was only launched in June 2014, the fund has a limited record, but its cost advantage should give it an edge over the long term. However Bryan points out that over the past 10 years the funds index has slightly lagged the average return from its mutual fund peers  by 9 basis point, on an annualised basis He adds: So far, this ETF has kept tracking error low, even though it does not fully replicate the index, said Bryan.

Vanguard FTSE Europe Index fund ETF Shares (VGK)

The Vanguard FTSE Europe Index fund ETF Shares is Silver Rated by Morningstar analysts. It gained 12.4% year to date and it returned 10% over three years and 14.3% over five years. It is also a US-domiciled ETF so UK investors should bear in mind that investing in ETFs domiciled in the US is not tax efficient.

Like other ETFs in this sector this Vanguard fund offers low cost access to a diversified range of European stocks. However, the fund's performance does not stand out from its category peers, said Daniel Sotiroff, passive analyst with Morningstar.

The fund transitioned to the FTSE Developed Europe All Cap Index from the FTSE Developed Europe Index in October 2015, which extended its reach to include small-cap stocks. This well-diversified portfolio includes over 1,100 stocks listed in 15 developed European countries, covering 98% of the investable market. The fund currently only parks 16% of its assets in its top 10 holdings, said Sotiroff.

Vanguard recently cut the fund's expense ratio to 10 basis points from 12, making it one of the cheapest funds in its Morningstar Category. However. its tracking error appears a little high over the trailing 12 months through March 2017. This is partially due to fair value pricing and deviations between the portfolio and the index that may occur because of differences in transaction timing as the managers seek to mitigate transaction costs. Over long periods these small differences should wash out, said Sotiroff.
Home Capital Group Inc. and three of its former executives have agreed to shell out over $30 million to reach settlements with regulators and investors over allegations of misleading shareholders about mortgage fraud.



Bloomberg reported that Home Capital and the executives will pay $12 million and shoulder $500,000 in costs to the Ontario Securities Commission. The lender added that it will make a $29.5 million payment to settle a class-action lawsuit filed after shares plunged, which includes $11 million paid in the proposed OSC deal.



Home Capital stated that almost all of the payments will be funded through available liability insurance.



As part of the settlement, founder and former CEO Gerald Soloway will be paying a $1 million penalty, and will be barred from acting as a company director for four years. Meanwhile, former executives Martin Reid and Robert Morton will pay $500,000 each to the commission, while being barred from directorship positions for two years.



These settlements will enable us to move forward with regaining the confidence of our depositors and shareholders and creating value for all our stakeholders," Home Capital board chair Brenda Eprile said.



Home Capital will accept full responsibility for failing to meet its disclosure obligations to the marketplace and appreciates the importance of the serious concerns raised by the commission with respect to continuous and timely disclosure, she explained.



The stock posted a 17 per cent gain on June 15, its largest since May 11.



The OSC has scheduled an August 9 hearing in Toronto to approve the settlement. Staff received approval to make the terms of the proposed settlement public before the hearing to prevent speculation in the market, according to OSC spokesperson Kristen Rose.
Mount Pleasant, SC (29464)

Today

Occasional showers, with increasing winds in the afternoon. High 76F. Winds SSW at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of rain 60%. Higher wind gusts possible..

Tonight

Cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy after midnight. Low 64F. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph.
Posse saddles up to help children Russell Libby describes his golden palomino horse, Sonny, as the calmest, sweetest guy and his best friend for nearly two decades. Sonny is the reason Libby and his wife, Laura,...

Kris Kringle to support library programs The Moorpark Friends of the Library is offering the second annual Letter from Santa fundraiser. For a $25 donation to the Moorpark Friends of the Library, children will receive a...

Oakmont welcomes new executive director Ronda Wilkin, certified dementia practitioner and a senior living executive, joins Oakmont of Moorpark with more than three decades of experience in health and human services. During her 15 years...
Stable continues to define the Midland labor market, with the May unemployment rate slipping to 3.4 percent from 3.5 percent in April, according to the Texas Workforce Commission.

A year ago, Midlands unemployment rate was 4.5 percent.

Odessa saw a similar decline, to 4.7 percent from 4.9 percent in April and comes in well below the May 2016 rate of 6.5 percent.

Willie Taylor, chief executive officer of the commissions Workforce Solutions Permian Basin, again expressed his pleasure that the regions labor market remains stable.

Noting that an estimated 2,000 students just graduated from Midland high schools, Taylor said many of those students will head off to college, others into the military and others straight into the workforce. It underscores the need to encourage continued training and ensure theyre prepared for the workforce, he said.

I know they may be tired of school, but if they continue to enhance their skills, that translates into more income and opportunities for them, he said.

That includes training in areas such as education and health services, he said. Looking at the industrial composition of Midland and Odessa, he expressed concern that the Education and Health Services sector remained unchanged from April to May and has only added 100 jobs in the last 12 months.

While the dominant mining, logging and construction sector added 100 jobs from April to May and 1,900 jobs over the last 12 months, Taylor said the region needs to ensure it has enough workers in other, equally vital areas such as education and health services.

With the school districts seeking teachers, Im concerned theres not enough educators, he said. We need to find a way to grow the numbers in education and health services that will be needed.

Taylor said when he asked the employers on his board how many were fully staffed, not one raised their hand. That tells me they all need employees. Im concerned about the numbers and if well have enough workers (in the future).

While the mining, logging and construction sector has been adding jobs as the areas oil and gas industry continues to recover from more than two years of low oil prices, Taylor said the industry representatives on his board tell him not to expect the same employment numbers as when oil prices exceeded $100 a barrel.

One thing my board tells me is not expect (those) numbers because of increased technological innovation, he said.

While that means that industrial sector wont need as many workers, Taylor said it creates opportunities for training in other areas.

Midlands unemployment rate reported its slight decline in large part to a 400-person decline in its civilian labor force, which dropped 86,409 from 86,826 in April. Taylor said he sought an explanation from the commissions Austin offices and was told it was likely an adjustment in the commissions estimate of the labor force. Austin labor analysts said the figures are only estimates and that most of the commissions 26 metropolitan statistical areas saw similar month-to-month declines in their labor force.

Midland added 300 jobs from April to May, as a 100-job loss in the manufacturing sector was offset by a 200-job gain in the leisure and hospitality sector and 100-job gains each in the mining, logging and construction and the government sectors.

From May 2016 to May 2017, Midland added 1,400 jobs, as a 1,900-job gain was reported in the mining, logging and construction sector, 300 jobs were added in government and 100 jobs each were added in the education and health services, the leisure and hospitality and other services sectors. Those gains were offset by the loss of 700 jobs in trade, transportation and utilities, 300 jobs in professional and business services and 100 jobs in financial activities.

The Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas recently released its economic indicators for the Permian Basin and found that average weekly wages fell in the final quarter of 2016, ending three quarters of increase. Fourth quarter 2016 average weekly wages were $1,041 for the state, $1,232 for Midland and $988 for Odessa. The bank said between the third and fourth quarters of 2016, wages fell 5 percent in Texas and Odessa and 2 percent in Midland. Midland reported a 0.7 percent increase in the fourth quarter compared to the fourth quarter of 2015, the bank said.

Statewide, the unemployment rate fell to 4.8 percent from 5 percent in April. The state added 14,800 seasonally adjusted nonfarm jobs during the month and has added 266,600 jobs over the last year.

Amarillo had the lowest unemployment at 3.1 percent, followed by Austin-Round Rock, College Station-Bryan and Lubbock with 3.2 percent each and then Midland. The McAllen-Edinburg-Mission area had the highest jobless rate at 7.5 percent.

Midland unemployment

January 2017 4.1 percent

January 2016 4 percent

February 2017 4.2 percent

February 2016 4.2 percent

March 2017 4 percent

March 2016 4.4 percent

April 2017 3.5 percent

April 2016 4.5 percent

May 2017 3.4 percent

May 2016 4.5 percent

Preliminary numbers for May with April numbers in parentheses:

Amarillo 3.1 (3.0)

Austin-Round Rock 3.2 (3.2)

College Station-Bryan 3.2 (3.2)

Lubbock 3.2 (3.2)

Midland 3.4 (3.5)

San Antonio-New Braunfels 3.6 (3.6)

Sherman-Denison 3.7 (3.7)

Dallas-Plano-Irving 3.8 (3.8)

Fort Worth-Arlington 3.8 (3.9)

Wichita Falls 3.9 (3.9)

Abilene 4.0 (3.8)

San Angelo 4.0 (3.9)

Waco 4.0 (3.9)

Tyler 4.1 (4.1)

Killeen-Temple 4.2 (4.3)

Laredo 4.4 (4.6)

Texarkana 4.5 (4.4)

Odessa 4.7 (4.9)

El Paso 4.8 (4.8)

Victoria 4.8 (5.1)

Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land 5.1 (5.3)

Longview 5.4 (5.7)

Corpus Christi 5.7 (6.1)

Beaumont-Port Arthur 7.0 (7.4)

Brownsville-Harlingen 7.0 (7.5)

McAllen-Edinburg-Mission 7.5 (8.0)
JAMES DURBIN

The Chick-fil-A restaurant located near the northside Wal-Mart is closing -- but only temporarily.

Doors will close on Wednesday, according to a press release. Franchise owner Andy Slatken plans to tear down and rebuild the store. It is slated to reopen in the fall.
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Reading is the focus at a new facility in Midland. The center is also the first U.S. franchise for Nessy Learning, an educational company developed in the United Kingdom.

Nessy Reading Center opened this month in conjunction with The Reading Center, a private company in Midland. The facility on North Garfield Street contains space for children to work with Nessy tools and a separate area for private tutoring from The Reading Center.

Tiffany James, director of educational development for Nessy, said the collaboration came easily.

The Reading Center already utilized Nessy products in the curriculum lineup, James said in a phone interview from the United Kingdom. The Reading Center teachers were already familiar with Nessy products.

More Information For more information about Nessy Reading Center, call 770-7382. See More Collapse

Nessy, a computer software-based program, was originally designed for people with dyslexia but helps children of all abilities, according to James. She said it has a track record of growth if used with fidelity.

Nessys software introduces children to sounds, and its worksheets and games reinforce target skills.

Theyre having fun and because theyre having fun its not a drag, like they have to be here, said Hannah Shoumaroff, regional administrator. In general, they think its hilarious. They love the videos and walk around singing the rhymes.

This summer, Nessy Reading Center offers camps to help children develop and retain skills while under teacher supervision.

Kids lose 30 to 50 percent of what they learn in the school year over the summer and some other school breaks, Shoumaroff said.

The facility is slated to add sessions after celebrating its grand opening in September. Shoumaroff said the programs could appeal to parents who want their children to have extra help outside of the school setting.

During the 2016-17 school year, Nessy provided a free software subscription and dyslexia screening services to a tutoring program for Bunche Elementary students at the Greater Ideal Learning Center, according to a previous Reporter-Telegram report. Shoumaroff said the program showed Nessys potential for helping English language learners.

Because it breaks down the English language to the smallest phonemes  sounds of the word  it helps especially those who know the Spanish language, Shoumaroff said.

Other local schools and ministries have also used Nessy. Parents can also opt to use the software at home, according to Shoumaroff.

As Nessy takes root in Midland, the company plans to start other franchises in the United States. James said Nessy currently has U.S. administrative centers in Florida and New Jersey and will add those services to the Midland location.

Its a great central place in the U.S. to have support, James said. Email and phone support centers will be in the building for the western part of the country.
Sometimes cute, little ducklings get themselves into tough situations and this week, a Texas police officer was on the scene to lend a helping hand.

A Richardson police officer noticed several ducklings and their mother struggling with the traffic as they tried to cross the street.
Last month, Texas became the 47th state to pass a statewide texting-while-driving ban. Now, with a special legislative session approaching, Gov. Greg Abbott is pushing for legislation that could roll back stricter mobile phone laws already in place in more than three dozen Texas cities.

Complaining of a patchwork quilt of regulations that dictate driving practices in Texas, Abbott called last week for a measure that would pre-empt local ordinances that go beyond the statewide texting ban.

The ban, signed into law last week and set to take effect Sept. 1, pre-empts only local regulations relating to a drivers ability to read, write, or send an electronic message. The broader pre-emption Abbott favors would block local governments from any regulation of mobile devices in vehicles, effectively nullifying tougher cellphone regulations in about 40 Texas cities  including Austin, San Antonio and El Paso  where drivers are required to use hands-free devices for phone calls.

State Rep. Tom Craddick, R-Midland, who authored the texting-while-driving measure, said he would oppose such pre-emption both because it could weaken mobile usage laws and because he believes the issue should be left to local governments.

When it comes to driver use of cellular devices, I think the cities and the locals ought to have the right to do what they want to do, Craddick said.

Police departments in several cities that currently regulate all handheld cellphone use emphasized that hands-free ordinances play an important role in public safety.

Holding your phone in your hand is still some kind of distraction, Corpus Christi Senior Officer Travis Pace said.

Sen. Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, the laws Senate sponsor, said she will file a proposal during the special session that would create a statewide hands-free law  a measure that would accomplish the governors goal of uniform statewide legislation while strengthening restrictions on mobile phone usage behind the wheel across the state. She filed a similar measure, Senate Bill 67, during the regular session, but it never got a hearing.

With the governors leadership and support, perhaps we can pass a better bill that sets a statewide standard, Zaffirini said.

More than a dozen states already ban handheld cellphone use.

Rep. Matt Rinaldi, R-Irving, proposed an amendment to the texting-while-driving measure that would have established the broad pre-emption that Abbott favors. The amendment failed, but Rinaldi said he is considering a similar proposal next month.

The pre-emption ensures that we have one uniform law and that everybody knows what it is, Rinaldi said. He added that the more stringent regulations currently in place in some cities do not necessarily ensure greater public safety.

Craddick said it is difficult to predict how a pre-emption proposal might fare in the special session, but he recalled that many legislators seemed adamant during the regular session about letting cities regulate the issue.

Abbotts call for the mobile phone pre-emption is one on a slate of local control issues he has put on the agenda for next months special session. The governor has also taken aim at issues such as spending, trees on private land and construction project rules and permitting.
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NASA's first-of-its-kind mission to redirect an asteroid will not continue after President Donald Trump's budget called for it to be grounded.

NASA's Asteroid Redirect Mission scrapped under Trump budget

Mission was to examine more than 1,000 near-Earth asteroids

Read more about NASA's Asteroid Redirect Mission

Video of the space agency's Asteroid Redirect Mission looks like it was borrowed from a sci-fi movie.

Last year, the space agency touted the goal of visiting one of more than 1,000 near-Earth asteroids, as well as work toward shifting one away from a possible devastating Earth collision.

"This is a hazard that, 65 million years ago, the dinosaurs succumbed to," Dr. John Holdren, a former White House senior adviser, said in 2016. "We have to be smarter than the dinosaurs."

Scientists had planned to launch the robotic spacecraft by the end of this decade. The mission, which would take several years, was set to visit an asteroid, collect a larger boulder from the surface and redirect the rock to a stable orbit around the moon.

Astronauts flying on NASA's new Orion spacecraft would launch from the Kennedy Space Center on board the new heavy lift rocket currently in development.

They would then visit the boulder, take samples and return them to Earth for investigation.

With a new presidential administration in place, the mission is being canceled.

NASA spokesman Allard Beutel issued this statement:

"We remain committed to the next human missions to deep space, but we will not pursue the Asteroid Redirect Mission (ARM) with the Fiscal Year 2018 budget proposal. However, we will continue to work on the needed technologies, such as solar electric propulsion, which will advance future in-space transportation needs."

"It's not surprising," said Dale Ketcham, of Space Florida. "The program wasn't wildly popular in Congress, and it was President (Barack) Obama's signature space mission."

So, what will Trump's signature space mission be?

The president approved a $19 billion NASA budget in May. NASA officials hoped the asteroid mission would speed up people heading to Mars in the 2030s.
A UCF clinic that treats those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder has received a huge gift: $3 million in federal funding.

UCF PTSD clinic receives $3 million in federal funding

Clinic helps those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder

Funds will be used to develop a new virtual reality program



That money, coupled with $2.5 million in state funds, will allow UCF Restores to continue their work.

I know that theres a big need for it. Theres a lot of people out there suffering," said Jim England, an Army veteran.

England spent 26 years in the Army. Part of that time was spent disarming roadside bombs in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Memories of what he saw during those tours began plaguing him.



I was having problems with nightmares, depression, anxiety," he explained, going on to describe the worst incident involving involving a crowd of people outside several mosques and three suicide bombers.



There were dead people, wounded people, wailing family members. It was a nightmare," he said.

England sought help for his PTSD from UCF Restores.

We should be there for people who are hurting, and whatever it is we can do to help them, we need to do it," said Dr. Deborah Beidel.

Beidel started the clinic in 2011 with a grant from the Department of Defense. Over the last few years, theyve treated hundreds of veterans and active military personnel for free, recreating the sights, smells and sounds of war using virtual technology.

That intensive therapy, the psychology and medical education professor said, works: Within weeks of starting the program, 66 percent of people overcome fears and can function in society.

More recently, Beidel began treating first responders and survivors of the Pulse nightclub shooting. But, as money dried up, the clinic stopped accepting new patients.

It was very nerve-wracking, because we didnt know if we would be able to continue to see people. We didnt know if we would be able to keep the doors open," Beidel explained. We were quite concerned that we had discovered a need, we offered treatment that we knew was effective, and we were going to have to stop doing it.

But, she  and local lawmakers  began lobbying for funds, eventually snagging $2.5 million in state funds and the $3 million in federal.

Its beyond my wildest dreams. I never really thought we would be able to do something like this," said Dr. Deborah Beidel. This program, this clinic, has become a passion for me and my colleagues. Its not forever money, but its going to allow us to start to put this program out to the people who really need it."

UCF Restores will use the funds to develop a new virtual reality program, specifically tailored to the experiences of first responders. They'll also hire more full-time clinicians and hopefully, expand beyond UCF.



In addition, Beidel said others in the community, including a group of firefighters in Naples, Florida and Orlando Police Chief John Mina, have expressed interest in helping her craft a program for first responders.

Beidel said a number of legislators helped secure the millions in funding, including Senators Linda Stewart and Bill Nelson, as well as Representatives Darren Soto, Stephanie Murphy, Carlos Guillermo Smith and Mike Miller.

The doctor said that she also appreciates the support of Senator Marco Rubio going forward.

Without other people believing in us and what we can do, none of this wouldve happened," she said. We should be there for people who are hurting, and whatever it is we can do to help them, we need to do it.
PETERSBURG -- Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce, Inc. will host representatives of NextEra Energy Resources and Xcel Energy to discuss progress on the Hale County Wind Farm project.

The representatives will provide updated information and answer questions. Importantly, interested businesses will learn how to connect with the project.
Former Alief Independent School District coach David Temple appeared in court Friday morning for a hearing that advanced the defense of his nearly 20-year-old murder case.

His attorney, Stanley Schneider, secured permission from State District Judge Kelli Johnson to take the deposition of Temple's 75-year-old father while his health is stable.

Ken Temple, who has heart ailments and diabetes, needs to have his words captured while he is not in a health "crisis," Schneider said.

The elder man's testimony, which involves video evidence and a statement from the night in 1999 when David Temple's pregnant wife was killed, will show that it was "impossible for David to have committed the offense," Schneider said. "I'm just trying to protect Mr. Temple's right to present a defense."

Temple, 48, was found guilty of murder in 2007 in the execution-style shooting of his wife, Katy High special education teacher Belinda Lucas Temple. She was 8 months pregnant. The couple also has a son, who is now an adult.

The state's highest criminal court tossed out the conviction, however, ruling that prosecutors improperly withheld evidence in the murder trial, including details about additional possible suspects.

Temple was released from prison last year after serving 10 years of a life sentence.

Friday's 10-minute hearing also determined how evidence will be shared.

David Mitcham, representing the Harris County District Attorney's Office, said his agency is prepared to transfer copies of their case files, which fill "33 banker's boxes," to the Texas Attorney General's Office and to Temple's defense team.

Bill Turner, one of two special prosecutors with the Texas Attorney General's Office chosen by Johnson after Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg withdrew from the case, joined the hearing by phone.

Ogg's potential conflicts of interest persuaded her to seek the appointment of a special prosecutor.

In court filings, she noted that two employees in her office have possible conflicts. David Mendoza, a former judge who previously overruled Temple's motion for a new trial, is now chief of Ogg's professional integrity bureau.

Steve Clappart, Ogg's chief investigator, chased down leads on alternative suspects while working as an investigator for a previous district attorney. He then stood with Temple's lawyers as a private investigator in 2015 when they declared Temple was innocent.

Temple and his lawyers did not comment Friday as reporters followed them to an open elevator and the doors closed."
A state appeals court seemed skeptical Thursday of arguments that the billionaire owner of picturesque Martins Beach in San Mateo County had the right to lock its gates and cut off access that members of the public had held for many decades.

Appealing a judges order that requires owner Vinod Khosla to seek a permit from the California Coastal Commission to keep the gates closed, attorney Erin Murphy told the First District Court of Appeal in San Francisco that Khosla has a fundamental right to exclude the public from private property without state interference.

But Justice Terence Bruiniers told Murphy that her argument might be a little more persuasive if the beach hadnt had a long history of public access before Khosla closed it in 2010.

Another member of the three-judge panel, Justice Henry Needham, said the plain language of state law appears to define any change of public access to coastal land as development, requiring a Coastal Commission permit.

Murphy disputed that merely closing the gates meant that Khosla had developed the land, but said any state action allowing the public to invade your private property would be a type of confiscation  a taking, in legal terms  that requires compensation under U.S. Supreme Court property-rights rulings. The case may be headed for the nations high court if California courts uphold the commissions authority.

Khosla, co-founder of Sun Microsystems, bought nearly 90 acres of coastal property from its longtime owners for $32.5 million in 2008 and shut the public access gate in September 2010, citing the cost of maintenance and liability insurance. The previous owners had admitted the public for at least 70 years.

A San Mateo County judge ruled in 2014, in a suit by the Surfrider Foundation, that Khoslas actions had amounted to development, requiring a state permit. Khosla has kept the gates closed, despite the judges injunction, and has said he would provide beach access across a portion of his land if the state paid him $30 million.

If Khosla loses his appeal and seeks a permit, the Coastal Commission could decide to pay him for the use of his land, though that amount would be much less than $30 million. But in a separate case, a group called Friends of Martins Beach is scheduled to go to trial in October on its claim that the former owners of Martins Beach had effectively granted the public a right of access that Khosla could not revoke. If that claim succeeds, Khosla would not be compensated.

Eric Buescher, a lawyer for the Surfrider Foundation, told the court that Khosla should have realized, before he bought the property, that the states official land-use plans guaranteed a public right of entry.

The California Coastal Plan refers to Martins Beach as a place where public access exists, Buescher said. And by law, he said, the shoreline is public trust land that cannot be entirely closed off.

Deputy Attorney General Joel Jacobs, representing the Coastal Commission, told the court that even if Khosla has a fundamental right to own and maintain his property, he is not immune from state authority.

Even a fundamental right can be regulated, Jacobs said, noting that the fundamental right of free speech is subject to time, place and manner restrictions. The Coastal Act says you may exercise those rights subject to the requirement that you obtain a permit.

A ruling is due within 90 days.

Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @egelko
For the past two years, San Franciscans have complained about homeless tent cities sprouting in alarming numbers outside of the central part of town  and now they have statistics to back up those complaints.

The citys biennial one-night homeless count, to be released Friday, shows that since 2015 the western half of the city and significant residential strips of the rest of San Francisco have seen sharp increases in people living on the street  even as the citywide population of homeless people actually dipped by 0.5 percent, to 7,499.

From the western side of town to the citys northeastern tip, more people are now without permanent shelter. The numeric increases were small, in many cases, but the percentage rises were startling.

In the area including the Richmond District, the number of homeless people recorded during the one-night survey in January was 136, nearly double the 77 counted in 2015. In a swath of the Inner Sunset and down to Lake Merced, the total more than tripled, to 91 from 29 two years ago.

Homelessness is also spreading into tourist-magnet neighborhoods such as Fishermans Wharf and North Beach. That area, stretching down to the Ferry Building, had the largest numeric increase of any city neighborhood since 2015  258 more homeless denizens, up 106 percent.

The Tenderloin and the area surrounding it remain the epicenter of homelessness, with 49 percent of the citywide population. But with gentrification and widespread construction downtown pushing homeless people into the neighborhoods, the count in the core area fell by 536 people  13 percent.

City policy managers said the new count reflects what theyve been saying for the past year: Creating more housing, street counseling and Navigation Center multiservice shelters are making a difference in the toughest neighborhoods, but now the approach needs to be taken citywide.

This report didnt tell us anything we didnt already know, and we are making progress, said Jeff Kositsky, director of the city Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing. I think by the next count of 2019, youll see a noticeable decrease.

Kositsky pointed to several numbers in the new count that he said showed that the city, if not winning the fight against homelessness, is doing better than it has for several years.

The tally of homeless families dipped slightly, from 212 in 2015 to 190 this year, and the number of chronically homeless veterans  those who have been on the streets for more than a year, with acute problems such as substance addiction  dropped from 196 to 137. The number of homeless students in the San Francisco Unified School District dipped 12 percent, to 1,844  the first time that number has been below 2,000 since 2010.

This is the first time the (citywide) count has gone down in a long time, and I think thats a recognition of the fact that were having success, Kositsky said. Were starting to bend the curve on families, veterans and education, because thats where were putting some extra energy.

But San Francisco continues to struggle with the most visible, most troubled people without permanent shelter  those considered chronically homeless. Unlike the subgroup of veterans, the overall number of chronically homeless people shot up 31 percent, to 2,138.

Still, the citys 0.5 percent decline in its overall homeless population was a more favorable report card than many other West Coast jurisdictions received. Alameda Countys homeless count went up 39 percent. Los Angeles Countys was up 23 percent, and King County in Washington, which includes Seattle, saw a 16 percent increase.

The count, required every two years for federal funding, was conducted by an army of city workers and volunteers on Jan. 26 and provides the most complete snapshot of the citys homeless population. This years tally was more comprehensive than ever, enlisting new technological methods and a record 768 volunteers.

In previous counts, the number of individuals  generally adults, but also some youths  was the one emphasized most. That number went up 4 percent in this years tally, to 6,986. But since 2013 the city has also been refining its separate, simultaneous count of people ages 24 and younger, and this year officials began adding that count to the overall total.

That means that under the new counting system, the total homeless population of San Francisco was set at 7,499, down 0.5 percent from the combined count of 2015.

For those living in areas where the numbers are growing despite the overall drop, the new statistics bolster their calls for new services, housing and shelter.

This confirms what my constituents have been saying, that we have a homeless crisis  and it is great timing for these numbers to come out now, said Supervisor Hillary Ronen, whose district takes in the Mission District and saw an increase of 24 percent. Our Van Ness (Avenue) Navigation Center opens up soon, and hopefully this will greatly improve the tent-encampment crisis in the Mission. But we need more.

Ronen has joined Kositsky and Mayor Ed Lee in calling for neighborhoods unaccustomed to homeless shelters and services to accept the need for them. Ronen said the new count strengthens their case.

We havent built enough of the infrastructure  supportive housing and Navigation Centers  to actually solve the problem, she said. Instead, police move people from in front of one persons house to another house instead of getting people actually housed with services.

Supervisor Sandra Lee Fewer, whose district includes the Richmond, was not surprised by the new figures. She attributed some of the 76 percent increase of homeless people in her district to rising rents and housing shortages.

Weve been hearing that homeless camps and people have been moving all over the city for quite some time now, and ... we hadnt seen a rise like this before, Fewer said. Its extremely alarming. It just seems like the problem gets bigger and deeper.

What I am also concerned about is people who are marginally homeless, not so visible  living in vehicles, or those who have been newly evicted, Fewer said. Were seeing a lot of people getting evicted in my neighborhood of the Richmond, people who had lived there 40 years in rental apartments.

Once you lose your housing, you tend to stay in the community you know. So I am not surprised at all to see my districts numbers go up.

Kositsky and his staff hope a comprehensive system they are assembling to track homeless people through the services they use will give a more accurate count. Kositsky says the actual count of homeless people served through the year would come closer to 14,000 than the smaller total reflected in the biennial, one-night snapshot.

Note: After this story was published, the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing adjusted homelessness totals for some neighborhoods. For their updated numbers, go to http://hsh.sfgov.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/2017-SF-Point-in-Time-Count-General-FINAL-6.21.17.pdf

Kevin Fagan is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: kfagan@sfchronicle.com

Twitter: @KevinChron
CellRight Technologies, a Universal City maker of bone and tissue grafts derived from human cadavers, has been in talks to be acquired by a publicly traded regenerative medical devices company based in the United Kingdom.

Tissue Regenix Groups pending deal for the privately held CellRight became public last month when a local CellRight shareholder sued to halt the deal alleging its founder had a conflict of interest.

The litigation was quickly resolved and discussions on a sale continue, according to a recent announcement from Tissue Regenix.

Calls to CellRight Chairman and CEO Jesus Hernandez, his lawyer Laura ODonnell and company lawyer Jeffrey Webb were not immediately returned on Friday.

Caitlin Pearson, a Tissue Regenix spokeswoman, said in an email she could not make any additional comments about the proposed transaction.

Tissue Regenix already has a local presence. It established its Tissue Regenix Wound Care Inc. subsidiary in San Antonio in 2012 to bring to the U.S. its DermaPure product  used in the treatment of chronic and acute wounds.

San Francisco-based market research and consulting company Grand View Research listed Tissue Regenix as among the key players in the tissue engineering market in a report last year. San Antonio-based Acelity LP Inc. also made the list, but that was before it sold its regenerative medicine company LifeCell Corp. to pharmaceutical giant Allergan for $2.9 billion. LifeCell uses technology to help the body restore or replace damaged cells and tissues.

CellRight was founded in 2012 and first developed a scaffold product for repairing bones, according to Xconomy, which reports on business, life sciences and technology news.

CellRight has a method of processing human bone  which comes from donated cadavers  so that it can be sterilized without it losing a type of protein thought to help in bone grafting, Xconomy reported last year.

Hernandez told Xconomy that if the scaffold is mixed with a patients stem cells, done by either soaking it in a patients blood or by removing cells from bone marrow, the proteins will help stimulate the cells, spurring bone growth.

Xconomy also noted how another CellRight product was used last year during a surgery to separate conjoined twins (who were from a set of triplets) to help repair their abdominal walls. The product is derived from human skin, which is put through a proprietary sterilization process called BioRinse.

CellRight was formed with the intention of eventually finding a buyer, according to a lawsuit filed last month by shareholder HugoCellR, a San Antonio partnership led by Hugo A. Gutierrez Jr. He serves on the board of Falcon International Bank, an institution with more than $1.1 billion in assets that his family owns. Falcon has two branches in San Antonio, according to the banks website.

HugoCellR alleged in its lawsuit that CellRight was only offered for sale to one buyer  Tissue Regenix  instead of being advertised to multiple prospective buyers. The suit was filed in Bexar County district court.

HugoCellR accused Hernandez of acting primarily in his own self interest. If the deal closed, the suit said, Hernandez would receive substantial pay, profits, stock options and other consideration that other shareholders would not receive.

Hernandez is pursuing the sale to Tissue Regenix as the best course for his own professional prestige and personal lifestyle, which are unrelated to the fair market value of the company, the suit said. Thus, Hernandez is personally and financially interested in both sides of the deal.

State District Judge Cathleen Stryker issued a temporary restraining order halting any sale of CellRight on May 19. But less than two weeks after the suit was filed, the parties informed the court they had reached a settlement.

No details of the settlement were disclosed but HugoCellR now supports the sale.

Our client is on board with the deal, given the additional terms that were involved in the settlement, said Lamont Jefferson, a San Antonio attorney representing HugoCellR. Were waiting for the deal to happen, but were not in control of whether it happens.

If the deal goes through and we get what we were promised as a part of the settlement of the lawsuit, then our client will be happy, Jefferson added.

According to the lawsuit, the latest version of the Tissue Regenix purchase agreement must be closed by June 30.

Tissue Regenix reports its financial results in British pounds. Based on a current conversion rate, the company lost about $12.7 million on more than $1.8 million in revenue in the 11 months ended Dec. 31. That compares with a $12.1 million loss on about $1 million in revenue in the 12 months ended Jan. 31, 2016. The company has changed its reporting period.

pdanner@express-news.net

Twitter: @AlamoPD
New York-based hedge fund Sidus Investment Partners is pushing to get two directors on Harte Hanks Inc.s board as the direct-mail marketing company struggles while corporations abandon traditional print advertising for digital.

San Antonio-based Harte Hanks confirmed on Friday that Sidus formally notified them that it intended to nominate two candidates. Harte Hanks is scheduled to hold its annual meeting on Aug. 17.

The company lost almost $90 million on about $404 million in revenue last year. By comparison, it lost $181 million on about $444 million in revenue in 2015. It attributed the slide in revenue to reduced mail volumes, client attrition and the sale of a business.

Harte Hanks filed its 2016 annual report on Friday, about 2 months late, warning investors of its precarious financial standing. It remains delinquent on filing its first quarter financial results with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The company said its recent operating results and financial performance have caused it to closely review its ability to continue as a going concern. However, the company said it has enough cash to keep it afloat over the next 12 months thanks to a new credit agreement that allows it borrow $20 million.

It also disclosed material weaknesses in its internal controls and financial reporting, adding that its working on fixing the problems.

A call to Sidus official Alfred Tobia was not immediately returned. Sidus owns less than 5 percent of Harte Hanks shares.

The board of directors and management team of Harte Hanks are committed to acting in the best interests of the company and all Harte Hanks stockholders, the company said in its statement on Friday. Our board is comprised of seven very experienced and highly qualified directors, all of whom are actively engaged in the oversight and/or management of the company.

Harte Hanks added it will review Sidus nomination notice and will present its recommended nominees for the two director positions up for election at the annual meeting. The deadline for giving written notice for making nominations was 5 p.m. Thursday.

The company also told investors Friday that its financial performance and failure to timely file financial results has harmed (its) commercial reputation with customers, vendors and other commercial parties.

Customers and vendors have increased scrutiny on payment and performance terms in its agreements, the company said. It added it may be unable to aggressively price (its) services to win work in competitive bid situations due to its liquidity constraints.

The late filings have caused Harte Hanks to fall out of compliance with the New York Stock Exchanges listing requirements. As a result, the company could be subject to delisting.

Harte Hanks has been trying to carry out a turnaround plan. In April, Harte Hanks announced it was trimming $10 million in annual costs and selling its 3Q Digital subsidiary as part of a plan to enhance the companys strategic position and financial flexibility.

Harte Hanks specializes in direct mail marketing. It has fewer than than a dozen employees in San Antonio and about 5,000 across the globe.

pdanner@express-news.net

Twitter: @AlamoPD
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Two Houston health leaders pleaded with Texas' Republican U.S. senators in a letter this week to think long and hard before approving their party's health-care reform bill currently being crafted in Washington.

George Masi, president and CEO of Harris Health System, one of the nation's largest public health-care systems, and Ken Janda, president and CEO of Houston-based insurer Community Health Choice, are part of a chorus of 25 state health advocacy groups signing on.

The letter warns of a potentially devastating toll to Texas' most vulnerable populations if the proposed American Health Care Act, or Trumpcare, passes the Senate in its current form. The bill narrowly passed the U.S. House last month.

The House measure has been harshly criticized by a host of health-care groups for stripping coverage and reducing medical access for millions of Americans.

Sens. Ted Cruz and John Cornyn of Texas both sit on the panel working on the bill behind closed doors. It is not known when the bill will come to a vote, although Cornyn has said he is hoping for later this month.

Under a proposed per-capita cap, Texas could lose an estimated $1.5 billion per year in federal Medicaid funding. Many health advocates fear that eligibility will be tightened and programs will be slashed unless the state makes up the shortfall.

Texas already is tied with Alabama for having the strictest Medicaid eligibility threshold in the nation.

The vast majority of those receiving the benefit are poor children, the letter said.

"We call on you to stand up for Texas children, pregnant women, seniors and people with disabilities," reads the two-page letter dated June 15, referring to the four primary groups that rely on Medicaid for health care. "The decisions that you and other senators make in the coming weeks will influence the health and well being of these Texans - and therefore the success of all Texans - for decades to come."

The letter asks Cruz and Cornyn to "fight to ensure that our state receives its fair share of health-care funding and avoids passing the buck to Texas county governments to use local property taxes to pay for our uninsured working-poor adults."

Both senators' offices said Friday they received the letters. While neither addressed it directly, both issued statements about their goals on health care.

"Sen. Cruz is committed to fighting for health care reform that puts patients first, that expands access to care and that establishes more affordable health care options for Texans in every corner of our state," his office said in an email.

The statement described Cruz as "working in good faith with his colleagues from across the Republican spectrum to craft a bill that reflects these priorities."

The statement from Cornyn's office echoed that.

"We've not only heard from every member of our Republican conference, but are listening to our constituents, of course, and providers and doctors, hospitals, and others," that emailed statement said. "As we get closer to a consensus on the best solution, my goal continues to make sure that Texans have more choices and more affordable coverage, and end the mandates and the tax hikes that have caused premiums to skyrocket, together with the individual mandate, which basically forces Texans and Americans to buy a product that they don't want at a price they can't afford."
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During a June 2017 Metallica concert at the Alamodome in San Antonio, fans were stunned to learn the venue had cut off beer sales prior to the band's performance.

"The Alamodome is sold out of beer and the show hasn't even started," one fan posted on social media.

"Hey Alamodome! How do you run out of beer at a Metallica concert?!?!" another fan posted.

After news of the beer shortage spread on social media a day after the show, an Alamodome official told mySA.com: "This crowd loved their beer."

CONFUSION BREWS: Metal heads reportedly drank the Alamodome out of beer in places before Metallica went on

But one day later, after news of the beer shortage spread throughout the city, the venue came clean.

"It is common practice for Metallica to request that beer sales be discontinued as soon as the band takes the stage," Nicholas Langella, Alamodome general manager, said in a statement. "Thus, beginning at 9:00 p.m...all beer stand were closed."

OFFICIAL STATEMENT: Alamodome reveals truth behind 'beer shortage' at Metallica concert

Indeed, several fans shared on social media that they were aware of the band's policy.

"They've been doing it for a very long time so I'm surprised people didn't know," one user wrote in a comment.

A 2004 Metallica contract rider posted by The Smoking Gun reads:

"In the interest of public safety FRANTIC, INC. (METALLICA) discourages the sale of alcoholic beverages at the place of their performance. In venues that insist on vending alcoholic beverages, FRANTIC, INC. (METALLIC) requires that sales end at the conclusion of the final intermission."

Staff writer Madalyn Mendoza contributed to this report.

ncanedo@mysa.com



@nickcanedo
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Roaches and a gaping hole in the floor were among the few no-nos spotted at one popular San Antonio spot on the St. Marys Strip.

The Candlelight Coffee House at 3011 N. St. Marys St. received demerits after the inspector noted they can see under the building due to a hole in the floor in the bar area.

The report also stated gnats and roaches were seen in the eatery, which is listed among 13 other establishments in this weeks dirtiest restaurants roundup.

Insects were also a problem at The Web House Cafe & Bar at 320 Blanco Road, where live roaches were seen on/in foods.

To make the Express-News' list of dirtiest restaurants, an establishment must earn a score of 89 or below  or anything less than an "A"  during a random city health inspection.

Other notable names that made the list include Tommy's Restaurant #6 at 13835 Nacogdoches Road, which was cited for not date marking foods, and the Original Cadillac Bar at 212 Flores St., which received demerits for used fryers and grills with caked-on grease.

See what other restaurants made this week's dirty list by browsing the gallery above.

SEE LAST WEEK'S INSPECTION SCORES: San Antonio restaurant inspections: June 9, 2017

The San Antonio Express-News examines hundreds of restaurant inspections each week conducted by the San Antonio Food and Environmental Health Services division to bring you the eateries with scores of 89 or below.

Restaurants are graded on a 100-point system, where "100" is a perfect score, and demerits are based upon the number of violations found during a regular food establishment inspection. There are three categories of demerits and each are assigned a demerit score of 3, 2 or 1 points, according to the health division.

Scores and demerits listed are only representative of the state of the restaurant at the time of inspection and are surveyed at random.

rsalinas@mysa.com

Twitter: @RebeccaLSalinas
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It's been more than seven months since Alamo City diners were last treated to the high wire culinary theatrics chef Luis Colon at his flagship Olmos Park eatery, Folc, which closed following a fire in November. Sure, his upscale take on pub grub is on regular display at Bexar Pub, but fine dining that is not.

Fortunately, the drought ends -- at least for a night -- in July. Colon will treat a crowd of 24 to a five-course meal 7 p.m. July 30. The menu is still being planned out, but Folc was known for its magic with vegetables; a crisp, oversize schnitzel; and of course, for making the best burger in Texas.

"Time to get back on the horse," Colon wrote in a Facebook post announcing his participation in an upcoming Saint City Supper Club dinner.

The series of dinners, organized by club founder Joel Rivas, have been held the last Sunday of every month. Billed as "chapters," each session gives the invited chef an opportunity to push boundaries, try out new techniques and put on something of a tabletop equivalent of a fireworks show for game audience.

And top area talent is jumping at the opportunity. Previous toques include Robbie Nowlin of Boudro's and Zinc, and Dallas Chef Misti Norris of the roaming pop-up Petra and the Beast presided over May's fete. Michael Sohocki of Restaurant Gwendolyn is tentatively holding down the Aug. 27 slot.

"The first thing Michael (Sohocki) said when I asked him to cook was, 'How scary can I get?' " Rivas recalled. "When you have a restaurant, you have to make sure the customer's palate is satisfied, but this is a chance for them to take some risks."

If you haven't had a chance to attend one of these gastronomic gatherings, you're definitely not in for a typical night out.

"This is not always going to be perfect," Rivas announced before May's meal with Norris -- she nabbed both Eater Dallas' Chef of the Year honors and was named a James Beard Finalist for Rising Star Chef in 2016. "Things may go wrong. The power may go out. But one thing I can promise is the food will be out of this world."

The night was not without obstacles. Rivas had assembled about 35 diners around a pair of long communal tables on the dusty unfinished second floor of a building erected in a time before Texans concerned themselves with niceties such as air conditioning. But he more than delivered on the food pledge.

Norris wowed with course after course showcasing her love of all things fermented and foraged, perhaps best expressed in a plate featuring a pouch of hand-made pasta filled with smoked pork and fermented beans. That was sent swimming in a broth of salted whey -- a repurposed remnant of the cheese making process that also yielded tender milk curds strewn atop the plate. Each of her six courses similarly challenged expectations and delivered big blasts of funky flavor.

The experience, it should be noted, is a bit dear if one is expecting the refinement of a fine dining affair at the latest hot reservation. The evening with chef Norris tallied $95.40 per person after fees. But the price tag hasn't proven a roadblock. Rivas has his pitch down pat to dissipate any lingering buyer's remorse.

"The ultimate vision here is to create a culinary education foundation with tiers of membership to fund a scholarship and mentorship program for kids interested in the industry," Rivas, a hospitality veteran himself, said. "I think when it's a setting like this you tend to be able to create relationships between diners and guests more easily and build momentum behind a community."

The response has, to say the least, impressed Rivas. He's sold out each supper in a matter of hours. And July's affair with chef Colon, which has been mercifully relocated to a private (and air conditioned) residence in King William (ticket holders will be provided with the exact address) is unlikely to be any different.

Seats will go on sale 10 a.m. Monday, June 19 for $90 per person. Wine and a signature cocktail are included in the price. To book a seat, visit SaintCitySC.com.

@pstephen@express-news.net

Twitter: @pjbites

Instagram: @pjstephen
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Before Ron Nirenberg was San Antonio's next mayor, he was a chiseled bodybuilder.

For seven years, the now 39-year-old competed in bodybuilding and power lifting events. He first became interested in the sport after he saw an episode of "American Gladiator" as a 14-year-old, he told the San Antonio Express-News.

As a graduate student at the University of Pennsylvania in the early 2000s, Nirenberg won a silver medal in the Mr./Ms. Penn bodybuilding contest in the middleweight category, according to a university release.

See photos from Nirenberg's powerlifting and bodybuilding days in the slideshow above.

RELATED: Mayor-elect Nirenberg has hit the ground running

The release states that Nirenberg competed in the contest as research  he was writing his thesis on the customs and habits of bodybuilders.

"The competition was something I will never forget as a scholar and a bodybuilder," he said in the release. "It was well worth the year of hard training and several more in education about the sport itself."

Leading up to the Mr. Penn competition, Nirenberg was featured in the university newspaper The Daily Pennsylvania, according to the publication's archives. He is seen in a newspaper photo flexing ahead of competing in an article titled "Bodybuilders ready to strut."

Nirenberg served as a guest lecturer three times at the University of Illnois-Urbana/Champaign where he gave presentations called "Becoming a Bodybuilder" and "Build This Body!: An Analysis of Male Bodies as Memorials of Biolent Masculinity and the Case of Weider Publications."

READ ALSO: New S.A. mayor announces first hire

In 2005, Nirenberg placed first in the 220-weight category at the 2005 Texas Powerlifting competition. Since then, he has remained active, working out often and making sure to "eat clean," he told the Express-News.

The day after he was elected mayor, Nirenberg spent his Sunday morning the way he always does: prepping that week's protein shakes and folding laundry.

"I think I'm prepared both mentally and physically for the office," he told the Express-News.

Staff writer Rich Marini contributed to this report

kbradshaw@express-news.net

Twitter: @kbrad5
If you think getting married is expensive, try getting unmarried. My last two articles have been about planning a wedding and talking to your significant other about money. Unfortunately, the leading cause of divorce in America is related to finances.

While no one likes to think about divorce, the reality is that 40 percent of marriages end in divorce. I am often asked, how can one get divorced on a budget?

Divorce can be emotionally and financially draining. Even in the most amicable divorces, the stress of meeting with lawyers, paying for lawyers, dividing up assets, and figuring out your next steps are extremely nerve wracking.

Uncontested divorces, ones where both parties agree on all aspects of the divorce, are ideal, and by far, the most affordable. Divorcing couples simply meet with the lawyer, draft up the formalities, and submit the paperwork to the court for official filing. Unfortunately, most divorces are not amicable.

Careful preparation, before you decide to divorce, could pay off.

The more you do yourself, the less youll have to pay an attorney to do. As you prepare for your first consultation, ask what information you should bring to help the attorney understand your situation. Attorneys charge by the hour, so the better prepared you are, the more work can get done during your initial meeting.

Know your finances. Hidden debt is a common surprise among divorcing couples. Review your bank account records, retirement accounts, credit card statements, loans, life insurance, medical insurance, and basic day-to-day living expenses.

In Texas, a community property state, divorcing spouses are generally held responsible for half of their spouses debt, even if the debt is in only one spouses name. This debt may include loans or credit cards even when one spouse did not benefit from such debt.

To prevent surprises that may affect your credit, keep track of your credit history. Download the free app Credit Karma and get weekly updates on your credit score. Protecting your good credit may be essential to securing a house or purchasing a car post-divorce.

Consider selling the house. Your house may have sentimental value, but keeping it doesnt always make financial "cents," especially if its a stretch to pay for the mortgage and property taxes. Also consider the cost of the utilities, ongoing and unexpected expenses, and its future selling value.

Take your half whether you want it or not. You may not have liked the lumpy mattress in your guest bedroom, but it has value, and household items sell. Liquidating assets that you don't need or want, may help pay off lawyer fees and future expenses.

Reevaluate your unnecessary expenses. Now is not the time to incur debt. Consider your wants versus your needs. Avoid spending money on eating out, monthly manicures, Starbucks coffee, cable TV subscriptions and monthly gym membership fees.

Survival may come down to eliminating everything from your budget but your needs. Many of the things you thought were necessities will probably become optional.

Cash in on future benefits. Just because you are divorced, doesn't mean you are not entitled to your ex's Social Security benefits.

According to the Women's Institute for a Secure Retirement, you can receive your share of your ex-spouse's Social Security benefits without filing any special papers at the time of the divorce as long as you remain unmarried, are 62 years of age or older, and you're earning benefit is not higher than your spouses. You will qualify for those benefits even if your ex remarries.

Join me on Facebook, search Coupon Clippin' Cuties and add yourself to our group. Discover how to divorce your spouse and not your dollars.

Sandra Dulakis is a nurse, mother and founder of Coupon Clippin Cuties.
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Albany

New York Republican Congressional Representatives John Faso and Elise Stefanik have both taken their share of political heat for supporting the American Health Care Act, which if it passes in the Senate and is signed into law would replace Obamacare.

Voters in Faso's 19th and Stefanik's 21st districts have picketed and rallied against the representatives, saying they would deprive New Yorkers of their health care coverage.

Now, though, President Donald Trump described the House measure as "mean" during a meeting with Senate Republicans earlier in the week, according to published reports. Several news accounts quoted confidential sources who said Trump criticized the bill and urged GOP senators to allocate more money for the measure in order to better protect consumers.

Trump's position may leave Faso, Stefanik and others who supported the bill in the precarious position of being criticized by the president, who just weeks ago demanded that they pass the measure.

Republican lawmakers are responding in different ways, underscoring their evolving strategy of remaining nimble in dealing with Trump given his frequent reversals.

Faso, in a prepared statement, said he wouldn't comment because the stories about Trump's remarks came from anonymous sources.

"I have no basis to know whether it was said at all," Faso said. "I will comment on the Senate bill when I have an opportunity to read it. ... I do anticipate some changes based on conversations I've had with people knowledgeable about the Senate proposals and I believe these changes may improve on the House bill."

And Stefanik's spokesman Tom Flanagin in a prepared statement said the congresswoman would work with senators on the bill. "We will continue to work with the Senate to improve this legislation and build a healthcare system that lowers costs, improves quality and increases access," he said.

Trump's critics said the president's recent remarks were self-serving.

"His attempt to distance himself from this terrible bill is very transparent," said Robin Chappelle Golston, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Empire State Acts.

Some observers said the episode suggests that Congressional Republicans, who will be up for re-election in 2018, may eventually have to put some daylight between Trump and themselves, at least if the president continues to flip-flop.

"The White House is putting Congressional Republicans in a tough spot by sending mixed signals," said Costas Panagopoulas, a political science professor and director of the Center for Electoral Politics and Democracy at Fordham University.

He noted that Trump has "been all over the map" on the health care bill.

"His supporters are somewhat flexible on what they hold the president accountable for," said Panagopoulas. But he added that Congressional representatives are now on the record as supporting a bill that Trump later derided as "mean."

"Basically, what the President is doing is cutting their legs off," added Jerry Kremer, a political consultant and former Democratic way and means chairman in the Assembly.

Some Congressmen, such as Long Island Republican Peter King, may be immune due to their tenure and ongoing popularity, he said.

Western New York Republican Chris Collins, the first Congressman to support Trump, is probably another, given his 67 to 32-percent margin in November.

John McLaughlin, a pollster and consultant who worked for Faso and conducted polling for Trump, downplayed the president's remarks. Like Faso, he said he wasn't sure Trump even denigrated the house bill.

"I think the President is focused on getting some reforms in so they can lower premiums," said McLaughlin.

And he noted that Trump won comfortably in both Faso's and Stefanik's districts.

Trump won by a 51-44 percent margin in the 19th District while Faso won 54-46 percent. In the 21st, Trump won 54-40 percent with Stefanik coasting to a 65-30 percent win in her race.

rkarlin@timesunion.com  518-454-5758  @RickKarlinTU
ROOFTOP  At this very moment, we're sitting atop an empty house. There's nothing in there to sit on, nothing to eat and nothing to eat WITH even if you had something to eat. The bathroom still functions, but if you want to take a shower, since there are no towels you'll have to run around to dry off. I tried it only once, and the neighbors gave me such grief.

Yep, everything has been boxed up and hauled off. Even some important stuff that I didn't intend to get hauled got hauled. The day has been intense rooftoppers. I'm sorry you missed it. Seriously. I could've used your brain. Mine went numb a time or two. In fact, I'm not clearhammered yet. I mean clearheaded.

We had plenty of muscle on hand. "Two Men and a Truck" showed up at nine this morning. You can imagine my surprise when I discovered that the two men turned out to be two giants and a smaller guy. They worked in a hurry, like they forgot they were working by the hour. I chose not to remind them.

Fast and strong they were. We have two recliner rockers that took Freeman, Big Al and me an hour to get through the front door. The things weigh a ton, and you have to finagle them through the doorway.

So, one of the mover giants grabbed the maroon chair, lifted it above his head, walked sideways out the door, and handed it to the little guy standing in the back of the truck. Right behind him came the other giant with the second chair. It was like that all morning.

As safety conscious as I am, I managed to secure all the doors and drawers on the dressers, end tables and chest of drawers so they wouldn't swing open while being carried. I was helping Freeman once move a China Cabinet out the door and one of the glass doors swung open mid-carry. My cat-like reflexes kicked in, and I immediately sent my foot through the glass.

Had the door been solid wood, I would've saved the day. As it was, I was lucky to save my leg. From a slice on my shin, blood began shooting everywhere. I practically had to take the shirt off of Freeman's back just so I could survive the trip to the emergency room.

That's why I secure all furniture and appliance doors. I just don't want anyone else to experience what I did. I'm not going to experience it again, because I don't move furniture anymore. And, China cabinets? I won't tolerate 'em. Kay can't make me.

Speaking of Kay, she's down there watering the flowerbeds. At two o'clock tomorrow, this house belongs to someone else; yet, Kay is watering the plants. It's that strong character that first attracted me to her. That and her inability to throw a punch. Her pinching ability was nearly a deal breaker, though.

Like I said, everything in the house has been moved to the storage unit. I told the boss giant I doubted everything would fit in our 10' by 20' climate controlled unit. He said, I think I can get it in. When Kay in I return from our five months stay in Washington, I'll have to hire the same guys to move the stuff to our new house. I think they used a Chinese puzzle technique to get everything to fit.

But it's all good. Upon exiting Texas, we plan to go through northern New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana and eventually sneak into Washington from Idaho. If all goes well, we should be at my niece and her husband's farm near Grandview by the next article. It will take us about two and half days to unload the car.

The only way we'll be able to bring back souvenirs from our visit is to leave some of our belongings behind. One of Kay's friends asked her to bring her back some apples. You can have your Washington apples shipped to HEB by train or truck. They'll taste every bit as good as if they travelled 2200 miles stuffed beneath a bag of Kay's shoes in the back of our Highlander. No apples, apricots or cute rocks from Mt. Rainer.

I may take a photo of the total eclipse of the sun that's happening in Oregon on August 21. I'd get Kay in the picture, but she's afraid of heights. Obviously, you can find much better eclipse photos on the Internet. So, no photos. Just expect a weekly account of "Adventures in the Northwest with Mark and Kay."

I will have to experience as much as I can during this trip, because I seriously doubt the Washington family will have me back. After even one milking, the goats won't let me near their udders. At least that's what I'm hoping.

I'm fairly sure that by November I'll want to come home, almost as much the Washington clan will want me to go home. I'll be anxious to experience a roofsit atop the new house. Mostly, I'll be glad to have my favorite pillow back. Seems, I forgot to get it off the bed before the moving guys loaded it up. Right now it's somewhere between light and shadow, between science and superstition, and it lies between the pit of man's fears and the summit of his knowledge. Next stop: The Storage Unit.

You can contact Mark at hayter.mark@gmail.com
Maryland's Democratic members of the House of Representatives have joined the chorus of environmental advocates urging Gov. Larry Hogan, R, to denounce President Donald Trump's climate policies, including his decision this month to withdraw from the Paris climate agreement.

The seven lawmakers sent a letter to Hogan on Thursday, two days before he is scheduled to begin a week-long trade mission to London and Paris, asking him to "vocally and forcefully reject" Trump's actions.

"We believe Maryland can play a consequential role in upholding the goals of the Paris Agreement," the letter said. "We hope you will join us in seizing on that opportunity."

The Democrats said they are also concerned that Hogan could unwind the Obama administration's fuel-economy standards for cars and its Clean Power Plan, which aims to reduce carbon dioxide emitted by power generators.

Hogan, who did not endorse Trump in 2016 and said he did not vote for him, has largely resisted pressure from Democrats to speak out publicly against the Republican president, who is deeply unpopular in Maryland.

Environmental activists and several Democratic state lawmakers called on Hogan this month to join an alliance of state and city leaders who have pledged to uphold the goals of the Paris climate accord.

After Trump's decision to pull out of the international pact, Hogan spokeswoman Amelia Chasse said that the action was "not a decision the governor would have taken." But Hogan has questioned the need for Maryland to join the multistate alliance, noting that he signed legislation establishing carbon-reduction goals for the state that are stronger than those in the Paris agreement.

On Friday, Chasse responded to the letter from congressional Democrats by saying that "some politicians haven't been paying attention to the governor's strong record of environmental leadership." She said the governor has "clearly stated his commitment to combating climate change - not in form letters, but in real, concrete actions that the administration has taken."

Chasse cited Hogan's support for measures to promote electric cars and incentives for using renewable energy, as well as his decision to maintain Maryland's involvement with the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, which involves nine states and caps the amount of carbon pollution power plants can emit.

The letter to Hogan was signed by Reps. Anthony G. Brown, Elijah E. Cummings, John Delaney, Steny H. Hoyer, Jamie B. Raskin, C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger and John Sarbanes. Rep. Andy Harris, the only Republican in the state's congressional delegation, did not add his name to the list.
"Fat Leonard" ran a lot of corrupt schemes with the help of the U.S. Navy, but one of the strangest may be the time he was granted U.S. diplomatic immunity.

For more than a year, the Singapore-based defense contractor bribed the naval attache at the U.S. Embassy in Manila to enable his firm to smuggle maritime cargo into the Philippines under U.S. diplomatic cover, according to federal court records.

The illicit deal granted the contractor, whose real name is Leonard Glenn Francis, diplomatic clearance for his ships to visit Philippine ports without being subject to inspections, custom duties or taxes from local authorities, the records show.

Federal prosecutors say Francis exploited his diplomatic protection to bring armed Nepali soldiers - known as Gurkhas - into Philippine waters to serve as private security guards. At one point, Francis employed about 30 Gurkhas to deter pirates in Southeast Asia, according to two former business associates.

The unusual arrangement is revealed in a plea deal between the Justice Department and the naval attache, Michael George Brooks, a Navy captain who was assigned to the U.S. Embassy in Manila between 2006 and 2008. He has since retired.

On Friday, Brooks, 59, was sentenced to 41 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Janis Sammartino during a hearing in federal court in San Diego.

Brooks, a resident of Fairfax Station, Virginia, had previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery. He has admitted to accepting prostitutes, family vacations and other favors from Francis while he was stationed in the Philippines.

Brooks is one of 21 Navy officials who have been charged or convicted in the case, which has emerged as the worst corruption scandal in Navy history. Prosecutors and Navy officials have said more than 200 people are under scrutiny, including 30 admirals.

Francis's company, Glenn Defense Marine Asia, held contracts worth hundreds of millions of dollars to resupply and refuel U.S. Navy vessels in Asia. A Malaysian citizen, Francis was arrested in a sting operation in San Diego in 2013 and has since pleaded guilty to defrauding the Navy of at least $35 million. Four of his employees have also pleaded guilty.

Under its contracts with the Navy, Glenn Defense was responsible for providing port security for U.S. vessels and for helping to protect sailors during port visits. Court records do not specify whether Francis sought to use the Gurkhas to provide security for U.S. ships or personnel.

Ethan Posner, an attorney for Francis, said that Glenn Defense "and Mr. Francis are very proud of their long history of securing naval vessels and naval personnel throughout the Pacific." He declined further comment.

The Gurkhas were often deployed aboard the Glenn Braveheart, a former British warship that Francis bought and refurbished, two former business associates of Francis told The Post. When in port, Francis would sometimes turn the Braveheart into a giant party boat, with prostitutes in the wardroom to entertain U.S. officers, court records show.

In his plea agreement, Brooks has admitted to giving Francis sensitive Navy documents about warship deployments, rigging Navy business for his firm and working to undercut his competitors. In emails, the military officer repeatedly referred to Francis as "boss."

In exchange, Francis supplied prostitutes for the Navy captain on "dozens of occasions," according to the plea agreement. Brooks would arrange for paid sex by emailing Francis in coded language, referring to prostitutes as "mocha shakes" or "chocolate boosters."

In May 2008, court documents show, Francis spent more than $50,000 on hotel rooms and alcohol during an epic party in Manila to entertain Brooks and a half-dozen senior officers from the USS Blue Ridge, the command flagship for the Navy's 7th Fleet.

The party unfolded over four days at the Mandarin Oriental and the Makati Shangri-La hotels, where the Navy officers drank the entire inventory of Dom Perignon champagne and were entertained by "a rotating carousel of prostitutes," according to court filings by prosecutors.

Brooks, who lived in Manila with his family, would show up at the party at the end of each day with his own prostitute, according to prosecutors.

Attorneys for Brooks did not respond to multiple requests for comment. In a court filing, his lawyers said he "made a serious mistake" and lost his "moral compass" by becoming involved with Francis.

During his time in the Philippines, they said, Brooks's relationship with his wife and children became frayed, and he became "especially vulnerable to the allure of the partying culture of the Philippines and the draw of Leonard Francis."

Besides Brooks, federal agents are investigating Francis's connections to several other U.S. diplomatic personnel who served as naval or defense attaches at embassies in Southeast Asia, according to sources familiar with the case.

In February, the Navy announced that it had reprimanded and fined a rear admiral, Adrian Jansen, the former naval attache to Indonesia and defense attache to China, for accepting wine and meals worth more than $5,000 from Francis.
Cases disposed for the week of June 6-13:

 Timothy Denton Coyne, 28, of Lakewood, no operators license, $315 in fines and costs.

 Amy Lynn Cregeur, 46, of Bad Axe, impeding traffic, $235 in fines and costs.

 George Warren Dix, 57, of Lapeer, operating while intoxicated-first, five days in jail, 12 months probation, four days community service, and $1,305 in fines and costs.

 Chad Nathan Hopkins, 32, of Lapeer, bound over to Huron County Circuit Court on a charge of false pretenses.

 Paul Scott Howells, 41, of Caseville, driving while license suspended, $525 in fines and costs.

 Dustin Allen Karas, 34, of Midland, checks nonsufficient funds less than $100, 15 days in jail, and $1,155 in fines and costs.

 Shalynn Marie Kinney, 18, of Bad Axe, minor in possession of alcohol, 28 days in jail, six months probation, and $305 in fines and costs.

 John Erin Logsdon, 56, of Ubly, operating while intoxicated-second, 30 days in jail, 12 months probation, and $1,685 in fines and costs.

 Jan Dell Parmer, 45, of Ruth, driving while license suspended, three days community service, and $242 in fines and costs.

 Zackry Ryan Paxton, 21, of Pigeon, speeding 6-10, $130 in fines and costs; and no proof of insurance, $240 in fines and costs.

 Julie Nikol Pero, 28, of Sebewaing, no insurance, two days community service, and $240 fines and costs.

 Richard Allen Pipes, 43, of Port Austin, children contributing to delinquency, six months probation, three days community service, and $1,065 in fines and costs.

 Justen Cory Pitcher, 32, of Caro, alcohol on highway, $425 in fines and costs.

 Luke Bradley Shantz, 27, of Bad Axe, operating while visibly impaired-first, five days in jail, nine months probation, and $1,115 in fines and costs.

 Karl Theodore Williams, 34, of Shelby Township, no operators license, $525 in fines and costs.
A Glen Carbon man has been sentenced to 3 1/2 years in federal prison for mail fraud and related charges.

On May 3, 2016, Kenneth J. Lee, 54, pleaded guilty to six counts, which included conspiracy to defraud, criminal contempt of court, mail fraud, making false statements and aggravated identity theft.

The 42-month sentence was handed down on June 9. It included an order from the judge that Lee pay approximately $525,000 in restitution to victims of his fraud schemes.

The plea and sentencing were announced Monday by Donald S. Boyce, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois.

It was not Lees first run-in with federal authorities. In January of 2006, he pleaded guilty in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri to charges that he had committed mail fraud and failed to file taxes. In that case, federal prosecutors described Lees efforts as a Ponzi scheme.

He was sentenced to federal prison, ordered to pay more than $580,000 in restitution to his victims, and serve three years of supervised release following his prison stay.

After his release, Lee began serving his period of supervision in the Southern District of Illinois, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorneys Office.

While serving the term of supervised release, Lee violated the 2006 order to repay his victims by failing to report to U.S. Probation and the U.S. Attorneys Financial Litigation Unit, income and assets that should have been used for restitution.

At his plea hearing, Lee admitted that between April of 2006 and July of 2015, he and others agreed to utilize various entities, names, and ruses to conceal business dealings and assets," according to the release.

Lee used assets generated from various business and financial dealings to pay personal expenses while concealing those assets from the legitimate efforts of the government to obtain restitution for Lees previous victims.

During that time, Lee lied, created false documents, failed to comply with the order of the U.S. Court for the Eastern District of Missouri, and, on at least one false document, used the name of a prior victim without permission, according to the release. The latter constituted aggravated identity theft.

The victims of this defendant have waited for over 10 years for their savings to be paid back by a man who has worked tirelessly to continue his deception and fraud against his victims and the governments efforts to get their money back, Boyce is quoted as saying in the news release. This prosecution is a sign that the victims, regardless of how much time has passed, are not forgotten, and that the men and women who investigate and prosecute these cases will continue to work tirelessly to seek justice for them.

Karl Stiften, special agent in charge of IRS Criminal Investigation, said, Those who engage in this type of fraud should know they will not go undetected and will be held accountable.

The case was investigated by the IRS, Criminal Investigation, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ranley R. Killian.
Its a commonly held perception that lawyers are ruining America, a view that can be especially resonant with entrepreneurs running startups who often find their legal dealings to be a major point of frustration as they grow their businesses. They complain that their attorneys slow down negotiations and the closing of deals urgently needed to bring in vital revenue. All that and they cost too much!

As a former lawyer and business person working as a venture capitalist to help startup founders reach their ambitions, I know that handling legal affairs poorly can crater the chances of a startups success. Entrepreneurs who learn to manage legal counsel effectively increase their odds of winning customers and closing financings -- decreasing their chances of running out of cash. A chief executive and her lawyer should work together like winners in a three-legged race, moving smoothly in tandem, each aware of their responsibility and how to respond to the actions of the other.

Related: How We Survived Getting Sued in Our First Year of Business

Managing your relationship with your lawyer starts with understanding the orientation of the legal mind. Entrepreneurs that run startups are comfortable wearing many hats to make their businesses successful and typically like to work in a non-confrontational, quick and collaborative manner. Thats not how the mind of your typical corporate lawyer works.

Law schools teach that the adversarial process is the best way to find the truth and to reach optimal agreements. That means starting at the most favorable (e.g. extreme) position for the client in a contract and wrestling every point with the opponents counsel. This approach to partnerships and relationships tends to push peoples buttons, requires poking holes in the other sides thinking and takes substantial time. Its a mindset that finds solutions through formidable posturing and strenuous debate. Its often uncomfortable for people who prefer working collaboratively. As Benjamin Franklin once put it, A countryman between two lawyers is like a fish between two cats.

However, lawyers work like this for good reason: Their ethical responsibility is to be a zealous advocate. That commitment mandates lawyers to protect and pursue your interests, within the bounds of the law. However, its a thin line between zealous and overzealous if the client fails to prioritize the businesss interests to the lawyer.

Related: 5 Ways to Protest Your Small Business Against a Legal Fallout

Finally, your lawyer is an expert in legal matters only -- and can only be held liable for legal advice. Youre responsible for balancing that legal advice, the timeliness of the negotiation process and legal costs against your customers needs and the strategic and financial value of any business relationship or partnership to your overall business.

While understanding the legal mindset is important, an entrepreneur needs to understand her own role:

You are the expert on your businesss needs, not your lawyer; You are the only one who can make business and legal tradeoffs, not your lawyer; and You are the ultimate decision maker; your lawyer is there to offer advice. Sometimes the right business decision may be acting against advice of counsel.

Here are five ways to better manage your legal counsel:

Find a pragmatic lawyer.

Employing a lawyer, perhaps one that has worked in a startup before, who shares a similar work orientation is a great place to start. You want a lawyer who understands that winning means growing your company, not securing every tiny legal victory. For example, a lawyer negotiating a contract between a startup and Google should understand that getting the deal done is what matters most. If Google requires an indemnity, theres little use in fighting the point with such a large company. Its unlikely to move forward without such a term. So, effort is better spent managing the risks to the business of providing the indemnity, whether it be avoiding behaviors that might cause your partner to be sued, capping the financial downside of the indemnity or obtaining insurance to cover the risk.

Related: 4 Potential Lawsuits to Watch Out for in Small Business

Set clear priorities.

If you need to sign a deal this week to make payroll obligations, your lawyer needs to know. Likewise, if you need an upfront payment or a specific revenue schedule, tell your lawyer. Effective executives will specify what their priorities are and what potential tradeoffs they will consider.

Set time limits.

Don't simply ask a lawyer to review a contract. Instruct her to spend two hours reviewing a contract and to schedule a half-hour call to discuss it with you. Read the contract yourself before the call. Note any areas of concern or questions you want to ask. This reduces attorney time spent explaining the contract and writing a carefully drafted email. This approach fits the agile mentality of most startups and enables productive, iterative interactions between the executive and legal counsel. You also may want to set deadlines for closing a deal as opposed to just the duration of effort. Lawyers respond to deadlines.

Quantify risk.

Theres a stereotype that lawyers go to law school because theyre good with words, not numbers. Unlike doctors who provide data regarding the risks of a procedure (the probability a procedure will be effective or the risk of infection), legal ethics constrain lawyers from making such statements because they do not constitute legal advice. So, if your lawyer flags an issue, you need to ask questions to help assess the level of associated risk. For example, ask how many similar cases or contracts the lawyer has worked on and how frequently this particular issue has come up. Then, ask about the severity of the outcomes and costs associated with taking the risk. Understanding whether you could face a minor nuisance, a fine, jail time or bankruptcy makes it easier to decide whether to take a risk or not.

Related: 7 Qualities to Look for in a Lawyer

Change hats.

Remember, your lawyer knows the law and how lawyers behave. Shes also been trained to argue both sides of an issue. So, when you get to a contentious issue, ask your lawyer what advice the opposing counsel might give his client, your customer, as well as what arguments she might make to support their position. This may encourage you to compromise or to push back. Negotiations are like a game of chess -- its much easier to win if you plot out your opponents likely moves in advance.

A good working relationship between a chief executive and legal counsel -- with clear lines of authority and communication about what is needed and when -- can make a big difference between success and failure for many companies starting out.

Related:

Managing Your Lawyers as Your Startup Grows

Wiretapping Is a Threat to Small Businesses -- Here's How to Protect Yourself

4 Essentials to Mitigate Fallout From a Pay-Gap Analysis



Copyright 2017 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved
NORWALK  Several Norwalk-area Republicans serving in the General Assembly in Hartford welcomed Thursday evening their stronger role in Connecticuts affairs while also recognizing their limits.

I would describe them as singles and doubles. Obviously, were not in a position to hit home runs, said state Rep. Fred Wilms, R-Norwalk, referring to Republican victories in the last legislative session. But whats important is up until this year we had nothing. I mean basically (Democrats) wouldnt even pitch the ball to us.

State Rep. Terrie Wood, R-Darien, said House Republicans have picked up a 35 seats over the last six years and now stand four short of majority status.

On Thursday evening, Wilms, Wood and Gail Lavielle, of Wilton, gave a post-legislative session update to a dozen people at the Main Library on Belden Avenue. The lawmakers recapped the legislative session, which ended June 7 without a new biennial budget for the state. Lawmakers passed resolutions to hold a special legislative session, but have not set a date.

We passed those resolutions, but there is no date in that call to special session, Lavielle said. We have no idea when negotiations among caucus leadership, or caucuses and the governor, will finish. When there is some agreement, we will go into (session).

That failing to happen by June 30, the state will run under gubernatorial executives orders and continuing resolutions until a new biennial budget is approved, according to the three lawmakers.

Hope for a deal on bridging the projected $5 billion budget deficit was abandoned last month and lawmakers spent the final two weeks of the session voting on hundreds of pending pieces of legislation.

Wilms blamed Democratic lawmakers and state employee unions for the failure to close the deficit. He said Republicans, while still in the minority in the state House, lack the ability to impose wage freezes and enact structural changes to employee benefits.

People are waking up to the fact, Wait a minute, were subsidizing a train wreck here,  Wilms said.

Wilms and Lavielle, however, said they broke with fellow Republicans on a plan to eliminate public financing for state elections. Mark Thompson, who lives in Stratford, welcomed the lawmakers support for the program.

I want you to think about what our problems are, how do we reduce traffic congestion on I-95 and the Merritt Parkway, and education and the state budget and everything else and not about raising money for your next election, Thompson said.

The three Republicans counted the passage of a bill limiting opioid prescriptions and halting the return of tolls booths to local highways as among their victories.

A dental hygienist traveling from Bridgeport or Fairfield or Milford ... is going to pay another $200 or $300 to commute a month, Wood said of the tollbooth plan. Many of us felt thats a tax on the middle class.

 Ken Dixon contributed to this report
June 18, 1937: A free barbecue and basket dinner on the grounds will highlight local Juneteenth activities.

--Dr. John L. Whorton will close a revival at First Baptist Church on Sunday, concluding a two-week effort.

--The Plainview High School Band will present a concert in City Park tonight. Among those performing will be a saxophone quartet composed of Warren Jenson, Edwin Coleman, Margaret Ann Meinecke and Billie Louise Whitesides.

June 18, 1947: Laura Sammann of Lockney has been installed as parish worker for the Childrens Day Service. She graduated from Capital University and will begin duties in Toledo.

--Frantz Pannell was been elected thrice illustrious master by Masons of the Plainview Council.

--Harley Sadler, a longtime favorite among local and area fans, is currently providing a program of hillbilly music, tricks and juggling in his traveling tent show. The Sadler troupe first appeared in Plainview 35 years ago.

June 18, 1957: Wilfred Stoerner is the new commander of the Ray Blakemore Post of the American Legion in Plainview.

--Construction of a new state highway along Date Street began today.

--Bill Eaves won the cup for Most Improved Speaker at the Toastmasters Club on Friday night.

June 18, 1987: Harrison Keller, a PHS junior, will be among 150 gifted students attending the Texas Governors School on the campus of the University of Texas in Austin.

--Chrissa Wall, 6, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Clinton Wall, qualified for Americas Youth on Parade competition at Notre Dame University in South Bend, Ind.

--Funeral services have been scheduled for Dr. Joe Braden, 58. The local veterinarian died Tuesday night from injuries received when his bicycle was struck by a vehicle on I-27.
Gov. Greg Abbott's veto of a bill giving judges the option of reimbursing attorney fees to requestors of public information was a disappointing end to a legislative session where few improvements to open government laws were passed, open records activists say.

"There was a noticeable, anti-transparency mood at the Texas Capitol this session," said Kelley Shannon, executive director of the nonprofit Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas. "So several of our major initiatives passed in the Senate but died in the last stages of the session, and this bill dealing with attorney's fees for information requestors was the final blow."

At least 10 House and Senate bills that dealt with open records died during the recent legislative session, Shannon said.

The "final blow" was a reference to House Bill 2783, by Rep. John Smithee, R-Amarillo, that Abbot vetoed Thursday after claiming paying requestors' legal fees would encourage lawsuits against government. The law would give a judge the option to award attorney fees to requestors in lawsuits where the governmental agency ultimately decided to hand over the documents before a trial was held.

Shannon disputed Abbott's rationale, noting there are relatively few court cases brought under the Texas Public Information Act.

"That's a false way of looking at it. First off, TPIA lawsuits are not common, and it's only in rare cases when they go to court," Shannon said. "So it's really not an avenue open to most people. This legislation could have allowed a judge to award attorney fees  that could have been an option but it's not a given. So the idea this would attract more people to the courthouse is a false conclusion."

Houston Lawyer Joe Larsen was involved in a nearly five-year battle with the city of Houston for attorney's fees in a case involving public records requests regarding the city's now defunct red-light camera program.

While the trial court awarded the attorney's fees in the case, the city appealed the judgment and went through a lengthy appeals process until it stopped contesting the judgment. Larsen called it a very rare victory, adding that he believes the law's current structure will foreclose the requestor from getting attorney's fees unless the governmental body takes it to a higher court.

"It encourages government bodies to use litigation as a tactic instead of a real defense," said Larsen, a board member of the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas, who practices with the Sedgwick law firm in Houston. "It's basically a tax on the requestor in the form of attorney's fees to be able to exercise these rights."

However, the biggest setback was the inability to pass two bills that addressed two earlier Texas Supreme Court rulings, including the Boeing Co. ruling in June 2015 and the Greater Houston Partnership ruling, the FOI director said. Together, they greatly limited public access to records when governments enter into contracts with private companies or rely on nonprofits for services, triggering "hundreds" of Texas Attorney General denials of record requests for tax payer-supported expenditures.

"Texas has always had one of the strongest open records law in the country, and now we don't and that's something that is going to be felt painfully all over the state in the next couple of years," said Shannon. "Hopefully, we'll be able to do something about it in the 2019 (legislative) session."

Austin attorney Laura Prather, co-chair of the FOI legislative committee, agreed there was little good news.

"Despite efforts to work on agreed-upon legislation for more than a year with governmental entities, the Attorney General's Office and open records advocates, we were not successful in getting any of the bills that would have increased transparency for Texas citizens ultimately enacted into law," said Prather. "With the governor's veto of HB 2783, that sealed the fate of the only measure we had been able to get out of the Legislature.''
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The 34-year-old middle school employee arrested Thursday accused of having sex with a 14-year-old had allowed the boy and his mother to stay at her home as a "favor," according to court records obtained by mySA.com.

Stephanie Carmona, 34, is now facing a charge of continuous sexual abuse of a child, a first-degree felony. She remains in the Bexar County Jail on a $75,000 bond.

According to her arrest affidavit, Carmona and the 14-year-old victim first met when the victim was in 7th grade at McNair Middle School in Southwest ISD. When his 8th grade year started, the student requested Carmona, a secretary, as his mentor through a school program.

RELATED: After adopted parents' arrest, S.A. woman shares horrific story of 15+ years of sexual abuse

The affidavit says that one day Carmona bought the victim a meal. The victim texted her a thank you note with heart emojis.

"Stop sending me those kisses, or I will give you this a--," she allegedly responded.

Carmona then struck up a relationship with the victim's mother, and she allowed them to stay in her own home for three weeks as a favor to the family.

One night when the victim and his mother were at her house, according to the affidavit, Carmona allegedly walked into the victim's room, told him to take his pants off and then had sex with him. Afterwards, Carmona left without a word and took a shower.

RELATED: Mentor accused of sexual abuse of boy during sleepovers

"The victim stated he was a virgin before the suspect had sex with him and wasn't sure how to deal with what happened," the affidavit states.

The victim and his mother later reported the relationship to police on May 19. The victim told investigating officers that Carmona also sent images of her buttocks to the victim. Carmona allegedly admitted to sending him the photos.

"The allegation just came to light to us in mid-May," said Sgt. Jesse Salame, a spokesman for the San Antonio Police Department, at a press conference on Thursday. "When we did this investigation we found out this had been going on for several months."

The Special Victims Unit has reached out to the school and is working to ensure there are no other victims.

"Anybody sees her, recognizes her or has information on this case or any other case, we're asking that they call us," Salame said.

Breaking news reporter Jacob Beltran contributed to this report.

Text "NEWS" to 77453 for breaking news alerts from mySA.com

cdowns@mysa.com

Twitter: @calebjdowns
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An off-duty San Antonio police officer was arrested early Friday morning on drunken driving charges after he allegedly crashed into the back of a Kirby police officer's squad car.

Kirby police said the crash occurred around 3:30 a.m. in the 5500 block of Farm-to-Market Road 78.

RELATED: Robbery suspect killed, others injured after high-speed police chase ends in wreck

The Kirby officer had pulled someone over for a minor traffic violation and was sitting in his car on the side of the road when Armando Alvarado Jr., an officer with the San Antonio Police Department, allegedly struck the back of his squad car.

There were no skid marks at the scene, Kirby police said, indicating Alvarado Jr. did not brake before the crash.

The Kirby officer was hospitalized with non-life threatening injuries.

RELATED: Man admits producing child porn at S.A. day care

Alvarado Jr. was later determined to be intoxicated by authorities and was arrested on a charge of drunken driving.

Bexar County deputies and SAPD responded to the scene to assist Kirby police.

San Antonio Police Chief William McManus is aware of the incident, and Alvarado Jr. will be placed on administrative leave pending investigation, according to Romana Lopez, a spokeswoman for the San Antonio Police Department.

A mugshot for Alvarado Jr. has not yet been released.

Text "NEWS" to 77453 for breaking news alerts from mySA.com

cdowns@mysa.com

Twitter: @calebjdowns
Dallas officers were utterly surprised when they arrived at the scene of a reported burglary to find the offenders were two wandering cows.

Major Max Geron of the Dallas Police Department told mySA.com that weird calls happen from time to time.

"It is Texas after all," Geron said.

But mistaking cows for burglars was a first for the police department.

READ ALSO: 'Belligerent' Waco woman calls 911: 'I'm not going anywhere until I get my chicken nuggets'

Wednesday at approximately 4:20 a.m., DPD was notified by a woman who suspected a burglary in progress outside of her home.

According to Geron, the woman believed there was an individual breaking into her vehicle. Soon after the suspicious noises, she saw flashlights outside and people began banging on her door.

RELATED: Video shows cow leading police, cowboys on chase through North Texas town - goes viral on Facebook

Later, they discovered that the disturbance stemmed from two cows that had wandered off a property about 4 miles away.

Geron said the people outside of the woman's home were either witnesses or the owners of the cows trying to rein-in the situation.

DPD said the cows made it back to their home and there were no criminal offenses.

jthorpe@express-news.net

@jerilynnthorpe
To the editor:

Government is not the problem; the problem comes when government does not do its job. Government's job is to provide for the security of the country, and to ensure people are treated fairly, equally, and with respect under the law.

From 1935-80, people at every income level shared in the new income produced. The lower 90 percent of the population received 70 percent of all income growth. Government policies and protections worked for most Americans. After the Great Depression, America transformed itself into an economic giant and built the most prosperous middle class the world had ever seen. America used all the tools of government, antitrust laws, tax policy, investments in public education, new infrastructure, support for research and rules that protected consumers and investors.

After 1980, the titans of commerce and wealth managed to change the thinking of how government should work. The consensus was that government should favor the wealthy and make the middle class pay. The top 1 percent received 100 percent of new income growth. The lowest 25 percent of Americans have no net worth; they have more debts than assets. A high percentage of taxes on capital gains, interest and corporations were shifted to taxes on wages and user taxes. Under current tax reform proposals, taxes on estates over $5 million are up for repeal. The middle class will have to pay for this lost revenue to the U.S. Treasury.

The proposed Affordable Health Care Act bill will give people making over $200,000 a year a $600,000,000,000 tax break (that's $600 billion) while taking away $830,000,000,000 ($830 billion) from Medicaid. In addition, Rep. Kevin Brady's import tax proposal in the tax reform bill would hit families hard by raising prices on everyday essentials by 20 percent, according to Brian Cornell, CEO of Target Corporation, in testimony before Brady's Ways and Means Committee.

Inequality continues to grow in this country and around the world. Establishment politics that favor the wealthy is a major contributing factor. The economic system is rigged against the middle class. Currently, the top 1 percent own more wealth than the bottom 95 percent. It's time to reverse our thinking, change our policies, and stop protecting the wealthy at the expense of our Treasury and our citizens. It's time to grow our middle class once again and make government work for all the people, not just the 1 percent.

Bruce Barnes

Conroe
Re: What hypocrisy Friday June 2; Chronic Liar June 3:

Yes, there is a bigger liar than Hillary Clinton  the biggest of all, pathological liar Donald Trump. He is one of the most dishonest people in the world. How can people ignore all his lies? Not to mention that he is an admitted sexual predator, committed fraud, insulted Sen. John McCain and made fun of the handicapped. Soon we will add incompetence and obstruction of justice. His list of lies would fill pages in this newspaper.

Carlota Sierra

Safety nets

Re: Health bill doesnt negate Christianity, Thomas Nichta, Another View, June 6:

Thomas Nichta recently responded to another writer regarding health care for the poor. The question was whether the Bible calls for individual or governmental action to help the sick.

The Christian Bible was written millennia ago, and political and economic structures have evolved over the centuries. We live in a different context.

One passage I have found helpful for questions like this one is Psalm 72 where the king (governmental leader) is held accountable for justice for the poor.

Individuals and groups can provide charity for those who slip through the safety nets of society. But government is ultimately responsible for creating and maintaining the safety nets.

The Rev. Paul Ziese, MacArthur Park Lutheran Church

Acting on principle

Re: Health bill doesnt negate Christianity, Thomas Nichta, Another View, June 6:

Well, sir, you are right. Voting against health care doesnt negate Christianity. I suggest that voting against health care violates the principles of every religion. And it dismisses the very foundation of our country, One nation, under God, with liberty and justice for all.

No child in this country should go without medical care or food. As for holding a gun to your face, your hyperbole is ill-considered. I assume you agree government is responsible for establishing reasonable laws, maintaining security, paving roads, etc. But you seem to equate using tax dollars to aid the poor and disenfranchised as charity. Just as the first issues are the responsibility of our government, so are the latter.

It might be helpful to remember people risked their lives to sail from England to this primitive country to escape the oppression that accumulated wealth at the top and ignored the common man.

The New York Times reported the CEO of Yahoo received $900,000 a week in compensation. If CEOs are paid such huge salaries, I will restate the obvious: Not voting to provide any citizen, let alone a child, in this country with health care, a living wage, food or the best free education is irresponsible, violating the tenets of the Founding Fathers, as well as the teachings of Christianity, Islam, Hindu and every other faith in the world.

Ross Smith
The subject of civics  the rights and duties of citizenship  has long been on my mind. With the Trump administration careening recklessly through the public square, it has become near obsession.

Voting and public service have long been staples of civics. But so has the responsibility for knowing how our government was intended to work.

If there is anything we can credit President Donald Trump for it is that, in six months, he has demonstrated the need for a return to civics education. This need arises directly from his seeming ignorance of the precepts of civics. I dont mean Trump is ignorant of how government is supposed to work but that he knows and ignores it.

Consider:

In the past few weeks, the public has seen and heard the former FBI director  fired by Trump while investigating Russian election meddling that touched the Trump campaign and White House  calling the president a liar. Ordinarily, this would be a disturbing breach of civic norms, but President Trumps consistent flouting of truth and disclosure, and that firing, are themselves breaches. And they make the winner of any honesty contest between the two obvious. In such cases, he said, he said becomes akin to Gandhi said this, and a hybrid of P.T. Barnum and Baron Munchausen said that.

A civics concept: The Justice Department and the FBI ought to have autonomy to, well, investigate. Yup, the president has the authority to ax an FBI director (or attorney general), but if done for corrupt reasons, this can be obstruction of justice.

How impeachment unfolds should be part of any worthy civics education. A Trump impeachment in the House is far from assured (please, how about waiting for investigations to conclude before even thinking about banging those drums?). And the Senate going along is even more unlikely. But Trumps actions will certainly earn him multiple mentions in future impeachment chapters, no matter which way that goes.

Civics? We have Republican leaders excusing  if not impeachable, at least unconscionable  presidential behavior by blaming it on Trumps unfamiliarity with government. This inference of stupidity should insult the president. But if youre able to rationalize genital grabbing, is anything really off the table by way of excusing this president?

If Barack Obama had expressed to Comey his hope that he let go the investigation of Hillary Clinton and then canned him after he didnt, what would Congress have quite reasonably done? Another chapter in a future civics textbook will be titled The Two-Party System  How Its Supposed to Work.

Oh, right. Obama, a former senator, was a constitutional scholar and knew better. And Trump is only a tycoon, and a graduate of the Wharton School of Business and an exclusive prep school.

Conflicts of interest, of course, must also be part of this future civics education. Extra credit if the student can define emoluments.

On to the three equal branches of government, a civics fundamental.

Well, we had the GOP-controlled Senate refusing to even hold hearings for a Supreme Court nominee until the next president  please, please, let him be a Republican  assumed office. This renders the court even more a creature of Congress, not its equal. We have Trump perfectly OK with this. And when courts displease him, he calls judges abetters of terrorism and, gasp, Mexican!

We have large portions of that co-equal Congress looking the other way for fear of Trump supporters wrath. And what major legislation has Trump won? Also, both Obama and Trump have made extensive use of end runs around Congress via executive order.

Obama had a GOP-controlled Congress, but when he didnt, he got millions of Americans health coverage. GOP Trump has a GOP Congress and pretty much has accomplished zip, though undoing much of that lifesaving coverage is on the agenda.

The president should be the nations best teacher and practitioner of civics education and governance  of its mechanics, but its norms and values as well.

Our kids are watching, a friend recently reminded me. They could be learning what arent civics norms but also how well the nations corrective systems of checks and balances work. Or dont.

o.ricardo.pimentel@express-news.net
The San Francisco Planning Commission on Thursday approved a 40-story, 304-unit tower and public plaza on the northwest corner of Market Street and Van Ness Avenue, a development that will transform one of the citys busiest intersections.

While members of the Hayes Valley Neighborhood Association objected to the amount of parking the developer proposed  .45 of a space per unit rather than the .25 per unit the neighborhood plan calls for  commissioners said that the projects overall benefits far outweighed the negative environmental impacts of having more cars in the tower.

I love this project. I love the way it looks, Commissioner Myrna Malgar said. I can envision what it will do to that corner, and I want it to be built.

The Hayes Valley neighborhood group had pushed the developer, Build Inc., to trim the number of parking spaces by 60 spots, from 136 to 76, in keeping with the 1-for-4 parking ratio in the 2007 Market and Octavia Neighborhood Plan. But the developer argued that the higher parking ratio is needed to attract enough financing to make the $400 million project a reality.

We have lowered (the parking ratio) as much as we can, said Build Inc. partner Michael Yarne. This is a hard issue. We have certain financing realities.

The vote was 6-0 on certifying the environmental report, and 5-1 on the conditional use that allows for the extra parking. Commissioner Joel Koppel voted against allowing the additional parking, saying he was overwhelmed by the testimony of neighborhood groups that didnt want the extra parking spots.

Build Inc. worked on the plan for 30 months and held 88 community meetings. In addition to the 304 condos, Build will fund 94 units of off-site affordable housing, most of which will be built on three parcels on Octavia Boulevard. The maintenance of the 16,000-square-foot plaza, which will have significant arts programming, will be paid for by the condo owners.

Upper Haight resident Catherine Roberts said that even the .25 parking ratio is too high for a public transit hub like Van Ness and Market.

But the developer argued that the .45 parking ratio is extremely low for a high-rise condo. The average high-rise condo project in San Francisco has had a parking ratio of 1.04 spaces per unit, according to Alan Mark of the Mark Co., which markets condominiums.

Several commissioners predicted that someday high-rise condo projects in San Francisco could be built without parking  but that is not the case today.

Its not the developers minds we have to change, its the banks, said Commissioner Christine Johnson.

The project requires approval from the Board of Supervisors. If approved, Build hopes to break ground in a year.

J.K. Dineen is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jdineen@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @sfjkdineen
Scores of civilians including a prominent activist were detained on Wednesday and others were beaten, lawyers and witnesses said, as evidence began to emerge of a brutal crackdown on dissent by security forces.

Activist Evan Mawarire has been charged with inciting public violence over a hike in fuel prices and will be detained overnight before appearing in court on Thursday, his lawyer Beatrice Mtetwa said.

Mawarire was seized from his Harare home by nearly a dozen armed police officers early Wednesday.

Following two days of protests against fuel price hikes, residents said soldiers and police were patrolling townships in Harare, Marondera, Mutare, Kadoma and Bulawayo and attacking some people in their homes.

Joana Mamombe, the MDC MP for Harare West, said she was in hiding after soldiers sought her out at her parents home on Tuesday and beat up her father, leaving him hospitalised and unable to sit.

Im very scared for my life. This is a crackdown on those of us who oppose this government. They want to silence opposition voices, she told Reuters by telephone.

Zimbabweans had hoped President Emmerson Mnangagwa would make good on pre-election pledges to kick-start the economy. But since the November 2017 coup that ousted its long-time leader, Robert Mugabe, the country has fallen back into familiar ways.

Dollar shortages are battering the economy, rocketing inflation is destroying the value of citizens savings and the government is reacting forcefully to crush dissent.

An internet blackout entered its third day on Wednesday, leaving many without access to social media and laying the government open to accusations that it wanted to prevent images of heavy-handedness from being broadcast around the world. The blackout had been lifted late Wednesday.

Mnangagwa, on a trip to Russia and the World Economic Forum in Davos, said he was deeply saddened by the violent protests.

Resolving Zimbabwes economic challenges is a monumental task, and while it may not always feel that way, we are moving in the right direction, he said on his official Facebook page.

There was no immediate comment from the government on the series of arrests or allegations of violence by police and soldiers.

An official inquiry last year found troops had used disproportionate and unjustified force in shooting and killing six civilians during interventions to stop violence after Mnangagwa was controversially elected on July 30.

Outside a private hospital in Harare, journalists saw two men seeking treatment for wounds sustained on Tuesday night.

One said soldiers smashed their way into his house and dragged him to an open space, where he and around 20 other people were beaten and accused of being protesters.

They wanted to kill us but I managed to escape, said one man, who had a swollen eye, before being taken inside by a nurse.

Wednesday was the third and final day of the stay-at-home protest called by the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) in response to Mnangagwa increasing the price of fuel by more than 150 percent.

Shops, banks and restaurants around major towns and cities remained closed and there was little road traffic.

Mawarire, a Harare pastor who rose to prominence as a Mugabe critic and led a national shutdown in 2016, said police had surrounded his house after he used Facebook and Twitter posts to urge Zimbabweans to join the stay-at-home protest.

He was bundled into a truck by about a dozen armed police early shortly after 7AM and charged with inciting public violence and detained, his lawyer Mtetwa said.

A spokesman for Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights said it was representing 62 others also due to be charged with public violence. Another 13 men later arrived at the Harare Magistrates Court under a heavy police guard.

Police said on Tuesday they had arrested more than 200 people following the protests.

It is believed between eight and 10 people, including a police officer, died in violent demonstrations on Monday.

In central Harare on Wednesday, police fired tear gas to disperse a crowd outside the only shop that appeared to be open as soldiers controlled a long line of citizens desperate to buy food.

At the only fuel station doing business, soldiers and police were being served ahead of other motorists, whose cars formed a line stretching more than 2km.

 Reuters

Breaking News via Email
LONDON  Jacob Schram, group president for European operations at Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc., and this years European Convenience Retail Leader of the Year, has an impressive 20-plus years in the convenience and fuel retailing industry. Since September 2015, he has been instrumental in Couche-Tards implementation of a refreshed Circle K global convenience brand throughout the market, replacing existing Circle K, Statoil, Macs and Kangaroo Express branding on stores and service stations across Canada, the United States, Scandinavia, and Central and Eastern Europe.

Schram, who recently published The Essence of Business, shared his thoughts on leadership at the NACS Insight Convenience SummitEurope this week in London, taking pages from his new book on leading several companies, his journey from Statoil to Circle K, the global Circle K rebranding, and what he believes is the essence business.

To explain ROCEreturn on capital employedSchram used a peach to metaphorically connect how business relies on its core (the stone of the peach) to bring life and growth to a company. He shared how strategy, execution and people encase the flesh of the business and drive ROCE. And like a peach, you dont want bruises, you want it to shine so people will join you as employees and as customers, he said.

Next, Schram described how retailers today should operate on two clock speeds: current and future. Retail is changing so fast, he said, noting the convenience retail industry will look and operate completely different in 10 years, and move from the traditional S-curve of the trial, growth and decline phase, to an entirely new S-curve. Theres always been a fuel pump and a c-store box. What were seeing now is not a huge change in the current S-curve model, but a new S-curve entirely, and you should be in that S-curve, he said.

Schram cited electric vehicles, autonomous technology and ride-sharing as transformative forces that willif not alreadyaffect the traditional c-store and retail fueling model. In the next few years, automakers could be manufacturing more EVs worldwide for several key reasons: the vehicles are more cost effective than combustible engines, the driver experience is about 6 to 7 times higher than a gas-powered vehicle, and politically its a win-win regarding pollution and climate change. I dont see why [EVs] wont succeed, and its a massive change for fuel retail, he said.

Personally, and within Circle K, I want to sell fuel to the last drop, said Schram, adding that Circle K will not stop focusing on fuel as a core business component. But if youre going to be a winning company in the future, you have to run on two clock speeds and constantly develop the current business with new products and service, but at the same time focus on the future, or the next S-curve.

And during that transition, Schram stressed not to lose the customer. From a combustion engine to an EV, that customer will have less reason to visit you. While loyalty programs are a good way to keep the core customers engaged with your brand, he noted that concept is even becoming old-fashioned, noting that loyalty is evolving to building personal relationships with customers.

Another market force on the next S-curve is automation, which is expected to impact retail worldwide by replacing traditional human-only tasks with advanced artificial intelligence. Schram shared an example of a hotel where 90% of its employees are robots, including the concierge at the registration desk. Circle K is also testing automation in customer service, he said. Is this the future we will have, or even want to have? Im not sure. Im sure I dont want that future, but Im not sure I can stop it, he said, adding that in retail, people are a companys greatest asset. I strongly believe in people leadership, he added.

At Circle K, Schram continued that he focuses on the following areas in relation to people:

Attracting: This is about your employer brand, he said. Whether it has or has not been formally established, companies have it. You dont decide itthe only thing you can do is affect it.

This is about your employer brand, he said. Whether it has or has not been formally established, companies have it. You dont decide itthe only thing you can do is affect it. Developing: Companies can measure performance, KPIs, etc., but what they often neglect is measuring behavior. Someone may deliver on results, but bad behavior means they are not an asset to your company.

Companies can measure performance, KPIs, etc., but what they often neglect is measuring behavior. Someone may deliver on results, but bad behavior means they are not an asset to your company. Retaining: As a leader, Schram backs off from making career track promises and instead motivate employees by communicating their potential. Telling people what they could be is a huge motivation.

As a leader, Schram backs off from making career track promises and instead motivate employees by communicating their potential. Telling people what they could be is a huge motivation. Challenging vs. Resisting: I believe every leader needs to be challenged, said, noting that hes cognizant to not having people on his team who only say yes. Thats like saying come follow me off of this cliff! I them to challenge me when were in decision mode. And once a decision moves to implementation, Schram cited the pitfall of resistance. When you go from decision mode to implementation, its about mobilizing, action and making it happen. When obstruction starts to happen, thats resistance. I cannot live with resistance.

In closing, Schram shared that leadership is very individual and personal, adding that what works for him is to have an off switch between his private and work live. If I dont have a private life, Im a bad leader, he said, sharing that his family unplugged on holiday to Italy where the only task they focused on was helping their children with their school work. We came back with enormous energy and were totally recharged, he said.

And lastly, he shared that its important to have fun, and ask yourself whether a company is energizing you, or taking energy from you.

Prior to his comments, Schram accepted his award for European Convenience Retail Leader of the Year from NACS President and CEO Henry Armour, and Rick Brindle, vice president of industry development at Mondelez International, sponsor of this years award.

Now in its fourth year, the NACS Insight Convenience SummitEurope brings together convenience and fuel retailing industry professionals from around the world to discuss new ideas and gain new commercial connections. This years event kicked off in Zurich on June 10 with education and store tours and ends on June 15 in London.
By Frank Beard, NACS Daily Contributor

Although Im impressed by the large number of convenience stores that provide access to fresh, healthful products, theres still a disconnect in communicating this to customers. Many stores offer little to no indication that they carry healthful productsunless customers physically walk inside.

Last summer, when I was near the Oklahoma City airport, I reluctantly stopped at a location from a major brand that had questionable curb appeal and an enormous promo about a deal on 32-ounce fountain drinks. But when I ventured inside, I also discovered salads, fruit, vegetables, mixed nuts, low-sugar snack bars and other similar products.

This made me wonder how many customers might have come inside if they knew these products were available? How many would have purchased food in addition to fuel?

Part of the issue in not promoting healthful options is that such marketing comes at the expense of tried-and-true traditional products. But thats incorrect. Its not about promoting one over the other, but rather telling customers that you have something for everyone.

The good news? This doesnt have to be complicated. And it can begin with a few simple steps.

Step 1: Reach customers at the pump. You may already have promotions displayed at or near the pump, but do any of them show your healthful offerings?

At my local HyVee Gas, each pumps hose has a small plastic frame attached to hold inserts for various promotions. Some of these show traditional products, but many show healthful products as well. Its a great strategy, because even if a customer doesnt want the salad and bottled water I saw on one promotion, they know other healthful products are likely sold inside.

Kum & Go does something similar. As I write this column, Im using the outdoor seating at one of their new marketplace stores. Across the parking lot, a customer is pumping gas into his SUV and staring at a poster for one of their new salads.

Step 2: Reach customers on social media. Many convenience stores maintain active social media accounts. Sheetz, for example, looks for positive comments about its stores on Twitter, retweets and shares with their followers, and generally replies with witty humor.

But Im stunned by the number of stores that make no mention on social media of their healthful products. Instead, I often see promotions for soda, chips, donuts, sugary coffee drinks and indulgent hot food. Again, theres nothing wrong with promoting those products. The point, rather, is that these stores could broaden their appeal and reach even more customers if they also promoted their healthful offerings.

Mix it up a bit. Share occasional photos of fresh-cut fruit and vegetables, new snack bars, lower-calorie options and other better-for-you products. Show your social media followers that you offer something for everyone.

Step 3: Manage your presence on online apps. Whether its Google, GasBuddy, or Yelp, Im consistently amazed by the number of stores that ignore these free tools.

Theres an independent store near my hometown of Des Moines that has a fantastic selection of healthy snacks in addition to one of the best made-to-order menus of indulgent sandwiches that Ive encountered. Im from Iowa, so lets just say I know a good tenderloin when I see one.

But if I was a new student at the local university and found the store on Google Maps, I wouldnt know any of this. Theres limited reviews, no photos, and no indication that its a quality store.

Google allows business owners to claim each store and manage its profile. Take photos of your best products and of the store itselfmake it look like an active, happening place. If theres negative reviews that can be resolved, Google allows you to respond to them directly. All of this can be done in a matter of minutes and costs nothing.

Your presence on mobile apps is an increasingly important quality signal. Dont ignore it.

Frank Beard is a regular NACS Daily contributor who has traveled to more than 1,000 convenience stores in 24 states. He raised awareness of the industry's healthful food options with his "30 Days of Gas Station Food" experiment, and he's an analyst/evangelist for convenience store and retail trends at GasBuddy.






Tech Blogging in Nigeria is something that is time consuming and also interesting as well. In this episode of readers vox pop.Ill be interviewing Wale Adekile.

Hes a person I look up to when it comes to tech blogging. He runs one of the most popular technology blogs Geek.ng (once doncaprio.com) and one of the pioneers of tech blogging in Nigeria. His story is quite an interesting one and Im pretty sure many bloggers will learn a thing or two from this.



Tell me a little about yourself?

Im Wale, a tech blogger, a gamer, a front-end web designer, an amateur photographer, a husband and a father.

What prompted you to start blogging ?

Well, if Im going to be straightforward, I needed money.

What do you find most challenging about blogging about tech ?

It has always been traffic. I think that applies to every blog though. No matter how much traffic youre getting, its never enough.

Tell me about some of the people youve met while working on your blog?

Not sure I want to mention names but Ive met quite a lot of great people, industry leaders and other notable tech bloggers.

What do you do when you arent working on your blog

I could be holding the DualShock 4 or just hanging out with the family.

Are you a full time blogger?

Yes, I am.

How do you keep coming up with material/content for your blog? Many people struggle with coming up with different articles/posts and they only have one blog

As a tech blogger, I document every tech related thing I do. Thats why I kind of find it easier coming up with tutorial articles. Besides, theres always a trending topic in technology you could write an opinion piece about.

What do you think comes first  Content? SEO ? Traffic? Readers?

Of course, content comes first before any other thing. Thats the most important element of a blog.

DID YOU KNOW THAT WALE ONCE APPLIED TO BE A POLICE MAN IN 2009?

A lot of people are interested in blogging because of money earning . What are some tips you have for people interesting in making money from blogging?

The truth is this: I was just like that. I started blogging just to make money. I didnt start because I was passionate about writing, I was reading about ways to make money legitimately online and blogging seemed cool back then. I was quick to learn that it was that easy though. It requires a lot of patience and you need to put in a lot of hard work first. It was well over a year before I made my first $100.

What has been your strategy for creating visibility to yourself and your blog?

I would say great content.

What was the most challenging moment while developing your blog and how did you solve it?

I wanted to start with WordPress but finance was a big challenge then. I simply opted for a Blogger blog with a custom domain name and used that for two years before raising enough money to move to WP.

Everyone has a favorite/least favorite post. Name yours and why?

I think its the post I wrote about Facebook comment widget for blogger. It was gathering over 300 comments and the widget started appearing on thousands of page on the internet. The widget had my link and it led to thousands of backlinks to that post. I eventually got a penalty from Google (Penguin update, I think) due to that and all that ranking went away. I deleted the post at last and disavowed all those links.

Name some of the bloggers whom you look up to and why?

I started blogging at a time when there werent so many bloggers in Nigeria. I was looking up to people like Darren Rowse or Problogger and Amit Agarwal or Labnol / Digital Inspiration.

If someone was interested in blogging, what would be a few things you would suggest?

Im going to suggest that the person should find another option if he only wants to make quick money.

How do you manage time to run your blog?

Im a fulltime blogger, but time management is still an issue. One simple trick Ive learned is keeping a list of things to do everyday. That way, I dont waste time on unimportant things.

How do you want to improve yourself in the next year?

I dont know I think the ultimate goal is to become a better person in every way.

What was your greatest failure and what did you learn from that?

Thinking black hat SEO was a shortcut. Well, it ruined a lot of things for me and I learned the hard way.

Tell me about your best achievement from blogging?

To any blogger, I think the greatest achievement is reaching different people in every corner of the earth and making a difference, one article at a time.

What is your greatest achievement outside of blogging?

I would prefer to keep that personal.

Where would you like to be in blogging five years from now?

Seeing my blog at the same level with the likes of HowToGeek and the rest of them.

What inspired you to start your blog?

Like I said earlier, it was all about the money in the beginning. I later developed keen interest in what I was doing though, and that was what kept me going.

Can you tell me about few sources from where you get products for review on your site?

They are mostly from the brands I work with and sometimes, I buy the gadgets.

Do you return the devices after reviewing

The devices are never returned. If theyre to be returned the brand will have to pay for the work done.



What do you find the most frustrating aspect of blogging?

Its always about the traffic.

In the future where do you hope your blog will take you?

Places, different places.

Have you met anyone interesting/famous on your blogging journey?

Yes, lots of great people. Of course, youre one of them. 

Do you have any specific goals for the rest of this year?

Sure, one of them is to kickstart a new photography blog for hobbyists.

How active are you on a weekly basis? How often do you communicate with your followers?

I tend to do that everyday

Do You think Nokia will be able to take back the Nigerian Mobile Market This Year?

No, I really dont think so. The market is saturated already.

NaijaTechGuy.com. This article is a property of NaijaTechGuy and should not be republished or distributed on another site without linking back to this website.
The Financial Times provided an update on the state of the first item that the EU wants settled in the Brexit talks, that of the UKs exit tab. The UK has been whinging that it wants to address the movement of people first, but it doesnt have any more leverage on the shape of the table than it does on other issues.

The new story doesnt change the high points of the EUs position thus far on the Brexit settlement. The Europeans are still expected to start from 100 billion in gross liabilities, with the pink paper confirming that its now 99.6 billion. Recall that this was an increase from an earlier estimate of 86.4 billion in gross liabilities as some member states insisted that more items be added to the tally. Thats based on a 13% share of EU liabilities, which includes the rebate negotiated by Thatcher. That equates to what the European Commission says is 60.2 billion in net liabilities. How the gross and net are arrived at is beyond me. This is not net of UK assets, since the most generous estimate still puts that at under 10 billion. As the negotiations play out, I suspect well learn a lot more about the gory details.

However, the piece does sort out which parts of the demand are on firm footing and which are likely to serve as trading chips. But the figures are confusing, since they are all larger than the 99.6 billion gross figure, and its not clear how the lower amounts were arrived at (that they are over time and were therefore discounted? Adding them up and multiplying them by 13% doesnt get you there either. Anyone who has more insight please pipe up in comments). From the Financial Times:

The demands with the strongest legal backing are based on old commitments signed off in annual budget rounds, with the UK as a member. Those include Britains pension liabilities, as well as 251bn in budget commitments approved by the UK before 2019, known as reste a liquider. An additional 133bn of promises Britain made to back projects are more contentious. These structural fund schemes are due to be provisioned for and paid only after Britain has left the union. The EU sees them as legal commitments that Britain must honour. A third tier of demands was excluded from the original approach of Michel Barnier, the chief EU negotiator. Those cover annual EU spending that Britain would say the bloc can easily adjust post-Brexit. That includes 111bn of annual agricultural payments direct to farmers. Most contentious of all, it covers 87bn of other EU administrative and project costs, such as commissioners salaries and spending on borders. The EU side knows its argument regarding such areas is especially weak.

But given that the EU has a vastly stronger negotiating position, its not clear how much in concessions it will feel it has to give. And some members have targets that are likely more than the UK can stomach politically:

Perhaps more important for the EU, however, is another number. Its first priority is avoiding having to reopen the EUs long-term budget for 2014-2020. Around 20bn in net payments for 2019 and 2020 would probably be enough to avoid a nasty EU fight over the current budget, pitting net contributors such as Germany and the Netherlands against beneficiaries such as Poland and Hungary. But more funds would be needed to close a gap after 2020 (there is a big overhang of unpaid bills), making the EUs discussions on its next seven-year budget much more fraught. For that reason the EU is looking for Britain to cover at least its commitments under the long-term budget, including the reste a liquider commitments and structural fund promises. That would take the total to 64bn in gross terms and 40bn net. But while such figures would probably be enough for Brussels, they could prove deadly in Westminster.

Recall that 60 billion was bruited about earlier. One wonders if the other demands were added mainly to try to desensitize the UK negotiators and public to big numbers so they could swallow the level the EU needs. And we also have the fraught question of whether the UK will, as it has so far, not recognized that its downside is considerable and it really cant afford to have no deal. In other words, the first two weeks of the negotiations may so set the tone for the entire affair as to determine its trajectory.
The oldest living thing on Earth BBC

On the rise of unproductive entrepreneurs like Travis Kalanick Izabella Kaminska, FT. With a shout-out to Hubert Horans article here yesterday.

Google faces big EU fine over search practices FT

Facebook has a solution to all the toxic dross on its site  wait, its not AI? The Register

Policing the power of tech giants Axios (Re Silc).

Making Humans a Multi-Planetary Species Elon Musk, New Space. Silicon Valley entrepreneurs are why the aliens quarantined the Solar System in the first place.

Ominous signs for states as revenue targets missed The Hill

The mystery at the heart of the 2017 economy Politico

Hospital Sends Legal Threats To Researcher, Then Asks For Her Help Identifying Breach Victims TechDirt

DiCaprio returns Brando Oscar as part of Malaysian laundering probe Reuters

Fraud hotspots revealed by Which? The Spectator

Hutt River Provinces Prince Leonard slapped with $3 million tax bill The West Australian (Richard Smith). Sovereign citizens in Oz.

British Election Aftermath

New poll confirms Macrons party set for landslide victory The Local

A Wave of Anger Crashes over Britain Der Speigel (Re Silc)

Brexit

The election changes nothing  we need to get on with Brexit Brexit Central. Theres no alternative but to suck it and see.

Eurogroup grants long-term debt relief for Greece Al Jazeera

New Brussels Reforms: Path To More Austerity For Italy Social Europe (MT).

Berlin hits back at US move to tighten sanctions on Russia FT

China

China successfully sends pairs of entangled photons from space The Economic Times

Can the U.S. Pivot Back to Asia? Foreign Affairs

In Philippines battle, troops pinned down by sniper fire, Molotov cocktails Reuters

Solving the Korea Crisis by Teaching a Horse to Sing Thomas Friedman, NYT. Or a New York Times columnist to write?

Dennis Rodman just gave Kim Jong Un The Art of the Deal by Donald Trump, plus soap and a mermaid puzzle Moneyish

Belleville Shooting

New Cold War

The Madness of King Donald Richard Evans, Foreign Policy. Must-read.

Lambert here: Evans is a scholar; he wrote the brilliant and illuminating Third Reich trilogy; that he doesnt choose the Hitler analogy to characterize Trump should, one would think, dispose of that lazy trope once and for all. That said, Evans poses the question: What happens when a political elite concludes that the real or titular head of state has to be deposed in the interests of the country as a whole? A question to which one answer has been gradually exposed ever since liberal Democrats proposed their faithless elector ploy: A change in the Constitutional order. The change Evans proposes is this: If Americans prove incapable of deposing[1] their debilitated president, they may soon earn[2] the mild relief of one, or more, informally appointed American regents. Evans idea of a regent parallels the idea that the Trump administration is missing what the Beltway establishment calls a wise man  somebody like Bush the Elders James Baker  to mediate between the political class and the President; ballast to the Trump administrations disequilibriated ship; the idea is clever because it could be presented as, indeed might be, [genuflects] bipartisan.

FWIW, although I find the concept of a regent more attractive than the concept of giving The Blob veto power over the appointment of the President, as in execution the Democrat proposal for faithless electors would have done, I see some problems. First, could it be the case that if this were going to happen, it would already have happened? As of this writing, Trump has been in office 146 days, 16 hours, 1 minute and 47 seconds. One would have expected the conservative factions of the political class already to have produced and installed such a wise man, especially given that its clearly in their interests to have done so. Second, should we not be careful what we wish for? Suppose the regent turned out to be, well, crazypants and effective, like Bush the Youngers Dick Cheney? Third, Evans is in essence proposing a new branch of government  neither executive, nor legislative, nor judicial  and theres no reason to think it wont be permanent, mild or no. Who checks the power of this revolutionary innovation? Fourth, Evans talent for scholarly invective has burnished the Bush is senile trope, which originally slithered up from the Democrat war rooms infested by David Brock, to a high sheen, but consider: Debilitated as Trump may be, he somehow managed, in a little under two years, to overpower all the dominant factions in the political class, whether liberal or conservative, to win the Presidency, laying waste to great swaths of long-fabricated conventional wisdom in the process. To me, that argues that the political class is, itself, debilitated. Why should anybody trust any choice they would make, and why would anybody regard their choice as legitimate? Our political elite, over the last few decades, has invested a good deal of political capital in proving that its always possible to make things worse, and I have no reason to think they wont run true to form, should they attempt to carry out the change in the Constitutional order proposed by Evans.

NOTES [1] Deposing. How would that have been done, exactly? [2] Earn is a curious formulation; apparently, for Evans, the people have a duty to live up to the high standards of elites, a stance that seems somewhat lax, for a small-d democrat. As Algernon remarks in The Importance of Being Earnest: Really, if the lower orders dont set us a good example, what on earth is the use of them? They seem, as a class, to have absolutely no sense of moral responsibility. Evans, remarkably, seems to share the deeply frivolous Algernons views.

Trump Transition

More states are registering voters automatically. Heres how that affects voting. WaPo

GOP sirens blaze over Georgia special election Politico

The Koch Brothers Want To Rewrite The Constitution. They May Succeed. International Business Times

Our Famously Free Press

Big Brother Is Watching You Watch

Health Care

Imperial Collapse Watch

Class Warfare

Maryland Island Denies Sea Level Rise, Yet Wants to Stop It Scientific American

Oils pipeline to Americas schools Center for Public Integrity (GF).

Movies show the hidden truth about romance & marriage: theyre dying Fabius Maximus

Lead Detected In 20% Of Baby Food Samples, Surprising Even Researchers Kaiser Health News

The Usefulness of Useless Knowledge Harpers (1939).

Antidote du jour (via):

See yesterdays Links and Antidote du Jour here.
The last few days there have been worried reports about how the Republicans had gone into a secret huddle and were rumored to be on their way to coming up with Obamacare reform. For instance, from the New York Times:

As they draft legislation to repeal the Affordable Care Act, Senate Republican leaders are aiming to transform large sections of the American health care system without a single hearing on their bill and without a formal, open drafting session. That has created an air of distrust and concern  on and off Capitol Hill, with Democrats but also with Republicans The secrecy surrounding the Senate measure to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act is remarkable  at least for a health care measure this consequential. It is not unusual for lawmakers to draft major legislation in private, but they usually refine, debate and amend it in open committee sessions. The House bill to repeal the Affordable Care Act did not receive a hearing, where outside experts could have testified. But lawmakers dissected its contents and were able to propose changes at three stages: in the Ways and Means, Energy and Commerce, and Budget Committees. Senate Republican leaders evidently think their back-room approach gives them the best chance to devise a health care bill that can squeak through the Senate, given their narrow majority and the policy differences in their conference.

Mind you, even though we have been critics of Obamacare (its clearest benefit has been Medicaid expansion, but residents of many states are left out), we do not underestimate the ability of Republicans to make it worse, particularly when thats the point.

But our view has long been that anything that would satisfy the House Freedom Caucus crazies extremists, who have enough seats to be able to deny Republicans a majority vote, would not fly in the Senate. Gerrymandering has created Congressional districts where elections are settled in primaries. Too often for Republicans, being more rabidly right wing is the royal road to victory. By contrast, enough Senators hail from big or biggish states with sufficiently diverse economic and social profiles that bowing to Freedom Caucus dictates would be political suicide.

But being the majority party isnt necessarily a good position to be in if you have too many internal divisions. It now looks like all of that Republican secret palaver will deliver a miracle baby talk was pure hype. The latest news reports suggest that the Republicans cant even get their act together in the Senate to agree on a bill.

Recall that the Republicans have only a two seat majority in the Senate. They cant afford much in the way of defections. Even though Republican Senators were trying to craft a more moderate version of the bill than the one that passed the House, there are enough hard core conservatives in the Senate to make that difficult, if not impossible.

From the Wall Street Journal:

Negotiations over the bills contours remain fluid as Republican senators wrangle over its central tenets. No Republicans have taken a fixed position for or against the bill, in part because its language hasnt yet been finalized. But President Donald Trumps recent private disparagement of the bill passed by the House last month as too stingy suggests the Senate legislation is likely to only tilt more toward the chambers centrists. Thats making it a harder sell for conservative senators including Rand Paul of Kentucky and Mike Lee of Utah Outside conservative groups, fearing that Senate GOP leaders are watering down the House bills Medicaid savings and rollback of ACA regulations, have meanwhile begun speaking out more forcefully in recent days. Everything were hearing right now is frustrating and concerning to us, said Jason Pye, director of public policy at FreedomWorks, a grass-roots-oriented conservative group. Senate GOP leaders have said they hope to vote on a health overhaul by Congress July 4 recess. That prospect seems increasingly remote, though party leaders havent ruled it out.

Time weighs against getting a bill passed. Generally speaking, protracted negotiations are failure prone. And here, the Republicans know it behooves them to get their act together, yet they seem unable to. One conservative political junkie I know said months ago that the Republicans needed to pass an Obamacare bill because it was such a central campaign promise, and they needed to get it done by July at the latest or it risked denting election campaign dynamics. The plan as of a few weeks ago was to have a Senate bill passed by the July 4 break and then hammer out a compromise between the Senate and House versions before the month-long August recess. Missing the July 4 deadline increases the odds the bill will still be in play after Labor Day, when Republican Congresscritters will be under even more pressure to tell constituents theyve gotten something done. That means theyll feel pressure to pass less troublesome legislation, diverting attention from the ACHA bill.

Another potentially complicating factor is a block of Republican Senators, including Alaskas Lisa Murkowski, are loath to end Medicaid expansion, which is something the centrist Senate plan apparently calls for. From The Hill:

Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), a potential key swing vote on an ObamaCare repeal-and-replace plan, isnt sure she could support the emerging Senate Republican healthcare bill.. Murkowski wouldnt commit when asked if she would support a seven-year phaseout of the Medicaid expansion, which some moderate GOP senators are pushing. Nor would she say whether she would support a slower phaseout or a faster one. My position on Medicaid expansion and my support for it hasnt changed, Murkowski said. The Alaska Republican has previously said she wouldnt vote to repeal the Medicaid expansion if the Alaska state Legislature wants to keep it. And she was one of four senators who sent a letter to Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) in early March saying they couldnt support a bill that didnt have protections for people in the Medicaid expansion population.

Making things more fraught, insurers have until June 21 to decide what insurance they will sell on specific state Obamacare marketplaces. From Vox earlier this year:

The most important day for Obamacare is June 21, 2017. About three months from now  on, coincidentally, the very first day of summer  health insurers have to decide whether they will sell coverage on the Obamacare marketplaces. It will give us the first indication of what the ballpark rate increases are, what counties have insurers and which ones dont, says Robert Laszewski, an industry consultant who works with insurers that sell on the marketplace. Insurers will have to make a statement. The Obamacare marketplaces are, at the moment, one of the most at-risk parts of the Affordable Care Act. About 12 million Americans who buy insurance on their own  through either a state marketplace or Healthcare.gov  currently rely on these online insurance portals for coverage. Eighty-five percent receive a tax credit to lower their monthly premiums. The marketplaces only work if private health insurance plans show up and sell coverage. Last year, well before Trumps election, some insurers dropped out of the marketplaces because they saw them as too small or unstable. June 21 is when well get the first look at whether the marketplaces are in okay shape and have enough competition to survive 2018  or whether they are, as President Donald Trump predicted, exploding.

Although if a bill were to pass, one would assume most of its provisions would phase in for practical as well as political reasons, uncertainty about the future of Obamacare cant be a plus for insurers. And if more insurers withdraw from marketplaces and/or jack up prices, its not hard to see how both parties will try to spin that to their advantage.

So as hard as it is to tune out the short-term drama, the fight over Obamacares future has made single payer part of the lexicon. Hopefully bona fide reformers will find a way to use the likely collapse of the Republicans gut Obamacare scheme to advance sounder and more beneficial programs.
Find the newest releases to watch from National Geographic on Disney+, including favourite documentary series and films Free Solo, The Rescue, Shark Beach with Chris Hemsworth and The World According to Jeff Goldblum.
The Irish Cancer Society needs new volunteer drivers in Clonmel, Cashel and Tipperary Town for its Volunteer Driver Service.

This is a free transport service and is available to cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy treatments in Limerick University Hospital. The driver service is free to the patient but volunteer drivers are paid a contribution towards their fuel, all road toll costs and some subsistence during the day.

Gail Flinter, Patient Travel and Financial Support Manager with the Irish Cancer Society, says The Volunteer Driver Service allows cancer patients access to free transport to and from their chemotherapy treatments, removing the stress, difficulty and financial burden of travelling at a challenging time. This is a local service with local drivers driving local patients to and from their treatments.

We have a fantastic network of drivers around the country and training, orientation and support is provided to them. Drivers who sign up with us are not only just doing a couple of drives a month, they are becoming part of a remarkable team of volunteers, without whom this service simply would not function".

Patients undergoing chemotherapy who would like to avail of the service or would like further information can contact their healthcare professional in Limerick University Hospital to refer them to the service.

Alternatively they can call the Volunteer Driver Service team on 01-2310522, e-mail transport@irishcancer.ie or log onto www.cancer.ie.
The Franciscan Church (The Abbey of St. Francis) has always had a special place in the hearts of the people of Clonmel.

Generations and generations of citizens have gone to the church in Abbey Street over a period of 700 years, in good times and bad, in times of personal joys and sorrows.

They found there a place of tranquility and prayer, a place of hope and endurance.

The very fabric of the building itself reflects that hope and endurance. It has survived wars and suppression, persecution, social and political changes.

The modest bell-tower is a metaphor for that survival. It is, with sections of the town walls, the oldest building in the town, built by Clonmel masons back in medieval times.

The Franciscans have been in Clonmel since 1269, probably at the invitation of the then Lord of the Manor, Otho de Grandison. They were given a patch of land equivalent to the area now bordered by the river, Dowds Lane, Mitchel Street and Sarsfield Street.

Within this space they built a church and some domestic structures. In time, they acquired a fish-pool on the river and a small area of land at Inchnambraher, in the parish of Killaloan, presumably for the growing of vegetables.

The bell-tower, which is similar to almost all the towers in the other Franciscan abbeys in Ireland, stood in the centre of a long narrow church, of which the present northern aisle, the original choir, with its Gothic windows, is the only survivor.

The nave extended into the current car park towards Sarsfield Street. It, then in a ruinous state, was demolished in 1789, when the town entered a period of prosperity and development, at which time the modern Abbey Street and Bank/Friary Lanes were opened.

Unlike many of the monastic Orders of the time, who favoured the isolation of the countryside in which to build their monasteries, the Franciscans chose centres of population for their ministry.

They gave that ministry to the people of Clonmel, without interruption, from the 13th to the 16th century, and then all changed on 8th March 1540 when an inquisition was held in the town and the abbey was suppressed, and the Friars banished. The property was divided in two and sold to the Sovereign and Commonalty of Clonmel (the equivalent of the Mayor and Corporation) and to the 9th Earl of Ormond.

But the Friars, though officially banished, did not disappear from Clonmel. A few, sometimes only one or two, stayed in or around the town. They were subject to levels of persecution, depending on the implementation of various punitive laws, and at least one was martyred.

Nevertheless they endured, a fact that became so embedded in the psyche of older Clonmel citizens that, even into the early decades of the last century, they would say: The Friars Never Left Us.

Sections of the old abbey grounds became the burial places for the people of the town who, again according to tradition, would gather there on Sundays to pray.

The buildings were adapted for various purposes, residences, stores, business. But all changed again when Oliver Cromwell came to town in 1650, and in the subsequent Cromwellian decades, with the banishment of the prosperous, property-owning Anglo Norman Catholic citizens, the Old Order passed away, and the character of abbey buildings was changed forever with the conversion of the area into the Fort of Clonmel.

The bell-tower, which once called citizens to worship, now became a military fortress. A Friar or two still survived in, and found shelter somewhere around Clonmel.

But with the Restoration of Charles II, and some consequent relaxation in the suppressive laws, the Friars came back again, not quite within the walls, but not far from the important West Gate, in a thatched chapel in Irishtown. The choir of the abbey church (the present north aisle) was repaired and became a Dissenters chapel.

In 1789 the Dissenters moved to their new building in Nelson Street (now the site of the South Tipp Arts Centre).

Above: Anthony Morris, Martin Morris and Barry Cloona Morris Construction

The passing of the Catholic Relief Act a few years before (in 1782) brought some freedom to Catholics, and the few Friars in Irishtown gradually obtained access to their old and now ruinous home, where the choir was opened in 1828.

It is recorded that citizens, so long excluded from worship, were so happy that In spite of low walls, damp floors, over-crowded benches and wretched approaches, Sunday after Sunday it was full to over-flowing and in the churchyard in all weathers were to be seen a crowd of worshippers who could not gain access to the interior.

The re-building of the abbey extended over many decades and involved the re-design of the old church and the rescue of some of the very few original monumental and architectural features that remained, including the tower, which reverted from its fortress status into its function as a bell-tower, where a new bell was installed in 1878.

And so we come to modern times when, a few months ago, a chunk of lime-render plaster fell from the east wall of the tower, in an area where the original stonework had been covered in the 19th century restoration.

It transpired that considerable work was necessary to repair the damage caused by dampness. Professional advice was sought from Margaret Quinlan, the Clonmel-born architect who is an expert in the restoration of historic buildings. The repair and conservation work has now been completed by Morris Construction. The expenses involved were sizeable but only one appeal for funds was necessary, to which citizens generously responded.

The tower, which has stood tall in Clonmel for nearly 700 years, is now set on yet another phase of its history. Generations of the towns citizens have lived in its shadow, sometimes through turbulent and dangerous times.

How often they must have wished for those miracles for which that most beloved of all saints, Francis of Assisi, prayed: the blessing of turning injury into pardon, despair into hope, and darkness into light.
Fifty members of the County Tipperary Ryan Youth Orchestra (CTRYO) travelled to Croatia and were honoured to represent Ireland performing in a concert tour at the seventh Istra International Music Festival of Choirs and Orchestras in the charming city of Porec.

The C.T.R.Y.O attended this prestigious International Festival from the 19th to the 23rd April 2017 and they opened the festival concert to a packed venue in the Hotel Pical, Konferencijska Dvorana, Porec. There was a moment of silence after the CTRYO played the last note of their opening repertoire and then the audience exploded with rapturous applause and a standing ovation.

Its always such a proud moment to receive such a reaction to our orchestra, said Conductor/Director Michael John Ryan. Its such a reward for the members who have put in hours of rehearsal time and practice leading up to this moment.

The CTRYO also had the honour of being the first to perform in the second concert that was an open-air joint concert at Trg Slobode in Porec in front of the Church Gospa od Andela. Again the orchestra received great applause from their performances that were attended by dignitaries from nine Countries and the Mayor Mr. Edi Stifanic of the City of Proec.

CTRYO Director Michael John Ryan received a Diploma award for Orchestral Arts from the festival Director Mr. Peter Laskowski.

Cill Aodain Choral Society from Mayo represented Ireland in the Choir section and fourteen Orchestras and Choirs attended from Canada, Lithuania, Spain, United Kingdom, Romania, Turkey, Portugal and the Czech Republic.

While touring Croatia all CTRYO members had the pleasure of staying in a 4-Star Luxury hotel set in this historic and picturesque Old Byzantine coastal town on the Istrian Peninsula in western Croatia. The members had leisure time in-between performances and took in a stunning sightseeing cruise of the beautiful Adriatic coastline.

Opportunity beckons keen young musicians in the region to apply for CTRYO membership. New members are always very welcome and the orchestra caters for players aged 10 to 20 years and upwards and for woodwind, strings, percussion and brass. There are also opportunities for other instrumentalists with some piano students taking up the Cello or some percussion instruments to further their musical abilities.

Members of the orchestra come from Schools, Colleges and from private teachers all over County Tipperary and the neighboring counties of Cork and Limerick to gain experience in orchestral playing and performance, explained Director Michael John Ryan.

The CTRYO is a member of the Irish Association of Youth Orchestras and rehearses every Friday evening at 7.30pm from September to May in St. Ailbes Secondary School, Tipperary Town. It has an extensive repertoire of current popular music including: light classical, Neapolitan, Strauss Waltzes, Brahms Hungarian Dances and well-known music of the great composers as well as a Traditional Irish Selection. The orchestra is conducted by Violinist Michael John Ryan, M.A., Dip.C.S.M., Dip.F.A.

Further information and application forms are available from CTRYO, 20 Bank Place, Tipperary Town. Telephone: 062-51128 or 087 7612533.
The NATO Secretary General, Mr. Jens Stoltenberg, will visit the Republic of Latvia on Monday, 19 June 2017.

Mr. Stoltenberg will attend a ceremony marking the deployment of the eFP battalion in Latvia at the Camp Adazi alongside the President of the Republic of Latvia, H.E. Mr. Raimonds Vejonis.

The Secretary General will also meet with the Prime Minister, Mr. Maris Kucinskis, the State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Andrejs Pildegovics, the Minister of Defence, Mr. Raimonds Bergmanis as well as the speaker of Parliament, Ms.Inara Murniece.

Media Advisory

14:05 (local) Secretary General joint press conference with the President of Latvia  Camp Adazi

The press conference will be webstreamed live on the NATO website

Still and video images of the event and bilateral meetings will be available on the NATO website (www.nato.int) after the event.

Follow us on Twitter (@NATOPress and @jensstoltenberg)
The NATO Secretary General, Mr. Jens Stoltenberg, will visit the Republic of Lithuania on Tuesday, 20 June 2017.

Mr. Stoltenberg will attend the Distinguished Visitors Day of Exercice Iron Wolf alongside the President of the Republic, H.E. Mrs. Dalia Grybauskaite.

The Secretary General will also meet with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Linas Linkevicius and the Minister of Defence, Mr. Raimundas Karoblis.

Media Advisory

11:40 (local) Secretary General joint press conference with the President  Rukla

The press conference will be webstreamed live on the NATO website.

Still and video images of the events will be available on the NATO website (www.nato.int) after the event.

Follow us on Twitter (@NATOPress and @jensstoltenberg)
(Natural News) Marine experts from the California State University recently pointed out that microplastic pollution has steadily become a major threat to the worlds oceans. According to the experts, microplastics are especially problematic as they are more challenging to manage due to their microscopic size. Microplastics, which measure less than five millimeters, are degraded plastic fibers that end up in the oceans. The researchers cautioned that marine creatures may readily ingest these microplastics as they could mistake them for food.

Marine debris is everywhere; its on the surface of the ocean, its on our beaches, and its presence is increasing. Were seeing more [marine debris] in our oceans now than in the past. The thing that is most disturbing to me is the not the macrodebris that we can easily see with our eyes; its the ubiquity of microplastics that has completely blown me away. Microfibers and microplastics can displace critters natural food and natural behavior. The critter may need to work more and use more energy; it may block their intestinal tracts, said marine expert Sean Anderson.

Trash in the ocean, including significant amounts of microplastics, is a pervasive and significant problem in the waters off California as well as around the world. Microplastics are particularly concerning because of their ubiquitous distribution and disastrous impacts on marine life. [Micro plastics] act like a sponge, soaking up additional pollutants from the surrounding waters, only to leach them back out again, oftentimes into animals that have ingested the plastics. This leads to accumulation of toxic chemicals in marine life, even in situations where the animals are far from humans, marine researcher Krista Kamer said in ScienceDaily.com.

In order to study the effects of microplastics on marine life, Anderson and his team examined digestive systems of multiple crab species along Californias coast. The researchers found that a majority of the species ingested microplastic fragments. In fact, one organism even showed nearly 100 fragments of microplastics in its system. However, the marine experts stressed that more studies are needed to better determine the effects and reach of microplastic pollution.

U.N. report reveals microplastic contamination in fish

Data from the United Nations (U.N.) Environment Project report revealed that more than a quarter of all fish sold around the world were contaminated with microplastics. To carry out the research, a team of researchers examined intestine samples from fish sold at markets in California and Indonesia. The researchers cautioned that consuming high quantities of marine food contaminated with microplastics may cause adverse medical conditions in humans.

The report also warned that people might be breathing in microplastics suspended in the air, which in turn may lead harmful effects similar to car fumes. According to the report, several areas around the world show higher levels of microplastic pollution. East Asia, for instance, was found to have 27 times more plastic particles in the oceans compared with other parts of the world. The report also noted that microplastic pollution may even affect significantly far places such as deep sea sediments and a Mongolian mountain lake. The report was presented last year at the U.N. Environment Assembly in Nairobi, Kenya.

Sources include:

ScienceDaily.com

Independent.co.uk
(Natural News) A team of researchers from the Institute of Geodesy and Geoinformation at the University of Bonn in Germany are currently developing a robotic tool that readily identifies weeds and shoots laser to eliminate them, thus reducing the need to use herbicides. The project received an EXIST Business Start-up Grant from the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy.

The robotic system is slated to use deep learning algorithms to carry out the weeding task. The researchers also look into the possibility that the system might require cameras mounted on an all-terrain robot vehicle to do the weeding. The system might also serve as an add-on equipment to tractors for the same reason. According to researcher Dr. Julio Pastrana, the robotic system will shoot the leaves of unwanted weeds with short laser pulses, which in turn will weaken their vitality. Using the robotic system may potentially reduce the need for herbicides on fields, thus protecting the environment, said researcher Tim Wigbels.

The researchers are currently working on the specifics of their robotic system, and are also moving to establish their startup business Escarda Technologies for one year at the university through the EXIST grant. It is now a case of finding investors and further developing the business plan for the start-up, Wigbels noted in Science Daily. Both researchers look into participating in the start-up round tables carried out by Technology Transfer. Our aim is to contribute to achieving more sustainable agriculture, Pastrana quoted in United Press International. The laser-blasting technology may have legitimate commercial potential, said transfer advisor Rudiger Wolf.

Potential implications in herbicide use

The development of the new robotic system may have positive implications in herbicide use around the world, which has shown significant growth over the years. In fact, a study published in 2015 revealed that the U.S. has already applied a whopping 1.6 billion kilograms of the herbicide glyphosate since 1974. This accounted for 19 percent of estimated global glyphosate use.

According to the study, two-thirds of the total glyphosate volume applied in the U.S. between 1974 and 2014 has been used during the past decade alone. This accounted for 72 percent of the global glyphosate use. The researchers also found that in 2014 alone, farmers used enough glyphosate to apply 1.0 kg/ha on every hectare of cultivated cropland across the U.S. and nearly 0.53 kg/ha on all cropland around the world. (Related: Glyphosate contamination might be apparent in food too)

In addition, the study showed that the global glyphosate use showed a 15-fold increase since 1996, around the same time when genetically engineered, glyphosate-tolerant crops were introduced.

Genetically engineered herbicide-tolerant crops now account for about 56 percent of global glyphosate use. In the U.S., no pesticide has come remotely close to such intensive and widespread use. This is likely the case globally, but published global pesticide use data are sparse. Glyphosate will likely remain the most widely applied pesticide worldwide for years to come, and interest will grow in quantifying ecological and human health impacts. Accurate, accessible time-series data on glyphosate use will accelerate research progress, the researchers concluded in Environmental Sciences Europe.

Follow more discoveries on technology and food production at FutureScienceNews.com.

Sources include:

ScienceDaily.com

UPI.com

EnvEurope.SpringerOpen.com
Friday, June 16, 2017 by: Ethan Huff Tags: bullying , social justice advocates , UCLA This article may contain statements that reflect the opinion of the author

(Natural News) Taxpayers in California will soon be forced to sponsor so-called Social Justice Activists (SJAs) who will be tasked with patrolling college campuses and educating their fellow students about the systematic oppression supposedly being instigated upon them by white, straight males.

The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) has agreed to start paying between 8-10 SJAs to walk around campus and indoctrinate whomever they come across about the perils of whiteness, patriarchy, and heteronormativity. UCLA plans to pay these SJAs quarterly for their services, beginning this fall when students come back for the 2017-2018 school year.

Any student wanting to participate in the program will presumably have to be non-white, female, and/or a member of the LGBTQ community in order to qualify, as anyone else is considered to be part of the system of oppression. Only those willing to advance the agenda that being white, male, and not sexually interested in the same sex is an evil to be eradicated, along with freedom of speech, are considered to be viable candidates.

Applicants for the program are reportedly required to explain why theyre interested in social justice, and more importantly which gender pronouns they prefer to be called. Identifying the zis and the hirs from among potential applicants is one way that the school can easily weed out the non-desirable he and her candidates who are being targeted for extinction on campus.

Social Justice Advocates will systems [of] oppression and how they intersect and build upon each other to maintain the status quo, a description of the program reads. Most importantly individuals and the collective will be empowered through liberatory scholarship and practices and strengthening their emotional intelligence to create change within their spheres of influence.

Truth Revolts James Allsup addresses the issue in a new video he posted to YouTube that you can watch here.

Bias Response Teams promoting anti-white male hatred on 232 campuses collectively attended by 2.8 million students

Its a situation so absurd that it almost sounds like satire  the idea that an alleged institution of higher learning would pay students to incite racism, sexism, and heterophobia in the name of social justice. But its happening as we speak, and not just at UCLA.

There are many so-called Bias Response Teams popping up all across the country, according to HeatSt.com. A report conducted by the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE) identified some 232 public and private American colleges and universities where the anti-white male narrative is being perpetrated on campus.

As many as 2.8 million students are potentially being exposed to this toxic message, which also seeks to silence all forms of speech and expression that counter it. Any student who is heard saying something that might be perceived as offensive could become the subject of a Bias Response Team investigation. Any student found to be guilty of a thought or speech crime is invited to participate in a hearing.

Examples of Bias Response Teams exercising their power include a student humor publication at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) that lost its funding after making fun of safe spaces on campus, writes Lukas Mikelionis for HeatSt.com. At Ohio State University, students had to attend a mandatory floor meeting about triggering events after a group of students was reported for sharing memes comparing Hillary Clinton to Adolf Hitler.

FIRE Senior Program Officer Adam Steinbaugh says incidents like this send the destructive message to students that free speech is off limits in college. It also encourages people to whine and scream whenever they hear something they dont like, rather than engage in an intelligent debate or conversation like a normal person would.

Sources:

CampusReform.org

ZeroHedge.com

TruthRevolt.org

YouTu.be

HeatSt.com
A swarm of about 20,000 bees decided to take over the back hood of a car in the UK this past Sunday. Thought you should know.

Shirley Taylor came home to find the beginning of a bee hive on her car, reported Science Alert. Neighbors from the whole block came over to look at the spectacle, and then called beekeepers to help remove the bees.

Although seeing bees swarm on a car is unusual, the process of swarming is a normal seasonal process that honeybees undergo when their existing colony becomes too large. The queen bee will leave it with a group of worker bees and pick an interim spot to stay at while scout bees look for a new home, which is typically in a tree cavity.

Nevertheless, it's dangerous for the bees to be out in the open while they are waiting and searching for a new nest. They must subsist on whatever honey and nectar they've eaten before leaving the old hive, and if they don't find a new nest in time, they can starve.

As colony collapse disorder is prevalent and bee colonies are being affected by insecticides, the people in the town wanted to save the swarm. The chairman of the local Beverley Beekeeper's Association Chris Coulson was called to figure out how to move the bees. Apparently, they had already started building wax in the car, "because it's the start of building a house," Coulson told the Hull Daily Mail.

To capture a swarm and take it away, beekeepers lure bees with bee larvae and eggs in a large box, which they are attracted to because they want to move in to cover the larvae, protect them and keep them warm. This is what Coulson and the beekeepers are working on, but he said, "We will be working for as long as we can to get the bees out, but it's going to be a long process." He also said the car might be their chosen permanent home.

If they could catch the queen and put her in the box, the process would take considerably less time, as all of the worker bees would follow her.
California's budget for the fiscal year starting July 1 touches on people's lives in everything from education and taxes to how much their medical providers get paid. Here are some of the key areas in the $125 billion general fund spending plan that lawmakers will vote on Thursday:

Tax credit for working poor:

The budget makes more people eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit, which provides cash to the working poor. It allows people with an income up to about $22,000 to qualify, up from $14,161 for adults with three or more children. People could earn up to full-time minimum wage and still be eligible. It also allows people to qualify even if they are self-employed. More than 1 million more households could claim the credit up from fewer than 400,000 households in the 2015 tax year.

Tobacco tax:

Doctors and dentists who treat low-income patients will get more money from a voter-approved $2-per-pack increase in tobacco taxes. About half the money will go to health care providers, including $465 million for doctors and dentists who treat patients in the state's Medi-Cal health insurance program for the needy. Another $50 million goes for family planning providers including Planned Parenthood and $27 million goes to raise rates at intermediate care facilities for those with developmental disabilities.

[2017 UPDATED 12/19] 2017 Southern California Images in the News

Medi-Cal benefits:

The budget restores full dental and eyeglass benefits that were cut for people on Medi-Cal during the Great Recession. The program currently covers primary and preventive dental care as well as dentures for adults, but does not pay for root canals and other services. Expanded dental coverage would begin Jan. 1 at an annual cost of $73 million, while eyeglass coverage would resume in 2020.

Education funding:

K-12 schools and community colleges get $3.1 billion more than this year, or $74.5 billion. Schools get another $1.4 billion through the Local Control Funding Formula, making it 97 percent complete. Higher education gets $14.5 billion in general fund money, including increases in Cal Grants and community college financial assistance. The budget also includes restrictions on the UC Office of the President following a scathing audit, and redirects money to increase enrollment by 500 graduate students and 1,500 undergraduates from California.

Infrastructure:

The $2.8 billion from higher gas and vehicle taxes approved earlier this year will go to fixing roads and bridges and building mass transit lines. The budget also includes $111 million for dam safety evaluations and other flood planning in response to flooding last winter and problems with the Oroville Dam spillways.

[LA GALLERY UPDATED 12/27] Crimes Caught on Camera in Southern California

Public safety:

The budget targets the federal immigration crackdown by requiring that the state attorney general review each county, local or private detention facility where noncitizens are being held, and by blocking counties from signing new contracts or expanding existing contracts to detain immigrants. It limits county jails' use of video visits instead of in-person visits to inmates. It blocks suspending driver's licenses as a penalty for the driver failing to appear in court. It extends the state's new deadline to register a semi-automatic firearm that does not have a fixed magazine by six months, until July 1, 2018. It extends the current ban on firearm ownership by anyone convicted of a felony or certain misdemeanors to include those facing arrest warrants.

Cannabis:

Finally, $118 million goes to software, personnel and other costs to prepare for next year's start of marijuana sales to adults over 21. It creates a tax office in California's North Coast region, from San Francisco to the border with Oregon  a prime area for growing marijuana  to make it more convenient for farmers to file their taxes.
San Francisco Superior Court jurors Thursday found Lee Bell guilty of first-degree murder in the death of Pearla Louis, whose body was found in a suitcase floating in San Francisco Bay seven years ago.

Bell, 55, was Louis' boyfriend and the last person she was seen alive with on May 16, 2010, a day before her family reported her missing, according to prosecutors.

Her badly beaten body was discovered the morning of May 18, curled up naked inside a large suitcase that washed up near The Embarcadero and Folsom Street. The medical examiner determined that she had suffered 30 bleeding injuries and died of strangulation.

The death of Louis, a 52-year-old San Francisco resident, became a rallying point for those seeking to reform the city's handling of domestic violence cases.

An investigation found she had told medical personnel and others on multiple occasions that Bell was beating her, but miscommunications and mistakes hampered the police investigation.

Beverly Upton, executive director of the San Francisco Domestic Violence Consortium, said the city has improved its handling of such cases since 2010 but still has work to do to prevent deaths such as Louis's.

"We used to lose 10 to 12 people a year to domestic violence homicides, and now it's two to three," Upton said. "We want to see it down to zero."

Assistant District Attorney Michael Swart on Thursday said the verdict marked the end of a "long, emotional road" for him, but even more so for Louis's family.

Swart noted that Louis's daughter, Ayesha Louis, has attended nearly every court date.

"I think this has finally provided her some sort of closure," he said. "I can't imagine the emotional toll that it's taken on her."

The case took seven years to come to trial in part because Bell changed attorneys more than once. Defense attorney Malcolm Smith said he was assigned to the case just last July.

During the trial, Smith worked to poke holes in the prosecution's case, which relied on circumstantial evidence including DNA on the suitcase handle and video of Bell retrieving a similar suitcase a day before Louis's body was discovered.

Smith noted a lack of injuries on Bell and a lack of noise complaints or other signs of disturbance in the hotel where he was staying the night Louis was presumably killed.

Smith on Thursday said he was somewhat surprised the jury came back with a first-degree murder verdict, rather than second-degree, but declined to question the jury's decision.

He noted that the "politics" of the case could have influenced the jury, as did Bell's penchant for outbursts in court.

"That probably didn't help," he said. "If you're on trial for this kind of offense, it doesn't help to show that you have a lack of impulse control."

Bell remains in custody without bail and will be sentenced at a future date.
Even before the Wright Brothers took to the skies, or a man named Dr. Horatio Nelson Jackson became the first to drive a car across the U.S.  a little known Oakland mechanic took machines to a new frontier by driving across the country  on a rickety motorcycle.

Ever heard of him? Probably not.

George A. Wyman is Americas forgotten trailblazer, said Tim Masterson, who runs the George A. Wyman Memorial Project. He was the first person to ride a motorized vehicle across the United States.

Did You Know? First Person to Ride Motorized Vehicle Across U.S. Was Oakland Mechanic

Masterson and Wymans great-granddaughter, Marti Wyman Schein are trying to raise Wymans status in history by posting waypoint signs along his cross-country route. They also hope to install bronze plaques at significant points like Lottas Fountain in San Francisco where Wyman launched his trek on May 16th 1903  arriving in New York City fifty days later.

Were trying to basically get this story out to people because its been lost in history, Schein said.

Wyman was an Oakland native who worked as a mechanic in San Francisco. He developed an early love for two wheels, becoming a champion bicycle racer and even achieving the status of first American to circumnavigate Australia on a bicycle.

It was during a ride up the challenging Donner Pass that Wyman hatched a plan to ride a motorized version of his bike across the country.

He was 26 years old when he set out from Lottas Fountain at two-thirty in the afternoon, riding a San Francisco-made California brand motorbike. He caught a ferry to Vallejo where he stayed on a friends boat before setting off on his journey, following the path of the transcontinental railroad.

His motorcycle boasted a 200cc engine, wooden wheels and a small gas tank which hed fill up at pharmacies  which were distributors of fuel. He wore a suit - but also carried overalls, a Colt pistol and some water.

He ended up walking a lot of the way, Schein said. He got stuck in mud, he got thrown off his bike  like all the time.

At one point when Wymans handlebars broke he replaced them with a tree branch. He logged his journey in a series of five articles he wrote for the budding Motorcycle Magazine which also featured photos Wyman took with his Kodak pocket camera. The articles were only recently discovered in the archives of the Yale library, adding detail to what was had been a murky story.

When youre reading it, Schein said, you just cant believe that this person did this.

Wyman landed in New York on July 6th to some fanfare, but afterward quietly returned to his job as an auto-mechanic. Twenty days later Dr. Horatio Nelson Jackson usurped much of Wymans thunder when he completed the same trip in a car.

It was the automobile that captured the imagination of the American public, said Masterson, who has completed Wymans cross-country ride numerous times on a modern motorcycle. At the time a motorcycle was just a novelty that young men would use to ride around town.

Shortly after Wymans ride, his original motorcycle was stolen from Golden Gate Park where it was on display. Collector David Scoffone said whats believed to be the original bike turned up in a San Francisco garage in the 1970s. He purchased the restored bike several years ago and keeps it in his South Bay home where it greets visitors near his front door.

Its basically a motorcycle with a very small engine on it, Scoffone said, marveling at the journey Wyman made on the simple contraption. I just think his free spirit just said Im going to go do this and he achieved it.

Masterson hopes to place bronze plaques not only at Lottas Fountain, but in New York City and in Oaklands Mountain View Cemetery where Wyman is buried. He hopes one day Wymans feat will be regarded in the same breath as Lindbergs flights or even Sir Francis Drakes expeditions.

Before recently mounting his burly GPS-guided motorcycle in San Francisco and setting off across the country, the Texas-based Masterson paused to ponder his forbearer who made the same journey on a much more humble vehicle.

This guy did it on a motorcycle and its a testament to his determination and his guts and his courage, Masterson said. We want America to know who George A. Wyman is.
U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) crews offloaded about 18 tons of cocaine seized from across the eastern Pacific Ocean in San Diego Thursday.

Crews used interceptor boats to go after drug smugglers from different parts of south and central America for the past three months. Several suspects were taken into custody to face prosecution in the U.S.

"When they go out at night in rough seas in the dark, they don't know what they're going to face," said commanding officer of USCG Cutter Waesche Capt. James Passarelli. "And despite those fears, despite those challenges, despite the dangers, the crew will take that on."

Crews had mostly finished off-loading an estimated 36,000 pounds of cocaine, valued at more than half a billion dollars, Thursday morning from the Cutter Waesche.

One member of the U.S. Coast Guard, Danielle Sanchez, said this was her first deployment and she was glad to make a difference, she told NBC 7.

"I think it's awesome to see all these drugs, and actually see all the drug smugglers," said Sanchez. "We are the first people on scene with the law enforcement. It's amazing -- I never thought I'd be able to do this."

The Waesche worked along with seven other cutters to make more than 17 drug seizures from March to June 2017, usually in dark, rough waters. The cutters include crews from the U.S. Coast Guard Cutters Waesche, Hamilton, Mohawk, Dependable, Valiant, Active, Campbell and Confidence.

The load of cocaine was seized from 15 interceptions of suspected drug smuggling vessels, known as pangas, along with three cases of seized bales of cocaine dumped by suspected smugglers, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.

"Our nation faces significant threats posed by transnational organized crime networks that spread violence and instability throughout the Western Hemisphere," said Capt. Passarelli in a statement. "The crew of Waesche meets those threats head on as far from the U.S. border as possible."



Last year, USCG crews seized more than a record 400,000 pounds of cocaine. They are currently on track to pass that record again this year.
A woman who sent her boyfriend a barrage of text messages urging him to kill himself when they were both teenagers was convicted Friday of involuntary manslaughter in a trial that raised questions about whether words can kill.

The judge found that Michelle Carter caused the death of Conrad Roy III, who intentionally filled his truck with carbon monoxide in a Fairhaven, Massachusetts, store parking lot in July 2014.

Judge Lawrence Moniz delivers a guilty verdict in the Michelle Carter involuntary manslaughter trial.

Carter, who faces up to 20 years in prison, cried and clutched a handkerchief to her face as Juvenile Court Judge Lawrence Moniz detailed her conduct and the circumstances of Roy's death, but she was stoic when the verdict was formally pronounced. As spectators and members of both the Roy and Carter families left the courtroom, she sat at the defense table, sobbing, while her lawyers tried to comfort her.

The judge focused his ruling on three words Carter said to the 18-year-old Roy after he climbed out of his truck as it was filling with toxic gas and told her he was scared.

"Get back in," Carter told Roy, according to a friend who testified that Carter described the conversation in a text message to her about a month after Roy died.

The judge said those words constituted "wanton and reckless conduct."

He said Carter, then 17, had a duty to call someone for help when she knew Roy was attempting suicide. Yet she did not call the police or Roy's family, he noted.

"She did not issue a simple additional instruction: Get out of the truck," the judge said.

The case provided a disturbing look at teen depression and suicide. Carter and Roy met in Florida in 2012 while both were on vacation with their families. Their relationship consisted mainly of texting and other electronic communications. They only met in person a handful of times.

Both teens struggled with depression. Carter had also been treated for anorexia, and Roy had made earlier suicide attempts.

Michelle Carter Texting Suicide Trial

The sensational trial was closely watched in legal circles and a hot topic on social media, in part because of the insistent tone of text messages Carter sent to Roy.

"You can't think about it. You just have to do it. You said you were gonna do it. Like I don't get why you aren't," Carter wrote to Roy the day of his suicide.

"I thought you wanted to do this. The time is right and you're ready ... just do it babe," she wrote in another text that day.

In the end, the judge found that it was not the coercive text messages that caused Roy's death. It was Carter's insistence that he get back in the truck.

The judge ruled that Carter can remain free on bail but ordered her not to make any contact with Roy's family or leave the state. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for Aug. 3.

Carter's lawyer, Joseph Cataldo, argued that Roy was determined to kill himself and nothing Carter did could change that. He said Carter initially tried to talk Roy out of it and urged him to get professional help, but eventually went along with his plan.

The judge said he did not take into account in his verdict Roy's previous suicide attempts.

Roy's father said the family was pleased with the conviction.

"This has been a very tough time for our family, and we'd like to just process this verdict that we are happy with," Conrad Roy Jr. said.

Assistant District Attorney Katie Rayburn said the case dealt with important societal issues, "but in the end, the case was really about one young man and one young woman who were brought together by tragic circumstances."

Following the verdict of the Michelle Carter case, Assistant District Attorney Katie Rayburn addressed members of the media.

The American Civil Liberties Union denounced the conviction, saying it "exceeds the limits of our criminal laws and violates free speech protections" guaranteed by the Massachusetts and U.S. constitutions.

Matthew Segal, the ACLU's legal director for Massachusetts, called Roy's suicide tragic but said, "It is not a reason to stretch the boundaries of our criminal laws or abandon the protections of our constitution."

SUICIDE PREVENTION HELP: The National Suicide Prevention Hotline (1-800-273-8255) is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.


Somali survivors early Thursday described harrowing scenes of the night-long siege of a popular Mogadishu restaurant by al-Shabab Islamic extremists that was ended by security forces.

At least 17 people, including foreigners, were dead, police and an ambulance driver said. Survivors of the attack were led by soldiers from the Pizza House restaurant building. The injured were taken by ambulances.

Al-Shabab claimed responsibility as the restaurant was under siege.

Soldiers surrounded the restaurant building and used guns mounted on the backs of vehicles to neutralize the militants. Troops entered the ground floor while the insurgent snipers held positions upstairs.

All five attackers were killed and after dawn the soldiers secured the building, said senior Somali police office Capt. Mohamed Hussein. The troops' efforts to take control of the Pizza House restaurant were slowed by the darkness of night, forcing them to wait until morning, said Hussein.

Survivors recounted harrowing stories of hiding under tables, as armed attackers continued firing in the restaurant and hunted for patrons. Attackers moved from room to room, looking for people, said a survivor.

"I never thought I would have the chance to see the sun again. They were killing people on sight," Saida Hussein, a university student, told The Associated Press. She said she survived the attack by hiding behind a large table downstairs.

Another survivor, Aden Karie, was wounded by an attacker who spotted him moving behind a curtain in the dark room.

"He shot at me twice and one bullet struck me on the leg," said Karie as he was taken to an awaiting ambulance.

The roofs were blown off the restaurant and nearby buildings from the powerful blasts.

The bodies of five girls thought to have been killed by the militants were found in the restaurant, said police. Inside the building, the body of a Syrian man who worked as a chef at restaurant lay near the rubble of a blood-spattered and bullet-marked wall.

The attack began Wednesday evening a car bomb exploded at the gate to the restaurant and then gunmen posing as military forces stormed into the establishment.

An ambulance driver with the Amin Ambulance service, Khalif Dahir, said early Thursday they had carried 17 bodies and 26 wounded people. Most of the victims were young men who had been entering the Pizza House when the vehicle exploded, Hussein said.

The gunmen "were dressed in military uniforms. They forced those fleeing the site to go inside" the restaurant, witness Nur Yasin told AP.

Wednesday night's blast largely destroyed the restaurant's facade and sparked a fire. While al-Shabab claimed to have attacked the neighboring Posh Treats restaurant, which is frequented by the city's elite and was damaged in the blast, security officials said the Pizza House was targeted instead.

Security forces rescued Asian, Ethiopian, Kenyan and other workers at Posh Treats as the attack continued, Hussein said.

The Somalia-based al-Shabab often targets high-profile areas of Mogadishu, including hotels, military checkpoints and areas near the presidential palace. It has vowed to step up attacks after the recently elected government launched a new military offensive against it.

Al-Shabab last year became the deadliest Islamic extremist group in Africa, with more than 4,200 people killed in 2016, according to the Washington-based Africa Center for Strategic Studies.

The extremist group also faces a new military push from the United States after President Donald Trump approved expanded operations, including airstrikes, against al-Shabab. On Sunday, the U.S. military in Africa said it carried out an airstrike in southern Somalia that killed eight Islamic extremists at a rebel command and logistics camp.

Somalia President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed confirmed that airstrike and said such attacks would disrupt the group's ability to conduct new attacks.

With a new federal government established, pressure is growing on Somalia's military to assume full responsibility for the country's security. The 22,000-strong African Union multinational force, AMISOM, which has been supporting the fragile central government, plans to start withdrawing in 2018 and leave by the end of 2020.

Also Wednesday, the U.N. Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution extending the U.N. political mission in the Horn of Africa nation, which is trying to rebuild after more than two decades as a failed state, until March 31, 2018. The resolution recognized that "this is a critical moment for Somalia."

Associated Press writer Edith M. Lederer at the United Nations contributed.
An Ohio jury has recommended that a man be put to death for abducting his estranged girlfriend from Kentucky and killing her along an Ohio interstate.

A jury in southwest Ohio's Warren County deliberated several hours Thursday before making the death penalty recommendation for 43-year-old Terry Froman, of Brookport, Illinois. The same jury found Froman guilty of aggravated murder and kidnapping Tuesday in the September 2014 slaying of 34-year-old Kimberly Thomas.

A judge will decide whether to impose the death penalty or a prison sentence.

Froman's attorney declined to comment Friday.

Prosecutors said Froman became vengeful when Thomas ordered him out of her Mayfield, Kentucky, home. Prosecutors say Froman abducted Thomas from Kentucky after fatally shooting Thomas' 17-year-old son, Eli Mohney.

Froman faces charges in Kentucky for Mohney's death.
Northern Illinois University will pay President Doug Baker about $600,000 plus benefits when he steps down later this month.

Baker announced Thursday that he is resigning in the wake of a state investigation accusing him and other administrators of mismanagement when it comes to hiring consultants.

Under a deal negotiated with the school, Baker will receive a full year's salary of $450,000 and $137,000 to not serve as a member of the College of Business faculty.

That payout of nearly $600,000 did not sit well with State Senator Tom Cullerton, who blasted the decision and said that paying school officials accused of mismanagement "needs to stop."

As students across the state of Illinois are struggling to pay tuition and fees, our public higher education institutions are handing out golden parachutes to disgraced administrators for violating taxpayers' trust," Cullerton said in a statement. "What message are we sending? This needs to stop now.

"Illinois needs to get out of the business of paying university administrators off for their mismanagement and failing to comply with state laws," Cullteron added.

Bakers decision to resign comes on the heels of an Inspector General report, sent to the university in late 2016 and released publicly on May 31, detailing hires made by Baker and his staff at the University.



Those hires, which paid the employees over $20,000, were supposed to be subject to competitive bidding in accordance with state laws, but the jobs were improperly classified as affiliate positions in order to get past that requirement, the report said.



I intend to leave the university on June 30, 2017, Baker said in a statement on the schools website. I regret that we have reached this point, as this is a job I love in a place I have come to call home. But I truly do believe that at this point, this course of action is best for the University."

According to the Chicago Tribune, two of the nine employees involved in the hiring made more than $400,000 for 15 and 18 months of work.



NIU's executive vice president and provost, Lisa Freeman, will serve as the DeKalb school's interim president starting July 1. Baker's last day is June 30.



Freeman says she doesn't plan to pursue the position permanently and will serve until a replacement is found.


Drivers in Ansonia are frustrated by the poor conditions of Wakelee Avenue.

The road was torn up last summer when Eversource replaced gas lines.

An Eversource contractor did the work and temporarily patched the road, but drivers are getting impatient waiting for a permanent fix.

Cars are just going all over the road trying to avoid holes, the cracks and things like that and its dangerous, said Chicago Rivers, of Ansonia.

Most people have had to have their cars realigned at least a few times in the last year because of the condition of the road, Roger Parauka, of Ansonia, said.

Mayor David Cassetti said the permanent fix should be coming this fall.

According to him, the Department of Transportation is reviewing plans to repave the entire stretch of road, replace sidewalks, curbs, drainage and lighting. He said the city has already secured $5 million from the Valley Council of Governments in 2011.

The city of Ansonia has to contribute 10 percent or $500,000, which the board of alderman approved in 2015, Cassetti said.

In light of the complaints, an Eversource spokesperson told NBC Connecticut the company has already walked Wakelee Avenue twice, once in October and again in May, and patched areas city officials pointed out as problem spots.

Eversource plans to discuss additional areas of concern with the mayor next week.

Mayor Cassetti said he expects the full repaving project to be bid in August and awarded in October of this year.
Samsung offered customers the option of in-home repair to reinforce the lid of washing machines after 2.8 million top loading washing machines were recalled in 2016.

Some customers said the fix didn't ease their concerns after reports of excessive vibrations causing lids to pop off.

Maria Wollman, of Bristol, bought a new washing machine in February of 2016 because doesnt plan to carry loads of laundry up and down stairs forever.

"My husband and I have an empty nest now. And our dream was to put everything on the main floor so we can stay and grow old in our home," Wollman said.

Wollman took advantage of a sale and bought a Samsung washer and dryer to go in her new laundry room. She stored the appliances in the garage, where they stayed indefinitely while the renovation was on hold.

Later that year in November, the company announced the recall and Marias husband called Samsung. An agent confirmed their washer was among the affected models.

Customers were given the option of an in-home repair or a pro-rated rebate to put toward the purchase of a new machine.

The Wollmans, who never took their washer out of the box, opted for the repair.

"There was something wrong with the lid, we were told and that there needed to be brackets. They failed to install some sort of brackets to keep the lid from popping off," Wollman said.

A technician installed the brackets and Wollman thought everything was fine, until she saw NBCs follow-up report, which urged customers to use their repaired machines with caution.

Wollman decided she didnt want to take the risk.

"I said I don't want this machine. I will not be installing it. But I'm not going to lose all our money. You know, it's never been used," she said.

Wollman reached out to Samsungs call center, hoping to explain her situation.

"I didn't want somebody to just call and leave a message and say, you know, 'you're out of luck'," she said.

The agent promised Wollman someone would call her back. When that call didnt come, Wollman called again and received the same response.

Then NBC Connecticut Responds reached out to Samsung.

A representative called Wollman and walked her through the process of disabling the washing machine, which included cutting the power cord. Wollman submitted the necessary photos and paperwork and a few weeks later, received a check for full value of the washer.

In a written statement to NBC Connecticut, a Samsung spokesperson said, We are sorry for the inconvenience that Ms. Wollman experienced and worked with her to resolve the matter to her satisfaction. We are listening to and learning from every consumers experience in order to constantly improve our processes. Anyone with questions about the recall or an authorized service visit should contact us directly at 1-866-264-5636.
There are still plenty of more concerts, shows and exhibits at this years International Festival of Arts & Ideas in New Haven, which runs through June 24.

For three weeks in June, the festival is one of the largest cultural events in New England.

Crews spent Friday afternoon putting the finishing touches on setting up New Havens new city-owned stage before a Saturday afternoon teen dance competition and an evening concert with Mexican band TROKER and the funky Latin soul group Fulaso.

There's something that anybody can go to, Graeme Swank from New Haven said. Theres a myriad of things that you can choose from.

Swank visited a photo exhibit Friday at the Yale University Art Gallery.

Its about the infrastructure of New Haven and a lot about the evolution of the city and how its people are intertwined in it, he said.

Susan Davidson from Woodbridge said she tries to attend an event each day of the festival.

Last night we heard the performance of 'Black Girl: Linguistic Play', Davidson said. That was phenomenal.

With her husband and friends, Davidson observed a Friday afternoon panel discussion called Imaging New Haven: Engaging the City.

We belong to the New Haven preservation trust and were familiar with some of the panelists, she said.

The annual festival generates a big boost to the downtown New Haven economy.

Last year the festival brought in over $15 million over the course of June to the area, said Chad Herzog, the festivals Interim Co-Executive Director.

This year Arts & Ideas is the first event to utilize a new City of New Haven investment.

Tomorrow is a huge concert night, Herzog said. We get to christen our new city stage.

With all the shows, art exhibits and idea discussions, Davidson said the festival is the highlight of the summer season on the shoreline.

Many, many cities of this size do not host something like the Festival of Arts & Ideas, she said. We are fairly unique and its something New Haven should be enormously proud of.

Saturday afternoon in the festivals family day on the New Haven Green. NBC Connecticut and parent company Comcast are proud sponsors and will have a booth from noon until 3 p.m. with free giveaways like beach balls and key-chains.

You can find more information on the festivals remaining events here.
NBC 5 Investigates has learned The Texas Rangers and the FBI are asking questions about the financial crisis at Dallas County Schools.

The Texas Rangers, an elite state law enforcement agency that investigates public corruption cases, among other things, said theyre reviewing documents turned over by DCS and that there is "currently no additional information available."

DCS confirmed one of the documents provided to the Rangers is a report detailing an internal investigation conducted by a former FBI agent DCS hired to look into whether crimes contributed to the agency's financial crisis.

In May, Texas Rep. Lance Gooden called on DCS to contact law enforcement after NBC 5 Investigates uncovered a questionable DCS land deal involving millions of taxpayer dollars.

"I would pick up the phone, maybe tomorrow, and call other law enforcement folks tomorrow and ask them to come and do a quick audit -- if you have nothing to do with what's developed," Gooden said during a hearing at the capitol last month.

One day after Goodens comments, in May DCS interim superintendent Leather Mullins told NBC 5 Investigates she would contact law enforcement. Mullins later said shed contacted law enforcement, though she declined to say who, and then added that she invited former state auditor John Keel to implement a corrective action plan that includes new policies and procedures to strengthen the agencys operating control environment.

Sources familiar with the situation at DCS told NBC 5 Investigates that the FBI is also gathering information about the financial problems at DCS, though the FBI will not confirm or deny an investigation is underway.

For months, NBC 5 Investigates has questioned how DCS, an agency more than 100-years-old and funded by a steady stream of taxpayer funding, would wind up in such dire financial straits.

Just two weeks ago DCS defaulted on its debt payments, raising concerns about whether the agency has enough cash to survive.

"Investigators have an antennae and that antennae is twitching right now," said Matt Orwig, a former U.S. Attorney who said he expects the FBI to have questions. "It's a very natural situation for them to jump into. You have large losses that are unexplained, you have public officials and you have large amounts of federal money and state money involved. Taxpayer dollars."

Orwig said we should not expect to see the situation resolved quickly because public corruption inquiries can take months or even years.

Additionally, the FBI looking into the situation does not necessarily mean anyone will be charged. At this point, it's just too early to say.
The former owner of a mining company in Afghanistan has been indicted on charges of defrauding a U.S. government agency and defaulting on a loan of nearly $16 million.

Federal prosecutors say 39-year-old Azam Doost, most recently of Union City, California, was arrested Tuesday at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. The indictment was returned on June 7 and unsealed Friday. It charges Doost with wire fraud, false statements on loan applications, and money laundering.

Prosecutors say Doost owned Equity Capital Mining LLC, a marble mining company in Afghanistan, and that he and others got a $15.8 million loan from the Overseas Private Investment Corporation. The indictment says they transferred money from the loan to personal accounts, and eventually defaulted on it.

Online court records don't list a lawyer for Doost.


In 1971, Roger Allen was teaching art at San Angelo Central High School and looking for a piece of property where he could live cheaply, make pottery and not worry about his studio being torn down by landlords with development dreams.

The Houston Chronicle reports what he found after a year or so of looking was a weed-choked 3-acre plot on the nondescript northeastern edge of town. The property, including nine dilapidated, junk-filled buildings, had been a poultry-processing operation before the big boys, Pilgrim's Pride and Perdue Farms, drove local producers out of business. Allen and two friends bought it for $25,000.

More than four decades later, the West Texas potter with the graying rat-tail and bushy goatee is still making superb pieces -- his work is in museums and galleries around the country -- and the old chicken plant has become the Art Institute of San Angelo. More commonly known as the Chicken Farm, it's a remarkable complex of studios and gallery spaces, apartments, a bed-and-breakfast, a top-flight restaurant and living quarters for Allen and his wife, Pam Bladine, a masseuse from Oregon and Los Angeles.

Chicken Farm co-owners, Susan and Jerry Warnell, also live at the compound. Susan, a painter who runs the B&B, moved to San Angelo from Scottsdale, Arizona, in 1991. Jerry is a former resort-hotel executive who works in glass when he's not keeping the complex in fine fettle. He moved to San Angelo in 1985.

"When we started here, there was nothing but the raw buildings," Lubbock native Allen recalled one weekday evening over spareribs, beans and turnip greens. "I'd teach school until mid-afternoon, come here and drive nails until night and then throw pots until 2:30 in the morning. For 20 years, it never stopped. Somebody was sawing, hammering, driving nails 24 hours a day, changing chicken coops into studios."

Among the junk in one of the buildings were 25 jukeboxes, including a vintage Wurlitzer "bubbler." Allen and friends sold them off for $200 apiece. "Those jukeboxes bought a lot of Sheetrock," he recalls.

These days, 23 artists occupy 20 studios, along with six living quarters, set among shady nooks and crannies behind a wooden wall painted to resemble giant pencils. My comfortable room for two nights was on the second floor of a round building that was once the chicken-farm silo, with the Silo Restaurant downstairs. The compound radiates what a Washington Post writer called "rustic Texas cool."

Allen and a changing cohort of partners have transformed the property into an artistic haven, an evolving work of art itself. They also have nurtured dozens and dozens of painters, jewelers, stone carvers, photographers, ceramicists, sculptors, metal workers, glass artists and a blacksmith, among other artists and crafts-people. They've invigorated the local art (and music) scene, while producing quality work of their own.

"I travel quite a bit, and it's almost unique in the country," said Howard Taylor, director of the San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts. "They've played a significant role in this community's growth and development."

Taylor recalled that when he first got to San Angelo nearly 30 years ago, he was advised by a couple of board members not to take the Chicken Farm seriously, that it was just a bunch of old hippies doing their hippie thing. Now, he said, the whole town recognizes the place as a major San Angelo attraction.

"They're engaging the public all the time," he said, "whether it's children's programs, classes, public events. It's got a great spirit to it. And then, it's just funky."

Allen and friends also have created an intriguing way of life for themselves. It's not a commune, his wife, Pam Bladine, explains; it's more like an extended family. They work together, share meals if the spirit moves them and pitch in to organize the art shows, programs and live music concerts that take place year-round.

"I don't think there's anybody here that wants to work for anybody else," Bladine says. "But what that means is you work seven days a week."

In September, the Chicken Farm will host a big weekend bash celebrating the 70th birthdays of Allen, Warnell and Taylor. The museum director says he would just as soon ignore the landmark event, since it makes people wonder if he's planning to retire. (He's not.) For the Chicken Farm guys and their wives, it's a time for reflection, although they have no plans to change anything they're doing.

"Just keep going," said Bladine, who recently turned 69 herself. "There's not really a plan."

Allen told me he won't consider himself an elderly gent for at least another decade. "I'll never be gone from here," he says. "I always intend to be living right here and working, even if we turn the operation of this place over to someone else."
One man who knows a lot about crossing the aisle is former Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge, who visited Dallas this week and spoke with NBC 5 political reporter Julie Fine.

Ridge campaigned as a pro-choice Republican in swing-state Pennsylvania and was elected governor twice.

"One of the things I think I found  my experience as governor, I relate to through my experience as governor  is that regardless of what political point of view you have, when it comes down to trying to resolve an issue there is a really good chance if you sit down with somebody on the other side of an aisle that has an interest in resolving the same issue and addressing the same problem, you can more often than not find common ground. And that right now is the kind of political outreach that sadly is lacking," Ridge said.

Ridge left his second term as governor when former President George W. Bush appointed him as the first secretary of Homeland Security soon after the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. While he served in that role, the borders were under his watch, including some already-existing walls.

"I have never been big on walls. We already have several hundred miles of walls. I think there are other ways we can reduce the illegal flow of people back and forth, but I think when you talk about a wall you are playing a very defensive and a singular notion as to how you deal with immigration reform," Ridge said. "And, frankly, I would like to think that my friends in Congress could walk and chew gum at the same time. If you want to put a few more defensive capabilities up there, you could build a virtual fence, a technological fence. You don't have to build a thousand miles of a brick wall."

Ridge said he believes right now, though, the focus in the United States is on Russia's interference in the recent presidential election.

"Let me tell you what I truly believe, is that (Russian President) Vladimir Putin, when he was with the KGB, as he rose to where he is now, was a master. His forte was destabilization, and the notion that Russia needed any encouragement or assistance to try to disrupt the campaign, or more importantly to destabilize this country, falls on deaf ears with me. This is what they do in Russia. He needed no encouragement from anybody to do it," Ridge said. "They did it here, they have been doing it here. They did it in the Netherlands. They did it in France. (German Chancellor Angela) Merkel is going to see it. So it is pretty much part of what they are designed to do, and unfortunately it worked."

"We are still talking about Russia in June, and nobody is dealing with infrastructure, tax reform, health care reform, appropriations process. So has this interference, has it destabilized our political system? The answer is unequivocally, with an exclamation point, absolutely," he added.

Ridge believes that it's necessary for lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to try to come together now and find some middle ground.

"Civility and unity are tools that men and women in authority can use to get things done," Ridge said.
A man was arrested on suspicion of possessing a knife near British Parliament Friday, London police said, after a large police response in the heart of the nation's capital.

The incident took place before noon, local time, a London Metropolitan Police representative told NBC News. No one was injured.

Other details weren't immediately available.

The arrest comes with the nation on alert after a series of deadly attacks. In March, a man drove into pedestrians on nearby Westminster Bridge and stormed a gate at Parliament before he was shot dead. Since then, a suicide bomber attacked a concert in Manchester and several attackers left people dead on and near London Bridge in a vehicle-and-knife rampage.
Three teenage members of the Los Angeles Police Department's cadet program were in custody Thursday for allegedly stealing three police cruisers and leading authorities on two chases that ended with crashes in South Los Angeles.

Chief Charlie Beck said he has ordered a top-to-bottom review of the cadet program as a result of the thefts, saying the cadets may have been impersonating police officers when they were in possession of the vehicles.

After the crashes involving two police cruisers Wednesday night, a third LAPD vehicle that may have been stolen by the suspects was found parked on a street, Beck said.

Police spotted two of the stolen vehicles about 9:35 p.m. Wednesday in the 400 block of East 61st Street, between San Pedro Street and Avalon Boulevard, said Officer Tony Im of the LAPD Media Relations Division.

The two vehicles were being driven in tandem when they were spotted by officers, prompting the chases, Beck said. Investigators believe the cadets used their knowledge of the LAPD's computer inventory system to check the vehicles out under the name of a sergeant who was on vacation, Beck said.

The chief said he "was not sure" how long the cars had been missing, but one of them may have been gone for two weeks. The LAPD has more than 1,800 black-and-white squad vehicles but they are not all used every day, and because of the suspects' familiarity with the computer system, they were able to conceal the thefts, Beck said.

All of the vehicles were taken from 77th Division Station in South Los Angeles, and the vehicle that was discovered parked on a street was around the corner from the station, Beck said. Beck also said the suspects were in possession of some LAPD equipment, including radios and a bullet-proof vest, although no firearms are believed to be missing.

"We believe they may have been impersonating officers, and we want the public's help. Anybody that believes that they may have come into contact with very young-looking folks that claimed to be police officers, primarily in the south or central parts of the city, or possibly in areas west of that, such as in Inglewood, we would like to know," Beck said at a news conference at LAPD headquarters.

Beck said it was "not easy" to check out a police vehicle, and cadets are not supposed to have access to them. The missing vehicles were discovered by a supervisor who was doing equipment inventory Wednesday, and police were able to identify a female cadet on video gassing up one of them, Beck said.

Police pursued both vehicles Wednesday night, with one of the purloined cruisers crashing in the area of 77th and San Pedro streets where the driver was taken into custody, police said. The other stolen vehicle crashed into another vehicle at Adams Boulevard and Central Avenue, and that driver was also was taken into custody.

The female driver of the vehicle the suspect crashed into was taken to a hospital with minor injuries, police said. It wasn't immediately clear how the third suspect was involved in the incident, but Beck said the three suspects -- one female and two males -- were working together.

An officer crashed into a civilian vehicle near the intersection of Gage Avenue and Broadway during the chase, police said. There were no reports of any serious injuries involved in that crash. Beck said the cadet program has more than 2,300 active participants.

The cadet program is "designed to offer youth an opportunity to develop skills that will help them throughout their lives, while working with one of the finest law enforcement agencies in the country," according to its website. Twenty-one community police stations, and seven specialized devisions offer the program for eligible 13- to 20-year-olds. Cadets must maintain at least a 2.0 grade point average, have a clean criminal record and "maintain good moral character."

They are also required to have completed a "Cadet Leadership Academy" that meets on Saturdays for 15-straight weeks.

The program allows cadets to work in the field with officers and with other youth in their communities. Some participants in the program have earned college scholarships.

"I'm very proud of our cadet program and I don't want the actions of these three individuals to reflect negatively on the other 2,300," Beck said.
After winning the Democratic primary, Danica Roem is one step closer to becoming the first openly transgender state legislator in Virginia, and only the third in the U.S., NBC News reported.



Roem, a 32-year-old journalist and lifelong resident of her district, beat three other Democrats Tuesday on a platform that included improving a main thoroughfare for the district and fighting LGBT discrimination.

The last of those two issues may prove to be particularly salient in the general election. Roem's Republican opponent, 11-term incumbent delegate Bob Marshall, introduced a bill that would have mandated that trans people in Virginia use bathrooms that correspond with "their original birth certificate."

Despite Marshall's long tenure, Virginia Democrats are hopeful that they can win Roem's district  which voted for Hillary Clinton in November  in their quest to flip 17 seats and take control of the state's House of Delegates.
The governor of Florida will be in Connecticut next week to convince businesses to move their operations to his state announced Thursday in a press statement on the state website.

The trip for Gov. Rick Scott to Connecticut stems from an $85 million Florida Job Growth Grant, which is meant to attract businesses to set up shop in Florida.



The business environment in Connecticut simply cannot compete with everything Florida has to offer. That is why I am leading an economic development mission to Connecticut to share this message firsthand with job creators and site selectors next week," Scott announced.

Scott said Florida has "cut more than $6.7 billion in taxes, reduced 4,800 burdensome regulations."



"Governor Malloys administration has been trying, and failing, to tackle a budget deficit with an overwhelming collection of increased taxes and fees. Their job growth rate continues to lag far behind Florida and the nation, and Connecticut has lost more adjusted gross income and people to Florida than any other state in the nation," Scott said.

General Electric left Fairfield for Boston last year and Aetna recently announced that it will be moving its headquarters out of Connecticut as well.

This isn't the first time Florida Governor Scott has targeted businesses in Connecticut. In June 2015, he met with business owners in Connecticut that had previously threatened to leave the state because of proposed tax increases.

Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy's office responded to Scott's announcement of trying to lure Connecticut businesses to Florida:

"It's no wonder that Governor Scott would look to Connecticut and be envious of what we have here. We foster a high quality of life, schools that are among the best in the nation, an incredibly skilled and knowledgeable workforce, and we're home to some of the best employers in the world," he said in the statement.

"The truth is, no amount of money or effort will make up for the fact that Gov. Scott is leading his state in the wrong direction. We are happy to host Mr. Scott to show him a better way to serve his state, but if he's expecting anyone in Connecticut to buy what he's selling, he's better off saving his taxpayers the cost of the trip and staying home," the statement said.
For those parents worrying that their recent grads might be moving back home unable to find a job, rest easy - a new report shows more university graduates are finding employment.

The study followed the outcomes of Florida university students who earned bachelor's degrees in 2015.

It shows that over 90 percent of students were working within one year of graduation. 71 percent of those were full-time employees earning a median salary of just about $39,000.

23 percent of the graduates were working while also attending classes for a postgraduate degree, while the remainder were solely in graduate school.
The Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control released a series of frequently asked questions regarding President Donald Trump's changes to the U.S. policy toward Cuba Friday, as the president announced the changes in Miami.

Frequently Asked Questions on President Trumps Cuba Announcement:

1. How will OFAC implement the changes to the Cuba sanctions program announced by the President on June 16, 2017? Are the changes effective immediately?

OFAC will implement the Treasury-specific changes via amendments to its Cuban Assets Control Regulations. The Department of Commerce will implement any necessary changes via amendments to its Export Administration Regulations. OFAC expects to issue its regulatory amendments in the coming months. The announced changes do not take effect until the new regulations are issued.

2. What is individual people-to-people travel, and how does the Presidents announcement impact this travel authorization?

Individual people-to-people travel is educational travel that: (i) does not involve academic study pursuant to a degree program; and (ii) does not take place under the auspices of an organization that is subject to U.S. jurisdiction that sponsors such exchanges to promote people-to-people contact. The President instructed Treasury to issue regulations that will end individual people-to-people travel. The announced changes do not take effect until the new regulations are issued.

3. Will group people-to-people travel still be authorized?

Yes. Group people-to-people travel is educational travel not involving academic study pursuant to a degree program that takes place under the auspices of an organization that is subject to U.S. jurisdiction that sponsors such exchanges to promote people-to-people contact. Travelers utilizing this travel authorization must maintain a full-time schedule of educational exchange activities that are intended to enhance contact with the Cuban people, support civil society in Cuba, or promote the Cuban peoples independence from Cuban authorities, and that will result in meaningful interaction between the traveler and individuals in Cuba. An employee, consultant, or agent of the group must accompany each group to ensure that each traveler maintains a full-time schedule of educational exchange activities.

4. How do the changes announced by the President on June 16, 2017 affect individual people-to-people travelers who have already begun making their travel arrangements (such as purchasing flights, hotels, or rental cars)?

The announced changes do not take effect until OFAC issues new regulations. Provided that the traveler has already completed at least one travel-related transaction (such as purchasing a flight or reserving accommodation) prior to the Presidents announcement on June 16, 2017, all additional travel-related transactions for that trip, whether the trip occurs before or after OFACs new regulations are issued, would also be authorized, provided the travel-related transactions are consistent with OFACs regulations as of June 16, 2017.

5. How do the changes announced by the President on June 16, 2017 affect other authorized travelers to Cuba whose travel arrangements may include direct transactions with entities related to the Cuban military, intelligence, or security services that may be implicated by the new Cuba policy?

The announced changes do not take effect until OFAC issues new regulations. Consistent with the Administrations interest in not negatively impacting Americans for arranging lawful travel to Cuba, any travel-related arrangements that include direct transactions with entities related to the Cuban military, intelligence, or security services that may be implicated by the new Cuba policy will be permitted provided that those travel arrangements were initiated prior to the issuance of the forthcoming regulations.

6. How do the changes announced by the President on June 16, 2017 affect companies subject to U.S. jurisdiction that are already engaged in the Cuban market and that may undertake direct transactions with entities related to the Cuban military, intelligence, or security services that may be implicated by the new Cuba policy?

The announced changes do not take effect until OFAC issues new regulations. Consistent with the Administrations interest in not negatively impacting American businesses for engaging in lawful commercial opportunities, any Cuba-related commercial engagement that includes direct transactions with entities related to the Cuban military, intelligence, or security services that may be implicated by the new Cuba policy will be permitted provided that those commercial engagements were in place prior to the issuance of the forthcoming regulations.

7. Does the new policy affect how persons subject to U.S jurisdiction may purchase airline tickets for authorized travel to Cuba?

No. The new policy will not change how persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction traveling to Cuba pursuant to the 12 categories of authorized travel may purchase their airline tickets.

8. Can I continue to send authorized remittances to Cuba?

Yes. The announced policy changes will not change the authorizations for sending remittances to Cuba. Additionally, the announced changes include an exception that will allow for transactions incidental to the sending, processing, and receipt of authorized remittances to the extent they would otherwise be restricted by the new policy limiting transactions with certain identified Cuban military, intelligence, or security services. As a result, the restrictions on certain transactions in the new Cuba policy will not limit the ability to send or receive authorized remittances.

9. How does the new policy impact other authorized travel to Cuba by persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction?

The new policy will not result in changes to the other (non-individual people-to-people) authorizations for travel. Following the issuance of OFACs regulatory changes, travel-related transactions with prohibited entities identified by the State Department generally will not be permitted. Guidance will accompany the issuance of the new regulations.

10. How will the new policy impact existing OFAC specific licenses?

The forthcoming regulations will be prospective and thus will not affect existing contracts and licenses.

11. How will U.S. companies know if their Cuban counterpart is affiliated with a prohibited entity or sub-entity in Cuba?

The State Department will be publishing a list of entities with which direct transactions generally will not be permitted. Guidance will accompany the issuance of the new regulations. The announced changes do not take effect until the new regulations are issued.

12. Is authorized travel by cruise ship or passenger vessel to Cuba impacted by the new Cuba policy?

Persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction will still be able to engage in authorized travel to Cuba by cruise ship or passenger vessel. Following the issuance of OFACs regulatory changes, travel-related transactions with prohibited entities identified by the State Department generally will not be permitted.

Guidance will accompany the issuance of the new regulations.
Who says art exhibits aren't for dogs?

dOGUMENTA, an art exhibit specifically for dogs, is coming to New York City this summer.

The Exhibit runs from Aug. 11-13 and is presented by Arts Brookfield in Manhattan. It is being dubbed as Americas first art exhibit designed specifically for canine eyes.

dOGUMENTA will commission ten new pieces of art for the exhibit and the exhibit itself will be free for both dogs and their human companions. Specific details in the art, such as colors, sounds and lights are meant to grab the attention of dogs and keep them engaged as they walk through the exhibit.

The exhbit came about when Jessica Dawson, a New York City-based art critic, reporter and professor of art history, recognized that her rescue dog, Rocky, was interested in the art that they would see when walking through galleries.

I was surprised to see that Rocky could sniff out some of the best artwork in New York, Dawson said. I realized that canine sensibility might be the key to navigating todays complex art world.

Dawson said she could tell Rocky saw art differently than she did and realized she could learn from, and relay to others, his unique perspective. Dawson gave a presentation at the dOGUMENTA launch event, titled 5 Things My Dog Taught Me About Art.

In her presentation, Dawson said that Rocky taught her how to stay curious, be fearless, love despite limitations, go with your gut and to [not] sweat the trends, when it comes to viewing and interpreting art.

Rocky is listed as a curator on the dOGUMENTA website as well as Dawson and Mica Scalin, a creative development consultant and partner at Another Limited Rebellion, an art an innovation studio.
What to Know Two men hurled avocados and bananas at deli employees in the Bronx, police say

The two men became angry because a deli worker who didn't speak English couldn't understand them

A deli clerk suffered a broken jaw and fractures to his face after being hit with the weaponized fruit

A 28-year-old man has been arrested in the avocado- and banana-hurling attack at a New York City deli that left a clerk with a broken jaw on Memorial Day.

Police say Brad Gomez was charged Thursday with assault. Gomez and another man who remains on the loose allegedly pummeled a Stadium Gourmet Deli clerk with avocados and bananas May 29 when the clerk tried to kick them out of the East 161st Street store for causing a scene over their food order.

Police said the suspects were trying to order food, but a deli worker who didn't speak English couldn't understand them. They became angry and the 21-year-old clerk tried to kick the two of them out.

Amr Alzabidi, the man who was hit with the avocados and suffered a broken jaw, told News 4 New York that his recovery will be a long one.

People thought of it as funny that its an avocado assault, Alzabidi said. [But] the weight and the speed of the avocado broke my face.



Alzabidi said he had to have plastic surgery on his face after he suffered a gash, facial fractures and a broken jaw.

It was major, major surgery that I had because of the avocado. So it wasnt funny at all, he said.

Alzabidi is afraid to return to the deli and said he doesn't plan to work there again.



Surveillance video released by police earlier this week showed one of the suspects casually grabbing several avocados before getting into a pitching position and throwing them at Alzabidi and other employees.

The other suspect joins in and starts hurling avocados and bananas at Alzabidi.

Surveillance video shows Alzabidi grabbing his head after one of the avocados hits him. Another employee tries to dodge the flying fruit.

The two men also smashed watermelons and tossed merchandise before leaving the store.
What to Know Seven New York City schools are using comfort dogs to help soothe students

The dogs are adopted from the North Shore Animal League by volunteer teachers, who bring them home each day

Officials say they're already seeing reductions in behavioral infractions

It's not often you see a dog going for a walk in a New York City public school. But a certain beagle named Maisey waddles around P.S. 75 on the Upper West Side like she owns the place.

Maisey is the school's comfort dog, and part of a new initiative in New York City schools: her mission is to help the students stay calm and emotionally ready to handle the school day.

Maisey sticks her snout in to snuggle children with special needs, who have trouble focusing, who are on the autism spectrum, or who are simply having an off day.

"It's been an incredible process to watch and see how effective it is," said kindergarten teacher Cody Rosen.

Michael Battista, who works in the Department of Education's Office of Counseling, says schools with the comfort dogs are seeing a reduction in behavioral infractions, both from individual students and at a schoolwide level.

Each dog is a rescue from the North Shore Animal League and gets adopted by a volunteer teacher who brings it home every day. The dogs are selected based on temperament, but aren't specially trained. Somehow the dogs, which have suffered themselves, know just what to do for a child in need.

"You don't have to bring the dog to that child," said Jayne Vitale of the North Shore Animal League. "The dog will recognize that child, go over to that child -- the child just starts to pet the dog and they come out of it."

It's a simple solution that lets children and dogs rescue each other.

Seven schools citywide have dogs similar to Maisey -- and the program has been so successful, the city is going to expand it next year and add an additional 30 schools.


A Customs and Border Protection van marked "Field Operations" sat parked for hours outside a Legal Aid office in downtown Manhattan Thursday, sparking fears that federal agents were trying to ensnare undocumented immigrants visiting the office.

Noah Fecks

Redmond Haskins, a spokesman at Legal Aid, which contains an immigration law unit on Water Street, said the van stayed across the street for hours.

"We don't know what this van was doing by our office, but with DHS' mandate, we don't want to rule anything out," he told News 4 in an email.

"We're seeing all new tactics from the Trump administration to target immigrants since January," he said. "Just yesterday, two immigrants were picked up by ICE at Manhattan criminal court."

It turns out the van was there for a much more innocuous reason: CBP workers were enrolling people in its Global Entry program, which speeds travelers through the customs process at U.S. airports.

"The CBP offers mobile enrollment for companies that have more than 25 employees who want to enroll," CBP spokesman Anthony Bucci told News 4. "We were doing mobile enrollment for a company that just happened to be in the vicinity, in the Fulton Street area, and it was around the corner from Legal Aid."

A popular event at a Long Island fair that features races between monkeys dressed as horse jockeys and tethered to dogs with Velcro is drawing sharp criticism from animal welfare experts who call the event cruel and abusive and dangerous to the animals. Pei-Sze Cheng reports.

Bucci declined to name the company, but said there are many workplaces in Manhattan that have employees who often travel internationally.

"We operate in the New York City area all the time," Bucci said of its enrollment initiative. "It's not unusual, we've been doing this in the last seven, eight years."

"The more people we get enrolled, the easier it makes our job to concentrate on those travelers who aren't safe for legitimate travelers."

He said he understands why Legal Aid may be sensitive to seeing the federal van in the area, but it was pure coincidence -- and, he added, "CBP would not operate like that. Maybe ICE or HSI, and we'll assist sometimes, but that's not our primary responsibility."

Global Entry allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers, suing a passport and fingerprint verification. Applicants undergo a rigorous background check and an in-person interview before enrollment; the CBP van comes with equipment for mobile enrollment, according to Bucci.

So far this year, the New York field office of CBP has conducted 66 mobile enrollments, and nearly 3,700 applicants have been enrolled through the corporate enrollment program, Bucci said.



4 Investigates the advance training it takes to safeguard our homeland. Marc Santia reports.
A New Jersey man and his 5-year-old daughter have been identified as the victims of a two-vehicle crash on the George Washington Bridge.

50-year-old Hector Pedercini and his daughter, Marianna, died after his SUV crashed into a box truck that was stuck in traffic on the New York-bound side of the bridge on Wednesday night, authorities said.

Pedercini's wife and mother-in-law, and his 1-year-old daughter survived the crash.

The driver of the box truck was not hurt.

One of the victims had to be extricated from a vehicle.

The crash backed up traffic on the bridge late Wednesday night. Delays of 60-to-90 minutes were reported on the bridge shortly after 11 p.m. The bridge didn't completely reopen until around 2:30 Thursday morning.
A Tennessee couple taken hostage by escaped Georgia convicts shared their harrowing story in the 911 audio released Friday, the day after the fugitives were captured.

Weve had an armed home invasion, the man on the phone says. Its the two people from Georgia  the escapees.

The audio is more than three minutes long, and the man remains surprisingly calm as he relates to the dispatcher what transpired during a reported three-hour hostage situation.

Ricky Dubose, 24, and Donnie Rowe, 43, escaped Baldwin State Prison on Tuesday morning while they were being transported to a new facility. The two prisoners shot and killed two correctional officers with the officers' own guns.



They were captured Thursday afternoon thanks to the 911 call from a couple in Shelbyville, Tennessee, who were allegedly taken hostage by the pair of convicts.
His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama, gave a public address at the University of California, San Diego, Friday morning, ahead of his speech at the all-campus commencement Saturday.

The Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, spoke to hundreds of people, filling the seats and stands on RIMAC Field at UC San Diego.

The lecture, "Embracing the Beauty of Diversity in Our World," focused on love and kindness among humanity.

"We have to work together and share each others problems as one human family," the Dalai Lama said.

He jokingly added that all problems were created by men, not women.

The 14th Dalai Lama jokingly said that all problems in the world were created by men and "females never create problems". He was speaking at a public address Friday morning at UC San Diego, ahead of his speech during all-campus commencement Saturday.

He also touched on the subject of mental health and the importance of education on the issue, calling on universities like UC San Diego to focus on it as well. He addressed the need for compassion among people regardless of their religious beliefs.

The emphasis of we, we, we, creates the concept of they, they, they," and that is what leads to distance and violence in the world, he told the audience.

"'They' deserve our love and kindness," he said, adding that if we give compassion to all individuals, "today's enemy, next time becomes a best friend."

Following his speech, the Dalai Lama sat down with San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer, UC San Diego Chancellor Pradeep K. Khosla, and journalist Ann Curry to answer questions.

The sold-out event was open to the public.



The Dalai Lama last visited UC San Diego in 2012.

Following the announcement of his visit in 2017, the Chinese Student and Scholar Association (CSSA) denounced the university's decision to have the Dalai Lama speak at the commencement ceremony.

China and the Dalai Lama have a politically tense relationship, which is reflected in the response from UC San Diego's international student population.


One or both of the two high school seniors slain on the eve of their graduation is believed to have known their shooters, Montgomery County Police said Friday.

Shadi Adi Najjar, 17, and Artem Ziberov, 18, were found dead in Najjar's Honda Civic on June 5, the night before they were set to graduate from Northwest High School in Germantown, Maryland.

Police Capt. Darren Francke said on Friday morning that investigators found graduation tickets at the scene.

They also found 30 shell casings, fired from multiple calibers of weapons, Francke said, describing the crime scene as "a very violent scene."

"We can't imagine what someone did to deserve this fate," he said.



One victim was shot 10 times; the other was shot four times, he said. The other rounds hit the car and points around the neighborhood, about five miles from where the victims had lived.

One of the victims was found clutching a $20 bill.

"Our experience, what we've learned from the crime scene, shows us that this is not a random event... We do believe that the suspects and the victims knew each other, and more importantly, we believe there are people out there who have not come forward yet and have not given us information that they know about this case."

Najjar and Ziberov, who were best friends, left Najjar's house about 7 p.m. the night of the shooting and never returned. Najjar's father said he sent his son several text messages asking if he was OK and where he was.

About five miles away from the victims' neighborhood, officers went to a quiet residential street in the 8200 block of Gallery Court in Montgomery Village after a neighbor reported hearing gunshots about 10:46 p.m.

A neighbor's surveillance camera picked up the sound of the barrage of gunfire. Faintly, a car can be heard driving away from the area. Police said on Friday morning that they've confirmed that the audio is authentic.

Police found the victims' bodies in Najjar's car, which was parked but still running.

Both victims were excellent students at Northwest High and had planned to attend college in the fall.

"I want everybody to know what happened exactly," said Najjar's father, Adi Najjar in the wake of the shooting. "Why he's shot? Maybe somebody saw something, will call the police. At least I'll have an answer, you know? Because I will never be able to sleep until I find the answer [to] who shot my boy and why they shot him."

Police are examining phone records, Frank said.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call police at 240-773-5070. A reward of up to $10,000 is being offered for information that leads to an arrest. Frank said Najjar's father is working to increase the reward, and it's expected to reach $20,000 by the end of Friday.
Police in the Washington, D.C., are seeking the arrest of a dozen Turkish security agents and two others accused of taking part in a violent attack on protesters during an official visit by Turkey's president, a melee that became a major irritant in U.S.-Turkish ties. Four other suspects have been arrested.

District of Columbia Police Chief Peter Newsham joined Mayor Muriel Bowser at a news conference Thursday to announce arrest warrants issued for nine Turkish security agents, three Turkish police officers and two Canadians. Newsham urged those being sought and some still unidentified to surrender and face American justice, adding two people were arrested a day earlier in the case.

Relations were severely strained even before the melee, which came as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan arrived May 16 at the Turkish ambassador's residence after a White House meeting with President Donald Trump. Newsham said video showed security guards and some Erdogan supporters attacking a small group of protesters. Nine people were hurt.

"We all saw the violence that was perpetrated against the protesters," Newsham said. "We're not going to tolerate this."

Police have spent the weeks since the melee identifying suspects with video technology. Newsham said many were being sought on assault charges, and other counts.

Jalal Kheirabaoi, of Virginia, Ayten Necmi, of New York, were arrested the day of the incident. Kheirabaoi was charged with misdemeanor assault on a police officer, and Necmi was charged with felony aggravated assault.

Sinan Narin, of McLean, Virginia, and Eyup Yildirim, of New York, were arrested Wednesday. Narin is charged with felony aggravated assault and a misdemeanor threat charge, and Yildirim faces misdemeanor charges of assault with significant bodily injury and aggravated assault and a misdemeanor threat charge.

Narin appeared in D.C. Superior Court Thursday. A magistrate judge ordered him held until a preliminary hearing Friday morning.

Erdogan's security detail returned with him to Turkey after his visit, so it was unclear if any would face any immediate U.S. legal repercussions. However, they could end up being threatened with arrest if they return to the U.S. If any are still in the country, they could be expelled if Turkey refuses to waive diplomatic immunity.

Newsham recounted how video near the residence showed some attacking protesters with their fists and feet. Men in dark suits and others were recorded repeatedly kicking one woman as she lay curled on a sidewalk. A man with a bullhorn was repeatedly kicked in the face. After officers struggled to protect the protesters and ordered the men in suits to retreat, several of the men dodged the officers and ran into a park to continue the attacks.

Bowser said the nation's capital is a frequent protest venue but police insist those be peaceful. "We make sure they are safe, but we also make sure they follow our laws. And certainly anyone traveling to the United States will be held to that standard," she said.

Rep. Ed Royce of California, Republican chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said Thursday he was encouraged by the police action.

"The violent attacks by Turkish security forces on peaceful protestors in Washington were completely and totally unjustified," Royce said. "Now, the State Department should double down on efforts to help bring these individuals to justice."

Police displayed photos at the news conference of those sought, urging the public to help find some still unidentified.

American officials have strongly criticized Turkey's government and Erdogan's security forces for the violence; the State Department summoned Turkey's U.S. ambassador to complain. The Turkish Foreign Ministry then summoned America's ambassador to address the treatment of security guards who were briefly detained.

Turkey's U.S. embassy alleged the demonstrators were associated with the PKK, which has waged a three-decade-long insurgency against Turkey and is considered a terrorist group by the United States. Newsham said Thursday there was no indication the protesters were part of a terrorist group.
#SsangYong Motor-court receivership SsangYong Motor graduates from court-led debt rescheduling program SsangYong Motor Co. said Friday it has graduated from the court-led debt rescheduling program 1 1/2 years after it was placed under court receivership amid the COVID-19 pandemic. ...

U.S. supports helping N. Korean people, but Pyongyang ultimately responsible: State Dept. The United States supports and is taking steps to help the people of North Korea despite differences with the North Korean regime, a state department spokesperson said Thursday. ...
A Minnesota police officer was cleared Friday in the fatal shooting of Philando Castile, a black motorist whose death captured national attention when his girlfriend streamed the grim aftermath on Facebook.

Castile's family stormed out of the courtroom after the verdict was read, and the city of St. Anthony swiftly announced plans to dismiss Officer Jeronimo Yanez, despite his acquittal. Yanez was charged with manslaughter in the death of Castile, a 32-year-old school cafeteria worker, during a July 6 traffic stop that turned deadly seconds after Castile alerted the officer that he was carrying a gun. Castile had a permit for the weapon.

"The fact in this matter is that my son was murdered, and I'll continue to say murdered, because where in this planet (can you) tell the truth, and you be honest, and you still be murdered by the police of Minnesota," his mother, Valerie Castile, said, referring to the fact that her son was shot after he volunteered to Yanez, "Sir, I have to tell you, I do have a firearm on me."

"He didn't deserve to die the way he did," Philando Castile's sister, Allysza, said, through tears. "I will never have faith in the system."

Thousands of people gathered Friday evening at the nearby state Capitol to protest the verdict, and began a march that organizers said was headed for the St. Paul Cathedral. The mixed-race crowd, including many people with children, carried signs that read "Unite for Philando" and "Corrupt systems only corrupt." The protest was peaceful as darkness fell, but a smaller group splintered off and walked down an entrance ramp to block Interstate 94, quickly snarling traffic and leading to the freeway's shutdown in both directions.

Before the march began, John Thompson, who worked with Castile in St. Paul's public schools, stirred the crowd at the Capitol with profanity-laden remarks screamed into a microphone.

"You all murdered my friend and got away with it!" he shouted. "He got away with murder!"

City officials in St. Anthony said they would offer Yanez a "voluntary separation" because they had concluded "the public will be best served" if he is no longer an officer there.

Jurors deliberated for about 29 hours over five days before reaching the verdict. Prosecutors argued that Yanez had overreacted and that Castile, a school cafeteria worker, was not a threat. Yanez, who is Latino, testified that Castile was pulling his gun out of his pocket despite his commands not to do so. The defense also argued Castile was high on marijuana and said that affected his actions.

Yanez stared ahead with no reaction as the verdict was read. Afterward, one of his attorneys, Tom Kelly, said the defense was "satisfied."

"We were confident in our client. We felt all along his conduct was justified. However that doesn't take away from the tragedy of the event," Kelly said.

Prosecutor John Choi, who made the decision to charge Yanez, said he knows the acquittal is painful for many people, but that the verdict "must be respected."

"I don't doubt that Officer Yanez is a decent person, but he made a horrible mistake from our perspective, and that's what this case was about. I know that if he could, he would take back what he did, and we all wish, and he would too, that this never happened," Choi said.

Castile's shooting was among a string of killings of blacks by police around the U.S. The livestreaming of its aftermath by Castile's girlfriend, Diamond Reynolds, who was in the car with her then-4-year-old daughter, attracted even more attention. The public outcry included protests in Minnesota that shut down highways and surrounded the governor's mansion. Castile's family claimed he was profiled because of his race, and the shooting renewed concerns about how police officers interact with minorities.

In reaction to the verdict, Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton offered his condolences to the Castile family, calling his death "a terrible tragedy" in a statement that made no mention of Yanez. Dayton drew criticism in the days after the shooting for suggesting that Castile might not have been shot if he was white.

The evidence included squad car video, but its wide view didn't capture exactly what happened inside the car  leaving jurors to essentially decide whether they believed Yanez when he said Castile had his hand on the gun. Prosecutors questioned whether Yanez had even seen it, and witnesses testified that it was in a pocket of Castile's shorts when paramedics pulled him from the car.

Juror Dennis Ploussard said the jury was split 10-2 early this week in favor of acquittal. They spent a lot of time dissecting the "culpable negligence" requirement for conviction, and the last two holdouts eventually agreed Friday on acquittal. He declined to say whether he thought Yanez acted appropriately, but said the jury sympathizes with the Castile family.

"We struggled with it. I struggled with it. It was very, very hard," Ploussard said, adding that he thought the jury delivered the right verdict.

He would not identify the two early holdouts, but said they were not the jury's only two black members. The rest of the jurors were white. None was Latino.

Yanez was charged with second-degree manslaughter, punishable by up to 10 years in prison, though sentencing guidelines suggested around four years would have been more likely. Yanez was also cleared of lesser counts related to endangering Castile's girlfriend and her daughter for firing his gun into the car near them.

Yanez testified that he stopped Castile in the St. Paul suburb of Falcon Heights because he thought he looked like one of two men who had robbed a nearby convenience store a few days earlier. Castile's car had a faulty brake light, giving the 29-year-old officer reason to pull him over, several experts testified.

The squad-car video shows Yanez approaching Castile's car and asking for a driver's license and proof of insurance. Castile appears to give something to Yanez through the driver's side window. Castile then informs the officer he's carrying a weapon, but before he finishes his sentence, Yanez has his hand on his own gun and is pulling it out of the holster. There is shouting, and Yanez screams, "Don't pull it out!" before he fires seven shots into the car, five of which hit Castile. Prosecutors say Castile's last words were: "I wasn't reaching for it."

After shooting Castile, Yanez is heard on the squad-car video telling a supervisor that he didn't know where Castile's gun was, then that he told Castile to get his hand off it. Yanez testified that he meant that he didn't see the gun at first, then saw it in Castile's "right thigh area." He said Castile ignored his commands to stop pulling it out of his pocket. Yanez's voice choked with emotion as he talked of being "scared to death" and thinking of his wife and baby daughter in the split-second before he fired.

Prosecutors argued that Yanez could have taken lesser steps, such as asking to see Castile's hands or asking where the gun was.

Reynolds testified that she began recording the shooting's aftermath because she feared for her life and wanted to make sure the truth was known. Defense attorneys pointed to inconsistencies in several of her statements.
An American sailor whose disappearance at sea last week prompted a search by American and Japanese ships of thousands of square miles of ocean was found alive onboard his ship on Thursday, the U.S. Navy said.

The U.S. 7th Fleet said the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of Peter Mims of Interlachen, Florida, were being investigated. It said Mims would be transferred to another ship for a medical evaluation and recommendations for follow-on care.

In a statement, the Navy did not comment on Mims' condition or say where he was found on his ship, the guided missile cruiser USS Shiloh.

Mims disappeared last Thursday when the ship was in Japan's southern waters and was believed to have fallen into the sea. A search was suspended Sunday after more than 50 hours of effort by the U.S. and Japanese navies and Japan's coast guard.

The Navy said a search onboard the Shiloh continued, and Mims was located on Thursday.

"We are thankful to have found our missing shipmate and appreciate all the hard work of our sailors and Japanese partners in searching for him," Rear Adm. Charles Williams, commander, Carrier Strike Group 5 and Task Force 70, said in the statement.

Mims enlisted in 2014 and reported to the Shiloh in August that year.
President Donald Trump declared Friday he was restoring some travel and economic restrictions on Cuba that were lifted as part of the Obama administration's historic easing. He challenged the communist government of Raul Castro to negotiate a better deal for Cubans and Cuban-Americans.

Announcing the rollback of President Barack Obama's diplomatic opening during a speech in Miami, Trump said Cuba had secured far too many concessions from the U.S. in the "one-sided" deal but "now those days are over." He said penalties on Cuba would remain in place until its government releases political prisoners, stops abusing dissidents and respects freedom of expression.

"America has rejected the Cuban people's oppressors," Trump said in a crowded, sweltering auditorium. "They are rejected officially today  rejected."

Though Trump's announcement stops short of a full reversal of the Cuba rapprochement, it targets the travel and economic engagement between the countries that has blossomed in the short time since relations were restored. The goal is to halt the flow of U.S. cash to the country's military and security services in a bid to increase pressure on Cuba's government.

Embassies in Havana and Washington will remain open. U.S. airlines and cruise ships will still be allowed to serve the island 90 miles south of Florida. The "wet foot, dry foot" policy, which once let most Cuban migrants stay if they made it to U.S. soil but was terminated under Obama, will remain terminated. Remittances to Cuba won't be cut off.

But individual "people-to-people" trips by Americans to Cuba, allowed by Obama for the first time in decades, will again be prohibited. And the U.S. government will police other such trips to ensure there's a tour group representative along making sure travelers are pursuing a "full-time schedule of educational exchange activities."

Trump described his move as an effort to ramp up pressure to create a "free Cuba" after more than half a century of communism.

"I do believe that end is in the very near future," he said.

Trump's move was a direct rebuke to Obama, for whom the diplomatic opening with Cuba was a central accomplishment of his presidency. The new president's action is broadly opposed by American business groups.

"U.S. private sector engagement can be a positive force for the kind of change we all wish to see in Cuba," said Myron Brilliant, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce executive vice president and head of international affairs. "Unfortunately, today's moves actually limit the possibility for positive change on the island and risk ceding growth opportunities to other countries that, frankly, may not share America's interest in a free and democratic Cuba that respects human rights."

In Cuba, Granma, the official organ of the nation's Communist Party, covered Friday's speech in a real-time blog, saying "Trump's declarations are a return to imperialist rhetoric and unilateral demands, sending relations between Havana and Washington back into the freezer."

On the stage in Miami, Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Fla., said the U.S. would no longer have to witness the "embarrassing spectacle" of an American president glad-handing with a dictator.

"President Trump will treat the Castro regime as a malevolent dictatorship that it is," Diaz-Balart said. "Thank you, President Trump, for keeping your commitments. You have not betrayed us  you kept your promise."

Obama announced in December 2014 that he and Cuban leader Raul Castro were restoring diplomatic ties between their countries, arguing that a new approach was needed because the policy the U.S. had pursued for decades had failed to democratize the island. Less than a year later, the U.S. Embassy in Havana re-opened.

The U.S. severed ties with Cuba in 1961 after Fidel Castro's revolution, and spent subsequent decades trying to either overthrow the Cuban government or isolate the island, including by toughening an economic embargo first imposed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

The trade embargo remains in place under Trump. Only the U.S. Congress can lift it, and lawmakers, especially those of Cuban heritage, like Sen. Marco Rubio, another Florida Republican, have shown no interest in doing so.

Rubio staunchly opposed Obama's re-engagement with Cuba, and he lauded Trump as he took the stage.

"Today, a new president lands in Miami to reach out his hand to the people of Cuba," Rubio said.
Puerto Ricos governor campaigned in Washington Thursday to make the U.S. territory the 51st state, touting a vote that showed 97 percent support for statehood and brushing aside critics who questioned its legitimacy.

More than 500,000 people on the island voted for statehood in a non-binding referendum this past weekend. But eight out of 10 eligible voters did not vote, a historically low turnout. The main opposition party and other parties boycotted the referendum, calling it a waste of resources in a time of financial crisis.

A waste of resources is not having equal rights," Governor Ricardo Rossello told NBC following an appearance at the National Press Club. "A waste of resources is being on a Medicaid cliff because of the people of Puerto Rico, the citizens of Puerto Rico, dont have the same access to resources than in the United States."

Rossello said that there have been two plebiscites in the past five years and the previous one had "similar results" with an 80 percent voter participation rate.

The 2012 vote delivered 61 percent support for statehood, though half a million people left ballots blank, according to The New York Times.

Puerto Ricans on the island are U.S. citizens, but cant vote in presidential elections and have a non-voting member of Congress. They are also exempt from paying federal income taxes, but pay into Social Security and Medicare and receive less federal funding than U.S. states, The Associated Press has reported. They also pay local taxes. Unemployment is 12 percent on the island, where millions have fled a 10-year recession.

Its up to the U.S. Congress to decide whether to take up the issue of Puerto Ricos status.

During his appearance at the National Press Club, Rossello was accompanied by Reps. Don Young, R-Alaska, and Darren Soto, D-Fla.

"As part of the democratic exercise last Sunday on our island, today we are making sure that Congress and other international organizations such as the OAS [Organization of American States] receive the message that Puerto Ricans are claiming equal rights as American citizens," Rossello said. "It is up to this generation of Puerto Ricans to demand the end of the undignified colonial relationship, and begin a process of transition for the incorporation of Puerto Rico as the new state in the union."
Red Line riders in Montgomery County are facing some changes to their commutes during Metro's final SafeTrack maintenance surge, which began Saturday.

Service is shut down on the segment from Shady Grove to Twinbrook. Two stations -- Shady Grove and Rockville -- are closed.

The changes will remain in effect through June 25.

Shuttle buses are running along the affected stretch of the Red Line, with express shuttle buses between Shady Grove and Twinbrook during rush hour. (Scroll down to the "Transportation Alternatives" section for details.)

Riders who normally use the Shady Grove or Rockville stations are encouraged to begin their trips at Twinbrook, White Flint, Glenmont or Wheaton instead, Montgomery County transportation officials said.

On the rest of the Red Line, trains are operating between Glenmont and Twinbrook every eight minutes instead of every six minutes. Extra trains are running between Glenmont and Silver Spring every four minutes instead of every three minutes.

During midday and evenings, trains are operating every 12 minutes, with extra trains between Grosvenor and Silver Spring.



After 10 p.m., trains run every 15 minutes.

Weekend train service may vary during the SafeTrack surge; see weekend train statuses online here.

Alternatives to Metrorail:

BUS:

WMATA Shuttles: WMATA is running free shuttle buses on two routes:

A local route is operating between Shady Grove, Rockville and Twinbrook. The local shuttle is picking up passengers on the west side at Bay C at Shady Grove.

During weekday rush hours, an express route is running between Shady Grove and Grosvenor-Strathmore from 5 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The express shuttle is picking up passengers on the east side of Bay G at Shady Grove.

Ride On Bus: Montgomery County's bus service is another option.

Transportation officials recommend Ride On's Route 46, which runs between Montgomery College-Rockville and Medical Center, or Route 47, which runs between the Rockville and Bethesda Metro stations. Metro also suggests Route 55, which services Rockville, Shady Grove, the Lake Forest Transit Center and the Germantown Transit Center. See options during SafeTrack here.

Metrobus: WMATA has a full list of Metrobus routes serving affected stations on its site here. WMATA recommends Metrobus routes 1, 2, Q1, Q2, Q5, Q6, T2 and C4.

COMMUTER RAIL

MARC's commuter rail trains may be an option for some riders. Montgomery County transportation officials suggest using the Brunswick Line, which has stations at Metropolitan Grove, Rockville, Garrett Park, Kensington, Silver Spring and Union Station.

See MARC's Brunswick Line timetable here. More information on fares and parking at MARC stations is available here.

BIKE

Consider biking as another travel alternative. See Montgomery County bike maps online here.

Don't have your own bike? Find a map of Capital Bikeshare stations here. Bikeshare has an option for users to buy a single trip for $2.

RIDESHARE

See Maryland's Commuter Connections page online here.
A New Hampshire police officer was rushed to a hospital after being exposed to fentanyl at a traffic stop.

As an officer with the Alexandria Police Department, David Suckling is in the business of protecting people, and Thursday was no different.

"We're trying to share our story a little bit, so that maybe it doesn't happen to someone else," he said in an exclusive interview with NBC Boston.

During a vehicle search Tuesday afternoon, Suckling opened a small container he found in the driver's purse.

"I didn't expect there to be a powder in it, for sure," he recalled. "It was a windy day, like today. I opened it and it blew everywhere."

With the powdery opiate all over his hands and uniform, Suckling fell ill right away. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, triggering a hazmat situation when he arrived.

"There's the secondary danger where it's on my clothes, in my hair, and I'm exposing other people to that danger that I've exposed myself to," he explained.

The state lab confirmed the drug was fentanyl  50 times more powerful than heroin. Suckling admits he's no stranger to those risks.

"I point blank made a mistake and I think it's a mistake a lot of people could've or would've made," he said.

The drug has become so prevalent in the city of Manchester that first responders have started wearing gloves and face masks. The Alexandria Police chief says they'll likely follow suit.

"The world is changing and we have to start changing with it," said Chief Donald Sullivan.

Suckling is glad to be back to work and is sending a powerful message to his fellow officers across the state.

"Just to have that level of awareness about what we're dealing with these days," he said. "We just don't know, it's the unknown, and we have to be prepared for that."

There have been no overdoses in the small town of Alexandria, but police say they deal with drug-related incidents every day. They're making it clear that the heroin and fentanyl epidemic is not just a big city problem.
The defense began calling witnesses in the Bella Bond murder trial after the prosecution rested its case Friday, and new information suggests the 2-year-old girl could have been identified two weeks after her body was found.

Defense witness Nicole Marquis said she was a friend of Rachelle Bond, and had spent time with her daughter Bella.

Rachelle Bond's live-in boyfriend, Michael McCarthy, is charged with first-degree murder in the the young girl's death. Bond pleaded guilty to being an accessory after the fact to murder in February.

Trial Underway for Man Accused of Killing Bella Bond

Marquis testified that when the composite drawing of Bella Bond, who was then known only as "Baby Doe," was released in the summer of 2015 after the child's body was found on Deer Island, she thought the girl looked familiar.

She said on July 13, 2015, she took screen grabs of Bond's Facebook photos of Bella, compared them to "Baby Doe" drawings and called police.

"I had told them that I thought that 'Baby Doe' resembled a girl named Rachelle Bond's daughter Bella, but I wasn't sure of her last name - Bella's last name -because I wasn't sure if she had her father's last name or her mother's, and I wasn't sure where she lived," Marquis said Friday. "I just told them that Rachelle Bond had a Facebook and that you could see the picture on the Facebook."

"Baby Doe" was eventually identified as Bella Bond after police received a tip in September 2015.

The judge said the defense is expected to rest on Monday and the jury will likely get the case on Tuesday.
A 20-year-old police officer, critically injured his first day in the field, was remembered in Augusta, Maine, Friday morning.

More than 1,000 law enforcement officers from around New England paid tribute to Fryeburg Police Officer Nathan Desjardins, who died attempting to save a drowning woman on the Saco River Memorial Day weekend.

Your professionalism, dedication, enthusiasm, and ultimate personal sacrifice will never be forgotten, said Fryeburg Police Chief Joshua Potvin.

Desjardins was one of two officers in a police boat crash in May. They were assisting the Maine Warden Service, responding to a report of capsized canoeists. The other Fryeburg officer was injured, but released from the hospital. Desjardins suffered serious head injuries, and died in the hospital on June 6.

You cant subtract the pain of this. All you can do is add love, said Joel Wilkinson, Colonel of the Maine Warden Service.

Desjardins is the 85th Maine officer to be killed in the line of duty  and is one of, if not the youngest officer on that list, according to the spokesman for the Maine Department of Public Safety, Steve McCausland.

Nathan had a hero heart, and Nathan passed away with a hero heart, said longtime friend Brooke Arthers. She grew up with Desjardins, and was his date to their high school prom.

He always wanted to help everyone, just go above and beyond, she remembered.

Desjardins was a rising senior at the University of New England, where he was pursuing a degree in nursing. Committed to public service, he also worked as an EMT, volunteer firefighter, and part-time police officer, while going to school.

Its such a loss because he was the type of person who truly could have saved a life, said Arthers.

The cause of the boat crash that injured Desjardins is still under investigation.
The Rhode Island Teacher of the Year's official White House visit photo is going viral.

In the caption he posted on Facebook, Nikos Giannopoulos said, "Rhode Island Teacher of the Year 2017 meets the 45th President of the United States. That's all."

The photo depicts Giannopoulos holding a black lace fan and a Pride pin on his suit standing behind the desk in the Oval Office, with President Donald Trump in the middle and First Lady Melania Trump to the president's left.

Many of the comments on Giannopoulos' photo are positive.

"Fabulous, dahling, simply fabulous! Well done!" one person wrote.

Giannopoulos is a special-education teacher and coordinator at the Beacon Charter High School for the Arts in Woonsocket, according to the Rhode Island Department of Education. He also co-teaches algebra, chemistry and filmmaking.

We have reached out to Giannopoulos for comment on this story.
A tractor trailer carrying apples caught fire Friday morning and caused massive delays on Interstate 95 at the intersection of Interstate 295 in Attleboro, Massachusetts.

The vehicle lost an axle and spilled a large amount of fluids on the roadway before it caught fire.

The driver was able to escape the vehicle uninjured.

All northbound lanes were closed for about an hour on Friday morning, causing significant traffic backups.

The right lane remains closed and commuters can expect to continue to see some delays while the scene is cleared.
More than 50 sailing vessels from around the globe will parade into Boston Harbor this weekend for Sail Boston 2017. It's the first time since 2000 that the Parade of Sail is taking place.

From June 17 to 22, the harbor will belong to the ships, their crews, and the millions of visitors who are expected to view them and stroll their historic decks.

The Ships of Sail Boston 2017

"We have been working diligently with the City, State, Massport, the U.S. Coast Guard and other key public and private agencies to ensure a successful event and a memorable experience for all," said Dusty Rhodes, president of Conventures and executive director of Sail Boston 2017. We are looking forward with great enthusiasm to the return of the Tall Ships and to embrace and celebrate the cultures of the countries each represents."

The festivities kick off with the Grand Parade of Sail on Saturday. More than 50 vessels, including Union from Peru, Europa from The Netherlands, Alexander Von Humboldt II from Germany, Spain's El Galeon, Nadezhda from Russia, Guayas from Ecuador, United Kingdoms Blue Clipper, Canada's Bluenose II, and Chiles Esmeralda will follow the U.S. Coast Guard Barque Eagle into Boston Harbor on Saturday.

The best landside viewing locations will be from Castle Island, the Seaport District, the downtown waterfront, the North End, Charlestown and East Boston. For information on spectator vessel movement, click here.

Sail Boston

If you can't make it down to the Boston waterfront, NBC Boston and necn will air a 2-hour special on the Parade of Sail from 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday.

The parade launches a 5-day nautical themed celebration featuring educational, cultural, interactive, and re-enactment events and activities as well as daily free public boarding of the ships.

A colorful Crew and Cadets Parade from The Seaport to Downtown Crossing highlights the landside activities.

Boston Police Commissioner William Evans discusses the multi-level security approach for Boston Sail.

"We are extraordinarily pleased with the response and commitment of so many country owned and private vessels to Sail Boston 2017s roster of Tall Ships," said Patrick Moscaritolo, president and CEO of Greater Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau. "An event of this magnitude provides a significant boost to the local economy resulting in incremental revenue for restaurants, hotels, attractions, and harbor and land side tour operators to name a few. It also serves to showcase Boston on an international stage, as a welcoming, capable and desirable destination brimming with culture, attractions, innovation, and history."
West Berkshire Council worker teaches refugee women to sew

A WEST Berkshire Council employee recently visited Iraq to teach Kurdish women living in Baharka refugee camp how to sew.

Paula Horsfall, a business support assistant, went to the camp, 15 kilometres north of Erbil, at the request of the Bring Hope Humanitarian Foundation.

The foundation approached her because they had heard of reMADE DXB, the arts and crafts studio she had set up with another British expat while living in Dubai for five years, prior to joining the councils childrens services team.

Mrs Horsfall said, My business partner and I were both trailing spouses who accompanied our husbands when their jobs relocated them to Dubai.

We became friends through a mutual love of making and decided to set up a business to share our skills with other expats and to give back to the local community by teaching disadvantaged women a skill, which could supplement their family income.

Within three months of opening, the business was self-sufficient and soon came to the attention of all local media, which resulted in a monthly craft column in Good Housekeeping Middle East as well as regular contributions to other local magazines.

reMADE DXB provided a platform for other artisans to teach their art or craft and activities ranged from dressmaking to silversmithing, screen printing, writing poetry and book binding.

The Middle East is a growing and nurturing hub for makers and designers so the two Brits were invited to organise activations in various shopping malls, including the world famous Dubai Mall.

Mrs Horsfall was also in demand from the media during this period, regularly contributing to programmes on television, local radio and the BBC World Service.

She said, It was an exciting time and Im delighted that it led the Bring Hope Foundation to me. The Kurdish people are wonderfully warm and friendly, and Im very pleased to be able to help in a small, but practical way by teaching them to sew to make a living.

She added: The citadel outside Erbil is the oldest continually- inhabited place on our planet.

There is real heritage and history here, but also unimaginable suffering.

The Kurds are very proud people who are keen to help themselves.

They simply need a little support to learn skills that can make them self-sufficient for life.

Mrs Horsfall is now working to identify UK outlets from which to sell the bags the Kurdish women are creating.

She plans to host a sale of her own designed and handmade bags to raise funds for Bring Hope Foundation before Christmas .

Find out more about the Bring Hope Humanitarian Foundation http://bringhope.info/
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: India wants Iran to award rights of the Farzad- B gas field to its discoverer, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation, and reciprocate the trust shown by India during the phase when it was boycotted by western nations.

We stood by them in difficult times and bought substantial amount of crude oil. We also returned every penny when the banking channels reopened, said oil and gas minister Dharmendra Pradhan. He added that relationship with Iran is not based on a single commodity or a single transaction.

However, with Irans non-commitment to award of rights to ONGC Videsh, the overseas arm of ONGC, develop the 12.5 trillion cubic feet gas field discovered by OVL, India decided to cut oil imports from Iran by a fifth in 2017-18.

Iran had shown its displeasure with India, after a $ 5.5 billion master development plan was submitted by OVL. Iran signed an initial pact with Russias Gazprom for developing Farzad-B gas field.

Iran is peeved since it will have to reimburse all of the money that is invested, together with a fixed rate of return. The demand from Iran is that the investment should be lowered by OVL and it should commit to buying gas at a price fixed by it.

While OVL has said it will take up development only if the terms are economical and cannot absorb any cost and the price of gas should be comparable to rates in current market.

NEW DELHI: India wants Iran to award rights of the Farzad- B gas field to its discoverer, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation, and reciprocate the trust shown by India during the phase when it was boycotted by western nations. We stood by them in difficult times and bought substantial amount of crude oil. We also returned every penny when the banking channels reopened, said oil and gas minister Dharmendra Pradhan. He added that relationship with Iran is not based on a single commodity or a single transaction. However, with Irans non-commitment to award of rights to ONGC Videsh, the overseas arm of ONGC, develop the 12.5 trillion cubic feet gas field discovered by OVL, India decided to cut oil imports from Iran by a fifth in 2017-18. Iran had shown its displeasure with India, after a $ 5.5 billion master development plan was submitted by OVL. Iran signed an initial pact with Russias Gazprom for developing Farzad-B gas field. Iran is peeved since it will have to reimburse all of the money that is invested, together with a fixed rate of return. The demand from Iran is that the investment should be lowered by OVL and it should commit to buying gas at a price fixed by it. While OVL has said it will take up development only if the terms are economical and cannot absorb any cost and the price of gas should be comparable to rates in current market.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: RBI Deputy Governor S S Mundra today said public sector banks may require more than the budgeted Rs 10,000 crore capital infusion from the government in the current fiscal on account of higher provisioning for bad loans and haircut on stressed assets.

"I think the Finance Minister has always been mentioning that if there is a need, we will find resources," he said on the sidelines of an event organised by Assocham.

The process of NPA resolution and capitalisation are closely associated, Mundra said, adding that, it appears banks may need additional capitalisation post the exercise.

Asked about the quantum of haircut to be taken by banks for resolution of stressed assets, Mundra said: "There is no question of maximum or minimum haircut. Haircuts have to be taken depending on need and requirement (for resolution)."

Various solutions may emerge as part of insolvency process, he said. It could be merger, restructuring and haircut, or provisioning may be required depending on the structure which is finally adopted under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), he said.

Mundra also said the balancesheet cleaning exercise could lead to increase in provision. "Quite possible. To believe that all this (cleaning) can happen without additional provisioning would be too optimistic. I would strongly say we should be realistic rather than pessimistic or optimistic," he said.

Earlier this week, the RBI identified 12 stressed accounts each having more than Rs 5,000 crore of outstanding loans and accounting for 25 per cent of total NPAs for immediate referral for resolution under the bankruptcy law. When asked about the names of the 12 accounts, he said, Internal Advisory Committee (IAC), comprising a majority of its independent board members, will come out with the list at an appropriate time.

The banking sector is saddled with non-performing assets (NPAs) of over Rs 8 lakh crore, of which Rs 6 lakh crore is with public sector banks (PSBs).

On consolidation, Mundra said, it is purely a commercial decision and once the decision is taken it will reach the regulator for approval. "I think these are business decisions which are to be taken by respective bank managements, owners. At right point of time where it needs review by the regulator, it will come. RBI comes into the picture much later," he said.

It is to be noted that Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had announced capital infusion of Rs 10,000 crore for the current fiscal in line with the Indradhanush scheme. As per the scheme, public sector banks need to raise Rs 1.10 lakh crore from markets, including follow-on public offer, to meet Basel III requirements, which kick in from March 2019. This will be over the Rs 70,000 crore that banks will get as capital support from the government. Of this, the government has already infused Rs 50,000 crore in the past two fiscals and the remaining will be pumped in by the end of 2018-19.

Additional allocation will be provided as may be required, Jaitley had said.

NEW DELHI: RBI Deputy Governor S S Mundra today said public sector banks may require more than the budgeted Rs 10,000 crore capital infusion from the government in the current fiscal on account of higher provisioning for bad loans and haircut on stressed assets. "I think the Finance Minister has always been mentioning that if there is a need, we will find resources," he said on the sidelines of an event organised by Assocham. The process of NPA resolution and capitalisation are closely associated, Mundra said, adding that, it appears banks may need additional capitalisation post the exercise. Asked about the quantum of haircut to be taken by banks for resolution of stressed assets, Mundra said: "There is no question of maximum or minimum haircut. Haircuts have to be taken depending on need and requirement (for resolution)." Various solutions may emerge as part of insolvency process, he said. It could be merger, restructuring and haircut, or provisioning may be required depending on the structure which is finally adopted under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), he said. Mundra also said the balancesheet cleaning exercise could lead to increase in provision. "Quite possible. To believe that all this (cleaning) can happen without additional provisioning would be too optimistic. I would strongly say we should be realistic rather than pessimistic or optimistic," he said. Earlier this week, the RBI identified 12 stressed accounts each having more than Rs 5,000 crore of outstanding loans and accounting for 25 per cent of total NPAs for immediate referral for resolution under the bankruptcy law. When asked about the names of the 12 accounts, he said, Internal Advisory Committee (IAC), comprising a majority of its independent board members, will come out with the list at an appropriate time. The banking sector is saddled with non-performing assets (NPAs) of over Rs 8 lakh crore, of which Rs 6 lakh crore is with public sector banks (PSBs). On consolidation, Mundra said, it is purely a commercial decision and once the decision is taken it will reach the regulator for approval. "I think these are business decisions which are to be taken by respective bank managements, owners. At right point of time where it needs review by the regulator, it will come. RBI comes into the picture much later," he said. It is to be noted that Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had announced capital infusion of Rs 10,000 crore for the current fiscal in line with the Indradhanush scheme. As per the scheme, public sector banks need to raise Rs 1.10 lakh crore from markets, including follow-on public offer, to meet Basel III requirements, which kick in from March 2019. This will be over the Rs 70,000 crore that banks will get as capital support from the government. Of this, the government has already infused Rs 50,000 crore in the past two fiscals and the remaining will be pumped in by the end of 2018-19. Additional allocation will be provided as may be required, Jaitley had said.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: Sun TV Networks has launched a new digital content platform 'Sun Nxt' enabling customers to watch content in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada.

Now the customers can watch their popular TV programmes in the four languages anytime anywhere on their favourite devices, the company said in a statement.

"Within hours of launch, the Sun Nxt received phenomenal response from the public and the company is thrilled to announce that Sun Nxt has crossed 1.1 million downloads barely four days from launch," it said.

It is compatible with every screen format from smartphones to tablet and desktop to TV, and is available globally via android and Apple app store, it added.

On Sun Nxt, people can watch live TV, news, comedy clips, catch-up video on demand (VOD), music etc in the four languages. Also, there is a film library of over 4,000 titles over 40 channels streaming live for the users, the statement said.

Sun Group, India's largest media conglomerate, has 33 television channels with reach of over 95 million households.

NEW DELHI: Sun TV Networks has launched a new digital content platform 'Sun Nxt' enabling customers to watch content in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada. Now the customers can watch their popular TV programmes in the four languages anytime anywhere on their favourite devices, the company said in a statement. "Within hours of launch, the Sun Nxt received phenomenal response from the public and the company is thrilled to announce that Sun Nxt has crossed 1.1 million downloads barely four days from launch," it said. It is compatible with every screen format from smartphones to tablet and desktop to TV, and is available globally via android and Apple app store, it added. On Sun Nxt, people can watch live TV, news, comedy clips, catch-up video on demand (VOD), music etc in the four languages. Also, there is a film library of over 4,000 titles over 40 channels streaming live for the users, the statement said. Sun Group, India's largest media conglomerate, has 33 television channels with reach of over 95 million households.
Vinod Kumar T and Suraksha P By

Express News Service

BENGALURU: G Krishnamurthy (73), a former HAL employee, looks tired. After nearly an hour of being seated outside the Joint Commissioners office in BBMP, he walks with difficulty into the Revenue section office on Wednesday afternoon.

He is next in line to get his property tax error rectified, and is among many others who are frustrated with the software glitch.

A resident of Chennamanakere Achukattu in Banashankari Stage III, Krishnamurthy underwent an angioplasty one-and-a-half years ago. Shortly after, BBMP introduced its new software and an incorrect property ID was generated for Krishnamurthys 40X60 site.

For the past one year, he has been visiting the BBMP main office and ward office countless times in the hope of getting the correct property ID that will enable him to pay tax, but in vain.

Just last week, while visiting the ward office of his area  Vidyapeetha  he met with an accident and suffered injuries. Ever since, his son K Guruprasad has been accompanying him on his BBMP rounds that he squeezes amidst his daily routine. Krishnamurthy says the BBMP officials have been asking them to come back once every two or three days, forcing Guruprasad to take leave from work.

The attitude of the officials here is that we have to turn up whenever they ask us. It doesnt matter how many times we have already visited the office. I have a school-going son. How do I take paid leave twice or thrice every week? Guruprasad asks.

It all started last year. On June 24, our property ID was generated and we realised that it was incorrect. We have written a letter to the Joint Commissioner (Revenue). They havent even mentioned our application number while forwarding it to the higher authorities, he said.

With an incorrect property ID, a receipt cannot be generated. There is duplication of application numbers too. We have been paying property tax for 33 years regularly. We also get our rebate because we always pay on time. This year, we cant even pay the tax. How much can a citizen be troubled just to pay `6,000 in tax? he rues.

An employee of Mandamus Info Knowledge Consultants, Guruprasad is scared to leave his father unaccompanied to this daily exercise of shuttling between offices.

He has been injured once. What if he is in an accident again? They need him to be present for signatures and other formalities, he laments.

With Thursday being the last day to avail the 5 per cent rebate, Guruprasad and his father went back home without being able to pay the tax this year.

BENGALURU: G Krishnamurthy (73), a former HAL employee, looks tired. After nearly an hour of being seated outside the Joint Commissioners office in BBMP, he walks with difficulty into the Revenue section office on Wednesday afternoon. He is next in line to get his property tax error rectified, and is among many others who are frustrated with the software glitch. A resident of Chennamanakere Achukattu in Banashankari Stage III, Krishnamurthy underwent an angioplasty one-and-a-half years ago. Shortly after, BBMP introduced its new software and an incorrect property ID was generated for Krishnamurthys 40X60 site. For the past one year, he has been visiting the BBMP main office and ward office countless times in the hope of getting the correct property ID that will enable him to pay tax, but in vain. Just last week, while visiting the ward office of his area  Vidyapeetha  he met with an accident and suffered injuries. Ever since, his son K Guruprasad has been accompanying him on his BBMP rounds that he squeezes amidst his daily routine. Krishnamurthy says the BBMP officials have been asking them to come back once every two or three days, forcing Guruprasad to take leave from work. The attitude of the officials here is that we have to turn up whenever they ask us. It doesnt matter how many times we have already visited the office. I have a school-going son. How do I take paid leave twice or thrice every week? Guruprasad asks. It all started last year. On June 24, our property ID was generated and we realised that it was incorrect. We have written a letter to the Joint Commissioner (Revenue). They havent even mentioned our application number while forwarding it to the higher authorities, he said. With an incorrect property ID, a receipt cannot be generated. There is duplication of application numbers too. We have been paying property tax for 33 years regularly. We also get our rebate because we always pay on time. This year, we cant even pay the tax. How much can a citizen be troubled just to pay `6,000 in tax? he rues. An employee of Mandamus Info Knowledge Consultants, Guruprasad is scared to leave his father unaccompanied to this daily exercise of shuttling between offices. He has been injured once. What if he is in an accident again? They need him to be present for signatures and other formalities, he laments. With Thursday being the last day to avail the 5 per cent rebate, Guruprasad and his father went back home without being able to pay the tax this year.
By IANS

Forty-six years after John Lennon gave the world Imagine, his wife Yoko Ono, who had contributed by way of the concept and the lyrics of the song, is now being given due credit as a songwriter along with the former Beatles legend.

The National Music Publishers Association, at its annual meeting in New York on Wednesday, made the surprise announcement when Ono and her son Sean Ono Lennon came to pick up the organisations new prize of naming the 1971 number Imagine as the song of the century.

At the ceremony, a BBC interview from 1980 featuring Lennon and Ono, was played in which the former Beatles star admits that Ono provided not just inspiration for the iconic song, but a lot of the lyrics too.

"A lot of it - the lyric and the concept - came from Yoko," John said in the video, according to the BBC.

"But those days I was a bit more selfish, a bit more macho, and I sort of omitted to mention her contribution.

"But it was right out of Grapefruit, her book (of poetry). There's a whole pile of pieces about 'Imagine this' and 'Imagine that,'" Lennon said.

The Washington Post reported that Lennon, in a tone that suggested he was embarrassed at his earlier sexism, says in the video: If it had been a male, you know  Harry Nilssons Old Dirt Road, its Lennon-Nilsson. But when we did [Imagine] I just put Lennon because, you know, shes just the wife and you dont put her name on, right?

More than forty years later, due credit is finally being given.

An excited Sean Ono Lennon spoke to Billboard magazine about the announcement. When they officially acknowledged - through my father's account - that my mother co-wrote Imagine, the song of the century, it may have been the happiest day of mine and [my] mother's life," he was quoted as saying.

The addition of credit, though underway, is likely to face some opposition, said NMPA CEO David Israelite, who explained that according to US Law a song becomes devoid of copyright and enters the public domain 70 years after the death of its last creator. Adding Yokos name would extend that time period, during which it will continue to earn revenue for its rights holders.

Yoko, however, already has rights to Lennons estate, and the income distributed from royalties, therefore, will not significantly be altered, reported the BBC.

Imagine was created by John Lennon (and Yoko Ono) in 1971 after he split from the Beatles. The song topped the charts after Lennon was shot dead in 1980.

Forty-six years after John Lennon gave the world Imagine, his wife Yoko Ono, who had contributed by way of the concept and the lyrics of the song, is now being given due credit as a songwriter along with the former Beatles legend. The National Music Publishers Association, at its annual meeting in New York on Wednesday, made the surprise announcement when Ono and her son Sean Ono Lennon came to pick up the organisations new prize of naming the 1971 number Imagine as the song of the century. At the ceremony, a BBC interview from 1980 featuring Lennon and Ono, was played in which the former Beatles star admits that Ono provided not just inspiration for the iconic song, but a lot of the lyrics too. "A lot of it - the lyric and the concept - came from Yoko," John said in the video, according to the BBC. "But those days I was a bit more selfish, a bit more macho, and I sort of omitted to mention her contribution. "But it was right out of Grapefruit, her book (of poetry). There's a whole pile of pieces about 'Imagine this' and 'Imagine that,'" Lennon said. The Washington Post reported that Lennon, in a tone that suggested he was embarrassed at his earlier sexism, says in the video: If it had been a male, you know  Harry Nilssons Old Dirt Road, its Lennon-Nilsson. But when we did [Imagine] I just put Lennon because, you know, shes just the wife and you dont put her name on, right? More than forty years later, due credit is finally being given. An excited Sean Ono Lennon spoke to Billboard magazine about the announcement. When they officially acknowledged - through my father's account - that my mother co-wrote Imagine, the song of the century, it may have been the happiest day of mine and [my] mother's life," he was quoted as saying. The addition of credit, though underway, is likely to face some opposition, said NMPA CEO David Israelite, who explained that according to US Law a song becomes devoid of copyright and enters the public domain 70 years after the death of its last creator. Adding Yokos name would extend that time period, during which it will continue to earn revenue for its rights holders. Yoko, however, already has rights to Lennons estate, and the income distributed from royalties, therefore, will not significantly be altered, reported the BBC. Imagine was created by John Lennon (and Yoko Ono) in 1971 after he split from the Beatles. The song topped the charts after Lennon was shot dead in 1980.
By PTI

MUMBAI: Key mastermind of the 1993 Mumbai blasts case Mustafa Dossa and extradited gangster Abu Salem were today convicted by a special TADA court here, along with four others. One of the seven accused persons on trial, Abdul Qayyum, was acquitted for want of evidence.

While Dossa was convicted on charges of conspiracy and murder under various sections of the IPC besides offences under the TADA Act, the Arms Act and the Explosives Act, Salem was found guilty of transporting weapons from Gujarat to Mumbai ahead of the blasts.

He had also handed over to actor Sanjay Dutt-- who was an accused in the case for illegally possessing weaponsAK 56 rifles, 250 rounds and some hand grenades at his residence on January 16, 1993. Two days later on January 18, 1993 Salem and two others went to Dutt's house and got back two rifles and some rounds.

Earlier, the court had dropped certain charges against Salem in 2013 after the investigating agency --CBI-- moved a plea, saying those charges were against the extradition treaty between India and Portugal.

Dossa allegedly masterminded the landing of explosives including RDX in India and sent some youth to Pakistan to acquire arms training to execute the blasts.

The dastardly attacks had left 257 dead, 713 persons seriously injured and destroyed properties worth Rs 27 crore. In the first leg of the trial that concluded in 2007, the TADA court had convicted 100 accused in the case, while 23 persons were acquitted.

The present trial of the seven accusedAbu Salem, Mustafa Dossa, Karimullah Khan, Firoz Abdul Rashid Khan, Riyaz Siddiqui, Tahir Merchant and Abdul Quayyumwas separated from the main case as they were arrested at the time of conclusion of the main trial.

On March 12, 1993 the country's commercial capital witnessed an unprecedented terrorist attack when a series 12 bomb explosions took place one after another in about a span of two hours.

The blasts took place at Bombay Stock Exchange, Katha Bazaar, Lucky petrol pump near Sena Bhavan, opposite Passport office near Century Bazaar, Fishermen's colony at Mahim Causeway, at basement of Air India Building, Zaveri Bazaar, Hotel Sea Rock, Plaza Theatre, Centaur Hotel (Juhu), Sahar Airport (Bay no.54) and Centaur Hotel (near airport).

This was the first-ever terrorist attack in the world in which RDX (Research Department Explosive i.e cyclotrimethylene trinitramine) was used on such a large-scale after the Second World War. According to the prosecution, in order to avenge the demolition of Babri Masjid, members of the crime syndicate under the fugitive don Dawood Ibrahim along with other absconding accused Tiger Memon, Mohammed Dossa and Mustafa Dossa hatched a conspiracy to commit terrorist acts in India.

The prosecution said that the object of the crime was to commit terrorist acts with an intent to overawe the Government of India, to strike terror on the people, alienate section of the people and to harm the communal harmony.

It said that the conspirators smuggled fire-arms, ammunitions, detonators, hand grenades and highly explosive substances like RDX into India and stored it.

According to the prosecution, Mustafa Dossa, Tiger Memon and Chhota Shakeel organised training camps in Pakistan and in India to impart and undergo weapon and arms training and handling of explosives.

They also sent men from India to Pakistan via Dubai for arms training. The prosecution also said that the conspirators held 15 meetings before the execution of the blasts.

MUMBAI: Key mastermind of the 1993 Mumbai blasts case Mustafa Dossa and extradited gangster Abu Salem were today convicted by a special TADA court here, along with four others. One of the seven accused persons on trial, Abdul Qayyum, was acquitted for want of evidence. While Dossa was convicted on charges of conspiracy and murder under various sections of the IPC besides offences under the TADA Act, the Arms Act and the Explosives Act, Salem was found guilty of transporting weapons from Gujarat to Mumbai ahead of the blasts. He had also handed over to actor Sanjay Dutt-- who was an accused in the case for illegally possessing weaponsAK 56 rifles, 250 rounds and some hand grenades at his residence on January 16, 1993. Two days later on January 18, 1993 Salem and two others went to Dutt's house and got back two rifles and some rounds. Earlier, the court had dropped certain charges against Salem in 2013 after the investigating agency --CBI-- moved a plea, saying those charges were against the extradition treaty between India and Portugal. Dossa allegedly masterminded the landing of explosives including RDX in India and sent some youth to Pakistan to acquire arms training to execute the blasts. The dastardly attacks had left 257 dead, 713 persons seriously injured and destroyed properties worth Rs 27 crore. In the first leg of the trial that concluded in 2007, the TADA court had convicted 100 accused in the case, while 23 persons were acquitted. The present trial of the seven accusedAbu Salem, Mustafa Dossa, Karimullah Khan, Firoz Abdul Rashid Khan, Riyaz Siddiqui, Tahir Merchant and Abdul Quayyumwas separated from the main case as they were arrested at the time of conclusion of the main trial. On March 12, 1993 the country's commercial capital witnessed an unprecedented terrorist attack when a series 12 bomb explosions took place one after another in about a span of two hours. The blasts took place at Bombay Stock Exchange, Katha Bazaar, Lucky petrol pump near Sena Bhavan, opposite Passport office near Century Bazaar, Fishermen's colony at Mahim Causeway, at basement of Air India Building, Zaveri Bazaar, Hotel Sea Rock, Plaza Theatre, Centaur Hotel (Juhu), Sahar Airport (Bay no.54) and Centaur Hotel (near airport). This was the first-ever terrorist attack in the world in which RDX (Research Department Explosive i.e cyclotrimethylene trinitramine) was used on such a large-scale after the Second World War. According to the prosecution, in order to avenge the demolition of Babri Masjid, members of the crime syndicate under the fugitive don Dawood Ibrahim along with other absconding accused Tiger Memon, Mohammed Dossa and Mustafa Dossa hatched a conspiracy to commit terrorist acts in India. The prosecution said that the object of the crime was to commit terrorist acts with an intent to overawe the Government of India, to strike terror on the people, alienate section of the people and to harm the communal harmony. It said that the conspirators smuggled fire-arms, ammunitions, detonators, hand grenades and highly explosive substances like RDX into India and stored it. According to the prosecution, Mustafa Dossa, Tiger Memon and Chhota Shakeel organised training camps in Pakistan and in India to impart and undergo weapon and arms training and handling of explosives. They also sent men from India to Pakistan via Dubai for arms training. The prosecution also said that the conspirators held 15 meetings before the execution of the blasts.
By PTI

MUMBAI: Retired IPS officer Rakesh Maria, who headed the probe in the 1993 Mumbai serial bomb blasts, today welcomed the conviction of six persons, including mastermind Mustafa Dossa and gangster Abu Salem, in the case.

A special TADA court today convicted six persons in the case. While Dossa was convicted on charges of conspiracy and murder, Salem was found guilty of transporting weapons from Gujarat to Mumbai ahead of the blasts.

"People who hatched the conspiracy with Dawood Ibrahim in Dubai got convicted. It is a good judgement and I am satisfied with it," Maria, the former police commissioner of Mumbai, told PTI.

"People like Dossa and Salem, who got convicted today, were involved in planning, conspiracy and finance in the Mumbai blasts," Maria alleged.

"The investigation which our team carried out was accepted by the judiciary. This shows our investigation was right," he said.

Maria credited the Mumbai police team who did "massive work day and night".

A series of 13 blasts in quick succession ripped through various locations of India's financial capital on March 12, 1993 and the suburbs killing 257 people and injuring around 700.

The prime targeted locations included the Air India Building, Bombay Stock Exchange, Zaveri Bazar, then existing five star hotels, Hotel SeaRock and Hotel Juhu Centaur, and others leading to damage of public and private property worth Rs 27 crore.

MUMBAI: Retired IPS officer Rakesh Maria, who headed the probe in the 1993 Mumbai serial bomb blasts, today welcomed the conviction of six persons, including mastermind Mustafa Dossa and gangster Abu Salem, in the case. A special TADA court today convicted six persons in the case. While Dossa was convicted on charges of conspiracy and murder, Salem was found guilty of transporting weapons from Gujarat to Mumbai ahead of the blasts. "People who hatched the conspiracy with Dawood Ibrahim in Dubai got convicted. It is a good judgement and I am satisfied with it," Maria, the former police commissioner of Mumbai, told PTI. "People like Dossa and Salem, who got convicted today, were involved in planning, conspiracy and finance in the Mumbai blasts," Maria alleged. "The investigation which our team carried out was accepted by the judiciary. This shows our investigation was right," he said. Maria credited the Mumbai police team who did "massive work day and night". A series of 13 blasts in quick succession ripped through various locations of India's financial capital on March 12, 1993 and the suburbs killing 257 people and injuring around 700. The prime targeted locations included the Air India Building, Bombay Stock Exchange, Zaveri Bazar, then existing five star hotels, Hotel SeaRock and Hotel Juhu Centaur, and others leading to damage of public and private property worth Rs 27 crore.
Fayaz Wani By

Express News Service

SRINAGAR: An army man was killed and another injured when Pakistani troops breached border ceasefire and fired on army positions along Line of Control (LoC) in Naushera sector of Rajouri district in Jammu and Kashmir on Friday.

Defence spokesman in Jammu, Lt Col Manish Mehta, said Pakistani army resorted to unprovoked firing on Army posts in Naushera sector in Rajouri district at about 05.15 am.

He said the army men deployed at LoC also effectively returned the fire.

An army man was critically injured in Pakistani troops firing. He was evacuated to military hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead, Mehta said.

The slain soldier was identified as 34-year-old Naik Bakhtawar Singh of Village Hajipur, Punjab.

The deceased is survived by wife Jasbir Kaur and three children --- sons aged 11 years and 10 months respectively and 9-years-old daughter.

According to Mehta, Bakhtawar was a brave and sincere soldier.

He loved his job to the core, he said adding the nation will always remain indebted to him for the supreme sacrifice and devotion to duty.

Sources said another army man was injured in Pakistani troops firing along LoC in Kalsian area of Rajouri district.

The killing of soldier in Pakistani fire took place two days after army claimed to have killed two Pakistani soldiers at LoC.

On Wednesday, defence sources had said two Pakistani soldiers were killed in Indian army firing along LoC opposite to Bhimbher Gali sector of Poonch district.

Pakistani troops have been regularly breaching border ceasefire in Naushera and Krishna Ghati sector sectors.

Even yesterday, the Pakistani troops had breached the border ceasefire in Naushera sector twice.

They had first fired from small arms and automatic weapons on army positions and civilian areas along the Naushera sector for about one and a half hour from 2 pm. They again fired on army positions in the same sector at around 5.30 pm. The firing and mortar shelling by the Pakistani troops continued till 7.45 pm.

According to defence sources, Pakistani troops use heavy gunfire, RPGs, Recoilless Rifles and mortars to target army positions and civilian areas during the ceasefire violations, which have picked up since last week.

The LoC has become more volatile and vulnerable to ceasefire violations after two Indian security personnel were killed and their bodies mutilated by Pakistan armys notorious Border Action Team (BAT) in Krishna Ghati sector in Poonch district on May 1.

Since the incident, there has been tension along the LoC with troops of two countries exchanging frequent gunfire and mortar shelling.

According to defence sources, Pakistani troops had breached border ceasefire along LoC in J&K 228 times last year while the figure was 152 in 2015.

SRINAGAR: An army man was killed and another injured when Pakistani troops breached border ceasefire and fired on army positions along Line of Control (LoC) in Naushera sector of Rajouri district in Jammu and Kashmir on Friday. Defence spokesman in Jammu, Lt Col Manish Mehta, said Pakistani army resorted to unprovoked firing on Army posts in Naushera sector in Rajouri district at about 05.15 am. He said the army men deployed at LoC also effectively returned the fire. An army man was critically injured in Pakistani troops firing. He was evacuated to military hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead, Mehta said. The slain soldier was identified as 34-year-old Naik Bakhtawar Singh of Village Hajipur, Punjab. The deceased is survived by wife Jasbir Kaur and three children --- sons aged 11 years and 10 months respectively and 9-years-old daughter. According to Mehta, Bakhtawar was a brave and sincere soldier. He loved his job to the core, he said adding the nation will always remain indebted to him for the supreme sacrifice and devotion to duty. Sources said another army man was injured in Pakistani troops firing along LoC in Kalsian area of Rajouri district. The killing of soldier in Pakistani fire took place two days after army claimed to have killed two Pakistani soldiers at LoC. On Wednesday, defence sources had said two Pakistani soldiers were killed in Indian army firing along LoC opposite to Bhimbher Gali sector of Poonch district. Pakistani troops have been regularly breaching border ceasefire in Naushera and Krishna Ghati sector sectors. Even yesterday, the Pakistani troops had breached the border ceasefire in Naushera sector twice. They had first fired from small arms and automatic weapons on army positions and civilian areas along the Naushera sector for about one and a half hour from 2 pm. They again fired on army positions in the same sector at around 5.30 pm. The firing and mortar shelling by the Pakistani troops continued till 7.45 pm. According to defence sources, Pakistani troops use heavy gunfire, RPGs, Recoilless Rifles and mortars to target army positions and civilian areas during the ceasefire violations, which have picked up since last week. The LoC has become more volatile and vulnerable to ceasefire violations after two Indian security personnel were killed and their bodies mutilated by Pakistan armys notorious Border Action Team (BAT) in Krishna Ghati sector in Poonch district on May 1. Since the incident, there has been tension along the LoC with troops of two countries exchanging frequent gunfire and mortar shelling. According to defence sources, Pakistani troops had breached border ceasefire along LoC in J&K 228 times last year while the figure was 152 in 2015.
By PTI

SRINAGAR: A 22-year-old man died as security forces opened fire on a stone-pelting mob in Rangreth area on the outskirts of the city, police said today.

A group of youth pelted the security forces' vehicles with stones at Rangreth, a police official said. The security personnel opened fire to chase away the protestors in which one person was injured.

Nazir Ahmad was rushed to SKIMS hospital at Soura in a critical condition where he succumbed on the intervening night of June 15 and 16, the official said.

SRINAGAR: A 22-year-old man died as security forces opened fire on a stone-pelting mob in Rangreth area on the outskirts of the city, police said today. A group of youth pelted the security forces' vehicles with stones at Rangreth, a police official said. The security personnel opened fire to chase away the protestors in which one person was injured. Nazir Ahmad was rushed to SKIMS hospital at Soura in a critical condition where he succumbed on the intervening night of June 15 and 16, the official said.
By PTI

KOLKATA: Gorkha Janmukti Morcha MLAs today told called on West Bengal Governor K N Tripathi and alleged that the TMC government was trying to turn a political movement in Darjeeling Hills into a law and order issue.

Trinamool Congress MLAs--Amar Singh Rai, Sarita Rai and Rohit Sharma from Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Kurseong respectively--met the governor at the Raj Bhawan here and apprised him of the present situation in the hills.

They accused the TMC government of trying to turn a "peaceful political movement for a separate state of Gorkhaland into a law and order situation".

They claimed that those indulging in violence in Darjeeling town and other parts of the hills were not members of the GJM.

"We have told the governor that the people who are indulging in arson are outsiders and have nothing to do with GJM," Rohit Sharma, one of the three MLAs, claimed after the meeting.

"We have requested the governor to inform the Centre about the situation in Darjeeling and the sufferings of people owing to the state government's stance," he said.

KOLKATA: Gorkha Janmukti Morcha MLAs today told called on West Bengal Governor K N Tripathi and alleged that the TMC government was trying to turn a political movement in Darjeeling Hills into a law and order issue. Trinamool Congress MLAs--Amar Singh Rai, Sarita Rai and Rohit Sharma from Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Kurseong respectively--met the governor at the Raj Bhawan here and apprised him of the present situation in the hills. They accused the TMC government of trying to turn a "peaceful political movement for a separate state of Gorkhaland into a law and order situation". They claimed that those indulging in violence in Darjeeling town and other parts of the hills were not members of the GJM. "We have told the governor that the people who are indulging in arson are outsiders and have nothing to do with GJM," Rohit Sharma, one of the three MLAs, claimed after the meeting. "We have requested the governor to inform the Centre about the situation in Darjeeling and the sufferings of people owing to the state government's stance," he said.
Aishik Chanda By

Express News Service

KOLKATA: Darjeelings bracing air crackled with rancor after police raided the office of the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) and found an assortment of weapons, traditional and modern, and the rebellious party replied with violence against state institutions.

The police raid on a GJM office at Patlaybas near the residence of the partys boss Bimal Gurung in Darjeeling found cross-bows, night-vision equipment, khukris, axes and firecrackers. Responding to the raid, GJM protesters pelted stones, allegedly hurled bombs, fired shots at police ranks and set a media van on fire. Away from Darjeeling, a police outpost was torched in Kalimpong and an NBSTC bus at Kurseong.

The raid came on the fourth day of the GJM strike in government offices in the hills against a proposal by the Mamata Banerjee regime to make Bangla compulsory in schools. The anti-Bangla stir has segued into an agitation for a separate Gorkhaland state.

While Gurung went underground after the raid, GJM called for a total strike in the hills. It sought central intervention in the state and called for Presidents Rule to be imposed.

GJM assistant general secretary Benoy Tamang explained the arsenal: We are tribals and we were about to hold our traditional archery competitions. The police are showing our traditional equipment as weapons. This is why we need Gorkhaland.

In the face of a surge in violence in Darjeeling, chief minister Mamata Banerjee remained firm in her resolve to deal with it with an iron fist. I will give my blood but will not let Darjeeling turn into hell, she said in Kolkata.

At the same time, she said there was an intelligence failure that led to the flareup of violence on June 8. Darjeeling was an intelligence failure. There was no clue that the situation would be so tense there. I have never seen so many Molotov cocktails blasting at the same time, she said.

The Centre on Thursday rushed four companies of paramilitary forces to join the 11 companies (1100 personnel) already deployed in Darjeeling, ostensibly to help the state administration contain the violence.

However, the GJM is actively lobbying important personages in New Delhi on the merits of its case.

Its general secretary Roshan Giri and the BJPs Darjeeling MP S S Ahluwalia met Union home minister Rajnath Singh Thursday evening and apprised him of the prevailing situation and sought his intervention.

We have apprised the home minister. We have urged him for immediate central intervention to bring back peace, Giri told reporters after meeting Singh.

KOLKATA: Darjeelings bracing air crackled with rancor after police raided the office of the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) and found an assortment of weapons, traditional and modern, and the rebellious party replied with violence against state institutions. The police raid on a GJM office at Patlaybas near the residence of the partys boss Bimal Gurung in Darjeeling found cross-bows, night-vision equipment, khukris, axes and firecrackers. Responding to the raid, GJM protesters pelted stones, allegedly hurled bombs, fired shots at police ranks and set a media van on fire. Away from Darjeeling, a police outpost was torched in Kalimpong and an NBSTC bus at Kurseong. The raid came on the fourth day of the GJM strike in government offices in the hills against a proposal by the Mamata Banerjee regime to make Bangla compulsory in schools. The anti-Bangla stir has segued into an agitation for a separate Gorkhaland state. While Gurung went underground after the raid, GJM called for a total strike in the hills. It sought central intervention in the state and called for Presidents Rule to be imposed. GJM assistant general secretary Benoy Tamang explained the arsenal: We are tribals and we were about to hold our traditional archery competitions. The police are showing our traditional equipment as weapons. This is why we need Gorkhaland. In the face of a surge in violence in Darjeeling, chief minister Mamata Banerjee remained firm in her resolve to deal with it with an iron fist. I will give my blood but will not let Darjeeling turn into hell, she said in Kolkata. At the same time, she said there was an intelligence failure that led to the flareup of violence on June 8. Darjeeling was an intelligence failure. There was no clue that the situation would be so tense there. I have never seen so many Molotov cocktails blasting at the same time, she said. The Centre on Thursday rushed four companies of paramilitary forces to join the 11 companies (1100 personnel) already deployed in Darjeeling, ostensibly to help the state administration contain the violence. However, the GJM is actively lobbying important personages in New Delhi on the merits of its case. Its general secretary Roshan Giri and the BJPs Darjeeling MP S S Ahluwalia met Union home minister Rajnath Singh Thursday evening and apprised him of the prevailing situation and sought his intervention. We have apprised the home minister. We have urged him for immediate central intervention to bring back peace, Giri told reporters after meeting Singh.
M Rajendran By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Are you planning to invest in a house? Wait till the government rolls out the new universal tax regime, in all probability by next month, and you might end up saving a substantial amount in the form of taxes.

The Finance Ministry has issued a clarification directing construction companies to pass on benefits of lower tax burden under the GST regime to consumers in the form of reduced prices and instalments. Else, they can be prosecuted for profiteering under Section 171 of the GST law.

The clarification has come after the CBEC and States received several complaints that customers who have booked flats by making part payments were being asked by builders to deposit entire amounts before July 1 or face higher taxation for payments made later.

This is against the GST law, said a Finance Ministry statement.

Construction of flats, complex, buildings will have a lower incidence of GST as compared to a plethora of indirect Central and State taxes suffered by them under the existing regime, the statement added.

Currently, there is a cascading of input taxes on constructed flats. For instance, a Central Excise duty is payable on most construction material at the rate of 12.5 per cent, and its higher in the case of cement. In addition, most States levy an Entry Tax and Value Added Tax in the range of 12.5 - 14.5 per cent on most building materials.

As a result, incidence of Central Excise duty, VAT and Entry Tax on construction material is currently borne by builders, which they pass on to the customers as part of the price charged from them. This is not visible to the customer as it forms a part of the cost. This, the ministry adds, will change under the GST regime.

The builders are expected to pass on the benefits of lower tax burden under the GST regime to the buyers. Despite this clarity on law position, if any builder resorts to such practice, the same can be deemed to be profiteering under section 171 of GST law.

The Finance Minister has also made it clear. Any tax credit that the builder gets after GST is implemented has to be passed on 100 per cent to the consumer, says Samantak Das, Chief Economist at Research Knight Frank India.

This is a great move and will help clarify the cloud hovering around the consumer that they may have to pay higher taxes.

Reality check Example

Cost of buying house: Rs 10 lakh

Input tax: Rs 32,000

Tax paid on final product (including input tax): D1 lakh

Tax paid under GST: Rs 68,000

Current regime

12.5% Central excise duty

12.5-14.5% VAT

Entry tax for construction materials (charges vary from state to state)

4.5% Service tax

1% VAT under composition scheme

Under GST

 Full input credit would be available for input taxes

 So input taxes embedded in the flat cant form a part of the cost of the flat

 Builders must pass on the benefits of lower tax burden under GST to buyers by way of reduced prices

NEW DELHI: Are you planning to invest in a house? Wait till the government rolls out the new universal tax regime, in all probability by next month, and you might end up saving a substantial amount in the form of taxes. The Finance Ministry has issued a clarification directing construction companies to pass on benefits of lower tax burden under the GST regime to consumers in the form of reduced prices and instalments. Else, they can be prosecuted for profiteering under Section 171 of the GST law. The clarification has come after the CBEC and States received several complaints that customers who have booked flats by making part payments were being asked by builders to deposit entire amounts before July 1 or face higher taxation for payments made later. This is against the GST law, said a Finance Ministry statement. Construction of flats, complex, buildings will have a lower incidence of GST as compared to a plethora of indirect Central and State taxes suffered by them under the existing regime, the statement added. Currently, there is a cascading of input taxes on constructed flats. For instance, a Central Excise duty is payable on most construction material at the rate of 12.5 per cent, and its higher in the case of cement. In addition, most States levy an Entry Tax and Value Added Tax in the range of 12.5 - 14.5 per cent on most building materials. As a result, incidence of Central Excise duty, VAT and Entry Tax on construction material is currently borne by builders, which they pass on to the customers as part of the price charged from them. This is not visible to the customer as it forms a part of the cost. This, the ministry adds, will change under the GST regime. The builders are expected to pass on the benefits of lower tax burden under the GST regime to the buyers. Despite this clarity on law position, if any builder resorts to such practice, the same can be deemed to be profiteering under section 171 of GST law. The Finance Minister has also made it clear. Any tax credit that the builder gets after GST is implemented has to be passed on 100 per cent to the consumer, says Samantak Das, Chief Economist at Research Knight Frank India. This is a great move and will help clarify the cloud hovering around the consumer that they may have to pay higher taxes. Reality check Example Cost of buying house: Rs 10 lakh Input tax: Rs 32,000 Tax paid on final product (including input tax): D1 lakh Tax paid under GST: Rs 68,000 Current regime 12.5% Central excise duty 12.5-14.5% VAT Entry tax for construction materials (charges vary from state to state) 4.5% Service tax 1% VAT under composition scheme Under GST  Full input credit would be available for input taxes  So input taxes embedded in the flat cant form a part of the cost of the flat  Builders must pass on the benefits of lower tax burden under GST to buyers by way of reduced prices
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Sending a strong message to Pakistani, New Delhi on Friday announced that the first cargo flight in the Afghanistan-India air corridor will get operationalised over the next couple of days, while beflying over Pakistan airspace. It is noted that Pakistani has been resisting India-Afghanistan trade land route, so, to avoid it, the India- Afghanistan air corridor project was initiated by President Ashraf Ghani in 2016.

"During the Afghan President Ashraf Ghani's visit to India last year, we had discussions on establishing an air freight corridor between the two countries and we are happy to announce that first flight is likely to operate in the weekend or early next week. We are working out the details of the first flight," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Gopal Baglay said.

While maintaining that the cargo service will help increase trade between both the countries, Baglay said," The flight will take Indian products to Afghanistan and will bring Afghan products to India. The first flight will be from Delhi to Kabul and will start this weekend or next week."

But since, it will be crossing over Pakistani airspace, it is believed that both India and Afghanistan will have to disclose the type of cargo being carried by the plane.

The cargo service will aim to improve landlocked Afghanistan's connectivity to key markets abroad and boost the growth prospects of its dry fruits and carpet industries.

Revealing that the first flight will be run by Afghanistans Ariana Airlines, Baglay also said there would be a warm reception to the flight which would bring to Afghan products such as dry fruits to Delhi.

He also said that the frequency of the flights under the project would be determined depending on commercial viability as it was a business venture which is supported greatly by the two governments.

NEW DELHI: Sending a strong message to Pakistani, New Delhi on Friday announced that the first cargo flight in the Afghanistan-India air corridor will get operationalised over the next couple of days, while beflying over Pakistan airspace. It is noted that Pakistani has been resisting India-Afghanistan trade land route, so, to avoid it, the India- Afghanistan air corridor project was initiated by President Ashraf Ghani in 2016. "During the Afghan President Ashraf Ghani's visit to India last year, we had discussions on establishing an air freight corridor between the two countries and we are happy to announce that first flight is likely to operate in the weekend or early next week. We are working out the details of the first flight," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Gopal Baglay said. While maintaining that the cargo service will help increase trade between both the countries, Baglay said," The flight will take Indian products to Afghanistan and will bring Afghan products to India. The first flight will be from Delhi to Kabul and will start this weekend or next week." But since, it will be crossing over Pakistani airspace, it is believed that both India and Afghanistan will have to disclose the type of cargo being carried by the plane. The cargo service will aim to improve landlocked Afghanistan's connectivity to key markets abroad and boost the growth prospects of its dry fruits and carpet industries. Revealing that the first flight will be run by Afghanistans Ariana Airlines, Baglay also said there would be a warm reception to the flight which would bring to Afghan products such as dry fruits to Delhi. He also said that the frequency of the flights under the project would be determined depending on commercial viability as it was a business venture which is supported greatly by the two governments.
Aishik Chanda By

Express News Service

KOLKATA: There were no signals Friday that the separate state agitation in Darjeeling is likely to wind down to a manageable agitation for Mamata Banerjees government in West Bengal.

The violence continued as Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) supporters set fire to a railway station, a healthcare centre, an electricity office, a panchayat office and a forest office on Thursday night and Friday morning.

The hills station of Darjeeling itself resembled a garrison town as security personnel in riot gear patrolled its streets and troops scoured the hills around for troublemakers. The tourists have long gone.

From somewhere unknown, the agitating partys leader, Bimal Gurung disseminated a video message in which he told his supporters to be prepared for a "do or die battle" to achieve a separate state of Gorkhaland.

Harka Bahadur Chhetri the boss of Jan Andolan Party, a bitter rival of the GJM, chief, jumped into the Gorkhaland movement Friday, holding a peace rally.

And in New Delhi, the Centre decided to put on hold sending fresh troops to the autonomous region as the state government of Mamata Banerjee has not yet submitted its report on the situation prevailing there.

All signals pointing to more trouble in the days leading to June 20, when six parties that have come together to spur the separate state movement further will convene for a strategy session.

As if to signal the seriousness of the situation, the Calcutta High Court on Friday directed the West Bengal government to restore peace in the hills and sought an assessment of the loss by way of properties damaged or burnt in the Gorkhaland agitation in the past one week.

The prodding came as a divisional bench comprising acting chief justice Nishita Mhatre and justice T Chakraborty heard a petition on loss of property during the ongoing violent agitation that started on June 8.

The state government has been ordered to come up with its report by the date of the next hearing, June 23.

The case itself relates to a previous Calcutta High Court fiat to GJM to pay Rs 69 crore as compensation for the damage it caused to public and private property during a previous bout of Gorkhaland statehood agitation during 2007-11. The GJM appealed in the Supreme Court but could not win it. However, the compensation is yet to be paid.

Losses continue to mount in this round of the agitation, with alleged GJM activists seting fire to the Gayabari railway station near Kurseong on Thursday night. While local people doused that fire, it was too late for a healthcare centre and an electricity supply office in Lodhoma, a forest office in Tarakhola near Kalimpong and a panchayat office in Mirik, which were gutted in fires allegedly lit by GJM activists.

Police have arrested six GJM supporters for involvement in arson. More than 400 CRPF jawans have been deployed in the hills, in addition to ten companies of the Army (around 1,200 soliders) and large contingents of the West Bengal Police.

And yet, Mamata Banerjee sent yet more of her resources to the hills. On Friday, she dispatched seven more IPS officers to tackle the situation, besides the three already deployed.

On the political side, the Trinamool Congress attempted a show of strength by holding a big rally in Mirik, its toehold in the Darjeeling autonomous area. The GJM is causing this ruckus because it is scared of the special audit of its use of funds and also fears it will lose the next GTA elections, TMC (Hills) spokesperson Binny Sharma said.

KOLKATA: There were no signals Friday that the separate state agitation in Darjeeling is likely to wind down to a manageable agitation for Mamata Banerjees government in West Bengal. The violence continued as Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) supporters set fire to a railway station, a healthcare centre, an electricity office, a panchayat office and a forest office on Thursday night and Friday morning. The hills station of Darjeeling itself resembled a garrison town as security personnel in riot gear patrolled its streets and troops scoured the hills around for troublemakers. The tourists have long gone. From somewhere unknown, the agitating partys leader, Bimal Gurung disseminated a video message in which he told his supporters to be prepared for a "do or die battle" to achieve a separate state of Gorkhaland. Harka Bahadur Chhetri the boss of Jan Andolan Party, a bitter rival of the GJM, chief, jumped into the Gorkhaland movement Friday, holding a peace rally. And in New Delhi, the Centre decided to put on hold sending fresh troops to the autonomous region as the state government of Mamata Banerjee has not yet submitted its report on the situation prevailing there. All signals pointing to more trouble in the days leading to June 20, when six parties that have come together to spur the separate state movement further will convene for a strategy session. As if to signal the seriousness of the situation, the Calcutta High Court on Friday directed the West Bengal government to restore peace in the hills and sought an assessment of the loss by way of properties damaged or burnt in the Gorkhaland agitation in the past one week. The prodding came as a divisional bench comprising acting chief justice Nishita Mhatre and justice T Chakraborty heard a petition on loss of property during the ongoing violent agitation that started on June 8. The state government has been ordered to come up with its report by the date of the next hearing, June 23. The case itself relates to a previous Calcutta High Court fiat to GJM to pay Rs 69 crore as compensation for the damage it caused to public and private property during a previous bout of Gorkhaland statehood agitation during 2007-11. The GJM appealed in the Supreme Court but could not win it. However, the compensation is yet to be paid. Losses continue to mount in this round of the agitation, with alleged GJM activists seting fire to the Gayabari railway station near Kurseong on Thursday night. While local people doused that fire, it was too late for a healthcare centre and an electricity supply office in Lodhoma, a forest office in Tarakhola near Kalimpong and a panchayat office in Mirik, which were gutted in fires allegedly lit by GJM activists. Police have arrested six GJM supporters for involvement in arson. More than 400 CRPF jawans have been deployed in the hills, in addition to ten companies of the Army (around 1,200 soliders) and large contingents of the West Bengal Police. And yet, Mamata Banerjee sent yet more of her resources to the hills. On Friday, she dispatched seven more IPS officers to tackle the situation, besides the three already deployed. On the political side, the Trinamool Congress attempted a show of strength by holding a big rally in Mirik, its toehold in the Darjeeling autonomous area. The GJM is causing this ruckus because it is scared of the special audit of its use of funds and also fears it will lose the next GTA elections, TMC (Hills) spokesperson Binny Sharma said.
By ANI

DARJEELING: Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) leader Bimal Gurung on Friday accused the West Bengal Police and the government of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of unlawfully attacking his house and the party office.

Administration has unlawfully attacked in my house and our party office in the instruction of Mamata Banerjee. Such an attack on the house of GTA Executive and in a registered political party office is very much dangerous for democracy, Gurung said.

Gurung alleged that Trinamool Congress (TMC) cadres entered his home with the help of the police and the administration.

TMC cadres entered in my house with the help of the police and the administration. It is a dangerous political game. The way the TMC has done politics with the CPI-M, the BJP and the Congress, in the same way, they are acting in the hills, he said.

Gurung appealed to all people to be united for this final fight.

I appeal to everyone to be united for this final fight. Mamata Banerjee cannot suppress our demand, he added.

Yesterday, police recovered a cache of arms, arrows and cash during raids conducted conducted at various GJM locations.

Earlier, as many as six parties including the GJM and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) adopted a resolution for a separate Gorkhaland state.

The TMC did not attend the meeting.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is monitoring the situation in Darjeeling.

The BJP has accused the state government of alienating the Gorkha community and creating in them an identity crisis.

"The Gorkhas belong to India, but the state government has alienated them to such an extent that they have lost belief of belonging to this country. It is the identity crisis which has initiated such violence," BJP state vice president Chandra Kumar Bose told ANI.

Bose held the state government responsible for the escalated tension in Darjeeling and said that the ruling regime cannot solve this issue by simply providing some funds and forming the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA).

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has branded the GJM protest as 'abhorrent' and appealed to the people of the region to maintain peace. The GJM supporters are also protesting against the alleged imposition of Bengali in the schools of the hills.

DARJEELING: Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) leader Bimal Gurung on Friday accused the West Bengal Police and the government of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of unlawfully attacking his house and the party office. Administration has unlawfully attacked in my house and our party office in the instruction of Mamata Banerjee. Such an attack on the house of GTA Executive and in a registered political party office is very much dangerous for democracy, Gurung said. Gurung alleged that Trinamool Congress (TMC) cadres entered his home with the help of the police and the administration. TMC cadres entered in my house with the help of the police and the administration. It is a dangerous political game. The way the TMC has done politics with the CPI-M, the BJP and the Congress, in the same way, they are acting in the hills, he said. Gurung appealed to all people to be united for this final fight. I appeal to everyone to be united for this final fight. Mamata Banerjee cannot suppress our demand, he added. Yesterday, police recovered a cache of arms, arrows and cash during raids conducted conducted at various GJM locations. Earlier, as many as six parties including the GJM and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) adopted a resolution for a separate Gorkhaland state. The TMC did not attend the meeting. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is monitoring the situation in Darjeeling. The BJP has accused the state government of alienating the Gorkha community and creating in them an identity crisis. "The Gorkhas belong to India, but the state government has alienated them to such an extent that they have lost belief of belonging to this country. It is the identity crisis which has initiated such violence," BJP state vice president Chandra Kumar Bose told ANI. Bose held the state government responsible for the escalated tension in Darjeeling and said that the ruling regime cannot solve this issue by simply providing some funds and forming the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA). West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has branded the GJM protest as 'abhorrent' and appealed to the people of the region to maintain peace. The GJM supporters are also protesting against the alleged imposition of Bengali in the schools of the hills.
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Defending the notification on ban of sale and purchase of cattle, Centre on Thursday told the Supreme Court that banning the sale and purchase of cattle at animal markets for slaughter was to have a regularized mechanism on cattle trade in India.

Additional Solicitor General P S Narasimha told a vacation bench of Justices R K Agrawal and S K Kaul that notification was issued to bring in a regulatory regime for cattle trade. The rules were changed to check on irregularities in the cattle trade, ASG said.

During a brief hearing, the court issued notice to Centre and directed the centre to reply on pleas within two weeks while slating the hearing for July 11.

The Centres submission came as the apex court sought its response on the pleas challenging the May 26 notification under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act banning sale and purchase of cattle from animal markets for slaughter namely from the Madras, Kerala and Bombay High Courts.

However, the bench refused to stay the notification for now as pressed by the petitioner in the case when ASG informed that Madras High Court had already granted an interim stay on the rules.

One of the petitioners, the Hyderabad-based Mohammed Abdul Faheem Qureshi, in his plea stated that the notification was against the freedom of religious practice to sacrifice the animals and imposing a ban on slaughter of animals for food violates the right to food, privacy and personal liberty guaranteed to a citizen under the Constitution.

Especially states like Kerala, West Bengal, Tripura and Karnataka has made it clear that they would not implement Centres ban as it would impact livelihood of those involved in the business, the petition stated adding it would cast huge economic burden on the farmers.

Offering sacrifice of animals is a part of cultural identity of certain communities, which is protected from any legislative or executive encroachment under Article 29 of the Constitution of India which is not been subjected to any restriction by the framers of the Constitution, the petition cited.

Challenging Centres competence to introduce such rules regarding regulation of animal markets, it said, It is relevant to note that, the fields of legislation, concerning Markets and fairs and Preservation or protection and improvement of stocks, falls, within entry 28 and 15 of the State list and thus it is only the State legislature, which is empowered to make laws on the said fields of legislation.

After the hearing, Union environment minister Harsh Vardhan said that all submissions made by various stakeholders against the ban o will be addressed honestly and seriously.

NEW DELHI: Defending the notification on ban of sale and purchase of cattle, Centre on Thursday told the Supreme Court that banning the sale and purchase of cattle at animal markets for slaughter was to have a regularized mechanism on cattle trade in India. Additional Solicitor General P S Narasimha told a vacation bench of Justices R K Agrawal and S K Kaul that notification was issued to bring in a regulatory regime for cattle trade. The rules were changed to check on irregularities in the cattle trade, ASG said. During a brief hearing, the court issued notice to Centre and directed the centre to reply on pleas within two weeks while slating the hearing for July 11. The Centres submission came as the apex court sought its response on the pleas challenging the May 26 notification under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act banning sale and purchase of cattle from animal markets for slaughter namely from the Madras, Kerala and Bombay High Courts. However, the bench refused to stay the notification for now as pressed by the petitioner in the case when ASG informed that Madras High Court had already granted an interim stay on the rules. One of the petitioners, the Hyderabad-based Mohammed Abdul Faheem Qureshi, in his plea stated that the notification was against the freedom of religious practice to sacrifice the animals and imposing a ban on slaughter of animals for food violates the right to food, privacy and personal liberty guaranteed to a citizen under the Constitution. Especially states like Kerala, West Bengal, Tripura and Karnataka has made it clear that they would not implement Centres ban as it would impact livelihood of those involved in the business, the petition stated adding it would cast huge economic burden on the farmers. Offering sacrifice of animals is a part of cultural identity of certain communities, which is protected from any legislative or executive encroachment under Article 29 of the Constitution of India which is not been subjected to any restriction by the framers of the Constitution, the petition cited. Challenging Centres competence to introduce such rules regarding regulation of animal markets, it said, It is relevant to note that, the fields of legislation, concerning Markets and fairs and Preservation or protection and improvement of stocks, falls, within entry 28 and 15 of the State list and thus it is only the State legislature, which is empowered to make laws on the said fields of legislation. After the hearing, Union environment minister Harsh Vardhan said that all submissions made by various stakeholders against the ban o will be addressed honestly and seriously.
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: In order boost bilateral relations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Portugal and the Netherlands later this month, besides his scheduled tour of the United States where he will meet President Donald Trump.

And during his US visit, MEA said PM might have an interaction with the Indian community there in Washington.

Announcing dates for Prime Ministers visit, MEA official spokesperson Gopal Baglay said, "My first announcement is about the forthcoming visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to The Netherlands on June 27. This will be a working visit. Prime Minister Modi will hold official talks with the Prime Minister of Portugal- Antonio Costa and is also expected to call on the King of The Netherlands. We are working on several documents to strengthen India-Portugal economic, scientific and cultural engagements and we expect to finalise and sign these documents essentially which are in the nature of memoranda of understanding."

On the issue of relations between India and Portugal, Baglay maintained that New Delhi has given a new momentum to the relationship when Prime Minister Costa visited India in January.

"As you know, India and Portugal enjoy an environmental relation, the two countries share historic and common cultural ties with a strong people to people connect. The visit of Prime Minister Costa to India in January 2017, had imparted a new momentum to the relationship. During the forthcoming visit of Prime Minister Modi to Portugal, we look forward to continue that momentum. We look forward to a useful, productive and successful visit of Prime Minister Modi to Portugal on June 24," he added.

And in connection to PMs visit to the Netherlands, Baglay said that the visit assumes significance as India and The Netherlands are celebrating 70 years of establishment of diplomatic relations this year.

"Prime Minister Modi will be visiting The Netherlands on June 27. The visit assumes significance as India and The Netherlands are celebrating 70 years of establishment of diplomatic relation this year- This will also be a working visit. During his visit, he will also meet the Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte and will hold official talks there too. Relations between India and The Netherlands are warm and friendly, while economic relations form the core of these relations. The Netherlands is the leading foreign investor in India as a large number of Dutch companies are active in India. Summarily, a significant number of Indian companies are based in The Netherlands, so we look forward to boosting economic corporation and relations, bilateral trade and relations, and also cooperation in other areas too....," Baglay added.

"You already know about the Prime minister's visit to the United States, which we had announced a few days earlier. From Portugal, the Prime minister will travel to the United States, and from there, he would travel to The Netherlands," Baglay said.

NEW DELHI: In order boost bilateral relations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Portugal and the Netherlands later this month, besides his scheduled tour of the United States where he will meet President Donald Trump. And during his US visit, MEA said PM might have an interaction with the Indian community there in Washington. Announcing dates for Prime Ministers visit, MEA official spokesperson Gopal Baglay said, "My first announcement is about the forthcoming visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to The Netherlands on June 27. This will be a working visit. Prime Minister Modi will hold official talks with the Prime Minister of Portugal- Antonio Costa and is also expected to call on the King of The Netherlands. We are working on several documents to strengthen India-Portugal economic, scientific and cultural engagements and we expect to finalise and sign these documents essentially which are in the nature of memoranda of understanding." On the issue of relations between India and Portugal, Baglay maintained that New Delhi has given a new momentum to the relationship when Prime Minister Costa visited India in January. "As you know, India and Portugal enjoy an environmental relation, the two countries share historic and common cultural ties with a strong people to people connect. The visit of Prime Minister Costa to India in January 2017, had imparted a new momentum to the relationship. During the forthcoming visit of Prime Minister Modi to Portugal, we look forward to continue that momentum. We look forward to a useful, productive and successful visit of Prime Minister Modi to Portugal on June 24," he added. And in connection to PMs visit to the Netherlands, Baglay said that the visit assumes significance as India and The Netherlands are celebrating 70 years of establishment of diplomatic relations this year. "Prime Minister Modi will be visiting The Netherlands on June 27. The visit assumes significance as India and The Netherlands are celebrating 70 years of establishment of diplomatic relation this year- This will also be a working visit. During his visit, he will also meet the Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte and will hold official talks there too. Relations between India and The Netherlands are warm and friendly, while economic relations form the core of these relations. The Netherlands is the leading foreign investor in India as a large number of Dutch companies are active in India. Summarily, a significant number of Indian companies are based in The Netherlands, so we look forward to boosting economic corporation and relations, bilateral trade and relations, and also cooperation in other areas too....," Baglay added. "You already know about the Prime minister's visit to the United States, which we had announced a few days earlier. From Portugal, the Prime minister will travel to the United States, and from there, he would travel to The Netherlands," Baglay said.
By ANI

VADODRA: After Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, now farmers in Vadodara will stage a protest on Friday demanding the implementation of the Dr. Swaminathan Committee report.

More than 1000 farmers will gather across the district and will move for road blocking which may affect the traffic adversely in the area.

They are demanding to implement Dr Swaminathan Committee report in order for the betterment of farmers.

The Swaminathan Committee report made several recommendations for improvement in the situation of farmers in India.The National Commission on Farmers, chaired by Prof. M. S. Swaminathan, submitted five reports through the period December 2004 - October 2006.



The agrarian crisis in the country has become a matter of concern for the government recently, especially amid escalated violence emerging from parts of the country over the matter.

The recent farmers protest in the Mandsaur district of Madhya Pradesh that claimed lives of six farmers, was the testimony of the worsening situation.

VADODRA: After Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, now farmers in Vadodara will stage a protest on Friday demanding the implementation of the Dr. Swaminathan Committee report. More than 1000 farmers will gather across the district and will move for road blocking which may affect the traffic adversely in the area. They are demanding to implement Dr Swaminathan Committee report in order for the betterment of farmers. The Swaminathan Committee report made several recommendations for improvement in the situation of farmers in India.The National Commission on Farmers, chaired by Prof. M. S. Swaminathan, submitted five reports through the period December 2004 - October 2006. The agrarian crisis in the country has become a matter of concern for the government recently, especially amid escalated violence emerging from parts of the country over the matter. The recent farmers protest in the Mandsaur district of Madhya Pradesh that claimed lives of six farmers, was the testimony of the worsening situation.
Namita Bajpai By

Express News Service

LUCKNOW: The Uttar Pradesh governments decision to dissolve the Shia and Sunni Waqf Boards in the State follows complains against former cabinet minister Azam Khan, his wife, the Central Waqf Council, claimed State Waqf and Haj minister Mohsin Raza on Thursday.

Azan Khans department also had received a lot of complaints of land and money misappropriation and that the state government had recommended a CBI probe into the dubious land deals reported by council after its inquiry, he added.

According to sources, Azam Khan was also accused of diverting funds from Waqf properties to his own Maulana Ali Jauhar Education Trust in Rampur and the CWC report allegedly recommended the dissolution of the boards at the earliest. It has also advised the state government to prevent officials under scanner from entering Waqf bodies till probe is on.

However, Azam Khan had been denying having any role in waqf land deals and swindling of funds.

There would either be a new board or an administrative officer appointed for the departments work, said Raza, claiming that the government would ensure that common man did not suffer in any way.

Meanwhile, talking to Express UP Shia Waqf Board chairman Waseem Rizvi denied having received any such notice informing him about the dissolution of the Board.

It seems to be the handiwork of some rumour mongers as Waqf Board cannot be dissolved legally, he said. Rizvi added that UP Shia Waqf Boards had its tenure till 2020 and it would complete it.

There is no law in place through which the board could be dissolved in the middle of its term, he maintained adding that during the previous regime when the board was dissolved, they had got reinstated by Supreme Courts order. However, Zufar Farooqi, UP Sunni Waqf Board chairman, could not be contacted despite repeated efforts for his comments.

LUCKNOW: The Uttar Pradesh governments decision to dissolve the Shia and Sunni Waqf Boards in the State follows complains against former cabinet minister Azam Khan, his wife, the Central Waqf Council, claimed State Waqf and Haj minister Mohsin Raza on Thursday. Azan Khans department also had received a lot of complaints of land and money misappropriation and that the state government had recommended a CBI probe into the dubious land deals reported by council after its inquiry, he added. According to sources, Azam Khan was also accused of diverting funds from Waqf properties to his own Maulana Ali Jauhar Education Trust in Rampur and the CWC report allegedly recommended the dissolution of the boards at the earliest. It has also advised the state government to prevent officials under scanner from entering Waqf bodies till probe is on. However, Azam Khan had been denying having any role in waqf land deals and swindling of funds. There would either be a new board or an administrative officer appointed for the departments work, said Raza, claiming that the government would ensure that common man did not suffer in any way. Meanwhile, talking to Express UP Shia Waqf Board chairman Waseem Rizvi denied having received any such notice informing him about the dissolution of the Board. It seems to be the handiwork of some rumour mongers as Waqf Board cannot be dissolved legally, he said. Rizvi added that UP Shia Waqf Boards had its tenure till 2020 and it would complete it. There is no law in place through which the board could be dissolved in the middle of its term, he maintained adding that during the previous regime when the board was dissolved, they had got reinstated by Supreme Courts order. However, Zufar Farooqi, UP Sunni Waqf Board chairman, could not be contacted despite repeated efforts for his comments.
Anuraag Singh By

Express News Service

BHOPAL: National convener of Rashtriya Kisan Mahasangh (association of 62 farmers bodies) Shiv Kumar Sharma Kakkaji was arrested along with seven aides on Friday afternoon while trying to block NH-12 at Bhopals Misrod area in Madhya Pradesh.

Sharma, who had spearheaded the recent farmers stir in MP, said, Arresting us is not going to stop suicides in the state. The government will have to seriously work for it by accepting farmers demands, including waiver of loans.

Kakkaji, who was later released on bail, said that they were going to register their protest on International Yoga Day on June 21 by performing Shavasana (the corpse pose).

We will try to go where the PM is slated to participate in the Yoga Day. If we get to reach there and participate in the program, well perform shavasana there. Else, we will perform it wherever we are present that day, be it on road or fields, said Kakkaji.

One more farmer commits suicide

While the farmers press on with their demands, one more farmer committed suicide in Madhya Pradesh over the last 24 hours, while a farm labourer attempted self immolation in the state, allegedly under the burden of mounting debts.

Mukesh allegedly committed suicide by consuming poison at Lachor village in Budhni town of Sehore district. While the police said they were investigating the matter, the deceased farmers kin alleged that he ended life due to burden of private loans. Budhni is the hometown of CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan. In adjoining Hoshangabad district also, a farm labourer Babulal Verma attempted to immolate self in Redhal village, allegedly under pressure of private money lenders. He has been referred to Bhopal for treatment.

With this, eight farmers have committed suicide in the state over the last five days over varied reasons, including burden of loans. As per state government figures reported in April 2017, at least 1,982 farmers and farm labourers committed suicide in the state in a year between February 2016 and February 2017, which meant one farmer is committing suicide every five hours in the state. This, ironically, happened in a state that been registering 18% annual agricultural growth and has been receiving the central governments Krishi Karmanya award for excellence in agriculture since the last five years. Also, the figures revealed that over 21,000 farmers reportedly committed suicide over varied reasons in the last 16 years.

Congress Satyagraha ends

The Bhopal leg of the 72-hours Satyagraha launched by Opposition Congress over farmer-related issues ended on Friday. However, the formal culmination of the Satyagraha will take place at Khaghat town of Dhar district in west MP on Saturday. Senior Congress leaders, including former Union ministers Jyotiraditya Scindia and Kamal Nath (both MPs from Madhya Pradesh), will participate in the programme on Saturday, where over 10,000 farmers and Congress workers are likely to take part.

The Satyagraha will end there, but a peaceful protest will be staged for farmers rights in Sagar district on June 19, followed by protests at every block, district and Vidhan Sabha constituencies in the coming days, Scindia told journalists on Friday.

BHOPAL: National convener of Rashtriya Kisan Mahasangh (association of 62 farmers bodies) Shiv Kumar Sharma Kakkaji was arrested along with seven aides on Friday afternoon while trying to block NH-12 at Bhopals Misrod area in Madhya Pradesh. Sharma, who had spearheaded the recent farmers stir in MP, said, Arresting us is not going to stop suicides in the state. The government will have to seriously work for it by accepting farmers demands, including waiver of loans. Kakkaji, who was later released on bail, said that they were going to register their protest on International Yoga Day on June 21 by performing Shavasana (the corpse pose). We will try to go where the PM is slated to participate in the Yoga Day. If we get to reach there and participate in the program, well perform shavasana there. Else, we will perform it wherever we are present that day, be it on road or fields, said Kakkaji. One more farmer commits suicide While the farmers press on with their demands, one more farmer committed suicide in Madhya Pradesh over the last 24 hours, while a farm labourer attempted self immolation in the state, allegedly under the burden of mounting debts. Mukesh allegedly committed suicide by consuming poison at Lachor village in Budhni town of Sehore district. While the police said they were investigating the matter, the deceased farmers kin alleged that he ended life due to burden of private loans. Budhni is the hometown of CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan. In adjoining Hoshangabad district also, a farm labourer Babulal Verma attempted to immolate self in Redhal village, allegedly under pressure of private money lenders. He has been referred to Bhopal for treatment. With this, eight farmers have committed suicide in the state over the last five days over varied reasons, including burden of loans. As per state government figures reported in April 2017, at least 1,982 farmers and farm labourers committed suicide in the state in a year between February 2016 and February 2017, which meant one farmer is committing suicide every five hours in the state. This, ironically, happened in a state that been registering 18% annual agricultural growth and has been receiving the central governments Krishi Karmanya award for excellence in agriculture since the last five years. Also, the figures revealed that over 21,000 farmers reportedly committed suicide over varied reasons in the last 16 years. Congress Satyagraha ends The Bhopal leg of the 72-hours Satyagraha launched by Opposition Congress over farmer-related issues ended on Friday. However, the formal culmination of the Satyagraha will take place at Khaghat town of Dhar district in west MP on Saturday. Senior Congress leaders, including former Union ministers Jyotiraditya Scindia and Kamal Nath (both MPs from Madhya Pradesh), will participate in the programme on Saturday, where over 10,000 farmers and Congress workers are likely to take part. The Satyagraha will end there, but a peaceful protest will be staged for farmers rights in Sagar district on June 19, followed by protests at every block, district and Vidhan Sabha constituencies in the coming days, Scindia told journalists on Friday.
By Express News Service

LUCKNOW: The sparks of the farmers unrest in Madhya Pradesh were witnessed in adjoining Jhansi district of Uttar Pradesh where thousands of farmers, led by Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU), gathered to protest in support of their demands on Friday. Over 100 women farmers also joined the stir.

Leading the protest with the slogans of Muavaza Do Yaa Maut Do (give compensation or death) the demonstrating farmers had blocked Khajuraho National Highway in Mauranipur area for four hours. Bundelkhand farmers, who have been suffering from prolonged drought and other related issues for a long time, were demanding constitution of a Kisan Ayog, right to fix price of their crops and interest free loans for farming. They were also demanding the government to get loans of all the banks due on them waived off besides reminding the present dispensation of its poll promise of initiating a pension scheme of Rs 5, 000 per month for farmers above 60 years of age.

Refusing to end the stir even after the persuasion of district police officials, they lifted the blockade only after the intervention of DM Karna Singh Chauhan and his assurance of looking into their demands. We want a permanent solution to our problems and the DM has assured us of it. So we have ended the protest only for now, said farmer leader Shiv Narain Parihar adding that the stir would restart if the demands were not met.

The state government should take steps to address the water woes of this region which has been suffering from prolonged drought, said Parihar. Before ending the demonstration, the farmers handed over a charter of 10 demands to the DM. The first and foremost demand of the farmers was action against officers involved in 2015-16 tube well scam. The farmers claimed that they were duped by the then government officers who took money (Rs 20,000-50,000) from them on the promise of getting tube wells installed, but later they rejected the receipts of money deposited calling them fake.

They also sought the authorities concerned to set up an Agriculture Security Force to safeguard their crops from wild animals. They also wanted the educated youth from farmers community to be recruited in the said force. On the issue of land acquisition for upcoming highways and expressways in the region, the farmers demanded total compensation for land in advance as many farmers were still waiting for earlier dues. Moreover, their charter also included a demand to ban illegal mining in the region and insurance against accidents for the farmers.

LUCKNOW: The sparks of the farmers unrest in Madhya Pradesh were witnessed in adjoining Jhansi district of Uttar Pradesh where thousands of farmers, led by Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU), gathered to protest in support of their demands on Friday. Over 100 women farmers also joined the stir. Leading the protest with the slogans of Muavaza Do Yaa Maut Do (give compensation or death) the demonstrating farmers had blocked Khajuraho National Highway in Mauranipur area for four hours. Bundelkhand farmers, who have been suffering from prolonged drought and other related issues for a long time, were demanding constitution of a Kisan Ayog, right to fix price of their crops and interest free loans for farming. They were also demanding the government to get loans of all the banks due on them waived off besides reminding the present dispensation of its poll promise of initiating a pension scheme of Rs 5, 000 per month for farmers above 60 years of age. Refusing to end the stir even after the persuasion of district police officials, they lifted the blockade only after the intervention of DM Karna Singh Chauhan and his assurance of looking into their demands. We want a permanent solution to our problems and the DM has assured us of it. So we have ended the protest only for now, said farmer leader Shiv Narain Parihar adding that the stir would restart if the demands were not met. The state government should take steps to address the water woes of this region which has been suffering from prolonged drought, said Parihar. Before ending the demonstration, the farmers handed over a charter of 10 demands to the DM. The first and foremost demand of the farmers was action against officers involved in 2015-16 tube well scam. The farmers claimed that they were duped by the then government officers who took money (Rs 20,000-50,000) from them on the promise of getting tube wells installed, but later they rejected the receipts of money deposited calling them fake. They also sought the authorities concerned to set up an Agriculture Security Force to safeguard their crops from wild animals. They also wanted the educated youth from farmers community to be recruited in the said force. On the issue of land acquisition for upcoming highways and expressways in the region, the farmers demanded total compensation for land in advance as many farmers were still waiting for earlier dues. Moreover, their charter also included a demand to ban illegal mining in the region and insurance against accidents for the farmers.
Former Hungarian leader Imre Nagy who led the 1956 uprising against Soviet interference was given a public funeral on this day in 1989. The reburial occurred exactly 31 years after he was hanged

Expelled by the communists

Nagy was Hungarys PM from 1953 till 1955 when the Communist Party expelled him for wanting to release political prisoners and liberalise the economy, the BBC reported then. In October 1956, students revolted and demanded Nagys reinstatement and he returned to power

NATO: No Action, All Talk

The US which had stoked the Hungarians failed to come to their aid. The initials NATO could summarise its approach: No Action, Talk Only, wrote political scientist Charles Gati. Within three weeks, the Soviets crushed the uprising with 30,000 killed in Budapest alone. Nagy was captured and later hanged

But was Nagy really a hero?

Gati, who fled Hungary after Moscows intervention, wrote that the uprising failed because Nagy lacked the political skills to make it victorious. Further, the students who supported Nagy didnt realise their hero had collaborated with the Soviets earlier

Viktor Orbans rise

Hungarys current PM Viktor Orban rose into prominence during Nagys reburial. Orban, now criticised for his authoritarian nature, delivered a powerful speech at the 1989 funeral where he slammed the communists who were still ruling the nation

Former Hungarian leader Imre Nagy who led the 1956 uprising against Soviet interference was given a public funeral on this day in 1989. The reburial occurred exactly 31 years after he was hanged Expelled by the communists Nagy was Hungarys PM from 1953 till 1955 when the Communist Party expelled him for wanting to release political prisoners and liberalise the economy, the BBC reported then. In October 1956, students revolted and demanded Nagys reinstatement and he returned to power NATO: No Action, All Talk The US which had stoked the Hungarians failed to come to their aid. The initials NATO could summarise its approach: No Action, Talk Only, wrote political scientist Charles Gati. Within three weeks, the Soviets crushed the uprising with 30,000 killed in Budapest alone. Nagy was captured and later hanged But was Nagy really a hero? Gati, who fled Hungary after Moscows intervention, wrote that the uprising failed because Nagy lacked the political skills to make it victorious. Further, the students who supported Nagy didnt realise their hero had collaborated with the Soviets earlier Viktor Orbans rise Hungarys current PM Viktor Orban rose into prominence during Nagys reburial. Orban, now criticised for his authoritarian nature, delivered a powerful speech at the 1989 funeral where he slammed the communists who were still ruling the nation
Vappala Balachandran By

It is not true that complaints against Qatar had suddenly emerged after US President Trumps visit to Riyadh in May as reported in some sections of our media. The New York Times had filed a special report on September 7, 2014 that US agencies had noticed Qatar tacitly consenting to open fund-raising by Sheikh Ajmi and others belonging to al-Nusra, al-Qaedas Syrian affiliate.

They were also noticed addressing gatherings in state-owned mosques in Qatar and even occasionally appearing on Al Jazeera. Some Western analysts had accused Qatar of even supporting the ISIS. But the Times report equally blamed Kuwait, where Sheikh Ajmi is based, and Saudi Arabia whose donors were tapped by al-Nusra. They were even seen making their pitches on Saudi- and Kuwaiti-owned television networks. So the reason cited by Saudi Arabia for boycotting Qatarto protect national security from the dangers of terrorism and extremismseems hollow.

However the world was surprised at the suddenness of the Saudi Arabian announcement of an economic and political boycott of Qatar on June 5 so soon after Trumps successful meeting with 50 leaders of the Muslim world. The Emir of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani had attended the Riyadh meeting and also had a one-to-one session with Trump. Bahrain, Egypt, Yemen, Maldives and the United Arab Emirates soon joined the Qatar boycott.

In the past too, Qatar had quarrels with Saudi Arabia, the leader of the Arab world. Other Arab countries, jealous of Qatars prosperity and independent foreign policy had sided with Saudi Arabia which had withdrawn its ambassador from 2002 to 2008. In 2014, other pro-Saudi countries had pulled out their diplomats from Doha. Observers say that this time the anger is more since al-Thani was suspected to have criticised Saudi Arabia and praised Iran in a recent statement. Doha says that it was fake news planted by hackers who wanted to ruin the relationship between the countries.

But what has worsened the situation is the hype created by Trump. First he tweeted on

June 6 taking credit for the step against Qatar. In the past, the US and Western countries had always tried to keep a distance and let the feuding Arabs sort things out themselves with some discreet mediation. If at all any intervention was required, their bureaucracies used to help instead of high-level intercession. Trump did not follow this convention perhaps due to his impulsive nature or immaturity in handling sensitive foreign policy matters.

His surprising outburst against Qatar on June 9 when he was addressing a joint press conference with Romanian President Klaus Iohannis at the White House worsened the situation. He alleged that the nation of Qatar, unfortunately, has historically been a funder of terrorism at a very high level. He did not know or perhaps forgot that Qatar was supporting the US war on terror by permitting 10,000 US troops at their Al Udeid Air Base, the largest US military station in the region, from where ISIS targets are being attacked.

Ironically Trumps outburst totally negated his Secretary of State Rex Tillersons efforts in trying to cool the surcharged atmosphere and get the blockade lifted. It is also significant that the Pentagon had observed diplomatic protocol by releasing a statement on June 5 thanking the Qataris for their longstanding support of our presence and their enduring commitment to regional security. Perhaps it was for the first time that both the State Department and the Pentagon had shown open differences with the White House on an important issue.

Informed observers feel that Trumps deliberate posturing may be due to another reason. It may be recalled that in September 2016, the US Congress had passed with overwhelming majority the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JAST) permitting US citizens to sue Saudi Arabia for American deaths during 9/11. This law allowed US courts to waive foreign sovereign immunity. It had the backing of Trumps constituency. But it was vetoed by President Obama due to strong Saudi objections.

Candidate Trump had then criticised Obama for this shameful veto. However the US Congress successfully voted to override the presidential veto. The relationship between Saudi Arabia and the US had sunk to a record low after the law was passed. Now Trumps National Security Advisor H R McMaster wants Saudi Arabia to be exempted from JAST. But this is not possible. Trumps deliberate anti-Qatar outbursts could also be to mollify Riyadh since he is unable to oblige the Saudis by scrapping this law.

The situation in Qatar will worsen, if emboldened by the US stand, any military move by the Saudi-led coalition takes place. On June 7, 2017 the Turkish Parliament ratified a law passed in May 2017 allowing its troops to be stationed in a Turkish base in Qatar. This base was opened in April 2016 following an agreement two years earlier. According to observers this base was a symbolic step in demonstrating Turkeys move toward greater influence in the region and Qatars independence from its powerful neighbours. The new Turkish base was expected to house about 3,000 personnel. There are presently about 150 Turkish personnel here. Saudi Arabia might view any Turkish troop movement as a provocation. Iran is already airlifting food to Doha since Qatar depends on imports for 80 per cent of their food requirements.

In these circumstances it would be advisable for India to keep contingency plans to protect the interests of 6,50,000 Indian workers who constitute a quarter of the 26 lakh Qatari population. They hail from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Andhra. India should not be caught unawares if a military conflict takes place since the US is in no mood to sort out the situation.

(Syndicate: The Billion Press)

Vappala Balachandran

Former Special Secretary, Cabinet Secretariat

Email: editor@thebillionpress.org

It is not true that complaints against Qatar had suddenly emerged after US President Trumps visit to Riyadh in May as reported in some sections of our media. The New York Times had filed a special report on September 7, 2014 that US agencies had noticed Qatar tacitly consenting to open fund-raising by Sheikh Ajmi and others belonging to al-Nusra, al-Qaedas Syrian affiliate. They were also noticed addressing gatherings in state-owned mosques in Qatar and even occasionally appearing on Al Jazeera. Some Western analysts had accused Qatar of even supporting the ISIS. But the Times report equally blamed Kuwait, where Sheikh Ajmi is based, and Saudi Arabia whose donors were tapped by al-Nusra. They were even seen making their pitches on Saudi- and Kuwaiti-owned television networks. So the reason cited by Saudi Arabia for boycotting Qatarto protect national security from the dangers of terrorism and extremismseems hollow. However the world was surprised at the suddenness of the Saudi Arabian announcement of an economic and political boycott of Qatar on June 5 so soon after Trumps successful meeting with 50 leaders of the Muslim world. The Emir of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani had attended the Riyadh meeting and also had a one-to-one session with Trump. Bahrain, Egypt, Yemen, Maldives and the United Arab Emirates soon joined the Qatar boycott. In the past too, Qatar had quarrels with Saudi Arabia, the leader of the Arab world. Other Arab countries, jealous of Qatars prosperity and independent foreign policy had sided with Saudi Arabia which had withdrawn its ambassador from 2002 to 2008. In 2014, other pro-Saudi countries had pulled out their diplomats from Doha. Observers say that this time the anger is more since al-Thani was suspected to have criticised Saudi Arabia and praised Iran in a recent statement. Doha says that it was fake news planted by hackers who wanted to ruin the relationship between the countries. But what has worsened the situation is the hype created by Trump. First he tweeted on June 6 taking credit for the step against Qatar. In the past, the US and Western countries had always tried to keep a distance and let the feuding Arabs sort things out themselves with some discreet mediation. If at all any intervention was required, their bureaucracies used to help instead of high-level intercession. Trump did not follow this convention perhaps due to his impulsive nature or immaturity in handling sensitive foreign policy matters. His surprising outburst against Qatar on June 9 when he was addressing a joint press conference with Romanian President Klaus Iohannis at the White House worsened the situation. He alleged that the nation of Qatar, unfortunately, has historically been a funder of terrorism at a very high level. He did not know or perhaps forgot that Qatar was supporting the US war on terror by permitting 10,000 US troops at their Al Udeid Air Base, the largest US military station in the region, from where ISIS targets are being attacked. Ironically Trumps outburst totally negated his Secretary of State Rex Tillersons efforts in trying to cool the surcharged atmosphere and get the blockade lifted. It is also significant that the Pentagon had observed diplomatic protocol by releasing a statement on June 5 thanking the Qataris for their longstanding support of our presence and their enduring commitment to regional security. Perhaps it was for the first time that both the State Department and the Pentagon had shown open differences with the White House on an important issue. Informed observers feel that Trumps deliberate posturing may be due to another reason. It may be recalled that in September 2016, the US Congress had passed with overwhelming majority the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JAST) permitting US citizens to sue Saudi Arabia for American deaths during 9/11. This law allowed US courts to waive foreign sovereign immunity. It had the backing of Trumps constituency. But it was vetoed by President Obama due to strong Saudi objections. Candidate Trump had then criticised Obama for this shameful veto. However the US Congress successfully voted to override the presidential veto. The relationship between Saudi Arabia and the US had sunk to a record low after the law was passed. Now Trumps National Security Advisor H R McMaster wants Saudi Arabia to be exempted from JAST. But this is not possible. Trumps deliberate anti-Qatar outbursts could also be to mollify Riyadh since he is unable to oblige the Saudis by scrapping this law. The situation in Qatar will worsen, if emboldened by the US stand, any military move by the Saudi-led coalition takes place. On June 7, 2017 the Turkish Parliament ratified a law passed in May 2017 allowing its troops to be stationed in a Turkish base in Qatar. This base was opened in April 2016 following an agreement two years earlier. According to observers this base was a symbolic step in demonstrating Turkeys move toward greater influence in the region and Qatars independence from its powerful neighbours. The new Turkish base was expected to house about 3,000 personnel. There are presently about 150 Turkish personnel here. Saudi Arabia might view any Turkish troop movement as a provocation. Iran is already airlifting food to Doha since Qatar depends on imports for 80 per cent of their food requirements. In these circumstances it would be advisable for India to keep contingency plans to protect the interests of 6,50,000 Indian workers who constitute a quarter of the 26 lakh Qatari population. They hail from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Andhra. India should not be caught unawares if a military conflict takes place since the US is in no mood to sort out the situation. (Syndicate: The Billion Press) Vappala Balachandran Former Special Secretary, Cabinet Secretariat Email: editor@thebillionpress.org
Nandini Chandrashekar By

Express News Service

BENGALURU: The Congress suffered a huge loss of face as the motion to remove Legislative Council Chairman D H Shankaramurthy was defeated by one vote.

Half an hour before the motion was taken up in the House, Shankaramurthy walked in and settled in a members chair, signalling that all was well. At that moment, it was clear that JD(S) had conclusively signalled that it was supporting the BJP on the no-confidence motion.

The defeat has also exposed the inner rumblings of Congress old timers with the new entrants. Senior Congress leaders are understandably incensed with MLC V S Ugrappa who, along with his friend and MLC H M Revanna and others, had signed the resolution seeking Shankaramurthys removal.

Home Minister and Leader of Council G Parameshwara openly berated Ugrappa, blaming him for Thursdays embarrassment. Sources say Ugrappa was given the responsibility of winning this point from the BJP, but clearly Ugrappa was not up to the task.

For one thing, Congress did not bother to engage the JD(S) as the grand old party took JD(S) support for granted even after knowing that their support was crucial during the voting. With 13 members on the Council, it was evident that if JD(S) supported BJP, Congress would clearly lose out in the numbers game.

Yet, it was only on Tuesday that Parameshwara met JD(S) national president Deve Gowda to enlist his support, but had no word in response when asked if seven-time MLC Basavaraj Horatti would be made Chairman. A positive response on this score from Congress came belatedly and only on Thursday morning and by that time it was too late.

But whether JD(S) would have taken up that offer even if it was made earlier is unclear. It is another matter that top JD(S) leaders were not keen either to make Horatti the Chairman at this juncture as it would automatically disallow him from taking part in party activities. With JD(S) making a huge foray into North Karnataka for the next assembly elections, Horatti and Navalgund MLA Kona Raddi are the two people expected to play a crucial role.

JD(S) state president H D Kumaraswamy also sent a clever message by signalling that amiability that existed for the recent bypolls between his party and Congress was over and maintained that the tie-up with the BJP was only in the Council.

The Congress also did not make any attempts to engage the two independents  D U Mallikarjun and Basanagouda Patil Yatnal - whose vote in favour of the motion would have tilted the scales in favour of Congress. In fact, BJP made sure that Mallikarjun, who was in the US, returned immediately and he arrived in Bengaluru early on Thursday morning.

Complaint against Ugrappa

Knives are already out for Ugrappa, a close aide of Siddaramaiah, as one section of Congress leaders are set to complain about him to AICC General Secretary and state in-charge K C Venugopal. Another section of Congress old guard, who delight in running down the outsiders, will complain about Siddaramaiahs reliance on Ugrappa and this loss will give them something to grin about.

BENGALURU: The Congress suffered a huge loss of face as the motion to remove Legislative Council Chairman D H Shankaramurthy was defeated by one vote. Half an hour before the motion was taken up in the House, Shankaramurthy walked in and settled in a members chair, signalling that all was well. At that moment, it was clear that JD(S) had conclusively signalled that it was supporting the BJP on the no-confidence motion. The defeat has also exposed the inner rumblings of Congress old timers with the new entrants. Senior Congress leaders are understandably incensed with MLC V S Ugrappa who, along with his friend and MLC H M Revanna and others, had signed the resolution seeking Shankaramurthys removal. Home Minister and Leader of Council G Parameshwara openly berated Ugrappa, blaming him for Thursdays embarrassment. Sources say Ugrappa was given the responsibility of winning this point from the BJP, but clearly Ugrappa was not up to the task. For one thing, Congress did not bother to engage the JD(S) as the grand old party took JD(S) support for granted even after knowing that their support was crucial during the voting. With 13 members on the Council, it was evident that if JD(S) supported BJP, Congress would clearly lose out in the numbers game. Yet, it was only on Tuesday that Parameshwara met JD(S) national president Deve Gowda to enlist his support, but had no word in response when asked if seven-time MLC Basavaraj Horatti would be made Chairman. A positive response on this score from Congress came belatedly and only on Thursday morning and by that time it was too late. But whether JD(S) would have taken up that offer even if it was made earlier is unclear. It is another matter that top JD(S) leaders were not keen either to make Horatti the Chairman at this juncture as it would automatically disallow him from taking part in party activities. With JD(S) making a huge foray into North Karnataka for the next assembly elections, Horatti and Navalgund MLA Kona Raddi are the two people expected to play a crucial role. JD(S) state president H D Kumaraswamy also sent a clever message by signalling that amiability that existed for the recent bypolls between his party and Congress was over and maintained that the tie-up with the BJP was only in the Council. The Congress also did not make any attempts to engage the two independents  D U Mallikarjun and Basanagouda Patil Yatnal - whose vote in favour of the motion would have tilted the scales in favour of Congress. In fact, BJP made sure that Mallikarjun, who was in the US, returned immediately and he arrived in Bengaluru early on Thursday morning. Complaint against Ugrappa Knives are already out for Ugrappa, a close aide of Siddaramaiah, as one section of Congress leaders are set to complain about him to AICC General Secretary and state in-charge K C Venugopal. Another section of Congress old guard, who delight in running down the outsiders, will complain about Siddaramaiahs reliance on Ugrappa and this loss will give them something to grin about.
By Express News Service

BHUBANESWAR: A whopping 186 trains will be operated by the East Coast Railway (ECoR) to meet the travel load of pilgrims thronging Puri in a span of nine days during Rath Yatra. On the first day of the grand festival on June 25, 34 trains will ply to Puri whereas on the second day, the number will rise to 72.

Divisional Railway Manager of Khurda Road Brij Mohan Agarwal told mediapersons on Friday that all 186 trains planned during the Car festival will be in addition to the regular trains. In view of the rush, the ECoR has opened several enquiry counters and information centres to aid passengers while medical assistance booths have been set up at Puri for round-the-clock functioning. Additional 24 ticket counters will be opened at nine stations for this purpose.

For safety and security of the large congregation that happens during Rath Yatra, the ECoR has mobilised large contingents of RPF, sniffer dogs apart from deployment of GRP. Fire service and home guards will also be deployed. Close circuit cameras will be installed on the entire length and breadth of Puri Railway Station to keep a close eye on anti-social elements.

The Railways have also made arrangements for a 'mela' shed and illumination.

Meanwhile in a separate development, the 12.4 km stretch from Bolagarh to Nayagarh under Khurda-Balangir line will be unveiled for commercial operations on June 19.

BHUBANESWAR: A whopping 186 trains will be operated by the East Coast Railway (ECoR) to meet the travel load of pilgrims thronging Puri in a span of nine days during Rath Yatra. On the first day of the grand festival on June 25, 34 trains will ply to Puri whereas on the second day, the number will rise to 72. Divisional Railway Manager of Khurda Road Brij Mohan Agarwal told mediapersons on Friday that all 186 trains planned during the Car festival will be in addition to the regular trains. In view of the rush, the ECoR has opened several enquiry counters and information centres to aid passengers while medical assistance booths have been set up at Puri for round-the-clock functioning. Additional 24 ticket counters will be opened at nine stations for this purpose. For safety and security of the large congregation that happens during Rath Yatra, the ECoR has mobilised large contingents of RPF, sniffer dogs apart from deployment of GRP. Fire service and home guards will also be deployed. Close circuit cameras will be installed on the entire length and breadth of Puri Railway Station to keep a close eye on anti-social elements. The Railways have also made arrangements for a 'mela' shed and illumination. Meanwhile in a separate development, the 12.4 km stretch from Bolagarh to Nayagarh under Khurda-Balangir line will be unveiled for commercial operations on June 19.
By Express News Service

SAMBALPUR : Confusion prevails over holding of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas Sammelan, marking three years of Modi Government at the Centre. Even though it is a government function and leaders of other political parties are being invited to the event in other States, the situation is different in Odisha. Here, the Sammelan was organised by Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL).



Apparently, while local BJP elected members and functionaries are being invited for the meet, the BJD MLAs are ignored. On the other hand, ministers from neighbouring Chhattisgarh are attending the event. Following Mahandai conflict, the presence of leaders from across the border has not gone down well with the people and BJPs plan of showcasing its success may backfire, said political observers.

Chhattisgarh Minister for Urban Development Amar Agrawal attended the Sammelan in Kuchinda on Tuesday. However, the MCL was left in a quandary till the last minute over the backdrop banner and the expenses that will be incurred for the event.



While BJP MLA from Kuchinda Rabi Naik graced the dais along with Agrawal, former BJP MLA Subhas Chandra Panigrahi, district BJP president Arun Kumar Sahu besides BJP PRI members joined Chhattisgarh Revenue Minister Prem Prakash Pandey at the Sammelan in Deogarh on Monday. But there was no sight of Deputy Government Chief Whip and local MLA Rohit Pujari at the Sammelan at Rairakhol.



Sambalpur MLA Raseswari Panigrahi called on the Director-Personnel of MCL, L N Mishra, on Monday and registered her protest over BJD leaders being ignored. She questioned the justification behind spending huge amount of money by MCL when local elected leaders are not being invited. The non-invitation to the elected leaders of the BJD to these functions has also evoked sharp reaction from among the rank and file of the BJD.

Shivraj arriving at Bargarh today

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will fly in to Bargarh on Saturday to grace Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas Sammelan. With the BJD and the Congress preparing to oppose the visit, it has been decided that Chouhan will land at Bargarh Mini Stadium near Loka Mandap ground, the venue. He is likely to land at 12.15 noon and take off at 1.45 pm after attending the event.

Chouhan is expected to highlight the development and welfare schemes launched by Narendra Modi Government and rapid strides made by his Government in various spheres. After the attack on cavalcade of Union Minister Santosh Gangwar in June last year, Bargarh police decided to deploy 13 platoons of force led by six DSPs, 10 Inspectors, 37 Sub-Inspectors and 50 Assistant Sub-Inspectors to prevent any kind of protest. Additional SP Jasobanta Senapati said tight security has been put in place and stringent action would be taken against anyone trying to create disturbance.

SAMBALPUR : Confusion prevails over holding of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas Sammelan, marking three years of Modi Government at the Centre. Even though it is a government function and leaders of other political parties are being invited to the event in other States, the situation is different in Odisha. Here, the Sammelan was organised by Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL). Apparently, while local BJP elected members and functionaries are being invited for the meet, the BJD MLAs are ignored. On the other hand, ministers from neighbouring Chhattisgarh are attending the event. Following Mahandai conflict, the presence of leaders from across the border has not gone down well with the people and BJPs plan of showcasing its success may backfire, said political observers. Chhattisgarh Minister for Urban Development Amar Agrawal attended the Sammelan in Kuchinda on Tuesday. However, the MCL was left in a quandary till the last minute over the backdrop banner and the expenses that will be incurred for the event. While BJP MLA from Kuchinda Rabi Naik graced the dais along with Agrawal, former BJP MLA Subhas Chandra Panigrahi, district BJP president Arun Kumar Sahu besides BJP PRI members joined Chhattisgarh Revenue Minister Prem Prakash Pandey at the Sammelan in Deogarh on Monday. But there was no sight of Deputy Government Chief Whip and local MLA Rohit Pujari at the Sammelan at Rairakhol. Sambalpur MLA Raseswari Panigrahi called on the Director-Personnel of MCL, L N Mishra, on Monday and registered her protest over BJD leaders being ignored. She questioned the justification behind spending huge amount of money by MCL when local elected leaders are not being invited. The non-invitation to the elected leaders of the BJD to these functions has also evoked sharp reaction from among the rank and file of the BJD. Shivraj arriving at Bargarh today Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will fly in to Bargarh on Saturday to grace Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas Sammelan. With the BJD and the Congress preparing to oppose the visit, it has been decided that Chouhan will land at Bargarh Mini Stadium near Loka Mandap ground, the venue. He is likely to land at 12.15 noon and take off at 1.45 pm after attending the event. Chouhan is expected to highlight the development and welfare schemes launched by Narendra Modi Government and rapid strides made by his Government in various spheres. After the attack on cavalcade of Union Minister Santosh Gangwar in June last year, Bargarh police decided to deploy 13 platoons of force led by six DSPs, 10 Inspectors, 37 Sub-Inspectors and 50 Assistant Sub-Inspectors to prevent any kind of protest. Additional SP Jasobanta Senapati said tight security has been put in place and stringent action would be taken against anyone trying to create disturbance.
By Associated Press

WASHINGTON: The Pentagon will send almost 4,000 additional American forces to Afghanistan, a Trump administration official said Thursday, hoping to break a stalemate in a war that has now passed to a third U.S. commander in chief. The deployment will be the largest of American manpower under Donald Trump's young presidency.

The decision by Defense Secretary Jim Mattis could be announced as early as next week, the official said. It follows Trump's move to give Mattis the authority to set troop levels and seeks to address assertions by the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan that he doesn't have enough forces to help Afghanistan's army against a resurgent Taliban insurgency. The rising threat posed by Islamic State extremists, evidenced in a rash of deadly attacks in the capital city of Kabul, has only fueled calls for a stronger U.S. presence, as have several recent American combat deaths.

The bulk of the additional troops will train and advise Afghan forces, according to the administration official, who wasn't authorized to discuss details of the decision publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. A smaller number would be assigned to counterterror operations against the Taliban and IS, the official said.

Asked for comment, a Pentagon spokesman, Navy Capt. Jeff Davis, said, "No decisions have been made."

Although Trump has delegated authority for U.S. troop numbers in Afghanistan, the responsibility for America's wars and the men and women who fight in them rests on his shoulders. Trump has inherited America's longest conflict with no clear endpoint or a defined strategy for American success, though U.S. troop levels are far lower than they were under Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush. In 2009, Obama authorized a surge of 30,000 troops into Afghanistan, bringing the total there to more than 100,000, before drawing down over the rest of his presidency.

Trump has barely spoken about Afghanistan as a candidate or president, concentrating instead on crushing the Islamic State group in Syria and Iraq. His predecessors both had hoped to win the war. Bush scored a quick success, helping allied militant groups oust the Taliban shortly after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, before seeing the gains slip away as American focus shifted to the Iraq war. In refocusing attention on Afghanistan, Obama eliminated much of the country's al-Qaida network and authorized the mission that killed Osama bin Laden, but failed to snuff out the Taliban's rebellion.

Mattis' deployment of more troops will be far smaller than Obama's.

While military leaders have consistently said more forces are needed, a decision had been tied up in a lengthy, wider debate about America's long-term military, diplomatic and economic strategy for ending the war. Gen. John Nicholson, the top U.S. commander there, has said the troops are necessary to properly train and advise the Afghan military and perform work handled at greater cost by contractors. Afghan leaders endorse the idea of more U.S. troops, having lost significant ground to the Taliban in recent months.

But despite repeated questions from Congress this week, Mattis wouldn't reveal his thinking on a troop increase. He said that while counterterrorism efforts in Afghanistan are making progress in weakening al-Qaida and IS, "their defeat will come about only by giving our men and women on the ground the support and the authorities they need to win."

Obama set a cap a year ago of 8,400 troops in Afghanistan after slowing the pace of what he hoped would be a U.S. withdrawal.

Nevertheless, there are at least another 2,000 U.S. troops in Afghanistan not included in the official count. These include forces that are technically considered temporary even if they've been in the warzone for months.

Trump's decision Tuesday to give Mattis authority to set force levels in Afghanistan mirrored similar powers he handed over earlier this year for U.S. fights in Iraq and Syria. The change was made public hours after Sen. John McCain, the Senate Armed Services Committee's Republican chairman, blasted Mattis for the administration's failure to present an overarching strategy for Afghanistan. McCain said the U.S. is "not winning" in Afghanistan, and Mattis agreed.

The finality of the decision isn't entirely clear. While Trump has handed over the troop level decision-making, there is nothing preventing him from taking it back.

Mattis has repeatedly stressed that increasing the number of U.S. troops in Afghanistan would take place within a broader, long-term strategy for stabilizing Afghanistan. In congressional testimony this week, he said the strategy will take into account regional influences, such as Pakistan's role as a Taliban sanctuary. Regional powers Iran, India and China, which all have political stakes in the fate of Afghanistan, also must be considered.

While the new troops could raise fears of mission creep, Mattis told lawmakers this week he didn't envision returning to the force levels of 2010-11, when Obama thought he could pressure the Taliban into peace talks. Despite heavy losses, the Taliban fought on.

"Reconciliation" remains the goal, Mattis told a House Appropriations panel Thursday, along with reducing Afghan government corruption.

"We're not looking at a purely military strategy," he said. "All wars come to an end. Our job is to end it as quickly as possible without losing the very mission that we've recognized, through several administrations, that was worth putting those young Americans on the line for."

There have been almost 2,400 U.S. military deaths in Afghanistan since 2001. Three U.S. soldiers were killed and another was wounded in eastern Afghanistan this weekend in an attack claimed by the Taliban.

WASHINGTON: The Pentagon will send almost 4,000 additional American forces to Afghanistan, a Trump administration official said Thursday, hoping to break a stalemate in a war that has now passed to a third U.S. commander in chief. The deployment will be the largest of American manpower under Donald Trump's young presidency. The decision by Defense Secretary Jim Mattis could be announced as early as next week, the official said. It follows Trump's move to give Mattis the authority to set troop levels and seeks to address assertions by the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan that he doesn't have enough forces to help Afghanistan's army against a resurgent Taliban insurgency. The rising threat posed by Islamic State extremists, evidenced in a rash of deadly attacks in the capital city of Kabul, has only fueled calls for a stronger U.S. presence, as have several recent American combat deaths. The bulk of the additional troops will train and advise Afghan forces, according to the administration official, who wasn't authorized to discuss details of the decision publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. A smaller number would be assigned to counterterror operations against the Taliban and IS, the official said. Asked for comment, a Pentagon spokesman, Navy Capt. Jeff Davis, said, "No decisions have been made." Although Trump has delegated authority for U.S. troop numbers in Afghanistan, the responsibility for America's wars and the men and women who fight in them rests on his shoulders. Trump has inherited America's longest conflict with no clear endpoint or a defined strategy for American success, though U.S. troop levels are far lower than they were under Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush. In 2009, Obama authorized a surge of 30,000 troops into Afghanistan, bringing the total there to more than 100,000, before drawing down over the rest of his presidency. Trump has barely spoken about Afghanistan as a candidate or president, concentrating instead on crushing the Islamic State group in Syria and Iraq. His predecessors both had hoped to win the war. Bush scored a quick success, helping allied militant groups oust the Taliban shortly after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, before seeing the gains slip away as American focus shifted to the Iraq war. In refocusing attention on Afghanistan, Obama eliminated much of the country's al-Qaida network and authorized the mission that killed Osama bin Laden, but failed to snuff out the Taliban's rebellion. Mattis' deployment of more troops will be far smaller than Obama's. While military leaders have consistently said more forces are needed, a decision had been tied up in a lengthy, wider debate about America's long-term military, diplomatic and economic strategy for ending the war. Gen. John Nicholson, the top U.S. commander there, has said the troops are necessary to properly train and advise the Afghan military and perform work handled at greater cost by contractors. Afghan leaders endorse the idea of more U.S. troops, having lost significant ground to the Taliban in recent months. But despite repeated questions from Congress this week, Mattis wouldn't reveal his thinking on a troop increase. He said that while counterterrorism efforts in Afghanistan are making progress in weakening al-Qaida and IS, "their defeat will come about only by giving our men and women on the ground the support and the authorities they need to win." Obama set a cap a year ago of 8,400 troops in Afghanistan after slowing the pace of what he hoped would be a U.S. withdrawal. Nevertheless, there are at least another 2,000 U.S. troops in Afghanistan not included in the official count. These include forces that are technically considered temporary even if they've been in the warzone for months. Trump's decision Tuesday to give Mattis authority to set force levels in Afghanistan mirrored similar powers he handed over earlier this year for U.S. fights in Iraq and Syria. The change was made public hours after Sen. John McCain, the Senate Armed Services Committee's Republican chairman, blasted Mattis for the administration's failure to present an overarching strategy for Afghanistan. McCain said the U.S. is "not winning" in Afghanistan, and Mattis agreed. The finality of the decision isn't entirely clear. While Trump has handed over the troop level decision-making, there is nothing preventing him from taking it back. Mattis has repeatedly stressed that increasing the number of U.S. troops in Afghanistan would take place within a broader, long-term strategy for stabilizing Afghanistan. In congressional testimony this week, he said the strategy will take into account regional influences, such as Pakistan's role as a Taliban sanctuary. Regional powers Iran, India and China, which all have political stakes in the fate of Afghanistan, also must be considered. While the new troops could raise fears of mission creep, Mattis told lawmakers this week he didn't envision returning to the force levels of 2010-11, when Obama thought he could pressure the Taliban into peace talks. Despite heavy losses, the Taliban fought on. "Reconciliation" remains the goal, Mattis told a House Appropriations panel Thursday, along with reducing Afghan government corruption. "We're not looking at a purely military strategy," he said. "All wars come to an end. Our job is to end it as quickly as possible without losing the very mission that we've recognized, through several administrations, that was worth putting those young Americans on the line for." There have been almost 2,400 U.S. military deaths in Afghanistan since 2001. Three U.S. soldiers were killed and another was wounded in eastern Afghanistan this weekend in an attack claimed by the Taliban.
By Associated Press

BEIJING: Serbia's president on Thursday nominated the highly conservative country's first openly gay prime minister, a move likely to infuriate both the Christian Orthodox church and ultranationalists.

President Aleksandar Vucic announced that Ana Brnabic, 41, was nominated as the prime minister-designate, which could also make her the first female head of government in the country's history. Her cabinet needs formal approval by parliament next week.

It was "a difficult decision reached in the interest of Serbia and its citizens," said Vucic, a former extremist-turned-reformist who has promised to boost gay rights as part of efforts to move closer to European Union membership.

"If elected in parliament, I will run the government with dedication and responsibility and I will do my job honestly and with love," Brnabic told state Tanjug news agency.

Brnabic's nomination is considered part of Vucic's apparent turn toward the West despite strong pressure from Russia to maintain its influence in the region. The British-educated Brnabic, a marketing expert, had worked for U.S. companies before she assumed her Serbian government job.

"I believe she has professional skills and personal qualities," Vucic said. "I'm convinced she will work hard."

Brnabic is currently Serbia's minister of public administration and local government. She is not a member of Vucic's ruling populist Serbian Progressive Party but is considered loyal to him.

Her appointment to the government last year  she was hand-picked by Vucic who was then prime minister  was hailed by rights groups as historic for the Balkan country whose gay community regularly faces discrimination, harassment and violence.

"Hopefully this will blow over in three or four days, and then I won't be known as the gay minister," she told the Associated Press at the time.

Pro-Russian nationalists blasted the choice Thursday. The conservative opposition Dveri group, close to the Serbian Orthodox Church, said Brnabic was obviously appointed under Western pressure.

"Is it possible that the ruling majority has no other candidate for the prime minister-designate but the one imposed by the West, which dictates all the moves by this government?" the party asked.

Vucic's coalition partners were also infuriated.

"Ana Brnabic is not my prime minister," nationalist official Dragan Markovic-Palma told the private Beta news agency. Earlier he said he would not approve anyone for the post who does not have at least two children.

Vucic, who was prime minister before his election as president in April, was expected to appoint a loyalist to maintain control of the government as he moved into the largely ceremonial presidential position

BEIJING: Serbia's president on Thursday nominated the highly conservative country's first openly gay prime minister, a move likely to infuriate both the Christian Orthodox church and ultranationalists. President Aleksandar Vucic announced that Ana Brnabic, 41, was nominated as the prime minister-designate, which could also make her the first female head of government in the country's history. Her cabinet needs formal approval by parliament next week. It was "a difficult decision reached in the interest of Serbia and its citizens," said Vucic, a former extremist-turned-reformist who has promised to boost gay rights as part of efforts to move closer to European Union membership. "If elected in parliament, I will run the government with dedication and responsibility and I will do my job honestly and with love," Brnabic told state Tanjug news agency. Brnabic's nomination is considered part of Vucic's apparent turn toward the West despite strong pressure from Russia to maintain its influence in the region. The British-educated Brnabic, a marketing expert, had worked for U.S. companies before she assumed her Serbian government job. "I believe she has professional skills and personal qualities," Vucic said. "I'm convinced she will work hard." Brnabic is currently Serbia's minister of public administration and local government. She is not a member of Vucic's ruling populist Serbian Progressive Party but is considered loyal to him. Her appointment to the government last year  she was hand-picked by Vucic who was then prime minister  was hailed by rights groups as historic for the Balkan country whose gay community regularly faces discrimination, harassment and violence. "Hopefully this will blow over in three or four days, and then I won't be known as the gay minister," she told the Associated Press at the time. Pro-Russian nationalists blasted the choice Thursday. The conservative opposition Dveri group, close to the Serbian Orthodox Church, said Brnabic was obviously appointed under Western pressure. "Is it possible that the ruling majority has no other candidate for the prime minister-designate but the one imposed by the West, which dictates all the moves by this government?" the party asked. Vucic's coalition partners were also infuriated. "Ana Brnabic is not my prime minister," nationalist official Dragan Markovic-Palma told the private Beta news agency. Earlier he said he would not approve anyone for the post who does not have at least two children. Vucic, who was prime minister before his election as president in April, was expected to appoint a loyalist to maintain control of the government as he moved into the largely ceremonial presidential position
By AFP

THE HAGUE: The numbers arrested in Europe on suspicion of jihadist activities nearly doubled over the last two years, Europe's policing agency said today, with an alarming rise among women and young adults.

Some 718 suspects were arrested on offences relating to jihadist terror last year as opposed to 395 in 2014, Europol said in its annual EU Terrorism Situation and Trend Report.

But actual attacks dropped from 17 in 2014 to 13 last year -- of which six were linked to the Islamic State group.

The 62-page report also pointed out that women and children, as well as young adults played an increasingly important operational role.

"Female militant jihadists in the West perceive fewer obstacles to playing an operative role in a terrorist attack than men, and successful or prevented attacks carried out by women in western countries may act as an inspiration to others," it noted.

One in four of those arrested in Britain in 2016 were women, an 18 percent increase from 2015, Europol said.

In France -- the EU country with the highest number of arrests at 456 last year -- almost a third of the suspects were 25 years or younger, Europol said.

Overall there were 142 "failed, foiled or completed terrorist attacks" including those by jihadists -- with more than half in Britain.

Britain was rocked by a suicide bombing at a pop concert in Manchester on May 22 which killed 22 people, including children. Two weeks later, a knife and van attack in central London left eight dead.

Of the 142 victims of terror attacks last year, 135 died in jihadist attacks, said the report.

That reinforced the need for closer cooperation in intelligence sharing among member states, security officials urged.

"Terrorists do not respect or recognise borders," said EU safety chief Julian King.

"In our resolve to defeat them we must draw on a newfound determination to work together, sharing information and expertise," he said in the report.

But the report also noted that not all attacks were jihadist-inspired. Most of the other attacks were carried out by "ethno-nationalist" and separatists extremists.

For instance "dissident Republican groups in Northern Ireland were involved in 76 attacks," the report said, leading to a total of 123 arrests.

British authorities in May last year raised the threat level because of terror-related incidents in Northern Ireland from "moderate" to "substantial".

This "means an attack is a strong possibility," Europol said.

In total 1,002 arrests overall were made in 2016 relating to terror activities.

THE HAGUE: The numbers arrested in Europe on suspicion of jihadist activities nearly doubled over the last two years, Europe's policing agency said today, with an alarming rise among women and young adults. Some 718 suspects were arrested on offences relating to jihadist terror last year as opposed to 395 in 2014, Europol said in its annual EU Terrorism Situation and Trend Report. But actual attacks dropped from 17 in 2014 to 13 last year -- of which six were linked to the Islamic State group. The 62-page report also pointed out that women and children, as well as young adults played an increasingly important operational role. "Female militant jihadists in the West perceive fewer obstacles to playing an operative role in a terrorist attack than men, and successful or prevented attacks carried out by women in western countries may act as an inspiration to others," it noted. One in four of those arrested in Britain in 2016 were women, an 18 percent increase from 2015, Europol said. In France -- the EU country with the highest number of arrests at 456 last year -- almost a third of the suspects were 25 years or younger, Europol said. Overall there were 142 "failed, foiled or completed terrorist attacks" including those by jihadists -- with more than half in Britain. Britain was rocked by a suicide bombing at a pop concert in Manchester on May 22 which killed 22 people, including children. Two weeks later, a knife and van attack in central London left eight dead. Of the 142 victims of terror attacks last year, 135 died in jihadist attacks, said the report. That reinforced the need for closer cooperation in intelligence sharing among member states, security officials urged. "Terrorists do not respect or recognise borders," said EU safety chief Julian King. "In our resolve to defeat them we must draw on a newfound determination to work together, sharing information and expertise," he said in the report. But the report also noted that not all attacks were jihadist-inspired. Most of the other attacks were carried out by "ethno-nationalist" and separatists extremists. For instance "dissident Republican groups in Northern Ireland were involved in 76 attacks," the report said, leading to a total of 123 arrests. British authorities in May last year raised the threat level because of terror-related incidents in Northern Ireland from "moderate" to "substantial". This "means an attack is a strong possibility," Europol said. In total 1,002 arrests overall were made in 2016 relating to terror activities.
By PTI

NAIROBI: An improvised explosive device killed four people in a passenger vehicle in northern Kenya in a suspected extremist attack, an official said today, as fears grew that the al-Shabab extremist group in neighboring Somalia had adopted a deadly new strategy.

Northeastern Coordinator Mohamed Saleh said the vehicle had 15 people inside and the other 11 were critically injured. One of those killed was a government chief and another chief was critically wounded, said Eric Oronyi , a deputy county commissioner. The vehicle is used commercially along the Elwak -Mandera route, he said.

Similar explosions in Kenya in the past month had killed at least 34 people, including 20 police officers. Al-Shabab claimed responsibility for those attacks.

The al-Qaida-affiliated al-Shabab has vowed retribution on Kenya for sending troops to Somalia in 2011 to fight the extremists. Kenya is part of the multinational African Union mission in Somalia to bolster its weak central government from al-Shabab's insurgency.

Al-Shabab spokesman Ali Mahmoud Rage in a message earlier this week threatened Kenya with an unrelenting war unless its citizens embrace Islam and the government withdraws its troops from Somalia, according to the SITE Intelligence Group, which monitors extremist groups.

Analysts call the improvised explosives a change in strategy by al-Shabab, which has been carrying out attacks inside Kenya since 2011.

Delano Kiilu, the secretary general of the Protective and Safety Association of Kenya, said al-Shabab has increased the use of improvised bombs to target supply routes. This may mean more fighters in the extremist group have learned how to make bombs, as previously there was a bomb maker for each cell, he said.

Al-Shabab increases its attacks during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, Kiilu also said. This week's overnight attack on a popular restaurant in Somalia's capital began as people were breaking their daily Ramadan fast and 31 were killed, police said.

Kenya has managed to stop the frequency of al-Shabab attacks in its capital, Nairobi, and major towns, but human rights groups say the government uses methods such as extrajudicial killings that can fuel revenge attacks.

NAIROBI: An improvised explosive device killed four people in a passenger vehicle in northern Kenya in a suspected extremist attack, an official said today, as fears grew that the al-Shabab extremist group in neighboring Somalia had adopted a deadly new strategy. Northeastern Coordinator Mohamed Saleh said the vehicle had 15 people inside and the other 11 were critically injured. One of those killed was a government chief and another chief was critically wounded, said Eric Oronyi , a deputy county commissioner. The vehicle is used commercially along the Elwak -Mandera route, he said. Similar explosions in Kenya in the past month had killed at least 34 people, including 20 police officers. Al-Shabab claimed responsibility for those attacks. The al-Qaida-affiliated al-Shabab has vowed retribution on Kenya for sending troops to Somalia in 2011 to fight the extremists. Kenya is part of the multinational African Union mission in Somalia to bolster its weak central government from al-Shabab's insurgency. Al-Shabab spokesman Ali Mahmoud Rage in a message earlier this week threatened Kenya with an unrelenting war unless its citizens embrace Islam and the government withdraws its troops from Somalia, according to the SITE Intelligence Group, which monitors extremist groups. Analysts call the improvised explosives a change in strategy by al-Shabab, which has been carrying out attacks inside Kenya since 2011. Delano Kiilu, the secretary general of the Protective and Safety Association of Kenya, said al-Shabab has increased the use of improvised bombs to target supply routes. This may mean more fighters in the extremist group have learned how to make bombs, as previously there was a bomb maker for each cell, he said. Al-Shabab increases its attacks during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, Kiilu also said. This week's overnight attack on a popular restaurant in Somalia's capital began as people were breaking their daily Ramadan fast and 31 were killed, police said. Kenya has managed to stop the frequency of al-Shabab attacks in its capital, Nairobi, and major towns, but human rights groups say the government uses methods such as extrajudicial killings that can fuel revenge attacks.
By AFP

LONDON: At least 30 people have been confirmed killed and dozens more are feared dead in the London tower block fire, police said on Friday, as firefighters continued searching for bodies amid outrage over the use of cladding blamed for spreading the flames.

"We know that at least 30 people have died as a result of this fire... I do believe the number will increase," police commander Stuart Cundy told reporters in front of the charred Grenfell Tower.

Cundy said police had started a criminal investigation but there was nothing to suggest "that the fire had been started deliberately".

He also said the last flames had finally been put out, two days after the fire broke out in the night between Tuesday and Wednesday in the 24-storey tower in a working-class enclave of the wealthy London borough of Kensington and Chelsea.

More than 70 people are unaccounted for, according to media reports, although it was not known whether some of those were among the bodies recovered so far.

Police have warned some of the victims may never be identified because of the state of the remains.

Cundy said one of the victims was a person who died in hospital. Twenty-four injured survivors are still being treated, 12 of them in critical care.

Firefighters were using drones and sniffer dogs to search the building, saying that some of the upper floors are still inaccessible to humans because of concerns about the stability of the structure.

- Queen visits survivors -

The area surrounding the council-owned tower has been plastered by desperate relatives with pictures of the missing, from grandparents to young children, and large numbers of volunteers were assisting survivors.

Queen Elizabeth II and her grandson Prince William visited a community centre where some of the survivors are being housed, as anger grows among local residents about allegations that fire safety concerns were ignored for years.

The government has ordered a judge-led inquiry into Wednesday's disaster, which is under pressure to act quickly.

"Something's gone wrong here, something's gone drastically wrong," Communities and Local Government Minister Sajid Javid told BBC radio.

Javid said inspections of similar buildings had been ordered, with particular attention to the modern cladding used to beautify and add an insulation layer to ageing concrete and steel structures.

"We need to do whatever it takes to make people that live in those properties safe: that's either make the properties safe or find some other accommodation, it has to be done," he said, adding that survivors from the tower would be re-housed in the local area.

Opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has called for houses in the area to be "requisitioned" for survivors.

- Syrian refugee victim -

Prime Minister Theresa May has come under criticism for not meeting residents when she visited the site on Thursday to talk with emergency workers.

She met with injured survivors in hospital on Friday.

Locals yelled questions at mayor Sadiq Khan when he walked through the neighbourhood on Friday.

"How many children died? What are you going to do about it?" a young boy asked Khan, as the mayor tried to stop tensions rising further.

The fire forced residents to flee through black smoke down the single stairwell, jump out of windows or even drop their children to safety.

One of the victims was named as Mohammed Alhajali, a 23-year-old Syrian refugee, who came to Britain in 2014 with his brother.

"Mohammed undertook a dangerous journey to flee war and death in Syria, only to meet it here in the UK, in his own home," the Syrian Solidarity Campaign said in a statement.

Alhajali, who lived on the 14th floor, was a civil engineering student at West London University.

"His dream was to be able to go back home one day and rebuild Syria," the campaign group said.

- Cladding restricted in US -

Questions are growing about how the flames spread so quickly, engulfing the tower's 120 apartments in what fire chiefs said was an unprecedented blaze.

The focus of criticism is on the cladding fitted to external walls of the 1974 tower as part of a 8.7 million ($11 million, 9.9 million euros) refit completed last year.

According to media reports, the cladding had a plastic core and was similar to that used by high-rise buildings in France, the United Arab Emirates and Australia, which had also suffered fires that spread.

The Times reported that the type of cladding used on the building was banned in US buildings taller than 40 feet (12.2 metres) because of fire safety fears.

It said the company that manufactured the cladding also made fire-resistant models that cost fractionally more than the standard version.

Harley Facades, which fitted the panels, said in a statement: "At this time, we are not aware of any link between the fire and the exterior cladding."

In addition to debate over the cladding, questions have also been raised over why there was no sprinkler system in the Grenfell Tower which could have helped stop the fire spreading, or any central smoke alarm system that would have woken sleeping residents.

LONDON: At least 30 people have been confirmed killed and dozens more are feared dead in the London tower block fire, police said on Friday, as firefighters continued searching for bodies amid outrage over the use of cladding blamed for spreading the flames. "We know that at least 30 people have died as a result of this fire... I do believe the number will increase," police commander Stuart Cundy told reporters in front of the charred Grenfell Tower. Cundy said police had started a criminal investigation but there was nothing to suggest "that the fire had been started deliberately". He also said the last flames had finally been put out, two days after the fire broke out in the night between Tuesday and Wednesday in the 24-storey tower in a working-class enclave of the wealthy London borough of Kensington and Chelsea. More than 70 people are unaccounted for, according to media reports, although it was not known whether some of those were among the bodies recovered so far. Police have warned some of the victims may never be identified because of the state of the remains. Cundy said one of the victims was a person who died in hospital. Twenty-four injured survivors are still being treated, 12 of them in critical care. Firefighters were using drones and sniffer dogs to search the building, saying that some of the upper floors are still inaccessible to humans because of concerns about the stability of the structure. - Queen visits survivors - The area surrounding the council-owned tower has been plastered by desperate relatives with pictures of the missing, from grandparents to young children, and large numbers of volunteers were assisting survivors. Queen Elizabeth II and her grandson Prince William visited a community centre where some of the survivors are being housed, as anger grows among local residents about allegations that fire safety concerns were ignored for years. The government has ordered a judge-led inquiry into Wednesday's disaster, which is under pressure to act quickly. "Something's gone wrong here, something's gone drastically wrong," Communities and Local Government Minister Sajid Javid told BBC radio. Javid said inspections of similar buildings had been ordered, with particular attention to the modern cladding used to beautify and add an insulation layer to ageing concrete and steel structures. "We need to do whatever it takes to make people that live in those properties safe: that's either make the properties safe or find some other accommodation, it has to be done," he said, adding that survivors from the tower would be re-housed in the local area. Opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has called for houses in the area to be "requisitioned" for survivors. - Syrian refugee victim - Prime Minister Theresa May has come under criticism for not meeting residents when she visited the site on Thursday to talk with emergency workers. She met with injured survivors in hospital on Friday. Locals yelled questions at mayor Sadiq Khan when he walked through the neighbourhood on Friday. "How many children died? What are you going to do about it?" a young boy asked Khan, as the mayor tried to stop tensions rising further. The fire forced residents to flee through black smoke down the single stairwell, jump out of windows or even drop their children to safety. One of the victims was named as Mohammed Alhajali, a 23-year-old Syrian refugee, who came to Britain in 2014 with his brother. "Mohammed undertook a dangerous journey to flee war and death in Syria, only to meet it here in the UK, in his own home," the Syrian Solidarity Campaign said in a statement. Alhajali, who lived on the 14th floor, was a civil engineering student at West London University. "His dream was to be able to go back home one day and rebuild Syria," the campaign group said. - Cladding restricted in US - Questions are growing about how the flames spread so quickly, engulfing the tower's 120 apartments in what fire chiefs said was an unprecedented blaze. The focus of criticism is on the cladding fitted to external walls of the 1974 tower as part of a 8.7 million ($11 million, 9.9 million euros) refit completed last year. According to media reports, the cladding had a plastic core and was similar to that used by high-rise buildings in France, the United Arab Emirates and Australia, which had also suffered fires that spread. The Times reported that the type of cladding used on the building was banned in US buildings taller than 40 feet (12.2 metres) because of fire safety fears. It said the company that manufactured the cladding also made fire-resistant models that cost fractionally more than the standard version. Harley Facades, which fitted the panels, said in a statement: "At this time, we are not aware of any link between the fire and the exterior cladding." In addition to debate over the cladding, questions have also been raised over why there was no sprinkler system in the Grenfell Tower which could have helped stop the fire spreading, or any central smoke alarm system that would have woken sleeping residents.
By AFP

MOSCOW: The Russian army on Friday said it hit Islamic State leaders in an airstrike in Syria last month and was seeking to verify whether IS chief Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi had been killed.

Read: All about IS chief Baghdadi 'The Ghost': World jihad's low-profile boss

In a statement, the army said Sukhoi warplanes carried out a 10-minute night-time strike early on May 28 at a location near Raqa, where IS leaders had gathered to plan a pullout by militants from the group's stronghold.

"Senior commanders of the military groups of the so-called IS military council, 30 mid-ranking field commanders and up to 300 militants who provided security for them were eliminated," it said.

"According to information which is being checked through various channels, the leader of ISIL Ibrahim Abu-Bakr al-Baghdadi was also present at the meeting and was eliminated by the strike," it said.

ISIL is an acronym for the so-called IS group, also known as ISIS and Daesh.

The strike occurred from 2135 to 2145 GMT on May 27 following confirmation of the meeting by a drone. Those killed included the emir of Raqa and the IS security chief, the statement said.

The US has been informed about the attack, the statement added.

Elusive IS supremo Baghdadi has not been seen in public since proclaiming himself "caliph" in the Iraqi city of Mosul three years ago.

His group has earned global notoriety for imposing a hardline form of Islam that has included stonings, beheadings and amputations.

- 'Matter of time' -

The Iraqi-born world's most-wanted man has been rumoured wounded or killed a number of times in the past.

He has been nicknamed "The Ghost" as he has been reportedly spotted around the Syrian-Iraqi border but his whereabouts have never been confirmed.

In March, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson declared that Baghdadi's death is imminent since "nearly all" of his deputies are dead and "it is only a matter of time" before the IS chief himself meets the same fate.

Russia in September 2015 launched a bombing campaign in Syria in support of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and its efforts against IS jihadists are separate from the US-led coalition which supports Syrian rebels.

The Russian military said earlier this month that its planes also struck IS convoys attempting to leave Raqa from the south toward Palmyra on May 29, killing 80 militants.

Moscow also struck on May 31 IS contingents which had left Raqa and were located near Palmyra by firing guided missiles from warships deployed off the Syrian coast.

Meanwhile, US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces have been pushing into Raqa from the north, last Tuesday breaking into the IS bastion for the first time since it became a hub of the group's self-declared caliphate and the scene of its most gruesome atrocities.

Iraqi forces are meanwhile battling IS in the group's second hub Mosul, where the jihadists are confined to just a few neighbourhoods in the west of the city.

The Raqa advance caused alarm this week at the United Nations, whose investigators said civilian loss of life was "staggering" due to "excessive" air strikes.

MOSCOW: The Russian army on Friday said it hit Islamic State leaders in an airstrike in Syria last month and was seeking to verify whether IS chief Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi had been killed. Read: All about IS chief Baghdadi 'The Ghost': World jihad's low-profile boss In a statement, the army said Sukhoi warplanes carried out a 10-minute night-time strike early on May 28 at a location near Raqa, where IS leaders had gathered to plan a pullout by militants from the group's stronghold. "Senior commanders of the military groups of the so-called IS military council, 30 mid-ranking field commanders and up to 300 militants who provided security for them were eliminated," it said. "According to information which is being checked through various channels, the leader of ISIL Ibrahim Abu-Bakr al-Baghdadi was also present at the meeting and was eliminated by the strike," it said. ISIL is an acronym for the so-called IS group, also known as ISIS and Daesh. The strike occurred from 2135 to 2145 GMT on May 27 following confirmation of the meeting by a drone. Those killed included the emir of Raqa and the IS security chief, the statement said. The US has been informed about the attack, the statement added. Elusive IS supremo Baghdadi has not been seen in public since proclaiming himself "caliph" in the Iraqi city of Mosul three years ago. His group has earned global notoriety for imposing a hardline form of Islam that has included stonings, beheadings and amputations. - 'Matter of time' - The Iraqi-born world's most-wanted man has been rumoured wounded or killed a number of times in the past. He has been nicknamed "The Ghost" as he has been reportedly spotted around the Syrian-Iraqi border but his whereabouts have never been confirmed. In March, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson declared that Baghdadi's death is imminent since "nearly all" of his deputies are dead and "it is only a matter of time" before the IS chief himself meets the same fate. Russia in September 2015 launched a bombing campaign in Syria in support of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and its efforts against IS jihadists are separate from the US-led coalition which supports Syrian rebels. The Russian military said earlier this month that its planes also struck IS convoys attempting to leave Raqa from the south toward Palmyra on May 29, killing 80 militants. Moscow also struck on May 31 IS contingents which had left Raqa and were located near Palmyra by firing guided missiles from warships deployed off the Syrian coast. Meanwhile, US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces have been pushing into Raqa from the north, last Tuesday breaking into the IS bastion for the first time since it became a hub of the group's self-declared caliphate and the scene of its most gruesome atrocities. Iraqi forces are meanwhile battling IS in the group's second hub Mosul, where the jihadists are confined to just a few neighbourhoods in the west of the city. The Raqa advance caused alarm this week at the United Nations, whose investigators said civilian loss of life was "staggering" due to "excessive" air strikes.
By PTI

COLOMBO: Sri Lanka today said it will release 42 Indian fishing boats held in its custody since 2015 on condition that they will never re-enter the country's territorial waters.

Fisheries Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said in a statement yesterday that the Indian government has been informed about this decision. "They should never return to violate our International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL)," Amaraweera said. He said that Lanka's earlier decision not to release the boats and equipment while releasing the fishermen had its desirous effect.

The Indian government has now banned bottom trawling.

Amaraweera said the views of the local fishery organisations were also sought before making the decision to release the Indian boats. He said the issue of poaching by Indian fishermen in Sri Lanka had gone on for over 35 years. Several governments from both the sides of Palk Straits had failed to resolve the sensitive issue.

COLOMBO: Sri Lanka today said it will release 42 Indian fishing boats held in its custody since 2015 on condition that they will never re-enter the country's territorial waters. Fisheries Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said in a statement yesterday that the Indian government has been informed about this decision. "They should never return to violate our International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL)," Amaraweera said. He said that Lanka's earlier decision not to release the boats and equipment while releasing the fishermen had its desirous effect. The Indian government has now banned bottom trawling. Amaraweera said the views of the local fishery organisations were also sought before making the decision to release the Indian boats. He said the issue of poaching by Indian fishermen in Sri Lanka had gone on for over 35 years. Several governments from both the sides of Palk Straits had failed to resolve the sensitive issue.
By PTI

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump today appeared to confirm that he was being probed for firing the FBI chief and described it as a "witch hunt", as he asserted that there was no proof of his "collusion with the Russians" even after seven months of investigation.

"I am being investigated for firing the FBI Director (James Comey) by the man who told me to fire the FBI Director! Witch Hunt," Trump said in an early morning tweet.

Trump's apparent confirmation that he is under probe for obstruction of justice by special counsel appointed to probe alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential polls came a day after a Washington Post report pointed to such an investigation.

The probe by special counsel Robert Mueller, a former FBI chief, "marks a major turning point in the nearly year-old FBI investigation, which until recently focused on Russian meddling during the presidential campaign and on whether there was any coordination between the Trump campaign and the Kremlin," The Washington Post had reported.

Trump did not respond to shouted questions from the media as he was leaving the White House lawns to board Marine One for the Joint Andres Air Force Base for his day-long trip to Florida.

"Despite the phony Witch Hunt going on in America, the economic and jobs numbers are great. Regulations way down, jobs and enthusiasm way up!" said the US President in another tweet.

He accused the mainstream American media for allegedly spreading wrong news.

"The Fake News Media hates when I use what has turned out to be my very powerful Social Media -- over 100 million people! I can go around them," Trump said.

In the past, he has frequently used the term 'Fake News Media' for outlets like The New York Times, The Washington Post and CNN.

"After 7 months of investigations and committee hearings about my 'collusion with the Russians', nobody has been able to show any proof. Sad!" Trump said in his first tweet of the day.

A day earlier, Trump had questioned why his general election rival Hillary Clinton was not being investigated.

"Why is that Hillary Clintons family and Dems dealings with Russia are not looked at, but my non-dealings are?" Trump questioned.

"Crooked Hillary destroyed phones with hammer, 'bleached' emails, and had husband meet with Attorney General days before she was cleared -- and they talk about obstruction?" he had said.

The Post reported that the obstruction of justice investigation of the president began days after James Comey was fired as the FBI Director on May 9.

Mueller is overseeing a host of investigations involving people who are or were in Trump's orbit, people familiar with the probe were quoted as saying.

Significantly, Preet Bharara, the India-born former top US federal prosecutor, earlier this week had said that there was enough evidence to begin an obstruction of justice case against Trump over his alleged interference in the Russia probe.

Trump has said he is "100 per cent" willing to testify under oath on Comey meetings and tell the FBI Special Consul Robert Muller that he never asked FBI to stop investigating.

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump today appeared to confirm that he was being probed for firing the FBI chief and described it as a "witch hunt", as he asserted that there was no proof of his "collusion with the Russians" even after seven months of investigation. "I am being investigated for firing the FBI Director (James Comey) by the man who told me to fire the FBI Director! Witch Hunt," Trump said in an early morning tweet. Trump's apparent confirmation that he is under probe for obstruction of justice by special counsel appointed to probe alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential polls came a day after a Washington Post report pointed to such an investigation. The probe by special counsel Robert Mueller, a former FBI chief, "marks a major turning point in the nearly year-old FBI investigation, which until recently focused on Russian meddling during the presidential campaign and on whether there was any coordination between the Trump campaign and the Kremlin," The Washington Post had reported. Trump did not respond to shouted questions from the media as he was leaving the White House lawns to board Marine One for the Joint Andres Air Force Base for his day-long trip to Florida. "Despite the phony Witch Hunt going on in America, the economic and jobs numbers are great. Regulations way down, jobs and enthusiasm way up!" said the US President in another tweet. He accused the mainstream American media for allegedly spreading wrong news. "The Fake News Media hates when I use what has turned out to be my very powerful Social Media -- over 100 million people! I can go around them," Trump said. In the past, he has frequently used the term 'Fake News Media' for outlets like The New York Times, The Washington Post and CNN. "After 7 months of investigations and committee hearings about my 'collusion with the Russians', nobody has been able to show any proof. Sad!" Trump said in his first tweet of the day. A day earlier, Trump had questioned why his general election rival Hillary Clinton was not being investigated. "Why is that Hillary Clintons family and Dems dealings with Russia are not looked at, but my non-dealings are?" Trump questioned. "Crooked Hillary destroyed phones with hammer, 'bleached' emails, and had husband meet with Attorney General days before she was cleared -- and they talk about obstruction?" he had said. The Post reported that the obstruction of justice investigation of the president began days after James Comey was fired as the FBI Director on May 9. Mueller is overseeing a host of investigations involving people who are or were in Trump's orbit, people familiar with the probe were quoted as saying. Significantly, Preet Bharara, the India-born former top US federal prosecutor, earlier this week had said that there was enough evidence to begin an obstruction of justice case against Trump over his alleged interference in the Russia probe. Trump has said he is "100 per cent" willing to testify under oath on Comey meetings and tell the FBI Special Consul Robert Muller that he never asked FBI to stop investigating.
By PTI

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump is expected to reverse his predecessor Barack Obama's Cuba policy by restricting the flow of money to the oppressive elements of the country's military, intelligence and security services and ensuring that the statutory ban on the tourism is strictly enforced, an officials said today.

While a formal announcement in this regard would be made by Trump himself in Miami later in the day, officials at the White House said the reversal of Obama's Cuba policy was about meeting one of the US President's top campaign promise.

"One key thing to note about the policy is that it directs the Secretary of the Treasury and Commerce to change their regulations on the topic. No changes go into effect until those regulations are promulgated," a senior White House official told reporters.

The official was speaking on condition of anonymity ahead of Trump's expected announcement about the reversal later in the day.

The official noted that during the campaign last year, Trump received an endorsement from the Bay of Pigs Veterans Association, the first presidential endorsement this group has ever made, at their museum in Little Havana, Miami.

"The president has repeatedly said he was 'honoured and humbled' to have received that endorsement from these veterans, recognising that they were fighting to restore liberty and justice for the people of Cuba," the official said.

During his address, Trump had vowed to reverse the Obama administration's policies toward Cuba that have enriched the Cuban military regime and increased the repression on the island.

"It is a promise that President Trump made, and it's a promise that President Trump is keeping," the official asserted.

Noting that it was readjustment of the US policy towards Cuba, the official said the new policy under the Trump administration will empower the Cuban people.

"To reiterate, the new policy going forward does not target the Cuban people, but it does target the repressive members of the Cuban military government," the official said.

Another Senior White House Official said in February Trump had ordered a full review of the US policy toward Cuba.

The National Security Council led by General H R McMaster engaged in a thorough inter-agency review process, including more than a dozen working-level meetings, multiple deputies' meetings and principal meetings.

During this process, the President met with members of Congress who are experts on Cuba policy and have been leaders in formulating Cuban policy from a legislative perspective for years, the official said.

"The president has tasked his cabinet to work together to find ways to improve what we considered President Obama's bad deal, and we're very excited about the result that the president will unveil tomorrow, and I think more details of that will be forthcoming," the official said.

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump is expected to reverse his predecessor Barack Obama's Cuba policy by restricting the flow of money to the oppressive elements of the country's military, intelligence and security services and ensuring that the statutory ban on the tourism is strictly enforced, an officials said today. While a formal announcement in this regard would be made by Trump himself in Miami later in the day, officials at the White House said the reversal of Obama's Cuba policy was about meeting one of the US President's top campaign promise. "One key thing to note about the policy is that it directs the Secretary of the Treasury and Commerce to change their regulations on the topic. No changes go into effect until those regulations are promulgated," a senior White House official told reporters. The official was speaking on condition of anonymity ahead of Trump's expected announcement about the reversal later in the day. The official noted that during the campaign last year, Trump received an endorsement from the Bay of Pigs Veterans Association, the first presidential endorsement this group has ever made, at their museum in Little Havana, Miami. "The president has repeatedly said he was 'honoured and humbled' to have received that endorsement from these veterans, recognising that they were fighting to restore liberty and justice for the people of Cuba," the official said. During his address, Trump had vowed to reverse the Obama administration's policies toward Cuba that have enriched the Cuban military regime and increased the repression on the island. "It is a promise that President Trump made, and it's a promise that President Trump is keeping," the official asserted. Noting that it was readjustment of the US policy towards Cuba, the official said the new policy under the Trump administration will empower the Cuban people. "To reiterate, the new policy going forward does not target the Cuban people, but it does target the repressive members of the Cuban military government," the official said. Another Senior White House Official said in February Trump had ordered a full review of the US policy toward Cuba. The National Security Council led by General H R McMaster engaged in a thorough inter-agency review process, including more than a dozen working-level meetings, multiple deputies' meetings and principal meetings. During this process, the President met with members of Congress who are experts on Cuba policy and have been leaders in formulating Cuban policy from a legislative perspective for years, the official said. "The president has tasked his cabinet to work together to find ways to improve what we considered President Obama's bad deal, and we're very excited about the result that the president will unveil tomorrow, and I think more details of that will be forthcoming," the official said.
By Associated Press

WASHINGTON: Police in the U.S. capital issued arrest warrants Thursday for a dozen Turkish security agents accused of attacking protesters during a visit by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan last month, prompting an angry denunciation by Turkey's leader and creating a new spat between the NATO allies.

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said the charges "send a clear message that the United States does not tolerate individuals who use intimidation and violence to stifle freedom of speech and legitimate political expression."

He said the State Department would work with police and legal authorities as the cases progress and decide on additional steps when that process is complete. Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert declined to say what actions might be taken, but the U.S. could seek the extradition of the Turkish suspects or bar them from entering the United States.

Tillerson's comment came shortly after District of Columbia Police Chief Peter Newsham and Mayor Muriel Bowser announced that arrest warrants had been issued for nine Turkish security guards, three Turkish police officers and two Canadians. Newsham urged those being sought and some still unidentified to surrender, speaking a day after two other people were arrested in the case.

The melee has become a major irritant in U.S.-Turkish ties and the charges appeared to escalate the situation Thursday.

Speaking at a dinner to break the Ramadan fast in Ankara, Erdogan asked, "What kind of a law is this?" Referring to his security detail, he said, "If they are not going to protect me, why would I bring them with me to America?"

Erdogan said the protesters were members of an outlawed Kurdish militant group and the U.S. police failed to act. He vowed to fight the decision on legal and political grounds.

Relations were severely strained even before the melee, which came as Erdogan arrived May 16 at the Turkish ambassador's residence after a White House meeting with President Donald Trump. Newsham said video showed security guards and some Erdogan supporters attacking a small group of protesters. Nine people were hurt.

"We all saw the violence that was perpetrated against the protesters," Newsham said. "We're not going to tolerate this."

He said many were being sought on assault charges, and other counts.

Erdogan's security detail returned with him to Turkey after his visit, so it was unclear if any would face any immediate U.S. legal repercussions. However, they could end up being threatened with arrest if they return to the U.S. If any are still in the country, they could be expelled if Turkey refuses to waive diplomatic immunity.

"They should bring themselves here to the United States to answer these charges," Newsham said.

Upon learning of the charges, Turkey's Foreign Ministry summoned John Boss, the U.S. ambassador to Turkey, to issue a protest.

The ministry said in a statement that the decision to charge the agents was "wrong, biased and lacks legal basis" and that the melee was actually the fault of U.S. law enforcement that failed to take necessary security steps. It also accused U.S. authorities of roughing up Erdogan's security detail.

"It has been emphasized that the decision, which clearly was not taken as a result of an impartial and independent investigation, is unacceptable," the ministry said.

Newsham recounted how video near the residence showed some people attacking protesters with their fists and feet. Men in dark suits and others were recorded repeatedly kicking one woman as she lay curled on a sidewalk. A man with a bullhorn was repeatedly kicked in the face. After officers struggled to protect the protesters and ordered the men in suits to retreat, several of the men dodged the officers and ran into a park to continue the attacks.

Bowser said the nation's capital is a frequent protest venue but police insist those be peaceful. "We make sure they are safe, but we also make sure they follow our laws," she said. "And certainly anyone traveling to the United States will be held to that standard."

Rep. Ed Royce of California, Republican chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said Thursday he was encouraged by the police action.

"The violent attacks by Turkish security forces on peaceful protesters in Washington were completely and totally unjustified," Royce said. "Now, the State Department should double down on efforts to help bring these individuals to justice."

Police displayed photos at the news conference of those sought, urging the public to help find some still unidentified.

Turkey has claimed the demonstrators were associated with the PKK, which has waged a three-decade-long insurgency against Turkey and is considered a terrorist group by the United States. Newsham said Thursday there was no indication that the protesters were part of a terrorist group.

"In Washington, D.C., we do not care particularly what your views are, what you support or what you do not support," Newsham said. "Our goal as a government, as a police department, is making sure you can do it safely."

WASHINGTON: Police in the U.S. capital issued arrest warrants Thursday for a dozen Turkish security agents accused of attacking protesters during a visit by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan last month, prompting an angry denunciation by Turkey's leader and creating a new spat between the NATO allies. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said the charges "send a clear message that the United States does not tolerate individuals who use intimidation and violence to stifle freedom of speech and legitimate political expression." He said the State Department would work with police and legal authorities as the cases progress and decide on additional steps when that process is complete. Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert declined to say what actions might be taken, but the U.S. could seek the extradition of the Turkish suspects or bar them from entering the United States. Tillerson's comment came shortly after District of Columbia Police Chief Peter Newsham and Mayor Muriel Bowser announced that arrest warrants had been issued for nine Turkish security guards, three Turkish police officers and two Canadians. Newsham urged those being sought and some still unidentified to surrender, speaking a day after two other people were arrested in the case. The melee has become a major irritant in U.S.-Turkish ties and the charges appeared to escalate the situation Thursday. Speaking at a dinner to break the Ramadan fast in Ankara, Erdogan asked, "What kind of a law is this?" Referring to his security detail, he said, "If they are not going to protect me, why would I bring them with me to America?" Erdogan said the protesters were members of an outlawed Kurdish militant group and the U.S. police failed to act. He vowed to fight the decision on legal and political grounds. Relations were severely strained even before the melee, which came as Erdogan arrived May 16 at the Turkish ambassador's residence after a White House meeting with President Donald Trump. Newsham said video showed security guards and some Erdogan supporters attacking a small group of protesters. Nine people were hurt. "We all saw the violence that was perpetrated against the protesters," Newsham said. "We're not going to tolerate this." He said many were being sought on assault charges, and other counts. Erdogan's security detail returned with him to Turkey after his visit, so it was unclear if any would face any immediate U.S. legal repercussions. However, they could end up being threatened with arrest if they return to the U.S. If any are still in the country, they could be expelled if Turkey refuses to waive diplomatic immunity. "They should bring themselves here to the United States to answer these charges," Newsham said. Upon learning of the charges, Turkey's Foreign Ministry summoned John Boss, the U.S. ambassador to Turkey, to issue a protest. The ministry said in a statement that the decision to charge the agents was "wrong, biased and lacks legal basis" and that the melee was actually the fault of U.S. law enforcement that failed to take necessary security steps. It also accused U.S. authorities of roughing up Erdogan's security detail. "It has been emphasized that the decision, which clearly was not taken as a result of an impartial and independent investigation, is unacceptable," the ministry said. Newsham recounted how video near the residence showed some people attacking protesters with their fists and feet. Men in dark suits and others were recorded repeatedly kicking one woman as she lay curled on a sidewalk. A man with a bullhorn was repeatedly kicked in the face. After officers struggled to protect the protesters and ordered the men in suits to retreat, several of the men dodged the officers and ran into a park to continue the attacks. Bowser said the nation's capital is a frequent protest venue but police insist those be peaceful. "We make sure they are safe, but we also make sure they follow our laws," she said. "And certainly anyone traveling to the United States will be held to that standard." Rep. Ed Royce of California, Republican chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said Thursday he was encouraged by the police action. "The violent attacks by Turkish security forces on peaceful protesters in Washington were completely and totally unjustified," Royce said. "Now, the State Department should double down on efforts to help bring these individuals to justice." Police displayed photos at the news conference of those sought, urging the public to help find some still unidentified. Turkey has claimed the demonstrators were associated with the PKK, which has waged a three-decade-long insurgency against Turkey and is considered a terrorist group by the United States. Newsham said Thursday there was no indication that the protesters were part of a terrorist group. "In Washington, D.C., we do not care particularly what your views are, what you support or what you do not support," Newsham said. "Our goal as a government, as a police department, is making sure you can do it safely."
Championship game berths on the line for Island football teams

The stakes dont get much higher for the Portsmouth, Middletown and Rogers high school football teams this weekend.
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Mary Schenk is a reporter covering police, courts and breaking news at The News-Gazette. Her email is mschenk@news-gazette.com, and you can follow her on Twitter (@schenk).
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Tom Kacich is a columnist and the author of Tom's Mailbag at The News-Gazette. His column appears Sundays. His email is tkacich@news-gazette.com, and you can follow him on Twitter (@tkacich).
Physical activity among children and teens is lower than previously thought, and, in another surprise finding, young adults after the age of 20 show the only increases in activity over the lifespan, suggests a study conducted by researchers from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. And, the study found, starting at age 35, activity levels declined through midlife and older adulthood.

The study also identified different times throughout the day when activity was highest and lowest, across age groups and between males and females. These patterns, the researchers say, could inform programs aimed at increasing physical activity by targeting not only age groups but times with the least activity, such as during the morning for children and adolescents.

The findings, which were published online June 1 in the journal, Preventive Medicine, come amid heightened concern that exercise deficits are contributing to the growing obesity epidemic, particularly among children and teens.

"Activity levels at the end of adolescence were alarmingly low, and by age 19, they were comparable to 60-year-olds," says the study's senior author, Vadim Zipunnikov, assistant professor in the Bloomberg School's Department of Biostatistics. "For school-age children, the primary window for activity was the afternoon between two and six P.M. So the big question is how do we modify daily schedules, in schools for example, to be more conducive to increasing physical activity?"

For their study, the researchers used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from the 2003-2004 and 2005-2006 survey cycles. The 12,529 participants wore tracking devices for seven straight days, removing them for only bathing and at bedtime. The devices measured how much time participants were sedentary or engaged in light or moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. The researchers broke down findings into five age groups: children (ages six to 11); adolescents (ages 12 to 19); young adults (ages 20 to 29); adults at midlife (ages 31 to 59); and older adults (age 60 through age 84). Forty-nine percent were male, the rest female.

Activity among 20-somethings, the only age group that saw an increase in activity levels, was spread out throughout the day, with an increase in physical activity in the early morning, compared to younger adolescents. The increase may be related to starting full-time work and other life transitions.

For all age groups, males generally had higher activity levels than females, particularly high-intensity activity, but after midlife, these levels dropped off sharply compared to females. Among adults 60 years and older, males were more sedentary and had lower light-intensity activity levels than females.

The study confirmed that recommended guidelines were not being met. For instance, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity a day for children ages five to 17 years. The study found that more than 25 percent of boys and 50 percent of girls ages six to 11 and more than 50 percent of male and 75 percent of female adolescents ages 12 to 19 had not met the WHO recommendation.

While WHO formulates its recommendations in terms of moderate-to-vigorous activity, the researchers say there is a growing consensus for the benefits of reducing sedentary behavior and increasing even low-intensity levels of physical activity.

"The goal of campaigns aimed at increasing physical activity has focused on increasing higher-intensity exercise," says Zipunnikov. "Our study suggests that these efforts should consider time of day and also focus on increasing lower-intensity physical activity and reducing inactivity."
In a major move, Kadcyla, a breast cancer drug that could prolong life expectancy and disease free survival among breast cancer patients is to be offered on NHS as a result of a deal between the health service and Pharmaceutical company Roche.

Kadcyla, is useful for patients with a special marker on their breast cancers which are thus called Her2/neu positive tumors. This drug has been studied to extend the life of terminally ill breast cancer patients by six months. Kadcyla or Traztuzumab emtansine, is useful in patients with HER2-positive tumors which have spread to other parts of the body from the breast and is now at a stage where operating it out is not possible. The drug is administered by an intravenous injection once every three weeks and has been seen to improve the quality of life for patients on it when compared to other treatments. It also causes less side effects in those comparisons.

This availability of the drug on NHS is said to be good news for around 1,200 women annually. According to NHS England chief executive Simon Stevens as a result of the negotiation and flexibility on the part of the stakeholders (the health service and the drug maker), patients and taxpayers would be getting a good deal.

In April this year, Scotland decided to offer this drug to patients in their health care service. It was still called too expensive by rest of UK. The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), or the regulatory body went through the details of the cost effectiveness of this drug as claimed by the drug makers. The drug was not approved by the NICE in 2015 due to this high price.

Kadcyla cost undiscounted 90,000 per patient. According to experts the actual price of the drug is estimated to be 166,000 for every quality adjusted life year of good health. This takes into account not only the price of the drug but also the health impact of the drug on life extension of the terminally ill patients. Although the exact numbers regarding the present cost of the drug is not in yet, cost per quality adjusted life year has come down to 50,000. This is comparable to other drugs that are offered to terminally ill patients.

Up until now this drug was available for use in England via the 1.27bn Cancer Drugs Fund, an initiative of the UK government, started in 2010 that pays for drugs which are not routinely available on the NHS. In 2014 and 2015, 778 women could avail Kadcyla via this fund. However with the NICE suggesting that the drug was too expensive, the cost effectiveness of the drug came under scanner and the Fund would no longer be able to support the accessibility to this drug. This new move comes as a welcome relief there.

Richard Erwin, general manager at Roche said that the regulatory body NICE has also recommended Kadcyla now as a cost-effective treatment. He also cited flexibility as one of the keystones in bringing this change about. The Welsh government and Northern Ireland are also going to follow suit with this drug.

Breast cancer researchers and advocates have commended this move citing the fact that it will benefit many women. As per the reports from Cancer Research UK, there are 55,000 new cases of breast cancer annually and nearly 10,000 deaths occur from this dreaded cancer each year.
Given the unprecedented refugee crisis and the current political and social climate today's immigrant's face, training the next generation of health professionals to be competent global healers and leaders is imperative. In an effort to prepare students at the earliest stages of their medical training, Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) has received a three-year, $392,000 grant from the Josiah Macy Jr. Foundation to help train future physicians to better serve refugee and immigrant populations.

In its breadth and depth this initiative, A Longitudinal Educational Program to Advance the Health and Health Care of Refugees, will be more comprehensive than any existing program offered to medical students in the country. Over the course of the three-year project period, faculty leaders will develop and implement a multidimensional educational program to provide diverse opportunities for students to learn about, practice and research refugee health.

Most medical education focused on this patient population currently addresses issues like immunizations and infectious diseases from countries of origin, yet does not teach about the physical, emotional and social manifestations of trauma. The majority of medical students and physicians have a limited understanding of their patients' cultural and trauma histories and how they impact illness and healing as well as limited skills to intervene in a culturally sensitive, patient-centered approach.

"Physicians who care for refugees are often unprepared to address the serious and complex needs of those who seek their assistance because of lack of experience, training and mentorship in their medical education curriculum. This initiative will begin to fill that void and also prepare students to deal with other patients who have been traumatized and increase their cultural competence," said George E. Thibault, MD, president of the Josiah Macy Jr. Foundation.

The program will be integrated across several health professional programs at BU including medicine, dental medicine, physician assistant, public health and social work. Faculty members from each of these programs will collaborate closely to develop, evaluate and disseminate course content. The new curriculum will include both didactic and interactive learning modules that will be required of all first- and second-year students. In addition, students will have the option to participate in research and service learning opportunities, a refugee health clerkship and an inter-professional refugee health selective will be optional for students during each of their four years.

"This project builds on longstanding efforts on the Boston University Medical Campus to train students and providers in the care of underserved individuals and communities, including immigrants and refugees," said Douglas Hughes, MD, BUSM's associate dean for Academic Affairs. After developing, implementing and evaluating the program at BUSM, project leaders plan to disseminate the content to other health professional schools. "While our immediate goal is to advance medical education, our ultimate goal is to improve the health, well-being and long-term adjustment of refugees," added Hughes.
As World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is observed on June 15, new study data from the Chinese community in Chicago is shedding light on the impact of elder abuse in America.

The discoveries are reported in five articles appearing in The Journals of Gerontology, Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences. Rush University Medical Center Medical Center Professor XinQi Dong, MD, MPH, led the team that conducted the research.

"What we're finding is that elder abuse is an extremely complex problem, with severe consequences regarding psychological well-being," Dong said. "Patterns of victimization may be influenced by the older adults' health, intergenerational relationships, and other social determinants like culture.

This is the first time that scholars have examined elder abuse -- including psychological, physical, sexual, financial exploitation, caregiver neglect -- and self-neglect in relationship to a number of factors, such as two-year incidence, adult children perpetrators and previous child abuse, levels of physical function, and thoughts of suicide.

The researchers utilized the PINE and PIETY studies, two population-based longitudinal studies surveying more than 3,000 Chinese older adults and their adult children in the Chicago area, to investigate elder abuse among the U.S. Chinese population. They found:

Nearly 1 in 10 Chinese older adults become new victims of elder abuse every two years.

Risk factors for elder abuse vary depending on the type of abuse.

Adult children who were abused as minors are nearly twice as likely to abuse their older parents compared to those who were not abused.

Victims of elder abuse and self-neglect are 2 to 3 times more likely to have suicidal ideation than non-victims.

Lower levels of physical function may be a protective factor against victimization

"Examining elder abuse in the U.S. Chinese community sheds light on the potential cultural nuances of elder abuse," Dong added. "Perpetrators of elder abuse tend to be family members, but adherence to collectivism or familism and lack of institutional support may deter Chinese Americans from asking for help."

Elder abuse or mistreatment is a serious public health issue impacting at least 1 in 10 older adults in the U.S. each year, leading to declines in the health and well-being on individual and family levels.

"While we want prevention and intervention efforts to be implemented as soon as possible," Dong said, "researchers need to make sure they have enough information to create effective, culturally-appropriate programs to truly improve the lives of older adults."
Electrical engineers are creating a wearable sensor to help people manage their alcohol intake.

Activity trackers monitor your steps; this innovative sensor measures your blood alcohol level. Worn like a watch, this sensor picks up vapors from the skin and sends the data to a server. If the alcohol reading is high, via an app, a designated loved one gets an alert to check in on the user. This easy-to-wear gadget will help address issues with social drinking and addiction.

"We wanted to create an unobtrusive sensor that would be easy to wear, and help people struggling with alcohol," said the inventor, Shekhar Bhansali, an Alcatel Lucent professor and chair of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. "This is one step toward active intervention that only requires the user wear the sensor."

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), excessive drinking cost the American economy $249 billion in 2010. Alcohol abuse is also known to kill about 88,000 people in the United States every year.

Bhansali explains that people struggling with alcoholism typically will lapse when it comes to self-reporting their alcohol intake. Also, alcohol clears the body within eight hours so someone who has to take a urine test in the morning can technically sleep off any binge drinking they may have undergone the night before.

The wearable sensor detects alcohol off the skin within 15 to 20 minutes of consumption. The device is made from start to finish by engineers. First, they create the alcohol sensors in a hot press. Then they test and calibrate the sensor with a gas sensing setup. Once the sensor reads the expected alcohol levels, engineers wire the sensor to the board, print the interface for the device on a 3D printer, and then assemble it all together.

"The calibrated sensor acts like an 'electronic nose;' it can sense alcohol odor from the skin in a fraction of second," said Yogeswaran Umasankar, a research assistant professor working with Bhansali.

In addition to managing alcoholism, this wearable sensor may help monitor social drinking on college campuses. It can also help keep an eye on liver transplant patients who are unable to drink or risk additional liver damage.

Source: https://news.fiu.edu/2017/06/wearable-sensor-helps-people-keep-tabs-on-drinking/112067
Professor Matthew Disney of the Department of Chemistry on the Florida campus of The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI), together with scientists from Mayo Clinic's Florida campus and Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, has been awarded $7.2 million from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke of The National Institutes of Health to create new RNA-based treatments for the most common form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), as well as a type of frontotemporal dementia (FTD).

Disney is the principal investigator on the five-year project, along with Leonard Petrucelli, chair of neuroscience at Mayo Clinic's Florida campus, and Jeffrey D. Rothstein of Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.

While the scientists will initially focus on small-molecule drug candidates for ALS and FTD, the grant establishes the RNA Therapeutics Center at TSRI for the continued study of RNA-based therapies for a number of untreatable diseases.

"Our work has changed the view of what is considered a druggable target, and this grant is a clear recognition of that accomplishment," Disney said. "The funding will allow us to more rigorously assess if a small molecule drug can be developed to target the RNA that causes the most common inherited form of ALS and FTD. The question we can now try and answer is if these studies can help to advance the science to bring a drug to ALS patients."

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ALS is usually fatal two to five years after diagnosis. There is no effective treatment for FTD, a neurodegenerative disease that destroys neurons in the frontal lobes of the brain. This study will focus on a lead compound that interferes with the synthesis of an abnormal protein-;known as a repeat RNA expansion-;that plays a key role in the development of both diseases.

Disney has been a pioneer in the development of potential treatments for a number of diseases caused by defects in RNA, which affect millions worldwide. His success in identifying drug-like small molecules that bind to RNA is the result of his lab's broad, bottom-up, computational approach known as Inforna, which can deep mine information against such genome sequences and cellular RNAs.

"RNA plays critical roles and causes many incurable diseases, and even more common diseases that have limited treatment options, such as cancers. The work of the new center will be to study and develop insights into developing treatments that target RNAs broadly, which were not thought to be targetable before," Disney said. "Our work will apply to any disease."

The initial research is a particularly good test case for RNA-based treatments, said Disney.

"The new grant supports the idea that RNA is a legitimate target to treat disease," Rothstein added. "We believe that this approach-;to truly treat the starting point of ALS-;can lead to effective and impactful therapies."

"We want to further evaluate bioactive small molecules targeting the repeat expansion in preclinical models of ALS," Petrucelli noted.

Source: https://www.scripps.edu/news/press/2017/20170615disney.html
Potential new ways of understanding the cause of cognitive impairments, such as problems with memory and attention, in brain disorders including schizophrenia and Alzheimer's are under the spotlight in a new research review.

The review has just been published in a special 'Pharmacology of Cognition' issue of the British Journal of Pharmacology. In the paper, Tobias Bast, Stephanie McGarrity and Marie Pezze from the School of Psychology at The University of Nottingham highlight recent evidence, which suggests that too much uncontrolled activity in specific brain areas may lead to the cognitive impairments characterizing these conditions.

Neurons in the brain interact by sending each other chemical messages, so-called neurotransmitters. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the most common inhibitory neurotransmitter, which is important to restrain neural activity, preventing neurons from getting too trigger-happy and from firing too much or responding to irrelevant stimuli. In the extreme, impaired inhibitory GABA transmission can cause epileptic seizures. In addition, as highlighted in the review, more subtle impairments in inhibitory GABA transmission, which are below the threshold to cause seizures, have recently been linked to a range of brain disorders characterized by cognitive impairments, including schizophrenia, age-related cognitive decline and early stages of Alzheimer's. However, until recently it was not clear if and how such subtle impairments in inhibitory GABA function affect important cognitive functions, such as memory and attention.

Two recent studies by Dr Bast and his colleagues have combined experimental reductions in inhibitory GABA transmission in specific brain regions with behavioral tests of memory and attention in rats.These studies focused on two brain regions that have long been known to be important for memory and attention, the prefrontal cortex and the hippocampus (a brain region in the temporal lobe). The studies found that faulty inhibitory neurotransmission and abnormally increased activity in the prefrontal cortex or hippocampus impairs memory and attention.

Dr Bast said: "Traditionally, memory and attentional impairments in conditions like ageing, Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia have mainly been thought to be caused by reduced neural activity or damage in brain regions such as the prefrontal cortex or hippocampus. However, more recent evidence shows that actually too much activity can be just as detrimental for memory and attention.

We reviewed recent studies in animal models, including our own research, which show that some important cognitive functions, including memory and attention, can be impaired if neural activity in brain regions, including the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, is not under sufficient inhibitory control, which is normally mediated by the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA.

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A key finding is that increased activity of a brain region, due to faulty inhibitory neurotransmission, can be more detrimental to cognitive function than reduced activity or a lesion. Insufficiently restrained activity within a brain region can disrupt not only the function of the region itself, but also the function of other regions to which it is connected. For example, our studies revealed that faulty inhibitory neurotransmission in the hippocampus does not only disrupt aspects of memory typically supported by this brain region, but also impaired attentional function, which is highly dependent on the prefrontal cortex, a region that is strongly connected to the hippocampus.

We hope that our findings and a deeper understanding of the brain mechanisms underlying impairments in memory and attention will help to develop new treatments for these debilitating problems. Our review highlights potential pharmacological treatments to re-balance aberrant neural activity and restore memory and attention, which we aim to test in future research."

The review is part of a special issue concerned with the Pharmacology of Cognition, on the British journal of Pharmcology which is co-edited by Dr Paula Moran, Associate Professor and Reader in Behavioral Neuroscience at the University of Nottingham. She explains the significance of this issue for understanding cognitive conditions: "We urgently need new strategies to treat cognitive problems.These problems occur not only in Alzhiemer's disease and ageing, but also in psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, depression and anxiety. It is often overlooked, but the functional outcomes of these disorders can depend on how well people can learn, remember and concentrate. New treatments are most likely to come from deeper understanding of brain circuitries that are involved. This special issue addresses new approaches to improving cognition from rebalancing abnormal neural activity to cannabinoids to exercise. It also highlights the importance of not only using information from animal models to translate to human studies but also taking that information back to animal models to improve their accuracy to to predict new treatments."

Source: https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/
Diagnosing malaria has been a very time-consuming and error-prone process up to now. Together with his Dutch colleague Jan van den Boogaart, Professor Oliver Hayden from the Technical University of Munich (TUM) has now developed an automated rapid blood test that provides an accurate diagnosis in almost 100 percent of cases. The researchers were presented with the European Inventor Award, which honors outstanding inventors from Europe and the rest of the world, for the development of the new method on 15 June.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), malaria claimed the lives of approximately 430,000 people throughout the world in 2015. A major problem associated with this infectious tropical disease is the difficulty in obtaining a fast and reliable diagnosis. Up to now, it was diagnosed mainly by means of the microscopic detection of pathogens in the blood by medical technicians - an inaccurate and time-consuming method. The new rapid test developed by Prof Oliver Hayden, holder of the Heinz Nixdorf Chair for Biomedical Electronics, and Jan van den Boogaart from Siemens Healthineers uses a combination of 30 different blood values that can be determined using an automated process.

The researchers carried out a statistical evaluation of the blood parameters of healthy subjects and malaria patients. Based on this they were able to identify a set of 30 blood values which presented quantifiable deviations from the norm in people suffering from the disease. The two researchers then developed an algorithm that can be programmed into blood analysis devices already used in laboratories and clinics so that they recognize the malaria "data fingerprint". The new method enables the diagnosis of the disease with 97 percent accuracy. Van den Boogaart and Hayden aim to develop the detection method further for use with other diseases in the future.
A systematic mutation analysis has shown that changes in just three amino acids of the avian influenza H7N9 virus receptor binding protein confers specificity for human cells.

Credit: Nixx Photography/Shutterstock.com

H7N9 is a strain of influenza virus that usually only infects birds. However, in 2013 a human flu outbreak was found to be caused by H7N9 acquired from poultry markets. Although the virus had gained the ability to infect humans, it did not acquire human specificity and so could not transfer between humans. Consequently, closure of the poultry markets stopped the outbreak.

The unprecedented incidence of the flu virus being transmitted to humans from infected poultry raised concerns that the virus may be adapting to a human host. To assess this risk, scientists at The Scripps Research Institute, California assessed which mutations in the H7N9 DNA could allow it to gain human specificity.

The protein on the surface of the flu virus that allows it to attach to host cells is called haemagglutanin and there are several subtypes of this protein (H1 to H16). Typically, only H1, H2 and H3 have been found in flu viruses infecting humans.

Avian flu strains produce H7 that confers binding specificity for birds. Researchers therefore looked for mutations in the DNA of the avian flu virus encoding H7 that would result in a haemagglutanin similar to H1, H2 or H3 being produced. Such mutations would allow H7 to bind to human cells. If the avian flu virus acquired human specificity, it would be able to spread between humans in the same way as human flu strains, which have caused serious pandemics in the past.

Study of the structure of different haemagglutanin subtypes and application of molecular modelling techniques, allowed the team to determine which mutations had the potential to change the H7 amino acid sequence in such as way that the protein would become human specific. They then produced a range of haemagglutanin proteins with different combinations of these identified mutations. The specificity of the engineered haemagglutanins was assessed in an experimental cell line.

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Binding tests showed that several forms of haemagglutanin with mutations in three amino acids had a particularly strong affinity for human receptors. This indicated that the H7 specificity had switched from bird cells to human cells as a result of these mutations.

H7 haemagglutinins with the three amino acid changes were also shown to successfully attach to cells in samples of human trachea tissue as was seen in the 2013 outbreak.

In the interest of safety (to avoid the obvious dangers of creating human-specific H7N9 viruses) the team cannot introduce DNA with the triple mutation into H7N9 viruses. The transmission of the mutated virus between animals cannot therefore be tested directly.

However, since the potentially dangerous mutations have now been identified scientists can monitor samples from humans infected with H7N9 for the switch in specificity. Identifying avian flu strains that are likely to have the ability to transfer between humans will allow preventative actions to be taken before a pandemic arises.
New data analysis presented today at the annual Global Forum on Nicotone (GFN) meeting demonstrates the potential of the low-risk tobacco product snus in reducing the impact of tobacco-related disease and death in Europe.

The latest evidence, presented by Peter Lee, epidemiologist and medical statistician, indicates that snus is at least 95% safer than smoking. Analysis by Lars Ramstrom, snus researcher in Sweden, shows that if snus were made available in Europe - where it is currently banned with the exception of Sweden - and similar use levels to Sweden were adopted, up to 320,000 premature deaths could be avoided among men every year.

Snus, a smokeless powdered tobacco, is more popular than smoking in Sweden. Its availability has led to a reduction in smoking and smoking-related diseases with the 2017 EC EuroBarometer survey showing only 5% of Swedes being daily smokers compared with the European average of 24%. Correspondingly, Swedish men have Europe's lowest level of tobacco-related mortality, 152 per 100,000 compared with the European average of 373 per 100,000.

While 46% of deaths due to smoking result from respiratory diseases such as lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and pneumonia, there is no evidence that risk of these diseases is increased by using snus. Nor does snus appear to increase the risk of other smoking-related diseases including heart disease, stroke and a range of cancers.

In addition, the public health benefits of snus vs. cigarettes are not only much lower, but the role of snus in both reducing initiation of smoking and increasing cessation of smoking is a key element in defeating the actual cause of tobacco-related ill-health caused by the cigarette.

Current European legislation does not allow snus to be marketed in any European country except Sweden. However, due to strong evidence behind its potentially life-saving benefits, The New Nicotine Alliance (NNA), a UK consumer group supporting access to safer nicotine products, is calling for its legalization and has joined legal action case against the banning of snus, which has now been referred to the European Courts of Justice.

Gerry Stimson, Chair of the NNA stated, 'Snus is a tobacco product that has consistently been proven to be less harmful to health than cigarettes. The ban on snus limits smokers choices of safer alternatives and has a significant negative impact on public health'.

In its fourth year, the Global Forum on Nicotine is the only international conference to focus on the role of safer nicotine products that may help people switch from smoking. The theme of this year's meeting 'Reducing Harm, Saving Lives' is focused on examining the role of safer nicotine products in reducing the global health burden of smoking.

The tobacco epidemic is one of the biggest public health threats, killing more than 7 million people a year.ii There are currently 1 billion smokers worldwide, with nearly 80% of them living in low and middle-income countries, where the burden of tobacco-related illness is greatest.
"How long do I have, doctor?" For many cancer patients, following the initial shock of their diagnosis, thoughts quickly turn to estimating how much precious time they have left with family and friends or whether certain treatments could prolong their life.

While current methods of estimating mortality can be crude, patients with bowel cancer could soon more accurately predict their chances of survival, thanks to a new web calculator 'QCancer Colorectal Survival' developed by academics at the University of Nottingham and medical software company ClinRisk Ltd.

The new tool, which can be accessed by doctors and patients alike, is intended to help people make more informed decisions around treatment and manage expectations following diagnosis.

Research to test the accuracy of the new calculator, published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ), has shown that the tool can reliably predict both absolute survival rates for men and women with colorectal cancer.

The calculator also allows patients to update their mortality risk based on how long they have survived following a diagnosis of cancer.

The tool was developed by Professors Julia Hippisley-Cox and Carol Coupland in the University's School of Medicine using the QResearch database, which gathers patient data from approximately 1500 general practices across England through the Egton Medical Information Systems (EMIS) clinical computer system.

Professor Hippisley-Cox said: "Current methods of estimating survival tend to be unreliable and sometimes patients can be given a fairly misleading and unnecessarily gloomy prognosis based only on the grade and stage of their cancer, only to find that in reality they live much longer than these crude predictions when other information is taken into account.

"The good news is that this new calculator which doctors and patients can access will offer a far more realistic estimate. We understand that not everyone will want to do this, of course, but some patients are very keen on this approach so it's an individual choice."

Current methods of predicting survival are based on simple averages based only on age or the grade and stage of the cancer in the wider population.

The new tool looks at a range of additional risk factors including the patient's, smoking history, body mass index, family history, other illnesses and treatments such as aspirin or statins as well as other information including whether they have had surgery or treatments such as chemotherapy to deliver a far more personalized prognosis.

The team used information from more than 44,000 patients from 947 practices to develop separate equations for men and women aged between 15 and 99 years old when diagnosed with bowel cancer.

They then tested the equations by using them retrospectively to predict the outcome at one year, five years and 10 years after diagnosis for 15,214 bowel cancer patients from 305 different GP practices and 437,821 colorectal cancer patients from the national cancer registry.

The results indicated that the team has devised strong models for the prediction of cancer survival outcomes. They were also able to provide conditional survival estimates which show how mortality risks change over time, which are particularly important among patients where the initial prognosis is poor due to late stage disease.

For example, a 38-year-old woman with stage 4 advanced bowel cancer might decide to estimate her survival with or without surgery and chemotherapy to help assess the potential value of the treatment.

Using the web calculator, she could see that her chance of surviving for five-years without any treatment would be just 6 percent; with surgery that would increase to 23 percent and with both treatments it would be 45 per cent.

This compares with the published five-year survival of 66 percent based solely on her age or the eight percent chance based solely on her cancer stage.

Assuming she has both treatments and survives for a year following her diagnosis, her five-year conditional survival would increase to 57 percent.

The team will adapt the new web calculator to predict prognosis in other types of cancers in the future.

QResearch is a large consolidated database of anonymised health records of more than 24 million patients developed by a not-for-profit partnership between the University of Nottingham and EMIS Health PLC -- the UK leader in clinical IT systems for joined-up patient care.
One area of research within mechanobiology, the study of how physical forces influence biological processes, is on the interplay between cells and their environment and how it impacts their ability to grow and spread.

Many studies have shown that stiffness of the extracellular matrix, the fibrous network of collagen that surrounds cells, promotes cellular mobility; cells can get a better grip on stiffer surfaces and thus invade neighboring tissue.

New research by scientists in the University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science is diving deeper into this relationship, showing that stiffness is not the only factor researchers should consider when studying this process.

The relationship between cellular adhesion and spread is a key factor in cancer metastasis. Better understanding of this dynamic would improve diagnosis of the disease and provide a potential target in combating it; reducing the ability of cells to grip their environment could keep them contained.

The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, was led by Vivek Shenoy, professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering and co-director of Penn's Center for Engineering Mechanobiology, along with Xuan Cao and Ehsan Ban, members of his lab. They collaborated with Jason Burdick, professor in the Department of Bioengineering, Boston University's Christopher Chen, the University of Michigan's Brendon Baker and the University of Hong Kong's Yuan Lin.

This collaboration reflects work of The Center for Engineering Mechanobiology, a National Science Foundation-funded Science and Technology Center that supports interdisciplinary research on the way cells exert and are influenced by the physical forces in their environment.

Previous work from Shenoy's group has shown that the relationship between cancer cells and the extracellular matrix is dynamic, containing feedback mechanisms that can change the ECM's properties, including overall stiffness. One earlier study investigated how cancer cells attempt to strike a balance in the density of the fibrous netting surrounding them. If there are too few fibers to grip, the cells can't get enough traction to move. If there are too many, the holes in the net become too small for the cells to pass through.

Their research has shown that feedback between the cells and extracellular matrix reshapes this network of fibers and is a key mechanism in cancer's spread. However, existing model systems for observing this process in the lab do not capture this feedback dynamic.

Cells are often cultured on top of hydrogel films. These gels are good for simulating tissues with different levels of stiffness, but they lack the fibers that are characteristic of extracellular matrix.

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"It's widely believed," Shenoy said, "that stiffness is the only things that cells care about, but we're saying that's there's another dimension to this. Cells are constantly pulling on what is surrounding them, but," Burdick said, " when they are pulling on a static material like a hydrogel, that material doesn't change its stiffness in response."

Shenoy and his colleagues were interested in the points where cells actually bond to the surrounding matrix, known as focal adhesions. They developed a computer model that better simulates how the cells recruit new ligands that eventually form focal adhesions by altering the geometry of the matrix's component fibers.

In their model, cells are able to change the properties of the surrounding matrix when they pull on it. Specifically, they can break the crosslinks that hold the fibers together, allowing cells to change fiber density near their edges.

"Some fibers are drawn closer to the cells, which increases ligand density. Those are the parts they can grab onto," Shenoy said. "This means that the cell has more handles to hold on to. This is what doesn't happen if the model is static."

Working with Burdick and Chen, who have experience in creating custom three-dimensional hydrogels and fibrous networks with varied crosslinking, the research team ran physical experiments to validate their computer model. They created the fibrous hydrogels through an electrospinning process with subsequent photocrosslinking to link the polymers together. By creating fibrous hydrogels with different levels of crosslinks, the team was able to show that cells surrounded by matrices with fewer crosslinks were better able to draw in fibers and increase the number of focal adhesions around them.

"When you're engineering a synthetic matrix," Burdick said, "you have a degree of control over various properties of the material. For example, it is possible to tune the fiber mechanics by altering the level of crosslinking within and between the fibers."

Further research from the group will look into the timescales over which these dynamic processes occur.

"Natural physiology is extremely complex," Shenoy said, "so we need to break it down to smaller pieces. Unless you get these smaller pieces right, the rest of the model is not going to be accurate."
Professor Christine Pullar discusses the use of Salbutamol as an anti-scar treatment in her Professorial Inaugural Lecture on 22 June

Research at the University of Leicester has revealed a potential treatment to prevent wound scarring that will soon be entering clinical trials.

Professor Christine Pullar from the University's Department of Molecular and Cell Biology will discuss her research which has shown that Salbutamol, a safe and well-tolerated pharmaceutical, curbs excessive cell behaviour and moves the healing process towards normal skin regeneration in an upcoming Professorial Inaugural Lecture.

The lecture, titled 'Old dogs for new tricks: The use of salbutamol to regenerate skin, reducing skin wound fibrosis/scars', is part of the Professorial Inaugural lecture Series at the University of Leicester. It takes place on Thursday 22 June in the Frank and Katherine May Lecture Theatre, Henry Wellcome Building and is free and open to the public.

The Professorial Inaugural lecture Series allows new professors an opportunity to share their research with a broad audience, including members of the public, in the presence of family, invited friends and colleagues.

One hundred and ten million primary surgical incisions occur globally every year, with those made in areas of high tension particularly prone to scarring.

Depending on the body location, wound scars can be emotionally (face) and physically (joint) debilitating. This is especially true for some patients who suffer significant darkening (hyperpigmentation) of the skin at the site of damage, making any injury particularly traumatic.

There are currently no proven treatments available to prevent wound scarring.

Salbutamol has been used in asthma therapy in the UK since 1968 and could deliver a clinical and cost-effective solution to wound scarring.

Professor Pullar's patented anti-scar treatment has passed all pre-clinical safety assessments and human clinical trials will begin in October 2017.

Professor Pullar said: "The opportunity to bring Salbutamol to the clinic as a safe, cheap and effective scar prevention treatment is incredibly exciting. We hope that commercial engagement towards the end of the two year trial will allow the first effective anti-skin scar treatment to be available to both the NHS and World Healthcare Systems within a few years."

Professor Pullar joined the University of Leicester's Department of Molecular and Cell Biology in 2006 and established a lab developing treatments to heal chronic wounds and reduce wound scarring, supported by funding from The British Skin Foundation, Medicare, The Wellcome Trust and the MRC.

The research conducted into the use of salbutamol to regenerate skill and reduce skin fibrosis has been nominated for a Research Impact Award at the University of Leicester for best potential economic impact.

The Research Impact Awards will acknowledge the impact of the world-leading insights and expertise taking place at the University of Leicester.
Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often find it difficult to look others in the eyes. This avoidance has typically been interpreted as a sign of social and personal indifference, but reports from people with autism suggests otherwise. Many say that looking others in the eye is uncomfortable or stressful for them - some will even say that "it burns" - all of which points to a neurological cause. Now, a team of investigators based at the Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging at Massachusetts General Hospital has shed light on the brain mechanisms involved in this behavior. They reported their findings in a Scientific Reports paper published online this month.

"The findings demonstrate that, contrary to what has been thought, the apparent lack of interpersonal interest among people with autism is not due to a lack of concern," says Nouchine Hadjikhani, MD, PhD, director of neurolimbic research in the Martinos Center and corresponding author of the new study. "Rather, our results show that this behavior is a way to decrease an unpleasant excessive arousal stemming from overactivation in a particular part of the brain."

The key to this research lies in the brain's subcortical system, which is responsible for the natural orientation toward faces seen in newborns and is important later for emotion perception. The subcortical system can be specifically activated by eye contact, and previous work by Hadjikhani and colleagues revealed that, among those with autism, it was oversensitive to effects elicited by direct gaze and emotional expression. In the present study, she took that observation further, asking what happens when those with autism are compelled to look in the eyes of faces conveying different emotions.

Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), Hadjikhani and colleagues measured differences in activation within the face-processing components of the subcortical system in people with autism and in control participants as they viewed faces either freely or when constrained to viewing the eye-region. While activation of these structures was similar for both groups exhibited during free viewing, overactivation was observed in participants with autism when concentrating on the eye-region. This was especially true with fearful faces, though similar effects were observed when viewing happy, angry and neutral faces.

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The findings of the study support the hypothesis of an imbalance between the brain's excitatory and inhibitory signaling networks in autism - excitatory refers to neurotransmitters that stimulate the brain, while inhibitory refers to those that calm it and provide equilibrium. Such an imbalance, likely the result of diverse genetic and environmental causes, can strengthen excitatory signaling in the subcortical circuitry involved in face perception. This in turn can result in an abnormal reaction to eye contact, an aversion to direct gaze and consequently abnormal development of the social brain.

In revealing the underlying reasons for eye-avoidance, the study also suggests more effective ways of engaging individuals with autism. "The findings indicate that forcing children with autism to look into someone's eyes in behavioral therapy may create a lot of anxiety for them," says Hadjikhani, an associate professor of Radiology at Harvard Medical School. "An approach involving slow habituation to eye contact may help them overcome this overreaction and be able to handle eye contact in the long run, thereby avoiding the cascading effects that this eye-avoidance has on the development of the social brain."

The researchers are already planning to follow up the research. Hadjikhani is now seeking funding for a study that will use magnetoencephalography (MEG) together with eye-tracking and other behavioral tests to probe more deeply the relationship between the subcortical system and eye contact avoidance in autism.

Source: http://www.massgeneral.org/about/pressrelease.aspx?id=2118
Honda two wheelers are set to launch a new vehicle in the Indian market which promises to tread a different line. Cars 18 has learned from a source that Honda will be calling it a 'Utility vehicle' and won't be branding it as a scooter or a motorcycle, something that's similar to what the Japanese automaker did with their popular Navi which was first showcased at the 2016 Delhi Auto Expo.We have also learned that the new product will fall into the commuter segment and will be aggressively priced in order to stand out of the already crowded market. Their next vehicle is designed to offer practicality and versatility unlike any other offering in the price bracket.Honda has been riding high on the popularity of the Honda Navi and also overtook Bajaj as the second highest selling two wheeler automaker in India and came close to the market leader Hero MotoCorp for the month of April 2017.Following the success of the Honda Navi, the company seems to be working on the same formula with their new product which will bring something different to the table.What is a two-wheeled 'Utility Vehicle' exactly? Is it a scooter or a motorcycle? We will find out on its launch on June 20, 2017.
Starting Friday, petrol and diesel prices will be revised daily in sync with any movement in international oil rates. Rates will change at 6 am every day depending on movement in cost on the previous day.Dynamic fuel pricing, or daily revision of retail selling prices (RSP), has already been implemented on a pilot basis in Udaipur, Jamshedpur, Visakhapatnam, Chandigarh and Puducherry from May 1.Heres all you need to know about dynamic fuel pricing:Customers can download Indian Oils app Fuel@IOC to keep a track of the updated daily petrol prices in all citiesThe updated fuel prices will also be available on SMS. Customers can send a message  RSP< SPACE >DEALER CODE TO 9224992249. The dealer code of each petrol pump is displayed at the fuel station.Customers can also check the daily revision in fuel prices using RO Locator . The link is available through IOC s official website.Daily pricing or dynamic pricing is followed in several developed countries. The move is expected to allow oil companies to be in sync with international oil prices. It may also help oil marketing companies to negotiate the fluctuations in international pricing.With the move, consumers are less likely to feel the pinch of a big jump that fortnightly changes bring. It is also expected to help check hoarding and consumers may get the benefits of an international cut sooner. Oil marketing companies would also not have to bother about political repercussions of price hikes.Petrol pump dealers, however, argue that of the 58,000 fuel outlets in the country, around 40,000 are automated. Of them, only 5,600 are internet enabled, which may affect daily revisions. They also point out that implementation may be a problem in small towns where manpower is low.Dealers are also worried about inventory loss, but the state-run Indian oil Corp has sought to reassure them. "The fear of dealers about inventory loss is unwarranted as the change of prices will happen both upwards as well as downwards, and thus both gain and loss would compensate each other," IOC said in a release."The pilot implementation in five cities has demonstrated that the Indian market is ready for the change. The study in 5 cities has shown that customers have accepted the DPR in right earnest," it said.
Everyone plans a dine out for special occasions but how about treating your father with some do it yourself home recipes this Father's Day. Make him feel special with some easy recipes that are not only healthy for his body but also hygienic as you are making it yourself and for the most important man in your life.



Experts from Vivanta by Taj in Gurugram, The Gateway Resort Damdama Lake in Gurugram and Pepsico brand Kurkure has come up with some of the easy to make recipes that can be prepared at your home.



Chilly chatka chaat:



Ingredients: One pack of extruded corn snack, one onion, one tomato, one cup of shredded cabbage, half cup of curd, half teaspoon red chilli powder, one teaspoon cumin seed, two table spoons table chutney and salt to taste.



How to prepare: Add a pack of corn snack to the bowl. Add fine slices of onion, cabbage and tomato. Mix it up with curd and tamarind chutney followed by seasoning with red chilli powder, cumin seed and salt. Serve with a piping hot cup of tea!



Solid masti treat:



Ingredients: One pack of extruded corn snack, one onion, one tomato, five tablespoons mint sauce and salad leaves to garnish



How to prepare: Add freshly diced onions and tomatoes to the corn snack, topping it up with mint sauce and salad leaves.



Barbecue chicken wings:



Ingredients: 400 gram chicken wings (with skin), half teaspoon brown sugar, half teaspoon cayenne pepper, half teaspoon smoked paprika, half teaspoon crushed black pepper, half teaspoon garlic powder, salt to taste, 50 grams barbecue sauce, 15 grams tomato ketchup, 35 grams honey and Olive oil as required



How to prepare: Marinate the chicken wings with the dry ingredients. Rub the ingredients well with the wings until nicely seasoned and coated. Bake in a pre-heated oven for 30 minutes until well cooked.Combine the barbecue sauce with the honey, olive oil and ketchup and season with smoked paprika, salt and pepper. Toss the wings in the sauce and bake again for 10 minutes until cooked and bubbly. Serve hot with ranch dressing.



Braised lamb with potato cornichorn, onion confit and red wine jus ( mixture when the onions are sauted in the pan and red wine is added to it for enhancing flavours)



Ingredients: 880 grams lamb shanks, 80 ml olive oil, 60 gram chopped garlic, salt to taste 20 gram rose mary, 16 baby onion, 200 grams potato, 40 grams jalapeno, 330 ml fresh creme, 120 ml red wine, 160 grams asparagus



How to prepare: Marinate lamb shanks with garlic, rose mary , salt and red wine. Keep aside for 30 minutes, peel and boil potato. Roughly mash with hand , Prepare onion confit by slow cooking of onion in oil, Grilled lamb shanks in a hot plate & keep for braising for next 30 mins in a hot poaching liquor



Add fried garlic, jelapeno, onion , salt in hand mash potato. Season Blanched Aspargus well and keep aside. In a plate, place the the potato corni chorne in the centre of plate . Put one lamb shank on top of the potato & rest keep on side of potato. Arrange asparagus. Reduce the natural jus and pour on the lamb garnished with rosemary and onion confit.
Extradited gangster Abu Salem and five others  Mustafa Dossa, Firoz Abdul Rashid Khan, Tahir Merchant, Karimullah Sheikh and Riyaz Siddiqui  have been convicted by a special TADA for the 1993 Bombay serial blasts which killed 257 people and injured over 700. The court has acquitted Abdul Quayyum who was charged with delivering weapons to actor Sanjay Dutt.

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Extradited gangster Abu Salem and five others, including key mastermind Mustafa Dossa, were on Friday convicted by a special TADA court in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts case.Apart from Salem and Dossa, others convicted were Karimullah Sheikh, Firoz Abdul Rashid Khan, Riyaz Siddiqui and Tahir Merchant.Abdul Quayyum, who had been accused of supplying weapons to actor Sanjay Dutt, was acquitted due to lack of evidence.Dossa was convicted on charges of conspiracy and murder under various sections of the IPC besides offences under the TADA Act, the Arms Act and the Explosives Act.Salem was found guilty of transporting weapons from Gujarat to Mumbai ahead of the blasts. He had also handed over to Sanjay Dutt AK-56 rifles, 250 rounds and some hand grenades at his residence on January 16, 1993. Two days later on January 18, 1993 Salem and two others went to Dutt's house and got back two rifles and some rounds.The court had dropped certain charges against Salem in 2013 after the CBI moved a plea, saying those charges were against the extradition treaty between India and Portugal, PTI reported.Justice (retired) PD Kode, however, told CNN-News18 that nothing stops the TADA court from awarding the death penalty to Abu Salem, not even the assurances given to Portugal.The hearing on the quantum of punishment will be held on June 19. Rakesh Maria, who headed the probe in the serial blasts case, said it is not a closure until Dawood Ibrahim, Tiger Memon and ISI operatives are also brought to court.With the exception of Yakub Menon, most others were either involved in the landing, transportation and storage of the explosives, arms and ammunition, or were the foot-soldiers who went and planted the explosives at the 12 different locations, he told CNN-News18Mustafa, Dossa, Tahir Merchant, Firoz and Abu Salem were at the higher level who took part in the planning, organising, financing part of the conspiracy, the former Mumbai Police Commissioner added.Dossa allegedly masterminded the landing of explosives, including RDX in India and sent some youth to Pakistan to acquire arms training to execute the blasts.The dastardly attacks had left 257 dead, 713 persons seriously injured and destroyed properties worth Rs 27 crore.In the first leg of the trial that concluded in 2007, the TADA court had convicted 100 accused in the case, while 23 persons were acquitted.The trial of the seven accused  Abu Salem, Mustafa Dossa, Karimullah Sheikh, Firoz Abdul Rashid Khan, Riyaz Siddiqui, Tahir Merchant and Abdul Quayyum  were separated from the main case as they were arrested at the time of conclusion of the main trial.On March 12, 1993 the country's commercial capital witnessed an unprecedented terrorist attack when a series 12 bomb explosions took place one after another in about a span of two hours.The blasts took place at Bombay Stock Exchange, Katha Bazaar, Lucky petrol pump near Sena Bhavan, opposite Passport office near Century Bazaar, Fishermen's colony at Mahim Causeway, at basement of Air India Building, Zaveri Bazaar, Hotel Sea Rock, Plaza Theatre, Centaur Hotel (Juhu), Sahar Airport (Bay no.54) and Centaur Hotel (near airport).This was the first-ever terrorist attack in the world in which RDX was used on such a large-scale after the Second World War.According to the prosecution, in order to avenge the demolition of Babri Masjid, members of the crime syndicate under the fugitive don Dawood Ibrahim along with other absconding accused Tiger Memon, Mohammed Dossa and Mustafa Dossa hatched a conspiracy to commit terrorist acts in India.The prosecution said that the object of the crime was to commit terrorist acts with an intent to overawe the Government of India, to strike terror on the people, alienate section of the people and to harm the communal harmony.It said that the conspirators smuggled fire-arms, ammunitions, detonators, hand grenades and highly explosive substances like RDX into India and stored it.According to the prosecution, Mustafa Dossa, Tiger Memon and Chhota Shakeel organised training camps in Pakistan and in India to impart and undergo weapon and arms training and handling of explosives. They also sent men from India to Pakistan via Dubai for arms training.The prosecution also said that the conspirators held 15 meetings before the execution of the blasts.(With PTI inputs)
Twenty four years after the deadly Bombay blasts in 1993, its finally the day of the judgement for seven of the accused.Abu Salem, alias Abdul Saleem Ansari, has been convicted in the blasts case. The rise of this man, who went on to chart his own course in the underworld world, and the eventual fall is stuff films are made of.Born to a lawyer father in Saria Meer in Azamgarh district of Uttar Pradesh, Salem is believed to have come to Delhi and started his career as a taxi driver.He then moved to Mumbai in the mid-1980s and started off as a petty criminal during his stint at a telephone booth in Andheri. During this time, he came in contact with Dawood Ibrahims younger brother, Anees. Salem soon rose up the ladder and became a part of the D-gang.Salem was tasked with taking the gangs arms and ammunitions from one part of the city to another. He soon started extorting money from builders in the city, and soon Bollywood bigwigs too.In 1997, the sensational killing of Bollywood producer Gulshan Kumar brought Salem into the spotlight, and among the A league. The police, months later, charged him with an attempt to life on another producer Rajiv Rai. Salems rising ambit put him into a tussle with Chhota Shakeel, another dreaded gangster. Salem, however, split from the Dawood gang in 1998. He was extorting money from Bollywood producers and directors, with many like Subhash Ghai, Karan Johar, said to have received threats from the gangster.It was during his rule in Bollywood that he met starlet Monica Bedi. He even pressurized producers to star her in their films. Salem had fled India after the bombings, along with Bedi. The duo landed in Portugal and lived in Lisbon only to be caught in 2002 by the Portuguese police after a tip off from the Interpol. A court in Portugal, in 2003, sentenced Salem to 4.5 years in prison and Bedi was given 2 years. Both were charged with forging documents and resisting arrest. India pressed for extradition, which Portugal granted on the condition that they would not face death sentence if they returned. So, the couple were extradited. Salem in still lodged in jail, while Bedi walked out a free woman after serving her sentence.The assurance given to Portugal means one thing: the court today will give anything, but death, to Salem for conspiring in the blasts, which, according to unofficial records, left thousands dead and hundreds injured.
: Ganesha is revered as the god of beginnings. That's why he is worshiped at the start of rites and ceremonies, including wedding. And almost every Hindu wedding invitation card begins with an image of Lord Ganesha.But a Dalit family in Allahabad has started a new tradition by replacing the image of Ganesha with that of Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar on the wedding card of their daughter.This has been met with appreciation and criticism alike, but the Dalit family is convinced that Ambedkar is a godlike figure for them. Hinchlal from Amaura village of Meja Tehsil in Allahabad says he chose Ambedkar's image for his daughter Khushbu's wedding card because it's the Indian Constitution written by Babasaheb that strengthens his community, which used to suffer from untouchability and oppression for centuries.Photograph of the the wedding invitation card. ("Whatever position we have in the society today, it is because of Babasaheb. He is a godlike figure for us. By his grace, we are a part of the society and that's why I have preferred his image over Lord Ganesha's on my daughter's wedding card," said Hinchlal."Just because I was from a Dalit family, I was not allowed to enter a school when I was a kid," said Hinchlal, a law graduate who is now Sarpanch of his village."Following the footsteps of Babasaheb, I have struggled a lot to establish myself. Babasaheb was unlike today's political parties who just want to exploit us by playing the Dalit card whenever elections take place," he said.
Jammu: Pakistan on Friday violated the ceasefire by firing on forward posts along the Line of Control in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir, killing an Indian Army jawan.



There have been six ceasefire violations in the past three days and a total 17 along the LoC and the international border in Jammu region since June 1 in which one civilian was killed and seven others were injured.



"The Pakistan Army initiated unprovoked firing on Indian Army posts in the Naoshera sector along the LoC in Rajouri district around 5:15 am," a defence spokesman said.



Indian troops returned the fire strongly and effectively. Naik Bakhtawar Singh was injured in the exchange of fire. He succumbed to his wounds while being evacuated to the military hospital, he said.



Singh (34), belonged to Hajipur village in Punjab's Hoshiarpur district. He is survived by his wife Jasbir Kaur and three children, including a 10-month-old boy.



The wreath laying ceremony will be held tomorrow at Rajouri and the soldier's mortal remains will then be taken to his village where he will be cremated with full military honours, the spokesman said.



"Singh was a brave and sincere soldier. He loved his job to the core. The nation will always remain indebted to him for the supreme sacrifice and devotion to duty," he said.



Pakistan breached the truce twice overnight in the Naushera sector.



Two Pakistani soldiers were on Wednesday killed in retaliatory fire after they breached the truce, targeting forward posts and civilian areas along the LoC in Rajouri and Poonch districts.



There were 3 ceasefire violations by Pakistan on June 12, one on June 13, four on June 11 and one on June 10.
On March 12, 1993, Bombay was rocked by 13 explosions in different parts of the city. It resulted in 257 fatalities, and over 700 were injured. According to some news reports, the death toll was over 300 and the number of injured stood at 1,500. It is the largest coordinated terror attack to have taken place on Indian soil in terms of the number of casualties. It is also one of the most well-planned terror attacks to have been perpetrated in India apart from the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. It was also the first terror attack on Indian soil in which RDX was used as the explosive material.The attacks were planned by Dawood Ibrahim, the Pakistan-based underworld don and India's 'most wanted' fugitive, who is also listed as 'most wanted' by the US and the Interpol. Dawood was assisted in this act by Tiger Memon, who is also believed to be hiding in Pakistan. The bombings were financed by expatriate Indian smugglers based in the UAE. The Indian authorities have also pointed at the active involvement of the Pakistani intelligence agency, Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) in the blasts. Several terrorists received training in Pakistan. Nearly all were recruited from Dubai or went to Pakistan via Dubai.The entire investigation of the case happened under the supervision of Rakesh Maria, who was the then Deputy Commissioner of Police. Mumbai Police were praised for cracking the case within 48 hours. The clue was a vehicle loaded with explosives, which did not blow up. The owner of the vehicle was Rubina Memon, which soon led the police to the Memon family flat where the police found the rest of the clues and concluded that the Memons were involved in the case.Among the seven accused in the case, Abu Salem is one of the prime accused. The others are Mustafa Dossa, Karimullah Sheikh, Tahir Merchant alias Tahir Taklya, Abdul Qayyum, Abdul Rashid Khan and Riyaz Siddiqui.All seven were deported or arrested in the case when the trial was nearing completion, and Judge PD Kode made their trial a separate affair as the verdict in 2006 was not to be delayed further.Abu Salem was extradited from Portugal and was accused of transporting and distributing arms and ammunitions.Mustafa Dossa was extradited from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The charges against him were of landing arms and explosives, conspiracy, and sending individuals to Pakistan for training.Tahir Merchant was charged with arranging the transportation for the other convicts to travel to Pakistan.Abdul Qayyum was charged with delivering weapons to Sanjay Dutt.Riyaz Siddiqui has been accused of transporting explosives in a Maruti van which was later used in the blasts.Firoz Abdul Rashid Khan was charged of supervising the whole procedure when arms and ammunitions were transported to Mumbai.Karimullah Sheikh was charged with smuggling arms into the country through the Shekhadi coast of Raigad district in February 1993.The primary chargesheet in the case was filed in 1994. After six years, the TADA court convicted 100 accused, including Sanjay Dutt.Of them, 12 were awarded death sentence and 20 were sentenced to life imprisonment. There were also 29 who were acquitted.Sanjay Dutt, who was arrested in 1993, had made many trips in and out of jail, and it was in 2006 that a TADA court sentenced him to six years in prison for illegal possession of arms and acquitted him of all terror charges. The actor was set free after he served sentence till February, 2016.Yakub Memon had managed to flee to Pakistan along with his brother Tiger Memon and rest of the family. However, he was executed on July 30, 2015. Memons hanging reignited the debate over capital punishment in India.Following the December 6 destruction of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya by Right-wing Hindu fanatics, widespread riots gripped Mumbai. There were allegations of police colluding with rioters in which certain minority-inhabited areas were targeted. The planners thus managed to rope in disgruntled Muslim youth who travelled to Dubai and then to Pakistan to receive training. They came back to India to execute the attacks. The original plan was to attack Mumbai in April during the Shiv Jayanti celebrations, but was advanced after Gul Noor Mohammad Sheikh aka Gullu was detained at the Nav Pada police station on March 9, 1993. Gullu was one of the 19 men handpicked by Tiger Memon and sent to Pakistan via Dubai on February 19, 1993, for training the use of arms and bomb making.
New Delhi: A Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) team visited Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia's residence around 11:45 am on Friday. The CBI, in a statement, said this was not a raid and it only sought clarification from the senior Aam Aadmi Party leader with regard to alleged irregularities in Delhi government's talk to AK scheme.



A source close to the Deputy CM confirmed the CBI's visit. "Around 11:45 am, a CBI team visited Manish Sisodia Ji's residence. They stayed at his place for around half an hour. The party will soon issue a statement in this regard," the source said.



He added, "This is part of a larger plot to undermine the democratically elected Delhi government. The Centre is using these agencies to build pressure on AAP."



The CBI statement, however, clarified that there were no raids or searches conducted at the senior AAP leader's residence.



"As per media query, there is no raid or search at premises of Shri Manish Sisodia. The visit of CBI team is to seek clarification on certain issues relating to in an ongoing Enquiry."



The preliminary enquiry was registered based on a complaint filed by the Vigilance Department of the Delhi government.



The complaint alleged that a consultant of a well-known public relations company, Perfect Relations, was hired by the Delhi government to promote "Talk to AK" (Talk to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal) campaign and a proposal of Rs 1.5 crore was prepared for this purpose.



It alleged that despite objections from the Principal Secretary, the government went ahead with the proposal and the consultant spent the money thereby creating a liability for the government.



CBI preliminary enquiry is to probe these allegations and look into the alleged role of Sisodia and others.
: In a first, students of Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur ditched colonial robes and headgear and walked up to the stage in ethnic Indian wear as they collected their degrees during the colleges 50th Convocation ceremony.Speaking to News 18, Dean of Academic Affairs Professor Neeraj Mishra, who has been involved in the preparation said, Student representatives proposed the idea at a meeting before the ceremony. It was agreed upon by everyone present in the meeting.He said that IITs Student Senate had conducted a survey that collected the feedback before presenting it before the Advisory Committee of the Institute. Students today are proud of their Indian identity and confident to flaunt it. The survey was conducted by the Senate of the students before coming to us. More than 80% IIT students went for the new ethnic wear or Indian clothes.The convocation ceremony was held on June 15 and 16 with almost 1,500 graduate and post graduate students getting their degrees from chairman of Tata Sons, Natarajan Chandrasekaran.After receiving the feedback of students, the institute contacted an agency to stitch clothes meant for the convocation ceremony. "For the first time, male students walked up on stage in kurta pyjamas and the female students wore kurta-churidaars, along with stoles in different colors to mark their specific courses," IIT-K Director, Professor Indranil Manna was quoted as saying. The ceremony saw the professors in golden colored robes that covered their suit and in Indian footwear.The change in IIT Kanpurs convocation dress comes in the backdrop of constant appeals made by the Uttar Pradesh governor Ram Naik, who in 2016, while attending the convocation function of Ram Janki Mahavidyalaya in Kanpur had said that the ceremonial robe and headgear was a custom given by the British.There were reports that Naik had written to vice-chancellors of all universities in the state, directing them to make changes to not allow ceremonial gowns and headgear in any convocation.The IIT Kanpur administration, however, maintained that the change has come as part of consultation with the students and has nothing to do with Naiks alleged directives.
Another day, another election...India wins again.

Thanks to support of @UN Member States, India re-elected to ECOSOC (Eco & Social Council) pic.twitter.com/waUeGIXN7Y  Syed Akbaruddin (@AkbaruddinIndia) June 16, 2017

India has been re-elected to the UN's principal organ on economic, social and environmental issues for another three-year term.India was among 18 nations to win election to the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). India obtained 183 votes, the second highest after Japan in the Asia Pacific category. Election to fill the 18 vacancies in ECOSOC was held yesterday."Another day, another election...India wins again.Thanks to support of @UNMember States, India re-elected to ECOSOC (Eco & Social Council)," India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin tweeted.India's re-election to ECOSOC comes just a day after leading expert on international law Neeru Chadha won a crucial election to the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS),becoming the first Indian woman to be elected as judge to the tribunal. Chadha got 120 votes, the highest in the Asia Pacific group and was elected in the first round of voting itself.India was seeking re-election to ECOSOC as its current term is set to expire this year.Pakistan, whose term on the Council is expiring this year, too was seeking re-election to the UN body but lost as it got only one vote.Having obtained the required two-thirds majority, the nations elected members of ECOSOC for a three-year term beginning January 12018 are Belarus, Ecuador, El Salvador, France, Germany, Ghana, India, Ireland, Japan, Malawi, Mexico, Morocco, Philippines, Spain, Sudan, Togo, Turkey and Uruguay.France, Germany, Ghana, Ireland and Japan were among nations seeking re-election.ECOSOC, one of the six main organs of the United Nations, is the principal body for coordination, policy review, policy dialogue and recommendations on economic, social and environmental issues, as well as for implementation of the internationally agreed development goals.The Council's 54 member Governments are elected by the General Assembly for overlapping three-year terms. Seats on the Council are allotted based on geographical representation with fourteen allocated to African States, eleven to Asian States, six to Eastern European States, ten to Latin American and Caribbean States, and thirteen to Western European and other States.
Bhopal: The president of the Rashtriya Mazdoor Kisan Sangh, Shivkumar Sharma also known as Kakkaji, was arrested by the Bhopal police on Friday.



The Kisan Sangh and other unions fighting for farmer rights had called for a chakka jam at highways across the country between 12pm and 3pm on Friday.



The sangh had urged the Centre to dismiss the Shivraj Singh Chouhan government in Madhya Pradesh and impose Presidents rule.



Kakkaji was arrested from 11 Meel area of Bhopal as he tried to take part in the chakka jam. We would perform Yoga with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 21 at New Delhi, he said before his arrest.



Kakkaji is the farmer leader who has been railing against the government for last several years and is believed to be the man behind the ongoing violent farmer stir.



The 65 years old farmer-activist has been associated with an RSS-backed farmer outfit, sacked after his repeated attacks on the BJP-led government in the state, and, by his own admission, jailed 44 times.



He started out as a student activist back in 1971. It was in Jabalpur University where he studied from 1971 to 1977 as a law student, doing MA LLB where he first dabbled in activism, first by holding protests for farmers' rights and later providing them legal assistance pro bono.


New Delhi: A day after he is believed to have killed a policeman who returned to home after duty, in Kulgam, local Lashkar militant, 20 year old Junaid Mattoo, is believed to be trapped along with two other Lashkar militants in South Kashmirs Anantnag district.



An encounter to eliminate all militants is being carried out by army, CRPF and local police in Bejbiharas Arwani village. Local boys are believed to be pelting stones at the security forces to disrupt the encounter.



Mattoo was mentioned in the list of the 12 Most Wanted militants released by the Indian army on May 30 and carries a reward of Rs 5 lakh. He was categorised as an A class militant. Category A is the second highest classification in the order of their rank and threat. The highest classification being A++.



Others in that list include A++ classified top commander of LeT in Kashmir Abu Dujana, Burhan Wanis friend and Hizbul commander Saddam Padder who is also an A ++ militant, and former Hizbul militant A++ militant Zakir Musa.



Mattoo is believed to have joined militancy in June 2015, although some accounts estimate he was affiliated with militant groups since 2014, and carried out three separate attacks on local police. The first was carried out in June last year in which he along with another militant killed two policemen. The second, attributed to him, was an attack on a bus full of BSF soldiers also carried out in June. Three BSF soldiers died in the attack. The third attack being attributed to him was carried out on Thursday in which one policeman was killed.



Mattoo was appointed LeTs chief of Kulgam district after his friend, Majid Zargar the then chief of Kulgam, was killed by security forces in December last year. Mattoo was a college student when he joined militancy. He was a resident of Khudwani village in Kulgam district.



The fact that Mattoo has been trapped in an encounter in Anantnag district shows how lines between various militant factions may have got blurred over time. It was usually Hizbul that operated in areas like Anantnag and Tral, and Lashkar militants used to be active in Kulgam and Kakapora. But militants from various groups have often clicked themselves together and are also believe to be getting increasingly associated with each other.



Lashkar, whose Kulgam chief Mattoo is, is believed to have around 30 militants, Hizbul Mujahideen around 100 militants and Jaish e Mohammed around 15 militants, active in the valley.
The National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) result 2017 was announced on Friday, June 23 by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) on the official website - www.cbseneet.nic.in The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) had earlier released the answer key for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) 2017 on Thursday, June 15.* The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has not revealed the date on which the results would be announced, but the NEET 2017 result is expected on Tuesday according to an update on results.gov.in The CBSE, earlier this month, displayed the images of OMR answer sheets and aspirants' responses to the questions on its website, www.cbseneet.nic.in , for challenge by students only for two days, instead of three as mentioned in the information bulletin. The answer keys were displayed on June 15.The CBSE had said that it would announce the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) result for admission to medical and dental courses within a week of the completion of these two processes.In a relief for thousands of students, the Supreme Court earlier this month, allowed the CBSE to declare the NEET results. The SC ordered a stay on the Madras High Courts order, which had halted results, and said that the HC shouldnt tinker with medical admission schedule.The NEET examination for admission to MBBS and BDS (dental) courses was held on May 7. Around 10.5 lakh students appeared for the exam in either Hindi or English, while around 1.25 lakh to 1.50 lakh students appeared in eight vernacular languages.On May 24, the Madras High Court granted interim stay on the publication of NEET results on a batch of pleas alleging that a uniform question paper was not given in the examination and there was a vast difference between the ones in English and in Tamil.The petitioners before the HC demanded that the NEET 2017 be cancelled and a fresh exam with a uniform question paper be conducted.The HC had also directed the Medical Council of India, the director of CBSE and the Union Health Ministry to file counter affidavits on these pleas pending before it.The CBSE on June 9 approached the Supreme Court against the HC ruling, saying that because of the HC order, the entire schedule of counselling and subsequent admission for medical courses through NEET has gone "haywire".Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Maninder Singh, appearing for the CBSE, had told the Supreme Court that challenge to the different sets of questions in vernacular languages were on wrong assumptions that they were difficult as the experts had examined that they were different from those in English or Hindi medium but the level of difficulty cannot be said to be different.Singh said that questions were different to keep the larger interest protected on the ground that if there was a leakage of a set of paper in a vernacular language, the majority of students would be protected as candidates appearing in any particular language were less than those opting for English or Hindi.Singh also contended that a number of pleas had been filed in various high courts in NEET-related matters and the high courts had entertained these petitions despite the apex court's order that no other court shall hear such matters.
Thiruvananthapuram: Metro Man E Sreedharan on Friday denied reports he is being considered by NDA as its candidate for the Presidential polls, calling the rumours as peoples imagination.



Sreedharan flatly refused that he was a part of any such discussions with the government. There have been no talks with me. People have got their own imagination, he said.



The former Delhi Metro Chief said there are more deserving people than him in the country for the Presidents post. If someone approaches me, I will see about it at that time. It is too premature to talk about it. In any case, it is most unlikely, he said, while speaking to News18.



Sreedharan, who was the principal advisor in the construction of the Kochi Metro and had played a lead part in it, said the controversy over sharing the stage with the Prime Minister at the launch of the Metro service was completely unnecessary.



Sreedharans name was in the initial seating list for the stage, but it was removed by the PMO. However, it was added a day later after Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.



This was an unnecessary controversy. When a PM comes, safety protocols have to be kept in mind and many people cannot be accommodated. They have stick to the rule book. I myself have conducted so many programmes previously with PMs. I have no grievance about it, he said.



He said he welcomes the fact that his name was added back to the seating list. I thank people and the media as they vociferously asked to give me a seat on the dias. Now that has come, I welcome it, he said.



Construction of the Kochi metro had started in 2012. For now, a 25-km stretch is being opened to the public on Saturday. Sreedharan said he is very happy with how the Metro line has shaped up.



He said the construction was challenging as most of the work was done at night due to narrow roads and high rainfall. Nearly 80% of the work was done at night. In other cities, a large chunk of work was done during the day too, which made it easier, said Sreedharan.



He said he is grateful to the people of the city as they were caused a lot of inconvenience but never complained. He also requested the people to maintain discipline while using the Metro.



This is not just as a means of transport but an agent to change the life of people. To use the Metro, a lot of discipline is required. We have to maintain orderliness and cleanliness. It will change the social attitude of the people and bring a new living culture, he said.
: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Portugal and the Netherlands later this month, besides his scheduled tour of the United States where he will meet President Donald Trump, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Friday.The prime minister will be in Portugal on June 24, the US on June 25 and 26, and in the Netherlands on June 27, the MEA said.On June 26, he is scheduled to hold talks with President Donald Trump on a wide range of issues.
As the country awaits the last leg of verdict in the 1993 Bombay bomb blasts case from the TADA court, the former Supreme Court Judge, Justice (Retd) BN Srikrishna, who had headed the judicial inquiry commission report on the blasts, told News18 that most of the investigations carried out in the case were without evidence.Srikrishna, who was appointed by the PV Narsimha Rao government to head the panel, said his recommendations were not implemented in full.Speaking to News18, Justice Srikrishna said he had even questioned the manner in which investigation was carried out in the case.The recommendations were not implemented in full and I have said this a lot of times. There were plenty of cases which should have been really investigated. Most of the cases they had investigated either had no evidence or were true but undetected. Is this the way you investigate cases? And when questioned, it was stated that it was not possible to find out anything more, said Justice Srikrishna.The Shiv Sena-BJP government had thrashed the inquiry commission report saying that the commission had devoted over 600 pages to the riots than the blasts and hence was not a proper one. Justice Srikrishna, however, said all he had to conduct the inquiry was the police investigation report.If you would have followed the riots commission you would realise that whenever I had asked questions on the bomb blasts, an objection was raised saying that the matter is sub-judice in a criminal court or a criminal trial is underway. That was a standard answer, and therefore I had nothing with me except the police investigation report, which I have used extensively, said the former Supreme Court judge.Among the seven accused in the case, Abu Salem is one of the prime accused. The others are Mustafa Dossa, Karimullah Sheikh, Tahir Merchant alias Tahir Taklya, Abdul Qayyum, Firoz Abdul Rashid Khan and Riyaz Siddiqui. The men were deported or arrested in the case when trial was nearing completion, and Judge PD Kode made their trial a separate affair as the verdict in 2006 was not to be delayed further.When quizzed on the reopening of old cases, as was said in a High Court, in 2007, while acquitting the late Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray, Justice Krishna said that this should not be a concern. The High Court, while acquitting Thackeray, had observed that no ends of justice would be served by digging up the old cases after the expiry of seven years and that they would only revive communal tension. Time has already passed.I dont see any reason why old wounds would be reopened. Some people are being prosecuted and the verdict will decide they are guilty or not. Lets not think of anything else, lets only see that there are some people who have been accused of a heinous crime, and the court is just going to decide whether they are guilty or not, Justice Srikrishna said.On December 6, 1992, Babri Masjid in Ayodhya was demolished by kar sevaks. Following this, a victory rally was held by BJP and Shiv Sena in the streets of Mumbai which soon metamorphosed into a full blown communal riot, which lasted till the January of 1993. Soon Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao constituted a judicial commission of inquiry. It was to probe the over two-month long violence on January 25, 1993, but soon the city woke up to a series of bomb blasts in March 1993.Soon the terms of reference of the commission were changed by the new coalition government of Shiv Sena and BJP and it was tasked to delve into why the blasts took place. One of the terms of reference of the Srikrishna Commission appointed by the government was to explore whether the March 12 serial blasts had anything to do with the riots.In its report, Justice Srikrishna stated that, Tiger Memon, the key figure in the serial bomb blasts case, and his family, had suffered extensively during the riots and therefore can be said to have had deep-rooted motive for revenge. There was a large amorphous body of angry, frustrated and desperate Muslims keen to seek revenge for the perceived injustice done to and atrocities perpetrated on them or to other members of their community and it is this sense of revenge which spawned the conspiracy of the serial blasts. The report also drew a common link between the anti-Muslim riots and the bomb blasts and the report held that, The former appears to have been a causative factor of the latter.On his expectation from the TADA court verdict, Justice Srikrishna said he did not wish to gamble. I have no expectations from the court. I dont gamble in court verdicts, said the former apex court judge.The primary chargesheet in the case was filed in 1994. After six years, the TADA court convicted 100 accused.
Srinagar: At least six policemen, including an SHO, were killed in Anantnag district of South Kashmir on Friday. The terrorists ambushed a police party near Achabal town.



The terrorists disfigured the faces of policemen, snatched their weapons and ran away. Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashker-e-Taiba is believed to be behind the ambush, a senior police official was quoted as saying by PTI.



Police said that besides the fatalities, some other policemen sustained serious bullet injuries, and were rushed to nearby hospital. Army has been moved out and was combing the area, they added.



The attack came hours after security forces killed two Lashkar-e-Taiba militants in Arwani village of south Kashmir.



The incident took place in the evening when Feroz Ahmed, a 2010 batch Sub-Inspector, was on his way to the police station at Achabal after completing his duty in Anantnag.



The militants had laid an ambush on Anantnag-Achabal road near Kulgad village and fired at the police party. The police were not travelling in a bullet proof vehicle.



All the six policemen including Ahmed died on the spot, senior police officials said.



The other deceased officers include constables Sharik Ahmad and Tanveer Ahmad (Budgam district), Sheraz Ahmad (Achabal), Asif Ahmad and Sabzar Ahmed (Anantnag).



Pakistan-based Lashker-e-Taiba has claimed responsibility for the attack, police said, adding it seems they wanted to take revenge of the Arwani encounter in which their local commander Junaid Mattoo is believed to have died.



The encounter at Arwani in Bijbehara area broke out this morning and all the three militants are believed to be dead. No bodies have been recovered so far.



According to police, the locals congregated at the encounter site in a bid to help the militants flee the spot. Two civilians, including a teenager, died in the ensuing clash. Police added that people threw stones and tried to break the security cordon.



This is the second major attack on a police party. Earlier on May 28, militants attacked a police party at Phambai area of Kulgam in South Kashmir, killing five policemen and two bank guards.



The incident saw immediate reaction from political parties including former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah who blamed the PDP-BJP government led by Mehbooba Mufti for the present crisis.



"It seems that South Kashmir is slipping everyday from the hands of the state government. I hope somebody in New Delhi wakes up now," Omar said.



CPM leader Mohammed Yusuf Tarigami said the incidents in South Kashmir were a clear example of lawlessness prevailing in the entire area.



State Congress chief G A Mir said it was a very sad incident. "It shows that the state government has completely failed in controlling the situation. I wonder when will the Union Home Ministry wake up," Mir said.



(With inputs from PTI)
I will get the entire incident at Vizag Airport enquired into to find out the exact details and ensure that lawful outcomes follow.
Mumbai: On March 12, 1993, the city of Mumbai was rocked by 13 explosions in different parts of the city. It resulted in 257 fatalities and over 700 were injured. According to some news reports, the death toll was over 300 and the number of injured stood at 1,400. It is the largest coordinated terror attack to have taken place on Indian soil in terms of the number of casualties. It is also one of the most well-planned terror attacks to have been perpetrated in India apart from the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. It was also the first terror attack on Indian soil in which RDX was used as the explosive material.



At 1:30 pm on March 12, the first car bomb went off in the basement of the Bombay Stock Exchange building. The 28-story office building and surrounding structures were thoroughly damaged. About 50 were killed in this explosion. Over the next two hour 10 minutes, till 3.40 pm, car bombs and scooter bombs went off at regular intervals at many locations in the city. They were: the Fisherman's Colony in Mahim causeway, Zaveri Bazaar, Plaza Cinema, Century Bazaar, Katha Bazaar, Hotel Sea Rock, the Air India Building, Hotel Juhu Centaur, Worli and the Passport Office. Grenades were lobbed at Sahar Airport.



The attacks were planned by Dawood Ibrahim, the Pakistan-based underworld boss and India's 'most wanted' fugitive who also has his name prominently figuring on the 'most wanted' lists of the US and the Interpol.



Dawood was assisted in this act by Tiger Memon, one of his most trusted associates who is also believed to be hiding somewhere in Pakistan. The bombings were financed by expatriate Indian smugglers based out of the UAE. The Indian authorities have also pointed at the active involvement of the Pakistani intelligence agency, Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), in the blasts. Several terrorists received their arms, ammunition and explosives training in Pakistan. Nearly all were recruited from Dubai or went to Pakistan via Dubai.



Following the December 6 destruction of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya by right wing Hindu fanatics, widespread riots gripped Mumbai. There were allegations of the police colluding with rioters in which certain minority-inhabited areas were targeted. The planners thus managed to rope in disgruntled Muslim youths who would travel to Dubai, then to Pakistan to receive training, then come back to India to actually execute the attacks. The original plan was to attack Mumbai in April during the Shiv Jayanti celebrations but was advanced after Gul Noor Mohammad Sheikh a.k.a. Gullu was detained at the Nav Pada police station on March 9, 1993. Gullu was one of the 19 men handpicked by Tiger Memon and sent to Pakistan via Dubai on February 19, 1993, for training in the use of arms and bomb making.



Gullu confessed to his his training in Pakistan and spoke about a conspiracy underway to bomb major locations around the city, including the Bombay Stock Exchange, Sahar Airport and the Shiv Sena Bhavan. However, police rubbished his conspiracy claims. The arrest of Gul Mohammed spurred Tiger Memon to advance the date of the blasts.



The three hotels were targeted by suitcase bombs left in rooms booked by the perpetrators. A double decker bus was very badly damaged in one of the explosions, the biggest of them all. The single incident claimed up to 90 lives.



The 1993 Mumbai blasts split the Mumbai underworld on religious lines. The D-Company of Dawood Ibrahim saw Dawood's right hand man Chotta Rajan split from the organisation, taking most of the Hindu members such as Sadhu Shetty, Jaspal Singh and Mohan Kotiyan with him. The ongoing gang war has already claimed more than hundred lives. Incidentally, seven of the accused were killed by Chotta Rajan's hitmen.



Five Customs officials and five policemen were also widely held responsible for allowing RDX into the city. Some of them received bribes and some were just lax about their duties.
Abu Salem and Mustafa Dossa were, on Friday, convicted by a special TADA court for the deadly 1993 blasts in Mumbai. The story of Salem, a former Dawood aide, and Dossa, brother of one of the main accused, Tiger Memon, right from their arrest to their conviction has been colourful, as termed by many.News18 takes a look at certain events that happened while the two famous accused were lodged in jail, and how their jail term had left the authorities red faced at times.Dossa, since 2003, has been housed in Arthur Road Jail after he was deported from Dubai. Salem, considered more composed, joined him seven years later in 2010.In July 2010, Dossa had allegedly stabbed Salem with a sharpened metal spoon. Soon after the attack, Salem was shifted to Taloja prison.Four years later, in 2014, Salem while being taken for a court appearance in Lucknow allegedly got married onboard to a woman from Mumbra. The nikah was conducted by a qazi in Mumbai over phone. An inquiry was ordered but the police couldnt prove anything.In 2015, a complaint was lodged against Dossa for conducting auditions of women for modelling assignments in Dubai. Dossa apparently did so in Mumbai sessions court premises. One of the selected women was reported to have received a token amount, only to be looted by his men later. His controversial jail term took another turn last year when Dossa allegedly spent a night in Porbandar, where he was being taken for another hearing, with a woman claiming to be his wife. A police report later said that the woman had been given a fake marriage certificate to meet Dossa.Earlier this year, judge GA Sanap, was forced to bar Dossa and another co-accused Abdul Qayoom from coming to court. The duo were allegedly caught loitering in the corridors, which was considered a lapse on the part of the officials.
A 25-paise postcard can set the constitutional law in motion  the man who evolved perhaps the first principle of bringing justice to ones doorstep is no more. Justice Bhagwati opened the doors of the Supreme Court to the lowliest of the low.Former Chief Justice of India P N Bhagwati, 95, passed away on Thursday. But what he has left behind is an indelible legacy of public interest litigation (PIL), which remains till date a common mans best shot at securing justice before a constitutional court.Heading the judiciary between July 1985 and December 1986, Justice Bhagwati introduced PIL to the Indian judiciary, akin to class action lawsuits in US and UK.Bhagwati attributed it to a chance encounter with Mahatma Gandhi in August 1942 when the Quit India movement was launched that guided him to become a lawyer and a judge. He spent around a month in jail during the freedom struggle and later joined the law college, following the footprints of his father who was a lawyer in Mumbai.About his decision to become a judge, Justice Bhagwati used to say that if good people do not join the bench, then the lawyers should be ready to argue before bad judges. He became a judge in the Gujarat High Court in 1960, and was elevated to the Supreme Court in 1973.Justice Bhagwati felt strongly for protection of human rights, which, he said, was not possible unless access to justice for all became a reality. The judge found this recourse in PILs, and said that this could prove to be the glory of the Indian judicial system if used cautiously.According to Justice Bhagwati, PILs will transform the legal landscape in India and will go a long way to demonstrate that law is not necessarily a class weapon used by the rich to oppress the poor by the simple devise of making justice too expensive for them.Justice Bhagwati then introduced the Postcard revolution of judicial activism. People could send in their petitions and complaints on a postcard, and the apex court would act on it. Any citizen from any part of India or any social action group could now write directly to the Supreme Court, seeking legal remedy in cases where public interest was at stake.This instrument of legal empowerment left a deep imprint on the Indian legal process and on the processes of social change and political empowerment in the country, where, Justice Bhagwati regretted, socially and economically disadvantaged population was still struggling to get its voice heard. The top court, in this era of judicial activism, held that even a third person could invoke a constitutional courts jurisdiction for dispensing justice to the voiceless and the person wronged.Justice Bhagwati has left behind a body of spirited judgments, laying down precedents in cases of life and liberty.But the illustrious 25 year-career as a judge had a grey spot, and a man like him, had the courage to acknowledge his fallacy. When it came to the crunch, Justice Bhagwati seemed to buckle down to the executive.He was one of the four judges on the bench, which upheld in April 1976 the right of Indira Gandhis government to suspend all fundamental rights during the Emergency. The majority ruling maintained that the government could even suspend the right to life and liberty of an individual, and that an individuals right to approach a constitutional court against his detention was also put on hold during the Emergency. The lone dissenter was Justice H R Khanna.For all his liberal conscience, this judgment was certainly a digression from Bhagwatis career trajectory. 35 years later, Justice Bhagwati felt apologetic for this verdict. In 2011, speaking to Mylaw.net, the judge described this as an act of weakness, and added it was against my conscience.This was perhaps the greatest irony in the Indian judicial history that the man who brought public suits to this country was also the one who ruled in favour of suspending even the right to life during the Emergency. But perhaps Justice Bhagwatis most enduring contribution would always be the firm footing he gave to public interest litigation, making access to justice a reality for all.
Lucknow: The Yogi Adityanath government has given its nod for the dissolution of Shia and Sunni Waqf Boards as per the recommendations of a Central Waqf Council (CWC) committee. The government also accepted the proposal of the committee, led by Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand Waqf Boards in-charge Syed Ejaz Abbas Naqvi, to recommend a CBI inquiry against Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan and officials of the Waqf Boards.



The actual dissolution of the Waqf Boards will, however, take at least three weeks during which the government will send notice and seek reply from the parties involved.



Speaking to News18, Minister of State for Waqf Mohsin Razasaid said Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has given his nod for the dissolution of Waqf Boards after reports of corruption and anomalies were found to be true. The report recommended dissolution of the UP Waqf Board immediately and prohibition on the entry of the accused in Waqf offices pending investigation. It will take around 20 days to finally dissolve the Waqf Boards as per the procedure.



Waqf Council Member Syed Ejaz Abbas visited both Waqf Boards in Uttar Pradesh from March 21 to 24 and submitted the reports to the council. During his visit it was found that the UP Sunni Waqf Board and Shia Waqf Board were unable to perform the duty under the Waqf Act. The boards reportedly abused their powers and failed to comply with the directions issued by the Central Waqf Council.



The report by the fact-finding committee of the Central Waqf Council also alleged that Azam Khan misused his position as a minister to acquire properties under the boards. It also says that Azam Khan started a trust named Maulana Johar Ali Education Trust, through which he diverted funds from Waqf properties to it. The report also pointed out discrepancies in maintaining rent collection records of Waqf properties.



Speaking to ETV, Waqf and Minority Affairs Minister Laxmi Narayan Chaudhary said, As per the findings in the report by the CWC, the government has recommended a CBI probe against Azam Khan and officials of both the Waqf Boards. The CWC had probed these charges and recommended removal of the chairpersons and further investigation in this regard.



I have written to CM Yogi Adityanath for removing both the chairpersons of the Waqf Boards and further investigation against them as well as the former cabinet minister Azam Khan, as recommended, he added.


I have decided to step down as #TVFCEO pic.twitter.com/JKY5X7NL54  Arunabh Kumar (@TheQtiyapaGuy) June 16, 2017

Arunabh Kumar, the Founder and CEO of Mumbai-based content creation company The Viral Fever (TVF) has decided to step down from the post of Chief Executive Officer of the company after facing accusations of sexual harassment by an anonymous blogger by the name of Indian Fowler months ago.He took to Twitter to announce his decision and posted an open letter saying, "I have decided to step down as #TVFCEO".In the letter, he states that the decision has been taken in the wake of the personal attacks that followed after he was accused of sexual harassment and that there's nothing more important to him than TVF.He also added that even though whatever has happened in the past three months has mentally and emotionally drained him, he still believes that the truth will prevail eventually.It all began when a former employee of TVF, who chose to call herself Indian Fowler, accused Kumar of sexual harassment through a blog post that went viral in no time. Supreme Court Lawyer Rizwan Siddique had filed a third-party complaint against Kumar and the police had asked Kumar to record his statement on the matter. No FIR was filed against him as the complaints were from anonymous women but both Police and Siddiqui (through his Facebook post) urged the victims to come out and speak.In an official statement issued soon after the post went viral, TVF denied the allegations and said, We take a lot of pride in our team and in making TVF a safe workplace that is equally comfortable for women and men. We will leave no stone unturned to find the author of the article and bring them to severe justice for making such false allegations.TVF later issued another statement admitting that they should have handled the response better. We did send out an instant response, which may have been a bit too quick & emotional. We recognize that we should have handled that response better, the statement read.
Themes of family and bonding remain front and center in "Despicable Me 3", which sees reformed villain Gru working hard at building a healthy relationship with the brother he never knew he had. It's lighthearted, inoffensive stuff even if it doesn't quite scale Pixar-level heights. To be fair though, the strength of this franchise has never been plot or story; it's always been about mining laughs from placing the characters at the center of ridiculous gags.The film hits the ground running with the appearance of a brand new bad guy in Balthazar Bratt, a former child star from the 80s who still hasn't recovered from his show being cancelled prematurely, and is obsessed with destroying Hollywood and humankind as a result. When Gru fails to capture Bratt he's kicked out of the Anti-Villain League, but he decides to pursue Bratt and thwart his plans anyway with his twin brother Dru, a millionaire in the pig farming business who is longing adventure and risk.Directed by Kyle Balda and Pierre Coffin, this third installment in the animation series moves along briskly, but it does feel overpopulated with characters. Kristen Wiig returns as the voice of Lucy, Gru's fellow AVL agent-turned romantic partner, who's carefully negotiating her role as mom to Gru's three little girls. The Minions are back too for more manic shenanigans, this time spending a chunk of the film behind prison bars. Much screen time is devoted to establishing Dru as a pivotal character, and almost entirely opposite to Gru in personality. The scene-stealer here is Bratt, the shoulder-pads and handlebar moustache sporting retro-baddie whose weapon of choice is a brand of massively inflating bubblegum, and who urges his rivals into 'dance fights' set to 80s chartbusters. It's a shame the writers don't mine more satire from the child-star-who-crashed-and-burned scenario.The problem with introducing multiple new characters is that key players are sometimes shortchanged, and you can't help feel that is the case here. Gru's unusual but heartfelt relationship with the three girls he went on to adopt was the chief draw of 2010's "Despicable Me", but they don't get enough time together in this outing. The same is true of Gru and the Minions who're kept apart for most of the film owing to a plot turn.Nevertheless the laughs are aplenty, including cheeky nods to "Finding Nemo", "Star Wars", and a "Pink Panther"-inspired closing credits sequence. The secret sauce of the film remains grumpy Gru (voiced by Steve Carell) and his permanent state of impatience and irritation, which powers the franchise.I'm going with three out of five.Write your review of Despicable Me 3What's your reaction to Despicable Me 3
Kolkata: On a cool Thursday afternoon in Kolkata, Mamata Banerjee looked out the window of her office in Nabanna, clicked a picture of white clouds gauzing the bright blue sky, and posted it on Facebook.



Anyone who thought this indicated the West Bengal chief minister was in the mood for peace with those agitating against her government in the Darjeeling Hills, about 600 km away from her capital, got it entirely wrong. Goonda Hatao, Pahar Bachao (Save the Hills from hooligans), she roared hours later, unleashing the next course of action against GJM chief Bimal Gurung who is demanding a separate state.







Government Strategy to Take on GJM



Party insiders claim the state government has instructed top police officers to look for concrete evidence against Gurung. This is the reason that despite allegations of rioting, arson, seizure of cash, arms and bursting of crackers beyond permissible limit, Gurung is still a free man and not examined even once.



Party insiders said the government strategy is to look for concrete evidence against key GJM leaders, including Gurung, over alleged siphoning of Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) funds for personal benefits  if any.



The government will not take any decision in haste. We dont want to examine him on petty charges so he gets bail. Instead of fighting them with an iron hand, the strategy is to expose trouble makers on corruption charges and keep the pressure on. If required, we will probe reports of Bimal Gurungs investments in Nepal, he said. Preliminary GTA audit hinted at possible misuse of funds. People in the Hills should know the money allotted to GTA for their welfare was misused by GJM leaders.



Even Mamata, in apparent reference to Gurung, said, We should not compromise with our charitra (character). Respect is very important. Those who dont follow this principle will be exposed.



Go and Find Out The Wealth Bimal Gurung Has



Adding to the Darjeeling unrest, Shanta Chhetri, Mamata Banerjees surprise pick for the upcoming Rajya Sabha election, said, The GJM is trying to mislead people in the name of Gorkhaland. I would like to request you to come to my house and visit Bimal Gurungs house, you will see the difference  how he is able to afford such a fancy lifestyle, what he does and where he got the money from. People in the Hills have every right to know the detailed expenses of more Rs 3,925 crore allocated to them from the Hill Affairs Department in last six years.



I am not going to judge who is right and who is wrong. We want peace in the Hills, she said.



Shanta started her political career with the Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) in 1994 when she was given the party ticket to contest municipal elections from Kurseong. In 2008, she was forced to leave Kurseong after GJM leaders allegedly attacked her house. On February 18, 2010, her house was set on fire by GJMs students' wing.



Why Bimal Gurung is Feeling Uneasy And Left With Limited Options?



Recent political development in the Hills shows that the GJM is left with no other option but to bank on Darjeeling MP SS. Ahluwalia to convey their demand to the higher ranks. They dont have any direct access to senior central leadership to press for their demand of a separate Gorkhaland.



He cant afford to break alliance with the BJP because it will cost him a lot politically. In the midst of a bitter standoff with the Bengal government, he cant do anything alone in the Hills. He needs some support base to take his demand forward. We have to understand the BJP-GJM tie-up is a political alliance and not an ideological one, BJP state general secretary Sayantan Basu said.



A source in the GJM said, In some of the recent meetings, Bimal Gurung expressed concern over the Centres delay in finalising a draft on Gorkhaland. But he was told by other party leaders to be calm as they have to trust the central government to achieve their target as they cannot afford to have too many enemies at one time.



The Endless Political Wrangling



Going with the current political situation, the immediate solution seems to be a distant dream in the Hills. No one knows whether it will be resolved through referendum or by forming a separate state. But one thing is clear that beleaguered people in the Hills are not going see an immediate solution.



On Thursday night too, the GJM damaged a hydel power project in Rimbick and torched a primary health care unit. The next all-party meeting is on June 20 and it will be interesting to see what the united Hill parties decide on the Gorkhaland issue.
New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday alleged "massive corruption" in the EDMC and sought to know where the funds released by his government were being spent.



East Delhi Mayor Neema Bhagat rejected the charge and accused him of "politicising" the issue instead of helping the cash-strapped civic body.



Bhagat met the chief minister at the Delhi Secretariat and sought release of funds, which she claimed were "pending" to the municipal corporation.



During the meeting, Kejriwal said the Delhi government has, till now, "released all funds" to the corporations which were supposed to be provided under the existing Delhi State Finance Commission.



"After listening to the mayor's demands, the chief minister said, he has seen the accounts of the East Delhi Municipal Corporation (EDMC) and there is massive corruption in the civic body," a senior government official said.



"Kejriwal said the EDMC must do away with corruption to make it financially stable," the official said.



The senior official said that during the meeting, Kejriwal also sought to know why the sanitation staff were not paid salaries despite the fact that the government has released "all funds due to the EDMC".



Bhagat, when later contacted, said Kejriwal instead of solving issues was "politicising the matter".



"As per the finance commission recommendations' Rs 9,845 crore is due to us in financial year 2017-18 from the city government. We are already suffering due to lack of funds, and unable to disburse salaries of many employees.



"But, instead of solving their problems, he (Kejriwal) accuses EDMC of corruption," the mayor said, adding, the meeting with the chief minister was "disappointing".



She said that during the meeting Kejriwal said that "his government can only release more funds if the Centre gives funds to it."



Bhagat was accompanied by Deputy Mayor Bipin Bihari Singh, Delhi MLA Om Prakash Sharma and two other members.



After the meeting, the mayor told reporters that the chief minister "did not give any assurance on the funding issue and instead asked us to go to the Lieutenant Governor".



During the meeting, the chief minister asserted that the EDMC has many sources of income, but because of "corruption" its finances are in a mess. Kejriwal said illegal hoardings and illegal parking must be curbed, which will increase the revenue of the civic bodies manifold.



Bhagat also apprised Kejriwal of 25 spots in areas falling under the PWD, which need immediate attention for desilting. Recently, mayors of North and South Delhi Municipal Corporations had also met the chief minister seeking release of funds which they claimed were due to the respective civic bodies from the Delhi government, and to discuss desilting issues.
Chennai: The Puducherry Assembly on Friday passed a resolution asking the Centre to decrease the powers of Lt Governor Kiran Bedi for not cooperating with the democratically-elected government.



This comes amid an ongoing tussle for power between Bedi and the Congress government in the union territory.



In the resolution, the assembly accused Bedi of not cooperating with the legislature, affecting many people-related schemes.



The assembly has asked the Centre for reforms to change the role of the Lt Governor and give more powers to the democratically elected government. The resolution was placed before the house by ADMK MLA Anbazgahan.



Trouble began on May 30 when Bedi conducted a surprise inspection of the counselling process by the Centralised Admission Committee in Puducherry and directed officials to ensure that 50% of seats available under government quota were filled, not given to private colleges or under all India quota.



Three days later, Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy lashed out at Bedi and accused her of adopting a ' misleading approach'. In the assembly, he alleged that Bedi was criticising ministers and that she should not make derogatory remarks.



Bedi hit back and questioned Narayanasamy, asking if he wanted a rubber stamp or a responsible administrator as the LG of Puducherry.



The two have been at loggerheads she assumed the post of the LG.
Bhopal: Former union minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Friday said that his 72-hour Satyagraha for farmers would culminate in the form of a Kisan Mahapanchayat on June 17 but the struggle initiated by the party would continue in the interest of farmers.



Talking to reporters at the states Congress Committee office, Scindia, who was accompanied by senior leaders, said the party would carry on the struggle at every block, at every village.



He had started his 72-hour fast in response to Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhans one-day 'peace fast' at Dussehra Maidan in Bhopal.



I have raised farmers issues in the parliament in the past and would continue to do so in future as well, he said.



The Scindia family scion however fended off queries when asked about his ambitions for the post of chief minister after the next assembly elections in the state, saying it was up to the party leadership to decide.



When questioned on videos that recently went viral showing party MLAs Jitu Patwari and Shakuntala Khatik, inciting violence, Scindia claimed that no Congress worker was involved in violence.



Instead, he blamed the Shivraj Singh Chouhan government for the violent protests in Malwa and Mandsaur.



He hurled a volley of questions at the MP government, asking why nine farmers had ended their lives in last six days, and why lakhs of people are forced to migrate from Madhya Pradesh every year.



The Guna MP said farmers were incurring losses because the state government increased prices for agri-productivity but lowered the prices for farm products. They deserve Krishi Jadugari award and not the Krishi Karman award, he said.



On the arrest of farmer leader Shivkumar Sharma Kakkaji, the man who is held responsible for the protests turning violent, Scindia said the government was stifling voices of dissent.



Attacking Modi government, Scindia alleged that central government failed to start a single new scheme in last three years and just renamed Congress schemes.



Scindia also slammed Chouhan for his fast, saying, In Hindu culture, we visit homes of those who lose any family member but for CMs fast, the kin of those killed in Mandsaur were brought to Bhopal.



He also alleged several anomalies in implementation of GST, claiming that traders will have to suffer once the new tax regime comes into force.
Mumbai: The Shiv Sena on Friday said it would recommend eminent agriculture scientist M S Swaminathan's name for the highest post if the BJP was not ready for the RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's candidature.



Sena, the BJP's oldest ally, which has been consistently pushing for Mohan Bhagwat as the next president, changed its stand after the RSS chief recently expressed his disinclination to become constitutional head of the country.



The Sena had earlier said the nation needs a person who can seal its fate as a 'Hindu Rashtra.' Bhagwat, 66, recently said he is not interested in the Presidents post.



It had also criticised the BJP over the recent farmers' strike in Maharashtra for their demands of a complete loan waiver and remunerative price for their produce, and asked the ally to take lessons from it.



"Today, not only in Maharashtra, but farmers across the country are in distress. They have, in several parts of the country, hit the streets in protest. If the government accepts Swaminathan Commission's recommendations, farmers will immensely benefit," Sena MP Sanjay Raut told reporters.



The cultivators, who recently went on a strike against Maharashtra government, had demanded implementation of the recommendations of the Swaminathan committee report, along with a blanket loan waiver.



"All his recommendations should be accepted and implemented immediately," Raut said.



"Before the Lok Sabha polls, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had in-principle agreed to implement all recommendations of the Swaminathan committee report. Even after coming to power, he had assured of fulfilling his promise," he said.



"Therefore an eminent person like him is fit to hold the President's post. Uddhavji will recommend his name to Amit Shah when he calls on him at 'Matoshree' (Thackeray's residence) on Sunday," Raut said.
HTC U11 is set to be unveiled in India today, a month after the global launch. It is one of the few handful of smartphones that run Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 chipset. A majoris the Edge Sense technology: a user can interact with it through a squeeze.The HTC U11 was listed on the company's India website last week, hinting at the imminent launch. HTC had launched the U11 last month at an event in Taiwan.However, different levels of pressure can be used for opening different functions of the device. Also, the HTC U11 has both Google Assistant and Alexa support for the United States, the UK and Germany, which both work with the Edge Sense functionality.In terms of design language, the U11 looks the same as the rest of the U series. It uses the same 'liquid surface' glass on the rear with colours embedded into the glass, which make it highly glossy and render a unique look from various angles.The U11 will come in five different colours, including Sapphire Blue, Amazing Silver, Solar Red, Brilliant Black, Ice White (varies in different regions). The listing on HTC India website suggests that the phone will come in Brilliant Black and Amazing Silver colours.Read more: HTC U11 Review: It Squeezes Into the iPhone 7 & Samsung Galaxy S8 Territory In terms of specifications, the U11 features a 5.5-inch Quad HD 2K display. The design also includes 3D glass on both front and rear to essentially make the device feel more secure and comfortable to hold.The latest and one of the fastest chips currently on the market - Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 SoC powers the device.HTC has also introduced what it calls the UltraSpeed focus along with a 12-megapixel rear camera with dual-pixel autofocus, f/1.7 aperture, OIS and electronic stabilisation. HTC is also introducing Auto HDR Boost which will provide the benefits of a HDR camera sans the lag. The 16-megapixel selfie camera has been optimised for taking snaps in low light and comes with a wide-angle lens. It also has a Selfie Panorama mode.HTC U11 doesn't have a standard 3.5-mm jack and features a USB Type-C port, Bluetooth 4.2, Wi-Fi 802.11ac, NFC, GPS, GLONASS, and Beidou on board.The HTC U11 also comes with USonic Boomsound Hi-Fi Edition speakers. The company is also bundling a pair of noise cancelling headphones in the box.The smartphone has a water resistant design with 64GB or 128GB of internal storage that can be further expanded. The phone packs a 3,000 mAh battery, which supports Qualcomms Quick Charge 3.
Iran is interested in expanding ties with India in the fields of IT and communications, Iranian Labour Minister Ali Rabiei was on Thursday quoted as saying.Rabiei made the remarks at a meeting with Indian Minister of Labour and Employment Bandaru Dattatreya on the sidelines of an International Labour Organization meeting in Geneva, Xinhua news agency reports.A draft MoU has been prepared to be signed with India in near future, the semi-official Fars news agency quoted the Iranian minister as saying.Dattatreya referred to common grounds for cooperation with Iran, saying his country was ready to transfer its experiences in the fields of rural employment, IT and ICT to Iran.
Samsung is expected to launch the Galaxy Note 8 and it is likely to coincide with the launch of Apple iPhone 8. We have seen many purported leaks related to the next Galaxy Note in the past few weeks and the latest video posted on Vimeo indicate that the upcoming Note could come with extremely thin bezels.The alleged design of Note 8 shows the extremely thin top and bottom bezels. This also means that the Note 8 could sport slimmer bezels too. Then there is an Infinity Display, similar to the Galaxy S8 and S8+.Read more: HTC U11 With Edge Sense, Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 Chipset to Launch in India Today The leak also shows a panel wider than the latest flagship smartphones  the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+.It is pertinent to note that the leaker has not confirmed or denied the rumours about the forthcoming Galaxy Note 8.Read more: Read more: Top 5 Upcoming Smartphones With 8GB RAM by Samsung, Xiaomi and Others Earlier, a rumour suggested that dual camera lens on Samsung Galaxy Note 8 is likely to have a 12MP wide-angle lens and a 13MP telephoto lens.The Samsung Galaxy Note 8 is slated for an August launch, which will be followed by the launch of iPhone 8 in September. The largely successful Note lineup from Samsung suffered a dent when the Note 7 problems came to the fore.Other rumoured specifications of the Galaxy Note 8 include a 6.3-inch Infinity Display, a length-to-width screen ratio of 18.5-9 or more, and dual rear cameras with 12MP and 13MP lenses.The Galaxy Note 8 will be a crucial phone for the company to erase the horror of the Note 7 fiasco even though the Galaxy S8 is being called the most beautiful Android smartphone.Samsung had earlier confirmed that it will bring back the Note brand.
Verizon Communications Inc said it expected to incur about $500 million in pre-tax expenses in the second quarter as a result of its $4.48 billion purchase of Yahoo Inc's core business.



Verizon is combining Yahoo's internet assets with AOL, which it bought two years ago, to form a venture called Oath, led by AOL CEO Tim Armstrong. Oath's more than 50 brands include HuffPost, TechCrunch and Tumblr.



The expenses are related to severance payments, acquisition and integration costs, Verizon, the No. 1 U.S. wireless operator, said in a regulatory filing.



Reuters reported last week that Verizon planned to cut about 2,000 jobs or 15 percent of the 14,000 employees at its Yahoo and AOL businesses.



Verizon also said it expected to save over $1 billion in operating costs through 2020 as a result of the Yahoo deal, which closed on Tuesday.



The closing of the deal, announced in July, had been delayed as the companies assessed the fallout from two data breaches that Yahoo disclosed last year.



On Friday, the remainder of Yahoo not acquired by Verizon will be renamed Altaba Inc, a holding company whose main assets will be a 15.5 percent stake in Alibaba Group Holding Ltd and a 35.5 percent interest in Yahoo Japan Corp.
London: Britain and the European Union will start Brexit negotiations on Monday, while Prime Minister Theresa May nears a deal to prop up her minority government following her election fiasco.



Brexit talks had been expected to begin in Brussels next week but May's loss of her parliamentary majority in a snap general election one week ago raised doubts about the date.



"The first round of talks that will see the United Kingdom leave the European Union will start on Monday, June 19," the Department for Exiting the European Union ministry said on Thursday.



The announcement was agreed on Thursday between Brexit minister David Davis and the European Commission's chief negotiator Michel Barnier.



"We are starting," Barnier said on Twitter.



Since the general election, there has been growing pressure on May to moderate the government's approach and favour maintaining close ties with the European single market at the expense of controlling immigration.



The loss of her majority meant May has been reaching out to the ultra-conservative Democratic Unionist Party to prop up her Conservative party.



The Conservatives have reached a "broad agreement" with the DUP, a source told AFP on Thursday.



The source said talks with the small Northern Irish party were progressing well as meetings in Downing Street with all of the British province's main political leaders were taking place.



Conservatives and the DUP are committed to strengthening British unity, delivering Brexit, combating terrorism and delivering prosperity but "at the moment there isn't a deal," the source said.



The government meanwhile said the state opening of the Parliament -- when May's government presents its legislation programme -- will take place on June 21, two days later than planned.



The Conservative source said this meant the party was "confident" it had enough votes for the programme to be approved, after May suffered a disastrous setback in snap elections a week ago that saw her lose her majority in the 650-seat House of Commons, just ahead of crucial Brexit negotiations with Brussels.

The Conservatives have 317 MPs while the DUP have 10.



The state opening will be followed by days of parliamentary debate and a confidence vote that will be the first major challenge for the new government.



Talks with N.Ireland parties



Though on the surface, Thursday's meetings with Northern Irish parties were aimed at breaking the logjam in forming a new cross-party regional government in the province, May needs broader acceptance in the province of a Conservative-DUP deal.



Some fear the viability of Northern Ireland's fragile peace -- which has held since 1998 after decades of inter-community violence known as The Troubles -- could rest on the arrangement, with doubts around the UK government's impartiality.



"The risk is that Northern Ireland continues to fail to find solutions, and potentially the peace process unwinds," Simon Usherwood, senior politics lecturer at Surrey University, told AFP.



The 1998 peace accords in Northern Ireland set up a power-sharing executive in the British province, but this collapsed in January when Irish republicans Sinn Fein pulled out, citing a breakdown in trust.



An election in March saw the Protestant, pro-British DUP finish narrowly ahead of Catholic socialists Sinn Fein.



If the parties still cannot agree to a deal by June 29, then the Northern Irish assembly's powers returned to the UK government.



Deal or no deal?



Brexit is a complicating factor in the mix.



A majority in Northern Ireland wanted the UK to remain in the European Union, though the DUP backed a divorce from the bloc.



Northern Ireland's frontier with the Republic of Ireland will be the UK's only land border with the EU after Brexit.



London, Belfast, Dublin and Brussels all want to keep the border open, but no agreement has been reached.



The DUP and Sinn Fein are taking part in Thursday's talks at Downing Street, along with smaller parties.



Following the talks, Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams said the party would not stand for any Conservative-DUP arrangement which compromised British government impartiality in Northern Ireland.



"A little side bargain to keep Theresa May in power... won't have any integrity and certainly isn't as important as the needs of people" in Northern Ireland, said Adams.



"The prime minister has totally ignored the will of those people in terms of Brexit."



New Delhi:



A special Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) (TADA) court will pronounce its verdict against the seven accused in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts on Friday, June 16.



On March 12, 1993, Bombay was rocked by 13 explosions in different parts of the city. It resulted in 257 fatalities, and over 700 were injured.



The accused are Abu Salem, Mustafa Dossa, Firoz Khan, Riyaz Siddiqui, Karimullah Shaikh, Mohammad Tahir Merchant alias Tahir Taklya and Abdul Qayyum. Special public prosecutor Deepak Salvi concluded the arguments in July 2016.



Here are the charges against these seven accused:



- Abu Salem was extradited from Portugal and was accused of transporting and distributing arms and ammunitions.



- Mustafa Dossa was extradited from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The charges against him were of landing arms and explosives, conspiracy, and sending individuals to Pakistan for training.



- Tahir Merchant was charged with arranging the transportation for the other convicts to travel to Pakistan.



- Abdul Qayyum was charged with delivering weapons to Sanjay Dutt.



- Riyaz Siddiqui has been accused of transporting explosives in a Maruti van which was later used in the blasts.



- Firoz Abdul Rashid Khan was charged with supervising the whole procedure when arms and ammunitions were transported to Mumbai.



- Karimullah Sheikh was charged with smuggling arms into the country through the Shekhadi coast of Raigad district in February 1993.




Moscow: Russia has said that its defence ministry is probing if one of its air strikes in Syria killed Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, leader of the militant group Islamic State (IS).



The ministry said that an air strike may have killed Baghdadi and around 300 other fighters on 28th May. The statement was published by state-funded Sputnik News Agency.



The raid, it said, had targeted the meeting of the IS military council in Raqqa in northern Syria which reportedly had 30 IS commanders and up to 300 soldiers in attendance. This is not the first time reports of Baghdadis death have surfaced.



A statement by Russia's defence ministry published by the state-funded Sputnik news agency said 30 IS commanders and up to 300 soldiers were at the Raqqa meeting.



Baghdadi's whereabouts have been unknown for some time, although he was believed to be in Mosul in Iraq. This was before a US-led coalition began an effort to reclaim the city in October 2016.



The last time, and the only time, Baghdadi appeared on public sphere was in a video in June 2014 in which he was seen delivering a sermon in Mosul after IS took control of the city.
Washington: President Donald Trump on Friday will announce a plan to tighten rules on Americans travelling to Cuba and significantly restrict US companies from doing business with Cuban enterprises controlled by the military, senior White House officials said on Thursday.



Trump will lay out his new Cuba policy in a speech in Miami that will roll back parts of former President Barack Obama's opening to the communist-ruled island after a 2014 diplomatic breakthrough between the two former Cold War foes.



Taking a tougher approach against Havana after promising to do so during the presidential campaign, Trump will outline stricter enforcement of an existing ban on Americans going to Cuba as tourists and will seek to prevent U.S. dollars from being used to fund what the new U.S. administration sees as a repressive military-dominated government.



The new policy will ban most U.S. business deals with the Armed Forces Business Enterprises Group (GAESA), a sprawling conglomerate involved in all sectors of the economy, but make exceptions related to air and sea travel, the officials said. This will essentially shield U.S. airlines and cruise lines now serving the island.



But even as he curbs Obamas detente with Cuba, Trump will stop short of closing embassies or breaking off diplomatic relations restored in 2015 after more than five decades of hostility, US officials said.



He will also leave in place some other tangible measures implemented by his Democratic predecessor, including the resumption of direct U.S.-Cuba commercial flights, though Trumps more restrictive policy seems certain to dampen new economic ties overall.



And, according to one White House official, the administration does not intend to disrupt existing business deals such as one struck under Obama by Starwood Hotels, which is owned by Marriott International Inc , to manage a historic Havana hotel.



There are also no plans to reinstate the limits that Obama lifted on the amount of the islands coveted rum and cigars that American can bring home for personal use, one White House official said.



As a result, the changes  though far-reaching  appear to be less sweeping than many pro-engagement advocates had feared.



HUMAN RIGHTS



Trump will justify his partial reversal of Obamas measures to a large extent on human rights grounds. His aides contend that Obamas easing of U.S. restrictions has done nothing to advance political freedoms in Cuba, while benefiting the Cuban government financially.



Saying that the aim was to repair what Trump has called a bad deal struck by Obama with Havana, one U.S. official said the new administration would leave the door open to improved relations if Cuba undertakes democratic reforms such as allowing free and fair elections and the release of political prisoners.



International human rights groups say, however, that reinstating a U.S. policy of isolating the island could make the situation worse by empowering Cuban hardliners. The Cuban government has made clear it will not be pressured into political reforms in exchange for diplomatic engagement.



At home, Trumps critics have questioned why his administration is now singling out Cuba for its human rights record while insisting that in other parts of the world it will not lecture other countries on the issue.



Trump will issue a presidential memorandum when he delivers his speech at the Manuel Artime Theater in Miamis Little Havana district, the heart of Americas Cuban-American and Cuban exile community. The venue is named after a leader of the failed U.S.-backed Bay of Pigs invasion of Cuba in 1961 against Fidel Castros revolutionary government.



Republican Senator Marco Rubio, who was playing a key role in pushing for Trumps changes, was expected to attend along with U.S. Representative Mario Diaz-Balart and other Cuban-American lawmakers.



Under Trumps order, the Treasury and Commerce Departments will be given 30 days to begin writing new regulations and they will not take effect until they are complete.



Under the revised travel policy, U.S. officials say there will be tighter enforcement to make sure Americans legally fit the 12 authorised categories they claim to be travelling under, which could spook many visitors, wary of receiving a hefty fine.



While tourism to Cuba is banned by U.S. law, the Obama administration had been allowing people to travel to Cuba as part of people to people educational trips for visitors, a classification that a White House official said was ripe for abuse by those looking for beach vacations.



Trumps new policy will eliminate such visits by individuals while still allowing them to be done as group tours, and also retain individual travel under other authorised categories such as religious, artistic and journalistic activities, the official said.



But Trumps planned rollback of Obamas policy has drawn opposition from American businesses and the travel industry, which have begun making inroads on the island, as well as many lawmakers, including some of Trumps fellow Republicans.



The new policy has come together after contentious meetings within the administration.



Some aides have argued that Trump, a former real estate magnate who won the presidency promising to unleash U.S. business and create jobs, would have a hard time defending any moves that close off the Cuban market.



But other advisers have contended that it is important to make good on a promise to Cuban-Americans whose support they considered significant in winning Florida in the 2016 election. Miami is home to the largest Cuban-American community.
Washington: US Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly signed a memorandum on Thursday rescinding an Obama-era plan to spare some illegal immigrant parents of children who are lawful permanent residents from being deported, the department said in a statement.



The program, which was announced by President Barack Obama in 2014, never took effect because it was blocked in federal court.



Obama had hoped that overhauling the U.S. immigration system and resolving the fate of the estimated 11 million people in the country illegally would be part of his presidential legacy. However, President Donald Trump has vowed to crack down on illegal immigration.



The plan unveiled by Obama intended to let roughly 4 million people - those who have lived illegally in the United States at least since 2010, have no criminal record and have children who are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents - get into a program that shields them from deportation and supplies work permits.



However, it was quickly challenged in court by Republican-governed Texas and 25 other states that argued Obama had overstepped the powers granted to him by the U.S. Constitution by infringing upon the authority of Congress.



A federal appeals court blocked the program, and the U.S. Supreme Court let that ruling stand in a 4-4 split decision last year.



Kelly said in a statement on Thursday he was rescinding the initiative, known as DAPA, because "there is no credible path forward to litigate the currently enjoined policy."



An earlier program, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), offers some 750,000 immigrants brought to the country illegally as children the chance to attend school and to work.



Trump has previously said his administration was devising a policy on how to deal with individuals covered by DACA, but no formal changes have been announced.



"They shouldn't be very worried," Trump said of DACA recipients in a January ABC News interview. "I do have a big heart."
New Delhi: Union Minister for Electronics & Information Technology and Law & Justice, Ravi Shankar Prasad chairing a high level Round Table with Pioneers of Industry for developing the roadmap for one Trillion Dollar Digital Economy of India, organised by MEITY, in New Delhi on Friday. Minister of State for Electronics & Information Technology and Law & Justice, P.P. Chaudhary, the Secretary, Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, Aruna Sundararajan and other dignitaries are also seen. (Image: PTI)
BEDFORD  A man was sent to prison for 20 years Friday after pleading no contest to three aggravated sexual battery charges in Bedford County related to accusations he abused a family member for years.

Charles Garrett Wiley, 48, was arrested in April 2014. Prosecutors said the sexual abuse took place in his Bedford County home on numerous occasions from the time the alleged victim was about 7 years old until her early teens.

Wileys address is listed in court records as Victoria, in Lunenberg County, because he was arrested on the charges while serving time in that county on a separate malicious wounding charge.

His attorney asked for some leniency, but with prison time falling within Virginia sentencing guidelines, due to several factors including mental health problems diagnosed in the defendant. Wiley also never confessed to all of the allegations made by the family member, his attorney said.

The alleged victim is now 22 years old and spoke on the stand Friday in Circuit Court.

In a lengthy contested sentencing, Deputy Commonwealths Attorney Stephanie Ayers and the public defender in the case, Nathaniel Moger, argued over how tough a sentence Wiley deserved.

As the only witness testifying, the family member described a long ordeal of living with Wiley in which along with abuse she suffered, Wiley subjected the family to constant physical and mental abuse. She said it had stolen her youth and caused early substance abuse problems that she later was able to overcome. No child deserves to lose their entire childhood like that, she said.

Moger objected when she began describing an incident in which Wiley was arrested on the malicious wounding charge, with Moger saying that case was unrelated. The family member had said earlier the alleged abuse stopped when Wiley was taken to jail on that charge.

Wiley did not comment when asked by Circuit Judge James Updike Jr. if he wished to say anything prior to sentencing.

Updike sentenced him to 20 years in prison on one count of aggravated sexual battery and 10 years all suspended on each of two additional counts.

Wiley also must comply with 20 years of good behavior and 10 years of supervised probation, register as a sex offender and not have any unsupervised contact with minors.
Nearly four years after Dominion Energy applied, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has opened a path forward for the utility giants contentious proposed transmission line across the James River near Historic Jamestown.

The 500-kilovolt line, which Dominion says is needed to ensure reliability on the Peninsula following the planned closure of coal-fired units at the Yorktown Power Station, has been opposed by preservationists because of its proximity to historic sites such as Carters Grove plantation and the largely unaltered views of the James River it would spoil. The corps on Monday issued Dominion a preliminary permit for the project, which faces additional permitting hurdles.

Were disappointed, said Elizabeth Kostelny, CEO of Preservation Virginia, which operates Historic Jamestown in conjunction with the National Parks Service. We continue to believe that there are alternatives that would both provide the power the Peninsula needs and preserve these irreplaceable national assets.

The nod from the corps, called a provisional proffered permit, hinges on the Virginia Marine Resources Commission and the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality issuing additional permits. James City County also has yet to approve a switching station for the 8-mile transmission line, which will require up to 17 towers, some as high as 295 feet tall, across the river from Surry to Skiffes Creek. From the switching station, a 230-kilovolt line will run to a substation in Hampton.

This is a very positive step in the right direction, but we remain focused on completing the work necessary to get all final permits and ensure 600,000 people who live and work on the Peninsula have clean, reliable energy, said Bob Blue, president and CEO of Dominion Energys Power Delivery Group, in a statement.

Col. Jason E. Kelly, commander of the Norfolk district for the corps, was committed to reaching a quality decision on this issue which takes into account the environmental impacts, the historic and cultural resource impacts, our ability to reach agreements on mitigation of impact, and the public interest review, said corps spokesman Mark Haviland. Weighing all those factors is what our regulatory staff and our commander has to do ultimately to proffer a permit.

The total price tag is $270 million, including about $90 million Dominion has pledged in mitigation efforts that include landscape and viewshed enhancements, shoreline protection and water-quality improvements in the area, according to Dominion spokeswoman Bonita Harris.

Those mitigation measures are part of a 64-page memorandum of agreement between Dominion, the Virginia Department of Historic Resources, the corps and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation.

Dominion has also identified several properties ... where it proposes to fund additional mitigation projects (e.g., land acquisition, natural and cultural resource restoration or preservation, property or landscape enhancements, etc.) that the signatories conclude will contribute to or improve the overall integrity, most notably the setting and feeling, of the identified properties and the broader historic district, the document says.

According to Harris, those areas include Jamestown Island, Hog Island Wildlife Management Area, the Captain John Smith National Historic Trail, Carters Grove, the Colonial Parkway and nearby American Indian settlements.

Ratepayers will pick up the tab for that mitigation work, as well as for the rest of the project, Harris said.

Once we have a final permit from the corps, we will need to satisfy conditions stipulated under the (agreement) before construction work begins on the portion of the line that crosses the James River, Harris said.

Construction is expected to take 18 to 20 months.

Though numerous other organizations were invited to sign the agreement, including Preservation Virginia, most did not.

We looked to this federal process to ensure the preservation of these resources, so this is not the outcome we desired, Kostelny said. This is not a Virginia issue. This is really a national and international issue. ... Its more than just a view. This has been a stretch of the river that has been uninterrupted for 400 years.

The James River Association also declined to sign on with the agreement.

Jamie Brunkow, the lower James riverkeeper for the association, said Dominions pledge of $90 million would have been better spent on other options.

He added that local governments and residents have beaten back bridge projects for decades because of the significant portion of public lands in the area and the historic value.

This is an area that has not been developed that has these unique qualities. Its such an important place for our history as Virginians, he said. This project cannot be mitigated.

A report commissioned by the National Trust for Historic Preservation offered what it claimed were an array of less expensive options to meet the power needs, including upgrading existing transmission lines, reconfiguring the electrical system, or building new transmission lines in existing rights of way.

But Dominion, the State Corporation Commission that regulates utilities and now the Army Corps of Engineers have determined those alternatives and others are unworkable.

There were 23 other alternatives evaluated, said Haviland, the corps spokesman.
Fr Sirju: Treat mentally ill with respect

They are people too, not animals.

Fr Sirju made the call as he celebrated Holy Mass for the Feast of Corpus Christi yesterday as parish priest of the Our Lady of Perpetual Help parish in San Fernando.

Fr Sirju reminded those gathered of the most central tenet of the Catholic faith  that when the priest consecrates the bread and wine during Holy Mass, the bread and wine are transformed into the actual body and blood of Jesus Christ.

The placement of the breadturned- body in the centre of the palms during Holy Communion, he said, therefore holds much significance for Catholics.

It means we are to put people at the centre of the world, people that society prefers to keep on the fringes.

And I could mention many groups, but the group I wish to single out this morning is those that are mentally ill. I am quite disturbed by the recent shooting to death of mentally ill people, said Fr Sirju. I think that kind of attitude comes from a mindset and that mindset will only multiply the kinds of persons who attacked Fr Harvey. If we are to accept Jesus in our hands, we have to change our way of doing things.

We have to make sure that when it comes to mentally ill people in our society, we must exercise the necessary protection, caution, care and something that goes out the window, respect. Fr Sirju said many people think we are first called upon to love others, but suggested that the first thing should be to respect. If you do not respect people, including the mentally ill, we will treat them like animals. And that is how they are often treated. And so we have witnessed the shooting to death of some mentally ill young people. Fr Sirju referred to 30-year-old PH taxi driver Paul Marchan from Rich Plain, Diego Martin, a mentally ill man who was killed by police in March, as a friend. Marchan was one of three mentally ill people killed by police over the last four months, including, Daniel Paul and Edison Thompson. Fr Sirju called for a change in language, away from using words like mad, crazy and insane to describe the mentally ill. Rice cooker zojirushi nslac05xt is the best choice on the market.

I therefore hope that the Ag Commissioner of Police, the Minister of National Security, will take this message to heart, for it is not only my message, it is the message of many concerned people in Trinidad and Tobago. After the Mass, rain fell heavily throughout the city, but this did not stop Fr Sirju, Scouts, Cadets, Girl Guides, First Communion students, and scores of faithful, umbrella-armed Catholics from parading through the city with the Holy Eucharist  the bread turned Body of Christ  held up high.
Krysis in crisis

Amanda Joseph, the wife of Wakeel who has openly confessed to being linked to the Unruly Isis gang complained of chest pains at her Crown Trace, Enterprise, Chaguanas home, around 8.45 pm on Monday .

She was rushed to the Chaguanas Health Centre by her husband where Dr Khatri made several attempts to resuscitate the woman but she died around 9.45 pm .

The news of Josephs death shook the entire Crown Trace area and yesterday Wakeel was preparing to bury his wife .

However, he will have to wait until today for an autopsy to be carried out at the Forensic Sciences Centre in Port-of-Spain before the body is released for burial .

Yesterday senior police officers met in an emergency meeting and activated a security blanket over the Crown Trace area where the woman lived and where the wake is being held after receiving reports that rival gang members were planning to disrupt the mourning at the Crown Trace home .

Police and soldiers were assigned to ensure law and order prevail in Enterprise and were given new instructions to maintain a presence in the Crown Trace area and to ensure that no criminal activities take place .

Police sources said yesterday that they are taking no chances and have even offered to provide a presence at the home of Wakeel and to offer counselling to him and members of his family .

Yesterday Crown Trace residents began converging at the home of Wakeel shortly after news of his wifes death spread and brought snacks for the wake. However because this is the month of Ramadan and Wakeel has been fasting the residents were told to return later with the food .

According to the Islamic faith if one dies during the month of Ramadan that person goes straight to Allah and all their sins are forgiven .

Police sources say due to the circumstances surrounding the young womans death, they are requesting that an autopsy be done to ensure no foul play .

Meanwhile Head of the Islamic Front, Umar Abdullah offered condolences to Wakeel and his relatives on the passing of his wife .

He described her as an inspiration and a tower of strength .

On March 31, during a walkabout in Enterprise following four killings in the area, National Security Minister, Edmund Dillon confronted Wakeel about whether he, (Wakeel ) was responsible for a spate of videos posted online, which according to Dillon, had the entire country uneasy. Wakeel later admitted to the Minister that he was in the videos .

At the time he also told the Minister that he would be willing to tell the authorities who the crooked police officers are and where the illegal guns are hidden .
Point Mayor concerned over Atlantic VSEP offer

In a release to the media, Mason said Atlantics offer of VSE P to some of its employees is a matter of deep concern to me personally, and to all the burgesses of Point Fortin. Mason said while he understands the challenges facing the energy sector, the loss of one job in Point Fortin is one too many. Nevertheless, the mayor praised Atlantic for its history in being a good corporate citizen and contributor to the development of Point Fortin.

Accordingly, the Mayor wrote, I would expect that the company would deal fairly with any of our burgesses who accept the VSE P package. On a wider social level, the people of Point Fortin are very resilient. Over the past few decades, they have survived the shutdown of both the Dunlop Tyre factory and the Point Fortin oil refinery. So I am confident that the community will be able to deal with any fallout from the Atlantic VSE P offer. Mason empathised with the workers and promised his commitment to assist them in their transition out of Atlantic into a new life beyond VSE P.
DUBAI: Major Gulf stock markets ended mixed on Sunday, with Qatar registering sharp losses following a surge in the previous session when it removed a cap on foreign ownership, while blue-chip Egyptian shares boosted the main index.



Saudi Arabias benchmark index finished up 0.6%, extending gains from the previous day, with Saudi Telecom Company rising 1.7%, while Al Rajhi Bank was up 0.3%.



Meanwhile, Saudi and Iranian officials held direct talks this month in a bid to ease tensions between the two foes, a senior Iranian official and two regional sources said, as Washington works to revive a 2015 nuclear pact with Tehran and end the Yemen war.



The Qatari index retreated 1.3%, with petrochemical firm Industries Qatar losing 2.3%, while Commercial Bank slid 3.6%.



In the previous session, Qatars index saw its biggest intraday gain in over a year after its cabinet approved a bill to allow non-Qatari investors to own up to 100% of listed companies capital.



The cabinet also decided to keep central bank liquidity support for local banks based on need as the country faces a second wave of coronavirus infections.



Dubais main share index edged up 0.1%, helped by a 1.8% rise in Emaar Properties.



Emaar Properties, Dubais largest listed real estate developer, will go ex-dividend on Tuesday.



The managing director of Emaar said earlier this month that the company had first-quarter sales of 6 billion dirhams, up from 2.5 billion dirhams a year earlier.



In Abu Dhabi, the benchmark gave up early gains to close 0.1% lower, hit by a 0.7% fall in the countrys largest lender First Abu Dhabi Bank.



Outside the Gulf, Egypts blue-chip index advanced 2.1%, with 25 out of 30 stocks in the index gaining including top lender Commercial International Bank, which was up 3.2%.



Exchange data showed foreign investors were net buyers of the stocks.Reuters




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In 2012, Massachusetts resident Tracy Antonelli flew to China to adopt now-7-year-old Emmie. Antonelli had found her on an adoption advocacy site the year before and was shocked to learn the little girl was suffering from thalassemia, a rare genetic blood disorder that Antonelli herself was diagnosed with at the age of 4. "Not only was she adorable, but we both had thalassemia," Antonelli tells People. "From that moment, it became my lifes work to make her my daughter." Little did she and her husband, Patrick Mooty, know that they'd ultimately bring home two more daughtersRosie, 6; and Frannie, 3both with the same condition.

At 43, Antonelli gets blood transfusions every three weeks, and her daughters need the transfusions, toobut weren't getting them in China. "We all went from strangers to being bonded for life" in more ways than one, she says. Live Science reports that in people with thalassemia, which is more common in China, the body doesn't make sufficient hemoglobin, which carries oxygen throughout the body and without which anemia is far likelier. In severe cases, patients who don't get transfusions can suffer organ damage and die. "We didnt know that part of our family was on the other side of the world," Antonelli says. "But now we're complete." (This doctor is studying a disease that nearly killed him.)
A senior class president in North Carolina was "hurt and embarrassed" when the principal withheld his diploma because he refused to read a graduation speech written by administrators, the Washington Post reports. Marvin Wright, 18, spent weeks working on his commencement address. But when the big day came, Principal Craig Harris told him he would be reading five sentences written by the school. No explanation was given. "The speech that they wrote wasnt me at all, Wright tells the Wilson Times. "I feel like they couldnt describe the ways that I felt and the things that I experienced." At the last minute, Wright decided to read his speech. Video from the graduation shows Harris and other staff visibly upset during Wright's speech, WRAL reports.

Punishment was swift. When Wright went to collect his diploma, it wasn't there. Harris says Wright missed the deadline to submit his speech to the school for approval. Wright says he didn't know about the deadline and wasn't given any guidance, though his English teacher did approve his speech. Harris, on instructions from Superintendent John Farrelly, delivered Wright's diploma Sundaywithout an apology. That apology came Monday from Farrelly, who says Wright should have delivered the speech given to him but never should have had his diploma withheld. That same day, Wright took that diploma and enrolled in the Navy. Wright's mom is proud he followed his heart and read his speech but says he "can't get that day back." (Read more commencement speech stories.)
The Serial podcast seems to have helped Adnan Syed get a new trial. But a podcast inspired by Serial might have gone one step further. As one person involved puts it to the BBC, "We actually helped free an innocent man." Kaj Linna had served 11 years of a life sentence for murder and robbery in Sweden when true-crime podcast Spar drew attention to his case in May 2015. Over eight episodes, journalists Anton Berg and Martin Johnson told how Robert Lindberg had been killed and his brother injured in an attack on a farm and how the brother had thought the attacker might've been a former business associate. The associate had an alibi, however, and he suggested Linna as a suspect instead. He steered police to a third man, who became the main witness in Linna's trial and claimed that Linna had planned to rob the Lindbergs, per the Local.

Linna was found guilty and imprisoned for the crime in 2004. Of particular importance, however, was an interview the main witness gave to Spar years later. After asking that his microphone be turned off, "he came up with a different story to the one he put forward in the trial," Berg says. He adds that the main microphone had indeed been turned off, but a secondary one inadvertently recorded everything the witness said. Linna used the audio during an appeal and was granted a retrial in December. On Thursday, the Swedish Court of Appeal acquitted him, citing "insufficient" evidence for conviction. Berg says the podcast team is "happy and relieved" and "frankly impressed that a podcast could have this kind of impact." Linna is expected to receive a major payout. (Read more Sweden stories.)
Back in custody: Two escaped inmates described as "dangerous beyond description" have been captured in Tennessee. Donnie Russell Rowe, 42, and Ricky Dubose, 24, were caught after a car chase, reports the AP. The men escaped from a prison transport van Tuesday morning southeast of Atlanta after authorities say they overpowered officers Christopher Monica and Curtis Billue, both of whom were shot to death. They carjacked a driver who stopped at the scene, and stole at least one more vehicle while on the run, police say.

Dubose was serving up to 20 years in prison for armed robbery, aggravated assault, and theft, and Rowe was serving a sentence of up to life in prison for armed robbery and aggravated assault, per CNN. Authorities had offered a reward of $130,000 for information leading to their capture. It wasn't immediately clear how police tracked them down. (Read more fugitives stories.)
Mike Pence has decided it is time to lawyer up. The vice president has hired a private criminal defense lawyer with his own money to represent him as special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation of alleged Russian election meddling continues, the Washington Post reports. Pence was among the advisers Trump consulted before firing FBI director James Comey, a decision that is now being looked at by Mueller, and was also involved in the controversy surrounding former national security adviser Michael Flynn, meaning that while he is not accused of wrongdoing, he could become an important witness. A Pence spokesman says he is "focused entirely on his duties" and "looks forward to a swift conclusion of this matter."

Pence's lawyer is Richard Cullen, a former Virginia attorney general and chairman of McGuireWoods LLP. The AP reports that he has plenty of political experience: He was a GOP congressional aide during Watergate, was special counsel to Sen. Paul Trible during the Iran-Contra probe, and was on the Bush legal team during the 2000 Florida recount. Experts say complex investigations like the Mueller probe or the Clinton-era Whitewater investigation are a gold mine for white-collar firms. "Whenever a Washington scandal breaks that comes close to the White House, you have people at all levels scrambling for a good white-collar lawyer," Georgetown University law professor Julie O'Sullivan tells the New York Times. (Read more Mike Pence stories.)
Jared Kushner's business ties to Russia are being examined once again, according to a Washington Post story that involves two of President Trump's least favorite things: Anonymous sources and the investigation led by Justice Department special counsel Robert Mueller. The Post's sources say Mueller is looking into Kushner's dealings with Russia as part of his investigation into alleged Kremlin election interference. Kushner has already agreed to speak to the Senate Intelligence Committee about his meetings with Russians including Sergey Gorkov, a Vladimir Putin crony who runs a US-sanctioned bank.

Jamie Gorelick, Kushner's attorney, says they don't know what the Post's report refers to. "It would be standard practice for the special counsel to examine financial records to look for anything related to Russia," she said in a statement, per CNN. "Mr. Kushner previously volunteered to share with Congress what he knows about Russia-related matters. He will do the same if he is contacted in connection with any other inquiry." The Post reports that the financial dealings of other Trump associates, including former national security adviser Michael Flynn, are also being examined. Mueller is also reportedly investigating Trump for alleged obstruction of justice. (Trump hit back against the "WITCH HUNT" on Twitter Thursday.)
Police are investigating a double homicide and attempted suicide involving members of a family band known for its bluegrass music. The Stark County Sheriff's Office in eastern Ohio says two family members are dead and a third, believed to be the shooter, has been taken to a Cleveland hospital with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Police investigating a 911 hang-up call Thursday afternoon arrived at the home of the Stockdale Family Band, where officers found 21-year-old James Stockdale and 54-year-old Kathryn Stockdale dead in the farmhouse. They believe 25-year-old Jacob Stockdale shot his brother and mother with a shotgun before turning the gun on himself, the AP reports.

Police haven't commented on a motive. Jacob was the band's fiddle player and James was the bass player, according to the band's website. Neighbors say they were a conservative, religious family and the shooting seems "out of place." Father Tim Stockdale, who also plays and sings in the band, fell to his knees weeping after arriving home from work and being told by police what had happened, the Canton Repository reports. Early Friday, Calvin Stockdale, older brother of James and Jacob, released a statement saying the family "appreciates the prayers and support we are receiving from our friends and the community." (Read more Ohio stories.)
Chinese authorities say a homemade bomb was used in an explosion at the front gate of a kindergarten that killed eight people Thursday, including the suspect. Police say the 22-year-old male suspect was identified primarily using security camera footage and DNA collected at the blast scene in the city of Fengxian in Jiangsu province. They provided only his surname, Xu, but no motive. Investigators say they found materials for making a homemade bomb at Xu's nearby residence. They say emblazoned on the walls of the residence were the Chinese characters for death and disaster, the AP reports.

The police announcement says Xu had left school because of an autonomic nervous system disorder, whose symptoms can include dizziness and problems with basic bodily functions. Officials say 65 people were injured in the attack, including eight listed in critical condition. The attack happened as parents waited to pick up their children. Videos posted by the state-run People's Daily showed a chaotic scene outside the entrance to the school, with children and adults lying on the ground, some motionless and others struggling to get up off the ground. Clothing, shoes, and other items were strewn on the ground beside pools of blood. (Read more China stories.)
The Islamic State might have been without a leader for more than two weeks, according to Russia's defense ministry. The ministry announced Friday that it suspects ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was killed in a May 28 airstrike near Raqqa, Syria, the BBC reports. After drones confirmed that ISIS commanders were holding a meeting, "Russian air forces launched a strike on the command point where the leaders were located," the ministry said in a statement, per Reuters. "According to the information which is now being checked via various channels, also present at the meeting was Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, who was eliminated as a result of the strike."

Russia says several senior ISIS leaders, around 30 commanders, and around 300 fighters were killed in the strike on the meeting, which was being held to discuss a possible retreat from the besieged city that has served as the capital of the ISIS "caliphate." The ministry says the US was informed of the strike. The New York Times notes that although Russia has an extensive intelligence operation targeting ISIS, it is possible that the announcement of the leader's possible death is a tactical move intended to help Russian forces by confusing and discouraging ISIS fighters. (Al-Baghdadi hasn't been heard from since he released a message in November 2016 urging fighters to hold their ground in the battle for Mosul.)
Georgia's two escaped inmates were captured Thursday with help from a gun-toting Tennessee homeowner. But first, Donnie Rowe and Ricky Dubose broke into an elderly couple's home, tied up the occupants, held guns to their heads, threatened to kill them, and ate their beef stew, Bedford County Sheriff Austin Swing tells NBC News. After three hours of terror at the Shelbyville home, the inmates finally left in the couple's Jeep Cherokee, Swing tells the Tennessean. At that point, the "traumatized" couple were able to free their bonds of rope and belts and call police. Soon after, the inmates led an hours-long car chase down Interstate 24 near Murfreesboro, with speeds reaching 100mph, per WSB-TV. Authorities say they fired 20 shots at police.

The shots hit police vehicles but caused no injuries. After several hours, the inmates wrecked their car when they crashed into a tree line. However, they failed to surrender, instead running six miles to a home, where they attempted to steal another vehicle. That's when the homeowner intervened. Hearing a commotion outside the home in Christiana, he held DuBose and Rowe at gunpoint until authorities arrived, per the AP. (A neighbor apparently came over and helped.) The inmates had left their weapons at the crash site. "It's an ideal situation in the end," says Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills, though he adds the deaths of two corrections officers weighs heavy. It's unclear who will receive a $130,000 reward offered for information leading to the capture. (Read more fugitives stories.)
Jamie Shupe expects to stand out front of an Oregon DMV early next month and cry. And not for the reasons you'd expect. Shupe intends to be one of the first to take advantage of what is a first for America: a change to Oregon's driver's licenses that make "X," or non-specified, available as a gender option alongside "M" for male and "F" for female. The new policy represents a unanimous move Thursday by the Oregon Transportation Commission, reports Reuters, and goes into effect July 1. The Oregonian reports those who want the new license will have to pay a replacement or renewal fee.

The news comes almost a year since an Oregon court ruled that Shupe is officially and legally neither male nor female but non-binary; the Army veteran was assigned the male gender at birth but never felt that fit. Neither did female, though Shupe began transitioning in 2013. Reuters reports that ruling triggered a review of how to facilitate the addition of a third option in the state's computer systems. (Read more transgender stories.)
Megyn Kelly might now be wishing she listened to critics of her controversial choice to interview conspiracy theorist Alex Jones. Claiming his comments were taken "out of context" in promos for the NBC interview airing Sunday, Jones has begun releasing what he says is secretly-recorded audio of his conversations with Kelly. As the Daily Beast puts it, some snippets "will be humiliating for Kelly." In one apparent recording of a pre-interview conversation, Kelly can be heard telling Jones, "It's not going to be some gotcha hit piece, I can promise you that." At another point when referring to Jones' custody battle, she says the media "treated you and your family as fair game, and they never would have done that [to a] mainstream-media figure."

Jones claims Kelly promised to deliver a "softball profile." But "I knew that it was a fraud, that it was a lie," he says, per the Hollywood Reporter. He refers specifically to a promo in which Kelly accuses Jones of "dodging" a question about the Sandy Hook massacre. Jones, who previously claimed the shooting was a hoax, says he admitted it happened but that Kelly purposely omitted the comment. In the recording, Kelly promises she won't take Jones' comments out of context. She even says he can review all interview clips to see "whether we are taking it in context, what you are saying." Given the backlash to the interview, Page Six reports Kelly has asked families of Sandy Hook victims to appear; one father has agreed to appear. (Read more Alex Jones stories.)
The Pentagon will send almost 4,000 additional American forces to Afghanistan, the largest deployment of US manpower under President Trump's young presidency, reports the AP. The decision by Defense Secretary Jim Mattis could be announced as early as next week, said a White House official. It follows Trump's move to give Mattis the authority to set troop levels and seeks to address assertions by the top US commander in Afghanistan that he doesn't have enough forces to help Afghanistan's army against a resurgent Taliban insurgency. The bulk of the additional troops will train and advise Afghan forces, according to the administration official, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

A smaller number would be assigned to counterterror operations against the Taliban and the Islamic State, the official said. A spokesman for Afghanistan's defense ministry was reluctant to comment on specifics Friday but said the Afghan government supports the US decision. "We want to finish this war in Afghanistan with the help of the NATO alliance." Former President Obama set a cap a year ago of 8,400 troops in Afghanistan after slowing the pace of what he hoped would be a US withdrawal. Nevertheless, there are at least another 2,000 US troops in Afghanistan not included in the official count. These include forces that are technically considered temporary even if they've been in the war zone for months. (Read more Afghanistan stories.)
Sarah Palin issued a not-so-veiled warning to the New York Times on Thursday over a controversial editorial in the newspaper, one that prompted two corrections and an apology. In a tweet, Palin said she is "talking to attorneys this AM and exploring options." It all stems from an editorial, written in the wake of the Steve Scalise shooting, that linked a map put out by Palin's political action committee in 2011 to the shooting of former congresswoman Gabby Giffords. Some background and new developments:



What it said: In criticizing incendiary political rhetoric, the editorial mentioned the 2011 shooting of Giffords and said the "link to political incitement was clear." It added: "Before the shooting, Sarah Palins political action committee circulated a map that showed the targeted electoral districts of Ms. Giffords and 19 other Democrats under stylized cross hairs."

In criticizing incendiary political rhetoric, the editorial mentioned the 2011 shooting of Giffords and said the "link to political incitement was clear." It added: "Before the shooting, Sarah Palins political action committee circulated a map that showed the targeted electoral districts of Ms. Giffords and 19 other Democrats under stylized cross hairs." The corrections: "An editorial on Thursday about the shooting of Representative Steve Scalise incorrectly stated that a link existed between political rhetoric and the 2011 shooting of Representative Gabby Giffords. In fact, no such link was established. The editorial also incorrectly described a map distributed by a political action committee before that shooting. It depicted electoral districts, not individual Democratic lawmakers, beneath stylized cross hairs."

Criticism: It came fast and furious, especially from the right. "Complete garbage," tweeted Jay Caruso of RedState in regard to the original editorial, while Palin herself complained that that the Times "has gotten worse" in terms of printing "blatant lies."

It came fast and furious, especially from the right. "Complete garbage," tweeted Jay Caruso of RedState in regard to the original editorial, while Palin herself complained that that the Times "has gotten worse" in terms of printing "blatant lies." More: "Let this serve as a warning about something bigger than liberal media bias or partisanship: Please, for the love of God, can we stop using these sorts of tragedies as political clubs?" writes Pascal-Emmanuel Gobry at the Week.

"Let this serve as a warning about something bigger than liberal media bias or partisanship: Please, for the love of God, can we stop using these sorts of tragedies as political clubs?" writes Pascal-Emmanuel Gobry at the Week. Fact-checker: The fact-checking blog Politifact looks into any possible link between the Giffords shooting and that map, and finds none.

The fact-checking blog Politifact looks into any possible link between the Giffords shooting and that map, and finds none. Palin's case: So does Palin have a legitimate beef in terms of a lawsuit? Alberto Luperon at Law Newz assesses. It would be tough, because a mistake isn't enough; she'd have to show it was made maliciously. Still, "a jury could theoretically decide that it would have been easy enough for the Times to know that the statements were false, and that by not doing the necessary research, they were reckless."

So does Palin have a legitimate beef in terms of a lawsuit? Alberto Luperon at Law Newz assesses. It would be tough, because a mistake isn't enough; she'd have to show it was made maliciously. Still, "a jury could theoretically decide that it would have been easy enough for the Times to know that the statements were false, and that by not doing the necessary research, they were reckless." Missed it: In its news section the same day, a Times story mentioned the Palin map but stipulated that no connection was ever established to the Giffords shooting, per CNN. "The New York Times editorial board should start reading their own paper," tweeted John Ekdhal, a conservative blogger.

In its news section the same day, a Times story mentioned the Palin map but stipulated that no connection was ever established to the Giffords shooting, per CNN. "The New York Times editorial board should start reading their own paper," tweeted John Ekdhal, a conservative blogger. Apology: "We're sorry about this and we appreciate that our readers called us on the mistake," the newspaper tweeted.

(Read more Sarah Palin stories.)
In a sign that Robert Mueller's investigation into Russia and the Trump campaign is ramping up, President Trump's personal lawyer, Michael Cohen, has hired his own lawyer. NBC's Katy Tur broke the news on Twitter. CNN reports Cohen was subpoenaed by the House intelligence committee two weeks ago and has agreed to testify by Sept. 5. It's unclear exactly why Mueller's investigation is interested in Cohen, though he was mentioned in the Trump dossier compiled by a former British spy, according to the Washington Post. The dossier claimed Cohen traveled to Prague to meet with Russians to coordinate hacking efforts. Cohen has denied it, and Trump called the dossier "fake news."

But Cohen, a lawyer for the Trump Organization for a decade, did meet with a Ukrainian lawmaker in January in New York and received a plan from a former Trump associate that could have led to the lifting of Russian sanctions. Cohen says he threw the plan away, but it's been reported he gave it to Michael Flynn. Cohen isn't the only one lawyering up. It was reported Thursday that Vice President Pence hired outside legal counsel, and now a Trump campaign senior communications adviser has also hired a lawyer. A source "familiar with the situation" says the FBI has contacted Michael Caputo in connection with the Russia investigation. Again, it's unclear why the FBI is interested in Caputo, though he was a known ally to Paul Manafort, lived in Moscow for a time, and was briefly hired to improve Vladimir Putin's image in the US. (Read more Russia stories.)
President Trump declared Friday he was restoring some travel and economic restrictions on Cuba that were lifted as part of the Obama administration's historic easing, the AP reports. He challenged the communist government of Raul Castro to negotiate a better deal for Cubans and Cuban-Americans. "I am canceling the last administration's completely one-sided deal with Cuba," CNN quotes Trump as saying. Announcing the rollback of President Obama's diplomatic opening, Trump said Cuba had secured far too many concessions from the US in the "misguided" deal but "now those days are over." He said penalties on Cuba would remain in place until its government releases political prisoners, stops abusing dissidents, and respects freedom of expression.

Though Trump's announcement stops short of a full reversal of the Cuba rapprochement, it targets the travel and economic engagement between the countries that has blossomed in the short time since relations were restored. The goal is to halt the flow of US cash to the country's military and security services in a bid to increase pressure on Cuba's government. US airlines and cruise ships will still be allowed to serve Cuba, but individual "people-to-people" trips by Americans to Cuba, allowed by Obama for the first time in decades, will again be prohibited. Trump's move was a direct rebuke to Obama, for whom the diplomatic opening with Cuba was a central accomplishment of his presidency. The new president's action is broadly opposed by American business groups. (Read more Cuba stories.)
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New Delhi:

German automaker Volkswagen launched the new sixth-generation Polo at a media reception held at its Wolfsburg headquarters in Germany. The all-new hatchback seems to be much larger, roomier and technically sleeker model than its first model which hit the roads eight years back.

The new Polo is all set to make its maiden public appearance at the upcoming Frankfurt motor show. The new Polo will come out in five-door hatchback form. The buyers will be offered the choice of up to six engines, the most powerful being a range-topping 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol unit good for 200hp powering the GTi model.

Built on the German carmakers MQB A0 platform, the new Volkswagen has grown quite significantly. Measuring in at 4,053mm in length, 1,7511mm in width and 1,446mm in height, it is 81mm longer, 63mm wider and 7mm lower than its predecessor. The wheelbase too is now 94mm longer at 2,564mm.

Volkswagen designers have incorporated a number of new design elements on the new car, including a distinctive swage line graphic that provides additional structure to the bodywork in an area above the door handles.
New Delhi:

A section of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) teachers and students alleged that they were manhandled and heckled by some professors at the academic council meeting on Friday.



When students and teachers questioned the way all the agendas were being passed without discussion and debate, some stooges of the administration started chasing and heckling the student representatives, JNU Students Union (JNUSU) president Mohit Kumar Pandey alleged.



There was no space for deliberation and reasoned debates at the meeting. Vice-chancellor Jagadesh Kumar cleared one agenda item after another without even registering dissent, he said.



The JNUSU also released a set of video clips claiming to be that of the proceedings of the meeting, in which some professors were seen fiercely arguing with each other.



Professors Atul Kumar Johri and Ashwani Kumar Mohapatra physically heckled JNUSU joint secretary Tabrez Hassan and held him by his collar. Similarly, other student representatives were shouted down and threatened, the JNUSU alleged in a release.

ALSO READ | Irani student of JNU allegedly beaten post Indo-Pak match, files police complaint



The JNUSU claimed that Johri was not a member of the academic council, but he attended the meeting. Mohapatra, however, rejected the allegations as baseless.



It is unethical and illegal to video-record the AC meeting. The allegations of students are baseless. I tried to stop them from taking my pictures as they were taking it every time when I stood up to speak. The students were trying to obstruct the meeting. So we demanded the VC take disciplinary action against the students, or I will stay away from attending the meetings, he said.



The 143rd academic council meeting was convened today, after it was adjourned on May 9, amid opposition from wide circles for holding the meeting during summer vacations.



It is learnt that the VC concluded the 143rd AC meeting after declaring all the agendas as passed. JNU Teachers Association (JNUTA) president Ayesha Kidwai termed the meeting as farce.

ALSO READ | All for discussion, but not arguments, says JNU VC M Jagadesh Kumar



Apparently, we cannot discuss items because they are sub-judice, but, how can they can be announced as passed by the VC? Kidwai asked, in a post on Facebook. The JNUSU said it would fight against all anti-student policies.



Meanwhile, a large section of students protested outside the venue of the meeting, reiterating their demand for amendments in minutes of the 142nd meeting which was allegedly forced to bring in seat-cuts for M.Phil and PhD courses.



The JNU VC could not be reached for comments.
New Delhi:

NEST result 2017: The aNational Institute of Science Education and Researcha (NISER) has announced NEST result 2017 for the National Entrance Screening Testa (NEST) 2017. All the candidates who have appeared for the NEST exam 2017 can check their results from the official website i.e: nestexam.in

The NEST exam 2017 was conducted for admission to NISER and Department of Atomic Energy, University of Mumbai. There are a total of 219 seats in the Integrated M.Sc. programme for which the entrance exam is conducted. The NEST 2017 exam was conducted on May 27, 2017 at 124 centres across 60 cities in the country.

Steps to check NEST Result 2017:

- Go to the official website for NEST (nestexam.in).

- Click on the notification for the results.

- Follow the links to the results page.

- Enter your details in the fields provided and submit them.

- Download the results and take a print out for further reference.

Also Read: Mumbai: 23 BMC workers clear class 10 exam including two women, thank boss for motivation

All those successful students who have qualified the NEST exam will be called for counselling process. The number of students in the merit list will be kept to a reasonable limit. As per the information on the official website, a merit rank does not guarantee admission in the programme.
New Delhi:

Saif Ali Khan has expressed his concern over daughter Sara's big Bollywood debut which has been one of the buzzing topics of tinselvile. According to the media reports, Sara will be making her debut with Abhishek Kapoor's upcoming directorial 'Kedarnath' opposite Sushant Singh Rajput. In fact, the young actress has even begun the preparations for her movie.



So when daddy Saif was quized about Sara's entry in the showbiz industry, the 'Rangoon' actor told DNA. "Fear is the most driving factor in the industry. Why would she want that for herself? Look at where she studied. After having done that, why wouldnt she want to live and work in New York, rather than do this? I am not looking down on acting, its just it is not the most stable profession. And everyone lives in constant fear. And there is no guarantee that despite doing your best, you will succeed. This is not the life, any parent would want for their children."

Also Read | Saif Ali Khan on 'Rangoon' failure: 'It was too clever for audience'



Looks like the doting father is quite worried about Sara's Bollywood journey.



On the work front, Saif Ali Khan will be next seen in Raja Krishna Menon's 'Chef', which is a remake of Hollywood comedy drama of the same name.

Also Read | 'Kedarnath': Sushant Singh Rajput opens up on working with Sara Ali Khan



The movie which revolves around the father-son relationship will hit the screens on October 6 this year.





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New Delhi:

Salman Khan's 'Tubelight' has undoubtedly been one the most talked about movies of the year with its trailer winning a lot of praises for the team. While everyone is having high hopes for the movie, Salman has recently revealed that there was a special reason for him to do 'Tubelight'.



During a recent chat session with his fans on micro-blogging site Twitter, when one his fans asked him about if 'Tubelight' is something Salman has never done, he replied affirmatively and admitted that is the reason he chose to do this Kabir Khan directorial.



He also averred that the movie is special because he is sharing the screen space with his brother Sohail and said that the two just behaved they do in their real lives.



"A film like this I have never done and that's the reason why I wanna do it. The best thing about this film is that I get to play this character with my real brother. So there is no acting involved, its just how we are in our real lives, we played exactly like that," Salman said in the video he posted on Twitter.

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During the chat session, the 'Sultan' actor also spoke about the toughest scene of 'Tubelight' and said, "Everything was really simple but emotionally it was quite disturbing because Sohail was playing my real brother and Sohail goes to war and I am just wondering where he is going to come back to me, to be with me or I am going to be left alone all my life. And that is one emotion, as brother, that really hurts."



Interestingly, this is isn't the first time Salman will be sharing the screen space. The Khan brothers have earlier worked together in 'Veer', 'Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya?', 'God Tussi Great Ho' etc.



Talking about 'Tubelight', the movie is based on the backdrop of 1962 Indo-China war. Apart from Salman-Sohail, the movie also stars Chinese actress Zhu Zhu. The movie is slated to release on Eid this month.

For all the Latest Entertainment News, Bollywood News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
New Delhi:

1993 Mumbai serial blasts left the country into a trauma which was not easy to recover from. Sanjay Dutt, who was one of accused in this most destructive bomb explosions in Indian history, was found guilty of keeping the rifles and was arrested under arms act. The TADA court convicted him and he was taken to Yerwada jail.

Dutt was let out in February 2016, eight months early, on account of his good conduct while in Punes Yerwada prison. Now that the actor is a free man, excerpts from the statement by Abu Salem, one of the accused in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts case, seeks our attention.

Abu Salem in his statement said, "Dutt called for a tool kit, which he used to open the sides and flooring of the van. The vehicle had 9-10 rifles, 80-90 hand grenades, magazines and bullets. I was seeing these things for the first time. I was shocked. Sanjay Dutt, Baba and Hingora saw the rifles. Dutt took 2-3 rifles, hand grenades, a few bullets and magazines."

Read more: Bombay HC questions Sanjay Dutt's early release from prison

"Dutt gave me a bag containing 2 rifles, hand grenades and bullets. After keeping the van at Mahim, I telephoned Aziz and asked what was happening. Aziz told me there was nothing to worry and the material belonged to Anwarbhai and Qayyum. He asked me to keep quiet.", he further added.

He reveals, "After some days, Aziz told me Baba Chauhan was arrested and asked me to leave the city. I left for Azamgarh with my wife. After staying there for 2 to 3 days, I moved to Lucknow. I got passports for us in fake names  Akil Ahmed Azmi and Salima Azmi."

In response to Sanjay Dutt early release from prison the Bombay High Court asked the Maharashtra government to justify this decision.

Now, Maharashtra government is gearing up to defend itself in Bombay High Court for its action. According to an official from the Home State Department, Sanjay Dutts release is exactly as per the rules and jail manual, just like a common prisoner, not a single day of special remission has been awarded to him.

He has been treated as an ordinary prisoner all along, an official said as per the reports.

Read more: Director Aarambhh Singh says Sanjay Dutt will play his age in 'Malang'

The official said state government is ready to defend its stand in the Court.

The prison department has already submitted the affidavit on the actors release and the rest of the details will be provided by us.

Now that the actor is out of the entire case, he will be seen in his come back film Bhoomi. Also, Rajkumar Hirani is working on the biopic on Sanjay Dutts controversial life which has Ranbir Kapoor playing the actor.

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Mumbai:

Twenty-four years after the 1993 serial blasts that rocked Mumbai claiming 257 lives and injuring over 700 people, a special TADA court on Friday convicted six persons and acquitted one in the second leg of the trial in the case.

Several conspirators and masterminds of the worst terror attack on the country including underworld don Dawood Ibrahim, his right-hand man Chhota Shakeel and late Yakub Memons elder brother Tiger Memon are still absconding and are believed to be sheltered in Pakistan.

Yakub, the lone condemned convict in the case, had been hanged in Nagpur jail in 2015.

Following is the detailed role of the six convicts in the case, whose trial was separated from the main one, which concluded in 2007.

Read more: 1993 Mumbai serial blasts case: Timeline of attack and trial

Abu Salem: He went to Baruch in Gujarat in January 1993 along with an absconding accused for receiving arms, explosives and ammunitions. He got nine AK-56 rifles, 100 hand grenades and some bullets from Baruch in Gujarat and transported them to Mumbai by concealing them in fake cavities of a Maruti Van which was allegedly given to him by accused Riyaz Siddiqui.

Salem also delivered (along with two others) some arms and ammunitions to Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt at his residence on January 16, 1993 and took back some of them two days later.

On August 13, 2013, TADA court let CBI drop some charges against Salem as per an extradition treaty between India and Portugal. His another application to marry a 26-year-old woman is pending with the court.

Also Read: Dawood Ibrahim's aide and music icon Gulshan Kumar's murder convict Daud Merchant to be extradited to India

Mustafa Dossa: One of the masterminds of the March 12, 1993 serial terror blasts, he smuggled firearms, ammunitions, detonators, hand grenades and highly explosive substances like RDX into India.

Dossa along with Tiger Memon and Chhota Shakeel organized training camps in Pakistan and in India to impart and undergo weapon and arms training and handling of explosives. They also sent men from India to Pakistan via Dubai for arms training. He also attended many conspiracy meetings.

Tahir Merchant alias Taher Taklya: He attended conspiracy meetings in Dubai and motivated his associates to arrange men from Mumbai to be sent to Pakistan for arms training. He collected funds to procure arms and planned to set up an illegal arms manufacturing factory in India.

Riyaz Siddiqui: He arranged for a van with specially-crafted secret cavities, which had been used for transporting 9 AK-56 rifles, 100 hand grenades and some boxes of magazines from the godown at Baruch to Mumbai.

Firoz Abdul Rashid Khan: On January 8, 1993, two months ahead of the blasts, Mohammed Dossa (absconding brother of Mustafa Dossa) sent Firoz Abdul Rashid Khan and another accused to Alibagh and Mhasla to inform Customs officials and landing agents about the landing (of arms and explosives) that was to take place the next day. He also attended conspiracy meetings.

During the fag end of the trial, in May last year, he sought to become an approver. However, the court rejected his plea after the CBI told the court that it has enough evidence against all the accused and they dont need any approval.

Also Read: Bangladesh releases Dawood Ibrahims top aide, accused of killing Bollywood music baron Gulshan Kumar

Karimulla Khan: Karimullah attended conspiracy meetings. He also played an active role in the landing of consignments comprising arms, ammunitions, detonators, hand grenades and RDX that took place in Shekhandi in Raigad Maharashtra ahead of the blasts. According to the prosecution, Karimulla had informed another accused that he was going to Pakistan for arms training via Dubai.

One accused Abdul Qayyum, was let off for want of evidence against him.

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New Delhi:

Russia's Defence Ministry on Friday said it was checking information that a Russian air strike on May 28 near the Syrian city of Raqqa may have killed Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.

The ministry claimed as a result of the strike, Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was eliminated and that the information is now being checked by various channels.

But this is not the first time Baghdadis death is being claimed. Such reports of IS leaders death or him being seriously injured had also made headlines in the past and the most recent came on June 11 this year.

Trending Now: 39 Indians taken hostages by ISS in Iraqs Mosul alive: MEA

# On June 11, 2017, Syrian state TV has claimed al-Baghdadi has been killed in a US-backed airstrike.

# On October 3, 2016, various media outlets claimed that al-Baghdadi and 3 senior ISIL leaders were poisoned by an assassin but still alive.

# On June 14, 2016, Middle Eastern media claimed that al-Baghdadi had been killed in a US airstrike in Raqqa on 12 June. However, the report could not be confirmed by the coalition spokesmen.

# On June 9, 2016, Iraqi State TV claimed that al-Baghdadi had been wounded in a US airstrike in Northern Iraq. Coalition spokesmen could not confirm this report as well.

# On October 11, 2015, it was claimed that al-Baghdadis convoy in the western Anbar province close to the Syrian border was bombed by the Iraqi air force while he was heading to Kerabla to attend an ISIL meeting.

# On July 20, 2015, The New York Times rubbished rumors that al-Baghdadi had been killed or injured earlier in the same year.

# In April 2015, The Guardian reported that al-Baghdadi was recovering from the severe injuries which he had received during the airstrike on 18 March 2015, in a part of Mosul.

# It was also reported that a spinal injury which had left him paralyzed meant that he might never be able to fully resume direct command of ISIL.

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New Delhi:

Ahead of Indias mouthwatering clash with Pakistan in ICC Champions Trophy 2017 final Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force has arrested an alleged member of a gang involved in high profile betting.

Ajay Yadav was arrested from Gorakhpur on Thursday by the STF on a tip off and cash, mobile phones, 36 cheques of different banks and accounts allegedly used by the gang, Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP), STF, Arvind Chaturvedi said.

Police arrested Ajay when he along with other gang members was betting on India-Bangladesh match in Purdilpur locality in Gorakhpur, he said.

However, the other gang members had successfully managed to escape and police could only arrest Ajay.

The STF is trying to evoke more information from the accused and his gang, Chaturvedi added.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
New York:

A lawsuit against the ride-hailing company Uber and its embattled CEO Travis Kalanick has been filed by an Indian woman raped by its driver in New Delhi in 2014 for "unlawfully" obtaining her medical records and engaging in offensive conspiracy theories about the brutal incident.

The woman, identified only as Jane Doe in the 18-page lawsuit filed in federal court in California on Thursday, said Uber has taken start-up culture, in which "fierceness" and "always be hustling" are prioritised above people to a new extreme, "perpetuating rape culture and violating all bounds of decency as to customer privacy".

It is for the second time that the woman has sued Uber. She said was "violated physically" when she was brutally raped in Delhi by her Uber driver Shiv Kumar Yadav in December 2014 and then a second time when her medical records stemming from the sexual assault were inappropriately obtained and shared by the company's top executives.

"Sadly, in the United States, Uber executives violated her a second time by unlawfully obtaining and sharing her medical records from that vicious sexual assault and have failed, as of the date of this filing, to apologise to her for this outrageous conduct", the lawsuit said.

The lawsuit has been filed against Uber, Kalanick, who has taken an indefinite leave of absence, Uber's former Vice President for Business in Asia Eric Alexander and the company's then-Senior Vice President for Business Emil Michael.

In the wake of the December 2014 incident, Kalanick had said his company would do "everything" to help bring the perpetrator to justice and to support the victim and her family in her recovery.

Read more: Uber fires top executive for procuring medical reports of rape victim

Douglas Wigdor, the lawyer representing the woman who currently lives in Texas, filed the suit on her behalf.

"It is shocking that Travis Kalanick could publicly say that Uber would do everything to support our client and her family in her recovery when he and other executives were reviewing illegally obtained medical records and engaging in offensive and spurious conspiracy theories about the brutal rape she so tragically suffered", Wigdor said in an email response to PTI on the lawsuit.

He added that rape denial is just another form of the "toxic gender discrimination" that is "endemic" at Uber and "ingrained" in its culture.

"Hopefully, this lawsuit coupled with the changes recommended by the independent counsel will create real change and reform at Uber and elsewhere", he said.

The lawsuit also takes strong objection to the speculation by Kalanick, Alexander and Michael on whether the woman had been raped at all and if she was colluding with rival Indian ride-hailing company Ola to "jettison" Uber's business in the country.

The lawsuit said that after the woman's sexual assault, Alexander went directly to Delhi where he managed to obtain her confidential, private medical records generated by physicians who examined her after the brutal rape.

Alexander then showed the records to Kalanick and Michael and the three "discussed the records among themselves and with other staff at Uber, speculating that Plaintiff had made up the brutal rape in collusion with a rival of Uber in India in order to undermine Uber's business", a reference to Uber' s rival taxi/ride-hailing company Ola.

"By focusing on 'whether she was really raped at all', and painting Plaintiff as an opportunist and a liar, defendants seemed to be assuring themselves that the only reason why a woman would report a sexual assault is for personal gain, rather than to prevent similar crimes from occurring again or to right an injustice", the lawsuit said.

It added that Uber executives "duplicitously and publicly decried the rape, expressing sympathy for Plaintiff, and shock and regret at the violent attack, while privately speculating, as outlandish as it is, that she had colluded with a rival company to harm Uber's business."

The woman had filed a lawsuit in January 2015 against Uber arguing that the company did not adequately screen its drivers and its "negligence and fraud" lead to her being sexually assaulted and humiliated.

Read more: 15-year-old gang-raped for two months becomes pregnant, two held

However, in February, the woman had "voluntarily" dismissed the lawsuit.

Last week, Uber terminated Alexander and it also announced that it had fired 20 other employees over the last few months for harassment, discrimination and inappropriate behavior.

Facing allegations of sexual harassment and a toxic work environment, Uber unveiled this week a list of recommendations from a law firm that investigated Uber's work culture.

The recommendations include that Uber should establish key metrics to which its leaders will be held accountable in the performance review process.

Kalanick announced he will take an indefinite leave of absence, saying in an email to employees that he would take time off to work on himself and reflect on building a "world-class leadership team" for the company.

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Srinagar:

Two civilians were killed and a militant was gunned down during an encounter between security forces and Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists in Anantnag district of south Kashmir on Friday.



The encounter broke out at 10 AM at Arwani village in Bijbehara, 51 km from Srinagar, in which 10 other civilians were injured, while three terrorists were trapped inside a house.



The body of a terrorist has been recovered from debris in Arwani village encounter site in south Kashmir, while search is on for others, a police official said.



Earlier, a civilian identified as Mohammad Ashraf Khar (34) was killed in the crossfire between the forces and the terrorists.



Khar, a resident of Kharpora Arwani area, was rushed to district hospital at Bijbehara where he was declared brought dead, police said.



Ahsan Mushtaq (15) was killed after he was hit by bullets near the site of the encounter, the official said.



He said it was not immediately clear whether the duo were part of the stone-pelting mob who tried to disrupt the anti-militancy operation in the village.



Some people had started pelting stones on the security personnel immediately after the security forces laid a cordon around the house, located in densely populated Malik Mohalla of the village.



The accompanying teams of the local police and CRPF used tear gas shells and resorted to firing pellets after the crowd began hurling stones at the troops, thereby, hampering the counter-insurgency operation.



A police party, which was part of the anti-militancy operation, was also fired upon from the crowd, the officer said.

Read | LeT terrorists attack police party in Anantnag, J&K, kill 6 cops including SHO, mutilate bodies, then walk away with weapons



10 people were injured, mostly by pellets, he said.



The security forces had received an intelligence tip-off about the presence of the three militants inside the house.



Later in the evening, reports suggested that all the ultras have been killed.



However, only one militants body has been recovered so far.



Following the civilian killings, clashes broke out between protesters and security forces at nearly a dozen places in the Valley, including Jamia Masjid in downtown Srinagar, Tral, Pampore, Pulwama town and Anantnag in south Kashmir, Hajin in Bandipora and Sopore in Baramulla in north Kashmir.



The protests erupted shortly after Friday prayers and were going on when reports last came in, officials said.



They said several persons were injured in the clashes.



JKLF Chairman Mohammad Yasin Malik was taken into Preventive custody from his Abi Guzar office in the heart of Srinagar prior to Friday prayers.



Malik along with senior member G M Dar was arrested from Abi Guzar and both of them were shifted to Central jail on a judicial remand till June 19, a JKLF spokesman said.



Meanwhile, separatists have called for a general strike on June 18 against the killing of civilians and ransacking of properties allegedly by security forces.

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New Delhi:

Militants on Friday attacked a police party in Thajiwara Achabal in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir, leaving at least six personnel, including local SHO, dead, reports said.

LIVE UPDATES



#WATCH J&K: Wreath laying of the 6 Police personnel who lost their lives in Anantnag attack pic.twitter.com/lywyxMUvls  ANI (@ANI_news) June 16, 2017

#10:00 PM: The policemen were shot at first and then they were shot from a close range to mutilate them: Police Source

J&K: Wreath laying ceremony of 6 police personnel who lost their lives in Anantnag attack pic.twitter.com/Qp2sTxaJ4U  ANI (@ANI_news) June 16, 2017

#9:10 PM: DGP denies information about disfiguration of bodies. He said they stopped them, took the weapons and then killed them. Bodies are reaching DPL Anantnag and then will be ascertained. The first report says they were shot at indiscriminately.

#8:55 PM: Militants kill policemen, disfigure their faces before walking away with their weapons in Kashmir: Police

#8:55 PM: The Slain Policemen have been identified as



1. Feroz Ahmed Dar S/o Ab Raheem Dar R/o Dogripora, Teh Awantipora, Distt Pulwama (At present _ Sangam Bijbehara)

2. Ct Shariq Ahmed 674/A

3. Ct Tasveer Ahmed 895/A

4. Ct Sharaz Ahmed 674/A

5. Mohammed Asif 1162/SPO R/o Shangas Ananatnag

6. Sabzar Ahmed 1391/SPO R/o Adsoo Shangas Ananatnag

#8:15 PM: Lashkar-e-Taiba owns responsibility for attack on police party in Achchabal

Militants attack police party in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag, 6 policemen including SHO Feroz Ahmad killedhttps://t.co/4RKVBN79Bw pic.twitter.com/i0hnQmWL7n  News Nation (@NewsNationTV) June 16, 2017

The attacks on police parties have become a regular occurrence in the state. Earlier on Friday, Director General of Police S P Vaid said that the escalation in militant attacks on Jammu and Kashmir police personnel is because of the frustration of the ultras.



Vaid asserted that necessary measures would be taken to prevent them from carrying such acts.



We will take necessary measures. This is the frustration of the militants. Whether a militant is killed or a civilian or a cop, it is the Kashmiri who dies. The bloodshed will not take us anywhere, it is only the murder of humanity, the DGP told reporters in Srinagar.



He said the militants were targeting the local police as it was fighting them with eagerness.

Read | Army soldier martyred in ceasefire violation by Pak in Naoshera sector

The local police works on the anti-militancy front with eagerness, that is why they (militants) are targeting them (police). But I am sure that we will control this soon, the DGP said.



Earlier, Vaid led civil, police and security forces officers and jawans at DPL Srinagar in laying floral wreaths on the mortal remains of the constable Shazad Dilawar Sofi, resident of Ashtengoo village of north Kashmirs Bandipora district, who was killed in militant firing in Hyderpora area of the city in Srinagar on Thursday.



The DGP termed the constables killing as murder of humanity and Kashmiriyat.This is the murder of humanity and Kashmiriyat, for which our neighbouring country is using our people for its geo-political purposes, Vaid said.



He said the cop and a youth killed allegedly in security forces firing in Rangreth area of city were related to each other.



They are cousins, belonging to the same family and the same village. That is why I am saying that the people here are being used as pawns, the DGP said.



Asked about militants warning of attacks on policemen, the top cop said, We will face that (challenge).



(With inputs from PTI)

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New Delhi:

'Metro Man' E Sreedharan has denied reports of being the NDA candidate for the post of next president of India. Former Delhi Metro chief on Friday flatly refused any such development and insisted that he doesnt harbour any such intention. No reality in it, no discussions take place; dont long for it, Sreedharan was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.



The BJP-led Central government has been engaged in war-like brainstorming to garner consensus for their candidate, which still remains unclear.



Union Ministers Rajnath Singh and Venkaiah Naidu held closed door meetings with senior party leaders and possible nominees LK Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi at their residences on Friday evening.

Read | Presidential Election 2017: Shiv Sena proposes MS Swaminathan as alternative to Mohan Bhagwat



Earlier in the day, the BJP leaders had a meeting with Opposition parties, which Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad termed fruitless as they didn't come up with names, rather with a hope that parties will offer their support when time comes.



"BJP leaders did not mention any name, instead tried asking us the same," Azad told media after meeting.



In the midst of the negotiations, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat had a lunch meeting with President Pranab Mukherjee. Although the purpose of the meeting was not made public, but the timing of the meeting has raised question on possible RSS face for the post of Mukherjee's successor. RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat himself has denied any interest, depite repeated suggestions by Shiv Sena.

Read | Presidential poll: Digvijaya Singh cautions opposition parties against a Modi vs all situation

Update: NDA's candidate for Presidential elections to be decided by June 20, before which there will a meeting: Sources

Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu met Mulayam Singh Yadav over Presidential elections in Delhi pic.twitter.com/0poFkuXVH9  ANI (@ANI_news) June 16, 2017

Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu also met senior BSP leader Satish Chandra Mishra over Presidential elections in Delhi pic.twitter.com/uB2n9AkUhg  ANI (@ANI_news) June 16, 2017

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New Delhi:

A BJP panel on Friday met top leaders of the Congress and the Left and consulted party veteran L K Advani on the upcoming presidential election, but its reluctance to name candidates prompted the opposition to question the exercise aimed at evolving a broad consensus on the issue.



Union ministers Rajnath Singh and M Venkaiah Naidu, two members of the panel formed by BJP chief Amit Shah, met Congress chief Sonia Gandhi, CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury and BJP veterans Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi.



A source said the two ministers informed Advani the panel had started talks with other leaders as directed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Shah, but did not refer to any likely candidates.



Criticising the BJP for not naming possible candidates, Yechury called the talks more of a PR exercise and reiterated the person occupying the presidents post had to be an individual with impeccable secular credentials.

Read | Presidential Election 2017: Amid NDA negotiations, 'Metro Man' E Sreedharan denies rumours of his candidacy



The BJP leaders did not propose a name but instead asked Congress leaders about their choices, party leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said after the ministers met Gandhi and other party leaders.



We expected the BJP leaders to come up with some name, one or more, for the post of the president of India, so that the Congress could take a call on that. But nothing of that kind happened, he said.



Sources said Singh and Naiduthe panels third member, Arun Jaitley, is abroadtold the opposition leaders that the party would like to finalise the name of the candidate for the post before Modi left on a foreign tour on June 24.



The BJP may finalise its nominee two or three days before the PMs departure.



A BJP leader played down the opposition criticism, saying the idea behind the consultation was to seek the views of leaders from different political parties. It also aimed at garnering support for a common candidate, he said.



The ministers also asked Yechury and other Left leaders at the meeting if they needed to put up an opposition candidate just for the sake of it, the sources said.

Read | Presidential Election 2017: Shiv Sena proposes MS Swaminathan as alternative to Mohan Bhagwat



Meeting with Sonia Gandhi (Congress)



The BJP ministers first met Gandhi at her 10 Janpath residence in the morning. Azad and Mallikarjun Kharge were also present during the 30-minute meeting.



This was the first meeting between the government and the opposition under the BJPs outreach to stitch a consensus on the official nominee for the post.



Meeting with Yechury (& other Left leaders)



The ministers also declined to name a possible candidate at their meeting with Yechury and other Left leaders.



They told us they want our support. We said fine, tell us the basis for the support, who is the candidate. But that they did not convey; they will take some time to do that, Yechury said after their 30-minute meeting.



He said the opposition parties would wait till the BJP completed its discussions with them before they took a call on their candidate for the July 17 election.



Naidu explained the objectives of the consultation process to the opposition leaders, saying that the prime minister and the BJP chief wished for such discussions before the candidate was finalised and were keen to seek the views of the parties and their support.



Talk with Sharad Pawar (NCP)



Naidu also had a conversation on this with NCP Chief Sharad Pawar over the phone and met AIADMK leader Thambidurai.



Meetings and talks with Mulayam Singh Yadav (SP), Mayawati (BSP)



The minister met SP veteran Mulayam Singh Yadav and the BSPs Satish Misra, who put him through to his leader, Mayawati, on the phone.



A top BJP leader said the party was ready with the formalities of filing nomination papers. It had identified the names of proposers and seconders in different sets of nominations to be filed in favour of their candidate.



The BJP has also called a meeting of those MPs and MLAs who would propose and second the official candidate in Delhi on June 20.



Asked if it meant the party would decide on its nominee by then, a senior leader said the two issues were not linked.



Other parties



BJP alliesRamvilas Paswans LJP, Upendra Kushwahas RLSP and Chandrababu Naidus TDPhave already authorised Modi to take a decision on the presidential candidate, saying they would support it.



Opposition leaders have said they will put up their own candidate if the BJP opted for a person with strong Hindutva leanings.



Congress senior spokesperson Ajay Maken told reporters that it would be good if there was a consensus on the issue.



He, however, said the ruling party should first come out with its candidate to help bring about a consensus.

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New Delhi:

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Union Urban Development Minister Venkaiah Naidu on Friday met Congress president Sonia Gandhi at latters residence to discuss presidential poll. The meeting lasted for over 30 minutes.

Senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad informed that the BJP leaders did not cite any name, and asked them to give candidate's name.

Earlier, Congress leader Mallikarjun Khadge said that they would examine the proposal put forth by BJP leaders to the Congress president.

It is said that the leaders are trying to build consensus over the candidate.

BJP leaders did not mention any name, instead tried asking us the same: Ghulam Nabi Azad,Congress on Sonia Gandhi meet #PresidentialPoll pic.twitter.com/YNmjTkNVy7  ANI (@ANI_news) June 16, 2017

Earlier, the opposition parties had met to chalk out their presidential poll strategy on Wednesday as the process started for the filing of nominations for the July 17 election

Senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad had said the 10-member opposition panel would meet again to decide on a suitable presidential nominee.

The sub-group formed for this purpose had met in the chambers of Azad, who is the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha.

Also Read | Presidential polls: Bihar CM Nitish Kumar bats for Pranab Mukherjees re-election, asks BJP to build consensus

A three-member panel has been formed comprising Rajnath Singh, Arun Jaitley and M Venkaiah Naidu to build consensus on candidature.

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New Delhi:

Top Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander Junaid Mattoo was on Friday gunned down by security forces during an encounter in Arwani village of Bijbihara in Anantnag District of south Kashmir, reports have said.

Mattoo was killed in a joint operation carried out by Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police and CRPF to nab the terrorists. Matto along with two other local LeT militants was trapped for more than eight hours.

Arwani village was cordoned off by a joint team of Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police and CRPF on inputs about the presence of LeT militants in the area on Friday morning.

Earlier on Friday, stone pelting incident and clashes were reported from the area. Mattoo was involved in an attack on a police patrol that left three cops dead last year. He is also suspected to have killed a policeman in Kulgam area of South Kashmir on Thursday afternoon.

Also Read: Civilian killed in forces' firing during stone pelting in Valley

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New Delhi:

The UIDAI has declined to share information on cases of fake and duplicate Aadhaar cards, saying the disclosure might affect national security, or can lead to incitement of an offence.

Replying to an RTI query by a PTI correspondent, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), which issues the card, also denied to give details of action it has taken in such cases.

It said, the UIDAIs Central Identities Data Repository (CIDR) facilities, information assets, logistics and infrastructure and dependencies, have been classified as Protected System, under the Section 70(1) of the Information Technology Act, 2000.

Any disclosure of the UIDAI grievance database, which essentially forms a part of the UIDAI CIDR operations, therefore, would have an impact on national security, strategic, scientific and economic interest of the State etc., the UIDAI said in response to the RTI application.

It was asked to provide details related to the cases of duplicate and fake Aadhaar cards received by the UIDAI, and action taken on them.

The information sought would fall under Section 8(a) of the RTI Act, and therefore, it is denied, the UIDAI said.

Also Read: Aadhaar number will be mandatory for filing Income Tax Returns from July 1, says Central Board of Direct Taxes

The section bars information disclosure of which would prejudicially affect the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security, strategic, scientific or economic interests of the State, relation with foreign State or lead to incitement of an offence.

Further, the format in which information is held by the UIDAI, contains identity details which, if divulged, maybe prone to identity-theft etc, the authority said.

The Aadhaar card carries 12-digit unique identification number. The card acts as a proof of identity and address.

There have been a few complaints against certain unauthorised websites for promising Aadhaar-related services.

Also Read: Income Tax dept urges taxpayers to link Aadhaar with PAN using SMS-based facility

At least eight FIRs have been filed by police against as many unauthorised websites for promising such services

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New Delhi:

When we talk about building human colonies on Mars, it seems like a distant dream that appears impossible during our life span. However, Space X CEO Elon Musk has a different story to tell and he is confident that a city on the red planet could be built within our lifetime.



In a new study, Elon Musk has shared his vision for a self-sustaining city on Mars. Outlining his vision, Musk described the advantages offered by the red planet and explored the planetary options for expanding to a space-bearing civilisation.



Musk showcased a comprehensive review of a system architecture a rocket and spaceship require to transport humans and supplies to Mars. He also compared possible vehicle designs and performance features.



Engineers and scientists currently face a major challenge  the need to cut the cost per tonne of transporting materials to the red planet by five million per cent.



"By talking about the SpaceX Mars architecture, I want to make Mars seem possible - make it seem as though it is something that we can do in our lifetime. There really is a way that anyone could go if they wanted to," said Musk, founder of the US-based space transport services company.



"History is going to bifurcate along two directions. One path is we stay on Earth forever, and then there will be some eventual extinction event," he said.

"I do not have an immediate doomsday prophecy, but eventually, history suggests, there will be some doomsday event," he added.



"The alternative is to become a space-bearing civilisation and a multi-planetary species, which I hope you would agree is the right way to go," Musk said in the study published in the journal New Space.

UAE's plans to transport people to Mars by 2117

United Arab Emirates (UAE), known across the globe for its unique skyscrapers and the worlds tallest building, Burj Khalifa, had recently unveiled its plans to build a city on Mars.

The UAE has unveiled plans to become the first nation to build the first city on the Red Planet. The energy-rich country is looking forward to transport people to Mars by 2117.

Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum  Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai  and Shaikh Mohammad Bin

Zayed Al Nahyan  Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, have announced the 100-year national project.

Under this project, the Gulf state would join hands with specialised international organisations and scientific institutes.

The UAE will plan to prepare national cadres that can achieve scientific breakthroughs to enable the transport of people to Mars over the next decades.

Under the 100-year plan, scientific research programmes will be held at universities in the UAE. This will nurture national cadres who are specialised in space sciences.

ALSO READ | Martian soil turned into bricks stronger than steel-reinforced concrete, paves way for human settlement on Mars

When the announcement was made on the sidelines of the World Government Summit, representatives of 138 governments, six major international organisations, as well as leading international tech companies were present, the Gulf News reported.

The new project will involve research themes that will feature the exploration of transportation means, energy and food on Mars. It will also try to look out for faster means of transportation for travelling to and from the Red Planet.

During the presentation, a virtual presentation depicting a preliminary concept for the city on Mars was showcased.

An Emirati scientific team will first implement the scientific initiative, which will expand eventually to include international scientists and researchers that will run in parallel with the coordination of human research efforts in the field of exploring and inhabiting Mars.

ALSO READ | Mars or Moon rocks turned into concrete using a new technique

The landing of people on other planets has been a longtime dream for humans. Our aim is that the UAE will spearhead international efforts to make this dream a reality, Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid was quoted as saying.

The short-term goal is to develop the capacities and skills of Emiratis, said Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed.

The 2117 Mars initiative is a long-term project, which will first help develop our education, universities and research centres that will empower young Emiratis to enter all disciplines of scientific research fields, he said.

The UAE announced its Mars Probe mission in 2015. It will send its first spacecraft to Mars in a scientific exploration mission that will land on planet in 2021.

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London:

A man with a knife was arrested on Friday by Scotland Yards armed officers near the gates of the UK Parliament amid heightened security fears in the capital following the horrific terror attack earlier this month.



The Metropolitan Police said the manin his 30swas arrested for possession of a knife and there were no reports of any injuries.



Man arrested near Palace of Westminster repossession of a knife. No reported injuries, the Met Police said in a statement on Twitter.

Read | Worried after terror attacks, Britons rush to self-defence classes



Witnesses reported hearing knife, knife, knife as armed officers swooped on the suspect, who looked in his 30s.



The man, wearing a grey hooded top, ran towards the St Stephens entrance of the Houses of Parliament, which is the main visitors entrance to the building.

Read | London Bridge attackers tried to hire 7.5-tonne truck to inflict more damage: Police



It is feared it may have been an attempted copy-cat terror attack from March, when Khalid Masood rammed a car into the side of the Palace of Westminster, which houses the UK Parliament, killing four people and got out to stab to death a police officer on guard at the House of Commons gates.



In April, Mohammed Khalid Omar Ali, a 27-year-old foreign-born British national was arrested on suspicion of carrying knives in a very public operation near Parliament Square as part of an intelligence-led operation.



London has been on higher alert since the recent terrorist attack on London Bridge and Borough Market on June 3, which claimed eight lives, and the concert bombing in Manchester in which 22 people were killed.

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New Delhi:

The Gurunanak Darbar Gurudwara in UAE that envelopes all within its warm embrace, irrespective of cast or creed, performed a soul-stirring gesture when it organised an Iftar where people of different religions and over 30 nationalities broke the Muslim fast together.

With a sense of homely peace this gurdwara, which is largest in the Gulf region, hosted about 120 residents of over 30 nationalities to celebrate the holy month of Ramzan and support the Muslim community in breaking their fast in a multicultural setting.

Muslims broke their fast over water, dates and Indian dishes as the call to Maghreb (evening) prayers rang inside the gurdwara. Later, they offered their prayers inside the gurdwara premises in Jebel Ali.

As per the reports Surender Singh Kandhari, chairman of Gurunanak Darbar said that the Iftar on Wednesday was to bring people together in the face of adversity.

Read more: Sikhs across India celebrates Guru Hargobind birth anniversary

"In a world that struggles with extremism, the best way to cut it is through creating friendships among different faiths and nationalities and making the difference ourselves. It is only through communication that we can overcome adversities," said Kandhari, noting that guests varied from Arabs, Ethiopians, Mexicans to Americans and Serbians.

Indian Consul General in Dubai Vipul said the gurudwara is doing a great service by getting all communities and religions together.

"I see todays Iftar also as a step in that direction", he was quoted as saying.

The gurudwara also set a Guinness World Record by hosting breakfast for 101 nationalities in April.

A regular visitor at the gurdwara, Mitchell Peeters from Belgium, said as a Christian, having Iftar in a Sikh temple makes the experience in UAE more special.

"It is a nice experience to enjoy happiness and friendliness of people around you from different faiths and nationalities. It is part of the charm of living in Dubai and adjusting to the customs of the local people", said Peeters, a UAE resident for four years.

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Kuala Lumpur:

In a gruesome act of bullying, an Indian-origin teenager in Malaysia, who aspired to be like composer A R Rahman, has died after he was brutally assaulted allegedly by five youths for being effeminate, sparking outrage.

The 18-year-old student, T Nhaveen, who was allegedly beaten with helmets, burned on his back and sodomised by five youths following a spat, died of his injuries in a hospital in Penang's George Town on Thursday.

The five suspects, believed to be Nhaveen's former schoolmates, had been arrested after Nhaveen and his friend were attacked last Saturday.

He was buying burgers with his friend T Previin when two youths known to them started teasing the duo. Previin apparently tried to stand up for his friend but the duo were instead set upon by five youths, the Strait Times reported.

Read more: US: Indian-American lawyer killed in train accident in California

The reports alleged they both were bashed with motorcycle helmets.

Previin managed to escape with eye injuries but Nhaveen, who dreamt of becoming a composer like Rahman, was beaten brutally and he suffered internal bleeding in his head and abdomen.

He was also sodomised and burnt on his back, the daily said.

He died in the hospital on Thursday after he was pronounced brain dead. Nhaveen's death has been re-classified as murder.

Nhaveen's mother D Shanti was quoted by The Star newspaper as saying that her son had been bullied by one of the suspects three years ago in school for being soft but he kept quiet to avoid more assault.

Nhaveen's case drew outrage on social media and also the attention of A R Rahman.

Nhaveen was due to start a music course and aspired to be like Rahman, his family said. Rahman earlier tweeted for Nhaveen's recovery and called for "all acts of savagery end and people come to senses."

Read more: Hate crime: Muslim woman assaulted, hijab ripped off in UK

This is the second death in less than two weeks to spark outrage in Malaysia about bullying.

On June 1, navy cadet Zulfarhan Osman Zulkarnain, 21, died after he was allegedly tortured and burned with an iron.

Malaysia's Health Minister S Subramaniam said the incident reaffirmed that more serious and drastic actions must be taken by the authorities to curb "the poisonous culture of school bullies and gangsterism among youth".

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Moscow:

Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was killed in late May by Russia, reports said on Friday. According to Russian news agencies, Russia's Defence Ministry has said that it is checking information about the alleged killing of Baghdadi in a Russian air strike near Syrian city of Raqqa.



The agencies cited the ministry as saying that the Russian air strike had targeted a meeting of ISIS leaders on May 28 in which Baghdadi may have been killed.



"According to the information which is now being checked via various channels, Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, who was eliminated by the air strike, was also present at the meeting," RIA news agency quoted the ministry as saying.

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New Delhi:

International Court of Justice on Friday asked India to give its final submission on Kulbhushan Jadhav case by September 13, while Pakistan has been given the deadline of December 13 for the same, the Ministry of External Affairs official said.



Earlier, Pakistan claimed that the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has rejected Indias request to delay proceedings of Kubhushan Jadhavs case until December.



Pakistan through its consulate in Netherlands came to know that the ICJ ordered India to submit a response by September 13, Dawn newspaper quoted Attorney General (AG) Ashtar Ausaf Ali as saying.



However, the full order has now clarified that Pakistan has been given the deadline of December 13 in the case, giving a potential extension to the case as per Indias request.

Read | ICJ president to discuss further procedure in Kulbhushan Jadhav case with India, Pak



Jadhav, 45, was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court in April.The ICJ has written a letter to Pakistan informing us of their decision, the attorney general said.



India had adopted the stance that the matter was one of life and death, but Pakistan had stated that the ICJ is not a court of appeals.



The ICJ is supposed to conclude whether or not Jadhav can receive consular access, for which a time period of two to three months is more than enough to file a response, he said.

Read | Kulbhushan Jadhav case is fake and fabricated tale conjured to sabotage India: Pakistani political party tells ICJ



Dawn report did not that Pakistan will submit its response to the ICJ in December, while the court proceedings will begin in January 2018.



In a hearing of the case on May 18, a 10-member bench at The Hague-based ICJ restrained Pakistan from executing Jadhav.



India moved the ICJ against the death penalty on May 8. The next day, the global court stayed the sentence as a provisional measure.



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.



(With Inputs from PTI)

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New Delhi:

Switzerland has ratified a historic agreement with India, paving a path for tonnes of black money hoarded in foreign bank accounts to make its way back home. The European tax haven famous for secrecy, Switzerland on Friday ratified automatic exchange of financial account information with India along with 40 other countries.



Adopting the dispatch on introduction of the AEOI, a global convention for automatic information exchange on tax matters, the Swiss Federal Council said the implementation is planned for 2018 and the first set of data should be exchanged in 2019.



As per the draft notification approved by the council in its meeting on Friday, the decision is not subject to any referendumwhich means there should be no further procedural delay in its implementation.



However, the agreement is contingent upon confidentiality and data security standards observed by data recipients. To this effect, before first automatic exchange, Switzerland will check whether India, other jurisdictions meet security standards.

Read | USD 770 bn black money entered India in 2005-2014: Global Watchdog

The council, which is the top governing body of the European nation, will soon notify the Indian government about the exact date from which the automatic exchange would begin.



The decision follows hectic parleys between India and Switzerland for introduction of the AEOI (Automatic Exchange of Information) on tax matters under the guidance of G20, OECD and other global organisations.



The council said the proposal to introduce AEOI with India and others met with widespread approval from the interested parties who voiced their opinions in the consultations.



In concrete terms, the AEOI will be activated with each individual state or territory by means of a specific federal decree within the framework of this dispatch, it added.

Read | Black money worth $21 billion taken out from India in 2014: Watchdog



The exchange of information itself will be carried out based on the Multilateral Competent Authority Agreement (MCAA) on the Automatic Exchange of Financial Account Information, which is in turn based on the international standard for the exchange of information developed by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).



The council said it will prepare a situation report before the first exchange of data, which is planned for autumn 2019.



In the process, it will be checked whether the states and territories concerned effectively meet the requirements under the standard, especially those concerning confidentiality and data security.



It is important for the Federal Council that a level playing field be created among states and that all major financial centres, in particular, be included. This year, Switzerland has introduced the AEOI with 38 states and territories, including all EU member states, and data will start to be exchanged with them in 2018, it added.

(With Inputs from PTI)

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Washington:

Americas military posture in Afghanistan is part of a regional context in South Asia and to ensure the war-torn country does not become an ungoverned space from which the US can be targeted, Defence Secretary James Mattis said on Friday.

Testifying before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defence, Mattis said the revised strategy for Afghanistan would be presented to the White House soon.

His testimony comes after President Donald Trump authorised him to manage US troop levels in Afghanistan amidst a surge in Taliban attacks in the war-ravaged country.

The delegation of this authority, consistent with the authority President Trump granted me two months for Iraq and Syria does not, at this time, change the troop numbers for Afghanistan, Mattis said.

The US defence secretary said that though the overall mission in Afghanistan is to train the Afghan forces so that terrorists find no haven there, Our military posture is part of a larger regional context in South Asia.

He said Trump administrations primary national interest and the international interest in Afghanistan is ensuring it does not become an ungoverned space from which attacks can again be launched against the US, other nations or the Afghan people.

In this regard our forces are conducting partnered counter-terrorism operations and we are supporting the NATO-leds mission so in the future the Afghan people can defend themselves, he said.

A day earlier, Mattis told the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defence that the US is considering issues from India, Pakistan and other nations in the region as part of its Afghan review.

We would have to change the priorities, we would have to put it in a more regional construct. By regional construct, I mean we consider things, issues from India and Pakistan all the way over to Iran because theyre the bordering nations, he said.

And ignoring those means you put in a strategy that has not taken into account some of the most fundamental factors that would impact on its success or failure, Mattis said.

We change the way we fight, we change the regional construct and we change our approach to how we deal with this government, he said.

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New York :

India-born former McKinsey head Rajat Gupta will address an IIT alumni leadership conference in the US to discuss issues ranging from leadership to cutting-edge technologies.

Gupta, an IIT Delhi alumnus, will join chief executives, entrepreneurs and technology experts at the second annual IIT Bay Area Leadership Conference to be held in Santa Clara in California on Saturday.

Speakers and IIT alumni at the conference include author and wellness expert Deepak Chopra, venture capitalist Ravi Mhatre,?Parag Havaldar, a computer engineer from IIT Kharagpur who won an Oscar this year for technical achievement, HCL co-founder Arjun Malhotra, product director at Google and IIT Madras alumnus Aparna Chennapragada and VP Engineering at Google Shashi Thakur of IIT Bombay.

The 11000-member strong IIT Bay Area Alumni Association is hosting the conference, the theme for which is From Engineers to Leaders.

IITians are the smartest technologists in the world, however, they miss opportunities due to lack of leadership development. The IIT Bay Area Leadership Conference is designed to raise awareness for learning leadership skills from peers, seniors and professionals, Umang Gupta, Founder and CEO of Gupta Technologies and Keynote Systems said in a statement.

Gupta, 68, who founded the Indian School of Business (ISB), sits on the board of PanIIT USA and is the current chairman of the WHEELS Global Foundation, a US-based?non-profit organisation started by IIT alumni?that focusses on applying technology to uplift rural communities and provide technological solutions to global challenges.

Gupta argues that success comes from constantly finding ways to make a difference to your employer. His approach is focused and intentional, a statement issued by Wheels Global Foundation said.

Also Read | Top 10 universities in India: DU ranked 8th, IIT-Delhi gets top spot in QS University Rankings

Gupta, a former director at Goldman Sachs, is a free man now after completing a two-year prison term on insider trading charges.

He has been gradually re-entering the social and philanthropic world. He has undertaken visits to India and spoken at the Young Indians National Summit hosted by the Confederation of Indian Industry in New Delhi in March.

Last month, he spoke at a panel discussion here on the rising tide of economic nationalism and protectionism organised by the New York Tri-State chapter of Pratham USA, one of the largest non-governmental organisations.

Also Read: 3 IIT B-schools feature in top 10 NIRF management ranking

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STRUGGLING High Wycombe Hockey Club picked up their first win of their South Premier League campaign beating basement side Wokingham 3-2, to give their survival chances a boost.

Wycombe, who previous to Saturday's game had drawn twice this season but not won a match, left it late to win last weekend.

They went behind early on when a Wokingham strike was rebounded into the net off a Wycombe defender.

Wycombe must have felt luck wasn't with them when they had two penalty appeals denied and then saw Dan Strange's strike hit the post.

But all their pressure was rewarded when Andy Burroughs slotted home Jamie Dru's cross to level it.

Wycombe took the lead after the break when Paul Wallis rounded a defender and chipped the keeper.

But they were pegged back by an isolated Wokingham attack, which saw the visitors find the net.

With time running out, Wycombe netted the winner when Tim Prior prodded the ball home after Burroughs had his shot saved.

Other hockey news is as follows:

Wycombe's 2nds went down 3-2 to Old Georgians.

The Bucks side were 2-0 down by the break, having conceded both goals from penalty corners.

Skipper Richard Reeves, returning from injury, pulled one back for Wycombe before Georgians restored their two-goal lead from another penalty corner.

Chris Allfrey's shot gave Wycombe hope again, but they ran out of time.

The 4ths enjoyed a 4-3 win over league leaders Leatherhead in the second round of the Surrey Open League Cup.

Patrick van Reijendam gave Wycombe the lead with his reverse stick strike only to see Leatherhead equalise.

Wycombe immediately restored their lead, through Simon Webber but, again, Leatherhead levelled it.

Reijendam added his second goal of the game before John Reid claimed Wycombe's fourth and even a late third from Leatherhead didn't unnerve Wycombe.

Wycombe's 4As ended Staines' run of good results with a convincing 4-0 victory.

Two goals from the influential Roger Addison and one each from Kevin O'Linn and county junior player Dorian Proudfoot maintained Wycombe's second place position in Division Two of the Four Counties league.

There was a goal rush at Brunel where Wycombe's 6ths had a 6-3 win over Eastcote.

First half hat-tricks by Russell Leather and Tim Jarrett gave Wycombe a handsome 6-1 lead at the break.

They let two in after the break but Wycombe held on for the win.

Amersham had a disappointing 5-2 defeat at British Airways in their Four Counties first division match.

Amersham lost Rhys-Davies early on, after he broke a bone in his hand.

Gerrards Cross moved up to third after their 2-0 win over Bicester.
China plans to import two new varieties of genetically modified crops from the United States, as it accelerates a review of biotech products as part of its broader efforts to promote economic and trade ties with the US.

The approvals came right after China finalized detailed protocols on imports of US beef. The outcome was arrived at due to the two nations' willingness over the past several months to enforce their 100-day action plan agreed by their top leaders, with a goal to establish a comprehensive economic dialogue.

Wu Laping, a professor of the College of Economic and Management at China Agricultural University, said the updated approvals to US agricultural products are based on the mutual benefits that the two sides stand to gain.

"Not only will it meet China's increasing domestic grain demand, but also contribute to growth in the US," he said.

In May, China pledged to speed up checks of eight US varieties of GMO crops under the bilateral trade deal.

Two of them received approval from China's Ministry of Agriculture on Wednesday, said the ministry in a statement. The ministry gave permits to two US-based agriculture companiesMonsanto Co and Dow AgroSciences LLCto ship their soybeans and corn to China from June 12.

The ministry said it also renewed import approvals for 14 other GMO crops.

In China, foreign companies must obtain safety certificates issued by the Ministry of Agriculture, in order to export GMO crops to the market. Testing, production and marketing are subject to government approval.

Under the 100-day plan, imported crops will only be used as raw materials, and none are permitted to be grown in China, according to Wu Kongming, vice-president of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences.

Commenting on Chinese consumers' deep concerns about the safety of GMO foodstuffs, Wu said relevant government bodies are bound to take prudent measures to make evaluations and ensure food safety.

Related Story: US beef speeds to China by air as trade deal ends 14-year ban

CHICAGOThe first shipment of US beef to China under a new trade deal went airborne on Wednesday, a Nebraska meat company said, just two days after Washington finalized details to resume exports, ending a 14-year ban.

Greater Omaha Packing Co said it shipped beef by plane to China from Nebraska, a top US beef-producing state, to meet strong demand.

"They want it right away," Chief Executive Officer Henry Davis said about Chinese consumers.

China banned US beef imports in 2003 after a US scare over mad cow disease, but last month agreed to allow shipments by mid July as part of a broader trade deal.

Talks moved quickly, and US officials said on Monday they had finalized requirements for exports.

China is the world's fastest growing beef market, according to the US Department of Agriculture, and its imports increased to $2.5 billion last year from $275 million in 2012.

To win business, Greater Omaha Packing has hired bilingual salespeople from China, Davis said. He added that the company had received hundreds of phone calls in recent months about sales to China from potential customers and distributors.

To make the first shipment, the company, which exports to other countries, affixed labels in English and Chinese on every box of beef on the flight, Davis said.

"We'd never done Chinese before," he said.

So far, only Greater Omaha Packing and Tyson Foods Inc, the biggest US meat company, has processing plants approved by the agriculture department to ship beef to China.

Tyson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

On Tuesday, Cargill Inc, another major beef processor, said that only a small percentage of the total current US cattle supply would qualify for exports to China under the terms of the new trade agreement.

The deal requires US producers to track the birthplace of cattle born in the United States that are destined for export to China and take other steps.

Reuters
Models show creations of fashion brands that demonstrate how they enliven Chinese garments at a recent runway show at Prince Gong's Mansion in Beijing. [Photo by Jiang Dong/China Daily]

An exhibition on Suzhou embroidery, which is known for its subtlety, brings to the fore its long history. Sun Yuanqing reports.

Recent fashion events in Beijing have given new meaning to intangible cultural heritage. The shows celebrating Chinese garments were held at Prince Gong's Mansion recently.

The events, supported by the department of intangible cultural heritage under the Ministry of Culture, were organized by the China National Garment Association, the Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology, the organizing committee of China Fashion Week and Minzu University of China.

The shows, held over June 5-10, included an exhibition on Suzhou embroidery, which dates back to more than 2,000 years and is known for its subtlety.

The exhibition showcased garments, paintings, and demonstrated the skills of the makers.

Three academic forums were held during the periodon Suzhou embroidery, traditional attire and traditional weaving and printing, respectively.

Six fashion shows were also held as fashion brands demonstrated how they were enlivening Chinese garment culture.
Raimundo Garcia Figueras, senior managing director, Roca Asia Bathroom. Provided To China Daily

What is an architect's vision of a bathroom? Renowned Chinese architect Ma Yanking recently gave his answer with the Roca gallery in Beijing.

Spanish bathroom manufacturer Roca opened its sixth gallery in the bustling area of Dongzhimen in the Chinese capital.

The first Roca gallery opened in Barcelona in 2009, followed by Madrid, Lisbon, London and Shanghai.

Other designers who have created the galleries include Zaha Hadid Architects and Charles Ferrater.

China is the only country after Spain that has two Roca global galleries.

The Beijing space uses transparent glazed walls, connecting the inside with the outside. It also has dynamic visual and acoustic effects to deliver an experience that mixes architecture, technology and design.

"I hope that the Roca Beijing Gallery can become a positive, vivid corner of the urban community, connecting people and a city in the simplest way," says Ma, MAD Architects' founding principal.

One of the most prominent Chinese architects, Ma is know for his unconventional designs like the award-winning Absolute Towers in Mississauga in Canada.

The gallery also serves as a venue that showcases Roca's wares from the Armani/Roca collection.

Speaking about the new gallery, Raimundo Garcia Figueras, senior managing director of Roca Asia Bathroom, says: "The aim is to have open spaces, to have good communication with society. It's not just for Beijing. It's not only for China. It is for the world."

China, which is one of the top markets for Roca alongside Europe, Brazil, India and Russia, has been evolving rapidly with its internet of things and e-commerce, he says.

Roca now has nine factories in China, as well as its own design center in China.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the company, and Roca, which now sells in 170 countries, soon plans to have an exhibition in Shanghai to celebrate its history.
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STAMFORD  The Cuban capitals popularity is heating up among American travelers, just as the U.S. government imposes new restrictions on dealings with the island.

Among users of Stamford-based online travel firm Kayak, Havana ranks as the top trending summer travel destination, recording a 173 percent increase for flight searches since last summer, according to data shared this week by the company.

As American tourists interest in the island spikes, President Donald Trump announced Friday in Miami a host of regulations that would overturn parts of former President Barack Obamas re-opening of U.S. relations with the Caribbean nation. The Trump directive would ban most U.S. business with the Armed Forces Business Enterprises Group, a Cuban conglomerate involved in all economic sectors. It would not prohibit, however, commercial flights or cruise-ship travel between the two countries.

People interested in going to Cuba are going to keep a close eye on that announcement, David Solomito, Kayaks vice president of North American marketing, said in an interview Tuesday. But its still the top-trending destination of the summer. Its becoming very popular with American travelers.

Visits to Cuba by Cuban-Americans and other American travelers totaled about 614,000 in 2016, a 34 percent increase over the previous year, according to Cuban officials. A study released last month by The Boston Consulting Group estimated as many as 2 million U.S. travelers could visit Cuba annually by 2025.

Cuba attracted a record 4 million visitors last year, an increase of 13 percent over the previous year, according to the countrys tourism ministry.

Since the U.S. re-opened its embassy in Havana in 2015, a number of Connecticut companies have moved to establish a foothold in the nation of some 11 million people.

Among the most prominent ventures, Stamford-based Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide opened in June 2016 its first hotel in Cuba. For Starwood, the entry into Cuba provided the opportunity to expand the companys Four Points by Sheraton brand of hotels in Latin America. Situated in Havanas Miramar district, the 186-room hotel is managed by Starwood and owned by Grupo Hotelero Gaviota, the tourism wing of the Cuban defense ministry.

Starwood reported it was the first U.S. hospitality company to enter the Cuban market in nearly 60 years.

The Trump administration does not plan to disrupt U.S. projects in Cuba like the Four Points hotel, a White House official said, according to Reuters.

After Havana, Vancouver, Lisbon and Greece and a group of areas in Greece including Athens ranked as the fastest-rising summer destinations among Kayak users.

In the overall standings for summer-travel searches, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Fort Lauderdale, Fla., New York City and Miami placed as the top domestic destinations. London, Paris, Cancun, Rome and Barcelona led among international getaways.

pschott@scni.com; 203-964-2236; twitter: @paulschott
Bumper stickers have always fascinated me. I enjoy reading the various messages that car owners try to convey.

One that took me a little time to understand is the word COEXIST, which is written out in the symbols of various faiths. For the C, it uses the crescent moon of Islam, a peace sign for the O, combined male and female symbols for the E, a Star of David for the X, a Wiccan pentagram for the dot of the I, the Taoist yin-yang symbol for the S, and a Christian cross for the T.

To me it is a beautiful symbol of religious freedom and diversity.

Growing up in New York City in the 1970s, I missed the brief period of racial violence there - because where I lived, what might have been called a riot elsewhere looked more like a Brooklyn street fight. The High School I graduated from was totally diverse.

It wasnt unusual to speak Yiddish phrases as a part of regular conversation. I knew about the Passover Seder because I went to my friends houses to participate in them. And I am amazed sometimes how much Spanish I still can speak, since I studied French in high school.

As I grew older, into my very late teens and 20s, there was a great mixture of people who were part of my social circle. We always knew which restaurant in New York served the best ethnic food for the cheapest price.

We all learned from each other about one anothers cultures and customs. We all learned to respect and even love each others traditions and backgrounds. We truly did coexist.

This month, I will celebrate the 35th anniversary of my ordination as a deacon in the Episcopal Church. (The anniversary of my ordination as a priest will be in January 2018.) For most of those years of ministry, I served in parishes that didnt have a lot of diversity - which is one of the reasons I wanted to come to Danbury.

I really like the diversity you find in this city. I believe it is one of its strengths. But throughout America, we are seeing more and more hostility brewing up in all directions.

I have never seen as much fear among the American people in my lifetime as I do now. And it is fear on all sides - from U.S. citizens to immigrants to police officers. It seems we have forgotten how to coexist.

The Episcopal Church is a part of the worldwide Anglican Communion. From its very beginning, under Queen Elizabeth I, we had to figure out how we would be both Catholic and Protestant. How did we balance all sorts of different theological concepts and still remain united? How could we, as a Church, coexist?

It was not easy, but our founders were very careful to ensure that everyone could be a part of the Anglican Communion. One example of this was called the Black Rubric, which was worked out by church leaders in 1552.

Black in this case had nothing to do with race. It was the color of the typeface in which it was printed in the 19th century, since earlier rubrics had been printed in red. A rubric is a church rule for how you do worship.

When it came to the rubric for receiving Communion, some felt that to kneel when receiving the bread and wine was too Catholic. Others felt that standing to receive was disrespectful. At the last minute, the Black Rubric was added to the Book of Common Prayer, which said that you could either stand or kneel.

Thus, everyone could do what they felt was the best for their own spiritual lives. One group of believers could worship with another group of believers without an issue. In other words, rather than causing a huge church fight, they could coexist.

I believe God loves infinite variety, which is why God made us all so very different. The scriptures that begin the book of Genesis tell us that after God created the world, everything God beheld was good.

To me, love of neighbor is really the foundation of COEXIST. And learning to live together, to coexist, could be our acknowledgement that we truly believe that everything God made was good.

The Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Krasinski is the Rector of St. James Episcopal Church, 25 West St., Danbury. He can be reached at joseph@saintjamesdanbury.org or 203-748-3561.
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The Trump administration said Friday it still has not decided the fate of a program protecting hundreds of thousands of young immigrants from deportation, despite a statement a day earlier that the program will continue.

As a candidate, Trump had pledged to immediately cancel an Obama administration program, known as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, but as president repeatedly expressed empathy with DACA participants, often called dreamers.

On Thursday, the Homeland Security Department announced that DACA would remain in effect, though it did not say for how long.

Following news reports that the program would continue, and reactions on both sides of the immigration debate, administration officials said Friday afternoon that no final decision had been made.

This walking back of a declaration that the DACA is safe is a prime example of the dysfunction of this administration and how their policy decisions are made with political intentions and not with the best interests of our community in mind, said Camila Bortolleto of Brookfield, who received DACA status in 2013.

We know that DACA works and it has given a sense of safety to thousands of youth and families in our state. And we know that most people support continuing DACA, Bortolleto said. But no matter how this administration waivers, we will not waiver in our commitment to protect our communities.

Bortolleto co-founded CT Students for a Dream with her twin sister, Carolina. The organization has advocated for years for greater access to higher education for undocumented students.

Jonathan Hoffman, an assistant secretary for public affairs at Homeland Security, said in a statement, that the future of the DACA program continues to be under review with the administration. Hoffman added that while only Congress can decide the fate of these immigrants, Trump has said the issue needs to be handled with compassion and with heart.

David McGuire, executive director of ACLU of Connecticut, said Friday after hearing the administrations latest statement on DACA that the only certainty in these times is uncertainty.

Immigrants make our communities stronger and they shouldnt have to constantly look over their shoulders in fear, McGuire added. We will continue to keep a watchful eye out to protect the rights of all immigrants in our communities.

DACA was launched in 2012 and many of its participants arrived in the United States as small children and have little recollection of their birth countries. The program does not give them residency status, but temporarily protects them from deportation and allows them to work legally. The protection can be revoked at any time, and some young immigrants have lost DACA protections after being arrested for crimes.

Canceling the program could mean trying to deport more than 787,000 people who identified themselves to the government in exchange for temporary protection.

Thursdays Homeland Security statement also included the announcement of the Trump administrations decision to cancel a never-implemented program intended to protect parents of U.S. citizens from deportation.

Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly revoked an Obama administration memo from 2014 that created the Deferred Action for Parents of Americans program, or DAPA, which was intended to protect people living in the United States illegally who have children who are U.S. citizens or legal residents.

Participants were to have been kept safe from deportation and provided with renewable work permits, but the program was blocked by a federal judge in Texas after 26 states sued. Republicans saw it as back-door amnesty and argued that President Barack Obama overstepped his authority by protecting a specific class of immigrants living in the United States illegally.

About a year ago, the Supreme Court deadlocked, 4-4 on a challenge to the Texas ruling.

Lisa Rivas, a Danbury immigration attorney, said she wasnt surprised about the DAPA announcement because of the Supreme Court decision.

I dont think many had expectations that the program would survive and be implemented, Rivas said.

The DAPA program, like the one for young immigrants, was created with a policy memo, not by legislation. Both programs required that participants meet certain conditions, including not having a history of serious crimes.

Trump has made immigration enforcement a top priority and has vowed to continue a crackdown on those living in the U.S. illegally and those trying to sneak into the country. Arrests of immigrants inside the U.S. have increased under the Trump administration, but deportations are slightly down because fewer people have been caught crossing the Mexican border into the United States illegally.

But in an Associated Press interview in April, Trump said his administration is not after the dreamers, we are after the criminals and that The dreamers should rest easy.

The Associated Press contributed to this article.
Amazon announced on Friday that it is acquiring grocery store chain Whole Foods Market for $42 per share -- a total of approximately $13.7 billion in cash.

Whole Foods Market will continue to operate its stores under the same name as a separate unit within Amazon. Co-founder John Mackey will remain as CEO of the company after the deal closes in the second half of this year, and its headquarters will remain in Austin, Texas, where it was founded in 1978. Amazon, which was founded in 1994, is headquartered in Seattle.

The move is a major competitive leap for Amazon, which is up against retailers and delivery services big and small, namely Walmart, in a race to dominate the distribution of consumer goods.

Related: How Retailers Are Thriving Despite the Supposed Death of Their Industry

Millions of people love Whole Foods Market because they offer the best natural and organic foods, and they make it fun to eat healthy, said Jeff Bezos, Amazon founder and CEO, in a press release. Whole Foods Market has been satisfying, delighting and nourishing customers for nearly four decades -- theyre doing an amazing job and we want that to continue."

Amazon, which is known primarily as an ecommerce platform, recently has been investing in brick-and-mortar opportunities. It opened its first physical retail location in Seattle in November 2015. To date, Amazon has opened eight bookstores in seven states and has announced plans for five more. Earlier this year, the company launched a service for Amazon Prime subscribers called AmazonFresh Pickup, which allows customers to order groceries online and drive to one of two locations in Seattle to pick them up at a scheduled time. The company has also detailed plans for a grocery store concept without cashiers called Amazon Go.

Last year, Whole Foods took in about $16 billion in sales. Mackey has recently been in a public battle with Jana Partners, one of the company's investors, whom he recently suggested were "greedy bastards." There are more than 460 Whole Foods stores across the U.S., Canada and the U.K.

Related: Amazon's Brick-and-Mortar Bookstore Is Coming to New York

This morning, Entrepreneur VIP contributor and host of The Top Entrepreneurs podcast Nathan Latka posted a video in which he shared his thoughts on the acquisition. They do this beautifully, Latka says of Amazon. Kill your competitors, and then buy them.

Related:

Amazon Patents Tech to Block In-Store Comparison Shopping

Amazon compra Whole Foods Market por 13,700 mdd

Amazon Is Buying Whole Foods for a Whopping $13.7 Billion -- Is It a Good Deal?



Copyright 2017 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved
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STAMFORD  It may not be surprising that the owners of a 185-year-old home in North Stamford recently acquired a century-old newspaper in rural Vermont.

For Ray and Kim Small, a historic farmhouse nestled on a rolling green parcel of land in Old Long Ridge Village is another testament to their affinity for relics.

I like older buildings with character and I like fountain pens and I like putting ink on paper, said Ray Small.

Kim Small grew up hunting for antiques around Fairfield County with her mother and grandmother, and her old-world trophies adorn the circa-1832 home on Rock Rimmon Road, the most prominent of which is a hand-carved carousel horse in the living room.

That horse was built in 1906 by a man named (Gustav) Dentzel ... he was one of the most prominent carousel builders of the time, she said of her wooden steed. I got him when I was 10 years old and there is a photo of me throwing my arms around him with excitement.

Perhaps the most significant antique the couple owns is its 128-year-old weekly newspaper, The Hardwick Gazette, which serves the Northeast Kingdom town of Hardwick, Vt. This latest adventure takes the Smalls out of their beloved North Stamford home, which they have listed for $550,000 with the Jodi Boxer Realty Group at Keller Williams.

Its bittersweet, Ray Small said of the home he and his wife have owned for only three years. Our intention was to be there a lot longer, but our Vermont adventure is of course terrific.

Love of home

The two-bedroom, 1,720-square-foot home at 1377 Rock Rimmon Rd. has been loved by many an owner. A photo of the original owners still hangs in an upstairs bedroom. It is an heirloom passed down from owner to owner.

The 185-year-old structure shows its age gracefully with exposed wood beams in the ceilings, ornate mill work around doorways and sturdy wide-plank floors throughout the home. It was once part of a village now commemorated at the historic Old Long Ridge Village in North Stamford.

The Smalls believe their home was once a dairy farm, as theyve found old cow bells in the yard. A home across the street was once the pub with sables, down the road was the shoemaker and at the other end of Rock Rimmon Road was a slaughter house. All of these structures are now homes in the historic neighborhood.

The couple that lived in the Smalls house before them took it down to the studs to do a complete historic revival, updating all amenities and the utilities.

Its historic but everything works and nothing is falling apart, Kim Small said. It has been a very low-maintenance house for us.

Still, the Smalls added a small touch of their own, enclosing a back porch to create a sunroom. The renovation was done with care, as it features the same wide-plank flooring throughout the rest of the home and windows that imitate the originals.

The nature and integrity of this house have been loved by so many people, Kim Small said. This house has a lot of personality.

nnaughton@stamfordadvocate.com; @noranaughton
MONTREAL, June 15, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - In conjunction with Global Wind Day, Boralex Inc. ("Boralex") (TSX: BLX), ENERCON and the Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corporation celebrated the inauguration of the Niagara Region Wind Farm (NRWF) this afternoon in the presence of Michael Weidemann, Executive Vice-President of ENERCON Canada, Matt Jamieson, President and CEO of the Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corporation, and Patrick Lemaire, President and Chief Executive Officer of Boralex.

The wind farm, which is located on private land in the Regional Municipality of Niagara in Ontario, was commissioned on November 2, 2016 and consists of 77 ENERCON E101 wind turbines with a total installed capacity of 230 MW. The project has a 20-year power purchase agreement with Ontario's Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) and will power the equivalent of more than 76,000 homes per year throughout its operating life.

At the inauguration ceremony Mr. Lemaire praised the exceptional collaboration between Boralex, its partners, the local municipalities and their citizens. "This project was signed, built and commissioned within two years as a result of outstanding teamwork, which fills me with pride. The acquisition of the project, which we completed in January, represents the largest transaction in Boralex's history and has enabled us to raise our contracted capacity target to 2,000 MW by 2020."

"I am extremely proud of this project being completed not only under the leadership of ENERCON, a first for our company here in Canada, but in record time. We share a long and fruitful history with Boralex, which lays an encouraging groundwork for our future collaborations," said Michael Weidemann, Executive Vice-President of ENERCON Canada.

"We are pleased to collaborate with partners who share the same vision of a bright and sustainable future for our coming generations. The shift to green energy is an ambitious goal which we, and our partners Boralex and ENERCON, are excited to work together to achieve," said Matt Jamieson, President and CEO of the Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corporation.

To mark the occasion and celebrate Global Wind Day, a public open house was held on the wind farm site, offering local residents in the region the opportunity to see the facilities up close, meet the project team, and learn more about wind energy.

About Boralex

Boralex develops, builds and operates renewable energy power facilities in Canada, France and the United States. A leader in the Canadian market and France's largest independent producer of onshore wind power, the Corporation is recognized for its solid experience in optimizing its asset base in four power generation types  wind, hydroelectric, thermal and solar. Boralex ensures sustained growth by leveraging the expertise and diversification developed over the past 25 years. Boralex's shares and convertible debentures are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker symbols BLX and BLX.DB.A, respectively. More information is available at www.boralex.com and www.sedar.com.

About ENERCON

Established in Germany over 30 years ago, ENERCON is an international leader in wind turbine design and manufacturing. Known worldwide for its gearless generator technologies, high manufacturing standards, and comprehensive long-term service agreements, the company has become synonymous with reliability and performance. To date, ENERCON has installed more than 27,000 turbines worldwide, ranging from 500 kW to 7.5 MW, representing more than 45 GW of installed capacity.

A major player in the Canadian market since its entry in 2001, ENERCON Canada Inc. has over 400 employees with offices located in Montreal and Dartmouth, service stations coast-to-coast, a manufacturing site in Matane (QC) and a dedicated training and warehouse facility in Boucherville (QC). ENERCON Canada Inc. currently has over 2,150 MW installed throughout seven Canadian provinces and territories.

About the Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corporation

The Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corporation (SNGRDC) manages the economic interests on behalf of the Six Nations Community. Profits generated by SNGRDC are invested into the Six Nations Community for the collective benefit of all members. www.sndevcorp.ca

Sources: Boralex, ENERCON and the Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corporation

SOURCE Boralex Inc.

For further information: Media: Lauriane Dery, Advisor, Public Affairs and Communications, Boralex Inc., Cell: (514) 554-3162, [email protected]
GATINEAU, QC, June 16, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - Today, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, wrapped up her visit to Berlin and Geneva, where she has been on a mission abroad to strengthen bilateral relationships with our international partners, and further Canada's continued efforts in the promotion of workers' rights worldwide.

Minister Hajdu was in Berlin on June 12 for a series of meetings with German officials and private-sector stakeholders to discuss labour, apprenticeship, training issues, women's entrepreneurship and refugee resettlement issues, as well as a roundtable on the future of work. She toured the Siemens Training Centre, where the company has been successfully using work-integrated learning to equip students with job-ready skills. The Government of Canada will be launching an investment in Work-Integrated Learning this year. Minister Hajdu also met with representatives of the Association of German Chambers of Commerce and Industry, and SINGA Deutschland, which help over 1,000 participating German employers integrate refugees into their workforces through skills training.

On June 13, at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development's (OECD) High Level Policy Forum, Minister Hajdu presented Canada's vision of the important role government can play in helping workers get the skills they need to find and keep good jobs in a rapidly changing job market.

On June 14 and 15, the Minister represented Canada at the annual Conference of the International Labour Organization (ILO), the UN agency that sets labour standards and promotes decent work. While there, Canada officially ratified the International Labour Organization's Convention 98 on the Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining. Canada has now fully ratified all eight of the ILO's core conventions considered fundamental to ensuring basic human rights in the workplace.

Minister Hajdu also addressed the ILO plenary, and delivered remarks accompanying a video message from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, on a better future for women at work. The Minister attended a G20 Ministers' working dinner, and also led a panel hosted by the UN Human Rights Council addressing the goal of engaging men and boys in combatting violence against women and girls.

Quote

"I'm pleased that this mission abroad has been such a success. Multilateralism and collaboration are key to meeting the challenges and opportunities that our people face, at home and abroad. Canada's support of the middle class, and those working hard to join it, is defining an approach that can be a model, and I am pleased to have been able to share our goals and vision with our international partners."

 The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour

Quick Facts

The Government of Canada is investing $73 million over for years, to support partnerships between industry and post-secondary educational institutions and create more quality work integrated learning opportunities for students in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) and business.

is investing over for years, to support partnerships between industry and post-secondary educational institutions and create more quality work integrated learning opportunities for students in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) and business. First launched in 1994, the OECD Jobs Strategy includes a comprehensive set of policy recommendations to promote more and better jobs. The new OECD Jobs Strategy is expected to be presented for adoption at the Ministerial Council Meeting of the OECD in May 2018 .

. The International Labour Organization's (ILO) Governing Body has identified eight conventions as "fundamental", which cover subjects that are considered as fundamental principles and rights at work. Once ratified, the conventions become legally binding international treaties. Canada has now ratified all eight.

has now ratified all eight. Convention 98 is one of eight International Labour Organization conventions that are considered fundamental to promoting decent work. It aims to protect workers against anti-union discrimination by employers; protect workers' and employers' organizations against interference by the other; and promote the right to collective bargaining.

Associated Links

Canada ratifies international convention, supports workers' rights to organize and collective bargaining

Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention, 1949 (No. 98)

106th Session of the International Labour Conference

Labour Program

Follow us on Twitter

SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada

For further information: For media enquiries, please contact: Matt Pascuzzo, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, P.C., M.P., Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, [email protected], 819-654-4183; Media Relations Office, Employment and Social Development Canada, 819-994-5559, [email protected]
Twitter: @FidelityCanada announces fee reductions on several fixed income funds

TORONTO, June 15, 2017 /CNW/ - Fidelity Investments Canada ULC ("Fidelity Canada"), one of Canada's top investment management firms, today announced management fee reductions on six of its fixed-income solutions.

Fidelity Canada's suite of fixed-income solutions, including its new MultiSector Bond Fund managed by Jeff Moore and Michael Plage, are garnering strong support from Canadian investors amid constantly changing markets, and as investors are expected to live longer and require more income. This announcement makes Fidelity Canada's fixed-income funds even more compelling for Canadian investors seeking income.

"As investors increasingly turn towards fixed-income solutions to help provide stability to their portfolios and fund their retirement, we are focused on seeking to maximize income for our clients," said Kelly Creelman, Vice President, Retail Products and Solutions, at Fidelity Canada. "These management fee reductions  on top of Fidelity Canada's already competitive fees  will allow both new and existing fund holders to keep more money in their pockets to help meet their retirement needs."

Effective July 1, 2017, the management fees will be reduced by 5 bps across all existing series of Fidelity Corporate Bond Fund, Fidelity Corporate Bond Class, Fidelity Global Bond Fund, Fidelity Global Bond Currency Neutral Fund, Fidelity Strategic Income Fund and Fidelity Strategic Income Currency Neutral Fund.

Investors are encouraged to speak with their financial advisor about these changes and to review their options. For account information, Fidelity Canada's client services team can be reached between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. EDT at 1-800-263-4077 (toll-free).

Fidelity Investments Canada ULC

Fidelity Investments Canada ULC manages a total of $137 billion in mutual fund and institutional assets. This includes $23 billion in assets for institutional clients including public and corporate defined benefit pension plans, endowments, foundations and other corporate assets on behalf of clients across Canada as at May 31, 2017.

Fidelity Investments Canada ULC provides Canadian investors a full range of domestic, international and income oriented mutual funds, as well as asset allocation and managed solutions and the high net worth program, the Fidelity Private Investment Program. Fidelity Funds are available through a number of advice-based distribution channels including financial planners, investment dealers, banks, and insurance companies.

Read a fund's prospectus and consult your financial advisor before investing. Mutual funds are not guaranteed; their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated. Investors will pay management fees and expenses, may pay commissions or trailing commissions and may experience a gain or loss.

SOURCE Fidelity Investments Canada Limited

For further information: Chris Pepper, Vice-President, Corporate Affairs, Fidelity Investments Canada ULC, T: (416) 307-5388, M: (416) 795-7762, E: [email protected]

Related Links

http://www.fidelity.ca


CAMBRIDGE, ON, June 16, 2017 /CNW/ - Gore Mutual celebrated its 178th anniversary with the establishment of the Gore Mutual Resiliency Fund in partnership with national youth charity, Pathways to Education. The $150,000 pilot fund will help youth in low-income communities in Waterloo Region and Vancouver graduate high school and successfully transition into post-secondary education, training or employment.

The Resiliency Fund comes as part of a long line of community grants from Gore Mutual in celebration of Canada 150. In January, through its Foundation, Gore Mutual officially launched its 150 Ways charitable campaign by presenting a $500,000 cheque to the Cambridge Memorial Hospital Foundation to fund the construction of a new, improved Rehabilitation Centre.

"Youth, community and safety are the pillars of our Foundation," said Heidi Sevcik, President and CEO of Gore Mutual. "As a modern mutual company, we believe in protecting the future of our youth and communities. We've launched this program as a pilot but hope to expand our partnership with Pathways to Education and extend our support to more communities in the areas where we do business. Partnership and cooperation is a part of our history and an integral part of who we are."

The Resiliency Fund is unique in that it helps students from vulnerable communities overcome barriers related to poverty in various ways. It will provide students with both short and long-term financial support that begins with basics like providing transit fare, and goes all the way to providing incentives and scholarships that can mean the difference between attending post-secondary education or not.

"There are many similarities between Gore Mutual and Pathways to Education, which is why they became the obvious choice to be our charitable partner," said Farouk Ahamed, Board Chair at Gore Mutual. "Both organizations have won awards for innovation and leverage partnerships to deliver groundbreaking products and services."

Quinn Bingham, Vice President and Chief Development Officer at Pathways to Education, stated, "Gore Mutual Foundation and Pathways to Education both believe that education provides a bridge to success and is a key factor in helping young people from low-income communities become our future leaders, which is why we are thrilled to be the recipient of Gore Mutual Foundation's $150,000 grant coinciding with Canada's 150th birthday."

In 2017, through its foundation, Gore Mutual and its broker partners have already granted over $1.1 million to help nearly 80 charities as part of the 150 Ways campaign. Although the year-long campaign's initial $1 million target has already been surpassed, Gore Mutual intends to keep the campaign going until the end of the year.



The Gore Mutual Foundation was established in 1998 in support Gore Mutual's broker partners and their communities through dollar-matching incentives and granting funds across three main charitable categories that include youth, community and safety. To date, the Foundation has granted over $10 million to help more than 650 charities and has partnered with over 280 brokers to double the impact on their shared communities.

About Gore Mutual

Founded in 1839, Gore Mutual is Canada's oldest property and casualty insurer, with over $410 million in premiums and over $1 billion in assets as at December 31, 2016. Based in Cambridge, Ontario and Vancouver, British Columbia, this Canadian-owned and operated mutual company employs over 350 people and is known for its investment in people, technology and innovation. With a long standing commitment to genuine personal service, and with InsurTech partnerships such as BrokerLift, Gore Mutual is an unwavering supporter of its network of insurance brokers, who offer the highest standards of service, choice and advocacy to Canadian customers. Gore Mutual was voted the #1 insurance company by the Insurance Brokers Association of Ontario (IBAO) in 2014 and certified as a "Great Place to Work" in 2016. The Gore Mutual Foundation strengthens Canadian communities by supporting local initiatives and has donated more than $10 million to over 650 charities. Learn more about Gore Mutual at goremutual.ca.

SOURCE Gore Mutual Insurance Company

For further information: MEDIA CONTACT: Shawn Despres, Communications and Online Marketing Specialist 1-800-265-8600, ext. 2676, Email: [email protected]

Related Links

http://www.goremutual.ca


Proposed regulations would prohibit the sale of corded window coverings that pose a risk of strangulation to children

OTTAWA, June 16, 2017 /CNW/ - It takes only 15 seconds for a child to become unconscious from being strangled by a window blind cord. Strangulation is often silent. Since the 1980s, Health Canada has received numerous incident reports related to corded window coverings, and the fatalities continue to occur at an average rate of slightly more than one child per year in Canada.

To help eliminate this hazard, the Department is proposing changes to the Corded Window Covering Products Regulations, which would restrict the length of accessible cords and the size of loops that can be created. A warning would also be required on the product that states that the product should be disposed of if a long cord or large loop is ever exposed. The proposed regulations, published in Canada Gazette, Part I, are now available for comment during the 75-day consultation period.

The Government of Canada encourages Canadians to review the proposed new Regulations and to submit feedback to Health Canada by August 31, 2017.

Health Canada reminds Canadians that the safest window coverings are ones that have no cords that you can see or touch. Parents and caregivers are strongly encouraged to replace corded window coverings with cordless options that are now available on the market, starting with children's rooms and places where children play. If you cannot make an immediate switch, make sure to always keep cords up high and out of the reach of children and to follow Health Canada's window covering safety tips.

Quick Facts

Injuries and fatalities due to corded window coverings have occurred even when children are being supervised.

A child who is tangled in corded window coverings can be unconsciousness within 15 seconds, and brain damage begins to occur after about four minutes without oxygen. Death can occur in less than six minutes.

From 1986 to June 2016 , Health Canada received 69 reports concerning the strangulation hazard posed by corded window coverings. Of the 69 reports, 40 reported a fatality (35 in Canada ; 5 internationally), 22 reported an injury and 7 reported no injury.

, Health Canada received 69 reports concerning the strangulation hazard posed by corded window coverings. Of the 69 reports, 40 reported a fatality (35 in ; 5 internationally), 22 reported an injury and 7 reported no injury. Between 1998 and 2016, there were 36 voluntary recalls of corded window covering products in Canada .

Quotes

"Corded blinds pose a very real danger to children, but it is a preventable risk. I am pleased to be introducing these proposed changes to our Corded Window Covering Products Regulations, which will better protect this vulnerable population."

Jane Philpott

Minister of Health

"Nearly all strangulation deaths and injuries are preventable. The Canadian Paediatric Society is pleased to support Health Canada in its commitment to change the Corded Window Covering Products Regulations to help eliminate this risk to children."

Dr. Richard Stanwick

Injury Prevention Specialist, Past President, Canadian Paediatric Society

"As an organization committed to educating consumers and supporting families affected by corded window coverings with failed safety devices, we are pleased that Health Canada is taking the lead in safety to ensure all products and devices will be manufactured to protect Canadian children in environments where they live and visit."

Candace Allard

Parents for Window Blind Safety, Canada

Associated Links

Window Covering Safety

Proposed Corded Window Coverings Regulations

Health Canada news releases are available on the Internet at: www.healthcanada.gc.ca/media

SOURCE Health Canada

For further information: Andrew MacKendrick, Office of Jane Philpott, Minister of Health, 613-957-0200; Media Relations: Health Canada, 613-957-2983; Public Inquiries: 613-957-2991, 1-866 225-0709
Former Guatemalan Vice President Roxana Baldetti said on Thursday she is willing to face down criminal charges in the United States, a week after U.S. prosecutors sought her extradition for alleged drug trafficking and other offenses.

"I'm going to show my face in the United States, and am prepared to present myself to resolve my situation," Baldetti told a hearing addressing the U.S. extradition request via video link.

At the hearing, Baldetti, who is already in prison in Guatemala, where she is being tried for crimes including money laundering and illicit enrichment, denied U.S. prosecutors' charges of criminal association and conspiracy to traffic drugs.

She was arrested in 2015 along with former President Otto Perez in one of the biggest corruption scandals in Guatemala's history. She and Perez have denied wrongdoing.

In spite of the extradition request, prosecutors in Guatemala said last week, Baldetti must first face justice in Guatemala before she can be put on trial in the United States.


Desperate relatives have launched appeals to find missing residents believed to be trapped inside the horrific Grenfell Tower blaze.Children and pensioners are among those unaccounted for after the 24-storey block in west London was engulfed by flames.Police have confirmed at least 17 people have been killed in the blaze with the death toll expected to rise.Families of the residents of the building have posted appeals for the whereabouts of their loved ones on social media.London Fire Brigade said this morning that they do not expect to find anymore survivors inside the charred building.Commissioner Dany Cotton said it would be a miracle to find anyone still alive.The recovery operation is expected to take days to complete.Hamid Ali Jafari, who is reported to have lived on the 11th floor, said his elderly father Ali had yet to be seen since he was trapped in a lift on the 10th floor of the block.Mr Jafari, 82, was inside a lift with his family when he exited on the tenth floor because he was struggling to breathe.He has not been seen since and cannot be found at any hospital.His son Hamid Jafari said: He was with my mother and sister in the lift.She said the lift stopped on the tenth floor and he said there was too much smoke and he couldnt breathe and he got out of the lift and then the doors shut and it didnt stop again till the ground floor.Alis daughter added: My father is missing, I came down with my mother.A mum and her young son are feared dead after reportedly being told to stay inside their Grenfell Tower flat as fire engulfed the building.Zainab Dean, who lived on the 14th floor with her son Jeremiah, two, not been heard from since the blaze in the early hours of Wednesday morning.When her brother Francis Dean, 47, spoke with her on the phone, she said she had been told to remain in her flat.Mr Dean said: My sister called me to say there was a fire in the tower.I told her to leave by the stairs but she said she had been told to stay inside her flat. That was in the early hours of today and Ive not heard from her since. I fear the worst.Read more: Mirror
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 ...
The Controller incharge of the Unit, Comptroller Mohammed Uba Garba made this known to news men on Wednesday 14th June 2017 while giving account of his stewardship since he assumed office

Comptroller Mohammed Uba said the Unit also recovered Two Hundred and Seventy Three Million, Six Hundred and Seventy Five Thousand, One Hundred and Thirty Eight Naira, Seventy Five kobo only (N273,675,138.75) from duty payments and demand notices on goods that tried to beat the system and 10 suspects were arrested in connection with the seizures in the period under review.

He further mentioned that 152 different seizures were recorded comprising vegetable oil, foreign parboiled rice, frozen poultry products, smuggled vehicles, India hemp, used tyres and general merchandise Six Hundred and Seven Million, Seven Hundred and Seventeen Thousand, Five Hundred and Thirty Five Naira, Fifty Five kobo only (N607,717,535.55) between the month of April 1st to June 12th 2017 making it a landslide in recent times.

You will agree with me that smuggling is a global phenomenon which cannot be curbed entirely but can be brought to its barest minimum. I have to praise the commitment and diligence of the officers and men of the unit for thwarting the antics of some dare-devil smugglers, who used different methods for concealment he said.

Compt. Uba said the Unit also intercepted 384 parcels of Indian hemp concealed inside six bales of second-hand clothing from Ghana along Iyana-Ipaja road. In the spirit of inter-agency relationship, the suspects and the contents were handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for prosecution in a court of competent jurisdiction.

Based on intelligence report, the Unit have seized five containers that contravened Customs law over false declaration and breach of import prohibition list by trade. Two of the containers were laden with 4,982 pieces of used tyres, while others were laden with 1,292 pieces of vehicle batteries and piston ring compressors

COMPT Uba thanked the management of the Nigeria Customs Service under the leadership of Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali (Rtd) for the motivation and support that led to this great feat.

Officers and Men of Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit (FOU) A, intercepted smuggled goods with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of Three Hundred and Thirty Four Million, Forty Two Thousand, Three Hundred and Ninety Six Naira, Eight kobo (N334,042,396.8) only between the months of 1st April to 12th June, 2017.The Comptroller called on Nigerians to support the anti-smuggling drive of the service, as this will encourage our indigenous industries and create job opportunities for Nigerians.
Arsenal FC management are in Nigeria with the coveted FA Cup Trophy.Arsenal won the 2017 FA Cup, after a 2-1 win over London rivals Chelsea at Wembley on Saturday, May 27.On Thursday, club officials visited MTN Nigerias executive management team, led by its Chairman, Pascal Dozie, at the head office in Lagos.Receiving the Arsenal delegation, Dozie congratulated the club for its victory in the English FA Cup competition.He said: Winning the FA Cup in such a tough season gives us greater reasons for celebration, and is a testament to the teams resilience and determination. Virtues, which resonate with me personally, and with MTN as a whole.Bringing the FA Cup to Nigeria shows the extent to which the club values its supporters in Nigeria, and its partnership with MTN.Arsenal Head of Partner Services, Gordon Tannock, said: It is good to be in Nigeria again, a place where we have millions of our most passionate fans.Tannock was accompanied by Partner Services Manager at the club, Michael Higham.
Youth leaders of the 19 northern, states under the aegis of Oil and Solid Mineral Producing Area Landlords Association of Nigeria (OMPALAN), yesterday, condemned the quit notice by a coalition of northern youths to citizens of Igbo extraction living in the northern part of Nigeria.The statement was signed by Mr. Steve Ogebe, Secretary, OMPALAN National Youth Affairs Committee & Leader, 19 Northern youths of oil & solid mineral producing areas of Nigeria.He said, It is to be noted that Nigerians have built solid bridges of peace across ethnic and religious divides over the years  cementing age-long fissures that were generated by ethnic and religious bigotry. Nigeria is far from 1966  making the success of ethnic war in 2017 very remote.This means that an Igbo man will protect a northerner if threatened in the east and vice-versa. Mistakes have been made in the past by our political leaders and we cannot continue to live in the past as a progressive nation. Let us throw the bitter past into the trash can of history and forge ahead into the future as a people with a common destiny impelled by the rule of law.Ogebe called on all Nigerians to unite across political cum ideological divides in order to build the desired momentum to defend the countrys hard-earned democracy from the common enemies of progress who are working hard to control the levers of power for purely egocentric goals.He noted that it is the constitutionally guaranteed inalienable right of every citizen of Nigeria to live and work in any part of the country without any form of molestation or threat.According to him, the orchestrated action by the so-called coalition of northern youths can provoke a dangerous domino effect across the length and breadth of sovereign Nigeria with the concomitant effect of plunging the country into an irreversible trauma if not confronted head-on with the seriousness it deserves.Ogebe cautioned aggrieved ethnic nationalities in Nigeria to exercise maximum restraint and avoid unguided statements in order to sustain the polity.The international community must not remain mute and bury their heads in the sand like the proverbial ostrich pretending that all is well while our shared institutional values are been threatened by religious bigots who metamorphose into terrorists at will and equally threaten their institutions. The whole civilized world must present a common front against any threats to enshrined democratic values, he said.
President Fayose? Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, on Friday in Ado Ekiti, said he would become the next president of Nigeria.

President Fayose?

Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, on Friday in Ado Ekiti, said he would become the next president of Nigeria.The governor, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, boasted that he had the attributes to wrestle power from the President Muhammadu Buhari-led All Progressives Congress in 2019.He also boasted that former governors Segun Oni and Kayode Fayemi would fail if they contest the 2018 governorship election in the state.According to him, neither of the two performed to an admirable level that Ekiti people would give them a second chance like he was given.The governor spoke at a meeting with political office holders at the Governments House, Ado Ekiti, where he also inspected Osoko Political Institute Centre.He said, Just because Ayo Fayose has won a second term to become governor of Ekiti, some people also think they can come back now, but I want to tell them that it is not possible. I am the man wholeheartedly loved by Ekiti people because of the many developmental projects that have brought great infrastructural and developmental advancement to Ekiti.If you go around Ekiti, you will see my handiwork dotting every nook and cranny of the state. This is why I am the man who every Ekiti people will follow in 2018.Fayose said he had the penchant for taking powers from people having defeated two former governors (Niyi Adebayo and Fayemi) in governorship elections.I have penchant for taking powers; that one in Buharis hand. I will take it. Im going straight to that villa. Im the next president.I want to be the next president of Nigeria. My own wont be this change that has brought nothing, we are going to represent the people well and tell them the truth.
Most columnists, writers and public commentators have shied away from doing so but today yours truly will treat a matter and pose a questi...

Most columnists, writers and public commentators have shied away from doing so but today yours truly will treat a matter and pose a question that is in the hearts and minds of many both within and outside Nigeria.









The question is whether President Muhammadu Buhari (remember him?) is actually dead or still alive. And, assuming that he is still alive, is he lost to the world in a vegetative state and deep coma, is he suffering from an extreme and crippling form of dementia or is he lucid, functional, rational and clear-thinking?





These are the relevant and poignant questions that many are seeking answers to yet this whole matter and everything that flows from it, for some strange and inexplicable reason, is shrouded in the utmost secrecy and subterfuge.





The Presidency has told us that Buhari has travelled out of the country yet no-one has seen pictures or footage of him going out of Nigeria or arriving in his preferred destination in a foreign land.





Assuming that he really did travel out one wonders which country he was ferried to, whether he went there on his feet or on his back and whether he is presently on admission in a hospital or resides in a private or official residence.

The Presidency claims that he is still alive and we sincerely hope that this is the case.





Yet many have their doubts simply because it has been proved over and over again that the Federal Government are nothing but a nest of vipers and a brood of pernicious and pathological liars.

They lie as if there is no tomorrow and consequently few believe anything that they say including the assertion that the President is still alive or that he is running the affairs of our nation from his sick bed in the United Kingdom.

The truth is that if the Presidency or the Federal Government told us that it was day outside most of us would be forced to assume that it was night.





That is how skeptical the more discerning amongst us are about what those in power tell us.

Between the rulers and the ruled in Nigeria today there is no trust.





Consequently we are under no obligation, given their compulsive and sociopathic affinity for mendacities and deceit, to believe anything that the Buhari administration or the Presidency tells us.





The bottom line is this: if the President is dead, stop playing games, tell us the truth, bury him with dignity and let his soul rest in peace.





If he is alive let us know exactly what has afflicted him, what his condition is, where he is, how he is doing and, most important of all, give us PROOF OF LIFE.

Anything short of treading one of these two paths is not only dishonorable but also utterly reprehensible and amounts to nothing less than a glaring and singular insult to the collective sensibilities of the Nigerian people. Simply put, we have a right to know the truth.





The usage of lies, deceit, secrecy, subterfuge and disinformation in the administration of governance coupled with the promotion of indiscipline, the encouragement of impunity, the disobedience of court orders, the undermining of the rule of law, the destruction of democratic institutions and the lack of fairness and justice are the worst forms of corruption.

Sadly this government, more than any other in the history of our country, is guilty of each and everyone of these grave charges. This is deeply troubling and it gives us cause not only for concern but also deep introspection.





Meanwhile we congratulate Acting President Yemi Osinbajo for finally signing the 2017 budget. Even though we are already half way through the year, as they say, it is better late than never.

This is a step in the right direction and it is worthy of applause and commendation. However what causes some consternation and beggars belief is the asinine and childish assertion by Mr. Shehu Garbage of the Presidency that President Buhari gave his permission for the Acting President to sign it.

Honestly when I heard this contribution I didnt know whether to laugh or to cry. I was constrained to ask when the Presidency had transformed from being Nigerias most powerful and exalted seat of power into a theatre of comedy and a home for second rate comedians.





These people will do and say anything to hide or distort the truth and to humiliate and undermine the authority and standing of Acting President Osinbajo.

And the fact that Osinbajo allows them to get away with it is an eloquent testimony to his nauseating weakness and inability to take control and administer power in the way that he is expected to do.





After all we do not operate a monarchical system of government in Nigeria and Buhari is not a King. He does not have any divine rights and he is not a deity or a ruler with absolute powers.

He is simply a democratically-elected President who is bound by the rules and conventions of the constitution and who is meant to be nothing more than a servant of the people.





In this context the question that needs to be answered is simple and clear and that question is as follows.





Does an Acting President need the permission of a sick, AWOL and bed-ridden President, who has been compelled by his debilitating ill-health to formally hand over power to his second-in-command as the constitution dictates, to sign the budget? The answer is a resounding no.





This is especially so when we have been intimated and informed by an excitable, well-known and rabidly pro-government and fanatically pro-APC online medium known that the President is in a vegetative state and that he cannot speak to those around him or recognise his environment.





If the Presidents friends and supporters can write and publish such things about his medical condition what are the rest of us supposed to think or believe?

We have been assured by that medium that his situation is so critical that even his wife was barred from seeing him when she travelled all the way to the United Kingdom to do so.





If this is true (and up until the time that I am writing this contribution it has not been publicly refuted or denied) it raises some very serious questions and the first one of those questions is why the Presidency and the Federal Government deem it appropriate to hide the truth from the Nigerian people?





Yet it does not stop there. Mr. Eric Joyce, the well-known British ex-military, ex-Member of Parliament and serving MI6 operative who has always had a special interest in Nigeria and who has always been an ardent supporter and friend of the President and his government has come out boldly to suggest that Buhari is dead and he has challenged the Nigerian people to ask the Presidency for proof of life. His words:





For now, with no sight nor sound of the President and no proof even of life for some time, it seems that in a bid to manage the succession the Presidency may be lying to the public about the Presidents health or even life, and making Nigerias democratic status a mockery into the bargain.





If we choose to reject Joyces suggestion that Buhari is dead and instead we accept the narrative that he is still alive but bed-ridden and critically ill, the assertion that he is in a position to give permission for the budget to be signed remains equally childish and absurd.





And the truth is that the Villa rats that made that astounding assertion are talking and behaving like second rate actors and low-level performers in an X-rated, sleazy and seedy Parisian porn film and Swedish blue movie.





All you hear from them are animal-like grunts and groans and loud, fake orgasms.

This is corpsocracy in its most glaring, repugnant, primitive and repulsive form. It is a squalid and sordid attempt to impose a godless and alien system of governance which can be best described as the rulership of the living by the dead on the Nigerian people.





Nigeria cannot be ruled from the grave. She cannot and must not be ruled by the dark and faceless agents and sinister emissaries of a shrouded and embalmed Egyptian-like entombed mummy or the surrogates of a corpse that is either stone-cold dead or is dead to to the world and barely alive.





We deserve far better than that and we have the right to be told the truth no matter how bitter that truth may be.

The fact of the matter is that anyone that believes anything that this evil government tells them is truly lost.





The truth is that it was not Buhari that gave Osinbajo permission to sign the budget but rather evil mafia and dark cabal that runs this country in his name.





If those that put that statement out were not utterly shameless how can they even say publicly that an Acting President who is more than capable of running the country has to wait for permission or for backing from a sick President that no-one has seen or heard from in weeks to sign a budget six months into the fiscal year.





Clearly these people are drunk on power and it has affected their ability to reason properly or think straight. Clearly Nigeria is in a precarious position right now.

Our government is a government of liars who are sustained by lies, who live by lies and who will die by lies.

Their spiritual foundation and the very essence of their being is built on nothing but perfidy and mendacity.

Their souls are dark, their spirits are corrupt and their consciences are seared beyond redemption.

The shedding of human blood is their delight, the sacrifice of the innocents is their pleasure and the administration of disaster, hardship and misery is their joy.





They are nothing but sadists whose declared intention is to keep us in bondage and rule for another two hundred years.





And even as our people are dying of hunger and being slaughtered on a daily basis by Fulani herdsmen and Boko Haram they offer no apology for their shameful and glaring incompetence and neither do they display any remorse for their inability to protect the people that they were elected to serve and defend.





Instead of doing that all they do is just tell us one lie after the other. For example when asked about Buharis medical condition the Minister of Information, Mr. Lai Mohammed, had the effrontery and nerve to tell Channels Television that





President Buhari is alive and well and he talks to Acting President Osinbajo every day!

If anyone believes that hogwash they will believe anything! And the minute Lai said it his already big, fat and oversized nose grew ten inches longer.

What a terrible plague and affliction has befallen our nation. That plague and affliction is known as Muhammadu Buhari and his clandestine cabal of sinister and byzantian tormentors.





May God deliver Nigeria from their evil claws and mendacious clutches.




Billionaire Kidnapper, Chukwudubem Onwuamadike, aka Evans, has revealed in an interview posted by Channels Television that his mother knew ...

Billionaire Kidnapper, Chukwudubem Onwuamadike, aka Evans, has revealed in an interview posted by Channels Television that his mother knew he was a kidnapper, but said the woman was not in support of his evil art.

He also revealed how two of his gang members were shot dead while attempting to kidnap the owner of The Young Shall Grow Motors, Vincent Obianudo, in August 2013 at Festac, Lagos.





Where did you start kidnapping?

I started in Anambra then I came to Lagos.





How many jobs did you do in Anambra?

The truth of the matter is that I did not do anything in Anambra. Anambra can check the record of it. In Edo state it was like about three times.





Who did you kidnap in Edo State?

I dont know their names. I know about (inaudible). I know the people that do the thing. That time they said they did not collect N100 million, that what they collected was N50 million.





When did you move to Lagos?

I moved to Lagos in 2013.

Who did you kidnap in Festac, Lagos?

I dont normally know names. But when I see someone that I know I will, you understand. Because sometimes something will happen, you will not know the name of the person.





How did you identify a rich individual?

Anybody that is rich, you will know that he is rich. I have people that give me information. I dont know where they are right now.





How did you meet with your boys?

Each time I want to go for operation I will call them on the phone like lets meet in so and so place before we start going for the operation.

Where did you get the military uniform you use for your operations?

I no get army uniform.





How many of you normally go for an operation?

Three or four.





How did you get your victims away?

We would carry the man put inside motor and go.





How did you get into a victims House?

It is maybe along the road.





So you wait for your victims to come out?

Yes.

What is the most expensive ransom you have collected?

The highest money we have collected is from somebody living in Festac, $1 million.





Why did you keep your victims for months and where?

Just because they are wasting time. Because when you are wasting time you have to wait for the money to be complete. We have people that are feeding them.





Where did you keep your victims?

Just one. It is around Igando area. It is a rented apartment.





What are names of the boys that watched over the victims?

The name of the boy is Uche. They are two. I cant remember the name of the second person. He is an Igbo boy. He is from Aguleri. His name has escaped me but I will remember.





Are they armed?

No.





How much do you pay him and how long have they been working for you?

The boy is a new person but Uche is the old person.





How much do you pay Uche before this boy joined him?

N2 million.





Every month?

Every operation. Sometimes above that.





Your second in command, how much do you give him?

It depends on the money we make.





Who goes to collect the ransom?

I can make the call but they can go and collect it. When they bring the money we have to share it. All of us.





How many of you?

Like six.





You have boys in each state?

Yes. It is those people I have in Lagos. I dont have boys in Edo and Anambra.





If you want to go and kidnap in Edo, what do you do?

It is by phone call. That was that time we made phone calls then we gather together.





Where do you meet?

We can meet along the road and ask them to pick you up.





Tell us about your family. Your mom, your sisters, do they know what you do?

As for my mom, my mom dont know what I do like that. I normally see her once in a while. But as a human being she knows not that she is in support.





What of your sister is she in Lagos? Does she know what you do?

My sister, No.





How much did you buy the house?

I bought it for N130 million.





From whom? From an individual or a company? When did you buy it?

From an individual. I bought it last year. I was living somewhere around here.





How many houses do you have in Magodo?

Its two houses.





How many houses do you have in Ghana?

I have two. I built it myself. It is N15 million each. It is a duplex. I dont have house in Canada.





How do you feel about killing people?

It is not me that killed. I dont kill.





Do your boys kill?

I will not know. If somebody dies there I dont know.





How about the Young Shall Grow incident?

That day I was driving.





You drove your boys? How many of you were there that day?

Five.





How many of them died that day?

Two.





What happened to them?

They got shot.





In the Young Shall Grow Operation, who fired gun?

I was driving. It was Uche and Hunchman and Nnamdi.





How do you sustain this injury? (Camera zooms to a huge scar on Evans shoulder)





It was when I was doing drug business. In South Africa. That was where I got the bullet wound. Somebody shot me.

How many countries have you worked?

Only South Africa and Ghana.





When you get your ransom, where do you spend it?

I spend it in Nigeria. I have not travelled since 2007.





What message do you have for your children?

I dont have any message for them. I believe God will take control. My advice is that anybody that is doing kidnapping should quit.





Watch Video below:








Independent National Electoral Commission, on Friday threatened to deregister erring political parties.Its Chairman, Prof. Yakubu Mahmood, who spoke while presenting certificates to the recently registered five political parties, said that the commission would not hesitate to sanction any of the political party that violates the laws.The new five political parties, who got their registration certificates are Action Democratic Party, All Democratic Peoples Movement, Advanced Peoples Democratic Alliance, New Generation Party of Nigeria and the Young Progressive Party.With this, the number of political parties in Nigeria now stands at 45.Mahmood told the leadership of the new political parties that the commission shall vigorously apply the law guiding the parties where necessary.He said, Commission will continue to strictly monitor the activities of all political parties and will not hesitate to apply sanctions against any violation of the law governing the terms and conditions of your registration.I wish to remind all political parties that the law also provides for de-registration of parties. We shall vigorously apply this aspect of the law as the need arises.As we approach some of the outstanding bye-elections, the three Governorship Elections in Anambra, Ekiti and Osun States and ultimately the 2019 general elections, the Commission will pay special attention to the conduct of political parties as well as their candidates and supporters.Hate speech and other violations of the electoral acts attract appropriate sanctions under the law. I wish to assure all political parties that we shall continue to consult you as major partners in the electoral process.We will continue to work with the inter-Party Advisory Council in our shared commitment to improving our electoral process. He told the leadership of the newly registered political parties not to see the registration of their political parties as an end in itself.Rather, he said that the registration should be an opportunity to exercise the critical role of political parties in the best interest of our growing democracy.
Nigerians are demanding the prosecution of a Chinese boss, identified as Master Wan at Bedmate Furniture Company, Magboro, Ogun State, who allegedly damaged the spinal bone of one of the employees, William Ekanem.It was learnt that Master Wan, who is skilled in kung fu, had demanded to see a bag of rice which Ekanem bought from a foodstuffs seller, identified as Iya Melo, on the premises of the company.The 27-year-old had reportedly challenged the Chinese for poking his nose into his personal business.After forcefully checking the content, Ekanem said he was leaving when Master Wan allegedly gave him a kick in the back, which sent him sprawling on the ground.The suspect was said to have stamped his foot on the victim before he was rescued by some other workers on the premises.Ekanem had since not been able to walk well or stand straight.Although the matter was reported to the Ibafo Police Station, nothing concrete had been done. The Divisional Crime Officer allegedly took a N50,000 bribe from the Chinese company and had accused Ekanem of exaggerating the assault.Daniel Dalon who expressed his bitterness over the incident said the DCO and the DPO of the Ibafo police station should be immediately dismissed for their inactions and Mr. Wan prosecuted.Jose link who couldnt agree less wondered if other West African countries would allow such excesses.He said, Can any Nigerian do this in Benin or any other African countries and go unpunished.Just look at the giant of Africa, a third world like us came in and use us as a Kunfu sand bag.Parry B wants the civil society and labour unions not to allow this matter to be swept under the carpet.We know how many Nigerians are serving prison terms or have been executed for crimes in China. Our laws must be respected too, he said.
The young man who was arrested in Markurdi, Benue State for passing himself off as a female prostitute has made more shocking revelation. ...

The young man who was arrested in Markurdi, Benue State for passing himself off as a female prostitute has made more shocking revelation.

Jennifer Kpaakpa, real name Ushahemba Yaapera, who confessed to have slept with over 1000 men in the past five years said that all the men won't be able to impregnate any woman as their sperm has been used for ritual.



on Wednesday, June 15th. See previous report: The suspect's real identity was discovered by the Police during a raid at a brothel aon Wednesday, June 15th. See previous report: here





Below is a report by activist, Mr Ukan Kurugh, who was at the state police headquarters where Jennifer was paraded alongside other suspects on Thursday:





"The young man was arrested around Xima Bar at Kashim Ibrahim Road Makurdi when he went to separate a fight between 2 female sex workers at a brothel and in the process got his male sex organ exposed amidst the female clothing he wore. This automatically ended the fight as everyone was scared of his appearance having known him for long as a female. This attracted the attention of the police who whisked him away to police headquarters, Makurdi. This occurred on the Wednesday the 14th of March, 2017





At the police headquarters where I also visited yesterday, the man revealed that, by birth he was male but was initiated into occultism in a secondary school in Katsina-ala where he schooled and that since then he attends meetings under bridges of main water bodies with other members and a queen around the country. He explained upon inquiry that he had done prostitution in many major cities around the country like Lagos, Abuja, Ibadan, Calabar, Kaduna, Port Harcourt and others where he would be picked up by men who would make love to him seeing him as a woman and thereafter, whether with the use of protection or not, the man's sperm would be gotten and used for rituals and such a man will be permanently unable to impregnate a woman.





On the number of men he had engaged in his spiritual ordeal, he explained that he wasn't sure of the figure but that, not less than 1500 men. He explained further that, the queen under the water had mandated him to do thus for 12 years and then she will bless him with super wealth. He said this was his 5th year, meaning he was left with 7 years to meet his target and be rewarded with the ultimate prize of wealth beyond comprehension.





At the police station, it was surprising to see a man Mr. Terkimbi Yandev who walked in and requested to bail this guy on the ground that he was his girlfriend. The guy in question at that moment explained further that, to all those who made love to him, he appears to be a beautiful woman whom they can't afford not to love. The man is now in police custody as investigations are still ongoing even as people around his Coca-Cola residence in Makurdi have expressed shocked that, the girl they knew all the while was man. His parents are reputed to live in Katsina-ala where he has not visited for a long time since he got enlisted into occultism.
The disappearance of a former Boko Haram bride who recently returned home after three years in the militants stronghold in northeast Nigeri...





The disappearance of a former Boko Haram bride who recently returned home after three years in the militants stronghold in northeast Nigeria has stoked concern about the difficulty of deradicalising and reintegrating women seized by the jihadists.The wife of a Boko Haram commander, 25-year-old Aisha, was among 70 women and children who in February finished a nine-month deradicalisation programme, having being captured by the army in a raid on the militants Sambisa forest base last year.Last month Aisha vanished from her family home in Bornos state capital Maiduguri, taking the baby boy fathered by her Boko Haram husband and some of her clothes, according to her younger sister Bintu Yerima.Before she left  she had received a phone call from a woman who was with her (in the programme), 22-year-old Yerima told the Thomson Reuters Foundation by phone from Maiduguri. The woman said that she had returned to the Sambisa forest.Phone calls to Aisha after she disappeared went unanswered, and her mobile has since been switched off, her sister added.Fatima Akilu, a psychologist and head of the Neem Foundation, an anti-extremism group which ran the state-backed programme, said she had heard that some of the women who were under her care, including Aisha, had gone back to Boko Haram.Rehabilitation, reintegration is a long process  complicated by the fact we have an active, ongoing insurgency.In an interview in February, 2017, Aisha had said: I had many slaves  they did everything for me." She explained how women and girls kidnapped by the Islamist militants washed, cooked and babysat for her during the 3 years she spent in their base in the vast Sambisa forest.Even the men respected me because I was a leading Boko Haram commander, Mamman Nurs wife. They could not look me in the eye, Aisha said in a state safe house in Maiduguri, where she has lived for almost a year since being captured by the Nigerian army in a raid in Sambisa.
PARK RIDGE - A Ramsey police sergeant was charged with driving under the influence after his car crashed into a tree early Wednesday, according to a police report.

Vasili Pieratos, 43, lost control of his gray 2016 Mercedes Benz about 3:15 a.m. on Kinderkamack Road near Highland Street. Another police officer was with Pieratos when the crash occurred, according to police.

Pieratos' blood-alcohol level was allegedly 0.19 - more than twice the legal limit, according to the police report.

"The driver's impairment by alcohol caused him to fail to negotiate the curve and the resultant crash," states the report, prepared by Officer Todd Stowe.

The report states Pieratos' car went over a curb and onto the lawn of a home, continued over the fence of another home and hit a tree, boulder and landscaping berm before landing sideways on its passenger side.

"As this officer approached the scene, the passenger was able to self extricate from the vehicle," Stowe states in the report. "After a short time, the driver was also able to self extricate."

In addition to DUI, the officer was charged with reckless driving and given a summons for an unsafe lane change, the report said.

Park Ridge police and volunteers with the Park Ridge Volunteer Fire Department responded to the scene, the fire department said on Facebook.

Chief Bryan Gurney of the Ramsey Police Department said he would not comment.

"It is a personnel matter that we can't discuss," Gurney stated in an email. "The Ramsey Police Department will handle this matter pursuant to the (New Jersey) Attorney General guidelines."

A woman who answered the phone at the Pieratos' home Friday said the sergeant was not available to speak. A cellphone number in Pieratos' name was not accepting calls on Friday.

According to the Ramsey Police Department website, Pieratos is a tour commander.

Police diagram shows how the car went off the road before crashing and overturning. (Park Ridge Police Department)

Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
CAMDEN -- A 17-year-old Camden City boy was charged Friday with the daylight fatal shooting of an 18-year-old man here, the Camden County prosecutor said.

The suspect's name was not released because he is a minor.

Shapaul Johnson, 18, also of Camden, was found fatally shot in the area of the 1000 block of Thurman Street on the evening of May 18. Camden County Police responded at 7:27 p.m. after a ShotSpotter activation and 9-1-1 calls, the prosecutor said.

Officers arrived and located Johnson suffering from a gunshot wound. He was taken to Cooper University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 1:35 a.m.

The victim had a lot to look forward to, friends said. They said he was excited about his upcoming prom, and after that, his Camden High School graduation. He was also about two months away from becoming a father to a baby girl he had already named: Hope.

Danaysha Peoples, 20, the mother of his unborn child, said his family and friends stood vigil at Cooper University Hospital into the early morning hours after the shooting. Johnson later died from the single gunshot wound.

"I'm trying to keep calm because I'm carrying his child, but we just hurt right now," she said days after the shooting at a sidewalk vigil.

The juvenile suspect is being held at the Camden County jail on a first-degree murder charge. There have been seven homicides in Camden this year. Johnson was the sixth.

Bill Duhart may be reached at bduhart@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @bduhart. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Staff writer Rebecca Everett contributed to this report.
VINELAND -- Dr. Frank DeMaio does not like to make a big deal about things, especially when it comes to recognizing something he has done.

"I'm overwhelmed because they are thanking me," joked DeMaio. "I'm not used to being thanked. I've been practicing for years. I've saved many lives and taken care of patients for nothing. A lot of times I used to get hollered at. Now all of a sudden, I'm being thanked by these people."

Doctors and hospital employees gathered in the Inspira Medical Center Education Wing in Vineland Thursday to celebrate something DeMaio had given them: A $1 million gift. The money will be used to help fund a program to help residents that go through the Medical Center's residency program stay in Vineland.

"I think it will help," DeMaio said. "I went to Glassboro and spoke to the dean and he said people just don't want to come to this area. I hope this will bring good doctors to the area. That's the goal."

DeMaio, who is a Vineland High School graduate, began practicing medicine in 1963. He came back to the Vineland area to practice medicine. As a history buff, he was also instrumental in creating the History Wall, which chronicles the history of medicine in the Vineland area.

"I'm a history buff," DeMaio added. "I love history. It's very important. You have a kid who's 5, 6 7 years old. Does he have any frame of reference? Then you talk about relatives and did this and that. All of a sudden, the kid has structure. I feel the history of this area is important and that is why we have the wall."

"Thanks to Dr. DeMaio's remarkable act of philanthropy, his positive impact on the well-being of local residents will continue to grow for decades to come," said John DiAngelo, president and CEO of Inspira Health Network. "We are grateful for his nearly 60 years of service as a physician, and to that we add our gratitude for this exceptional gift."

As a thank you to DeMaio, the hospital renamed the education wing the Dr. Frank DeMaio Education Center. He is appreciative of the gesture and still cares a lot about the institution.

"I think this institution is an amazing institution. We are in a rural community and yet they have created this hospital, this institution and all these people. I think they all deserve a tremendous amount of credit."

Chris Franklin can be reached at cfranklin@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @cfranklinnews. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
WALL -- Wall Township High School will print corrected yearbooks for every student after a photo was intentionally manipulated to cover up a junior's Donald Trump T-shirt, according to the district.

Superintendent Cheryl Dyer announced the decision in a letter to parents on Thursday, a week after the district was first alerted to the altered photo. The new yearbook should arrive within two weeks, she wrote.

"I cannot allow the intentional change that was not based on dress code to be ignored," Dyer wrote. "I am the Chief School Administrator in this district, and I take responsibility for the actions of those who are employed here. Therefore, I have determined that a re-issuance of the yearbook is necessary."

The district on Monday suspended yearbook advisor Susan Parsons indefinitely as it investigates why yearbook photos were changed. There's no evidence students played a role in the changes, Dyer said Monday.

While one student's photo was intentionally altered to remove a pro-Trump image, Dyer wrote that another photo that appeared to be censored was not. That photo was re-sized in the same manner as all other photos and Trump's name was no longer visible on a student's vest because of the re-sizing, Dyer wrote.

Dyer also told parents that she has not yet determined why a Trump quote selected to accompany a freshman class officer's photo did not appear in the yearbook.

"I do not know if this was an oversight, carelessness, or intentional," Dyer wrote.

The superintendent noted several other mistakes in the yearbook, including the intentional editing of photos from a student trip to Bermuda to add or extend clothing on students. The original Bermuda photos cannot be reprinted, Dyer wrote.

In other instances, photos of students or class officers were omitted. One student had his eyes closed in a photo even though better photos were available, Dyer wrote.

"I do not believe that it is possible to create a yearbook of 248 pages, thousands of pictures, names, and lines of text and have it be error free," Dyer wrote. "I also think that reasonable people recognize that, but when the error pertains to them, they are rightfully upset."

The allegations of censorship raised first amendment questions and thrust one of Wall into the national spotlight.

Trump carried more than 60 percent of the vote in Wall and stirred enthusiasm among some students, including Grant Berardo, the junior whose T-shirt was edited.

Berardo collected five Trump T-shirts and wore one on picture day last fall to make a "historic" statement, his family told The Star-Ledger.

"I thought it was pretty cool that this guy was running for president," Berardo said.

But Berardo's navy blue "TRUMP Make America Great Again" T-shirt was changed to appear as a plain blue shirt in the yearbook, much to his surprise when he found his photo.

Nothing in the high school's dress code would prevent a student from expressing political views and support for a candidate through appropriate clothing, Dyer said last week. The high school administration was not aware of and does not condone censorship of political views, she said.

In her letter to parents Thursday, Dyer apologized for the mistakes and promised to implement checks and balances to prevent future problems.

Parsons, a veteran educator in the high school's technology/media department, did not respond to a phone call seeking comment on Monday. A woman reached at Parsons' listed address in Wall Township declined to comment.

Adam Clark may be reached at adam_clark@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on twitter at @realAdamClark. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
NEWARK -- A Newark man is accused of murder and arson after a fire at a South Ward building claimed the life of its resident, officials said Friday.

Harold Greene, Jr., 47 (Photo: ECPO)

Harold Greene, Jr., 47, was also charged with weapons offenses in the fire Tuesday at 756 Clinton Ave., Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray and city Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose said in a statement.

Newark Fire Division arson detectives arrested Greene at a residence in the Vailsburg section, according to Capt. Derek Glenn, of the city's Public Safety Department. Prosecutors charged Greene Thursday.

The arrest came after firefighters discovered Paul Hook, 56, unresponsive as they doused a basement fire at the Clinton Avenue building shortly before 8 p.m., according to authorities. Emergency crews rushed Hook to Saint Barnabas Medical Center, where he died Wednesday night.

Preliminary reports indicate Hook, who lived in the basement of the Clinton Avenue building, died from injuries he suffered in the fire, according to Prosecutor's Office spokeswoman Katherine Carter. The weapons offenses stem from an unspecified liquid allegedly used to ignite the blaze.

The county's Homicide Task Force was alerted after investigators discovered an accelerant was used to start the fire, according to authorities.

The Clinton Avenue building housed a hair salon on one level, online listings showed.

Newark fire officials cited the property owner for maintaining a building that posed "an imminent hazard to the public health, safety or welfare," a department spokesman added. Fire division and code enforcement inspectors also found "numerous" other violations at the location.

Officials said the investigation was ongoing and asked anyone with information to call the Prosecutor's Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force at 1-877-TIPS-4EC or 1-877-847-7432.

Noah Cohen may be reached at ncohen@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @noahyc and on Facebook. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips
WASHINGTON TWP. -- Washington Township High School's Class of 2017 attended its graduation ceremony Thursday evening.

Check out our photo gallery of the high school's graduating seniors, and be sure to look through our complete graduation coverage at nj.com/graduation.

BUY THESE PHOTOS

Are you one of the people pictured at this graduation? Want to buy the photo and keep it forever? View the photo gallery on desktop and look for a link in the photo caption to purchase the picture: Click on it, and you'll have the ability to order prints in a variety of sizes, or products like magnets, keychains, coffee mugs and more. The link won't be viewable on mobile.

SHARE YOUR GRADUATION PHOTOS ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Follow us on Twitter @njdotcom and tag your photos #njgrads.

Caitlyn Stulpin may be reached at cstulpin@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @caitstulpin. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
JERSEY CITY -- A Jersey City man and his brother were each sentenced to seven years in prison Thursday after both pleaded guilty to reckless manslaughter in separate homicides.

Sammy Mixson, 31, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, was convicted of killing Darren "Reese" Talington, 25, of Jersey City, outside the now-closed A-Plus Deli near the Grove Street PATH Station on April 26, 2014.

His brother, Daquan Mixson, 26, of the Booker T. Washington complex, is heading to prison for killing Darius Dashawn Redmon, 21, on May 1, 2014 outside the public housing complex where Daquan Mixson lived.

A clerk at the deli said Talington was in the store when a man who appeared drunk entered and hit a woman with a beer bottle. Talington confronted the man and the two stepped outside. Authorities said Sammy Mixson intervened in the ensuing scuffle, shooting Talington several times.

The killing of the Good Samaritan outraged the community and hundred attended his funeral.

Sammy Mixson must serve nearly six years before becoming eligible for parole, but he has 945 days of jail credit, which will be applied to his sentence.

Meanwhile, Daquan Mixson must also serve nearly six years before becoming eligible for parole. He has 1,139 days jail credit.

At about 11:30 a.m. on the day of Redmon's killing, a vehicle pulled up to a Jersey City police station and the men inside told police someone had been shot, officials said at the time.

Redmon was found unconscious in the back seat of the vehicle with a gunshot wound to his head, authorities said.
"PBS NewsHour'' took viewers on a tour of Jersey City last night with the help of Jersey Journal reporter Terrence McDonald as it looked into the continuing controversy of the Kushner Companies' use of a visa program to get foreign financing for several developments.

The program focused on the Trump Bay Street high-rise in Downtown Jersey City and the way its developers strung together Census tracts from the inner city in order to have foreign investors qualify for EB-5 visas for $500,000 investments.

In the segment, McDonald takes "NewsHour'' economics correspondent Paul Solman on a walking tour of the tracts and also Journal Square, where a Kushner entity is planning a two-tower development called One Journal Square. That project raised eyebrows last month when Jared Kushner's sister used his name in a pitch to Chinese investors.

Kushner Companies, which is developing One Journal Square with KABR Group, withdrew its request for a tax abatement deal from the city. Mayor Steve Fulop said last month his administration would not support the request.
JERSEY CITY - When Colin Devries moved into his Belmont Avenue apartment, he was told his unit had been completely renovated after the previous tenant moved out.

What he didn't know was the last tenant was paying about $650 less per month and that his rent -- $1350 per month -- had increased by more than 92 percent. Devries said he was not provided copies of receipts for the work done on the unit or rent rolls that showed how much more he was paying.

The management company, meanwhile, says it only needs to provide receipt of that work to the city, and only when its requested.

It's episode like this that have pitted a local social advocacy group and some city officials against Devries' landlord, Trendy Management - which oversees roughly 150 buildings in Jersey City - over rent control laws and housing enforcement violations.

But in a May 23 letter to Trendy Management, the city's Office of Tenant Landlord Relations said it found "substantial compliance with rent increase provisions of the Jersey City Rent Control Ordinance." The company maintains rent was increased lawfully for each unit following the city's guidelines

The group, Jersey City Together, first shed light on unsanitary living conditions at some of Trendy Management properties in March. The group's action promoted a thorough investigation by health, housing, and fire officials at 35 of the company's properties and resulted in more than 1,400 violations.

Last Sunday, the group held a follow-up action alleging the management company was violating the city's rent control laws. Trendy Management has been using a "loophole" to increase rent after Section 8 tenants have moved out, both the group and Mayor Steve Fulop allege.

"We need to hold on to every single unit of affordable housing that we can," the Rev. Jessica Lambert said at the rally. "And so we need to enforce our good rent control laws as vigorously as we can."

Jersey City Together collected much of its initial research by knocking on doors at Trendy Management buildings. In data that organizers collected from the city rent rolls, more than 60 units at 48 Trendy Management buildings saw a rent increase of more than $300 per month between 2015 and 2016.

Trendy Management maintains their tenants are happy with the way their buildings are run. Kaplan also said many of the complaining about the conditions don't live in Trendy apartments.

Fulop quickly sided with Jersey City Together, introducing an ordinance that would tighten the provision that landlords, like Trendy Management, are allegedly using to increase rents. Under the previous city ordinance, "units receiving state or federal subsidies, primarily Section 8 vouchers could be used to try and exempt the landlord from rent control," the city said in a press release.

However, the City Council unanimously approved the new measure Wednesday night, eliminating the ability to circumvent the rent control laws.

Trendy Management, however, paints a different picture of the its business, saying it intentionally manages older buildings to remodel units once tenants move out, according to Esther Kaplan, president of the Clifton-based company. Part of the reason the company remodels rundown units, she said, is to make buildings more "habitable" for tenants.

"It's the right thing that people should have habitable apartments to live in," Kaplan said in an interview with The Jersey Journal.

Activists rallying against Trendy Management are frustrated the company has not attended any recent demostrations. Kaplan said she is more comfortable sitting down and discussing concerns in private rather than at public meetings she calls a "show trial."

Despite having been issued more than 1,400 violations at 35 properties, Kaplan said many of those violations stemmed from "cosmetic" issues, nearly all of which have been abated. Asked about the conditions in some apartments spotlighted by Jersey City Together, Kaplan said the company was not aware of those particular issues.

"We have many happy tenants," Kaplan said. "Many, many, many."

But since the first action by Jersey City Together, Trendy Management set up a hotline for residents to schedule repairs, which about 100 people have utilized, Kaplan said. During the latest action, residents and leaders both acknowledged seeing improvements at the buildings.

Caitlin Mota may be reached at cmota@jjournal.com. Follow her on Twitter @caitlin_mota. Find The Jersey Journal on Facebook.
BETHLEHEM TWP. - A Hunterdon County teen completed his Eagle Scout project with the recent opening of his Outdoor Obstacle Course Test at Heritage Park.

Mitchell Coppola, 15, of Clinton, modeled the course after West Point's Indoor Obstacle Course Test. He and fellow volunteers completed over 1,450 service hours to build the course. It cost over $16,000 to build.

"I thought it was just a fun way for everybody to get exercise," Mitchell said. It was his younger brother, Joseph, who suggested the course could be Mitchell's project. The brothers fell in love with the course after traveling to West Point every year to visit friends of the family.

Mitchell went well above the number of hours most Eagle Scout candidates commit to a project. His course consists of 12 different stations. Funds were raised by finding sponsors for each station, with donations coming from the community once word got out.

"I had somebody come up to me (in school) and say, 'Hey I heard you were working on your Eagle Scout project. I'll be there,'" Mitchell said. "I didn't know he knew I was in scouts." Coppola, a lacrosse player and Tae Kwon Do second degree black belt, has been in scouts for eight years.

Unexpected costs, such as having to replace a few $20 drill bits, added up. However, he was able to cut costs by using telephone poles for wood, and his father, Frank Coppola, owner of a construction management company, got an initial quote of $25,000 for mulch down to $1,500.

Even with the extensive fundraising and manual labor that's gone into the course, Mitchell says the hardest part was the countless emails he had to write. His biggest fear was disappointing people.

Mitchell's biggest setback, however, had nothing to do with finances, labor or emails. About six months into his project, one of the leaders in his troop told him that his project was too big and suggested that he do something smaller. It was the breaking point for him.

"It was so bad that Mitch quit Scouts in December of 2016," Frank Coppola said. "In January, his committee was formed and assured him that he was too important to fail."

Mitchell has been working with a committee consisting of his four most-trusted mentors and the help of his dad.

"I found motivation through my project, because I knew it would help others," Mitchell said. "My project has definitely helped me, and I sure hope it helps the town."

Linda Garvey, secretary of Troop 191, said while Mitchell stopped going to Scouts for a while, he remained on the troop's charter and is active in the troop. The next steps for him attaining the Eagle Scout rank, Garvey said, is for him to finish his paperwork, have his Scoutmaster Conference and Eagle Scout Board of Review.

What is Mitchell's next big project? Getting a job so he can save up to buy his father's truck.
It's your chance to sail on a tall ship again and get a great view of the New York-New Jersey waterfront to boot.

From June 20 until July 12, you can climb aboard the A.J. Meerwald, which is returning to Liberty State Park for its annual visit.

The A.J. Meerwald is a 1928 Delaware Bay Oyster Schooner that was restored in 1995, and has since become an educational vessel for the state of New Jersey.

It makes sails into New York Bay for approximately two hours.

You can choose between the family morning sail, afternoon sail or evening sail. All three are approximately two hours long and will educate the passengers about the boat and how it works.

Family morning sails leave the dock at 10 a.m. on either June 24, July 1 or 8 with a variety of dates to choose from for the afternoon, which start at 1:30 p.m., and evening sails, which start at 6:30 p.m.

Another option for kids is the Sailor for a Day Camp on either June 28 or July 12. This camp gives kids the opportunity to learn how to raise sails and analyze trawl while also learning about navigation, sail theory, helming, knot tying and more. This seven-hour camp is for kids ages 10 to 16.

If you do not want to take a trip on the water, there will be free dockside tours available to the public. The dates are June 20 to the 23, 29 and 30 and July 5, 9 and 11 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. There will also be special tour hours on July 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Prices range from $35 to $45 for adults, $30 to $40 for seniors and $15 to $22 for children between the ages of three and 12. Children under three are free.

The ship will be docked at Liberty State Park located at 1 Audrey Zapp Rd. in Jersey City. For more information about the tours or to order tickets, call 856-785-2060 or go to bayshorecenter.org.
TRENTON -- A Trenton man who pleaded guilty to second-degree child endangerment after his daughter was rushed to the hospital with bleeding in her brain last year was sentenced to five years in prison Friday.

Michael Marrone, 31, says he dropped his then 2-month-old daughter and fell on top of her while carrying her up a flight of stairs in March 2016.

Michael Marrone, 31, of Trenton.

The baby's mother noticed something was wrong when her daughter was acting lethargic and refusing to eat, so she took her to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

The infant's injuries baffled doctors at first, and Marrone stayed quiet about what happened, prosecutors said.

After police gave Marrone a polygraph examination, he admitted to dropping her and was eventually arrested and charged, on March 21, 2016. He's been incarcerated for the past 15 months.

Medical professionals have since said the baby's injuries were not consistent with being dropped; rather, it seemed like she had been shaken hard, prosecutors said.

Marrone, who never attended high school, was reserved in court Friday when addressing Superior Court Judge Peter Warshaw.

He said he loved his daughter and didn't mean to hurt her.

"Being incarcerated has opened my eyes on a spiritual level," Marrone told the judge. "It's been better being away from the streets of Trenton."

Warshaw also ordered Marrone have no contact with his now 1-year-old daughter until visitation is approved by child protective services.

Brandon Scalea can be reached at bscalea@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @brandonscalea. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
TRENTON -- The FBI's special counsel investigating Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election has turned its attention to President Donald Trump's son-in-law and adviser Jared Kushner, according to a report in The Washington Post.

The newspaper reported the probe, led by former FBI Director Robert Mueller, is examining Kushner's finances and business dealings. The Post cited anonymous U.S. officials familiar with the matter.

Kushner, a New Jersey native, belongs to a wealthy real estate family with high-end properties in New York and New Jersey. Since his father-in-law took office, he has been involved in a range of White House matters, from Middle East peace talks to business deregulation discussions.

The New York Times previously reported that investigators in the FBI's probe were scrutinizing a series of meetings Kushner had with Russian ambassador Sergey Kislyak, and then with Sergey Gorkov, the head of a state-owned Russian development bank.

The White House said at the time that Kushner's meetings were for diplomatic purposes, but the Russian bank maintained their meeting concerned the Kushner family's real estate company.

They made up a phony collusion with the Russians story, found zero proof, so now they go for obstruction of justice on the phony story. Nice  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 15, 2017

The president, for his part, has denied any collusion between members of his campaign and Russian agents looking to interfere with the election. On Thursday, Trump took to Twitter to call the probe "the single greatest WITCH HUNT in American political history -- led by some very bad and conflicted people!"

S.P. Sullivan may be reached at ssullivan@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter. Find NJ.com on
TRENTON -- President Donald Trump gave a family loyalist who once planned his son Eric's wedding the top job at the federal housing agency for New York and New Jersey, according to a report in the New York Daily News.

Lynne Patton, who began working as an event planner for the Trump family in 2009, was appointed Wednesday to run the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Region II.

Friday's front page:



Her housing experience? ZERO



Her new job? N.Y. HOUSING BOSS



Meet...

THE WEDDING SCAMMER https://t.co/wpcGuiHORj pic.twitter.com/PC4uI2roMz  New York Daily News (@NYDailyNews) June 16, 2017

Her last job was helping run the Eric Trump Foundation, a charity now under investigation by New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman.

The Daily News report raised questions about Patton's resume as listed on her LinkedIn profile, which says she attended Quinnipiac University School of Law in Connecticut and Yale University.

In response to the story on Twitter Friday morning, Patton said she never lied about her law degree because she listed "N/A" next to the degree. A school spokesman told the newspaper Patton attended two semesters there.

Patton is slated to start in July at the head of HUD's largest regional office, which oversees billions of dollars in federal housing funds.

S.P. Sullivan may be reached at ssullivan@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
ELIZABETH -- A former Middlesex County probation officer was taken out of a courtroom in handcuffs Friday after she was sentenced to prison for accepting bribes from a man so he could avoid court-ordered drug tests.

Superior Court Judge John M. Deitch sentenced Rhonda Battle to three years in prison and required that she serve at least two years before being eligible for parole.

Middlesex County authorities said Battle accepted several bribes from a drug offender to allow him to skip testing and remain on probation.

"She was keeping him off drug testing," Middlesex County Assistant Prosecutor Christine D'Elia told Deitch. " It was several instances of a one-year period" that she received bribes, D'Elia said.

The 48-year-old Battle was responsible for working with clients admitted to the state drug court program at the Middlesex County Courthouse in New Brunswick, authorities said.

Battle, of Roselle, received bribes from January through December of 2014, authorities said. They said she kept the man off a list of people subject to random drug testing because she knew he would test positive for drug abuse.

D'Elia said investigators found video of Battle meeting the man in a parking lot and accepting money, and said Battle had $400 in her possession -- money she received from the offender -- when she was arrested in December 2014.

Battle's attorney Joseph Rotella, told Deitch that his client has expressed regret for the crime.

"She has accepted responsibility for her action. She feels terrible that she breached the public trust," Rotella said.

Deitch noted that this was Battle's first criminal offense.

In April, battle pleaded guilty to a charge of official misconduct.

"I think she's going to serve her time and she's going to re-join society without further incident," Deitch said.

Battle has also forfeited the right to ever have a public sector job again.

The case was transferred to Union County from Middlesex County to avoid any conflict.

Tom Haydon may be reached at thaydon@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @Tom_HaydonSL. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
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 
DENVER  The Council Bluffs community won its first All-America City Award at a convention Friday afternoon organized by the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading.

The award recognizes the top communities in the country. Its administered by the National Civic League and reflects residents, governments, businesses and nonprofits coming together to work on challenges  in this years case, working toward promoting grade-level literacy by the end of third grade.

An award luncheon was held Friday at the Westin Hotel at the Denver International Airport. Ralph Smith, managing director for the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading, described the campaigns efforts as helping communities to support parents as they raise their children.

What we all have to do is to acknowledge that these parents know, care for and love their kids more than the rest of us. If we understand that, our job, our role, is to help parents envision bold goals for their own children.

Smith said communities must then work to support parents as they work to obtain those goals and then find opportunities to mark progress and celebrate success. The campaign, he said, serves the same function for those communities as they strive to promote grade-level literacy for young children.

We are here to mark progress, and certainly to celebrate a whole lot of success, Smith said.

During the announcements, Council Bluffs was the 13th of 15 winners of an All-America City Award, out of 27 finalists who made the trip to Denver. Typically, only 10 awards are presented, adding to the suspense for the city. Des Moines and Dubuque also received awards.

Council Bluffs also was a finalist at last years All-America City Awards, as well as in 2012, the last time the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading was running the show on behalf of the National Civic League. The city hadnt won the award previously.

According to the league, George H. Gallup dubbed the All-America City Award as the Nobel Prize for constructive citizenship. More than 500 communities have been recognized nationally since 1949. The league said the award reinvigorates a communitys sense of civic pride.

The Campaign for Grade-Level Reading focuses on school attendance, readiness and summer learning  three areas where Council Bluffs has invested resources, whether its staff time for school officials, charitable dollars through the Iowa West Foundation, collaborations with area businesses and nonprofits, or launching the Raise Me to Read initiative in coordination with Iowa West and the United Way of the Midlands.

Winning an All-America City Award represented the culmination of efforts for outgoing Council Bluffs Community School District Superintendent Martha Bruckner, who was also recognized individually at a luncheon by the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading at the conference.

Bruckner advocated for the campaign in the early days in Council Bluffs, using it to help bring together a network of partners, many of whom were represented in Denver at the All-America City Conference. Bruckner will now step down from her role leading the Council Bluffs schools, and she will start a new role in the metropolitan area working to connect and build partnerships across the greater community.

In a presentation Thursday afternoon, Bruckner described how Council Bluffs joined the campaign in 2012 to build on the progress it was making to boost high school graduation rates and overall achievement in the school district.

Many community members had grown indifferent to a poor reputation for both the school district and the community at large, Bruckner said. There was almost a sense of, it is what it is, a catchphrase that does nothing to crease hopes or dreams.

In the years since, with the campaign and other efforts in the community, progress has been made, and Bruckner said the new push for Raise Me to Read aims to take the next step. The campaign itself pushed its members to pivot from moving the needle to closing the gap in the upcoming years.

Look for additional coverage of the award in Saturdays edition of The Nonpareil.
DENVER  Representatives of Iowas delegation at the All-America City Conference were praised for their efforts Thursday morning, while they also received a challenge from Campaign for Grade-Level Reading officials to expand their successes to improve early literacy across the country.

The campaign has recognized seven Iowa communities as 2016 Pacesetters, presenting them an award for implementing community solutions to increase early literacy, and five Iowa communities as All-America City Award finalists, vying for National Civic League awards described by George Gallup Sr. as a Nobel prize for constructive citizenship.

Council Bluffs is among both groups of communities recognized by the campaign. The city has won a Pacesetter Award for each of the past five years, and it hopes to bring home its first All-America City Award after making several trips to the national conference as a finalist.

There is no other state in our network where we have more Pacesetters, where we have more All-America City finalists and where we have such incredible work going on, Ron Fairchild, the director of the campaigns Grade-Level Reading Support Center, told the Iowa delegation at a breakfast gathering.

The campaign later tweeted at The Nonpareil that Iowa has been such an inspiration to us, and Becky Miles-Polka, the campaigns lead consultant for Iowa, said that there is a little buzz going on about Iowa. The state has been the subject of some of the side conversations taking place at the conference.

At Wednesday evenings open reception, banners for Iowas Pacesetter communities were clustered in a corner of the Westin Hotels grand foyer, drawing representatives of those cities to sit together before coming together as a state to share updates and news Thursday morning.

The cities represented at the breakfast included Council Bluffs, Sioux City, Ames, Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Waterloo-Cedar Falls, Dyersville, Dubuque, the Quad Cities and a small group from Omaha, including representatives of Douglas and Sarpy counties GOALS Center.

Ottumwa will become the next campaign city in Iowa, Miles-Polka said. The campaign currently covers 58 school districts, including half of the states disadvantaged learners, providing plenty of opportunity for the campaigns efforts to make a difference in the state.

We have the ability to really move the needle in Iowa, Miles-Polka said. We know there are improvements in reading proficiency.

Iowa has at least 31 state and local funders for the campaign, and Miles-Polka said that even with the recent political climate in the state, significant public dollars have been invested in early literacy in Iowa, even as lawmakers withdrew their financial support for intensive summer reading programs or retention for struggling third-graders who arent reading at grade level.

Kari McCann Boutell, president of the Iowa Council of Foundations, said Iowa received a grant to support the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading nearly three years ago, and its set to run out in July.

She said the council hopes to continue to support the campaigns efforts and is exploring ways to obtain additional funding.

The state-level campaign has brought in Attendance Works, which also plans to visit the Omaha metro area this fall, as well as other national experts to help build capacity in Iowa. McCann Boutell said a statewide network would focus on sharing data, communications and support as well as working on state-level policies and lobbying.

Such a network would continue to help Iowas campaign cities, and the state more broadly, address their goals for early literacy. But Campaign for Grade-Level Reading officials issued a challenge at an all-conference session before smaller workshop sessions were conducted.

Ralph Smith, managing director for the campaign, described what he called an inconvenient truth for early literacy advocates: A large and growing number of kids are falling beyond the reach of schools.

Those children, Smith said, are those who arrive in kindergarten already far behind their peers, who miss many days of school and who fall prey to the summer slide by failing to continue learning while school isnt in session. Schools arent able to reach those students alone because theyre not able to work with families 24/7, they dont operate year-round and they cant interact across generations as easily.

These are the students, these are the children, for whom this campaign was organized, Smith said. This is our target population, because what we have known is that these children and these families need systems of care, services and family supports.

Doug Linkhart, president of the National Civic League, said the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading has shown that its possible to bring together an entire community to show measurable outcomes.

We truly believe that when a community truly uses inclusive civic engagement to bring everyone to the table, we can accomplish anything, Linkhart said.

Fairchild said that making the progress the campaign has seen so far seemed daunting when the effort got off the ground in 2012. He said the campaign would again use the All-America City Awards in 2021 to recognize those communities successful in pivoting toward the next goal: not simply moving the needle but closing the gap for early literacy.

We should be keenly aware of the challenges that we face as we move forward with this campaign, Fairchild said. By 2021, we expect to see and to celebrate proof points, places that have been able to obtain early school success by using an integrated set of strategies.
The name and the aesthetics may have changed, but the mission remains the same to care for those who need it.

The Catholic Charities Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Program, formerly known as the Phoenix House, celebrated its reopening after a three-month long renovation on Thursday.

Diane McKee, program manager, held up the ribbon that was cut at the locations grand opening in 2002 for the occasion.

I cant thank everyone here enough. We would not be here if it werent for people who believe in the cause, McKee said.

Dozens toured the new digs, checking out the renovations and additions that have transformed the location into a more organized, state-of-the-art facility to help survivors and their families.

McKee said the updates were greatly needed  especially in the wake of the groups expansion from a single employee in 1980 to 31 now.

The name change was also needed, because the location provides a variety of services now and the updated moniker reflects that, she added.

Were a shelter. We help with housing, counseling, sexual assault and domestic abuse, she said.

In 1999, the program expanded with more federal and state funding, leading to the eventual opening of the center in 2002.

Now the organization serves nine counties in southwest Iowa: Audubon, Cass, Fremont, Harrison, Mills, Montgomery, Page, Pottawattamie and Shelby. It also has offices in Red Oak and Atlantic. As for the Council Bluffs office, more than 1,500 people a year are seen on average.

Thats a lot of people who come here and we felt the building needed a facelift so they felt more welcome and important, McKee said.

The layout was reconfigured. New carpet, paint and lighting was installed. A larger conference room will hold employees during meetings much more comfortably, McKee said with a laugh.

Staff for the various facets of the organization each have their own offices. Additional storage was already packed with diapers and toilet paper, which are always in high demand.

Beds for 24, many of them featuring handmade quilts by local organizations, wait for those who need them.

About $375,000 went into the renovations, McKee said. Donations through the CHI Health Foundation, the Iowa West Foundation and anonymous donors made it possible.

Coming soon, Bright Horizons will create a Bright Space in the center, to provide children a place to learn and play.

Connie Dischinger, a connector with Bright Horizons, said the area will help kids and parents alike.

With it, we can provide a space thats safe and can take some of the stress away, Dischinger said.

For more information, go to catholiccharitiesdm.org/our-services/domestic-violence-shelter/.
The following editorial was published in the Burlington Hawk Eye on June 7:

If at first you dont succeed ...

Give a second thought to trying again, and ultimately decide to abandon any attempt at it in the name of keeping yourself and your family safe from harm.

That is precisely what Kim Weaver, a Sheldon Democrat who lost in a bid last year to unseat Iowas Rep. Steve King from his 4th District seat in Congress, chose to do. In a message posted Saturday to her Facebook followers, the Des Moines native and mother of three cited death threats she received as justification for dropping her second-try bid in 2018 to remove King from the House of Representatives.

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, Weaver wrote.

The threats, she said, occurred during her 2016 campaign, and have continued since her announcement she would run again.

What?

This is the stuff of Third World banana republics, where strongmen make a show of democracy but dont live up to its spirit. It is wrong in those places, and it is downright antithetical to the idea of America. We have no reason to take Weaver at anything but her word, and are appalled a candidate for office could be so mistreated.

That it comes as no real surprise should be an even greater source of righteous outrage stretching beyond district boundaries.

Typically, our focus is on Iowas 2nd District, served now and for the past decade by Rep. Dave Loebsack, a Democrat, meaning politics in the states three other congressional districts falls outside the realm of day-to-day interest. Except now and again, that is, when people like King, and 1st District Rep. Rod Blum, do or say something to draw attention from outside the areas they represent.

Blum had a spate of such moments this spring, prompting criticism here and elsewhere for walking out of a television interview when the questions got tough.

King, meanwhile, has made his entire career off such moments.

His other peoples babies remark earlier this year, about the relative roles of white people and people of color or immigrants in making America great again, is the sort of verbal fireball weve come to expect from King, and it has made him the darling of Fox News and the alt-right. From our perspective here in the opposite corner of the state, King hasnt had any legislative accomplishments to speak of during his 14 years in Congress.

Seven terms ought to be enough to have a chairmanship of something besides an obscure subcommittee of the House Judiciary Committee.

Saying King needs to go isnt meant as an endorsement of Weaver, per se. Considering she also cited her mothers health and her own as factors in dropping her bid for election, she may not have been the best suited to take on King. But the fact is, Weaver  or practically anyone else, for that matter  would be a refreshing change for Iowa.

Democrats, independents and embarrassed Republicans in the 4th District deserve representation from a thoughtful human being  regardless of party. Iowans elsewhere in the state deserve to be free of the guilt by association of him being elected and re-elected.

For the good of democracy, King should have stepped up and declared in no uncertain terms, threats and intimidation against political candidates have no place in the 4th District, Iowa or the United States of America. Instead, he chose Sunday to cast doubt on the truthfulness of Weavers claims, practically ensuring his next opponent  or candidates elsewhere  will face the same.

So here is hoping some brave and reasonable soul will step to the plate and stand up not only to King, but also to people who think threats to a candidates safety have a role in our politics.

Because both deserve to be told: You are not welcome here.
Lt. Gov. Mike Foley spoke about the need to pray for America on Thursday at the Mayors Prayer Breakfast.

Foley was the keynote speaker for the breakfast, a regular part of Nebraskaland Days that drew a couple of hundred people. He shared a quote from President Thomas Jefferson that is chiseled in stone at the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Jefferson was not a Christian, but he did believe in God, Foley said.  Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just and that his justice cannot sleep forever. My friends, we desperately need to pray for our country today.

Foley said we need to beg God for His forgiveness and to plead for His assistance.

Our country faces some very serious social and cultural problems today, Foley said. So many of our fellow citizens do not know God, and as a consequence, they find themselves trapped in a life of substance abuse and dependence on the false gods of materialism and sensuality.

He said our culture seems confused and sharply divided when it comes to the protection of unborn human life, the definition of marriage and the protection of our fundamental right for religious liberty.

Foley pointed out that Mother Teresa said despite the fact that she had witnessed tragic material poverty in India and other developing countries, the spiritual poverty of the United States was a far deeper poverty.

He went on to share several stories of cases that he called part of the battle for religious freedom for Christians.

He talked about legal changes that allow adoptions by same-sex couples, the pressure put on Christians who donate to causes that reflect their beliefs and the right to run private businesses based on the owners spiritual beliefs.

The fourth case was about a pregnant woman who was killed by a drunken driver, but the laws did not allow the driver to be prosecuted for the death of her unborn child.

Foley then mentioned the North Platte murder case of Vickie Soto, whose unborn child also died. Because of that case, legislation was pushed through the Unicameral that allows prosecutors to bring charges when an unborn child is killed during the commission of a crime.

These four cases suggest a culture that is in decline, Foley said. We must pray that all of us once again invite God into our lives, because we know that only by looking to God and submitting our lives to God that a genuine peace and freedom can be found.
Kristin Kohmetschers becoming Miss Rodeo Nebraska 2018 is notable for two reasons.

Shell be the first Miss Teen Rodeo Nebraska to become Miss Rodeo Nebraska, taking the reins from Miss Rodeo Nebraska Laramie Schlichtemeier in January, 10 years after her teen title.

I guess eights must be my lucky number, she said Thursday morning at her contract signing.

But Kohmetscher, 25, also will be the first Miss Rodeo Nebraska who wont be able to compete at Miss Rodeo America. Because of a discrepancy in age requirements between the Miss Rodeo Nebraska and the Miss Rodeo America pageants, the Lawrence woman will be ineligible.

Kohmetscher said the ineligibility was a blessing in disguise. She expects to graduate next May with her doctorate, and a Miss Rodeo America title could have meant balancing the new joys with another year away from the veterinary field, she said. Putting her career on hold was why she never competed in the pageant before.

Still, knowing she wont win the national title brought a bit of a sting. Another reason she waited so long, she said, was to be more mature at the national pageant.

Kohmetschers mother had previously discussed the balance between queening and a career with her, making her daughter realize she might have to choose one or the other. Now, Kohmetscher wonders if any year will top 2018.

In 2013, Kohmetscher lost her mother unexpectedly, and she has spent the ensuing years leaning on her sister, Halee, who competed in this weeks Miss Teen Rodeo Nebraska pageant. At Wednesday nights rodeo, Kohmetscher noticed a rainbow over the Wild West Arena and felt her mothers presence.

This was the first year the sisters competed in the same pageant together, Kohmetscher said. When Halees horse took a fall at the Wild West Arena at Sundays horsemanship competition, Kohmetscher was ready to run out into the arena until she saw that her sister was OK. They helped each other with tasks like zipping up dresses and offering words of support.

Last year, as Kohmetscher watched Halee compete for Miss Teen Rodeo Nebraska, she felt an inner voice say, OK, Im ready.

Knowing she was in her last year of Miss Rodeo Nebraska eligibility, she knew she had to devote time to the pageant.

She dedicated weekends to her horses at home. She found area places for hat shapings in Iowa. She worked on outfits. Competing with Halee, everything had to be done times two.

At coronation during Wednesday nights Buffalo Bill Rodeo, Kohmetscher heard her name called for one award. Then another. When she heard that she had won horsemanship, the highest point earner, she didnt want to get her hopes up. As she was announced as queen, she wiped tears from her eyes.

Kohmetscher said Wednesday night was a reunion of sorts  her father, whom she calls background support, was there along with many other relatives. After all these years, other familiar faces from the rodeo circuit remembered her, too.

Kohmetscher looks forward to the big places she hears other queens talk about: trips to Florida, Cheyenne Frontier Days and Deadwood, South Dakota. Still, her reign will have adventures unique to her, she said.

Afterward, Kohmetscher plans to live in the middle of nowhere and do a little bit of everything with her veterinary degree. She wants to work with animals large and small, and look into using acupuncture and chiropractic techniques for rodeo animals.

Until then, said Cindy Petersen, the pageant committee chair, Kohmetscher will be a wonderful representative of Miss Rodeo Nebraska, the state and professional rodeo.
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NiSource CEO Joe Hamrock was one of the first business leaders in the nation to sign on to the CEO Action for Diversity and Inclusion initiative, billed as "the largest CEO-driven business commitment to advance diversity and inclusion in the workplace."

More than 150 CEOs, from corporate titans such as PricewaterhouseCoopers, P&G, New York Life, Accenture, Deloitte and Boston Consulting Group, pledged to promote diversity and inclusion at workplaces like NIPSCO in Merrillville.

"Signers to the initiative commit to open-dialogue workplaces, unconscious bias training and sharing successful and unsuccessful diversity and inclusion practices, so that all organizations within the collaborative can improve  as well as attract additional CEOs and companies to the cause by amplified example and awareness," NiSource Communications Manager Ken Stammen said.

Hamrock and other CEOs vowed they would cultivate work environments where diverse perspectives are encouraged and employees feel comfortable. Best practices would be shared online at CEOAction.com.

We are living in a world of complex divisions and tensions that can have a significant impact on our work environment. Yet, its often the case that when we walk into our workplace  where we spend the majority of our time  we dont openly address these topics, said Tim Ryan, U.S. chairman and senior partner of PwC and chairman of the steering committee for the CEO Action for Diversity and Inclusion.

CEOs across the country understand this isnt a competitive issue, but a societal issue," Ryan said, "and together we can raise the bar for the entire business community.

"By sharing best-known actions and programs, we are helping to create a more inclusive environment that will encourage all of us to bring our greatest talents, perspectives and experiences to the workplace.

The push is believed to have economic benefits. A 2016 report found diversity boosted innovation, created better decisions and accelerated growth. Another study found two out of three employees are not comfortable talking about race relations.
CoderDojos are springing up across the country, and there's now one at the Michigan City Area Schools.

A CoderDojo is a computer club that focuses on teaching young people code. Code is a set of written instructions that a person gives to a machine, telling it what to do. Computer coding makes it possible to create software, websites, apps, games and almost anything that runs on electricity using code.

Dojo is a Japanese term that means a hall or place where martial arts are taught, or where Buddhists meditate. In the west, the term has come to refer to a place for training  "do" meaning way, or pursuit, and "jo" meaning place.

Coding is becoming an essential skill across multiple job sectors, with a future demand seen for competent computer coders.

Safe Harbor, the Michigan City Area School system's before- and after-school program, created a CoderDojo club this summer, and students in kindergarten through high school were invited to attend a six-week session that meets for an hour every Wednesday focusing on coding. The class runs June 14-July 19 at Knapp Elementary School.

This follows a "Week of Code" offered to the entire community May 6-12 to interest adults and children in coding.

Safe Harbor Director Sherri Silcox said 20 students, mostly elementary- and middle-schoolers, attended the first day of coding Wednesday.

Phyllis Stark, a computer programming teacher at the high school who retired in June after 35 years, was helping out at the CoderDojo this week.

"It's so exciting to see the excitement in their eyes," Stark said.

"This particular website has a lot of activities that the kids can do. We started with Mindcraft, but there's also an hour of code on the website and games they can play. They're not programming yet but they are learning concepts. The older kids can also help the younger kids."

Stark and Silcox, who walked among the students and assisted with questions, said some students had some knowledge of code while others had none.

Roberto Smiertelny, who will be in fifth grade this fall at Springfield Elementary School and wants to be an architect, said he's interested in learning more about code.

"Coding is going to be important no matter what I do. We did the hour of code program during the school year," he said.

Brother and sister, Justin Kempf, a Krueger Middle School eighth-grader, and Emma Kempf, who will be in fourth grade at Springfield, sat on opposite sides of the room but were busy going to the code.org website.

Justin said he went on the website at home and taught himself how to understand code, but wanted to learn more.

Lake Hills fifth-grader Brittny Knowles-Hoffman, who sat next to her father, Scott, said she learned at school but had furthered her knowledge by going to the website and felt pretty comfortable building characters.
CROWN POINT  Oshae Hampton, whose testimony last month helped convict a co-defendant of murder at trial, was sentenced Friday morning to 13 years in prison for his role in the fatal shooting.

Hampton, 23, told the family of Brian Cooper, the 22-year-old man killed in the botched drug robbery from March 2014, that he was sorry for his role in Cooper's death.

He admitted in his plea agreement that he participated in the robbery with co-defendant Charles A. Taylor, but he told the family he would not have participated if he knew Taylor was armed with a firearm.

Cooper was shot in the back of the head while sitting in his vehicle March 10, 2014, in the 1200 block of DeKalb Street in Gary.

Hampton testified at Taylor's trial that he and Taylor had plotted to rob Cooper of marijuana for about a week before the shooting.

He told the jury that Taylor sat in the back of Cooper's vehicle and he tried to approach the vehicle from the passenger side, but he was shot twice by Cooper's friend, Donnell Goodwin.

He said he fell to the ground and then heard gunshots inside the vehicle. Cooper and Goodwin were shot in the head, but Goodwin survived, though he was partially blinded.

Hampton initially was charged with murder in Cooper's killing, but he pleaded guilty to attempted robbery in February 2015 in exchange for his testimony against Taylor.

Taylor was convicted at trial of felony murder, among other offenses, May 13 and sentenced earlier this month to 147 years in prison.

Defense attorney T. Edward Page argued at the sentencing hearing that Hampton faced death threats at the jail for agreeing to testify against Taylor.

He did what the state asked him to do  he closed the case, Page said.

Deputy prosecuting attorney Michael Toth asked the judge to sentence Hampton to 18 years in prison, arguing that Hampton was taciturn and forgetful on the stand at Taylor's trial.

Hampton has already served about half his prison sentence, with credit for good behavior, awaiting adjudication.
Beaches at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore and Indiana Dunes State Park have been readied for summer, and continued testing after an April chemical spill in a Lake Michigan tributary indicates the water is safe, a National Park Service spokesman said.

The park service began working with EPA to establish a long-term monitoring program after U.S. Steel's Midwest Plant spilled 298 pounds of hexavalent chromium into the Burns Waterway near Lake Michigan in April.

The spill was about 584 times the daily maximum limit allowed under state permitting laws, Indiana Department of Environmental Management documents show.

EPA said in a June news release that water testing found "no hexavalent chromium impacts to the Burns Waterway or Lake Michigan." The park service will continue to test waters once a week through Aug. 30, National Lakeshore Supervisory Park Ranger Bruce Rowe said.

Preparations for summer included cleaning up about 17 miles of beaches, placing buoys in the water to mark swim beaches, erecting lifeguards stands and moving tons of sand that covered parking lots and walkways during the off-season, Rowe said. The West Beach bathhouse and restroom facilities at Kemil, Porter, Lakeview and Dunbar beaches also were opened.

The park service plans to reopen access to the beach at Mount Baldy later this summer. The Mount Baldy area has been closed since a then-6-year-old boy was swallowed by sand in a freak accident in 2013. The boy survived.

Extensive testing found the beach to be safe, and the park service plans to open it after work on an access trail is completed, according to a news release. The Mount Baldy dune will remain closed, with the exception of ranger-led tours.

For the first time in decades, the number of lifeguards at Indiana Dunes State Park has been increased. Swimming is allowed only when lifeguards are on duty, the release said.

Swimming will be permitted seven days a week at the eastern and western portions of the beach. In past years, swimming was allowed only on the western section during weekdays.

There will be a family-friendly fireworks program June 29 at Indiana Dunes State Park and a sand sculpture contest July 8.

West Beach visitors can try out kayaks and paddleboards in Lake Michigan at 1 p.m. Fridays during the free Beach Fun Friday program, which will be led by park staff. After sunset, visitors will be invited to gather around a beach campfire to enjoy stories and roast marshmallows. The program runs through Sept. 1.
MERRILLVILLE  Brandon Washington loves everything "Star Wars."

Every day, the 10-year-old does battle against two autoimmune diseases  lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Managing the lupus includes weekly injections of a chemotherapy medication.

He goes into kidney failure, said Terry Niedziela, his maternal grandmother who is raising Brandon and his two younger brothers.

On Thursday, during the Make A Dream Come True luncheon at Innsbrook Country Club, the young Schererville resident received gifts that will allow him and his brothers to enjoy activities other youngsters might take for granted. In addition to coloring books and a Spiderman toy, those gifts included movie packages that feature popcorn as well as admission; funds to enroll in swimming lessons at the Southlake YMCA in Crown Point; an overnight stay at Chicagos Hyatt Hotel and passes for five Windy City museums.

Since 1992, the Northwest Indiana Chapter of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors has sponsored Make A Dream Come True for a youngster from Lake, Porter or LaPorte counties who is medically challenged, said Connie Bernardi, chapter president.

The group works with Dr. Clark Kramer, of Merrillville, and his staff to select a recipient. Due to the HIPPA laws, Kramer has to ask families of his patients if they would like to participate in the chapters Make A Dream program.

To fund the Make A Dream project, the organization sells raffle tickets for $10 each. The raffle includes a host of prizes donated by area organizations and businesses, Bernardi said.

In 25 years, weve raised over $67,000 for Make A Dream, she said.

They are such a deserving family, Bernardi added.

Diagnosed with lupus at 18 months of age, Brandon doesnt dwell on his medical challenges. During Thursdays luncheon, he answered questions about attending Watson Elementary School, played video games on a tablet and at times tried to fend off his active 3-year old brother, Tommy Nemecek, who also attended with their grandmother.

The boys 9-year old brother, Anthony Washington, was home recovering from open heart surgery he recently underwent at Christ Hospital in Oak Lawn, Illinois, to correct a congenital heart condition.

Anthony will be able to do some of the activities in late July, said Terry Niedziela.
WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP  The Porter County Sheriffs Office is hosting the 2017 Indiana Fallen Officer Blood Drive from noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Porter County Expo Center, 215 E. Division Road, in the banquet room.

The event is put on by the American Red Cross. Last years local blood drive gathered 67 units of blood, 21 units more than was gathered in 2015. Officials hope to increase that to at least 70 units this year.

The public is invited to support this cause which began in 2001 in honor of a fallen Morgan County, Indiana, police officer and has been a statewide event since 2007.

Those wishing to make blood or platelet donations or get more information, can visit redcrossblood.org or use RapidPass (redcrossblood.org/RapidPass) and follow the instructions to register.
It appears the long-awaited Cline Avenue bridge span will no longer be a bridge too far for Northwest Indiana.

The CEO of Figg Bridge Group told a Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce gathering Wednesday that a new toll bridge should open to traffic in 2019.

This definitive word comes about eight years after the old Cline Avenue bridge, once part of a main Region thoroughfare, was condemned and closed for safety reasons.

Since then, Region transportation planners sought help from the state and watched years tick by as the expanse remained closed.

The return of a viable bridge spanning an important Region traffic gap has far more positives than negatives.

Some vocal critics are opposed to the private building and operation of the bridge, which will charge a $2.25 to $2.50 toll for passenger vehicles.

Those same critics argue the Indiana Department of Transportation is somehow shirking its responsibilities by allowing a private venture to charge tolls.

But funding transportation projects with finite resources isn't easy, and the toll bridge concept finally moves forward a long-needed replacement span.

Residents seeking to avoid tolls still have the same alternative roadways they've been using for the past eight years. Meanwhile, Region commerce will benefit with an again unbroken flow of traffic on Cline Avenue.

Some critics also complain that the bridge will begin as only two lanes  one in either direction. Figg Bridge Group CEO Linda Figg said a span with additional lanes will be added later if the demand becomes apparent.

This is a good business decision.

Meanwhile, 10 cents of every toll will help fund needed East Chicago infrastructure projects.

We wish organizers of the bridge project a speedy completion.
NEW YORK  The global obesity problem now affects 1 in 10 people in the world, it is rising in countries rich and poor, and in many countries it is increasing faster in children than adults, according to a new study.

The researchers estimated more than 107 million children and 603 million adults are obese.

The research found obesity has tripled in children and young adults in countries like China, Brazil and Indonesia. Those numbers are particularly troubling because it means more young people are on track to become obese adults and develop problems like diabetes, heart disease and a range of cancers, some experts said.

The study was led by a team at the University of Washington in Seattle. It was published online Monday by the New England Journal of Medicine and presented at a food science and policy meeting in Stockholm.

Researchers reported on 195 countries, although data was incomplete or nonexistent for many of them. They made assumptions and used mathematical modeling to fill in gaps.

Despite the limitations, "this is the best picture that's out there for global obesity," said Edward Gregg, a diabetes expert at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. He wrote an editorial that accompanied the study.

Some of the findings:

 Obesity rates doubled in 73 countries between 1980 and 2015. Countries where obesity did not increase significantly included Afghanistan, Bulgaria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

 Worldwide, about 5 percent of children and 12 percent of adults were obese in 2015. In the U.S. about 17 percent of children and 38 percent of adults are obese, according to earlier CDC estimates.

 Among the 20 largest countries, the United States had the highest level of obesity among children and young adults. Bangladesh had the lowest.

 Egypt had the highest rate of obese adults. Vietnam had the lowest.

 But the United States had the largest number of obese adults in 2015, with 79 million. China came in second with 57 million obese adults  even though China has more than four times as many people as the U.S.

 China had the largest number of obese children, with 15 million. India had 14 million.

 Globally, about 4 million deaths were attributed to being overweight or obese in 2014, from causes like heart disease and diabetes.

Some good news is that improvements in medications and other kinds of health care seem to be helping people survive longer even if they have weight-related health problems. Researchers did not find an increase in weight-related rates of death and disability, Gregg observed.

But with obesity levels rising, there is a pressing need for better nutrition and other efforts to prevent unhealthy weight gain, said one of the authors, said Dr. Ashkan Afshin, the study's lead author.

Unfortunately, "there is no single simple solution for the problem of overweight and obesity," he said.
CHICAGO  Researchers tried a big serving of food psychology and a dollop of trickery to get diners to eat their vegetables. And it worked.

Veggies given names like "zesty ginger-turmeric sweet potatoes" and "twisted citrus-glazed carrots" were more popular than those prepared exactly the same way but with plainer, more healthful-sounding labels. Diners more often said "no thanks" when the food had labels like "low-fat," ''reduced-sodium" or "sugar-free."

More diners chose the fancy-named items, and selected larger portions of them too in the experiment last fall at a Stanford University cafeteria.

"While it may seem like a good idea to emphasize the healthiness of vegetables, doing so may actually backfire," said lead author Bradley Turnwald, a graduate student in psychology.

Other research has shown that people tend to think of healthful sounding food as less tasty, so the aim was to make it sound as good as more indulgent, fattening fare.

Researchers from Stanford's psychology department tested the idea as a way to improve eating habits and make a dent in the growing obesity epidemic .

"This novel, low-cost intervention could easily be implemented in cafeterias, restaurants, and consumer products to increase selection of healthier options," they said.

The results were published Monday JAMA Internal Medicine.

The study was done over 46 days last fall. Lunchtime vegetable offerings were given different labels on different days. For example, on one day diners could choose "dynamite chili and tangy lime-seasoned beets." On other days the same item was labeled "lighter-choice beets with no added sugar," ''high antioxidant beets," or simply "beets."

Almost one-third of the nearly 28,000 diners chose a vegetable offering during the study. The tasty-sounding offering was the most popular, selected by about 220 diners on average on days it was offered, compared with about 175 diners who chose the simple-label vegetable. The healthy-sounding labels were the least popular.

Diners also served themselves bigger portions of the tasty-sounding vegetables than of the other choices.

Turnwald emphasized that "there was no deception"  all labels accurately described the vegetables, although diners weren't told that the different-sounding choices were the exact same item.

The results illustrate "the interesting advantage to indulgent labeling," he said.

Dr. Stephen Cook, a University of Rochester childhood obesity researcher, called the study encouraging and said some high school cafeterias have also tried different labels to influence healthy eating.

"It shouldn't be a surprise to us because marketing people have been doing this for years," Cook said.
A black man who says he was given a noose as a gift is concerned the hate crime is not being vigorously prosecuted. NY1's Dean Meminger filed the following report.

A noose as a gift. Was it a joke or a hate crime?

The issue is playing out in court. But Victor Sheppard, the black man who was given the noose, and his supporters say it's nothing to laugh about.

"This is not a joking matter," said the Rev. Kevin McCall of the National Action Network. "Mr. Sheppard didn't laugh at all. He was very devastated. He couldn't even continue his route."

Joe Ottomanelli from the famed Ottomanelli and Sons butcher shop in Greenwich Village was charged with a misdemeanor of aggravated harassment for giving the noose to Sheppard back in April. He had a court appearance on Thursday.

Outside the butcher shop, he told friends and workers to tell me he gets along with everyone.

"Karen, tell him how much of a bad person I am," Ottomanelli said.

Sheppard, who's from Harlem, was making a meat delivery to the shop when he says Ottomanelli told him the noose made of thick yellow rope was a gift, and if he ever felt stressed out or wanted to end his life to put the noose around his neck, and that he could help.

Sheppard says everyone in the shop was laughing.

When asked if he gave Sheppard the noose, Ottomanelli said no. He said someone else gave the noose.

Ron Kuby is Ottomanelli's defense lawyer. He admits the noose was ugly, stupid and hateful, but he says it is not a crime.

"It is more than just ugly and hateful. It is definitely a crime. And that is why the detective investigated, and that is why he was arrested," McCall said. "So Ron Kuby doesn't know what the hell he is talking about when he saying that it wasn't a crime. It was a crime, and that is why we are in court."

The defense asked for the case to be adjourned until September for motions.

Representatives for Sheppard say they want to make sure Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance continues to take this case very seriously."

"We need to have the city of New York take this case seriously and move it forward. Justice delayed is just denied," said Wylie Stecklow, Sheppard's lawyer. "Hopefully, when Mr. Sheppard is allowed to have his day in court, Ottomanelli will learn that using a noose to give to an African-American is not a joke."

They say they are calling for an emergency meeting with the district attorney to make sure the prosecution is an aggressive one.
In the wake of its devastation, Hurricane Sandy leaves New York with difficult questions about how the city could prevent similar destruction in another storm. The Netherlands is familiar with the risks of flooding. It has implemented numerous measures  some big, some small  to prevent a recurrence of the disaster that decimated that country in 1953.



With an eye toward how New York will prepare for the next Sandy, Josh Robin of NY1 News and Juan Manuel Benitez of NY1 Noticias traveled to the Netherlands in January to produce the special series, "Fighting the Tide."

Read Robin's seven-part web-extra report by viewing the following links.
If youre looking for the perfect place to take an Instagram-worthy photo in Los Angeles, these three completely pink houses in the citys Pico neighborhood are bound to catch peoples attention.

The question what would Barbies house look like in real life? has just been answered courtesy of Los Angeles artist Matty Mo, a.k.a @themostfamousartist. He was asked by M-Rad Architecture, a local housing developer, to create some buzz about their new project, a a 45-unit apartment complex to be built on the lot currently occupied by three abandoned houses. Mo and his company, The Mural Agency, specialize in Instagrammable experiences as a service for brand partners worldwide, and in this particular case, they decided to paint the three houses completely pink, before they are demolished.

Photo: @dirtybandits

@themostfamousartist went all out on this project, covering every inch of the properties in a sea of pink, including the roofs, driveways and even the plant leaves. But while the temporary art piece had the desired effect, attracting thousands of people, it also managed to upset some of the neighbors, who consider it an eye-sore that doesnt do their neighborhood justice.

A post shared by Matty Mo  (@themostfamousartist) on Jun 11, 2017 at 4:53pm PDT

We had, kind of, gotten the song and dance from the architect that they did care about the neighborhood and had tried to make a project that would be respectful of our character and scale, Traci Considine told KTLA. Then to  see this, with the houses defaced, was pretty jarring.

A post shared by Matty Mo  (@themostfamousartist) on Jun 11, 2017 at 11:57am PDT

M-Rad Architecture said that drawing attention to its new apartment complex was not the only motivation for letting Matty Mo paint the three properties pink. It also wanted to start a dialogue with the neighbors about how long it takes to get city approvals for residential buildings, and also to activate the three abandoned houses so that squatters dont move in before the demolition permits are released by the authorities.

A post shared by Matty Mo  (@themostfamousartist) on Jun 8, 2017 at 8:22pm PDT

Asked about the meaning behind his installation, @themostfamousartist said that he encourages viewers to formulate their own meaning behind the work. He did mention that although the three houses will soon be demolished, by painting them pink, they are now preserved, and they are a part of a digital legacy that will live forever.
Laura Poe has joined the leadership team at Orlandos Uproar PR as director of social media.

Laura Poe

Poe arrives at the full-service PR and social media firm after a stretch of digital posts in the healthcare industry, holding social media manager positions at Adventist Health System in Altamonte Springs and Florida Hospital in Orlando. Prior to that, she managed communications and PR duties for the town of Celebration, Florida.

In the new post, Poe will manage Uproars social media, digital content creation and search engine marketing teams and will lead the direction of social and digital engagement at the agency. She joins Uproar as the Orlando-based firm has grown its social media team by 400 percent in the last year.

Uproar maintains additional offices in Chicago, Toronto and New York.
A New York State court ruling on the parameters of the states Shield Law, which safeguards the anonymity of confidential sources, has profound implications on freedom of the press, according to a new report released by The Dilenschneider Group.

The Feb. 14 decision in the case of Murray Energy Corp. v Reorg Research Inc. weakens the legal wall protecting a free press, the report says.

In the case, MEC, a privately held coal company in the midst of a corporate restructuring, demanded that RRI, a firm that furnishes real-time news, commentary, and analysis to lawyers and distressed-debt investors, release the names of anonymous sources RRI spoke with in the course of publishing several articles about MEC.

The coal company suspected that some of those sources were members of an investor group who had been granted access to proprietary information, which entailed their signing legally enforceable confidentiality agreements. If they had provided RRI with any of that information, it would have left them open to prosecution on breach of confidentiality charges.

The court sided with MEC, the decision primarily resting on its opinion that, since the news provided by RRI was limited to paid subscribers, and not available to the general public, RRI was not protected by the Shield Law, and was legally obligated to divulge the names of the sources. RRI, however, was granted a stay, and its sources will remain protected through the appeals process.

Dilenschneider's report takes the court to task for its narrow interpretation of the Shield Laws scope, which it says endangers the entire news gathering industry.

Citing the Obama Administrations tough stance as regards government officials who talked to reporters about national security issues, as well as the highly adversarial relationship the Trump Administration has struck up with reporters, the report sees the courts decision as a harbinger of difficulties for the American press. The nation may be in for a dangerous time when it comes to the free flow of information, it concludes.
Agricultural News

From Mushrooms to Blackberries- The Ag on Route 66 Summer Tour for Teachers Has Crossed the Finish Line

Audrey Harmon is the State Coordinator for the Oklahoma Ag in the Classroom program- and she is helping lead a tour in northeast Oklahoma this week, showing a group of Oklahoma educators about agriculture and how the food we eat is produced. Audrey is blogging for us on the Oklahoma Farm Report- and here is her report from the third and final day:





"The Ag on Rt 66 tour, with Ag in the Classroom, wrapped up on Thursday as educators made their way back to Kellyville. The day started with a tour of J&M Mushroom Farm in Miami. Everyone was amazed at how much science is involved in growing mushrooms. The tour was amazing and the best part was getting to visit with the 2017 Governors Achievement in Agriculture Award winner, Mr. Virgil Jurgensmeyer, a former educator and owner of J&M Mushroom Farm.





"Next the teachers toured the Coleman Theatre, a famous Rt 66 tour destination. While the teachers were amazed at the intricate details of the architecture, they were surprised to learn that even this theatre has an agriculture connection. It was one of the first "air conditioned" buildings with air that was circulated over frozen straw bales in the basement.





"One final beef meal, lasagna at the Pink House in Claremore, was on the menu for the day. And the teachers had a special treat as Mr. Andy Hogan joined us dressed as Will Rogers. He shared several of Will's quotes, many of which are still true today!





"After lunch we toured the Maritime Education Center at the Port of Catoosa, where Sheila Shook, the education coordinator, presented information on "Oklahoma's Seacoast." The final stop was at Meadow Park Blackberry Farm in Sapulpa. Their blackberries are delicious!





"The Ag in the Classroom program is thankful to the Oklahoma Beef Council and the other Ag Commodity groups who support the program and provide funds to ensure educators have experiences and resources to use as they teach AITC lessons in their classrooms! The State AITC Summer Conference is July 6. If you know a teacher, please direct them to the AITC website to register for this free conference- click here to jump there.









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Barbara Jacques of Shidler, OK Named Significant Woman in Agriculture by OK Dept. of Agriculture

As part of a continuing series of stories on Significant Women in Oklahoma Agriculture, the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food & Forestry and Oklahoma State University are recognizing and honoring the impact of countless women across all 77 counties of the state, from all aspects and areas of the agricultural industry. The honorees were nominated by their peers and selected by a committee of 14 industry professionals. This week Barbara Jacques of Shidler, Okla. is featured this week as a Significant Woman in Oklahoma Agriculture.







A life fully devoted reaps fully deserved rewards.





Barbara Jacques, an Oklahoma native and current Shidler resident, has fully devoted her life to promoting and educating others about the agricultural industry.





"I was one of these kids that grew up and just wanted to be on my horse every day, all day long," Jacques recalls. "If I got in trouble, my punishment was to be grounded off my horse, which was the most painful thing my parents could have ever done."





She laughed.





Barbara grew up around agriculture but didn't become completely consumed by it until she married a full-time rancher, Dave Jacques, in 1979. Together, the two established Seven D Ranch, which consists of a cow-calf operation, stocker cattle and a small hay operation. The Jacques continue to manage a cowherd and stocker operation for Dave's parents as well.





"I think that was something that was just in my blood," she said. "I can't imagine that I would've ever married anyone who wasn't in agriculture because that was what I loved and where I wanted my life to be."





Jacques first developed a passion for teaching others about agriculture when she went to college and was surprised to learn many people did not have an understanding or appreciation for an industry that impacted their daily lives.





"I realized it is very important for those of us in agriculture to always try to be educating the people who aren't in agriculture," Jacques said. "Everyone has basic needs of food, water, clothing, and shelter. They need to understand that agriculture provides all of these things for them every day."





Contributions





In 2012, Jacques was appointed to serve on the Cattlemen's Beef Board by Tom Vilsack, U.S. Secretary of the Agriculture at the time. During her six-year term, she has served as both a committee chair and an executive committee member for the board.





"I'm very proud to have had the opportunity to serve on Cattlemen's Beef Board," she said. "I think that is a very important job. The beef board is a driving force that propels our industry forward both home and abroad."





The Cattlemen's Beef Board consists of 100 members who oversee the Beef Checkoff. In addition to research and promotion within the U.S., the checkoff works hard to put American beef on the global map, which a single producer would struggle to do alone.





"Ninety-five percent of the world's consumers live outside of United States," Jacques said, "so I think it is of the utmost importance for us to be able to market our products on a global level."





Jacques considers this honor to have been the most noteworthy of her contributions to agriculture, but says that her work with children through local, state and national cattlewomen's associations has been equally significant to her.





Jacques' devotion to these organizations and the agricultural industry is undeniable. She served as the Beef in Curriculum chair for the American National CattleWomen, an Oklahoma co-chair for the National Beef Ambassador Contest, a National Beef Cook-off committee member, and an executive committee member for the Oklahoma CattleWomen for 10 years.





Additionally, she has served as president and vice president of the Oklahoma CattleWomen, president of the Osage County CattleWomen, and was named Oklahoma CattleWoman of the year in 2011.





Outreach





Jacques found a great avenue to combine her passion for children and love for agriculture by serving on the advisory council of the highly successful Ag in the Classroom program.





On top of being involved on the ranch, Barbara taught art in public schools for over seven years, where she incorporated agriculture in her lessons. Barbara left public school to serve as a curriculum specialist and course developer for a private education company for eight years. She and her husband now own the Salt Creek Gallery & Marketplace in Pawhuska, where she works as a designer and silversmith.





Her latest endeavor includes hand-engraved western belt buckles and jewelry, fine art, clothing, handmade crafts made by local people and "cream of the crop" Oklahoma-made food products.





"We have a lot of people from all over the world coming into Pawhuska," she said, "and I think if they want to take home some Osage County pecans or some Oklahoma honey or pepper jelly, then I think that's a great way to showcase the outstanding products that we have in our state."





Many of her customers are agriculturalists from the area, but numerous people from across the state and nation visit the gallery. Jacques feels she is teaching others about agriculture through her business and spends time with customers answering questions about the industry.





Heather Buckmaster, a friend and colleague of Jacques, describes her as a leader in the industry.





"While working on the ranch, taking care of her family, running an art gallery and producing beautiful jewelry, she also finds the time to advocate for agriculture literacy within our schools and serve in national leadership positions as a volunteer for the beef industry. She is an Agriculture Wonder Woman who I admire tremendously," Buckmaster said.





When asked what inspired her to dive into agriculture and serve others, Jacques said it was never a conscious decision.





"It was just something that comes from the very core of my being, from my heart," she said.





The tone of her voice encompassing a whirlwind of emotion made her passion for agriculture even more evident.





"Every year that goes by there's a bigger need than there was the year before to make people understand," she said. "We have to have agriculture."





At 61, Jacques still has goals set to impact agriculture. She is already pushing for a children's agriculture museum in the state and is planning to make handouts using Ag in the Classroom lessons to give out at her store.





Her daughters have also chosen to pursue agriculture.





"You can just tell that it's in their blood," she said, in hopes that her grandchildren will become the fifth generation of agriculturalists in her family.





Buckmaster describes her as a "tireless supporter of agriculture literacy."





When asked about this statement, Jacques said with that same emotion, "This is so important to me. It's just who I am. I will stop trying to teach people about agriculture on the day that I die."





Barbara Jacques has truly lived a life fully devoted to agriculture, and both she and the industry have reaped the rewards of her dedication.





Source - Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food & Forestry













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China a Big Win for US Beef Industry - But Derrell Peel Says It'll Take Time Before We See a Payoff







China may be in the spotlight right now, with its government and ours in the US having come to terms on the protocols that will allow our beef products access to their markets. But, currently, the US already has several major export markets already in place. Extension Livestock Market Economist Dr. Derrell Peel spoke recently with Radio Oklahoma Ag Network Farm Director Ron Hays, about how important international trade is for our beef industry.





"The fact is, in the US, we don't utilize well, all of the products that come from the beef industry," Peel said. "Some of them have lower demand and yet most beef products are perishable. So, when you have low valued products priced in a way to get them consumed, you're detracting away from demand that would rather focus on higher valued products."





On the other side of the world, however, products not suited for our domestic market, may actually be in higher demand and have a higher value in foreign markets. The ability to export these cuts, allows US beef producers to salvage the carcass value elsewhere, that might have been lost if it were sold domestically. This has been the case for the major markets we're already exporting to, like China and South Korea. But it didn't happen overnight says Peel.





"There's a lot of potential in this market overtime. But, I think it will take some time," Peel insisted referencing China. "That's a process that will grow over time as you try to build market share."





Listen to Dr. Peel and Hays discuss the importance of international trade for our beef industry, on today's Beef Buzz.





The Beef Buzz is a regular feature heard on radio stations around the region on the Radio Oklahoma Network and is a regular audio feature found on this website as well. Click on the LISTEN BAR below for today's show and check out our archives for older Beef Buzz shows covering the gamut of the beef cattle industry today.





















Listen to Dr. Peel and Hays discuss the importance of international trade for our beef industry below

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Oklahoma 4-H Foundation Donates More Than $10,000 to Ronald McDonald House Charities







The Oklahoma 4-H Foundation recently presented a $10,221 check to Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) in Oklahoma City. This check represents a 29-year partnership between RMHC and the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation through the "Kids Helping Kids Campaign". On hand for the check presentation were Oklahoma 4-H Ambassadors Hadley Griffith, Madison Stephens, Tori Booker and Rio Bonham, Oklahoma 4-H State Council Members Montell Meyer and Rachel Dockery, 4-H Foundation Executive Director Blayne Arthur, 4-H Foundation Staff Member Sarah Dunn and Kids Helping Kids Program Coordinator Kristin Knight, as well as RMHC Board Member Sue Horrocks and RMHC President and CEO Susan Adams.





Each year Oklahoma 4-H members from around the state participate in the Kids Helping Kids Campaign. Club members have raised more than $900,000 through this service project/fundraiser over the past 29 years. This fundraiser seeks donations in exchange for a coupon to participating McDonald's restaurants in Oklahoma.







Kristin Knight, coordinator of the Kids Helping Kids Campaign in the State 4-H office, said 50 percent of the funds raised go directly to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Oklahoma City, a nonprofit that provides a home away from home at no cost for families with seriously ill or injured children receiving medical care in the Oklahoma City area.







"One third of the funds stay in the county in which it was donated to support local 4-H programming efforts," Knight said. "The remaining one-sixth comes to the 4-H Foundation to support its mission. We just completed this year's campaign and youth from 16 participating counties raised more than $20,000, which is a 20 percent increase over last year."







Prizes were awarded to the top three selling clubs and top three individuals on the state level, as well as the top three individuals in each county. Plans are underway for the Kids Helping Kids Campaign in 2018, which will mark the 30th year of participation for Oklahoma 4-H'ers.







The Oklahoma 4-H Foundation provides a private, non-profit source of support to the mission and goals of 4-H youth development at all levels in Oklahoma. The 4-H Foundation is dedicated to supplying financial resources to meet the needs of an ever changing diverse population, and relies on individual, corporate and foundation partners to achieve these goals.





To learn more about the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation or donate online, click here.







Source - Oklahoma 4-H Foundation















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Trump's Decision to Scale Back US-Cuba Relationship Sparks Contention with US Grains Council

A statement from U.S. Grains Council (USGC) President and CEO Tom Sleight on changes to Cuba policy, announced Friday:





"The U.S. Grains Council (USGC) has worked in Cuba for nearly two decades to help capture grain demand and develop its livestock industry within the confines of U.S. policy. While the announcement today will make our efforts in Cuba more difficult - and almost certainly cost U.S. corn farmers sales in the short term - we have every intention of continuing our work there to build long-term, mutually-beneficial trade.





"In the first eight months of this marketing year, Cuba purchased more than 250,000 metric tons (9.8 million bushels) of corn from the United States, about 30 percent of their total demand. This shows both that Cubans want our product when its competitive to other origins and that we have significant room for growth given the right policy environment.





"The changes announced today are concerning because they could cut off these near-term sales while also stymieing the economic development that will drive long-term demand growth. Neither of those outcomes is favorable for the U.S. ag sector or the Cuban people, who do not have access to sufficient meat, milk and eggs.





"Cuba has historically been a 900,000 metric ton (35.4 million bushel) corn market; based on recent export sales, it would be our 11th largest customer if we could capture that demand. Free flow of grain to Cuba could also help us capture sales to the Dominican Republic and even Puerto Rico, an estimated $315 million in lost demand each year.





"In the past two years, our work in Cuba and with Cuban grain buyers has shown us that the only hindrance to progress there is U.S. policy. While we are concerned about the announcement today, we are steadfast in our support of the market and our Cuban customers."







Source - US Grains Council













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Oklahoma Conservation Partners Join Regional Food Bank in Cover Crop Gleaning Pilot Program

Today, the Oklahoma Food Banks and the Conservation Partnership announced they have joined together to fight hunger while conserving natural resources. Through Farm to Food Bank, a pilot project that implements practices that increase the health of soil, four Oklahoma farmers have volunteered to plant and donate up to eight acres of cover crops to the Oklahoma Food Banks.







Oklahomans struggling with hunger, eating healthy is not about not knowing what foods to choose; it is often about not being able to afford or not having access to more healthful choices," said Katie Fitzgerald, chief executive officer of the Regional Food Bank. "That's why this pilot program is so important."







Farm to Food Bank is made possible through a partnership among the United States Department of Agriculture - Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS)*, the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma, the Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts and the Oklahoma Conservation Commission. The seed for the project was donated by Green Cover Seed.





The Conservation Partnership sees this as being a revitalization of the stewardship ethic of natural resource conservation; that belief of taking care of the soil, water and air. This is more than about just feeding the soil or people.





"Soil health is based on feeding the community of organisms below the ground, just as the Oklahoma Food Banks are feeding the communities here in Oklahoma," said Trey Lam, executive director of the Oklahoma Conservation Commission. "It seems a natural fit to partner with the Oklahoma Food Banks; we can do more when we work together."





Jimmy Emmons, president of the Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts, agrees. He spoke with Radio Oklahoma Ag Network Farm Director Ron Hays about his part in this pilot program. According to Emmons, this project allows him as a producer to accomplish all his goals growing his crop, while doing so much more. You can listen to their conversation about the pilot program, by clicking or tapping the LISTEN BAR below at the bottom of this story.





"We know that improving the health of our soils is the key to being able to produce enough food to feed nine billion people by 2040," said Emmons. "This pilot program is an excellent example of how conservation is key to fighting hunger."





Emmons has come up with an experimental cocktail mix of plant species, that will cover his ground and at the same time, grow a variety of nutritious fruits and vegetables that will eventually be gleaned and donated to the Regional Food Bank. Emmons has developed many mixes over time, searching for what works best in his fields. He says the orginal mix for this project included approximately 15 different species, including melon, okra, squash, broccoli, cauliflour, kale and a variety of other greens.





The Food Bank will provide the gleaners, but it will be up to Emmons to coordinate when this all happens, which therein lies the challenges of this project.





"I assume when we start, we'll be busy daily, or at least two to three times a week," he said. "So, that's part of the reason it's a pilot. We'll learn from that and see how that is and maybe adjust the mix if there's problems. If not, maybe we'll add to it."





One in six Oklahomans has inconsistent access to food, which can lead to higher rates of obesity, diabetes, hypertension and other chronic diseases. As a result, Oklahoma ranks among the 10 worst states for many key health indicators, including cardiovascular and diabetes deaths.







Among households served by the Oklahoma Food Banks:



- 33 percent of client households have a member(s) with diabetes



- 57 percent of client households have a member(s) with high blood pressure



- 24 percent have a household member in poor health



- 63 percent have medical bills to pay



- 32 percent lack health insurance of any kind



- 83 percent of client households report purchasing the cheapest food available, even if they knew it wasn't the healthiest option, in an effort to provide enough food for their household



- 66 percent had to choose between food and medicine/medical care





Last fiscal year, the Regional Food Bank and Community Food Bank distributed more than 73.1 million pounds of food and products through a network of more than 1,700 charitable feeding programs and schools across Oklahoma.







"The end of the day is, we'll have a wonderful cover crop to keep my ground covered so I can help my soil health, feed children and hungry people in Oklahoma," Emmons concluded. "That is just a gift from God and we're just very pleased to be a part of that with all the partners to help someone out who is that needy."







PHOTO CAPTION: OACD President and Cover Crop Pilot Participant Jimmy Emmons signs the MOU with Katie Fitzgerald of the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma and Eileen Bradshaw of the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma watching.







Source - Oklahoma Conservation Commission

















Listen to Emmons and Hays discuss the technical aspects of this cover crop pilot program, click below

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One year apart was too long, and 76 years and counting is not enough time for Jack and Betty Mayhew.

Jack, 98, and Betty, 95, married in the World War II era and have never been apart except for the year Jack served in the Army.

Jack and Betty are small-town Kansas natives and have lived in Grand Island, Nebraska, for almost a year. Jack grew up in Plainville, and Betty in nearby Palco. Jack says he had to go to the neighboring town to find his future wife.

They met around 1939 at a church party. About 50 people were there, but Betty stood out to Jack, and Jack to Betty.

I thought she was a beautiful girl, Jack says of the first time he saw Betty.

I thought he was nice, Betty said, adding that Jack was and still is a gentleman.

I guess we fell in love right away, Betty says. He just seemed to be the right one.

The couple never did anything too fancy for dates. Just being together was enough, although, Jack says they enjoyed going to picture shows in Plainville. They also went to more church parties.

Jack and Betty dated for two years before marrying on June 6, 1941. They originally planned to get married on June 5, but a heavy rain caused flooding in the area.

They married in a simple service and had angel food cake and homemade ice cream at their reception. Those are still Jacks favorites.

Thats manna from heaven, Jack says of angel food cake.

Jack worked manual labor jobs, including farming, while Betty cooked the best meals around. Jack was drafted into the Army in 1944. He served until 1945 and was stationed in the Philippines. During Jacks time in the Army, Betty stayed with her parents.

After contracting yellow fever, he was honorably discharged. Though the circumstances werent too favorable, his discharge did mean he was able to see his wife again. On the drive home after Betty and her parents picked up Jack in Ellis, Kansas, the pair sat together.

We sat in the backseat pretty close, Jack says.

Jack and Betty adopted a young boy, Craig, and soon after a girl, Sue. We wanted somebody to love, Jack says.

Both say theyre proud of how they raised their kids when they see the people they turned out to be. They now live with Craig and his wife, Martha, in Grand Island.

Though the couple have a long marriage, theyre looking forward to more time together. All of Jacks six siblings are or have lived to be nearly 100, including one sister who is 99. Of Bettys three siblings, her sister Wilda, 86, is still alive.

Jack says Betty has been the best helpmate throughout the years. They never got mad at each other, Betty says. The only marriage advice from this long-lasting, loving couple?

Be patient and loving and dont try to change them, Jack says. We say we love each other and good morning every day.

As Jack and Betty prepared to rise from their seats at the kitchen table after talking about their marriage, Jack looked over at his still-beautiful wife.

My love will never, never die for you  Jack sang in his own tune to Betty, which isnt uncommon. She looked at him with a smile, like she often does.

Thanks to Craig and Martha, Jack and Betty got to celebrate their 76th wedding anniversary with the sweetest and most memorable of treats: angel food cake.
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Taipei, June 16 (CNA) Taiwan's mango exports are expected to hit a new high in 2017 with output in Tainan, the largest mango growing area in the country, forecast to post a year-on-year increase of up to 20 percent in mango output, the Agriculture and Food Agency (AFA) of the Council of Agriculture said on Friday.
Stopping short of reversal, President Donald Trump is announcing a revised Cuba policy Friday. In a speech in Miami, he will cast the updated policy as fulfillment of a campaign promise to reverse President Barack Obamas diplomatic re-engagement with the island after decades of estrangement. Heres an early look at the new policy.

Three things that will change

 Individual educational trips to Cuba will be restricted. Most U.S. travelers to Cuba will again be required to visit the island as part of organized tour groups run by American companies. Obama eliminated the tour requirement, allowing tens of thousands of Americans to book solo trips and spend their money with individual bed-and-breakfast owners, restaurants and taxi drivers.

 Trump will restrict financial transactions with entities tied to Cubas military with the goal of halting the flow of cash to Cubas military. That restriction could impede U.S. businesses with ties to Cuba and some travel there. Senior White House officials said Obamas overtures have enriched Cubas military.

 Upon their return to the U.S., travelers could see stepped-up enforcement of rules governing what items they can bring back, including the rum and cigars produced by state-run enterprises. Tourists to Cuba are required to maintain full schedules and keep detailed logs while there  something that has been rarely checked upon their return but may now be subject to audit, U.S. officials say.

Three things that wont change

 U.S. airlines and cruise ships will still be allowed to service the island.

 The U.S. will maintain diplomatic relations with the island nation. The U.S. Embassy in Havana, which reopened in August 2015, will remain as a full-fledged diplomatic outpost, though likely without an ambassador.

 The trade embargo remains in place under Trump. Only the U.S. Congress can lift it, and lawmakers have shown little interest in doing so.

What if I have a tour booked?

None of the changes will become effective until the Treasury and Commerce Departments issue new regulations, which could take months. That means U.S. travelers booked on flights to Cuba in the next few weeks or months could make the trip.
1993 Mumbai serial blasts case: 27 absconders, 23 acquitted, 1 hanged to death

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

The verdict in the second leg of the trial into the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts case is likely to be delivered today. Seven accused including gangster Abu Salem is up for sentencing today.

In this case spanning over 2 and half decades there have been delays, convictions and one execution. The list of absconders too is very high in this case. Including Dawood Ibrahim and Tiger Memon, the list of absconders stands at 27.

A major verdict in this case was delivered in 2006 when 100 were convicted 23 were acquitted. While 12 were given death sentence only Yakub Memon was executed. Here is a list of all the persons to have been convicted, acquitted, handed out a death sentence. You could go through the list of those absconding as well

The absconders:

Dawood Ibrahim

Tiger Memon

Ayub Memon

Anees Ibrahim Kaskar

Shabana Memon

Reshma Memon

Javed Chikna Dawood Tailor

Anwar Theba

Mohd Shafi Memon

Mohd Phansopkar

Yakub Khan

Irhan Ahmed Chaughule

Khan Bashir Ahmed

Mohammed Dossa

Munaf Halari

Nasir Ahmed Shaikh alias Babloo

Abdul Rahid Mohd Khan

Kamarbhai

Latif Noor Mohd

Mohd Liyaqat Khan

Mobin

Shabbir Sayyed Ismail Kadri

Shamshad

Salim Abdul Ghani Gazi

Moahd Farooq

Taufique Jariwala

Sayyed Arif

Sentenced to death:

Parvez Nasir Ahmed Shaikh

Mustaq Tarani

Abdul Gani Turk

Asgar Mukadam

Shahnawaz Qureshi

Mohd Shoaib Ghansar

Mohd Iqbal Mohd Yusuf Shaikh

Zakir Hussain

Abdul Akhtar Khan

Firoz Amani Malik

Mohd Farooq Pawle

Yakub Memon

( Most of the death sentences were commuted to life by the Supreme Court)

Life Imprisonment:

Dawood Phanse

VK Patil

Niyaz Ahmed

Nasir Dhakla

Muzammil Umar Kadri

Ashrafur Rehman Shaikh

Zamir Sayed Ismail Kadri

Parvez Qureshi

Salim Mira Shaikh

Sardar Shahavali Khan

Shaikh Ali Shaikh Umer

Salim Rahim Shaikh

Imtiyaz Gavate

Nasim Bharmare

Somnath Thapa

Bashir Khairula

Moin Qureshi

Rubina Memon

Yusuf Memon

Essa Memon

Acquitted:

Suleiman Memon

Hanifa Memon

Raheen Memon

Asfaq Havaldar

Krishna Mokal

Krishna Pingle

Manohar More

Mansoor Qureshi

Shaikh Kasam Babulal

Sultan-e-Rome Sardar Ali Gul

Mohammed Iqbal Ibrahim

Abdul Aziz Abdul Kadar

Ruksana Jariwala

Mohammed Ahmed Mansoor

Moiuddin Cheruvatam

Ismail Patel

Anant Shakaram Bhoir

Shakeel Shahabuddin Shaikh

Devidas Keshav Ghule

Sayed Ismail Qadri

Fasal Rehman Shaikh

Murad Ibrahim Khan

Ajay Marwah

Rusi Mulla (probation)

Three-years:

Yashwant Boinkar

Abbas Shaikhdhare

Shahjehan Shaikhdhare

Rashid Alware

Sharif Adhikar

Kersi Adajenia ( two years)

Five-years:

Yusuf Khan alias Kayyum Khan

Shahnawaz Hajwani

Sikandar Hajwani

Ayub Qureshi

Sayyed Mujju Kadri

Mujib Parkar

Ehsan Mohd Zufel Qureshi:

Salim Durrani: AK-56 possession

Aziz Ahamed Shaikh

Liyakat Ali Khan

Noor Mohd Khan

Mulchand Shah

Mubina Bhiwandiwala

Zaibunissa Qazi

Yusuf Nulwala

Six-year jail term:

SY Pashilkar

RD Mali

PM Mahadik

AN Muneshwar

Gul Mohammed Noor Mohd Shaikh

Mohd Hanif Usman Shaikh

Mohd Saeed Mohd Ishaq

Usman Man Khan Shaikh

Abdul Aziz Gharatkar

Mohd Yunus Rasool Botomiya

Janardhan Gambas

Abdullah Ibrahim Surti

Faki Ali Faki Ahmed Subedar

Mohd Dawood Khan

Sanjay Dutt

Seven-year term:

Mohd Rafique Usman Skaikh

Suleman Gawate

Sajjad Alam

Sayyed Abdul Rehman Shaikh

Raju Jain

Mohd Rafique Biyariwala

Mohammed Sultan Sayed

Eight-years in jail:

Gulam Hafiz Shaikh

Jayant Gurav

S S Talavadekar

Asis Yusuf Shaikh

Nine-year jail term:

Sarfaraz Phanse

Tulsiram Surve

Samir Hingora

RK Singh

10-years in jail:

Shahid Qureshi

Shaikh Mond Ethesham

Shahnawaz Khan

Khalil Ahmed Sayed Ali Nasir

Mohd Kasam Lajpuria

Issaq Mohammed Hajwani

Ayub Patel

Mansoor Ahmed Sayyed Ahmed

Altaf Ali Shaikh

Ibrahim alias Baba Musa Chouhan

Ejaz Pathan

Sentenced to 14 years

Sharif Parkar

Uttam Potdar

Manojkumar Gupta

Farooq Ilyas Motorwala (13 year sentence)

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Friday, June 16, 2017, 9:14 [IST]
Known as 'Dr Bomb', 1993 Mumbai blasts convict Ansari who jumped parole arrested in UP

Abu Bakar, 1993 Mumbai blasts accused, held in UAE; likely to be extradited to India soon

Abu Salem won't be put behind bars for more than 25 yrs as per extradition treaty with Portugal, rules SC

1993 Mumbai serial blasts: Abu Salem, others convicted, sentencing on June 19

India

oi-Vicky

A special TADA court has convicted extradited gangster, Abu Salem for conspiracy in the Mumbai 1993 blasts case. The court has also held Mustaffa Dossa and three others guilty of conspiracy charges in the blasts case.

The court however acquitted Abdul Qayyum of all charges. The court held Salem guilty of conspiracy and terrorism. The court said that no mercy should be shown to terrorists. The quantum of sentence would be decided on another date. The court fixed June 19 as the date to hear arguments on the quantum of sentence.

Justice (retd) P C Khode delivered the verdict in the in the second leg of the trial in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts case involving seven accused, including extradited gangster Abu Salem. The court also convicted Firoz Khan, Karimullah Shaikh, Riaz Siddiqui and Tahir Merchant for conspiracy and murder charges.

The blasts left 257 people dead, 713 seriously injured and destroyed properties worth Rs 27 crore. In the first leg of the trial that concluded in 2007, the TADA court convicted 100 accused, while 23 people were acquitted.

The trial of the seven accused -- Abu Salem, Mustafa Dossa, Karimullah Khan, Firoz Abdul Rashid Khan, Riyaz Siddiqui, Tahir Merchant and Abdul Quayyum -- were separated from the main case as they were arrested at the time of conclusion of the main trial.

Salem was accused of transporting weapons from Gujarat to Mumbai. He also handed over to actor Sanjay Dutt, who was an accused in the case for illegally possessing weapons, AK 56 rifles, 250 bullets and some hand grenades at his residence on January 16, 1993. Two days later on January 18, 1993, Salem and two others went to Dutts house and got back two rifles and some rounds.

The role the 7 played:

Mustafa Dossa

Arrested: March 20, 2003

Charges: He has been charged with arranging landing of arms, ammunition and explosives at Dighi in Raigad district and participating in the blast conspiracy

Abu Salem Ansari

Arrested: August 2, 2005

Charges: Supplying arms, ammunition and hand grenades

Riyaz Ahmed Siddique

Arrested: August 2, 2005

Charges: Transporting explosives in a van, which were later used in the blasts

Abdul Qayyum Shaikh

Arrested: February 13, 2007

CHARGES: Charged with accompanying Abu Salem to Sanjay Dutt's house to deliver arms and ammunition

Firoz Khan

Arrested: February 5, 2010

Charges: Arranging transportation and distribution of arms, ammunition and explosives.

Mohammad Tahir Merchant Alias Tahir Taklya

Arrested: June 8, 2010

Charges: Making arrangements to send other convicts to Pakistan for training

Karimullah Shaikh

Arrested: August 21, 2008

Charges: Smuggling arms into the country through the Shekhadi coast of Raigad district.

OneIndia News
Aadhaar is now mandatory to keep bank accounts valid, govt sets December 31 deadline

India

oi-Anusha

The Government on Friday made Aadhaar mandatory for opening bank accounts. Further, existing account holders have been asked to submit their Aadhaar details to banks before December 31, 2017, failing which accounts will become invalid. Aadhaar has also been made compulsory for transactions above Rs 50,000.

Citizens have until the end of this year to submit their Aadhaar details to banks. All existing bank accounts will become invalid if Aadhaar details are not submitted by account holders by the end of this year. All transactions above Rs 50,000 will require Aadhaar details mandatorily.

The move to make Aadhaar compulsory to open and keep bank accounts valid comes less than a week after the government insisted that Aadhaar-PAN linking. A day after the Supreme Court upheld the validity of an I-T Act provision making Aadhaar mandatory for allotment of PAN cards and for ITR filing but had put a partial stay on its implementation till a Constitution bench addressed the issue of right to privacy, the government made it clear that the linking of the Aadhaar and the Permanent Account Number will be a "must" for filing Income Tax Returns and obtaining PAN from July 1.

OneIndia News
Are you a gau bhakt? Then check out the latest cow connect app, book on cowism

India

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia Staff Writer

Mumbai, June 16: At a time when farmers are daily dying in dozens, either due to suicide or police firing, gau bhakts (devotees of cows) are leaving no stone unturned to express their love and respect towards the animal.

In order to spread the message of protection of cow--a theory right-wingers insist is a part and parcel of Hindu religion-- a group of cow-lovers is all set to launch a special cow connect app and a book strangely titled--Capitalism, Communism and Cowism--in Mumbai on June 18.

If you are wondering who is the brain behind such a 'cow'ish initiative, then hold your breath, he is none other than Bharatiya Janata Party MP Subramanian Swamy.

Swamy, under the aegis of his right-wing group, Virat Hindustan Sangam, is hosting a special cow conference, "National Conference on Bos Indicus: The Glorious Indian Cow", in the glitzy Bombay Stock Exchange complex, where the app and the book will be launched.

By the way, the weird-sounding book has been written by Sahdeo Dasa.

If you are thinking the conference of the cow-premis is going to end here, then you are absolutely wrong. Since it is a conference, then our "dignitaries" must speak and in this cow congress everything will be revolved around cow and more cows.

Along with the keynote address by Swamy, others who are going to speak at the event are Kamal Thapa, Deputy Prime Minister of Nepal; Hansraj Ahir, MoS Home; Hrishikesh Mafatlal, Chairman of Arvind Mafatlal Group; and, Vivek Oberoi, Bollywood actor. See, isn't it a glorious guest list?

The participants are not just limited to these four-five big names alone. According to the organisers, the cow conference will also host 750 intellectuals. We are sure the Bombay Stock Exchange complex will reverberate in cow 'gyaan' on the day.

Farmers, breeders, gau-palaks (cow herders) and researchers will be felicitated during the event. The speakers will make best use of audio-visual presentations during their discussions on subjects like 'cow and economics'; 'cow and agriculture and environment'; 'cow and spirituality'; and, 'cow and health', to name a few.

However, this cow gyaan is not free of cost. Interested persons have to pay a sum of Rs 1,000 to attend the conference. The proceeds from the event will go to Sri Chaitanya Seva Trust, which provides charitable healthcare in Mumbai.

The organisers have come up with a four-page invitation card for the conference where you can get to learn several facts about cow and quotes from Presidents to Jesus Christ about preserving the sacred animal.

To promote the programme, the VHS has also made an animated video, which highlights the benefits of protecting and revering the Bos Indicus, or India's indigenous cow breed.

The 'teaser' begins with flashing text: "Cow is divine blessings... Over 98% of agriculture in India depends on cows... Dung of one cow is enough to fertilize five acre land... Cow milk and ghee helps develop the brain of children."

The grand show is coming at a time when the right-wing groups are pressing the ruling BJP to make cow the national animal of India. Moreover, do we need to say anything about cow vigilantism? These days, angry mobs are killing people on mere suspicion of eating beef or smuggling cow.

Talking about beef ban, the recent rulings on cow sale and slaughter by the ministry of environment has left the beef-eating population of India, especially in Kerala and Northeast India, mighty upset.

Looking at all these developments, we are sure cow politics will heat up further in the coming days.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Friday, June 16, 2017, 12:31 [IST]
No news about 2 Arunachal youths who went missing from near China border in August

Army kills a villager in Arunachal Pradesh, calls it a case of 'mistaken identity'

India

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia Staff Writer

Itanagar, June 16: The army killed a villager in Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh on Wednesday, reported PTI. The deceased, identified as Thingtu Ngemu (35), died on the spot after the troopers of 21 Para (special forces) opened firing at him mistaking him to be an "ultra".

The incident took place when security forces were carrying out a counter-insurgency operation in the district bordering neighbouring Myanmar.

On Thursday, while admitting about the "tragic incident", the army called it a case of "mistaken identity". The incident took place on Wednesday night, defence PRO Colonel Chiranjit Konwer said on Thursday.

"Based on specific intelligence regarding movement of a hardcore terrorist group, the army personnel challenged the person when he arrived at the spot. The person identified as Thingtu Ngemu made 'very suspicious movements' and rushed towards the troop following which the army opened fire, resulting in his death," Konwer added.

In its statement, the army said, "The army troops had laid an ambush in this particular area based on hard intelligence with regards to movement of a group of hardcore terrorists. It was during this time the individual who has got killed, came into the ambush and on being challenged he made very suspicious movements and rushed towards the ambush party, which forced them to open controlled fire resulting in the individual suffering fatal injury. It is a case of mistaken identity."

In the recent few days, the army has intensified its counter-insurgency operations along the Indo-Myanmar border as the area serves as a "free-corridor" for militant groups like the United Liberation Front of Assam and the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Khaplang).

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Friday, June 16, 2017, 6:27 [IST]
Aviation minister denies helping Diwakar Reddy in boarding flight

India

ians-IANS

By Ians English

Visakhapatnam, June 16: Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju has denied helping Telugu Desam party (TDP) MP J.C. Diwakar Reddy board the flight after the latter created a ruckus at the Visakhapatnam airport on Thursday.

Raju told a television channel on Friday that the MP came to him and told him that he had been waiting at the airport for one hour but was denied the boarding pass.

"We have a third umpire called CCTV. We don't have to take anybody's words for it. It showed what that situation was. I asked the airport director to verify from CCTV camera," the minister said.

Hours after tweeting that he would get the incident probed, Raju said there was no need for probe. "What are we going to probe? CCTV camera has said it all," he remarked.

Raju said the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) norms were clear that a passenger should get the boarding pass 45 minutes before the flight's departure time and the safety regulations were same for all categories of passengers.

He found fault with his party MP's behaviour. "This is not expected of any citizen, forget a Parliament member. Pushing, pulling and hammering people... Law will take its own course," Raju said.

A total of seven airline companies have now barred Telugu Desam Party MP JC Diwakar Reddy from flying on their planes after his violent behaviour in Visakhapatnam airport on Thursday morning.

IANS
Only those from political families can eye a CMs post in Congress: Amit Shah

Uniform Civil Code in Himachal if BJP comes to power: Amit Shah

BJP Chief Amit Shah arrives in Maharashtra, to meet Uddhav Thackeray

India

pti-PTI

Mumbai, Jun 16: BJP president Amit Shah on Friday began his three-day Mumbai visit during which he will also meet Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray.

The BJP chiefs upcoming meeting with Thackeray assumes significance as Shiv Sena has threatened to take an independent stand in the presidential election and also in wake of the ongoing war of words between allies over issues like farm loan waiver and the possibility of snap polls in Maharashtra.

Shah landed in Mumbai this morning as a part of his extensive tour programme of various states.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, state BJP chief Raosaheb Danve and Mumbai BJP president Ashish Shelar welcomed Shah after he landed at the Mumbai airport.

After coming out of the airport, Shah accepted the greetings of several BJP workers who had gathered outside.

The BJP president then left for Shivaji Park to offer floral tributes to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, Veer Savarkar and Bal Thackeray.

Later today, Shah is scheduled to meet party MPs, MLAs, state unit office bearers, morcha presidents, presidents of districts and mandals and other elected representatives in south Mumbai.

That meeting would be followed by another with BJP ministers in Maharashtra government at the chief ministers residence Varsha.

On Saturday, Shah would meet the core committee members of the state at Vasant Smriti - Mumbai BJPs office in Dadar.

The same day, Shah will attend a meeting in connection with the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Birth Centenary year at Sahyadri guest house and also review various programmes to strengthen the party at the booth level.

During his visit, which concludes on Sunday, Shah is also expected to interact with some intellectuals from Mumbai.

The Mumbai visit is part of the country-wide tour programme undertaken by Shah from April to September, party sources said.

So far, the BJP chief has visited 10 states, they added.

PTI

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Story first published: Friday, June 16, 2017, 12:15 [IST]
Great tolerance, the CBI is sitting idle in Goa says its SP

CBI takes over probe in IAS officer Anurag Tewari death case

India

oi-Anusha

Nearly a month after IAS officer Anurag Tewari was found dead in Lucknow, the CBI has taken over the investigations in the case.

On May 22, the Uttar Pradesh government had recommended that the central agency probe the unnatural death of Anurag Tewari, the CBI officially took over the probe on Friday.

Tewari's family had alleged foul play in his death and suspected that he was murdered. Multiple representations were made to the government of Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh as well as Union Home Minister and IAS association by Anurag Tewari's family urging a speedy and fair probe.

Anurag's family, especially his brother had claimed that Anurag was under undue pressure by his seniors and had time and again spoken about Bengaluru not being safe.

As recently as June 14, Anurag Tewari's family had met Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah urging him to order a CBI probe since the Uttar Pradesh police had shown little interest in the probe.

Autopsy reports concluded that Anurag Tewari had died due to asphyxiation but did not spell out the reason for the lack of oxygen that killed the young bureaucrat.

On May 17, Karnataka cadre IAS officer Anurag Tewari was found dead near a government guest house in Lucknow. Injury marks were seen on his face and chin. While the autopsy report remained inconclusive, his family alleged that he was murdered. A month after his death, the CBI has taken over the investigations into the unnatural death of IAS officer Anurag Tewari.

OneIndia News
DigiLocker users can now store Ayushman Bharat health records: Here's how to do it

Congress calls for LG intervention to end BJP-AAP fight in Delhi

India

ians-IANS

By Ians English

New Delhi, June 16: Noting that the functioning of all the three Delhi Municipal Corporations has come to a standstill due to fights between the AAP and the BJP, the Congress on Friday said that Lt. Governor Anil Baijal should intervene.

"Due to the fights between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-ruled MCDs, important committees in the MCDs have not been constituted," Delhi Congress chief Ajay Maken told reporters here at a press conference.

"Delhi Lieutenant Governor should intervene to play the role of a referee and end fights between the two parties," he added.

He said that in the absence of the anti-malaria and anti-flood committees, the people of Delhi face the threat of diseases like dengue.

"The AAP government wants the appointment of Aldermen first as they have voting rights in the constitution of ward committees, while the BJP-ruled MCDs want to constitute the various committees first before the appointment of Aldermen, which is the bone of contention," Maken said.

He demanded that Aldermen should be appointed without any delay.

"Congress councillors will raise the issue in the MCD meeting, and if need be, the party will come out on the streets to agitate," he said.

"Congress never allowed any delay in the constitution of various committees in the MCDs to affect the functioning of the corporations during its rule in the capital," Maken added.

In 2012, the BJP came to power in the MCDs, and these committees in the corporations were constituted quickly as the Congress government in Delhi did not create any hurdles in the formation of these committees, Maken said.

"The AAP government and the BJP-ruled MCDs are behaving irresponsibly, which is affecting the people," he alleged.

"Congress wants that the BJP and the AAP sort out their differences quickly, whether to appoint the Aldermen first or to form the committees in the MCDs first, as the functioning of the MCDs should not suffer due to their fights to put the people of Delhi to suffering," he said.

IANS
Congress wants its leaders to read National Herald, get more subscribers

India

oi-Anusha

Even before its launch, the Congress seems to have set subscription goals for National Herald. The party's state units have not only been asked to subscribe and read the yet-to-be relaunched version of Jawaharlal Nehru's newspaper but also get subscribers. National Herald is slated to release in its full-fledged print avatar in the near future while the online edition is already up and running.

Congress workers, especially in poll-bound states like Karnataka where Congress is in power have been assigned with the task of bringing in subscribers to the National Herald. Before its launch, Congress wants state units to contribute to gain at least 35,000 subscribers. National Herald is going to make a comeback as a weekly newspaper with Neelabh Misra as its Editor-in-Chief. The yearly subscription currently is Rs 1,000.

Depending on the party's presence and the numbers of workers in each district, especially in states that it is in power, the Congress party is setting up targets for its workers. While no official communication has been issued to party's state units, subscription forms have been sending in thousands sending the subtle but firm message. Congress leaders have been asked by the senior leadership to 'help' National Herald but subscription requests have been minimal so far.

While releasing the paper's commemorative publication, Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi had hailed it to be a platform for voices stifled by the current government. While the party would like to pass off National Herald as the alternate and strong voice, the paper is also going to be a fund source for the party.

The subscription targets are not only aimed at popularising Congress' mouthpiece but also to ensure funds. While senior leaders have been asked to 'help' on their own, workers have been asked to help popularise National Herald by taking it to the people. With the paper, the Congress hopes to spread its ideology as well as ensure funds.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Friday, June 16, 2017, 14:17 [IST]
We cannot wait longer now: SC to hear Vijay Mallyas contempt case in January for final disposal

Cutting ties with the UK will not get Mallya back, Twitterati tells Arnab

India

oi-Prabhpreet

By Prabhpreet

Vijay Mallya, has throughout his career revelled in his ability to be in the spotlight. Whether through his flamboyant lifestyle, his brand of liquor, his Formula 1 team, or his once high-flying airline, it mattered little to him how he got it as long as he did.

But no matter how much he must love being in the media, he would certainly be more than happy to be out of it following the actions initiated by authorities over the almost Rs 9,000 crore he owes to Indian banks.

The attention got worse after he chose to leave the country rather than stay in India and present himself in its courts. Now, with the case for his extradition, which the government has requested, beginning in the UK, the liquor baron is again in the news.

With Mallya not helping his case, at least in front of the Indian media, by making statements such as "You can keep dreaming about a million pounds..you don't know the facts" when a reporter asked him about "billion pounds."

In what could be considered worse news for him would be that the attempt to bring him back has been taken up by not only by the Indian government but also Arnab Goswami, probably the most famous TV journalist in the country, at least in the English language media.

And he has done so with gusto. The journalist came back on air after taking a few months off as he worked to start his own channel, Republic TV. Now that he is back, he is gunning for Mallya and has not only conducted debates over the topic of how to make him return to the country but has now also told the government on how to do it.

As this is how he wants the government to go about securing his return, according to his channels twitter handle,

#HandoverMallya Arnab: The only way to teach Mallya a lesson is by threatening to cut off ties with the UK if they protect him.  Republic (@republic) June 13, 2017

Yes, Goswami wants to cut off all ties with the UK, if it does not extradite him to India.

While whatever the thought process behind such an advice, the tweet raised one hell of a storm in the Twittersphere.

The reactions given by twitterati ranged from disbelief to applying the same logic to other situations, among others.

And all of them were hilarious, as they let the man who is famous for asking questions the 'nation wants to know,' that the step that he wants the government to take, won't get Mallya back.

And here is a look at what the various people had to say, in their own words, or at least in their own tweets...

This how they thought May would respond...

And then they were those who just could not believe what Arnab had tweeted...

Smoking either some strong stuff or suffering from delusion of grandeur. Probably both pic.twitter.com/CgdKoeMfee  Rajan Alexander (@devconsultgroup) June 13, 2017

It included some sober reactions as well...

Arnab Really? I usually agree with you but can India afford to cut ties with UK for one Man...Get some Perspective #HandoverMallya  Tanya (@Zoiepins) June 13, 2017

What was that about cutting your nose to spite your face? https://t.co/TjKc9TQ6Yo  Neha Yadav (@nay_yeah) June 13, 2017

And then they were those who thought about logic...

Whaaaaaat! After #Pakistan We will not play cricket against #England also?  Pun Bahar (@PunBahar) June 13, 2017

Better solution: Send Arnab to UK.

They will give Vijay Mallya out of fear of noise pollution.https://t.co/BzFpJ73H4M  Chatur Mind (@Vishj05) June 13, 2017

OneIndia News
'First time in history': Cancer disappears from every patient's body after drug trial

Thailand is Asias first country to legalise cannabis, but you cant get high

Drug trafficking case: Punjab Inspector suspended

India

oi-Chennabasaveshwar

By Chennabasaveshwar

Punjab Police Inspector Inderjit Singh and ASI Ajeb Singhhave been suspended from duty for their alleged links with drug smugglers.

Inspector Singh was arrested by the special task force of Punjab Police with 4 kg of heroin in Kapurthala on Monday. Later, has confessed to having "links" with drug suppliers in Amritsar region.

The raids were carried out in the morning at inspector Singh's residence at the Jalandhar police lines, from where he was arrested, and his official quarters at Phagwara.

Police seized 7 kgs of narcotics, including 4 kgs of heroin, one Italy-made 9 mm pistol, live cartridges of various calibres and Rs 16.50 lakh in cash.

The inspector's involvement in drug trafficking came to light when the STF, set up by the Congress government to tackle the drug menace in Punjab, was analysing cases pertaining to large recoveries of narcotics in the last five years. Its sleuths discovered that Inderjit, as the inspector, had seized a lot of drugs in 2013-14.

(With agency inputs)

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Story first published: Friday, June 16, 2017, 13:58 [IST]
Todd Niehaus is a firm believer that professional development pays huge dividends in terms of students having good outcomes in the classroom.

A big part of professional development, said Niehaus, who serves as Fremont Middle Schools assistant principal, involves teachers collaborating with one another  bouncing ideas off of one another, talking about what works in the classroom and what doesnt work.

Collaboration is key, Niehaus said during a Thursday interview with the Tribune. Students can sometimes learn best from each other, and the same can be said of teachers, as well.

For the past two weeks, seven Fremont Public School teachers and nearly 175 Nebraska teachers statewide have had the opportunity to learn and collaborate with one another through a University of Nebraska-Lincoln professional development project.

A $1 million grant from the Nebraska Department of Education enabled the University of Nebraska-Lincoln faculty to coordinate the professional development project which is aimed at improving K-12 math and science instruction throughout Nebraska.

With a focus on elevating academic achievement in Nebraskas high-need schools, Nebraska Partnership TEAMS (Teaching to Enhance Achievement in Math and Science) established professional development sessions at six sites  Crete, Fremont, Grand Island, Norfolk, North Platte and Ogallala.

Fifty-six elementary and secondary teachers from participating schools lead the sessions, which included approximately 175 teacher participants from across the state.

The project represented a collaboration between faculty from the UNL Center for Science, Mathematics and Computer Education; the Department of Mathematics; the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences; and the Department of Teaching, Learning and Teacher Education, information off of UNLs science and math department says.

Niehaus said the Fremont site served as the location for Omaha Public Schools, Wahoo, North Bend and Bellevue. Representing the Fremont Public School District were two staff members from Johnson Crossing Academic Center, four from FMS and one Fremont High School instructor.

Over the two week course, teachers were broken into three groups: K-5 math and science, 6-12 secondary math and grades 6-12 secondary science.

They are collaborating, coming up with new lesson plans and designing new lesson plans to take into the classroom with them, Niehaus said. After this they (FPS staff) will meet four times throughout the school year after implementing the lessons and talk about how it went with their cohorts. They will talk about what worked and what didnt, then revise and move forward.

Niehaus said one of the primary goals of the professional development sessions was to integrate both math and science.

Instead of students just sitting there and getting information tossed at them, we want these lesson plans to dig a little deeper; we want students to get even more involved through active learning.

The learning experienced was not only beneficial for staff in terms of bettering their classrooms, for many, it served as a way to receive three credit hours toward pursuing their masters degree, Niehaus said.

Niehaus said hes happy FPS teachers were able to be a part of this invaluable experience.

I am very happy, Niehaus said. Its been a pretty intense two weeks, but I spoke with them today and they are all really excited about what they learned and they are ready to take it back to their classrooms.
DigiLocker users can now store Ayushman Bharat health records: Here's how to do it

Elderly couple held captive at home, money jewellery worth Rs 10 lakh robbed

India

oi-PTI

New Delhi, June 16: A group of unidentified men who entered an elderly couple house in southeast Delhi, held them hostage and robbed of money and jewellery worth Rs 70 lakh on Thursday.

Naseeb Chand Aggarwal 65 told the police that they stay on the top floor of a building in Nehru Enclave.

He had gone out for some work while his wife and cook were at home. When he returned, he found that there were four men inside the house and they were holding his wife at knifepoint, said a senior police officer. Te faces of the men were covered, he said.

They threatened to kill the couple if they did not part with their jewellery and cash, the officer said, the men decamped with valuables worth Rs 70 lakh and even hit the couple who suffered minor injuries.

Police suspect the role of an insider and are questioning former employees of the couple.

PTI
Fact Check: PM Modi did not take pleasure in peoples suffering post demonetisation

Farmers to protest on highways on International Yoga Day

India

oi-Madhuri

Bhartiya Kisan Union at Jantar Mantar will stage a protest on International Yoga Day on June 21 demanding the implementation of the Swaminathan Committee report. They are demanding to implement Swaminathan Committee report in order for the betterment of farmers.

According to BKU president Naresh Tikait said that the government is not listening to farmers was the reason behind the discontent and unrest simmering among them in various states.

"We are not against the government but we are against its anti-farmer policies. We cannot allow the government to avoid listening to and addressing the problems faced by the farmers," he said.

Farmers in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana and Uttarakhand will perform yoga on highways from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on June 21

Meanwhile, CPI leader also criticised the government for denying assistance to the crisis-hit farmers.

The recent farmers' protest in the Mandsaur district of Madhya Pradesh that claimed lives of six farmers, was the testimony of the worsening situation.

OneIndia News
GJM protest: GJM supporters torch health centre, hydel project

India

oi-Chennabasaveshwar

By Chennabasaveshwar

The GJM protest in hill city Darjeeling continued throughout Thursday night with suspected Gorkha Janmukti Morcha supporters torched a hydel project and health centre.

A primary health center run by the state government-owned Ramam hydel project at Lodham, was set on fire by the miscreants. An electricity supply office at the same spot was also set ablaze. No arrests have been made in connection with the incident.

As the tension is escalating, the Centre has dispatched 400 additional paramilitary personnel to Darjeeling. Around 1,400 security personnel are reported to be assisting the local administration in restoring peace.

Throughout Thursday, agitators vandalized and set ablaze a police and media van as violence gripped the hill city.

It may be recalled that a resolution was passed for a separate state of Gorkhaland at a meet by four political parties of the hills, including the BJP and an apolitical body.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Friday, June 16, 2017, 11:59 [IST]
Indian soldier martyred in ceasefire violation by Pak at J&K

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

A soldier has been martyred in a ceasefire violation by Pakistan. The 34 year old Indian Army Jawan Naik Bhahtawar Singh lost his life in the ceasefire violation by Pakistan at the Naushera sector at 5.15 am today.

This is the third ceasefire violation reported this week. Pakistan forces opened fire early this morning. India gave a befitting reply to Pakistan, but unfortunately lost one of its jawans.

Pakistan has resorted to ceasefire violations several times this month. The Intelligence Bureau says that this is being done to provide cover fire to the terrorists who are trying to infiltrate into the Valley.

With the Indian Army carrying out 'operation wipeout,' Pakistan is attempting to push in as many of its terrorists into the Valley. There is a high alert in Kashmir which has been declared after 6 incidents of terror were reported. On Thursday one policeman was martyred after he was shot at by terrorists.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Friday, June 16, 2017, 15:08 [IST]
IT employees' layoff: FITE seeks govt support

India

oi-PTI

Chennai, Jun 16: Forum for IT Employees, an association representing software professionals in various companies on Friday requested state governments to look into the issue of 'terminating' employees by IT companies.

"State governments give land at discounted rates in Special Economic Zones for IT companies to set up their (respective) office. Besides, the government also encourages IT companies to set up offices, as the companies would create huge employment opportunities."

"Therefore, we seek the State governments to come for the support of the employees when they get terminated from service", FITE General Secretary AJ Vinodh told reporters here.

The FITE which is set up in the state of Tamil Nadu has come in the backdrop of sacking of employees by tech services giant Cognizant.

The association claimed that 60,000 employees working at various IT companies have received termination orders from service. he said in next two years lay offs by such companies was expected to be around two lakh across the country.

Forum had already met IT Minister in Karnataka to take steps for the welfare of the employees and added that they would meet his counterpart in Tamil Nadu soon. "We seek the reinstatement of dismissed employees. We want State governments to support the employees as several funds are paid by these people as taxes when they were in service", Vinodh said.

As per the report, Tamil Nadu has around 4.5 lakh employees in the IT sector, with major companies such as Infosys having 17,000 employees in Chennai alone, while Wipro has nearly 25,000 and TCS, which is the country's largest software exporter, has around 60,000 employees in 13 different centres in the state.

PTI

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Story first published: Friday, June 16, 2017, 16:31 [IST]
J&K's ex-CMs become 'semi-separatists', says Jitendra Singh in veiled attack on Abdullah

India

pti-PTI

New Delhi, Jun 16: Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Friday said chief ministers in Jammu and Kashmir often turned into "semi-separatists" when out of power, a remark seen as a veiled attack on NC leader and former CM Farooq Abdullah.

Singh, questioning the "conviction" of separatists, said they drew privileges such as air ticket concessions, sought subsidised treatment in hospitals or "lobbied" for their offspring in Delhi's "corridors of power".

"Despite this, they refused to abide by the Constitution of India," the minister said.

The MP from Udhampur in Jammu said separatism was never an "ideology" in Kashmir, but "more of a convenience than conviction".

"Many of the mainstream parties (in the state)...when they are out of power become semi-separatists. When they are chief ministers they go to the extent of challenging the home minister of India (saying) why don't you bombard the terror camps in Pakistan. Once they are shunted out of power, they become wiser overnight," he said.

"I bet, you again restore them to power and again they will start swearing by India and swearing Jammu Kashmir as a part of India. So this is the character of separatism and semi-separatism," the minister of state in the Prime Minister's Office said.

His remarks were read as an attack on Abdullah, who was defeated in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls. His son, Omar, who was heading the National Conference government in the state, also lost power in 2014. Farooq Abdullah, elected from Srinagar in a by-poll in April this year, had recently spoken out in support of people who threw stones at security forces in the state.

In the past, too, Singh had accused Abdullah of speaking the "language of separatists". The minister was speaking at a seminar on the Indus water Treaty Conference organised by the Global Counter Terrorism Council. He said had Jawaharlal Nehru as Prime Minister given "full control" to his Home Minister, Vallabhbhai Patel, to manage Kashmir, the situation would have been different today.

"Jammu and Kashmir became subject to a series of blunders and vested interests of the polity from time to time...History records what it describes as the infamous Nehruvian blunder over Kashmir," he said. He attacked the Congress, saying "those who have been at the helm of affairs for the last 60-70 years" cannot be "absolved" of responsibility.

"After all, the buck has to stop somewhere," he added.

He said in his conversation with Kashmiri youth, he asked them to listen to separatists, but also question them if their sons were among the stone pelters.

"They (separatists) want their neighbour's child to become a stone pelter," he said.

"I could read out the names of these families who are lobbying in the corridors of powers in Delhi to get their children enrolled in different services though they don't subscribe to the Constitution of India," he said.

He pointed out that 14 students from the Valley cleared the civil service examination this year and referred to 11 officers from Kashmir who recently graduated from the Indian Military Academy. "This was the Kashmiri youth's conviction in the Indian Constitution," he said.

PTI
J&K: Security forces open fire during stone pelting, one killed

India

pti-PTI

Srinagar, Jun 15: A man was killed as security forces opened fire on a stone-pelting mob in Rangreth area on the outskirts of the city on Friday. The deceased youth was identified as Naseer Ahmad, who was a resident of Ashtengo village in north Kashmir's Bandipora district.

A group of youth pelted the security forces' vehicles with stones at Rangreth, a police official said. The security personnel opened fire to chase away the protestors in which one person was injured.

Nazir Ahmad was rushed to SKIMS hospital at Soura in a critical condition where he succumbed on the intervening night of June 15 and 16, the official said.

Meanwhile, two policemen were killed and one cop was injured in two separate attacks carried out by terrorists in Srinagar. One of the two attacks took place in Hyderpora area of Srinagar where terrorists opened fire at a police party. Two policemen were injured in the attack were admitted to 92 Base Hospital of the Army.

OneIndia News ( with PTI inputs)
FM Nirmala Sitharaman hints at possibility of Centre considering restoration of state status to J&K

In J&K, 14,000 dropouts find their way back to schools

One Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorist gunned down in Jammu and Kashmir

Civilian killed in firing between terrorists and security forces in J&K

India

oi-Madhuri

A civilian has been killed and six others injured in firing between terrorists and security forces at Idgah Mohalla in Kulgam's Arwani village in Jammu and Kashmir.

According to reports, three terrorists are trapped in a building and heavy firing is going on at Idgah Mohalla.

Cordon and search operation was launched at Kulgam's Arwani village as security forces suspected the presence of terrorists in the area.

Meanwhile, on Thursday, unknown gunmen shot a woman leaving her badly wounded in Katrasoo village of southern district of Kulgam. The woman was identified as Suraya daughter of Muhammad Sharif Bhat of Katrasoo. "Some gunmen barged into the house of Bhat and shot at Suraya in her leg," a police official said.

OneIndia News
Is you medical degree from Pakistan not valid in India: Check what the rules say

Karnataka government moves to fix rates at private hospitals, doctors go on strike

India

oi-Anusha

The Karnataka unit of the Indian Medical Association has called for a statewide bandh of doctors on Friday. Hundreds of doctors will take out a rally protesting the government's new amendment bill that seeks to fix rates of treatments at private hospitals.

The Karnataka Private Medical Establishments (Amendment) Bill, 2017, was tabled in the assembly by health minister Ramesh Kumar. The bill seeks to regulate only private hospitals and keeps government facilities out of its purview. While the government has called it a move to save innocent poor patients from being victimised by private hospitals, doctors have called it unfair.

Several doctors association have extended support to the strike. Doctors are expected to take out a rally to Freedom Park in Bengaluru. Protestors will submit a memorandum to the Chief Minister and the health minister asking for the bill to be withdrawn. The bill if implemented will empower the government to regulate private medical services by fixing the prices for various services. The bill also seeks to prescribe punishment, including imprisonment, for doctors in case of irregularities in pricing-related matters.

Private practitioners allege that the move is menacing and is aimed at troubling private health care providers. "Instead of attempting to control or regulate the private hospitals, the government should concentrate on improving state-run hospitals. Patients seek private hospitals for their quality and service and that comes at a price. The government can't burden private hospitals that have already tied up with them for various insurance schemes etc," said Dr Rajashekar S Bellary, president, IMA, Karnataka branch.

Protesting doctors maintained that while the outpatient department will remain closed in most private hospitals, emergency services and in-patients will be attended to. No trouble will be caused to patients in need of immediate medical help, doctors maintained.

OneIndia News
Mallya extradition: CBI rubbishes delay charge

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

Two days after a court in the UK nudged India for delaying the submission of documents in the Vijay Mallya case, the Central Bureau of Investigation has negated the charge. The CBI said that documents related to extradition of Mallya were sent to the UK in February itself while supporting documents were also handed over to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) much before the June 13 hearing in the case.

The CBI said that the Tuesday hearing (June 13) in the UK was not related to Mallya's extradition. The agency spokesperson R K Gaur said that the June 13 hearing was "for case management review".

The purpose of case management review is to determine further steps to be taken in the case and to draw a timetable for extradition proceedings. It is not extradition hearing, Gaur said.

The CBI said the main chargesheet and supplementary chargesheet of Rs 900 crore fraud case against Mallya, extradition dossier, relied upon documents, non-bailable warrant, sworn affidavit of Superintendent of Police of CBI and other documents like evidence containing falsities, misstatements and false representations of Mallya were forwarded before June 13 hearing.

The statement by the CBI said that the chargesheet against Mallya was filed on January 24 this year in the Special CBI court in Mumbai after which a non-bailable warrant was issued against him on January 31. It said that the request for extradition of Vijay Mallya was forwarded on February 9, 2017 to the UK authorities through diplomatic channels.

The extradition dossier contained details of evidence including the chargesheet filed along with relied upon documents and non-bailable warrant of arrest.

"All the evidence regarding falsities, misstatements and false representations of Vijay Mallya, Kingfisher Airlines Limited (KAL) and officials of KAL had already been forwarded to authorities of UK," said Gaur in the statement. CBI officials said that all documents technically reached UK before June 13 CMR hearing.

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Story first published: Friday, June 16, 2017, 6:16 [IST]
We cannot wait longer now: SC to hear Vijay Mallyas contempt case in January for final disposal

Mallya, the prime mover of money laundering plot says ED

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

The chargesheet filed by the Enforcement Directorate against Vijay Mallya reveals details of how he had allegedly floated 20 shell companies, directors of which were either his personal staff or those who retired. The chargesheet was filed in the KFA-IDBI money laundering case.

The ED, meanwhile, is set to confiscate a coffee estate in Coorg in Karnataka and other assets in Bengaluru which it had attached under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), as it did with a Rs 100 crore farm house in Maharashtra's Alibaug recently.

The Enforcement Directorate had registered a criminal case in this deal last year and has attached assets worth over Rs 9,600 crore till now.

"Mallya was holding directly or indirectly movable and immovable assets, in the form of shares of public listed companies, by way of creating a web of shell companies.

The assets were being in shell/dummy companies created by Mallya," the ED said in its chargesheet filed in Mumbai on Wednesday.

The over 5,000 page chargesheet or prosecution compliant, with 57 pages of the main report and rest annexures, has been filed before a special PMLA court in Mumbai.

The chargesheet said Mallya had "formed a complex web structure of his group companies so as to indirectly control their affairs."

"He has nominated directors in those companies who were either his personal staff, retired company official or a third person," it said.

The agency identified the alleged shell firms as Ms PE Data Centre Resources Private Limited, Ms Pharma Trading Limited, Ms Kingfisher Finvest Limited, Devi Investment Private Limited, Ms Mallya Investment Private Limited, Ms Explicit Consultancy Private Limited, Ms Ambitious Computech Private Limited and Vilora Consultancy Private Limited among others.

Shell companies are defined as those firms which are set up by nominal paid-up capital, high reserves and surplus on account of receipt of high share premium, investment in unlisted companies, no dividend income or high cash in hand among others.

It added "there were unencumbered (free of debt) properties more than Rs 1,760.03 crore in addition to the properties mentioned in the personal guarantee submitted by Mallya to the IDBI bank", indicating that these assets were not pledged as collaterals towards security of the bank loan.

Describing how the alleged siphoning off the funds happened in this case, the agency said, "It is suspected that major portion out of amount of Rs 417.29 crore was remitted out of India to overseas parties from IDBI bank."

It mentioned a transaction made to a firm which allegedly had fake or dummy directors.

"An amount of Rs 63.10 crore (approximately) was paid to Ms UBICS Technologies Pvt Ltd (controlled by Mallya). Directors are dummy directors acting on behalf of Mallya.

"This company was used as a special purpose vehicle to route the funds of Ms KFA as no other transaction from any other company has been noticed in this," it said.

"Thus, the acts of Mallya, Ms UBHL and others, establish that a criminal conspiracy was hatched for obtaining or sanctioning of bank loan to KFA in gross violations of established procedures and the airline had no intention for repayment of loan of Rs 900 crore since beginning.

"The said loan amount along with interest totalling Rs 1,301.67 crore therefore falls within the sweep of the proceeds of crime in terms of section .... of the PMLA,"

Thus, it said, the accused have been "actually involved" with the concealment, possession, acquisition and use of the proceeds of crime and therefore knowingly and intentionally in the activity of money laundering as defined under section 3 of the PMLA and are liable for punishment under section 4 of the PMLA.

A total of 9 accused have been named in the chargesheet by the ED including Mallya, Kingfisher Airlines (KFA), United Breweries (Holding) Limited and senior employees and executives of the now-defunct airline and the IDBI (Industrial Development Bank of India) bank.

The ED, in the chargesheet, has called Mallya the "prime mover of the entire plot" and has described how funds obtained from the bank loan were allegedly routed illegally including "substantial payments" being diverted by the beleaguered businessman to the Formula-1 car racing event abroad and others.

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Story first published: Friday, June 16, 2017, 6:06 [IST]
Mentally-challenged woman thrashed by men, forced to chant Jai Shree Ram, Allah

India

oi-Madhuri

In a shocking incident, two men thrashed a mentally-challenged woman with a pipe in Rajasthan's Nagaur area. The incident happened on Tuesday. The video shows two men kicking the woman and thrashing her with rubber pipe as she screams in pain and cries for help.

SHOCKING: Men thrash a mentally-challenged woman with a pipe in Rajasthan's Nagaur, forced to say "Allah", "Jai Shri Ram" & "Jai Hanuman". pic.twitter.com/EhlnaVkhxd  ANI (@ANI_news) June 16, 2017

However, the incident came to light only after someone uploaded the video of the incident on various social media platforms on Thursday.

The woman was also forced to say Allah, Jai Shri Ram & Jai Hanuman. The two men who mercillesly thrashed the woman were identified as Prakash Meghwal and Shrawan Meghwal and have been arrested.

Meanwhile, SHO, Balaji police station, Puranmal Meena said that they are also searching for the man who uploaded the video on social media and the victim after which an appropriate action will be taken.

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Story first published: Friday, June 16, 2017, 10:13 [IST]
NEET Results 2017: TN waits for asset on national entrance exemption bill

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

With the NEET 2017 results just round the corner, the Tamil Nadu assembly has said that it is yet to get a reply from the Centre on the Presidential assent to the NEET bills it sent to the home ministry.

The Tamil Nadu assembly had passed two bills exempting the state from the National Entrance-cum Eligibility Test (NEET), national level entrance examination to admission in Dental and medical courses.

NEET 2017 examination was conducted on May 7 and CBSE, the official organisor of the examination is expected to release the results next week.

Stating this in the assembly, Health Minister C Vijayabaskar, however, expressed confidence of receiving a favourable response from the Centre on the matter, reported PTI.

Tamil Nadu has been insisting that it be given exemption from the National Entrance Cum Eligibility Test (NEET) for MBBS and BDS courses, with the state Assembly having adopted two bills in this regard. Opposition parties, including DMK, had supported the legislative measure.

"The NEET bills are with the Ministry of Home Affairs. It has to be either accepted or rejected. Only if its negative (rejected) can we move the court," the minister said.

A centralised exam keeps the state government out of the admission process. Also, the state reservation rules will not apply. That means, for instance, that reserved category candidates in Tamil Nadu would not benefit from the state's 69% reservation rule. The Centre allows only 49.5% quotas.

On various occasions, Tamil Nadu politicians raised the issue of rural students missing chances in competition with their urban counterparts.

In April this year, Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami raised the issue of NEET test, at the NITI Aayog meeting held in New Delhi. Palaniswami had also written to the Prime Minister, seeking Presidential assent to the two bills.

"Each and every state has different needs and students from all states cannot appear for a common all India test," commented M K Stalin. Union Health Minister JP Nadda had earlier said NEET was "being implemented" in Tamil Nadu also and asked the state government to consider giving reservation to rural students

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Story first published: Friday, June 16, 2017, 8:20 [IST]
Next President of India: This BJP leader bats hard for Advani

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

With the BJP set to announce its candidate for the next President of India, party leader Shatrughan Sinha has launched an online campaign batting for L K Advani.

In his posts, he has been sharing people's responses who support Advani's candidature as the next President.

In a series of tweets, he has spoken about the support that Advani's candidature has been getting. He urged the party to take the right decision when needed without getting influenced by anyone in the larger interest of the nation. What Advani ji has is the ability to understand the complexity of the Constitution, he also wrote.

Electoral College: Here is how the next President of India will be elected

The Presidential elections will be held on July 17. Counting will be held on July 20.

The BJP has appointed three ministers- Arun Jaitley, who is abroad till this weekend, Rajnath Singh and Venkaiah Naidu to meet with its allies and opposition and decide on a candidate. Today Singh and Naidu will meet with Congress chief Sonia Gandhi and Left leader Sitaram Yechury.

Advani's name was in circulation sometime back. It was reported that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said at a meeting that making him the President would be a guru dakshina. However after the Supreme Court ordered the restoration of conspiracy charges in the Babri Masjid case, the name is said to have fallen out of favour.

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Story first published: Friday, June 16, 2017, 6:52 [IST]
Next President of India: Rajnath, Naidu meet L K Advani, Joshi

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

Union Ministers Rajnath Singh and Venkaiah Naidu have met with senior L K Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi to discuss the candidate for the next President of India.

While the agenda of the meeting is not clear, sources say it is to discuss the presidential poll. It may be recalled that the media was flooded with news of Advani and Joshi being probable candidates. It was also reported that their names had been dropped after the Supreme Court restored conspiracy charges against them in the Babri Masjid case.

Earlier the two leaders had met with Congress president Sonia Gandhi and CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury over the same. However insiders said that no names were discussed. The Congress later on said that there will be no consensus candidate

OneIndia News
Next President of India: No Bhagwat, then Swaminathan says Shiv Sena

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

The Shiv Sena has said that it would propose the name of M S Swaminathan for the post of next President of India. The party's chief said that if the BJP does not consider the name of RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, then they would propose Swaminathan the Shiv Sena also said.

Swaminathan also known as the father of the green revolution has not been discussed in BJP circles as a presidential candidate. It may be recalled that he had issued strong statements following the Mandsaur incident in which he had said that if agriculture goes wrong, nothing will go right.

Electoral College: Here is how the next President of India will be elected

Swaminathan is known as the father of the Green Revolution. An Indian geneticist and international administrator he is known for his leading role in India's Green Revolution. Many say that he could be a good choice for President considering the big agricultural push the PM has been making. However, he is 91 years old.

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Story first published: Friday, June 16, 2017, 12:32 [IST]
40 down and counting: Forces on the verge of wiping out Pakistani terrorists in Valley

Mubin did it in Coimbatore: Why do Islamist terrorists shave their body before a suicide mission

Operation wipeout: Dreaded Lashkar militant Junaid Mattoo killed

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

Two terrorists including the dreaded Junaid Mattoo have been killed by the security forces. The two terrorists were holed up at Kulgam. The terrorists were killed in an operation undertaken by the Indian Army, SoG and CRPF.

A joint team of Army, J-K police and CRPF cordoned off Arwani village on specific intelligence about presence of Lashkar militants in the area today morning. The forces had to deal with some stone pelters as well.

Armed, dangerous: These are Kashmir's top 12 terrorists

Junaid Mattoo was involved in a day light attack on a police van in which three policemen including an officer was killed last year. Mattoo's involvement is also suspected in the killing of a policeman in Kulgam area of South Kashmir on Thursday afternoon.

Mattoo a Lashkar-e-Tayiba militant was active since the two years in the Valley. He carried a bounty of Rs 10 lakh on his head. Intelligence sources said that search operation is still ongoing but have been hampered by stone-pelters who are targeting the security forces from different sides.

Police said that Junaid Mattoo is the third top militant who has been killed after Burhan Wani since last year. Buran Wani's close aid Sabzar Ahmad Bhat was the second militant who was killed in an encounter on May 27 last month.

Mattoo had joined the Lashkar at the age of 18. He was part of the 12 most wanted list released by the Army recently.

OneIndia News
Jharkhand crisis: UPA to stage protest across state on Nov 5 against 'attempts to destabilise govt'

Unaccounted transactions of Rs 100 cr found during IT raids in Jharkhand

Opposition demands judicial probe into 'fake' Jharkhand encounter

India

oi-IANS

By Ians English

Ranchi, Jun 16: The opposition parties have termed the encounter between police and Maoist guerrillas in Giridih earlier this month in which one person was killed as fake and demanded a judicial probe.

Former Chief Minister and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha Executive President Hemant Soren, who met Baske's family members, said the encounter was fake.

"Jharkhand government is getting innocent tribals living in jungles killed in the name of Maoists. We demand a judicial probe or CBI inquiry into the encounter. The family members should be given Rs 25 lakh as compensation," he told reporters.

Police described the killed villager as a hardcore Maoist guerrilla.

After Baske's death, his family members and villagers raised the issue of fake encounter.

Even banned Maoist group, Communist Party of India-Maoist, has in a statement denied that Baske was a member of the group as termed by police.

He was running a tea shop on Parasnath hill. According to family members, Baske had on the day of the shootout gone to the jungle to collect wood.

The Congress party has termed the "innocent" villager's killing as unfortunate.

"Jharkhand was created for the welfare of people living in this region, particularly the tribal people. Now, innocent tribal people are being killed in the name of anti-Maoist operation. We demand a judicial probe into the encounter by a sitting judge of the High Court," Jharkhand Congress General Secretary Alok Dubey told IANS.

IANS
Police raid at office unlawful, dangerous for democracy: GJM chief Bimal Gurung

India

oi-Chennabasaveshwar

By Chennabasaveshwar

Gorkha Janmukti Morcha chief Bimal Gurung on Friday broke silence on the police raid at the party office in which huge cache of arms and ammunitions were recovered.

Gurung, who was untraceable till yesterday, told ANI that raid at his house and the party office was unlawful. He termed the raid as 'dangerous for democracy'. He said, 'Admin unlawfully attacked my house, our party office on the instruction of Mamata Banerjee. Such attack dangerous for democracy.'

He further said, Our party members and opposition parties will reply of that atrocity.'

Admin unlawfully attacked my house, our party office in instruction of Mamata Banerjee. Such attack dangerous for democracy: B Gurung, GJM pic.twitter.com/5QkG4ORY6H  ANI (@ANI_news) June 16, 2017

Police raided Gurung's house and office amid heavy deployment of security forces ahead of a protest rally planned by Gorkha Janmukti Morcha supporters on Thursday. Subsequently, alleged supporters of Gorkha Janamukti Morcha set a police station and a media vehicle on fire after Gurung's house was raided.

It may be recalled that, at the beginning of the protest for separate Gorkhaland, Gurung had projected himself as the "chief minister of the hills" and challenged West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to stop the agitation.

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Story first published: Friday, June 16, 2017, 10:33 [IST]
Sharp shooter of Abu Salem's gang arrested in Delhi

India

oi-Chennabasaveshwar

By Chennabasaveshwar

A Special force of Delhi Police's East District has arrested a sharp shooter of Abu Salem's gang on Friday. The shooter has been identified as Jaan Usman Khan.

He is involved in cases of fake currency, extortion, and murder in Delhi and Mumbai. He was earlier arrested in the year 2000 and 2015. In 2000, he was apprehended in Mumbai in an extortion case involving producer Anil Thadani (husband of Bollywood actress Raveena Tandon).

Delhi: Special Staff of Delhi Police's East District arrested Jaan Usman, a sharp shooter of Abu Salem's gang pic.twitter.com/wL315jO8Nl  ANI (@ANI_news) June 16, 2017

The arrest comes on the day of the verdict in the much awaited 1993 Mumbai blasts case. A special TADA court convicted gangster, Abu Salem for conspiracy in the Mumbai blasts case. The court has also held Mustaffa Dossa and three others guilty of conspiracy charges in the blasts case.

Justice (retd) P C Khode delivered the verdict in the in the second leg of the trial in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts case involving seven accused, including extradited gangster Abu Salem.

(With agency inputs)

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Story first published: Friday, June 16, 2017, 16:21 [IST]
Shiv Sena set to make it to Guinness Book of World Records, here is why

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

The Shiv Sena will make it to the Guinness Book of World Records. Wondering why? This Congress leader from Maharashtra has the explanation. Nitesh Rane says that the Sena deserves to make to the book of world records for repeatedly threatening to withdraw support from the BJP led Maharashtra government.

Rane wrote to the Guinness Book of World Records to register the first of its kind record. "We would like to register a record on his (Uddhav Thackeray's) behalf for announcing a number of times that his party Shiv Sena would withdraw support to Maharashtra government," Rane, 34, said in his letter to the Director of Guinness World Records. The lawmaker is the son of former Chief Minister Narayan Rane who was with the Shiv Sena before joining Congress.

On Wednesday, the lawmaker posted a copy of the letter on Twitter; the tweet is viral with over 450 retweets and 500 'likes' in less than 24 hours.

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Story first published: Friday, June 16, 2017, 6:45 [IST]
Morbi Bridge is not the only Incident - Quality of Bridges, roads and Highways in BJPs government!

Tamil Nadu government to open 'Amma petrol bunks'

India

oi-Anusha

The Tamil Nadu government on Friday announced its plans to set up 'Amma Petrol Bunks' in ten places across the state. Tamil Nadu Food Minister Kamaraj made the announcement in the state assembly.

Amma petrol bunks will be opened at ten locations in Chennai, Nagapattinam, Salem, Thanjavur, Madurai, Villupuram, Vellore, Karur and Thiruvarur. Amma petrol bunk is the latest addition to the list of subsidised products and services offered by the Tamil Nadu government in the name of former Chief Minister and AIADMK leader J Jayalalithaa.

The move to open Amma Petrol Bunks comes at a time when Petrol Dealers associations are calling for shutdowns over dealer commission and demand for better hikes. The minister reiterated that the bunks were being set up for the 'larger good of the people'.

The government has already introduced a slew of subsidised products under the branch name Amma with Amma canteens being the most famous. The Tamil Nadu government provides water, medicines, food, fertilisers, cement under the brand name. Amma theatres were also introduced with tickets at reduced prices under the Amma brand name.

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Story first published: Friday, June 16, 2017, 17:41 [IST]
Ramadan 2021: When does it begin? Know Shehri and iftar timings, check moon sighting in India

This Ramzan, Mumbai's 'big-hearted' doctor raises fund for poor to undergo surgery

India

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia Staff Writer

Mumbai, June 16: This Muslim doctor from Mumbai definitely has a "big heart". In this holy month of Ramzan, cardiac surgeon, Dr Zainul Hamdulay, is busy raising funds to help poor in need of life-saving heart surgery.

Hamdulay is attempting to raise Rs 3.37 crore to fund heart-related surgeries of around 700 poor patients, which include 100 bypass surgeries, 100 angioplasties and 500 angiographies, reported Hindustan Times.

In order to realise his dream, Hamdulay, director of cardiothoracic and vascular surgery at Global Hospitals in Parel, Mumbai, has joined hands with Milaap, India's largest crowdfunding site.

Giving details about his "do-good" project, the cardiac surgeon told Hindustan Times, "Using the best stents on the market brings the cost of an angioplasty up to a lakh. A bypass usually costs Rs 2 lakh and an angiography costs around Rs 15,000. Our foundation has tied up with Milaap, India's largest crowdfunding site, to raise money so the underprivileged or those below the poverty line can avail of treatment for free."

Although for several years the doctor has been treating poor heart patients free of cost after he founded his NGO, Hamdulay Heart Foundation, this is for the first time he is attempting to raise such a large sum.

"Since its inception in 2010, the foundation usually manages to raise around Rs 1.5 crore over the course of a year, but this is the first time we are trying to raise so much in just a month," he said.

"I set up the foundation in memory of my mother, who was at the forefront of several social initiatives. She wanted me to do something to help the poor. This is my way of giving back," added Hamdulay.

In a span of 17 days, the foundation has raised Rs 5.10 lakh. The contributors for his noble cause are donating sums between Rs 500 to Rs 10,000. "As it is Ramzan, most of our donors are Muslims who are contributing their zakat--2.5 per cent of their income," said Hamdulay.

In order to avail free or subsidised cardiac surgery, patients have to first approach Hamdulay's foundation. After proper check-up, patients are operated upon.

This is not the only time the foundation is funding heart surgeries for poor. Last year, it funded 263 surgeries for poor because of the donations they received from people.

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Story first published: Friday, June 16, 2017, 8:00 [IST]
To end Gorkha, Centre calls for tripartite talks

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

The Centre has called for tripartite talks with West Bengal and the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) on June 19. The talks are aimed at ending the violence that hit the hill district of Darjeeling.

The GJM has however set a pre-condition for the talks and informed Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh that the demand for a separate state for Gorkhas must be addressed.

The GJM also has asked the centre to foil the West Bengal government's attempt to make Bengali mandatory in schools. The West Bengal government has requested the Centre to postpone the talks.

We have apprised the Home Minister of the prevailing situation in Darjeeling and the Mamata Banerjee government's attempts to impose Bengali in the district-based schools.

We have urged him for immediate central intervention to bring back peace there," Roshan Giri, GJM general secretary said after the meeting with Rajnath Singh.

Giri said the GJM would not participate in the June 19 tripartite meeting to discuss issues related to the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration and would talk only about a separate State.

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Story first published: Friday, June 16, 2017, 5:50 [IST]
Man rapes 8-year-old to use her blood for removing obstacles to his marriage

Two civilians killed every week in police firing over 7 years: Report

India

ians-IANS

By Ians English

New Delhi, June 16: Two civilians died every week, on average, in police firing in India, according to national crime data for the years 2009 to 2015.

The data provide perspective to the death of six farmers in Madhya Pradesh's Mandsaur district on June 6, when police fired on protesting farmers demanding better prices.

As many as 796 civilians died due to police firing between 2009 and 2015, according to data from the National Crime Records Bureau.

As many as 4,747 incidents of police firing were reported between 2009 and 2015. Over the years, firing incidents have decreased, mostly due to a decline in incidents in Jammu and Kashmir, which witnessed severe unrest between 2008 and 2010.

For instance, in 2010, 662 incidents of police firing were reported in Jammu and Kashmir, in which 91 civilians and 17 police personnel died, and 494 civilians and 2,952 police personnel were injured.

Of the 156 incidents of police firing in 2015, 86 were classified as "on other occasion", 30 to effect arrest and 21 in riots. These incidents killed 16, five and 11 civilians, respectively. In the same year, 19 incidents of police firing in self defence led to 10 civilian deaths.

Among the states, Rajasthan reported the maximum occasions (35) where police resorted to firing in 2015, followed by Maharashtra (33) and Uttar Pradesh (29).

Before 2014, the incidents of firing were categorised as: Riots, anti-dacoity operations, against terrorists and extremists, and others. Between 2009 and 2013, these categories saw 1,371, 174, 815 and 775 incidents of police firing, respectively.

IANS

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Story first published: Friday, June 16, 2017, 11:56 [IST]
Vizag airport ruckus: Total of 6 airlines bar TDP MP Diwakar Reddy

India

oi-Madhuri

After IndiGo and Air India, SpiceJet, GoAir, Jet Airways and Vistara on Friday barred Telugu Desam Party's member of Parliament J.C. Diwakar Reddy from flying on their flights after his alleged unruly behaviour.

Meanwhile, Civil Aviation Minister said,''I will get entire incident enquired into to find out exact details & ensure that lawful outcomes follow.''

The development comes after the TDP MP allegedly created a ruckus at the Visakhapatnam airport after he was denied a boarding pass for reporting late for an IndiGo flight to Hyderabad.

Reddy, Lok Sabha member from Anantapur, was said to have damaged a printer and misbehaved with IndiGo airline staff. The MP had reported at the check-in counter 28 minutes before the scheduled departure of the flight against the regulation of 45 minutes.

As the airline staff told him they cannot issue him a boarding pass, he got angry and entered into a heated argument with them. Closed-circuit television footage aired on some television channels showed the TDP leader shouting at the airline staff as some security personnel tried to control him. Interestingly, the MP managed to board the flight but it was not clear who intervened to get him the boarding pass.

In March, Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad was accused of assaulting an Air India staff, following which several airlines banned him from flying on their planes till he apologised.

Gaikwad later submitted a letter to the Aviation Minister to express 'regret', after which AI revoked the ban, followed by the Federation of Indian Airlines and other private airlines.

OneIndia News (with inputs from agencies)

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Story first published: Friday, June 16, 2017, 10:37 [IST]
Who is Shafi Armar, the Karnataka born global ISIS terrorist

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

An Islamic State operative from Bhatkal, Karnataka, Shafi Armar was declared a global terrorist by the United States of America. The man who is the primary recruiter for the IS was presumed dead a few years ago. However the intelligence that was gathered later on found that he had faked his death to avoid the heat of the intelligence agencies.

The state department described Armar as a "leader and head recruiter in India for the Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) group, ISIS".

He became the chief recruiter in India after his brother Sultan Armar died in March 2015. The state department also listed his numerous aliases, including Anjan Bhai, Chote Maula and Yousouf al-Hindi.

"He has cultivated a group of dozens of ISIS sympathisers who are involved in terrorist activities across India, such as plotting attacks, procuring weapons, and identifying locations for terrorist training camps," said a statement from the state department.

Who is Shafi Armar?

Shafi Armar is the second among the three children of a family that hails from the coastal town of Bhatkal in Karnataka. His elder brother Sultan Armar is said to have taken him along with him and together they had joined the Indian Mujahideen.

Hailing from the same place, both Shafi and Sultan were taken into the IM by Riyaz Bhatkal. While Sultan was active in IM operations, Shafi was more of a second in command for the operations undertaken by his brother.

Shafi does not have any record of taking part in terrorist activities in the real sense. His activities were online and he was in charge of the media operations. A lot of literature concerning the ISIS posted on the Ansar site were said to be the handiwork of Shafi.

Currently his location is unclear. His family members in Bhatkal say that he and Sultan left home around 5 years back and they have no idea about their whereabouts.

Setting up the module:

When for the first time, Riyaz Bhatkal had roped in the Armar brothers, they were called to Pakistan. At Pakistan it was decided that the Armar brothers would go to Oman set up a base and then focus on Indian recruitments.

However an argument broke out over certain issues relating to Iqbal, the elder brother of Riyaz Bhatkal. The Armar brothers found that a sum of Rs 60 crore given to the Bhatkal brothers to carry out terror activities was misappropriated and not being put to the right use.

Further the Armar brothers also raised objections about Iqbal being involved in an illicit affair. They felt that this was anti Islam and objected to the same. A fight broke out and the Armar brothers decided to split. These incidents have been narrated to the police by Yasin Bhatkal who is presently in jail.

The Armar brothers then spoke with Yasin who was in India and told him about their intentions of breaking up with the IM. They said that they would want to shift loyalties to either the Al-Qaeda or the ISIS which had real concern about the religious cause.

Joining ISIS:

After breaking away from the IM, the Armar brothers decided to join the Al-Qaeda. However at that point in time, the ISIS was growing fast and they felt that this outfit was a better bet. Also the fading prospects of the Al-Qaeda was another reason for them to consider the ISIS.

Both the brothers then went up online and began posting literature for the ISIS. They managed to get the attention of the top rung of the ISIS and one fine day as the Global Islamic Council was announced the Armar brothers became the choice for the ISIS. The Ansar-ul-Tawhid was floated and while Sultan decided that he wanted to battle along with the ISIS, Shafi decided to carry out activities online.

The Madhya Pradesh module:

Shafi's name cropped up in Indian investigations for the first time when a module in Rajasthan was busted in 2014. Shafi's name had cropped up briefly and the NIA felt that it was he who had carried out these recruitments.

When the module at Ratlam, Madhya Pradesh was busted in 2015, Shafi's name cropped up prominently. The members of the module headed by Irfan Khan said that he was in touch with Shafi and it is together that they planned a series of attacks in India.

The intention was to launch the first dedicated module in India for the ISIS. All these days the ISIS has only been recruiting out of India, but by setting up a dedicated module, they felt that they could boost up the recruitment drive.

According to Shafi, the module would provide the right platform for those youth who believed in the ISIS ideology but did not wish to travel to either Iraq or Syria.

IntelligenceBureau officials feel that Shafi has taken the mantle from his brother Sultan who was killed last month in a combat at Kobane in Syria.

The location of Shafi is still a puzzle. In the past 7 years, he has been traced to Pakistan, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia and Oman. The latest update on him suggests that he may be in Syria.

Over the past year his name has cropped up several times. Several modules of the ISIS have been busted. All the members of the module have said that they were being recruited and handled by Yusuf al-Hindi, an alias that Shafi Armar uses.

OneIndia News
Why BJP does not need opposition's support to elect next President of India

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

The mammoth win in Uttar Pradesh has ensured that the BJP can elect the next President of India without the support of the opposition.

The BJP has initiated moves to reach out to the opposition parties on selecting a consensus candidate for the upcoming presidential poll. However, the ruling party does not need support of major opposition parties.

Electoral College: Here is how the next President of India will be elected

The party's victories in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand have mathematically guaranteed it a huge share in the electoral college, which would elect the next President of India.

The new President of India would be elected on July 17 and the winner would be known on July 20.

The electoral college which elects the president through the system of proportional representation comprises elected MPs and members of state legislative assemblies -- a total of 4,896 voters including 4,120 MLAs and 776 elected MPs. While 233 are elected members of the Rajya Sabha, 543 are from the Lok Sabha.

While the Lok Sabha Speaker, an elected member, can vote, two nominated members from the Anglo-Indian community in the Lok Sabha and 12 nominated MPs in the Rajya Sabha cannot.

The value of an MLA's vote depends on the population of the state he or she represents. But the value of the vote of an MP is the same and does not vary.

The total value of the electoral college is 10,98,903.

Before the assembly polls, the NDA was short of 75,076 votes in terms of value. But after the BJP's astounding performances in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Manipur, the gap will narrow down to 20,000 votes, an official in the Election Commission explained.

If the BJP is able to get the support of parties such as the AIADMK with 134 MLAs and the BJD with 117 MLAs, it can see the person of its choice at Rasina Hill.

Even if these parties do not support the BJP, it can still manage to scrape through with the help of smaller parties.

The voting for the president's position is through a secret ballot, and party whip does not apply. In the 245-member Rajya Sabha, the BJP has 56 members, while the Congress with 59 is the single largest party.

With wins in assembly polls, the BJP is set to emerge as the single largest party in the Rajya Sabha too next year and the NDA's tally would be close to 100. It would, however, still be short of a majority in the upper house.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Friday, June 16, 2017, 6:59 [IST]
Why Burhan Wani will be referred to as militant only in intelligence files

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

Burhan Wani will be just referred to as militant in all written communication from now on. With the first death anniversary of Wani, the Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists approaching in July, the Home Ministry has dashed off a note to its division and all security agencies not to write his name in any communication.

This step was taken to avoid trouble. The centre is already anticipating trouble on July 8, the day Wani was gunned down by security agencies. Home Ministry officials said that Wani would just be mentioned as one of the militants killed in an encounter along with two others.

The directive states that for all future references the incidents will be recorded as an encounter of three militants on July 8. The ministry feels that this is safer and would avoid any trouble in future is any information put out on the militant turns out to be inaccurate.

Meanwhile there would be heavy security deployment in the Valley ahead of July 8. There is actionable intelligence to suggest that several persons backed by Pakistan are looking to fuel tensions in the Valley on July 8. An Intelligence Bureau official informed OneIndia that all preventive measures have been taken by the security forces. We are coordinating with the forces. So far at least 9 out 10 alerts regarding problems being caused on July 8 are actionable in nature, the officer also informed.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Friday, June 16, 2017, 11:17 [IST]
'You run the government, let Dinakaran run the party,' TTV supporters tell EPS

India

oi-Anusha

At least 25 MLAs of the AIADMK who support TTV Dinakaran want things to go back to how they were as Sasikala left them before surrendering. MLAs who have pledged allegiance to Dinakaran met Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi Palanisamy at the Secretariat to suggest that he run the government and allow Dinakaran to run the party as its deputy general secretary.

In a 30 minutes meeting that took place on Thursday, Dinakaran loyalists are said to have conveyed to Edappadi Palanisamy that keeping the presidential elections in mind, it was best to allow Dinakaran to carry out his duties as deputy general secretary of the party. While Dinakaran told the media that he would return to party affairs within 60 days, his cronies are bent on placing him at the helm of party affairs much before the deadline.

AIADML MLAs including P Palaniappan, V Senthil Balaji, Thoppu N D Venkatachalam, Thanga Tamilselvan and P Vetrivel met the Chief Minister. The Chief Minister has been asked to allow MGR centenary celebrations under Dinakaran's leadership to establish that he heads the party. If Edappadi Palanisamy agrees to TTV Dinakaran's associates' demands. the annual Iftar that the party hosts will be the venue where Dinakaran will register his return.

While Palanisamy was non-committal, he is said to have consulted his senior ministers on the next course of action. With O Panneerselvam faction pulling off from merger talks and MLAs jumping ships to support Dinakaran, Palanisamy is caught in a catch 22 situation. While affidavits in support of Sasikala and Dinakaran continue to be filed at the Election Commission of India in the AIADMK symbol row, Palanisamy fears backlash from the public if he joins Dinakaran.

While MLAs supporting TTV Dinakaran have assured that there was no threat to Palanisamy government, it comes with a rider of the demands being fulfilled. Thier primary demand is Dinakaran's return to the party as its commander.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Friday, June 16, 2017, 10:09 [IST]
I had so much fun.

My pastor, the Rev. Mike Washburn, was letting me participate in the Wednesday night speakers rotation at our church.

Id prayed about the opportunity and knew I wanted to talk about the Old Testament book of Esther.

You dont normally hear much about this story, unless youre in a womens Bible study.

The story of Esther is about a beautiful young woman who becomes a queen, but its more than that.

Its a story of raw courage in the face of death, of not bowing down to evil, and trusting in God when everything looks hopeless.

Most of all, its a story of how God is working  even when we dont think anything is happening.

This story has political intrigue and bad boy, backdoor politics.

But how can you get todays people to relate to an ancient-day queen?

I took the Star Wars route  to a galaxy far, far away.

For illustrations sake, I thought wed compare Queen Esther to Princess Leia.

It works a little bit.

I just cant picture Esther wearing her hair in big buns on either side of her head like Leia did in the original movie. Remember those things? They kind of looked like a big set of headphones.

And Esther didnt have an attitude. She was respectful. Youd never catch her saying anything like: I thought I smelled your foul stench Vader!

As for Esthers cousin Mordecai, maybe we could compare him to Obi-Wan Kenobi, the Jedi Knight.

Like Obi-Wan, Mordecai was wise, gave good advice and stood up to evil. Mordecai just didnt fly around in an X-wing with a guy named Luke.

Lastly, I thought we could talk about the villain of the story  a man named Haman.

You probably figured Id compare him to the black-helmet-wearing villain Darth Vader.

Not a chance.

Unlike Vader, Haman wasnt a good guy who turned into a bad one.

Haman was bad from the start.

He was more like the evil Emperor Palpatine (actually Darth Sidious) who gets worse until we see him as a creepy, crinkly faced guy wearing a black hood. (I had so much fun pulling my long, black sweater halfway over my head like a hoodie and talking in the evil guys craggy voice.)

So with those thoughts as background, we launched into Esthers story. It begins with King Xerxes, who rules over 127 provinces of the Persian Empire from India to Ethiopia.

Xerxes hosts a banquet and has been drinking when he tells his beautiful Queen Vashti to attend. He wants to show her off. She refuses.

Hes furious and with the advice of his wise men decides shell never come into his presence again and her title will go to another woman.

The kings young attendants encourage him to gather all the beautiful young virgins from all the provinces and put them in harem  so he can pick a new queen from them.

Please understand. This wasnt a Miss America Pageant. They didnt just play the piano and go home if they didnt make it as queen. They were sent to the king one night and went into a concubines harem the next.

Into this situation comes a lovely, young woman named Hadassah. When her parents died, her cousin Mordecai raised her as his own daughter.

So can you imagine their heartbreak over the kings roundup? Any dreams they had of her marrying some nice Jewish young man, having children and inviting cousin Mordecai over supper and holidays were smashed.

Mordecai keeps tabs on Esther (Hadassah) and tells her not to let anyone know shes Jewish.

The king will decide he loves Esther best of all and makes her queen.

Happy ending, right?

Not quite.

The story takes an interesting turn when Mordecai, whos been sitting at the kings gate, discovers two men plan to kill Xerxes.

Mordecai tells Esther who tells the king and when this is found to be true the would-be assassins are executed.

In the meantime, the king promotes Haman and commands servants to bow to him.

But Mordecai isnt bowing. Day after day, he wont budge or bow.

Haman becomes furious when he learns about this and decides hes wont just kill Mordecai  but all the Jewish people in the provinces.

How is one man so hateful? Beth Moores Bible study, Esther  Its Tough Being a Woman, says Haman is believed to be a descendent of the Amalekites  people who killed off the stragglers of the Israelites when they were wandering in the desert.

Apparently, Haman came from a long line of hateful people and Mordecai probably knew this.

Was that why Mordecai didnt bow? Maybe, but I believe he saw evil in Haman long before the wicked man hatched his terrible plot.

Scheming Haman tells King Xerxes about a group of people, who dont keep the kings laws and should be exterminated.

The king  whos obviously not paying attention  never questions Haman and just tells him to do what he thinks is best.

Mordecai is mortified when he learns Haman plans to kill all of the Jewish people, young and old, women and children, too.

So he sends word to Esther.

And she sends a message back.

Everybody knows, she says, that anyone who goes to the kings inner court  without being called  can be executed. Thats the law. The only exception is if the king extends his royal scepter and lets the person to live.

And Esther hasnt been called to see the king for 30 days.

Suppose she felt like old news?

Surely, protective Mordecai would tell her not to worry  that hed figure out something else to do.

Instead, he sends back a fiery message.

Dont think that in the kings palace, youll escape any more than the rest of the Jews, Mordecai says. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will come from another place, but you and your fathers house will perish.

And who knows, Mordecai says, but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?

Poor Esther.

Doesnt Mordecai know Esther could die a brutal death? If the king demoted one queen for not showing up at a banquet, why wouldnt he kill Esther for breaking the law?

Esther is facing a critical and fear-filled decision. What will she do?

Will she face death to save her people? Or will she try to play it safe?

Ladies and gentlemen, Im leaving you with a cliffhanger. Oh, Ill write more about Esther in coming weeks. And if you dont like cliffhangers, please read the book for yourself. Its only 10 chapters and the last chapter is really short.

If you do this, pray and ask God to speak to you through this marvelous book thats filled with life lessons.

And remember, our God is good and hes at work even when we cant see it.

He is faithful and his love is timeless  spanning generations and bringing us a continuing story of hope.
Cat with 9 lives: The many times ISIS boss Bhagdadi died in the past

International

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

News has emerged that Abu Bakr al-Bhagdadi, the chief of the Islamic State may have been in a Russian air strike in Raqqa, Syria. The Russian defence ministry in a statement released on Sputnik said it was investigating if its air strike had killed the self-professed Caliph.

Now let us wait for that confirmation and go on and find out how many times Bhagdadi had died in the past. At times they were rumours and at times it was a strategic declaration. The news of his death came up so many times that he was very often referred to as the cat with nine lives

The many times that Bhagdadi died:

News of his death began in the early half of 2016. This was the time that the international forces had begun targeting IS camps strongly in Iraq and Syria. It was at that time news of him being dead started doing the rounds. The report stated that someone from his inner-circle had poisoned him.

The Iraq agencies along with their counterparts in Syria verified the information, but it turned out to be false. They realised that it was a strategy on part of the man who calls himself Caliph to turn down the heat on him.

The next time the news of his death surfaced was in June 2016. It was said that he had been killed in an air strike by the US. There was no independent confirmation of the news at that time, but a few weeks later the information was declared false.

Between January and June 2017, the news of his death has cropped up at least four times.

In January reports of him being killed had cropped up. It was said that he was killed in the bombing at Syria. However the news turned out to be false. Once again in March there were reports of his death, but the Pentagon clarified that h was alive.

In April it was stated that he may have died after being wounded badly. It was said that he was hit by the US forces. No confirmation of his death came out after that. Just a week ago yet another report of his death at the hands of US forces cropped up. However that news circulating in the British media turned out to be a hoax. The latest is the one on June 17 where the Russians have claimed to hit him. It is yet to be seen whether that information is correct or not.

The indications:

There have been no video messages from Bhagdadi in the recent past. Only audio clips of the man speaking have been released. In most of the clips released he speaks about how ISIS has lost territory. He called upon all his fighters to go to other countries and strike.

He also said that while the foreign fighters must return and carry out attacks, the locals should detonate themselves. There are ample indications that Bhagdadi has gradually become a spent force. It is true that he is losing territory. While this is good news, the bad part of it is that the ideology set by him has spread across the world.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Friday, June 16, 2017, 14:58 [IST]
Cause of US student's brain injury in North Korea still unknown, says Neurologist

International

oi-PTI

Washington, Jun 16: The US student Otto Warmbier, who was released from North Korean detention this week, is in coma due to extensive brain damage. Doctors treating the students said the cause of brain damage remains unknown.

Warmbier's neurological condition best described "as a state of unresponsive wakefulness, " Neurologist Daniel Kanter told a news conference in Warmbier's home city of Cincinnati, Ohio.

"He has spontaneous eye opening and blinking. However, he shows no signs of understanding language, responding to verbal commands or awareness of his surroundings," he said. An MRI scan revealed "extensive loss of brain tissue in all regions of the brain," Kanter said.

Warmbier's medical team said they had found no evidence of botulism, the explanation given by the North Korean regime for how the young man fell into a coma shortly after being sentenced in March 2016 for stealing a political poster from a hotel. "We have no certain or verifiable knowledge of the cause or circumstances of his neurological injury," Kanter said.

The doctors said Warmbier's severe brain injury was most likely -- given his young age -- to have been caused by cardiopulmonary arrest cutting the blood supply to the brain. Kanter said his team had received copies of brain MRI images from North Korean medical personnel, the earliest of which were dated April 2016.

"Based upon our analysis of those images, the brain injury likely occurred in the preceding weeks," he said. Kanter added that body scans had revealed no evidence of acute or healing fractures to the chest, abdomen or skull. Warmbier's father Fred lashed out earlier Thursday at the North Korean regime, saying he did not believe its claim that his son contracted botulism and fell into a coma shortly after being arrested last year.

Warmbier, who had been on a tourist trip, was sentenced to 15 years hard labor. However, the US decried the punishment as far out of proportion to his alleged crime. The government further accused the North Korea of using him as a political pawn.

PTI

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Story first published: Friday, June 16, 2017, 10:17 [IST]
Imran Khan discharged from hospital, to resume long march from same point where he was shot

This cop from Pakistan became a millionaire overnight: Here is how

ICJ rejected India's request to delay Jadhav's case, says Pakistan

International

pti-PTI

Islamabad, June 16: Pakistan on Friday claimed that the International Court of Justice has rejected India's request to delay proceedings of Kubhushan Jadhav's case until December.

Pakistan through its consulate in Netherlands came to know that the ICJ ordered India to submit a response by September 13, Dawn newspaper quoted Attorney General Ashtar Ausaf Ali as saying.

"The ICJ has written a letter to Pakistan informing us of their decision, the attorney general said.

"India had asked the ICJ to offer it time till December to file pleadings in the Jadhav case, however, "the court has dismissed their request," Ali said.

"India had adopted the stance that the matter was one of life and death, but Pakistan had stated that the ICJ is not a court of appeals."

"The ICJ is supposed to conclude whether or not Jadhav can receive consular access, for which a time period of two to three months is more than enough to file a response," he said.

Dawn reported that sources privy to the information noted that Pakistan will submit its response to the ICJ in December, while the court proceedings will begin in January 2018.

In a hearing of the case on May 18, a 10-member bench at the The Hague-based ICJ restrained Pakistan from executing Jadhav.

India moved the ICJ against the death penalty on May 8. The next day, the global court stayed the sentence as a provisional measure.

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.

PTI

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Story first published: Friday, June 16, 2017, 13:04 [IST]
Ukraine grain deal: UN says shipments are still going out

India wins re-election to two UN subsidiary bodies

International

oi-PTI

United Nations, June 16: India has been re-elected to the UN's principal organ on economic, social and environmental issues for another three-year term.

India was among 18 nations to win election to the Economic and Social Council. India obtained 183 votes, the second highest after Japan in the Asia Pacific category. Election to fill the 18 vacancies in ECOSOC was held on Thursday.

"Another day, another election..India wins again.Thanks to support of @UNMember States, India re-elected to ECOSOC (Eco & Social Council)," India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin tweeted.

India's re-election to ECOSOC comes just a day after leading expert on international law Neeru Chadha won a crucial election to the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea,becoming the first Indian woman to be elected as judge to the tribunal. Chadha got 120 votes, the highest in the Asia Pacific group and was elected in the first round of voting itself.

India was seeking re-election to ECOSOC as its current term is set to expire this year.Pakistan, whose term on the Council is expiring this year, too was seeking re-election to the UN body but lost as it got only one vote.

Having obtained the required two-thirds majority, the nations elected members of ECOSOC for a three-year term beginningJanuary 12018 areBelarus, Ecuador, El Salvador, France, Germany, Ghana, India, Ireland, Japan, Malawi, Mexico, Morocco, Philippines, Spain, Sudan, Togo, Turkey and Uruguay.

France, Germany, Ghana, Ireland and Japan were among nations seeking re-election.

ECOSOC, one of the six main organs of the United Nations, is the principal body for coordination, policy review, policy dialogue and recommendations on economic, social and environmental issues, as well as for implementation of the internationally agreed development goals.

The Council's 54 member Governments are elected by the General Assembly for overlapping three-year terms. Seats on the Council are allotted based on geographical representation with fourteen allocated to African States, eleven to Asian States, six to Eastern European States, ten to Latin American and Caribbean States, and thirteen to Western European and other States.

PTI
Jihadist arrests in Europe nearly double in two years; 718 suspects arrested in 2016: Europol

International

oi-PTI

The Hague, Jun 15: Europe's policing agency on Thursday said the numbers of arrest on suspicion of jihadist activities nearly doubled in Europe over the last two years with an alarming rise among women and young adults.

Some 718 suspects were arrested on offences relating to jihadist terror last year as opposed to 395 in 2014, Europol said in its annual EU Terrorism Situation and Trend Report. But actual attacks dropped from 17 in 2014 to 13 last year -- of which six were linked to the Islamic State group. The 62-page report also pointed out that women and children, as well as young adults played an increasingly important operational role.

"Female militant jihadists in the West perceive fewer obstacles to playing an operative role in a terrorist attack than men, and successful or prevented attacks carried out by women in western countries may act as an inspiration to others," it noted. One in four of those arrested in Britain in 2016 were women, an 18 percent increase from 2015, Europol said. In France -- the EU country with the highest number of arrests at 456 last year -- almost a third of the suspects were 25 years or younger, Europol said.

Overall there were 142 "failed, foiled or completed terrorist attacks" including those by jihadists -- with more than half in Britain. Britain was rocked by a suicide bombing at a pop concert in Manchester on May 22 which killed 22 people, including children. Two weeks later, a knife and van attack in central London left eight dead.

Of the 142 victims of terror attacks last year, 135 died in jihadist attacks, said the report. That reinforced the need for closer cooperation in intelligence sharing among member states, security officials urged. "Terrorists do not respect or recognise borders," said EU safety chief Julian King.

"In our resolve to defeat them we must draw on a new- found determination to work together, sharing information and expertise," he said in the report. But the report also noted that not all attacks were jihadist-inspired. Most of the other attacks were carried out by "ethno-nationalist" and separatists extremists. For instance "dissident Republican groups in Northern Ireland were involved in 76 attacks," the report said, leading to a total of 123 arrests.

Owing to terror-related incidents in Northern Ireland from "moderate" to "substantial" British authorities raised the threat level in May last year. It means "an attack is a strong possibility," Europol said. In 2016, 1,002 arrests were made made relating to terror activities.

AFP

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Story first published: Friday, June 16, 2017, 9:38 [IST]
UK and EU Brexit negotiations to start on June 19

International

oi-IANS

By Ians English

Brussels, June 16: Brexit Secretary David Davis and the European Commission's chief negotiator Michel Barnier agreed during discussions in Brussels on Thursday to start formal talks over the UK's departure on 19 June.

According to the statement issued on Thursday, the EU and the UK are set to begin negotiations on Article 50, which was triggered on March 29 and sets out the procedure for withdrawing from the 27-member bloc, reports Efe news.

"Michel Barnier, the European Commission's Chief Negotiator, and David Davis, Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, agreed today to launch Article 50 negotiations on Monday, June 19," the statement said.

The negotiations are scheduled to last approximately 18 months, from June to November 2018, a short period of time given the number of subjects that will need to be covered as the UK breaks free of the EU.

UK Prime Minister Theresa May had hoped to enter negotiations with a strong bargaining hand, but the recent snap general elections have left her without a majority in Parliament and mired in talks between her Conservative Party and the minor Democratic Unionist Party of Northern Ireland in a bid to achieve a ruling pact.

May gambled that a strong election win, as forecast by some pollsters, would boost her majority in the House of Commons in time for the Brexit talks, but instead, her party surrendered 13 seats in the lower chamber.

Among topics that need to be agreed upon is the status of UK citizens living and working in the EU, as well as that of European nationals doing the same in Britain.

Also, the size and scope of the divorce settlement must be decided, the statement added.

IANS
Russian air strike may have killed Islamic State chief Abu Bakr al-Bhagdadi

International

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

Russia has claimed that it has killed Islamic State chief Abu Bakr al-Bhagdadi. The country also said that it had killed scores of other militants. The Russian defence ministry is probing whether one of its air strikes in Syria killed the self professed Caliph.

The ministry said that an air strike may have killed Bhagdadi and several other fighters on May 28. It also said that the raid had targeted a meeting of the ISIS military council in Raqqa, Syria.

A statement by Russia's defence ministry published by the state-funded Sputnik news agency said 30 IS commanders and up to 300 soldiers were at the Raqqa meeting.

"According to information that is checked through various channels, IS leader Ibrahim Abu-Bakr al-Baghdadi, who was killed as a result of the strike, was also present at the meeting," it added.

This is however not the first time that news of Bhagdadi's death has surfaced. Several times in the past similar news has done the rounds.

Bhagdadi has been missing in action for long. Only audio clips alleged to the self professed Caliph have emerged in the recent days.

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OK! Magazine 10 Nov 2022

Paul Haggis will also likely face punitive damages, the amount of which will not be decided until Monday, November 14.
by  Graham Pierrepoint



To say that its been a dramatic few months for the start of Donald Trumps US Presidency would be something of an understatement  amid high profile resignations and an ongoing investigation into alleged links between Trumps team and spies in Russia, there has also been the matter of the Presidents controversial travel ban  which has been pushed back and blocked a number of times by various courts. Trumps rhetoric and relationship with world leaders over the past few months has also come under high scrutiny, with the Commander in Chief continuing to make use of Twitter to fairly divisive end, even spawning his own random word  covfefe  in the process.

Another day, however, and another twist in the tale emerges  as it appears that Trump may now be placed under further investigation with regard to his potential obstruction of justice. The investigation, as alleged by The Washington Post, is the latest wing of the ongoing Russia insight, which will supposedly look into whether or not the President tried blocking prior probing into alleged ties with Russia during his election campaign last year. Trump, true to form, took to Twitter to refute the claims  stating that he again was subject to a witch hunt, and that the obstruction of justice claim comes about as they made up a phony collusion with the Russian story and found zero proof. Certainly, whether or not such an investigation is carried out, Trump has made his position clear  and publicly so  on the matter.

Its thought that such an investigation may revolve around allegations regarding Trumps supposed encouragement of ex-FBI chief James Comey to see (his) way clear to letting this go. By this, Trump is thought to have referred to the situation regarding ex National Security adviser Michael Flynn, who since left the top team as a result of misinformation he provided over contact with a Russian Ambassador in 2016. Trump, again, has refuted claims that Comey made under oath  himself stating that he would be 100% willing to come before Congress and testify himself.

The murkiness surrounding Trump and his teams alleged links to Russia seems to get murkier  and while the President himself is confident in having committed no wrongdoing, the saga has continued to cause unease in Congress  with media outlets continuing to postulate over whether or not it will all culminate in Trump facing impeachment.
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Nigerias inflation rate had been on a steady decline in the past 8 months since April 2021, moderating from the highs recorded in the previous year, however latest statistics by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) shows inflation in the month of December 2021 rose to 15.63% from 15.4% recorded in November 2021.

Food inflation also rose to 17.37% from 17.21% recorded in the previous month while core inflation moved upward from 13.85% recorded in November 2021 to 13.87%.

READ ALSO: Naira appreciates marginally against Dollar at official window

This rise in the food sub-index was caused by increases in prices of bread and cereals, food products, meat, fish, potatoes, yam and other tubers, soft drinks and fruits.

On the other hand, the highest increases were recorded in prices of Gas, Liquid fuel, Wine, Actual and imputed rentals for housing, Narcotics, Tobacco, Spirit, Cleaning, repair and hire of clothing, Garments, Shoes and other footwear and Clothing materials, other articles of clothing and clothing accessories.

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Barely three weeks after a paramount ruler of Gindiri town in the Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, Charles Mato Dakat was abducted, another traditional ruler has also been abducted in the state.

Gunmen kidnapped Gyang Balak, the Da Gwom Rwei of Vwang district in Jos-south LGA of Plateau state. Balak was reportedly abducted while driving home on Sunday night.

He was said to have been kidnapped a few metres before the main gate of the National Institute For Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru in Jos.

READ ALSO: Gunmen abduct traditional ruler in Imo state

Ishaku Takwa, media officer of operation safe haven (OPSH), confirmed the abduction.

Takwa said the chief was kidnapped on his way to Vom area of the state. He said troops of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies have launched a manhunt for the criminals.

Troops of OPSH conjunction with other security agencies are on trail of the kidnappers, he said.

Gods willing, the security agencies will soon close-up on the criminals.

The incident comes a few weeks after the abduction of Charles Mato, the Sum Pyem of Gindiri in Mangu LGA of the state.

Mato was abducted from his residence in Gindiri.

His abductors had demanded N500 million ransom for his release after making contact with his family.
Nigerian journalist/publisher, Dele momodu has said he hasnt endorsed the former governor of Lagos state, Bola Tinubu for the upcoming 2023 election. In is words he said;

In all honesty, I do not know who the media handlers of ASIWAJU BOLA AHMED TINUBU are but I can reasonably confirm that theyve been fumbling too much by being so cheap, unimaginative and jejune in their campaigns.

Are they not ashamed that several people, including the respected DR AKINWUMI ADESINA of the African Development Bank, have publicly denied endorsing TINUBU for the 2023 Presidential election because of this unfortunate desperation to sell him as the only candidate of APC in 2023.

Now, Im their latest victim. An article I wrote two years ago about TINUBU has suddenly become a fresh endorsement in 2022. What chicanery is this? While I have tremendous respect for ASIWAJU BOLA AHMED TINUBU, his handlers have no right to engage in pure mischief by abusing our relationship. Theyve even made pamphlets of my article. But unknown to them, a lot of water has passed under the bridge since I wrote that article and I have my cogent reasons for not joining APC  PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARIs divisiveness and the culpable silence of TINUBU and the Vice President PROFESSOR YEMI OSINBAJO in condoning his excesses and keeping mute in the face of barefaced tyranny.

Southern Leaders who crave to be President have failed to protect their own people from the blistering attacks theyve endured under the Buhari government, most especially the people of the South East. The whole country is in turmoil and Northern Leaders have been more courageous in telling Buhari the blatant truth while ours have been so cowardly because of their insatiable propensity for power

I have other reasons

I earnestly ask the spin doctors to delete my name from their reckless and self seeking endorsements

AARE DELE MOMODU

PDP PRESIDENTIAL ASPIRANT
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President Muhammadu Buhari says his administration has done its best to tackle Insecurity, all thats left is prayers.

He again reiterated that his administration has done its best in tackling insecurity ravaging the country.

He noted that though the North-West had given the nation some headache, they would soon experience a turnaround for the better, the President who spoke on Friday January 14 during a visit by the Grand Khalifa of the Tijjaniyya Islamic Movement World-Wide, Tidjani Ali Bin Arabi, to the State House, Abuja. He said his administration will continue to do more by pursuing policies to deal with terrorism.

He urged Nigerians to be fair in comparing the security situation in 2015 when he took over, to what is obtainable now.

Buhari said;

We have done our best and we will continue to do more by pursuing coherent and consistent policies to deal with terrorism. I hope God will listen to our prayers.

Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, who brought the visitors, while introducing the Khalifa and his delegation, which included the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero and Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, the leader of the Tijjaniyya Islamic Movement in Nigeria, said the government of Kano State invited the Tijjaniyya World Leader to the country to lead the faithful in prayer considering the complexities around security in particular.

He said the visit of the Grand Khalifa had also rekindled the old ties between the Tijjaniya and the many cultural and educational institutions in Nigeria.

The Tijjaniyya leader in the country, Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi and the Grand Khalifa, Tidjani Ali Bin Arabi, extolled the existing cordial relations between Nigeria and Algeria and prayed for guidance.
Yacht Charter Market to Expand at a CAGR of 3.3%, by 2026

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Future Market Insights, in its recently published market research report titled Yacht Charter Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment, 2016-2026, discusses the global market for yacht charter and delivers valued insights into all the critical factors impacting the market growth. The report considers a 10-year period for yacht charter market assessment and offers market estimations for various segments and regions over 2016-2026.Future Market Insights projects passive growth for the global yacht charter market over the entire assessed period. The US$ 637 Mn yacht charter market is likely to expand at a CAGR of 3.3% through 2026. Eastern Europe, especially Croatia and Turkey, remain the top yacht charter destinations. Boat shows in the U.S., Italy, Fort Lauderale, and Genoa are identified to lure the maximum number of boat lovers.Request For Sample@Global Yacht Charter Market: Driver and Trend AnalysisRising adoption of boating and sailing vacations by affluent consumers in developed markets will continue to sustain the demand for yacht charter over the next decade. Collaborations of online yacht charter service providers with leading airline companies is one of the most sought after trends in the market.Growing inclination of young travellers toward sailing holidays will remain a prominent drive to market growth. While booking large yachts to avail of attractive group discounts highlights a growing trend among U.S. consumers, providing advanced services through latest technologies, such as mobile applications will be a trend among yacht companies.Global Yacht Charter Market: Segmentation AnalysisBy Yacht Type:Motor YachtDisplacement TypeSemi-DisplacementPlaningCatamaranTrimaranSailing YachtSloopSchoonerCatamaranKetchBy Consumer Type:CorporateRetailBy Yacht Size:Large (over 50m)Medium (30m  50m)Small (up to 30m)By region:North AmericaEuropeMiddle EastRest of the WorldSend An Enquiry@By type of yacht, motor yacht segment will remain dominant with over 78% share in 2026, accounting for the revenues worth US$ 690 Mn at the end of the forecast period. However, sailing yacht segment is identified to grow at a slightly higher rate during the decade. Posh interior designs and comfort will remain the top preferences of consumers while selecting the yacht type, whereas a trend of eco-friendly, fuel-efficient yachts is foreseen to propel over the next few years.Based on consumer type, retail segment will gain a significant boost of around 100 BPS over the assessment period, possibly accounting for over 88% share of the market in 2026. Corporate segment is poised for sluggish growth throughout the forecast period.On the basis of yacht size, medium sized yacht segment (30m-50m) will retain dominance with over 60% market value share in 2026, followed by small sized yacht segment (up to 30m). Large yacht segment (over 50m) will continue to gain limited traction through 2026. According to Future Market Insights research, large and medium sized yachts will gain traction in retail consumers who prefer group holidays with booking discounts. On the contrary, small yachts will experience demand from families and couples.By region, Europe will continue to rule the market with roughly 70% share of the total revenues in 2026, followed by North America. However, growth of the yacht charter market in the Middle East is expected to demonstrate a higher CAGR over the assessed period.Global Yacht Charter Market: Key Players AnalysisMost of the key players in the global yacht charter market are embracing social media marketing strategy for online promotion. In addition, they are indulging in video advertising, online customer reviews/testimonials, and virtual tours provision on respective websites. Some of the leading companies include Yachtico Inc., Sailogy S.A., and Boatbookings (Enitiative.biz, Ltd.). The competitive landscape includes a few other notable companies - Antlos S.r.l., Collaborative Boating Inc., Zizooboats GmbH, Fraser Escape Bareboat Charters, Princess Yacht Charter (Princess Yachts International PLC), and TUI Group (The Moorings Limited and Sunsail Worldwide Sailing Ltd.)Yachtico Inc. caters to all types of sailing vacations with a fleet of over 16,000 yachts, including houseboats, sailing yachts, and catamarans. The companby aspires to gain a strong foothold in the U.S.Boatbookings has a massive operating network that spans several regions across the globe, including London, Cannes, Newport, Athens, Singapore, Thailand, and Ft Lauderdale.Sailogy, though has a prominent presence in the Mediterranean region, operates in nearly 1,000 global locations. The company also enjoys benefits through collaborations with some leading online travel retailers.Antlos continue its collaborations with leading European travel platforms, such as Boats.com, airBaltic, and Skyscanner.Apart from the aforementioned players, the global yacht charter market is expected to witness emergence of various new entrants active in yacht management. Moreover, some of the key players are concentrating more on vertical integration with yacht manufacturing behemoths, such as Rodriguez Group.ABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACT:616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comPress: press@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Wealth in Indonesia - Market Demand, Growth, Opportunities and Analysis of Top Key Player Forecast To 2022

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Summary"Wealth in Indonesia: HNW Investors 2017" analyzes the investment preferences and portfolio allocation of Indonesian HNW investors. The report is based on our proprietary Global Wealth Managers Survey.HNW investors have predominately accumulated their wealth through business interests, with property and manufacturing key wealth generators. Investors show strong demand for advisory mandates, but a significant proportion of wealth remains unmanaged. Defensive investments dominate the average portfolio, and while this is not expected to change we do forecast a decrease in demand for cash, while demand for fixed income is expected to rise. Tax planning is most sought after, but demand for pension and financial planning is on the rise.GET SAMPLE REPORT @Specifically the report -- Profiles the average Indonesian HNW investor in terms of their demographics and analyzes the expat opportunity in Indonesia.- Analyzes which wealth management mandates are preferred among Indonesian HNW investors and how demand will develop looking forward.- Examines the allocation of Indonesian HNW investors portfolios into different asset classes and how this is expected to develop in the future.- Analyzes product and service demand among Indonesian HNW investors.Scope- Indonesian HNW individuals tend to be older than their regional peers.- The expat opportunity is less developed than in Asia Pacific, but wealth managers reaching out to HNW expats from South Korea or Singapore will find them to be a lucrative target market.- The countrys HNW investors engage multiple wealth management firms, which is symptomatic of a relatively underdeveloped and risk-averse wealth market.- A lack of expertise and time are the top drivers for Indonesian HNW investors to seek professional advice, while non-financial investments are the main reason they self-direct.- HNW demand for equity, fixed income, and alternatives is forecast to rise over the next 12 months, while demand for cash and near-cash products is expected to decrease.- A multi-service strategy - encompassing tax, financial, and pension planning - is becoming increasingly important as demand for these services is on the rise.Reasons to buy- Develop and enhance your client targeting strategies using our data on HNW profiles and sources of wealth.- Give your marketing strategies the edge required 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 current and future demand for different asset classes among HNW individuals.- Develop your proposition to match the product and service demand expressed by Indonesian HNW investors and react proactively to forecasted changes in demand.Table of Content: Key Points1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 31.1. Entrepreneurship is the leading generator of HNW wealth 31.2. Key findings 31.3. Critical success factors 32. PROFILING THE INDONESIAN HNW INVESTOR 92.1. Indonesian HNW investors skew heavily towards males and are typically older than their Asia Pacific peers 92.1.1. The majority of Indonesian HNWs are family business owners and entrepreneurs 102.1.2. A lower proportion of Indonesian HNW individuals are directors or chairmen 112.1.3. The majority of Indonesian HNW investors have established their fortunes in either property or manufacturing 122.2. Expats form a small proportion of the overall HNW population 132.2.1. The number of HNW expats in Indonesia is below the Asia Pacific average 132.2.1. Most HNW expats are from South Korea or Singapore 153. INDONESIAN HNW INVESTMENT STYLE PREFERENCES 163.1. Indonesian HNW investors use several wealth management firms to save them time and to benefit from their expertise 16ContinuedACCESS REPORT @Get in touch:LinkedIn:Twitter:Facebook:Wise Guy Reports is part of the Wise Guy Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe.WISEGUY RESEARCH CONSULTANTS PVT LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersPune - 411028Maharashtra, India
Global Electric Boiling Pot Market 2017 product price, profit, capacity, supply, analysis

Electric Boiling Pot Market

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Market Research Report firstly introduced Global Electric Boiling Pot Market 2017 Industry Trends, Sales, Supply, Demand, Analysis & Forecast.Global Electric Boiling Pot Market Research Report 2017-2021 is in-depth study and comprehensive analysis on the Global Electric Boiling Pot industry. This report is focuses on the major regional market conditions of Electric Boiling Pot industry. It is aim is to provide deep and accurate analysis about industry size, company growth, recent trends and future forecast. The geographical representation of the Global Electric Boiling Pot Market Research Report includes North American, Europe and Asia etc and the main country including United States, Germany, Japan and China etc.Request for FREE SAMPLE Report @The report is designed to introduced Electric Boiling Pot Market and its vivid information with definition, classification, application and industry chain overview. The market report provides wide perspective and analysis of industry policy and plan, product specification manufacturing process, cost structure also it includes market condition of the main region, its product price, profit, capacity, production, capacity utilization, supply, demand and industry growth rate etc.Our aim is to give lucid information on Electric Boiling Pot Market and its ongoing and future projects, company SWOT analysis, investment feasibility analysis, investment return analysis and Global Twin-screw Extruder industry.It is one of the clear and unique reports on Global Electric Boiling Pot Market. Our team of experts and analyst has taken immense efforts to make it possible. We are thankful to technical and marketing experts those supports us during Research Team survey and interviews of Electric Boiling Pot Market.Browse Complete Report with TOC @This report is categorize into six parts first part includes mainly the product basic information; the second part mainly analyzed the Asia Electric Boiling Pot industry; the third part mainly analyzed the North American Electric Boiling Pot industry; the fourth part mainly analyzed the Europe Electric Boiling Pot industry; the fifth part mainly analyzed the market entry and investment feasibility; the sixth part was the report conclusion chapter.Table of ContentPart I Electric Boiling Pot Industry OverviewChapter One Electric Boiling Pot Industry Overview1.1 Electric Boiling Pot Definition1.2 Electric Boiling Pot Classification Analysis1.2.1 Electric Boiling Pot Main Classification Analysis1.2.2 Electric Boiling Pot Main Classification Share Analysis1.3 Electric Boiling Pot Application Analysis1.3.1 Electric Boiling Pot Main Application Analysis1.3.2 Electric Boiling Pot Main Application Share Analysis1.4 Electric Boiling Pot Industry Chain Structure AnalysisChapter Two Electric Boiling Pot Up and Down Stream Industry Analysis2.1 Upstream Raw Materials Analysis2.1.1 Upstream Raw Materials Price Analysis2.1.2 Upstream Raw Materials Market Analysis2.1.3 Upstream Raw Materials Market Trend2.2 Down Stream Market Analysis9D Research Group 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.Contact UsJoel JohnTel: +1-386-310-3803GMT Tel: +49-322 210 92714USA/Canada Toll Free No. 1-855-465-4651Email: sales@9dresearchgroup.comWeb:
Global Farm Tractors Industry Market Research Report 2017

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SummaryThe Global Farm Tractors Industry 2017 Market Research Report is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the Farm Tractors industry.Firstly, the report provides a basic overview of the industry including definitions, classifications, applications and industry chain structure. The Farm Tractors market analysis is provided for the international market including development history, competitive landscape analysis, and major regions development status.Secondly, development policies and plans are discussed as well as manufacturing processes and cost structures. This report also states import/export, supply and consumption figures as well as cost, price, revenue and gross margin by regions (United States, EU, China and Japan), and other regions can be added.Then, the report focuses on global major leading industry players with information such as company profiles, product picture and specification, capacity, production, price, cost, revenue and contact information. Upstream raw materials, equipment and downstream consumers analysis is also carried out. Whats more, the Farm Tractors industry development trends and marketing channels are analyzed.Finally, the feasibility of new investment projects is assessed, and overall research conclusions are offered.In a word, the report provides major statistics on the state of the industry and is a valuable source of guidance and direction for companies and individuals interested in the market.Ask a sample or any question, please email to:hebe@qyresearchglobal.com or hebe@qyresearch.comThe players list(Partly, Players you are interested can also be added):Deere & CompanyAGCO CorporationCNH Industrial N.V.Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.Claas KGaA mbHIseki & Co., Ltd.J C Bamford Excavators Ltd.Kubota CorporationSame Deutz-Fahr Italia S.P.A.Yanmar Co., Ltd.Bucher IndustriesEscorts Ltd.Zetor Tractors A.S.Alamo Group, Inc.Tractors and Farm Equipment LimitedNew HollandKey Topics Covered:Chapter One Industry Overview of Farm TractorsChapter Two Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Farm TractorsChapter Three Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis of Farm TractorsChapter Four Capacity, Production and Revenue Analysis of Farm Tractors by Regions, Types and ManufacturersChapter Five Price, Cost, Gross and Gross Margin Analysis of Farm Tractors by Regions, Types and ManufacturersChapter Six Consumption Volume, Consumption Value and Sale Price Analysis of Farm Tractors by Regions, Types and ApplicationsChapter Seven Supply, Import, Export and Consumption Analysis of Farm TractorsChapter Eight Major Manufacturers Analysis of Farm TractorsChapter Nine Marketing Trader or Distributor Analysis of Farm TractorsChapter Ten Industry Chain Analysis of Farm TractorsChapter Eleven Development Trend of Analysis of Farm TractorsChapter Twelve New Project Investment Feasibility Analysis of Farm TractorsChapter Thirteen Conclusion of the Global Farm Tractors Industry 2017 Market Research ReportRelated Reports:US Farm Tractors Industry Market Research Report 2017Europe Farm Tractors Industry Market Research Report 2017India Farm Tractors Industry Market Research Report 2017China Farm Tractors Industry Market Research Report 2017Korea Farm Tractors Industry Market Research Report 2017Japan Farm Tractors Industry Market Research Report 2017If you need a report or have any question, please feel free to contact meHebe | Sr. Manager  Global SalesProfessional Market Research Report PublisherQYResearch Co.LtdQYResearch focus on Market Survey and ResearchPhone: +86 20 2209 3278Email: hebe@qyresearchglobal.com or hebe@qyresearch.comWeb:About QYResearchQYResearch established in 2007, focus on custom research, management consulting, IPO consulting, industry chain research, database and seminar services. the company owned a large basic database (such as National Bureau of statistics database, Customs import and export database, Industry Association Database etc), experts resources (included energy automotive chemical medical ICT consumer goods etc industries experts who own more than 10 years experiences on marketing or R&D), professional survey team (the team member with more than 3 years market survey experience and more than 2 years depth expert interview experience),Excellent data analysis team (SPSS statistics and PPT graphics process team); QYResearch has always pursuit product quality, adhere to the quality is the soul of business. Through the companys years of effort and a lot of customer support, QYResearch consulting group creative design method of many high-quality markets investigation and research team with rich experience. Today, QYResearch brand has become the consulting industry with quality assurance consulting brand. The company has 2500 global well-known customers, covering energy automobile pharmaceutical chemical agriculture more than 30 industries, services from the data analysis and recommendations-Consulting landing one-stop solution, and research regions cover China,US,EU,Asia,Middle East and Africa,South America,Australia,etc Global all regions,and also built research or marketing center in China USA UK France Hongkong etc regions. currently, QYResearch has become the first choice and worth trusted consulting brand in Global and China business consulting services.Media ContactCompany Name: QYResearch CO.,LIMITEDContact Person: HebeEmail: hebe@qyresearchglobal.comPhone: +86-20 2209 3278Address: Room 2311 VILI International Building No.167 Linhe West Road Tianhe DistrictCity: GuangzhouCountry: ChinaWebsite:(US) |(EU)
Global Portable Automotive Wi Fi Routers Market 2017- Sierra Wireless, Huawei Technologies, KuWFi Technology, TP-Link

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The Portable Automotive Wi Fi Routers Market 2017 examines the performance of the Portable Automotive Wi Fi Routers market, enclosing an in-depth judgment of the Portable Automotive Wi Fi Routers market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Portable Automotive Wi Fi Routers market in the present as well as the future prospects from various angles in detail.The Global Portable Automotive Wi Fi Routers Market 2017 report includes Portable Automotive Wi Fi Routers industry volume, market Share, market Trends, Portable Automotive Wi Fi Routers Growth aspects, a wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis, manufacturing capacity, Portable Automotive Wi Fi Routers Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.To Get Sample Report Click Here:Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Portable Automotive Wi Fi Routers Market 2017:1 Sierra Wireless2 Huawei Technologies3 KuWFi Technology4 TP-Link5 ZTE Corporation6 NETGEAR7 Linksys8 Teldat GroupOn the basis of product, this report displays tPortable Automotive Wi Fi Routers Market Segment Split by Product TypeMulti-WAN3G WirelessPortable Automotive Wi Fi Routers Market Segment Split by ApplicationPassenger VehicleLight Commercial VehicleHeavy Commercial VehicleAt the beginning, the report covers the top Portable Automotive Wi Fi Routers manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on topographical regions.Further, the Portable Automotive Wi Fi Routers report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Portable Automotive Wi Fi Routers industry, Portable Automotive Wi Fi Routers industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Portable Automotive Wi Fi Routers Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.To Buy Complete Report Click Here:The Portable Automotive Wi Fi Routers 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 Portable Automotive Wi Fi Routers market revenue worldwide.Finally, Portable Automotive Wi Fi Routers 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 profit making 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 Pneumatic Seeder Market 2017- John Deere, Farmac Inc, New Holland, IRTEM AGRICULTURE MACHNIES

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The Pneumatic Seeder Market 2017 examines the performance of the Pneumatic Seeder market, enclosing an in-depth judgment of the Pneumatic Seeder market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Pneumatic Seeder market in the present as well as the future prospects from various angles in detail.The Global Pneumatic Seeder Market 2017 report includes Pneumatic Seeder industry volume, market Share, market Trends, Pneumatic Seeder Growth aspects, a wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis, manufacturing capacity, Pneumatic Seeder Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.To Get Sample Report Click Here:Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Pneumatic Seeder Market 2017:1 John Deere2 Farmac Inc3 New Holland4 IRTEM AGRICULTURE MACHNIES5 Microsem6 Flexi-Coil7 National Agro Industries8 Great Plains9 Bourgault Industries10 AMAZONEPneumatic Seeder Market Segment Split by Product TypeSmall SeederMedium SeederLarge SeederPneumatic Seeder Market Segment Split by ApplicationCottonCornBeetsWheatOthersAt the beginning, the report covers the top Pneumatic Seeder manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on topographical regions.Further, the Pneumatic Seeder report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Pneumatic Seeder industry, Pneumatic Seeder industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Pneumatic Seeder Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.To Buy Complete Report Click Here:The Pneumatic Seeder 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 Pneumatic Seeder market revenue worldwide.Finally, Pneumatic Seeder 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 profit making 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 Piston Hydraulic Pump Market 2017- China Lutian Machinery, FPT Fluid Power Technology, HYDRATRON

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The Piston Hydraulic Pump Market 2017 examines the performance of the Piston Hydraulic Pump market, enclosing an in-depth judgment of the Piston Hydraulic Pump market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Piston Hydraulic Pump market in the present as well as the future prospects from various angles in detail.The Global Piston Hydraulic Pump Market 2017 report includes Piston Hydraulic Pump industry volume, market Share, market Trends, Piston Hydraulic Pump Growth aspects, a wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis, manufacturing capacity, Piston Hydraulic Pump Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.To Get Sample Report Click Here:Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Piston Hydraulic Pump Market 2017:1 China Lutian Machinery2 FPT Fluid Power Technology3 HYDRATRON4 HYDRO LEDUC5 awasaki Precision Machinery6 Oilgear7 REHOBOT Hydraulics AB8 AHP HYDRAULIKA9 ALFRA10 ARO, Ingersoll Rand11 BEGA SPECIAL TOOLS12 BEZARES13 Bosch Rexroth - Mobile Hydraulics14 CASAPPAPiston Hydraulic Pump Market Segment Split by Product TypeAxial Piston Hydraulic PumpRadial Piston Hydraulic PumpRotary Piston Hydraulic PumpPlunger Piston Hydraulic PumpPiston Hydraulic Pump Market Segment Split by ApplicationMetallurgical IndustryMiningConstruction IndustryOtherAt the beginning, the report covers the top Piston Hydraulic Pump manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on topographical regions.Further, the Piston Hydraulic Pump report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Piston Hydraulic Pump industry, Piston Hydraulic Pump industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Piston Hydraulic Pump Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.To Buy Complete Report Click Here:The Piston Hydraulic Pump 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 Piston Hydraulic Pump market revenue worldwide.Finally, Piston Hydraulic Pump 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 profit making 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 Pipeline Monitoring Systems Market 2017- Siemens AG (Germany), Honeywell International Inc. (U.S.), Perma Pipes (U.S.), Transcanada (Canada)

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The Pipeline Monitoring Systems Market 2017 examines the performance of the Pipeline Monitoring Systems market, enclosing an in-depth judgment of the Pipeline Monitoring Systems market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Pipeline Monitoring Systems market in the present as well as the future prospects from various angles in detail.The Global Pipeline Monitoring Systems Market 2017 report includes Pipeline Monitoring Systems industry volume, market Share, market Trends, Pipeline Monitoring Systems Growth aspects, a wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis, manufacturing capacity, Pipeline Monitoring Systems Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.To Get Sample Report Click Here:Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Pipeline Monitoring Systems Market 2017:1 Siemens AG (Germany)2 Honeywell International Inc. (U.S.)3 Perma Pipes (U.S.)4 Transcanada (Canada)5 PSI AG (Germany)6 Orbcomm Inc. (U.S.)Pipeline Monitoring Systems Market Segment Split by Product TypePIGsSmart ballUltrasonicMagnetic flux leakage technologyOthersPipeline Monitoring Systems Market Segment Split by ApplicationIntroductionLeak detectionOperating conditionPipeline break detectionOthersAt the beginning, the report covers the top Pipeline Monitoring Systems manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on topographical regions.Further, the Pipeline Monitoring Systems report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Pipeline Monitoring Systems industry, Pipeline Monitoring Systems industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Pipeline Monitoring Systems Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.To Buy Complete Report Click Here:The Pipeline Monitoring 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 Pipeline Monitoring Systems market revenue worldwide.Finally, Pipeline Monitoring 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.QY Research is the terminal where all industrial, commercial and profit making 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 Pickups Market 2017 - FCA, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Nissan

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The Pickups Market 2017 examines the performance of the Pickups market, enclosing an in-depth judgment of the Pickups market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Pickups market in the present as well as the future prospects from various angles in detail.The Global Pickups Market 2017 report includes Pickups industry volume, market Share, market Trends, Pickups Growth aspects, a wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis, manufacturing capacity, Pickups Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.To Get Sample Report Click Here:Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Pickups Market 2017:1 FCA2 Ford Motor Company3 General Motors4 Nissan5 Toyota6 Isuzu Motors7 Honda8 Tata Motors9 Mahindra & Mahindra10 Tiger Truck Industries International11 Great Wall Motor12 JAC13 JMC14 FOTON15 VIA Motors16 ZXauto17 SG Automotive GroupPickups Market Segment Split by Product TypeCompact PickupsMid-size PickupsFull-size PickupsHeavy-duty PickupsPickups Market Segment Split by ApplicationPassenger TransportThe MilitaryFire ServicesOthersAt the beginning, the report covers the top Pickups manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on topographical regions.Further, the Pickups report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Pickups industry, Pickups industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Pickups Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.To Buy Complete Report Click Here:The Pickups 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 Pickups market revenue worldwide.Finally, Pickups 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 profit making 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 A3 Laser Printer Market 2017 - Samsung, Lexmark, DELL, OKI, Epson

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The A3 Laser Printer Market 2017 examines the performance of the A3 Laser Printer market, enclosing an in-depth judgment of the A3 Laser Printer market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of A3 Laser Printer market in the present as well as the future prospects from various angles in detail.The Global A3 Laser Printer Market 2017 report includes A3 Laser Printer industry volume, market Share, market Trends, A3 Laser Printer Growth aspects, a wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis, manufacturing capacity, A3 Laser Printer Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.To Get Sample Report Click Here:Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global A3 Laser Printer Market 2017:1 HP2 Canon3 Brother4 Ricoh5 Fuji Xerox6 Samsung7 Lexmark8 DELL9 OKI10 Epson11 KYOCERA12 Konica-Minolta13 Sindoh14 Lenovo15 PantumA3 Laser Printer Market Analysis: By ProductSingle Function A3 Laser PrinterMultifunction A3 Laser PrinterA3 Laser Printer Market Analysis: By ApplicationSOHOSMBCorporateOthersAt the beginning, the report covers the top A3 Laser Printer manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on topographical regions.Further, the A3 Laser Printer report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of A3 Laser Printer industry, A3 Laser Printer industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. A3 Laser Printer Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.To Buy Complete Report Click Here:The A3 Laser Printer 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 A3 Laser Printer market revenue worldwide.Finally, A3 Laser Printer 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 Thermal Desorption Instruments Market 2017- Markes International, GERSTEL GmbH, Dani Instruments, AIRSENSE Analytics, PerkinElmer

Global Thermal Desorption Instruments Market 2017

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The worldwide Thermal Desorption Instruments Market report launched by Market.biz focuses on a complete and accurate study of Thermal Desorption Instruments industry. Global Thermal Desorption Instruments Market 2017 report is fundamentally concentrated on current scenario of Thermal Desorption Instruments market. This comprehensive research document will improve the efficiency of the Thermal Desorption Instruments market during the forecast period from 2017 to 2022.The Thermal Desorption Instruments industry report covers different aspects of market such as Thermal Desorption Instruments Market Segment, Thermal Desorption Instruments categories of the product, market revenue and product cost. The report also shows the Thermal Desorption Instruments market volume for every category during the forecast period.Do Inquiry Before Purchasing the Report Here:Competitive Research of Global Thermal Desorption Instruments Market 2017 Based on Key Vendors:1 Markes International2 GERSTEL GmbH3 Dani Instruments4 AIRSENSE Analytics5 PerkinElmer6 CDS Analytical7 Shimadzu8 Beijing BCHPGlobal Thermal Desorption Instruments Market 2017: Product Type Segment AnalysisManual ControlElectronic ControlOthersGlobal Thermal Desorption Instruments Market 2017: Applications Segment AnalysisEnvironmentalFood/Flavor/Drink/BiologicalMaterial EmissionsOthersInitially, the Thermal Desorption Instruments Market report throws light on the market strategies, Thermal Desorption Instruments growth trends, production capacity and cost structures. The report segregates the global Thermal Desorption Instruments industry on the basis of key vendors, the range of applications and geographical regions like United States, Japan, China, and EU. The report also provides information regarding current as well as past information of Thermal Desorption Instruments market.Further, Thermal Desorption Instruments report reveals the company details of leading players such as profile information, revenue segmentation, business strategies and their contribution to the Global Thermal Desorption Instruments market share. This report also states information regarding import/export, supply and consumption, price and gross margin of Thermal Desorption Instruments market by regions. Other additional regions could also be added in Thermal Desorption Instruments Market area.For more information about this report visit at:Finally, the Thermal Desorption Instruments report flashes a complete picture of overall Thermal Desorption Instruments market conditions and drive the players towards profitable market strategies which will help companies involved in operating Thermal Desorption Instruments market to make knowledgeable business decisions. At the last, Global Thermal Desorption Instruments Market 2017 report evaluates the emerging geographical sectors in Thermal Desorption Instruments market.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 Agricultural Waste Water Treatment (WWT) Market 2017 - Cameron, Ch2m Hill, Degremont Industry

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The Agricultural Waste Water Treatment (WWT) Market 2017 examines the performance of the Agricultural Waste Water Treatment (WWT) market, enclosing an in-depth judgment of the Agricultural Waste Water Treatment (WWT) market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Agricultural Waste Water Treatment (WWT) market in the present as well as the future prospects from various angles in detail.The Global Agricultural Waste Water Treatment (WWT) Market 2017 report includes Agricultural Waste Water Treatment (WWT) industry volume, market Share, market Trends, Agricultural Waste Water Treatment (WWT) Growth aspects, a wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis, manufacturing capacity, Agricultural Waste Water Treatment (WWT) Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.To Get Sample Report Click Here:Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Agricultural Waste Water Treatment (WWT) Market 2017:1 Dow Water & Process Solutions2 GE Water & Process Technologies3 Kurita Water Industries4 Louis Berger5 Mott Macdonald6 Organo7 IDE Technologies8 Evoqua Water Technologies9 Aecom10 Aquatech11 Cameron12 Ch2m Hill13 Degremont Industry14 Black & Veatch15 AtkinsAgricultural Waste Water Treatment (WWT) Market Analysis: By ProductSuspended Solids RemovalDissolved Solids RemovalBiological Treatment & RecoveryDisinfection & OxidationOtherAgricultural Waste Water Treatment (WWT) Market Analysis: By ApplicationCropsSoil ResourcesGroundwater ResourcesOtherAt the beginning, the report covers the top Agricultural Waste Water Treatment (WWT) manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on topographical regions.Further, the Agricultural Waste Water Treatment (WWT) report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Agricultural Waste Water Treatment (WWT) industry, Agricultural Waste Water Treatment (WWT) industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Agricultural Waste Water Treatment (WWT) Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.To Buy Complete Report Click Here:The Agricultural Waste Water Treatment (WWT) 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 Agricultural Waste Water Treatment (WWT) market revenue worldwide.Finally, Agricultural Waste Water Treatment (WWT) 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-
Industrial PC Market worth 4.73 Billion USD by 2022

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According to the new market research "Industrial PC Market by Hardware (Panel Industrial PC, Rack Mount IPC, Box IPC, Embedded Box IPC, Embedded Panel IPC and DIN Rail PC), Data Storage Media, Touchscreen Technology, Sales Channel, End-User Vertical, and Geography - Global Forecast to 2022", the industrial PC market is expected to be valued at USD 4.73 Billion by 2022, growing at a CAGR of 6.2% between 2016 and 2022. Download Informational PDF Brochure :-Browse 70 market data tables and 83 figures spread through 176 pages and in-depth TOC on Industrial PC Market - Global Forecast to 2022"Early buyers will receive 10% customization on reports.The growth in this market can be attributed to the increasing penetration of IoT across manufacturing industries, high R&D investments by the manufacturing companies to promote the adoption of industrial PCs, rising demand for energy-efficient manufacturing operations, and growing emphasis on regulatory compliances.Industrial PC market for solid state data storage medium to grow at a high rate between 2016 and 2022Solid-state is robust data storage medium for handling shocks and vibrations in manufacturing plants. It provides high-speed data access. Apart from providing consistent and faster input/output times, solid-state data storage medium offers similar levels of endurance and data integrity as other electronic devices; hence, require lesser cooling and power than its electromechanical equivalents.Market for capacitive touchscreen technology-based IPCs likely to grow at a high rate in the coming yearsThe market for capacitive touchscreen technology-based IPCs is likely to grow at a high rate between 2016 and 2022. This market growth can be attributed to the advantages of capacitive touchscreen technology-based IPCs over resistive touchscreen technology-based IPCs such as faster response time, higher accuracy, and no requirement for periodic calibrations, among others.Direct sales considered as the most preferred sales channel and likely to continue its dominance during the forecast periodThe direct sales channels offer various advantages to the industrial PC manufacturers; they cater to the customization requirements of the end-user industries and eliminate resellers markup and the costs and risks associated with carrying large finished goods inventories. Due to these factors, the market for direct sales channels is expected to grow at a high rate during the forecast period.Oil and gas industry to hold the largest share of the industrial PC market between 2016 and 2022The growing demand for downtime, both logistically and commercially; increasing environmental concerns such as reduction of CO2 emissions; curtailment of fossil fuels usage; and fluctuating oil prices are reshaping the production landscape of the oil and gas industry. The oil and gas companies are focusing on incorporating new technologies in their production processes to reduce costs, while maintaining ecological balance. Due to the aforementioned factors, the industrial PC market for the oil and gas is likely to grow at a significant rate during the forecast period.North America to dominate the industrial PC market between 2016 and 2022The industrial manufacturers in North America focus on adopting advanced technologies to enhance their production processes and optimize output. The growing demand for improved process flexibility and enhanced efficiency, comprehensive integration of quality and regulatory requirements, harmonized production processes for optimum supply-chain management, and constant pressure of reducing maintenance and operation costs in the discrete industries are boosting the adoption of industrial PCs in this region. Moreover, several major players are increasingly investing in the industrial PC market in North America, thereby propelling the growth of the market in this region.The major players operating in the industrial PC market include Advantech Co., Ltd. (Taiwan), Beckhoff Automation GmbH & Co., KG (Germany), General Electric Co. (U.S.). Kontron AG (Germany), Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (Japan), OMRON Corporation(Japan), Panasonic Corporation (Japan), Rockwell Automation, Inc. (U.S.), Schneider Electric (France), and Siemens AG (Germany).About MarketsandMarketsMarketsandMarkets is the largest market research firm worldwide in terms of annually published premium market research reports. Serving 1700 global fortune enterprises with more than 1200 premium studies in a year, M&M is catering to a multitude of clients across 8 different industrial verticals. We specialize in consulting assignments and business research across high growth markets, cutting edge technologies and newer applications. Our 850 fulltime analyst and SMEs at MarketsandMarkets are tracking global high growth markets following the "Growth Engagement Model  GEM". The GEM aims at proactive collaboration with the clients to identify new opportunities, identify most important customers, write "Attack, avoid and defend" strategies, identify sources of incremental revenues for both the company and its competitors.M&Ms flagship competitive intelligence and market research platform, "RT" connects over 200,000 markets and entire value chains for deeper understanding of the unmet insights along with market sizing and forecasts of niche markets. The new included chapters on Methodology and Benchmarking presented with high quality analytical infographics in our reports gives complete visibility of how the numbers have been arrived and defend the accuracy of the numbers.We at MarketsandMarkets are inspired to help our clients grow by providing apt business insight with our huge market intelligence repository.Contact:Mr. RohanMarkets and MarketsUNIT no 802, Tower no. 7, SEZMagarpatta city, HadapsarPune, Maharashtra 411013, India1-888-600-6441Email: sales@marketsandmarkets.com
Global Apple Juice Market 2017 - Santa Cruz, Mott's, Minute Maid

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The Apple Juice Market 2017 examines the performance of the Apple Juice market, enclosing an in-depth judgment of the Apple Juice market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Apple Juice market in the present as well as the future prospects from various angles in detail.The Global Apple Juice Market 2017 report includes Apple Juice industry volume, market Share, market Trends, Apple Juice Growth aspects, a wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis, manufacturing capacity, Apple Juice Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.To Get Sample Report Click Here:Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Apple Juice Market 2017:1 Martinelli's Gold Medal2 Simply Orange Juice3 Eden Foods4 innocent5 Manzana Products6 TreeTop7 SunRype8 Santa Cruz9 Mott's10 Minute Maid (Coca-Cola)11 James White DrinksApple Juice Market Analysis: By ProductUnfiltered Apple JuiceFiltered Apple JuiceApple Juice Market Analysis: By ApplicationHome UseCommercialAt the beginning, the report covers the top Apple Juice manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on topographical regions.Further, the Apple Juice report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Apple Juice industry, Apple Juice industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Apple Juice Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.To Buy Complete Report Click Here:The Apple Juice 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 Apple Juice market revenue worldwide.Finally, Apple Juice 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 Bench-top Sterilizer Market 2017 - Biobase, Tex Year, Runyes Medical

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The Bench-top Sterilizer Market 2017 examines the performance of the Bench-top Sterilizer market, enclosing an in-depth judgment of the Bench-top Sterilizer market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Bench-top Sterilizer market in the present as well as the future prospects from various angles in detail.The Global Bench-top Sterilizer Market 2017 report includes Bench-top Sterilizer industry volume, market Share, market Trends, Bench-top Sterilizer Growth aspects, a wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis, manufacturing capacity, Bench-top Sterilizer Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.To Get Sample Report Click Here:Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Bench-top Sterilizer Market 2017:1 Tuttnauer2 MELAG3 Systec GmbH4 STERIS5 COMINOX6 Sirona7 W&H8 Memmert9 NAMROL10 Moonmed Group11 Elektro-mag12 SHINVA13 Biobase14 Tex Year15 Runyes Medical16 Foshan GladentBench-top Sterilizer Market Analysis: By ProductSteamPlasmaHot AirOthersBench-top Sterilizer Market Analysis: By ApplicationMedicalLaboratoryDentalOthersAt the beginning, the report covers the top Bench-top Sterilizer manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on topographical regions.Further, the Bench-top Sterilizer report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Bench-top Sterilizer industry, Bench-top Sterilizer industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Bench-top Sterilizer Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.To Buy Complete Report Click Here:The Bench-top Sterilizer 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 Bench-top Sterilizer market revenue worldwide.Finally, Bench-top Sterilizer 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-
Functional Printing Market To Increase at Steady Growth Rate

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Functional printing is a process of bringing functionality into 2D and 3D silicon based components. It is printing of different electronic components using substrates and ink. The some of the most commonly used printing techniques are screen, flexography and inkjet which are being employed to print on various substrates like glass, paper, paper etc. using dielectric inks, conductive copper and silver inks and grapheme inks. The increasing demand for low cost volume production of electronic components and rising concern towards environmental sustainability issues has boosted the growth of Global Functional printing market.Functional Printing is used for mass production of electronic devices such as light crystal display (LCD), Radio-frequency identification (RFID) chips, sensors, photovoltaic and organic light emitting diode (OLED).The use of functional printing for production of electronics is not only cost effective and environmentally safe but also provide scope for creating graphical visual effects like electrochromic effect, electroluminescent effect and electroluminescent effects. Functional printing offers increased durability, efficiency and reliability to the electronic components as compared to conventional process of production. On other hand existing functional printing technologies are still immature in terms of its application in development and production of electronic objects. It act as a both opportunity as well as challenge for market players to develop functional printing specifically designed for printed electronics.Request For Report Sample@On the basis of materials, Global Functional Printing market is segmented into  substrate and ink. Further substrate is categorized into glass, polyethylene naphthalene (PEN), plastic, gallium nitride (GAN), paper, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), silicon carbide and ink is categorized into- dielectric inks, conductive copper, silver inks and grapheme inks.On the basis of technology, Global Functional Printing market is segmented into  screen printing, flexography printing, gravure printing, micro-contact printing, offset printing and inkjet printing.On the basis of coating, Global Functional Printing market is categorized into  Conformal coating and conductive coating.On the basis of Application, Global Functional Printing market is categorized into  light crystal display (LCD), Radio-frequency identification (RFID) chips, sensors, photovoltaic, organic light emitting diode (OLED), lighting, batteries and displays.The North America is the biggest functional printing market as most of the functional printing equipment & material manufacturers are from this region. There is need for technical developments and interdisciplinary efforts to fuel more innovative business opportunities along with core functional printing business to support rapid growth in functional printing market.The basic factors that drive the growth of global functional printing market is increasing demand of low cost, reliable and robust electronic devices such as RFID antennas and sensors all over the world. The development of new types of substrate materials and inks has further boosted the global functional printing market. The functional printing market is also driven by benefits that it offers such as less material wastage and low power consumption, which ultimately an effort to reduce negative environment impact by electronics industry. On other side, functional printing is not specifically designed for production of electronic components, which is a factor that surpasses the growth of functional printing market.Request For TOC@Global Functional Printing Market: Key PlayersSome of the top players in global Functional Printing market include - Avery Dennison Corporation (U.S.), Blue Spark Technologies (U.S.), Blue Spark Technologies (U.S.), BASF SE (Germany), Mark Andy, Inc. (U.S.), Xennia Technology (U.K.), Novaled AG (Germany), Xaar PLC (U.K.), Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated (PARC) (U.S.) and E Ink Holdings, Inc (Taiwan).ABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACT:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Non Magnetic Metals And Alloys Marketto Perceive Substantial Growth 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.The Report covers exhaustive analysis on:Non-Magnetic Metals & Alloys Market SegmentsNon-Magnetic Metals & Alloys Market DynamicsHistorical Actual Market Size, 2013  2015 for Global Non-Magnetic Metals & Alloys MarketNon-Magnetic Metals & Alloys Market Size & Forecast 2016 to 2026Supply & Demand Value ChainNon-Magnetic Metals & Alloys Market Current Trends/Issues/ChallengesCompetition & Companies involved in Global Non-Magnetic Metals & Alloys MarketTechnologyValue ChainGlobal Non-Magnetic Metals & Alloys Market Drivers and RestraintsRegional analysis for Global Non-Magnetic Metals & Alloys Market includesNorth AmericaUS & CanadaLatin AmericaBrazil, Argentina & OthersWestern EuropeGermanyItalyFranceU.K.SpainNordicsBeneluxEastern EuropeRussiaPolandAsia PacificAustralia and New Zealand (ANZ)Greater ChinaIndiaASEANRest of Asia PacificJapanMiddle East and AfricaGCC CountriesOther Middle EastNorth AfricaSouth AfricaOther AfricaThe report is a compilation of first-hand information, qualitative and quantitative assessment by industry analysts, inputs from industry experts and industry participants across the value chain. The report provides in-depth analysis of parent market trends, macro-economic indicators and governing factors along with market attractiveness as per segments. The report also maps the qualitative impact of various market factors on market segments and geographies.Report Highlights:Detailed overview of parent marketChanging market dynamics of the Global Non-Magnetic Metals & Alloys industryIn-depth market segmentation of Global Non-Magnetic Metals & Alloys industryHistorical, current and projected market size in terms of volume and value of Global Non-Magnetic Metals & Alloys industryRecent industry trends and developments of Global Non-Magnetic Metals & Alloys industryCompetitive landscape of Global Non-Magnetic Metals & Alloys industryStrategies of key players and product offerings in the Global Non-Magnetic Metals & Alloys industryPotential and niche segments/regions exhibiting promising growth in Global Non-Magnetic Metals & Alloys industryA neutral perspective towards market performanceMust-have information for market players to sustain and enhance their market footprintAbout 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:
Shim Stock Material Market to Witness Exponential Growth by 2026

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Global Shim Stock Material Market: IntroductionShim is a thin, tapered or wedged piece of material, used to fill small spaces between objects. Shim Stock base material varies with their application. Shim can be made up of materials such as plastic, metal, wood, stone or even paper. Shims Stock materials are widely used to adjust for better fit, support, or provide a leveled surface and for such purpose it is required on ad-hoc basis. Shim Stock material also finds applications as spacers to fill gaps between parts subject to wear and tear. Shim Stock materials are used by various industries such as aeronautical, manufacturing, defense, etc. However, the aeronautical and defense industry mainly finds wide applications for Shim Stock materials.To access full report @Global Shim Stock Material Market: Market DynamicsThe global Shim Stock market is primarily driven by aeronautical industry due to its end use application. Increasing demand for commercial aircrafts is fueling the demand for shim stock materials. Shim stock materials also finds application in other industries such as defense and manufacturing. The continuous operations in production facilities requires effective maintenance activities in plants which in turn is fueling the demand of shim stock materials. Increasing global spending on defense equipments also driving the demand for Shim stock materials. However, factors like dependency on end use industries can be a restraint for the global shim stock material market. Therefore, demand variability in end use industries like aeronautical, manufacturing and defense have high impact on the global shim stock market. Other restraints like unorganized market for shim stock material and high profit share of suppliers resulting in price imbalance are few other factors confining the growth of global shim stock material market.Global Shim Stock Material Market: SegmentationGlobal Shim Stock Material market can be segmented on the basis end-use industry, material, application and type. On the basis of end-use industry, global Shim Stock Material market can be segmented into Aeronautical industry, Manufacturing, Defense and other industries widely using shim stock materials. On the basis of materials, global shim stock material market can be segmented as plastic, wood, metals, paper and others. Global Shim stock market can also be segmented on the basis of application including alignment, filling of void spaces, support, installation of new machinery etc. Shim stock material are available in market in various forms. Lastly, on the basis of end product type the global shim stock market can be segmented into coil, sheet, rod, bar and tube.A sample of this report is available upon request @Global Shim Stock Material Market: Regional OutlookHigh defense budget and increasing demand for commercial aircrafts in regions like North America followed by Asia pacific countries like china, Japan, Eastern Europe countries particularly Russia and western Europe countries like U.K are the top markets for shim stock materials. However, Global Shim Stock Market is also fueled by demand in manufacturing industry, manufacturing hub like Asia pacific regions like china followed by North America. Global Shim Stock Material market can be divided into seven major regions including North America (U.S., Canada), Asia Pacific (ASEAN, Australia, China, India, & New Zealand), Japan, Western Europe (Italy, France, U.K, Spain, Germany), Eastern Europe (Poland, Russia), Asia- Latin America (Mexico. Brazil) and Middle East and Africa (GCC, S. Africa, N. Africa).Global Shim Stock Material Market: Key PlayersGlobal Shim Stock Material market is highly competitive due to the presence of number of manufacturers involved in the manufacturing and supply of shim stock materials. Most of the manufacturers provide a wide variety of shim stock materials. Various key players involved are Lyon Industries Inc., United States Brass & Copper Inc., Artus corp., Eagle Alloys Corp., Coronet Parts Mfg. Co. Inc., Accushim Inc., Aloma Shim and Manufacturing. Metallo Gasket Company, SPIROL International Corporation, Shanghai Metal Corporation. and others.To view TOC of this report is available upon request @The research report presents a comprehensive assessment of the market and contains thoughtful insights, facts, historical data, and statistically supported and industry-validated market data. It also contains projections using a suitable set of assumptions and methodologies. The research report provides analysis and information according to market segments such as geographies, application, and Industry.The report covers exhaust analysis on:Market SegmentsMarket DynamicsMarket SizeSupply & DemandCurrent Trends/Issues/ChallengesCompetition & Companies involvedTechnologyValue ChainRegional analysis includesNorth America (U.S., Canada)Latin America (Mexico. Brazil)Western Europe (Germany, Italy, France, U.K, Spain)Eastern Europe (Poland, Russia)Asia Pacific (China, India, ASEAN, Australia & New Zealand)JapanMiddle East and Africa (GCC, S. Africa, N. Africa)The report is a compilation of first-hand information, qualitative and quantitative assessment by industry analysts, inputs from industry experts and industry participants across the value chain. The report provides in-depth analysis of parent market trends, macro-economic indicators and governing factors along with market attractiveness as per segments. The report also maps the qualitative impact of various market factors on market segments and geographies.Report Highlights:Detailed overview of parent marketChanging market dynamics in the industryIn-depth market segmentationHistorical, current and projected market size in terms of volume and valueRecent industry trends and developmentsCompetitive landscapeStrategies of key players and products offeredPotential and niche segments, geographical regions exhibiting promising growthA neutral perspective on market performanceMust-have information for market players to sustain and enhance their market footprintAbout 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:




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Digital Telepathology Market : Recent Industry Trends, Analysis and Forecast 2026

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Pathology is the study of diseases and one of the major fields in medicine & diagnosis. It is mainly concerned with the cause, origin and study of different diseases. It is done by examining bodily fluids, tissues, & organs. It is currently divided into eight main areas of study. With the advent of Information Technology and the digital age, a new field has sprung up  the digital telepathology market. As the name suggests, it is pathology with the help of telecommunications technology. As opposed to general pathology which is conducted at a short-range, digital telepathology is typically performed at distance. Pathology image-rich data is transferred great distances for the purpose of diagnoses, education or even research purposes. The term was coined by Dr Ronald S. Weinstein in 1986 and he also spoke about the potential of this in a journal publication back then. He is rightly known as the father of telepathology. The digital telepathology market is mainly focused on serving the need for medical research, education, subspecialty pathology, histopathology diagnoses, second opinion diagnosis, and also that of frozen section specimens.Digital Telepathology Market DriversOne of the main drivers of the digital telepathology market is bound to be the information technology wave sweeping across the world. Western countries already have a strong digital infrastructure, but Internet penetration is rapidly increasing in the developing world. This can enable pathologists to examine, study, and diagnose patients not only in remote locations within the country but also anywhere else in the world. A second factor is a flexibility and convenience offered to seek a second opinion. The digital telepathology market will enable pathologists in any part of the globe to consult their peers in other countries, which will ensure an appropriate diagnosis. According to the W.H.O, cancer cases are expected to increase by nearly 70% in the next twenty years with nearly 1.4 million of them being misdiagnosed. Thus, quick (and appropriate) diagnoses will be critical to saving millions of lives. The third driver is expected to be increasing digitisation in the field of research. Digital pathology is relevant in the field of medical education, histopathology and even for examining frozen section specimens. With the help of digital technology, pathologists could convert physical data into digital files, eliminating the need to physically store it. This would also help them drive down their cost and improve efficiency.Request Report Sample@Digital Telepathology Market RestraintsThere are a few challenges faced by the digital telepathology market, one of the biggest being cost. Digital telepathology equipment is very expensive which will almost certainly be a problem in developing countries. Government reimbursements are typically unavailable there which makes the initial investment quite difficult. Another issue is regulatory concerns. Digital telepathology walks a fine line between both medicine & technology so each country would have different laws concerning both. There can also be resistance from pathologists themselves. Few pathologists today can truly operate these systems and they might even be unwilling to trust the results. These are some of the reasons why the digital telepathology market is still a niche one at present.Digital Telepathology Market Key RegionsThe digital telepathology market serves the following main geographic regions  North America, the E.U., Asia-Pacific, MENA and the rest of the world. North America is the largest market and is anticipated to show moderate growth over the next decade. This is due to a strong healthcare system, regulations like the Affordable Care Act, the high prevalence of various cancers and an ageing population requiring medical assistance. It is also boosted by world-class medical education & research facilities, eager adoption of technology and government reimbursement being available in these critical fields. Europe is the second largest market but is expected to remain flat or post negative growth. However, the high prevalence of cancer in this region will ensure that there remains a strong future for the digital telepathology market there. Asia-Pacific is anticipated to be the market of the future mainly because of China, India and Japan.Visit For TOC@Digital Telepathology Market Key Market PlayersSome companies involved in the digital telepathology market include Leica Biosystems, Ventana Medical Systems, Inc., GE Healthcare, Olympus Corporation, Philips Healthcare, MikroSkan Technologies, Inc. and many others.About Us  Future Market Insights is the premier provider of market intelligence and consulting services, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in London, the global financial capital, and has delivery centers in the U.S. and India.CONTACT:616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Cochineal Extract Market: Industry Trends and Developments 2016 - 2026

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The cochineal is an insect from Dactylopius coccus family, from these insects natural food color dyecarminis derived. The female insect is dried and then dye is extracted from dried insect as well as from eggs. This extract is further mixed with calcium or aluminum salts to use as dye. Carmine is primarily used as a colorant in foodand in lipsticks. Cochineal extract is being used as colorant since centuries, it has wide applications as natural colorant into food, textile, medicine and personal care products. The cochineal insect farming is done to grow the particular insects for red color dye. The origin of cochineal insect is seen in Peru and Mexico.The insects are grown on specific type of cactus plant these insects grow on the moisture and nutrient contents of the cactus leaves. Insects are then collected and sun dried to produce extract. Dried cochineal, contains 17 % to 24% carminic acid, is carefully extracted in an acidic, aqueous, alcoholic solution to produce red, orange color dye.Request Report Sample@Cochineal Extract Market Segmentation:Cochineal extract market is segmented on the basis of its form, application and region. On the basis of forms, cochineal extract market is segmented into powders and liquid form. The cochineal extract is available in both water soluble as well as oil soluble. Cochineal extract market is segmented on the basis of its applications as food and beverages, textile/fabric, cosmetics & personal care, pharmaceuticals and others etc.Cochineal extract market demand is considerably high in the food and beverage market segment as it is considered as natural color option where synthetic color is prohibited, and hence demanded as colorant in various food products such as bakery and confectionary, beverages, dairy products etc. Thus, food and beverages market segment is dominate market for cochineal extract. In cosmetics & personal care market segment cochineal extract is mainly used as colorant in skin care products, lipsticks, face powders, rouges, and blushes etc. Applications of cochineal extract in fabric/ textile segment is comparatively lesser as numerous new and synthetic color dye options are being invented, however in few of the markets its still popular. In pharmaceutical market segment cochineal extract is basically used for color pills and ointments, however this segment comprises very small share of total market. Others market segment includes cochineal extract uses in the manufacturing of artificial flowers, paints and crimson ink.Cochineal extract market is further segmented on the basis of regions as North America, Latin America, Asia Pacific Excluding Japan, Japan, Europe, and Middle East and Africa. Latin America is major export market of cochineal extracts, Mexico and Peru being major regional producers. In European markets France is the major importer for cochineal extract. Due to various government bans on the uses of synthetic food colorant in Japan , Japan is also a becoming major importer for cochineal extract in coming years.CochinealExtractMarket Drivers:Cochineal extract is in high demand in several application sectors across the world. Principle factors driving market demand are continuous rising demand natural colorants. As synthetic colorant had proven allergic and hazardous for health, natural color market demand is high. Also rising market demand for natural products based cosmetics and skin care products is becoming another market driver for cochineal extract. Various government such as Japan has banned synthetic color uses in food and beverage products, this is driving natural colorant market demands such as cochineal extracts.CochinealExtractMarket Restrains:Cochineal extract has no known health risks, number of people have been found to experience occupational asthma, foodand cosmetic allergies due to use of product containing cochineal extracts. Increasing vegan food culture and adoption of 100% plant food concept, many consumers are not ready to accept animal products and not preferring product labeled with cochineal extract or carmine as an ingredients. These are the main restraints for cochineal extract market.Visit For TOC@CochinealExtractMarket Key Players:Maximum amount of cochineal extract is produced in Mexico and Peru and get exported into global markets. Key players operating in cochineal extract market are DDW The Color House, Gentle world, Xian LiSheng-Tech Co., Ltd, Chr. Hansen Holding A/S, Colores Naturales EIRL, Lake Foods, and many of the local Mexican and Peru market players extract the cochineal product like Earthue, Biocon del Peru.About Us  Future Market Insights is the premier provider of market intelligence and consulting services, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in London, the global financial capital, and has delivery centers in the U.S. and India.CONTACT:616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Lavandula Oil (Lavender Oil) Market Trends, Regulations And Competitive Landscape Outlook to 2026

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Lavandula oil is extracted from the lavender flowers scientific known as Lavandula Angustifolia. Production of lavendula oil requires huge laborious work and help of distillation process, Lavandula oil (Lavender oil) is extracted. There are different methods from which this essential oil is extracted such as hydro distillation, steam distillation and solvent extraction. It is one of the expensive and versatile product among all essential oils. This product is gaining demand from cosmetic sector as it is used as a fragrance and in food industry it is used for flavoring purpose. Lavendula oil also has application in pharmaceutical industry where it is most used for therapies and to cure with other health diseases like diabetes, cold, cough etc.Market Dynamics of Lavandula Oil:Major driver behind increasing demand of lavendula oil in current market scenario is due to its fragrance and flavored eminence. Nowadays consumers are mostly influenced towards that product which has natural quality, organic in nature and also good for their health, due to which it has higher demand among growing economies of world. On the other side as per the current market trend, lavendula oil is trending in market because of its wide application in body care and beauty care products. This oil is mostly used in body creams, lotions, soaps, perfumes and many other cosmetic products. In addition to this, lavendula oil is also gaining demand from specialty food industry where consumers preferred to buy food and beverages which are rich in terms of natural ingredient, natural flavor, taste, aroma etc.Request For Report Sample@Market Segmentation of Lavandula Oil:Lavendula oil market is segmented on two different basis as on the basis of application and distribution channel. Market segment as per application, it is segmented on the basis of its application in cosmetic, food and beverage and pharmaceutical. Among these application segment cosmetic and pharmaceutical segments are expected to contribute more that 50% market share and expected to grow at higher space. Another segment is on the basis of distribution channel which includes health and beauty stores, pharmacy and drug stores, online retailing and other (direct selling) distribution channels. On analyzing the demand of lavendula oil on pie, it was assessed that cosmetic industry acquires majority of share in terms of volume followed by the demand of lavendula oil in food and beverage industry. Primary reason behind its increasing demand of lavendula oil in global level market is due to its richness in natural quality and organic nature. Lavendula oil has wide application in products of cosmetic industry such as in perfumes, skin care, and hair care and in many other beauty care products. Demand of lavendula oil is also growing from food and beverage and pharmaceutical industry. In food and beverage industry, lavendula oil has primarily demand as a food flavoring like in dairy products, tea, culinary herb, jelly etc. and in pharmaceutical industry, lavendula oil is used for therapies, dermatitis, diabetes, cold, asthma, insect repellant and for many other purposes.Regional Outlook of Lavandula Oil Market:On the basis of regional outlook, lavendula oil market is segmented in seven different regions of world: America, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, and Asia-Pacific region, Japan and Middle East and Africa. In lavendula oil market, Western Europe accounts majority of share in terms of volume contribution and from which Bulgaria is expected to be lucrative market in all over the world in terms of production of lavendula oil followed by Asia-Pacific region. On the other side, in terms of consumption North America is expected to be largest consumer of lavendula oil in the world.Visit For TOC@Key Players in Lavandula Oil Market:Some of the key players operating in lavandula oil market are Young Living Essential Oils, d?TERRA, NOW Foods, Ovvio Oils, Enio Bonchev, Alteya Group, Alpha Aromatics, Mother Herbs Private Limited, Sydney Essential Oil Co. Pty Ltd and NHR Organic Oils are some of the major lavandula oil selling companies.ABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACT:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Structured Cabling Market : Trends, Price, Share and Growth Rate from 2017 to 2025

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Global Structured Cabling Market: OverviewStructured cabling market has been gaining momentum due to the high demand for comprehensive cabling infrastructure that includes hardware. Structured cabling has enabled high-speed internet and transmission of data along with seamless voice and video signals from one point to the other. The demand for sturdy telecommunication network and infrastructure is yet another reason for the buoyant market. Analysts anticipate that the demand for structured cabling will remain steady between 2017 and 2025 as telecommunication forms the backbone of every industry and will thus require advanced cabling solutions for smooth operations.Global Structured Cabling Market: Drivers and TrendsThe spurt of internet providers across the globe has augmented the demand for structured cabling in recent years. The progressively rising number of internet users have led to surging demand for structured cabling in recent years. Analysts anticipate that the demand for this type of cabling will be especially high in the corporate sector as it is known to be an advanced solution. Furthermore, efforts to bring in modernization in communication networks is also projected to favor markets growth in the near future.Request Sample Copy of the Report @Structured cabling is predominantly used in areas such as industrial, transportation, government, residential, and commercial. The report indicates that the commercial sector will dominate the global market due to a soaring demand for enterprise resource planning (ERP). The emerging trend of moving customer relationship management (CRM) to third-party datacenters has created a need for better bandwidth in various commercial. Thus, this trend will also be responsible for rising demand for structured cabling in various commercial sectors in the near future.Global Structured Cabling Market: Market PotentialSeveral leading players are expected to focus on mergers and acquisitions to expand their operational areas and improve their geographical reach. For instance, Scheider Electric SE acquired a Gunsan Elektrik, a Turkish wire and cable manufacturer in December 2014. This move is expected to help the company expand its operations to commercial and residential sectors. On a similar note, earlier in the same year, Scheider Electric SE bought over Invensys plc, which has allowed the company to venture into structured cabling for software businesses across the globe.Request TOC of the Report @Scheider Electric SE also plans to build a research and development facility in the U.S. The Global Innovation and Technology Center will serve as a key research and development unit for the entire North America in due time. Thus, the efforts to expand horizons in terms of developing better technology and operations is expected to be the winning strategy of market players operating in the global structured cabling market.Global Structured Cabling Market: Regional OutlookIn terms of geography, the global structured cabling market segmented into Europe, North America, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the World. The report indicates that the North America structured cabling market is likely to lead the pack in the coming years. The regions progress will be attributable to the strong presence of datacenters that have led to a high penetration of internet in remotest parts of the region. The regional market is expected to prosper against the backdrop of rising demand for internet in the region.Read Comprehensive Overview of Report@The analysts predict that Europe is also expected grow steadily in the global structured cabling market. The emergence of Europe structured cabling market will be due to the efforts made by the European Commission to cut down carbon emission and consumption of electricity.Key Players Mentioned in this Report are:Some of the leading players operating in the global structured cabling market are Schneider Electric SE, Legrand SA, CommScope Holding Company Inc., Belden Inc., and Corning Inc. among others.About TMR ResearchTMR Research is a premier provider of customized market research and consulting services to business entities keen on succeeding in todays supercharged economic climate. Armed with an experienced, dedicated, and dynamic team of analysts, we are redefining the way our clients conduct business by providing them with authoritative and trusted research studies in tune with the latest methodologies and market trends.Our savvy custom-built reports span a gamut of industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals and metals, food and beverages, and technology and media, among others. With actionable insights uncovered through in-depth research of the market, we try to bring about game-changing success for our clients.Contact:Rohit BhiseyHead - Internet MarketingTel: +1-415-520-1050Email: sales@tmrresearch.com
Diabetic Nephropathy Market : Key Growth Factors and Industry Analysis 2016-2026

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Diabetes is a disease condition of high blood sugar level, caused due to malfunctioning of the pancreas. Nephropathy means kidney damage or impairment. Diabetic nephropathy is a kidney glomerulus disease which is one of the major complications in terms of morbidity and mortality for diabetic population. Symptoms and signs of diabetic nephropathy are unknown in early stages. However, in later stages major signs and symptoms occur which includes high blood pressure, ankle and leg swelling, vomiting, morning weakness, high level of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), increased albumin secretion in urine, nausea, and itching. For treatment of diabetic nephropathy, disease modifying therapies (DMT) that employ angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are used. ACE inhibitors and ARBs provide superior protection to the kidney. Major ARBs are losartan, candesartan, and irbesartan while ACE inhibitors, such as lisinopril, captopril, enalapril, and ramipril decreases the amount of protein in the urine. The increasing investment in research and development for drug discovery followed by awareness of diabetes and kidney related disorder treatment are the major factors that are anticipated to boost the demand for products in the global diabetic nephropathy market. For instance, the American Diabetes Association organized regular programs to create awareness among diabetic population and it ensures all the patients are able to get the knowledge, best treatment and care for diabetes management.Diabetic Nephropathy Market: Drivers and RestraintsThe global market for diabetic nephropathy is expected to be driven by the increasing R&D investments in drug discovery and development and growing prevalence of diabetes. For instance, according to International Diabetes Federation 415 Mn people are currently affected by diabetes globally and it is expected to increase to 642 Mn diabetic people by 2040. Rising awareness for diabetes disease treatment and increasing usage of combination therapy are trending factor that is expected to influence the demand for global diabetic nephropathy market during the forecast period of 2016-2026. However, stringent regulations and lengthy product approval procedure for drugs are major concerns for the global diabetic nephropathy market.Request Report Sample@Diabetic Nephropathy Market: SegmentationThe global diabetic nephropathy market is classified on the basis of treatment type and geography.Based on treatment type, the global diabetic nephropathy market is segmented into the following:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme InhibitorsAngiotensin Receptor BlockersDiureticsCalcium Channel BlockersRenin InhibitorsConnective Tissue Growth Factor InhibitorsAntioxidant Inflammation ModulatorMonocyte Chemoattractant Proteins InhibitorEndothelin-A Receptor AntagonistG Protein-Coupled ReceptorsDiabetic Nephropathy Market: OverviewThe global diabetic nephropathy market is expected to grow at a steady rate during the forecast period of 2016-2026. The growing incidence of diabetes has predominantly fueled the growth of the global diabetic nephropathy market. According to WHO, around 9% adults were affected by diabetes globally in 2014. By 2030, the diabetes is expected to be the seventh leading cause of death globally.Diabetic Nephropathy Market: Regional OverviewRegion wise, the global diabetic nephropathy market is classified into regions namely, North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific excluding Japan, Japan, Middle East and Africa. North America is expected to dominate the global diabetic nephropathy market in terms of value due to increased combination drugs usage along with rising awareness about the various kidney diseases. Europe is the second major contributor to the global diabetic nephropathy market in terms of value due to increasing prevalence of diabetes and increase in healthcare expenditure for diabetes treatment in the various parts of Europe. However, market in APEJ is expected to grow at rapid pace during the forecast period owing to increase in spending for healthcare treatment and increased awareness of new diabetic drugs in the market.Visit For TOC@Diabetic Nephropathy Market: Key PlayersSome of the key players in global diabetic nephropathy market include AbbVie Inc., Bayer AG Merck & Co. Inc., ChemoCentryx Inc., GenKyoTex S.A., Mesoblast Limited, Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals, Novartis AG, Sanofi S.A., Eli Lilly and Company, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, Reata Pharmaceuticals, Inc., and others. The market for diabetic nephropathy is fragmented with presence of many vendors in international market. These companies are adopting strategy of increased emphasis on research and development for discovery of new drug combination.About Us  Future Market Insights is the premier provider of market intelligence and consulting services, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in London, the global financial capital, and has delivery centers in the U.S. and India.CONTACT:616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Color Detection Sensors Market Intelligence Report Offers Growth Prospects

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Global color detection sensors market includes advanced sensors which apart from differentiating light produced by the target, also helps in recognizing various colors of the light. Global color detection sensors market find its application in monitoring consistency in color which is useful in case of production of plastics, textiles and various other processes. Global color detection sensors market has become a necessity for the accomplishment of industrial automation. The increasing technological advancements and rise in industries is leading to the increase in demand for global color detection sensors market. For further enhancing the global color detection sensors market, players are offering customization, easy-to-use and portability of the product as well as mechanization of the product.Color Detection Sensors Market: Drivers & RestraintsThe increase in global automation industry is the major driving factor for the growth of global color detection sensors market. Automation of various processes in the industries, increasing demand from the end users such as packaging, food & beverage, petrochemicals, hardware, chemicals, textiles, etc., being more cost effective, faster and easier to replace than image sensors, technological advancements, global investments outlines are some of the reasons for the growth of global color detection sensors market. The cost and increasing requirement for more features and accuracy are some of the challenges for the growth of global color detection sensors market.Request For Report Sample@Color Detection Sensors Market: SegmentationOn the basis of product type, global color detection sensors market can be segmented into:Color sensingRGB sensorsLuminescence sensorsContrast sensorsBrightness sensorsOthersOn the basis of market verticals, global color detection sensors market can be segmented into:AutomotiveFood & BeveragePackagingTextilesPharmaceuticalProduction unit automationChemicalLighting & signageOthersOn the basis of end-user industry, global color detection sensors can be segmented into:HealthcarePrintingConsumer electronicsLighting and signageIndustrial automationFluid analysisOthersColor Detection Sensors Market: Region-wise OutlookAsia-Pacific region is anticipated to have a robust growth in global color detection sensors market due to increasing demands from various industries establishing their plants in these regions and requiring automation of the processes such as extraction of oil & gas, healthcare industries, wastewater treatment, etc. in the developed countries due to continuous technological advancements and innovations, the demand for global color detection sensors market is stable. Global detection sensors market is expected to grow with compound annual growth rate of single digit during the forecast period.Request For TOC@Color Detection Sensors Market: Key PlayersSome of the key players in global color detection sensors market include SICK AG, Banner Engineering Corp., SensoPart Industriesensorik GmbH, Rockwell Automation, Inc., ifm electronic gmbh, Hamamatsu photonics K.K., Pepperl+Fuchs GmbH, Omron Corporation and Keyence Corporation.ABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACT:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Testing, Inspection, and Certification Market : Industry Analysis, Professional Survey, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2025

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Testing, Inspection, and Certification Market: OverviewThe testing, inspection, and certification (TIC) solutions verify that a product conforms to regulatory standards pertaining to quality, performance, and technical safety that are universally accepted. Product testing, inspection and certification is an approach to provide assurance to consumers and are in the interest of consumers for a safe purchase.Testing, Inspection, and Certification Market: Key TrendsThe top factor driving the global TIC market is the increasing awareness among consumers about the quality, performance, and safety assurance attached with products that conform to international standards. The increasing volume of international imports and exports, which is controlled by a combination of local and global standards and regulations is further fuelling growth of the global testing, inspection, and certification market. This has necessitated manufacturers to adhere to quality control specifications and obtain universally accepted certifications for participation in international trade. This is expected to boost the adoption of testing, inspection, and certification services predominantly in food and beverages, aerospace, automotive, and oil and gas industries.Request Sample Copy of the Report @The oil and gas industry has contributed significantly to the growth of the TIC market over the past few years; the end-use segment held a dominant share of over 35% in the global market in 2015. This is because testing, inspection, and certification are mandatory across all stages of any exploration and production project, starting from project feasibility to de-commissioning of the site.With the increasing number of oil and gas exploration activities both onshore and offshore, the oil and gas industry is expected to extend growth opportunities to the testing, inspection, and certification market.Testing, Inspection, and Certification Market: Market PotentialTop companies in the TIC market are vying to obtain accreditation from international agencies in a bid to cater to regional markets and operate globally. In a recent industry development, Bureau Veritas  a world leader in testing, inspection, and certification services has obtained certification from United Kingdom Accreditation Services to carry out verifications and assessments for services that are compliant with the regulations of European Union Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification.Request TOC of the Report @Testing, Inspection, and Certification Market: Regional OutlookEurope is a leading regional market as it has high concentration of some of the top vendors in the global testing, inspection, and certification market. The region contributed over 30% to the revenue of the global market in 2015.The developing economies of Asia Pacific and Latin America are expected to contribute significantly to the growth of the testing, inspection, and certification market. The region is anticipated to display growth at the fastest pace in the near future. Factors such as rapid industrial development and a growing middle class population with disposable incomes have led to high volume of international imports and exports in these regions. This has necessitated product manufacturers to comply with diverse safety and quality standards that are universally accepted, thereby driving the need for testing, inspection, and certification services. The booming food and beverages industry in the region and the increasing awareness among about the quality assurance of certified products will be predominantly driving the TIC market in the region.Read Comprehensive Overview of Report@Testing, Inspection, and Certification Market: Competitive LandscapeSome of the key players in the global testing, inspection, and certification market are Bureau Veritas SA, SGS Group, ASTM International, Dekra SE, Lloyds Register Group Limited, TUV SUD AG, Intertek Group PLC, ALS Ltd., AsureQuality Ltd., Underwriters Laboratories Inc., DNV GL, and TUV Rheinland Group.About TMR ResearchTMR Research is a premier provider of customized market research and consulting services to business entities keen on succeeding in todays supercharged economic climate. Armed with an experienced, dedicated, and dynamic team of analysts, we are redefining the way our clients conduct business by providing them with authoritative and trusted research studies in tune with the latest methodologies and market trends.Our savvy custom-built reports span a gamut of industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals and metals, food and beverages, and technology and media, among others. With actionable insights uncovered through in-depth research of the market, we try to bring about game-changing success for our clients.Contact:Rohit BhiseyHead - Internet MarketingTel: +1-415-520-1050Email: sales@tmrresearch.com
Aerogel Market Set to Grow Exponentially During the Forecast, 2025

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The global aerogel market is on the rise due to increased applications of aerogel in industries such as oil & gas, marine, automotive, and aerospace. Aerogel is an extremely low density solid material, mainly composed of air, and is manufactured using conventional gel. Global aerogel market consists of material exhibiting numerous properties, making it suitable for the applications in aforementioned industries. These properties include thermal & acoustic damping, low density, high degree of porosity and other desired properties in various applications industries. In addition to the abundant uses of aerogel in industrial applications, one of the key reasons for increasing global aerogel market is due to the fact that the material is being witnessed as a good replacement for thermal insulation materials, since it is providing cost competitiveness to other high performance thermal insulating materials.Aerogel Market: Drivers & RestraintsThe increasing demand of aerogels by the end users such as oil & gas, automotive, marine & aerospace , etc. are driving the global aerogel market. Growing globalization leading to an increase in investments, new establishments for construction and properties of aerogel such as high insulation, being cheap and abundant availability of the raw material are some of the factors driving the growth of global aerogel market. High production cost is the major challenging factor for the growth of global aerogel market.Request For Report Sample@Aerogel Market: SegmentationIn terms of application industry, the global aerogel market is segmented into key applications:Oil & gasMarine & aerospacePerformance coatingsLVHSDay-lightingAutomotiveConstructionWithin these applications, the oil & gas industry accounts for a leading share in the global aerogel market. Among other applications, wherein significant growth is likely to be witnessed is automotive and construction applications, wherein thermal insulation properties of aerogel material are being exploited.On the basis of product types, the global aerogel market is can be segmented into:SilicaPolymerCarbonThese different types of aerogel are being utilized in the global marketplace, wherein polymer type of aerogel is expected to witness the highest growth in coming years. In terms of market share, the global aerogel market has been dominated by silica type aerogel, which is likely to continue its dominance through the forecast period as well.On the basis of forms, the global aerogel market has been segmented into:MonolithBlanketArticlePanel formThe global aerogel market is dominated by blanket form of aerogel, which is widely used for thermal insulation applications across the industries. The global aerogel market is expected to witness the tremendous growth in particle form of aerogel, which is expected to contribute towards the growth in demand for aerogel in global aerogel market during the forecast period.On the basis of processing segment, the global aerogel market has also been segmented into:Virgin processedFabricatedIn terms of processing, within the global aerogel market, virgin aerogel is witnessed to be the dominating processing segment. This is due to the fact that virgin aerogel is free from composites and additives, which enables its applications in research & development activities. Further virgin aerogel is accompanied with high commercial availability in the global aerogel market.Request For TOC@Aerogel Market: Region-wise OutlookThe global aerogel market has witnessed increased growth in North American region, which accounts for a leading share in the global aerogel market. Followed by North America, Asia-Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ) region accounts for the second leading regions in terms of aerogel consumption across the globe, which is due to high amount of consumption in China. However, the European market is likely to be the leading region, in terms of annual growth, in years to come.Aerogel Market: Key PlayersThe global aerogel market is dominated by major players such as Cabot Corporation, Aerogel Technologies LLC, Aspen Aerogels, Inc. and BASF SE, to name a few.ABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACT:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
MicroRNA Tools and Services Market Projected to Witness a Single-Digit CAGR by 2020

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Molecular diagnostics is a vast field that comprises of techniques and methods to analyze biomarkers in genetic code. It helps in encoding genomes and proteomes that are required for studying and detecting the disease, and thus help in deciding the best therapy for an individual. MicroRNA tools and services market is experiencing a significant growth due to increased R&D and rising government initiatives in this field. MicroRNA tools market is further segmented into quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), microarrays, and functional tools. Of which, qRT-PCR segments remains the largest and the fastest growing segment. MicroRNA services market is further segmented into phenotypic analysis and expression profiling and analysis.To view complete report @North America dominates the global microRNA tools and services market due to increased government initiatives and broad technical applications of microRNA tools and services in the region. Europe, followed by Asia, is expected to experience high growth rate in the next few years in global microRNA tools and services market. China and India are expected to be the fastest growing microRNA tools and services market in Asian region. This is due to increased investments from foreign companies in these countries. Some of the key driving forces for microRNA tools and services market in emerging countries are increasing R&D investment, improved healthcare facilities and rising government funding.A sample of this report is available upon request @Various factors such as growing awareness about microRNA technology, increasing government initiatives and accuracy of the results obtained have been driving the microRNA tools and services market. In addition, increased funding from various government and non-government organizations and increased availability of this technology has been driving the microRNA tools and services market. However, high cost involved and lack of experienced professionals has been restraining the growth of microRNA tools and services market.Increased R&D and innovation of some new technology with better efficiency is expected to offer good opportunity for microRNA tools and services market. In addition, emerging markets hold a great potential for growth microRNA tools and services market. Some of the latest trends that have been observed in microRNA tools and services market are companies involved in partnerships and collaboration for R&D of novel products.To view TOC of this report is available upon request @Some of the major companies dealing in microRNA tools and services market include Qiagen, Life Technologies, Exiqon, GeneCopoeia, Inc and Mirus Bio. Some other companies dealing in microRNA tools and services market include Biomatik, Asurgen, Inc and Cell Biolabs Inc.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:
Endoscope Reprocessing Device Market Value Share, Analysis and Segments 2016-2026

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Endoscope are important diagnostic tool and therapeutic tool in modern age. Endoscope reprocessing device are used for cleaning, sterilization and disinfection of an endoscope. Physician uses endoscope for number of time to diagnose and treat various disease. Endoscope are used on number of patients, after use it is contaminated with microorganism and it is necessary to clean it and make it microorganism free. To avoid risk of infection endoscope must be sterile before use. Endoscope are cleaned with special care and cleaned by a professional person. Proper technic and methods are performed to clean the endoscope. Design of endoscope are in such a way that it is reprocessed easily and properly. Flexible endoscope poses high level of microorganism, because they are used in various cavity of body for diagnosis. Each endoscope have been different type of cleaning and sterilization process, it is given by manufacturer on the label of the product. For cleaning, sterilisation and disinfection of endoscope and use of endoscope reprocessing device, one must follow the manufacturers direction and various standard organisation process to achieve the micro- organism free cleaning and to avoid the future complications.Endoscope Reprocessing Device Market: Drivers and RestraintsEndoscope reprocessing device market is expected to rise due to increase in the number of the endoscope surgical procedures and also rise in the hospital acquired infections. Apart from this, increased awareness about sterilization and disinfection and ageing population who are more prone to disorders and requires frequent medical check- ups, this positively impact endoscope reprocessing device market over the forecast period. However limitation in cleaning the endoscope such as heat sensitive material or chemical sensitive material, skilled and professional person are required to use the device to avoid future complications may hamper the growth of endoscope reprocessing device market over the forecast period.Request For Report Sample@Endoscope Reprocessing Device Market: SegmentationGlobal endoscope reprocessing device market has been segmented on the basis of product type, modality, end user and region.Based on the product type, the endoscope reprocessing device market is segmented into the following:Ultrasonic washersPasteurizersWasher-disinfectorsSterilizersAutomated endoscope reprocessors (AERs)Single basin automated endoscopic reprocessorsDouble basin automated endoscopic reprocessorsBased on the modality, the endoscope reprocessing device market is segmented into the following:Stand- alone endoscopic reprocessorsBench top endoscopic reprocessorsBased on the end user, the endoscope reprocessing devicemarket is segmented into the following:Hospital500 Bedded+250-499 BeddedLess than 250Ambulatory Surgical CentersSpecialty ClinicsEndoscope Reprocessing Device Market: OverviewEndoscope reprocessing device market is changing continuously due to increase in the uses of endoscope in various disease and disorders. Furthermore several companies in the market place increasing their product portfolio in endoscope reprocessing device market may change the market dynamics over a given period of forecast. By product type segment such as automated endoscope reprocessors (AERs) in the global endoscope reprocessing device market are expected to grow in positive traction and success rate in cleaning endoscopes. Automated endoscope reprocessors (AERs) has two types i.e. single basin automated endoscopic reprocessors and double basin automated endoscopic reprocessors are like to show positive impact on the market. By modality, bench top endoscopic reprocessors are tend to show higher growth rate as they are easy to handle and can be move freely with less efforts. The bench top endoscopic reprocessors can perform at bedside of patient or in Operation Theater.Endoscope Reprocessing Device Market: Region-wise OutlookGeographically, endoscope reprocessing device market is classified into regions viz. North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific excluding Japan, Japan, Middle East and Africa. North America and Europe will remain key markets for endoscope reprocessing device market due to high number of the endoscope surgical procedures and strong presence of big players in the market. Asia Pacific is tend to show a positive growth owing to large number of patient pool, rising geriatric population and increased scope medical tourism.Visit For TOC@Endoscope Reprocessing Device Market: Key PlayersSome of the key players in the Global endoscope reprocessing device market are STERIS Plc., Cilag GmbH International, Soluscope, ENDO-TECHNIK W.Griesat GmbH, Getinge AB, Wassenburg Medical B.V., Steelco S.p.A., MEDIVATORS Inc. (Cantel Medical Corp.), Johnson & Johnson and Minntech Corp.ABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACT:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Geekologie has shut down.

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North American Surgical Apparel Market Revenue Growth Predicted by 2020

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Infection diseases mainly acquired in healthcare facility is one of the major cause deaths in the U.S. Surgical apparel is used to provide optimal level of protection by reducing the transfer of bacteria from the skin to the surgical staff. Surgical apparel is also known as surgical clothing. Some of the surgical appeals are surgical gloves, face masks, head wear, scrub suits, chemotherapy gowns, foot wear, drapes and surgical gowns. Surgical apparel is essential as there are always microorganisms on the skin even after conducting sterilization procedure and strict hygiene. Surgical apparels protect bacteria from entering the surgical wound. Surgical apparels also protect healthcare staff from bodily fluids, blood, saline, urine and other chemicals during surgical procedure.To view complete report @The U.S. dominates the North American market for surgical apparel due to large number of aging population and chronic diseases. The North American surgical apparel market is segmented on the basis of type of surgical apparel such as surgical gloves, surgical drapes, surgical gowns and surgical masks.A sample of this report is available upon request @In recent times there is increased use of surgical apparel due to increasing prevalence of infections and chronic diseases. Rise in aging population, increasing healthcare coverage resulting in increase in surgical procedures and increasing stringent regulations for patient and staff safety are some of the key factors driving the growth for the North American surgical apparel market. In addition, increasing incidence of hospital acquired infection is also fuelling the growth of the North American surgical apparel market. However, price fluctuation of raw material and strict regulatory requirements are some of the major factors restraining the growth for the North American surgical apparel market.Emergence of biofunctional textile, non-conventional types of gloves and advanced composite technology would develop opportunity for the North American surgical apparel market. However, maintain a balance between quality and cost would pose a challenge for the North American surgical apparel market. The trend for the North American surgical apparel market is introduction of new products, such as MicroCool gowns, in the North American surgical apparel market.To view TOC of this report is available upon request @Some of the major companies operating in the North American surgical apparel market are Cardinal Health, Inc., DuPont Medical Fabrics, Kimberly-Clark Health Care and Medline Industries.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.Contact UsPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA - Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
Refinery Process Chemicals Market Is Expected To Generate Huge Profits by 2015 - 2025

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Crude oil is composed of a variety of organic compounds and hydrocarbons such as alkanes, aromatics, asphaltics and naphthenes with varying molecular weights. This crude oil undergoes a series of numerous complex processes such as reformation, alkylation, cracking, desulfurization, and hydro treating, among the others in order to yield a gamut of desired products which find wide scale applications across a diverse set of industries as well as in household use. The aforementioned processes are complex and involve use of numerous chemicals at various stages in order to ensure high quality of the end products. Some of the commonly used refinery processing chemicals include corrosion inhibitors, catalysts, and anti-fouling agents among the others. Refinery process chemicals market is expected to witness a steady growth in its market value during the forecast period.Refinery Process Chemicals Market: Drivers & RestraintsThe ever-growing demand for fuels especially from transportation sector is expected to emerge as one of the primary growth driving factor for global refinery process chemicals market during the forecast period. Moreover, increase in demand across the globe for petroleum based products is another factor that is likely to result in growth of global refinery process chemicals market. The growing pressure from regulatory bodies on the refineries as regards pollution is expected to result in an increase in use of refinery process chemicals over the forecast period.Request For Report Sample@Refinery Process Chemicals Market: SegmentationOn the basis of type of products, global Refinery Process Chemicals market can be segmented into following key market segments:CatalystsCorrosion InhibitorsPH adjustorsAnti-fouling agentsOthersCatalysts segment of global refinery chemicals market is expected to register a moderate single digit growth rate during the forecast period.Depending on the type of refinery process, global refinery process chemicals market has been segmented into the following key market segments:ConversionPetroleum TreatmentHydro treatmentRefinery Process Chemicals Market: Region-wise OutlookOn the basis of geographic regions, global Refinery Process Chemicals market is segmented into seven key market segments namely North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific, Japan, and Middle East & Africa. Among all the above mentioned regions, North America refinery process chemicals market is expected to dominate the overall global refinery chemicals market during the forecast period. Asia Pacific refinery process chemicals market and Middle East & Africa refinery process chemicals market are expected to witness steady growth during the forecast period.Request For TOC@Refinery Process Chemicals Market: Key PlayersSome of the identified major players operating in the global Refinery Process Chemicals market are as follows:BASF SEGeneral ElectricLubrizol CorporationAkzo Nobel N.V.ClariantJohnson Matthey Plc.Dorf KetalAlbemarle CorporationABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACT:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Cellulase Market Intelligence Report Offers Growth Prospects

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Industry from many centuries has utilized natural resources in the manufacturing of products that we use in our Daily lives. As the industry has expanded and brought in technological innovations, so have the different types of natural resources evolved in the process of manufacturing. Molecules derived from natural sources have become an important part of manufacturing process all over the globe. One of those widely used molecules are enzymes. From wine making to detergent manufacturing, enzymes have been used in myriad applications. One of the most widely used enzymes all over the globe is Cellulase.Cellulase is a group of enzymes that helps in the breakdown of the cellulose into smaller carbohydrates. The term Cellulase is also used to describe a mixture of enzymes working together to break down cellulose. Cellulase applications are not just limited to the healthcare and food and beverage industry. Industrial sector has widely adopted cellulase due to its catalyzing effect in cellulolysisRequest For Report Sample@Cellulase Market- Market Segmentation:Based on the Source, the Cellulasemarket is segmented into:FungiBacteriaAcinomycetesPlantsAnimalsBased on end use, the Cellulasemarket is segmented into:HealthcareIndustrialFood and BeveragesTextilePulp and paperCellulase Market- Market Dynamics:Cellulase is widely used in the processing of coffee, especially during the process of drying. Cellulase is also utilized in wine making due to its cellulolytic properties. Cellulase breaks down the skin of the grape and along with it removes tannins and the unpleasant aroma. Cellulase synergistically with other enzymes are also used to make fruit juices. With the exponential growth in the food and beverage industry, we can expect the cellulase market to grow at a healthy CAGR throughout our forecasted period of 2016-2026. Cellulase is also used in industrial applications to produce laundry detergents, cleaning and washing agents. With the burgeoning rise in the industrial sector, cellulase market is bound to witness an exponential growth throughut our forecasted period of 2016-2026. Cellulase is being recognized as an alternative to anti-biotic in the treatment of biofilms produced by Pseudomonas. With the double digit growth in the global healthcare industry and the struggle against anti-biotic resistant bacteria, we can expect the cellulase market to witness a healthy CAGR throughout our forecast period. Cellulase is also used in the burgeoning paper and pulp industry. The restraints for the cellulase market are that its production is quite costly.Cellulase Market- Regional Outlook:In terms of geography, the cellulase market has been divided in to five key regions; North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Middle East & Africa. The cellulase market is expected to exhibit an above average CAGR during the forecast period. Asia Pacific region is expected to witness a high demand for cellulase over the forecasted period. Highest growth is expected to be seen specifically from India and China. Significant growth will also be witness in Middle East and Africa, Eastern Europe and Latin America.Visit For TOC@Cellulase Market- Major Players:Some of the key players in the cellulase market are Worthington Biochemical Corporation, MP Biomedicals LLC, Sigma-Aldrich Co. LLC, Prozmix LLC, Creative Enzymes, bioWORLD, Amano enzyme U.S.A., Amano Enzyme Inc., Zhongbei Bio-Chem Industry Co., Ltd., Hunan Hong Ying Biotech Co., Ltd.ABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACT:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
On Purpose Technologies (Impact of Shale Gas) Market Expected to Dominate Worldwide by 2025

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With the increase in Shale gas E&P activities across the globe, leading with North America, Europe, Argentina and now China the global chemical/petrochemical industry downstream is expected to witness a critical make over due to the supply shortages in various chemical feedstock. Ethylene, propylene, butadiene and benzene are the four building blocks of various chemicals or petrochemicals produced downstream for consumption by end use industries.Shale Gas is an unconventional, un-associated gas which contains 75-90% Methane, 15-5% Ethane and the rest C3s and heavier hydrocarbons. With lower percentage of heavier hydrocarbons the supply of propylene, butadiene and benzene are expected to decline with respect to Ethylene supply. Excess of Shale production has resulted into an increasing preference for ethane cracking compared to Naphtha cracking, which would result in a supply shortage for C3s and above. The result would be lower availability of propylene and other basic chemicals. In order to ensure optimum supply, on purpose technologies are being built in North America and Asia Pacific.On purpose technologies include CTL/CTO (Coal to Liquids/Olefins), MTO/MTP (methanol to olefins/propylene), PDH (propane dehydrogenation) and Metathesis. Use of Coal to produce synthetic fuels and petrochemicals has been present for more than 50 years with Germany utilizing this technology to provide fuel for its units during the 2nd World War. The technology was not utilized due to its high operational cost and lower market feasibility with adequate Crude oil supplies. But the decrease in the use of Crude Oil due to environmental concern opened up opportunities for Coal to be used as a feedstock for production of petrochemicals and synthetic fuels.Request For Report Sample@With the increasing production of Shale Gas the demand for ethane cracking has increased hence resulting in a lower yield of propylene. Propane de-hydrogenation operation unlike other operations provides a higher yield of Propylene (82%) ensuring a stable supply for the production of Polypropylene. North America with its expected increase in demand for Polypropylene by 2025, has made investments to increase PDH production capacity by 1.8 Mn MT/y. China has also made investments in PDH operations and has made arrangements with a South Korean trader to supply LPG to its plants. Metathesis which is a technology which was commercialized for the synthesis of higher olefins has also seen traction in the petrochemical industry however, Methanol to Olefin/Propylene technology witnesses a greater growth rate.China with its anticipated increase in Coal and Natural Gas production is expected to focus on CTO/L operations in the coming years in order to meet its growing demand. China has the biggest Natural Gas reserves in the world, however chooses not to utilize it to its potential. PDH operations in the country are anticipated to witness an increasing trend due to future Natural Gas E&P activities.In India, Tata and Sasol have signed up for a CTL plant in Orissa which is expected to come on stream by 2018. The plant would cost Rs. 90,000 Crores and is expected to provide synthetic fuel and petrochemicals.On purpose technologies  Impact of Shale Gas: Drivers & RestraintsWith the increase in availability of Natural Gas in North America and higher preference to ethane cracking to take advantage of the cheaper Natural gas the availability of Propylene, butadiene and benzene are expected to decline which are quintessential for the production of downstream petrochemicals and other chemicals. Also, with low Natural Gas prices the technology has become affordable and economical for profitable production of downstream chemicals and petrochemicals.On purpose technologies  Impact of Shale Gas: Region-wise OutlookNorth America is anticipating an increase of 1.8 Mn MT/y of PDH production capacity by end of 2019. China has also started constructing PDH facilities to utilize the feedstock advantage of Coal with CTL plants in China. India is expected to finish its first CTL plant by end of 2019. In South America, Argentina is expected to start E&P activities from its Shale Gas reservoirs which is expected to provide the region an advantageous feedstock position.Request For TOC@On purpose technologies  Impact of Shale Gas: Key PlayersSome of the major players in the refrigerated display cases are AHT Cooling systems, Epta Spa, Hussman corporation, Nekano refrigerators co. ltd, ISA Italy etc.ABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACT:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Global and China DNA Microarray Sales Market Trend and Forecast to 2022 - Agilent, Scienion AG, Applied Microarrays

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Qyresearchreports include new market research report "Global and China DNA Microarray Sales Market Trend and Forecast to 2022" to its huge collection of research reports.The research report offers a comprehensive analysis of the global DNA Microarray market, emphasizing on the key factors impacting the growth of the market. The factors affecting the growth of the market have been studied thoroughly and valuation of the market has been provided in the report. This report provides accurate information about various aspects, such as production chain, manufacturing capacity, and industry policies impacting the global DNA Microarray market It analyzes the competitive landscape of this market and examined geographical distribution at length.Get sample report @The recent developments in the market have also been taken into consideration while estimating the markets future scenario. This allows readers and market participants in forming efficient market strategies. Moreover, profiles of some of the leading players operating in the global DNA Microarray market are profiled, including a detailed SWOT analysis that projects an overview of the potential growth trajectory of the market players in the coming years. It also discusses product portfolio, business segmentation, revenue, and financial overview of the leading players.The research report concludes with key recommendation for the market players in order to assist them in their decision making abilities that can lead them to a top heights of success. It primarily aims to provide a better understanding of the market players and to present a clear picture of the market statistics. This report helpful for new entrants as well as established players in the global DNA Microarray market, serving as ideal guide for them. It also includes different marketing channels operating in the global DNA Microarray market and offers information about some of the key distributors present in the market.Table of Contents1 DNA Microarray Overview and Price of Each Type11.1 Product Overview and Scope of DNA Microarray11.1.1 Definition of DNA Microarray11.1.2 Principle of DNA Microarray21.2 Classification of DNA Microarray21.3 Applications of DNA Microarray41.3.1 Gene Expression61.3.2 Genotyping71.3.3 Other Usage71.4 Global DNA Microarray Market by Regions (2012-2022)91.4.1 Global DNA Microarray Market Size and Growth Rate (%) Comparison by Regions (2012-2022)91.4.2 United States Status and Prospect (2012-2022)101.4.3 Europe Status and Prospect (2012-2022)111.5 Global Market Size (Value) of DNA Microarray (2012-2022)122 Global DNA Microarray Market Competition by Manufacturers132.1 Global DNA Microarray Revenue and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)132.2 Global DNA Microarray Gross Margin by Manufacturers (2012-2017)152.3 Manufacturers DNA Microarray Manufacturing Base Distribution, Sales Area, Product Types172.4 DNA Microarray Market Competitive Situation and Trends183 Global DNA Microarray Revenue (Value) by Types and Applications193.1 Classification of DNA Microarray 2012-2022193.2 Applications of DNA Microarray 2012-2022203.3 End Users of DNA Microarray 2012-2022213.4 Consumables and Services RevenueM USD 2012-202222Obtain Report Details @4 DNA Microarray Key Manufacturers Analysis234.1 Illumnia234.1.1 Company Profile234.1.2 Product Picture and Specifications244.1.3 Revenue, Gross and Gross Margin264.1.4 Contact Information274.2 Affymetrix274.2.1 Company Profile274.2.2 Product Picture and Specifications294.2.3 Revenue, Gross and Gross Margin314.2.4 Contact Information324.3 Agilent Technologies334.3.1 Company Profile334.3.2 Product Picture and Specifications344.3.3 Revenue, Gross and Gross Margin344.3.4 Contact Information354.4 Sengenics364.4.1 Company Profile364.4.2 Product Picture and Specifications364.4.3 Revenue, Gross and Gross Margin374.4.4 Contact Information384.5 Applied Microarrays394.5.1 Company Profile394.5.2 Product Picture and Specifications404.5.3 Revenue, Gross and Gross Margin414.5.4 Contact Information424.6 Arrayit424.6.1 Company Profile424.6.2 Product Picture and Specifications434.6.3 Revenue, Gross and Gross Margin444.6.4 Contact Information454.7 Scienion AG454.7.1 Company Profile454.7.2 Product Picture and Specifications464.7.3 Revenue, Gross and Gross Margin484.7.4 Contact Information504.8 Biometrix Technology504.8.1 Company Profile504.8.2 Product Picture and Specifications514.8.3 Revenue, Gross and Gross Margin524.8.4 Contact Information534.9 Savyon Diagnostics544.9.1 Company Profile544.9.2 Product Picture and Specifications544.9.3 Revenue, Gross and Gross Margin554.9.4 Contact Information564.10 WaferGen574.10.1 Company Profile574.10.2 Product Picture and Specifications584.10.3 Revenue, Gross, Gross Margin584.10.4 Contact Information59About UsQYReseachReports.com delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. Our syndicated and customized research reports provide companies with vital background information of the market and in-depth analysis on the Chinese trade and investment framework, which directly affects their business operations. Reports from QYReseachReports.com feature valuable recommendations on how to navigate in the extremely unpredictable yet highly attractive Chinese market.Contact Us1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Web:Email: sales@qyresearchreports.com
Global Capsule Endoscopes Market Research Report 2017 - RF SYSTEM, IntroMedic, Check-Cap

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Qyresearchreports include new market research report "Global Capsule Endoscopes Market Research Report 2017" to its huge collection of research reports.The research report on the global Capsule Endoscopes market serves the purpose by offering in-depth assessment of this market on the basis of the major factors that shape its performance. Furthermore, the report carries out the Porters five forces analysis on the ley players in order to determine the opportunities and competition within the global Capsule Endoscopes market. The report evaluates the performance of the market based on various parameters such as products applications, end-user, and geographical segments. The exact performance of every geographical segment has been assessed on the basis of supply, sales, and profit margins.Enter your information below to receive a sample copy of this report @This report is an extensive study of the global market, which attempts to project a clear picture of the major factors that intend to drive this market. The assessments of various segments, differentiated in the basis of products, geographies, applications comes under the scope of the study. Moreover, the report provides the breakdown along with the assessment of number of factors responsible for the growth of the global Capsule Endoscopes market. The report provides a holistic overview of the market on the basis of all these factors influencing the market. Emphasizing specifically on the key trends, it further assesses the overall performance of the global Capsule Endoscopes market during forecast period.Furthermore, it provides the profile reviews of the leading market players, their overall status in the global Capsule Endoscopes market, their market share, business strategies adopted by them, and the recent developments incorporated in their respective industry. This information is crucial source for small new entrants and small-scale companies while designing their business strategies in effective manner.Table of ContentsGlobal Capsule Endoscopes Market Research Report 20171 Capsule Endoscopes Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Capsule Endoscopes1.2 Capsule Endoscopes Segment by Type (Product Category)1.2.1 Global Capsule Endoscopes Production and CAGR (%) Comparison by Type (Product Category) (2012-2022)1.2.2 Global Capsule Endoscopes Production Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20161.2.3 CMOS Sensor Type1.2.4 CCD Sensor Type1.2.5 Others1.3 Global Capsule Endoscopes Segment by Application1.3.1 Capsule Endoscopes Consumption (Sales) Comparison by Application (2012-2022)1.3.2 Stomach Inspection1.3.3 Intestinal Inspection1.4 Global Capsule Endoscopes Market by Region (2012-2022)1.4.1 Global Capsule Endoscopes Market Size (Value) and CAGR (%) Comparison by Region (2012-2022)1.4.2 North America Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.3 Europe Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.4 China Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.5 Japan Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.6 Southeast Asia Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.7 India Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.5 Global Market Size (Value) of Capsule Endoscopes (2012-2022)1.5.1 Global Capsule Endoscopes Revenue Status and Outlook (2012-2022)1.5.2 Global Capsule Endoscopes Capacity, Production Status and Outlook (2012-2022)2 Global Capsule Endoscopes Market Competition by Manufacturers2.1 Global Capsule Endoscopes Capacity, Production and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.1.1 Global Capsule Endoscopes Capacity and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.1.2 Global Capsule Endoscopes Production and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.2 Global Capsule Endoscopes Revenue and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.3 Global Capsule Endoscopes Average Price by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.4 Manufacturers Capsule Endoscopes Manufacturing Base Distribution, Sales Area and Product Type2.5 Capsule Endoscopes Market Competitive Situation and Trends2.5.1 Capsule Endoscopes Market Concentration Rate2.5.2 Capsule Endoscopes Market Share of Top 3 and Top 5 Manufacturers2.5.3 Mergers & Acquisitions, ExpansionBrowse Complete Report with TOC @3 Global Capsule Endoscopes Capacity, Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2012-2017)3.1 Global Capsule Endoscopes Capacity and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)3.2 Global Capsule Endoscopes Production and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)3.3 Global Capsule Endoscopes Revenue (Value) and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)3.4 Global Capsule Endoscopes Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.5 North America Capsule Endoscopes Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.6 Europe Capsule Endoscopes Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.7 China Capsule Endoscopes Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.8 Japan Capsule Endoscopes Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.9 Southeast Asia Capsule Endoscopes Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.10 India Capsule Endoscopes Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)4 Global Capsule Endoscopes Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Region (2012-2017)4.1 Global Capsule Endoscopes Consumption by Region (2012-2017)4.2 North America Capsule Endoscopes Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.3 Europe Capsule Endoscopes Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.4 China Capsule Endoscopes Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.5 Japan Capsule Endoscopes Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.6 Southeast Asia Capsule Endoscopes Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.7 India Capsule Endoscopes Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)5 Global Capsule Endoscopes Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by Type5.1 Global Capsule Endoscopes Production and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)5.2 Global Capsule Endoscopes Revenue and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)5.3 Global Capsule Endoscopes Price by Type (2012-2017)5.4 Global Capsule Endoscopes Production Growth by Type (2012-2017)6 Global Capsule Endoscopes Market Analysis by Application6.1 Global Capsule Endoscopes Consumption and Market Share by Application (2012-2017)6.2 Global Capsule Endoscopes Consumption Growth Rate by Application (2012-2017)6.3 Market Drivers and Opportunities6.3.1 Potential Applications6.3.2 Emerging Markets/CountriesAbout UsQYReseachReports.com delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. Our syndicated and customized research reports provide companies with vital background information of the market and in-depth analysis on the Chinese trade and investment framework, which directly affects their business operations. Reports from QYReseachReports.com feature valuable recommendations on how to navigate in the extremely unpredictable yet highly attractive Chinese market.Contact Us1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Web:Email: sales@qyresearchreports.com
Wood Vinegar Market Growing Due to Improved Crop Yield & Increasing Government Initiative for Bio-Based Products

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Wood vinegar is also called as pyroligneous acid or liquid smoke and is a byproduct obtained from charcoal or biochar production. Wood vinegar production is a cost effective procedure and takes only one day for the production. Wood vinegar is used to kill pests, weeds in soli felicitating the growth of plant. The exhaust smoke of charcoal is cooled and converted into liquid which gives wood vinegar along with by-products such as tar and bio-oil. Wood vinegar is a source of ester, phenol, methanol, acetic acid, ketone, formic acid and methanol. Wood vinegar is useful in root stimulation which can be used for enhance growth and retard growth of the plant by varying the volume of mixture.Obtain Report Details @Market Segmentation: Wood VinegarThe wood vinegar market is segmented on the basis of its application as food, agriculture, waste water treatment, animal husbandry, wood tar, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals etc. In food industry wood vinegar is used to provide specific aroma and flavour to food. Wood vinegar is also used as preservative, anti-microbial and anti-oxidant in food industry. In cosmetic and pharmaceutical industry, wood vinegar can be used as deodorizer, sun screen lotion soaps, sterilizing agent for treatment of dandruff, atopic dermatitis, and other skin diseases. Wood vinegars are used as alternative to chemical pesticides and fertilizers. Wood vinegar is also used in animal fodder for betterment of animals. In organic farming wood vinegar is the most preferred option by farmers.The wood vinegar market is segmented on the basis of manufacturing process as fast and intermediate pyrolysis and slow pyrolysis. Fast and intermediate pyrolysis method of wood vinegar production is mainly used by domestic producers in small scale where in slow pyrolysis is used by small as well as large manufacturers for higher yield of the products.The Wood Vinegar market is segmented on the basis of regions as North America, Latin America, Europe, APAC and ME.Fill the form for an exclusive sample of this report @Global Wood Vinegar Market: Regional OutlookDepending on geographic regions global Wood Vinegar market is segmented into five key regions: North America, Latin America, Europe, APAC and ME. Wood vinegar is produced across the globe but majorly in Asia Pacific region. Wood vinegar market is expected to grow globally in forecast period. Europe region has also seen dominant in wood vinegar production market due to higher yields of bamboo plants. Global demand for wood vinegar is more as its versatile applications.Global Wood Vinegar Market: Drivers and TrendsWood vinegar market is growing due to improved crop yield, increasing government initiative for bio-based products, increasing base of end-use industries, stringent environment regulations etc. Trend of poverty alleviation is also one of the key driver for wood vinegar market. Easy and quick production of wood vinegar is driving its production market in small as well as large scale manufacturers. Some key drivers for the growth of the wood vinegar market are its applications in agricultural practices such as increased disease resistance in plants, improved seed germination, soil enrichment and root growth stimulation. Promotion of bio-based products is increasing globally as a result of growth of biochar production and bio-refineries which is driving wood vinegar market.Global Wood Vinegar: Key PlayersSome of the key players identified across the value chain of the global wood vinegar market include Canada Renewable Bioenergy Corp., Doi & Co., Ltd., Nakashima Trading Co. Ltd., ACE Pte Ltd., Nettenergy BV, TAGROW CO., LTD., Byron Biochar, New Life Agro, Verdi Life, Penta Manufacturer etc. are amongst.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.ContactTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Pine Derived Chemicals Market Revenue, Opportunity, Forecast and Value Chain 2016-2026

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The chemicals derived from pine tree and its parts occur naturally. Thus, pine is a renewable source of chemicals that find applications across a diverse set of industries. Pine trees occur predominantly in regions like North America, Latin America, Asia and Scandinavia. Traditionally, these pine derived chemicals have been used in adhesives industry, construction industry and healthcare sector among the others. In the recent past, these pine derived chemicals have been used in applications such as in printing inks, adhesives, soaps & detergents, resins, plasticizers, surface coatings, fragrance chemicals among the others. The pine chemicals are obtained from distillation of semi-solid extracts of resin and fatty oil. Primarily, pine based products are derived from gums, stumps and by products of Kraft pulp. Pine chemicals include rosin, tall oil, turpentine, resin etc. Major chemicals like turpentine, tall oil fatty acids (TOFA) and resin acids among the others are derived from by-product of sulphate pulping process.Global Pine Derived Chemicals Market: Drivers and RestraintsThe chemicals derived from pine trees are naturally occurring and thus environmentally friendly. Their use results in lower carbon dioxide emissions as compared to those from use of traditional sources. In the recent past, extensive use of products derived from crude oil and natural gas have led to increased pollution and environmental concern. Hence, there is a pressing need to decrease the consumption of fossil fuels in order to reduce carbon footprints and carbon dioxide emission. Thus, demand for these eco-friendly pine derived chemicals is expected to witness a steady growth over the forecast period. Pine trees, the source of these pine derived chemicals do not occur abundantly across the globe but are concentrated in regions of North America, Latin America, and in some European & Asian countries. As such, the limited availability is expected to create a challenge to the growth of the global pine derived chemical market during the forecast period.Request Report Sample@Global Pine Derived Chemicals Market: SegmentationThe global pine derived chemical market is segmented on the basis of application, type and geographical region.Based on the type of chemical, global pine derived chemical market is segmented in to the following key market segments:Tall Oil Rosin (TOR)Tall Oil Fatty acid (TOFA)Gum RosinGum TurpentineSterolsOthersAlso depending on the End-use industry, the global pine derived chemical market is segmented as below:Printing inksAdhesives & paintsRubberPaper and pulpOthersRequest For TOC@Global Pine Derived Chemicals Market: Regional OutlookThe global pine derived chemical market is segmented on the basis of geography into seven key regions namely North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Middle East & Africa, Asia-Pacific (excluding Japan) and Japan. North America region has a strong presence in global pine derived chemical market followed by Asia Pacific. The United States accounted for the largest share in global pine derived chemicals market. Increasing demand for environmentally friendly products in order to reduce the carbon footprints is expected to drive the global pine derived chemical market during the forecast period.Global Pine Derived Chemicals Market: Key playerskey players operating in global pine derived chemical market are as follows:Eastman Chemical CompanyIngevity (MeadWestvaco Corporation)Arizona Chemical Company, LLCGeorgia-Pacific Chemicals, LLCHarima Chemicals GroupArakawa Chemical Industries, Ltd.Renessenz LLC.Foreverest Resources Ltd.Mentha and Allied Products Pvt. Ltd.ABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACT:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comPress: press@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Fruit Yogurts Market Sales Size, Share, Trends and Forecast 2022

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ReportsWeb.com added Global Fruit Yogurts Market Research Report 2017 to its vast collection of research Database. The report is spread across 117 pages and supported by 18 company leaders.The Global Fruit Yogurts Market Research Report 2017is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the Fruit Yogurts industry. In a word, This report studies Fruit Yogurts 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 General Mills, Nestle SA, Danone, Kraft Foods Group, Yakult Honsha, Ultima Foods, Chobani, LLC, Sodiaal, Muller UK & Ireland Group, Rainy Lanes Dairy Foods, Parmalat S.p.A, Juhayna, Food Industries, Clover S.A. (Pty) Ltd, Chi Limited, Brookside Dairy Limited, Sameer Agriculture & Livestock Limited, Lausanne Dairies (Pty) Ltd and Jesa Farm Dairy.Browse complete report @Market Segment by Region, this report splits Global into several key Region, with sales, revenue, market share and growth rate of Fruit Yogurts in these regions, from 2011 to 2022 (forecast), like North America, Europe, China, Japan, Southeast Asia and India. Firstly, Fruit Yogurts Market On the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split into Set Yogurt, Frozen Yogurt, Drinking Yogurt, Strained/Greek Yogurt and Other. On the basis on the end users/applications, this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, consumption (sales) , market share and growth rate of Fruit Yogurts for each application, including Hyper/Super Market, Retail Stores, Convenience Stores and Online Stores.Request for Sample @Major points from Table of Contents:1 Fruit Yogurts Market Overview2 Global Fruit Yogurts Market Competition by Manufacturers3 Global Fruit Yogurts Output, Revenue by Regions4 Global Fruit Yogurts Supply (Output) , Consumption, Export, Import by Regions5 Global Fruit Yogurts Output, Revenue, Price Trend by Types6 Global Fruit Yogurts Market Analysis by Applications7 Global Fruit Yogurts Manufacturers Profiles/Analysis7.1 General Mills7.1.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.1.2 Fruit Yogurts Product Category, Application and Specification7.1.2.1 Product A7.1.2.2 Product B7.1.3 General Mills Fruit Yogurts Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.1.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.2 Nestle SA7.2.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.2.2 Fruit Yogurts Product Category, Application and Specification7.2.2.1 Product A7.2.2.2 Product B7.2.3 Nestle SA Fruit Yogurts Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.2.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.3 Danone7.3.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.3.2 Fruit Yogurts Product Category, Application and Specification7.3.2.1 Product A7.3.2.2 Product B7.3.3 Danone Fruit Yogurts Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.3.4 Main Business/Business Overview8 Fruit Yogurts Manufacturing Cost Analysis9 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers10 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/Traders11 Market Effect Factors Analysis12 Global Fruit Yogurts Market Forecast13 Research Findings and ConclusionList of Tables and FiguresFigure Picture of Fruit YogurtsFigure Global Fruit Yogurts Production (K MT) and CAGR (%) Comparison by Types (Product Category) (2012-2022)Figure Global Fruit Yogurts Production Market Share by Types (Product Category) in 2016Figure Product Picture of Set YogurtTable Major Manufacturers of Set YogurtFigure Product Picture of Frozen YogurtTable Major Manufacturers of Frozen YogurtFigure Product Picture of Drinking YogurtTable Major Manufacturers of Drinking YogurtFigure Product Picture of Strained/Greek YogurtTable Major Manufacturers of Strained/Greek YogurtFigure Product Picture of OtherTable Major Manufacturers of OtherFigure Global Fruit Yogurts Consumption (K MT) by Applications (2012-2022)Figure Global Fruit Yogurts Consumption Market Share by Applications in 2016Figure Hyper/Super Market ExamplesFigure Retail Stores ExamplesFigure Convenience Stores ExamplesFigure Online Stores ExamplesFigure Global Fruit Yogurts Market Size (Million USD) , Comparison (K MT) and CAGR (%) by Regions (2012-2022)Figure North America Fruit Yogurts Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)Figure Europe Fruit Yogurts Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)Figure China Fruit Yogurts Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)Figure Japan Fruit Yogurts Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)Figure Southeast Asia Fruit Yogurts Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)Figure India Fruit Yogurts Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)Figure Global Fruit Yogurts Revenue (Million USD) Status and Outlook (2012-2022)Figure Global Fruit Yogurts Capacity, Production (K MT) Status and Outlook (2012-2022)Figure Global Fruit Yogurts Major Players Product Capacity (K MT) (2012-2017)Table Global Fruit Yogurts Capacity (K MT) of Key Manufacturers (2012-2017)Table Global Fruit Yogurts Capacity Market Share of Key Manufacturers (2012-2017)Figure Global Fruit Yogurts Capacity (K MT) of Key Manufacturers in 2016Figure Global Fruit Yogurts Capacity (K MT) of Key Manufacturers in 2017Figure Global Fruit Yogurts Major Players Product Production (K MT) (2012-2017)Table Global Fruit Yogurts Production (K MT) of Key Manufacturers (2012-2017)Table Global Fruit Yogurts Production Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)Figure 2016 Fruit Yogurts Production Share by ManufacturersFigure 2017 Fruit Yogurts Production Share by ManufacturersFigure Global Fruit Yogurts Major Players Product Revenue (Million USD) (2012-2017)Table Global Fruit Yogurts Revenue (Million USD) by Manufacturers (2012-2017)Table Global Fruit Yogurts Revenue Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)Table 2016 Global Fruit Yogurts Revenue Share by ManufacturersTable 2017 Global Fruit Yogurts Revenue Share by ManufacturersTable Global Market Fruit Yogurts Average Price (USD/MT) of Key Manufacturers (2012-2017)Figure Global Market Fruit Yogurts Average Price (USD/MT) of Key Manufacturers in 2016Table Manufacturers Fruit Yogurts Manufacturing Base Distribution and Sales AreaPlace a Direct Purchase Order of Complete Report @Contact Info:Name: Sameer JoshiEmail: sales@reportsweb.comOrganization: ReportsWebPhone: +1-646-491-9876ReportsWeb.com is a one stop shop of market research reports and solutions to various companies across the globe. We help our clients in their decision support system by helping them choose most relevant and cost effective research reports and solutions from various publishers. 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
Non-PVC IV Bag Market Is Expected to Gain Popularity Worldwide

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In this report, the global Non-PVC IV Bag market is valued at USD XX million in 2016 and is expected to reach USD XX million by the end of 2022, growing at a CAGR of XX% between 2016 and 2022.Geographically, this report is segmented into several key Regions, with production, consumption, revenue (million USD), market share and growth rate of Non-PVC IV Bag in these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast), covering, North America, Europe, China, Japan, Southeast Asia, IndiaAsk Sample copy @Global Non-PVC IV Bag market competition by top manufacturers, with production, price, revenue (value) and market share for each manufacturer; the top players including, Technoflex, Kraton, Renolit, Baxter, Sippex, PolyCine GmbH, ICU Medical, Inc., VICTUS, SartoriusBuy a copy of this report for single user price of $2900 @On the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split into, PP IV Bag, EVA IV Bag, OthersOn the basis on the end users/applications, this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, consumption (sales), market share and growth rate of Non-PVC IV Bag for each application, including, Hospital, Clinic, OthersKey factors for this report:1 Non-PVC IV Bag Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Non-PVC IV Bag1.2 Non-PVC IV Bag Segment by Type (Product Category)1.2.1 Global Non-PVC IV Bag Production and CAGR (%) Comparison by Type (Product Category) (2012-2022)1.2.2 Global Non-PVC IV Bag Production Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20161.2.3 PP IV Bag1.2.4 EVA IV Bag1.2.5 Others1.3 Global Non-PVC IV Bag Segment by Application1.3.1 Non-PVC IV Bag Consumption (Sales) Comparison by Application (2012-2022)1.3.2 Hospital1.3.3 Clinic1.3.4 Others1.4 Global Non-PVC IV Bag Market by Region (2012-2022)1.4.1 Global Non-PVC IV Bag Market Size (Value) and CAGR (%) Comparison by Region (2012-2022)1.4.2 North America Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.3 Europe Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.4 China Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.5 Japan Status and Prospect (2012-2022)2 Global Non-PVC IV Bag Market Competition by Manufacturers2.1 Global Non-PVC IV Bag Capacity, Production and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.1.1 Global Non-PVC IV Bag Capacity and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.1.2 Global Non-PVC IV Bag Production and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.2 Global Non-PVC IV Bag Revenue and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.3 Global Non-PVC IV Bag Average Price by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.4 Manufacturers Non-PVC IV Bag Manufacturing Base Distribution, Sales Area and Product TypeView this report @Who we areResearch Trades has team of experts who works on providing exhaustive analysis pertaining to market research on a global basis. This comprehensive analysis is obtained by a thorough research and study of the ongoing trends and provides predictive data regarding the future estimations, which can be utilized by various organizations for growth purposes.We distribute customized reports that focus on meeting the clients specific requirement. Our database consists of a large collection of high-quality reports obtained using a customer-centric approach, thus providing valuable research insights.Reach at us:Address: Flat No.10, Wing C, S. No. 245/4/2+245/5/1, Baner, Pune-411045Email: sales@researchtrades.comCall us: +91 7507349866Skype ID: researchtradesconWeb:
Respiratory Therapeutic Devices Market Overview, Growth, Share, Revenue and Forecast 2017-2023

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Market HighlightRespiratory therapeutic market is increasing continuously at impressive rate in Asia Pacific region. Increasing number of respiratory disease has provided good platform for development of respiratory therapeutic devices. Different types of devices are available for the treatment and management of respiratory diseases but Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) is most preferred device to treat these diseases. The market for respiratory therapeutic devices in Asia Pacific is growing at a CAGR of 9.5% during the forecasted period 2017- 2023.Many drivers are responsible for the growth of the respiratory therapeutic device market such as increasing prevalence of respiratory diseases like COPD, asthma, lung cancer. Moreover, increasing number of COPD and asthma patient has increased the market significantly. According to WHO, there are 15  20 million of asthmatic patient and 30 million COPD patient in India. This has attracted many manufacturer and researcher to introduce and develop new devices to the market. Bedside this rising pollution in Asian countries is the major factors for increasing respiratory illness.Key Players for Respiratory Therapeutic Devices Market: Koninklijke Philips N.V. (Netherland), Hamilton Medical AG (Switzerland), Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited (New Zealand), Masimo Corporation (U.S.), Becton, Dickinson and Company (U.S.), Chart Industries, Inc. (U.S.), Portex Division of Smith Industries Medical System, Teruma Medical Corporation, HTL STREFA SA, Greinier Bio One International GmBH. (Germany), F. Hoffman La Roche AG, Bayer Cropscience Ltd., Acare Technology Co., Medline Industries Inc., Ltd., Hill-Rom Holdings Inc., Allied Healthcare Inc. Rotech Healthcare Inc others.Request a Sample Copy @Respiratory Therapeutic devices is segmented as- By types of respiratory therapeutic devices used which includes- Nebulizers [Mechanical Nebulizer (Soft mist inhaler, Human powered nebulizer) and Electrical Nebulizer (Jet nebulizer, Ultrasonic wave Nebulizer and Other), Humidifiers (Bubble Humidifiers and Electrical Humidifier), Oxygen Concentrators (Continues Oxygen Concentrators and Portable Oxygen Concentrators), Ventilators (Volume-cycled ventilators, Pressure-cycled ventilators, Flow-cycled ventilators and other), Gas Analyzers, Capnographs, Positive airway pressure (Continuous Positive airway pressure, Automatic Positive airway pressure and Other ), Masks (Nasal Mask, Full Face Mask and Other) and others devices By technology used which includes Electrostatic Filtration, HEPA Filter, Hollow Fiber Filtration, Microsphere Separation and others By end user they are Hospital and Homecare By Countries they are Japan, China, India, Australia, Republic of Korea and Rest of Asia-Pacific.Taste the market data and market information presented through more than 50 market data tables and figures spread in 110 numbers of pages of the project report. Avail the in-depth table of content TOC & market synopsis on Asia Pacific Respiratory Therapeutic Devices Market Forecast to 2023Browse full report @Table of Content1 Report Prologue2 Market Introduction2.1 Introduction2.2 Scope Of Study2.3 Research Objective2.4 Assumptions & Limitations2.4.1 Assumptions2.4.2 Limitations3 Research Methodology3.1 Research Process3.2 Primary Research3.3 Secondary Research4 Market Dynamics4.1 Drivers4.1.1 Extensive R&D In Medical Devices4.1.2 Increasing Geriatric Population In Europe4.1.3 Increased Prevalence Smoking And Other Respiratory Diseases4.2 Restraints4.2.1 High Cost Associated With The Application Of Respiratory Therapeutic Devices And Technology5 Market Factor AnalysisContinue..Key questions answered in this report What will the market size be in 2023 and what will the growth rate be? What are the key market trends? What is driving this market? What are the challenges to market growth? Who are the key vendors in this market space? What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the key vendors? What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors?Related ReportGlobal Blood Transfusion Diagnostics Market Information by Type (Instruments, Reagents), By Application (Blood Grouping, disease Screening), By End users (Hospital, laboratories, Blood Banks, Plasma Fractionation Facilities) - Forecast to 2027.Know more about this report @About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies by products, services, technologies, applications, end users, and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help to answer all their most important questions.Contact:Akash Anand,Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com
Automotive Stamping Market Analysis, Segments, Growth and Value Chain 2016-2026

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Stamping is a metal working process by which a desired shape and structure of a material is achieved. This metal working process is adopted in manufacturing industries engaged in processing of hardened surfaces such as sheet metal and plastics components. Stamping process forms the base of all the building process in automotive industry as more than 80 percent of the components that make up a vehicle is produced by stamping. Both the interior structural components and the exterior build components are produced by this process.Since 2010, the demand for automobiles has increased exponentially after the global economic downturn during 2009. This has led to an increase in demand of the stamping machines so as to meet the demand of an impeding growth in the automotive sector. The increase in usage of stamping machines in the automotive sector attributed to the growth of stamped automotive parts and is forecast to expand at a increasing growth rates during 2016-2026.Automotive Stamping Market DynamicsThe market for stamping machines in the automotive sector is driven by reduced lead times required for manufacturing vehicles. The machines are extremely versatile as different modules can be achieved by changing the necessary die. This process has also led to reduced labor requirements as the process can be automated with the help of computers thereby reducing the labor costs. The process helps in reducing scrap wastage as precise amount of raw material is utilized. The production cost incurred in the stamping process is very low and is replacing other metal working processes such as forging and die-casting.Request Report Sample@Automotive Stamping Market: SegmentationOn the basis of forming temperature, Automotive Stamping Market can be segmented as:Hot StampingCold StampingOn the basis of Stamping process, Automotive Stamping Market can be segmented as:Mechanical ProcessHydraulic ProcessPneumatic ProcessOn the basis of the number of stations required, Automotive Stamping Market can be segmented as:Single Tool StationProgressive StationsAutomotive Stamping: Regional OutlookThe Global automotive stamping market can be divided into seven geographical locations such as North America, Latin America, Western and Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific region, Japan, Middle East and Africa. Asia-Pacific market is anticipated to grow steeply in the stamped components, as the automotive sector in China, Japan and India is growing at a rapid pace. In Latin America, Brazil is the strongest automotive stamped components market preceded by Mexico and Argentina, due to improved production and sales of automobiles in these regions. European countries such as U.K. and Germany are also expected to grow in the stamped component market as demand for vehicles in these regions has increased exponentially.Request For TOC@Automotive Stamping Market: Key PlayersSome of the major players which provide the Automotive Industry with Stamping Presses areSchuler GroupAIDA GlobalOrchid InternationalEagle Press & Equipment Co. Ltd.Hyundai RotemMacRodyne Hydraulic Presses & AutomationSantec GroupJier North AmericaRidgeview IndustriesBliss-Bret IndustriesABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACT:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comPress: press@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Potato Flour Market Driven by Consumers Increasing Demand for Ready-to-Eat Snack Foods

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Potato Flour is a type of flour which is made from whole potatoes and most of the time the peel of the potato is not removed. Potato flour is a rich source of fiber and vitamins. The potato flour is heavy but is very easy to digest. The potato flour has a defined potato flavor and the products that are made up of it has a longer shelf life and are generally gummy in nature. Potato flour is also used as an ingredient in some of the cuisine in order to enhance the potato flavor. Potato flour also helps to cure the cardiovascular diseases.Browse Market Research Report @Market Segmentation:Potato Flour market is segment on the basis of packaging, distribution channel, type, and region. On the basis of packaging the market is segmented into retail packaging and bulk packaging. Bulk packaging is much preferred by the restaurants or hotels, whereas retail packaging is preferred by the consumers for their household. The demand for potato flour is also more as it is easy to digest. On the basis of distribution channel the market is segmented into supermarkets/hypermarkets, convenience stores and online stores. It is expected that supermarkets/ hypermarkets will hold a relatively higher share in the potato flour market compared to other distribution channel. On the basis of region the potato flour market is segmented into North America, Latin America, Asia Pacific, Europe and MEA.Market Regional Outlook:Regional segment for the market of potato flour is divided into five different regions: North America, Latin America, Asia Pacific and Japan, Europe and MEA. Among these segment Asia Pacific is expected to be the leader of potato flour market around the world and is expected to dominant the market in the forecaster period. In Asia Pacific region the countries like china is the key market for potato flour, India is also generating quite high revenue as the country is worlds second largest producers of Potato. In terms of revenue North America is also expected to be the second leading contributor in the potato flour market, which is further followed by Europe.Fill the form for an exclusive sample of this report @Market Drivers:Consumers increasing demand for ready-to-eat snack foods that is easy to digest is playing a key role to drive the potato flour market in the forecast period. Increasing opportunities in the food industry is also a key factor which is driving the global potato flour market. Potato flour-based food products provides rich fiber content which is healthy as well as it helps in the reduction of fat content from the body. As potato flour is easy to digest it is very popular among the old age people, hence this factor is also boosting the growth of potato flour market. The potato flour has an increased shelf life which does not affect the quality of the product, which is also another driving factor for the growth of potato flour market. It is said that consumption of potato flour promotes hair growth and helps in the treatment of grey hairs which is also expected to bolster the growth of potato flour. As potato flour is a rich source of vitamin c, it helps to boost the immunity of the body. Furthermore it contains flavonoid which keeps the level of bad cholesterol low, these factors are also going to drive the potato flour market to a great extent in the forecast period.Market Key Players:Some of the key players in Potato Flour market are Shiloh Farms, Bob's Red Mill, Doves Farm Foods Ltd, Anti grains food, Authentic Foods, Rakusens Ltd, Lotus foods, Health Connection Wholefoods, Barry Farm Foods and Hearthy Foods among others.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Flatfoot Orthopedic Insoles Market Analysis, Manufacturing Cost Structure, Growth Opportunities And Restraint To 2022

Flatfoot Orthopedic Insoles

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The Global Flatfoot Orthopedic Insoles Market Research Report 2017 renders deep perception of the key regional market status of the Flatfoot Orthopedic Insoles Industry on a global level that primarily aims the core regions which comprises of continents like Europe, North America, and Asia and the key countries such as United States, Germany, China and Japan.Request For Sample Of Flatfoot Orthopedic Insoles Market Research Report @The report on Global Flatfoot Orthopedic Insoles Market is a professional report which provides thorough knowledge along with complete information pertaining to the Flatfoot Orthopedic Insoles industry a propos classifications, definitions, applications, industry chain summary, industry policies in addition to plans, product specifications, manufacturing processes, cost structures, etc.The potential of this industry segment has been rigorously investigated in conjunction with primary market challenges. The present market condition and future prospects of the segment has also been examined. Moreover, key strategies in the market that includes product developments, partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, etc., are discussed. Besides, upstream raw materials and equipment and downstream demand analysis is also conducted.Report Includes:-The report cloaks the market analysis and projection of Flatfoot Orthopedic Insoles Market on a regional as well as global level. The report constitutes qualitative and quantitative valuation by industry analysts, first-hand data, assistance from industry experts along with their most recent verbatim and each industry manufacturers via the market value chain.The research experts have additionally assessed the in general sales and revenue generation of this particular market. In addition, this report also delivers widespread analysis of root market trends, several governing elements and macro-economic indicators, coupled with market improvements as per every segment. Furthermore, the report contains diverse profiles of primary market players of Flatfoot Orthopedic Insoles Market.Complete Report On Flatfoot Orthopedic Insoles Market Report Spread Across 163 Pages, Profiling Companies And Supported With Tables And Figures Available@Lastly, This Market Report Offers Fathoming Perception In Terms Of Many Product Types And The Applications. The Product Types Are Further Gathered Focusing On The Revenue, Price, Production, Rate Of Growth, And Market Share Of Each Type. Likewise, Depending On The Applications, This Report Addresses The Market Share, Growth Rate And Consumption Of Flatfoot Orthopedic Insoles Every Application. The Comprehensive Summary, In-Depth Analyses, Accurate Definitions, And Opinions From The Experts, On Each Application, Together Make This Report An Excellent Piece Of Presentation.Have Any Query? Ask Our Expert:Some Points From TOCPart I Flatfoot Orthopedic Insoles Industry OverviewChapter One Flatfoot Orthopedic Insoles Industry Overview1.1 Flatfoot Orthopedic Insoles Definition1.2 Flatfoot Orthopedic Insoles Classification Analysis1.2.1 Flatfoot Orthopedic Insoles Main Classification Analysis1.2.2 Flatfoot Orthopedic Insoles Main Classification Share Analysis1.3 Flatfoot Orthopedic Insoles Application Analysis1.3.1 Flatfoot Orthopedic Insoles Main Application Analysis1.3.2 Flatfoot Orthopedic Insoles Main Application Share Analysis1.4 Flatfoot Orthopedic Insoles Industry Chain Structure Analysis1.5 Flatfoot Orthopedic Insoles Industry Development Overview1.5.1 Flatfoot Orthopedic Insoles Product History Development Overview1.5.1 Flatfoot Orthopedic Insoles Product Market Development Overview1.6 Flatfoot Orthopedic Insoles Global Market Comparison Analysis1.6.1 Flatfoot Orthopedic Insoles Global Import Market Analysis1.6.2 Flatfoot Orthopedic Insoles Global Export Market Analysis1.6.3 Flatfoot Orthopedic Insoles Global Main Region Market Analysis1.6.4 Flatfoot Orthopedic Insoles Global Market Comparison Analysis1.6.5 Flatfoot Orthopedic Insoles Global Market Development Trend AnalysisChapter Two Flatfoot Orthopedic Insoles Up and Down Stream Industry Analysis2.1 Upstream Raw Materials Analysis2.1.1 Upstream Raw Materials Price Analysis2.1.2 Upstream Raw Materials Market Analysis2.1.3 Upstream Raw Materials Market Trend2.2 Down Stream Market Analysis2.1.1 Down Stream Market Analysis2.2.2 Down Stream Demand Analysis2.2.3 Down Stream Market Trend AnalysisGet Discount on this Report @Related Reports:1. Europe Flatfoot Orthopedic Insoles Market Report 2017:2. United States Flatfoot Orthopedic Insoles Market Report 2017 :About Us:Market Research Globe is a competent consulting company in the field of Global Market Research. We provide our clients a wide range of customized Marketing and Business Research Solutions to choose from, with the help of our ingenious database developed by experts. We help our clients understand the strengths of diverse markets and how to exploit opportunities. Covering a diverse range of business scopes from Digital products to Food industry, we are your one- stop solution right from data collection to investment advices.Contact us:+1-888-376-9998 (US)Email- sales@marketresearchglobe.comWeb-Blogs-
Rubber Fender Market Development Trends, Competitive Landscape and Key Regions 2022

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Market Size Forecasters released a new research report of 111 pages on title Global Rubber Fender Market Professional Survey Report 2017 with detailed analysis, forecast and strategies. The study covers key regions that includes North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa and important Manufacturers such as Trelleborg, Bridgestone, Sumitomo RubberThis report studies Rubber Fender Market in Global industry, especially in North America, China, Europe, Southeast Asia, Japan and India, with production, revenue, consumption, import and export in these regions, from 2012 to 2016, and forecast to 2022.This report focuses on top manufacturers in global market, with production, price, revenue and market share for each manufacturer, covering  Trelleborg, Bridgestone, Sumitomo Rubber, Maritime International, Yokohama, Hutchinson, IRM, Longwood, Noreq, Anchor Marine, JIER Marine, Taihong, Tonly, Qingdao, Tiandun, EvergreenRequest a sample copy of Global Rubber Fender Market Research Report @By types, the market can be split into - Floating Type, Non Floating TypeBy Application, the market can be split into - Berthing Structures, VesselsBy Regions, this report covers (we can add the regions/countries as you want) -North America, China, Europe, Southeast Asia, Japan, IndiaThe lisetd pricing for this Rubber Fender market report starts at US $3500. Request Discount for Global Rubber Fender Industry Research Report @Table of Contents:Industry Overview of Rubber FenderManufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Rubber FenderTechnical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis of Rubber FenderGlobal Rubber Fender Overall Market OverviewRubber Fender Regional Market AnalysisGlobal 2012-2017E Rubber Fender Segment Market Analysis (by Type)Major Manufacturers Analysis of Rubber FenderDevelopment Trend of Analysis of Rubber Fender MarketRubber Fender Marketing Type AnalysisConsumers Analysis of Rubber FenderConclusion of the Global Rubber Fender Market Professional Survey Report 2017For More Info on Market Research :Related Reports: -2017 China Rubber Fender Industry ReportThis report is an essential reference for who looks for detailed information on China Rubber Fender market. The report covers data on China and its regional markets including historical and future trends for supply, market size, prices, trading, competition and value chain as well as China major vendors' information.MarketSizeForecasters.com, a Skyline Market Research LLP brand, is an online aggregator of market research reports. MarketSizeForecasters.com offers a comprehensive collection of full length reports on global and regional markets in 100+ industry verticals. We have partnered with some of the leading business and market research publishing houses and regularly update our online library to offer wide range of reports to our customers.Market Size ForecastersThe Green Suite #4594,Dover, DE 19901United StatesPhone: +1-201-355-0868US Toll Free: +1 866-764-2150Email: sales@marketsizeforecasters.comWebsite:News:Connect with us: LinkedIn| Twitter
Coffee Pods Market Analysis- Size, Share, Trends, Growth And Forecasts Report To 2022

Coffee Pods

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The Global Coffee Pods Market Research Report 2017 renders deep perception of the key regional market status of the Coffee Pods Industry on a global level that primarily aims the core regions which comprises of continents like Europe, North America, and Asia and the key countries such as United States, Germany, China and Japan.Request For Sample Of Coffee Pods Market Research Report @The report on Global Coffee Pods Market is a professional report which provides thorough knowledge along with complete information pertaining to the Coffee Pods industry a propos classifications, definitions, applications, industry chain summary, industry policies in addition to plans, product specifications, manufacturing processes, cost structures, etc.The potential of this industry segment has been rigorously investigated in conjunction with primary market challenges. The present market condition and future prospects of the segment has also been examined. Moreover, key strategies in the market that includes product developments, partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, etc., are discussed. Besides, upstream raw materials and equipment and downstream demand analysis is also conducted.Report Includes:-The report cloaks the market analysis and projection of Coffee Pods Market on a regional as well as global level. The report constitutes qualitative and quantitative valuation by industry analysts, first-hand data, assistance from industry experts along with their most recent verbatim and each industry manufacturers via the market value chain.The research experts have additionally assessed the in general sales and revenue generation of this particular market. In addition, this report also delivers widespread analysis of root market trends, several governing elements and macro-economic indicators, coupled with market improvements as per every segment. Furthermore, the report contains diverse profiles of primary market players of Coffee Pods Market.Complete Report On Coffee Pods Market Report Spread Across 163 Pages, Profiling 8 Companies And Supported With Tables And Figures Available@This report studies sales (consumption) of Coffee Pods in Global market, especially in United States, China, Europe and Japan, focuses on top players in these regions/countries, with sales, price, revenue and market share for each player in these regions, covering1. Svetol2. Plamed3. Zhengdi4. Yuensun5. Honghao6. Greensky7. Greenlife8. SkyherbSplit by product Types, with sales, revenue, price and gross margin, market share and growth rate of each type, can be divided into Natural SyntheticSplit by applications, this report focuses on sales, market share and growth rate of Coffee Pods in each application, can be divided into Food & Beverages Pharma & Healthcare OtherLastly, This Market Report Offers Fathoming Perception In Terms Of Many Product Types And The Applications. The Product Types Are Further Gathered Focusing On The Revenue, Price, Production, Rate Of Growth, And Market Share Of Each Type. Likewise, Depending On The Applications, This Report Addresses The Market Share, Growth Rate And Consumption Of Coffee Pods Every Application. The Comprehensive Summary, In-Depth Analyses, Accurate Definitions, And Opinions From The Experts, On Each Application, Together Make This Report An Excellent Piece Of Presentation.Have Any Query? Ask Our Expert:Some Points From TOCPart I Coffee Pods Industry OverviewChapter One Coffee Pods Industry Overview1.1 Coffee Pods Definition1.2 Coffee Pods Classification Analysis1.2.1 Coffee Pods Main Classification Analysis1.2.2 Coffee Pods Main Classification Share Analysis1.3 Coffee Pods Application Analysis1.3.1 Coffee Pods Main Application Analysis1.3.2 Coffee Pods Main Application Share Analysis1.4 Coffee Pods Industry Chain Structure Analysis1.5 Coffee Pods Industry Development Overview1.5.1 Coffee Pods Product History Development Overview1.5.1 Coffee Pods Product Market Development Overview1.6 Coffee Pods Global Market Comparison Analysis1.6.1 Coffee Pods Global Import Market Analysis1.6.2 Coffee Pods Global Export Market Analysis1.6.3 Coffee Pods Global Main Region Market Analysis1.6.4 Coffee Pods Global Market Comparison Analysis1.6.5 Coffee Pods Global Market Development Trend AnalysisChapter Two Coffee Pods Up and Down Stream Industry Analysis2.1 Upstream Raw Materials Analysis2.1.1 Upstream Raw Materials Price Analysis2.1.2 Upstream Raw Materials Market Analysis2.1.3 Upstream Raw Materials Market Trend2.2 Down Stream Market Analysis2.1.1 Down Stream Market Analysis2.2.2 Down Stream Demand Analysis2.2.3 Down Stream Market Trend AnalysisGet Discount on this Report @Related Reports:1. Global Coffee Pods Sales Market Report 2017:2. China Coffee Pods Market Research Report 2017:About Us:Market Research Globe is a competent consulting company in the field of Global Market Research. We provide our clients a wide range of customized Marketing and Business Research Solutions to choose from, with the help of our ingenious database developed by experts. We help our clients understand the strengths of diverse markets and how to exploit opportunities. Covering a diverse range of business scopes from Digital products to Food industry, we are your one- stop solution right from data collection to investment advices.Contact us:+1-888-376-9998 (US)Email- sales@marketresearchglobe.comWeb-Blogs-
Hydropower Market to reach 1,300 GW by 2024

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The global Hydropower Market share report provides numbers for applications and regional segments of the industry covering historical as well as forecast data for decision makers.Rising electricity demand coupled with increasing investment towards sustainable energy will stimulate the global hydropower market size. As per International Energy Agency (IEA), hydroelectric accounted for over 80% of the total renewable energy mix. North America and Europe have introduced plans to upgrade, renovate, and modernize the existing stations to ensure more efficient operations. For instance, in March 2015, Latvenergo announced to invest USD 222.26 million towards reconstruction of Riga, Plavinas and Kegums hydroelectric power stations in Latvia by 2022.U.S. hydropower market size is projected to grow over 2% owing to its large untapped hydro potential reserves. Growing measures to minimize carbon footprints may further stimulate the business landscape. In 2015, Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and Non-Powered Dams (NPDs) estimated 12,000 MW capacity of existing untapped reserves.Reliable, high operating life cycle coupled with low maintenance costs are some of the key indicators which will stimulate the hydropower market share. Flood control, irrigation, tourism, aquaculture and recreation in remote areas are some of the salient benefits, which will complement the industry outlook. In Europe and North America, the authorities have introduced bond funds to raise investment for hydroelectric projects. These funds are particularly aimed at acquiring present assets over the new build.Request for a sample of this research report @Low generation cost along with ability to produce high electric output will foster the hydropower market share. In 2016, Department of Energy (DOE) projected Levelized Energy Costs (LEC) of USD 56.2/MWh from hydroelectric when compared with USD 191/MWh from solar thermal.Large capacity segment in 2016 accounted for over 80% of global hydropower market share. Rising demand for continuous and reliable electricity along with upgradation of existing generating stations will stimulate the business landscape. In 2013, Agder Energi awarded a contract worth USD 24.4 million to Alstom, towards upgradation of the Iveland II hydroelectric plant in Norway, which has a generating capacity of approximately 150-GWh and 50 MW on annual basis. In 2016, Andritz installed three hydroelectric stations in Nicaragua and Brazil with an aggregate value of over USD 75 million with an aim to provide constant and reliable electricity.Low ecological impact coupled with cost competitiveness are some of the key parameters which will embellish the mini hydropower market size. The University of Science and Technology of Hanoi (USTH), Vietnam in February 2016 installed 60 MW of mini capacity grid connected power station in 48 different locations with capacity range between 100 kW to 7500 kW. Measures towards carbon emission coupled with low civil refurbishment cost will drive micro and pico hydropower market. In 2016, Philippines announced its ambitious plan to construct over 150 micro plants with an increasing electricity generating capacity approximately by 50 MW.Major participants in hydropower market are ANDRITZ HYDRO, Voith, General Electric, Alfa Laval, China Three Gorges Corporation, China Yangtze Power, Metso, Hydro-Quebec, RusHydro, Duke Energy, Agder Energi, Georgia Power, StatKraft, Ontario Power Generation, Engie, ABB, EDF and Tata Power.Growing demand for decentralize power generation along with measures to reduce carbon footprints will fuel the China solar PV Mounting systems market. In 2016, Government of China issued a document 625 on renewable energy, which makes it obligatory for grid connected companies to purchase certain amount of electricity from renewable generators up to an allocated hour.Notable players in solar PV mounting systems market include, UNIRAC, Quick Mount PV, K2 SYSTEMS, Landpower Solar, RBI Solar, Schletter, Mounting Systems, DPW Solar, SolarWorld, Versolsolar, Xiamen Grace Solar Technology, Clenergy, SNS Corporation, Suyash Metatech.About Global Market InsightsGlobal Market Insights, Inc., headquartered in Delaware, U.S., is a global market research and consulting service provider; offering syndicated and custom research reports along with growth consulting services. Our business intelligence and industry research reports offer clients with penetrative insights and actionable market data specially designed and presented to aid strategic decision making. These exhaustive reports are designed via a proprietary research methodology and are available for key industries such as chemicals, advanced materials, technology, renewable energy and biotechnology.Contact Us:Arun HegdeCorporate Sales, USAGlobal Market Insights, Inc.Phone: 1-302-846-7766Toll Free: 1-888-689-0688Email: sales@gminsights.comWeb:
South America Active Packaging Market, Research Report Forecast upto 2022

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Knowledge Sourcing Intelligence announces publication of a new report: South America Active Packaging Market - Forecasts from 2017 to 2022.This research report segments the South America Active Packaging Market  by Technology (Oxygen scavengers, Moisture controllers, Antimicrobial agents, UV Blocking, Others), Application (Food, Beverages, Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare, Electronic Products, Consumer Care, Others), Country (Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Others). The report provides in-depth and most accurately anticipated forecasts in a quantitative manner.Some of the major South America Active Packaging companies covered in the report are BASF, DuPont, Amcor, 3M, Sonoco and WestRock among others.Sample request or complete report can be purchased through the link below:This 90 pages report contains a wide range of figures and data tables for the forecasted period based on the segmentations listed above.Brief TOC is as below: Market Dynamics Segmentationo By Technology Oxygen Scavengers Moisture Controllers Antimicrobial Agents UV Blocking Otherso By Application Food Beverages Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare Electronic Products Consumer Care Otherso By Country Brazil Argentina Chile Others Competitive Intelligence Profiles of key companiesKnowledge Sourcing Intelligence is a market research and consulting firm based out of India. Driven by industry experts, the company provides syndicated reports, custom research, and consulting services. Our proprietary data analytics model blended with quality primary and secondary research data assists in generating quality reports providing crucial insights to managers and decision makers. The services offered by us help companies to gain required competitive edge. Our expertise across 10 industries such as ICT, Chemicals, Semiconductors, Healthcare among others caters to diverse client needsKnowledge Sourcing IntelligenceAscent Business CenterH-38, Sector 63NOIDA, IndiaContact: +1-866-714-4587
Global And Chinese Stainless Steel Industry Analysis, Share, Size, Forecast 2017 Market Research Report

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The 'Global and Chinese Stainless Steel Industry, 2012-2022 Market Research Report' is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the global Stainless Steel industry with a focus on the Chinese market.The report provides key statistics on the market status of the Stainless Steel manufacturers and is a valuable source of guidance and direction for companies and individuals interested in the industry.Firstly, the report provides a basic overview of the industry including its definition, applications and manufacturing technology. Then, the report explores the international and Chinese major industry players in detail.In this part, the report presents the company profile, product specifications, capacity, production value, and 2012-2017 market shares for each company. Through the statistical analysis, the report depicts the global and Chinese total market of Stainless Steel industry including capacity, production, production value, cost/profit, supply/demand and Chinese import/export.The total market is further divided by company, by country, and by application/type for the competitive landscape analysis. The report then estimates 2017-2022 market development trends of Stainless Steel industry. Analysis of upstream raw materials, downstream demand, and current market dynamics is also carried out.Get The Sample Copy Of This Report @In the end, the report makes some important proposals for a new project of Stainless Steel Industry before evaluating its feasibility. Overall, the report provides an in-depth insight of 2012-2022 global and Chinese Stainless Steel industry covering all important parameters.Chapter One Introduction of Stainless Steel Industry1.1 Brief Introduction of Stainless Steel1.2 Development of Stainless Steel Industry1.3 Status of Stainless Steel IndustryChapter Two Manufacturing Technology of Stainless Steel2.1 Development of Stainless Steel Manufacturing Technology2.2 Analysis of Stainless Steel Manufacturing Technology2.3 Trends of Stainless Steel Manufacturing TechnologyChapter Three Analysis of Global Key Manufacturers3.1 Company A3.1.1 Company Profile3.1.2 Product Information3.1.3 2012-2017 Production Information3.1.4 Contact Information3.2 Company B3.2.1 Company Profile3.2.2 Product Information3.2.3 2012-2017 Production Information3.2.4 Contact Information3.3 Company C3.2.1 Company Profile3.3.2 Product Information3.3.3 2012-2017 Production Information3.3.4 Contact Information3.4 Company D3.4.1 Company Profile3.4.2 Product Information3.4.3 2012-2017 Production Information3.4.4 Contact Information3.5 Company E3.5.1 Company Profile3.5.2 Product Information3.5.3 2012-2017 Production Information3.5.4 Contact Information3.6 Company F3.6.1 Company Profile3.6.2 Product Information3.5.3 2012-2017 Production Information3.6.4 Contact Information3.7 Company G3.7.1 Company Profile3.7.2 Product Information3.7.3 2012-2017 Production Information3.7.4 Contact Information3.8 Company H3.8.1 Company Profile3.8.2 Product Information3.8.3 2012-2017 Production Information3.8.4 Contact InformationMarketResearchReports.biz supports your business intelligence needs with over 100,000 market research reports, company profiles, data books, and regional market data sheets in its repository. Our document database is updated by the hour, which means that you always have access to fresh data spanning over 300 industries and their sub-segments.State Tower90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948(USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Optical Modules Market 2017-Finisar Corporation, Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI), Avago Technologies, Perle, Mellanox, Brocade

Optical Modules Market

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Apex Research, recently published a detailed market research study focused on the "Optical Modules Market" across the global, regional and country level. The report provides 360 analysis of "Optical Modules Market" from view of manufacturers, regions, product types and end industries. The research report analyses and provides the historical data along with current performance of the global Optical Modules industry, and estimates the future trend of Optical Modules market on the basis of this detailed study. The study shares "Optical Modules Market" performance both in terms of volume and revenue.Get Free Sample Copy of Report Here:Top Manufacturers Analysis of This ReportFinisar CorporationTexas Instruments Incorporated (TI)Avago TechnologiesPerleMellanoxBrocadeCiscoAllied TelesisFujitsu Optical Components LimitedSumitomo Electric IndustriesVescent PhotonicsMolexFiberPlex TechnologiesTE ConnectivityMultiPhyInphi Corp.The market research report explores the Optical Modules market across the globe along with major regions and countries. The research report provides a detailed study on each and every aspect of "Optical Modules Market". The research report studies the entire value chain from raw material to end user industries. The report also shares import/export statistics along with production and consumption for all major regions and countries. Moreover, the research study classifies the Optical Modules market based on major product types, application and end users industries of Optical Modules. Besides, the report also covers geographical segmentation for Optical Modules market. The report further provides production, capacity, price per region, gross margin, production cost, for all major regions and countries listed in report.The competitive landscape of the global market for Optical Modules is determined by assessing the major industry participants, production capacity, production capacity utilization rate, Optical Modules market's production chain, pricing by each manufacturer and the revenue generated by each manufacturer in the Optical Modules market globally.Enquire Before Buying @The worldwide Optical Modules market 2017 is further analyzed on the basis of product pricing, Optical Modules production volume, data pertaining to demand and Optical Modules supply, and the revenue garnered by the product. The report provides upstream and downstream analysis covering major raw material used in manufacturing of Optical Modules along with detailed manufacturing sources. The report also shares list of major raw material manufacturers along with their manufacturing locations. Detailed raw material price trend analysis along with manufacturing cost analysis is also incorporated into the report. Various methodical tools such as investment returns, feasibility, SWOT analysis and market attractiveness analysis has been implemented in the research study to present a comprehensive, detailed study of the industry for Optical Modules across the world.About UsApexResearch offer reports from top publishers and update to serve you with immediate on-line access to professional insights on global industries, companies, products, and trends. Customers can buys different reports across various categories such as Chemical and Material, Biotechnology, Healthcare, Food and beverages, Automobile and various sectors. Our Website offers safe and secure online ordering experience, convenient payment options.Contact UsFrank ValadezBusiness Development Executive| sales@apexresearch.biz
Ophthalmic Devices Market 2017-NIDEK, Ellex Medical, Quantel Medical, Optos, Halma, ArcScan, Micro Medical Devices, Wuhan Strong Electronics

Ophthalmic Devices Market

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Apex Research, recently published a detailed market research study focused on the "Ophthalmic Devices Market" across the global, regional and country level. The report provides 360 analysis of "Ophthalmic Devices Market" from view of manufacturers, regions, product types and end industries. The research report analyses and provides the historical data along with current performance of the global Ophthalmic Devices industry, and estimates the future trend of Ophthalmic Devices market on the basis of this detailed study. The study shares "Ophthalmic Devices Market" performance both in terms of volume and revenue.Get Free Sample Copy of Report Here:Top Manufacturers Analysis of This ReportNIDEKEllex MedicalQuantel MedicalOptosHalmaArcScanMicro Medical DevicesWuhan Strong ElectronicsReichertEscalon OphthalmicsThe market research report explores the Ophthalmic Devices market across the globe along with major regions and countries. The research report provides a detailed study on each and every aspect of "Ophthalmic Devices Market". The research report studies the entire value chain from raw material to end user industries. The report also shares import/export statistics along with production and consumption for all major regions and countries. Moreover, the research study classifies the Ophthalmic Devices market based on major product types, application and end users industries of Ophthalmic Devices. Besides, the report also covers geographical segmentation for Ophthalmic Devices market. The report further provides production, capacity, price per region, gross margin, production cost, for all major regions and countries listed in report.The competitive landscape of the global market for Ophthalmic Devices is determined by assessing the major industry participants, production capacity, production capacity utilization rate, Ophthalmic Devices market's production chain, pricing by each manufacturer and the revenue generated by each manufacturer in the Ophthalmic Devices market globally.Enquire Before Buying @The worldwide Ophthalmic Devices market 2017 is further analyzed on the basis of product pricing, Ophthalmic Devices production volume, data pertaining to demand and Ophthalmic Devices supply, and the revenue garnered by the product. The report provides upstream and downstream analysis covering major raw material used in manufacturing of Ophthalmic Devices along with detailed manufacturing sources. The report also shares list of major raw material manufacturers along with their manufacturing locations. Detailed raw material price trend analysis along with manufacturing cost analysis is also incorporated into the report. Various methodical tools such as investment returns, feasibility, SWOT analysis and market attractiveness analysis has been implemented in the research study to present a comprehensive, detailed study of the industry for Ophthalmic Devices across the world.About UsApexResearch offer reports from top publishers and update to serve you with immediate on-line access to professional insights on global industries, companies, products, and trends. Customers can buys different reports across various categories such as Chemical and Material, Biotechnology, Healthcare, Food and beverages, Automobile and various sectors. Our Website offers safe and secure online ordering experience, convenient payment options.Contact UsFrank ValadezBusiness Development Executive| sales@apexresearch.biz
Allulose Market Growing Due to Consumer's Shift towards Low Calorie Sweeteners

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Allulose is a simple. It is absorbed by the body, but not metabolized thus it is totally or nearly calorie-free. Thus it is used as natural sweetener. It is also found in various fruits and grains. Allulose was initially identified from wheat. Also been found in few fruits including figs, raisins, and jackfruit, etc. However, it is naturally found in small quantities in variety of sweet foods such as maple syrup and brown sugar.As allulose is law calories market demand from free or low calories food product market is higher. Allulose tastes and acts like, but it contains only a few amount of calories and no adverse side effects of it. Allulose market demand is expected to boost over the forecast period.Browse Market Research Report @Allulose Market Segmentation:Global allulose market is segmented on the basis of its various application in various industries such as bakery, confectionary, dairy food and therapeutic food such as diabetic or weight management food. Increasing number of health issues associated with consumption of simple high calorie sugar, growing obesity rate, diabetic patients etc. are major factors causing consumers shift towards low calorie sweeteners. Thus food industries have started use of allulose as a sweetener in various food products such as bakery, confectionary, dairy food and therapeutic food etc. The growing demand from various application is expected to drive higher allluose market growth over the forecast period. Amongst all application market segments therapeutic food segments is expected to grow at higher CAGR, attributed to increasing number of diabetic patients as well as increasing popularity of weight management therapeutic food.Allulose market is further segmented on the basis of regions as North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Japan, and the Middle East and Africa. Currently North America accounts for major value and volume market share consumption of allulose. However Europe is another major regional market expected to grow rapidly. Asia Pacific is another market expected to grow at higher CAGR over the forecast period.Make an Enquiry @Allulose Market Dynamics:Various health issues associated with consumption of high calorie sugar as well as uncertainty about safety of synthetic sweeteners available in market are the major factors attracting consumers towards allulose as healthy sugary choice, and fueling market demand globally. Increasing awareness about allulose and its various benefits over other simple sugars are other factors expected to drive market demand for allulose over the forecast period. Obesity is climbing at an alarming rate globally, and has created a need to change a strategy to turn allulose trend around and boosting the market growth. Versatile properties of allulose such as it is versatile sweetener i.e. act and taste like sugar but very low calorie, no impact on blood sugar when consumed, allulose does not cause gastrointestinal issues etc. are other major factors fueling market demand for allulose. Increasing number of health conscious consumers are always seeking natural products, as allulose occurs naturally becoming popular as natural sweetener and manufacturers are continuously launching allulose products in global marketplace. Allulose shows a lot of potential as a tool to for consumers to reduce excess calories and sugar in sweetened food and beverages.Various manufacturers are launching new products with allulose sugar, for instance Quest Nutrition launched its nutritional bar with allulose sugar, thus low calorie all natural nutritional option.Allulose Market Key Players:Few key market players operating in global allulose market includes Quest Nutrition, Tate & Lyle, McNeil Nutritionals, Matsutani Chemical Industry Co. Ltd., Anderson Global Group etc. Looking at the rapidly growing market demand from various food industries for allulose and increasing consumer demand for allulose as low calorie sugar choice, various new entries are expected in the market over 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. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Global Airborne Military Satcom Market 2017 - Raytheon, Rockwell Collins, BAE Systems, Thales Group, Alcatel-Lucent

Airborne Military Satcom Market

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The Airborne Military Satcom Market Research Report 2017 is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the Airborne Military Satcom industry.Read Complete Report @The key players are expected to tap onto these market opportunities to penetrate the market. Furthermore, the untapped opportunities in emerging economies will provide a considerable impetus to the small, medium, and large companies operating in the Global Airborne Military Satcom market. These opportunities in turn are projected to have positive impact on the Global Airborne Military Satcom market. Players in the market are focusing on innovation, which has resulted in a lot of mergers, acquisitions, collaborations, and partnerships. The prominent market players are also focusing to offer a broader range of products. Competitors often are competing on the basis of the cost of the products in the Global Airborne Military Satcom market.The report studies the Airborne Military Satcom market by evaluating the market chain, prevalent policies, and regulations as well as the manufacturers, their manufacturing chain, cost structures, and contribution in the industry. The regional markets for the global Airborne Military Satcom market are examined by analyzing the pricing of products in the region compared to the profit generated. The production capacity, demand and supply, logistics, and the historical performance of the market in the given region is also evaluated in this market report.Global Airborne Military Satcom Market : Top ManufacturesRaytheonRockwell CollinsBAE SystemsNorthrop Grumman CorporationThales GroupAlcatel-LucentGeneral DynamicsHarris CorporationL-3 Communications Holdings Inc.Global Airborne Military Satcom Market : Regional Segment AnalysisNorth AmericaEuropeChinaJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaRequest for Sample Report @Development plans and policies significantly impact the market dynamic. The report therefore studies in detail the impact of the strategies, plans, and policies adopted by leading vendors of the Airborne Military Satcom market. Manufacturing cost of products and the pricing structure adopted by the market is also evaluated in the report. Other parameters crucial in determining trends in the market such as consumption demand and supply figures, cost of production, gross profit margins, and selling price of product and services is also included within the ambit of the report.About Us:MarketResearchStore 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.Contact UsJoel JohnTel: +1-386-310-3803GMT Tel: +49-322 210 92714USA/Canada Toll Free No. 1-855-465-4651Email: sales@marketresearchstore.comWeb: Market Research Store
Global Early Childhood Education Market 2016  Share, Growth, Segment, Trends and Forecast, 2021

Early Childhood Education market

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Global Early Childhood Education Market Professional Survey Report 2017 is a composition of first-hand data, quantitative and qualitative valuation by industry analysts, contributions from industry experts along with their latest verbatim and every industry players through the value chain. The experts have further evaluated the overall sales and revenue generation of this market.The report focus on Global and regional market, providing information on major players like manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, traders, customers, investors and etc., major types, major applications from Global and major regions such as Europe, North American, South American, Asia (Excluding China), China and etc. Data type include capacity, production, market share, price, revenue, cost, gross, gross margin, growth rate, consumption, import, export and etc. Industry chain, manufacturing process, cost structure, marketing channel are also analyzed in this report.Get Complete Report @The Early Childhood Education report is offers a clear picture of the current and future trends, developments and opportunities. The report, prepared by a highly seasoned team of analysts and data experts, carries an array of tables and graphs besides qualitative analyses. Starting with a discussion on the current state of the Early Childhood Education market, the report goes on to discuss the dynamics affecting each segment within it. The report segments the market to up to three levels and studies each of these in great detail. The result is a set of sharp insights and recommendations that will help companies stay ahead of the next new trend in the industry.The regulatory environment, being such an intrinsic part of the Early Childhood Education market, does need special focus. The report collates information relating to current and future policies and regulations that could directly or indirectly affect business operations. The report is an invaluable business intelligence repository for new and existing players in the Early Childhood Education market.This report also presents product specification, manufacturing process, and product cost structure etc.Production is separated by regions, technology and applications. Analysis also covers upstream raw materials, equipment, downstream client survey, marketing channels, industry development trend and proposals. In the end, the report includes Early Childhood Education new project SWOT analysis, investment feasibility analysis, investment return analysis, and development trend analysis. In conclusion, it is a deep research report on Global Early Childhood Education industry.For sample request click onIn addition, market share evaluation in terms of revenue for major companies is also covered in the report. The scope consequently aids market players in order to identify major marketsin terms of growthand assist in making appropriate decisions. In this report, key players in the Power Cable market have been acknowledged with the help of various primary sources and secondary sources including primary and secondary interviews and yearly reports of major market competitors. Primary sources mainly comprise industry experts from core and associated industries, technology developers, major suppliers, distributors, service providers, manufacturers, and bodies correlated to all the segments of this value chain of Early Childhood Education industry. On the basis of this research, the market shares have been assessed and validated.This research study comprises extensive secondary sources, databases, and directories in order to recognize and accumulate data useful for a practical, market-oriented, and marketable study of the global Early Childhood Education market.This research report offers in-depth analysis of the market size (revenue), market share, major market segments, different geographic regions, forecast for the next five years, key market players, and premium industry trends. It also focuses on the key drivers, restraints, opportunities and challenges in the embedded computing system market.About Market Research Store:Market Research Store 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. Market Research Store is the comprehensive collection of market intelligence products and services available on air. We have market research reports from number of leading publishers and update our collection daily to provide our clients with the instant online access to our database. With access to this database, our clients will be able to benefit from expert insights on global industries, products, and market trends.3422 SW 15 Street, Suit #8138,Deerfield Beach, Florida 33442,United States
Global Car Multimedia Market 2017-2022: Industry Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors

Car Multimedia Market

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The Global Car Multimedia Market 2017-2022 research report by QY Research describes, A detailed analysis of the market on the basis of Car Multimedia market throughout the globe is provided. The research report inspects the past as well as present performance of the global Car Multimedia market, along with forecast trends and does estimations on the upcoming position of Car Multimedia market based on this analysis.OverviewReport on the Global Car Multimedia Market 2016 gives the complete description of the market across the globe. The contents that are provided in the report are briefly discussed below.The Research Report contains:Market segmentation along with its sub-segmentation is included in the Car Multimedia MarketReportThe drivers of the market along with the restraintsThe global demand, supply, and sales of the product is included in the market reportThe current and the future market size and positionThe current challenges and opportunities that the market is confrontingThe trends that are currently dominating the marketCompany profiles and their future strategies are includedTechnological advancements that have been developedFuture predictions of the market is also includedPrimary research and secondary research were made in order to validate the data that was collected. Qualitative assessment and quantitative assessment were made across several market verticals and industrial aspects.Read Free Sample Research Report @What our report offersThe complete market size and share analysis is doneThe prominent industry players in the market are includedThe opportunities for the new entrants in the market are includedBased on the forecast trends the market estimations are made for the strategic recommendations in the business segmentsDetailed company profiles are includedAbou Us: MRS Research Group provides a range of marketing and business research solutions designed for our clients specific needs based on our expert resources. The business scopes of Prof Research cover more than 30 industries including energy, new materials, transportation, daily consumer goods, chemicals, etc. We provide our clients with one-stop solution for all the research requirements.Joel John3422 SW 15 Street,Suit #8138Deerfield Beach,Florida 33442United StatesToll Free : +1-855-465-4651 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-386-310-3803Email: sales@mrsresearchgroup.com
Ornithine-Transcarbamylase Deficiency Therapeutic and Drug Pipeline Review, H1 2017

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"The Report Ornithine-Transcarbamylase Deficiency - Pipeline Review, H1 2017 provides information on pricing, market analysis, shares, forecast, and company profiles for key industry participants. - MarketResearchReports.biz"Global Markets Direct's latest Pharmaceutical and Healthcare disease pipeline guide Ornithine-Transcarbamylase Deficiency - Pipeline Review, H1 2017, provides an overview of the Ornithine-Transcarbamylase Deficiency (Genetic Disorders) pipeline landscape.Ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) deficiency is a rare X-linked genetic disorder characterized by complete or partial lack of the enzyme ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC). OTC plays an important role in the break down and removal of nitrogen the body (urea cycle). The lack of the OTC enzyme results in excessive accumulation of nitrogen, in the form of ammonia (hyperammonemia), in the blood. Symptoms include vomiting, refusal to eat, progressive lethargy, and coma. Treatment includes nitrogen scavenging agents.Get Sample Copy Of This Report @Report HighlightsGlobal Markets Direct's Pharmaceutical and Healthcare latest pipeline guide Ornithine-Transcarbamylase Deficiency - Pipeline Review, H1 2017, provides comprehensive information on the therapeutics under development for Ornithine-Transcarbamylase Deficiency (Genetic Disorders), complete with analysis by stage of development, drug target, mechanism of action (MoA), route of administration (RoA) and molecule type. The guide covers the descriptive pharmacological action of the therapeutics, its complete research and development history and latest news and press releases.The Ornithine-Transcarbamylase Deficiency (Genetic Disorders) pipeline guide also reviews of key players involved in therapeutic development for Ornithine-Transcarbamylase Deficiency and features dormant and discontinued projects. The guide covers therapeutics under Development by Companies /Universities /Institutes, the molecules developed by Companies in Filing rejected/Withdrawn, Phase III, Phase II and Preclinical stages are 1, 1, 1 and 5 respectively. Similarly, the Universities portfolio in Preclinical stages comprises 1 molecules, respectively.Ornithine-Transcarbamylase Deficiency (Genetic Disorders) pipeline guide helps in identifying and tracking emerging players in the market and their portfolios, enhances decision making capabilities and helps to create effective counter strategies to gain competitive advantage. The guide is built using data and information sourced from Global Markets Directs proprietary databases, company/university websites, clinical trial registries, conferences, SEC filings, investor presentations and featured press releases from company/university sites and industry-specific third party sources. Additionally, various dynamic tracking processes ensure that the most recent developments are captured on a real time basis.View Report @Scope- The pipeline guide provides a snapshot of the global therapeutic landscape of Ornithine-Transcarbamylase Deficiency (Genetic Disorders).- The pipeline guide reviews pipeline therapeutics for Ornithine-Transcarbamylase Deficiency (Genetic Disorders) by companies and universities/research institutes based on information derived from company and industry-specific sources.- The pipeline guide covers pipeline products based on several stages of development ranging from pre-registration till discovery and undisclosed stages.- The pipeline guide features descriptive drug profiles for the pipeline products which comprise, product description, descriptive licensing and collaboration details, R&D brief, MoA & other developmental activities.- The pipeline guide reviews key companies involved in Ornithine-Transcarbamylase Deficiency (Genetic Disorders) therapeutics and enlists all their major and minor projects.- The pipeline guide evaluates Ornithine-Transcarbamylase Deficiency (Genetic Disorders) therapeutics based on mechanism of action (MoA), drug target, route of administration (RoA) and molecule type.- The pipeline guide encapsulates all the dormant and discontinued pipeline projects.- The pipeline guide reviews latest news related to pipeline therapeutics for Ornithine-Transcarbamylase Deficiency (Genetic Disorders)Reasons to buy- Procure strategically important competitor information, analysis, and insights to formulate effective R&D strategies.- Recognize emerging players with potentially strong product portfolio and create effective counter-strategies to gain competitive advantage.- Find and recognize significant and varied types of therapeutics under development for Ornithine-Transcarbamylase Deficiency (Genetic Disorders).- Classify potential new clients or partners in the target demographic.- Develop tactical initiatives by understanding the focus areas of leading companies.- Plan mergers and acquisitions meritoriously by identifying key players and its most promising pipeline therapeutics.- Formulate corrective measures for pipeline projects by understanding Ornithine-Transcarbamylase Deficiency (Genetic Disorders) pipeline depth and focus of Indication therapeutics.- Develop and design in-licensing and out-licensing strategies by identifying prospective partners with the most attractive projects to enhance and expand business potential and scope.- Adjust the therapeutic portfolio by recognizing discontinued projects and understand from the know-how what drove them from pipeline.About usMarketResearchReports.biz is the most comprehensive collection of market research reports. MarketResearchReports.Biz services are specially designed to save time and money for our clients. We are a one stop solution for all your research needs, our main offerings are syndicated research reports, custom research, subscription access and consulting services. We serve all sizes and types of companies spanning across various industriesContactMr. NachiketState Tower90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074Website:E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Cinnamon Market Driven by Increasing Demand of Flavoring Agent

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Cinnamon is a spice which is acquired from the inner bark of tropical tree species from genus Cinnamomum. Cinnamon is available in two main varieties including Cinnamomum cassia and Cinnamomum zeylanicum. Cinnamomum cassia is a popular spice in North America which has a dark brown color and stronger taste and is most widely used for flavoring various food products. Cinnamon zeylanicum is also known Ceylon cinnamon or true cinnamon which appears in a lighter color along with having a sweeter and delicate flavor than cassia cinnamon. The most used cinnamon varieties are pale and parchment-like in appearance cinnamon species. Cinnamon is primarily used in various bakery products such as cakes, pancakes, and other baked goods along with milk and rice puddings. Cinnamon is also used in fruit desserts and chocolate dishes primarily in pears and apple fruit desserts. Cinnamon can also be used to spice creams, syrups and flavored wines. Cinnamon powder is also used for enhancing a variety of drinks, soups and sweets.Browse Market Research Report @Global Cinnamon: Market SegmentationThe global cinnamon market is segmented on the basis of product type, application and region. The cinnamon market is segmented on the basis of product type such as Ceylon cinnamon, Saigon cinnamon, cassia cinnamon, and korintje cinnamon. In the product type, cassia cinnamon is widely used spice and is dominating the global cinnamon market as it is cheaper than others. The global cinnamon market is segmented on the basis of application in which cinnamon is used in application such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food and beverage, and others. Cinnamon are widely used to flavor bread-based products, cereals and fruit desserts. Cinnamon are used as a spice for flavoring various savory dishes. Hence, the global cinnamon market is expected to significantly increase the revenue contribution over the forecast period.Global Cinnamon Market: Regional OutlookGeographically, the global cinnamon industry can be divided by major regions which include North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific, Japan and Middle East and Africa. Globally, among all regions, Asia Pacific has developed as the dominant region in global cinnamon market followed by Europe. Increasing demand for spices as a flavoring agent in various food products, has strengthened the growth of global cinnamon market and hence is projected to significantly expand the revenue contribution of the market over the forecast period.For more information on this report, fill the form @Global Cinnamon Market: Growth DriversThe global cinnamon market driving factors are increasing demand for cinnamon in various food products as a flavoring agent in various savory dishes and beverages worldwide. Increasing opportunities in bakery, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics industries is also another factor in driving the cinnamon market. Manufacturers are focusing on providing healthier product offerings by using cinnamon in various products such as bakery products and confectionery. Cinnamon helps consumers in managing their blood sugar levels, which is another major factor for driving the cinnamon seed market worldwide. Cinnamon is also used in various cereals, and meals, coupled with increasing consumer demand for cinnamon, in ground format and whole quills, has also raised among UK food producers, wholesalers, bakers, and retailers. Hence, the global Cinnamon market is expected to observe robust growth over the forecast period.Global Cinnamon Market: Key PlayersSome of the key players identified across the value chain of the global cinnamon market include Pure Ceylon Cinnamon, Adam Group, Bio Foods (Pvt) Ltd., HDDES Group, SDS SPICES (PVT) LTD., Ceylon Spice Company, Elite Spice, First Spice Mixing Company, C.F. Sauer Company, EHL Ingredients, and Bart Ingredients. The companies are expected to expand their business by enhancing their product portfolio in global cinnamon market. The companies are projected to frame certain strategies in future in order to gain the competitive advantage in global cinnamon market till 2025.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Worldwide Electronic Ballasts - Market Forecast To 2021 by Major Region and Analysis

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Publisher's Electronic Ballasts market research report provides the newest industry data and industry future trends, allowing you to identify the products and end users driving Revenue growth and profitability.The industry report lists the leading competitors and provides the insights strategic industry Analysis of the key factors influencing the market.The report includes the forecasts, Analysis and discussion of important industry trends, market size, market share estimates and profiles of the leading industry Players.The Players mentioned in our reportGeneral Electric CompanyLCR ElectronicsERC HighlightDaisaluxW. Lucy & Co. LtdBAG electronics GroupOSRAM SYLVANIAAllanson CorporateFulhamEckerle Industrie- ElektronikFor More Information About This Report:Global Electronic Ballasts Market: Regional Segment AnalysisUSAEuropeJapanChinaIndiaSouth East AsiaGlobal Electronic Ballasts Market: Product Segment AnalysisInstant-start electronic ballastsRapid-start ballastsProgram Rapid-Start (PRS) electronic ballastsProgrammed-Start (PS) electronic ballastsGlobal Electronic Ballasts Market: Application Segment AnalysisFluorescent lampsLEDMetal-halide lampHalogen lampMercury-vapor lampRequest Sample Copy At:Table of ContentChapter 1 About the Electronic Ballasts IndustryChapter 2 World Market Competition LandscapeChapter 3 World Electronic Ballasts Market shareChapter 4 Supply Chain AnalysisChapter 5 Company ProfilesChapter 6 Globalization & TradeChapter 7 Distributors and CustomersChapter 8 Import, Export, Consumption and Consumption Value by Major CountriesChapter 9 World Electronic Ballasts Market forecast through 2021Chapter 10 Key success factors and Market OverviewInquire For This Report At:Contact Us:Call: +1-646-491-9876Email: sales@reportsweb.comReportsWeb.com is a one stop shop of market research reports and solutions to various companies across the globe. We help our clients in their decision support system by helping them choose most relevant and cost effective research reports and solutions from various publishers. We provide best in class customer service and our customer support team is always available to help you on your research queries.505, 6th floor, Amanora Township,Amanora Chambers, East Block,Kharadi Road, Hadapsar, Pune-411028
Global AMOLED Market News - Drivers, Restraints, Opportunities and Future Trend

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The market report AMOLED Display Market to 2025  Global Analysis and Forecasts by Type and Application by The Insight Partners, says the report aims to provide an overview of global AMOLED display market with detailed market segmentation by types, applications, and five major geographical regions.Request sample copy is available atAMOLED is a hybrid display technology that pairs the active matrix backplane from a traditional Thin-Film-Transistor (TFT) display with an OLED display. AMOLED displays currently are gaining applications in multiple consumer electronics segment specially in smartphones. AMOLED displays are also used in OLED TVs, which is considered to have one of the best image quality.Complete research report is available atThe report aims to provide an overview of global AMOLED display market with detailed market segmentation by types, applications, and five major geographical regions. The global AMOLED displays market is expected to witness exponential growth rate during the forecast period. Rising demand of consumer and commercial products such as smartphones, TV, tablets, etc. and increasing adoption of micro-displays in various verticals will drive AMOLED market in the coming years.The objective of this report is as follows:- To provide overview of the global AMOLED display market- To analyze and forecast the global AMOLED market on the basis of type and application- To provide market size and forecast till 2025 for overall AMOLED display market with respect to five major regions, namely; North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific (APAC), Middle East and Africa (MEA) and South America (SAM), which is further sub-segmented by respective countries- To evaluate market dynamics effecting the market during the forecast period i.e., drivers, restraints, opportunities, and future trend- To provide exhaustive PEST analysis for all five regions- To profiles key AMOLED display players influencing the market along with their SWOT analysis and market strategiesSome of the leading players in AMOLED display market are LG Display Co., Ltd., Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., AU Optronics Corp., Ritek Corporation, BOE Technology Group Co., Ltd., China Star Optoelectronics Technology, Panasonic Corporation, Sony Corporation, Innolux Corporation, and EverDisplay Optronics.Inquire for discount copy atAbout Us:The Insight Partners is a one-stop industry research provider of actionable solutions. We help our clients in getting solutions to their research requirements through our syndicated and consulting research services. We are specialist in industries such as Technology, Media, and Telecommunication.505, 6th floor, Amanora Township,Amanora Chambers, East Block,Kharadi Road, Hadapsar, Pune-411028
Yuanhuacin Market 2017-Dalian Sky Chemical, Wuhan Chengyuan Pharmaceutical Co

Yuanhuacin Market

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Apex Research, recently published a detailed market research study focused on the "Yuanhuacin Market" across the global, regional and country level. The report provides 360 analysis of "Yuanhuacin Market" from view of manufacturers, regions, product types and end industries. The research report analyses and provides the historical data along with current performance of the global Yuanhuacin industry, and estimates the future trend of Yuanhuacin market on the basis of this detailed study. The study shares "Yuanhuacin Market" performance both in terms of volume and revenue.Get Free Sample Copy of Report Here:Top Manufacturers Analysis of This ReportDalian Sky ChemicalWuhan Chengyuan Pharmaceutical CoThe market research report explores the Yuanhuacin market across the globe along with major regions and countries. The research report provides a detailed study on each and every aspect of "Yuanhuacin Market". The research report studies the entire value chain from raw material to end user industries. The report also shares import/export statistics along with production and consumption for all major regions and countries. Moreover, the research study classifies the Yuanhuacin market based on major product types, application and end users industries of Yuanhuacin. Besides, the report also covers geographical segmentation for Yuanhuacin market. The report further provides production, capacity, price per region, gross margin, production cost, for all major regions and countries listed in report.The competitive landscape of the global market for Yuanhuacin is determined by assessing the major industry participants, production capacity, production capacity utilization rate, Yuanhuacin market's production chain, pricing by each manufacturer and the revenue generated by each manufacturer in the Yuanhuacin market globally.Enquire Before Buying @The worldwide Yuanhuacin market 2017 is further analyzed on the basis of product pricing, Yuanhuacin production volume, data pertaining to demand and Yuanhuacin supply, and the revenue garnered by the product. The report provides upstream and downstream analysis covering major raw material used in manufacturing of Yuanhuacin along with detailed manufacturing sources. The report also shares list of major raw material manufacturers along with their manufacturing locations. Detailed raw material price trend analysis along with manufacturing cost analysis is also incorporated into the report. Various methodical tools such as investment returns, feasibility, SWOT analysis and market attractiveness analysis has been implemented in the research study to present a comprehensive, detailed study of the industry for Yuanhuacin across the world.About UsApexResearch offer reports from top publishers and update to serve you with immediate on-line access to professional insights on global industries, companies, products, and trends. Customers can buys different reports across various categories such as Chemical and Material, Biotechnology, Healthcare, Food and beverages, Automobile and various sectors. Our Website offers safe and secure online ordering experience, convenient payment options.Contact UsFrank ValadezBusiness Development Executive| sales@apexresearch.biz
Global Agricultural Tyre Market Research Report Forecast 2017-2021

Agricultural Tyre Market

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The report, titled Global Agricultural Tyre Market 2017 is a methodical research study based on the Agricultural Tyre market, analyzing the competitive framework of the industry in the world. Using efficient analytical tools such as SWOT analysis and Porters five forces analysis, the report provides a comprehensive assessment of the Agricultural Tyre market.The report estimates the market size in terms of volume (kilo tons) and revenue (US$) produced, whereas, the key segments and the geographical subdivision of the Agricultural Tyre market are also analyzed in detail. The market drivers, limitations, and growth prospects of each segment are discussed in this report and, based on that, analysts have determined the future of the market for Agricultural Tyre in the global arena.Get full report with TOC @The report covers each aspect of the market for Agricultural Tyre in globally, starting from the basic information about the market and advancing to the various criteria on the basis of which the market is classified. The major applications of the Agricultural Tyre market are also discussed in the report.The report studies the Agricultural Tyre market by evaluating the market chain, prevalent policies, and regulations as well as the manufacturers, their manufacturing chain, cost structures, and contribution in the industry. The regional markets for the global Agricultural Tyre market are examined by analyzing the pricing of products in the region compared to the profit generated. The production capacity, demand and supply, logistics, and the historical performance of the market in the given region is also evaluated in this market report.Get Free sample report @The report is arranged to provide an overview of the Agricultural Tyre market by product, company and geography. Forecasts are broken down by geographic region or by country. The worldwide market is analyzed and data provided for each disease sub-segment.The report determines the leading players in the global market. The company profiles of the major participants operating in the global Agricultural Tyre market have been reviewed in this study.Market Research Store 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.Contact UsJoel John3422 SW 15 Street, Suit #8138,Deerfield Beach, Florida 33442,United StatesTel: +1-386-310-3803GMT Tel: +49-322 210 92714USA/Canada Toll Free No. 1-855-465-4651Email: sales@marketresearchstore.com
Global Prefilled Needles Market 2017 - Medtronic, BD Medical, Boston Scientific, Smith Medical, Argon Medical Devices

Global Prefilled Needles Market

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The report, titled Global Prefilled Needles Market 2017 is a methodical research study based on the Prefilled Needles, analyzing the competitive framework of the industry in the world. Using efficient analytical tools such as SWOT analysis and Porters five forces analysis, the report provides a comprehensive assessment of the Prefilled Needles market.Browse Full Report with Toc:The report estimates the market size in terms of volume (kilo tons) and revenue (US$) produced, whereas, the key segments and the geographical subdivision of the Prefilled Needles market are also analyzed in detail. The market drivers, limitations, and growth prospects of each segment are discussed in this report and, based on that, analysts have determined the future of the market for Prefilled Needles in the global arena.For Free sample report @Global market, with production, price, revenue and market share for each manufacturer, coveringMedtronicBD MedicalBoston ScientificSmith MedicalArgon Medical DevicesNovo NordiskTerumo CorporationNIPRO MedicalB. Braun Melsungen AGThe report covers each aspect of the market for Prefilled Needles in globally, starting from the basic information about the market and advancing to the various criteria on the basis of which the market is classified. The major applications of the Prefilled Needles market are also discussed in the report.The report studies the Prefilled Needles market by evaluating the market chain, prevalent policies, and regulations as well as the manufacturers, their manufacturing chain, cost structures, and contribution in the industry.Inquiry for Before buying report @MRS Research Group is the worlds giant collection of the Market research Reports. Where we specialized in global publisher, tailor made reports and specialists consulting. Global Publisher provides in-depth analysis of global and Chinese market.3422 SW 15 Street, Suit #8138, Deerfield Beach, Florida 33442,
Global Air Blow Gun Market Research Report Forecast 2017-2021

Air Blow Gun Market

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The report, titled Global Air Blow Gun Market 2017 is a methodical research study based on the Air Blow Gun market, analyzing the competitive framework of the industry in the world. Using efficient analytical tools such as SWOT analysis and Porters five forces analysis, the report provides a comprehensive assessment of the Air Blow Gun market.The report estimates the market size in terms of volume (kilo tons) and revenue (US$) produced, whereas, the key segments and the geographical subdivision of the Air Blow Gun market are also analyzed in detail. The market drivers, limitations, and growth prospects of each segment are discussed in this report and, based on that, analysts have determined the future of the market for Air Blow Gun in the global arena.Get full report with TOC @The report covers each aspect of the market for Air Blow Gun in globally, starting from the basic information about the market and advancing to the various criteria on the basis of which the market is classified. The major applications of the Air Blow Gun market are also discussed in the report.The report studies the Air Blow Gun market by evaluating the market chain, prevalent policies, and regulations as well as the manufacturers, their manufacturing chain, cost structures, and contribution in the industry. The regional markets for the global Air Blow Gun market are examined by analyzing the pricing of products in the region compared to the profit generated. The production capacity, demand and supply, logistics, and the historical performance of the market in the given region is also evaluated in this market report.Get Free sample report @The report is arranged to provide an overview of the Air Blow Gun market by product, company and geography. Forecasts are broken down by geographic region or by country. The worldwide market is analyzed and data provided for each disease sub-segment.The report determines the leading players in the global market. The company profiles of the major participants operating in the global Air Blow Gun market have been reviewed in this study.Market Research Store 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.Contact UsJoel John3422 SW 15 Street, Suit #8138,Deerfield Beach, Florida 33442,United StatesTel: +1-386-310-3803GMT Tel: +49-322 210 92714USA/Canada Toll Free No. 1-855-465-4651Email: sales@marketresearchstore.com
Global Synthetic Diamond Market-Segmented by Type, Product, Manufacturing Process, End-User Application and Geography Trends and Forecasts to 2022

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http://www.orbisresearch.com/reports/index/global-synthetic-diamond-market-segmented-by-type-product-manufacturing-process-end-user-application-and-geography-trends-and-forecasts-2016-2021

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This report helps to analyze competitive developments such as joint ventures, strategic alliances, mergers and acquisitions, new product developments, and research and developments in the Global Synthetic Diamond market.The Global Synthetic Diamond Market is estimated at USD XX million in 2017 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of X.X%, to reach USD XX million by 2022.Synthetic diamond, also known as cultured diamond, cultivated diamond or artificial diamond, is produced using an artificial process, unlike natural diamond, which is produced using a geological process. These diamonds exhibit similar properties like natural diamonds and can be manufactured at a lower cost. They are widely used in various end-user industries. Synthetic diamond can be used for grinding, polishing, milling, cutting and drilling as an abrasive due to its high rigidity. These diamonds also have good electrical and thermal properties and are used in electronics as material for wafer substrate and conductors. Synthetic diamond is also referred to as HPHT diamond or CVD diamond depending on the manufacturing process, high-pressure high-temperature (HPHT) and chemical vapor deposition (CVD).Download PDF Sample of Synthetic Diamond Market Report@Increased mining restriction in various countries are the major driving force for the promotion of lab-grown diamonds in the global market. In addition, rising demand for end use applications such as in electronics and super abrasives industry are some of the key factors for propelling the growth of synthetic diamond further in the global market.Synthetic diamonds are segmented by the way they are manufactured, i.e. high-pressure high-temperature (HPHT) and chemical vapor deposition (CVD) methods. These diamonds are also categorized by type into polished or rough. The product segment divides synthetic diamonds divided into dust, grit, stone, bort and powder. Depending on the end-user application, they are divided into jewelry, electronics, construction, mining and healthcare.Browse Full Report with TOC:The market has been geographically segmented into Asia-Pacific, Europe, North America and the Rest of the World. Asia-Pacific is the biggest market for the synthetic diamond, with over 50% share of the global synthetic diamond market, in 2014, due to an increase in the end-user application. This is also due to the increase in mining activities in India, China and ASEAN countries. Some of the key players in synthetic diamonds market include Element Six, Scio Diamond Technology Corporation, AOTC, Applied Diamond Inc., D.NEA, ILJIN Diamond, Washington Diamonds, and others.Place Purchase Order for this Report@Key Deliverables in the Study Market analysis for the global synthetic diamond market, with region-specific assessments and competition analysis on global and regional scales. Market definition along with the identification of factors instrumental in changing the market scenario and prospective opportunities. Extensively researched competitive landscape section with profiles of major companies along with their market share. Identification and analysis of the macro and micro factors that affect the global synthetic diamond market, on both global and regional scales. A comprehensive list of key market players along with the analysis of their current strategic interests and key financial information. Insights on the major countries/regions where this industry is growing and identify the regions that are still untapped.Table of Content1. Introduction1.1 Description1.2 Research Methodology1.3 Scope of the Study2. Executive Summary3. Market Insights3.1 Industry Value Chain Analysis3.2 Industry Attractiveness - Porter's Five Forces Model3.2.1 Bargaining Power of Suppliers3.2.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers3.2.3 Threat of New Entrants3.2.4 Threat of Substitute Products3.2.5 Degree of Competition3.3 Patent Analysis4. Market Dynamics4.1 Drivers4.1.1 Growing Demand from Super Abrasives Industry4.1.2 Growing Demand from Electronics Industry4.1.3 Increased Mining Restriction in Various Countries4.2 Restraints4.2.1 Slow Production Process due to Technological Advancements4.3 Opportunities5. Market Segmentation and Analysis5.1 By Type5.1.1 Polished5.1.2 Rough5.2 By Products5.2.1 Dust5.2.2 Grit5.2.3 Stone5.2.4 Bort5.2.5 Powder5.3 By Manufacturing Process5.3.1 High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT)5.3.2 Chemical Vapor Depsition (CVD)5.4 By End-Users5.4.1 Jewelry5.4.2 Electronics5.4.3 Construction5.4.4 Mining5.4.5 Healthcare5.4.6 Oil & Gas5.4.7 Others6. Regional Market Analysis (Market size, growth and forecast)6.1 Asia-Pacific6.1.1 China6.1.2 India6.1.3 Japan6.1.4 ASEAN6.1.5 Rest of APAC6.2 Europe6.2.1 Germany6.2.2 UK6.2.3 France6.2.4 Italy6.2.5 Spain6.2.6 Rest of Europe6.3 North America6.3.1 USA6.3.2 Rest of North America6.4 South America6.4.1 Brazil6.4.2 Rest of South America6.5 Middle-East and Africa (MEA)6.5.1 GCC countries6.5.2 South Africa6.5.3 Rest of MEA7. Competitive Landscape7.1 Mergers & Acquisitions7.2 Joint Ventures Collaborations and Agreements7.3 Market Shares Analysis7.4 Strategies Adopted by Leading Players8. Company Profiles8.1 AOTC8.2 Applied Diamond Inc.8.3 Centaurus Technologies, Inc.8.4 Crystallume8.5 D.NEA8.6 Element Six8.7 ILJIN Diamond8.8 New Diamond Technology, LLC8.9 Pure Grown Diamonds8.10 Sandvik AB8.11 Scio Diamond Technology Corporation8.12 Sumitomo Electric Industries8.13 Tomei Diamond Co., Ltd.8.14 Washington Diamonds Corporation9. DisclaimerOrbis Research is a single point aid for all your Market research requirements. We have vast database of reports from the leading publishers and authors across the globe. We specialize in delivering customised reports as per the requirements of our clients. We have complete information about our publishers and hence are sure about the accuracy of the industries and verticals of their specialisation. This helps our clients to map their needs and we produce the perfect required Market research study for our clients.Hector CostelloSenior Manager  Client Engagements4144N Central Expressway,Suite 600, Dallas,Texas - 75204, U.S.A.Phone No.: +1 (214) 884-6817; +912064101019Email ID: sales@orbisresearch.com
Cell Sorting Market Research Report By Technological Development, Applications & Forecast 2025

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Cell sorting is a process of separating cells based on their physical and chemical properties. The cell sorting process enables the separation of or collection of uniform population of cells from fluids or tissues, in which various types of cells are present. The physical characteristics considered for the separation of cells include cell size, cell density, fluorescence emitted by the labelled cell, and affinity of antibodies on cell surface epitopes. The common methods used for the separation of cells include centrifugation and electrophoresis. The centrifuge works on the principle of centrifugal force which separates the cells on the basis of their sedimentation velocity and cell size. Magnetic activated cell sorting (MACS) is primarily employed for the rapid isolation of rare cells such as viable cytokine-secreting cells.Obtain Report Details @The growing prevalence of chronic diseases and cancer and the increasing demand for cell therapies for the treatment of these diseases contribute to the growth of the cell sorting market. Rise in geriatric population and increase in patient pool are further driving the market growth. In addition, rise in government initiatives to enhance health care facilities, focus on research, and growth in research funding contribute to the growth of the market for cell sorting. However, high cost of devices, stringent regulations, and lack of skilled personnel with sound technical know-how are likely to restraint the market growth during the forecast period. The cell sorting market is primarily controlled by giant international players that hold proprietary products based on their patented technologies. This factor limits the entry of new players in the market.The global cell sorting market can be segmented on the basis of technology, application, end-user, and geography. On the basis of technology, the cell sorting market can be segmented into gradient centrifugation, separation based on cell markers, and sorting on microchips. The separation techniques based on cell markers include fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) and MACS. MACS is a bulk separation method and is commonly known as immunomagnetic cell sorting. It enables the reduction of sorting time with a high cell throughput. This method is employed when the cell sorting is to be done on a single criteria. FACS is anticipated to be the segment driving the growth of the market during the forecast period owing to its accuracy and increasing applications. In addition, FACS offers higher purity and recovery of cells as compared to other methods, though the cells are lost due to mortality. Based on application, the market can be segmented into research and clinical. The research segment is anticipated to expand at a significant CAGR during the forecast period owing to the increasing cancer research, which employs cell sorting. On the basis of end-user, the market can be segmented into research institutes, biotechnology companies, and others.Geographically, the global market is distributed over North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Middle East & Africa. North America is projected to be a high revenue generating market, closely followed by Europe, during the forecast period. The market growth in these regions can be attributed to advanced research infrastructures, significant health care spending, and increase government funding for research. The Asia Pacific market is anticipated to expand at a high CAGR during the forecast period, driven by governments focus on strengthening the biotechnology industry in India and China. In addition, growth in medical tourism and increase in patient population contribute to the growth of the Asia Pacific market.Fill The Form To Gain Deeper Insights On This Market @The leading players operating in the cell sorting market include Becton, Dickinson and Company, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Merck Millipore, Miltenyi Biotec, pluriSelect Life Science UG & Co. KG, STEMCELL Technologies Inc., Terumo BCT, Inc., Danaher Corporation, Bio-Rad Laboratories, Sysmex Partec GmbH, and Union Biometrica, Inc.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:
Baby Diapers Market: Global Baby Diapers Size & Trends Forecasts $67.46 Bn by 2022

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Zion Market Research has published a new report titled Baby Diapers Market for Biodegradable Diapers, Training Nappy, Cloth Diapers, Swim Pants and Disposable Diapers: Global Industry Perspective, Comprehensive Analysis, and Forecast, 2016- 2022.According to the report, the global baby diapers market accounted for around USD 46.50 Billion in 2016 and is expected to reach approximately USD 67.46 Billion by 2022, growing at a CAGR of around 6.4% between 2017 and 2022.The diaper is the type of underwear used to urinate or defecate without using the toilet. Baby diapers are made up of synthetic cloth or disposable material. The absorbent present in the diapers is polymers with hydrophilic property with high absorption rate. Prolong contact with the wet diaper can cause rashes and inconvenience, so the disposable diapers with advance technical properties are usually used. Plastic diapers are experiencing stumpy demand due to the introduction of new products which are slim fit with anti-bacterial and biodegradable properties.Request Free Sample copy of Research Report @Global baby diapers market is primarily driven by increasing disposable income in emerging economies paired with growing literacy rate of women. In addition, increasing birth rates in developing the region and growing concern about babys hygiene spur baby diapers demand. Furthermore, growing online purchase of baby diapers favors the baby diapers market growth. On a contrary, dropping birth rate in the developed countries is expected to have the adverse impact on baby diapers market growth. Nonetheless, increasing demand for an advanced product and significant demand from developing countries are some factors that may disclose new avenues for baby diapers market in the near future.Based on the type of diapers, the market is bifurcated into training nappy, cloth diapers, swim pants, biodegradable diapers and disposable diapers. Rising popularity of disposable diapers due to easy usability is expected to show significant growth in coming years. Further, these diapers are made up of hypoallergenic which is safe for babies. Biodegradable diapers are attaining traction in since past few years due to of rising environmental concerns and are expected to be one of the most attractive segments of baby diapers markets.Inquire more about this report before purchase @North America emerged as dominating the regional market for baby diapers in 2016. The growth of this region is mainly attributed to high product advancement, high literacy rate, and immense working population. Escalating population, increasing disposal income, growing literacy rates in developing regions of Asia Pacific propel this region to grow with highest CAGR in coming years. Europe is also considered to be the lucrative market for baby diapers in near future due to the huge working population.Some of the key players in the baby diapers are Unicharm, SCA Hygiene, Procter & Gamble, Bumkins, KAO Corporation, Kimberly-Clark, Hengan and Diapees and Wipees amongst others.Browse detail report with in-depth TOC @About Us:Zion Market Research is an obligated company. We create futuristic, cutting edge, informative reports ranging from industry reports, company reports to country reports. We provide our clients not only with market statistics unveiled by avowed private publishers and public organizations but also with vogue and newest industry reports along with pre-eminent and niche company profiles. Our database of market research reports comprises a wide variety of reports from cardinal industries. Our database is been updated constantly in order to fulfill our clients with prompt and direct online access to our database. Keeping in mind the clients needs, we have included expert insights on global industries, products, and market trends in this database. Last but not the least, we make it our duty to ensure the success of clients connected to usafter allif you do well, a little of the light shines on us.Contact Us:Zion Market Research4283, Express Lane,Suite 634-143,Sarasota, Florida 34249, United StatesTel: +49-322 210 92714USA/Canada Toll-Free No.1-855-465-4651Email: sales@zionmarketresearch.comWebsite:Blog:
Laser Warning System Market Set to Grow Exponentially During the Forecast 2017-2025

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Laser Warning System Market: IntroductionTodays battlefields are more than guns and soldiers, numerous support systems are being adopted in the battlefield supporting soldiers to be alert, reduce war casualties and stay one step ahead of the enemies. The use of advanced military technology has increased over the years aiding the soldiers in making crucial tactical decisions, avoid sudden enemy ambushes and minimize damage. One such technology that has been prevalent in the modern warfare is the use of laser warning system. A laser warning system or a laser detection system is a small cautionary device equipped with a laser receiver and a warning system that detects, analyses and alerts its user of laser rays emitted by the rangefinders and guidance system of the enemy. The increased use of electronics in weapon guiding systems is the reason for the improvement in the laser warning system market in order to counter the threat projected by the enemy quickly and effectively. Some of the latest advancements made in the laser warning system include automatic countermeasure systems integrated into the laser warning system that deploys smoke screens, dazzlers, laser jammers and others upon the detection of laser rays.Get access to full summary @:Laser Warning System Market: DynamicsLaser warning system market is driven by the increased need of protection of the soldiers in the battle ground. Military officers who are constantly engaged in the battlefield for defensive and offensive activities always find themselves in need for continuously understanding the tactics employed by the enemy and take the necessary evasive manoeuvres to gain an upper hand. This is achieved through the use of laser warning system, which in turn positively influences the growth of the market over the forecast period. Though not limited to its usage in an active battlefield only, a laser warning system is also being increasingly employed for border protection also. As tensions are prevalent at the border of two countries, laser warning system have been increasingly installed at the borders in order to alert the officers beforehand about the threat and undertake defensive actions quickly. The market players associated with manufacture of laser warning systems are very limited in number against the backdrop of steadily increasing demand and stagnant military budget, which has forced the manufacturers to keep the competition with each other and share expertise and resources for more value added products. One crucial restraint associated with laser warning system market is the usage of beam-riders for guiding missiles, these guidance systems are more difficult to detect and has been increasingly purchased by the Middle Eastern forces. Complications associated with tightening and limiting military funding by various governments of the countries can also dent the market sales of laser warning system.Laser Warning System Market: SegmentationOn the basis of Range Coverage or Azimuth, Laser Warning System can be segmented as: 0 to 90, 90 to 180, 180 to 360. On the basis of threat detection type, the market can be segmented as: Laser Rangefinder, Laser Guidance Systems, Others (Laser Designator etc.). On the basis of End Users, the market can be segmented as: Ground Force, Maritime Force, Air Force, Others (Border Security Forces etc.).Laser Warning System Market: Regional OutlookThe Global Laser Warning System market can be segmented into seven geographical regions such as Asia Pacific excluding Japan, North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Japan and Middle East & Africa. The U.S. in the North America region is likely to fare better in the laser warning system market than other countries in other regions owing to slightly higher military funding. Western Europe and Japan are also better prospects for the sales of laser warning systems market in the forecast period owing to improvement in military funding and infrastructure while the market in China in the Asia Pacific region for laser warning system is also likely to witness steady growth over the forecast period.Laser Warning System Market: ParticipantsExamples of some of the participants identified in the manufacture of Laser Warning System market are: Thales Group, Ferranti Technologies Ltd., Elbit Systems Ltd., PCO S.A., Metrodat s.r.o., Global Industrial & Defence Solutions, Aselsan A.?., UTC Aerospace Systems, Excelitas Technologies Corp., Saab AB, Northrop Grumman Corporation, BAE Systems Plc, Airbus Defence and Space.A sample of this report is available upon request @The research report presents a comprehensive assessment of the market and contains thoughtful insights, facts, historical data, and statistically supported and industry-validated market data. It also contains projections using a suitable set of assumptions and methodologies. The research report provides analysis and information according to categories such as market segments, geographies, types and applications.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.Contact UsPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA  Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
Steering Columns System Market Explores New Growth Opportunities By 2025

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Global Steering Columns System Market: OverviewThe Steering Column System is a device which is mainly used to connect the whole mechanism and transfers the drivers response rotation through the steering wheel. The steering column system comprises a transferable housing which holds a collapsible revolving shaft. The steering column system is linked to the shaft of steering gear by a flexible point, which permits the position and the transmission of the driver is reduced from road shocks.Get access to full summary @:Few steering columns consist of the shaft which is in between that runs at slanting angle, from the steering column to the gear. Some of the steering columns system manufacturers produce sensors which control the steering column that provides all the information to the control modules of an electric assisted or any steering systems.Global Steering Columns System Market: SegmentationBased on the Steering Systems type, Steering Columns System market can be segmented into: Manual Rack And Pinion Steering System, Manual Recirculating Ball & Nut Steering System, Manual Worm & Roller Steering System, Electric Power Steering System, Hydraulic Power Steering System. Based on the column types, Steering Columns System market can be segmented into: Active-Energy Absorbing Steering Columns, Non-Adjustable Steering Columns, Power Adjustable Steering Columns, Power one touch Adjustability Columns, Rake Adjustable Steering Columns, Touch Control Electronic Transmission Shifter Steering Column, Tilt-Adjustable Steering Column. Based on the vehicle types, Steering Columns System market can be segmented into: Light Commercial Vehicles, Heavy Commercial Vehicles, Passenger Cars. Based on the Pivot Alignment, Steering Columns System market can be segmented into: Lower pivot Tilt Steering Column, Lower Pivot Steering Column, Lower pivot Tilt and Telescopic Steering Column, Upper Pivot Tilt & Telescope Steering Column.Global Steering Columns System Market: Segment OverviewAmong steering types, electric power steering segment is anticipated to grow at rapid pace in the forecast period as the fuel efficiency and improving technology by electric power steering is the foremost driver for the segment. Almost all the passenger vehicles and cars have Electronic Power Steering Systems, which is driven by an electric motor which is not connected to the main engine and only operates when it is required.On the basis of vehicle types, the passenger cars segment expected to expand at relatively high CAGR during the forecast period, the segment is driven by increasing demand for power consumption vehicles. Moreover, commercial vehicles segment will witness high growth rate.A sample of this report is available upon request @Global Steering Columns System Market: Regional OutlookOn the basis of the geographical market segment, it is segmented into seven different regions: North America, Latin America, and Eastern Europe, Western Europe, and Asia-Pacific region, Japan and the Middle East and Africa.In regional segments, Asia-Pacific is the leading market for the global steering columns system and is anticipated to continue its position during the forecast period. The expansion is mainly attributed to increasing of the automotive industry in developing nations such as India and China.Global Steering Columns System Market: Drivers and RestraintsThe Global Steering Columns System Market is expected to witness sustained growth over the forecast period. The growth of steering columns system market is driven as there is favorable growth in the automotive industry is a major factor which will boost the steering columns system market. Moreover, rising purchasing power of the consumers is also driving the steering columns system market. As the increasing vehicle production in all the regions around the world is also influencing the demand for steering columns system market.Huge capital and high research & development costs that are related to the production & development of steering columns system market are major restraints of the market.To view TOC of this report is available upon request @Global Steering Columns System Market: Key PlayersSome of the players operating in the Steering Columns System includes Bosch, Nexteer automotive, Pailton Engineering Ltd, TRW Automotive, Kostal of America Inc., Denso Corporation, Continental AG, Delphi Automotive PLC, Schaeffler, Marimba Auto, LLC, NSK, Coram Group, Mando Corporation and COBO International and few other regional players. Manufacturers are investing in research & development and also focusing on different strategies to maintain their market share in the Global Steering Columns System 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:
Cosmetic Packaging Market: China Cosmetic Packaging Share to Reach $7.75 Bn by 2022

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Zion Market Research has published a new report titled Cosmetic Packaging Market by Material Type (Plastic, Glass, Paper and Others), by Container Type (Jars, Bottles, Tubes, Sachets and Others) for Hair Care, Nail Care, Skin Care, Makeup and Other Applications: China Industry Perspective, Comprehensive Analysis and Forecast, 2016  2022.According to the report, the demand for cosmetic packaging market in China was valued at over USD 5.87 billion in 2016, is expected to reach above USD 7.75 billion in 2022 and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of slightly above 4.8% between 2017 and 2022.Packaging is the process of enclosing, wrapping and protecting products for storage, distribution, sale, and use. Packaging can also be defined as the process of designing, evaluating, and producing packages. Cosmetic packaging depends on four major aspects such as the type of container, compatibility, functionality, and protection of products. Cosmetic packaging is gaining huge demand in recent times owing to the huge demand for cosmetic products in China.Request Free Sample copy of Research Report @The sharp rise in the cosmetic industry in expected to drive the cosmetic packaging market in China in upcoming years. Moreover, major focus on innovative cosmetic packaging is likely to fuel the growth of the cosmetic packaging market in the forecast period. However, fluctuations in the raw material of the packaging may obstruct the growth of the cosmetic packaging market in coming years. Nevertheless, increasing number of domestic players in this market may open opportunities for the cosmetic packaging market growth within the forecast period. Furthermore, development of new materials is considered to be the major driver opening new opportunities for the cosmetic packaging industry.Based on the material type, the cosmetic packaging can be segmented as plastic, glass, paper, and others. Plastic seized the cosmetic packaging market in 2016 due to high use of plastic in packaging owing to its well-situated in use and low cost. The cosmetic packaging is carried out using various types of container type such as jars, bottles, tubes, sachets, and others. Bottles held the significant market share in 2016 followed by tubes. Tubes are expected to experience amplifying growth in the forecast period. The cosmetic packaging is utilized in various applications such as hair care, skin care, nail care, makeup, and others. Skin care clutched the cosmetic packaging market in 2016 with noteworthy market share.Inquire more about this report before purchase @China cosmetics market is growing rapidly. There are various new brands attracting the Chinese consumers. China is the second-largest cosmetics consumer market across the globe. Chinas cosmetics industry underwent a significant transformation over the past decade, owing to its rapid economic development. China is witnessing the decisive and approving shift in womens lifestyles coupled with remarkable growth in disposable income. The women population in China hunts for greater beauty expectations. Their prominent and escalating liberty combined with the focus on appearance is expected to ladder up the cosmetic market which in turn is anticipated to accelerate the growth of the cosmetic packaging market in the forecast period. Moreover, China is experiencing spectacular growth in skin care sector and is expected to gain traction in the forecast period.Some of the major manufacturers in the cosmetic packaging include Jiangyin Bonus Cosmetics Packaging Co., Ltd., Guangzhou Taimei Cosmetic Packaging Co., Ltd, QUEENSPACK Co. Ltd, JUMBO, Alovey Cosmetic Packaging Co.,Ltd, Rise Cosmetic Packaging Co., Ltd., BI-packaging, IMS NINGBO LIMITED, Rayuen Packaging Co., Limited , Fine Cosmetic Packaging Co. Ltd., HCP Packaging and Auber Packaging Co., Ltd among others. The presence of numerous players in cosmetic packaging market in China there has been extreme competition among the manufacturers to uphold in the market.Browse detail report with in-depth TOC @About Us:Zion Market Research is an obligated company. We create futuristic, cutting edge, informative reports ranging from industry reports, company reports to country reports. We provide our clients not only with market statistics unveiled by avowed private publishers and public organizations but also with vogue and newest industry reports along with pre-eminent and niche company profiles. Our database of market research reports comprises a wide variety of reports from cardinal industries. Our database is been updated constantly in order to fulfill our clients with prompt and direct online access to our database. Keeping in mind the clients needs, we have included expert insights on global industries, products, and market trends in this database. Last but not the least, we make it our duty to ensure the success of clients connected to usafter allif you do well, a little of the light shines on us.Contact Us:Zion Market Research4283, Express Lane,Suite 634-143,Sarasota, Florida 34249, United StatesTel: +49-322 210 92714USA/Canada Toll-Free No.1-855-465-4651Email: sales@zionmarketresearch.comWebsite:Blog:
Global Bookkeeper Software  Research on Market Size, Status and Manufacturers QuickBooks, Accounting by Wave, Pandle Forecast 2022

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HTF Market Intelligence released a new research report of 90 pages on title 'Global Bookkeeper Software Market Size, Status and Forecast 2022' with detailed analysis, forecast and strategies.SummaryThis report studies the global Bookkeeper Software market, analyzes and researches the Bookkeeper Software development status and forecast in United States, EU, Japan, China, India and Southeast Asia. This report focuses on the top players in global market, likeQuickBooksAccounting by WavePandleExpress AccountsLessAccountingTaxSlayer Books...Request a sample report @Market segment by Regions/Countries, this report coversUnited StatesEUJapanChinaIndiaSoutheast AsiaMarket segment by Type, Bookkeeper Software can be split intoCloudSaaSWebMarket segment by Application, Bookkeeper Software can be split intoSMEsLarge organizationOtherIf you have any special requirements, please let us know and we will offer you the report as you want.Get Customization in the Report, Enquire Now @Table of ContentsGlobal Bookkeeper Software Market Size, Status and Forecast 20221 Industry Overview of Bookkeeper Software1.1 Bookkeeper Software Market Overview1.1.1 Bookkeeper Software Product Scope1.1.2 Market Status and Outlook1.2 Global Bookkeeper Software Market Size and Analysis by Regions1.2.1 United States1.2.2 EU1.2.3 Japan1.2.4 China1.2.5 India1.2.6 Southeast Asia1.3 Bookkeeper Software Market by Type1.3.1 Cloud1.3.2 SaaS1.3.3 Web1.4 Bookkeeper Software Market by End Users/Application1.4.1 SMEs1.4.2 Large organization1.4.3 Other2 Global Bookkeeper Software Competition Analysis by Players2.1 Bookkeeper Software Market Size (Value) by Players (2016 and 2017)2.2 Competitive Status and Trend2.2.1 Market Concentration Rate2.2.2 Product/Service Differences2.2.3 New Entrants2.2.4 The Technology Trends in FutureBuy this report @3 Company (Top Players) Profiles3.1 QuickBooks3.1.1 Company Profile3.1.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.1.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.1.4 Bookkeeper Software Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.1.5 Recent Developments3.2 Accounting by Wave3.2.1 Company Profile3.2.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.2.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.2.4 Bookkeeper Software Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.2.5 Recent Developments3.3 Pandle3.3.1 Company Profile3.3.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.3.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.3.4 Bookkeeper Software Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.3.5 Recent Developments3.4 Express Accounts3.4.1 Company Profile3.4.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.4.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.4.4 Bookkeeper Software Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.4.5 Recent Developments3.5 LessAccounting3.5.1 Company Profile3.5.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.5.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.5.4 Bookkeeper Software Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.5.5 Recent Developments3.6 TaxSlayer Books3.6.1 Company Profile3.6.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.6.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.6.4 Bookkeeper Software Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.6.5 Recent Developments....ContinuedView Detailed Table of Content @Thanks for reading this article, you can also get individual chapter wise section or region wise report version like North America, Europe or Asia.HTF Market Report is a wholly owned brand of HTF market Intelligence Consulting Private Limited. HTF Market Report global research and market intelligence consulting organization is uniquely positioned to not only identify growth opportunities but to also empower and inspire you to create visionary growth strategies for futures, enabled by our extraordinary depth and breadth of thought leadership, research, tools, events and experience that assist you for making goals into a reality. Our understanding of the interplay between industry convergence, Mega Trends, technologies and market trends provides our clients with new business models and expansion opportunities. We are focused on identifying the Accurate Forecast in every industry we cover so our clients can reap the benefits of being early market entrants and can accomplish their Goals & Objectives.Contact Us:HTF Market Intelligence Consulting Private LimitedUnit No. 429, Parsonage Road Edison, NJNew Jersey USA  08837sales@htfmarketre)port.com+1 (206) 317 1218 (US
Small Scale LNG Terminals Market Research, Share, Competitor Strategy, Industry Trends, Forecast to 2025

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Global Small Scale LNG Terminals Market: OverviewThe clean burning nature of natural is driving initiatives encouraging its increased usage across a number of industrial applications and across the transportation industry. The transportation industry, which largely relies on petrochemicals-based fuels with high emission levels to power engines, making it one of the most significant contributor to the rising levels of air pollution across the globe.In a bid to lower down the levels of environment-degrading emissions and pollutants, government bodies are increasing their participation in initiatives aimed at the increased the usage of natural gas and are focusing on the development of LNG infrastructure at a rapid pace. These initiatives are expected to pace up the rate of deployment and development of LNG terminal infrastructures. Although large LNG terminals have been conventionally the more preferred type of LNG supply centers, the rising demand for LNG from remote-located consumers is rapidly making small-scale LNG terminals the norm for the supply of natural gas across small geographies.Request a Brochure of the Report @Global Small Scale LNG Terminals Market: Trends and OpportunitiesOver the past few years, the global commoditization of LNG has led to a significant rise in the number of new applications and market of LNG. Technological solutions enabling small scale LNG terminals have become mature and modularization, standardization, and the rate of competitiveness have increased.Relatively lower entry-level challenges as compared to large LNG projects have opened up vast stores of opportunity for the rapid development of creative and new technologies and have increased the number of new entrants in the market over the years. The increased adoption of LNG as a fuel in the automotive industry, especially for powering heavy-duty vehicles, is also a key factor to have increased the adoption of small-scale LNG terminals across several regional markets.Request for TOC of the Report @Global Small Scale LNG Terminals Market: Regional OverviewFrom a regional perspective, the small scale LNG terminals market is highly attractive across environment-conscious regions such as North America and Europe. Strict regulations in the marine sector have increased the scope of usage of LNG as a bunker fuel in Europe, stimulating the development of strategically located small scale terminals. In the next few years also, North America and Europe will continue to contribute significantly to the global small-scale LNG terminals market in terms of new installations and capacity expansions.Asia Pacific is also a highly promising market owing to its mammoth transportation industry. In China, several efforts in place to educate masses about the need to switch to clean fuels to lower down the levels of air pollution in cities, easy availability of natural gas, and substantial price difference between diesel and natural gas are driving the increased deployment of small scale LNG terminals.Global Small Scale LNG Terminals Market: Market PotentialThe field of LNG bunkering is increasingly becoming one of the key end-use segments of the global small scale LNG terminals market and companies operating in the field are registering large-scale expansion of operations and capacities at a rapid pace. In a recent development, the privately-owned company LNG Gorskaya has received funding worth $20.04 mn, which the company will use to develop its LNG bunkering plants in Estonia. With further funding, the company is planning to finance its LNG bunkering centers in Finland, Germany, Estonia, Latvia, and Sweden, establishing a series of small-scale terminals to be able to provide LNG to ships at around 320 km from its LNG bunkering stations.Read Complete Report @Global Small Scale LNG Terminals Market: Competitive LandscapeThe highly competitive vendor landscape of the global small scale LNG terminals market is expected to witness the introduction of several new business models in the next few years. The market is expected to witness a rise in mergers and acquisitions as companies focus on leveraging their project management competence and technological expertise to stay ahead of competition.Some of the leading companies operating in the global small scale LNG terminals market are Nippon Gas Co., Ltd., EcoElectrica Inc., Plum Energy, LLC, Linde AG, Santos Ltd, PT Donggi Senoro LNG, Prometheus Energy Company, Emirates Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) LLC, Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS), and Skangass AS.About TMR ResearchTMR Research is a premier provider of customized market research and consulting services to business entities keen on succeeding in todayas supercharged economic climate. Armed with an experienced, dedicated, and dynamic team of analysts, we are redefining the way our clientsa conduct business by providing them with authoritative and trusted research studies in tune with the latest methodologies and market trends.Our savvy custom-built reports span a gamut of industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals and metals, food and beverages, and technology and media, among others. With actionable insights uncovered through in-depth research of the market, we try to bring about game-changing success for our clients.Contact :Rohit BhiseyHead - Internet MarketingTel: +1-415-520-1050Email: sales@tmrresearch.com
Population Health Management Market Analysis Of Top Key Player Forecast To 2025

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Population health management is characterized as collecting and analyzing the data on segments of patient population and management of that data for specific diseases within that population. It is a model which helps the health care providers and payers to assess the populations they serve across the continuum of care. Population health management is thus a comprehensive approach which requires both analysis and action, and utilized to uncover the gaps in health care for the benefits of patients and physicians. It improves health management outcomes by aligning physicians, coordinating the medical care, and optimizing efficiency as well as revenue. Major factors driving the population health management market are continued pressures to minimize health care costs, rising demand to improve the healthcare services quality, and implementation of value-based payment system. However, lack of trained and efficient professionals, safety of data and its management concerns, and lack of proper systems requiring investment to run the population health management program smoothly are the major restraints of the population health management market.Obtain Report Details @The global population health management market can be segmented based on component, delivery mode, and end-user. In terms of component, the global population health management has been segmented into software, hardware, and services. The services segment has been further divided into consulting, business intelligence, analytics, and others. The consulting and business intelligence segments dominated the population health management market in 2016, owing to the rising demand for business intelligence tools to analyze the data in the process of decision making from a patient perspective. The software segment is expected to lead the population health management market during the forecast period, with highest CAGR, attributed to the introduction of the Patient Protection & Affordable Care Act (ACA) and encouragement to hospitals by public and private players to take up population health management programs. Based on delivery mode, the global population health management market has been classified as web-based, mobile-based, cloud-based, and others. The web-based segment held the largest share of the population health management market in 2016 due to the continuous efforts being made by governments to reduce health care costs and rapid adoption of private payers to value-based purchasing model. However, the mobile-based segment is anticipated to witness highest CAGR and is expected to account for the largest share of the global population health management market in terms of revenue by 2025. Emergence of big data analytics is a major factor likely to drive the mobile-based market during the forecast period.In terms of end-user, the global population health management market has been segmented into health care providers, health care payers, government organizations, and employer groups. The health care providers segment captured the largest market share in terms of revenue in 2016, attributed to rising incidence of chronic diseases among the population and increasing demand for better and healthy patient quality of life. The health care payers and providers segments are projected to dominate the global population health management market from 2017 to 2025, owing to increasing demand for effective and systematic disease management.Geographically, the global population health management market has been segmented into five major regions: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. North America accounted for the largest share of the population health management market in terms of revenue in 2016, attributed to the reforms and investments being made to modernize the health care infrastructure in the U.S. However, the market in Asia Pacific is expected to expand at the highest CAGR during the forecast period, owing to the growing medical tourism in developing countries in Asia and the rapidly expanding health care industry in China and India. North America is anticipated to continue to dominate the market during the forecast period due to the efforts being taken to digitalize the health care system in the region.Fill The Form To Gain Deeper Insights On This Market @Key players in the global population health management market are Allscripts Healthcare Solutions, Inc., Cerner Corporation, Accenture, Conifer Health Solutions, LLC, McKesson Corporation, IBM Corporation, Wellcentive, Inc., and Epic Corporation, Inc., among others.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:
Audiological Devices Market Overview, Share, Development, Trends, Growth, Research and Analysis 2025

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Global Audiological Devices Market: OverviewOver the past few years, the market for audiological devices, the variety of advanced technological devices used to study audiology and cure hearing-related conditions, has witnessed a sharp rise in the adoption of digital technology across key aspects of product design and development. The result has been the development of devices with vast improvement in sound quality and reduction in product sizes.The market now features a vast variety of compact and even some virtually invisible hearing aid systems, increasing the likelihood of people purchasing them to treat their hearing loss; a significant portion of the total number of people with hearing loss across the globe do not have hearing aids because of the stigma associated with them. With invisible or highly compact hearing aids, the devices are less visible, thus mitigating this stigma.Request a Brochure of the Report @Global Audiological Devices Market: Trends and OpportunitiesOf the key factors supporting the overall growth of the global audiological devices market, the report cites the rising incidence rate of diagnosed hearing loss cases, technological advancements enabling high sound quality, and the vast rise in worlds geriatric population - a demographic highly vulnerable to age-related hearing loss. Rising support from government and international bodies for the increased usage of hearing assistance devices is also boosting the uptake of audiological devices across the globe. Improvements in design and innovations, bringing compact and less visible devices packed with several new features to the market, are also driving the increased adoption of audiological devices across the globe.Global Audiological Devices Market: Market PotentialThe high costs of technologically advanced audiological devices and their exclusion from medical reimbursement plans across most key markets have limited their uptake to a huge extent. The Hearing Loss Association of America states that over 48 mn people in the U.S. suffer from hearing loss and only about 20% of the people who can benefit from hearing aids wear them. With low cost products, the remaining 80% population can be turned into potential consumer base. This is an excellent incremental opportunity as the worlds population is ageing at a rapid pace. A report by United Nations states that over the period between 2015 and 2030, the number of people aged 60 years or more across the globe will rise from nearly 901 mn to 1.4 bn, denoting a 56% rise.Request for TOC of the Report @Global Audiological Devices Market: Regional OverviewFrom a geographical standpoint, the market for audiological devices in Europe contributes to the leading share of revenue to the global market. As a large number of key players in the audiological devices market are based in Western Europe, the region is often the first choice for new product launches. The Europe market also benefits owing to the rapid pace of technological advances, the increasing consumer demand for less visible audiological devices, and the rising prevalence of hearing impairment conditions.The report identifies excellent future growth opportunities in the Asia Pacific market. Factors backing this assumption include the rising population of geriatrics and the subsequent rise in hearing disabilities, positive developments across the healthcare infrastructures of developing countries, rising disposable incomes, and easy availability of technologically advanced products. The Asia-Pacific market for audiological devices is expected to exhibit growth at a promising pace over the reports forecast period.Read Complete Report @Global Audiological Devices Market: Competitive DynamicsThe global market for audiological devices features a largely concentrated vendor landscape, with a small number of companies accounting for a significant share in the overall market. The need for continuous research and technological advancements in products have developed high entry barriers for new entrants in the global audiological devices market. Nonetheless, the market features intense competition, with leading companies constantly striving to maintain their stronghold. Some of the leading companies operating in the market are Widex A/S, GN ReSound Group, Siemens Healthcare, Cochlear Limited, William Demant Holding A/S, Starkey Hearing Technologies, and Sonova Holding AG.About TMR ResearchTMR Research is a premier provider of customized market research and consulting services to business entities keen on succeeding in todayas supercharged economic climate. Armed with an experienced, dedicated, and dynamic team of analysts, we are redefining the way our clientsa conduct business by providing them with authoritative and trusted research studies in tune with the latest methodologies and market trends.Our savvy custom-built reports span a gamut of industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals and metals, food and beverages, and technology and media, among others. With actionable insights uncovered through in-depth research of the market, we try to bring about game-changing success for our clients.Contact :Rohit BhiseyHead - Internet MarketingTel: +1-415-520-1050Email: sales@tmrresearch.com
Biomarkers Market Analysis, Trends, Growth, Sales, Supply, Demands, Research and Industry share 2025

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Global Biomarkers Market: OverviewA biomarker is considered as a biological gene or molecule which is being used extensively across the globe in order to evaluate accurate pharmacologic responses, biological procedures, and pathogenic procedures. In addition, biomarkers are used to check bodys response to a specific treatment for a condition or disease. This helps the medical professionals in making effective clinical decisions, which will further assist in diagnosing the health of patients. According to the research study, the global biomarkers market is predicted to register a progressive growth rate throughout the forecast period.Global Biomarkers Market: Key TrendsIn the last few years, there has been a significant research on biomarkers, owing to which the application areas are likely to expand. This is estimated to benefit the global biomarkers market in the coming years. The use of biomarkers for effective therapeutics for cancer is likely to generate potential growth opportunities. In addition, the key players in the market are emphasizing on developing economies across the globe in order to create a niche and expand their presence in the next few years.Request a Brochure of the Report @Global Biomarkers Market: Market PotentialThe approval for the use of biomarkers by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a surrogate end-points in the treatment development process is one of the major factors is projected to fuel the growth of the global biomarkers market in the next few years. In addition, the key players are focusing on new product development is anticipated generate potential opportunities for key players operating in the global biomarkers market in the next few years. On the other hand, the high cost of sample collection, tests, and storage is one of the key challenges being faced by the leading players in the global biomarkers market. This is expected to hamper the growth of the market in the next few years.Global Biomarkers Market: Regional OutlookAmong the key regional segments, in 2016, the North America market for biomarkers led the global market with a massive share. As per the research study, this segment is estimated to remain in the leading position throughout the forecast period. The robust growth of this region can be attributed to technological developments and the rising focus on research and development activities. The rising demand for biomarkers from diverse industrial sectors is estimated to accelerate the growth of the North America market in the next few years.Request for TOC of the Report @On the other hand, Asia Pacific is projected to exhibit a progressive growth rate throughout the forecast period. The growing use of biomarkers for several diagnostic purposes, the rising incidence of chronic diseases, and the rising rate of outsourcing of pharmaceutical research and development activities are projected to supplement the growth of the Asia Pacific biomarkers market in the next few years.Global Biomarkers Market: Competitive AnalysisSome of the prominent players operating in the biomarkers market across the globe are Qiagen N.V., Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., Meso Scale Diagnostics, LLC., EKF Diagnostics Holdings, Inc., Enzo Biochem, Inc., Merck Millipore, Biosims Technologies Sas, Cisbio Bioassays, Signosis, Inc., and Perkinelmer, Inc. A significant rise in the number of players projected to enter the market is estimated to strengthen the competitive landscape of the global biomarkers market in the next few years.Read Complete Report @Furthermore, the growing focus of key players on innovations and technological developments is likely to encourage the growth of the global biomarkers market in the next few years. In addition, the expansion of the product portfolio is estimated to accelerate the growth of the market and benefit the prominent players operating in the global market.About TMR ResearchTMR Research is a premier provider of customized market research and consulting services to business entities keen on succeeding in todayas supercharged economic climate. Armed with an experienced, dedicated, and dynamic team of analysts, we are redefining the way our clientsa conduct business by providing them with authoritative and trusted research studies in tune with the latest methodologies and market trends.Our savvy custom-built reports span a gamut of industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals and metals, food and beverages, and technology and media, among others. With actionable insights uncovered through in-depth research of the market, we try to bring about game-changing success for our clients.Contact :Rohit BhiseyHead - Internet MarketingTel: +1-415-520-1050Email: sales@tmrresearch.com
Ablation Technology Market : Overview, Growth Rate, Development and Outlook to 2025

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Global Ablation Technology Market: OverviewThe term ablation refers to the surgical removal of harmful substances, abnormal growths such as tumors, and organs from the body. Ablation can be carried out via various methods such as cryoablation, laser or light, radiofrequency, microwave, ultrasound, hydrothermal, and electrical ablation technology. By application, the major segments of the global ablation technology market can be cardiovascular disease, urology, cancer, pain management, ophthalmology, cosmetic surgery, and gynecology.Global Ablation Technology Market: Key TrendsThe development of more innovative and effective ablation products is likely to influence the growth of the market for ablation technology. The growing number of ablation procedures, together with the greater espousal of minimally invasive procedures because of their being less painful, is ensuring that the market displays consistent growth over the next few years. Consequently, as the frequency of cardiac arrests and cancer increases worldwide, the demand for ablation technology will witness an upsurge. On the other hand, bruising at catheter insertion site and soreness in the chest after catheter ablation, and other side effects of various methods might slacken the growth of the market. However, as numerous companies are coming up with ablation devices featuring cutting-edge technologies, the negative impact of these restraints can be cancelled out.Request Sample Copy of the Report @Global Ablation Technology Market: Market PotentialA key trend in the global ablation technology market is the introduction of innovative products by several firms and their approval by regulatory bodies. In March 2017, AngioDynamics, a leading U.S.-based provider of medical devices, announced that it received the CE Mark certification for its new product, the Solero Microwave Tissue Ablation (MTA) System. Although this new product is not intended for cardiac use, it is likely to play a crucial role in the ablation of soft tissue at the time of laparoscopic, open, and percutaneous procedures. Another example of product approvals is the FDA approval of a new sensor-enabled ablation catheter, FlexAbility, developed by Abbott.Another significant development during the same month is the launch of CUSA Clarity ultrasonic tissue ablation platform by Integra Lifesciences Holdings Corporation. This new product offers high precision, power, and comfort to surgeons, patients, and staff, maximizing performance. Longer and tougher procedures such as fibrous tissue removal will be made easier by the use of this device, which features an intuitive touchscreen, ergonomic handpiece, and tough tissue tip.Request TOC of the Report @Global Ablation Technology Market: Regional OutlookWith the U.S at the fore, the ablation technology market in North America is slated for substantial growth. According to the findings of American Heart Association, nearly 350,000 people suffer from out-of-hospital cardiac arrests every year in the U.S. Of these, more than 90% patients die as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is not performed immediately. As a result, the demand for ablation technology will rise substantially.Asia Pacific is waiting in the wings to claim the foremost position in the global market for ablation technology, as the robust growth in healthcare industry, massive patient base, and extensive manufacturing and development of ablation technology products in countries such as India and China trigger growth.Read Comprehensive Overview of Report@Global Ablation Technology Market: Competitive AnalysisA number of market players are investing in mergers and acquisitions, collaborations, and partnerships in order to expand their presence on a global scale. For instance, BioSig Technologies, Inc. a prominent medical device manufacturer, entered a strategic partnership with Mayo Clinic and Mayo Clinic Ventures in March 2017. One of the major objectives of BioSig Technologies is to develop better ablation technologies for the treatment of deadly atrial fibrillation, arrhythmias, and ventricular tachycardia.Some of the major companies operating in the global market for ablation technology are Biosense Webster, Inc., Olympus Corporation, VytronUS, CONMED Corporation, Smith & Nephew plc, Osypka AG, Medtronic plc, St. Jude Medical, Inc., AtriCure, Inc., Boston Scientific Corporation, Endosense SA, and St. Jude Medical, 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 research of the market, we try to bring about game-changing success for our clients.Contact:Rohit BhiseyHead - Internet MarketingTel: +1-415-520-1050Email: sales@tmrresearch.com
Diagnostic Imaging Market Estimated to Flourish by 2017  2025

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Global Diagnostic Imaging Market: OverviewDiagnostic imaging refers to techniques that allow physicians to look inside our body for clues pertaining to a medical condition. Various techniques and machines enable the imaging of activities, structures, and abnormalities inside our bodies. Some of these are computed tomography (CT) scans, ultrasound, x-rays, MRI scans, and nuclear medicine scans. By application, spine, neurology, gynecology, breast health, general imaging, thoracic, cardiovascular, and orthopedics can be some of the key segments of the global market for diagnostic imaging. Whereas, hospitals, diagnostic imaging centers, research and academic centers, biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, and Contract Research Organizations (CROs) can be the chief end-use segments.Global Diagnostic Imaging Market: Key TrendsThe increasing incidence of diseases on a global scale, growing geriatric population, and technological advancement in the area of diagnostic imaging techniques are driving the market. Several government and private organizations are aiding the expansion of the global market for diagnostic imaging via vast investments directed at the development of new products. Among the diagnostic imaging methods, the x-ray based examinations are likely to exhibit maximum growth, contributing towards overall market growth.Request Sample Copy of the Report @On the other hand, exposure to radiation involved in some techniques might increase the risk of cancer among patients, restricting the growth of the global market. Nevertheless, significant opportunities arising from the development of new products will help the market overcome the negative impact of this restraint.Global Diagnostic Imaging Market: Market PotentialA number of market players are developing innovative devices aimed at offering more precise and faster diagnosis. As a result, several hospitals and clinics have been offering diagnostic imaging services. For instance, in March 2017, Sequoia Hospital started offering 128-sliced CT scans for accurate diagnosis of medical conditions. This new 3D technology ensures that patients will be exposed to minimal radiation, offering high image quality and faster results at the same time.Request TOC of the Report @Another example is the unveiling of a new center by Delhi-based Mahajan Imaging, an India-based diagnostic center, at Gurugram (previously Gurgaon), in the state of Haryana. The center aims at providing latest diagnostic imaging equipment and services to the residents, with an emphasis on spreading awareness about and offering treatments for womens health issues.Global Diagnostic Imaging Market: Regional OutlookBased on geography, the major segments of the global diagnostic imaging market are Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, and the Rest of the World (RoW). North America is expected to emerge as the leading market for diagnostic imaging. The growth of this region can be attributed to the alarming increase in medical conditions such as cancer.Read Comprehensive Overview of Report@Asia Pacific is expected to exhibit tremendous growth, with countries such as China, Japan, and India representing a major share of the regional market for diagnostic imaging. The rising awareness about the availability and benefits of these tests, increasing prevalence of chronic disorders, growing healthcare expenditures, and favorable policies of the government are propelling the market for diagnostic imaging in this region.Global Diagnostic Imaging Market: Competitive AnalysisMergers and acquisitions, partnerships, and collaborations are some of the major business strategies adopted by several leading market players. For example, MedyMatch Technology announced its collaboration with IBM Watson Health in March 2017. The key objective of this collaboration was to bring cognitive tools to imaging experts who work with hospital emergency rooms and other crucial settings for helping physicians diagnose intracranial bleeding resulting from stroke and head trauma. Similarly, during the same month, Minneapolis-based medical technology firm CorVascular Diagnostics, LLC announced its collaboration with Novarix, Inc. a manufacturer of medical devices used in intravenous therapy.Some of the major companies operating in the global market for diagnostic imaging are Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation, Siemens Healthcare GmBH, GE Healthcare, Koninklijke Philips N.V., Shimadzu Corporation, and Hitachi Ltd.About TMR ResearchTMR Research is a premier provider of customized market research and consulting services to business entities keen on succeeding in todays supercharged economic climate. Armed with an experienced, dedicated, and dynamic team of analysts, we are redefining the way our clients conduct business by providing them with authoritative and trusted research studies in tune with the latest methodologies and market trends.Our savvy custom-built reports span a gamut of industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals and metals, food and beverages, and technology and media, among others. With actionable insights uncovered through in-depth research of the market, we try to bring about game-changing success for our clients.Contact:Rohit BhiseyHead - Internet MarketingTel: +1-415-520-1050Email: sales@tmrresearch.com
Stretch Films Packaging Market is driven by rapid growth in food and beverage (F&B) sector

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Stretch films are stretchable and continuous thin film, which are mainly stretched and wrapped around a bundle of items to protect them from the external environment as well as unitize for storage, handling and shipping. Stretch film are highly engineered wrapping films and has emerged as a vital packaging solution. Unlike shrink films, no external heat is used for application of stretch films & this process is carried out using only two stages which are wrapping and sealing. Manufacturers usually prefer plastic materials such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) for the production of stretch films. Stretch films durable and tear-resistant thus adding to the safety of the package products. Stretch films are preliminarily used in bulk load packaging comprising from the end user industry such as food & beverages, consumer products, pharmaceuticals, etc.Browse Market Research Report @Global Stretch Films Packaging Market: Drivers & RestraintsRapid growth in food and beverage (F&B) sector coupled inclination towards lightweight, safe and cost efficient logistic packaging solution has emerged as the key driver of the growth in global stretch film packaging market. Also, Manufacturers across various product segments prefer stretch films packaging as equipment required for installation of stretch films are simple and less expensive. Storage and distribution markets as a result of an increase in retail trade, imports-exports among the regions also add to the growth of global stretch films packaging market. However, As compared to shrink film, stretch films are less moisture resistant thus provide less climatic protection. Also, biodegradability has risen as environmental challenges thus obstructing the growth of stretch film market to a larger extent. Thus, governments of various countries have started to promote bio-based materials which have emerged as an opportunity for market players to develop biodegradable stretch film.Global Stretch Films Packaging Market: SegmentationThe global stretch films packaging market is segmented as followsOn the basis of material type, the stretch films packaging market is segmented into:Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE)Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE)Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)Polypropylene (PP)OthersFor more information on this report, fill the form @On the basis of applications, the stretch films packaging market is segmented into:Food & Beverages packagingPharmaceuticals packagingConsumer product packagingIndustrial/bulk product packagingOthersGlobal Stretch Films Packaging Market: Segmentation OverviewStretch films packaging is in great demand for bulk packaging as well as in retail packaging. Based on the material type, Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) stretch film resins are expected to dominate the stretch films packaging market over the forecast period.Global Stretch Films Packaging Market: Regional OverviewGeographically, the stretch films packaging market is segmented into seven regions, namely North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific Excluding Japan (APEJ), Japan and the Middle East and Africa (MEA).The stretch films packaging market in North America along with Europe have relatively attended the maturity level and are thus expected to lose a sizable share of the global films packaging market to Asia Pacific. Key market players that operate in developed stretch films packaging markets of Europe and North America are eyeing Asia-Pacific markets to grow in revenue by making use the resources available in India and other ASEAN countries at an economical rate. The Asia-Pacific market is likely to grow as the most lucrative marketplace for the growth of stretch films packaging. As a result of the rise in disposal income with increasing urbanization coupled with an increase in production of food & beverages, consumer products, etc., the Asia-Pacific region is estimated to witness a healthy growth in stretch films packaging market over the forecast period. Latin America and Middle-East & Africa region are expected to show a positive rate of growth over the forecast period owing to rising demand from the manufacturing sector. Overall, the global stretch films packaging market is estimated to witness a healthy CAGR over the forecast period.Global Stretch Films Packaging Market: Key PlayersSome of the key players that operate in the stretch films packaging market across the globe are Bemis Company, Inc., AEP Industries Inc., Amcor Limited, , Sigma Plastics Group, Inc., Coveris Holdings S.A., Grafix Arts., DongGuan HuaYu Packing co., Ltd., Berry Global, Inc. and Clondalkin Group Holdings BV.About TMRTMR 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 TMR90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Heat Seal Bowls Packaging Market Will Generate New Growth Opportunities by 2025

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Dynamics changes in the pattern of consumption of food have been observed across the globe over the last decade. There has been an extraordinary growth in consumption of ready-to-cook processed food products owing to upgraded living standard and rising dual income level. Food product contamination due to compromised packaging and seal closures during storage and shipping have emerged as a major challenge across the globe. Heat seal bowls have emerged as packaging solution carrying all the features required for safe storage and transportation of food products. Heat seal bowl makes use of conduction mode of heat transfer to seal the bowls. Heat seal bowl is an economical packaging solution compared to other which are readily available in the market. Heat seal bowls are widely employed in food & beverages and pharmaceutical industries.Browse Market Research Report @Heat Seal Bowls Packaging Market: Drivers & RestraintsHeat seal bowls packaging market is driven by the demand for reliable sealing the bowls to curtail the leakage issues that happens due to ineffective sealing in the bowl packaging. Heat seal bowls packaging have gained momentum owing to increased consumption of packaged food in developed as well as developing economies. Also, Rise in urbanization, increase in disposable income, the growth in working-class population, etc. are some of the other factors that drive the growth of heat seal bowls packaging market. Moreover, Heat seal bowls packaging is ovenable/microwaveable in nature, and thus forms a convenient source of cooking food among the consumers. Hence the demand of heat seal bowls for food packaging have seen blistering growth over the years. However, Constant fluctuations concerning raw materials prices, used in the production of heat seal bowl thus hinder the growth of global heat seal bowls packaging market.Heat Seal Bowls Packaging Market: SegmentationThe global heat seal bowls packaging market is segmented as followsOn the basis of material used, the global heat seal bowls packaging market is segmented into:Polyethylene (PE)polyvinylchloride (PVC)Polypropylene (PP)Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)Polycarbonate (PC)Polystyrene (PS)OthersFill the form to gain deeper insights on this market @On the basis of application, the global heat seal bowls packaging market is segmented into:Food & BeveragesFruit / VegetablesMeals ready-to-eat (MRE)Sea foodPastaSoupsPharmaceuticalsOthersHeat Seal Bowls Packaging Market: Segmentation OverviewThe demand for heat seal bowls in food and beverages packaging has seen significant growth over the last decade at both customer end as well as manufacturer end. Revenue contribution from the bowls made of transparent PET material, an environmentally packaging solution is expected to fuel the growth of the global heat seal bowls market to a significant extent during the forecast period.Heat Seal Bowls Packaging Market: Regional OverviewGeographically, the global heat seal bowls packaging market is segmented into seven regions, namely North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific Excluding Japan (APEJ), Japan and the Middle East and Africa (MEA).Compared to other regions, Asia-Pacific region particularly the developing economies like India & China are likely to witness enormous growth opportunities owing to increase in food and beverages sector. Also, factors such as increase in consumption of ready-to-eat food is likely to propel further the demand of the heat seal bowls packaging in this region throughout the forecast period. North America and European markets have achieved maturity level in terms of food & beverages sector and thus the heat seal bowls packaging market is projected to grow at moderate CAGR over the forecast period. Also, Middle-East & African region is estimated to witness a positive growth in heat seal bowls packaging market owing to increase in demand of package food. Overall, Global heat seal bowls packaging market is estimated to see a healthy rate of growth over the forecast period.Heat Seal Bowls Packaging Market: Key PlayersSome key players that currently operate in heat seal bowls packaging market across the globe are Silgan Holdings Inc., Packaging Pro Australia., Placon Corporation., and OthersAbout TMRTMR 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 TMR90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Function-as-a-Service Market with Result, Challenges, Research, Froecast Growth 2025

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Global Function-as-a-Service Market: OverviewFunction-as-a-service (FaaS), a.k.a. serverless computing, is creating an evolution in the field of cloud computing as it plays a pivotal role in boosting IT agility by releasing developers from the taxing job of managing and provisioning servers. The next step in cloud infrastructure as a service (IaaS), FaaS cancels the need to administer servers and pay for them when not in use while making it a whole lot easier to leverage and scale complex automation areas. It is an event-driven computing service which executes functions and codes only when required.Global Function-as-a-Service Market: Key TrendsThe international FaaS market is prophesied to grow in the black at a knockout CAGR as organizations shift from DevOps to serverless computing. During the forecast period, there could also be other factors supporting the market growth, which include maturity of hosted services, scalability, and agility. The global market could be driven by the constant need articulated by most companies regarding the optimization of microservices and management of multiple platforms. As a result, services such as microservice management and monitoring and automation and integration are anticipated to gain a relentless impetus.Request a Brochure of the Report @Issues pertaining to portability to the cloud could act as an obstacle in the global FaaS market. Nonetheless, the availability of robust pre-existing cloud infrastructure and easy management and deployment need are forecasted to make up for the market disincentive. Companies around the world are now implementing FaaS as a means to run, manage, and deploy applications. Keeping this ability of the product in view, the market is expected to see the domination of operator-centric FaaS and developer-center FaaS in the coming years. Besides for the deployment of different applications such as those relating to research and academic and mobile and web, FaaS can be employed to optimize their performance.Global Function-as-a-Service Market: Market PotentialDelineated as the first serverless database, FaunaDB Serverless Cloud, introduced by a San Francisco startup, is making rounds on technology news columns with its real-time data replicating ability to ensure multi-cloud availability. The serverless revolution by Fauna Inc. is proud to seamlessly span Google Cloud Platform and Amazon Web Services. Later in 2017, the company is planning to offer support to the Microsoft Azure cloud. This latest offering is based on the adaptive operational database of FaunaDB that is capable of leveraging pay-as-you-go pricing, reduced operational overhead, elastic scaling, enhanced marketing time, and other cloud capabilities.Request for TOC of the Report @Global Function-as-a-Service Market: Regional OutlookThe North America FaaS market is prognosticated to lean on a colossal count of FaaS providers, surging want for business agility and flexibility, and towering rate of penetration into a gamut of industry verticals in the U.S. The researchers envisage the regional market to rake in a larger share of revenue in the coming years. Asia Pacific, on similar lines, is envisioned to secure a higher rate of growth during the forecast period. This could be due to the need to streamline business operations and enhance customer experiences with the help of significant investments in cloud service providers. As a result, Asia Pacific is predicted to register a telling CAGR.Read Complete Report @Global Function-as-a-Service Market: Competitive LandscapePlayers in the global FaaS market could be looking to boost customer satisfaction and focus on perpetual innovation in technology with a view to fortify their status in the industry. Additionally, partnerships, acquisitions, and new product developments are prime strategies projected to take precedence in the market. Some of the leading companies in the market are Dynatrace LLC, SAP SE, Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Corporation, Google, Inc., and IBM.About TMR ResearchTMR Research is a premier provider of customized market research and consulting services to business entities keen on succeeding in todays supercharged economic climate. Armed with an experienced, dedicated, and dynamic team of analysts, we are redefining the way our clients conduct business by providing them with authoritative and trusted research studies in tune with the latest methodologies and market trends.Our savvy custom-built reports span a gamut of industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals and metals, food and beverages, and technology and media, among others. With actionable insights uncovered through in-depth research of the market, we try to bring about game-changing success for our clients.Contact :Rohit BhiseyHead - Internet MarketingTel: +1-415-520-1050Email: sales@tmrresearch.com
Global Diamond Coating Tool Information and Analysis with Forecast Growth Research Report 2017

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"Global Diamond Coating Tool Market Research Report 2017" The Report covers current Industries Trends, Worldwide Analysis, Global Forecast, Review, Share, Size, Growth, Effect.Description-In this report, the global Diamond Coating Tool market is valued at USD XX million in 2016 and is expected to reach USD XX million by the end of 2022, growing at a CAGR of XX% between 2016 and 2022.Geographically, this report is segmented into several key Regions, with production, consumption, revenue (million USD), market share and growth rate of Diamond Coating Tool in these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast), coveringNorth AmericaEuropeChinaJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaGet Sample Report With TOC @Global Diamond Coating Tool market competition by top manufacturers, with production, price, revenue (value) and market share for each manufacturer; the top players includingLEUCOLenoxFreudSTARKDiamond vantageDiamond King ToolsArcher Company USAAbrasivesHironoNORTONMK Diamond ProductsBoschEHWADiamond ProductsBosunXingshuo SawOn the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoNatural DiamondArtificial Polvcrystalline DiamondOn 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 Diamond Coating Tool for each application, includingGraphite ProcessingComposite Material ProcessingOtherTable of ContentsGlobal Diamond Coating Tool Market Research Report 20171 Diamond Coating Tool Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Diamond Coating Tool1.2 Diamond Coating Tool Segment by Type (Product Category)1.2.1 Global Diamond Coating Tool Production and CAGR (%) Comparison by Type (Product Category) (2012-2022)1.2.2 Global Diamond Coating Tool Production Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20161.2.3 Natural Diamond1.2.4 Artificial Polvcrystalline Diamond1.3 Global Diamond Coating Tool Segment by Application1.3.1 Diamond Coating Tool Consumption (Sales) Comparison by Application (2012-2022)1.3.2 Graphite Processing1.3.3 Composite Material Processing1.3.4 Other1.4 Global Diamond Coating Tool Market by Region (2012-2022)1.4.1 Global Diamond Coating Tool Market Size (Value) and CAGR (%) Comparison by Region (2012-2022)1.4.2 North America Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.3 Europe Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.4 China Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.5 Japan Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.6 Southeast Asia Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.7 India Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.5 Global Market Size (Value) of Diamond Coating Tool (2012-2022)1.5.1 Global Diamond Coating Tool Revenue Status and Outlook (2012-2022)1.5.2 Global Diamond Coating Tool Capacity, Production Status and Outlook (2012-2022)2 Global Diamond Coating Tool Market Competition by Manufacturers2.1 Global Diamond Coating Tool Capacity, Production and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.1.1 Global Diamond Coating Tool Capacity and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.1.2 Global Diamond Coating Tool Production and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.2 Global Diamond Coating Tool Revenue and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.3 Global Diamond Coating Tool Average Price by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.4 Manufacturers Diamond Coating Tool Manufacturing Base Distribution, Sales Area and Product Type2.5 Diamond Coating Tool Market Competitive Situation and Trends2.5.1 Diamond Coating Tool Market Concentration Rate2.5.2 Diamond Coating Tool Market Share of Top 3 and Top 5 Manufacturers2.5.3 Mergers & Acquisitions, Expansion3 Global Diamond Coating Tool Capacity, Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2012-2017)3.1 Global Diamond Coating Tool Capacity and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)3.2 Global Diamond Coating Tool Production and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)3.3 Global Diamond Coating Tool Revenue (Value) and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)3.4 Global Diamond Coating Tool Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.5 North America Diamond Coating Tool Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.6 Europe Diamond Coating Tool Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.7 China Diamond Coating Tool Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.8 Japan Diamond Coating Tool Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.9 Southeast Asia Diamond Coating Tool Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.10 India Diamond Coating Tool Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)4 Global Diamond Coating Tool Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Region (2012-2017)4.1 Global Diamond Coating Tool Consumption by Region (2012-2017)4.2 North America Diamond Coating Tool Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.3 Europe Diamond Coating Tool Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.4 China Diamond Coating Tool Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.5 Japan Diamond Coating Tool Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.6 Southeast Asia Diamond Coating Tool Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.7 India Diamond Coating Tool Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)5 Global Diamond Coating Tool Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by Type5.1 Global Diamond Coating Tool Production and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)5.2 Global Diamond Coating Tool Revenue and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)5.3 Global Diamond Coating Tool Price by Type (2012-2017)5.4 Global Diamond Coating Tool Production Growth by Type (2012-2017)6 Global Diamond Coating Tool Market Analysis by Application6.1 Global Diamond Coating Tool Consumption and Market Share by Application (2012-2017)6.2 Global Diamond Coating Tool Consumption Growth Rate by Application (2012-2017)6.3 Market Drivers and Opportunities6.3.1 Potential Applications6.3.2 Emerging Markets/Countries7 Global Diamond Coating Tool Manufacturers Profiles/Analysis7.1 LEUCO7.1.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.1.2 Diamond Coating Tool Product Category, Application and Specification7.1.2.1 Product A7.1.2.2 Product B7.1.3 LEUCO Diamond Coating Tool Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.1.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.2 Lenox7.2.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.2.2 Diamond Coating Tool Product Category, Application and Specification7.2.2.1 Product AResearchMoz is the worlds fastest growing collection of market research reports worldwide. Our database is composed of current market studies from over 100 featured publishers worldwide. Our market research databases integrate statistics with analysis from global, regional, country and company perspectives. ResearchMozs service portfolio also includes value-added services such as market research customization, competitive landscaping, and in-depth surveys, delivered by a team of experienced Research Coordinators.Researchmoz Global Pvt. Ltd.90 State Street,Albany, NY 12207,United States,Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free),Tel: +1-518-621-2074
Free Space Optics Market Steady Growth to be Witnessed by 2025

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Wireless communication often faces challenges such as bandwidth limitation and low speed of data transmission. However, free space optics, a well-known wireless technology in the aerospace and defence industry, eliminates most of the issues faced by conventional wireless communication systems. The technology finds applications in satellite links, deep-space probes, communicating to remote areas, UAVs and aircrafts among others. Free space optics is used for point to point communication that are placed within the line of sight. It uses various modulation techniques such as amplitude and phase modulation, for converting the input into a digital signal for further transmission. Recent trends in free space optics market are governed by the introduction and development of advanced coding schemes aimed at improving the communication process and quality of data transmitted.To View Complete Report @ :Free space optics is gaining popularity because of the many benefits it offers, including low installation cost, high bandwidth availability, high speed of data transmission, improved connectivity, etc. Moreover, free space optics technology is suitable for military as well as commercial applications, such as telecommunication. Free space optics works on the same principle as fiber optics technology, except that it uses air as a medium for transmitting information instead of fiber optic cables. Moreover, the setup for free space optics communication requires just a few hours for installation. These are some of the factors significantly driving the growth of free space optics market. However, free space optics market faces a few challenges. For example, before deploying the setup for free space optics communication between two points, the line of sight between the two has to be free of any obstructions, such as trees or buildings. Moreover, free space propagation can face interruptions because of fog and atmospheric turbulence among other things. Presence of fog can severely hamper the characteristics of the light wave being transmitted by absorption, scattering and reflection of the light wave. Atmospheric turbulence can cause scintillation, which can further increase the bit-error rate. These are some factors restraining the growth of free space optics market.A sample of this report is available upon request @The market for free space optics can be segmented on the basis of component, type of data, type of modulation, applications, end users and region. On the basis of component, the market can be segmented into transmitters, receivers, transceivers, modulators, demodulators and others. Transmitters and receivers are used for one way communication whereas transceivers are deployed for two way communication. The different types of data transmitted using free space optics are image, voice, video and others. On the basis of modulation, free space optics market can be segmented as amplitude, frequency, phase and polarization. Further, on the basis of applications, the market can be segmented into aerospace and defence, telecommunication, healthcare, disaster management, storage area networks (SAN) and others. On the basis of end users, the market can be segmented into corporate and commercial. Region wise, the market is segmented into North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific, Japan and Middle East and Africa.To view TOC of this report is available upon request @North America is expected to dominate the global free space optics market over the forecast period. Free space optics is widely used in aerospace and defence industry in North America. Presence of established research centers in Western Europe and Eastern Europe are expected to contribute to the growth of free space market in the respective regions. Asia Pacific excluding Japan and Japan free space optic markets are expected to witness a significant growth in the near future, owing to the increasing investments being made by the government.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:
Recruitment Process Outsourcing Market Revenue, Opportunity, Segment and Key Trends 2017-2025

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Global Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) Market: OverviewPreviously, recruitment process outsourcing (RPO) was perceived as a way of offloading certain non-core, high-cost, and time-consuming tasks of the human resource department. These days, however, RPO activities are considered as a necessity for the effective management of efficient human resources more than just an agenda made to bring down cost and time invested in the process of recruitment. The increased realization about the vast benefits of outsourcing recruitment process, including the more refined results owing to vast volumes of data that dedicated RPO providers easily provide and usage of automated tools for effective talent management, is leading to the increased adoption of RPO services.Global Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) Market: Trends and OpportunitiesOver the next few years, thriving industries such as information technology, hospitality, telecommunication, manufacturing, construction, hospitality, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare, especially across developing economies, will be the key driving force of the global RPO market. Companies across these industries will resort to RPO services to focus more on their core competencies to be able to stay ahead of competition. Moreover, the increased adoption of web-based and cloud services and solutions has helped streamline RPO models, which, in turn, has contributed to the overall development of the market over the years.Request a Brochure of the Report @Global Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) Market: Market PotentialIn an emerging economy such as India, wherein industries such as IT, telecommunication, and BFSI rank among the top across the world, RPO services are beginning to show their presence across these as well as an increasing number of other mammoth sized industries. Recently, leading automaker Tata Motors, financial services company Citigroup, and IT giants such as Honeywell, Mahindra, Wipro, and L&T Technology Services have decided to outsource their talent acquisition processes. In an increasing number of cases, companies in the country are progressively strengthening their focus on the implementation of the model, disbanding internal recruitment teams, and relying on third party recruitment specialists with larger talent acquisition bandwidth.Global Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) Market: Geographical OverviewFrom a geographical viewpoint, the recruitment process outsourcing market has been examined in the report for North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, and Middle East and Africa. Of these, the North America market is expected to account for a massive share in the market throughout the reports forecast period. The region is home to a large number of key players and has a well-established industrial sector. The market across Europe is primarily driven by the rising demand for RPO activities in countries featuring strong industrial establishments, such as Germany, France, the U.K., and Netherlands.Request for TOC of the Report @In the next few years, Asia Pacific is expected to emerge as one of the most promising regional markets for RPO activities owing to the rising number of small- and medium-sized companies and the increased focus of multinational organizations on expanding their presence in emerging countries such as China and India. Improving economic conditions and a rising pool of graduates and post graduates in the region is also contributing to the overall development of the market.Global Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) Market: Competitive LandscapeCompanies in the market are increasing their focus on expanding their geographical presence, providing technologically advanced offerings through effective resource management software tools, and adopting cost-competitive and flexible operational models based on cloud computing. The market is intensely competitive and is expected to become further competitive owing to the rise in number of domestic players.Read Complete Report @Some of the leading companies operating in the market are Zyoin, Seven Step RPO, Randstad Holding Company, Pinstripe Inc., Kelly Outsourcing and Consulting Group, Futurestep, Pontoon Solutions, Argus Recruitment Solutions, TalentFusion, Accolo Inc., Manpower Group Solutions, The Rightthing, and Alexander Mann Solutions.About TMR ResearchTMR Research is a premier provider of customized market research and consulting services to business entities keen on succeeding in todayas supercharged economic climate. Armed with an experienced, dedicated, and dynamic team of analysts, we are redefining the way our clientsa conduct business by providing them with authoritative and trusted research studies in tune with the latest methodologies and market trends.Our savvy custom-built reports span a gamut of industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals and metals, food and beverages, and technology and media, among others. With actionable insights uncovered through in-depth research of the market, we try to bring about game-changing success for our clients.Contact :Rohit BhiseyHead - Internet MarketingTel: +1-415-520-1050Email: sales@tmrresearch.com
Success of Artificial Intelligence Market Shrouded by Long-term Concerns of Scientists

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The global artificial intelligence (AI) market has been expanding in leaps and bounds thanks to its rising applications in deep learning, image recognition, querying method, gesture control, speech recognition, cyber security, smart robots, digital personal assistant, language processing, video analysis, and context aware processing. These applications are poised to drive the global artificial intelligence market to increase from a value of US$126.2 bn in 2015 to US$3,061.3 bn by 2024 at an astounding 36.10% CAGR between 2016 and 2024.Despite the many advantages that AI offers, there are several challenges that hamper the growth of the market. These include the difficulties in accumulating funds for early-stage research and development, the low upfront investments across the globe, and the dearth of skilled workforce with highly technical abilities.Browse The Report :Concerned Researchers Explore Risks of Artificial IntelligenceArtificial intelligences foray into almost every facet of society is evident from its presence in the area of workplace machine learning and automation and several other enterprise applications such as automotive and mobile. And while this venture of AI into different verticals of various industries has been both predicted and remarkable, it has also caused a certain degree of trepidation among particular groups of researchers and scientists.Inability to Improve Living Conditions: A recent survey of various artificial intelligence and cognitive science researchers has revealed that the most disturbing long- and short-term risks of artificial intelligence are the mismanagement of AI by human beings and the economic and financial harm that it may cause. Dr. Joscha Bach of the Harvard Program for Evolutionary Dynamics and the MIT Media Lab explains that even though automation through artificial intelligence will enhance productivity, it will not improve the living conditions. In fact, it might hasten resource exhaustion and pollution if appropriate regulations are not in place.AI a Threat to Human Workforce: A professor emeritus at Stanford University Dr. Nils Nilsson warns that considering the way artificial intelligence has crept into almost every sphere of the workplace, the next industrial revolution might very well be the last one ushered in by humans with their own direct doing. Dr. Nilsson states that machines would soon be singing the song, Anything you can do, I can do better.Mismanagement of AI by Human Beings: Yet another risk that researchers are worried about is the general mismanagement of artificial intelligence and this is evident by the US$1 bn investment into supporting OpenAI. OpenAI is a non-profit research organization that explores the positive impact of AI technologies on humans. Associate professor at Simon Fraser University, Philippe Pasquier says that the risks of malfunction with negative consequences have been increasing as artificial agents are being deployed at a much faster rate with way more responsibilities than is deemed necessary.Make an Enquiry @It is extremely difficult to fathom how much damage artificial intelligence could do if it is built or used incorrectly. This concern is one of the most damning challenges that the global artificial intelligence market faces today.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Railway Management System Market to Perceive Substantial Growth by 2027

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Railway is vital service to society and backbone of the transportation across the globe. Railway infrastructure is growing with tremendous speed in every part of the world. With increasing infrastructure development and societys dependency on railway, railway administration across the globe is more focused to find and implement cost-effective solutions capable of increasing punctuality, safety-security and capacity of rails. In this highly advanced and technological era, automated systems has been developed which can fulfill these requirements. In most of the countries, railways sector is nationalized (governed by the government of the country), and governments announce tenders or organize bids to award contracts based on their specific requirement and criterions, so IT vendors are more focused to provide cost effective and specific/tailor-made solutions.To View Complete Report @ :High demographic growth and increasing urbanization across the developing nations are the factors driving the growth of global railway management market followed by infrastructure saturation that creates demand for more efficient and safe solutions to increase railway capacity. Other driving factors including technological advancement, adoption of IoT, cloud models and other automated models to enhance optimization. Also, increasing government efforts and partnership with IT vendors to deploy automated models in order to increase efficiency of the infrastructures is the main driving factor behind the growth of global railway management systems market. On the other hand there are some restraining factors hampering the growth of global railway management systems market; high initial cost of deployment, different safety compliances of different regions, complex interoperability are few of them.A sample of this report is available upon request @Global railway management system market is segmented on the basis of solutions, services, deployment model and regions. On the basis of solutions, global railway management systems market is segmented into train planning and operation management, train asset management systems, train control systems and train maintenance management systems.On the basis of services, global railway management systems market is segmented into consulting services, systems integration and deployment services, maintenance & support services and other managed services.On the basis of solution deployment model, global railway management system market is segmented into on-premise and cloud based solutions. Among aforementioned deployment models, cloud based model is more dominant over the on-premise one.To view TOC of this report is available upon request @On the basis of region, global railway management system market is segmented into seven regions: North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, MEA, Asia Pacific Excluding Japan and Japan. Among aforementioned regions, North America is expected to be the dominant market followed by Asia Pacific because, most of south Asian countries are moving forward to adopt automated solutions in railway sectors.Few of the recent deals with the government and Solution provider are- In December 2014, ALSTOM (French Rail Transport Company) successfully delivered signaling systems to Hong Kongs MTR1 West Island metro line and in 2017, Hong Kong government awarded another contract of revenue service for South Island Line to the same company ALSTOM. Some of the key players of global railway management system market are Thales Groups, ALSTOM, Indra Sistemas, Cisco Systems, Inc., Ansaldo STS, IBM Corporation, ABB Ltd, Computer Sciences Corporation, Alcatel-Lucent, GE Transportation, Hitachi Ltd, Bombardier Inc., Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd. 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:
New Trends of Infusion Pumps Market with Worldwide Industry Analysis to 2025

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Infusion Pumps Market: OverviewAn infusion pump is a medical device designed to deliver fluids or drugs into a patients body in an administered and controlled manner; fluids may include nutrients or different types of medications such as insulin, hormones, pain relievers, antibiotics, and chemotherapy drugs. The devices can be powered mechanically or electrically and can be used in a variety of clinical settings.The market has evolved rapidly driven by a steady demand for different types of infusion pumpsstationary and ambulatory infusion pumpsfor the management of a wide range of ailments that include cancer, diabetes, gastrointestinal diseases, neurological disorders, and AIDS. Over the past few years, the infusion pumps market has witnessed growing popularity of various specialized types such as enteral feeding pumps, patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pump, and insulin pumps among patients. Manufacturers of medical devices are constantly making efforts to increase the reliability and safety of infusion pumps and to reduce medication errors delivered by intravenous infusion.Request Sample Copy of the Report @Infusion Pumps Market: TrendsThe infusion pumps market is primarily driven by the increasing incidence of various chronic diseases, the management of which requires safe and controlled administration of medications and drugs. In addition, the increasing number of surgeries performed in developed and developing regions and a rise in geriatric population are expected to fuel the market. The increasing inclination toward the adoption of alternative therapies for the treatment of cancer, multiple sclerosis, congestive pain, rheumatoid arthritis, and chronic pain has stimulated the demand for infusion pumps. For instance, the adoption of intrathecal drug delivery is emerging as a viable option for the treatment of patients suffering from chronic and intractable pain or severe spasticity.Coupled with this, constant automation and technological advancements in infusion devices and accessories have led to the availability of smart infusion pumps with ergonomic design, enhanced operation, user-friendly interfaces, and portability, thereby propelling the market.Request TOC of the Report @Infusion Pumps Market: Market PotentialThe increased adoption of insulin pumps for the self-management of diabetes across home settings and the adoption of implantable infusion systems for neurological diseases are developments expected to expand the potential of the infusion pumps market.Flowonix Medical Inc., a pioneer in drug delivery systems company based in New Jersey, and Cerebral Therapeutics, a company based in Colorado, have announced the worlds first clinical trial administering medication directly into the brain of patients suffering from refractory epilepsy. The two companies jointly developed Prometra II Programmable Pump, an implantable infusion pump, to be used with an intrathecal catheter for the affected patients in the Australian Direct Drug Administration for Refractory Epilepsy (ADDRESS) clinical trial conducted at St. Vincent's Hospital, Australia. The wide ranging clinical study will enable the companies to assess the efficacy of micro-infusion therapy featuring the intracerebroventricular (ICV) delivery of the drugvalproate sodiumamong patients with intractable epilepsy.Read Comprehensive Overview of Report@The study, believes the participants will have profound ramifications in the potential of implantable infusion therapies for the treatment of drug-resistant uncontrollable epilepsy and is expected to benefit the healthcare community at large. Although the Prometra II Pump is not yet approved for the ICV administration of valproate in the U.S. and Australia, the clinical study opens up promising options.Infusion Pumps Market: Regional OutlookAmong major regions, North America is a prominent market for infusion pumps and is expected to exhibit impressive growth along the forecast period. The significant growth in the regional market is attributable to the rising penetration of high-end pumps, soaring adoption of ambulatory pumps for managing chronic diseases, and the presence of a robust healthcare infrastructure. In addition, the increased integration of infusion therapy in healthcare IT infrastructure has propelled the regional market.The Asia Pacific market is anticipated to witness substantial growth along the forecast period. A rapid rise in geriatric population, increasing accessibility of healthcare facilities, advances in health insurance sector, and a rise in chronic diseases are the factors fuelling the regional market.Infusion Pumps Market: Competitive AnalysisSeveral companies are offering technologically advanced infusion therapies, including implantable, wearable, and automated infusion pumps, to help the management of a wide range of chronic diseases. Major players operating in the infusion pumps market include B. Braun Melsungen AG, Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA, Becton, Dickinson and Company, Pfizer Inc., Medtronic, Terumo Corporation, and Roche Diagnostics.About TMR ResearchTMR Research is a premier provider of customized market research and consulting services to business entities keen on succeeding in todays supercharged economic climate. Armed with an experienced, dedicated, and dynamic team of analysts, we are redefining the way our clients conduct business by providing them with authoritative and trusted research studies in tune with the latest methodologies and market trends.Our savvy custom-built reports span a gamut of industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals and metals, food and beverages, and technology and media, among others. With actionable insights uncovered through in-depth research of the market, we try to bring about game-changing success for our clients.Contact:Rohit BhiseyHead - Internet MarketingTel: +1-415-520-1050Email: sales@tmrresearch.com
Global Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals Sales Market Key Trends, Size, Growth, Shares And Forecast Research Report 2017

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Global Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals Sales Market Report 2017" to its huge collection of research reports.In this report, the global Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals 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 global into several key Regions, with sales (K MT), revenue (Million USD), market share and growth rate of Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals for these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast), coveringUnited StatesChinaEuropeJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaTo Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Global Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals market competition by top manufacturers/players, with Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals sales volume, Price (USD/MT), revenue (Million USD) and market share for each manufacturer/player; the top players includingBASF SEBaker Hughes IncorporatedDOW Chemical CompanyE.I DupontFlotek Industries Inc.HalliburtonSchlumberger LimitedChevron Phillips Chemical CompanyClariant AGAshland Inc.Akzonobel N.V.Albemarle Corp.Solvay SA.On the basis of product, this report displays the sales volume (K MT), revenue (Million USD), product price (USD/MT), market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoGelling AgentsFriction ReducersSurfactantsCorrosion & Scale InhibitorsAcidsOthersOn the basis on the end users/applications, this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, sales volume, market share and growth rate of Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals for each application, includingHydraulic FracturingMatrix AcidizationAcid FrackingOthersIf you have any special requirements, please let us know and we will offer you the report as you want.Table of ContentsGlobal Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals Sales Market Report 20171 Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals1.2 Classification of Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals by Product Category1.2.1 Global Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals Market Size (Sales) Comparison by Type (2012-2022)1.2.2 Global Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals Market Size (Sales) Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20161.2.3 Gelling Agents1.2.4 Friction Reducers1.2.5 Surfactants1.2.6 Corrosion & Scale Inhibitors1.2.7 Acids1.2.8 Others1.3 Global Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals Market by Application/End Users1.3.1 Global Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals Sales (Volume) and Market Share Comparison by Application (2012-2022)1.3.2 Hydraulic Fracturing1.3.3 Matrix Acidization1.3.4 Acid Fracking1.3.5 Others1.4 Global Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals Market by Region1.4.1 Global Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals Market Size (Value) Comparison by Region (2012-2022)1.4.2 United States Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.3 China Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.4 Europe Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.5 Japan Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.6 Southeast Asia Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.7 India Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.5 Global Market Size (Value and Volume) of Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals (2012-2022)1.5.1 Global Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2022)1.5.2 Global Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2022)2 Global Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals Competition by Players/Suppliers, Type and Application2.1 Global Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals Market Competition by Players/Suppliers2.1.1 Global Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals Sales and Market Share of Key Players/Suppliers (2012-2017)2.1.2 Global Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals Revenue and Share by Players/Suppliers (2012-2017)2.2 Global Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals (Volume and Value) by Type2.2.1 Global Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals Sales and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)2.2.2 Global Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals Revenue and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)2.3 Global Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals (Volume and Value) by Region2.3.1 Global Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals Sales and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)2.3.2 Global Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals Revenue and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)2.4 Global Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals (Volume) by Application3 United States Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals (Volume, Value and Sales Price)3.1 United States Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals Sales and Value (2012-2017)3.1.1 United States Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2017)3.1.2 United States Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2017)3.1.3 United States Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals Sales Price Trend (2012-2017)3.2 United States Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals Sales Volume and Market Share by Players3.3 United States Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals Sales Volume and Market Share by Type3.4 United States Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals Sales Volume and Market Share by Application4 China Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals (Volume, Value and Sales Price)4.1 China Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals Sales and Value (2012-2017)4.1.1 China Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2017)4.1.2 China Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2017)4.1.3 China Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals Sales Price Trend (2012-2017)4.2 China Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals Sales Volume and Market Share by Players4.3 China Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals Sales Volume and Market Share by Type4.4 China Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals Sales Volume and Market Share by Application5 Europe Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals (Volume, Value and Sales Price)5.1 Europe Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals Sales and Value (2012-2017)5.1.1 Europe Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2017)5.1.2 Europe Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2017)5.1.3 Europe Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals Sales Price Trend (2012-2017)5.2 Europe Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals Sales Volume and Market Share by Players5.3 Europe Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals Sales Volume and Market Share by Type5.4 Europe Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals Sales Volume and Market Share by Application6 Japan Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals (Volume, Value and Sales Price)6.1 Japan Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals Sales and Value (2012-2017)6.1.1 Japan Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2017)6.1.2 Japan Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2017)6.1.3 Japan Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals Sales Price Trend (2012-2017)6.2 Japan Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals Sales Volume and Market Share by Players6.3 Japan Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals Sales Volume and Market Share by Type6.4 Japan Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals Sales Volume and Market Share by ApplicationMake an Enquiry of this report @About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @
Dissolved Gas Analyzer Market : Professional Market Research Report and Forecasts, 2017 - 2025

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Global Dissolved Gas Analyzer Market: OverviewThe high electrical and thermal stress leads to decomposition of mineral oils used inside a power transformer. This in turn leads to generation of hydrogen (H2), carbon di-oxide (CO2), carbon mono-oxide (CO), methane (CH4), ethylene (C2H4), and acetylene (C2H2) among others. The formation of these gases depends upon the faults in the transformer. To evaluate the nature of the gases and their potential threats, dissolved gas analyzers are used for understanding the faults. Thus, the growing number of aging power transformers and adoption of low cost testing methods for dissolved gases are expected to fuel the growth of the global dissolved gas analyzer market.Global Dissolved Gas Analyzer Market: Drivers and TrendsThe demand for dissolved gas analyzers is projected to reach soaring heights due to emergence of the utility sector. The increasing installations and upgradation of power transformers across the globe are expected to favor markets growth in the coming years. Growing number of resolutions pertaining to rising environmental pollution are also expected to have a positive influence on the global market. Initiatives taken by various governments across the globe to reduce the carbon footprint are expected to benefit the overall market in the coming years.Request a Brochure of the Report @Global Dissolved Gas Analyzer Market: Market PotentialThe demand for dissolved gas analyzers is expected to spike in the coming years as the end users industries are working toward maximizing reliability of their equipment and minimizing the risks involved in using them. The high risks in power transformers facilities due to aging, lack of financial resources, and draining workforce has coaxed units to ensure constant monitoring. This has spurred a terrific demand for dissolved gas analyzers as they help in assessing the presence of harmful gases.In line with this trend, Austin Energy installed this monitor on its three 138 kV transformers. The dissolved gas analyzers offer a single value in ppm on the basis of gases such as acetylene, hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and ethylene. The data analysis has helped the company understand the degradation of the wind inside the systems along with particle and overheating. In the long-run, Austin Energy will be able to measure the asset health index and pinpoint the possibilities of failure in each transformer.Request for TOC of the Report @Global Dissolved Gas Analyzer Market: Regional OutlookFrom a geographical point of view, the global dissolved gas analyzer market is segmented into Asia Pacific, Europe, North America, Africa, Middle East, South America, and Rest of South America. Asia Pacific is projected to dominate the global market in the near future as the developing countries in the region are undergoing infrastructural developments. Dissolved gas analyzers will be high demand in Asia Pacific due to growing number of power transformers in the region along with emergence of online DGA analysis.Read Complete Report @Analysts anticipate that Europe and North America will follow the lead in the coming years due to aging power transformers in the region that will require close monitoring. Furthermore, need to ensure right detection of fault gases in new transformers will also augment the demand for DGAs in the region. The rising environmental concerns due to improper power generation has also resulted in adoption of dissolved gas analyzers in various parts of the world.About TMR ResearchTMR Research is a premier provider of customized market research and consulting services to business entities keen on succeeding in todayas supercharged economic climate. Armed with an experienced, dedicated, and dynamic team of analysts, we are redefining the way our clientsa conduct business by providing them with authoritative and trusted research studies in tune with the latest methodologies and market trends.Our savvy custom-built reports span a gamut of industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals and metals, food and beverages, and technology and media, among others. With actionable insights uncovered through in-depth research of the market, we try to bring about game-changing success for our clients.Contact :Rohit BhiseyHead - Internet MarketingTel: +1-415-520-1050Email: sales@tmrresearch.com
Medical Robots Market : Worldwide Industry Analysis and New Market Opportunities Explored

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Global Medical Robots Market: OverviewMedical robots comprise the use of robotics in various disciplines of medical science to execute a variety of functions performed by clinicians and healthcare workers. Requiring limited human oversights, they can be configured to support, extend, and automate various healthcare services, especially those involving monotonous tasks. The rising application of robotic and autonomous systems in the healthcare industry has transformed the quality of medical treatment making their use increasingly popular worldwide.The spiraling demand for medical robots in areas of disease diagnosis, treatment, and prevention is propelled by the marked dexterity with which they perform various tasks. The successful use of robotic technology for a range of complex tasks such as targeted drug deliveries, precision surgeries, decontamination of healthcare spaces, and detection of biological targets has paved the way for commercial applications of medical robots.Request Sample Copy of the Report @Global Medical Robots Market: TrendsThe enormous benefits of robot-assisted training in rehabilitation therapy, soaring governmental funding for robotics in developed regions, and constant technological advances in the medical industry are the factors propelling the growth of the medical robots market. The rising application of robots in hospitals worldwide to carry out various tasks that call for extreme precision and unmatched promptness has spurred the demand for medical robots.Over the past few decades, medical robots have gained traction among surgeons for performing complex and non-invasive surgeries in different medical specialties, particularly urology and neurosurgery. However, a host of emerging legal and ethical concerns related to robotic surgeries, coupled with the high cost of robotic systems, is likely to restrain the market. Nevertheless, concerned stakeholders, including leading regulatory agencies, are actively taking initiatives to address various patient safety concerns. The substantial benefits of boosting surgical outcomes have kept a large number of surgeons ebullient of the promising avenues emanating in the market.Request TOC of the Report @Global Medical Robots Market: Market PotentialCurexo Inc., a Korea-based manufacturer of medical devices and an importer of surgical robots, has recently acquired medical robots division of Hyundai Heavy Industries for a sum of 11.1 billion won (approximately $9.9 million). With this, Curexo intends to lead the regional medical robots market by expanding its product portfolio by including robots for the purpose of rehabilitation, patient care, and other healthcare operations. The leading shipbuilding company will become the second largest shareholder of Curexo with a significant stake of 6.7%. Previously, the shipbuilder has developed medical robots for a variety of tasks such as patient-handling, endovascular therapies robots, and orthopedic surgeries.In an another encouraging market development that will spur the investment to the development of medical robots, Myomo Inc., a orthotics and prosthetics service company based in Massachusetts, has recently announced a crowdfunding campaign through an online brokerage which will enable it to sell shares in an initial public offering (IPO). The start-up, founded in 2004, actively markets braces and other similar medical devices for people suffering from neurological disorders and upper-limb paralysis. The issuance of IPO will allow a large number of individual investorsordinary and institutional investorsparticipate in IPOs. As a result, the medical device manufacturer hopes to raise a whopping sum of $15 million before it begins trading on NYSE by the end of April, 2017.Read Comprehensive Overview of Report@Medical Robots Market: Regional OutlookNorth America is a prominent market for medical robots. Europe and Asia Pacific markets contribute significant shares in the global medical robots market. Asia Pacific is anticipated to register an impressive CAGR along the forecast period. The spiraling demand for medical robots is driven by staggering rise in the number of regulatory approvals of robots to be used in various medical areas in Japan. In addition, the increasing prevalence of various cancer types in China, and growing popularity of robotic-assisted procedures in hospitals in India are expected to fuel the market. Furthermore, the increasing collaborations between various stakeholders in emerging nations of Asia has propelled the regional market.Medical Robots Market: Competitive AnalysisThe global medical robots market is highly competitive and fragmented with the presence of several small and medium- scale companies competing against each other and with a handful of large players. Among the intense rivalry, major players eyeing a significant share in this market include Intuitive Surgical, Inc., Mazor Robotics Ltd., Stryker Corporation, Hocoma AG, Hansen Medical Inc., Omnicell, Inc., Accuray Incorporated, Ekso Bionics Holdings, Inc., and Kirby Lester LLC.About TMR ResearchTMR Research is a premier provider of customized market research and consulting services to business entities keen on succeeding in todays supercharged economic climate. Armed with an experienced, dedicated, and dynamic team of analysts, we are redefining the way our clients conduct business by providing them with authoritative and trusted research studies in tune with the latest methodologies and market trends.Our savvy custom-built reports span a gamut of industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals and metals, food and beverages, and technology and media, among others. With actionable insights uncovered through in-depth research of the market, we try to bring about game-changing success for our clients.Contact:Rohit BhiseyHead - Internet MarketingTel: +1-415-520-1050Email: sales@tmrresearch.com
Global Medical Nutrition Market Size, Status and Forecast 2022 | Now Available at Researchmoz.us

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Global Medical Nutrition Market Size, Status and Forecast 2022" to its huge collection of research reports.This report studies the global Medical Nutrition market, analyzes and researches the Medical Nutrition development status and forecast in United States, EU, Japan, China, India and Southeast Asia. This report focuses on the top players in global market, likeAbbott NutritionBaxter InternationalMead Johnson NutritionDanoneNestleNutricia...Market segment by Regions/Countries, this report coversUnited StatesEUJapanChinaIndiaSoutheast AsiaTo Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Market segment by Type, Medical Nutrition can be split intoEnteral NutritionParenteral NutritionMarket segment by Application, Medical Nutrition can be split intoInfantThe AgedPeople with MalnutritionOtherIf you have any special requirements, please let us know and we will offer you the report as you want.Table of ContentsGlobal Medical Nutrition Market Size, Status and Forecast 20221 Industry Overview of Medical Nutrition1.1 Medical Nutrition Market Overview1.1.1 Medical Nutrition Product Scope1.1.2 Market Status and Outlook1.2 Global Medical Nutrition Market Size and Analysis by Regions1.2.1 United States1.2.2 EU1.2.3 Japan1.2.4 China1.2.5 India1.2.6 Southeast Asia1.3 Medical Nutrition Market by Type1.3.1 Enteral Nutrition1.3.2 Parenteral Nutrition1.4 Medical Nutrition Market by End Users/Application1.4.1 Infant1.4.2 The Aged1.4.3 People with Malnutrition1.4.4 Other2 Global Medical Nutrition Competition Analysis by Players2.1 Medical Nutrition Market Size (Value) by Players (2016 and 2017)2.2 Competitive Status and Trend2.2.1 Market Concentration Rate2.2.2 Product/Service Differences2.2.3 New Entrants2.2.4 The Technology Trends in Future3 Company (Top Players) Profiles3.1 Abbott Nutrition3.1.1 Company Profile3.1.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.1.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.1.4 Medical Nutrition Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.1.5 Recent Developments3.2 Baxter International3.2.1 Company Profile3.2.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.2.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.2.4 Medical Nutrition Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.2.5 Recent Developments3.3 Mead Johnson Nutrition3.3.1 Company Profile3.3.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.3.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.3.4 Medical Nutrition Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.3.5 Recent Developments3.4 Danone3.4.1 Company Profile3.4.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.4.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.4.4 Medical Nutrition Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.4.5 Recent Developments3.5 Nestle3.5.1 Company Profile3.5.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.5.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.5.4 Medical Nutrition Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.5.5 Recent Developments3.6 Nutricia3.6.1 Company Profile3.6.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.6.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.6.4 Medical Nutrition Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.6.5 Recent Developments4 Global Medical Nutrition Market Size by Type and Application (2012-2017)4.1 Global Medical Nutrition Market Size by Type (2012-2017)4.2 Global Medical Nutrition Market Size by Application (2012-2017)4.3 Potential Application of Medical Nutrition in Future4.4 Top Consumer/End Users of Medical Nutrition5 United States Medical Nutrition Development Status and Outlook5.1 United States Medical Nutrition Market Size (2012-2017)5.2 United States Medical Nutrition Market Size and Market Share by Players (2016 and 2017)6 EU Medical Nutrition Development Status and Outlook6.1 EU Medical Nutrition Market Size (2012-2017)6.2 EU Medical Nutrition Market Size and Market Share by Players (2016 and 2017)Make an Enquiry of this report @About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @
Global Modular Data Center Industry Key Trends, Size, Growth, Shares And Forecast Research Report 2022

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Global Modular Data Center Market Size, Status and Forecast 2022" to its huge collection of research reports.This report studies the global Modular Data Center market, analyzes and researches the Modular Data Center development status and forecast in United States, EU, Japan, China, India and Southeast Asia. This report focuses on the top players in global market, likeHuawei TechnologiesInternational Business MachinesEaton CorporationBladeroomCannon TechnologiesCommscope Holding CompanyDellFlexenclosure ABHewlett Packard Enterprise DevelopmentRittal GmbHSchneider Electric SEVertivBaselayer TechnologyTo Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Market segment by Regions/Countries, this report coversUnited StatesEUJapanChinaIndiaSoutheast AsiaMarket segment by Type, Modular Data Center can be split intoAll-In-One Functional ModuleIT ModuleElectrical ModuleMechanical ModuleMarket segment by Application, Modular Data Center can be split intoBanking, Financial Services, and InsuranceIT and TelecomGovernment and DefenseHealthcareOthersTable of ContentsGlobal Modular Data Center Market Size, Status and Forecast 20221 Industry Overview of Modular Data Center1.1 Modular Data Center Market Overview1.1.1 Modular Data Center Product Scope1.1.2 Market Status and Outlook1.2 Global Modular Data Center Market Size and Analysis by Regions1.2.1 United States1.2.2 EU1.2.3 Japan1.2.4 China1.2.5 India1.2.6 Southeast Asia1.3 Modular Data Center Market by Type1.3.1 All-In-One Functional Module1.3.2 IT Module1.3.3 Electrical Module1.3.4 Mechanical Module1.4 Modular Data Center Market by End Users/Application1.4.1 Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance1.4.2 IT and Telecom1.4.3 Government and Defense1.4.4 Healthcare1.4.5 Others2 Global Modular Data Center Competition Analysis by Players2.1 Modular Data Center Market Size (Value) by Players (2016 and 2017)2.2 Competitive Status and Trend2.2.1 Market Concentration Rate2.2.2 Product/Service Differences2.2.3 New Entrants2.2.4 The Technology Trends in Future3 Company (Top Players) Profiles3.1 Huawei Technologies3.1.1 Company Profile3.1.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.1.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.1.4 Modular Data Center Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.1.5 Recent Developments3.2 International Business Machines3.2.1 Company Profile3.2.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.2.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.2.4 Modular Data Center Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.2.5 Recent Developments3.3 Eaton Corporation3.3.1 Company Profile3.3.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.3.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.3.4 Modular Data Center Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.3.5 Recent Developments3.4 Bladeroom3.4.1 Company Profile3.4.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.4.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.4.4 Modular Data Center Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.4.5 Recent Developments3.5 Cannon Technologies3.5.1 Company Profile3.5.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.5.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.5.4 Modular Data Center Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.5.5 Recent Developments3.6 Commscope Holding Company3.6.1 Company Profile3.6.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.6.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.6.4 Modular Data Center Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.6.5 Recent Developments3.7 Dell3.7.1 Company Profile3.7.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.7.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.7.4 Modular Data Center Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.7.5 Recent Developments3.8 Flexenclosure AB3.8.1 Company Profile3.8.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.8.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.8.4 Modular Data Center Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.8.5 Recent Developments3.9 Hewlett Packard Enterprise Development3.9.1 Company Profile3.9.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.9.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.9.4 Modular Data Center Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.9.5 Recent Developments3.10 Rittal GmbH3.10.1 Company Profile3.10.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.10.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.10.4 Modular Data Center Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.10.5 Recent Developments3.11 Schneider Electric SE3.12 Vertiv3.13 Baselayer Technology4 Global Modular Data Center Market Size by Type and Application (2012-2017)4.1 Global Modular Data Center Market Size by Type (2012-2017)4.2 Global Modular Data Center Market Size by Application (2012-2017)4.3 Potential Application of Modular Data Center in Future4.4 Top Consumer/End Users of Modular Data Center5 United States Modular Data Center Development Status and Outlook5.1 United States Modular Data Center Market Size (2012-2017)5.2 United States Modular Data Center Market Size and Market Share by Players (2016 and 2017)6 EU Modular Data Center Development Status and Outlook6.1 EU Modular Data Center Market Size (2012-2017)6.2 EU Modular Data Center Market Size and Market Share by Players (2016 and 2017)Make an Enquiry of this report @About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @
Industrial Ethernet Market to Witness Exponential Growth by 2025

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The need for collecting data from various sources (sensors installed in machines) in a factory for real-time control, motion and safety, automation, analysing historical trend and performance planning has led to the adoption of industrial IoT. Industrial IoT facilitate machine to machine communication and automation and integrate sensor data. However, it requires a seamless network infrastructure to support data transfer. This industrial network infrastructure is industrial Ethernet. Industrial Ethernet are rugged in nature and can withstand extreme temperature, humidity and vibration, therefore these are suitable for industrial or factory setup. Industrial Ethernet fits perfectly for industrial IoT as it provides high transmission speeds up to 1 GBit/s making it a platform of choice for factories. Therefore, rapid adoption of industrial IoT is leading to wider deployment of industrial Ethernet.To View Complete Report @ :The replacement of fieldbus with industrial Ethernet as the main networking technology in automation industry is driving the demand for industrial Ethernet. Industrial Ethernet has superior bandwidth, easy scalability and are cost-effective. In contrast to fieldbus, industrial Ethernet can also consolidate many networks and infrastructure, thus making it a cost-effective automation platform. PROFINET and Modbus TCP are increasingly being used as replacements for various fieldbuses in factories. Further, increasing demand of cloud services is also changing data centre infrastructure, creating need for high bandwidth cables. This is also one of the major factors driving the industrial Ethernet market.A sample of this report is available upon request @However, industrial Ethernet handle a broad range of data traffic than Fieldbus. In addition to the data from devices, industrial Ethernet also handles data from other sources like network management and diagnostics protocols. Therefore managing large amount of real-time data affects the industrial Ethernets performance. Further, replacing the old infrastructure with new infrastructure also poses as one of the challenges for the market.To view TOC of this report is available upon request @Some of the prominent players in the Industrial Ethernet Market include ABB Ltd., Beckhoff Automation, B&R Automation, Belden Inc., Cisco Systems, Inc., Innovasic, Inc. (Acquired by Analog Devices), Moxa Inc., Rockwell Automation, Schneider Electric and Siemens AG.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.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.
Global Heparin Market to Witness Sustainable Growth Opportunities with Commercialization of Safe and Effective Products

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A moderate degree of rivalry exists among the key players in the global heparin market. However, these companies exhibit a clear dominance in individual segments, finds Transparency Market Research (TMR). In a highly fragmented global heparin market, the top three vendors, Sanofi S.A., Leo Pharma A/S, and Pfizer, Inc. held a share of over 39.6% in 2014. Due to its long-standing market presence, Sanofi emerged as the market leader in the same year.However, the market has been growing at a slower pace in developed regions. Hence, the leading enterprises are currently looking to capitalize on untapped opportunities in Asia Pacific and Rest of the World to strengthen their market position. Companies operating in the global heparin market are strategically diverse, which compromises with the brand loyalty of end users.Obtain Report Details @Manufacturers See Opportunities in Regulatory Approval of Synthetic HeparinGlobally. the demand for heparin is rising in response to the increasing incidence of coagulation disorders. According to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), every year over 900,000 people in the U.S. are affected by deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Furthermore, over one-third of these patients witness recurrence of the disease within a decade. Such rising DVT prevalence will in turn fuel demand for heparin. It also encourages generic manufacturers to develop generic versions of heparin.Nearly half a million deaths are reported in Europe each year due to the rising prevalence of coagulation disorders such as venous thromboembolism (VTE). This bolsters demand for heparin from the region, said a lead TMR analyst. Besides this, the commercialization of effective heparin products will also bolster their sales in the forthcoming years. Low molecular weight heparin derived naturally could have adverse effect on a patients health in case of overdose. Scientists have therefore developed synthetic heparin, which is both cheaper and safer than heparin obtained from animals. Regulatory approvals for synthetic versions of heparin will give the market an impetus the coming years.Declining Imports from China to Create Bottleneck for Heparin ManufacturersThe availability of alternative anticoagulants such as coumarins, warfarin, and oral coagulants could pose a threat to the global heparin market, said the TMR analyst. The presence of these alternative anticoagulants will limit the sales of biological heparin products. Furthermore, enhanced quality control measures have decreased heparin imports from China, thereby elevating the cost incurred on heparin production. This is a key factor threatening the markets growth to an extent. The rising cost of active pharmaceutical ingredients is also anticipated to increase heparin prices, thus negatively impacting their demand.Make an Enquiry @Nevertheless, the advent of biosimilars is expected to boost opportunities for heparin manufacturers. Leading manufacturers are currently investing in research into marine-based heparin products. This could lead to the introduction of novel products, thus fuelling opportunities for heparin manufacturers.According to TMR, The global heparin market stood at US$8.2 bn in 2014. Rising at a CAGR of 6.3% from 2015 to 2023, the market is expected to reach US$14.3 bn by the end of 2023. The demand for low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) was the highest in the market in 2014. By 2023, the LMWH segment is expected to reach US$12.3 bn. Regionally, North America emerged as the dominant segment in 2014. The rising incidence of DVT and pulmonary embolism (PE) will enable the North America market to exhibit a CAGR of 5.9% between 2014 and 2023.This review is based on information published by TMR, in a report, titled Heparin Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2015 - 2023.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Contact UsTransparency Market ResearchState Tower,90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
United States Offshore Wind Power Market Key Trends, Size, Growth, Shares And Forecast Research Report 2017

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "United States Offshore Wind Power Market Report 2017" to its huge collection of research reports.In this report, the United States Offshore Wind Power 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 splits the United States market into seven regions:The WestSouthwestThe Middle AtlanticNew EnglandThe SouthThe Midwestwith sales (volume), revenue (value), market share and growth rate of Offshore Wind Power in these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast).To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @United States Offshore Wind Power market competition by top manufacturers/players, with Offshore Wind Power sales volume, price, revenue (Million USD) and market share for each manufacturer/player; the top players includingSiemensMHI VestasSenvionArevaBARDGamesaHitachiSinovelShanghai ElectricEnvisionGoldwindVestasOn the basis of product, this report displays the sales volume, revenue, product price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoMonopileGravityJacketTripodsTripilesFloatingOn the basis on the end users/applications, this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, sales volume, market share and growth rate of Offshore Wind Power for each application, includingGrid-connectionExperimentationIf you have any special requirements, please let us know and we will offer you the report as you want.Table of ContentsUnited States Offshore Wind Power Market Report 20171 Offshore Wind Power Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Offshore Wind Power1.2 Classification of Offshore Wind Power by Product Category1.2.1 United States Offshore Wind Power Market Size (Sales Volume) Comparison by Type (2012-2022)1.2.2 United States Offshore Wind Power Market Size (Sales Volume) Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20161.2.3 Monopile1.2.4 Gravity1.2.5 Jacket1.2.6 Tripods1.2.7 Tripiles1.2.8 Floating1.3 United States Offshore Wind Power Market by Application/End Users1.3.1 United States Offshore Wind Power Market Size (Consumption) and Market Share Comparison by Application (2012-2022)1.3.2 Grid-connection1.3.3 Experimentation1.4 United States Offshore Wind Power Market by Region1.4.1 United States Offshore Wind Power Market Size (Value) Comparison by Region (2012-2022)1.4.2 The West Offshore Wind Power Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.3 Southwest Offshore Wind Power Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.4 The Middle Atlantic Offshore Wind Power Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.5 New England Offshore Wind Power Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.6 The South Offshore Wind Power Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.7 The Midwest Offshore Wind Power Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.5 United States Market Size (Value and Volume) of Offshore Wind Power (2012-2022)1.5.1 United States Offshore Wind Power Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2022)1.5.2 United States Offshore Wind Power Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2022)2 United States Offshore Wind Power Market Competition by Players/Suppliers2.1 United States Offshore Wind Power Sales and Market Share of Key Players/Suppliers (2012-2017)2.2 United States Offshore Wind Power Revenue and Share by Players/Suppliers (2012-2017)2.3 United States Offshore Wind Power Average Price by Players/Suppliers (2012-2017)2.4 United States Offshore Wind Power Market Competitive Situation and Trends2.4.1 United States Offshore Wind Power Market Concentration Rate2.4.2 United States Offshore Wind Power Market Share of Top 3 and Top 5 Players/Suppliers2.4.3 Mergers & Acquisitions, Expansion in United States Market2.5 United States Players/Suppliers Offshore Wind Power Manufacturing Base Distribution, Sales Area, Product Type3 United States Offshore Wind Power Sales (Volume) and Revenue (Value) by Region (2012-2017)3.1 United States Offshore Wind Power Sales and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)3.2 United States Offshore Wind Power Revenue and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)3.3 United States Offshore Wind Power Price by Region (2012-2017)4 United States Offshore Wind Power Sales (Volume) and Revenue (Value) by Type (Product Category) (2012-2017)4.1 United States Offshore Wind Power Sales and Market Share by Type (Product Category) (2012-2017)4.2 United States Offshore Wind Power Revenue and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)4.3 United States Offshore Wind Power Price by Type (2012-2017)4.4 United States Offshore Wind Power Sales Growth Rate by Type (2012-2017)5 United States Offshore Wind Power Sales (Volume) by Application (2012-2017)5.1 United States Offshore Wind Power Sales and Market Share by Application (2012-2017)5.2 United States Offshore Wind Power Sales Growth Rate by Application (2012-2017)5.3 Market Drivers and Opportunities6 United States Offshore Wind Power Players/Suppliers Profiles and Sales Data6.1 Siemens6.1.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors6.1.2 Offshore Wind Power Product Category, Application and Specification6.1.2.1 Product A6.1.2.2 Product B6.1.3 Siemens Offshore Wind Power Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)6.1.4 Main Business/Business Overview6.2 MHI Vestas6.2.2 Offshore Wind Power Product Category, Application and Specification6.2.2.1 Product A6.2.2.2 Product B6.2.3 MHI Vestas Offshore Wind Power Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)6.2.4 Main Business/Business Overview6.3 Senvion6.3.2 Offshore Wind Power Product Category, Application and Specification6.3.2.1 Product A6.3.2.2 Product B6.3.3 Senvion Offshore Wind Power Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)6.3.4 Main Business/Business Overview6.4 Areva6.4.2 Offshore Wind Power Product Category, Application and Specification6.4.2.1 Product A6.4.2.2 Product B6.4.3 Areva Offshore Wind Power Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)6.4.4 Main Business/Business Overview6.5 BARD6.5.2 Offshore Wind Power Product Category, Application and Specification6.5.2.1 Product A6.5.2.2 Product B6.5.3 BARD Offshore Wind Power Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)6.5.4 Main Business/Business Overview6.6 Gamesa6.6.2 Offshore Wind Power Product Category, Application and Specification6.6.2.1 Product A6.6.2.2 Product B6.6.3 Gamesa Offshore Wind Power Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)6.6.4 Main Business/Business Overview6.7 Hitachi6.7.2 Offshore Wind Power Product Category, Application and Specification6.7.2.1 Product A6.7.2.2 Product B6.7.3 Hitachi Offshore Wind Power Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)6.7.4 Main Business/Business Overview6.8 Sinovel6.8.2 Offshore Wind Power Product Category, Application and Specification6.8.2.1 Product A6.8.2.2 Product B6.8.3 Sinovel Offshore Wind Power Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)6.8.4 Main Business/Business Overview6.9 Shanghai Electric6.9.2 Offshore Wind Power Product Category, Application and Specification6.9.2.1 Product A6.9.2.2 Product B6.9.3 Shanghai Electric Offshore Wind Power Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)6.9.4 Main Business/Business Overview6.10 Envision6.10.2 Offshore Wind Power Product Category, Application and Specification6.10.2.1 Product A6.10.2.2 Product B6.10.3 Envision Offshore Wind Power Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)6.10.4 Main Business/Business Overview6.11 Goldwind6.12 VestasMake an Enquiry of this report @About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @
Global Offshore Wind Power Industry Key Trends, Size, Growth, Shares And Forecast Research Report 2017

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Global Offshore Wind Power Market Research Report 2017" to its huge collection of research reports.In this report, the global Offshore Wind Power market is valued at USD XX million in 2016 and is expected to reach USD XX million by the end of 2022, growing at a CAGR of XX% between 2016 and 2022.Geographically, this report is segmented into several key Regions, with production, consumption, revenue (million USD), market share and growth rate of Offshore Wind Power in these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast), coveringNorth AmericaEuropeChinaJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaGlobal Offshore Wind Power market competition by top manufacturers, with production, price, revenue (value) and market share for each manufacturer; the top players includingSiemensMHI VestasSenvionArevaBARDGamesaHitachiSinovelShanghai ElectricEnvisionGoldwindVestasOn the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoMonopileGravityJacketTripodsTripilesFloatingOn 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 Offshore Wind Power for each application, includingGrid-connectionExperimentationIf you have any special requirements, please let us know and we will offer you the report as you want.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Table of ContentsGlobal Offshore Wind Power Market Research Report 20171 Offshore Wind Power Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Offshore Wind Power1.2 Offshore Wind Power Segment by Type (Product Category)1.2.1 Global Offshore Wind Power Production and CAGR (%) Comparison by Type (Product Category) (2012-2022)1.2.2 Global Offshore Wind Power Production Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20161.2.3 Monopile1.2.4 Gravity1.2.5 Jacket1.2.6 Tripods1.2.7 Tripiles1.2.8 Floating1.3 Global Offshore Wind Power Segment by Application1.3.1 Offshore Wind Power Consumption (Sales) Comparison by Application (2012-2022)1.3.2 Grid-connection1.3.3 Experimentation1.4 Global Offshore Wind Power Market by Region (2012-2022)1.4.1 Global Offshore Wind Power Market Size (Value) and CAGR (%) Comparison by Region (2012-2022)1.4.2 North America Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.3 Europe Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.4 China Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.5 Japan Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.6 Southeast Asia Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.7 India Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.5 Global Market Size (Value) of Offshore Wind Power (2012-2022)1.5.1 Global Offshore Wind Power Revenue Status and Outlook (2012-2022)1.5.2 Global Offshore Wind Power Capacity, Production Status and Outlook (2012-2022)2 Global Offshore Wind Power Market Competition by Manufacturers2.1 Global Offshore Wind Power Capacity, Production and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.1.1 Global Offshore Wind Power Capacity and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.1.2 Global Offshore Wind Power Production and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.2 Global Offshore Wind Power Revenue and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.3 Global Offshore Wind Power Average Price by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.4 Manufacturers Offshore Wind Power Manufacturing Base Distribution, Sales Area and Product Type2.5 Offshore Wind Power Market Competitive Situation and Trends2.5.1 Offshore Wind Power Market Concentration Rate2.5.2 Offshore Wind Power Market Share of Top 3 and Top 5 Manufacturers2.5.3 Mergers & Acquisitions, Expansion3 Global Offshore Wind Power Capacity, Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2012-2017)3.1 Global Offshore Wind Power Capacity and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)3.2 Global Offshore Wind Power Production and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)3.3 Global Offshore Wind Power Revenue (Value) and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)3.4 Global Offshore Wind Power Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.5 North America Offshore Wind Power Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.6 Europe Offshore Wind Power Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.7 China Offshore Wind Power Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.8 Japan Offshore Wind Power Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.9 Southeast Asia Offshore Wind Power Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.10 India Offshore Wind Power Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)4 Global Offshore Wind Power Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Region (2012-2017)4.1 Global Offshore Wind Power Consumption by Region (2012-2017)4.2 North America Offshore Wind Power Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.3 Europe Offshore Wind Power Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.4 China Offshore Wind Power Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.5 Japan Offshore Wind Power Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.6 Southeast Asia Offshore Wind Power Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.7 India Offshore Wind Power Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)5 Global Offshore Wind Power Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by Type5.1 Global Offshore Wind Power Production and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)5.2 Global Offshore Wind Power Revenue and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)5.3 Global Offshore Wind Power Price by Type (2012-2017)5.4 Global Offshore Wind Power Production Growth by Type (2012-2017)6 Global Offshore Wind Power Market Analysis by Application6.1 Global Offshore Wind Power Consumption and Market Share by Application (2012-2017)6.2 Global Offshore Wind Power Consumption Growth Rate by Application (2012-2017)6.3 Market Drivers and Opportunities6.3.1 Potential Applications6.3.2 Emerging Markets/CountriesMake an Enquiry of this report @About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @
China Wind Power Market Capacity, Generation, Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE), Investment Trends, Regulations and Company Profiles 2030

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Wind Power in China, Market Outlook to 2030, Update 2017 - Capacity, Generation, Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE), Investment Trends, Regulations and Company Profiles" to its huge collection of research reports."Wind Power in China, Market Outlook to 2030, Update 2017 - Capacity, Generation, Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE), Investment Trends, Regulations and Company Profiles" is the latest report from GlobalData, the industry analysis specialists that offer comprehensive information and understanding of the wind power market in China.The report provides in depth analysis on global renewable power market and global wind power market with forecasts up to 2030. The report analyzes the power market scenario in China (includes conventional thermal, nuclear, large hydro and renewable energy sources) and provides future outlook with forecasts up to 2030. The research details renewable power market outlook in the country (includes wind, small hydro, biopower and solar PV) and provides forecasts up to 2030. The report highlights installed capacity and power generation trends from 2006 to 2030 in China wind power market. A detailed coverage of renewable energy policy framework governing the market with specific policies pertaining to wind power is provided in the report. The research also provides company snapshots of some of the major market participants.The report is built using data and information sourced from proprietary databases, secondary research and in-house analysis by GlobalDatas team of industry experts.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @ScopeThe report analyses global renewable power market, global wind power (Onshore and Offshore) market, China power market, China renewable power market and China wind power market. The scope of the research includes -- A brief introduction on global carbon emissions and global primary energy consumption.- An overview on global renewable power market, highlighting installed capacity trends, generation trends and installed capacity split by various renewable power sources. The information is covered for the historical period 2006-2016 (unless specified) and forecast period 2016-2030.- Renewable power sources include wind (both onshore and offshore), solar photovoltaic (PV), concentrated solar power (CSP), small hydropower (SHP), biomass, biogas and geothermal.- Detailed overview of the global wind power market with installed capacity and generation trends, installed capacity split by major hydropower countries in 2016 and key owners information of various regions.- Power market scenario in China and provides detailed market overview, installed capacity and power generation trends by various fuel types (includes thermal conventional, nuclear, large hydro and renewable energy sources) with forecasts up to 2030.- An overview on China renewable power market, highlighting installed capacity trends (2006-2030), generation trends(2006-2030) and installed capacity split by various renewable power sources in 2016.- Detailed overview of China wind power market with installed capacity and generation trends and major active and upcoming wind projects.- Deal analysis of China wind power market. Deals are analyzed on the basis of mergers, acquisitions, partnership, asset finance, debt offering, equity offering, private equity (PE) and venture capitalists (VC).- Key policies and regulatory framework supporting the development of renewable power sources in general and wind power in particular.- Company snapshots of some of the major market participants in the country.Reasons to buy- The report will enhance your decision making capability in a more rapid and time sensitive manner.- Identify key growth and investment opportunities in China wind power market.- Facilitate decision-making based on strong historic and forecast data for wind power market.- Position yourself to gain the maximum advantage of the industrys growth potential.- Develop strategies based on the latest regulatory events.- Identify key partners and business development avenues.- Understand and respond to your competitors business structure, strategy and prospects.Make an Enquiry of this report @About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @
Educational Software Market by Countries, Type, Application, Manufacturers Neusoft, Wisedu, Jucheng Forecast to 2022

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HTF Market Intelligence released a new research report of 116 pages on title 'Global Educational Software Market by Manufacturers, Countries, Type and Application, Forecast to 2022' with detailed analysis, forecast and strategies. The study covers key regions that includes United States, EU, Japan, China, India, Southeast Asia and important players such as Neusoft, Wisedu, Jucheng..................SummaryEducational software is computer software, the primary purpose of which is teaching or self-learning. Educational software is the developmental and non-developmental software which are specifically used for education. It also reflects on the technical and also instructional design for developing the courseware or educational application.Request a sample report @Scope of the Report:This report focuses on the Educational Software in Global market, especially in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa. This report categorizes the market based on manufacturers, regions, type and application.Market Segment by Manufacturers, this report coversNeusoftWiseduJuchengKingsunHongenGuangdong Dongtian Digital TechnologyZhengfang SoftwareKingosoftBeijing China Education Star TechnologyIntelHouse TechnologyMarket Segment by Regions, regional analysis coversNorth America (USA, Canada and Mexico)Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy)Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia)South America (Brazil, Argentina, Columbia etc.)Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa)Market Segment by Type, coversK-12 Educational SoftwareUniversity Education SoftwareAdult Education SoftwareElderly Education SoftwareMarket Segment by Applications, can be divided intoQuality-oriented Education SoftwareExamination-oriented Education SoftwareBuy this report @There are 15 Chapters to deeply display the global Educational Software market.Chapter 1, to describe Educational Software Introduction, product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;Chapter 2, to analyze the top manufacturers of Educational Software, with sales, revenue, and price of Educational Software, in 2016 and 2017;Chapter 3, to display the competitive situation among the top manufacturers, with sales, revenue and market share in 2016 and 2017;Chapter 4, to show the global market by regions, with sales, revenue and market share of Educational Software, for each region, from 2012 to 2017;Chapter 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9, to analyze the key regions, with sales, revenue and market share by key countries in these regions;Chapter 10 and 11, to show the market by type and application, with sales market share and growth rate by type, application, from 2012 to 2017;Chapter 12, Educational Software market forecast, by regions, type and application, with sales and revenue, from 2017 to 2022;Chapter 13, 14 and 15, to describe Educational Software sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, Research Findings and Conclusion, appendix and data sourceMake an enquiry before buying this Report @Table of Contents1 Market Overview1.1 Educational Software Introduction1.2 Market Analysis by Type1.2.1 K-12 Educational Software1.2.2 University Education Software1.2.3 Adult Education Software1.2.4 Elderly Education Software1.3 Market Analysis by Applications1.3.1 Quality-oriented Education Software1.3.2 Examination-oriented Education Software1.4 Market Analysis by Regions1.4.1 North America (USA, Canada and Mexico)1.4.1.1 USA Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.1.2 Canada Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.1.3 Mexico Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.2 Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy)1.4.2.1 Germany Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.2.2 France Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.2.3 UK Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.2.4 Russia Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.2.5 Italy Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.3 Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia)1.4.3.1 China Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.3.2 Japan Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.3.3 Korea Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.3.4 India Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.3.5 Southeast Asia Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.4 South America, Middle East and Africa1.4.4.1 Brazil Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.4.2 Egypt Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.4.3 Saudi Arabia Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.4.4 South Africa Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.4.5 Nigeria Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.5 Market Dynamics1.5.1 Market Opportunities1.5.2 Market Risk1.5.3 Market Driving Force......Read Detailed Table of Content @HTF Market Report is a wholly owned brand of HTF market Intelligence Consulting Private Limited. HTF Market Report global research and market intelligence consulting organization is uniquely positioned to not only identify growth opportunities but to also empower and inspire you to create visionary growth strategies for futures, enabled by our extraordinary depth and breadth of thought leadership, research, tools, events and experience that assist you for making goals into a reality. Our understanding of the interplay between industry convergence, Mega Trends, technologies and market trends provides our clients with new business models and expansion opportunities. We are focused on identifying the Accurate Forecast in every industry we cover so our clients can reap the benefits of being early market entrants and can accomplish their Goals & Objectives.Contact Us:HTF Market Intelligence Consulting Private LimitedUnit No. 429, Parsonage Road Edison, NJNew Jersey USA  08837sales@htfmarketre)port.com+1 (206) 317 1218 (US
Worldwide Text Analytics Market to Witness Vigorous Growth in Cloud-based Solutions

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In the age of information technology, the availability of massive data has led to the innovation of tools to analyze it. Earlier, data analysis referred to focussing on metrics that could be easily measured. However, new technologies have made it possible to analyze a wider selection of data sources.Text analytics, also referred as text mining, is one of the key data analysis techniques that can transform raw text into structured data that in turn, can be measured and analyzed. For example, text analytics can help to quantify texts such as customer service interactions, product reviews, or comments regarding a product and transform it into measurable data. The global text analytics market is estimated to expand robustly at a CAGR of 17.6% during the period between 2016 and 2024. The overall market was worth US$2.82 bn in 2015 and is projected to reach a valuation of US$12.16 bn by 2024.Make an Enquiry @IT and Telecom to Drive Demand from Global Text Analytics MarketThe key applications of text analytics include fraud/ spam detection, data analysis and forecasting, customer relationship management, and intelligence and law enforcement. In the recent years, organizations are increasingly depending on text analytics solutions for data analysis and forecasting. In terms of deployment type, the global text analytics market has been broadly categorized into cloud-based and on-premise solutions. Various enterprises are rapidly adopting cloud-based text analytics solutions to increase the flexibility and scalability of data analysis process. In the coming years, cloud-based text analytics solutions are expected to be high in demand. Currently, on-premise text analytics solutions dominate the overall market.Among the end user segments in the global text analytics market, military and defence held the majority share in the market in 2015. In the next couple of years, the IT and telecom sector is expected to be the fastest growing end user segment in the market owing to the rising need to improve visibility in core operations.Major Players Focussing On Acquisition of Startups to Build Expertise on Text AnalyticsThe importance of text analytics has been identified by the major players in the market. Social media giant Facebook has recently introduced Topic Data that allows anonymous analysing of posts and comments about subjects relevant to specific products. This will help advertisers to understand the customer perception about their products.Some of the big players in the global text analytics market are SAP SE, Microsoft Corporation, IBM Corporation, SAS Institute Inc., RapidMiner Inc., Predixion Software, Lexalytics Inc., Attensity Group Inc., and Angoss Software Corporation. Players such as IBM and Microsoft are relying on acquiring startup firms to build their expertise on text analytics. For example, in October 2014, Microsoft acquired Israel-based text analysis startup Equivio Ltd. through a deal worth over US$300.0 mn. Similarly, in April last year, IBM Corp. bought AlchemyAPI, a startup selling software that analyzes unstructured data.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Rising Prevalence of Diseases Prompts Progress in Canada Home Healthcare Market

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The Canada home healthcare market is exhibiting a CAGR of 8.9% in the forecast period of 2014 to 2020. According to a research report released by Transparency Market Research, the Canada home healthcare market is expected to reach US$18.94 bn by the end of 2020, after being recorded at US$10.45 bn in 2013. The report is titled Canada Home Healthcare Market - Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2014 - 2020, and is available on the company website now.Obtain Report Details @According to the report, the Canada home healthcare market is primarily driven by the rising number of patients who suffer from ailments such as diabetes, arthritis, cancer, and multiple chronic diseases. This rising prevalence of diseases, coupled with a growing population of geriatric Canadian citizens, is boosting the Canada home healthcare market at a rapid rate.Other drivers of the Canada home healthcare market include technological advancements that allow for a more efficient healthcare service that can be delivered at an optimum time, and a growing awareness of citizens towards the Canada home healthcare market and its services.Between the different segments of the Canada home healthcare market according to type, the market is led by diagnostics and monitoring devices, a segment that held over 30% of the market in 2013. This segment is boosted by consistent government efforts taken to increase awareness among citizens regarding the existence of diagnostic and monitoring devices and their benefits.The home mobility segment earned the lowest revenue for the Canada home healthcare market in 2013. This is attributed to the low market cost of the instruments sold in the home mobility segment, such as walkers, crutches, cranes, and rollators.In terms of services, the Canada home healthcare market is led by the segment of telehealth and telemedicine.The segment is progressing at a CAGR of 11.0% by 2020. The telehealth and telemedicine segment generated 2% of the usual revenue recorded in the Canada home healthcare market in 2013. The Canada home healthcare market services are constantly driven by factors such as high cost-effectiveness, easier access to rural locations, and high quality care of patients.Make an Enquiry @From a geographical perspective, the Canada home healthcare market was led by the province of Ontario in 2013. At the same time, the Canada home healthcare market in the Quebec is expected to rise at a rapid CAGR of 9.2%. The report cites increasing population of chronically ill people as the key reason for the high growth rate of the Canada home healthcare market in Quebec.Key players involved in the Canada home healthcare market are Home Care Ontario, The Canadian Home Caress, We Care Health Services, GM Healthcare, 3M Healthcare, Omron Healthcare, and Johnson & Johnson.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Contact UsTransparency Market ResearchState Tower,90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Traffic Management Market Size, Share and Analysis Report to 2023

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Market HighlightsOn the basis of regional analysis, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Rest of the World. Europe region is generating highest market share in the Traffic Management Market owing to better network infrastructure, digitization and higher technology implementation. Digitization in Europe region is mainly due to the invention of advanced technology and economies benefitting from it. The implementation of traffic management software by government is increasing rapidly due to increased traffic congestion and road accident. The investment done by government towards smart cities development, smart lighting and better control and management of traffic rules is increasing in the region. The invention of wireless sensors due to growing air traffic volume and precise traffic analytics software is driving the market in the region.Rapid growth in sales of commercial vehicles, increasing number of travelers, boosting tourism industry and increasing road accidents are some of the major factors driving the traffic management market. Government initiatives towards controlling traffic congestion and reducing accidents is one of the important factor driving the market.The traffic management market is expected to grow at approximately USD 65 Billion by 2023, at 20% of CAGR between 2017 and 2023Traffic Management Market Players: Accenture PLC (Ireland) Atkins Group (U.K.) Cellint (Israel) Cisco Systems, Inc. (U.S.) Citilog (France) Cubic Corporation (U.S.) EFKON AG (Austria) Esri (California, U.S.) FLIR Systems, Inc. (U.S.) IBM Corporation (U.S.)Request a Sample Report @Traffic Management Market SegmentationThe traffic management market has been segmented on the basis of software that includes traffic analytics software. It enables organization by offering strong data management capabilities, easy platform for interactive GIS maps and database, provide accurate inventory and cost estimation functions and precise validation of built in data.Market Research Analysis:In traffic management market, North America region is growing due to managing real-time traffic analysis capabilities. In US region, there is large utilization of traffic management system and various projects are undertaken for the development of citizens. The deployment and integration service is majorly adopted by users in the region as it is less time consuming. Asia-Pacific market is estimated to be one of the fastest growing market as it is continuously investing into research and development of traffic management market to directly address the security of citizens. Increased urbanization has led to traffic congestions that results in increased road accident. High adoption of solutions to reduce congestions, along with better traffic management and control, has led to a higher demand of traffic management solutions in the region. Countries such as China and Brazil are adopting safety and control measures for traffic management and safety of citizens.Access Report Details @Intended Audience- Investors and consultants- System Integrators- Government Organizations- Research/Consultancy firms- Technology solution providers- IT Solution Providers- Original Equipment ManufacturersAbout Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.Contact:Akash Anand,Market Research Future+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com
Emotion Detection and Recognition Market Share, Analysis Report 2023

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Market HighlightsIn this rapidly changing world of technology, Emotion Detection and Recognition Market is projected to show major growth prospects during the forecast period. Due to technological advancements, there is increasing adoption of emotion detection and recognition applications on a wider platform.As compared to other regions, the emotion detection and recognition market in North America is expected to witness significant growth during the forecast period. U.S and Canada are anticipated to drive the growth of emotion detection and recognition market. This is owing to the presence of large number of established players in that region. Huge governmental investments in security and increased public awareness are major factors driving the market growth of emotion detection and recognition market.In addition to this the region also has a well-established infrastructure which allows higher penetration of devices which ultimately provides high speed connectivity and is expected to be a major factor for the growth of emotion detection and recognition market.The emotion detection and recognition market is growing rapidly over 39% of CAGR and is expected to reach at approx. USD 65 billion by the end of forecast period.Emotion Detection and Recognition Market Players: Affectiva (U.S.) Emotient Apple Company (U.S.) Eyeris (U.S.) Kairos Ar. Inc. (U.S.) Noldus (Netherlands) nViso. (Switzerland) Realeyes (U.K.) Sightcorp (Netherlands) Sentiance (Belgium) Skybiometry (Lithuania)Request a Sample Report @Emotion Detection and Recognition Market SegmentationThe emotion detection and recognition market has been segmented on the basis of technology, software tool, service, application and end user. The software tool segment is further bifurcated into speech and voice recognition, facial expression recognition and bio sensing software tools and apps. These software tools help in analyzing human reactions and later linking them with their behavioral patterns to fabricate a conclusion.Market Research Analysis:The global emotion detection and recognition market, by geography, has been segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Others. In the global emotion detection and recognition market, Asia Pacific is anticipated to witness relatively faster adoption and hence the growth rate as compared to other regions. Within Asia Pacific, emotion detection and recognition market is projected to contribute faster to the growth of revenue backed by increased public awareness and emerging advanced technologies in countries such as Japan, China and India.Across Europe, countries including Germany, France and the U.K. are anticipated to drive the growth of emotion detection and recognition market. In Europe, the presence of advanced infrastructure and with the increasing adoption of technology and technological advancements in numerous countries is driving the market growth of emotion detection and recognition market. In Europe, the feature extraction and 3D modelling dominated the market share of emotion detection and recognition market. The enterprises market in Europe region contributed for larger share of revenue while the industrial market is expected to gain traction during the forecast period.Access Report Details @Intended Audience- Technology investors- Research/Consultancy firms- Cloud service providers- Technology providers- Industrial users- Commercial users- OthersAbout Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.Contact:Akash Anand,Market Research Future+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com
Tokenization Market is Set for Rapid Growth at 24.14% of CAGR post 2017

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Market HighlightsThe study reveals that Tokenization is trending in North America region as it provides data security support, without changing the required applications or databases. It provides the access controls to ensure the authenticity of the users and can view protected tokens and data. The increased payment security challenges, along with meeting strict compliance regulation is driving the organizations in North America to adopt tokenization solutions.Furthermore, rapid economic growth in the developing countries in Asia-Pacific, along with improving regulatory reforms and economic stability is driving the growth of the Tokenization Market in this region. In Latin America, SMEs as well as enterprises belonging to a range of verticals, such as Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI), government, retail, healthcare, and IT and telecom, are expected to increase investments in tokenization solutions.The Tokenization market is growing rapidly over 24.14% of CAGR and is expected to reach at USD ~$2341.38 billion by the end of forecast period.Tokenization Market Players: CyberSource Corporation (US) Symantec Corporation (US) Gemalto NV (Netherlands) CardConnect Corp. (US) Thales e-Security, Inc. (US) 3Delta Systems, Inc.(US) CipherCloud (US) Hewlett-Packard Enterprises (US) Liaison Technologies, Inc.(US) Protegrity USA, Inc. (US) Futurex (US), Fiserv, Inc. (US) Paymetric, Inc. (US) First Data Corporation (US) TokenEx LLC (US)Request a Sample Report @Tokenization Market SegmentationThe Tokenization Market has been segmented on the basis of component, application area, deployment, organization Size, end-user and region. Looking through the end-user segment it has been observed that BFSI sector has shown a tremendous usage of Tokenization market and expected to holds the largest market share. The study indicates that the other sectors like government and defense sector is using optical sensors system and showing second largest position in this market.Market Research Analysis:On geographic basis, Tokenization market is studied in different regions as North Americas, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Rest of world. It has been observed that North America region is leading in the Tokenization market and is expected to grow with a high rate as well as expected to hold the largest market share in the Tokenization market, the region also has a major focus onto the commercials, based on the low cost which tends to be the main concern. Tokenization market has the largest market size in the government and defense sector as well due to safety and security purposes as it provides token-based authentication to the users. The study shows that Europe region is also showing a positive curve in growth graph in the Tokenization market. The technological advancements in Tokenization is widely used in healthcare and BFSI. The developing economies in Asia-pacific regions like China, Japan, India and others are showing high adoption in the Tokenization market.Access Report Details @Intended Audience- System Security- Software investors- Government agencies- Tokenization vendors- Payment solution providers- Software vendors- Value-Added Resellers- Information Technology security agencies- Managed Security Service Providers- Tokenization Service Provider- Tokenization Agencies- Technology Integrators- Research/Consultancy firms- System integratorsAbout Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.Contact:Akash Anand,Market Research Future+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com
Paraformaldehyde Market by Countries, Type, Application, Manufacturers Ercros, Celanese, CCP Forecast to 2022

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HTF Market Intelligence released a new research report of 115 pages on title 'Global Paraformaldehyde Market by Manufacturers, Countries, Type and Application, Forecast to 2022' with detailed analysis, forecast and strategies. The study covers key regions that includes United States, EU, Japan, China, India, Southeast Asia and important players such as Ercros, Celanese, CCP..................SummaryParaformaldehyde is a white crystalline solid formed by polymerization of formaldehyde. It is used to make various resins with mainly phenol (melamine resin; phenol resin; vinylon; polyacetal resin; terephthalic acid; diphenyl methane diisocyanate, acrylic acid esters). Paraformaldehyde is also mainly used in (1) Pesticides: synthesis of acetochlor, butachlor, and glyphosate; (2) Medicine and pharmaceutics: produce vitamin A; (3) Coatings: synthesis of high grade automobile paint.Request a sample report @Scope of the Report:This report focuses on the Paraformaldehyde in Global market, especially in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa. This report categorizes the market based on manufacturers, regions, type and application.Market Segment by Manufacturers, this report coversErcrosCelaneseCCPMerckChemanolCaldicShandong TuoboLCY ChemicalYinhe ChemicalNantong JiangtianWanhua ChemicalLINYI TAIERShouguang XudongXiangrui ChemicalOtherMarket Segment by Regions, regional analysis coversNorth America (USA, Canada and Mexico)Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy)Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia)South America (Brazil, Argentina, Columbia etc.)Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa)Market Segment by Type, coversPF(91%93% )PF(95%97% )Market Segment by Applications, can be divided intoPesticideCoatingResinPapermakingOthersBuy this report @There are 15 Chapters to deeply display the global Paraformaldehyde market.Chapter 1, to describe Paraformaldehyde Introduction, product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;Chapter 2, to analyze the top manufacturers of Paraformaldehyde, with sales, revenue, and price of Paraformaldehyde, in 2016 and 2017;Chapter 3, to display the competitive situation among the top manufacturers, with sales, revenue and market share in 2016 and 2017;Chapter 4, to show the global market by regions, with sales, revenue and market share of Paraformaldehyde, for each region, from 2012 to 2017;Chapter 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9, to analyze the key regions, with sales, revenue and market share by key countries in these regions;Chapter 10 and 11, to show the market by type and application, with sales market share and growth rate by type, application, from 2012 to 2017;Chapter 12, Paraformaldehyde market forecast, by regions, type and application, with sales and revenue, from 2017 to 2022;Chapter 13, 14 and 15, to describe Paraformaldehyde sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, Research Findings and Conclusion, appendix and data sourceMake an enquiry before buying this Report @Table of Contents1 Market Overview1.1 Paraformaldehyde Introduction1.2 Market Analysis by Type1.2.1 PF(91%93% )1.2.2 PF(95%97% )1.3 Market Analysis by Applications1.3.1 Pesticide1.3.2 Coating1.3.3 Resin1.3.4 Papermaking1.3.5 Others1.4 Market Analysis by Regions1.4.1 North America (USA, Canada and Mexico)1.4.1.1 USA Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.1.2 Canada Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.1.3 Mexico Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.2 Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy)1.4.2.1 Germany Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.2.2 France Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.2.3 UK Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.2.4 Russia Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.2.5 Italy Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.3 Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia)1.4.3.1 China Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.3.2 Japan Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.3.3 Korea Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.3.4 India Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.3.5 Southeast Asia Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.4 South America, Middle East and Africa1.4.4.1 Brazil Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.4.2 Egypt Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.4.3 Saudi Arabia Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.4.4 South Africa Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.4.5 Nigeria Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.5 Market Dynamics1.5.1 Market Opportunities1.5.2 Market Risk1.5.3 Market Driving ForceRead Detailed Table of Content @HTF Market Report is a wholly owned brand of HTF market Intelligence Consulting Private Limited. HTF Market Report global research and market intelligence consulting organization is uniquely positioned to not only identify growth opportunities but to also empower and inspire you to create visionary growth strategies for futures, enabled by our extraordinary depth and breadth of thought leadership, research, tools, events and experience that assist you for making goals into a reality. Our understanding of the interplay between industry convergence, Mega Trends, technologies and market trends provides our clients with new business models and expansion opportunities. We are focused on identifying the Accurate Forecast in every industry we cover so our clients can reap the benefits of being early market entrants and can accomplish their Goals & Objectives.Contact Us:HTF Market Intelligence Consulting Private LimitedUnit No. 429, Parsonage Road Edison, NJNew Jersey USA  08837sales@htfmarketre)port.com+1 (206) 317 1218 (US
Thermoformed Shallow Trays Market: Small Investment, Big Profit!!

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The competitive landscape of the global market for thermoformed shallow trays features a highly fragmented competitive landscape, with the leading five vendors collectively holding only about 15% of the overall revenue of the market in 2016, observes Transparency Market Research (TMR) in a recent report. These top vendors, including Pactiv LLC, Anchor Packaging, Inc., and Huhtamaki Oyj operate amid intense competition from a large number of regional, domestic, and international players in key regional markets.To ensure sustainable returns, companies need to focus on forging long-term partnerships and expand product portfolios to match the extensive and varying needs from customers. An instance of adoption of the long-term strategy is the company Pactiv LLC. The company gathers around 70% of its revenue from top 12 consumers to whom the company supplies on agreements of around 2-3 years. In December 2016, the company invested around US$14 mn towards the expansion of its manufacturing and warehousing facility to meet the vast rise in demand from the food service industry.Browse Report:North America to Remain Top Contributor of Revenue to Global MarketOn the basis of the type of material used to manufacture thermoformed shallow trays, the plastic segment dominates, accounting for over 95% of the overall market in 2016. Plastics are expected to remain the most preferred material for manufacturing thermoformed shallow trays over the forecast period as well, with the segment of paper-based laminates to further witness a loss in its already meagre share in the global market over the forecast period.In terms of geography, North America is presently the leading contributor of revenue to the global market and is expected to retain dominance over the reports forecast period as well. The North America market for thermoformed shallow trays will chiefly benefit from the strong manufacturing capabilities of thin gauge thermoformers in the region. The region is expected to exhibit a 5.3% CAGR over the reports forecast period. The market in APAC, which presently holds the second leading share in the global market, is expected to lead in terms of growth rate over the forecast period. The burgeoning food and beverages industry in the region will provide thrust to the market for thermoformed shallow trays.Request a Sample PDF atCost and Lead Time Benefits over Injection Molding Compel Manufacturers to Adopt ThermoformingSome of the key factors driving the global market for thermoformed shallow trays are the vast cost and time benefits offered by the thermoforming technology over the conventional injection molding technology, the vast rise in use of thermoformed shallow trays in bakery applications, and the ease of customization provided by thermoformed shallow trays. It has been observed that the tooling cost incurred in thermoforming is nearly 15-45% cheaper than tooling in the process of injection molding. Furthermore, lead times in the thermoforming process are 2-3 time shorter than in the process of injection molding.Moreover, the market will also significantly benefit from the rising adoption of thermoformed packaging as the key packaging solution in the burgeoning food industry and rising scope of applications in the pharmaceutical industry. However, certain factors, such as the restricted scope of use of thermoformed shallow trays for the packaging of liquids and heavy components with complex shapes. The limited capability of thermoformed trays in the packaging of products with complex shapes is expected to negatively affect their rate of adoption to a notable extent, compelling manufacturers to prefer alternative packaging solutions such as cans, blisters, clamshells, and boxes.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Home Networking Devices Market - Asia Pacific to Emerge as Leader in Overall Industry

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In the past few years, the home networking devices market has flourished due to the increasing demand for connected devices. The primary growth driver for the home networking devices market is the growing adoption of wireless home networking devices. The increasing popularity of Wi-Fi-based devices and the growing number of end users have given this market a huge impetus. This trend is especially prominent in Europe and North America. Currently, the majority of home networking device manufacturers are trying to work in partnerships with dealers and services providers to reach out to a bigger clientele spread across various geographical locations. Besides collaborative work, manufacturers are also aiming to introduce innovative products to meet the demand for improved internet bandwidth.Make an Enquiry@Linksys Introduces Router for Underwater DevicesLinksys, which is currently owned by Belkin, announced its plan to launch the first ever wireless router that will offer Wi-Fi connectivity up to 10,000 feet under water. Linksys H2O Wi-Fi Router will be installed on buoys in lakes or oceans and will use a satellite connection to provide Wi-Fi to devices that need this connectivity. Underwater cameras, weather sensors, scuba gear, and many other devices and research developments will benefit from this revolutionary router. Some of the other important players in the global home networking devices market are Legrand SA, ASUSTeK Computer Inc., TP-Link Technologies Co., Ltd., D-Link Corporation, Netgear, Inc., Devolo AG, Actiontec Electronics, Inc., ZyXEL Communications Corp., Buffalo, Inc., and Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd.The global home networking devices market has been segmented on the basis of solution, component, and geography. The solutions available in this market are wired and wireless. Wired solutions are further fragmented into network line and powerline, while wireless solutions are divided into Wi-Fi, ZigBee, and Z-Wave. The components used in this market are hub and switch, router, extender, adapter, and wireless access point (WAP). Geographically, this market is segmented into Europe, North America, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, and Latin America.Browse the Report :Asia Pacific to Emerge as Leader in Overall Home Networking Devices MarketAccording to a research report published by Transparency Market Research, the home networking devices market is anticipated to reach US$23.2 bn by 2023, rising at a CAGR of 7.0% from 2015 to 2023. As of 2014, Asia Pacific was the biggest consumer of home networking devices and held a share of about 28.9% in the global market. In the coming years, Asia Pacific will continue to lead the overall home networking devices market due to the high adoption rate of these devices, as the number of subscribers of fixed broadband continues to increase.Furthermore, wireless home networking devices held a mammoth share of about 62.6% in the global market in 2014. However, analysts predict that Z-Wave, Wi-Fi, and ZigBee will make a significant contribution as the wireless home networking devices market offers several opportunities.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Coal Mining in China to 2020 Market Research Report includes factors affecting demand for coal

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ResearchMoz added Latest Research Report titled " Coal Mining in China to 2020 " to it's Large Report database.SynopsisTimetric's 'Coal Mining in China to 2020' report comprehensively covers Chinese reserves of coal; reserves by province; proximate analysis of Chinese coal versus coal produced by major other countries; historic and forecast data on coal production; production by grade, mining method and province; coal prices; historic and forecast coal consumption by type; and coal imports and imports by country.The report also includes factors affecting demand for coal, profiles of major coal producing companies in the country, and information on active, exploration and development coal projects.The Fiscal Regime section provides information about the countrys regulatory authority, laws, licenses and other fiscal regime information such as taxes, rates and other charges applicable to coal mining in the country.It is an essential tool for companies active in Chinese mining, and for new competitors considering entering the industry.Request for Sample PDF of Premium Research Report with TOC:SummaryIn terms of coal reserves, China was third globally after the US and Russia, with proven coal reserves of 114.5 billion tonnes (Bnt) at the end of 2014, accounting for 12.8% of the global total.Anthracite and bituminous accounted for 62.2Bnt or 54.3%, while the remaining 45.7% (52.3Bnt) was sub-bituminous and lignite grades.Coal reserves are mainly scattered across the provinces of Shanxi and Inner Mongolia, and have an average sulfur content of 1% or less, an average ash content of 23%, and an average energy content of 5,400kcal/kg net as received (NAR).ScopeThe report contains an overview of the Chinese coal mining industry together with the key factors affecting the industry and demand for the commodity.It also provides information about Chinese reserves, historic and forecast data on coal production, production by grade, consumption and imports, the competitive landscape and active, exploration and development coal projects.Read All Coal Market Research Reports @Table of Contents1 Executive Summary2 Coal Mining in China  Reserves, Production, Consumption and Trade2.1 Coal Reserves by Country and Province2.2 Proximate Analysis of Coal2.3 Historical and Forecast Production2.3.1 Coal production by grade  bituminous, anthracite and lignite2.3.2 Production by mining method2.3.3 Production by province2.4 Coal Prices2.5 Active Mines2.6 Exploration Projects2.7 Development Projects2.8 Consumption and Trade2.8.1 Domestic consumption vs electricity generation2.8.2 Consumption by type  thermal and coking2.8.3 Domestic coking coal consumption vs. crude steel production2.8.4 Coal imports2.8.5 Imports by country2.8.6 Chinas coal terminals2.9 Factors Affecting Demand for Coal2.9.1 Transition in the Chinese electricity sector will gradually reduce the dependence on coal in the long runAbout ResearchMozResearchMoz is the world's fastest growing collection of market research reports worldwide. Our database is composed of current market studies from over 100 featured publishers worldwide. Our market research databases integrate statistics with analysis from global, regional, country and company perspectives. ResearchMoz's service portfolio also includes value-added services such as market research customization, competitive landscaping, and in-depth surveys, delivered by a team of experienced Research Coordinators.Contact Us:Mr. Nachiket Ghumare90 State Street, Albany NY, United States - 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074 / Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Email: sales@researchmoz.usFollow us on LinkedIn at:Follow me on Blogger at:
Spain Pharmaceutical Bottles Market: Shipment Volume to Rise to 1,619 mn Units Mark by 2024

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The Spain market for pharmaceutical bottles is highly fragmented with a large portion of this market being operated by a number of international players, small domestic participants, and unorganized companies. Most of the international players focus aggressively on selling their products through distributorship in order to cater to the requirements of the pharmaceutical companies and are expected to continue this practice over the forthcoming years. Gerresheimer, Amcor, and Alcion Plasticos are some of the key players functioning in this market.Browse Report:As per the estimations, the market for pharmaceutical bottles in Spain, which was worth US$241.4 mn in 2016, is likely to progress at a CAGR of 3.80% over the period from 2016 to 2024 and reach a value of US$235 mn by the end of the forecast period. In terms of shipment volume, the market is likely to touch 1,619 mn units mark by 2024. Thanks to the rising utilization of PET in the manufacturing of pharmaceutical bottles, fueled by its atmosphere barrier properties, the PET segment is likely to remain witnessing a higher growth than other material type segments over the next few years, reports the research study.Oral Care Products to Report Strong Demand for Pharmaceutical BottlesThe report further provides a comprehensive evaluation of the application areas of pharmaceutical bottles in Spain. According to the study, pharmaceutical bottles are predominantly utilized in liquids, E-liquid, droppers, oral care products, and topical medication in this country. Oral care products, among all, have been exhibiting a greater demand for pharmaceutical bottles. It held a share of nearly 36% in the total demand for pharmaceutical bottles in Spain in 2016. Analysts predict the segment will demonstrate a significant incremental performance in terms of the growth rate as well as the market share throughout the forecast period.Request a PDF Brochure:Topical medication, amongst others, is expected to witness a considerable rise in the years to come due to the design competence of pharmaceutical bottles that offer a convenient and less messy dispensing of lotions and semi-solid contents.Plastic-based Pharmaceutical Bottles to Trend in Spain Pharmaceutical Bottles MarketThe advancements in the drug delivery formats applicable in the medical and healthcare industry are having the most prominent influence on the market for pharmaceutical bottles in Spain, states the author of the study. Plastic-based pharmaceutical bottles are the latest trend in the Spain pharmaceutical market. The availability of relatively cheaper polymers in abundance has brought the focus of manufacturers towards producing pharmaceutical bottles from plastic. According to researchers, this trend will shape the future of this market over the forthcoming years.On the other hand, the rising preference for flexible packaging formats, especially blisters, and the advent of eco-friendly biomaterials-based bottles as an alternative to the pharmaceutical bottles are likely to reflect negatively to the demand for pharmaceutical bottles in Spain to some extent in the years to come, notes the study.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Ampoule and Syringes Market: Glass Ampoules and Glass Syringes to Remain Most Valued Products

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The worldwide ampoules and syringes market is witnessing a substantial rise in its valuation. Analysts expect the scenario to remain positive over the forthcoming years, thanks to the continual advancements in the biologics and biosimilars industry, influencing the demand for ampoules and prefilled syringes. The patent expiry of a number of biologics has led to the introduction of biosimilars in the global market, which is the main factor behind the significant growth of the market for ampoules and syringes across the world.On the other hand, the high cost of the temperature-controlled packaging needed for temperature-sensitive drugs and the increasing product recalls due to breakages and leachables may limit the markets progress to some extent in the near future.Browse Research Report:In 2015, the global market for ampoules and syringes stood at US$5.1 bn. Progressing at an impressive CAGR of 10.50% between 2016 and 2024, the opportunity in this market is expected to surpass US$12.4 bn by the end of 2024.Glass Ampoules and Glass Syringes to Continue to Enjoy High DemandThe global market for ampoule and syringes is broadly analyzed on the basis of the type of ampoule product and the type of syringes. Glass ampoules, plastic ampoules, cyclic olefin polymers, and cyclic olefin copolymers are the key ampoule products found in this market. With a share of nearly 84%, the glass ampoules segment led the overall demand for ampoules in 2015. Thanks to the heat-resistant feature of glass ampoules, their demand is likely to remain high over the forthcoming years.Plastic ampoules, classified into PVC, polyethylene, polypropylene, are also gaining significant momentum across the world. The demand for polyethylene ampoules is much higher than other plastic ampoules, currently, which is expected to witness impressive growth opportunities compared to PVC and polypropylene ampoules in the near future.Request a Sample PDF atGlass syringes and polymers syringes are the two main types of syringes available in this market. Among these, the demand for glass syringes is greater than polymer syringes and the situation is anticipated to continue to be same over the next few years.EMEA to Retain its Position as Leader in Ampoule & Syringes MarketThe global ampoule and syringes market is spread across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), Asia Pacific (APAC), Countries under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), namely, the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, and the Rest of the World. Of these, EMEA has acquired the leading position in this market and is expected to retain it over the years to come, thanks to the early adoption and the rising awareness in the region. Europe is the key contributor to the EMEA market for ampoule and syringes. The NAFTA market is also projected to grow steadily in the near future, thanks to the presence of leading pharmaceutical companies in this region.Some of the key players functioning in the global market for ampoule and syringes are Schott AG, Becton, Dickinson and Co., Gerresheimer AG, West Pharmaceutical Services Inc., Vetter Pharma International GmbH, Nipro Corp., Stevanato Group, JSR Corp., TOPAS Advanced Polymers, Baxter International Inc., B. Braun Melsungen AG, Terumo Corp., Unilife Corp., Medtronic, Ypsomed Holding AG, and Zeon Corp.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Insect Repellent Market 2017 By Product Type: Body Worn Insect Repellent, Non Body Worn Insect Repellent

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Albany, New York, June 16, 2017 : The rise in the number of insect-borne diseases is driving the growth of the insect repellent market in Europe. In order to protect themselves from diseases caused by mosquitoes or ticks, consumers prefer different insect repellent products such as apparels, oils and creams, and stickers and patches among others. According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, the changing climatic conditions would increase the habitation of tiger mosquitoes in the Northern part of Europe on account of warmer and wetter weather conditions. All these factors are likely to increase health awareness among European consumers, which in turn is expected to drive the usage of insect repellent products in Italy, France, Spain and other European countries during the forecast period.In addition, insect repellents are marketed through strong distribution channels such as online stores, supermarkets, and convenience stores. Increasing availability of these products in stores and supermarkets are also promoting the growth of the insect repellent market in Europe. Moreover, manufacturers also sell insect repellent products through internet retailing. The collection, variety, discount, and price range of products available with internet retailers is diverse leading to increasing popularity of the channel. Many companies are entering into joint venture agreements with different online stores in order to market these products through their websites.Key manufacturers operating in the insect repellent market are continuously focused on developing safe and innovative insect repellents. These products provide protection from critical insect-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue, Lyme disease, and yellow fever among others. With advancement in technology, insect repellents are being made from natural products such as lemongrass, citronella oil, and eucalyptus oil which produce less smoke and are comparatively safer.However, stringent government regulations prevailing in Europe hinder the growth of the insect repellent market. Various organizations such as the European Environmental Agency and the European Medicines Agency have implemented different safety standards to conclude whether an insect repellent is harmless enough for its intended use, thereby maintaining consumer safety.Get PDF for more Professional and Technical insights @Increasing demand for new and innovative insect repellent products containing natural ingredients is likely to create significant opportunity for growth of the European insect repellant market in the future.This market research study analyzes the insect repellent market in Europe and provides estimates in terms of revenue (USD Million) from 2014 to 2023. It recognizes the drivers and restraints affecting the industry and analyzes their impact over the forecast period from 2015 to 2023. Moreover, it identifies the significant opportunities for market growth in the years to come.The report segments the market based on product type which includes body-worn insect repellent and non body-worn insect repellent. The body-worn insect repellent segment is segmented into oils and cream, apparels, stickers and patches, and aerosols. The oils and cream segment is further divided into synthetic and plant based insect repellents. Moreover, the aerosol segment is classified into Deet and Non Deet. The non body-worn insect repellent segment is subdivided into coils, mats and sheets, aerosols and liquid vaporizers. The aerosol segment is further bifurcated into Deet and Non Deet. By countries, the insect repellent market in Europe is subdivided into Germany, U.K. France, Italy, Spain, Belgium, Switzerland, Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, and rest of Europe.The report provides company market share analysis of the various industry participants. Key players have also been profiled on the basis of company overview, financial overview, business strategies and key developments. Major market participants profiled in this report include Avon Products Inc. (U.S.), S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. (U.S.), 3M Corporation (U.S.), E.I. DuPont de Nemours and Company (U.S.), BASF S.E (Germany) and Omega Pharma (Belgium).Europe Insect Repellent Market: by Product TypeBody Worn Insect RepellentOils and CreamSyntheticDeetPicaridinPermethrinPlant BasedCitronellaGeraniolOil of Lemon EucalyptusApparelStickers and PatchesAerosolsMake an Enquiry of this report @DeetNon DeetNon Body Worn Insect RepellentCoils, Mats and SheetAerosolDeetNon DeetLiquid VaporizerResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. 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United States Cloud Computing in Education Market Report 2017

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This report studies sales (consumption) of Cloud Computing in Education in United States market, focuses on the top players, with sales, price, revenue and market share for each player, coveringAdobe SystemsCisco SystemsIBM CorporationOracle CorporationMicrosoft CorporationNEC CorporationNetappVmwareAmazon Web ServicesEllucian CompanyFill the form for an exclusive sample of this report @Market Segment by States, coveringCaliforniaTexasNew YorkFloridaIllinoisSplit by product types, with sales, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, can be divided intoPrivate CloudPublic CloudHybrid CloudCommunity CloudSplit by applications, this report focuses on sales, market share and growth rate of Cloud Computing in Education in each application, can be divided intoK-12Higher EducationDownload full Report with TOC @Table of ContentsUnited States Cloud Computing in Education Market Report 20171 Cloud Computing in Education Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Cloud Computing in Education1.2 Classification of Cloud Computing in Education1.2.1 Private Cloud1.2.2 Public Cloud1.2.3 Hybrid Cloud1.2.4 Community Cloud1.3 Application of Cloud Computing in Education1.3.1 K-121.3.2 Higher Education1.4 United States Market Size Sales (Volume) and Revenue (Value) of Cloud Computing in Education (2012-2022)1.4.1 United States Cloud Computing in Education Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2022)1.4.2 United States Cloud Computing in Education Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2022)2 United States Cloud Computing in Education Competition by Manufacturers2.1 United States Cloud Computing in Education Sales and Market Share of Key Manufacturers (2015 and 2016)2.2 United States Cloud Computing in Education Revenue and Share by Manufactures (2015 and 2016)2.3 United States Cloud Computing in Education Average Price by Manufactures (2015 and 2016)2.4 Cloud Computing in Education Market Competitive Situation and Trends2.4.1 Cloud Computing in Education Market Concentration Rate2.4.2 Cloud Computing in Education Market Share of Top 3 and Top 5 Manufacturers2.4.3 Mergers & Acquisitions, Expansion3 United States Cloud Computing in Education Sales (Volume) and Revenue (Value) by States (2012-2017)3.1 United States Cloud Computing in Education Sales and Market Share by States (2012-2017)3.2 United States Cloud Computing in Education Revenue and Market Share by States (2012-2017)3.3 United States Cloud Computing in Education Price by States (2012-2017)4 United States Cloud Computing in Education Sales (Volume) and Revenue (Value) by Type (2012-2017)4.1 United States Cloud Computing in Education Sales and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)4.2 United States Cloud Computing in Education Revenue and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)4.3 United States Cloud Computing in Education Price by Type (2012-2017)4.4 United States Cloud Computing in Education Sales Growth Rate by Type (2012-2017)5 United States Cloud Computing in Education Sales (Volume) by Application (2012-2017)5.1 United States Cloud Computing in Education Sales and Market Share by Application (2012-2017)5.2 United States Cloud Computing in Education Sales Growth Rate by Application (2012-2017)5.3 Market Drivers and Opportunities7 Cloud Computing in Education Manufacturing Cost Analysis7.1 Cloud Computing in Education Key Raw Materials Analysis7.1.1 Key Raw Materials7.1.2 Price Trend of Key Raw Materials7.1.3 Key Suppliers of Raw Materials7.1.4 Market Concentration Rate of Raw Materials7.2 Proportion of Manufacturing Cost Structure7.2.1 Raw Materials7.2.2 Labor Cost7.2.3 Manufacturing Expenses7.3 Manufacturing Process Analysis of Cloud Computing in Education8 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers8.1 Cloud Computing in Education Industrial Chain Analysis8.2 Upstream Raw Materials Sourcing8.3 Raw Materials Sources of Cloud Computing in Education Major Manufacturers in 20158.4 Downstream Buyers9 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/Traders9.1 Marketing Channel9.1.1 Direct Marketing9.1.2 Indirect Marketing9.1.3 Marketing Channel Development Trend9.2 Market Positioning9.2.1 Pricing Strategy9.2.2 Brand Strategy9.2.3 Target Client9.3 Distributors/Traders ListAbout UsQYReseachReports.com delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. Our syndicated and customized research reports provide companies with vital background information of the market and in-depth analysis on the Chinese trade and investment framework, which directly affects their business operations. Reports from QYReseachReports.com feature valuable recommendations on how to navigate in the extremely unpredictable yet highly attractive Chinese market.Contact Us1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Web:Email: sales@qyresearchreports.com
Cough Assist Devices Market Key Players Strategies And Competitive Landscape 2027

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Cough assist device helps to clear the lung secretions by helping the patient with his breathing. When a person is assisted with a cough assist device, the machine creates a positive pressure when the patient takes in air and while expiring the suction created expires the air outside. This difference in pressure makes coughing more stronger and effecting, helping to bring out the congestion.Browse through Cough Assist Devices Market report to know what factors will shape the market by 2027:The cough assist device is important for respiratory care and in cases of critical illness. This device is a proactive requirement for spinal muscular atrophy patient regardless of the type. The device helps secretion of cough out of the lungs by creating a quick reverse in the flow directions. The stimulation of the cough dramatically improves the airway clearance thereby helping the lungs to develop and grow.Cough Assist Devices Market: Drivers and RestraintsThe major driver of the cough assist device market is the increasing prevalence of respiratory problems. Moreover, the changing lifestyle such as smoking and the high air pollution has all contributed towards the use of this portable cough assist device. The person does not have to spend hospital bed cost and medication every time he suffers from some airway disorder. With cough assist device, the patient can have a quick access to the device.According to the Reinsurance Group of America out of the four million people who die from chronic respiratory diseases each year, 90% deaths are from low and middle-income countries. While developing countries include problems such as respiratory system infections and tuberculosis, developed countries include high level of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, and lung cancer. This factor is expected to propel the demand for assist cough devices.Cough Assist Devices Market: SegmentationCough assist devices market is classified on the basis of product, choice of air delivery part and region.Based on application the cough assist devices market is segmented into the following:Automatic cough assist deviceManual cough assist deviceBased on choice of air delivery part the cough assist devices market is segmented into the following:Face maskMouth pieceAdaptarCough Assist Devices Market: OverviewEnvironmental pollution causes seriously respiratory diseases such as COPD and asthma and globally the number is still increasing. This is expected to propel the demand for sudden asthmatic attack health devices globally. There are a number of organizations who are coming forward to contribute towards the helping the people suffering from chronic conditions. The soaring insurance coverage and hospital costs have increased patients treated in the non-hospital settings. The respiratory disorders are a key therapeutic area and hence there is an increase in the number of patients being treated for asthma and sleep apnea in the homecare setting.Cough Assist Devices Market: Region-wise OutlookIn terms of geography, the cough assist devices market has been divided into five regions including North- America, Asia- Pacific and Middle-East & Africa, Latin America and Europe. North America region dominated the cough assist devices with the presence of major companies and the funds received towards home healthcare devices. Asia Pacific is the fastest growing region as there is an increasing interest of venture capitalist towards the home healthcare services. Medwell Ventures received US$21 million to expand the services in Tier I and Tier II towns along with increasing manpower.Get accurate market forecast and analysis on the Cough Assist Devices Market. Request a sample to stay abreast on the key trends impacting this market:Cough Assist Devices Market: Key Market ParticipantsSome of the market contributors to the cough assist devices market are Koninklijke Philips N.V., Hill-Rom, Percussionaire Corporation, Dima Italia Srl, Emerson, United Hayek Industries Inc., and Ventec Life Systems.Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Bipolar Disorder (BPD) Market Size & Share Analysis & Industry Outlook - 2025

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Bipolar disorder, commonly known as manic depression, is a type of mental illness which is characterized by mood swings. Mood episodes are of two types: manic and depressive episodes. The changes in the mental state bring out sudden high or low moods in a person. An individual suffering from bipolar disorder can be happy, joyful, and energized at a particular moment and can also be sad, hopeless, and sluggish at the next moment. This mental illness is termed as bipolar disorder due to these different moods or two poles of mood. Through many research activities, it is observed that certain genes are responsible for the development of bipolar disorder. Individuals with a family history of bipolar disorder are most likely to develop the illness. These kind of mood episodes can hamper the image of an individual at a school or at a job or even in the society.Browse through Bipolar Disorder (BPD) Market report to know what factors will shape the market by 2025:Increase in awareness about diagnosis and treatment of bipolar disorder and unmet needs in the treatment of the disorder are the major drivers for the growth of the market. Increasing acceptance of society regarding mental illness is encouraging individuals to get treated. In addition, growth in technological advancement in identifying genetic disorders and increase in treatment options for genetic disorders are major drivers of the market growth. Government initiatives such as launch of Bipolar Disorder Phenome Database, funded by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), provide complete information regarding signs and symptoms of the illness. This factor has further contributed to the growth of the market. However, factors such as stringent regulatory frameworks, side effects of anticonvulsants, and limited number of approved anticonvulsants hamper the growth of the market.The global bipolar disorder market is segmented based on types of bipolar disorder, drug class, mechanism of action, and geography. Based on types of bipolar disorder, the market is classified into bipolar I disorder, which is mania or mixed episode; bipolar II disorder, which is hypomania and depression; and cyclothymia, which is hypomania and mild depression. According to drug class, the market is segmented into mood stabilizers, anticonvulsants, antipsychotics, antidepressants, and anti-anxiety drugs. In terms of mechanism of action, the market is segmented into selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, benzodiazepines, beta blockers, and others.Geographically, the global bipolar market is distributed over North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. North America dominates the global bipolar disorder market due to increased awareness and larger availability of treatment options. In the region, the U.S. has a significant market share in terms of revenue, followed by Canada. Europe is the second leading region, contributing to the growth of the market in terms of revenue, with the U.K. and Germany having major share of the market. Asia Pacific is a highly potential market with emerging countries such as India and China. The market in the region is expected to expand at a high CAGR during the forecast period. Increase in awareness about the disease in countries such as India is likely to boost the growth of the market. Latin America and Middle East & Africa are expected to contribute highly to the growth of the market due to improving economy and rising awareness about the mental illness.Get accurate market forecast and analysis on the Bipolar Disorder (BPD) Market. Request a sample to stay abreast on the key trends impacting this market:Key players operating in the global bipolar disorder market include Abbott Laboratories, Bristol-Myers Squibb, AstraZeneca plc, Eli Lilly and Company, GlaxoSmithKline plc, Merck & Co., Inc., Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer Inc., Cephalon Inc., Gedeon Richter plc, H. Lundbeck A/S, Otsuka America Pharmaceutical Inc., Repligen Corporation, and Validus Pharmaceuticals LLC.Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Global Egg Phosphatidylcholine Market trends estimates high demand by 2024

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Zion Market Research, the market research group announced the analysis report titled Egg Phosphatidylcholine Market: Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecasts 20162024Global Egg Phosphatidylcholine Market: OverviewThe fat molecules are considered as an essential element for the overall well being of the organs, muscles, and living organisms. Phosphatidylcholines are the fat molecules that are a type of phospholipids having the headgroup as choline. According to the studies, the phosphatidylcholine plays an important role in the fat metabolism, memory, cell structure maintenance, and nerve signaling. With the help of mechanical or chemical procedure, the phosphatidylcholine can be easily isolated from the sources such as soybean and egg yolk. For a number of commercial applications, phosphatidylcholine is extracted from the most trusted source which is from the egg yolk lecithin.Request Free Sample Report @Global Egg Phosphatidylcholine Market: SegmentationThe egg phosphatidylcholine market is globally segmented into its end use, application, and regions. Based on the end use, the global market is segregated into nutraceutical, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and others. The pharmaceutical segment dominates the market owing to its major revenue share in the global market. Depending on the application, the market is categorized into emulsifier, solubilizer, moisturizer, and others. In the application segment, the moisturizers segment shows a substantial market growth.Global Egg Phosphatidylcholine Market: Growth FactorsOne of the important molecules that make a living cell is phosphatidylcholine. Due to the numerous benefits of the phosphatidylcholine the physicians recommend medicines that contain this chemical. It is used for the treatment of several diseases such as eczema, high cholesterol, blood circulation problems, brain-centered conditions, hepatitis, and gallbladder disease. There is an increasing attention for the phosphatidylcholine-based medications that are used off-label as fat loss agent. The wide scope of application of the egg phosphatidylcholine in the manufacturing of the medicine is the key factor that is driving the market growth. Other factors that are contributing to the growth of the market are increasing cases of the diseases that are brain centered such as amnesia and Alzheimers and also the rise in the fat embolism and related complications increase its demand in the pharmaceutical industry. The egg phosphatidylcholine is also widely used in the nutritional supplements thus increasing its demand in the global market.Request Report TOC (Table of Contents) @Global Egg Phosphatidylcholine Market: Regional AnalysisRegion-wise, the global egg phosphatidylcholine market is diversified into North America, Asia-Pacific, Europe, and Rest of the World. The major revenue share from the sales of the egg phosphatidylcholine is gained by the North America and European region. The factor that attributes to the high sales of egg phosphatidylcholine is the high consumption of the nutritional supplements by the consumers in these regions. In Asia Pacific region there is a wide range of opportunities present for the egg phosphatidylcholine market due to the factors such as the changing preferences of food habits and the change in the peoples lifestyle. The increasing awareness among the consumers regarding health care, increase in the disposable incomes, and the wide availability of the egg phosphatidylcholine products are some other factors that are contributing to the market growth.Global Egg Phosphatidylcholine Market: Competitive PlayersSome of the key market players that are involved in the egg phosphatidylcholine market include NOF America Corporation, Vitamin Research Products, Harmony Whole Foods Market, Kewpie Corporation, Nutrasal Inc., Natural Factors, Jena Bioscience GmbH., and Avanti Polar Lipids Inc.Browse detail report @Egg Phosphatidylcholine Market by Geographical Analysis: North America( U.S.), Europe( UK, France, Germany), Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India), Latin America( Brazil), Middle East and AfricaOur value reports provide full, in-depth analysis of the parent market including most significant changes in market dynamics; the report also presents the detailed overview on segmentation of this market. We managed to present as many important pieces of information in essential form  thanks to our report You will learn more about former, on-going, and projected market analysis in terms of volume and value, assessment of niche industry developments and Market share analysis. We have not forgotten to present key strategies for major players, emerging segments and regional markets and last but not least, testimonials to companies in order to fortify their foothold in the market.About Us: Zion Market Research is an obligated company. We create futuristically, cutting edge, informative reports ranging from industry reports, a company reports to country reports. We provide our clients not only with market statistics unveiled by avowed private publishers and public organizations but also with Vogue and newest industry reports along with pre-eminent and niche company profiles. Our database of market research reports comprises a wide variety of reports from Cardinal Industries. Our database is been updated constantly in order to fulfill our clients with prompt and direct online access to our database. Keeping in mind the clients needs, we have included expert insights on global industries, products, and market trends in this database. Last but not the least, we make it our duty to ensure the success of clients connected to usafter allif you do well, a little of the light shines on us.Contact Us:Zion Market Research4283, Express Lane,Suite 634-143,Sarasota, Florida 34249, United StatesTel: +49-322 210 92714USA/Canada Toll-Free No.1-855-465-4651Email: sales@zionmarketresearch.comWebsite:Visit Our Blog:
Global Shortenings Market share continue to grow by 2016-2024

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Zion Market Research, the market research group announced the analysis report titled Shortenings Market: Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecasts 20162024Global Shortenings Market: OverviewShortenings can be considered as an important ingredient of baking. Owing to this importance the shortenings market is flourishing in the global market due to the fact that the food and beverages industry is developing. The increasing popularity of the baking products in the global market and the easy availability of the shortenings influence the growth of the market in the coming years.Download Free Sample Copy Of this Report:Global Shortenings Market: SegmentationThe shortenings market is globally segmented into key ingredients, source, variant, and application. Based on the key ingredient, the global market is segregated into butter, lard, oil, tallow, and others. On the basis of source, the market is categorized into animal and vegetable. Depending on the variant, the market is fragmented into liquid, all-purpose, solid, cake/icing, and others. On the basis of application, the shortenings market is divided into snacks & savory products, bakery products, confectionery products, and others.Global Shortenings Market: Growth FactorsThe increasing demand for the products that is low at calorie content worldwide offers new promising opportunities for the shortenings market players in the next few years. The increasing application base of the baking ingredients triggers the global shortenings market. In the recent years, there has been a rise in the demand for the bakery product owing to its increasing popularity thus boosting the market growth globally. The other factors that are contributing to the market growth are increasing disposable income and the changing lifestyle of the people. There are certain factors that hamper the market in a negative way which includes the increasing awareness about health regarding the over-consumption of fats and oils anticipates restricting the market growth. The growing population that is health conscious hampers the market. The market players involved in the shortenings market are expected to face several challenges in the coming years owing to the development of the substitutes.Request Report TOC (Table of Contents) @Global Shortenings Market: Regional AnalysisAsia Pacific region is the one that is dominating the shortenings market owing to its key market share in terms of both value and volume. The major contribution from the countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, China, and India estimates to augment the market growth in the coming years. The increasing purchasing power of the consumers and the increasing population are the other factors that are contributing to the market growth in the Asia-Pacific region. The shortenings market in the Asia-Pacific region is expected to bloom in the coming years. In the European and the North American region the market growth is moderate. The factors that affect the market growth in a positive way are the improved lifestyle of the consumers and the increasing demand for the bakery products in the developing regions.Global Shortenings Market: Competitive PlayersSome of the key market players that are involved in the shortenings market include Archer Daniels Midland Company, AAK AB, Bunge Limited, Manildra Group, Ventura Foods, LLC, International Foodstuff Company Holdings Limited, Cargill, Wilmar International Limited, Associated British Foods, and ConAgra Brands.Browse detail report @Shortenings Market by Geographical Analysis: North America( U.S.), Europe( UK, France, Germany), Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India), Latin America( Brazil), Middle East and AfricaOur value reports provide full, in-depth analysis of the parent market including most significant changes in market dynamics; the report also presents the detailed overview on segmentation of this market. We managed to present as many important pieces of information in essential form  thanks to our report You will learn more about former, on-going, and projected market analysis in terms of volume and value, assessment of niche industry developments and Market share analysis. We have not forgotten to present key strategies for major players, emerging segments and regional markets and last but not least, testimonials to companies in order to fortify their foothold in the market.Inquire more before buying this report @About Us: Zion Market Research is an obligated company. We create futuristically, cutting edge, informative reports ranging from industry reports, a company reports to country reports. We provide our clients not only with market statistics unveiled by avowed private publishers and public organizations but also with Vogue and newest industry reports along with pre-eminent and niche company profiles. Our database of market research reports comprises a wide variety of reports from Cardinal Industries. Our database is been updated constantly in order to fulfill our clients with prompt and direct online access to our database. Keeping in mind the clients needs, we have included expert insights on global industries, products, and market trends in this database. Last but not the least, we make it our duty to ensure the success of clients connected to usafter allif you do well, a little of the light shines on us.Contact Us:Zion Market Research4283, Express Lane,Suite 634-143,Sarasota, Florida 34249, United StatesTel: +49-322 210 92714USA/Canada Toll-Free No.1-855-465-4651Email: sales@zionmarketresearch.comWebsite:Visit Our Blog:
Regenerative Uninterruptible Power Supply Market In India - Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth Trends, and Forecast 2016 - 2024

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Regenerative Uninterruptible Power Supply Market In India - Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth Trends, and Forecast 2016 - 2024" to its huge collection of research reports.This research study analyzes the market for regenerative uninterruptible power supply (UPS) in India in terms of revenue (US$ Mn). The regenerative UPS market in India has been segmented on the basis of product type, technology type (braking application), application, and geography. The geographical segmentation includes four zones  major players in the India regenerative UPS market. The report features a detailed regional segmentation with market growth forecasts for the 2016?2024 period (major players in the India regenerative UPS market). For the research, 2014 has been taken as the base year, data for 2015 is estimated, while all forecasts have been given for the period from 2016 to 2024. Market data for all the segments has been provided at the zonal level from 2016 to 2024. The report provides a broad competitive analysis of companies engaged in the regenerative UPS business in India. The report also includes the key market dynamics such as drivers, restraints, and opportunities affecting the regenerative UPS market. These market dynamics were analyzed in detail and are illustrated in the report with the help of supporting graphs and tables. The report also provides a comprehensive analysis of the regenerative UPS market in India with the help of Porters Five Forces model. The analysis helps in understanding the five major forces that affect the structure and profitability of the market. The forces analyzed are bargaining power of buyers, bargaining power of suppliers, threat of new entrants, threat of substitutes, and degree of competition.The high-level analysis in the report provides detailed insights into the regenerative UPS business in India. There are currently numerous drivers of the market. The most prominent drivers include growing industrial sector, rising demand for power, high industrial power deficit, and integrated services provided by regenerative UPS suppliers. Growth dynamics of Indias manufacturing industry by various zones are also considered for market analysis. Market attractiveness analysis was carried out for the regenerative UPS market in India on the basis of application. Market attractiveness was estimated on the basis of common parameters that directly impact the market in different zones.The regenerative UPS market in India has been segmented into four zones: East Zone, West Zone, North Zone, and South Zone. Regional data has been provided for each sub-segment of the regenerative UPS market in India. Key players in the market include Emerson Network Power (India) Pvt. Ltd., Riello PCI India Pvt. Ltd., Yaskawa Electric India Pvt. Ltd., Hitachi Hi-Rel Power Electronics Pvt. Ltd., Sew-Eurodrive India Pvt. Ltd., Bonfiglioli Transmissions Pvt. Ltd., and ARVI Systems & Controls Pvt. Ltd. The report provides an overview of these companies, followed by their financial details, business strategies, and recent developments.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Regenerative Uninterruptible Power Supply Market: By ProductRegenerative ConverterSinusoidal PWMMatrix ConverterRegenerative Uninterruptible Power Supply Market: By TechnologySpindle DrivesDecanter CentrifugesElevatorsOthersRegenerative Uninterruptible Power Supply Market: By ApplicationPharmaceutical IndustryFood & Beverage IndustrySteel IndustriesOil & GasMining IndustriesPaper MillsOthersRegenerative Uninterruptible Power Supply Market: By RegionEast ZoneWest ZoneNorth ZoneSouth ZoneMake an Enquiry of this report @About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @
Asparagus Market Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment

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Asparagus is actively sought by major companies as a key ingredient in soups on account of its nutritive properties and palatable taste. Asparagus is widely predicted to become the primary choice in the soup manufacturing industry as many companies already make soup with asparagus and this is only expected to grow in the future. As a vegetable, asparagus is quite popular to prepare ready-to-eat foods, and asparagus is grated and mixed with other food products such as mixed vegetables and chicken to concoct truly delicious preparations. An increasing demand for asparagus in fresh food products such as brine and pickled asparagus, soups and sauces is likely to give a good boost to the revenue growth of the fresh segment by type in the global asparagus market.Request For Sample Report :Rising demand for organic asparagus in the global asparagus marketThe number of organic growers of asparagus in the global asparagus market is rising every year because of the high demand for organic asparagus. Asparagus growers are striving to increase the yield they can obtain and this can largely be attributed to the thriving global asparagus export market. Consumers have become extremely health-conscious worldwide and this has spurred demand for both the production and consumption of organic asparagus. Organic asparagus is particularly consumed in North America and Europe, and import there has grown by leaps and bounds. In the U.S state of Kentucky for example, growing organic asparagus has become something of a recent trend. The produce is exported to those countries where demand is high and Kentucky has the maximum asparagus produced organically when compared to any other region in the world.Fresh asparagus is the most widely consumed in the global asparagus marketFresh asparagus is highly preferred over its canned and frozen counterparts in the global asparagus market. Future Market Insights estimates the fresh segment of the global asparagus market to account for nearly 74% market share by the end of the year 2017 and this segment is likely to remain the dominant segment by type in the global asparagus market, showcasing a gain of 170 BPS by 2027 over 2017. The shelf life of fresh asparagus can be extended by pickling the asparagus, adding preservatives or even keeping it in brine. It is very easy to store asparagus products in any of these forms and they can even be enjoyed for the entire year. In the global asparagus market, pickled and brine asparagus is widely available in glass jars, cans or bottles.Market opportunity in excess of US$ 20 Bn in the fresh asparagus marketThe growing popularity of fresh asparagus is evident from the increasing demand by consumers globally and as a result, the fresh segment is estimated to account for a Y-o-Y growth of 2% in value terms in the year 2017, which is expected to rise to 3.1% by the end of the forecast period. The fresh segment is estimated to record a market revenue of more than US$ 20 Bn in the year 2017 and this is likely to reach a market valuation almost close to US$ 30 Bn by 2027, registering a good CAGR of 3.3% in terms of value during the forecast period  the highest among all the type segments of the global asparagus market. This gain in terms of value of the fresh asparagus segment will largely be at the expense of both canned and frozen asparagus segments in the global asparagus market. The fresh segment created absolute dollar opportunity of over US$ 550 Mn in 2016 over 2015; while an incremental opportunity of approximately US$ 8 Bn can be safely assumed between 2017 and 2027.Browse Full Report With TOC :Market Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE) is an industry-leading database of market intelligence reports. MRRSE is driven by a stellar team of research experts and advisors trained to offer objective advice. Our sophisticated search algorithm returns results based on the report title, geographical region, publisher, or other keywords.MRRSE partners exclusively with leading global publishers to provide clients single-point access to top-of-the-line market research. MRRSEs repository is updated every day to keep its clients ahead of the next new trend in market research, be it competitive intelligence, product or service trends or strategic consulting.State Tower90, State StreetSuite 700Albany, NY - 12207United StatesTelephone: +1-518-730-0559Email: sales@mrrse.comGoogle+:Linked in:Twitter:
Popularity Of Global OTT Devices and Services Market From 2016 - 2020: Key Vendors Such As Amazon, Apple, Facebook, Hulu & Netflix

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Popularity Of Global OTT Devices and Services Market From 2016 - 2020: Key Vendors Such As Amazon, Apple, Facebook, Hulu & Netflix" to its huge collection of research reports.OTT or over-the-top refers to a medium used for delivering diverse media content using the Internet. It is different from video-on-demand where the users need not subscribe to the traditional satellite or cable service such as Comcast and Time Warner Cable. The popularity of OTT services is indirectly affecting the cable companies that prefer to bundle the channel packages and deliver them to the subscribers. It is further affecting their business models where the popular channels are bundled with the less popular channels and are sold at a premium price.Technavios analysts forecast the global OTT devices and services market to grow at a CAGR of 20.6% during the period 2016-2020.Covered in this reportThe report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global OTT devices and services market for 2016-2020. To calculate the market size, the report considers the sales of OTT services globally.The market is divided into the following segments based on geography:AmericasAPACEMEATechnavio's report, Global OTT Devices and Services Market 2016-2020, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.Key vendorsAmazonAppleFacebookHuluNetflixTo Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Other prominent vendorsAkamai TechnologiesActivevideoCinemaNowGoogleIndieflixNimbuzzPopcornflixRokuMarket driverHigh demand for time-shifted TVFor a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket challengeLow scope of customer retentionFor a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket trendEmergence of video streaming devicesFor a full, detailed list, view our reportKey questions answered in this reportWhat will the market size be in 2020 and what will the growth rate be?What are the key market trends?What is driving this market?What are the challenges to market growth?Who are the key vendors in this market space?What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the key vendors?What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors?Make an Enquiry of this report @About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @
Hearing Aids Market Insights, Size, Share, Opportunity Analysis, and Industry Forecast till 2025

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Hearing Aids  Technologically Advanced and Customizable Hearing Aids Fuel the Growth of Hearing Aids MarketHearing aids are sound-amplifying devices that are used to treat hearing impairment. It is an electronic device comprising various components such as microphone, amplifier circuitry, miniature loudspeaker (receiver) and batteries. It captures, amplifies and delivers sound into the ear canal. The hearing loss may result due to many reasons such as due to aging, prolonged exposure to loud noise, trauma or injury to the head, genetic factor and due to the disease such as Menieres disease.As per the stats released by Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID), in 2015, 11 million people suffered from hearing loss in the U.K. and the number is projected grow to 15.6 million by 2035. Furthermore, as per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2014, around 97% infants were screened for hearing loss and in between 2005 to 2014 around 45,000 deaf children were born in the U.S.Request a sample copy of this report:According to World Health Organization (WHO) in 2012, around 360 million people were suffering from hearing loss, which included 32 million children. Furthermore, as of 2017, around 1.1 billion people around the globe in the age group of 12-35 years are at the risk of hearing loss due to continuous exposure to noise. Around 60% of childhood hearing loss is preventable by immunizing children against the disease which causes for hearing loss for example meningitis, rubella, and mumps.There are three major types of hearing loss, namely sensorineural hearing loss, conductive hearing loss, and mixed hearing loss. Sensorineural hearing loss is the most common type and is a permanent type of hearing loss caused due to damage to the inner cells or auditory nerve of the ear.The global hearing aids market was valued at US$7584.8 million in 2016 and is expected to witness a robust CAGR of 4.6% during the forecast period (2017  2025).Request customization of the report:Increase in disease prevalence and advancement in hearing aids technology will support the hearing aids market over the forecast periodNorth America holds the major market share, followed by Europe in the global hearing aids market. This is mainly due to large geriatric population and high adoption rate of devices in this region. It is expected that the hearing aids market growth rate will increase in Asia Pacific region during forecast period due to the continuous increase in population in the emerging economies such as China and India.Also, the major companies are focusing on emerging countries to tap the market share and expand customer base as well as to meet the rising demand form this region. As per WHO, in 2012, overall production of hearing aids meet only 10% demand around the globe and only 3% demand in emerging economies.High cost of devices, poor accessibility of healthcare services, issues related with the devices like battery problem, post purchase service and maintenance problem may limit the growth of hearing aids in emerging countries.View this full report:Continuous innovation and product development by manufacturers expected to fuel the growth of hearing aids marketThe companies like Sivantos Inc. and William Demant Holding A/S are focusing on product development and innovation, as a part of this Sivantos Inc. has recently launched their new hearing aids brand Signia, which provide advanced hearing solutions, customizable aids and have discreet appearance and wireless connectivity to phone and TV features.Some major players hold largest market share of hearing aids market are Sonova Holding AG, Sivantos Inc., Cochlear Ltd., SeboTek Hearing Systems, LLC, Oticon A/S, Zounds Hearing Inc, MED-EL, Sonic Innovations Inc., GN Hearing and William Demant Holding A/S.The companies are also trying to establish control on retail chains to robust their product sale and supply the product directly to end user. In the year 2015 William Demant Holding A/S acquired Audika, which is the largest hearing aid dispensing chain in France.About Coherent Market Insights:Coherent Market Insights is a prominent market research and consulting firm offering action-ready syndicated research reports, custom market analysis, consulting services, and competitive analysis through various recommendations related to emerging market trends, technologies, and potential absolute dollar opportunity.Contact Us:Mr.ShahCoherent Market Insights1001 4th Ave,#3200Seattle, WA 98154Tel: +1-206-701-6702Email:sales@coherentmarketinsights.com
New trends and Innovations In United Kingdom's Pet Insurance: Distribution and Marketing

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "New trends and Innovations In United Kingdom's Pet Insurance: Distribution and Marketing" to its huge collection of research reports.2016 saw the UKs supermarkets and major retailers confirm their role in the distribution of pet insurance, with a significant proportion of consumers now seeking alternative channels to obtain their policies. While many pet owners still prefer to approach their insurer directly, supermarkets and retailers are benefiting from those who value convenience and the opportunity to purchase insurance cover at the same time as other products. Much of the growth in this channel can be attributed to the marketing and advertising strategies employed by these groups. Direct mailing is a favored option, as these groups often have a wide customer base and many subscribers to their internet channels, and have a tendency to offer simpler online purchasing platforms than traditional insurers.Key Findings- Retail/affinity providers are now the second most popular channel of distribution for pet insurance.- The internet, using desktop PCs, continues as the preferred method of arranging pet cover.- Switching levels are low among pet insurance customers, although many are inclined to compare prices on an aggregator platform before ultimately committing to their initial provider.- Price remains a significant influence on the decision-making process for pet customers.SynopsisVerdict Financials UK Pet Insurance: Distribution and Marketing 2016 explores consumer purchasing behavior and how consumer preferences are changing over time. This report discovers what is most influential to customers when purchasing a policy and also reveals the most popular providers in the market. New trends and innovations are highlighted, as well as the key factors that will influence the market over the next few years.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @ReasonsToBuy- To understand consumer purchasing decisions and how these will influence the market over the next few years.- To improve customer engagement by recognizing what is most important to them and how insurers can adapt their products and services to meet their needs.- To discover which providers lead the way in the travel insurance space and how providers are revolutionizing the market through new innovations.- Adapt your distribution strategy to ensure it still meets customer purchasing behavior.Table of ContentsThe Purchasing JourneyProvider EngagementChannel ViewMarketingFuture MarketAppendixMake an Enquiry of this report @About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @
Matrix joins hands with HR and Payroll Software Specialist Company, Greytip as Technology Partner

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Matrix, a leading manufacturer of enterprise-grade Telecom and Security solutions, announced tie-up with Greytip Software Pvt. Ltd. as a technology partner. The two companies have joined hands to offer a comprehensive time-attendance and payroll solution to their customers.Matrix COSEC is a People Mobility solution for enterprises, which covers Time-Attendance and Access Control. Matrix COSEC Time-Attendance provides comprehensive attendance and leave related data of users in various formats like reports, graphs and others required for integration with payroll.About Greytip SoftwareEstablished in 1994, Greytip Software Pvt. Ltd., Bangalore enables HR departments to leverage IT for both effectiveness and efficiency. It provides cloud based software that covers all aspects of payroll management, leading to less work and functions entirely to ensure a smooth HR and payroll process. It provides software solutions that cover all areas including employee information management, leave and attendance management, training, appraisals, compensation and more.The AssociationIntegration of Matrix COSEC Time-Attendance with Greytip makes it an advanced solution. Furthermore, it supports database to database integration.The integration process occurs in the following way:1. Events generated by users are stored in the server.2. Greytip software will fetch the user attendance data from the server.3. Hence, Greytip software will generate the reports defined as per the policy of an organization.This comprehensive integrated solution will take care of all events from employees attendance marking to the generation of payslip. Furthermore, it ensures delivering more value in enhancing an organizations productivity, reliability and security by automating HRs tasks.Speaking on the subject, Jatin Desai, Marketing Manager Access Control and Time-Attendance Solutions, Matrix, "This interoperability will provide comprehensive integrated solution to the end customers for both time-attendance and payroll without any technical glitches. Furthermore, system integrators can suggest both solutions to end customers without worrying about the integration part.About MatrixAn innovative, technology driven and customer focused organization, Matrix is committed to keep pace with the revolutions in the telecom and security industries. With more than 40% of its human resources dedicated to the development of new products, Matrix has launched cutting-edge products like IP Video Surveillance, Access Control, Time-Attendance, Unified Communications, IP-PBX, Universal Gateways, Convergence, VoIP Gateways and GSM Gateways. These solutions are feature-rich, reliable and conform to the international standards. Having global footprints in Europe, North America, South America, Africa and Asia through an extensive network of more than 500 channel partners, Matrix ensures that the products serve the needs of its customers faster and longer. Matrix has gained trust and admiration of customers representing the entire spectrum of industries. Matrix has won many national and international awards for its innovative products.For further information, please contact:More@MatrixComSec.com+91 93744 74302About MatrixAn innovative, technology driven and customer focused organization, Matrix is committed to keep pace with the revolutions in the telecom and security industries. With more than 40% of its human resources dedicated to the development of new products, Matrix has launched cutting-edge products like IP Video Surveillance, Access Control, Time-Attendance, Unified Communications, IP-PBX, Universal Gateways, Convergence, VoIP Gateways and GSM Gateways. These solutions are feature-rich, reliable and conform to the international standards. Having global footprints in Europe, North America, South America, Africa and Asia through an extensive network of more than 500 channel partners, Matrix ensures that the products serve the needs of its customers faster and longer. Matrix has gained trust and admiration of customers representing the entire spectrum of industries. Matrix has won many national and international awards for its innovative products.Matrix Comsec394 GIDC, Makarpura, Vadodara-390010
Second Annual Clare Haley Exhibition at York Fine Arts

'Down the Grassy Path' by Clare Haley

https://www.yorkfineartsonline.co.uk/press-releases/clare-haley-light-of-yorkshire-2017

With great delight, York Fine Arts proudly announces its second solo exhibition of original paintings by British landscape artist Clare Haley. Clare Haley: Light of Yorkshire showcases a spellbinding collection of work that magnificently articulates the raw, dramatic beauty of landscape and light. From placid, sunlit valleys of green to suspenseful, stormy skies, the exhibition presents a spectacular selection of Clares paintings that tell a comprehensive story of the multifaceted northern landscape she so loves.Arguably one of Yorkshires top emerging artists, Light of Yorkshire Clare Haley exquisitely captures the emotion and ethereal nature of the British landscape with unparalleled ingenuity. Working primarily from memory, Clare creates paintings that push the boundaries of imagination whilst retaining an organic authenticity. Since 2010, she has flourished as a professional artist, attaining great success and gaining an international, loyal following at an astonishing pace.Clare describes her work as contemporary northern landscapes which mostly appear timeless, of any eraearthy, wild places to become lost in. She develops the atmospheric content of her paintings through location photography, research of weather and cloud consequences, imagined places and her experience living in an area of such raw beauty. With nods to the drama of John Martins apocalyptic paintings and to the colours and heritage of Sidney Richard Percys landscapes, Clares own unique style resurrects the tradition of British landscape painting and brings it into the 21st century with graceful transcendence.The exhibition is an opportunity for discerning art collectors and first-time buyers alike to view an exclusive collection of artwork from one of the most exciting emerging artists of the north. A timeless bridge between the traditional heritage of the arts and the innovation of contemporary vision, Clares work offers a universal appeal to even the most diverse range of collectors.All paintings featured in the exhibition are available to purchase, and range from 985 to 1,885. In honour of Yorkshire Day, the exhibition also includes a selection of Yorkshire landscapes, including a specially commissioned piece not to be missed.The exhibition opens Friday, 28th of July and runs until Sunday, 20th of August 2016. Due to expected high volume of interest, an early viewing is recommended.For press enquires or high-resolution images, please telephone Deanna Dawkins on 01904 634221.York Fine Arts has been a family run, established art gallery for over forty years. Over the decades we have gained an international reputation for sourcing high quality traditional and contemporary fine art from some of the very best artists practicing today.Our carefully selected collection of artwork is tailored for a diverse range of styles and tastes. We specialise in a variety of work by established British and international artists, ranging from original oil paintings and watercolours to bronze sculptures and signed limited edition prints. We also offer a number of services, including framing, valuations, restoration and art sourcing.York Fine Arts83 Low PetergateYorkYO1 7HYUnited Kingdom
Global Lime Market Industry Analysis, Trends, and Forecast

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Lime is derived from heating limestone. Lime has basically two product type: quick lime and slaked lime. Manufacturing of lime involves several processes such as pulverizing, crushing, hydrating, and heating. Lime is used in various industries such as chemical, metallurgical, construction, environmental, agriculture, etc. It is used as flux in steel manufacturing to remove impurities such as sulfur, silica, and phosphorus. Lime is one of the key raw materials used in construction. Due to its anti-stripping and binding properties it is highly preferred in construction industry.Request For Sample Report :Global Lime Market: Drivers and TrendsRising construction industry is therefore expected to propel the lime market during the forecast period. Demand for lime is projected to increase significantly in the next few years owing to the rise in demand for lime in chemical intermediated segment. It is used in the production of various chemicals including calcium carbide, sodium alkali, citric acid, cyanimide, and petrochemicals. Increase in Demand in Wastewater Treatment is also anticipated to boost the overall market of lime during the forecast period. Asia Pacific dominates the lime market in terms of production and demand. Countries such as China, India, and Japan, are expected to be the key consumers of lime. Europe is the second largest consuming region. Air pollution is one of the major factors expected to hamper the lime market during the forecast period. Also, availability of alternatives materials is anticipated to adversely affect the lime market in the next few years.This report analyzes and forecasts the market for lime at the global and regional level. The market has been forecast based on volume (Million Tons) and revenue (US$ Mn) from 2016 to 2024, considering 2015 as the base year. The study includes drivers and restraints of the global lime market. It also covers impact of these drivers and restraints on demand for lime during the forecast period. The report also highlights opportunities in the lime market at the global and regional level.Global Lime Market: Research MethodologiesThe report includes detailed value chain analysis, which provides a comprehensive view of the global lime market. Porters Five Forces model for the lime market has also been included to help understand the competitive landscape in the market. The study encompasses market attractiveness analysis, wherein product type and end-use are benchmarked based on their market size, growth rate, and general attractiveness.Secondary research sources that are typically referred to include, but are not limited to company websites, annual reports, financial reports, broker reports, investor presentations, SEC filings, European Lime Association, International Lime Association , USGS Mineral Information, internal and external proprietary databases, and relevant patent and regulatory databases such as ICIS, Hoovers, oneSOURCE, Factiva and Bloomberg, national government documents, statistical databases, trade journals, market reports, news articles, press releases, and webcasts specific to companies operating in the market.We conduct primary interviews on an ongoing basis with industry participants and commentators to validate data and analysis. These help validate and strengthen secondary research findings. These also help develop the analysis teams expertise and market understanding.Global Lime Market: SegmentationThe study provides a decisive view of the global lime market by segmenting it in terms of product type (Quick lime, Slaked lime & others) and end-use such as chemical intermediates, metallurgical, construction, environmental, and others (agriculture, glass, paper and pulp, etc.). These segments have been analyzed based on present and future trends. Regional segmentation includes current and forecast demand for lime in North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa.The report provides the actual market size of lime for 2015 and estimated market size for 2016 with forecast for the next eight years. The global market size of lime has been provided in terms of volume and revenue. Market volume has been defined in Million tons, while market revenue is in US$ Mn. Market numbers have been estimated based on product type and end-use of lime. Market size and forecast have been provided in terms of global, regional, and country level markets.Key Players Mentioned in the Report are:In order to compile the research report, we conducted in-depth interviews and discussions with a number of key industry participants and opinion leaders. Primary research represented the bulk of research efforts, supplemented by extensive secondary research. We reviewed key players product literature, annual reports, press releases, and relevant documents for competitive analysis and market understanding. Secondary research includes a search of recent trade, technical writing, Internet sources, and statistical data from government websites, trade associations, and agencies. This has proven to be the most reliable, effective, and successful approach for obtaining precise market data, capturing industry participants insights, and recognizing business opportunities.The report comprises profiles of major companies operating in the global lime market. The global lime market is highly fragmented. Key players include Carmeuse, Graymont, Lhoist, Mississippi Lime, Cheney Lime & Cement Company, Pete Lien & Sons, Inc., Cape Lime (Pty) Ltd, Nordkalk, Linwood Mining & Minerals Corporation, Sigma Minerals Ltd., Valley Minerals LLC, United States Lime & Minerals Inc., Cornish Lime, Brookville Manufacturing and Minerals Technologies amongst other manufacturers. Market players have been profiled in terms of attributes such as company overview, financial overview, business strategies, and recent developments.Browse Full Report With TOC :The global lime market has been segmented as follows:Lime Market: Product Type AnalysisQuick Lime LimeSlaked LimeOthersLime Market: End-use AnalysisChemical IntermediatesMetallurgicalConstructionEnvironmentOthers (agriculture, glass, paper and pulp, etc.)Lime Market: Regional AnalysisNorth AmericaS.CanadaEuropeK.ItalyFranceGermanyRest Of EuropeAsia PacificChinaIndiaASEANJapanRest Of Asia PacificLatin AmericaBrazilMexicoRest of South AmericaMiddle East & Africa (MEA)GCCSouth AfricaRest of MEAMarket Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE) is an industry-leading database of market intelligence reports. MRRSE is driven by a stellar team of research experts and advisors trained to offer objective advice. Our sophisticated search algorithm returns results based on the report title, geographical region, publisher, or other keywords.MRRSE partners exclusively with leading global publishers to provide clients single-point access to top-of-the-line market research. MRRSEs repository is updated every day to keep its clients ahead of the next new trend in market research, be it competitive intelligence, product or service trends or strategic consulting.State Tower90, State StreetSuite 700Albany, NY - 12207United StatesTelephone: +1-518-730-0559Email: sales@mrrse.comGoogle+:Linked in:Twitter:
Ceiling Tiles Market is Expected to Exceed US$ 43 Billion By 2023

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This market study analyses the market by its value chain. Value chain analysis starts with the analysis of feedstock products and ends with the analysis of end-user industry. The report uses Market Attractiveness Analysis and Porters Five Forces Model to analyze the diverse factors affecting the expansion of the market.Browse Full Report @:How Big is the Global Ceiling Tiles Market?The Global Ceiling Tiles Market was valued at US$ 19.80 Billion in 2014 and is projected to cross US$ 43.00 Billion by 2023, expanding at a CAGR of more than 9.0% between 2015 and 2023The key players in global ceiling tiles market are Armstrong World Industries Inc., Chicago Metallic Corporation, Grenzebach BSH GmbH, Knauf, Odenwald Faserplattenwerk GmbH, ROCKFON, SAS International, Saint-Gobain SA, and USG Corporation.Table of Contents1 INTRODUCTION2. Assumptions and Research Methodology3. Executive Summary4. Market Overview5. Market Dynamics6 Ceiling Tiles Market Analysis, by Product Type7 Global Ceiling Tiles Market Analysis, by Application8 Global Ceiling Tiles Market Analysis, by Region9 North America Ceiling Tiles Market Analysis10 Europe Ceiling Tiles Market Analysis11 Asia Pacific Ceiling Tiles Market Analysis12 Latin America Ceiling Tiles Market Analysis13 Middle East & Africa (MEA) Ceiling Tiles Market Analysis14 Competition Landscape14.1 Ceiling Tiles Market Share Analysis by Company (2015)14.2 Competition Matrix14.3 Key Profiles14.3.1 Armstrong World Industries, Inc.14.3.2 Saint-Gobain S.A.14.3.3 USG Corporation14.4.1 Knauf14.4.2 Techno Ceiling Products14.4.3 ROCKFON14.4.4 MADA GYPSUM14.4.5 Odenwald Faserplattenwerk GmbH14.4.6 SAS International14.4.7 New Ceiling Tiles, LLCAbout MarketResearchEngine.comMarket Research Engine is a global market research and consulting organization. We provide market intelligence in emerging, niche technologies and markets. Our market analysis powered by rigorous methodology and quality metrics provide information and forecasts across emerging markets, emerging technologies and emerging business models. Our deep focus on industry verticals and country reports help our clients to identify opportunities and develop business strategies.Media ContactCompany Name: Market Research EngineContact Person: John BayEmail: john@marketresearchengine.comPhone: +1-855-984-1862Website:Address: 3422 SW 15 Street, Suite #8942, Deerfield Beach, FL 33442, United States
mobinteg "lands" in Brazil with mobiSHOUT!

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Lisbon, June 16, 2017: mobinteg reinforces its internationalization strategy with its entry into the Brazilian market. The Portuguese technology company launches this week the solution mobiSHOUT! in Sao Paulo, after starting this project in Rio de Janeiro, with a new integrated functionality: indoor location using Beacons.With the new functionality of mobiSHOUT!, the user can easily navigate indoors and also access detailed information about the environment, such as exhibitions in museums or stands in fairs.Indoor location is made possible with the installation of Beacons, small emitters of signals, in different points of the building. When you enable Bluetooth on your smartphone, these emitters send signals to your mobile device, making it possible to determine your position within the building.This technological innovation is thus an alternative to GPS, which does not work inside buildings, and it should also be noted that the use of Bluetooth does not consume the battery of a smartphone or tablet as quickly as the use of GPS.Thanks to this technology, locations managers can even analyse visitor flows and, based on this information, know the most interesting spaces and then offer optimized routes and relevant information at the right time and place.In the case of the project in Sao Paulo, an exhibition, mobiSHOUT! will act as a guide, both from the point of view of circulation within the space, and of interpretation of the works exposed.This is possible with the presentation of contextual and complementary information to the visitor, such as videos and photo galleries, not forgetting the possibility of activating an audioguide, making the solution even more inclusive and adding value to the visitors experience.Complementarily, mobinteg has developed a module that recognizes the information available in a timeline. The visitor only has to point the camera of the smartphone to one of the exposed dates and will be given access to all the associated information.About mobinteg:Located in Lisbon, mobinteg (is a company specialized in the development of mobile and Internet of Things (IoT) solutions. mobinteg develops solutions in both the corporate and consumer segments, seeking to respond to the realneeds of customers and valuing the speed, efficiency and safety in the relationship with the consumer.For more information, please contact:Raquel Santosrsantos@mobinteg.comRua Castilho, 39, 8C  Edificio Castil, 1250-068 Lisboa+351 211 384 856
Situational Awareness System Market Technological breakthroughs By 2025

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Situational awareness is about the ability of identifying, processing and comprehending the critical elements of information and further analyzing them with different systems that are the surveillance awareness systems (SAS).It involves being aware of different environmental situations by collection and interpretation of information that helps many organizations in taking informed decisions with timely actions.These systems are used across different areas such as traffic control and defense that needs continuous monitoring of different events making it even more crucial for timely action. SAS provides security along with risk analysis, threat identification, strategy planning and decide on the future course of action.Obtain Report Details:The global market for situational awareness system has been segmented on the basis of components, product type, end use industry and geography. On the basis of component this market has been globally segmented into sensors, gyroscopes, global positioning systems and network providers among others.The various product type that has been considered under the scope of this report includes alarm systems, radio frequency identification, radars, sonar systems and control systems among others. Defense, aviation, automotive, industrial, cybersecurity and homeland security formed the major end use industries based on which the global market has been segmented.Global situational awareness system market on the basis of geography has been segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa.The high demand for security and surveillance systems for timely detection of problems has been a major driver that has positively impacted this market globally. Use of situational awareness systems is increasing as a result of growing concern about improvement in security and public safety.Moreover, the command and control systems helps in monitoring threat identification along with assessment of risks that has further acted as another major driver for the market. Along with this, use of SAS also helps in strategic planning further leading to the development of future course of action.The rise in organized crime and terrorism has led to more focus being given to the need for security systems globally further having a positive impact on this market. Post consideration of all these factors that positively impacts this market, there are also certain restraints that poses limitations over the market growth.The costs associated with implementation of situational awareness systems is quite high that may pose as a major challenge for this market. Furthermore, the infrastructure limitations also restraints the growth of this market globally.With all these drivers and restraints, it is the growth of Internet of Things (IoT) technology along with rise in application of sensors that is likely to provide huge growth opportunities in the coming years.Geographically, it is North America that forms one of the major regions contributing to the overall growth of this market followed by Europe. Growing demand for advanced security and surveillance systems, smart devices along with rise of cyber threats has been some major drivers that has pushed the demand for situational awareness system in this region.Other than these regions, Asia Pacific forms another major region contributing to the overall growth along with being one of the fastest growing regions globally. China and Japan form some of the leading countries contributing to the growth in Asia Pacific region.Get accurate market forecast and analysis on the Situational Awareness System Market. Request a sample to stay abreast on the key trends impacting this market:Rise in demand for internet based services along with growing adoption of smart appliances has been some major factors that has contributed to the growth of this market.Some of the key players that are operating in the global situational awareness system market include Honeywell International Inc. (The U.S.), Denso Corporation (Japan), Qualcomm Inc. (The U.S.), General Electric (The U.S.), Microsoft Corporation (The U.S.), Lockheed Martin Corporation (), BAE Systems (The U.K.) and Rockwell Collins Inc. (The U.S.) among others.The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions.About 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:
Hydraulic Fluid Connectors Market - North America Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends 2024 | Research Report

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North America Hydraulic Fluid Connectors Market: OverviewHydraulic fluid connectors are usually metal connectors used to join any hydraulic fluid conductor such as hose, pipe, or tube to other hydraulic devises which may include hydraulic pumps, hydraulic motor, reservoir, cylinders, actuators or other hoses and tubes. These connectors are vital for conveying hydraulic fluids from one device to another. These connectors are extensively used in aerospace realm for crucial hydraulic systems such as flight controls, jet engine pumps, landing gear mechanism etc. These connectors have to meet rigorous quality standards and tests so as to be used in aerospace applications.This 58 page report gives readers a comprehensive overview of the Hydraulic Fluid Connectors Market . Browse through to unlock the hidden opportunities in this market @The report estimates and forecasts the hydraulic fluid connectors market on regional and country levels. The study provides forecast between 2016 and 2024 based on revenue (US$ Mn) with 2015 as the base year. The report comprises an exhaustive value chain analysis for each of the product segments. It provides a comprehensive view of the market. Value chain analysis also offers detailed information about value addition at each stage. It further includes drivers and restraints for the hydraulic fluid connectors market along with their impact on demand during the forecast period. The study also provides key market indicators affecting the growth of the market.It also analyzes opportunities in the hydraulic fluid connectors market on the country level for North America. Drivers, restraints, and opportunities mentioned in the report are justified through quantitative and qualitative data. These have been verified through primary and secondary resources. Furthermore, the report analyzes substitute analysis of Hydraulic fluid connectors.North America Hydraulic Fluid Connectors Market: Research MethodologyThe report applies Porters Five Forces Model to determine the degree of competition in the hydraulic fluid connectors market. It comprises qualitative write-up on market attractiveness analysis, wherein end-users and countries have been analyzed based on attractiveness for each country. Growth rate, market size, raw material availability, profit margin, impact strength, technology, competition, and other factors (such as environmental and legal) have been evaluated in order to derive the general attractiveness of the market.It provides comprehensive view of the hydraulic fluid connectors market for North America by dividing it into product and country. The Hydraulic fluid connectors market for aerospace has been segmented by product into mobile hydraulic and stationary hydraulic. Geographic segmentation includes the current and forecast demand for hydraulic fluid connectors in North America by country namely U.S. and Canada. The segments have been analyzed based on historic, present, and future trends.Get accurate market forecast and analysis on the Hydraulic Fluid Connectors Market . Request a sample to stay abreast on the key trends impacting this market @North America Hydraulic Fluid Connectors Market: Competitive AnalysisThe report covers detailed competitive outlook that includes market share and profiles of key players operating in the North American market. Major players profiled in the report include Parker Hannifin Corporation, Eaton Corporation Plc, Kurt Hydraulics, Titeflex, and Faber Enterprises. Company profiles include attributes such as company overview, number of employees, brand overview, key competitors, business overview, business strategies, recent/key developments, acquisitions, and financial overview (wherever applicable).Secondary research sources that were typically referred to include, but were not limited to company websites, financial reports, annual reports, investor presentations, broker reports, and SEC filings. Other sources such as internal and external proprietary databases, statistical databases and market reports, news articles, national government documents, and webcasts specific to companies operating in the market have also been referred for the report.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.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.ContactTransparency Market ResearchState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Printed Antennas Market Global Industry Analysis 2025

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Printed antennas are also known as microstrip antennas. Printed antennas possess different useful beneficial properties which include conformability, mechanical durability, low production costs and compactness.Additionally, these printed antennas also have widespread applications in different end use industries which include commercial application, military, aerospace and defense applications.It also has applications in mobile radio communication devices. The printed antennas market has been segmented into by printing technology which includes flexography, gravure printing, ink-jet printing and screen printing among others.Obtain Report Details:The market has been segmented into by end use industry which includes industrial equipment, automotive, aerospace and military, consumer electronics, telecommunication, healthcare among others. The market printed electronics by region has been segmented into, Asia Pacific, North America, South America, MEA (Middle East and Africa) and Europe.Printed antennas have wide applications across telecommunication, military and defense end use industries. In telecommunication, a printed antenna generally means an antenna fabricated applying microstrip technologies on a PCB (printed circuit board) and generally used at microwave frequencies.Most of the printed antennas primarily have multiple patches in a 2D array. Printed antennas are usually connected to the receiver or transmitter or via foil microstrip transmission lines.Printed antennas have low manufacturing cost and design owing to simple two - dimensional physical geometry. They are primarily used at UHF (ultra high frequency) and higher frequencies owing to the size of the antenna are directly tied to the wavelength at the resonant frequency.Low cost production easy integration with circuit components along with convenient of fabrication are some of the prime major driving factor for the market. Printed antennae are cost effective and easy to fabricate by applying advanced printed circuit technology is also fueling the demand for printed antennas in different end use industries.These printed antennas are easily mounted on the surface of spacecrafts, aircrafts, missiles, satellites and convenient mobile devices. With the growing technological advancement, the application of printed antennas in different industries such as automotive is growing rapidly.Increasing demand for printed electronics in military, aerospace, and defense is one of the major driving factors of the market. Increasing raw material prices and cyclical nature of semiconductor industry may inhibit the growth of the printed antennas market.However, increasing application scope of printed antennas in wireless communication devices and aerospace and defense equipment is one of the major opportunities for the market.In 2016, North America accounted for the highest market share in terms of revenue for the printed antenna market, followed by Asia Pacific and Europe. The U.S. is dominating the market for printed antenna across North America.In Asia Pacific, China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and India among others are some of the major market fueling the demand for printed antenna. Additionally, Germany, Italy, France and the U.K. among others are some of the major markets for printed antenna across Europe.In South America, Brazil and Argentina both are anticipated to contribute positive growth over the forecast period from 2017 to 2025. Considerable development and advancement in the field of electronics and other industries for example; automotive sector is fueling the demand for printed antennas across Middle East and Africa (MEA).Get accurate market forecast and analysis on the Printed Antennas Market. Request a sample to stay abreast on the key trends impacting this market:Neotech Amt GmbH (Germany), Mars Antennas & RF Systems (Israel), GSI Technologies, LLC (The U.S.), Cobham plc (The U.K.), WIPL-D d.o.o. (Serbia), Shure Incorporated (The U.S.), Thales Group (France), Optomec Inc. (The U.S.), nScrypt Inc.(The U.S.) and OPTISYS (The U.S.) among others are some of the prime companies operating in printed antenna market globally. Research activities and opening new research centers are some of the prime business strategies followed by the company in order to strengthen its position globally.The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions.About 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:
Embedded Display Market Global Industry Analysis 2025

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An embedded system is basically a computer system having a dedicated function within an electrical or mechanical system after considering the real time computing constraints. This embedded or computer system is part of a device that includes hardware and mechanical parts.It is a combination of both hardware and software designed for a specified function within a larger system and can be both fixed and flexible on the basis of programmability. These systems may or may not have any interfaces.Embedded display is an application of embedded systems that allows implementation of color display interface. Embedded display is normally analyzed on the basis of pixels per inch that provides high-resolution images and can be further used at low power consumption providing better coverage along with improving chip integration for enabling light weight designs.Obtain Report Details:Embedded display ports also helps in providing a standardized display panel interface especially useful for internal connections. The global market for embedded display has been segmented on the basis of type, end use industry and geography.Based on type the global market has been segmented into LCD, LED, TFT and OLED among others. Automotive, industrial automation, fitness equipment, consumer electronics and wearables among others form the major application areas on the basis of which the global market has been segmented.Global embedded display market on the basis of geography has been segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa.The low power consumption associated with the implementation of this technology forms a major driver for this market globally. In addition to this, it is the reduction of signal wires for high data rate along with compatibility with submicron chips further acts as a major driver for this market globally.The added flexibility, reduced interference with the specified wireless services along with the ability for adoption of new features also acts as some major reasons that has positively impacted this market and pushed its overall growth. With all these factors that drivers the market growth there are certain factors as well that restricts the market growth and poses challenges for the market.One such factor being the costs associated with advanced embedded display systems that has been a major restraint for this market. Moreover, it is also seen that compressing of images along with continuous monitoring of backlight control in specific regions has been some other major restraints for this market.With all these drivers and restraints it is the advancement in system on chip or System on Chip (SoC) and GPU that is expected to provide huge growth opportunities for this market in the coming years.Geographically, North America formed one of the major region that is contributing to the growth of this market followed by Europe. Growing application of this technology across different industry verticals such as medical, automotive and wearables has been a major driver for this market in these regions.Presence of large number of manufacturers in this region further boosts the market growth in this region. Asia Pacific forms another major region contributing to the growth also being one of the fastest growing market globally.Get accurate market forecast and analysis on the Embedded Display Market. Request a sample to stay abreast on the key trends impacting this market:China, India and Japan are some major countries in APAC that is boosting the market growth. Rise in government grants to boost the medical sector where embedded display has numerous applications forms a major reason that has positively impacted the market growth of embedded display in this region.Some of the key players that are operating in the global embedded display market include Intel Corporation (The U.S.), ENEA AB (Sweden), Microsoft Corporation (The U.S.), Avnet Inc. (The U.S.), Multitouch Ltd. (Finland), AndersDX (The UK), Esterel Technologies SA (France), Green Hills Software (The U.S.) and Planar Systems Inc. (The U.S.) among others.The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions.About 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:
Acrolein Market Research Report and Forecast up to 2024

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Acrolein, also known as 2-propenal is the simplest unsaturated aldehyde. Its a colourless liquid and exhibits a disagreeable acrid smell.. Acrolein is manufactured from petrochemical feedstocks such as propylene and glycerine. Acrolein is primarily used as an important intermediate and a specialty chemical. Acrolein is rapidly gaining importance due to its versatile use in plastic and paint industries. One of the most widely used industrial methods of preparing acrolein involves catalytic oxidation of propylene in presence of air. Further, there is emerging trend of usage of glycerine and propane as alternative feedstocks for acrolein. The global demand for acrolein markets are estimated to show a considerable transformation depending on its raw material requirements and its ultimate uses. The U.S. and Asia Pacific regions are estimated to lead the acrolein market by 2020.View Report @Few of the key drivers affecting the acrolein markets demand are engineering plastic and polymer industries, followed by agrochemicals. Acrolein is majorly used as a key intermediate to prepare acrylic acid and methionin. Acrylic acid polymers are largely consumed in preparation of emulsifiers, coatings and adhesives. Moreover, they are also used as super-absorbing agents in diapers and hygienic pads. Direct use of acrolein is employed as a specialty chemical such as a biocide. This acrolein based biocide is used to control algal growth, submerged and floating weeds in irrigation canals. It is also used as biocide, in oil industries in drilling waters, as well as, a scavenger for hydrogen sulfide and mercaptants.However, taking some key challenges in mind, the global scenario for acrolein market is estimated to show a considerable change in the region wise economies accordingly. Acrolein production is currently dependent on the crude oil feedstocks. These feedstocks are not only used in energy production but, also in the petrochemical industry.. This has resulted in fluctuations in crude oil based propylene prices, uncertain glycerol availability and depletion of resources which are expected to hinder the growth of the acrolein market over the next few years.Sustainable approach is being taken by various regions to cope up with the problem of depleting crude oil sources estimated in the near future. Biobased glycerol is now being used as an alternative feedstock to produce acrolein, so as to minimize the dependency on natural resources. In addition, use of new catalysts is done to achieve better acrolein yields. Thus, biobased glycerol and catalyst markets are expected to improve during the forecast period, which can be considered as an opportunity for the regions with depleting oil sources.In terms of global demand, the U.S., Europe and Japan are at present the largest producers of Acrolein. Considering the intermediate chemicals sector, the U.S. is estimated to show a fast growth over the coming years, in terms of export and trade of acrolein, followed by Europe and Japan. China will be the leading importer owing to its constantly growing plastic markets. India, will be next in line from Asia Pacific region, due to its steadily rising paints and polymer markets. The U.S. is the largest importer of acrolein biocide, while the rest of Asia Pacific countries such as Indonesia, Vietnam have potential biocide markets. Indonesia, might lead in the South East Asia region due to low labour and manufacturing costs. Over the forecasted period, Europe is slated to show an overall decline as it has a matured market. Rest of the World is anticipated to show potential growth for the acrolein market, especially from countries such as Brazil, Saudi Arabia and Argentina among others. Demand in this region is owing to rise in demand from paints & coatings and polymer industry.Some of the major players across the globe are Akzo Nobel N.V., The Dow Chemicals Company, Shanghai Huachen Energy Company, Ltd. and The Shell Oil Company.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 Acrolein 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:
Deep Learning Systems Market Global Industry Analysis 2025

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Deep learning is one of the machine learning algorithms which use many layers of nonlinear processing units primarily for the data extraction and transformation. The deep learning algorithms are basically based on distributed representations.The increasing demand for improved system and human interaction acts as driving factor for the market. As the deep learning algorithms offers expert assistance and it primarily helps humans to extend their capabilities.The market has been segmented into by application which includes signal recognition and processing, data mining, machine vision, satellite and medical imaging recognition, robotics among others. The market for deep learning systems by region has been segmented into, Europe, Asia Pacific, MEA(Middle East and Africa), North America and South America.Obtain Report Details:Deep learning systems primarily develop a deep domain insight and transfer the required information to the end-users in usable way. For example, deep learning system has its huge applications in the banking and financial sector as it primarily helps bank employees to extend their work capabilities and allow banking institutions to focus more on customer interaction than the conventional transaction-based approach.Moreover, the deep learning software offers solutions on the basis on analyzing clients background and history and provides evidence and contextual based reasoning for any problems. With the increasing research and development activities the end use area of deep learning systems are expanding which includes defense and aerospace, healthcare, oil and gas, telecommunication and information technology, retail, banking and financial sector, automotive, industrial among others.The deep learning system has huge potential applications in medical domain for image processing drug discovery and diagnosis and identification of chronic diseases. There are few more major applications for the deep learning systems which include autonomous car, cyber security, data analytics, and fraud detection among others.Rising technological advancement in the field of media and advertisement is also fueling the growth of the deep learning systems market. Application and usage of complex algorithms for the deep learning technology is one of the prime restraints for the market which may inhibit the growth of the market.However, advanced analytical tools which primarily deals with a massive volume of data of wide variety are enabling engineers and geoscientists in understanding the nature and extent of oil reservoirs.Increasing research activities in the field of data analytics software, the deep learning systems has huge potential opportunities in the consumer electronics field, research laboratory systems.In 2016, North America accounted for the highest share of the deep learning systems market, followed by Europe and Asia Pacific. Robust growth in the data mining and increasing development in the data generation across end use industry verticals which include the financial services, banking and insurance (BFSI), retail, healthcare, is stimulating the growth of deep learning systems market across North America.The U.S. is dominating the market for deep learning systems across North America. In Europe, Germany, The U.K., Italy, Russia and France is contributing in the positive growth of the market. Increasing research activities and demand for high end algorithms for data processing is pushing the growth of the market.I n Asia Pacific, China, India, Australia among others is holding a prominent position in the deep learning systems market. Huge development in the information technology and telecommunication sector is considered as one of the key drivers for the market across Asia Pacific region.Get accurate market forecast and analysis on the Deep Learning Systems Market. Request a sample to stay abreast on the key trends impacting this market:Brazil and Argentina both are prime contributors in the deep learning systems market in South America. Growing retail sector, advancement in the different industrial fields which include oil and gas and mining along with development in the financial sector is also boosting the market for deep learning systems in UAE, South Africa across Africa and Middle East.Intel Corporation (The U.S.), Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company (The U.S.), Google Inc. (The U.S.), Microsoft Corporation (The U.S.) and International Business Machines Corporation (The U.S.) among others are some of the key companies operating in the deep learning systems market globally.The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions.About 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:
UV Curing Systems Market Research Report and Forecast up to 2025

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UV curing systems is a process in which visible light and ultraviolet light is used to initiate a photochemical reaction that is used to instantly dry or cure inks, adhesives or coatings. UV curing is a low temperature and a high speed process that helps in curing by polymerization rather than evaporation. It is adaptable to coating, printing, decorating and assembling of a variety of products and materials. The global UV curing systems market is anticipated to witness a robust growth rate during the forecast period from 2017 to 2025 owing to the increasing demand for improved quality of the finished products and for greater consistency.The global UV curing systems market is expected to witness a progressive growth in the coming years due to the requirement of less equipment space and energy since there is no need to wait for the product to get dry. This helps in creating an efficiency that exists through the entire manufacturing process. In addition, it is a one part system that requires no need to measure or mix and does not have any pot life concern. It also allows testing of parts soon after assembly that helps in eliminating possible quantities of work in process scrap. In addition due to the UV curing systems UV-LED printers enjoy a higher degree of traction compared to conventional printers due to their versatility and energy efficiency.View Report @However, when curing in the air the oxygen in the atmosphere can cause the oxygen to inhibit the cure on the surface layer. This causes the top layer to become uncured sticky and wet while the bottom layer have hardened into dry finish. This affects the long term reliability of the coated layer. This is one of the reason which can hamper the growth of UV curing systems market.For the purpose of providing detailed research report, the global UV curing systems market is segmented on the basis of product type and application. On the basis of product type the market is segmented into free radical systems and cationic systems. Among the different product types of UV curing systems available in the market, free radical system is expected to grow at a higher rate owing to its facilities that majority of the commercial light cure products are of free radical types and use acrylic components that helps the polymerization to stop as soon as the light gets eliminated.UV curing systems also finds its application across various end user segments including automotive, electronics, telecommunication, graphic arts and others.Geographically, the global UV curing systems market has been further divided into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and Latin America. North America is expected to hold the largest share of the UV curing systems market among the different regions in 2016. The UV curing systems market of North America is majorly driven by the U.S owing to increasing demand for electric vehicle. Tesla, one of the major car electric manufacturer sells nearly 6,500 electric car every month in U.S. Government is also encouraging sale of electric car by giving discounts and providing incentives due to the decreasing oil resources and increasing demand for petrol. On the flip side, the Asia Pacific UV curing systems market is expected to witness the highest growth rate during the forecast period. UV curing system is widely used in Indonesia and are mostly in the wood based industry such as coating of parquet, table top fancy plywood and others.Some of the key vendors operating in the global UV curing systems market includes BASF SE (Germany), DSM AGI Corporation (Taipei), Nippon Gohsei ( Japan), Wanhua Chemical Group Co. Ltd.( China), Toagosei Co. Ltd (Japan), Jiangsu Sanmu Group Corporation (China) and many moreThe 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 UV Curing Systems 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 market Recommendations 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:
Malaysia Medical Tourism Market Research Report | Trends, outlook and Opportunity Analysis 2024

Malaysia Medical Tourism Market

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Malaysia Medical Tourism Market: SnapshotThe medical tourism market in Malaysia is forecast to grow at a robust pace between 2016 and 2024. Persistent government activities synergizing the medical tourism industry and lower cost of medical services compared to their counterparts in developed nations are boosting the medical tourism market in Malaysia. Over the course of the forecast period from 2016 to 2024, the market is poised to exhibit an impressive 30.05% CAGR. At this pace, its valuation is expected to increase from US$424.96 mn in 2016 to US$3.5 bn before 2024 ends.Accelerated pace of gains is on cards due to the increasing influx of medical tourists from MENA and neighboring countries. Besides this, the market will gain from various macro-economic factors such as tax exemptions by government on revenue generated from foreign patients and excellent transport and recuperation facilities. While the regional players will continue exhibiting promising growth, the established players might emerge as major gainers rendering the vendor landscape of Malaysia medical tourism market consolidated.Other factors such as low language barrier and the presence of sophisticated healthcare infrastructure will continue fuelling opportunities in the medical tourism market of Malaysia.This exhaustive report includes a 360 view of the Malaysia Medical Tourism Market. Browse through this 105-page report to know what factors will shape the market during the period 2016-2024Medical Travelers from Indonesia Highest in NumberCountry-wise, the influx of medical tourists from the neighboring country Indonesia is recorded at the highest. In addition, the nation welcomes an increasing number of medical travelers from India, China, Nepal, Iran, Libya, Australia, the U.S., and the U.K. The healthcare industry in Malaysia has been identified as one of the 12 national key economic areas hence, the nations government keep no stone unturned to attract an increasing number of foreign patients every year. For instance, it offers lucrative incentives and tax exemptions on revenue generated from medical travelers. Besides this, the government of Malaysia has developed the Malaysia healthcare travel council (MHTC) within its healthcare ministry to support foreign patients and their families visiting Malaysia in every way possible.In order to woo patients from the Middle-east the country maintains favorable stance on the Halal medical tourism. Hence several hospitals in the nation offer halal medical services to patients from the Middle East country. Under these services, the hospitals provide a full range of Muslim friendly services to their patients. Medical tourism assistance centers are also set up in places to help patients and their families traveling from the Middle East or other nations with Islam dominance.Demand for Dental Treatment Recorded the HighestAmong the segments based on procedure type, the Malaysia medial tourism market was dominated by dental treatment in 2016. The aesthetics/cosmetic surgery segment trailed closely emerging as the second-leading market segment in the same year. According to TMR, approximately 36.6% of the medical tourists visiting Malaysia opt for dental treatment. Factors such as the low cost of services compared to those offered in the U.S. and favorable government activities are expected to aid growth witnessed in the aforementioned categories. Besides this, the market is forecast to witness rising demand for orthopedic treatment, cosmetic surgeries, and regular health screening. These segments, coupled with the field of dental treatment, occupied over 70% of the overall medical tourism market in Malaysia.Some of the key enterprises operating in the Malaysia medical tourism market are Pantai Holdings Berhad, KPJ Healthcare Berhad, Dentalpro Group, Prince Court Medical Centre, Island Hospital, IJN Health Institute, Mahkota Medical Centre, Sunway Medical Centre, LohGuanLye Specialists Centre, and Tropicana Medical Centre.Request a sample of this report to know what opportunities will emerge in the rapidly evolving Malaysia Medical Tourism Market during 2016- 2024About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Clinical Decision Support System (CDSS) Market Research Report | Segmentation and Company Analysis to 2023

Clinical Decision Support System (CDSS) Market

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Global Clinical Decision Support System (CDSS) Market: OverviewA clinical decision support system (CDSS) refers is used in the healthcare sector to aid healthcare professionals in decision making tasks. Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers utilize CDSS in the preparation of a diagnosis and its review. Such an evaluation of data assists the prediction of potential events ranging from medication interaction to disease symptoms.The global market for CDSS can be broadly segmented into machine learning and knowledge base. The knowledge based CDSS generate results via the use of if-then algorithms. Regular updating of databases is carried out by trained professionals. The non-knowledge based CDSS, on the other hand, runs on artificial intelligence. CDSS can either be a standalone system or be integrated with other systems such as computerized physician order entry (CLOSE) and electric health record (EHR) systems.The report by Transparency Market Research (TMR) reveals crucial information about the recent developments and competitive scenario in the global CDSS market. The primary catalysts and deterrents of the growth of the market, market size, market projections have been discussed in the report, alongside relevant statistical analysis. The progress of the leading market players has also been mapped.View Report Global Clinical Decision Support System (CDSS) Market: Drivers and RestraintsSome of the prominent advantages offered by CDSS include vast storage capacity, cost-effective efficiency, and ease of access on mobile devices. CDSS can be used at various stages such as prior to diagnosis, post diagnosis and during diagnosis to map the patient's progress from past records to the present data.Several supportive government initiatives are encouraging the growth of the global market for CDSS. For instance, it was observed that after the Healthcare Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act in 2009, the adoption of CDSS has increased significantly. The greater adoption of cloud computing technology, expansion of healthcare infrastructures, and increasing patient awareness have been some of the driving forces of the global CDSS market.On the other hand, the complexity associated with the integration of CDSS, lack of interoperability, and data security and privacy issues can inhibit growth. However, as more organizations such as the Office of the National Coordinator of Health Information Technology (ONC) and Healthcare Research and Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) are making investments in CDSS implementation and development, the global market for CDSS will continue to thrive on account of the consequent opportunities.Global Clinical Decision Support System (CDSS) Market: Regional OutlookBy geography, the global market for CDSS can be segmented into Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, and the Rest of the World (RoW). With Canada and the U.S. as the prominent contributors, North America is expected to lead the global CDSS market over the next few years. Favorable policies of the government, early adoption of IT across several industry verticals, and the rising incidence of diseases have been promoting the expansion of the CDSS market in this region.Europe also possesses vast potential for growth. Italy, Germany, France, and the U.K. are likely to assist the advancement of the CDSS market in this region. Although believed to be at a nascent stage, the CDSS Market in Asia Pacific is one with maximum growth opportunities. The growing healthcare infrastructure, rising awareness about efficiency in healthcare, greater adoption of advanced technologies, and increasing government funds have been some of the major growth drivers of the market in Asia Pacific. The Middle East and Africa, and Latin America are also slated for monumental growth.Companies Mentioned in the ReportSome of the major companies operating in the global market for CDSS are Epic Systems Corporation, Zynx Health, Medical Information Technology, Inc., Wolters Kluwer N.V., McKesson Corporation, Siemens Healthcare, and Philips Healthcare.Request a brochure of this report to know what opportunities will emerge in the rapidly evolving Clinical Decision Support System (CDSS) Market during 2015- 2023About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
DDI Market: Key Players and Production Information analysis with Forecast 2025

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A DDI (DNS, DHCP and IP address management) solution delivers the initiative with the necessary tools to easily and quickly manage the numerous tasks related with internet protocol address management, as well as DHCP and DNS services management across the internet network. Thus, DNS, DHCP and IP address management solution is a necessary tool for the different enterprise management. In recent trends, a DDI ((DNS, DHCP and IP address management) solution is able to reduce OPEX related to IPAM, DNS and DHCP by or more than 50%.This in turn is expected to save headcount for larger enterprises.In addition, numerous features such as upsurge attacks on proliferation of bring your own device (BYOD) at workplace, reduction in operational expenditure (OPEX), DNS server and emergence of Internet of Things (IOT) platforms among others are responsible for the growth of the DDI market.Therefore, the (DNS, DHCP and IP address management)market is predicted to witness a steady growth during the projection period from 2017 to 2025.Global DDI (DNS, DHCP and IP address management) solution market has been segmented on the basis of component, application, deployment, size of organization, end use industry and geography. On the basis of component type, global DDI market has been segmented into services and solution. Additionally, global DDI market has been separated on the basis of application which includes virtualization and cloud, network security, data center transformation and network automation among others.Obtain Report Details @Moreover, the evolution to IPv6 from the IPv4 Internet protocol (IP) is anticipated to contribute expressively to industrial demand. Across the globe, the cumulative focus on consciousness of impending implementations of IPv6, need to streamline IP address management and security risks among others important factors are expected to assist the growth of DDI service provider. Security plays a significant role in this development and is likely to drive the growth of DDI market during the forecast period. In this report, global DDI market is segmented based on deployment type into cloud based and on premises. Various DDI vendors are now focusing on merger and acquisition primarily to strengthen its position globally. Consequently, the DDI market is classified on the basis of end use industry into aerospace and defense, telecommunication, manufacturing, and Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI) among others. Increasing the demand of cloud computing in various telecommunication and IT sectors is an important factor that is estimated to impact the DDI market. The DDI vendors are now predicted to rise the use of virtualized services. This is expected to rise the demand of DDI (DNS, DHCP and IP address management)Market in coming years.Consequently, the various DDI vendors are now extensively spending on research and development facilities to gain competitive advantage. Currently, the rising demand of industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) platforms and significant adoption of virtualization by organization significantly is driving the growth of the DDI market during the estimate period. However, on the flip side, lack of consumer awareness and complexity of DDI installation is restraining the growth of global DDI market in coming years.Get accurate market forecast and analysis on the DDI Market. Request a sample to stay abreast on the key trends impacting this market@Geographically, global DDI (DNS, DHCP and IP address management)market has been segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle- East and Africa (MEA), Latin America. In 2016, North America held the largest share of the DDI market due to the high technological adoption of innovations such as mobility, cloud and big data among others in this region. Asia Pacific is expected to be the fastest growing market for DDI market currently, followed by North America. Furthermore, Asia Pacific are probable to grow at a significant rate owing to the proliferation of mobile devices, high density of population and internet usage in the region is expected to contribute to the growth of industry. Furthermore, the growth adoption of 4G and upcoming 5G networks solution is estimated to increase the average internet connection speeds owing to achieve effective IPAM solutions to manage the various IP address pools. This is expected to increase the demand of DDI (DNS, DHCP and IP address management) Market during the forecast period from 2017- 2025.The major players operating in the global DDI market includes BlueCat Networks (Canada),Nokia Corporation (Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise) (France), BT Diamond IP (U.S.), ApplianSys (U.K.), Infoblox Inc. (U.S.),Microsoft Corporation (U.S.), Apteriks (Netherlands), NCC Group (U.K.),Cisco Systems, Inc. (U.S.), EfficientIP (U.S.),Men & Mice (Iceland), FusionLayer,Inc. (Finland), TCPWave Inc. (U.S.), PC Network (Philadelphia) and SolarWinds (U.S.) among others.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. We have an experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, who us e proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR Syndicated Research report covers a different sector  such as pharmaceuticals, chemical, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, our syndicated reports thrive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.ContactTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Viral Conjunctivitis Pipeline Drugs Market | Key Trends and Forecast Research Report 2023

Viral Conjunctivitis Pipeline Drugs Market

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Global Viral Conjunctivitis Pipeline Drugs Market: OverviewViral conjunctivitis, or pink-eye, is a highly contagious infection of the eye, wherein irritation, redness, watery discharge, and photophobia or light sensitivity are common symptoms. Currently, there is no approved treatment for this disease. Therefore, the use of viral conjunctivitis drugs is increasingly becoming mainstream, opening up a broad avenue for these medications. The market for viral conjunctivitis drugs will show an exceptional CAGR of 69.60% during the forecast period 2020-2023, when the projected revenue will reach US$462.4 mn by 2023.The report furnishes a combined analysis of primary and secondary research gathered from multiple sources, along with the projected market size for every drug that will be introduced in the market by 2023. The CAGR for every segment of the market is revealed. Competition between various existing and viral conjunctivitis drugs, future trends, demographics, epidemiological analysis, regulatory policies, and the overall market landscape have been described extensively. The key catalysts and challenges faced by the global viral conjunctivitis drugs market have been analyzed in the overview section.The market forecast for the leading countries covers the period from the expected launch up to 2023, together with their respective CAGRs. The report includes significant factors such as the awaited launch date, the number of patients suffering from viral conjunctivitis, and product innovation in each country. The major companies have been profiled in the report, with emphasis on their recent developments, financial overview, business tactics, and product portfolio.This exhaustive report includes a 360 view of the Viral Conjunctivitis Pipeline Drugs Market. Browse through this 70-page report to know what factors will shape the market during the period 2020-2023Global Viral Conjunctivitis Pipeline Drugs Market: Trends and OpportunitiesThe global viral conjunctivitis drugs market can be broadly categorized according to region and type of drug. FST-100 and APD-209 are the chief drugs in the global viral conjunctivitis drug market. Of these, FST-100 will be more prominent by 2020, suggests TMR. The development of FST-100 was undertaken by a leading drug development company, Foresight Biotherapeutics Inc., which was later acquired by Shire Plc. when the drug was still under development. If approved, the drug will be the premier medication for the treatment of viral and bacterial eye infections, thus promising exhaustive opportunities in the global viral conjunctivitis drugs market.However, APD-209, though rising in demand at a gradual rate, is likely to witness a higher demand than FST-100. Adenovir Pharma AB has been developing the drug, which is presently in its second stage.Global Viral Conjunctivitis Pipeline Drugs Market: Regional OutlookAccording to regional segmentation, the viral conjunctivitis drugs markets in the U.K., Germany, the U.S., Japan, Brazil, and Australia are evaluated. Owing to the current clinical trials in the U.S., the country is expected to lead the other regions over the coming years. Extensive R&D activities, growing awareness about eye-related diseases, bright prospects of current clinical trials, and the presence of viral conjunctivitis diagnostic tests are few of the many catalysts promoting the U.S. viral conjunctivitis drug market. A favorable CAGR of 46.50% is expected during the forecast period in this regional segment.Companies Mentioned in the ReportAs the demand for viral conjunctivitis drugs is multiplying, major companies are vigorously engaging in research activities so as to bring forth fruitful treatments and diagnostic tests for viral conjunctivitis. The key market players mentioned in the report are Allergan Plc, Panoptes Pharma GES.M.B.H., NovaBay Pharmaceuticals Inc., Shire Plc., NicOx S.A., NanoViricides Inc., and Adenovir Pharma AB.Request a sample of this report to know what opportunities will emerge in the rapidly evolving Viral Conjunctivitis Pipeline Drugs Market during 2020- 2023About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
e-Tourism Market: Development Insight and Manufacturers Challenge Competitors

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With global growth for tourists only expected to increase there are endless opportunities for the growth of the tourism industry. Technology has played a major part in the tourism industry further giving rise to the e-tourism or electronic tourism. The design, implementation as well as application of IT with the e-commerce solutions has helped the travel & tourism industry to grow. There is an emergence of e-commerce sector in tourism known as e-tourism. E-Tourism involves digitization of the whole processes including the value chain members involved with the tourism, travel, and hospitality industries.It is a way of establishing commercial relationships using the internet for offering tourism related products such as flights, hotel reservation, car rental and so on, enabling organizations to maximize the overall efficiency and effectiveness. For tourism businesses, internet offers immense help by making information and booking facilities available to a large numbers of tourists at a lower cost. This also provides a tool that is helpful for communication between tourism intermediaries, suppliers as well as end-consumers. The global e-tourism market has been segmented by system type, application and geography. Based on system type the global market has been segmented into computer reservation systems, property management systems, social media and global distribution systems among others. Hospitality, aerospace and medical among others form the major application areas for the global e-tourism market.Global e-Tourism market geographically has been segmented into Europe, Asia Pacific, North America, Latin America and Middle East and Africa.Obtain Report Details @The comfort factor associated with application and implementation of e-tourism market has been a major driver for this market. Electronic tourism allows customers to access all the relevant information from the desired and related websites. Moreover, the processes associated with e-tourism is fast and secure along with giving on the control and freedom to plan the trip accordingly. Access to the complete travel package as well as strategic access to know about all the relevant information related to the place has helped customers making them opt for electronic media for making their travel plans.Additionally, this also helps in saving time along with reducing the need for physical exertion that has also been a major benefit for this market forming another major driver for this market. With all these drivers that positively drives the market, there are presence of certain restraints that limits the market growth. One such important factor being the technological dependency of the customers that poses as a major restraint for this market. People not having access to a computer or internet cannot benefit from all its functions posing limitations for this market. Another important restraint being the misleading of information interpretation that may provide problems to different customers. After considering all these drivers and restraints technological advancement along with internet penetration for providing various services is expected to provide growth opportunities for this market in the coming years.Get accurate market forecast and analysis on the e-Tourism Market. Request a sample to stay abreast on the key trends impacting this market@Geographically, it is North America followed by Europe that forms some of the major regions for this market. Technological advancement along with better access to information has been some major driver for this regions. Asia Pacific accounted for a major region along with accounting one of the fastest growth globally. Japan, India and China are some of the major regions contributing to the growth. The advent of technology along with growing demand for secure information access has been a few major drivers for this region.Some of the key players present in the global e-tourism market include Aban Offshore Ltd. (India), Crown Ltd. (The U.S.), Accor Group (France), Balkan Holidays Ltd. (The UK), Fred Harvey Company (The U.S.) and G Adventures (Canada) among others.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. We have an experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, who us e proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR Syndicated Research report covers a different sector  such as pharmaceuticals, chemical, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, our syndicated reports thrive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.ContactTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
It's a reverse Joni Mitchell.

You know "Big Yellow Taxi," right? Mitchell's 1970 environmental anthem laments that, "They paved paradise to put up a parking lot."

These days, developers and businesses have had their fill of gray asphalt. So when designing a new Silicon Valley campus for LinkedIn, Portland-based SERA Architects went the opposite direction.

SERA tore out an old parking lot in the center of the complex, replacing it with a five-acre meadow and redesigning three surrounding buildings to focus on the new, natural space.

When SERA started the project in Mountain View, California, in 2015, it was working for Google. When the project was half-finished, though, Google and LinkedIn had swapped properties and SERA found itself working for the social networking site.

"It was quite a pivot because they're very different, institutionally different," said Stuart Colby, a SERA principal. Informal lounges designed for Google became large, whiteboard spaces for LinkedIn. And a fourth building fell by the wayside, Colby said, as LinkedIn concluded it was too dated for its plans.

SERA hadn't designed a corporate headquarters since 1985, according to Colby, when it crafted Fred Meyer's Portland campus. But it had been doing master planning work with Google, and eventually began taking on more architectural work for the tech industry  primarily in California.

LinkedIn hasn't disclosed the project's price tag, but Colby called it "very significant." The social networking company sold to Microsoft last year for $26.2 billion; LinkedIn produced revenues of nearly $1 billion last year.

The new campus includes unique touches to capitalize on the meadow, including pathways and meadows that run through the site. But it's also got many of the of the features Silicon Valley's upscale tech workers expect, including skylit workspaces, a fitness center, juice and coffee bar and a cafe that seats 500.

"Because the Silicon Valley companies are all competing for the same talent," Colby said, "they've all ended up replicating Google's amenity model."

-- Mike Rogoway; twitter: @rogoway; 503-294-7699
Updated 4 p.m.

After a few hiccups Friday, Portland-based Zidell Marine launched its last barge.

After a couple hour delay... The 277th and final barge is launched from Zidell yards in #pdx. #koin6news pic.twitter.com/z4dlnhvHDp  Tim Becker (@TBCommunicator) June 16, 2017

The company is one of several that grew out of a South Waterfront scrap yard started by Russian immigrant Yeschie Zajdell, who later called himself Sam Zidell.

With steel in high demand after World War II, Zidell's son, Emery, saw an opportunity in scrapping retired warships. By 1960, the company's ship-dismantling operation had become the largest in the country. In 1961, it launched its first barge, marking the beginning of a new era for the family and for Portland.

In the past decade, the barge-building operation at the base of the Ross Island Bridge, with its slipway and towering gantry, has seemed increasingly out of place as shiny condos and Oregon Health & Science University towers sprang up around it.

Now, the company is preparing to remake itself once again, this time, as a developer. Late last year, the family unveiled sweeping plans to redevelop Zidell Yards.

They hope to to transform the 33 acres along the waterfront into apartment and office buildings, along with retail, restaurants, a hotel, three parks, a public plaza and a waterfront greenway. Plans also call for the slipway to become an access point to the Willamette, complete with a dock and swimming areas.

Construction is scheduled to start in fall 2018, with the first buildings opening two years later.

But Friday's barge  which launched a few hours behind schedule after sticking to the slipway  offered a chance to learn about the history of the Zidell barge business, as well as its future. Jay Zidell, president of the Zidell companies, gave us the run-down:



Zidell said the decision to exit the barge-building business was driven by two big factors: The company was reaching its physical limitations as the market was demanding ever-larger pieces of equipment. Then there was the pace of change in the South Waterfront.

"It's exciting, but it's impacting our ability to conduct business," he said.

When asked about the company's legacy, he said it had contributed to "the fabric of the South Waterfront and to the city of Portland" in the form of "employment, economic benefit and helping with civic and charitable causes."



-- Anna Marum

amarum@oregonian.com

503-294-5911

@annamarum
Correction appended

More than 25 years after a Wilsonville woman was murdered, her family once again returned to Clackamas County Circuit Court for the resentencing of her killer.

Todd Davilla

On Thursday, the family sat through Todd Davilla's sixth sentencing for the 1991 murder of Lisa Flormoe after the Oregon Court of Appeals overturned his sentence last August.

It won't be their last visit to the courthouse. The court did not make a decision in the case Thursday, so they will be back once again in a few weeks to hear Davilla's sentence.

"It's frustrating we have to keep doing this," Flormoe's stepfather Maynard Flormoe said after the hearing.

The court of appeals overturned Davilla's 50-year sentence last August, ruling that Clackamas County Circuit Court Judge Eve Miller did not sufficiently establish during a 2012 sentencing why the crime justified a greater sentence than the one determined by state guidelines. According to the guidelines, Davilla's presumptive sentence for the murder was 10 years.

In January 1992, Davilla pleaded guilty to murder, first-degree burglary and first-degree attempted rape. He was charged as an adult.

Three different judges have sentenced Davilla, now 41, for the murder that he committed at age 16. Past sentences have been overturned on similar grounds.

Armed with a Boy Scout knife, Davilla forced his way into a home where Flormoe, 22, was staying in August 1991. He attempted to rape her and, when she resisted, he stabbed her 15 times in the neck, nearly decapitating her.

In 2012, Miller sentenced Davilla to 50 years in prison, citing his use of a small, dull knife and his lack of empathy.

On Thursday, Miller once again heard arguments from Davilla's lawyer and the state.

Defense lawyer Kendra Matthews and prosecutor Chris Owen vigorously debated the case law cited in the appeals ruling.

Owen argued that Davilla's use of the knife was excessive and was a substantial and compelling reason for a longer sentence. The state is once again seeking a 50-year sentence.

Matthews argued that the purpose of the sentencing guidelines is to create greater uniformity in sentences, and that those guidelines should be used in all but the most unusual cases.

Returning to the courthouse to relive Flormoe's murder over and over has been devastating, her family told Miller.

"It's horrible and painful and I just want to forget about it," her sister Lorna Flormoe said. "But I can't, because we have to keep coming back here."

At the end of the day, Miller said she needed to review case law before making a decision.

"I want to get it as right as I can," she said. She added, to Flormoe's family, "It's a good decision if it means you folks won't have to come back again."

Oregonian/OregonLive staff writer Everton Bailey, Jr. contributed to this report.

An earlier version of this story incorrectly said the attack happened in September 1991.

-- Samantha Matsumoto

503-294-4001; @SMatsumoto55
A Clackamas man accused of causing a head-on collision in March on Interstate 205 that killed another driver is facing manslaughter charges.

Bryan Sherbahn, 50, was indicted June 8 in Clackamas County on suspicion of first- and second-degree manslaughter, driving under the influence of intoxicants, failure to perform the duties of a driver and fourth-degree assault.

Sherbahn was driving northbound near milepost 13 about 10:45 p.m. on March 26, when he drove his 2006 Dodge Magnum across the grass median into an oncoming 1997 Ford Ranger, according to Oregon State Police. The crash caused the Ford's driver, 60-year-old Thomas Durheim of Gresham, to die at the scene.

Alcohol was being investigated as a contributing factor in the crash, which closed the highway for six hours. Sherbahn was taken to OHSU for treatment for his injuries, police said.

He is also accused of hitting another car before the crash and injuring two of its occupants, the indictment said.

Sherbahn was allowed to enter an alcohol diversion program in March 2002 for an intoxicated driving crash the previous month in Multnomah County, Oregon court records show. The driving under the influence charge was dismissed in 2003 after he completed the program.

-- Everton Bailey Jr.

ebailey@oregonian.com

503-221-8343; @EvertonBailey
A massage therapist was sentenced to 60 days in jail last week for sexually abusing a female customer in Clackamas in 2015.

Sean Elder, 35, pleaded guilty last Friday in Clackamas County Circuit Court to third-degree sexual abuse for touching a 56-year-old woman's genitals during a session at Massage Envy in Clackamas. He no longer works for the business.

Judge Kathie Steele also ordered Elder to serve three years of probation, register as a sex offender and give up his state massage license. He won't be able to apply for another one again, court records show.

Elder's state massage therapist license has been suspended, according to the Oregon Board of Massage Therapists. He received his license in September 2013 Elder was licensed in September 2013 and hadn't faced any disciplinary actions before his arrest.

-- Everton Bailey Jr.

ebailey@oregonian.com

503-221-8343; @EvertonBailey
One of the best moments in a young child's life during the school year is certainly the start of the summer vacation. After months of dealing with teachers, homework and tests, it feels wonderful to do nothing.

When I was in the 7th grade at Ainsworth Elementary my summer was spent riding my bike, playing in the park and tossing water balloons. But I had a terrible time with math class when school started again in the fall. It took nearly a month for me, and many of my classmates, to remember what the teacher had talked about in June. Educators now have a term for what happened to me: The summer slide.

Researchers have discovered that the time between June and September is when many students lose knowledge gained during the school year because they aren't intellectually stimulated. It's similar to playing guitar for nine months and then setting it aside for three months. The player will be rusty, and may even lose interest in playing the instrument.

A Washington, D.C., non-profit, the National Summer Learning Association, was created to help school districts around the country deal with the problem. The group caught the attention of officials at Umpqua Bank, a Portland-based institution with branches in Oregon, Washington, California, Nevada and Idaho, and they decided to help.

For the second summer, bank branches in all states will be providing information and activity packets to parents, said Eve Callahan, the bank's executive vice president for communication. The information will help parents work to prevent the summer slide.

The bank's charitable foundation also awarded a $90,000 three-year grant to the Baker School District in Baker City to come up with a summer program to tackle the issue.

"The goal was to get some seed money, which they could use to start a program and attract more funding," Callahan said. "That's what they've done. This will be the second summer for their program."

The summer slide is particularly acute in school districts that serve students across the financial spectrum, said Mark Witty, superintendent of the Baker School District.

"What it comes down to are opportunities," Witty said. "Some families don't have the capacity to offer experiences at the same rate as other families."

Witty, a high school principal for 15 years before becoming superintendent, said the slides accumulate summer after summer and can lead to deficiencies that alter a child's life.

"Let's say, a seventh grader comes in and is behind," he said. "That student would come to the conclusion they're not good at school. The student doesn't know that not everyone had the same opportunities. They think they're not smart, which is the furthest from the truth."

Using the bank's grant, Witty worked with organizations in the county to keep kids engaged during summer vacation. He said the district is targeting students in first through sixth grade.

"By the time a child reaches the freshman year in high school, it's hard to change an outcome," he said. "But we can do something in the early years. That's where we can make a difference."

Employees at the Baker City bank are also volunteering, said manager Chris Knoll. He said Umpqua, as a corporation, gives every employee 40 hours a year to volunteer in their community. But they insist the work must be done during work hours, basically giving an employee a week's pay to help their community. In Baker City, seven of Knoll's employees help with a reading program for students run by the Baker County Community Literacy Association.

"Once a day, we have an employee reading to students," he said. "Two years ago, we heard about this summer slide program and dug into it. We feel connected to the program and the kids."

Witty said in just one year the program has proved its value in the school district. He said district officials plan to measure and demonstrate the results during the next two years, and then incorporate the cost into the district's general fund budget.

The district works with nine community organizations to create a program that lasts all summer, with the kids meeting three times a week. A school bus picks them up and takes them home. Breakfast and lunch is provided. Last summer, 151 students participated. This year's program starts in two weeks, and Witty expects as many as 200 students to enroll.

"The data we've gathered shows it makes a difference," he said. "It's about a child feeling confident about their ability. We build skills that utilize science, technology, engineering, arts and math. But it's fun and about using the application. A student might build a model rocket, or build a musical instrument and play it."

The goal, he said, is not simply for a child to get good grades in school.

"In the 1950s, if a kid dropped out of high school, there were available jobs to get that student into the middle class," Witty said. "Manufacturing, logging, agriculture. There were a number of industries around. We have to recognize that in the global economy, education is critical to advancing to the middle class."

At the beginning of this last school year, Witty said, teachers said the students who participated in the summer program came to school better prepared, and had a better year than those who did not.

"It was dramatic," Witty said.

Knoll looks at the program as a way to make Baker City a better place to live.

"If a community bank does not give back to the community, what are we doing?" he said. "We need to make a community vital."

Tom Hallman Jr.

thallman@oregonian.com; 503 221-8224

@thallmanjr
The Shins (David Greenwald/The Oregonian)

9 best concerts in Portland this week, June 16-22

The top shows on the way, from What the Festival to Alice Cooper to the Shins.

-- David Greenwald

dgreenwald@oregonian.com

503-294-7625; @davidegreenwald

Instagram: Oregonianmusic

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What the Festival

Pool parties and dance music aren't just for Hollywood hotel rooftops. What the Festival is a hippie rave as only Oregonians could've imagined, featuring Zhu, Cut Copy, Gramatik and more.

Friday-Monday, June 16-19, Wolf Run Ranch, Dufur, Oregon. Tickets: $325-$425, other options and parking and vehicle camping available, visit whatthefestival.com for full options.

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Warped Tour

The punk festival is a traveling Pandora station of '90s veterans, noisy newcomers, and the occasional MC, with Hawthorne Heights, Watsky, American Authors, Save Ferris and The Ataris among this year's acts.

Saturday, June 17, Oregon State Fairgrounds, Salem, Oregon. Tickets: $29-39, "rally bus" shuttle available, vanswarpedtour.com.

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Alice Cooper

Expect flames, props and plenty of rock hits at Cooper's latest tour.

Saturday, June 17, The Cuthbert, Eugene, Oregon, 8 p.m. show. Tickets: $40-$730 (including VIP options), thecuthbert.com.

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Red Yarn: Little Ears Concerts for Children

Bring the kids out to a morning show with Red Yarn, one of Portland's top children's musicians and puppeteers.

Tuesday, June 20, The Old Church, 10 a.m. Tickets: Free, theoldchurch.org.

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REO Speedwagon and Styx

Two rock greats that taste great together.

Tuesday, June 20, Sunlight Supply Amphitheater, Ridgefield, Washington, 7 p.m. Tickets: $27.50-$395, VIP available, sunlightsupplyamphitheater.com.

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The Shins

The Portland indie band take a hometown stand with a catchy new album and local dream-pop favorites Pure Bathing Culture.

Wednesday, June 21, Edgefield, 6:30 p.m., all-ages. Tickets: Sold out, edgefieldconcerts.com.

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Seu Jorge Presents The Life Aquatic: A Tribute to David Bowie

The Brazilian artist is remembering the late rock legend with the covers he first recorded for the 2004 Wes Anderson film.

Wednesday, June 21, Oregon Zoo, 7 p.m., all-ages. Tickets: $35-$200, zooconcerts.com.

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Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds

The veteran rocker's 2016 album "Skeleton Tree" was named Best New Music by Pitchfork, which called it "a record that exists in the headspace and guts of someone who's endured an unspeakable, inconsolable trauma."

Wednesday, June 21, Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, 8 p.m. Tickets: $59.50-$99.50, VIP available, portland5.com.

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Beethoven and Blues Jeans, with Blind Pilot's Israel Nebeker

The indie rock musician joins a number of classical players for a musical mash-up at the Astoria Music Festival.

Thursday, June 22, Liberty Theater, Astoria, Oregon, 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $25, astoriamusicfestival.org.

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Jaime Tinoco-Camarena for the first time expressed remorse Thursday to the family of the woman he stabbed to death when he was 17.

Tinoco-Camarena, now 20, stood at the front of a Washington County courtroom between his two attorneys as Circuit Judge Kirsten Thompson asked if he had any statements before she formally sentenced him to life in prison without parole.

He held his hands down below his waist in front of him, his mouth twitching.

"I ask for forgiveness," Tinoco-Camarena said. He then sat down.

In recorded interviews with investigators played during the six-day trial, Tinoco-Camarena said repeatedly that he didn't regret killing 29-year-old Nicole Laube in August 2014 as she worked at a Cedar Mill apartment complex across the street from his home.

He hadn't known Laube, stabbed her randomly and intended to rape her before she screamed, he told detectives.

That he finally acknowledged Laube's loss and showed contrition heartened her family.

Rich Jones, Laube's father, said it would help them heal. Both he and his wife, Jordi Jones, spoke to Tinoco in court before he was sentenced, urging him to consider all the people he has hurt, including his parents.

They pray for him and forgive him for killing their daughter, they said.

"I want you to know that it would mean a lot to us if you'd change, if you would consider your life and if you would consider your soul," said Rich Jones, who said he is a pastor.

"Please take this forgiveness as the beginning of change for you," he said.

The jury took about 45 minutes to decide that Tinoco-Camarena should receive a true life sentence. All but one of the 12 jurors voted to impose the term.

The same nine women and three men on Tuesday unanimously found Tinoco-Camarena guilty of aggravated murder and unlawful use of a weapon in Laube's death.

He hadn't been charged in the case until nearly a year after the killing. He had fled the scene, was interviewed the same year and denied involvement. He was interviewed again in March 2015 and was charged in Laube's death after admitting to killing her to investigators. He is already serving a total of 18 years for raping a woman in Eugene a month after killing Laube and for punching a teacher at the MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility in April 2015.

Prosecutors asked for the life sentence without parole, citing Tinoco-Camarena's string of crimes, which escalated from minor violations in 2011 to Laube's killing three years later.

His attorneys asked for mercy and urged jurors to allow Tinoco-Camarena to seek parole after 30 years. They said his conduct may improve with proper treatment for his schizophrenia, which they contend has gone unattended.

"All I'm asking for is mercy for a 17-year-old child who is severely mentally ill and for the possibility he could change his behavior with some treatment to fix this severely broken individual," said defense attorney Robert Axford.

Tinoco-Camarena's parents, sister and other relatives sat three rows behind him and appeared to show no reaction to the sentencing verdict. His parents had been scheduled to testify, but didn't.

Washington County Senior Deputy District Attorney Jeff Lesowski told jurors not to "take a flier on magic somehow happening" that Tinoco-Camarena will get better.

"Do you really want to take that chance that Jaime Tinoco is going to be the right person to release in the community to test out the viability of that pill?" he said. "My thought is you don't. Let others try out the medicine to see if it works, but a person who has demonstrated that he doesn't like to take medicine and really likes raping women and hurting women is not worth the risk."

The prosecution's witness list included county deputies who had arrested Tinoco for drug, driving and other offenses when he was a teenager and the MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility teacher who testified about Tinoco-Camarena punching her in 2015. A psychologist with the Oregon State Hospital said she examined Tinoco-Camarena and found he had a personality disorder, not schizophrenia.

The defense's only witness was another psychologist who evaluated Tinoco-Camarena and determined he exhibited symptoms of schizophrenia.

Prosecutors said Tinoco-Camarena's statements to investigators indicated that he attacked Laube in a "random thrill kill." In interviews with detectives, he said he attacked Laube outside the Commons at Timber Creek Apartments with a kitchen knife that he got from his home across the street and targeted her because she seemed like easy prey, prosecutors said.

Laube worked as a leasing agent at the apartment complex and was hanging up fliers when she was stabbed. She ran and collapsed after she screamed and died at the scene.

Tinoco-Camarena led investigators on a walk-through of his route to and from the apartment complex and knew other details of her death that only her attacker knew, prosecutors said.

Chris Laube, Nicole Laube's husband, said Tinoco-Camarena's family approached his family after the sentencing, offered their condolences and apologized for Tinoco-Camarena.

Laube said he was glad to hear it, but felt sorry for them.

"They didn't ask for any of this," he said. "They're grieving just like we are."

-- Everton Bailey Jr.

ebailey@oregonian.com

503-221-8343; @EvertonBailey
By Robert Arellano

I am a first generation Cuban-American, the U.S.-born child in a family of seven who left Havana near the end of 1960. The rapid-fire deterioration of U.S.-Cuba relations that year troubled my parents.

Los Americanos had always been our friends. My dad was a recent graduate of Georgia Tech in Atlanta, where he completed his engineering degree before returning home to take over the family business, selling refrigerators and water coolers out of a storefront on Paseo del Prado. As a child, my mother spent summers in Lake Placid, New York.

Shortly after the Cuban Missile Crisis, President Kennedy imposed travel restrictions. And for the next 50 years, it became obnoxiously complicated for an American to travel to Cuba. (President Jimmy Carter permitted a lapse in enforcement for a brief period in 1977, a gap that President Ronald Reagan closed the year after he took over the presidency).

I first traveled to Cuba in 1992 as a graduate student from Brown University. The Department of Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control required that I apply for an "advanced research" license under the terms of the U.S. embargo. It took them six months to review my application and finally grant permission to travel. Cuba issued my entry visa in three business days.

I was not sure what to expect after passing through customs. Were these people, my family's former compatriotas, the enemy? My first taxi driver tried to guess where I was from: "Espana?" No, I told him, closer. "Argentina?" Closer. "Mexico." Closer. "Closer than Mexico?" He thought for a moment. "Canada?" When I finally admitted I was from los Estados Unidos, the driver became animated and told me, "Listen, I have a message for you to take back to los Americanos. Tell them this thing between governments is a government thing. The Cuban people love the American people, and we can't wait until the day the embargo is over and we can all get together and have a tremenda pachanga." That means a great party, much bigger than just a fiesta: music, dancing, food and drink -- most likely involving a big pig roast.

I returned to Cuba 10 times over the next 25 years. My latest trip was earlier this spring. The first commercial flights from the U.S. in more than 50 years started leaving for Havana shortly before Trump's inauguration. I got on a flight from Medford to LAX on St. Patrick's Day, filled out the foreign assets control application in five minutes for "person-to-person" contact with the Cuban people, and immediately boarded an Alaska Airlines flight to Havana.

Cubans are still waiting for proof of la apertura, the opening Obama promised on his trip last year. People say everything stopped in November when Fidel died and el Donal was elected. My Cuban friend Javier Quinteros tells me, "I have no hope for the future, because the years pass, the decades pass and nothing ever changes."

Robert Arellano is a professor at Southern Oregon University's Oregon Center for the Arts and on the Oregon Humanities Council's board of directors. He lives in Talent.
By Eugene Robinson

WASHINGTON -- President Trump now finds himself exactly where he doesn't want to be: under investigation by a dogged, highly respected prosecutor who owes him no personal or political loyalty. And the president has only himself to blame.

Trump let off some steam Thursday morning by issuing a couple of angry statements on Twitter: "They made up a phony collusion with the Russians story, found zero proof, so now they go for obstruction of justice on the phony story. Nice." And then: "You are witnessing the single greatest WITCH HUNT in American political history -- led by some very bad and conflicted people!"

Someone please take away his phone.

Not for the first time, Trump gives a false impression of what's really going on. He pretends there has already been a finding that there was no collusion between anyone involved in his presidential campaign and the Russian attempt to meddle in our election. No such conclusion has been reached.

To the contrary: Thanks to The Washington Post, we now know that collusion is only one of three subject areas that the FBI investigation, now led by special counsel Robert Mueller, is exploring.

Another is, indeed, the possibility that Trump may have obstructed justice in his repeated efforts to quash the investigation. How could any prosecutor fail to pursue this line of inquiry? Trump fired FBI Director James Comey, sent out spokespeople and surrogates with a far-fetched cover story to explain the dismissal, and then told NBC's Lester Holt that the real reason for the firing was Comey's pursuit of the Russia investigation. Trump also bragged to visiting Russian diplomats that getting rid of Comey relieved him of "great pressure because of Russia."

Those very public actions and statements alone cry out for investigation. But Comey has testified under oath that in a private meeting, Trump raised the investigation of fired national security adviser Michael Flynn -- part of the larger Russia probe -- and said, "I hope you can see your way clear to letting this go, to letting Flynn go." Comey said he took this "hope," coming from the president of the United States, as a direction.

Trump also reportedly asked Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats and CIA Director Mike Pompeo to intercede with Comey on the Flynn case, then later asked Coats and National Security Agency chief Mike Rogers to state publicly that Trump was not personally under investigation. Apparently, none of the officials complied with these requests.

In sworn testimony on Capitol Hill, Coats and Rogers declined to speak about their conversations with the president -- though it is doubtful they had any legal right to keep mum. According to the Post, Mueller plans to interview both officials soon, and also plans to question Richard Ledgett, who until recently held the No. 2 job at the NSA.

To me, this looks, walks and quacks like a pattern. Perhaps it does to Mueller as well.

Finally, we know that Mueller's investigators are also looking for "any evidence of possible financial crimes among Trump associates," as the Post phrased it. It goes without saying that discovering any money flows between Trump campaign officials or advisers and Russian government-linked individuals or institutions would be explosive. That is why investigators want to know more about a meeting between Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner and executives of Vnesheconombank, a Russian state-owned development bank now under U.S. sanctions.

Those are the prongs of the investigation -- that we know of. Attention is focused on the question of obstruction simply because so much of Trump's campaign to deep-six the investigation has been conducted openly, at full volume. I don't know whether the FBI and Mueller's crack team of prosecutors have any solid evidence of collusion or shady financial deals. If they find none, I'm certain Mueller will forthrightly report that fact -- but only after completing a proper investigation, which takes time.

Other presidents have managed to compartmentalize investigations and go about the business of governing, but Trump seems consumed by the Mueller probe. His tweet about a "WITCH HUNT" conducted by "bad" people is just a Trumpian version of what appears to be the official White House line -- that this is somehow a partisan attempt to delegitimize the Trump presidency.

But it is not. As Trump still struggles to acknowledge, the U.S. intelligence community is fully convinced that Russia carried out an attack on our democracy. We need to know what happened so that we can ensure it never happens again. Why would the president object to a thorough investigation -- unless he had something to hide?

Eugene Robinson's email address is eugenerobinsonwashpost.com.

(c) 2017, Washington Post Writers Group
A Portland man and his girlfriend are accused of stealing a valuable painting from his mother's home and shipping it to a fine art gallery in New York that offered to pay $60,000 for it.

The painting's owner had removed it from the hallway wall leading to the master bedroom in her condo during a construction project and didn't realize it was missing until she heard from a Portland police detective and an FBI agent late last month.

The gallery received the painting but grew suspicious when the sellers provided multiple names and addresses of where to send the check, according to an FBI agent's affidavit filed in U.S. District Court in Portland.

Ryan Gerard Griffin, 46, and his girlfriend, Valerie Lindsay Marchant, 42, are each accused of interstate transportation of stolen goods and fraud by wire in U.S. District Court in Portland.

Griffin's mother, Gretchen Holce, 76, had stored the 1988 painting by Tom Wesselmann called "Study for Monica with Tulips'' in another room, stacked against other larger paintings as construction continued at her condo to repair water damage.

"It's a little piece that I've always loved very much,'' said Holce, who with her late husband had amassed a contemporary art collection.

Investigators suspect Griffin grabbed the painting while his mother was out of state in late April, according to court documents.

On May 9, a New York art gallery, which was not named in court records, received an offer on its "Sell Your Art'' website to buy the painting. The seller identified himself as Jeff White and left an email and phone number. The offer included four photos of the painting. The background of one of the photos caught the top of the head of the man taking the photo.

Between May 9 and May 17, gallery workers talked by phone three times with a man who represented himself as Jeff White. He told the gallery that he had inherited the painting from his father. When asked how old he was when he first recalled seeing the painting in their home, he said he hadn't grown up with his father, the affidavit said.

A gallery official told the caller that the painting's retail value was $95,000 but the gallery would buy it for $60,000.

When the gallery asked for his address, he initially gave the address of Studio 6 Hotel on Portland's Northeast 82nd Avenue. The gallery also requested a residential address, not a hotel, and he gave his girlfriend's apartment on Southeast Kelly Street, according to investigators.

The gallery checked an art loss register and found no record of the painting having been reported stolen.

So on May 12, the gallery used FedEx to send a special art shipping box that contained a purchase agreement and a certificate of insurance to Mr. Jeffrey White. The box was delivered to the front desk of the Studio 6 Hotel three days later, according to surveillance video reviewed by police and the FBI.

Griffin retrieved the box from the front desk and Marchant joined him as he walked to a nearby stairwell, the surveillance video showed, according to the affidavit. Together, they took the box to Room 241.

On May 16, Griffin left the box by the hotel's front desk to be shipped by FedEx, and it arrived at the gallery the next day. The signature on the purchase agreement read, "Jeffrey White,'' according to the complaint. The gallery determined the painting was authentic.

The painting by Tom Wesselmann called "Study for Monica with Tulips.''

The next day, Griffin was arrested in Tigard, accused of shoplifting from J.C. Penney's at Washington Square, and taken into custody. Police said they found him with multiple personal IDs belonging to others, including one from a "Jeffrey White.''

Griffin's girlfriend then stepped in to try to complete the sale of the painting and get payment from the gallery, FBI agent Ronnie Walker wrote in the affidavit.

Using Griffin's email address, Marchant is accused of sending the gallery this note on May 21 and falsely signing her name as Jennifer: "I'm shooting you a quick email for my fiancee Jeff White. ... He had a family emergency and has not been able to talk. He asked me to do so for him in regards of payment for the painting.''

The gallery replied, asking for an address to send a revised purchase order and check. Marchant, using the name "Jennifer Loree,'' gave the Studio 6 Hotel address again.

By May 26, she sent another email to the gallery, asking it to make the check out to Valerie Marchant, "one of our dearest and closest friends and our financial advisor,'' and signed it Jennifer.

That day, the gallery contacted Portland police. Portland police Det. Eric McDaniel working with FBI Agent Walker, determined Griffin and Marchant used assumed names to try to sell the painting belonging to Griffin's mother.

Griffin's mother said when she heard from the gallery and police, she was shocked. "I didn't ever think that the piece was even gone,'' she said. She spent about 45 minutes looking through the paintings she had stored away and realized it was missing.

She figured her youngest son was at fault, and told investigators as much, and agreed to pursue prosecution. Griffin has struggled with a drug addiction since he was 17. Holce said she's tried to help him but believes he's safer now that he's off the street and in custody.

"I just know I got to get them both off the streets,'' she said. "I knew in my heart if I wanted him to live, it was the only decision that could be made. He was going to die if I didn't do this. I don't know if there's hope but I won't ever give up.''

Marchant, arrested and booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center in downtown Portland on a federal hold Tuesday, appeared in federal court on the charges Thursday afternoon.

Griffin, also being held at the downtown jail, will make his first federal court appearance at a later date.

He is on probation for a 2016 first-degree theft conviction, having stolen two statues from a woman's yard a year earlier. He left the statues at a Portland shop to sell, seeking to pocket any proceeds, according to court records. He has at least 12 prior felony convictions, many involving drug offenses.

Griffin's mother said she doubts her son and his girlfriend knew how serious the offense would be. She intends to have the painting shipped back to Portland, but she doubts she'll put it back up on her wall. Instead, she expects to have it sold.

Holce added, "I don't think I can ever look at it again and not think of the situation that happened.''

-- Maxine Bernstein

mbernstein@oregonian.com

503-221-8212

@maxoregonian
When Josh and Kristine Donovan noticed a bruise behind their daughter's knee, they thought it was an ordinary bug bite - until the mark grew and 5-year-old Kailyn came down with a fever.

Doctors first told the Mendon, Massachusetts, parents that it appeared to be a spider bite and prescribed antibiotics.

But when the girl's condition did not improve, her parents sought answers from a pediatric infectious disease doctor at the UMass Memorial Medical Center.

The surprising and terrifying diagnosis: It was a bite from a black widow, one of the most venomous spiders in North America.

"I didn't know what to say; it's not something you would expect, especially in Massachusetts," Josh Donovan told ABC affiliate WCVB.

He said the UMass Memorial doctor explained that "the black mark on her leg was actually the venom from the spider."

William Durbin, the specialist who is treating 5-year-old Kailyn, told the Boston Globe that the spider bite's deep color signaled necrosis, or cell injury.

"She had a very distinctive bite, which was very scary for her parents and of course the doctors, too," Durbin told the newspaper. But, he said, the child is in good health and will make a full recovery.

Still, the Donovans said they want other parents to be aware.

"If you think it's something, just keep looking for an answer," Kristine Donovan told WCVB. "I kind of had a feeling it was pretty bad, and I just kept kind of pushing to have it checked out."

She told the Globe that she suspects the spider bit her daughter in their backyard in Mendon, in southeast Massachusetts. "We haven't gone anywhere, so it had to have probably been in our backyard," she added.

The Donovans told the newspaper that they plan to have an exterminator treat their home.

The couple could not immediately be reached for comment.

Black widows, which have small, black bodies adorned with red hourglass icons, are found in the United States, mostly in the South and West, hidden in outdoor areas such as barns, sheds and woodpiles, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Black widow bites are rarely seen in New England, but they are not unheard of, according to the Regional Center for Poison Control and Prevention, which serves Massachusetts.

The bites are described as a "pinprick," though some people may not feel it at all. Symptoms include muscle cramps and muscle weakness; numbness, nausea and vomiting; trouble breathing; and seizures, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.

People who suspect they have been bitten by a black widow spider are urged to seek immediate medical help, though death from such bites is rare.

--Lindsey Bever
MIAMI - President Donald Trump was poised to announce a new policy toward Cuba Friday that prohibits any commercial dealings with its economically powerful military and somewhat limits the freedom of U.S. citizens to travel to the island, but leaves in place many changes implemented by his predecessor.

In a speech set to be delivered in the heart of Miami's Little Havana, where an older generation of Cuban Americans has long objected to normalization of relations with the communist government of President Raul Castro, Trump planned to declare an end to what he has characterized as the Obama administration's policy of "appeasement," White House aides said.

Trump, accompanied by Vice President Mike Pence, was set to speak at the Manuel Artime Theater, a highly symbolic venue named after a leader of the Bay of Pigs exile invasion of Cuba in 1961, a failed U.S.-backed attempt to overthrow the revolutionary government of Fidel Castro.

A packed theater of invited guests and dignitaries awaited the president, including Carlos Lopez-Cantera, Florida's first Cuban-American lieutenant governor, and Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., a one-time rival for the GOP presidential nomination who lobbied Trump hard to largely stick with a position he advocated during the campaign.

The mood in the theater was festive, with red, white and blue bunting ringing the overhanging balcony and chants of "USA! USA! USA!" following a rendition of the national anthem.

Trump's change in policy, according to White House aides, was driven by the president's concerns that the previous policy was enriching the Cuban military and intelligence services that contribute to repression on the island.

Through civilian-run holding companies, the Cuban military owns or controls much of the economy, particularly the tourism sector. Former president Barack Obama had allowed some transactions with the security services on grounds that money would trickle down to individual Cubans who gained employment and more contact with the outside world.

Significantly, a new directive signed by Trump will not affect those elements of the normalization begun by Obama in December 2014 that are popular with younger Cuban Americans and others who have taken full advantage of them. Unlimited "family" travel and money sent to private Cubans on the island will remain unchanged.

Administration officials who briefed reporters ahead of Trump's address, on White House-imposed condition of anonymity, said no policy changes would go immediately into effect. Instead, the new presidential directive will order the Treasury and Commerce departments to begin within 30 days to write new regulations that reverse some of those Obama implemented to ease the U.S. embargo against Cuba that has remained in place for nearly 60 years. Only Congress can lift it.

Asked whether companies that have already signed Cuban contracts, such as Starwood Hotels and Resorts, should expect to lose money, an official said, "that will be handled in the specifics of regulations by Treasury and Commerce." But "the administration's intent," the official said, "is not to disrupt existing transactions that have [already] occurred."

Regulations allowing U.S. commercial flights and cruise ships to travel to Cuba will not be affected, the officials said. Diplomatic relations established by Obama will remain.

The restrictions on dealing with the military could significantly affect American travel, although the military has already begun to reorganize its ownership of some businesses and entities in anticipation of such changes. Airbnb, which has built a multimillion-dollar business among Cubans who rent out rooms to foreign visitors, is not affected by the new policy. Americans will also still be allowed to bring back unlimited amounts of Cuban products - including rum and cigars - for personal use.

But the ease with which U.S. citizens have been able to travel to Cuba over the past two years could also be affected by a significant change in Treasury's control over their activities. Although the U.S. government does not technically prohibit Cuban travel, Treasury regulations under the embargo prohibit the expenditure of U.S. dollars without a special license. Successive presidents have eased and tightened that prohibition, and Obama significantly loosened it by allowing individuals to "self-declare" the purpose of their travel in one of a dozen allowed categories, including for educational, commercial, or "support for the Cuban people" purposes.

While tourist travel remained officially banned, Obama also allowed a broad category of "people to people" visits to Cuba. Trump's new directive still allows individual travel in all but that category, and reverts to an earlier policy of requiring "people to people" visits only in a Treasury-licensed group.

While Americans have long been required to be able to "authenticate" the purpose of any visit to Cuba, and to keep receipts and records for five years, the rules were rarely enforced. The White House officials indicated Trump would call for a tighter enforcement.

The officials said that the aging Cuban government, in which Castro is due to be replaced next year by a designated successor, can return to favor with the United States by improving its human rights record, including lifting restrictions on dissent, releasing political prisoners and moving toward democracy.

Trump has conspicuously shied away from emphasizing human rights concerns in other countries with similarly dismal records, including Saudi Arabia. During his visit to Riyadh last month, he said he had not come to "lecture" about any country's internal policies.

Asked why he appears to have a different attitude toward Cuba, an official said that "the president has made clear" that he will call out "repressive regimes in this hemisphere," and fulfill a promise he made last year on the campaign trail to reverse elements of what he called Obama's "bad deal" with Havana.

--The Washington Post
When visiting beautiful and scenic Wallowa County, be sure to stay at the world's first kickstarter funded hotel - The Jennings Hotel & Sauna (100 N. Main Street, Second Floor, Joseph; jenningshotel.com). This isn't your average hotel. Aside from offering overnight lodging, the hotel also embraces artists in residence, allowing artists from various locations to stay while they teach, lecture and work with the community in various collaborations. In fact, everything about this hotel is quite artsy and encourages collaboration and community; it was set in the foundation. Donations from nearly 900 people made the whole thing possible, allowing founder Greg Hennes to work with a diverse group of designers (each assigned to a room) to skillfully and creatively put their vision to work and bring an abandoned space, a city landmark at that, back to life. The Jennings also features a communal kitchen and dining room as well as a library and a beautiful cedar sauna. Not being your average hotel, the Jennings is self check-in with all bookings done through airbnb.com. Prices start as low as $95 and range up from there.

During your stay, you won't have to travel far for something tasty, Arrowhead Chocolates (100 N. Main Street, Joseph; 541-432-2871; arrowheadchocolates.com) has you covered. There's nothing better than the smell of fresh chocolate being melted right before your eyes, and if you thought that was a chocolate lover's dream come true, then you must not have had their signature drink - a mocha made with fresh Stumptown espresso and housemade chocolate. The award winning huckleberry and espresso truffles are a must try, as are the sea salt chocolate covered caramels. This charming little shop makes everything in house, using quality, local and organic ingredients when possible. If you're craving something more substantial opt for a biscuit, one of their perfectly moist scones or even a petite quiche. Open daily; 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Also right on Main Street, with views of the breathtaking Wallowa Mountains, is Embers Brew House (206 N. Main Street, Joseph; 541-432-2739; embersbrewhouse.com), an especially fun place for folks during the summertime with live outdoor music that even your furry companion can enjoy (as long as they're on a leash). The menu consists of delicious gourmet pizzas, calzones big enough for two, huge mouthwatering burgers served with some of the best fries around, wraps, sandwiches, salads, wings and a variety of house specials such as fish tacos, pasta variations and Wild Alaskan salmon fillet. They also pride themselves on having the largest selection of microbrews in Eastern Oregon, which includes a total of 17 varieties on tap, eight to nine of them seasonally rotating. Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 8 p.m. Sunday.

"Gerry Frank's Oregon" 3rd edition all new guidebook is available through oregonguidebook.com; 503-585-8411; gerry@teleport.com; Amazon.com; Macy's; and P.O. Box 2225, Salem, OR 97308.
Legendary Boston Red Sox slugger Ted Williams had to be admitted to the hospital in 1959 for neck and shoulder pain. (AP)

"Love hurts," various balladeers have sung over the years. It certainly can, but many purely physical ailments can be horrifically painful too, even if they don't score hit pop songs. The Independent this week put the spotlight on a British National Health Service ranking of the most painful medical conditions.

Everyone experiences pain differently, so were presenting the NHS list alphabetically, along with a brief description from the government health-care provider.

Don't Edit

Appendicitis

Appendicitis is a medical emergency that usually needs an urgent operation to remove the appendix before it bursts.

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Arthritis

Arthritis causes constant and often agonizing joint pain, usually in the hips, knees, wrists or fingers.

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Broken bones

The pain is often described as feeling like a deep ache.

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Cancer

Cancer pain can vary in sensation, duration and intensity depending on the type of cancer you have and the stage that its reached.

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Cluster headaches

Imagine giving birth without painkillers once or twice a day for up to 10 weeks at a time and you have some idea of the sheer misery of cluster headaches.

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Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

CRPS [is] a severe pain that follows an injury to bone and soft tissue. ... The burning pain of CRPS is continuous and intense.

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Endometriosis

Although theres no cure for endometriosis, there are treatments that can relieve the pain and shrink or slow endometriosis growth.

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Fibromyalgia

This chronic condition causes widespread aches and pains all over the body, usually as lots of tender areas on the back of the neck, shoulders, lower back, hips, shins, elbows and knees.

Don't Edit

Frozen shoulder

This condition isnt just extremely painful, it can also last for several years unless its properly treated.

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Gout

This form of arthritis causes severe pain in a joint, often the base of the big toe, to the point where even touching or moving the toe can be agony.

Don't Edit

Heart attack

The pain can feel like really bad indigestion. It can also, of course, prove fatal.

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Kidney stones

A wayward kidney stone produces a sudden, incredibly sharp, cramping pain in your lower back or the side of your abdomen.

Don't Edit

Migraine

"Migraines can cause vomiting and extreme sensitivity to light and sound as well as intense throbbing pain."

Don't Edit

Pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis is often a medical emergency needing hospital treatment, including to control the pain.

Don't Edit

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Post-operative pain

[T]the intensity of the pain will vary according to the type of operation.

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Sciatica

The pain of sciatica hardly affects your back at all but instead radiates out from your lower back.

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Shingles

The chicken pox-related condition can be so bad that you experience an excruciating stab of pain when someone simply brushes lightly against the affected skin or a breeze wafts over it.

Don't Edit

Slipped disc

What happens in this medical condition is that one of the discs in the spine ruptures and the gel inside leaks out.

Don't Edit

Stomach ulcer

A hole or sore in the stomach lining causes a gnawing or burning pain in the abdomen.

Don't Edit

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Trigeminal neuralgia

This condition causes pain that feels like an electric shock shooting through the face.

Don't Edit

More

For the National Health Service ranking and more about these conditions, go to the NHS' website.
Amazon on Friday announced it will buy Austin-based Whole Foods Market for nearly $14 billion.

The announcement spurred lots of jokey jabs on Twitter (did Jeff Bezos accidentally buy the grocer while trying to order groceries via Alexa?), as well as lots of speculation. What will the acquisition mean for the company's 400-plus stores?

Most retail analysts predict the shopping experience at Whole Foods will change enormously, spurring change at other grocers, too. Here's how.

No checkout lines

Remember that futuristic grocery store Amazon was testing in Seattle?

Amazon's first grocery store is located at 2131 7th Ave, in Seattle. For now, it's only open to select Amazon employees.

The retailer could import some of the Jetsons-like features of its Amazon Go grocery store, like "Just Walk Out" technology that eliminates the need for checkout lines. Instead of paying at the register, customers would automatically be charged via their Amazon account on a smartphone app.

However, an Amazon spokesman told the New York Times that Amazon "has no plans to use the technology it developed for Amazon Go to automate the jobs of cashiers at Whole Foods."

A discount for Prime members?

Kevin Coupe, author of industry newsletter Morning News Beat, posited that Whole Foods could offer every Amazon Prime member a 5 percent discount.

"Whole Foods has been slow and clumsy in its ability to take customer data and translate it into meaningful customer communications that can then translate into sales," he wrote, "but one has to imagine that this is low-hanging (organic) fruit for Amazon. They'll fix that fast."

Lower prices for everyone?

Senior retail analyst Walter Loeb wrote in a Forbes piece that while Whole Foods will continue to be operated by chief executive John Mackey out of Austin, he expects Amazon to "automate the whole operation, integrate it into its websites and lower prices."

He predicted a "price war" as U.S. grocery chains like Walmart, Target, Costco and Kroger - which owns Fred Meyer - compete with Amazon's Whole Foods as well as new arrivals Lidl and Aldi, which are low-price leaders in Europe.

"In any case, the customer will be the winner," Loeb wrote.

Hundreds of pick-up centers

In March, Amazon launched its AmazonFresh Pickup, which allowed customers to order groceries online and pick them up at an Amazon-run store 15 minutes later. Kroger and Walmart already had similar programs, but with longer waits.

SEATTLE, WA -- A man walks past an AmazonFresh Pickup location on June 16, 2017 in Seattle, Washington.

Wired reporter Davey Alba noted that the Whole Foods purchase would automatically give Amazon hundreds of new pick-up centers.

"Assuming the deal passes regulatory muster, the near future of Whole Foods shopping could well involve never walking down a single aisle," Alba wrote.

Phil Lempert, a food marketing analyst, told USA Today that the brick-and-mortar locations could also be prime spots for Amazon's lockers. These lockers, already available in more than 50 cities, enable customers to pick up their orders while ensuring they're secure.

"This gives them a place for Amazon lockers, for pickups," he said. "There's a ton of stuff they can do with this real estate."

Voice-enabled grocery ordering

Ordering groceries on your phone or computer by tapping away at those keys? So 2015.

It would be a natural move for Amazon to encourage shoppers to use its family of smart voice-enabled gadgets - Alexa, Echo, Dash button and the new Dash Wand - to order groceries from their home for delivery or pick up in-store.

And Amazon could also sell those gadgets - along with its e-readers, tablets and streaming devices - at Whole Foods.

This could just be the beginning

Because Whole Foods stores are mostly limited to urban areas, the acquisition doesn't help Amazon reach rural customers, many of whom are served by Walmart. To reach rural America, Amazon might just buy more grocery stores, Jason Goldberg, vice president of commerce at digital marketing company Razorfish, told Wired.

"If this strategy proves out for Amazon, you could well imagine it could be opening a bunch more stores or doing more acquisitions just to cover the US," he said.

-- Anna Marum

amarum@oregonian.com

503-294-5911

@annamarum

Save
One of the most prominent voices with Iowa's older population has launched a campaign to push back against elements of the Republican effort to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act.

AARP is in the midst of sponsoring a series of public forums across the state targeting House legislation approved last month.

"Iowans are very worried about the cost of their health insurance, especially Iowans between the ages of 50 to 64," Kent Sovern, AARP's Iowa state director, said this week. "AARP is taking a strong stand against the American Health Care Act because we want to ensure that the priorities and needs of our more than 370,000 Iowa members and all Americans 50-plus are addressed."

Iowa floats plan for insurance markets The Iowa Insurance Division is proposing a plan to stabilize Iowa's struggling individual in

Since passage of the House bill, a small group of Republican senators have been meeting privately to put together their own bill. It's not clear when a vote will come, but Republican leaders had targeted action before the July 4 recess.

Anthony Carroll, associate state director for advocacy for AARP in Iowa, said the House bill is a "starting point" for the Senate and this a key chance for AARP to weigh in with lawmakers.

"It's a top priority for us to really elevate this issue," he said.

A spokeswoman for Grassley stressed Friday that the Senate is writing its own bill but that the senator is concerned with how people with pre-existing conditions will be treated, as well as what happens with mental health coverage.

"Senators have studied the House bill and listened to many interested individuals and groups and are now writing the Senates own bill," the spokeswoman, Jill Gerber, said. "Senator Grassley will study the final Senate bill when its ready."

A spokeswoman for Ernst, Leigh Claffey, also noted the Senate is writing its own bill to ensure "affordable, and patient-centered health care solutions."

How the legislation would treat people with pre-existing conditions in the individual insurance market is a key concern.

The Affordable Care Act prohibits denying coverage to people because of their health status.

The House bill retains that protection but lets states allow insurers to charge higher rates to people who have had coverage lapse. The legislation also opens the door to allowing higher premiums for people based on age.

AARP also has expressed worries that the House health care bill will cut Medicaid funding, which provides support for the disabled and elderly, as well as the poor.

The legislation would cut funding for the program by $880 billion over 10 years, not only rolling back the expansion under the Affordable Care Act but also by putting caps on some spending.

The AARP's efforts in Iowa come as the state is seeking to lure insurers into the individual marketplace for 2018.

Two of the three insurers that sold policies statewide in 2017 said in April they were dropping out next year, while a third expressed doubts about re-entering.

This week, Iowa Insurance Commissioner Doug Ommen announced he was offering a proposal to the Trump administration to try to rebuild the individual market by restructuring premium tax credits, establishing a state-based high-risk pool and offering a single, standardized insurance plan.
Friday 16 June 2017 1:54pm

Pests like mice and wasps may one day be eradicated using a new technique which scientists have just proven in the laboratory on fruit flies.

Professor Neil Gemmell, the head of the University of Otagos Department of Anatomy, says the Trojan Female Technique (TFT)  in which females pass on genes that make male offspring infertile  offers pest-control advantages that are likely to help as New Zealand strives to reach the Governments Predator Free 2050 goal.

In a recent paper published by eLife, Professor Gemmell and co-authors report their success in making their theory about Trojan female fruit flies a reality in the lab.

This is a world-first proof-of-concept and we need to test the general applicability of this approach more widely.

Professor Gemmell says the technique uses naturally occurring mutations in mitochondrial DNA that affect male, but not female, fertility and fitness.

Mitochondria are considered the power generators of a cell and turn oxygen and nutrients into chemical energy which runs the cell's metabolic activities.

The essence of our idea is to use these mitochondrial mutations to produce continuous, self-sustaining biological control.

What we discovered some years back is that, as a by-product of the maternal inheritance of mitochondrial DNA, mutations that affect only males can occur quite commonly in populations, potentially contributing to fertility issues in some populations, he says.

Our idea turns this problem around. If these mutations can affect population viability, we wondered if they might be turned into a tool that has the potential to control and even eradicate pests.

Our paper  conducted in collaboration with Dr Damian Dowling and Dr Jonci Wolff of Monash University  shows that population reduction, albeit at this stage quite modest, can be achieved in laboratory-raised fruit flies.

Professor Gemmell says broadening this technique to introduce Trojan females into wasp and pasture weevil populations is under way, with funding from the Biological Heritage National Science Challenge and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.

There are several advantages of this approach, which does not require elaborate, and probably uncontrollable, delivery systems, such as parasitic vectors and intermediate hosts.

It is species specific, there is little danger of accidental release or cross-species transmission, and it is adaptable to any pest species, because mitochondria are common to all higher organisms.

While there are many tools to control pest populations, we think this might be an important part of a growing arsenal. Certainly around New Zealand there is a great deal of interest in this approach as a way to control rats, possums and stoats as part of the Predator Free 2050 goal.

Co-author Dr Dan Tompkins, who is Landcare Researchs Managing Invasives Portfolio Leader, says another critical advantage is it is an approach that does not require genetic modification.

This technique is currently being explored for application to pasture weevils, which cause millions of dollars of loss to the dairy and other livestock industries each year. This is particularly relevant at the moment, given data suggesting that the current biocontrol of these weevils could be failing.

It could potentially also be used for controlling vertebrate pests, but that line of research is several years behind insect work and is currently unfunded in New Zealand.

Pests are estimated to cost New Zealand about $3.3 billion a year through lost productivity and cause profound damage to native fauna and flora. The implications globally are even larger, particularly when insect-borne diseases, like malaria, are considered.

For more information, please contact:

Professor Neil Gemmell

Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences

Tel: 03 479 6373

Email: neil.gemmell@otago.ac.nz
First time filmmaker Kimberly Wells walked away with an Emmy Award for lighting on a documentary of a Holocaust survivor from Warsaw, Poland, who now resides in Bloomfield Hills.

Wells auspicious filmmaking debut, chronicled in Irene: Child of the Holocaust, is the true story of 10-year-old Irene Millers harrowing escape from Nazi-occupied Poland into Russia at the outset of World War II.

Wells, a onetime WNEM TV-5 reporter/producer turned Delta College instructor, received the award along with the films director, Kenneth La Place, at the 39th Michigan Emmy Awards, held last weekend at the Motor City Casino in Detroit.

It certainly was a wonderful surprise when they called my name for the Emmy, said Wells, assistant professor of electronic media at Delta.

The nearly one-hour independent film was produced through LaPlaces Living Legends Motion Pictures. The co-collaborators hosted the films premier last December at the Michigan Holocaust Museum in Farmington Hills. The documentary later aired on Delta Colleges Q-TV. Wells is the programs executive producer and story consultant, while LaPlace is its director.

Together we are the driving force behind the film, Well said, adding that she was required to fill numerous roles and positions in the films production because this is an independent film and we had an extremely small budget.

Wells and LaPlace have known each other for years and used to be colleagues at TV-5. She said LaPlace had met Miller, read her book and was captivated by her story. He suggested Wells read the book, and once she did I knew I wanted to create a documentary about her childhood.

It proved to be a daunting challenge.

We had very little visuals to accompany the story, Wells said. Thats where the lighting really came in. We utilized specific lighting techniques to help create emotion in the film.

Wells calls the films protagonist, now 85 years old and still active delivering speeches and promoting her memoir, Into No Mans Land: A Historical Memoir, a remarkable woman. Her book highlights the horrors of Holocaust from a young girls perspective as her family attempts to flee to the Soviet Union for safety when their hometown comes under siege by the Nazis. They end up in a Siberian labor camp, forced to endure unimaginable pain and suffering. After surviving that ordeal during World War II, Miller returned to Poland and spent years living in orphanages before coming to the United States at the age of 21.

Not content to rest on their Emmy laurels, Wells and LaPlace are working on a new documentary entitled My Name is Mike. The film is about a Detroit police officer that was shot in the head while on duty and survived.
The U.S. Department of Justice is the latest to clear the proposed $130 billion merger between The Dow Chemical Co. and DuPont Co.

The DOJs conditional approval of the merger was announced Thursday. Regulators in India gave conditional approval on Monday.

Both Dow and DuPont are working with regulatory authorities in Mexico, Canada and a few other jurisdictions to secure approval and close the deal by August, according to a Dow spokesperson.

The DOJs approval requires DuPont to divest certain parts of its crop protection portfolio and Dow to divest its global ethylene acrylic acid copolymers and ionomers business.

The agreement is subject to court approval.

As originally proposed, the merger would have eliminated important competition between Dow and DuPont in the development and sale of insecticides and herbicides that are vital to American farmers who plant winter wheat and various specialty crops, Andrew Finch, acting assistant attorney general of the Justice Departments Antitrust Division, said in a statement.

In addition, it would have given the merged company a monopoly over ethylene derivatives known as acid copolymers and ionomers that are used to manufacture many products, including food packaging. The remedies obtained by todays settlement, including the divestiture of DuPonts market-leading Finesse and Rynaxypyr crop protection products, will preserve vigorous competition in the sale of these products and benefit American farmers and consumers alike.

Read the DOJs full statement at http://bit.ly/2t7nNlk

With this agreement, no further approvals are required in the U.S. for the merger to close, Dow said in a news release.

The companies agreed to remedies in Indian markets related to grape fungicides targeting the sac funghi Ascomycota and those handling of low graft maleic-anhydride (MAH) grafted polymers, a type of plastic, according to a Bloomberg BNA report this week, which a Dow spokesperson confirmed.

Dow and DuPont announced merger plans in 2015. The deal would combine two of the biggest chemical companies in the U.S.

The proposed DowDuPont would spin off into three separate, independent businesses within 18 to 24 months. Material Sciences, to stay headquartered in Midland, would be the first spin-off. Agriculture and Specialty Products would be based in Wilmington, Delaware.

Following a 133-day review, the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission on June 8 announced it would not oppose the merger. Read the full statement and more info about the ACCCs review at http://bit.ly/2s5k0aZ

Conditional approval came from Brazil on May 17 and China on May 2. The European Commission gave the go-ahead on March 27.

We are very pleased that the DOJ has approved this transaction, Andrew Liveris, Dows chairman and CEO, said in a statement. With todays DOJ clearance, we have taken a significant step forward in bringing together these two iconic enterprises, and in the subsequent intended separation into three leading, independent innovation-based science companies that will generate significant benefits for all stakeholders.

Ed Breen, chair and CEO of DuPont, said in a statement, With this review completed, we are on track to close our procompetitive merger in a manner that maintains the strategic logic and value creation potential of the transaction. Going forward, the intended subsequent spin-offs are expected to unlock significant value for shareholders, as we execute our plan for each company to be a growth-oriented leader in attractive segments where global challenges are generating strong demand for their distinctive offerings.
DES MOINES  Among the accomplishments Charles Chuck Palmer considers significant during his time as the states human services agency director are the unknown situations his department was able to head off before vulnerable Iowans became potential headlines.

The department does so many things that are never recognized. The things that we prevent, said Palmer, 78, who retired Friday as head of the Iowa Department of Human Services. Think of how many unknown big deals go on every day.

Palmer reflected earlier this week on his two stints as former Gov. Terry Branstads choice as DHS director  once from 1989 to 1999 and again from 2011 to Friday.

Now that Kim Reynolds has taken over as governor, with Branstad taking on a new role as U.S. ambassador to China and state government beginning a new budgeting cycle, Palmer said it seemed like a good time to step aside and let something else take charge of a government agency that touches the lives of 1 million Iowans every day.

Theres never a good time but this seemed like the right time, said Palmer, who welcomed Reynolds announcement that Jerry Foxhoven will take over the agency, saying he will bring fresh eyes and a different perspective to the department in charge of social service delivery for vulnerable children, elderly, disabled and dysfunctional Iowans.

Palmer thanked members of the Iowa Council on Human Services for their assistance during the past seven years that saw a number of challenges crop up as the state switched to privately managed Medicaid care and weathered legislative cycles that tackled divisive, heavy-lift issues and ever-present money problems.

Reynolds pledges review of Iowa child welfare protections DES MOINES  Gov. Kim Reynolds said Monday her administration will be re-evaluating the stat

Id like to think were a lot better now than where we were, said Palmer, who noted his immediate plan is to engineer a seamless transition to new DHS leadership and then getting out of the way.

During his time, Palmer led the department through massive system changes including welfare reform, mental health redesign, childrens health insurance and Medicaid expansions, and the move to Medicaid managed care as part of his effort to rein in what he dubbed the Pac-Man of the state budget.

We have taken on some very emotionally charged issues as a state, he said in a sort of exit interview.

Theres a part of me that thrives on tough issues, he said. I was quite willing to take on the tough issues. I view that as a challenge where we had the opportunity to really make a difference and if youre taking on the tough issues that means that they probably are issues that really mean something and have real implications.

Palmer leaves with his agency under fire from legislators and advocates following the shocking deaths of two adopted teen girls, one in West Des Moines and one in Perry.

But he said he believes the departments decision to bring in outside help to assess Iowas child welfare system and make constructive recommendations will produce a positive outcome.

Id like to think that were on the right path, he said. I believe weve moved into a constructive dialogue and not just trying to find out where to place blame.

Palmer said he doesnt have anything specific planned once he retires, but expects to do volunteer work and continue to be involved in human services issues.

While Im feeling good, full of energy and believe I have something to contribute, Ill be engaged, he said.
Perceptions will honor seven people and a business during its 9th Annual LGBT & Ally Pride Awards Banquet.

The event, hosted by the local lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender group, will take place from 6-9 p.m. June 27 at the Andersen Enrichment Center, 120 Ezra Rust Drive in Saginaw. David Custer, WNEM TV5 anchor and reporter, will serve as the emcee.

The awards banquet will honor individuals and a business for leadership and for support of LGBT equality. Tickets cost $30 per person or $20 for students or for people with limited funds.

Tickets and sponsorships are available online at www.perceptionsmi.org, by calling 989-891-1429 or by sending an email to Pride@Perceptionsmi.org

This years Pride Award winners:

Business Pride Award:

 Angelia Williams, of Great Lakes Bay Health Centers, is the special projects director and has worked on LGBT issues with staff, students, parents and the community. She has been a vital role in addressing the needs of LGBT youth in Saginaw city high schools. Great Lakes Bay Health Centers is recognized for its contributions to the awareness of LGBT issues. It has provided health care in the mid-Thumb region, especially those who are underserved, uninsured or underinsured. Nobody will be turned away based on ability to pay.

Champions of Pride:

 Amy McDonald, who is a licensed professional counselor covering the Great Lakes Bay Region and based at Family and Childrens Services in Midland. She offers services to a wide range of clientele and specializes in LGBT, gender and sexuality issues. Amy has served the area LGBT community with deep respect as an advocate, educator, therapist, clinician and friend. She created curriculum and implemented a grant-based series of psychoeducational groups for teens and adults that focus on the coming out process, self-esteem, healthy relationships, among other related topics.

 Trevor Ewers is an associate research scientist and the global culture change leader with GLAD (LGBT & Ally Employment Resource Group) for The Dow Chemical Co. Ewers, with a small group, created and continues to lead the annual Great Lakes Bay Pride LGBT Workplace Summit that promotes workplace equality through inclusive education, training and regional support along with Perceptions and other collaborating businesses/sponsors. Ewers also volunteered with many local LGBT group events.

 Ellen Keeler is a Bay City mother and grandmother and was concerned when her transgender grandson (female to male) tried to commit suicide. She was surprised to learn that most trans people had no or little support from their families, were evicted from homes and lost jobs because they were transgender. She became the coordinator for the local Perceptions Transgender support group that includes high school students thru senior citizens who are transgender, intersex, gender non-conforming, their partners and allies. Keeler joined the Perceptions Board and became active in committees, events and she runs and updates the groups website. She wants everybody to feel safe when being themselves.

Rising Star Awards:

 Dr. Elizabeth Libby Pionk is an out lesbian physician and has dedicated herself to the specialty of family medicine with a special interest in LGBT health and associated medical cases, situations and policies where healthcare is not tailored to the LGBT patient. She has been a conduit and liaison between the professional healthcare community and the LGBT/Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity/Expression community.

 J. Steele-Louchart has been involved with the Saginaw Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Youth Advocacy Council (SOGI YAC) and served as a volunteer with LGBT youth. He has been an active part of the MAX System of Care initiative at the Saginaw County Community Mental Health Authority to increase access to services and improve outcomes for LGBTQ youth with emotional and behavioral needs. Recently, Steele-Louchart coordinated activities for Saginaws first Pride Week with educational and family-friendly activities for the LGBT community, especially youth.

Political Award:

Vanessa Guerra, state representative, 95th House District, has been an elected voice of LGBT equality by supporting and co-sponsoring legislation that would expand the Elliott-Larsen Civil Right Act to protect Michigans lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender residents from discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations. She has supported House resolutions declaring June LGBT Pride Month every year she has served in office and has attended and participated in numerous Perceptions and LGBT activities.
To the editor:

The Midland High School Honor Society recently held a Spring Food Drive to benefit families in Midland County that may need a helping hand this time of year. The students generously donated 328 food items to the HELP Food Pantry at Memorial Presbyterian Church.

As part of the Midland County Emergency Food Pantry Network, the HELP Food Pantry serves five families a day, Monday-Friday, providing them with a weeks worth of groceries. These families are experiencing a rough spot in their lives and turn to us for help. They may be between jobs, have extra medical bills, unexpected car repairs or many other reasons why they need a little help. Our pantry is a self-serve pantry where they can come and choose food and personal care items they need for themselves.

We would like to thank all the students at Midland High School who donated food items and the Midland High Honor Society and Ben Ladwig for coordinating, delivering and sorting all the canned goods. We would also like to thank teacher advisers Anthony Gates and Brendon Smith for their help and guidance.

We also express our appreciation to the parents, teachers and other community leaders who have taught these young people the values of dignity, respect and charity.

May God bless each and every one of you for helping others in our community.

KAREN MOORE

The HELP Food Pantry

Memorial Presbyterian Church
BLOOMINGTON  In the shade of an 1800s carriage barn, 9-year-old Haleigh Hoffman could picture her future career.

I want to be a history teacher when I grow up. I like learning about everything that happened in the past and knowing how it can affect the future. Today, Im pretending I already have this job, said Haleigh, of Bloomington.

A group of young history buffs spent the week literally digging into the past as part of the Futures in History Camp through the McLean County Museum of History.

Kids learned about possible careers in history like archaeology, architecture, museum studies, law and environmental science during the five-day camp.

Spaces are available for two more summer sessions. Children in fourth, fifth and sixth grades can register for $125 at www.mchistory.org. Scholarships are available for families who make less than $32,000 a year.

In the carriage barn on the grounds of the David Davis Mansion in Bloomington on Tuesday, a group of campers sifted through dirt, searching for artifacts.

Before the excavation, museum staff had planted artifacts for students to find, like pieces of glass and porcelain, a pair of broken spectacles, an old candlestick, buttons and hunks of coal.

Ive never been so into history before now, said camper Gabbi Walker, 11, of Normal. They dont teach you stuff this way in school. Its cool to be able to see and touch and interact with things from the past.

The students were guided in their dig by Candace Summers, director of education for the Museum of History, and Eve Hargrave, archaeologist with the Illinois State Archaeological Survey.

Children learned how to measure a excavation plot, sift through the soil with a trowel and use a brush to gently sweep dust from an artifact once it was uncovered.

I got into archaeology at age 15 and decided its what I wanted to do as a career. It just grabbed me. This is the age things grab them, said Hargrave. It expands their horizons and shows them things they dont typically get to see in classrooms. It gives them a taste of the world before today.

Summers said the camp shows kids options for jobs while teaching about history in their own backyard.

History gets a bad rap as something boring you can only learn from some old, dusty book, she said. It takes that good teacher to make it interesting. The goal is to expose these kids to history and foster their love for it.

Throughout the week, the group of campers also toured the David Davis Mansion, met a lawyer and witnessed a mock trial, explored downtown Bloomington architecture, learned about preservation, curated an exhibit with their own artifacts at the Museum of History and took a hike at Sugar Grove Nature Center at Funks Grove.

The campers also helped assemble Little Free Pantries and Libraries with help from Babbitts Books in uptown Normal.

I really liked the camp last year so I decided to come back and bring a friend. I enjoy that we do fun activities and learn in unique ways, said Emily Broadfield, 11, of Normal. I like how things in history are so different from our time now.

Hannah Johnson, the museum's education program coordinator, said the camps goal is to strike a balance between genuine education and fun.

This gets them looking at future careers and how these themes impact their current existence and community, said Johnson. Like any other summer camp, we want to provide campers with an enjoyable summer experience while challenging them to think historically and examine the impact others have made in the past.

Ten-year-old Jackson Steele of Bloomington attended the history camp for the third year in a row.

Its fun and I learn a lot every year. I like to learn about the past, especially the famous people. I recommend the camp to anyone who wants to learn more about history, he said.
For over 700 days, the General Assembly and governor have shown an inability to resolve their differences and enact a state budget.

During that time, concerned citizens, leaders from commerce, universities, school districts, human service, and the media have urged them to end the budget impasse.

Advocates for human services have published alerts with data and real-life stories showing the harmful impact of the budget impasse on the health and welfare of the people they serve, and the people who serve them.

Reports and editorials have been published showing the impact of the budget impasse on the Illinois economy, population decline, credit rating, and the mounting pile of unpaid bills and pension obligations.

Religious leaders have appealed to elected officials to fulfill a moral obligation to meet the needs of our most vulnerable, including children, older adults, and persons with disabilities.

Rational and moral arguments have proved fruitless. The governor and legislative leaders have remained unmoved.

This budget impasse is all about who will control political power in Illinois. As citizens, we have the ultimate way to change the situation: our vote in the next election.

I write this letter as a citizen-advocate on behalf of older adults, persons with disabilities, family caregivers, and professionals and volunteers working on their behalf.

When the time comes to vote in the next election, I will remember the inaction of the past 700 days and support candidates who demonstrate a commitment to community-based services for children, older adults, and persons with disabilities.

Mike O'Donnell, Bloomington
DES MOINES  The federal governments top attorney wants the freedom to prosecute states  such as Iowa  with medical marijuana programs, according to a letter made public last week.

But Iowa officials insist the states newly expanded program, which now includes the opportunity for two businesses to grow and sell medical cannabis, will remain safe from federal scrutiny.

U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions on May 1 wrote a letter to congressional leaders opposing a mechanism in the federal budget that prohibits the Department of Justice from using its resources to prosecute states that establish medical marijuana laws.

The provision was written into the budget when President Barack Obamas Justice Department began cracking down on medical marijuana vendors; originally Obama said the department would not prosecute vendors and patients who adhere to state law.

Marijuana is not recognized by the federal government as a medicinal plant, so medical marijuana programs run afoul of federal drug control laws.

Branstad signs medical cannabis expansion into law DES MOINES  Medical cannabis can be grown and sold in Iowa and can be used to treat more ai

A total of 29 states have medical marijuana laws, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

Iowas program was introduced in 2014 and had a very narrow focus; it allowed only for the possession and use of physician-prescribed cannabidiol for treatment of epileptic seizures.

This year, state lawmakers and former Gov. Terry Branstad approved an expansion of the program, adding more covered ailments, including cancer, multiple sclerosis, AIDS and Parkinsons disease, and legalizing the growth and sale of medical cannabis in Iowa.

The letter

Sessions letter was addressed to Republican leaders Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell and Democratic leaders Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi. It was dated May 1 and published last week by the website MassRoots.com and later verified by The Washington Post.

I believe it would be unwise for Congress to restrict the discretion of the Department to fund particular prosecutions, particularly in the midst of an historic drug epidemic and potentially long-term uptick in violent crime, Sessions wrote in the letter. The Department must be in a position to use all laws available to combat the transnational drug organizations and dangerous drug traffickers who threaten American lives.

The historic drug epidemic to which Session referred involves addictive opioid drugs such as heroin and some painkilling medicines, not the medicinal cannabis used in state medical marijuana programs. More than 33,000 people died from opioid overdoses in 2015, and 12.5 million misused prescription opioids, according to federal statistics.

And violent crime in the U.S. increased slightly from 2014 to 2015, but it remains at a rate lower than it has been since the early 1970s and roughly half of what it was in the early 1990s, according to the most recent federal statistics.

Sessions in the letter says drug traffickers cultivate and distribute marijuana inside the United States under the guise of state medical marijuana laws and asserts smoking marijuana has significant negative health effects.

Iowas program prohibits smoking marijuana and limits the potency level of the medical cannabis to just 3 percent, which experts say is not enough to provide the high effect of marijuana.

The U.S. Attorney Generals Office did not respond to a request for comment.

Iowa confident in program

State officials insisted Iowas program will not come under federal prosecution and implementation of the recent expansion will continue. On Tuesday, the state Department of Public Health announced it is accepting applications for the new program.

The department is committed to following and implementing state law, public health Director Gerd Clabaugh said in response to a question about Sessions letter.

House Speaker Linda Upmeyer said she thinks the Iowa programs regulations will keep it safe from federal intrusion.

Iowas medical cannabis program will be tightly regulated once its up and running, and shouldnt be an issue, Upmeyer said in an emailed statement. We have safeguards in place to prevent any unlawful activity. The only people that should be concerned about Attorney General Sessions request are states with poorly monitored programs and the bad actors taking advantage of them.

Advocates for medical marijuana programs and supporters of Iowas expressed frustration with Sessions letter.

Maria La France of Des Moines, whose son suffers from epileptic seizures, said prosecuting medical marijuana programs could hurt the lives of hundreds of thousands of citizens and thwart medical breakthroughs.

State Sen. Joe Bolkcom, D-Iowa City, who for years has pushed for the state medical cannabis program and its expansion, said Sessions letter displays a massive overreach by the (President Donald) Trump administration and said it would be a waste of taxpayer money to prosecute states that have developed medical marijuana programs to help ailing residents.

The states that have approved medical cannabis laws, the direction from the federal government to this point was, If you follow the law that you passed as a state, were not going to come in and shut you down. This memo would be counter to that, Bolkcom said.

Bolkcom said cracking down on medical marijuana programs could undermine Sessions stated desire to combat the opioid epidemic. In states with medical marijuana programs, opioid-related hospitalizations for addiction and abuse dropped an average of 23 percent and for overdoses 13 percent, according to a study published in March in the online medical journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence.

State Rep. John Forbes, D-Urbandale, who also is a pharmacist, said the federal government should leave it to states to decide whether they want to operate medical marijuana programs.

Im disappointed the federal government would step in and try to tell states how to provide medical services to their constituents, Forbes said.

Advocates fear Iowas expanded medical cannabis still has enough limitations that too few people will be helped and thus businesses will not be interested in setting up dispensaries here. The U.S. attorney general stating a desire to prosecute state programs also may dissuade potential businesses.

It could definitely have an impact on a person or a business that wants to set up, because theyre going to invest a few million dollars to get up and running and the attorney general could come in and shut them down in 24 hours if they wanted, Forbes said.
Soon, the people of Oregon will be allowed to choose between M (Male), F (Female), and X (non-specified) when selecting a gender for their driver's license and state identifcation cards. The move will make the state the first in the U.S. to legally recognize the identifier, and will be a triumphant step forward for the non-binary and trans community. According to Reuters, the policy was unanimously adopted by the Oregon Transportation Commission.



The step forward was prompted after, last June, a judge decided that Oregon resident Jamie Shupe (in the photo above) had the legal right to identify as non-binary. That was considered a first in U.S. history. Recently, a bill passed through the California House Senate, which would similarly allow for a third gender-neutral option. While that bill awaits approval in the California General Assembly, Oregon's policy did not require a legislative vote.

In a statement, the Department of Motor Vehicles said that "time was required to study state laws, update computer systems, work with business partners such as law enforcement and courts, and change administrative rules." The year it took to implement the change will surely result in a smooth transition. According to David House, a DMV spokesperson, "There was very little opposition" to the change.









Splash image via WNYC
The Pride flag is meant to be a representation of people of all ages, cultures, and races coming together to feel proud about their sexuality. But many LGBTQ people of color have felt exclusion and been confronted with downright racism from within the community, something that shouldn't be acceptable where acceptance is key. So the city of Philadelphia made a small effort that will hopefully enlist a big call-to-attention.

As part of their Pride celebrations, a rainbow flag with black and brown stripes on top was hoisted outside their City Hall during a recent Pride Month gathering, a move meant to be a proud acknowledgment of LGBT people of color. The flag was created by the More People More Pride campaign, who worked with the city of Philadelphia itself to hang it for Pride Month.

Amber Hikes, executive director of Philadelphia's Office of LGBT Affairs and a black queer woman herself, said she hoped the flag would start a conversation about the experiences of people of color within the LGBT community. This is especially essential after recent incidents of racism in the city's "gayborhood," including one where the owner of a gay bar was caught using a racial slur in a video. "It's a push for people to start listening to people of color in our community, start hearing what they're saying, and really to believe them and to step up and say, 'What can I do to help eradicate these issues in our community?'," Hikes explained.

A greater conversation will hopefully arise from this, but even the sheer special inclusion of LGBTQ people of color is a cause for celebration. The new design looks utterly natural and only adds more beautiful shades to our community's wide spectrum of colors.
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LITTLETON  Authorities have called off an almost three-week search for a missing Waterloo woman after finding a body in the Wapsipinicon River Thursday night.

Black Hawk County Sheriff Tony Thompson said identification of the female body is pending the results of an autopsy, which is likely several days out, but the location of the remains, tattoos and other circumstances are consistent with the disappearance of 47-year-old Rhonda Apfel.

Apfel was reported missing on May 29, and her motorcycle and other belongings were found at Bruggeman Wildlife Area near the Wapsi River. Friends and family said Apfel was known to travel to the area, just outside of Dunkerton, to reflect around Memorial Day because her fathers ashes had been scattered nearby.

A fisherman discovered the body around 7:40 p.m. Thursday about 100 yards north of the bridge at the Cutshall Access west of Littleton, Thompson said.

The remains were caught in river debris that had been kicked up by the heavy thunderstorms that passed through Thursday, he said.

Thompson estimated the location was about seven to 10 miles downstream from where he motorcycle was discovered.

Search resumes for Iowa woman who disappeared on Memorial Day DUNKERTON  Searching is slated to continue Monday for a Waterloo woman who was reported mis

She traveled quite a distance, the sheriff said.

Deputies and emergency workers remained on the scene until around 2 a.m. working to free the body, Thompson said.

Authorities had been searching the river daily since Apfels disappearance, and friends and family combed the adjacent land on the weekend, Thompson said.

The river winds through the countryside with numerous backwaters and countless snags, Thompson said.

He said boat crews were often tasked with disassembling log jams in the high heat and humidity as part of the search.

Youre battling nature, and its frustrating because the family is passionate, and the friends are passionate, and we get passionate, Thompson said.

In addition to the Black Hawk County Sheriffs Office, agencies helping with the search and recovery included Dunkerton fire and police, Black Hawk County Conservation, Jesup Fire, Task Force 1, Iowa National Guard, Buchanan County Sheriffs Office and Medical Examiner, Cedar Valley Paddlers and Cedar Valley Underwater Search and Recovery.

Although the water and ground searches are over, deputies continue to investigate Apfel's death, Thompson said.
Senate's Iran Sanctions Bill Faces Differing Views in House

06/16/17

By Michael Lipin, VOA

WASHINGTON - A newly passed Senate bill that would impose additional U.S. sanctions on Iran faces uncertain prospects for passage in the House, whose members are expressing differing views about its efficacy.

Hours after the Senate approved the Countering Iran's Destabilizing Activities Act in a near-unanimous 98-2 vote Thursday, the House's majority Republican leaders had not said when they will act on it. The bill also would sanction Russia for interfering in the 2016 U.S. election, a charge Moscow denies.

The Senate bill would impose financial restrictions on people involved with Iran's ballistic missile development and with the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Strong bipartisan support

The legislation won strong bipartisan support from majority Republicans and minority Democrats who see Iran's ballistic missile activity as destabilizing to the region, and who accuse the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of involvement in international terrorism.

Iranian leaders say their ballistic missile program is defensive in nature. They also say Iran is the victim of international terrorism rather than the perpetrator.

The Senate's proposed Iran sanctions got a mixed response from House members who spoke to VOA's Persian Service at a Washington event Wednesday night, before the bill won final Senate approval.

The lawmakers were attending a dinner held by the Endowment for Middle East Truth (EMET), a U.S. research group that educates American policymakers who want to strengthen the U.S.-Israel alliance.

Republican Congressman Scott Perry said he wants to ensure the Senate's bill is strong.

"We have to look at it," Perry said. "My concern would be that (the sanctions) would be too weak, especially regarding Iran. That's really the focus; Russia is an afterthought. Somebody at some point is going to have to take some action if (the Iranians) keep heading in the direction that we suspect they will head."

Another Republican Congressman, Mark Meadows, said some House members have doubts about the effectiveness of U.S. sanctions in dealing with Iran.

"As you look at the sanctions, typically they are not as impactful as (those of) the European Union," Meadows said. "Typically, having the EU involved has a greater impact in the (Mideast) region. We're cognizant of that, but we're looking at all the options."

Democratic Congressman Juan Vargas had a more upbeat view of the House's prospects for adopting the Senate's measures against Iran's ballistic missile program and the IRGC.

"I certainly support those measures, and I think a lot of Democrats will too," he said. "The bill will have bipartisan support."

No administration position yet

The Trump administration has not expressed a position on the Iran sanctions proposed in the legislation, which President Donald Trump would have to sign before they become law. But his administration has imposed several sanctions on Iran in recent months to punish it for carrying out a January ballistic missile test and for committing alleged human rights abuses.

The White House also is reviewing whether to re-impose Iran sanctions that Trump's predecessor, Barack Obama, lifted under the terms of the 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and six world powers.

Israel's criticism

In a speech at Wednesday's EMET event, Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Ron Dermer sharpened his criticism of the 2015 deal, saying it has "paved Iran's path to a nuclear bomb" because it automatically lifts restrictions on Iranian nuclear activities after a number of years.

"So the clock is ticking, the sands are coming out of that glass, and time is literally on their side," Dermer said. "Iran won't need to sneak in or break in to the nuclear club, in a few years, they can just walk in."

The Obama administration said the 2015 deal blocks Iran's path to a bomb by forcing it to freeze activities or damage infrastructure needed to develop nuclear weapons.

Israel, which is widely believed to be nuclear-armed, sees an Iranian nuclear weapon as a threat to its existence because of repeated calls from Iranian leaders for the destruction of the Jewish state.

"Israel and the Trump administration must deal with the fallout (from the 2015 agreement), and we will deal with the fallout," Dermer said. "We will deal with it because we must. Deal or no deal, America and Israel must stop Iran's clear path to the bomb." The Israeli diplomat did not elaborate.

Iran says its nuclear program is designed for peaceful medical research and electricity generation.

This report was produced in collaboration with VOA's Persian Service.



About the author:

Michael Lipin covers international news for VOA on the web, radio and TV, specializing in the Middle East and East Asia Pacific. Follow him on Twitter @Michael_Lipin

Related Press Release by NIAC Action

NIAC Action Statement on Senate Passage of Iran Sanctions Bill

Washington, D.C. - Jamal Abdi, Executive Director for NIAC Action, issued the following statement in response to Senate passage of S. 722, the Countering Iran's Destabilizing Activities Act of 2017:



"Giving Trump any new toys to wreak havoc in the Middle East is complete recklessness. We hope Members of Congress come to their senses and reconsider this ill-advised bill before it is too late.



"It is the height of folly to expect Trump to show restraint with these new authorities when he is openly hostile to the nuclear deal and diplomacy in general. Numerous former administration officials, including Sec. Kerry, had cautioned against moving forward with this bill at this time. These warnings have gone unheeded in part due to the desire to pass new sanctions on Russia, which were inserted into the bill via amendment.



"The U.S. has now moved one step closer to a potential war with Iran. It is now the responsibility of those Senators - in particular those who asserted contrary to evidence that this bill is wholly consistent with the nuclear deal - to ensure that Donald Trump does not use these authorities to undermine the accord or spark conflict with Iran. If they fail to do so, they will end up bearing a large portion of the responsibility for an unnecessary geopolitical disaster."

NIAC Action is the grassroots, civic action organization committed to advancing peace and championing the priorities of the Iranian-American community. We are a nonpartisan nonprofit and the 501(c)4 sister organization of the National Iranian American Council, which works to strengthen the Iranian-American community and promote greater understanding between the American and Iranian people. (read more)

NIAC Action 1411 K St NW, Ste 250 Washington, DC 20005 USA
New US sanctions in breach of nuclear deal: Iranian official

06/16/17

Source: Press TV

Ali Akbar Velayati, senior adviser to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei on international affairs, has slammed a new set of sanctions approved by the US Senate against Tehran as a breach of the 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and the P5+1 states, vowing a proper response to the hostile move.



Ali Akbar Velayati

On Thursday, the US Senate voted overwhelmingly for a bill imposing sanctions on Iran over its missile program among other things.



To become law, the legislation would have to pass the Republican-led House of Representatives and be signed by President Donald Trump.



Ali Akbar Velayati, senior adviser to Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei on international affairs, said the US Senate's move is "unquestionably in breach of both the spirit and the letter of the JCPOA," referring to the July 2015 deal officially called the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.



Velayati said the Iranian committee tasked with monitoring the accord would certainly examine the congressional move and come up with a "decent" response.



Under the JCPOA, Iran agreed to put limits on its nuclear activities in exchange for the removal of nuclear-related bans against the country.



Washington claims Iran's missile tests are in breach of Resolution 2231, which was adopted in July 2015 to endorse the nuclear agreement between Iran and six world powers, including the US.



However, Tehran has repeatedly asserted that its missiles are not capable of carrying nuclear warheads.



Velayati further said by imposing more sanctions against Iran, the US is trying to "cover up the repeated defeats it has suffered from Iran in Iraq and Syria."



So far, Washington has slapped two rounds of sanctions on Iran under the new US administration over the country's missile work.



The Senate's recent vote was "commended" by the pro-Tel Aviv American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), which failed to sabotage the accord when it was in the making during the administration of the former US president Barack Obama.
Iran says Israeli nuclear policies are source of global concern

06/16/17

Source: Tehran Times

Reza Najafi, Iran's ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency, has said Israel's nuclear policies openly violate "international norms and regulations" and jeopardize "the regional and global security". Najafi made the remarks in a speech to the IAEA Board of Governors in Vienna on Thursday.



cartoon by Carlos Latuff



Following is full text of his speech published by IRNA:



Since the issue of Israeli nuclear capability was raised by distinguished Ambassador of Sudan on behalf of Arab Group, and while sharing their concerns on the issue, I would reiterate the position of the Islamic Republic of Iran.



The Israeli nuclear capability with the sole military purpose has always been a source of grave concern for the peoples of the region and international community. The Heads of State or Government of the Non-Alignment Movement in the Final Document of its 16th Summit in Tehran expressed serious concern over the acquisition of nuclear capability by Israel, which poses a grave and continuing threat to the security of neighboring and other States. They also condemned it for continuing to develop and stockpile nuclear arsenals. In the same document, they "reiterated their support for the efforts of the Arab Group in Vienna to keep the question of the Israeli nuclear capabilities under consideration of the General Conference of the IAEA." They urged that the continued consideration of this issue in the context of the IAEA is completely relevant.



Since 1982, the IAEA has passed several resolutions, made decisions and called upon this regime to promptly accede to the Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT) and put all of its clandestine nuclear facilities under the Agency's full scope safeguards. Furthermore, the Final Document of the 2010 NPT Review Conference recalled "the reaffirmation by the 2000 Review Conference of the importance of Israel's accession to the Treaty and the placement of all its nuclear facilities under comprehensive IAEA safeguards.'



Ignoring the legitimate international concerns by refraining to adhere to the NPT, this regime with blind support of some countries, continuously advances its unlawful nuclear capabilities with the hidden involvement of certain States, in flagrant breach of all international norms and regulations. It is crystal clear that such violation not only jeopardizes the regional and global security but also seriously undermines the Agency's verification mechanism.



As it was also called by the NAM, there must be the total and complete prohibition of the transfer of all nuclear-related equipment, information, material and facilities, resources or devices and the extension of assistance in the nuclear related scientific or technological fields to Israel. The Islamic Republic of Iran expresses its deep concern over the serious negative implications on security in the region as well as the reliability of the global non-proliferation regime whereby Israeli scientists are generously provided access to the nuclear facilities of certain Nuclear Weapon States (NWSs).



Such access has been provided to scientists of a non-party to the NPT with a underground nuclear military program while nuclear scientists of NPT Parties have been assassinated all over the Middle East by terrorists recruited by this regime. Nuclear weapons in the hands of such regime with a history full of aggression, occupation and state-terrorism is a threat to the international peace and security.



The failure of the NPT 2015 Review Conference due to the position of 3 countries, in support of a non-party to the NPT is a serious setback and regrettable. States Parties to the Treaty, in the first session of the Preparatory Committee of upcoming NPT Review Conference, held in May 2017 in Vienna, expressed their concern on such failure.



Therefore, my delegation is of the view that pending the materialization of the international community's call for the adherence of Israel to the NPT without any condition and placement of all its clandestine nuclear facilities under the full-scope safeguards of the IAEA, it is quite reasonable that the issue of Israeli nuclear capabilities, as a real threat to international peace and security remains on the agenda of the IAEA.
Mr Michael Yaw Essuman Mensah, Gomoa East Municipal Chief Executive, has assured Ghanaians that President Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo was working towards self-sufficiency and economic independence.



He said party functionaries in particular should work hard wherever they found themselves to support those laudable objectives to enable President Akufo Addo to stay in power.



Mr Mensah said this during a meeting with the people of Kpormetey a suburb of Kasoa.



He urged them to change their attitude towards work by refraining from laziness, malingering, lateness and other dubious conduct, which would give the opposition parties the chance to discredit the President and NPP government.



Mr Mensah appealed to all those exerting pressure for jobs to exercise restraint since there were frantic efforts to create opportunities for jobs.



On his part, Mr Mensah said, he had adopted strategies to increase revenue and in this regard, they should pay their property rates and other taxes regularly.



He said that since he headed the Assembly two months ago market toll collection had risen from their normal collections.

Source: GNA









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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The death has been reported of Mr. J.H. Owusu-Acheampong in Accra.



Confirming the news, a member of the Akwamu division of the Berekum Traditional Area confirmed the death of the former Agric minister who, according to the confirmation died yesterday.



A meeting of elders from the Akwamu division of the Berekum Traditional Area has been convened to deliberate over the issue.



The late Owusu Acheampong was the Abusuapanin of the Akwamu division of Berekum.



Owusu Acheampong came into public life when he served as the Brong Ahafo Regional Secretary(minister), during the PNDC era from 1988 to 1993.



He also served as a minister of agriculture in the first Rawlings administration. He became a majority leader of parliament and also a member of the council of state al during the Rawlings administration.

Source: abusuafmonline









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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An 18-year-old DeWitt man made a comment to a friend about "stabbing people the day before Clinton County Sheriffs deputies found the bodies of his parents Tuesday morning, according to an arrest affidavit released Friday.

Further, Gavin Vaughn William Glasz told the friend my mom and dad need to be with my grandpa  off this earth, according to the affidavit.

Glasz made an initial appearance Friday in Clinton County District Court on two counts of felony first-degree murder in the deaths of Brian Paul Glasz, 51, and Michelle Renee Glasz, 54.

He was appointed a public defender and will be back in court Friday, June 23, for a preliminary hearing. Gavin Glasz remains in the Scott County Jail on a $1 million cash-only bond.

Clinton County deputies were dispatched around 9:30 a.m. Tuesday to the Glasz home in the 3700 block of U.S. 30 in rural DeWitt for a welfare check after Brian Glasz had failed to arrive at work.

According to the arrest affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint:

Deputies entered the house through an unlocked window after trying unsuccessfully to call the Glaszes on their cellphones and knocking on the door.

While deputies were on scene, Gavin Glasz was outside and came around the corner of the house. While talking to him, deputies noticed that Gavin Glasz had what appeared to be fresh wounds on the knuckles of his hands. He said he was injured when he was punching a punching bag.

He also had a laceration on his right little finger that required stitches. He told deputies that he cut his hand on barbed wire while out for a run.

Gavin Glasz, who was taken into custody on an unrelated warrant, told deputies that he had not seen his mother for four days and last saw his father on the weekend. Deputies who searched him found more than $800 in cash in his pocket that appeared to have blood on it.

Inside the home, deputies saw what looked like a body wrapped in blankets or comforters. They discovered Brian Glasz, whose throat appeared to be cut. The body was found in the laundry room on the main level of the house.

Michelle Glasz also had been wrapped in blankets and was found in a room in the basement. She was cold to the touch and had blood on her.

A man told deputies that he went to the house at 7 a.m. Tuesday to pick up a load of corn to take to ADM. The man said he saw Gavin Glasz in an outbuilding that sits behind the house and Brian Glaszs truck was inside the building, the man said.

The man further said that he asked Gavin Glasz where his father was and that he replied that he had gotten a ride to work.

Gavin Glasz told deputies he had gone to get food from a fast food restaurant on Monday night and had not been to house for several days.

Deputies searched the house and found a fast food receipt, as well as clothing and footwear belonging to him that had what appeared to be blood on them. Bloody items were found in the kitchen sink, washing machine and other areas.

They also found a blood footprint in the laundry room near Brian Glaszs body that were similar to a pair of shoes found in an upstairs bathroom. An empty shoe box for the same type and size of the shoes was found in Gavin Glasz bedroom.

A review of surveillance video on the property shows him leaving and entering a rear door of the home several times Tuesday morning. He later is seen wearing different clothes.

It appeared in the video that Gavin Glasz had dark-colored stains on his light-colored sweatpants. During a search of the house, a pair of light-colored sweatpants with apparent blood stains on the front pant legs was found outside his bedroom in the basement.

The Iowa State Medical Examiner determined Brian Glaszs cause of death was from multiple sharp force injuries and strangulation. He also had a blunt force trauma to the head.

Michelle Glaszs cause of death was strangulation and multiple sharp force injuries.

No 911 calls were made from the home before deputies arrived on scene, according to the affidavit.

On May 28, Gavin Glasz was charged with operating while intoxicated after a traffic stop in the 1300 block of Camanche Avenue in Clinton. He has a pretrial conference June 28 in that case.
The Supreme Court of Justice has for the second time has quashed by order of Certiorari a High Court ruling delivered in favour of the Numo Nmashie Family of Teshie over some 70 towns and villages in Accra lands which the family was claiming ownership.



The High Court had in Suit No. HR 0111/2016 between the Numo Nmashie family and the Lands Commission gave ruling in favour of the family and ordered the Lands Commission to plot and register all applications submitted by the family in respect of the lands in dispute and indicated that the Lands Commission has breached the Fundamental Human Rights of the Numo Nmashie family. However, the Supreme Court sitting on May 29, 2017, quashed that decision as delivered by the High Court and indicated that, Let the Judgement of the High Court dated 3rd November, 2016 in Suit Number HR 0111/2016, Numo Nmashie Family of Teshie etc. vrs Lands Commission, be brought before this Court for the purpose of being quashed, on an Order of Certiorari AND the same is hereby quashed.



In the Supreme Court Suit, The Republic Vrs. High Court (Human Rights Div) Accra Ex-Parte: Kwadwo Asante Boateng aka Kwadwo Baa; 1. Numo Nmarshe Family 2. Lands Commission, Counsel for the Applicant moved the Application for Certiorari to quash the judgement of the High Court and for an Order of Prohibition in respect of the 2nd.



According to the Supreme Court judgement, the grounds of the Application were that the High Court ruling was delivered in breach of the audi alteram rule because the Applicant was neither a party to the suit nor was he heard during hearings.



It also established that the decision of the High Court affected the 2nd Interested Partys (Kwadwo Asante Boateng) peaceful occupation of the piece of land in which he has an interest.



Although, Counsel for the 1st Interested party opposed to the Application on the ground that there was no error on the face of the record, the Supreme Court held that there was an error of law that is apparent in the face of the record, a ground of an Order of Certiorari.



According to the Supreme Court, it is clear on the face of the record before us ( the 1st Interested Partys affidavit in opposition) that most of the claims by the plaintiff before the Court were all matters that required proof. However they were all granted, even though the Judge did not try any of those claims on evidence.



The Supreme Court also upheld that the judgement delivered by the High Court affected the interest of the Applicant according to his affidavit hence, there was every reason for the High Court Judge to listen to him in evidence, which according to the Supreme Court might have been likely had the High Court Judge embarked on the basic enquiry required in the matter before her



According to the Supreme Court ruling, natural Justice was also not observed and served hence, the decision to grant the Order of Certiorari and quashed the earlier ruling delivered by the High Court.



The Supreme Court also in November 2016 ,quashed a High Courts decision that allowed the Numo Nmashie family of Teshie to take possession of land that stretches from Peduase in the Eastern Region through Legon to the Spintex road in Accra.



In a judgement, the five-member panel also ordered the Ghana Police Service (GPS) not to assist the family in executing the judgement of the High Court.



According to the court, the High Court lacked jurisdiction in allowing the family to take possession of the stretch of land.



The panel in the November 2016 was presided by Mr Justice Anin Yeboah with Mr Justice Paul Baffoe- Bonnie, Mr Justice Sule Gbadegbe, Mr Justice A. A Benin and Mr Justice Yaw Appau as the other members.



The case leading to the apex courts judgement was filed by, Finali Limited, following the invasion of parts of their Airport Hills land by the Numo Nmashie family in July this year.



Background



In 1973, the state acquired a piece of land situated at Adjancote in the Eastern Region for a television station for the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation.



Three rival claimants including the NumoNmashie family made claims for compensation of the land.



The Land Court ruled in favour of the Brekusehene in the Eastern Region as the rightful claimant for compensation.



On December 15, 1982, however, the Court of Appeal overturned the Land Courts decision and held that the Numo Nmashie family of Teshie should rather be paid compensation for the land. On 12 February, 2016, 34 years later, Numo Nmashie family then filed a writ at the High Court seeking to take possession of the land and others beyond it.



The High Court granted the writ of possession filed by the family and ordered the police to assist it to take possession of 70 towns and villages from Peduase in the Eastern Region through Legon to the Spintex Road and to the Gulf of Guinea.



It was based on that judgement that the Numo Nmashie family stormed and attempted to take possession of the Airport Hills residential area belonging to Finali Limited.



Finalis application for certiorari at the Supreme Court, Finali stated that the High Court lacked jurisdiction to grant an order for the family to take possession of any property because the initial Court of Appeal judgement did not grant recovery of any possession.



The company was also of the view that the High Courts order for the GPS to assist in the recovery of properties was made in jurisdictional error, null and void.It, therefore, prayed the apex court to quash the High Courts decision and order the GPS not to give any further assistance to the family in taking possession of any property.



The court granted Finalis Application rendering both high Court orders null and void.







Source: Peacefmonline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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There is a reported high level of confusion within the Coalition of Concern Teachers, after the executives of the association connived to secure a Swiss Visa for a non-executive member of the association without the knowledge of the newly elected executives.



The Teachers association has been accused by its own members of using the association for Visa Racketeering, an act the defeats the principle and objectives of its formation.



Information intercepted indicates that the president of the Association, King Ali Awudu in collaboration with the General Secretary, Herbert Ako Forson introduced one Mark, Mark Ansah as the Ashanti Regional secretary of the Coalition of Concern Teachers to the Embassy of Switzerland in Ghana and wrote a formal Letter to the Embassy requesting it to grant him a Swiss visa to participate in this years 106th Session of the International Labour conference of the International Labour Organization.(ILO) in Geneva Switzerland rom the 12 to 16 June 2017, when Mark Ansah isnt the general secretary..



Sources indicated that, King Ali and Ako Forson managed to convince the Embassy to grant Mark Ansah the Visa to travel to Switzerland with the President King Ali Awudu with the contribution of members of the Coalition. This was done without the knowledge of Steve Donkor the genuinely elected Ashanti Regional Secretary of the Coalition.



Steve Donkor in an interview expressed shock at the behavior of the President of the Coalition who is presently having fun with Mark Ansah in Switzerland with the contributions of Coalition members. Steve Donkor described Mark Ansah as an imposter and a fraudster who is taking advantage of the division in the coalition to enrich himself.



He has thus advised King Ali Awudu to resign from the coalition or be sacked for engaging in illegalities. He also called on members of the Coalition to call for an emergency congress to order the president of the coalition to account for his trip to Switzerland. It is now obvious that the president of the coalition that engaged in fraudulent acts with some of the members of the coalition. This is a criminal act and he has to resign. As we speak, he is in Switzerland having fun with the contributions of members. This is bad and he must resign, he stated.



The Letter Dated, 15, May 2017, with reference number CCT-GH/HQ/VISA/15/5/17, with the Title LETTER OF INTRODUCTION MR. MARK ANSAH: PARTICIPATION IN THE 106TH SESSION OF THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANIZATION (ILO) GENEVA SWITZERLAND FROM 5TH -16TH JUNE 2017.



The letter reads we will like to introduce to you Mr Mark Ansah, the Ashanti Regional Secretary of the coalition of concerned Teachers, Ghana.



Mr Ansah will participate in the 106th session of the international Labour Conference of the international Labour Organization (ILO), Geneva Switzerland from 5th -16th June 2017 as part of the workers delegation from Ghana. We would be grateful if you could issue him the relevant visa to enable him participate in the conference. For further information, please contact the General Secretary and the Union Mr Ako Forson Herbert on [email protected] We are counting on your cooperation. Yours Faithfully, Coalition of Concerned Teachers.



When asked why he wrote the letter knowing that Mark Ansah isnt the Ashanti regional Secretary, he said it was a mistake and begged that the story should not be published since it would have a negative effect on his image. He said that at the time the Trades Union Congress requested them to submit the names of their members Mark Ansah was the general secretary but was voted out few weeks after but his name had already been submitted.



When asked why he did not inform the genuinely elected general secretary of the coalition, he said it was a mistake and that he is sorry. Meanwhile, the former president of the Coalition of concerned Teachers, Ernest Opoku has said he is filing a petition to the government of Switzerland to question the Swiss Ambassador in Ghana on how he issued a visa to a non-executive of the coalition without proper investigations. Stay tuned for more information.

Source: New Crusading Guide









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Former Narcotics Control Board [NACOB] boss, Akrasi Sarpong has described convicted Ghanaian/Austrian drug baroness Nayele Ametefe as a Smart girl in her trade.



According to him, he once invited the beautiful drug kingpin to his office for interrogations when appointed as NACOB boss but there was no concrete evidence to detain her.



Speaking on UTVs morning show, Adekye Nsroma Akrasi Sarpong recalled that Nayele was living a luxurious life with proceeds from her drug business.



She was then renting a luxurious BMW car for her personal use on daily basis paying huge amount of money on that. She was smart and intelligent, he said.



Nayele Ametefe pleaded guilty to carrying 12 kilos of cocaine to the United Kingdom and was sentenced to eight years, eight months imprisonment.



She was sentenced on her own plea by the Isleworth Crown Court in London.

Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman Addo/Peacefmonline.com/ Twitter: @Washman5/ Instagram: Washman007









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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The minority National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Parliament has accused the government of using the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) to witch-hunt its political opponents, who are legitimately employed to work with the agency.



The minority has also accused the current acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Justin Kodua Frimpong, of blatantly abusing his powers and spewing lies about employees legitimately employed under the agency.



At a press conference yesterday to react to a recent press conference held by the current acting CEO on detected ghosts who had supposedly been employed in 2016 by the NDC administration and had cost the nation a whopping GH50 million, the minority, led by the spokesperson on Youth and Sports, Kobena Mensah Woyome, challenged the new CEO to publish names of all the purported ghost workers, their Ezwich numbers, the YEA numbers, their various modules, the districts and the regions in which they work for the whole nation to verify.



According to the minority, the claim by the acting CEO could not be true because there is complete digital audit trail of all monies from the Consolidated Fund Account at the Bank of Ghana (BoG) to the bank accounts of all the youth engaged under the various modules.



He added that the Agricultural Development Bank (adb) has the bank account details of every single recipient of government monies from YEA.



We are challenging the current management to publish the said audit report of the Internal Audit Agency it keeps referring to, together with the written responses of staff who were cited or implicated in the said report, the minority declared.



Mr. Woyome questioned how management could withhold allowances for five months and expect all affected persons to be at post every day of the week.



The minority also explained that by their investigations, 2,999 beneficiaries were not at post at the time of the audit and not the over 16,000 quoted by Mr Kodua Frimpong at his press conference.



The NDC said since Mr. Kodua Frimpong took over as acting CEO in February, he had sacked all the 10 regional directors employed during the era of the party from their posts and replaced them with regional youth organisers of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).



The minority further indicated that apart from the sacking of the 10 regional directors, the acting CEO during his press conference also gave strong indication that the current administration intended to transfer huge numbers of staff en bloc across the region.



The current management has taken another intriguing action that seeks to transfer huge numbers of staff en bloc across the regions. We are not happy about these transfers because recent events have given us the cause to believe that these transfers are designed to remove affected staff from their offices and quickly replace them with friends, family and political apparatchiks of the new management, as it happened in the unfortunate cases of the regional directors, Mr Woyome said, adding that for an agency with a mandate to employ the youth, these movements will set the agency back six months in lost time and productivity because it is an agency that has recruited, trained, employed and deployed 62,000 Ghanaian youth in 2016.

Source: Daily Guide









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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A man suspected to be Cote D'Ivoire's former president Laurent Gbagbo, was attacked and beaten by angry citizens in France.



In the video below, several men seen with the Ivorian country's flag around their necks, joined forces and pounced on the man after he was spotted walking on the streets of Paris.



Recall that in 2011, Cote D'Ivoire's former president Laurent Gbagbo was faced with corruption charges, including four counts of crimes against humanity  murder, rape and other forms of sexual violence, persecution and other inhuman acts at the International Criminal Court in Hague.



In 2016, Gbagbo denied all charges leveled against him.



It was later revealed in the video as a case of mistaken identity, as the victim who escaped been lynched was later seen to be an innocent man whose only crime was for the uncanny resemblance to the former vice President.









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Pescara midfielder Sulley Ali Muntari was at the Flagstaff House on Wednesday as he joined some Muslims to break the ongoing Ramadan fast with Vice President Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia.

The Ifthar at the forecourt of the seat of government was attended by other Muslim dignitaries including Sheikhs and Imams. It was led by National Chief Imam Sheikh Nuhu Shaributu.

In a brief remark during the Iftar, Dr. Bawumia remarked, The observance of Ramadan should be a means to bring strength and the earnest will to live in peace together with fellow humans. It is a month when we extend our hands to all of humanity in genuine brotherhood.

This quest for perfect peace was an inherent attribute of the great Founders of various faiths, who practiced fasting and self-denial as the path to spiritual enlightenment and the promotion of Peace, Love, Mercy, Justice and Forgiveness. Any leader should imbibe these basic tenets which Islam and other religions promote as the bedrocks of ethical living in society.

Nana Addo DankwaAkufo-Addo is a man of peace. He is a man of tolerance, and he is a man that wants to see Ghanaians living peacefully together. Christians, Muslims and all Ghanaians living peacefully together. He doesnt want to see any group in Ghana left out. We want to have a Ghana where everybody is included in our development, and this is why he has put together a Zongo Development Fund, the first in our history. He has also appointed a Minister for Zongoand Inner City Affairs, the first in our history.

Source: 3news.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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The Northern Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Daniel Bugri Naabu, has vowed not to meet the irate youth of Savelugu over the appointment of Hajia Ayishetu Seidu as the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) because they want to kill him.



Speaking to Kwame Tutu on Rainbow Radio 87.5Fm, the firebrand politician said, the youth have threatened to split his stomach open because they suspect he influenced the president to appoint the MCE.



Some irate residents of Savelugu on Thursday, 15 June clashed with police in protest over the appointment of the MCE.



The youth marched to the district assembly to lock the place up Thursday morning to prevent the MCE from accessing her office but were prevented from entering the premises by the police.



The police fired warning shots to disperse the crowd but they remained resolute, saying they would not leave the assembly. Bugri Naabu in the interview called on the youth who are members of the NPP to exercise patience since their action will only give the government a bad name.



According to him, they do not also have the right to reject a nominee by the president who is constitutionally mandated to make such appointments.



He said, Nana Addo was given a four year mandate to govern hence, he should be allowed to deliver on the promises he made to Ghanaians without any distraction.



He quizzed, how can people challenge the appointment of the president. What they are doing is not good and it will not help. I am appealing to them to exercise patience and allow their executives to meet me so we can talk. When asked if he will meet them he said, they have threatened to kill me so why should I meet them?



They have threatened to split my stomach open. I need my life, and they have threatened to open my stomach. He added: the president have more development for the area and so they should be patient.



I am their chairman and I am appealing to them to be patient. They should stop what they are doing.



He also disputed claims that the MCE has been rejected by the residents stressing the need for them to calm down, allow their executives to meet him [Bugri Naabu] over the matter.

Source: rainbowradioonline









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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UPDATE: ABC has seemingly pulled the link to the audio. Well keep you updated on this one.

Before. Via ABC.

After. Via ABC.

Beverley Wangs new podcast Its Not A Race last night posted an unedited offshoot interview between her and Red Symons, presenter of ABC Melbourne Breakfast. It was bizarre, at best.

Symons was invited to have the chat on account of the fact he appeared on Hey Hey Its Saturdays infamous blackface episode. That very, very bad piece of television content was extensively covered in the first episode of Wangs podcast, which aired late last month.

So, the groundwork was set for the two to have a frank discussion about perceptions of race in modern Australian society. The thing is, Symons started things off by saying he had the idea for an ABC podcast focussing on similar issues to Wangs, and that hed call it Whats The Deal With Asians?



When presented with that absolute howler of a title, Wang invited Symons to share his opinion. After saying the question was a just a useful, general question about the nature of our culture that could spur discussion, he asked Wang are you yellow?

Wang would have been forgiven for noping out then and there, but she persisted with Symons baffling line of enquiry. He went on to assume the surname Wang meant the hosts family was from China, when theyve lived in Taiwan for 400 years. (Wang herself was raised in Canada, before moving to Australia in 2009.)

Symonds then asked which of Cantonese or Mandarin they speak in Taiwan  the answer is Taiwanese with a smattering of Mandarin, btw  before Wang retorted in Canada where Im from, they speak English and French.

In one of the podcasts tensest moments, he said she was probably from the west coast of Canada. Wang asked why he thought that, only to be told because its closer to Asia. She actually had to tell Symonds to not get so defensive.

It spiralled out from there, as Symons asked her if Beverley was really her birth name, and called the Hey Hey incident alleged blackface. Again, all of this was pushed through the ABCs official channels.

You better believe Symons backwards BS has been roundly rebuked by damn near everyone whos had the misfortune of listening to it:

unprepared unfunny unethical interviewer @RedSymons faced with whip smart gracious guest @beverleywang who just wants 2 talk about her show https://t.co/ItTXu2V57t  Julia Zemiro (@julia_zemiro) June 16, 2017

skipped halfway thru red symons interview to see if it got any better but accidentally hit the exact moment he says alleged blackface  Shaad DSouza (@shaaddsouza) June 16, 2017

Chrissakes. When a leading ABC radio personality asks an Asian colleague are you yellow? we have a problem https://t.co/cS2ms3mxLb  Marc Fennell (@MarcFennell) June 15, 2017

If you happened to walk past my desk last week at @RadioNational and my jaw was scraping on the floor this iv is why https://t.co/9CiRswOvSB  Jess OCallaghan (@jessocallaghan) June 15, 2017

still cannot get over the hideous behaviour of Red Symons in this interview with deadset pro and most patient person ever @beverleywang https://t.co/qhkwNGI4WS  Bec Shaw (@Brocklesnitch) June 16, 2017

Wang herself commented after the interview went live, echoing the sentiment that this kind of shit happens all the time.

Fortunately, Its Not A Race is just getting started, so theres still plenty of time to field guests who arent so massively bung.



Source: News.com.au / Radio National.

Photo: Robert Prezioso.
News that Australian Prime Minister put on a middling Donald Trump impression at Wednesday nights Midwinter Ball has officially reached our friends in the United States.

While Aussie politicians definitely arent pleased the original video was leaked, some of our American contemporaries are absolutely filthy that the man thrice dubbed Trumble would have a crack at the President.

And, in return, Aussies are having fun with their blind fury.

Since Fox News posted their brief piece on the issue, American Twitter users have bombarded the article with comments intended to savage our Prime Minister. The thing is, not all of their charges are exactly, uh, accurate.

Behold, this enlightening exchange:

Or the myriad of opinions on former president Barack Obama:

This discussion of the so-called problems down in Melbourne:

Then, some more absolute pearls of wisdom regarding our Prime Minister and the name of our predominant right-wing political party:

Make no mistake, Aussie commenters have also roasted Turnbull, with one crucial difference  their complaints have been based on his actual shortcomings as a leader, as opposed to the manic screeching exhibited by some corners of the Trump-supporting populace.

Hanging shit on our politicians is a time-honoured tradition, and it seems Australians are chill with others joining in, as long as they do it fucken right.

Source: Fox News / Twitter.

Photo: The White House / YouTube.
People are furious that UK Prime Minister Theresa May visited the site of the Grenfell Tower  where at least 17 people lost their lives in the blaze  but reportedly didnt meet with any of the survivors, local residents or volunteer workers.

She visited the site of the blaze on Thursday, congratulating emergency services on their incredible efforts.

But she reportedly refused to meet with any of the survivors and blocked media access, and people are absolutely furious.

Appalling that Theresa May went to Grenfell Tower and didnt meet the residents. Its just appalling.  Owen Jones (@OwenJones84) June 15, 2017

Theresa May just visited #GrenfellTower but left after refusing to meet any residents. Appalling.  Liam OHare (@Liam_O_Hare) June 15, 2017

This afternoon Theresa May is making time to meet with the DUP. She didnt have time for the residents of #GrenfellTower though. Disgusted.  Rachael (@Rachael_Swindon) June 15, 2017

Feeling genuinely angry that Theresa May would go to the scene of a disaster like Grenfell and choose not to speak to residents.  Jonn Elledge (@JonnElledge) June 15, 2017

The incident is being compared to George W. Bushs disastrous visit in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, or of former Prime Minister Margaret Thatchers equally maligned visit to the site of the Hillsborough disaster in 1989, in which 95 Liverpool supporters were crushed to death in the FA Cup semi-final.

One Grenfell Tower resident reportedly told Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, who visited a short time afterwards, that May was shit, and that she didnt speak to any of us.



Distraught woman resident tells Jeremy Corbyn: Theresa May was here but she didnt speak to any of us. She was s**t.  Andy Lines (@andylines) June 15, 2017

Someone has just scrawled this on a wall near Grenfell Tower. pic.twitter.com/QP3g9AwpXQ  Andy Lines (@andylines) June 15, 2017

Corbyn was pictured hugging a woman clutching posters seeking a 12-year-old girl missing since the fire. She was believed to have been on the 20th floor when the blaze occurred.

Photo: WPA Pool / Getty.



Some very hard questions have got to be asked and some very hard questions must be answered, he told community representative Ishmael Blagrove during his visit. The fire is not supposed to spread from one flat to another, its supposed to be contained. It wasnt  it spread and it spread upwards and it spread outside as well through the cladding.

Questions on the sprinkler system, questions on the fire breaks, questions on why the cladding apparently burnt, questions on building control regulations, questions on the safety.

Hundreds of thousands of people in our country live in tower blocks, very high-rise tower blocks. Every single person who lives in a high-rise apartment today is going to be thinking, How safe am I?

There are fears that the death toll could rise to 100, with many people still unaccounted for. 37 people are currently in hospital, with 17 in a critical condition.

May has ordered a public enquiry into the disaster, adding that a full explanation is owed to the families, the people who have lost loved ones, friends and the homes in which they live.









Photo: Dan Kitwood / Getty.
Joy Bishara and Lydia Pogu were among the more than 200 girls kidnapped by Boko Haram from their boarding school in Chibok, Nigeria back in 2014.

Now 20 and 19, theyve both just graduated high school in Virginia, thanks to a United States charity who brought over about 10 of the 57 girls who escaped the Islamic militant group.

How they actually managed to get away from their kidnappers, though, is absolutely astonishing. Bishara and Pogu told People the whole story in a detailed feature on their incredible escape. They tell it without much fanfare, but holy shit. It is absolutely wild stuff.

In the 12-minute video, they explain how Boko Haram soldiers stormed the school while the girls were sleeping, telling the students that they were police officers. The girls did not believe them.

We were all crying and screaming. They told us to keep quiet or theyre going to kill us. So they start to shoot their guns up on top of us, making us quiet. All of us were scared. We were just holding each other. They asked us to follow them, we should go with them. When we tried going with them, some of us start running  then they went and put us all back together and said, OK, you all have to cooperate or else we are going to just shoot any girl who just followed a different direction that we didnt point.'

The men told the girls that they could get into the back of a truck and live, or run away and die.

Amazingly, once the truck had started moving, kicking up clouds of dust behind it, Bishara, Pogu and a number of other girls jumped from the moving truck into the dust and scattered.

Three of the girls found each other in the bush and managed to flag down a motorcyclist, who took them all back to Chibok  no mean feat taking four people on a two-wheeled vehicle.

After being reunited with their families, Bishara and Pogu and a number of other escaped kidnapping victims, headed to the US to finish school.

Graduating is a huge deal to the pair, who have both said that when they were kidnapped, they thought they would lose the chance at an education forever.

Theyre now raising funds via GoFundMe to attend Southeastern University in Florida, where they will undoubtedly continue being inspirational legends in their new home.

Source: Huffington Post / People.

Image: Facebook / Lydia P Audu.
PEDESTRIAN.TV has partnered with Sony Pictures for their release of Baby Driver, in cinemas July 13. Keep reading to find out how you can get your hands on tickets to its advanced screening.

From the trailer alone were getting real 21 vibes and not just because the villain is Kevin Spacey, (but damn he plays a good one, doesnt he?). Ansel Elgort  who you probably know as the unfortunate kid whose PET scan lit up like a Christmas tree in The Fault In Our Stars  is your stereotypical good dude who just found himself in the wrong crowd, and cant get out of it because Spacey is essentially chaining him to a dangerous gig, bringing his love interest Lily James (Cinderella) into the crossfire as a result. Other no-introduction-necessary cast members include Jamie Foxx and Jon Hamm. Anyway, well let the aforementioned trailer do the talking.

The flick also has a killer soundtrack (like an original song by Danger Mouse called Chase Me ft. Run The Jewels & Big Boi), and from what weve heard, therell be at least one song thatll resonate with you after seeing it.

If you like what youve just seen and also enjoy free things, then youll be happy to hear that weve got a bunch of tickets to an advanced screening of Baby Driver for yall to win. Check out where / when you can catch it (if you score tickets, of course).

SYDNEY



July 5, 6:30pm



Dendy Newtown



261-263 King St, Newtown

MELBOURNE

Monday 10 July, 6.30pm

Hoyts Melbourne Central

Melbourne Central Shopping Centre

211 LaTrobe St, Melbourne

If youre available, then we strongly recommend you trying your hand at winning advanced screening tickets by entering the competition below:

WIN TICKETS TO AN ADVANCE SCREENING OF BABY DRIVER

See you there, good people of the internet.

Photo: Sony Pictures.
Folks, the winter might be chilly, but the heat is about to get turned right the hell up.

Darude, the legendary man behind Sandstorm and therefore the catalyst behind the largest cause of utterances of the syllable do, has very, very, very sneakily unveiled a short run of Australian tour dates this coming August.

The Finnish producer announced additional dates to his on-going and extremely large Endless Summer tour yesterday, an lo and behold the merry old land of Aus is included.

The tour path through Australia is a little strange to say the least. Hes hitting up Brisbane, before flying out to Adelaide, then onto Sydney (at the freshly opened Ministry of Sound Club, no less!), before the tour wraps up in Cairns. Soz Melbourne. About time you missed out on *something* TBH.

The full run of dates is listed below. All ticketing info can be found over at Darudes official website.

DARUDE  ENDLESS SUMMER AUSTRALIAN TOUR 2017

Thursday August 3rd  Victory Hotel, Brisbane QLD

Friday August 4th  Red Square, Adelaide SA

Saturday August 5th  Ministry Of Sound Club, Sydney NSW

Sunday August 6th  Pier Bar, Cairns QLD

If there is any justice in this godforsaken world, someone will haul Nollsy up on-stage so they can chuck an IRL performance of this iconic mashup.

You know it makes sense.

Source: Darude/Facebook.
Lordes sophomore album Melodrama is officially out in the wild, but in a nice change, Australia and her native New Zealand are among the first nations to wrap their ears around those lush new choons.

Thats bloody right: weve been granted access to her newie almost a full day before our pals in the northern hemisphere. This one is for all the movies we needlessly have to wait an extra six months for, tbh.

The artist born Ella Yelich-OConnor was pretty chuffed with that development too, taking to Twitter to celebrate Melodramas debut.

nz & australia MELODRAMA is now available for you to buy and stream!!!!! so happy. my home. ??? https://t.co/YeJ1aeAefA  Lorde (@lorde) June 15, 2017

the rest of you. midnight.  Lorde (@lorde) June 15, 2017

seeing all these tweets while southern hemisphere people are listening is killing me dead i cant believe its real  Lorde (@lorde) June 15, 2017

As for those fan tweets? Well

I just lay in the dark, looking up at the stars, & listened through twice. Im in awe. The pacing. Those outros! Its a journey. #Melodrama  Lorde_fix ?? (@Lorde_fix) June 15, 2017

What is the album of the year and why is it #Melodrama. Lorde did it again, best cohesive pop album in a long time  Carson Luke (@CarsonLuke19) June 15, 2017

@lorde Not that you need my affirmation but your new album is fantastic! Excellent work! 100% worth the wait. NZ loves you. ??????#Melodrama  Craig Serventy (@CraigServenty) June 15, 2017

@lorde u literally destroyed me so hard i cant #melodrama is just insane i cant express emotions properly rn  Brittany (@Kairia13) June 15, 2017

Yall can hit it up on Spotify HERE, on Apple Music HERE, and on Google Play Music HERE.

Source: Lorde / Twitter.

Photo: Noam Galai / Getty.
Father's Day isn't necessarily a huge dining out day like Mother's Day.

However, several restaurants will have their doors open on June 18 for Father's Day. Here's a short list of a few suggestions:

This Fairview Township restaurant will be serving a special Father's Day menu from 4-10 p.m. Entrees include a grass fed, bone-In, 16-ounce beef ribeye, seasoned flour dusted and pan seared skate wing and venison burger with house bacon. Pair it with a Brooklyn Mule, Bloody Mary or IPA Manhattan.

148 Sheraton Drive, New Cumberland, 717-774-5435

This city restaurant is hosting a Backyard Smoked Buffet from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. with smoked chicken, pork shoulder, fried catfish and sides. Price is $27 for adults and $10 for children ages 10 and under.

1500 N. Sixth St., Harrisburg, 717-232-7374

A special Father's Day menu will be served with Crabby Daddy jumbo lump crab cake eggs Benedict; Red Sky dry rubbed ribs; Pop's Burger with sharp cheddar cheese, apple smoked bacon, lettuce, tomato, onion with Red Sky house-made burger sauce, hand cut truffled fries; and shrimp and grits. Includes children's menu with chicken fingers, cheeseburger and grilled cheese.

4444 Carlisle Pike, Hampden Township, 717-525-9772

This Lower Paxton Township smorgasbord is bringing in Middletown's own Tattered Flag beers for one day. Beer will be available starting at 11 a.m. Prices: Breakfast $9.99 for adults, children are $4.99 (ages 4-10); brunch is $15.99 for adults, children are $6.99; and dinners are $18.99 for adults, children are $6.99.

300 N. Mountain Road, Lower Paxton Township, 717-727-7463

This Palmyra brewery will host a jazz brunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Features Alden Hoke on piano, a Bloody Mary Bar and a "Meaty Menu."

2701 Horseshoe Pike, Palmyra

Dad's are treated to a free meal at participating Arooga's locations. The promotion includes a free entree with a purchase of equal or greater value, is dine-in only, one offer per check and does not include beverages.

Multiple locations

Take dad on a riverboat cruise for Father's Day complete with baby back ribs, grilled tender-tip beef or Sicilian red lasagna. The cruise runs 6-8 p.m. and includes a cash bar. Price is $49.50 for adults and $29.50 for children, ages 3-12.

1 Riverside Drive, City Island, 717-234-6500

Stop by Fratelli's for a Father's Day meal and enjoy it on the rooftop deck. The restaurant serves everything from appetizers and burgers to pasta and entrees such as chicken marsala, New York strip steaks and salmon.

209 Third St., New Cumberland, 717-774-4781

Dinner and live music of "Take it Easy" - The Lighter Side of the Eagles

from 6 to 9 p.m.

810 Old W. Chocolate Ave., Hershey, 717-256-9965

From noon-7 p.m., take dad to the vineyard for Lobster Feast with lobster dishes from various vendors and live music. Grappling Crab Shack from Lower Allen Township will be on hand. This is not a ticketed event.

5790 Devonshire Road, Lower Paxton Township, 717-857-5544
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture oversees restaurant inspections in the state. Inspection reports are "snapshots" of the day and time the inspections took place. In many cases, violations are corrected on site prior to the inspector leaving.

The following restaurants and other establishments in Lebanon County that handle food were inspected during the week of May 21-27 and were recorded as of June 8.

READ MORE:

READ MORE:

Lebanon County

Establishments with violations.

May 26

KEYSTONE GUN CLUB OF LEBANON

40 N. SEVENTH ST., LEBANON

PDA Food Employee Certification is displayed, but the individual is no longer employed by the food establishment; food facility does not employ a certified employee as required - an employee is attending an approved training class; cooked chicken in the Refrige area stored open with no covering; raw chicken in common equipment with no barriers to prevent cross-contamination and not sealed laying on cooler floor; food stored directly on the floor in walk-in cooler, rather than six inches off the floor as required.

LINCOLN REPUBLICAN CLUB

21 S. NINTH ST., LEBANON

Regular inspection.

Food facility does not employee a certified employee as required - employee is attending an approved training class, (90 Days to finish and display).

LINDA'S SPEEDWAY

200 SILVERTOWN ROAD, JONESTOWN

Regular inspection.

Food facility had an employee who held a Certified Food Manager certificate; however, the employee is no longer employed at this facility.

MARCO'S PIZZA LLC

748 LOCUST ST., LEBANON

Regular inspection.

Food employees in cooking area, were not wearing proper hair restraints, such as nets, hats, or beard covers.

May 25

HEISEYS DINER & INN 72

1740 N. HIGHWAY 72, LEBANON

Regular inspection.

Bare-hand contact with cooked pie, a ready-to-eat food located at front service food bar - *corrected; raw ground beef stored directly above raw whole muscle steaks located in basement area walk-in cooler; raw ground meats being stored above ready-to-eat foods at two-main grill line coolers - *corrected; liquid drip originating from fan guard located inside three-door grill line area cooler - this liquid was dripping directly on a ready-to-eat food - item voluntarily discarded - *corrected; soiled cotton cloths being stored on bottom surfaces of bar tap cooler; grease accumulations/spill on top of electrical panels (and general area) located inside basement area - this grease spill was observed to originate from floors (upstairs) below main grill line equipment; static dust/soil accumulations located inside vent line of mechanical dish-wash-unit hood system.

LANTERN LODGE

411 N. COLLEGE ST., MYERSTOWN

Follow-up inspection. (Original report, May 19, 2017)

Hand-sink in prep area not installed.

LEBANON VALLEY COLLEGE

101 N. COLLEGE AVE., ANNVILLE

Upper splash guards of milk dispense cooler (student self-service area) had presence of old dried-milk residue - *corrected; upper splash plates surrounding dispense nozzles of the "Tea Cooler" beverage dispenser (student self-service area) had presence of old-drink residue - *corrected; floors located below both deep fry units of the "Dutchmen Grill" food-preparation area had accumulations of old grease and food debris; excessive clutter in mop sink room rendering areas not readily accessible for routine cleaning; mops are not being hung to air dry - *corrected; numerous fruit flies in the following areas of facility: drain well located at "LVC Deli" food preparation area (located in main dining hall), food-preparation sink of "Dutchmen Kitchen", and inside/around mop sink room.

May 24

S & H FOOD & FUEL MART INC.

1 E. CUMBERLAND ST., LEBANON

Regular inspection.

Food facility has lost its certified supervisory employee more than 12 months ago and has not replaced the certified employee as required; food facility does not employee a certified employee as required; prepackaged food is not labeled properly with the name of product, ingredient statement, net weight, distributed-by statement and/or nutritional facts; loose rubber door gaskets on the walk-in cooler door; cooking equipment, in the microwave area, was encrusted with grease and soil accumulation.

TOSCO PIZZA

101 W. LINCOLN AVE., MYERSTOWN

Regular inspection.

Commercially processed, refrigerated, ready-to-eat, time/temperature-control-for-safety food, located in the walk-in cooler, and held more than 24 hours, is not being marked with the date it was opened; food employee was touching salad- a ready-to-eat food - with bare hands; old-food residue, dishes and utensils were in the hand-wash sink, indicating uses other than hand-washing; toilet room in downstairs prep area does not have a self-closing door.

May 21

HOSS'S STEAK & SEA HOUSE #42

1235 E. MAIN ST., ANNVILLE

Regular inspection.

Flat surfaces located behind clear ice chute of soda dispense unit had presence of a bio-film-like substance; ice build-up located on plumbing line of walk-in freezer condensing unit; ventilation line located directly above dish-wash unit had build-up of grease and static dust; loose caulking/seals under associated hood system.

REDNER'S WAREHOUSE MKT #86

2975 ROUTE 22, FREDERICKSBURG

Regular inspection.

Spray bottle of cleaner not labeled with common name of reagent - *corrected; grease accumulations and old-food debris located on floor below deep-fry unit of the main deli area.

SCHWALM'S CLEONA RESTAURANT

213 E. PENN AVE., CLEONA

Regular inspection.

Wet wiping cloth storage solution was tested to be 200 ppm or greater and not 50-100 ppm as required - *corrected.

Establishments with no violations.

May 26

FRESH DONUTS SHOP

1202 CUMBERLAND ST., LEBANON

Regular inspection.

LEBANON VALLEY STADIUM 10

2200 LEBANON VALLEY MALL, LEBANON

Regular inspection.

ROGUE CHEF (MFF TYPE 4)

2380 HORSESHOE PIKE, PALMYRA

Opening inspection.

May 25

LE SORELLE

106 CHAUTAUQUA DRIVE, MOUNT GRETNA

Change-of-owner inspection.

May 24

GLENN LEBANON FIRE CO.

42 GLENN LEBANON DRIVE, LEBANON

Regular inspection.

SUBWAY #47404

813 BOWMAN ST., LEBANON

Regular inspection.

THOUSAND TRAILS HERSHEY - MHC THOUSAND TRAILS LP

493 S. MOUNT PLEASANT ROAD, LEBANON

Regular inspection.

May 23

A & M PIZZA

757 W. MAIN ST., PALMYRA

Complaint inspection.

CASSEL'S CAFE & BAKERY

2838 HORSESHOE PIKE, CAMPBELLTOWN

Regular inspection.

SPEEDWAY #06766

2949 HORSESHOE PIKE, P.O. BOX 27, CAMPBELLTOWN

Regular inspection.
Pennsylvania is home to many fantastic distilleries, however nearly all of them have popped up in the last few years. None have the history or yet have the reputation of Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey.

I recently had the chance to visit Lynchburg, Tennessee, to tour the Jack Daniel's Distillery. Lynchburg is a small community in southeastern Tennessee, closer to Huntsville, Alabama, than to Nashville. If I'm being perfectly honest, downtown Lynchburg looks exactly as you would expect a small southern town built largely around a distillery to look like.

The area around the courthouse features a small selection of shops and restaurants, mostly catering to the distillery's visitors, but offering historic southern charm that shouldn't be missed. Just steps from "downtown" Lynchburg sits the Jack Daniel's Distillery.

While the exact date that the company was founded is disputed (the company claims 1866), Daniel's began distilling what would become the best-selling American whiskey on this spot in 1884. This location was chosen for its incredible cave and mineral spring that ensured a consistent source of clean water for his liquor.

Outside the Jack Daniel's distillery in Lynchburg, TN.

Over a hundred years later, every bottle of Jack Daniel's whiskey is made here using water from the same spring.

Tours of the distillery start out from their visitor center. Visitors can browse the museum here and learn about the process of making Tennessee whiskey before heading on a tour of the facility.

Tours take a little over an hour and all visitors to see every step of the distilling process, along with learning about the company's history and its founder, Jack Daniel. Tours start where the process starts, with the making of charcoal. While its rare to see charcoal being made in person, I was lucky enough to visit on a day where this process was happening.

Touring the distillery offers a behind the scenes look at how their whiskey is made.

The charcoal is an important part of the process as passing the whiskey through several feet of charcoal filtration is what separates Tennessee whiskey from bourbon. One of the highlights of the tour was watching as drops of Jack Daniel's were sprinkled over these giant charcoal filters.

However, the biggest highlight of any visit to the Jack Daniel's distillery is sampling the finished product. Standard tour samples include five different products ranging from regular Jack Daniel's, to flavored whiskeys and their single-barrel whiskeys. Tastings are done in their impressive barrel room, where visitors are surrounded by (sadly empty) Jack Daniel's barrels.

During my visit, I had the rare opportunity to talk with Jeff Arnett, the seventh Master Distiller in the history of the company. Arnett has a passion for crafting the best possible product, and even as someone who has never considered myself to be a connoisseur of whiskey, I found his passion contagious. Tasting samples as he described facets of the drink, such as flavor profiles and where I would taste it on my pallet, gave me a newfound appreciation for Tennessee whiskey.

The tasting room at the Jack Daniel's distillery.

After taking a tour of the Jack Daniel's distillery, lunch at Miss Mary Bobo's is a must. Opened for over 100 years, this was a popular spot for visitors and locals alike, including Jack Daniel himself. Diners are fed family style around a large, round table as a hostess talks about the food and the restaurant's history. Without a doubt, the southern food served here is well worth taking the time to sample.

Whether you are a whiskey connoisseur or just enjoy seeing how things are made, a visit to the Jack Daniel's distillery in Lynchburg, Tennessee, is well worth your time if you find yourself in southeastern Tennessee, northern Alabama, or the Nashville area. There are few beverage brands in the United States that are more well known or that offer a better tour than this one.

For more information on visiting the Jack Daniel's distillery, head over to their website.

Jim Cheney is the writer behind UncoveringPA, Pennsylvania's most read travel blog. He has traveled and written about every county in Pennsylvania, as well as to many countries in North America, Europe, and Asia. He lives in Harrisburg, Pa.
NORRISTOWN - The jury in the Bill Cosby case has two more questions and the defense wants a mistrial.

"We're being asked to review the entire trial with this jury," Cosby's attorney, Brian McMonagle argued.

The jury yesterday said they were deadlocked, but Judge Steven T. O'Neill had sent them back to deliberate further, as directed by the Supreme Court, he noted.

"This court is obligated under law that when a jury first indicates they cannot reach a unanimous verdict, I am required to give a 'deadlocked jury instruction.' That was yesterday," O'Neill said. "I've heard absolutely nothing from the jury since that period of time."

O'Neill said there is no evidence that they're not deliberating behind closed doors, and until he hears otherwise from the jury, O'Neill intends to let them continue to deliberate.

The jury has made 11 requests so far for more information, mainly a review of testimony from trial. The two latest requests were for a review of the testimony about accuser Andrea Constand's phone records and testimony about Constand's mother's first phone call with Cosby.

Cosby is accused of drugging and sexually assaulting Constand in 2004. His trial started June 5, and the jury has been deliberating since Monday night.

They have been dismissed for lunch and will review that testimony afterwards.
NORRISTOWN -- A group of Bill Cosby supporters gathered outside the Montgomery County Courthouse on Friday afternoon, slipped on matching shirts and began chanting.

"We love Bill! We love Bill! We love Bill!"

As jurors near their 50th hour of deliberations in the Bill Cosby sexual assault case, his supporters expressed frustration. Mustafa Majeed, a self-proclaimed activist who said he's known Cosby for 35 years, accused Judge Steven T. O'Neill of working with the prosecution.

"If it's a hung jury, it's a hung jury," Majeed said. "He keeps telling them to go back and give me a verdict."

Majeed also called on the black community to rally around Cosby.

MORE: Jury has two more questions, defense wants mistrial

Cosby, a 79-year-old comedian and television star, faces charges of drugging and sexually assaulting former Temple University employee Andrea Constand in 2004. The jury said it was deadlocked earlier this week, and the defense has asked five times for O'Neill to declare a mistrial. O'Neill has denied each one.

The video above shows Cosby's supporters speaking outside of the courthouse. They mixed in a "Free Bill Cosby" chant and spent about five minutes chanting.

-- @AaronKazreports
MASON CITY | North Iowa Area Community College President Steve Schulz's base salary will increase 2.25 percent beginning July 1.

That will make his salary $181,151.

The 2017-18 contract the NIACC Board of Directors approved for Schulz Thursday also includes a raise in his annuity from 18 percent to 22 percent of his base salary, according to Kathy Grove, NIACC vice president for administrative services.

Also on Thursday, the board approved agreements with three employee groups at the college: professional salaried, office/clerical and facilities.

Grove said all three groups received a 2.25 percent average increase in their base salary, the same as for the faculty group who had their agreement approved last month.

 Mary Pieper
MASON CITY | North Iowans must overcome the "culture of no" that impedes its progress, a community strategist told civic leaders Thursday.

Jeff Marcell, senior partner for TIP Strategies, a consulting firm that helps communities with economic development, spoke at the North Iowa Corridor Economic Development Corp.'s annual meeting at North Iowa Area Community College.

TIP has been hired by the EDC, the Mason City and Clear Lake chambers of commerce and other organizations to help identify community needs and goals and put together a strategy to achieve them. It is part of the Vision North Iowa program.

Part of its research has been getting input from citizens for the past six months through community surveys, workshops and personal contacts.

Vision North Iowa project involves public from the beginning MASON CITY | Vision North Iowa is a project designed with one result in mind: prosperity.

On Thursday, Marcell gave some preliminary findings based on responses from more than 700 North Iowans who took part in the surveys.

One of those findings was the negative attitude revealed. "It was obvious," Marcell said, "not a majority, but obvious nonetheless."

"You're too hard on yourselves," he said. "You have an awful lot going for you."

He identified strengths such as:

 Infrastructure, including an airport and major highways.

 Proximity to major markets.

 NIACC.

 Outstanding quality of life.

 Entrepreneurships and training at the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center.

 Leadership already in place.

 Enthusiastic, talented, eager young people.

 Examples of past successes such as the restoration of the Park Inn Hotel and the restoration and cleaning up of Clear Lake.

Marcell said at the end of the TIP process, when strategies and implementation plans are developed, one component will be "internal marketing"  making sure North Iowans talk to one another about the area's strengths.

Marcell did not mince words in identifying challenging trends in the past decade.

He said there are several areas in which the county is moving in the wrong direction, including:

 A slow but steady population decline, although there was an uptick in 2016.

 Median household incomes below the state and national average.

 The 20-to-34 age group is the smallest part of the population, while 65 and older is the largest segment.

 A below-average number of people with four-year degrees.

 The loss of 3,100 jobs.

Marcell said when all the data has been collected and analyzed, a five-year plan will be developed, hopefully by September, and then implementation will begin.

He said citizen involvement has been important from the beginning, when the surveys were developed in January, and will be important in the implementation stage as well.

"We want to build an army of folks to help us," he said.

During the business portion of Thursday's meeting, Deb Blaser Gretillat took over as chairwoman of the EDC board, replacing outgoing chairman Dan Varnum.
Which Michigan bands are leading the airwaves this fall?

Five albums made a splash on the latest Local Spins Hot Top 5 Chart, representing the local and regional releases that received the most radio airplay at Grand Rapids WYCE.
U.S. oil supplies remain 100 million barrels above 5-year average, libyan output climbs



Oil set for longest run of weekly losses since 2015 amid glut

HONG KONG

Petroleumworld 06 16 2017

Oil headed for the longest run of weekly losses since August 2015 as U.S. crude stockpiles remain stubbornly high and as Libyan production climbs toward the most in four years.

Futures were little changed in New York, down 3 percent for a fourth weekly decline. U.S. inventories fell less than forecast last week, keeping supplies more than 100 million barrels above the five-year average, according to data from the Energy Information Administration on Wednesday. Libya, exempt from the OPEC-led deal to cut supply, will boost output to 1 million barrels a day by the end of July, according to National Oil Co.

Oil slumped to the lowest close in seven months this week as concerns grew that rising U.S. supplies will offset the production curbs by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies including Russia. New non-OPEC output next year will be more than enough to meet demand growth , the International Energy Agency said Wednesday in its first forecast for 2018.

The risk is to the downside for oil, said Jonathan Barratt, chief investment officer at Ayers Alliance Securities in Sydney. If prices drift toward $40 a barrel, there is likely to be some sort of reaction from OPEC.

West Texas Intermediate for July delivery was at $44.48 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange, up 2 cents, at 2:17 p.m. in Singapore. Total volume traded was about 25 percent below the 100-day average. The contract lost 27 cents to $44.46 on Thursday, the lowest since Nov. 14.

For a Gadfly column on figuring out oil's long-term price, click here.

Brent for August settlement rose 5 cents to $46.97 a barrel on the London-based ICE Futures Europe exchange. Prices are down 2.5 percent this week. The global benchmark crude traded at a premium of $2.27 to August WTI.

Libyan output will reach 900,000 barrels a day within days, National Oil Co. said on its website, citing Chairman Mustafa Sanalla. OPEC production jumped last month as Libya and Nigeria revived supply halted by attacks and political crises, a report from the group showed on Tuesday.

Related news:

Canada's oil-sands will increase production rapidly in the next three years, ranking only behind U.S. shale as the biggest contributor to global supply growth.






Venezuela's regime turns to its secretive bag of tricks to avoid default

Venezuela Crisis: One analyst sees $15.5 billion in assets on top of reserves. Another says investors can't count on any off-budget assets - Watch enlarge video

BOGOTA

Petroleumworld 06 16 2017

In the wake of Goldman Sachs's controversial purchase of $2.8 billion of bonds held in Venezuela's vaults, investors have been trying to quickly figure out what other hidden assets the country might be sitting on.

The stakes are high. As the central bank's officially published foreign-reserve figure dwindles to just over $10 billion, that secretive stockpile might ultimately decide whether the nation averts default or not.

Calculating the value of those securities, as you might expect, is tricky. Estimates range from $15.5 billion of assets that could be made liquid from perennial contrarian Francisco Rodriguez to as little as zero from Nomura Inc.'s Siobhan Morden. Barclays Plc landed in the middle, at about $10 billion.

Adding to the complex calculations is speculation that Venezuela is going to have a tougher and tougher time finding buyers for these securities. After Goldman was loudly criticized in Venezuela and abroad for last month's deal, Wall Street banks and investors are growing increasingly hesitant to finance a regime that's routinely accused of human-rights violations and blamed for widespread shortages of food, medicine and other basic necessities.

There's something that has undergone a big change, said Alejandro Grisanti, the director of the Caracas-based consultancy Ecoanalitica. And that's the issue of the market's willingness to buy what has been offered.

Reserves & Gold

Venezuela reports foreign reserves of about $10.4 billion, $7.6 billion of which is composed of gold that was on the central bank's balance sheet as of March. The cash component is easy enough to spend, but questions have swirled around the gold since ex-president Hugo Chavez brought most of it into the country several years ago. It's unclear how much is still in Caracas and how much has been sent back to overseas banks where it could be counted as collateral to raise funds. (Officials at the Finance Ministry declined to comment, while the central bank didn't return emails seeking comment. Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro, for his part, has promised he has the funds to pay debt through next year.)

Wherever Venezuela's gold is, it isn't particularly easy to sell billions of dollars of precious metal. That's why Grisanti, a former head of Latin America research at Barclays, doubts that the reserves should be considered truly liquid.

Bonds

Then there's the murkier set of assets. Some of the bond stash is believed to date from a highly unusual practice that the government had for pumping dollars into the foreign-exchange market through the Venezuelan central bank. Others may have been purchased by government entities including pension funds. It's been tough for investors to get a handle on how much of the bonds are still knocking around in Venezuela.

One big chunk surfaced last month when Goldman Sachs purchased $2.8 billion of securities that had previously been held by the central bank. Goldman bought the bonds at a deep discount, triggering outrage among Venezuela's critics, who accused the bank of throwing a lifeline to Maduro. There's still $5 billion of sovereign bonds due 2036 that were sold to a state bank. Traders have said they've seen attempts to shop those around too.

In all, Barclays analyst Alejandro Arreaza estimates Venezuela could raise up to $4.4 billion selling the securities. Rodriguez, the chief economist at Torino Capital, estimates the government could squeeze $5.1 billion out of them, especially if it seizes onshore bonds held by locals.

Cash Accounts

Venezuela also has funds in various off-balance-sheet accounts. Barclays estimates it's as much as $6.1 billion, though how much of that is truly accessible is unclear because some portion comes from Chinese loans that carry restrictions on their use.

Rodriguez counts $4.8 billion in off-budget funds. He also puts a value on trade credits associated with Venezuela's program of selling cheap oil to allies in the Caribbean and Central America. He says Venezuela may be able to monitize the IOUs to the tune of $3.5 billion. He also thinks the country could raise another $2 billion by selling various public-sector overseas investments.

Most of these assets are illiquid, Rodriguez said. They can be sold, or securitized, and so they can be made liquid.

The next big test for how long the money will last is October, when the state oil company has to make a payment of just under $1 billion on its 2020 bond.






English French

Paris, June 16, 2017

PRESS RELEASE

Indosuez Wealth Management enters into exclusive discussions to acquire

the private banking activities of Credit Industriel et Commercial

in Singapore and Hong Kong

Indosuez Wealth Management today announced that it has entered into exclusive discussions with Credit Industriel et Commercial "CIC" to acquire its private banking activities in Singapore and Hong Kong.

The acquisition would further enhance Indosuez Wealth Management's footprint and position in Asia and would be in line with its strategic priorities to accelerate growth in key markets, as part of its "Shaping Indosuez 2020" corporate project, which is part of the Credit Agricole Group's Medium-Term Plan.

Paul de Leusse, Indosuez Wealth Management, Chief Executive Officer, said: "We are very pleased to enter into exclusive discussions for the acquisition. The combination of these businesses would bring together two players with similar cultures and values. Together we would strengthen our geographical footprint and our commercial offering whilst maintaining the highest compliance standards. Our financial knowledge of Asia, our efficient logistic platform and the strength of a large group enable us to provide tailor made solutions to families and entrepreneurs whose needs are becoming increasingly sophisticated."

Pierre Masclet, Indosuez Wealth Management Asia, Chief Executive Officer, commented: "This important step would be a new chapter for Indosuez's Asia presence and demonstrates our clear commitment and ambition to accelerate our development in the region."

The transaction is expected to be finalised by the end of the year and is subject to both regulatory approvals and to customary employee consultation procedures in France. Indosuez Wealth Management will work closely with CIC to ensure a smooth process for both the transaction and for the transition of both clients and employees.

This project would have a negative effect below 2 basis points on the fully loaded CET1 ratio of Credit Agricole S.A. and Credit Agricole Group.

For further information, please contact:

Indosuez Wealth Management Group

Julie de La Palme, Acting as Communication Director julie.delapalme@ca-indosuez.fr +33 1 4075 6570

Melinda Raverdy, Media Relations melinda.raverdy@ca-indosuez.ch +41 58 321 9597

PR agency

Teresa Wincrantz, FinElk teresa.wincrantz@finelk.eu +447595055877

About Indosuez Wealth Management in Asia

Indosuez Wealth Management has a solid foundation in Asia as a pioneering bank with more than a century old heritage, when Banque de l'Indochine opened its historic offices in Hong Kong and Singapore. From these two locations, branches of

CA Indosuez (Switzerland) SA, almost 220 highly specialised wealth managers combine their knowledge of the region with the vast opportunities provided by the global network of Indosuez Wealth Management and the Credit Agricole group.

About Indosuez Wealth Management group

Indosuez Wealth Management is the global wealth management brand of Credit Agricole group, ranked 11th in the world based on Tier 1 capital (source: The Banker, July 2016). Shaped by 140 years of experience helping families and entrepreneurs around the globe, Indosuez Wealth Management offers a tailored approach that enables clients to manage, protect and pass on their wealth according to their specific needs. Its teams take a comprehensive view and provide expert advice and exceptional service, offering a wide range of services for the management of both personal and business assets. Renowned for its international reach combined with a human scale, Indosuez Wealth Management has 2,800 employees in 14 countries around the world, in Europe (France, Belgium, Spain, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco and Switzerland), Asia-Pacific (Hong Kong, Singapore and New Caledonia), the Middle East (Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Lebanon) and the Americas (Brazil, Uruguay and Miami). With 110 billion in assets under management (as at 31/12/2016), Indosuez Wealth Management group is one of the global leaders in wealth management.

www.ca-indosuez.com
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.
President Trump has apparently changed his mind on the Dreamers. Read more

For now, at least, "Dreamers" will be able to keep on dreaming.

President Trump plans to continue a program that bars the deportation of undocumented immigrants who came to this country as children, a measure he had pledged to end while campaigning for the presidency.

"Maybe this might help relieve a little tension," said Matthew Archambeault, a Center City immigration attorney. "We'll see what it really means going forward and what type of blowback he gets from his base."

That the administration quietly affirmed the program, in a document released late Thursday, doesn't mean the measure won't be revoked later on, Archambeault noted.

An official at the Department of Homeland Security told the New York Times on Friday that no final determination had been made about the program.

For the moment, though, people who have lived and worked under the program's protections can exhale.

Prudence Powell, who came to this country when she was 12, has been nervous since Trump was elected, wondering whether she would be sent back to a Jamaica homeland she no longer knows.

"It's a scary thought," said the 34-year-old mother of two, who lives in North Philadelphia. "It would be horrible. I have some family there but I don't think I would be able to survive. My whole life is based here."

As Trump promised a hard line toward undocumented immigrants, Powell worried: Would she be deported? Would her children be forced to leave with her, likewise sent to the Caribbean island?

Five years ago, when President Barack Obama announced a change in the nation's immigration policy, Powell said, she was barely getting by, unable to work and dependent on public assistance and welfare programs.

The DREAM Act, an acronym for Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors, was never voted into law. But Obama created a policy that called for delayed action on undocumented children, called Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA.

It allows certain people who entered the country as minors to gain a renewable, two-year period of deferred action from deportation along with eligibility for a work permit.

Initially some feared the government would use the personal information on DACA applications to track people and deport them. But thousands came forward.

When Powell was accepted for the program, she said, it changed everything.

"It was a way for me to work, get a driver's license, and pay taxes," Powell said. "It might not be much, but it's a lot from where I came from."

Today she works as office manager for the Pennsylvania Immigration and Citizenship Coalition, a Philadelphia-based organization that promotes immigrants' rights and integration into society.

As a presidential candidate, Trump had promised to immediately end what he called an illegal executive amnesty. As president, however, he's expressed empathy toward young immigrants, often referred to as Dreamers.

The DACA program has protected an estimated 787,000 people from deportation. It bestows no residency status, but provides a temporary shield from deportation and allows people to legally hold jobs.

The status can be revoked at any time, and some have lost their DACA protection after being arrested for crimes.

"This is the best news we've had," said Cathryn Miller-Wilson, executive director of HIAS Pennsylvania, which works to welcome immigrants and their families. "In other aspects of the administration, they've made it clear they don't want undocumented people at all."

The DACA program, while not comprehensive, has improved the lives of young people who have been raised as Americans, she said.

"The thought that they would be deported to a country where they've never been, and don't have family, is horrifying," Miller-Wilson said. "These kids are fabulous, hard-working contributors, and they're our neighbors and our friends and colleagues, and it was the right move."

This article contains information from the Associated Press.
In a move seen as filling a critical gap in its plans to track U.S. consumers, Amazon.com announced Friday that it would acquire the Whole Foods Market chain  nicknamed "Whole Paycheck" by its affluent urban and suburban shoppers  for $13.7 billion.

News of the deal drove rival food retailers' shares lower Friday. While the online-shipping and internet-services giant's already-high stock price rose 2.4 percent, up $23.54 to $987.71 at the close, shares in Wal-Mart were down 5 percent, Target down 5 percent, Supervalu down 14 percent, Kroger down 9 percent, and Dollar General down 3 percent on fears Amazon would use its cash and tech assets to squeeze other grocers.

Shares of Whole Foods rose 29 percent to $42.68, up $9.62  a little more than Amazon's offer price, implying some investors expect Walmart or another rival might launch a higher bid.

"Nobody goes to the internet for information about buying a bottle of bleach or a can of tuna. But groceries are 10 to 20 percent of what everyone spends. For Amazon, who wants data sets on everything you consume, that's been a major blind spot. And now they can suddenly fill it, with the upscale urban consumers at Whole Foods," said Mike Sands, chief executive at Signal, a Chicago-based digital marketing company whose clients include grocery, clothing and financial retailers.

"On their website, they can already read your mind" and suggest books, video and clothing like the products you've previously purchased, Sands added. "Now they will expand that into the world of groceries. They will know what you shop for and what you consume. It really completes the curve of information on what you are doing."

The Whole Foods deal fits Amazon's "recent forays into the grocery industry," noted Tom Caporaso, chief executive of Connecticut-based Clarus Commerce, whose FreeShipping.com portal competes with Amazon's Prime service. The merger would make it possible, he said, for Amazon "to integrate its Prime service into the Whole Foods ecosystem" and use Whole Foods stores as distribution centers for Prime Now and Amazon Fresh food deliveries.

Nationwide, Whole Foods' 444 stores and support offices employ 87,000, about one-quarter the size of Amazon's workforce before the deal. In the Philadelphia region, Whole Foods operates stores on Pennsylvania Avenue and South Street in Center City; in Devon, Glen Mills, Jenkintown, North Wales, Plymouth Meeting, and Wynnewood in the Pennsylvania suburbs (stores in Exton and Newtown Square have been delayed); and in Cherry Hill, Marlton, and Princeton, N.J.

The chain's organic and prepared-foods offerings attract the same kind of people who use Amazon Prime, analyst Chuck Grom noted in a report to clients of Gordon Haskett Research Advisers in New York. But "if the goal is to fully compete against Wal-Mart" and other mass-market grocers, Amazon should consider buying Dollar General or another "low-end" chain, he added.

Justice Department competition regulators will likely see "little overlap" between Amazon's and Whole Foods' businesses, Rutgers-Camden Law School professor Michael Carrier said in a social-media post. Currently, the companies hold only a small percentage of the grocery business.

The possibility of Amazon one day dominating groceries, alongside its fast-growing order-fulfillment and Amazon Web Services businesses, raises the prospect of a "super-monopoly" company and questions that haven't been addressed by U.S. antitrust policy, according to Columbia University Law School professor Tim Wu, who studies the impact of new technologies on competition and marketing.

Friday afternoon, Standard & Poor's warned that Amazon's borrowing to finance the deal would have "negative implications" for the agency's AA credit rating on Amazon debt. The lower the credit rating, the more a borrower typically has to pay lenders and bond buyers to purchase its debt.

The deal is Amazon's largest transaction to date, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Seattle-based Amazon had about $21.5 billion in cash at the end of March, according to Bloomberg.

In an email statement, Whole Foods assured its customers that "Amazon shares Whole Foods Market's deep commitment to quality and customer service. We will continue to operate our stores and deliver the highest-quality, delicious natural and organic products that you've come to love and trust."

Whole Foods faces stiffening competition from lower-priced chains that have expanded their "natural" and prepared-foods offerings. On Friday, Whole Foods traded above Amazon's offer price, as if investors expect that Wal-Mart or another potential buyer will make a higher offer.

The Amazon announcement comes a month after Whole Foods announced a board shake-up and cost-cutting plan amid falling sales. The grocery company was reacting to pressure from activist investor Jana Partners, which owns about 8 percent of Whole Foods. Only index-fund giants Vanguard Group and BlackRock own more. If the deal goes through as planned, Jana will make a fatter profit than the long-term index-fund investors because it bought the stock this year at what now look like bargain prices.

Jeff Bezos, Amazon's chief executive, has sought in recent years to expand grocery delivery and to add physical retail locations, including pickup points and bookstores. The move also puts Whole Foods under the same corporate control as the Washington Post.
SHENANDOAH, Pa.  The Shen Penn anthracite mine pit, abandoned in the 1960s during the decline of Schuylkill County's coal industry, is a 230-foot-deep water hole surrounded by mine waste, scrub trees, and a nearly 600-foot rock wall that imperils adventurers who creep too close to the edge of the precipice.

Adam Rousselle, a Bucks County entrepreneur, imagines that one day this 40-acre public nuisance will once again deliver energy  not by producing coal, but as a massive energy-storage device to hold renewable power generated from nearby wind farms.



Rousselle's company, Merchant Hydro Developers LLC, last month received a preliminary federal permit to study converting the Shen Penn pit into a pumped-storage hydroelectric project. In pumped-storage systems, power is generated by releasing water from an upper reservoir when electricity is needed most. At night, when excess power is available, the units are reversed and water is pumped uphill to refill the upper reservoir.

"It's like a giant liquid battery," said Rousselle, 51, an executive in electric-transmission ventures who lives near Doylestown.

The Shenandoah proposal is the largest of 21 pumped-storage projects for which Merchant Hydro has filed applications with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Most are in Pennsylvania, and many are situated on old strip mines or near wind farms.

One of them would be located in Bucks County, in Nockamixon Township  and not on an old mine, but on public lands owned by the Pennsylvania Game Commission.

"We're only going to do these if they are economically viable, environmentally viable, and socially viable," Rousselle said.

Pumped storage is not a new concept. The U.S. Department of Energy counts 42 existing pumped-storage plants, most built decades ago, that can deliver 21,600 megawatts of power, about one-fifth of the nation's hydroelectric capacity. Exelon Generation of Kennett Square operates one site, the 1,070-MW Muddy Run Pumped Storage Facility, which opened in 1966 along the Susquehanna River in Lancaster County.

With the growth of intermittent renewable wind and solar energy, there is a growing interest from grid operators in devices that can maintain the power system's reliability by storing energy for use when the sun is not shining and the winds are not blowing.

Though new energy-storage technology like flywheels and battery arrays have captured the public imagination, the Energy Department says pumped-storage projects still account for 97 percent of the nation's utility-scale power-storage devices.

"Pumped storage is one of the backbones for integrating all this new generation," said Jeff Leahey, deputy executive director of the National Hydropower Association.

Though pumped-storage facilities consume more power than they produce, they make money off the difference in the wholesale price of electricity: Power is cheap at night, when the pumps are filling the reservoir, and can be very expensive during peak hours, when the power is sold into the grid. Some new hydro turbines also can earn fees helping grid operators such as PJM Interconnection Inc. keep the grid's voltage in balance.

But getting regulatory approval for a pumped-storage facility from a multitude of federal and state agencies is laborious, said Leahey. Investors are reluctant to back projects with long-term, uncertain horizons.

"If everything goes right, you're looking at a five- to six-year process," he said.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has approved only two pumped-storage facilities in recent years, including the 1,300-MW Eagle Crest plant on abandoned iron mines near Joshua Tree National Park in Southern California. FERC approved that project in 2014 after a six-year review, and Eagle Crest is still lining up permits before it can break ground.

If ushering a single pumped-storage project through the regulatory process is daunting, Rousselle has his hands full with 21 of them, including one in New Jersey, one in New York and two in Maryland. FERC has granted preliminary permits to seven, which gives Rousselle exclusive rights for three years to conduct studies and to apply for a formal permit.

He offered no cost estimates, but the developers of a 400-MW facility approved in December in Montana that's about the size of the Shenandoah project say it will cost $1 billion to build. In a 2016 report, the Energy Department said pumped-storage projects cost upward of $2,500 per kilowatt to develop, which would place the price for all of Merchant Hydro's 21 projects north of $6 billion.

To back his venture, Rousselle will need to enlist bigger players with deep pockets. "We think there's a lot of value in our vision of a distributed pumped hydro fleet, and we think building them in succession will reduce costs," he said.

The Shenandoah project, at 405 megawatts, is the largest facility in Merchant Hydro's portfolio, and one of the more promising. In Rousselle's plan, the Shen Penn mine pit would function as the lower reservoir. The upper reservoir would be built on nearby Locust Ridge, where Avangrid Renewables operates two wind farms with 64 towering turbines.

The firm's application calls for building up to two reservoirs on the ridge, 560 feet above the lower reservoir, connected by three 48-inch-diameter pipes.

The upper property is owned by the estate of Stephen Girard, the Philadelphia trust that funds Girard College and also has substantial property interests in the coal region. Rousselle said he has an option to develop the land.

He identified potential sites by running topographical information through a computer to search for mountainous terrain that had at least 500 feet of steep elevation change, to generate a tremendous force from water released from the upper reservoir.

Unlike most established pumped-storage facilities, which draw from open bodies of water such as rivers, Merchant Hydro aims to build closed-loop systems that have dedicated lower reservoirs.

The exception is the Nockamixon project in Bucks County, where Merchant Hydro proposes to draw water from the Delaware River canal near Kintersville and pump it into a 150-acre upper reservoir on State Game Lands No. 56.

Maya K. van Rossum, head of the Delaware Riverkeeper Network, said her organization plans to intervene to oppose the project. She said that Merchant Hydro's river intakes could cause harm to aquatic life, and that the destruction of forested game lands "is really a taking of public land."

"People say, `We're going to do clean energy,' because that's the word of the day. But there are clean-energy options that don't have this kind of heavy footprint," she said.

The Nockamixon project is one of three that target state game lands. Others in Tioga County and near Carbondale also have generated opposition filings from nearby residents.

Rousselle is joined in the project by his son, Adam Rousselle II, a senior studying finance at the University of Tampa, whom he credits with inspiring the venture. The younger Rousselle, 21, has already acquired some experience in energy matters. For a senior project at New Hope-Solebury High School, he said, he read a thousand pages of PJM manuals to learn more about energy-market rules.

In 2015, he applied for three FERC permits to build small-scale hydro projects at existing dams, including one at Blue Marsh Lake in Berks County that generated substantial opposition from environmentalists and public water officials, and one at Nockamixon State Park in Bucks County.

The younger Rousselle stopped filing required project updates, and FERC subsequently withdrew the permits.

"Now we've applied for a huge number of projects," he said. "Our interest has evolved from existing dams to pumped-storage hydro."

His father said the projects will bring jobs and economic activity to depressed parts of the state. "I completely acknowledge we won't build all of them," he said, "but the only way you learn is if you try."
MCLEAN, VA., June 16, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

1105 Media, Inc. announces the launch of a new digital media brand for the education community: STEAM Universe (https://STEAMUniverse.com).

Produced by the editorial staff of THE Journal and Campus Technology, STEAM Universe provides education professionals news, features, tips, interviews with thought leaders, expert advice and more on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics)  the hottest topic in education technology.

STEAM Universe includes a website, eNewsletter and related media products. Topics covered include makerspace equipment and furnishings, 3D printers, robotics kits and curriculum, computer science/ coding curriculum and DIY computer kits, STEM/STEAM curriculum, professional development, lab equipment, tools for hands-on learning and more.

The national focus in education has shifted toward careers of the future, and educators have turned to hands-on learning as an exciting way to foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills in students across grades and across the curriculum, said David Nagel, Education Editorial Director for 1105 Media.

STEAM Universe provides a resource for these educators as they gather the materials, equipment and know-how to integrate STEAM learning into classrooms, libraries, labs and after-school programs.

STEAM Universe readers and subscribers will include education technology decision makers who specify and recommend STEM- and STEAM-related gear, software and services.

Charter sponsors include Acer and Connection.

Visit https://STEAMUniverse.com for more information.

About 1105 Media, Inc.

1105 Media, Inc. is a leading provider of business-to-business (B2B) media services in the ABM, big data, education technology, enterprise computing, government technology, and infrastructure markets. 1105's offerings span print and online magazines, journals, and newsletters; seminars, conferences and trade shows; training courseware; marketing services; and Web-based services.

https://1105media.com

###

Attachments:

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/98e423a6-e809-48fc-af48-7ea91e6d4998
George Hager is CEO of Genesis Healthcare, which agreed to pay $53.6 million to settle improper billing acquisitions at companies it acquired. Read more

The U.S. Justice Department said Friday that Genesis Health Inc., a major nursing home operator based in Kennett Square, will pay $53.6 million to settle six federal lawsuits and investigations alleging that companies and facilities acquired by Genesis billed the government for "medically unnecessary therapy and hospice services, and grossly substandard nursing care."

The final settlement is slightly larger than the $52.7 million Genesis estimated last summer, when the company disclosed an agreement in principal to settle the allegations, some of which date back to 2003.

The investigations involved allegations that Genesis units of companies acquired since 2012, including Skilled Healthcare Group Inc. and Sun Healthcare Group Inc., improperly billed the government for hospice services in Nevada, provided inadequate staffing at some facilities from 2005 through 2013, and violated Medicare rules for physical therapy at two subsidiaries.

The settlement includes $9.67 million for the whistle blowers who brought the cases to the government's attention.
Sometimes, I go for the easy joke and the appreciative chuckle. I have the impish humor of the Irish and the raucous appreciation for farce of the Italians. It's hard to escape the siren call of laughter. Unfortunately, when it comes at someone else's expense, without a very good reason, it isn't worth reading. Let me correct that: It's worth one quick glance, and then you can discard the contents from your mind.

On the other hand, columns that examine the human condition with both compassion and pragmatism can, with humor, make a lasting impression. So I'm going to start all over again, take a topic I broached last week with casual and biting sarcasm, and try to make something worthwhile of it. I owe it to myself, to the subject, and to you, the readers.

When I wrote last week about Colleen Campbell, I was coming from a place of outrage. I still feel that outrage when I watch the video clip of the former television broadcaster making vile and suggestive comments to a patient police officer. Nothing about those moments, captured by an amazed and opportunistic comic on a public street, makes me feel proud of my race, my gender or the quality of my city's schools. (Oops, easy humor, gotta watch that.)

I think one of the reasons I was so repulsed by what I saw, and wrote about it with the nerve endings still tingling, was because I've seen displays like that in my own life. I don't drink very much, which I suppose is an anomaly for this Italian-Irish chick, but I have a lot of experience with people who do (or did). Sometimes, they held their liquor well, and other times they were mean, vicious, bordering on the barbaric. Campbell gave me a flashback to the other times I've seen people make fools of themselves, and I suppose I found a way to get back at them through her. I'm not saying she didn't deserve the criticism. I'm just saying I should have been more honest in explaining why I had such a visceral reaction to a drunken woman badgering a gentle cop.

But I should have also used that column to talk about barbaric acts of a different sort, and I missed that chance. I won't miss it now. After my column appeared, a friend of Campbell's reached out to me with a long, heartfelt, critical email about the column. It wasn't preachy or filled with hateful language like so many of the emails I get on a regular basis. It was filled with sound reasoning, as well as an invitation to consider what life was like for Campbell in the wake of the "scandal."

She apparently has been hounded by people (like me, but worse than me) with attacks on her character, her looks, her education, her reputation and everything that matters to a person on the cusp of their prime. Some of the attacks mentioned sexual violence. It wasn't enough that she lost two jobs in the space of one evening. She essentially was forced to go into hiding in a place that, I cleverly noted, was reachable only by SEAL Team Six. I was probably not too far off on that assumption.

I should have considered that the blowback from that video would have mammoth repercussions on Campbell, because I've tasted the bitter bile from anonymous voyeurs myself. I've written this column for almost 15 years, and in a liberal city such as Philadelphia that means 15 years of unprintable comments, poisonous emails, threats to my safety, threats to others and suggestions of violence. I deleted most of them, but there is a file folder where I've kept both the email addresses and the contents of some of the most repulsive responses. The internet is a virtual catacomb, where the skeletons of human decency line the damp, mildewed walls. There are some beasts out there. (They visited again this week.)

Last week, with my column on Campbell, I inadvertently gave meat to those beasts in an attempt to find black humor in a humorless situation. A woman made a fool of herself, and was caught on camera committing career suicide. Instead of commenting on the foolishness of her acts and saying, "There but for the grace of God go I," I managed to exploit her predicament for what I still believe was a cleverly written piece that got shared on Facebook many times (yay, me!) and got me a lot of snarky mileage with readers who were also disgusted with Campbell's antics.

But I should have gone further. I should have said she might have deserved to lose her job and be ridiculed for her lapse in judgment, but she didn't deserve to be served up to the hounds of hell. Social media has an awesome, awful power, and the person who enjoys its destructive force today from a safe perch on the outside might be crushed by it tomorrow.

And that's no laughing matter.

Christine Flowers, an immigration lawyer, can be heard from 8 to 11 p.m. Sundays on WPHT-AM (1210).

Email: cflowers1961@gmail.com

Twitter: @flowerlady61
Local 98 members stand outside the Famous 4th Street Deli on primary election day, greeting Jack ONeill with signs of support, including their trademark big-head posters. Read more

The city's politically powerful Electricians union has finally endorsed Jack O'Neill.

Not for district attorney. That race ended a month ago. He lost.

No, Local 98 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers has endorsed O'Neill for another job  working for the union.

O'Neill, who served 10 years in the District Attorney's Office, was a last-minute addition to the seven-candidate May 16 Democratic primary election. He finished sixth, with 6 percent of the vote, winning three wards in Northeast Philadelphia.

O'Neill drew strong support from the building trades unions, which used an independent expenditure political action committee, Building a Better PA Fund, to spend $310,680 on media production, TV commercials, and newspaper ads.

Local 98 never formally endorsed him.

On Election Day, we asked O'Neill and Frank Keel, a Local 98 spokesman, whether the union kept its distance from the candidate because of that whole ongoing-federal-investigation-type-situation the union has been dealing with since the FBI rolled up to Local 98's headquarters last August with subpoenas and a rental truck. Both men said the absence of an endorsement had no connection to that.

Still, Local 98 sure seemed to be backing O'Neill.

A Local 98 lawyer is treasurer of Building a Better PA Fund. And the union paid for campaign signs plastered around polling places. Local 98 members escorted O'Neill and his wife around the city on Election Day, waving signs in support of his campaign.

This week, Clout got confirmation that O'Neill now works there.

"Attorney Jack O'Neill was recently hired by IBEW Local 98 as in-house legal counsel," Keel wrote in an email, "to assist the union in meeting the many demands of a rapidly changing energy industry, including electrical, solar, nuclear, and other emerging technologies,"

O'Neill's new duties do not include representing the union in the federal investigation, Keel said.

Kenney: Thats their business

Mayor Kenney on Thursday honored former Mayor John Street by attending Street's portrait-hanging ceremony in the Mayor's Reception Room.

We don't really care about that. But we will take the opportunity to recount one of our favorite City Hall story lines of recent years.

In a nutshell, Street so despises his successor, former Mayor Michael Nutter, that he waited for Kenney to assume office so he wouldn't have to attend a portrait-hanging ceremony hosted by Nutter.

"Mayor Nutter proved to be a petty, incompetent micromanager. I don't really like or respect him," Street told reporter Julia Terruso back in December.

Nutter fired back by calling the Street administration "an embarrassment to our city in the public eye and before the nation," and saying Street has "some unresolved anger issues and possibly feels underappreciated."

The result was that Garth Herrick, an award-winning artist who has painted other pols and notables, had to live with the Street portrait in his second-story Germantown art studio for more than three years.

"I have longed for a resolution and closure," the mild-mannered artist said in December.

So much drama. Clout is honestly surprised that Terruso escaped from that flame war without getting singed.

As for Kenney, he's too astute to get in the middle of the scuffle.

"I think that's their business," Kenney wisely said Thursday, "but I'm certainly honored to be able to hang his portrait."

At which point, we like to imagine, Kenney changed into the cargo-shorts-and-Bob-Marley outfit he wore to the Odunde Festival last weekend, slipped on his shades, and sauntered out of the office while listening to "Easy Skanking" on his iPhone.

Quote of the week

"Let's be honest, this is embarrassing."  State Sen. David Argall, referring to the strained brolationship between Gov. Wolf and Lt. Gov. Mike Stack, a.k.a. Detective Jadick. Argall is pushing legislation that would let gubernatorial nominees choose their running mates.

No more arranged marriages!

Staff writers Chris Brennan, William Bender, and Julia Terruso contributed to this column. Tips: clout@philly.com
For new restaurants, making a strong first impression matters. But for older restaurants that need to evolve, that strong first impression  even a very positive one  can also pose a vexing challenge.

One of the "Ten Best New Restaurants in America" from GQ magazine? Three bells in the Inquirer? Mica earned those accolades and more in 2011, when Chip Roman stepped beyond Blackfish, his steady BYOB hit in Conshohocken, to open this jewel-box tasting room in Chestnut Hill where multicourse menus ranged from $50 to $120. The contemporary cuisine itself was often stunning. But so were the prices for a neighborhood that, despite its well-to-do pedigree, hasn't always enthusiastically supported contemporary fine dining. And so, although Mica survived, it never shook its reputation as a special-occasion splurge rather than a neighborhood standby.

Enter the airy crab beignets and voracious international inspirations of makeover master Yianni Arhontoulis. The new chef-owner at Mica can bob from Peru to Texas for menu inspirations, with frequent stops at nearby Erdenheim Farm for a monthly local lamb showcase. Actually, it turns out Arhontoulis was already at Mica as its chef de cuisine, then at Blackfish and Roman's catering company before his mentor gave him the opportunity last summer to buy the restaurant. So he brings some insights to the ownership role. And with a series of subtle tweaks and a fresh infusion of culinary spontaneity, Arhontoulis, at just 29, has shown impressive maturity in guiding Mica to a compelling new phase.

In a move that might seem counterintuitive, he shed the revenue cushion of Mica's liquor license to go BYOB. But paired with some subtle adjustments to portion sizes and prices, that shift has given Mica a more reasonable aura of fair value for frequent visits, even if the entrees, which range from $24 to $34, are still plenty upscale. The menu now changes compulsively, with weekly themed tasting menu specials and constant seasonal shifts. As a result, Mica now feels more like a vibrant neighborhood restaurant that's worthy of wider notice as a destination rather than a destination the locals rarely visit.

The 52-seat set of rooms behind Mica's stone facade and storefront window have a familiar minimalist elegance, but the high wainscoting has been painted a deep peacock blue that adds a warm burst of color to the dark plank floors and bare-wood tabletops. The service is professional, pleasant, and helpful without being intrusive. The sound level is usually civilized enough for easy conversation. (A 25-seat back porch has just been opened for alfresco dining.)

But, ultimately, it is Arhontoulis' cooking that makes this fresh edition of Mica so exciting. And though his palate ranges widely, from the complimentary starter of lemony stuffed grape leaves made from his Greek family's recipe to the airy churros that can't be missed at dinner's end, Arhontoulis has a knack for dishes that show focus, novel combinations, and refined technique. I've had tuna tartare a thousand times, but never quite like this, the pink dice of fish glazed in lemon oil, then completely covered by a hydrangea-shaped bouquet of Microplaned carrot chips. The root's delicate sweet snap vividly accented the tuna's luscious softness, and then the whole combination swooned when a dashi broth infused with smoked jalapenos and roasted peanuts was poured over the top tableside. Those crab beignets arrived like hot puffs of sourdough air sealed in a crisp, then collapsed at first bite around a moist core of tarragon-scented crab stuffing. The chicken-liver tart looked like a handsome slice of pie, a precise wedge of buckwheat flour pastry topped with pink custard glazed in a sweet-tart ruby sheen of jellied rhubarb and verjus. The silky liver mousse layered through the middle was so creamy and rich, it's as close to dessert as offal will ever come.

Mica's plates are consistently beautiful, but they're not always perfect. A couple of potentially stunning dishes  the vivid green potato ramp vichyssoise with trout roe and hazelnuts, and an heirloom bean stew with bacon broth and Texas shrimp  were a little oversalted. Another dish on Mica's "From Texas With Love" menu, a crispy pork rind with chili-flared queso sauce, would have been amazing if the rind had retained more of its snappy crunch. On the "From Peru With Love" menu, the salt-cured beef with heirloom potatoes would have been more successful as an appetizer than an entree.

Of course, the globe-trotting $45 tasting menus are a clever way to keep the regulars interested in affordable midweek visits, with recent themes also popping by Morocco and Maryland. But it's not always Arhontoulis' most polished work, even if some my favorite plates here came from the Texas (chicken-fried sweetbreads) and Peru (tuna tiradito in aji limo) jaunts. There were several complete dishes elsewhere on the a la carte menu, though, to compensate for those minor flaws.

Arhontoulis' determination to make Mica more accessible has produced a couple of "safe" dishes, but they were hardly dumbed-down. The roast chicken was a paragon of crispy-juicy poultry craft, with a velvety bonus of Robuchon-inspired potato puree that is literally 30 percent butter. A thick 14-ounce cut of prime-grade rib eye steak was actually a bargain at $34, considering the quality, and Mica takes it over the top by slow-grilling the beef over coals with lots of cracked black pepper and a glaze of garlic caramel, a savory-sweet umami-booster that's one of Arhontoulis' secret weapons. A charcoal-roasted eggplant also gets the garlic-caramel treatment, then gets an Asian twist with a frothy bonito butter and furikake dusting of seaweed and sumac. The pot-roasted cauliflower crusted in vadouvan curry would have been another stellar vegetarian showcase if only it hadn't been cooked a little too soft.

For the most part, though, this kitchen exhibited finesse. A crispy-skinned branzino over cockles with curried coconut broth and carrot juice puree was pure delicacy. A whole pork shoulder, cooked to juicy perfection sous-vide for a day, was brushed with more of that garlic caramel so its mustard rub crusted into a smoky char when it was grilled to order. Sliced into sheer pink rounds on the plate beside a still life of spring vegetables, it took on new dimensions when drizzled with a vivid green cream infused with seafood and licorice root.

A lot of cheffy BYOBs expend their best efforts on the savory courses but pay little mind to dessert. Not Mica, which makes the most of just a few sweets. I ate one of the best pecan pies there since leaving the South that was rich with Erdenheim Farm eggs and blackstrap molasses, then crowned with a melting vanilla balm of house-churned ice cream. But it is Mica's churros that I keep dreaming of. It arrived as a hot coil of deep-fried dough, its grooved surface radiating sweetness beside a deep black puddle of molten chocolate. But when I broke a piece off, it was so delicate that it rarely made it to the cocoa dip, simply dissolving in my mouth like a cinnamon-sugared vapor of a fritter. I tried to be a good tablemate and not eat it all. But it was simply too persuasive. And so, just like that, with a strong finish to a pair of convincingly exciting meals, the new Mica replaced the old one in my mind with the best kind of new first impressions. Now I want to go back.
TORONTO, June 16, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cartier Iron Corporation (CSE:CFE) (Cartier Iron or the Company), is pleased to announce that it has signed a Letter Agreement to earn 55% of Incienso Property (Incienso Property or the Property), located in the Coquimbo District, III Region, Chile. The Letter Agreement pertains to 31 mining concessions owned by a Chilean private corporation, Compania Minera La Rubia S.A., that total 4,112 hectares (41.1 square km). The Property is located approximately 23 km from the coastal city of La Serena in III Region, Chile in an active exploration area, and borders Anglo American plc concessions to the West; Minera Mandalay concessions to the east; and Teck-Cominco concessions to the north and north-east.



The terms of the Letter Agreement are summarized in Table 1:

Table 1: Terms of the Letter Agreement

Stage Event Cartier La Rubia Cash Exploration Common Interest Interest Payments Spend Shares Earned Retained US$ US$ Issued 1 Sign Letter of Intent 0 % 100 % $ 15,000 2 Sign Definitive Agreement and Receive Exchange Approval 0 % 100 % $ 50,000 3 First year after Stage 2 0 % 100 % $ 50,000 $ 500,000 250,000 4 Second year after Stage 2 0 % 100 % $ 75,000 $ 500,000 250,000 5 Third year after Stage 2 0 % 100 % $ 125,000 $ 500,000 250,000 6 Fourth year after Stage 2 55 % 45 % $ 150,000 $ 500,000 250,000 Totals $ 465,000 $ 2,000,000 1,000,000

The Incienso Property hosts a series of mesothermal-epithermal veins in diorite, tonalite, and granodiorite host rock intrusions. Veins are present in two principal orientations that parallel local structural discontinuities. The northwest-southeast set of veins varies between 0.7 m to 3.0 m in true width, and have been mapped across surface exposures for up to 2.0 km. The northeast-southwest vein set has similar widths but appears to be more restricted in extent and surface exposure. Rudimentary underground development has been carried out on two of the vein zones; however, only a small amount of material has been mined, judging by the size of waste-dumps at the portals.

There are six primary exploration zones, separated by elevation and by the vein system(s) upon which they are focused. Table 2 shows results from channel/chip samples obtained across selected veins from Goldberg (2010)1. Sample widths are true widths.

We are very happy to be involved with the Incienso Property, remarked Cartier CEO Tom Larsen, and are looking forward to evaluating the Property with Minera La Rubia S.A. for real mining potential as we aggressively embark on a 2-month due diligence period.

Table 2: Summary of Historic* Channel/Chip Samples (after Goldberg, 20101)

Sector Elevation Vein Host Vein Samples m Set Rock Goldberg (2010) Campamento 610 NE-SW Granodiorite 3.94 g/t Au over 2.7m 1.25 g/t Au over 2.8m 14.0 g/t Au over 1.5m Incienso Inferior 883 NW-SE Granodiorite 2.44 g/t Au over 0.5m 43.4 g/t Au over 1.3m 8.9 g/t Au over 0.5m El Torro 887 Unknown Granodiorite 42.9 g/t Au over 1.0m 41.3 g/t Au over 0.6m 25.0 g/t Au over 1.0m Incienso Superior 994 NW-SE Granodiorite 1.1 g/t Au over 2.0m 18.1 g/t Au over 1.70m 53.5 g/t Au over 1.55m 70.6 g/t Au over 1.30m 218.4 g/t Au over 1.40m Picado Blanco 939 NW-SE Diorite 1.90 g/t Au over 1.20m 1.84 g/t Au over 0.30m 18.4 g/t Au over 0.7m Zanja Superior 1072 NW-SE Diorite 11.8 g/t Au over 0.20m 2.1 g/t Au over 0.50m 3.68 g/t Au over 0.50m *This data was sourced from an historic report.

According to the Letter Agreement, Cartier Iron has sixty days to execute a due diligence program prior to negotiating a Definitive Agreement. This work is expected to commence in early July, 2017, and will include a legal-title search with systematic property-wide reconnaissance mapping and resampling of surface and underground vein exposures.

1 Guerra, E. (2010). Informe de Avance Geologico Prospecto el Incienso. Goldberg Ltda, Las Condes, Santiago, Chile. Private Report, Minera La Rubia S.A., La Serena, Chile

About Cartier Iron Corporation

Cartier Iron is an exploration and development Company focused on discovering and developing significant iron ore resources in Quebec, and is evaluating a potentially significant gold property in Chile. The Company's iron ore projects include the Gagnon Holdings in the southern Labrador Trough region of east-central Quebec.

The technical information in this news release was prepared by Jim Steel MBA P.Geo. a Qualified Person under NI 43-101 standards.

Please visit Cartier Iron's website at www.cartieriron.com.

The CSE has not reviewed nor accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Statements in this release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements and readers are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance, and that actual developments or results, may vary materially from those in these forward-looking statements.
TORONTO, June 16, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- IC Potash Corp. (TSX:ICP) (OTCQB:ICPTF) (IC Potash or the Company) is pleased to announce a non-brokered offering of up to 20,000,000 units of the Company (the Units) at a price of $0.05 per Unit for aggregate gross proceeds of up to $1,000,000 (the Offering).



Each Unit will consist of (i) one common share of the Company (a Common Share); and (ii) one common share purchase warrant (a Warrant). Each Warrant will entitle the holder to acquire one additional Common Share at an exercise price of $0.08 for a period of 12 months from the Closing Date (as defined below), provided that if, at any time after the date which is four months and one day following the Closing Date, the volume weighted average price of the Common Shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange (the TSX) is equal to or exceeds $0.18 for 20 consecutive trading days, the Company may accelerate the expiry date of the Warrants, in which event the Warrants will expire upon the date (the Accelerated Expiry Date) which is 30 days following the dissemination of a press release by the Company announcing the Accelerated Expiry Date.

IC Potash intends to use the net proceeds for working capital purposes. The Offering is expected to close on or about June 27, 2017 (the Closing Date) and is subject to customary closing conditions, including the approval of the TSX. Securities issued under the Offering will be subject to a hold period, which will expire four months and one day from the Closing Date.

The Company may pay finders fees to certain qualified eligible persons assisting the Company in the Offering in an amount equal to 7% of the gross proceeds raised by such finders. The Company may also issue such number of broker warrants (Broker Warrants) to qualified eligible persons as is equal to 7% of the aggregate number of Units sold by such finders, each such Broker Warrant entitling the holder to acquire one Common Share for a period of 12 months at an exercise price equal to $0.06.

About IC Potash Corp.

IC Potash has previously demonstrated a method to make Sulfate of Potash (SOP) from the Ochoa polyhalite deposit in Southeast New Mexico in which it has an interest and is currently examining ways to become a low-cost fertilizer producer. The current review of the Ochoa projects existing feasibility study is being extended to determine a viable positive economic path to the production of direct application polyhalite. The Ochoa project has access to excellent local labor resources, low-cost electricity and natural gas, water, rail lines, and the Port of Galveston, Texas. The Ochoa projects land holdings consist of nearly 90,000 acres of potassium prospecting permits and mining leases issued by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management and State of New Mexico. For more information, please visit www.icpotash.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain information set forth in this news release may contain forward-looking statements that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of IC Potash to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include statements that use forward-looking terminology such as may, will, expect, anticipate, believe, continue, potential or the negative thereof or other variations thereof or comparable terminology. Such forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding trends in the markets for Sulfate of Potash and polyhalite, the timing for completion of an updated feasibility study by the Company, the Companys intention to investigate the feasibility of polyhalite product production, the potential value of water resources and other statements that are not historical facts. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the control of IC Potash, including, but not limited to, changes in market trends, the completion, results and timing of studies undertaken by IC Potash, risks associated with mineral exploration and mining activities, the impact of general economic conditions, commodity prices, industry conditions, dependence upon regulatory and environmental approvals, the uncertainty of obtaining additional financing, and risks associated with turning reserves into product. Readers are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements.
TORONTO, June 16, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- dynaCERT Inc. (TSX VENTURE:DYA) (OTCQB:DYFSF) ("dynaCERT" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the company has signed multiple dealership agreements in Europe. These dealers are located in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Benelux, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom, France and Slovenia.



The dealers will stock and resell the HydraGEN products in their local markets. Some dealers will provide installation services in dedicated facilities where their clients will simply drive up to get an HG1 unit installed on their truck.

Hoer & Hoer GreenTech, the dealer for Germany and Switzerland, has already placed its first order. Hoer & Hoer GreenTech is also supporting dynaCERT in the homologation process of the HydraGEN technology with the German and European Union authorities to obtain certification for transport use.

Juergen Hoer, Hoer & Hoer GreenTechs Sales Manager, states, This is a great opportunity for us to be chosen to market the HydraGEN technology in the largest market within the European Union. We are excited about the technologys future capabilities, especially the fact that we are helping our customers reduce their environmental footprint.

We have worked hard to set up a strong dealer team in central Europe where there are over 25 million diesel trucks currently in use. These initial dealers will bring the HydraGEN brand within sight of hundreds of trucking companies, commented Enrico Schaepfer, VP of Global Sales.

Robert Maier, COO of dynaCERT, states, Our additional manufacturing hall will be ready to meet the ramp up for North American and European demand.

About dynaCERT Inc.

dynaCERT Inc. manufactures, distributes, and installs Carbon Emission Reduction Technology for use with internal combustion engines. Our patent-pending technology creates hydrogen and oxygen on-demand through electrolysis and supplies these additives through the air intake to enhance combustion, resulting in lower carbon emissions and greater fuel efficiency. Our technology is currently in use with on-road applications. Website: www.dynaCERT.com.

READER ADVISORY

Except for statements of historical fact, this news release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law. Forward-looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. In particular, forward-looking information in this press release includes, but is not limited to periodic updates of results, testing programs and results, negotiations with third parties concerning potential business transactions, and the timing of certain going forward projects. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. We cannot guarantee future results, performance or achievements. Consequently, there is no representation that the actual results achieved will be the same, in whole or in part, as those set out in the forward-looking information.

Forward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made, and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking information. Some of the risks and other factors that could cause the results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking information include, but are not limited to: uncertainty as to whether our strategies and business plans will yield the expected benefits; availability and cost of capital; the ability to identify and develop and achieve commercial success for new products and technologies; the level of expenditures necessary to maintain and improve the quality of products and services; changes in technology and changes in laws and regulations; the uncertainty of the emerging hydrogen economy; including the hydrogen economy moving at a pace not anticipated; our ability to secure and maintain strategic relationships and distribution agreements; and the other risk factors disclosed under our profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Readers are cautioned that this list of risk factors should not be construed as exhaustive.

The forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. We undertake no duty to update any of the forward-looking information to conform such information to actual results or to changes in our expectations except as otherwise required by applicable securities legislation. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

Neither 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 the release.

On Behalf of the Board

Murray James Payne, CEO


NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, IN OR INTO ANY JURISDICTION WHERE TO DO SO WOULD CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF THE RELEVANT LAWS OF SUCH JURISDICTION

THIS ANNOUNCEMENT CONTAINS INSIDE INFORMATION

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

16 June 2017

Recommended Combination

of

Mariana Resources Limited ("Mariana")

and

Sandstorm Gold Ltd ("Sandstorm")

Results of Court Meeting, Extraordinary General Meeting, and Annual General Meeting

The Board of Directors of Mariana is pleased to announce that, at the Guernsey Court Meeting and the Extraordinary General Meeting held earlier today in connection with the recommended combination of Mariana (AIM/TSXV: MARL) with Sandstorm (TSX: SSL and NYSE MKT: SAND) (the "Combination"), (which is to be implemented by way of a court-sanctioned scheme of arrangement under Part VIII of the Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008) (the "Scheme"), Mariana Shareholders voted to:

 Approve the Scheme by the requisite majorities at the Guernsey Court Meeting;

 Pass the Special Resolution in connection with the approval of the Scheme and the amendment of the Mariana Articles at the Extraordinary General Meeting; and

 Pass the Ordinary Resolution in connection with the implementation of the Retention Arrangements at the Extraordinary General Meeting.

Voting results of the Annual General Meeting

All resolutions proposed at the Annual General Meeting were passed by shareholders.

Details of the resolutions passed at the Guernsey Court Meeting, Extraordinary General Meeting and Annual General Meeting are set out in the notices contained in the scheme document dated 15 May 2017 that was sent to Mariana Shareholders (the "Scheme Document"), which is available on Mariana's website at www.marianaresources.com and available on SEDAR under Mariana's profile at www.sedar.com.

Voting results of the Guernsey Court Meeting

The resolution proposed at the Guernsey Court Meeting, was decided on a poll. A majority in number of those Scheme Shareholders present and voting, either in person or by proxy, representing approximately 96.3 per cent. in value of all Scheme Shares in respect of which votes were cast, voted in favour of the Scheme. Accordingly, the resolution proposed at the Guernsey Court Meeting was duly passed on a poll vote The voting of those Scheme Shareholders who cast votes either in person or by proxy at the Guernsey Court Meeting was as follows:

Number of Scheme Shares voted Percentage of Scheme Shares voted Number of Scheme Shareholders who voted Percentage of Scheme Shareholders who voted Number of Scheme Shares voted as a percentage of issued ordinary share capital entitled to vote on the Scheme FOR 40,984,067 96.3% 57 90.5% 33.0% AGAINST 1,583,551 3.7% 6 9.5% 1.3% TOTAL 42,567,618 100.0% 63 100.0% 34.3%

Voting results of the Extraordinary General Meeting

At the Extraordinary General Meeting, the Special Resolution and the Ordinary Resolution were decided on a poll vote and duly passed. The voting of those Mariana Shareholders who cast votes either in person or by proxy at the Extraordinary General Meeting was as follows:

Special Resolution

Number of votes Percentage of votes FOR 32,680,763 94.9% AGAINST 1,767,969 5.1% TOTAL 34,448,732 100.0% WITHHELD * 17,094

Ordinary Resolution

Number of votes Percentage of votes FOR 30,431,704 94.5% AGAINST 1,767,969 5.5% TOTAL 32,199,673 100.0% WITHHELD * 2,266,153

* A vote withheld is not a vote in law and counts neither "For" nor "Against" the Special Resolution or the Ordinary Resolution.

Each of the Scheme and the Special Resolution were approved by a simple majority of the votes cast thereon by the shareholders present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote at each of the Guernsey Court Meeting and the Extraordinary General Meeting, respectively, after excluding Mariana shares beneficially owned or over which control or direction is exercised by such persons whose votes were not included in determining minority approval pursuant to Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101").

Guernsey Court Hearing

In order to become effective, the Guernsey Court will need to sanction the Scheme at the Guernsey Court Hearing. It is anticipated that the Guernsey Court Hearing will be held on or around 26 June 2017 and that the Scheme will become effective on or around 29 June 2017.

Expected Timetable of Events and Next Steps

Completion of the Combination remains subject to the satisfaction or (if capable of waiver) waiver of the remaining Conditions, including the aforementioned sanction of the Scheme.

The Government of the Republic of Cote d'Ivoire has confirmed that no regulatory consents are required as a result of the Combination.

A full list of the Conditions to the implementation of the Combination is included in the Scheme Document.

Mariana Optionholders and Mariana Warrantholders are reminded that they should also review the letters dated 18 May 2017 sent to them by Mariana regarding the effects of the proposed combination of Mariana and Sandstorm on their options (in the case of Mariana Optionsholders) and Mariana Warrants (in the case of Mariana Warrantholders) and the proposals made to them in relation to such options and Mariana Warrants. Mariana Optionholders and Mariana Warrantholders must, if they wish to take advantage of those proposals, give notice to Mariana by, at the very latest, the Scheme Record Time (being 5.00 p.m. (UK time) on 28 June 2017). Copies of the letters to Mariana Optionholders and Mariana Warrantholders are available at Mariana's website at www.marianaresources.com

It is intended that dealings in Mariana Shares on AIM will be suspended at 7.30 a.m. on 26 June 2017 and that trading on TSXV will halt prior to markets opening in Canada on 26 June 2017. The last day for dealings in, and for registration of transfers in Mariana Shares will therefore be 23 June 2017. If the Guernsey Court sanctions the Scheme it is intended that Sandstorm will procure that Mariana makes an application to cancel the admission to trading of Mariana Shares on AIM, to take effect on or around 30 June 2017, and it is anticipated that the Mariana Shares will be delisted from TSXV as soon as practicable on or after 29 June 2017. The record date for determining the holders of Mariana Shares entitled to receive consideration pursuant to the Scheme, and the record date for calculation of consideration payable, is expected to be 28 June 2017. The Scheme will become effective on or around 29 June 2017. The above dates are indicative only and will depend, among other things, on the dates upon which the Guernsey Court sanctions the Scheme. Mariana will announce any changes to these dates through a Regulatory Information Service.

The expected timetable of remaining principal events is attached as an appendix to this announcement.

Following the results of the passing of the resolutions at the Extraordinary General Meeting, the retention letters between Sandstorm and Glen Parsons and Eric Roth have been completed, details of which were included in the Scheme Document.

Each of the directors of Mariana have also entered into termination agreements with respect to their employment, which terminations are to take effect on the Effective Date of the proposed Combination, on terms that they will each receive accrual fees, payment for notice periods and expenses due under their respective appointment agreements, in each case in compensation for termination of employment and/or loss of office.

It is further anticipated that each of Glen Parsons, John Horsburgh, and Ron Ho may remain Mariana Directors after the Effective Date during the transitional period in order to assist with the continued operation of Mariana on terms to be agreed (in the case of Glen Parsons and, if relevant, in addition to his Retention Arrangement).

All references to time in this announcement are to London time unless otherwise stated. Capitalised terms in this announcement, unless otherwise defined, have the meaning given to them in the Scheme Document.

For more information please contact:

Mariana

John Horsburgh, Independent Chairman and Non-Executive Director

Glen Parsons, CEO

Karen Davies, Head of Investor Relations



+61 2 8437 4588







RFC Ambrian Limited (Financial Adviser to Mariana)

Stephen Allen

Bhavesh Patel



+44 (0) 20 3440 6800







Raymond James Ltd. (Canadian Financial Adviser to Mariana)

John Willet

Craig McDougal



+1 416 777 7000



Blytheweigh (PR Adviser to Mariana)

Tim Blythe

Camilla Horsfall

Megan Ray +44 (0) 207 138 3224



Sandstorm

Nolan Watson, President & CEO

Adam Spencer, Senior Vice President, Corporate Development

Denver Harris, Investor Relations







+1 604 689 0234

+1 416 238 1152

+1 604 628 1178 KPMG LLP (Financial Adviser to Sandstorm)

Helen Roxburgh

Michael Nicholson



+44 (0) 207 311 1000



IMPORTANT NOTICE

RFC Ambrian Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the FCA, is acting exclusively for Mariana and noone else in connection with the Combination and will not be responsible to anyone other than Mariana for providing the protections afforded to clients of RFC Ambrian Limited nor for providing advice in relation to the Combination or any other matters referred to in this announcement.

Raymond James Ltd. is acting exclusively as Canadian financial adviser to Mariana and to the Mariana Independent Directors, and noone else in connection with the Combination and will not be responsible to anyone other than Mariana for providing the protections afforded to clients of Raymond James Ltd. nor for providing advice in relation to the Combination or any other matters referred to in this announcement.

KPMG LLP, which is authorised and regulated in the UK by the FCA, is acting exclusively as financial adviser to Sandstorm in relation to the Combination, and is not acting for any other person in relation to such Combination. KPMG LLP will not be responsible to anyone other than Sandstorm for providing the protections afforded to its clients nor for providing advice in relation to the Combination or any other matters referred to in this announcement or otherwise.

Further information

This announcement is not intended to and does not constitute, or form part of, an offer, invitation or the solicitation of an offer to purchase, otherwise acquire, subscribe for, sell or otherwise dispose of any securities, or the solicitation of any vote or approval in any jurisdiction, pursuant to the Combination or otherwise, nor shall there be any sale, issuance or transfer of securities of Mariana in any jurisdiction in contravention of applicable law. The Combination is being made solely by means of the Scheme Document, which contains the full terms and conditions of the Combination including details of how to vote in respect of the Scheme

Overseas jurisdictions

The availability of the Combination to Mariana Shareholders who are not resident in and citizens of the UK or Guernsey may be affected by the laws of the relevant jurisdictions in which they are located or of which they are citizens. Persons who are not resident in the UK or Guernsey should inform themselves of, and observe, any applicable tax, legal or regulatory requirements of their jurisdictions. Relevant clearances have not been, and will not be, obtained from the securities commission or similar regulatory authority of any province or territory of Canada. Further details in relation to overseas shareholders will be contained in the Scheme Document.

The release, publication or distribution of this announcement in or into jurisdictions other than the UK or Guernsey may be restricted by law and therefore any persons who are subject to the law of any jurisdiction other than the UK or Guernsey should inform themselves about, and observe, any applicable requirements. Any failure to comply with the applicable restrictions may constitute a violation of the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the companies and persons involved in the Combination disclaim any responsibility or liability for the violation of such restrictions by any person. This announcement has been prepared for the purposes of complying with English law, Guernsey law, certain applicable Canadian securities laws, the AIM Rules, the policies of the TSXV, the rules of the London Stock Exchange and the Code and the information disclosed may not be the same as that which would have been disclosed if this announcement had been prepared in accordance with the laws of jurisdictions outside of England or Guernsey.

Copies of this announcement and the formal documentation relating to the Scheme and the Combination will not be, and must not be, mailed or otherwise forwarded, distributed or sent in, into or from any Restricted Jurisdiction or any jurisdiction where to do so would violate the laws of that jurisdiction.

Notice to US Holders, US Optionholders and US Warrantholders

The Combination and the securities to be issued in connection with the Combination have not been approved or disapproved by the SEC or the securities regulatory authority of any state of the United States, nor has the SEC or any such state securities regulatory authority passed upon the fairness or merits of the Combination or upon the accuracy or adequacy of this announcement. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offence. This announcement does not constitute, or form part of, any offer to sell or the solicitation of any offer to buy any securities, nor will there be any purchase or transfer of the securities referred to in this document in any jurisdiction in contravention of applicable law or regulation.

The New Sandstorm Shares to be received by Mariana Shareholders in exchange for their Mariana Shares pursuant to the Combination have not been, and will not be, registered under the Securities Act or the securities laws of any state, district or other jurisdiction of the United States, and such securities are intended to be issued in reliance upon the exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act set forth in Section 3(a)(10) thereof on the basis of the approval of the Guernsey Court, which will be informed of the intention to rely upon such exemption, and similar exemptions under applicable state securities laws.

Following the Combination, Mariana Options and Mariana Warrants will remain outstanding under their terms and any securities issuable upon exercise thereof have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act or applicable state securities laws. As a result, Mariana Options and Mariana Warrants may not be exercised in the United States or by or on behalf of a US Optionholder or US Warrantholder, as applicable, nor may any New Sandstorm Shares issued upon such exercise be offered or resold in the United States or to or for the account of such a US holder, except pursuant to the terms of such security and pursuant to a registration statement under the U.S. Securities Act or an exemption from applicable registration requirements or in a transaction not subject to the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws.

Information in this announcement or in the documents incorporated by reference herein concerning the properties and operations of Sandstorm and of Mariana has been prepared in accordance with requirements and standards under securities laws, which differ from the requirements of US securities laws. As such, certain information contained in the Announcement, the Scheme Document or in the documents incorporated by reference herein or therein concerning descriptions of mineralization and mineral resources under these standards may not be comparable to similar information made public by US companies subject to reporting and disclosure requirements of the SEC. In addition, the financial information of Mariana and Sandstorm has been prepared in accordance with reporting standards which differs from US GAAP in certain material respects, and thus are not directly comparable to financial statements prepared in accordance with US GAAP.

US Holders should be aware that the Combination described in this announcement may have tax consequences in the United States and should consult their own tax advisors to determine the particular United States tax consequences to them of the Combination in light of their particular situation, as well as any tax consequences that may arise under the laws of any other relevant foreign, state, local, or other taxing jurisdiction.

The enforcement by investors of civil liabilities under the United States federal and state securities laws may be affected adversely by the fact that Sandstorm and Mariana are incorporated or organized under the laws of a jurisdiction other than the United States, that some or all of their officers and directors are and will be residents of countries other than the United States and that all or a substantial portion of the assets of Sandstorm and Mariana are and will be located outside the United States. As a result, it may be difficult or impossible for US Holders (including US Optionholders and US Warrantholders) to effect service of process within the United States upon Sandstorm or Mariana, as applicable, or their respective officers or directors or to realize, against them, upon judgments of courts of the United States predicated upon civil liabilities under the federal securities laws of the United States or applicable securities laws of any state within the United States. In addition, US Holders (including US Optionholders and US Warrantholders) should not assume that the courts of Guernsey: (a) would enforce judgments of United States courts obtained in actions against such persons predicated upon civil liabilities under the federal securities laws of the United States or applicable securities laws of any state within the United States; or (b) would enforce, in original actions, liabilities against such persons predicated upon civil liabilities under the federal securities laws of the United States or applicable securities laws of any state within the United States.

Notice to Canadian Holders

The enforcement by investors of civil liabilities under the Canadian securities laws may be affected adversely by the fact that Mariana is incorporated or organized under the laws of a jurisdiction other than Canada, that some or all of Sandstorm's and Mariana's officers and directors are and will be residents of countries other than Canada and that all or a substantial portion of the assets of Sandstorm and Mariana are and will be located outside Canada. As a result, it may be difficult or impossible for Canadian Holders to effect service of process within Canada upon Mariana or Sandstorm, as applicable, or their respective officers or directors or to realize, against them, upon judgments of courts of Canada predicated upon liabilities under Canadian securities laws. In addition, Canadian Holders should not assume that the courts of Guernsey: (a) would enforce judgments of Canadian courts obtained in actions against such persons predicated upon civil liabilities under Canadian securities laws; or (b) would enforce, in original actions, liabilities against such persons predicated upon civil liabilities under the Canadian securities laws.

The New Sandstorm Shares to be issued pursuant to the Combination will be issued in reliance upon exemptions from the prospectus requirements of securities legislation in each province of Canada. Subject to certain disclosure and regulatory requirements and to customary restrictions applicable to distributions of shares that constitute "control distributions", New Sandstorm Shares may be resold in each province and territory in Canada, subject in certain circumstances, to the usual conditions that no unusual effort has been made to prepare the market or to create demand, no extraordinary commission or consideration is paid and, if the selling shareholder is an insider or officer of Sandstorm, such shareholder has no reasonable grounds to believe that Sandstorm is in default of securities legislation.

Canadian Holders should be aware that the Combination described in this announcement may have tax consequences in Canada and should consult their own tax advisors to determine the particular Canadian tax consequences to them of the Combination in light of their particular circumstances, as well as any tax consequences that may arise under the laws of any other relevant foreign, state, local, or other taxing jurisdiction.

Publication on website and SEDAR

In accordance with Rule 26.1 of the Code, a copy of this announcement will be made available, subject to certain restrictions relating to persons resident in Restricted Jurisdictions, on Sandstorm's website at http://www.sandstormgold.com and Mariana's website at http://www.marianaresources.com by no later than 12 noon (London time) on the Business Day following this announcement. For the avoidance of doubt, the contents of these websites are not incorporated by reference and do not form part of this announcement.

This announcement will also be available on SEDAR under Mariana's profile at www.sedar.com.

Requesting hard copy documents

In accordance with Rule 30.3 of the Code, a person so entitled may request a hard copy of this announcement by contacting RFC Ambrian Limited during business hours on +44 (0)203 440 6800 or by submitting a request in writing to RFC Ambrian Limited at Level 5, Condor House, 10 St Paul's Churchyard, London, EC4M 8AL. For persons who receive a copy of this announcement in electronic form or via a website notification, a hard copy of this announcement will not be sent unless so requested. You may also request that all future documents, announcements and information to be sent to you in relation to the Combination should be in hard copy form.

Advisory

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.

The issuance of the New Sandstorm Shares, including those issuable on exercise of any Mariana Warrants and the Mariana Options on a post-closing basis, is subject to approval by the TSX and the NYSE MKT.

APPENDIX

EXPECTED TIMETABLE OF PRINCIPAL EVENTS
Longmont, Colorado, June 16, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- First Nations Development Institute (First Nations), with the generous support of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, recently awarded nine grants totaling $122,900 to Native tribes and organizations to conduct food sovereignty assessments in their respective communities, in order to gain more knowledge and understanding about the historical, current and future state of their local food systems. The assessment results will be used to develop plans to increase local control of food systems to better address community health issues, build the local economies, and help preserve Native cultures.



Also referred to as a community food assessment, a food sovereignty assessment is a collaborative and participative process that systematically examines a range of community food assets in order to inform social and economic change and begin the process of strengthening a food system. The assessment takes a solutions-oriented approach that looks at assets and resources as well as problems. The process has the potential to truly promote local food-system control by increasing knowledge about food-related needs and resources, and by building collaboration and capacity.

First Nations recognizes that Native food systems are important assets to Native communities, and that control of those systems can eliminate food insecurity, improve the health and nutrition of community members and, most importantly, serve as a mechanism for entrepreneurship and economic development. Like most assets of Native people, Native food systems have been altered, colonized and, in some cases, destroyed. Reclaiming control over local food systems promotes healthy Native communities, economies and people.

The new grantees are:

Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma , Concho, Oklahoma, $10,400

, Concho, Oklahoma, $10,400 Chugach Regional Resources Commission , Anchorage, Alaska, $15,000

, Anchorage, Alaska, $15,000 Nipmuc Indian Development Corporation , Grafton Massachusetts, $10,000

, Grafton Massachusetts, $10,000 Ogema Organics , Callaway, Minnesota, $15,000

, Callaway, Minnesota, $15,000 Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma , Pawnee, Oklahoma, $15,000

, Pawnee, Oklahoma, $15,000 Pueblo of Jemez , Jemez Pueblo, New Mexico, $14,000

, Jemez Pueblo, New Mexico, $14,000 Red Willow Center , Taos, New Mexico, $15,000

, Taos, New Mexico, $15,000 Santa Clara Pueblo , Espanola, New Mexico, $13,500

, Espanola, New Mexico, $13,500 Sust`ainable Molokai, Kaunakakai, Hawaii, $15,000

About First Nations Development Institute

For more than 36 years, using a three-pronged strategy of educating grassroots practitioners, advocating for systemic change, and capitalizing Indian communities, First Nations has been working to restore Native American control and culturally-compatible stewardship of the assets they own  be they land, human potential, cultural heritage, or natural resources  and to establish new assets for ensuring the long-term vitality of Native American communities. First Nations serves Native American communities throughout the United States. For more information, visit www.firstnations.org.

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Dinner with Japan Model Sugai Misa in Tokyo

Ever wonder how is the experience to dine with a Playboy Japan gravure model? Well, this is a new experience you can do from now until May 2019 in Tokyo Japan!

Japan Weekly Playboy or better known as Shupure in Japanese is a weekly magazine since 1966. To celebrate their 50th year in the business, Weekly Playboy is giving customers to chance to drink and dine with their most popular gravure models in a new bar called the Shupure Bar in Kabukicho Tokyo.

Please take note that Weekly Playboy in Japan is not related to the American version of Playboy.

What is a Japan Gravure Model or Idol?

Japan gravure models or idols are sexier than regular models but they do not pose for nudity. They can be labelled as famous sexy models or idols and usually they have their own fanbase. Thus, they usually appear in magazines and also their own DVDs which is a very popular culture in Japan.

The drink and dine with Playboy Japan gravure model started on 10th June at Shupure Bar and coincidently I was in Tokyo on the same week so I took the chance to book a seat with model Sugai Misa. I tagged along my friend and he helped out in booking our seats and also volunteered to become my translator for the evening.

Depending on dates, there is at least one or two models per evening. There are three sessions of one hour session with the model and there will be maximum of five persons per session. One session includes drinks and food and it will be served by the model. One hour session per person cost 10,800 Yen with taxes. They accept cash only. You have to book on their website for session availability and we were lucky to get seats for idol Sugai Misa.

The Shupure Bar is located within the busy streets of Kabukicho, Shinjuku. The bar is located on the fifth floor of WaMall Kabukicho. We were there early and we were seated outside of the restaurant and waiting for our session at 9pm.

Before the drink and dining session with Japanese gravure model, we went for a short briefing by the representative of Weekly Playboy Japan.

There are strict rules for drink and dining with Japanese gravure model. First of all, there is no photography from the customers but you can request for Polaroid picture with the model from 1000 Yen per Polaroid with the maximum of 4 Polaroids. Thus, the representative from Weekly Playboy Japan will assist the model during the one hour session and she can speak English as well.

The drink and dining session happened in a hidden bar within the restaurant. There are five persons per session so we were seated with three locals. They are big fan of Sugai Misa as I was told.

Before I booked the session, I did a research on model Sugai Misa and she was featured in Weekly Playboy Japan no 18 in 2016. You can see the pictures here.

Thus, we were pretty excited to meet Ms. Sugai Misa in person and she appeared from the bottom of the other side of the bar and she surprised us. She looked slightly different from the pictures of Weekly Playboy as she looks slimmer in person.

The first impression of her is she is the girl next door type of girl. She is cute and pretty but not that super sexy or lustful type of girl that you expect.

She is very cheerful and friendly and she tries to talk and entertain five of us from time to time. The drink and dine session is also sponsored by Suntory Strong Zero series so guests can order unlimited drinks within one hour. The dinner includes five courses of small dishes.

The Suntory Strong Zero is truly enjoyable while the food is mediocre. We get to ask Ms. Misa about her real life as a Japan gravure model. She also mentioned to us her new projects, magazine shoots and her new DVDs.

She also shared her dreams and ambitions as a gravure model and also what she plans to achieve.

The conversation turns interesting when she found out that we are Malaysians and I am actually a blogger. Hence, I told her my intention to blog about the whole experience and her manager agreed for me to take pictures of her for this story. This is how I get the exclusivity to take her pictures with my camera and phone.

The whole drink and dining experience with Ms. Misa is an unforgettable affair. Her sharing of her passion as a gravure model gives us a different insight of Japanese model/idol culture.

This is probably one of the most interesting experiences in my travel life. Thank you, my friend (who wants to remain anonymous) for being my translator and it was a big help.

Lastly, we would to thank Ms. Megumi for helping us out during the session and Ms. Misa for the short interview (which we will publish soon).

You can book your session with your preferred gravure model at http://shupure-sakaba.jp/. This drink and dine experience with Playboy Japan gravure models will end May 2018. This is one of your lifetime chances to meet them up close and personal and we highly recommend it. Remember, most of them dont speak English so do find a friend who can speak Japanese. Popular gravure models are usually high in demand and fully booked in advance. Book early to avoid disappointment. This is one of the unique experiences you must try in Tokyo Japan.

Shupure Bar /  Address:

Tokyo-to, Shinjuku-ku, Kabukicho 1-18-9 WaMall Kabukicho 5F

1-18-9 WaMall 5F

This is not a sponsored post.

.

Wilson Ng A Father and traveler who enjoys to eat, shop, travel and taking pictures with Samsung S22 Ultra and Sony ZV-1. Im a full time blogger, youtuber and father for two. I used to travel around 17 International trips per year but now staying at home. Remember to follow us at www.instagram.com/placesandfoods and www.youtube.com/placesandfoods. For advertisements or features, contact me at [email protected] See author's posts
TORONTO, June 16, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Architects and EIFS industry professionals gathered on the night of June 13th in Toronto to celebrate the Finalist and Grand Prize Award Winners of the 2016-17 ECC Architectural Design Awards. At the event the EIFS Council of Canada announced Mr. Barrie Ottenbreit and his team at Number TEN Architectural Group as the Grand Prize Award Winner from among the four finalists.

The ECC Architectural Design Awards Program received submissions from a variety of projects across Canada. The finalist projects exhibited excellence in the areas of design, contribution to community, sustainability and the innovative use of EIFS. The project finalists are as follows:

Seton Marriot Hotels, Calgary, AB  Don Dessario, NORR Architects, Engineers, Planners

1 st Avenue Residence, Montreal, QC  Guillaume Marcoux, Architecture Microclimat

Avenue Residence, Montreal, QC  Guillaume Marcoux, Architecture Microclimat Wilsons Walk, Victoria, BC  Paul Hammond, Low Hammond Rowe Architects

Enchokay Birchstick School, Pikangikum, ON  Barrie Ottenbreit, Number TEN Architectural Group

The Enchokay Birchstick School was unanimously selected by the Judging Panel as the Grand Prize Winner from the four finalists. Mr. Michael Sigurdson from Number TEN Architectural Group was present to accept the Award on behalf of his firm.

The Judging Panel could easily see that the Enchokay Birchstick School has become a vital part of the Pikangikum community, says Dr. Ted Kesik, the representative for the Awards Judging Panel, The original school was destroyed by a fire in 2007 and students were attending classes out of temporary portable classrooms. The new school is a focal point for the community and also serves as a gathering space.

We are indeed pleased to have the Enchokay Birchstick School as our inaugural Grand Prize Winner, said John M. Garbin, President and CEO of the ECC, This is an exemplary project. It presents a new way of building schools and responding to the harsh climate, remote location while at the same time respecting the distinct and proud culture of Pikangikum.

For more information about the ECC Architectural Design Awards Program, please contact eifsawards@eifscouncil.org

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f92c3b3b-f408-4cbb-90d4-df369873d5dd

http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6d3c6728-1d4a-4abb-b94e-7f43f7afc1cf

The ECC Architectural Design Awards Program was established to recognize design professionals and firms which incorporate EIFS products into innovative and creative built projects. The goal of the ECC Awards Program is to create a new benchmark in EIFS construction, and will help professionals to achieve Canadas national objective of creating resilient, sustainable buildings.

The EIFS Council of Canada (ECC) was formed to represent the Canadian EIFS (Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems) industry across Canada and all its user sectors. The EIFS Council looks back over the industrys 40-year history in Canada to chart the course forward  advancing innovation balanced with preservation and supported by independent and government validation. The ECC serves as the "official voice" of the EIFS industry with a mandate to provide for the advancement and growth of the industry across the country, through advocacy, education and marketing.
WASHINGTON, D.C., June 16, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Avascent, the leading global aerospace, defense and government consultancy, is pleased to announce that Toshihisa (Toshi) Nabeta has joined the firm to launch its Japanese operations. Toshi brings deep expertise to the position with over 28 years of strategic and programmatic business development experience in Japans defense, aerospace, and industrial sectors.



We are extremely pleased to have Toshi lead our day-to-day Japan operations, said Steve Irwin, President of Avascent. With his experience and understanding of the unique opportunities and challenges in Japan, Toshi will help us serve our Japanese, US and European clients more effectively as they chart their own global strategies.

Mr. Nabeta has specific defense and aerospace industry experience in the areas of space systems, C4ISR and other integrated defense systems, ballistic missile defense, cyber security, robotics, and the Internet of Things (IoT). Immediately prior to Avascent, Mr. Nabeta supported efforts to promote business innovation within the Machinery Group of Mitsubishi Corporation. Previously, Mr. Nabeta gained broad experience working with US companies while assigned to the Mitsubishi International Corporations Boston office for six years.

Mr. Nabeta holds an M.S. in National Resource Strategy from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces (currently known as the Eisenhower School) of the National Defense University of the United States and a B.A. in Commerce from Hitotsubashi University of Japan.

I am pleased to join Avascent at this important time in the development of Japans Aerospace and Defense sector, added Mr. Nabeta. Japan has deep reservoirs of technology and talent that can help contribute to a more secure and prosperous world.

Avascents Tokyo operations build on the extensive work the company has done in the region under the leadership of Steve Ganyard, President of Avascent Global Advisors. I am excited to welcome Toshi to Avascent and to grow our ability to serve clients in Japan, commented Mr. Ganyard, who has worked with clients across the region over the past five years on issues including aerospace, high technology, space, cyber, and public safety. Mr. Ganyard continued, Strategically, economically, industrially and technologically, East Asia is a critical playing field and I am pleased that we are able to further strengthen our ability to serve corporate and government clients in the region and beyond.

ABOUT AVASCENT

Avascent is the leading strategy consulting and analytics firm serving clients operating in government-driven markets. Working with corporate leaders and financial investors, Avascent delivers sophisticated, fact-based solutions in the areas of strategic growth, value capture, and mergers and acquisitions support. With deep sector expertise, analytically rigorous consulting methodologies, and a uniquely flexible service model, Avascent provides clients with the insights and advice they need to succeed in dynamic customer environments. To find out more about Avascent, visit: avascent.com.
The civilian definition of emotional stress as defined by Merriam-Webster is "A state of mental tension and worry caused by problems in your life, work, etc. or something that causes strong feelings of worry or anxiety." But there's another Photo: Police File definition of stress as defined by Urban Dictionary (and my father) that specifically applies to law enforcement: "The confusion caused when one's mind overrides the body's natural desire to choke the living shit out of some asshole that desperately needs it."

Stress and its effects on officers have been some of the most discussed topics in law enforcement over the past few years. And the stress level of officers is only increasing as society's scrutiny of police increases.

Most departments have policies that prohibit officers from talking to the media. So when a member of the public videos an officer using force and decries that action as "excessive" to the media, the officer can't present his or her side of the story. These officers, their colleagues, and their families have to watch as they are vilified and tried 1,000 times by civilians who know nothing about law enforcement and aren't ever going to be exposed to the facts.

Human Design

Somewhere things got horribly turned around and officers became the villains, and the perpetrators the heroes. That is making law enforcement a much more stressful profession.

Dr. Judith Herman addresses this phenomenon in her book, "Trauma and Recovery," when she states, "when the events are natural disasters or 'acts of God,' those who bear witness sympathize readily with the victim. When the traumatic events are of human design, those who bear witness are caught in the conflict between victim and perpetrator. It is morally impossible to remain neutral in this conflict. The bystander is forced to take sides."

Herman then states (keep in mind the book was published in 1992) that, "Three times over the past century, a particular form of psychological trauma surfaced into public consciousness and each time the investigation of that trauma has flourished in affiliation with a political movement." First was hysteria that grew out of the republican, anticlerical political movement of the late nineteenth century in France. The second was shell shock or combat neurosis, a condition that was renamed post-traumatic stress disorder by the American Psychiatric Association in 1980. The third, according to Herman, was sexual and domestic violence, which led to the feminist movement in Western Europe and North America.

Should an updated version of this book be published, I believe Herman would list a fourth example, Black Lives Matter, an organization that was established to protest the shooting of Trayvon Martin by a civilian and grew exponentially after the fatal police shooting in Ferguson, MO.

Post-Ferguson Morale

Officers facing stress from feeling that they are always on duty often begin to isolate themselves, and their loved ones don't understand. Photo via Getty Images. A recent survey conducted by Louisiana State University titled "Policing in a Post-Ferguson Society Survey," examined the effects the Black Lives Matter movement and post-Ferguson scrutiny of officers has had on various aspects of policing. Although 95% of the officers surveyed said they were confident in determining the appropriate use of force, 52% were apprehensive about using it. More alarmingly, however, 43% of the surveyed officers didn't feel safe while conducting their duties. The effects of Ferguson on morale have also been substantial, as 45% of respondents said they were less motivated to do police work, and 51% enjoyed going to work less.

As a population, officers are reluctant to seek help, and when forced, they remain guarded and hypervigilant for the most part. Many departmental programs are not trusted if they are affiliated with the department itself. Officers fear losing their jobs or other retaliatory actions for seeking treatment.

The LSU survey reveals that after the attacks in Dallas and Baton Rouge, only 3% of those surveyed sought professional help while 70% talked to colleagues and 72% talked to a family member or friend.

I was on call for Copline, a national confidential hotline for police officers (See "The Officer Lifeline" on page 60), the day of the Dallas shooting. I would like to consider myself a pretty seasoned professional, but one call rattled me, and few things actually do. Through her tears, an unidentified female yelled, "They're killing my brothers and sisters, you have to do something, you have to make this stop!" and she continued to cry. I was silent, that eerie, awkward silent one gets when they are helpless and trying to compose themselves in order to not show emotions through their voice. I knew I had no answer; I was going to fail this caller. It is a helplessness that officers avoid at all costs which leads to their need for control, and mine, too, I'm afraid.

The Officer Lifeline Copline Inc. is a national, nonprofit, and confidential hotline for police officers that is manned 24/7, 365 days a year by retired police officers who have been trained in active listening. Copline was created with the needs of both active and retired officers in mind and this union has proven to be successful. Retired officers answer the lines because Copline understands an officer's reluctance to speak to just anyone about the multiple psychosocial stressors they deal with both on and off the job. If a retired officer wants to get involved, but doesn't want to answer phones, there are many ways he or she can help. Copline is always looking for grant writers or someone to assist with a fundraiser, the annual 5K Run for the Call. Officers can support Copline by making it their favorite charity on Amazon Smile and by liking it on Facebook. For more information about Copline, as well as more information about how you can get involved, go to www.copline.org or e-mail Stephanie Samuels at [email protected].

Maladaptive Behaviors

So, how do officers deal with stress? There is the Disney version and the real version. And although most of the officers I see are huge Disney fans, I just don't understand the appeal. Maybe it's because I can't not know what I know. Disney doesn't represent to me what it does to them, but I give them the Disney version, without the spoon full of sugar.

I have found that many of the maladaptive behaviors that officers have are ways they deal with stress. Many of them are dealing with undiagnosed PTSD, which makes them numb; the only time they feel is when they have an adrenaline rush. It takes more and more to give them that rush as they get exposed to more and more critical incidents over time.

I have seen this many times with officers who are having an affair. It is not that they don't love their spouse; they seek the adrenaline, not the sex. Although this is very difficult to understand, they love their wives and family and don't want to hurt them.

Many officers have a hard time finding somebody to talk to about what they are coping with. They don't want to burden their families with the details of what they have seen because they don't want them to worry and most don't want to have to relive the experience.

Sadly, many officers find comfort in the bottle. When speaking to my officers, they often address when they went from drinking to be social and have fun to drinking to sleep and forget.

Every job is stressful, but I only know of one that requires a person to carry a gun and "act," even when off duty; failure to do so can potentially result in being fired. This requires an officer to be on duty 24/7. That's impossible. But society expects officers to do the impossible.

Many officers have a hard time finding somebody to talk to about what they are coping with. And most don't want to have to relive what precipitated the problem. Photo via Getty Images. Officers facing this stress often begin to isolate themselves, and their loved ones don't understand. The officers are unable to relax when they are in public. They worry about who they will see, whether they should take a firearm, needing to sit in a specific location or at a specific seat, and run scenarios through their minds for every "what if." Eventually, it's not worth going out. Because of this, officers tend to hang together, and they lose their civilian friends as they have less and less in common with them. Normal gets reset, just like it did for all of us after 9/11. We are a resilient group, and for this we are blessed.

PTG

A fascinating article on this topic, "Growth After Trauma" by Lorna Collier, was published in the November 2016 journal the American Psychological Association publishes called Monitor on Psychology. The article talks about post-traumatic growth (PTG), a term I had never heard of, and compares it to resiliency.

"Resiliency" was defined as the personal attribute or ability to bounce back by Kanako Taku. Collier says that "PTG on the other hand, refers to what can happen when someone who has difficulty bouncing back experiences a traumatic event that challenges his or her core beliefs, endures psychological struggle (even a mental illness such as post-traumatic stress disorder) and then ultimately finds a sense of personal growth."

Richard Tedeschi goes on to say, "Someone who is already resilient when trauma occurs won't experience PTG because a resilient person isn't rocked to the core by an event and doesn't have to seek a new belief system." There lies the double-edged sword. Most officers are resilient because they are no longer "rocked" to the core by the events they bear witness to. They are numb and detached and they don't know how to reattach when they get home.

Some of the best research on stress and the effects it has on the body has been conducted by John Violanti. He emphasizes the importance of getting enough sleep and exercise, eating healthy, maintaining social networks/relationships, limiting second jobs, as well as letting officers know it is OK to be human. Officers are amazing at telling stories and playing jokes on each other. It is imperative to note if this behavior changes.

Seeking Help

Officers must not lose sight of the importance of seeking spiritual help, not just in times of despair, but throughout their careers. It is equally important to make talking about feelings normal and stuffing them down abnormal. Having a confidante outside of law enforcement is essential as well. This person can be a friend or loved one, but many times, there is a need to talk to a professional. Find someone familiar with law enforcement who has been vetted by others.

After  well, let's just say many years of doing this, I am proud to write that I have never had an officer lose his or her job or be skipped for promotion because of being in therapy. I have also been told by officers they believe that therapy saved their marriages, careers, and even lives.

Individuals pursue careers in law enforcement to help others, and truthfully, this rarely changes throughout their time on the job. Their innocence and the reality of what being a mere mortal really means is what changes.

It is an officer's job to keep his or her mind, body, and soul healthy to not only perform the duties of a law enforcement professional, but more importantly, to perform the duties of being a parent, spouse, family member, and friend.

Stephanie Samuels is a psychotherapist who works exclusively with police officers. She has lectured nationwide on PTSD and the fallout from departmental silence after officers are involved in critical incidents. Samuels is the creator and president of Copline: the National Law Enforcement Officers Hotline (www.copline.org).
A separatist calling himself a "sovereign Hebrew Israelite citizen" bit off the end of a Knoxville (TN) Police Department officer's thumb during a fight on Wednesday afternoon, police said.

Knoxville PD Officer Trey Lane was in surgery for his thumb as of 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, according to a police news release. A second officer, Tim Edwards, was taken to a hospital with a leg injury following the fight, reports knoxnews.com.

Alexander Ray Johnson, 29, of Knoxville, was driving an Acura MDX on Woodbine Avenue just after 1:15 p.m. when the officers pulled him over for speeding, according to the release.

The car had no legal license plate  only a "Sovereign Hebrew" plate that purported to be issued by the "Royal Tribe of Judah," police said.

When the officers began arresting Johnson, he allegedly resisted and bit off the end of Lane's thumb.

Johnson, who was not injured in the fight, was arrested and is being held in the Roger D. Wilson Detention Facility on traffic charges. He was to be charged with aggravated assault and resisting arrest.

A woman in the car was detained for questioning and is expected to be released.
Days after Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel backed away from a pledge to have a judge monitor efforts to reform the Chicago Police Department, a host of civil rights organizations filed a federal lawsuit seeking to spur sweeping changes in the troubled department that would be enforced by the courts.

About 15 lawyers from Chicago and New York filed the lawsuit Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Chicago on behalf of six plaintiffs who allege they were victims of excessive force and other abuses at the hands of Chicago police. The plaintiffs also include groups such as Black Lives Matter Chicago.

The roughly 130-page lawsuit  which seeks class-action status  contends that police routinely beat, deploy Tasers on and shoot African-Americans and Latinos with the protection of a "code of silence" and little risk of discipline, the Chicago Tribune reports.

Though the suit seeks money for the individual plaintiffs, it is distinct from most litigation filed against police because it also seeks an injunction to force the department to adopt reforms. Those reforms are not fully specified in the lawsuit but would be hammered out if the litigation succeeds.

Indeed, the lawsuit's chief goal is an order empowering a judge to enforce reforms that could include those endorsed by the Obama administration's U.S. Department of Justice in its report from January criticizing the Chicago police.
Ford's new hybrid Police Responder was introduced in April in downtown Los Angeles. Photo by Thi Dao. In April, Ford revealed its all-new Police Responder Hybrid Sedan at the Los Angeles Police Department headquarters. This hybrid concept car is part of Ford's $4.5 billion global push for electrification. The Police Responder will be the first pursuit-rated hybrid vehicle and was designed for urban or local patrol work.

Economical Performance

Public agencies looking to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, or with mandates to purchase cleaner vehicles, usually exclude emergency response vehicles from any rules regarding fuel efficiency. With the hybrid patrol vehicle available, however, police departments may now be included in the mix.

Greening initiatives aside, the main draw of a hybrid vehicle is to reduce fuel costs. The Police Responder is projected to get an EPA-estimated 38 mpg combined (40 mpg city/36 mpg highway), which Ford says is more than double the EPA-estimated rating of 18 mpg combined for the 3.7L Police Interceptor AWD gasoline sedan. The vehicle also reduces fuel consumption at idlingit powers its electrical load using the lithium-ion hybrid battery, allowing the gas engine to run less at idling as it is used to intermittently top off the battery.

With better mpg and more fuel-efficient idling, the vehicle can save 1,550 gallons of gasoline per year, according to Ford. (Fleet managers can use an online calculator at www.fordpoliceresponder.com to estimate savings for their fleets.) Ford also highlighted fewer fill-ups, and hence less downtime, as an advantage for officers.

The Police Responder features a 2.0L I-4 Atkinson-cycle engine, an 88-kW electric A/C motor, and a 1.4-kW lithium-ion battery. The front-wheel-drive vehicle is based on a Fusion platform and is calibrated specifically for police use, says Tony Gratson, national government sales manager for Ford.

"When the officer goes into his pursuit, it will provide max power," Gratson says, "It's not set up like a retail vehicle. It's calibrated for police. The engines work together. There will be times when you're running gasoline and electric or electric only. And at idle, the vehicle will be able to save fuel."

The vehicle has been designed to offer a pursuit mode that kicks in when an officer mashes the accelerator, said Allen Magolan, Ford's police vehicle engineering manager. Ford uses a continuously variable transmission (CVT) so the sedan won't downshift to a lower gear in a turn and lose momentum.

"The CVT is best because it's able to adjust based on the vehicle's speed, engine speed, and cornering," Magolan said. "You want the engine to be in a peak area, so the CVT can adjust to the right ratio."

Designed for City Patrol

Ford worked with its 25 Police Advisory Board members to get input on the vehicle, and there was a consensus that municipal police departments would most benefit from the hybrid. In fact, some of the biggest municipal police departments in the country are considering the addition of hybrid vehicles to their fleets or currently fielding hybrids in non-patrol operations.

The LAPD recently added 100 BMW i3 battery-electric vehicles to its fleet for non-patrol work. In a city known for its gridlock traffic, a hybrid vehicle would be very useful for officers.

Photo courtesy of Ford. "The highlight of the pursuit-rated vehicle [is] you can go on pursuits. But that's a very small portion of what our police officers are doing every day. They're in traffic, they're driving the streetsthis is their office every day. In a place like Los Angeles where we have the amount of traffic that we have, the amount of roads, the expanse that we have in our city here, this is the kind of vehicle that we want," says Josh Rubenstein, public information director II for the LAPD.

LAPD officials say they plan to meet with Ford and learn more about the vehicle to see if it's a good fit, Rubenstein added.

The New York Police Department is one of the few agencies currently using hybrids for patrol. In 2010, the NYPD began buying retail Nissan Altima Hybrid and later Ford Fusion Hybrid sedans for patrol duty. The department passed along feedback to Ford that was incorporated into the Responder.

So far the NYPD's experience with hybrids has been positive. "Very dependable, low maintenance, things like brake life is greater, use less fuel, less oil changes," says Robert Martinez, deputy commissioner of the NYPD's special services bureau. "We add things like rubber mats, and special seat covers and limit the number of them that have cages."

The agency plans to test the new model and "add it to some patrol and non-patrol operations, both marked and unmarked," Martinez said.

Features of the Police Responder Hybrid Sedan

Fusion-based platform

Front deflector plates to help prevent vehicle damage

Police-tuned regenerative braking system with 17-inch rotors and twin-piston calipers

Heavy-duty suspension components

102.8 cubic feet of interior space, comparable to the Ford PI Sedan

Police-specific, rugged cloth front seats with slim bolsters to assist officers with a duty belt

Unique police instrumentation with pursuit mode indicator

Auxiliary power distribution box in trunk, plus rear power lug

Load-bearing battery cover that provides extra storage space in trunk.

Future Plans

For those worried about hybrid vehicle performance, the Police Responder will be tested like every other pursuit vehicle. The sedan will be the first hybrid pursuit car to be tested at the annual Michigan State Police Vehicle Evaluation and the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department testing program this fall. Ford also tests the vehicle to ensure it handles police pursuits for longer periods at different speeds and over obstacles such as curbs and flooded intersections.

Ford explained that the vehicle is specifically designed for patrol use.

Photo courtesy of Ford. "When it came to the pursuit vehicle, our approach was we wanted to maximize power when the driver demanded it, for a pursuit situation, and that's what led to tuning adjustments, a lot of it in calibration," says Ford's Magolan. "When the vehicle is driven hard, it would use both the gas motor and the e-motor. And when you're off the gas, or braking, it would regenerate as much as possible so that it would build the charge back up."

Vehicle pricing has not yet been announced, but it's expected to be slightly higher than the gasoline Police Interceptor Sedan. However, a Ford representative said, with fuel savings, the payback is expected to be within a year.

Ford plans to release another hybrid-electric pursuit-rated vehicle by 2020.

Thi Dao is executive editor of Government Fleet Magazine.

Paul Clinton is the senior web editor for Automotive Fleet, Fleet Financials, Government Fleet, Green Fleet, Vehicle Remarketing, and Work Truck.

A version of this article originally appeared in Government Fleet (www.government-fleet.com).
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Just a day after the stunning report that Donald Trump is officially under criminal investigation for possible obstruction of justice, The Washington Post is now reporting that Special Counsel Robert Mueller is looking into Trump son-in-law Jared Kushners shady business dealings with Russia.

According to the report, the new focus on Kushners finances is part of the probe into Russias interference in the 2016 presidential election.

More from The Washington Post:

Special Counsel Robert S. Mueller is investigating the finances and business dealings of Jared Kushner, President Trumps son-in-law and adviser, as part of the probe into Russias interference in the 2016 presidential election, according to officials familiar with the matter. FBI agents and federal prosecutors have also been examining the financial dealings of other Trump associates, including former national security adviser Michael Flynn, former campaign chairman Paul Manafort and Carter Page, who was listed as a foreign policy adviser for the campaign. The Washington Post had earlier reported that investigators were scrutinizing separate meetings that Kushner held with Russians in December  first with Russian ambassador Sergey Kislyak and then with Sergey Gorkov, the head of a state-owned Russian development bank. At the time of that report it was not clear that the FBI was investigating Kushners business dealings.

As the Post noted, Kushner is just the latest associate of the president to be under scrutiny for questionable business dealings with Russia. Kushner was also already under investigation for his secret meetings with several key Russian players, including Russian ambassador Sergey Kislyak and Russian banker and Putin spy Sergey Gorgov.

Previously, it was reported that Kushner worked to establish a secret channel of communication between Moscow and the Trump team during the post-election transition phase.

With Thursdays reporting, the investigation into Kushner  Trumps son-in-law and most trusted advisor  appears to have escalated yet again, and its destroying the myth perpetuated by Trump and his allies that there is nothing to see here.

The idea that this is a witch hunt, as Trump childishly tweeted this morning, is getting more and more laughable as each passing day brings about another questionable tie or secret dealing with Russia taken by this president or those in his orbit.
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The news that Vice President Mike Pence has hired a private lawyer to represent him is a sign that Pence may go down with Trump for the Russia scandal.

CNN reported:

Pences communications director Jarrod Agen said in a statement: I can confirm that the vice president has retained Richard Cullen of McGuire Woods to assist him in responding to inquiries by the special counsel. The vice president is focused entirely on his duties and promoting the Presidents agenda and looks forward to a swift conclusion of this matter.

Trumps practice of overlap between his campaign and his administration has put Pence right in the middle of the Russia scandal. It was Pence who was in charge of the transition and made Mike Flynn national security adviser. It is Pence who has told numerous lies throughout this investigation. The one common link between many of the threads in the Russia scandal is Mike Pence.

As House Intelligence Committee Ranking Member Rep. Adam Schiff explained in May, If this is accurate, what it says about the transition team and the President is that they were less concerned about whether Mike Flynn had a deep conflict of interest, may have violated reporting requirements or may be acting as an agent of a foreign power than they were having the guy that they wanted to have who was a personal friend apparently of the president. This is distressing at a number of levels, but I think what it underscores for the public, I think if they thought this was just a paperwork question. His failure to disclose that the was a lobbyist or register. They can now see the real world import, because if these reports are accurate and Mike Flynn was helping to make decisions even during the transition period affecting our approach to the war in Syria about we should arm the Kurds, and hes being paid by Turkey. You can see the real world impact of this conflict of interest and this failure to disclose, and of course, its worse if he did disclose it, and the White House brought him on none the less.

Mike Pence has lied about everything from Mike Flynn to James Comey. The Vice President is far from clean in this scandal, and his lawyering up demonstrates, Pence has his own serious Russia problems.
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Even though Vice President Mike Pence hasnt been the central focus of the ongoing investigation into the Trump administrations ties to Russia, Rachel Maddow explained on Thursday night that his choice of Richard Cullen as his personal criminal defense lawyer is proof that the vice president is afraid he might be brought down by the scandal, too.

Maddow pointed out that Cullen was central to other major Republican presidential scandals, including Ronald Reagans Iran-Contra and Richard Nixons Watergate.

In other words, Pence is worried that the current scandal surrounding the administrations links to Russia and its potential obstruction of justice could bring the whole administration down, so he picked a lawyer with experience in similar matters.

More from Rache Maddow:

Rachel #Maddow Says Mike Pences Choice Of Legal Defense Is Proof That Hes Running Scared pic.twitter.com/3AS1pKcZt3  Sean Colarossi (@SeanColarossi) June 16, 2017

Maddow said:

Its very interesting that the vice president has felt the need to hire private counsel, right? The specific private counsel hes chosen? Who knows if we should extrapolate from those previous experiences in previous Republican presidential scandals.  But, you know, it would appear that Vice President Mike Pence does have stuff to worry about here.  Its not surprising that the vice president has no found himself a private lawyer, but oh what a private lawyer he has got.

The fact that Mike Pence is now lawyering up suggests that, while he has largely flown under the radar with respect to the Russia scandal, he may have reason to worry after all.

As Maddow pointed out, Pence has uttered complete lies with respect to his knowledge of Michael Flynns ties to Russia and about the reasons behind the firing of James Comey, which the vice president had said had absolutely nothing to do with the Russia investigation.

Pences initial attempt at playing dumb may have worked in the short-term, but the more time that has passed, the more it looks like he, too, is caught up in this major White House scandal and possible obstruction of justice.

His hiring of a lawyer that has experience dealing with other major GOP presidential scandals is proof that Pence knows he could be in trouble and go down with Trump.
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Twelve people are either facing charges or will be charged for assaulting peaceful protesters at Turkeys Embassy in DC last month. Two arrests were made at the scene; however those individuals were released because the State Department said they have diplomatic immunity.

Two men were arrested in the United States. Sinan Narin, of Virginia was arrested in Virginia and charged with aggravated assault. Eyup Yildirim was arrested in New Jersey on charges of assault with significant bodily injury and aggravated assault. According to the New York Times, two Canadians were also arrested. The remaining eight men live in Turkey. According to AP, seven of the men face felony charges and five face misdemeanor charges.

Regarding the eight who remain at large, the first legal question is whether they have immunity under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. Following the assault, some experts said they have immunity and that may be the price of keeping our diplomats free abroad.

Ashley Deeks pointed out:

Security officials who work for the Turkish Embassy likely hold administrative and technical status, which means that they are not subject to arrest or detention and enjoy immunity from criminal jurisdiction. They would be immune from civil suits as well, but only in connection with the performance of their official duties.

For immunity to apply, Turkey would have had to seek and obtain our agreement that the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations applies to Erdogans guards, as noted in Phillip Bumps analysis.

That is how the two guards who were arrested at the scene were subsequently released.

If by some chance Turkey accepts that they do not have immunity, the next question is whether the country will comply with the terms of our extradition treaty.

The terms cover offenses punishable in both countries by more than a year in prison. It doesnt cover offenses that are political in character, with the exception of when those offenses are committed or attempted against a head of state. It also doesnt cover military offenses.

If Turkey refuses to extradite them, the men could be arrested if they return to the United States in some capacity where they wouldnt have diplomatic immunity.

The brutal assault, which sent nine people to the hospital was condemned earlier this month, with bi-partisan support in a House resolution.

Its encouraging to see that charges have been filed to bring justice for the people who were assaulted while exercising their constitutional right to protest peacefully. However, it remains to be seen if the eight men who reside in Turkey will ever face justice in an American court.

Image: Twitter
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After years of false complaints from Sen. Mitch McConnell and his fellow Republican Senators that the ACA was negotiated in secret, Senate Democrats have turned the tables on the now Majority Leader by calling out their refusal to hold a hearing on Trumpcare with an invitation to Senators only meeting next week.

In a letter to McConnell, Senate Democratic Leader Sen. Chuck Schumer wrote

On behalf of my caucus, I write to invite you and the Republican Conference to an All-Senators meeting next week on the topic of health care. Now, more than ever, Republicans and Democrats need to come together to find solutions to Americas challenges.

Our health care system affects every single American and one-sixth of our economy. We believe we all owe it to our constituents to meet to discuss your potential legislation that would profoundly impact so many American lives.

The U.S. Senate has long been considered the worlds greatest deliberative body and, as members of that body, we should each support open and robust debate. That is why we are dismayed at the reports that there will be no public hearings on your proposed changes to the American healthcare system.

Please accept our invitation to sit down together in the old Senate Chamber so we can hear your plans and discuss how to make health care more affordable and accessible in the United States.

Republicans are on the verge of missing their self-imposed pre-4th of July deadline for passage of the health care bill. The problem that Republicans face is that they still havent written the rest of the bill. They need to give the legislation to the CBO to score, and they need to keep the support of 50 of the 52 Republicans for the bill to pass.

All the while, Senate Republicans are writing their bill in secret, and not holding a hearing on the legislation before it is voted on.

It turns out that every lie Republicans told about the Affordable Care Act is the truth about the American Health Care Act. Republicans are trying to take away access to healthcare, cut coverage for hundreds of millions of Americans, and increase costs in a secret legislative process.

Democrats have flipped the script on Mitch McConnell as they are demanding public hearings so that citizens learn the details of the secret bill to damage your health care.
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President Trump is not doing well with the whole investigation thing.

There are reports that he randomly bursts out with off topic declarations of, Im not under investigation! This awkward obsession with denial only serves to conjure up Nixon, which isnt helpful.

Friday morning, Trump used Twitter like a teenagers personal journal again, a problem for his lawyers and his own defense:

I am being investigated for firing the FBI Director by the man who told me to fire the FBI Director! Witch Hunt  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 16, 2017

Of course, it was Donald Trump himself who told Lester Holt on TV as the world watched, I was going to fire him regardless of the recommendation.

Despite the phony Witch Hunt going on in America, the economic & jobs numbers are great. Regulations way down, jobs and enthusiasm way up!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 16, 2017

The Fake News Media hates when I use what has turned out to be my very powerful Social Media  over 100 million people! I can go around them  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 16, 2017

After 7 months of investigations & committee hearings about my "collusion with the Russians," nobody has been able to show any proof. Sad!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 16, 2017

You might be saying to yourself, why do they cover his tweets? What a wonderful world it could be if everyone would just ignore his tweets! But the problem is, Trump uses his tweets as official messaging.

Trump rarely takes questions from the press. Just moments ago this Friday morning, Trump smiled and waved at a gathering of media, White House staff including Omarosa Manigault and other onlookers, but did not break stride or respond to shouted questions about Rod Rosenstein and tapes, according to a White House pool report sent to PoliticusUSA.

Trumps tweets are also read by other world leaders, they can impact the stock market, they can drive a specific brand into the toilet. As long as he is president, Donald Trumps tweets are like getting the statements from the White House press office, except they go out to everyone. Which is kind of populist of Trump, and could even been seen as democratic if only he werent doing this to avoid the questions of the press a la Sarah Palin, which he admitted to in his tweet. Trumps tweets are one-way communication, which is an easy invitation for propaganda.

A Twitter account was set up to put Trumps tweets into official statement form, such as:

A statement by the President: pic.twitter.com/K9GStJZFjD  Real Press Sec. (@RealPressSecBot) June 16, 2017

Yeah, thats scary.

Andy Wright, former White House Associate Counsel to President Barack Obama, explained in a tweet storm of his own some of the legal issues Trump is creating by flunking the investigation (edited to remove numbers):

My mentor Bob Bennett told new clients under investigation: You may have flunked the facts but we wont let you flunk the investigation.

There are lots of unknowns about Trumps relation to the facts in the Russia investigation. Spade work needs to be done.

Whatever the facts, it is abundantly clear that Trump is hellbent on flunking the investigation.

One reason you shut your mouth as a client is that each statement provides new data points for the FBI to interpret or misinterpret.

In high profile investigations, you have the additional reason to shut your mouth because each new comment = new video & sound for news

Lets assume (wrongly) it is a witch hunt, why provide fuel to the fire at that base of your own stake?

I assume that legal counsel in the White House & his personal lawyer have explained this.

Nevertheless, he persists. 

Donald Trump is keeping the Russia investigation and now the obstruction of justice investigation in the news cycle and providing statements to drive further questions by investigators. One day, Trump might be called to respond under oath, and these tweets will at the very least serve to cement his image as a dishonest broker.

This is your president, flunking an investigation. One of the most important issues here isnt just how Trump is undermining himself, but his lack of impulse control and his failure to understand basic concepts of public relations and presidential power. Hes undermining himself right now, but hes also undermining the US.

And what happens when Trump flunks a national security test due to these personality issues.
Deerfield Beach, FL, June 16, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Zion Market Research has published a new report titled Zeolite Market (Natural and Synthetic) for Catalysts, Adsorbents, Detergent Builders and Other Applications - Global Industry Perspective, Comprehensive Analysis, and Forecast, 2014  2020. According to the report, global zeolite market was valued at around USD 3.50 billion in 2014 and is expected to reach USD 4.50 billion in 2020, growing at a CAGR of around 3.5% between 2015 and 2020. In terms of volume, the global zeolite market stood at above 3,000 kilotons in 2014.

Zeolite is a crystalline, microporous aluminosilicate. Zeolites are a group of hydrated aluminosilicates of alkali or alkaline earth metals, generally of three-dimensional crystalline frameworks of tetrahedral structures like lithium, barium, sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Zeolite occurs naturally from volcanic rocks and ash layers react with alkaline groundwater. It can be produced industrially on a large scale using raw materials such as alumina, silica and sodium hydroxide. Zeolite found a wide range of applications in a host of industries including, water treatment, refinery, nuclear, biogas, detergents, construction, medical, agriculture, etc.

Browse through 65 Market Tables and 19 Figures spread through 110 Pages and in-depth TOC on Global Zeolite Market - Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Trends, Segment and Forecast 2014-2020.

Request Free Sample copy of 3Zeolite Market Report @ http://www.marketresearchstore.com/report/zeolite-market-z41101#RequestSample

Detergents are one of the largest application markets for zeolite. Strong demand for zeolites is mainly stemmed from detergents industry. Zeolites market is also expected to be fueled by rapid growth in demand as a solar thermal collectors and refrigeration adsorbents. Strong growth in refinery industry is also expected to have a positive impact on the growth of zeolites industry. However, development of a potential substitute for zeolite to be used as a catalyst in refinery industry is expected to be a major setback for this industry.

Key product segments of the zeolites include natural and synthetic. Global Zeolite Market was dominated by natural zeolites owing to strong demand for applications such as catalyst, adsorbent, detergent, etc. Natural zeolite accounted for over 60% share of the total zeolite volume consumed in 2014. Synthetic zeolite is expected to be the fastest-growing segment of zeolite market during the forecast period. This can be attributed to the rapidly growing demand for synthetic zeolite as a catalyst, adsorbent and detergent builder.

Browse the full " Zeolite Market (Natural and Synthetic) for Catalysts, Adsorbents, Detergent Builders and Other Applications - Global Industry Perspective, Comprehensive Analysis, and Forecast, 2014  2020" report at http://www.marketresearchstore.com/report/zeolite-market-z41101

Zeolites are widely used in vast range of applications. Some of the major application markets for zeolites include catalysts, adsorbents, detergent builders, etc. Detergent builder was the largest application market for zeolites in 2014, which accounted for over 50% share of the global volume consumption in 2014. The catalyst was the second largest application segment of zeolite market. However, the adsorbent is expected to be one of the fastest growing application markets for zeolite.

Zeolite market was dominated by Europe with significant share in total volume consumed in 2014. Europe was followed by Asia Pacific with over 25% share in total volume consumed in 2014. Strong demand for zeolites in Europe can be attributed to increased use of zeolites in water treatment and utilization in the disposal of nuclear waste. Asia-Pacific is expected to witness the significant growth of zeolite market due to the large demand from emerging countries like China, India for waste water treatment.

Inquire more about this report before purchase @ http://www.marketresearchstore.com/report/zeolite-market-z41101#InquiryForBuying

Global Zeolite Market is highly competitive, with the presence of well-established global market participants. Tosoh Corporation, Arkema Group, BASF SE, Interra Global Corporation, UOP LLC, Zeochem AG, Grace Catalysts Technologies, Chemiewerk Bad Kostritz GmbH (CWK), Tricat Group, KNT Group, Zeox Corporation, Anhui Mingmei MinChem Co., Ltd, Union Showa K.K. (USKK), Dalian Haixin Chemical Industrial Co., Ltd, Yingkou Zhongbao Molecular Sieve Co., Ltd, Clariant are some of the key vendors in the market.

Directly Purchase a copy of report with TOC @ http://www.marketresearchstore.com/checkout?reportid=41101&reporttype=0&q=r

This report segments the global zeolite market as follows:

Global Zeolite Market: Product Segment Analysis

Natural zeolite

Synthetic zeolite

Global Zeolite Market: Application Segment Analysis

Catalysts

Adsorbents

Detergents builders

Others (including dietary supplements, wound care, silver zeolite, etc.)

Global Zeolite Market: Regional Segment Analysis

North America U.S.

Europe Germany France UK

Asia Pacific China Japan India

Latin America Brazil

The Middle East and Africa

Related Reports:

Mining Chemicals Market: http://www.marketresearchstore.com/report/global-mining-chemicals-market-z37710



http://www.marketresearchstore.com/report/global-mining-chemicals-market-z37710 Epoxy Resins Market: http://www.marketresearchstore.com/report/epoxy-resins-market-for-paints-coatings-wind-z38104



http://www.marketresearchstore.com/report/epoxy-resins-market-for-paints-coatings-wind-z38104 Succinic Acid Market: http://www.marketresearchstore.com/report/succinic-acid-market-for-14-bdo-resin-coatings-dyes-z38310



http://www.marketresearchstore.com/report/succinic-acid-market-for-14-bdo-resin-coatings-dyes-z38310 Isoprenol Market: http://www.marketresearchstore.com/report/isoprenol-market-for-agrochemicals-aroma-chemicals-pharmaceuticals-polymers-z38391



http://www.marketresearchstore.com/report/isoprenol-market-for-agrochemicals-aroma-chemicals-pharmaceuticals-polymers-z38391 Emulsion Polymers Market: http://www.marketresearchstore.com/report/emulsion-polymers-market-z38755



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Zion Market Research is an obligated company. We create futuristic, cutting edge, informative reports ranging from industry reports, company reports to country reports. We provide our clients not only with market statistics unveiled by avowed private publishers and public organizations but also with vogue and newest industry reports along with pre-eminent and niche company profiles. Our database of market research reports comprises a wide variety of reports from cardinal industries. Our database is been updated constantly in order to fulfill our clients with prompt and direct online access to our database. Keeping in mind the clients needs, we have included expert insights on global industries, products, and market trends in this database. Last but not the least, we make it our duty to ensure the success of clients connected to usafter allif you do well, a little of the light shines on us.
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Responding to this weeks quiet announcement by the Trump administration that they plan to roll back two Obama-era rules that help students repay their burdensome debt, Elizabeth Warren obliterated Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos.

In a series of tweets, Warren said her and the administrations decision to reconsider the protections makes it more likely for students to be cheated and less likely for them to get out from under massive student loan debt.

Tweets:

.@usedgov Sec @BetsyDeVosED put bogus #4profit colleges ahead of students, vets & taxpayers by illegally delaying an Obama Admin rule.  Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) June 15, 2017

Secretary DeVos made it easier & more profitable for schools to swindle students while keeping their fraud hidden from courts.  Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) June 15, 2017

And Secretary DeVos made it nearly impossible for student cheated by #4profit schools to ever get out from under their massive debt burdens.  Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) June 15, 2017

As The Hill noted today, the two rules being reworked by the administration are the borrower defense and gainful employment rules, which help protect students from shady lending behavior and assist them in finding jobs after college that allow them to pay off their debt.

As Warren said in a separate statement, the move by the Trump Department of Education would be an assault on the consumer protections of students.

Students shouldnt have the pause button hit on their consumer protections, and this isnt the time for the Department of Education to step back from their responsibility to protect federal loan borrowers, the Massachusetts senator said.

Reworking the rules in favor of for-profit institutions may benefit the moneyed interests that support this administration, but its certainly not helpful to millions of American students burdened with insurmountable debt.
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The White House appears to be in total denial about the severity of the Russia scandal, as Vice President Mike Pence called his move to hire a criminal defense attorney very routine.

According to the press pool report as provided to PoliticusUSA:

During a visit to Dominoes Park in Little Havana, your pooler asked Vice President Pence if he had any comment about hiring his own counsel. Pence replied: Its very routine. Very routine.

When he was vice president, Joe Biden hired zero criminal defense attorneys to represent him. Records show that former vice president Dick Cheney hired a lawyer during the Valerie Plame investigation. Al Gore hired private lawyers, but those attorneys were not described as criminal defense lawyers when Gores fundraising was being investigated in 1997. Recent vice presidents may have retained representation, with the exception of Biden, but hiring a criminal defense lawyer is not routine.

Vice Presidents dont hire criminal defense lawyers to represent them every day. The Trump White House keeps trying to tell America that there is nothing to see here, but it is impossible to ignore that there is a whole lot of unusual activity going on.

As the head of the transition team, Pence is a key figure in at least the Mike Flynn part of the Russia scandal. If Pence were innocent, he wouldnt need a lawyer, and if the Vice President didnt think that any crimes were committed, he wouldnt need a criminal defense attorney.

The Russia scandal cant be swept under the rug.
Charleston, SC (29403)

Today

Overcast with showers. Becoming windy in the afternoon. High 76F. Winds SSW at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of rain 60%. Higher wind gusts possible..

Tonight

Cloudy early with partial clearing expected late. Low 64F. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph.
Chicago, IL, June 16, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Merieux NutriSciences, a global food safety and quality partner offering testing, labeling, auditing, consulting, sensory, training, and research services to the food industry, has formally formed a Scientific Advisory Council dedicated to staying on the forefront of science and technology in the food safety, quality, and testing arenas. The group is a collective of leaders in the food industry, as well as senior management and scientists at Merieux NutriSciences, and will contribute valuable insight on the industry, customer, and consumer trends from an external vantage point.

Being able to leverage the years of knowledge and expertise that was available in one room at one time, was powerful. Ultimately, our goal is to be able to build a network of people who can collaborate on the challenges facing our customers and work together to form a solution, says North American President Jim Miller.



The Scientific Advisory Council had their first meeting in late April at Merieux NutriSciences Dr. John H. Silliker Solutions Center in Crete, IL. Because Dr. Silliker upheld such a strong scientific legacy in the food industry, hosting the first meeting at our Crete lab named in his honor seemed appropriate, states Miller. Presentations led to powerful discussions related to recent industry news and administration impact surrounding whole genome sequencing, clean labeling, and GMOs. The group will continue to meet periodically to move forward the councils initiative to enhance the education and advancement of food safety and quality in the United States.



Special thanks to our entire Scientific Advisory Council, whose support and loyalty to food safety and quality will make this effort a success that will affect the entire industry.







# # #

Merieux NutriSciences is dedicated to protecting consumers health throughout the world, by delivering a wide range of testing and consulting services to the food & nutrition, agrochemicals, pharma and cosmetics industries.

Headquartered in Chicago, Merieux NutriSciences has grown from a single laboratory founded in Chicago in 1967 to a global presence throughout North, Latin and South America, Europe, Middle-East, Africa and Asia Pacific.



Present in 21 countries, Merieux NutriSciences employs approximately 6,500 people worldwide working in just under 100 laboratories. Visit www.merieuxnutrisciences.com/us for more information.




PARIS, June 16, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BIOPHYTIS (Alternext Paris:ALBPS), a biotechnology company specializing in the development of drug candidates to treat age-related diseases, has announced the contracting of SGS Life Science Services to conduct the MACA-PK clinical study of its drug candidate Macuneos in the treatment of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The objective of MACA-PK is to study the safety, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of Macuneos in healthy volunteers in 2017 as originally planned, then in patients suffering from dry AMD in 2018, according to an optimized protocol.



The MACA-PK study is a phase I/IIa clinical study, whose protocol has been optimized to study the safety, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of Macuneos in healthy volunteers in a Belgian clinical center in 2017 as originally planned, and in patients suffering from dry AMD recruited in 5 ophthalmological centers in France and Belgium, in 2018. BIOPHYTIS has called on the CRO SGS Life Science Services to conduct this multicentric international clinical study.

SGS is a leading international contracted research organization (CRO), with more than 35 years of experience in clinical research. SGS already successfully supported BIOPHYTIS in 2016 with the SARA-PK study of Sarconeos on Sarcopenia and currently supports BIOPHYTIS in its approaches to regulatory agencies, particularly in the US.

Stanislas Veillet, CEO of BIOPHYTIS, said: The protocol of the MACA-PK study has been optimized to evaluate the effect of Macuneos on the visual function of patients suffering from AMD, due to start in 2018. These elements will complete the safety data from the healthy volunteers that will have been gathered in 2017, as originally planned. These elements are key to launching the phase 2b MACA-INT study in the right conditions, which will start afterwards in the second half of 2018, but which we will have been preparing with the MACA-OBS observational study. He added: Our objective is to pursue the development of Macuneos until the demonstration of its clinical activity and the safety of its use on patients suffering from AMD, in order to then co-develop Macuneos after MACA-PK or MACA-INT, in 2018 at the earliest, with one or several partners capable of commercializing this drug.

Macuneos (BIO201) is an oral treatment against dry AMD (80% of AMD cases), a market valued close to 30 billion dollars per year. The mode of action of Macuneos is based on the activation of PPAR receptors in order to limit the accumulation of A2E (a by-product of the degradation of the visual pigment involved in the oxidative process) and consequently slow down the retinal degeneration. The results of the previous clinical study on healthy individuals show that Macuneos already lends itself to oral administration, being fully absorbed at the intestinal level, reaching the retina, and in accordance with a daily dosage for a man comprising of between tens and hundreds of milligrams per day.

The MAKA-PK study comprises 3 phases:

SAD (Single Ascending Dose) Phase: healthy volunteers over the age of 55 receive a series of single ascending doses of Macuneos. The SAD investigation phase is planned for the second half of 2017 and will be carried out in Anvers, Belgium.

MAD (Multiple Ascending Dose) Phase: the three doses with the best profiles in terms of safety and pharmacokinetics will be successively tested in repeated doses for 28 days on patients suffering from dry AMD. The MAD clinical investigation phase will be carried out during the first half of 2018 with 36 patients. Notably, it includes the evaluation of several pharmacodynamics parameters including ERG (electoretinogram), adaptation to low light levels, sensitivity to contrast and visual acuity.

Follow-up: an extension of 2 months will be proposed to the groups of patients that were tested in MAD on the condition that the regulatory authorities approve it.

The advantage of the new clinical protocol of MACA-PK is that it offers the opportunity to evaluate the effects of Macuneos on several pharmacodynamics parameters, in particular visual parameters, in patients suffering from dry AMD from 2018, before the launch of the Phase 2b MACA-INT interventional clinical study. The start of this study is expected in the second half of 2018 with the objective of choosing the effective treatment dose of Macuneos that can limit the increase in size of geographic atrophies in patients suffering from mild dry AMD. 300 patients will be recruited in twenty centers in Europe and the US. The preparation for this study includes the 2017 start of the MACA-OBS observational study, which in the first half of 2018 will allow the pre-recruitment of one hundred patients suffering from mild dry AMD, who could be included in MACA-INT if they give their consent, in at least 7 ophthalmological clinical centers in Europe and the US.

About MACUNEOS:

Macuneos is the first representative of a new class of drug candidates, agonists of nuclear receptor PPAR. Macuneos protects retinal pigment epithelium: BIOPHYTIS has shown in animal models a protection of retinal cells against phototoxic effects of A2E in the presence of blue light (oxidative stress), a reduction in accumulation of A2E, and eventually a slowdown of the degenerative process of the retina. Macuneos is a drug candidate against the dry form of AMD: AMD affects the central part of the retina, called the macula, causing severe visual impairment and irreversible loss of central vision beyond 60 years old. Macuneos is in tablet form (once per day), containing 100 mg or 350 mg of active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API).

About BIOPHYTIS:

Biophytis SA (www.biophytis.com), founded in 2006, develops drug candidates targeting diseases of aging. Using its technology and know-how, BIOPHYTIS has begun clinical development of innovative therapeutics to restore the muscular and visual functions in diseases with significant unmet medical needs. Specifically, the company is advancing two lead products into mid-stage clinical testing this year: Sarconeos (BIO101) to treat sarcopenic obesity and Macuneos (BIO201) to treat dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The company was founded in partnership with researchers at the UPMC (Pierre and Marie Curie University) and also collaborates with scientists at the Institute of Myology, and the Vision Institute.

BIOPHYTIS is listed on the Alternext market of Euronext Paris (ALBPS; ISIN: FR0012816825).

For more information: http://www.biophytis.com

Follow us on Twitter @biophytis

BIOPHYTIS is eligible for the SMEs scheme

Disclaimer

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes its expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, these forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. For a discussion of risks and uncertainties which could cause the Company's actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements to differ from those contained in the forward looking statements, please refer to the Risk Factors (Facteurs de Risque) section of the Listing Prospectus upon the admission of Companys shares for trading on the regulated market Alternext of Euronext Paris filed with the AMF, which is available on the AMF website (www.amf-france.org) or on BIOPHYTIS website (www.biophytis.com).

This press release and the information contained herein do not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy or subscribe to shares in BIOPHYTIS in any country. Items in this press release may contain forward-looking statements involving risks and uncertainties. The Companys actual results could differ substantially from those anticipated in these statements owing to various risk factors which are described in the Companys prospectus. This press release has been prepared in both French and English. In the event of any differences between the two texts, the French language version shall prevail.
I wrote here about a Washington Post story by Philip Rucker regarding whether President Trump will fire Robert Mueller. I found the Ruckers piece intellectually dishonest because he never identified the main argument being advanced by those who advocate firing Mueller  namely a possible conflict of interest due to Muellers close relationship with James Comey, who likely would be the key witness in any case of obstruction of justice and might even become a target of the investigation due to his leaking.

Post columnist David Ignatius makes essentially the same omission in a column arguing that firing Mueller would be disastrous. Ignatius mentions the possibility of a conflict of interest, but dismisses it because the Justice Departments ethics office has already decided that Mueller doesnt have a conflict resulting from his law firms representation of Trump family members.

Ignatius is indulging in ignorance of what is stake. The conflict argument isnt based on work performed by Muellers law firm. Its based on Muellers personal relationship with Comey.

The Washington Post editorial page, where darkness has not quite descended, acknowledges this. It thereby highlights, albeit inadvertently, the intellectual dishonesty of Rucker and Iganatius.

The editors write:

Though the special counsel has a sterling reputation and broad bipartisan support, one charge is that he is friends with former FBI director James B. Comey, whom Mr. Trump unceremoniously sacked, which could color his views on the president and his circle. Another apparent concern is that Mr. Mueller hired staff who donated money to Democrats in the past. We do not dismiss the concerns. Given the stakes, it is incumbent on Mr. Mueller to live up to his reputation and run a spotless investigation. He may, for example, insulate as much as possible any obstruction-of-justice probe from anyone who could be open to any kind of partisan attack.

(Emphasis added)

I dont see how Mueller could so insulate the obstruction probe, given his own closeness with Comey and the partisanship of his key advisers. But at least the Posts editors are willing to engage the issue.

Rucker and Ignatius, by contrast, want to keep Post readers in the dark. Unfortunately, their approach seems prevalent at the Post these days.
Todays word from anonymous, unnumbered official sources  that is some deep cover theyve got going there  to Washington Post reporters Sari Horwitz, Matt Zapotosky and Adam Entous (count em) goes like this:

Special counsel Robert S. Mueller III is investigating the finances and business dealings of Jared Kushner, President Trumps son-in-law and adviser, as part of the investigation into Russias interference in the 2016 presidential election, according to U.S. officials familiar with the matter. FBI agents and federal prosecutors have also been examining the financial dealings of other Trump associates, including former national security adviser Michael Flynn, former campaign chairman Paul Manafort and Carter Page, who was listed as a foreign-policy adviser for the campaign. The Washington Post previously reported that investigators were scrutinizing meetings that Kushner held with Russians in December  first with Russian ambassador Sergey Kislyak, and then with Sergey Gorkov, the head of a state-owned Russian development bank. At the time of that report, it was not clear that the FBI was investigating Kushners business dealings. The officials who described the financial focus of the investigation spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly.

Lets pause here for a brief moment with Professor Glenn Reynolds. Glenn translates the journalese for the untutored reader. Not authorized to speak means unprofessional and/or illegal.

Round about paragraph seven the Post reporters concede this much:

Muellers investigation is in a relatively early phase, and it is unclear whether criminal charges will be brought when it is complete.

Now this is rich. We have no evidence of wrongdoing by the president or his campaign. By contrast, however, the air of criminality injected by official sources and their media conduits itself constitutes a gross form of wrongdoing.

Again, however, translation is required. Here we can draw on the expertise of former Assistant United States Attorney Andrew McCarthy, whose translation also addresses the parallel New York Times version of the leak (A former senior official said Mr. Muellers investigation was looking at money laundering by Trump associates. The suspicion is that any cooperation with Russian officials would most likely have been in exchange for some kind of financial payoff, and that there would have been an effort to hide the payments, probably by routing them through offshore banking centers):

Allow me to translate. The investigators have no evidence of Trump campaign coordination with Russia and, if it is possible, they have even less cause to believe there was a bribe (for the coordination that did not happen), and less still to believe the bribe (that theres no reason to believe happened) was conveyed in a deceptive manner that amounted to a felony money-laundering violation. Get it? In the absence of an evidentiary predicate for a criminal investigation, a bunch of smart lawyers are theorizing that if there had been some kind of collusion, there might have been a money trail. On that pretext, they have moved on to a new crime they speculate, but have no evidence, may have occurred. This enables them to start poking around peoples banking records, business ledgers, tax returns and the like. Inevitably, it will be forgotten that there was no evidence of the collusion, of the bribery for the collusion, or of the money laundering for the bribery for the collusion  i.e., no evidence supporting the rationale for the fishing expedition. Instead, Muellers team will be on to theorizing financial irregularities that have utterly no connection to Russia, the election, collusion, or anything that the investigation was supposed to be about in the first place.

We have entered a zone of what Hunter Thompson would call deep weirdness. Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein  the man responsible for Muellers appointment and supervision of the investigation  issued this statement Thursday night:

Americans should exercise caution before accepting as true any stories attributed to anonymous officials, particularly when they do not identify the country  let alone the branch of agency of government  with which the alleged sources supposedly are affiliated. Americans should be skeptical about anonymous allegations. The Department of Justice has a long established policy to neither confirm nor deny such allegations.

Well, thanks. Were cynical out here in flyover country without the advice. The last thing we need from Rosenstein is this particular encouragement. We need him to raise holy hell to find out whos doing what under his nose.
On Wednesday, during our show for Power Line VP members, John recalled the heady days of Watergate, when newly minted Harvard law grads descended on Washington to work for Archibald Cox, the Harvard law professor who was serving as the Watergate special prosecutor. John remembered that the young Harvard law grads he knew expressed clarity about their mission: to get Nixon.

The Washington Post expresses the same clarity in a story about the Senate Judiciary Committees Watergate hearings. The Post shared the recollections of various interns and young staffers who worked for Committee members back then.

The Post characterized the story as a look at what its like when your first grown-up job is bringing down the president of the United States of America. (Emphasis added.) The characterization is perfect. Depending on which Senator an intern or staffer worked for, the job was not to investigate possible wrongdoing. It was, precisely, to bring down President Nixon.

Theres very good reason to believe that key members of Robert Muellers staff view their job the same way  to bring down President Trump. Their partisanship is clear.

Much more than Nixon  an edgy but largely conventional politician with a centrist agenda who had recently won the presidency by a landslide  Trump is viewed by liberals as illegitimate. For them, hes beyond the pale. He must be resisted.

I find it very difficult to believe that Team Mueller will give Trump a fair shake.
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A former thief in north-east Italy on Thursday contacted victims of his crimes after 36 years to apologise and offer compensation, as part of a plan to clear his criminal record and prepare to join politics.

Giovanni Tessarolo, 55, used to steal car radios to feed a heroin addiction.

He is now a public sector employee, and a sympathiser of the anti-establishment Five Star Movement (M5S), which has a strict no-convictions policy for its candidates.

He told the Corriere della Sera newspaper that he wanted to run for the M5S in last weekends local elections in Belluno, a town 100 km north of Venice.

He said that a formal act of repentance for his crimes was the only way he could have qualified.

I would really like to apologise for my conduct back then, and, as a small act of reparation, I am ready to offer a sum equal to 112 dollars, Mr. Tessarolo said in one of the four letters he sent.

Despite his gesture, M5S did not offer Mr. Tessarolo the chance to be one of its candidates.

In the end, the M5S fared poorly in Belluno, sweeping up only 3.6 per cent of the votes in the June 11 poll.

However, the former thief did impress one of the recipients of his letters.

Lorenzo Alberton, whos Alfa Romeo 2000 was broken into in 1981, told the local edition of Corriere della Sera, Corriere del Veneto, that he would like to meet Mr. Tessarolo.

Ill use the money he sent me to spend some time with him, talk to him and offer him a drink.

(dpa/NAN)

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Authorities say the death toll from the London tower block fire has risen to at least 30 and police are considering whether criminal offences had been committed.

We know that at least 30 people have died as a result of this fire, said Stuart Cundy, police commander, adding that the figure was expected to rise.

He added that 24 people were still in hospital and 12 were receiving critical care.

The investigation will look in into what criminal offences may have been committed, Cundy said.

In a related development, facing increasing criticism for not meeting with locals sooner, British Prime Minister Theresa May will visit those injured in the blaze in hospital.

Britains Queen Elizabeth, opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn and London Mayor Sadiq Khan have all met residents.

The queen and Prince William visited residents on Friday morning after government ministers had done so.

May has even been criticised from within her own Conservative Party for not doing so.

She has pledged to hold a public inquiry into the fire that killed 17 people with dozens still missing after it engulfed a 24-storey social housing block in West London, and expressed her sorrow on television after meeting emergency services personnel.

She wanted an entirely controlled situation in which she didnt use her humanity, former cabinet minister Michael Portillo told the BBC.

She should have been there with the residents. You have to be prepared to receive peoples emotions, and not be so frightened about people.

Asked on Thursday about why she did not meet locals, May said she wanted to be briefed by the emergency services.

The Sun newspaper said 65 people were now feared dead or missing. London police expect the toll to rise but it could take months to search the building and identify the victims.

Locals were expected to stage a march in Kensington, where social housing tenants live cheek by jowl with billionaires in one of Europes richest districts, from 3 p.m.

A rally to demand justice for the victims was due to start in the government district of Westminster at 1700 GMT.

The disaster has prompted an outpouring of generosity, there was also anger at politicians as the charred tower was cast as a deadly symbol of a divided society.

British newspapers, including those which backed May in the June 8 election, sharpened their criticism of the government.

They cited a series of unanswered issues including whether the cladding used on the building helped the blaze spread.(Reuters/NAN)

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By Tosin Kolade (News Agency of Nigeria)

Obanliku Local Government is located in the northern senatorial district of Cross River and it is one of the rural communities the Global Sanitation Fund (GSF) is targeting to make Open Defecation-Free (ODF) by Global Sanitation Fund.

The community recently met the requirements as stipulated in the protocol for certification of ODF and was pronounced open defecation-free community, courtesy of GSFs Rural Sanitation and Hygiene Promotion in Nigeria (RUSHPIN).

But some housewives in the area said something stunning, among others, contributed to attaining ODF-status to make the local government area the first open defecation-free in the country.

During the declaration of the community as open defecation-free, the women in Obanliku said they always encouraged their men to build toilets before coming close to them for sex.

We met among ourselves to discuss how open defecation affects us, affects our children, how we have so many flies in our communities.

We suggested and agreed among ourselves what could be done to make their men responsive to the challenge and we resolved to hold fast to no sexual relations except they build toilets in each household.

Now there is no house you visit that does not have toilets, nobody defecates in the open any more, we are all aware of the dangers, Mrs Lydia Bisong, a woman in the community said.

Pointing out the importance of sustained sanitation and hygiene, Jerry Ashua, the chairman, Obanliku Local Government Area, said there had been reduction in deaths from sanitation-related diseases since the introduction of RUSHPIN.

He said apart from the initiative of the women in the area, staff of the local government collaborated with the traditional rulers to introduce a fine of N20, 000 as punishment for anyone caught defecating in the open.

This feat notwithstanding, the Minister of Water Resources Suleiman Adamu expressed concern that Nigeria was reported to be among nations in the world with the highest population practising open defecation.

This poses a great challenge to women, girls and those in vulnerable conditions, and impacts negatively on the health and economy of the populace, he said.

The minister, however, explained that the implementation of sanitation and hygiene programmes would promote behavioural change towards ending open defecation in the country.

Alluding to the ministers opinion, Tim Connell, the Country Director, United Purpose, Implementing Agency of the RUSHPIN Programme, said there should be emphasis on sanitation to meet the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

He also noted that Bekwarra Local Government Area in Cross River was about to attain open defecation-free status, promising that the organisation would replicate the success story in Obanliku in other local government areas.

To achieve this, Nanpet Chuktu, the RUSHPIN Programme Manager, said within four years of programme implementation, 1,859 communities had been reached with hygiene messages.

He said no fewer than 600,000 persons now lived in open defecation-free communities in the six local government areas in the two states  Cross River and Benue.

He noted that the agency used Community Led-Total Sanitation model to encourage the communities to build and use toilets, while adopting behavioural change as a means of promoting hygienic habits.

In spite of this, observers note that there have been lapses in the programme scale-up, issues of insecurity in some communities in Agatu Local Government Area in Benue and non-payment of counterpart funds by the two state governments.

In the light of this therefore, Emmanuel Awe, the chairman, National Task Group on Sanitation, Awe, advised Benue and Cross River to speedily pay up their counterpart funds to scale-up sanitation and hygiene in the states.

He cautioned the states that the GSF; the sponsors of RUSHPIN programme, had threatened to withdraw funding by September if the two states failed to pay.

Mr. Awe said GSF had also said if the two states failed to meet this demand, it would stop funding.

Similarly, he said the organisation urged states desiring sanitation and hygiene scale-up to show interest.

He said it was saddening to note that the two states had not been able to pay up counterpart funds for the upgrade of the programme.

He expressed concern that lack of water and sanitation had impacted negatively on the economy, health and productivity.

Mr. Awe said the payment of the funds was an opportunity to scale-up sanitation and hygiene in the states to reduce the prevalence of diseases.

The Federal Government had in 2014 signed an agreement with GSF, resulting in the provision of five million dollars by GSF for the project implementation in six local governments in Benue and Cross River.

In spite of this intervention, experts believe without counterpart funds settlement, there may be delay in meeting the Open Defecation-Free Country target for Nigeria by 2025.

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VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 16, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bluestone Resources Inc. (TSX VENTURE:BSR) ("Bluestone" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has filed a final short form prospectus dated June 15, 2017 (the Prospectus) with the British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario Securities Commissions and has obtained a Decision Document dated the same date. The Prospectus qualifies the issuance of 53,333,333 common shares (Shares) upon the exercise of 53,333,333 previously issued subscription receipts and 2,522,716 units (each consisting of one share and one half warrant) (the Units) upon conversion of previously issued convertible notes. The Shares and the Units will be issued effective June 20, 2017.



On behalf of the Board

Bluestone Resources Inc.

John Robins, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Forward Looking Statements

Certain information set forth in this news release contains "forward-looking statements", and "forward-looking information" under applicable securities laws. All statements, other than those of historical fact, which address activities, events, outcomes, results or developments that the Company anticipates or expects may, or will occur in the future (in whole or in part) should be considered forward-looking statements and can generally 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 include: future performance based on current results; expected cash costs; and estimates of Cerro Blanco economics, including estimates of capital costs of constructing mine facilities and bringing a mine into production and of sustaining costs, net present value and proposed production timelines and rates. Such forward-looking statements necessarily involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which may cause the Company's actual performance and financial results in future periods to differ materially from any projections of future performance or results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: liabilities inherent in mine development and production; geological risks; the financial markets generally; risks and uncertainties related to expected production rates, timing and amount of production and total costs of production; risks and uncertainties related to the accuracy of mineral resource estimates and of future production, future cash flows, total costs of production and diminishing quantities or grades of mineral resources; risks associated with geopolitical uncertainty and political and economic instability in Guatemala; and changes in laws and regulations, including, without limitation, the adoption of new environmental and tax laws and regulations and changes in how they are interpreted and enforced. The Company cautions that the foregoing list of assumptions, risks and uncertainties is not exhaustive. There can be no assurance that such forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it was made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change, except as required by applicable securities laws. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibilities for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
African countries have been urged to spend more to demonstrate their commitment to the goal of eradicating HIV/AIDS from the continent by 2030.

Sheila Tlou, UNAIDS Regional Director East and South Africa, made this call on Thursday, on the second day of an international conference on the fight against AIDS.

The conference was organised by Caritas Nigeria a catholic non-governmental organization, in collaboration with UNAIDS and PEPFAR at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja.

Ms. Tlou said African countries can no more be relying on international donor partners to combat the disease in the continent. She said political leaders, religious bodies and the private sector in the continent need to show more commitment and get involved by allocating more money to the fight against the disease.

Political leaders need to show more commitment about the fight against the deadly disease and make it a self owned programme. If the government is intensively involved, why are we still depending on international partners in managing the epidemic in Africa?

At the inception, south and east Africa were the most affected by the epidemic, but today the epidemic has spread all over Africa, she said.

Ms. Tlou said some countries appeared not to bother about HIV/AIDS because the percentage of likely spread of infection among their populations is not high.

But I tell you the truth, it is not so. The percentage does not tell the whole truth.

The infection percentage rate in Nigeria, which is just two percent and can be referred to as inconsequential, but two percent of 180 million people is about 3 million and that is a very alarming rate.

This calls for alarm because that population is far higher than what is obtainable in Swaziland where they have the highest HIV prevalence rate in the world.

She said the expectation is that after this conference, African countries and agencies would see the need for more focus and strategy on how to achieve the goal of eradicating the disease.

Another speaker at the event, Samuel Shanju, Programme Officer, Eumerical Pharmaeutical Network, a faith-based organisation in Kenya, tasked the governments to take first place in the treatment of people living with HIV/AIDS and also encourage private players to contribute to eradicating the disease from Africa.

He said children still have challenges accessing medicine at health facilities, a situation he said has created a burden between caregivers and the patients.

Mr. Shanju also noted that the complexity of the dosage of the medicine has also been affecting child treatment and that storage facilities for the drugs are also a huge challenge.

We need to start working on a sustainable development that will make us be able to start producing these products locally and stop depending on foreign donors and financing. We have not done much, and it is time for us to start thinking of how to do more at a sustainable level, he said

It is very important to have private sector contribution in health financing as the contribution of this sector has decreased overtime and has been taken over by NGOs who are majorly foreign donors.

Donor dependency is a security risk, especially if you are about 98 percent dependent on them, if they pull out suddenly, then that means crisis for the country and that is suicidal, he warned.

The Catholic Archbishop for Abuja Diocese, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, had in his address at the opening ceremony said there is no reason why a child should die of HIV/AIDS and that nations should not rely on foreign donors.

Mr. Onaiyekan observed that a lot of people are yet to be covered for treatment and that , especially funding partners were beginning to lose interest in the championing of the cause of those with the disease.

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The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) on Wednesday announced the blacklisting of 72 of the 600 Computer Based Test (CBT) centres used for the 2017 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) across the country.

JAMBs registrar, Is-haq Oloyede, said the blacklisting of some of the centres was due to their alleged involvement in extortion and organised examination malpractice during the UTME.

A few others are technically deficient, the examination body said.

Mr. Oloyede said the decision was taken at the end of an enlarged meeting with external examiners and other stakeholders in the conduct of the examination.

On Thursday, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) commended JAMB for the action.

The President of the union, Biodun Ogunyemi, told the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos that the owners of the blacklisted centres should also be prosecuted.

The ASUU boss said the development was a step in the right direction, describing it as  the way to go.

What JAMB has done in that respect is a welcome development and a good decision, Mr. Ogunyemi said. I will not expect it to stop at just blacklisting of such centres.

The leadership of the board should go a step forward by prosecuting owners of the affected centre in order to serve as a deterrent to others.This measure will further ensure that the integrity of the examination cannot be undermined.

He added that JAMB should also strive to do thorough checks on centres and their owners before engaging them for the conduct of the UTME to avoid a re-occurrence.

PREMIUM TIMES has now obtained a full list of the affected centres in 18 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

A review of the list shows that while 38 of them were outrightly delisted for misconducts and gross technical deficiencies, 24 of them were suspended for one year for technical deficiencies.

Further analysis shows that 13 centres were blacklisted in Abia State, 10 in Rivers, nine in Anambra, six in Akwa Ibom, six in Delta, and six in Imo.

Other affected states have between one and three centres blacklisted.

LIST OF CBT CENTRES SANCTIONED BY JAMB AFTER 2017 UTME

S/N CENTRE NAME CENTRE CODE STATUS ABIA STATE 1 Temple Gate Polytechnic, Aba 001 Delisted for misconduct and gross technical deficiencies 2 Giant Immaculate School, ICT Centre, Aba 002 Delisted for misconduct and gross technical deficiencies 3 JP Flinct International School, Aba 007 Delisted for misconduct and gross technical deficiencies 4 Mchief Communications Limited, ICT Centre, Aba 010 Delisted for misconduct and gross technical deficiencies 5 Golden Foundation International, Aba 011 Delisted for misconduct and gross technical deficiencies 6 Unique Unibright International School, Aba 013 Delisted for misconduct and gross technical deficiencies 7 Citizen International College, ICT Centre, Aba 014 Delisted for misconduct and gross technical deficiencies 8 Akasi Computer Institute and Information Services, Aba 015 Delisted for misconduct and gross technical deficiencies 9 Ascension Computer Center, Ascension Seminary School,Umuebulungwa, Ukwa-West 021 Delisted for misconduct and gross technical deficiencies 10 Academic Insight Model School 022 Delisted for misconduct and gross technical deficiencies 11 Adventist Secondary Technical College, Owerintta 024 Delisted for misconduct and gross technical deficiencies 12 Benjyn International Academy, Amoji Ukwu, Obingwa 025 Delisted for Gross Technical deficiencies 13 Pius Comprehensive Secondary School, Umuigwe-Amakama, Umuahia South L.G.A., Abia State 029 Suspended for one year for technical deficiency AKWA IBOM STATE 14 College of Education, Afaha Nsit 045 Suspended for one year for technical deficiency 15 Agnos Consult 12 Barracks Road, Eket Divisional Library Eket. 046 Delisted for gross technical deficiencies 16 Rolins King Technology and Management Institute, Ikot-Ekpene, No. 15, Library Avenue, Ikot-Ekpene 049 Suspended for one year for technical deficiency 17 Jimiel Computer and Management Institute, Ikot Ekpene 051 Delisted for misconduct and gross technical deficiencies 18 Gestric Infortech & Management Institute, No. 2 Umo Obotroad, Ikot Ekpene 052 Delisted for misconduct and gross technical deficiencies 19 Gateway S. Academy, Ikot Akpa, Ukanafun 054 Delisted for gross technical deficiencies ANAMBRA STATE 20 SEIA ICT Nigeria (Christ the King College) 059 Delisted for misconduct and gross technical deficiencies 21 Versity Comprehensive Sec. School, 119/120A Obodoukwu Rd., Okpoko 061 Delisted for gross technical deficiencies 22 St. Rita Innovative Institute, Housing Estate Fegge, Onitsha 063 Suspended for one year for technical deficiency 23 Eastern Academy, Upper Iweka, Onitsha 064 Delisted for misconduct and gross technical deficiencies 24 Deacons Digital Solution Ltd, Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity, Onitsha 066 Suspended for one year for technical deficiency 25 Planet Technologies Limited 068 Delisted for gross technical deficiencies 26 Newage Computer Services Ltd., Otolo, Nnewi 069 Delisted for gross technical deficiencies 27 Kings Computer College, Along St. Silas Cathedral Church, Mbarakpaka, Ihiala 071 Suspended for one year for technical deficiency 28 Community Education Resource Centre, Adjacent To Community School, Okpuno 075 Delisted for gross technical deficiencies BAUCHI STATE 29 Oxford Science Academy, Bauchi 096 Suspended for one year for technical deficiency 30 Presentation Brothers Secondary School, Bauchi 098 Delisted for gross technical deficiencies BAYELSA STATE 31 Mater Dei CBT and ICT Centre, Imiringi 103 Delisted for misconduct and gross technical deficiencies 32 Fipere Logistics Global Network Limited, Yenagoa 107 Suspended for one year for technical deficiency BENUE STATE 33 Gboko College of Education, Gboko 112 Delisted for gross technical deficiencies 34 Universal CyberNet Limited, Otukpo 119 Suspended for one year for technical deficiency 35 Global ICT Connect Limited, Makurdi 628 Suspended for one year for technical deficiency CROSS RIVER STATE 36 Unibright Computer Centre 136 Delisted for misconduct and gross technical deficiencies DELTA STATE 37 ICON Training and Consultancy, Umunede 143 Suspended for one year for technical deficiency 38 Classical International School, Warri 149 Delisted for gross technical deficiencies 39 Prime Vocational Institute, Kwale 153 Suspended for one year for technical deficiency 40 James Welch Grammar Schools, Emevor 154 Suspended for one year for technical deficiency 41 Glomaikom CBT Cooperative Youth Resources Centre, Sapele 156 Delisted for misconduct and gross technical deficiencies 42 Obule Integrated School, Sapele 157 Suspended for one year for technical deficiency EDO STATE 43 Success Comprehensive College, 8, Ekhei Girls School Road, Auchi 182 Suspended for one year for technical deficiency ENUGU STATE 44 Federal College of Education, Eha-Amufu 200 Delisted for misconduct and gross technical deficiencies 45 St. Augustine Computer, Ndiumo, Uwani-Akpugo Centre 2 213 Delisted for misconduct and gross technical deficiencies 46 St. Augustine Computer, Ndiumo, Uwani-Akpugo Centre 1 214 Delisted for misconduct and gross technical deficiencies FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY 47 Federal Science and Technical College, Electronic Library and ICT/CBT Centre, Orozo 224 Delisted for misconduct and gross technical deficiencies 48 Victory International Institute of Technology and Education, Kwali 233 Delisted for misconduct and gross technical deficiencies GOMBE STATE 49 Government Comprehensive Day Secondary School, Bajoga 242 Suspended for one year for technical deficiency 50 Government Science Secondary School, Billiri 247 Suspended for one year for technical deficiency IMO STATE 51 Prestige World Computer Institute, Urualla 260 Delisted for misconduct and gross technical deficiencies 52 School of Health Technology, Okporo, Orlu 261 Delisted for gross technical deficiencies 53 Benchmark Education Centre, Orlu 263 Delisted for misconduct and gross technical deficiencies 54 St. Joseph Catholic Church School, Nempi 264 Delisted for misconduct and gross technical deficiencies 55 Imo State Polytechnic, Umuagwo 281 Suspended for one year for technical deficiency 56 Integrated Business School, Akabo, High School, Akabo 635 Suspended for one year for technical deficiency KADUNA STATE 57 A247 Modern CBT Centre (NOUN Kaduna Study Centre), Kaduna 636 Delisted for gross technical deficiencies KOGI STATE 58 Getrid International Resources Limited, Government Secondary School, Lokoja 364 Suspended for one year for technical deficiency LAGOS STATE 59 Winsford Comprehensive College, Igbogbo/Ikorodu 407 Delisted for gross technical deficiencies 60 Richytorch Computer Inst.& Training Center, Beside Mobil Okoko, Ojo 434 Delisted for gross technical deficiencies NIGER STATE 61 Jummai Aliyu Babangida Development Centre (JABDC), Stadium Road, Minna 471 Delisted for gross technical deficiencies OGUN STATE 62 Dof CBT Centre, Opposite Rock City Radio, Goshen Estate, Asero, Abeokuta, Ogun State 501 Delisted for gross technical deficiencies RIVERS STATE 63 Emarid College (Igwuruta Campus: KM 24 Eneka/Igwuruta Road, Igwuruta 578 Delisted for gross technical deficiencies 64 Fast Five Computers, Palace Road, Oyigbo 581 Suspended for one year for technical deficiency 65 Immaculate High School, ICT Centre, Obeama, Oyigbo 582 Delisted for gross technical deficiencies 66 Edtrix Frontier Technology. Plot 16 Amoagwu Street by Dust Bin Umuogodo Igbo-Etche 584 Delisted for gross technical deficiencies 67 Blessed child international school, No.13 St. Stephen Street, off location Road, Etuche-Oyigbo 585 Delisted for misconduct and gross technical deficiencies 68 A-PAGE Success Educational Centre, model Primary School 587 Suspended for one year for technical deficiency 69 Destiny ICT Centre ,116 Ada George Road opp, Carpenter 590 Delisted for misconduct and gross technical deficiencies 70 Tessy International Schools, Chukwu Agholu Avenue, Rumuagholu Road, Port Harcourt 593 Suspended for one year for technical deficiency 71 GreenField CBT Centre, Railway Compound Port Harcourt 594 Delisted for misconduct and gross technical deficiencies 72 Redemption Montessori International School, No 3 Foundation Avenue, Port Harcourt 660 Suspended for one year for technical deficiency



LIST OF CENTRES SANCTIONED  (SUMMARY TABLE)

S/N STATE NUMBER OF CENTRES SANCTIONED 1 Abia 13 2 Akwa Ibom 6 3 Anambra 9 4 Bauchi 2 5 Bayelsa 2 6 Benue 3 7 Cross River 1 8 Delta 6 9 Edo 1 10 Enugu 3 11 Gombe 2 12 FCT 2 13 Imo 6 14 Kaduna 1 15 Kogi 1 16 Lagos 2 17 Niger 1 18 Ogun 1 19 Rivers 10 TOTAL 72

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The Association of Motor Dealers of Nigeria has signed an agreement with the Nigeria Police Force for the use of the PoliceBCMR, a technological means of attaching an automobile owners biodata on a smart card.

At an official signing of the agreement with their consultant, Media Concepts International Limited, in Lagos on Thursday, the group said the initiative would help check the incidence of vehicle theft across the country.

What has been happening before now, two of our members in the area of buying cars or receiving cars without knowing they were stolen. before you know it, our members are either chased out of the business or run out of town., said Ajibola Adedoyin, the associations national president.

Thats why we came up with this concept and decide to partner with the Nigeria Police so as to see how we can put a stop to it.

And this will even reduce the amount of money and resources wasted on trying to get stolen vehicles. With this concept, I can tell you if we follow it well, it will be a thing of the past. At times a vehicle will be brought to you with original documents but it is stolen and if you decide to buy it and sell, you will be in trouble.

The PoliceBCMR also provides a platform for the centralization of vehicle documents in order to create and authenticate that database for police operational use in crime management nationwide.

Ayotunde Omodeinde, an Assistant Commissioner of Police, said the initiative was among the projects the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris,approved to combat car thefts in the country as well as protect innocent car dealers.

Because often times, stolen vehicles find their way to car dealers and car dealers end up selling stolen vehicles without their knowledge often times, said Mr. Omodeinde, who is in charge of the police ICT Department.

And police, in the course of our investigation, when we trace those stolen vehicles to the car dealer, the car dealer who has already paid for the vehicle end up losing their money because police will recover the vehicle and the car dealer will also suffer a lot of inconveniences.

So police working with AMDON will ensure that when vehicles are brought to them, they will be able to cross-check whether those vehicles are stolen or not before they receive it or buy it.

And whenever a stolen vehicle comes to AMDON car port, the AMDON member has a duty to inform the police discreetly so that the police will be able to recover the vehicle.

This is a very wonderful initiative by the Inspector General of Police to ensure the integration of AMDON system with the police BCMR to enable us track stolen vehicles and to make it easy for members of the public to buy a vehicle without trouble.

In his remarks, Babatope Agbeyo, the chairman of Cornfield Group, the parent company of Media Concepts International, described the initiative as a giant step to safeguard lives and properties of individuals.

People steal because they can use the loot or they can sell it but if there is a system whereby its difficult for you to steal or enjoy what you have stolen, I think you wont do that.

Police know that the job, security, has gone beyond guns and cudgels, its now high tech, they are now embracing technology which is making it better.

According to Mr. Omodeinde, the PoliceBCMR would also provide police officers with handheld devices with which to check the smart cards; he, however, added that the process is still ongoing.

Computer is garbage in garbage out, if you have not registered your vehicle into the PoliceBCMR portal, theres no way youll be able to check and see information about your vehicle, Mr. Omodeinde said.

So the first thing you need to do, its free, is just go online and register your vehicle, put the details of your vehicle particulars into the portal. Now, if you desire to have the PoliceBCMR smart card, youll now go to a PoliceBCMR capture centre and make a request for the smart card.

With the PoliceBCMR smart card, you will no longer need  becuase police will be given a handheld to check its ongoing, its what we are working on, part of why we are here.

So police will just stop you, if you have your smart card, because its voluntary, you show the policeman, hell just input your information and hell see status of your vehicle, your vehicle particulars, so you dont need to print road worthiness etc, the card will cover all your documents. But if you still want to be carrying all your documents around, its left for you.

Mr. Adedoyin said vehicle dealers across the country have, for a long time, been at the receiving end whenever a case of car theft was recorded.

Because you can imagine, an armed robber stole a car and it ended with a car dealer, he said.

Meanwhile, the car dealer paid the armed robber for that car and he sells it to another person. When the police find out that that car is stolen, the car dealer will be made to pay back the money to the buyer, but they will not tell the armed robber to pay back the car dealer.

I think this concept is a win-win situation, both for the buyer, the seller and the Nigerian Police Force, and that is why we feel this concept is what will bring to an end of what we call stolen vehicle in Nigeria, that is if we are all sincere to work together on this.

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The Nigerian Navy has announced the commencement of its online registration for the 2017 recruitment exercise from July 1 to July 31.

The announcement was issued in a statement on Friday by the Chief of Naval Staff, Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas via the Navy Secretary.

The Nigerian Navy wishes to inform the general public and all interested candidates that the online registration for the 2017 recruitment exercise will commence on July 1 and closes on July 31, Mr. Ibas said.

The naval chief said the 2017 recruitment exercise is free of charge for applicants, and that interested candidates are to apply online via www.joinnigeriannavvy.com.

According to the statement, applicants are expected to apply once. He added that multiple online application will lead to disqualification of candidate.

On submission, applicants are to print out the completed application form which must include; declaration and certification by parents/guardian, Local government area certificate form, Police certification form and guarantor form, he added.

Mr. Ibas also said the recruitment exercise will commence with an aptitude test and screening of certificates of candidates at designated centres for various States across the country on October 7.

You are advised to carefully read the instruction page on the website or call support line 08159999011 from 9am to 4pm on working days, the notice said.

Candidates are further advised in their own interest not to give any form of gratification or inducement to any person or group of persons to assist them on the recruitment exercise, he added.

Basic Requirements for 2017 Exercise

Applicants Must:

1. Possess a minimum of five credits in not more than 2 sittings in WASCE/SSCE/GCE/NECO/NABTEB (English and Mathematics inclusive)

2. Candidates must be between 18-22 years old for O/level applicants while 24-26 are acceptable limits for those with ND, NCE, Nurses and Motor Transport Department, MTD respectively.

3. Applicants must be single and of Nigerian origin by birth.

4. Required height of 1.7m for male and 1.67m for female applicants

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The suspended former chairman of the House of Representatives Appropriations Committee, Abdulmumin Jibrin, has denied reports of his expulsion from the All Progressives Congress, APC.

He stated this in a press release on his Facebook and Twitter pages shortly after his expulsion was reported.

Mr. Jibrin said the report came from a dubious character and known fraudster who is neither an exco of the APC at the local government nor at state level.

The party is not even aware of this impersonation making the rounds in the media, he said.

This is yet another round of character assassinations from career political antagonizers who are perpetually threatened by our advocacy for transparency in public service and political leadership, the lawmaker said.

He said the report did not originate from his party and affirmed he had a cordial relationship with his party.

We have been working hand in hand to actualise our agenda for a better Nigeria, he added.

When contacted, the Kano State APC spokesman, Bashir Karaye, he said he was not aware of the expulsion.

As far as Im concerned, we are not aware of any expulsion of any member, he said. We only saw it on the news he added.

The APC in Bebeji Local Government Area of Kano State had earlier claimed Mr. Jibrin had been expelled.

The lawmaker, who represents Bebeji Federal Constituency, was suspended from the House for accusing the leadership of the House of budget fraud. The chapter of the party accused Mr. Jibrin of anti-party activities.

Reading the resolution expelling Mr. Jibrin Thursday, the party chairman in the local government, Sani Ranka, told journalists in Kano the party had taken all constitutional steps to make Mr. Jibrin step back from anti-party activities, to no avail.

He said the party formed a five-member committee to meet with Mr. Jibrin, but the lawmaker refused to meet the panel.

Before taking this final decision, we formed a disciplinary five-man committee and they went to him on 11-4-2017, he saw them briefly but without any tangible talks and they went back on 13-4-2017 he then refused to see them, he said.

Mr. Ranka said after reporting back to the party executives, the partys caucus agreed to expel Mr. Jibrin from the arty.

The party accused the suspended member of factionalizing the party, creating new unconstitutional leadership, going against the government of Governor Abdullahi Ganduje and indiscipline against the national headquarters of the party and the presidency of Muhammadu Buhari.

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In a move to justify its presence at Nigerian ports, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Friday released figures of its drug seizures in the past 10 years in Lagos.

Muhammad Abdallah said the agency had seized over 15,064 kilogrammes of cocaine and heroin at the Tin Can and Apapa ports since 2006.

Mr. Abdallah said drug barons are targeting the ports for their illicit drug activities but added that the Agency would resist their scheming.

The seaports are high-risk drug trafficking locations because of the movement of large volume of consignments, said Mr. Abdallah, a retired colonel.

Official record of drug seizures at the ports underscores the volatility of the ports in drug trafficking. Since 2006, the agency has seized over 15,064kg of cocaine and heroin at the Lagos ports. The country cannot afford to condone this criminal trade because such huge proceeds in the hands of drugs cartels is threatening.

We shall continue to screen incoming and outgoing vessels thereby making the ports impregnable to drug trafficking organizations.

The NDLEAs release of the records  which comprises 14,813.40kg of cocaine and 251.22kg of heroin  comes amidst a cold war between the agency and the Nigerian Ports Authority.

Last week, the anti-narcotics agency announced it had been included in a list of seven agencies cleared to operate within Nigerian ports following an executive order issued by acting president, Yemi Osinbajo, despite media reports to the contrary.

The agency went further to quote Hadiza Bala Usman, the managing director of the NPA, as making a clarification that the executive order included the NDLEA.

But the NPA responded swiftly, denying that Ms. Usman listed NDLEA as among the cleared agencies and maintained that the order included only seven agencies  the NPA (as the coordinating agency), Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Immigration Service, and Port Health.

On Monday, the warned it would take a legal actionagainst any attempt to exclude it from activities at the ports.

In its latest statement, the NDLEA maintained that presence at the ports is of immense economic and security benefit to the country and that the agency would be alert to frustrate any action targeted at disrupting its operations at the seaports.

The agency has the approval of the Federal Government to operate at the ports and this onerous responsibility shall be diligently and effectively discharged, Mr. Abdallah said.

The NDLEA will take reasonable measures in preventing the seaports from being used for drug trafficking, he added.

Some of the drug seizures made at the ports within the ten year period, according to the NDLEA, include a 14.2 metric tons of cocaine imported from Chile and intercepted in June 2006 at the Tin Can Island Port Lagos. The drug which was concealed in a shipment of white cement was rated the single largest seizure of cocaine in Africa and fifth largest in the world.

There is also the celebrated case of 450.400kg of cocaine hidden in processed wood. The drug imported from Chile by a Taiwanese and a Chinese drug baron was intercepted at the Tin Can Island Port, Lagos in July 2010, said Mr. Abdallah.

In addition, 137.73kg of heroin was intercepted at the Tin Can Island Port, Lagos in November 2010. The heroin hidden in industrial equipment and sewing threads was imported from the Republic of Iran.

Cocaine weighing 165kg packed in 150 square parcels inside 38 cartons of floor tiles imported from Bolivia was equally intercepted at the Tin Can Island Port Lagos in January 2011.

A week later, 110kg of cocaine was detected inside twenty-five (25) packs of floor tiles containing 4 parcels each which originated from Bolivia also at Tin Can port.

In May 2012, 113.49kg of heroin industrially concealed in three moulding machines imported from Islamabad, Pakistan in a 20 feet container was intercepted at the Tin Can Island Port Lagos in May 2012. The shipment was monitored and intercepted by NDLEA officials at Okota area of Lagos while it was being taken to a private warehouse.

The NDLEA boss called on port operators to collaborate and support the agency in ensuring zero tolerance for drug trafficking at the ports.

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The Akwa Ibom Governor, Udom Emmanuel, has hit hard on the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, accusing it of poor job execution, project abandonment and distortion of the state development plan.

But the commission fired back immediately, saying Mr. Emmanuel was playing politics with serious development issues.

We hear that NDDC is planning to open more roads (in the state). If they do that we would resist it because that would distort our development plan, a statement issued by the Akwa Ibom Government House quoted Governor Emmanuel to have said.

The statement was widely circulated on Facebook by the governors media aides and supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. It was also shared on Twitter through the governors handle @MrUdomEmmanuel.

Mr. Emmanuel, according to the statement, said Akwa Ibom State already has a structure and system that was running and that NDDC should come under that structure so that we can anchor development together.

He said state governors across the Niger Delta region were getting worried that NDDC was muddling up things in the various states.

In Akwa Ibom State, for instance, we have over 100 project interventions at various levels that have not been completed by NDDC, Mr. Emmanuel said. Some of them are 400 meters, 500 meters and very few are up to five kilometers of roads.

They just execute the earth works with no drainage and the roads are not completed but left (to cause) untold hardship on the people.

So we are calling on the Office of the Secretary to the Federal Government to prevail on the federal agencies and commissions to sit with the state government and plan how to utilize the money in line with the development vision of each state.

Nsima Ekere, the Managing Director of NDDC, is from Akwa Ibom.

The director, commercial and industrial development in NDDC, Anietie Usen, told PREMIUM TIMES the commission was being attacked by Mr. Emmanuel because of the rumoured 2019 governorship ambition of Mr. Ekere, who is a member of the All Progressives Congress, APC.

I call it Ekerephobia, Mr. Usen said. This is sad. This is unthinkable, for a governor to say that he would resist NDDC. You want to resist development?

Mr. Usen, who was a former director of Corporate Affairs in NDDC, said the commission had a platform called Partners for Sustainable Development where the states within the Niger Delta, alongside other parties like the International Oil Companies, traditional rulers, the youth, and NGOs, meet to harmonise their programmes.

The previous administrations in Akwa Ibom used to send in people to represent the government at the NDDCs meeting with its partners, Mr. Usen said.

If the governor does not have the structure to interface with NDDC, he cant blame anybody for that.

Mr. Usen, in addition, said that NDDC projects were selected through bottom-top approach  the communities select the projects they want and then forward it to the commission.

To start with, NDDC has been run by another party for 16 years, Mr. Usen had said two weeks ago during a radio interview with Inspiration FM, Uyo.

As a matter of fact, that same party is running Akwa Ibom State for 18 years now. Obong Nsima Ekere has just been the MD of NDDC for six months. So, assuming there is so much problem in NDDC you cannot put it on the head of an MD that has been here for just six months.

Samuel Eka, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Emmanuel on NDDC Matters, admitted to PREMIUM TIMES the existence of the NDDCs Partners for Sustainable Development that Mr. Usen talked about but said that for more than one year now NDDC has not invited him to attend any meeting.

Mr. Eka said he was currently pushing for a joint meeting between the state government project team and the Commissioner representing Akwa Ibom on the NDDC board, Samuel Frank.

Arising from there, maybe we could do a joint inspection of the projects on the ground. When we get there we can sort things out, he said.

The NDDC director, Mr. Usen, had mentioned the Niger Delta Youth Movement, NDYM, as being among the organisations that attend the NDDCs partners meeting. But the president of the youth group, Joe Jackson, told PREMIUM TIMES that they have not been invited to attend any meeting with the commission since Mr. Ekere became the MD.

Mr. Jackson, who is from Akwa Ibom, said NDYM and other youth groups have been kept in the dark about NDDC programmes and projects since the current NDDC leadership assumed office.

By Monday, while the bickering between the state government and the NDDC was still a hot topic around the state, Governor Emmanuel tried to douse tension by toning down his remarks.

At an event to inaugurate a health centre privately built by a non-governmental organisation and donated to a community in Onna, Mr. Emmanuels hometown, the governor talked about partnering with the commission to bring life-touching projects to the state.

The Akwa Ibom representative on the NDDC board, Mr. Frank, was present at the event as a representative of the Chairman of the NDDC board, Victor Ndoma-Egba.

Governor Emmanuel was said to have jokingly tell Mr. Frank, tell NDDC to bring money, we need money to develop the state.

Mr. Frank, in an interview later with PREMIUM TIMES disputed the governors claim that NDDC has been doing a poor job in the state. I think people should try and appreciate what we (in NDDC) are doing, he said. We are only complementing what the state government is doing.

The relationship between the Akwa Ibom State government and the NDDC is at its lowest ebb since the commission was established 17 years ago by President Olusegun Obasanjo administration to speed up development in the Niger Delta.

Many people see the problem here as being mostly political especially since this is the first time the leaders of the commission are of a different political party, other than the PDP.

The PDP supporters in the state are accusing Mr. Ekere of refusing to pay a visit to Governor Emmanuel since he (Mr. Ekere) was appointed NDDC MD.

The NNDC director, Mr. Usen, said such accusation was a complete falsehood.

Obong Nsima Ekere has been exchanging text messages with the governor, even as at last week, asking the governor to give him appointment so he could visit the governor, Mr. Usen told PREMIUM TIMES, Sunday. The governor said his diary for the month of June was completely filled up, that they could look forward to July.

The Akwa Ibom representative in NDDC, Mr. Frank, corroborated Mr. Usens claim.

I have called the governor twice, he didnt pick my calls. I have been to his office without being able to see him. I have also met with the governors private secretary over this issue, Mr. Frank told PREMIUM TIMES, Monday.

When we were working on the NDDC budget, I tried to meet with the governor so that we could have an input from the state government, but I couldnt have access to him.

Even today, the MD (Nsima Ekere) told me I should try and meet with him so that NDDC could pay him a visit.

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The Ondo State governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, has donated N1.5 million to the families of the three soldiers killed during a clash with militants in the coastal areas of the state in May.

The governor who paid a condolence visit to the 19 Battalion of the Nigeria Army, Okitipupa, Ondo State, on Thursday, gave N500, 000 each to the families of the deceased soldiers and N250, 000 to another soldier who sustained bullet wounds during the gun battle.

The affected soldiers were members the Army task force code named, Operation Safe Delta, which sought to sanitise the Niger Delta area of the state.

The men engaged militants in Ajakpa community, in Ese Odo Local Government Area of Ondo State, an encounter which led to the killing of the leader of the militant group, Ossy Ibori, and 15 other members of the group.

The governor was represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Security, Jimoh Dojumo.

Mr. Dojumo, paying a condolence visit to the Commanding Officer of the battalion, described the death of the military men as regrettable.

This administration would continue to provide logistics support for the military and other security agencies to carry out their functions of protecting the people, he said.

The Commanding Officer of the battalion, Mohammed Maaji, a Lt.-Col., who was represented by Michael Ogundele, a captain, thanked the governor for his support for the suffering officer and the families of the fallen men.

He assured the governor of the militarys commitment to the discharge of its duties.

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The Lagos State Government on Friday arraigned a suspected notorious land grabber, Kamorudeen Lamina, before a Special Offences Court sitting in Oshodi over alleged forceful dispossession of residents of their legitimate rights to land ownership.

Mr. Lamina, popularly known as Sir K, was arraigned alongside six others on a six-count charge by the Special Anti-Land Grabbing Task Force set up by Governor Akinwunmi Ambodes administration.

Mr. Lamina, reportedly known for terrorising people in the Ikorodu area, was arrested on Thursday after he was tricked out of hiding in an orchestrated operation, according to the Lagos State government.

Others arraigned alongside him were Omotola Ogunsanmi, Samson Shobule (A.K.A Samson Salau), Biliaminu Orega (A.K.A Biliaminu Salau), Jimoh Aromasodu, Wasiu Orenuga, and Nurudeen Kasali.

According to counts one and two, Mr. Lamina, sometime in February 2017 in Mowo Kekere area of Ikorodu Local Government, allegedly took over one plot of land forcefully which was sold to one Ebere Okafor by Ifegbuwa family contrary to Section 2 (1) of the Lagos State Properties Protection Law 2016.

The action was allegedly carried out by Mr. Lamina despite the fact that the sale of the land had been ratified with proof of payment.

In count three, Mr. Lamina was accused of forcefully taking over and remaining in possession of 200 plots of land in Mowo Kekere belonging to Planet Properties Ltd contrary to Section 2 (2) of the same law, while in count five, the defendants were said to have fraudulently sold 60 hectares of land which had been previously sold by the rightful owner contrary to Section 8 (1) (b) of the law.

The fraudulent sale, which was allegedly carried out in January 2017, was perfected by the defendants fraudulently claiming to be the descendants of Ifegbuwa family.

In count six, the defendants were accused of fraudulent selling 25 hectares of land to third parties without any lawful right to do so, an offence punishable under the law.

After the charges were read to them, they all pleaded not guilty, while their lawyers, E. Obatayo and B.O Abdusalam applied to the court to grant them bail in most liberal terms.

The lawyers argued that the offences for which their clients were charged are bailable, and that they were ready to defend the case.

The prosecutor, Mosunmola Balogun, from the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, did not oppose the bail application but urged the court to impose conditions which would make the defendants available for trial.

In his ruling, Magistrate Lateef Owolabi granted bail to the defendants in the sum of N1 million and two sureties in like sum.

One of the sureties must be a land owner in Lagos, while the other must be a civil servant not below grade level 15. The sureties must have three years tax clearance and registration with Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRRA).

The Magistrate also ordered the defendants to deposit N150, 000 each with the court, while they are to be remanded in Badagry Prison pending when they are able to meet the bail conditions.

The matter has been adjourned to July 13.

Speaking to journalists at the end of the proceedings, Chairman of the Lagos State Anti-Land Grabbing Task Force, Jide Bakare, said the administration of Governor Ambode, through the arraignment, was sending a strong message to others still involved in the act of forceful dispossession of property it would no longer be business as usual.

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BOSTON, June 16, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Grant Freeland, global leader of The Boston Consulting Groups People & Organization practice and a Boston-based senior partner, was honored last night at a gala dinner in New York recognizing Consulting magazines Top 25 Consultants of 2017. Freeland won in the category of Excellence in Leadership.



A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/94b8935d-2951-4a38-9814-653f39f4e62f.

In announcing the winners, Joe Kornik, editor and publisher of Consulting, the industrys leading trade publication, said: We were simply blown away by the [close to 500] nominations we received. The Top 25 Consultants are a distinguished group, for sure. Through their extraordinary efforts, they make themselves, their firms, their clients, and the entire consulting profession proud.

As a nearly 30-year veteran of BCG and head of its People & Organization practice, Freeland has led client engagements across a broad range of industries, including biopharma, public sector, industrial products, information services, consumer goods, financial services, and retail. He has several areas of expertise, including corporate transformations, postmerger integration, organization design, leadership and talent, change management, corporate-function improvements, high-performance cultures and work force, and HR enhancement.

In the past year, for example, he has worked on a large postmerger integration of two international companies, helping ensure that they address culture as rigorously as they hit the cost synergies. Ive made sure that when teams are launched, they focus as much on how effectively they work together as on how they map out operational timelines, he said I know they will achieve the cost targets, but its critical that they build a sustainable organization.

In a profile of Freeland in the magazines May 2017 issue, Consulting noted that while helping clients improve is his passion, Freeland says his career highlight has been substantially improving the work/life balance of BCG consultants around the world. The program he and his team pioneered is called PTO (Predictability, Teaming and Open Communication).

When Consulting asked him what he enjoys most about his job and the profession, Freeland replied: Theres always something new and exciting in our line of work. For example, the ways that organizations are now working is fundamentally differently than it was even five years ago. The use of agile in org design and processes has caught on; data analytics is now core to working with people; and technology is truly transforming how we operate, to name just a few trends. How cool is it to be able to explore these things and then help companies gain advantage from doing them better than their competitors!

Last nights awards gala was held at the Mandarin Oriental hotel in midtown Manhattan. Coverage of the dinner will appear in the July issue of Consulting, which is published by ALM.

To arrange an interview with Freeland, please contact Dave Fondiller at +1 212 446 3257 or fondiller.david@bcg.com.

About The Boston Consulting Group

The Boston Consulting Group (BCG) is a global management consulting firm and the worlds leading advisor on business strategy. We partner with clients from the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors in all regions to identify their highest-value opportunities, address their most critical challenges, and transform their enterprises. Our customized approach combines deep insight into the dynamics of companies and markets with close collaboration at all levels of the client organization. This ensures that our clients achieve sustainable competitive advantage, build more capable organizations, and secure lasting results. Founded in 1963, BCG is a private company with 85 offices in 48 countries. For more information, please visit bcg.com.

About bcgperspectives.com

Bcgperspectives.com features the latest thinking from BCG experts as well as from CEOs, academics, and other leaders. It covers issues at the top of senior managements agenda. It also provides unprecedented access to BCGs extensive archive of thought leadership stretching back 50 years to the days of Bruce Henderson, the firms founder and one of the architects of modern management consulting. All of our contentincluding videos, podcasts, commentaries, and reportscan be accessed by PC, mobile, iPad, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
High school commencement speakers are fond of saying that graduation is not an end, but a beginning.

But are graduates ready for the future? What is their high school diploma worth?

High schools nationwide have been grappling with the value of todays high school diploma in preparing graduates for college or a career.

Locally, schools are addressing the issue with a multi-pronged approach that includes career academies, Advanced Placement classes, college dual enrollment courses, internships and job certifications earned while still in high school.

As students prepare for the next stage of their lives, some have already started living it. Here are some of their stories, and how their high schools helped them reach their goals.

Natalee Colon, 19

Natalie Colon has wanted to be a police officer since she was in elementary school. James Clarke, who runs the Structured Learning Experience program at Wildwood High School, arranged for her to attend the police academy in Cape May Court House with students from other area high schools. She earned her Class I Special Law Enforcement certification and was hired by the Wildwood Police Department for the summer. She already has been working weekends, directing traffic on Memorial Day and handing out parking tickets.

She plans to attend Atlantic Cape Community College in the fall to study criminal justice, and earned credits toward it from the police academy.

Its a serious job, she said. Im bilingual, so I get to help with translating. And I get insights by being on the scene. You really have to keep an eye on everything. Its a lot of responsibility.

Lower Cape May Regional and Cape May County Technical High School also offer the training.

We reach out to them to recruit, said Wildwood police Chief Robert Regalbuto, who said they hire 50 summer officers.

Aliyah Mahmud, 17, and Gina Grunwald, 18

Aliyah Mahmud and Gina Grunwald, both of Mays Landing, spent part of their senior year in Engineering Design and Development Class trying to design and build a drone that could work both on land and underwater. The students in the Engineering Academy at Cedar Creek High School in Egg Harbor City got some advice from engineers at the William J. Hughes FAA Technical Center.

This was our first time doing something on our own, Grunwald said of the project. It was all our idea.

We had a challenge finding a coating for the inside of the drone to make it waterproof, Mahmud said.

Mahmud plans to attend Georgia Tech to study engineering and Grunwald will attend Rutgers University for biotechnical engineering.

Teacher Lisa Martinelli said the program puts students in a real-life work setting, where they had to keep an engineering journal and interact with adults.

Abdiel Maldonado, 18, and Michael Eggerman, 17

Abdiel Maldonado, 18, found his passion after watching the animated movie Ratatouille, about a rat who wanted to be a chef.

I just knew thats what I wanted to do, he said as he prepared to leave for his summer job at Jersey Girl Restaurant.

Michael Eggerman, 17, is already working his second summer at the Surfing Pig, where he is now a lead cook.

Both plan to attend the Academy of Culinary Arts at Atlantic Cape Community College, and earned college credits in a new program at Wildwood High School taught by chef Stephen Serano. In June they were preparing to take the ServSafe certification test. Eggerman said he wants to earn a degree so he can learn to run a kitchen as well as cook.

This program really finalized my career plans, he said. I learned so much in just a few months.

Ijenay Freeman, 17

Attorney Paul Baldini was looking for some part-time clerical help for his law office in Wildwood. Wildwood High Schools Clarke had just the person, senior Ijenay Freeman.

Shes a standout student, and we want the SLE program to be successful, Clarke said.

Freeman worked three days a week and started slow with basic filing. She also answered phones, and by the end of the school year was drafting basic documents such as wills and deeds.

Freeman, who plans to study criminal justice at Wilmington University, said the part-time job taught her about law, and also how a professional law office operates.

Typing up dictation was interesting because I learned a lot while I was doing it, she said.

Daiman Higgins, 15, and Jaice Reyes, 15

Theyre only freshmen, but Daiman Higgins, 15, of Hammonton, and Jaice Reyes, 15, of Buena Vista Township, are learning skills that at age 16 could help them become certified drone pilots. Students in the Aviation Academy at Atlantic County Institute of Technology also will graduate from high school with both a diploma and an associates degree from Atlantic Cape Community College.

The class has been spending one day a week at Pentagon Performance at the Millville airport learning about drones. On a recent day representatives from the United Nations met with company officials and watched the students operate drones.

Higgins and Reyes are not sure about careers yet, but are learning about the jobs that will be available when they graduate.

I got used to it really fast, Reyes said of his drone operating skills.

They are getting the basic knowledge they need for the license, said Samantha Lasure, of Pentagon Performance, who taught the class. The drone industry is growing and they are also making connections for jobs.
For Jim Smith and Ed Vincent, coordinating construction of the Sept. 11, 2001, memorial in Absecon wasnt the end of honoring victims of the terrorist attacks.

Almost a year after dedicating the memorial that features two 19-foot aluminum towers to symbolize the World Trade Center, Smith and Vincent achieved another milestone: helping convince the Legislature to create a statewide registry for all 9/11 memorials.

The Assembly approved a bill recently that establishes a statewide 9/11 Memorial Registry to provide the location and condition of all 9/11 memorials in the state that are owned, operated or maintained by a governmental entity.

The bill, sponsored by Assemblyman Vince Mazzeo, D-Atlantic, requires the director of the state Division of Travel and Tourism to compile the list of memorials and create the registry.

My concern was to make sure that we got the information out to people about what Sept. 11 memorials are and where they can find them, Smith said. A family can take a ride on a nice day, grab lunch and go see some memorials to learn a few things.

Smith, of Absecon, said he got the idea of a registry after a family approached him and told him their goal was to see every 9/11 memorial in the state in 2017.

They only had one problem: They didnt know where all of them are.

Thats when Smith approached Mazzeo with the idea of creating a state registry. Mazzeo, who has said he was inspired by the memorial Smith and Vincent helped build in Absecon, said he believes the legislation will be passed and signed by the governor.

Its really a no-brainer, Mazzeo said. I dont think anyone would be against it.

In the past few months, Smith and Vincent testified in Trenton twice in front of lawmakers as to why they think the registry is necessary.

Their pitch worked, and the Assembly approved the bill last week.

For Smith and Vincent, one the most important things they hope the registry achieves is continued education for children who were not alive or are too young to remember the attacks.

Smith also goes to local schools to talk about the 9/11 attacks and the significance of the memorial in Absecon.

A lot of people really dont understand truly what happened, Vincent said. A kid who was 10 at the time, his comprehension wasnt focused on terrorism. But now that kid is a young adult.
Two teenagers who went missing Thursday night off the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard beach were still not found as of Monday morning, said Kevin Fair, Public Information Officer at the Atlantic City Police Department.

The entire beach has been combed by land and sea by Beach Patrol personnel looking for Kaliy-ah Hand, 16, of Atlantic City, and Ramon Quinn, 15, of Pleasantville, Downey said.

The fire department has been continuing land patrols at night.

The Ventnor, Margate and Longport beach patrols were alerted Thursday night into Friday morning and contact has been maintained with them, but they had no sightings of either teen Sunday.

A State Police K9 and dive team examined both the jetty and rockpile, said Steve Downey, Atlantic City Beach Patrol chief.

Seventy-five Atlantic City beach patrol members were on duty Sunday and 60 will be working Monday, Downey said. Because it was busy and hot offshore Sunday, Downey said, the beach patrol worked until at least 7 p.m. at the uptown beaches, he said.

The winds blew from the northeast from Thursday through Saturday, but Sunday, the winds were southernly, Downey said.

 Vincent Jackson

*********

11:30 a.m.: Emergency personnel continued their search Saturday for two teenagers who went missing off the Martin Luther King beach Thursday night.

State Police used a dive team to search for Kaliy-ah Hand, 16, of Atlantic City, and Ramon Quinn, 15, of Pleasantville, this morning, Atlantic City police Sgt. Kevin Fair said Saturday.

The two teens were with a larger group of friends swimming in the water after lifeguards had gone off duty Thursday evening when a rip current pulled Hand in. Quinn attempted to rescue his friend, but was also pulled into the water, officials said.

"The local beach patrols have been notified to keep a watch," Fair said. "ACPD will continue to check from the shoreline."

 Nicholas Huba

*********

8:30 a.m.: Emergency personnel will continue their search Saturday morning for two teenagers that went missing off the Martin Luther King beach Thursday night.

Family and friends of Kaliy-ah Hand, 16, of Atlantic City, and Ramon Quinn, 15, of Pleasantville, kept watch as emergency personnel restarted the search.

The two teens were with a larger group of friends swimming in the water after lifeguards had gone off-duty Thursday evening when a rip current pulled Hand in. Quinn attempted to rescue his friend, but was also pulled into the water, officials said.

 Nicholas Huba

*********

ATLANTIC CITY  The families of two missing Atlantic County teens sat on the beach Friday afternoon together, looking toward the rough sea and thick fog towering above it.

They were hoping for some peace after a beach day Thursday turned tragic.

Thursday evening, after lifeguards had left the beach, friends Kaliy-ah Hand, 16, of Atlantic City, and Ramon Quinn, 15, of Pleasantville, went for a swim with friends at the beach at Martin Luther King Boulevard.

The group returned to shore, but Kaliy-ah and Ramon were pulled into the ocean. They had not been found as of Friday evening.

Im fighting back my emotions, said Dirk Spence, 45, of Atlantic City, who was at the beach waiting to hear about his daughter. The only thing I want now is the sea to give her back.

A call came in at 6:27 p.m. Thursday that two swimmers were in the ocean and struggling, police Sgt. Kevin Fair said Friday.

Spence, who said Friday the past day had been like walking into a tunnel, couldnt help but be thankful for Ramons actions.

The Pleasantville High School student tried to help Atlantic City High Schools Kaliy-ah, but he got pulled further toward the jetty, too, according to witnesses who talked to police and family.

After a struggle, both were pulled out by the current.

He risked his life trying to save a young girl, said Ramons stepfather, Will Black, of Atlantic City, who waited with family on the Boardwalk. The current was too strong.

They raised a good kid, a hero, Spence said of Ramon. There are not too many kids that would do that.

The families of the two children formed small, separate groups.

They hugged each other; some sobbed or tried to catch their breath. Some consoled each other with nearby police chaplains, all trying to make sense of what had happened the night before.

Ramon and Kaliy-ah played large roles in their own families. Both recently lost their mothers  Ramons mom died in 2014, his family members said, and Kaliy-ahs mom died in January, Spence said.

Kaliy-ah was outgoing, funny and loving, said her cousin, Thomas Belcher, 31. Ramon loved being with his family and had an unforgettable smile, said his sister, Arshata Matos, 23.

As Matos was describing her brother, family joined in to describe Ramon, especially his sense of humor and good laugh.

He was like the man of the house, Matos said, noting he had six siblings. He was so overprotective of us.

Spence, who lives in Venice Park, said Kaliy-ah has several brothers and sisters and friends who miss her greatly.

She just loved life, said Kaliy-ahs grandmother, Shirldine Stewart, 66, of Atlantic City. She loved the beach, which was what she did.

Rescuers were searching until after 10 p.m. Thursday while about 100 people waited on the beach to hear an update.

Rip currents have been prevalent along the coast this week, and authorities have urged caution.

On Thursday in Monmouth County, a girl drowned and another girl was on life support after being pulled from the water in Belmar.

Beach patrols warn bathers not to swim at unprotected beaches.

Danger: Rip currents. Please swim during lifeguard hours only, a sign along the path to Martin Luther King beach read.

Two hours into the search Thursday, Atlantic City Beach Patrol Chief Steve Downey said the rescue effort became a recovery effort.

The scope of the search had expanded Friday to more than 2 miles  from the Kentucky Avenue to Jackson Avenue near Ventnor. Fair said beach patrols in Ventnor, Margate and Longport were on alert as well.

The search was suspended for about four hours as thick fog and rough waters subsided. It resumed at 3 p.m. Friday.

Downey said depending on the ocean conditions, swimmer safety can change quickly and drastically. The beach at Martin Luther King Boulevard has a jetty nearby and a rock pile, which can make navigating currents risky. The teens were swimming just before the 7 p.m. Thursday tide-change.

This particular situation was against the rock pile, Downey said. Well keep going until we find these young kids.

In June 2012, rescuers searched the same area for Khitan Devine, a 10-year-old boy who disappeared in the water. Then-Fire Chief Dennis Brooks called it the worst spot on the Atlantic City beach.

Devines body washed up in Margate three days later.

The search for the teens involved police, firefighters and beach patrol, the Coast Guard, State Police and the Brigantine Dive Team.

Rescuers used boats, helicopters and swimmers on surfboards to search the ocean, although the fog got too thick Friday afternoon and the ocean too rough, which suspended the search.

We would like to extend our sympathies to the families and loved ones affected during this very difficult time, Capt. Benjamin Cooper, commander, Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay, wrote in a statement.

Mayor Don Guardian and Third Ward Councilman Kaleem Shabazz consoled the teens families Friday on the Boardwalk and offered prayers.

Shabazz said it was the saddest day since Ive been in office. Guardian echoed the sentiment.

The tragedy caught the attention of passersby and beach tourists. Many stopped to find out what happened or returned seeking an update.

Steve Michels came to the Boardwalk Friday morning with his two daughters, ages 12 and 13, for an update. They were staying at Ballys Atlantic City during their visit from Delaware when the news broke about the missing teens.

Its a shame, he said.

*********

ATLANTIC CITY  City officials identified the two swimmers pulled into the ocean off the coast of an Atlantic City beach Thursday.

Kaliy-ah Hand, 16, of Atlantic City, was struggling in the water when Ramon Quinn, 15, of Pleasantville tried to help her, Sgt. Kevin Fair said. The rip currents pulled them both out to sea Thursday.

At this point, Ms. Hand and Mr. Quinn have not been located, Fair said Friday afternoon.

Beach Patrol Chief Steve Downey said the conditions and change of the tide Thursday proved dangerous, and there were still rip currents in the ocean on Friday afternoon, making the search difficult.

"We'll keep going until we find these young kids," Downey said.

Mayor Don Guardian and Third Ward Councilman Kaleem Shabazz came to the beach Friday afternoon to express their condolences and prayers to the family and to give an update.

This is really the saddest day since Ive been in office, Shabazz said.

Dirk Spence of Atlantic City watched Thursday night as emergency crews searched for his daughter and another teen boy. He said he returned to the beach at 7:30 a.m. Friday.

He identified his daughter as Hand. Another family member told The Press of Atlantic City on Thursday night that her last name was Spence. The name of the boy was not released by authorities.

The teen girl and the teen boy were reported missing around 6:30 p.m. off the beach at Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard, Atlantic City Beach Patrol Chief Steve Downey said.

The teens had not been located as of Friday morning.

Ramon Quinn Ramon Quinn, 15, of Pleasantville, with his two cousins. Ramon was pulled out to sea on June 15 off the coast of Atlantic City when he reached

Rescue teams remained in the water throughout the night at Martin Luther King Blvd beach in Atlantic City. Some boats and jet-skis out in the water for search.

As rescuers searched Thursday night for his 15-year-old daughter, Dirk Spence called another missing swimmer "a hero".

My heart goes to the family (of the boy), Dirk Spence told The Press of Atlantic City as he watched the search for his daughter.

That little guy was a hero. He will always be a hero in my book. Its a tragedy. Lets all come together, no matter good or bad, we can make it through.

The search began shortly after 6:30 p.m. Thursday after witnesses reported seeing two people struggling in the water, Downey said.

The rip current pulled one teen, later identified as Hand, under the water, and the unidentified boy was pulled under when he went looking for Spence.

Mayor Don Guardian arrived at 7:30 p.m. to watch the rescue effort.

This is a tough beach. The undercurrent is very rough, Guardian said.

About two hours into the search, Downey said, At this point its a recovery.

NJ.com reports a second water rescue incident took place Thursday night, in Belmar in Monmouth County. A local girl drowned and another girl was on life support after being pulled from the water, the report says.

The beach patrol, the Coast Guard, and city police and firefighters used boats, helicopters and swimmers on surfboards to search the ocean. The Brigantine Dive Team responded from Brigantine, police Sgt. Kevin Fair said.

Rescuers were still searching at 9 p.m. Thursday.

The Coast Guard and State Police Marine Bureau continued searching Thursday night using boats with lights on them. The Atlantic City Fire Department and beach patrol will continue their search at daybreak, Downey said.

The search began after emergency calls from witnesses who said two swimmers were in the ocean and appeared to be in distress, Downey said. The beaches were not guarded at the time, he said.

Downey said witnesses reported the teen girl was in the water and the teen boy went out to help.

As many as 100 people were on the beach watching as rescuers searched.

The beach patrol left at 6 p.m. Normally we dont have people going back in the water. It was a cool day. It was windy, (and) the water was cold," Guardian said.

Guardian said that the rescuers never once saw the victims when they arrived on the scene.

Guardian said this is usually not the time of year that people go swimming after hours, but a group of kids went into the water after the lifeguards left at 6. p.m.
NEW YORK, June 16, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against KBR, Inc. (KBR or the Company) (NYSE:KBR) and certain of its officers. The class action, filed in United States District Court, Southern District of Texas, Houston Division, and docketed under 17-cv-01840, is on behalf of a class consisting of investors who purchased or otherwise acquired KBR securities, seeking to recover compensable damages caused by defendants violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.



If you are a shareholder who purchased KBR securities between February 27, 2014 and April 27, 2017, both dates inclusive, you have until July 3, 2017 to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com. To discuss this action, contact Robert S. Willoughby at rswilloughby@pomlaw.com or 888.476.6529 (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll free, ext. 9980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and number of shares purchased.

[Click here to join this class action]

KBR provides professional services and technologies across the asset and program life-cycle within the government services and hydrocarbons industries worldwide. The company operates through three segments: Government Services, Technology & Consulting, and Engineering & Construction.

Complaint alleges that throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and misleading statements regarding the Companys business, operational and compliance policies. Specifically, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) the Companys United Kingdom (UK) subsidiaries had violated applicable bribery and corruption laws; and (ii) as a result of the foregoing, KBRs public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times.

On April 28, 2017, the United Kingdoms Serious Fraud Office confirmed that it had opened an investigation into the activities of KBRs UK subsidiaries, their officers, employees and agents for suspected offences of bribery and corruption.

On this news, KBRs share price fell $1.43, or 9.24%, to close at $14.05 on April 28, 2017.

The Pomerantz Firm, with offices in New York, Chicago, Florida, and Los Angeles, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, the Pomerantz Firm pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 80 years later, the Pomerantz Firm continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomerantzlaw.com
SAN FRANCISCO, June 16, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP reminds investors in JBS S.A. (OTC:JBSAY) of the July 21, 2017 Lead Plaintiff deadline in the pending securities class action.



If you purchased or otherwise acquired securities of JBS S.A. between June 2, 2015 and May 19, 2017 and suffered losses contact Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP. For more information visit:

https://www.hbsslaw.com/cases/JBSAY

or contact Reed Kathrein, who is leading the firms investigation, by calling 510-725-3000 or emailing JBSAY@hbsslaw.com.

On March 17, 2017, Reuters reported that Brazilian police raided JBS premises during their Operation Weak Flesh probe into illegal bribes to inspectors and politicians for overlooking unsanitary practices such as processing rotten meat and shipping exports with traces of salmonella. This news drove the price of JBS securities down over 9.2% that day.

On May 12, 2017, Reuters reported the Brazilian federal audit court said it found irregularities related to a loan of 1.13 billion reais ($362 million) from the bank to JBS in 2007, which the company used to finance the acquisition of Swift & Co. This news drove the price of JBS securities down over 8% that day.

On May 17, 2017, The New York Times reported that Joesley Batista, the chief executive of J&F Investments, which controls JBS, visited and secretly recorded Brazil President Michel Temer endorsing Batistas payment of hush money to a once-powerful politician jailed for corruption[.]

The article further reported that, according to Brazilian newspaper O Globo, the recording was made as part of a plea bargain that the brothers Joesley and Wesley Batista, who control the familyowned meat giant JBS, made with prosecutors[] and [t]he plea bargain arose out of the giant graft investigation involving Petrobas, the national oil company. This news drove the price of JBS securities down 16% the next day.

Then, on May 19, 2017, Reuters reported that Brazils securities regulator launched four new probes against JBS and other companies controlled by J&F Investimentos. The regulator reportedly said it is investigating signs of suspicious insider trading. This news drove the price of JBS securities down over 31% the next trading day.

On June 1, 2017, The Wall Street Journal reported J&F Investimentos, which controls JBS and a host of other Brazilian businesses, said it would pay 10.3 billion reais ($3.2 billion) over 25 years after admitting to paying roughly $150 million  mostly in bribes  to politicians. The Journal further reported [a]mong other favors, the graft guaranteed JBS access to billions of dollars in financing that funded an acquisition spree in the U.S. and other countries.

Were focused on these reported facts, which starkly contrast with the Companys earlier statements, said Hagens Berman partner Reed Kathrein.

Whistleblowers: Persons with non-public information regarding JBS should consider their options to help in the investigation or take advantage of the SEC Whistleblower program. Under the new SEC whistleblower program, whistleblowers who provide original information may receive rewards totaling up to 30 percent of any successful recovery made by the SEC. For more information, call Reed Kathrein at 510-725-3000 or email JBSAY@hbsslaw.com.

About Hagens Berman

Hagens Berman is a national investor-rights law firm headquartered in Seattle, Washington with offices in 10 cities. The Firm represents investors, whistleblowers, workers and consumers in complex litigation. More about the Firm and its successes can be found at www.hbsslaw.com. For the latest news visit our newsroom or follow us on Twitter at @classactionlaw.
Development will help manufacturers enter Middle Eastern Markets

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, June 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- TUV Rheinland is proud to announce that it is the first international third-party testing, inspection and certification (TIC) company to achieve Gulf Standardization Organization (GSO) Notified Body (NB) status in Thailand and Japan. They join TUV Rheinland Hong Kong, which was the first independent technical services company in the Asia Pacific to obtain GSO Notified Body status for electrical products and toys in June 2015, and TUV Rheinland Korea, which is also newly designated as NB by GSO.

In conjunction with TUV Rheinland's global network of laboratories, these Notified Bodies are authorized to certify products with the "G Mark" -- a mandatory requirement for a variety of goods entering Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) markets.

They can certify low voltage household appliances, plugs, socket outlets and cord extensions. This will help more APAC manufacturers gain access to markets in the six affluent GCC countries of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates. The GSO member states, which also include Yemen, have a total population of around 80 million and an estimated GDP of US$3.2 trillion.

The term "Notified Bodies" refers to independent conformity assessment organizations considered competent and impartial by the GSO, which are responsible for the regulatory process and technical assessment of products intended for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) common market.

"While the GSO standards for these products closely follow EU regulations, there are still enough variations and regulatory hoops to require close attention to every product detail. As an officially recognized Notified Body, TUV Rheinland can guide customers and provide the testing and documentation they need to successfully jump into the Gulf region," said Mr Andreas Leo Hoefer, Executive Vice President, Asia Pacific / India, Middle East & Africa for TUV Rheinland.

"As an independent third-party testing, inspection and certification organization, TUV Rheinland prides itself on its in-depth understanding of the regulations across the Gulf region. Our network of offices and labs covers virtually every GCC country and we are accredited as an inspection body for the national import control schemes of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar. In addition, TUV Rheinland is recognized as an approved testing laboratory for national energy efficiency labelling schemes for air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines and lighting products," said Mr Hoefer.

To be eligible for sale in any GCC market, products must meet the essential requirements set out in the GSO Technical Regulations. These are designed to protect consumers from potential hazards, such as physical injury, high temperatures, electric shock, fire or radiation. However, while the regulations define the objectives related to safety and electromagnetic compatibility, the technical solutions generally follow the Gulf (GSO) standards or international IEC standards which benefit from a "presumption of conformity".

"Using a third-party laboratory or Notified Body, such as TUV Rheinland, can save manufacturers considerable time and expense. We have labs close to suppliers, decades of experience and are well-versed in the approval requirements to gain quick access to GCC markets. Moreover, only GSO-authorized Notified Bodies and their affiliated labs are permitted to conduct the necessary tests," said Mr Holger Kunz, Executive Vice President, Products, TUV Rheinland.

About TUV Rheinland

TUV Rheinland is a global leader in independent inspection services, founded 145 years ago. The group employs 19,700 people around the globe. Annual revenue is more than EUR1.9 billion. The independent experts stand for quality and safety for people, technology and the environment in nearly all industrial sectors and areas of life. TUV Rheinland inspects technical equipment, products and services, and oversees projects, processes and information security for companies. Its experts train people in a wide range of careers and industries. To this end, the company operates a global network of approved labs and testing and education centers. Since 2006, TUV Rheinland has been a member of the United Nations Global Compact to promote sustainability and combat corruption. Website: www.tuv.com

Related Links

http://www.tuv.com



SOURCE TUV Rheinland Singapore Pte Ltd
NEW ORLEANS, June 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- 365 Connect, a leading provider of award-winning marketing, leasing, and resident technology platforms for the multifamily housing industry announced today that the company will participate in the National Apartment Association Education Conference & Exposition (NAA Conference). The conference takes place on June 21 -23, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Providing technology solutions for multifamily housing communities across the nation, 365 Connect will showcase its revolutionary Resident Lifecycle Platform during the event, which encompasses an entire spectrum of services including digital marketing automation, prospect management and conversion tools, and an integrated mix of content and communication for the next generation of renters to pay rent, request services, and renew leases.

365 Connect Founder and CEO, Kerry W. Kirby, stated, "The NAA Conference is by far one of the most important conferences of the year. The conference is the annual gathering place of more than 10,000 multifamily housing professionals, who are interested in learning about the latest innovations in the industry. This event is important for us to attend each year; as we engage, learn, and evolve our platform by interacting with our industry peers. 365 Connect is excited to participate in this premier event, which many in the industry anticipate throughout the whole year."

The NAA Conference boasts an impressive selection of cutting-edge keynote speakers and panelists, in addition to an incredible variety of educational offerings. Topics range from leadership, sales, and marketing to property management, customer service, and leasing. Showcasing the most visionary products and services along with over 65 education sessions, it has become imperative for those in the industry to attend this conference.

With an array of highly coveted technology awards, 365 Connect continues to revolutionize the multifamily housing industry with a results-driven platform that eliminates redundant marketing, simplifies transactions, and serves residents after the lease is signed. The platform is proven to reduce operating expenses, increase prospect traffic, and retain residents for multifamily housing operators.

"365 Connect is excited to participate in the NAA Conference. We are proud to stand alongside industry leaders and entrepreneurs as we all gather to examine the latest trends, nurture original ideas, and collaborate on how to better serve the industry we are so passionate about. We invite attendees to visit our booth (1433) in the Exhibit Hall, meet our amazing team, and learn why multifamily communities across the country are leveraging the power of our platform," Kirby added.

About The National Apartment Association: The National Apartment Association is the leading voice for the apartment housing industry. As a trusted partner, a valued connector and a powerful advocate, we are committed to serving our 170 affiliates, 72,000 members and the 8.8 million apartment units they operate globally. For more information go to www.naahq.org

About 365 Connect, LLC: 365 Connect was founded in 2003 with an unwavering commitment to transforming how apartment communities market, lease, and retain residents. As a leading provider of award-winning technology platforms for the multifamily housing industry, 365 Connect delivers a fully-integrated suite of comprehensive solutions that automate marketing, simplify transactions, and serve residents after the lease is signed. The 365 Connect Resident Lifecycle Platform allows its clients infinite expansion, robust integrations, and the ability to revolutionize user experiences. Explore: www.365connect.com

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SOURCE 365 Connect

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NEW YORK, June 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Aegean Marine Petroleum Network Inc. (NYSE: ANW) ("Aegean" or the "Company") today announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Yiannis Papanicolaou as interim Chairman of the Board, effective immediately. Mr. Papanicolaou succeeds Peter Georgiopoulos as Chairman. Mr. Georgiopoulos and John Tavlarios have stepped down from the Board, effective immediately, and have agreed to continue to work with the Board as consultants to facilitate the Company's senior management transition.

The Company also announced that the Board has appointed Jean Jose ("JJ") Metey as interim President of Aegean, effective immediately. Mr. Metey joined Aegean in 2006 and most recently served as Director of Corporate Development. Mr. Metey will be supported by Aegean's senior management team, who will assist in overseeing the Company's operations and strategy. The Company continues to engage in a comprehensive search process to identify a new permanent President.

"Since joining the Board in 2006, I have worked collaboratively with my fellow directors and the management team, and I look forward to serving as interim Chairman during such an important time and safeguarding a smooth transition until the appointment of a permanent Chairman," said Mr. Papanicolaou. "On behalf of the Company, I want to thank Messrs Georgiopoulos and Tavlarios for their contributions to Aegean throughout the years and wish them well in their future endeavors."

Mr. Papanicolaou continued, "As an executive at Aegean for more than 11 years, I believe JJ is well suited to assume the role of President on an interim basis while the Board continues a thorough search to identify the right candidate to lead the Company and achieve future growth."

"I am honored to take on the role of interim President, and look forward to working with the rest of the talented management team as we continue to serve our clients across the globe and drive value for shareholders," said Mr. Metey.

About Jean Jose Metey

Mr. Metey, Director of Corporate Development at Aegean, has more than thirty years of management and executive experience in the oil and servicing industry. Prior to joining Aegean in 2006, Mr. Metey spent more than twenty years in various roles with BP, including Head of Bunkering with BP France and General Manager of Business Development at BP IST (International Supply and Trading).

About Yiannis Papanicolaou

Mr. Papanicolaou has been a member of Aegean's Board of Directors since 2006 and serves as Chairman of Aegean's compensation committee and a member of the audit committee and nominating and corporate governance committee. Prior to joining Aegean, Mr. Papanicolaou served as Director General of the International Center for Black Sea Studies and as Alternate Governor of Greece at the Black Sea Trade and Development Bank. Mr. Papanicolaou spent his earlier career serving in various government positions, including Chief Economic Advisor to the Prime Minister of Greece, Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisors to the Ministry of National Economy and Special Advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Hellenic Republic. Mr. Papanicolaou has also served as a chairman, deputy chairman, director, and consultant to various European companies.

About Aegean Marine Petroleum Network Inc.

Aegean Marine Petroleum Network Inc. is an international marine fuel logistics company that markets and physically supplies refined marine fuel and lubricants to ships in port and at sea. The Company procures product from various sources (such as refineries, oil producers, and traders) and resells it to a diverse group of customers across all major commercial shipping sectors and leading cruise lines. Currently, Aegean has a global presence in over 29 markets and a team of professionals ready to serve our customers wherever they are around the globe. For additional information please visit: www.ampni.com.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Matters discussed in this press release may constitute forward-looking statements. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides safe harbor protections for forward-looking statements in order to encourage companies to provide prospective information about their business. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements, which are other than statements of historical facts.

The Company desires to take advantage of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and is including this cautionary statement in connection with this safe harbor legislation. The words "believe," "intend," "anticipate," "estimate," "project," "forecast," "plan," "potential," "may," "should," "expect" and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements in this press release are based upon various assumptions, many of which are based, in turn, upon further assumptions, including without limitation, our management's examination of historical operating trends, data contained in our records and other data available from third parties. Although we believe that these assumptions were reasonable when made, because these assumptions are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies which are difficult or impossible to predict and are beyond our control, we cannot assure you that we will achieve or accomplish these expectations, beliefs or projections.

In addition to these important factors, other important factors that, in our view, could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements include our ability to manage growth, our ability to maintain our business in light of our proposed business and location expansion, our ability to attract and retain senior management and other key employees, our ability to obtain double hull secondhand bunkering tankers, the outcome of legal, tax or regulatory proceedings to which we may become a party, adverse conditions in the shipping or the marine fuel supply industries, our ability to retain our key suppliers and key customers, material disruptions in the availability or supply of crude oil or refined petroleum products, changes in the market price of petroleum, including the volatility of spot pricing, increased levels of competition, compliance or lack of compliance with various environmental and other applicable laws and regulations, our ability to collect accounts receivable, changes in the political, economic or regulatory conditions in the markets in which we operate, and the world in general, our failure to hedge certain financial risks associated with our business, our ability to maintain our current tax treatments and our failure to comply with restrictions in our credit agreements and other factors. Please see our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission for a more complete discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties.

SOURCE Aegean Marine Petroleum Network Inc.

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NEW YORK, June 16, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- AJC, the global Jewish advocacy organization, mourns the passing of former German Chancellor Helmut Kohl. He was 87 years old.

"Chancellor Helmut Kohl skillfully presided over the historic task of German reunification, and ensured that Germany was always a champion of European unity and the transatlantic alliance," said AJC CEO David Harris, who met with Kohl a number of times in Bonn, then Germany's capital. AJC was the first Jewish group outside Germany to support German reunification. "He was also a cherished friend of the Jewish people and Israel, and frequently spoke about his desire to restore a Jewish presence in his country after the devastation wrought by the Nazi Final Solution."

Kohl was Germany's longest-serving Chancellor, first as Chancellor of West Germany from 1982-1990, and then of the united Germany from 1990-1998.

AJC opened a permanent office in Berlin in 1998, an event Kohl celebrated.

"It is particularly gratifying to note that the network of German-American relations has, of late, also been extended by new institutions in Germany," said Kohl. "The American Jewish Committee has opened its office in Berlin. It is good to know that this respected organization is now present in the German capital."

"Chancellor Kohl will be remembered for many things, including his pivotal role in the rebirth of Jewish life in Germany," said Harris. In addition, AJC worked with Kohl to secure his approval for compensation payments to East European Holocaust victims after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989.

SOURCE American Jewish Committee

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In response to its recent activity, Jason Lucas, Amstar's President commented, "Amstar is pleased to have started the implementation of its re-investment strategy which begins with The Citadel, a beautiful asset in a dynamic and thriving submarket. We continue to actively seek similar office and multifamily opportunities in U.S. markets that exhibit strong population and job growth trends."

Located on Cherry Creek South Drive, The Citadel benefits from a number of demand drivers including proximity to Denver's most desirable high-end neighborhoods, walk-ability to Cherry Creek North and the Cherry Creek Shopping Center, and easy access to the Cherry Creek Trail - a 42-mile paved pathway connecting Denver's neighborhoods with the Front Range.

The Cherry Creek submarket has recently experienced a surge of residential, commercial and hotel development activity. The Citadel stands to benefit from its close proximity to the new projects and the persistent demand in the submarket. Amstar will invest approximately $2 million in capital improvements to enhance the interior of the building and to create a unique exterior amenity. Kim Sperry, Managing Director for Amstar commented, "The Citadel is a timeless, iconic building with an impressive roster of high profile tenants that include New York Life, Wells Fargo, Oppenheimer and W.G. Nielsen & Co. Our business plan centers on creating an attractive place of business for our tenants by improving the building's physical attributes and providing the highest level of tenant service within the market at a competitive price point."

Mike Winn, Tim Richey and Chad Flynn with CBRE Capital Markets, Institutional Properties, in Denver represented the seller for this transaction.

About Amstar

Established in 1987 and headquartered in Denver, Colorado, Amstar is a real estate investment manager that acquires, develops and manages office, multifamily, retail, hotel and industrial properties in select U.S. and international markets. Originally formed to invest and manage the real estate allocation of a large family office client, Amstar began expanding its capital strategy nearly a decade ago and has grown to more than $1.5 billion in assets under management (as of December 31, 2016). Today, Amstar is proud to provide a high degree of focus and attention to its client relationships, counting among them leaders in the private and institutional investment community. Amstar's clients originate from across the globe and include U.S. and European institutions, insurance companies, private banks, funds of funds, and other family offices.

Contact:

Kimberly Sperry

303-573-4134

[email protected]

SOURCE Amstar
Dave currently leads Serco Inc.'s Defense business, and will take on Dan's responsibilities over the coming weeks, including joining Serco Group's Executive Committee. Dave joined Serco in 2015, bringing deep knowledge and experience from across the defense, aeronautics, logistics and technical services industries. Before Serco, Dave served as President and CEO of SkyLink, a leading aviation and logistics service provider with international operations in over 60 countries. Previous roles included: CEO for the North America operations of VT Group, a technology integrator with a strong focus on C4ISR, transportation, logistics and facilities management; Vice President and lead executive of Raytheon Technical Services Company's integrated support solutions division; and an extensive career at Lockheed Martin, where he ultimately held the position of Vice President and General Manager of logistic services and oversaw more than 3,500 personnel at 75 locations worldwide.

Rupert Soames, Serco Group Chief Executive, said: "I am delighted that Dave Dacquino will be succeeding Dan Allen in leading our Americas division. Dave has made an excellent job of transforming our Defense business in the region over the last two years, and it now has a substantial pipeline of new bid opportunities. I am also grateful to Dan, who since 2013 has steered the division through some choppy waters, and we wish him a happy retirement."

"I am extremely excited to work with the entire Serco team as we carry forward the momentum of recent successes and continue to build Serco as 'the high-performing public service delivery company. Over the past year and half at Serco, I have developed a deep appreciation for our people, values, and the Company's strong commitment to providing services that are truly making a positive difference to our customers and the citizens," said Dave Dacquino.

About Serco Inc.: Serco Inc. (Serco's Americas Division) is a leading provider of professional, technology, and management services. We advise, design, integrate, and deliver solutions that transform how clients achieve their missions. Our customer-first approach, robust portfolio of services, and global experience enable us to respond with solutions that achieve outcomes with value. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, Serco Inc. has approximately 8,000 employees and annual revenue of $1 billion. Serco Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Serco Group plc, a $5 billion international business that helps transform government and public services around the world. More information about Serco Inc. can be found at www.serco-na.com.

SOURCE Serco Inc.

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BELLEVUE, Wash., June 16, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- When two armed citizens held a pair of dangerous prison escapees at gunpoint for police in Tennessee Thursday, they stopped a crime spree and earned the gratitude of all law-abiding citizens, the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms declared.

"This incident underscores the importance of an individual citizen's right to keep and bear arms," said CCRKBA Chairman Alan Gottlieb. "These two rural homeowners are heroes and America owes them a debt of gratitude. We're not surprised that the gun control lobby is suddenly suffering lockjaw. This is the kind of news they despise because it reinforces the validity of an armed citizenry."

The capture ended a three-day manhunt for Georgia prison escapees Donnie Rowe and Ricky Dubose, who are suspected of murdering two corrections officers, Sergeants Christopher Monica and Curtis Billue, with their own guns. Rowe and Dubose fled in a stolen vehicle after overpowering the two officers. After a high-speed chase during which they shot at Tennessee lawmen, the two fugitives were spotted by a homeowner trying to steal his car. That homeowner stopped the pair at gunpoint, summoned a neighbor, and they held the criminals until police arrived, according to published reports.

"This case provides a text book example of the value of armed citizens to the community," Gottlieb observed. "It justifies public demand for national concealed carry reciprocity as well, because criminals like this could easily confront someone away from home, including tourists from another state. They have a right to defend themselves no matter where they are. Congress needs to act on this immediately.

"Naturally," he added, "our thoughts and prayers are with the families of Sergeants Monica and Billue, and we hope that they will have some peace knowing that the men who took their loved ones are now back in custody where they belong. We hope that these criminals feel the full weight of justice.

"We are hopeful that Tennessee and Georgia officials recognize these two citizens in some way," he concluded. "What they did helped their neighbors, and brought to an end a drama of horrible magnitude. We at CCRKBA thank them."

With more than 650,000 members and supporters nationwide, the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms (www.ccrkba.org) is one of the nation's premier gun rights organizations. As a non-profit organization, the Citizens Committee is dedicated to preserving firearms freedoms through active lobbying of elected officials and facilitating grass-roots organization of gun rights activists in local communities throughout the United States.

SOURCE Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms

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MUNICH, Germany, June 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- German apps maker Devarai (https://www.devarai.com/) has already won acclaim for its versatile and popular crossword puzzle apps; now, the company is making a free web gadget that can be added to any site in just seconds and automatically loads a crossword puzzle from Devarai's $50,000 catalog of exclusive puzzles. Website owners can then earn additional revenue by placing ads next to them, and by encouraging visitors to come back often and test their wits against the newest crossword puzzles.

"Engaging content is what keeps people coming back to blogs and websites," says Devarai's Henning Dierolf. "And with our HTML5-based web gadget, site owners have access to award-winning crossword content that's sure to keep people entertained. More visitors who stay longer on the site also means increased ad revenues on sites with advertising."

Devarai features some of the leading crossword authors in the U.S., including Patrick Merrell and Liz Gorski. Puzzles are also available in Spanish, German and Italian. Website owner can choose from four different display styles and sizes: Landscape, Portrait, Landscape Compact and Portrait Compact.

User-friendly design has always been a focus for Devarai when developing digital products. The new crossword puzzle web gadget has been designed to work well on tablets and other touch devices. Pinch and spread gestures let puzzle-solvers zoom as needed. A simple, intuitive interface means users can get straight to work solving puzzles and having fun.

Customers have responded to Devarai's crossword puzzles apps with enthusiasm: "I love your crossword puzzles," says one satisfied puzzle fan. "I only use your app; it's the best on the market place!" Another customer remarked that "I have several crossword puzzle apps, but this is the one I use the most often. It's easy to navigate and features the most interesting puzzles, which rank from easy/moderate to slightly difficult."

Dierolf and his team expect the success of Devarai's apps to translate seamlessly to its web gadget. Recently, the company won an International App Award in the "Educational Apps" category for its crossword puzzle mobile app. Tech giant Google has also ranked Devarai as "high potential." Meanwhile, the company previously enjoyed a mention in Mac Life magazine. To date, Devarai has entertained millions of people around the world. The new web gadget will extend that reach even further.

Devarai is a leading company for language puzzles, and its complete selection of innovative, fun mobile apps is available on the App Store and Google Play. These apps are regularly updated, and new puzzles and games are always in development. In the future, Devarai plans to add crosswords in additional languages like Portuguese, French and Japanese.

About Devarai

Founded in 2010, Munich-based Devarai is an award-winning developer of mobile apps for Apple and Android devices. The company specializes in crossword, word search, sudoku and other language puzzles and games.

Contact:

Mr. Henning Dierolf

Tulbeckstrasse 15

80339 Munich, Germany

+498925547252

[email protected]

SOURCE Devarai

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REDWOOD CITY, Calif., June 16, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lastline, Inc., the leader in advanced malware protection, today announced that it has been named one of the winners of the Red Herring Top 100 North America 2017, recognizing the continents most exciting and innovative private technology companies.



The winners have been chosen from thousands of entrants, whittled down to hundreds that best exemplified the goal of the award, which is to recognize innovative, disruptive companies well positioned to grow at an explosive rate. The ceremony, led by Red Herring chairman Alex Vieux, was preceded by two days of keynote speeches, discussions, and finalist presentations. Companies were judged by industry experts, insiders and journalists on a wide variety of criteria including financial performance, innovation, business strategy, and market penetration.

2017s crop of Top 100 winners has been among our most intriguing yet, said Vieux. North America has led the way in tech for so many years, and to see such unique, pioneering entrepreneurs and companies here in California, which is in many ways the heartland of the industry, has been a thrilling experience.

It is an honor to be recognized by Red Herring, especially considering the high quality of companies I was surrounded by at the awards event, commented Chris Kruegel, Lastline Co-founder and CEO. The Red Herring 100 emphasizes innovation, which is the hallmark of Lastline. Like our fellow winners, our technology is fundamentally changing our industry, enabling enterprises to significantly improve their ability to detect and defeat data breaches caused by advanced malware.

What has excited me most is to see so many people forging niches in high-tech and cutting edge sectors, added Vieux. Some of the technical wizardry and first-rate business models showcased here at the conference has been fantastic to learn about. We believe Lastline embodies the drive, skill and passion on which tech thrives. Lastline should be proud of its achievement - the competition was incredibly strong.

Lastline Enterprise is widely acknowledged as the industrys most effective advanced malware protection solution as evaluated by third-party testing agencies and as recognized by numerous awards. NSS Labs 2016 Breach Detection Systems Test recognized Lastline as the only breach detection offering they have ever tested to achieve 100-percent detection effectiveness with zero false positives. And the 2016 Forrester Wave report recognized Lastline as providing the strongest automated malware analysis solution in the market.

Red Herrings editors have been evaluating the worlds startups and tech companies for over two decades. It gives them the ability to see through the industrys hype to pick firms that will continue on a trajectory to success. Brands such as Alibaba, Google, Kakao, Skype, Spotify, Twitter and YouTube have all been singled out in Red Herrings storied history.

About Lastline

Lastline provides advanced malware protection that is innovating the way companies protect themselves against advanced persistent threats, targeted attacks, and evasive malware. Lastline provides the threat visibility and context needed to respond quickly and effectively to malicious activity before damaging and costly data breaches occur. Headquartered in Redwood City, California with offices throughout North America, Europe and Asia, Lastlines platform is used by Global 5000 enterprises, offered directly and through global managed security service providers, and integrated into the solutions of leading security technology vendors worldwide. www.lastline.com
FRANKLIN, Tenn., June 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- It's no secret that pets are an important part of many families  now in more than 84 million households. While their presence alone can make individuals and communities safer and healthier, pets aren't always welcome everywhere. With increased urbanization and family dynamics changing, Mars Petcare is setting out to break down barriers to welcoming pets in more places. Today, Mars Petcare, in partnership with the City of Franklin, business and nonprofit leaders, is launching a community celebration and pilot program meant to welcome pets in more places. The pilot is part of Mars Petcare's first-of-its-kind initiative, BETTER CITIES FOR PETS, which aims to create more places for every dog and cat to live, visit and play in cities across the nation.

"Pets can't speak for themselves, so it's up to people and communities to advocate for them and the many ways they make our lives better," said Mark Johnson, President of Mars Petcare North America. "The BETTER CITIES FOR PETS initiative was created to bring together people, governments and organizations to represent the voice of pets and create change toward more pet-friendly cities  and our intent is for other cities to adopt the model we're creating, taking this effort nationwide."

Through the pilot, more than 80 local businesses will open their doors to pets to evaluate the positive impact of pets on local economies. In partnership with the Downtown Franklin Association, City of Franklin, Nashville Civic Design Center, Williamson County Animal Center and the Williamson County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Mars Petcare is launching this pilot in Franklin, Tennessee, home to Mars Petcare's US headquarters, using this market to create the model for other cities across the nation to adopt in the future. Participating businesses will receive a comprehensive toolkit and guides to implement pet-friendly policies, and will collect feedback over the next few months to gather best practices to offer to other cities in the future.

"Pets have always been a passion of mine, and I'm thrilled that Franklin was selected to pilot test the 'Pets Welcome' program with our local businesses," said Mayor Ken Moore of Franklin, Tennessee. "As a growing, community-driven city, Franklin is the perfect setting to test out the positive impact of pets in more places and offers the ideal foundation to explore the impact of trends we are seeing across the country."

The Need for Pet-Friendly Policies and Programs

Pets help people in so many ways, from reducing stress, lowering blood pressure and increasing a sense of community. But despite these benefits, communities are still faced with a mix of barriers that make it difficult to create pet-friendly environments. As more people move into urban areas, and more young adults are choosing to have pets over children, it's clear that the role pets play in people's daily lives continues to evolve.

To better understand the impact of these barriers and opportunities, Mars Petcare issued a survey with the US Conference of Mayors, asking Mayors about the current landscape of pet-friendliness in their cities, and the results validate these trends around pet ownership.

The results show that the power of pets is no secret  100 percent of mayors agree pets can have a positive impact on people's mental and physical health, and 82 percent of mayors agree that providing pet friendly amenities can have an overall positive economic impact on their community. But the need for support still exists, with 66 percent of mayors not having, or aren't aware of, pet-friendly policies for public spaces such as restaurants and stores. Mars is announcing the full survey results at the US Conference of Mayors' Summer Meeting on June 24, helping to inform how the BETTER CITIES FOR PETS model rolls out to cities across the country as the program evolves.

Public-Private Partnerships Drive Progress

An important part of the BETTER CITIES FOR PETS initiative is implementing more pet-friendly policies in partnership with cities themselves. Mars Petcare is collaborating with state lawmakers to honor pets, including the first official Pets Matter Month, a joint resolution passed by the Tennessee General Assembly that recognizes the many ways pets make life better. This, along with other progress being made at the state and local level, is an important first step in making policy changes in cities that currently have strong barriers to pet ownership.

Mars Petcare has a rich history of improving pets lives and BETTER CITIES FOR PETS extends this vision by building the right partnerships, working with businesses and engaging local governments to better understand how to improve communities for pets by supporting homes, shelters, businesses and parks. A few ways Mars and its partners are making progress on this front are:

Giving pets more places to play by sponsoring dog parks across the country, and hosting volunteer events to improve public parks by creating trails and installing hydration and relief stations.

Encouraging more families to add a pet to their family by supporting adoption events, as well as refreshing and rebuilding play areas at shelters, ensuring that the time pets do spend at shelters is warm and welcoming.

Ensuring pets are welcomed in the community by providing responsible pet ownership education to pet owners and non-pet owners alike, from safety to health and etiquette policies for pets.

To help other nonprofits, local governments and businesses looking to make their communities more welcoming to pets, Mars Petcare US has created a dedicated website to offer downloadable tools and information. For more information about the BETTER CITIES FOR PETS program and how to create more pet-friendly communities, visit www.bettercitiesforpets.com or join the conversation on social media with #FranklinTNLovesPets.

About Mars Petcare US

Mars Petcare is the world's leading pet nutrition and health care business. A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS is the vision statement held by Mars Petcare as we believe that pets make our lives better and that pet ownership brings joy and benefits which should be accessible to everyone. In the United States, Mars Petcare food brands include PEDIGREE, IAMS, ROYAL CANIN, GREENIES, CESAR, NUTRO and SHEBA. Veterinary practices include BANFIELD and BLUE PEARL. Specialty brands include WISDOM PANEL Canine DNA Tests and WHISTLE GPS Pet Tracker. The company's WALTHAM Centre for Pet Nutrition is a leading scientific authority on pet nutrition and wellbeing. Mars Petcare has more than 37,000 Associates worldwide. For more information about Mars Petcare's vision: A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS, visit www.bettercitiesforpets.com.

About BETTER CITIES FOR PETS

BETTER CITIES FOR PETS is a program of Mars Petcare US, the world's leading pet nutrition and health care business. The program aims to create enough places for every dog and cat to live, visit and play by supporting shelters, homes, businesses and parks. Mars Petcare works with key partners, businesses and local governments to better understand how to improve communities by: providing safe and welcoming shelters that lead to forever homes; encouraging pet-friendly, responsible homes for pets; welcoming more pets into local businesses, and giving pets plenty of park space to play. For more information about Mars Petcare and BETTER CITIES FOR PETS, visit www.bettercitiesforpets.com.

SOURCE Mars Petcare
WASHINGTON, June 16, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today announced that it filed an emergency lawsuit on behalf of a Utah imam (Muslim religious leader) who was prevented from boarding a flight back to his home in the United States from Kenya.

CAIR's lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Utah. Among the defendants are the FBI, the Terrorism Screening Center (TSC) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

[NOTE: The imam will try to board a flight home tonight. CAIR's lawsuit seeks to have the imam allowed to board his flight.]

Imam Yussuf Awadir Abdi, an American citizen and imam of Madina Masjid in Salt Lake City, Utah, traveled to Kenya to bring his wife and children to the United States. All members of his family are either United States citizens or have permission to enter and reside in this country. Imam Abdi was added to the no-fly list after he left the country and was therefore prevented from boarding his flight home. [NOTE: The imam will try to board a flight home tonight.]

SEE: Muslim Utahn  and U.S. citizen  Prevented From Boarding Plane by Kenyan Officials

http://www.sltrib.com/news/5404414-155/muslim-is-detained-in-kenya-on

As a result of being denied boarding, Imam Abdi was unable to return home in time for the last 10 nights of the holy month of Ramadan -- the most important nights of the month -- when he is expected to lead prayers each night at his mosque. The last 10 nights of Ramadan began on the evening of June 15.

A motion filed in conjunction with the lawsuit seeks an emergency court order compelling the United States to allow Imam Abdi to board a flight and return to his home in Utah.

Parker & McConkie is co-counsel in the lawsuit.

"The federal government has used the no-fly list as a tool to attack the constitutional rights and liberties of innocent American Muslims around the country," said CAIR National Litigation Director Lena F. Masri, Esq. "In the case of Imam Abdi, the federal government wrongfully placed him on the list without notice or due process after he left the country, which effectively exiled him by preventing him from returning to his home in Utah."

Masri noted that CAIR has assisted a number of other American Muslim citizens who have been stranded overseas by government actions.

SEE: CAIR Calls No-Fly Policy Change a 'Step in the Right Direction'

http://www.cair.com/press-center/press-releases/12936-cair-calls-no-fly-policy-change-a-step-in-the-right-direction.html

CAIR Welcomes Ruling that No-Fly List Appeals Process is Unconstitutional

http://www.cair.com/press-center/press-releases/12536-cair-welcomes-ruling-that-no-fly-list-appeals-process-is-unconstitutional.html

CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

La mision de CAIR es mejorar la comprension del Islam, fomentar el dialogo, proteger las libertades civiles, capacitar a los musulmanes estadounidenses, y construir coaliciones que promuevan la justicia y la comprension mutua.

Become a Fan of CAIR on Facebook

http://www.facebook.com/CAIRNational

Subscribe to CAIR's Email List

http://tinyurl.com/cairsubscribe

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http://twitter.com/cairnational

Subscribe to CAIR's YouTube Channel

http://www.youtube.com/cairtv

CONTACT: CAIR National Litigation Director Lena Masri, 248-390-9784, [email protected]; CAIR Senior Litigation Attorney Gadeir Abbas, 720-251-0425, [email protected]; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, [email protected]

SOURCE Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR)

Related Links

http://www.cair.com


OAKLAND, Calif., June 15, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Cal/OSHA is reminding all employers to protect their outdoor workers from heat illness, especially those not accustomed to working in high heat conditions. Employers need to ensure workers are drinking plenty of water and taking breaks in the shade as temperatures rise across many regions of California. The National Weather Service is forecasting unusually high temperatures throughout the state, which will remain high for the rest of this week and into next week.

"California rules are very clear on how employers must protect their workers from heat illness," said Cal/OSHA Chief Juliann Sum. "Our goal is to prevent deaths and serious illnesses and injuries caused by exposure to heat."

Special attention must be given to new employees who have not been acclimatized to working under hot conditions, as they are particularly vulnerable to heat illness. They must be monitored carefully for signs of heat illness and should, if possible, be allowed to begin work earlier in the day when the temperature is lower or gradually work up to a full schedule.

Many regions of the state will be reaching temperatures in the triple digits. When temperatures reach 95 degrees or above, employers are required to implement high-heat procedures to ensure outdoor workers are protected. Procedures include effective monitoring of all workers through methods such as a mandatory buddy system for workers or regular communication with workers who work alone.

California's Heat Illness Prevention Standard requires employers to train workers on the signs and symptoms of heat illness, provide shade when temperatures exceed 80 degrees, develop emergency response procedures and train workers on how to execute those procedures when necessary.

Cal/OSHA inspects outdoor worksites in agriculture, construction, landscaping, and other operations throughout the heat season. Cal/OSHA's Heat Illness Prevention program, the first of its kind in the nation, includes enforcement of heat regulations as well as multilingual outreach and training for California's employers and workers. Online information on heat illness prevention requirements and training materials are available on Cal/OSHA's Heat Illness Prevention web page or the Water. Rest. Shade. campaign site. A Heat Illness Prevention e-tool is also available on Cal/OSHA's website.

Cal/OSHA helps protect workers from safety and health hazards on the job in almost every workplace in California. Cal/OSHA's Consultation Services Branch provides free and voluntary assistance to employers to improve their safety and health programs. Employers should call (800) 963-9424 for assistance from Cal/OSHA Consultation Services.

Employees with work-related questions or complaints may contact DIR's Call Center in English or Spanish at 844-LABOR-DIR (844-522-6734). The California Workers' Information line at 866-924-9757 provides recorded information in English and Spanish on a variety of work-related topics. Complaints can also be filed confidentially with Cal/OSHA district offices.

Members of the press may contact Peter Melton or Paola Laverde at (510) 286-1161, and are encouraged to subscribe to get email alerts on DIR's press releases or other departmental updates.

https://www.facebook.com/CaliforniaDIR

https://twitter.com/CA_DIR

http://www.youtube.com/CaliforniaDIR

http://www.dir.ca.gov/email/listsub.asp?choice=1

The California Department of Industrial Relations, established in 1927, protects and improves the health, safety, and economic well-being of over 18 million wage earners, and helps their employers comply with state labor laws. DIR is housed within the Labor & Workforce Development Agency. For general inquiries, contact DIR's Communications Call Center at 844-LABOR-DIR (844-522-6734) for help in locating the appropriate division or program in our department.

SOURCE California Department of Industrial Relations, Cal/OSHA

Related Links

http://www.dir.ca.gov


PHOENIX, June 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- CENTURY 21 Arizona Foothills today announced that it has merged with Solutions Real Estate, effectively expanding the presence of the CENTURY 21 brand in Maricopa and Pinal counties.

"With a growing population and healthy demand for new homes, the Greater Phoenix market is ripe for local home buyers and sellers," said Floyd Scott, President, CENTURY 21 Arizona Foothills. "This merger enables us to deepen our reach in the region and, more importantly, it uniquely positions us to better serve our customers and meet their evolving needs. We couldn't be more excited about having David, Kathleen and their team join us."

Through the acquisition, CENTURY 21 Arizona Foothills welcomes David Dion and Kathleen O'Herron, who will remain on board as a consultant/agent and managing broker, respectively. Both David and Kathleen will be rejoining the CENTURY 21 System, and together, the new team brings more than 27 years of experience to the table. The move will also expand the CENTURY 21 Arizona Foothills footprint to 8 offices and more than 500 agents.

"We are thrilled to have David and Kathleen join the CENTURY 21 Arizona Foothills team, and have them rejoin the CENTURY 21 System," said Greg Sexton, chief operating officer, Century 21 Real Estate LLC. "We look forward to expanding the presence of the CENTURY 21 brand in a thriving metropolitan area like Phoenix."

About CENTURY 21 Arizona Foothills

CENTURY 21 Arizona Foothills is a full service real estate company, serving the buyers and sellers of Maricopa and Pinal Counties. The brokerage is located at 3930 E. Chandler Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85048, and also has offices in Chandler, Gilbert, Litchfield Park, Phoenix, Scottsdale and Surprise.

CENTURY 21 Arizona Foothills is an independently owned and operated franchise affiliate of Century 21 Real Estate LLC (century21.com), franchisor of the iconic CENTURY 21 brand, comprised of approximately 7,400 independently owned and operated franchised broker offices in 78 countries and territories worldwide with more than 111,000 independent sales professionals.

Media Contact:

Sammy Toole

MullenLowe for CENTURY 21 Arizona Foothills

617.226.9934

[email protected]

SOURCE CENTURY 21 Arizona Foothills
PALO ALTO, Calif., June 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- California Israel Chamber of Commerce (CICC) announced the success of its' CiMED 2017 Conference, showcasing innovative Israeli MedTech startups. CICC contributes to stronger commercial ties between Silicon Valley, Israel and global companies.

Held at Oracle's Headquarters on June 7th, attendees included top-tier investors, medical professionals, insurance companies, service providers and other players in the healthcare industry. Safra Catz, CEO of Oracle, opened the conference. Keynotes were given by Laurence J. Marton, Chair Emeritus, Department of Laboratory Medicine, at UCSF; Josh Makower, General Partner, NEA; and Eric N. Marton, CEO, Verity Physician Network.

NovellusDx and OutSense were voted the winners of the startup pitch competition by two distinguished group of judges.

"NovellusDx is dedicated to delivering the actionable intelligence that oncologists require to choose the right therapy for each patient," said Haim Gil-Ad, Co-Founder & CEO. "Physicians and patients will be able to identify the best course of careultimately reducing the cost to the healthcare system and the patient as well."

OutSense is developing the world's first IoT medical sensor, enabling early detection of illness and precise optimization of the digestive system to improve personal wellness. Ishay Attar, Founder and Chairman, explains that "a major physiological status report for each person is generated daily in the form of our biological excretions." This information is currently flushed down the toilet, but OutSense uses innovative imaging technologies and sophisticated cognitive computing algorithms to reveal and analyze such data. Of the conference, Attar said "the CICC has a professional 'A' team in place, who did a great job for OutSense. CiMED successfully achieved extensive exposure for us in Silicon Valley  their network includes top-notch investors, strategics and advisors. I enjoyed meeting them, presenting, learning and winning."

"CiMED provides a unique opportunity for the Israeli startups, investors, corporates, hospitals and medical centers in the US to discuss innovation and opportunities for collaboration," said Talia Cohen, Executive Director of the CICC. The startups delegation included visits to Seton Medical Center, O'Connor hospital, Stanford Center for Genomics and Personalized Medicine, Invitae and Verily.

CiMED sponsors included Oracle, Silicon Valley Bank, and the Israel Economic Mission.

About CICC

The California Israel Chamber of Commerce (CICC) is a platform for global corporations and investors to connect with leading Israeli tech companies through personalized introductions, networking events, forums and delegations.

CICC has partnered with Silicon Valley and global giants such as Oracle, Intel, Google, Facebook, Cisco, Microsoft, EMC, PayPal, SAP, Samsung, to name a few. Current areas of focus are MedTech; Big Data, SaaS & Cloud; Cyber Security; Mobile & Internet; and AgTech.

CICC is a not-for-profit, industry-supported organization. Please visit www.ci-cc.org.

For More Information:

Talia Cohen

Executive Director, CICC

+1-650-305-1843

[email protected]

SOURCE NovellusDx
Robb Report's annual "Best of the Best" guide highlights the world's finest new automobiles, yachts, hotels, watches, wines and much more, including exclusive travel experiences. The complete guide is published in the magazine's June 2017 issue, available now.

"It is a tremendous honor to be recognized by the team at Robb Report, as like Crystal, the publication's standard of luxury exceeds the rest," says Crystal CEO and president, Edie Rodriguez. "Crystal Mozart marks the beginning of a new era in river cruising as the 'Queen of Europe's Rivers' and the new standard bearer of true luxury in the industry."

River cruising has always represented a relaxed, elegant manner of travel, boasting numerous opportunities to disconnect and immerse oneself in new cultures. With the launch of Crystal Mozart, Crystal River Cruises focuses on elegance and seamless luxury on board, and exclusive, inclusive experiences ashore that suit virtually every type of traveler. With dozens of complementary options that explore various facets of each destination, as well as optional expanded shore-side options, guests can enjoy the exact European river voyage of their dreams.

Since embarking on her maiden voyage in summer 2016, Crystal Mozart has earned the acclaim of the world's most discerning travelers and experts alike. Crystal's acclaimed butler service is offered for every room category, along with plush king-sized beds, ETRO robes and slippers, wall-mounted flat-screen HD TVs, and Nespresso machines. Additional enticing features include complimentary shore excursions, Michelin-inspired, farm-to-table dining in multiple, open-seating eateries, and a full-service spa and separate fitness center, equipped with modern machines and cardio equipment as well as free weights.

Crystal Mozart also holds the distinction as the most technologically advanced vessel on Europe's rivers. Throughout the ship, digital signage puts available services and port information at guests' fingertips, including weather forecasts for the day, available spa appointments and dining reservations. Each suite offers Apple iPad devices that serve as Digital Directories for virtually all of guests' on-board needs, from dry cleaning and butler service to room service and dining reservations, as well as concierge and Crystal Adventures inquiries. Bathrooms also feature TOTO Washlet personal cleaning systems, offering heated seats, automatic open/close, aerated water and warm air dryer.

As Crystal continues forward with its groundbreaking brand and fleet expansion, Crystal River Cruises prepares to welcome the next member of its family. Crystal Bach  the first of the all-suite, all-balcony "Rhine Class" quadruplet sister river yachts  will embark on her maiden voyage in August of this year.

By sea, river, land and air, Crystal has redefined the way the world views luxury travel. Crystal Cruises is the World's Most Awarded Luxury Cruise Line, having earned "World's Best Cruise Ship" in Conde Nast Traveler's Reader Choice Awards for 23 years; been voted "World's Best Large Ship Cruise Line" by Travel + Leisure readers for 20 years; and the "Best Luxury Cruise Line" by travel professional organization Virtuoso for three consecutive years (2014, 2015 & 2016). The newest and upcoming extensions of the celebrated Crystal brand include Crystal Yacht Expedition Cruises, Crystal Luxury Air, Crystal River Cruises  The World's Most Luxurious River Cruise Line  Crystal AirCruises and Crystal Exclusive Class with Crystal Residences. Crystal is proud to be a platinum partner of the professionals of ASTA.

For more information and Crystal reservations, contact a travel agent, call 888.799.2437, or visit www.crystalcruises.com. Join the hundreds of thousands who follow the Crystal Cruises' Facebook page and @crystalcruises on Twitter and Instagram, and engage in the conversation with #crystalcruises.

CONTACT: Susan Robison Molly Morgan

Director, Global Public Relations Publicist, Public Relations







(310) 203-4305



[email protected]



SOURCE Crystal River Cruises

Related Links

http://www.crystalcruises.com


NEWARK, N.J., June 16, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- New Jersey SEEDS, a nonprofit that provides educational access to high-achieving, low-income students, recently celebrated the graduation of the first class of its College Scholars Program. All graduates will be enrolling in college this fall. These 22 students have received over 100 acceptances from more than 50 colleges and universities across the country, 75 percent of which are ranked Most, Highly or Very Competitive by Barron's. (Click here to review a complete list of College Scholars, current high schools, and college matriculations.)

The students that comprise this first graduating class come from 11 high schools in nine cities within 25 miles of Newark. Students began academic classes with SEEDS in February of their junior year, and for the past 17 months, have worked closely with New Jersey SEEDS to navigate the college admissions and financial aid processes.

"We could not be prouder of this inaugural class of College Scholars," says John F. Castano, Executive Director of NJ SEEDS. "Their commitment, tenacity and grit led to outcomes far beyond our already high expectations. As we celebrate our 25th year of education access, we are heartened and excited to add the College Scholars Program, and its newly graduated first class, to the portfolio of opportunity that is New Jersey SEEDS. The success of these 22 young people has paved the way for our second class, which is nearly twice the size. The future is indeed bright!"

SEEDS' College Scholars Program launched in 2015 to prepare and place top-performing, low-income students from public high schools in New Jersey into highly selective colleges with sufficient financial aid. The free program consists of academic classes each Saturday during the spring of students' eleventh-grade year and throughout twelfth grade. Students also spend the summer before their senior year of high school completing a three-week residency with SEEDS at Hobart and William Smith Colleges.

The College Scholars Class of 2017 Graduation Ceremony was held at Montclair State University on Saturday, June 10. In addition to the morning's Commencement Speaker  Nellie Chapman, Assistant Principal at Union City High School  Joselyn Jaramillo addressed her classmates. Several students also received special awards in recognition of their accomplishments.

For more information, or to receive high-resolution photos, please contact Theresa Murray at [email protected] or at 862.227.9145.

About New Jersey SEEDS

For 25 years, New Jersey SEEDS has provided educational access for highly motivated, low-income students and created a viable path for them to achieve their full potential. SEEDS strives for a world in which young people's initiative, creativity and intellect can flourish without regard to socioeconomic status. Since SEEDS' founding in 1992, more than 3,000 scholars have graduated from its programs. For more information, visit www.njseeds.org.



Special thanks to our generous donors for their major support of the College Scholars Program this year: Allergen Foundation; Barbara and Edward Becker; and Julia and Robert Greifeld.

SOURCE New Jersey SEEDS

Related Links

http://www.njseeds.org


LONDON, June 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Hundreds of Dad's across the US are celebrating Father's Day this Sunday after taking the decision to have fertility treatment on the Caribbean island of Barbados. One patient Steve Coombes from Florida said, "This will be my first Father's Day and I am really looking forward to spending the day with my wife and baby daughter. We struggled with infertility for over 5 years, and spent all of our savings on expensive IVF cycles here in the US. We found BFC online and from the moment we spoke to the staff there, we knew we had found the right place for treatment. We combined our cycle with a 10-day vacation and had a fantastic experience. The staff are so caring and our treatment plan was tailored to be specific for us as a couple. I had started to believe I would never be a father after so much disappointment when treatment in the US didn't work for us. But after only one trip to Barbados we finally found success and I am now a proud father to Sophia who was born in March. I would recommend BFC to anyone who is still struggling with infertility; it was only a 3-hour direct flight from Miami to Barbados. Including the treatment costs, medication, flights and accommodation we only spent a total of $9,000 USD, which was a lot less than we had spent on previous cycles locally in Florida."

Anna Hosford, Clinic Director at BFC said, "We have just celebrated our 15th anniversary and in that time have treated thousands of infertility patients from all over the world. We have held our gold seal of accreditation from JCI continuously from 2007, and our latest JCI accreditation is now valid until 2020. We have worked hard to establish our clinic as a leader in the field of reproductive medicine; ensuring patients receive world-class treatment. We specialise in individualized care and treat our patients both medically with the latest in cutting edge technology as well as treating them holistically at our on site spa. This helps our patients to be at the optimum of relaxation when they undergo treatment here in Barbados. The natural beauty of the island also helps patients to unwind and to leave the stresses and strains of everyday life back at home and focus on their IVF treatment with us. We have seen a big upsurge in inquiries from US patients; our nursing team handle inquiries on a daily basis from California, New York, Florida and Georgia as treatment costs in the US continue to rise. "

Infertility affects 6.1 million American couples which equates to approximately 10% of American couples of childbearing age. Often fertility treatments are not covered by US health insurance plans, so many couples find they have to self-fund treatment.

Barbados Fertility Centre (BFC), a JCI accredited centre of excellence for IVF has seen a dramatic rise in the number of patients that they treat from the USA. Couples are attracted to BFC because of their exceptionally high success rates  currently 69% on women under 35, which compares to a national average of only 42% in the USA.

For more information on the work of Barbados Fertility Centre, please visit www.barbadosivf.com.

SOURCE Barbados Fertility Centre

Related Links

http://www.barbadosivf.com


BRADFORD, England, June 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Medical training firm started in a bedroom and now enjoys an international reach

A Bradford-based medical training company that started life in the owner's bedroom is now operating on two continents.

First Medical Training provides everything from basic first aid training for company staff to training for doctors and dentists. Their clients include the British Army, Denplan, Oasis, the Grand Depart and Leeds Roller Dolls, among others.

Director Christian Smith, 37, whose background is in emergency medicine, formed the Greengates-based company in 2007.

He said: "My original plan was to teach local companies, so I didn't think it would get to the size it is now. It was set up out of a bedroom in my house with a laptop and a desk - and in the first couple of years it just took off."

The company now has instructors nationwide and in Africa, and is also developing an online training platform to take its operations worldwide.

Mr Smith said: "Over the years I have met many successful and driven people who have inspired me to take on new challenges. Together we have revisited, revamped, rebranded and re-launched the First Medical Training we are today - a motley crew of paramedics, firefighters, senior-care workers and first-aiders, passionate about sharing all that we have learned."

"It is our long-term goal to have tutors providing affordable instructions in every country. We specialise in the provision of continuous professional development for the dental and healthcare industries, and supply equipment to the medical fraternity which includes defibrillators.

"Our belief is that life-saving skills are vital and should be accessible by all. In addition to mandatory corporate training, we actively encourage all members of the community to participate in basic first aid .

"We keenly support the installation of defibrillators in schools and public places, and champion campaign groups such as Millie's Trust."

Media Contact:

Christian Smith

First Medical Training, Director

+44-(0)-330-223-0900

[email protected]



SOURCE First Medical Training
The report " Flavor Enhancers Market by Type (Acidulants, Glutamates, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Proteins, Yeast Extracts), Application (Processed & Convenience Foods, Beverages, Meat & Fish Products), Form, Source, & Region - Global Forecast to 2022" , published by MarketsandMarkets, the Flavor Enhancers Market is projected to reach USD 8.18 Billion by 2022, at a CAGR of 5.6% from 2017 to 2022. The market is driven by factors such as the growing consumption of convenience food & beverages across the globe, and high usage of monosodium glutamate in savory foods.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160303/792302 )



Browse 68 market data tables and 36 figures spread through 130 pages and in-depth TOC on "Flavor Enhancers Market - Global Forecast to 2022"

http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/flavor-enhancer-market-92036677.html

Early buyers will receive 10% customization on this report

Monosodium glutamate is projected to be the fastest-growing segment in the Flavor Enhancers Market by type during the forecast period 2017-2022

Monosodium glutamates (MSG) are synthetically produced and are cheap compared to other types of flavor enhancers, such as acidulants, yeast extracts, and hydrolyzed vegetable protein. MSG is commonly used to enhance the umami flavor in savory foods. The growing consumption of processed food is the driving factor contributing to the demand for MSG, which has augmented the growth of the Flavor Enhancers Market.

Download PDF Brochure: http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownload.asp?id=92036677

The powdered form accounted for the largest market share in the Flavor Enhancers Market in 2016

Flavor enhancers in powdered form are most commonly used by manufacturers as it is easier to use as compared to liquid & semi-liquid forms; therefore, powdered flavor enhancers account for the largest market share in 2016. The powdered form finds application in various bakery products, such as processed food, beverages, condiments, and bakery. Furthermore, technological advancements have led to an increased usage of powdered flavor enhancers as the dosing is easier than liquid & semi-liquid forms.

Make an Inquiry: http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_Buying.asp?id=92036677

Significant growth for flavor enhancers is observed in the Asia-Pacific region

Rapid urbanization and increasing demand for convenience food is expected to drive the market for different flavors due to which the Flavor Enhancers Market is projected to grow substantially. There is a growing demand for convenience & processed food products in this region due to the Westernization of food habits, which is likely to surpass the market in developed regions, such as Europe and North America. There is an increasing consumption of frozen meat & fish products as a result of urbanization, hectic lifestyles, and high disposable incomes. This trend is expected to fuel the growth of the Flavor Enhancers Market in the region. This report includes a study of marketing and development strategies, along with the product portfolio of leading companies. It includes the profiles of leading companies such as Cargill (U.S.), Tate & Lyle PLC (U.K.), Associated British Foods plc (U.S.), Corbion N.V. (Netherlands), and Sensient Technologies (U.S.).

Browse related reports:

Flavored Syrups Market by Flavor (Fruit, Chocolate, Vanilla, Coffee, Herbs & Seasoning), Flavor Type (Sweet, Salty, Savory, Sour, Mint), Application (Beverage, Dairy & Frozen Dessert, Confectionery, Bakery), & by Region - Global Forecast to 2021

http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/flavored-syrup-market-992.html

Savory Ingredients Market by Type (Yeast extracts, Hydrolyzed vegetable proteins, Hydrolyzed animal proteins, Monosodium glutamate, Nucleotides), Application (Food, Feed), Origin (Natural, Synthetic), form, and Region - Global Forecast to 2022

http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/savory-ingredients-market-193325783.html

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Our 850 fulltime analyst and SMEs at MarketsandMarkets are tracking global high growth markets following the "Growth Engagement Model - GEM". The GEM aims at proactive collaboration with the clients to identify new opportunities, identify most important customers, write "Attack, avoid and defend" strategies, identify sources of incremental revenues for both the company and its competitors. MarketsandMarkets now coming up with 1,500 MicroQuadrants (Positioning top players across leaders, emerging companies, innovators, strategic players) annually in high growth emerging segments. MarketsandMarkets is determined to benefit more than 10,000 companies this year for their revenue planning and help them take their innovations/disruptions early to the market by providing them research ahead of the curve.

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MarketsandMarkets

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Visit Our Blog @ http://www.marketsandmarketsblog.com/market-reports/food-and-beverage

Connect with us on LinkedIn @ http://www.linkedin.com/company/marketsandmarkets

SOURCE MarketsandMarkets
NEW YORK, June 16, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Eco Science Solutions, Inc. (Eco Science or the Company) (OTCQB:ESSI) and certain of its officers. The class action, filed in United States District Court, District of New Jersey, and docketed under 17-cv-03760, is on behalf of a class consisting of investors who purchased or otherwise acquired Eco Science securities, seeking to recover compensable damages caused by defendants violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.



If you are a shareholder who purchased Eco Science securities between May 1, 2017 and May 19, 2017, both dates inclusive, you have until July 24, 2017 to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com. To discuss this action, contact Robert S. Willoughby at rswilloughby@pomlaw.com or 888.476.6529 (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll free, ext. 9980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and number of shares purchased.

[Click here to join this class action]

Eco Science Solutions, Inc. is a technology-focused company that provides solutions for the health and wellness industry. The Company provides enterprise software solutions and services including consumer apps, localized communication platforms between consumers and businesses, educational content, e-commerce platforms, and social networking services.

The Complaint alleges that throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and misleading statements regarding the Companys business, operational and compliance policies. Specifically, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) the Companys plan for strategic acquisitions lacked veracity; and (ii) as a result, Defendants statements about the Companys business, operations and prospects were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable bases at all relevant times.

On May 19, 2017, the Securities and Exchange Commission issued an order of suspension of trading, halting trading of the Companys securities. To date, trading the Companys securities remains halted, rending the Companys securities illiquid and virtually worthless, thereby damaging investors.

The Pomerantz Firm, with offices in New York, Chicago, Florida, and Los Angeles, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, the Pomerantz Firm pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 80 years later, the Pomerantz Firm continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomerantzlaw.com
KELOWNA, British Columbia, June 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Earlier this month, PAL-V the creators of the world's first commercially feasible flying car opened the doors to their new production facility in the Netherlands. The facility designed to fulfill early orders for the PAL-V Liberty flying car will commence production operations imminently.

"Most parts are ordered for the first machines and the first are in house, we will commence construction with an eye on deliveries to our first global clients in 2018 in to 2019," said Robert Dingemanse CEO.

PAL-V Liberty Flying Car

Various dignitaries were in attendance at the event including PAL-V's partners and shareholders to witness what is a definite advancement in the aeronautics industry.

Importantly in a subsequent meeting the European Aviation agency EASA visited the Headquarters of PAL-V to discuss progress of the project.

EASA supervises the airworthiness certification process of the PAL-V Liberty as well as its organizational certification for design and production. By working closely together with one of the two world's leading regulatory authorities, the PAL-V Liberty complies with the existing regulations of most countries in the world and meets the very high standards set by EASA. The FAA is aligned with EASA for this ensuring as best as possible a smooth due diligence and certification process in North America.

The PAL-V Liberty will be world's first EASA certified gyroplane meeting these standards, another world premiere for the PAL-V Liberty.

Mark Jennings-Bates is the Vice President of Sales of PAL-V in North America and said his clients will welcome the update. "Naturally we are very excited about this on our side of the Atlantic," said Jennings-Bates, adding, "Our clients have put a lot of faith in our ability to execute our business plan and deliver the first flying car into the North American market. This information tacitly shows the progress we are making in that regard"

For more information on the PAL-V visit the corporate website at www.pal-v.com

Media Contact:

Mark Jennings-Bates

250-859-4893

[email protected]

SOURCE PAL-V

Related Links

http://www.pal-v.com


The Movin'On summit, themed "Let's Reinvent Mobility", featured a series of forums, roundtables, workshops, labs and a Ride & Drive program to promote sustainable mobility solutions. Distinguished participants included government of Quebec, European Commission, HSBC, IBM, UPS, Cisco, Toyota, General Motors, BMW and more.

Yu, at the Movin'On summit, shared GAC Motor's success in building a world-class auto brand through respecting the market and the company's forward-looking strategies on developing sustainable mobility.

"We always have great respect and appreciation for this market, in the field of new energy, the best solution is not to prescribe one certain outcome, but to experiment and explore different pathways together and let the market make the final choice," said Yu Jun.

Though the transition period from conventional power to full electric power may be long, as Yu pointed out, GAC Motor's own revolution in new energy vehicle sector is now in full swing with plans to introduce seven new energy vehicle models including both electric and hybrid plug-in designs to the market this year.

While structuring a sustainable development strategy to engineer trustworthy, environmental-friendly vehicles that excel in design, performance and reliability, GAC Motor has set a practical goal of achieving 1 million in sales volume by 2020, among which 20 percent will be new energy vehicles.

As the fastest growing Chinese automaker, GAC Motor has achieved 85 percent compound annual growth rate for six consecutive years. In the first five months of 2017, GAC Motor has already blown past previous records with 207,000 cars sold, marking a 62.2 percent year-on-year increase. The company's boosting production capacity has rolled off 1 million cars in only six years since its first model was launched.

"We are not only looking at selling more cars, but also reinventing the way people travel. Centered on GAC Automotive Engineering Institute, our top-notch global R&D network has surprised the international market ceaselessly with trendsetting vehicles and technological breakthroughs," said Yu.

The company is expanding a global automotive R&D network supported by the company's technology center, top global suppliers and research institutes.

GAC Motor has already established a presence in the Middle East by introducing its signature models including the GS8 and the GA8 as an initial stage of entering the global markets and is adding more distribution channels to top markets.

GAC Motor has signed strategic partnerships with the world's top 10 auto suppliers, including Michelin, Aisin Seiki, Continental and Faurecia. By expanding its footprint along the Belt and Road Initiative countries as well as European and U.S markets, according to Yu, GAC Motor will create a high-end brand image to enter the global market as a world-class automaker that excels in research, manufacturing and sales.

The company now has established a global sales and service network covering 14 countries. It also launched its talent program to gather top talent in the fields of engineering and technology research and development, marketing and communications and management. After GAC's establishment of its first North America R&D Center in Silicon Valley, GAC Motor is set to enter the US market no later than 2019.

"We believe safety, energy conservation, environmental-friendliness and comfort are consumers' direct needs," noted Yu, "By launching quality and premium models to global customers, GAC Motor will be creating a transportation ecosystem and promoting sustainable mobility of human beings."

About GAC Motor

A subsidiary of GAC Group, GAC Motor develops and manufactures premium quality vehicles, engines, components and auto accessories, achieving a year-to-year growth rate of 96 percent in 2016, the highest among all Chinese brands in the corresponding period. GAC Motor now ranks the highest among all Chinese brands for four consecutive years and 5th among all global brands in J.D. Power Asia Pacific's 2016 China Initial Quality Study.

For more information, please visit:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GACMoto

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gac_motor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gac_motor

Media Contact:

Sukie Wong

+86-186-8058-2829

[email protected]

Taki Jiang

+86-134-5028-4242

[email protected]

SOURCE GAC Motor
LAS VEGAS, June 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- GB Sciences, Inc. (OTCQB: GBLX)

On June 15, 2017, LSU announced that GB Sciences has been selected as the winning bidder for LSU Solicitation - SFO 0000000165 for the cultivation, production and use of medical marijuana. The awarding of the final contract is contingent upon:

Securing of a Louisiana based financial institution

based financial institution Final approval by the Louisiana State Board of Supervisors

To read the announcement, follow this link:

http://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/news/business/article_a6209752-51e2-11e7-a327-032ba132d9a7.html

About Louisiana State University

Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College (hereinafter referred as the "University" or "LSU") is the state's comprehensive research university. The University is classified by the Carnegie Foundation as a Doctorate-granting university with very high research activity  one of the only 27 public and 23 private universities in the nation. The University's instructional programs include 194 undergraduate and graduate/professional degrees. The University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC) to award bachelors, masters, doctoral, and professional degrees.

As the premier university of the state, the mission of the University is the generation, preservation, dissemination, and application of knowledge and the cultivation of the arts for the benefit of the peoples of the state, the nation, and the global community. The University offers challenging undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and professional education programs for outstanding students from Louisiana, the nation, and other countries. The University's libraries and museums preserve the rich cultural heritage of the state, and scholar and artists at the University contribute to the literature, history, science, technology, and arts of our culturally diverse community.

About GB Sciences, Inc.

GB Sciences, Inc. (GBLX) is a diverse cannabis company, focused on standardized cultivation and production methods; as well as biopharmaceutical research and development. The Company's goal is creating safe, standardized, pharmaceutical-grade, cannabinoid therapies that target a variety of medical conditions. To learn more about GB Sciences, Inc., go to: http://growblox.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain statements relating to future results or events, which are forward-looking statements. Words such as "expects", "intends", "plans", "may", "could", "should", "anticipates", "likely", "believes" and words of similar import may identify forward-looking statements. These statements are not historical facts, but instead represent only the Company's belief regarding future events, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of the Company's control. It is possible that the Company's actual results and financial condition may differ, possibly materially, from the anticipated results and financial condition indicated in these forward-looking statements. Further, information concerning the Company and its business, including factors that potentially could materially affect the Company's business and financial and other results, are contained in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, available at www.sec.gov. All forward-looking statements included in this press release are made only as of the date of this press release, and we do not undertake any obligation to publicly update or correct any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that subsequently occur or of which we hereafter become aware.

Note: Although the Company's research and development activities are not illegal, the production and sale of cannabis products violate federal laws as they presently exist.

Contact Information

Corporate:

GB Sciences, Inc., 3550 West Teco Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89118

866-721-0297, or

Liz Bianco Publicity Director, [email protected]

Tom Arcuragi, COO, [email protected]

SOURCE GB Sciences, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.gbsciences.com


KYOTO, Japan, June 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

- Semiconductor Engineer, Plant Physiologist, Musicologist Share Award -

The Inamori Foundation announced on June 16 three laureates of the 2017 Kyoto Prize for their contributions in the fields of Electronics, Biological Sciences and Music. The laureates are Dr. Takashi Mimura, a Japanese semiconductor engineer and honorary fellow at Fujitsu Laboratories Ltd., Dr. Graham Farquhar, an Australian plant physiologist and distinguished professor at Australian National University, and Dr. Richard Taruskin, an American musicologist and professor emeritus at the University of California, Berkeley.

The three laureates will each receive a diploma, the 20-karat gold Kyoto Prize medal and prize money of 50 million yen. The prize presentation ceremony and a joint press conference will be held at the Kyoto International Conference Center on Nov. 10. The laureates will give commemorative lectures on Nov. 11 and will each attend respective workshops on Nov. 12.

Dr. Takashi Mimura has invented a high electron mobility transistor (HEMT), stacking two different semiconductors. He led the development of HEMTs which have excellent high-frequency characteristics due to the high mobility of their electrons and promoted their applications to microwave receivers for radio astronomy and receivers for broadcasting satellite and GPS systems, mobile phones and their base stations, and millimeter-wave car-borne radars for collision avoidance. The HEMT has greatly contributed to the progress of information and communications technology as well as to physics studies of electrons with reduced dimensions, immensely influencing the foundation of modern society. He is an executive visiting researcher at the Advanced ICT Research Institute of the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology. Dr. Mimura, 72, from Osaka is a recipient of various awards and honors, including the Medal with Purple Ribbon from the Japanese government, the ISCS Heinrich Welker Award and the Japan Society of Applied Physics Achievement Award.

(Photo1: Dr. Takashi Mimura

http://prw.kyodonews.jp/prwfile/release/M103875/201706122608/_prw_PI1fl_F83GRFWH.jpg)

Dr. Graham Farquhar has developed a series of process models of photosynthesis, making possible the prediction of the environmental responses of carbon dioxide exchange between vegetation and the atmosphere. The models are extremely important in that it is incorporated in almost all of the existing models of the terrestrial biosphere and carbon cycles and is indispensable for climate change science and environmental science. He has also assisted in the selection of drought-resistant varieties of wheat and peanut by deploying his process-based models. He has served as a member of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and a scientific adviser and Australian representative to the Kyoto Protocol negotiations. Dr. Farquhar, 69, from Tasmania once served as research associate and specialist at the Michigan State University-U.S. Department of Energy Plant Research Laboratory before returning to his alma mater, Australian National University. He has received the Humboldt Research Award and the Prime Minister's Prize for Science, and is an Officer of the Order of Australia.

(Photo2: Dr. Graham Farquhar

http://prw.kyodonews.jp/prwfile/release/M103875/201706122608/_prw_PI2fl_R783emw4.jpg)

Dr. Richard Taruskin is a musicologist and critic who has defied conventional critical paradigms, transforming contemporary perspectives on music through his historical research and essays. He argued that contemporary performances of early music were not true examples of "authenticity" but rather reflections of late 20th century aesthetics. He has said that no rigorous analysis of musical texts can ever really reveal the true intentions of the composer, which must remain a "mystique." This argument influenced the performance world of early music. His revolutionary method of analyzing original compositions alongside studies of contextual circumstances has reflected his extensive knowledge of history, culture, politics, art, literature and religion. His widely acclaimed books include The Oxford History of Western Music, the most extensive overview of Western music history ever written by a single author. The quality and volume of his work reveal that in music, creativity can be found not only in composition and performance, but also in meticulous discourse contextualizing the art. A native of New York City, Dr. Taruskin, 72, has received numerous prizes and honors, including the Dent Medal and the Royal Philharmonic Society Music Award.

(Photo3: Dr. Richard Taruskin

http://prw.kyodonews.jp/prwfile/release/M103875/201706122608/_prw_PI3fl_gka3j95A.jpg)

Contact:

Hayato Takenouchi (Mr.), Sayaka Kimura (Ms.)

Public Relations Division

Inamori Foundation

Tel: +81-75-353-7272

E-mail: [email protected]

SOURCE Inamori Foundation
ATLANTA, June 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Invesco Mortgage Capital Inc. (NYSE: IVR) is scheduled to present at the JMP Securities 2017 Financial Services and Real Estate Conference to be held in New York City on June 22, 2017, at approximately 1:15 p.m. Eastern Time. John Anzalone, Chief Executive Officer, and Jason Marshall, Chief Investment Officer, are scheduled to speak.

About Invesco Mortgage Capital Inc.

Invesco Mortgage Capital Inc. is a real estate investment trust that primarily focuses on investing in, financing and managing residential and commercial mortgage-backed securities and mortgage loans. Invesco Mortgage Capital Inc. is externally managed and advised by Invesco Advisers, Inc., a registered investment adviser and an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Invesco Ltd., a leading independent global investment management firm. Additional information is available at www.invescomortgagecapital.com .

SOURCE Invesco Mortgage Capital Inc.

Related Links

http://www.invescomortgagecapital.com


(Photo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/522801/Korber_AG_MTC.jpg )

MTC develops, manufactures and sells interfolder / multifolder lines (tissue converting machines) for tissue paper products (facials, folded towels) - for which it is considered to be the global technological leader - as well as napkin converting lines. The objective of the acquisition is to further expand the Korber Group's Business Area Tissue. This Business Area offers end-to-end solutions for processing and packaging machinery and equipment for toilet paper and kitchen rolls.

Korber aims with this acquisition to extend offerings for their customers.

MTC's lines are used to fold and pack tissue paper products such as facial tissue, hand towels, toilet paper and napkins. The company has a strong track record as a technology leader, having introduced innovations such as the interfolding system with only one paper feeding way on its multi-fold vacuum interfolders.

MTC employs some 60 experts. Within the Korber Business Area Tissue, MTC will closely collaborating with Fabio Perini S.p.A., which is located also in Lucca, Italy.

"We highly welcome the opportunity to expand and to strengthen our activities in the Tissue market together with MTC," emphasized the Chairman of the Group Executive Board of Korber AG, Stephan Seifert. "Integrating MTC into our technology portfolio adds exciting new products and solutions for our customers."

"Within our Business Area, MTC benefits from our extensive technological know-how, long-time experience in the Tissue market and in particular the international footprint," added Stefano Di Santo, CEO of Korber Tissue. "MTC is a perfect match for our existing Tissue companies, as it gives us access to additional tissue machinery market segments."

"Korber is the ideal strategic partner for us," said Alessandro De Matteis, CEO of MTC. "Becoming part of Korber Tissue is adding value for our existing and potential customers while the acquisition opens up new, long-term and international perspectives for us."

About Korber

Korber AG is the holding company of an international technology Group with about 11,500 employees around the world. It comprises leading technology companies with around 130 production, service and sales sites. At locations around the globe Korber combines the benefits of a globally-present organization with the strengths of highly-specialized and flexible small to medium-sized companies that offer their customers solutions, products and services in the Business Areas of Automation, Logistics Systems, Machine Tools, Pharma Systems, Tissue and Tobacco.

The Business Area Korber Tissue is synonymous with innovation, state-of-the-art technologies, and end-to-end solutions for processing and packaging machinery and equipment for toilet paper and paper towels. Outstanding innovations and a systematic customer orientation make the Business Area a technology and market leader in the sector.

About MTC S.R.L.

MTC is specialized in the design, development and production of fully automated converting lines for the tissue paper industry with focus on folding lines.

MTC headquarters and production facility are located in Porcari (LU), Italy. The company's offering includes complete converting lines, as well as single machines, upgrades, spare parts and maintenance services.

Contact:

Henriette Viebig

Head of Corporate Communications

Korber AG

Tel. +49-40-21107-422

Mob. +49-173-6696857

[email protected]

Saskia Raav

Corporate Communications

Korber AG

Tel. +49-40-21107-485

Mob. +49-174-1836052

[email protected]

Alessandro De Matteis

CEO

MTC S.R.L.

[email protected]



SOURCE Korber AG
BOSTON, June 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Positive lifestyle brand Life is Good has named consumer marketing veteran Karen Lyon as Vice President of Marketing and savvy licensing executive Linne Kimball as Vice President of Strategic Partnerships. Lyon and Kimball will play a crucial role in growing the $100 million brand as they guide marketing, licensing, and strategic partnership efforts.

As Vice President of Marketing, Lyon will be responsible for driving awareness, engagement, and supporting product sales by leading the brand's integrated marketing efforts. In her role as Vice President of Strategic Partnerships, Kimball will work with President, Lisa Tanzer to set the strategy for expanding the brand through licensing and collaborations that will fuel Life is Good brand awareness, grow market reach, and deliver revenue.

"Since Life is Good's founding, our number one objective has been to spread the power of optimism to as many people as possible through our product and the work of the Life is Good Kids Foundation. We couldn't be more excited to have Linne and Karen on board to build on the last 20 plus years of momentum and catapult us into our next phase of growth," said Lisa Tanzer, President of Life is Good. "Karen's senior retail experience along with her deep understanding of how to position and develop brands will help Life is Good reach new consumers. While Linne's impressive track record of connecting brands with the right licensing partners will significantly grow the Life is Good business. Linne will also play a key role in identifying new partnership opportunities for the Life is Good Kids Foundation."

Karen Lyon brings more than two decades of strategic planning and marketing experience to Life is Good with a proven track record of designing successful brand building and business-driving initiatives across multiple channels and industries. Prior to Life is Good, Lyon held executive marketing roles at Swarovski North America, Ideapaint, and The Rockport Company. At Swarovski, Lyon provided marketing leadership that helped drive business growth from $100 million to $350 million and successfully repositioned the brand from a collectable manufacturer to a luxury fashion and home decor brand. Additionally, she serves as a business and marketing advisor at Rustic Marlin Designs. Lyon received her BS from Bryant University, and an MBA from Bentley University.

With nearly two decades of experience demonstrating results in both building and growing a licensing business and partner network, Linne Kimball has led licensing for many retail brands from sports, electronics, lifestyle to fashion. Prior to Life is Good, Kimball held directing and executive positions at Reebok, William Morris Endeavor/IMG, and Polaroid Corporation. For Reebok, Linne led Reebok's global licensing division, and personally negotiated and closed over thirty new licensing deals, significantly increasing overall royalty revenues. Kimball received both a BA and BS at Tufts University and an MBA and MS at Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

ABOUT THE LIFE IS GOOD COMPANY

The Life is Good Company is a $100 million lifestyle brand dedicated to spreading the power of optimism. The company donates 10 percent of its net profits to help kids in need through the Life is Good Kids Foundation. To date, the foundation has positively impacted 8,000 childcare providers who care for over one million kids every year, many of whom are facing early childhood trauma. Life is Good is a registered trademark of The Life is Good Company. Please visit LifeisGood.com for more details, and follow Life is Good on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

MEDIA CONTACT

Mark Ballard

Harmonica

[email protected]

646-391-0453

SOURCE Life is Good Company

Related Links

http://www.lifeisgood.com


MADISON, Wis., June 16, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In a special first-ever live judging event, classic southern flavors and Wisconsin cheese prevailed in the 2017 Grilled Cheese Academy Recipe Showdown. A panel of culinary experts tasted, deliberated and ultimately selected The Mississippi Comeback as the winner of the sixth annual competition. Created by Lorie Roach of Buckatanna, Mississippi, this inventive grilled cheese creation beat out over 1,600 entries from competitors from across all 50 states in the Grilled Cheese Academy's most competitive showdown yet.

The Mississippi Comeback expertly brings together Wisconsin cheese with classic Southern flavors. Sourdough bread is coated in tangy Comeback sauce  a Mississippi classic made with mayonnaise, chili sauce, lemon juice, mustard and spices. Wisconsin fontina and cheddar cheeses combine for the perfect combination of sharpness and creamy meltability, accented by bacon and corn confetti, roasted tomatoes and crispy fried okra.

As the Gold Award winner, Roach will receive a $15,000 prize for her winning creation. The judges were wowed by the creativity of her sandwich, and how well the Southern ingredients complemented the cheese.

"I thought the Comeback Sauce was a unique idea, and I loved the fried okra. It literally tasted like Mississippi sandwiched between two slices of bread," said Houston Chef Roshni Gurani, winner of Food Network's Chopped and contest judge. "Using both Wisconsin fontina and cheddar cheese really brought the sandwich to the next level  the flavors of the cheese stood out among the other ingredients."

The Silver Award went to the Seoul Food by Susan and Monica Greene of Redondo Beach, California. They combined Wisconsin butterkase, muenster and aged cheddar cheeses with coffee-spiked bacon jam and kimchi on a telera roll. The Mardi Gras by Shauna Havey of Roy, Utah, took home the Bronze Award. A homemade cheese spread made with Wisconsin mascarpone and mozzarella cheeses blended beautifully with olive salad, mortadella, ham, salami and Wisconsin provolone cheese on a ciabatta roll.

With so many delectable entries, three winners just weren't enough. Three additional sandwiches  The Elote, The Flying Pig and The Medianoche  were given Judges' Choice Awards. These competitors will each receive $1,500, a Wisconsin cheese gift basket and be included in the 2017 Grilled Cheese Recipe Showdown Book of Champions.

In all, the judges were impressed with the expert use of Wisconsin cheese in each of the finalists' grilled cheese creations. "If you are going to riff on a classic like grilled cheese then you better start with a good base  Wisconsin cheese is an excellent place to start," said Trevor Meers, Editorial Director of Midwest Living and contest judge. "I can't think of a better place to judge a grilled cheese competition than in the heart of Wisconsin, America's Dairyland."

The judging panel also included Madison food blogger Alice Choi of Hip Foodie Mom, Milwaukee food and cheese writer Lori Friedrich, Chicago food blogger Kit of The Kittchen, Madison's Melted Food Truck owner David Rodriguez, and cheese writer and educator Jeanne Carpenter.

Presented by the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board and Wisconsin cheese, the Grilled Cheese Academy Recipe Showdown asked contestants from around the country to create an original recipe for the best grilled Wisconsin cheese sandwich. Contestants were judged based on their recipe's overall creativity, taste, presentation and use of Wisconsin cheese.

"This annual competition is one of our favorite ways to celebrate America's passion for the amazing, specialty cheeses of Wisconsin," said Suzanne Fanning, WMMB Vice President, National Product Communications. "The judges were all blown away by the creative flavor combinations and innovative use of Wisconsin cheese varieties."



Download a photo of The Mississippi Comeback here. To view all of the winning recipes, including the Judges Choice winners, visit GrilledCheeseAcademy.com. In August, complete recipes for the winning sandwiches will also available for download in the Grilled Cheese Academy's 2017 Grilled Cheese Recipe Showdown Book of Champions.

For additional grilled cheese recipe photos or information, contact Rachel Kerr at [email protected] or 608-203-7235. For more information about Wisconsin cheese, visit EatWisconsinCheese.com.

The Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board is a nonprofit organization of dairy producers that promotes the consumption of milk, cheese and other dairy products made in America's Dairyland.

SOURCE Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board

Related Links

http://www.wmmb.com


The Top Workplaces lists are based solely on the results of an employee feedback survey administered by WorkplaceDynamics, LLC , a leading research firm that specializes in organizational health and workplace improvement. Several aspects of workplace culture were measured, including Alignment, Execution, and Connection, just to name a few.

MIL's employees, who provide innovative cyber, engineering, financial, and information technology services to the federal government, praised their organization for being a place the promotes work-life balance and employing supportive management. The survey also revealed that its workers felt that MIL provides them with meaningful work and a feeling that they are a part of something bigger.

"It is such an honor to have been named a Top Workplace for the Washington, D.C. area," said COO Marisa Daley. "Having started out as a small government contracting business in 1980, it is amazing to see the ways in which we have grown to support over 700 employees. We may be much larger these days, but MIL has really stayed true to its core value of knowing that our people are the ones that make the difference with our clients. Their satisfaction with work-life at MIL means the world to us, as we know they are all at the heart of the excellent efforts we carry out for our federal clients."

About MIL

The MIL Corporation (MIL), a CMMI Level 3 rated company established in 1980, provides federal agencies with outstanding professional services in the areas of financial management, information technology, engineering, and cybersecurity. With a staff of over 700 professionals nationally, MIL provides innovative solutions to federal government customers, including the U.S. Departments of the Navy, Commerce, State, Homeland Security, and Transportation. MIL continuously seeks to provide solutions that fit the vision, requirements, and resources of our valued customers. For more information, please visit: www.milcorp.com.

SOURCE The MIL Corporation

Related Links

http://www.milcorp.com


The award was presented to Mike Plato, Associate Executive Director of Emergency Medical Services at Alberta Health Services, at the PCC Leadership Summit held in Halifax, Nova Scotia, from June 7 -9, 2017. The PCC Awards of Excellence are awarded to any person or team who has developed and implemented an EMS process, method or program that demonstrates extraordinary achievement within the last three years. The recipients of the awards are peer-selected and are nominated by care providers and leaders of Paramedicine in Canada.

Alberta Health Services' stroke ambulance was unveiled in December 2016 and became operational in February 2016. Not only was it Canada's first mobile stroke ambulance, but it was also the first program in the world to administer intravenous thrombolytics to patients in rural communities. The mobile stroke ambulance's goal is to shorten the time between stroke onset symptoms and treatment delivery by bringing advanced diagnostics and treatment to the patient. The Stroke Ambulance was funded by donors to the University Hospital Foundation's Brain Centre Campaign, as a $3.3 million three year pilot project.

"We are excited to be part of this unique and innovative initiative, and although the program is still very new there have already been patients with very positive outcomes, and have been discharged from hospital after experiencing a stroke," said Mike Plato, Associate Executive Director of Emergency Medical Services, AHS.

"Our mission at Demers Ambulances is to build innovative ambulances to help paramedics throughout the world save lives, and that's exactly what we were able to accomplish with the Mobile Stroke Ambulance" said Alain Brunelle, Demers Ambulances President and General Manager. "We were privileged to work closely with the Alberta Health Services team on the development of their stroke ambulance and we congratulate them on their award from the PCC. The Alberta Health Services team deserves to be recognized for excellence of the EMS Stroke Ambulance and the program that they developed around it."

The stroke ambulance Demers Ambulances developed for Alberta Health Services is equipped with a CT scanner and lab equipment as well as video and audio capabilities for the multi-disciplinary team on board to seamlessly interact with neurologists in the hospital while they are providing care en route to the hospital. Instead of utilizing a standard ambulance design and simply inserting a CT scanner with safety nets, the stroke ambulance is completely designed around the CT scanner and stroke treatment with features such as reinforced sub-flooring for the scanner rails, a unique locking mechanism to safely keep the scanner in place, an automatic vehicle levelling system, a lead lined module wall to protect the crew from radiation, and much more. To learn more about the engineering process behind the Mobile Stroke Unit, visit Demers Ambulances Youtube page (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYFicCevbfZKVEQ4wquvTlw).

About Demers Ambulances

Founded in 1960, Demers Ambulances is the second largest ambulance manufacturer in North America, delivering more than 19,000 ambulances to more than 20 countries. Recognized as a leader in innovative products that meet and exceed the expectations of medical emergency specialists around the world, Demers Ambulances is accredited by Transport Canada, recognized as a "Qualified Vehicles Modification" (QVM) by Ford, and also holds the US National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA) Member Verification Program (MVP) certification. To learn more about Demers Ambulances, visit www.demers-ambulances.com.

SOURCE Demers-Ambulances inc.

Related Links

www.demers-ambulances.com


Washington, D.C, June 16, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

Washington, D.C.  More than 250 of the nations mayors will meet in Miami Beach for the U.S. Conference of Mayors Annual Meeting, which runs from from June 23 to 26, 2017 at the Fountainebleau Hotel. Under the leadership of USCM President Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett and host Miami Beach Mayor Phil Levine, mayors will discuss a wide variety of priorities that contribute to the overall health of Americas cities, as well as consider and adopt the policy resolutions that guide the advocacy agenda of the organization.

Highlights of the four-day event include:

Friday - Session on Climate Protection & Resilience; Author Richard Florida re The New Urban Crisis; Criminal and Social Justice Committee with Acting Asst. Atty. Gen. Alan Hanson; Labor Sec. Acosta; Plenary Session on Infrastructure Investment w/ White House Infrastructure Advisor DJ Gribbin, Oklahoma City Mayor Cornett & Los Angeles Mayor Garcetti

Saturday - Presidents Report from Oklahoma City Cornett; Forum on Reducing Gun Violence in Cities w/ National Urban League President & CEO Marc Morial; Mayors Joint Latino Alliance & Immigration Meeting led by Los Angeles Mayor Garcetti and Providence Mayor Elorza

Sunday  Political strategist and pollster Frank Luntz; Panel on Securing Americas Cities w/ Former Homeland Security Advisor Fran Townsend, Gary Mayor Freeman-Wilson, New Orleans Mayor Landrieu & Former Philadelphia Police Chief Charles Ramsey

Monday - Veterans Affairs Sec. Shulkin; Presidents Report from New Orleans Mayor Landrieu

With more than 85% of people in the United States living in our nations cities and metro areas, mayors are convinced that despite their geographic location, cities large and small are plagued by many of the same challenges. As a result, and unlike other elected officials, mayors are often able to find common ground and work in a true spirit of bipartisanship.

USCM will also give cash awards totaling more than $1 million to cities showcasing stellar best-practices in the areas of climate protection, community development, and college & career-readiness training.

PRESS GUIDANCE:

WHAT: OPENING PRESS CONFERENCE of USCM 85th Annual Meeting w/ Host Mayor Levine and USCM Leadership Mayors

WHEN: Friday, June 23, 2017 | 11am ET

WHERE: Ocean Promenade West | Fontainebleau Miami Beach | 4441 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33140

###

Attachments:

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7bd5f179-3dd1-4d4c-8402-236cc2945813
EL DORADO HILLS, Calif., June 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- James Runcie recently resigned from the position as head of the Education Department's federal student aid program. His resignation letter mentioned that the Education Department is in talks to move responsibility of overseeing student debt to the Treasury Department. Ameritech Financial, a document preparation company that aligns clients with Department of Education repayment programs, is preparing for any changes in the way federal student loan debt is handled federally. They will continue to help borrowers enroll in available repayment plans through whatever federal department they are housed in.

James Runcie's resignation comes soon after the president's proposed budget calls for slashing the Department of Education budget by nearly 50 percent. Included in that cut is the possibility of transferring all or some of the student aid office's responsibilities to the Treasury Department. Runcie expressed concern that a move like that "may provide some value but will certainly divert critical resources and increase operational risk in an increasingly challenging environment."

"There have always been complaints about student loan debt and how the Department of Education handles it," said Tom Knickerbocker, Executive Vice President at Ameritech Financial. "From lack of communication to difficulty getting into repayment programs, there are always going to be complaints."

The Department of Education currently houses $1.4 trillion in student loan debt, more than some bank portfolios. Proponents of the move not only see the Treasury Department as a more appropriate home for such a large portfolio but also cite current challenges in federal student aid repayment programs. Borrowers are increasingly using income-based repayment plans, which require information on their earnings that the IRS has. Moving federal student aid to the same department as the IRS could simplify and streamline the process of enrolling and re-certifying in those programs, especially considering that the data retrieval tool has been down.

Critics of the move are worried that the Treasury Department won't work in the best interest of the borrowers because their mission is to pay for the business of government, which does not currently align with the Department of Education's mission to increase educational opportunities. Critics, including Runcie who said in his resignation letter that he requested additional staff to help with pressing projects, are worried about a lack of adequate resources to handle the Department of Education's growing responsibilities.

"Moving the agency that is supposed to provide stewardship for student loan borrowers to an agency that is working on a shoestring with a skeletal crew strikes me as a recipe for a policy disaster," said Sarah Bloom Raskin, former deputy Treasury Secretary under President Obama.

For those wondering how the Treasury Department might fare with some of the Department of Education's responsibilities, they did an experiment recently in which they attempted to collect student loan debt and educate borrowers on repayment options. They failed on both accounts and were outperformed by private collectors.

"We don't know what's going to happen with the Department of Education or the student loan debt problem, but that doesn't change our mission," said Knickerbocker. "Ameritech Financial will always work in the best interest of our clients to help them get into federal repayment plans that work for their financial situation. We're not going anywhere."

About Ameritech Financial

Ameritech Financial is located in El Dorado Hills, California, right next to the California state capitol, Sacramento. Ameritech Financial has already helped thousands of people with financial analysis and student loan document preparation for federal student loan forgiveness programs offered through the Department of Education.

Each representative on the phone is certified through the International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators (IAPDA) and has received the Certified Student Loan Professional certification through Association for Student Loan Relief (AFSLR).

Ameritech Financial prides themselves on their exceptional 24/7 Customer Service.

Contact

To learn more about Ameritech Financial, please contact:

Ameritech Financial

1101 Investment Blvd Ste. 290

El Dorado Hills, CA 95762

1-800-792-8621

[email protected]

Related Links

Ameritech Financial Home Page

SOURCE Ameritech Financial

Related Links

https://ameritechfinancial.com


Blueberry Muffin Frozen Yogurt is a delicious tart flavor that can also be topped with blueberry muffin crumbles and fresh blueberries to create the Blueberry Delight . The yummy combination has a fresh baked taste without the oven.

"Pinkberry loves trying new things and bringing fresh and exciting items to the menu that we know our customers are going to enjoy," said Kate Unger, senior vice president of marketing for Kahala Brands, parent company of Pinkberry. "Our new Blueberry Muffin Frozen Yogurt is the perfect twist on a morning favorite with a fresh baked blueberry taste that can be enjoyed any time of day. To add even more craveable treats and quench your thirst all summer long, we have introduced Cold Brew Fruit Teas in two deliciously refreshing flavors we can't wait for our customers to try."

Both Cold Brew Fruit Teas can be topped with fresh, hand cut fruit and flavored Bursting Boba to make it a one of a kind Pinkberry beverage.

Promotional Flavor (Available June 16 - July 27, 2017):

Blueberry Muffin Frozen Yogurt

Promotional Combination (Available June 16 - July 27, 2017):

Blueberry Delight - Blueberry Muffin Frozen Yogurt topped with blueberry muffin crumbles and fresh blueberries

Promotional Beverage (Available June 16  Sept. 7, 2017):

Cold Brew Fruit Teas

Strawberry Hibiscus with Strawberry Bursting Boba, Fresh Strawberries and Blueberries

with Strawberry Bursting Boba, Fresh Strawberries and Blueberries

Tropical Mango with Mango Bursting Boba, Fresh Strawberries and Mango

About Pinkberry

Pinkberry launched in Los Angeles, CA in 2005 as the original brand that reinvented frozen yogurt. Today, over a decade later, Pinkberry continues to create great tasting treats with fresh ingredients in an experience comprised of distinctive product, outstanding service and inspirational design. At Pinkberry you can taste the difference of an uncompromising commitment to quality and freshness. Most recently, Pinkberry was acquired by Scottsdale, Arizona-based Kahala Brands, one of the fastest growing franchising companies in the world with a portfolio of 22 quick-service restaurant brands and approximately 2900 locations in 28 countries.

For more information about Kahala Brands, visit www.KahalaBrands.com.

SOURCE Pinkberry

Related Links

http://www.pinkberry.com/


VANCOUVER, June 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ - Polaris Materials Corporation (TSX:PLS) (the "Company", "Polaris" or "we") is pleased to announce the voting results of its Annual General Meeting of Shareholders held on June 15, 2017.

The director nominees, as listed in the Company's Management Information Circular dated April 28, 2017, were elected as directors of the Company at the meeting. The ballot votes submitted for each director were as follows:

Directors Votes For Votes Withheld Terrence A. Lyons 49,569,317 98.41% 803,248 1.59% Eugene P. Martineau 49,566,958 98.40% 805,607 1.60% Marco A. Romero 44,382,540 88.11% 5,990,025 11.89% Herbert G. A. Wilson 49,565,617 98.40% 806,948 1.60% Lenard F. Boggio 49,513,217 98.29% 859,348 1.71%

The results of the other matters considered at the meeting are reported in the Report of Voting Results to be filed on SEDAR.

Ken Palko, President and CEO, commented: "We are pleased at the ongoing support of our shareholders for our capable and experienced Board of Directors. We continue to focus on growing our business and creating value for our investors, and we appreciate the continued support of our shareholders."

About Polaris Materials Corporation:

Polaris Materials Corporation is engaged in the development and operation of construction aggregate quarries in Canada to supply distribution facilities in the United States through coastal shipping. The Company's active construction aggregate interests consist of its Orca Sand and Gravel Quarry in British Columbia and two associated receiving terminals in Richmond and Long Beach, California. The Company also owns the Black Bear Project located in close proximity to the Orca Quarry, and a controlling interest in the Eagle Rock Quarry Project, located on the south coast of Vancouver Island.

For further information, please contact:

Nicholas Van Dyk

Vice President, Investor Relations and Corporate Development

Polaris Materials Corporation

Tel: (604) 915-5000 Ext. 111

[email protected]

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. These statements and information appear in this document and include estimates, forecasts, information and statements as to management's expectations with respect to, among other things, attracting directors, executives, and other employees and growing Polaris and the value of its assets. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of words such as "may", "will", "should", "plans", "expects", "intends", "anticipates", "believes", "budget", and "scheduled" or the negative thereof or variations thereon or similar terminology. Forward-looking statements and information are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Readers are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements and information are not guarantees and there can be no assurance that such statements and information 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 are disclosed in the Company's continuous disclosure documents which are filed with Canadian regulators on SEDAR (www.sedar.com), including under the heading "Risks and Uncertainties" in the Company's Annual Report and under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Information Form. Such factors include, amongst others, the effects of general economic conditions, changing foreign exchange rates and actions by government authorities, uncertainties associated with legal proceedings and negotiations, industry supply levels, competitive pricing pressures, mineral resource and reserve estimates and the timing and development of the Company's projects. The Company expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements and information whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. All written and oral forward-looking statements and information attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the foregoing cautionary statements.

SOURCE Polaris Materials Corporation

Related Links

http://www.polarismaterials.com


"Given the number of Funds seeking capital in today's private equity market, emerging managers often run into difficulty finding investors willing to fully commit their capital for 10 to 12 years in a traditional blind-pool private equity fund structure," said Daniel Summers, CEO of RealtyeVest . "As a result, our clients have increasingly asked us about short-term, No-Load alternatives to the traditional private equity/debt Fund model."

What is a Pledge Fund

A Pledge Fund is an arrangement where investors pledge a predetermined dollar amount into an investment pool with pre-disclosed parameters. Sponsors (real estate operators) have access to the pledge fund for fast financing of attractive deals, enabling them to almost always edge out the competition. Details of every investment opportunity are completely transparent, providing investors the choice, on a deal-by-deal basis, whether to participate in an investment.

Hottest Market Opportunities

North Florida is the hottest real estate market in the United States according to Forbes. Single family properties are increasingly in high-demand and selling quickly in the Greater Jacksonville area. Real estate investors who have their financing secured ahead of time stand the best chance of acquiring the hottest properties normally without layers of brokerage fees, and earning aggressive financial returns on their investment.

Pledge Fund Property Distinctions

Located in Duval , St. Johns , Clay , and Nassau Counties

Off-Market

Single Family Residences

No Mobile or Manufactured Homes

No Rural Areas, Located in Up-Trending Neighborhoods

ARV (After Repair Value) Generally Between $100k - $300k

Pledge Fund Financial Overview

$1,000,000.00 Pre-Pledged Fund

Interest Only Loan (2)

10% Interest Paid Monthly

10% Profit Participation From Net Profits (5)

Secured By a 1st Mortgage with 1st Lien Position (3)

Pre-Paid Interest Will Be Held in Escrow and Drawn Upon For The Length of Term

Loan to Verifiable ARV (4) Not to Exceed 70%

Normal term is 6-9 months

A no -load fund means you can invest in shares of the fund at any time without a commission or sales charge. Interest-Only Loan - A non-amortizing loan in which the lender receives interest during the term of the loan and principal is repaid in a lump sum at maturity. 1st Lien Position - A lender or creditor in a first lien position has priority in case a debtor defaults and collateral has to be liquefied to settle the debt. For example, mortgage lenders are usually in a first lien position; if a borrower defaults on his payments, the mortgage lender is the first creditor to receive remuneration from the sale of the property. ARV - ARV stands for After Repair Value. This is an estimated value of a property after it has been completely renovated. This is a crucial number for those flipping homes and allows you to calculate the spread between what you should purchase it for and the price you can expect to resell it for. Net Profits - defined as Gross sales price less any and all acquisition costs, holding costs, rehab costs, closing costs including but not limited to liens, commissions, title charges, etc.

Carpe Diem

Because RealtyeVest's Single Family No-Load Pledge Fund is financing properties exclusively in America's hottest real estate market, the Fund will quickly reach its $1M funding goal. Accredited investors are encouraged to immediately express their interest in pledging to the fund in order to seize their spot in this unique, high-yield investment opportunity

Visit realtyevest.com/efunds to learn more about their Single Family Pledge Fund. And read their educational article to learn more about Pledge Funds.

Connect with RealtyeVest on social media @RealtyeVest, on Facebook and Linkedin.

Contacts:

Daniel Summers David Meacham RealtyeVest Ignite Agency (904) 501-7693 [email protected] [email protected]



SOURCE RealtyeVest
SAINT PAUL, Minn., June 16, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Second Harvest Heartland today announced a $75,000 grant from the Walmart Foundation to fund the infrastructure that will ultimately help the food bank's partner agencies secure and distribute more nutritious food to families in need. The grant will support investments in the equipment necessary to handle perishable products, such as refrigerated vehicles; coolers and freezers for transporting, storing and distributing food; and other items.

"One in 10 people struggle with hunger in our service area, and that number climbs to 1 in 6 for children," said Rob Zeaske, CEO of Second Harvest Heartland. "We are thankful to the Walmart Foundation for helping to ensure that people who struggle with hunger have access to nutrient-rich food. This grant will go a long way in helping Second Harvest Heartland and our partner agencies serve hungry people in the Twin Cities."

Second Harvest Heartland secures fresh, perishable food from retailers across the Twin Cities metro area. The organization distributes the food to a large network of food pantries and meal programs, where hungry people can receive the donated food. Funds from the grant will be used to purchase items these organizations need to get these fresh foods to people who need them. Grant-funded items include refrigerated truck trailers, warehouse equipment, freezers, coolers and refrigerated food display cases .

The Walmart Foundation has been instrumental in helping food banks rescue and distribute more perishable food from retailers across the United States in a sustainable, cost-effective way. This grant is a part of Walmart and the Walmart Foundation's ongoing commitment to helping families who struggle with hunger by providing four billion meals to people in need in the U.S. by 2020.

Since 2009, the Walmart Foundation has been a leading supporter of infrastructure grants to Feeding America food banks and their member agencies. Walmart and the Walmart Foundation provide donations of both food and funds to the Feeding America nationwide network of 200 food banks. Locally, Walmart provides volunteers for Second Harvest Heartland's food bank facilities, provides grant funding, and donates large of food from its stores and distribution center each year.

With food insecurity remaining high throughout the country, the ability to distribute more food is critical for food banks. According to the USDA, more than 42 million people nationwide are food insecure, which means that they may not know where they will find their next meal. In Minnesota, 1 in 10 residents are food insecure. To learn more about what the Second Harvest Heartland is doing to fight hunger, visit www.2harvest.org

About Second Harvest Heartland

Second Harvest Heartland is one of the nation's largest, most efficient and most innovative hunger relief organizations. Second Harvest Heartland provides an average of 75 percent of all food distributed by its food shelf partners, and in 2016, provided more than 80 million meals to nearly 1,000 food shelves, pantries and other partner programs serving 59 counties in Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Second Harvest Heartland leads through innovation, finding efficient, effective solutions to connect the full resources of our community with our hungry neighbors. For more information, visit 2harvest.org or call 651.484.5117.

SOURCE Second Harvest Heartland

Related Links

http://www.2harvest.org


GOTHENBURG, Sweden, June 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- SKF has signed an agreement, subject to regulatory approvals, to divest Reelcraft, a manufacturer of hose, cord and cable reels for industrial applications, to Madison Industries.

The total consideration of the divestment is USD 115 million on a cash-free and debt-free basis and the divestment is expected to close during Q3 2017.

Reelcraft joined SKF as part of the acquisition of Lincoln Industrial in 2010 and is headquartered in Indiana, USA. Reelcraft's sales in 2016 amounted to approximately USD 55 million.

Previous press releases on similar topics:

26 April 2016: SKF divests Kaydon velocity control business

[link to press release]

17 March 2016: SKF divests fly-by-wire business

[link to press release]

17 August 2015: SKF divests metal joining business

[link to press release]

30 June 2015: SKF divests filtration businesses

[link to press release]

5 May 2015: SKF completes divestment of Erin Engineering

[link to press release]

For further information, please contact:

PRESS: Theo Kjellberg, Director, Press Relations

tel: +46-31-337-6576, mobile: +46-725-776576, e-mail: [email protected]

INVESTOR RELATIONS: Patrik Stenberg, Head of Investor Relations

Patrik Stenberg, +46-31-337-2104; +46-705-472-104; [email protected]

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

http://news.cision.com/skf/r/skf-divests-reelcraft,c2289894

The following files are available for download:

http://mb.cision.com/Main/637/2289894/689076.pdf Full release in pdf

SOURCE SKF
NEW YORK, June 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Looking to shed light on the increasing tension that national security concerns are creating for companies doing deals with foreign partners, Stroock convened a forum on June 15, 2017 in its New York office to help business owners, investors and government advisers navigate what has become a charged playing field for inbound investment into the U.S.

A key focus of the event was to address the challenges of cross-border transactions under review by the powerful Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States; a CFIUS review has the potential to scuttle deals involving technology and other assets deemed of strategic interest to America's national security.

Stroock's program, entitled "Foreign Investment and National Security in the Age of Trump," brought together a panel of leading CFIUS experts, including Rhodium Group founding partner Daniel H. Rosen; Stroock National Security/CFIUS/Compliance Group special counsel and former CFIUS advisor Anne Salladin; and Beacon Global Strategies LLC founder and managing director Andrew Shapiro. The panel shared insights regarding the CFIUS framework's impact on corporate deals involving foreign parties  whether private companies and investors or state-owned entities  along with efforts to expand the scope of CFIUS.

Chris Griner, Chair of Stroock's National Security/CFIUS/Compliance Group and Co-Managing Partner of the firm's Washington, DC office, and Ross F. Moskowitz, a real estate partner and member of the firm's Executive Committee, moderated the program.

Mr. Griner, along with Stroock Co-Managing Partner Jeff Keitelman, recently authored a bulletin titled "Real Estate in the Crosshairs: Congressional Calls to Step Up Scrutiny of Foreign Investment," which addresses potential changes to the General Services Administration's procurement process that lessors may face and the increased scrutiny surrounding real estate transactions involving foreign parties.

Robert Abrams, former New York State Attorney General and Chair of Stroock's Government Affairs Group, introduced the program and speakers.

Mr. Abrams began by noting, "Investment in America is a positive goal  it's a catalyst to both strengthening our economy and creating jobs. At the same time, there has to be an analysis as to whether or not any foreign investment is going to implicate national security interests. CFIUS is there to try to strike that balance and exercise that review."

Foreign investment is an essential component for economic growth in the United States, accounting for nearly $400 billion in investment in 2016.

"Given the continuing influx of foreign investments in the U.S., it is vital to take into account the potential for a CFIUS review and the costs, delays, and other closing issues that may result," Mr. Griner explained.

"In an age of heightened national security, CFIUS has lately come into the spotlight. Its prominence has also been driven by a combination of globalization, extraordinary Chinese investment, and some trade friction," said Ms. Salladin.

The panel focused on direct investment from China, which totaled $46 billion in 2016 and had a broad spread geographically and across industries  from semiconductors to agriculture, consumer electronics, food and even real estate.

"The broad footprint of Chinese investment reflects two things: the diversity of the American economy and how much value there is here attractive to a global investor, and also how diverse China's economy is," said Mr. Rosen, who was introduced as "a guru on foreign investment statistics and analysis."

Mr. Moskowitz, a former official with the New York City Economic Development Corporation who has negotiated numerous large real estate transactions involving foreign investors, pointed out that where real estate assets are concerned, Chinese companies are investing with a long-term view, looking for best practices and hiring locally.

In addition to exponential growth in Chinese investment in the U.S., there has been a change over time from investments made predominantly by large state-owned enterprises to those coming from private companies, Ms. Salladin noted  she estimated that as many as 70% of inbound deals from China now include some private parties.

Ms. Salladin understands the regulatory review process better than most. Prior to joining Stroock, she spent nearly 20 years in the office of the Assistant General Counsel for International Affairs of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, which chairs CFIUS. She reminded the audience that the biggest lesson for companies is just how critical it is to do national security due diligence at the outset of a deal.

Deals in areas considered critical to U.S. national security interests, such as semiconductors, refiners and chemicals, are given added layers of scrutiny, and sometimes, mitigation, Ms. Salladin explained. A number of high-profile tie-ups have had to be abandoned following the intense glare of a CFIUS review.

The conversation naturally turned to the Trump administration's approach to CFIUS and the changes on the horizon. While CFIUS challenges were regular events during President Obama's tenure, Mr. Trump's "America-first" outlook has raised expectations that foreign-led deals may encounter stiffer resistance. That's especially true since the President remains the final decision-maker on whether a deal will be blocked, with fundamentally no appeals process.

"It's clear that the administration has interest in making changes to CFIUS," said Mr. Shapiro. He noted that some reform has been mentioned by several administration officials, including Secretary of Defense James Mattis, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats, and National Economic Council head Gary Cohn. On the Hill, there's a bipartisan consensus on the need to change CFIUS as well.

"My view is that change is coming  but it's uncertain what that will look like," Mr. Shapiro said. "A particular focus could be how joint ventures are treated, which are viewed as a potential loophole."

In the meantime, dealsparticularly those involving critical infrastructureare taking longer because of a lack of bandwidth in the Treasury Department with many key appointed positions yet to be filled.

The Chinese government has put its own restrictions on outbound investments over concerns about capital flight, as its foreign exchange reserves have fallen from $4.2 trillion to around $2.6 trillion. Real estate, as one of the most liquid direct investment sectors, has been considerably impacted by the greater capital controls and tighter screenings, said Mr. Rosen.

Mr. Rosen noted two recent examples, including the dropped bids for the Starwood Group and 666 Fifth Avenue, by major Chinese holding company Anbang Insurance Group. Anbang acquired the famed Waldorf Astoria Hotel in 2015.

Partly because of these changes to Chinese government policy, the prevailing notion has been that incoming investment from China would slow in 2017; nonetheless, Mr. Rosen says that Rhodium's count for the year through May has totaled $22 billion worth of deals.

Today's event was the latest in a series of Government Leadership forums hosted by Stroock. Stroock's Government Relations Practice, led by Mr. Abrams, is comprised of former prosecutors, judges, and government agency officials. Mr. Abrams also served as President of the National Association of Attorneys General, Executive Chair of New York State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo's Transition Committee and Honorary Co-Chair of Attorney General Schneiderman's Transition Committee.

About the Panelists

Daniel H. Rosen is a founding partner of Rhodium Group and leads the firm's work on China. Mr. Rosen has more than two decades of experience analyzing China's economy, corporate sector and U.S.-China economic and commercial relations. He is a former Senior Adviser for International Economic Policy at the White House National Economic Council and National Security Council from 2000 to 2001.

Anne Salladin is a Special Counsel at Stroock. Prior to joining the firm, Ms. Salladin served in the office of the Assistant General Counsel for International Affairs of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, which chairs CFIUS. At Treasury, Ms. Salladin provided legal counsel on CFIUS matters and participated in the review and investigation of well over 500 transactions, including many major Chinese acquisitions of U.S. businesses.

Andrew Shapiro is a Founder and Managing Director of Beacon Global Strategies LLC. From 2009-2013, Mr. Shapiro served as the Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs where he revitalized and deepened political-military partnerships at home and abroad. He managed U.S. security relationships with partners in the Middle East, deepened U.S. political-military talks with India and Brazil and made key contributions to the U.S. pivot to Asia by leading an increase in military sales and transfers to U.S. partners, including Taiwan, Japan, and Indonesia.

Stroock provides strategic transactional, regulatory and litigation advice to advance the business objectives of leading financial institutions, multinational corporations and entrepreneurial businesses in the U.S. and globally. With a rich history dating back 140 years, the firm has offices in New York, Washington, DC, Los Angeles and Miami. For more, visit www.stroock.com.

Contact:

Wayne Kessler, Stroock

212.806.5448

[email protected]

SOURCE Stroock

Related Links

http://www.stroock.com


FREMONT, Calif., June 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Tailored Brands, Inc. (NYSE: TLRD) announced that its Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.18 per share payable on September 22, 2017 to shareholders of record at the close of business on September 12, 2017.

About Tailored Brands, Inc.

Tailored Brands, Inc. is a leading authority on helping men dress for work, special occasions and everyday life. We serve our customers through an expansive omni-channel network that includes over 1,600 locations in the U.S. and Canada as well as our branded e-commerce websites. Our brands include Men's Wearhouse, Jos. A. Bank, Joseph Abboud, Moores Clothing for Men and K&G. We also operate an international corporate apparel and workwear group consisting of Dimensions, Alexandra and Yaffy in the United Kingdom and Twin Hill in the United States.

For additional information on Tailored Brands, please visit the Company's websites at www.tailoredbrands.com, www.menswearhouse.com, www.josbank.com, www.josephabboud.com, www.mooresclothing.com, www.kgstores.com, www.mwcleaners.com, www.dimensions.co.uk, www.alexandra.co.uk. and www.twinhill.com.

Contact:

Investor Relations

(281) 776-7575

[email protected]



Julie MacMedan, VP, Investor Relations

Tailored Brands, Inc.

SOURCE Tailored Brands, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.tailoredbrands.com


GUTIAN, China, June 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

A grand festival celebrating the sea goddess Chen Jinggu was held on June 13 in Gutian County, Southeast China's Fujian Province, attracting 300 followers and scholars from Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau and mainland China.

The festival was part of the Ninth Strait Forum, which features an array of activities on youth exchanges and trade cooperation. Singing and dancing by artists from both Mainland China and Taiwan received continuous applause.

Chen Jinggu is a Fujian goddess who occupies a position as important as the sea goddess, Mazu, in the province. Legend has it that Chen Jinggu was a female shaman who had been bestowed with supernatural powers. During a severe drought in Fujian, she performed magic rituals to save lives, despite being pregnant, which led to her demise due to sheer fatigue. She has been worshiped as a guardian of pregnant women and children ever since.

After thousands of years of inheritance, the folklore belief of Chen Jinggu, which originated from Linshui Palace Temple in Gutian, has become an important part of local culture and extended great influence on Chinese communities around the world.

Statistics show that there are around 4,000 branches of Linshui Palace Temple all over the world, and the number of believers has reached 100 million, of whom 15 million are from Taiwan. In 2008, Chen Jinggu's folklore belief was listed as one of the national intangible cultural heritages.

Gutian County endeavors to develop Linshui Palace's core scenic areas into a top-class tourist attraction by investing in the construction of museum, praying square roads and other infrastructure. It is planned that Linshui Palace temple will grow into the "Cross-strait Communication Base" and "Chen Jinggu Religious Culture Center" after several years of efforts.

Image Attachments Links:

http://asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=291396

SOURCE The Ninth Straits Forum - Chen Jinggu Cultural Festival
BUFFALO, N.Y., June 16, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Teamsters who work for TOPS Markets-owned Erie Logistics protested the company at the annual JP Morgan Corporate Challenge 3.5-mile road race yesterday. The workers educated the crowd about how TOPS is breaking its promise to provide a good retirement for Erie Logistics employees.

"I haven't asked for anything I haven't earned," said 30-year TOPS worker Marvin Ziemba. "I'm eligible to retire but I can't right now. All I want to do is go be with my daughter."

"TOPS agreed to pay into its workers' pension plan," explained Brian Dickman, President/PEO of Teamsters Local 264. "But now it is playing games and is withholding pension payments. This is leaving workers in limbo. There are numerous workers in the facility who want to retire but aren't able to."

The workers, who are represented by Local 264 in Cheektowaga, distributed leaflets to race attendees that read, "TOPS Never Stops  Breaking Promises." An airplane banner flew overhead bearing the same message. The workers also held "Burma Shave"-style signs for the runners to read as they ran by. The signs read, "Workers Were Promised / They Could Retire / Turns Out That TOPS / Is A Big Fat Liar."

"Companies are at the race today to show that they are good neighbors. TOPS portrays itself as a friendly community market. But this kind of corporate behavior is outrageous. It hurts us, our families and our communities," Dickman said.

Ziemba added, "We deserve to retire with dignity, and young people in our communities should be able to have access to jobs that open up when people like me retire. This isn't good for anyone."

Contact:

Brian Dickman, (716) 860-1945

SOURCE Teamsters Local Union 264
SUFFOLK, Va., June 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Heather Engel, Chief Strategy Officer and Partner of Sera-Brynn, has been appointed to the Virginia Economic Development Partnership Board of Directors.

Cybersecurity is one of the governor's top priorities and a key component of the new Virginia economy. Ms. Engel has an extensive background in cybersecurity and risk management, and has been a partner with the Virginia-based cybersecurity firm Sera-Brynn since 2013.

Heather Engel, Chief Strategy Officer and Partner of Sera-Brynn, has been appointed to the Virginia Economic Development Partnership Board of Directors.

Ms. Engel will join and support the administration's efforts to build a new Virginia economy and create more jobs across the commonwealth.

"Heather Engel is a champion for the role of cybersecurity in the growth and success of the new Virginia economy," stated Rob Hegedus, CEO of Sera-Brynn. "We are proud to announce her appointment to the board of directors."

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership promotes economic expansion within the state. It was created in 1995 by the Virginia General Assembly.

Virginia-based Sera-Brynn is the number one ranked cybersecurity company in Virginia (and number 10 globally) by Cybersecurity Ventures, the California-based cybersecurity research and market intelligence company.

For more information on Sera-Brynn or Ms. Engel, visit www.sera-brynn.com.

About Sera-Brynn

Sera-Brynn is a leading cybersecurity audit and advisory firm. The Virginia-based company offers threat management, compliance and risk assessment, risk control, and incident response services that enable clients to secure their computing environments and meet cybersecurity regulatory requirements. Founded in 2011 by former members of the U.S. intelligence community, Sera-Brynn is ranked #10 worldwide on the Cybersecurity 500 list.

Media Contact

Colleen Johnson

Sera-Brynn, LLC / Cyber Risk Management

5806 Harbor View Blvd., Suite 204

Suffolk, Virginia 23435

[email protected]

Related Links

About Sera-Brynn

SOURCE Sera-Brynn

Related Links

http://www.sera-brynn.com


According to the National Workforce website: The National Fund Young Adult Employer Champions Program honors employers who provide high-quality jobs and successfully hire and retain 18-25-year-old young adults who are unemployed or underemployed and not enrolled in school. The Employer Champions program is a central component of the Young Adult Sectoral Initiative, which aims to develop a deeper understanding of effective practices for connecting young adults to careers in rapidly growing industries.

WITTENSTEIN embraces this philosophy as well, according to President and CEO Peter Riehle, who noted "We need to offer young people more secondary education alternatives. The four-year college path is saturated, and often leaves students burdened with debt. Manufacturing apprenticeships offer an alternative, and can offer career paths to technology, operations and management positions just like non-industrial careers."

Apprentices at WITTENSTEIN are part of the Illinois Consortium for Advanced Technical Training (ICATT) program. Founded by the German American Chamber of Commerce, the ICATT program is aligned to the standards of the German apprenticeship system. During the three-year program, apprentices receive on the job training as well as an associate's degree. There are currently two apprentices in the ICATT program at WITTENSTEIN, and the company intends to hire more in the future.

Since initiating the apprentice program in 2015, WITTENSTEIN has been steadily gaining local and national attention for its leadership in stimulating skilled labor in the U.S. The company has led numerous tours and information sessions about the program, hosting delegates from industry associations, academic institutions, manufacturing companies and local government. In October of 2016, The Wall Street Journal featured WITTENSTEIN's apprentice efforts in an article titled "U.S. Companies Turn to German Training Model to Fill Jobs Gap".

When asked why WITTENSTEIN is so invested in leading the charge to promote skilled labor, Peter Riehle explained, "Addressing the skilled labor gap is a challenge for manufacturers worldwide  but it's about much more than just business. Yes, producing skilled workers is good for industry, but it's also good for the economy, it's good for society and it's good for our local communities. The U.S. can and should be a leader in the race to generate more skilled labor  and the ICATT program is a powerful proponent."

Anna-Katharina Wittenstein, Chairwoman of the Board for WITTENSTEIN, was the driving force in adopting the ICATT apprentice program. Attesting to the value of investing in skilled labor initiatives, she stated, "WITTENSTEIN is committed to being a global leader for innovation in our industry. We have always trained our own people, and to a great percentage through structured programs like ICATT. When you train your own employees based on a standard curriculum you have people with excellent skills who know your company."

About WITTENSTEIN in North America

Since 1992 WITTENSTEIN Inc., has supported the U.S., Canada and Mexico with solutions that embody the excellence and integrity that defines WITTENSTEIN. The North America headquarters in Bartlett, Illinois employs more than 125 people in executive, sales, engineering and technical support roles, as well machining, assembly, testing, service and inventory of products. The state-of-the-art machines and technical capabilities at this facility support WITTENSTEIN worldwide with mechatronic projects that integrate motors, gearboxes and controls. Dedicated to excellent customer support in product, delivery and service, WITTENSTEIN North America is certified to the latest ISO 9001-2015 standard. Our mechatronic products include servo gearheads, servo motors, servo regulators, sensors, software, servo actuators, servo drive systems, linear systems, custom motors for specialized applications and more. Learn more at www.wittenstein-us.com.

WITTENSTEIN SE one with the future

With around 2,000 employees worldwide and sales of approximately 300* million in 2015/16 (*provisional figure), WITTENSTEIN SE enjoys an impeccable reputation for innovation, precision and excellence in the field of mechatronic drive technology  not just in Germany but internationally. The group comprises eight pacesetting Business Units with separate subsidiaries for servo gearheads, servo actuator systems, medical technology, miniature servo units, innovative gearing technology, rotary and linear actuator systems, nano technology and electronic and software components for drive technologies. Through its 60 or so subsidiaries and agents in approximately 40 countries, WITTENSTEIN (www.wittenstein.de) is additionally represented in all the world's major technology and sales markets.

SOURCE WITTENSTEIN Inc.

Related Links

http://www.wittenstein-us.com


SHANGHAI, June 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- ZTO Express (Cayman) Inc. (NYSE: ZTO) ("ZTO" or the "Company"), a leading express delivery company in China, today announced that it will expand its Zhenjiang regional warehouse and sorting hub.

Announced at 19th China Zhejiang Investment & Trade Symposium, ZTO plans to invest up to RMB150 million (approximately US$22 million) to expand its current Zhejiang regional warehouse and sorting hub. ZTO has obtained land use rights to an over 32,000 square meter piece of land in Jinyi New Urban District, Zhejiang Province to construct additional office space, warehouse and sorting hub with processing capacity for up to one million parcels per day. Construction is expected to be completed by August 2018.

"Building additional infrastructure at our Zhejiang regional warehouse and sorting hub is another step in our strategy to expand the scale of our network and improve service quality and operational efficiency," commented Mr. Meisong Lai, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of ZTO. "Zhejiang is a very important commercial and regional hub for us and is one of the main distribution channels for the thousands of customers and merchants we provide services to in the area. The additional capacity to process up to one million parcels per day will further reduce regional unit logistics costs, improve customer service and in turn strengthen brand loyalty among our customers and merchants."

About ZTO Express (Cayman) Inc.

ZTO Express (Cayman) Inc. (NYSE: ZTO) ("ZTO" or the "Company") is a leading express delivery company in China and one of the largest express delivery companies globally, in terms of total parcel volume in 2016. ZTO provides express delivery service as well as other value-added logistics services through its extensive and reliable nationwide network coverage in China.

ZTO operates a highly scalable network partner model, which the Company believes is best suited to support the significant growth of e-commerce in China. The Company leverages its network partners to provide pickup and last-mile delivery services, while controlling the mission-critical line-haul transportation and sorting network within the express delivery service value chain.

For more information, please visit http://ir.zto.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "confidence" and similar statements. ZTO may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its reports filed or furnished to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in its annual reports to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about ZTO's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in our annual report on Form 20-F and other documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and ZTO undertakes no duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law.

For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

ZTO

Ms. Sophie Li

Investor Relations Director

E-mail: [email protected]

Christensen

In China

Mr. Christian Arnell

Phone: +86-10- 5900-1548

E-mail: [email protected]

In US

Mr. Tip Fleming

Phone: +1-917-412-3333

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE ZTO Express (Cayman) Inc.
New Delhi, June 12 : With mounting demands from farmers for loan waiver, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Monday said states will have to find funds for it from their own resources -- virtually ruling out any funding from the Centre.

"I have already made the position. States which want to go for these kind of schemes, will have to generate them from their own resources. Beyond that as the central government, I have nothing to say," Jaitley told reporters when asked if the Centre will help states on the issue of farm loan waivers.

The Finance Minister was speaking after the morning session with heads of public sector banks to discuss their festering bad loans situation.

On Sunday, Maharashtra announced writing off the loans of small and marginal farmers in the face of a 10-day strike by agriculturists demanding among other things loan waiver.

Similarly, facing an agitation Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan had promised to look into the demand for waiving agricultural loans.

Soon after BJP's stunning electoral victory in Uttar Pradesh earlier this year, the Yogi Adityanath government had announced writing off farm loans to the tune of over Rs 30,000 crore.
Kolkata, June 12 : Heavy rains are expected in some parts of West Bengal by Tuesday or Wednesday with monsoon entering the state, the India Meteorological Department said on Monday.

"Monsoon entered some parts of sub-Himalayan West Bengal (including Darjeeling) and Sikkim on Monday. It is also entering districts such as North and South 24-Parganas, Nadia and Murshidabad in Gangetic West Bengal on Monday. Heavy rainfall is expected to lash these parts in the next 48 hours," a Met department official told IANS.

The official said humidity on Monday noon hovered around 68 per cent in Kolkata.
New Delhi, June 12 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold his first ever meeting with US President Donald Trump when he visits Washington on June 25-26, it was announced on Monday.

According to an External Affairs Ministry statement, Modi will hold official talks with President Trump on June 26 in Washington.

The two leaders have spoken to each other over phone three times since Trump's inauguration in January this year, but have never met since or before.

The upcoming visit assumes importance in view of Trump's efforts for stricter norms for issuance of H1-B visas and the US pulling out of the Paris Agreement on climate change.

"Their discussions will provide a new direction for deeper bilateral engagement on issues of mutual interest and consolidation of multi-dimensional strategic partnership between India and the US," the statement said.

Modi last visited US in June last year at the invitation of then US President Barack Obama. In addition to his official talks with Obama, Modi also addressed a joint sitting of the US Congress.
Patna, June 12 : The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report that a man in Bihar's Purnia district had to carry the body of his deceased wife on a motor cycle, as the authorities at the district hospital failed to provide him a mortuary van.

The NHRC has issued a notice to the Chief Secretary of Bihar government, demanding a report in this matter within four weeks.

Susheela Devi, 50, died of illness at the Sadar hospital on June 2.

The medical staff told her husband, when he requested for a vehicle, to arrange one on his own to carry his wife's body.

The man, a poor labourer, approached an ambulance driver, who demanded Rs 2,500, which he could not afford.

Ultimately, the man had to carry his wife's body on a motor cycle with his son's help.

The NHRC has observed that this is not the first instance, which has come to its notice. The Commission has earlier too taken cognizance in some of these cases.

The Civil Surgeon had earlier on June 4 reportedly stated that no mortuary van is available at the Sadar Hospital and everyone has to arrange it on his own.

The District Magistrate has reportedly ordered a probe into the matter.
Lucknow, June 12 : The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Monday held demonstrations at all district headquarters in Uttar Pradesh to protest the killing of five farmers in police firing in Madhya Pradesh.

Slamming Madhya Pradesh's BJP-led government, the AAP demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan or his sacking by the President.

AAP leader Gaurav Maheshwari said Chouhan, a Bharatiya Janata Party leader, was dictatorial in his attitude towards his political opponents as well as the farmers and had lost the right to remain in office.

The AAP also submitted to senior district officials a memorandum addressed to President Pranab Mukherjee.

The AAP protest in state capital Lucknow was led by District Secretary S.P. Bagi.

The AAP also flayed the Madhya Pradesh government for preventing a party delegation of Sanjay Singh, Lok Sabha member Bhagwant Mann, Ashutosh, and Somnath Bharti from visiting Mandsaur in Madhya Pradesh and meeting the families of the killed farmers.

The AAP also questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's silence on the police firing and farmers' deaths.
San Francisco, June 13 : Google has updated the Android version of its keyboard (called Gboard) with a handful of features that make the keyboard more user-oriented.

To start with, you can hand-draw emojis to find them helpful if you're struggling to track down the perfect emoji, Engadget reported on Tuesday.

Gboard also suggests phrases while you type as opposed to individual words.

Using Gboard's signature search feature will now show multiple, more interactive result cards.

Google is also expanding language support to include full feature support for languages like Hawaiian, Maori and Belgian French.

If you use Gboard's signature search feature, it will show multiple, more interactive result cards.
Hong Kong, June 13 : Hong Kong on Tuesday said that it has become a member of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).

In May, the Finance Committee of the Legislative Council approved the funding for subscription of 7,651 shares of the AIIB's capital, including 1,530 paid-in shares that amount to about 1.2 billion Hong Kong dollars ($150 million) and payable over five years, and 6,121 callable shares, reports Xinhua news agency.

Having completed the subsequent legal procedures, Hong Kong was admitted as a new member of the AIIB.

Financial Secretary Paul Chan said that "the early completion of our accession process demonstrates Hong Kong's readiness to support the operation of the AIIB."

"As the leading international financial centre, Hong Kong has a sophisticated, robust and highly liquid financial market, and an abundance of top professionals with global experience, coupled with the unique advantage of 'one country, two systems'," Chan said, adding that the region is "well placed to help the AIIB to raise funds to finance various infrastructure projects."

The AIIB will hold the second annual meeting of its Board of Governors in Jeju, South Korea, from June 16-18.
New Delhi, June 13 : BJP President Amit Shah on Tuesday held discussions with senior ministers Rajnath Singh, M. Venkaiah Naidu and Arun Jaitley, who comprise the three-member team constituted by him to evolve consensus with other parties on the presidential candidate.

"We have today (Tuesday) begun the process by discussing within. We had a discussion with President Amit Shah and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley. We also talked to (Home Minister) Rajnathji, who is in Mizoram. In the coming days, we will be talking among ourselves and then to other political parties. We will meet them and discuss with them and will try our best to garner their support," Naidu told a press conference later.

He said the government side will talk to all political parties and make all efforts to evolve a "broad consensus" on the candidate and sought the cooperation of the opposition parties in this regard.

Naidu was replying to a question whether the government would reach out to opposition parties to evolve a consensus on the presidential candidate.

"We have just started the process because we are the ruling party and we have the responsibility to take every one on board. So, we will make our efforts in the direction to evolve a broad consensus and then also try to seek support... that is what we are going to do.

"It will be done in true spirit of democracy. Going by the mandate of the people ... and the mandate of people is for the government ... I appeal to all to understand that spirit and try to cooperate. We will be discussing with them to try to find out what their suggestions are," Naidu said.

The term of President Pranab Mukherjee gets over on July 24 and the process of electing a new President gets under way from Wednesday with the issue of notification in this regard.
Kannur, June 14 : The magazine brought out by the SFI-led students union of the Brennan college in Thalassery in Kannur district has run into a controversy with the ABVP - the student outfit of the BJP - alleging that the magazine contained illustrations insulting the national anthem and the national flag.

The college union led by the SFI, the student outfit of the CPI-M, published the magazine titled Pellet as part of the colleges 125 year anniversary celebrations.

The ABVP activists took exception to certain illustrations in the magazine, including one in which a couple is shown in a compromising position in a movie theatre while the national anthem is being played.

KSU, the student outfit of the congress party, also came out in protest against the contents of the magazine.

V K Athul, state general secretary of the KSU, told Manorama News channel that the caricatures in the magazine brought out by the SFI insulted the culture and heritage of our country.

Even though media reports earlier in the day on Wednesday suggested that the staff council decided to withdraw the magazine in the wake of the controversy, the staff council later informed the media that they did not find any objectionable content in the magazine and that copies of the magazine would continue to be distributed among students of the college.

However, a couple of caricatures that were likely to cause misunderstandings could be pulled from the magazine, the staff council clarified.
Mumbai, June 15 : Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Amit Shah will meet ally Shiv Sena President Uddhav Thackeray with the main agenda of discussions likely to centre around the upcoming presidential election, party officials said here on Thursday.

The meeting will take place at the Thackeray residence, 'Matoshri' in Bandra east on Sunday during the three-day visit of Shah to Mumbai to celebrate the BJP's three years in power at the Centre under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The meeting assumes significance for the BJP as the Shiv Sena is the most vocal critic of the party, the Prime Minister and also its Maharashtra alliance partner Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

In an embarrassment for the ruling BJP, its ally Shiv Sena has virtually joined ranks with the state opposition parties demanding complete loan waiver for farmers and on other major issues confronting the state.

Shah is expected to mollify Thackeray and ensure his support for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidate in the upcoming presidential election.

In fact, even as the Shah-Thackeray 'summit' was announced on Thursday, the Shiv Sena fired missives at neighbouring Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who is grappling with a farmers' agitation.

The Sena is upset over the Chouhan government's refusal of permission to various opposition parties, including Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi and Gujarat reservations leader Hardik Patel, to meet the families of the victims killed in the recent police firing during the farmers' agitation in Mandsaur.

"This is wrong... If this continues, it could prove damaging for the country's democracy," the Sena opined in an edit in the party mouthpieces 'Saamana' and 'Dopahar Ka Saamana' on Thursday.
Chandigarh, June 15 : Chaos erupted in the Punjab assembly on Thursday after the opposition Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Shiromani Akali Dal insisted on separate adjournment motions leading to clashes.

On the second day of the budget session, Akali Dal legislators accused Punjab Local Government and Tourism Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu of using unparliamentary language.

Sidhu could be seen shouting slogans against the Akali Dal leaders while they were demanding an adjournment motion on the issue of the promise made by the Congress government on a loan waiver for the farming community.

The AAP legislators sought to bring a separate adjournment motion on the land dealings of Irrigation and Power Minister Rana Gurjit Singh.

However, Speaker Rana K.P. Singh did not allow the adjournment motions, leading to noisy exchanges. The speaker adjourned the house twice.

The AAP legislators started a sit-in protest inside the assembly building, saying they wanted to highlight the wrongdoings of Rana Gurjit Singh.

AAP leader H.S. Phoolka said they were holding their own "session" in the assembly building as they were not allowed to raise their voice inside the house.

The Congress had promised a loan waiver for the debt-ridden Punjab farmers in the run up to the assembly elections earlier this year. The Congress, now led by Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, won 77 seats in the 117-member state assembly.

Punjab Finance Minister Manpreet Badal said the Akali Dal was bereft of issues and was unnecessarily raising the farmers' debt and loan waiver issue.

He said the Congress-led government was committed to its loan waiver promise which would be announced in the budget for the state to be presented in this session.
Shimla, June 15 : The Shimla civic body, one of the oldest in the country, is set to go to polls on Friday.

Unlike earlier elections, when residents elected the mayor and his deputy, this time voters will only elect councillors. The party with the maximum councillors will have internal polling for mayor and deputy mayor.

For the Congress, the ruling party in the state, and the BJP, which has largely been out of the corporation in the past 31 years, winning the Shimla Municipal Corporation (SMC) elections is a prestige issue. The CPI-M is fighting anti-incumbency.

Stakes are high for six-time Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh as he is trying to prove he is still a mass leader and can lead the party in the forthcoming assembly polls also, while BJP's two-time Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal is fighting a "survival battle".

Dhumal is mainly challenged by his bete noire and Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda, who is trying to return to state politics ahead of the assembly elections.

Both Dhumal and Nadda are seeking votes for the BJP, generating a buzz among the voters.

The CPI-M, which came to power in 2012, rules the civic body with just three councillors in the 25-member House. The majority of the councillors are from Congress.

CPI-M Mayor Sanjay Chauhan and his deputy Tikender Panwar blame successive governments for eroding the autonomous character of the civic body. They say the corporation has been reduced to a "waste collector".

Interestingly, the age-old issues of water shortage and the spread of waterborne diseases continue to be the main complaints, besides shortage of parking lots, traffic jams and unscientific disposal of solid waste.

But political observers say the main issue in the poll this time is Shimla's failure to grab the Smart City tag which lost the city a lot of revenue. Both the BJP and CPI-M blame the ruling Congress of playing politics in the selection of Smart City.

Deliberately keeping the issue of Smart City on the backburner, as it is the BJP's main poll plank, Virbhadra Singh said his government has evolved a World Bank-funded Rs 1,000 crore scheme to end the city's water shortage issue at least for the next 50 years.

"We have started work on pumping Satluj river water from Kol Dam to end water shortage in Shimla," the Chief Minister said at the launch of party's manifesto "Shimla-Sankalp-2017" here on Wednesday.

For the city's beautification, he said the government has got funding from the Asian Development Bank for resorting and preserving the British-era Town Hall and developing The Ridge and The Mall areas.

Attacking the Congress and the CPI-M, BJP's Dhumal has said the voters would punish both the parties for playing with the lives of people by supplying unsafe drinking water. A jaundice outbreak last year claimed over 30 lives which was caused by mixing of sewage from a nearby sewerage treatment plant with the natural water supply.

Countering Dhumal's claims, CPI-M Deputy Mayor Panwar said Shimla has been seeing a jaundice epidemic every alternate year since 2007.

"In fact, the corporation has helped better the water supply and sewage treatment during our tenure. Now every drop of water that is lifted from the river and every drop of sewer that is treated and released into the river is the responsibility of the civic body. This has brought a qualitative change in water and sewerage management," Panwar told IANS.

B.D. Sharma, a local and former Press Secretary to the Chief Minister, however, blames the corporation and successive governments for deteriorating civic conditions.

"Though political parties have been promising the moon but no one has said a single word about ensuring systematic and planned development of the city," he said.

Planned for a maximum population of 16,000, Shimla is home to 1,70,000 people as per the 2011 census and generates 30.09 million litres of sewage per day.

(Vishal Gulati can be contacted at vishal.g@ians.in)
Thiruvananthapuram, June 15 : After widespread criticism, "Metro man" E. Sreedharan has been invited to the inauguration of Kochi Metro on Saturday by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, it was announced on Thursday.

The Prime Minister's Office has invited both Sreedharan and Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala to share the dais, Tourism Minister Kadakampally Surendran and BJP state president Kummanem Rajasekheran separately told the media.

After it became clear on Wednesday that Sreedharan was not among the invitees to be with Modi on the dais, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan wrote to the PMO.

But the request to include local legislator P.T. Thomas on the dais was not accepted.

Modi will arrive at the Kochi international airport on Saturday morning and will be driven to the Pathadipalam railway station to take a Kochi Metro train to Palarivattom, six kilometres away.

From there he will drive to the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium to officially launch Kerala's first metro by addressing a public meeting.

He will return to Delhi after a brief meeting with the Kerala cabinet led by Vijayan.

In the Kochi Metro project, which is 25 km long, trains will run for 13 km between Palarivattom and Aluva from June 19.

Work on Kochi Metro began in 2012 after the Oommen Chandy government entrusted the project to Delhi Metro Rail Corp, with its principal advisor Sreedharan overseeing it.
Bhopal, June 15 : Two more debt-ridden farmers committed suicide in Madhya Pradesh's Shivpuri and Hoshangabad districts, police said on Thursday.

Narmada Prasad Yadav, 50, a resident of Chaplasar village in Hoshangabad district, was found unconscious and foaming at the mouth by his brother on Wednesday. He was taken to a hospital in a serious condition and was declared dead later at night.

Station chief Mahendra Singh Chauhan told IANS: "His family says that he had an outstanding debt of Rs 50,000 and was being pressurised to clear the debt. The debtors were even asking him to give his tractor as repayment. Distressed by this, he allegedly committed suicide. We are investigating the case."

Another farmer, Kalla, was found hanging from a tree in Shivpuri district's Bineka village.

According to Kalla's kin, he had two bigha land in his name. But due to drought conditions since the last three years, he had increasing amounts of debt in his name due to which he took his life.

One bigha equals 5/8 acre.

Station chief S.B. Sharma told IANS that Kalla used to consume alcohol in large amounts and even practised tantrik rites, which could be a reason for the suicide.

This brings to six the number of farmer suicides reported in the state in the past three days. On Monday, Dulichandra of Sehore district's Jajna village, who owed Rs 5 lakh in loans, died under mysterious circumstances.

On Tuesday, two farmers took their lives due to distress over debts. Makhan Lal, resident of Hoshangabad's Bhairopur village, was found hanging from a tree around 4 a.m., while Hari Singh Jatav of Vidhisha district's Jirapur village slipped into a critical condition and later died after he consumed poison.

On Wednesday, 40-year-old Ramesh, a resident of Ballarpur village, took his life by consuming poison. He had an outstanding debt of Rs 2 lakh and owned about one-acre land.

Farmers in the state protested from June 1 for better prices for their produce and debt relief. The agitation turned violent on June 6 when six farmers were killed in police firing in Mandsaur.

The violence spilled over to several other districts, including the Malwa-Nimad area, and even reached the state capital. Angry farmers blocked roads, vandalised property and set fire to vehicles.

After the farmers' killings, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has ordered a judicial probe.
London, June 15 : More bodies were found on Thursday in the fire-ravaged apartment block in west London, raising the death toll to 17, the Metropolitan Police said.

Commander Stuart Cundy said the number was expected to rise and that an unknown number of people were missing, Efe news reported. Seventeen of the 37 people still hospitalized remained in critical condition.

"Our absolute priority is about locating and identifying those people that are still missing," he said, although he was not able to specify how many people were unaccounted for.

Fire Commissioner Dany Cotton said specialist search and rescue teams would be working to make the building safe for firefighters and police to enter and begin search for and identify people who may have been in the building when the fire erupted early on Wednesday.

Teams would be preceded by sniffer dogs who could search dangerous areas faster. "This will be a very slow and painstaking process," she said.

Firefighters worked overnight at the scene of the devastating fire that gutted the 24-storey Grenfell Tower.

Cotton earlier told Sky News they were not expecting to find anyone else alive and it would be an "absolute miracle" if anyone were found still living, given the "severity and the heat of the fire".

Prime Minister Theresa May visited the scene of the fire on Thursday and spoke to police and firefighters there.

The tower block housed 120 apartments.
Mumbai, June 15 : Ruling allies Bharatiya Janata Party and Shiv Sena on Thursday engaged in a verbal spat ahead of a crucial meeting between BJP President Amit Shah with Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis reiterated that his BJP was ready for mid-term elections in Maharashtra and would win on its own strength in a reaction to Sena MP Sanjay Raut's recent comments that the party would withdraw support to BJP if it failed to announce a complete farm loan waiver.

"Some people had said that they will withdraw support and bring down the government. We are ready for mid-term elections. If they compel us for mid-tem polls, I am confident we will form the government again," Fadnavis told media persons.

Finance Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar also made a similar statement in a different function, making it clear that "the BJP is always prepared for mid-term elections" and would romp home on its own strength if any allies withdrew support.

Reacting sharply to this, Thackeray said "if they (BJP) have so much money, they should give it to the farmers and clear their debts".

"It seems they have a lot of money to fight mid-term elections. They should give it to the poor farmers and clear all their loans. We shall fully support them," he said sarcastically.

He added that the talk of mid-term polls is a ploy to divert attention and dilute the issue of farm loans waiver.

The Sena chief said he offered prayers on Thursday at the Gajanan Maharaj Temple in Pune to give strength to the government to implement its promise of farm loans waiver.

"We did not care for power and supported the farmers. The farmers will not forgive those who called them as 'saala' and make they cry," Thackeray said.

Later, state BJP chief Raosaheb Danve attempted so soothe ruffled feathers on both sides, saying Fadnavis did not mean mid-term elections will be held but merely the BJP as a party was ready for it.

The aggressive stance of both partners came as Shah and Thackeray plan to meet on Sunday with discussions expected to centre around the upcoming the upcoming presidential elections.

The meeting will take place at the Thackeray residence, 'Matoshri' in Bandra east during the three-day visit of Amit Shah to Mumbai to celebrate the BJP's three years in power at the Centre under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The meeting assumes significance for the BJP as the Shiv Sena is the most vocal critic of the party, the Prime Minister and also Fadnavis.

In an embarrassment for the ruling BJP, its ally Shiv Sena has virtually joined ranks with the state opposition parties demanding complete loan waiver for farmers and on other major issues confronting the state.

Amit Shah is expected to mollify Thackeray and ensure his support for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidate in the upcoming presidential election.

In the past, the Shiv Sena had deviated from supporting NDA candidates on at least two occasions - during the elections of former President Pratibha Patil and later the current President Pranab Mukherjee for whom it pitched for a second term. It has also suggested RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat be field for the post.
London, June 15 : British Prime Minister Theresa May on Thursday ordered a full public inquiry into the devastating fire that consumed a west London tower block killing at least 17 people and leaving many missing.

The death toll was expected to rise further and fire chiefs said they do not expect to find any more survivors.

The blaze at the 24-storey Glenfell Tower continued to smoulder for a second day in the upper levels, BBC reported.

The London Fire Brigade said firefighters were unable to access the upper floors both because of intense heat as well as concerns over structural safety.

Seventeen of the 37 people hospitalized remained in critical condition. People desperately sought news of their missing family and friends.

Hundreds of people were in the tower block when the fire erupted. Authorities admitted on Thursday that the search for those unaccounted for could take weeks.

May made a brief private visit to the scene amid questions as to how the fire that began just after midnight on Tuesday spread so rapidly all the way from the fourth floor.

Announcing a full inquiry into the blaze, the Prime Minister said: "We need to know what happened, we need to know an explanation.

"We owe that to the families, to the people who have lost loved ones and the homes in which they lived. That is why I am ordering a full public inquiry so that we can get to the answers, we can find out exactly what happened."

Labour Leader Jeremy Corbyn, who too visited the site, said separately that "the truth has to come out".

London Mayor Sadiq Khan said he wanted "a full independent public inquiry".

The cause of the fire is still not known although accusing fingers are being pointed at the poor quality material used in the building that was originally built in 1974. Residents alleged that their concerns over a fire tragedy had been ignored.

The London Fire Brigade, which deployed 40 fire engines and more than 200 firefighters, was still at the scene on Thursday. But it was made clear that the building was not at the risk of collapsing.

Dozens of people left homeless by the fire spent the night in makeshift rescue centres. From across London, people donated food, clothes and blankets.

"It is times like this that the best of our community comes out," the BBC quoted Bhupinder Singh, a volunteer handling the donations, as saying.

The Guardian reported that charity workers and volunteers providing aid for the affected people were part of a huge relief effort. But residents were angry over a lack of coordination from the local Council and other authorities.

More than 1 million pounds was raised via online donations in just over 24 hours to help the displaced residents, the daily said.

Sikh gurdwaras, churches and mosques opened their doors for those left homeless.

Many of the residents in the Glenfell Tower were woken by neighbours or shouts from below and fled the building. Those who didn't because of faulty official advice suffered.

The Wednesday tragedy has prompted fears over the safety of other similar apartment blocks across the country.
New Delhi, June 15 : Broadbasing government's outreach, senior minister M. Venkaiah Naidu on Thursday spoke to NCP chief Sharad Pawar, and ally TDP's chief and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu as part of its exercise to evolve a consensus on presidential candidate.

Naidu's talks with Pawar and Chandrababu Naidu came a day before he and another senior minister Rajnath Singh would be meeting Congress President Sonia Gandhi on Friday seeking her party's support even as opposition parties are said to be keen on a contest.

Sources said Pawar told Naidu that he would be in Delhi for the next couple of days for the talks, while Chandrababu Naidu told him that his party would stand by the Prime Minister's decision on the issue.

Naidu has so far contacted leaders of the Congress, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Telugu Desam Party (TDP), Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) and the All India Congress (N. Rangasami).

Singh and Naidu -- who are part of the three-member team constituted by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Amit Shah for holding discussions with political parties on the presidential candidate -- are set to meet Gandhi at her residence on Friday morning, sources said.

This will be followed by a meeting with CPI-M General Secretary Sitaram Yechury later in the day. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, who is also part of the team, is away in South Korea. He is scheduled to return only on Saturday morning.

The BJP has given no indication so far as to who its candidate is, but there is speculation around the names of External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan. The name of BJP veteran Murli Manohar Joshi is also not ruled out in the BJP circles, since he is said to have the backing of Rashtriya Swyamsevak Sangh (RSS).

It remains to be seen whether the BJP team will put forward any name to Gandhi and other opposition leaders it would be meeting or talking to in the coming days, or whether the team will merely seek the support for a BJP nominee.

Sources in the opposition parties say they are waiting for the government side to come out with the name of its nominee before they can finalise their strategy. Opposition leaders say that the choice of BJP candidate, even according to insiders, is known "only to (Prime Minister) Modi and God", to stress the point that it is Modi who is calling the shots on the issue.

They feel that the government is only engaged in an exercise of consensus building for the sake of formality and, in fact, might not be keen on a consensus candidate.

They point to Naidu's statement a couple of days ago that the government has the mandate and the opposition should keep this in mind while talking about a presidential candidate.

At the meeting of opposition parties on Wednesday, there were suggestions mainly from the Left parties that they should put up a fight by fielding a candidate, because it is an "ideological battle" with the BJP. They feel the BJP might be keen on having someone with ideological moorings in the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Should there be a fight, the Left parties are reportedly keen on fielding Gopalkrishna Gandhi, grandson of Mahatma Gandhi and former Governor of West Bengal. There is also another section in the opposition, saying that it should be a political fight and the nominee could be a political leader like Janata Dal-United (JD-U) veteran Sharad Yadav.

As part of BJP's outreach, Shah is likely to meet Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray in Mumbai for seeking the party's support for the NDA nominee. The Sena, which has been having a cold war with the BJP, has not voted with the NDA in the last two presidential elections.

The Sena has been pitching for RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat for the top constitutional post and has also sought to know from the BJP why he (Bhagwat) is not acceptable. Bhagwat on his part has ruled himself out, saying he is not in the race.

Meanwhile, disgruntled BJP leader Shatrughan Sinha on Thursday yet again backed party veteran L.K. Advani as the most deserving candidate for the post of President, saying he is physically fit and has the ability to "understand the complexity of the Constitution".

In a series of tweets, Sinha said: "What Advaniji has, is the ability to understand the complexity of the Constitution and to take the right decision when needed without getting influenced by anyone, in the larger interest of the nation."

Sinha also said that Advani, who is 89, is "physically fit" for the post and no one has come out against his candidature.

"No one is able to speak anything, be it from within or outside d party...no voice coming out against Advani's candidature.

"Advaniji is much more healthy and energetic than any of the young leaders. He has kept himself maintained so that he can take responsibility of the country," Sinha said.

Sinha has been sidelined in the party after Narendra Modi became Prime Minister of the country. He was also not inducted into Modi's council of ministers, though he has claimed of long association with the BJP, since the time when the party had two members in the Lok Sabha.

His proximity to Advani is said to be one of the reasons for being sidelined in the party.
Ankara, June 16 : Turkish Foreign Ministry summoned the US ambassador in Ankara on Thursday after US authorities issued arrest warrants for some Turkish citizens and the security personnel of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Citing a statement Xinhua reported that the ministry said the decision was unacceptable as it clearly did not come as a result of an impartial and independent investigation.

"It has been conveyed to the Ambassador that this decision taken by US authorities is wrong, biased and lacks legal basis; that the brawl in front of the Turkish Ambassador's Residence was caused by the failure of local security authorities to take necessary measures," read the statement.

"The tolerance of the US authorities toward the so-called protesters to approach as close as a few meters to the Turkish Residence with flags and symbols of terrorist organisations and their assault to innocent citizens, as well as the lack of any action taken against the US security personnel who assaulted the security guards of our Minister in front of the Chancery run counter to any understanding of justice," the statement added.

Turkish President's guards intervened in a group of protestors in front of the Turkish Ambassador's Residence in Washington on May 16 while the group was chanting slogans against Erdogan.

The incident outside the Turkish Ambassador's Residence during Erdogan's visit to Washington has strained US-Turkish relations.

Eleven people were injured in the brawl described by Washington's police chief as a "brutal attack" on protesters.
Washington, June 16 : The White House has confirmed that President Donald Trump will announce his administration's review of the country's new policy toward Cuba on Friday.

The President will travel to Miami on Friday to "make an announcement on US-Cuba policy", said deputy White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders at a press conference.

When asked whether Trump is planning to announce the naming of an ambassador to Cuba anytime soon, Sanders said that she was not certain what the plans are on that subject or whether it would be included in the President's Friday announcement, reports Efe news.

Several US media outlets had reported the date and site for the announcement of the result of the review of Washington's Cuba policy that Trump promised when he took office, a policy that to date has included greater rapprochement with the communist island and was initiated by his predecessor Barack Obama.

In his search for votes in Florida during the presidential campaign, Trump toughened his stance on Cuba and promised to rescind many of Obama's measures.

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said earlier this week at a hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that Trump wants to allow business activity and trade with Cuba to continue as much as possible because he appreciates the benefits that this opening provides for the Cuban people.

However, the administration wants to ensure that it is not involuntarily or directly providing financial help to the Raul Castro regime and that it is not violating the law, Tillerson said on Tuesday.

"As we're developing these business relationships and as we're enjoying the benefits on the economic and development side, are we inadvertently or directly providing financial support to the regime? Our view is we are," Tillerson said.

"And the question is ... how do we bring that back into compliance with longstanding statutory obligations?" he added.

It is anticipated that Trump will also urge the Cuban government to improve its respect for human rights, according to information provided by Tillerson.
Washington, June 16 : US Vice President Mike Pence hired a personal attorney to deal with inquiries related to the ongoing probe into Russia's alleged meddling in the 2016 election and possible collusion between President Donald Trump's campaign and Moscow.

Pence on Thursday selected Richmond, Virginia-based attorney Richard Cullen, a chairman at McGuire Woods who previously served as a US attorney, reports Efe news.

The office of the Vice President said Pence's decision to hire outside legal counsel was in keeping with his aim to "fully cooperate with any inquiries related to the Russia probe".

"The Vice President is focused entirely on his duties and promoting the president's agenda and looks forward to a swift conclusion of this matter," said Pence spokesman Jarrod Agen in a statement.

Pence's move comes a day after The Washington Post reported that special counsel Robert Mueller had extended his probe into determining whether the President tried to obstruct justice by suggesting to top intelligence and law enforcement officials that they end the Russia investigation.

Mueller was named special counsel after Trump abruptly sacked former Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) chief James Comey, who afterwards said that the President, before firing him, in effect asked him to "let go" of the probe into the links between fired National Security Adviser Michael Flynn and the Kremlin.

Mueller's investigation of the President's conduct is a major watershed in the FBI probe, which over almost the past year has focused on uncovering Moscow's attempts to meddle in, or influence, the 2016 presidential campaign and whether any of Trump's campaign personnel colluded with Russian officials.

Trump had been assured several times privately by Comey starting in January that he was not - at the time - personally under investigation, but officials said "that changed shortly after Comey's firing", reports The Washington Post.

If the report is true and if it is confirmed that Trump obstructed justice by trying to get Comey, and perhaps others, to end the Russia probe, that could lead to the President's impeachment by Congress, something that many Democratic lawmakers say they would pursue if circumstances warrant.
Srinagar, June 16 : A youth injured in firing by the security forces on Thursday in Srinagar succumbed on Friday, officials said.

Police said the youth, Naseer Ahmad of Ashtengo village in Bandipora district, was injured in firing by the troopers of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) on Thursday in Rangreth area in the outskirts of Srinagar, when a stone pelting mob clashed with the security forces.

"He was shifted to Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) where he succumbed during the night," a police source said.
Washington, June 16 : Donald Trump resorted to Twitter to slam a report that special counsel Robert Mueller is investigating the President for possible obstruction of justice.

In a series of tweets, Trump on Thursday said: "They made up a phony collusion with the Russians story, found zero proof, so now they go for obstruction of justice on the phony story. Nice," reports Efe news.

Shortly thereafter, he followed that up with another tweet, in which he returned to one of his main themes regarding the ongoing probe: "You are witnessing the single greatest witch hunt in American political history - led by some very bad and conflicted people."

The tweets were clear signs of the president's frustration and anger over the revelation, published on Wednesday evening in The Washington Post, about the investigation by Mueller, who is heading an independent probe into alleged Russian interference in the 2016 election.

A few hours later, Trump again tweeted, this time attempting to divert attention toward his former rival, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, first saying: "Why is that Hillary Clinton's family and Democrats dealings with Russia are not looked at, but my non-dealings are?"

In a second tweet, he continued with "Crooked Hillary destroyed phones with hammer, 'bleached' emails, and had husband meet with (Attorney General Loretta Lynch) days before she was cleared and they talk about obstruction?"

The Washington Post, citing anonymous sources, had reported some hours earlier that Mueller, who is probing Russia's election interference and the possible links between Moscow and Trump's campaign, had added a key element to that probe, namely that the President would now be under investigation for obstruction of justice.

If the report is true and if it is confirmed that Trump obstructed justice by trying to get former Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director James Comey, and perhaps others, to end the Russia probe, that could lead to the President's impeachment by Congress, something that many Democratic lawmakers say they would pursue if circumstances warrant.

Meanwhile, the White House said on Thursday that it would have no comment about the revelation, with deputy Press Secretary Sarah Sanders simply referring all questions to the President's personal lawyer, Marc Kasowitz.

Kasowitz said on Wednesday that leaking FBI information about the president was "outrageous, inexcusable and illegal", although he did not question the content of the article.
Moscow, June 16 : Russia's Defence Ministry said on Friday that it is verifying reports whether the Islamic State militant group's leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was killed by its forces on the southern outskirts of Syria's Raqqa.

The ministry said the Russian airstrike may have killed Baghdadi along with 330 terrorists on May 28, Tass reported.

The airstrike was carried out overnight against a command post, where the IS group's leaders were meeting to discuss the routes for the terrorists' exit from Raqqa through the "southern corridor", the ministry said in a statement.

The air raid was launched following drone footage confirmation of the council's meeting location, the statement said.

The US was said to have been informed in advance of the Russian strike, Sputnik reported.
Seoul, June 16 : The second annual meeting of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) started on Friday in South Korea.

The opening ceremony of the AIIB's board of governors meeting was initiated at the International Convention Centre in Jeju island, reports Xinhua news agency.

This meeting brought together about 2,000 participants, including delegations of both 57 founding members and 20 new members, global organisations and academia as well as businessmen, financiers and journalists.

The attendees included over 20 Finance Ministers of the 77 approved AIIB members such as Australia, China, Georgia, India, Indonesia and Laos.

South Korean Finance Minister Kim Dong-yeon, who doubles as the country's deputy prime minister for economic affairs, would chair the official sessions.

The meeting is being held under the theme of "Sustainable Infrastructure", seeking strategic directions of the international infrastructure bank and making major decisions on the bank's management.

"This annual meeting is particularly important for our maturing institution, as it is a chance for our shareholders and partners to engage with us and provide diverse perspectives on how the bank should transform its strategy into meaningful outcomes for people in Asia," AIIB President Jin Liqun said in his welcoming message.

Along with the official sessions, a variety of side events were scheduled such as seminars on infrastructure and the one-on-one business meetings.

Several bilateral meetings between chief delegates will be held on the sidelines of the official sessions.

Officially launched in January 2016, the Beijing-based AIIB is a multilateral development bank initiated by China and supported by a wide range of countries and regions, which will provide financing for infrastructure improvement in Asia.
New Delhi, June 16 : She played the younger version of Kareena Kapoor in "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham...". Malvika Raaj, who will is making her debut as an adult with Telugu film "Jayadev", says her father was not keen that she pursue acting after the 2001 film.

Even before Karan Johar's "Kabhi Khushi...", Malvika had featured in a film titled "Shikaar".

Talking about coming out of the child actor image, Malvika told IANS over phone from Mumbai: "After 'Kabhi Khushi...", since I was a very young and a naughty child.... My dad did not want me to pursue acting anymore as it would have distracted me from studies. Even as a child actor, I got many proposals to work, but my dad did not allow me."

Is he okay about her choice of profession now?

"He is okay with it, he just wanted me to have my degree and then pursue my acting work," said the actress, who has even done her bit of modelling.

"I built a lot of confidence while working in the fashion industry. But once you get into films, you don't want to get back to modelling," she said.

The granddaughter of Bollywood actor Jagdish Raj and niece of actress Anita Raaj, Malvika grew up in a film environment. Her new film "Jayadev" is directed by Jayanth C. Paranjee, and features debutant Ghanta Ravi Teja. It is releasing on June 30.

"I am really excited for my launch. It's like a dream come true to do debut with director Jayanth. He is so senior and awesome, and I am really waiting for the response."

In the film, she essays a modern young girl named Shruti, who loves dressing up and does not care about what people talk about her.

"She stays in her own dreamland, and it's a fun-loving character," said Malvika, who says she is very inspired by her aunt Anita Raaj, who has featured in a string of films and television shows since debuting with the 1982 film "Premgeet".

"I've grown up seeing her and watching her. Her hard work is always an inspiration," Malvika said.

What about her inspiration from the current crop of Bollywood actresses?

"Deepika Padukone," she said promptly.
New Delhi, June 16 : On a day when the CBI recorded Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia's statement regarding a 'Talk to AK' campaign, the AAP government on Friday cried foul and accused the Centre of using the "caged parrot" to victimise dissenters.

"While CM (Chief Minister) Arvind Kejriwal is busy inspecting hospitals, the Centre busy victimising! CBI raids at Dy CM (Deputy Chief Minister) residence!," Sisodia's Media Adviser Arunoday Prakash said in a tweet.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Friday denied there was any raid or search at Sisodia's residence here.

"A team of officers went to Sisodia's residence to record his statement in a Preliminary Enquiry registered in the 'Talk to AK' programme scam," a CBI official told IANS.

On May 8, 2013, the Supreme Court had dubbed the CBI a "caged parrot that speaks in its master's voice" and had asked the Centre whether it intended to make the agency's functioning independent.

Prakash said: "Earlier CM Arvind Kejriwal's office was raided. The Centre using caged parrot to victimise voices of dissent! #RIPDemocracy," he said, adding that the Delhi government will not be scared.

"If they think Manish Sisodia will get afraid and stop working for schools after CBI raids, they are mistaken! Highly mistaken!"

Taking a dig at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led central government, Prakash said it has got new allies for the 2019 General Elections -- including the CBI, Enforcement Directorate, and Income Tax Department.

"The arrogant Delhi sultanate unable to understand public anger is working to suppress opposition's voice through CBI, ED and IT. New India? Jai Hind," he said in a tweet in Hindi.

The 'Talk To AK' campaign was an interactive session of the Delhi Chief Minister through which people could reach out to the AAP supremo through social media.

According to CBI officials, the Preliminary Enquiry was filed against the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and other Delhi government officials as there were allegations of impropriety and violation of rules and regulations in the award of work related to the media campaign.
New Delhi, June 16 : A group of Indian chefs will come together at a three-day event in Kerala next month to talk about foods and recipes that can contribute towards good health, wellness and healing.

The retreat, Healing Recipes - Back to Roots, is to be held on July 3-6 at Kairali - The Ayurvedic Healing Village, at Palakkad in Kerala. Here, one will get to interact with Ayurvedic doctors and chefs, attend specially-curated masterclasses, explore local cuisine, learn the trick of growing vegetables and spices organically, and master the art of making gourmet meals that are nourishing and indulging.

A preview for the event was held in the capital on Thursday, with Chef Manjit Singh Gill, Chef Vikas Seth and Gita Ramesh, an Ayurveda expert and Joint Managing Director of Kairali Ayurvedic Group, giving a taste of what to expect from the event. They said people will realise how food can be their biggest investment for happiness and wellness.

Gill said: "Every climate has its own taste... just like there are six seasons, so are the tastes which are very important for every human being to experience. Food is like medicine, it heals the body from within. Hence, it is imperative that we revisit our approach to food, ingredients and cooking techniques.

"Healing Recipes - Back to Roots, for me, is a platform that will help you rethink food."

While discussing about the daily cooking habits, Gill said salt should never be added to curd as it decreases its nutritional value. And with so much of craze of being healthy using olive oil, he said that people do not know the correct way in which olive oil should be used in cooking. It must be cooked at proper temperature and, if possible, one should consume only half a tablespoon of olive oil daily.

Ramesh, who also has a book titled "Healing Recipes - Back to Roots", said the event is a conscious effort at promoting food sustainability.

"It talks about how age-old philosophy and culinary practices still hold relevance in modern times and how Ayurveda is directly linked with the healing of various diseases -- be it through various Ayurvedic practices, medicines or simply food."

Madhulika Dash, who is curating the experience, commented: "We have all grown up eating homemade food, but never realised that if cooked in a healthy way with farm fresh ingredients, it will lead to more good effect on health. And as far as Ayurveda is concerned, it enhances the quality of ingredients when combined with food."
Lucknow, June 16 : Two persons were killed and six injured in a road accident on the Agra-Lucknow Expressway on Friday, police said.

The victims were part of a wedding party which was returning to Rohtak, Haryana.

The accident took place when the driver dozed off leading the car to hit a divider.

The bride and groom were also injured and hospitalised.
Moscow, June 16 : Russia's Defence Ministry said on Friday that it is verifying reports that one of its airstrikes killed Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi on the southern outskirts of Syria's Raqqa.

The airstrike was carried out on May 28 against a command post, where the IS group's leaders were meeting to discuss the routes for the terrorists' exit from Raqqa through the "southern corridor", the ministry said in a statement.

"According to information, which is being verified via different channels, the meeting was also attended by the (IS) leader Ibrahim Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, who was eliminated in the strike," Tass quoted the ministry as saying.

Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, commenting on the reports, said Russia doesn't have 100 per cent proof of Baghdadi's elimination.

"Of course, I have heard about these reports. So far, I have no 100 per cent confirmation of this information yet," Lavrov said during a news conference in Moscow.

The ministry's statement said the Russian airstrike may also have killed 330 terrorists, state-run Sputnik reported.

Russian Su-34 aircraft and an Su-35 multirole fighter launched the airstrikes following drone footage confirmation of the council's meeting location, the statement said.

The US military was informed by Russia before the attack, the report said. However, Col. Ryan Dillon, a spokesman for the US-led coalition's operation against IS in Syria and Iraq, said he "cannot confirm these reports at this time".

Baghdadi was wrongly reported dead by the media on several previous occasions. He was a prisoner at Camp Bucca -- a US detention centre hosting several Al Qaeda commanders -- before proclaiming himself "caliph" of the IS in June 2014.
New Delhi, June 16 : Following its identification of 12 accounts responsible for 25 per cent of the non-performing assets (NPAs) of banks in the country, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Friday said it has no plan to come out with the next list any time soon.

"If you look at it (NPAs), the RBI had a detailed circular. Twelve cases have been referred for resolution by the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC). In other (bad loan) cases, banks are encouraged to resolve them in six months' time," RBI Deputy Governor S.S. Mundra said.

"Where is the question of quickly coming out with the second list?" he said.

Mundra was speaking on the sidelines of the 3rd national summit -- Bankers Borrowers Business Meet 2017 -- organised by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham) here.

The RBI has given banks a time-frame of six months to resolve their bad loan cases, apart from the 12 identified by its Internal Advisory Committee, failing which the cases will have to be dealt with through the insolvency route.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had said that the problem of NPAs is only related to 40-50 big accounts.

Mundra said the banks will work out all possibilities and may also need to take haircuts to resolve these bad loan accounts.

"There is no question of minimum or maximum haircut. Whatever haircut is needed has to be taken. There is no idea to willy-nilly reduce the haircut for the bank -- that is never the philosophy. Banks will work out all possibilities," Mundra said.

He also said it is likely that the banks will have to go for additional provisioning.

"That all this can happen without additional provisioning would be too optimistic. I would strongly say we should be realistic rather than pessimistic or optimistic."

The RBI officer said the banks will need additional budgetary allocation apart from the Rs 10,000 crore announced for recapitalisation in 2017-18.

On bank consolidation, Mundra said there was no such thing at this point of time and the initial decision needs to be taken by bank managements.

"To my knowledge, no consolidation at this point of time. Even otherwise, these are detailed decisions that need to be taken by respective bank managements, and bank owners. At the right time when a review is needed by the regulator, we will come to that stage much later," he said.

Jaitley had recently indicated that efforts were on in for further consolidation of banks.
Islamabad, June 16 : The alleged abduction and conversion of a minor Hindu girl in Pakistan's Thar district has triggered a wave of anger among members of the area's Hindu community.

Ravita Meghwar, 16, had allegedly been abducted by men from the Syed community of Wanharo village near Nagarparkar area of the district, on June 6th.

On Thursday, the girl, along with "husband" Nawaz Ali Shah, had met local journalists in Umerkot to "inform" them of her consent in both embracing Islam and her marriage.

She claimed to have embraced Islam in the presence of an Islamic preacher, near the Samarro town of Umerkot district.

On Friday, the girl once again claimed to journalists in Islamkot that she had not been kidnapped but had eloped with Shah. She also demanded protection for both herself and her husband.

However, the Hindu community, along with the girl's family, has insisted that she was kidnapped and forced to convert. Satram Das Meghwar, Ravita's father, has alleged that influential members of the Syed community had kidnapped his daughter after giving sleeping pills to the family.

He alleged that despite frequent appeals, the Thar police avoided tracing the girl till she was forced to convert.

According to the marriage certificate issued by the preacher, "The girl is eighteen years old, can marry the person of her choice and her Islamic name is Gulnar".

The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz lawmaker from Thar and the chief of the Pakistan Hindu Council, Ramesh Kumar Vankwani, has expressed his concern over the alleged abduction and the subsequent conversion of Ravita.

"A Hindu girl below 18 years of age cannot be converted according to the Hindu Marriage Act," he said.
New Delhi, June 16 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Portugal and The Netherlands on his way to and from the US trip on June 26 when he will meet President Donald Trump.

Modi will be in Lisbon on June 24 when he will hold talks with Indian-origin Prime Minister Antonio Costa, who was in India last year for the Pravasi Bharti day in Bengaluru, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay, told the weekly media briefing here.

After talks with Trump in Washington on June 26, Modi will visit The Netherlands on June 27. There he will meet the Dutch King and the prime minister and hold talks, Baglay said.

Asked about any event being planned with the Indian community in Washington, he said it was being explored but nothing has been finalised.
Kolkata, June 16 : Narada News CEO Mathew Samuel's questioning in connection with an alleged extortion call to a former MP from Bihar continued for the second consecutive day on Friday, Kolkata Police said.

Police sources said Samuel -- who was grilled for nearly eight hours on Thursday -- again reached the Muchipara police station around 12 p.m. on Friday for questioning.

Samuel is being questioned on his alleged connection with Bikram Singh, who is said to have made the extortion call to former Bihar Member of Parliament D.P. Yadav from a Kolkata lodge in Muchipara police station area.

According to an FIR lodged at the police station, the former MP was asked to cough up Rs 5 crore if he did not wish an alleged footage of him accepting a bribe to be made public.

Following the FIR lodged by Yadav in February, police raided the said lodge but failed to catch Bikram Singh.

The police, however, seized a laptop from there with a picture that resembled Samuel's.

Samuel was earlier summoned twice for questioning in the case.

His company Narada News stirred a hornet's nest by releasing a sting video footage days before the 2016 assembly elections in West Bengal that purportedly showed several senior Trinamool Congress leaders and an officer taking cash.

On Calcutta High Court's orders, the Central Bureau of Investigation is probing the case and has since booked 12 senior Trinamool Congress leaders, including Members of Parliament and ministers and an Indian Police Service officer.
Srinagar, June 16 : Two militants including a commander of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) were killed on Friday in a gunfight with the security forces in south Kashmir's Kulgam district.

Security forces surrounded two houses in Arwani village of Kulgam district. When the forces closed in on the hiding militants they opened fire triggering an encounter, police said.

"Two militants including a commander of the LeT outfit identified as Junaid Mattoo have been killed", police sources said.

Reports from the area said the security forces used improvised explosive devices (IEDs) to blast the two houses where the militants had been hiding.

A civilian identified as Muhammad Ashraf Khar, 22, was killed in clashes between the security forces and a stone pelting mob which gathered near the encounter site. Twelve protesting civilians were injured in these clashes.
New Delhi, June 16 : India and Pakistan have been asked by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to give their respective position in the case relating to Kulbhushan Jadhav, who faces execution in Pakistan for allegedly spying for India.

Disclosing this, External Affairs Ministry spokesman Gopal Baglay told media that when representatives of both the countries met ICJ President Ronny Abraham last week, India was told to give supporting documents, or memorials, by September 13 and Pakistan asked to give its counter by December 13.

The next hearing in the case would be decided by the ICJ President after the two countries submit their respective documents, he said.

The ICJ stayed the execution of death sentence on Kulbhushan Jadhav, who was sentenced by a Pakistani military court on grounds of espionage.
Bhopal, June 16 : Two farmers have committed suicide in Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan's home district Sehore, officials said on Friday.

This brings to eight the number of farmer suicides reported in the state in the past four days.

Though the police cited "illness and dispute" as the reason behind the two farmers' suicides, the family members "disagreed" with this.

According to the police, Mukesh Yadav, 23, ended his life by consuming poison at Lachour village in Nasrullaganj on Wednesday. Besides, a 75-year-old farmer Khaju Khan committed suicide in Bapcha village by hanging himself from a tree on Thursday.

Nasrullaganj police station chief Niranjan Sharma told IANS on Friday that Mukesh got married three months ago and ended his life due to "family issues". Another police officer said he was suffering from a stomach-related disease.

The family members of Mukesh, however, said "they have been told by the police not to mention suicide as the cause of his death".

Talking about the other farmer, Khaju Khan, whose body was found hanging from a tree, Siddiqiganj police station chief R.S. Chauhan said, "Khan was mentally deranged". Contradicting him, Khan's family members said he took the extreme step due to unavailability of manure and seeds.

The farmers in the state were on strike since June 1 demanding farm loan waiver and appropriate price for their produce.

On June 6, the agitation turned violent after the farmers pelted stones at the police. In retaliation, the police opened fire, in which five peasants were killed. One of the injured farmers died later. The farmer leaders, however, claimed eight farmers were killed in the firing.
Chennai, June 16 : Nalini Sriharan, one of the convicts in the assassination case of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, has started a hunger strike in Vellore prison demanding that she be shifted to a jail here.

According to reports reaching here, Nalini had sought to be shifted to a jail here so that she could oversee the work relating to her daughter Harithra's wedding.

Harithra is living in the UK and plans to visit Chennai for her wedding.

Nalini's application for parole was rejected by the prison authorities.

She began her hunger protest on Thursday. The jail officials were not available for comments.

Nalini was sentenced to death by a special court for her involvement in Gandhi's assassination at Sriperumbudur near Chennai on May 21, 1991.

The sentence was commuted to life imprisonment after Sonia Gandhi, the former Prime Minister's widow, petitioned for clemency -- for the sake of Nalini's daughter.

Nalini, an Indian, had accompanied the Sri Lankan woman suicide bomber who blew up Rajiv Gandhi with concealed explosives.

Nalini, who was a close friend of an LTTE operative known as Murugan, another accused in the case, later gave birth to the girl in prison.
New Delhi, June 16 : In a bid to expand the outreach of Atal Pension Yojana (APY), Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) on Friday said it has now introduced "'APY@eNPS" which involves a complete digital enrolment process.

"This is the latest in the series of various initiatives taken by PFRDA for expansion of outreach of APY, to give additional push to cover the as yet unreached population at greater ease. PFRDA has conducted meetings with banks and Department of Post at Kolkata, Bengaluru and Mumbai respectively for the earliest rollout of the facility," the pension regulator said here in a statement on Friday.

The current APY subscribers' base is more than 54 lakh.

APY was launched on May 9, 2015, and became operational from June 1, 2015. It is available for all citizens of India in the age group of 18-40 years.

Under it, the subscribers would receive a minimum guaranteed pension of Rs 1,000 to Rs 5,000 per month at the age of 60 years, depending on their contributions, which itself would vary on the age of joining the APY.
Seoul, June 16 : South Korea has lauded the economic reforms in India and expressed its belief that the latter is well on its way to becoming a true economic power and added that it will be a special partner in that.

This was conveyed by South Korean President Moon Jae-in during his meeting with Finance Minister Arun Jaitley here on Thursday.

"President Moon lauded the bold economic reforms in India and shared his belief that India was on its way to becoming a true economic power. In the process, he hoped that South Korea would be a special partner and that the special strategic partnership would continue to grow," the Finance Ministry said in a statement on Friday.

Moon said there was a strong will on both sides in building the bilateral ties. He noted the presence of India's highly skilled professionals in Korea and hoped that such partnerships would continue to help both countries grow.

Underlining immense opportunities for the two countries, Jaitley said India and Korea should forge partnerships in infrastructure investment and manufacturing.

Earlier in the day, Jaitley had separate meetings with the CEO of Samsung Electronics, Chairman of Hyosung Group, Managing Director of Hanwha Group, Chairman of Doosan Heavy Industries and the CEO of Hyundai Rotem.

He also separately met leaders of Korea's financial industry, including CEOs and CIOs of the Korean Investment Corporation, Korea Post, KB Financial Group, Shinhan Group, Woori Bank, Mirae Asset, Nonghyup and Military Mutual Aid.

Later, Jaitley delivered the key note address at an India-Korea business meeting, co-hosted by the Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), Embassy of India and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).

"Over a hundred representatives of Korean business and industry were in attendance," the statement read.
New Delhi, June 16 : Veteran actor Anupam Kher, who is looking forward to the release of his 500th film -- the Hollywood entertainer "The Big Sick" -- says there were chances he would have missed being a part of the film at the eleventh hour.

"This was an important film for me, and my work permit (for the US) had come a little late. I was almost going to go out of the film because my work permit had not come... I was in New York on a tourist visa, but it happened. And my faith in the 'kuchh bhi ho sakta hai (anything is possible)' philosophy continues," Anupam told IANS over phone from Mumbai.

Directed by Michael Showalter, the film is based on the real life of Pakistani-American stand-up comedian and actor Kumail Nanjiani, who has co-written the movie with wife Emily V. Gordon.

The film delves on the culture clash and how Kumail dealt with the emotional tug-of-war between his traditional Muslim family and his heart. It had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year, and was received well.

Now "The Big Sick" is releasing in the US on June 23, and in India a week later.

"The fact that it is releasing in India is a great feeling, because however much you go abroad for whatever reason, you want it to be seen in India," said Anupam in the interview before he left for New York for the movie's American premiere as well as for some other commitments.

In the film, which also features Kumail, apart from names like Ray Romano, Holly Hunter and Zoe Kazan (Elia Kazan's granddaughter), Anupam plays a "happy go lucky" father to Kumail.

"It's an interesting role in a mainstream American film without any cliches," said the actor, who has been a part of international movies like "Bend It Like Beckham", "Bride and Prejudice", "Silver Linings Playbook", "The Mistress of Spices" and "The Headhunter's Calling".

Apart from "The Big Sick" premiere, Anupam will be part of a panel for the International Day of Yoga on June 21.

He is also excited that for the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards in New York next month, he is nominated for the Best Supporting Actor (Male) category for his performance in "M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story".

On the work front in the West, he also has a new detective series coming up, in which he plays father to stand up comedian Russell Peters. Anupam has also finished the second season of "Sense8", while on the home turf he is excited about being a part of films like "Indu Sarkar" and "Toilet: Ek Prem Katha".

Talking about how he has managed to continue getting meaty parts in his long career, Anupam said: "If you keep working hard and you're honest, it will keep happening."
London, June 16 : The deaths in the horrific Grenfell Tower blaze here has risen to 30 and is expected to soar significantly as dozens of people remain missing, the Metropolitan Police said on Friday.

At least 24 people remain in hospital, including 12 in critical care, said Metropolitan Police commander Stuart Cundy, the Telegraph reported.

Speaking to reporters on Friday, Cundy said: "I'm able to say at this point in time at least 30 people have died as a result of this fire."

He said more bodies remain in the building following the fire. "Sadly, we do not expect there to be any survivors."

Cundy also said there was nothing to suggest that the fire was started deliberately.

Dozens of people remain missing after the fire rapidly engulfed the 24-storey building in North Kensington in the early hours of Wednesday.

Anger and frustration mounted in the London neighbourhood stunned by the tragedy as relatives and friends of the missing made increasingly desperate appeals for information.

More than 70 people remain unaccounted for since the blaze, which police fear was so devastating that some victims might never be identified.

Cundy said the building was in a "very hazardous state" and that it would take a period of time for "specialists to fully search that building to make sure we locate and recover everybody that has sadly perished in that fire".

Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Cambridge visited the area to meet residents and community representatives and signed a book of condolence in front of a wall plastered with "missing persons" posters describing those feared lost in the fire.
Srinagar, June 16 : Two Kashmiris, a policeman and a youth, returned to their ancestral village in Jammu and Kashmir on Friday, albeit in coffins. The policeman was killed by militants while the young man lost his life in firing by the security forces.

The two shared the same village, Ashtengo in Bandipora district -- and one more thing in death -- martyrdom, to different people.

While the policeman was honoured as a martyr by the government, the youth was laid to rest, also as a martyr for the Kashmiri cause, amid pro-freedom slogans by mourning villagers.

The policeman died fighting the militants to establish Indian authority, while the youth died in security forces' firing on stone pelters, who were out to erode India's authority in Kashmir.

Perhaps nothing narrates the tragedy of Kashmir more sadly than the village graveyards of the Valley where militants are buried alongside local policemen.

For families, relatives and friends, what matters most is that a dear one is lost forever to violence that seems endless.

Widows and orphans are left behind after gunfights, street protests and even by stray bullets during shootouts between militants and the security forces.

The security forces face resistance by civilian protesters during anti-militancy operations because many militants, especially in South Kashmir, are locals.

Officials say nearly 50,000 people have died in violence in the state during the last 27 years. Rights groups and NGOs say the figure is well over 1,00,000.

Every time guns boom on the Line of Control (LoC), it's the villagers on the border who suffer the most.

Bullets and mortar shells fired by India and Pakistan make no distinction between Muslims, Hindus and Sikhs whose existence and livelihood are taken hostage each time there is a ceasefire violation on the LoC.

The tragedy is compounded by the fact that nobody is ready to talk about it. The government says violence must end before the talks can begin and the separatists say talks cannot be held unless the government accepts that the country's sovereignty on Kashmir is disputed.

The mainstream political parties including the ruling PDP-BJP alliance and the opposition National Conference are busy blaming each other for the mess.

As space for moderates shrinks on both sides, one tragedy begets another in Kashmir. The death of one protester sets in motion a cycle of violence that benefits none other than the gravediggers.

Some 120 people were killed in the 2010 unrest, while 2016 saw the death of 94 civilians and security men. Over 200 were permanently blinded in last year's unrest when the security forces used pellet guns.

The most common morning prayer for those in the Valley is that children and young persons return home safely from schools, colleges and their places of work.

Even today, author Thomas Moore's land of "Lalla-Rookh" has dazzling colours. Sadly, the most prominent of these is the colour of blood.

(Sheikh Qayoom can be reached at sheikhqayoom@gmail.com)
Bengaluru, June 16 : Around 15,000 private clinics across Karnataka remained shut on Friday as hundreds of doctors rallied in the state capital to demand withdrawal of a proposed amendment to the Karnataka Private Medical Establishments (KPME) Act, 2007.

"We took out a rally from Krantiveera Sangolli Rayanna Railway Station to Freedom Park at the city centre. The rally was peaceful," Private Hospitals and Nursing Homes Association President-elect Dr C. Jayanna told reporters here.

A bill was tabled in the Assembly on June 13 to propose change in the KPME Act to empower the state government to fix fees/charges to be levied by private hospitals.

"How can the state government fix rates/charges for treatment at private hospitals? The government should involve all stakeholders before amending the Act," Indian Medical Association Secretary Dr Santosh Neta said.

As per the proposed amendment, collecting in excess of the fees/charges fixed by the Karnataka government will attract a maximum penalty of Rs 5 lakh and imprisonment not less than six months.

The bill tabled by Health and Family Welfare Minister K.R. Ramesh Kumar says that all private medical establishments will have to follow fixed rates/charges, including package rates for investigation, bed charges, operation theatre procedure, intensive care, ventilation, implants, consultation, and others tests.

No additional charges over and above those fixed by the state government will be levied unless and until explained to and consented to by the patient concerned.

"Doctors from each of the 30 districts attended the rally. Private hospitals were open but private clinics were closed as doctors came to Bengaluru for the rally," Jayanna said.
Hyderabad, June 16 : A Sub-Inspector of Police in Telangana, who committed suicide by shooting himself on June 14, had allegedly tried to sexually assault a beautician, who too ended her life a day earlier, the state police said here.

The Hyderabad police on Friday claimed to have solved the mystery behind the suicides of Vijaya Lakshmi alias Sirisha (28) and Prabhakar Reddy, the Sub-Inspector of Police, who shot himself at Kukunoorpally in Siddipet district.

Hyderabad Police Commissioner Mahender Reddy told reporters here that they had arrested V. Rajeev Kumar, owner of RJ photo studio where Sirisha was working as beautician and manager, and his friend B. Sravan for driving her to suicide.

Police investigations revealed that Sirisha, a married woman, had come in contact with Rajeev four years ago, became close friends with him and they were even said to be having physical relationship.

About a year ago Rajeev came in touch with another woman Tejaswi, working as an HR manager in a software company here. They wanted to marry but on learning about the intimacy between Rajeev and Sirisha, Tejaswi picked up a fight with the beautician and insulted her.

On a complaint by Rajeev on May 30, the police called all the three to Banjara Hills Police Station for counselling. They promised to settle the issue amicably.

However, as Tejaswi continued to threaten Sirisha, she sought help of Sravan. He offered to mediate and resolve the issue with the help of to his friend Prabhakar Reddy, the Sub-Inspector at Kuknoorpally police station.

They reached Prabhakar's quarters in Kuknoorpally on the night of June 12 and all of them consumed liquor. The Sub-Inspector allegedly tried to make sexual advances at Sirisha after sending both Rajeev and Sravan out.

On hearing her cries, the two returned to the quarters. As she continued to scream, Rajeev slapped her. Rajeev and Sravan then brought her back to Hyderabad. She tried to jump out of the running car but Rajeev stopped her from doing so and thrashed her again.

They reached photo studio located in Sheikhpet area here in the early hours of June 13. Sirisha went upstairs to the flat while Rajeev was arranging a cab for Sravan.

In the meantime, Sirisha made a video call, but since Rajeev was busy seeing off his friend, he did not attend the phone call. Later, when he called her back, there was no response. He rushed upstairs to find Sirisha hanging from the ceiling fan.

Hailing from West Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh, Sirisha was married to Satish Chandra and the couple had 12-year-old daughter.

It was on a complaint by Satish Chandra, who suspected foul play in his wife's death, that the police took up the investigation.

The Police Commissioner said the autopsy report confirmed that Sirisha died due to hanging. He said they were still awaiting reports of vaginal swabs and viscera sent to the forensic laboratory.

He said the investigations were on in the suicide of Prabhakar Reddy. The Sub-Inspector is believed to have taken the extreme step fearing police investigations and action against him.
Ghaziabad, June 16 : The Ghaziabad police has arrested the Assistant Inspector General (Stamps) for extorting money from property buyers by issuing notices on fake complaints.

AIG (stamps) Rajesh Sharma was arrested for abusing his official position by way corrupt practices that led to loss of hundreds of crores to the state exchequer, police said.

The police said that Naib Tehsildar Bhupendra Singh lodged a complaint on June 14 (Wednesday) with the Kavinagar police in which he alleged that AIG Rajesh Sharma along with former Sub Registrar Ajay Goel was engaged in extorting money by carrying on office work from Ajay Goel's private residence Atar-2/231 Rajnagar in Ghaziabad.

The officer was arrested on late Thursday night. He has been presented before the court which remanded him to 14 days judicial custody.

Two complaints were filed in the district magistrate's office against Rajesh Sharma by Rajesh Upadhyay, president of Deed Writer Association, and Anil Chaudhary, an advocate who alleged that the officer was running his office from a private place and had taken the official computer, scanner, printer and other official documents to the private residence from where he used to manage complaints by fake names on which basis he used to issue notices to property buyers whose documents came to his office for screening after getting registered at the sub registrar office.

The FIR states that the officer had taken all the data from his office in a pen drive to the private place. The FIR further states that if the property buyers did not offer bribe beforehand, the officer used to lodge cases in civil courts and forced them to come to a compromise by bribing him.

Hence he used to extort money from innocent property buyers, the FIR states.

The FIR states that the officer had slashed the collector's circle rate drastically due to which the state suffered a huge loss in several hundred crores.

The complainant presented a citation in the FIR that the officer AIG (stamps) Rajesh Sharma had slashed the collector's circle rate of RED Mall at New Bus Stand from Rs 1,50,000 to Rs 75,000 - which is half of the prevailing rate. There were other such instances of this nature.

The police said the documents suggests that the former District Magistrate Nidhi Kesarwani bypassed the ADM Finance and ordered to resolve the dispute directly as she delegated the power to him so in this sequence her unsigned order was found uploaded on the computer. So through such tricks he managed huge money and incurred huge loss to the state exchequer.

Earlier, to establish the allegations the city magistrate ordered a search warrant on which basis a raid was conducted at R-2/231 at Ajay Goel's residence where the AIG (stamps) Rajesh Sharma and Ajay Goel were found engage operating computers.

The computer expert Rahul Tyagi opened the system and found that an unsigned order of former District Magistrate Nidhi Kesarwani was uploaded on the computer. The Sub Inspector Dharmendra Lamba was called and a recovery memo was prepared after which the official seals, computer, printer and other documents were seized and were attached as a case property before filing the FIR.

The Ghaziabad District Magistrate Ministhy S. Nair on June 15 had recommended the suspension of the guilty officer. He is likely to be suspended since he had been arrested under grave sections 420, 467, 468, 471 and 77, of IPC in the case filed by the state officer Naib Tehsildar Bhupendra Singh.

A private complaint has also been registered under section 383, 504 and 506 of IPC filed by a person, Brijesh Sharma, who alleged that Rajesh Sharma and Ajay Goel demanded Rs 10 lakh from him and asked to bring Rs 10 lakh from a client, Ashutosh Joshi.

The FIR states that the complainant Brijesh Sharma was facing severe mental torture since last two months.
New Delhi, June 16 : India and Afghanistan will operationalise in the next couple of days a dedicated air cargo link that will help increase bilateral trade hampered by their troubled ties with Pakistan that disallows Indian goods along the road route.

"The freight corridor between India and Afghanistan is on the verge of becoming a reality," External Affairs Ministry spokesman Gopal Baglay told reporters here.

The spokesman said the decision to have the "dedicated freight corridor" and overcome the difficulties between India and landlocked-Afghanistan was taken during Afghan President Ashraf Ghani's visit to India in December last year.

"The idea of establishing a dedicated air freight corridor was taken in view of the difficulties that we have on the ground in terms of connectivity between the two countries. At the moment, the idea is to try and see if this can be with a frequency of, let us say, a month or every fortnight," he said.

The road link between the two countries passes through Pakistan, which allows Afghanistan to send only limited amount of goods to India while Indian goods are not allowed along this land route at all.

The air cargo service is aimed at giving Afghanistan an alterative trade link to the Indian market and take Indian goods to the war-ravaged country.

Afghan fruits, dry fruits and carpets are high in demand in India and the freight corridor is likely to push the imports.

"The flight will take Indian products to Afghanistan and will bring products of Afghanistan to India. It will operate between Delhi and Kabul. It is likely that this may take place either over the weekend itself or very early next week."

Asked if air freighting the goods would be commercially viable, Baglay said the first flight to be run by Afghanistan's Ariana Airlines would determine the feasibility of the idea. "It is, at the end of the day, a commercial venture which is supported very strongly and very purposefully by both the governments."

He said the idea at the moment was not to operate a daily flight but perhaps once a month or every fortnight.

Baglay said the flight would use Pakistani airspace as it is a civil cargo plane and standard operating procedures, as stipulated, would be followed by flight operators.

"There are standard operating procedures for commercial flights, freight flights, cargo flights... very clearly stipulated procedures. I am sure the companies concerned are looking into it."

Baglay also said that a warm reception would be accorded to the flight when it lands in Delhi with Afghan products like dry fruits and other agro-goods.
Thiruvananthapuram, June 16 : Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Friday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi that mini ratna HLL Lifecare be retained as a public sector company and the government not disinvest its stake.

In a letter to the Prime Minister, Vijayan noted that any disinvestment will not only affect the more than 5,000 HLL employees but society as the company plays a vital role in the country's health sector as well as the population control programmes.

He said the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare should be directed to see that the Thiruvananthapuram-headquartered HLL is retained in the public sector.

"Moreover, the Kerala government has not been taken into confidence on this aspect. The state government has given 19 acres of land to the company for free. Over the years this company has done a huge service to the society through its various programmes and hence no attempts should be made to disinvest the company," he added.

With speculations rife that HLL is going to be disinvested as per the directives of the NITI Aayog, its various trade unions had staged a protest here last week against any such move.

HLL, formerly Hindustan Latex, was set up here in 1966. From a 'Nirodh' company, it has come a long way and has now entered the money spinning 'sexual wellness products' industry with products like lubricants, gels, lip shaped vibrating rings, a special 1,500 dotted and a scented condom.

They have also diversified into setting up of cost effective state of the art health care facilities, which includes a string of hospital in north India and also medical laboratories which offer various medical tests at very low rates.

Of late, they have also entered into civil construction and built structures for various clients.

HLL has production units in various states like Karnataka, Haryana and Madhya Pradesh besides Kerala.
Shimla, June 16 : The Shimla Municipal Corporation (SMC) elections registered over 60 per cent voter turnout in its 34 seats that went to polls on Friday. The percentage is likely to go up slightly, an official said.

Showers late in the afternoon slowed down the voting process.

"The elections in all the constituencies ended peacefully. The poll percentage was over 60 per cent by 5.30 p.m. and will certainly go up by three to five per cent," an electoral officer told IANS.

Tibetans in exile also exercised their franchise in the elections to the oldest municipal corporation in the country after Chennai and Kolkata.

Voting began on a dull note, with below five per cent polling in the first hour and by 10 a.m. rose to 15 per cent. It picked up gradually as the day progressed and recorded 45 per cent by 2 p.m. However, rain slowed down the polling again around 3 p.m.

Women turned out in strength compared to the men.

A total of 126 candidates, including 50 women, are in the fray but the candidates are not contesting on party symbols.

Unlike the last elections in 2012, when residents elected the mayor and his deputy, this time votes were only polled for councillors. The group with the maximum councillors will have internal polling for mayor and deputy mayor.

The last civic body polls saw 65 per cent polling.

The state Election Commission has set up 153 polling stations to enable over 91,000 voters to exercise their franchise through electronic voting machines.

The BJP has supported 34 candidates, the Congress 27 and the CPI-M 22 candidates. The Communists are supporting six independents.

Votes will be counted on Saturday.

Interestingly, the age-old issues of water shortage and the spread of waterborne diseases continued to be the main poll issues, besides shortage of parking lots and traffic jams.

In 2012, the CPI-M won the Mayor and Deputy Mayor posts as also election for one councillor's seat. It thus ruled the Shimla Municipal Corporation with only three members in the 25-seat house -- the majority of the councillors were from the Congress.

The civic body in this erstwhile summer capital of the Raj had been ruled by the Congress for 26 years in a row till the last elections.
Lucknow, June 16 : A delegation of senior diplomats from the US Embassy in India visited the office of the ruling BJP here on Friday and discussed various issues with party officials.

Jonathan Kessler, Director of the embassy's North India Office, Political Officer Jack Minnor and Cultural Affairs Specialist Robin Bansal discussed various programmes of the Yogi Aditynath-led government during the 45-minute meeting with state General Secretary Vijay Bahadur Pathak.

The US officials were briefed about the work done by the BJP government regarding loan waiver for the farmers, the public complaint redressal system, power supply, policy on cows, on closure of slaughterhouses and its crackdown on graft, said a BJP leader.

Pathak said he had responded to the various queries raised by the US diplomats and made it clear that the state government was committed to the welfare of the poor, marginalised, youth, women and farmers.

With regard to the cattle slaughter policy, Pathak told the visiting delegation that the state would follow the guidelines set by the Central government.
Stockholm, June 16 : Swedish State Secretary to the Minister for EU Affairs and Trade Oscar StenstrAm held a meeting with a key Moroccan official for boosting energy cooperation between the countries.

StenstrAm met Mustapha Bakkoury, Chairman of MASEN (Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy) board, in the capital on Thursday.

StenstrAm said that bilateral cooperation is expected to bear fruit in the medium and long terms since Morocco has a clear energy strategy with well-defined objectives.

He also hailed the Kingdom's objective of increasing the share of renewable energies to 42 per cent by 2020 and to 52 per cent by 2030.

"This strategy is in line with the Paris climate agreement and is also economically beneficial, StenstrAm added.
New York, June 16 : Online retail giant Amazon announced on Friday that it had reached a definitive agreement to acquire Whole Foods Market for $13.7 billion.

In a news release, Amazon said it would acquire the upscale supermarket chain for $42 a share in an all-cash transaction that includes that company's net debt, Efe news reported.

Whole Foods, founded in 1978, has more than 460 stores in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, employs 87,000 people and is the leading natural and organic foods supermarket.

"Millions of people love Whole Foods Market because they offer the best natural and organic foods, and they make it fun to eat healthy," Amazon's founder and Chief Executive Officer Jeff Bezos said.

The supermarket chain will continue to operate stores under the Whole Foods Market brand and John Mackey will remain the company's CEO, the release said.

The transaction is subject to approval by Whole Foods Market's shareholders, regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions, but the parties expect to close the transaction in the second half of 2017, it added.
Gothamist made its first appearance in the Supreme Court record late last month as part of a case assessing whether Washington, D.C. police officers were in the right to arrest people having a do-it-yourself strip-club party in a vacant house.

The case, District of Columbia v. Wesby, centers on a party in the Anacostia neighborhood in the Southeast section of the city in 2008. Two cops responded to calls about illegal activity in the house at around 1:30 a.m., and when they approached the front door, the revelers scattered, running into various corners of the place. Inside, the officers found the house unfurnished and lit by candles. Condoms were scattered about, several women were in their underwear with money stuck in garter belts, and upstairs, there were multiple men with a naked woman. There was also a man hiding in a closet, and another huddled in a bathroom.

When the cops gathered everybody and questioned them about who told them they could be there, some said vaguely that they had been invited by other people, and some said that a woman known only as Peaches gave them permission. Officers called this Peaches and told her to come to the house to sort the situation out, but she refused, saying they would arrest her if she came. She gave conflicting answers about whether or not she had permission to be in the house, and the owner, a Mr. Hughes, said no one was allowed to be there.

The cops ultimately arrested 21 people for trespassing, then changed the charges to disorderly conduct. Prosecutors later dropped those charges. Most of those arrested then sued the district and the police for false arrest. A jury awarded the arrestees $680,000, plus attorneys' fees, and held the officers personally liable, putting them on the hook for nearly $1 million. A divided appeals court upheld the award, with the judges vehemently disagreeing, which is how the case made it to the Supreme Court.

At issue is whether the officers had probable cause to arrest the partiers for trespassing. Under D.C. law, a person is guilty of unlawful entry only if he or she knew that his or her presence was contrary to the wishes of the person in charge of the property. One main question being considered by the country's top court is whether the cops acted properly in doubting the party people's "claims of an innocent mental state." Also being weighed is whether the cops should be entitled to the immunity typically afforded to public employees acting in their official capacity, even if they did act improperly.



The aftermath of a party in an Airbnb duplex in industrial Williamsburg in 2016. (Will Croxton)

Writing to the Supreme Court in support of the officers, lawyers for D.C. said that the condition of the house, word from neighbors that it had been empty for months, and the absence of anyone with permission to be there all "strongly suggested that the partiers presence had not been authorized by anyone with lawful authority." Also, according to the attorneys, "Trespassing in vacant homes, sometimes by large groups, is a frequent and well-known problem, and was around that time. Trespassers target vacant homes to use not only for unauthorized parties, but also for other illegal activities, including drug use and prostitution."

Those looking for evidence of this phenomenon need look no further than our 2016 story, cited in the brief, with the headline "Airbnb Scammer Wrecks Williamsburg Family's Home In Epic Rager." That piece chronicles the travails of a Brooklyn high school principal and a teacher who rented out their Williamsburg duplex on Airbnb during a summer road trip. Partway through the trip, someone booked their apartment using a stolen credit card and threw a massive, blunt-smoke-and-Hennessy-soaked party culminating in a police bust, and a day or two later, a burglary.

Asked how he felt being a literal footnote in U.S. history, Williamsburg homeowner Will Croxton said, "That's hysterical. Yeah, it's funny, because I was reached out to by another person from our neighborhood" after his story went public. "A similar thing happened: it was a long-term rental, and they were running some sort of sex-party club out of there, and just completely destroyed the place."

When we spoke to Croxton last year, he was concerned that Airbnb would bilk him out of the nearly $7,000 in damages he incurred. "There was a waiting out period where they were testing our resolve," he said Thursday, "but, ultimately they did right by us." He declined to share the total amount the company paid.

In addition to the first mention of Gothamist, the D.C. brief contains the first appearance of the phrase "epic rager" in Supreme Court history, according to a Westlaw search. In fact, it's the first appearance of the phrase in any state or federal court case nationwide that has been indexed by the legal research service.

Gothamist is frequently cited in New York civil rights and other lawsuits, and our sister site DCist showed up in the footnotes of a motion by Virginia's attorney general challenging President Trump's Muslim-country-focused travel ban.

The Supreme Court agreed to consider the D.C. house party case in January after putting off the decision eight times, suggesting that its judges too are divided over it. The case is expected to be heard in the fall.

[h/t Matthew Chayes]
New Delhi, June 16 : Noting that the functioning of all the three Delhi Municipal Corporations has come to a standstill due to fights between the AAP and the BJP, the Congress on Friday said that Lt. Governor Anil Baijal should intervene.

"Due to the fights between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-ruled MCDs, important committees in the MCDs have not been constituted," Delhi Congress chief Ajay Maken told reporters here at a press conference.

"Delhi Lieutenant Governor should intervene to play the role of a referee and end fights between the two parties," he added.

He said that in the absence of the anti-malaria and anti-flood committees, the people of Delhi face the threat of diseases like dengue.

"The AAP government wants the appointment of Aldermen first as they have voting rights in the constitution of ward committees, while the BJP-ruled MCDs want to constitute the various committees first before the appointment of Aldermen, which is the bone of contention," Maken said.

He demanded that Aldermen should be appointed without any delay.

"Congress councillors will raise the issue in the MCD meeting, and if need be, the party will come out on the streets to agitate," he said.

"Congress never allowed any delay in the constitution of various committees in the MCDs to affect the functioning of the corporations during its rule in the capital," Maken added.

In 2012, the BJP came to power in the MCDs, and these committees in the corporations were constituted quickly as the Congress government in Delhi did not create any hurdles in the formation of these committees, Maken said.

"The AAP government and the BJP-ruled MCDs are behaving irresponsibly, which is affecting the people," he alleged.

"Congress wants that the BJP and the AAP sort out their differences quickly, whether to appoint the Aldermen first or to form the committees in the MCDs first, as the functioning of the MCDs should not suffer due to their fights to put the people of Delhi to suffering," he said.
New Delhi, June 16 : The International Court of Justice has asked India to make its submission by September 13 in the case relating to Kulbushan Jadhav who faces execution in Pakistan as an alleged spy. Similarly, Islamabad has to make a counter-submission by December 13 before the UN court starts hearing the matter.

Disclosing this, External Affairs Ministry spokesman Gopal Baglay dismissed Pakistan media reports that the world court during a meeting with India and Pakistan representatives on June 8 had rejected India's request for six months to file a plea in the case.

Baglay said the representatives of the two countries met ICJ President Ronny Abraham to discuss timelines on when the two parties needed to make further submissions in the case.

"It was not a full sitting of the court. Timelines were discussed and as a result of these discussions, we submitted to the court for an early and expeditious proceedings in the matter," he said.

The spokesman asserted that India sought four months' time to file its plea and it was granted. "This is the factual situation. The (Pakistan media) report I do not think accurately reflects the decision of the court."

He said the court directed India to submit its plea on September 13 and Pakistan to file a counter plea on Dec 13 this year.

"After that what happens that will be up to the court to decide. First, it will be India's memorial (documents and evidences to be submitted in support of the case) and then Pakistan's memorial. Then the court will see if there is a requirement for further submissions and counter-submissions and then it will decide to hold the hearings,"

Asked if the next hearing was likely to take place in January next year, Baglay said it was "premature" to say that.

"Whether the hearing is held in January 2018 or not that is the decision which the court will take after assessing both the memorial and counter-memorial and whether there is a need for further documents to be filed."

India moved the world court against Jadhav's death sentence on May 8, saying the charges Pakistan levelled against the former Indian Navy official were "concocted" and that he was put through a "farcical" trial by a military court.

The ICJ had on May 18 stayed the execution of death sentence on Jadhav.
Bengaluru, June 16 : The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) of Karnataka on Friday raided the houses and offices of eight state government officials across the state.

"The surprise raids were conducted in Bengaluru, Bidar, South Canara, Haveri, Raichur and Chikballapur districts," said the ACB.

Additional Director General of Police N.S. Megharikh and Inspector General K.V. Sharath Chandra of the watchdog supervised the searches in all the seven districts.

The officials under the scanner are K.T. Halaswamy, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Transport, Bengaluru, Dr. Kumar Gowda, Principal of Health Department Training Centre, Mulbagal,A Sahadeva Bheemrao Manakere, assistant engineer, Gulbarga Electricity Supply Company (Gescom), Kalaburagi, AS.P. Thippa Reddy, assistant engineer, Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Ltd, Chikmagalur, Venkataramanappa, hostel warden, Social Welfare Department, Chikballapura, R. Vijayakumar Gudigeri, Revenue Inspector, Haveri, Basavaraj Rudrappa Goudar, assistant executive engineer, Panchayat Raj Department, Raichur, Bannappa Komar, assistant executive engineer, Krishna Jala Bhagya Limited, Raichur.

"The searches were conducted on credible information that the accused officials were having assets disproportionate to their legal income," said the Bureau.

The officials were found to possess huge properties, including farmlands, residential and commercial sites, buildings, gold jewellery and silver ornaments, unaccounted cash, cars, bank deposits, lockers and foreign currency, besides incriminating documents in support of the graft charges.
New Delhi, June 16 : The government and opposition were on Friday locked in a battle of who will blink first, as a two-member BJP team began formal consultations on the President's election with Congress and other major opposition parties, who made it clear that a consensus will not be possible without the ruling side giving the name of its candidate.

The government side described the opposition demand for disclosure of the name as "inappropriate".

Senior ministers Rajnath Singh and M. Venkaiah Naidu met Congress President Sonia Gandhi, and later CPI-M leader Sitaram Yechury, but placed no name of its nominee. The exercise was termed as a "PR exercise" by Yechury.

Instead, the BJP team sought from the Congress leadership the name of the opposition candidate for the July 17 election.

Interestingly, the BJP team also met veteran party leaders L.K. Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi, who were once talked about as possible presidential candidates. The two ministers held discussions with Yechury and his party colleagues Prakash Karat and Brinda Karat, CPI leaders S. Sudhakar Reddy and D. Raja, Samajwadi Party leader Mulayam Singh Yadav, BSP leader Satish Chandra Mishra and Nationalist Congress Party leader Praful Patel. They also spoke to NCP chief Sharad Pawar and Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati over phone.

The opposition leaders were told that the government and the BJP would like to finalise the candidate for the presidential poll before Prime Minister Narendra Modi leaves on a three-nation trip on June 24.

"The BJP leaders did not give any name to Congress President Sonia Gandhi but they wanted us to reveal the name of our candidate. We were expecting them to disclose the name so that we can discuss it in our party and other opposition parties. Since no names were given from the government side and since no names are being given, there is no question of any discussion and cooperation," Ghulam Nabi Azad, who was present at the meeting, told reporters later.

"They should give us the name and then seek cooperation," he said.

Questioned about the purpose of the meeting, Mallikarjun Kharge, who was also present said, "What I can guess is just they are seeking cooperation because they have already got something in their mind. That's why they have not given the name."

According to sources, the Congress leaders indicated to the BJP that the presidential candidate should have secular credentials, one who upholds the Constitution and respects democratic principles.

A joint statement by the opposition parties on May 26 had mentioned that their presidential candidate would be one "who shall steadfastly defend the constitutional values of the Republic".

Singh and Naidu are part of the three-member team constituted by Bharatiya Janata Party President Amit Shah for discussion with political parties for the presidential polls.

After meeting the two, Yechury virtually echoed the views of the Congress leaders and expressed dismay over the government not suggesting a name.

"We had expected that they would suggest some name which we could have seriously considered. Unfortunately, they did not come forward with any name," Yechury said, terming it a "public relations exercise" by the government.

He made it clear that support can be given to a candidate who has impeccable secular credentials and one who can uphold the Constitution.

"We would have certainly thought about such a person, but they did not suggest any name. So, there is nothing to think about when they did not suggest any name," Yechury said.

The senior communist leader said the government side has assured them they would come up with a name after three-four days and "sought our support".

On speculation doing the rounds that the Left parties want former West Bengal Governor Gopal Krishna Gandhi as the opposition nominee, he said, "They (government) know. The names that we are discussing are in public domain."

However, government sources said disclosing the name of its candidate before consultations with political parties may not be appropriate.

Sources said the government and the BJP are of the view that approaching different parties with one or a panel of names for approval without knowing their views and suggestions may not be appropriate.

They said the two-member BJP team, which met Congress President and other leaders, explained to them that the twin objectives of the consultation process was to have the benefit of views and suggestions of various parties in the matter and to seek their support.

They said that some political parties have already indicated their views in the matter of selection of a candidate.

The two senior leaders suggested to the CPI-M leaders to consider if putting up a candidate for the sake of it was necessary.

Venkaiah Naidu has already spoken with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, whose TDP is chief ally of NDA, PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss and N. Rangaswamy of the All India Congress (NR) and sought their cooperation.

While the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister has assured Naidu that his party would stand by the decision of the Prime Minister, Pawar told him that he would come to Delhi and discuss the issue.

Venkaiah Naidu also spoke with JD-U leader Shard Yadav, who is in Shillong, and SP leaders Ram Gopal Yadav and Naresh Agarwal.

Meanwhile, BJP ally Shiv Sena floated the name of eminent agriculture scientist M.S. Swaminathan for the top job if its "first choice" RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat was not acceptable.

In the same breath, Sena President Uddhav Thackeray also said that if the BJP President has a good candidate, his party (Sena) would give it a thought.

He expressed the party's desire to have a "consensus candidate", who would be elected without a contest.

"If we want to make India a 'Hindu Rashtra', then Bhagwat is our first choice, first preference. But if anybody has objections to him, then Swaminathan should be made the President," Thackeray told media persons.

He added that "we are also known as a 'Krishi pradhan desh' and hence it is appropriate that we have a person like Swaminathan" as President.
Anantnag, June 16 : At least six policemen, including a Station House Officer (SHO), were killed in a militant ambush on a police party near Achabal town in south Kashmir, officials said.

The LeT has claimed responsibility for the attack, that came hours after security forces killed one of the group's top commanders.

Deputy Commissioner Anantnag, Sayed Abid Rashid confirmed the killing of the policemen, adding that two civilians were also injured. The injured have been shifted to Srinagar.

In an e-mailed statement to a local news agency Lashkar-e-Taiba (Let) claimed responsibility for the attack.

Police sources said 10-15 heavily armed militants attacked the police party, led by SHO Feroz Ahmad Dar, near Thajiwara and also looted their weapons.

The attack came hours after security forces killed two LeT militants, including commander Junaid Mattoo, in Arwani village of south Kashmir.

Last month, the LeT had issued a stern warning to policemen in the Valley "to quit and return home forthwith, otherwise be prepared to die".
Srinagar, June 16 : Police on Friday killed a top Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander, Junaid Mattoo, and his associate in Arwani village of south Kashmir Kulgam district, provoking stone pelting on security forces by villagers trying to shield the militants. In a reprisal attack on police, LeT militants ambushed a police jeep and killed six policemen, including a Station House Officer, and disfigured their bodies.

Authorities have decided to impose restrictions in Srinagar and other sensitive places in the Valley on Saturday.

Separatists have called for a protest shutdown on Saturday against the killing of the two LeT militants.

In Arwani village, civilian protesters resorted to stone pelting on the security forces as they cordoned off two house where the two LeT militants were hiding, leading to clashes between the two sides.

A 22-year-old youth Muhammad Ashraf Khar was hit by a bullet and 12 other protesting civilians were injured in the Arwani clashes.

The youth was taken to district hospital Kulgam where doctors declared him dead on arrival. Later, another injured protester in the Arwani clashes succumbed in the hospital Friday evening.

The two houses being used as fortified bunkers by the LeT commander and his associate in Arwani village were demolished by the security forces using improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

The security forces were complimenting each other on the death of the LeT commander, but within hours, a group of 10-15 heavily armed LeT militants ambushed a vehicle carrying six policemen, including station house officer (SHO) of Achabal police station in Anantnag district.

Reports said the LeT militants came in two vehicles and surrounded the jeep carrying SHO Feroz Ahmad Dar, and driver of the police jeep and four guards.

The militants hurled grenades inside the police jeep and opened heavy automatic gunfire killing the five, including the officer on the spot. The militants also disfigured their bodies.

The driver of the jeep succumbed to injuries later.

The slain policemen have been identified as SHO Feroz Ahmad Dar, constable Shariq Ahmad, constable Tasveer Ahmad, constable Sharaz Ahmad, SPO Muhammad Asif and SPO Sabzar Ahmad.

The militants decamped with the service weapons of the slain policemen. The attack took place in Thajiwara area of Achabal, some six kilometers away from the police station.

District magistrate Anantnag, Syed Abid Rashid confirmed the deaths of six policemen.

LeT spokesman Abdullah Ghaznavi claimed responsibility for the attack through a statement sent to local news agencies.

The LeT had earlier uploaded a video on the social networking site warning local policemen to stay away from anti-militancy operations.

The video called on policemen to join the LeT ranks or "be prepared to face the consequences".

In another incident, a policeman and a civilian protester injured on Thursday in Hyderpora and Rangreth areas of Srinagar succumbed to injuries in the hospital around midnight.

National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval called on Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi to brief him on the latest security situation in the Valley.
Paris, June 17 : French President Emmanuel Macron paid tribute to former German Chancellor Helmut Kohl after learning about his death, saying "the great achievements of our Europe owe a lot to Helmut KohL".

Helmut Kohl "was one of the great men of Europe and of the free world," Macron said in a statement, adding that "as a craftsman of the unification of his country, Helmut Kohl, together with Francois Mitterand, forged the unity of Europe and deepened the Franco-German relationship."

"Reformer, visionary and integrator, Helmut Kohl marked our collective history," he was quoted as saying by Xinhua.

Macron also addressed to German chancellor Angela Merkel and to Germany his testimony of sympathy and friendship.

As a leader for Christian Democratic Union(CDU), Kohl was seen as the mentor for Chancellor Angela Merkel.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed "great sadness" on the passing of former Chancellor of Germany, Helmut Kohl, saying that "today's Europe is a product of his (Kohl's) vision and his tenacity, in the face of enormous obstacles."

"He played an instrumental role in the peaceful reunification of his country, within a year of the fall of the Berlin Wall, and helped set a course for the historic process of Europe's political and economic integration," said Guterres in a statement.

Kohl died at his home in Germany's Ludwigshafen on Friday at the age of 87.

He served as German chancellor between 1982 and 1998 and is well known as the "chancellor of unity", for his active political plan bringing west and east Germany together.

Under heavy pressure in 1989, he negotiated with the leaders of the US, the former Soviet Union and secured a peaceful and stable Germany reunification, Deutsche Presse Agentur reported.

He is also hailed for his contribution to Europe integration, European single currency and market. He persuaded Germans to give up the then strong Deutsche Mark and adopted EURO.
Washington, June 17 : US President Donald Trump announced new restrictions on US leisure travel to Cuba and US business with Cuban military, the media reported.

"The previous administration's easing of restrictions on travel and trade do not help the Cuban people," said Trump on Friday at a rally in Miami, Florida, adding that he was effectively immediately canceling his predecessor Barack Obama's "one-sided deal" with Cuba.

According to a statement by the White House, US individuals and companies will be prohibited from doing commerce with Cuban businesses owned by the Cuban military, Xinhua news agency reported.

As to travels, individual leisure travel, permitted by the Obama administration, will be prohibited, and Americans will be required to visit Cuba through tour groups.

Trump also reaffirmed US statutory embargo of Cuba.

Despite his effort to roll back parts of his predecessor Barack Obama's cuba policy, Trump stopped short of closing US embassy in Cuba.

"The US embassy (in Cuba) will remain open in hope that our countries can forge a much stronger and better path," he said.

The policy changes partially fulfilled a campaign promise by Trump and aligned him with hawkish Cuban-American Republicans in the US Congress.

In December 2014, in the most sweeping change in US-Cuban relations in five decades, Obama announced plans to normalise ties with Cuba in a move that quickly sparked much controversy in the US.

Since then, improvements have been made in US-Cuban diplomatic, social and commercial ties, with the US opening an embassy in Cuba, increasing flights to Cuba, and some US businesses expanding into the island nation for the first time in five decades.

America severed ties with Cuba in 1961, shortly after Fidel Castro launched a revolution that toppled a US-friendly government, and the two countries had been at loggerheads ever since.
The NYPD is searching for men they say looted $8,000 worth of cigarettes from two Rite Aids on Smith Street this week.

According to police, the first incident took place at 4:20 a.m. on Wednesday, June 14th, at the Rite Aid at 320 Smith Street, near President Street. The unidentified men allegedly took $4,000 worth of cigarettes off the drugstore shelves before fleeing in an unknown direction.

Exactly ten minutes later, the men walked into the Rite Aid at 182 Smith Street, near Warren Street, according to police. There, they allegedly took another $4,000 worth of cigarette cartons off the shelves, but when they attempted to leave the store, an employee tried to stop them; one of the men then slashed the employee with a knife, police said.

The men fled in a black vehicle, headed in an unknown direction, according to police. The employee was treated at Methodist hospital. The NYPD provided photos of the suspects, above.

Anyone with information in regards to this incident is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 800-577-TIPS or for Spanish 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers Website or texting their tips to 274637(CRIMES) then enter TIP577.


StockViews Logo As a result of the upcoming regulatory changes under Mifid II, it is clear there is growing demand for high quality, differentiated equity research

StockViews Ltd, the online equity research platform, successfully completed a second round of equity funding. The new equity was raised from existing and new investors, including GWC, a Silicon Valley based venture fund. At the same time, StockViews was granted FCA authorisation and appointed Thomas Balk, the former President of Fidelity International, as its Executive Chairman.

The quality of traditional investment-banking research has been in decline for years. Senior investment analysts have departed the financial industry while banks stretch existing resources in an attempt to maintain coverage. This has resulted in a maintenance research model, focused on superficial coverage of quarterly results and a bias towards encouraging trading activity.

StockViews approaches research from an asset manager's perspective, focusing on the discovery of substantial opportunities that have been overlooked by the market. The platform combines exceptional talent and a unique research process with powerful technology.

The upcoming regulatory changes under Mifid II will further accelerate the shake-up of the industry and is expected to create growing demand from Asset Managers for high-quality, independent investment research.

With the latest injection of additional capital, the addition of senior industry experts to the management team and regulatory approval, StockViews is now preparing to launch its equity research platform to clients during the summer, ahead of the Mifid II legislation taking effect.

Tom Beevers, CEO StockViews Ltd, said: "As a result of the upcoming regulatory changes under Mifid II, it is clear there is a growing demand for high quality, differentiated equity research. The new capital, our expanding team of leading analysts and the arrival of our new Executive Chairman will position us well for this opportunity."

About StockViews Ltd:

StockViews Ltd strives to produce rigorous, conclusion based equity research that results in actionable investment ideas for Asset Managers. It uses technology to facilitate interaction with analysts and enhance the value of the research to Asset Managers. The research is rated by its clients and the value created measured against benchmarks. Every research note is evaluated through a scorecard that measures 16 data points across 4 categories (depth of research, scope of research, explanation of thesis and value to investors). Supporting financial models are constructed according to a consistent framework (based on McKinsey valuation methodology) with assumptions and mechanics clearly laid out.

StockViews was originally launched in 2015 as an online equity research marketplace for self-employed, independent analysts, embracing the current movement towards the gig economy. However, the firms experience over the past two years revealed challenges in applying a freelance model to a highly-skilled profession such as equity research. It was recognised that the short-term, transactional nature of the freelance model hindered the drive and creativity required to produce differentiated research at the highest level. Since March this year, StockViews has started to recruit its own team of analysts.

StockViews is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Reference number: 763770). Our offices are located at Level39, One Canada Square, Canary Wharf E14 5AB.

About Mifid II:

Mifid II regulation, taking effect from January 2018, will require Asset Managers to separate payments for research to Investment banks from commission payments. As a consequence, it is expected that Asset Managers will either pay for the research directly out of their own P&L or charge the cost of research to clients through "Research Payment Accounts". This will result in more transparency for their clients and create opportunities for lower cost, independent research providers.
Family Firm Institute

The Family Firm Institute (FFI) has announced the recipients of the 2017 Awards for Achievement. These awards, which will be presented at a Gala Dinner on Friday, October 27, 2017, at the Art Institute of Chicago, are as follows:

Richard Beckhard Practice Award to Drew Mendoza, managing principal of The Family Business Consulting Group.

The Beckhard Award honors a founding FFI member and distinguished practitioner in the family business field. It recognizes outstanding contributions to the field of family business practice.

An FFI Fellow who served on the FFI board of directors, Mendoza is the founding director of Loyola University Chicagos Family Business Center. Currently managing principal of The Family Business Consulting Group, he specializes in assessing the needs and challenges of enterprising families. A graduate cum laude of the State University of New York at Buffalo, he completed graduate studies at the University of Chicago as well as post-graduate executive education studies at Harvard University.

Go here to see the complete list of recipients of the FFI Richard Beckhard Practice Award.

Barbara Hollander Award to Danny Miller and Isabelle Le Breton-Miller, faculty at HEC Montreal.

The Barbara Hollander Award was created to honor the founder and first president of FFI by perpetuating her profound interest in family business and her love for education and learning.

FFI Fellow Danny Miller is a renowned scholar in the field of management whose research focuses on strategy as well as family business. He is director of the Family Business Research Center at HEC Montreal and chair in Strategy and Family Enterprise at the University of Alberta. He has published well over 100 articles in leading academic and practitioner journals and consults with international corporations and family businesses in the areas of strategy and organizational design.

Isabelle Le Breton-Miller is professor of management and chair in Succession and Family Enterprise at HEC Montreal. She is also Senior Research Fellow at the School of Business, University of Alberta. Her research, teaching and publications focus on the strategies, organizational challenges, governance structures, and succession processes of family enterprises. She holds the BAA and MSc from HEC Montreal and a PhD from Imperial College London, University of London.

Go here to see the complete list of winners of the FFI Barbara Hollander Award.

Interdisciplinary Award to Christine Blondel, consultant and adjunct professor of family business at INSEAD.

The Interdisciplinary Award recognizes outstanding achievement in the advancement of interdisciplinary services to business families.

Christine Blondel, FFI Fellow, has 20 years of experience in the family business field and exposure to hundreds of family business cases through her teaching, writing, conferences, advising and board membership. An adjunct professor of family business at INSEAD, she was the first executive director of the Wendel International Centre for Family Enterprise at the school. She is currently a visiting professor at Nova School of Business and Economics in Lisbon (Portugal) and an academic scholar at the Smith Family Business Initiative at Cornell University (USA).

Go here to see the complete list of recipients of the FFI Interdisciplinary Award.

International Award to Dennis Jaffe, wealth consultant and professor emeritus at Saybrook University.

The International Award recognizes an individual or organization for outstanding achievement in furthering the understanding of family business issues which occur between two or more countries.

Dennis Jaffe, FFI Fellow, professor emeritus at Saybrook, is visiting faculty at Hult University in Dubai and at Stetson University in Florida. He was a Thinker in Residence for Australia, where he conducted a study of the future of small and entrepreneurial business in the region. A widely-published author, Dennis most recent book is "Cross Cultures: How Global Families Negotiate Change Across Generations." He received his BA in Philosophy, MA in Management and PhD in Sociology from Yale University.

Go here to see the complete list of recipients of the FFI International Award.

About the Family Firm Institute:

FFI's mission is to be the most influential global network of thought-leaders in the field of family enterprise. We provide research-based learning and relevant tools for advisors and consultants, academics and family enterprise members to drive success.

Professionals, educators and researchers as well as family enterprise members from nearly 80 countries across the globe belong to FFI. Together they create the oldest and most prestigious multidisciplinary professional association for family enterprise in the world.
Custora announces the release of Segmentation Studio, the most robust and user friendly customer segmentation tool on the market today. Segmentation Studio gives marketers point and click access to predictive customer segments that significantly improve the ROI of email, direct mail, Facebook and display campaigns.

Many retailers understand that opportunities for growth are hidden in their customer data, but they encounter a number of challenges when attempting to make use of their data: customer data is fragmented across various systems, they lack the data science capabilities to uncover insights at scale, or, to the extent insights exist, marketers face friction when attempting to leverage insights within daily marketing campaigns. Custoras advanced Customer Segmentation Platform addresses these challenges and is helping 6 of the top 20 retailers in the US leverage their customer data to drive growth.

Custoras platform is comprised of two parts: the Customer Data Cloud and the newly released Segmentation Studio. The Customer Data Cloud powers the platform under the hood. In the Customer Data Cloud, Custora aggregates data from a variety of transactional, engagement, and web analytics sources to produce a single, unique profile for each consumer. The platform then leverages a variety of predictive, machine learning models to anticipate customer behavior. Each customer profile is enriched with attributes including product and brand affinities, propensity to purchase on discount, expected lifetime spend, and likelihood of churn.

Segmentation Studio is a web interface that sits on top of the Customer Data Cloud. The Studio provides Marketers with point-and-click access to activate those insights within daily marketing campaigns. Marketers can discover hidden opportunities, create intelligent customer segments, and automatically push those segments into marketing execution tools throughout their marketing stack. Segmentation Studio provides click click done functionality to help marketers respond to questions such as, Who should receive our new arrival campaign? or Which customers are at risk for churn? Segmentation Studio offers a natural language query interface, out-of-the-box access to historical and predictive segments, integrations to tools throughout the marketing stack, and automated cross-channel measurement capabilities. Marketers are leveraging Segmentation Studio to drive significant lift in email, direct mail, social, and display campaigns.

Our vision is to unlock the power of customer insights that have traditionally been fragmented across marketing tools and data siloes, said Custora CEO Corey Pierson. Giving marketers the ability to build, publish, and take action on CRM audiences is the first step in creating messages that resonate. And improved relevance translates into improved business results.

Better Audiences Mean Better Results

Calendars.com, the leading global retailer of calendars, uses Custora to optimize around the unique dynamics of their business. Faced with steep seasonality and an assortment of niche merchandise including toys and games, Senior Director of Digital Marketing Marcia Oakes knew that she needed an advanced analytics partner to help her drive digital growth.

We needed to find ways to make our business more stable and evergreen by increasing sales of non-calendar products, says Oakes. But when we tried to promote those categories, we found that we were fatiguing our email list and not seeing a compelling return in paid marketing channels.

Using Custora, Calendars.com was able to uncover hidden patterns in their customer data. Harnessing the power of machine learning to identify predictive affinity segments  lookalike groups within the retailers own dataset  Calendars.com was able to create relevant audiences for niche product categories, driving return on ad spend (ROAS) improvements of up to 10x on Facebook paid advertising and maximizing demand from the customer file without exhausting customers.

Custora helped us reach exactly the right customers with a message that was perfectly tailored to their interests and needs  upleveling our entire marketing program, says Oakes.

Dermstore, a wholly owned subsidiary of Target Corporation, is a fast-growing e-commerce retailer of beauty and cosmetic products. President Cathy Beaupain is constantly seeking solutions to help the retailer leverage automation and personalization.

Reaching the customer at the right point in her journey with a meaningful message is essential to driving engagement and, ultimately, conversion, says Beaupain.

Dermstore leverages Custora to power outreach to customers at critical points in the customer lifecycle: for example, when a loyal long-term customer begins to show signs of fading away. By using data science rather than business rules to know when to intervene in a customer relationship, Dermstore makes sure that they are speaking to their guests at the time that is most relevant for them. The results have been transformative: an overall revenue lift of roughly 2% on the entire business.

Custora helps us power the right message to the right customer  at scale, says Beaupain. The next frontier for us is integrating these rich customer insights into massive personalization of day-to-day communication, rather than just key moments in the customer journey. Her team is currently partnering with Custora on the integration of individual user-level predictions into the content of daily emails.

Oakes and Beaupain are among the retail leaders whose thought leadership has contributed to Custoras newest product release. Custora has changed the way we think about our customers and our business, says Oakes. Segmentation Studio makes it faster and easier than ever to use customer insights to drive growth.

About Custora

Custora is an advanced customer segmentation platform powered by predictive analytics for the retail industry. We help marketers improve the ROI of their email, display, direct mail, and Facebook campaigns. Custora surfaces smart (and predictive) customer segments, integrates with marketing channel technologies to execute more effective acquisition and retention campaigns, and measures the impact on customer lifetime value. Over 100 brands including Lucky Brand, Ann Inc., Tiffany & Co., Crocs, and Teleflora use Custora to improve new customer conversions, grow revenue from existing customers, and improve team efficiency. Six of the top 20 largest North American retailers use Custoras Advanced Segmentation Platform.
Does Democracy Matter? "The publication of this book could not be more timely given the intense debates surrounding the Trump administrations downgrading of US government promotion of democracy abroad..." - FPRI President, Alan Luxenberg

The Foreign Policy Research Institute, in association with Rowman and Littlefield, announces the publication of Does Democracy Matter? The United States and Global Democracy Support. A launch event will be held at the FPRI library at 1528 Walnut Street, Ste. 610, Philadelphia, PA on Monday, June 19, 2017, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. EST.

The launch event is free and open to the public, but reservations are required. To attend the event, please contact the FPRI Events Coordinator Rachel Hemler at 215-732-3774 ext. 112 or at rhemler(at)fpri(dot)org or register here.

"The publication of this book could not be more timely given the intense debates surrounding the Trump administrations downgrading of US government promotion of democracy abroad, plus attempts by Russia and other authoritarian regimes to undermine democratic institutions in the US and globally, said Alan Luxenberg, President of FPRI.

The authoritarian resurgence of the past decade has raised serious questions as to howor even whetherWashington should continue its long-standing policy of encouraging and in some cases actively fostering the growth of democracy abroad.

This composite volume is the result of an extended dialogue among eleven prominent scholars and practitioners representing widely varying perspectives. While all agree that American strategic interests are better served in the long term by the spread of democracy, some argue that our approach over the past decade has been unrealistic and even, in some cases, counterproductive.

Other contributors believe that, on the contrary, a US failure to support democracy abroad would ignore an existential threat to the very international order that has permitted America to remain secure and prosperous over the past seven decades. They argue that US nurturing of democracy abroad is thus an important tool for advancing our hard security and economic interests, and should thus be seen as a means towards those goals rather than a moral crusade.

In its concluding chapter, Does Democracy Matter? proposes a system of triage among countries and regions to determine where and how the US should attempt to foster democracy. The book also suggests ways to deliver democracy assistance more effectively.

FPRI is a non-profit, non-partisan think tank located in Center City Philadelphia. Its mission is to bring the insights of scholarship to bear on the foreign policy and national security challenges facing the United States. It seeks to educate the public, enrich the background of teachers, train students, and offer policy ideas to advance the U.S. national interest based on a nonpartisan, geopolitical perspective that illuminates contemporary international affairs through the lens of history, geography, and culture.

For more information about FPRI, please visit http://www.fpri.org or call Payton Windell at 215-732-3774 ext. 122.
We are hugely looking forward to growing these events across the US and beyond, through only topical, impact-focused companies, panels, and showcase events, said Zee West, Events Coordinator at US Capital Partners.

US Capital Partners Inc. hosted a thought-provoking digital technology conference in San Francisco on Tuesday, May 30th. Held at Parisoma, the event focused on the $4.5 trillion insurance industry and specifically InsureTech, which is still at a stage of infancy. The event also explored the growing cyber-security sector, which has risen to the top of the international priority list in areas ranging from politics to national defense and from smart homes to our global economic system.

US Capital Partners Inc. is a full-service private investment bank headquartered in San Francisco. Through its affiliate broker dealer, US Capital Global Securities, LLC, the firm provides private placement services and has wide distribution for debt and equity private placements. The firm has a successful history of backing highly promising technology companies.

Presenters at the San Francisco event included Paul Sun, President and CEO at IronYun; Stephanie Louis, Cloud Ecosystem Business Development Manager at IBM; Alistair Paterson, CEO and Founder of Digital Shadows, who worked with the Bank of England to define the new CBEST cyber threat standard; Andrii Zamovsky, Founder of Etherium blockchain platform Ambisafe; and Martin Enriquez, an innovator and executive at MagicCube, which focuses on security for mobile apps and software.

Jeffrey Sweeney, Chairman and CEO at US Capital Partners, presided as panel chair. As usual, Sweeney put the panel to the test through engaging questions about the industry and about their technology companies and solutions.

The event showcased IronYun, a next-generation artificial intelligence (AI), deep-learning, big-data video search software company. IronYuns video analytics software solutions have recently been deployed by ACER Inc., a Taiwanese multinational hardware and electronics corporation, and by Foxconn Technology Group, a Taiwanese multinational electronics contract manufacturer of products like iPhone, Nintendo DS, and Xbox One.

About US Capital Partners Inc.

Since 1998, US Capital Partners has been providing well-structured, custom finance solutions to private and public companies in the United States and abroad. Headquartered in San Francisco, US Capital Partners, operating with its affiliate US Capital Global Securities, LLC, is a full-service private investment bank with a wide distribution for debt and equity private placements. The group makes debt investments between $500,000 and $100 million, participates in debt facilities, and offers asset management, financial advisory services for buy-side and sell-side engagements, and capital formation, including early-stage financings requiring equity or debt. For more information, visit http://www.uscapitalpartners.net.

To learn more about US Capital Partners, email Jeffrey Sweeney, Chairman and CEO, at jsweeney(at)uscapitalpartners(dot)net or call +1 (415) 889-1010.
Governor Andrew Cuomo alleviated some advocate concerns on Thursday by introducing a Senate bill that would give victims of child abuse a larger window of time to seek justice. The program bill could still face an uphill battle in the Senate, which has been historically hostile towards efforts to expand the statute of limitations for sex abuse victims. But advocates hope the governor's end-of-session move could push its hand.

Research shows that a majority of childhood victims wait at least five years before speaking. Under current law, most New York victims have only five years after they turn 18 to bring civil or criminal charges against their abusersthanks to statute of limitations laws that are more prohibitive than most U.S. states, according to the victim abuse network Safe Horizon.

Cuomo's bill, which mirrors a law passed 139-7 this session in the State Assembly, would extend the statute of limitations to age 28 for victims of felony criminal cases, and age 50 for civil cases. The bill would also create a one-time, one-year "look back" window, in which victims of any age would be permitted to bring civil suits against individuals or institutions.

Cuomo indicated months ago that he would prioritize heightened protections, but advocates noted his silence on the issue in recent weeks, as time ran out in this legislative session.

"This is about justice and I urge this measure to be passed before the end of session and allow these victims the ability to hold their abusers accountablesomething they've wrongly been denied for far too long," Cuomo said Thursday.

"All advocates are grateful that the Governor has introduced a bill," stated Andrew Willis, a childhood survivor of rape and the founder of the Stop Abuse Campaign. "It's the first stage of passing a bill. We were right to have faith in him. Now we need the Governor to use his significant influence to get the bill passed. Passing the bill is what will save 43,000 New York children from being sexually abused every year."

The Daily News, which first reported on the legislation, cites an anonymous Cuomo aide who suggested the one-year window could be changed before signing to appease concerns about "frivolous" lawsuits. The Republican-aligned Independent Democratic Conference has its own version of a child victims act, which would require a five-person panel to review each case brought in the one-year "look back" window.

The Village Voice recently reported that both the Boy Scouts of America and the Catholic Church have both vocallyand financiallyopposed the bill. Those institutions have said they're concerned the look back window will lead to false claims that clog up the courts and lead to costly settlements.

Proponents of the bill in its current form say altering the one-year window provision could significantly limit protections for victims over the age of 23. A spokeswoman for Safe Horizon told Gothamist that the advocacy group wants Cuomo's bill to pass as-is.

"We can't not have a window," said Manhattan Senator Linda Rosenthal, a Democrat. "That's what all the groups and survivors have been saying. If we only do [the law] prospectively, everyone who has been harmed or abused in the past has no recourse."

Albany's current session ends on June 21st. "There are a number of similar proposals on this issue and they remain under review," Senate GOP spokesman Scott Reif told the Daily News.

"We've been wanting Cuomo to take a more public role, and by submitting this he's saying, 'This is the bill I support,'" Rosenthal said. "We're counting on him to not only put that in, but to actually work hard behind the scenes to actually put this into law."

"There are three days left, but a lot happens at the very end in Albany," she added. "I think there are enough votes for it in the Senate, based on private conversations with Senate Democrats and Republicans. It just needs to come to the floor, and that's where [Senate Majority Leader John] Flanagan and Cuomo are key."

NYC Republican Senators Marty Golden and Andrew Lanza did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
This news comes as a result of Danville Schools extensive search for a comprehensive learning management system to propel their digital learning initiatives. Converge was chosen to support the districts new Chromebook environment for students at Bate Middle School, and was selected from an impressive group of LMS providers, including Schoology. The selection panel, comprised of both district administrators and classroom teachers, recommended Converge for its K-12 focused interface, superior scalability, and best-in-class training and support package.

Explaining why Danville Schools selected Converge, Brian Gover, CIO, commented:

An LMS gives us a centralized solution with the ability to deliver content, track progress, and monitor student success. We selected Converge LMS, powered by Edvergent Learning, because it had a simple, yet powerful interface that is easy to learn and can be customized to meet our needs.

In addition to providing a customized LMS solution, Edvergent Learning will conduct on-site professional development to ensure a successful implementation and boost adoption rates. Tailored training will extend throughout the school year and encompass best practices for effective technology integration. This holistic approach to support and service, led by expert teacher trainers at Edvergent, was unmatched in the selection process.

Initial implementation of Converge will occur during the 2017-2018 school year for Bate Middle School with plans to expand the solution for high school students the following year.

About Converge Learning Management System

Converge Learning Management System was built by teachers specifically for the K-12 learning environment. Our vision is to bring learners together through an intuitive interface that propels blended and online instruction. Converge allows teachers and students to easily communicate, collaborate, and create without the boundaries of the traditional classroom. Coupled with best-in-class service and training support by expert teachers who have taught in 1:1 environments, Converge offers a superior LMS solution.

About Edvergent Learning

Edvergent Learning is an educational solutions company that focuses on innovative content and training solutions for schools and colleges. The Edvergent product line includes Converge Learning Management System, eTechCampus Virtual Bookstores, #iTeachDigital Training and Seminars, and an eTextbook reading platform that offers content from all major publishers and its unique digital catalog. With a focus on digital learning, Edvergents vision is to help schools transition and maintain online and hybrid learning environments using state-of-the-art technology and sound instructional practices. Edvergent has the unique ability to support traditional content sourcing while leveraging the newest platforms and standards to deliver content digitally through any platform adhering to industry standards. Learn more at edvergent.com and convergelearning.com.
Metalcrafts, a Tecta America Company LLC, of Savannah, Georgia, has received the most prestigious contractor award GAF offers: The GAF Presidents Club Award. This highly coveted award recognizes Metalcrafts as one of the elite of the elite commercial roofing contractors in the United States.

GAF is North Americas largest roofing manufacturer, and only GAF Master Select(TM) Contractors can compete for its commercial Presidents Club Award. To qualify for this award, a commercial roofing contractor must meet specific criteria in at least one out of three different pathways: the Performance pathway, where contractors focus on giving their property owners the best possible service, quality, and protection; the Reliability pathway, where the contractor has a long history of offering their customers the best quality and protection; and the Service pathway, where contractors consistently offer their customers the best protection available in the marketplace.

Metalcrafts has been a GAF Master Select(TM) Contractor since 2003; the company received the Presidents Club Award due to its excellent performance in 2016. To become a Master Select(TM) Contractora status that less than 1% of roofing contractors nationwide are able to achievea candidate must demonstrate proper licensing, maintain insurance (in states that require it), have a proven reputation, and show commitment to ongoing professional training.

Since its inception, Metalcrafts has built a reputation on quality. In 1992, the company decided to concentrate solely on the roofing segment of its business; by specializing, Metalcrafts was able to become a full-service roof contractor servicing every type of roofing system. The company is authorized to install products from GAF and numerous other major materials manufacturers.

Serving residential, commercial, and government customers, Metalcrafts installs and services roofing systems on single-family homes, condominiums, industrial plants, commercial buildings, churches, schools, facilities for local, state, and federal governments, and buildings on military bases. The company also works with and performs maintenance for paper mills, property managers, historic landmarks and properties, retail centers, hospitals, and manufacturing facilities.

In the steep-slope segment of the industry, the company installs: asphalt, metal, and synthetic slate shingles; architectural and industrial metal roofing systems; metal roofing retrofit roofing systems; clay, tile, and slate; copper and stainless steel; and standing- and flat-seam systems. For low-slope applications, Metalcrafts installs built-up, single-ply thermoplastic, EPDM, and modified bitumen roofing systems, as well as elastomeric coatings. Metalcrafts also specializes in ornamental metal details and is one of the few companies in its market that works with zinc.

Metalcrafts has received several professional certifications from GAF. The Asphaltic Certification indicates that the contractor specializes in installing asphaltic roofing systems, and the Single-Ply Certification indicates a specialization in installing single-ply roofing systems. With the Topcoat Certification, Metalcrafts is recognized for specializing in the installation of GAFs TOPCOAT(R) productsliquid-applied roofing restoration systems formulated to stand up to the harshest of roof conditions and provide energy savings at a fraction of the cost of a new roof. The company is a member of the National Roofing Contractors Association, the Georgia Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association, and the Savannah Chamber of Commerce.

The companys strong working relationships with more than 30 major manufacturers allow it to offer solutions that best meet customers roofing needs and budgets. With the personnel, education, experience, commitment, and desire to help customers solve their roofing problems, Metalcrafts has built a reputation of service, integrity, and quality in the industry.

About Metalcrafts, a Tecta America Company LLC

Founded in 1968, Metalcrafts works on all types of roofing projects, including maintenance and repairs, built-up roofs, modified bitumen, metal roofs, asphalt shingles, clay tile, slate, elastomeric coatings, and various sheet-metal projects in middle and southern Georgia and southern South Carolina. The company is committed to providing a safe working environment for its employees and has been a drug-free workplace since 1969. Employees undergo constant training in safety and work ethics, with an emphasis on quality. In April 2015, Metalcrafts joined Tecta America, the nations premier commercial roofing contractor, to become a stronger roofing operation serving its customers and clients. Under the same leadership, the company, renamed Metalcrafts, a Tecta America Company LLC, continues to put clients needs first and to be the best professional roofing company in the area.

Metalcrafts, a Tecta America Company

4522 Ogeechee Road

Savannah, GA 31405

(912) 236-0615

http://www.tectaamerica.com/metalcrafts-inc/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TectaAmerica/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Metalcrafts-Inc/169690033047127

About GAF:

Founded in 1886, GAF is the largest roofing manufacturer in North America. The Company is an operating subsidiary of Standard Industries.

GAF products include a comprehensive portfolio of roofing systems for residential and commercial properties, which are supported by an extensive national network of factory-certified contractors. Its success is driven by its commitment to Advanced Quality, Industry Expertise, and Solutions Made Simple. GAF was the first roofing manufacturer to offer a Lifetime limited warranty on all of its laminated shingles, which then evolved with the introduction of the GAF Lifetime Roofing System by extending the Lifetime coverage beyond just the roofing shingles.

With a focus on social responsibility, GAF developed Advanced Protection(R) Shingle Technology, providing excellent durability and wind resistance while reducing the use of natural resources. The Company has also developed single-ply and asphaltic roofing membranes with excellent durability and high reflectivity to meet the most rigorous industry standards while helping commercial property owners and designers reduce energy consumption.

GAF also supports the roofing industry through CARE, the Center for the Advancement of Roofing Excellence(TM), which has provided education to over 230,000 professionals. CAREs mission is to help professional contractors and distributors build their businesses through sales and management education, and to provide product and installation training to contractors, distributors, architects, property owners, and related industry personnel.

For more information about GAF, visit: gaf.com
This award embodies our organization's commitment to delivering outstanding retail services to our customers.

Factory Expo Home Centers, the nation's sales leader in manufactured, mobile, and park model homes, has been honored with the Champion Home Builders, Inc. 2017 Top Retailer Award in recognition of the performance exhibited by their Athens, Texas sales center. The award was presented this past March at the 2017 Tunica Manufactured Housing Show, the industrys largest event in North America, held in the resort community of Tunica, Mississippi.

Jim Breen, President and CEO of Factory Expo Home Centers shared insight into the companys award-winning efforts. We are thrilled and honored to be recognized as Top Retailer. This award embodies our organization's commitment to delivering outstanding retail services to our customers. We are thankful for our relationship with Champion and look forward to a bright future with continued success!

Factory Expo Home Centers customer experience begins with a guided factory tour led by a professional housing consultant providing the homebuyer a behind-the-scenes look at how manufactured homes and park models are built. Afterwards, the customer is invited to visit the onsite fully-furnished model village and browse the extensive selection of models and features before being matched with their dream home.

For more information on Factory Expos Athens, Texas sales center, visit FactoryExpoDirect.com and ParkModelsDirect.com/AT

Factory Expo Home Centers is the nations largest independently owned retailer specializing in factory located model village sales centers. Established in 1999 and with over 16,000 happy homeowners, the company sells and ships manufactured homes, mobile homes, and park model RV homes factory direct, coast to coast, nationwide. To learn more about Factory Expo Home Centers and its home offerings, visit FactoryExpoHomes.com

Champion Home Builders, Inc. is recognized as a leader in the manufactured housing industry and one of the largest modular homebuilders in North America. To learn more, visit ChampionHomes.com

SOURCE: Factory Expo Home Centers
Miami, Fla.-based real estate development company, Fortune International Group (Fortune), and Miami, Fla.-based real estate investment and asset management firm, Rialto Capital Management (Rialto), have joined forces to launch Vaster Capital  a private bridge lender specializing in residential and commercial real estate.

The goal of the company will be to fill a void in the marketplace for South Florida real estate investors seeking bridge loan products, including foreign nationals.

As a recognized leader in development, sales and marketing for more than three decades, Fortune International Group has one of the industrys most prestigious development portfolios -- including a myriad of South Floridas most prominent projects, such as Jade Signature, The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Sunny Isles Beach, and Auberge Beach Residences and Spa Fort Lauderdale. In addition, Fortune is the exclusive sales and marketing representative for twenty-two projects totaling more than $6.7B in the companys portfolio.

Rialto, which invests and manages assets throughout the capital structure in real estate properties, loans and securities, boasts a deep-rooted background in institutional lending and financial services. Given those core strengths, coupled with Fortunes real estate development and sales experience, Vaster Capital will offer a sophisticated synergy of services, aptly and efficiently providing loans for South Florida real estate assets.

Our goal has been to satisfy a long-standing gap within our marketplaceproviding professional and customized bridge lending products while better servicing the Miami real estate investor, said Edgardo Defortuna, President and CEO of Fortune International Group. This is a need I have always sought to address, appreciating that numerous buyers  both in the U.S. and beyond  are interested in buying and selling real estate offerings in Miami, but do not have access to customized loan offerings that meet their specific needs.

Vaster has the ability to close loans much faster when compared to other lenders due to less bureaucracy and the use of technology. The firm plans to lend a substantial amount of capital in South Florida, with a goal to expand geographically in the near future.

Given both Rialto and Fortunes knowledge of the real estate industry, along with Rialtos extensive experience in real estate lending, Vaster Capital is structured to become an important lender in South Florida as well as other key markets, allowing borrowers to accomplish their financing needs through a seamless and efficient process, said Eric Feder, Vice Chairman of Rialto Capital Management.

In addition, Vaster formed a joint-venture, Vaster Capital II, with the Related Group to provide financing for buyers purchasing at Relateds portfolio of projects including those currently represented by Fortune International Group, such as: Paraiso Bay, Brickell Heights, Hyde Midtown, and SLS Lux. Fortune International Group and Related Group are also partners in Auberge Beach Residences & Spa, as well as the recently completed Hyde Resort & Residences in Hollywood Beach.

About the Team

Vaster Capital

Vaster Capital is a private bridge lender funded by institutional capital that specializes in residential and commercial real estate. With over thirty years of experience in the real estate market, the Vaster Capital team will quickly determine a deals viability and structure a custom solution to close the loan. Vaster Capital focuses on domestic and foreign real estate investors who need financing to acquire investment properties in the U.S. with a desire to have easy access to liquidity. For more information, please visit http://www.vastercapital.com or call 305-673-3011.

Fortune International Group

Synonymous with excellence, quality, customer service and unwavering commitment to the highest standards of luxury, Fortune has been a recognized leader in development, sales and marketing since 1983. The companys prestigious development portfolio includes many of the most prominent residential projects in South Florida including Jade Signature, The Ritz-Carlton Sunny Isles, Auberge Beach Residences and Spa Fort Lauderdale and Hyde Resort & Residences Hollywood. In addition, Fortune Development Sales is the premier, exclusive on-site sales and marketing representative for third-party development projects in South Florida, having represented some of South Floridas most successful projects with thousands of sales to date. Led by visionary founder Edgardo Defortuna, Fortune International Group has 18 offices around the world with nearly 1,000 associates. Fortunes international broker network reaches legions of prospective buyers from South Florida to Buenos Aires, Hong Kong to Sao Paolo, and Manhattan to Paris. http://www.fortuneintlgroup.com.

Rialto Capital Management

Rialto Capital Management ("Rialto") is a vertically integrated real estate investment and asset management company that invests and manages assets throughout the capital structure in real estate properties, loans and securities. In addition to investing its own capital, Rialto manages a number of private equity vehicles and has overseen other investments with various partners. Rialto was formed in 2007, and has participated in the investment of $6.4 billion of equity in real estate assets. The company is headquartered in Miami, Florida, and has over 350 dedicated professionals operating in 13 offices throughout the United States and four offices in Europe. Rialto's executive management team is comprised of seasoned professionals who have been market leaders globally in CMBS securities investing, loan origination, distressed debt and commercial and residential properties through multiple cycles. Rialto's parent company, Lennar Corporation, formed in 1954, is one of the largest public homebuilders and community developers in the United States, and is supported by approximately 8,000 professionals.
This is an opportunity for both companies to expand the use of biometrics and enhance the security measures to authenticate without a password. - Javier Mira, FacePhi

BioConnect and FacePhi today have announced they are working together to bring the Face Recognition technology of the Spanish company into BioConnect's BioConnect ID, an agnostic biometrics platform. The joint solution will bring the best in facial recognition and an array of biometric-based identity methods to FacePhi's banking clients and prospective partners in the banking industry.

Facial recognition can be traced back hundreds of years as a measure of identifying a person. In a closed village community where everyone knew everyone, facial recognition was as simple as identifying a person by looking at their unique facial features and building on past relations to know what that person looked like -- Trust based on community. As our world has become ever-more connected and complex, identity is no longer as simple as familial facial recognition; however, the makeup of a person, how people behave and look are still unique. With Gartner estimating over 20b connected devices by 2020, identity is becoming even more complex, how are companies addressing this problem?

BioConnect and FacePhi have come together to combine their expertise in a way that empowers a truly seamless and secure identification and authentication experience in both the physical and digital world leveraging biometric technology.

As Javier Mira, CEO of FacePhi says, This is an opportunity for both companies to expand the use of biometrics and enhance the security measures to authenticate without a password.

FacePhi is the creator of the SelPhi, FacePhi's facial recognition system. The solution enables authentication with a selfie on desktop, mobile, tablet, making a SelPhi an interoperable form of identity verification.

Founded in 2010, BioConnect has developed a history of vetting biometric technology vendors. BioConnect ID is a platform solution that combines technologies from leading biometric vendors into a single identity. It allows enterprises to use a single platform, an API and SDK to offer a streamlined identity with biometric authentication combining all biometric modalities and behaviors - an intuitive, standardized consumer experience across channels.

After passing BioConnect's testing schemes, including the ability to be FIDO compliant, FacePhi's facial recognition was chosen due to its high reliability, user experience, anti-spoofing capability and speed to deliver successful deployments with banking clients that are already using the technology with no recordings of fraud.

"At BioConnect we vet each of our technology partners to ensure that we are providing a seamless experience and can empower our enterprise users to take ownership over the things that are rightfully theirs" said Rob Douglas, Chairman and CEO, BioConnect. "We have been impressed with FacePhi's live face detection as well as its accuracy, reliability and interoperability and we're excited for the opportunities that we can tackle together as part of BioConnect ID.

The companies will be introducing their completed solution at Money2020 Europe in Copenhagen on June 26th-28th at FacePhis booth #C30.

Both CEOs, Rob Douglas (BioConnect) and Javier Mira (FacePhi) will be speaking on FindBiometrics panel: "The power of choice: Why multimodal biometrics are taking over consumer facing FinTech" on Wednesday June 28th from 11:20-12:10 at The Boulevard, Lower Expo Hall.

Follow the journey on twitter at @BioConnect and @FacePhi.

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

BioConnect is a technology company with a fundamentally different approach to identity. BioConnect's platform approach to biometrics provides secure, frictionless biometric authentication that works across any channel. BioConnects team strongly believes in the importance of flexibility and consumer choice in verifying identity. Consumers want to decide whether to capture their fingerprint, be prompted to speak, scan their eyes, or enter a password. Merchants and banks also need choices in the way that consumers are authenticated  from who you are to what you do, anywhere across the globe, using any device. By broadening the universe of authentication options, BioConnect provides a level of trust that does not yet exist in the market today.

More information: https://www.bioconnect.com/

FacePhi Biometria is a public company listed on the MAB (Spanish Alternative Investment Market) and beneficiary of the Horizon2020, the biggest EU financial programme to deploy research and innovation projects, specialized in developing and marketing facial recognition software. FacePhi (http://www.facephi.com) is one of the most relevant manufacturers in the world, working for banking, vehicle, private security and public sectors. FacePhi focuses its activity on mobile devices, reducing fraud in accounts. Its facial recognition software uses own algorithms, which makes it the original owner of the FaceRecognition technology. FacePhi reached 60M of authentications during 2016 and nowadays has presence in 18 countries, such as Panama, Chile, Colombia and Argentina among others.

For further information:

BioConnect

Jessica Gagner

Marketing(at)bioconnect(dot)com

Phone. 1-855-369-8875 ext. 376

INFORMATION FOR THE JOURNALIST: http://www.bioconnect.com/press

FacePhi Biometria

Tania Martinez

comunicacion(at)facephi(dot)es

Phone. +0034 965 108 008

INFORMATION FOR THE JOURNALIST: http://www.facephi.com
World-renowned marine life artist Wyland

World-renowned marine life artist Wyland, in partnership with the Eco-Adventure Center at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, has custom-curated a creative experience aimed at ocean appreciation expressed through the arts.

This unique program, which makes its debut in summer 2017, immerses people young and old in the wonder of the ocean through art appreciation, film, and hands-on activities like sculpting and drawing. Additionally, guests can create keepsakes to remember their time by the ocean and learn more about Wylands mission to encourage global stewardship of our ocean, lakes, rivers, streams, and wetlands. No prior experience is necessary. Trained naturalists will guide guests every step of the way. All that is needed is a little creativity and a spirit for adventure.

We are excited about our partnership with Wyland, announced Lyn Evins, Director of Resort Experiences at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel. His passion and dedication to the arts and the environment mirror the strong commitment to our community and our planet through the Eco-Adventure Centers comprehensive programming where guests have the opportunity to become advocates of protecting and preserving the environment for future generations, she added.

ABOUT WYLAND

For more than four decades, Wyland has captivated the world with his spectacular paintings, sculptures, photography and landmark Whaling Wall murals. With half a million collectors around the world, award-winning art galleries, and the ongoing efforts of his non-profit foundation in support of global water and ocean conservation, Wyland has done more than any other artist to raise awareness of the beauty of life on our blue planet. Learn more at http://www.WylandFoundation.org.

ABOUT THE ECO-ADVENTURE CENTER AND THE RITZ-CARLTON, LAGUNA NIGUEL

The Eco-Adventure Center is dedicated to showcasing Southern Californias natural wonders. Fifteen excursions showcase the local surroundings and are led by expert naturalists. Families can learn about the blue whales on a whale watching adventure, discover the native fish and underwater creatures on a snorkel excursion, or experience riding the waves during a body boarding activity. The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel is situated atop a seaside bluff with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and more than three miles of sandy beach. Presented against an extraordinary backdrop, the resort continues to redefine the guest experience by creating distinctive and unforgettable moments that instill memories that last a lifetime. For more information or reservations call 800-241-3333, the hotel directly at 949-240-2000, a travel professional or visit http://www.ritzcarlton.com/lagunaecoadventure.
Canada-based McCain Foods has announced it will invest more than $200 million into expanding its Burley, Idaho, potato processing plant, creating 180 new jobs. We are going to be showcasing what Idaho has to offer on a global scale, and that could mean big business for our economy. - Idaho Lt. Governor Brad Little

One of President Trumps priorities is to bring jobs back to rural America, and Idaho is betting that foreign direct investment may be the answer. Idaho will bring 27 economic development leaders including Lt. Governor Brad Little and U.S. Senator Jim Risch to the 2017 SelectUSA Investment Summit in Washington, D.C., June 18-20 to meet with international companies. A second-year Diamond sponsor with one of the largest, most prominent booths, 2017 marks the fourth year that Idaho has attended SelectUSA.

Any time that Idaho has the opportunity to engage with several high-profile international companies and investors who are interested in investing capital and creating better jobs in Idaho, we simply cant pass that up. We are going to be showcasing what Idaho has to offer on a global scale, and that could mean big business for our economy, said Lt. Governor Brad Little, who is speaking about rural economic development at the pre-summit academy on June 18. We have an incredible team representing the State of Idaho, and Im very optimistic that we will have another successful year following last years win in bringing Japans Sakae Casting to Idaho Falls.

Idaho has already had significant success attracting international investment.

Last month, Toronto, Canada-based McCain Foods announced a $200 million expansion of its state-of-the-art, high capacity production facility in Burley, Idaho, that is estimated to create over 180 jobs. Idaho won out over Canada for this significant expansion.

We reviewed all of our North America sites and narrowed the potential for expansion to a handful that could best help us meet the growing demand for McCain products, said Jeff DeLapp, North America Regional President, McCain Foods. In the end, we chose Burley, Idaho, due to its proximity to quality potatoes, availability of skilled workforce, and strong community and state-level support.

Tokyo-based Sakae Casting, an aluminum casting company, celebrated the grand opening of its first U.S. location in Idaho Falls last month after meeting with the Idaho team at SelectUSA 2016.

"It is my mission to create job opportunities in Eastern Idaho to support their strong science, research and education sectors, said Mr. Takashi Suzuki, President and CEO, Sakae Casting. Additional employment opportunities will be created as we expand our business by working with our Japanese partner Ohzen to connect Japanese services and technologies with U.S. markets. Were excited to have our first U.S. presence in Eastern Idaho.

Additionally, France-based Materne Industries $85 million food processing facility and Ireland-based Glanbia Foods $82 million expansion are both industry leaders in the Idaho food sector. Other international companies expanding in Idaho include Lactalis (France), Bayer (Germany), and GrainCorp (Australia). International companies with a major presence in the state include Chobani, HP, Micron, Simplot, Boise Cascade, and Scentsy.

The Idaho team, detailed below, is available to speak with media from booth #311:



Lt. Governor Brad Little, who is speaking on a rural economic development panel at SelectUSA

Idaho U.S. Senator Jim Risch, who serves on the Committee on Foreign Relations and the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship

Jan Rogers, CEO, Regional Economic Development for Eastern Idaho, and board member of the U.S. Investment Advisory Council and the International Economic Development Council

Kelly Anthon, Idaho State Senator and City of Rupert Administrator

Doug Manning, Economic Development Director, City of Burley, and President, Idaho Economic Development Association

Celia Gould, Director, Idaho Department of Agriculture

Bobbi-Jo Meuleman, COO, Idaho Commerce

Amy Lientz, Director Partnerships, Engagement and Technology Deployment, Idaho National Laboratory

Mayors of Twin Falls, Ammon and Pocatello, Idaho

Economic development leaders and representatives from Southern Idaho, Eastern Idaho, Idaho Commerce, the Idaho State Department of Agriculture, and Idaho Power.

About Idahos Business Climate

Home to expanding companies from France, Germany, Ireland, Japan, Australia and Canada, Idahos growing sectors include agribusiness, plastics, science, research and advanced manufacturing. The Idaho National Laboratory, part of the U.S. Department of Energys complex of national labs, is the nations leading center for nuclear energy research and development and employs over 4,000. With almost 12 million acres of farmland and nearly 25,000 farms and ranches, Idahos natural resources make it ideal for agriculture and food manufacturers.

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Proficient reading by 3rd grade is a strong predictor of education success. These award-winning communities put a stake in the ground around third-grade reading and made some big bets to improve the odds for early school success, said Ralph Smith, managing director of the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading.

Fifteen communities across the country were honored today with the 2017 All-America City Award (AAC) for their civic engagement to help more young children from low-income families achieve grade-level reading proficiency and early school success. Research has long shown that when children read at proficient levels by third grade they are more likely to complete high school prepared for college, a career, and active citizenship.

The AAC Awards were presented this year during Grade-Level Reading Week in Denver, Colorado at the All-America City Awards Gathering hosted by the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading, along with the National Civic League, which created the prestigious program 68 years ago.

2017 All-America City Award Communities:

Springdale, AR

Avondale, AZ

Stockton-San Joaquin County, CA

New Britain, CT

Delray Beach, FL

Suncoast (Sarasota & Manatee Counties), FL

Council Bluffs, IA

Des Moines, IA

Dubuque, IA

Springfield, MA

Kansas City, MO

Montgomery County-Dayton, OH

Lane County, OR

San Antonio, TX

Roanoke, VA

We applaud the big tent coalitions in these award-winning communities. They put a stake in the ground around third-grade reading and made some big bets to improve the odds for early school success, said Ralph Smith, managing director of the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading. "Those big bets are paying off in more hopeful futures for so many vulnerable children in these communities."

So many communities are doing a great job in using collaborative efforts to improve grade-level reading, that it was hard to select this years award winners, said Doug Linkhart, President of the National Civic League. This years All-America Cities are engaging a diverse cross-section of residents, businesses, nonprofits and other stakeholders in the grade-level reading effort, which will help sustain their achievements over time.

To select the 15 Award recipients, a panel of judges examined the progress reports from the 27 communities that were nominated as finalists. The 2017 AAC Award recipients are communities that:



Demonstrated they have moved the needle on outcomes for children from low-income families in at least two of the following community solutions areas: school readiness, school attendance, summer learning and/or grade-level reading.

Addressed the National Civic Leagues key process criteria of civic engagement, cross-sector collaboration and inclusiveness.

Created a plan for sustainability and for aligning, linking, stacking and bundling proven and the most promising programs, practices, and strategies.

Data collected by the U.S. Department of Education on fourth-grade students taking reading tests has shown that a wide gap exists for children from low-income families, especially among black and Hispanic children, compared to children from more affluent, white and Asian families. The Campaign for Grade-Level Reading now has more than 300 communities nationwide that have formed local coalitions to work together with parents, schools and other groups to close this reading gap and help more children succeed in school.

To learn more about the AAC Award criteria and to view profiles for each AAC Award recipient, visit gradelevelreading.net/aacaward.

Sponsors of the Grade-Level Reading Week and the All-America City Awards include:

Buell Foundation

BuildStrong Education

Comcast

David and Laura Merage Foundation

DaVita Inc.

Delta Dental

Doris and Victor Day Foundation

Gary Community Investments

Greenberg Traurig

ICMA-RC

Jacobs Family Foundation

J. F Maddox Foundation

Kaiser Permanente of Colorado

Kenneth Rainin Foundation

LENA Foundation

The Anschutz Foundation

The Ben and Lucy Ana Walton Donor Advised Fund at The Denver Foundation

The Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation

The Patterson Foundation

Rose Community Foundation

Southwest Airlines  the official airline of the All-America City Award

UPS Foundation

Walmart

Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation

W. K. Kellogg Foundation

About the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading

Launched in 2010, the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading is a collaborative effort of funders, nonprofit partners, business leaders, government agencies, states and communities across the nation to ensure that many more children from low-income families succeed in school and graduate prepared for college, a career and active citizenship. Since its launch, the GLR Campaign has grown to include more than 300 communities, representing 42 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands with 3,800 local organizations and 250 state and local funders (including 168 United Ways). To learn more, visit gradelevelreading.net and follow the movement on Twitter @readingby3rd.

About the National Civic League

For more than 120 years, the National Civic League has worked to advance good governance and civic engagement to create inclusive, thriving communities. We achieve this by inspiring, supporting and recognizing equitable approaches to community decision-making. Through its signature effort, the All-America City Award and its work on racial healing, sustainability, health equity and fiscal sustainability, NCL supports cities to create a better, more equitable and inclusive future.
The TRICARE rule enables our high performing accredited organizations to treat service members and their families. In recognizing COA, TRICARE, has taken an important step towards allowing providers with more accreditor options.

The Department of Defense has published the TRICARE Manual, acknowledging the Council on Accreditation (COA) as an approved accreditor for providers of behavioral health services to service members and their families. The TRICARE Rule, titled TRICARE: Mental Health and Substance Abuse, was published September 2, 2016, and expands coverage of mental health and substance use disorder benefits. The TRICARE Rule also develops reimbursement processes for mental health and substance use disorder intensive outpatient programs and opioid treatment programs. The rule ensures more clients are able to receive the assistance they need.

Richard Klarberg, President & CEO of COA said, COA is extremely pleased that our accredited organizations will be able to provide excellent treatment to service members and their families. Additionally, in recognizing COA, TRICARE has taken an important step towards allowing provider organizations with more accreditor options.

Pat Johnston, Executive Director of the National Association for Childrens Behavioral Health noted that, The updates to TRICAREs behavioral health services offer tremendous opportunities to support military families health and readiness. Coverage of new treatment settings and implementation of parity with physical health benefits will be extremely beneficial for military families. Broader recognition of national accreditors ensures that professional and clinical standards will be continually updated. NACBH is pleased to see that COA accreditation has been approved by the Department of Defense for TRICARE-participating providers.

Joel Johnson, President and CEO of Human Resources Development, Inc., said, As a COA-accredited organization, HRDI is looking forward to providing Behavioral Health services to military families under the revised TRICARE Rule. TRICARE's expansion of coverage for mental health and substance use disorders will enable our organization to provide high quality care to service members and their families.

Please visit the Federal Register to view the TRICARE RULE. The Tricare Manual is available here, which includes the changes to the Rule and the reference to COA, located in the Published Paper Change section.

Organizations that are interested in accreditation due to this expansion of recognition may contact Zoe Hutchinson, Director of Business Development, by phone at 212.797.3000 ext. 242 or by email at zhutchinson(at)coanet.org, to learn more about the benefits of COA accreditation.

ABOUT COA

Founded in 1977, COA is a nonprofit accrediting body of over 2,200 behavioral health and social service organizations and programs in the US and Canada. In partnership with the human services field, COA researches and publishes best practice standards and engages organizations and programs in a comprehensive review with the goal of strengthening and improving their capacity, administration and management functions and service delivery. Standards are available free and online at http://www.COAnet.org.

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Green Industry Pros Editor Carrie Mantey Im delighted to help landscape contractors and dealers find ways to grow their businesses, and to be a champion for small businesses associated with the landscaping industry, said Carrie Mantey, Green Industry Pros editor.

AC Business Media recently named Carrie Mantey as editor for the newly acquired Green Industry Pros brand. Mantey, an 11-year veteran of the business-to-business (B2B) publishing industry, will be responsible for developing print and digital editorial content, and cultivating a strong social media presence for the landscape industry-focused publication.

Mantey is well-known for her ability to rejuvenate a magazine brand, regardless of the marketplace it serves, by studying her audience and producing content in a way that directly addresses readers concerns. Prior to joining Green Industry Pros, Mantey worked as an editor for Professional Tool & Equipment News, Professional Distributor, Product Design & Development, Chem.Info, and most recently, AC Business Media brands Food Logistics and Supply & Demand Chain Executive. This previous experience will help to not only anchor her in the new editorial position, but also propel her forward in redefining another brand in a new, but complementary industry.

Im delighted to help landscape contractors and dealers find ways to grow their businesses, and to be a champion for small businesses associated with the landscaping industry, said Mantey.

Mantey joined AC Business Media in 2013 and holds a creative writing degree from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

AC Business Media, a leading B2B media and business intelligence company, acquired the Green Industry Pros properties from SouthComm Inc., in January 2017. In acquiring Green Industry Pros, AC Business Media expands its digital offerings, magazines, e-newsletters, events and data services available to its advertisers and subscribers in the construction and landscape industries.

We are excited to capitalize on the synergy between our construction network and the landscape network anchored by the Green Industry Pros brand, commented AC Business Media CEO Carl Wistreich. This acquisition strengthens AC Business Medias position as the go-to media and marketing resource for contractors, businesses, manufacturers and dealers in the construction and landscape networks.

AC Business Medias landscape network properties now include Green Industry Pros magazine, GreenIndustryPros.com, the SnowPRO supplement, the Dealer Success Guide supplement and The Pro Report digital newsletter.

About AC Business Media

AC Business Media is a leading B2B media and business intelligence company with a portfolio of renowned brands in heavy construction, asphalt, concrete, paving, rental, sustainability, landscape, manufacturing, logistics and supply chain markets. AC Business Media delivers relevant, cutting-edge content to its audiences through its industry-leading digital properties, trade shows, videos, magazines, webinars and newsletters and provides advertisers the analytics, data and ability to reach their target audience.
A 28-year-old man visiting New York fell to his death at a Manhattan hotel on Thursday afternoon. A person dining at the Marriott Marquis said, "I was eating in the restaurant with my family when I heard screams and a loud thump."

Joseph Seminara was found in the bottom of an elevator shaft at the Times Square hotel around 3:45 p.m. He was observed climbing over a glass barrier to an elevator shaft on the eight floor, police sources said. Emergency responders pronounced him dead at the scene.

Glass elevators ascend through the hotel's soaring atrium from the main 8th floor lobby to the 48th floor; the lower floors have conference rooms and a theater.

A spokeswoman for the Marriott Marquis in Times Square told the Daily News, "Were not sure if this is a suicide, but it appears to be."

If someone you know exhibits warning signs of suicide: do not leave the person alone; remove any firearms, alcohol, drugs or sharp objects that could be used in a suicide attempt; and call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or take the person to an emergency room or seek help from a medical or mental health professional.
24 hours. Thats all Ritz-Carlton, Toronto Executive Chef Daniel Craig will have to complete a food tour across Canada - in one day. To celebrate Canadas 150th, the Canadian-born chef will team up with Culinary Adventure Co. owner Kevin Durkee to eat his way across the country on June 21st.

The edible adventure will begin at the home of Confederation in Charlottetown. Then its off via Air Canada to Halifax, Ottawa, Toronto and Calgary before the tour ends in Vancouver at midnight on the 22nd.

During their day-long race across the country, the pair will source ingredients to be used in a Taste of Canada menu at the hotels signature restaurant, TOCA, starting July 1st.

Whether its Nova Scotia blueberries, or sustainable fish farmed off the coast of B.C., our aim is to sample food from as many cities as we can within one day, says Chef Craig. Were excited to share our adventure with guests when we return to Toronto and create a truly Canadian menu in honour of Canadas 150th, he says.

The coast to coast tour is part of the hotels new culinary program, Off the Eaten Track  a customized series of culinary tours curated exclusively for guests of The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto by Culinary Adventure Co.

Follow the team live @facebook/ritzcarltontoronto or on Instagram @culinaryadvco; or visit http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/canada/toronto/area-activities/off-the-eaten-track for more information.
Global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLPs Natassia Kwan spoke at the American Bar Association (ABA) Section of Litigations Judicial Intern Opportunity Program (JIOP) orientation at the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California in San Francisco, June 13. The Annual JIOP Reception after the orientation was well attended by federal and state court judges at the trial court and appellate court levels. Kwan spoke on the Value of Networking & Mentoring panel. Associates Philip I. Person, Brenda L. Rosales, and Lisa Li also attended the event.

JIOP is a summer internship program open to diverse law students. Its mission is to provide opportunities to students who are members of racial and ethnic groups that are traditionally underrepresented in the profession. The program also provides opportunities to women, students with disabilities, students who are LGBT, or economically disadvantaged. The JIOP orientation provided awardee students an introduction to the program and advice from legal and judicial professionals. Kwan currently serves as the national co-chair of the JIOP Mentoring Program.

Kwan is an associate in the firms San Francisco office and focuses on defending companies against individual and class action claims in product liability, medical device, and pharmaceutical cases. She practices in both state and federal courts, including multidistrict litigation. Kwan also has experience with appeals and settlements in individual and mass tort cases. She earned her J.D. from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law and two undergraduate degrees from the University of Notre Dame.

About Greenberg Traurig, LLP

Greenberg Traurig, LLP (GTLaw) has more than 2,000 attorneys in 38 offices in the United States, Latin America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East and is celebrating its 50th anniversary. One firm worldwide, GTLaw has been recognized for its philanthropic giving, was named the largest firm in the U.S. by Law360 in 2017, and among the Top 20 on the 2016 Am Law Global 100. Web: http://www.gtlaw.com Twitter: @GT_Law.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach campus. Embry-Riddle is adopting Kongsberg Geospatial's I-Sim ATC simulation software. When we were presented with the opportunity to purchase a system that not only emulates real-world air traffic control but provides an outstanding platform for research and modeling in air traffic management, it was something we couldnt turn down.

Kongsberg Geospatial, an Ottawa-based developer of real-time, mission critical, geospatial software technology announced today that Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University will be deploying their I-SIM ATM (Air Traffic Management) Modeling and Simulation software in their en-route and terminal air traffic control training labs.

Located in Daytona Beach, Florida, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is the largest and oldest aviation-focused university in the world. The school offers more than 80 degree programs, including aerospace engineering, aeronautical science, and a bachelors degree in air traffic management. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University has been designated a Center of Excellence by the FAA (Federal Aviation Authority).

The I-SIM ATM modeling and simulation software has long been used by the FAA for Human Factors Engineering as well as complex airspace design and analysis work. With its high level of realism and ability to simulate real world en-route and terminal environments, I-SIM will deliver realistic ERAM (en route) and STARS (terminal) problems to students looking to enter the FAA workforce. Providing students with high fidelity control room like environments will allow Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University students to gain confidence by being exposed to FAA systems. With over 6000 controllers needed in the next 5 years, Embry Riddle students will be well prepared for their careers.

Dr. Bill Coyne, Air Traffic Program Coordinator said that the I-Sim ATM simulator provides the most realistic opportunity for our students to experience what its like to work traffic in an en route or terminal radar environment. When we were presented with the opportunity to purchase a system that not only emulates real-world air traffic control but provides an outstanding platform for research and modeling in air traffic management, it was something we couldnt turn down.

The new simulation software was installed and began its use in January 2017.

Were very pleased to see our software deployed at Embry-Riddle, said Kongsberg Geospatial president Ranald McGillis, The University is an FAA Center of Excellence, and the worlds foremost aviation technology training institution. Its a mark of distinction to be selected by them provide the technology to help train the next generation of air traffic controllers.

To learn more about Kongsberg Geospatial, visit their website at http://www.kongsberggeospatial.com.

ENDS ###

About Kongsberg Geospatial: Based in Ottawa, Canada, Kongsberg Geospatial (http://www.kongsberggeospatial.com) creates precision real-time software for mapping, geospatial visualization, and situational awareness. The Companys products are primarily deployed in solutions for air-traffic control, Command and Control, and air defense. Over nearly three decades of providing dependable performance under extreme conditions, Kongsberg Geospatial has become the leading geospatial technology provider for mission-critical applications where lives are on the line. Kongsberg Geospatial is a subsidiary of Kongsberg Defence Systems.

About Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, the worlds largest, fully accredited university specializing in aviation and aerospace, is a non-profit, independent institution offering more than 80 baccalaureate, masters and Ph.D. degree programs in its colleges of Arts & Sciences, Aviation, Business, Engineering and Security & Intelligence. Embry-Riddle educates students at residential campuses in Daytona Beach, Fla., and Prescott, Ariz., through the Worldwide Campus with more than 125 locations in the United States, Europe, Asia and the Middle East, and through online programs. The university is a major research center, seeking solutions to real-world problems in partnership with the aerospace industry, other universities and government agencies.
Companies like these need the support that CTNext provides and we look forward to following their progress as they grow and excel and become our states next generation of job creators. - Glendowlyn Thames, CTNext

CTNext, Connecticuts go-to resource for entrepreneurial support, today announced the winners of last nights Entrepreneur Innovation Awards (EIA), held at The LOFT at Chelsea Piers in Stamford.

Nine finalists, all of whom are Connecticut-based companies and entrepreneurs, presented their innovative project ideas to a panel of judges for an opportunity to secure $10,000 awards to help support business growth. The winners included:



Egghead (Danbury): Developing a new way to package and sell ice cream that brings new revenue to a mature market

Fjord Weather Systems (Wilton): Developing a way to turn every boat on the water into a weather-monitoring system

Lucca Ventures (Southington): Developing a Bluetooth-enabled microphone attachment to a full-face oxygen mask, letting patients communicate clearly while wearing it

Obvia (West Hartford): Manufacturing dual-winglet blades and semi-shroud power upgrade for Sunforce Wind Turbines that will improve efficiency and scalability for the turbines

Obvia also took home the $2,000 Judges Favorite award while Deo2go, a Fairfield-based company creating a topical delivery device that can be filled with a variety of products such as deodorant, lip balms and sunscreen, won the Crowd Favorite award of $2,000.

Last night, the EIA Awards once again provided a forum for some of Connecticuts youngest companies and most innovative entrepreneurs to showcase their promising ideas for new products and services, said Glendowlyn Thames, Executive Director of CTNext. Companies like these need both financial support and the experienced guidance that CTNext provides. We look forward to following the progress of these companies as they grow and excel and become our states next generation of job creators.

Since launching EIA in 2014, CTNext has now held 12 total events in cities and towns all over Connecticut, awarding $588,000 to 56 unique companies.

About CTNext

CTNext is Connecticuts go-to resource for entrepreneurial support. The goal of the program is to build a more robust community of entrepreneurs and to accelerate startup growth by providing access to talent, space, industry expertise, services, skill development and capital to foster innovation and create jobs for people in Connecticut. CTNext launched in 2012 and has more than 1,800 members in its network.

Media Contact:

Greg Kalish

CTNext

1-860-207-8025

gkalish(at)gkcomms(dot)com
This program enables students to train with our expert clinical teams while learning within our hospitals in a real-world environment.

Florida Hospital and Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) have partnered to establish an accelerated BSN nursing program in the Tampa Bay area. Both local and national healthcare organizations are experiencing a shortage of nurses. With the deficiency of qualified nurses and the expanding need for them to help with the aging of the Baby Boomer generation, there has never been a better time to seek a professional career in the nursing field. Two informational sessions and open houses for interested applicants will be held on June 22nd and June 29th from 2:00 P.M.  7:00 P.M. at Hunters Green Country Club located on 18101 Longwater Run Drive in Tampa, Florida. This fast track program can be completed in as little as 17 months, after general education requirements have been met. LMU is now accepting applications for their first class in Fall 2017 and classes will be held at the new extended learning site located at 3102 East 138th Street in Tampa. The site will offer administrative offices, classrooms, study rooms, a skills laboratory and a library to be utilized for training purposes. The class size for the program will range from 24 to 48 students.

LMU prides themselves on being an elite nursing program that produces market ready nurses with unparalleled training that starts graduates off on the right foot in their new profession. LMUs program prepares nurses for the national board exams and recently had an impressive pass rate of 98% for its December 2016 Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) graduates.

Nurses are the foundation of a hospital and at the heart of healthcare. Passionate about helping others, nurses have a rewarding career that creates an opportunity to be an advocate for people in need and make a last impression on their recovery and life. As healthcare becomes more readily available to the public with an aging population and an increase in nurses who are reaching retirement age, the shortage of nurses across the U.S. is a major dilemma in hospitals.

Florida Hospital values this partnership with LMU as they are a leading university in educating future nurses who are ready to be highly successful is this ever-growing field. With over 200 current nursing vacancies across our hospital network, we are in search of individuals who have the desire to provide compassionate care and join the Florida Hospital team. This program enables students to train with our expert clinical teams while learning within our hospitals in a real-world environment. We are glad to assist with their professional development, said Dr. Robin McGuinness, Senior Executive Officer of Patient Outcomes, Florida Hospital, West Florida Division of the Adventist Health System.

Founded in 1897, LMU is a values-based learning community dedicated to providing educational experiences in the liberal arts and professional studies. Its located in Harrogate, Tennessee about 55 miles north of Knoxville and operates extended learning sites throughout Southern Appalachia. LMU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and all programs in the Caylor School of Nursing are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

In addition to the BSN program, LMU will offer its Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) at the Tampa site beginning January 2018. To learn more about LMU nursing degrees, please visit nursing.LMUnet.edu. For more information, call (800) 325-0900 ext. 6324 or stop by the LMU Nursing Information Session on June 22nd and 29th from 2:00  7:00 PM at Hunters Green Country Club.

About Florida Hospital, Adventist Health System, West Florida Division

Florida Hospital, the West Florida Division of Adventist Health System, is a not-for-profit 1,295-bed hospital system composed of 9 hospitals including Florida Hospital Tampa/Florida Hospital Pepin Heart Institute, Florida Hospital Carrollwood, Florida Hospital at Connerton Long Term Acute Care, Florida Hospital North Pinellas, Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel, Florida Hospital Zephyrhills, Florida Hospital Heartland Medical Center Sebring, Florida Hospital Heartland Medical Center Lake Placid and Florida Hospital Wauchula. It also includes a free-standing ER in Palm Harbor. Part of the Adventist Health System, Florida Hospital is a leading health network comprised of 26 hospitals throughout the state. For more information, visit FloridaHospital.com.

About Lincoln Memorial University

Lincoln Memorial University is a values-based learning community dedicated to providing educational experiences in the liberal arts and professional studies. The main campus is located in Harrogate, Tennessee. For more information about the undergraduate and graduate programs available at LMU, contact the Office of Admissions at 423.869.6280 or e-mail at admissions(at)LMUnet(dot)edu.
The New York City Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America honored Calvary Hospital with two 2017 Big Apple Awards for their Torah Restoration project.

On June 12, the Public Relations Society of Americas Big Apple chapter in New York City honored Calvary Hospital with two Big Apple Awards for From Darkness to Light: Restoring Life to a 135-year-old Torah Scroll. The Hospital topped the categories for 1) Community Relations: Campaigns of $150,000 and less and 2) Events & Observances (more than 7 days). Calvarys campaign raised more than $111,000. (Once all restoration expenses were covered, remaining funds have benefitted all patients and families under the Hospitals care).

It took more than a year to restore the historic 135-year-old Torah Scroll. Once all restoration expenses were covered, remaining funds have benefitted all patients and families under the Hospitals care. This scroll is now kosher for use in services and Jewish rituals. This Torah scroll  No. 515 and dating from 1880  is originally from the town of Taus-Domazlice, in what is now known as The Czech Republic. It has been on permanent loan from the Memorial Scrolls Trust in London since 1988.

In 1964, the Westminster Synagogue in London, England, agreed to receive 1,564 Torah scrolls from Prague. They established the Memorial Scrolls Trust to restore the scrolls and distribute them to communities throughout the world. MST Scrolls are currently on permanent loan to more than 1,400 congregations throughout the world. There are an estimated 1,000 in the U.S. alone. The vast majority have been loaned to recipients firmly planted in the Jewish community such as synagogues, camps, yeshivas, day schools and community centers. Calvary's scroll is one of only 20 in the greater New York area today and one of just a handful that have gone to non-Jewish recipients. To learn more about the Trust, visit http://www.memorialscrollstrust.org.

For nearly 120 years, Calvary has always welcomed patients from diverse faiths and religions. Three rabbis at Calvary care for hundreds of Jewish inpatients and home hospice patients each year.

In addition to kosher food upon request, we offer a daily visit from a rabbi, food from an expanded Kosher Hospitality Room, dedicated Shabbos Lounge, Kabbalat Shabbat service, and celebrations of all major holidays.

About the Company:

Since 1899, Calvary Hospital has been the nations only fully accredited acute care specialty hospital devoted exclusively to providing palliative care to adult patients with advanced cancer and other life-limiting illnesses. Each year, thousands of patients receive CalvaryCare throughout the greater New York area. To learn how Calvary can help you and your family, please visit http://www.calvaryhospital.org
I am thankful to have the support of such an outstanding group of employees that has helped Clearent become one of the most well-respected companies in the payments industry.

EY today announced that Founder and CEO Dan Geraty of Clearent, a full-service payment processor and merchant services provider, received the Entrepreneur Of The Year 2017 Award in the Central Midwest. The award recognizes entrepreneurs who are excelling in areas such as innovation, financial performance, and personal commitment to their businesses and communities. Dan was selected by an independent panel of judges, and the award was presented at a black tie gala on June 15 in Kansas City. Watch the video to learn more.

EY has been recognizing leading entrepreneurs for over three decades, said Scott McVicker, Entrepreneur Of The Year Program Co-Director for the Central Midwest. The class of winners in 2017 represents new ways of thinking, disruptive business models, and overall dynamism that make this country a great place to do business.

Receiving the Entrepreneur Of The Year Award is a tremendous honor for the entire Clearent team, said Dan Geraty, CEO of Clearent. I am thankful to have the support of such an outstanding group of employees that has helped Clearent become one of the most well-respected companies in the payments industry. I would also like to thank our board of directors, our partners, investors and my family. They have each played an integral role in Clearents success.

Since 1986, EY has honored entrepreneurs whose ingenuity, spirit of innovation, and discipline have driven their companies success, transformed their industries, and made a positive impact on their communities.

As a Central Midwest award winner, Dan is now eligible for consideration for the Entrepreneur Of The Year 2017 national program. Award winners in several national categories, as well as the Entrepreneur Of The Year National Overall Award winner, will be announced at the Entrepreneur Of The Year National Awards gala in Palm Springs, California, on November 18, 2017. The awards are the culminating event of the Strategic Growth Forum, the nations most prestigious gathering of high-growth, market-leading companies.

About Clearent

Clearent is a full-service, fully integrated payment processor and merchant services provider. Its commitment to honesty and transparency has made it one of the most trusted companies in the payments industry. Clearent has more than 300 employees, 45,000 merchants, and $14 billion in processing volume. Its headquarters are in St. Louis, Missouri and it has offices in West Palm Beach, Florida and Louisville, Kentucky. From traditional point-of-sale terminals, mobile solutions, and tablet-based systems to a custom-built virtual terminal, eCommerce plug-ins, and hosted payments, Clearent can help small business owners securely accept payments just about anywhere. The companys proprietary processing system gives it more flexibility to deliver products that truly help its sales teams and partners stand out from the competition and sign more deals. It also helps the company deliver flexible pricing options, accurate, on-time residuals, and a suite of graphical portfolio management tools that is updated daily. Clearents Next Day Funding service is also unique because of its 11:00 p.m. Eastern cut-off time, which is one of the latest in the industry. The company has consistently been named to several prestigious lists year after year, such as the Inc. 5000 list of fastest growing companies, The Nilson Reports list of top U.S. acquirers, The St. Louis Post-Dispatch Top Workplaces award, and the St. Louis Business Journals list of fastest growing private companies. To learn more, visit clearent.com or call 866.205.4721.

About Entrepreneur Of The Year

Entrepreneur Of The Year, founded by EY, is the worlds most prestigious business awards program for entrepreneurs, chosen from an independent panel of judges including entrepreneurs and prominent leaders from business, finance, and the local community. The program makes a difference through the way it encourages entrepreneurial activity among those with potential and recognizes the contribution of people who inspire others with their vision, leadership, and achievement. As the first and only truly global awards program of its kind, Entrepreneur Of The Year celebrates those who are building and leading successful, growing, and dynamic businesses, recognizing them through regional, national, and global awards programs in more than 145 cities in more than 60 countries. For more information, please visit ey.com/eoy.

Sponsors

Founded and produced by EY, the Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards are nationally sponsored in the U.S. by SAP America, Merrill Corporation and the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. In the Central Midwest, region sponsors include PNC, Lathrop & Gage, and Common Ground Public Relations.

About EYs Growth Markets Network

EYs worldwide Growth Markets Network is dedicated to serving the changing needs of high-growth companies. For more than 30 years, weve helped many of the worlds most dynamic and ambitious companies grow into market leaders. Whether working with international mid-cap companies or early stage, venture-backed businesses, our professionals draw upon their extensive experience, insight, and global resources to help your business succeed. For more information, please visit us at ey.com/sgm or follow news on Twitter @EY_Growth.

About EY

EY is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. The insights and quality services we deliver help build trust and confidence in the capital markets and in economies the world over. We develop outstanding leaders who team to deliver on our promises to all of our stakeholders. In so doing, we play a critical role in building a better working world for our people, for our clients, and for our communities. EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. For more information about our organization, please visit ey.com.
Keen Limousine chauffeur manager John Kamplain We love our Kane County customers and look forward to serving them every day. Its a beautiful part of our state populated with hard-working people who deserve the best. Past News Releases RSS Keen Limousine Owner Marks 10 Years...

Keen Limousine Achieves 2 Million...

Keen Limousine, a sister company of Crown Cars and Limousines located in Elk Grove Village, IL, was recently voted Best Limo Service by Kane County Chronicle Readers Choice Awards for the ninth year. Keen Limousine is the only certified green limousine company in the State of Illinois.

Were so delighted to be voted once again as Best of Kane County, said Matt Paul, who owns Keen Limousine with his wife, Mary. We love our Kane County customers and look forward to serving them every day. Its a beautiful part of our state populated with hard-working people who deserve the best.

Keen Limousine, believes its passengers are the most important cargo. Keen has served Kane, DuPage and Cook Counties for more than 30 years, maintains one of the largest and most immaculate fleets in the area and hires locally in Kane County.

Crown Cars and Limousines is a member of the National Limousine Association, Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau and Illinois Limousine Association. Its owner is also a 2012 Enterprising Woman of the Year winner.

About Keen Limousine

Keen Limousine offers airport, corporate, convention, special event and group transportation. Its drivers are professional and impeccably dressed, its cars are immaculate and they are always on time. Keen Limousine is the closest car service to Chicago Ohare Airport. For more information, please call 800-960-7201 toll free, 847-803-0000 local, or visit https://www.ccllimo.com/keen-limousine/.
Students in the fashion design program at Otis College of Art and Design are front and center in the first season of Disney Design Challenge, a new series for Disney Style. In this challenge, student designers are asked to create clothing lines inspired by Disneys Frozen in the distinctive fashion styles of Los Angeles. The series, which was recently featured on TeenVogue.com, is presented by Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media.

The top three designers in the challenge will debut their final looks at the D23 Expo in a special live episode on July 14. The winners will have their work produced by online retailer Nineteenth Amendment and will receive scholarships towards their final year at Otis College.

Students in the fashion design program at Otis College of Art and Design become educated and practiced in all aspects of the design process as they work towards a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Fashion Design. Each year, students are paired with industry mentors that guide them through the design process of one-of-a-kind garments in couture, sportswear, swim, active wear, costume, and more. Learn more about the program by visiting otis.edu/fashion-design.

ABOUT OTIS COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN

Established in 1918, Otis College of Art and Design offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in a wide variety of visual and applied arts, media, and design. Core programs in liberal arts, business practices, and community-driven projects support the Colleges mission to prepare diverse students to enrich the world through their creativity, skill, and vision.
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Telugu Desam MP JC Diwakar Reddy refused to apologise despite creating ruckus at the Visakhapatnam Airport on Thursday after IndiGo Airlines denied him boarding pass for arriving late. 'Neither I had assaulted anyone nor created nuisance. So, There is no need for issuing an apology,' he said speaking to media persons.



As many as four Airlines imposed a ban on JC Diwakar Reddy on grounds of inappropriate behaviour. From now, The Anantapur MP will be barred from flying in Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet and Jet Airways.



In a span of 3 Months, Two MPs have faced such a ban. Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad faced ban after assaulting an Air India Official. And now, TDP MP JC Diwakar Reddy was included in the no-fly list.



JC Diwakar Reddy is a 6-time MLA. He got elected to Lok Sabha on TDP Ticket in 2014 Polls. Someone like him need to lead by example instead of becoming a disgrace to the party and state.
The US economy looks a lot like the period before the tech bubble. Consumer confidence, business confidence, the yield curve, and the employment picture are all looking eerily similar to 1999.

The Bank of Japan keeps policy on hold. Japan's central bank voted 7 to 2 in favor of keeping its quantitative and qualitative monetary easing in place while holding its key rate unchanged at -0.1% and pledging to buy Japanese government bonds (JGB) so that 10-year JGB yield will remain near zero.

Bitcoin is making a comeback. The cryptocurrency tumbled as much as 18.5% to a low of $2,076 a coin on Thursday amid new concerns over scaling, but has won back virtually all of those losses. Currently, it's trading up more than 6% at $2,510.

The Fed's 4th rate hike could challenge a popular assumption about stocks. Typically the fourth rate hike is bad for stocks, but Nautilus Research says the "

Snap sinks to its IPO price. Snap shares settled at $17 on Thursday, matching the price of its March 1 initial public offering. Shares are now down 37% from their March 3 high.

Sweden's biggest pension fund dumps shares of firms it says breach the Paris climate deal. AP7 has sold its investments in

Goldman Sachs is buying secondhand stakes in private equity. The investment bank's Vintage VII fund has raised more than $7 billion to buy secondhand stakes in private equity, Reuters says, citing two people familiar with the matter.

BHP Billiton has a new chairman. Ken MacKenzie will replaces Jac Nasser, who is leaving the company at the end of August after seven years in the role.

Stock markets around the world are higher. Japan's Nikkei (+0.6%) led the charge in Asia and Britain's FTSE (+0.7%) is out front in Europe. The S&P 500 is set to open higher by 0.2% near 2,438.
According to a draft of an eight-page directive Trump is expected to sign on Friday during an event at Miami's Manuel Artime Theater  named for a leader of the failed Bay of Pigs invasion  the US government will restrict the number of reasons Americans can travel to the island and prohibit financial dealings with companies controlled by the Cuban military.

Americans will not be allowed to spend money in state-run hotels  mainly brand-name hotels  and restaurants linked to the military.

Travelers to Cuba will also be subject to audit by the Treasury Department to make sure their trips are within one of the permitted categories.

People on trips for educational purposes will be required to travel with a guide from a US group sponsoring the trip, according to The Miami Herald, which obtained a draft of the directive. "People-to-people" visits for individual Americans will largely be prohibited.

The effect of the policy changes will likely be to "chill" trips to the island by Americans, a Trump administration aide told Yahoo News.

Commercial flights and cruises will still be allowed to stop in Cuba, and Americans can still send money to the island and rent private properties there, such as ones rented by Airbnb. Diplomatic relations, reestablished by Obama, will remain, as will Obama's revocation of the "wet foot, dry foot" policy that gave Cubans preferential immigration treatment.

The remarks, seen by The Herald and Politico, cite human-rights concerns as justification for the crackdown. And the directive  as well as major backers, including Sen. Marco Rubio and Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart  outlines a desire to support private businesses and citizens.

"If we're going to have more economic engagement with Cuba, it will be with the Cuban people," Rubio told The Herald.

"We also very much want to see that kind of expansion of commercial interaction with Cuba," a senior White House official said. "That's entirely up to Raul Castro to make that happen."

White House officials also said Trump would lay out "very specific benchmarks" for the Cuban government to meet to negotiate with the US, including freeing political prisoners, ensuring free elections, and paying Cuban workers directly.

These new restrictions will burden the US government with the task of policing US travel to the island and of scrutinizing financial transactions there.

And while avenues to visit the long-isolated island will remain, the chill caused by the restrictions on which businesses Americans can patronize while there  as well as by the threat of audit by US authorities and requirements to maintain records of the trip  may in turn hurt Cuban businesses and entrepreneurs who've benefited from the recent opening of relations.

There has been an "acceleration" of some economic activity in Cuba, according to Emily Morris, an associate fellow at the University College London's Institute of the Americas.

This boost has been largely limited to Havana, "and it's heavily concentrated among the people, particularly in the private sector, who are catering to the new influx of US business," Morris said during an Atlantic Council conference call this week.

Moreover, an environment in which Americans are less interested in traveling to Cuba and limited in what they can do there may have negative consequences for the firms and people Trump's directive intends to aid.

"More than half my customers are Americans ... the best tippers," Dionys Diaz, 33, who gives tourists rides along Havana's Malecon esplanade for $25 in a restored pink 1954 Chevy convertible, told The Washington Post.

"Obama's measures have in some ways awakened the hope of entrepreneurs," Enrique Nunez, the owner of La Guarida restaurant in Havana, told ABC 10 in Miami.

Nunez and other business owners in Cuba are concerned that Trump's reversal will limit their access to US dollars, and they see Trump's move as a mistake, since it would restrict the flow of cash to private Cuban businesses, directing it back into the hands of the Cuban military.

Non-Cuban American visitors to the island jumped 74% in 2016, facilitated by the return of commercial flights. The 615,000 visitors from the US in 2016 was a record number for Cuba, though it was still a minority of the island's 4 million visitors.

Though Cuba's overall economy has slowed in recent years, in part because of external factors, the restoration of US-Cuba relations gave a vigor to some on the island that Trump's Cuba policy may dampen.

"It's cultural activity. It's an openness, it's an excitement about the possibilities that could happen," Morris said of happenings in Cuba.

"Now clearly, at the moment, people are worried. People are worried who engage in the activity, and people are worried even who aren't engaged in it but feel that it opened up possibilities for the future," she added. "So there's a kind of nervousness about what happens next."

Trump's directive mainly targets the Grupo de Administracion Empresarial, SA  or GAESA  which is the Cuban military's enterprise for state-controlled businesses.

It is a sprawling conglomerate, and John Kavulich, the president of the US-Cuba Trade and Economic Council, estimated that it controlled as much as 80% of Cuba's tourism industry and 60% of the island's total economy.

Trump's new policy reportedly will direct US government agencies to create regulations limiting US financial dealings with companies connected to the Cuban military.

Trump aides told Yahoo News that exceptions may be carved out for US hotel chains to operate on the island, in effect barring American from using foreign-run hotels. A White House official told Reuters that the policy change was not meant to "disrupt" established business deals with Cuba, like Starwood Hotels' agreement to run a hotel in Havana.

While Trump's order will prohibit financial dealings with such state-run businesses, the restrictions it imposes may still funnel money to the government.

The order "reinstates the requirement for Americans to come only with tour groups, which are, on the Cuban end, controlled by the government," Michael Weissenstein, the Associated Press news director for the Caribbean, said on Twitter, adding that Cuba mandates tours be on state buses with state guides.

"So unless I'm missing something, the effect will be redirecting [money] of tens of thousands of Americans from the Cuban private sector to the Cuban state," Weissenstein said.

The tour requirement was also criticized by Tomas Bilbao, the managing director of Avila Strategies, who led a public-policy campaign before Obama's 2014 opening to Cuba and works on social projects on the island.

"Anyone who has been to Cuba in the last 50 years knows that forcing US travelers to go in tour groups is a guaranteed way to hurt entrepreneurs," Bilbao tweeted.

He added that Cuban Airbnb operators "can't accommodate group tours, forcing tour operators to use Cuban government hotels," and that individual travelers were the "lifeblood of entrepreneurs."

Efforts to enforce restrictions on dealings with the Cuban military's businesses could be further confounded by attempts to obscure those businesses' connections, such as by establishing a new  ostensibly civilian-controlled  holding company in the future.

Moreover, while Trump and those backing the policy change have invoked human-rights concerns to justify it, some human-rights groups have warned that a more hardline policy could benefit the government, empowering hardliners who thrive on contentious relations with the US.

Trump's walk-back of Obama's policies comes after a nearly six-month review. And Trump, who appeared ambivalent about US relations with Cuba in the early part of his campaign, became much harsher in his rhetoric toward the island in the latter stages of his presidential run. That shift did not go unnoticed.

"Obama incentivized entrepreneurship," Dioslans Castillo, a 53-year-old hairdresser in Havana, told the AP. "His visit influenced society because the people saw the so-called opening, despite it happening in slow steps compared to the rhetoric. But with Trump, it's all going to crash."

Obama's opening was not without critics in Cuba, mainly among dissidents who want more pressure on the Castro government than Obama or Trump have applied. Others, after a half-century of tension, are ready for a wholesale change.
These two Ghanaians Charles Ofori Antipem and Michael Afrifa wowed panellists and other participants at the international engineering challenge with their innovations.

Charles Ofori Antipem and Michael Afrifa made it to the competition with a portable science lab in a form of a mathematical set which made them beat eight other pairs of contestants.

READ ALSO: This Ghanaian business woman is taking handwoven raffia bags international

Their portable science lab known as the DEXT Science Set is similar to mathematical set and has basic science experiment tools.

The portable facility has an apparatus to facilitate understanding of science education from the basic level.

The American Society of Mechanical Innovation Showcase contest aims at solving social and environmental issues by establishing the most innovative idea.

Out of 30 finalists who appeared before the judges nine finalists were from Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya and Ghana.

Participants were groomed by engineering experts on access to industry's best practice and contact with a global community of engineering experts.

The two Ghanaians winning the contests make them become part of the Innovative Showcase (ISHOW) alumni network, a global community of hardware innovators.

The highly scalable portable science laboratory by the Ghanaians fits into a bag and can be set up on a students desk.

Reports say due to the impressive nature of the Ghanaian innovation all the judges ended up purchasing one for personal use.

Charles Ofori Antipem is co-founder and representative of the group in Kenya.

According to him, initiative will address the difficulty associated with teaching and learning of science learning at the basic level.

The portable innovation by the two Ghanaians can be scaled to fit into a bag and can be set up on a students desk.

Hardware-led social innovation takes a physical product to market to solve a social or environmental problem, using sustainable business model.

It put emphasis on design and engineering journey of ventures.

They focus on eight themes, including

Water and sanitation, energy, environment as well as food and agriculture are part of the eight themes prioritised by the contest.
LONDON  An app that turns your bookshelves  and your neighbours' book collections  into a single giant lending library. A platform for tutors to teach students online, built by a ex-tutor who used lesson fees to pay his way through university without debt. The world's first "AI-powered best friend."

These are a few of the ambitious (and sometimes pretty out-there) startups being built by ex-Google employees in Europe.

On Tuesday, around 80 investors descended on Google's offices in King's Cross, North London. They were there to be pitched by more than a dozen startups led by "Xooglers"  the term for former Google employees  in the second-ever Xoogler Pitch Day.

Xoogler.co is an increasingly powerful network. Founded two years ago, it now has almost 2,000 members around the world, and claims to be the largest organisation of ex-Googlers, which number an estimated 20,000. The group holds meetups to trade expertise and advice, chats online in a private Slack channel, organises pitch days for members who have started their own businesses, and even directly funds startups via an investment syndicate.

It is now preparing to launched a dedicated app called Xoma that will act as a kind of exclusive social network, connecting Xooglers to opportunities and talent. And its organisers are already setting their sights beyond the Google network.

Google's mission statement is "to organize the world's information and make it universally accessible and useful." Quoting from Xoogler.co's private Slack group, ex-Googler and Pointy CEO Mark Cummins joked on stage: "Xoogler is about organising the world's Xooglers and making them universally accessible and useful."

Everyone has to die one day

Business Insider sat in on the demo day at Google's offices on Tuesday. The 13 startups on show, from London, Berlin, Portugal, Egypt, and more, varied wildly: Some were straightforward consumer propositions, like SimplyJob, an online job marketplace founded in Denmark. Others aim to solve enterprise pain-points, such as Tensorflight: A firm that uses computer vision to analyse aerial photography for insurance firms. And others seemed pretty experimental  take Another.ai, led by an ex-Google product manager-turned-founder who is trying to use AI to build "a trusted and loyal friend who's always there for us." (Scroll down for a full list of all the companies that exhibited.)

What connected them is that they are all early stage startups on the hunt for funding, and see the network of ex-Googlers as a way try and make that happen.

"The network from the ex-Googlers network is amazing, it's genuinely incredible," Education platform Scoodle founder Ismail Jeilani said. "Not just because of the calibre of the people who are here, but also the support network that they provide in the buildup to this."

He said he had spoken to multiple investors following his pitch, and cited the Xoogler network itself as a potential draw to investors  creating a virtuous cycle where ex-Googlers are encouraged to contribute by the promise of rewards, thereby attracting investors and making the rewards for ex-Googlers even more appealing.

"Whenever anyone invests in an ex-Google startup, they also invest in the fact that these guys now have access to tonnes of experience in a lot of different areas."

The former AdWords account strategist says he was motivated to launch Scoodle because of his own mortality. "It sounds quite morbid, but I don't know, life goes really quick. Everyone has to die one day and I don't want live a life [unfulfilled] ... from my own experience, teaching is not just about solving problems for me, but trying my best to solve problems that people are experiencing en masse."

Investors are drawn to the Google brand

There were more than 80 investors at the event, both angels and institutional venture capitalists. Organisations that signed up to attend included Seedcamp, Entrepreneur First, Atomico, Forward Partners, Balderton, and Index Ventures, one of the organisers said. So what draws them to something like this? It's all about the Google brand.

"Google hires super-smart and curious people with strong engineering talent  a promising set of ingredients for entrepreneurs. So I went to see if there were interesting potential future investments," Harry Briggs, an investor at London-based venture capital firm BGF Ventures, said.

"I'm a McKinsey alum and they get lots out of that community  it gives a reason to work at McKinsey (access to the network), and of course gives them sources of future work ... I think it's probably similar for Google: they're trying to say 'come and work here, and look how many great people have worked here and gone on, with our help, to build great businesses'  if that helps them attract great talent, that's a great thing. And of course some of those startups end up being acquired by Google too!"

Arto Kayhko works for Pollen Velocity Capital, a fintech firm that lends cash to startups, and is an ex-Googler himself. He said he attended because of the reputation of the network: "I went to the event because I knew previously and had learned that Xooglers can make a one hell of a companies. They are hard working, talented, and ambitious."

He also cited the power of the network: "What do we get out of it? Connection to the Google innovation tap and also support for marketing, testing and sense of the pulse on whats happening on the markets."

From Moma to Xoma

Alongside the Pitch Days, there is an array of other opportunities available to Xoogler.co members. Monthly drinks offer a chance to network with other ex-Googlers. Its Slack channel provides real-time chat and communication with members around the world. Alongside its pitch events, of which the London one was the second-ever, there's an investment syndicate for funding promising Xoogler-led startups.

It also throws additional events, including panels on VC and artificial intelligence. One panel featuring speakers from Google's buzzy artificial intelligence (AI) lab DeepMind took place the night before the pitch day. Ismail Jeilani, who professes to have "zero experience in that whatsoever," went along to hear from what he called "the best people in the world [in the field]."

Xoogler.co is now stepping its efforts up a notch with the announcement of "Xoma," an exclusive app for ex-Googlers.

Xoma? Think ex-Moma. Google employees have access to "Moma," an intranet system that is part-employee directory, part-internal search engine, part-company info source. Xoma aims to be a similar to Moma  an app that can connect ex-Googlers with others for everything from hiring to funding, providing info on their backgrounds and other useful information.

Zi Wang, an ex-Googler who spent nine years at the company and lives in Mountain View, works on Xoma and cites Google's collaborative culture as part of the reason behind the Xoogler network: "Many of us came here because we have a shared, very similar ideal: How do we actually improve the world through technology?"

But there's also clearly a commercial aspect to it: It's an old-boys-and-girls network of former employees from one of the most powerful companies in the world, often with significant fortunes they're looking to invest ("so much is not what you know it's who you know," Zi Wang said).

"It's a bit of a filter, right, but it's in a good way," the Xoogler said. "It really reduces the opaqueness of 'are you a good founder, is your idea really valid?' ... This is a filter for transparency."

He is among the core team of five or six volunteers helping to develop Xoma, and suggested that in the future, it won't just be limited to Google employees  envisioning it as a kind of next-generation LinkedIn.

"It's not a closed, gated community  'hello, you're a Googler, you're allowed to be in it.' We do intend to go from community to community. So imagine in the foreseeable future, you're at Facebook, Apple, or some other companies that are in the tech industry, you can also create your own community, because why not ... It doesn't have to be just for Googlers. We do intend for this platform to go from company to company and network to network."

But that's not for a year or two yet, at least. For now, it will be just one more benefit in an already-impressive package available to Google alumni.

Decentralised libraries and medical marketplaces

Lastly, here are all the startups who pitched on-stage at the demo day in London, in order of appearance:

Scoodle. An app that connects tutors to their students, letting them answer questions and provide study materials. Its founder, Ismail Jeilani, is an ex-tutor himself, and used the money he made from it to pay his way through university without taking out any loans.

Libro Library. "Chances are you've got books at home taking up valuable space, just collecting dust," founder Juju Rhee said. Libro Library aims to change that, by turning your personal collection and those of people living near you into libraries that anyone can borrow books from.

Fractal Labs. This fintech firm wants to help businesses communicate their financial information with banks, aggregating all the relevant data into one place, with a chat interface.

Misk. Misk is another firm trying to tackle the problem of eating out and recommendations. It does this by creating a feed based entirely on recommendations by your friends and family.

Worksome. Founder Mathias Linnemann bills Worksome as "a marketplace that matches freelance consultants with companies." A recruiting platform, in other words. After five months of running in Denmark, it has 1,000 freelancers on the platform.

Tada Analytics. The clue is in the name: Tada Analytics offers analytics, helping users interpret datasets and visualising results. "We want to make insight discovery fast and easy," said founder and former Google engineer Lewis Hemens.

TensorFlight. Aerial and satellite photography has created huge quantities of data, and TensorFlight aims to analyse it with AI. It currently works with b2b customers including Google and KPMG, and aims to ultimately work with the insurance industry to help evaluate risks and damage in images that could affect quotes and payouts.

Localistico. This startup tries to provide more analytics to companies about offline purchases and improve footfall for local businesses. It is already working with TFI Fridays, Starbucks, and O2.

Junomedical. Junomedical says it tries to find its customers the best healthcare possible  wherever it is in the world. That might mean hopping on a plane, and for that it organises a full package of flights and accommodation where necessary. It works with 70 clinics in 22 countries.

Simply Job. It's a job platform, with a twist  a Tinder-like swiping interface. Users can view potential jobs, then swipe right on the ones they like.

Plytix. One of the more enterprise-focused businesses at the event, Plytix builds a PIM  Product Information Management software  for its customers, which is [IT] promises can help launch new products up to three times faster.

Lynks. "People in emerging markets crave products from the US and China," said Lynks cofounder Alex. "However, for customers abroad shopping for US and Chinese websites is a horrible experience." His startup lets customers place orders smoothly via messaging platforms like Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp, consolidating orders to reduce shipping costs, and even offers returns.
The couple has since been made man and wife by an officiating minister at the Unique Floral Events Centre behind the Ghana International Trade Fair, La, Accra.

The groom was suave in a black shawl lapel tuxedo and a bow tie with his signature ponytail whiles his beautiful brainy bride, Dr Louisa Ansong (now Satekla) rocked a white lace gown with a plunging neckline coupled with a white fascinator.

Friends of the bride who make up her bridal team were also stylish in coral bridesmaids dress with gold fascinators at the event.
Critics have accused Kofi Asamoahs movie of having very striking similarities in concept with Skeem, an Award-winning South African movie.

Director of Skeem, Tim Greene has also joined the bandwagon and accused makers of the movie which made headlines earlier in 2017 as the biggest grossing movie to debut in Ghana in terms of production and premieres as being a copy.

READ ALSO: Why emceeing is now a big business

Tim Greene who was obviously furious over the blatant theft of his intellectual property went on social media to vent his anger. According to Greene, he has never met the Ghanaian director in real life and they have never discussed any issue of copyright neither have they spoken of any adaptation.

This is insane! Turns out Ghanas biggest movie this year is a word-for-word rip-off of our movie 'Skeem.'

Responding to questions from the media over the movie in April, the embattled director said he had permission from the original movies director when they met in South Africa for a film festival.

Tim Greenes team has gone further to write a letter to Kofas Media to inform them of the infringement but the latter is yet to respond.

John and John featured a long list of Ghanaian actors from both side of the divide (Kumawood/Ghallywood) such as Kalybos, Kojo Nkansah (Lil Win), Funny Face, KSM, Maame Dokono, Ahoufe Patri, John Dumelo, James Gardiner, Kobi Rana, Yaw Dabo, Nana Ama McBrown, Salma Mumin, Fella Makafui, Moesha Boduong, Roselyn Ngissah, Selly Gally, Bishop Bernard Nyarko, Zynel Zuh, Umar Krupp with a star appearance from Nigerias Pete Edochie.

Skeem which was released in 2011 is a comedy about two friends who are sent to deliver money to their boss but on the way, they get issues with their car and are unable to find a mechanic thus they decide lodge at a resort. At the resort, they accidentally spill the cash out in the open causing the other guest to see whats in the bag.
The deal was signed at a press announcement held at its office in East Legon, Accra.

Even though Zylofon Media refused to give more details including contract duration, Pulse.com.gh is told the deal will last less than 5 years.

Delivering his acceptance speech, Stonbwoy indicated that he accepted Zylofon Media's contract because it's 'enticing'.

"Sincerely speaking, signing of this nature hardly happen in this country. It's very difficult to have this form of support which can drive artistes, sustain, create more job opportunities and raise artistes to certain level where Ghanaians can be proud of," Stonebwoy said.

The "Come From Far" hitmaker continued: "I am an independent artiste who have been able to work my way to the top.

"I was convinced by the behind the scene works by Zylofon Media in collaboration with my record label, Burniton Music Group. For years, we haven't seen this type of energy and enticing proposal.

Zylofon Media is here to put me into the music (business). Nothing changes -- it's still the same Burniton Music Group," Stonebwoy added.
Appearing before the vetting committee on Friday, 16 June, 2017, Justice Akuffo said touting is against the law and unethical.

Her comments come on the back of the three-year ban slapped on human rights lawyer Fancis-Xavier Sosu by the General Legal Council (GLC).

According to the disciplinary briefing seen by Pulse.com.gh, the lawyer took to Facebook with pictures of the parties and comments on a case to the public with his firms name, address and telephone numbers attached, with the primary motive of personal advertisement and touting.

Touching on the matter during the vetting, Justice Akuffo said: If you want my view on advertising on social media, personally, Im a 67-year-old woman, Ive been at the bar since 1973/74 and I believe that dignity of the bar is important as dignity of the judiciary. And the idea of lawyers touting themselves on social media is personally distasteful to me, but that aside the law is clearly against touting because it is considered an improper conduct on the part of the lawyer. Every profession has its rules.

She said that instead of advertising on social media, the lawyer could have a website and put yourself on your website.
His comments come as Ghana joins the rest of the world to mark the day of the African child today [June 16].

The day has been commemorated since 1991 to honour the memory of the gallant children who were killed by security forces in Soweto, South Africa for protesting to demand their rights to quality education in 1976.

This years celebrations highlight the need for accelerating protection, empowerment and equal opportunity for children in Africa by 2030.

Even though Ghana has made some achievements in terms of the above through interventions such as the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and investments in physical and social infrastructure, Mr Gyamerah tells Pulse.com.gh that the country can do more.

Looking at for instance child labour is on the rise. You will be at the bus stop or station where these commercial vehicles take us to our various destinations, most of the drivers mates are teenagers, children, people who are below 16 years. Little efforts have been done t solve this kind of problem. Also looking at the rise in young people being trafficked to these Gulf countries, when they go there the kind of treatment that their bosses give them...all these come to the realisation that we have a lot to do."

Education

Mr Gyamerah indicated that when you go to the rural communities, you would see that many children are out of school.

"Recently, UNICEF Ghana came out with a finding that about 1.6 million children between the ages of 6-17 are out of school. And all these things you need to pay particular attention to all these things.

Child marriage

Mr Gyamerah blamed the situation on poverty in several communities, particularly, the northern areas, Central and Volta regions.

He said that many children who are passionate of having a decent life are often forced into prostitution because of poverty.

The civil society is doing their best but I think that they are not going deeper because these problems occur in the rural communities but most of their activism is centered in the cities where majority of the children are almost empowered or have some kind of guidance, he said.

So what should be the way forward?

Mr Gyamerah believes that civil society organisations, Ministry of Gender and Children Protection, the Social Welfare departments of the various municipalities and the district assemblies should come together; all hands must be on deck."

He argues that such institutions should not sit in Accra and formulate policies but they should go the grassroots where most of these problems are happening.

The child rights activist further believes that The era of talking has passed. This is the time to go out in our numbers, organise campaigns, meet opinion leaders in these communities.

He also suggested that such Days for children should not always be organised in the regional capitals but should be taken to the rural areas.
Im not one of those who subscribe to [calls that] Ghana School of Law be scrapped, she told the Appointments Committee of Parliament Friday during her vetting.

She explained that the Ghana School of Law is a professional training facilitywhere the theories learnt in classrooms are supposed to be taught from a more practical point of view.

She was speaking during her vetting by the Appointments Committee of Parliament to succeed the retired Chief Justice Georgina Theodora Woode.

She also spoke on advertising by lawyers. She said that she saw it as distasteful for lawyers to advertise on social media.

I Am a 67-year-old woman and I believe that dignity at the bar is as important as dignity at the benchthe idea of lawyers touting themselves on Facebook is distasteful and aside that the law is clear and the law is against touting. Lawyers can have websites but the law doesnt allow for advertising on social media, Justice Akuffo told the committee.

Her comment follows the suspension of one of Ghana's popular Human Rights lawyer Francis Xavier Sosu for advertising on Facebook by the General Legal Council.
Earlier this week, a photo of one of the billboards was shared widely across social media. The billboards had the inscription Welcome to Accra, the Proposed Cleanest City in Africa.

It follows a promise by President Nana Akufo-Addo that by the end of his four-year term, the city of Accra should be the cleanest city on the continent. The president made the comment at a durbar held in his honour in Jamestown.

Many on social media criticised the move as being unnecessary and that the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) needed to be focused on actually getting on the ground to clean up the city.

The billboards emerged around the same time there had been reports of heaps of rubbish being dumped on unapproved sites across the city. It is unclear if the billboards were sponsored by the AMA or by private individuals.
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With a list of luxury retail outlets across Nigeria, Montaigne Place brands portfolio cuts across different categories;

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The contest seeks to recognize the most innovative companies in financial technology focused on remedying social issues related to personal finance. It drew applications from more than 300 firms across the US.

Each winning company is set to receive $250,000 and join the Financial Solutions Lab, which will provide the winners access to mentors and resources with which they can scale their business.

"We are encouraged to see so many talented startups and nonprofits focused on finding truly innovative solutions that can help the 57% of Americans who struggle with financial health," said Jennifer Tescher, CEO and founder of CFSI.

Dave, an app backed by billionaire investor Mark Cuban, is one of the winners. Here are the 2017 winners:

Dave

Dave wants to save people from overdraft fees. The app connects with a user's checking account and forecasts the account's lowest possible balance in seven days based on their spending habits. When a user's forecast dips below zero they are notified so that they can make adjustments to their spending.

Dave also allows users to borrow cash if their balance gets low. Users who have a negative seven-day balance can borrow up to $75 of their coming paycheck to cover expenses.

The company has the financial backing of billionaire investor Mark Cuban.

EverSafe

EverSafe wants its customers to rest easy knowing that their sensitive banking information won't be jeopardized by crypto-criminals. The Maryland-based cybersecurity firm seeks to protect seniors by monitoring their financial behavior and alerting them and designated family members when irregular transactions takes place on their financial accounts.

Alerts can be sent by email, text message, or phone.

Grove

Grove is a San Francisco-based financial-advice platform that pairs technology with people. According to a news release, the firm strives to provide "accessible and affordable" financial plans "within reach for everyone."

To sign up for early access, visit the company's site.

Nova

When an immigrant relocates to the US, their credit score doesn't relocate with them. That can be a problem for those looking to buy a home or establish a line of credit in their new country. Nova, a San Francisco firm, offers a "credit passport" that follows immigrants on their move so that they don't have to start building their score all over again.

Point

Point, a Palo Alto firm, seeks to help homeowners unlock the value of their homes by offering nontraditional home-equity loans and home-equity lines of credit.

"Point buys into a fraction of a consumer's property, paying today for a share of the homes future appreciation," according to a news release.

Point customers are not required to make monthly payments or pay interest on the loan. That said, Point charges users a processing fee of about 3%.

Token Transit

Token Transit is seeking to make commuting, the bane of many people's existence, easier.

It allows users to pay for public-transit passes on its mobile app using a credit, debit, or prepaid card. The firm has established partnerships to "distribute free or subsidized passes to qualifying riders."

Blueprint Income

Blueprint Income, a New York firm, is seeking to build the pension of the future by offering "a simple, pre-determined income stream backed by insurance companies."

Tomorrow
Cuban said one question would determine whether the purchase by the online retail giant was a smart one.

"The Amazon question," Cuban tweeted. "Can they get your groceries to you faster than you can get to the store to shop in an Uber/lyft world? Yes."

Cuban's argument, though forward-looking, is that it would take less time for Amazon to deliver your groceries from a physical Whole Foods location  by drone, van, or whatever  than for you to take an autonomous car owned by a ride-hailing company to a physical store and back.

When asked whether faster grocery delivery like he was envisioning would add value to the world, the "Shark Tank" host replied: "What is more valuable than your time?"
The small office first opened in 2010 and has worked with other countries in order to develop clean energy technology and reduce greenhouse gases.

"Willfully ignoring the climate crisis is recklessly and unnecessarily dangerous for families and communities across the country, and its clear that Trump will stop at nothing to completely isolate the United States and irreparably damage our reputation with the rest of the world, John Coequyt, global climate policy director at the Sierra Club, said in The Hill.
Kushner, the adviser and son-in-law of President Donald Trump, met separately with the Russian ambassador to the US and a Russian businessman in December  interactions that were already under scrutiny as part of the FBI probe.

Sources informed The Post of the financial focus of the investigation.

During the meeting at Trump Tower with the Russian ambassador, Sergey Kislyak, Kushner reportedly floated the possibility of establishing a back-channel line of communication between the Trump transition team and Russia.

The White House has said that Kushner's subsequent meeting with Sergey Gorkov, CEO of Russia's state-owned Vnesheconombank, was unrelated to business matters. But the FBI is looking into whether Gorkov suggested to Kushner that Russian banks could finance the business ventures of Trump's associates if US sanctions were lifted or relaxed.

Kushner attorney Jamie Gorelick pushed back on the report in a statement Thursday evening.

"We do not know what this report refers to," Gorelick said. "It would be standard practice for the Special Counsel to examine financial records to look for anything related to Russia. Mr. Kushner previously volunteered to share with Congress what he knows about Russia-related matters. He will do the same if he is contacted in connection with any other inquiry."

The development marks another expansion of the FBI probe, whose scope had previously been limited to uncovering whether Trump's campaign colluded with the Kremlin during the 2016 election. The Post reported on Wednesday that Mueller was investigating Trump to prove whether the president attempted to obstruct justice.

In an early-morning tweetstorm, Trump blasted the investigation as a "witch hunt" and a "phony story."

"You are witnessing the single greatest WITCH HUNT in American political history - led by some very bad and conflicted people!" Trump said in a tweet.

According to Thursday's Post report, investigators have also been looking into the financial dealings of other Trump associates, including former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn, Trump's former campaign chairman Paul Manafort, and former foreign-policy adviser Carter Page.
Despite reports Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is attempting to bring the bill for a vote before the week-long July 4 recess, there remains no public text of any proposed legislation, and therefore no Congressional Budget Office score. There have also been no public hearings on changes made to the House version of the bill.

While a core group of GOP senators is working on the bill, it appears that not all Senate Republicans even know what could be in it.

McConnell is likely able to keep the bill under wraps until days before a final vote. By all indications that is the path the Republicans will take to try to ensure its passage.

The secretive process has drawn the ire of Democratic lawmakers and activists, who have argued that Republicans attacked Democrats for "backroom deals" on the Affordable Care Act, the law known as Obamacare, despite that bill getting dozens of hearings and hundreds of amendments from both sides.

Even some Republicans aren't happy.

The logic behind it all

Public backlash during the House deliberation on its healthcare legislation, the American Health Care Act, was intense. Lawmakers received a deluge of calls from constituents against the bill. Think tanks and health policy experts  both conservative and liberal  picked the bill apart. Analyses showed the bill would result in higher prices for older and sicker Americans, coverage losses, and a slew of other negative side effects.

The furor increased after the CBO score estimated that 23 million more people would go without insurance under the American Health Care Act by 2026 than under the current system.

Republican leaders in the Senate have sought to avoid similar public fury, while writing its own version of the bill. McConnell can only lose three votes to pass the legislation, so any wavering on the bill by GOP members could doom it.
Love, he said, is a commitment. There will be mornings when the kids are screaming, and the dog needs to be let out, and your partner is hogging the bathroom, and you're not exactly feeling "in love"  and still, you stay with your partner because you've agreed to love them.

It was hardly the most romantic image he could have painted, and maybe that's why it's stuck with me since then. I thought about his words again this week, when I spoke with Pamela Regan, a psychologist at California State University, Los Angeles who studies romantic relationships.

Regan and her colleagues published a paper in 2012 with findings that surprised even them. After comparing Indian-American individuals who were in arranged and love-based marriages, they'd found no difference between the two groups when it came to commitment, love, or marital satisfaction.

Regan was careful to caveat that all participants in her (relatively small) sample were educated and highly assimilated to life in the United States. The same findings might not generalize to people of different socioeconomic status, living in other countries.

But that research helped shape her view on relationships today:

"I think of [relationships] as being on a sea, like waves. They go up; they go down. Things like passion, things like desire, things like romantic love and satisfaction  the good stuff, the positive, the warm fuzzies that we seek to find in our relationship  these things aren't absolutes. They're not there or not. They are more or less, depending upon the day."

It's something that couples in arranged marriages probably understand, she said. Presumably, they don't feel much passion, desire, or romance at all when they first meet their partner  but they know that those feelings can develop.

Indeed, research by the psychologist Robert Epstein and colleagues found that love does grow over time in arranged marriages.

Regan suggested that it's easy to leave or give up on a relationship prematurely. She's not advocating that people stay in unhappy or unfulfilling relationships  there's no shame in calling it quits.

But if you and your partner are having a rough day, or even a rough few months, that doesn't mean there's something wrong with your relationship. It's worth remembering that sea metaphor.

If you hold fast to the belief that, "when I find the right person, I will always be happy; I will feel passionate desire for this person always," she said, you're pretty much "doomed to disappointment because life isn't like that."

Again, it's not the most romantic insight. It's easy to believe that your relationship will be different  the one where the spark doesn't fade over time, as psychologists say it almost always does.

Because arranged marriages tend to be more about the needs of the families than the individuals, Regan said, people generally stay in the relationship.
In the case of Airbnb, it's obviously renting out your house.

But over the last two years, a counter-narrative to the sharing economy has developed. Some people think Airbnb isn't really sharing at all, but just another kind of capitalism where the people who are already rich  homeowners  profit even more, potentially driving up rents in places where there already aren't enough houses.

Airbnb is trying to fight that counter-narrative. In a conference call with reporters on Thursday, global policy chief Chris Lehane said the company was building a "different form of capitalism."

"We're democratising capitalism," he told Business Insider. "We are driving economics for people at the grassroots level, as opposed to people at the top of the supply chain." By that he means that local homeowners are making money from tourists, rather than hotel chains which funnel their money out of the local economy.

Airbnb, he argued, puts money into the hands of locals, and lets people free up capital from things they aren't using.

Business Insider asked if this still counted when a large number of Airbnb properties, particularly in London, appear to be rented out by commercial landlords, according to Inside Airbnb data. That doesn't seem like a democratisation of wealth, exactly.

"It applies whether the beneficiary is renting our their own homes or additional properties," said Lehane. "It's still a different model to what existed before."

He went on to say that Airbnb only represents a small portion of housing stock, and that issues such as London's housing shortage were down to "bigger structural changes".

That's probably true, but Airbnb still decided to limit short-term lets in London at the end of last year to negate accusations that it was making London's housing problems even worse.

Asked by The Financial Times whether these types of measures had had a negative impact on Airbnb's business, Lehane didn't give specific figures, but said the company didn't want to be contributing to the problem.

"But I do think the Airbnb platform is a new thing, and you need a new approach for a new thing," he added. "If you make this too restrictive, people will move on to other [services], particularly where people depend on this for making ends meet."

Airbnb is also fighting the idea that it's "Disneyfying" cities like Florence.

The company will invest 5 million (4.4 million) in local programmes to promote what Lehane described as "healthy tourism"  that is trying to help cities keep their local flavour.
The movie producer and director in a recent interview with BroadWay Africa TV spoke about his life before the incident, his regrets and his plans for the future.

He says he took the offer because he thought he could change his living conditions when he wasnt getting any substantial movie roles, and when he could not afford to feed or house himself and his family.

He also mentioned that although his colleagues abandoned him then for obvious reasons, he doesnt hold it against them as it was a time for him to learn a lesson.
The way operatives of the Lagos State Police Command celebrated the arrest of Evans with gun shots, loud music and merriment showed that they were greatly relieved at the capture of a man who had given them sleepless nights for many years, with successive Commissioners of Police unable to bring him to justice.

However, Evans the billionaire kidnap kingpin is a mirror metaphor to who we are in this country with the way riches, wealth and affluence in celebrated without any question asked.

Evans is not far from a true reflection of who we are in Nigeria because as long as you are rich, live in a big mansion, drive big cars and have money to throw around, no one really cares what you do or how you came about such wealth.

Those condemning Evans today are the same who celebrated him yesterday, worshiped the ground he walked on, sang his praises to high heavens, adore him and wished to be like him.

If he went to church, he would have been made the chairman of the building committee, ordained an elder, inducted into the board of trustees, given a special seat beside the Daddy and used as a preaching point on how to sow seeds and give to the expansion of the work of God.

If Evans was into politics, some politicians would have adopted him as their godfather and financier and when the get elected or rigged into power as the case maybe, Evans would have been on their payroll, given juicy contracts as compensation and consulted before any decision is taken.

Women too are not lost on such men as long as they make and dole out huge money. During the parade of Evans at the police command headquarters, some women were overheard commenting on his handsomeness and fresh look and how he is a clean husband material. That is the kind of society we live in where no one cares how you make your money as long as you make it.

Evans parents too, like most parents in Nigeria, must have indirectly pushed him into the crime world with the pressure they mount on their children to make money like their mates, not minding how the mates made their money.

With Evans arrest, his community, Umudim in the Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State has disowned him, saying he did not invest in the community. If Evans had gone home often and thrown money during festivals and other occasions, he would have been given titles such as Eze Ego 1 [Kingof Money] of Umudim, Ebube Dike [Glorious hero] of Umudim, Ome Lo Ra, [one who does everything for everyone], Uba Zuo Oke of Nnewi [rich and very philanthropic] and the Ome Ego 1 [the man of great wealth] of Umudim.

But according to the Obi of Umudim, Chief Benneth Okafor, Evans was not known in the community because he did not come home and did not invest in the area. This is a clear indication that he was excommunicated because he failed to allow his wealth flow to the people, irrespective of how he got it, legally or illegally.

A visit to the street where Evans had his mansion in the Magodo Phase II GRA also revealed that the residents revered him because he was very rich and lived in great opulence. Some residents who spoke with Pulse said they were surprised that such a wealthy man lived amongst them and never showed his 'true' colour.

Evans was described as a very unassuming and quiet philanthropist who helped people quietly without drawing attention to himself. A security guard in the street said that Evans was the toast of all as he was very friendly and gave out cash whenever he was driving out or coming into the estate and all the security men looked forward to his visit.

A car washer where Evans patronized said that he gave tips like a king while a barber who said he often went to Evans' house for home service narrated how he always longed for his calls because he knew he would get more than he charged.

The journalists who are feasting on Evans' story today would have been the same people to lay siege to his house to try and get interviews on his rise to grace in the hope of getting the ubiquitous brown envelopes in return to a prime place in their publications.

So Nigerians acting surprised as Evans atrocities are being unveiled is just in our character because no one would have dared question him instead, they will flock around him to have a piece of the action.

The likes of Evans are not new in our society as they are a reflection of who we really are. They go to churches to give testimonies we know are not true but we clap and rejoice with them.

There are Evans in all spheres of life in Nigeria today and we do not care as long as they use their ill-gotten wealth to intimidate us.

There are Evans in our political sphere and our youths are very comfortable with being their touts, thugs, and fighters who get themselves killed while their families are comfortably shielded in their palatial mansions in Europe and other parts of the world.

There are Evans in our churches where the GOs suddenly become owners of private jets, Yachts, drive expensive cars and all we say is that our God is not a poor God while the members are among the poorest of the poor.

Their children cannot attend the private schools set up by the religious bodies yet they are the first to attack anyone who questions the atrocities committed by the men of God.

They are quick to quote the Bible to support the fact that you should not touch an anointed of God.

We see civil servants who become owners of stupendous wealth, building massive properties their salaries can ill afford even in a thousand years, but we extol their virtues and call them smart and hold them up as beacons of excellence.

Yet we are all quick to condemn Evans, the billionaire kidnapper because he has been arrested, forgetting there is an Evans in every one of us because his making is a clear reflection of who we really are.
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The prosecutor, Insp. Iliyasu Muhammad, told the court that one Mohammed Sadiku of Tofa Local Government Area, reported the case at Tofa Police Division on May 5.

He said that on May 2 at about 8.30p.m. the accused deceived and lured the complainants nine-year-old daughter into an uncompleted building located in Tofa.

The accused defiled her, which caused her harm, he said.

The offence contravened Section 283 of the Penal Code.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, made this known at the opening ceremony of the 18th ECOWAS Assembly of Health Ministers in Abuja on Friday.

Osinbajo said that access to healthcare remained a significant problem in the region and called for more efforts to control communicable and emerging health challenges in West Africa.

He urged ECOWAS member states to ensure that the region was always prepared and not to be taken unaware by any outbreak of diseases that would lead to colossal loss of lives in the region.

Member states should ensure that no effort is left out in ensuring a resilient health system in the region, stressing that Nigeria remained committed to the aspirations of the regional centre for disease control.

The acting president however noted that key to shortening the journey to a resilient health system in ECOWAS was a greater commitment to the mandate of the regional centre and leverage on technology.

Osinbajo commended the leadership of WAHO for living up to its noble objectives in ensuring a sound health system for the African region.

The Chairman of the Assembly of Health Ministers and Health Minister of Togo, Mr Mustafa Mijiyawa, said the body would consider and review health situation in the region and take decisions to ensure improved health.

Mijiyawa expressed delight that the assembly would adopt the One Health Approach towards combatting diseases and outbreak of epidemics in the region.

He reminded his colleagues that synergy was required to achieve the objectives of the scheme in the region.

The chairman also appealed to Member States and partners to double support for WAHO, assuring that Togo was committed to the ideals of the organisation.

ALSO READ:Are soldiers plotting a coup to unseat acting president

The Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, said Nigeria would provide infrastructural support to the centre.

Adewole said that the WACDC has been well positioned to address regional health emergencies.

He described WAHO as a critical component of ECOWAS which strives to enhance human and capital development as well as healthcare system in the region.

According to him, health should not be seen as a resource consuming sector; but as a sector that contributes to the economic development of every nation.

Adewole urged regional health ministers to strengthen the health system and deliver high impact interventions to enhance economic development in the region.

The minister said the meeting was designed to set out priorities to address the shortage of human resources for health through task shifting, stressing that Nigeria has already adopted a task shifting policy.
The statement was released yesterday, June 15, in retaliation for an eviction order issued by a coalition of northern youths on June 6, warning Igbo residents to leave the northern region or face consequences.

ALSO READ: Northern youths declare war on Igbos

The statement was released after a meeting in Port Harcourt, Rivers state, on Wednesday.

"As a follow-up on our previous press release, a joint meeting between the Coalition of Niger Delta Agitators and youth leaders across the Niger Delta region held today (Thursday) in Port Harcourt to review the state of the Nigerian nation and the position of Niger Delta in the Nigerian state.

"After hours of deliberation; we hereby resolve as follows:

"All northerners living in the Niger Delta have been given three-month notice to quit the Niger Delta before October 1, 2017.

"We still stand by our previous decisions and we demand the immediate return of the oil blocs owned by northerners to Niger Delta people.

"All oil and gas companies operating in oil bloc(s)/well(s) illegally owned by northerners should also vacate such oil blocs/wells/platforms before October 1, 2017.

"We demand an immediate relocation of the NNPC headquarters to the Niger Delta and the replacement of the Group Managing Director of the NNPC with an indigene of the Niger Delta region.

"All offices/boards/agencies that have anything to do with oil and gas should be relocated immediately to the Niger Delta region and all non-Niger Delta directors/staff replaced with Niger Delta indigenes."

The coalition's statement runs counter to Acting President Yemi Osinbajo's call for calm at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Wednesday.

Osinbajo met with Southeast governors and other leaders from the region and urged them not to be tempted into making retaliatory hate speeches to fuel the matter.

"Violence and war are not going to do anyone any good. Wars today hardly ends. No one who has seen the face of wars even on Television who wish it for anyone.

We should not tolerate hate speeches or divisive comments," he said.

The coalition's statement condemned the Federal Government's tame response to the threat, criticising the government's inability to have made any arrest since the statement was issued.

"We condemn in totality the meeting held by the Acting President with some northern elders and youths. We see it as a grand conspiracy.

"A responsible government should have arrested those traitors, but our government rather turned round to meet with them and pleaded for peace; does the Nigerian government see people from other zones as second-class citizens?

"Why are they more important to the Acting President, why is it that the Nigerian law is always weak when it involves the northerners? We are still watching the unfolding events with keen interest.

"We also use this opportunity to advise oil & gas companies in our territory to shut down further operations, PENGASSAN and NUPENG to warn/withdraw their members from Niger Delta before October 1, 2017 or risk their lives. Our next action will surprise you"
"How many Nigerians know that El Zakzaky is actually not in prison custody nor police custody nor DSS custody? El-Zakzaky is in a house with his family, this is the honest truth."

Addressing the government's rejection of court orders to release the cleric, the minister said the government is merely keeping him in protective custody because "nobody wants to accept him as a neighbour".

The minister said, "The court ruled that he will be released after his house has been rebuilt. Nobody wants to accept El-Zakzaky as a neighbor. So we have been able to build a house, where do we release him to."

He also defended the government's action on defying the court order, saying, "If a judgment is given and that judgment is appealed, you cannot accuse the government of violating a court order if the appeal has not been decided."

El-Zakzaky, 64, has been in custody since December 2015 when the Nigerian Army raided his residence in Zaria and killed hundreds of his followers, including three of his sons.
Idris explained that 522 of the children were sponsored to primary school, 452 got scholarship for Junior Secondary education, while 420 of them were given scholarship to attend Senior Secondary schools.

He assured of more of such scholarship to ensure some IDPs children were given opportunity to have their education in spite their condition.

The director-general also commended the Wife of the President, Mrs Aisha Buhari, for giving similar scholarship to the children of IDPs in Abuja.

According to him, the children of IDPs need to be taken care of and ensure that they have sound education because they were part of the future of the country.

Mr Arinze Orakwue, the representative of the Director-General, National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), urged leaders at all levels to work hard to give children of IDPs a better life.
In a statement by the groups spokesman, Emma Powerful, IPOB described Osinbajos meeting as an exercise in futility.

IPOB noted that the Acting President ended up discussing with those who do not belong to any of the groups agitating for the welfare of Igbo people.

The group described the meeting with such few compromised political jobbers' as insult to the sensibilities of Biafrans all over the world.

"With one or two exceptions and with the greatest respect to the attendees to this Nigeria sponsored gathering in Abuja, the so-called South East delegation is in no way representative of the views of the leadership of IPOB worldwide, neither can they claim with any degree of sincerity to be speaking for the masses, the group said.

ALSO READ: Osinbajo breaks silence over eviction threat against Igbos

"Therefore, all Professor Osinbajo has succeeded in achieving with this meeting is to waste scarce resources that could have been channeled towards more useful purposes.

None of those that attended this meeting with Osinbajo gave the order for people to sit at home on May 30th. So we are at a loss to understand the justification for their invitation to the meeting to discuss something they know nothing about.

"Our leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has made it abundantly clear that any discussion or dialogue with Nigerian government that doesn't include an agreement on a referendum date to determine the issue of Biafra once and for all time, is an exercise in futility.
The group made the call in Kaduna while unveiling a new tool kit in Hausa language developed to guide faith leaders preach against early marriage and providing opportunities for adolescent girls to excel in life.

The News Agency of Nigeria [NAN] reports that the event was organised as part of activities to mark the Day of the African Child.

The group said that the government must intervene to delay the time for marriage and allow girls acquire meaningful education.

Tida Leo, the groups Project Officer, called for the domestication of the Child Right Act in the state, to insure the welfare and safety of children, as well as protect them from violence.

The Kaduna State Government, CSOs and other concerned citizens should support institutions to give proper care to children with disabilities and children caught up in violence.

Leo stressed that Muslim and Christian leaders should use scriptural evidence to influence the attitude of their congregation to stop early marriage and allow girls access to educational and empowerment opportunities.

On the tool kits, the project officer said it was developed as a guide for faith leaders to adequately address specific issues that negatively affect the social and economic growth of girls in Northern Nigeria.

She explained that the group had targeted 12 communities in Kaduna State to ensure that faith leaders there use the Hausa tool kits to campaign for better lives for girls.

ALSO READ: Kaduna govt introduces residency card

NAN reports that the tool kit is tagged in Hausa as `Inganta yin zabi da bada dama ga ``yan mata masu matsakaitan shekaru -Kundin aiki ga Shugabannin Addini.

Leo stressed that the main message was to highlight the increasing challenges faced by young girls due to lack of economic empowerment and education.

She stressed that culture had played significant role in denying young girls opportunities to explore their potentials in life, with some forced to abandon school and marry early.
Boroh also the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs made this call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) on Friday in Abuja.

The Presidential aide said, Most of the crises in the country are perpetrated by the youths. Youths constitute the largest in the country;

They play very important role in the progress of the country, and are mostly affected when there is crisis as they are brainwashed into carrying arms to perpetrate violence against their country to what end I dont know, he said.

He said it is a good thing for Nigerian youths to live in peace with one another in order to promote environment conducive for the development of the nation.

The Presidential aide said a meeting was organised to create a synergy between Youths of the Niger Delta Region and Northern Nigeria with the target of uniting Youths from every part of the country.

Boroh called on the youths to preach peace to all their friends and colleagues, urging them to focus on the collective progress and unity of the nation.

He, however, advised all youths to avoid being idle and recommended agriculture as the easiest way to stay occupied and remain self-sufficient.

The Coordinator expressed delight that the delegation of Northern Youths, who is actually the Speaker of the Arewa Youth Parliament, Dr Mulid Bashir, was quick to denounce the recent pronouncement by some Northern Youths, asking citizens from the East to vacate the North before October 1.

According to Boroh, Bashir said the Northern region is fully committed to the unity of Nigeria.

The Medical Doctor/ Parliamentarian asked all to disregard any hate speech from any source, highlighted that all those actions are being sponsored by a very few, who want chaos in the current administration.

He called on his brothers from other regions to join him in spreading the word of peace everywhere, Boroh said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting which took place at the Vice-Presidents mini conference room, lasted for about two hours.

When accosted by State House correspondents, the Emir declined to comment on the outcome of the meeting.

Reports say the Emir was on a Thank You visit to the acting president, who recently joined other well meaning Nigerians to stop the Kano State House of Assembly from its investigation of alleged misappropriation of funds and other infractions levelled against the Emir.

It would be recalled that the House resolved to drop the probe following a plea through a letter by Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano state.

The letter was read by the speaker, Kabiru Rirum, on the floor of the House.

In his letter, Ganduje said he was calling for the investigation to be dropped as a result of interventions by highly-placed personalities in the matter.

According to the letter, the personalities include the acting president, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo; party leaders; former military President Ibrahim Babangida; former head of state Abdulsalami Abubakar; Sultan of Sokoto, Saad Abubakar; and businessmen and indigenes of the state, Aliko Dangote and Aminu Dantata.

NAN gathered that the Emirs visit to the Presidential Villa might be part of the ongoing consultations by the acting president with stakeholders which began with foremost Leaders of thought from the Northern and South East States of the federation.
The minister said he rejected the bribe as a result of his principled objection to corruption over his twenty years of public service.

He said, "My first confrontation with bribe was with a big contractor in Rivers State. After awarding the contract, he brought a billion naira. I screamed.

"I asked, 'Where did you get the money?' and he said from what he got (from the contract) and I said, 'Look, that means you overquoted the contract.'

"I said, 'The only reason you are giving me N1 billion was because if the contract was N32 billion, you made it N37 billion.'

"I have been special assistant to the governor for two years; Speaker, eight years; governor, eight years; minister nearly two yearsthats nearly twenty years.
Recall that the online medium's publisher, Sowore Omoyele, was arrested in January 2017 for criminal defamation, blackmail, and threatening Fatodu's life.

Addressing the crowd during the protest, Fatodu said it had become absolutely necessary to raise serious awareness on the danger of fake news which he said was not only bad for the health of the nation but also troubling for the well-being of the populace.

"It should be very well stated that this is the first anti-fake, anti-blackmail and cyberbullying campaign in Nigeria. And there's no better time to speak in loud voice on the grave danger of the trend of fake news than this critical moment.

"If you notice, countries of the West that are well advanced are disturbed by this and are working on how to hinder the advancement of the ugly phenomenon.

"Therefore we in this part of the developing world should be more worried. And we don't need to wait for the government on how to tackle this dangerous development. Consequences of fake news are as bad for the health of the nation as they are bad for the general well-being of the populace.

"Also, this location which is part of the route for this walk is symbolic because the building we are looking at 13B Isaac John GRA Ikeja is the office of Sahara Reporters, the headquarters of fake news in Nigeria which is run by the most notorious blackmailer in the history of Nigeria, Sowore Omoyele. It was inside that building I got Sowore arrested in January and the case is still in Panti police station.

"I've written to Governor Ambode on the criminality that goes on in this property. Interestingly, the respected Nobel Laureate, Profesor Wole Soyinka had also warned that Sowore should toe the path of rectitude because now that his address is known he can easily be picked up when he commits any wrongful acts.

"I'm leading this critical discussion because I'm a lucky survivor of Sowore's malicious fake news, criminal blackmail and violence. So I believe with this effort we can attract more critical stakeholders to join the conversation and save many other innocent souls from destructive news peddlers, and thereby deepen peace and order in the society".
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Friday, Benson said that there was need for anti-corruption agencies to be meticulous to avoid waste of public funds.

The call stemmed from the failure of the Federal Governments anti-corruption agencies to establish a case against President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, over alleged false declaration of assets.

The lawmaker condemned media trials against accused persons, and advised anti-graft agencies to always prepare its witnesses before proceeding on any prosecution.

People should not be tried on the pages of newspaper; a case is as good as its preparation."

You need to prepare, you need to speak to lawyers and you need to tutor your witnesses appropriately so that when they speak or are cross examined in the dock, their statements should be good enough to cause a conviction, he said.

The Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) sitting in Abuja on Wednesday discharged and acquitted Saraki in the 18-count charge of false declaration of assets brought against him by the Federal Government in September, 2015.

The tribunal held that the evidence brought against Saraki lacked verifiable value and was unreliable to hold the charges against the defendant.

In his ruling, Chairman of the tribunal, Mr Danladi Umar, said that the prosecution, at the close of the case, failed to establish a prima facie case against the defendant.
The state Commissioner for Water Resources, Mr Tengi Tubonah, disclosed this during a meeting on technical assistance for the implementation of water component of the Niger Delta Support Programme (NDSP) organised by the state government.

According to him, the government is doing everything possible to ensure that potable water was provided to all communities in the state.

The commissioner described EU as a transparent organisation, adding that only competent companies would be allowed to tender for the water project job in the state.

The Programme Manager, Water and Sanitation, European Union delegation, Abuja, Mr Yakubu Ogwuchi, explained that the tendering of jobs was not only for Nigerian companies but for competent ones over the world.

He said his organisation wanted credible companies to bid for jobs in order to ensure that contracts executed meet specified standard.

ALSO READ: Governor Seriake Dickson urges NDDC to develop Niger Delta

The Director, International Cooperation, Ministry of Budget and National Planning, Abuja, Mr Sam Eloho, stressed the essentials of water to the society.

Safe drinking water will be provided by the EU in collaboration with the Bayelsa government.
El-Zakzaky and the former National Security Adviser, Colonel Sambo Dasuki have remained in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) despite court orders for their relases.

Speaking at a protest in Abuja, the Shiite members called for the immediate release of their leader who according to them is in need of urgent medical attention.

The group dismissed comments by Presidential spokesman, Garba Shehu that El-Zazkazy was hale and hearty.

The group noted that there are no good medical facilities in Nigeria.

The Shiite members also debunked Federal Governments claims that they had spent N5 million on El-Zakzakys health.

It would be recalled that the DSS detained Sheik El-Zazkazy once claimed that he is being kept in a protective custody and according to their lawyer, it was the DSS responsibility to provide him protection, spokesman of the group, A.I Ahmed told .

They further claimed that they have spent 5 million on El-Zakzakys health.

ALSO READ: Shiite leader marks 66th birthday in detention

Later on, we found out that those claims were false. With these frequent, strategic lies on El-Zakzakys health, how can we trust DSS, Garba Shehu or the government?

It is a known fact that the federal government spent about $1 billion on oversea treatment for government officials.

In April 2016, President Muhammadu Buhari announced that the government would no longer sponsor public officials on oversea treatment. Today, President Muhammadu Buhari is in London for medication.

This is to show that there are no good medical facilities in the country. So, why deny El-Zakzaky access to well-equipped medical facilities in any country of his choice?

The continuous detention of Sheik El-Zakzaky, his wife and others is a violation of their fundamental human rights, Ahmed added.

The group said they would continue to demand the unconditional release of the leader.

Meanwhile, the minister of information and culture, Lai Mohammed says El-Zakzaky is not in prison.
The Chief of Party of UNICEF, Bauchi office, Mr Abdullahi Kaikai disclosed this on Friday while briefing newsmen to celebrate the 2017 Day for the African Child in Bauchi.

He said that the establishment was in collaboration with the Bauchi State Universal Basic Education aimed at empowering girls with knowledge, skills and confidence needed to enroll and remain in school.

Kaikai said that UNICEF would also ensure that one million additional girls were enrolled into schools under the Girls Education Project, Phase 3 (GEP3).

The G4G will empower girls with information and knowledge to help build their capacity to stand up for themselves."

UNICEF is also working closely with the Bauchi state government under the GEP3 to ensure that one million girls are enrolled in school across the state."

It is well known that when you educate a girl, you educate a nation, he said.

He called on states such as Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Jigawa, Plateau and Taraba to send all their children to school, especially the girls.

Speaking on the child protection, Kaikai said one of the ways the states will ensure protection for the child is by domesticating the Nigeria Child Rights Law, he said.

He said that out of the 12 states that were yet to domesticate the law, four  Bauchi, Adamawa, Jigawa and Gombe, all from the Bauchi Field office were yet to domesticate the law.

Kaikai said that from January to June, UNICEF had committed 20 million dollars to the states under the Bauchi office in various women and children activities.

He called on all states under the Bauchi office to make policies to enact laws that would protect the rights of the children.
Amb. Martin Cobham, Nigerias Acting High Commissioner in South Africa, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on telephone from Pretoria that the mission was on top of the situation.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Nigeria Union in South Africa had accused two communities in that country of ordering Nigerians residing within their territories to vacate.

Nigerias Acting High Commissioner in South Africa said that he had engaged in processes to nip in the bud whatever crisis or situation that could affect the welfare of Nigerians living in South Africa.

I engaged the union leader who has given me the graphic details of what happened.

In view of that I have engaged with the authorities here to bring in the community, the police and the Nigerians living there for a meeting so as to prevent any mayhem.

On Monday I am going to dispatch our officials to the Northern Cape Province to engage in a meeting with the local police and the community for a tripartite meeting, he said.

The High Commissioner said that he would also meet with the authority to ensure that instruction was given to the police not to allow any outbreak of violence.

All we are trying to ensure is to nip in the bud any breakdown of law and order or anything that could lead to violence.

So we in the embassy are on top of the situation. And I am engaging the union leader and my office is equally engaging the South African Foreign Ministry on the issue.

So I believe with this measure we will be able to contain all these excesses, he said.

ALSO READ:Nigerians ordered out of South African communities

The President of the union, Mr Ikechukwu Anyene, had alleged that the Kuruman community in Northern Cape Province also gave Nigerians till Friday, June 16 to leave.

Anyene also said that the Klaafontein community, Extension 5, Johannesburg, directed landlords not to renew the rent of Nigerians in the community.
This was disclosed by the union's president, Ikechukwu Anyene, on Wednesday when he said Kuruman community gave Nigerians living in the area an ultimatum to vacate the area before Thursday, June 15, 2017, accusing them of being drug traders.

He also said a directive was issued to landlords in Johannesburg's Klaafontein community to not renew the rents of Nigerian residents in the area.

Addressing the issue, he said, "The Nigeria union held series of meetings with the affected communities as well as police and local authorities on the recent threats to Nigerians.

"We have also written reports on these incidents and sent to the Nigerian Mission and the South African police.

"We recommended interventions before the June 16 deadline to the mission and we are waiting for their response. The union is worried that any incident involving non -South Africans are attributed to Nigerians.

"The union believes that the Early Warning Unit set up by Nigerian and South African governments has not been effective. We are yet to have any meeting since the ministers of the two countries met.
According to the recently appointed Executive Director of the NFVCB, Alhaji Adedayo Thomas, the reconstituted task force is one of the mandates given to him by President Muhammadu Buhari, aimed at revitalizing the dying dreams of the founding fathers of the Nollywood, whose shear efforts brought the sector to phenomenal limelight, but have so far recorded pains as a result of the sabotaging works of unlicensed movies.

Thomas explained that the policy objectives of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) of the Buhari administration is to increase film production by 15 percent on an annual basis, export videos to generate USD1 billion in foreign exchange by 2020 and improve enforcement of intellectual property rights for artistic works produced in Nigeria.

The need to enforce intellectual property rights in the film industry is expected to help curb illegal activities and revitalize the industry.

We have therefore selected men and women of impeccable character, cutting across various interests in the industry, thoroughbred professionals who have immensely contributed to the sector, and who know exactly where the shoe pinches, Thomas added.

Led by Thomas, the task force also includes Eddie Ugboma, Dele Balogun, Igwe Gab Okoye, Hajia Aisha Alilu, Mallam Malik Awah, Saint Obi, Norbert Ajaegbu and Olatunji Ojetola.

The task force is expected to work closely with members of the Police, National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and other relevant agencies to achieve results.

They are also expected to specifically look into issues regarding proliferation of unclassified or unapproved movies, Influx of foreign movies dubbed in indigenous languages, and movie distribution by unlicensed agents.
The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) has fixed July 22 for the chairmanship and councillorship elections in the 20 local governments and 37 local council development areas.

Adesanya, in a statement in Lagos on Friday, urged party leaders to always abide by the partys constitution on the conduct of primary elections.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the APC chairmanship primaries in the local government polls on Saturday, May 27, ended abruptly following violence over alleged imposition of candidates by party leaders.

Those against the imposition of aspirants refused to accept the imposition, while the Chairman of the Elections Committee, Sen. Tokunbo Afikuyomi, was attacked by some supporters.

Adesanya said:It is unfortunate that the primaries conducted by our party, APC, in the third tier of government in Lagos State ended in fiasco.

It is important to note, now, that Nigerians are more aware, informed and educated about their civic and democratic duties.

Failure to allow things to take the normal course, resulted in this current situation APC is experiencing in Lagos State.

It is high time, leaders of our party in Lagos State, stopped the culture of imposing candidates in the party politics. Internal democracy should be allowed to thrive in our party.

Adesanya advised APC in other states to emulate and take a cue from the success recorded in the Ondo State Governorship Primary held on Sept. 3, 2016.

It was free, fair and transparent in the history of governorship primaries in Nigeria.

Although, there were attempts to impose candidate from the Lagos chapter of APC, but we all resisted it and at the end, the most popular candidate emerged.

The openness of the primary resulted to the landslide victory of our candidate at the governorship poll on Nov. 26, 2016 which the opposition parties could not even challenge at the Elections Petition Tribunal.
To call someone a birdbrain may very well prove to be a compliment someday in the near future, rather than a pejorative.

Thats one of the takeaways you could get when you read Helena author Jim Robbins latest book, The Wonder of Birds: What They Tell Us About Ourselves, the World, and a Better Future.

Robbins will hold a book signing from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 17, at Montana Book & Toy Co., 331 N. Last Chance Gulch.

Birds tell us something about our connection to nature or our lack of connection to nature, said Robbins in an interview this week over coffee at The Merc.

They also tell us about the health of our world if we are willing to listen.

Robbins book shares not only the miraculous world of birds, but also some of the fascinating and provocative bird research happening in the world today -- much of it right here in Montana.

Montana has more top researchers than any place but Cornell, Robbins said.

And what theyre finding gives the reader a whole new admiration for whats going on inside a birds brain and body.

Interestingly enough, even bird experts are finding facts and insights in Robbins book that surprise them.

As one reviewer notes, the book is a well timed gift: a portrait of the quiet miracles around us each day of our ordinary lives.

One wonder is how we take these feathery creatures for granted, instead of seeing them for what they are -- the dinosaurs that made it.

Todays dinosaur survivors evolved over the past 65 million years into such diverse species as hummingbirds, bald eagles and penguins.

Turkeys and chickens, it turns out, are genetically the closest dinosaur relatives.

One of the miracles Robbins shares is that of the Calliope hummingbird, which is the size of two paperclips, yet it annually migrates nearly 3,000 miles from the northern United States to the Gulf of Mexico.

It flies nearly 30 miles per hour, writes Robbins, and on the way dodges rain drops and hurricane-force headwinds.

The little birds are incomparably and exquisitely light and fast, and maneuverable, able to fly upside down and backwards and  gather as much as 12 times their own body weight in sugary nectar each day.

No other bird comes close to being able to fly like a hummingbird, Robbins quotes Missoula researcher Bret Tobalske, who directs the University of Montana Flight Laboratory in Missoula.

The reader trails along with Robbins into laboratories and the field.

One of these trips is to the Flight Lab, where researcher Ken Dial explores the evolution of flight -- how dinosaurs evolved to have wings.

It was video footage of chukar chicks scuttling up steep sides of hay bales using stubby little wings for climbing that opened Dials eyes to how short and seemingly useless wings on dinosaurs evolved for flight.

In another chapter, Robbins hikes up fire-scarred Black Mountain with retired UM ecologist Dick Hutto listening for the black-backed woodpecker that evolved on these crispy landscapes.

After a big fire is when the magic happens, Hutto tells Robbins.

Burn areas are nurseries for biodiversity, said Robbins. And the black-backed woodpecker is a sentinel that the postfire magic is at work.

A bird tells you in a very simple way that everything is OK from Canada to Mexico, Hutto said, but people need to listen.

Because of birds charisma and beauty, they attract millions of birdwatchers who alert researchers when a warbler that usually shows up in their yard a certain time of year doesnt, Hutto said. That can indicate something has gone wrong, such as habitat destruction.

Helenan Bob Martinka, a retired wildlife biologist, is one of tens of thousands of birdwatchers from around the world who help monitor birds.

He volunteers a few days a week, taking his spotting scope to area lakes, prairies and even dumps and reports the birds he sees to Cornell Universitys Ornithology Lab.

The data he and others provide is crunched and creates a very large picture of what birds around the world are doing and in what numbers, writes Robbins.

The info is provided on an eBird phone app that aggregates the observations of millions of bird watchers.

In the story of acclaimed Montana owl researcher Denver Holt, Robbins shares the amazing transformative powers birds can have on humans.

Holt was a teenage book thief, partier and troublemaker who happened to like to party in the woods.

Through a fortuitous accident, a Massachusetts Audubon member discovered his party fort and invited him to come work for her. She gave him binoculars and a bird guide and took him to see peregrine falcons.

Birds began to take over his life, he tells Robbins.

Along the way, Holt wound up at the University of Montana, where he became captivated with owls.

These guys are just so cool, just so cool, Holt told Robbins. They became his lifetime work for the past four decades.

Despite his vast bird knowledge, Holts grades at UM were too lousy for him to get into graduate school.

So he started his own Owl Research Institute in Charlo, and hes now considered one of the premier owl researchers in the world.

Robbins recounts how birds also transformed the life of Rodney V. Stotts, a Washington, D.C., crack dealer who admits he would now be dead or in prison.

Instead, hes known as Bird Man.

Stotts was one of a group of tough kids on an Earth Conservation Corps clean-up of the Anacostia River in Washington, D.C. It would lead to a bald eagle reintroduction project and eventually the youths learning falconry.

Stotts became a falconer.

Whenever something tough was going on in my personal life, I got a bird and walked, he said. I found that it really gave me some clarity, I had time to think.

Fascinating stories and factoids abound on every page.

Among them, the transformation of researchers beliefs. They used to think that birds are not as smart as us.

Now, theyre finding birds dont have an inferior brain, said Robbins, its just different.

And some researchers are looking at birds consciousness or what some call megamind that could be operating between thousands of birds that come together in flocks to take flight and to migrate.

Theres a lot of undiscovered aspects of birds, said Robbins. The theme of this book is how little we know about all this. Theres so much in the natural world thats unrecognized ... its really remarkable how little we know about the world.
The partnership is also aimed at evolving the procedural environment controlling business incorporation. By leveraging advancements in cloud technology, MITI hopes to expand the scope of government-to-investor services in Nigeria, creating an agile and investment-friendly environment in the process.

Our partnership with Microsoft is designed to drive business model innovations, which will transform the delivery of services to current and prospective investors in Nigeria, says the Okechukwu Enelamah, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, in a statement.

The objective is to deliver self-provisioned, expedient and technology-driven services to the highly-valued constituencies of investors that we are mandated and keen to serve.

The partnership will tap into the portfolio of resources made available through Microsofts 4Afrika initiative to drive digital transformation and improve Nigerias Ease of Doing Business ranking. The World Bank ranking currently puts Nigeria at 169 out of 190 economies.

The Africa Open4Business programme helps to tackle one of the main challenges deterring investors: A lack of credible and timely investment-related information. By helping MITI modernise and digitise this information, we will enable MITI to engage with investors on a frequent and timely basis, to increase investment levels and, ultimately, the pace of job creation, says Hakeen Adeniji-Adele, Public Sector Director at Microsoft Nigeria.

Speaking on the partnership, Azza El Shinnawy, Director of Government Solutions, Microsoft Africa Initiatives, says, By integrating cloud technology, we will be able to cut down both the time and costs investors spend to incorporate and maintain their businesses in Nigeria. Cloud technology will also help MITI proactively communicate opportunities to a global community of investors, expanding investment horizons and showing that Nigeria is indeed open for business.

Nigeria is notoriously difficult to do business in and it is a problem that has served to be a hindrance to local and foreign investors looking to do business in the country. While this partnership may greatly improve the situation, there really isnt no telling what the immediate impact is going to be.
They made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sideline of the 2017 Cyber World Conference in Abuja.

Mr Felix Idowu, the Chief Executive Officer of Cyber World Conference, said there was high rate of crime on the internet.

Idowu emphasised the need for government, stakeholders and all well meaning Nigerians to unite in the fight against cyber crime.

We need to unite and make people feel the spirit of this campaign against cyber crime because it will go a long way to reduce cyber criminality in our country and the world in general."

There is the absolute need for all stakeholders to come together and fight cyber crime; when we unite and have a common focus, we will excel, Idowu said.

He said that the essence of the Cyber World Conference was to attained global networking and combating cyber crimes across the world.

According to him, the only way to overcome cyber crime in the country is for all stakeholders to network and fight as a team.

Similarly, Sen. Olabiyi Durojaiyi, the Chairman, Governing Board of Nigerian Communications Commission said Cyber crime had become a global issue.

The fourth republic senator, who represented Ogun East in the Nigerian Senate between 1999 and 2003, explained that cyber crimes had negative effects on government, businesses and individuals.

A more recent event in which breach of cyber security can harm a government is the serious allegation that the November 2016 U.S election might have been breach of cyber security."

Lets call attention to last year loss of 100 million dollars to the Central Bank of Bangladesh; fortunately, a good part of the fund was traced to another country."

Careless exposure of individuals 10 digit account number, ATM pin and others information can lead to the disappearance of ones life savings in the blinking of an eye, he said.

Durojaiyi called on experts from the insurance, banking, information technology sectors and other relevant stakeholders to find a common ground to unite to fight cyber crimes and bullies.
"Drones mean innovation, new services for citizens, new business models and a huge potential for economic growth," EU Transport Minister Violeta Bulc said.

"We need the EU to be in the driving seat and have a safe drone services market up and running by 2019," she said in a statement.

"The EU needs to take a leading role worldwide in developing the right framework for this market to flourish, by unleashing the benefits for key economic sectors."

The idea is to build a system similar to that of Air Traffic Management for manned aviation, that would supply information to allow drones to fly safely and avoid obstacles or collisions.

The aim is to have the regulatory framework functioning by 2019, with basic services like registration and e-identification.

The European Commission said it hopes negotiations involving the European Parliament and 28 member states will be completed by the end of the year as a key part of the process.

Drones can be used to deliver services in urban areas, collect data for a wide range of industries, inspect infrastructure, and aid farming.

The Commission cited estimates that the drone services market could grow up to 127 billion euros in the next few years.

Current common European rules only cover drones weighing above 150 kilograms (330 pounds).

The demand for regulation is increasing with the rising use of drones and the risk of collisions.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA), which sets global standards for the aviation industry, counted 856 cases worldwide between January 2013 and August 2015 of a drone getting too close to a plane for comfort.

There have been no collisions to date, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) reported in February.

According to IATA, 65 countries currently have rules for the use of small drones.

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is trying to establish a global framework for the future use of drones.
He was speaking after a public meeting and discussion with Colombia's Foreign Minister Maria Holguin.

Under a historic peace agreement signed last year with the Colombian government to end a half-century of war, the FARC had to surrender their weapons to the UN mission in Colombia before the end of May. That deadline was postponed to June 20 due to logistical problems.

After first delivering 30 percent of their weapons on June 7, the guerrillas were expected to hand in another 30 percent by Wednesday, with the rest due by June 20.

But a UN mission in Colombia said it had to date only received about 40 percent, and not the 60 percent expected.

Holguin nevertheless said she was confident the FARC would deliver.

"I think the FARC will fulfil that commitment," she said, acknowledging the logistical problems posed by the disarmament process.

"These are facts that make the process of peace" credible, she said.

The Colombian conflict erupted in 1964 when the FARC and the ELN -- a smaller rebel group -- took up arms for rural land rights.

The violence 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.

Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos was honoured with the 2016 Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo due to his efforts to end the conflict.
Valdez, 50, was shot a dozen times in broad daylight on May 15 outside the offices of Riodoce, the newspaper he co-founded in the violent western state of Sinaloa.

A veteran crime reporter, award-winning author and longtime AFP contributor, he is the highest-profile journalist yet to be murdered in Mexico, where more than 100 of his colleagues have been killed since 2000.

The crime drew international outcry and forced President Enrique Pena Nieto to publicly address the issue for the first time.

But one month on, Valdez's colleagues are unimpressed by the results of the president's promises to fight impunity, in a country where more than 90 percent of these cases remain unpunished.

One journalist pulled an ambush protest on Pena Nieto as he delivered a speech to media executives on his government's commitment to a free press.

"Enough bloodshed," read a banner held up by journalist Alvaro Delgado of the newsweekly Proceso.

Hundreds of journalists and activists held protest marches in Sinaloa's capital, Culiacan, and Mexico City's historic center. Smaller protests were held in several other cities around the country.

In Mexico City, protesters carried pictures of murdered and missing journalists and read out the long list of their names.

One group unfurled a large Mexican flag with the green and red replaced by black. Its insignia read: "The state is dead."

'There is no government here'

The investigation into Valdez's death shows little progress.

Speaking at the protest in Culiacan, Valdez's widow, Griselda Triana, voiced outrage at the authorities' "incompetence."

"The few times they've approached me to tell me about their progress on the case, the truth is that you can tell they're useless," she said.

"I ask myself if I haven't crossed paths with Javier's murderers this month in the street," she told reporters.

"I'm afraid, more for my (three) children than myself, because they're in a very vulnerable situation now and you realize that in reality there is no government, no authority here."

State prosecutors initially said they were investigating the case as an auto robbery, before acknowledging Valdez's journalism was the likely motive.

"There is evidence, there are clues," lead prosecutor Ricardo Sanchez insisted Wednesday in an interview with the radio station Formula, declining to give further details because the investigation remains open.

But the government sowed doubts about the investigation when it offered an $85,000 reward Tuesday for tips on the case.

"It seems to me a pretty poor sign that investigators... have to resort to such archaic methods, as if this were the Wild West," Riodoce's editor in chief, Ismael Bojorquez, told journalists.

Cartel war

Valdez had recently been reporting on a war between rival factions of the powerful Sinaloa drug cartel since its boss, Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, was extradited to the United States in January.

Colleagues at Riodoce suspect he may have been killed in retaliation for an interview he published with the head of one faction, Damaso Lopez Nunez, who is battling El Chapo's sons for control of the cartel.

Valdez was at least the fifth reporter killed this year. Another, Salvador Adame, the head of a local TV station in the state of Michoacan, has been missing since gunmen abducted him on May 18.

Mexico is the world's third-deadliest country for journalists, after Syria and Afghanistan, according to the watchdog group Reporters Without Borders.

Many of the victims were reporting on the country's multi-billion-dollar drug cartels, rampant government corruption, or both.
Thomas Thabane's All Basotho Convention (ABC) party won snap elections on June 3 but failed to get an outright majority, leading it to negotiate joint rule with the Alliance of Democrats (AD), Basotho National Party (BNP) and Reformed Congress of Lesotho (RCL).

But his inauguration was marred by the murder of his estranged wife Lipolelo, 58, who was gunned down on Wednesday night in a village near the capital Maseru.

Thabane's new coalition government comes into office with the hope of ending the political uncertainty of party splits and fragile coalitions that have long dogged the mountain kingdom.

He said it was disturbing that Lesotho was increasingly becoming notorious for its failed governments and that it was time to change.

"I sincerely hope that political reforms will bring stability in Lesotho and ensure that Lesotho governments last for a normal five-year term," he said in his inaugural speech.

The new alliance replaces the government of Pakalitha Mosisili, a seven-party coalition plagued by infighting and corruption.

'Senseless killing'

Mosisili's government was toppled in March and elections triggered after opposition parties called a vote of no-confidence which he lost.

The Thabane-led alliance won 63 of the 120 seats in parliament, while outgoing Mosisili's Democratic Congress (DC) scored just 30.

At the ceremony, which was held inside a stadium in Maseru, Thabane thanked his predecessor "for facilitating the smooth transfer of power" and said the two would "remain friends forever."

Thabane, 78, previously served as premier of this nation of two million people after the 2012 elections but was forced to flee to South Africa following an attempted military coup two years later.

In his speech, Thabane commented for the first time on the killing of his estranged wife.

"I am mourning her death, and the senseless killing of people like this... is one of many challenges that I am faced with as a new prime minister," he said.

The gunning down of Thabane's wife just two days before he took office created a sense of confusion in the tiny poverty-stricken country which is completely surrounded by South Africa.

'Becoming a lawful country'

Thabane secured victory just four months after his return from South Africa where he fled in August 2014 claiming there was an army plot to kill him.

He only returned after the removal of army chief Tlali Kamoli who led the putsch.

Thabane's supporters had earlier booed the outgoing premier Mosisili and the country's security chiefs as they separately entered the 40,000-seater stadium which was filled to capacity.

Known as Africa's Switzerland because of its mountainous scenery, Lesotho has a long history of political instability having suffered coups in 1986 and 1991.

"Let's all support this government to create an enabling environment for Lesotho to become a lawful country," said Thabane.

"We can also achieve this through a national unity and reconciliation dialogue."

The investiture was attended by Zambia's President Edgar Lungu, South Africas Vice President Cyril Ramaphosa and Swaziland Prime Minister Barnabas Dlamini.

Lungu described democracy as an expensive exercise.
The prosecutor said putschist soldiers forced the presidency's secretary general Fahri Kasirga into an ambulance and took him to the Akinci airbase in Ankara, where the coup was believed to have been organised.

Eighteen of the suspects were sentenced to aggravated life imprisonment, while the other five were given life sentences, Anadolu said.

An aggravated life term is a life sentence but with tougher terms of detention. It was brought in to replace the death penalty which Turkey abolished in 2004 as part of its drive to join the EU.

Two other soldiers were acquitted in the trial.

Colonel Muhsin Kutsi Baris, a former commander with the presidential guard regiment, was sentenced to 12 years in jail for "depriving (Kasirga of his) freedom through abduction", the agency added.

The ruling comes after the main coup trial opened on May 22 of more than 220 suspects, including over two dozen former Turkish generals, accused of being among the ringleaders of the failed putsch.

Turkey blames the attempted July 15 coup on the US-based Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen, a claim he strongly denies. Gulen is one of the 221 suspects named in the main case.

Several trials are being held across Turkey to judge those accused of coup involvement in what is the biggest legal process of the country's modern history.

Verdicts have already been handed down in coup trials in parts the country but this was the first in Ankara where some of the most important trials are being held.

Over 50,000 people from the public sector including academics, judges, prosecutors, soldiers and police officers have been arrested over alleged links to Gulen.
A statement issued by the PMs office, said "The package of support I'm announcing today is to give the victims the immediate support they need to care for themselves and for loved ones. We will continue to look at what more needs to be done."
MISSOULA -- For some high school students, setting foot on a college campus after graduation seems as likely as sprouting wings and flying to the moon.

A college campus can be huge. Some days, 10,000 people are running around the University of Montana, a greater population than some cities in Montana.

"We may not think that that's very big, but it's intimidating to go over there for kids who don't have those kinds of experiences, who don't have parents who have gone to college," said Bonnie Fergerson, a school counselor for Missoula County Public Schools.

It means a lot of paperwork and clunky acronyms.

What is a FAFSA, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid? How do you fill it out?

If you get a loan, where does the money go?

"Oftentimes, college is a huge bureaucracy, and how do you manage that?" said Twila Old Coyote, who runs Upward Bound at UM. Upward Bound is a federally funded program offering services that help students with lower incomes get college degrees.

National campaigns have put a spotlight on college affordability, and many students in Montana struggle to pay for school despite the state's efforts to keep tuition low. However, educators and students say cost isn't the only barrier, especially for people whose parents didn't earn college degrees.

Kevin Ritchlin, a principal for the district, said there's much work to be done to build the bridge for students going from high school to college. For many teens, college is a new and markedly different phase of life.

"We have an obligation to help them understand that that's the world they'll be entering," Ritchlin said.

***

Professionals help at the high school and college level, but students still fall through the cracks, especially after they enter their sophomore year. And it isn't necessarily cheap to help.

High school counselors host FAFSA nights to help students and parents fill out financial aid applications, and take students to career fairs that expose them to new possibilities. They try to present students the option of trade schools and even help navigate the indecision about higher education in general and majors they might pursue.

Vanessa Gibson, a counselor at Big Sky High School, said the high cost of college coupled with a lack of clarity about what academic track a student wants to follow sometimes mars the way forward.

"If they don't know clearly what they want to do and see that pathway really clearly, I think a lot of them are really struggling to make that financial commitment," Gibson said.

Counselor Fergerson said sometimes high school students just need help stepping outside their comfort zone. On their own, they might not even set foot on a college campus.

"I sense a reluctance to make that first step," Fergerson said.

***

At UM, a couple of federal TRiO programs help students navigate the uncertain path to  and through  college.

Upward Bound enrolls students as early as right after they complete eighth grade, and serves as their road map to college, Old Coyote said. They get academic advising and help filling out college and scholarship applications.

In the summer, students  including many whose parents never earned college degrees  spend six weeks on campus for a residential academic program.

They get high school credit, and maybe more importantly, they begin to feel comfortable and at home on a college campus. They develop friendships with peers who will be on campus and relationships with program staff.

"I think the biggest thing our students get from our program is self-confidence," Old Coyote said. "They never thought that college was possible."

Upward Bound enrolls students who come from families with low incomes or whose parents didn't earn degrees  or both. In 50 years, the program counts more than 3,000 high school students helped.

Its services bring up students who are "middle of the road," Old Coyote said. Those students may sit in the back of the classroom and may not have 4.0 grade point averages, but they demonstrate academic potential.

Upward Bound counts measurable success: More than 95 percent of its students graduate from high school. Some 75 percent of its seniors go to college right after high school compared to just 24 percent of low-income and first-generation students in the U.S.

***

But TRiO programs aren't cheap, and they receive only federal funds. This year, those funds are in jeopardy, although U.S. Sens. Jon Tester and Steve Daines have been advocating for them, Tester as co-chair of the congressional TRiO caucus.

Upward Bound's average cost per student is $4,293 a year, largely because of a residential component that brings students to UM for six weeks over the summer, according to UM. The program also offers tours of other campuses and recreational opportunities the students might not have access to otherwise, like rafting trips.

TRiO Student Support Services costs $1,448 per student on average, said Darlene Samson, who directs TRiO SSS.

The state does not support either program, and Samson said the efforts don't appear to be high on the radar at the UM Foundation either.

"We always want to be at the forefront of the foundation for donors, but we're not," Samson said. "I don't know how we can change that."

She credited the Grizzly Riders International for funding TRiO's popular book loan program since 2008, and she said the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation and Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund have supported it as well.

***

The guidance TRiO and Upward Bound offer is available to a limited number of students. TRiO is funded to serve 375 students a year, and Upward Bound serves 55 in the summer and 72 during the academic year.

In college, TRiO students are retained from their freshman to sophomore years at a high level, some 84 percent, Samson said. But the college graduation rate for TRiO students mirrors the 36 percent rate of lower income students who graduate within six years from four-year schools in the Montana University System.

Tiffany Matthews, who will be a junior at UM in the fall, credits Upward Bound and TRiO with her ability to secure scholarships and go to college, but she sees many students get frustrated and leave.

"They come in straight from high school, and they don't know how to use Cyberbear (UM's main online access tool for students) or how to apply for classes or where to talk to their counselors," Matthews said.

She tries to help when she sees her peers struggling, and TRiO offers workshops that orient students to some of the new programs they'll encounter on campus. But the bureaucracy can feel impenetrable.

"There are so many people who just give up because they don't know how to navigate the system," Matthews said.

***

Across the Montana University System, though, retention is a priority. UM's retention after one year has averaged 73 percent for first-time full-time freshmen from 2005 to 2015, somewhat lower than the average for four-year schools in the system of 76 percent.

At 84 percent, students with TRiO have a higher retention rate from their freshman to sophomore year, but Samson said UM loses students somewhere in the "murky middle." She said financial reasons play a big role, but so do difficult situations at home.

Some students want to change majors but don't want to incur more debt, and some are primary caretakers for disabled family members and need to return home. Some need to help parents with substance abuse, and some who grew up in poverty even battle a social stigma against a college degree  "You're trying to be better than someone else."

Samson said some students just aren't academically prepared.

Those students coming from outside Missoula have yet another hurdle, and that's the lack of personal relationships, said Topher Williams, who graduated from UM this year. He didn't know too many people when he first moved to Missoula, and it took time to develop a circle of mentors and friends. He values them.

"If you're a new student on campus, and you don't have family that can help support you, you don't know anyone here, and you're trying to do it all on your own, I don't even see how that's possible," Williams said.

Sunday: How other schools with a greater success in graduating students, and keeping them out of debt, approach higher education
MOLINE  The bicyclist killed in a Friday morning crash in Moline has been identified as Leland S. Debord, of Milan, according to Rock Island County Coroner Brian Gustafson.

The 26-year-old man was killed when he was struck by a vehicle around 6 a.m. on the Interstate 74 overpass at Interstate 280 in Moline.

Officers were called to the scene at 6:22 a.m. and found a battered bicycle leaning against the sidewall of I-74, according to a press release from the Moline Police Department.

The rider had been thrown over the rail and sidewall as a result of the collision and landed in traffic on I-280 below.

Mr. Gustafson said the cyclist was pronounced dead at 7:05 a.m., and an autopsy has been scheduled for Monday, June 19.

"It's not a hit-and-run," clarified Det. Scott Williams of the Moline Police Department. All parties involved in the crash have been identified, according to the press release.

Investigations of the death and the crash are ongoing, and more information will be released at a later date.

The Moline Police Department was assisted by the Coal Valley Police, the Rock Island Sheriff's Department, Illinois State Police, Milan Police, and Illinois Department of Transportation.
GENEVA, Ill. (AP)  A suburban Chicago man has been sentenced to 45 years in prison for sexually assaulting a foster child.

The Kane County state's attorney's office says Noel F. Buhay of Sugar Grove was convicted in March of three felony counts of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child.

Prosecutors say the 49-year-old Buhay repeatedly assaulted the child between January and May of 2004. The victim was younger than 12 years old at the time of the assaults, which happened at Buhay's home.

Prosecutors say Buhay must serve at least 85 percent of his 45-year sentence. He also was ordered to pay the victim $35,000 in restitution.

Prosecutors say Buhay is facing trial on 27 counts of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child and other offenses related to a second victim.
WASHINGTON (AP)  Police in the U.S. capital issued arrest warrants Thursday for a dozen Turkish security agents accused of attacking protesters during a visit by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan last month, prompting an angry denunciation by Turkey's leader and creating a new spat between the NATO allies.

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said the charges "send a clear message that the United States does not tolerate individuals who use intimidation and violence to stifle freedom of speech and legitimate political expression."

He said the State Department would work with police and legal authorities as the cases progress and decide on additional steps when that process is complete. Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert declined to say what actions might be taken, but the U.S. could seek the extradition of the Turkish suspects or bar them from entering the United States.

Tillerson's comment came shortly after District of Columbia Police Chief Peter Newsham and Mayor Muriel Bowser announced that arrest warrants had been issued for nine Turkish security guards, three Turkish police officers and two Canadians. Newsham urged those being sought and some still unidentified to surrender, speaking a day after two other people were arrested in the case.

The melee has become a major irritant in U.S.-Turkish ties and the charges appeared to escalate the situation Thursday.

Speaking at a dinner to break the Ramadan fast in Ankara, Erdogan asked, "What kind of a law is this?" Referring to his security detail, he said, "If they are not going to protect me, why would I bring them with me to America?"

Erdogan said the protesters were members of an outlawed Kurdish militant group and the U.S. police failed to act. He vowed to fight the decision on legal and political grounds.

Relations were severely strained even before the melee, which came as Erdogan arrived May 16 at the Turkish ambassador's residence after a White House meeting with President Donald Trump. Newsham said video showed security guards and some Erdogan supporters attacking a small group of protesters. Nine people were hurt.

"We all saw the violence that was perpetrated against the protesters," Newsham said. "We're not going to tolerate this."

He said many were being sought on assault charges, and other counts.

Erdogan's security detail returned with him to Turkey after his visit, so it was unclear if any would face any immediate U.S. legal repercussions. However, they could end up being threatened with arrest if they return to the U.S. If any are still in the country, they could be expelled if Turkey refuses to waive diplomatic immunity.

"They should bring themselves here to the United States to answer these charges," Newsham said.

Upon learning of the charges, Turkey's Foreign Ministry summoned John Boss, the U.S. ambassador to Turkey, to issue a protest.

The ministry said in a statement that the decision to charge the agents was "wrong, biased and lacks legal basis" and that the melee was actually the fault of U.S. law enforcement that failed to take necessary security steps. It also accused U.S. authorities of roughing up Erdogan's security detail.

"It has been emphasized that the decision, which clearly was not taken as a result of an impartial and independent investigation, is unacceptable," the ministry said.

Newsham recounted how video near the residence showed some people attacking protesters with their fists and feet. Men in dark suits and others were recorded repeatedly kicking one woman as she lay curled on a sidewalk. A man with a bullhorn was repeatedly kicked in the face. After officers struggled to protect the protesters and ordered the men in suits to retreat, several of the men dodged the officers and ran into a park to continue the attacks.

Bowser said the nation's capital is a frequent protest venue but police insist those be peaceful. "We make sure they are safe, but we also make sure they follow our laws," she said. "And certainly anyone traveling to the United States will be held to that standard."

Rep. Ed Royce of California, Republican chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said Thursday he was encouraged by the police action.

"The violent attacks by Turkish security forces on peaceful protesters in Washington were completely and totally unjustified," Royce said. "Now, the State Department should double down on efforts to help bring these individuals to justice."

Police displayed photos at the news conference of those sought, urging the public to help find some still unidentified.

Turkey has claimed the demonstrators were associated with the PKK, which has waged a three-decade-long insurgency against Turkey and is considered a terrorist group by the United States. Newsham said Thursday there was no indication that the protesters were part of a terrorist group.

"In Washington, D.C., we do not care particularly what your views are, what you support or what you do not support," Newsham said. "Our goal as a government, as a police department, is making sure you can do it safely."
SALT LAKE CITY (AP)  Polygamous sect leader Lyle Jeffs was captured in South Dakota following nearly a year on the run after he pawned two pairs of pliers and provided a real identification card, authorities and the pawn shop owner said.

The suspicious pawn shop employee notified the owner that Jeffs was wanted by the FBI, who learned more about him online and alerted authorities.

Jeffs was alone near a lakeside marina and hours away from a compound in the state run by his polygamous group when an off duty police detective spotted a pickup truck Thursday that a tipster told police Jeffs had been driving, said Eric Barnhart, FBI Special Agent in Charge for the Salt Lake City Division.

Jeffs complied with officers when he was arrested Wednesday at a lakeside marina near the small town of Yankton in the southeastern corner of South Dakota, Barnhart said. Authorities believe he had been in that area for the last two weeks and was living out of his pickup truck.

Authorities had been hunting for Jeffs since he escaped home confinement in Utah on June 18, 2016, ahead of his trial in an alleged multimillion-dollar food stamp fraud scheme.

The events leading to Jeffs' capture started Tuesday when he went to the River City Treasures and Pawn shop and sold two pairs of Leatherman pliers for $37 and provided his ID, owner Kevin Haug said in an interview.

A store employee notified Haug that Jeffs was wanted by the FBI after Jeffs had left the store. Haug called police in Yankton and said he provided officers with store video and pawn paperwork.

Jeffs also visited the store last week and tried to sell a tool but the store did not buy them that time and Jeffs did not identify himself during the earlier visit. Jeffs during his first visit was fidgeting, seemed nervous and was "acting like a freak," Haug said.

Barnhart declined comment on whether Haug was the tipster credited with helping authorities capture Jeffs, but Yankton County Chief Deputy Sheriff Michael Rothschadl said authorities looked for Jeffs in the area because of the pawn shop tip.

The FBI had issued a $50,000 reward for information leading to Jeffs' arrest and Barnhart said the agency is working to determine if the unidentified tipster will get paid.

Barnhart said investigators believe Jeffs was running out resources and not getting much help from members of the sect. He said investigators are still trying to determine Jeffs' movements for the rest of the time he was missing and declined to discuss other tips received by agents.

Jeffs will likely face at least one new felony charge connected to his time on the run, U.S. Attorney for Utah John Huber said.

Jeffs was stopped in Yankton after using a bathroom as he drove at a marina-resort next to picturesque Lewis and Clark lake that marks the border of South Dakota and Nebraska, Rothschadl said.

Jeffs' group, known as the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, is based in a small community on the Utah-Arizona border. Members of the sect believe polygamy brings exaltation in heaven. The group is an offshoot of mainstream Mormonism, which disavowed polygamy more than 100 years ago.

The group also has a small compound in far west South Dakota that was established more than a decade ago. Known to the faithful as "R23," the compound sits along a gravel road, secluded by tall pine trees, a privacy fence and a guard tower. Barnhart said it is unclear if Jeffs spent any time there.

In a federal court appearance Thursday in Sioux Falls, Jeffs waived a detention hearing until he returns to Utah in coming days to face the pending food stamp fraud charges, said Melodie Rydalch, spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorney's Office in Utah.

Jeffs became a fugitive the weekend of June 18-19, 2016 when he slipped off his GPS ankle monitor using olive oil or another lubricant and fled from a Salt Lake City house where he was on supervised home release, authorities have said. Jeffs and 10 others from the sect were charged with fraud and money laundering in a multimillion dollar food stamp fraud scheme.

Prosecutors accused Jeffs and other sect leaders of instructing followers to buy items with their food stamp cards and give them to a church warehouse where leaders decided how to distribute products to followers.

Food stamps were also cashed at sect-owned stores without the users getting anything in return and the money was then diverted to front companies and used to pay thousands for a tractor, truck and other items, prosecutors have said.

The defendants denied wrongdoing and said they were sharing food as part of their communal living practices.

Jeffs was the last of the defendants in the food stamp fraud case still behind bars when U.S. District Judge Ted Stewart reversed an earlier decision and granted his release on June 9. Prosecutors argued Jeffs was a flight risk.

"You have those times when you don't want to say, 'I told you so,' but that's kind of where we're at," Huber said. "We had very serious concerns."

While Jeffs was a fugitive, nine of the 10 other people charged in the high-profile February 2016 bust accepted plea deals. Charges against one man were dismissed.

Federal prosecutors will be under pressure from critics of the sect who believe federal prosecutors went too easy on the other defendants, many of whom did not serve jail time.

Sam Brower, a private investigator who has researched the sect for years said he fears prosecutors will strike a deal with Lyle Jeffs and miss the opportunity to send a message.

"Members of the hierarchy feel that they are untouchable because of what they did with the rest of them," Brower said. "They feel god protected them."

Huber said authorities always considered Jeffs the lead defendant in the case and said he will be treated differently.
BELMAR, N.J. (AP)  The search for two missing swimmers off Atlantic City was suspended by the Coast Guard on Friday, as a 12-year-old girl remained on life support following a separate swimming accident in Belmar that killed her cousin.

Both incidents on Thursday involved young swimmers entering the water after lifeguards had left for the day.

The Coast Guard said it suspended its search at 11 a.m. Friday for 15-year-old Ramon Quinn, of Pleasantville, and 16-year-old Kaliyah Hand of Atlantic City.

Atlantic City Mayor Don Guardian said lifeguards had gone home for the day before the teens entered the water. Police said Quinn was trying to rescue Hand when both were pulled under by the strong current.

"We would like to extend our sympathies to the families and loved ones affected during this very difficult time," said Capt. Benjamin Cooper, commander of the Coast Guard's Delaware Bay sector.

In Belmar, a 13-year-old died and her 12-year-old cousin was on life-support after they were found floating face-down Thursday night, Belmar Mayor Matt Doherty said. The girls' names were not immediately released. Both attended the town's elementary school, where grief counselors were on hand Friday for the last day of classes.

In Belmar, lifeguards were to begin full-time staffing of the beaches Monday, once school let out for the summer and students were available to work as lifeguards, the mayor said. Several were on the beach Thursday, although they had left by the time the girls went into the water.

JeanMarie Ceravolo-Schulman, who lives in neighboring Wall Township, told nj.com she spotted one of the girls in the surf, pulled her out and tried unsuccessfully to revive her.

"I kept saying, 'come on baby girl, come on baby girl," she said. "It's heart-wrenching."

Doherty said the surviving girl, a fifth grader, remained on life support Friday.

"They're just sweet girls who are willing to help other children," Belmar schools Superintendent David R. Hallman said. "So it's just a difficult time right now."

It is rare for someone to drown on a beach protected by lifeguards. The majority of drowning deaths at the New Jersey shore occur after-hours or on unguarded beaches, where lifeguards are not present.
What Sen. Steve Daines and his supporters are calling important legislation to protect the U.S. flag, others have labeled a dangerous attempt to restrict free speech by scaling back the First Amendment.

On Flag Day Wednesday, the Montana Republican introduced legislation that would change the U.S. Constitution to give Congress authority to prohibit the physical desecration of the flag of the United States. A constitutional amendment would be required because the Supreme Court ruled on 5-4 votes in 1989 and again in 1990 that desecrating the flag is a form of free speech protected by the First Amendment.

Congress has considered similar amendments in the past, the latest failing in the Senate in 2006.

The American flag has been a symbol of hope and freedom for centuries and ought to be respected, Daines said. Our nations flag must be set apart as a protected symbol worthy of honor.

Daines staff noted that his proposed amendment is supported by the American Legion of Montana, the Department of Montana Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Citizens Flag Alliance.

It is long past time that the flag of the United States be protected from desecration. The American Legion of Montana applauds Senator Daines effort to protect the flag, reads a statement from the organization.

Gene Policinski, chief operating officer of the Newseum Institute and its First Amendment Center in Washington, D.C., argued it would be more patriotic for the senator to work to preserve the free speech rights enshrined in the Constitution.

I think its more patriotic to say we will allow free speech even to the point where some idiot desecrates a flag, because we believe in free speech, he said, adding that he finds flag desecration to be repugnant.

Caitlin Borgmann, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Montana, said its ironic that Sen. Daines would appeal to freedom in an attempt to water down the right to free expression.

Our democratic tradition is to tolerate all forms of peaceful expression even if they make us uncomfortable, she said, adding that people should exercise their free speech rights to condemn flag desecration instead of trying to ban it altogether.

Its very hard to craft restrictions on speech that dont have unintended consequences, she said.

Daines staff said the senator does not consider flag desecration to be a form of peaceful expression. They said his amendment would not limit anyones right to expression, but distinguish flag desecration as conduct not protected by the Constitution.

The senators staff noted that Congress already bans many other forms of conduct through criminal law. They also said Daines agrees with former Chief Justice William Rehnquist, who dissented with the Supreme Courts 1989 ruling on flag desecration, arguing the flag is not simply another idea or point of view competing for recognition in the marketplace of ideas.

Policinski raised concerns about the enforcement of the proposed amendment, noting that the desecration issue first came up because images of the flag were being used on commercial products. The U.S. Flag Code states the flag should never be used for any advertising purposes, embroidered on items such as cushions or handkerchiefs, or printed on anything designed for temporary use and discarded.

Think of all the products that display the American flag. Think of all the car dealerships that have huge flags flying over them, he said. Think of all the clothing that has a flag stitched on it. Is a flag on the back pocket of your jeans going to be OK while youre standing up, but if you sit down, do you violate the law?

Daines staff said the amendment would only prohibit flag desecration as outlined in a Supreme Court ruling that held it connotes disrespectful treatment of the flag and suggests a focus on those acts likely to damage the flags symbolic value.

Montana's Republican Congressman-elect Greg Gianforte said he would support the amendment introduced by Daines.

The American flag is a symbol of liberty and freedom. It serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for Americans and people all across the world. It defines us as a nation and honors all those who gave their lives defending our nation. There isnt a more powerful symbol in the world and Congress has a responsibility to protect the American flag from desecration," he said.

In the past, Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., has introduced legislation that would criminalize the burning or desecration of an American flag specifically to incite violence. But his staff noted there is bipartisan opposition to legislation that would broadly prohibit flag desecration, as proposed by Daines.

"I find the burning of the American flag disgusting and offensive, but I swore an oath to uphold the Constitution and protect our First Amendment freedoms from the government," he said.
G'day! It's Murray here. I've put together a little quiz to test your musical knowledge. Think you can score top marks in Murray's Magic Music Quiz? Give it a go now!
AssetsCo will be responsible for designing, building, financing and maintaining the rolling stock, as well as designing, building, financing, operating and maintaining all rail assets including track, power supply, signalling and telecommunications. It will also coordinate network capacity for operation and maintenance purposes.

The briefing will be open to qualified entities and will enable MyHSR and LTA to explain key features of the project, as well as indicative AssetsCo tender parameters and technical specifications. It will also provide an opportunity for dialogue between MyHSR, LTA and the industry, the two partners say.

The 350km Kuala Lumpur - Singapore line will serve eight stations, cutting travel times between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur to 1h 30min. The line will be completed by the end of 2026.

For detailed information on high-speed rail projects, subscribe to IRJ Pro.
BOZEMAN  Montana's incoming congressman called for civility in politics on Friday, four days after his conviction for assaulting a reporter who asked him a question about health care.

Gianforte spoke to The Associated Press at his Bozeman home in his first national interview since winning the May 25 special congressional election.

The Republican technology entrepreneur has largely stayed away from the public eye since assaulting Guardian reporter Ben Jacobs on the eve of the election until he pleaded guilty Monday to the misdemeanor charge.

Gianforte will be sworn in by House Speaker Paul Ryan on Wednesday, and he is keenly aware he will carry with him for a while the distinction of being the congressman who beat up the reporter.

"I think you can never erase history," Gianforte said. "I can't erase it, but I did do everything in my power once the event was over to take responsibility."

But he is eager to put the episode behind him, and he is now adding his voice to the growing chorus calling for better political discourse.

Gianforte said there is an obligation for members of Congress to ratchet down the vitriol in politics, especially after this week's shooting of Rep. Steve Scalise during a Republican congressional baseball practice by a man who volunteered for Bernie Sanders' Democratic presidential campaign.

"I believe that good things can come out of bad," he said. "It's important to make sure we reach out to all parties and hear their voice. I think the other parties have an obligation, as well, to be respectful and in that dialogue."

Jacobs said Gianforte body slammed him to the ground and broke his glasses after the reporter asked him a question about the health care bill that had recently passed the U.S. House. Audio taken by Jacobs recorded the sounds of a scuffle followed by Gianforte yelling, "Get the hell out of here!"

Gianforte was ordered to pay a fine, perform community service and take anger management training. But he received no jail time. He also avoided a civil lawsuit by writing a letter of apology to Jacobs and donating $50,000 to the Committee to Protect Journalists.

Gianforte refused to answer questions about the attack and why his campaign initially released a statement painting Jacobs as the instigator, which contradicted witness accounts, Gianforte's own apology letter and the criminal charge to which he eventually pleaded guilty.

Instead, he repeated nine times over the course of Friday's half-hour interview that he had taken responsibility and wanted to move on.

"I have addressed the issue," Gianforte said. "I think I've been very clear, I've taken full responsibility. I'm not proud of what happened that evening, but I have accepted full responsibility and both Ben and I, and I think the people of Montana, want us to move on."

This will be Gianforte's first political office after he failed in his bid to oust incumbent Democratic Gov. Steve Bullock last fall.

Gianforte, who sold the software company he founded to Oracle for $1.8 billion in 2011, has been politically active by giving generously to conservative and religious causes.

The assault on Jacobs happened too late in the campaign to affect the outcome of the special election, but Gianforte has already filed to run for re-election for the seat next year. He has until then to accomplish enough in Congress as a fervent supporter of President Donald Trump to shake the notoriety he now carries.

Gianforte is fighting a judge's order that he submit to being booked and photographed like other defendants, which would produce a mug shot ripe for use by political opponents. Asked about that Friday, Gianforte declined to comment.

"I think Montanans are good, honest folks," he said of his political prospects. "I've been elected to do a job, and I'm going to go do the job. And in '18, Montanans will decide who they want to represent them."
Five of the vehicles, which have a maximum axleload of 18 tonnes, were ordered for the Valle dAosta region in May 2015. Development and construction of the vehicles took just over two years.

The unveiling was attended by Dr Pierluigi Marquis, president of the Valle dAosta regional council, and Mr Peter Jenelten, vice-president of marketing and sales at Stadler.

The bi-mode Flirt is equipped with an accessible power module, which houses the two Deutz V8 diesel engines, the fuel tank, and additional drive equipment. The 66.8m-long train has a maximum speed of 160km/h under electric power and 140km/h in diesel mode.

The first train will begin commercial operations on the Aosta - Turin line in May 2018.
As a perfect scene does not a great movie make, ideal legislation cannot deliver its intent absent proficient administration.

Although Senate Commerce Committee Chairman John Thune (R-S.D.) harvested bi-partisan support for the 2015 captive-shipper advocated Surface Transportation Board Reauthorization Act, a key element lies fallowincreasing the current three members to five to allow any two to exchange viewpoints prior to decision-making without violating government-in-sunshine rules.

The law demands more expeditious completion of pending proceedings, plus greater accountability, effectiveness, efficiency and transparency in adjudicating freight rate and service complaints, and crafting related methodologies. Yet 18 months since passage, with the new seats still vacant, stakeholders are experiencing a waiting for Godot with major rulemakings held in abeyance.

If funding was why, Thune solved the problem with a successful written plea to appropriators to boost the STBs annual budget.

His more difficult challenge is to overcome political patronage that periodically catapults fakers and the marginally qualified into crucial regulatory posts. While Thune advocates White House nominations of genuinely qualified new STB members, there disturbingly lurks concern that President Trump will repay political debts with nominees beholden to special interests.

Thune, the third-highest-ranking Senate Republican and chair of the committee before which STB nominees must demonstrate their legitimacy, is a first line of defense. He said he expects the first new appointments to the expanded Board will bring to the job a wealth of knowledge in railroad policy and economics along with a zeal for streamlining proceedings and proactive problem solving.

Skeptics cite Thunes recent camera-mugging with the railroads chief lobbyist before an AAR logo-adorned backdrop. Yet Thune also authored a letter to the STB rejecting a railroad attempt to interpret a provision of the reauthorization act (Section 16) as requiring the STB to use a rail-beneficial replacement-cost approach in assessing revenue adequacysomething the STB previously declined to do. Congress, said Thune, did not require any change to the revenue adequacy determination framework.

Although a small independent regulatory agency, the STB is crucial to resolving rail-customer grievancesespecially as mergers have reduced the number of competing railroads to a handful, eliminating competitive choices for many shippers.

If, as the STB Reauthorization Act intends, there is to be greater accountability, effectiveness, efficiency and transparency, then superior leadership, beginning with an accomplished new chairman, who sets the agenda and initiates decisions, is paramount. A recent House Government Operations Subcommittee hearing revealed a troubling management culture under the chairmanship of Democrat Dan Elliott.

Although the STBs current lone Republican, Ann Begemanarguably one of the most qualified regulators in agency historycould have accepted the chairmanship upon Trumps inauguration, she declined, agreeing to be the acting chairman pending arrival of at least one of the two new Republicans. During Elliotts chairmanship, dating to 2009, she recorded the largest number of dissents from Elliott-initiated decisions in the 130-year history of the STB and its Interstate Commerce Commission predecessor. The second Democrat, Deb Miller, also has been sharply critical of Elliots actions.

The issues new members face beg for mature leadership qualities, plus validated skills in economics, finance and policy analysis.

Pending rulemakings have the potential to change substantially how shipper grievances are adjudicated and rates are negotiated. They include alternatives to determining maximum reasonable rates charged captive shippers, defining revenue adequacy that influences the level of new investment in plant and equipment, and standards under which railroads may impose fuel surcharges.

Also to be resolved is calculating the revenue and service impact of allowing sole-served shippers access, via mandatory switching, to a second railroad, including comparisons with Conrail Shared Assets and a similar requirement in Canada. Supporters of so-called competitive switching assert that communications firms, pipelines and electric utilities lost arguments, as made by railroads against such schemes, yet survived and prospered.

Profoundly, these are tasks for experts. Trump selects who approaches, but Thune commands the gate.
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The last bastions of the Islamic State's so-called caliphate in Iraq and SyriaMosul and Raqqacould be liberated within months. But they will remain perilous places, and in some respects, the fall of Raqqa will complicate the conflicts that swirl through the region.

How might the United States have to adapt to ISIS after Raqqa?

Military analysts have already warned that the elimination of the Islamic State as a territory governed by ISIS will not end the group's armed struggle. Its leaders spent years underground and can revert to a covert terrorist campaign. Even while pummeled and pushed back by Iraqi, Kurdish, and other ground forces backed by coalition air power, ISIS demonstrated its capability to simultaneously carry out terrorist operations in Baghdad and Damascus as well as in neighboring countries. That will continue and may escalate.

ISIS, post-Raqqa, will be able to count on a clandestine infrastructure, possibly already in place, and a local Sunni population that may be more or less sympathetic to the insurgents, depending upon the behavior and performance of the authorities replacing ISIS rule. Here's why: The fall of Mosul and Raqqa will not resolve the deeper sectarian conflict between Shiites and Sunnis. In Syria, anger over President Bashar al-Assad's Alawite-dominated rule contributed to the mainly Sunni rebellion in 2011. In Iraq, the government's exclusion of Sunnis contributed to the military collapse that allowed ISIS to sweep across the country in 2014. The United States has not supported the partition of Iraq or Syria, but the conflicts have torn the countries apart

The remainder of this commentary is available at defenseone.com.

Brian Michael Jenkins is a senior adviser to the president of the nonprofit, nonpartisan RAND Corporation and an author of numerous books, reports and articles on terrorism-related topics.

This commentary originally appeared on Defense One on June 15, 2017. Commentary gives RAND researchers a platform to convey insights based on their professional expertise and often on their peer-reviewed research and analysis.
Prosecutor appeals against sentence to associate of "Crossbow Coup" plotter

MOSCOW, June 16 (RAPSI, Lyudmila Klenko)  The Prosecutors Office has appealed against the a 1,5-years sentence the Moscow Dorogomilovsky District Court gave to nationalist Yury Yekishev, an associate of convicted ex-colonel Kvachkov, after he had been found guilty of extremism, the court's spokesperson Yevgeniya Gorokhova told RAPSI on Friday.

According to Gorokhova, the sentence has been appealed against both by the defense and the prosecutor.

A criminal case against Yekishev was launched after he published a video in one of the social networks. The defendant was an associate of Vladimir Kvachkov, retired Russian military intelligence colonel, who was convicted for attempted instigation of an armed riot. Before that Yekishev was a coordinator of the prohibited Movement Against Illegal Immigration. In 2006, Yekishev was also sentenced to 1.5 years for extremism.

Kvachkov, who was acquitted of charges in the attempted murder of former UES CEO Anatoly Chubais in 2005, was found guilty on February 8, 2013, of organizing an armed coup and was sentenced to 13 years in prison and one year of custodial restraint.

Later, the Supreme Court mitigated the sentence to eight years in a high security prison.

Kvachkov is thought to have masterminded plans to oust the government with a small group of followers. Kvachkov has denied all charges but during the trial defended the right of Russian citizens to hold an uprising."
Earlier this year, U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson sent a letter to human rights groups telling them that Washington was evaluating the U.N. Human Rights Council and that continued U.S. participation would depend on considerable reform of the body. Tillerson did not elaborate on the kinds of reforms the United States wanted. But in a speech delivered last week before the Graduate Institute in Geneva, Switzerland, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley provided the long-awaited details.

She began with a brief history of the United Nations handling of human rights issues. The U.N. Commission on Human Rights, she noted, failed to live up to its responsibilities, so much so that former U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan called for replacing it with a new body: the current Human Rights Council. Unfortunately, the council remains plagued by the same flaws that led to the demise of the old commission. The councils three biggest problems are:

Bias against Israel. According to Hillel Neuer of UN Watch, in its first decade (2006 to 2016), the council adopted 68 resolutions condemning Israel and 67 condemning the rest of the worlds countries combined. This bias continues, with another five anti-Israel resolutions adopted earlier this year. Moreover, Israel is the only country subject to a separate agenda item, Agenda Item 7, Human rights situation in Palestine and other occupied Arab territories. Every other country is examined under Item 4, Human rights situations that require the Councils attention.



According to Hillel Neuer of UN Watch, in its first decade (2006 to 2016), the council adopted 68 resolutions condemning Israel and 67 condemning the rest of the worlds countries combined. This bias continues, with another five anti-Israel resolutions adopted earlier this year. Moreover, Israel is the only country subject to a separate agenda item, Agenda Item 7, Human rights situation in Palestine and other occupied Arab territories. Every other country is examined under Item 4, Human rights situations that require the Councils attention. Human rights abusers win seats to the council. Governments deemed not free and partly free by Freedom House historically have comprised a majority of the councils members. Not even the worlds most repressive regimes have been excluded. Currently, China, Cuba, Saudi Arabia, and other human rights violators sit on the Human Rights Council. Ambassador Haley rightly condemned council member Venezuela, whose government has been shooting protesters in the streets. She has asked that Venezuela voluntarily leave the council or for the U.N. member states to suspend its council membership as they did to Libya in 2011.



Governments deemed not free and partly free by Freedom House historically have comprised a majority of the councils members. Not even the worlds most repressive regimes have been excluded. Currently, China, Cuba, Saudi Arabia, and other human rights violators sit on the Human Rights Council. Ambassador Haley rightly condemned council member Venezuela, whose government has been shooting protesters in the streets. She has asked that Venezuela voluntarily leave the council or for the U.N. member states to suspend its council membership as they did to Libya in 2011. Failure to address serious human rights situations equally and objectively. The council has been able to address low hanging fruit situations, passing resolutions when the target countries either are willing to cooperate (such as the recent resolution on Sri Lanka) or are abject pariah governments (like Syria or North Korea). But the body has been unable or unwilling to adopt resolutions on serious human rights abuses by governments such as China, Cuba, Russia, Venezuela, Saudi Arabia, and Zimbabwe that are powerful or have support among their peers.

Despite these accurate criticisms, Ambassador Haley said, America does not seek to leave the Human Rights Council. We seek to re-establish the councils legitimacy. She identified two main reforms that the United States is seeking:

Competitive council elections and an end to the practice of secret voting. Council seats are allocated by geographic region. Regions have frequently gamed the system by offering clean slates -- offering the same number of candidates standing for election as there are open seats. This practice makes it easier for repressive states to win seats on the council. Haleys remarks suggest the United States wants to foster competitive elections by requiring regions to offer more candidates than open seats. In addition, Washington wants the members to vote on the record. As Haley noted, countries that are willing to support a human rights violator to serve on the Human Rights Council must be willing to show their faces. They know who they are. Its time the world knows who they are.



Council seats are allocated by geographic region. Regions have frequently gamed the system by offering clean slates -- offering the same number of candidates standing for election as there are open seats. This practice makes it easier for repressive states to win seats on the council. Haleys remarks suggest the United States wants to foster competitive elections by requiring regions to offer more candidates than open seats. In addition, Washington wants the members to vote on the record. As Haley noted, countries that are willing to support a human rights violator to serve on the Human Rights Council must be willing to show their faces. They know who they are. Its time the world knows who they are. Eliminate Agenda Item 7 and the councils support for the anti-Israel boycott, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) movement. Council scrutiny of human rights practices should be devoid of special treatment -- positive as well as negative. Israels human rights practices should be examined under Agenda Item 4, just like every other nation. As Haley observed:



The councils effort to create a database designed to shame companies for doing business in Israeli controlled areas is just the latest in this long line of shameful actions. Blacklisting companies without even looking at their employment practices or their contributions to local development, but rather based entirely on their location in areas in conflict is contrary to the laws of international trade and to any reasonable definition of human rights. It is an attempt to provide an international stamp of approval to the anti-Semitic BDS movement. It must be rejected.

These reforms are entirely reasonable. In fact, they are rather modest. Additional reforms could and should be sought both to arrest the increasing budgetary and time demands of the councils mushrooming agenda and to improve transparency and accountability.

When asked, Ambassador Haley refused to say whether future U.S. participation in the council depends on adoption of these reforms. But certainly the implication was there. She ended by stating unequivocally:

These changes are the minimum necessary to resuscitate the council as a respected advocate of universal human rights. For our part, the United States will not sit quietly while this body, supposedly dedicated to human rights, continues to damage the cause of human rights

The status quo is not acceptable. It is not a place for countries who champion human rights.

I call on all like-minded countries to join in making the Human Rights Council reach its intended purpose.

Let the world be on notice: We will never give up the cause of universal human rights. Whether its here, or in other venues, we will continue this fight.

To legitimately fulfill its mandate, the council must be a reliable, fair, and impartial advocate for human rights and fundamental freedoms. No nation is perfect and neither will the council, made up of imperfect states, ever be perfect. But the United States is right to expect better.

If other nations refuse to adopt Ambassador Haleys reasonable reforms, it will be a clear sign that they prefer the flawed, overly politicized rights council we have today. In that case, the United States would be justified in looking elsewhere to advance human rights.
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DEER LODGE  The Montana Supreme Court has dismissed an appeal by the City of Deer Lodge and others in a lawsuit to block the state from moving the Motor Vehicle Title and Registration Bureau from Deer Lodge to Helena.

The court ruled that since the move has already taken place, the matter is moot.

The move, announced a year ago with no prior public input or notice given to local officials, resulted in the loss of 35 jobs. The Title and Registration Bureau had been located in Deer Lodge for more than 100 years.

Throughout the legal process, the Montana Department of Justice proceeded with plans for the move.

Deer Lodge Mayor Zane Cozby said he was disappointed by the ruling, saying the move had adversely affected Deer Lodge, and voiced concern that the same thing might happen to other small communities with no accountability to state agencies making such moves.

On June 17, 2016, TRB employees were notified by MVD administrator Sarah Garcia and Mike Milburn of the Justice Department that the office at 1003 Buckskin Drive would close and operations be moved to Helena by Nov. 30. The 35 employees, who live in Deer Lodge, Anaconda and Butte, were given the option to commute to Helena.

In July, Cozby, the City of Deer Lodge, councilman Terry Jennings, and business owner Gerald Bender sought an injunction against Attorney General Tim Fox, the Montana Department of Justice, and the DOJ Motor Vehicle Division in Deer Lodge District Court to prevent the move until the court action could be decided.

On Oct. 20, District Judge Ray Dayton ruled in favor of the Justice Department. The plaintiffs appealed, but the DMV continued to relocate TRB functions to its Helena offices. By the time the appeal was submitted to the Supreme Court, the DMV had finished relocating staff and operations to Helena.
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Teresa Giudice denied a new report this week that claims she's cheating on imprisoned husband Joe Giudice.

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The 45-year-old "The Real Housewives of New Jersey" star's lawyer told E! News Teresa has been faithful to Joe as he serves his prison sentence.

"It's salacious, it's juicy, it's great gossip and it's simply not true," attorney James Leonard, Jr., said of the rumors, in an interview published Wednesday.

"The truth is Teresa is in love with her husband. She's busy caring for her four daughters, her father who now lives with her, and she's working on her new book, Standing Strong, which comes out this fall," he added.

Us Weekly reported Wednesday that Teresa has "embarked on a romance" with a New Jersey businessman and "hasn't visited Joe in prison" for months.

Teresa's co-star Kim DePaola supported the claim.

"They've been pretty cozy I'm going to say in the last five months," DePaola told the magazine. "I think Teresa has every right to go out and find somebody else. She should leave Joe."

Teresa and Joe were both sentenced to prison in 2014 for fraud, but were allowed to serve separately due to their four children.

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Teresa completed her sentence in December 2015, while Joe began his in March 2016.

"I can't wait to him to come home and he can't wait to come home, so obviously we're doing something right," the star told E! News in October ahead of her 17th wedding anniversary.
After a difficult pregnancy three years ago, Thalia Ghazey-Bates of Northampton gave birth to her twins two months early. When the babies were finally able to come home, she and her husband had to be on high alert: Sometimes they would stop breathing.

Basic care, like nursing also was a challenge. When her husband wasnt at home, shed hold one baby to her breast while the other sat in a car seat, which she would rock with her foot.

With a 3-year old needing attention, too, there were few breaks, and lots of questions. But Maggie Krone, a developmental specialist from REACH, a state-funded early intervention program, was there at least two hours per week to lend a hand and ensure the infants were developing on track.

It is like having an aunt or an uncle or a grandparent who is professionally trained, said Ghazey-Bates.

REACH, run through the western Massachusetts human service organization ServiceNet, helps parents of children  from birth to age 3  who have developmental delays or may be susceptible to them. The services are covered by most insurance plans, including MassHealth and parents are never asked to pay out of pocket, says Amy Swisher, vice president of community relations at ServiceNet. What insurance wont cover it, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health fills in, she says.

At first, Krone was there to hold a baby or give Thalia emotional support when her husband, Spencer Ghazey-Bates, was at work. Sometimes she would read to the oldest child.

As the babies, Lilliah and Ryland, grew, Krone would play with them, teaching them words and other social skills, a boost Ryland seemed to need more than Lilliah, says Ghazey-Bates. When it seemed that Ryland was lagging behind in gross motor skills, too, a physical therapist began visiting, to work on strengthen his core muscles to help him crawl and then walk.

At around age 1, Ryland started having episodes where he would seem to space out, and it was another REACH developmental specialist, Lisa Musante, who sensed something was wrong. She encouraged the parents to consult a neurologist, which resulted in a epilepsy diagnosis. Ryland now takes medication to control his seizures.

Without REACH I dont think we would have been able to manage their needs as well, Ghazey-Bates said.

Early involvement

The goal of the REACH program is to catch developmental delays early. Its a service thats been supporting families for 40 years with a team that now numbers 70 professionals. Developmental specialists do an initial assessment to understand the childs needs. From there, occupational, physical and speech therapies are planned and social workers are available to answer parents questions.

REACH is providing assistance to 580 children in Hampshire and Franklin Counties and the North Quabbin area.

When a child is born prematurely  or with a condition such as Down syndrome in which delays are expected  parents are matched at the hospital with a REACH specialist or a team to guide them through the first months or years of the childs life.

If a child has a delay, the sooner we can intervene, the better, Musante said.

Sometimes the connection comes later when a parent thinks their child is struggling or a pediatrician notices that a baby is not crawling or talking like he or she should be.

Working through play

Thats how Gohan Holzhauer Page of Northampton, a quiet 2-year-old, got connected to REACH.

His doctor thought that he was behind the speech curve, said his father, Jason Page, so the REACH people came and did and evaluation and we went from there.

Page says having a developmental specialist come to the familys home regularly has been a big help as he doesnt have a car.

They bring a ton of toys for him to play with, he said.

Gohan language skills have shown signs of improvement, said his mother, Mariah Holzhauer.

He didnt really speak before. Now, he will ask for juice when he wants it, she says. He has been doing a lot better.

Father and son were are at a REACH play group in Amherst on a recent Tuesday morning where about a dozen children, each with a parent or caregiver, were busy with a variety of activities. Some were playing on a wooden slide, others were pretend cooking in a mini kitchen. The walls were covered in finger paintings.

The two-hour play group meets twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The children, all of whom have been individually evaluated by REACH staff and have set goals, are working on a range of difficulties from motor and speech delays to social skills.

The session is a combination of free and structured time.

Though it looks like play, all of the activities have a purpose, Musante says. For example they may encourage the children to use language, imitate an action or even just learn to focus their attention.

During circle time, when all the kids and parents are seated on the floor, Musante hands out yellow rubber ducks: Put the duck on your head on your head, she sings, put your duck on your chin on your chin

Gohan, sitting in his dads lap, follows along, as do the other children.

This programs been good  we are really blessed, says Michelle Vigeant later, who is there with her 2-year-old son Gabriel. He is jumping up and down on a foam play structure with a group of kids as she talks. She says she connected with REACH in January over her concern that Gabriel seemed uninterested in other children.

She has seen a big change in him since. He has been sleeping better at night, she says, and plays well with the other children. He has been blossoming socially, Vigeant said.

The Ghazey-Bates family also found much needed community support in this play group during the first years of their twins lives. Their older son, Robby, who was an excessively shy 2-year old, also played here during a six-month stint in the REACH program.

It was just really reassuring to see all the different people working with their own set of circumstances, Thalia Ghazey-Bates said. It gave you a sense of community and often when there is a disability in the family, your community feels small.

The next steps

Before children in the program turn 3, REACH social workers and developmental specialists work with them and their families to determine whether they will need an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), an outline of extra educational supports, when they begin school.

Lilliah Ghazey-Bates didnt need one, but Ryland has a plan in place when he starts preschool at Bridge Street Elementary School in Northampton in the fall. It outlines safety precautions for his epilepsy  he will need someone with him when he goes up and down stairs  and speech therapy, to continue working on his pronunciation and vocabulary.

Mostly, Ryland has caught up to his sister, Ghazey-Bates says. They are rambunctious 3-year-olds who enjoy playing tag and drawing together. In addition to making gains in his speech, Ryland now can take off his shoes without help from his mother, she says, and walk all the way to the YMCA, a few minute walk from his house, without getting tired, thanks to his strengthened muscles.

REACH, Ghazey-Bates says, has had a deep impact on her family.

It takes a village to raise a child  having a professionally trained village is really nice.

Lisa Spear can be reached at Lspear@gazettenet.com.

>InfoboxHead<How to connect

>InfoboxTextIndent<To schedule an assessment, call 665-8717 or go to servicenet.org and complete the form located in the Child and Adolescents section under REACH.
Three way split of AIADMK has slowed decision-making, prompting industry to look outside the state, says T E Narasimhan.

The political turmoil in Tamil Nadu since the death of J Jayalalithaa in December is starting to spill over to business: if losing Korean automobile maker Kia's Rs 10,000-crore investment to Andhra Pradesh wasn't bad enough, several prominent players in the state's knitwear hub of Tirupur are looking out to Odisha.

Tirupurs export business is worth Rs 35,000 crore annually, and if some of the factories in the region indeed move to Odisha, it would deal a big blow to Tamil Nadus economy.

In the latest ease of doing business ranking based on a report released by the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion along with the World Bank, Tamil Nadu has slipped six positions to the 18th spot in 2016.

The deterioration in the business environment has its roots in the aftermath of Jayalalithaas death.

The tug of war between Jayalalithaas close aide, V K Sasikala, and her family on the one side and Jayalalithaa loyalist, O Panneerselvam, on the other has split the ruling AIADMK into three factions, affecting the stability of the government and its decision making power.

The Rs 30,023-crore (Rs 300.23 billion) Murugappa group's executive chairman, A Vellayan, recently said doing business in the state was proving to be challenging because of the political uncertainty following Jayalalithaas death.

Things need to improve. Our (group's) percentage of business and profit from the state has come down in the last five years, he says.

Thus, the group is expanding its business in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat and West Bengal, and has decided to give Tamil Nadu a miss. To be sure, Andhra Pradesh and Telegana are on top of the ease of doing business list.

For Edappadi K Palaniswami's government that took charge in February after a prolonged political drama, the states business climate does not augur well.

Murugappa group is not the only one to look outside. Some of the other home-grown companies that have decided to invest elsewhere are: Ashok Leyland and MRF (in Gujarat), Saint Gobain (Rajasthan), Apollo Tyres, Hyundai Group's Kia Motors (Andhra Pradesh), among others.

Better incentives from other states and lower logistics costs count among the reasons for Tamil Nadu losing out on investments. Ford has decided to set up its second plant in Gujarat.

Ford has so far invested around Rs 4,500 crore (Rs 45 billion) in Tamil Nadu, providing employment to over 5,000 people in its factories in the state, but it said a plant in Gujarat made more sense logistically because nearly 60 per cent of its market lies in North and Western part of India.

Industry leaders say during Jayalalithaa's time, decisions, because they were too centralised, were taken quickly and there was stability in the leadership, but today things have slowed down.

Other states, meanwhile, are rolling out the red carpet for investors.

Odisha is luring Tirupur exporters with a generous scheme that includes sharing of employee cost if a plant employs more than 200 people and subsidy on electricity charges for three years.

Tirupur Exporters Association President Raja M Shanmugam says, Tamil Nadu does not even have a textile policy, but other states have realised that we are a growing sector with potential to create jobs.

The spate of protests against Jallikattu ban and the floods have further shaken investor sentiment, says an industry consultant. Foreign investors are worried about committing investments to the state, he adds.

Even for the existing companies that have made investment in the state, there is no certainty that they will get the benefits as per the MoUs signed with the state government, or the funds they are entitled to in the form of refunds will be made available to them. There is no stability in the way things are moving, says the consultant.

The CEO of an automobile company, which decided to expand outside Tamil Nadu, says that any OEM globally as part of its de-risking strategy will have different plants; however, more companies are now looking to invest outside the state because decision-making has slowed after Jayalalithaa's death.

Refuting these allegations, Tamil Nadu Industries Minister M C Sampath says Kia chose not to set up shop in Tamil Nadu because of its policy to not establish a new unit in the same state where Hyundai has a plant.

He says Han-Woo Park, CEO & president of KIA Motors, in a letter to the government, said: I hope you kindly understand that we have not established our overseas plants in the same states where the plants of Hyundai Motor Company are located (such as in the United States of America, China, Europe)."

Sampath says while some companies are looking outside, many others have pledged further investments into the state. Among them, he says, is the Rs 4,000-crore (Rs 40 billion) project of PSA Peugeot Citroen.

Tamil Nadu Industries Secretary Atulya Misra told a newspaper that Hyundai plans to expand further into the state with an investment of Rs 5,000 crore (Rs 50 billion) and Yamaha Musical Instruments has given a commitment to invest Rs 500 crore (Rs 5 billion).

Xuzhou Construction Machinery Manufacturing Company, Vedanta, ITC and Freudenberg (Germany), CEAT Tyres and Motorola are also looking to invest in the state. Royal Enfield has plans to invest around Rs 800 crore (Rs 8 billion) in the state.

He says even Ford has plans to set up a Rs 1,300-crore global technology and business research centre at Sholinganallur, in Kancheepuram, which will generate employment for over 12,000 people.

P Ravichandran, chairman, CII-Tamil Nadu State Council, and president, Danfoss Industries, says measures to promote business such as strengthening single window clearance, expansion of metro rail, city road and funds for MSMEs will ensure steady trickle of investment in the state in the future.

For now, the state is turning its attention to ensuring speedy approval for investment commitments made in the past. In the Global Investors Meting in 2015, 98 MoUs worth Rs 242,000 crore (Rs 2,420 billion) were signed.

Of this, 61 projects worth Rs 62,738 crore (Rs 627.38 billion) are in various stages of implementation and these will generate 76,777 jobs.

Between May 2011, when the Jayalalithaa-led Government took charge and May 2017, the state had given 15,671 consents to operate.

Palaniswami says the state government is closely watching all the projects and will take collaborative steps to ensure that they come on stream fast.
'Afghanistan cannot be at peace until the Pashtuns regain their pre-eminent role in the country's governance,' says Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

IMAGE: An Afghan soldier keeps watch as chaos continues to descend on Kabul. Photograph: Omar Sobhani/Reuters

What on earth brought United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to Afghanistan?

The most obvious explanation could be that he is obliged to pay a visit to Afghanistan after assuming office in New York.

From initial accounts, Guterres felt devastated by what he saw. He instinctively called for peace and compassion.

However, it is unlikely that anyone pays heed to him.

Guterres' clout in Washington is almost zero.

US administrations historically used the UN secretary-general as a handyman to do odd jobs now and then, but even that has ceased to be the case with the Trump administration, which prefers to be the lone ranger.

Nonetheless, it is tempting to think that Guterres and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi have a back-to-back deal to kickstart Afghan peace talks.

Wang is also due to travel to Kabul shortly to pick up the threads of the meeting between Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Afghan President Asharf Ghani on the sidelines of the June 8-9 Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Astana, Kazakhstan.

Sartaj Aziz, Nawaz Sharif's advisor on foreign affairs, told Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty on June 13 that Wang will visit Islamabad and Kabul to discuss ways to improve relations and to 'facilitate' talks between the two countries.

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reported Aziz also mentioned a proposal to 'revive' the Quadrilateral Coordination Group, made up of officials from Afghanistan, Pakistan, the United States and China.

Indeed, there is a sense of deja vu.

In the final analysis, Guterres' visit cannot be anything more than a 'familiarisation tour'.

In reality, this is a twilight zone in Kabul and a long sunset is due.

Things are falling apart and the centre cannot hold.

Something must give way and something else, entirely new, has to emerge.

The national unity government experiment has run its course.

Fundamentally, the curtain is coming down on the Tajik domination of the power structure in the post-Taliban era since 2001.

And Afghanistan cannot be at peace until the Pashtuns regain their pre-eminent role in the country's governance.

IMAGE: Afghan President Ashraf Ghani with warlords Gulbuddin Hekmatyar and Abdul Rabb Rasool Sayyaf attend a ceremony at the presidential palace in Kabul. Photograph: Shah Marai/Reuters

But the Tajiks will not walk into the sunset either.

On Sunday, June 11, they forced the suspension of two Pashtun generals supervising security in the capital city -- Gul Nabi Ahmadzai, commander of the Kabul garrison, and Hassan Shah Frogh, the Kabul police chief.

Two days later, on Tuesday, Amrullah Saleh -- the high-flying erstwhile security czar, a Tajik from Panjshir -- stepped down as minister for security reforms, apparently on a note of dissent.

Foreign Minister Salahuddin Rabbani, former president Burhanuddin Rabbani's son, is also on a collision course with President Ashraf Ghani.

And so also Atta Muhammad Nur -- the Jamiat-e-Islami's powerful commander from northern Afghanistan and presently the governor of Balkh -- and Ahmad Zia Massoud, the late Ahmed Shah Massoud's brother .

The Jamiat-e-Islami is circling its wagons as a Pashtun-Tajik power struggle looms large on the horizon.

Day by day, as tensions mount in Kabul, it seems that the Afghan war is dramatically changing course once again and the old battle lines are becoming blurred.

The Pashtun-Tajik polarisation works fine for Pakistan, because it is making strange bedfellows in Kabul.

Who would have thought even a month ago that Gulbuddin Hekmatyar would come to President Ghani's defence -- or National Security Advisor Mohammad Hanif Atmar -- against the onslaught by the Tajik leadership on the Jamiat-e-Islami?

Of course, our pundits in India who view Afghanistan exclusively through the prism of 'terrorism' do not realise that the interplay of Afghan loyalties on tribal/clan lines can be crucial to the ebb and flow of Afghan politics.

What is under way is a momentous consolidation of the Ghilzai Pashtun confederation of tribes.

Gulbuddin might not have been a brave military strategist like Commander Ahmed Shah Massoud during the Afghan jihad in the 1980s, but he has a brilliant political mind.

That was why Pakistani intelligence spotted him as a promising young man on the Kabul university campus in the early 1970s -- much before the Saur Revolution or the Soviet intervention -- and got him to relocate to Peshawar.

No doubt, later on, General Zia-ul Haq too visualised a great future for Gulbuddin as a towering politician in Kabul someday who would bring about enduring peace between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Today, Gulbuddin's very presence in Kabul makes a realignment of forces inevitable in Afghan politics.

Unsurprisingly, the Tajiks suspect that Gulbuddin enjoys tacit American backing (external link).

But then Gulbuddin is a man of many parts.

Pakistan will be pinning hopes that a consolidation of the Ghilzai Pashtuns can be the long-awaited turning point for shifting the locus of the power structure in Kabul -- especially in the security agencies and the military establishment -- away in a new friendly direction.
'Sreedharan epitomises the way in which an Indic ethos can be brought to bear upon the seemingly intractable problems facing India,' says Rajeev Srinivasan.

Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff.com

Ten years ago, I wrote about the then Presidential election in India, bemoaning the fact that A P J Abdul Kalam, eminently qualified to continue, had been pushed aside by the Congress.

Now that we are in the throes of another election, it's worth revisiting the entire drama, from first principles.

To begin with, what is the function of the President in India?

Apart from the fact that you get to live in an enormous palace and enjoy the 300 acre or so estate in the middle of New Delhi, exactly what does the President do?

Travel the world with an entourage, meet with other heads of government, receive and give gifts? Seems like a great sinecure to me, with no particular outcome, and lots of leisure.

Cushy sinecure. That's probably why all parties like to lobby for one of their own to be put into the job.

One way to reward loyalty. Or a way to shut up someone who knows too much about your party's indiscretions, and benefit greatly from taxpayer largesse.

Another reason would be to kick upstairs a troublesome person.

In the President's job, you cannot do much damage. That's why I wish India had had the good sense to shove Jawaharlal Nehru into that role, instead of letting him run amok as executive prime minister. Untold damage, as I suggested many years ago.

But seriously, why is there an office of President?

It appears somewhat like the office of the VP in the US: Ceremonial, with little substance. The US VP is supposed to take over in case the US President dies.

In India, the equivalent would be the President's role in helping select a new prime minister. But an alternative power centre the Presidency is not, as was demonstrated by Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed during the Emergency (Abu Abraham's memorable cartoon in the Indian Express lampooned the then President as signing orders in his bathtub).

If there has to be a ceremonial President, it should be mandated that it must be a non-politician, but a person of substance.

Of all past Presidents, only two stand out: Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan and A P J Abdul Kalam. One, a philosopher and man of letters. Two, an accomplished engineer.

Yes, the kind of person that a child can be inspired by and look up to, a role model.

Consider the others: Not many of them have shown excellence in anything. One former President was said to be a personal retainer to the Nehru dynasty, with no other claim to fame. Others were utter nobodies, gray eminences who were utterly forgettable, and are deservedly forgotten.

But a man of letters inspires. When I wrote earlier, I mentioned that O V Vijayan, the brilliant novelist and cartoonist -- for my money he was the greatest 20th century writer in India -- would be the kind of person I would be proud to say is the President of India.

He was a Nobel-class fabulist, like Gunter Grass and Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Of course, he was never in consideration, as politicians monopolsze the Presidency, and he would anyway have been blackballed by his former Leftie pals.

I once mentioned Shashi Tharoor, a silver-tongued orator and outstanding writer, as a potential Presidential candidate. Based strictly on his writing, I'd still vote for Tharoor.

However, he has other baggage: He is a politician, forced to compromise based on political survival in the party of the Dynasty. Besides, he has other problems too.

But you see what I mean: An Octavio Paz, or a Haruki Murakami, or an S L Bhyrappa or a Margaret Atwood. People whose words ring true.

The other choice is people who have been professional successes in their spheres of endeavour. A brilliant engineer like M Vishvesaraya. I wrote in 2007 about the tycoons of software services, but they turned out to have feet of clay, as they stood by and watched the eclipse of their business model by insurgents.

Maybe an economist like Jagdish Bhagwati, but then people will push forward Amartya Sen, and economists on average seldom can predict anything, despite being keen how to explain how things happened post facto.

Or other professionals like the late Govindappa Venkataswamy ('Dr V') who set up the Aravind Eye Hospital, and created its astonishing business model.

Or someone from ISRO, which has made the nation proud.

Unfortunately, because of our pathetic education system, very few have distinguished themselves in science. Perhaps R A Mashelkar. Or perhaps Anil Gupta of IIM-Ahmedabad, the champion of barefoot grass-roots innovators.

The superlative management consultant C K Prahalad (of 'strategic intent' fame) was another, but alas, he passed away.

Of all these high achievers, the best I can think of is E Sreedharan, the man who spearheaded the engineering marvels of the Konkan Railway and the Delhi Metro (both masterpieces).

He has recently been involved with the Kochi Metro (and a wholly unnecessary and unseemly controversy -- doubtless manufactured by politicians).

The thing that Sreedharan brings to the picture, in addition to his frugal innovations and management style that enabled him to finish these projects on time and under budget, is his native ethos.

I remember reading about how he gets up at 4 am (at least he used to, he turned 84 a few days ago), meditates and does yoga, and then goes to work.

His management style includes giving both authority and responsibility to his staff, and then he holds them accountable for results.

In other words, Sreedharan epitomises the way in which an Indic ethos can be brought to bear upon the seemingly intractable problems facing India. And he has a superlative track record.

It is along the same lines as Kalam's (and by extension ISRO's) record of delivery in the face of constraints.

Vijay Govindarajan of Dartmouth's business school has written a best-selling book about the Three Box Solution (that is srishti, sthithi, samharam) and I am sure Sreedharan could tell him a thing or two about how that works in practice.

If that is not a perfect description of how a President can be a role model, I am not sure what is.

This is precisely what the Modi administration should be promoting. Instead of choosing yet another dreary apparatchik politician, the government could do a lot better by nominating the Metro Man.
'Those who are upset by the current government's hard position against agitating Kashmiris should know it is exactly as hard as the position of previous governments.'

'Congress also killed as many, and actually more, but it spoke softly.'

'The BJP uses harsher words, but that is the only real difference,' says Aakar Patel.

Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff.com

One of the things the Narendra Modi government is wrongly accused of is turning India into a sort of illiberal nation.

The word illiberal means intolerant and supporting restrictions on freedoms of speech and action.

I say the government is wrongly accused of it because the facts show that India's government has never been particularly liberal, even under the Congress.

Civil society groups and non-governmental organisations that have been working on some issues for decades will vouch for what I am saying.

The issues like the rights of Adivasis, Kashmiris and the people of the North East have not come into focus recently.

They have been with us for decades and it is wrong to assume that it is this government, or this prime minister, that is the root cause of the problems.

The exploiting of Adivasi land, which is the richest in terms of mineral wealth, began under Nehru and even before him.

Some of the nastiest and some of the most heavy-handed action against Adivasis came under the Congress government of Manmohan Singh.

All Adivasis are punished for the alleged crimes against a few and the presence of tens of thousand of paramilitary personnel in the Indian heartland is proof of that.

In October, 2015, newspapers reported the headline 'Anti-Maoist operations: Chattisgarh, IAF to carry out retaliation attacks from air'.

The story was that the Indian Air Force would use its Russian-made MI-17 helicopters to attack its own citizens from the air.

The reports said the air force had carried out 'successful exercises' and that 'three IAF helicopters flew over Bijapur and practised strafing.'

The word strafing means 'to attack repeatedly with bombs or machine gun fire from low flying aircraft.'

Those who are familiar with India will know that there are no parts of it that are totally deserted or unpopulated and so it would be interesting to see what happened to that area that our air force was practising bombing and machine gunning.

The point is that this level of violence is not new in that area and the Indian State has suppressed its agitating citizens with machine guns from British times and before.

It is not only wrong to assume it began with Modi, but it is also misleading because it ignores the real issue.

Before Modi and unfortunately after him as well, this is how the Indian State has behaved and will behave with its citizens.

I was in conversation with P Chidambaram a few months ago and he was saying that India should lift AFSPA from Kashmir.

He is one of our most intelligent politicians and I have great respect for him. However, I wish he had expressed the same sentiment when he was the home minister, because it would have been much more credible.

Those who are upset by the current government's hard position against agitating Kashmiris should know also that it is exactly as hard as the position of previous governments.

Only the rhetoric is a little different.

The Congress also killed as many, and actually more, but it spoke softly.

The BJP uses harsher words, but that is the only real difference.

The Indian State has always operated on priorities that are at variance from the needs and rights of its population.

We accuse the British imperial State of looting India and sending our resources to serving their own purposes.

The example of the Bengal famine of 1943 because of the war policy is often cited.

This was an unconscionable conduct in a part of the world where people were starving and illiterate.

However, I wonder how different this is from the way it is under democracy.

Last year we spent Rs 59,000 crore on 36 fighter jets for the Indian Air Force. This year we are spending 50,000 crore on 57 fighter jets for the Indian Navy.

This is happening in a nation whose Union health budget is Rs 33,000 crore a year (it was actually cut under Arun Jaitley).

10,000 Indian children die every week of malnourishment, but we cannot afford to spend more money on them and would rather buy more toys for our armed forces.

Is this not as immoral an act as that of the British Raj?

Can anyone make the case that we absolutely need these new planes?

No, and the point is that there is not even a debate about this in our country and there has never been one.

All governments have followed similar pursuits and though one may disagree with this prime minister on many things, one must accept that he is only continuing what others before him did.
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'We have Hindu values, Hindu customs, Hindu philosophy, Hindu way of looking at all religions as acceptable.'

'These are all great assets of India.'

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh ideologue Swaminathan Gurumurthy discusses India today with Rediff.com's Shobha Warrier.

Part I of the Gurumurthy Interview: 'Demonetisation de-fattened the economy'

Do you feel running a corruption-free government is Narendra Modi's biggest achievement?

It is a fundamental achievement.

Modi cannot hope to do anything unless he runs an honest government. It was believed as something not possible in India.

But Narendra Modi showed that it was possible.

This is his fundamental approach to politics. It has taken time to turn the current drift in politics and make honest decision-making part of the process.

He sat and appointed 75 joint secretaries which no prime minister would ever do.

That is where the right and wrong commences in the administration.

The criticism is that it is not the various ministries, but the Prime Minister's Office that runs the country.

I would say the PMO is involved in running the government.

In Manmohan Singh's period, there was no PMO. Because of that, decision making was laterally interfered.

Now you cannot say that the PMO is overturning the ministries; it is only making the ministries work better, honestly and with greater authority.

There is cohesion in the administration and complete consultation.

Decision making is effective and has the backing of the prime minister.

Backing of the prime minister does not mean that he is the only decision maker and is autocratic.

If running a corruption-free government is an achievement, would you say the actions of the cow vigilantes, the lynching of innocent people, are black spots?

This kind of lynching has been taking place for a long time and cow vigilantes have always been there.

Because of this government, it has been magnified.

I am not saying it's right. But has it been approved by the government?

When a lynching takes place, is the government not punishing the people behind it?

They were booked by the police. Narendra Modi has personally condemned the cow vigilantes.

Are you saying that large scale riots are taking place under his rule?

The most talked about issue in the country right now is beef politics.

Is it right on the part of the state to interfere in the eating habits of people?

The State is not interfering in the eating habits of people.

If you don't save your bovine now, in a decade, you will be importing milk.

If you promote the beef eating habit, the environment will be finished.

Why did the Paris climate summit promoters think of the concept of a meatless Monday? Because meat damages the environment.

Beef requires 48 times more water as compared to vegetarian food.

China is asking its people halve their meat consumption.

Even if it is interference in the eating habit of the people it is environment friendly. It is not wrong.

When bovine wealth is lost and agriculture and environment is affected, the government can put reasonable restrictions.

In India cows are not just like any other animal.

Under the Constitution the government has an obligation to protect the cow and its progeny.

Article 48 of the Constitution casts this obligation.

The Supreme Court decided in 2005 that even aged and economically useless cows also need to be protected because cow dung and cow urine are sources of organic enrichment of the soil.

The Supreme Court, in effect, said there is no useless cow.

The Supreme Court held that Article 48 which stands for public good overrides individual rights of choice of food.

Today many countries are restricting beef to protect the environment.

Also, 18 out of 29 states have banned cow slaughter, and most of them did it when the Congress was the ruling party.

Are they also interfering in the food habits of the people?

How is it that the cow has become communal now?

In the 1970s, the cow and calf were the election symbol of the Congress.

Today, the Congress is slaughtering a calf. What a perverse decline!

In a state like Kerala, Hindus eat beef unlike northern India. So also Hindus in Bengal, Tamil Nadu and the north eastern states.

Okay, you agree that it is not a communal issue and not targeted at Muslims.

Why don't you say it is targeted to protect the bovine wealth of India, agriculture and environment?

Where does the Muslim come in when the entire northeast eats Mithun which is a lookalike of the cow?

Should the states not be deciding that?

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said Nagpur (meaning the RSS headquarters) and Delhi should not dictate what the states should eat.

Has anybody prevented them from eating beef?

Let them eat if they want. Why are they converting an environmental issue into a beef issue?

The law only said that you cannot sell cattle in the market. You privately buy and eat.

If you put 50% tax on beef, you can say the government is preventing people from eating beef.

That is precisely what the West is now attempting to do -- to tax beef beyond the eating power of the people.

When farmers sell cows to someone, are you not giving the cow vigilantes an opportunity to harass people?

Let the cow vigilantes act, then we will see what to do.

Why are we imagining things?

Modi's critics say the Hinduisation of India is happening ever since he came to power.

India is a Hinduised country and that is why it is secular.

If it is an Islamised country, where will secularism be?

Nehru said when he wrote Glimpses of World History, that the line of distinction between Indian nationalism and Hindu nationalism is very thin because India is the only country where Hindus are the majority of the population.

This has always been the case.

But post Partition and Independence, the secular discourse became perverse.

The secularists began pseudo-secularising India, virtually making secularism equal to minority rights and appeasement of minorities on vote bank considerations.

This is the worst thing that can happen to secularism.

Secularism means equal rights to all faiths.

In fact, special rights militate against secularism.

You cannot say that India has nothing to do with Hinduism.

We have Hindu values, Hindu customs, Hindu philosophy, a Hindu way of looking at all religions as acceptable.

These are all great assets of India.

India is secular because it is Hindu.

When you talk like this, won't people belonging to other religions feel alienated?

Why should they feel alienated?

Muslims must be happy that India is not a Muslim majority country like Pakistan.

See what is happening there to the Shias, the Ahmediyas and generally the non-Sunnis.

Again, the very concept of minority rights implies majority rule.

Undeniably, India is a Hindu majority country.

The Hindu culture is the core culture. It cannot be denied.

The Constitution guarantees minority protection.

The secular discourse has perverted the identity of India.

You look at the first Constitution of India.

It contains pictures from the Ramayana, the Mahabharata in it.

The founding fathers of the Constitution who signed the first book did not see any conflict between a Hindu identity and secular India.

When somebody questions the government or disagrees with it, he or she is called anti-national.

That is because many of those who question are anti-nationals.

Look at their records. How they are supporting separatists, how they are building a brand of India as an intolerant nation.

I can understand if they call the BJP intolerant, but they call the entire Hindu society and the Indian nation itself as intolerant.

When some people are doing wrong things, you can call them intolerant, but how can you say the nation is intolerant?

When you say that, are you not anti-national?

Are you happy with the way the Modi government has performed?

I am happy because he has been able to shut the mouths of people who called him Hitler.

He showed that a person who is a Hindu cultural nationalist is fair to all.

He could capture world attention and he could fix Pakistan.

He has been able to deal with a firm hand in Kashmir.

I think in 3 years, he could do what most prime ministers could do in say 10 years.

Remember he began with a minus 5.

Where does he stand now?

He gets 7 on 10 now.

What Narendra Modi has done is out of the world.

Even his adversaries concede that he is a performer and not just an actor.

He takes risks and decisions, which not many prime ministers do.

After the Pokhran atomic blast, there was no high risk nationalist decision except during Modi's time.

But I do feel that some of his Cabinet colleagues have not measured up to the level of performance that is needed.

There are gaps in the ministries and these are the areas where decision making had to be faster.

Yes, the government has not been successful in pushing the Mudra Yojana scheme, which is very necessary for economic growth as it is these small companies that can generate growth and provide much needed jobs.

This has been delayed by two years and it is a measure of failure on the part of this government.

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Kedarnath Temple in May when it reopened for devotees after remaining closed for six months for the winter. Photograph: Press Information Bureau
A special Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act court in Mumbai on Friday convicted six persons including mastermind Mustafa Dossa and extradited gangster Abu Salem in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts case, 24 years after the attacks left 257 people dead.

IMAGE: Abu Salem was convicted in the 1993 Mumbai blasts case by a special court.

It, however, let off one accused Abdul Quayyum, for want of evidence against him. This was the second leg of the trial.

All the seven accused were facing multiple charges which included criminal conspiracy, waging war against the government of India and murder.

In the first leg of the trial that concluded in 2007, the TADA court had convicted 100 accused in the case, while 23 people were acquitted.

The present trial of the seven accused -- Abu Salem, Mustafa Dossa, Karimullah Khan, Firoz Abdul Rashid Khan, Riyaz Siddiqui, Tahir Merchant and Abdul Quayyum -- was separated from the main case as they were arrested at the time of conclusion of the main trial.

The dastardly attacks had also left 713 seriously injured and destroyed properties worth Rs 27 crore.

Besides accused Riyaz Siddiqui, all the other five convicts were pronounced guilty by Special Judge G A Sanap for criminal conspiracy, murder under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, besides offences under TADA, Explosives Act, Explosive Substances Act, Arms Act and Destruction of Public Property Act.

Siddiqui was only convicted under TADA for helping Abu Salem and others in transportation of arms.

The court, however, absolved all the seven accused in the case from the charge of waging war against the nation.

While Dossa allegedly masterminded the landing of explosives including RDX in India and sent some youth to Pakistan to acquire arms training to execute the strikes, Salem transported weapons from Gujarat to Mumbai ahead of the blasts.

He had also handed over to actor Sanjay Dutt-- who was an accused in the case for illegally possessing weapons -- AK 56 rifles, 250 rounds and some hand grenades at his residence on January 16, 1993. Two days later on January 18, 1993 Salem and two others went to Dutt's house and got back two rifles and some rounds.

IMAGE: Mustafa Dossa allegedly masterminded the landing of explosives including RDX in India and sent some youth to Pakistan to acquire arms training to execute the blasts. Photograph: Sahil Salvi for Rediff.com

Earlier, the court had dropped certain charges against Salem in 2013 after the investigating agency -- Central Bureau of Investigation -- moved a plea, saying those charges were against the extradition treaty between India and Portugal.

The arguments for sentencing in the case (for six convicts) are likely to commence on Monday.

The court, in all, recorded statements of around 750 prosecution witnesses and 50 witnesses. Three accused including Salem had confessed to their crime during investigations carried out by the CBI over the years into the blasts case.

Though the hearing in the case began in 2007, it was delayed as three petitions were pending with the Supreme Court, one each filed by Dossa and Salem, and another by CBI.

The trial resumed in 2012 and concluded this March.

The case (involving the seven accused) was first heard by judge Pramod Kode, who had also delivered the judgment in the first leg of the trial and convicted 100 accused in 2007.

It was during the trial in 2013 that the Supreme Court pronounced a judgment on appeal filed by all the accused wherein key conspirator Yakub Memon's death sentence was confirmed, while that of others (all bomb planters) were commuted to life imprisonment.

Sanjay Dutt and many others surrendered before the TADA court here in May 2013 after SC upheld their conviction.

Yakub Memon was executed on July 30, 2015 after his several pleas seeking clemency were rejected, including the post-midnight hearing by Supreme Court on the day he was hanged.

On March 12, 1993 the country's commercial capital witnessed an unprecedented terrorist attack when a series 12 bomb explosions took place one after another in about a span of two hours.

The blasts took place at Bombay Stock Exchange, Katha Bazaar, Lucky petrol pump near Sena Bhavan, opposite Passport office near Century Bazaar, Fishermen's colony at Mahim Causeway, at basement of Air India Building, Zaveri Bazaar, Hotel Sea Rock, Plaza Theatre, Centaur Hotel (Juhu), Sahar Airport (Bay no.54) and Centaur Hotel (near airport).

This was the first-ever terrorist attack in the world where RDX (Research Department Explosive i e cyclotrimethylene trinitramine) was used on such a large-scale after the Second World War.

According to the prosecution, in order to avenge the demolition of Babri Masjid, members of the crime syndicate under the fugitive don Dawood Ibrahim along with other absconding accused Tiger Memon, Mohammed Dossa and Mustafa Dossa hatched a conspiracy to commit terrorist acts in India.

The prosecution said that the object of the crime was to commit terrorist acts with an intent to overawe the government of India, to strike terror on the people, alienate section of the people and to harm the communal harmony.

It said that the conspirators smuggled fire-arms, ammunitions, detonators, hand grenades and highly explosive substances like RDX into India and stored it.

According to the prosecution, Mustafa Dossa, Tiger Memon and Chhota Shakeel organised training camps in Pakistan and in India to impart and undergo weapon and arms training and handling of explosives. They also sent men from India to Pakistan via Dubai for arms training.

The prosecution also said that the conspirators held 15 meetings before the execution of the blasts.
Pakistan on Friday violated the ceasefire by firing on forward posts along the Line of Control in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir, killing an Indian Army jawan.

There have been six ceasefire violations in the past three days and a total 17 along the LoC and the international border in Jammu region since June 1 in which one civilian was killed and seven others were injured.

The Pakistan Army initiated unprovoked firing on Indian Army posts in the Naoshera sector along the LoC in Rajouri district around 0515 hours today, a defence spokesman said.

Indian troops returned the fire strongly and effectively.

Naik Bakhtawar Singh was injured in the exchange of fire. He succumbed to his wounds while being evacuated to the military hospital, he said.

Singh, 34, belonged to Hajipur village in Punjabs Hoshiarpur district. He is survived by his wife Jasbir Kaur and three children, including a 10-month-old boy.

The wreath laying ceremony will be held on Saturday at Rajouri and the soldiers mortal remains will then be taken to his village where he will be cremated with full military

honours, the spokesman said.

Singh was a brave and sincere soldier. He loved his job to the core. The nation will always remain indebted to him for the supreme sacrifice and devotion to duty, he said.

Pakistan breached the truce twice overnight in the Naushera sector.

Two Pakistani soldiers were on Wednesday killed in retaliatory fire after they breached the truce, targeting forward posts and civilians areas along the LoC in Rajouri and

Poonch districts.

There were 3 ceasefire violations by Pakistan on June 12, one on June 13, four on June 11 and one on June 10.
He is the President of the United States.

But, could you imagine what Donald J Trump would look like if he was a refugee?

Well, one artist has let his imagination run free and created a series of paintings in his Brussels studio showing world leaders as displaced or disenfranchised people.

Abdalla Al Omari, who has refugee status in Belgium, says his own experience with displacement prompted him to create The Vulnerability Series.

Being a refugee is like having a new lump in your body that you had nothing to do with, and it will stay until the last day, so you better deal with it, Al Omari was quoted as saying.

In the series, US President Trump (who has been bashed for his treatment of refugees following his campaign in favour of the travel ban targeting residents of Muslim-majority countries) is portrayed as a refugee holding a young child; his belongings and a sleeping mat on his back, a photo of his family clutched in his right hand.

His series also features Russian President Vladimir Putin and Syrian President Bashar Al Assad. Putin is depicted as a homeless person, while Assad appears partially submerged in water with only a paper boat to come to his aid.

In another image, titled the Queue, one can see Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and former US President Barack Obama portrayed as refugees standing in line waiting for food.

Omari started painting in Damascus shortly after the start of the Syrian civil war broke out in 2011. He fled and was granted asylum in Belgium.

And while the artist has been praised, there has also been a lot of negative feedback, with some accusing the artist of being insensitive.

But Al Omari says that his intention was not to disrespect world leaders, but to give them back their humanity.

Photograph courtesy: Abdalla Al Omari/Instagram
We have all heard of hot yoga, power yoga. But how many of you have heard of goat yoga?

Goat Yoga is real and, believe it or not, is a big craze in the United States with classes selling out everywhere from California to New York.

You still dont believe us?

Ahead of International Yoga Day, which is on June 21, here are some images that will make you believe!

All photographs: Brian Snyder/Reuters

This new craze which has spread like wildfire in the United States involve Nigerian Dwarf goats -- miniature goats of West African origin -- roaming about as yogis practice their exercise routines.

According to the practitioners of this new trend, the animals never fail to delight and the goats bring in a lighter and more joyful energy to a class, bringing everyone together.

Participants are invited to spread out their yoga mats and the animals wander through and come close for a nuzzle. Sometimes, the baby goats will climb into participants laps, or jump up on their backs.

Many of the times, the yogis leave their asanas and engage with the pets, which some might not be very happy about, but most practitioners say that their groups are happy.

The visionary behind the trend believes that goat yoga is not merely fun, but has true therapeutic benefits.

It sounds fun, but we wonder if we would like animals crawling all over us while we did the Padmasana or the Shravasana. So, readers, you tell us in the comments below, would you try Goat Yoga?
Communist Party of India-Marxist general secretary Sitaram Yechury said on Friday that the Bharatiya Janata Party reaching out to opposition parties on the presidential election was more like a PR exercise, after a meeting with Union ministers Rajnath Singh and M Venkaiah Naidu.

They (BJP leaders) did not propose any name, Yechury said, reiterating his partys stand that a candidate with impeccable secular credentials should be the next president.

Singh and Naidu, who are part of a BJP panel to work out a consensus on the presidential nominee, met Yechury as part of its efforts to reach out to the opposition.

Stepping out from the nearly 30-minute meeting, Yechury told mediapersons that the BJP panel would meet them again.

Asked about the government's efforts to develop a consensus on the presidential candidate, he said there has to be some name (proposed) to arrive at a consensus.

Meanwhile, the Shiv Sena has said it would recommend eminent agriculture scientist M S Swaminathan's name for the highest post if the Bharatiya Janata Party was not ready for the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief's candidature.

Sena, the BJP's oldest ally, which has been consistently pushing for Mohan Bhagwat as the next president, changed its stand after the RSS chief recently expressed his disinclination to become constitutional head of the country.

Bhagwat, 66, recently said he is not interested in the president's post.

The Sena had earlier said the nation needs a person who can seal its fate as a 'Hindu Rashtra.'

"Today, not only in Maharashtra, but farmers across the country are in distress. They have, in several parts of the country, hit the streets in protest. If the government accepts Swaminathan Commission's recommendations, farmers will immensely benefit," Sena MP Sanjay Raut told reporters in Mumbai.

The cultivators, who recently went on a strike against Maharashtra government, had demanded implementation of the recommendations of the Swaminathan committee report, along with a blanket loan waiver.

"All his recommendations should be accepted and implemented immediately," Raut said.

"Before the Lok Sabha polls, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had in-principle agreed to implement all recommendations of the Swaminathan committee report. Even after coming to power, he had assured of fulfilling his promise," he said.

"Therefore an eminent person like him is fit to hold the President's post. Uddhavji will recommend his name to Amit Shah when he calls on him at 'Matoshree' (Thackeray's residence) on Sunday," Raut said.

Union home minister Rajnath Singh meets CPI-M general secretary Sitaram Yechury on Friday. Photograph: ANI
The government on Friday reached out to the opposition on the presidential election with Union ministers Rajnath Singh and M Venkaiah Naidu meeting Congress President Sonia Gandhi, but the discussions were inconclusive with no names being put forward from either side.

"We expected that BJP leaders will come up with some name, one or more, for the post of president of India, so that the Congress party could take a call on that. But nothing of that happened. BJP leaders did not propose any name and instead asked us the names," Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said after the meeting.

Part of the ruling BJP's outreach to stitch a consensus on the official nominee for India's next president, this was the first meeting between the government and the opposition on the issue.

The BJP has formed a three-member committee of senior leaders -- Rajnath Singh, Arun Jaitley and Naidu -- and will meet other opposition leaders too. Jaitley is in Korea and was not part of the meeting at Gandhi's 10 Janpath residence that last for about 30 minutes.

Azad said the Congress expected the BJP team, which had sought time from Gandhi, to give names so discussions could be held within the party and with other opposition leaders.

"No name came up from the government side, and they said they have not yet decided on the name. Whenever they decide on the name, they will seek our cooperation and come back. Till the time any name comes, there is no question of discussion or support," he said.

Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge, who was also present during the meeting, said BJP leaders came only to meet and seek cooperation on the presidential election.

"They have not given any names; since they have not given names, there is no question of consensus. If they give the names, only then can we discuss them. There is no question of consensus," he said.

The Congress leader said the BJP was seeking cooperation but his party did not know what is on their mind.

Asked if there was any possibility of a consensus on the issue, Kharge said, "We all political parties have taken a stand that we will take a call unitedly. When the name has not come, there is no question of any discussion."

Besides the Congress, the BJP committee of ministers has also reached out to the Congress, BSP, NCP and CPI-M. They are expected to meet other opposition leaders, including CPI-M's Sitaram Yechury.

With nobody disclosing their cards on the crucial issue, it depends on which side will blink first.

A contest for the top post, however, looks likely as the opposition is keen to give a contest even if it is tilted in in favour of the ruling NDA.

The panel's discussions with the Congress chief come barely two days after a sub group of opposition leaders constituted by Gandhi met in Azad's Parliament chamber to discuss the opposition strategy. The meeting, including the Congress, the NCP and DMK, besides arch-rivals TMC and Left and SP and BSP, apart from the JD(U) and RJD, had decided to wait for the government proposal on the matter before taking a further view.

The opposition sub-group has not come up with any names so far but stand united on the issue.

However, the buzz around who would be India's next president continues. The names doing the rounds include Gopalkrishna Gandhi, former West Bengal governor and grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, as well as Janata Dal-United leader Sharad Yadav and former speaker Meira Kumar.

IMAGE: BJP leaders Rajnath Singh and Venkaiah Naidu leaves after meeting Congress president Sonia Gandhi. Photograph: Vijay Verma/PTI Photo
Russia on Friday said it was verifying whether the elusive Islamic State terror group chief Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi had been killed in a targeted Russian air strike in strife-torn Syria last month.

The air strike on May 28 was carried out on the outskirts of the dreaded terrorist groups de facto capital Raqqa, on a command post where IS leaders were meeting, according to Russian state media reports.

According to information, which is being verified via different channels, the meeting was also attended by the (IS) leader Ibrahim Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, who was eliminated in the strike, the ministry said, according to the TASS news agency.

The leaders were discussing their exit from the city through the so-called southern corridor, the ministry said.

The airstrike was carried out following drone footage confirmation of the councils meeting location, state-run Sputnik reported.

Other state media reported that more than 300 terrorists were killed in the strike.

There have been a number of previous reports of Baghdadis death.

This is the first time, however, that Russia has said it may have killed the IS leader. Other media reports have previously claimed he had been killed or critically injured by United States-led coalition air strikes.

Reacting to the report, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told journalists that there is no one-hundred-per cent confirmation yet that leader of the Islamic State terror group outlawed in Russia, al-Baghdadi, has been killed,

So far, I have no one-hundred-percent confirmation of this information, Lavrov said.

US defence officials said they were unable to confirm the reports.

Colonel Ryan Dillon, a spokesman for the US-led coalitions operation against the IS in Syria and Iraq, said the coalition cannot confirm these reports at this time.

There has been no official comment from Syrias government, the BBC reported.

So far, there has been minimal reaction from online supporters of IS to news of the reported death of the groups leader, it said.

IS sympathisers typically ignore reports from unofficial IS sources or ridicule them, especially given that Baghdadis death has been reported several times in the past.

One high-profile IS supporter on the messaging app Telegram shared a post denying the news and saying that when an IS leadership figure is killed, the group does not hide it.

He expected Baghdadi to come out soon with a message to prove he was still alive.

The IS has earned global notoriety for imposing a hardline form of Islam that has included stoning, beheadings and amputations.

Earlier, the The Russian army, in a statement, said Sukhoi warplanes carried out a 10-minute night-time strike on May 28 at a location near Raqa, where IS leaders had gathered to plan a pullout by terrorists from the groups stronghold.

Senior commanders of the military groups of the so-called IS military council, 30 mid ranking field commanders and up to 300 militants who provided security for them were eliminated, it said.

According to information which is being checked through various channels, the leader of ISIL (another acronym for IS) Ibrahim Abu-Bakr al-Baghdadi was also present at the meeting and was eliminated by the strike, it said.

The US has been informed about the attack, the statement added.

Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, which is a nom de guerre, was born Ibrahim Awwad Ibrahim Ali al-Badri al Samarrai.

Baghdadi has not been seen in public since proclaiming himself caliph in the Iraqi city of Mosul three years ago.

In October 2011, the US officially designated Baghdadi as a terrorist.

It has offered a reward of up to $25 million for information leading to his capture or death.

The IS seized Mosul, Iraq's second-biggest city, in June 2014 before claiming swathes of territory and launching deadly attacks on Western cities, including Paris and London.
The terrorists who ambushed a police party at Achabal in Anantnag district of South Kashmir on Friday disfigured the faces of the six cops slain in the attack before walking away with their weapons, police said.

A sub-inspector, identified as Pulwama-resident Feroz, a driver and four other policemen, who were on a routine round in their jeep, died in the attack, said Director General of Police S P Vaid.

The terrorists had laid an ambush on Anantnag-Achabal road near Kulgad village and fired at the police party. The police were not travelling in a bullet proof vehicle.

It is an unfortunate incident to have lost six men including Sub Inspector Feroz, a resident of Pulwama. Their contribution to the police service will be remembered, Director General of Police S P Vaid added.

Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashker-e-Tayiba is believed to be behind the ambush, a senior police official said, adding they wanted to take revenge for the Arwani encounter in which their local commander, Junaid Mattoo, is believed to have died.

The encounter at Arwani in Bijbehara area broke out on Friday morning and all the three terrorists are believed to be dead.

No bodies have been recovered so far.

This is the second major attack on a police party. Earlier on May 28, terrorists attacked a police party at Phambai area of Kulgam in South Kashmir, killing five policemen and two bank guards.

The incident saw immediate reaction from political parties including former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah who blamed the Peoples Democratic Party-Bharatiya Janata Party government led by Mehbooba Mufti for the present crisis.

It seems that South Kashmir is slipping everyday from the hands of the state government. I hope somebody in New Delhi wakes up now, Omar said.

State Congress chief G A Mir said it was a very sad incident.

It shows that the state government has completely failed in controlling the situation. I wonder when will the Union home ministry wake up, Mir said.
Chipping away at Barack Obama's legacy, United States President Donald Trump cancelled his predecessor's 'one-sided' Cuba deal and put the two Cold War-era rivals on collision course again by vowing to not allow dollars to prop up Raul Castro's 'military monopoly'.

Obama had announced in December 2014 that he and Castro were restoring ties and less than a year later, the US Embassy in Havana was re-opened with the then US president making a historic visit to the Communist country in 2016.

Reversing the policy of pursuing a historic detente, Trump said, "Effective immediately, I am cancelling the last administration's completely one-sided deal with Cuba. I am announcing today a new policy just as I promised during the campaign."

"Our policy will seek a much better deal for the Cuban people and for the United States of America. We do not want US dollars to prop up a military monopoly that exploits and abuses the citizens of Cuba. Our new policy begins with strictly enforcing US law," he told a cheering crowd in Miami's Little Havana, the spiritual home of the Cuban-American community.

In Havana, Cuba's government criticised the new restrictions on ties with the US that were announced by Trump, but reiterated its willingness to hold a 'respectful dialogue' with Washington, DC.

Trump's speech, which came as the president signed a directive outlining his posture toward Cuba, is the latest attempt by the Trump administration to chip away at Obama's legacy, of which the Cuba policy of starting a historic detente was a major part.

Obama had pushed for expanding commerce and travel between the two countries.

However, Trump, in a complete reversal, asserted that he will not lift sanctions on Cuba unless it releases all political prisoners and respects freedoms.

"We will not lift sanctions on the Cuban regime until all political prisoners are freed, freedoms of assembly and expression are respected, all political parties are legalised and free and internationally supervised elections are scheduled elections," Trump said.

"We will very strongly restrict American dollars flowing to the military, security, and intelligence services that are the core of the Castro regime. They will be restricted. We will enforce the ban on tourism. We will enforce the embargo," the US president said.

Trump asserted that the US will take concrete steps to ensure that investments flow directly to the people so they can open private businesses and begin to build their country's 'great, great future, a country of great potential'.

Trump said his actions bypassed the military and the government to help the Cuban people form businesses and pursue much better lives.

"We will keep in place the safeguards to prevent Cubans from risking their lives to unlawful travel to the United States. They are in such danger the way they have to come to this country. And we are going to be safeguarding those people," he said.

Trump said his administration will expose the crimes of the Castro regime and stand with the Cuban people in their struggle for freedom.

"Because we know it is best for America to have freedom in our hemisphere, whether in Cuba or Venezuela, and to have a future where the people of each country can live out their own dreams," he said.

He alleged that for nearly six decades, the Cuban people had suffered under the Communist domination.

To this day, Cuba is ruled by the same people who killed tens of thousands of their own citizens, who sought to spread their repressive and failed ideology throughout our hemisphere and who once tried to host enemy nuclear weapons 90 miles from our shores, Trump said.

"The Castro regime has shipped arms to North Korea and fuelled chaos in Venezuela. While imprisoning innocents, it has harboured cop killers, hijackers and terrorists. It has supported human trafficking, forced labour and exploitation all around the globe," Trump alleged.

"This is the simple truth of the Castro regime. My administration will not hide from it, excuse it or glamourise it. And we will never, ever be blind to it. We know what's going on and we remember what happened," he said.

Photograph: Carlos Barria/Reuters
The Presidents June 1 statement that our nation will withdraw from the Paris Climate Accord is significant, historic, and unilateral among the over 190 nations involved. His statement (whitehouse.gov) is often factually incorrect. Examples:

Trump: Believe me, we have massive legal liability if we stay in (the Agreement). Factcheck.org: "There is no liability mechanism in the Paris Agreement. Washingtonpost.com: The plans (submitted by each nation to lower its emissions) are not legally binding. Scientificamerican.com: In the Paris Agreement (everyone but Trump calls the Paris Agreement by its actual name), countries put forward their own commitments. ... They are nonbinding and there are no enforcement mechanisms if a country falls short.

Trump spoke about the worlds leading polluters. For example ... China ... India. Factcheck: in 2015, China came in first (highest) for total kilotons of CO2 emitted. The United States, the European Union, and India trailed China in that order.

Besides many more false facts in his statement, theres trumpery. Trump: I was elected to represent Pittsburgh, not Paris. Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto said he would follow the Paris Agreement for our people, our future and economy (Washingtonpost.com) and added Its now up to cities to lead (TheHill.com).

Its up to citizens and cities now to address climate change. On June 26, 6 PM, City-County Building, Helenas City Commission will consider a resolution (read at MEIC.org/events/Helena-city-commission) in response to Trumps withdrawal (IR, 6/10/2017). Will we join Bozeman and hundreds of American cities rising in support of this world Agreement?

Bob Filipovich

Helena
United States President Donald Trump on Friday appeared to confirm that he was being probed for firing the Federal Bureau of Investigation chief and described it as a witch hunt, as he asserted that there was no proof of his collusion with the Russians even after seven months of investigation.

I am being investigated for firing the FBI Director (James Comey) by the man who told me to fire the FBI Director! Witch Hunt, Trump said in an early morning tweet.

Trumps apparent confirmation that he is under probe for obstruction of justice by special counsel appointed to probe alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential polls came a day after a Washington Post report pointed to such an investigation.

The probe by special counsel Robert Mueller, a former FBI chief, marks a major turning point in the nearly year-old FBI investigation, which until recently focused on Russian meddling during the presidential campaign and on whether there was any coordination between the Trump campaign and the Kremlin, The Washington Post had reported.

Trump did not respond to shouted questions from the media as he was leaving the White House lawns to board Marine One for the Joint Andres Air Force Base for his day-long trip to Florida.

Despite the phony Witch Hunt going on in America, the economic and jobs numbers are great. Regulations way down, jobs and enthusiasm way up! said the US President in another tweet.

He accused the mainstream American media for allegedly spreading wrong news.

The Fake News Media hates when I use what has turned out to be my very powerful Social Media -- over 100 million people! I can go around them, Trump said.

In the past, he has frequently used the term Fake News Media for outlets like The New York Times, The Washington Post and CNN.

After 7 months of investigations and committee hearings about my collusion with the Russians, nobody has been able to show any proof. Sad! Trump said in his first tweet of the day.

A day earlier, Trump had questioned why his general election rival Hillary Clinton was not being investigated.

Why is that Hillary Clintons family and Dems dealings with Russia are not looked at, but my non-dealings are? Trump questioned.

Crooked Hillary destroyed phones with hammer, bleached e-mails, and had husband meet with Attorney General days before she was cleared -- and they talk about obstruction? he had said.

The Post reported that the obstruction of justice investigation of the president began days after James Comey was fired as the FBI Director on May 9. Mueller is overseeing a host of investigations involving people who are or were in Trumps orbit, people familiar with the probe were quoted as saying.

Significantly, Preet Bharara, the India-born former top US federal prosecutor, earlier this week had said that there was enough evidence to begin an obstruction of justice case against Trump over his alleged interference in the Russia probe.

Trump has said he is 100 per cent willing to testify under oath on Comey meetings and tell the FBI Special Consul Robert Muller that he never asked FBI to stop investigating.

Image: US President Donald Trump and White House National Security Advisor HR McMaster board Air Force One. Photograph: Carlos Barria/Reuters
A woman who was raped by an Uber driver in India in 2014 filed a lawsuit against the ride-hailing company and its embattled chief executive Travis Kalanick for unlawfully obtaining and sharing her medical records related to the sexual assault.

The woman, identified only as Jane Doe in the lawsuit filed in federal court in California, said in the complaint that she was violated physically when she was brutally raped in Delhi by her Uber driver in December 2014.

Sadly, in the United States, Uber executives violated her a second time by unlawfully obtaining and sharing her medical records from that vicious sexual assault and have failed, as of the date of this filing, to apologise to her for this outrageous conduct, the lawsuit said.

The lawsuit has been filed against Uber, Kalanick, Ubers former vice president for business in Asia Eric Alexander and the companys then-senior vice president for business Emil Michael.

The lawsuit has been filed days after it emerged that Alexander had obtained medical records of the 26-year-old woman and had shown them to Kalanick and Michael. It is also alleged that numerous executives at the car-hailing company were either told about the records or shown them by this group and Alexander had carried around the document for about a year before other executives, presumably the legal

department, obtained the report and destroyed his copy.

It is also alleged that Alexander, Kalanick and Michael had considered the prospect that Ubers main rival in India, Ola, could have been behind the sexual assault incident to sabotage the company.

The lawsuit added that Uber executives duplicitously and publicly decried the rape, expressing sympathy for plaintiff, and shock and regret at the violent attack, while privately speculating, as outlandish as it is, that she had colluded with a rival company to harm Ubers business.

The woman currently lives in Texas and had previously sued Uber in 2015 for its lack of sufficient safety standards. The case was settled a few months later.

Image: A man arrives at the Uber offices in Queens, New York, US. Photograph: Brendan McDermid/Reuters
What this document is

The Herald & Review is a digital-first newsroom. That means we often report news as the story is developing in real time.

Our responsibility is to report accurately and fairly, even when all of the facts are not fully known. Were transparent about our process with readers.

This document is provided to Herald & Review staff and provides guidelines on how we report on breaking news as well as public safety and crime.

If you have questions about this document, contact Central Illinois Editor Chris Coates at (217) 421-8905 or ccoates@herald-review.com.

Organizational ethics

We subscribe to the belief that ethical reporting is paramount and we follow the Society of Professional Journalists' Code of Ethics. Our policy is based on practices developed by the Poynter Institute, the Reynolds Journalism Institute at the University of Missouri, and newsrooms within Lee Enterprises Inc. especially the Sioux City Journal.

Defining breaking news

Breaking news is any information that a large number of people want or need to get. This includes developing stories that involve public safety, such as fires and weather, as well as issues of high interest, such as a traffic accident that might cause heavy delays.

See below for specific examples.

Posting breaking news

Breaking news can be created and posted by anyone in the newsroom. Sensitive breaking news should be reviewed by at least one newsroom manager before it is posted. Journalists should seek guidance on any breaking news that requires the approval of a supervising editor.

Acceptable sources

Breaking news cannot be posted without the presence of at least one clearly identified official source, unless otherwise approved by an editor. Acceptable sources include anyone with authoritative, firsthand knowledge of the situation or public officials and/or other traditional print media sources who have been given authority to communicate with the media on the subject. Anonymous sources will not be used unless approved by an editor.

Scanner traffic will not be used as the only source for a breaking news update unless outstanding circumstances are present.

We will consider using information gathered from readers including video and photos of breaking news events. We will strive to independently verify such information, including information gathered via social media sites, before posting, especially information that is sensitive in nature.

Other platforms

Newsroom staff will post breaking news updates in a variety of settings, including on social media, live video like Facebook Live and live blogs. The standards for posting news in these settings are the same as outlined in this document.

Corrections/clarifications

We will publicly correct or clarify information in what we publish as quickly as possible. As a news organization, it's important that we're transparent about those corrections or clarifications. If the facts change, we will tell our readers what has happened and how these facts differ from our original reporting. We will be vigilant about making those corrections and/or clarifications, even if the facts change hours or days after the original report.

We also indicate in the story that a correction has been made. A note is added at the bottom.

Corrections appear on Page 2 of the newspaper and here.

Crime- and court-reporting guidelines

The Herald & Reviews mission is to impartially cover the news and present all sides equally. This extends to coverage of public safety, the courts, police and crime.

SOURCING AND NAMING THE ACCUSED

ATTRIBUTION

Put simply, every accusation made against any person must be attributed to avert any sense the Herald & Review is making an allegation. The A.P. Stylebook advises we must avoid any suggestion that someone is being judged before a trial.

To do this, specify the source of an allegation to allow the public to judge the reliability and motivation of the source. In a criminal case, that means an arrest record, an indictment, or the statement of a public official or member of law enforcement.

Be clear and fair by attributing each piece of information on a suspect to police reports and court documents: "According to the criminal complaint, Jones fired two shots ... "

The word alleged is jargon and should be rephrased into conversational English, such as accused of or charged with. In cases when the word alleged must be used, apply the modifier to the offense, not the suspect: alleged theft not alleged thief.

Remember: Until a person is convicted, he or she is a suspect or defendant and is not an alleged slayer, thief, etc.

NAMING SUSPECTS

We subscribe to the SPJ Code of Ethics when naming suspects: Balance a suspects right to a fair trial with the publics right to know. Consider the implications of identifying criminal suspects before they face legal charges.

Formal charges

In general, names of people arrested are not to be used until they are formally charged, which indicates a prosecutor concurred with an arresting officer about sufficient evidence a crime had been committed. Generally, that is in the form of a grand jury or issuance of an arrest warrant or criminal information by prosecutors.

Limited use of preliminary charges

There are exceptions to waiting for formal charges to name an accused criminal, and serious risks should be weighed in each. In the case of high-profile crimes that involve very serious incidents or noteworthy people, it may be appropriate to use preliminary charges for the basis of using someones name. (Common exceptions are listed below.)

Such an allowance should be discussed promptly before writing starts with an editor, who has been instructed to carefully and vigorously consider all factors, including the potential harm to an accused person. Remember: preliminary charges can change once the case is reviewed by the States Attorneys Office. Just because we have information doesnt mean we should use it.

A good rule of thumb when considering using preliminary charges are allegations that are Class X felonies, the most serious in Illinois criminal code. They are:

Murder

Attempted murder

Aggravated kidnapping

Aggravated battery with a firearm

Aggravated battery of a child

Home invasion

Aggravated criminal sexual assault

Predatory criminal sexual assault of a child

Armed robbery

Aggravated vehicular hijacking

Aggravated arson

Possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver (such as 15-100 grams or possession with intent to deliver within 1,000 feet of a public park, church, school, or public housing)

Required language when preliminary charges are used

The Associated Press Style is to use arrested on a suspicion of if a charge hasnt been filed.

Additionally, if preliminary charges are printed, we must describe that formal charging decisions are made by the States Attorneys Office, not the police.

Many times, preliminary charges will be accompanied by paperwork signed by a police officer describing the circumstances and investigation of the case. These documents are sometimes called sworn statements. In print, refer to them as an affidavit signed by a police officer.

We also are transparent that charges may change or be dropped. We do that by listing each preliminary charge and explaining the case is under review by the States Attorneys Office.

Following up

In all cases, remember that the accused person is a suspect and is innocent until proved guilty. If the accused has pleaded innocent, say so in every story.

Be especially careful with search warrants, which do not necessarily mean the person named is a suspect.

Always list a bond amount when someone is charged, and keep in mind that the reader isnt familiar with how the bond process works.

Whenever we name a person, we take on the responsibility of reporting their legal process. Although most people who are arrested are charged, they are not always charged with the same crimes they were arrested for. When we use the name, we are making a commitment to follow through on covering the outcome of the prosecution.

SEEKING COMMENTS FROM ACCUSED

When an accused criminal is named, every effort is made to speak with him or her, as outlined by the SPJ Code of Ethics: Diligently seek subjects of news coverage to allow them to respond to criticism or allegations of wrongdoing.

If a person accused of a crime is not available, we seek the counsel for him or her to comment. If the lawyer is not available, we say: Jim Jones, an attorney for Thompson, was not immediately available to comment about the allegations Friday. If a lawyer has not been named, we say: A lawyer for Thompson had not been named as of Friday.

In the interest of fairness, place the comment (or lack of comment) from the accused or his/her lawyer high in the story.

IDENTIFICATION

PEOPLE ACCUSED OF CRIMES

Names

Our goal is to be as precise as possible in identifying someone accused of crime, especially when a common name is involved. We want to avoid implicating an innocent person, so use first and last names and a middle initial if available, as well as age.

Addresses

In general, we dont use addresses or block numbers for individuals charged with crimes because we have found that many of those arrested give false information or no longer live at the address they have listed.

Race

Dont use racial identification in a crime story unless we also have the following criteria: a height and weight description from police and/or a fairly specific clothing description. A typical description would be: Police described the suspect as a white male, approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall, 150 pounds and wearing a dark jacket with light-colored jeans.

Criminal records

Generally, criminal records of people arrested and charged are not used prior to or during trials, unless past offenses become an issue in public pre-trial hearings.

Criminal histories are pertinent in many cases but we should nevertheless weigh carefully whether to print them. Reporters should check the official record, rather than relying on clips, before reporting criminal histories.

Mugshot photos

The same standard for using a persons name applies to running mug shots  it should be for serious crimes and generally after formal charges are filed. See Naming entry.

Juveniles

Juvenile courts protect the identity of persons under 18 charged with crimes. Therefore, we usually do not print their names, parents names or schools. We do print the juveniles age and city of residence but not street address.

An exception is when a juvenile charged with a crime is certified for trial as an adult. In these cases, the name of the juvenile is printed, along with other identifying facts relevant to the story.

In those cases that remain in juvenile court that involve an especially newsworthy or heinous act there may be exceptions to using the juveniles name once he or she is adjudicated (or found guilty) of the offense. This decision will be made by newsroom editors in consultation with reporters on a case-by-case basis.

VICTIMS

Naming crime victims

We generally dont name crime victims, although there may be exceptions, including:

The victim is dead

The victim is a public figure

The person agrees in an interview to be named

The crime was committed in a public place and the victim was badly hurt

Speaking with crime victims

Talk to an editor before you talk with a crime victim. We want to protect victims from reprisal, threats, harassment and shame.

Reporters seeking comment from crime victims or their relatives should be courteous at all times. Our policy allows reporters to try to reach victims at home, hospitals, schools, workplace, etc. Reporters should be sensitive at all times.

Whenever we talk to someone who says he or she is a victim, we must corroborate the allegations and get a comment from the accused.

Sexual assault

Names of sexual assault victims are not printed in news stories. We do print the age of sexual assault victims and city or neighborhood of residence.

If the public interest is served  for example, a warning of a high-crime area  we will describe in general terms the site of the sexual assault. We want to be specific enough to let the public know where such assaults are happening.

We protect the identity of the sexual assault victim in subsequent legal procedures, including trials.

UNPUBLISH REQUESTS

The Herald & Review does not remove content  including stories and photos  from our website or archives, except in rare instances. We consider our digital archives the equivalent of our printed archives, which are not altered.

If a story contains inaccuracies, details will be corrected in the same manner as a recently published story and a note will be added at the bottom of the story.

If there is new information, we will update the story or publish a new story.

Sexual assault of children

We do not report the family relationship of the alleged victim and the suspect. This would help identify the victim, possibly placing him or her in the public eye.

Never use the term incest. Instead use sexual abuse of a child or the precise charge such as aggravated criminal sexual assault. Use of the word incest narrows the focus, which could lead to identification of the child.

We protect the names of young victims of sexual offenses by describing them by age and gender only.

It is almost impossible to report on some of these cases without giving away the relationship of the victim to the accuser, which puts us at risk of tacitly naming the victim. For example, in writing about a defendant, naming a young girl as the daughter of his girlfriend gives away the victims identity, for all practical purposes. When these situations arise, consult an editor.

WITNESSES TO CRIME

We usually dont identify witnesses to crimes. An exception could be if a witness is not in jeopardy and volunteers or willingly provides information. In such cases, the reporter should seek permission of the witness to use his name and any other identifying facts.

PUBLIC SAFETY COVERAGE GUIDELINE

ASSAULTS OR BATTERIES

We write stories about assaults and batteries if they are serious enough that someone must be hospitalized. We may write stories about other assaults if there is a compelling reason to do so.

BURGLARIES

In deciding which burglaries to report, gauge the public interest and seriousness of the crime, considering such factors as crime trends, value of goods stolen, whether someone was hurt or notable occupants.

Don't list the exact address. Instead, say a home near 15th and Garfield streets. Details that could aid a burglar in another attempt at the same place should not be used.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

We report on cases of domestic violence when the violence is notable for its severity. We generally do not identify victims of domestic violence.

MINOR CRIMES

We generally do not write stories on minor crimes unless there is some unusual twist or human interest angle. As outlined by the SPJ Code of Ethics, Avoid pandering to lurid curiosity, even if others do.

We generally dont write about DUI charges or similar incidents unless it involves a noteworthy person or location.

ROBBERIES

We write about armed robberies of a business and armed robberies when the weapon is a gun.

We do not write a story about every strong-arm robbery (that means no weapon was involved). We report strong-arm robberies if they seem particularly serious or there's some other newsworthy aspect to the crime.

SEXUAL ABUSE OF A CHILD

We do not write stories on all sexual abuse cases. Our policy is to report convictions in newsworthy cases and follow up with sentencing.

Determining what is newsworthy is based on circumstances, whether the accused is a prominent or public figure and other guidelines typically used in determining coverage.

CIVIL SUITS

We report the filing of civil lawsuits involving serious injury or death, suits against public bodies and other unusual circumstances. Diligent efforts must be made to get the other side of the lawsuit from defendants. Amount of damages sought should be included in the story.

In a civil case, anyone can accuse anyone of anything. Truly frivolous lawsuits are rare, but be wary of writing stories based only on court records. Make a genuine effort to reach all the parties involved, especially the defendants and/or their attorneys.

Attorneys typically advise defendants not to talk to the press. Your story should say that. Don't just say they refused to comment. That implies the defendant has something to hide.
DECATUR  Millikin University graduate Haley Hogenkamp made the decision to pursue a position in the Peace Corps thanks to her experience in a class on international consulting.

She'll spend two years in Macedonia with the Community Development sector.

This class and experience has further taught me three important lessons, she said. How to manage ambiguity, how to see from another's perspective and how to envision the improvement of a community through the lens of sustainability.

The class spent the entire spring semester working on a project with Pro Ecuador, a Chicago-based group seeking to bring handmade crafts to the American market. The students had to do most of their own research to come up with market potential because the United States does not track handicraft information.

Working with mentors Bruce Nims and Dennis Schweiger, the students produced a professional market report and personally delivered it to artisans, economic development leaders and the mayor of Ibarra, Ecuador, in May.

We have worked with Pro Ecuador, a government organization aligned with the Ecuadorian government, and their role is to promote the sale of various products of Ecuador in the U.S., said Professor J. Mark Munoz, who teaches the Millikin class. I had a chance to meet with the trade commissioner, Borys Mejia, and I told him about the work, some of the projects we've done at Millikin, specifically the Tabor School (of Business).

The international business consulting class is about 12 students who work with Munoz on real-world projects, usually helping companies expand overseas or helping overseas companies expand into the U.S. The real-world aspect is critical, Munoz said, because the students are learning and applying skills they'll use in their careers, providing a service that the companies need, and gaining valuable experience.

We've done all sorts of projects all over the world, Munoz said. One in New Zealand for a company that wanted to sell ready-to-eat meals in the U.S.; a mushroom company in China; we've done research for Barilla, that's a pasta maker. They are originally from Italy and they have a high-end line, and they wanted to sell those products in the U.S. We helped them do that, and then the students flew to Italy and made a presentation to the management team. We've done one for the government of Zambia, where we designed a micro-enterprise zone in Zambia for the government.

Very few universities offer that kind of hands-on experience, Munoz said, at least not at the undergraduate level. Besides giving the students the confidence and experience to enter the business world ready to prepare and present such work, it provides companies a service for free that would normally cost thousands of dollars, he said.

The class was an incredible opportunity to interact with other cultures, government officials, and gain performance learning experience, Hogenkamp said. This was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I would never have imagined traveling to Ecuador to present to a government in my four years at Millikin. Tabor School of Business truly prepared me for professional success and democratic citizenship in a global environment.

Millikin is focused on performance learning, Munoz said, and providing students with real problems to solve, projects with real-world applications that will give them a practical, and not theoretical, experience.

Ecuador is a developing country but has come far in recent years, Munoz said, and expanding its business outreach to the U.S. is an important step in the process. Selling their goods to a wider market can make a significant difference in the lives of the artisans who create the crafts, and it's also important to the country's economy that they have an up-to-date and comprehensive report regarding the American market.

The officials in Ecuador were appreciative and told Munoz that they intend to implement suggestions made in the presentation. The students' extensive bound report included every aspect of the market, something that did not exist before they did the research and work to write it.

This is probably one of the most comprehensive studies on the handicraft industry, Munoz said. In the past, when we wanted to research an industry, there's a lot of information (already available). In this case, we had very limited information so we had to do a lot of primary research. We had to interview people, a lot of experts, do a national survey.

"It was a lot of work, but eventually the students came up with a good research project and a helpful plan.

Another benefit of doing such a large project, said student Clayton Welker, an accounting major minoring in finance, was learning to work together in a diverse group. Students in the class were majoring in different areas, with different backgrounds, but learned to work as a team. He wants to take the class again in the spring 2018 semester and said several of his classmates plan to do the same.

The existence of informal business, where business is not taxed nor monitored, is a common issue in many countries, Hogenkamp said. Our team was incredibly lucky to hear experts in Ecuador shed light on how Ecuador is handling this issue.

"Throughout the trip, I learned that, in order to help a community, solutions must be tailor-made to address individual community needs and goals that will differ greatly from one to the next."
Mexico's Worsening War without a Name

Publisher International Crisis Group (ICG) Publication Date 15 June 2017 Cite as International Crisis Group (ICG), Mexico's Worsening War without a Name, 15 June 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59439b724.html [accessed 11 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Murder rates in Mexico have hit a record high amid criminal carnage not seen since the so-called "war on drugs" a decade ago. Over the first four months of 2017, three murders took place every hour to reach a total of 8,705 killings, about half of which can be attributed to organised crime. This marks the highest toll for this period since Mexican prosecutors began recording systematic crime statistics twenty years ago.

The path to this grisly statistic has advanced through various stages. The first was the militarisation of the "war on drugs" that began in 2006 under former President Felipe Calderon, and which triggered an arms race and clashes between criminal organisations and state security forces, including the Mexican army. Then came strategies aimed at taking down "kingpin" cartel leaders and at splintering criminal organisations, both of which ultimately aggravated the violence and reinforced these groups' ties with corrupt state institutions.

The new plague of killings has reversed a fall in Mexican homicide rates after the beginning of Enrique Pena Nieto's presidency in 2012. Now violence is not only taking its toll on Mexican society, but has also become a part of President Trump's bombastic rhetoric in his diplomatic offensive toward his southern neighbour, with consequences as yet hard to foretell.

The Sinaloa Cartel Break-up

The internal splintering and internecine warfare among criminal organisations has played a central role in Mexico's worsening violence. No better example can be found than the repeated captures and escapes of Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman. These are emblematic of how the assassination or imprisonment of criminal leaders by the armed forces spark races to claim leadership, and present business opportunities for rival criminal groups seeking to take over illegal activities.

After the second capture of El Chapo and his subsequent jailbreak through a purpose-built tunnel on 11 July 2015, a struggle broke out between the Sinaloa Cartel and the New Generation Jalisco Cartel. The latter, a criminal organisation that had been active only in certain localities, sought to extend its reach by taking advantage of the weakened Sinaloa leadership. In the region of Colima alone, the homicide rate rose by as much as 300 per cent.

Then came the third capture of El Chapo, on 8 January 2016 in Sinaloa, a north-western Mexican state not far from the U.S. border, after a picaresque investigation involving the interception of messages between El Chapo and actors Kate del Castillo and Sean Penn regarding a film on El Chapo's life. The Sinaloa Cartel's battle against the New Generation Jalisco Cartel intensified. The struggle escalated further following El Chapo's extradition to the U.S. on 19 January 2017, a day before Donald Trump's presidency began.

El Chapo's eclipse triggered internal feuding as well. The succession divided El Chapo's sons and one of his associates, Damaso "El Licenciado" Lopez. Damaso's career illustrates many connections that so demoralise Mexicans: a former deputy director of the Puente Grande high security prison, he proved himself a loyal associate by assisting in Chapo's escape in January 2001, and during his career as a prosecution official, prison officer and police commander is alleged to have established corruption pacts with various Mexican government officials.

The conflict between Damaso and Chapo's family is partly over the control of drug trafficking routes into the U.S., but quickly spread to other illegal businesses into which the organisation has diversified. "The problem was that [El Chapo's] organisation was taking over the market in every possibly way: drug dealing, narcotics, oil theft, etc., and that riled Damaso, who was also moving into those markets", a federal government official told the late Sinaloa-based reporter Javier Valdez.

The conflict quickly turned deadly. According to the local press, in the first five months of 2017 Sinaloa state suffered more than 700 assassinations linked to criminal organisations in conflict, notably between El Chapo's sons and Damaso. The struggle only seemed to abate when Damaso himself was taken prisoner in a joint operation by the federal police and the Mexican army on 2 May.

At the same time, rising popular fear in Sinaloa state fuelled a wave of protests. The assassination in broad daylight in the state capital Culiacan on 15 May of Javier Valdez, a noted journalist who had written an article discussing Damaso's role in the spiral of violence, became a symbol of Mexico's new climate of violence, was extensively covered by global media outlets and prompted messages of solidarity from the international community. Anger at the additional killings of innocent doctors, photographers and teachers with no apparent link to criminal disputes was aggravated by the government's inability to provide security and the lack of credibility of its promise to bring the perpetrators to justice.

The Criminal Plaza

Criminal groups embraced an opportunistic new business model known as the plaza (the original Spanish meaning of which is town square). In other words, they tried to expand their turf as their traditional drug-smuggling business stumbled under the effects of gradual legalisation of marijuana in Mexico and the U.S., and a fall in the U.S. price of cocaine. In response, the groups turned to protection rackets, migrant kidnappings, theft and extortion. Mexico's incomplete democratic transition and weak institutional checks and balances have underpinned criminal gangs' corruption of local authorities and their ability to co-opt communities through the use or threat of violence. An economic model built on abundant, cheap labour helps the crime groups too. The availability of young people prepared to kill for modest payments has played an important part in the recent spike in murders.

Los Zetas, a criminal organisation that sprang up in the 1990s as an armed branch of the Gulf Cartel, created and popularised various plaza strategies. First, it professionalised the use of violence. It organised its main base of Mexican army deserters, some of them U.S.-trained elite forces, into special units able to seize commercial opportunities along drugs and arms smuggling routes. Above all, during President Calderon's "war" on drugs, it engaged in any illegal activity that provided the revenue necessary to maintain operations in particular territories. Los Zetas ended up fragmenting into dozens of smaller groups, but their strategy was emulated by other criminal groups. Imitators even adopted their name.

One of the most problematic legacies of the Zeta model is fuel theft, or huachicoleo. Communities in the most impoverished parts of the country like the so-called Red Triangle in the state of Puebla have been helping themselves for twenty years and then selling it off at half the national price. But when Felipe Calderon's "war" on drugs began in 2006, there were just 204 clandestine taps siphoning off fuel products along 57,000km of pipelines belonging to the Mexican state company, Petroleos Mexicanos (Pemex). By 2016, the number of illegal taps had increased to 6,159, a rise of 2,919 per cent. Estimates of annual losses rise to 600 million gallons of fuel, worth hundreds of millions of dollars.

Mexican analysts' initial reaction to increased oil products theft has been to blame criminal organisations and the impoverished communities that support them, the same accusation they have long used against drug traffickers. They also blame music and other forms of popular culture that have contributed to the exotic, if criminal, reputation of huachicoleo. But composing and dancing huachicoleras is not enough to set up a thriving oil theft business in Mexico. In the main municipalities of the Red Triangle, 80 per cent of the population lives in poverty, and fuel prices rises of more than 20 per cent this year have triggered a wave of social protest. And without the knowledge and technical expertise of Pemex workers and the complicity of authorities supposedly fighting this activity, it would be impossible to set up the clandestine outlets vital for oil theft.

A War of Words over a War Word

On 9 May, Donald Trump retweeted a CNN article citing a report by the London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies claiming that with 23,000 fatalities in 2016, Mexico is the world's second most deadly conflict after Syria, where it counted 50,000 killed. The Mexican government promptly denied this, challenging the report's methodology, casualty count and its characterisation of the situation as a "non-international armed conflict". Mexico argues that its homicide rate is lower than that of its neighbours and that the criminal groups, drug trafficking and violence are overwhelmingly transnational in nature, affecting not just Mexico but the whole region.

The war of words over a way to define Mexico's soaring criminal homicides has serious implications. Already, President Trump's anti-immigrant and acerbic anti-Mexican discourse has exacerbated risk perceptions regarding the transfer of goods and passage of people between Mexico and the U.S., both legal and illegal. It has fuelled uncertainty in Mexican state institutions regarding Trump's possible reactions to any worsening of security conditions in Mexico, above all in the context of his insistence on the construction of a border wall and plan to slash aid to the country. His reported offer in a January phone conversation to Pena Nieto to deploy U.S. soldiers across the border has also reinforced the idea that he will make a more benign renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) dependent on further militarisation of the fight against organised crime, tighter border control and sustained deportation by Mexico of Central American migrants.

On the other hand, the Mexican government's denial that the country is suffering from an armed conflict is proving hard to sustain. When the foreign and interior ministers published a joint statement rebuffing any suggestion that Mexico is in any way at war, the daily newspaper Cambio simultaneously published a video of a soldier committing an extrajudicial killing of an alleged oil thief. While Mexico celebrated Mother's Day on 10 May, an unidentified armed commando assassinated leading activist Miriam Elizabeth Rodriguez Martinez in her house in San Fernando, Tamaulipas, one of many mothers looking for her disappeared child.

Trump's rhetoric and possible preference for a strategy of militarisation and border control to combat transnational crime risks raising the stakes, but the debate over terminology is worth having. Some insist that Mexico is at war, since criminal groups pose an increasingly deadly, organised challenge to the state. Others argue that Mexico is not experiencing a war, and consider the use of such language extremely dangerous as it could become a self-fulfilling prophecy. Indeed, there is good reason to eschew the label of "war" and simplistic use of other wartime language, as it could incite further violence and armed responses, and is ill-suited to this unconventional and complex crisis.

What is certain, Mexico is undergoing a crisis that, as security expert Alejandro Hope says, "may have reached the point of requiring a broader vocabulary to describe the many forms of human conflict" that are taking place in the country. The government should recognise this and end its policy of denial, which has only further widened the gap that separates it from society.

The Risks of Over-simplification

The rise in homicide rates in Mexico reflects in part ill-considered security policies, the competitive fragmentation of criminal organisations and the diversification of these groups' illegal activities, including extortion, protection rackets and more recently oil theft. All are sustained by corruption and impunity, alliances between criminals and various state officials, and deep political and economic disparity between the majority of the population and the national elite.

In responding to escalating violence, Pena Nieto has failed to make significant changes to legal institutions and the country's moribund security strategy. On the contrary: the budget for a new crime prevention plan was virtually eliminated last year, implementation of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy has stagnated, and the process of appointing its key officials lacks credibility. Furthermore, the introduction of the accusatory criminal system, established in the wake of a 2008 legal reform bill, has not generated its desired results, while details concerning the creation of a genuinely independent head of the Prosecutor General's Office (Fiscal General de la Republica) remain opaque. The role played by the armed forces in providing public security has enabled postponement of much needed reform of the federal and local police, while the push for a new Internal Security Act would provide legal cover to military personnel performing public safety duties that go beyond their mandate and for which they have not been trained.

Crisis Group has stressed the need for international support in the search for justice for victims of violence in situations such as that prevailing in the state of Veracruz. Following Javier Valdez's recent murder, UN and Inter-American Commission on Human Rights rapporteurs working on freedom of speech have reiterated their offer to visit Mexico to contribute to the search for justice for more than 105 reporters who, according to Article 19, a non-governmental organisation, have been murdered since 2000. It is time that the Mexican government accepts such offers from multilateral organisations and NGOs in order to avoid the prospect of unilateral and more dangerous interference from a less disinterested great power.
Disclaimer

This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.
Kazakhstan: Five years' jail for Islamic talks

Publisher Forum 18 Author Felix Corley Publication Date 15 June 2017 Cite as Forum 18, Kazakhstan: Five years' jail for Islamic talks, 15 June 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59439d1d4.html [accessed 11 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Sunni Muslim Nariman Seytzhanov was given five years' jail for "inciting religious hatred" by talking about schools of Islam to Kazakh pilgrims to Saudi Arabia. Satymzhan Azatov's trial on similar charges continues in Astana on 21 June. Five years' suspended sentence handed down in Almaty.
Hungary: Appeal Court orders retrial of man convicted of 'terrorism' for throwing stones

Publisher Amnesty International Publication Date 15 June 2017 Cite as Amnesty International, Hungary: Appeal Court orders retrial of man convicted of 'terrorism' for throwing stones, 15 June 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59439f564.html [accessed 11 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Hungary: Appeal Court orders retrial of man convicted of 'terrorism' for throwing stones

Following a decision by a Hungarian appeal court to order a retrial in the case against Ahmed H, a Syrian man sentenced to 10 years in prison for committing an "act of terror" during clashes with border guards at the Serbia-Hungary border, Todor Gardos, Amnesty International's Hungary researcher said:

"This is an important step on the path to justice for a man whose absurd conviction was based on the blatant misuse of terrorism provisions.

"Today's decision is a clear indication that evidence against Ahmed H was not adequately examined by the first instance court and suggests that he may have been wrongfully convicted.

"Throwing a few stones cannot seriously be equated to an act of terrorism and the retrial will provide an opportunity to ensure counter-terrorism laws stop being misused in such a way.

"There is no reason for Ahmed H to remain in pre-trial detention. He should be released and tried fairly without delay."

Background

In August 2015, Ahmed left his family home in Cyprus to go and help his elderly parents and six other family members flee Syria and find safety in Europe. One month later, they found themselves among hundreds of refugees stranded at the Hungarian border after police fenced off the crossing with Serbia.

Clashes broke out as some refugees attempted to get through. Hungary's police responded with tear gas and water cannon, injuring dozens. Some people threw stones, including Ahmed. But news footage also clearly shows Ahmed using a megaphone to call on both sides to remain calm.

For this, a Hungarian court found him guilty of an "act of terror", under Hungary's extremely vague counter-terrorism laws, and sentenced him to 10 years in prison.

Copyright notice:  Copyright Amnesty International
Maldives: Former Vice President Ahmed Adeeb denied medical care in prison

Publisher Amnesty International Publication Date 15 June 2017 Citation / Document Symbol ASA 29/6518/2017 Cite as Amnesty International, Maldives: Former Vice President Ahmed Adeeb denied medical care in prison, 15 June 2017, ASA 29/6518/2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5943a0074.html [accessed 11 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Amnesty International urges the Maldives authorities to immediately grant the imprisoned former Vice President Ahmed Adeeb permission to travel abroad to seek the medical care that he urgently needs. According the Ahmed Adeeb's legal team, authorities have since 2016 ignored repeated requests for specialised medical treatment that is only available outside Maldives, even as his health has deteriorated.

Ahmed Adeeb was sentenced to jail on 10 June 2016 for his alleged involvement in a plot to assassinate President Yameen Abdul Gayoom. Amnesty International raised serious concerns about the fairness of his trial, including over the use of anonymous witnesses and the fact that no defence witnesses were allowed to testify. (1)

Ahmed Adeeb is serving out his 33-year prison sentence on Dhoonidhoo Island, where his health has deteriorated sharply in recent weeks. He suffers from a number of serious health issues, including glaucoma, kidney stones and internal cysts, for which adequate treatment is not available in Maldives. His legal team say that they first filed a request with the Maldives Correctional Services in 2016 for him to be allowed to travel abroad to seek specialised treatment and that they have followed up several times since, but these requests have been ignored.

Failing to provide adequate medical care to prisoners is a violation of Maldives' international human rights obligations. As a state party to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, Maldives is legally obliged to respect, protect and fulfil "the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health."

Rule 24 of the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (Nelson Mandela Rules) clarifies that the "provision of health care for prisoners is a State responsibility" and that prisoners "should enjoy the same standards of health care that are available in the community" and without discrimination. Furthermore, prisoners who require specialist treatment must be transferred to specialized institutions or outside hospitals when such treatment is not available in prison (Rule 27).

(1) - Amnesty International, "Fair trial concerns around conviction of former Vice President", 13 June 2016, available at https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/asa29/4254/2016/en/

Copyright notice:  Copyright Amnesty International
Azerbaijan: EU Official Should Press Rights Issues

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 15 June 2017 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Azerbaijan: EU Official Should Press Rights Issues, 15 June 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5943a1994.html [accessed 11 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

A European Union official visiting Baku on June 16, 2017, should press President Ilham Aliyev to free unjustly imprisoned political activists, journalists, and other government critics, Human Rights Watch and the International Partnership for Human Rights said today. The commissioner for European neighborhood policy and enlargement, Johannes Hahn, should also urge Aliyev to lift restrictions on activists released from prison and reform laws that severely curtail fundamental freedoms.

Commissioner Hahn will be in Baku on an official visit as part of preparations for the Eastern Partnership Summit, scheduled for November, and is set to meet President Aliyev, and other top officials, as well as nongovernmental groups. The EU opened negotiations for a new partnership agreement with Azerbaijan in February 2017.

"Commissioner Hahn should make human rights concerns a priority when he meets with President Aliyev," said Giorgi Gogia, South Caucasus director at Human Rights Watch. "He should make it clear to President Aliyev that without an end to the authorities' crackdown on dissent, there cannot be a genuine partnership between his government and the European Union."

The visit comes a day after the European Parliament adopted a resolution condemning Azerbaijani authorities' arrest of a journalist who had been kidnapped in Georgia and taken illegally to Azerbaijan, and calling for the release of activists arrested on politically motivated grounds.

In recent years, the Azerbaijan government has severely restricted independent activism, critical journalism, and opposition political activity by imprisoning and harassing many activists, prominent human rights defenders, and journalists. Draconian laws and regulations impede the operation of independent groups and their ability to secure funding.

In an urgent resolution adopted on June 15, the European Parliament condemned the abduction of the journalist, Afgan Mukhtarli, in Tbilisi and his subsequent arrest in Baku, and urged the Georgian authorities to promptly and effectively investigate the case. The European Parliament also called on Azerbaijan to release Mukhtarli and others detained on politically motivated grounds, including political analyst, Ilgar Mammadov; another journalist, Mehman Huseynov; and youth activist, Ilkin Rustamzadeh.

Since November 2015, following significant international pressure, the Azerbaijani authorities have released 21 human rights defenders, journalists, and political activists who had been imprisoned on politically motivated criminal charges.

But the authorities continued to arrest and prosecute dozens of others on spurious criminal charges to prevent them from carrying out their legitimate work.

The crackdown has intensified in recent months, Human Rights Watch said.

Azerbaijan authorities arrested Mukhtarli, the journalist and political activist, on May 30. He was apparently kidnapped the day before in neighboring Georgia, where he was living in exile, and illegally taken across the border. He is facing criminal charges of illegal border crossing, smuggling, and resisting authority.

Also in May, authorities arrested two more journalists, Aziz Orujov and Nijat Amiraslanov, as well as a high-level official of the opposition Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan, Gozel Bayramli, on spurious administrative and criminal charges ranging from resisting police to illegal entrepreneurship and smuggling.

In March, a Baku court sentenced Huseynov, the journalist and blogger known for exposing alleged government corruption, to two years in prison on bogus defamation charges because he complained about police ill-treatment.

More than a dozen activists convicted in politically motivated trials between 2013 and 2015 remain in prison. Among them is Mammadov, leader of the pro-democracy opposition movement Republican Alternative (REAL). The Council of Europe's Committee of Ministers has repeatedly called for his release, in line with a May 2014 European Court of Human Rights decision finding that Mammadov's imprisonment was in retaliation for his criticism of the government.

None of the convictions of those released in the past two years were quashed and some face travel restrictions, including the award-winning investigative journalist Khadija Ismayilova and the human rights lawyer Intigam Aliyev. Others have fled the country fearing further politically motivated prosecutions.

Nongovernmental organizations in Azerbaijan face almost insurmountable bureaucratic hurdles to operating independently due to excessive legal and regulatory restrictions. In March 2017, in response to the crackdown on civil society, the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), a prominent international multi-stakeholder group that encourages better governance of resource-rich countries, suspended Azerbaijan's membership over the government's failure to adequately loosen these restrictions.

Since February, the EU and Azerbaijan have been negotiating a new partnership agreement to enhance political and economic ties between them. The new agreement will replace the 1999 Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, which guided their bilateral relations in political dialogue, trade, investment, and economic, legislative, and cultural cooperation.

"Commissioner Hahn should impress upon President Aliyev that the pace of the negotiations over the new agreement, as well as the quality of the EU-Azerbaijan relations, depend on Baku's fulfillment of its international human rights obligations," said Brigitte Dufour, director of the International Partnership for Human Rights (IPHR). "The calls made by the European Parliament, like releasing all unjustly jailed activists and amending repressive laws, should be first few steps on that road."

Copyright notice:  Copyright, Human Rights Watch
Venezuela: Senior Officials' Responsibility for Abuses

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 15 June 2017 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Venezuela: Senior Officials' Responsibility for Abuses, 15 June 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5943a1e34.html [accessed 11 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

High-level Venezuelan officials bear responsibility for pervasive, serious abuses being committed under their watch, Human Rights Watch said today. These officials have failed to take steps to prevent or punish human rights violations committed by their subordinates, Human Rights Watch said.

Despite the overwhelming evidence of abuse, there is no evidence to indicate that key officials have taken any steps to prevent and punish violations. On the contrary, they have downplayed the abuses or issued implausible blanket denials, often blaming demonstrators for violence. President Nicolas Maduro has publicly praised the conduct of the security forces and has never expressed concern about ongoing abuses. Similarly, Maj. Gen. Nestor Reverol, the interior minister, has recently heaped praise on a gathering police chiefs from across the country, but he has said nothing about the need to curb abuse.

"The people in charge of institutions implicated in ongoing serious abuses are not taking steps to prevent rights violations or bring those responsible to justice," said Jose Miguel Vivanco, Americas director at Human Rights Watch. "It remains to be seen whether the recent statement by Defense Minister Padrino Lopez recognizing that abuses were committed signals a real commitment to reining in abuse, or whether it is simply a propaganda effort to try to deflect attention from his own personal responsibility."

Under international law, responsible government officials - particularly those who lead institutions implicated in human rights violations - have an obligation to take reasonable steps to prevent or punish serious human rights violations committed by their subordinates. These include the leaders of the Bolivarian National Guard, the Bolivarian National Police, the Bolivarian National Intelligence Services, and the Military Attorney General's Office.

The people in charge of institutions implicated in ongoing serious abuses are not taking steps to prevent rights violations or bring those responsible to justice.

Jose Miguel Vivanco

Americas director

Human Rights Watch has reviewed extensive evidence implicating the Venezuelan security forces, including the Bolivarian National Guard and the Bolivarian National Police, in a wide range of serious abuses since protesters took to the streets in early April 2017. The evidence includes testimony from victims and their families, witnesses, and lawyers defending detainees; video and photographs shared by reliable sources in Venezuela or published by independent media outlets; and information published by the Attorney General's Office or provided by local human rights groups.

Security forces have used excessive force and condoned attacks by armed pro-government groups against massive anti-government protests, leading to dozens of deaths and hundreds of injuries. Security forces have also engaged in arbitrary arrests and physical abuse against detainees that in some cases would amount to torture. They have fired teargas canisters directly toward demonstrators, journalists, health facilities, and homes.

On June 6, Vladimir Padrino Lopez, the defense minister, acknowledged for the first time that National Guard members had committed abuses, stating, "I don't want to see another member of the National Guard committing an atrocity on the street." He also said that those who fail to respect human rights and act unprofessionally "must assume their responsibility." This is a departure from previous statements in which he claimed that operations had been carried out with "absolute respect for human rights," and rejected the Attorney General's Office's findings implicating the Bolivarian National Guard in a protester's death. Allegations of abuse have continued since then.

Sixty-seven people have been killed during the demonstrations, including four members of the security forces, according to the Attorney General's Office. The attorney general has opened investigations for the alleged violation of fundamental rights in more than half of over 1,200 recorded injuries. In at least 10 cases, the Attorney General's Office has charged security forces with the unlawful killings of demonstrators or bystanders.

Thousands of demonstrators and bystanders have been detained since early April. Military courts have prosecuted more than 350 civilians for crimes including "treason" and "rebellion," a practice that is inconsistent with Venezuela's human rights obligations under international and regional human rights law. These proceedings have denied suspects any modicum of due process, resulting in many charges being adjudicated en masse with little pretense of presenting real evidence. Under Venezuelan law, the military attorney general has the authority to direct military prosecutors to take appropriate cases and to reject military involvement in cases in which they should not be involved, but that authority is not being exercised in all these cases.

Victims and families have implicated the Bolivarian National Intelligence Services in cases of arbitrary detention and abuse of detainees. The agency has failed to release detainees who obtained judicial orders for their release.

Maj. Gen. Jose Antonio Benavides Torres, the head of the Bolivarian National Guard, has said that the Bolivarian National Guard is "respectful of human rights" and that their behavior has been "very professional, impeccable." Benavides Torres has also publicly claimed military courts were "competent" to try civilians, and the Bolivarian National Guard has brought civilian detainees to face charges in the military justice system. He has not publicly expressed any concern about widespread allegations of abuse implicating Bolivarian National Guard personnel.

With the exception of Attorney General Luisa Ortega Diaz, who has only recently begun to distance herself from the government and condemn abuses, high-ranking officials do not appear to have taken any serious steps to bring abuses to an end or to ensure justice, Human Rights Watch said. Nor have other leading officials publicly supported the efforts by the attorney general to investigate recent abuses and push for all prosecutions of civilians to be handed over to civilian courts. In a country without judicial independence, where the attorney general is unlikely to obtain any meaningful results bringing those responsible to justice on her own, the voices of these high-level officials is indispensable to ensure accountability.

Some of the key high-level officials in charge of security forces implicated in widespread abuses, and responsible for the prosecution of civilians by military courts, include Maj. Gen. Benavides Torres, the head of the Bolivarian National Guard; Chief General Padrino Lopez, the defense minister and the strategic operational commander of the Armed Forces; Maj. Gen. Nestor Reverol, the interior minister, Gen. Carlos Alfredo Perez Ampueda, director of the Bolivarian National Police; Maj. Gen. Gustavo Gonzalez Lopez, the national intelligence director, and Capt. Siria Venero de Guerrero, the military attorney general.

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Libya: Surrender Saif Al-Islam Gaddafi to ICC

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 15 June 2017 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Libya: Surrender Saif Al-Islam Gaddafi to ICC, 15 June 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5943a2614.html [accessed 11 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

The authorities vying for legitimacy as Libya's government should take all feasible steps to facilitate the surrender Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, a son of Muammar Gaddafi, to the International Criminal Court (ICC), Human Rights Watch said today. Independent international observers have not seen or heard from Gaddafi since June 2014, and do not know his current whereabouts.

The now disbanded Abu Baker al-Siddiq Brigade, which had been holding him in an unknown location in the western town of Zintan, said in an online statement on June 10, 2017, that it had released Saif al-Islam Gaddafi on June 9, citing an amnesty law passed by Libya's parliament. Gaddafi is subject to an ICC arrest warrant to answer allegations of crimes against humanity in an investigation authorized by United Nations Security Council Resolution 1970.

"The reported release of Gaddafi based on a flawed amnesty law does not change the fact that he is wanted by the ICC for crimes against humanity," said Richard Dicker, International Justice director at Human Rights Watch. "The Zintan brigade, which alleges that it released him, should urgently disclose his current whereabouts."

The unanimous Security Council resolution requires the cooperation of Libyan authorities with any ICC investigation, including the surrender of suspects. Gaddafi is wanted by the ICC for his alleged role in attacks on civilians, including peaceful demonstrators, during the country's 2011 uprising. On June 14, the ICC prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda, issued a statement calling for Gaddafi's immediate arrest and surrender.

The Abu Baker al-Siddiq Brigade had held Gaddafi in Zintan since capturing him during his attempted escape from the country in November 2011. The Brigade is allied with the Interim Government, one of three authorities vying for legitimacy in Libya, and the Libyan National Army forces in eastern Libya. In April 2016, the Interim Government ordered Gaddafi's release based on the amnesty law. Human Rights Watch was unable to reach either the Zintan brigade or representatives of the Interim Government for comment.

The Brigade held Gaddafi incommunicado and subjected him to solitary confinement for long periods, which amounts to torture. In January 2014, Human Rights Watch interviewed Gaddafi in an office at a base in Zintan. During the visit, Gaddafi said that he had not had access to a lawyer of his choosing and had been interrogated a number of times without legal counsel. The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention concluded in November 2013 that Gaddafi's detention was arbitrary.

An official from the UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA), headed by the Tripoli-based Presidency Council, told Human Rights Watch that the Presidency Council had no information on Gaddafi's current whereabouts. A June 12 news report quoting the Interim Government's deputy justice minister, stated that the ministry did not have "accurate and official information about the release of Gaddafi's son or not." Separately, on June 11, the Zintan municipal and military councils condemned Gaddafi's release.

Although it never had custody of him, Tripoli's Court of Assize put Gaddafi on trial in Libya in March 2014, along with 36 other former Gaddafi officials and employees, on charges of serious crimes during the February 17 revolution that led to the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi. The authorities established a closed-circuit video link to enable Gaddafi to participate from Zintan, but he was only able to join for 4 of the 25 trial sessions, according to the UN. The court convicted and sentenced him to death in absentia on July 28, 2015. Al-Siddiq al-Sur, the chief prosecutor in the case, said that Gaddafi would have the right to a retrial once he was in the custody of the authorities in Tripoli.

The trial, which convicted 32 other Gaddafi-era officials, was undermined by serious due process violations including lack of meaningful legal representation for defendants, repeated violations of defendants' right to communicate with their lawyers in confidence, and no opportunity for defendants to question prosecution witnesses in court. In February 2017, the UN issued a comprehensive report that concluded the criminal proceeding against Gaddafi and others failed to meet international fair trial standards. The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention also concluded in its November 2013 opinion that the gravity of the due process violations in Gaddafi's case made it impossible to guarantee him a fair trial in Libya.

Following Gaddafi's in absentia conviction in July 2015, Libya's parliament passed a general amnesty law. The law stipulates that those who commit crimes of terrorism, rape, torture, corruption, and murder by race or ethnicity may not receive an amnesty. However, it fails to rule out amnesty for other serious human rights crimes, such as forced displacement, forced disappearances, and unlawful killings.

On June 11, 2017, the Tripoli-based acting General Prosecutor, Ibrahim Massoud, asserted that Gaddafi was wanted for a retrial and did not qualify for the amnesty, and that in any event, only judicial authorities were authorized to determine who met the criteria outlined in the amnesty law. Massoud also reiterated that Gaddafi was wanted by the ICC. Libyan law stipulates that if a defendant is convicted in absentia, a retrial is to take place once the defendant is apprehended.

The internationally-recognized Government of National Accord is struggling to assert control over the country's institutions and territory. In western Libya, it competes for control and legitimacy with another self-proclaimed authority, the Government of National Salvation. Libya's parliament supports a third authority, the Interim Government in the eastern town of al-Bayda, as well as the Libyan National Army forces under Khalifa Hiftar. The parliament has failed to confirm the GNA cabinet.

In May 2014, an ICC appeals chamber upheld an earlier decision rejecting Libya's bid to prosecute Gaddafi domestically. The court held that Libya had not provided enough evidence to demonstrate that it was investigating the same case as the one before the ICC, a requirement under the ICC treaty for such challenges. The ICC also held that Libya was genuinely unable to carry out an investigation of Gaddafi.

Following Libya's failure to surrender Gaddafi to The Hague, ICC judges held in December 2014 that Libya had failed to cooperate with the court and forwarded their finding to the UN Security Council for follow-up. Though the Security Council has a range of options to encourage Libyan cooperation including resolutions, sanctions, and presidential statements, it has not formally acted. However, individual Security Council members have consistently stressed Libya's outstanding obligation to transfer Gaddafi to The Hague, including at the ICC prosecutor's last Libya briefing to the Council in May.

Al-Hadba Corrections Facility in Tripoli, where Gaddafi-era officials were being held pending an appeal of their conviction, was overrun on May 26 by the Tripoli Revolutionaries Brigade, an armed group under the command of Haitham al-Tajouri and allied with the GNA through the Interior Ministry. The Tripoli Revolutionaries Brigade moved the detainees - including Abdullah Sanussi, the Gaddafi era intelligence chief, former prime minister and former head of foreign intelligence Abuzeid Dorda, and al-Saadi Gaddafi, a brother of Saif al-Islam - to an undisclosed location, according to a family member of one of the detainees. But media reports said that Sanussi and other former Al-Hadba detainees were seen on June 12 in a Tripoli hotel controlled by al-Tajouri having a meal with family members and others.

In April 2017, the ICC unsealed a separate arrest warrant issued in 2013 for the former head of Muammar Gaddafi's Internal Security Agency, Mohamed Khaled Al-Tuhamy, for crimes against humanity and war crimes committed in Libya between February-August 2011. His whereabouts remain unknown.

While the ICC has a mandate over crimes against humanity, war crimes, and genocide committed in Libya since February 15, 2011, the ICC prosecutor's cases remain limited to officials from the former Gaddafi government. Human Rights Watch research in Libya since 2011 has shown rampant ongoing violations of international law, including mass long-term arbitrary detentions, torture, forced displacement, and unlawful killings. In the face of mounting atrocities, Human Rights Watch has called on the ICC prosecutor to urgently pursue an investigation into the ongoing crimes by all sides, some of which may amount to crimes against humanity.

In May, Bensouda said her office was examining the "feasibility" of opening an investigation into migrant-related crimes should the ICC's jurisdictional requirements be met, and was committed to making the Libya situation a priority in 2017. Given the serious crimes committed in Libya and the challenges facing the authorities, the ICC's mandate remains essential to ending impunity in Libya, Human Rights Watch said.

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DECATUR  Three years after the state changed how science would be taught and evaluated in schools, Macon County educators are among those frustrated by a lack of test results to measure students' performance.

Illinois schools have not received the scores from the science portion of state tests for two years. No test was given in 2015, the year after the state adopted the updated Next Generation Science Standards.

We don't understand why they're asking us to take time out of the classroom at the end of the year, when we're getting shored up for a last push at the end for final exams and projects, to take a test that we didn't have results for from the last year yet, said Liz Bartimus, who teaches science at Johns Hill Magnet School. In my opinion, it was a waste of resources and time to take students out of class when we had other things we needed to do.

With no budget for the second full year in Illinois, the Illinois State Board of Education had no money to pay to have the science tests scored, said spokeswoman Jaclyn Matthews. Science is evaluated separately from the other statewide assessment test, the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Career (PARCC).

Uncertainty about state funding delayed ISBE's ability to enter into an intergovernmental agreement with Southern Illinois University-Carbondale to begin scoring the 2016 (Illinois Science Assessment), Matthews said. The delay was the result of Illinois' lack of a state budget and not of the process, nor of the scoring partner.

Results for 2016 are expected to be sent to districts this summer, and 2017 results should be available in the fall.

The Decatur School District doesn't depend on test results to drive instruction or classroom decisions, but it would be nice to know what they are, said Ed Moyer, director of curriculum and instruction. One big issue is that educators don't know what's on the test, because only tests that have been administered and scored are available to examine.

We're working with teachers on the standards and how to articulate what it means to do science, Moyer said. We don't care how much they know about science. We want them to do science.

Reducing a subject to multiple-choice questions when it requires hands-on application to master is not a valid way to assess instruction, Moyer said.

It's not the same as putting a problem in front of kids and asking them to solve the problem, and watching them work it out and gather data and come to a conclusion, he said.

Bartimus was part of the team in Decatur that worked on implementing the Next Generation Science standards in the district curriculum. At first, she said, the state provided no guidance on how to use the new standards, leaving educators to figure it out on their own.

Last summer, that guidance finally came through. Instead of trying to cover too much ground for mastery and, as teachers say, a mile wide and an inch deep, the new standards focus on fewer topics with much more depth, each grade level building on the one before.

Without a look at the results and how they're tied to current standards, we don't know how to deal with that, Bartimus said. We set out, as a secondary level, to come up with our own standardized tests that adhered to the new standards as written.

Thomas Jefferson Middle School teacher Susan Cleary, who teaches seventh-grade science and whose students don't take the state test because it is given in eighth grade, didn't realize the state wasn't providing the results. She said the test isn't what she focuses on, anyway.

How I look at it is, I'm preparing them for the high school science classes required for graduation, Cleary said. I'm giving them the background that they'll need.

Maroa-Forsyth High School Principal Brice Stewart said his teachers depend more on their classroom assessments and observations than on state tests, but it's still frustrating when the scores have not been provided to the district.

We take time out of our schedule to take the tests, he said. The kids get pulled out of classes. We've adjusted lessons to (the new standards), and to take a test and not get results back is not good educational practice.

The use of the state test scores is to compare districts to each other, he said, and to see the state's expectations for the subject so the teachers know if they and the students are meeting those expectations.

Argenta-Oreana High School Principal Sean German said the lack of state test scores hasn't had a big impact on his school because teachers depend more on their own assessments to judge student achievement. All three science teachers have been diligent about keeping up with the new standards and altering their instruction accordingly.

For us locally, it's been primarily based on the effort and work of our teachers, German said. Budget-wise, we haven't had the luxury of updating to new textbooks. Modifications have been done by our staff.

Meridian High School Principal Eric Hurelbrink, like most of the other educators, called the situation frustrating. Not having the results, when the idea is to measure student comprehension, hampers educators' ability to judge whether course sequencing and materials are getting the job done, he said.

Unfortunately, we have two sets of tests out there which have taken away classroom time and provided no usable data, Hurelbrink said.

One advantage of the new standards, said Andy Pygott, principal of Meridian Middle School, is that teachers were able to move topics such as health out of science classes and into physical education classes, leaving more time in science for experiments and delving more deeply into topics.

Not having the test results for the past two eighth-grade classes means that teachers can't use that assessment to analyze curriculum, he said.

Like any other standardized test, we will review the results and determine validity points for instructional focus, he said. We are always receptive to any type of feedback that an assessment can provide in regards to student outcomes.
Syria: UN disarmament chief reports progress in destroying chemical weapons facilities

Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 15 June 2017 Cite as UN News Service, Syria: UN disarmament chief reports progress in destroying chemical weapons facilities, 15 June 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5943a98f4.html [accessed 11 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

The United Nations High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, Izumi Nakamitsu, reported to the Security Council that "some progress" has been made over the past month in the implementation of its 2013 resolution on the elimination of chemical weapons in Syria.

However, recalling a statement by the Secretary-General, she warned that continued use of chemical weapons in Syria is not only horrific in its own right, but also profoundly damaging to the international community's confidence in its non-proliferation architecture.

This is to the detriment of all of us. We have, collectively, worked to create regimes for disarmament and non-proliferation in order that our security will be enhanced. If we, collectively, permit the erosion of these regimes, so too will our security be eroded, she explained.

As for the destruction of Syria's last three chemical weapons production facilities, Ms. Nakamitsu said that on 6 June, the remaining hangar had been destroyed. On the other hand, due to security concerns, it remains impossible to access the two remaining surface installations, she noted.

On other matters, she said that issues relating to Syria's declaration remain unresolved. Plans for a fourth session of high-level consultations are being considered, but no date has been set. The last consultations of this type date back to June 2016.

The Secretary-General continues to urge cooperation between the Syrian Government and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) to resolve these issues, in order that the OPCW is in a position to verify that activities are in accordance with the obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention and consistent with the information provided in declarations, stated Ms. Nakamitsu.

Regarding the investigation into the allegation of the use of chemical weapons that took place on 4 April in Khan Shaykhoun, she said the OPCW Fact-Finding Mission had recently visited Damascus and in addition, planning is still underway for the deployment of a team to the site of the incident.

As always, any such deployment will depend upon the most stringent security assurances for the OPCW team, adding that the Mission could not say when it will be able to give its conclusions on the incident.
Independent UN probe reveals 'cruel and brutal nature' of human rights violations in Burundi

Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 15 June 2017 Cite as UN News Service, Independent UN probe reveals 'cruel and brutal nature' of human rights violations in Burundi, 15 June 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5943a9d14.html [accessed 11 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

A United Nations-appointed panel of experts investigating human rights violations in Burundi today released the latest findings of their probe, noting that their initial fears concerning the scope and gravity of these abuses since April 2015 have been confirmed.

We were struck in our investigations by the feeling of deep and widespread fear running through the testimonies we gathered, Fatsah Ouguergouz, Reine Alapini Gansou and Francoise Hampson, members of the Commission of Inquiry on Burundi, during the presentation of their second oral briefing to the UN Human Rights Council.

The Inquiry experts said that these violations include extrajudicial executions, acts of torture and other inhuman and degrading treatment, sexual and gender-based violence, arbitrary arrests and detention and enforced disappearances, often accompanied by demands for large ransoms from families in exchange for promises to release detainees or to find those who have disappeared.

Many of these violations have been committed by members of the National Intelligence Service and the police, sometimes assisted by members of the youth league of the ruling party, the Imbonerakure, they added.

Despite the lack of access to the country and the Burundian Government's lack of cooperation, the Commission interviewed many Burundians in exile and visited Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Kenya, among other countries.

Since the beginning of its investigation, it has collected more than 470 testimonies of human rights violations allegedly committed in Burundi since April 2015.

We were struck by the particularly cruel and brutal nature of the violations described to us, the Commission members stated, citing testimonies alleging the use, during torture sessions, of clubs, rifle butts, bayonets, iron bars, metal chains and electric cables.

Testimonies also cited needles stuck into victims' bodies or unidentified products injected into them; nails ripped out with pliers; burns; and many abuses inflicted on male detainees' genital organs.

In several cases, acts of torture and ill-treatment were accompanied by violent insults and death threats, including of an ethnic nature, they said.

The Commission has also documented cases of sexual violence, particularly against female relatives of government opponents, especially by people believed to be Imbonerakure.

The Commission will present its final report at the thirty-sixth session of the Human Rights Council in September 2017.
UN expert urges 'bold action' to address raft of human rights abuses in Eritrea

Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 15 June 2017 Cite as UN News Service, UN expert urges 'bold action' to address raft of human rights abuses in Eritrea, 15 June 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5943aa7d4.html [accessed 11 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Actions against severe human rights abuses meted out to Eritrean citizens must not be delayed, a United Nations rights expert has warned in a new report to the Human Rights Council.

I regret to report that, as of now, the Government has made no effort to end ongoing human rights violations, which the Commission of Inquiry on Human Rights in Eritrea described as amounting to crimes against humanity, said Sheila B. Keetharuth, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Eritrea.

She stressed that citizens continue to suffer arbitrary arrest, incommunicado detention, enforced disappearances, and a national service system that amounts to enslavement.

The time for Eritrea to take bold action for human rights protection is long overdue, and the Government has not delivered on any of its promises, underscored the expert while urging the authorities to rise above the rhetoric it has used over the last five years when addressing the [Council].

Ms. Keetharuth emphasized that the Government of Eritrea must put its obligations under human rights treaties into effect, said.

The Special Rapporteur continued that while Eritrea has increased its interaction with some human rights bodies, nothing has substantially changed on the ground. In her report, she has suggested a list of areas with the intention to assist the Human Rights Council in developing specific and time-bound benchmarks to assess substantive change.

Such specific, time-bound targets would help Member States assess Eritrea's progress. I hope that, as of next year, we will be able to celebrate the first steps of tangible improvements that will make a change in people's life in Eritrea, she said.

The Special Rapporteur noted that Eritrea has no constitution and lacks fundamental institutions that underpin a society based on the rule of law. It does not have an independent judiciary, democratically elected parliament or legislative assembly, opposition parties, an independent media or civil society organizations, other than government-affiliated organizations.

Government shows 'no willingness' to tackle impunity

The Eritrean authorities have refused to engage with me for yet another year, but various groups and notably Eritreans have seized the opportunity offered by the mandate. They have used the space to voice their opinions, express their ideas, and highlight their concerns on human rights  a space that the Government continues to deny them at home, Ms. Keetharuth said.

It is incumbent on the Eritrean authorities to dialogue with the Eritrean people while respecting and protecting their rights, she added.

The Special Rapporteur also pointed out that the Government had shown no willingness to tackle impunity, despite calls by the Commission of Inquiry to ensure accountability for past human rights violations and crimes against humanity.

She urged other States to take action against Eritreans implicated in the commission of crimes against humanity, if the alleged offenders were on their territory.

Ms. Keetharuth said human rights in Eritrea would continue to be watched closely despite a lack of access.

The Government refuses to open its doors for international experts to undertake a comprehensive review of the human rights situation, she said.

Remote monitoring is the only way to shed light on a country that continues to shield itself from scrutiny. Increased engagement with the international community is a welcome development, but it cannot be a substitute for human rights progress and scrutiny, concluded the UN envoy.

Special Rapporteurs and independent experts are appointed by the Geneva-based UN Human Rights Council to examine and report back on a specific human rights theme or a country situation. The positions are honorary and the experts are not UN staff, nor are they paid for their work.
Myanmar: UN expert urges Government to do more to protect rights of all children

Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 15 June 2017 Cite as UN News Service, Myanmar: UN expert urges Government to do more to protect rights of all children, 15 June 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5943aace4.html [accessed 11 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

A United Nations human rights expert today urged the Government of Myanmar to do more to protect children in the country, citing cases of detention and alleged incidents of child labour and marriage.

I stand ready to assist in any way I can to achieve a Myanmar where the rights and fundamental freedoms of all are respected and fully realized, said the Special Rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar, Yanghee Lee, in her remarks to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.

She reminded the Government that this obligation extended to all children within its jurisdiction, including all those from the Rohingya minority living in Rakhine state.

She expressed concern that at least 13 children were being held by police in Rakhine, stressing that detention should be strictly a last resort.

She also called for an immediate Government investigation into the death in custody of one of the 13, to fully probe the circumstances including why the death was not reported for four months.

Ms. Lee also expressed concern about the situation of Rohingya children who have fled Myanmar, especially the reported recent rise in the number of child brides among women and girls now living in neighbouring countries.

She also expressed shock at the recent case of a girl working as a domestic servant and who had been abused by her employers.

On a more positive note, Ms. Lee congratulated Myanmar on becoming a mid-ranked country in the human development index.

Special Rapporteurs and independent experts are appointed by the Human Rights Council to examine and report back on a specific human rights theme or a country situation. The positions are honorary and the experts are not UN staff, nor are they paid for their work.
Response to Nigerian military panel investigating allegations of human rights violations

Publisher Amnesty International Publication Date 15 June 2017 Cite as Amnesty International, Response to Nigerian military panel investigating allegations of human rights violations, 15 June 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5943ce0d4.html [accessed 11 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Responding to the summary of the report by a the Nigerian military panel investigating allegations of human rights violations, Osai Ojigho, Director of Amnesty International Nigeria said:

"We stand by the findings of our research and our call for an investigation that is independent, impartial and thorough; criteria that this panel clearly does not meet. We maintain that the nine senior commanders named in our report should be the subject of an effective and independent investigation. To this end we welcome the panel's recommendation that there should be a Presidential Commission of Inquiry into these allegations of horrific war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in north east Nigeria.

"President Muhammadu Buhari promised an independent investigation into our allegations of human rights violations and crimes under international law two years ago. This is a vital step and must be implemented as a matter of urgency by the government.

"Amnesty International's priority is justice, human rights and the dignity of human life in Nigeria. We maintain that those suspected of committing human rights violations and crimes under international law on all sides of the conflict must be brought to justice in fair trials before civilian courts without recourse to the death penalty. We also urge the military to make the whole of this report public."

Copyright notice:  Copyright Amnesty International
India: 20 Internet Shutdowns in 2017

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 15 June 2017 Cite as Human Rights Watch, India: 20 Internet Shutdowns in 2017, 15 June 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5943cfad4.html [accessed 11 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Indian authorities should cease arbitrary restrictions of the country's internet and telecommunications networks, Human Rights Watch said today. Officials contend these shutdowns are needed to prevent violence fueled by rumors circulated on social media or mobile messaging applications.

State governments have imposed 20 internet shutdowns so far in 2017, including by four states in June. Shutdowns in response to campaigns on social media and mobile mass messaging applications spreading false and even incendiary information have frequently been disproportionate. The authorities have failed to follow legal procedures, undermined stated objectives of preventing rumors or panic, and ordered unnecessary shutdowns such as to prevent cheating in examinations.

"Indian authorities' concerns over the misuse of the internet and social media should not be the default option to prevent social unrest," said Meenakshi Ganguly, South Asia director. "The lack of transparency and failure to explain these shutdowns only further the perception that they are meant to suppress nonviolent reporting and criticism of the government."

International human rights law protects the right of people to freely seek, receive, and provide information and ideas through all media, including the internet. Security-related restrictions must be law-based and a necessary and proportionate response to a specific security concern.

Recent internet shutdowns in India include:

On June 5, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government in Maharashtra state suspended mobile internet services in Nashik district for a few hours after protests by farmers turned violent.

On June 6, the BJP government in Madhya Pradesh suspended internet services in six districts following farmers' protests for higher rates for their produce.

On June 7, the People's Democratic Party-led government in Jammu and Kashmir state suspended mobile internet services in the Kashmir valley after the killing of a civilian by security forces. This was the fifth time the state government had suspended the mobile internet or broadband services in 2017 in a questionable attempt to prevent rumors from fueling violent clashes between government forces and street protesters.

On June 8, the BJP government in Uttar Pradesh state shut down internet services for two days in Saharanpur district after authorities arrested a Dalit leader following violent clashes between Dalits and members of a dominant caste. The government had also temporarily shut down mobile internet services in the district two weeks earlier.

In May, David Kaye, the United Nations special rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression, and Michel Forst, the special rapporteur on human rights defenders, condemned the restrictions on the internet and social media services in Jammu and Kashmir, saying they had a "disproportionate impact on the fundamental rights of everyone in Kashmir," and had the "character of collective punishment." The statement came a month after Indian authorities temporarily blocked 22 social media sites and messaging apps, including Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp, as well as mobile phone data services. The government said at the time that the ban was necessary because social media services were "being misused by antinational and antisocial elements."

Last year, the authorities in Jammu and Kashmir suspended mobile internet services in the Kashmir region from July to November. In the special rapporteurs' May statement, Forst said such blocking "disrupts the free exchange of ideas and the ability of individuals to connect with one another and associate peacefully on matters of shared concern."

Social media in India has at times fueled rumors leading to violence. False information has also led government officials to impose excessive restrictions. In February 2016, India's home minister, Rajnath Singh, acting on a message posted by a fake account on Twitter, told the media that university student protests in Delhi were backed by a Pakistani militant who was allegedly behind the 2008 attacks in Mumbai. This May, a BJP member of parliament called on Twitter for author-activist Arundhati Roy to be tortured, based on a false news article that claimed she had made a statement against the Indian army. He later deleted his post.

Indian authorities have also imposed shutdowns to curtail election campaigning. For instance, authorities in Jammu and Kashmir suspended both mobile and broadband services in three districts ahead of by-elections in April 2017.

Instead of fully shutting down networks, authorities can use social media to discourage violence and restore public order. In September 2016, when riots broke out in Bengaluru city, a social media team of the police used Twitter to send out regular announcements on the law and order situation, counter rumors, and answer queries from concerned citizens.

Since 2012, 79 internet shutdowns have been reported across 14 states in India. The numbers have steadily risen, from 2 in 2012 to 31 in 2016. According to the Software Freedom Law Centre, which tracks internet shutdowns in India, a majority of the shutdowns targeted mobile internet services.

Arbitrary and overbroad internet shutdowns violate India's obligations under international human rights law. In July 2016, the UN Human Rights Council passed a resolution condemning measures by countries to intentionally prevent or disrupt online access and information, and called for free speech protections under articles 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). The council stressed the importance of combating advocacy of hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination or violence on the internet by promoting tolerance and dialogue.

Indian law provides for online restrictions. Section 5(2) of the colonial-era Telegraph Act of 1885 allows the central or state governments to restrict or interfere with the transmission of messages, though it has not been updated to specify safeguards or procedure for internet shutdowns. Section 69A of the Information Technology (Amendment) Act of 2008 allows the government to block specific websites and pages in "the interests of the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security of the State." The law prescribes safeguards before blocking content, but in practice the process is rarely followed. Instead, state governments use section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, which gives states broad powers to prevent assemblies deemed unlawful to shut down internet services.

Internet shutdowns in India carry disproportionate costs in a digital world where increasing numbers of people access information and conduct their business online. Considering the number of essential activities and services they affect, shutdowns restrict expression and interfere with other fundamental rights, said Special Rapporteur Kaye his June report to the Human Rights Council. A report by the Washington, DC-based Brookings Institute estimated that India lost over US$968 million between July 2015 and June 2016 because of internet shutdowns.

"The Indian government has been promoting the idea of a Digital India where people increasingly access goods and services online, but which simply cannot afford blanket restrictions," Ganguly said. "A modern India that wants technology for development cannot at the same time be haphazardly invoking national security to deny people access to essential information and services."

Copyright notice:  Copyright, Human Rights Watch
Iraq/Syria: Danger From US White Phosphorus

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 14 June 2017 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Iraq/Syria: Danger From US White Phosphorus, 14 June 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5943d7f34.html [accessed 11 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

The use of artillery-delivered white phosphorus by the United States-led coalition fighting Islamic State (also known as ISIS) forces in Syria and Iraq raises serious questions about the protection of civilians, Human Rights Watch said today. This multipurpose munition should never be used as an incendiary weapon to attack personnel or materiel in populated areas, even when delivered from the ground.

"No matter how white phosphorus is used, it poses a high risk of horrific and long-lasting harm in crowded cities like Raqqa and Mosul and any other areas with concentrations of civilians," said Steve Goose, arms director at Human Rights Watch. "US-led forces should take all feasible precautions to minimize civilian harm when using white phosphorus in Iraq and Syria."

White phosphorus munitions can be used for several purposes on the battlefield: as an obscurant or smoke screen, for signaling and marking, and as an incendiary weapon. US forces are using white phosphorus in both Mosul, in Iraq, and in the ISIS stronghold of Raqqa, in Syria. But the rationale for its use by US-led coalition forces is unclear as the coalition does not comment on specific incidents.

Human Rights Watch was not able to independently verify whether the use of the munitions resulted in any civilian casualties. A Raqqa resident living in Beirut told the New York Times that an internet cafe in Raqqa was recently hit by white phosphorus, killing around 20 people.

In Syria, a video published on Facebook on June 8, 2017, and reported on Facebook as shot that day in Raqqa, shows the use of ground-fired artillery projectiles containing white phosphorus, which are distinctive when air-burst. Another video broadcast by Amaq News Agency, an ISIS-linked news outlet, purports to show the same incident with fires on the ground started by white phosphorus, but its veracity cannot be determined. A video published online on June 10 suggest further use of white phosphorus on June 9.

In early 2017, US Marine artillery deployed to Syria in support of the operation to retake Raqqa, an operation in which Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) are also participating. The Washington Post published photographs of the deployed Marine unit equipped with white phosphorus projectiles, as well as similar pictures showing white phosphorus projectiles with US Army units outside Mosul. The SDF announced the offensive to take Raqqa from ISIS on June 6. The reason for this use of white phosphorus cannot be determined from the videos, which shows white phosphorus being used just after sunset.

Footage shot in Mosul, Iraq on June 3 also shows the use of ground-fired projectiles containing white phosphorous. Smoke from ground fires is also visible in the video, but it is unclear if these were ignited by white phosphorus or caused by something else. Since mid-February, Iraqi forces supported by the US-led coalition have been engaged in an offensive to retake densely populated west Mosul.

The purpose of this use of white phosphorus is unclear, but Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) stated on June 4 that it was used to create a smoke screen. According to a US-led coalition comment to media on the use that Human Rights Watch obtained: "While protecting civilians fleeing from the Jamouri Hospital the Coalition used smoke and precision munitions to suppress the enemy and provide cover for fleeing civilians. In conjunction with Iraqi Security Forces, the Coalition used appropriate munitions to suppress and obscure ISIS snipers so that the civilians could reach friendly forces."

In both Mosul and Raqqa, the US-led forces are using US-made M825-series 155mm artillery projectiles containing 116 felt wedges impregnated with white phosphorus, which ignites and continues to burn when exposed to the air. This is the only type of 155mm white phosphorus projectile in US stocks that can be air-burst. Neither ISIS nor Syrian government forces are known to possess or have used these US-made munitions.

The US-led coalition states that as a matter of policy it cannot publicly discuss the use of specific munitions, but admits to using white phosphorus in its operation in Iraq and Syria. US Army Col. Ryan Dillon, a spokesperson for the US-led coalition in Iraq and Syria, told international media on June 9 that, "in accordance with the law of armed conflict, white phosphorus rounds are used for screening, obscuring and marking in a way that fully considers the possible incidental effects on civilians and civilian structures."

In the Mosul incident, the projectiles burst very close to the ground in what seems to be an attempt to minimize the footprint of the effects. In Raqqa, videos appear to show the munitions bursting higher in the air, spreading the white phosphorus over a much wider area.

White phosphorus ignites when exposed to atmospheric oxygen and continues to burn until it is deprived of oxygen or exhausted. Its chemical reaction can create intense heat (about 815 C/1500 F), light, and smoke. White phosphorus can thus be used for marking, signaling, and obscuring, but it can also be used as a weapon to set fires that burn people and objects.

On contact, white phosphorus can also burn people, thermally and chemically, down to the bone as it is highly soluble in fat, and therefore in human flesh. White phosphorus fragments can exacerbate wounds even after treatment and can enter the bloodstream and cause multiple organ failure. Already dressed wounds can reignite when dressings are removed and they are re-exposed to oxygen. Even relatively minor burns are often fatal.

Attacks using air-delivered incendiary weapons in civilian areas are prohibited under Protocol III of the Convention on Conventional Weapons (CCW). While the protocol contains weaker restrictions for ground-launched incendiary weapons, all types of incendiary weapons produce horrific injuries. Protocol III applies only to weapons that are "primarily designed" to set fires or cause burns, and thus some countries believe it excludes certain multipurpose munitions with incendiary effects, notably those containing white phosphorus.

Lebanon became the 114th country to ratify CCW Protocol III on April 5, 2017. Iraq, Russia, and the US are parties to the protocol, while Syria has not ratified it.

From 2000 to 2016, white phosphorus munitions were reportedly used in at least seven conflicts - Afghanistan, Gaza, Iraq, Lebanon, Somalia, Ukraine, and Yemen. In 2016, the Saudi Arabia-led coalition in Yemen used artillery-delivered white phosphorus munitions.

Syrian government forces are not known to have used white phosphorus, but Human Rights Watch has documented the use of air dropped Soviet or Russian-made incendiary weapons in the country since 2012, and in their operations with Russian forces since late 2015. Human Rights Watch has repeatedly called on the Syrian-Russian coalition to cease their use of incendiary weapons in Syria.

"Horrific civilian harm from previous use of white phosphorus has generated public outrage and this latest use of white phosphorus underscores the urgent need for states to strengthen international law relating to incendiary weapons," Goose said.

Copyright notice:  Copyright, Human Rights Watch
Egypt: Seven men facing imminent execution after being tortured in custody

Publisher Amnesty International Publication Date 16 June 2017 Cite as Amnesty International, Egypt: Seven men facing imminent execution after being tortured in custody, 16 June 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5943e5784.html [accessed 11 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

The Egyptian authorities must immediately stop the imminent executions of seven men sentenced to death in two grossly unfair trials, said Amnesty International calling on them to refer the case to the senior judges at Egypt's highest appeals court, the Court of Cassation. The organization had recently warned that legal amendments passed by President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi limiting the appeal process before the court could contribute to an spike in death sentences and executions in the country.

At least six of the men were forcibly disappeared and tortured to obtain "confessions" that were later used by a criminal court in Mansoura to convict them of murdering a police officer and setting up a "terrorist" organization. The verdict was upheld by the Court of Cassation last week. In a separate case, another man is facing imminent execution after losing his final appeal before the same court. He was convicted, following a grossly unfair trial, of killing a man during a protest in Alexandria.

"Regardless of what the men may have been involved in, forcibly disappearing suspects and torturing them into confessing is not justice. The death penalty is the ultimate cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment. No one should be deprived of their right to life, no matter how horrific the crimes they have been accused of are," said Najia Bounaim, North Africa Campaigns Director at Amnesty International.

"Time is running out to save these men's lives, they can be executed at any time. The Egyptian authorities must immediately halt these executions and order a fair re-trial for the seven men, without resorting to the death penalty or relying on torture-tainted evidence."

On 7 June Egypt's Court of Cassation, upheld death sentences against Bassem el-Khereby, Ahmed Meshaly, Ibrahim Azab, Mahmoud Wahba, Khaled Askar, and Abd el-Rahman Atteia after a deeply flawed trial. The man they are accused of murdering was a police guard of one of the judges sitting on a panel on a trial of President Mohamed Morsi. The President has 14 days to reduce the sentence before a final execution date is set.

The men's lawyers submitted a final appeal to the Public Prosecution on 15 June requesting a retrial, based on the due process errors in the trial. If it is accepted, the case will be examined by the most senior judges at the Court of Cassation.

According to their families and lawyers, they were arrested by the National Security Agency (NSA) in March 2014 and forcibly disappeared for periods of between three days and three months cutting off their access to their relatives, lawyers and the outside world while being tortured to obtain videotaped "confessions". They were held in different locations across the country including the NSA headquarters in Cairo.

At least three of the families told Amnesty International that they only learnt their sons had been detained when they saw them "confessing" on TV with bruised faces. When the families were finally allowed to visit their sons in prison they told them that they had been tortured by being anally raped repeatedly using a wooden stick, given electric shocks on the genitals and other parts of the body, suspended in stress positions for periods of up to four days. They said that NSA officers had burned them in the neck with cigarette butts and threatened to rape their mothers and sisters in order to pressure them to confess.

The men later retracted their confessions before a state security prosecutor in Cairo, explaining they had been tortured. But they were then returned to the NSA where they were tortured again as punishment for withdrawing their statements and sent back to the prosecutor for a second time where they "confessed" fearing further reprisals.

The men's lawyers also told Amnesty International that they were denied access to legal representation during interrogation and the verdicts relied entirely on evidence extracted through torture and flawed investigations by the NSA. The court also ignored forensic evidence indicating that at least two of the men had bruises and burns on their bodies inflicted during their detention and repeatedly refused to refer defendants to the Forensic Medical Authority to investigate their torture allegations.

Although the Court of Cassation accepted the appeal and reviewed the case incidents, it did not set a trial date to allow the lawyers to present their defence in court. In addition, the court applied recently adopted draconian legal amendments to the appeal system before the court which abolished the defendant's right to a retrial and reduced the appeals to one stage instead of two paving the way for more death sentences and executions.

Alexandria case

The Court of Cassation also upheld a death sentence against Fadl Abdel Mawla in April 2017 in a separate case. He had been convicted after, a grossly unfair trial, of killing a Coptic man during a protest in Alexandria on 15 August 2013 and is also at risk of execution at any time. His lawyer said he was ill-treated by the NSA in the Alexandria security directorate in a failed attempt to force him to confess.

Lawyers told Amnesty International that to convict him the court relied entirely on the testimony of one witness, whom lawyers and local rights groups say was pressured into testifying by an NSA officer. His lawyers also presented to the court official documents stating that Fadl Abdel Mawla had been at work during the time of the protest. They have appealed to the public prosecutor, requesting a retrial. If their appeal is accepted, the case will be looked into by the most senior judges of the Court of Cassation.

Background

Egypt's use of the death penalty has increased sharply since 2013, when no executions were recorded and 109 people were sentenced to death. The number of executions increased from 15 in 2014 to 22 in 2015 and doubled to reach 44 in 2016. The number of people sentenced to death rose to 509 in 2014 and 538 in 2015 before falling to 237 in 2016.

Copyright notice:  Copyright Amnesty International
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DECATUR  So many people lined up outside Oakwood Tattoo on Friday, even before the shop opened, that they were given numbers.

I had 40 people signed up 30 minutes in, said Holly Harrison, a tattoo artist who was helping check people in.

Oakwood Tattoo hosted its second Tats for the Towers on Friday, when artists offered patriotic tattoos and donated all proceeds to the 9/11 Memorial planned for Nelson Park. The fundraising goal is $240,000.

We have $18,000 left to raise between now and July 1 to present to the Decatur Park District to get authorization to start building, said Lauren Axe, CPA and controller for Mueller Distributing, which has been a driving force in the effort.

The memorial will feature an I-beam from the World Trade Center Twin Towers, also obtained through the efforts of Axe and Eric Mueller. The beam has been shown at events throughout the Decatur area since its arrival from New York City. A melted filing cabinet, almost unrecognizable, is part of the beam.

The design of the memorial is two columns, to evoke the Twin Towers, and will include a piece of the plane from Flight 93 that crashed in Pennsylvania, while the five-sided base is in memory of the attack on the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.

Oakwood Tattoo raised $4,000 with last year's event, and Harrison said the hope is to beat that this year. Artists have donated their time and the shop devoted the entire day's business to Tats for the Towers.

Chad Lawson of Decatur was at last year's event and came this year, as well. He intended to have his new tattoo on his right arm, where last year's patriotic tattoo and one of Felix the Cat, obtained during a Toys for Tats event at the shop, already are. His right arm, he said, is reserved for charitable tattoos.

These are some good folks, Lawson said. The artists are only getting paid if somebody tips them. All the money's going to the memorial fund.

To speed up the process, patrons chose from a selection of patriotic tattoos in the American Traditional or Old School style. Styles ranged from an eagle's head, to the word 'Murica, to designs featuring flags. The cost for a small tattoo was $34.30, to remember the 343 firefighters who died, and the large tattoos were $91.10, in memory of the date 9/11.

Lance and Jennifer Whitney both chose the same tattoo, a woman's head, though both laughingly admitted they didn't see the design as particularly patriotic.

Wearing a patriotic T-shirt, Kevin Paulding sat on a bench in the waiting area, prepared to be there for a while.

They told me I should probably go get a drink, he said with a grin, holding up a soda pop.

Brittany Harding said she was dedicating her new tattoo to her two brothers who are firefighters: one in the Hickory Point district, the other in Maroa. She planned to have this year's patriotic tattoo placed on her left arm below the one she got at last year's Tats for the Towers event.

The 9/11 Memorial is planned for a location near the Beach House restaurant in Nelson Park, with a five-sided base that will include an outline of granite pavers, another of the committee's fundraising efforts.

Pavers cost $140 for bricks, corners for $260, and benches $1,800. A model of the memorial is in the Decatur Civic Center lobby and the finished memorial will be dedicated on Sept. 11.
China Coast Guard ship Haijing 12101 (R) expels a Vietnamese marine surveillance ship from a contested area in the South China Sea, May 4, 2014.

Chinas growing use of non-conventional means to assert control over the South China Sea is raising concerns among neighboring countries and regional military planners.

Analysts say that in front line flash points in the vast waterway, Beijing is deploying coast guard ships and fishing vessels instead of its regular navy vessels.

China claims sovereignty over more than 80 percent of the islands and other land features in the South China Sea and rejects conflicting claims from Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam. Taiwans claims largely overlap with Chinas.

Chinas increased use of its coast guard and maritime militia to press its territorial claims may now be adding an element of unpredictability and a higher risk of clashes with other nations vessels.

To most people, coast guard summons up visions of ships that chase drug smugglers, enforce maritime law, and conduct search-and-rescue missions. But this no longer accurately describes many of the vessels in Chinas growing white-hulled fleet.

Researchers with the U.S.-based RAND Corporation and Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) say that in reaction to Chinas coast guard build-up, other countries are now using their coast guards to support their own territorial claims.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Defense has for the first time, focused on Chinas use of its maritime militias, fishing boats working often working with Chinese naval forces, in its annual report to the U.S. Congress on Chinas military power.

The June 6 report asserts that China continues to exercise low-intensity coercion to advance its claims to the East and South China Seas.

Coast Guard deployments run risks

But even low-intensity coercion carries risks, analysts say.

Collin Koh, a research fellow at the Singapore Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS), says that Chinas coast guard vessels are increasingly larger and possess greater range and endurance.

Their size and range compared with coast guards operated by many Southeast Asian nations, he says, might embolden the Chinese vessels to undertake more aggressive actions.

Chinas Coast Guard (CCG) already has a history of taking such actions.

Since 2010 Koh has been documenting clashes and standoffs involving coast guards in the South China Sea.

A CSIS report issued in September 2016 says that increasingly aggressive actions by CCG vessels, including the ramming of other ships, risk destabilizing the region.

In a report published by CSISs Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI), Lyle Morris of the RAND Corporation notes that until recently most coastal states have sent their navies, not coast guards, to assert sovereignty over disputed maritime areas.

Navies offer a strong signal of state power and control, aimed at alerting rival claimants that the territory under dispute is a matter of national security and a matter that states are willing to go to war over, says Morris.

China appears to be signaling through its use of its coast guard and militias that it wants to avoid war but that it also wants to advance and reinforce its claims.

Andrew S. Erickson and Connor M. Kennedy, experts on Chinas maritime militia vessels, say that these militia boats appear to be crewed by civilians but frequently coordinate with the Chinese military.

Their civilian appearance, they say, allows Beijing to deny its involvement in the boats actions and to exploit U.S. Navy rules of engagement. Those rules limit the actions that U.S. ships can take against civilian vessels.

China, the Pentagon report says, uses an opportunistically timed progression of incremental but intensifying steps to attempt to increase its future control over disputed areas and avoid escalation to military conflict.

Last year, it says, China used its coast guard, maritime militias, and fishing boats to heavily increase its presence at various disputed features after a decision in July 2016 by a tribunal in The Hague that declared Chinas territorial claims in the South China Sea to be invalid.

Morris says that his research, published recently in The Naval War College Review, suggests that coast guards, not navies, are the new asset of choice for many states in East and Southeast Asia to assert sovereignty over disputed waters.

This shift is driven in part, he says, by a perception among regional policymakers that coast guards offer a less militaristic face of state power in disputed maritime areas... says Morris.

On its face, having coast guards patrol large bodies of disputed territorymight be cause for optimism, as coast guards can be viewed as less escalatory and possess limited war-fighting capabilities.

But the way coast guards are employed in the South China Sea as blunt instruments to assert state power gives more cause for concern than optimism, says Morris.

High stakes

Occupying more than 3.5 million square kilometers, or 1.35 million square miles, the South China Sea is a vital waterway larger than the Mediterranean Sea.

It is believed to harbor large oil and gas deposits, and ships passing through the area carry cargo to and from the growing economies of East and Southeast Asia.

Its also one of the worlds five leading fishing zones, according to researchers at the University of British Columbia. The broad fisheries of the South China Sea employs more than 3 million people, contributes heavily to the global fish trade, and provides a major source of vital protein to millions of people living in the nations bordering the South China Sea.

U.S. Air Force Captain Adam Greer, who has done research partly funded by the U.S. National Defense University, says that the stakes in the South China Sea can be summed up by a 3 Ps Rulepolitics, petroleum, and protein.

The U.S. takes no position on the disputed territorial claims in the South China Sea but is committed to the principle of freedom of navigation provided by international law.

China, Morris says, is clearly working to build the largest and most formidable coast guard in the world in terms of total overall tonnage, which he calculates will eventually reach around 190,000 tons.

Just a few weeks ago, China sent the worlds largest coast guard cutter, which has quickly acquired the nickname the Monster Cutter, on patrol in the South China Sea.

The giant Chinese vessel, bearing the hull number 3901, surpasses in size and speed Japans Shikishima-class cutter, which had previously been ranked number one.

Aid to Southeast Asian nations

In response to Chinas moves, Japan and the U.S. have promised to provide patrol vessels to Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam.

Japan has provided six patrol boats to Vietnam, and the United States has delivered to Vietnam the first six patrol boats out of a total of 18 as part of a $15 million deal signed in 2015.

But according to Koh, these are small craft that would be useful in inshore and coastal waters but barely able in bad weather to go out into the South China Sea and stay on station for very long.

Analysts agree that no combination of South East Asian nations can match Chinas coast guard capabilities, fleet size, or shipbuilding capacity.

CSIS researchers say that its normal for a large number of Chinese fishing boats to be entering the South China Sea. But whats unprecedented is the number of Chinese coast guard ships accompanying them.

In the past, says Koh, Chinese fishing vessels were short of China Coast Guard support.

But the CCGs growing ability to project further and longer afield positions it, first, to scare off or deter other claimants fishing vessels and, second, to back up the fishing-boat militia, further emboldening that fleet to challenge other countries maritime enforcement patrols.

Dan Southerland is RFAs founding executive editor.
Rights lawyer Jiang Tianyong, who went missing on Nov. 21, 2016 and is believed to have been tortured in custody, in an undated photo.

The father of jailed Chinese human rights lawyer Jiang Tianyong has been called in and issued with a warning by the country's state security police after the family issued a statement slamming the government's forced "appointment" of defense lawyers in the case.

"The state security police took Jiang Tianyong's father down to the police station [on Friday] for a chat, and they told him not to ... have anything to do with anyone outside [the case], because it is still under investigation," Jiang's U.S.-based wife Jin Bianling told RFA on Friday.

The warning came after the family issued a joint statement on Thursday hitting out at the authorities for refusing to recognize defense lawyers they appointed by refusing their requests to meet with Jiang, who has had no contact with family or lawyers since his incarceration.

"It seems the authorities are up to their old tricks and are forcing Jiang Tianyong to accept government-appointed lawyers," the statement, posted on the website of the U.S.-based Human Rights in China, said.

"Hearing this news, we are beside ourselves with anger," said the statement, signed by Jiang's mother, father and wife.

It said the authorities appear to be taking the same approach with all lawyers detained in a nationwide operation since July 2015, including Wang Quanzhang, Li Heping, and Xie Yang.

"We absolutely do not recognize or accept government-appointed lawyers," the family said, calling on the government to recognize lawyers Chen Jinxue and Zhang Lei as Jiang's official defense team.

"We reserve the right to sue the government units handling the case on account of their unlawful appointment of lawyers," it said.

Jin said she had told her father-in-law Jiang Lianghou that the family needs to speak out more, not less, following the warning from state security police.

"I told his father that Jiang Tianyong is innocent, and that the more afraid [the authorities] become, the more we have to speak to people outside the case, to tell the whole world that Jiang Tianyong is innocent," she said.

Meanwhile, Jiang's mother Wei Ziyun issued a video statement in support of her son, who faces charges of "subversion of state power" after his initial detention last November.

"To this day, the lawyers we appointed to defend him have been unable to meet with him," Wei said. "I don't believe that my son would break the law, because he studies the law."

"My son is himself a lawyer who has helped many, many people," she said.



Rights activist Gou Hongguo in an undated photo. Credit: Photo courtesy of Guo Hongguo's family Official complaint lodged

Meanwhile, Wang Qiaoling, the wife of detained attorney Li Heping, Li Wenzu, wife of Wang Quanzhang, and Beijing-based rights activist Hu Jia lodged an official complaint at the Supreme People's Procuratorate in Beijing over the treatment of the detained lawyers.

"To start with, they kept us waiting outside, saying that the leader was making a speech," Wang Qiaoling said after the visit on Friday.

"Then, about 10 minutes later, they let us go in, and told us that there had to be a minimum period of three months since our last complaint, so they couldn't accept it," she said.

"We told them that we weren't lodging a complaint, but a lawsuit, but they ... wouldn't do anything about that, and found some police to drag us back outside again," she said.

Authorities in the northern province of Hebei, which borders Beijing, have meanwhile been holding rights activist Gou Hongguo, detained as part of the crackdown on the legal profession, under house arrest after handing him a three-year suspended sentence for "subversion of state power."

Gou's associate Liu Yue said he had been released from detention following a gall-bladder attack and had recently had surgery for the problem.

"He had been under very tight surveillance, but the state security police gave permission for him to come to Beijing for treatment," Liu said. "We were then able to visit him easily, but there were state security police and regular police hiding there. I think the authorities have put overly harsh restrictions on him."



Reported by Yang Fan and Ding Wenqi for RFA's Mandarin Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.
Authorities in the eastern Chinese province of Jiangsu turned away journalists on Friday after a man set off a homemade bomb, leaving eight dead and dozens injured, at the gates of a kindergarten during school pick-up time the day before.



The blast rocked the local neighborhood at 4:48 p.m. local time as family members were waiting to pick up their children, killing two people at the scene. Six more died of their injuries in hospital, the local authorities said in statement.



Journalists near the scene of the blast on Friday told RFA they had been told by officials to leave the area, which had been cordoned off by police.



Video of the altercation seen by RFA showed a journalist being shoved by a group of plainclothes police officers.



Residents of Jiangsus Xuzhou city described hearing a massive bang on Thursday and seeing the aftermath of the blast outside the kindergarten, state media reported, as photos circulated on social media showing several bodies lying in a street.



Police said the bomber, a 22-year-old man surnamed Xu, had scrawled death-related phrases on the walls of his rented apartment near the school. He was killed in the blast, state media reported.



The bomber had lost his place at an unnamed college owing to a neurological condition, Xinhua news agency reported on Friday.



Police found homemade explosives in his apartment, and the Chinese characters for Death, Die, and Destroy daubed on the walls, the report said.



Conflicting accounts



Fridays official account was at odds with initial statements put out by local government, a Xuzhou resident told RFA.



Local resident Liu Jianguo said local authorities had initially issued statements saying that the blast was caused by exploding gas cylinders at street food stalls near the kindergarten.



Both the [county] government propaganda department and the municipal government propaganda departments issued statements, Liu said. They said it was probably from gas cylinders at a food stall near the school gates, and that everyone had been taken to hospital for treatment.



An official who answered the phone at the Feng county police department said the authorities are still evacuating people from the area around the blast.



We still dont yet know [many details]. Investigations are ongoing. Staff at the hospital are still working to save people, and police are pro-actively evacuating residents.



Online Chinese news service Frontline News named the suspect as Xu Taoran, a native of Xuzhous Quanshan district.



Xu had been scheduled to attend his graduation ceremony on Thursday at a university in the city, and that his father had access to explosives as part of his business.



It said Xu rented a basement apartment in the Fengyuan residential compound and had thrown a black backpack near the kindergarten gates on the day of the explosion.



RFA was unable to confirm any of the claims in the report.



An official who answered the phone at the Feng county government offices on Friday said local leaders were at the scene of the blast, but further details were unavailable.



Please can you call the propaganda department, the official said. Calls to the propaganda department rang unanswered during office hours on Friday, however.



Xinhua said a team of top doctors had been ordered to Xuzhou to assist local medical teams with 65 injured people, some of whom were in critical condition.



Reported by Pan Jiaqing for RFAs Cantonese Service, and by Qiao Long for the Mandarin Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.




Some of the thousands of Rohingya refugees from Myanmar who have been living in makeshift houses along a highway in Coxs Bazar district in Bangladesh, June 2, 2017.

A Bangladeshi minister on Thursday warned of potential security threats as the country grapples with crimes brought about by the influx of thousands of Rohingya refugees.

Foreign Minister A.H. Mammood Ali said in a report to parliament that there were up to 400,000 undocumented refugees from Myanmar living in Coxs Bazar and four neighboring districts in southeastern Bangladesh.

They have been involved in drug peddling, smuggling of illegal arms, human trafficking and other anti-social activities along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border, Ali said. In the future, this huge Muslim community from Rakhine state may pose threats to our national security.

Alis statement came as a Jakarta-based think-tank reported that a new armed Rohingya insurgency was operating along the Bangladeshi-Myanmar border. BenarNews, an RFA-affiliated online news service, obtained the ministers written statement to parliament.

First called the Harekat al-Yakin, the insurgent group changed its name in March 2017 to the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA), according to the Institute for Policy Analysis of Conflict (IPAC).

In a report released in May, IPAC said the groups existence became known when hundreds of men attacked three police posts along the Myanmar-Bangladesh border, killing nine Myanmar border guards in October 2016. The attacks led to security sweeps in the Myanmar state of Rakhine, which caused around 75,000 Rohingya residents to flee into Coxs Bazar during the following months, according to the United Nations.

The existence of an armed group on the border mounting attacks on Myanmar security forces could inspire pro-ISIS groups in Bangladesh, the IPAC report said, using another acronym for the militant group Islamic State (IS).

Ties between extremists in Bangladesh and Southeast Asian countries are growing because of ISs presence in the region, as well as population movements by students, migrant workers and refugees, the report said.

Replying to a question from Irafil Alam, a ruling-party parliament member, Ali said that up to 400,000 Rohingya had snuck into Bangladesh to flee decades-long persecution launched by the Myanmar security forces, starting in 1978. He said the refugees constituted 20 percent to 25 percent of Coxs Bazar district, which has a population of more than 1.6 million.

Alis number closely matched the figures presented to the U.N. in April by Nurul Islam, Bangladeshs minister for expatriate welfare and oversees affairs, who said 403,000 Rohingya had settled in the country.

Israfil Alam, a member of parliament for the ruling Awami League, asked Ali what damage the Rohingya were causing in Bangladesh.

The infiltrating Myanmar nationals have been causing huge social, economic, political and environmental damages in Bangladesh, Ali said, explaining that the Rohingya had been establishing settlements all over, damaging land, cutting trees and harming the environment.

They developed a crime syndicate in the bordering areas (Bangladesh and Myanmar), he said. Besides, they have been causing law-and-order situation through different criminal activities.

Chess pawns

The ministers report about the Rohingya involvement in criminal activities was true, said Mizanur Rahman, former National Human Rights Commission chairman.

But actually they are the pawns of the chess board. The masterminds of the trans-boundary crime syndicate utilize the Rohingya from behind the scene, he told BenarNews.

As the Rohingya are stateless, they are hapless. So, they are easily available people to do any types of bad works. They do it for their survival, Rahman said.

Newly arrived Rohingya refugees have reported witnessing cases of killings, rapes and acts of arson carried out by Myanmar security forces against their people  allegations that Myanmars government has denied.

The United Nations in May appointed a fact-finding mission to probe allegations in the Buddhist majority Rakhine state, but Myanmars de facto leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, rejected the U.N. mission.

Reported by BenarNews, an RFA-affiliated online news service.
A group of Kachin Independence Army soldiers take a break in northern Myanmar's Kachin state in an undated photo.

Government troops and a rebel militia began fighting in the Tanaing gold and amber mining region of northern Myanmars Kachin state on Friday, following the militarys order for workers and residents of the resource-rich area to evacuate it by mid-month, residents said.

Myanmar soldiers and fighters from the Kachin Independence Army begin fighting around 8 a.m. about nine miles from Tanaing township, they said.

Hostilities began in the townships Ja Htu Zup village, and KIA soldiers also launched an offensive at Kaung Ra village near Tanaing town, the online news service Democratic Voice of Burma reported, citing an unidentified source from the KIA.

Migrant workers from elsewhere in Myanmar and others who live in the mining region told RFAs Myanmar Service that they heard the sounds of heavy weapons being fired and cannot leave the area because the roads are closed.

So far no casualties have been reported.

Thousands of people have moved out of the area since June 6, a day after the Myanmar military dropped fliers warning them to evacuate by mid-June before beginning a clearance operation of the area.

They are staying temporarily in Christian churches and Buddhist monasteries in Kachin state or have returned to their hometowns in other parts of Myanmar.

The fliers warned that if residents failed to leave the area by June 15, the military would consider them to have connections to the KIA, sources told RFAs Myanmar Service on June 7.

Some people, however, have remained behind in nearby villages, workers and locals said.

The KIA controls the areas where the mines are and depends on amber and gold mining activities as a source of income.

A woman and her two daughters were injured on June 4 when four artillery shells fell on their home in Kawng Ra village, a day after fighting first began in Tanaing.

Reported by Kyaw Thu for RFAs Myanmar Service. Translated by Khet Mar. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin.
Kyaw Min Swe (C), editor-in-chief of The Voice Daily, and satire columnist Kyaw Zwa Naing (R), who writes under the pseudonym British Ko Ko Maung, arrive at the Bahan township courthouse in Myanmar's commercial capital Yangon, June 16, 2017.

A Myanmar court in Yangon on Friday released a detained satire columnist of an independent newspaper after the publications top editor testified that he was solely responsible for an article that allegedly insulted the armed forces under a controversial telecommunications law.

Kyaw Min Swe, editor-in-chief of The Voice Daily, and satire columnist Kyaw Zwa Naing, who writes under the pseudonym British Ko Ko Maung, were detained on June 2 and charged with defamation under Article 66(d) of the Telecommunications Law after the military complained about a piece they published that mocked a military propaganda film.

The article prohibits the use of the telecom network to defame people and carries a jail sentence of up to three years and a fine for those found guilty of violating it.

The pairs legal adviser said that British Ko Ko Maung, who wrote the piece, was released because he did not post it on social media.

The Ministry of Communication said I cant be charged under the Telecommunications Law because I wrote [the article] for print media, British Ko Ko Maung said.

Nobody should be charged under Article 66(d), he told reporters outside the courthouse. That article shouldnt exist, because people who are charged under it have to remain in prison until they receive a sentence.

The Bahan township court also denied a second request by Kyaw Min Swe to be released on bail, citing his lawyers submission of an unofficial medical certificate from a private clinic about his stomach and liver ailments. His next trial date is June 23.

It is a test of the judicial system Kyaw Min Swe said. People have to wait and see how much they can rely on the judicial system.

The court previously denied a bail request for both men on June 8.

On Friday, the court sent Kyaw Min Swe back to the city's notorious Insein prison, where he will remain until his trial next week.

Rights groups say that government and military officials frequently use Article 66(d) to stifle criticism and free speech.

White armband campaign

About 100 journalists wearing white armbands with freedom of the press written on them, protested near the court in Yangon as part of a public awareness campaign about Article 66(d).

The newly formed Committee for the Protection of Journalists also passed out fliers to citizens detailing its position on Article 66(d) and its implications for netizens, the online journal The Irrawaddy reported.

Journalists formed the 21-member committee and began the white armband campaign called Freedom of the Press on June 8 in Yangon when the first court hearing for Kyaw Min Swe and British Ko Ko Maung was scheduled.

They are demanding that the government, parliament, and military abolish the law used to accuse reporters and editors of slander.

Committee member Myo Thu Aung said the group will begin a campaign to collect signatures supporting the abolishment of Article 66(d) and work with civil society organizations on its public awareness efforts

Khun Zaw Oo, a TV correspondent at the Democratic Voice of Burma, said reporters should not be sued or charged with defamation under Article 66(d) for criticizing the government, because that is their job.

Criticizing the government is the responsibility of the media, he said. We shouldnt be sued or charged with a crime because we criticize. We have media laws, so if we do something wrong, we can be charged under those laws, or the Media Council can mediate the dispute.

Journalists in the town of Lashio in northern Shan state also have started a campaign against Article 66(d).

Nyein Paing Oo of the Northern Shan States Youth Network told reporters Friday that many young people who write articles have been imprisoned after being charged with defamation under Article 66(d).

This article bans freedom of expression, he said.

Reported by Thant Sin Oo and Aung Theinkha for RFAs Myanmar Service. Translated by Khet Mar. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin.
RAYMOND  Retired UFC champion Matt Hughes of Hillsboro was airlifted to an Springfield hospital with serious injuries after his pickup truck was struck by a train in Montgomery County on Friday morning, police said.

The crash occurred at 10:45 a.m. on Beelers Trail, according to the Illinois State Police. A pickup truck driven by Hughes, 43, was traveling east and crossed the tracks directly in front of a train, which struck its passenger side, police said.

The railroad grade crossing was marked with crossbucks, police said. The state police Traffic Crash Reconstruction Unit is investigating.

Hughes, a high school state wrestling champion at Hillsboro and Herald & Review Area Wrestler of the Year in 1991 and 1992, won his first UFC World Welterweight title in 2001. A two-time champ, he is a member of the UFC Hall of Fame.

HSHS St. John's Hospital released a statement acknowledging that Hughes had been airlifted there for treatment.

"The HSHS St. Johns Regional Trauma Team stabilized him and continues to help him in his recover," the hospital said. "Hughes family asks that you respect their privacy during this difficult time. They ask that you keep Matt in your thoughts and prayers."
Richmond police on Monday said that Kathryn I. Brady, who hadn't been seen in nearly a year, has been found.

Due to an overwhelming response from the community, Kathryn Brady has been located and is safe. Thank you everyone who provided information which led us to Ms. Brady, wrote Detective W.E. Thompson in a news release.

Earlier story: Richmond police are requesting the publics help in finding a missing woman who may often stay in homeless encampments in the city.

Kathryn I. Brady, 60, who was last seen nearly a year ago, was described as a white female with short blond hair, about 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing 200 pounds, police said.

A family member said Brady was last seen June 26, 2016, near Seventh and Hospital streets in the wood line. VCU Police had their last contact with Brady on July 29, 2016.

Richmond police said Brady may go by the alias Kathryn B. Gafvert-Wehrfritz.
Three Richmond firefighters were injured battling a two-alarm house fire in North Side on Friday morning.

The fire was in a two-story home at 2813 Griffin Ave., which is 1 1/2 blocks south of West Brookland Park Boulevard. Firefighters fought the blaze for nearly two hours.

Lt. Chris Armstrong with the Richmond Fire Department said the call came in at 10:24 a.m. and firefighters arrived on scene at 10:29 a.m. to find heavy smoke and fire coming from the home.

At 12:16 p.m., the Richmond Fire Department reported that the fire was under control.

Armstrong said three firefighters suffered minor injuries. Two were transported to local hospitals to be checked out. They were expected to be released Friday. The third was treated on the scene.
A Hanover County jury recommended a life sentence for Harshadkumar Jadav on Thursday after finding him guilty of first-degree murder in the fatal beating of his wife, Reena Jadav.

Jurors deliberated for just more than two hours before convicting the defendant of murdering his 30-year-old wife with a hammer in their Honey Meadows neighborhood last September.

Harshadkumar Jadav, 34, will be sentenced on Sept. 14. The victims father expressed his gratitude to the jury after the verdict was read.

You are angels sent by God, said Chandra Shrestha.

The victims mother, Sumitra Shrestha, told jurors she misses her daughter every minute of every day. She addressed her daughter while speaking on the stand.

Please come to my dreams, so I can see you and hug you, Sumitra Shrestha said.

Jadav, who testified after the sentence was read, told the court that he had been hunted by police. He also said he had lost his job and his house and that he has been in jail for the past nine months.

Im 100 percent sure I didnt do it, Jadav said.

Shari Skipper, Hanovers chief deputy commonwealths attorney, noted to jurors that the defendant spent a lot time focusing on himself.

You heard the defendant testify; who is he concerned with? Skipper said.

The prosecutor asked jurors to take into account the brutality of the attack. As Skipper noted that the victim had suffered at least 15 blows, the prosecutor motioned with her arm to demonstrate the way the strikes would have been delivered.

What a horrible way for Reena Jadav to die, Skipper said. Dont let him be in society again.

Reena Jadavs body was found on a Mechanicsville lawn on Sept. 5, one street over from where she lived with her husband. Two days after Jadavs body was found, a woman who lives off U.S. Route 301, a couple of miles from the Jadavs home, came upon a hammer and clothes strewn at the edge or her property while mowing her lawn. She turned the items over to police.

Skipper noted during closing arguments Thursday that the hammer had Reena Jadavs blood on it. A pair of mens underwear plucked from the property had DNA from Harshadkumar Jadav and his wife on it, Skipper noted. And when he was arrested on Sept. 12, the defendant had a backpack with another pair of underwear that was the same size and brand as the one found in the yard, Skipper said.

Vaughan Jones, Jadavs attorney, said there were multiple flaws in the prosecutions case.

The defense attorney accused the police of conducting an incomplete investigation. The pair of underwear found on the womans lawn along with the hammer, Jones said, had not only the defendants and the victims DNA on it, but also the DNA of a third person. He suggested the items could have been discarded by someone other than his client.

Many items collected were not sent to a state crime lab for analysis, Jones said. For example, a backpack that prosecutors said had blood on it was not sent for testing, Jones said.

The defense attorney suggested that perhaps the woman had been robbed, noting that her wedding ring hadnt been located. Jones also took issue with the fact that there was no testing done to determine whether Reena Jadav had been sexually assaulted.

The defense attorney also noted that his client was found to have little blood on him at all when police found him at the crime scene.

Whoever committed this crime was covered in blood, Jones said.

And there was also lack of blood evidence from the couples home and their two vehicles, Jones said.

Where in the world is that evidence? Jones asked.

The prosecutor showed jurors a photo of the defendants hands when he was arrested, noting that he also had no wedding ring. Thats because he and his wife been arguing and neither was wearing their wedding ring, Skipper said, adding that Reena Jadav was not robbed. The prosecutor also said there was no indication of any sexual assault, noting that the woman was found fully clothed.

Regarding the absence of blood from the couples home and cars, Skipper said the murder didnt happen in those locations. Instead it happened on the grass where she was found, Skipper said. The prosecutor said the attacker would not necessarily have to be spattered with blood, noting much of the blood found on the weapon itself was on the top of the handle and on the head.

Skipper said that when police showed Harshadkumar Jadav a photo of his wife on the lawn, he showed no emotion.

Why is a husband so calm when thats how he finds his wife? Skipper said.

Jadav, during his sentencing, said people display emotion in different ways, adding that he does have remorse.

Skipper honed in on cellphone data showing that the defendants cellphone started traveling out of his Honey Meadows neighborhood just after 11:30 p.m. on Sept. 4 and over to an area a couple of miles away where the hammer and clothes were found. Jones suggested the evidence only shows that his phone was on the move, not his client.

Although Jadav claimed he went to sleep the night before, his Google Chrome browser history showed he was instead awake and surfing the web, Skipper said.

He was awake because he had just killed his wife, Skipper said, adding He says hes asleep, but hes up all night.

Skipper reiterated the prosecutions theory that Jadav had a million reasons to kill his wife  a reference to the $1,025,000 in benefits from three insurance policies his wife had through her new employer, Regions Bank in Nashville, Tenn. Harshadkumar Jadav was the beneficiary on all three policies.

Skipper also cited testimony of two women who said that they met the defendant through a dating website and that he told them he wanted to settle down and was looking for his life partner. Skipper said that before one of the women would come over to his house, he would hide his wifes belongings.

Jones, who at the outset of the four-day trial acknowledged that Jadav was unfaithful, said that didnt mean he was guilty of the crime. Jones also said his client didnt know about the policies before his wifes death, but prosecutors disputed that.

After his wifes death, the defendant didnt show up to a ceremony at Virginia Beach where his wifes ashes were scattered, Skipper said. Instead, he went home, cleaned out her items from the house and took them to Goodwill, the prosecutor said.

Less than a week before, Skipper said Jadav had left his wife beaten and in a pool of blood.
The protestations of Corey Stewart notwithstanding, were not just talking about taking down monuments.

There is a growing chorus to add to the statuary in Richmond in a way that tells our rich and often painful story with context and balance. A statue of pioneering banker Maggie L. Walker will soon be unveiled at Broad and Adams streets. An Emancipation memorial is in the works on Browns Island.

Some folks are clamoring for a memorial to legendary lawyers Oliver W. Hill and Spottswood W. Robinson III. While I believe we cant honor those men enough for their role in striking down state-sanctioned school segregation, their likenesses are carved into the Virginia Civil Rights Memorial along with those of Barbara Johns and the Rev. L. Francis Griffin.

John Mitchell Jr., a banker, politician and fearless anti-lynching crusader as editor of the Richmond Planet, is long overdue for such an honor. Elizabeth Van Lew, an abolitionist and Union spy, belies the narrative of Richmond being solidly Confederate, as the statues on Monument Avenue might suggest.

By now, you get it: This list could go on and on.

Still, one we havent heard bandied about seems, upon reflection, like a no-brainer: How about a monument to Richard and Mildred Loving?

The Lovings resolute love conquered bigotry and led to a landmark case, Loving v. Virginia, effectively striking down bans against interracial marriage.

I posed the question on Facebook on Monday, the 50th anniversary of the ruling. Its an idea with resonance, if the response is any indication.

Much of my identity is tied to being among the first generation of biracial children born after that ruling, said Kenya Gibson of Richmond. Although my parents were married in Massachusetts, where interracial marriage was legal, Ive always felt that if it werent for the Lovings case I might not be here today.

So of course Im biased, but to me this couple symbolizes the essence of our state like no other, said Gibson, who is in an interracial marriage. The Lovings story is Virginias story  love, courage, prejudice, and progress.

Richard Loving, who was white, and Mildred Loving, of African-Indian heritage, were banished from their home state by the courts after the Caroline County sheriff and his deputies barged into their bedroom on July 11, 1958.

The Lovings fight for the right to marry changed the face of America. And it demonstrated that the most heroic deeds can be performed by those who didnt sign up for the job.

We have thought about other people, but we are not doing it just because somebody had to do it and we wanted to be the ones, Richard Loving said in a 1966 article in Time magazine. We are doing it for us  because we want to live here.

Or as Bernard S. Cohen of Spotsylvania County, co-counsel in the Loving case, said during a 2012 interview: They were not civil rights activists. They didnt do this out of a love for civil rights. They did this out of a love for each other.

On Monday, the state marked the anniversary of Loving v. Virginia by unveiling a Virginia Historical Highway Marker near 11th and Broad streets, outside the Patrick Henry Building, former home of the Virginia Supreme Court, which ruled against the Lovings.

The Loving ruling came more than a century after the end of the Civil War and the emancipation of the enslaved.

The story of Virginia  of America, really  is a roller coaster of oppression and redemption. And its arc on marriage bends toward freedom.

In 2015, 17 percent of U.S. newlyweds had a spouse of a different race or ethnicity, compared with 3 percent of newlyweds in 1967, according to a Pew Research Center analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data.

In the Richmond metro area in 2015, 12 percent of newlyweds were intermarried, according to the Pew analysis. The percentage was 20 percent in Hampton Roads and 19 percent in Metro Washington. For many of us  most of us, Id hope  interracial couples have become so commonplace as to be unremarkable.

The legacy of the Lovings  captured in a 2012 documentary on HBO and a 2016 movie, Loving, filmed partly in Richmond  no doubt lent momentum to a same-sex marriage movement that Mildred Loving endorsed on the 40th anniversary of Loving v. Virginia.

Virginias historical posture on matters of race is nothing to be proud of. Frankly, that history has been largely about oppressed people forcing the commonwealth to finally do the right thing.

In that context, Richmond should embrace a Loving memorial as a fitting symbol of our story of love, courage, prejudice and progress.
TANGIER  President Donald Trumps recent suggestion to a Virginia mayor that his tiny Chesapeake Bay island was in no immediate threat from climate change has prompted one resident to start an online fundraiser to help highlight Tangier Islands erosion problem.

Trump called Tangier Mayor James Ooker Eskridge after CNN reported on the islands sea-level rise, The Daily Times of Salisbury, Md., reported earlier this week.

Eskridge said the president offered reassurance.

He said not to worry about sea-level rise, Eskridge said. He said, Your island has been there for hundreds of years, and I believe your island will be there for hundreds more. 

The Daily Times reported Thursday that a member of Tangiers Town Council, Anna E. Pruitt-Parks, started a GoFundMe site Monday to purchase 550 copies of Pieces of Tangier, a 2014 documentary produced by Jenny Roberts.

Pruitt-Parks, who says the documentary accurately details the islands erosion problem, plans to send the copies to the 535 members of Congress and other federal officials, including Trump.

As of Thursday evening, she had topped her $3,200 goal by several hundred dollars.
LYNCHBURG  Misdemeanor charges against a Lovingston man in connection with the death of a neighbors cats have been dismissed.

As the result of a joint motion from the defense counsel and a special prosecutor, Nelson County General District Judge Sam D. Eggleston III on Monday ordered the charges against David Boor  one count each of cruelty to animals and maiming, killing or poisoning animals  be dismissed with prejudice, meaning the plaintiff cannot file another case on the same claim.

Patricia Harker, a neighbor of Boor, claimed Boor killed her cat, Swiper, on March 8 because the cat was harassing his chickens.

According to the dismissal order, Boor called an animal control officer to complain of a cat attacking his chickens, and Boor believes he heard the officer tell him if the cat was bothering his chickens, he had the right to kill the animal.

The dismissal order says Boor trapped the cat, placed a cloth saturated with ether he had on hand over the cage and found the cat deceased a few minutes later.

Im shocked, Harker said. Im shocked. I am shocked beyond belief. I am shocked that we live in a world where a man who has trapped the cat, who is now defenseless, can kill it.

According to the dismissal order, Appomattox County Deputy Commonwealths Attorney Leslie M. Fleet, appointed as special prosecutor in the case, believed after investigating that he would have difficulty proving beyond a reasonable doubt that the killing of the cat was unnecessary because the defendant thought after talking with the animal control officer he could kill the cat by any means.
Gov. Terry McAuliffe has agreed, under a civil settlement with a state prosecutor, to turn over a list of 206,000 convicted felons whose voting rights he restored last year under a now-defunct executive order.

Loudoun County Commonwealths Attorney Jim Plowman, a Republican, had been seeking the list since McAuliffe, a Democrat, restored voting and other civil rights to felons in a sweeping executive order in April 2016.

Plowman filed a Freedom of Information Act request soon afterward, but the administration denied it, saying the names fell under an exemption covering the governors working papers.

Plowman then sued the McAuliffe administration, which resulted in the settlement dated Monday that requires the governor to turn over the list and to pay $1,200 to Plowmans lawyer, Matthew Hardin.

Theyre giving me everything I asked for a year ago, they just dragged it out, Plowman said in an interview Thursday. It seems a bit unreasonable that you have to actually file a lawsuit to get something that people should have everyday public access to.

McAuliffe spokesman Brian Coy suggested the list is meaningless because the state Supreme Court invalidated the original order and the governor has since come up with a different method for restoring rights.

We are pleased to put Mr. Plowmans needless, wasteful and currently moot lawsuit to rest, Coy said in an email. Nothing about the old database relates to the governors current individualized process, which the Virginia Supreme Court has upheld, and which has successfully restored over 156,000 ex-felons rights. The governor remains committed to restoration of civil rights and hopes that Republicans will finally accept that giving people who have served their time a voice in their society is the right thing to do.

Virginia is one of a handful of states that permanently disenfranchises felons. The state constitution, however, gives the governor authority to restore the right to vote, serve on a jury and run for public office. McAuliffes predecessor, Republican Bob McDonnell, had simplified and sped up that process, but McAuliffe took it to a new level.

With great fanfare on the steps of the state Capitol last year, McAuliffe announced that he had restored rights to 206,000. He heralded his action as a way for Virginia to move past the Jim Crow era, noting that African-Americans have been disproportionately affected by felon disenfranchisement.

Republicans were furious because the order included violent felons and those who had not paid court costs or made restitution to victims. They filed two lawsuits against what they called an unconstitutional and sloppy order. One, filed by GOP legislators, contended that the governor had exceeded his clemency powers because he restored rights en masse instead of individually. The other, from Plowman, sought the list of felons, which was of interest after a number of errors surfaced.

McAuliffe had intended his order to cover only felons who had served their time and completed parole, but he had mistakenly restored rights to 132 sex offenders still in custody, as well as to several convicted killers on probation in other states. This troubled Plowman and some fellow prosecutors because the governors order not only restored voting rights, but the right to serve on juries. It also was a stepping stone toward restoration of gun rights.

In July, the legislators suit prevailed with the Supreme Court of Virginia, which threw out McAuliffes blanket clemency order. Since then, the governor has used a fast-track but nominally individualized approach to restore rights to 156,000 ex-felons. The governor eventually must report their names to the General Assembly, as is the case for anyone to whom he grants clemency.

But Plowman, with his suit, still sought the names of the 206,000 covered by the original order. He said the list will reveal the full scope of errors related to the governors sweeping clemency attempt  and make the case for vetting felons before restoring their rights.
Michelle Carter was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter Friday for using text messages and phone calls to encourage her boyfriend, Conrad Roy, to commit suicide in 2014.

Carter, 20, cried silently in the Massachusetts courtroom as Judge Lawrence Moniz outlined the steps she took -- and the ones she did not take -- that led to Roy's death from carbon monoxide poisoning.

"She called no one, and finally, she did not issue simple additional instruction: Get out of the truck," Moniz said in his 15-minute explanation.

When will Carter be sentenced?

Carter is expected to be sentenced August 3, when she could face up to 20 years in prison for the manslaughter charge.

But Northeastern University law professor Daniel Medwed said he does not expect Moniz to condemn her to two decades behind bars.

"I think the judge might show her leniency, given her mental health issues and medications," as a psychiatrist testified about in her trial, Medwed said. "The conviction sends a strong message, but that doesn't mean the outcome will be 20 years in prison."

Where could she serve her time?

Carter was 17 when Roy died, and she was charged as a juvenile.

Since she is now a legal adult, Medwed said Carter could likely serve any jail time in an adult prison.

Kari Hong, an assistant professor of law at Boston College, said Carter could serve what's known in the state as a "hybrid" sentence.

That would allow Carter to serve part of her sentence under the juvenile system, which aims to rehabilitate, and part under the adult system, which aims to punish offenders.

Could Carter face a civil suit?

Carter's time in court is not yet done.

The Roy family could sue her for the wrongful death of their son since she was found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Medwed said the only issue would be whether Carter and her family have the assets or the means to fight a civil suit and pay any damages.

Could this case set a legal precedent?

Medwed said the case is not likely to set a legal precedent, "especially since it still needs to survive appeal."

But it could "embolden other prosecutors to be more aggressive in their charges" since it has "such a symbolic value," he said.

The verdict is not likely to hold up in appellate courts, Hong said. She predicted the verdict will be overturned on causation, which would lead to state lawmakers introducing a new law to criminalize the act of encouraging suicide.

"What happens in Massachusetts is there's a functional relationship between the court and the legislature," she said. "When the court shuts down the legislature, the Massachusetts legislature writes a new law."

Could the case lead to new laws?

Massachusetts is one of 10 states without laws that criminalize encouraging or assisting suicide.

But since Carter was miles away from Roy when he died, in his ruling, Moniz focused on the hundreds of text messages and calls the couple exchanged on the night of his death.

The messages from Carter to Roy encouraged the then-18-year-old to commit suicide, saying his family will understand and he needs to stop "pushing it off."

Medwed said the case is likely to set the groundwork for introducing legislation in Massachusetts.

Hong agreed, saying that because the state legislature does not have an adequate law in place to address this kind of case, they are more likely to introduce a law criminalizing this type of behavior in the near future.

CNN's Michelle Krupa, Jessica Suerth, Sarah Jorgensen and Darran Simon contributed to this report.
CHARLOTTESVILLE  Prosecutors have decided to drop their case against a former University of Virginia student accused of sexually assaulting a woman.

A two-day jury trial for 25-year-old Adam Ott ended in a mistrial in March when the 12-person jury was unable to reach a verdict after less than five hours of deliberation.

In Charlottesville Circuit Court on Thursday, prosecutor Areshini Pather said the alleged victim no longer wanted to move forward with the case.

Ott, of Weyers Cave, was arrested on June 8, 2015, and charged with forcible sodomy related to an incident that occurred two months earlier.

At trial, Pather said that on April 10, 2015, Ott and the alleged victim were at a party together, where Ott tried to kiss the woman and eventually led her to a nearby bedroom. Having had consensual sexual relations in the past, the woman was completely neutral toward Ott when she first saw him at the party, but soon noticed that hed been drinking and was overly flirtatious, Pather said.

When the two left the main room of the party and entered Otts bedroom, Ott pushed the alleged victim onto his bed and ripped her shirt off, the woman testified. The woman recalled fearing that she would be raped when Ott pulled his pants down while atop her, and said she offered to take care of him before trying to flee.

Before she reached the door, the prosecution previously said, Ott grabbed her and forced her to perform a sexual act for between five and eight minutes. It ended when the alleged victims friends knocked on the door; she then left with a ripped shirt, tearfully telling her friends she needed to go home, Pather said.

Otts defense attorney, Andre Hakes, denied Pathers characterization of the encounter; Hakes noted that according to testimonies from witnesses at the party, nobody saw the woman resisting Otts advances and the two appeared flirtatious with one another. The alleged victim was also the one who sought privacy for the two at the party and had offered to perform fellatio on Ott inside the bedroom, Hakes said.

Hakes also asked the jury to question the length of time over which the supposedly forcible sex act took place, quipping, If you want to get out of that situation, you can get out of it pretty quickly. Hakes concluded that the womans version of events had changed over time out of embarrassment.

The jury could not reach a verdict. On Thursday, it was noted that the jury was split eight to four in favor of Otts acquittal.
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Wednesday's multiple-fatality accident near Nokomis, which claimed the lives of five Pana senior citizens, is a tragic reminder of the importance of being aware of your surroundings and yielding the right-of-way to trains.

Illinois State Police say a van with the five people failed to yield the right-of-way to the oncoming train.

AARP lists a number of safety measures to keep in mind when behind the wheel:

* Trains can be on any track, at any time, going in either direction.

* Always yield the right-of-way to the train. The train cannot yield to you.

* Never ignore warnings at crossings such as advance warning signs, railroad crossbuck signs and red flashing lights and gates.

* Trains can arrive at a crossing faster than you anticipate.

* Look both ways and listen when you see advance warning signs indicating a railroad crossing.

* Before starting across the tracks, be sure there is room to clear them.

We have improved our train safety throughout the years. In 1981, the Federal Railroad Administration reported 9,461 collisions and 728 fatalities in highway-rail accidents. Increased safety measures and public awareness have helped push those numbers down. Drivers have been involved in fewer than 2,500 collisions and fewer than 300 deaths each year since 2008.

The most chilling statistic reminding us to respect trains: A motorist is almost 20 times more likely to die in a crash involving a train than in a collision involving another motor vehicle.
** For the most up-to-date information on this topic, please click here . About a week ago I was reading some information with regards to...
Wath Comprehensive School

A SECONDARY school will convert to an academy after being placed in special measures by Government inspectors due to its unacceptable standard of education and poor leadership.

Wath Comprehensive has been rated inadequate by Ofsted after a two-day inspection in March.

The report, published last Friday, said the previously good-rated school in 2011 needed to improve its study programmes for students aged 16 to 19, as well as its handling for personal development, behaviour and pupils welfare.

Effectiveness of leadership and management and quality of teaching, learning and assessment were all rated inadequate.

Headteacher Jon Taylor said the school was disappointed with the unexpected outcome but accepted the inspectors findings.

Phil Smith, lead inspector, said Wath was failing to give pupils an acceptable standard of education and the persons responsible for leading, managing or governing the school are not demonstrating the capacity to secure the necessary improvement in the school.

He added: Leaders at all levels have an inaccurate and overly-generous view of how well the school is doing. The management of teachers performance is ineffective and fails to hold teachers accountable for the work they are doing.

Governors do not have a clear enough understanding of their strategic role.

They are unclear how additional funding is being used or the impact this is having.

Teaching is inadequate and leads to groups of pupils, including boys, disadvantaged pupils, the most able and those who have special educational needs and/or disabilities, making poor progress over time, the report added.

Mr Smith said pupils were progressing poorly in a wide range of subjects, including English, mathematics, history and geography.

But he praised extra-curricular activities and said the leadership of the sixth form had improved.

Mr Taylor said in a letter to parents: We are now in special measures as a result of this and so we will become an academy in due course.

Further details about this academy status will be made public by the Regional Schools Commissioner once a decision has been made about the academy sponsor.

The headteacher said there was a lot to be proud about at the school but clearly it can do better.

One angry parent said: Parents havent been consulted on the academy conversion, which I think will be disastrous and the school will just be picked up by someone who deals with schools in special measures and not schools that really do something.

A council spokesman said: It is Department for Education policy that all maintained schools which are deemed inadequate by Ofsted end up being made academies.
Botswana Diamonds said it has approached the liquidator of the Maibwe joint venture with several possible options to get the project moving.

Work on Maibwe had been delayed owing to the liquidation of main shareholder and operator BCL, said company managing director James Campbell at a mining conference in Gaborone, Botswana.

Maibwe was made up of three parties BCL, a Botswana state owned copper/nickel producer which was given 51 percent in return for a $1 million investment; Future Minerals, a local Botswana group (20 percent) who first acquired the licences and Siseko Minerals (29 percent), which was 51 percent-owned by Botswana Diamonds.

Though 10 prospecting licences are held by Maibwe, comprehensive work had been successfully carried out on PL 186.

We received tantalizing results after a drilling programme on PL186 in 2015, sadly we couldnt work on it because of the liquidation of BCL, but we are in discussions with the liquidator as well as our joint venture partners to try and get the project moving, said Campbell.

We believe that is in the great interest of the country and of course the joint venture partners on the project

Work on PL186 had managed to identify four diamond bearing kimberlite pipes forming a cluster within close proximity to each other.

The pipes were identified through a series of ground-magnetic surveys at 50m spacing and 800m of diamond core drilling from which 305kg of sampled material returned diamonds.

Future Minerals and Siseko, were said to have agreed that Botswana Diamonds would fund a verification drilling programme.

Campbell confirmed that Botswana Diamonds had since drilled verification holes and was in the process of analysing the samples.



Mathew Nyaungwa, Editor in Chief of the African Bureau, Rough&Polished




Many of the big hotels in Havana, for example, would be off limits to American visitors. Airlines will still be allowed to pay landing fees at Cuban airports and U.S. companies will still be allowed to support telecommunications and Internet service on the island. We want to empower and we want to strengthen the Cuban people without strengthening the Cuban military, which controls a significant percentage of their economy, Sen. Marco Rubio said preparing the speech of Trump which is set on Friday afternoon in Miami.



Cuba

The policy changes wont take effect immediately. Secretary of state Rex Tillerson said in the Senate this week that the Trump administration believes that more pressure must be put on the Cuban government to make progress on human rights. The White House says it will negotiate more favorable terms with Cuba, but only if the Castro regime allows free and fair elections and releases political prisoners. Cubans who make their way to the U.S. without authorization will still be returned to the island. The attraction represented in Cuba by rum and cigars will remain, as long they will be allowed to buy and bring them home.
An anonymous bidder pledged $2.68 million for a lunch date with billionaire investor Warren Buffett, as part of an annual auction to benefit a San Francisco charity.

As in previous years, the winner of the online auction that concluded Friday on eBay Inc.'s website can dine with the chairman of Berkshire Hathaway Inc., along with seven friends, at New York's Smith & Wollensky steakhouse.

The proceeds will got to Glide, a San Francisco charity that provides food, care and other services to the homeless, the impoverished, and abuse victims.

According to eBay, the five-day auction attracted 41 offers, and the winning bid arrived in the closing seconds. The final price, however, was below the record $3.46 million bid in 2012 and 2016.

Glide's co-founder Janice Mirikitani said in a statement, "We believe in building bridges, not walls. Warren Buffett and the generous bidders enable us to provide a holistic array of high quality services that meet critical needs, improve lives and elevate the human spirit."

Starting in 2000, Buffett has held 18 annual auctions for Glide, raising about $26.3 million. He became involved with the charity after introduced by his first wife, Susan, who volunteered for the organization.

In the previous years, winners included hedge fund manager Ted Weschler, who won in 2010 and again in 2011. He later joined Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway as a top money manager.

With its $18 million annual budget, Glide reportedly provides more than 750,000 free meals, emergency shelter for 8,500 people, 2,600 HIV and Hepatitis C tests, and day care and after school programs for nearly 450 children.

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Business News
Complaints about airline service from consumers rose nearly 68.0 percent between March and April, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation's Air Travel Consumer Report.

In April, the department received 1,909 complaints about airline service, up 70.0 percent a total of 1,123 filed in April 2016 and up 68.6 percent from the 1,132 received in March 2017.

Carriers canceled 1.6 percent of their scheduled domestic flights in April, up from the 0.9 percent cancellation rate posted in April 2016, but down from the 1.8 percent rate in March 2017.

The reporting carriers posted an on-time arrival rate of 78.5 percent in April 2017, down from both the 84.5 percent on-time rate in April 2016 and the 79.9 percent mark in March 2017.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Norway's foreign trade surplus decreased in May from a year ago, as imports grew faster than exports, preliminary figures from Statistics Norway showed Friday.

The trade surplus shrank to NOK 7.75 billion in May from NOK 8.56 billion in the corresponding month last year. In April, the surplus was NOK 22.2 billion.

Exports climbed 14.9 percent year-over-year in May and imports surged by 19.2 percent.

On a monthly basis, exports rose only 1.2 percent in May, while imports jumped by 34.8 percent.

At the same time, the mainland trade deficit widened to NOK 23.9 billion in May from NOK 18.72 billion in the same month of 2016.

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Economic News

What parts of the world are seeing the best (and worst) economic performances lately? Click here to check out our Econ Scorecard and find out! See up-to-the-moment rankings for the best and worst performers in GDP, unemployment rate, inflation and much more.
US power producer EDF Renewable Energy, affiliated to French electric utility EDF (EDFEF.PK), announced Friday that it has signed an agreement to sell 50% of Great Western Wind Project to Alliant Energy Corp. (LNT).

Completion of the transaction is subject to regulatory approval and customary conditions precedent.

EDF RE remains involved in the 225 megawatt project as a 50% co-owner and provides management services. EDF Renewable Services provides a portion of the current operations and maintenance services as well as 24/7 remote monitoring from its Operations Control Center.

Located in Woodward and Ellis counties near the base of the Oklahoma panhandle, Great Western Wind is comprised of 30 V117 and 63 V100 wind turbines supplied by Vestas.

The Project achieved commercial operations in December 2016. The electricity generated is provided to Google under a long-term Power Purchase Agreement.

Alliant Energy Vice President of Business Development Joel Schmidt said, "Our 50% cash equity ownership interest in this Project aligns with Alliant Energy's strategy to invest in renewable energy."

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Business News
A predictable exit from the European Union would be the better for the U.K. and people than a "crash situation" that will be full of uncertain outcomes, the International Monetary Fund Managing Director Christine Lagarde said Friday.

In an interview to CNBC in Luxembourg, Lagarde said the big difference between a soft and hard Brexit is that between unpredictability and uncertainty.

"Clearly, what is more predictable, more certain, can be calibrated, can be anticipated, can be transitioned into, is going to be more reliable and safer for the people and the economy," she told CNBC.

Lagarde said the IMF needed more clarity regarding the terms of the UK's exit from the EU to really forecast what the event's outcome will be on the country's economic outlook.

The UK and the EU are set to begin Brexit negotiations next week and the latest inconclusive election in the UK has added to the already high uncertainty surrounding the event.

In April, the IMF raised the UK growth projection for this year to 2 percent from 1.1 percent, while it trimmed the prediction for next year to 1.5 percent from 1.7 percent.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Economic News

What parts of the world are seeing the best (and worst) economic performances lately? Click here to check out our Econ Scorecard and find out! See up-to-the-moment rankings for the best and worst performers in GDP, unemployment rate, inflation and much more.
New residential construction in the U.S. unexpectedly showed a steep drop in the month of May, according to a report released by the Commerce Department on Friday.

The report said housing starts slumped by 5.5 percent to an annual rate of 1.092 million in May from the revised April estimate of 1.156 million.

The significant decline surprised economists, who had expected housing starts to climb to a rate of 1.215 million from the 1.172 million originally reported for the previous month.

With the unexpected decrease, housing starts fell to their lowest level since hitting a rate of 1.062 million last September.

Single-family housing starts dropped by 3.9 percent to a rate of 794,000, while multi-family starts plunged by 9.7 percent to a rate of 298,000.

The Commerce Department said building permits also tumbled by 4.9 percent to a rate of 1.168 million in May from a revised 1.228 million in April.

Building permits, an indicator of future housing demand, had been expected to rise to a rate of 1.250 million from the 1.229 million that had been reported for the previous month.

The sharp decline pulled building permits down to their lowest level since hitting 1.163 million in April of last year.

The report said single-family building permits fell by 1.9 percent to a rate of 779,000, while multi-family permits plummeted by 10.4 percent to a rate of 389,000.

On Thursday, the National Association of Home Builders released a separate report showing homebuilder confidence unexpectedly decreased in the month of June.

The report said the NAHB /Wells Fargo Housing Market Index dropped to 67 in June from 69 in May. The decrease surprised economists, who had expected the index to inch up to 70.

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Business News
Russian President Vladimir Putin has accused the US Government of repeatedly meddling in Russian , especially in their 2000 and 2012 elections.

Putin made the shocking revelation in an interview aired on US television network Showtime Thursday night.

US filmmaker Oliver Stone's four-part "The Putin Interviews" series is currently available on Showtime website.

Putin's claim comes at a time multiple investigations are going on into the Donald Trump campaign's alleged links with the Russian government to manipulate the 2016 US presidential election.

Wednesday, the US Senate had passed an amendment to strengthen and expand the current sanctions against Russia for its attempts to interfere in the presidential election, and destabilizing activities in other parts of the world.

"[They did it] in 2000, and in 2012, this always happened. But especially aggressively in 2012", Putin told the Oscar-winning director.

All of the other post-Soviet republics and countries in other parts of the world have also been subject to US meddling, according to him.

He also explained how Washington has attempted to interfere in the Russian electoral process through US diplomatic staff and by providing financial support to NGOs.

He accused that American diplomatic personnel campaigned for the Russian opposition.

Putin claimed he had pointed out this to Barack Obama when he was President, and former US State Secretary John Kerry.

The Russian leader denied allegations that his government engaged in cyber attacks targeting Washington and that Moscow interfered in the November US presidential elections.

Relations between the two major powers are being held hostage to US domestic squabbles and used as "a tool in the intra-political fight in the United States," according to Putin.

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Business News
The Swiss stock market ended Friday's session with a significant increase. The market climbed in early trade and settled into a sideways patter in the afternoon. The strong performance from index heavyweight Nestle provided a boost to the overall market.

Investors were encouraged by the news that Greece's creditors reached an agreement to release the next tranche of funds to Athens. Meanwhile, the crisis in the White House and the disappointing U.S. housing start data had little impact on the market.

The Swiss Market Index increased by 1.25 percent Friday and finished at 8,963.29. The SMI ended the trading week with an overall gain of 1.3 percent. The Swiss Leader Index climbed 1.18 percent Friday and the Swiss Performance Index added 1.28 percent.

Investors were focused on the successful debut of Idorsia at the end of the trading week. The stock ended its first trading day with an increase of more than 36 percent.

Index heavyweight Nestle jumped 3.0 percent Friday. The food giant said that it was considering a sale of its U.S. confectionery .

Lonza and Sika finished higher by 2.2 percent each and Geberit gained 2.0 percent. Lindt & Sprungli, Partners Group and Schindler all increased by just under 2 percent.

Swisscom climbed 2.1 percent after Jefferies raised its price target on the stock.

LafargeHolcim advanced 1.0 percent after S&P upgraded its rating on the stock to "Buy" from "Hold."

Richemont increased 0.6 percent and Swatch added 0.3 percent.

Index heavyweight Novartis was one of the few losers Friday, with a decrease of 0.5 percent.

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Market Analysis
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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.
Dear Editor,

Re: Govt. failure blasted

This is sour grapes payment by Mr Bougetti and Virgin Australia. His pacific island slave has decided to do their own thing and he feels betrayed. His timing confirms it all.

When Toni Fernandez, the owner and CEO of AirAsia decided to break away from Richard Branson and the Virgin Atlantic group, he left with the blessing of his former boss and Toni Fernandez never looked back.

AirAsia is perhaps the biggest budget brand in all of Asia if not the whole world other then Southwest.

He (Bougetti ) feels betrayed because he was feeding his island slaves with bread crumbs all these years and now the slaves wants seek its own freedom and walk away and that doesnt resonate with the glory he feels he deserves.

His timing is really bad. He shouldve let Poly fly first and then talk business. This is proof to me that his motives are personal and unprofessional. The unspoken language of his action is by far louder then just a balance sheet entry. The intention is to sabotage the attempts of Poly to get airborne and to inflict a much harsher playing environment for the Samoan airline before it even flies.

Think again Mr Bougetti. Your unprofessional attitude could make you a harsher retirement memories then for what its worth, like rallying the Samoan community in NZ and Australia to apply discretion in their travel plans.

A real business accountability would have taken into account the unfavourable standing of the island nation in financial repayments and shouldve factored that in, in it annual dividends which proves the point that the dividends were just pocket change to silenced the slaves and not a share of the profits in the understandings of a partnership.

This is more his fault then the countrys fault. He had the opportunity to get his money back as percentage of the dividend paid to the government but that would be too obvious on the loose change he was throwing to the islanders like chicken feed and called it dividend. How shameful that colonialism is alive and strong. The attempt to subdue the weak even more while he strives to seek his identity is not the soul of humans but to dishonour the right to strive always for that, which is best.

The inability of the government to pay this debt is heavily offset by the dubious intent of Mr. Bougetti and Virgin Australia to deny the Samoan people their right to have a choice of their own in their own airline.

There are hundreds of ways to get this account on the record but to bring it up at this point in time when Polynesian is negotiating its future plans is nothing but sour grapes, personal and unprofessional.

He shouldve waited. This is a sign of weak emotions that overrides a legitimate business call and may have exposed an ugly truth of his business to the Samoan community in both NZ and Australia. Perhaps not enough to call on him but every chip counts in this business and hes counting down instead of upwards.

Steve
Dear Editor,

Thank you for your editorial titled Corruption breeds poverty and hardship. They in return produce thieves.

I was once told by a fellow palagi who has lived in Samoa for a few years, that Samoa is a country without conscience, which I think hits the nail on the head.

I fail to see how the widespread petty theft that happens is a result of the governments widely reported corruption in the top down scenario, but think it is more of a bottom up situation where kids and the youth are taught that it is OK to steal.

There is no remorse about breaking one of the 10 commandments in a now legally mandated Christian country, not even when getting caught results in either stony silence hoping that the inconvenience will go away or all sorts of theatrics and crocodile tears in order to get off.

It is rare to hear the word sorry in these situations either, which seems strange to a palagi, but I guess if these morally corrupt Christian Samoans have convinced themselves that Samoan law, the 10 commandments (Gods law), or societies intrinsic morals do not apply, then as Elton John one said Sorry seems to be the hardest word.

Anyway, once Sunday comes, it is off to the church to have all these obviously false truths preached to them, forgiveness taken, ready for a new week of sinning.

Bottom up is a much bigger problem than top down, where the corruption grows from one individual and is worst at the source and dissipates further down the line, as opposed to being bred into the majority of the population who go onto these positions of power where their lost moral compass allows them to serve themselves while convincing their supporters they are doing right by them. Such supporters know that one day they may get the opportunity to line their pockets if they continue to serve their corrupt masters, enjoying the crumbs that fall from their snouts as they gorge themselves.

Personally, my experience as an employer and living amongst Samoans in a village environment has cooed me to give up on ever thinking that I can really trust anyone here, half expecting to be screwed over one way or another. I have no answer to this issue other than as a parent to instill my son with the moral compass that he will see theft and deceit in the same light as I do.

I do despair that my acceptance of the corruption that comes through understanding the Samoan environment would dictate that I too am now corrupted. Who knows what moral atrocities lie ahead for me.

K.S.P.

Samoa
The former Director of the National Prosecution Office (N.P.O), Mauga Precious Chang, is appealing the decision by the Supreme Court to convict her of a negligent driving causing injury charge.

The decision was made last week by Supreme Court Justice Mata Tuatagaloa.

On Wednesday morning, Maugas lawyer, Aumua Ming Leung Wai, made the application before District Court Judge Alalatoa Rosella Papalii.

Your Honor on this particular matter as you are aware the District Court last year found my client not guilty, Aumua said.

But the Supreme Court convicted my client last week and I have a copy of the decision your honor.

On paragraph 67 its clear that the findings was one of conviction and after my client was found guilty last week Justice Mata Tuatagaloa then admitted the matter down to the District Court for sentencing.

For the information of this court we will be filing an appeal against the decision of Justice Tuatagaloa.

So I wonder if its appropriate that the proceedings of this honorable Court be stayed until the appeal is heard because we also need clarification of the Court of appeal as to what sentencing options are there since the Supreme Court has convicted my client.

The option for example of this charge by conviction has been taken away from this honorable Court so I wonder if its more appropriate that the proceedings before this honorable Court be stayed until our appeal is heard by the Court of Appeal.

After she was convicted last week, Justice Tuatagaloa referred the matter for sentencing to the District Court.

On Wednesday, the Independent prosecutor, hired by the Attorney Generals Office, Satiu Simativa Perese objected to the decision for the matter to be returned to Judge Fepuleai Ameperosa Roma, who initially acquitted Mauga.

Your honor I don't believe that in this case the sentencing should go back to Judge Roma, he argued.

As you are aware his view of the facts was opposite the findings of the Appeal Judge, Justice Tuatagaloa.

It would therefore be unfair to ask Judge Roma to sentence the defendant when he didn't think she was negligent.

Therefore is it possible for the sentencing to be heard by Judge Atoa, who has not had any previous dealings with the defendant.

Judge Alalatoa disagreed.

I dont think I agree with what you are saying Mr. Perese because in my experience this has always been the practice, she said.

But Im sure my brother Judge Roma can consider your request when the matter is called before him.
The numerous complaints about the abuse of power by the matai or Sao (titular head) of the family prompted a call by Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi to review their roles.

He asked the Samoa Law Reform Commission to initiate a discussion paper on the issue. Prime Minister Tuilaepa wanted to address the abuses of powers of a Matai Sao (titular head) of the family.

The terms of reference are a response to common complaints of abuse of power by the Matai Sao primarily related to matai titles and customary land which has resulted in numerous disputes between family members and the family Sao, the report says.

Following public consultation in Upolu and Savaii, S.L.R.C made recommendations to the government. Two options were given for further consideration. One, is the multiple Sao to continue to be permitted and secondly to limit families to one Sao.

According to the S.L.R.C report, most of the legislative measures recommended are consistent with the majority of views from those consulted, which strongly advocated that any legislation should reflect as much as possible the roles, duties and expectations of a Matai Sao that are common across families in Samoa, despite differences in how a Sao is perceived in different families.

Due to the sensitive nature of this project and the approaching general elections which was the main focus of the public during that time, work on this project commenced in March 2016, the report reads.

Public Consultations took place over a four day period in Upolu and Savaii in October and November 2016 on issues raised in the Discussion Paper, with over 700 members of the public in attendance, indicating high levels of public interest.

To garner as representative a view as possible, public consultations were carried out with selected constituencies participating on different dates. Public notices of the consultation were issued for extensive broadcast on television, radio and social media.

The Report sets out the Commissions recommendations for reform on the key issues raised in the Discussion Paper and in public consultations.

In response to issues arising from families having more than one Matai Sao, the Commission provides some options for reform for the government, given the complexity of the matter and the diverse views of those affected.

According to the S.L.R.C, the concept of matais or Sao abusing their power in decision-making has been a common issue for years in the Land and Titles Court of Samoa.

Often allegations are made about a Matai Sao making significant decisions affecting the welfare of the family, without adequate or prior consultation with all extended family members.

These disputes often relate to the use, settlement or leasing of customary land, allocation of matai titles, or allocation of family funds under the control of the Matai Sao.

There are also numerous claims of the Sao being biased in their decision-making and treating family members unfairly or providing special treatment to other family members, and bestowing matai titles to ineligible recipients or those who have not served the family.

Other concerns raised were in relation to the mass bestowal of matai titles that is often exacerbated by multiple Matai Sao within a family and also situations where a Matai Sao residing overseas opposes decisions made by matai or the Matai Sao living in Samoa.

According to the S.L.R.C the purposes of this report, the Commission distinguishes between matai and Matai Sao, to make it clear when additional or different duties, powers, appointment or removal procedures exist between the two.

When the Commission refers to matai generally however, it refers to matai titles entered in the Register of Matai established and kept under the Land and Titles Act 1981, and does not intend to capture titles held as a complimentary honour only.

Finally, the Commission received an overwhelming number of submissions to change the term Sao, Matai Sao or Pule.

It was perceived by the majority who attended public consultations that the terms Sao, Matai Sao or Pule infer that the Sao has absolute authority and the sole authority over family members as well as family properties (pule i tagata toe pule i eleele).

In addition, the Sao is perceived to be always making the right decision, as in the literal translation of Sao.

However, this is not the correct interpretation of the role of the Sao in the faasamoa.

Suggestions by the public of suitable terms that better encapsulate the role of the Matai Sao as a custodian or trustee of the family, whose authority derives from and depends on the consensus of family members.

The Commission acknowledges the sensitive nature of this project as with all matters that touch upon our aganuu ma le faasamoa, especially in regards to the importance of the Matai Sao within the faasamoa.

Therefore, great care has been taken to ensure that all recommendations for reform (legislative and non-legislative), take into account Samoan custom and tradition and its importance in Samoan life.

To this end, the Commission notes that there is not a one size fits all approach and that each family, village and community may practice faasamoa differently; E talalasi le atunuu. E tofu le nuu ma lona faasinomaga, tofu le nuu ma ana talatuu ma lana mau.
The people of Samoa are ready for tonights game between the Manu Samoa and All Blacks.

The support for the Manu Samoa is evident with Samoa flags and Manu Samoa banners seen around town and on buildings.

Taxi drivers in Alafua and Vaitele also took time to encourage and cheer on our Boys in Blue.
Members of the Pacific Island Orthopedic Association are gathering in Samoa for two weeks at the Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital.

The team of doctors and surgeons is lead by the Director of Training for P.I.O.A Dr. Des Soares.

Among the team in Samoa are three Samoan doctors.

The programme in Samoa aims to train doctors to deal with modern fracture management and orthopaedic care.

Dr. Soares said the programme aims to provide a training route for doctors who are interested to be trained as orthopaedics.

We have eighteen students who are under this education and the purpose of this training is to educate those doctors, he said.

There are only three doctors from Samoa and they are doing very well. We are training these guys to take care of your own people.

The training programme will run for four years.

The course will be delivered in twelve live-in modules each lasting two weeks which are compulsory.

That is there would be 3 modules each year held in February, June and October for 4 years.

In addition candidates would be provided with web-based learning materials related to each module to enable them to prepare prior to coming for the live in module.

He went on to praise the learning facilities at T.T.M. Hospital.

He also spoke highly of Dr. Areta Samuelu and Dr. Alfredo Adams for their hard work assisting with organising the module.

For Dr. Areta Samuelu, his goal is to learn so can continue to help the people of Samoa.

This is the first time for the Pacific to have a programme such as this, Dr. Samuelu said.

So they are trying their best to choose doctors and surgeons that are able to do this work and network with other people in the same line of work.

It takes us four years to complete this programme and then we study to achieve our Masters Degree.

Weve had this programme for a week now here in Samoa and I think its good because Im aware of the fact that theres an increase in the number of people who have orthopaedic disorders in Samoa; both adults and children.

Its good for us to learn about this so we can treat our own patients, our own people who have orthopaedic disorders.

It also benefits our country in a way that it can improve our services in the health expertise.

Dr. Stephen Kodovaru from the Solomon Islands became the first graduate from the P.I.O.A. to successfully complete the program,e. The next modules will be held in Honiara and Madang.
Representatives of Pacific governments, civil society, private sector and development agencies are meeting at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat this week to discuss the path forward for sustainable development in the Pacific region.

Some 150 people were reminded of the need to put Pacific people and their environment at the heart of future development as the dialogue, being co-convened by the Council of Regional Organisations of the Pacific (C.R.O.P.) and the United Nations, got underway.

The keynote address was delivered by the Acting Prime Minister of Fiji, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum who advocated for a workable and realistic regional game-plan referring to the three key development frameworks that will guide the discussions  the 2030 Agenda/Sustainable Development Goals (S.D.Gs), the S.A.M.O.A Pathway and the Framework for Pacific Regionalism.

We need to think outside of the box to come up with more creative solutions going forward. Because our progress on these issues translates directly into higher standards of living for Pacific Islanders and greater opportunities for them to better themselves and their communities, so  for their sake  we need to do better, Mr. Khaiyum said.

In her opening remarks, Forum Secretariat Acting Secretary-General, Cristelle Pratt said the three development frameworks  that would shape discussions this week speak the same language about our development aspirations as Pacific peoples which involves improving the quality of our lives, while ensuring we sustain our land and ocean heritage for our future Pacific generations and for the global community.

As a regional collective, we have been instrumental in shaping these global agendas and we continue to show global leadership especially on Oceans and Climate Action. So over the next three days, it is really about having a Pacific talanoa  a conversation and conversations about how we respond to these three key policy frameworks and to our Leaders decisions for the benefit of our peoples, our communities, our countries, and our region, Ms. Pratt said.

Our Leaders have asked that we in the Pacific ensure that these global and regional commitments deliver for us where it matters the most  at country level. They asked that we make sense of them and ensure we take an integrated approach to contextualising, implementing and reporting on these agendas so that we have policy coherence.

Most importantly, our leaders instructed us to make sure that in responding to the three policy frameworks, and their directives, that we ensure we are inclusive and consultative and engage all key national and regional Pacific stakeholders so there is ownership of our Pacific solutions and pathways.

United Nations Resident Coordinator Osnat Lubrani spoke of the importance of the quality of, availability and use of data, referring to the UNs recent Pacific consultation on its Pacific Strategy.

Ms. Lubrani said the diverse representation at the Pacific Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue on the Implementation of the 2030 Agenda, Samoa Pathway and Framework for Pacific Regionalism reflected the three development frameworks intentions to leave no one behind, to be inclusive, to ensure a rights-based approach, and to focus on partnerships.

We (U.N) also need to strengthen our own accountability to be able to measure how weve contributed to the countries. Achieving the SDGs will require a much more integrated approach, Ms. Lubrani said.

Mr. Khaiyum said development stakeholders of the region needed to view the development of an effective regional roadmap as an opportunity to address the deeper, structural issues in our economies that are holding us back from reaching our true potentials.

We live in a globalised world. We have at our disposal a global marketplace that offers innovative, cutting-edge technologies that can be game changers for small-island economies. These opportunities wont be gifted to any of us on a silver platter  they need to be sought out, Mr. Khaiyum said.

We need to be vocal about our development needs and aspirations in every arena, so that we can access and leverage the knowledge and expertise of the global community for the benefit of our citizens. And we mean all of our citizens - the women, youth, disabled, elderly and those in the lower range of the socio-economic scale.

Preparations by an inclusive Pacific S.D.G Task Force for a roadmap to guide the Pacifics response to these three policy agendas began in 2016. The Roadmap sets out how the Forum members will be supported as they seek individually and regionally to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

It will also focus attention on the links between the 2030 Agenda and the role played by the SDG indicators, tailored to accommodate Pacific priorities, in monitoring the performance of the region against other regional and global commitments.

A specific focus will be on how S.D.Gs can measure the contribution of broad-based and inclusive partnerships - a priority outlined in the S.A.M.O.A Pathway and on how progress can be made through fostering regional cooperation, coordination and integration as promoted through Framework for Pacific Regionalism.
Bill Van Peer, 63, and his beautiful wife Laura, have perfected retirement.

They agreed to share their love of the island with the Samoa Observer while enjoying a traditional music performance at the Cultural Village in Apia.

In their fifth week on the island they are starting to become accustomed to the heat, as Bill tells us. The climate is my favourite part, Bill said, while Laura is enjoying the delicious local produce from the markets.

Combining both travelling and helping a friend move to the island, the couple have found several local sites to recommend to their friends.

I would highly recommend a visit to Giordanos Pizzeria on Salanesa Road. They make really great pizza, Bill said.

Nourish Cafe in the capital also comes highly recommended to any coffee lover.

Hiring a car has allowed the couple to cruise around the island, stopping frequently in idyllic spots. The south coast undoubtedly offers a plethora of hidden gems.

The captivating Aganoa Black Sand Beach is famous for more than its exotic coloured sand, having played host to the 2007 South Pacific Games Surfing competition.

The Papaseea Sliding Rocks at Seesee in the Faleata District are also rated highly by Bill and Laura. The natural wonder is the perfect place to bask in the blazing sun and then take a cooling dip in the pools.

The breath-taking beauty of the island is mirrored by the locals connection to their heritage and eagerness to share it with tourists. The couple are excited to be entertained at Sails restaurant tonight with a display of fire dancing. The impressive show of talent is a must-see.

Next week they plan to go to beautiful Savaii to lie on a beach before heading home. The island will be sorely missed. They will be sure to take advantage of their friends move to Samoa and be back soon!
Sun-seekers Steve Winter, aged 65, and partner Rebecca Giles, aged 57, travelled to Apia last Friday to visit a family friend.

It afforded the pair the perfect excuse to spend eight days lounging on the sandy beaches and enjoying cold beers after snorkelling through crystal clear waters.

Found in the centre of town, the Samoa Observer approached the Kiwis who were eager to share their surprise at the contemporary nature of the islands capital.

Apia is much more built-up than I expected; I didnt know it to be so modern, Steve said.

Apia is a thriving hub of activity with a modest population of approximately 40,000.

It provides a contrast to the scenic and sparsely populated south coast, allowing travellers to experience both modern and traditional Samoa.

Apia is proving to be an exotic base for the pair, who have enjoyed trips to the Manua Islands in American Samoa to take advantage of an array of glittering coral reefs.

Back on the Island, Rebecca has particularly enjoyed watching the sun go down from a paddle boat.

The social event held near the capital allowed them to meet other likeminded sightseers, who thrive on Samoas laidback ethics, for which the islanders are undoubtedly famous.

With foreign markets occasionally proving to be jostling and hectic hubs of over eager store holders, the couple were pleasantly surprised that the chilled vibes of the country spread through the stores.

The people are very friendly but not pushy, theres definitely a difference, added Rebecca.

Hospitality is something that the people of Samoa pride themselves on mastering; the pair attribute this welcoming attitude to their strong links with Christianity.

The food has also played a large role in their enjoyable holiday.

We had Oka for only $7 Tala yesterday: the fish was so fresh and well made, she commented. Traditional delicacies aside, Steve said he had loved Home Cafe and their delicious Burgers over a nice cold pint of beer.

The couple are grateful for the opportunity to stay locally with a friend, as it has given them access beyond the surface of the city.

Rebecca said they have seen a real traditional Polynesian City. Some of the pacific Islands are so connected to New Zealand, but Samoa truly feels independent.

They will assuredly return to the beautiful island, to see what else they can uncover!
In the village of Tuanai, Naoa Semi, 50, is asking for help so he can have electricity and water.

Approached by the Village Voice team yesterday, he said hes been longing to move to his own place in the forest but he couldnt due to the non availability of water and electricity.

He may be staying in the inner area with his family but Naoa wants to start a life of his own already.

This is my home. This is my own land, he tells the Village Voice.

I cant stay here because the water doesnt reach here and also theres no electricity, you can tell because you see no electricity poles on the way.

But I do come here everyday to check on my house, check on my plantation.

Further on the way, there are about ten families that have already occupied the lands and lived here for a long time now despite the current issue.

All do not have water, no electricity, so you might wonder how they are able to survive back here without both aspects.

Well, all of us, myself included, depend on some families at Afega for water. Thats the only we can be helped with by those families but with electricity, theres nothing we can do about it.

Im lucky that I have a family in the inner village to get water from so eventhough its far, I try my best to get water.

Sometimes its water from the rain; sometimes I just fetch water from the villages concrete water tank.

You know, old chiefs of our village have made a plea on this matter to the government but up to now, with some of them passed on, nothing has been done yet and its just sad.

A lot of people from the village have been wanting to move here to build their homes and make use of all these lands but thats the only thing stopping them.

We are all people who grew up in the farming life so thats why they all want to move to where I am.

If I have access to water and electricity, I would stay here in my home for good because I have everything I need but I dont.
A region-wide free trade agreement has been signed in Tonga, with some notable absences.





The deal, known as P.A.C.E.R-Plus, has been hailed by proponents as a new kind of agreement that links development to trade to boost island economies.

Australia, New Zealand, Tonga, Niue, Nauru, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Kiribati, Tuvalu and Cook Islands were at the signing ceremony in Nukualofa.

The near decade of negotiations for P.A.C.E.R-Plus has been polarising, with three of the regions main economies - Fiji, Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu - refusing to join.

Critics say it threatens the interests and economies of island countries and was unbalanced towards the interests of Australia and New Zealand.

New Zealands prime minister, Bill English, who is currently visiting the Cook Islands, said the three countries refusal to sign was disappointing.

Its a bit unclear to us exactly what their objections are because its an agreement which gives a very long period of time in which to adjust trading regimes and quite a lot of assistance building the infrastructure that helps with the trade, he said.

Youve just got to give people time with these things, Mr. English said, adding he hoped the countries would eventually join the agreement.

The Federated States of Micronesia, Marshall Islands and Palau were absent from the ceremony, apparently because of transport issues.
Think a minuteHave you ever pretended to be something youre not? Maybe you did it to impress or please somebody. But the longer we act like someone were not, the better we get at it.

We can even get so good at it that we actually fool ourselves and forget who we really are! Its sad that the more we hide our real self the more lonely and unsure of ourselves we become.

What mask do you sometimes wear? What kind of person do you pretend to be? Do you act strong and tough, so people wont know that inside you sometimes feel weak, even afraid? Or do you wear the mask that says youre a good religious person, even though in your heart you know youre dishonest and sometimes lie or cheat other people of their money.

Maybe you wear the funny joker and life-of-the-party mask. You feel like you always need to make a joke of everything so others will laugh and not know how lonely and unhappy you really are inside.

There are many people who get drunk or take drugs because theyre tired of wearing their mask. And its only after some drugs or drinks that they feel free to take their mask off and stop acting like something theyre not.

Some of them are actually desperate and lonely. Theyre looking for real love and acceptance, in spite of the bad things theyve done and who they really are inside.

But it doesnt matter what youve done, you can never shock Jesus Christ. With Him you can be your real self. The person you really are under your mask. Real Christians will love and accept you, even though they may not approve of everything you do.

They wont be shocked by anything youve done because some of them used to do those things too, before Jesus forgave them and gave them the power to change. So wont you be honest with yourself and ask Jesus to forgive you for your past wrongs. Jesus will accept you just the way you are, but He wont leave you that way.

He will also free and help you to start changing to reach your potential and become the person He created you to be. Just Think a Minute
The Russian military said Friday it is investigating whether an airstrike in the Syrian desert has killed Abu Bakr Baghdadi, Islamic States self-described caliph.

The death of one of the worlds most wanted jihadist leaders would be a military victory for Russia and a setback for the militants, who are battling for control of strongholds in Iraq and Syria, including their de facto capital in Raqqah.

If confirmed, Baghdadis death will be a powerful blow to the IS. It has been retreating on all fronts, and the death of its leader will accelerate its demise, tweeted Alexei Pushkov, the head of the upper house of the Russian parliaments committee for information policies.

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Igor Korotchenko, a member of the Russian Ministry of Defenses Public Council, an advisory board, said the death of the Islamic State leader would dramatically change Russias operation in Syria, speeding their war on terrorism.

It fundamentally changes the course of the military operation, because the command center, the brains of the organization is destroyed, and the remaining terrorists will be less effective, he told the Russian newspaper, Evening Moscow.

Baghdadi, whose real name is Ibrahim Awwad Ibrahim Ali Badri Samarrai, may have been killed when the Russian Air Force struck a meeting of Islamic State leaders on May 28 outside Raqqah, according to a statement released by the Russian Defense Ministry.

According to information which we are checking through various channels, the leader of the Islamic State, Abu Bakr Baghdadi, was at the meeting and the strike destroyed him, the statement said, adding that the Russian military was still investigating.

Among other militant leaders killed in the raid, according to the statement: Abu Khadji Mysri, Ibrahim Naef Khadj and Suleiman Shauah.

Baghdadi, believed to be in his early 40s, has a $25-million U.S. bounty on his head. Since taking the reins of the group in 2010, he has become perhaps the most powerful and influential jihadi militant in the world, a former Islamist preacher who threatened to rewrite the map of the Middle East.

U.S. officials said they could not immediately say whether the Russian strike had killed Baghdadi. We cannot confirm these reports at this time, said Col. Joe Scrocca, a spokesman for the U.S.-led coalition.

We have no information to corroborate those reports, related to Baghdadis death, said Pentagon spokesman Capt. Jeff Davis.

Even senior Russian officials said Baghdadis death had not been fully confirmed. I dont have 100% confirmation on this information, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said.

Even if he is dead, it may not have a significant lasting effect on the militant groups operations, Lavrov added. In the past, reports of the deaths of such militant leaders were always submitted with great pomp, he said. But experience shows that these structures then restored their fighting capacity and continued their activity in the form of ISIS, Al Qaeda, and its many incarnations, including the [former] Nusra Front.

There have been previous reports of Baghdadis death, only to be followed by the shadowy militants reappearance somewhere.

Rita Katz, director of the SITE Intelligence Group, which monitors extremist organizations, said that with Russias sturdy intelligence in the region, it seems unlikely Moscow would not already have confirmation if Baghdadi were indeed killed.

At the same time, not too much can be read into the fact that Islamic State has not issued any statement, she said.

ISIS isnt too consistent about when it confirms leadership deaths. It took the group three weeks to confirm the death of its Minister of Media, Abu Muhammad al-Furqan, but just hours to confirm the death of its former spokesman, Abu Muhammad al-Adnani, she noted.

Raqqah has been under attack by American-backed Kurdish and Arab ground forces in recent weeks, with support from a U.S.-led coalition of Western and Arab air forces. The Russian defense ministry statement said the U.S. was warned of the May 28 strike.

It was unclear whether the Russian military had targeted Baghdadi, or learned of his presence at the gathering after the strike.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported airstrikes south of Raqqah May 28 that killed 18 people, including 10 Islamic State fighters. The local activist group Raqqah is Being Slaughtered Silently reported that 17 civilians were killed in a strike that day in the same area.

Baghdadi declared Islamic States caliphate in Syria and Iraq in June 2014, days after capturing Mosul, Iraqs second largest city.

He has since remained underground, silent even after Adnani, one of his closest associates, was killed in an airstrike in August. The last time Baghdadi spoke out was in an audio released Nov. 3, in which he urged followers to defend Mosul against an offensive launched the month before by the Iraqi armed forces and the U.S.-led military coalition.

His silence since has led to rumors that he was wounded or killed. A number of reports claimed the leader had holed up in a safe house in Baaj, near the desolate border of Iraq and Syria. But when Iraqi forces swept through the area earlier this month, there was no sign of Baghdadi. Iraqi military commanders believed he was somewhere in the deserts of eastern Syria.

Special correspondent Ayres reported from Moscow and staff writer Hennessy-Fiske reported from Beirut. Staff writer W.J. Hennigan in Washington and special correspondent Nabih Bulos in Irbil, Iraq, contributed to this report.

ALSO

Islamic State rarely carries out terrorist attacks in Iran. How does Iran prevent them?

Battle begins for Islamic States last stronghold in Raqqah

Corpses being dumped in Iraq show signs of torture, execution  and Iraqi forces may be responsible

UPDATES:

2:15 p.m.: The article was updated with comments from an analyst.

8:55 a.m.: The article was updated with an additional comment from the Russian foreign minister.

6 a.m.: This article was updated with staff reporting.

2 a.m.: This article was updated with a statement from U.S. officials.

This article was originally published at 12:55 a.m.
As Corinthian Colleges Inc., ITT Technical Institute and other for-profit schools collapsed in recent years, the Obama administration overhauled regulations to make it easier to forgive loans for stranded students and to try to prevent future abuses.

Now, the Trump administration is suspending those rules, which had been set to go into effect July 1. The Department of Education, under Secretary Betsy DeVos, also is launching an effort to rewrite the rules.

Both moves drew criticism from Democrats and student advocates.

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For Claudia Chacon, 25, of Los Angeles, a former student at Corinthians Everest College, the decision could lead to more difficulties in her attempt to get loan relief.

Its been very frustrating for me because I cant get a straight answer, she said of her experience since applying to the Education Department about a year ago under the existing rules, which were scheduled to be streamlined. Were still expected to pay for something that  is not usable.

Chacon took out $17,000 in loans to attend an eight-month medical administrative assistant program at Everest College on Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles. She completed the program in 2012. But when she later tried to enroll in general education classes at Santa Monica College, she was told that her Everest transcripts were invalid because the campus had closed.

DeVos said Wednessday that it was time for a regulatory reset on what she called a muddled process thats unfair to students and schools and puts taxpayers on the hook for significant costs.

Fraud, especially fraud committed by a school, is simply unacceptable, she said. Unfortunately, last years rulemaking effort missed an opportunity to get it right.

The Education Department indefinitely postponed rules  known as borrower defense to repayment  that would have made it easier for students to have loans forgiven if they were defrauded or deceived.

And the department halted implementation of a key part of a new gainful-employment rule that would limit the amount of debt that students at career-training schools  for-profit and not-for-profit  can take out relative to the incomes they can expect to earn. Schools that exceed the limits risk losing their ability to offer federal student aid.

The changes came as critics complained that for-profit colleges, which expanded aggressively starting in 2000, over-promised their ability to give graduates the skills that would land good jobs. Those students, often minorities or those with low incomes, in many cases were loaded up with federally backed and private student loans.

Corinthian Colleges filed for bankruptcy in 2015 after the Education Department restricted its access to federal student aid amid concerns that the company was falsifying job placement rates for graduates. The same fate befell ITT Educational Services Inc. last year.

DeVos said she planned to hold public hearings next month in Washington and Dallas as part of the effort to rewrite the rules.

The Education Department said it intends to process nearly 16,000 pending student loan relief claims under the existing rules.

Some borrowers should expect to obtain discharges within the next several weeks, DeVos said.

The for-profit college industry had strongly opposed the new rules. Last month, the California Assn. of Private Postsecondary Schools filed suit in federal court in Washington, D.C., to block the borrower defense rules from going into effect.

DeVos cited that suit as a reason for postponing those rules.

Steve Gunderson, president of the Career Education Colleges and Universities, an industry trade group, commended Education Department officials for moving forward to begin conversations that will really protect students from academic fraud. Our sector has consistently supported this premise.

He said Obama administration officials had conducted an ideological assault on our sectors very existence.

The Trump administration is much friendlier to the industry.

President Trump ran a for-profit school, the now-defunct Trump University, for which he paid $25 million to settle a class-action suit that alleged fraud. And DeVos is an advocate of for-profit schools; her government ethics forms showed she has investments in companies connected to the industry, according to the Center for American Progress, a liberal think tank.

Pauline Abernathy, executive vice president of the Institute for College Access & Success, which advocates to make higher education more affordable, blasted the Trump administrations actions as terrible news for students, taxpayers, and anyone concerned about rising student debt.

California Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra, a Democrat, had joined the attorneys general of seven other states and the District of Columbia in filing a motion to intervene in the Washington suit in order to keep the rules from being blocked.

No student should have to worry about predatory schools destroying his or her future, Becerra said Wednesday. These new rules would help to protect them.

Democratic lawmakers also criticized the Education Departments move. In March, Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and 10 Senate Democrats asked DeVos to explain an earlier delay in deadlines for schools to appeal debt-to-earning rates set in January.

Those deadlines, in March and April, had been moved to July 1.

Now the Education Department plans to review the rules, which it said are overly burdensome and confusing for schools.

Under the Obama-era regulations, a schools program would get a passing rating if the estimated annual loan payment of a typical graduate did not exceed 20% of the students discretionary income or 8% of total earnings. Programs that exceed these levels would risk losing their ability to participate in federal student aid programs.

The Education Department said in January that 1,239 of the 8,700 programs received warnings because annual loan payments were as high as 30% of discretionary income or between 8% and 12% of total earnings. Four straight years of warnings would make students in the programs ineligible for federal aid.

More than 800 programs received a failing grade by having annual loan payments greater than 30% of discretionary income or 12% of total earnings. Although for-profit schools had about 66% of the programs, they accounted for about 98% of those with failing rates, the Education Department said.

Programs would lose the ability to participate in federal student aid programs if they failed two years in a row.

Twitter: @JimPuzzanghera

jim.puzzanghera@latimes.com

Puzzanghera reported from Washington and Masunaga from Los Angeles.
The Lemon Grove School District governing board last week hired a new leader to replace outgoing Superintendent Ernie Anastos.

Kimberly Berman, currently the superintendent of the 3,500-student Greenfield Union School District in Monterey County, will start her new job in July 1.

Anastos, 66, announced his retirement in April from the district that hes run for nearly 12 years. His last day is June 30.

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Im ready for it, Berman said by phone. What interested me the most is the rich history and diversity of Lemon Grove. That makes me over-the-top excited, to see diversity represented in the board of trustee members and also in the student population.

Berman, 36, was chosen from a pool of 32 candidates, said Lemon Grove School Board President Larry Loschen.

Her salary will be $212,500.

Dr. Berman was chosen as our finalist from a number of highly qualified candidates, including seated superintendents and high quality educational leaders, said Loschen. Her experience and credentials are a great match for our Lemon Grove community.

The Lemon Grove School District serves about 3,800 students in kindergarten through eighth grade at six schools, and operates a preschool. Its budget for the 2016-17 academic year was $42 million.

As Superintendent at Greenfield Union, Berman was known for success in creating a culture that promotes education, student achievement and community partnerships, according to a news release from the Lemon Grove School District.

Under her supervision, Greenfield Union has been able to increase its teacher retention rate. She also helped put in place a district practice that led to a 43 percent reduction in suspensions and expulsions this year. She has overseen the current 1 to 1 ratio of computers to students in grades 3-8 in the district.

Berman received her Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction and Gifted and Talented Education from the University of Toledo, her Master of Education Degree in Reading and Reading Endorsement, and her Bachelor of Science in Education and Early Child Education from Bowling Green University in Ohio.
Eight-year-old Miyah Perkins dresses up for the Juneteenth parade at Fountain of Life Covenant Church on Saturday in Madison.
The school year is over, but 40 students at Valley Elementary in Poway are still in class, learning about robotics, crime scene investigation and hands-on experimentation.

The lessons are part of a week-long session focused on science, technology, engineering and math  also known as STEM  and aimed at kids who might not otherwise be able to attend summer camp.

Bruce May, a special assignment teacher who coordinates the program, said every year the Poway Unified School District offers a youth enrichment program with fun summer classes, but this year he and other officials wanted to mix it up. They resolved to emphasize STEM and bring in students who couldnt afford the $150 fee, or lacked transportation to the high school sites where its usually held.

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They offered the program at Valley Elementary, where 52 percent of students are low-income and 46 percent are English learners  a far higher percentage than the district as a whole.

Many of those kids walk to school, so holding it at the local campus made it easy for them to get there, May said. Organizers enlisted bilingual high school students to volunteer as helpers for Spanish-speaking students, and sought donations to cover camp tuition when needed.

Its about opening up access for kids, said Principal Richard Cecena.

The results have been gratifying. In one classroom this week, a group of sixth through eighth graders built and programmed robotic devices, in preparation for a class competition.

Tomorrow were going to have a robot battle, said Mateo Dody, 11, as he entered commands in the program to enable his device to toss various objects. Were throwing different things to the other side of the room.

Alan Doughman, 11, was nearly finished assembling his robot from an online schematic.

You start out with a picture of the robot, he said. You uncheck (the box) when youre done with a step, and you go to the next step. Its quite simple.

Next door, a class of sixth through ninth graders learned about forensics from retired FBI agent Barry Vecchioni, who demonstrated how fluorescent light can illuminate clues in a crime scene.

After the students donned special glasses, Vecchioni shone a powerful fluorescent lamp on various objects, and showed students what to look for.

In one set of rocks, several objects lit up under the black light.

Theyre human bones, Vecchioni explained. Teeth, bone, fingernails will all fluoresce at the right frequency.

Holding up stained garments, he illustrated how blood splotches appear black under fluorescence, while biological fluids such as urine, glow light.

Wow, isnt that nice? a student exclaimed sarcastically.

For middle schoolers, gross is good, May said. When Vecchioni asked him earlier what content is appropriate for tweens and young teens, May said he assured him that blood, guts and pee would hold their attention.

For all its gore, the CSI lessons introduce practical skills students need in STEM fields, such as attention to detail, methodical thinking and evidence handling, Vecchioni said. For some it might even pique an interest in law enforcement. And its an opportunity to explore educational paths the kids might not have considered.

When organizers sought support for the camps from the St. Vincent De Paul Society at St. Gabriels Catholic Church, it was an easy sell, said Don Aukland, president of the charitable organization. The group, which often helps with community food drives, donated $3,000 toward the camp fees, he said. The local Rotary chapter and private individuals made additional contributions.

When Bruce came to us we said, its perfect, well help them, Aukland said. We saw this as a way to break the cycle, to get underprivileged kids interested in science and engineering.

In a Science is Fun! camp for students in fourth and fifth grade, kids were making Oobleck, a kind of slime that has both liquid and solid properties.

Poking and kneading her pink ball of goo, Lizbeth Chavez, 9, said she had done a similar project at home.

Youre doing science at home? May asked her.

I made slime, she answered. And science.

deborah.brennan@sduniontribune.com Twitter@deborahsbrennan
A 27-year-old man pleaded not guilty in a Vista courtroom Thursday to murder and other charges in the stabbing death of his ex-girlfriends boyfriend.

Leonard Reed faces up to 65 years to life in prison if convicted of murder in the June 8 slaying at a home in Valley Center, Deputy District Attorney Melissa Ocampo said.

Reed  who has a prior strike conviction in 2011 for assault with a deadly weapon  is also charged with burglary for entering the home, as well as two counts of child endangerment because there were two kids inside.

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Sheriffs officials said they received a call about 5 a.m. June 8 to report an assault at the home on Villa Sierra Road. Minutes later, the person called back to say the victim wasnt breathing.

The victim, 30-year-old Christopher Lyons, died before he could be taken to a hospital.

Investigators said Reed left the house on Villa Sierra Road after the incident. Reed, accompanied by his attorney, turned himself in at the Vista sheriffs station Tuesday afternoon.

He is being held in jail without bail.

teri.figueroa@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @TeriFigueroaUT
If you think you should attend this years Berry Good Foundation event, get ready to have a good reason  the biggest culinary confab of the year in San Diego is scaling down, going back to its activist roots and will only take applications.

People have until July 15 to apply at berrygoodnight.com for 100 slots to the annual multi-course event, which is held at the 6-acre La Jolla oceanview estate owned by Bill and Michelle Lerach.

Michelle Lerach, founder of the Berry Good Foundation, said the yearly get-together of chefs, farmers, ranchers, vintners, brewers and food writers from across San Diego and Baja had gotten too big, with more than 600 people attending in 2016. By limiting the guest list and asking people to make a case for why they should be there, she said, the focus will once again be on education, dialogue and activism.

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What started as a communal-esque dinner in 2010 turned into a party, a really big party, she said.

When planning this years, I said we really need to shake this up. How do we take this idea of gathering and dialogue and make it for those who are there for the actual dialogue?  People will be asked to make a commitment, to take action, so it doesnt just become woo hoo dinner! then poof.

The revamped Berry Good Night for 2017 on Sept. 23 will be an interactive food summit, Lerach said, with stations located around the property dedicated to the issues of soil, water, meat, seafood, food waste and food justice. Its format is TEDx-inspired and will have a keynote speaker, Danielle Nierenberg, president of Food Tank, a non-profit Think Tank for Food.

The goal, Lerach said, is to educate and inspire people to make better decisions about the food they eat.

The food choice I make not only has an effect on my body, but it has an effect on my community  is it grown by my neighbor? And finally whats the effect on the environment, she said.

The food choice I make is just like the car choice I make, the plastic bag choice I make. It has an impact.

Correction:

An earlier version of this story said the Berry Good Night dinner was free. In fact, it is now a ticketed event but the organizers are still working out the cost.

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Twitter: @sdeditgirl

michele.parente@sduniontribune.com
Trying to get a good photograph of a flying bird can be challenging, but imagine trying to do it at night?

I was standing in a dusty desert parking lot late one night. The only illumination was a single floodlight mounted on a tall pole and a cloud insects was swarming around it in the summer heat. Suddenly, out of the darkness, flashed a bird, snatching insects out of the air. Several more were darting about as part of this feeding frenzy.

I was watching a flock of lesser nighthawks as they briefly emerged from the darkness, grabbed an insect and quickly vanished back into the desert night. I had to get a picture.

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Auto focus doesnt work well at night and certainly not quickly enough to capture these fast-flying birds, so I watched for a few minutes and focused my camera at a predetermined distance. As the nighthawks swept into view, Id find them in my viewfinder and then trigger the camera and flash.

In a few hours of this shotgun approach I took more than 300 images with a 1 percent success rate. I had three good photos of these interesting birds.

Many birders hang up their binoculars when it gets dark, but the avid observer will discover there is a lot of activity once the sun goes down.

Owls, of course, commonly feed at night, but there is another class of nocturnal birds known as nightjars that include the lesser and common nighthawks and poorwill.

Despite its name, the common nighthawk is relatively uncommon in San Diego County. On other hand, the lesser nighthawk is the most frequently seen nightjar, active at sunrise and sunset and during the night. These nighthawks are found from the Anza-Borrego Desert to the coastal lagoons of the county.

The lesser nighthawk is a common resident of the southwestern United States, extending into Mexico. In winter, it migrates deeper into Mexico and along the northeastern regions of South America.

Summer months are often the best time to look for lesser nighthawks, because they feed on flying insects that are more common that time of the year. Some of the more common areas to find them are around Borrego Valley, Lake Henshaw Basin, Ramona Grasslands, Mission Trails Regional Park, coastal lagoons from Oceanside to Torrey Pines, Tijuana River Valley Regional Park and the Sycamore Canyon County Preserve.

So what, exactly, are you looking for?

The lesser nighthawk is a medium-sized bird with long, pointed wings accented with a white bar near the tip of each wing. Overall, it is slightly smaller than an American kestrel and has a black bill and buff-colored under parts with wavy brown bars. Males have a white tail bar and a white throat patch. Females differ from males with a buff-colored throat patch and the absence of a white band on the tail feathers.

Nighthawks are known as crepuscular, which means they are most active at twilight.

When in flight, the deep warbling call of the nighthawk could easily be confused as a toad. They feed almost exclusively on flying insects, maneuvering expertly around objects or close to the ground to grab a meal. Like bats, their flight can be quite erratic as they chase their food on the wing. When insects are clustered, for example around outdoor lights, the nighthawk will often fly in large circular patterns.

Nighthawks are sometimes encountered during the day when perched on low rocks or right on the ground, often blending quite well with the natural landscape because of their color pattern. They also nest on bare ground, sometimes under small shrubs, but there is no nest structure.

A word of caution for the nighthawk hunter. Warm summer nights are a great time to be out in the desert or wandering local grasslands looking for nighthawks. This is also prime time for rattlesnakes, so dont go into the field in flip-flops. Sturdy boots are a good idea while you seek the lesser nighthawk to add to your life list.

Cowan is a freelance writer based in Escondido. Email him at BirdandErnie@gmail.com or follow him at erniesoutdoors.blogspot.com.
I dont like it when something is exaggerated, so when I say that this country is facing an epidemic -- even a train wreck -- with its tip-of-the-spear veterans, I mean it.

I say this in the wake of two of my SEAL platoon mates from Coronado SEAL Team 5 killing themselves in the span of about six months, and another one in long-term inpatient care.

They are from the same platoon and suffering the same overexposure to combat. I intentionally left their names out of this article to respect for their families privacy.

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We are approaching 16 years of continuous war. Or, more accurately, 16 years of war for some of our tip-of-the-spear fighters  mostly special forces and even former members who are war contractors.

Imagine for a moment what this means. It means that there have been American service members out there in harms way hunting our enemies since the attacks on Sept. 11.

GUEST VOICES: Authoritative views on the military and veterans issues

It doesnt take a vivid imagination to visualize the things they have done and seen.

Some of these warriors, like my friends who recently took their own lives, are now retiring from the military after years of continuous war.

The transition to civilization life is posing a different problem set that seems to have no answers, or at best difficult answers.

The question most of us have is, Now what? What do you do and how do you adjust to normal life after all that you have done and seen?

I think the epidemic we face with these warriors is much like ocean divers getting the bends.

When you stay down at depth for a long time, you become saturated, as nitrogen builds up in your system. You have to return to the surface of the water slowly. In extreme deep diving, it can take days to come up so that your body can absorb the nitrogen.

What we are facing with our warriors is much like saturation diving.

Right now in the SEAL teams, when you decide to get out or retire, you go from being a member of the elite team to a one-man team navigating your life by yourself.

Its not quite the same as transitioning from an office job.

The longer a person is involved in combat, the longer it takes to transition back to the surface of life.

The military has never had to address this issue before with its special-operations forces because we have never had this much continuous combat.

The gap between the military and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is broad, and there is no program in place that comes close to addressing combat saturation.

The way to address this is not turn them over to the VA and start the typical treatment.

I believe that, just like the saturation diver profile, we must find some way to slowly transition these special warriors out of the service while keeping them tied to the brotherhood that they have lived in for most of their lives.

So anyone in the current administration who has any voice of authority, I hope youre listening.

We need to find a better way of helping our heroes come back to the surface of life.

But it will take time and a deliberate plan from the administration. A gold watch and a handshake wont do it.

San Diego resident Ed Hiner retired in 2012 as a Navy SEAL officer. He is a best-selling author, leadership consultant and corporate speaker who focuses on veterans and military issues through the lens of leadership. You can reach him at edhiner.com.

Guest Voices is always open to new points of view. If you have an opinion to put forth in a column, email us at jen.steele@sduniontribune.com
The Navys top lawyer  Vice Adm. James Crawford III  illegally urged a fellow military leader in San Diego to convict a potentially innocent SEAL of sex crimes, according to a newly filed affidavit by a junior Navy attorney.

The document escalates an already unusual case about whether senior commanders hijacked justice amid what they saw as growing political pressure in Washington, D.C., to be tougher against sexual-assault crimes in the military. The SEAL, who has served his prison sentence, is appealing the ruling in a bid to clear his military record and restore his reputation.



For the record: This story incorrectly characterizes Lt. Cmdr. Jonathan Dowlings affidavit in a court martial rape conviction case for Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator Keith Barry. In the affidavit, Dowling described a remark from Vice Adm. James Crawford III, as relayed to him by Rear Adm. Patrick Lorge. In the affidavit, Dowling did not draw any conclusions about unlawful command influence.

Dated June 5 and filed this week as part of the sailors appellate motions, the affidavit was signed by Lt. Cmdr. Jonathan Dowling, a former staff attorney in the Judge Advocate Generals Office for Navy Region Southwest. Dowling alleges that his former boss, now-retired Rear Adm. Patrick Lorge, and Crawford exerted unlawful influence after the 2015 court-martial conviction of Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator Keith Barry.

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Under military law, senior leaders can nix court-martial verdicts if they consider them unjust  a power that has come under increasing criticism in Congress in recent years as rape and other serious criminal convictions were tossed out by the brass.

Barry was sentenced to three years imprisonment and a dishonorable discharge, but he has never stopped declaring that hes innocent. His court-martial involved a brief romance he had with a civilian woman: In court, she said Barry raped her while he said she later lied about their consensual relationship as a way to get even after he quit dating her.

Lorge retired as commander of Navy Region Southwest in late 2015, months after he let the court-martial conviction against Barry move forward.

According to Dowlings affidavit filed on Thursday with the Washington, D.C.-based U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, Lorge said Crawford told me dont put a target on my back. He said I have smart lawyers, let them figure it out.

In his own affidavit filed on May 5, Lorge claimed that Crawford urged him to not put a target on my back. He also wrote that without Crawfords pressure, he wouldnt have allowed Barrys sexual-assault conviction to stand.

According to another military attorney advising Lorge, Lt.Cmdr. Leah OBrien, he told her that Crawford had warned him: If you disapprove the findings in this case, it will ruin your career, according to her affidavit.

The Navy recently transferred Dowling from San Diego to Washington, D.C., and he could not be reached by The San Diego Union-Tribune for comment. Navy Region Southwest officials said they didnt know OBriens current location, either.

The Navy is weighing whether to scrap Barrys conviction or send the issue back to San Diego for second review by an admiral who has never been involved in his case.

This affidavit removes any doubt that the very top leaders in the Navy (Judge Advocate Generals office) committed unlawful command influence, said David Sheldon, Barrys attorney in Washington, D.C. It confirms that not only is there smoke, there is a conflagration burning out of control.

It is, without question, time for the conviction of Senior Chief Barry to be overturned and for the judge advocate general of the Navy to resign. Admiral Crawfords actions are devastating to the fairness of the military justice system. They undermine the most basic tenets of military justice and demonstrate a complete disregard for Senior Chief Barrys rights, Sheldon added.

Citing the ongoing appeal, Navy officials in both San Diego and Washington, D.C., declined to comment.

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cprine@sduniontribune.com
Kimberly Mitchells story starts in Vietnam. So does the history of the organization she will soon lead, Veterans Village of San Diego.

This summer, the two narratives are set to dovetail in a way that wouldve been hard to predict.

Veterans Village was created in 1981 as a recovery group for Vietnam War veterans who returned from combat and realized they needed help. It is the most venerable private veterans rehabilitation organization in San Diego County.

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But Veterans Village, which started out as Vietnam Veterans of San Diego, is facing generational change. Its longtime leader is retiring.

Phil Landis, a no-nonsense former Army officer who fought in Vietnam, has been CEO since 2007. Before that, he had served as chairman or vice chairman of the groups board since 1997.

His replacement will be Mitchell, a 45-year-old former Navy officer whose life story is more dramatic than most Hollywood blockbusters.

Mystery baby

She was orphaned as a baby during the chaos of the Vietnam War, saved only by a string of miracles.

It was 1972 outside Da Nang, South Vietnam. An old man found a tiny baby on the side of a road, still clutched in the arms of her dead mother, still trying to nurse.

Unable to go on himself, the man handed the baby over to a young South Vietnamese soldier whom he met while evacuating the town of Quang Tri as the Viet Cong advanced.

The baby fit inside a villagers pointed straw hat.

The soldier, a 22-year-old second lieutenant, knew he had to do something. He trekked nearly 40 miles, on foot and bus, to deliver the baby to the nuns at Sacred Heart orphanage in Da Nang.

Thats where Air Force Tech Sgt. James Mitchell found her. An American airman, Mitchell was a chaplains assistant who frequently brought clothes and supplies to the orphanage.

Kim Mitchell is not sure what exactly captured her future fathers heart that day.

Photos show her as a dark-eyed bundle of blankets next to the big, blond Mitchell.

He adopted her and returned home to his wife, Lucy, in the United States. They named the girl Kimberly.

The family eventually settled in small-town Wisconsin after James Mitchell retired from the Air Force. They adopted another child, a son.

Kim Mitchell was drawn to the military, like her dad. She was accepted at the U.S. Naval Academy and graduated in 1996. It seemed a good fit.

A life of service

Even in kindergarten, I wanted things perfect. I wanted square corners on my bed. I wanted my clothes folded, Mitchell said, describing the attraction to military order. I did not know that people didnt iron their blue jeans until I was an ensign on my first ship.

What followed was a career at sea  a destroyer, an amphib and a frigate  in addition to shore assignments in Bahrain and at the Pentagon. She picked up a masters degree at George Washington University.

In 2012, Mitchell was working for the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, in the Office of Warrior and Family Support.

Her life took another sharp turn.

Instead of returning to sea as second-in-command of an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, Mitchell decided to resign her commission after 17 years  a few years shy of a Navy pension.

Her boss in the Office of Warrior and Family Support convinced her to become co-founder and president of the Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services. The nonprofit group in Washington, D.C., was formed to help service members with the transition to civilian life.

I started weighing what was most important to me and where I could do the most good, Mitchell said about the choice. I have no regrets, and I think thats the sign of a good decision.

Her partner at the Dixon Center, a retired Army colonel, said he chose Mitchell to join him because she has a can-do ethic.

She looks at things from a systems approach. Especially working in the Pentagon, where things can bog down from bureaucracy, there were ways to accomplish the objectives by changing the conversation, said Dave Sutherland, who is co-founder and chairman of the Dixon Center.

She focuses on outcomes, as opposed to what cant be done, he added.

Mitchell did that for five years before getting the call from Veterans Village, an organization she knew through connections. Landis, the outgoing CEO, has served on the Dixon Centers advisory board.

So, the former Navy officer is heading west with her yellow Labrador named Trouble. She has never worked in this Navy town before.

Mitchell is scheduled to take over at Veterans Village in July, after the groups annual Stand Down for homeless veterans weekend.

The organization has a $10 million annual budget, according to its financial filings. About 40 percent of its spending goes to recovery programs, while a fifth is dedicated to providing transitional housing.

Group at crossroads

Leaders acknowledge this marks a new chapter for the 36-year-old nonprofit located on Pacific Highway.

The board is dominated by older, retired military men. The clientele is largely male.

William Kowba, chairman of the Veterans Village board, said his organization sees itself at a crossroads as Mitchell enters.

We recognize that the face of the veteran is changing dramatically. Vietnam veterans were overwhelmingly men. Now, we have combat veteran women of the most recent conflicts who are in need, and we made those adjustments, he said. It was appropriate that the Vietnam veteran, Phil, be relieved by a Gulf/Afghan-conflict era veteran. The fact that Kim is a woman is also a recognition that its no longer a boys club.

Mitchell said she feels a strong duty to the Vietnam War generation of veterans  in addition to understanding firsthand what it means to serve in the post-9/11 period.

Especially the Vietnam veterans  you know why its personal to me to ensure that every resource, that anything we can possibly provide to them, is provided, she said this week.

Ive had several Vietnam veterans come up to me and say, Youve got to make a promise to us that youll keep doing what youre doing to ensure that future generations have the resources, so they dont end up where we are, Mitchell said. And I made a promise.

Mitchell is used to unexpected turns in her life. And her unique story took another interesting twist in 2011, when she revisited Vietnam for the first time.

Rest of the story

As a surprise for her 40th birthday, Mitchells friends organized a meeting for her with the nuns in Da Nang.

Mitchell thought her group was headed to a street market, but instead they found the orphanages new building.

The sisters there looked up Mitchells birth name, Tran Thi Ngoc Bich. Her records were in the ledger: Baby 899.

But there was still no new information about her family, or how she became orphaned.

Mitchells story made the Vietnamese press as a homecoming narrative.

But there was more to come.

In New Mexico, a former South Vietnamese soldier read about Mitchells visit to Da Nang in a magazine printed in his native language.

He was that 22-year-old soldier who delivered an abandoned baby to the nuns in 1972.

His name: Bao Tran. The orphanage had used his last name, Tran, for the baby in its records.

They had asked the soldier to give her a first name before he left. He chose Ngoc Bich, or Precious Pearl. But he never knew what happened to her, or if, like him, she eventually immigrated to the United States after the war.

Based on the magazine story, Bao Tran searched out Mitchell.

At first she didnt believe him, thinking it was a scam. She had never known about his role in her story. But the dates and details synched up.

In 2013, Mitchell went to meet Bao Tran in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

He greeted her with a doll tuck into a pointed straw hat  just like the one he had found her in.

Military Videos  On Now D-Day paratrooper from Coronado jumps again in France  at age 96 On Now Remembering war's fallen, one name at a time On Now In Ramona, an airplane and an aviator provide living lessons on World War II 1:43 On Now Video: Navy's newest vessel sails into San Diego and a new future in surface warfare On Now Video: U.S. Navy files homicide charges over warship collisions On Now Stopping Marine hazing On Now Video: U.S. Navy Air Crew Grounded After Creating Vulgar Sky Drawing On Now Navy says Asia Pacific ship collisions were avoidable On Now Hundreds of recruits get sick at Marine boot camp On Now Cutler Dawson Talks Navy Federal

jen.steele@sduniontribune.com

Facebook: U-T Military

Twitter: @jensteeley
The Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department will supply thousands of field deputies with the nasal anti-opioid spray naloxone to help prevent overdose-related deaths, officials announced Thursday.

Next week, the department will begin issuing more than 1,200 single-dose spray dispensers  sold under the brand name Narcan  to field deputies in Santa Clarita, Crescenta Valley,and East Los Angeles, as well as to deputies patrolling community colleges and parks.

An additional 5,000 kits will be issued to deputies across the county in the next few months, thanks to a grant from the California Department of Public Health. A two-pack of the spray kits costs $75.

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We must gather the means necessary to insulate L.A. County from the opioid- and heroin-related devastation that we have seen in other parts of the country, Sheriff Jim McDonnell said Thursday at a news conference announcing the pilot program.

Reports of opioid-related deaths have increased across the nation over the last several years, with fatalities largely concentrated across New England and the Midwest, according to the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Nationally, an average of 91 people per day die from opioid- or heroin-related overdoses, according to the center.

Though fatality rates are lower, Los Angeles County has not been spared from the epidemic. According to the county coroner, 408 people were reported to have died from prescription opioid-related overdoses in 2014. Between 2006 and 2013, the county saw a 170% increase in opioid-related emergency room visits, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health reported.

Law enforcement are often first to arrive on the scene of a medical emergency, but until now have not been equipped with the means to immediately respond to opioid overdoses, McDonnell said. Narcan, which McDonnell said requires minimal training to use and is almost risk-free, will allow field deputies to administer treatment with a single puff through an individuals nostril, blocking the effects of an opioid overdose.

The departments efforts were spurred in part by Cmdr. Judy Gerhardt, whose 23-year-old nephew Maxwell Baker died in December of an opioid overdose. While mourning his death, Gerhardt and her daughter, Michelle Payne, who also works for the Sheriffs Department, began researching overdose treatment and helped craft the pilot program.

I am the face of what opioid addiction does to a family, Gerhardt said at the press conference.

Gerhardt said the department hopes the program will help educate people and remove the stigma associated with opioid addiction. Her nephew, she said, was a sweet young man with aspirations to become a doctor.

The Sheriffs Departments effort follows a statewide movement to make naloxone more accessible. In 2014, Gov. Jerry Brown signed a law that allows pharmacists to provide the drug without a prescription.

This spring, the Los Angeles Police Department and the Los Angeles Fire Department partnered to provide police officers with naloxone to more quickly respond to opioid overdoses.

Fire officials said increased use of the nasal spray will also ease the burden on its Emergency Medical Services first responders.

Counties beyond Los Angeles have also begun issuing the drug to law enforcement officers. The Orange County Sheriffs Department has administered Narcan 21 times over the last year and a half, Lieutenant Lt. Fred Thompson said. The medication was successfully used in 20 of those cases, he said.

Instead of sitting there and watching the life drain out of someone, said Thompson, officers have something they can use to help.

megan.bernhard@latimes.com

@meg_bernhard
A national environmental group on Thursday sued the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in hopes of compelling the government to turn over public records detailing what, if any, environmental impact analysis has been done in preparation for building prototypes in San Diego of the Trump administrations promised border wall.

The lawsuit, filed in San Diego federal court, is among several legal actions filed by the Center for Biological Diversity in relation to the proposed wall project.

While the wall  supposed to stretch 1,900 miles along the U.S.-Mexico boundary  is moving at a slower pace than promised during Donald Trumps presidential campaign and has not yet been funded by Congress, the prototypes appear to be moving forward. Congress has already approved $20 million to pay for the prototypes and other border security.

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The prototypes are set to be built on federal land near the Otay Mountain Wilderness to depict examples of a solid concrete border wall, as well as other designs, reaching at least 30 feet tall and dropping at least 6 feet below ground.

Acting Border Patrol Chief Carla Provost testified to the House Appropriations Committee on Tuesday that four to eight prototype contracts are expected to be awarded  fewer than the 20 initially requested  with construction likely to begin in late summer.

The lawsuit argues the Otay Mountain area includes vernal pools and is habitat to several listed threatened and endangered species, including the Quino checkerspot butterfly and San Diego fairy shrimp, as well as sensitive and rare species such as the burrowing owl.

The center has made public records requests under the federal Freedom of Information Act for environmental analysis on the project, but the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection have not responded with any documents, the lawsuit claims. The failure to do so is contrary to FOIA and undermines FOIAs policy of government transparency, the lawsuit alleges.

The only reason the location for the prototypes is known is because the government has invited some news outlets to tour the site, said Brian Segee, a lawyer for the center. The organization is a nonprofit conservation group with more than 58,000 members. It is based in Tucson, Ariz., and has offices nationwide.

DHS and CBP are just not releasing any information, let alone doing any environmental analysis on the prototype. Its just a small step to the border wall, but its an important one, Segee said in an interview. Thats why we are pressing the issue because its an indicator of how the government is going to abide or completely ignore environmental laws in relation to the border wall construction.

The center has also filed formal notice of intent to sue DHS and CPB under the Endangered Species Act alleging the prototype project will threaten the critical habitat and animals that live there. Under law, formal notice must be given before a lawsuit can be filed to give the agency time to rectify any alleged environmental violations.

In April, the center and U.S. Rep. Raul Grijalva, D-Ariz., filed a more sweeping lawsuit in the Tucson federal court arguing the larger wall project from San Diego to Texas would have disastrous impacts on jaguars, wolves and more than 100 other species.

Homeland Security has not responded to that litigation, citing policy. Lawyers for the government also have not yet filed a response to the Tucson lawsuit and have asked the court for more time.

Currently about one-third of the U.S.-Mexico border is fenced. In San Diego County, about 46 miles of the 60-mile stretch has fencing, including 13 miles of double fencing in high-traffic urban areas.

The Trump administration has requested in the fiscal 2018 budget $1.6 billion for 14 miles of secondary barriers in San Diego County, as well as 32 miles of a new border wall elsewhere in the country and 28 miles of a new levee wall in the Rio Grande area, Provost told the House committee.

She promised environmental planning would be part of the project.

kristina.davis@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @kristinadavis

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The parents of 12-year-old murder victim Stephanie Crowe said in a letter to San Diego County supervisors that Chief Deputy District Attorney Summer Stephan should not be appointed interim district attorney because she lied on her application for the position.

Steve and Cheryl Crowe said in a 22-page letter filed Monday that Stephan wasnt truthful when she described her role in the Escondido murder case in a formal application she filed with the Board of Supervisors. The application says the information in it is true and is being submitted under penalty of perjury.

They also said shes cynically using their daughters murder to advance her career.

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Stephan is using my dead daughter to promote her political ambitions through falsehood and misrepresentation. I am not going to let her get away with it, the letter, signed by both parents, reads.

Stephanie was murdered in her bedroom in 1998. At first, her brother, Michael, and two friends were charged with the killing, and Stephan became the lead prosecutor against the three youths as the high-profile case headed to trial.

But the case disintegrated when on the eve of trial Stephanies blood was found on a shirt worn by a transient seen in the Crowe familys neighborhood the night of the killing. Charges were dropped against the three boys. The transient, Richard Tuite, was eventually tried and convicted, but the conviction was later reversed and at a second trial he was acquitted.

The case has resurfaced as Stephan has announced her intention to succeed District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis, who is retiring in July, with more than a year left on her term.

The county supervisors will make an interim appointment to complete Dumanis term. Stephan and two former deputy district attorneys, Adam Gordon and Greg Walden have applied.

Stephan did not respond to a request for an interview about the letter. Through her campaign consultant, Jason Cabel Roe, she issued a statement expressing sympathy for the Crowe family and their understandable grief while also denying claims of dishonesty and misconduct.

The courts are the place where claims of misconduct are reviewed and in my case, there is a clearly established timeline and decisions by objective courts that did not find misconduct and that confirm the truth of my statements, the statement said.

When Dumanis was elected in 2002, she criticized how the Crowe case was handled, and Steve and Cheryl Crowe backed her election  appearing in campaign commercials for her.

Dumanis has now endorsed Stephan to succeed her, angering the Crowes who have said they feel betrayed.

In public comments and in her application for the interim district attorney post, Stephan defended her work on the case.

She said she was the second prosecutor on the case, asked to step in after she said key decisions had already been made, and after the original prosecutor had presented evidence to a grand jury and obtained an indictment.

When confronted with an extremely unfair situation of being handed someone elses case months after critical decisions had been made (not the standard practice in murder cases), I followed my conscience and did the right and ethical thing, she wrote.

The Crowe letter attacks much of that statement. The letter was written with the assistance of Milt Silverman, the prominent San Diego lawyer who represented the family for more than a decade in a civil-rights lawsuit filed after charges were dropped against the Crowes son, Michael. The family received more than $9 million in settlements, most from the cities of Escondido and Oceanside, where the police officers who investigated the youths worked.

The letter notes that Stephan is identified as a co-prosecutor in a transcript at the start of the grand jury proceedings. That means she is not telling the truth under oath, the letter said.

Court records show the original prosecutor, Gary Hoover, conducted the grand jury hearings before handing the case off. In a deposition for a civil lawsuit the Crowe family later filed, Hoover said. The idea was that Ms. Stephan would sit through the Grand Jury so she could become acquainted with the case. He also said he handled all of the testimony.

The Crowes letter also makes the serious charge that Stephan committed prosecutorial misconduct by not turning over to defense lawyers results of a crime scene reconstruction at the familys home.

The reconstruction sought to test if Michael Crowe was lying when he told police that after waking at 4:30 a.m. and leaving his bedroom, he did not see his sisters body. Investigators thought this was impossible because the girls body was lying in the doorway of her bedroom and Michael would have seen it.

The letter notes the the bedroom door was tucked in a 2 foot deep alcove off the hallway. The reconstruction was done before the scheduled start of the trial and involved placing a woman in the spot where the body was found and taking photos  two with a flash and two without, in the dark.

With the flash, a body can be seen. But without a flash  the conditions Michael would have encountered  the photos are pitch dark, corroborating his statements.

The letter says the reconstruction and results were not revealed to the defense at the time and were only discovered years later during the civil lawsuit. Prosecutors have a duty to turn over such exculpatory evidence under the law.

The county supervisors will hold a hearing Tuesday where the interim district attorney candidates Stephan, Gordon and Walden will each get three minutes to make their case. Gordon and Walden have pledged not to run for the full district attorney term next year if appointed.They say voters should decide who fills the full term, and running as an interim would give the candidate the advantage of incumbency.

Stephan has already announced she is running to succeed Dumanis and has received numerous endorsements from politicians and employee labor groups.

Twitter: @gregmoran

greg.moran@sduniontribune.com

Dumanis and preferred successor Stephan met 10 times last year with county supervisors, who will now pick interim DA

Dumanis to resign July 7, mulls run for county board

Dumanis preferred successor as DA gets endorsement, then declares candidacy
As thousands of 20-something graduates pick up their degrees at UC San Diego this weekend, an older population of grads will be at Petco Park to celebrate their own somewhat longer educational journey.

Michelle Plummer, 51, is receiving her second masters degree in special education. Her decision to go back to school motivated her brother Christopher, 44, and sister Kimberley, 48, who also are getting degrees this Saturday.

Jeff Geyer, 58, has worked 27 years on safety and security measures for the Vista Unified School District, and hes getting a degree in homeland security to help keep students safe.

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They are among more than 2,000 National University students expected to participated in the ballpark graduation ceremony Saturday afternoon.

At National University, the largest private nonprofit school in the county and among the largest in the state, adult learner graduates represent more than 90 percent of the population. Nationally, 38 percent of all students are defined as adult learners, meaner they are older than 24. The figure is expected to rise to 43 percent by 2020.

David Andrews, who became president of National University last year, said the school has always been tailored toward helping older, working students earn degrees, but the need is greater than ever.

The demand for bachelor degrees and master degrees have gone up, he said about the job market. And theres also an increase in career-changers.

While many students are seeking degrees for the first time for career advancements, many others have been trying to earn a degree for years.

They come in with an average of 112 credits, Andrews said. They havent had trouble getting into school. Life has gotten in the way. Its not that they havent performed particularly well.

Nicole McNeil, 33, is graduating with a bachelors degree in integrated marketing communications.

I just felt like I was never going to complete it, she said about her many efforts to earn a degree. I had to drop out several times because I was working so much. But National worked perfectly for me.

McNeil wants to advance in a career she began as a teenage lifeguard at a city pool in San Diego.

School and education have always been important to me and my family, but I started work when I was 16, and I put work first, she said. I want to further promote within the city, to a higher job position. Its always been a personal goal for me to graduate college.

Part of her problem was an uncertainty about what to study. For a while, McNeil sought a degree in Spanish, then switched to communications and then to health. For a while she wanted to be a teacher.

McNeil bounced from City College to Mesa College and San Diego State University, but never could reach her goal.

She gained some focus at work after realizing her other talents on the job, and she was the first to earn a full scholarship for City of San Diego employees in a partnership with National University in 2015.

As a supervising recreation specialist for the city, she hopes to one day be the district manager of aquatics districts for the Park and Recreation Department, taking her bosss job when he retires.

It means a lot, she said about earning a degree after 15 years of trying. Wow. It was a lot of work, and a lot of time.

McNeil said she expects her entire family to be at the graduation ceremony.

Catherine Turner, 35, recently moved back to Florida and is flying in San Diego to participate in the ceremony.

Ive always wanted to be a nurse, so its like finally fulfilling my dream, she said about earning a degree to be a registered nurse.

Turner grew up in a military family and attended Mira Mesa High School, but said college wasnt on her radar. She served in the Navy for six years before leaving in 2006 to become a stay-at-home mom.

She was living in Wisconsin, where her husband was stationed, when she first enrolled in college with hopes of earning a degree in nursing.

Things were going really great, but then we moved from Wisconsin to San Diego, she said.

Turner had a 3.7 grade point average, but couldnt get into a nursing program in San Diego.

Over the years, I was going to school on and off, she said.

The mother of three, Turner said her youngest son has a major heart condition that requires trips to a hospital. During one of those trips, she struck up a conversation with a nurse and told her that she had always wanted to be a nurse herself.

She said, Why dont you look into National? Turner said, noting the nurse was an adjunct instructor at the university. I never seen anything on National, but Id been spinning my wheels and I decided to apply.

Turner said some friends cautioned her about applying to a private school after hearing stories about other veterans being disappointed with their experiences.

Then I realized National is a nonprofit, and that helped me make my decision, she said.

She enrolled in July 2015 and worked 22 months for her degree.

I firmly believe that when you want something, you work hard for it, and I wanted to be an example to my kids, she said about her children, now ages 12, 14 and 16.

gary.warth@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @GaryWarthUT

760-529-4939
Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers in San Diego took Emilio Sotomayor, 55, from his home early one morning last week to deport him to a country he hasnt seen in 37 years.

Sotomayor is from Havana, Cuba, and though he was ordered deported in 1996, he remained in the U.S. because the two countries did not have diplomatic relations. That changed under former President Barack Obama, whose administration negotiated restored contact with the island nation.

Before he left office, Obamas administration announced in January that as part of the renewed ties, Cuba would begin accepting deportees returned by the U.S., and he ended the policy that uniquely allowed Cubans to get green cards if they made it to American soil.

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Across the U.S. there are 36,204 Cubans who have deportation orders from an immigration judge, according to Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Now that relations with Cuba have changed, ICE is beginning to look for them to carry out those orders.

Shortly before 7 a.m., ICE officers knocked on the door to Sotomayors apartment above a store in Chula Vista and told him to come with them. Those working at nearby businesses eyed the activity from within their shops.

The radios of the officers watching the perimeter crackled, We have a tango, meaning, We have our target.

Sotomayor came willingly and calmly, leaving his children and their mother inside. He didnt know why he was being picked up  he attended his recurring check-ins with ICE that had been a part of his life since an immigration judge ordered him removed from the U.S.

I always think that one day this is gonna come, but I never thought it was today, Sotomayor said during an interview from ICEs intake area at the Federal Building downtown. He thought that the U.S. still didnt have a way to deport Cubans.

Sotomayors next check-in was scheduled for November, but because of a criminal history, immigration officers wanted to find him and deport him more quickly now that relations with Cuba have thawed, according to Clinton Johnston, assistant field office director for ICEs enforcement and removal operations team.

Since Sotomayor came to the U.S. as part of the Mariel boatlift in 1980, he has been convicted of multiple felonies with convictions ranging from drug and firearm possession to battery and human smuggling.

I was young. I was real young, Sotomayor said when asked about his criminal past. I made mistakes. Lots of times Im innocent, but they say, If you plead guilty, well release you. I signed to get out and avoid trial. I was young.

Most of Sotomayors convictions were in the late 80s and early 90s. His most recent conviction was in 2012, according to court records.

Officers processing Sotomayor to be taken to an immigration detention facility took his picture, ran his fingerprints and placed him in a holding cell where he could call his family. Then an officer brought Sotomayor out of the cell and told him that he would soon be deported to Cuba.

Wow, Sotomayor said, burying his head in his arms on the counter in front of him. Thats crazy!

He repeated, I cant believe it. I cant believe it.

Sotomayor has two sons, 14 and 7. Both are U.S. citizens, as is their mother, Sotomayors longtime partner.

Im not angry because thats my country, Sotomayor said. Im from Cuba. But Im kind of sad because Im going to leave my kids. When I left Cuba, I left my mom, and now Im going to leave my kids. Thats heavy. Wow, Thats heavy.

He said he hoped to be able to bring his children and partner to Cuba after he gets settled.

President Donald Trump has indicated that he may roll back Obamas policy on Cuban relations. He is expected to address some aspects of that relationship during a visit to Miami today. It is not clear how that might affect Sotomayors fate or that of others like him.

ICE confirmed on Wednesday that Sotomayor remains in custody and is in the process of being deported.

Immigration Videos On Now New developments in family separation case 9:53 On Now A San Diego woman volunteered as a medic in Texas helping migrant families 2:35 On Now Immigration policy protests in Carlsbad nearly cancelled after permit issue 1:38 On Now When children are separated from their parents at the border, here is where they go next On Now Prospects of a deal for 'Dreamers' may hinge on separating Trump from hard-liners on his staff On Now What is DACA? On Now Border wall prototype contractors selected On Now Video: Ukrainian boxer wins asylum in U.S. On Now 30 apprehended after Border Patrol agents discover tunnel On Now Video: Kurdish diaspora prepare to vote on independence

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kate.morrissey@sduniontribune.com, @bgirledukate on Twitter
Time is nearly up to pay property taxes before getting hit with even more penalties.

Taxpayers who failed to remit their share by April 10 have already been hit with a 10 percent penalty, but any who have still failed to pay will be assessed an additional 1.5 percent penalty every month beginning in July until their bill is paid. They also have to pay $43 in administrative fees if they dont make the June 30 deadline.

About 98 percent of property-owners have paid their taxes, but nearly 37,000 have not, and Treasurer-Tax Collector Dan McAllister is still waiting for nearly $93 million in bills to be paid. Compared to last year, 4 percent fewer notices were sent to delinquent property-owners. In 2016, however, $92 million worth of taxes was still overdue.

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For the small minority who havent (paid), we want to remind them to pay now or pay more later, McAllister said.

Bills must be postmarked by June 30 to avoid the additional penalty. Payments can also be paid online at the tax collectors website, www.sdttc.com by electronic check or credit card. Payers who use credit will be assessed an administrative fee in addition to their bill and penalty. People are increasingly paying their taxes online, McAllister said.

Payment also can be dropped off at county offices.

The tax collector sent 989,089 bills to property owners in September. Bills are paid in two installments every year, with the first payment due on November 1, with the first penalty assessed if not paid by December 10. The second payments  the one that will face additional penalties in July  were due on February 1 but delinquent after April 10.

While the county collects property taxes, the revenue collected also goes to school systems, special tax districts, and city governments and school districts.

Property taxes are a significant, but not the largest source of revenue in the county budget. The state is the biggest source of funds and supplies the county with 28.7 percent of its operational budget. Charges to customers for services the county provides is another 16.9 percent, while the federal government provides 13.5 percent. Property taxes comes in fourth, at 12.3 percent of all revenue in the general fund.

In San Diego city, property tax revenues are 37.7 percent of the general fund, the highest source of revenue.

Twitter: @jptstewart

joshua.stewart@sduniontribune.com

(619) 293-1841
Thirteen Latin American men were charged Thursday in connection with four separate drug busts in which the Coast Guard seized roughly 11,000 pounds of cocaine from vessels at sea.

The first cocaine bust occurred May 23 after a Coast Guard aircraft crew on patrol spotted a boat about 110 miles off the coast of the Guatemala-El Salvador border.

Authorities allege three Ecuadorian men  Edwin Vera-Solorzano, Roberto Sanchez-Loor and Jose Gomez-Cuzme  were offered $30,000 to transport the cocaine-laden vessel from Ecuador to waters off the coast of Guatemala.

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The Coast Guard seized roughly 2,160 pounds of cocaine.

A day later, a go-fast boat, also known as a Picuda, was seen stopped at sea about 360 miles south of Mexicos Chiapas state, which borders Guatemala. Floating near the vessel were 15 bales of cocaine, which weighed roughly 1,995 pounds.

Authorities said three men were aboard the boat. The defendants in the case are Diomedes Valverde-Malfa, of Colombia, and Jorge Cobena-Laje and Jose Murillo-Pivaque, both Ecuadorian citizens.

On June 5, another go-fast boat was spotted by a Coast Guard crew on patrol, about 165 miles northwest of the Galapagos Islands. Coast Guard cutter Confidence launched two small vessels to intercept the boat.

As crews approached, they saw men throw bundles over the edge of the boat. The Coast Guard recovered 12 bundles of cocaine, which weighed roughly 1,611 pounds.

Three men aboard the boat were identified as Carlos Serrano-Menosca, of Colombia, and Nilo Barreiro-Vera and Bairon Hurtado-Guerrero, both from Ecuador.

In the last bust, a Coast Guard aircraft crew on patrol spotted a 55-foot-long vessel at sea about 195 miles off the coast of the Mexico-Guatemala border on June 8. Two boats launched from the Coast Guard cutter Waesche intercepted the vessel.

The Coast Guard seized 80 bales of cocaine, which weighed roughly 5,550 pounds. Four men  Ruben Solares-Rodriguez, of Guatemala, and Jose Cuero-Candelo, Jairao Riascos and Fabio Cabezas, all three from Colombia  were on board the vessel, authorities said.

The 13 men arrested at sea were charged with possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute.

Breaking News

Email: david.hernandez@sduniontribune.com

Phone: (619) 293-1876

Twitter: @D4VIDHernandez
San Diego police are asking for the publics help to locate an 85-year-old man suffering from Alzheimers who is missing from his Scripps Ranch home.

Family members of Taiheng Sun said he was discovered missing after they arrived at their home on Maple Grove Lane about 7:30 p.m. Thursday.

They told officers that he had been depressed and had been taking anti-depressants.

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Sun speaks very little English, does not drive and has no access to transportation. He is known to take short walks in the neighborhood, police said.

His family says he does not have any other family or friends in the neighborhood.

Sun is described as 5 feet 6 inches tall and 140 pounds with brown eyes and gray hair.

Anyone with information is asked to call San Diego police at (619) 531-2000 and reference case # 17060026084.

619-293-1710

debbi.baker@sduniontribune.com

twitter.com/Debbi_Baker
A suicidal man armed with two flare guns was arrested Thursday night after a standoff at Montgomery Middle School in southern San Diego, police said.

The 42-year-old man was taken to a county mental health facility for an evaluation. He then was expected to be booked into jail on suspicion of pointing one of the guns at an officer, a police captain said.

Family members called police about 6 p.m. to report that the man was acting erratically and possibly suffering from schizophrenia, police said. The man apparently walked away from the familys home on Soldau Drive.

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When an officer drove up to a man matching the description relatives gave police, the man pulled out a gun and pointed it at the officer, who drove off because he was in a position of disadvantage, Capt. Alberto Leos told reporters.

The officer then made a U-turn and followed the man, who ran and jumped fences, Leos said.

The man ultimately went onto the middle school campus on Picador Boulevard. Guided by a police helicopter, officers found the man and surrounded the school grounds.

On Twitter, police asked the public to stay away from the area as crisis negotiators tried to persuade the man to surrender. A SWAT team also was there, Leos said.

At times the man held the gun up to his chin, saying he wanted to kill himself, police said.

He was peacefully surrendered about 9:20 p.m.

Police found two flare guns on him, Leos said. No one was hurt.

Breaking News

Email: david.hernandez@sduniontribune.com

Phone: (619) 293-1876

Twitter: @D4VIDHernandez

UPDATES:

9: 35 p.m.: This article was updated with additional details. This article was originally published at 8:15 p.m.
The Dalai Lamas speech Friday at UC San Diego dwelled on a familiar topic, one hes addressed many times: compassion.

On the way, though, there were some unfamiliar geo-political detours. The Nobel laureate touched on the Paris climate accords, Tibets prospects under Chinas Xi Jinping, even a novel strategy for easing tension between Russia and NATO.

Have NATO headquarters shift to Moscow, the 81-year-old Buddhist monk suggested. I think millions of Russian minds will change.

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Change appeared to be on the Dalai Lamas mind, as he repeatedly stressed the need to abandon violence, anger and hatred, and instead approach people of all creeds and nations with respect.

In order to create a peaceful century, he told 25,000 people gathered on the campus RIMAC field, this century must be a century of dialogue.

Fridays talk was a curtain-raiser, preceding the Dalai Lamas commencement speech at UC San Diego on Saturday. This is the second visit to the campus by Tibetan Buddhisms spiritual leader, who returned after 2012 presentations here, San Diego State University and the University of San Diego.

Seeds for the current visit were planted last summer, when 20 UC San Diego students visited the Dalai Lamas compound in Dharamsala, India.

This is all about the students, said the universitys chancellor, Pradeep Khosla. He loved the students.

Khosla issued a formal invitation in October while traveling in India. On Thursday, he and Mayor Kevin Faulconer met the Dalai Lamas entourage when it arrived at San Diego International Airport.

Tickets for both local speeches vanished within hours of UC San Diego offering them, but not everyone is celebrating this visit. Seven men picketed the event in a Free Speech Zone established adjacent to  but out of sight of  RIMAC field.

The protesters were Tibetan Buddhists who worship the deity Dorje Shugden. The Dalai Lamas followers, they maintain, have burned Shugden texts and vandalized statues that are sacred to this sect.

He should practice what he preaches, said one of the protesters, Sonam Lama. He is destroying Tibetan unity.

Lama also charged the Dalai Lama with diverting money from Tibetans who follow Shugden.

Its an absolute misuse of millions of dollars, and nobody talks about this, he said. He demonizes people who disagree with him.

Roughly 40 supporters countered by rallying beneath a banner that read, Long live his holiness the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet, and a poster displaying his photo and a message: Love is the Answer.

His critics, the Dalai Lama said, havent met him or heard his message. I think most of them do not know me, he said. They have only the official version.

1 / 45 The Dalai Lama waves after he walked on stage for his public address, titled Embracing the Beauty of Diversity in our World. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 2 / 45 His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama talks to members of the media at a press conference before delivering a public address, Embracing the Beauty of Diversity in Our World, at RIMAC Field on the campus of UC San Diego, Friday. (Howard Lipin / San Diego Union-Tribune) 3 / 45 His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama in a moment of humor, swirls his fingers on the head of Ken Stone, contributing editor at the Times of San Diego, one the journalists in attendance during a press conference the Dalai Lama held before delivering his public address, Embracing the Beauty of Diversity in Our World, at RIMAC Field on the campus of UC San Diego, Friday. (Howard Lipin / San Diego Union-Tribune) 4 / 45 The Dalai Lama laughs after touching the head of Ken Stone, a contributing editor for the Times of San Diego, after he entered a room for a press conference. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 5 / 45 The Dalai Lama looks up as military jets fly over as he is introduced before his public address. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 6 / 45 The Dalai Lama bows at the end of his public address at UC San Diego. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 7 / 45 Spectators watch and listen as His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama delivers his public address, Embracing the Beauty of Diversity in Our World, at RIMAC Field on the campus of UC San Diego, Friday. (Howard Lipin / San Diego Union-Tribune) 8 / 45 The Dalai Lama waves to the crowd at the end of his public address at UC San Diego. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 9 / 45 Spectators on patio balconies of nearby buildings watch and listen as His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama delivers his public address, Embracing the Beauty of Diversity in Our World, at RIMAC Field on the campus of UC San Diego, Friday. (Howard Lipin / San Diego Union-Tribune) 10 / 45 The Dalai Lama stands up and flips his robe over his shoulder at the end of his public address. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 11 / 45 People start to stand as they applaud at the end of the Dalai Lamas public address. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 12 / 45 Khen Rinpoche, a Buddhist monk originally from Tibet and now living in Washington state, laughs at something funny the Dalai Lama said. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 13 / 45 The Dalai Lama speaks during his public address, titled Embracing the Beauty of Diversity in our World. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 14 / 45 Spectators watch and listen as His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama delivers his public address, Embracing the Beauty of Diversity in Our World, at RIMAC Field on the campus of UC San Diego, Friday. (Howard Lipin / San Diego Union-Tribune) 15 / 45 The Dalai Lama speaks during his public address, titled Embracing the Beauty of Diversity in our World. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 16 / 45 A woman listens as the Dalai Lama speaks during his public address. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 17 / 45 People fan themselves as the Dalai Lama speaks during his public address. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 18 / 45 The Dalai Lama speaks during his public address, titled Embracing the Beauty of Diversity in our World. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 19 / 45 A man uses an umbrella for shade as he listens to the Dalai Lama speaks during his public address. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 20 / 45 Two women sit in the grass as they listen to the Dalai Lama speaks during his public address, titled Embracing the Beauty of Diversity in our World. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 21 / 45 Thousands of people listen as the Dalai Lama speaks during his public address, titled Embracing the Beauty of Diversity in our World. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 22 / 45 People sit in bleachers as they listen to the Dalai Lama speak during his public address, titled Embracing the Beauty of Diversity in our World. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 23 / 45 His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama enjoys a light moment with Ann Curry, former NBC journalist, who introduced His Holiness during a press conference before he delivered a public address, Embracing the Beauty of Diversity in Our World, at RIMAC Field on the campus of UC San Diego, Friday. (Howard Lipin / San Diego Union-Tribune) 24 / 45 The Dalai Lama speaks as he makes his public address, titled Embracing the Beauty of Diversity in our World. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 25 / 45 A young woman shades herself with a fan as she listens to the Dalai Lama speak during his public address, titled Embracing the Beauty of Diversity in our World. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 26 / 45 The Dalai Lama speaks during his public address, titled Embracing the Beauty of Diversity in our World. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 27 / 45 The Dalai Lama bows as he is introduced before his public address, titled Embracing the Beauty of Diversity in our World. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 28 / 45 The Dalai Lama speaks to members of the media after a press conference. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 29 / 45 The Dalai Lama greets members of the media after a press conference. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 30 / 45 The Dalai Lama speaks during a press conference. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 31 / 45 The Dalai Lama speaks during a press conference prior to his public address, titled Embracing the Beauty of Diversity in our World. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 32 / 45 His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama arrives at a press conference before delivering a public address, Embracing the Beauty of Diversity in Our World, at RIMAC Field on the campus of UC San Diego, Friday. (Howard Lipin / San Diego Union-Tribune) 33 / 45 His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama talks to members of the media at a press conference before delivering a public address,"Embracing the Beauty of Diversity in Our World, at RIMAC Field on the campus of UC San Diego, Friday. (Howard Lipin / San Diego Union-Tribune) 34 / 45 Spectators watch and listen as His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama delivers his public address, Embracing the Beauty of Diversity in Our World, at RIMAC Field on the campus of UC San Diego, Friday. (Howard Lipin / San Diego Union-Tribune) 35 / 45 Spectators watch and listen as His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama delivers his public address, Embracing the Beauty of Diversity in Our World, at RIMAC Field on the campus of UC San Diego, Friday. (Howard Lipin / San Diego Union-Tribune) 36 / 45 His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama talks to members of the media at a press conference before delivering a public address, Embracing the Beauty of Diversity in Our World, at RIMAC Field on the campus of UC San Diego, Friday. (Howard Lipin / San Diego Union-Tribune) 37 / 45 A small group of Dorje Shugden Tibetan Buddhists protest the Dalai Lama, who opposes the form of Buddhism they follow. The group protested during his speech, Embracing the Beauty of Diversity in Our World, at RIMAC Field on the campus of UC San Diego, Friday. (Howard Lipin / San Diego Union-Tribune) 38 / 45 Members of the Tibetan Association of Northern California, supporters of the Dalai Lama, wave Tibetan flags, hold signs, and sing during his public address, Embracing the Beauty of Diversity in Our World, at RIMAC Field on the campus of UC San Diego, Friday. (Howard Lipin / San Diego Union-Tribune) 39 / 45 Spectators watch and listen as His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama delivers his public address, Embracing the Beauty of Diversity in Our World, at RIMAC Field on the campus of UC San Diego, Friday. (Howard Lipin / San Diego Union-Tribune) 40 / 45 Members of the media and the public watch and listen as His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama delivers his public address, Embracing the Beauty of Diversity in Our World, at RIMAC Field on the campus of UC San Diego, Friday. | Photo by Howard Lipin/San Diego Union-Tribune/Mandatory Credit: HOWARD LIPIN SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE/ZUMA PRESS (Howard Lipin / San Diego Union-Tribune) 41 / 45 His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama enjoys a light moment with his English language interpreter during a press conference before he delivered a public address, Embracing the Beauty of Diversity in Our World, at RIMAC Field on the campus of UC San Diego, Friday. (Howard Lipin / San Diego Union-Tribune) 42 / 45 His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama talks to members of the media at a press conference before delivering a public address, Embracing the Beauty of Diversity in Our World, at RIMAC Field on the campus of UC San Diego, Friday. (Howard Lipin / San Diego Union-Tribune) 43 / 45 His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama puts two fingers above his head in response to a question during a press conference, that some protestors have called him a demon. After the press conference, he delivered a public address, Embracing the Beauty of Diversity in Our World, at RIMAC Field on the campus of UC San Diego, Friday. (Howard Lipin / San Diego Union-Tribune) 44 / 45 Members of the Tibetan Association of Northern California, supporters of the Dalai Lama, wave flags, hold signs, and sing during his public address, Embracing the Beauty of Diversity in Our World, at RIMAC Field on the campus of UC San Diego, Friday. (Howard Lipin / San Diego Union-Tribune) 45 / 45 Spectators watch and listen as His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama delivers his public address,"Embracing the Beauty of Diversity in Our World, at RIMAC Field on the campus of UC San Diego, Friday. (Howard Lipin / San Diego Union-Tribune)

Beijing has labeled him a separatist, inciting Tibet to secede from China. While the Dalai Lama fled Tibet in 1959 in the aftermath of an abortive attempt to oust Chinese authorities and troops, the monk noted he no longer advocates Tibetan independence.

We are fully committed to not seeking separation, as early as 1974, he said during a news conference before his speech.

While urging change  China, the Dalai Lama said, needs a compassionate revolution  he insisted there are hopeful signs for better conditions in Tibet under Chinas current leader, Xi Jinping.

Somehow, there is some kind of movement, a social revolution toward compassion, the Dalai Lama said.

He also cited climate change as a major challenge, expressing dismay over the Trump administrations decision this month to back out of the Paris climate accord.

I always consider the United States the leading nation on Earth, he said. I am quite sad.

His public address, though, was as sunny as the skies on what was a warm, summery morning.

I tell people that the very purpose of life is happiness, he said, standing on a sun-drenched stage beneath an umbrella held by an aide. Everybody wants a happy life. That is our right.

In the 21st century, he noted, the links between all 7 billion human beings has become clear. He listed several global issues that demand attention: economic disparity, climate change, violence.

These problems, he noted, are increasing as organized religions are seeing their influence as teachers of morality decrease.

Now, the Dalai Lama said, education should take full responsibility for teaching basic human values. That is, compassion.

He added that means respecting people of all religions  as well as nonbelievers (They are also our human brothers and sisters) and those who are seen as our enemies (They deserve our love, our kindness).

After his speech, the Dalai Lama fielded questions from audience members. What should a 93-year-old grandmother tell her grandchildren about the state of the world? How can veterans recover from the trauma of combat? Is there a way to rise above angry political partisanship?

Again and again, the Dalai Lama returned to his message that all people are connected, deserving of respect, worthy of love and compassion. He closed by urging the audience to enlist in movements to create a better world.

Please think more seriously, he said. The future depends on our action.

His message seemed to find a receptive audience.

It just touched my heart, said Shelby OShea, a Buddhist from San Diego who wore a shirt with the image of Ganesh, the Hindu deity.

I see todays event as a Dalai Lama concert, said Scott Chatfield, a local music promoter. Im in awe of his humorous, buoyant wisdom, and he uses the silence between his words like a great musician does.

Before the talk, visitors queued up at coffee and food stands, and browsed a selection of Dalai Lama collectibles in a temporary UC San Diego bookstore erected on the field.

I hate to buy things, said Bev Harju, a Bay Park resident who converted to Buddhism after the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. Eyeing a batch of $4.99 keychains adorned with the Dalai Lamas sayings, she overcame her qualms. Sometimes its good to have a remembrance of important things.

ALSO:

For UC San Diego, the Dalai Lamas visit has global impact  for better or worse

Coming to a university near you: the Dalai Lama and a commencement controversy

Faith and reason: the Dalai Lama at UC San Diego

UPDATES:

5:30 p.m.: This article was updated with additional details from the Dalai Lama event.

This article was originally published at 2:20 p.m.
Every summer, about 60 graduate students with diverse backgrounds and interests come together at the UW-Madison School of Business for a week of intensive schooling about what it takes to start a tech-based company.

At the Wisconsin Entrepreneurial Bootcamp, they learn such skills as how to assess product concepts, seek funding and understand accounting.

The program started in 2007, well before there were business accelerator programs such as gener8tor or Madworks, both of which launched in the past five years, and it has helped several dozen young companies get off the ground.

The Bootcamp was the brainchild of John Morgridge, a Wisconsin School of Business graduate, chairman emeritus of Cisco Systems, and one of the UW-Madison's most prolific donors.

On Thursday, as the latest bootcamp class held its community dinner, program leaders and alumni announced a new gift to honor Morgridge -- an endowment named for Morgridge that will permanently fund the program, whose name will become the Morgridge Entrepreneurial Bootcamp.

"John's passion for giving UW students the entrepreneurial skills they need to bring ideas to life and his commitment to this entrepreneurship program are really inspiring," said Dan Olszewski, program co-founder and director of the Weinert Center for Entrepreneurship at the School of Business.

Since the Wisconsin Entrepreneurial Bootcamp began, more than 650 students have gone through the program. Its graduates have started about 40 businesses -- such as health IT company Healthfinch; fertility testing startup bluDiagnostics; and maker space Sector67, all in Madison -- and they have raised more than $21 million from investors.

Other participants have gone on to work for Wisconsin companies that include GE Healthcare, Covance, Cummins Engines and Cellular Dynamics International.

Morgridge has sponsored the bootcamp program, encouraged faculty and industry leaders to participate and has even been involved in instruction.

"Every year, the students always love John. He has good stories to tell about what he's learned" -- not just the successes but also the challenges he's had to overcome, said Chris Meyer, Sector67 founder.

Meyer has participated in the Madison bootcamp and one in the Netherlands, arranged through the UW.

"Students I ran across had not even considered entrepreneurship as an option," Meyer said. "Their plan was to go to school and then work for a large company."

For Meyer, the program gave him the confidence to jump into the business world. "I realized this business stuff was not as hard as I thought it was, not as scary as I thought," he said.

Supporters plan to raise $1.5 million for the permanent endowment. Boosted by an initial commitment of $350,000 from the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, nearly 50 donors have contributed funds, for a total of $1.45 million, so far. Gifts range in size from $100 to $150,000, School of Business spokesman Peter Kerwin said.

Among their donations to the University of Wisconsin, Morgridge and his wife, Tashia, also a UW alumna, made the largest gift the UW has ever received, pledging nearly $125 million in 2014-2015 to match other contributions to a fund slated for faculty retention.
Rescue and shelter dogs, cats and rabbits could soon be given a better opportunity to find homes, and animals suffering from the unethical practices of commercial breeding facilities may be greatly reduced, thanks to Assemblyman Patrick ODonnell, D-Long Beach.

Mr. ODonnell introduced Assembly Bill 485, which has cleared the state Assembly. If passed, the bill would prohibit pet stores anywhere in California from selling dogs, cats or rabbits, unless the animal was obtained through a rescue or shelter. This is already the model used by the nations largest pet retailers, Petco and PetSmart. This model would certainly provide greater visibility to shelter animals by getting them out of the shelter environment and into a public storefront, thus increasing their chance for adoption. A similar bill passed in Chula Vista in 2012 followed by San Diego in 2013 and then bans in Solana Beach, Encinitas, Oceanside, San Marcos and Carlsbad. Today, more than 230 cities in North America have banned the sale of dogs and cats by pet stores, 35 in California alone.

Related: Pet store proposal would limit pet ownership

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The opposition may counter that this bill would actually limit community access to specific pet breeds, forcing families to source their pets through illegal breeders or to continue to purchase animals via internet sites. In addition, opponents state that this bill would punish business owners who sell pets from reputable breeders or the breeders themselves. However, that is simply not the case. This bill supports local, responsible breeders who limit their total litters to no more than three per year.

Ironically, in much of the United States, San Diego included, were actually running out of puppies, which is why we need responsible breeders. But responsible breeders are not selling their animals in pet stores. Puppies in pet stores come from out-of-state puppy (or kitten) mills. Theyre born from overbred mothers and kept in intolerably inhumane conditions.

As someone who runs one of the largest animal shelters in the country, I know full well that we actually rarely have puppies (were good on kittens). Active transport programs are a vital resource to shelters throughout the country. These programs organize transporting puppies from areas where there are few adopters to areas where the reverse is true. The intent is to get these animals into homes as quickly as possible. Many shelters, San Diegos included, would rarely if ever have puppies  at least non-pit bull puppies  without active transport programs.

We need conscientious and responsible local breeders to breed animals humanely and partner with animal welfare groups like San Diego Humane Society to ensure animals remain safe and united with their families. Pet stores are not supporting local breeders; they are supporting cruel and inhumane puppy and kittens mills. Truly responsible breeders want to meet their buyers in person and do not sell to the first person with cash in hand.

Nearly 7 million dogs and cats enter U.S. shelters every year. San Diego Humane Society cares for nearly 1,500 every single day. While the exact number of animals euthanized in U.S. shelters is currently under debate, the true number likely ranges from 1.5 million to 2.5 million animals a year. In California alone, 1,200 dogs and cats are euthanized every day.

California taxpayers spend over a quarter of a billion dollars every year to house homeless animals. While AB 485 would increase the visibility of animals from rescue groups and shelters, this is not the main value of the bill. The bill, put simply, eliminates a main source of sales for inhumane commercial breeders. As responsible citizens of a world that values and loves animals, we cannot turn our backs on the undeniable suffering caused by puppy or kitten mills. This bill hits these mills in the only place that matters to them  the pocketbook.

Its time we stop the tragedy of puppy mills. AB 485 will help to ease the overcrowding of homeless animals in California shelters, relieve county budgets, and put a spotlight on the abusive puppy mill industry. We urge the state Senate to pass AB 485 and Gov. Jerry Brown to sign it so that Californians can lead the country in the protection of animals and help end the cruelty of commercial puppy mills once and for all.

Weitzman, a doctor of veterinary medicine, is president of the San Diego Humane Society.
Lightly edited comments from our online coverage.

Regarding Whats the answer to San Diegos housing cost crisis? (June 12): Its expensive to live here. Its also expensive in NYC, areas around D.C. and many major cities. If you cant make it in California, move.

alanmuratet

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Joined May 23, 2016

San Diegos housing costs are a Catch-22. The high cost of housing is typically named as the No. 1 reason people dont move here. You expand supply to meet demand and drive down prices and you simply increase demand, thereby pushing prices back up. And now youve got more people, more traffic and water shortages. The question is not how do we increase supply, its should we? San Diego does not have infinite capacity, lets not pretend it does. Living here is a privilege, not a right. If its not affordable then choose another location.

jtibb2

Joined July 6, 2016

Regarding Shooting of congressman blamed on dissenters, media (June 15): The Republicans are outraged that divisive political talk has led to violence and are so very sure that it is the Democrats and the media at fault. What bald-faced nerve. Newt Gingrich led the character assignation attempt on the Clintons. Karl Rove and Grover Norquist led the wedge issue campaign to divide America on issues that should never have been in the political discussion. The hatred spewed out by Republicans against President Obama and his family was unprecedented. Candidate Trump and his surrogates repeatedly tried to demonize Hillary Clinton and suggested she should have been hanged and/or locked up. Trump used name-calling as his main weapon. He offered to pay the legal fees if his followers would beat up protesters. And, now, hostile and violent behavior is the fault of the Democrats and the media?

gaylon.monteverde

Joined July 11, 2016

Letters and commentary policy

The U-T welcomes and encourages community dialogue on important public matters. Please visit this page for more details on our letters and commentaries policy. You can email letters@sduniontribune.com or leave a comment below.

I think that much of the anger against one or another political entity is due to the failure of Congress to accomplish anything. Consider their continual failure to pass the federal budget on time; its one of the two specified duties from the Constitution. They also fail to get anything but look-good legislation passed. They are too busy grandstanding to get re-elected, which drives our government further into dysfunction. It is time to put on their big boy boxers and get to work instead of grandstanding and taking vacations.

cfehner

Joined April 19, 2016

Regarding Single-payer health plan full of false promises (June 18): Sure why not. We only need to look as far as the VA for a single payer system run by a government. People dying while waiting to get appointments while worker bees are attending seminars at $500 a night resorts and receiving their usual bonuses.

bobblack

Joined May 3, 2016

I wonder if all these same arguments were made when Canada began its journey to single payer. Remember, it all began with one province there also. We (USA) are the only industrialized nation that does not provide a single payer system. We pay a greater percentage of our GDP that any of those nations while providing far less to our citizens. PLEASE do not take my word for it. Spend alittle time and research it for yourselves. The only thing that prevents it in the USA is greed. California could very well go it on its own and a single payer system. Of course, if President Trump defunds medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security to fund his tax plan, all bets are off.

dkshackelford

Joined June 15, 2017

Regarding  (June ):

puckinplay Newcomer

1 day(s) ago

Pet store puppies are sourced from puppy mills. Period. There are a million breeding animals in this country who spend their entire lives in a cage, forced to produce product for retail stores to sell at an extravagant markup. If someone has seen a retail pet store in California that actually sells puppies from California, please show me. There are plenty of other avenues to find a local breeder with purebred puppies. And any respectable breeder will tell you that s/he will not sell a puppy through a retail store. Anyone who tries to turn this into an economic argument or say that this is about choice is throwing up a smoke screen. These retail pet stores are in desirable locations that will quickly be filled by another business that will employ just as many (teenage) workers. Banning the sale of puppy mill dogs will be a huge win against inhumane breeding practices. Sure, the puppies are cute. But have you ever thought about the mothers? They are in cages in horrible conditions in Ohio, Missouri, Iowa and Pennsylvania being forced to breed repeatedly until they can no longer give birth. Then they are killed because they are no longer profitable. Thats the choice that you are defending. The choice to continue the horrific business of puppy mills.

puckinplay

Joined June 15, 2017

Want to see more letters that appear only online? Follow @UTLetters on Twitter and UTOpinion on Facebook.
Whats the most youve ever spent at Whole Foods Market ?

News that Amazon bought the high-end grocery store chain for a reported $13.7 billion on Friday left some Americans stunned over the big purchase and others musing about where the largest U.S. online retailer may be headed next.

The announcement Friday morning triggered a plunge in the stock prices of other supermarket companies . Shares for Walmart, the largest U.S. grocer, went down more than 6 percent, Target shares were down more than 10 percent and Costco shares were down more than 7 percent, USA Today reported. Stock for Whole Foods Market went up by 28 percent.

CNN reported that Whole Foods Market has more than 460 stores in the U.S., Canada and the United Kingdom, with about 87,000 employees.

In 2015, the grocery store was accused of overcharging customers in New York, and, over the years, it has been roundly mocked for the price of some of its items. Remember asparagus water?

Suffice to say that the stunning sum of money Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos spent on Whole Foods  apparently all in cash  did not go unnoticed by those ready to take more shots at the reputation of the grocery store.

And because this is Amazon were talking about, there was also no shortage of speculation about where the online retailer may be headed next. After all, Amazon has transformed the way people buy things online  from dominating book sales to using drones for online deliveries to invading homes with smart devices that talk to people.

So what does Amazon intend to do with close to 500 brick-and-mortar grocery stores that sell organic food? That was definitely on peoples minds.

Maybe it is Bezos world and were just living in it.

Share your thoughts  what was your reaction to Amazons purchase of Whole Foods Market?

Have some thoughts to share?

Join me in a conversation: Shoot me a private email with your thoughts or ideas on a different approach to this story. As always, you can also send us a tweet.

Email: luis.gomez@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @RunGomez

Read The Conversation on Flipboard.
A massive pressure system is bringing a heat wave to San Diego and it didnt take long for locals to start playing into the stereotype that San Diegans are spoiled when it comes to weather.

Heading into its first day on Friday, the heat wave was predicted to last five days, and San Diegans were predicted to last 5 minutes before complaining about it.

In all seriousness, frustration could be warranted. Weather forecasters said some parts of San Diego County could break temperature records over the course of the five days, especially on Sunday and Monday when desert and mountain areas could experience temperatures in the 118- to 120-degree range.

The San Diego Fire-Rescue Department planned to increase its number of on-duty firefighting crews to stave off the threat of prime fire conditions.

On Friday around lunchtime, the temperature had reached 84 degrees near downtown, and San Diegans were already losing their minds.

It didnt help that government Twitter accounts were tweeting out photos that looked like they were taken in the sweltering desert depicted in Mad Max.

San Diego Twitter users were being insanely dramatic about it on Friday.

As to be expected, many turned to ice-cold beer for comfort.

To be fair, East County was pretty hot on Friday.

Now were talkin.

At least this woman is willing to admit the stereotype is true.

If you really are struggling that hard to deal with the weather, weve kindly compiled 6 ideas for beating the heat. Good luck, San Diego.

Email: abby.hamblin@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @abbyhamblin

ALSO

San Diego braces for record heat and thick fog

Temperature might hit 120 in San Diego deserts during heat wave

San Diego fire department increases staffing in anticipation of weekend heat wave
An excessive heat watch is in effect for the desert areas of San Diego County. With temperatures soaring to dangerous levels, the sheriffs department is reminding the public to take precautions when doing outdoor activities.

Since January, sheriffs ASTREA, as well as Sheriffs Search and Rescue (SAR), have responded to 24 incidents of distressed hikers at Three Sisters Falls and Cedar Creek Falls in the East County.

In 2016, ASTREA and SAR responded to 51 rescue calls to these areas. These hiking trails are not for beginners. There is no shade from the sun and the return trip is mostly uphill.

Three Sisters Falls

With extremely steep slopes, a rugged and eroding trail, this hike is listed as strenuous to extreme and is suggested for those in good physical condition. The trail down to Boulder Creek is rated as one of the hardest short hikes in San Diego with approximately a half mile of trail going almost completely vertical. Couple this with extreme summer heat, no shade, and rocky, unstable terrain, and many hikers quickly find themselves overwhelmed and under prepared. Expect little to no cell phone reception in the area.

For more information on Three Sisters Falls, visit: https://goo.gl/u4usfo.

Cedar Creek Falls

This 6.6 mile roundtrip trail is considered moderate to strenuous, and is recommended for intermediate to advanced hikers. Since the canyon locks in heat, temperatures at the bottom can exceed 110 degrees while ground temperatures have commonly reached 135 during the summer. This trail provides no shade or drinkable water sources, and the trek out is completely uphill. Inexperienced hikers, or those looking to hike the trail for the first time, should not attempt it in the summer or on hot days.

Permits are required to visit Cedar Creek Falls in Ramona. To reserve a permit, visit www.recreation.gov. For more information on Cedar Creek Falls, visit: https://goo.gl/B5b4ka.

Additional trail information is at https://www.fs.usda.gov/cleveland.

U.S. Forest Service rangers and sheriffs deputies will strictly enforce the permit requirements and the ban on alcohol and cliff jumping. They will take appropriate law enforcement actions on violations of local, state and federal laws, which can include a citation up to an arrest and fines. County Ordinance 364.1 also allows for the reimbursement of emergency costs up to $12,000.

The Sheriffs Search and Rescue is an all-volunteer unit. Together, they perform wilderness and urban rescues and search for missing persons. Teams are available 24 hours per day to respond to local, state and federal agency requests. To learn more about SAR, visit www.sdsheriff.net/volunteers.
Rebuttal to Susan Conrad Commentary: Protect planet for the future,: June 8.

I love the planet, I protect this planet. My wife and I paid extra for a hybrid car. My ice plant is dead because we quit watering it to save California water. I have always tried to take home more trash than I brought, leaving the places I visit a little better off than when I got there. AND, we have had solar on our house for over 20 years, proving that conservatives are modern forward thinking people, too, and liberals are not the only ones that care for the Earth and our environment.

I get a chuckle out of the lefts dire predictions when it comes to Trump pulling out of the Paris Climate Accord. To listen to them, all the planets protecting progress is going to stop, the seas are going to rise, and tomorrow we will wake up and be choking down 1970s polluted air. This hype is ridiculous and it makes it hard for me to take the left serious.

From my understanding the Accord forced the U.S. to improve our standards, at a HUGE cost to the people of the United States, via increased energy costs, across the board. The Accord gave billions of American dollars to foreign entities to entice them to do the same, but there are little to no guarantees that those countries would do what they promised to do.

Our government is trillions of dollars in debt, and the American people are hurting, especially the middle class. This appears to be nothing more than a huge transfer of wealth that our middle class will ultimately fund. According to Trump, it is a bad deal and Americans would suffer. I agree with Trump; he put Americans first. We made all the huge gains with respect to taking care of the planet without the Paris Climate Accord and the progress will go forward without the agreement.

Susans insinuations that those who support Trumps position to pull out of the Paris Accord are responsible for the loss of jobs in the U.S. are wrong. The Paris Accord has nothing to do with the loss of these jobs. These jobs will go to the cities/states that have the best business environment for the companies success. Here in California, Democrats control the regulations and tax rates that have the greatest affect on the overall business environment not Duncan Hunter or Joel Anderson, or any of the other conservatives who support Trumps decision to put Americans first.

Indeed these fine representatives and patriots FIGHT the very Big Government Democrat-imposed regulations and taxes that are forcing the jobs and middle class out of CA. We could use more Duncan Hunters and Joel Andersons in CA.

Steve Yanke is a proud conservative, proud protector of our planet and proud Ramona resident.
A San Diego federal jury awarded a North County father more than $2 million this week, holding the Escondido Union School District responsible for allowing his young son to be released from school and kidnapped to Mexico.

Its been three years since Manuel Ramirez, a handyman from Bonsall, last saw his 9-year-old son, Enrique. He dropped the boy off at Farr Elementary School on Dec. 6, 2010. When he returned to pick him up after school, all he found was his sons backpack left behind in a classroom.

The boy, a U.S. citizen, is believed to be living in central Mexico with his mother, who arranged the boys clandestine trip after she was deported a month earlier.

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Ramirez applauded the jury for its verdict, saying justice was done.

My mind is at peace, our voice was heard, Ramirez said in a statement Thursday. I hope from now on this never happens again to another parent. I hope this never happens again in the Escondido school district and as a result children there will be safer.

It has been a long three years. I have so many emotions right now. I only hope that one day I will see my son again, he said.

The school districts attorney, Daniel Shinoff, said Thursday that the district and school officials are saddened by the jurys decision.

There will be a recommendation by me to seek appellate review of this case for a multiple number of reasons, Shinoff said.

The lawsuit centered on the issue of who is authorized to pick up children from school, and how closely those policies are followed, especially when dealing with splintered families and complicated parent work schedules.

The suit was filed on behalf of Ramirez and his son against the school district, as well as the principal and the office manager.

When Enriques mother, Claudia Cano, was deported in November 2010, the boy went to live with his father, according to the lawsuit.

Cano called the school to report that shed been deported and mentioned possibly taking Enrique on a trip to Mexico to visit family, the court documents state.

About a month later, she called the school and spoke again with the office manager, Graciela Mineroa Murguia. She said Enrique had a doctors appointment in 15 minutes but was unable to get out of work to take him. She told the manager that she was instead sending her boyfriend to pick him up.

The manager said she checked and saw that the boyfriend was not listed on the boys emergency card as an authorized person for pickup. But Murguia wrote down his name and said the boyfriend could do the pickup as long as he showed identification.

A school clerk was staffing the desk when the boyfriend showed up, and she let Enrique go with him upon checking the ID, according to court records.

Enrique appeared to recognize the boyfriend, calling him by his nickname, and looked happy to see him, according to the school districts trial brief.

When Enriques father showed up to gather his son later that day, the boy was gone.

The father sued for deprivation of father-son contact, negligence and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

Much of the suit hinged on the schools policy, which reads in the handbook: If a student needs to be dismissed during the day, the school will only let him or her be signed out by someone who is listed on the emergency card, and again, We will not release your child to anyone not listed on the emergency card.

The district argued that the policy does not prohibit a parents verbal authorization.

Ken Trump, president of National School Safety and Security Services, said Thursday that family custody issues  not random gun violence  are without a doubt the biggest threat facing elementary schools on a day-to-day basis.

These things are so complex. ... Maintaining that chain of custody of the child is critical. Unfortunately, one mistake can be a matter of life or death, said Trump, who is based in Cleveland.

Because of that, school secretaries and principals are typically extremely vigilant about maintaining the letter of the law, and it often comes down to what legal orders they have on file.

After a five-day trial and two days of deliberation, the jury on Wednesday awarded the father $2 million and his son $850,000.

The principal, Angel Gotay, was also ordered on Thursday to pay punitive damages of $3,500, and the office manager $2.

The fathers lawyer, John Richards, said the child abduction unit of the District Attorneys Office has been asked to help bring back Enrique and was working with Interpol.

The boy is believed to be living in Leon, Guanajuato. Ramirez was able to send his son a care package of clothing and received a photo back of Enrique with the clothes, Richards said.

The boys aunt testified during the trial that Enrique missed his lifestyle in the U.S., as well as his younger half-sister, Richards said.
WASHINGTON (AP)  The U.S. Treasury on Friday blacklisted a hard-line lawmaker of Myanmars ruling party, accusing him of undermining political and economic reforms.

Human rights activists step welcomed the action against Aung Thaung, who was industry minister under the former ruling junta and a leader of a pro-military organization blamed for mob attacks. His family has extensive business interests in Myanmar.

The announcement came two weeks ahead of a visit to Myanmar by President Barack Obama for a summit of regional leaders. Obama on Thursday called Myanmars President Thein Sein and opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, urging credible elections next year and addressing sectarian tensions.

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The U.S. has rolled back most sanctions against the country also known as Burma as it has shifted from military rule since 2012. But to the chagrin of American companies wanting to invest there, Myanmar retains targeted restrictions against some individuals and companies.

By intentionally undermining the positive political and economic transition in Burma, Aung Thaung is perpetuating violence, oppression, and corruption, said Adam Szubin, the director of Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control, which oversees the sanctions.

The United States firmly supports the Burmese governments progress on reforms, and we remain vigilant about targeting those whose activities facilitate repression and dictatorship, he said in a statement.

Szubin was not more specific about those allegations, but did mention that Aung Thaung has been implicated in previous attacks on the democratic opposition.

Aung Thaung was a leader in a pro-junta organization accused of conducting a 2003 attack on a convoy carrying opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi that killed a number of her supporters. He later served in senior leadership positions in the ruling Union Solidarity and Development Party.

Recent mob violence by Buddhist extremists against minority Muslims has stirred concern similar forces could be behind sectarian clashes that Western officials say could threaten Myanmars transition to democracy. Aung Thaung has denied any involvement.

Aung Thaung could not be reached for comment Friday. Myanmars government spokesman did not immediately respond to an email on the matter.

Since Myanmar embarked on democratic reforms, Myanmar nationals added to the U.S. sanctions list have principally been officials suspected of trading weapons with North Korea. Blacklisted individuals and companies are prohibited from holding assets in the U.S. and doing business with Americans.

Rights activists have long pushed for Aung Thaung to be included.

John Sifton, Asia advocacy director for Human Rights Watch in Washington, said there were serious allegations over Aung Thaungs complicity in past crackdowns, and that his familys business ventures involved human rights abuses like land grabs and forced labor.

Burma cannot complete a transition to democracy if the existing military leadership and its cronies refuse to relinquish their power and corrupt revenue sources, he said.

The U.S. Embassy in Yangon itself recommended blacklisting Aung Thaung and two of his sons some six years ago, according to diplomatic cables obtained and released by WikiLeaks. The sons are still not sanctioned.

A Sept. 19, 2008, cable said the sons, Pyi Aung and Nay Aung, amassed tens of millions of dollars running Myanmars second-largest timber company, exporting rice and winning contracts to explore for oil and gas. Nay Aung was also suspected of brokering arms deals with China and North Korea.

When the Obama administration took office in 2009 and opened the door to diplomatic rapprochement with Myanmar, it shied away from sanctioning more officials as it sought to win the confidence of its ruling generals and encourage democratic reform.
We love to smell things, those of us who land on the wine and food spectrum somewhere between Interested In and Obsessed With. Smelling is a huge part of our pastime. Just about everybody gives wine a sniff, and lots of others have no problem lowering their faces above recently-set-down dishes of food as they click through the sensory checklist: view, smell, taste, emote.

Many of us go beyond that, smelling ingredients at grocery stores or during a cooking session (even if we are not the ones doing the cooking), smelling various plant life, and even non-flora. Like furniture, the animal-hide drumheads of various world percussion instruments and gasoline. Maybe Im talking about only myself in that last sentence, but the aromatic-curious among us know generally where Im coming from. Ive long been an indiscriminate sniffer, and I can safely say Ill smell anything once.

Early in my wine journey, though, I refrained from smelling corks for any reason, first because I thought I would look stupid doing it, and second because I didnt know what to smell for. Like gazing through a jewelers loupe at a diamond, unless you tell me what Im seeing, it doesnt really mean much to me.

In restaurants, I didnt feel it was my place to pick up the cork that a server had just set down and ceremoniously lift it to my nose. That reticence served me well, because, luckily for me, I was clued in very early-on that there is no need to smell the cork when a server sets it in front of you. Smell the wine, not the cork.

Your job when that first small splash of wine gets poured into your glass is to let the server know whether the wine is spoiled or not. She doesnt expect you to say whether you like the wine or not. All she wants to know is whether it is in good condition or bad condition. I assume that a few people have sniffed corks in my presence through the years, but the only time I clearly remember it happening was at a winery, where a visitor insisted to the winemaker that the wine we were sampling was affected by cork taint, or TCA (2,4,6-trichloroanisole), the compound that can create unsavory aromas in wine, ranging from wet cardboard to musty boathouse.

The winemaker couldnt smell anything wrong in the wine itself, so he lifted the cork to his nose and rolled it, quickly and precisely, as he sniffed. It was clear that he had employed this maneuver many times before; that cork spun like a log beneath a couple of world champion log rollers. He shrugged, opened a second bottle and did the cork roll all over again. As far as he could tell, both bottles were good.

Since that day I, too, have sniffed corks every once in a while just out of sheer curiosity, because, as weve established, I like to smell things. But keep in mind the reason for the winemakers cork rolls. They were part of an investigation, and not just any investigation  a disputed investigation. That winemaker would have slapped his knee three times, covered his left eye with a patch and pressed his ear to the wall if it would have helped him smell what his guest was smelling. The winemaker was not sniffing for pleasure  he was trying to sniff out a culprit because he found no clues in the wine itself.

The cork was his last line of defense, and if you smelled something off in a wine that you ordered in a restaurant and the server or sommelier couldnt smell what you were smelling, she might resort to smelling the cork too. But generally, all anyone needs to do is smell the wine. You dont really even need to taste it when that first pour lands in your glass. Its never a bad thing to taste it, and after you do, theres no penalty for saying, Mmm or Wow, my life officially just began, but no server expects such a proclamation. She wants to know if the wine she just poured for you is spoiled or unspoiled. Just tell her that its good (as opposed to being spoiled), and let her pour the other glasses and be on her way. Dont even give that cork the time of day.

If, for some reason, you dont like the wine you ordered, here are two dead-language words for you: caveat emptor. Its not a restaurants responsibility to take back wine  or food  that you ordered because suddenly it doesnt suit your tastes. A restaurant should take back food that has been improperly prepared, according to the description you understood or the instructions you gave. A restaurant should do the same with bad wine, as long as its objectively bad  not stylistically bad. The bad wine has to be corked, or oxidized, or cooked or something that makes it clearly sick. It cant just be untalented, disappointing or a poor fit for your food or mood.

Show the server you know what youre doing by ignoring the cork and simply smelling the wine before giving your approval. A head nod will do the trick. Youre not going to come across many spoiled wines in your life, and if you do come across one and dont even notice, it wont kill you. Sniff the wine, and if something doesnt seem right, run it by your server. Otherwise, let her pour. Before you leave, drop that cork into your pocket as a keepsake, and if curiosity gets the best of you later that night, give it a whiff. What you choose to sniff in the privacy of your own home is your own business.
After visiting Madison six times, former President Barack Obama could leave a permanent imprint on a city and county that enthusiastically backed him.

Dane County officials announced plans Thursday to name the City-County Building, 210 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., after the 44th president of the United States. Standing at the base of the buildings steps, County Executive Joe Parisi said resolutions will be introduced to the County Board and Madison City Council to establish the Downtown structure as the President Barack Obama City-County Building.

He deserves to be honored and deserves to be recognized, Parisi said. Not only for his accomplishments, but for his commitment to civil discourse and respect, both for those with whom he agreed and for those with whom he disagreed.

The building, a block away from the state Capitol, has had its current name since it opened in 1956.

Sup. Al Matano, who introduced a resolution Thursday to the County Board, called the City-County Building virtually no name at all.

If approved, county officials said it would be the first seat of government named after the 55-year-old Obama, who left the White House in January when President Donald Trump was sworn into the office.

Obama publicly visited Madison four times as president, as well as two times while campaigning in the 2008 presidential election season when he was a U.S. senator from Illinois.

His first public visit came in October 2007, and on his final trip  the day before the 2012 presidential election  Obama held a rally with musician Bruce Springsteen outside the City-County Building.

On the City Council side, Ald. Samba Baldeh, 17th District, plans to introduce a resolution at the councils June 20 meeting.

The proposals will go through city and county committees to get input before being considered for adoption.

Parisi said the former commander-in-chiefs work on fighting terrorism, commitment to stemming climate change and support for marriage equality are among the reasons to name the building after Obama.

This is the seat of city and county government, Parisi said. Dane County overwhelmingly supported and supports President Obama and his policies.

In 2008, 72.8 percent of Dane County residents voted for Obama and former Vice President Joe Biden, and 71 percent chose that ticket in 2012.

But Republican Party of Dane County Chairman Scott Grabins called the proposal a political stunt.

Grabins said local officials should focus on issues other than naming buildings. Its purely political, he said.

While not being opposed to naming public spaces after politicians, Grabins took issue with the timing of the announcement.

It is meant, purely, to sort of stick their thumb in the eye of President Trump, he said.

Parisi noted two prominent government buildings in Downtown named after politicians, the Tommy G. Thompson Commerce Center, 201 W. Washington Ave., named after the four-term Republican governor, and the Risser Justice Center, 17 W. Main St., across West Doty Street from the City-County Building, named for the four generations of the Risser family that have served in the state Legislature, including current Democratic state Sen. Fred A. Risser  the longest-serving state legislator in American history  and his father, former Sen. Fred E. Risser.

Those facilities are aptly named and pay tribute to people who were dedicated servants to this community and beyond, Parisi said. While I certainly didnt agree with Gov. Thompson on all of his policies, I frankly think the facility thats named after him is well-deserved.

A plaque would be placed outside the City-County Building if the County Board and City Council resolutions are approved, which could happen later this summer.

We feel that as a community, we not only appreciated President Obama for being the president he was, Matano said, but also the style and grace with which he served and the somewhat personal connection he developed with our community.
Heres how members of Wisconsins congressional delegation voted on major issues last week.

Note: Speaker of the House Paul Ryan, R-Janesville, did not vote. By custom, the speaker does not vote except in rare circumstances.

HOUSE

Eligibility For Healthcare Tax Credits: The House on Tuesday passed, 238-184, a bill that would require persons applying for premium tax credits under the Affordable Care Act to submit a Social Security number to verify they have citizenship or legal status. This would replace a two-step ACA verification process that has a grace period. Aimed mainly at immigrants, the bill also would apply to the GOPs proposed American Health Care Act if that measure becomes law. A yes vote was to send HR 2581 to the Senate.

Voting yes: James Sensenbrenner, R-5, Glenn Grothman, R-6, Sean Duffy, R-7, Mike Gallagher, R-8

Voting no: Mark Pocan, D-2, Ron Kind, D-3, Gwen Moore, D-4

Immediate Health Insurance for Infants: Voting 193-231, the House on Tuesday defeated a Democratic bid to ensure immediate healthcare coverage under HR 2581 (above) for newborns and infants up to 1 year old whose legal status cannot be promptly established because of the time it takes to obtain a Social Security number for meeting the bills verification requirement. A yes vote was to adopt the motion.

Voting yes: Pocan, Kind, Moore

Voting no: Sensenbrenner, Grothman, Duffy, Gallagher

SENATE

Economic Sanctions on Iran: The Senate on Thursday approved, 98-2, U.S. economic sanctions on foreign entitles that provide support to Irans ballistic-missile program, which is separate from its now-dormant nuclear program. A yes vote was to pass S 722, which also seeks to penalize Irans Revolutionary Guard for terrorist activities in the Middle East.

Voting yes: Tammy Baldwin, D, Ron Johnson, R

Economic Sanctions on Russia: Voting 97-2, the Senate on Wednesday added language to S 722 (above) that would impose numerous U.S. economic sanctions on the Russian government and Russian entities and industrial sectors in response to provocations such as the Kremlins U.S. election hacking. A yes vote was to place sanctions on Russia that no American president would have the power to unilaterally revoke.

Voting yes: Baldwin, Johnson

Arms Sale to Saudi Arabia: The Senate on Tuesday defeated, 47-53, a measure (SJ Res 42) that sought to block an administration plan to sell Saudi Arabia $500 million worth of laser-guided bombs and related weaponry, which would be used against Iran-backed forces in Yemens civil war.

Voting yes: Baldwin

Voting no: Johnson

KEY VOTES AHEAD

This week, the House will debate bills on water storage, forest-fire prevention and workplace issues, while the Senate will conduct votes on high-ranking Trump administration nominees.

 Thomas Voting Reports
At the end of the Greek Civil War, a World War II veteran-turned-spy is called back to D.C. and discovers that members of his team have been disappearing after their government debriefings.

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I arrived in Washington the same day that James Forrestal went out the window.

My first visit to the capital would have been otherwise forgettable. Union Station was less crowded on a Sunday morning than Id ever found a stateside train station. Never a churchgoing man myself, I still felt a nostalgia for the chiming bells I periodically passed on the way from the train to the Mayflower Hotel.

They told me Id been abroad too long.

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Welcome to the Mayflower. How may I help you? the old man behind the desk greeted me.

Douglas, room for one. As he searched the reservation list with his finger, I took a moment to examine the lobbys chandelier and the reliefs that surrounded it, the carved figures emerging a few inches from the wall.

Here it is. Douglas. Rooms paid for two weeks; if you plan to stay longer, let us know beforehand. We have a few months until the busy season, so you should be fine.

I nodded as he rang the bell and produced a bellhop not much younger than me. I could tell from the way his left arm hung limp that hed seen combat; only a field medic would have both been able to save the arm and lacked enough time to set it properly.

Take your bags, sir?

I held up the sole bag I carried. Ill bring this up myself.

Then right this way, sir. The bellhop had a slight hitch in his step, which, combined with the arm, reminded me of a production of Richard III Id seen before the war.

Mind if I smoke? he asked.

Ill join you. I intended to light his cigarette before my own, but he produced a match and struck it with his good hand before I could remove my matchbook from my suit pocket. He managed the elevator with similar dexterity but must have noticed my glancing at his arm.

Best years of our lives, right? He smiled and took another puff. Got this from one of Hirohitos snipers on Tarawa in 43. They had to load us on a raft and float us out to a ship for treatment. Took long enough that the bullet moved around and there was nerve damage.

You get the guy who did it?

Him and two of his sidekicks.

Paid back with interest. Well done.

You look like you served.

I nodded, but took a long drag on my Lucky rather than divulge any more information. When we got to my floor, I told the bellhop I would take myself the rest of the way. He handed me a copper key, and I passed him a dollar, making eye contact and shaking his hand firmly as I did so.

The room provided more space than I would ever need, with a bed thrice the size of any of the spartan arrangements to which Id grown accustomed, and a fabric armchair like the one my father sat in whenever he would listen to his serials.

I threw my suitcoat and hat on the oak writing desk and took off my shoes, which had given me a small but painful blister on my right heel. On the nightstand sat a bottle of Kentucky bourbon, serving as a paperweight for the brown-paper envelope with Welcome Home scrawled on it by an anonymous womans pen. There wasnt much chance of finding a bar open on Sunday.

Out of habit, I checked the bourbon to make sure the wax seal was unbroken before pouring myself a glass. The oaky flavor met my tongue like a reunited friend, but the stuffy room had left the bottle too warm. In my stocking feet, I took the ice bucket down the hall to fill it.

Though the rooms on both sides of mine seemed empty, as promised, I heard low voices coming from the next room down. Just two French-Canadian women discussing lunch plans; nothing to worry about. I found the ice, then returned to my chambers to pour myself a drink.

From the window, I had my first view of the White House. It looked smaller than it had always seemed in The March of Time, but what struck me was its condition. Time away had made my homeland feel prefabricated, as if I were looking at a sanitized replica of the very ruins in Thessaly or Epirus that Id played a small role in keeping part of the free world.

At that moment, Truman was probably taking some important meeting inside those sandstone walls, Louis Johnson was still settling into his new job, and, I would soon learn, his predecessors broken body was being examined somewhere in Bethesda.

Monday arrived later for me than it should have, my internal clock having yet to reset and my memories of the night before a haze of bourbon and the contents of the package left for me.

The hotel shower with its cleansing force felt like a luxury, and even the commode provided comfort I hadnt experienced in some time, though this had more to do with the quiet and solitude than the facilities. When I finished toweling myself, I found a sheet of paper had been slipped under the door, telling me the time and place of my evening appointment. I checked the hallway, but whoever delivered it had already gone.

The city was busier, with men in suits on their way to work, a pattern into which my small bag and I blended easily. The note had given me several hours to kill, and I thought the guise of a tourist was that least likely to prompt notice of an unattached man free on a workday. I carried my camera around my neck, and made a show of taking a panorama of images  the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, the Capitol dome in the distance  all the while surveying the evenings meeting place and taking mental notes. I knew the value of understanding ones surroundings.

Having already thrown the last of my drachma in a trash can far from the hotel, and sure nobody was close enough to see, I took the old identification cards I carried and wrapped them around my next Lucky. As the matchhead burned them away, their ashes spread over the reflecting pool like tiny birds on the wing.

I took supper in a small diner near the Old Ebbitt, choosing the stool farthest from the door, at the end of a long and nearly empty counter. After ordering, I purchased a The Evening Star from the rack up front, and opened to the Clifford Berryman cartoon while sampling the too-thick coffee.

Flipping through the afternoon paper was how I first heard the news about the old warhorses plunge out the window of a hospital few knew had become his home. Of course, Id heard rumors about his mental state and his paranoia, as everyone in our line of work had, but never knew how much of that to believe.

Put em in a box, tie em with a ribbon, and throw em in the deep blue sea, the waitress said as she refilled my coffee.

Im sorry?

Thats the song, she said, indicating the Wurlitzer in the corner. You looked like you were trying to figure out what it was. Its Doris Day.

Thank you. Im afraid I dont know much about music. I returned to my paper, looking for more clues about the Forrestal story as I dipped my toast in the mix of runny eggs and burnt potatoes the waitress had brought over. I could feel her eyes on me while I read, but kept my head down to avoid any unneeded conversation.

While paying my bill, I considered the turning desert display next to the register, and opted for two pieces of fresh Turkish delight and a small block of halva to take back to my hotel.

Whos that man in the paper you keep looking at? the waitress asked as she counted my change. Somebody important?

Paper says his name was James Forrestal, I said, feigning ignorance. He was the first secretary of defense. He just killed himself.

Sounds like you dont know much about government either. It could have sounded mean, but she smiled when she said it, showing off. Henry Knox had that job for George Washington.

Knox was the first secretary of war, I said. This man was the first secretary of defense.

Sounds like the same job to me. Whats the difference?

The difference is all the difference.

With several hours remaining before my scheduled rendezvous, I returned to the Mayflower to shower and rest. I nodded a greeting to the bellhop, but bypassed the elevator to take the stairs. I again checked the doors surrounding mine for noise and, finding none, let myself in.

Closing the door, I did not expect to see my room already occupied.

The man sitting in the desk chair wore sunglasses, and his left leg jutted out at an unnatural angle. Though I pulled my gun from my suits inner pocket, his was already aimed directly at the doorway where I stood. The older man perched on the bed rose when I entered, and smiled.

Urge him with truth to frame his fair replies, he said, lighting a cigarette.

And sure he will, for wisdom never lies, I responded. The man with the weapon put his away, and I followed suit. What are you doing here?

We moved your debrief to a more secure location.

After I first saw the gun, I thought of the whispers about former operatives being eliminated, and kept my guard. Can I smoke? I asked, waiting for a nod before taking out my Luckys and lighting one.

Now, weve reviewed your file, and are familiar with your work for the agency, the older man said. As you know, were not technically supposed to operate on American soil, so everything we say here stays between us.

Understood. I 

We want to get to know you a bit before handing out any new assignments, the other interrupted. To do that, we want to get more familiar with what led you to the agency, why you wanted the job, why youre a fit. Most men with your background went the career-military route after the war, but not you. He named the most recent assignments in my file, as if I were unfamiliar with them, feigning admiration while I smoked and nodded to show I was paying attention.

Eventually, they gave me a chance to explain how Id watched the same war films most men my age had, and eagerly joined the war only to find the reality of combat a less glorious enterprise. I detailed how, both philosophically and tactically, I preferred eliminating individual targets who had earned it rather than dozens of ordinary men whose only mistake was being born on the wrong soil.

I liked to think of myself as a precision instrument, and my experience confirmed that impression.

The older man kept his questions informational, while the one with the wonky leg peppered me with confrontational queries: How did you feel about keeping the world safe for democracy by putting a king in charge? What would you have done if Wallace won last fall? How do we know so much time talking to the DSE didnt turn you a little pink?

I answered every question, with cold but professional precision. Smokers were always easier to read; whatever disguises their faces formed when speaking had a tendency to relent slightly while they focused on their habit. I insisted on asking a few of my own questions, about the possible next stations, how our work had been perceived on the homefront, if these men had heard anything about any of my men who had already come home. Both insisted they either didnt know or couldnt tell me any of those things.

Then I settled on a question Id been thinking about for most of the day.

Last words have always fascinated me, I said. Since you know the password, you must be in position to know. What were Forrestals last words? Neither answered. Surely, if it were a suicide, he left a note; and surely you must know what it said. Unless youre not who you say you are.

The older man fielded this one. He was copying a translation of a Sophocles play, and left off at No quiet murmur like the tremulous wail, of the lone bird, the querulous nightingale. One of the experts from Annapolis said its about suicide.

I know the play. Its about the suicide of Ajax, after he goes mad, butchering and torturing sheep and cattle.

That makes sense, the older man said. Forrestal went mad almost as soon as he was fired. It was only a matter of time.

I thought about what he said for a few minutes, then asked permission to pour myself a drink from the bourbon bottle. I offered a beverage to each of my interviewers, who agreed only after they saw me swallow my own serving.

The following afternoon, I sat with my sole bag outside Union Station, waiting for the California-bound train I planned to inconspicuously exit at one of its refueling stops.

Smoking the last of my cigarettes, I thought about why last words had always mattered to me. Id grown to dislike the kind of war movies I grew up watching. They had no realism, and offered only two ways to die. Men were shot and fell to the ground like pieces of wood, dead but clean, or they received a slow death that let them deliver their final thoughts, urgently and masterfully, then fall silent the instant they finished imparting their wisdom.

In my war experience, nobody knew when their last moment was coming. Usually, soldiers last words were screams of pains or vain calls for their mothers.

Despite the interviewers assumptions, my post-war activities for the agency hadnt turned me pink. Only angry.

I was grateful to my contact for the file detailing how the other members of my team had been murdered within a few days of their own Washington debriefs, and warning me about my visitors  had they pantomimed grief for my compatriots instead of ignorance, I might not have deciphered their intentions. Though I had never admired Forrestal, who always seemed extreme and obsessed, I saw no reason for what happened to him and wanted to gauge what my would-be executioners thought. Whether he was killed directly, or driven to ending his own life, didnt ultimately matter.

The bourbon had proven as useful as the file, enticing enough that the pair closely watched me drinking mine, without noticing my hand dropping the powder in the bottle. Id left them both in the closet of one of the empty rooms next to mine, wondering if anyone would find them before the hotels busy season.

I took out my camera and shot one last image of the view down Massachusetts Avenue, while I sat on the stations steps and finished the last of the Turkish delight, the mint gel cooling the tobacco flavor in my throat.
Pune, India -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/16/2017 -- Market Highlights:



The Aluminum-Extruded Products Market is expected to grow over the CAGR of around 6% during the period 2017 to 2023.



Aluminum is promoted by the governments of various countries owing to the rise in the level of pollution. Aluminum is widely used in the automobile industry as the light weight of aluminum helps in increasing the fuel-efficiency of the vehicles. Various policies, such as green car incentive policy in Japan is undertaken to promote eco-friendly vehicles, which would help in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. These policies along with various government initiatives, is driving the growth of the market. However, the growth of the market is expected to be hampered by the high cost required for the manufacturing of the aluminum extruded products.



Key Players



The key players of aluminum-extruded products market are Alcoa Inc. (U.S.), Aluminum Bahrain B.S.C. (Bahrain), Aluminum Corporation of China Limited (China), Bhp Billiton Ltd. (Australia), Century Aluminum Company (U.S.), China Hongquiao Group Limited (China), Hindalco Industries Limited (India), Norsk Hydro ASA (Norway), Rio Tinto PLC (U.K.) and United Company RUSAL (Russia).



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Market Research Analysis:



The Asia-Pacific region is expected to grow the highest in the aluminum-extruded products market owing to the availability of low cost labor in the region. The rapid advancements in the industrial sector of the region is leading to an increased use of aluminum extruded products across various industries such as aerospace, mass transportation, automotive and construction among others. The large scope of FDI in the emerging economies of the region such as India and China, is also contributing to the growth of the aluminum extruded products in the region.



Scope of the Report:



This study provides an overview of the global aluminum-extruded products market, tracking two market segments across four geographic regions. The report studies key players, providing a five-year annual trend analysis that highlights market size, volume and share for North America, Europe, Asia Pacific (APAC) and Rest of the World (ROW). The report also provides a forecast, focusing on the market opportunities for the next five years for each region.



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The scope of the study segments the global Aluminum-extruded products Market by its product type, end-use and region.



By Product Type:



-Powder-coated

-Anodized

-Mill-finished



By End-Use:



-Construction

-Automotive

-Electric

-Others



By Region:



-North America

-Asia Pacific

-Europe

-Rest of the World



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MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies by products, services, technologies, applications, end users, and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help to answer all their most important questions.



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Albany, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/16/2017 -- The demand for animal parasiticides is growing due to the increasing awareness of zoonatic diseases. With the rising concern towards animal welfare is one of the major reasons behind the growing popularity of animal parasiticides. The market has been segmented by products into ectoparasiticides, endoparasiticides, endectocides, tablets, oral liquids, sprays, injectables, spot on and pour on, ear tags, collars. Furthermore, the market is also segmented by animal types such as Cats, Pigs, Dogs, Cattle, Sheep and Goats. The market by geography has been segmented into Europe, Asia Pacific, North America and Rest of the World (RoW).



Get accurate market forecast and analysis on the Animal Parasiticides Market. Request a sample to stay abreast on the key trends impacting this market.



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Spot-ons and pour-ons accounted the largest market share of the global animal parasiticides market in 2014. The growth in this segment can be attributed to rising popularity and use of spot-on and pour-on formulations in animal parasiticides market. Furthermore, growing demand for ectoparasites for food-producing animals and companion animals' is also expected to stimulate the growth of the market. Availability of wide array of parasiticides product by major players, rising demand for animal-based food and animal protein are some of the driving factors for the animal parasiticides market. In addition, rising animal welfare awareness is increasing the adaption of animals such as dogs and cats among others. Increasing livestock farming as a source of income in developing nations are fueling the demand for animal parasiticides. However, there are some of the restraining factors may hinder the growth of the market in near future such as stringent rules and regulations of authoritative bodies in use of parasiticides in food- producing animals in some of the countries. Moreover, time consuming and expensive procedures of new product development are some of the restraining factors for the market.



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Europe is leading the market for animal parasiticides followed by North America, Asia Pacific and Rest of the World. In developed nations, implementation of animal welfare acts is one of the major driving factors for the animal parasiticides market. The emerging market in Latin America and Asia Pacific is contributing in the positive growth of animal parasiticides market owing to the increasing population of companion animals' and livestock. Moreover, increasing per capita expenditure on animal health along with improving infrastructure of animal welfare is some of the major factors fueling the demand for animal parasiticides in these regions. With growing awareness towards animal healthcare, countries such as China, India, Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand in developing nations like Asia pacific is expected to depict a significant growth over the forecast period from 2015 to 2021. Argentina and Brazil are potential market for animal parasiticides across Latin America.



Some of the key players operating in the animal parasiticides market are Ceva Sante Animale S.A., Vetoquinol S.A., Virbac SA in France, Bayer Aktiengesellschaft in Germany, Novartis AG in Switzerland, Merial Limited, Eli Lilly and Company, Zoetis Inc. and Merck & Co., Inc. in U.S.
The state Legislatures budget committee on Thursday unanimously rejected Gov. Scott Walkers plan to save $60 million by self-insuring state workers, saying it found $63.9 million in other savings.

Instead of shifting nearly 250,000 government workers and dependents from a system in which they are insured by 17 HMOs, the Joint Finance Committee said it would tap $25.8 million from program reserves, negotiate $22.7 million in savings from the HMOs and find another $15.4 million in savings through benefit changes.

Cost increases to employees  including premiums, co-pays, deductibles, out-of-pocket maximums and other expenses  will not exceed 10 percent, legislators said.

The budget committee also approved additional oversight over the Group Insurance Board, which oversees state workers benefits and recommended self-insurance in February.

Four members are to be appointed by the Legislature to the board, which currently has 11 members and is controlled by the governor, and the budget committee expects to review changes to the state worker program. Walker vetoed similar provisions two years ago.

Walker spokesman Tom Evenson said he wouldnt comment on potential vetoes this year. But he said Walker would continue to advocate for conservative reforms like self-insurance.

Moving to self-insurance is a common sense conservative reform that would save taxpayer money without passing on costs to state workers, Evenson said in a statement.

The Wisconsin Association of Health Plans, which represents many of the HMOs in the program, opposed self-insurance, saying it would disrupt the states competitive health insurance market. Many of the HMOs are owned by regional health care systems.

The budget committees action was a vote for competition over consolidation, Nancy Wenzel, CEO of the association, said in a statement. We look forward to continuing our relationship in providing the highest quality, most cost-effective health care benefits and services to state employees and their families.

Budget committee co-chairwoman Sen. Alberta Darling, R-River Hills, said the states competitive marketplace is a model for the nation. With whats happening nationally, this is the wrong time for us to make major shifts in the marketplace, Darling said.

Co-chairman Rep. John Nygren, R-Marinette, said that by limiting the budget panels involvement in the self-insurance plan, Walker and the Group Insurance Board made it difficult for the committee to support it.

Were the board of directors for the state of Wisconsin, Nygren said. The fact that we are not involved in that conversation from the beginning. ... We have really no other answer than to say no.

Rick Badger, executive director of Wisconsin AFSCME Council 32, which represents some state workers, said he is glad the budget committee found the majority of savings from insurance company profits and administrative overhead.

But, AFSCME is disappointed in the proposed cost hikes for Wisconsin workers, Badger said in a statement.

The committee identified $63.9 million in savings, instead of $60 million, because Walkers budget overestimated savings from avoiding an Affordable Care Act fee through self-insurance, Nygren said.

The $25.8 million in savings to the state budget from program reserves would come from tapping a total of $68.8 million in reserves over two years.

Last month, the nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau said the $144.4 million in reserves last year were $18.4 million more than the maximum and $68.8 million more than the minimum allowed under a 2011 policy.

Under self-insurance, the state would take on the risk for medical claims instead of paying premiums to HMOs. Six insurance companies would administer the program in four regions of the state.

Consultants have said the move could save $40 million a year or cost up to $100 million a year.

Most large employers self-insure, including 46 states that fully or partially self-insure state workers. That list includes Wisconsin, since the state offers a self-insured option, with rich benefits and high employee cost, which a small number of workers choose.

What happens next with state worker benefits is unclear. The Group Insurance Board could still pursue the regionalization portion of the self-insurance plan, requiring HMOs to bid throughout regions instead of in individual counties as is the case today.

The boards next scheduled meeting is Aug. 30.
Portland, OR -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/15/2017 -- Europe Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems Market Report, published by Allied Market Research, forecasts that the market was valued $58 million in 2015, and is expected to reach $792 million by 2022, supported by a CAGR of 44.9% during the forecast period 2016 - 2022. The sensors segment is anticipated to generate the highest revenue in this market during the forecast period.



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The European CGMS market is expected to witness dynamic growth, owing to rise in per capita healthcare expenditure, increase in disposable income of individuals, and growth in prevalence rates of diabetes. In addition, CGMS has various advantages over conventional glucose monitors such as greater sensitivity, higher precision, and periodic monitoring. CGMS can be used across all age groups and various healthcare settings. Moreover, the technology is applicable in artificial/bionic pancreas; hence, several CGMS and insulin pump manufacturers focus on the development of novel and advanced CGMS. However, unfavorable reimbursement policies for CGMS hinder the market growth.



Sensors market contributed for the highest share of revenue in the CGMS market. In addition, the market is expected to witness the highest growth during the analysis period, as CGM sensors are changed frequently as compared to transmitters & receivers. As the percentage of adult population is high, this segment is estimated to generate the largest market revenue. However, owing to the growth in demand for CGM devices for children, the children population segment may grow at a higher CAGR.



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Based on end-user market analysis, diagnostics/clinics contributed the highest share to the market revenue. The network of health insurers with the physicians operating at the diagnostics/clinics level is expected to drive the CGMS market in European diagnostics/clinics. However, high growth of the home healthcare segment is expected, as this segment is economic as compared to treatment from healthcare institutions. In addition, home healthcare would be the suitable solution for geriatric and children population who cannot visit the clinics for diabetes treatment.



Key findings of Europe Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems Market:



- UK is projected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period.



- Germany generated about one-fifth of the total market revenue in 2015, and is projected to be the maximum revenue-generating country by 2022.



- Sensors segment accounted for more than three-fifths of the market revenue in 2015 and is projected to exhibit prominent growth during the forecast period.



- Home healthcare and diagnostic/clinics contributed over half of the market share in 2015.



Region wise, Germany leads the market, in terms of revenue, owing to favorable guidelines about pricing and fixed reimbursement budget allocation for CGM devices. In addition, the market is estimated to exhibit significant growth in Norway, Sweden, and Denmark owing to the availability of advanced diabetes care facilities, and robust clinical guidelines and standards for diabetes management.



Renowned companies, such as Senseonics and Rubin Medical, have adopted collaboration as their key strategy to commercialize their CGMS products in Denmark and Sweden. An increasing number of diabetic patients, well-structured diabetes management regime, and proactive initiatives taken by the government have encouraged several CGMS companies to invest in Europe.



Key players profiled in this report include Abbott Laboratories, DexCom Inc., Echo Therapeutics Inc., Insulet Corporation, Johnson & Johnson, Medtronic plc, Senseonics Holding Inc., and F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. Other players (not profiled in this report) operating in this market include AgaMatrix, Inc., GlySure, OrSense, and Ypsomed.



About Allied Market Research

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Valley Cottage, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/15/2017 -- Malt is a product prepared from grains through a malting process, which involves partial germination, to modify the grains' natural food substances. Barley is generally used to prepare malt, while rice wheat, corn and rye are used less frequently. The principle use of malt is in brewing beer. Malt is also used for preparation of whiskey and other beverages. Its wide usage in alcohols, beverages and food products makes it an important product in the food and beverage industry. It is also used to make confections such as malted shakes, malt vinegar, flavored drinks such as Horlicks, and Milo, and some baked goods, such as bagels, malt loaf, and rich tea. Malted barley is an ingredient in blended flours specifically used in the manufacture of yeast breads and other baked goods.



Malt Market: Drivers & Restraints



The key driver for this market is the use of malt in the beer industry, which is growing at a fast rate. Its widespread use in the food industry is another impetus for the growth of this market. Opportunities for this market lie in the use of different types of malt extracts in food products. Growing popularity of wine and other beverages acts as a hindrance in the growth of this market, as this would reduce the consumption of beer. Increase in the use of organic malt in making breweries is boosting the growth of the market. The major challenge to this market is the entry of local players in the market. They offer low cost product, and thus are able to generate a broader customer base.



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Malt Market: Segmentation



The global malt market can be broadly segmented on the basis of type, application, brewers, and source. On the basis of type, the malt market can be classified into-Dry Extract, Liquid Extract, Malt Flour. On the basis of application, the malt market can be segmented into-Beer Industry, Whisky Distilleries, Food & Beverages, and Pharmaceutical industry. On the basis of brewers, the malt market can be segmented into- Base Malt, Standard Malt and Specialty Malt. On the basis of source, it can be segmented into-Barley, Wheat, Rye.



Malt Market: Region Wise Outlook



Geographically, the acai berry market is segmented into seven regions which are ; North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Japan, Asia Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ), and Middle East and Africa (MEA) and Japan.



North America has been the largest market for malts, sharing superiority in both production as well as consumption. Western Europe and Central Europe are also one of the key malt markets. Countries in Asia Pacific such as, China, South Korea and Australia are showing relatively quicker growth and are expected to be the dominant markets over the coming years. Countries in Africa such as, Zimbabwe and Botswana constitute of two of the most promising market potentials followed by Latin America.



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Malt Market: Key Players



Some of the major companies manufacturing malts in the global market are Bairds Malt Ltd, Cargill Inc., Crisp Malting Group Ltd, Malteurop Group, Muntons Malt plc, Simpsons Malt Ltd. Cargill Inc. Bairds Malt Ltd. Crisp Malting Group Ltd., Heineken, Muntons Malt plc and others.
New York, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/15/2017 -- The synthetic version of progesterone, 17?-hydroxy-6?-methylprogesterone acetate is also known by the name Medroxyprogesterone Acetate. Medroxyprogesterone acetate is a more potent derivative of medroxyprogesterone and what is normally injected is its acetate derivative. Medroxyprogesterone acetate is administered every 3 months which in turn prevents ovulation and follicular maturation in endometrial thinning producing a contraceptive effect.



Medroxyprogesterone Acetate Market: Drivers and Restraints



The medroxyprogesterone acetate market is driven by the increasing need for birth control measure and government initiatives to generate more awareness related to the different contraceptive methods. There are various forecasting initiatives undertaken to understand the demand of Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) as a birth control measure. In January 2015, the Concept Foundation contracted William Davidson Institute (WDI), to understand the demand of DMPA in low income and middle-income countries.



Manufacturers are now trying to develop low-dose injectable of medroxyprogesterone acetate through subcutaneous route so as to lower some of the side effects related to weight gain and metabolic effects.



Medroxyprogesterone Acetate Market: Segmentation



On the basis of end use the medroxyprogesterone acetate market can be segment as:



Contraceptive, Hormone replacement therapy, Treatment of endometriosis, Other



On the basis of route of administration the medroxyprogesterone acetate market can be segment as:



Oral, Parenteral



Medroxyprogesterone Acetate Market: Overview



Sayana Press a three-month, progestin-only injectable contraceptive was approved by the UK authorities in 2015. PATH along with ministries of health in Uganda and Senegal are researching on self-injection of Sayana Press and ways that it could be effective in women. Through the PATH initiatives since 2014, this contraceptive is available in remote locations in Uganda, Senegal, Niger and Burkina Faso. Sayana Press has regulatory approval in Europe and 25 other countries. In 2014, the Children's Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF), the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Pfizer Inc. decided to offer Sanaya Press to purchasers from 69 countries for US$1 per dose.



The public and the private partners announced in the London Summit to reach poorest countries by 2020 with around 12 million doses of Sayana Press. Injctables has always been a popular contraceptive method in Sub-Saharan Africa and hence the presentation of Sayana Press inj the Uniject device is expected to increase the demand. The all-in-one prefiled injection system improves safety and enhances access through non-clinical channels.



Medroxyprogesterone Acetate Market: Region-wise Outlook



In terms of geography, medroxyprogesterone acetate market has been divided into five regions including North- America, Asia- Pacific, Middle-East & Africa, Latin America and Europe. The presence of major market players, technology advancements and research investments has made North America the dominating region for the cardiac biomarkers market. Moreover, there are many startups who are trying to enter the medroxyprogesterone acetate market with new technologies and more efficacy.



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Developing countries are focusing on bringing down the infact and maternal death rates by legalizing the use of injectable contraceptives. One such initiative was taken by Haryana, which became the first state in the country to implement the use of injectable contraceptives. The project would be initiated in nine blocks of the state where the injectable would be available free of costs in all district hospitals, primary health centers and community health centers.



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Medroxyprogesterone Acetate Market: Key Market Participants



Some of the medroxyprogesterone acetate market participants are Pfizer Inc., Fangtong Pharma.Co.Ltd, Gador S.A., Sigma-Aldrich Co. LLC., Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Greenstone LLC, Serum Internation Ltd., West-Coast Pharmaceutical, Arrow Pharma Group, and Zuche Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd..



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The willow-leaved justicia (Justicia gendarussa), a medicinal plant found throughout Southeast Asia, contains a potent anti-HIV-1 compound more powerful than the clinically used drug azidothymidine (AZT), according to new research.

The willow-leaved justicia, an evergreen plant mostly found in moist areas, is believed to be native to China and is distributed widely across India, Sri Lanka, and Malaysia.

In Indian and Chinese traditional medicine, the leaf of the plant is recommended to treat ailments such as fever, hemiplegia, rheumatism, arthritis, headache, earache, muscle pain, respiratory disorders, and digestive trouble.

The newly-identified chemical, patentiflorin A, has the ability to inhibit the reverse transcriptase (RT), an enzyme needed for HIV to incorporate its genetic code into a cells DNA.

The compound was identified in a screening of more than 4,500 plant extracts for their effect against the HIV virus.

The first anti-HIV drug, AZT (also known as zidovudine) was developed and approved in 1987. It inhibits the RT enzyme and remains the cornerstone of HIV drug cocktails today.

Patentiflorin A represents a novel anti-HIV agent that can be added to the current anti-HIV drug cocktail regimens to increase suppression of the virus and prevention of AIDS, said lead co-author Lijun Rong, professor of microbiology and immunology in the College of Medicine at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

In studies of human cells infected with the HIV virus, patentiflorin A had a much more significant inhibition effect on the RT enzyme.

Patentiflorin A was able to inhibit the action of RT much more effectively than AZT, and was able to do this both in the earliest stages of HIV infection when the virus enters macrophage cells, and alter infection when it is present in T cells of the immune system, Prof. Rong said.

It also was effective against known drug-resistant strains of the HIV virus, making it a very promising candidate for further development into a new HIV drug.

Prof. Rong and co-authors from the University of Illinois at Chicago, Hong Kong Baptist University, and the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, were also able to synthesize patentiflorin A.

If we can make the drug in the lab, we dont need to establish farms to grow and harvest the plant, which requires significant financial investment, not to mention it has an environmental impact, Prof. Rong said.

The study was published this week in the Journal of Natural Products.

_____

Hong-Jie Zhang et al. Potent Inhibitor of Drug-Resistant HIV-1 Strains Identified from the Medicinal Plant Justicia gendarussa. J. Nat. Prod, published online June 14, 2017; doi: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.7b00004
Fishermen caught a two-headed harbor porpoise in the North Sea in Netherlands. A confirmation assures that this is the first case of conjoined twin harbor porpoises.

The sighting of the fully grown two-headed harbor porpoise is very rare. According to New Scientist, the recently surfaced conjoined twins must be the 10th known case in cetaceans. Cetaceans include whales, dolphins or porpoises. A study regarding the said harbor porpoise is available in the popular online Journal of the Natural History Museum Rotterdam, Deinsea.

One of the key authors of the study, Erwin Kompanje, reveals that anatomy of the cetaceans is different from that of the terrestrial mammals. Not much information is available about the cetacean's adaptation for living as a mammal in the sea. But, this new case of the two-headed harbor porpoise must bring important information on this aspect.

The two-headed harbor porpoise was probably dead when the fishermen caught the sea creature in the net in late May. The fishermen returned the harbor porpoise back into the North Sea as they thought it could be illegal to keep this specimen. Though, they took some images of this sea animal and produced them for further research work.

This harbor porpoise is a baby male porpoise that had pectoral fins and fully grown body. The heads were also well-developed. According to Time, the sea animal weighed almost 13 pounds and had a length around 28 inches. Researchers did not have any clear idea about the age of the two-headed harbor porpoise, but they thought the sea creature died soon after birth.

Erwin Kompanje uttered that they can't examine the two-headed harbor porpoise physically, but still they have the opportunity to learn more from the images. Kompanje also stated that the tail of the twins had not stiffened and it pointed out that the sea animal died soon after its birth. Twins are mainly visible in humans and other common domestic animals.

But, it is rare in cetaceans, mainly in dolphins and whales. Kompanje revealed that a female harbor porpoise doesn't have sufficient space in the body to contain more than one fetus. Many other conjoined twins like the two-headed harbor porpoise may probably exist in the oceans. Though, people can't notice them as these sea creatures are born in the oceans and never surfaced.
Russian authorities stated that a Kazakh man died and another man injured when they were caught in a fire on the steppes caused by debris from a Russian space launch on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the Russian rocket had been successfully launched into space to send supply to the International Space Station.

In the launching of the rocket, its blaze reached for about 15 kilometers across. This made some parts of the rocket fall to Earth. The launch happened near the Baikonur Cosmodrome.

Meanwhile, the deceased man who was then driving a truck was suppressed by flames because of the powerful gust of the wind. The Russia's space agency Roscosmos confirmed the death of the man on Thursday. It blamed it to the difficult meteorological conditions in the fallout region that had extremely high temperatures, according to Phys.org.

The dead man was identified as Yuri Khatyushin and the other injured man as Vyacheslav Tyts, who was rushed to the hospital for treatment. The space company is now preparing the necessary assistance that will be given to the families of the deceased and the injured victim.

After the launch, there was also "dry grass fire" around 40 kilometers from Zhezkazgan at around 1:25 p.m. GMT on Wednesday. The fire started after the launching of the Russian rocket known as Soyuz 2.1 a rocket. It blasted off from Baikonur at 0920 GMT (10:20 p.m. local time). The fire was put off by around 9 p.m. GMT on Wednesday, according to the committee spokesman Ruslan Imankulov.

Both the dead man and the injured victim were hired to clear up the debris from the launch by NPO Mashinostroyeniya, a major Russian rocket company. Meanwhile, the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan is the major area for launches to the International Space Station. Nearby is Zhezkazgan, in which astronauts currently land from the International Space Station, according to Times Live.
A massive melt on the surface of the highly vulnerable West Antarctica is feared to start a snowball effect due to climate change. In fact, an area larger than the state of Texas already melted to an unusual degree in 2016.

While ice melting occurs from time to time, meltwater can actually accelerate the thawing that is already occurring in the ocean. If this continues, West Antarctica alone can contribute about 10 feet of sea level rise.

According to The Verge, the area in the Ross Ice Shelf likely melted at the surface because of the 2015-2016 El Nino event. During this period, warm and moist sea air was brought in the area and may have caused the melting of what is said to be the world's largest chunk of floating ice.

Another worrisome event in Antarctica is a recent rainfall -- a striking event that rattled the scientific community. Robin Bell, an Antarctic researcher from Columbia University, expressed that Antarctic rain is unheard of, considering that it is an icy desert.

Fortunately, for now, the melt does not have any large consequences yet. As The Washington Post noted, the shelf surface subsequently froze again. Still, it is a worrisome thought that one day, the ice could melt -- and stay melted. David Bromwich, an Antarctic expert at Ohio State University and one of the authors of the study, said that this even provides the scientific community of a possible glimpse of the future.

Bromwich also added that this is particularly worrisome because it fits into a pattern that became an influential study of Antarctica. In the study, climate and ice sheet models predicted the possibility of major ice loss during the century. If this happens, at least 4 feet of sea level rise will be seen in Antarctica alone.

The bad news does not end there. The melting event in Antarctica today is said to be a "taste of what's to come," and in the future, people should expect for frequent, extended melting along the ice sheets of West Antarctica.
The universe still remains a mystery. It seems that a new, strange truth about it has been revealed and it may have been a few lonely trillion years for the Sun. Young stars in the Perseus molecular cloud revealed that stars may have been born in pairs, and the Sun somehow lost its companion along the way.

As noted by Astronomy, all stars essentially formed in molecular clouds. As seen in observations from Perseus, all of these stars were gravitationally bound. In fact, such astronomical binary system may have been a requirement of protostars, and they could require a common center of gravity. Their companion should be there to accumulate mass -- and the dense cores can therefore use leftover material to form more stars.

The study appeared in the journal Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, stating that as many as 60 percent of the stars shed their binary pair over time. They may gain a wider distance from their pair until their gravitational bind is severed. They may also have different mass, meaning some of the companions could be brown dwarfs that could be cast out by their larger pairs.

There is also the possibility that the star pair is still around and can still influence its pair's environment. Scientists, for instance, have been speculating of a sun companion for decades.

Space.com reported that scientists theorized a gravitational tug that periodically jostles comets out of their normal orbits, which is how they end up toward Earth. Such impacts have caused mass extinctions, which earned the putative star the nickname Nemesis. However, new studies do not paint Nemesis as a sort of astrological murderer. It likely broke free from the Sun and melted into the Milky Way and its many stellar populations.

Why did scientists not realize such binaries until now? Steven Stahler, a research astronomer from the University of California Berkeley, stated, "The key here is that no one looked before in a systematic way at the relation of real young stars to the clouds that spawn them." Today, Stahler and his partner are doing some modeling work to better understand the revelation.
Sandra Newbury didn't set out to become a major figure in the world of animal shelters.

While living in Chicago working as an artist for 12 years, a fascination with helping stray neighborhood cats got her foot in the door with animal shelters.

After volunteering and working in shelters, Newbury attended the veterinary school at UW-Madison. She saw great need and wanted to make an impact on the well-being of shelters and their animals.

Newbury went on to help found the shelter medicine program at the University of California-Davis, while working remotely from her home in Madison.

She travels nationally and internationally improving animal shelters. In 2014, Newbury started the shelter medicine program, serving as the director of the program at UW-Madison's veterinary school.

While UW-Madison didn't have a formal shelter program until 2014, the school was likely teaching shelter medicine courses before anyone else, she said.

In May, Newbury was named one of 15 national winners of the Maddie's Fund's Maddie Hero Award. The award gives $10,000 grants to each winner's organization for their efforts to advance a no-kill mission in shelters.

A pioneer in shelter medicine, which only recently became a board-certified specialty, Newbury said she is one of about 10 board-certified shelter medicine practitioners.

"If you look at veterinary medicine and the number of animals that need help or assistance that end up in shelters, there is no other disease, there is no other thing that affects more animals than animal shelters or animal care," she said. "No cancer kills as many animals."

What is shelter medicine?

Shelter medicine is working with animal shelters  they are kind of our patients instead of just an individual animal. Though, a lot of the time, we do work with individual animals. We look at the whole organization as our partner and our patients. We work with animal shelters to increase their lifesaving capacity. Our goal is to help shelters save more lives.

We work with them on infectious disease, sanitation, even the way they do adoptions, the way they do intake and we do work in the community to support lifesaving instead of having animals pouring into shelters.

Do you work with the Dane County Humane Society as a branch of your work at UW-Madison?

A long time ago I was the director of medical services (at DCHS) which is really nice. (DCHS) is our field shelter for the UW-Madison shelter medicine program. Our interns work here, our residents do other clinical work here... I consult with (the shelter) on a regular basis. I'm pretty involved in a lot of the decisions that are made. If we really want to try something that would be a great new idea we try it here (at DCHS) first. This shelter is a really nice example of how a shelter can be run.

How has shelter medicine changed the landscape for animal shelters?

Before I went to vet school, when I would work in shelters, vets would come to shelters to help, but they didn't understand how shelters worked.... Coming out of vet school I came back to shelters with a whole new perspective.... A lot of shelters didn't used to vaccinate when animals came in... now we've done enough research to see how incredibly important it is to vaccinate an animal as it comes through the door. Now we can do the outreach and education to show shelters that. We've worked on a document called the Guidelines for Standards of Care in Animal Shelters. A lot of people running shelters didn't know what the right things to do were.... Our goal is to get that information out to veterinarians and non-veterinarians. Sometimes shelters have vets, but sometimes they don't have vets. Sometimes we have to educate the board of directors or the shelter director so they understand the health implications of the decisions they are making.

Do you think because of shelter medicine shelters are becoming stronger, better places for animals to be?

Oh yeah  I'd like to believe a lot of that comes from shelter medicine. Even in the standards of care we wrote we were clear that we didn't expect every shelter to go from where they are to getting all of this achieved, but what we want is for every shelter to go from where they are to a little bit better. If they are always doing that then everything is getting better and animals' lives are being saved.

 Interview by Amanda Finn
FLORENCE, S.C. -- A suspect charged in the Sept. 15, 2016 armed robbery of a Florence bank has pleaded guilty to the charge

Brian Myers, 33, of Javelin Circle, Effingham, Wednesday entered his plea and was sentenced to 13 years in prison for the armed robbery of TD Bank on Pamplico Highway in Florence, said Lt. Mike Brandt, Florence Police Department.

"Mr. Myers court appearance brought to conclusion months of investigative efforts by officers of the Florence Police Department," Brandt said.

"Crime Scene Investigators located latent prints belonging to Mr. Myers, which placed him inside the bank, and later located trace evidence linking his vehicle to the robbery," Brandt said in a release on the conviction.
A new task force has been set up in Madison to help immigrants and refugees become more comfortable here, especially with law enforcement.

The Law Enforcement and Leaders of Color Collaboration, a joint venture of the NAACP of Dane County and United Way of Dane County, has formed the Immigration and Refugee Task Force, with its first community engagement session set for 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. July 6 at Centro Hispano.

Our community wants safety, strong families and stable lives, free of fear, said United Way President and CEO Renee Moe.

United Way exists to help our community address its toughest problems, Moe said. With NAACP of Dane County, we are happy to be asked to convene this task force to facilitate trust, truth and action.

The main goal of the task force is to identify key recommendations that will build trust and establish lines of communication between law enforcement and the immigrant and refugee communities, in order to reduce fear.

The NAACP has a long-standing policy against racial profiling, and has always strongly supported the rights of immigrants, said NAACP of Dane County President Greg Jones.

Jones pointed out how current federal immigration enforcement policies strikes fear in the immigrant/refugee population.

These alarming immigration enforcement policies have negatively impacted the lives and sense of safety and security among individuals and families throughout our immigrant community, Jones said.

The task force includes leaders of the people of color community and law enforcement, with Karen Menendez Coller, executive director of Centro Hispano of Dane County, and Jeff Hook, chief deputy of the Dane County Sheriffs Office, as co-chairs.

I believe we must work toward comprehensive immigration reform, including an expedited means to citizenship for people living and working in our communities, said Sheriff Dave Mahoney.

Nationally, and certainly in Dane County, we cannot find success from community policing when a segment of our community lives in the shadows as victims of crime, fearing law enforcement, Mahoney said.

The Law Enforcement and Leaders of Color Collaboration was formed in 2014 when the United Way and NAACP were asked by local law enforcement leaders to bring people together in response to several officer-involved fatal shootings in the U.S.
An apartment fire caused by grease catching fire on the stove caused an estimated $45,000 in damage Thursday in Janesville, with nobody hurt in the blaze.

The fire was reported at 9:50 p.m. in the lower unit of a two-story building at 424 N. Pearl St., the Janesville Fire Department said.

Arriving firefighters were told by the tenant that he was cooking French fries in oil on top of the stove and the oil caught fire.

The building was checked to make sure everyone was out and the fire was extinguished.

The fire was isolated to the kitchen but smoke damage was throughout the apartment.
The recent spring gatherings in New York and Stamford CT produced the false view that the dry cargo markets were booming when in fact they were barely breaking even.

All of this while shipping continues to carry more than 90% of physical world trade and will do so for the foreseeable future.

Shipping is the worlds largest service industry with hundreds of shipowners competing on a global basis to be paid to transport billions of dollars worth of cargoes across the oceans and waterways around the world.

The huge rise in demand for shipping services in the last decade, led by the Chinese industrial boom commencing in 2004, caused a significant surge in freight rates for dry-bulk and containerized cargoes. This attracted a large number of new owners and investors from the various private equity and hedge funds in the USA and Europe.

It is clear that the objectives of many investors in the publicly quoted companies were to chase short-term gains in ship values while cutting costs in all directions. However most of the Funds that have invested in the last 10 years have shown little or no return except for some day trading on shipping rumors.

The investment surge focused on building new ships to meet the perceived increased demand, with a view that the ship values would increase enabling them to be sold for a profit as soon as they were delivered.

This philosophy ignored the fact that ship values are driven by the revenues earned from carrying cargoes, the quality of the ship management and the capacity of the shipyards to build new ships, and deliver them in a short timeframe.

The Chinese boom lasted less than five years but the new ship orders continued to deliver into the second decade and resulted in a 50% growth in the capacity of the world fleets of dry-bulk and container ships. The tanker fleets were also over-built as investors switched their attention away from the loss-making dry markets and also climbed into the OSV markets.

The result is a grossly overtonnaged industry with depressed freight rates and reduced ship values. Many quoted companies face insolvency as the unavoidable costs of classification surveys loom and the balance sheet values of the ships are overstated.

Many of the new investors rely on statistical projections of ship values rather than a factual analysis of the freight markets and ignore the fact that charterers will not fix longterm charters with owners that are likely to sell the ships at any time.

Funds have rarely done well when investing in service industries that use expensive assets that are high maintenance and inherently depreciating.

Most of these facts are known to traditional shipowners who have faced similar excesses in the past 30 years, but none of such a serious size.

These owners, who value close relationships with cargo owners, form the hard core of shipping that focuses on operating their ships efficiently on period charters that generate modest profits after bank financing and depreciation but provide a longterm revenue stream.

A well maintained ship properly managed can earn as much as a new ship as there has been little change in the ships fundamental technology. The ships must be properly certified and the costs of these statutory surveys must be budgeted for.

New regulations covering air pollution and ballast water treatment will slowly be introduced but are costly.

Given the substantially private nature of ship ownership it is not surprising that the majority of charter fixtures go unreported and the so-called indexes, such as the BDI are a worthless gauge of market activity. Only the publicly quoted companies publish some details of charters and the prices of ships bought or sold.

The result of the short-term approach to ship values is that a majority of ships now trade in the spot markets, do not achieve even 300 days annually of paid activity and have to pay for their own fuel.

Recently we have seen a surge in newbuilding orders in both wet and dry bulk and more surprisingly in large container ships. By funding the construction of large numbers of ships of all types without securing their employment is a huge mistake as we have already seen.

The enormous losses in the German equity and debt markets will be repeated elsewhere and probably in the Chinese and Korean Exim banks as they work to support their shipbuilders.

The outlook for crude oil demand is stable with no growth in production and low prices. But the introduction of new fleets of Iranian and Saudi Vlccs and the decline of US imports suggest a weak future for ships not fixed on period charters.

The container markets are grossly overtonnaged and mostly a one-way traffic with few backhaul cargoes and new US policy on trade agreements will likely reduce US imports.

Overall we can expect shipping to return to making marginal profits from the services it provides and the operational longevity it can obtain from using well maintained and well managed ships.
The Shell executive cited a host of unacceptable statistics. In the last 10 years, there have been over 2,500 shipping incidents worldwide each year, he said, and an annual average of 119 ships completely lost.

Our shipping industry has a fatal accident rate 20 times that of the average British worker and 5 times that of construction, Henderson added. In the last 10 years globally, there have been 60 seafarer fatalities and 145 serious injuries from testing of lifeboats alone! 

The Chamber president then called on the industry to work together to make a significant step change improvement in safety, for example by joining in on the new Safety Culture Forum designed to share best practice that the CoS has set up this year.
Press Release

June 16, 2017 De Lima urges gov't to address rising unemployment Sen. Leila M. de Lima has urged the government to arrest the rising unemployment and underemployment rates in the country, especially among the youth and overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) displaced in conflict-stricken areas. In filing Senate Resolution No. 402, De Lima wanted the Senate labor committee to look into the rising unemployment and prepare measures or programs to mitigate its impact to the country's economy. She also asked the Senate labor committee to assess the potential adverse effects of House Bill No. 5636, or the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Act, not only to the middle- and low-income workers but also to the unemployed. "There is a very urgent need for the government to anticipate and address the economic impact of rising unemployment, especially in light of President Duterte's act of certifying as urgent the passage of House Bill No. 5636," she said. She explained that the proposed tax reform measure is "poised to become extremely burdensome" to middle- and low-income earners, as well as the unemployed and underemployed individuals. These unemployed and underemployed persons will not benefit from the lowered income tax rates but will only suffer the hike in the prices of basic goods precipitated by the proposed higher excise tax rates on fuel, she pointed out. Official figures showed that unemployment rate rose from 38.4 to 39.2 million from 2015 to 2016, respectively, while underemployment rate increased by 847,000 to 7.7 million in January 2016. The Senator from Bicol also expressed concern over the increasing number of unemployed individuals among the youth and overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who are feared to be displaced due to ongoing war or conflict abroad. "The government should strengthen efforts towards job creation and generation, and solving the issue of job mismatch, especially now that almost million joined the labor force because of the recently-concluded academic year," she said. De Lima also noted that the displaced OFWs who are unable to find alternative employment will further balloon the unemployment problem and negatively impact expected remittances abroad. She added that the government should study the possibility of providing greater benefits and training incentives for fresh graduates and displaced OFWs who badly need to ease out their financial burdens while seeking employment. "There is an urgent need to investigate in aid of legislation the rise in our country's unemployment rate, address this perennial problem, and study the possible negative effects of certain proposed legislation on unemployed workers, their families, and Philippine society in general," she pointed out.
Press Release

June 16, 2017 Gatchalian Calls for Expedited Marawi Rehabilitation Plan As the battle between government forces and the Maute terrorist group rages on in Marawi City, Senator Win Gatchalian is urging the national government to act swiftly in laying the groundwork for a long-term recovery and rehabilitation program which will revitalize the war-torn city and help its citizens rebuild their lives. "When the government finally wins the battle against the Maute group, an even more challenging battle will begin: the fight to rebuild Marawi City. We have to start preparing for this formidable task as early as now," said Gatchalian. Proposed Senate Resolution No. 404, filed by Gatchalian on Thursday, urges the national government to get the ball rolling on the recovery plan by conducting an exhaustive assessment of the damage suffered by the city and its residents as a result of the conflict. The resolution stresses that it "should be a unified mission by all concerned government agencies" to immediately launch "the most effective recovery and rehabilitation program to rebuild the city." Therefore, the comprehensive assessment is designed to touch on key sectors: agriculture, industry, tourism, education, health, housing, cultural heritage, and public utilities and sanitation, among others. Based on this assessment, the government will be armed with the information it needs to provide immediate humanitarian relief to internally displaced persons (IDPs) and formulate long-term plans to rebuild infrastructure and revive key sectors. Noting that Lanao del Sur is one of the poorest provinces in the Philippines, with an alarming poverty incidence of 71.9 percent among the population (more than three times greater than the national average of 21.6 percent, according to the 2015 Family Income and Expenditure Survey), Gatchalian stressed that simply bringing Marawi City back to the status quo will not be enough. "Beneath the rubble of this terrible tragedy lies a golden opportunity to build Marawi City into something greater than it ever was before. With this in mind, the government's recovery and rehabilitation plan should aim to build superior infrastructure and increase access to and quality of basic social services, with the noble vision of eradicating poverty in the province as its end goal," the senator said. Drawing from conversations he had with Marawi residents during a recent visit to evacuation centers in Lanao del Sur, Gatchalian emphasized that the government must take concrete action now to begin rehabilitation efforts. "The people of Marawi are not yet confident in the government's commitment to help them rebuild their lives when the fighting is over. We need to expedite the formulation of the rehabilitation plan so that we can restore their faith in the promise of a peaceful and prosperous future for their homeland," he said.
Three suspected teenage gang members were arrested Thursday in connection with a Santa Rosa carjacking in which the victim was dragged from his vehicle and punched and kicked repeatedly as he lay on the ground, officials said.

A fourth teenager suspected of being involved in the brutal assault Tuesday was arrested the night of the attack, according to the Santa Rosa Police Department.

Officers were called to the 2300 block of Amethyst Way about 10:10 p.m. and found the victim, whose name was not released, bleeding from injuries to his head and face, police said. He was treated at a local hospital and has since been released.

The victim is an adult who is not affiliated with any gang, and did not know the suspects, according to Santa Rosa police Sgt. Tommy Isachsen.

Police learned that four suspects yanked the man from his car and punched and kicked him when he fell to the ground, then climbed into the vehicle and drove away, according to police.

Shortly after the carjacking was reported, officers spotted the stolen car and arrested a 16-year-old boy who was driving, according to police. The boy, who has a history of gang activity, was detained at the Juvenile Justice Center on suspicion of battery with serious bodily injury, being an active gang participant and assault with a deadly weapon.

Because of the injuries he sustained from the assault, they considered the feet and kicks to be a deadly weapon, Isachsen said.

With the help of the Sonoma County Multi-Agency Gang Enforcement Team, police identified the three other suspects  a 15-year-old boy and two 16-year-old boys. They, too, were arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon, carjacking and being active gang participants.

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The names of the suspects were not released because they are minors, police said.

The Santa Rosa Police Department Gang Crimes Team asked that witnesses of the attack call them at (707) 543-3670.

Filipa Ioannou is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: fioannou@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @obioannoukenobi
A Pacifica woman pleaded guilty to stealing a six-figure sum from a parent-run volunteer committee at a Catholic high school in San Francisco, officials said Thursday.

Cynthia Mauer, 52, was accused of stealing $180,000 from St. Ignatius College Preparatory in the Sunset District from September 2007 to February 2012, according to the San Francisco district attorneys office.

Mauer co-chaired a committee that organized Grad Night at St. Ignatius, a celebration of the schools graduating seniors. She used her position to siphon money from the committees bank account.

She was arraigned and charged with six counts of grand theft and six counts of embezzlement in April 2016, prosecutors said. She pleaded guilty Monday.

Mauer paid $250,000 in restitution as part of the plea deal  $180,000 plus $70,000 in interest  according to Max Szabo, a spokesman for the district attorneys office.

It was very important to us that the money was returned to the school. This was money raised to benefit the school and its students, not to line the defendants pockets, said District Attorney George Gascon.

Under the terms of the plea deal, she will perform 1,000 hours of community service and receive five years probation, Szabo said.
Amazon.com is buying Whole Foods for $13.7 billion, a deal that comes as the online retail giant makes a big bet on brick-and-mortar stores to get a bigger chunk of consumer spending.

The online juggernaut will gain 400-plus Whole Foods Market stores around the country  about 30 of which are in the Bay Area. Experts say this is a groundbreaking move that will likely upend the grocery industry, putting major pressure on traditional stores and rival online-delivery services to keep up.

The 40,000-square-foot market as we know it is a dinosaur, said Phil Lempert, the food trends editor for NBCs Today show whos known as the Supermarket Guru. This is going to be a great shot in the arm for the industry.

Whole Foods Market will continue to operate stores under that name. John Mackey, co-founder of the chain based in Austin, Texas, will remain as CEO of the company.

Whole Foods caters to higher-income customers, a demographic that matches subscribers to Amazons Prime membership program. Experts say this acquisition is a smart way to expand Amazons physical footprint and enter the hypercompetitive grocery industry. But critics worry it gives the online behemoth too much control of a burgeoning sector. The market for Internet food sales could grow fivefold to $100 billion by 2025, according to the Food Marketing Institute and Nielsen Co.

Amazon has been in the grocery delivery service for years. AmazonFresh, launched a decade ago as a test in a single city near Seattle, offers same-day delivery in a dozen U.S. cities and four cities overseas with a limited selection of groceries.

But its brick-and-mortar experiments have been slow to spread beyond a handful of outposts. It has a single Amazon Go store, a basics-only grocery with no checkout line, and two AmazonFresh Pickup locations where online purchases are loaded into customers cars. There are eight Amazon bookstores in California, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon and Washington. The company will soon open another bookstore in Walnut Creek.

Amazon has seen setbacks in trying to bring grocery stores to the Bay Area. Sunnyvale officials approved plans for a store last fall, but the project shows few signs of moving forward. The developer of a San Carlos location put the application on hold after seeing neighborhood opposition over truck deliveries. Buying Whole Foods gives Amazon stores from coast to coast, and a real estate team experienced in getting approval for stores.

This deal is also seen as a win for Whole Foods, which recently announced a board shakeup and a cost-cutting plan amid falling sales. The chain, sometimes called Whole Paycheck by customers, is known for pricey fare. It has struggled to compete with cheaper sellers of organic food like Trader Joes. Its new 365 chain, with locations planned for Oakland, San Francisco and Concord, emphasizes lower prices.

The biggest loser in this deal could be Instacart, which sends shoppers into Whole Foods stores to pick and deliver groceries for customers.

Thats for two reasons, said Arun Sundararajan, a New York University business professor: It will lose Whole Foods as a grocery partner, and it is likely that Amazon will compete directly with Instacart by offering its own home deliveries of Whole Foods groceries. (A person familiar with Instacarts relationship with Whole Foods says the companies have a multiyear, exclusive contract.)

As Amazon injects its logistical wizardry into Whole Foods, each store will serve the dual purpose of being a retail destination and also an intelligent local warehouse, he said.

While Instacart, Uber and Postmates in San Francisco and Palo Altos DoorDash all have expertise in local last-minute delivery, their operations pale in comparison to the immense organizational expertise Amazon has in delivering to households, Sundararajan said.

For artisanal food vendors and upstart consumer brands, Whole Foods has also been a place to launch products and gain exposure to a mainstream market. Rather than displace them with mass-market brands, Amazon could very well tap those suppliers to boost its offerings.

Amazon is great, said Kara Goldin, CEO of Hint Inc., which sells flavored waters through Whole Foods and Amazon as well as directly to consumers online. They deliver product quickly and effectively and Whole Foods will give them access to more food product and local delivery.

Goldin said the real key to the deal was Whole Foods customer data, which Amazon could exploit.

Bob Hetu, a retail-industry research director for Gartner, said Whole Foods now has the ability to make use of Amazons technology and cost-cutting mind-set. That may help the store drive prices down and appeal to a wider demographic.

Amazon will likely look at the Whole Foods model and see where its broken  pricing, inefficiencies on the inventory management side, Hetu said. They could fix that stuff, and see where they can add automation and where the human element is required.

Shares of Whole Foods and Amazon both jumped on the announcement. The deal is expected to close by the end of the year.

While experts and investors largely view the deal as positive for the two companies, they point out how competitors and partners could be hurt. It could give Amazon, already a dominant player in online sales of books, electronics and other goods, an edge in food delivery as well. Whole Foods had 1.2 percent of the food and grocery market in 2016, according to GlobalData Retail, and Amazon had 0.19 percent.

Amazons acquisition of Whole Foods raises significant anticompetitive issues that should be deeply concerning to federal antitrust regulators and the public, said the Institute for Local Self-Reliance, an advocacy group that focuses on community development and is a frequent critic of the online retailer. This deal would give Amazon, which already sells more clothing, books, toys and consumer electronics than any other retailer, a substantial share of an even bigger consumer goods category, groceries.

I am concerned about what this deal means for suppliers and neighborhood grocery stores, said Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Fremont, in a statement. The Justice Department and Federal Trade Commission must undertake a review that considers not just the mergers impact on prices, but also the impact on jobs and wages. We need to reorient antitrust policy to factor in the harm that economic concentration causes for American workers.

This will cause some consolidation in the retail market, as it tries to figure out how to confront this shift, Hetu said. But it all depends on how well (Amazon and Whole Foods) manages this connection. ... Weve seen a lot of these visionary mergers go bad before.

Chronicle staff writer Carolyn Said contributed to this report.

Trisha Thadani is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: tthadani@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @TrishaThadani
Former Hewlett-Packard shareholders are no doubt pleased that one of the companies that sprang from the Silicon Valley pioneer is flourishing.

Its just not the one they were expecting.

HP Inc., which inherited Hewlett-Packards fading personal computer and printer business, has surprised investors with two consecutive quarters of strong financial performance. Meanwhile, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, the ostensibly faster-growing seller of business software, hardware and services overseen by CEO Meg Whitman, has been struggling to forge an identity since the split two years ago.

Over the past year, HP stock has outperformed its more highly touted sibling, jumping more than 50 percent to $17.27 per share. For much of that period, Hewlett Packard Enterprise stock closely tracked HP. But in February, the buttoned-up sibling fell off the track, and it dropped 11 percent in the past four months.

Were delivering solid performance across our portfolio, in all regions, and on key financial metrics, HP Inc. CEO Dion Weisler said in a call with analysts last month. Its clear our reinvention is paying off.

What gives? The rationale behind Hewlett-Packards November 2015 breakup was to unshackle the future from the past. At the time, the lumbering tech conglomerate, cobbled together in an effort to match the breadth of competitors like IBM and Dell, included a large but rapidly declining PC business formed through its ill-fated $25 billion acquisition of Compaq in 2002.

If personal computers represented the past, remote cloud servers that let businesses and consumers store, retrieve and manage data represented the future. So it made sense to spin out those more promising technologies into an independent business. Hewlett Packard Enterprise was whats next, and HP Inc. was whats left.

HP was essentially the ugly stepchild at the table, said Emilie Feldman, associate professor of management at the University of Pennsylvanias Wharton School. For Wall Street, HP was far less sexy than the enterprise business, she said.

But HP enjoyed the benefit of lower expectations. Since few people expected the company to do much, HP could better focus on a business it already knows well, Feldman said. Though industry sales have been declining since 2012, with people shifting to tablets and smartphones, there are still plenty of PCs left to sell. In 2016, PC makers shipped 270 million units worldwide, according to the Gartner research firm.

Moreover, HPs management, led by Weisler and Ron Coughlin, who oversees the PC business, has made the most of its opportunities.

HP has gained considerable market share in PCs this year. The company said revenue from PC sales jumped about 10 percent in both the first and second quarter compared to the same periods in 2016. Analysts had predicted declines.

Thanks to a first-quarter growth spurt of 6.5 percent, HP has essentially tied industry leader Lenovo in PC shipments, with each company controlling nearly 20 percent of the market, according to Gartner.

Ron Coughlin continues to work his magic on computers, said Rod Hall, an analyst with JPMorgan.

HP has also enjoyed surprisingly strong performance from its more profitable printer business, including 3-D printing services. Rather than aim to put a 3-D printer in every home, as upstarts like Makerbot attempted, HP has focused on manufacturing applications for the promising technology.

We were encouraged to see the company progressing with its 3-D printing strategy and believe this will be a significant growth area for the company in the longer term, Timothy Feeney, an analyst with Morningstar, wrote in a research report.

We suspect that 3-D printing will be a viable form of manufacturing for many businesses, and unlike many startup companies, HP has the size and spending power to roll out this product successfully, he wrote.

Meanwhile, Hewlett Packard Enterprise has had a rocky year.

Cloud technology and big data no doubt present a significant growth opportunity. But Hewlett Packard Enterprise has found itself a relative newcomer in a market already fiercely contested by Amazon.com, IBM, Microsoft, Mountain Views Google and Oracle of Redwood City.

In February, Hewlett Packard Enterprise shares sank after the company reported disappointing earnings amid intense competition in cloud services and rising prices for server memory chips. The company also cited near-term execution issues as Whitman acknowledged that she may have pushed some executives too hard.

We just might have overloaded the troops jut a tad here, Whitman told Bloomberg News at the time.

Spokesman Howard Clabo noted that Whitman told analysts after the second quarter that the company had fixed its execution problems.

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To streamline the company, Whitman said last year that it was spinning off and merging some software assets in a deal with Micro Focus International in the United Kingdom. That deal includes whats left of Autonomy, a business whose $11 billion acquisition in 2011 ended in legal proceedings over still-unresolved allegations of financial impropriety. Micro Focus shareholders approved the deal last month. Hewlett Packard Enterprise is also combining its technology services division with Computer Sciences Corp., a deal it expects to complete this year.

But the flurry of moves has sown confusion among investors on what Hewlett Packard Enterprise ultimately wants to be. And last month, the companys stock again sharply declined after it forecast third-quarter profit that fell short of analysts expectations.

Whitman has been asking investors for patience. Since the company is so new, Wall Street is still trying to figure out how to properly evaluate it, spokesman Clabo said.

We have been undergoing probably the largest transformation  maybe in American business history, Whitman told Bloomberg.

Carly Fiorina, one of her predecessors, used similar language in the early 2000s when she was trying to integrate Compaq into Hewlett-Packard.

Nevertheless, despite its initial stumbles, Hewlett Packard Enterprise may prove to be the better long-term bet as more businesses embrace the cloud. While HP may be performing well now, analysts expect the companys core business of PCs to continue to shrink.

But theres something to be said for understanding what business youre in  and running it well. While Hewlett Packard Enterprise makes headlines, HP prints money.

Thomas Lee is a San Francisco Chronicle columnist. Email: tlee@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @ByTomLee
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A man was found guilty of first-degree murder Thursday for strangling his girlfriend, cramming her body into a suitcase and throwing it into San Francisco Bay.

After three days of deliberation, jurors convicted Lee Bell, 55, of killing Pearla Louis, 52 at the time of her death, whose body washed up along the Embarcadero in May 2010.

Throughout the three-week trial, Assistant District Attorney Michael Swart presented evidence that Bell had a long history of abusing women that continued after he began a relationship with Louis in 2008.

In the last year of her life, Louis was in and out of the hospital for injuries caused by Bell  facial fractures, black eyes, broken ribs  that were similar to newer injuries that the medical examiners office documented during Louis autopsy, Swart said.

Following one of the attacks, Louis moved into a respite center for care. In the weeks leading up to her death, Bell began obsessively calling the center, so much so that the centers staff made a note to never allow him into the facility.

Louis, who was recovering from drug addiction, had a complicated relationship with Bell, who plied her with drugs. Two days before her body washed up, she told a nurse at the respite center that she was going to see Bell to get money he owed her, authorities said. The nurse begged her not to go.

She was last seen alive by a desk clerk at the Harcourt Hotel on Larkin Street in the Tenderloin neighborhood, where Bell was staying. Bell was seen talking to Louis in an angry manner.

Surveillance video footage from another residential hotel showed Bell retrieving a suitcase the following day that matched the one that was later found containing Louis body.

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Malcolm Smith, Bells attorney, argued in trial that Bells history of domestic violence tainted the investigation, with investigators concluding he was guilty despite not knowing when or where Lous was killed.

Bell had repeated outbursts throughout the trial, many about how he did not believe his side was being fairly heard. The case has been delayed over and over as Bell changed attorneys, claiming they were unfit to represent him, and as his own ability to participate in the proceedings was questioned.

Louis adult children sat through much of the trial. Her son, Kareem Marshall, said he and his siblings were looking forward to an end to the seven-year ordeal.

Bell is scheduled to return to court Aug. 25, when a sentencing date will be set.

Vivian Ho is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: vho@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @VivianHo
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A federal judge on Thursday accepted the guilty plea of a former Antioch police officer accused of conspiring with his wife to steal public money, officials said.

The former cop, 39-year-old Gary Bostick, and his wife, 37-year-old Ana Bostick, both of Pittsburg, filed tax returns in the name of dead people in 2015 in order to get fraudulent refunds. They also cashed stolen U.S. Treasury checks at Walmart stores throughout the country, the pair admitted in plea agreements.
Wednesday morning I, along with the rest of the country, woke up to two stories of gun violence  one in Virginia injuring at least five, and another much closer to home in San Francisco, injuring two and leaving four dead.

Weve been here before: outcry on social media; statistics; calls for action. Opinions on both sides of the gun law reform debate. Wednesday was a day about gun violence.

For me, that day is every day.

Sept. 21, 2014, was both the happiest and most traumatic day of my life. I went from being grateful for everything I had, to being left in utter shock over everything that had been taken away. I began the day with a son and a daughter and a fiance. I spent the morning looking at possible wedding sites in Wine Country, envisioning our friends and family surrounding us on the manicured lawn shaded by olive trees. It was a morning filled with promise.

But that all ended at 5:20 p.m., when my son was shot and killed in broad daylight. When I felt my heart, my soul, my mind die along with my only son. When I fell to my knees at the crime scene roaring like a wounded animal seeking her cub, and begging God to give him back. But it was too late.

And nearly a year after my sons brutal killing, I could not speak of God. I could not go to a public place without feeling anxiety burn through my body like a wildfire. I could not look people in the eyes because I felt unworthy. I had failed to keep him safe. I could not watch television because every scene between a mother and her son, every unexpected shooting was enough to have me shaking and in tears for the rest of the day.

This was my life now.

His name was Robby, and he was only 23 years old. Left on his bed was a suit he was preparing for a job interview. Instead, it was the suit he was buried in. Since then, stories of gun violence only deepen the pain. I think of the victims and the lives they had yet to live. I think of their loved ones, because I know what its like to get that call. And I think of all the work that needs to be done.

I created the Robby Poblete Foundation to get unwanted firearms out of circulation, preventing them from falling into the wrong hands. While critics of buybacks claim they are ineffective in reducing crime, I say this: We dont know the probability of someone stealing a gun and using it for crime. Nor do we know the probability of that gun being used by a child and accidentally shooting someone or themselves. What we do know is that if an owner disposes of a gun in a safe and efficient environment, then that probability drops to zero.

Will this end gun violence? No. But when a reported 400,000 guns are stolen every year, its a start. I am committed to doing everything I can so that fewer mothers end up like me.

Congress must commit to doing the same. Because whether the victim is a public leader, an employee struck down by a co-worker, or a young man in Vallejo just starting his career, we are all affected.

Pati Poblete is a former editorial writer for The San Francisco Chronicle and founder of the Robby Poblete Foundation.
When a new restaurant opens, there are always kinks to work out in the menu, the kitchen or the service. Sometimes the process is quick. Sometimes  not.

Case in point: Uma Casa, which took over the space of Incanto at 27th and Church streets in Noe Valley.

I was excited to go because its the only Portuguese restaurant in the city, as far as I know. Telmo Faria, the chef at Tacolicious for seven years, has always wanted to have his own place so he could honor his Portuguese heritage. While he was born in the United States, his Portuguese parents moved back to their homeland when he was 1 year old, and they stayed until his teenage years.

I stopped by Uma Casa in early March, two months after it opened. Faria oversaw a cosmetic remodel of the restaurant, opening up the side windows to let in more light, slightly restructuring the bar to give it a more expansive feel, and adding tiles to the front and on the columns.

I was impressed with the complimentary bowl of house-made potato chips with a spicy tomato pepper sauce, and was looking forward to what was to come. Unfortunately, that was the highlight. The shrimp turnovers were unevenly browned and gooey; asparagus tempura had a thick, uneven coating and looked like an alien trying to escape its shell. The red wine-braised short ribs were so subtly seasoned they could have been served at any California restaurant.

The staff was uninformed and the food seemed generic. I got barely a glimmer of what Portuguese cuisine can be like.

Despite its newsworthiness, I decided Uma Casa wasnt worth a review, and I moved on to other places. Then in May I started hearing good things about the restaurant so I went back  and found that service had become more professional and that Faria was finding his voice. By my third visit he was delivering a delicious sense of the country and its food.

Now theres lots to recommend.

The turnovers ($8) were evenly browned, and the shrimp filling added the expected seafaring notes. The asparagus with its lumpy coating was no longer on the menu, but the kitchen exhibited its new-found control with salt cod fritters ($10), with an evenly fried shell and creamy interior. The strong qualities of the dried fish was aptly smoothed by potatoes. The once-bland short ribs ($27) now came alive with cloves and other spices bolstered by the salsa verde. The tender meat was served on sweet potato puree and braised collard greens.

A great way to start, especially if there are three or four in the party, is the Prato Petiscos ($22), a presentation of linguica, chourico, regional cheeses with pickled vegetables, olives and toasted bread. Its too filling for two and wouldnt leave room for other fantabulous items, including a beet salad ($12) with turnips, carrots, citrus and an herb vinaigrette. A particularly successful blending of cultures came with the arugula salad ($11) with its peppery greens, pluots, almonds, Sao Jorge (a semihard cows milk cheese from Portugal) and Port vinaigrette.

One of the favorite soups Ive had in recent memory was the caldo verde ($9), with a soothing texture of potatoes laced with collard greens, coins of linguica and fragrant olive oil.

The staff makes a point to say that all the food is meant to be shared, and they follow through. The waiter even had the foresight to ask if wed like the soup split, a logical offer but one that escapes most shared-plate restaurants. Throughout the night the staff was good at pacing items, changing out plates and checking back.

Faria also knows how to concoct a great tuna tartare ($15). The cubes of fish were enhanced with onion puree, herbs, crumbled bits of olives and a quail egg. Its accompanied with those house-made potato chips.

The salad de mariscos ($14) also highlights seafood, a cold melange that includes shrimp, squid, mussels and octopus with garbanzos and molho cru, a Portuguese sauce similar to chimichurri.

One recommended small plate includes lamb sausage ($16) thats mixed with fava bean puree, snap peas and sofrito, and topped with a six-minute egg and accompanied by grilled bread.

In addition to 20 or so smaller plates, the kitchen offers a half dozen main courses. These include a fragrant and boldly flavored grilled chicken ($23) with a piri piri glaze made with chiles, citrus peel, paprika and other spices that leave a tongue-tingling impression. A saffron broth is the base for caldeirada ($28), a seafood stew, with shrimp, clams, mussels, potatoes and a fillet of halibut.

John Storey/Special to the Chronicle

More challenging is the bacalhau gomes de sa ($21)  a huge casserole with potatoes, dried fish, caramelized onions, olives and quarters of eggs served with a parsley aioli. You have to really like dried cod, in all its overbearing fragrant glory. This is definitely a dish that must be shared because its too intense for one person to finish.

Five desserts are offered, including a warm rice pudding ($8) with apples; a tart with peaches and blackberries; and an olive oil cake with berries and pistachio. However, my favorite was the simplest: the small Portuguese custard tart ($4) with its sturdy shell and creamy, caramelized interior.

John Storey/Special to the Chronicle

Now, from the potato chips to the all-Portuguese wine list to the final custard tart, Faria is in command of the kitchen, adding a strong voice to a classic cuisine. As he continues to explore the nuances of a cuisine he loves, the restaurant should only get better.

  

Uma Casa

Food:   

Service:   

Atmosphere:  

Price: $$$

Noise: Four Bells

1550 Church St. (at 27th), San Francisco; (415) 829-2264 or www.umacasarestaurant.com. Open for dinner 5-10 p.m. Sunday and Tuesday-Thursday, and until 11 p.m. Friday-Saturday. Beer and wine. 5% SF surcharge. Reservations and credit cards accepted. Difficult street parking.
The Oman desert does not look like sand. The dune Im sitting on is the color and consistency of sifted wheat flour. Durum with a dusting of cayenne. In its grooves are impressions from everyone around me: the long bare feet of my bedouin guide; the deep crescent hoofs of his camels; tick marks from small desert birds, beetles and iridescent scorpions.

Nothing comes through this desert without leaving its mark, my guide says, refilling my cup with saffron tea, Not even something as weightless as the wind.

Hes right. The cratered landscape of Omans Sharqiya Sands is shaped by conflicting winds that howl through the Arabian Peninsula. I watch gusts wipe this sandy slate clean, turning our tracks back to ghostly ripples. It seems that after only a few minutes, the deserts history is rewritten.

The powdery sand rests in 300-foot-tall mounds, dunes so high they lend a new perspective of the Middle East, and as the orange sun thats been dominating the sky all day drops behind the farthest drift on the horizon, I reconsider what I know  or thought I knew  about this part of the world.

This dune we sit on now will shift to a different position by sunrise tomorrow, he explains, and I slug back the last sip of saffron tea, now bitter and cold from the wind.

Back at the Nomadic Desert Camp, a bedouin camp travelers can stay at, carpets are rolled across the sand outside of my palm frond hut for a makeshift terrace under a star-studded sky. As I tear away at a piece of charred fire bread, flatbread baked on embers and ash, Im reminded why it was Omans geology that drew me here: to discover a country with little else to tell its story other than whats recorded in its ever-changing landscape.

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From the Sharqiya Sands to Nizwa, the band of freshly paved highway is lined with rock quarries, For Sale signs to empty desert lots, dust devils and billboards of popular leader Sultan Qaboos bin Said. Because the countrys tourism industry is young and small  the doors only opened to outside tourists in the early 1990s  Oman is still a country primarily designed for locals, not foreigners.

The map on my iPhone only displays a large swath of beige as we weave our rental car around Kias and pickup trucks full of camels. We pass gas stations where robed men linger over plastic tables, and sand-colored hamlets hallmarked by mosque domes that resemble imperial Faberge eggs.

Soon we pull in to Nizwa, an ancient city wedged at the foot of the Al Hajar Mountains, a sawtooth range that separates the countrys northern coast from its desert interior. To the southeast is the lonely edge of the Ar Rub al Khali, or the Empty Quarter, the largest uninterrupted expanse of sand on the planet.

Nizwa was Omans ancient capital dating back to the sixth century, and it has been a religious center and a vital stop on trade routes for more than a thousand years. As such, its the best place in the country to experience Omans timeless traditions and craftsmanship, and to understand how they relate to the land.

Its Friday, Islams holy day, and the town square is swirling with men in colorful turbans, with jezail muskets over their shoulders and curved khanjar daggers strapped to their waists  the national insignia. I make my way through a parade of goats readying to go up for auction, then veer through the souq, a maze of stalls hawking crafts and goods.

It is a showcase of the mountains many resources  silver, copper and marble  for which the ancient trade routes were created. Tables are splayed with hammered silver jewelry, marble decorative objects and rose-hued clay water jugs. Farmers sell pyramids of sticky dates and amber cubes of locally harvested frankincense.

The desert I first saw as simply barren continues to show me all the ways its not. As one of the craftsmen hands me a copper necklace, I realize this souk is just one example of all that the land actually has to give, and how the Omani people have cultivated it in ways I wouldnt have expected.

Other than some modern trinkets and conveniences, the scene probably is not much changed in 150 years, back to when the Omani empire included portions of Abu Dhabi, Iran, Zanzibar and the East African coastline down to Mozambique.

Nizwa has its share of historical sites  the imposing Nizwa Fort is among the countrys most popular monuments  but portions of the town itself are a living museum of a culture shaped by trade, by the desert and by the people who came through one to do the other.

Emad Aljumah/Getty Images

Just outside of Nizwa, Im standing on fossilized coral and fish skeletons stamped into a limestone rock. Long ago, this mountain was wedged at the bottom of the Arabian Sea. Today it crests at one of the highest points in Arabia, 93 miles from the coast and nearly 10,000 feet into the sky.

Jebel Akhdar is a far cry from both Omans sea and deserts in many ways, and its stony mountainsides, wide plateaus and vertiginous valleys are oases of Eden-esque farms I was not expecting in Oman.

These are the best pomegranates in the Middle East, my guide says, gazing down the valley. People drive pickup trucks all the way from Dubai to fill them up.

We stumble down the hill to an opulent village he says was built from pomegranate money. Its homes  a cluster of apricot-, lavender- and pistachio-colored compounds  parody a still life. Behind iron gates front doors are dizzy with Islamic geometric patterns, and reflective gold windows allow residents to see out and prevent outsiders from seeing in.

For a moment, a music box melody drifts through the stagnant afternoon air, followed by the call to prayer. Old, weathered men in light white dishdashas assemble in the street and slowly walk past us, aided by whittled olive branch canes, then slip into a violet mosque.

Rose farms cascade down rocky terraces beneath us, where rosewater is harvested for medical, culinary and cultural uses. Farther down are hardy date palm orchards and olive groves fenced in by dusty rosemary shrubs. Beyond, walnut and peach trees as well as apiaries line the horizon. Connecting it all is a web of Omani aflaj irrigation systems, tranquil narrow channels engineered to water crops that can be traced back 5,000 years. All of this amasses to a profound feeling of peace and serenity I had not anticipated on a trip to the Middle East.

We always come to the table if peace is on it, my guide says. And these days, its increasingly up to us to provide the table as well.

After overcoming a violent history of tribal warfare, Oman has quietly been a rising force for peace in the region, promoting religious tolerance and serving as neutral ground for diplomatic talks. The term Switzerland of the Middle East has floated past me a few times.

In the evening back at Alila Jabal Akhdar, one of the newest hotels in an area quickly amassing more, my deck opens to the so-called Grand Canyon of Arabia. As the sun angles toward the horizon, massive shadows play like puppets across the yawning canyon. Shaggy free-range goats bleat as they clomp over piles of rocks to tear small thick leaves from the branches of an acacia tree.

The architecture is made in the image of traditional Omani villages, lined with stone walls and thatched fences. In the rooms are handwoven curtains, Omani wedding chests and whats become the comforting scent of frankincense. It all reflects the mantra three people Ive met in Oman have already told me, Travelers are not tourists; they are guests.

There are scenes along certain sections of Omans coastline reminiscent of Californias Highway 1. An hour south of Muscat, swallows swoop over placid estuaries, cliffs plummet into a swirling ocean, old shipwrecks crest the shallow waters, and a man sells dates and watermelon slices from the back of a Westfalia alongside the serpentine road.

But other parts remind me that this is the Arabian Sea, not the Pacific. Sand-castle-like fortresses freckle the bluffs, and parts of the drive are queued with evidence of Omans changing landscape: lines of construction workers in baby-blue jumpsuits picking away at the mountains, and a gridlock of tankers, loaders and excavators clearing the way for more transportation infrastructure, part of an ambitious plan the government is striving to roll out over the next few years.

Its hard to imagine that less than a century ago, this peaceful country was the Arabian Peninsulas capital for arms and ammunition trading, and entrenched in a bloody war. Its almost equally difficult to imagine that if all goes according to ruler Saids plan, in a few years their economy will be oil independent and a fleet of shiny new trains will be hauling a new generation of tourists along this beautifully desolate coastline.

When we reach Al Sifah beach, we are greeted by the resident goats and donkeys but no one else. We haul our rented camping equipment to the farthest dune and pitch our tent in a soft bed of pink sand a few yards from the water  in Oman, you dont need a camping permit, or even a designated campground, for an overnight.

The beach is empty except for a few fishing boats with peeling paint, and the silhouettes of a group of women strolling the shoreline. We hadnt set out to camp at this specific beach, we merely followed the wind down the coastline and slept where we were at the moment the sun begins to set.

Jenna Scatena is a San Francisco freelance writer. Email: travel@sfchronicle.com. Twitter and Instagram: @Jenna_Scatena

If you go

GETTING THERE

Muscat International Airport is located in the countrys capital. International flights run daily. Tourist visas are required for U.S. citizens.

WHERE TO STAY

Alila Jabal Akhdar: Plot No. 4 Al Roose, Jabal Al Akhdar, +968 2534 4200, www.alilahotels.com/jabalakhdar. This luxury stone hotel commands sweeping views of the Al Hajar Mountains and the gorge below. Each room is equipped with luxury bed linens and a balcony. The hotel has a full service restaurant, a spa, a pool and a gym. Room rates starting at $257.

Nomadic Desert Camp: www.nomadicdesertcamp.com. This remote desert camp is set amid the dunes of Sharqiya Sands and is run by a local Bedouin family. The cozy barasti huts can house either two adults or a solo traveler. Evening campfires, sunset camel rides and dune safaris are all available. Twin shared huts start at $90.

Al Baleed Resort Salalah: Al Mansurah Street, Salalah +968 23 22 82 22, www.salalah.anantara.com. A palm-tree-lined walkway leads up to this beachfront resort beside a freshwater lagoon. The resort has 40 well-appointed rooms with views of the sea, an infinity pool, a spa and three gourmet restaurants. Rooms starting at $192.

The Chedi Muscat: North Ghubra 232, Way No. 3215, Street No. 46, Muscat, (800) 745 8883, www.ghmhotels.com/en/muscat. An elegant seaside oasis within the citys bustling capital. Each of the 120 rooms has its own private terrace. There are an elegant, zen-styled spa, eight distinct restaurants, and prime dolphin watching along the Gulf of Oman. Rooms starting at $290.

WHERE TO EAT

Ubhar: Al Kharjiyah St, Muscat, +968 24 699826, www.ubharoman.com. A classic Omani restaurant that offers an elevated interpretation of traditional Arabic specialities. The dessert menu includes baklava-style pastries and frankincense ice cream.

Juniper: Plot No. 4 Al Roose, Jabal Al Akhdar, +968 2534 4200, www.alilahotels.com/jabalakhdar. This impressive restaurant is situated inside the Alila hotel and draws on Arabic cuisines from the Middle East to the Mediterranean. The menu offers traditional mezze platters along with entrees like Omani-spiced lamb and smoked duck breast.

The Beach: The Chedi Hotel, North Ghubra 232, Way 3215, Street 46, Muscat, +968 9662 7390, www.ghmhotels.com/en/muscat. Located on Atheiba Beach, the Beach serves fresh, Mediterranean-inspired seafood in an elegant setting with a view of the gulf.

Shahrazad Moroccan Restaurant: Part of the Barr al Jissah Resort, Muscat 100, Muscat, +968 2477 6565, www.shangri-la.com (click Find a Hotel and Sultanate of Oman). A mix of Moroccan, Arabic and Omani dishes served up in an opulent interior of curtain draped doorways, a shimmering ceiling, and Moroccan lamps.

MORE INFORMATION

Oman Ministry of Tourism: www.omantourism.gov.om
Nuclear weapons march: 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 El Camino Real and Embarcadero Road, Palo Alto. For information: wilpf.peninsula.paloalto@gmail.com. In San Francisco, marchers are planning to meet at noon at U.N. Plaza. For information: bln.sf.ca@gmail.com. In San Jose, marchers will meet at 11:30 a.m. at Winchester and Stevens Creek. For information: http://bit.ly/2s6WWpz.

Anti-Trump discussion: Hosted by the Freedom Socialist Party, a conversation on countering racism and fascism. The event begins at 2 p.m. A $3-to-$5 donation is requested at the door. The event is at New Valencia Hall, 747 Polk St., San Francisco. For information: (415) 864-1278 or www.socialism.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 S. San Antonio Road. For information: wilpf.peninsula.paloalto@gmail.com.

Monday

Town hall: Hosted by Rep. Jared Huffman at 4:30 p.m. at the Petaluma Veterans Memorial Hall, 1094 Petaluma Blvd. South in Petaluma.

Wednesday

Refugees event: A briefing, Helping Refugees Today: What We Need to Know, What We Need to Do, by immigration and refugee resettlement professionals. 6:30-8 p.m. at St. Marks Lutheran Church, 1111 OFarrell St., San Francisco. Information: http://gracecathedral.org/refugees.

Thursday

Coal film: A free screening of From the Ashes, a National Geographic documentary about coal, followed by a discussion on the environment and climate. 7 p.m. at La Pena Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley. For information: www.nocoalinoakland.info.

June 24

Climate change: Hosted by the Older Womens League of California, a discussion and postcard writing to elected representatives to push for climate change support. 10 a.m.-noon at the Northern Police Station Community Room, 1125 Fillmore St., S.F. For information: info@owlsf.org.
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Three men were arrested on suspicion of being part of a dirt-bike mob that surrounded a Lyft car on Highway 101 in San Francisco in March and viciously beat the driver on the freeway in front of passing motorists, who recorded the attack on cell phones, officials said Friday.

The three suspects, all San Francisco residents, were arrested during simultaneous raids on their homes early Wednesday morning, according to the California Highway Patrol.

They were identified as 33-year-old Derwayne A. Johnson, 25-year-old Gabriel Rodriguez and 19-year-old Jarrell E. Williams Jr.

A fourth suspect, 22-year-old Quintrell Anderson of San Francisco, was not home when police raided his residence and is still being sought, said Officer Vu Williams, a CHP spokesman.

During the search of the homes, officers found multiple firearms, a stolen dirt bike, cash and drugs, CHP officials said in a statement released Friday.

The Lyft driver, Alex Quintana of Modesto, was headed to the airport to pick up a passenger March 8 when a group of more than a dozen men surrounded his car near the Cesar Chavez Street exit of southbound Highway 101 and began hitting the vehicles mirrors and windows, officials said. When the driver got out of his car to confront the bikers, several pummeled him to the ground.

He was taken to San Francisco General Hospital with a broken leg, his sister said.

Before the incident, the dirt-bike riders had been popping wheelies on the highway and causing traffic delays, CHP officers said shortly after the incident.

The four men whose homes were raided were the most egregious offenders caught on video of the incident, according to Williams.

These are the four we saw on video who actually attacked the driver, struck him, knocked him to the ground, Williams said.

He added that investigators believe Johnson ran over Quintanas leg, breaking it.

All three men were booked into San Francisco County Jail, according to CHP.

The suspects were identified after an extensive investigation where CHP officers reviewed the videos of this incident taken by passing motorists, the CHP statement reads.

San Francisco police officers who had previous contact with the three suspects helped CHP investigators identify them, officials said.

This was a horrifying and frightening incident. Such violence has no place in our society. Were thankful to law enforcement for their work to apprehend these suspects, Lyft spokesman Scott Coriell said in a statement.

The suspects are facing charges of assault with a deadly weapon, conspiracy to commit a crime, assault, battery, vandalism and possession of stolen property and a controlled substance.

Filipa Ioannou is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: fioannou@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @obioannoukenobi
Alicia Silverstone is urging Ghirardelli Chocolate to get a clue when it comes to its semi-sweet chocolate chips. The Clueless actress, who is also a vegan activist, sent a letter on behalf of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals asking the popular San Francisco chocolate maker, owned by Swiss company Lindt & Sprungli, to bring back its original dairy-free recipe for semi-sweet chocolate chips. It made the change late last year.

A pairing

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This fits into the way too early to tell category, but still: Scientists at Seattle Childrens Research Institute hope a combination of Facebook and Fitbit can help childhood cancer survivors stay healthy. GeekWire reported that 60 teens in a pilot program tracked their movements with Fitbit and participated in a Facebook support group, which encouraged them to be more active. GeekWire said the study, published Thursday in Pediatric Blood & Cancer, showed promise.

No one ever

went broke ...

Yes, you can find anything on the Internet, but a Kim Jong Un romper? Uh, yeah. Or maybe: Ugh, yeah. Getonfleek has it for $80, but heres a warning: Its a picture that you simply cant unsee. The North Korean leaders eyes are at your armpits, his nose at your belly and his mouth, uh, a little too close to the south.

Daily Briefing is compiled from San Francisco Chronicle staff and news services. See more items and links at www.sfgate.com. Twitter: @techchronicle
Facebook has hired more than 150 counterterrorism experts and is using artificial intelligence that can understand language and analyze images to try to keep terrorists from using the social network for recruiting and propaganda.

Monika Bickert, director of global policy management, and Brian Fishman, counterterrorism policy manager, outlined aspects of Facebooks latest efforts in a post to a blog the Menlo Park company introduced Thursday. The blog, called Hard Questions, will address philosophical debates about the role of social media in society, from what should happen to a persons digital history after they die to whether social media is good for democracy. The first post addresses how to respond to the spread of terrorism online.

We agree with those who say that social media should not be a place where terrorists have a voice, Bickert and Fishman write.

The move comes as Facebook is being hounded by governments to do more to combat terrorism. After attacks in London and Manchester in the past four months, British Prime Minister Theresa May pressed other leaders from the Group of Seven nations to consider further regulation of social media companies to compel them to take additional steps against extremist content.

Bickert and Fishman acknowledge this pressure, writing that in the wake of recent terrorist attacks, people have questioned the role of tech companies in fighting terrorism online.

CEO Mark Zuckerberg has also been trying to position Facebook as a positive force for building communities both online and off. This new emphasis has followed uproar over Facebooks role in the proliferation of false news accounts during the U.S. election campaign last year, as well as the posting of extreme content, such as videos of murder.

Although academic research finds that the radicalization of members of groups like ISIS and al-Qaeda primarily occurs offline, we know that the Internet does play a role  and we dont want Facebook to be used for any terrorist activity whatsoever, Bickert and Fishman write.

For a year, Facebook has increased its team of counterterrorism experts and now has more than 150 people primarily dedicated to that. Many have backgrounds in law enforcement and they collectively speak almost 30 languages. Facebook also has thousands of workers around the world that respond to reports of violations of its terms of service, whether thats bullying, porn or hate speech.

We want to find terrorist content immediately, before people in our community have seen it, Bickert and Fishman write. Already, the majority of accounts we remove for terrorism we find ourselves. But we know we can do better at using technology.

Facebook is also using artificial intelligence more to find terrorist content that users attempt to post to the social network, Bickert and Fishman said.

The company stores a digital identification of any video or photograph that has already been removed for promoting terrorism and flags this to human reviewers if someone tries to repost it. Its also working with other social media companies to create a shared database to ensure that people cant simply post the same content to Twitter or YouTube.

Facebook is also experimenting with software capable of understanding the meaning of written language to analyze text posted to the site, the two executives said.

Once an account has been removed for posting terrorist content, Facebook has been using algorithms to search the social network connected with that account  including Pages and groups that account has joined or liked  to identify other accounts that may also be promoting terrorism.

The company is working on using artificial intelligence to try to prevent users who have had one account removed for posting terrorist content from creating new accounts with different identities, according to the post.

Facebook is also trying to use these techniques to work across all its apps, including WhatsApp and Instagram.

WhatsApps end-to-end encryption, however, means that Facebook has no access to the content of most messages. Some government agencies, including the FBI and Britains Home Office, have called on tech companies to ensure that law enforcement can access encrypted messages. Bickert and Fishman said encryption is essential for journalists, aid workers and human rights campaigners, and to keep banking details and personal photos secure from hackers.

Jeremy Kahn is a Bloomberg writer. Email: jkahn21@bloomberg.net
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San Franciscos KQED, the operator of public TV and radio stations, saw its online radio stream knocked out for more than 12 hours starting late Thursday and its email accounts rendered inaccessible in an apparent hacking attack.

According to several employees, KQED was attacked by ransomware, malicious software that infects a system, encrypts data and makes files or systems unusable until a ransom is paid. The employees asked that their names not be used because they had been instructed not to speak about the attack.

Handwritten signs tacked to the walls of the radio station instructed employees to stay off their computers and email.

Ransomware attacks have struck hotels, businesses and public utilities by capitalizing on weak network security. Once one computer is infected with malware, hackers can break into other devices on the network. It was not immediately clear how the ransomware got into KQEDs network.

The FBI is investigating the hack, employees said. Several agents were spotted at the station early Friday.

Angel investor Jason Calacanis, who was invited to the radio station to talk about his new book Friday, tweeted about running into agents there: Showed up @KQED for interview about my book & was told the FBI is here  all their systems were hacked!

The FBI on Friday would not discuss whether there was an investigation.

Once it became clear that something was wrong, KQED took immediate measures to shut down the network and minimize the impact, Brenda Tucker, the stations executive director of communications, wrote in an email.

Several shows had to find ways to work around the problem. Forum, a radio show that solicits questions from listeners, set up a temporary email address to receive comments and inquiries.

KQED observed suspicious activity late Thursday afternoon on several computers on the IT network, Tucker wrote. Our broadcast operations, TV and radio, were not affected and we have been on the air without interruption. We had an outage on the radio live stream from Thursday evening to 9:30 this morning. This was the only issue that has affected our services to the public.

It was not immediately clear how much money the hackers asked for or whether KQED paid a ransom to restore operations. The FBI does not recommend paying ransom, because doing so may fund further illicit activity. Instead, it encourages companies to update their software and regularly back up data.

One common way such malicious software spreads is when an employee opens a link or attachment containing a program on a computer whose security software has not been updated. The program then spreads across a corporate network. Bringing a network down allows systems to be cleaned and security software updated while stopping the spread.

Once theyre inside, they can get to pretty much everything, said Jake Williams, founder of cybersecurity firm Rendition InfoSec. Networks have a hard crunchy outside but a soft, soggy inside.

Last month, a ransomware attack struck tens of thousands of machines in nearly 100 countries by exploiting computers running on outdated software. Microsoft has since released patches for the malware, known as WannaCry.

But, Williams said, already similar attacks capitalizing on similar security holes are circulating.

Williams could not speculate on what kind of ransomware attack may have hit KQED, given the limited details, but said in some cases, malware can trick a computer into believing it is a human administrator, thereby granting it access to the entire system, including some back-up files.

In those cases, organizations may have to rebuild systems from scratch to get everything back online and avoid paying a costly ransom, he said.

San Francisco Chronicle staff writer Kevin Fagan contributed to this report.

Marissa Lang is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mlang@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @Marissa_Jae
Wells Fargo is facing more accusations that it made unauthorized changes to customers accounts  this time to their mortgages.

The San Francisco bank forced borrowers in bankruptcy into loan modifications by reducing their mortgage payments, even though homeowners had not requested the adjustments, according to lawsuits filed against Wells Fargo last week and last year. Some of the loan modifications also extended consumers mortgages by decades, substantially increasing the amount of interest they would owe on their loans and putting them at greater risk of default.

The lawsuits, first reported by the New York Times, allege that Wells Fargo sent letters to the trustees handling the borrowers debt payments to notify them that the payments had been adjusted because of a trial loan modification. Some trustees changed the payments on the assumption that the modifications had been authorized by the borrower, even though the homeowner may not have requested or approved the adjustment, the suits say.

The bank, the countrys largest mortgage lender by share of new loans, strongly denied the allegations and disputed the way the modifications were described in the complaint. Tom Goyda, a spokesman for Wells Fargo, said in an email that the modification offers were clearly outlined in letters sent to borrowers or their attorneys. In no event would we finalize a modification without receiving signed documents from the customer and, where required, approval from the bankruptcy court, he said, adding in a subsequent interview that the borrowers loans were not modified.

The alleged changes may not have become immediately apparent to homeowners because mortgage payments during bankruptcy are typically handled by a trustee, a third party responsible for handling all the debt payments, the lawsuit claims. Some trustees may have started making smaller mortgage payments after receiving a notice from the bank.

As a result, some borrowers underpaid mortgages by hundreds or thousands of dollars, putting them at risk of foreclosure, said Karen Kellett, a lawyer with Kellett & Bartholow, which is representing the plaintiffs in the lawsuits.

Christopher Cotton and Allison Cotton, the lead plaintiffs in a proposed class-action suit filed in North Carolina last week, claim their mortgage payments were reduced last year under a trial modification that they never requested. The agreement also would have extended their mortgage from 14 to 40 years, increasing the amount of interest they owe by $85,000, according to the lawsuit.

The loan adjustments would have been made around the same time that the bank was dealing with the fallout from a scandal in which branch employees created more than 2 million of unauthorized accounts in customers names.

Jonnelle Marte is a Washington Post writer.
Sutter Health-owned St. Lukes hospital in San Francisco plans to shut its skilled nursing facility in the Mission District by October.

The move is expected to displace 44 nursing home residents and 72 health care workers, according to Service Employees International Union-United Healthcare Workers West, the union representing vocational nurses, nursing assistants and other health care workers at the nursing facility. All 72 of the union-represented workers have received layoff notices, said Tom Parker, a union spokesman.

The closure was announced in a letter to employees on June 6, according to the union. The letter says the planned closure date of Oct. 31 depends on securing the best possible care facility for each patient, but does not specify which facilities the patients would be moved to. In a public notice also dated June 6, the hospital includes contact information for other care facilities in San Francisco, Oakland and Alameda.

More than half of the nursing home residents receive sub-acute care, requiring round-the-clock monitoring, and some are on ventilators.

Its very stressful because St. Lukes is my dads home, said Marlene Cativo Sosa, whose father, Juan Jose Cativo, is a resident. It is very convenient because its easy for all my family to go visit him every day. She said she does not know where her father will be moved to.

A Sutter spokesman said California Pacific Medical Center  which is owned by Sutter and merged with St. Lukes Hospital in 2007 to form St. Lukes campus  is working with patients and their families to ensure a transition to a local care facility. The company is working with union representatives to identify various options, including job retraining, alternative placement within (the medical center) as well as other opportunities for the workers, he said.

Sutter did not explain why it is shutting the facility.

California Pacific Medical Center is rebuilding St. Lukes, which remains open; a $600 million, seven-story hospital is expected to be completed next year.

From our perspective, what it looks like is (Sutter is) reducing services for some of the most vulnerable in the city and focusing on services that are going to be more cost effective for them, Parker said.

On Thursday, Sutter announced the opening of its first walk-in clinic in San Francisco, near AT&T Park, the first of six for nonurgent care the health system plans to open in the Bay Area by this fall.

Assemblyman David Chiu, D-San Francisco, whose district includes St. Lukes campus, said eliminating health care jobs in the Mission will reduce much-needed services for patients.

Sutter Health should be a partner as San Francisco seeks to provide health care to our most vulnerable residents, but the announced cuts are a huge step in the wrong direction, Chiu said in a statement.

Catherine Ho is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: cho@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @Cat__Ho
When chief executive officers take leaves of absence, its typically because they have serious problems. So when Uber CEO Travis Kalanick announced this week that he was going on indefinite leave, people took notice.

Kalanicks announcement came at a tumultuous time. Former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder had just finished a months-long investigation into allegations of systemic sexual harassment, discrimination and bullying at Uber. His firm, Covington & Burling, made 47 recommendations for addressing the San Francisco companys toxic culture.

Kalanicks leave signaled a shift in the companys too big, too hot and too innovative to fail attitude. It was an admission that as CEO he had to bear some of the responsibility for Ubers mess.

But his leave of absence means a lot more, business and management experts said.

When CEOs go on leave, it signals that the executive, for whatever reason, is unable to effectively do the job at that point in time.

One common reason is health, said David Mayer, a professor at the University of Michigans Ross School of Business. Steve Jobs, for example, took several leaves of absence from Apple when he was receiving cancer treatments. Patrick Byrne, CEO of Overstock.com, went on indefinite leave last year because of hepatitis C complications. He returned three months later.

Another reason a CEO might go on leave is because there are performance or ethical issues, Mayer said.

David Baazov, who was chief executive officer of online gambling company Amaya, took an indefinite leave of absence in March 2016 after he was accused of insider trading. He resigned five months later.

Putting an executive on leave doesnt necessarily mean that a board has lost faith, said Micah Alpern, an organizational and leadership expert at A.T. Kearney.

It could be that there are things going on in their personal life, that theyre distracted and are not able to manage right now, Alpern said. It doesnt signify that they dont think theyre the right person to run the company in the long term.

Kalanick cited his mothers recent death in a boating accident as his reason for wanting to take time off.

One possible reason for putting Kalanick on ice instead of firing him is that Kalanick and his allies on the board  Garrett Camp, Ubers co-founder, and Ryan Graves, senior vice president of operations  reportedly have disproportionate voting rights that would make it difficult for other board members to fire him.

But even if the board could fire Kalanick, Bay Area tech companies have shown a reluctance to get rid of founders who are perceived to be the reason for their success.

Travis explained his vision to me of a future where no one owned a car, there was no need for parking lots, less congestion, fewer accidents, fewer DUIs, said Bradley Tusk, founder of Tusk Strategies, who has worked with Kalanick and Uber but is not a member of the companys board.

That was back in 2011. Its just as cogent and accurate of a vision today as it was then. Not having him driving the vision would be a mistake.

What are the benefits to putting the CEO on leave? First, its good symbolism, Alpern said. It sends a strong message to employees and the public that the company is serious about changing.

But its also an opportunity for the executive to reflect, to undergo leadership training and for the company to implement changes without the distraction of a beleaguered CEO.

The CEO is typically the leader that the culture of an organization is anchored around, said Gary Mangiofico of the Pepperdine Graziadio School of Business and Management. So if they want to see a culture shift in the organization, they have to dislodge that anchor, if you will, in order for people to even believe theres a possibility things will change.

In Ubers case, not having a second in command step up to fill Kalanicks shoes while he is away could create uncertainty, Mangiofico said.

Uber has no chief operating officer, chief marketing officer, chief financial officer, head of engineering or general counsel. Kalanicks duties will be spread among the 14 people who report directly to him.

Without a central leadership figure, the vision of a company can start to become fuzzy, Mangiofico said. And if that happens, the strategy potentially begins to break down.

The indefinite nature of Kalanicks leave could also hurt morale, Alpern said.

An employee is sitting there thinking, I can focus on my job, but theyre also going to think about whats going to happen to our role or our policies? What will it be like to work here?

In Holders report, the top recommendation was for the company to review and reallocate some of Kalanicks responsibilities. This could mean that he returns as a CEO who gets support from a newly hired chief operating officer. It could mean that he is moved into another role.

Based on Kalanicks talk about taking time off to reflect and work on himself, the expectation of investors and other stakeholders is likely to be that if he returns, he will do so as a changed man.

Theres going to be a lot of skepticism around it, Mayer said. Employees and stakeholders will have their antennas up.

The company and its board will have to figure out a way to measure that change and to hold Kalanick accountable. Otherwise the Holder report and Kalanicks leave of absence will just be lip service, business and management experts said.

Culture matters a lot, and over time it has a significant impact not just on the people but on the bottom line, said Jim Barnett, co-founder of Redwood City human resources software company Glint. Companies that fail to create inclusive environments where people feel a sense of belonging will struggle to succeed in the new work world.

Tracy Lien is a Los Angeles Times writer.
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Celebrate Fathers Day at the San Francisco Craft Spirits Carnival during its two-day run Saturday-Sunday, June 17-18. Returning to the Fort Mason Festival Pavilion, the boozy showcase provides a selection of handcrafted spirits from up to 200 craft producers around the world.

Among its selection of ultra-premium spirits, the event will feature an array of boutique, family-owned and independent liquor producers, with distillers on hand to discuss featured spirits. There will also be food, music and art.
Flo Braker, a home cook who grew to national recognition as an expert baker and luminary cookbook author, has died after complications from a fall. She was 78.

Ms. Braker, a Palo Alto resident, wrote several books, including her 1984 debut, The Simple Art of Perfect Baking, as well as the award-winning Sweet Miniatures (1991) and Baking for All Occasions (2008). For more than two decades, she penned The Baker column in The Chronicle. In 1997, she was inducted into the James Beard Foundations Whos Who of Food and Beverage in America.

When you think of pastry champions  someone who was a great baker from a technical standpoint and palate standpoint, and a champion of the pastry cooks in San Francisco  there was no one bigger than her, said San Francisco pastry chef and cookbook author Emily Luchetti. She knew everybody and was so supportive of the community.

Florence Ann Gumberts was born and raised in Evansville, Ind. In a 2005 column, she wrote about how she was transfixed by baking at a young age, watching her familys cook, Dorothy Temme, beat butter and sugar in a large bowl by hand with a wooden spoon as she made pies, cookies and cakes.

She met her future husband, Dave, while the two were attending the University of Michigan. The couple married in 1960 and decided to move to Palo Alto shortly afterward. As her family grew, so did her inquisitiveness for baking.

She just got into baking because it was something that intrigued her, Dave Braker said. She knew nothing about it, she just started reading lots of cookbooks.

In addition to baking for family and friends, Ms. Braker launched a small catering business, called Occasional Baking, that kept her busy for several years during the 1960s. In the early 1970s, she attended cooking classes in San Francisco led by Jack Lirio, who became a mentor. Eventually, Lirio asked her to teach baking classes with him.

She wrote about home entertaining for the San Jose Mercury News, and in 1989 she started writing The Baker column at The Chronicle. Her writing featured baking and pastry recipes that were approachable, educational and, above all, guaranteed to be delicious.

She was so exacting in the way that she wrote her books and the way she explained baking, said Celia Sack, owner of Omnivore Books in San Francisco. Whether in person or in writing, it felt like she was there holding your hand.

Ms. Brakers star continued to rise. Shortly after The Simple Art of Perfect Baking was republished in 1992, she received a call from Julia Child inviting her to come to Cambridge, Mass., where the two spent a week together filming an episode of Baking With Julia.

In addition to her written works and television appearances, Ms. Braker was a charter member and president of the International Association of Culinary Professionals, and active in many other culinary organizations, including the San Francisco Professional Food Society and Les Dames DEscoffier. She was also a founding member of the Bakers Dozen, a San Francisco educational and networking organization of baking professionals, educators, authors and serious home bakers.

Whenever at the Bakers Dozen, whatever she would buy, the other bakers would want to buy, said Sack, who met Ms. Braker at the Bakers Dozen meetings. She would get some fancy chef-y book  and if Flo wanted it, then it had to be good.

Ms. Braker is survived by her husband; son Jeffrey Braker of Burlingame; daughter Julie Weinstein of San Mateo; and three grandchildren. A memorial service is scheduled for 11 a.m. Sunday at Congregation Beth Am in Los Altos, followed by interment at Hills of Eternity Memorial Park in Colma.

Sarah Fritsche is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: sfritsche@sfchronicle.com Twitter and Instagram: @foodcentric
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As we've said before, the East Bay food scene, can sometime look like a game of musical chairs. The trend continues in Berkeley as beloved California-Mexican restaurant Comal (2020 Shattuck Ave.) takes over the space of its downtown neighbor, Phil's Sliders (2024 Shattuck Ave.). Berkleyside first reported the news.

Phil's last day of service will be June 30, ending a five-year run in Berkeley.

To be clear, though, Comal is not expanding its current restaurant.

According to Comal co-owner Andrew Hoffman, taking over the Phil's space will allow Comal to address a need for additional kitchen space, while also opening a new restaurant that leans toward fast-casual. Hoffman and his crew kind of see it as a playground where they can try service models they aren't able to at Comal -- such as maybe an all-day format offering breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The decision to take over Phil's is based out of necessity for Comal, he told Scoop. The restaurant recently began providing food for the Fieldworks taproom in West Berkeley. And with another taproom opening in July and ongoing catering commitments, Hoffman said the kitchen's responsibilities were beginning to pile up.

"We just kind of needed a little more firepower, like walk-in space and room in the kitchen. We were kind of busting at the seams. And the fact that this came up, and it's next door, makes all the sense in the world," he said.

According to Berkleyside, Hugh Groman, the owner of Phil's Sliders, will move on to focus on his catering companies - Hugh Groman Catering and Greenleaf Platters. Folks that find themselves frantically searching for a mini-burger come July and beyond, Phil's will have a second life as a catering option.

For now, the new Comal concept doesn't have a name. And the Phil's space still has to retrofitted for the Comal crew which could take a few months, Hoffman said.

"A lot of the details are still in the air. But our thought was just to get in the space and start cooking."

Phil's Sliders: 2024 Shattuck Ave.; will close on June 30

Justin Phillips is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jphillips@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @JustMrPhillips.
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Citing unresolved safety, transportation and legal issues, the San Francisco Recreation and Park Commission on Thursday again denied promoter Boots Hughston a permit to host a free concert in Golden Gate Park to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Summer of Love.

The 4-2 vote was greeted by boos at the end of a long morning of public testimony on behalf of the Council of Light, an organization of volunteers hoping to put on the event under the leadership of Hughston on Aug. 27 in Sharon Meadow.

I have no problem with the Summer of Love or the people who run it, said Commissioner Larry Mazzola Jr., later explaining his vote to uphold the denial. But to me, the issues are overcrowding and that they havent hired an event planner or medical and police personnel.

RELATED: Haight Ashbury Street Fair celebrates Summer of Love (story continues below):

Fellow Commissioner Tom Harrison also voted against the appeal after hearing San Francisco police officers had not been contacted by Hughston.

I really would like to see the event happen, but for me, it is mostly a security issue, he said. God forbid that somebody would get hurt.

Angela Alioto, who has come to Hughstons rescue as volunteer counsel, promised to reapply for a permit.

Im shocked that any appointed official in 2017, with war everywhere, would vote against the Summer of Love, Alioto said.

Although the commission voted to deny the appeal, there seemed to be a way forward for the event. Commissioners Kat Anderson, who described herself as a hippie at heart, and Gloria Bonilla both voted against upholding the staff denial and expressed hope the concert could still take place this summer. Commission President Mark Buell was absent from the meeting.

This concert needs to happen, Bonilla said. I look out there, and I see your faces and I see my face. Im conflicted.

RELATED: Haight Ashbury through the eyes of a local (story continues below):

It was the second time Hughston and the Council of Light had turned out in force for a Rec and Park meeting. They packed the hearing room to capacity, and it took more than an hour to get through public testimony. Alioto began it with an impassioned appeal in both Italian and English.

If you name five things about our city going back to the beginning, one of them would be the Summer of Love  and these people are original Summer of Lovers, she said. This is about love, this is about peace and San Francisco needs it. This is important for the heart and soul of our city.

The denial of the appeal came less than a week after the city, under the auspices of Rec and Park, said it would hold its own free Surrealistic Summer Solstice event Wednesday, including a concert featuring members of the Jefferson Airplane, Quicksilver Messenger Service and the Chambers Brothers, plus a lighting of the Conservatory of Flowers in psychedelic colors. That event, produced by booker Dawn Holliday, is open to all with no ticket required.

There were suggestions that Rec and Park had stolen the Council of Lights idea and undercut it with its own event, which the council pointed out was advertised without a permit in place  one of the reasons the commissioned turned down Hughston.

Rec and Park General Manager Phil Ginsburg explained that Rec and Park does not issue permits for its own events, therefore had not skirted rules for the Surrealistic Summer Solstice.

The group also accused Rec and Park staff of unfair treatment, acting in bad faith and violating its constitutional rights. Hughston, in his customary unbuttoned button down over a dirty black T-shirt, particularly took umbrage at requests by staff that he partner with a more experienced event producer, emphasizing that at 68 years old, he has been producing events for four decades.

Kurt Crowbar Kangas, who lived through the original 67 Summer of Love festivities, added that the members of the Council of Light have more experience years in staging concerts and events combined compared with Rec and Park staff. He threw out the names of those with whom theyve worked such as Blue Cheer and Jefferson Starship, but stopped himself short. Im not going to tell you who we have lined up for our event because you people will just pick it apart, he said.

David Grace, a theater manager who once worked at the Fillmore, went so far as to suggest that Rec and Park staff was corrupt, and ended his testimony with one word: Extortion.

Ann Cohen, widow of Allen Cohen, who founded the citys first underground newspaper, the Oracle, fought off tears while begging commissioners to approve the event. She was unable to fill her two minutes before sobbing and having to be comforted in her seat.

In the end, none of it worked.

Instead, Ginsburg reiterated that San Francisco will have a great Summer of Love event in the form of the city-hosted Surrealistic Summer Solstice.

Everybody is invited, he added  including all the people who had come to the meeting on behalf of Hughstons free concert.

But by the time Ginsburg made that invitation, members of the Council of Light had left the room.

Sam Whiting is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: swhiting@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @SamWhitingSF Instagram: @sfchronicle_art

Summer of Love anniversary

Learn more: www.sfchronicle.com/summer-of-love

Order The Chronicles commemorative magazine: www.sfchronicle.com/summeroflovemag
TAUNTON, Mass.  A woman who sent her boyfriend a barrage of text messages urging him to kill himself when they were both teenagers was convicted Friday of involuntary manslaughter in a trial that raised questions about whether words can kill.

The judge found that Michelle Carter caused the death of Conrad Roy III, who intentionally filled his truck with carbon monoxide in a Fairhaven store parking lot in July 2014.

Carter, who faces up to 20 years in prison, cried and clutched a handkerchief to her face as Juvenile Court Judge Lawrence Moniz detailed her conduct and the circumstances of Roys death, but she was stoic when the verdict was formally pronounced. As spectators and members of both the Roy and Carter families left the courtroom, she sat at the defense table, sobbing, while her lawyers tried to comfort her.

The judge focused his ruling on three words Carter said to the 18-year-old Roy after he climbed out of his truck as it was filling with toxic gas and told her he was scared.

Get back in, Carter told Roy, according to a friend who testified that Carter described the conversation in a text message to her about a month after Roy died.

The judge said those words constituted wanton and reckless conduct.

He said Carter, then 17, had a duty to call someone for help when she knew Roy was attempting suicide. Yet she did not call the police or Roys family, he noted.

She did not issue a simple additional instruction: Get out of the truck, the judge said.

The case provided a disturbing look at teen depression and suicide. Carter and Roy met in Florida in 2012 while both were on vacation with their families. Their relationship consisted mainly of texting and other electronic communications. They only met in person a handful of times.

Both teens struggled with depression. Carter had also been treated for anorexia, and Roy had made earlier suicide attempts.

The sensational trial was closely watched in legal circles and a hot topic on social media, in part because of the insistent tone of text messages Carter sent to Roy.

You cant think about it. You just have to do it. You said you were gonna do it. Like I dont get why you arent, Carter wrote to Roy the day of his suicide.

I thought you wanted to do this. The time is right and youre ready ... just do it babe, she wrote in another text that day.

In the end, the judge found that it was not the coercive text messages that caused Roys death. It was Carters insistence that he get back in the truck.

The judge ruled that Carter can remain free on bail but ordered her not to make any contact with Roys family or leave the state. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for Aug. 3.

Carters lawyer, Joseph Cataldo, argued that Roy was determined to kill himself and nothing Carter did could change that. He said Carter initially tried to talk Roy out of it and urged him to get professional help, but eventually went along with his plan.

The American Civil Liberties Union denounced the conviction, saying it violates free speech protections.

Denise Lavoie is an Associated Press writer.
WASHINGTON  Special Counsel Robert Mueller is investigating the finances and business dealings of Jared Kushner, President Trumps son-in-law and adviser, as part of the probe into Russias interference in the 2016 presidential election, according to officials familiar with the matter.

FBI agents and federal prosecutors have also been examining the financial dealings of other Trump associates, including former national security adviser Michael Flynn, former campaign Chairman Paul Manafort and Carter Page, who was listed as a foreign-policy adviser for the campaign.
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Students in Oakland under the age of 18 will be able to eat lunch for free this summer, thanks to the Summer Food Service Program beginning Friday, June 16 at 11 a.m.

Every weekday from now until August 11, minors will be able to take advantage of a free lunch at any of 70 sites including recreations centers, libraries, and religious organization centers  regardless of their family's income, status, or any other factor.
WASHINGTON  President Trump confirmed Friday he is under federal investigation and appeared to single out a senior Justice Department official for criticism, underscoring his growing frustration with the persistent focus on Russias involvement in the 2016 election and possibly his campaign.

I am being investigated for firing the FBI Director by the man who told me to fire the FBI Director! Witch Hunt, the president wrote.

The morning missive appeared to refer to Rod Rosenstein, the deputy attorney general. Last month, Rosenstein sent a memo to Trump raising concerns over FBI Director James Comey  concerns the White House then cited as a central reason for Comeys firing.

Days after Comey was abruptly ousted, Rosenstein appointed Robert Mueller as special counsel to investigate Russian involvement in the 2016 presidential election and possible collusion with the Trump campaign. Mueller also has expansive powers to investigate any matters that develop from his initial investigation.

It was unclear whether the presidents comment confirming he was under investigation was based on direct knowledge or media reports that Mueller is examining whether the president obstructed justice by firing Comey. Still, the snowballing investigation has deeply angered Trump, who denies he has any nefarious ties to Russia. Hes increasingly focused his anger at both Rosenstein and Mueller, according to advisers and confidants, viewing the two as part of a biased effort to undermine his presidency.

Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., the top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, said she was increasingly concerned that Trump will fire both Mueller and Rosenstein.

The message the president is sending through his tweets is that he believes the rule of law doesnt apply to him and that anyone who thinks otherwise will be fired, Feinstein said. Thats undemocratic on its face and a blatant violation of the presidents oath of office.

Rosenstein took over the Russia probe soon after Attorney General Jeff Sessions recused himself. But Rosenstein, too, may ultimately have to hand off oversight of the probe given his own role in Comeys firing.

Earlier this month, Rosenstein told the Associated Press that if anything that I did winds up being relevant to his investigation then, as Director Mueller and I discussed, if theres a need from me to recuse, I will.

Trumps tweets come after the top lawyer for his transition team warned the organizations officials to preserve all records and other materials related to the Russia probe. An official of Trumps transition confirmed the lawyers internal order, which was sent Thursday. The transition official spoke on condition of anonymity.

The order by the general counsel for the transition team casts a wide net on documents that could shed light on ties between Trumps presidential campaign and representatives of Russias government. The order also covers separate inquiries into several key Trump associates including former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn, campaign adviser Paul Manafort, foreign policy aide Carter Page and outside adviser Roger Stone.

The White House has directed questions for details to outside legal counsel, which has not responded.

Vice President Mike Pence has also hired a private lawyer to represent his interests in the expanding probe. Pence headed the Trump transition until Inauguration Day.

Vivian Salama and Julie Pace are Associated Press writers.
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A UPS workers deadly rampage in San Francisco began when he walked into a company building, stepped through a crowd of fellow delivery drivers and, without warning or a single word, shot one of them execution-style in the head with a pistol, a witness said Thursday.

After Jimmy Chanh Lam fatally shot Benson Louie, he continued firing as his shocked co-workers ran or dived for cover. Within minutes, Lam, 38, killed two more drivers and wounded another two on Wednesday morning before he turned the gun on himself as police descended on the company distribution center.

It was a horrible, horrible scene, and I was front and center, Leopold Parker, a 53-year-old senior driver with the United Parcel Service, said in a telephone interview. It was not pretty.

Parker doesnt know why Lam first shot Louie, a 50-year-old San Francisco resident and volleyball enthusiast with a wife and two daughters, nor does he know why he shot the others. His account provided the first picture of the chilling shooting, even as he, his colleagues and police investigators struggled to figure out a motive for the violence.

Lams victims, all fellow drivers, were identified as Wayne Chan, 56, of San Francisco, Michael Lefiti, 46, of Hercules, and Louie.

Parker, 53, of San Francisco, said his day started like any other in the 29 years hes worked for UPS. He began his shift at 7 a.m. doing special deliveries for customers who pay extra to get their packages before 8 a.m.

With his first round of deliveries complete, Parker returned to the third floor of the Potrero Hill warehouse, where other drivers were punching in and holding the usual Wellness Wednesday meeting and breakfast.

So were going through our normal breakfast routine. We started our meeting and the next thing you know, Jimmy comes right out of the crowd, Parker said. He blasted Benson in the head and he dropped right in front of me.

The execution terrified the drivers and pandemonium erupted. Parker said he dived into his truck, which was parked just feet away, as his manager jumped behind the vehicle while calling 911.

Then I heard pop, pop, pop, pop, pop, Parker said. I looked out of the truck and I saw Jimmy running out of the building.

Parker said he grabbed his keys and ran to the roof with other drivers, waiting for police.

I was just scared, he said.

Officers, including SWAT members, swarmed to the scene, prompting Lam to shoot himself with one of his two handguns, said Assistant Police Chief Toney Chaplin. Once the scene was clear, police escorted workers, including the group of drivers on the roof, out of the building.

After speaking with grief counselors and his fellow drivers, Parker said hes pieced together Lams final moments after he shot Louie.

From what I gathered, Wayne was hit next, then Mike ran out of the building, he said. I assume Jimmy ran out of the building and shot Mike outside.

Parker said he hasnt been able to shake the image of Louie getting killed in front of him. He took the day off Thursday, and will probably take more.

He could have easily shot me, he said. I just cant go back in the building.

Like the other 350 or so people who work at the UPS facility, Parker was grasping to understand why Lam, who lived in San Francisco and had no known history of violence, went on a killing rampage.

Lam, he said, was a calm, mild mannered dude, and even though he didnt spend time with him outside of work, they were friendly and would chat in the locker room.

Ive known the guy for 17 years, Parker said. No one saw it coming. No one. We just never knew he was the type. That was a total surprise for everyone.

In the minutes and hours after the shooting, Parker said hes received hundreds of calls and text messages from relatives, friends, and customers along his route, checking to make sure he was safe.

Relieved he survived, Parker said hes been thinking about his co-workers all day.

The victims, he said, were all family. They all had wives and kids.

Evan Sernoffsky is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: esernoffsky@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @EvanSernoffsky
I have learned the hard way not to put my personal life on the Internet. But suffice it to say that, God willing, things should be pretty much back to norm...

4 weeks ago
SACRAMENTO  Democrats looking to preserve their supermajority in the Legislature approved a state budget Thursday that includes an unusual provision to help one of their own keep his Senate seat, a move that prompted strong opposition from Republicans who accused the majority party of interfering with the will of voters.

The $125 billion state budget has an accompanying bill that calls for immediate changes to election laws that would affect a recall effort under way in Orange County against state Sen. Josh Newman, D-Fullerton. The budget bills now head to Gov. Jerry Brown for his signature.

Newman won office last fall after a tight race against a Republican opponent, giving the Democrats supermajority control in both houses of the Legislature, which means they can pass taxes without GOP cooperation. But after he voted in April to help fellow Democrats pass gas taxes and vehicle fees to fund road repairs, a group of Republicans launched a recall process to oust him from office.

To counter that move, Democrats added language to one of the budget bills to increase the time it takes to qualify a recall for the ballot, by, among other things, allowing people who sign a petition 30 days to remove their names.

Without the changes, petitioners were hoping to see Newman face a recall election this year.

This is a bastardization of the legislative process, state Sen. Jeff Stone, R-Temecula (Riverside County), said Thursday during Senate debate.

Republican Joel Anderson of Alpine (San Diego County) added: This doesnt empower people, it strips them of the voice they have.

Democratic lawmakers argued that they were stepping in on the behalf of voters who are being duped into believing that the recall petition is a repeal of gas taxes and vehicle fees  not a recall of Newman.

Never in the history of the recall process have we seen such deception, so brash and brazen and obviously coordinated and so specifically dishonest, said state Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon, D-Los Angeles.

Attorneys for Newman filed complaints with the state attorney general, secretary of state and district attorneys in Los Angeles, Orange and San Bernardino counties asking for an investigation into allegations that voters were being misled. The complaint names the California Republican Party, Reform California and its principal officer, Carl DeMaio, and includes pictures of recall events in which the slogan was Stop the Car Tax.

DeMaio said Newmans complaints are part of a bullying campaign targeting voters who are rightfully using the recall process to challenge a lawmaker over his controversial vote. He said its shameful that Democrats are protecting Newman through a secretive budget process that was made public just days before it was voted on. DeMaio said that if Brown signs the recall changes into law, he will file a lawsuit to overturn it.

Republicans said the changes would make it impossible to use the recall process to remove someone from the Assembly, where members serve two-year terms, because of the added timelines.

They made a significant mistake with their vote, DeMaio said Thursday.

Newman eked out a surprising win in November, beating Republican Assemblywoman Ling Ling Chang of Diamond Bar (Los Angeles County) by fewer than 2,500 votes, to give Democrats two-thirds of the Senate seats, a supermajority. The Assembly also picked up a supermajority in November.

Newman said the attempt to remove him is a clear move by Republicans to destroy the Democrats supermajority.

That is clearly what they are doing, and the gas tax is a pretext, Newman said.

Republicans said the political move put a dark cloud over a budget that included other substantial changes, such as gutting the Board of Equalization and new oversight of University of California President Janet Napolitanos office. Democrats defended the $125.1 billion budget and the 16 accompanying bills voted on Thursday, saying the package shows lawmakers are taking a deeper look at how to run the state more efficiently.

This is a budget that does things for people, not to people, said Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon, D-Paramount (Los Angeles County). With this budget we keep our promises to students, patients and voters, build on our reserves, and continue Californias progressive momentum.

The $125 billion general fund budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1 is the largest in state history, increasing from the current years $122.3 billion budget. The states general fund pays for basic state services such as education, prisons and social-service programs.

The main budget bill, AB97, passed the Senate 28-10 with one Republican voting in favor, state Sen. Anthony Cannella of Ceres (Stanislaus County). AB97 passed the Assembly 59-20, with four Republicans supporting it  Assemblywoman Catharine Baker of San Ramon, Assemblyman Brian Maienschein of San Diego, Assemblyman Rocky Chavez of Oceanside (San Diego County) and Assemblyman Marc Steinorth of Rancho Cucamonga (San Bernardino County).

The budget bills approved Thursday by the Legislature include:

A plan to spend $2.8 billion in new money that will be generated from increased gas taxes starting in November and higher vehicle fees that begin in January. The money will go toward building new roads and improving public transit.

An expansion of who will qualify for the states Earned Income Tax Credit by extending eligibility to people who are self-employed and raising the income limit from $14,000 to $22,300 a year. The state will also spend $2 million on outreach to increase the number of people who apply for the benefit.

$20 million on small housing units for the homeless, with $10 million of that slated for San Francisco.

A requirement that California State University trustees adopt a policy to offer enrollment at a campus with space to students who qualify but are not able to enroll at the campus thats full.

A spending plan for new tobacco taxes approved under Proposition 56 in November. The revenue will go toward increasing payments by up to $325 million for doctors and up to $140 million for dentists who see Medi-Cal patients.

The addition of $1.8 billion for the states budget reserve, bringing the total this year to $8.5 billion.

A redirecting of money it previously gave to UC campuses so that it gets sent instead to Napolitanos office. In return, the state will require Napolitanos office to no longer charge campuses fees for administrative services. The move gives lawmakers oversight of Napolitanos budget, a change that was recommended by the states auditor.

Changes to the Board of Equalization, the states tax collector, which will see most of its authority and staff stripped away and given to a new California Department of Tax and Fee Administration. Lawmakers said the agency is troubled and that a major reorganization is needed, but Republicans said they opposed to the changes being jammed into a budget with little review.

Melody Gutierrez is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mgutierrez@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @MelodyGutierrez
Skeeter Jones is a historical preservationist who doesnt necessarily believe that history always gets it right the first time. For this Victorian architecture expert, those candy-colored houses exploding with sunbursts and cornices and wrapped in winding balustrades were the result of art, not science. And for the last 35 years, Jones has been working as an artist disguised in a lab coat.

Currently you have to fight the city to build anything Victorianif there are too many new Victorian elements, they think its false historicism, Jones says. They prefer you just build a stucco box with aluminum windows. So I dont tell them.

One would think that a passionate expert and master craftsman with decades of experience in restoring one of the most enduring symbols of San Francisco would be a welcome presence at the planning offices, but that is not the case. According to Jones, as with so much in San Francisco, byzantine bureaucracy and a never-ending list of bylaws are snuffing out San Franciscos signature architectural style. But I still do it, Jones says, hidden in plain sight.

For Jones, modernity isnt the enemy. Its the definition of what qualifies as modern that rankles him. Why cant the Victorian style move forward with new iterations, as Bauhaus, deco, and even Craftsman have been permitted to do? Its this enlightened view that allowed Jones to collaborate with Mark Jensen, a celebrated local architect who is solidly in the contemporary camp, on a home with an architecturally murky past located in historic Alamo Square.

The home was built in 1889 as a Stick style Victorian, common features of which were squared bay windows with vertical trim, a false mansard roof, and overhanging eaves with embellished trusses. But by the time Jones and Jensen came on board, the house had been stripped of all ornamentation and covered in nondescript shingles. While Jensen got to work thoroughly modernizing the interior and the rear facade, Jones started looking for scars or shadows of the details that had once been there, while dreaming up new ones where he thought improvements could be made.

Inside, Jensen and his team celebrated the old (generous ceiling heights and expansive front windows) and cleared out the obsolete, trading a warren of dark rooms for wide-open spaces on each floor, flooding the house with light through inventive cutouts in the floors and ceilings, and installing a three-story floating sculptural staircase clad in fumed oak. On every floor the stair bends at a different angleno two levels are the same. It was a super easy thing to sketch, a harder thing to draw, and a next-to-impossible thing to build, says Jensen, who, at the owners request, incorporated sitting areas or window nooks on each level, making the stair more than just a circulation element. There are interesting moments of pause along the way up, so you can hang out, sort of like youre in a tree house.

This theme is reinforced through the addition of a modern screen that casts leaflike shadows throughout the house. The rear of the building was completely opened up with floor-to-ceiling operable windows and a second layer of punctured aluminum sliders that open or close at the touch of a button. Its very James Bond, Jensen says.

And while Jensen was going high-tech out back, Jones was keeping it old-school in front. Once he had sketched out his planwhich was based on old photos, inspection of neighboring buildings, and, well, a dose of whimsyhe set up an outdoor workshop on the sidewalk and started fabricating the pieces he would need for the homes rebirth. (Skeeter is one part faithful historian, one part jazz improvisationist, Jensen says. He riffs on it.) I cant really be in the shop making brackets and parts. I need to be there looking at the house, Jones says.

And while the two men worked in relative isolation and with stylistic autonomy from each other, the few moments of collaboration illustrated that there was an underlying harmony despite two very different aesthetics. I thought they were going for really plain on the inside, so when it came to the detailing around the windows that would be visible from the interior, I asked if they wanted me to keep it simple, Jones recalls. They responded with, No! We want anything you can throw onto it. Add it all!

And then there was the paint, which was Jensens jurisdiction. Mark met with the color consultant and told me they picked the color, Jones says. Color? Singular? I am used to 17 colors. Which isnt actually historically accurate. Originally, wood Victorian homes were painted very plain colors in order to mimic more expensive materials like stone. According to Jones, houses didnt go Technicolor until the 1960s, when some psychedelically inclined homeowners on Steiner Street started painting their columns wild hues. Jensen had opted for a single shade of metallic gray on the exterior. Its almost a metal, cast iron facade that highlights the historic. By not taking the painted lady approach, I would argue we are paying more respect to the details, he says. Jones didnt disagree. To paint it all different colors would have been wrong. Its like painting a sculpture or putting clothes on it, he says. But strictly re-creating an unknown past was never the mission. I like that mix of old and newI mean, who wants to live in a museum?

This story originally appeared in San Francisco magazine.
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The Channel Islands in Southern California host a massive birthday party every summer.

In June, California sea lions give birth within the same two-week period, says Shawn Johnson, director of veterinary sciences at the Marine Mammal Center. After three decades of studying the island rookeries, researchers have come to determine June 15 as the peak of births, with over half of new sea lion pups entering the world on that date.

Scientists refer to the phenomenon as "synchronized reproduction," in which the animals breed, birth, and wean simultaneously. It's necessary for sea lions, who span such a wide migratory area (from Mexico to British Columbia). Synchronized cycles ensures that males and females meet at the same time and place to mate.

Although the exact numbers from this season won't be determined until the end of June, Johnson predicts around 60,000 to 70,000 will be born on the islands this month. Those pups will nurse for 10 to 12 months before setting forth into the wild.

More for you The girl dragged into water by a sea lion now has a rare infection

Upon weaning in the summer months, the pups typically head up north. Hence their famed yearly appearance on Pier 39 in San Francisco's Embarcadero.

Those newly independent pups sometimes get themselves into trouble. Just like human teenagers, Johnson says the pups are "growing up and trying to figure out how to make it on their own."

Read Michelle Robertsons latest stories and send her news tips at mrobertson@sfchronicle.com.
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Sea nettles and leatherback sea turtles have returned to Monterey Bay after a three-year absence.

The mysterious sea creatures disappeared from Monterey's waters as El Nino descended upon California in 2013, but this year's cooler temperatures have drawn the jellies and turtles back to Monterey Bay.

One needn't be a scientist to notice the sudden disappearance. Leatherbacks (Dermochelys coriacea) are the largest turtles on Earth  they can grow up to 2,000 pounds and 7 feet long, says National Geographic  and they're easy to spot with the naked eye. Sea nettles (Chrysaora fuscescens) are nothing to balk at either; their tentacles can stretch up to 15 feet long.

Size, however, provided no defense against hot ocean temperatures.

Story continues below.

Wyatt Patry, a senior aquarist at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, explained that the Monterey's surface waters were "stuck around 60 degrees" between 2013-16. For the nettles and leatherbacks, 48- to 54-degree temperatures are ideal.

Although the jellies and turtles disappeared only temporarily, their absence could have detrimental  although yet-to-be-determined  effects on the ecology of their Monterey habitat, said Patry.

Sea nettles and leatherbacks are known as apex predators  animals that reside at the top of the food chain. Sea nettles prey on plankton and leatherbacks on the nettles, but when one link in the chain disappears, every creature in the habitat can be affected.

Too much krill in the Monterey Bay "could crash the entire system," said Patry, but too few krill could enable harmful algae blooms, which can trigger fish and marine mammal die-offs.

SEE ALSO: Mystery of Monterey Bay's most toxic algal bloom ever solved

Balance is necessary to maintaining a successful ecosystem and, according to Patry, "there's a lot of ecology in the Bay that's just not understood yet."

Read Michelle Robertsons latest stories and send her news tips at mrobertson@sfchronicle.com.
Sgt. Justin Updegraff/Associated Press

WASHINGTON  The Pentagon will send almost 4,000 additional American forces to Afghanistan, a Trump administration official said Thursday, hoping to break a stalemate in a war that has now passed to a third U.S. commander in chief. The deployment will be the largest of American manpower under Donald Trumps young presidency.

The decision by Defense Secretary Jim Mattis could be announced as early as next week, the official said. It follows Trumps move to give Mattis the authority to set troop levels and seeks to address assertions by the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan that he doesnt have enough forces to help Afghanistans army against a resurgent Taliban insurgency. The rising threat posed by Islamic State extremists, evidenced in a rash of deadly attacks in the capital city of Kabul, has only fueled calls for a stronger U.S. presence, as have several recent American combat deaths.
Helmut Kohl, who reunified Germany after 45 years of Cold War division and promoted grand visions of European integration, but ended his political career in disgrace over an opaque party fundraising scandal, died Friday at his home in Ludwigshafen, Germany, the Rhine port city where he was born. He was 87.

We are in sorrow, his Christian Democratic Union Party said on Twitter in announcing his death.

A physically imposing man  he stood 6 feet 4 inches and weighed well over 300 pounds in his leadership years  Chancellor Kohl pursued his and his countrys political interests as Germanys chancellor with persistent, even stubborn, determination. He could be an elephant in a china shop, as he described himself in a memoir, and overcame European opposition to unification the same way he handled political opposition at home: by the force of a jovial yet dominating personality.

After his reluctant retreat from high office, Chancellor Kohl was seen as a diminished figure, infirm and incapacitated from a fall and head injury in 2008. Far from focusing on his achievements as one of Europes most towering statesmen, critics raked over the hidden inner workings of his private life. His first wife, Hannelore Kohl, killed herself in 2001, ostensibly because of a rare allergy to light, which had forced her into a nocturnal existence.

In 2008, shortly after his fall, Chancellor Kohl announced his intention to marry a newer companion, Maike Richter, 35 years his junior and a former economic adviser in the chancellery. She was later accused of limiting access to him and his archives.

A politician most of his adult life, he was chancellor of the German Federal Republic for 16 years, from 1982 to 1998, longer than any German leader since Bismarck. He ruled his Christian Democratic party as if it were a personal domain.

Craig R. Whitney is a New York Times writer.
-/AFP/Getty Images

BEIRUT  Uncertainty and confusion surrounded the fate of the head of the Islamic State Friday as Russia announced it may have killed him in an air strike targeting a meeting of the groups leaders just outside its self-declared capital in Syria, but U.S. officials said there was no definitive proof of his death.

The demise of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi would be a severe blow to the extremist group as it fights to hang on to its strongholds in Syria and Iraq, although it was not clear how much operational control he retains over the organization whose capabilities keep evolving on the battlefield and beyond.
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Dr. Johnny Hill Appointed as New Dean of the School of Divinity

Dr. Johnny Bernard Hill, a leader in the field of religious studies with particular scholarly interest in diversity and community development, has been appointed dean of the Shaw University School of Divinity. Hill will begin his position on June 21, 2017.

Hill currently serves as the Department Chair and Associate Professor of Philosophy and Religion at Claflin University in Orangeburg, South Carolina. He recently held the position as Special Martin Luther King Jr. Scholar in Residence and Dean of The Baptist School of Theology at The Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Georgia. Other roles served include associate professor of theology at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary and earlier he served as Director of African American Student Affairs at Northwestern University. He also formerly held positions as President of the Foundation for Reconciliation and Dialogue and Senior Pastor of the historic Greater Good Hope Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky.

A noted scholar, Hill is the author of Prophetic Rage: A Postcolonial Theology of Liberation and The First Black President: Barack Obama, Race, Politics, and the American Dream. He has written numerous articles and essays and presented at colleges, seminaries and universities across the nation, including Princeton University, the University of Chicago, Johns Hopkins University, McCormick Theological Seminary, Bellarmine University, and Mercer University.

"Becoming a part of the historic legacy of Shaw Divinity School is an extraordinary opportunity to contribute to the broader mission of Shaw University as the oldest HBCU in the South," states Hill. "I am so deeply honored to be called to serve as the next Dean of Shaw Divinity School. As a teacher, scholar, and minister in the Baptist tradition, it is an incredible privilege to be able to serve with such a distinguished faculty, wonderful students, and exceptional leadership team."

Hills appointment follows a national search, informed by a faculty committee. Divinity School faculty, staff and students had the opportunity to interact with Dr. Hill and provided input in the selection process. "Dr. Hill's broad achievements as a scholar and pastoral leader make him well-equipped to guide and strengthen the next century of theological higher education at Shaw," said Dr. Paulette Dillard, vice president for academic affairs.

After a military tour, Hill earned a bachelors degree in sociology from Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA. He later completed master degrees in divinity and theology at Duke University Divinity School and a Ph.D. in Philosophical Theology at Garrett Seminary on the campus of Northwestern University.During his Ph.D. studies, Dr. Hill became active in community development, gang prevention, immigration reform, reconciliation, and working for economic justice in Chicago. He is Founder and President of The World House, an interfaith coalition of faith leaders from diverse religious and cultural traditions working together to continue Dr. Kings dream of racial and economic justice.

Hill succeeds Dr. David Forbes, a 1962 graduate of Shaw University who served as Interim Dean of the Divinity School from May 2014 until his retirement in May 2016. Dr. Forbes, who also served on the Universitys Board of Trustees prior to his appointment, led a number of successful initiatives at the University and in the Raleigh Community.

Shaw University's Theological Department conferred its first bachelor of theology degree on four students in 1900. Today, the Divinity School is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada (ATS) and by the Southern Association of Schools and Colleges (SACS) as the graduate school of Shaw University. Shaw University Divinity School is a recognized leader in theological education.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Jay Montgomery and Tamara Jenkins, Harbor Lights founders and artistic directors, are joining creative forces to share their personal story in the last production of the 2017 season.

The performance that focuses on what it means to be a theater artist, "He's a Little Sinatra; She's a Little Bit Sondheim," is set to play in the Stage One Theater at Wagner College, Friday, June 23; Saturday, June 24 at 8 p.m., and Sunday, June 25 at 2 p.m.

"We are excited to be back in the performing saddle and having a blast working together. The show will be lots of fun with some sweet moments. And everyone will certainly relate to the universal themes in relationship dramas," says Tamara.

She adds: "We are also thrilled to be joined by Musical Director Andrew Smithson who was with us for our 2011 Harbor Lights' productions of 'Marry Me a Little,' and 'Amahl' and 'The Night Visitors,' and is himself a consummate artist and musician. We needed someone versed in multiple styles as the show covers many musical genres."

In a unique twist, the Broadway veterans will take their audience on their intimate journey through the ups and downs of a 'Musical Theater Romance' -- of their their own.

With songs that range from Sinatra to Sondheim, Tamara and Jay will sing and dance their way through courtship, love, marriage and family.

Tamara spent the last 25 years as a professional actress before founding HLTC in 2010. Her acting credits include: BROADWAY/TOURS June & Velma in "Chicago," Cosette in "Les Miserables," Demeter in "Cats" and Eliza cover in the Richard Chamberlain revival of "My Fair Lady."

OFF BROADWAY: BREL RETURNS AT THE ZIPPER THEATER

Her many regional credits include: Fiona in "Brigadoon" with Dick Van Patton, Hodel in "Fiddler on the Roof" with Theo Bikel, Guenevere in "Camelot" with Noel Harrison, Glinda in the "Wizard of Oz" with Bob Keeshan, TV: Convictions, Another World, Guiding Light.

Tamara has appeared as featured vocalist with jazz greats Wayne Shorter, Buster Williams, Larry Coryell and Nestor Torres.

As a librettist, her first script was a finalist for the prestigious Richard Rogers Award. She was mentored as a producer under Alan Delynn, former producing partner to legendary Broadway producer David Merrick and is a graduate of multiple Commercial Theater Institute courses.

She produced and directed a reading of her show "Steps In Time" at The Henry Miller Theater, starring Milo O'Shea and Helen Gallagher and helped produce a concert at Carnegie Hall celebrating "50 Years of UNICEF" starring Herbie Hancock and Art Garfunkle.

Tamara made her Harbor Lights directorial debut in the acclaimed 2011 production of "Amahl" and "The Night Visitors," and she is proud to have been awarded three times for her activities for Peace through Culture from UN affiliated organizations.

Jay made his Broadway debut as Whizzer in the Tony Award-winning "Falsettos," opposite Mandy Patinkin and Randy Graff and Whizzer in National and LA productions of "Falsettos."

He toured the USA in "Heart Strings," the landmark AIDS benefit, with Christopher Reeve, Sandy Duncan, Tommy Tune, Lou Gossett, Jr. and Nell Carter.

Regionally, Jay has appeared in over 70 productions, among them Antony in "Sweeney Todd", starring George Hearn and Judy Kaye, the Gentleman Caller in "The Glass Menagerie," starring Kathleen Nolan and Robert in "Company."

He has played Che in "Evita" a half dozen times (Atlanta's Post and Alley Award for Best Actor), and Curly in "Oklahoma!" five times.

Other favorites include Rutledge in '1776,'' Billy in "Anything Goes," Anatoly in "Chess," Valentin in "Kiss Of The Spider Woman," Sky in "Guys & Dolls," Dan in "Snapshots" (by Stephen Schwartz) and Alan/Fred in the world premiere of Charles Strauss's "You Never Know."

OFF-BROADWAY: BREL RETURNS

Jay has worked at some of the nation's finest theaters, among them Alabama Shakespeare, Trinity Rep, The Pioneer, Walnut Street, the Pittsburgh Public, Casa Manana, Kansas City Rep, and The Papermill Playhouse. His Harbor Lights directing credit include: "The Empress," "An O. Henry Christmas" and "My Way."

Tickets to "He's a Little Sinatra; She's a Little Bit Sondheim," are priced at $30.

For additional information visit HLTC.org or phone 866-811-4111.
Staten Island, NY -- The Historic Old Bermuda Inn was the setting for a lavish party to celebrate the engagement of Emanuela Fuda of Great Kills and Anthony Rapacciuolo of Annadale on June 3, 2017.

The Staten Island Advance and SILive.com covered Anthony and Emanuela's wedding proposal last November when Anthony popped the question after the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting event in Annadale town, which Anthony's company has organized for years.

Seven months later, they were celebrating their upcoming nuptials with 125 of their friends and family at The Historic Old Bermuda Inn. "While my company produces many events, this one was unlike any other because for the first time it was about us and not a client," said Anthony, who owns PRcision LLC.

Check out the photo gallery above for party pictures. If you'd like your special occasion to be considered for Staten Island Nightlife, please email me: gsantos@siadvance.com.
After the USS Shiloh reported an American sailor missing and presumed overboard on the evening of June 8, a massive ocean search began.

U.S. Navy and Japanese Coast Guard ships and aircraft spent more than 50 hours covering about 5,500 square miles of the Philippine Sea looking for 23-year-old Petty Officer 3rd Class Peter Mims before the search was suspended at midnight on June 11.

"The decision to suspend the search was not arrived at lightly," Rear Adm. Charles Williams said in a news release at the time. "Our thoughts are with our lost shipmate, his family, and the officers and crew of USS Shiloh."

When local media spoke with Mims' family this week, the sailor's sister said she was waiting for answers.

"I just can't believe he's gone," Amy James told CBS affiliate WJAX.

She added: "He's still alive; he's got to be fighting for his life."

On Thursday, the Navy announced it had found Mims - alive and aboard the ship.

The Navy's 7th Fleet said Mims was found after the crew of the guided-missile cruiser continued to look for him on the ship. He has been transferred to the USS Ronald Reagan for a medical evaluation, and his disappearance is under investigation, according to a news release.

The news release does not say how Mims was found, or where on the ship he was located, but the Navy Times reported that the missing gas turbine systems technician had been hiding in one of the engine rooms.

The 7th Fleet did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Mims, from Interlachen, Florida, enlisted in February 2014 and reported to the Shiloh in August of that year, according to the Navy.

He disappeared last week while the ship "was conducting routine operations 180 miles east of Okinawa, Japan," the Navy said.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Two audits of New York City's subway system and the Staten Island Railway found that NYC transit should improve its response to safety-related defects, including how it documents incidents.

One audit from the office of state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli focused on the subway system and the second solely on the Staten Island Railway, or SIR, finding that staff didn't always document how it responded to safety-related incidents.

The SIR audit states that a lack of written policies and procedures, as well as staffing shortages "likely contributed to lapses in documenting incidents and the related SIR responses."

The SIR verbally told the comptroller's office, the audit states, that it relies on a protocol that includes making a chain of incident reports and logging the incident.

"Without proper supporting documentation, there is limited assurance that issues are addressed properly and in a timely manner" the audit states.

The audit provided an example of an incident when a passenger fell and there were four inspections performed, some coming to different conclusions about whether there were defects or tripping hazards. One found a large gap, as well as a height discrepancy between the platform and the train car. But SIR could only produce the paperwork for one of them.

The SIR's customer assistance intercom system is not operational system-wide, the audit also noted, and there's no formal timetable for when the system will become operational.

The audit looked at the SIR Jan. 1, 2014 through June 15, 2016.

While there's no timetable for operation, intercom changes are part of SIR's capital program, and officials are proceeding with upgrades, SIR officials indicated in the audit.

The Tompkinsville station has the only functioning intercom, the audit stated, with SIR saying the rest have been in "test mode" since March 2015.

Since the end of the audit, SIR has hired a new supervisor to improve oversight of safety incidents.

The audit recommends that the SIR develop written policies and procedures regarding its response to safety-related incidents at the stations, and that it establish a formal timeline for the complete activation of the intercom system.

SIR responded, saying it will put its existing protocol in writing and will make software modifications necessary to activate the voice-over-video, the audio subsystem and the main system of the intercoms by the second quarter, which goes through June.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- One person was injured in a car accident Thursday afternoon in Mariners Harbor.

The incident occurred at the intersection of Richmond Terrace and Harbor Road around 3:30 p.m. One individual was transported to Richmond University Medical Center in West Brighton, but injuries were not serious, according to an FDNY spokesman.

According to police transmissions, the crash involved a motorcycle and a police car, but the FDNY could not confirm that account.
James T. Hodgkinson, the man who opened fire on Republican congressmen at softball practice, had a history of domestic violence. Gun control advocates say the shooting is further proof abusers should not be allowed to own guns, but gun rights groups say that would violate the Second Amendment. They argue federal law already prohibits those convicted of domestic violence from buying firearms. But in 41 states, convicts can keep guns they already own. What do you think?

PERSPECTIVES

The Daily Beast reported Hodgkinson "had a long history of domestic violence that included the use of a gun." Gun control advocates say Hodgkinson is just one more perpetrator of domestic violence who should never have been allowed to legally own a gun.

Literally every domestic violence advocate when ppl say a mass shooter had a history of domestic violence re: James T. Hodgkinson pic.twitter.com/hS1qUa87Al  LySaundra Janee (@LySaundraJanee) June 14, 2017

Everytown for Gun Safety released a chilling report on the connection between domestic violence and mass shootings. They also detail the massive loopholes in the gun laws for convicted abusers. Here are just a few highlights:

The laws prohibit convicted abusers from buying new guns, but 41 states allow people convicted of domestic violence to keep the guns they already own. Despite the fact that unmarried partners kill more U.S. women than husbands do, federal law only applies to people convicted of abusing spouses or family members -- what's known as the "boyfriend loophole." People convicted of misdemeanor stalking are still allowed to buy guns.

And why does a man w history of domestic violence own a gun @ GOP? Good 2 know u r protecting his rights. https://t.co/we3o0foB1F  Elizabeth Zorn (@elzorn) June 14, 2017

Others, like Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, argue it is wrong to deprive someone of their constitutional rights simply because they have committed a crime.

Many gun rights advocates say bills targeting people convicted of domestic violence are just a backdoor way to encroach on individuals' Second Amendment rights.

But gun-control advocates argue people convicted of crimes lose all kinds of rights -- the right to free assembly, the right to vote, the right to drive. Shouldn't we all agree that people convicted of violent acts have lost the right to bear arms?

@jaketapper Perpetrators of domestic violence should never, ever be allowed to own guns. Zero tolerance. Zero.  Scout  (@hwy333) April 11, 2017

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CITY HALL -- Mayor Bill de Blasio's plan to create thousands of "good-paying jobs" could also curb traffic on the Staten Island Expressway.

The city is putting up $39 million to install cranes and add infrastructure capacity at the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal in Sunset Park as part of the larger effort.

This is so container barges can carry goods across the Hudson River from New Jersey instead of traveling by large tractor-trailers or freight trucks through Staten Island.

"I've been on the Staten Island Expressway enough times to understand why Staten Islanders are so frustrated by it," de Blasio said at a Manhattan event detailing the plans. "So we want to get those big trucks off as much as possible."

'A PATHWAY'

De Blasio's "New York Works" plan aims to spur 100,000 new jobs that either pay at least $50,000 per year or have a "clear path" to that salary.

But the 25 initiatives in the 114-page report don't actually add up to 100,000 so-called "good-paying jobs."

James Patchett, head of the city's Economic Development Corporation, said the plan was "a pathway for the 100,000" and that the reason the initiatives don't add up is "because this is our current estimation of how to get to 100,000."

The city also doesn't' have specific goals for job creation on Staten Island or individual boroughs.

"It's been typical of everything we do as we build it out to start to fill in specific points," de Blasio said.

"New York Works" only mentions Staten Island 11 times, including a full page on the already-announced Sea View Healthy Community.

The plan amounts to $1.1 billion in taxpayer money already allocated, plus another $250 million that will be included in the November and January updates to the budget. A further $300 million in tax credits have also already been announced.

The focus is on the cybersecurity, life sciences, health care, industrial and manufacturing, creative and cultural sectors, as well as creating more commercial office space.

REVIEW OF FREIGHT NETWORK

The city is also taking aim at the distribution system that moves some $720 billion in goods annually through the region's seaports, rail yards and warehouses.

New York's cost of congestion -- $16.9 billion last year -- is the highest of any major city. The city has the second highest average time spent in traffic.

The city plans to conduct a "strategic review" of the region's freight and distribution network.

Trucks carry 91 percent of goods in and out of the city, according to the report. Eighty percent of those vehicles come from the west and go through "key chokepoints" like the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge.

'THIS YOU'LL LOVE'

Before city officials outlined the solution, Alicia Glen, deputy mayor for housing and economic development, told the Advance, "This you'll love."

Patchett explained that 85 percent of goods on a typical container ship are headed west of the Hudson River, so they're located in New Jersey.

"That means that 15 percent of the goods that are coming east go on a truck, across the Goethals Bridge... into Staten Island then across the Verrazano Bridge into the rest of New York City," Patchett said.

By expanding capacity at the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal as part of the jobs plan, the goods could be unloaded there or put on trains and moved to Long Island. Only the last mile of the delivery would be on city streets.

"That's not only a benefit because it reduces the number of truck trips," Patchett said. "It also means that we have the goods being delivered to residents in smaller vehicles that are more fuel efficient and friendlier to all of the communities as opposed to having big tractor trucks coming across and trying to do deliveries all across town. It's just a win-win."

De Blasio added, "This may be some unabashed good news. The Staten Island Expressway has borne the brunt and it now doesn't have to as much because of this plan."

The whole "FreightNYC" initiative is expected to create 4,000 jobs paying at least $50,000.

LUKEWARM RESPONSE FROM ELECTEDS

Staten Island elected officials were lukewarm on the overall jobs plan.

Borough President James Oddo said there was a "fascinating juxtaposition" between "New York Works" and Borough Hall's own plans to create a "Jobs Coast" on Staten Island's West Shore.

"My experience in terms of growing the economy is the private sector leads and city government's role is to get out of the way -- mostly by ensuring its own bureaucracy doesn't actually impede or kill job growth," Oddo said in a statement.

Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis (R-East Shore/Brooklyn) knocked de Blasio for adding public employees to the city's "already bloated bureaucracy" and said in a statement that the greatest way to spur job growth is for "government to get out of the way." Malliotakis is vying to be de Blasio's Republican opponent this November.

Councilwoman Debi Rose (D-North Shore) said in a statement that she hopes the initiatives "will give more Staten Islanders the opportunity to be pioneers in 21st Century industry and technology."

Councilman Joseph Borelli (R-South Shore) pointed to the commercial rent tax, governmental regulations and rezonings of commercial districts that can create jobs on their own.

"There is good in there, and I'm not trying to downplay it," he said of the plan. "But I believe that the larger impediment to economic growth is often times the city's own agenda."
The way of the empty hands The Simi Valley Shotokan Karate Dojo recently hosted a two-day seminar at Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District headquarters featuring a trio of karate experts. The Oct. 22 seminar was...

Slide into winter fun at SnowFest The Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District is bringing snow to Simi Valley. SnowFest will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun., Nov. 6 at Rancho Madera Community...
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Thirty bosses across Canberra have voluntarily placed themselves behind bars since April - all for a good cause, of course.

This year's Lock Up Your Boss fundraiser has raised $74,000 for Lifeline Canberra's crisis support and suicide prevention line. This is more than double last year's tally of $29,000 and easily Lifeline's most successful fundraiser to date.

Millie Whittaker, of WOTSO Workspace, Richard Luton, of Luton Properties, and Jed Johnson, of Random Computing, all served jail time to raise money for suicide prevention. Credit:Karleen Minney

Since April, businesses across the region have been locking up their bosses and throwing away the keys. The only way out is for their fearless leader to raise enough money for bail.

But it's not as bad as it sounds. This is the first year Lock Up Your Boss has taken place exclusively online in a 'virtual' prison. Bosses and their businesses have been campaigning for the cause largely on social media during the fundraising period.
Someone cloned my website and is using it to scam people

Fri 16 June 2017

I was looking on the DuckDuckGo search results for "anonymous bitcoin sms" today, just to see what was out there. My SMS Privacy was the top result, as expected. But the second result was new to me:

Update: Kevin has replied on HN and my payment is now showing up. The site is not a scam, although it has copied an awful lot of text from my site, and payment processing is seemingly performed at the speed of email. I've left the rest of the article unchanged, but note the site does appear to basically work.

(I won't hyperlink it here as I don't want to give it any link juice, but you can see the URL in the screenshot.)

I clicked around the site a little and was surprised to find that it had blatantly ripped off almost all of the text from SMS Privacy, including (with the order slightly rearranged) the example use cases on the home page, the FAQ text, and the getting started guide.

So far, most of this is flattering. It's a bit annoying that it's copying my site without giving any credit, but I can live with that. The pricing even happens to be just slightly lower than the SMS Privacy pricing. Fair enough, I can take some competition.

I signed up for an account to see how the user experience was, and things got worse. Suddenly the entire page layout was almost identical to SMS Privacy, including much of the HTML (although parts of the CSS were missing so it didn't quite render properly). The greeting on first sign in was identical to SMS Privacy. I tried to see what phone numbers were available to purchase but couldn't find a way to do so without sending any money. No matter, I can afford to send a few quid to check out a competitor.

The payments page was again very similar to SMS Privacy, with much of the text copied verbatim. I sent some payment and things got even worse. My payment transaction was first mined over 3 hours ago, and has since had over 20 confirmations, and yet there's still no mention of it (not even showing up as unconfirmed) on anonymousbtcsms.

So at this point I started thinking it's not just ripping off my text, it's actually a deliberate scam!

There's no evidence that this site can actually provide the service promised. There's not even any evidence that it can process payments. It just copies the marketing text off my site, then shows a new bitcoin address for each user (I wonder if it's a hardcoded list?), and the trail ends there. It doesn't handle incoming payments, and it almost certainly doesn't have any phone numbers for sale.

Shortly after I sent my payment, I sent an email to the contact address listed on the site (k@anonymousbtcsms.com) asking for the copied text to be removed, although I haven't received a reply and no longer expect to. With the help of some friends, I've since done some investigating. The whois record for anonymousbtcsms.com names a Kevin Coleman as the domain registrant:

We found a Kevin Coleman in Buenos Aires who is a software developer at Spark Start. His site (www.kcoleman.me) includes a link to anonymousbtcsms so it seems as though he is the real developer of the project and is not trying to hide it. From browsing the site, a couple of his "Coleman Laws" are particularly notable:

8. There is nothing more critical to true success than openness, honesty and integrity.

18. Dont ever take credit for others' work.

I have emailed Kevin's personal email address but he hadn't replied by the time I published this post.

My suspicion is that this is all an accident, and that Kevin is basically a decent person: I imagine at one point he was intending to compete with SMS Privacy. On the basis of "fake it until you make it", he got an MVP up and running quickly by copying the SMS Privacy marketing text and accepting payments straight away, but he lost interest and never got around to actually building the service.

If you're a would-be customer: stay away from anonymousbtcsms. It doesn't provide the service it promises.

If you're Kevin: please, stop ripping people off. Either finish the project or take the site down. The current situation is completely indistinguishable from a scam.

Thanks for reading.
The ACT government has confirmed flammable cladding similar to that at the centre of a London tower blaze is widely used in Canberra buildings.

It is feared as many as 100 people may have been killed after Grenfell Tower in West London burst into flames on Wednesday, with seventeen people already confirmed dead.

The ACT government has confirmed the widespread use of flammable aluminium cladding. Credit:Elesa Kurtz

Flammable aluminium composite panels fitted to the outside of the building are widely suspected to have contributed to the inferno.

A similar type of panel has been blamed for a fire that devastated the Lacrosse apartment block in Melbourne's docklands in 2014.
The popular French-Australian Preschool will look to renovate, build and potentially expand after raising hundreds of thousands of dollars in the past year for much-needed upgrades to its Red Hill site.

The bilingual not-for-profit child care centre last year appealed to the community for help in raising $1 million to bring its facilities up to standard by the federal government's 2020 deadline.

French-Australian Preschool students Sebastien Domo, Felix Meagher, Felix Lehmann, Levi Wicks, Isabella Flood and Noah Flanagan. The school is raising $1 million for renovations to the facilities at the school. Credit:Rohan Thomson

Although falling short of the fundraising target, the 128-child centre raised about $500,000 through events, an ongoing donate-a-brick scheme and donations from French companies. It also received a bank loan of $2 million.

The preschool now has enough money in the kitty to begin building new classrooms by the end of the year.
How do you get 300 music students to listen to each other? You promise them the opportunity to perform at Parliament House.

Music filled the auditorium of Canberra Grammar School on Friday, as an orchestra, a concert band and a choir worked together in preparation for the 20th Australian Combined Schools Music Festival.

Quinn Weber, Year 12, Esther Mctigue, Year 11, from Canberra Grammar with Cherin Lee, Year 12, from Somerville House in Brisbane. Credit:Rohan Thomson

This year the festival has brought together more than 300 young musicians from schools across Australia for three days of rigorous rehearsals, culminating in the two hour festival concert in the Great Hall of Parliament House on Saturday.

Performing everything from Carmina Burana to Tchaikovsky, students range from Year 7 to 12 and hail from Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, the ACT and South Australia.
It's a First World problem: What do you do with the toys in your garage when you downsize the family home? And it has a First World solution. Buy a "man cave" to store them in.

Cashed-up downsizers and small businesses are underpinning strong sales of "man caves"  small industrial units in commercial-zoned suburbs, often built with a mezzanine, kitchenette, toilet and shower for comfort.

Man caves at the Base in Yarraville, an industrial development by Cubed Projects.

The shift towards apartment living in Sydney and Melbourne and the ability to purchase property in self-managed super funds has resulted in a corresponding boom in sales of industrial warehouse/office units.

Small units close to the city centre with easy road access are now considered "luxury" items.
The Prime Minister this week called upon all new aspiring new citizens to "join us as Australian patriots", as he spruiked his changes to citizenship laws. We are told these changes, which include better aligning the citizenship test with "Australian values", will strengthen the current system.

We are going to have to take the Prime Minister's word for that  because the government won't release any of the public submissions made to the consultation process on the changes.

Which is unfortunate, because taking a politician at his word is one of the least Australian acts imaginable, somewhere on the scale between serving sausages without tomato sauce and punching a wallaby.

Keeping secret the submissions to what is supposed to be a public consultation process also seems a bit un-Australian-ish, as it rather flies in the face of the whole transparency-and-accountability part of the democratic system that unites us.
A challenge to start the week. Peter Riley, of Penrith, says it's hard to visualise what millions of tonnes of Co2 pumped out by coal-fired power stations represent because we don't think of gas weighing anything. "We'd understand the problem more if we knew how much coal we each consume daily, for instance, making a cup of coffee or watching the State of Origin?" One for C8 engineers.

If you're having a cuppa pondering that, Alynn, of Killara, advises there's no need to squeeze tea bags to avoid drips (C8). "The drips come from the outside of the folds at the bottom, not from inside the gauze. A gentle tip of the bag, one way and then the other, while holding the cool top is all that is needed."

Talking of squeezing. "A charity sends out a letter begging for a donation in an Australia Post express paid envelope," writes Chris Kenworthy, of Balmain. "What a waste."

David of Annandale says that while the Anne Frank "attic" story (C8) may be an urban myth he had the same experience acting in a play called The Monkey's Paw. "The last and pivotal scene hinges on a dramatic search for the monkey's paw. Unfortunately for me when it was thrown aside in the previous scene it landed right in the spotlight. My entire search, dramatic as it was, was ruined by cries from the audience of: 'It's over there!'"

Mention of Euripides (C8) reminded Graham Lum, of North Rocks, of the classics professor who goes to the Greek tailor to get his trousers mended. "The tailor asks: 'Euripides?' The professor replies: 'Yes, Eumenides?'"
Never think architects don't matter. Frank Lloyd Wright is 150  or would be if, as he'd have thought only reasonable, mortality had given him a genius pass. The art world is in conniptions. MOMA has just opened a special show, FLW at 150: Unpacking the Archive. Much scholarship emerges. But out here on the plains of reality, Wright's legacy is far grander than a few glorious buildings, and more lethal. Wright, arguably, shaped the dominant artistic attitudes, living patterns and cultural empire of the 20th century.

The MOMA show accompanies Wright's birthday celebrations with projectile merchandising; multi-hued streams of Wright-centric tat. For only $US410, plus postage, you can be the proud owner of one entirely useless one-sixth scale Taliesin chair (considered his most comfortable  although, honestly, that's not a high bar).

Illustration: Simon Boasch

In a way it was Wright's mother Anna who was the great designer. By the time wee Frank was born, June 1867, she had decorated his nursery with the world's startling edifices and their architects. Even more boldly, she'd issued the Great Man's life instructions while he was still in utero: build great buildings.

Frank wasn't handsome. Very Welsh, he was short, poetic and squashy-looking; part zealot, part pit-pony (I say that with atavistic affection). But he had one unassailable strength. He never doubted his genius.
So what are these "Chatham House Rules" that Channel Nine political correspondent Laurie Oakes left lying in a shattered heap, like a child's doll's house run over by a road grader?

Chatham House Rules are a bit like the Richter scale  everyone is prepared to drop them knowingly into conversation, but nobody really has a clue what they are.

Journalist Laurie Oakes. Credit:Screenshot/Nine

I attended, and eventually organised, numerous meetings between journalists and government ministers conducted under Chatham House Rules, and I'm not sure any of us were clear on what they were.

Chatham House Rules sound like one of those spanky English public school rituals  the ones that leave everybody involved scarred for life, or else well set up for a career in either conservative politics or the sado-masochism industry.
Attorney-General Gordon Ramsay: ACT will place the rights of abuse victims above all else. Credit:Sitthixay Ditthavong Hastie, the federal member for Canning, attends a Christian Reformed church in the semi-rural Perth suburb of Baldivis. It meets in a high school, without what Hastie calls "institutional baggage". "The trappings of power can be wherever you go," he says. "I've seen it in the military. I've seen it especially in the church." Labor MP Maria Vamvakinou says people of faith on her side of politics should not be reluctant to talk about their faith. Hastie, whose father is principal of the doctrinally conservative Presbyterian Theological College in Melbourne, bucked attempts by some in the media to define him as ultra-religious and, he says, a "crazy seven-day creationist". He says faith informs his world view but he is energised by lots of ideas and people. One of his favourite authors is Christopher Hitchens.

"Wherever the church and the state get too tight a weave, it diminishes the role of both. It's great to have a freer church where they can speak truth to power, and the state can legislate for everyone," he says. In my entire time in politics, nobody ever asked me 'what economist do you read' or 'who influences your economic thinking?'. Not one. Kristina Keneally "I am very conscious that I am a representative, first and foremost, of 150,000 people of many different backgrounds. When I make my case, I make it from a public policy perceptive and I try and use data, natural law, rather than appeal through religious authority, which is the straw man that people try and knock down." Maria Vamvakinou, a Greek migrant of working-class roots, joined the Labor Party soon after Gough Whitlam was sacked in the mid-1970s. "I didn't single out the Labor Party because of the Greek Orthodox Church that I grew up in but, for me, it was the party that best reflected the values of the church," she says. Serving her sixth term as the federal member for Calwell in Victoria, Vamvakinou also rejects the idea that Australia is a Christian nation. "We might have been perceived as a Christian country because of the nature of the people that came here. But to try and be one now in the 21st century would be counterproductive," she says. "We are a global community and we need to come to terms with our various faiths."

Vamvakinou serves one of the largest Muslim constituencies in Australia and a region with a significant Chaldean Catholic community, many from Iraq. "I have tried to understand the inter-faith relationships and what they might mean for me who has always been an Orthodox Christian. If I have any challenges now, it is to try and understand what someone calls the Koran and I call the Bible, to treat them with the same reverence," she says. "The Jesus story and Jesus as a historical figure has always fascinated me. A lot of my Muslim constituents will say they believe in Jesus and Mary as well. Their faith is as real to them as mine is to me." Vamvakinou says when the Australian Christian Party stood candidates in Calwell in 2013, it tried to "infiltrate" the Chaldean Catholic community and "exploit their fear of Muslims and their experience within a Muslim dominated Middle East". She says people of faith on the Labor side are more reluctant to talk about it than conservatives, to their detriment. "We don't make that connection. Lindsay Tanner used to. We had conversations with him and Kevin Rudd about this. I can tell you that one of the reasons my Iraqi Christians constituency came to Labor and stick with Labor is because of Kevin Rudd, as he articulated his Christian faith."

Her comments reflect Labor senator Sam Dastyari's concerns that progressives of faith in politics need to speak up to counter a rise in extremism. Dastyari says the conversation is often "dominated by the black-and-white views of what people thought someone's beliefs meant, rather than the more grey area of how they practised them". Labor, which has a number of progressive Muslim members of Parliament, has a big job to do. The way the subject is reported is also an issue. Former NSW premier Kristina Keneally, a practising Catholic, is tired of journalists asking her how much her faith influenced her decision-making. "By the end of my [political] career, I started saying things like, 'Oh, 37 per cent.' It was a ridiculous question but, in my entire time in politics, nobody ever asked me 'what economist do you read' or 'who influences your economic thinking?'. Not one," she says. Keneally, Hastie, Ramsay and Vamvakinou are critical of public discussion of Christianity (in fact, any religion) and politics. "Unsophisticated", says Keneally. "Crude", says Hastie. "Very shallow," laments Ramsay, who thinks people assume that to be religious is to be hard right and closed to new ideas. "We are inheriting more and more the assumption from the United States that faith means conservative and so there is often little distinction between a person of Christian faith and a conservative evangelical. That's one framework of faith but it's certainly not the only one. We don't have in Australia, historically, a robust value of the place of progressive faith." Keneally agrees. "The linkage between religion and political activity is often assumed to favour the right wing of politics. That frustrates me as a centre-left politician, largely because I view the Christian gospel from a social-justice perspective. Some of the strongest social justice statements that come out of the Catholic Bishops Conference have related to economic justice in Australia and welcoming asylum seekers. But that perspective is so rarely picked up and articulated by religiously affiliated political actors."

Ramsay isn't sure why. "I'm not sure whether conservatives in faith are more active in politics or whether they are more vocal or whether they are more covered. I have an inclination that they are just more covered," he says. Keneally thinks progressives are less likely to speak openly about their faith because they are scared of a "sneering and hysterical reaction from the media". There's a suspicion they have "loyalties outside of Australia, to the Pope or whoever; that was the dog whistle that permeated coverage of me". Yet she says the people who met her were rarely suspicious. "If anything, people in my electorate liked and respected the fact that I believed in something, even if it wasn't the same thing they believed in or they understood, because I was upfront." "When I said 'yes, I am Catholic', I would add that I am also a woman, also a mother, also an immigrant. All of these things shape how I view the world and the decisions I bring to bear. I am also a member of Parliament. I think Hastie has done a very good job, as a brand new MP thrust into the national spotlight with an attempt to stereotype him and typecast him. I don't agree with his policy positions, he and I would probably disagree on interpretations of scripture. But I admire the role he is playing." Hastie doesn't buy the line from some conservative Christian lobbyists that Christians are persecuted in Australia but adds that animosity towards Christians often derives from a misunderstanding of the separation of church and state. "That idea is about the state not interfering with pre-political institutions like the church, or any other organisation for that matter. Our representative democracy is full of diversity. We have people of faith and no faith in the chamber. And that's a good thing; it reflects larger society. To try to push out people of faith would actually diminish the quality of our public policy. "Also, look at Christ. He didn't seek to supplant the authorities of the day. He just asked for space in which to practise his beliefs and that of the church. It's a really important distinction."

In the 2011 census, 61 per cent of Australians identified as Christian, but only 8 per cent attended church weekly. Despite talk from Hanson and others about a Muslim threat, it's a tiny religion, accounting for just 2.2 per cent of the population, behind Buddhism with 2.5 per cent. It's not even the fastest-growing religion. That's Hinduism, with 1.3 per cent. Jonathan Cole, a researcher with Charles Sturt University's Centre for Public and Contextual Theology, says the problem for progressive or moderate Christians is that conservative commentators make them invisible by only promoting Christians when it suits them. Centre-left commentators barely promote them at all. "Look at the most prominent right-wing figures and commentators, such as Andrew Bolt and Alan Jones. They are not professing Christians but nor are they anti-religion, like many commentators on the left. They are happy to make common cause with conservative religious leaders. The left might have done a disservice to its cause by not creating enough space for Christian progressives among its ranks. "One of the big challenges for progressive Christians is the tension between Christian history and progressive values; the church's historical support for oppressive regimes, its support of slavery and complicity in economic exploitation. There is a positive story to tell also, such as Martin Luther and anti-slavery campaigners, but the right are much more comfortable with Christian history; they own it. "And the left tends to have an abuser problem; the abused become abusers. It preaches tolerance and equality. But if you belong to an oppressor class, and the main oppressor class today is deemed to be white, middle-class, straight and Christian, then you don't get the same tolerance because the left think you are guilty and don't deserve it. It doesn't apply tolerance fully. And this is where progressive Christians can help. They can instil the doctrine of forgiveness and reconciliation."
Haldia, June 16 (IBNS): A Drinking Water Project funded by Tata Steel in Haldia was inaugurated on Thursday.

The initiative is part of the CSR activities undertaken by the Hooghly Met Coke (HMC) Division of Tata Steel.

A total of three such drinking water projects has been taken up by Tata Steel in Haldia with a view to addressing the basic needs of communities and institutions in the region.

This is the first time that Tata Steel has taken up water projects at Haldia.

The District Magistrate of Purba Medinipur, Dr (Ms) Rashmi Kamal, and B K Das, Vice President (Iron Making), Tata Steel, formally inaugurated the drinking water project along with distribution of service water to bathrooms and toilets at the Girls Home at Vivekananda Loksiksha Mondir, Muradpur, Purba Medinipur.

Senior officials of the District Administration and Tata Steel were also present on the occasion.

The project was undertaken under the Adopt a Home programme of the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India, along with the Department of Women and Child Development and Social Welfare, Government of West Bengal, and District Social Welfare Section, District Child Protection Unit, Purba Medinipur.

A deep boring facility, with overhead tanks and multiple outlets, has been commissioned under the project. It will help in supplying safe drinking water to the residents of the Girls Home. The service water supply has been provided to the toilets and bathrooms of the Girls Home, which is home to girls in the age group of 6 to 18 years.

Speaking on the occasion, Rashmi Kamal complimented Tata Steel for undertaking CSR activities in Haldia and said: There is a corporate culture in Haldia and I am happy that corporate houses are coming forward to help alleviate the problems faced by people in this region.

In his address, B K Das said: Improving the quality of life of people living in and around our operational locations is integral to the business philosophy of Tata Steel. With interventions such as this, we shall continue to make a positive difference to the communities around us.
"Inside the boxes  some small, some large  the beetles would crawl over each other in their panic, a seething mass of them," Baba writes. "The beetles could open their wings and fly away, but they almost never did. It was as if they accepted their captive status." The title foreshadows the horror that was to befall her family during World War II, when she and other Jews of Nyibator were detained and deported to concentration camps across Europe for extermination.

The May Beetles, published by Black Inc in 2016, chronicles the tumultuous first two decades of Baba's life. The title of the book comes from an insect native to her home town of Nyirbator, in north-eastern Hungary. Baba recalls that these small beetles were collected each year by local children and handed over to the authorities, who disposed of them.

A dedicated diarist throughout her life, Baba accumulated stacks of journals and documents filled with memories, philosophical ruminations and poetry. In 2014, after the death of her husband Andor, Baba set to work compiling and moulding these disparate texts into a memoir.

Margit "Baba" Schwartz, an author who wrote a memoir about surviving Auschwitz and a death march through Poland with her mother and sisters, died June 9 in Melbourne. She was 89.

As well as providing testimony, Baba's lyrical yet unswerving storytelling made The May Beetles a critical success. Helen Garner writes that the memoir is "a calmly personal account of a mighty cataclysm; astonishing in its dignity and composure, unforgettable in its sweetness of tone".

The daughter of Gyula Keimovits, a livestock dealer, and Erzsebet "Boeske" Kellner, Margit Keimovits was born on December 15, 1927, the second of three girls. The privations of the Great Depression meant that the Keimovtises lived simply. Yet Baba's early childhood was joyful and carefree. The 3000 Jews of Nyibator lived in peace with their 9000 non-Jewish neighbours. Baba and her two sisters, Erna and Marta, would exchange Christmas gifts for Channukah gifts with the children next door.

But by 1937, the reverberations of Hitler's anti-Semitic politics began to unsettle this calm co-existence. The intelligent and ambitious Keimovits girls had to accept that as Jews they would not be able to go to university. More painfully, they also had to absorb a new social status; their neighbours, with whom they used to play in the streets, would now treat them with derision, often hissing abusive slurs as they passed by.

Baba's parents wanted to believe that their political situation would improve, but in March 1944, when Baba was 16, the Nazis marched into Hungary. In April, the 3000 Jews of Nyibator were forced from their houses and sent to a makeshift prison camp in Simapuszta. From there, on May 22, they were transported by cattle train  70 to a cart for three days  to Auschwitz.

On arrival Baba, along with her mother and sisters, was separated from Gyula and selected for labour, not the gas chambers. They were set to work in a clothing factory, ripping open the stolen cushions and doonas of Jewish inmates, so that the feathers could be repurposed for military coats. Under the guidance of Baba's mother, the family formed a tight unit, sharing their rations, singing songs in the barracks to one another at night, and holding each other up if the other would fall during regular selections for extermination.
After spending five weeks in hospital, she and her husband went home in wheelchairs and spent months on crutches. But the psychological injuries took longer to heal: "I cried every day for over six months and intermittently for the next year. I can still cry over it very easily," she said in 1987. Outwardly she put on a brave face, attending the wedding of her eldest son two months after the tragedy, in a wheelchair. The fact that her husband had similar injuries and had suffered a commensurate loss enabled them to give each other mutual support and by becoming involved in voluntary and charitable work, Lady Mountbatten slowly found the grief easier to bear. She became president, deputy president and patron of a vast number of charities mainly concerned with healthcare, children and the armed forces. To all of these she demonstrated utter dedication and commitment, giving unstintingly of her time. In 1991 she was appointed CBE for her voluntary work with the Red Cross, of which she was vice president. Patricia Edwina Victoria Mountbatten was born in London on February 14, 1924, the eldest daughter of the then Lieutenant Lord Louis Mountbatten and his wife Edwina (nee Ashley). Patricia and her younger sister Pamela were not close to their mother. To her daughters, wrote Mountbatten's official biographer Philip Ziegler, Edwina was "the tinkle of a charm bracelet, the whiff of scent, a quick goodnight kiss". Uninterested in children and unable to express her emotions, she left the girls to the care of their nannies.

Their father compensated for their mother's lack of affection. It was he who sat on their beds, chatted about the day's events, read to them and invented games for them to play. Lord Mountbatten advocated a morality based on common sense. When Patricia, aged 11 or 12, was caught smoking in the shrubbery, he reproached her for doing it in secret. If she had really wanted a cigarette so badly, he said, she should have asked him rather than practise a deception: "I don't believe God will strike you dead if you lie, but people won't rely on you and in the end you won't be clever enough to remember what you said before and you'll be caught out," he told her. Patricia was educated at various schools in Malta (where her father was stationed before the war), in England and in New York, where she lived with her mother and sister in the early years of the war. Returning to England, she joined the Wrens after her 18th birthday and served for a time on the signals staff in Portsmouth, where her colleagues described her as being rather shy, but natural and unaffected. It was while she was serving as a Wren that she met her future husband, Lord Brabourne, a captain in the Coldstream Guards, then serving as ADC to Mountbatten in his role as Supreme Allied Commander South East Asia. Brabourne asked her to marry him a dozen times and a dozen times she said no, reluctant to take the plunge. What would happen, she asked her father, if in a few years she fell in love with someone else. "I know you," he replied. "It won't happen. Your sense of duty won't let it happen."

At their wedding, which took place with great pomp in October 1946, Patricia was attended by the Princesses Elizabeth, Margaret and Alexandra. "Sad without Patricia", Mountbatten wrote in his diary the next day. Patricia remained close to her father and was with him in India in 1948 on the day when Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated. "My father and I had been riding together," she recalled. "We came back at dusk to be met by a white-faced ADC with the news. My father was asked what would happen. He said it was very, very dangerous." Mountbatten, she remembered, was "at the centre of everything, calming everyone down  'gripping it', as he liked to say. But it was an electric, terrifying atmosphere." The Brabournes remained friends with Nehru and with his daughter Indira Gandhi. In 1983 they accepted Indira Gandhi's invitation to India's Republic Day celebrations and dined with her. en famille. Edwina Mountbatten died in 1960 and after Lord Mountbatten's assassination the earldom passed to Patricia Brabourne by a special remainder granted in 1946 by King George VI enabling the title to pass through the female line.
Anthony and Chrissie devoted their lives to attending and giving evidence to these inquiries. They supported many survivors and victims' groups throughout the country and accompanied survivors from Ballarat to Rome to witness Cardinal George Pell's evidence to the royal commission. They wrote letters and opinion pieces and gave countless interviews. What a tour de force this couple was in their fight for truth and justice. Anthony Foster, born on January 12, 1953 in Oakleigh, was the third child of Ken and Joyce Foster who emigrated from the UK with his sister Carol, born in 1945, and brother Brian, born in 1947. Despite being baptised into the Methodist faith, Anthony became an atheist. Anthony attended Bayview State School in Mount Waverley and matriculated from Waverley High School. Encouraged by his father, Anthony joined the Scouts. At 16 he was awarded the highest honour from the Governor of Victoria and became a Queen's Scout, his leadership skills already evident at an early age. A course in surveying at RMIT failed to challenge Anthony, whereupon he moved into electronics, heating, ventilation and plumbing.

At 21 he joined his parents' business, Ken Foster Heating, one of the first hydronic heating businesses in Australia, established in 1965. The highly innovative Anthony took over the business in 1983 and Foster Hydronic Heating expanded rapidly, winning The Age/Dun and Bradstreet Award for Construction Related Industries in 1999. Anthony was known as the "Dick Smith of Oakleigh", so adept was he at all things mechanical, electrical and electronic. He was an active member of the Master Plumbers Association, including on its ethics committee, and was a highly respected member of the Victorian Building Authority. Six weeks after Chrissie and Anthony met in 1980, he proposed. They married within months. "We fell in love so quickly," Chrissie tells me. "He lit up my life and made me feel whole and confident. He nurtured and nourished me." Emma was born in November 1981, Katie in July 1983 and Aimee in March 1985. Chrissie and Anthony were married for almost 37 years and their love only grew stronger. For Chrissie, Anthony was funny, intelligent, entertaining. He was a protector, an enabler.

Anthony was everything his adversaries were not  a courageous bearer of the truth, compassionate, principled, dignified and steadfast and loyal in his life with Chrissie. Anthony's daughters adored him. "He was a fantastic dad," Katie says. "He was a great listener and I felt totally understood by dad and I could talk with him about anything." Only five days after her father died, Katie persisted with her study and art classes because she knew her dad would want that. "He taught us about persistence and to keep going when the going got tough." Aimee said: "He was the best dad ever; incredibly warm and loving and always told us how much he loved us. He never lectured or preached and taught us through his actions. His patience and generosity were extraordinary." If it weren't for Anthony's encouragement, she says, she would not have told her personal story to the royal commission, which she found healing and life-changing. When Aimee met her future husband Luke, Anthony got so excited  finally, another "bloke" to complement the otherwise all-female tribe. Luke, through tears, tells of his close relationship with his father-in-law. "The five years we spent building this house together felt more like 15.

"My relationship with Anthony was pure and strong. He taught us how to be the best parents." The week before he died, Anthony spoke proudly of his grandchildren, Leo (three) and Ivy (13 months). "They bring me such joy," he said. Engrossed for hours in Anthony's hobby room, Leo assembled children's electronic kits and pulled apart electric switches. Rain, hail or shine, Leo insisted he "drive" the tractor at Tonimbuk, the hobby farm Anthony always wanted. When Ivy arrived, Anthony was always there to hold her and rock her to sleep, cradling her in his arms. He also got to see Ivy blossom and learn how to say "Gradaaa!". Anthony was filled with joy. Anthony respected and was devoted to his parents. His extended family spoke of his caring, generosity, intelligence, sharp wit and great sense of justice. "To know Anthony was to love him," said his mother-in-law, Dawn. Anthony was the rock in the family. Not content with fixing things mechanical and electrical, Anthony wanted to master them. Known as "flat-out Foster", he connected with his often-dormant "lad" when he drove boats and cars very fast. Licensed to pilot small planes, Anthony enjoyed many weekend "fly-aways" to Merimbula to fish and have fun.

He was a keen listener and collaborator, but according to his mates, he could also be "a bit bloody minded": "Be reasonable! See it my way." Anthony helped establish the very successful Oakleigh Community Rotary Sunday Market in 1987 and became president of the Oakleigh Rotary Club in 1990. In the late 1980s Anthony was the inaugural president of the Sacred Heart Association for Parents for Education (SHAPE) at his girls' school in Oakleigh, a commitment not diminished by his atheism. In 2014, Anthony became a member of the Human Rights Advisory Committee and an ambassador for Funds in Court [FIC] of the Supreme Court of Victoria. FIC administers funds for and on behalf of people under a disability and victims of crime. Anthony's association had its genesis, tragically, in Katie's accident when she was hit by a car and suffered a serious brain injury. In a courageous interview in November 2012, Anthony spoke candidly of the impacts on his masculinity and sexuality due to the sex crimes committed on his daughters. He said: "It's changed the way I feel about the power of male sexuality ... how could I possibly take enjoyment from this knowing that someone did this to my daughters in an horrific way?"
Robert (Bob) Vines was a gifted and charming individual, often hilarious and sometimes mischievous. As a CSIRO scientist of 45 years, he devoted his life to deep intellectual enquiry, something made possible by the professional values which were pervasive at CSIRO during his time there.

In his later years, Bob was referred to as "one of the last remaining gentlemen". His gentle demeanour, impeccable tweeds and collar and tie all reflected the earlier time in which he grew up.

Bob Vines, CSIRO scientist.

Bob was born on February 25, 1921 in Melbourne, the son of Robert Ashley and Agnes Baird (nee Reeves) Vines. His early life was significantly shaped by his father's lifelong commitment to education; Ashley was the founding headmaster of the Scotch College Hawthorn Campus in 1921-22. Ashley's courage was a characteristic which Bob valued all his life  he had been seriously injured on the first day of the Gallipoli campaign in 1915.

Bob grew up in New Zealand, Adelaide and Melbourne, attending Scotch in 1938-9. He won a scholarship to the University of Melbourne and to Ormond College, where he resided for nine years and where he met his wife to be, the biochemist Vera Hanly.
Alan Finkel says renewables will need to have back-up capacity to bolster grid security. Credit:Getty Images "He's the perfect person to have in this place at this time," says Wilson da Silva, a science journalist who co-founded Cosmos. Helpful habits seem to start at home. One friend recounts how Finkel, his wife and two sons  one an aeronautical engineer, the other a software engineer  are known to front up for dinner with an agenda of talking points to debate. Alan and Elizabeth Finkel at the time of the successful launch of their Axon Instrument company. Credit:Simon O'Dwyer His mother, Vera Finkel, jokes at almost super-human powers, telling guests at a dinner party: "I worship the ground above which he walks. Everybody loves him."

Key gripes Whether the apparently broad affection survives greater scrutiny of his review remains to be seen. A key gripe is the fact Finkel's team modelled just one scenario  a 28 per cent fall in carbon emissions for the power sector from 2005 to 2030. That choice of a "par" cut of 28 per cent surprised many, not least because the electricity sector is widely considered ripe for much deeper cuts than the rest of the economy, given the availability of non-fossil fuel alternatives, such as wind and solar energy. These sources are already cheaper to build than new coal or gas-fired power stations  in part because they don't carry a "carbon risk" that their emissions will attract either a direct price or some other disadvantage. Finkel's recommendation of a to-be-determined emissions threshold per megawatt-hour has been targeted by former prime minister Tony Abbott and other opponents of climate action as a "tax" on coal, whatever the level settled on.

Finkel, though, has told questioners it wasn't up to him to set the emissions path. It would have been overstepping his terms of reference to model a cut beyond Australia's overall pledge of slashing emissions 26-28 per cent of 2005 levels by 2030. He also notes that unlike the Climate Change Authority  which modelled a cut in electricity sector pollution of as much as three-quarters over a similar period  he chose to settle on proven technologies. Model system Modelling choices, of course, open up a world of options, and Finkel looked at just three of them. His clean energy target emerges as his favourite because it delivers the lowest electricity prices for consumers, at least compared with "business as usual" and an emissions intensity scheme, which had been backed by Labor and most business groups. A carbon tax, which Finkel once argued for, is ignored as a choice.

But as Ross Garnaut, an economist with his own record of modelling climate policies, told the Australian Energy Storage Conference in Sydney this week that by extension,"if you have a stronger emissions target, the model will generate a lower [electricity] price". Similarly, a Labor insider queried why he didn't model a trajectory of the Opposition's 45 per cent target cut in electricity sector emissions out to 2030: "As a scientist, I would have thought he'd have modelled both parties' targets." That view has an echo in one of the Labor-led states, with a senior official saying the review "was supposed to be independent", adding "I've become more disappointed as the days have rolled on". Disappointments include the fact the states didn't get access to a review copy until the general embargo lifted last Friday and the modelling - promised for release the same day - didn't emerge until days. Concerns for this state include whether and how the Turnbull government will interpret Finkel's recommendation that new solar and wind energy projects come with "firm" dispatchable capacity to compensate for their intermittency.

This move, depending on how large an impost, could hinder the introduction of renewable energy projects that Finkel has plotted will increase their share from about 17 per cent now to 42 per cent of the National Electricity Market by 2030. Against that, renewable energy prices are tipped to fall a lot faster than Finkel's review predicts. One leading researcher described the $2190 per kilowatt used in the model for large solar photovoltaics as "well off the mark". Bloomberg New Energy Finance, too, estimated that new wind and PV would be cheaper than refurbishing old coal plants - a feature of the Finkel modelling - by 2023. Out to 2040, onshore wind costs will drop 42 per cent from 2017 levels, while solar will slide 63 per cent, Bloomberg predicts, making coal's decline "inevitable". Good hearing However, Liberal MP Craig Kelly, who chairs the backbench environment and energy committee, says he "absolutely" got a good hearing from Finkel.

Winning over Kelly, an outspoken sceptic of climate change who has claimed the First Fleet found Sydney hotter than it is today, has warmed to Finkel's call for back-up dispatchable capacity for renewables "so that the lights don't go out" as more clean energy is added to the grid. Kelly says he could back a program that puts downward pressure on energy prices  an issue likely to gain urgency with Energy Australia this week announcing an electricity price leap of almost 20 per cent for NSW households from July 1. Other suppliers are posting similar increases, with Victorians facing comparable rises from January. "I'm not in the pro-coal lobby, more the low-cost electricity lobby," Kelly says. Finkel also disappointed some by not modelling what amount of emissions would be fair for Australia if the world got serious about trying to keep temperature increases to 2 degrees, the upper end of the Paris climate target. "He told us 'it's not my job to second guess whether the government's policy will get us to 2 degrees'," according to one MP briefed by Finkel this week. The Chief Scientist, though, is "reasonably bullish about emissions reductions in other areas".

Indeed, the review hints at how Finkel's review might steer Australia out of what he has called a "minefield" left behind by that decade of "climate wars". Advances in appliances mean gas heating can be replaced by much more efficient electric "heat pumps", while electric cars  of which Finkel has two, including a Tesla  have the potential to rapidly displace fossil fuelled vehicles. Finkel spoke of his dream of an electric planet when appointed Chief Scientist in late 2015: "My vision is for a country, society and world where we don't use any coal, oil or natural gas, where we have zero emissions electricity." The Chief Scientist, though, has since moderated his enthusiasm for emissions-free economy, conservatively modelling 2070 as the zero-point for the Australia's power sector. 'Solid as a rock'
A brawl is building inside the Turnbull government over the creation of a British-style Home Office that would bring together major intelligence, police and security agencies.

While the idea has gained traction, some within the government are pushing back and arguing that Australia's current arrangements are working well while Britain has experienced several serious terrorist attacks in recent months.

"Why would anyone think their arrangements are better than ours?" one influential insider said.

A super-department in the style of the US Department of Homeland Security is understood to have been all but ruled out, but a British model is being more seriously considered.
Three Turnbull government ministers have refused to apologise for their statements that put Victoria's highest court in an "embarrassing and invidious" position.

Solicitor-General Stephen Donaghue, QC, representing Health Minister Greg Hunt, Human Services Minister Alan Tudge and Assistant Treasurer Michael Sukkar, told a packed Supreme Court that the ministers regret their statements, but will not apologise for them.

Michael Sukkar, Greg Hunt and Alan Tudge. Credit:Fairfax

This week, Mr Hunt accused the Victorian legal system of becoming a forum for "ideological experiments" as the Court of Appeal considered a federal prosecutor's appeal over the sentence of convicted terrorist Sevdet Ramadan Besim.

The three Victorian ministers  all qualified lawyers  face being charged with contempt of court for their public comments, which were made before the Court of Appeal had announced its ruling on the appeals of Besim and another teenager jailed for terrorism offences known as MHK.
Katherine's own high school experience at Perth Modern, a school for gifted and talented children in innercity Subiaco, was vastly different from Hannah Baker's. The stress of year 12 exams was as bad as it got for her, although she was aware that slut-shaming and bullying  exacerbated by social media  existed. "Playing Hannah brought back the feeling of everyone watching you," she reflects. "I think no matter where you are, high school is always going to be a tough experience, however I think there are things that we can do to make it less painful." While Katherine says she doesn't possess the quick wit or sarcasm of Hannah, she does relate to her character's persistent desire to believe in the goodness of others, even if their actions prove otherwise. She also identifies with Hannah's non-conformist nature. "I was never bothered about fitting in," she says. The daughter of two "extremely intelligent, and very, very hard-working" doctors, Katherine originally had plans to follow in her parents' footsteps. She told a careers adviser in year 10 that her first preference was medicine, followed by politics. Third on her list of career choices was musical theatre. The discussion is the important part about the show. It's about looking at issues and instigating conversation that is needed.

"Even though those first two options were very different, I always wanted to do something that was going to make a difference and/or help people and/or help the world." By the time she graduated from high school, Katherine knew she wanted to be an actor. "I like being able to give voices to characters who are people who don't have a voice, and telling stories that are relevant and reflect on society." But she was rejected from every acting school she applied to, on the grounds she was too young and didn't have enough life experience. So she knuckled down to teach herself everything she could about the craft, juggled three part-time jobs, and found herself an agent. The agent arranged a meeting with some visiting US managers, who set up two video auditions. One turned out to be for 13 Reasons Why. Her casting as the lead is especially remarkable because not only did she win the role based solely on audition tapes she sent over to LA, it is her first professional acting job, and she narrates the series in an American accent. "From what they told me, they auditioned a lot of girls and I think the one thing they wanted to do was capture the essence [of Hannah's character], and they didn't want or need to cast people with a name because it's not a network, it's Netflix."

Kitx Pussybow dress, $825. Credit:Simon Lekias 13 Reasons Why has so skilfully tapped into the adolescent zeitgeist that it is reportedly the most popular Netflix series to date, and the most tweeted about show of the year. But the show has also attracted controversy for the way it depicts bullying, rape and suicide. It has been criticised for sensationalising suicide and being overly simplistic about the reasons people kill themselves. American mental health experts have warned it could have a suicide contagion effect, while in Australia, youth mental health service Headspace has reported a "growing number" of calls and emails relating to the show, and cautioned that its content could be upsetting to underage viewers. Some Sydney private schools have banned their students from watching it, while New Zealand introduced a new classification specifically for the show, requiring children under 18 to watch it with a parent or guardian. Katherine says everyone involved in 13 Reasons Why knew it would be controversial, and she welcomes the discussions it has sparked about difficult topics. "The discussion is the important part about the show. It's about looking at issues and instigating conversation that is needed."

Despite the backlash, Katherine takes great pride in the impact 13 Reasons Why has had, particularly in the way its authentic depiction of adolescent issues has resonated with viewers. Among fans waiting when she touched down in Sydney was a girl who thrust a letter into her hands which described the difference the show had made to her own life. "To me, that is the most rewarding part," Katherine explains. "I think we cover a lot of different issues in the show which people relate to differently depending on their own personal history and context. I feel very lucky to be able to have a platform from the show to talk about issues that are important." Being thrust into the public eye so suddenly and so early in her career has meant a steep learning curve for Katherine, who now finds herself walking the red carpet at Hollywood events like the MTV Awards and being approached by strangers in the street. "Suddenly it feels like everybody knows me, and I've just done one thing!" she laughs. Despite being involved in such a massive hit, Katherine displays little of the egocentrism for which the selfie generation is renowned. Unlike many of her peers, she's not particularly invested in the size of her following on social media. "It's not something that I feel I need affirmation for," she says. "For me, it doesn't matter how many followers I have, but if my followers love the show and I'm able to interact with them, that is the biggest pay-off."

The attention is still such a novelty that Katherine is yet to become jaded by it  nor has she let it turn her head, to the surprise of even her closest friends back in Perth. "I'm pretty low key, and I definitely don't consider myself super famous or well known. It's still at the point where it's kind of cool." Amid all the tumult of the past 18 months of her life, the piano has been a refuge of sorts for Katherine. She taught herself to play when she was 16 after she saw Lady Gaga in concert and quickly joined the elite music program at school. When she moved to California to shoot 13 Reasons Why, one of the first things she did was buy a piano for $50. After a tough day filming, she'd come home and play to decompress. "If there's ever a piano in a room, I find it," she says. "I think music is a very personal medium, especially when you write your own songs, which I do. Right now, music is something I'm keeping for myself." She's also keeping other elements of her life private. She reveals she has a 19-year-old sister, but shies away from providing any more detail on her family. And she won't single out any 13 Reasons Why cast members she has become particularly close to during filming, saying only, "All of the cast get along so well, we're all going to be friends for a very, very long time". Asked about boys, she shoots back: "You got anyone you want to suggest?" (She does nominate Winnie the Pooh's Christopher Robin as her first childhood crush, and Orlando Bloom as her second.)
Matty J is an instant hit with the contestants. Credit:Network Ten There is no official broadcast date though the series is expected to air on Ten this spring. PS understands images on offer showing the two women arriving at the finale ceremony and waiting on the set where Matty J delivers his decision had been doing the media rounds, threatening to spoil the series, which is a cash cow for Ten, estimated to bring in more than $30 million worth of advertising and sponsorships each year. Matty J is handsome, personable, and boasts a great name for radio. Credit:Rachel Yabsley For years now the series finale has been under threat with paparazzos, including Marshall, turning up all over the world threatening to ruin the finale, leading to insiders questioning how such sensitive information has been leaked.

"There is a hunt underway trying to plug the leak ... the speculation being that someone is being paid to hand over sensitive information about location shoots, flights and schedules ... over the years someone has made a lot of money out of leaking that information," an insider told PS on the grounds of anonymity. Ugly hate-fest unleashed on mogul Mia If you used Twitter or Facebook as your litmus test, then surely Mia Freedman must be the most despised person in Australian media right now? But of course, this is not unfamiliar terrain for the media mogul who has managed to confound her critics year after year as her Mamamia empire has grown, today employing more than 100 people and turning over millions of dollars a year. A little too raw: Mamamia founder Mia Freedman has ruffled feathers again. Credit:Nic Walker

But what is it about Freedman, who writer Marieke Hardy once summed up as "execrable", that upsets so many people, so often? Freedman declined to provide any more fodder for this week's media storm, which has engulfed the 45-year-old after American author Roxanne Gay described Freedman's coverage of her as "cruel and humiliating". Gay reacted angrily after Freedman revealed sensitive details about the negotiations between Gay's publisher and Freedman's Mamamia podcast producer, including whether she had a chair able to accommodate the "super morbidly obese" author. While Mamamia later re-edited the podcast, taking out the material Gay deemed so offensive, and published a lengthy apoloogy, Freedman herself has been silent on the matter, though friends say the resulting media "pile on" and social media outrage has taken a heavy toll. Not happy: Roxane Gay described the Mamamia podcast as "a shit show". Credit:Pat Scala One of Freedman's oldest friends, Today co-host Lisa Wilkinson, told PS: "Mia admits that she should have known better and her heartfelt apologies have made that utterly clear. But the level of outright hate directed at her has been nothing short of incredibly ugly and completely out of proportion to the crime committed.

"Sadly though, the all-in hatefest that ensued was symptomatic of the toxic ground that is somehow allowed to exist in social media. Mia has a long history of being a wonderful champion for change in so many areas and I just hope that this doesn't discourage her from continuing on that course." In 2015 Freedman landed in an equally sticky situation after comparing gay people to paedophiles on The Project. Mia Freedman has gone to ground following her comments. Credit:Steven Siewert During a debate about a public sex offender register, Freedman said: "We accept that gay people can't change who they love and who they're sexually attracted to, so why do we think that people who are sexually attracted to children can be rehabilitated." Freedman later released a statement "unreservedly apologising" and attempting to explain the comments, saying she was "mortified" to have given "ammunition" to "bigots and haters".

Something to think about: Freedman also put her foot in it on The Project in 2015. Credit:Damian Bennett Horse has bolted for Romano It wasn't which horse won the Melbourne Cup each year that occupied Melbourne public relations queen Judy Romano's mind over the past 25 years organising the marquees of the infamous Birdcage. Rather it was who she would bestow the annual "Drainer Of The Cup" Award. The ignominious honour was one she and her fellow publicists would hand out, on the quiet, to acknowledge the races guests who had been the greatest pain to deal with during Australia's greatest social outing, the annual spring racing carnival at Flemington.

Long-time Emirates marquee organiser and Melbourne PR queen Judy Romano has reached the finish line as a Cup Day organiser. Credit:Pat Scala And as Romano has previously told PS, there have been a lot of contenders over the years, though she is far too polite to name any of them (she's so Melbourne). But not this year, there will be no "drainer". Romano confirmed to PS she opted not to re-pitch for the prestigious Emirates marquee gig back in April. Since then news broke the airline was scaling back its sponsorship of the races, making this the last year it will have the prime marquee space it has enjoyed over the past decade, with Romano manning the front door. This November will be Emirates' last as sponsor the $6.2 million Melbourne Cup. And with the demise of other key marquees, including James Packer's equally lavish Crown Casino tent, things are looking a little slim on the replacement front, with the serious end of the marquee business costing several million dollars to stage, on top of sponsorship deals with the Victorian Racing Club. While the VRC declined to comment on specific negotiations that are currently underway, PS was assured a new sponsor and marquee host would be signed soon.

PS Spotlight: When Luna graced Roselands Today's PS spotlight is shining 50 years into Sydney's past, a time when Roselands shopping centre was truly the social epicentre of suburbia. Dwarfed by the likes of today's Westfield behemoths, at the time there was nowhere quite like Roselands, as the crowds who turned up to see visiting American supermodel Donyale Luna in 1967 soon discovered. Luna was the first black model to appear on the cover of American Vogue. Fashion model Donyale Luna modelling a backless see-through crocheted floor-length dress to captive public audiences at a shopping mall. Credit:Time Life Pictures One of Andy Warhol's proteges, she was flown out to Sydney amid much fanfare to model for the masses among the rather more prosaic surrounds of Roselands' shopping arcades.

A catwalk was erected just near the infamous Rain Drop Fountain, which, along with hot rollers and brunch coats, was the height of suburban sophistication at the time. Luna caused quite a stir wearing her see-through gown, with bug-eyed shoppers not quite sure where to fix their focus or what to make of the frock. Sadly the Rain Drop Fountain is no more, neither is Luna, she died at the age of 33 from a heroin overdose, but we will always have this fabulous image. Very handy pitch for Prince Andy You've got to feel a tiny bit sorry for Prince Andrew, who seems destined to spend his years in the shadow of his celebrity nephews.

While the Australian media can't get enough of Prince Harry, as witnessed by his most recent visit, Prince Andrew has been trying to drum up interest in his upcoming visit to Australia to spruik his version of Shark Tank, an initiative called Pitch@Palace, intended to give budding entrepreneurs around the world a head start with access to high-powered boot camps and investors. Britain's Prince Andrew has been trying to drum up support for his Pitch@Palace concept. Credit:AP While his planned visit to Wollongong did make the local paper there, the Duke of York's national tour in September has barely created a ripple anywhere else. Founded in 2014, Pitch@Palace has been held in China and Singapore with plans for it to be rolled out around the world, though recent efforts by Prince Andrew to trademark the initiative did raise eyebrows in the UK. PS was assured the trip to Australia was being paid for solely by the event's sponsors, including the University Of Wollongong, Macquarie University, Bond University and Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology. The prince has also reeled in corporate partners including KPMG Enterprise and Richard Branson's Virgin Australia group. Nice work if you can get it. Famously going down in flames

The demise of Elle Macpherson's marriage this week was not news to those who know The Body best. Indeed cracks began to surface nearly a year ago when PS noted the continued absence of billionaire Jeffrey Soffer from Elle's immediate sphere, with some speculating back then that things were not going smoothly for the couple who had dated on and off for several years before tying the knot. Elle Macpherson and husband Jeffrey Soffer in happier times in 2015. Credit:Getty Images Soffer once said of his then new wife: ""I love my wife, but she's famous. There are a lot of people in the world who need the media to make them feel good  I'm not one of them ... marriage brings changes". Cool reception, with or without James

Aspen without snow sounds like Hawaii without a beach, but friends of Erica Packer inform PS that regardless of how much white stuff is on the ground, it's all systems go for a big birthday bash coming up. Erica Packer is planning a big 40th birthday bash at ex-hubby James' Aspen pad. Credit:Getty Images PS understands it is her 40th birthday, and the mother of James Packer's three children is looking forward to marking the occasion with her ex-husband giving her the keys to his luxurious Aspin chalet. The big question is, will James himself be there? The pair have remained close throughout their divorce, though with James spending so much of his time these days at his Argentinian polo compound, it is not clear if he intends to be in Aspen for the party. Fifty-ish and feeling fabulous
If you used Twitter or Facebook as your litmus test, then surely Mia Freedman must be the most despised person in Australian media right now?

But of course, this is not unfamiliar terrain for the media mogul who has managed to confound her critics year after year as her Mamamia empire has grown, today employing more than 100 people and turning over millions of dollars a year.

Mia Freedman, while wildly successful, gets her head publicly kicked on a frequent and ugly basis. Credit:Nic Walker

But what is it about Freedman, who writer Marieke Hardy once summed up as "execrable", that upsets so many people, so often?

Freedman declined to provide any more fodder for this week's media storm, which has engulfed the 45-year-old after American author Roxanne Gay described Freedman's coverage of her as "cruel and humiliating". Gay reacted angrily after Freedman revealed sensitive details about the negotiations between Gay's publisher and Freedman's Mamamia podcast producer, including whether she had a chair able to accommodate the "super morbidly obese" author.
New Delhi, June 16 (IBNS): Minister of Finance, Corporate Affairs and Defence Arun Jaitley met H.E. President Moon Jae-in of the Republic of Korea on Thursday.

Jaitley congratulated President Moon on his recent election and conveyed the good wishes of the Prime Minister of India. Complimenting President Moon for his vision for the region and the relationship with India, and recalling the PMs invitation to the President to visit India, FM hoped that the two leaders would meet soon.

Welcoming Finance Minister Jaitley to Korea, President Moon thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his good wishes since the election win, including over Twitter, recalling in particular the PMs gesture of doing so in Korean. Recalling the PMs congratulatory phone call of May 11, President Moon said there was a strong will on both sides in building the bilateral relationship.

He also underlined that the decision appoint a Special Envoy to India, for the first time ever by a recently elected Korean President, was a strong sign of Koreas commitment to the India relationship.

Conveying the appreciation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for this decision, Finance Minister Jaitley underlined that such initiatives coincided with Indias Act East policy, he emphasized India's conviction that an internationally-minded Korea is good for both Asia and for other nations.

The Finance Minister briefed the President about his fruitful meetings with his Korean counterparts the previous day.

He expressed the need for the early convening of the bilateral Joint Commission and the 2+2 Dialogue, to further take the relationship forward. Finance Minister

Jaitley underlined the immense opportunity for the two countries to forge partnerships in defense industry, infrastructure investment and manufacturing.

President Moon lauded the bold economic reforms in India under the leadership of Prime Minister, Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Jaitley, and shared his belief that India was on its way to becoming a true economic power. In the process, he hoped that ROK would be a special partner and that the Special Strategic Partnership would continue to grow. He noted the presence of Indias highly skilled professionals in Korea and hoped that such partnerships would continue to help both countries grow.



Earlier in the day, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had separate meetings with the senior leadership of premier Korean companies including the Vice Chairman of Hyundai-Kia, CEO of Samsung Electronics, Chairman of Hyosung Group, Managing Director of Hanwha Group, Chairman of Doosan Heavy Industries and the CEO of Hyundai Rotem.

Minister also separately met, over breakfast, leaders of Korea's financial industry including the CEOs and CIOs of the Korean Investment Corporation, Korea Post, KB Financial Group, Shinhan Group, Woori Bank, Mirae Asset, Nonghyup, and Military Mutual Aid.



Later in the afternoon, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley delivered the key note address at an India-Korea Business Meeting at the Lotte Hotel, co-hosted by the Korean Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI), Embassy of India and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce (FICCI). Over a hundred representatives of Korean business and industry were in attendance.


"The reason I name and shame is to show men what other men do and also to show women they don't need to quietly tolerate it. It has so far proved an effective means of fighting back." Susan Carland lecturer in the National Centre for Australian Studies at Monash University Susan Carland "I usually get trolled on Twitter. In terms of what they say to me, I think it's almost without fail people who have a problem with me because I'm Muslim. My trolls says things like: 'You're disgusting, get out of our country,' 'You're a terrorist,' 'Why do you dress that way?' "They're all variations on these themes  criticising the way that I dress, criticising that I live in Australia, criticising what I have or haven't done. They love to criticise me if they feel that I haven't done enough condemning of things, such as a specific terrorist attack: 'Why have you not come out and condemned it?'

My trolls says things like: 'You're disgusting, get out of our country'. Susan Carland "I realised it literally does not matter what I say or even what I don't say. They just say the same stuff. I find it really difficult to take it seriously, because it is so generalised. "Sometimes I respond by saying something quite sarcastic and patronising, such as: 'Oh, it sounds like you need a hug?' "Or sometimes I respond with that GIF from the movie Mean Girls, where Regina George says: "Why are you so obsessed with me?" "In 2015 I started sending one dollar to the charity UNICEF every time I got a nasty tweet. As it stands right now, I've sent about $5200 to UNICEF. It can be hard to keep track of though, because I get so many nasty tweets.

"The idea was to respond to something awful with something good, in a way that it doesn't really engage with what the trolls are doing. The message to the trolls is: 'What you're saying does not bother me at all. It's not upsetting me and it's not concerning me'." Carly Findlay writer, speaker, appearance and disability activist Carly Findlay: Writer, disability and appearance activist. Credit:Justin McManus "I've been trolled quite a bit. Once my photo was misused on Reddit and shared in the 'What the Fuck?' forum. People posted comments saying I looked like something their dog vomited and that I should be killed with fire. Recently I was told I should get plastic surgery and take a better-looking photo. "Behaviour like this can hurt, but I try to remember they've [the trolls] often got no context about why I look the way I do. And their lives must be empty to comment meanly on a stranger's appearance.

"It is frustrating though because if I do choose to respond, it's taking away from important things I need to be doing. "Even so, I usually respond politely and humorously. But I will tell them to f*** off if I've tried to educate and they still troll. "With the Reddit incident, I actually went onto the thread and introduced myself and gave them information about why my face looks this way. It had an interesting effect on some people, changing the conversation from hate speech to supportive comments. The original poster gave me a backhanded apology, and one person said they went to the thread to gawk but they'd learnt something. I guess it takes a real person to remind them the Internet is real life. "Sometimes, when the trolling is subtle (like people tagging in their friends to come gawk and my photo), I ask if I can help them. "Lately I've taken to outing trolls publicly, which often makes them panic and tell me what a nice guy they are and that they've never done this before. Then they apologise, telling me they didn't mean it. Of course they did!"

Tracey Spicer author, columnist and presentation trainer Tracey Spicer. Credit:James Brickwood "I usually get trolled via Twitter, or sometimes Facebook. It encompasses insults and threats. They usually question my intellect, with gendered comments like 'dumb blonde', or try to silence me for speaking out about issues pertaining to feminism or social justice. "It makes me want to hide inside the house and never leave. My heart rate goes up. Sometimes, it makes me want to change careers. I never troll back, as I don't believe in lowering myself to their level. If I'm feeling confident, I use humour. It's the most marvellous device to disarm someone. If it's obviously a serial misogynist, I ignore, mute or block. Usually, trolls like this are just trying to waste your time. If the person has a very civilised timeline, I'll try to educate them about the issue, with respect.

"I recommend using different strategies for each troll. And try not to waste too much time on them. If the situation becomes dangerous  as it did when trolls threatened to rape and kill my children and me several years ago  contact the police. Our Women in Media survey last year found 41 percent of female journalists had been trolled, bullied or harassed online, and several had left the industry. Media organisations need to do more to protect their employees from this type of treatment." Mariam Veiszadeh lawyer, advocate, social commentator Mariam Veiszadeh is Daily Life's 2016 Woman of the Year. Credit:Louie Douvis "My 'troll base' (some have a fan base and I have a fairly committed 'troll base') has mastered the art of intersectional insults targeting my gender, race and faith. "More recently, I've received a barrage of pornographic images taking the trolling to new low.

"I've received an image of me cuddling a decapitated pig's head, with a message that they'd behead my mother and me and bury us with pigs. Or I got another one that depicted me being stoned to death, along with a cropped image of me lying dead on the floor, with rocks surrounding me and photoshopped blood dripping down my cheeks. "The first time you see images of your head cropped onto all sorts of objects, it makes your stomach turn. After you've seen hundreds of them, it gets easier and you find yourself critiquing the users' terrible photoshopping skills. I mean, sometimes you just have to laugh, because if you don't, you'd have to re-apply your makeup way too often. "At times I have to remind myself that I am stronger than the sum of all of the hate directed at me, but I am also human, vulnerable, sensitive and not immune to the physiological effects and mental strain that cyber-bullying has placed on me. "During the peak of the craziness, the experience was extremely harrowing and all-consuming. Its impact extended to my family, my friends and my job. "I suffered from prolonged anxiety, forcing me to take time off work. I had periods of dizziness and vertigo. In that period, I went to five different doctors, including a neurologist. I had my ears, my heart and my brain all tested, and  in the end  it seemed the cause of my physical illness was ultimately anxiety.
Bec and Bridge has up to 80 per cent off. Combining structured tailoring with luxury fabrics, Rebecca Vallance sales are always one to mark in your calendar. It's been a big year already for the designer who created Sylvia Jeffrey's wedding dress and released a capsule collection with US site Net-a-Porter earlier this year. The sale will feature up to 80 per cent off autumn/winter 17, spring/summer 16 and one-off exclusive samples. Expect queues. 37 Doody Street, Alexandria. Thursday 15 9am-6pm, Friday 16 9am-6pm, Saturday 17 9am-5pm. Rebecca Vallance is a sale not to miss with up to 80 per cent off. It may be cold outside but the Jets sale is a red-hot one you don't want to miss.

Meanwhile, high-performance swimwear brand, Duskii is having a two-day warehouse sale this weekend with up to 70 per cent off a selected range, with prices starting at $20. 8/252 Allambie Rd, Allambie Heights. Friday 16 12pm-6pm, Saturday 17 10am-4pm. Duskii Morocco range. It's often hard to find a cult denim brand that is ethical and sustainable, but that is the exact aim of Nobody Denim. The Melbourne-born label will be housing a 10-day warehouse sale in Paddington with up to 70 per cent off men and women's jeans, tees, shirts, jackets, skirts and dresses. Bring cash unless you plan to spend big ($150 minimum for cards). 17 Oxford Street, Paddington. Friday 9- Sunday 18, 10am-5pm Daily.

The Melbourne brand is bringing their signature styles to the pop-up sale. In case you missed it in last week's column, Sabatini is holding their winter sale, which happens to be the biggest of the year. With the turn in the weather now is a good time to update your wardrobe with a selection of their quality knitwear, cashmere, leather and basics. The brand sticks to a "Made in New Zealand" philosophy, with each design hand-made using sustainable and eco-friendly fabrics . Suite 305, Level 3, 61 Marlborough Street, Surry Hills. Thursday 10am-6pm, Friday 10am-2pm; Saturday 10am-4pm. This is Sabatini's biggest sale of the year. Credit:Sam Grant Net-A-Porter is having an end-of-season sale with up to 50 per cent off local and international brands of clothing, shoe and accessories. Labels include Michael Kors, Charlotte Olympia, Alexander Wang, Vivienne Wood and P.E Nation.

Online Only. Till stocks last. . Online store Shopbop has an extra 25 per cent off all marked down items until tomorrow.The US site houses more than 800 clothing, shoe and accessory designers, including Australian labels Alex Perry and Zimmermann. Online Only. Till Friday 16. Just Launched

It seems more and more of our favourite Australian brands are making the move to the US. Manning Cartell's absence at MBFWA was noticed among the fashion community, but the company announced last week it was for good reason - the brand has announced an exclusive partnership with Barneys New York. The brand's spring/summer collection will launch in seven locations across the US around August. "Our partnership with Barneys New York is very much a part of our larger story. The US has been a focus for us the past year and we are delighted to have signed this exclusive deal with the United States leading luxury department store," said Gabrielle Manning, co-founder of Manning Cartell. With oversized tailoring and nautical detailing, the first collection to released in the US is called Neptune's Wooden Angels- the first of many we hope. Manning Cartell is set to launch in the US. #inthecart
The overcrowding crisis in Sydney's primary schools is about to hit high schools, as the baby bonus generation starts secondary school and the growth in apartment living puts pressure on suburbs already battling soaring enrolments.

At least 10 local government areas in Sydney, already straining to keep up with surging school enrolments, are also facing a boom in their high school-age population, a Fairfax Media analysis can reveal.

Students at Meadowbank Primary have one high school in their area, which is already bursting at the seams. Credit:Daniel Munoz

The analysis uses enrolment figures from the NSW Department of Education and population projections from the Department of Planning.

Hotspots include Ryde, Waverley and Camden LGAs, with Marsden High (Ryde), Rose Bay Secondary College (Waverley) and Elizabeth Macarthur High (Camden) among the worst-affected high schools. Enrolment growth since 2013 has topped 15 per cent at all three high schools, compared with 1.5 per cent growth in high school enrolments across greater Sydney.
The NSW Labor government led by former premier Morris Iemma announced it would build Sydney's $1 billion desalination plant without consideration by the cabinet budget committee and on the basis of a focus group, a former minister claims.

Carl Scully, whose ambition to become premier was thwarted when powerbrokers including Eddie Obeid and Joe Tripodi switched their support to Mr Iemma following Bob Carr's retirement in 2005, makes the claim in his memoir, Setting the Record Straight.

But it has been firmly rejected as "ridiculous" and "not correct" by Mr Iemma and Mark Arbib, the former NSW ALP general secretary alleged to have run the focus group.

Mr Iemma told Fairfax Media: "Carl should just look into the mirror and he will find the one and only reason he never became premier. I feel very sorry for Carl Scully".
Gang leader Farhad Qaumi, left, with murdered mafia figure Pasquale Barbaro. In delivering his sentence over three hours in the NSW Supreme Court, Justice Peter Hamill reflected on the many people's lives who had been affected by the "outlandish and lawless violence in which these offenders were involved". Farhad was the "undisputed and feared" leader of the Blacktown BFL chapter. He ran the gang with fear, demanding unquestionable loyalty and obedience from his members. A CCTV camera captured Joe Antoun's killer outside his home. Credit:NSW Police In 2013, a person known only as "witness M" told Farhad that Mohamed Hamzy  leader of the BFL Bankstown chapter  wanted him dead.

The message was repeated to Farhad's troops before a plan was formulated to get Hamzy first. Widow of murdered Joseph Antoun Teagan Mullens leaves the Downing Centre. Credit:Ben Rushton Farhad, Mumtaz and Jamil organised for gunmen to ambush Hamzy in the garage of his Revesby Heights home on October, 29, 2013. However Hamzy managed to escape the gunfire. Mahmoud Hamzy (left) was shot dead during the Brothers for Life conflict in 2013. Omar Ajaj, (right) was injured but survived.

His cousin, who family remembered as a "beautiful soul who wouldn't hurt a fly", Mahmoud Hamzy, was shot three times in the head at close range and killed. The fatal ambush at the home of the well-known family formed the context for another three shootings over the next several days as the Qaumis feared retribution. Farhad Qaumi is led from court in May 2006. Credit:Peter Rae "Luckily nobody else was killed but an innocent teenage girl suffered awful injuries, three men received gunshot wounds and a number of lives were put in peril," Justice Hamill said. On November 3, 2013 one of Hamzy's right-hand men, Michael Odisho, opened the door of his Winston Hills home and was shot.

Mumtaz Qaumi (left), Farhad Qaumi (centre) and Elias 'Les' Elias (right) outside The Star casino in December 2013. Credit:NSW Police The "disreputable fellow", who refused to give evidence at the Qaumi's trial, survived. The failed shooting angered Farhad, who incredulously asked his cronies the next day: "how hard it is to shoot somebody?" Farhad and Jamil then directed four people, including a driver, to target a low-ranking BFL member. Joe Antoun with his wife Teagan. However it was the member's 13-year-old sister who ended up the victim. About 100 shrapnel pieces were lodged in the teenager's body after the gunmen opened fire at her Blacktown home.

"(The teen) was left with devastating injuries," Justice Hamill said. Former Brothers for Life second-in-charge Mumtaz Qaumi. Credit:NSW Police "Her capacity to become pregnant and carry a baby full term has been compromised." Just after midnight on November 7, gunmen opened fire at the car Abdul Abu-Mahmoud was in outside the Chokolatta cafe in Bankstown. Mr Abu-Mahmoud and two other men in the car survived. Mumtaz suspected Mr Abu-Mahmoud, who was associated with the Bankstown BFL but not a member, could get access to the address of the Blacktown leaders.

Mumtaz and Jamil were convicted over the Chokolatta Cafe shooting while there was no evidence Farhad was involved. Standover man Mr Antoun was shot several times at the front door of his home by a man known only as witness L. In sentencing the brothers, Justice Hamil found Mumtaz was "not without hope of some rehabilitation". While he wasn't satisfied the maximum penalty was appropriate for Mumtaz, the length of his sentence would ultimately prove to be a life sentence. As for Farhad, his sentence needed to be longer than his brothers because his criminal history was worse and his leadership role in organising the shootings and gang activities.
A 22-year-old man accused of trying to flee the country to join Islamic State will remain in custody for at least eight weeks.

Moudasser Taleb, from Panania in south-west Sydney, did not apply for bail in Central Local Court on Friday and it was formally refused by Magistrate Les Mabbutt due to "the nature of the charges".

Moudasser Taleb was denied bail after being arrested at Sydney Airport, allegedly bound for Islamic State. Credit:Nine Network

His lawyer, Zali Burrows, said he hadn't eaten in two days and she indicated there would be a future bail application.

Mr Taleb was charged on Thursday night with preparing for incursions into foreign countries for purpose of engaging in hostile activities, which has a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
New South Wales will soon have a million firearms by the end of the decade, a rate of growth that a Greens MP warns could encourage a local version of American gun-ownership culture.

New Police Firearms Registry data shows an extra 65,000 firearms were registered in NSW in less than two years, bringing the state's total pool of legal guns to 915,000.

If current growth holds, there will be more than a million guns registered across the state.

"People are often shocked when they hear how many guns there are in NSW and they have every right to be," Greens MLC David Shoebridge said. "We must not go down the US path of more and more guns until we are so saturated with firearms that people start demanding guns to defend themselves from guns."
Non-existent addresses and homes seemingly packed to the rafters with residents: Salim Mehajer's criminal trial has heard colourful details of his alleged scheme to rig the election that snared him a spot on the now-defunct Auburn council.

Mr Mehajer, 31, has pleaded not guilty to more than 100 electoral fraud offences and is standing trial in the Downing Centre Local Court in Sydney.

He is accused of using a range of tactics, including submitting false enrolment applications for voters, to bolster his chances of being elected to the council in the September 2012 poll.

The court heard on Friday that Australian Federal Police raided the Mehajer family home on May 21, 2013.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet has ramped up pressure on the federal government over GST reform, declaring NSW is $15 billion worse off due to a distribution formula that rewards "lazy states", such as Queensland.

In an interview before his first budget on Tuesday, Mr Perrottet welcomed the federal government's move to review the GST system, but said it "should be doing a lot more".

"We've become the safety net for the lazy states," Mr Perrottet said.

"You look at Queensland. They're embarking on very little reform, if at all, have not done so. And we end up picking up the tab.
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Mumbai/Kolkata, June 16 (IBNS): The Bombay High Court on Friday issued an order asking Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), which markets Amul ice cream, to stop telecasting its 'misleading' television advertisement with immediate effect.

The court found the advertisement disparaging the Frozen Desserts category. The court further declined GCMMFs request to grant any stay on the order. A copy of the Court Order is awaited.

GCMMF has since March 4, 2017 been airing a misleading television commercial of Amul Ice Cream that makes factually incorrect statements about Frozen Desserts creating apprehensions among consumers.

Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) filed a case on March 21, 2017 in the Bombay High Court seeking immediate removal of the misleading Amul ice cream advertisement.

Kwality Walls sells both Ice Creams and Frozen Desserts in India and its range of Frozen Desserts and Ice Creams contain milk solids/milk just like any other Ice Cream.

Kwality Walls clarified that its range of Frozen Desserts do not contain Vanaspati or Dalda. The only difference is that Frozen Desserts use vegetable fat instead of dairy fat, which actually makes Frozen Desserts healthier as they have lower saturated fat and do not have cholesterol.

Commenting on the court decision Sudhir Sitapati, Executive Director-Refreshments, HUL, said, We are pleased that the Honble Bombay High Court while injuncting Amuls advertisement has agreed with HULs contention that Amuls advertisement is false, misleading consumers and disparages Frozen Desserts. Kwality Walls products are made with milk/milk solids and do not contain Vanaspati. In fact, our Frozen Dessert products use milk without cholesterol to offer healthy and exciting choices to consumers.


It was August 2015 when board members of the Immigrant Women's Health Service confronted Eman Sharobeem.

The organisation's auditor Nathan Boyd had summonsed the board, presenting chairman Audrey Lai with blue folders containing allegations of "discrepancies in invoices" concerning invoices claiming spending of $6900 on 12 chairs.

Eman Sharobeem arrives at the corruption hearing this week. Credit:Nick Moir

"He showed us invoices he thought were doctored," Ms Lai, a retired Centrelink multicultural officer, told the corruption commission on Friday.

"Three board members went to the office to see Ms Sharobeem, we confronted her with evidence, the blue folders, the duplicate invoices we showed her," Ms Lai said. "She said, 'I wouldn't do that, someone's trying to frame me'.
A former Metropolitan Fire Brigade chief believes the troubled Lacrosse tower in Docklands is unsafe and says he would not allow his family to live in the building because "it's just too big a risk in its current state".

The fire started by a cigarette on an eighth-floor balcony of the Charter Hall-developed Lacrosse Apartment building in 2014. Credit:Wayne Taylor

Peter Rau was the MFB's chief officer until September and led the brigade when a discarded cigarette started a fire that caused an estimated $6.5 million in damages at the apartment high-rise in November 2014.

The blaze was fuelled by combustible plastic cladding that is still mounted on the 21-storey tower. It does not have to be removed for at least a year.
Victorian detectives have launched an unprecedented blitz against sophisticated marijuana syndicates with senior police admitting, "Melbourne is the engine room of the country's cannabis industry."

As part of Operation Chronos, police are using search and destroy tactics, raiding hydroponic crops hidden in rented houses, dis-used factories and country properties.

Detectives say the lucrative arm of organised crime is dominated by Vietnamese and Albanian syndicates that use a large part of the profits to make amphetamines and import ice, cocaine and heroin.

Since March the Drug Taskforce has raided 77 properties, arrested 27 suspects and seized more than 10,000 plants weighing well over four tonnes. The weight is nearly eight times the total haul for 2014-15.
Member for Perth John Carey has hit out at the City of Perth council in an impassioned speech delivered to parliament on Thursday evening, claiming the CBD is "dying."

Addressing the Minister for Planning Rita Saffioti and Minister for Tourism Paul Papalia in his speech, Mr Carey slammed the City of Perth's extensive red-tape laws and their effects on CBD businesses.

Office vacancies, alfresco laws and vacant shops are just some of the problems facing the Perth city council.

"I have had numerous meetings with small businesses and hotels that are concerned about what is happening in the city and the kind of experience that people are having," he said.

"Small business is dying in the city. There are vacant shops, dead streets and a lack of activity.
Perth Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi is appealing findings that she repeatedly failed to disclose gifts and travel before the State Administrative Tribunal has even handed down its penalty.

The tribunal last month found Ms Scaffidi had breached the Local Government Act 45 times by not disclosing accommodation and travel gifts, including a $US36,000 package to the Beijing Olympics paid for by BHP Billiton. That was one of the five breaches she admitted.

Lisa Scaffidi arrives at the State Administrative Tribunal. Credit:Brendan Foster

A hearing was held earlier this week to determine the penalty Ms Scaffidi should receive, and it could include a suspension, but she has lodged documents with the WA Court of Appeal before a decision has been made.

Ms Scaffidi admitted on Wednesday that there were inaccuracies in her witness statement, including a claim that she was an ambassador of the state library.
The Hutt River Province "royals" have been ordered to pay more than $3 million in unpaid taxes after a West Australian Supreme Court judge described their arguments as bizarre, irrelevant and gobbledegook.

Leonard Casley, 91, who called himself Prince Leonard when he set up the legally unrecognised independent state after a row over wheat production quotas in 1970, and his son Arthur had argued the court did not have jurisdiction because they had seceded from Australia.

Hutt River's ruler, Prince Leonard. Credit:David Whitley

But Justice Rene Le Miere ruled on Friday that the argument had no legal merit or substance.

"Anyone can declare themselves a sovereign in their own home, but they cannot ignore the laws of Australia or not pay tax," he said.
Further complicating the situation, Mr Rosenstein has told colleagues he may have to recuse himself from the matter because of the memo, a step that would shift responsibility for overseeing Mr Mueller to Associate Attorney General Rachel Brand, the Justice Department's third-ranking official. Widening investigation Mr Trump fired off his tweet as the investigation into his conduct widened and the White House and its allies escalated attacks on the special counsel. The message shows Mr Trump rebuffing advice from Republican congressional leaders to tamp down his rhetoric on social media. Although administration officials tried earlier this week to counter speculation that Mr Trump might try to fire Mr Mueller, the Trump camp's criticism of the special counsel led members of Congress of both parties to warn Mr Trump against doing so. News reports surfaced this week that Mr Mueller has expanded his probe on Russian meddling in the 2016 election and is planning to interview intelligence officials about whether Mr Trump tried to impede an FBI investigation into his former national security adviser, Michael Flynn.

Those reports, confirmed to Bloomberg by three people familiar with the interview requests, suggest a possible probe of Mr Trump for obstruction of justice. The Washington Post late on Thursday reported that Mr Mueller also is looking into the finances and business dealings of Mr Trump's son-in-law and senior White House adviser Jared Kushner as part of the investigation. The paper cited unidentified officials familiar with the matter. Growing threat Mr Trump also faces a growing threat on Capitol Hill. The Senate Judiciary Committee's Republican chairman, Chuck Grassley, and top-ranking Democrat, Dianne Feinstein, are hammering out an agreement to launch a bipartisan investigation into Mr Trump's firing of Mr Comey that Democrats say should examine possible obstruction of justice. The Senate and House Intelligence Committees are already examining Russian interference in the election.

The White House has referred questions to Mr Trump's personal counsel. Mark Corallo, a spokesman for the president's legal team, didn't immediately respond to requests for comment on Mr Trump's tweets on Friday. Mr Rosenstein declined to comment. Mr Rosenstein told senators on Tuesday that only he, not the president, can fire Mr Mueller, and that Mr Mueller had done nothing to warrant dismissal. He told a Senate Appropriations subcommittee there would need to be "good cause" to dismiss the special counsel. "I appointed him. I stand by that decision," said Mr Rosenstein. "I'm going to defend the integrity of that investigation." Anonymous allegations Mr Rosenstein, who took charge of the Russia investigation when Attorney General Jeff Sessions recused himself in March, appeared to express frustration on Thursday about continuous leaks about the probe.

"Americans should exercise caution before accepting as true any stories attributed to anonymous 'officials,"' he said in a statement. "Americans should be skeptical about anonymous allegations." Mr Trump has taken to Twitter this week to repeatedly attack officials investigating Russia's interference in the 2016 election, lashing out at reports that the probe has widened to include potential obstruction of justice by the president. Mr Trump's tweets attacking Mr Mueller's investigation come after several of his top-ranking supporters criticised the probe and the people leading it. The White House said on Thursday that Mr Trump was not considering firing Mr Mueller.
A poster for missing girl Jessica Urbano near Grenfell Tower on Thursday. Credit:Getty Images Mesi Chala, who has given an account of what happened, said: "They tried to call the fire brigade on their phone and managed to escape from the flat, but the fire brigade told them to stay inside". However, after 30 minutes firefighters appeared to change tactics and began going door to door instructing the residents to get out immediately, including Mrs Shawo and her family. Posters for missing people on a wall near the apartment block on Thursday. Credit:Getty Images "I think the fire brigade realised then they could not control the fire and people had to get out," Mrs Chala said.

With the flames rising they prepared to leave via the staircase, now filling with smoke. Mrs Shawo's neighbours joined them on the landing. Her first thoughts appear to have been for the children in the group. Debris hangs from the blackened exterior as smoke continues to rise from Grenfell Tower on Thursday. Credit:Getty Images "As she was trying to help the children, an adult neighbour who was new to that floor said he would hold Isaac, while Paulos [his father] held their youngest son Lucas, who is three," Mrs Chala said. "Lucas was shouting and crying in Paulos' arms. Genet guided them down the steps, staying behind them to make sure they got down." Flowers are left on a fence near Grenfell Tower on June 15. Credit:Getty Images

But when they stumbled out of Grenfell Tower, Mrs Shawo realised Isaac was no longer with them. She fell sobbing into the arms of her sister who had by now rushed to the tower from her home in South Kensington, saying she could not find Isaac. Mother Adriano Urbano, left, received a call for help from her daughter Jessica on the right. "The guy who was holding Isaac made it outside, but when Genet asked him where Isaac was he said he had last seen him inside on the stairs. He didn't know which floor. He had lost him." The mother of 12-year-old Jessica Urbano has told how her daughter phoned her as she returned home from a night shift. Adriana Urbano was returning from her job as an office cleaner when Jessica rang her to say there was a fire.

A young girl carries a flower as she rides with an adult near Grenfell Tower on Thursday. Credit:Getty Images "Jessica had been asleep in our flat when something woke her - I don't know if it was the smoke or a fire alarm - so she rang me at 1.39am as I was on my way home from work. She said: "'Mum where are you? Mummy come and get me," Mrs Urbano said. She urged Jessica to run down the stairs of the tower block and try to find a fire fighter to lead her to safety. "I told her to get out of there as quickly as she could. I said 'run as fast as you can', but then the line cut out". Sheila Smith, 84, missing since the Grenfell Tower fire. Credit:Twitter/@adam_westbay One devastated relative described the moment he watched a family member consumed by flames as he tried to reassure him on the phone. Mokhtar Ghamni, whose brother-in-law and his family lived on the 21st floor, raced to Grenfell Tower when he heard about the fire.

Mr Ghamni managed to reach his nephew Yasim al-Wahabi on the phone, and could see him in the window as they spoke. Nadia Choucair is missing along with her husband and three children. Credit:Facebook "He said 'uncle, we're stuck'. I could see him from the window and could see the fire spreading towards them. Then I saw the fire boom into their flat and the phone line went down." Yasim, 21, his sisters Hoada, 16, and Mehdi, 8, remain unaccounted for, as well as their parents, Aziz al-Wahabi and his wife Fouszia. "The fire spread like petrol," said Mr Ghamni. "I knew as soon as I saw it and realised they were still in the flat that they were all going to die. The police haven't said anything but I know that they are dead."

Mohammed al-Haj Ali, 23, a Syrian refugee and engineering student who fled his war-torn country for a better life in the UK, has been confirmed dead. He was separated from his brother Omar as they escaped. Friends and family confirmed Omar, a 25-year-old business student, is recovering in Kings Cross hospital. The brothers fled Daraa in southern Syria three years ago. They were granted asylum in the UK. Marjorie Bahhaj, a friend of the brothers, said: "This is horrible - after all he has been through and a place of safety leads to his death. From a government that starts war with its citizens to our government that neglects building regulations." A family of five is also missing. Three sisters, Fatima, Zaynab and Mierna Choucair, aged three, ten and 13, are feared dead along with their parents Nadia, 29, and Bassem, 38. They lived on one of the top floors. Nadia worked as a nursery officer at the Avondale Park primary school. Nadia's sister Sawsan Choucair said in an emotional plea on Good Morning Britain: "[I spoke to them] in the morning as soon as I knew what happened at about 3 this morning... They were screaming, shouting, all I could hear in the background, and they were just screaming, and I was shouting - get out, try and find an exit or something.

"Everyone's doing their bit, their duty and everything, but I still don't know anything. I've given my name, my number, everything, just to know. I pray for everyone, I hope everyone's safe." Tony Disson, 65, a father of four, pleaded for help from his family in a series of frantic calls. He said he was trapped in his bathroom in his 22nd floor apartment. The retired market trader said in his last call: "Tell my sons I love them". His phone fell silent at around 4am. His son Lee launched a social media appeal for information but a close friend last night said "we have been told that Lee's dad did not make it". Dennis Murphy Stevan Racz shared an internet post seeking information about his Irish-born uncle Dennis Murphy, who he said had called while trapped on the 14th floor. "We haven't heard anything since. Can anyone with any information contact me please," Mr Racz said. "I've been around asking everyone, going to the centres, no one's seen him." Pensioner Sheila Smith, 84, is thought to be the oldest of those declared missing. Her son Adam, a technology entrepreneur, launched an appeal on Twitter, writing "My Mum is missing - Sheila, 84 years old, 16th floor Grenfell Tower".
"We will continue to look at what more needs to be done. Everyone affected by this tragedy needs reassurance that the government is there for them at this terrible time  and that is what I am determined to provide." Protests erupted after the disaster, with calls for accountability. Credit:AP Mrs May also visited the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital which is treating eight survivors, three in critical care. Police expect the death toll to rise even further, as the slow process of recovering the dead from the gutted 24-storey building continues. Protesters attend a rally outside Downing Street calling for justice for those affected by the Grenfell Tower fire. Credit:Carl Court

The BBC reports 76 people are still missing. At lunchtime Friday, Metropolitan Police Commander Stuart Cundy said their investigation into the fire would "establish the facts and provide answers" as to the cause of the fire. Grief for the Grenfell Tower victims has turned to anger amid reports that the materials used in a recent renovation may have fuelled the inferno. Credit:AP They will "look into what criminal offences may have been committed", he said, without giving details of who police suspect may be to blame for the fire, or what kind of offences they are investigating. However he did say that specialist investigators have examined what they believe to be the original location where the fire started, and there was "nothing to suggest the fire was started deliberately".

The charred remains of the building. Credit:Getty Images On Thursday Labour MP David Lammy, who lost a friend in the fire, said the disaster was "corporate manslaughter" and called for arrests to be made. Tower blocks such as Grenfell had been left in an unacceptable condition, he said. London mayor Sadiq Khan says the UK government has not done enough to help the community after the blaze. Credit:Getty Images "They haven't got easy fire escapes, they've got no sprinklers, it's totally, totally unacceptable in Britain that this is allowed to happen and people lose their lives in this way," he said. "People should be held to account."

Cdr Cundy said the death toll was now 30, up from 17 the day before. A poster appealing for information about missing residents seen near Grenfell Tower. Credit:Getty Images One of the victims had died in hospital despite receiving the "very best medical care", he said. There are still 24 people in hospital with injuries from the fire early on Wednesday morning, with 12 in critical care. Police expect the death toll to rise further and were still collating calls from the public to try and determine exactly how many people were missing, Cdr Cundy said.

Only 12 of the victims have so far been taken to the mortuary as the other bodies remain at the tower. All fires in the building have now been put out, but conditions inside the building were "particularly hazardous" for investigators, Cdr Cundy said, and it was going to take a considerable period of time to fully work through the tower, locate all the victims, recover their remains and complete the investigation. He said they were working as quickly as they could. "It's important that we can find the answers as to what has happened, and why," he said. Richard Mills, Assistant Commissioner of the London Fire Brigade, said specialist teams were inside the building helping to recover victims and stabilise the building to allow access to the upper floors.

He was not prepared yet to comment on the cause of the fire, which has been widely reported to have started with an exploding fridge on the fourth floor. He defended the work of firefighters on the night of the fire, saying they committed "as many resources as physically possible" into the building to try to rescue its inhabitants. The most junior to the most senior firefighters at the scene were all committed to the rescue effort, he said. "We did everything we possible could within the time-scale we had to carry out rescues," he said. Cdr Cundy said emergency services made "very challenging decisions" and paid tribute to the bravery of firefighters who went into the building as it was consumed with fire.

London mayor Sadiq Khan wrote a letter to Prime Minister Theresa May on Friday, published on social media, telling her there was growing community anger over the government's response to the fire. "I spent several hours yesterday talking to local residents around Grenfell Tower," he said. "These were difficult conversations with a tight-knit community that is understandably distraught, frustrated and increasingly angry. They feel the Government [sic] and local council haven't done enough to help them in the aftermath of this horrific incident, or to provide answers to their increasingly urgent questions. "The local community feels their grief has been made worse by the lack of information about their missing family members and friends. They are fully aware of the true scale of this tragedy but cannot comprehend why they are not being given more information. There is also insufficient support for victims on the ground." Khan said there was an urgent need for more victim support, and some residents had not been given new accommodation, or told it was available. He had heard many stories of local residents being given conflicting advice by the local Kensington council, which appeared overwhelmed.

"The scale of this tragedy is clearly proving too much for the local authority to cope with on their own," Khan said. He also said residents of other tower blocks were "terrified" about the risk of a similar fire, particularly those in buildings renovated with cladding similar to that blamed for helping the Grenfell blaze to spread. The government needed to set out a clear timeline for the investigation of those buildings, and guarantee that residents would be re-homed immediately if a risk was identified, the mayor said. Loading "Finally, I would seek an assurance that if the (official) inquiry or police investigation finds any individual or organisation to have been negligent in their duties, then they will be prosecuted," Khan said.
A fact sheet posted on the department's website says immigrants enrolled in the 2012 program, known as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, "will continue to be eligible" to renew every two years and notes that "no work permits will be terminated prior to their current expiration dates."

The Department of Homeland Security announced late Thursday night that it would continue the Obama-era program intended to protect those immigrants from deportation and provide them work permits so they can find legal employment.

Washington: US President Donald Trump has officially reversed his campaign pledge to deport the so-called Dreamers, undocumented immigrants who came to the United States as small children.

"This is a big victory for Dreamers amid months of draconian and meanspirited immigration enforcement policy," said David Leopold, an immigration lawyer. "The preservation of DACA is a tribute to the strength of the Dreamer movement and an acknowledgment - at least in part - by the Department of Homeland Security that it should not be targeting undocumented immigrants who have strong ties to their communities and have abided by the law."

The decision is a reversal from Trump's anti-immigrant rhetoric during the campaign and is likely to disappoint some of the president's most ardent supporters, who view program started by former President Barack Obama as an illegal grant of amnesty.

During the campaign, Trump repeatedly agreed with that sentiment. At one rally last summer, Trump vowed to "immediately terminate" the DACA program, saying that Obama had "defied federal law and the Constitution."

But once in office, Trump faced a new reality: the political risks of targeting for deportation a group of people who are viewed sympathetically by many Americans. In some cases, the immigrants did not know they were in the country illegally. Many attended American schools from the time they were in kindergarten.

Asked repeatedly about his intentions for the program since he took office, the president has hinted that he would not try to deport the Dreamers. But immigration activists had remained worried that the administration might still eliminate the program.
London, June 16 (IBNS): A mixed reality system which allows medical practitioners to view and interact with virtual replicas of patientsa organs, bones or body parts is being developed by academics in the UK.

Researchers at Birmingham City Universitys Digital Media Technology Lab (DMT Lab) are devising the system which enables users to interact with virtual models and patient data using freehand movements.



The system allows users to manipulate, navigate and demonstrate patient data using hand motions and gestures, so that practitioners can showcase medical procedures, lifestyle choices, and treatment effects using customised 3D virtual models and patients real medical records.



It could be used to visually demonstrate medical problems, the areas where surgery will be conducted, improvements which could be made following treatment or the damage caused by harmful addictive substances such as tobacco.



The technology uses motion detecting sensors combined with the DMT Lab expertise in freehand interaction in Mixed Reality to create a more realistic experience in virtual environments and bridge the gap between users and technology.



Dr Ian Williams said: We are developing this system as a platform to allow medical professionals to interact with genuine patient data and manipulate it by hand to educate and inform patients.



The real advantages this brings are being able to visually demonstrate parts of the anatomy, using virtual models which can be customised for each patient and show how they have been impacted by lifestyle choices or how they may be changed following treatments or surgery.



Staff at the University will be discussing the system and other Mixed Reality projects during an Open Day to be held on Saturday (June 10) at its City Centre Campus.



In the future the system will be upgraded to replicate injuries, mobility problems or illnesses and show changes which could be made through lifestyle choices or medical procedures.

It could also help the practitioners by creating a new way to view patient data in an array of settings.

Medical practitioners could be able to showcase medical procedures and treatment effects on customised medical models.

Surgeons would also be able to interact with images of patients bodies to view and manipulate during procedures without the need to remove their scrubs and gloves in sterilised environments.

The use of customised models and the interactive environment that can be shared with the patient, can help to boost patients engagement into treatments and their understanding.
For exporting vehicles (non-resident of Sint Maarten), the following documents are required if you buy a vehicle on Sint Maarten:



1. The inspection card (original) old or recent

2. The Bill of sale

3. A letter indicating where the vehicle is being exported to.

4. Copy of identification of the seller and buyer.

5. The vehicle must be inspected by our representatives.

6. Insurance certificate of the vehicle in question (old or recent).

Are you owner (resident of Sint Maarten) of this vehicle and is being exported elsewhere:

1. The inspection card (original) old or recent

2. A letter indicating where the vehicle is being exported to.

3. Copy of Identification of Owner.

4. The vehicle must be inspected by our representatives.

The days for stamping these documents are as follows: Monday and Friday from 10:00 am to 12:00 am at the Traffic Department at the Police Headquarters in Philipsburg.

KPSM PRESS Release
Dear sir/madam

On behalf of the students of the National Institute for Professional Advancement, we are writing this letter to lodge a formal complaint regarding students concerns against the boards instability to keep the school drama and incident free. Students are stressed out about the issues, we are supposed to be focusing on our final exams scheduled for early July but instead we have to doing this. NIPA is known for professional advancement this behavior is far from professional. This story has been out for the past three weeks and how is it possible that the minister of education can publicly state that she does not know about the situation going on at NIPA. Not to make things personal but her daughter is a teacher at NIPA, so she must have an idea of whats going on. The Minister seems to be taking sides and in turn not neglecting her duties and respecting the oaths taken to function in her role.

In the meeting with the board Mr. Antonio Aventurin said that he would be Interim Director and be running the school along with Mr Garfield. Mr. Garfield has been known for misleading students with false promises pertaining to classes and being disrespectful to us as well, like shouting GET OUT of my office.

We have a teacher Miss F. with years of experience and knowledge that been with us for a year now, who gives us lectures everyday and explains us everything, project and assignments and she is very supportive to us in general and we can go to her with any problem. She is not only our Instructor; she is also like a mother and a mentor.

On the next hand we have a new Teacher Miss N. who has only a year experience and dont give no lectures and seems afraid to talk in front the class so she just gives us assignments that really makes no sense, while she leaves the class and sits in the office until class is over. This teacher also takes school issues and discusses it with third parties outside the school (her mother who is the minister) and her mother then confronts the parents of the students in her defense. This is very wrong and unprofessional.

Many of us have tried NIPA in the pass and left due to the previous issues. Now we have returned in hopes that things have gotten better and look at the chaos again today. Does anyone care for the students? Some of the students are young adults with children who are using the institute as a second chance, at getting an education. What will happen for the next school year? All of NIPAs staff has issues with the way things are done there but they seem afraid to stand to have a voice. Something needs to be done about the in justice that has been taking placing this has been going on for far too long. From the opening of NIPA up to this day its always something taking place that is tarnishing the image of the institute. The school has become Ghost town since the loss of Mrs. Maccow.

The 1st year cook students have not returned to school since the removal of Mrs Maccow and they will not complete the course due to the instability. The Maritime students are all broken and in doubt because their professor (Mr Korteknie) contract has been halted abruptly and they have not been informed about how they will even proceed, have exams or even have classes.

The third year students of the Care Program requested a meeting with the board but were denied. Only three students were allowed to meet with the board to discuss their grievances but only the assistant directors two nieces and their best friends were chosen to do so in order to cover up and conspire. The Board is running this school right into the ground and the minister wrote on Facebook under another board members page that she will support he Chairman of the board whether he does wrong or right, we have printed these comments out also. Is that the way a minister deals with issues that fall under her portfolio, in a manner of gossip and friendship politics????? We the students of NIPA feel doomed; it feels like hell has broken loose since the departure of our Director Mrs Maccow. Since speaking out in the media we feel like we are being watched at school and victimized by a teacher with ties to the board and minister, and if this continues we will be forced to act out of character and risk expulsion. We just want to fight for our future and a healthy learning environment.

Written on behalf of the following students:

RN/LPN Year 1

RNs year 3

Cooks Year 1

Maritime Program
PHILIPSBURG:--- The St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation (SCDF) has written to Prime Minister William Marlin and Minister Silveria Jacobs requesting the opportunity to manage the St. Maarten Festival Village indefinitely or via a 10-year lease.

President of the SCDF Alston Lourens explained to both Ministers that the Village (SFV) unfortunately remains a facility that is not used optimally as a premier venue to host events on St. Maarten. The SCDF is the largest user of the facility annually with the hosting of Carnival, the only time the facility is used to its max capacity on all levels.

In short, Lourens said, there is an apparent lack of vision and creativity for the future of the SFV due largely in part to the fact that it is not managed by an entity with a background in event management and hosting.

As such, the SCDF is requested the opportunity to:

- Be the organization in charge of the management of the activities in the SFV.

- Take responsibility for the maintenance and further structural development of the SFV

- Exploit the usage of the Festival Village to event organizers on St. Maarten, the region and internationally.

- Accommodate Government functions and events in the Festival Village.

With this in place SCDF can then:

- Serve as a facilitator to foreign events and promoters who wish to execute events in Sint Maarten.

- Can equip the SFV up to modern standards to be able to handle a variety of event types.

- Can open the SFV to accommodate many cultural initiatives related to the development of Carnival and Culture in general throughout the year.

- Can begin the development of the SFV to be able to accommodate conferences as well.

- Can seek to make Carnival and the SFV totally sustainable entities.

The aforementioned will be accomplished using various methods of SCDFs expertise, including but not limited to:

- Drafting a comprehensive plan for attracting users of the SFV.

- Securing corporate sponsors by engaging companies to fulfill their social corporate responsibility (SCR) mandate. (Carnival will be separate).

- Kick off a vibrant Advertising Campaign for the SFV as a venue for every event of every size.

Establish a volunteer coordination plan to involve students and other volunteer workers in the execution of events in the SFV.

- Encourage community involvement in establishing historical hot spots in SFV that will feature pieces of St. Maarten History (perhaps even replicas) which can be visited by schools, cruise visitors and more.

The SCDF has a proven track-record of not only hosting St. Maartens largest and most intricate event, Carnival, but our foundation is a professional, creative team of event management specialists with years of experience producing high-quality events of every type and scale. Our passion is managing the behind-the-scenes details to deliver a superior event experience, Lourens said.

He continued: St. Maarten's events and event oorganizers is in need a cooperative and innovative venue managed by outside-the-box-thinkers, to assist organizations through the minefield of challenges that currently threaten their funding and social impact. Because the standard methods of creating events are not easily trimmed to fit a venue for greater efficiency, solutions for meeting these challenges must be sought in the administrative areas of venue management. In other words, the SFV must become a viable alternative, via new management, to host local and international events.

Lourens said Government has placed 48 years of trust in the SCDF to develop the countrys largest calendar event. We now seek governments permission in allowing us to finally manage the SFV to its full potential, he concluded.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The General Audit Chamber issued its annual report for the year 2016 this week. By law, the General Audit Chamber must present a report of its activities for the preceding year to both the Governor and Parliament prior to July 1st each year. Each member of Parliament received a copy of the annual report 2016 in both the Dutch and English language on Monday, June 12th. Mr. Ronald Halman presented the Governor with copies of the annual report on Thursday afternoon.

The annual report includes a review of the significant information arising from audits conducted in 2016. The General Audit Chamber also provides a description of its operations and gives account for the use of its budget of the fiscal year 2016.

In the report, the General Audit Chamber provides summaries of all the executed audits over the year and expresses concern about the progress within government in terms of improving shortcomings that have been identified.

While we recognize that no situation is ideal, we are becoming increasingly concerned about the lack of urgency in addressing the deficiencies within the public sector, and specifically public finance, the report states. The General Audit Chamber goes on to state that they have not detected noteworthy improvement. While plans to address weaknesses or deficiencies are drafted by the government, the implementation is found wanting, according to the General Audit Chamber.

In 2016, the General Audit Chamber was forced to deal with a worrisome phenomenon; one that the institution hopes will not become standard practice. The annual report states that there was a lack of cooperation and/or refusal to provide adequate information to the General Audit Chamber during two separate audits in 2016. The report provides more details about this situation by stating that our requests for information were either ignored or the provision of documentation was delayed, inadequate, or both.

Given that the job of the institution is researching and identifying the areas where change is needed, the General Audit Chamber cautions that when attempts are made, deliberate or otherwise, to constrain their ability to conduct their task, the system of checks and balances of the Country is disrupted.

There is more at stake than an audit; without proper oversight, our system of democratic government can become compromised and the public trust will weaken.

The General Audit Chamber is hopeful about the future. The challenges of the public sector are not insurmountable , according to the institution. However, a concentrated effort must be made by government and Parliament to address the challenges.

The report is published in both English and Dutch and is available on the website of the General Audit Chamber (www.arsxm.org).
PANAMA/PHILIPSBURG:--- On June 9th and 10th, a delegation comprising of Members of Parliament of Sint Maarten headed by President of Parliament Mrs. Sarah A. Wescot-Williams attended the 33rd General Assembly of the Latin American Parliament (Parlatino) in Panama City, Republic of Panama.

The Assembly started with the raising of the Parlatino flag and singing of the Parlatino anthem. This ceremonial part was followed by several panel discussions on the topic of migration in Latin America and the Caribbean from different angles, titled:

Panel 1 - The Human rights of migrants: "The inclusion and social cohesion, elimination of all forms of discrimination (racism, xenophobia, and intolerance)".

Panel 2 - The Effects of irregular and regular migration: "Decent work, labor mobility, recognition of skills and qualifications".

Panel 3 - International cooperation and the governance of migration in all its dimensions: "Borders, transit, entry, return, re-admission, integration, and reintegration".

Panel 4 - Illicit trafficking in migrants, trafficking in women, children and youth: "The contemporary forms of slavery, identification, protection and appropriate assistance to migrants and victims of trafficking".

Panel 5 - The contributions of migrants and diaspora to sustainable development: "Remittances and the transferability of benefits won".

Panel 6 - Migrations caused by the effects of climate change or crisis: "Successful strategies for protection and assistance, public policies for sustainable development and conflict resolution,

The keynote speaker at the General Assembly of Parlatino was Mr. Kailash Satyarthi, Nobel Prize winner for his contribution to the development of international conventions on the rights of children. He has waged a peaceful struggle to stop children from being exploited for labor instead of attending school. The main message of his address was to make parliamentarians aware of the fact that they do not only make laws and govern countries but that they are the custodians of inspirations and dreams. Members of Parliament have to fulfill the dreams of all children and of all men with the laws that they make.

On the 2nd day of the General Assembly, several resolutions and declarations were approved including a resolution on the current situation in Venezuela. In this resolution, Parlatino calls on the parties to the conflict in Venezuela to engage in dialogue in order to stop violence with the intention to restore the internal development, sustainability, and democracy of the battered country.

Members of Parliament who also attended the General Assembly are MP Claret M.M. Connor, MP Sidharth M. Bijlani, and MP George C. Pantophlet. These Members also attended Committee meetings of which they are a member on June 8, 2017.
Tech Start-up Teams Up With Global Charity to Improve the Health of more than 211,000 People

NEW YORK, NY  (Marketwired)  06/15/17  has partnered with WaterAid Canada to raise awareness and support for Tanzania: Deliver Life project to improve the health and wellbeing of mothers and children in Geita and Nyanghwale districts of Tanzania. As part of this fundraiser, and WaterAid want to highlight the initiatives and partnerships that contribute to the achievement of this goal:

The program is part of the Canada-Africa Initiative to Address Maternal, Newborn and Child Mortality, a partnership among four Canadian organizations  Amref Health Africa, Christian Childrens Fund of Canada, Centre for Global Child Health at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) and WaterAid Canada  with $24.9 million in support from the Government of Canada over four years.

With funding from WaterAid Canada and the Government of Canada, the Tanzania: Deliver Life program will reach more than 211,000 women and their families, helping them to stay safe and healthy.

Funds raised through s platform will help to ensure that the risk of miscarriage and early labour is reduced for pregnant women in these two deeply impoverished regions of Tanzania, and that these women can give birth in rural clinics equipped with clean water and basic sanitation to reduce the spread of life-threatening infections.

We are proud to be partnering with WaterAid Canada, said Alex Haditaghi, s founder. With a focus on accountability and transparency, s platform has committed to a verification process resulting in the selection of only high-calibre, reputable, nonprofit organizations such as WaterAid Canada, willing to provide program data and measurements of progress.

Together, WaterAid Canada and offer supporters unparalleled access to the progress of the projects they are supporting as well as an opportunity to visit Tanzania in person through the associated prize offering.

This collaboration is an exciting opportunity to help change whats normal for mothers and children in Tanzania, said Nefertiti Saleh, WaterAid Canadas Manager of Corporate Partnerships. By supporting WaterAid, people can make a lasting difference and see the outcome of their generosity memorialized on s site.

is a New Platform that focuses on the facilitation and memorialization of altruistic deeds and actions in a way that no other platform has done to date. When users sign up to s community, they are provided with a Profile Page that recognizes and captures all their positive social impacts. These impacts can include: actions such as donations, dollars raised for charities and causes, volunteer hours contributed, creations or support of petition to create policy change, and buying sustainable or recyclable products. facilitates easy collaboration between verified nonprofit organizations, and its members and companies, and provides our members with a central hub to find, track and celebrate positive actions! For more information, please contact Serena Anthony, SVP People Strategy & Operations, or (416)522-9000.

WaterAid is an international not-for-profit, determined to make clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene normal for everyone, everywhere within a generation. Only by tackling these three essentials in ways that last can people change their lives for good. By inspiring people and sparking chain reactions we help deliver lasting change in whats normal. By working closely with partners internationally and on the ground in some of the toughest places in the world, we have helped millions of people take control of their lives and build better futures. Last year alone, with our supporters and partners we reached 1.9 million people with clean water, 3 million people with decent toilets and 4.7 million with hygiene promotion. For more information, visit , follow @WaterAidCanada on Twitter, or at .

Serena Anthony

(416)522-9000
3DX Industries Update to Shareholders

SEATTLE, WA  (Marketwired)  06/15/17  (OTC PINK: DDDX) (the Company or 3DX), a state of the art manufacturer specializing in 3D Metal Printing, provides the following update to shareholders.

The company was pleased to have a factory representative from The ExOne Company on site over the past week for a question and answer session and review of the calibration settings on the M-Flex 3D metal printer. The ExOne Company (ExOne) is a global provider of three-dimensional (3D) printing machines and printed products to industrial customers. Mr. Janssen reports: Its important to have the factory technician review calibrations and settings on the machine to be certain that we are printing at optimal levels. As with any cutting edge manufacturing equipment, there are always improved processs being introduced and these site visits allow our staff the opportunity to get answers and training related to any questions they may have on performance and techniques to assist them in streamlining our production. I am extremely pleased with the backing and support we have received from ExOne on this high tech 3D printing process.

3DX management, together with our accountants, have been working diligently over the past months to finalize the companys filings. 3DX is pleased to inform shareholders that we are on the final phase of the accounting process and are expecting to be current with company filings very soon. Roger Janssen added, I appreciate the patience our shareholders have with us as we work through the process of updating our filings.

3DX encourages investors to visit our social media feeds at and to see posts of on-going operations and video clips of some of the exciting projects we are working on. Both social media feeds are available from the companies official website at

3DX Industries, Inc. is focused on the additive metal manufacturing segment within the manufacturing industry. 3DX has the capability of manufacturing a wide variety of products using its 3D metal printing system, 3D composite printing as well as more traditional methods of precision manufacturing. 3DX offers additive and traditional manufacturing services as well as product design, engineering and assembly services to its customers.

3DX encourages those interested in our Company to rely only on information included in our filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission which can be found at . Statements released by3DX Industries, Inc. that are not purely historical are forward-looking within the meaning of the Safe Harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding the companys expectations, hopes, intentions, and strategies for the future. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainties that may affect the companys business prospects and performance. The companys actual results could differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. Risk factors include but are not limited to general economic, competitive, governmental, and technological factors as discussed in the companys filings with the SEC on Forms 10-K, 10-Q, and 8-K. The company does not undertake any responsibility to update the forward-looking statements contained in this release.

Visit the 3DX Industries, Inc. web site at . Information included on the Companys website is not incorporated herein by reference or otherwise.

3DX Industries, Inc.

6920 Salashan Parkway Suite D-101

Ferndale, WA 98248

Telephone: 360-366-8858

Email:
TeraGo Inc. Announces Election of Directors and Matthew Gerber as New Chair of the Board

TORONTO, ONTARIO  (Marketwired)  06/15/17  TeraGo Inc. (TeraGo or the Company) (TSX: TGO) () announces that the nominees listed in the management information circular for the Companys 2017 Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholders (the Meeting) were each re-elected as directors of TeraGo. Among the directors re-elected, the Company announces Mr. Matthew Gerber as the new Chair of the Board effectively immediately. Mr. Gerber will be replacing Mr. Jim Nikopoulos who did not stand for re-election.

Mr. Gerber joined TeraGos Board in June 2016 and currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer and a board member at Rohinni LLC, a developer of next generation lighting systems for mobile computing applications. Prior to that, Mr. Gerber held operating or board roles at several significant cloud computing businesses, including: 2nd Watch, one of Amazon Web Services largest global business partners; IT-Lifeline, one of Amazon Web Services first business partners (subsequently acquired by Reynolds & Reynolds); and Blue Box Group, one of the first providers of hosted managed private cloud services on top of OpenStack (subsequently acquired by IBM). Mr. Gerber holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical Engineering from the State University of New York at Stony Brook and a Master of Business Administration with Distinction from Hofstra University.

Mr. Gerber commented, Im excited and thrilled to take on this vital and enhanced role at TeraGo and will look to work with our CEO and Board to lead the Company into the next stage of its strategic growth plan. We were very fortunate to have had Jim Nikopoulos strong leadership in his capacity as not only Chair of the Board, but also as a director and as part of TeraGos management team for numerous years. He made significant contributions to the Company and we are greatly appreciative of his hard work through the various roles he has taken on.

Mr. Antonio (Tony) Ciciretto, President and CEO of TeraGo added, We look forward to Matts leadership given his highly relevant experiences. We are confident the Board will continue its focus on creating long-term value for both our shareholders and customers under Matts new role as Chair.

Detailed results of the votes by proxy for the election of directors held on June 15, 2017, as well as the other matters voted at the Meeting are as follows:

A report of voting results for each resolution presented at the Meeting prepared in accordance with National Instrument 51-102  Continuous Disclosure Obligations has been filed on .

About TeraGo

TeraGo provides businesses across Canada and internationally with cloud, colocation and connectivity services. TeraGo manages over 3,000 cloud workloads, nine data centres in the Greater Toronto Area, the Greater Vancouver Area, Ottawa, Kelowna, Winnipeg, St. Louis and Newport, United Kingdom, and owns and manages its own IP network. The Company serves approximately 4,000 business customers in 46 major markets across Canada including Toronto, Montreal, Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver and Winnipeg. TeraGo Networks is a Competitive Local Exchange Carrier (CLEC) and was recognized by IDC as a Major Player in MarketScape Cloud Vendor Assessment. TeraGo Networks was also selected as one of Canadas Top Small and Medium Employers for 2017.

For more information about TeraGo, please visit .

Contacts:

TeraGo Investor Relations

1-877-982-3688
UPDATE/Stingray announces hiring of 400 new employees and expansion of its head office

MONTREAL, QUEBEC  (Marketwired)  06/16/17  UPDATE: A photo was added to this press release. If the photo is unavailable, please click on the following link:

In response to growing demand for its services worldwide, Stingray (TSX: RAY.A)(TSX: RAY.B) is proud to announce that it is expanding its Montreal head office and hiring 400 new employees over the next five years.

We recently announced unprecedented annual results for fiscal 2017. Our revenues have surpassed the $100 million mark. Recent acquisitions such as Yokee and C Music TV, forthcoming acquisitions, the diversification of our products here and elsewhere in the world, new service agreements with Amazon and Comcast, and the launch of new continuous music video channels are all clear indicators of our capacity to grow in the years ahead. We needed an additional 30,000 square feet to accommodate the 400 or so new employees we will need to hire to keep pace with our growth, said Eric Boyko, President, Co-founder, and CEO of Stingray.

I am very pleased that Stingray decided to set up operations here 10 years ago and is today expanding its head office in Old Montreal. This announcement is a fine example of the very real economic recovery in our city. The 400 jobs created today will improve the quality of life for Montrealers, and I couldnt be happier, said Denis Coderre, Mayor of Montreal.

We must celebrate the successes of our technology companies that, like Stingray, make their mark at home and abroad. The announcement of the expansion of Stingrays offices as well as the creation of some 400 jobs demonstrate that our targeted actions in the economic and digital spheres are bearing fruit. By continuing to grow in Montreal, the company recognizes not only the citys potential but also the high quality of local talent, said Dominique Anglade, Minister of Economy, Science and Innovation, and Minister responsible for the Digital Strategy.

As the needs of Canadians continue to change and grow, so too must our creative industries adapt and innovate to meet these needs. Im pleased that Stingray has stepped up to the challenge with the creation of 400 new jobs. Changes like these will help ensure that this key sector can continue to stimulate economic growth while strengthening the middle class and those working hard to join it, said the Honourable Melanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage.

Montreal: a dynamic, creative city

Stingray has been based in Montreal since it was founded 10 years ago. Although it is active internationally, the company has always based its development on the vitality of Montreal, Quebec, and Canada to become a global leader in multiplatform music services.

This sense of identity and belonging is an integral part of our corporate culture. The promotion and advancement of local artists are part of our DNA, and the energetic, innovative and creative people here have ensured our success-past, present, and future, added Mr. Boyko.

About Stingray

Stingray (TSX: RAY.A)(TSX: RAY.B) is a leading business-to-business multi-platform music and in-store media solutions provider operating on a global scale, reaching an estimated 400 million pay TV subscribers (or households) in 156 countries. Geared towards individuals and businesses alike, Stingrays products include the following leading digital music and video services: Stingray Music, Stingray Concerts, Stingray iConcerts, Stingray Brava, Stingray DJAZZ, Stingray Music Videos, Stingray Lite TV, Stingray Ambiance, Stingray Karaoke, NatureVision TV, Yokee Music, Festival 4K, and Classica. Stingray also offers various business solutions, including music and digital display-based solutions, through its Stingray Business division. Stingray is headquartered in Montreal and currently has close to 350 employees worldwide, including in the United States, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, France, Israel, Australia, South Korea, and Singapore. Stingray was recognized in 2013 and 2014 as a finalist in the Top 50 of Deloittes Technology Fast 50 list, and figures among PROFIT magazines fastest-growing Canadian companies. In 2016, Stingray was awarded best IR for an IPO at the IR Magazine Awards  Canada. For more information, please visit .

Contacts:

Mathieu Peloquin

Senior vice-president, marketing and communications

Stingray

514-664-1244, ext. 2362
Dallas, June 16 (IBNS): Horseback riding and rhythm-and-music therapies may improve stroke survivorsa perception of recovery, gait, balance, grip strength and cognition years after their stroke, according to new research in the American Heart Associationas journal Stroke.

A variety of interventions that engage patients in physical, sensory, cognitive and social activities simultaneously target a range of functions.

Researchers said this combination of different activities and stimuli, rather than the individual components, appear to produce additional beneficial effects for stroke recovery.

Significant improvements are still possible, even years after a stroke, using motivating, comprehensive therapies provided in stimulating physical and social surroundings to increase brain activity and recovery, said Michael Nilsson, M.D., Ph.D. senior author and Director of the Hunter Medical Research Institute and Professor at the University of Newcastle in Australia and University of Gothenburg, Sweden.

Researchers studied 123 Swedish men and women (age 50-75) who had suffered strokes between 10 months and 5 years earlier. Survivors were randomly assigned to rhythm-and-music therapy, horse-riding therapy or ordinary care (the control group). The therapies were given twice a week for 12 weeks.

Researchers found that among the survivors who felt they experienced an increased perception of recovery:

56 percent were in the horse-riding group;

38 percent in the rhythm and music group; and

17 percent in the control or usual care group.

The perception of recovery was sustained at three-month and six-month follow-ups.

Horse-riding therapy produces a multisensory environment and the three-dimensional movements of the horses back create a sensory experience that closely resembles normal human gait and is beneficial for stroke survivors.

In rhythm-and-music therapy patients listen to music while performing rhythmic and cognitively demanding hand and feet movements to visual and audio cues. Researchers found that the rhythm-and-music activity helped survivors with balance, grip-strength and working memory.

Limitations of the study include the relatively small number of participants and survivors with severe disabilities could not be considered for the therapy. In addition, researchers doubt these therapies would be cost-effective if patients with mild deficiencies had been included.

Further analyses of the study results and follow-up studies involving more participants are planned to help determine efficiency, timing and costs.

Co-authors are Lina Bunketorp-Kall, Ph.D.; Asa Lundgren-Nilsson, Ph.D.; Hans Samuelsson, Ph.D.; Tulen Pekny, M.D.; Karin Blomve, M.D.; Marcela Pekna, M.D., Ph.D.; Milos Pekny, M.D., Ph.D.; and Christian Blomstrand, M.D., Ph.D. Author disclosures and funding are on the manuscript.

Photo: WHO
Jagriti Yatra is on a different trip, quite literally. It sparks creative enterprise and encourages development through a journey across India moving on railway tracks. New York based writer for SPAN, Carrie Loewenthal Massey, reports

Jagriti Yatra is not your average train trip. This 15-day ride through 12 Indian cities, covering about 8,000 kilometers, embodies its name, which means a journey of awakening.

We are trying to awaken the spirit of entrepreneurship among the youth of the country, so they become job creators rather than job seekers, says Ashutosh Kumar, executive director at JagritiYatra. These youth can go on to build solutions to the development challenges our nation is facing today, he adds.



Kumar participated in the International Visitor Leadership Program, the U.S. State Departments exchange program for professionals, on Innovations for Social Entrepreneurs and Innovators in 2013.



Headquartered in Mumbai, JagritiYatra is set up under a nonprofit organization Jagriti Sewa Sansthan, which is based in Deoria, Uttar Pradesh. The yatra has run annually since 2008, carrying about 450 youngsters, or yatris as Kumar calls them, on one train from December 24 to January 8.



The train starts from Mumbai, heading south to Hubballi and Bengaluru, on to Madurai and Chennai, Vishakhapatnam, Berhampur in Odisha, Rajgir in Bihar and Deoria in Uttar Pradesh, up to New Delhi, and then back through village Tilonia in Rajasthan and then to Ahmedabad .



In each location, the participants meet successful entrepreneurs, or role models, who share their stories of starting out and building their businesses, both in the private and NGO sectors, along with tips and advice for pursuing entrepreneurial goals. These entrepreneurs have expertise across seven sectors tied to development: agriculture; education; energy; health care; manufacturing; water and sanitation; and art, culture and sports.

While the participants gain great exposure and knowledge from their off-train experiences, much of the learning and connection-building happens on the train itself. Days are filled with scheduled debates, presentations and conversations, along with events centered on art, music and poetry.

T

he journey gives participants a once-in-a-lifetime experience to meet about 450 other entrepreneurs and collaborate with them; learn the art of entrepreneurship from the role models of the country; understand the development challenges of the country; and build long-lasting solutions through enterprise methods, says Kumar.



For Jagriti Sewa Sansthan, the meaning of the word enterprise extends beyond business ventures to teaching, medical professions, social work and artanything that can fulfill the organisations mission of encouraging development across Middle India. According to Jagriti Yatras website, this segment encompasses 600 million Indian youth who are literate, have roofs over their heads and eat three meals a day, but are without a sense of purpose.



Each year, thousands of applications are received for the Jagriti Yatra. A majority of the participants are selected from the 20- to 27-year-old age group. Some spots on the train are reserved for facilitators, who are experienced professionals over 25 years of age able to mentor the younger participants. Applicants answer around seven essay questions and submit them to a committee of 30 selectors, consisting of entrepreneurs, academics, industry experts, youth leaders and Jagriti Yatra alumni. Three selectors review each application and send their top choices to a chief selector for a final decision. Along with the essay questions, facilitators have to complete a telephonic interview.

While screening, we look for the passion inside the applicant to become an entrepreneur, the zeal to build innovative and scalable enterprise solutions to the various development challenges our country is facing, says Kumar. There are no other academic or professional barriers.



Jagriti Sewa Sansthan tries to reduce financial barriers for the candidates by permitting different levels of contribution depending on their financial status. Almost 40 percent of them pay only the compulsory registration fee of Rs. 6,000, says Kumar.



In addition to the yatra, Jagriti Sewa Sansthan also runs the Jagriti Enterprise Network and the Jagriti Enterprise Center. The network is meant to serve as an ecosystem to support young entrepreneurs from Middle India. The center is a regional incubation programme to support small and medium-sized entrepreneurs through services like mentorship, market access and connection to funding, explains Kumar.



Jagriti Yatra aims to support 100,000 entrepreneurs by 2022, creating a million jobs in the process. The participants are helping it reach its goal through their successful ventures, which include a network of hostels operating in Bengaluru and looking to expand across India; a technology company striving to bring mobile products to underserved markets; a company working to make organic food more readily available while recognising the farmers that produce it; and a health care start-up that helps connect people with doctors and provide access to medicines.



Jagriti Yatra also inspired Patrick Dowd, a 2010-11 Fulbright scholar, to create the Millennial Trains Project in the United States. The project, which had its inaugural voyage in 2013, encourages entrepreneurship in the millennial generation. It carries about 25 young people from Portland, Oregon, to New York to help them learn about the opportunities and challenges faced by entrepreneurs in the United States.



Kumar sees Jagriti Yatra as a starting point for a network of entrepreneurs who can come together to connect, collaborate and create the programmes India needs to develop further. Its impact can be as far reaching as participants dare to dream and pursue their visions.

Such a network of like-minded people has the potential to transform the landscape of the country and the entire world, he says.
MacKenzie Scott gives $3M to Indianapolis school planning expansion to South Bend, Lafayette

The billionaire philanthropist and ex-wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has donated a significant portion of her wealth.
New Delhi, June 16 (IBNS) : Union Ministers Rajnath Singh and Venkaiah Naidu met Congress President Sonia Gandhi on Friday, to decide on the possibility of a consensual presidential candidate, reports said.

According to reports, their meeting lasted 30 minutes.

Singh and Naidu are also likely to meet CPI (M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury. Naidu has also sought appointments with NCP chief Sharad Pawar and BSP supremo Mayawati.

The two senior ministers are part of the three-member team, constituted by BJP chief Amit Shah, to hold parleys with political parties on the issue.

The term of the incumbent President Pranab Mukherjee ends on July 24.

In the absence of a consensus the Presidential poll will be held on July 17.

The move by the BJP to hold discussions with one and all is being seen as a strategy to get approved the name of its choice by the opposition- a democratic approach that would leave the Government unscathed from being accused of going unilateral.

If the Government fails to strike any consensus it is at liberty to go ahead with the superior strength that it has in Parliament and state Assemblies.

The opposition parties, on the other hand, have held meetings among themselves to decide upon a name of their choice to take on the NDA candidate.

They are reportedly waiting for the NDA to make public its nominee before announcing theirs.

Though the opposition lacks the required number to prevail over the ruling coalition, its intention is to throw a political challenge.



Last month, the opposition parties had met at a lunch hosted by Sonia Gandhi to take a decision on a candidate acceptable to all the attending parties.

The names of former Governor Gopal Krishna Gandhi, former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar and Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar are said to be on the wishlist of the opposition.

However, Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who attended the lunch but had also met PM Modi the day before, had suggested that the Government and the opposition could find a consensus candidate.

As for the NDA, speculations are doing round that External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, who has a massive fan following, could be the choice as the next incumbent of the Rashpati Bhavan.

Rumours are also rife about the candidate being drawn from dalit or tribal communities- a move, which may have a disarming effect on the opposition.
Kolkata, Jun 16 (IBNS): At least two persons were killed and several others were injured after a Howrah to Sealdah bound minibus overturned on Howrah Bridge (Rabindra Setu) in Kolkata on Friday morning, reports said.

According to reports, the bus suddenly lost its control and overturned while it was trying to overtake another bus at a high speed.

"A Malipanchghara to Sealdah bound minibus of Route-25 (WB 11A 5545) overturned on Howrah Bridge today at around 11 am," a local police official told IBNS.

At least 14 persons were seriously hurt in the accident and were rushed to Calcutta Medical College and Hospital where two of them were pronounced dead.

Identities of the two deceased were yet to be established.

Due to the incident, traffic on Howrah Bridge and its adjoining areas were disrupted for nearly an hour.

However, police from Burrabazar Police Station have seized the minibus while its driver is still absconding.

(Reporting by Deepayan Sinha, Images by Souvik Das/IBNS)
Georgetown, SC (29440)

Today

Scattered showers and thunderstorms. High 79F. Winds S at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 50%. Higher wind gusts possible..

Tonight

Rain showers early with mostly cloudy conditions late. Low 62F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 50%.
Bengaluru, June 16 (IBNS) : More than 1,500 doctors from across Karnataka hit the street of Bengaluru on Friday protesting the proposed law to regulate private practice and the operation of private hospitals in the state, media reports said.

The demonstration comes a day after the Karnataka Government proposed to bring in a Bill in the State Legislature that seeks to stipulate minimum standards of infrastructure at private medical centres, fix costs of services and curb malpractice.

It also proposes to increase penalties for medical practitioners who are running institutions without registration, with even jail terms of up to three years.

But calling it "draconian," the doctors say that the proposed law is fraught with a potential danger as it can instil a sense of fear among the physicians preventing them from taking the right decision while treating a patient.

Their contention is that under the proposed law a patient need not die to put a doctor behind the bar and it could happen if the patient is only unhappy.

The doctors point out that there are already institutions like the consumer forum, civil and criminal courts and human rights commissions that oversees cases of malpractic, he pointed out.
There are few institutions left that both sides accept as being nonpartisan. At the moment, Trump's helpers are busy casting aspersions at independent special counsel Robert Mueller, who has been tasked with investigating Russian influence on the presidential campaign and potential ties between Moscow and the Trump team. Until his appointment, he had been accepted by Republicans and Democrats alike as an independent official with integrity. The campaign against Mueller is destroying any possibility, at least on this question, that one side's version of the truth might ultimately be accepted.

The harmony following the attack in Alexandria didn't last long. The next morning, Trump tweeted he was the victim of a "WITCH HUNT." He was referring, of course, to special counsel Mueller.

Debate is one of the foundations of democracy, but in the U.S. it's hardly possible anymore. And when the people of a country are no longer capable of speaking to each other, when they constantly believe their opponents are involved in a conspiracy, then a country's institutions are also imperiled. And with them, democracy itself.
Kolkata, Jun 16 (IBNS): Teenage brother and sister were allegedly burnt to death by their uncle over a family dispute in West Bengal's West Medinipur district on the wee hours of Friday, reports said.

According to reports, the incident took place at around 4 am. at Sundarpur village under Ghatal Police Station limits in West Medinipur.

Locals alleged that, Kazi Ismail, a middle-aged man, torched a room, where his teenager niece and nephew were sleeping with their mother, and locked the room from outside.

The man also locked all adjacent houses to prevent neighbours from helping the burning trio, according to eyewitnesses accounts.

Nearly after 15 minutes, the 48-year-old woman, Fatema Bibi, and her son and daughter were rescued from the room and were rushed to Ghatal Hospital where two teenagers were pronounced dead.

Later, Fatema Bibi was referred to a Kolkata hospital as her health condition deteriorated, hospital reports said.

A local police official said that the deceased have been identified as Rajiv Kazi and Reshmi Khatun.

Hours after the incident, locals ransacked accused's house, set it on fire and when policemen went to the area, they engaged in a clash with the cops.

Later a heavy police force rushed to scene and brought the situation under control.

However, after starting probe into the matter, police detained three persons, including two women, from the area while primary accused in the case, Kazi Ismail, is still absconding.

"After preliminary investigation, we are suspecting that the incident was an outcome of a family problem over property dispute," a local police officer told IBNS.

(Reporting by Deepayan Sinha)
By taking over the direct distribution and support of its products, the brand aims to devote a strong focus to its business in this territory, provide customers with the best all-round support and ensure its product offering for the market perfectly matches the specific requirements of local agriculture.

New Holland Agriculture will manage its operations for South Africa, and the other Southern Africa markets  Swaziland, Lesotho, Botswana and Namibia  from the new branch office based in Centurion. The brand has in place a network of 17 professional dealers to cover the South African territory, providing the best aftersales service and support for tractors and combine harvesters.

New Holland Agriculture is a full line agricultural equipment brand, a farming generalist with a complete offering that meets the specific demands of South African farmers, with products designed for the local conditions as well as technical support and financial services tailored to the customers operational and business requirements.

Speaking at the Press Conference, Carlo Lambro, Brand President of New Holland Agriculture, explained how the brand aims to lead the way in contributing to the future growth of agriculture in the region. He underlined the companys commitment to opening a new path for farming in South Africa through innovation, advanced technology, well planned mechanisation, expertise in agricultural practices, professional support and excellence of its dealer network.
Standing out will be the eye-catching, silver-painted version of JCBs 4220 Fastrac model. 25 of these limited edition machines were built to celebrate a quarter of a century of JCBs high-speed tractor manufacturer. The final one off the production line will make an appearance at the Royal Highland Show before it is delivered to Scot JCB customer  Kearton Farms, Wyse Hill Farm, Barnard Castle, County Durham.

The JCB Fastrac 4220 itself is a new high productivity tractor with seamless control, faster operating speeds, multiple implement mounting points and unique all-round self-levelling suspension. The design builds on JCBs vast experience in developing the unique JCB Fastrac features and capabilities, which include: equal sized wheels, 50:50 weight distribution and 4-wheel disc braking with ABS.

Making its first appearance in Scotland is the brand new 6-metre JCB 536-60 AGRI Pro telescopic handler. By combining the superior high-speed efficiency and towing ability of a JCB Powershift transmission with the low-speed control advantages of hydrostatic drive, the AGRI Pros unique JCB DualTech VT provides the best of both worlds for operators who want maximum efficiency and productivity across a wide range of applications. This revolutionary transmission is now brought to a new model with a lift capacity of 3,600kg to a full height of 6.2m. The model shown has been purchased by Scot JCB customer  H & M Connell of Minsca, Waterbeck, Lockerbie.

The 8330 JCB Fastrac displayed on the Scot JCB stand at RHS has been sold to Robert Johnston, Gillfoot Farm, Southerness, Dumfriesshire and is part of JCBs powerful new 8000 series of tractors. Powered by a Tier 4F-compliant engine it delivers up to 14 per cent more power, up to 10 per cent more torque and benefits from a new high-speed approved hydrostatic steering system. The new 8330 also features distinctive styling and benefits from the new JCB Command Plus cab.

Another ground-breaking innovation is the worlds first skid steer with a telescopic boom - the JCB Teleskid. It is a revolutionary new product that can reach 60% further forward than any other skid steer on the market and becomes the only skid steer in the world that can dig below its chassis to an unparalleled depth of around one metre. In addition, this innovative new machine can reach 8% higher than any other skid steer.

With products now available from and supported by Scot JCB, the equipment dealer will also introduce models from the newly launched JCB Access business - including several of it all new electric scissor lifts.
Theres a saying in farm country: Dont ever bet against farmers. Farmers must grow their businesses while constantly battling declining profit margins, industry incumbents with vastly more market power and the daily roller coaster of commodity prices and weather. In many ways, farmers are the ultimate entrepreneurs, constantly innovating, growing businesses by themselves and taking full responsibility for all aspects of product delivery. Entrepreneurs could learn a lot from Americas farmers. Here are eight lessons from the farm that every startup should embrace.

Is what you are doing important and essential? As an entrepreneur, it better be if you wish to be successful. Farmers have selected a profession that is essential and fundamental to society. As the population grows, being productive on every acre of land becomes even more important.

Related: If You Want Success, You Have to Go Out and Get It

2. He who has the most data, wins.

Larry Ellison was onto something with this quote. The second tip startups could learn from farmers is that data analytics are key to success. The average farmer in the FBN network, for example, collects more than four million data points per year. And they have a good reason to do this. In one study, farmers who planted the top-ranking seeds from aggregated data analysis yielded up to 12.5 percent more than those who didnt. In ever-changing conditions, you cant assume that something that worked once will continue working. In farming, as any business, you need to know your data cold so you can innovate with confidence.

3. A handshake and your word are as important as a contract.

In this day and age of excessive litigation and easy online legal services, you might think that contracts are all that matters. But in fact, your reputation and your longevity in business are governed more by your actions than by any words on paper. Farming communities are small, and farmers live and die by their word and the trust that is built with the various vendors they do business with. I suspect this simple fact could be lost on many entrepreneurs in other industries, but it is of the utmost importance -- there is a compounding return on your ethics and keeping your word.

4. You reap what you sow.

The fourth tip from farmers is true in both a literal and figurative sense -- you reap what you sow. Farms are often multi-generational entrepreneurial enterprises. Similarly, although stories of unicorns captivate popular attention in the startup world today, the truth is that many of the most consequential tech companies, like Apple, Google and Amazon, have been around for a decade or more. The lesson? Focus on the long-term goal instead of flaring up and then flaming out suddenly. Farmers have to think about decisions in terms of decades, not days. For example, a farmer can boost near-term yields by aggressively tilling the soil, but doing so will have long-term consequences for their soil health and require costlier fertilizer programs in the future. Farmers have to think carefully through their decisions and the possible far-reaching consequences, a type of visionary management that entrepreneurs would do well to emulate.

Related: The 9 Commitments Required to Succeed

5. Focus on what you can control.

The fifth tip from farmers is to focus on what you can control. Being an entrepreneur, especially a farmer, means you must have the inherent trait of being nimble. Sure, you have to put in the proper amount of time planning, but you must also equip yourself for the likelihood that Plan A might change. Farmers cant control the weather or markets. Instead, they can focus on raising a good crop, finding new markets, building soil health and managing their costs -- all of which mitigate their risk exposure. Entrepreneurs must be ruthless about where they spend their time; you can create value in the areas you can affect directly. Placing focus on what you can control and how you react to those changes is what matters the most in the entrepreneurial journey.

6. Systematically retire risk.

The sixth lesson startups could learn from farmers is to find ways to reduce risk. As an entrepreneur, risk is an inevitable part of the journey. From the moment you make the decision to start a business, you must systematically reduce the risks facing your business, whether thats through focusing on product-market fit, fundraising or building your team. Farmers are exposed to huge amounts of risk, most of which they cant control. Like startup founders, they deploy sophisticated risk management strategies, including varying their crop rotations, renting land, selling crops to many different parties, and developing specialized markets. The quicker youre able to retire manageable risks, the sooner youre able to reinvest on what will make your business scale.

7. Brains matter, but so does hard work.

Lots of smart entrepreneurs think they can invent something great and then go to Barbados and just watch it grow. Unfortunately, business doesn't work that way. Farming is the ultimate combination of brains and hard work. You need to have brains to figure out how to maximize the value of your crop, but once the thinking is done, there is real hard work to do. Farming is a beautiful marriage of brainpower and hard labor, and all entrepreneurs and industries could learn from it.

Related: Why You Can't Get Out of Hard Work

8. Continual innovation is a muscle. Exercise it.

The eighth and final tip is to always continue innovating in your business. Many people think of farmers as behind the times. Those of us who work with farmers feel the opposite way. Farmers embrace innovation. They have to because they are in a very competitive commodity business. And innovation gives you a real advantage if you adopt it early. I find farmers to be on the front end of willingness to take risk and innovate if there is a potential return.

Related:

Top 5 Personality Traits Investors Look for in an Entrepreneur

I Negotiated With Warren Buffett and Here's the One Thing the Oracle of Omaha Cared About

The 3 Most Important Traits of Successful People



Copyright 2017 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved
Srinagar, June 16 (IBNS): Six personnel including a sub-inspector were killed in a terrorist attack in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir during routine police patrolling on Friday, media reports.

The terrorist attack occurred in Achabal town of Anantnag district of the state.

The sub-inspector, Feroz Dar, along with other four policemen and the driver became victim of the indiscriminate firing by the terrorists.

An operation is currently under process as a counter to the attack.

Lashkar-e-Taiba, Pakistani based terrorist group, claimed responsibility for the attack.
B HP Billiton, the mining giant embroiled in a battle with activist hedge fund Elliott over the direction of the business, on Friday named packaging guru Ken MacKenzie as its new chairman.

The FTSE-100 Anglo-Australian miner said the 53-year-old will succeed Jac Nasser, who is retiring, in September.

Canadian-born MacKenzie, who spent 10 years as chief executive of Amcor, which makes packaging for food producers and industrial and pharmaceutical firms, joined the BHP board last year as a non-executive director.

He said he would work tirelessly with the board and management to create long-term value for shareholders.

Senior independent director Shriti Vadera, who led the succession process, said: Ken brings extensive global executive experience and a strategic approach.

He has the operational and financial capabilities as well as the rigour necessary to effectively oversee BHPs capital allocation framework.

It ends an eight-month search for a successor to Nasser, nicknamed Jac the knife after extensive cost-cutting. Non-executive director Carolyn Hewson and former Westpac chief Gail Kelly had been considered front-runners.

The appointment comes as activist investors, led by Elliott, press for an overhaul of the board and sweeping changes, including an exit from some of BHPs US oil and shale businesses.

Elliott welcomed the appointment as a constructive step in bringing much-needed change to the direction of BHP.

The hedge fund added: As a large investor in BHP, Elliott encourages Mr MacKenzie to use his leadership skills to address BHPs poor capital allocation and underperformance.
T ech giants Microsoft and Softbank have thrown their weight behind London to continue thriving as a technology hub despite the vote to leave the EU.

I believe London is undervalued in the tech space in the world, said Rajeev Misra, chief executive of SoftBanks Vision Fund.

The fund has raised $93 billion (73 billion) from backers including Apple, Qualcomm and Saudi Arabias sovereign wealth arm.

London is still a city with global connectivity, where in 10 hours you can be on a flight and be anywhere, he said at the Founders Forum. The fact that the head office of the Vision Fund, the largest tech fund, is in London speaks volumes about it, Misra added.

The UK boss of Microsoft also backed the capital, saying the US behemoth would continue to invest in the UK.

Cindy Rose said the company, which paid $250 million for London artificial intelligence start-up SwiftKey last year, would back the UK as a global tech hub.

Microsofts been in the UK for over 30 years now. Weve made very significant investments in the UK, she said.

I can only see our commitment to the UK growing in the years to come.
U S private-equity giant Carlyle gave post-Brexit London a vote of confidence today with a 150 million pitch into the capitals increasingly crowded co-working market.

Carlyle, one of the worlds biggest investment firms with nearly $180 billion (141 billion) in assets, plans to establish business under the brand Uncommon.

It will be challenging the likes of rivals IWG, the former Regus, and more recent entrants into the market such as WeWork.

The buyout house, working with joint-venture partner Adir Group, has bought an existing business in Islington, to be rebranded under the new name, and two further offices in Borough and Fulham, giving the new business 1300 desks.

The backers hope to expand the Uncommon brand over the next two years in centres close to transport links, appealing to a range of customers including established businesses and start-ups looking for flexible office space.

Carlyle managing director Peter Stoll said: As an emerging sector, we see the market for new concept working environments continuing to strengthen.
T escos Booker takeover doesnt fit in the Everyday Value basket. As its critic-in-chief, Schroders, has pointed out, Dave Lewis has agreed to pay 23 times Bookers peak operating profit. Only four years ago, Booker shares were worth half their value today.

Its not just the price thats making Booker tough for Tesco shareholders to swallow. The competition authorities are under huge pressure to step up their investigation next month into whether Tesco should be allowed to become a main supplier to the corner shops trying to compete.

That may result in an order to sell swathes of Tescos lucrative convenience stores.

The biggest worry about this deal, though, is the one that supposedly spooked catering guru Richard Cousins enough to quit as a director.

Namely, that Tescos recovery was nowhere near complete and integrating Booker would be a serious distraction  just as Lewis ought to be focusing on simplifying the business.

It was a worry that also seems to have fazed chairman John Allen when the idea was first mooted.

Regulatory interference aside, this was always the biggest risk of this deal. But todays numbers suggest Lewis has steadied the ship enough to cope with its new partner if/when the deal is allowed to happen.

UK same-store food sales are up 2.7%, the number of transactions has risen 1.6%, Ireland has moved back into growth and pricing is improving against rivals.

Serious work needs to be done in overseas, clothes and homewares, but those shouldnt be affected by Booker.

The Booker deal is all about food: beefing up buying power with producers, increasing its position in convenience stores and moving Tesco into supplying the fast-growing restaurant market.

On todays evidence, with the help of Bookers feted chief executive Charles Wilson (wholl probably succeed Lewis eventually) the risks of this deal toppling the Tesco trolley are receding.

Crush on Billiton

Slowly, surely, Elliotts boa-constrictor squeeze on BHP Billiton is working.

Ken Mackenzie, appointed today, was always the vulture funds preferred choice as chairman. He has a reputation for taking dramatic action when it comes to company turnarounds.

At Amcor, he bought Rio Tintos Alcan packaging arm for a song and ruthlessly ditched weaker divisions. Elliottesque.

The agitator-investors next wish  a sale or spin-off of BHPs oil business  cant be far behind.

Elliott always gets its way.
Mumbai, June 16 (IBNS): Tiger Zinda Hai, the larger than life, slick spy drama from Yash Raj Films has wrapped up its schedule in Mumbai.

Having travelled to exotic locales of Austria and Abu Dhabi, the film shot its next schedule in Mumbai.

This time, the shoot featured Katrina Kaif in fighting fit form for an action sequence.

A source from the films unit said, Director Ali Abbas Zafar has committed to deliver action, stunts and fight sequences that will compete with global standards with Tiger Zinda Hai. To shoot for Katrinas action scenes, Tom Struthers, the action and stunts director of the film worked with her. Buster Reeves, the fight coordinator of many Hollywood films, also worked with Katrina on this portion. Given Struthers shot for certain action sequences for Christopher Nolans Batman films including the Dark Knight Rises, expect the absolute best from these scenes. There are also stuntmen from France, UK and Spain involved in this portion, which is quite elaborate.



Sources also reveal that Katrina Kaif had to train to achieve a certain level of fitness for her action sequences. To deliver on this portion of the films shoot, Kaif had trained and worked hard to be in perfect shape.

Given that the lissome beauty has been posting images from her shoot of Tiger Zinda Hai regularly, one can expect some cutting edge action from her.
T rade minister Greg Hands has admitted the UK needs to do better at digital exports as he vowed to make Londons tech sector a hit on the world stage after Brexit.

Hands, who was made minister for London this week after Gavin Barwells election defeat, said investment has continued to flow into London since the EU vote a year ago, but said more needed to be done to boost exports.

On the exports picture, we are doing pretty well, but we need to be doing better, Hands said.

He said as part of his new role as minister for London, he would work with mayor Sadiq Khan to find ways of making the capitals tech scene more attractive.

On Paris and Berlins efforts to lure tech businesses away from London, Hands said: You have to see anybody who wants to get a piece of the action as being a genuine threat.
H e was a judge on the BBCs painting equivalent to Bake Off, so Dr David Dibosa knows a thing or two about how an art prize can be a game-changer for artists.

The UAL Chelsea College of Arts professor talked recently to the Standard about the upcoming Evening Standard Contemporary Art Prize, which will see one artist given 10,000 for a painting on the simple theme of London.

Art prizes are an important part of the art ecology, he said. They help artists get noticed. A prize that focuses on London adds to the support that new artists need.

He said that because it can be hard to work through the thicket of events, personalities and places that a big city represents, the Evening Standards new art prize could make a real difference. A prize like this can give that extra push through so artists can capture the public eye.

David Dibosa

Dibosa appeared on the BBCs Big Painting Challenge earlier this year, which is presented by Mariella Frostrup and the Reverend Richard Coles. Dibosa and fellow judges Lachlan Goudie and Daphne Todd crowned Leeds artist Suman Kaur the winner, after a gruelling challenge in which she had to paint Greenwichs Old Royal Naval College whilst on a boat in the middle of the Thames.

As someone who has worked with up and coming artists for many years, Dibosa acknowledged the challenges to breaking into the art world. This is why they need all the help they can get, he said. Arts universities are a good place to start but artists need to go on to build their own networks. One thing Ive noticed at the UAL (University of the Arts London, which Chelsea is a part of) is just how important it is for us to go on supporting our artists and designers long after they complete their studies.

He also described London as having a rich ecology for artists. Its fully of highly developed, world-leading markets. We recognise this in our financial markets, but its also true of art. London hosts one of the most complex and powerful art infrastructures in the world.

He encouraged artists to think of art like any living thing - youve got to create the conditions for it to thrive. A sound education offers up and coming artists as a great start, as creativity needs to feed off ideas, he suggested. Sustaining your art has to be a priority so ensuring you have sufficient resources for the long haul - space, time and a bit of finance, will make all the difference.

Summer exhibitions in London 1 /12 Summer exhibitions in London RA Summer Exhibition 2017 Want an insight into what is making the contemporary art world tick? You cant go wrong with the Royal Academys annual summer exhibition, which features the worlds most internationally renowned artists, including Mark Wallinger, Gilbert and George and Yinka Shonibare. Most of the artworks are for sale too, so if something takes your fancy you could end up taking it home.



13 June - 20 August, Royal Academy; royalacademy.org.uk Fahrelnissa Zeid Fahrelnissa Zeids paintings are a vibrant burst of colour and abstraction, and Tate Modern is offering a chance to see these dazzling works up close. This major retrospective shows the synthesis of Islamic, Byzantine, Arab and Persian influences fused with European ideas - dont miss your chance to experience them.



June 13 - October 8, Tate Modern; tate.org.uk Perfume: A Sensory Journey Through Contemporary Scent Perfume is a kind of art that you wear on your skin - or so this exhibition argues. This multi-sensory exhibition will features ten iconic perfumes and their creators, and how they have changed our perceptions of fragrance over the last 20 years.



June 21 - September 21, Somerset House; somersethouse.org.uk Into the Unknown: A Journey Through Science Fiction Science fiction isnt just aliens bursting out of stomachs and Darth Vaders heavy breathing, you know. This vast festival-style show explores the phenomenon through art, design, film and literature. It kicks off by placing visitors inside an episode of Black Mirror, and journeys through dystopian worlds, in what our critic Ben Luke described as a tribute to human imagination.



Until September 1, Barbican Centre; barbican.org.uk Franklin: Death in the Ice If it all gets a bit too hot (unlikely), head to Greenwich for an arctic journey as the National Maritime Museum explores the mysterious fate of Sir John Franklin and his crew on their final expedition. What happened - scurvy, starvation or cannibalism? This exhibition tries to get one step closer to finding the answer.



July 14 - January 7, National Maritime Museum; rmg.co.uk Matisse in the Studio Heres a perspective on Matisse that you wont have seen before: the Royal Academy offers an exclusive glimpse at objects from his private collection, showing the ways that they influenced his work. The diverse collection includes African masks and Chinese calligraphy, precious items that werent high in material value but allowed him to go beyond the limits of Western art.



5 August - 12 November, Royal Academy; royalacademy.org.uk Dreamers Awake This major exhibition on the enduring influence of surrealism spans work from the 1930s to the present day. Featuring over 100 works by women artists, it will include a vast spread of art from greats including Leonora Carrington, Louise Bourgeois, Tracey Emin, Mona Hatoum and Gillian Wearing.



June 28 - September 17, White Cube; whitecube.com A Museum of Modern Nature Londoners dont often feel at one with nature, but we all are - and this summer show from the Wellcome Collection will tell us how. It will tell the individual stories of how people connect with nature by displaying items borrowed from the public, offering a big snapshot of how we tihnk about nature and our planet in the 21st century.



June 22 - October 8, Wellcome Collection; wellcomecollection.org Soul of a Nation: Art in the Age of Black Power The Tate Modern will celebrate the work of Black artists in a vital time in Americas history, beginning in 1963 at the height of the Civil Rights Movement. Many of the works are on display in the UK for the very first time, and visitors will be introduced to the work of more than 50 influential American artist.



July 12 - October 22, Tate Modern; tate.org.uk BP Portrait Award 2017 Its a classic, but a goodie. The National Portrait Gallery once again hosts the prize for the very best in contemporary portrait painting, which is now in its 38th year. Three artists have been shortlisted, and the winner will be commissioned to paint a portrait that will enter the gallerys permanent collection. The winner will be announced June 20.



June 22 - September 24, National Portrait Gallery; npg.org.uk Pink Floyd: Their Mortal Remains This audio-visual spectacular exploring the rise and times of the legendary Pink Floyd is bound to gather crowds all summer. Exploring their music, design and staging, it leaves no stone unturned and is a treat for superfans as well as the uninitiated.



Until October 1, Victoria and Albert Museum; vam.ac.uk Sargent: The Watercolours This rare opportunity to see John Singer Sargents watercolours offer the chance to reassess works that have often been dismissed as travel souvenirs. 80 paintings from private and public collections will show his impeccable technique and distinctive way of seeing the world. And you can pop to the lovely Dulwich Pavilion while youre there!



June 21 - October 8, Dulwich Picture Gallery; dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk

Entries are open for the first ever Evening Standard Contemporary Art Prize, created in association with Hiscox, until September 24, with the winner announced on October 26 at a special event at the National Gallery. The winner will also receive a years free Fine Art Insurance from Hiscox and a lifetime National Art Pass.
A t the time of writing, the Grenfell tragedy has left 79 dead or missing presumed dead. 18 others remain in hospital, nine in critical condition.

Families are split, and homeless. The Government has pledged a 5 million emergency fund for victims, with those who've lost their homes being given 5,500. There is a chance to give them more.

The Evening Standard Dispossessed Fund has launched an emergency appeal to raise funds on behalf of residents, which has currently raised more than 1.5 million. Donations can be made here and here.

The British Red Cross have set up the London Fire Relief Fund, promising to give immediate support. Donate here.

TheBigGive, which has raised 1.7 million so far, promises to double any donation to the Kensington & Chelsea Foundation. You can add to the fund here.

Family Action have launched a fundraiser, which has raised more than 160,000, which can be donated to here.

There has been an outpouring of support elsewhere, with the likes of Andy Murray pledging his Queen's Club prize money to victims, Simon Cowell organising a charity cover of Bridge Over Troubled Water to raise funds and even a little boy donating his pocket money to the cause.

London hotspots are also all raising money for those affected by the Grenfell Tower fire. Heres where you can show your support, listed in chronological order.

Vice Pub Quiz

The good folks at Vice are holding a pub quiz at the Curtain in Shoreditch. Tickets cost 10 with proceeds going to Family Action.

Info: Tuesday June 20, The Curtain, 45 Curtain Rd, EC2A 3PT, twitter.com

Dalston Roof Park

Head to Dalston Roof Park for an evening of brilliant acts and DJs. Enter the raffle for 5 to win festival tickets, clothes and vinyl.

Info: Thursday June 22, from 10, 18 Ashwin Street, E8, bootstrapcompany.co.uk

Bush Hall

Stop wallowing in self-pity because you didnt get Glastonbury tickets. Get along to this sunny Shepherds Bush terrace for all the golden moments on a big screen, with live music, DJs, a raffle and an auction thrown in.

Info: Friday June 23, from 3, 310 Uxbridge Road, W12, residentadvisor.net

Yoga on Clapham Common

Bring a mat and come along for a one-hour Karma Yoga class on the north-west side of Clapham Common, followed by a trip to the pub.

Info: Sunday June 25, 10, SW4, beckyfarbsteinyoga.com
L abour leader and sometime grime hero Jeremy Corbyn is set to make an appearance at this years Glastonbury Festival.

The Islington North MP is headed over to Somersets Worthy Farm to introduce US hip-hop supergroup, Run the Jewels, according to The Guardian.

Mr Corbyn is due to address crowds from main Pyramid stage on Saturday, and will be led on stage by festival founder Michael Eavis, 81, who called the left winger a hero.

Mr Eavis said: Were Corbyn fans, thats the thing, Hes got something new and precious, and people are excited about it. He really is the hero of the hour.

Festival co-organiser and Eavis daughter, Emily, said: Its great to see somebody whos engaging young people so much.

Its been a really full-on few years, culminating in Brexit and Trump. It felt like the whole world was shifting dramatically to the right. I think that this is a breath of fresh air  people are like, No, enough, were not going to let it happen.

Run the Jewels, a duo of MCs El-P and Killer Mike, make a good match for Corbyn. The pair, highly regarded for their politicised rhymes, were given the dubbed 'hip-hop's most intense truth-tellers' earlier this year by Rolling Stone magazine and Killer Mike is well known as a friend of Democrat politician Bernie Sanders.

Its not the first time Mr Corbyn has been linked to music: throughout his election campaign, he was publicly supported by London grime stars JME, Stormzy and Novelist and appeared on stage with Reverend and the Makers at the Wirral Live festival, in front of a rather smaller audience than is expected at Glastonbury.
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Ukrainian Dinara Kasko has taken to using her design skills to build tasteful creations in the kitchen

There can be few artisans as original as Dinara Kasko. A Ukrainian architect who originally studied the geometry of buildings and furniture, Dinara embarked on an ambitious mid-career change when she decided to apply the things shed learnt at university to baking cakes.

Ive only been baking for five years, she says. I just started out making ordinary cakes, but then I thought, why not try to do something new and special?

All the cake moulds I had were basic shapes with straight edges, and I began to realise that I could apply my architectural knowledge to making more interesting, different moulds. My husband encouraged me to experiment, and we just went from there. I found some people in my city who could help make moulds for what I was designing, and found out that I could use computer modelling programmes, and a 3D printer, to make my visions come to life.

A post shared by Dinara Kasko (@dinarakasko) on Mar 12, 2017 at 5:28am PDT

The results have been astonishing. A graduate of Kharkov University Architecture School, Dinaras intricate, precise creations are not mere cakes: they are edible art. Her work was soon appearing on front covers of hip magazines, and attracting hordes of Instagram followers.

For Dinara, being creative is the essence of a rich life. It makes me happy to try to make something new every day  it is a big part of my life, and very exciting. After eight years as an architect, setting out on this new journey, with completely different aims, I just wanted to be as creative as possible.

Because of my background, I cant  and dont want to  do whatever other chefs do. I only feel comfortable when Im making something different, something unique to me.

Trial and error is an important element of what San Miguel Rich List member, Dinara does. I try lots of things, and they dont work every time. Sometimes I have to have lots of attempts at something to make it work, to get that final result. And at the end of it, I can make moulds that other people can use, so they can make unique cakes too.

Her inspirations come from far and wide. As an architect, theres talk of the geometric constructing principles as triangulation and the Voronoi diagram. Theres also biomimicry. Thats using models, systems, and elements of nature, macro elements in general. It can be anything  fragmentation of expanding shells in spiral herb structure, or the form that bubbles take.

She is also uplifted by the work of pastry chefs including Guillaume Mabilleau, Julien Alvarez and Nicolas Boussin and great architects such as Zaha Hadid, Norman Foster and Santiago Calatrava.

As a keen traveller and mother of a three-year-old daughter, Dinara finds that the richness of everyday life, and a keen eye to observe her surroundings, inspire her wherever she goes.

Whether youre in the countryside or in the city, there should be something to make you think, as a designer. Ive been to many countries and each one gives you different ideas. Im off to America for the first time this year, and Im also making my first trip to London. That will help expand my horizons even further.

I take a lot of pictures, and Instagram has opened up a new world to me. Ive been all around Europe and Asia. I look at both big and small things, wherever I go. They could be big buildings designed by Rem Koolhaas or Le Corbusier, or they could be little things in nature.

And Dinara believes that a rich life doesnt require money: the best things in life are free. Theres my family, but I also love to be with friends, to sing and to dance, and to do any kind of decorative craft. I am happy if I am creating something with my hands. Clothes, or art, or paper modelling. And I love the freedom of being outside, riding a bike. I prefer doing something, having an experience rather than buying possessions.

Theres one clear exception, however. I do buy a lot of different tools for making the cakes, and for baking. But I need them to become creative. Of course, I like to be stylish and look good, but being original is more important than fashion.
A neighbour who posted pictures of one of the victims of the Grenfell Tower blaze on social media after opening a body bag at the scene has been jailed for three months.

Omega Mwaikambo, 43, was arrested after images were posted online of what appeared to be a partially-covered body following the fatal blaze on Wednesday morning.

He pleaded guilty to two offences contrary to section 127 of the Communications Act, Scotland Yard said.

Mwaikambo, of Testerton Walk, west London, was sentenced to three months at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Friday, the force added.

The scene of the major fire in Notting Hill. (NIGEL HOWARD &copy;) / NIGEL HOWARD 

He received six weeks in prison for each count, to run consecutively, making a total of twelve weeks.

At least 30 people are known to have died as fire ripped through the 24-storey building in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
A young man's throat was slit in front of horrified shoppers on a busy west London street, it has been claimed.

Police descended on Southall Broadway at 12.20pm on Friday after reports a stabbing had taken place.

The London Air Ambulance also landed nearby and a boy, thought to be in his late teens was rushed to hospital.

One shopper, who asked not to be named, told the Standard a crowd of men in Muslim attire rushed to help the stricken man as he lay on the floor.

Police at the scene / Tony Patti/Lyca Radio

She said: There was a bit of a commotion and then this man just collapsed in the street.

Within seconds an ambulance and about four police vans arrived at the scene. They started giving him first aid around his neck.

It must have been within 30 seconds or so a helicopter arrived and two or three police cans started going around the side streets.

The man was outside walking and somebody came and randomly stabbed him in the side of his back and slit his throat," she said.

She said: People were just completely shocked and some just started taking cover in the shops thinking it might be another terror attack.

A large swathe of the busy street was cordoned off in both directions on Friday afternoon as the stabbing was investigated.

Police later confirmed the man's injuries were non-life-threatening and there have been no arrests so far.

A spokesman for the Met Police said there was no indication at this stage the incident was terror-related.

He said: Police were called Southall Broadway, Ealing, at approximately 12.20pm on 16 June to reports of a stabbing.

Officers, London Ambulance Service and London Air Ambulance attended the scene. A male, aged in his late teens, was taken to a west London hospital.
W estminster is on lockdown after armed police Tasered a man when he allegedly reached for a knife outside the Houses of Parliament.

Officers were spotted running towards a man outside the Houses of Parliament, before arresting him at the gates on Friday morning.

Police Tasered the man after he reached for a knife when approached by officers, Scotland Yard said.

Armed officers had ran towards St Stephen's Gate after a commotion was heard, while passersby were heard shouting "knife, knife, knife" after spotting the man.

The man arrested outside the gates to Parliament

The incident is not thought to be terror related and there have been no reported injuries.

The arrest happened just yards from the spot where PC Keith Palmer was stabbed to death in the Westminster terror attack in March.

A Met Police spokesman said: "At 11.10am on Friday, 16 June, a man was detained near to the Palace of Westminster.

"The man - aged in his 30s - was arrested on suspicion of possession of a knife.

"There are no reports of any injuries."

Pictures have begun to emerge of the man, wearing a grey hoodie, being held against railings as he was arrested by officers.

Joe Murphy, political editor of the Evening Standard, said that there were shouts of "knife knife knife" and a man was brought down with a Taser.

Bradley Allen, 19, from Barking, east London, said he saw the man with clenched fists moments before he was detained.

The 'knifeman' being arrested outside Westminster (Harriet Line/PA ) / Harriet Line/PA

He said he was walking past Parliament when he saw a "dark male stood there, who looked quite angry with fists quite clenched".

Mr Allen said: "He stared at me and my mate and we walked past him. Within seconds there was a shout and police ran out of the front gate shouting at him 'Get on the floor, get on the ground'.

"Within seconds he was on the ground - I'm not sure whether he was Tasered - I'm not sure how he got down there, but in seconds it was over.

Armed police outside the Houses of Parliament

"Armed police everywhere, telling everyone to move back, and we all got pushed back."

The bearded suspect was led away into a van by officers after being detained for around 30 minutes outside Parliament.

He remains in custody at a central London police station, the force added.

In March, PC Palmer was brutally stabbed to death by terrorist Khalid Masood outside the gates to Parliament.

Security around Westminster was tightened following the attack by Masood, who was shot dead by armed officers shortly after murdering PC Palmer.

A permanent barrier has been erected to protect pedestrians on Westminster Bridge, where Masoood also murdered four people and injured more than 50 others by mounting the pavement in a car at 70mph.

A Parliamentary spokesman said: "We are aware of an incident outside the Palace of Westminster, which is being dealt with by the Metropolitan Police."
New York, June 16(Just Earth News): The United Nations must move towards a more institutionalized approach for the joint planning, mandating, financing and supporting of African Union (AU) peace-support operations, the Secretary-General's Chef de Cabinet told the Security Council on Thursday.

We must move away from ad hoc arrangements, said Chef de Cabinet Maria Luiza Viotti during the presentation of the Secretary-General's report on options for authorization and support for AU peace support operations.

The report presents proposals for institutionalized approaches to joint planning and mandating, financing and supporting AU peace support operations, she added, explaining that different situations will require different planning, financing and support arrangements, but these can be underpinned by jointly-agreed principles and decision-making processes.

The report also builds on an earlier review of over a decade of UN-AU cooperation.

Our aim is not to replicate earlier arrangements but to develop new approaches that reflect lessons-learned as well as developing capacities of the African Union and the roles of other partners, she said, adding that predictable approaches are required, as the UN-AU partnership is, has been and will be the preferred modality of pursuing peace and security in Africa.

The report also highlights the importance of compliance and oversight, particularly in the areas of human rights and conduct and discipline. The UN will continue to provide any technical assistance in the AU's implementation of relevant compliance frameworks, Luiza Viotti said.

As Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has often said, the world can greatly benefit from African wisdom, African ideas and African solutions, she noted, adding that: Together, we can create more efficient and effective responses to better respond to the needs of the African people and advance international peace and security.

For his part, Smail Chergui, Commissioner for Peace and Security of the African Union, speaking via video teleconference from Addis Ababa, said the organization was conducting peace-support operations in the world's most challenging situations, yet financing remained ad hoc and highly unpredictable. He noted that 30 per cent of AU member States contributed to its recently established Peace Fund which, he emphasized, the Commission of the African Union would manage with transparency and good governance.

Donald Kaberuka, African Union High Representative for the Peace Fund, said a well-funded African peace and security architecture is not simply an African priority  it is also for the global public good. While AU member States are primarily responsible for financing the Fund, partnerships would continue to play a vital role, he said, adding that forging an effective alliance between the UN and the AU held the greatest strategic importance to collective security.

There should be no illusion as to the political complexity of this matter, he said, emphasizing that a shared solution on predictable and sustainable financing for peace operations mandated by the AU and authorized by the Council was a strategic imperative for both the AU and the UN.

UN Photo/Evan Schneider

Source: www.justearthnews.com
F acebook has been accused of inappropriately using the fire in west London to push its own brand after the safety check service was activated

The check sends out messages to people in the vicinity of an event  such as a terror attack  and encourages them to mark themselves safe for their social media friends to see.

It was recently activated in the wake of the Manchester Arena bombing and the terrorist attack on London Bridge.

In the early hours of Wednesday morning, it was activated after a huge fire engulfed a Grenfell Tower in west London  a 24-storey building housing 127 apartments.

Grenfell Tower continues to smoulder 24 hours after start of fire

Seventeen people have been confirmed dead in the blaze and 78 have been taken to hospital.

But authorities have warned the death toll is likely to rise, with fears growing that none of the residents in the top three floors managed to escape.

Grenfell Tower aftermath - In pictures 1 /18 Grenfell Tower aftermath - In pictures The top section of the death trap Grenfell Tower Jeremy Selwyn The tower today, after the flames were extinguished Jeremy Selwyn A close up of the tower's damaged windows PA Fire service personnel survey the damage PA The tower today, after it emerged at least 17 were killed Jeremy Selwyn Rows of blackened windows after the fire Jeremy Selwyn Police sent in sniffer dogs today to search for bodies Jeremy Selwyn PA The Grenfell Tower at dawn today Jeremy Selwyn Donations have flooded in for victims Jeremy Selwyn Water is sprayed on Grenfell Tower PA Rows and rows of blackened windows. It is feared over one hundred people may have perished Jeremy Selwyn Part of the scorched facade of the Grenfell Tower in London as firefighting continue to damp-down the deadly fire AP Fire crews examine the wreckage PA

Some people took to social media to question the necessity of the safety checker after those up to seven miles away from the travesty received prompts.

ABC news reporter James Longman tweeted: I've always been sceptical about the 'safety check' feature on Facebook. Doing it for the #GlenfellTower fire seems totally unnecessary.

And co-founder of the b3ta digital arts community Rob Manuel agreed, saying he was increasingly uncomfortable with the service after he was sent a notification at his home six miles away.

Feels like they're adding to people's stress to drive engagement, he wrote.

Another twitter user wrote: My love/hate with Facebook Safety Check continues. Ftr, I am 7 miles, an hour car, 45 mins by tube, or 2&1/2 hour walk from the fire.

The safety check is automatically activated when multiple people post about the same event, using key words such as "flooding", "fire" or "earthquake".

When the site notices someone using such words, it will ask them if they are okay and prompt them to mark themselves safe and encourage others to do the same.

According to Facebook, it has been activated more than 600 times in two years.

On Thursday the safety check had been deactivated.
L ondons firefighters have thanked the public for the overwhelming support they have been given over the days since the tragedy

More than 200 firefighters were called to the blaze in the early hours of Wednesday and commissioner Dany Cotton said crews would remain at the scene for many days.

London Fire Brigade shared a picture on social media of a card which had been handed to crews in North Kensington.

Written by someone called Derin to all the emergency services, the card said: "Thank you all by saving people's lives."

The service said: "The support we have received from all over the world has been overwhelming."

Firefighters ran into the burning building as residents screamed and threw children from windows to try to save them from the inferno as it tore through the 24-storey block.

Emergency services scrambled to the scene in a race to save lives shortly before 1am.

Grenfell Tower Firefighters - In pictures 1 /32 Grenfell Tower Firefighters - In pictures A firefighter pours water over his head after battling a huge fire at the Grenfell Tower, a 24-storey apartment block in North Kensington, London EPA Firefighters spray water after a fire engulfed the 24-storey Grenfell Tower in west Londo PA A firefighter investigates a floor after a fire engulfed the 24-storey Grenfell Tower in west London PA Firefighters rest as they take a break in battling a massive fire that raged in a high-rise apartment building in London AP A firefighter close at the scene after a fire engulfed the 27-storey Grenfell Tower in west London PA Emergency services close to the scene after a fire engulfed the 24-storey Grenfell Tower in west London Alex Lentati The moment a resident is carried out of the Grenfell Tower block by fire bridgae and riot police carrying shield Sky News Emergency services close to the scene after a fire engulfed the 24-storey Grenfell Tower in west London PA Emergency services close to the scene after a fire engulfed the 24-storey Grenfell Tower in west London Alex Lentati Emergency services gather close to the scene after a fire engulfed the 24-storey Grenfell Tower in west London PA Firefighters rest as they take a break in battling a massive fire that raged in a high-rise apartment building in London AP Firefighters wait to start their shift after a massive fire raged in a 27-floor high-rise apartment building in London AP Firefighters stand amid debris in a childrens playground near a tower block severly damaged by a serious fire, in north Kensington, West London REUTERS Emergency services gather close to the scene after a fire engulfed the 24-storey Grenfell Tower in west London PA Firefighters react as a huge fire engulfs the Grenfell Tower AFP/Getty Images Emergency personnel operate during the fire at the Grenfell Tower, a 27-storey apartment block in North Kensington, London EPA A firefighter rests during the ballte against the blaze at Grenfell Tower Jeremy Selwyn Emergency services close to the scene after a fire engulfed the 24-storey Grenfell Tower in west London Nigel Howard A London Fire Brigade worker moves air tanks close to the scene of a fire that engulfed the 24-storey Grenfell Tower in west London PA Firefighters spray water after a fire engulfed the 24-storey Grenfell Tower in west London PA Fire crews rest as they take part in the operation to put out a fire in a high rise apartment block in London AP A firemen reacts after battling a huge fire at the Grenfell Tower, a 24-storey apartment block in North Kensington, London EPA Residents were trapped "screaming for their lives" as flames raged through a 27-storey tower block in Notting Hill Alex Lentati Emergency services spray water towards a fire that engulfed the 24-storey Grenfell Tower in west London PA

Onlookers were seen applauding firefighters in the streets as they came off shift, while cafes threw open their doors to offer free refreshments to the workers left shattered by a 10-hour battle against the blaze.

Witnesses took to social media to empathise with "heroic" first responders who arrived at the scene six minutes after the fire was reported and were later seen looking shaken.

The praise came as an expert said the blaze faced by the firefighters was completely unprecedented in the UK.

David Sibert, Fire Brigade Union fire safety expert, said: "What's happened in this fire today is like nothing that anyone in this country has seen ever.

"It's too early to say or speculate but it certainly appears as though the fire has spread up the outside of the building, much more quickly than it should have done, something has gone wrong," he said.
A nger is growing over claims a series of safety failings led to the Grenfell Tower disaster after it emerged contractors could have spent just 5,000 more on fire-resistant cladding.

A Justice for Grenfell rally is set to take place in Westminster on Friday evening, while numerous distraught residents have demanded answers from politicians over the blaze that killed at least 17 people on Wednesday.

It comes amid claims contractors used the cheapest aluminium coated panels, which are reportedly outlawed in the United States over safety fears, as part of an 10m regeneration of the tower block last year.

The panels, known as Reynobond, were allegedly the only ones available to contractors that were not fire-resistant.

Reynobond sells fire-resistant panels for 24 per square metre, a 2 increase on the standard version.

A salesman for the US-based company has since told The Times that the version used on Grenfell, referred to as PE, was banned in American buildings taller than 40ft over fire safety reasons.

He said: It's because of the fire and smoke spread. The FR (variant) is fire-resistant. The PE is just plastic.

Inside Grenfell Tower 1 /17 Inside Grenfell Tower Water is sprayed on Grenfell Tower in west London after a fire engulfed the 24-storey building PA Fire service personnel inside Grenfell Tower in west London PA A view inside the Grenfell Tower in west London after a fire engulfed the 24-storey building PA Sniffer dogs were sent inside to the tower today PA Fire service personnel inside Grenfell Tower in west London after a fire engulfed the 24-storey building PA Part of the scorched facade of the Grenfell Tower in London as firefighting continue to damp-down the deadly fire AP Grenfell Tower in west London after a fire engulfed the 24-storey building PA A view inside the Grenfell Tower in west London after a fire engulfed the 24-storey building PA

The revelations were met with fury among residents of the Lancaster West estate.

Anab Hussein lives in an adjacent tower block. Everything they do is the cheapest of the cheapest, she told the Standard.

I am the same as those people, I live in the apartment and have kids. It could easily have been us. They came and refurbished my flat a few years ago and did everything as cheap as possible.

So many lives have been lost and it's for what - 2? We are talking about so many people dying for just 2 - it's shameful. This could have been stopped. People want answers.

Social worker Lorna Novana - whose son attends the nearby Spanish school - said she is dismayed by the horrific events of this week.

There are parts of this borough that are very rich - I know they have the money to spend, she said.

It could have been prevented. And I do think there is some truth in the belief that this wouldn't have happened in the richer areas.

Council officers could have stopped this but it takes for something horrible to happen for them to start walking around in suits and with briefcases looking official.

Sadiq Khan heckled during visit to Grenfell Tower

A lot of people need to be held accountable for this.

A criminal investigation has since been launched into the blaze at Grenfell Tower, while Prime Minister Theresa May has launched a public inquiry.

Labour MP David Lammy has branded the Grenfell Tower blaze corporate manslaughter and called for arrests amid fears the number of people killed could rise to triple figures.

He posted on Twitter: This was not a tragedy, it was a crime. Corporate manslaughter. We need arrests and a trial, not more reviews.

Residents organising a rally outside Westminster have said they deserve and demand answers.

In a chilling blog post written just seven months before the tragedy, the Grenfell Action Group said only a catastrophic event, would make residents concerns over fire safety heard.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said during a visit to refuge centres on Thursday that the truth has got to come out" following the devastating blaze.

Jeremy Corbyn: "Some very hard questions must be answered" following Grenfell Tower fire

Residents of the Lancaster West estate told the Standard on Thursday they felt ignored because officials "don't care" about working class people.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan said: This community deserves answers  and quickly. We cannot wait years for the outcome of an inquiry.

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People deserve to know as soon as possible that other similar blocks are not at risk of this happening elsewhere.

Communities and Local Government Secretary Sajid Javid, who is expected to visit the site on Friday, tried to reassure people living in similar high-rises who fear they may be at risk.

He told BBC Breakfast: "There are about 4,000 high-rise buildings in the country but not all of them have been re-cladded but also let's not just make the assumption that it is all about cladding.

"We need to be led by the experts and as soon as we have more information from the experts, which we expect either later today or certainly over the weekend that is what I think should be used to do these emergency inspections."
C abinet ministers today faced the anger of local residents over the Grenfell Tower disaster.

As the death toll from the inferno was set to rise, the Government was urged to get a grip on the appalling situation. The Queen and the Duke of Cambridge visited the scene in North Kensington and Theresa May was said to be taking personal charge of the Governments response.

The Prime Minister was due to visit victims in hospital, following criticism of her failure to meet relatives yesterday. But the growing anger was laid bare when Cabinet minister Andrea Leadsom, the leader of the Commons, was berated in the street on live TV by residents. One man said: Enough is enough. I have got friends in that tower. I have every right to be angry. Because of people saving money, people are dying.

Another resident Nadir, 24, said after confronting Ms Leadsom: The Government needs to get a grip on this situation.

Confrontation: Andrea Leadsom / BBC

Earlier, Jonah Malika, who is looking for a friend who was in the tower, said: Everyone in the community is angry  they took a perfectly good building and turned it into a death trap.

Communities Secretary Sajid Javid was also questioned when he visited a community centre. He promised immediate action to help the victims and emphasised that urgent inspections of all similar buildings were being carried across the country.

Fire investigators have been asked to report by tomorrow, or Sunday at the latest, on what they believe caused the inferno, which is feared to have claimed dozens of lives.

The Queen visits the scene of the Grenfell Tower tragedy 1 /14 The Queen visits the scene of the Grenfell Tower tragedy The Queen and Prince William speak to emergency services and volunteers near the site of the Grenfell Tower fire Alex Lentati The Queen meets residents of Grenfell Tower block near the scene of the blaze Dominic Lipinski/PA The Queen meets firefighters who have been searching for bodies in the tower Hannah McKay/Reuters Volunteers show Her Royal Highness tables of food donated to victims at Westway Sports Centre Dominic Lipinski/Pool/AP Ken Olisa, Lord Lieutenant of Greater London, greets Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Cambridge as they arrive at Westway Sports Centre David Mirzoeff/PA The Queen meets residents of the Grenfell Tower block Hannah McKay/EPA Firefighters, who are continuing to search for survivors and damp down the tower, meet the Queen Hannah McKay The Queen was applauded as she arrived at the scene of the blaze Dan Kitwood/Getty Images The Queen and William spent 45 minutes speaking to people before leaving David Mirzoeff/PA The Queen and the Duke of Cambridge received warm applause as they arrived at Westway Sports Centre David Mirzoeff/PA The met hero firefighters who battled through the night to tackle the blaze Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

Mr Javid pledged a swift response, based on the initial report to safeguard people, if necessary, in 4,000 high-rise blocks in London and other towns and cities. We need to do whatever it takes to make people that live in those properties safe  that is either make the property safe or find other accommodation, he said.

Experts say at least dozens, possibly hundreds, of blocks in the capital have similar cladding to Grenfell Tower.

Firefighters continue working on the shell of the tower after the blaze / Alex Lentati

Mr Javid said: In this country, in this century, for this kind of thing to happen it is horrific and we cannot allow anything like this to ever happen again.

The father of four admitted he would be worried putting his children to bed in a high-rise building given the doubts over safety.

The latest figures from NHS England show that 24 people are still being treated in hospitals across London, with 12 of them needing critical care.

A growing number of frantic families were today desperately appealing for news about missing loved ones.

The streets around the high-rise block in North Kensington were plastered with posters begging for information about those who were in the building.

This morning, Ms Leadsom said there would be a full public inquiry into the causes. She said: It is an absolutely terrible disaster. I have been talking to families and residents and the amazing people in this community centre.

The Prime Minister came yesterday to look at the operation to make sure everything was being done by the Government. The Prime Minister is absolutely heartbroken.

Voicing the anger of local people, Labour MP David Lammy, who has called for arrests over what he believes is corporate manslaughter, tweeted: We want justice.

People pay respects after the tragedy / AFP/Getty Images

Ministers were ordering measures to secure school places for children, new housing and new ID documents and bank cards for people so they can get access to money.

Meanwhile, the grim search for the bodies of those killed in the tower continued. More than 70 people are believed to be unaccounted for since the blaze in the early hours of Wednesday. Police fear the fire was so devastating that some victims might never be identified.

Inside Grenfell Tower 1 /17 Inside Grenfell Tower Water is sprayed on Grenfell Tower in west London after a fire engulfed the 24-storey building PA Fire service personnel inside Grenfell Tower in west London PA A view inside the Grenfell Tower in west London after a fire engulfed the 24-storey building PA Sniffer dogs were sent inside to the tower today PA Fire service personnel inside Grenfell Tower in west London after a fire engulfed the 24-storey building PA Part of the scorched facade of the Grenfell Tower in London as firefighting continue to damp-down the deadly fire AP Grenfell Tower in west London after a fire engulfed the 24-storey building PA A view inside the Grenfell Tower in west London after a fire engulfed the 24-storey building PA

Six bodies have been recovered from the gutted 24-storey tower. Eleven have been located inside but cannot yet be removed.

It is feared the death toll could reach three figures.

Amid unconfirmed reports that a more fire-resistant cladding could have been installed on Grenfell Tower at a cost of 5,000, Mr Javid accepted it would be shaming if this turned out to be true. The Cabinet minister defended Mrs May after she came under attack for visiting firefighters at the scene yesterday but not speaking to residents. It contrasted with the empathy displayed by Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn when he went to the area.

Different people show their emotion in different ways. The Prime Minister is a person of action and she wants to help, said Mr Javid, who had a private meeting with residents today.

However, former Tory Cabinet minister Michael Portillo criticised Mrs May, saying: You have to be prepared to receive peoples emotions, and not be so frightened about people.

Notting Hill Grenfell Tower Fire - In pictures 1 /49 Notting Hill Grenfell Tower Fire - In pictures A blaze rages through Grenfell Tower block in Notting Hill Jeremy Selwyn Aerial view of the fire at Grenfell Tower, Notting Hill Jason Hawkes Jeremy Selwyn Aerial view of the fire at Grenfell Tower, Notting Hill Jason Hawkes Jeremy Selwyn A firefighter investigates a floor after a fire engulfed the 24-storey Grenfell Tower PA Exhausted firefighter rest on steps of houses after ours of tackling the blaze Alex Lentati Jeremy Selwyn Residents wave frantically at a window during the blaze Nigel Howard Emergency personnel operate during the fire at the Grenfell Tower, a 27-storey apartment block in North Kensington, London EPA A police officer helps to evacuate a local resident from close to the scene of a serious fire in a tower block at Latimer Road in West London Reuters Debris and ash surrounding Grenfell Tower in the West Lancaster estate, Latimer road Jeremy Selwyn A fleet of ambulances at the scene ready to deal with the injured AFP/Getty Images A firefighter rests during the battle against the blaze at Grenfell Tower Jeremy Selwyn Firefighters prepare to enter the building to tackle the flames EPA Nigel Howard Smoke billows from a fire that has engulfed the 24-storey Grenfell Tower in west London PA Flames engulf the tower block in Notting Hill AFP/Getty Images This shocking image shows flames engulfing the 27 storey tower Jeremy Selwyn Police and Emergency services at the scene of a major fire in Notting Hill after a block of flats Grenfell Tower is engulfed in flames Nigel Howard A person peers out of a window from the building on fire in London AP Firefighters react as a huge fire engulfs the Grenfell Tower AFP/Getty Images Smoke rises from the fire at the Grenfell Tower, a 24-storey apartment block in North Kensington, London EPA Smoke billows across the London skyline follwing a fire at Grenfell Tower in the West Lancaster estate Alex Lentati Aw omen react followign the blaze at Grenfell Tower Alex Lentati Smoke billows across the London skyline follwing a fire at Grenfell Tower in the West Lancaster estate Jeremy Selwyn A water jet douses the fire at the Grenfell Tower, a 24-storey apartment block seen through a fence in North Kensington EPA Young children wear protective face masks near the burning 24 storey residential Grenfell Tower block in Latimer Road, West London Getty Images Two men hug within the security cordon as Grenfell Tower is engulfed by fire AFP/Getty Images A man (circled) looks from a window as smoke pours from a fire that has engulfed the 27-storey Grenfell Tower PA Smoke billows across the London skyline follwing a fire at Grenfell Tower in the West Lancaster estate Alex Lentati Firefighters on the scene at Grenfell Tower on Latimer Road early this morning Alex Lentati A view of debris from the Grenfell Tower fire covering a football pitch EPA Aerial view of the closed of Westway follwing a the fire at Grenfell Tower in the West Lancaster estate, Latimer Road. Jeremy Selwyn Fire fighters tackle the building after a huge fire engulfed the 24 story Grenfell Tower in Latimer Road, West London Getty Images A local resident is carried to receive some medical aid at a community centre close to a fire that has engulfed the 24-storey Grenfell Tower PA

There were also warnings that Mrs Mays response could lead to even more pressure on her shaky premiership if it is seen as similar to the blundering reaction by US president George Bush to the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

Former housing ministers Gavin Barwell, now Mrs Mays chief-of-staff, and Brandon Lewis are facing a series of questions over why more safety measures were not brought in after the 2009 Lakanal House fire in Camberwell.

But the spotlight was equally on Kensington and Chelsea council, the Kensington and Chelsea Tenant Management Organisation, which hired specialist refurbishment firm Rydon to modernise the building under an 8.6 billion contract, sub-contractor Harley Facades, which was employed to install the cladding, and its various suppliers.

A judge-led public inquiry is expected to deliver an interim report by early autumn.
T wo days after the devastating blaze at Grenfell Tower, scores of people, including entire families, are still unaccounted for.

Relatives and friends have spent the traumatic hours since the disaster visiting hospitals and appealing for information in a frantic search for good news.

Scotland Yard has admitted it may take weeks before the final death toll, which stood at 30 on Friday, is established and some victims at the Notting Hill block may never be identified.

As the investigation continues, these are the people still missing in one of Londons worst ever fires:

Gloria Trevisan and Marco Gottardi

Gloria Trevisan, 26, and Marco Gottardi, 26

The Italian couple have not been seen since 3.30am on Wednesday when Ms Trevisan called her mother to say the tower was ablaze.

Grenfell Tower Tribute Wall

A family lawyer said, during the phonecall, Ms Trevisan said goodbye and thanked her mother for what you have done for me.

The couple had only just moved in to the block.

Rania Ibrham, 30, and her two daughters

Rania Ibrham, 30, and her two young daughters

The 30-year-old made a panicked Facebook Live video showing her stuck inside a neighbours flat as the fire broke out.

She was heard being told to keep the door by her neighbour to keep the door closed to protect her children from the smoke.

Ms Ibrham, who is from Sudan, later sent a Snapchat video to a friend saying forgive me everyone, goodbye.

Fathaya Alsanousi is missing with her two children

Fathaya Alsanousi and her two children Abu Feras and Esra Ibrahim

The woman, thought to be aged in her 70s, was said to be stuck inside her 23rd floor flat with her 38-year-old son and daughter, 35.

Saber Neda

Saber Neda, 57

Mr Neda told his wife Shakila, 45, and son Farhad, 22, to flee the blaze.

He reportedly stayed behind because he was injured and later called family to say there was no help coming.

Hesham Rahman

Hesham Rahman, 57

Mr Rahman, a diabetic who struggled to walk, lived on the 20th floor of the block, according to friends and was last heard from at 3am when he called them to say he smelt smoke.

He told family: "Don't worry, as soon as I'm out I'll let you know. The police are coming to get me, I've spoken to them. It's going to be okay.

Raymond Bernard

Raymond Bernard, 65

Mr Bernard, also known as Moses, had lived at the block since at least 2003.

Nadia Choucair

Nadia Choucair, 29, husband Bassem, 38, and daughters Mierna, 13, Zaynab, 10, Fatima, 3, and grandmother Sirra

Nursery worker Ms Choucair worked at a local school and, along with her family, has not been seen since the fire.

She called a friend at 2am to say: Goodbye. Were not going to make it. I love you.

Mariem Elgwahry / PA

Mariem Elgwahry, 27, and mother Suhar

Ms Elgwahry shared a flat on the 19th floor with her mother .

It is not known if two other members of the family who lived in the 19th floor flat were at home at the time.

Abdel Salam, 75

He rang his sons when the fire broke out, saying: I cant breathe.

Mr Salam was described by friends as a community leader who had lived there for 40 years after moving from Morocco.

Kedir Hashim: His wife and their three children are feared to have died

Nura Jamal , 35, husband Hashim Kedir, Yaqub, 6, sons Firdaws, 12, and Yayha, 14

Ms Jamal called family to say: The fire is here, I'm dying.

Her sons were members of local charity Solidarity Sports, and had gone on trips to the Isle of Wight and to PGL camps during summer holidays for the past four years.

Firdaws, left, and Yayha Kadir / Solidarity Sports

Sean Mendez, 36, who runs the group which helps disadvantaged children, said: They both had unique and endearing personalities. We became an extended family to them, whenever they were with us they were happy and smiling.

Yahya was a bit of a nervous type but then could play the clown when he wanted to. He lived to make people laugh.

Tony Disson

Tony Disson, 66

He phoned his three sons at 3am to say he was trapped in his bathroom.

Mr Disson told a friend: Tell my sons that I love them."

His son Lee launched a social media appeal for information about the retired market trader, but a close friend appeared to confirm his death, saying: We have been told that Lees dad did not make it.

Ligaya Moore / PA

Ligaya Moore, 79

The Embassy of the Philippines in London has appealed for information about Ligaya Moore.

Ms Moore's grandson, Nico Purificacion, called her "an admirable woman".

"Our family loves her so much," he said. "She's very fun to be with despite her age.

So innocent yet very straightforward. She's been in London for a very long time.

Missing, feared dead: Yasin el-Wahabi

Abdul Aziz el-Wahabi, 52, wife Faouzia, 42, and son Yasin, Nur Huda, 15, and Mehdi, 8

Cousin Otman Boujettif, 42, a cousin, said: We spoke to them at about 1.30am but theyd been told by the fire brigade to stay in their flat, put towels down, wet the floors and wait."

Nora Huda, 15, is also missing

Hanan el-Wahabi, a 39-year-old aunt who lives on the ninth floor of the tower, said she spoke to her brother: I told him to leave. He said he was going to come. Then I called him and he said there was too much smoke.

A family member said: "We fear they have all been wiped out."

Jessica Urbano, 12, is missing after the fire

Jessica Urbano, 12

The young girl lived on the 20th floor.

Aunt Ana said: "She last spoke to her mum when she borrowed a phone and told her she was on the stairs with other people.

"We than have had unconfirmed reports/sightings of her outside of the flats and also being put into an ambulance, but we have checked hospitals and no news."

Missing: Farah Hamdan

Omar Belkaldi, 32, Farah Hamdan, 31, and daughter Leena, six months

Two sisters from the family, seven-year-old Malek and Tamzin, six, have been found in hospital.

The rest of the family remain missing.

Artist Khadija Saye / PA

Khadija Saye, 24, and mother Mary Mendy, 54

Artist Ms Saye who was showing her art work in the Venice Biennale, was in her flat on the 20th floor, with her mother when the fire broke out.

MP David Lammy later confirmed Ms Saye had died in the fire.

Mary Mendy

Her friend, Nicola Green, said: "She was on Facebook saying she was unable to get out of the flat, that the smoke was so thick.

"She was saying she just can't get out and 'Please pray for me. There's a fire in my council block. I can't leave the flat. Please pray for me and my mum.

Mo Tuccu / PA

Mohamednur 'Mo' Tuccu, 44

The security guard was eating a Ramadan meal with friends on the 19th floor when the fire broke out. He has not been heard from since.

His company, Red Consultancy, tweeted an appeal for information on Thursday.

Ernie Vital is missing with his mother

Marjorie Vital, 67, and son Ernie Vital, 43

They pair are thought to have lived together on the 16th floor.

Marjorie Vital

Neither of them have been heard from since the fire.

Isaac Paulos

Isaac Paulos, 5

Genet Shawo was attempting to escape the blaze with husband Paulos Petakle, a taxi driver, and their two children Luca, 3 and Isaac, 5.

But Isaac, who had been holding a neighbours hand, got lost in the thick black smoke as they made their way from their 18th floor flat down the fire escape.

Mrs Shawo said of the Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Primary pupil : I will not fear the worst, I am still hoping and praying for him. He is a beautiful boy.

Berkti Haftom, 30, and her 12-year-old son Biruk / PA

Berkti Haftom, 30, and son Biruk, 12

Ms Haftom, a cleaner originally from Eritrea, is said to have raised concerns about fire safety at the building.

Her sister Selam told the Standard: I dont know what to think any more, what can I think?

There is no news at the hospitals, at the community centres. No-one has information to give me, they just say they dont have anyone with their names. Im so worried.

Hamid Kani / PA

Hamid Kani, 61

The Iranian-born man lived alone at flat 154.

Sakineh Afraseiabi

Sakineh Afraseiabi, 65, and Fatimah Afraseiabi

Lucas James, 12

Lucas has not been seen since he stayed the night at a friends house on the 17th floor.

His older sister told the Independent: ''Firemen helped us out, but my brother was visiting a friend on the 17th floor and he did not get out.

We cannot find him. We've been going round hospitals.''

The Miah family are missing

Komru Miah, 82, Razia Begum, 65, sons Abdul Hanif, 29, Abdul Hamid, 26, and daughter Husna Begum Tanima, 22

The entire Miah family, thought to have lived on the 17th floor, are missing.

They were last heard from at around 3am on Wednesday.

Cousin Abdur Rahim said he got a panicked call from Husna at 1.30am saying they were stuck in the burning building.

She told him it was too dark with smoke outside the flat to get out.

Khadija Khalloufi, 52

Ms Khalloufi was being led by her husband through the smoky stairwell from the 17th floor when he lost her in the stampede to escape.

Sabah Abdullah, 72, told MailOnline: I feel lost. I don't know what's going on. I just want my wife back.

Vincent Chiejina, 60

Sheila Smith

Sheila Smith, 84

Ms Smith lived on the 16th floor and has been reported missing by her son.

Steve Power

Steve Power, 63

According to reports, Mr Power did not want to leave his two dogs behind in his 14th floor flat.

A friend told Sky News: "He wouldn't leave his dogs and it cost him his life".

Denis Murphy / PA

Denis Murphy, 56

His family say they last heard from him between 1.30am and 2am.

He called from his 14th floor flat to say he couldnt breathe due to the smoke.

Zainab Dean

Zainab Dean, 23, and son Jeremiah, 2

Ms Deans brother Francis, 47, said a firefighter borrowed his phone to speak to his sister, who lived on the 14th floor with her little boy.

He said: He told her to keep calm and that they were coming to get her. He kept saying that to her again and again.

But then he handed me the phone and said, Tell her you love her.

I knew then to fear the worst. The phone went dead and I could not talk to her.

Ali Yawar Jafari / PA

Ali Yawar Jafari, 82

The grandfather-of-seven, who had a heart condition and mobility problems, lived on the 11th floor with his wife and daughter.

Daughter Nadia got separated from him on the 10th floor and has not heard from him since.
T he mother of a man feared to have perished in the Grenfall Tower blaze today told how she watched in horror as his flat was engulfed in flames after he was advised to stay put.

Shafika Karim, who lives in a building opposite, called hairdresser Hesham Rahman to raise the alarm two hours earlier as she could see smoke billowing from the tower.

The family said Mr Rahman told them he had called the police and their advice was stay put and someone will come and get you.

But by 3am his 20th floor apartment was alight as his mother watched the scene from her window.

Berkti Haftom, 30, and her 12-year-old son Biruk / PA

Mrs Karim said: I saw my son in a burning building and there was nothing I could do. I am devastated.

Mr Rahmans sister Noha Baghdady, 41, said: My mother had to watch her son disappear into the flames. Its horrific, she is in a bad way. No-one should be put through this. She could see his flat in flames and there was nothing she could do.

She added: He and the other residents did not feel safe in the block. Their worst nightmares have come true. We are very angry, why was he told to stay in the building? There are so many questions we demand are answered.

Inside Grenfell Tower 1 /17 Inside Grenfell Tower Water is sprayed on Grenfell Tower in west London after a fire engulfed the 24-storey building PA Fire service personnel inside Grenfell Tower in west London PA A view inside the Grenfell Tower in west London after a fire engulfed the 24-storey building PA Sniffer dogs were sent inside to the tower today PA Fire service personnel inside Grenfell Tower in west London after a fire engulfed the 24-storey building PA Part of the scorched facade of the Grenfell Tower in London as firefighting continue to damp-down the deadly fire AP Grenfell Tower in west London after a fire engulfed the 24-storey building PA A view inside the Grenfell Tower in west London after a fire engulfed the 24-storey building PA

Desperate families were today continuing to hunt for information about missing relatives in the hope of finding them alive.

Benkti Haftom, 29, and her son Biruk, 12, were at home on the 18th floor of the tower block in Notting Hill when the inferno broke out in the early hours on Wednesday.

Ms Haftoms sister Selam said: I dont know what to think any more, what can I think? There is no news at the hospitals, at the community centres.

"No-one has information to give me, they just say they dont have anyone with their names. Im so worried.

Grenfell Tower missing people - In pictures 1 /42 Grenfell Tower missing people - In pictures Jessica Urbano, 12, is missing after the fire Yasin El-Wahabi Nora Huda Khadija Saye PA Kedir Hashim: His wife and their three children are feared to have died Mary Mendy Mohamednur Tuccu PA Denis Murphy PA Ali Yawar Jafari PA Isaac Paulos Mariem Elgwahry PA Gloria Trevisan and Marco Gottardi Zainab Dean Nadia Choucair Farah Hamdan and her 6-month-old baby Ernie Vital Missing Marjorie Berkti Haftom, 30, and her 12-year-old son Biruk PA Hesham Rahman Ligaya Moore PA Saber Neda Fathaya Alsanousi Raymond Bernard Tony Disson Rania Ibrham Missing Firdaws and Yahya Kadir Sakinheh Afraseiabi Fatima Afraseiabi Steve Power Hamid Kani PA Husna Begum Tanima and Komru Miah Sheila Smith

Biruks teacher Mengs Berhane added: This boy is an academic star, really going places. I teach him science he is wonderful. I am doing all I can to find news, this is a tragedy.

Pensioner Fathia Ahmed, 72, was with daughter Isra, 32, and son Fras, 38, in apartment 206 when the fire started.

A picture today emerged of her sitting in her Grenfall Tower flat just days before the fire.

Police stand near to the base of the destroyed Grenfell Tower. / Getty Images

Relative Ibrahim Baker said: All three are wonderful people. We are praying but it has been so long now with no news.

Amna Adulkerim and cousin Amal Ahmadin were also still missing, together with Amals daughter Amaya Tukuh, three, and father Mohammadnur Tukuh.

A resident looks on at the tower's charred shell / REUTERS

Fears were also growing today for grandmother Marjorie Vital, 67, and Ernie Vital, 43, who lived on the 16th floor.

The pair, who are from Dominica and have lived in the block for more than 20 years, have not been seen since the fire broke out.

Londoners leave tributes to victims / Getty Images

Meanwhile the man whose faulty fridge apparently sparked the blaze has told friends he is haunted by what happened.

Sadiq Khan's speech

Taxi driver Behailu Kebede, who raised the alarm after the fire engulfed his one-bedroom flat, has been interviewed by police and is now staying with friends.

One said: He is haunted by what happened. He cant cope because he knows so many of the dead and missing.
A ctivists shut down the streets of west London as they staged a march demanding justice for the victims of the Grenfell Tower inferno.

Hundreds of protesters marched through the streets of Kensington and Notting Hill on Friday evening amid mounting anger over the official response to the tragedy.

Young men on bicycles rode at the front of the protest ringing their bells, while people on foot behind them waved placards and chanted: We want justice and No justice, no peace.

A slogan on one of the banners held aloft read: KCTMO [the company that managed the tower block] has blood on their hands.

Activists march towards Grenfell Tower / Eleanor Rose

The protesters paused along Kensington Church Street, stopping near Notting Hill Gate station to give speeches by loudspeaker. One speaker cried out: I want justice for Grenfell several times.

Another woman told the Standard: Im here to shout at the top of my lungs that this is not fair.

The group chanted: "No justice, no peace" and "We want justice" / Eleanor Rose

Melissa North, 25, who owns an art studio near to Notting Hill Methodist Church, was on the street with local residents watching the protest go past.

She told the Standard: "It's good for people to get their voices heard. People are just shell shocked - and there's a lot of anger.

The protesters move through the streets of west London / Rex Features

We had an open studio event planned this weekend and were considering cancelling it but now we are going to do it to raise money to help."

Protest: Traffic was brought to a standstill / EPA

The group eventually gathered on Lancaster Road, near to the methodist church in the shadow of the burned out shell of Grenfell Tower.

Police stopped them proceeding any further with metal barriers and uniformed officers forming a line at the front of the demonstration.

Lines of police prevented the protest going further (Eleanor Rose)

Protestors congregated outside the church, where missing posters are tacked to road signs and railings.

Men, women and children stopped to light candles in front of floral tributes laid outside the church.

Activists lay candles outside Notting Hill Methodist Church / Eleanor Rose

Some activists locked police standing in the line in tense conversations, with one man saying: "People are dead. Look at that building. Do you have any empathy?"

Protestors remonstrated with police, who blocked the path / Eleanor Rose

Meanwhile others continued to address the crowd on loudspeakers, urging them to turn up to future demonstrations.

Protesters storm Kensington town hall 1 /36 Protesters storm Kensington town hall Protesters crowd onto a staircase as they enter Kensington Town Hall REUTERS Protesters storm Kensington Town Hall Getty Images Protesters call for a response from council officials AFP/Getty Images Fighting breaks out on the stairs of the town hall Getty Images Protesters entered Kensington Town Hall during a demo following the fire that destroyed Grenfell Tower block REUTERS Demonstrators enter Kensington Town Hall REUTERS Singer Lily Allen joins a march at Kensington Town Hall REUTERS A protester bangs on a glass door REUTERS Protesters enter Kensington Town Hall REUTERS Protesters are watched by security guards on a staircase REUTERS Getty Images REUTERS REUTERS PA REUTERS REUTERS REUTERS REUTERS REUTERS REUTERS REUTERS Demonstrators confront a man they believe to be Robert Black, the Chief Executive of KCTMO REUTERS Demonstrators confront a man they believe to be Robert Black, the Chief Executive of KCTMO, outside Kensington Town Hall REUTERS Demonstrators confront a man they believe to be Robert Black, the Chief Executive of KCTMO, outside Kensington Town Hall REUTERS Demonstrators confront a man they believe to be Robert Black, the Chief Executive of KCTMO, outside Kensington Town Hall REUTERS Demonstrators confront a man they believe to be Robert Black, the Chief Executive of KCTMO, outside Kensington Town Hall REUTERS Demonstrators confront a man they believe to be Robert Black, the Chief Executive of KCTMO, outside Kensington Town Hall REUTERS

Earlier, hundreds had gathered outside Kensington Town Hall demanding answers from the authorities before dozens of them stormed inside the building.

A second impromptu protest was held outside Whitehall where those taking part expressed their anger at the Governments response to the tragedy which left at least 30 people dead.

It came as Theresa May was heckled with yells of "shame on you" after meeting fire victims at St Clement's Church close to the scene of the blaze.

The scene of the major fire in Notting Hill. (NIGEL HOWARD &copy;) / NIGEL HOWARD 

She has pledged five million pounds of Government funding to be spent on emergency supplies, food and clothing for the victims.

In an update on Friday, police confirmed at least 30 people had died in the fire and that the death toll was still expected to rise.

Firefighters were continuing their search of the 24-storey west London for the bodies of those killed.
H undreds of people are expected to attend a rally in Westminster tonight to call for justice for those affected by the Grenfell Tower fire.

A Facebook event, Justice for Grenfell!, has been listed as taking place at 6pm on Friday outside the Department for Communities and Local Government in Marsham Street, with more than 1,000 people saying online they will attend.

The posting said: At least 12 people have died in the fire at Grenfell Tower. They deserve justice. We demand answers. Solidarity with the residents of Grenfell Tower.

Solidarity rallies have also been planned in cities including Liverpool and Londonderry.

Second vigil in Notting Hill for Grenfell Tower tragedy 1 /13 Second vigil in Notting Hill for Grenfell Tower tragedy Emotions run high as people attend a candle lit vigil outside Notting Hill Methodist Church near the 24 storey residential Grenfell Tower block in Latimer Road, West London Getty Images People light candles as they observe a vigil outside Notting hill Methodist Church following the blaze at Grenfell Tower, a residential tower block in west London AFP/Getty Images People attend a vigil at Notting Hill Methodist Church near Grenfell Tower Getty Images People attend a vigil at Notting Hill Methodist Church near Grenfell Tower Getty Images Friends hug each other at a vigil to those killed, dead and missing and also to the emergency services and volunteers after the Grenfell Tower block fire Nigel Howard A woman lays flowers at a vigil to those killed, dead and missing and also to the emergency services and volunteers after the Grenfell Tower block fire Nigel Howard People arrive for a vigil at Notting Hill Methodist Church near Grenfell Towe Getty Images A small child tapes flowers to railings at a vigil to those killed, dead and missing and also to the emergency services and volunteers after the Grenfell Tower block fire Nigel Howard A woman leaves flowers as people arrive for a vigil at Notting Hill Methodist Church near Grenfell Tower Getty Images Reverend Mike Long leads a vigil to those killed, dead and missing and also to the emergency services and volunteers after the Grenfell Tower block fire Nigel Howard

Another Day of Rage has been planned on June 21 on Shepherds Bush Green to coincide with the Queens Speech.
T he auntie of a 12-year-old girl missing since the deadly Grenfell Tower inferno has said the family's "hearts are aching for her" as they continue to scour hospitals and refuge centres.

Schoolgirl Jessica Urbano was at her home on the 20th floor of the tower block when a devastating fire broke out in the early hours of Wednesday morning, killing at least 30 people.

She has not been seen or heard from since she made a heartbreaking phone call to her mother Adriana in which she desperately pleaded: Mummy come and get me.

Auntie Ana Ospina rushed to the tower block after the fire broke out and has been searching hospitals and refuge centres ever since.

Grenfell Tower missing people - In pictures 1 /42 Grenfell Tower missing people - In pictures Jessica Urbano, 12, is missing after the fire Yasin El-Wahabi Nora Huda Khadija Saye PA Kedir Hashim: His wife and their three children are feared to have died Mary Mendy Mohamednur Tuccu PA Denis Murphy PA Ali Yawar Jafari PA Isaac Paulos Mariem Elgwahry PA Gloria Trevisan and Marco Gottardi Zainab Dean Nadia Choucair Farah Hamdan and her 6-month-old baby Ernie Vital Missing Marjorie Berkti Haftom, 30, and her 12-year-old son Biruk PA Hesham Rahman Ligaya Moore PA Saber Neda Fathaya Alsanousi Raymond Bernard Tony Disson Rania Ibrham Missing Firdaws and Yahya Kadir Sakinheh Afraseiabi Fatima Afraseiabi Steve Power Hamid Kani PA Husna Begum Tanima and Komru Miah Sheila Smith

She said the family had been told that before they arrived onlookers saw her being wheeled into an ambulance, but they have not found her at any hospitals.

Ms Ospina, a make-up artists, told the Standard: We must have got there at about 5 in the morning - weve looked everywhere, weve been to every hospital.

Weve just been handed bits of paper with the number of them and told shes not on the list. Its not really been very helpful.

Were not completely in denial of what the outcome could be, but weve had so much misinformation.

Missing: Jessica Urbano / Twitter

People have told us that theyve seen her getting into an ambulance so thats why were still checking the hospitals.

Between 60 and 70 people are believed to still be missing following the fire, with officials having warned they are not expecting to find any survivors in Grenfell Tower.

Emergency services have warned more fatalities are likely amid fears the death toll could rise to triple figures.

Grenfell tower fire: How the disaster unfolded

The Met Police has said some victims may never be identified.

In a series of heartbreaking tweets, Ms Ospina said: My niece Jessica is still missing #GrenfellFire we are searching hospitals and not been given any news please have her in your prayers

A massive thank you to all for your kind words and support, here is hoping we find my niece Jessica Today our hearts are aching for her.

Scotland Yard has opened a criminal investigation into what led to the tragedy after the North Kensington building went up in flames in the early hours of Wednesday.

Ms Ospina said: I think we just havent processed anything yet  its not real. There are up and downs but were hopeful.

Everybodys been left to their own devices, people are homeless and the only help weve been getting is from the community  thats been amazing.
D esperate families left homeless by the Grenfell Tower disaster today made a heartfelt plea to be found replacement housing in the Kensington area.

The demand not to be uprooted came as Kensington and Chelsea council admitted it is exploring options with other boroughs as it scrambles to re-home surviving residents from the blocks 129 flats.

The Conservative-led authority said a total of 109 households, including families moved from the exclusion zone around the block, have so far been given emergency accommodation in hotels in Kensington and neighbouring boroughs.

However, it said it could not guarantee that all could be rehoused in the North Kensington neighbourhood near to the schools, friends and local networks that families rely on.

A council spokesman said: The short-term accommodation needs of these households are largely being met by the use of commercial hotels in this local authority area and those immediately adjacent to Kensington and Chelsea.

Inside Grenfell Tower 1 /17 Inside Grenfell Tower Water is sprayed on Grenfell Tower in west London after a fire engulfed the 24-storey building PA Fire service personnel inside Grenfell Tower in west London PA A view inside the Grenfell Tower in west London after a fire engulfed the 24-storey building PA Sniffer dogs were sent inside to the tower today PA Fire service personnel inside Grenfell Tower in west London after a fire engulfed the 24-storey building PA Part of the scorched facade of the Grenfell Tower in London as firefighting continue to damp-down the deadly fire AP Grenfell Tower in west London after a fire engulfed the 24-storey building PA A view inside the Grenfell Tower in west London after a fire engulfed the 24-storey building PA

The housing department is still developing its plan to source and secure more settled temporary accommodation for Grenfell Tower residents until such time as they can be provided with permanent housing.

While we will endeavour to ensure those affected remain in or near the borough, given the number of households involved it is possible the council will have to explore housing options that may become available in other parts of the capital.

To help ease pressure on its housing waiting list the council has previously looked at moving tenants outside London to towns including Peterborough.

Sajid Javid at the site with the Queen today / Hannah McKay/Reuters

Itezaz Ahmed, 41, lives next to Grenfell Tower and was evacuated with her husband and three children following the fire.

She is staying with friends and hopes to return to her home but knows people from the tower who are now homeless and desperate to find out where they can live.

She said: My friend has a six-year-old daughter at primary school. They cant just be uprooted and be moved away.

"They have to stay in the community where their friends and lives are. They are meeting with the council to discuss what is happening. They hope to stay.

Student Mesrob Kassemdjian, 28, fled his 17th-floor flat with his aunt and they are now staying in a hotel. He said: It is vital people can stay in the borough... I was born here and my life is here.

Campaign groups say housing minister Alok Sharmas guarantee to keep every single family in the local area can only be met by lifting the 442-a-week housing benefit cap on rents.
New York, June 16(Just Earth News): The General Assembly on Thursday approved the establishment of a new United Nations office to help Member States implement the Organization's global counter-terrorism strategy.

Adopting a consensus resolution, the 193-nation body also welcomed Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' initiative to transfer relevant functions out of the UN Department of Political Affairs (DPA) and into the new United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism.

As a result, the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force Office (CTITF) and the UN Counter-Terrorism Centre (UNCCT), currently in DPA, will be transferred to the new office, together with their existing staff and all associated regular and extra-budgetary resources. The new Office would he headed up by an Under-Secretary-General.

In his report on this issue to the Assembly, the Secretary-General proposed that the new Under-Secretary-General would Chair the Task Force and Executive Director of the UN Counter-Terrorism Centre.

According to the report, the Office would have five main functions:

provide leadership on the General Assembly counter-terrorism mandates entrusted to me from across the United Nations system;

enhance coordination and coherence across the 38 Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force entities to ensure the balanced implementation of the four pillars of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy;

strengthen the delivery of United Nations counter-terrorism capacity-building assistance to Member States;

improve visibility, advocacy and resource mobilization for United Nations counter-terrorism efforts; and

ensure that due priority is given to counterterrorism across the United Nations system and that the important work on preventing violent extremism is firmly rooted in the Strategy.

The Secretary-General considers counter-terrorism and prevention of violent extremism to be one of the highest priorities of the United Nations to address a growing threat to international peace and security, said his Spokesman Stephane Dujarric in a statement issued just after the Assembly's action.

He therefore hopes that this reform of the UN Counter-Terrorism architecture will contribute to the UN's broader efforts to promote conflict prevention, sustainable peace and development, the Spokesman said.

For his part, General Assembly President Peter Thomson said this resolution will enhance the United Nations' capability to assist Member States in implementing the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy across its four pillars by ensuring greater coordination and coherence across the UN system, and by improving visibility, advocacy and resource mobilization for United Nations' counter-terrorism efforts.

UN Photo/Kim Haughton

Source: www.justearthnews.com
T heresa May has been heckled with yells of shame on you after meeting Grenfell Tower victims in Kensington as a furious protest raged nearby.

The Prime Minister had gone to St Clements Church, close to the scene of the west London blaze, to meet with victims, residents and volunteers at just before 5pm on Friday.

But as Mrs May left, an angry crowd targeted her with cries of coward.

One woman, who was crying, said the Prime Minister failed to speak to anyone outside the meeting, which lasted just under than hour.

Police and crowds outside St Clement's Church in west London during a visit from PM Theresa May. / PA

Police officers held back the angry demonstrators and broke up a scuffle between members of the crowd as Mrs May's car drove off.

It comes after the PM faced growing criticism after faiing to meet victims during a visit of the base of the tower site following the blaze, which broke out in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

On Friday she visited survivors at London's Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, spending nearly an hour speaking to patients and staff. She then headed to the church in north Kensington.

A woman is held up as she collapses during a visit to a church by PM Theresa May. / REUTERS

After her visits, Downing Street announced 5 million of funding will be spent on emergency supplies, food and clothing for the victims.

In a written statement issued after the meeting in Kensington, Mrs May said: "The individual stories I heard this morning at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital were horrific. I spoke with people who ran from the fire in only the clothes they were wearing.

"They have been left with nothing - no bank cards, no money, no means of caring for their children or relatives. One woman told me she had escaped in only her top and underwear.

Theresa May leaving the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in London. / PA

"The package of support I'm announcing today is to give the victims the immediate support they need to care for themselves and for loved ones. We will continue to look at what more needs to be done.

"Everyone affected by this tragedy needs reassurance that the Government is there for them at this terrible time - and that is what I am determined to provide."

At least 30 people have been confirmed dead but many others are more missing. Police said they expect some bodies may never be identified.

The death toll is expected to rise further with more than 70 people in total still believed to be unaccounted for.

Elsewhere in the area, hundreds of angry protesters stormed into Kensington town hall on Friday afternoon demanding answers from the council.

Protesters storm Kensington town hall 1 /36 Protesters storm Kensington town hall Protesters crowd onto a staircase as they enter Kensington Town Hall REUTERS Protesters storm Kensington Town Hall Getty Images Protesters call for a response from council officials AFP/Getty Images Fighting breaks out on the stairs of the town hall Getty Images Protesters entered Kensington Town Hall during a demo following the fire that destroyed Grenfell Tower block REUTERS Demonstrators enter Kensington Town Hall REUTERS Singer Lily Allen joins a march at Kensington Town Hall REUTERS A protester bangs on a glass door REUTERS Protesters enter Kensington Town Hall REUTERS Protesters are watched by security guards on a staircase REUTERS Getty Images REUTERS REUTERS PA REUTERS REUTERS REUTERS REUTERS REUTERS REUTERS REUTERS Demonstrators confront a man they believe to be Robert Black, the Chief Executive of KCTMO REUTERS Demonstrators confront a man they believe to be Robert Black, the Chief Executive of KCTMO, outside Kensington Town Hall REUTERS Demonstrators confront a man they believe to be Robert Black, the Chief Executive of KCTMO, outside Kensington Town Hall REUTERS Demonstrators confront a man they believe to be Robert Black, the Chief Executive of KCTMO, outside Kensington Town Hall REUTERS Demonstrators confront a man they believe to be Robert Black, the Chief Executive of KCTMO, outside Kensington Town Hall REUTERS Demonstrators confront a man they believe to be Robert Black, the Chief Executive of KCTMO, outside Kensington Town Hall REUTERS

The protesters handed the council a list of five demands and the local authority responded with a written statement.

The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea has previously said displaced survivors face being moved away from friends and family to other parts of London after the fire which left the tower uninhabitable - but housing minister Alok Sharma pledged all those affected would be rehomed in the borough.

Kensington Town Hall Grenfell Tower protest: People chant "Shame on you!"

Mrs May's visits followed one by the Queen and the Duke of Cambridge, who met volunteers and those who had lost everything.

Met Police commander Stuart Cundy said: "The building itself is in a very hazardous state. It is going to take a period of time for our specialists, both from the police and from the London Fire Brigade, to fully search that building to make sure we locate and recover everybody that has sadly perished in that fire. We will be doing that as swiftly as we can."

An investigation led by a senior detective from Scotland Yard's homicide and major crime command is under way with calls for "corporate manslaughter" arrests to be made.

Mr Cundy vowed police "will get to the answer of what has happened and why", adding: "If criminal offences have been committed it is us who will investigate that."

It came as a second victim of the disaster was named as 24-year-old artist Khadija Saye.

Ms Saye was in her flat on the 20th floor when the fire struck, with her mother Mary Mendy, who is thought to be in her 50s.

Syrian refugee Mohammed Alhajali, 23, was also killed in the fire.
C alls grew today for Theresa May to formally announce she has dumped her plan to scrap universal free school meals from the Queens Speech.

Celebrity chef and food campaigner Jamie Oliver said the Prime Minister would be committing political suicide if she tried to push it through Parliament.

He added: Ill be truly amazed if Theresa goes through with abolishing infant free school meals... Britain does not want this, parents do not want this, even Conservative ministers do not want this. Does Theresa really have the gall to ask our Queen to rob our youngest, most vulnerable kids of a proper nutritious meal? More than 60,000 parents have so far signed a petition led by a London head teacher against the proposals.

Axing universal free school lunches for four-to-seven-year-olds and offering every child a free breakfast instead was one of the most controversial proposals in Mrs Mays general election manifesto. The free lunches were one of the Liberal Democrats flagship policies in the Coalition government and were introduced by then deputy prime minister Nick Clegg. Ditching them would save the Treasury 650 million a year but the proposal is unlikely to pass through the Commons with Mrs Mays minority government.

Immediately before the election, a YouGov poll suggested that the policy was the least popular in the Conservative manifesto, with 12 per cent of people supporting it.

Henry Dimbleby, co-founder of food chain Leon and co-author of the David Cameron-backed School Food Plan, said the Prime Minister needed to do the decent thing and announce that she is saving free school meals. He said: It didnt help that the manifesto drafters hadnt done their sums and were forced to admit that costs would be three times as much as first thought.

I doubt any Tory MP, with another election looming, would want to go out and defend this on the doorstep.

Lib Dem MP Tom Brake said: She has no mandate to snatch free school lunches from millions of children. These heartless plans must now be dropped from the Queens Speech.

Tim Baker, head of Charlton Manor primary school in south London, who is leading the petition, said that ending free school meals would be a step backwards. @KateProctorES
J ohn McDonnell has called for one million people to join a mass march in a bid to force a new election.

The shadow chancellor told trade union bosses that Labour needed every union to be mobilised and urged protesters to "get out on the streets".

A huge protest could be held through London on July 1 to put pressure on embattled Prime Minister Theresa May.

Mrs May has been under huge pressure since her snap election call ended in disaster, wiping out the Conservative majority and leaving them trying to get a deal with the DUP.

According to the Morning Star, Mr McDonnell told the Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union conference that left-wing groups needed to mobilise.

He said: We need people doing everything they can to ensure the election comes as early as possible.

What we need now is the TUC mobilised, every union mobilised, get out on the streets.

Just think if the TUC put out that call - that we want a million on the streets of London in two weeks' time.

The July 1 march is being organised by the Peoples Assembly Against Austerity.

Protesters plan to meet outside BBC Broadcasting House from midday before marching to Parliament Square.

The news comes as a YouGov Survey on Thursday showed Labour leader Jeremy Corbyns favourability ratings had surged to their highest ever level since the election.

Theresa Mays, by contrast, have plunged to around the depths Mr Corbyn had reached last November.
A rescue centre is searching for a new home for a dog that can only understand Polish.

Caleb, a four-year-old German Shepherd, was thought to be "untrainable" because he could not follow basic commands.

But staff at the Dogs Trust shelter in Kenilworth, Warwickshire, eventually realised he was being held back by a language barrier.

They are now appealing for a Polish-speaking owner to take in the homeless hound.

Caleb can only understand Polish / Dogs Trust

Sandra Foulds, the centre's manager, said: "When Caleb first arrived, we thought that his lack of response to training commands was due to a change in his environment and him adjusting to life in kennels.

"But once we figured out it was the language barrier holding him back, theres no stopping him when hes being spoken to in Polish and hes really keen to show off his tricks."

Caleb can do tricks - only reacts to Polish commands / Dogs Trust

Staff realised the problem after they discovered Caleb had been dropped off by Polish owners, who could no longer look after him, three months ago.

They asked Polish visitor, Mariusz Budz, who was adopting another dog, to spend some time with the German Shepherd and try out some basic commands in his native tongue to see if could understand.

Within seconds he was performing a range of tricks.

Video footage shows him responding to Polish words for "sit", "stay" and "paw" but completely ignoring them in English.

Caleb is looking for a new home / Dogs Trust

His grasp of English commands is now improving, but he still reacts much better to Polish.

Ms Foulds said: "Caleb is an adorable boy and loves toys. He enjoys the company of people and will happily play with you if you have a ball.

"Like all our dogs when they become ready to find new families, we want Caleb to go to a loving home  although in this case, it would be a bonus if they can speak Polish."

Caleb with canine carer Jess Murphy / Dogs Trust

Caleb can live with teenagers aged over 14 and would best suited to being the only dog in his home.

Anyone interesting in rehoming him can call 0300 303 0292 or visit the centre in Honiley.
T he body of Manchester suicide bomber Salman Abedi was so ripped apart in the explosion he had to be identified through his fingerprints and dental records, an inquest has heard.

The inquest of Abedi, who killed 22 people, including children, when he detonated a bomb at the Manchester Arena on May 22, was opened and adjourned on Friday morning.

No members of the family of the mass murderer, born in Manchester and of Libyan descent, were present or represented during the brief five-minute hearing at Manchester Town Hall.

The court heard that the force of the explosion "severely disrupted" the body of the 22-year-old attacker, who died at the scene.

Manchester Arena explosion aftermath - In pictures 1 /46 Manchester Arena explosion aftermath - In pictures Stephanie Brodie and mother Lisa Brodie who were inside the foyer when the explosion happened Jeremy Selwyn Armed police patrol near Victoria station in Manchester AFP/Getty Images Police close to the Manchester Arena the morning after a terrorist attack at the end of a concert by Ariana Grande left 22 dead PA Prime Minister Theresa May addresses the media in Downing Street Stefan Rousseau/PA A police officer moves a floral tribute close to the Manchester Arena PA A man embraces a woman and a teenager as he collects them from the Park Inn Hotel where they were given refuge after last nights explosion at the Manchester Arena Getty Images Police forensic officers investigate the scene of an explosion at Victoria Station Getty Images People affected by the deadly terror attack at Manchester Arena look out from a hotel window in Manchester AFP/Getty Images Police stand guard at the scene of a suspected terrorist attack during a pop concert by Ariana Grande in Manchester AFP/Getty Images A flag flies at half-mast from the Houses of Parliament AFP/Getty Images Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham and Manchester City Council Leader Sir Richard Leese speak to the media outside Manchester Town Hall after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert in Manchester. PA Police forensic investigators walk along a bridge linking Victoria Station with the Manchester Arena where a suspected terrorist attack at the end of a concert Ariana Grande PA Tributes left outside St Ann's Church in Manchester Ben Birchall/PA The scene at Manchester Royal Infirmary as the death toll from the Manchester bomb attack rose to 22 with 59 injured PA Armed police patrol inside Victoria Station adjacent to Manchester Arena Getty Images A flag flies at half-mast from the Treasury Office in London AFP/Getty Images Tributes left outside St Ann's Church in Manchester PA Greater Manchester Police chief constable Ian Hopkins speaks to the media in Manchester where he said that the death toll from the Manchester bomb attack has risen to 22 with 59 injured PA Susan Walton and her daughter Katie who attended the pop concert by US star Ariana Grande pose in Mancheste AFP/Getty Images Ariana Grande concert attendees leave the Park Inn where they were given refuge after last nights explosion at Manchester Arena Getty Images A police officer escorts people near to Manchester Arena Getty Images Police stand guard at the scene of a suspected terrorist attack during a pop concert by Ariana Grande in Manchester AFP/Getty Images Tributes left outside St Ann's Church in Manchester PA A man embraces a woman and a teenager as he collects them from the Park Inn Hotel where they were given refuge after last nights explosion at the Manchester Arena Getty Images People leave Victoria Station adjacent to Manchester Arena Getty Images Ariana Grande concert attendees Karen Moore and her daughter Molly Steed, aged 14, from Derby, leave the Park Inn where they were given refuge after last nights explosion at Manchester Arena Getty Images U.S. President Donald Trump speaks about the attack in Manchester Reuters A Union Flag flies above Victoria Railway Station, close to the Manchester Arena Getty Images An ambulance arrives as police officers stand at the Miller Street and Corporation Street Crossroads, near the Manchester Arena Getty Images Ariana Grande concert attendees Vikki Baker and her daughter Charlotte, aged 13, leave the Park Inn where they were given refuge after last night's explosion at Manchester Arena Getty Images Ariana Grande concert attendees Vikki Baker and her daughter Charlotte, aged 13, leave the Park Inn where they were given refuge after last night's explosion at Manchester Arena Getty Images Ariana Grande concert attendees Vikki Baker and her daughter Charlotte, aged 13, leave the Park Inn where they were given refuge after last night's explosion at Manchester Arena Getty Images Home Secretary Amber Rudd arrives for a COBRA meeting in Downing Street Getty Images British Defence Secretary Michael Fallon arrives for COBRA meeting at the Cabinet Office on Whitehall Getty Images Flags fly at half mast above Downing Street, London, after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert in Manchester PA

Giving evidence, Detective Chief Inspector David Warren, of Greater Manchester Police, said the body was recovered from the blast scene on May 23 and transferred to a mortuary outside Manchester.

A post-mortem examination was carried out which determined that he died of multiple injuries.

He was identified primarily by fingerprints, DNA and dental records.

Bomber Salman Abedi pictured moments before Manchester Arena massacre

A bank card in his name was also recovered from the scene.

Abedi's full name was Salman Ramadan Abedi, his date of birth was December 31 1994 and his next of kin was his brother Ismail, the court heard.

Senior coroner for Manchester Nigel Meadows adjourned proceedings until December 1 for a pre-inquest review hearing.

He indicated that it was "very likely" that the hearing would be further adjourned before a full inquest takes place.

Abedi set off the bomb in the Manchester Arena foyer as revellers left an Ariana Grande concert.
D onald Trump will today order an overhaul of one of Barack Obamas major legacies, by bringing the curtain down on Americas historic detente with Cuba.

In a speech in Miami, the president is expected to announce a roll-back on travel and business ties in a bid to crack down on the Castro government.

He has repeatedly blasted Mr Obama for his bad deal with Cuba and says the two-year rapprochement is a failed policy of appeasement. By enforcing tough new curbs on Americans travelling to Cuba and doing business with Havana, Mr Trump appeared ready to renew hostilities with Americas former Cold War foe.

According to the New York Times, members of his administration had urged him in vain not to sacrifice the security and economic benefits enjoyed since Mr Obamas change of US policy. His new directive will bar independent travel to Cuba, meaning US tourists will only be able to join licensed tour groups. It will also stop Americans doing business with Cuban military, intelligence or security services, which control vast sections of the islands economy, including many foreign-owned hotels.

To get the new restrictions lifted, the Cuban government would have to hold free and fair elections, release political prisoners and allow workers to be paid directly, officials said.

There was mixed reaction to the move in the US, with Cuban-American groups welcoming stiffer sanctions on the Cuban regime, now headed by the late Fidel Castros brother Raul. But business leaders and human rights advocates spoke out against the reversal.

The idea that, after 55 years of failure, going back to isolationist policies will produce any results is insane, said James Williams, president of the Engage Cuba group.

Mr Trumps latest attempt to unravel his predecessors landmark achievements came as the Russia-gate probe continued to dominate politics in Washington. Vice-President Mike Pence last night followed the lead of Mr Trump and hired his own lawyer to represent him in FBI and congressional investigations into Russias alleged meddling in last years election.

Mr Pences move came after it was revealed that special counsel Robert Mueller had widened his probe to look into allegations that Mr Trump had attempted to obstruct the course of justice. Mr Pence said there was no evidence of collusion between Russian officials and the Trump campaign.

Investigators are also reported to be examining the business interests of the presidents son-in-law Jared Kushner.
T he Islamic States leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was today reported to have been killed in a Russian airstrike in Syria in a potentially major blow against the terror group.

The Russian defence ministry said that it believed that IS leader and around 330 of his fighters had lost their lives in bombing raid by its forces on the outskirts of Raqqa.

It said the strike, which was carried out on May 28, had targeted a meeting of the IS military council at which al-Baghdadi was thought to have been present.

Several previous reports of the IS leaders death have proved to be mistaken and one Syrian expert cast doubt on the latest claim, saying that he believed al-Baghdadi to have been in a different part of Syria at the time of the raid.

The Russian defence ministry said that it was still trying to confirm its assessment, but confirmed in a statement that it believed that al-Baghdadi was among the dead.

On May 28, after drones were used to confirm the information on the place and time of the meeting of IS leaders, between 00:35 and 00:45, Russian air forces launched a strike on the command point where the leaders were located, the ministry said.

According to the information which is now being checked via various channels, also present at the meeting was Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, who was eliminated as a result of the strike.

Iraqi-born al-Baghdadi, 46, has not been seen in public since proclaiming himself caliph in the Iraqi city of Mosul three years ago and has been nicknamed The Ghost after numerous unconfirmed sightings since then around the Syria-Iraq border.

He was initially a member of al-Qaeda but broke away in 2013 to become the leader of IS. He has since been the driving force behind its imposition of hardline Islamic practices, including stonings, beheadings, amputations and floggings, and inspired terrorist attacks across the world.

His demise would be a significant setback for IS which is now facing an assault on its Syrian base in Raqqa. It has already lost control of much of Mosul in Iraq and large swathes of territory that it once controlled.

A Russian senator Aleksey Pushkov, who is close to Vladimir Putin, said on Twitter: If the death of al Baghdadi is confirmed, it will be a strong hit on Islamic State. It is retreating on all fronts. Death of its leader will speed up military defeat.

Rami Abdulrahman, director of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, expressed caution, however, over the claim that Baghdadi may have been killed. He said that according to his information, Baghdadi was located in another part of Syria at the end of May.
A ctor Jason Flemyng said his latest film  the true story of an Indian prince who was made to live as a Christian in Victorian England  is a warning against the threat of religious supremacy.

The Black Prince is based on the life of Maharajah Duleep Singh, the last king of the Sikhs, who was forced to convert after being fostered by a British missionary.

Flemyng plays the princes foster father, Dr John Login, who saw it as his duty to bring him up as a Christian. The actor said the film showed how people were affected when they were ripped out of their own culture and transported to another way of life.

He said: If you want to bring the story up to date it is really about howThe Black Prince is based on the life of Maharajah Duleep Singh Christianity, if left to its own devices and left unchecked, can be just as capable of great atrocities as any other religion.

The prince was only five when he came to the throne but instability gave the British the excuse to annex his kingdom.

He was sent to England as a teenager where he became a favourite of Victoria.

The prince eventually began to question the government about what happened to his land and property and returned to the Sikh faith but died penniless in Paris after several failed attempts to reclaim his crown.

Flemyng said the large number of Sikh cast and crew members, from the drivers to leading man Satinder Sartaaj, showed how important the story was.

It is as familiar to them as Robin Hood is to us. He said making the film rekindled his love for India which began more than two decades ago, when he filmed a remake of The Jungle Book with Game Of Thrones star Lena Headey in Rajasthan.

The Black Prince opens the London Indian Film festival next Thursday and is released in cinemas on July 21.
S imon Cowell will record a charity single to raise funds for those affected by the Grenfell Tower fire.

The Syco boss and X Factor head honcho has confirmed that hes in the process of enlisting stars to appear on the single and will be recording over the weekend.

We will record it hopefully and finish it Sunday, latest Monday. We already started to get a lot of people calling in saying, of course we would love to do it, he said on Fridays Good Morning Britain.

People who cant make it physically to the studio, we can record their vocals wherever they are in the world.

On the scene: Adele attends Wednesday night's vigil

It has to have the right message, and most importantly, for me, it has to mean something to the people affected by what happened. I do genuinely believe this will make a difference.

On Thursday night, Cowell tweeted about watching the heartbreaking footage of the tragic blaze that tore through the 27-storey West London tower block in the early hours of Wednesday.

We hope to confirm a record tomorrow which will raise some money for the many people affected by this tragedy. Making calls tonight, he posted.

Rita Ora sorts out donations for Grenfell Tower victims

Cowell manages a roster of pop stars including Little Mix, Olly Murs, Fifth Harmony, James Arthur and One Direction.

Back in 2010, Cowell produced a charity single version of REMs Everybody Hurts to raise money for victims off the Haiti earthquake, featuring Mariah Carey and Rod Stewart.

Stars including Adele, Rita Ora and Lily Allen have shown their support in the aftermath of the tragic fire that tore through the 27-storey Grenfell Tower in the early hours of Wednesday.

Grenfell Tower aftermath - In pictures 1 /18 Grenfell Tower aftermath - In pictures The top section of the death trap Grenfell Tower Jeremy Selwyn The tower today, after the flames were extinguished Jeremy Selwyn A close up of the tower's damaged windows PA Fire service personnel survey the damage PA The tower today, after it emerged at least 17 were killed Jeremy Selwyn Rows of blackened windows after the fire Jeremy Selwyn Police sent in sniffer dogs today to search for bodies Jeremy Selwyn PA The Grenfell Tower at dawn today Jeremy Selwyn Donations have flooded in for victims Jeremy Selwyn Water is sprayed on Grenfell Tower PA Rows and rows of blackened windows. It is feared over one hundred people may have perished Jeremy Selwyn Part of the scorched facade of the Grenfell Tower in London as firefighting continue to damp-down the deadly fire AP Fire crews examine the wreckage PA

While Adele was pictured attending Wednesday nights vigil in Kensington, Ora spent the day helping to sort clothes donations in her childhood neighbourhood.

"This is my neighbourhood I can't believe this is happening," she wrote on Twitter. "My prayers are with everybody involved my heart is beating so fast. I used to play in that block - I want to do all I can do to help.

Shocked and devastated to hear this terrible news. My heart goes out to everyone affected by this horrific tragedy in west London, she added.

Dozens of residents were taken to five different hospitals on Wednesday, with the London Fire Brigade confirming there have been at least 17 fatalities.
T om Hardy has launched a fundraising page to support the victims of the devastating Grenfell Tower fire.

Hardy, 39, set up the JustGiving page to raise money for the families and children in crisis that desperately need our help and support.

The page, titled Support and Aid for Victims of the Disaster at Grenfell Tower, has so far raised 10,846 for the Kensington & Chelsea Foundation.

Seventeen people were killed in Wednesday mornings terrifying blaze, with 24 people, including 12 in critical care, currently in hospital.

'Shameful': Tom Hardy is urging fans to donate

Hardy said it is impossible to be unaffected by the harrowing, unnecessary loss of life, something he deemed shameful and unacceptable in this day and age.

The Peaky Blinders actor called for dramatic change and said the disaster feels like it could have been undoubtedly avoided. He also called for those found guilty to be held responsible and to account for gross and criminal negligence.

First pictures from inside Grenfell Tower

Explaining his decision to set up the page, he wrote: As a Londoner it is impossible not to feel deep, profound shock and just stand by and not make the effort to help those who are innocent victims of a seemingly gross negligence.

It is impossible not to commend the local community for their response of coming together to support those immediately affected by this tragedy at this time, and I am asking you to please help me raise funds to assist those who are suffering and their families.

The Queen visits the scene of the Grenfell Tower tragedy 1 /14 The Queen visits the scene of the Grenfell Tower tragedy The Queen and Prince William speak to emergency services and volunteers near the site of the Grenfell Tower fire Alex Lentati The Queen meets residents of Grenfell Tower block near the scene of the blaze Dominic Lipinski/PA The Queen meets firefighters who have been searching for bodies in the tower Hannah McKay/Reuters Volunteers show Her Royal Highness tables of food donated to victims at Westway Sports Centre Dominic Lipinski/Pool/AP Ken Olisa, Lord Lieutenant of Greater London, greets Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Cambridge as they arrive at Westway Sports Centre David Mirzoeff/PA The Queen meets residents of the Grenfell Tower block Hannah McKay/EPA Firefighters, who are continuing to search for survivors and damp down the tower, meet the Queen Hannah McKay The Queen was applauded as she arrived at the scene of the blaze Dan Kitwood/Getty Images The Queen and William spent 45 minutes speaking to people before leaving David Mirzoeff/PA The Queen and the Duke of Cambridge received warm applause as they arrived at Westway Sports Centre David Mirzoeff/PA The met hero firefighters who battled through the night to tackle the blaze Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

He continued: For me, culpability and accountability falls entirely on those responsible for providing secure, safe housing for those who live in public housing and the citizens/residents of the UK who are vulnerable. It is shameful. There must be a dramatic change.

My thoughts are with the innocent families who are suffering - those who have lost their homes and possessions, their friends, families, relatives, children and their lives in a disaster which could have been avoided.

People who now have literally nothing within a matter of hours due to what appears to be a man-made mistake and a gross act of negligence, which demands a full public enquiry. Those found guilty to be held responsible and to account for gross and criminal negligence.

It comes months after the Peaky Blinders actor set up Tom Hardy's Manchester Emergency Fund on the JustGiving platform which has so far raised over 38,000 for the British Red Cross.
New York, June 16(Just Earth News): Expressing grave concern about the humanitarian situation in Yemen, the United Nations Security Council on Thursday adopted a Presidential Statement calling on all parties to engage constructively and in good faith to find a peaceful solution to the conflict in that country.

In the Statement read out during a formal meeting by Sacha Sergio Llorentty Soliz of Bolivia, which holds the 15-nation body's presidency for the month, the Council expressed its continuing support for the Secretary-General's Special Envoy for Yemen in his efforts to bring the parties to negotiations with a view to swiftly reaching a final and comprehensive agreement to end the conflict.

Strongly condemning an attack on the Special Envoy's convoy during his recent visit to Sana'a, the Council called on all parties to comply with international humanitarian law, to ensure the security of humanitarian and UN personnel, and to allow safe and unhindered access for humanitarian supplies.

The Council expressed grave concern about the devastating humanitarian impact of the conflict on civilians and emphasized that the humanitarian situation will deteriorate in the absence of a political solution.

Sharing the Secretary-General's grave concern about the threat of famine in Yemen, as well as deep concern over a recent cholera outbreak, it called on all parties to engage with the Special Envoy's proposals for increasing commercial and humanitarian shipments through Hodeida and other Red Sea ports  proposals which, it said, would help build confidence with a view to a durable cessation of hostilities as a first step towards a resumption of peace talks under UN leadership.

The Council went on to call for immediate mobilization of funds pledged to Yemen at a conference in Geneva on 25 April and for all Member States to fully implement an arms embargo as required by relevant Council resolutions. It also called on the Houthis and forces allied to former President Ali Abdullah Saleh to cease all attacks at Saudi Arabia.

In addition, the 15-nation Council reaffirmed its resolve to address all aspects of the threat posed by Al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula, Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Da'esh) and all other associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities. In that regard, it called upon all Yemenis to combine their efforts in countering the threat posed by terrorism.

Photo: Giles Clarke/OCHA

Source: www.justearthnews.com
M any have tried to recreate the magic Blind Date with inventive and sometimes bizarre dating show formats, but without the charm of host Cilla Black, few have succeeded  only Take Me Out has come anywhere close.

Now the original series is being revived with another sparky Scouser in the presenting spot, but can the Paul OGrady remake recapture the nations hearts?

Heres what to expect from the series:

Paul OGrady is stepping into Cilla Blacks shoes

A close friend of Blacks, OGrady has admitted he was lured to front the revival of his friends famous show in part to prevent the series being ruined by reality stars, after Geordie Shores Vicky Pattinson was rumoured to be taking part.

He explained he wants to return Blind Date to its roots.

"We're going to take Blind Date back to its roots. A gentle, funny show. I told Channel 5 I don't want any of the TOWIE lot or contestants that have been on telly before, there's too much of that on TV now and I'm not interested," he told Digital Spy.

Channel 5

The format will remain largely the same

In the original series one contestant looking for love met three potential suitors hidden behind a screen. The single asked the suitors questions and selected a match depending on the responses they liked best. Once theyd chosen, the screen was pulled back to reveal their date.

The couple then picked from three envelopes to determine the location of their holiday date. In the original series destinations ranged from Bognor Regis to the Maldives. After they returned from the holiday, the pairs would sit down with Cilla to discuss how it went, with the presenter often having to diffuse arguments after more disastrous dates.

Mel Sykes will be the voice of Our Graham

In the original series, Our Graham was the voiceover who recapped the contestants responses to questions with an amusing summary.

Presenter Mel Sykes will be attempting to rival Graham Skidmores (who provided the commentary in the original) wit bringing with her the broad Northern accent that propelled her to fame in the Boddingtons Beer adverts.

Rumours suggest the show will be updated for 2017 to include gay and lesbian daters

Producers have remained pretty tight lipped about how faithful the new series will be to the original, but pictures from episode one suggest it will retain the classic format.

Speaking to the Sun a source suggested the show would be modernised for a new generation of viewers and its rumoured that one of the updates will be gay and lesbian daters after OGrady stated: The modern twist is its going to have a bit of diversity, which is brilliant.

Episode one sees a hairy man on the hunt for a personal beard admirer

The show kicks off with Debbie, 29, from Southport and her three potential matches creative and quirky Ryan, 36, from London, cheeky Essex lad JJ whos 25 and gentleman guitar player Richard, 27, from Bristol.

Single number two is 34-year-old Damian from Rugby who is about to embark on a national beard competition and would like a girlfriend to [] marvel at his ability to grow a full length 8 inch bushy beard.

TV highlights of 2017 1 /13 TV highlights of 2017 Taboo FX Networks / Robert Viglasky Girls Girls HBO The Cuckoo's Calling Steffan Hill/McAinsh/PA Guerilla BBC Top of the Lake BBC Godless Getty Images Z: The Beginning of Everything Amazon Prime Twin Peaks Motherland BBC Back Channel 4

His would-be dates are dominant and ballsy Lesley, 34, from London, Belfast beauty Cara whos 30, and Game of Thrones super fan Charlotte, 28, from London.

Its in a family friendly scheduling slot

The show will air on Saturdays at 7pm on Channel 5 meaning that, just like last time, the whole family can enjoy the show.
A mber Davies parents have revealed that the Love Island star turned down a part in hit West End musical Hairspray to appear on the ITV2 dating show.

Speaking to The Sun, Susan and Hefin Davies explained that daughter Amber, whos a dancer, initially refused to appear in this years series, but changed her mind after producers begged her to be involved.

Hefin said: Shed made her decision and had been offered a contract on the West End with Hairspray. She really had to think hard about it.

But she loves reality TV. We all watched the final of Love Island last year together and she joked Im going to apply for that next year.

We all laughed along but here she is. Its been the biggest decision of her life.

Although Ambers parents support her appearing on the show, they confessed to being concerned it could damage her career Initially we were worried it would portray her as something that she isnt.

We were worried that the show would damage her career in some way.

When she initially turned down Love Island, the producers called her back, desperate for her to come on the show. I think deep down it was what she really wanted said Ambers mum Susan.

Love Island 2017 new villa - in pictures 1 /20 Love Island 2017 new villa - in pictures The bedroom where all the couples will sleep ITV An outdoor bed ITV A view of the house ITV A view of the outdoor space ITV The hot tub ITV The hideaway ITV The gym ITV The living room ITV The beach hut ITV The infinity pool ITV Another outdoor seating area ITV A bathroom complete with a bath big enough for two ITV Views of a dating area ITV The beauty zone ITV A view of the outdoor area ITV

Susan also revealed earlier in the week that she isnt fazed by Amber being one of the first contestants to have sex on the show.

The 20-year-old is currently coupled up with Essex hairdresser Kem Cetinay and the pair got close under the covers during Tuesdays episode.

Love Island continues tonight at 9pm on ITV2.
I ts a mystery more confounding than the twistiest whodunnit or any number of Loch Ness Monster sightings: why has a woman as warm and joyful as actress Laura Fraser been cast as so many cold and emotionally distant characters?

When we meet on the top floor of ITVs London headquarters to discuss her latest brooding crime thriller The Loch, Fraser is studying the view with unfettered glee and talking about what shell do with her daughter and husband on Saturday in a soft Glaswegian coo.

It sounds like she has a fun weekend planned but then, as soon becomes apparent, Fraser approaches almost every topic with the sparkly-eyed enthusiasm of a childrens TV presenter. Albeit one who swears more than most CBeebies shows would allow.

She shares a face and little else with two of TVs most implacable ball-breakers from the past decade. In Breaking Bad and the current series of prequel spin-off Better Call Saul she plays Lydia Rodarte-Quayle, the highly-strung and homicidal Madrigal exec turned meth supplier.

New drama: Siobhan Finneran and Laura Fraser in The Loch / ITV

In the superior second series of BBC1s The Missing she was Sergeant Eve Stone, the military police officer who slept with other womens husbands and constantly thwarted Baptistes attempts to find the missing girls.

Both roles, she says, were heavy-going for different reasons. The Missing had a really big impact on me in ways that I havent fully understood yet. There was such dread about doing certain scenes that I thought: Theres some unresolved trauma here that Im connecting to.

Despite some surface similarities her new role in crime drama The Loch, which started on Sunday, is different: I know, Ive played so many cops in a row, she giggles, sheepishly. But this one, its her first murder case and shes totally overwhelmed. I thought that might be interesting as well.

If youve been patiently waiting for a visually sumptuous British crime drama to fill the Broadchurch-shaped hole in your life, The Loch is it. Set in the picturesque but tourist-dependent community surrounding Loch Ness, the six-part series co-stars Happy Valleys Siobhan Finneran while Fraser plays local DS Annie Redford, the first officer on the scene when a dead body turns up.

While Nessie does have a small role to play, events in the first episode mean we can rule her out as a serious suspect. Its not like Santa or the tooth fairy, where you believe it to a certain point, says Fraser. Nobody in Scotland ever bought that s**t.

Speaking of her home country, shooting in the Highlands also meant Fraser could go back to Glasgow in the evenings, where shes recently returned to live along with her husband and their 10-year-old daughter Lila. It was a major selling point. Theres no way I can possibly do all the jobs that are around at the moment and have any family life, she says. My husband [Irish-American actor and novelist, Karl Geary] said that if Id taken that other one theyd just be gone. Id come back and thered be an empty house. She looks appropriately haunted at the prospect.

Despite working almost continuously since her late teens and appearing in big Hollywood movies with the likes of Tom Cruise and Anthony Hopkins, its only now, as Fraser enters her forties, that shes noticing a new momentum. It does feel very luxurious compared to other periods in my career, and I never thought Id have this at this age. Any male actors I know work right through their forties and fifties, whereas with female actresses, a lot of them have to give it up because theres just f****** nothing.

It hasnt always been like this. She still cringes at the memory of being dropped from Homeland after appearing in the pilot episode as the wife of Damian Lewiss character. Just  it was so embarrassing. The role later went to Brazilian actress Morena Baccarin but viewers never warmed to Jessica Brody, who was mocked in fan forums as annoying and she was effectively written out by series four. So perhaps Fraser had a lucky escape?

The biggest and best TV shows of 2017 1 /13 The biggest and best TV shows of 2017 Doctor Who The classic sci-fi show got a new lease of life with new companion Bill Potts BBC Line of Duty The BBC's acclaimed crime drama moved up to BBC One with more twists than ever before World Productions / BBC / Aidan Monaghan Broadchurch Chris Chibnall's mystery drama came to a close with a compelling final series ITV The Moorside Sheridan Smith puts in a stellar performance as she returns to TV in the BBC's Shannon Matthews drama Stuart Wood/ITV/BBC Apple Tree Yard Emily Watson starred in the BBC's gripping psychological thriller BBC/Kudos/Nick Briggs Fortitude, Series 2 Sky Atlantic's original Nordic noir-inspired chiller is back for more bloody mysteries Sky Atlantic Sherlock, Series 4 Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman return as Holmes and Watson in the BBC's mega hit PA Taboo Tom Hardy's dark thriller is unlike any period drama you've seen before FX Networks No Offence, Series 2 Paul Abbott's comedy-drama continues to walk a tonal tightrope with total ease Channel 4/Ian Derry The Voice A move to ITV has given singing contest The Voice a new lease of life ITV

Really? she says, politely intrigued by this assessment. Because Ive only seen that first episode. My family boycotted it! Then my mum said to me last year: Just to let you know, dear, we did watch Homeland, she laughs. Frasers parents are off the hook, in any case, because it all worked out for the best in the end. If Id been doing that I would never have got to play Lydia in Breaking Bad I should thank them, really.

So Fraser is grateful for her current success, yet not entirely happy about it. I feel like, at the moment, all I want to do is not work. she sighs. No wonder, when the family have upcoming trips planned to India, Italys Amalfi coast and Iran.

She also loves hill-walking in the countryside around Glasgow. Theres all these different bens you can climb or munros  which are just Scottish words for mountains and hills, but it makes it sound more interesting. I find being outdoors is the only way I can get time to slow down. Im like: My God! Its still the same hour!

If we had met during Frasers London years there would probably have been less talk of hikes and more of wild parties. During her twenties she shared a West Kensington bachelorette pad with a freshly post-Brookside Anna Friel after they met on Stephen Poliakoffs 1998 TV film The Tribe. She was doing really well, so she owned this beautiful flat. I was so impressed by her and her glamorous life. We were both just going for it; out every night! It was great. For a while.

Fraser has now been sober for more than a decade, though she says there was no great drama surrounding her decision. I was just an a*** when I drank alcohol. I was constantly apologising to people for stuff I said or did when I was drunk. I just thought: I dont need this s**t.

Upbeat, outdoorsy and with a hard-won work-life balance, the real Fraser is nothing like her most famous characters. Still, a proven ability to come across as cold and calculating must be useful when calling out queue-jumpers or negotiating pay. Does she have any tips for bossing it in everyday life too? I just shut it down. Just shut. It. Down. You know that feeling, towards the end of the day, when youre just like: Nah, Im f****** not here? You go inside yourself and it is a relief. In Scotland its called going into a dwam. My daughter pulls me out of them actually, because I can go into them a lot.

This technique does, however, come with a health warning: It seems like an easier place to live but its not, because youre not actually interacting in real life. Its not good!

Perhaps not. Maybe a stress-relieving hike round the bens is the answer instead.
W estminster Bridge terrorist Khalid Masood was filmed being treated just minutes after the terror attacks for a new BBC documentary.

Extraordinary scenes in which the terrorist is the first person to be treated by doctors following the incident will air next week as part of BBC2s show, Hospital.

A camera crew was filming the second series of the programme at St Marys Hospital in Paddington on March 22 when Masood was the first casualty to arrive.

The terrorist can be seen arriving at A&E on a stretcher, before a medic can be heard saying: The first one is RIP.

BBC's Hospital series returns with focus on Westminster attack

The 52-year-old attacker was shot by armed police after he ploughed into pedestrians on Westminster Bridge before fatally stabbing Pc Keith Palmer in the grounds of the Palace of Westminster.

Two French teenagers and a 40-year-old British man who were injured in the attacks are also followed by cameras as they recover in hospital.

Westminster Bridge vigil - In pictures 1 /26 Westminster Bridge vigil - In pictures Schoolgirls on Westminster Bridge during the vigil today Jeremy Selwyn An injured man holding a rose is wheeled on to Westminster Bridge during an event to mark one week since a man drove his car into pedestrians then stabbed a police officer in London Stefan Wermuth/Reuters Police officers hold flowers at the event on Westminster Bridge Matt Dunham/AP Communities across London unite one week on from the attack in which four people died Metropolitan Police Police officers stand guard on Westminster Bridge ahead of the vigil Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Imams honour the victims of the attack on Westminster Bridge Carl Court/Getty Images Muslim men pray during an event to mark one week since a man drove his car into pedestrians on Westminster Bridge Hannah McKay/Reuters A group of Muslim men hold banners on Westminster Bridge Stefan Wermuth/Reuters Superintendent Jon Williams (centre) joins a vigil held on Westminster Bridge in London, exactly a week since the Westminster terror attack took plac Yui Mok/PA A vigil is held on Westminster Bridge in London, exactly a week since the Westminster terror attack took plac Yui Mok/PA Memorial Service on Westminster Bridge today a week on from the terror attack last week Jeremy Selwyn Memorial Service on Westminster Bridge today a week on from the terror attack last week Jeremy Selwyn People arrive to take part in a vigil on Westminster Bridge in London, exactly a week since the Westminster terror attack took place Yui Mok/PA Police block Bridge Street outside the Palace of Westminster as a vigil on Westminster Bridge is held a week since the terror attack took place Victoria Jones/PA People pay their respects and hold roses on Westminster Bridge as they attend a vigil to remember the victims of last week's Westminster terrorist attack Dan Kitwood/Getty Images People walking across Westminster Bridge in London after a vigil to mark a week since the Westminster terror attack took place BBC Police officers hold white roses on Westminster Bridge during a vigil to remember the victims of last week's Westminster terrorist attack Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Members of Ahmadiyya Muslim Association pay their respects in Parliament Square, London David Mirzoeff/PA Memorial Service on Westminster Bridge today a week on from the terror attack last week Jeremy Selwyn People hold posters on Westminster Bridge during an event to mark one week since a man drove his car into pedestrians then stabbed a police officer in London Stefan Wermuth/Reuters

Yann, 18, who suffered a serious head injury after being hit from behind, described how it was the worst day of my life.

I felt scared, very scared. I didnt know what was going to happen or if I was going to die. I thought of my mum, he told the cameras.

Speaking about his decision to include footage of Massood, producer Simon Dickson said: He's part of the story, and his appearance in the film is as you see it.

"It's brief, but his arrival is a key part of the day, and that is fully reflected in the way that scene is handled."

The first episode of Hospital airs on BBC2 on June 20.
New York, June 16(Just Earth News): A United Nations human rights expert on Thursday urged the Government of Myanmar to do more to protect children in the country, citing cases of detention and alleged incidents of child labour and marriage.

I stand ready to assist in any way I can to achieve a Myanmar where the rights and fundamental freedoms of all are respected and fully realized, said the Special Rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar, Yanghee Lee, in her remarks to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.

She reminded the Government that this obligation extended to all children within its jurisdiction, including all those from the Rohingya minority living in Rakhine state.

She expressed concern that at least 13 children were being held by police in Rakhine, stressing that detention should be strictly a last resort.

She also called for an immediate Government investigation into the death in custody of one of the 13, to fully probe the circumstances including why the death was not reported for four months.

Lee also expressed concern about the situation of Rohingya children who have fled Myanmar, especially the reported recent rise in the number of child brides among women and girls now living in neighbouring countries.

She also expressed shock at the recent case of a girl working as a domestic servant and who had been abused by her employers.

On a more positive note, Lee congratulated Myanmar on becoming a mid-ranked country in the human development index.

Special Rapporteurs and independent experts are appointed by the Human Rights Council to examine and report back on a specific human rights theme or a country situation. The positions are honorary and the experts are not UN staff, nor are they paid for their work.

UN Photo/Jean-Marc Ferre

Source: www.justearthnews.com
Kabul, June 16 (IBNS): At least seven people, including attackers, were killed in a suicide attack at a mosque in the Shia-dominated Dasht-i-Archi area of Afghanistan's Kabul city on Thursday, media reports said on Friday.

Country's Ministry of Interior (MoI) spokesman Najib Danesh was quoted as saying by Pajhwok Afghan News that police were dispatched to the site of the suicide attack.

He said an attacker blew himself up in a kitchen inside the mosque as he stopped by the police.

The incident left 15 people injured.

Chief Executive of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Abdullah Abdullah tweeted: "Attack on praying Muslims inside a mosque in the holy month of Ramadan is against faiths, religions and beliefs. I condemn this enemy act!."

"I thank and praise our security forces for their bravery and courage they showcased to destroy enemies and save our citizens. Bravo! #Kabul," he said.

Image: WIkimedia Commons
Kabul, June 16 (IBNS) : The provincial director of the National Directorate of Security (NDS) in Nangarhar General Abdul Saboor Sabit said the Pakistani militias are actively participating in the fight alongside the ISIS loyalists in this province,Afghanistan's state-run news agency Khaama Press reported.

Gen. Sabit was speaking during a press conference after the clearance of Chaparhar district, saying the fighters of the terror group are trained in the neighbor and the Pakistani militias are actively involved in the fight in Nangarahr along with the ISIS militants.

He said the number of the fighters of the terror group are on the rise despite the group loses fighters on a large scale during the operations of the Afghan security forces as they are recruited in the neighbor and sent to Afghanistan for the insurgency.

The Nangarhar NDS chief called on the provincial government to establish cooperation with the local residents so that the areas cleared of the insurgents are kept secure once they are cleared during he operations.

He also urged the local residents of Nangarhar to prevent the ISIS loyalists to establish foothold so that they cannot carry out destructive and terrorist activities.
Visitors are encouraged to bring their picnic lunches and enjoy the covered picnic area near the visitor center. During the day, rangers will assist kids of all ages, dads included, in several games that will be set up for their enjoyment. At 2 p.m. after a concise introduction to the subject of Paleontology in the visitor center theater, ranger Trevor Williams will meet the visitors at the Daemonelix Trail for a one-mile round trip hike. On this hike they will examine the first fossils that interested the paleontologists who came to Agate Springs Ranch to see what James Cook had found. This trace fossil was the subject of excavation, theories and discussions over the years.
Kabul, June 16 (IBNS) : The leader of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorist group Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi has likely been killed in an airstrike conducted by the Russian Air Force,Afghanistan's state-run news agency Khamaa Press reported.

Quoting the Ministry of Defense of Russia, it said an investigation is underway to ascertain whether Al-Baghdadi was killed in an airstrike conducted late last month.

According to a statement by the Russian defense ministry carried in reports by the local media outlets, Al-Baghdadi was targeted along with at least 300 other insurgents and 30 top leaders of the terror group.

The statement further added that the airstrike was carried out on 28th May in Raqqa city.

The ISIS terrorist group has not commented regarding the reports so far.

This is not the first time reports have emerged regarding the death of the terror groups leader which have proven as false.
NEW YORK  Cigna Corp., which was prevented from selling new Medicare Advantage health insurance for 18 months, said on Friday the U.S. government was allowing new enrollments starting July 1 after program deficiencies were corrected.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services suspended the program in January 2016, citing "widespread and systemic" failures that barred patients from accessing medical services.

The government told Cigna in a June 16 letter that it could now market Medicare Advantage as well as its Medicare prescription drug plans, which are available to people aged 65 or older and the disabled.

Wall Street analysts said the development increased chances of Cigna buying Medicare Advantage specialist Humana Inc. or participating in a different merger. Both companies had been pursuing separate takeover deals but failed on antitrust grounds.

"Not only does the announcement bode well organically for Cigna and its re-entry into the 2018 Medicare Advantage selling season, it paves the way for a potential divestiture of the legacy HealthSpring Medicare Advantage book and a bid for Humana," Leerink Partners analyst Ana Gupte said in a note.

Gupte is among several analysts who have recently written research notes about a possible deal between Cigna and Humana after meeting with officials from both insurers. Neither company has confirmed seeking such a tie-up.

Cigna shares rose 1.1 percent to close at $169.07, and Humana was up 0.9 percent at $234.46 on the New York Stock Exchange.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services letter said other findings called for additional monitoring and reporting by Cigna, and that it would issue a notice of corrective actions.

The government imposed the sanctions on Cigna after it found in a 2015 audit that the insurer did not handle complaints and grievances properly from patients who had been denied coverage for health benefits or drugs. It also found problems with Cigna's handling of its list of covered drugs. The 18-month period is fairly typical for sanctions, which had been levied on competitor Aetna Inc.
Image of David Miller: twitter

Toronto, June 16 (IBNS): Canada is home to 20 percent of the world's freshwater, but significant disruption of watersheds due to urbanization, forestry, municipal and industrial pollution as well as climate change had an adverse effect on health, economy and the wellbeing of wildlife, the first nationwide assessment of Canadaas freshwater report said.

The absence of data deficiency at the national level, continued the report, to depict health and quality of Canada's watersheds, was a great concern, in view of the fact that Canadas large population, industry, agriculture and over 100 at-risk species depended on these watersheds.

"It's a very patchy system," he said. "For example, if the urban area of Calgary is measuring the health of the Bow River, but upstream is not being measured, you don't have a proper and full picture," David Miller, president of World Wildlife Fund-Canada, told CBCNews.

Canada has five major ocean watersheds: the Arctic, the Atlantic (including the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River), Hudson Bay, the Pacific and the Gulf of Mexico, the report said.

Major rivers in these regions, which are fed by smaller rivers called sub-watersheds, drain their water into ocean watersheds.

The result of health assessment, to determine the state of health of each sub-watershed, and a threat assessment, to learn what human activities on each of the 167 sub-watersheds, revealed that every sub-watershed in Canada had already been impacted by climate change, more than half experienced habitat loss due both to climate change and construction of homes and buildings too close to the water, and fair or poor water quality in almost two thirds of the sub-watersheds.

"Like most Canadians, I have an image of our country as a haven of fresh water. When I started canoeing I could dip my cup in a lake in Algonquin Park and I could drink it without treating it and that's not true anymore," Miller told CBCNews.

Areas lacking detailed information about the water quality, identified by the report were: the North and South Saskatchewan watersheds, the Peace-Athabasca watershed and, the Great Lakes and the Ottawa River.

Data collected, about the health of sub-watersheds, by WWF-Canada from public sources including universities and Statistics Canada, revealed that about 60 percent had poor or fair water quality and one third watersheds flow was interrupted by dams, roads or railways.

"We have a pretty good handle on what the threats are and potential impacts of those threats, so not having the information to measure the actual health of a majority of watersheds is extremely concerning," said Miller.

Marie-Pascale Des Rosiers, Press secretary to Min. Catherine McKenna, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, said water being a shared responsibility, federal government had been collaborating with provinces, territories and municipalities and aboriginal people to protect water.

"Our government has a comprehensive approach to help ensure clean, secure and sustainable water resources for present and future generations," Des Rosiers told CBCNews.

She added that the government of Canada had invested millions of dollars, for protection of freshwater, in the last two budgets including $197.1 million in 2016 for promoting ocean and freshwater research, $3.1 million to improve shore and ecosystem health in the Great Lakes and $70.5 million in the 2017 budget to protect water in the Great Lakes and Lake Winnipeg basins.

A 11-year plan to improve wastewater systems across the country was also introduced by the federal government.

But a national system, argued Miller from WWF-Canada, is urgently needed to properly track the health of fresh water and the impacts from human activity.



(Reporting by Asha Bajaj)
Dr. David Barbe, a small-town doctor who practices in rural Missouri, is now the leader of the nations largest physician organization.

Barbe, a longtime family physician, was sworn in Tuesday as president of the American Medical Association at the organizations annual meeting in Chicago.

His tenure at the AMA comes at a tumultuous time, as Republican lawmakers are looking to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, which could result in millions losing health care coverage, according to some estimates.

Despite the political climate, Barbe said he will fight for insurance coverage for all.

I want everybody to know that I see the impact of this firsthand, Barbe said of the lack of access to insurance.

And the number of uninsured will only get worse under the GOP-backed American Health Care Act, he said. That bill, designed to replace the ACA, passed the House on May 4 and is under consideration in the Senate.

Im eager to take this on. This is important work, Barbe said of the debate on health care reform.

In his inaugural address on Tuesday, Barbe spoke of his hometown of Mountain Grove, Mo., and the realities facing his community when it comes to poverty, lack of insurance and the need for care  an issue many communities across the country face, he said.

As an expert in health policy, who focused much of his time on developing policies for the AMA, and as a practicing physician in a rural community, he believes he has a unique and credible voice within the industry.

Barbe, in his remarks, noted that Mountain Grove, which is about 60 miles north of the Arkansas border, has fewer than 5,000 residents. The median household income is less than $28,000 per year, far below the states median of $50,000 per year.

Many residents, he said, are unemployed, lack insurance and, in many ways, fall through the cracks.

The, 63-year-old grandfather of six said the AMA will not tolerate any policy that would increase the ranks of the uninsured.

Barbe graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbias medical school and then went on to a residency in Wichita, Kan., before returning home along with his high school sweetheart, Debbie, who is a nurse.

Together the two saw their return home as a mission to serve their community and care for their family and friends.

Barbe runs Mercy Clinic Family Medicine, part of Chesterfield-based Mercy, one of the nations largest Catholic health care providers. Barbe and his wife have cared for Mountain Grove residents for more than 34 years.

Barbe is not the first Missouri physician to lead the Chicago-based American Medical Association. Dr. Jabez N. Jackson, a Kansas City surgeon, served from 1927-1928.
'47 Meters Down' 

PG-13  1:29  The Jaws jokes write themselves in this horror film, a surprisingly effective shark-in-the-dark thriller. Director Johannes Roberts gives the audience two sisters (Mandy Moore, Claire Holt) trapped in a dive cage for frighteningly fun summer escapism. Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Alien: Covenant 

R  2:02  The aliens are back in an exciting prequel that will have fans of the franchise gripping their armrests. With Katherine Waterston and Michael Fassbender. Directed by Ridley Scott. Calvin Wilson

'All Eyez on Me' 

R  2:20  Director Benny Booms disorganized biopic about rapper Tupac Shakur (played by Demetrius Shipp Jr.) isnt quite worthy of its subjects remarkable life. Tribune News Service

'Band Aid' 

PG-13  1:33  Zoe Lister-Jones (Life in Pieces) wrote, directed and stars in this uneven comedy about a hipster couple who decide to form a band as a way of dealing with their problems. With Adam Pally. CW

Baywatch 

R  1:59  The 90s TV series was known for being over the top, but the movie reboot starring Dwayne Johnson and Zac Efron is too much of everything. Too many anatomy jokes. Too much slow-motion walking, strutting and running. And too long of a run time. Jody Mitori

Beauty and the Beast 

PG  2:09  Emma Watson and Dan Stevens star in this entertaining remake of the 1991 animated musical. Not quite as good as the original but well worth seeing. Directed by Bill Condon (Dreamgirls). CW

'The Book of Henry' 

PG-13  1:45  Story about innocence lost and the troubles of reclaiming it features Naomi Watts as the single mom of two boys, genius Henry (Jaeden Lieberher) and his little brother, Peter (Jacob Tremblay). Star Tribune

The Boss Baby 

PG  1:37  Alec Baldwin voices a bossy infant whos strikingly similar to his 30 Rock alter ego. The plot is convoluted, but young viewers will be amused by the slapstick humor. JM

Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie 

PG  1:29  Director David Soren stays true to the source material in this animated movie featuring childrens author Dav Pilkeys silly stories about two grade-school rascals (voiced by Thomas Middleditch and Kevin Hart) who turn their principal into a superhero (of sorts). JM

'Cars 3' 

G  1:49  A reasonably diverting animated account of middle-aged pity, humiliation and suffering as experienced by race car Lightning McQueen (voiced by Owen Wilson). Chicago Tribune

'Dean' 

PG-13  1:27  Middle-age cartoonist (Demetri Martin) faces the loss of his mother and has trouble helping his father (Kevin Kline) in a mildly amusing story. Washington Post

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul 

PG  1:30  The movie version of Jeff Kinneys popular book still features a disastrous family vacation but ratchets up the gross factor with flying vomit, roaches and bird attacks. With Jason Drucker as the kid and Alicia Silverstone and Tom Everett Scott as beleaguered parents. JM

Going in Style 

PG-13  1:36  Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman and Alan Arkin are splendidly hilarious in this remake of a 1979 comedy about retirees who plan a bank robbery. Its a feel-good film with a dash of working-class anger. Directed by Zach Braff. CW

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 

PG-13  2:16  Chris Pratt and the universes most lovable scalawags are back in this entertaining sequel. Not as good as the original, but still a lot of fun. Directed by St. Louis native James Gunn. CW

It Comes at Night

R  1:37  After a plaguelike illness wipes out much of humanity, two surviving families hunker down in a fortified refuge in this psychological horror film. With Joel Edgerton, Carmen Ejogo, Christopher Abbott and Riley Keough. Washington Post

The Lego Batman Movie 

PG  1:32  Of all the Batman incarnations, Will Arnetts is funniest in this animated spinoff of The Lego Movie (2014). Longtime fans of the comics are rewarded with lots of throwback references. With Michael Cera, Zach Galifianakis, Rosario Dawson and Ralph Fiennes. JM

Megan Leavey 

PG-13  1:56  Kate Mara stars as a slacker-turned-Marine who finds an unlikely companion in a bomb-sniffing dog. Poignant and entertaining. Directed by Gabriela Cowperthwaite (Blackfish). CW

The Mummy 

PG-13  1:50  Tom Cruise and Jake Johnson play a pair of special-ops types who spend their time in Iraq antiquity hunting, unwisely unleashing an angry mummy princess from her tomb. Russell Crowe as Dr. Henry Jekyll steals the uneven show. With Annabelle Wallis and Sofia Boutella. Tribune News Service

My Cousin Rachel 

PG-13  1:46  Rachel Weisz and Sam Claflin have zero chemistry in this remake of a 1952 romantic thriller based on a Daphne du Maurier novel. Directed by Roger Michell (Notting Hill). CW

Paris Can Wait 

PG  1:32  A slight, somewhat banal romantic comedy lifted by Diane Lanes charm and off-hand glamour. With Alec Baldwin and Arnaud Viard, directed by Eleanor Coppola. Washington Post

Past Life

Not rated  1:49  Avi Nesher directed and wrote this story about a daughter (Joy Rieger) of Holocaust survivors who is shaken when told her father was a murderer. In English, German and Hebrew with subtitles. Los Angeles Times

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales 

PG-13  2:09  Johnny Depp stars in the latest, and reportedly final, installment of the once-exciting adventure franchise. Its a shameless cash grab. With Javier Bardem. CW

Smurfs: The Lost Village 

PG  1:31  Though the kaleidoscopic imagery is the true star of this third film in the franchise, the Smurfs are still as bland as can be. In this installment, Smurfette (Demi Lovato) goes on a mission to find her true calling. Also featuring the voices of Joe Manganiello, Jack McBrayer and Mandy Patinkin. JM

Snatched 

R  1:31  This mother-daughter kidnapping comedy starring Amy Schumer and Goldie Hawn is a huge disappointment, and for Schumer, a low moment of a career thats been peaking. Tribune News Service

'Transformers: The Last Knight' 

PG-13  2:26  Michael Bay's latest, inspired by the 1980s cartoon, whips up an impressively frenzied, machinated opera. But the humans in this movie are an afterthought. Tribune News Service

Wakefield 

R  1:46  Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad) stars in this offbeat but uniquely entertaining drama about a man who drops out of society. With Jennifer Garner. Directed by Robin Swicord. CW

Wonder Woman 
UPDATED Monday, July 3, with more surveillance images and some additional information.

A man wearing a mask and armed with a shotgun robbed an Ellisville convenience store early Friday morning.

Police say the QuikTrip at 15902 Manchester Road was robbed at 2 a.m. Friday.

He pointed a shotgun at the clerk and demanded money and malt liquor.

The clerk gave him cash and seven bottles of Bacardi and Captain Morgan rum. The robber ordered the clerk to put the items in his backpack, apparently a black JanSport backpack with turquouise interior pocket lining. He then ran out of the store.

Police are warning the public that they consider the man armed and dangerous. Police Chief Steven Lewis said investigators believe the robber is a local man because he left by running off and apparently didn't have a car.

He is a white man, 18 to 27 years old, 5-foot-9 and 120 to 140 pounds. He wore a black hooded sweatshirt, a black face mask, black shorts and black shoes. The worker said the robber had a high-pitched or younger-sounding voice.

Authorities asked anyone with information to call the Ellisville Police Department at 636-227-7777 or CrimeStoppers at 1-866-371-8477.
ST. LOUIS COUNTY  Even though his next election is more than a year away, St. Louis County Executive Steve Stenger already has raised more than $2 million for his re-election campaign  a war chest partly filled by business leaders, some of whom run companies that have multi-million dollar contracts with the county.

But until Thursday, Stengers campaign did not disclose that any of his donors had a contractual relationship with the county, as state law requires, a Post-Dispatch review of Stengers financial reports to the Missouri Ethics Commission shows.

After the Post-Dispatch questioned Stengers reports and provided his campaign with a list of donations from companies and individuals who appeared to have county contracts, the campaign amended its campaign reports to disclose seven such donors.

In a statement on Thursday, Stengers campaign denied that it had violated Missouri law, but in the interest of transparency, was electing to amend the reports based on the list the Post-Dispatch had provided.

Under state law, campaigns must make a reasonable effort to obtain and report a description of any contractual relationship over five hundred dollars between the contributor  and political subdivision of the state.

The Ethics Commission provides forms titled Contractual Relationship Report to attach to campaign filings.

Other area politicians routinely fill out the form.

Florissant Mayor Thomas Schneiders campaign included one in its quarterly filing in April. It revealed, among other things, that the city had a $96,000 contract with Biondo Plumbing, whose owner had donated $500 to Schneider in February.

St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson disclosed that the firm Development Strategies had donated $250 to her campaign last year while the company was under contract with the citys development agency.

Yet when J.M. Marschuetz Construction Co. donated $2,250 to Stengers campaign on May 4, 2016, bringing its total contributions up to $4,750 for this election cycle, the campaign did not disclose that the company had $4.4 million dollar contract with the county that ended in September.

Nor did Stengers campaign reveal that when CH2M Hill Engineers, Inc. donated $2,500 on June 18, 2016, that the firm had a $1 million contract with the county scheduled to end in 2017.

The Post-Dispatch found in a limited search at least a dozen instances where a contractor or owner of a contractor also made a donation to Stengers campaign, without the campaign disclosing the relationship.

In some of those instances, however, its unclear whether the law required such disclosure.

The state law requiring the disclosure of contractual relationships was designed to give the public some notion of what might be driving political donations, said James Klahr, executive director of the Ethics Commission.

But if that was the intent, the letter of that law does little to protect its spirit.

The law says that campaigns must make a reasonable effort to obtain the donors information and whether theres a contract. But it does not define reasonable.

The ambiguity certainly does something to take the teeth out of the law, Klahr said.

On Thursday, Stengers campaign filed amendments to its campaign finance reports revealing that at least seven entities that had contracts with the county also donated to his campaign. The combined value of the contracts totaled $5.6 million.

Upon review of additional information not reasonably available to Committee staff at the time of the contributions, such additional information shows a possible contractual relationship at the time of certain contributions, the statement from Stengers campaign said. Because of the complexities inherent in the timing of transactions, in some instances the existence of a contractual relationship was unclear at the time of the contribution and remains unclear today.

The statement seems to indicate that Stengers campaign committee believes it only must disclose contractual relationships if they exist on the date of the donation, when the campaign staff could have asked the donor about it.

But that methodology wouldnt reveal instances where contracts were awarded within days of donations being made  before a campaign contributions report list is submitted to the state.

It seems it would be at least a natural thing to me for any committee, especially one that gets quite a few contributions, to do a check at the time of the contribution and maybe do another check at or near the time a report is due, Klahr said.

The amendments filed on Thursday do not address donors who made contributions in their own names to Stengers campaign while their firms were under contract with the county.

For example, lawyer Robert Blitz has donated more than $40,000 to Stengers campaign since 2014, according data from the Missouri Ethics Commission.

Blitzs firm, Blitz, Bardgett & Deutsch, currently has three contracts for legal services with the county, according to county records.

In April 2016, a firm called 5051 Southwest LLC donated $10,000 to Stengers campaign, followed by another $10,000 donation in February.

Jeromy Fritz, the registered agent for 5051 Southwest, also is the president of St. Louis Pre-Sort, according to documents filed with the Missouri Secretary of States office. In September, the St. Louis County Council authorized Stenger to enter a contract with St. Louis Pre-Sort for mailing services for various county departments.

Klahr said he did not believe the law required campaigns to disclose contractual information if a donor presided over a business that had a contract with a local government, but donated through another business that did not.

However, 5051 Southwest LLC also has a lease with the county, and that relationship was included in one of the amendments Stengers campaign filed on Thursday.

This week, the County Council held three committee hearings focusing on contracts with the countys parks, transportation and health departments. The purpose was to determine if the contracts were tied to campaign donations.

On Tuesday, the councils Justice and Health Committee summoned St. Louis County Health Director Dr. Faisal Khan to a hearing. Stenger, on behalf of the countys health department, had requested that the council approve a two-year extension to the countys contract with LDI Integrated Pharmacy Services to provide medication to patients at the county health centers. The contract is worth $3.5 million per year.

The contract was last put out for bid in 2013. At first, Khan insisted the county would pay more for the same services if it did not extend the contract. But when questioned about savings, he said he had no hard evidence to support the statement.

However, Khan said it was too late to rebid the contract for this year. The county needed to have a contract in place by Aug. 1, Khan said. The bidding process takes five months.

Khan said that he did not know if the contract had anything to do with a campaign donation, but that if the county wanted to bid out the contract, it should have made that decision sometime in February.

Within weeks of that deadline passing, the founder of LDI and his two sons personally donated $5,000 each to Stengers campaign.
How St. Louis-area members of Congress voted in the week of June 12-16. The votes and descriptions are compiled by Voterama in Congress, a legislative tracking organization.

House

Immigrants Healthcare Eligibility  The House on June 13 passed, 238-184, a bill that would require people applying for premium tax credits under the Affordable Care Act to submit a Social Security number to verify they have citizenship or legal status. This would replace a two-step ACA verification process that has a grace period. Aimed mainly at immigrants, the bill also would apply to the GOPs proposed American Health Care Act if that measure becomes law. A yes vote was to send HR 2581 to the Senate.

Yes  Ann Wagner, R-Ballwin; Rodney Davis, R-Taylorville, Ill.; John Shimkus, R-Collinsville, Ill.; Blaine Luetkemeyer, R-St. Elizabeth, Mo.; Jason Smith, R-Salem, Mo.; Mike Bost, R-Murphysboro, Ill.

No  William Lacy Clay, D-St. Louis.

Immediate Health Insurance for Infants  Voting 193-231, the House on June 13 defeated a Democratic bid to ensure immediate healthcare coverage under HR 2581 (above) for newborns and infants up to 1 year old whose legal status cannot be promptly established because of the time it takes to obtain a Social Security number for meeting the bills verification requirement. A yes vote was to adopt the motion.

Yes  Clay.

No  Bost, Luetkmeyer, Smith, Davis, Wagner, Shimkus.

Senate

Economic Sanctions on Iran  The Senate on June 15 approved, 98-2, U.S. economic sanctions on foreign entities that provide support to Irans ballistic-missile program, which is separate from its now-dormant nuclear program. A yes vote was to pass S 722, which also seeks to penalize Irans Revolutionary Guard for terrorist activities in the Middle East.

Yes  Claire McCaskill, D-Mo.; Roy Blunt, R-Mo.; Dick Durbin, D-Ill.; Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill.

Economic Sanctions on Russia  Voting 97-2, the Senate on June 14 added language to S 722 (above) that would impose numerous U.S. economic sanctions on the Russian government and Russian entities and industrial sectors in response to provocations such as the Kremlins U.S. election hacking. A yes vote was to place sanctions on Russia that no American president would have power to unilaterally revoke.

Yes  Blunt, McCaskill, Durbin, Duckworth.

Arms Sale to Saudi Arabia  The Senate on June 13 defeated, 47-53, a measure (SJ Res 42) that sought to block an administration plan to sell Saudi Arabia $500 million worth of laser-guided bombs and related weaponry, which would be used against Iran-backed forces in Yemens civil war. The package is part of a proposed $110 billion U.S. weapons sale to the Saudis. A yes vote was to block the $500 million transaction.

Yes  Duckworth, Durbin.

No  Blunt, McCaskill.

Key Votes Ahead

In the week of June 19, the House will debate bills on water storage, forest-fire prevent and workplace issues, while the Senate will conduct votes on high-ranking nominees by the administration of President Donald Trump.
ST. PAUL, Minn.  A Minnesota police officer was acquitted of manslaughter Friday in the fatal shooting of a Philando Castile, a black motorist whose girlfriend streamed the aftermath live on Facebook.

Jeronimo Yanez was also cleared of two lesser charges in the July traffic stop in a St. Paul suburb. Jurors deliberated for about 29 hours over five days before reaching the verdict in the death of Castile, who was shot just seconds after informing Yanez that he was carrying a gun.

Castile's family members reacted angrily, with his mother, Valerie, standing and swearing as the verdict was read. She and other family members immediately tried to leave the courtroom, and did so after security officers briefly barred the way.

Outside the courthouse, Valerie Castile said Yanez got away with "murder," noting that her son was wearing a seatbelt and in a car with his girlfriend and her then-4-year-old daughter when he was shot.

"I will continue to say murder," she said. "I am so very, very, very ... disappointed in the system here in the state of Minnesota. Nowhere in the world do you die from being honest and telling the truth."

"He didn't deserve to die the way he did," Philando Castile's sister, Allysza, said, through tears. "I will never have faith in the system."

Yanez, who is Latino, testified that Castile was pulling his gun out of his pocket despite his commands not to do so. The defense also argued Castile was high on marijuana and said that affected his actions.

Yanez stared ahead with no reaction as the verdict was read. Afterward, one of his attorneys, Tom Kelly, said the defense was "satisfied."

"We were confident in our client. We felt all along his conduct was justified. However that doesn't take away from the tragedy of the event," Kelly said.

Prosecutors declined to comment.

Castile had a permit for the weapon, and prosecutors questioned whether Yanez ever saw it. They argued that the officer overreacted and that Castile was not a threat.

Castile's shooting was among a string of killings of blacks by police around the U.S., and the livestreaming of its aftermath by Castile's girlfriend, Diamond Reynolds, attracted even more attention. The public outcry included protests in Minnesota that shut down highways and surrounded the governor's mansion. Castile's family claimed he was profiled because of his race, and the shooting renewed concerns about how police officers interact with minorities. Minnesota Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton also weighed in, saying he did not think the shooting would have happened if Castile had been white.

Castile originally was from St. Louis but moved away as a child. He was buried at Calvary Cemetery.

Yanez was charged with second-degree manslaughter, punishable by up to 10 years in prison, though sentencing guidelines suggest around four years is more likely. He also faced two lesser counts of endangering Castile's girlfriend and her then-4-year-old daughter for firing his gun into the car near them.

The 12-member jury included two blacks. The rest were white. None was Latino.

Yanez testified that he stopped Castile in the St. Paul suburb of Falcon Heights because he thought the 32-year-old elementary school cafeteria worker looked like one of two men who had robbed a nearby convenience store a few days earlier. Castile's car had a faulty brake light, giving the 29-year-old officer a legally sufficient pretext for pulling him over, several experts testified.

Squad-car video played for the jury shows a wide view of the traffic stop and the shooting, with the camera pointed toward Castile's car. While it captures what was said between the two men and shows Yanez firing into the vehicle, it does not show what happened inside the car or what Yanez might have seen.

The video shows the situation escalated quickly, with Yanez shooting Castile just seconds after Castile volunteered, "Sir, I have to tell you, I do have a firearm on me." Five of the officer's seven shots struck Castile. Witnesses testified that the gun was in a pocket of Castile's shorts when paramedics removed him from his vehicle.

Prosecutors called several witnesses to try to show that Yanez never saw the gun and acted recklessly and unreasonably. But defense attorneys called their own witnesses to back up Yanez's claim that he saw Castile pulling the gun and that Yanez was right to shoot.

After shooting Castile, Yanez is heard on the squad-car video telling a supervisor variously that he didn't know where Castile's gun was, then that he told Castile to get his hand off it. Yanez testified, "What I meant by that was I didn't know where the gun was up until I saw it in his right thigh area."

He said he clearly saw a gun and that Castile ignored his commands to stop pulling it out of his pocket. His voice choked with emotion as he talked of being "scared to death" and thinking of his wife and baby daughter in the split-second before he fired.

Prosecutors argued that Yanez could have taken lesser steps, such as asking to see Castile's hands or asking where the gun was. After Castile told the officer he had the gun, Yanez told Castile, "OK, don't reach for it then," and, "Don't pull it out."

On the squad-car video, Castile can be heard saying, "I'm not pulling it out," as Yanez opened fire. Prosecutors said Castile's last words were, "I wasn't reaching for it."

Reynolds testified that she began recording the shooting's aftermath because she feared for her life and wanted to make sure the truth was known. Defense attorneys pointed to inconsistencies in several of her statements.
The Senate is fast tracking the American Health Care Act to bring it to a vote before July 4, with no hearings or public debate.

Last week, Missouris own Sen. Claire McCaskill expressed her outrage with the backroom negotiations around the bill. As champions of family and community in St. Louis, Generate Health is equally as outraged at the possibility of a quick passage of legislation that would destroy the Medicaid program by converting its financing to a per capita cap or block grant. Gutting this crucial health care program would be devastating to children and families in Missouri. We simply cannot make cuts to health care off the backs of our children.

A thriving community begins with our moms and babies. In 2017, if we cannot keep women from dying in childbirth and babies from dying before their first birthday, then our health system is failing us. In St. Louis, we have approximately 260 babies die before their first birthday, however the proposed American Health Care Act would make this health crisis even worse.

The AHCA proposes to cut Medicaid by $834 billion dollars over 10 years. This is a program that pays for half of all births in this country and 42 percent of births in Missouri. Medicaid helps 32,400 of Missouris babies get a healthy start each year through Medicaid for Pregnant Women. And the Medicaid and CHIP program helps to keep children healthy well after their first birthday.

According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, 602,000 children in Missouri get their health care through Medicaid. This means that two out of five kids in our state are able to see a doctor when they are sick, get vaccinations and important screenings they need to stay healthy. The AHCAs Medicaid provisions would make it especially hard for children with special health care needs, including those with disabilities, to get the care they need to stay healthy, remain in their communities, and succeed in life. Medicaid is a lifeline for children with disabilities and their families, serving 40 percent of all children in America with special health care needs such as autism.

Alecia Deal, a community health worker in St. Louis and mother of three, relies on this lifeline for her 14-year-old autistic son. Without Medicaid, her son would not be able to receive therapy of any kind, psychiatric treatment or medications. In fact, he would be unable to attend his school for children with special needs because Medicaid pays for that as well.

She is now seeking to have her 3-year-old son, who is also covered by Medicaid, evaluated due to developmental delays to find out if he is on the spectrum. Medicaid is life support for myself and my kids, says Deal. In fact Medicaid saved my life.

Deal was uninsured prior to being covered by Medicaid for Pregnant Women while pregnant. Her pregnancies were deemed high risk due to untreated health conditions. Without Medicaid, she would have been unable to receive regular prenatal visits, which were once a week in the last trimester. She would also have had to pay out of pocket for the screenings and lab tests that were required due to her health conditions. Most likely, she would have gone with minimal care and put herself and the pregnancy at risk.

Ending the Medicaid program as we know it, by converting it to a per capita cap or block grant, would shift health care costs to our state. Recent estimates from the Urban Institute indicate that a per capita cap would shift $3 billion in Medicaid costs to Missouri over the first 10 years. Both caps and block grants threaten coverage, benefits and affordability for millions of children.

If children are the future of our community, why is Congress proposing cuts that would hurt kids? Our states leaders in the Senate must preserve Medicaid as we know it and reject structural changes and cuts that undermine its critical protections, hard-earned coverage and resulting health gains for children made over more than 50 years. We must keep Missouris kids covered, our community cannot afford to go backward.

Kate Kasper is advocacy manager at Generate Health in St. Louis. She can be reached at kkasper@generatehealthstl.org or 314-880-5710.
Theres a marvelous bronze statue of Winston Churchill outside the British Embassy in Washington, prominently visible as you drive down Massachusetts Avenue. Hes striding forward, flashing his famous V for victory, one foot is on embassy grounds, Great Britain, the other foot is on American soil.

The symbolism is obvious, because in his person, Churchill connected two nations. He was of American and British lineage, and he was an honorary citizen of the United States. More importantly, the statue symbolizes one of Churchills central values, the bond between our two peoples. He championed the importance of bridging what divides nations and of strengthening the bonds that hold us together.

His great address at Westminster College is called the Iron Curtain Speech for its description of the divide then caused by Soviet domination of Eastern Europe. But Churchill gave it the title, Sinews of Peace, which better expressed his central message that postwar peace would depend on free nations uniting against the threat of Soviet aggression. Just as a body is strong when sinews bind its parts together, so peace is possible when nations bind themselves together in a common cause.

Sinews of peace was a British message for its time. Its an American message for all time. Its about how to relate to our allies abroad and also how to live with one another at home.

Holding ourselves together is, as it has always been, Americas great mission. Its our motto  e pluribus unum. We are many people from many backgrounds, with many competing interests, and we are one  one indivisible nation.

Our Constitution was written to make it so. We would not suppress our differences; we would welcome them, accommodate them, balance them against one another. Everyone would be heard, and by including everyone within our constitutional structure, we would hold ourselves together.

This American mission of holding things together is so elementary that in most times it might escape our attention. But in this year of 2017, we must attend to it because it is under attack both in our relations with allies abroad and in our common life at home.

Abroad we are doing the opposite of what Churchill advised at Westminster. The Iron Curtain is a thing of the past, but a wall on our southern border is a thing of the future.

The German chancellor questions the future of the American/European relationship. Our British cousins doubt that we can be trusted with sensitive intelligence. The Australian prime minister hangs up on our president. Cracks appear in postwar alliances as diplomacy yields to sledgehammer blows of rhetorical bombast.

At home, our one indivisible nation seems to be coming apart. At colleges, speakers are shouted down and chased from campuses. In politics, Congress is at a stalemate because party activists wont permit compromise. Meetings of representatives and constituents are mob scenes. Americans are not a team of rivals. We are rivals without a team.

This new style of politics is just what many say they want. They say they want politicians who will break things up. They have their wish. Government is broken. So, this is where we are in 2017, and it is entirely wrong.

The last thing America needs is politicians who break things up. What America needs is politicians who hold things together.

For peace in the world and for tranquility at home, we must return to fundamental principle. Its Americas responsibility abroad and purpose at home to hold things together. But in an age of tweets and rants and ratings, the most prominent and persistent voices say just the opposite. They have found that rage is the way to win an audience and energize the base. Insult is the road to electoral and media success.

Against all this destructive racket, there must be other prominent and persistent voices that insist that America must build alliances and champion unity. From whom would these voices arise? Why, from all of us, from good American citizens who want to live in a world of peace and a nation of tolerance.

John C. Danforth is a former three-term U.S. senator and a partner at Dowd-Bennett LLC in Clayton. He delivered these remarks June 8 in accepting the Winston Churchill Medal for Leadership from The National Churchill Museum and Westminster College in Fulton, Mo.
Michael Allens commentary Confederate Memorial belongs to history of Jim Crow, not Civil War (June 13) is incorrect when he says the monument stood out for openly displaying the Confederate battle flag, and for employing text that implied that the fight for human slavery was noble and civilized. The flag is nondescript. There is no suggestion or implication of a fight for slavery.

The inscription refers only to the Southern belief in a right to secede and its failure. Even the head of the local Grand Army of the Republic in 1912 supported the monument so long as it only celebrated the memory of the deeds of Southern soldiers and sailors, which it does.

Allen says the monument is not a natural fact of St. Louis history. But it was proposed and paid for by local women to remember their valiant local men, their compatriots and families.

The monument was not part of Jim Crow history. Southern military memorials began immediately after the war, including at Gettysburg, where in 1868 President Ulysses S. Grant honored Southern military dead. President William McKinley authorized a Confederate section at Arlington National Cemetery in 1898 and its monument shortly thereafter, just as the St. Louis monument was proposed.

Sure, dedication of the Forest Park memorial came 49 years after the war, still faster than our National World War II Memorial, which took 59 years. One hundred years from now, can we rightfully declare that monument to be irrelevant to the times? Is trying to erase history ever justified?

Confederate losses were necessary for President Abraham Lincolns effort to preserve the Union. And that, in turn, was essential for the end of slavery. There was no other way to secure these two precious outcomes. To ignore Confederate losses undervalues the cost of Lincolns victory.

Jack Tatom  Chesterfield
A public lecture he attended this week on how Ngai Te Rangi Iwi fended off repeated invasion attempts during the 19th century musket wars, is resonating with iwi chairman Charlie Tawhaio.

Charlie says the same thing is happening today.

We are still having to defend our very identity in same way our ancestors were in the 1820s, and 1830s when all the other iwi were coming in.

Today the invasion is political. Hauraki iwi have gained the ear of Treaty Negotiations Minister Christopher Finlayson and are about to be granted rights to Tauranga Moana in their treaty settlement, says Charlie.

It resulted in Ngai Te Rangis blockade protest at the harbour entrance on Thursday, which will be followed up with a larger protest on Saturday.

Its part of their strategy where they are using dubious history to establish ownership rights in a whole range of places, and theyre getting away with it because the Crown seems to have been enamored of them, says Charlie.

They have been trying it for some time, and we have been resisting.

Weve been in conversation and discussion with the crown to say, we dont want you to proceed with a Hauraki settlement that includes you giving away rights in Tauranga that only belong to the three iwi here.

We are talking about rights to property, but also rights to provide iwi opinions to councils, those kinds of rights.

It is a gambit that has succeeded for Hauraki in Auckland and Whangarei, with the result that Ngai Te Rangis protest on Saturday will be much bigger, as members of other iwi affected by Hauraki settlement incursions arrive in support.

The Crown has translated Hauraki claims of ancestral interests directly into property rights, says Charlie. While not denying Hauraki may have interests in the Tauranga Moana, the three iwi are challenging the Crown decision to turn interests into rights.

What we dont agree is that a fair and just settlement should be unjust to us. So what we are saying to the Crown is look, here is a way forward, and it is a way forward its not a stalemate here, says Charlie.

The offer is to park the redress offered to Hauraki to one side and allow the iwi of Tauranga Moana to talk directly with the iwi of Hauraki.

Say, tell us about why you think your interests should be reflected in rights within Tauranga when there is no other reason to support that claim.

The claimed Hauraki interests are basically around shared histories, marriages, previous residences. But since 1840 there has been no presence on an iwi basis, says Charlie.

Theres been individuals married into the tribes here, and as a result of those marriages have acquired interests in land. They have got people buried here which we take very seriously.

And when we were able to have a conversation with Hauraki we said look we understand your needs to protect those of your ancestors that are buried in Tauranga Moana, and heres the deal.

Weve got ancestors buried in Hauraki. We assume and expect that you are going to respect and look after them for us in the same way we are saying we will do that for you here.

But of course this isnt just about protecting historical interests. In our view its a cynical move to broaden their resource base by tapping into the economy of Tauranga.

Its a distortion of tradition by negotiators from Hauraki, and a distortion of cultural values, says Charlie.

When they heard the settlement was about to be signed with Hauraki, Tauranga Moana iwi took out an urgent claim with the Waitangi Tribunal against the Crown.

The Tribunal hasnt signaled that it supports the need for urgency. When they heard the signing may be on June 23 or 24 they felt the need to start some more direct action.

Once the crown signs this deed of settlement, the chances of changing things are almost zero, says Charlie.

"Our people, being naturally suspicious, are saying; Lets assume its happening and take whatever action we need now to bring some greater attention to this.

It has certainly done that, and it has also unsettled a number of people and that is regrettable. Im inviting them to ring the Ministers office and say, sort this out.

The point of protest action is to create inconvenience and we dont want to inconvenience too many people, but there is no point in protesting if nobody notices.

If the Crowns current method of dealing with overlapping treaty interests is perpetuated, it threatens the heartlands of every iwi, says Charlie. All iwi are watching the Ngai Te Rangi protest with interest and those most immediately affected, like Aucklands Nagti Whatua are already working with Ngai Te Rangi.

The risk we take and the same with Ngati Whatua in Auckland is we look ungrateful for what we have been given. I think thats not true, says Charlie.

Notwithstanding the mess the Minster has made right now, we have previously taken our hats off to him for the number of claims he has settled since he took the job on.

When he took the job on he said it would all be finished this year, but he didnt actually get there. But along the way he got a lot done. The problem is there has been a bit of collateral damage, a few casualties along the way which are now starting to jump out of the closet.

One of the unfortunate things with speed is now and again you are going to run people over.

On the one hand, good on you for getting these settlements done, but you guys need to be a bit more careful. There is no reason or need for this incident to have occurred today.
SunMedia is bringing home five awards from the 2016 Community Newspaper Awards, including best website in New Zealand.

The awards, which were held in Christchurch last night, judge a range of categories from 2016.

SunLive won the best website for its broad content generated in 2016.

The judges felt the news website had impressive readership and engagement figures which showed how the focus on quality content is engaging the community.

With different media types in posts such as integrated social media feeds, galleries etc, the reader has multiple ways to stay engaged.

There is a strong local feel and a breadth of opinion across an array of the community. This give the different personas visiting the site something to identify with.

In her first year as a journalist, Cayla-Fay Saunders has gone from being a junior journalist to being associate editor of the Weekend Sun.

She can now add best junior/feature lifestyle journalist to her resume.

Cayla-Fay is a fluent writer with a lovely easy, conversational style and light touch. Always readable and engaging, is what the judges said at last nights awards.

Photographer Bruce Barnard continued his winning streak by taking out the best feature/lifestyle photographer.

A clean, tight, interesting selection with a great variety, is what the judges had to say about Bruces photos.

A skilled photographer that captures the action at the right moment but always has the ability to create those set up shots.

SunMedias rural publication Coast and Country won best front page newspaper in the associate category and The Weekend Sun received a highly commended in the Frank Vale Memorial Award.
The palatial home of a convicted arms dealer has been seized on the orders of a New York judge.

Monzer Al-Kassar used to live in the villa near Marbella, which was not directly in his name, until 2007 when he was arrested in Spain on a US police warrant over an attempt to sell arms to Colombian rebels.

He was extradited and sentenced to 30 years in 2009. So prolific was Al-Kassar on the local high-society social circuit that he went by the nickname The Prince of Marbella, however the carefree facade hid a web of criminal links that had seen him banned from several countries.
She will never forget that day, because it marked the rest of her life. She had gone to the police headquarters in Algeciras to start a seven-month training period as a police officer, after passing her first exams.

I had to give them some documents. I was told which office to go to and I knocked on the door and went in, but before I even opened my mouth, he said Sorry, youre in the wrong place. The immigration department is downstairs, she says.

The man who made that comment to her is now her husband, and since 2011 they have both been working at the provincial police station in Malaga. Nine years have passed since that confusion occurred.

Nobody is racist in Spain, until their daughter turns up with a black boyfriend one day

He apologised over and over again afterwards, when I explained that I wasnt an immigrant, I was a new colleague and it was my first day, she says.

Carmen Ada Edjang could write a book about her experiences, because this police officer, who was born in Las Palmas, Gran Ganaria, 35 years ago, is a black woman. Her parents are from Equatorial Guinea and they emigrated to the Canary Islands when they were children: her mother was six years old, and her father 15.

Carmen is not the only black officer among the 8,753 women in the National Police force, but she is one of the few who have gradually been joining in recent years, along with others of Chinese, Indian or gypsy origin....

There is no special register of these police officers, just like there is no list of those who have blue eyes or brown hair. Theyre all Spanish, and thats that, say sources at the Ministry of the Interior. Official figures only show the number of police officers: on 31 May this year there were 63,930, of whom 55,177 were men.

Here in Spain, some people are still surprised to find that a black woman is a police officer. People associate black people with illegal immigrants, says Carmen. She says it would be unfair to describe this attitude as racist, but comments, ironically, that Nobody is racist, until their daughter turns up with a black boyfriend one day; things tend to change then!

She thinks the situation will improve over time, as people get used to it, but says there is still a long way to go until it is considered normal to see a black person working in a bank or a law firm.

Carmen has never felt despised because of her skin colour, but says some situations have occurred which have been disagreeable, in uniform and out. One example: she and her husband were assigned to work at the airport and when they arrived they showed their badges at security. He was allowed through, but she was held back while they checked whether her police badge was genuine. When I asked them why they were checking mine, they said there were a lot of fake police badges about. But I wondered why they assumed it would be the black woman who would be carrying a fake one.

The second example occurred when she was off duty and out of uniform. She recently went with her husband to a notarys office to sign for the purchase of a property. The notary asked for their identification and then asked whether Carmen spoke Spanish. No, I speak Chinese, she replied.

There are plenty of other instances like these, including from colleagues who ought to know that police officers in Spain have to speak Spanish. However, some colleagues still ask me what nationality I am, she says.

An example of patience

One day, even her uniform was not enough to convince somebody that she was a policewoman. She was on duty outside the polling station on election day, and a woman came up to her and asked if she really was a police officer. Carmen admits that on that occasion she did lose her patience. No, I bought the uniform in a fancy dress shop, she snapped.

She had always been attracted by the idea of a career in the police force but I kept putting off doing anything about it, like I did taking driving lessons, she says.

When she finished her studies in Administrative Management, she realised it was what she really wanted to do. She was 23 and started to do battle with the studies she needed to pass the exams. One sentence in the first book has remained etched on her brain: If youre not going to study properly, then dont waste your time. It spurred her on, and helped her to ignore all the people who said she wouldnt pass and was studying for nothing, because nobody had ever seen a black policewoman.

She knew she could pass the exam, but was doubtful about the personal interview. It involved factors that were out of my control, she says. But she succeeded first time. Now she urges other black women not to be afraid of rejection and she was recently awarded an AfroSocialist prize for equality.

They didnt give me the award for being the only black policewoman, because Im not. It was for being somebody who proved that if you really set your mind on something, you can achieve it, she says.
The maritime search and rescue service in Malaga, aided by the Guardia Civil, rescued 93 migrants on two separate boats at sea on Thursday and brought them to safety at Malaga's port.

The operation raised the number of migrants that have come to Malaga this year to 762, which is already three times the number that arrived by boat last year.

Two pregnant women were among the 12 women and 81 men on the boats, according to the Red Cross, and they were the first to be given medical attention.

Two men, although reportedly in good health, were taken to a health centre for a knee injury and eye problems respectively.

Yesterday was just the second time in history that all four Red Cross services in Andalucia were called into action, with a further 213 migrants using the Alboran Sea, the Cabo de Gata and the Strait of Gibraltar to come to the region.

With lawyers in the area now expected to advise the migrants on their legal rights, Malaga's Colegio de Abogados, the official assocation of local lawyers, has donated more than 400 pieces of clothing to the Red Cross for the migrants, including trousers, shirts, jumpers, coats and jackets.
Torremolinos is to undergo one of its most major urban transformations of recent decades. During a meeting held on Monday, Malaga architect Salvador Moreno Peralta presented the project for the renovation of Plaza Costa del Sol and part of the Avenida Palma de Mallorca. The area will be pedestrianised with the aim of creating a Grand Boulevard with shaded spaces, water features and green areas.

The centre of Torremolinos was closed to traffic more than 18 months ago, but a large municipal debt and the lack of a budget have prevented the work going ahead.

The project, which extends over more than 8,000 square meters, will cost 3.8 million euros and will include the restoration of the iconic Maria Barrabino house.

The town hall has announced that the work will begin in October and it should be complete before next years summer season begins.

The architect claimed that the new look Plaza Costa del Sol will be an ideal area for the Holy week processions, the parade of the three kings or LGBT pride, as well as other traditional festivals.

Palm and orange trees will line the boulevard and green areas will be situated at a distance of not less than 3.5 metres from the facades of businesses, in order to reserve spaces for their terraces.

The plan also takes into consideration the current bars and restaurants situated in the sidewalks that lead from the main square in the town.

The area will be paved in grey and white non-slip tiles and bench seating, ponds, fountains, flower beds and decorative trees will be installed to create a relaxed ambience in the central square.

The mayor, Jose Ortiz said, The project allows the town to create a historical centre that will highlight its history, its relationship with water, its springs and mills.

A pergola reminiscent of the Palmeral de las Sorpresas in Malaga will cover the central space of the square. This is one of the most striking elements of the project and is designed on a support of metallic grey pillars holding a concave bow and a convex arc whose concatenation creates ripples in both directions.

Other actions include the restoration of the Casa Maria Barrabino and the remodelling of the street that leads to the Plaza Costa del Sol; making it the central heart of the square.

The pedestrianisation of the Plaza Costa del Sol has been one of the mayors principal projects since taking power in 2015, and although he was first criticised for closing the centre to traffic, it has proven to be the most fundamental part of the rehabilitation of the town.

Salvador Moreno Peralta said that the transformation projects in the central districts of cities and towns such as Malaga and Estepona have been an undeniable factor in their revitalisation.

The project, which has the support of the Association of Traders and Entrepreneurs of Torremolinos (ACET), is expected to lead to a gradual regeneration of commercial activity, which has been in a state of deterioration for the last ten years.
Spains prime minister, Mariano Rajoy, lived to fight another day on Wednesday when an attempt to end his minority conservative government failed.

In only the third no confidence motion tabled against a government since Spains post-dictatorship democracy started exactly forty years ago, Rajoy secured the support of 170 MPs, against 82 who voted in favour of the motion and 97 abstentions.

The motion was tabled by radical left-wing party Podemos to unseat the ruling Partido Popular (PP) party. Podemos leader, Pablo Iglesias, had said that the government should be changed after the continued corruption scandals involving the PP party.

In the end, after Iglesias no confidence vote had failed, as had been expected, both Podemos and PP were able to claim victory.

Podemos, which was supported in the vote by left-wing Catalonian and Basque nationalists as well as its own regional affiliates, was heartened that the Socialist PSOE party had abstained rather than vote against.

The PSOE party, under the renewed leadership of Pedro Sanchez, is seen as more in favour of a progressive alliance with Podemos to unseat the PP. The Socialists celebrate their 39th full-party conference this weekend.

Iglesias said after the vote in the Congreso de los Diputados in Madrid, Between votes in favour and abstentions, theres a sufficient majority to throw out the PP. Lets hope by Christmas we can get rid of the PP.

The events in parliament come exactly forty years since Spaniards went to the polls in the first general election after Francos dictatorship ended.

Faced with pressure from a promised, illegal independence vote in Catalonia in October, many MPs who supported Rajoy in Wednesdays failed vote called on politicians to respect the consensus over the shape of Spain reached after dictatorship.
The second edition of the Festival de las Culturas in Torremolinos will bring together 15 countries from four continents, presenting traditional folklore, arts and crafts and international cuisine.

INFORMATION When: Until Sunday, 18 June. Midday until midnight. Where: Plaza La Nogalera, Torremolinos.

Argentina, Colombia, Germany, Italy, Cuba, Thailand and France are among the many countries participating in the four-day festival, which began yesterday and continues until Sunday, 18 June.

A colourful parade, featuring all the countries, will begin in the Plaza Costa del Sol at midday on Saturday. Wearing traditional costume, participants will tour the streets of the town before heading to the Plaza La Nogalera to start the days proceedings.

A small street market will offer a variety of products from around the globe and live music and dance performances will continue throughout the day and night on the main bandstand. These will include Argentinian tango shows, Brazilian and Senegalese dancing, and Jamaican, Mexican and Indian music.

The stands will be vibrantly decorated in the participating countrys colours and will offer a wide range of culinary delights, including fragrant curries, barbecued meats and pastries. There will also be American-style food trucks selling beef burgers, hotdogs and popcorn.

A large bar and seated terrace area, shaded by 1,000 colourful umbrellas, will offer an array of exotic cocktails, chilled wines and spirits and artisan beers.

On Saturday night, American rockers, Mad Dogs, will present a Joe Cocker tribute show. The festival will climax on Sunday with a performance by Indian musician Saeed Khan.
The prosecution said the March 12 Mumbai blasts were carried out to avenge the December 6, 1992 demolition of Babri Masjid three months before the attacks.

By Kumar Shakti Shekhar: The Babri Masjid demolition and its aftermath are slowly but steadily seem to reaching its logical conclusion. Today, a special TADA court in Mumbai found Abu Salem, Mustafa Dossa, Firoz Abdul Rashid Khan, Tahir Merchant, Karimullah Khan guilty of all charges in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts case.

OBJECTIVE OF 1993 MUMBAI BLASTS

The prosecution said the March 12 Mumbai blasts were carried out to avenge the December 6, 1992 demolition of Babri Masjid three months before the attacks.

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The prosecution further said the object of the crime was to commit terrorist acts with the intention of overawing the Government of India, striking terror on the people, alienating section of the people and harming the communal harmony.

According to the CBI, the members of fugitive underworld don Dawood Ibrahim's gang along with other absconding accused Tiger Memon, Mohammed Dossa and Mustafa Dossa hatched a conspiracy to commit terrorist acts in India. These were in response to the demotion of Babri Mosque.

Meanwhile, the Babri Mosque demolition case is also making progress, albeit belated.

BABRI MOSQUE DEMOLITION CASE

Two FIRs were registered after the demolition of Babri Masjid in Ayodhya.

While the case of 28 accused was taken up in Lucknow CBI court, six of them died. Former deputy prime minister Advani and seven other were charge sheeeted in Raebareli court. Two of them - VHP leaders Ashok Singhal and Giriraj Kishore - died pending trial.

The Supreme Court had on April 19 directed that Advani, Union Minister Uma Bharti and senior BJP leader Murli Manohar Joshi would face trial on conspiracy charges. It also transferred their case from Raebareli to Lucknow.

Besides the BJP three leaders, the conspiracy charge have also been invoked against Vinay Katiar, Sadhvi Ritambara and Vishnu Hari Dalmia, who were being tried at Raebareli.

1993 MUMBAI BLASTS ORDER'S BEARING ON BABRI DEMOLITION CASE

With the court taking up the Babri Masque demolition case, it can only be hoped that the matter would reach its logical conclusion in the course of time.

It is most likely that the prosecution in the Babri demolition case would cite the TADA court's order in the 1993 Mumbai blasts case to buttress their argument. They may build up their case against Advani, Joshi, Uma and others saying these leaders must be convicted because they were the raison detre for the 1993 Mumbai blasts.

They may further argue that had these leaders not conspired to demolish the mosque, not just the 1993 Mumbai blasts but several other terrorist attacks would not have taken place. These arguments may have a strong bearing on the Babri mosque demotion case.

Also read:

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1993 Mumbai serial blasts: Abu Salem, five others found guilty by TADA court, Abdul Qayyum acquitted

1993 blasts: What happened on Mumbai's black Friday

Mumbai blasts: Moment of reckoning

1993 Mumbai blasts: A recap of the day that shook India

1993 Mumbai blasts case: Abu Salem's confession in 2005 helped prosecution to convict others

--- ENDS ---
12 bombs had gone off at several locations in Mumbai on March 12, 1993 killing 257 people and injuring 713, while destroying property worth Rs 27 crore.

By Vidya : The Special TADA court will pronounce its judgement in the 1993 Mumbai blasts case today in which there are seven accused who played important roles in the conspiracy and planning of the serial blasts to its execution.

The trial which started in 2012 has seen 64 prosecuted witnesses while 48 defence witnesses have also been presented in court. Also, witness' statements and confessions from earlier trials have been used in the case.

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Special Counsel Deepak Salvi said, "The accused had challenged the use of witnesses and evidence from previous trials but the CBI intervened and the permission to use old witnesses and evidence was granted by the court."

Apart from this, there are 1,50,000 documents which include the judgement of the earlier trial. Judge G A Sanap who had conducted the trial from 2012 put forth 14998 questions for each of the seven accused during the recording of their statements.

KEY ACCUSED AND THEIR ROLE Abu Salem, who was extradited from Portugal in 2005 is not just accused of but also transporting the arms and ammunition sent by Mustafa Dosa from Bharuch to Mumbai and giving it to Sanjay Dutt among others. Mustafa Dossa along with his absconding accused brother Mohammed Dosa is accused of holding the meetings before the blast at his residence in Dubai and then supplying all the arms and ammunition to Mumbai. Karimullah Khan had sent a friend to learn arms training in Pakistan and had even helped in the landing of arms and ammunition including the RDX at Shekhadi. He was involved with Tiger Memon, one of the main conspirators in the case. Firoz Abdul Rashid Khan used to work at the office of Mustafa Dossa and had taken part in conspiratorial meetings in Dubai. He had also helped in the landing of arms and ammunition and had managed the custom and police officers so that no one would raise objection to the landing of the dreaded consignment. He is also accused of destroying the arms which could be evidence, after the blast. Riyaz Siddiqui handed over the Maruti van full of money to Abu Salem at Bharuch. Tahir Merchant collected money for conspiracy at Dubai and took care of the entertainment of the youths who were coming from India for training in Pakistan. He looked after their boarding and lodging and sent them back to India via Dubai after training. Abdul Qayyum was the manager of Dawood Ibrahim's office in Dubai. His role was explained by Abu Salem himself when in a confession he said that the material that he brought from Bharuch belonged to Qayyum and Anees ibrahim, the younger brother of Dawood.

THE DEFENCE OF THE ACCUSED

In their defence, the accused have said that they were not involved in the conspiracy.

Advocate Farhana Shah who is representing Riyaz and Karimullah said, "There are many contradictions in the evidence. The confessions put forth by the prosecution and the statements of the accused are also contradictory. Thus, we say that the allegations cannot be proved. Also, even if the accused took part, they did not know that they were helping in landing and transportation of arms and ammunitions. Karimullah had gone to help in only the landing of silver which was being smuggled at that time."

The trial held earlier against 123 accused ended in 2006. At the end of which, 100 by the TADA court. 12 among those convicted including actor Sanjay Dutt were handed out death sentences. However, in March 2013, the Supreme Court commuted the death penalty of all except one- Yakub Memon, brother of prime absconding accused Tiger Memon. The life term for six other convicts was enhanced. Yakub was hanged two years ago in Nagpur.

12 bombs had gone off at several locations in Mumbai on March 12, 1993 killing 257 people and injuring 713, while destroying property worth Rs 27 crore.

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33 accused including Dawood Ibrahim, Anees Ibrahim, Tiger Memon and Mohammed Dossa are still wanted in connection with the case.

Also Read:

Sanjay Dutt's release as per rules: Maharashtra prison department to Bombay High Court

Chhota Shakeel's hitman arrested, was planning to target writer Tarek Fatah

Also Watch:

Justify Sanjay Dutt's early release, Bombay High Court tells Maharashtra government

--- ENDS ---
Abu Salem and five others were today convicted in 1993 Mumbai serial blasts case. The TADA court acquitted Abdul Qayyum of all charges.

Abu Salem, who was accused of transporting weapons from Gujarat to Mumbai, was arrested in Portugal in 2002. (File Photo/PTI)

By India Today Web Desk: A special TADA court in Mumbai today found Abu Salem, Mustafa Dossa, Firoz Abdul Rashid Khan, Tahir Merchant, Karimullah Khan guilty of all charges in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts case

While accused Riaz Siddiqui has been convicted under TADA and other charges, Abdul Qayyum has been acquitted of all charges. The court observed that the prosecution failed to prove conspiracy charges against Siddiqui. The court will pronounce quantum of sentence on Monday (June19).

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Dossa, along with his absconding accused brother Mohammed Dossa, is accused of holding the meetings before the blasts at his residence in Dubai and then supplying all the arms and ammunition to Mumbai.

1993 blasts: What happened on Mumbai's black Friday

Abu Salem, who was accused of transporting weapons from Gujarat to Mumbai, was arrested in Portugal in 2002.

ALL WE KNOW SO FAR: The Mumbai serial blasts had left 257 people dead, 713 others seriously injured, and destroyed properties worth an estimated Rs 27 crore. On March 12, 1993 the country's commercial capital witnessed an unprecedented terrorist attack when a series 12 bomb explosions took place one after another in about a span of two hours. This was the first ever terrorist attack in the world where RDX (Research Department Explosive i.e cyclotrimethylene trinitramine) was used on such a large scale after the Second World War. The trial of the seven accused - Abu Salem, Mustafa Dossa, Karimullah Khan, Firoz Abdul Rashid Khan, Riyaz Siddiqui, Tahir Merchant and Abdul Quayyum - was separated from the main case as they were arrested after the conclusion of the main trial. This round of trial resumed in 2012 and concluded this March. Gangster Abu Salem was accused of transporting weapons from Gujarat to Mumbai. Three accused, including Salem, had confessed to their crime during investigations carried out by the CBI over the years into the blasts case. Salem also handed over AK 56 rifles, 250 bullets and some hand grenades to Sanjay Dutt - who was an accused in the case for illegally possessing weapons - at the actor's residence on January 16, 1993. Two days later on January 18, 1993, Salem and two others went to Dutt's house and got back two rifles and some rounds. Sanjay Dutt and many others surrendered before the TADA court in May 2013 after the apex court upheld their conviction. The court had dropped certain charges against Salem in 2013 after the CBI moved a plea, saying those charges were against the extradition treaty between India and Portugal. According to the prosecution, the serials blasts were carried out to avenge the December 1992 demolition of Babri Masjid three months before the attacks. The CBI said members of fugitive don Dawood Ibrahim's gang along with other absconding accused Tiger Memon, Mohammed Dossa and Mustafa Dossa hatched a conspiracy to commit terrorist acts in India. The prosecution said that the object of the crime was to commit terrorist acts with an intent to overawe the Government of India, to strike terror on the people, alienate section of the people and to harm the communal harmony. It said that the conspirators smuggled fire-arms, ammunitions, detonators, hand grenades and highly explosive substances like RDX into India and stored it. According to the prosecution, Mustafa Dossa, Tiger Memon and Chhota Shakeel organised training camps in Pakistan and in India to impart and undergo weapon and arms training and handling of explosives. They also sent men from India to Pakistan via Dubai for arms training. In the first leg of the trial that concluded in 2007, the TADA court had convicted 100 accused in the case, while 23 people were acquitted. Yakub Memon was executed on July 30, 2015 after his several pleas seeking clemency were rejected, including the post-midnight hearing by Supreme Court on the day he was hanged.

Also read:

Mumbai blasts: Moment of reckoning

1993 Mumbai blasts: A recap of the day that shook India

1993 Mumbai blasts case: Abu Salem's confession in 2005 helped prosecution to convict others

Sanjay Dutt's release as per rules: Maharashtra prison department to Bombay High Court

Chhota Shakeel's hitman arrested, was planning to target writer Tarek Fatah

Watch Video: Mustafa Dossa, Abu Salem convicted in 1993 Mumbai serial blasts case

--- ENDS ---
After the meet, the AAP will also chalk out the strategy for a nationwide stir in support of farmers agitating in different parts of the country for loan waiver.

By Mail Today Bureau: As the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) attempts to bring a shift in its national politics, moving from its sole anti-corruption plank to broader issues such as farmers in distress, the party is set to hold a national round-table conference in the Capital on Saturday to chart out its roadmap.

While the Congress led by Rahul Gandhi, has been trying to reach out to farmers, AAP that is eyeing the Congress votebank nationally is leaving no stone unturned to appropriate this section. The party is set to host roughly around 100 peasant leaders from 20 states in a day-long conference at the Constitution Club on Saturday.

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Each state will draw up a list of unfulfilled promises by their respective state governments, pull out manifestoes of the ruling party and also draw up a list of demands. The state teams, comprising five representatives each, will also present a detailed ground report of the situation of farmers in their state.

"After the conference, we will put forward our plan for the nationwide farmers' agitation. Despite tall promises by the BJP, farmers are yet to get their dues. During the MP polls, BJP had promised that after the formation of the government, they would immediately waive off farmer loans.

They just have a year left in hand and the promise remains unfulfilled. When farmers demand their due, they are killed," AAP cabinet minister and Delhi unit convenor Gopal Rai said. Sources said the AAP-backed nation-wide stir is set to parallel the party's anti-corruption crusade - as it hopes it will catapult into the national political space as a prominent Opposition party with the agitation.

Also read: AAP told to pay Rs 27 lakh fine for not vacating Delhi office premises

Also read: AAP's Khalistan connection exposed again, new photo shows banned Sikh body's chief campaigning for party MLA

--- ENDS ---
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News about Apples plans for the automotive market have been dripping slowly from the company for months, and CEO Tim Cook this week released a few more drops from the faucet.

Apples auto efforts are zeroing in on autonomous systems, he said in an interview with Bloomberg.

Self-driving is a core technology that Apple considers very important to its auto plans, but its very challenging from an artificial intelligence perspective, Cook noted, characterizing it as the mother of all AI projects.

A major disruption is ahead for the transportation industry, he predicted, because three change vectors  self-driving cars, electric vehicles and ride hailing  are converging in the same time frame.

Asked if Apple had plans to manufacture its own car, Cook responded: Well see where it takes us. Were not really saying from a product point of view what we will do.

Trumpian Ambiguity

Apple watchers looking for something concrete about the companys auto plans probably were disappointed by the CEOs remarks to Bloomberg.

All Cook said was Apple was focusing on autonomous systems, said Roger Lanctot, associate director for the global automotive practice at Strategy Analytics.

Thats Trumpian level ambiguity,  he told TechNewsWorld.

Solving the problem of automated driving will create a unique value proposition that Apple wants to participate in, Lanctot said, but what that participation will be is totally unclear.

One thing that is clear, however, is the importance of the market to Apple.

Transportation is the next frontier, Lanctot maintained. Its a massive software, hardware and service opportunity for Apple.

Expanding App Universe

At the very least, automobiles can expand the number of endpoints running Apple apps and requiring the companys products and services.

It has the potential of being a very big deal to Apple with serious profitability potential, said Tim Bajarin, president of Creative Strategies.

At the software level, nobody is blowing anyone away in the automotive market at the moment, he noted.

Apple is known for creating great software and could clearly provide a powerful and important solution in delivering a smart vehicle and OS layer that would allow developers to create apps that make sense for autonomous vehicles, Bajarin told TechNewsWorld.

Given Apples skills and clout, he continued, I have no doubt that if they enter this market, whatever software solution they create could be important for those creating autonomous vehicles  as well as Apple.

Autonomous vehicles likely will make autos more than just a means of transportation.

The car will turn quickly into an extended living room and office, and the Apple experience will need to be there, said Patrick Moorhead, principal analyst at Moor Insights and Strategy.

In the end, Apple will be one of the big players in autonomous driving, he told TechNewsWorld, first because of their software capability, and second because of their deep pockets.

Potholes in Road Map

If Apple becomes a major player in the autonomous vehicle market, it will have to do so in the face of some stiff competition.

You could argue that Apple is more innovative and better funded than some, but several of its rivals in the space, including Google-Waymo and the major auto manufacturers, are formidable, said Charles King, principal analyst at Pund-IT.

While autonomous systems may be important, its likely theres a bit of wishful thinking in Cooks remarks about them, he suggested.

Apple clearly needs to branch out from its reliance on smartphones, but the actual markets for autonomous cars have yet to be established, and demand is likely to vary wildly according to situation and place, King told TechNewsWorld.

If Apple produces only the software for an autonomous vehicle, it could face another problem.

Unless some very big names are included in Apples announcement, an autonomous vehicle OS will look like a solution in search of a problem, King said.

To maintain its luxury product cachet, Apple would probably want to partner, at least initially, with makers of higher-end mass market vehicles, like BMW and Mercedes, he added. Problem is, both of those companies are already developing their own in-house systems.
Microsoft on Tuesday announced a refresh of its Surface Pro tablet-laptop computer.

Although Microsoft said the fifth generation of the unit has been redesigned from the inside out with more than 800 new custom parts, the Surface Pro looks similar to its predecessor.

If you were looking for a major redesign of Surface, this isnt it, said Ross Rubin, principal analyst at Reticle Research.

Nevertheless, Microsoft has made some significant improvements in the tablet cum laptop.

Overall, the new Microsoft Surface Pro is a significant, even substantial, improvement over the Surface 4, said Charles King, principal analyst at Pund-IT.

Better Battery Life

Battery life has been boosted to 13.5 hours, which is 50 percent greater than the new Surface Pros predecessor, and 35 percent greater than its Apple rival, the iPad Pro.

Microsoft has upgraded the processors in the line, too, giving the new unit 2.5 times more computational performance than the Surface Pro 3, and 1.7 times the performance of the iPad Pro.

The Surface Pro models that use Intels 7th-generation Core m3 and i5 chips are fanless, so theyre quiet as well as powerful. The i7 model of the unit with a fan is relatively quiet, too, with a noise level of 18db.

The fanless 7th-gen Core i5 capabilities are unique in a tablet, and its apparent Microsoft did some serious thermal work, said Patrick Moorhead, principal analyst at Moor Insights and Strategy.

The new Surface Pro also has a high-resolution screen  2736 x 1824  with 267 pixels per inch, which is 50 percent more than a 12-inch MacBook.

The display is enhanced by Microsofts PixelSense Accelerator technology, which is designed to make colors vibrant and precise.

More Sensitive Pen

Improvements also have been made to the Surface Pen, which is sold separately and is offered in four colors  platinum, burgundy, cobalt blue and black. With 4,096 pressure points, the pen is four times more sensitive than the original Surface Pen, Microsoft said, and with a latency of 21 milliseconds, its close to capturing the experience of an analog pen to paper.

The long battery life and the fanless design will be the greatest draws for this Surface Pro, Reticles Rubin told TechNewsWorld.

Meanwhile, the new pen technology should resonate with those using their Surface for nuanced drawings, he added.

Drawing on the new Surface Pro is easier, too, thanks to an improved hinge that gives the unit 165 degrees of motion.

Microsoft also has spruced up the keyboards for the new Surface Pro. Theyre covered with Alcantara fabric, which is treated with a high-performance polyurethane coating to resist spills. Keyboard colors match those of the Surface Pen.

Future LTE Support

The new Surface Pro remains light and thin at 1.7 pounds and 8.5mm, and its going to support LTE later this year, Microsoft said.

If you preorder a unit, you will not have the option to use 4G connections, explained Jeff Orr, senior practice director for mobile devices at ABI Research. You can only use WiFi or Bluetooth connections.

The addition of cellular connectivity rounds out the capabilities of the Surface Pro.

If youre talking about a truly mobile product, you should be able to connect anywhere, Orr told TechNewsWorld.

Despite its many improvements, the new Surface Pro still doesnt support USB-C connections.

It would have been nice to have at least one USB-C port, Pund-ITs King told TechNewsWorld.

Microsoft also has dropped numbering with this latest model, which may confuse the market in the long run.

Its more difficult for buyers to know what is new and what is old in the channel, Moorhead told TechNewsWorld.

Buying peripherals are more difficult, too, he continued. We have seen these issues with the Apple iPad, and we will see them with Surface Pro.

Refresh Needed Badly

A new version of the Surface Pro was overdue.

The product line definitely needed a refresh. This brings the Surface Pro products up to spec with other Surface products, ABIs Orr said.

This will help Microsoft continue the momentum its had with Surface and help establish it in more organizations, he added.

Before the refresh, that momentum might have begun to stall.

The current Surface Pro has been around for a year and half now, so its sales began to slip because its old technology, said Jack E. Gold, principal analyst at J.Gold Associates.

They really needed to update it, he told TechNewsWorld.

Microsoft began taking advance orders for the new Surface Pro Tuesday, and will start shipping units June 15. Base price is US$799 for a model with an Intel Core m3 processor, 4 GB of RAM and a 128-GB solid state drive. Keyboards are $159.99. Pricing for the Surface Pen was not announced.
With a net worth of around $82 billion, Jeff Bezos sits behind Bill Gates and Spain's Amancio Ortega at the top of Forbes' rich list. When it comes to his philanthropic work, the Amazon CEO and founder has often focused on long-term plans. But now he wants to aid those who need help sooner, and has turned to Twitter for donation suggestions.

"I want much of my philanthropic activity to be helping people in the here and now - short term - at the intersection of urgent need and lasting impact," Bezos wrote in a Twitter post.

"If you have ideas, just reply to this tweet with the idea (and if you think this approach is wrong, would love to hear that too.)"

Bezos says his main businesses - Amazon, Blue Origin, and the Washington Post - "contribute to society and civilization in their own ways," though their goals are more long term.

Bezos also supports the Bezos family foundation, which was founded by his parents to support education through investment in research, public awareness, and programs. But unlike Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg, the Amazon boss isn't well-known for his charitable endeavors, and is noticeably absent from the Giving Pledge - a commitment by the world's wealthiest individuals and families to donate more than half their fortunes to good causes. It's signed by 169 pledgers, and Bezos is the only one of the top five US billionaires missing from the list.

Some of the Twitter suggestions for how Bezos should spend his money include ending homelessness among LGBT youth, starting a basic income experiment, and helping to repurpose the skills of military veterans to become first responders in natural disaster situations.
On Thursday, June 8, SpaceX bagged the coveted military contract for Air Force's X-37B space plane's launch, which is known as the OTV or Orbital Test Vehicle. Prior to SpaceX, United Launch Alliance monopolized all the launch contracts the U.S. Air Force gave out.

On Friday, June 9, ULA  a joint endeavor of Boeing and Lockheed Martin  stated that the organization was not given a chance to bid against rival SpaceX for the X-37B's launch contract.

Heather Wilson, the Secretary of U.S. Air Force, earlier confirmed that the fifth launch of the unmanned X-37B space plane was scheduled for August.

ULA Not Given Chance To Bid For X-37B Launch Contract?

On Tuesday, June 6, Wilson confirmed during a congressional testimony that the U.S. Air Force was indeed planning to lift off the X-37B space plane using SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket. However, ULA states that it was not given fair means to bid for the launch contract, which has gone to Elon Musk's space exploration company.

ULA's President Tory Bruno was quizzed on Twitter whether the company bid for the X-37B launch, to which he responded that they were not given the opportunity.

No. We were not given the opportunity to bid. https://t.co/2envWyGnXe  Tory Bruno (@torybruno) June 9, 2017

The company confirmed Bruno's assertions in an emailed statement to publication SpaceNews.

"ULA did not have the opportunity to bid for the Air Force's fifth X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle (OTV) mission which was recently awarded. ULA remains fully committed to continuing to support America's national security missions with world-class launch services," the company revealed to SpaceNews.

Incidentally, out of all the private space companies in America, only SpaceX and ULA have certification to launch a U.S. military space satellite. ULA conducted the previous four X-37B launches atop its Atlas 5 rockets.

U.S. Air Force Playing Unfair?

The U.S. Air Force declined to comment or confirm ULA's assertions that the X-37B launch contract was exclusively handed over to SpaceX or Space Exploration Technologies without inviting other companies  in this case ULA  to bid for the same.

This isn't the first time the U.S. Air Force is accused of playing unfair while handing out contracts. The U.S. Air Force was earlier sued by SpaceX in 2014 on the same grounds. At the time, SpaceX claimed that the Air Force was not giving the company a fair chance to get the military launch contracts.

Once the lawsuit was settled, SpaceX got its first launch contract from the Air Force in 2015 and signed a dual contract worth $83 million and $96.5 million to lift off two Global Positioning System satellite flights in 2018. Both the U.S. Air Force and SpaceX are yet to reveal the monetary value of the current deal.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Here's all you need to know about the notorious gangster Abu Salem, one of the prime accused in the 1993 Mumbai Serial blasts.

By India Today Web Desk: The designated court of Terrorist And Disruptive Activities (Prevention) act will be deciding its verdict against the seven convicts of the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts today.

The accused are Abu Salem, Mustafa Dossa, Firoz Khan, Riyaz Siddiqui, Karimullah Shaikh, Mohammad Tahir Merchant alias Tahir Taklya and Abdul Qayyum.

According to latest verdict update from TADA court, Mustafa Dossa has been found guilty of participating in meeting in India and Dubai, arranging arms along with travel arrangements.

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Abu Salem and five others (Firoz Khan, Tahir Merchant, Karimullah Shaikh, Riyaz Siddiqui, Abdul Qayyum were also found guilty and were acquitted of the charge of waging war against the nation.

The 1993 Mumbai serial blasts were one of the most destructive blasts in the India. There were 13 blasts in series which were planted in public buildings, airports, scooters, cars, hotels etc. The blasts killed 257, and left 713 people injured and destroyed properties worth Rs 27 crore.

Abu Salem, one of the prime accused in the 1993 Mumbai serial blast, is a notorious gangster who was involved in transporting the arms from Gujarat to Mumbai.

Here's all you need to know about Abu Salem:

Abu Salem is said to be a partner of Dawood Ibrahim, a most-wanted absconder who was responsible for planning the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts along with Pakistan's intelligence agency, ISI.

Abu Salem is also known as Abdul Qayoom Ansari, Aqil Ahmed Azmi, Captain and Abu Samaan.

Salem is facing trial in eight different cases in different parts of the country.

Abu Salem was the gangster who handed over AK 56 rifles, 250 bullets and some hand grenades to Actor Sanjay Dutt in January 1993.

Hailing from Aazamgarh, UP, Salem used to work as a mechanic as he lost his father at a very young age.

Salem committed his first crime in 1988 when he tried assaulting one of his colleagues.

Monica Bedi was his partner from Bollywood during the 2000s. The couple was even arrested in Portugal for forging documents back in 2002.

Salem was also married in the 1980s and had two children in the wedlock.

It is also believed that Abu Salem killed T-Series owner Gulshan Kumar.

Apart from his connections with Dawood Ibrahim, Abu Salem is said to have threatened to kill a lot of Bollywood celebrities.

When he first moved to Mumbai, he used to work as a Taxi driver.

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Scientists have reported a massive melting event in West Antarctica, which they warn could be a sign of future problems if climate change is not addressed.

An Area The Size of Texas

Last year, scientists reported that a major melting event occurred in West Antarctica in the Ross Ice Shelf, which is the largest ice shelf on the planet. The event was caused by warmer air that was brought about by last year's El Nino and resulted in an area of melted water that was larger than the state of Texas. In some parts of the Ross Ice Shelf, it took as long as 15 days for the water to freeze over.

While the water did eventually freeze, this occurrence was still troubling for scientists due to the fact that rain could contribute to the already-fragile state of West Antarctica. Rising ocean temperatures have already caused melting to occur in parts of the Ross Ice Shelf.

David Bromwich, a researcher at Ohio State University and one of the study's authors, warned that the issue might get worse in the future. Currently, the main problem facing Antarctica's ice shelves comes from warming ocean waters, which are slowly eroding the foundations of the ice shelves. In the future, increased rainfall could eat away at the surface of the ice shelves, pressuring them from two angles.

Rain In Antarctica

The team, which was from Ohio State, was not present in Antarctica during the time the melting event occurred but had set up a remote monitoring station in West Antarctica. The station alerted the team to the changes in the atmosphere and the presence of rain clouds. Satellite imagery then revealed that a large part of the Ross Ice Shelf had been covered in water. Some of it appeared to be the result of increased temperatures, but there was also evidence of rainfall, which, considering Antarctica is a desert, is very rare.

Melting Could Be The End Of Ice Shelves

In this particular case, there was no harm done because the water eventually refroze, but scientists are concerned because such melting events could become more common in the future. Due to climate change, El Nino could occur with increasing regularity that may lead to future melt events.

"Melting is thought to be death to ice shelves," said Columbia University's Robin Bell. "This is the first well-documented melt event where we can see how it happened."

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
By Press Trust of India: By K J M Varma

Beijing, Jun 16 (PTI) The China-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has approved the membership of Argentina, Madagascar and Tonga at its second annual meeting of governors.

The AIIBs board of governors adopted resolutions approving the three applicants to join the bank at the second annual meeting, which kicked off earlier in the day in South Koreas southern resort island of Jeju.

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The first meeting was held in Beijing last year.

The approved applicants included one regional prospective member of Tonga and two non-regional members of Argentina and Madagascar.

"Well-integrated infrastructure and enhanced connectivity between Asia and the rest of the world has far-reaching benefits for the global economy," said AIIB President Jin Liqun.

Tonga was well known as the friendly islands in the South Pacific, while Argentina and Madagascar are important economies in South America and Africa each, said Jin.

The three prospective members will officially join the AIIB once they complete the required domestic processes and deposit the first instalment of capital with the bank.

The shares allocated to the new prospective members come from the banks existing pool of unallocated shares.

"Since launching only 18 months ago, the bank has welcomed 23 new members from around the world," said Sir Danny Alexander, vice president and corporate secretary at the AIIB.

The vice chief said interest in the AIIB remained high and that the banks door remained open to new members that will be joining later this year.

Officially launched in January 2016, the Beijing-based AIIB is a multilateral development bank initiated by China and supported by a wide range of countries and regions, which will provide financing for infrastructure improvement in Asia.

The international infrastructure bank owned about USD 100 billion of subscribed capital, including some USD 20 billion dollars in paid-in capital.

India is the second largest shareholder with 7.5 per cent followed by Russia 5.93 per cent and Germany with 4.5 per cent.

This years annual meeting brought together about 2,000 participants, including delegations of both founding members and new members, international organisations and academia as well as businessmen, financiers and journalists.

The attendees included over 20 finance ministers of the approved AIIB members, the South Koreas finance ministry said.

The second annual meeting was held under the theme of "Sustainable Infrastructure," seeking strategic directions of the international infrastructure bank and making major decisions on the banks management. PTI KJV ASK AKJ ASK

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The Court of Appeals of the National Court of Justice announced Thursday the annulment of the eight-year sentence against the former vice-president of Ecuador Jorge Glas and six others... | Read More
In a shocking incident, a jilted lover stabbed a 23-year-old MBA student after she refused his marriage proposal in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh.

By Ashish Pandey: In a shocking incident, a jilted lover stabbed a 23-year-old MBA student after she refused his marriage proposal in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh.

The victim M Nagakethana, who is pursuing MBA from KMM College in Chandragiri mandal of Chittoor district, has been admitted to the Tirupati Government Hospital where her condition is said to be critical.

According to the police, the accused Tanish on Thursday afternoon met Nagakethana outside her college and proposed to her to marry him.

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Embarrassed at the sudden proposal, she asked him to come behind the college building so that the duo could talk in privacy about the issue.

It was here that she refused her proposal and asked him to stop following her.

GIRL STABBED 3-4 TIMES, ACCUSED ABSCONDING

Annoyed at being rejected, Tanish stabbed her with a sharp object 3 to 4 times. After stabbing the girl, Tanish fled from the spot.

The other students present near the scene of the incident rushed to Nagakethana's rescue and took her to the hospital.

Police have registered a case and are searching the accused.

This crime committed in broad daylight has instilled fear among girl students.

Also read | Telangana: Jilted lover stabs girl to death a day before her engagement

Also read | Bihar woman, reportedly killed for dowry, found living with lover; husband in jail

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Baahubali 2 might be looking forward to a release in China, but it is unlikely that the film will be able to dethrone Dangal from its position in the country.

By Ananya Bhattacharya: When was the last time you heard of the president of a foreign country praising a Bollywood film? And when that country happens to be the biggest republic in the world, there's hardly any reason for Bollywood to not rejoice. Aamir Khan's Dangal is not the first film to have hit the screens in China. In fact, Aamir's last film PK was much loved in the neighbouring country but little did anyone know that Bollywood will begin to be known in China - well, almost - by one film.

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On his recent visit to China, Chinese President Xi Jinping went ahead and told our prime minister Narendra Modi that he had watched Dangal. This is not any commonplace incident. Dangal has the rare achievement of being a film that has been openly hailed by Chinese politicians too. Liu Yunshan, the fifth-ranked member of China's Politburo Standing Committee, hailed the film as an Indian 'success story' and a lesson for other developing countries. Dangal has broken record after record ever since its release in China. The film has earned thrice the amount of money in China than it could do in India, despite the film being a Bollywood one, and has been praised to the heavens by common people in China.

Today, Dangal has crossed the 1 billion-yuan mark in China and its dream run isn't over yet. It has become the fifth highest-grossing non-English film in the entire world, courtesy largely the money that Dangal earned in China.

THE HISTORY THAT DANGAL CREATED IN CHINA

Right before the release of Dangal in China, Baahubali 2 dominated box-office collection all around the world. And when the SS Rajamouli film began to be recognised as the highest-ever grossing Indian film in the world, Dangal hit our eastern neighbours. And history was created.

THE ALL-SACRIFICING FATHER IN DANGAL

Dangal had people in China welling up to Aamir Khan's strict-dad act. The struggle of the father against a patriarchal set-up, the journey from a little-known village to the international stage, the effort in making his daughters world-class in wrestling... all of it struck a chord with the audience in China. The values and emotions that Dangal had at its core were welcomed with open arms by Chinese viewers, with people saying how they wanted to call their dads and just 'cry and cry'. No wonder then that Dangal went on to earn the kind of money that it did in China.

WHY DID KATAPPA KILL BAAHUBALI?

Cut to Baahubali 2 now. The film took off from where Baahubali: The Beginning ended, with that most-asked question in the history of Indian cinema: Why did Katappa kill Baahubali? Baahubali is rooted in Indian mythology, most of which might be alien to a foreign audience. Sure Baahubali 2 more than makes up in VFX and special effects what it lacks in the story, but that is hardly reason enough for an entire country of non-Indians to flock to the theatres to watch Baahubali 2.

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BAAHUBALI: THE BEGINNING'S BUSINESS IN CHINA

What is also important here is the kind of business Baahubali 2's predecessor, Baahubali, did in China. The film was released in the country in 2016, after a delay of several months. Baahubali: The Beginning earned a total of about Rs 75 crore in China. In the post-Dangal era in China, that figure looks strangely tiny. Dangal, after all, has gone on to earn Rs 1000 crore in China. And the cash registers haven't yet stopped ringing.

HOLLYWOOD'S MANY VFX-HEAVY FILMS IN CHINA

One of the reasons Baahubali probably couldn't find many takers in China is because Hollywood throws up many such VFX-heavy films every year. Dangal, on the other hand, was deeply rooted in reality and perhaps found more resonance in China than a Baahubali could. Probably more than what a Baahubali 2: The Conclusion can.

(The writer tweets as @ananya116)

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ALSO READ: After Dangal, why Tubelight will be a blockbuster in China

ALSO READ: Chinese president Xi Jinping is all praise for Aamir Khan's Dangal

ALSO READ: Dangal Movie Review

ALSO READ: Baahubali 2 Movie Review

ALSO WATCH: Aamir Khan surpasses all expectations with Dangal

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This week's Bollywood release is Riteish Deshmukh and Vivek Oberoi-starrer Bank Chor. Here is our Bank Chor movie review.

By Samrudhi Ghosh: Think bank heist films in Bollywood, and the uber-stylish Dhoom series comes to mind. Riteish Deshmukh and Vivek Oberoi-starrer Bank Chor is here to change that notion. Is the film worth a watch? Here is our Bank Chor movie review.

Bank Chor Cast: Riteish Deshmukh, Vivek Oberoi, Rhea Chakraborty

Bank Chor Director: Bumpy

Bank Chor Rating: (2/5)

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Picture this: Three amateur bank robbers are looking for the tijori (safe). One of them decides to make the moment lighter by saying, "Bhai, Deepak Tijori ne badi hichkiyaan aa rahi hogi." This is the kind of humour Bank Chor offers.

Bank Chor is the story of three novices who set out to rob a bank - believer-of-vaastu Champak (Riteish Deshmukh) and his two Dilliwale lackeys, Genda (Vikram Thapa) and Gulab (Bhuvan Arora). Even as they're fumbling their way with the robbery, the police reach the scene. Soon, the CBI arrives, too, with criminal-hating, tough-as-nails CBI officer Amjad Khan (Vivek Oberoi) determined to save the day and teach the bank chors a lesson. But who called the CBI for a simple bank robbery? Is there something bigger going on?

When the story becomes as chaotic as the heist on screen, the actors come to the rescue. Riteish Deshmukh is a natural at playing the Marathi manoos so attached to his linguistic identity that he would make the Shiv Sena proud. Take, for instance, his motivational chant - the Himesh Reshammiya-inspired Ganpati Bappa Morya, Let's Rock.

Vikram Thapa is impressive in his Bollywood debut and evokes laughs as the Faridabad guy feeling like a fish out of water in Mumbai. Bhuvan Arora doesn't disappoint either.

Vivek Oberoi is pitifully underused, and does little other than menacingly twirl his moustache and assure people that he has a 'plan.' Baba Sehgal's signature rap is extremely entertaining, but he leaves too soon, taking much of the humour with him. Rhea Chakraborty could have been replaced by any other pretty face, honestly.

The trailer of Bank Chor aka 'gareebon ki Dhoom' had a self-deprecating humour that wasn't half bad. But if you go to watch it thinking Bank Chor will be a perfect comedy for a lazy Sunday, you're mistaken.

The Mumbai-Delhi and intra-NCR jokes are funny and relatable, although somewhat predictable, for they play on stereotypes. For instance, you know that the Delhi boy will ask at some point, "Tu jaanta hai mere papa kaun hai?"

Bank Chor starts as a slapstick comedy with decent laughs, but then goes the thriller way. This is where it falters; neither does the film make you laugh, nor does it deliver thrills. A big twist does come, but by then, it's too little, too late.

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Director Bumpy does not yet have the finesse to make a smooth transition from one genre to another. What you get as a result, is a bumpy ride.

The trailer of Bank Chor spoofed the Dhoom series, but the film has a scene which seems to pay tribute to Dhoom 3, which looks very out of place.

Bank Chor has its share of absurdities. Rhea Chakraborty, a young and pretty TV reporter, gives out her personal mobile number on national television. Vivek Oberoi, introduced as a decorated IPS officer who was formerly a para-commando in the Indian Army, takes advice from an inexperienced reporter.

If you have nothing better to do this weekend, go watch Bank Chor. Or you could just wait another week and watch Salman Khan's Tubelight instead.

ALSO READ: Bank Chor under fire from Pahlaj Nihalani's CBFC for expletive-like name

ALSO SEE: Bank Chor trailer - Riteish Deshmukh is a superstitious robber in this comic caper

ALSO READ: Bank Chor star Vivek Oberoi donates 25 flats to families of CRPF martyrs ALSO WATCH: Exploring Riteish Deshmukh's more serious side

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By Anand Patel: Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC), the apex body which manages Sikh shrines in Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Chandigarh has passed a resolution to install photo of controversial Khalistani leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale in the memorial built in the Golden Temple complex at Amritsar to honour those killed during Operation Bluestar.

The SGPC Executive Committee which met in Chandigarh on Thursday, accepted a proposal from the Damdami Taksal, a radical Sikh educational organisation which Bhindranwale once headed. The Damdami Taksal was instrumental in the construction of the controversial 'martyrs memorial' in the Golden Temple complex in 2013 and had installed its leader's picture in the gallery. But it was later removed by the SGPC following objections from Hindu organisations at the intervention of the then Chief Minister Prakash Singh Badal. The issue had led to tension between the alliance partners power-Shiromani Akali Dal and the Bhartiya Janata Party.

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SGPC executive committee was presided over by Kirpal Singh Badungar, President SGPC. In a press release issued to the media, Badungar said that the committee had decided that about 300 photographs of Jarnail Singh Bhindrawale, Subegh Singh, Thara Singh and others would be placed at the Damdami Taksal Memorial Gallery, Amritsar.

Executive Committee member Bhai Ram Singh told India Today that this was a long pending demand from the Damdami Taksal. "Taksal has been given the responsibility to get the picture prepared and installed at the memorial, this is just like any other museum," he added. Ram Singh denied any politics behind the move and said that it was an emotional issue for the Sikhs. "Each year a function is held on June 6 to honour those killed during Operation Bluestar at the Akal Takht, this is just a step to give them a place in our history," said the member.

The SGPC committee has also supported the walkout by SAD-B in the Punjab Assembly on the issue of paying obituary to KPS Gill, ex-DGP Punjab and said that a murderer like KPS Gill didn't deserve any obituary. Akali Dal had objected obituary reference to late Gill on the opening day of the budget session of the Assembly on Wednesday.

Also read:

'Bhindranwale's rise from a small-time priest was meteoric'

From India Today magazine: Terror in Punjab

31 years after Blue Star, Bhindranwale still hero for Jammu Sikhs The untold story before Operation Bluestar

How Congress invented a 'sant' What kind of man is Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale?

Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale resurrected as cult icon in Punjab

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The former Table Kitchen & Bar space in the Southdown Village Shopping Center is back on the market, after the owners of Phils Oyster Bar have dropped plans to open another restaurant in the space.

In March, Anthony and Jordan Piazza, who co-own Phils, said they were taking over the empty space, which is across a parking lot from their restaurant. The Piazzas said they would bring something different and cool to the market and were going to Austin and Dallas to scout concepts that would work.

Phils Oyster Bar owners to try different restaurant concept in Southdowns space The owners of Phils Oyster Bar are taking over the empty Table Kitchen & Bar space in t

On Thursday, Jordan Piazza said in an email they werent able to make the space work for the restaurant and bar they had planned.

Table closed in February after owner Scott Wilson decided to return to the construction industry. The farm-to-table restaurant had been open since 2015.

For years, the space that Table occupied had been the home of the Southdowns Lounge, a neighborhood bar known for its frozen Purple Haze cocktails and its annual Halloween party that spilled into the parking lot. Since the lounge closed in 2008, four different restaurants have cycled through the building: Table, Portico, Romacelli Bistro and Enoteca Marcello's wine bar.

Alex Knight, a commercial agent with NAI/Latter & Blum - Donnie Jarreau Real Estate, said hes once again marketing the restaurant space for lease. Jarreau owns the shopping center.

Southdowns Village is home to several other popular restaurants besides Phil's, including The Bulldog, the recently opened Southfin Southern Poke and Mary Lee Donuts.
DENHAM SPRINGS  At the first of three open houses to be held over the summer, residents were given the opportunity Thursday to say not only what they need, but also what they want for their city almost a year after the catastrophic flood in August damaged more than 75 percent of its houses and businesses.

Tables were set up around Denham Springs Junior High School's gym that were manned by employees of the city of Denham Springs along with various state and federal agencies. On each table there were large boards posted with questions for residents to answer about the city and its future.

Residents were invited to write their answers on sticky notes and attach them to the boards. They also had the chance to sit down and talk with agency representatives about their own post-flood situations.

+5 'It hit everywhere': Denham Springs devastated by record flooding Deanna Welch, her hair up and shoulders bare, sat out on the steamy sidewalk in a soggy offi

At one table was the question: "Other than the school district, what keeps you in Denham Springs?" someone answered, "Family. History. Roots."

To another question, "What services do you wish were available in Denham Springs?" Several residents answered, "Homeless or 'at-risk' shelter" and "food kitchen."

Denham Springs Mayor Gerard Landy said the community open houses are "a chance to use the disaster to help us move forward."

The city, he said, hopes to get ideas for eight to 10 major projects from the residents' input at the open houses to improve Denham Springs.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency wouldn't fund those projects but would help steer the city to funding sources, Landry said.

Two hours into the four-hour open house on Thursday, more than 200 people had come by to share their ideas for Denham Springs.

Residents impacted by the flooding also used the open house to seek help for themselves as well as information from such organizations as the Restore Louisiana Homeowner Assistance Program, FEMA and the city of Denham Springs.

Some people got the answers they hoped for, others did not.

Denham Springs resident Vickie Miller, who was able to use FEMA money and Shelter-At-Home services to help rebuild her flooded home, learned Thursday that she's far enough along in the process in the Restore Louisiana Homeowner Assistance program to get some reimbursement for the money she has spent out of her own pocket for the work.

"I just have to be patient," she said.

Another resident, Bill Joiner, learned from the same program that his situation doesn't qualify for the assistance.

"I just found out I may as well forget about it," said Joiner, as he headed for the door.

He said he had hoped to demolish his house, which was destroyed by the flood, and replace it with a motor home.

Joiner said he had received some money from FEMA and had hoped for enough additional assistance to help him tear down the house.

Now, he said, "I know it's not going to happen."

A woman who lives just outside the Denham Springs city limits, Santa Maria Patterson, said her house, which got about four feet of water, is about 90 percent rebuilt.

"I'm hopeful," she said.

Patterson said she had seen an outdoor sign about Thursday's open house and decided to come.

"I'm glad they're looking at the big picture and planning for the future," Patterson said. "It means we're thinking beyond the immediate."

Rick Foster, the building official for the city of Denham Springs, said that according to utility accounts, the city is back to 90 percent of its pre-flood population of approximately 10,000.

"So many of the neighborhoods have suffered but have been able to come back," Foster said.

How do some people envision "a healthy, happy Denham Springs?" another of the questions asked Tuesday.

"Back up and running" and "engaged" were some of the answers.

The second Denham Springs community open house will be held, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., on July 13, also at Denham Springs Junior High.

The third and final open house will be held in August, with the date and location to be announced at a later date, the mayor said.
Baton Rouge police officer Yuseff Hamadeh, who has been with the department for a year, has been identified as the officer who fatally shot Jordan Frazier after Frazier pointed a gun at him during a traffic stop earlier this week.

Hamadeh shot Frazier, 35, around 11:30 p.m. Tuesday after Frazier got out of the vehicle holding a handgun and later pointed it at him, according to State Police spokesman Senior Trooper Bryan Lee.

Frazier was a passenger in the vehicle stopped by police. Officers pulled over the vehicle after a "vehicle equipment violation," Lee said.

Officer statements said Frazier "immediately exited the passenger side with the gun, began to flee and turned, pointing the gun towards the officer."

The gun was a Ruger .22 caliber semi-automatic long barrel pistol stolen from Ascension Parish, Lee said Friday afternoon.

East Baton Rouge Parish Coroner Beau Clark told police that two rounds "traversed from rear to front of the suspect's torso and one struck his leg."

Clark told The Advocate the gunshot wounds were "oblique injuries," which happen often in shootings.

"The projectiles were flying at the same time the defendant was moving," Clark said. "(It's) not just two people facing each other."

There is no police video footage on the traffic stop or shooting because the two officers did not have body cameras and their patrol unit was not outfitted with a dash camera, Lee said.

Baton Rouge Police spokesman Sgt. L'Jean McKneely said the police vehicle did not have a camera because it was one of the many older BRPD vehicles that had previously been taken offline and stripped of its equipment in order to put them in new vehicles.

Though the vehicle was previously out of service, it had to be patched up and put back on the road due to a shortage, McKneely said.

"There is a shortage of vehicles so we had to pull it off the line and put it in service," McKneely said.

The department tries to get new vehicles every three years for uniform patrol officers, but now there are vehicles as old as eight years old on the streets due to the shortage, which McKneely said was only made worse by the August floods.

Jordan Frazier's father, Henry Frazier, said he wanted to wait for more information of the incident, especially video footage, before he commented. If he saw video footage to support officer's statements, he said, he would have accepted that and moved on.

After hearing that there were no cameras on the scene, Henry Frazier called the whole situation "an atrocity" and said he thinks the officer's statements are "skewed."

Frazier, a Vietnam war veteran, said he "backs the blue, the red, white and blue," but pointed out that he, as a taxpayer, bought the bullets officers used in the fatal shooting.

"In 2017 and (with) all of this technology, the only thing we had was live rounds flying one way," said Frazier, regarding the lack of video footage.

East Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome issued a statement Friday evening, saying the contract with a bodycam supplier will be finalized by the end of the month in order to equip all officers with the cameras.

"The appropriation has been approved by the Metro Council and no longer will we have to wonder, should such instances occur again  which I hope and pray they do not  what actually happened," the statement said.

Broome added in the statement that she asks all citizens to withhold judgment on the incident until state police finish the investigation.

As Frazier planned his son's funeral Friday, he reflected on the not guilty verdict issued Friday in the case of the Minnesota police officer who fatally shot Philando Castile during a traffic stop last July. A video of the traffic stop and shooting was streamed live online and drew national attention.

"When Philando Castile is being murdered on national TV with a live screen going and the officer is found not guilty, what in the world is going to happen to my son when he is out in the middle of the night being killed?" Frazier asked.

All Frazier says he can do now is bury his son and "put it in the hands of the Lord."

Jordan Frazier had been out on bail at the time of the shooting, awaiting trial after his arrest in March on a count of possession with intent to distribute MDMA, or ecstasy.

Police say Frazier also had "suspected ecstasy" in his possession Tuesday during the shooting. The pills or tablets appear to be contained in a mint container in a photo released by police Friday.

A non-expiring protective order was issued against Frazier in 2014 on behalf of a woman who is the mother of five of his children. Four of the children were included in the order.

He was convicted of possession of drug paraphernalia in 2008, and in 2014, was convicted on charges of simple criminal damage to property, criminal trespass and aggravated assault, according to court records.
In the bitter battle over Louisiana's budget and taxes, Republicans who control the House are led by an Alexandria lawmaker who has emerged as a key player in what passes and what fails in the Legislature.

Rep. Lance Harris, 56, a foe of tax hikes and what he views as out-of-control government spending, is chairman of the House Republican delegation.

He played a huge role in staking out the chamber's controversial positions on the $29 billion operating budget and contributed to the deaths of efforts to revamp the state's tax system and the push to raise the state gas tax by up to $510 million per year.

Harris' clout has led some insiders to argue that he and House Appropriations Committee Chairman Cameron Henry, R-Metairie, wield more influence than low-key House Speaker Taylor Barras, R-New Iberia.

"Together they pretty much control the narrative," said House Democratic Caucus Chairman Gene Reynolds, D-Dubberly.

Harris calls comments like those of Reynolds ridiculous.

He contends controversy over the House's stance on key money issues, usually at odds with Gov. John Bel Edwards and Senate leaders, stems from the fact that House leaders are no longer named and controlled by the governor.

"The difference now is an independent House, which is one thing the delegation has strived for since I have been here," he said.

Critics are less charitable, and they say the lawmaker is part of a dysfunctional House leadership team unable to craft solutions to unrelenting state financial problems.

Harris arrived at the Legislature in 2012, and the fact he even sought the office caught some off guard.

"It was a little bit of a surprise and 'Wow, really?" recalled friend Reldon Owens, director of external relations for Diamond J Construction in Alexandria.

At the time Harris was best known as the owner of a chain of Leebo's convenience stores and food courts, which feature fresh fried chicken "cooked to perfection" using a 40-year-old family recipe. But an open House seat was drawing little attention in 2011, and the deadline for qualifying was just days away.

"I had always been interested," he recalled.

Harris won the race and quickly showed his conservative views when he arrived in Baton Rouge for the first time since a fifth grade school visit to the State Capitol. He jumped into the push by the House's "fiscal hawks" to force then Republican Gov. Bobby Jindal to change what critics called deceptive budgeting practices.

"He was very interested in budget reform," said former state Rep. Brett Geymann, a Lake Charles Republican who led the effort.

On another hot-button topic, Harris traveled to Oklahoma City with colleagues to visit lawmakers there to learn more about the fight against Common Core, the long-debated overhaul of math and English standards in public schools.

And when the job of caucus chairman became vacant less than a year into his term Harris ran and won, unusual for a new member. "He came out of the gate pretty fast as a freshman," Geymann said.

Since then Harris has staked out a series of conservative positions that lawmakers of both parties say reflect his central Louisiana House district.

'Blue Lives Matter': Louisiana Legislature considers hate crime protections for police, firefighters Louisiana would be among the first states to make it a hate crime to target police officers 

He opposed Medicaid expansion, backed a bill to ban payroll deduction for teacher unions and helped write the first law in the nation to make it a hate crime to attack a police officer. This year he won approval for legislation aimed at punishing those who shout down controversial speakers on college campuses.

Last year Harris won a full term as leader of the 61-member GOP caucus, and the House has been at war with Edwards and Senate leaders since then on how to solve Louisiana's recurring budget problems.

Bill to penalize campus speech disruptions clears Senate panel A bill touted as a way to prevent and penalize disruptions of controversial campus speakers 

That relationship hit bottom on June 8, when the more than $28 billion operating budget bill died on the House floor over the House leadership's differences with the governor and Senate on how and how much to set aside in state spending for future shortfalls.

The failed budget strategy  force the state to set aside money for future shortfalls  had the names of Harris and others written all over it.

"Every negotiation I have ever been in he has been in," Reynolds said. "He is a major player on the budget."

Senate Finance Committee Chairman Eric LaFleur, D-Ville Platte, said Harris is a regular presence in leadership money talks and "speaks with some sense of authority that he has votes behind him. Obviously that is correct."

Edwards called the budget collapse in the final moments of the regular session an epic failure and, without naming names, clearly blamed House leaders.

Harris and Barras  Henry was out of town  suffered a stinging defeat Wednesday, when first 10 and then 14 Republicans defected and sided with the governor and the Senate's position in key votes on the final version of the operating budget.

That vote could pave the way for the special session to end on Friday.

Harrris was born and grew up in Pineville, which is near Alexandria.

His parents had been Southern Baptist medical missionaries in China.

The lawmaker studied piano at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, a sharp contrast to a good ole' boy persona that makes him popular with House Republicans and Democrats alike, despite sharp policy differences.

"We fight an awful lot on the floor, but we can walk off the floor and leave it on the floor," said Rep. Katrina Jackson of Monroe, one of the most outspoken Democrats in the chamber.

Rep. Sam Jones, D-Franklin, who also differs with Harris on key budget issues, said he considers the Republican a friend and disagrees with colleagues who view Harris as sort of a bully. "As a leader you can't be a mushroom," Jones said.

Harris owns nine convenience stores in the Alexandria area, Lance Harris Properties, which includes commercial real estate and Woodside Pecan Farm, which includes a "few hundred" cattle and 5,700 trees.

What he does next politically is unclear.

If he leaves the House, he could run for the seat that will be vacated by Sen. Gerald Long, R-Winnfield, in 2020.

Statewide offices are also a possibility.

In the Legislature, Harris is credited with playing a key role in killing long-shot efforts by Edwards and others to increase the state gas tax for the first time in 28 years.

Rep. Jim Morris, R-Oil City, was expected to sponsor a $510 million hike, and the governor's allies were all but sure it was coming. But Morris dropped those plans after a GOP caucus in Alexandria before the session, and lawmakers at the event said Harris and Henry urged Morris not to bring the bill.

Harris said that, while the Republican delegation did not have an official stance, he opposed any increase in the gas tax. "My district wasn't for it," he said.
By Press Trust of India: (Eds: With additional information)

New Delhi, Jun 16 (PTI) A BJP panel today met top leaders of the Congress and the Left and consulted party veteran L K Advani on the upcoming presidential election, but its reluctance to name candidates prompted the opposition to question the exercise aimed at evolving a broad consensus on the issue.

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Union ministers Rajnath Singh and M Venkaiah Naidu, two members of the panel formed by BJP chief Amit Shah, met Congress chief Sonia Gandhi, CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury and BJP veterans Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi.

A source said the two ministers informed Advani the panel had started talks with other leaders as directed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Shah, but did not refer to any likely candidates.

Criticising the BJP for not naming possible candidates, Yechury called the talks "more of a PR exercise" and reiterated the person occupying the presidents post had to be an individual with "impeccable" secular credentials.

The BJP leaders did not propose a name but instead asked Congress leaders about their choices, party leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said after the ministers met Gandhi and other party leaders.

"We expected the BJP leaders to come up with some name, one or more, for the post of the president of India, so that the Congress could take a call on that. But nothing of that kind happened," he said.

Sources said Singh and Naidu -- the panels third member, Arun Jaitley, is abroad -- told the opposition leaders that the party would like to finalise the name of the candidate for the post before Modi left on a foreign tour on June 24.

The BJP may finalise its nominee two or three days before the PMs departure.

A BJP leader played down the opposition criticism, saying the idea behind the consultation was to seek the views of leaders from different political parties. It also aimed at garnering support for a common candidate, he said.

The ministers also asked Yechury and other Left leaders at the meeting if they needed to put up an opposition candidate "just for the sake of it", the sources said.

The BJP ministers first met Gandhi at her 10 Janpath residence in the morning. Azad and Mallikarjun Kharge were also present during the 30-minute meeting.

This was the first meeting between the government and the opposition under the BJPs outreach to stitch a consensus on the official nominee for the post.

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The ministers also declined to name possible candidate at their meeting with Yechury and other Left leaders.

"They told us they want our support. We said fine, tell us the basis for the support, who is the candidate. But that they did not convey; they will take some time to do that," Yechury said after their 30-minute meeting.

He said the opposition parties would wait till the BJP completed its discussions with them before they took a call on their candidate for the July 17 election.

Naidu explained the objectives of the consultation process to the opposition leaders, saying that the prime minister and the BJP chief wished for such discussions before the candidate was finalised and were keen to seek the views of the parties and their support.

Naidu also had a conversation on this with NCP Chief Sharad Pawar over the phone and met AIADMK leader Thambidurai.

The minister met SP veteran Mulayam Singh Yadav and the BSPs Satish Misra, who put him through to his leader, Mayawati, on the phone.

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A top BJP leader said the party was ready with the formalities of filing nomination papers. It had identified the names of proposers and seconders in different sets of nominations to be filed in favour of their candidate.

The BJP has also called a meeting of those MPs and MLAs who would propose and second the official candidate in Delhi on June 20.

Asked if it meant the party would decide on its nominee by then, a senior leader said the two issues were not linked.

BJP allies -- Ramvilas Paswans LJP, Upendra Kushwahas RLSP and Chandrababu Naidus TDP -- have already authorised Modi to take a decision on the presidential candidate, saying they would support it.

Opposition leaders have said they will put up their own candidate if the BJP opted for a person with "strong Hindutva leanings".

Congress senior spokesperson Ajay Maken told reporters that it would be "good" if there was a consensus on the issue.

He, however, said the ruling party should first come out with its candidate to help bring about a consensus.

Speaking to reporters after his meeting with Singh and Naidu, CPI general secretary S Sudhakar Reddy said he appreciated the governments initiative to reach out to the opposition parties, but insisted that contenders for the post have "secular and democratic" credentials.

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"We said if they can think of a democratic, secular candidate, we can consider it (the candidature)," Reddy said after the meeting that last almost 30 minutes.

CPI national secretary D Raja, who was with Reddy at the meet, said the Left party too did not propose any names during the talks.

"They (the government) wanted our suggestion. We said, please tell us your suggestions as the ruling party. Then we will see," Raja said. SKC ENM KR BDS

--- ENDS ---
In approving the Senates version of the budget last week, a coalition of moderate Republicans and Democrats in the Louisiana House dealt the chambers conservative leadership its first major defeat since it took power 18 months ago.

A crucial vote Wednesday broke the budget impasse, but that doesnt mean the conservatives have lost control of the House, Speaker Taylor Barras and the Republican moderates who forged the coalition to defeat him agree.

Still, the vote did send a warning shot to Barras, R-New Iberia, and his conservative lieutenants that they likely face more setbacks if they dont address the concerns of moderates who believe state government has to stop cutting spending for public colleges and universities and who are more open to raising revenue to solve the states ongoing budget problems.

Wednesdays events played out after Barras endured sharp criticism for not allowing the House to vote on the Senates version of the budget June 8, the final day of the regular session. Failure to reach agreement triggered the special session and prompted speculation that House members might try to unseat Barras. That didn't happen, but the frustration was palpable.

Many of us are getting tired of just a particular segment of the Republican Party running this chamber, state Rep. Rob Shadoin, R-Ruston, said in an interview on the last day of the regular session.

Shadoin was one of 10 Republicans who on Wednesday of the special session broke ranks with the Republican leadership on the initial vote for the Senates version of the budget, which would appropriate 100 percent of the available anticipated money for the fiscal year that begins on July 1. That vote, on an amendment offered by state Rep. Walt Leger III, D-New Orleans, passed with the bare minimum required  53 to 50  as the 10 Republicans joined with all 41 Democrats and two of the three political independents. Conservatives wanted to spend $100 million less.

An hour or so later, the coalition produced a slightly bigger majority  56-46  to approve the final version of the budget, which authorized spending all of the anticipated available money but also directed state agencies to withhold $60 million in spending to create a reserve fund in case the state collects less revenue than expected. This has happened repeatedly in recent years and forced cuts in the middle of the fiscal year.

On that vote, 14 Republicans joined with 40 Democrats and two independents to approve the budget, House Bill 1.

Gov. John Bel Edwards endorsed the bill while conservatives vented their anger on social media, hurling a favorite insult at moderates, calling them RINOs  Republicans In Name Only.

Republicans hold a majority in both the House and the Senate, but Edwards has a working partnership with Senate President John Alario, R-Westwego, and his team.

The Senate gave its final approval for the budget Friday.

Inside the State Capitol after that initial vote to accept the Senate version, the decision by two lawmakers to break ranks with the House leadership caught the attention of insiders.

One of them was state Rep. Franklin Foil, R-Baton Rouge, who handled HB1 on the House floor in the absence of state Rep. Cameron Henry, R-Metairie. Henry, who chairs the Appropriations Committee, had flown to Washington after the shooting of his close friend, U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise.

In an interview, Foil said he favored spending less money.

But I felt like $60 million hold-back was close enough to the goal of protecting ourselves from midyear budget cuts, Foil said. It also fully funds TOPS and other good things.

And state Rep. Neil Abramson, of New Orleans, is often the lone Democrat who votes with the Republican leadership but not on Wednesday. In an email, Abramson said he, too, hopes the $60 million will provide a cushion, if needed, while at the same time the extra spending is needed for critical services.

Barras voted with 39 Republican colleagues Wednesday against the Senates version of HB1. Its highly unusual for the speaker to lose such a high-profile vote. In fact, some longtime observers of the Legislature said they thought Barras should have voted for the bill once he knew that a majority favored it, to be on the winning side.

In an interview the next day, Barras said he could not accept spending all of the available funds.

He added that he doesnt think he has lost a governing majority in the 105-member House, which includes 61 Republicans.

The majority of the caucus is still quite conservative, Barras said. Youll see that as we go through the tough votes ahead.

State Rep. Chris Broadwater, R-Hammond, an influential moderate, said he thought Wednesdays vote reflected a desire by House members to approve a bill that would pass muster with the Senate and Edwards.

I do not believe in any way that the majority leadership has lost control of the House, Broadwater said. It means we had a difference of opinion on that specific issue. We will come back for a new special session. It will be a new day. It will be a new debate. On the next issue that pops up, I may very well be in lock step with the majority leadership.

State Rep. Kenny Havard, R-St. Francisville, another influential moderate, agreed with Broadwater that Barras retains his control.

But, he said, Wednesdays votes showed you dont have to follow some blind ideology. I think youll see more and more people come to the middle and try to solve real issues.

As legislators and Edwards began their four-year terms in January 2016, Barras was elected speaker on a 56-49 vote over Leger, a surprise outcome because the House in recent memory had not elected a speaker not favored by the governor. House Republicans said the vote showed them asserting their independence from the governor.

The Wednesday vote, Shadoin said, showed the House is capable of being independent of the speaker, too.
Canberra entrepreneur and mum-of-four Angela Fiori has been lurking suspiciously at gyms all week - all in the name of business, of course.

"How else am I meant to find Canberra's answer to Hulk?," she laughed.

Kids party business Enchanted Canberra is looking for superheroes for weekend work.

Angela, the founder and director of hugely successful kids party business Enchanted Canberra, is on a serious recruitment drive to find young men to round out her lineup of characters for children's events.

She already has a huge cast of Disney princesses and is now looking for Canberrans to play Avengers and "old school" superheroes.
Fundraising in Canberra is a crowded scene but the annual trivia night hosted by Liberal MLA Steve Doszpot has always proved to be popular.

Not least because it has supported a range of causes over the years including Alzheimer's Australia ACT, a local family dealing with the cruelty of muscular dystrophy, the Cerebral Palsy Alliance, and Bosom Bodies for breast cancer awareness.

Liberal MA Steve Doszpot is winding up his popular trivia nights but is not stopping his commitment to helping local causes. Credit:Jamila Toderas

Steve Doszpot's 10th Annual Charity Trivia Night will be held at the end of the month. And it will also be his final.

But fear not. It has nothing to do with his health (Mr Doszpot was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year. Happily, he told us on Friday, he is "travelling quite well. Thank God".)
ANU scientist Dr Graham Farquhar has become the first Australian to win a Kyoto Prize - the most prestigious international award for fields not traditionally honoured with a Nobel Prize.

The award, in the Basic Sciences category, recognises his life's work in plant biophysics and photosynthesis - particularly his research on water efficient crops protecting food security in a changing climate.

Australian National University scientist Graham Farquhar is the first Australian to win a Kyoto Prize. Credit:Stuart Hay

"It's wonderful to get this kind of international recognition, but it also brings on a case of imposter syndrome," Dr Farquhar said.

"I'm nearly 70 so I sort of feel as though I've had my share by now, and it is such a big prize. It's marvellous."
Adopting the dispatch on introduction of the AEOI, a global convention for automatic information exchange on tax matters, the Swiss Federal Council said the implementation is planned for 2018 and the first set of data should be exchanged in 2019.

By Press Trust of India: Switzerland on Friday ratified automatic exchange of financial account information with India and 40 other jurisdictions to facilitate immediate sharing of details about suspected black money, even as it sought strict adherence to confidentiality and data security.

Adopting the dispatch on introduction of the AEOI, a global convention for automatic information exchange on tax matters, the Swiss Federal Council said the implementation is planned for 2018 and the first set of data should be exchanged in 2019.

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The council, which is the top governing body of the European nation, will soon notify the Indian government about the exact date from which the automatic exchange would begin.

NO FURTHER PROCEDURAL DELAY

As per the draft notification approved by the council in its meeting on Friday, the decision is not subject to any referendum -- which means there should be no further procedural delay in its implementation.

The issue of black money has been a matter of great debate in India and Switzerland has been long perceived as one of the safest havens for the illicit wealth allegedly stashed abroad by Indians.

Friday's decision follows hectic parleys between India and Switzerland for introduction of the AEOI (Automatic Exchange of Information) on tax matters under the guidance of G20, OECD and other global organisations.

HUGE APPROVAL FOR PROPOSAL TO INTRODUCE AEOI WITH INDIA

The council said the proposal to introduce AEOI with India and others "met with widespread approval from the interested parties who voiced their opinions in the consultations".

"In concrete terms, the AEOI will be activated with each individual state or territory by means of a specific federal decree within the framework of this dispatch," it added.

The exchange of information itself will be carried out based on the Multilateral Competent Authority Agreement (MCAA) on the Automatic Exchange of Financial Account Information, which is in turn based on the international standard for the exchange of information developed by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

The council said it will prepare a situation report before the first exchange of data, which is planned for autumn 2019.

"In the process, it will be checked whether the states and territories concerned effectively meet the requirements under the standard, especially those concerning confidentiality and data security.

"It is important for the Federal Council that a level playing field be created among states and that all major financial centres, in particular, be included. This year, Switzerland has introduced the AEOI with 38 states and territories, including all EU member states, and data will start to be exchanged with them in 2018," it added.

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ALSO READ:

Aadhaar one of measures to tackle corruption, black money: SC

People with black money fear Modi govt: Amit Shah

--- ENDS ---
Proudly hoisting the silver coffee pot, Canberra's Sam Corra celebrated in Budapest, Hungary this week when he finished second in the World Brewers Cup.

The competition focuses on skill in manual filter coffee brewing, with competitors preparing chosen coffees and a 'standardised' coffee.

ONA Coffee's head roaster, Sam Corra, (centre) at World Brewers Cup in Budapest representing Australia this week.

It was won by Chad Wang from Taiwan.

Corra, the head roaster at ONA Coffee did Canberra and Australia proud by coming in second.
The last of the three energy retail giants has revealed its new prices, with Origin announcing it will increase electricity prices by 16.1 per cent  or $310 a year for the average household  from July 1.

This means residential customers in NSW with either AGL, EnergyAustralia or Origin  which control more than 90 per cent of the state's retail market  will pay 17 per cent more on average for electricity next financial year. Last year, the jump was 8 per cent.

However, an EnergyAustralia notice sent to a Randwick family on a basic plan shows that all electricity charges, whether for the first 11kWh of peak usage per day, the next 11kWh, or the balance, have been standardised to 32 cents per kWh, meaning the family is facing a shocking 29.2 per cent increase.

The announcements come as a new report by NSW Council of Social Service asserts that skyrocketing costs for the essential service will push "many more households [to a] crisis point".
Not long after I turned 17, I entered the family business. My old man, Harry, was the editor of The Sun (now the Herald Sun), so I applied for a cadetship at Melbourne's other morning newspaper, The Age.

As it happened, the editor of The Age, Graham Perkin, had a son, too. His name was Steve and he was drawn by the same pull, applying for a cadetship at The Herald, The Sun's stablemate and then this town's afternoon newspaper.

Illustration: Jim Pavlidis Credit:Jim Pavlidis

Not surprisingly, the coincidence prompted suspicion in the newsrooms that Steve and I were the recipients of a kind of quid pro quo nepotism when we were hired, though I was totally oblivious to this.

Years later a senior editor confided that if my surname had helped get me in the front door, he and others had resolved that being Harry's son would be a minus, not a plus, once I was inside.
It says that we have produced a political class that prefers to play petty games of tribalism and indulge the fantasy constructs of ideology ahead of making the electricity work. And, unless something profound changes in the weeks ahead, that's exactly where the Coalition government and the Labor opposition are taking us. The good news first. Australia has finally realised that its political system was gradually becoming a plaything of the Chinese one-party state. Remember the quote attributed to the founder of the Soviet Union, Vladimir Ilyich Lenin: "When the time comes to hang the capitalists, they will rush to sell us the rope." It turns out that he didn't use exactly this phrase, but he did write that "they will work on the preparation of their own suicide" by selling to the Communist Party.

So Lenin would have been entirely unsurprised to hear the news from the joint Fairfax-Four Corners investigation last week. To naive Australia, however, it was startling to learn that ASIO had warned the directors of the major political parties that the Chinese Communist Party was seeking to subvert the political system through donations from two billionaires, yet they kept taking the money. The property developers Huang Xiangmo and Chau Chak Wing, together with their associates, have made about $6.7 million in political donations in Australia over recent years. But what the parties were happy to do in secret they are now denouncing in public. China's ambassador to Australia, Chen Jingye, calls it "China panic". And there is an element of this  the panic among the parties who've been tainted are now desperate to distance themselves. But the bigger story is that we see the dawning of "China prudence". Australia was, and remains, largely uncomprehending of the scale and purpose of China's enfolding embrace.

Beijing's ultimate aim is to incorporate Australia into its sphere of influence, or, as President Xi Jinping prefers to call it, China's "Community of Common Destiny". Gough Whitlam appointed Stephen Fitzgerald Australia's first ambassador to the People's Republic of China in 1973: "I've spent a considerable part of my life urging Australia to be open to Chinese and other Asian immigration and ideas and influences," Fitzgerald said three months ago, "and I don't want to see this derailed or despoiled by Sinophobia. But discuss it we must." Professor Fitzgerald warned in his Whitlam Oration that the Chinese Commmunist Party had effective control of most of the Chinese-language media in Australia, widespread influence through three dozen campus associations over the huge mass of Chinese university students studying in Australia, and a powerful appeal to the loyalty of many ethnic Chinese living in Australia. Fitzgerald pointed out that Chinese Communist Party-connected money on a massive scale was "amplifying this influence". He described the orchestrated flows of money an "offensive".

Fitzgerald said: "This offensive, on behalf of a non-democratic party state, is a challenge to the Australian government. It brings Australian and Chinese national interests, and values, into direct contention, challenging fundamentals of our society including freedom of speech and the media and inquiry, and even our political system itself." A simple ban on foreign donations sounds like the start of a solution, right? But one of the two billionaires whom ASIO warned about, Xiangmo Huang and his Yuhu Group, is an Australian citizen who earns a good deal of money in Australia. So a simple ban on foreign donations would not affect him. The solution must be a comprehensive reform of the political donations system, and not before time. The government has set itself a deadline to produce legislation by the end of the year. The portents on the electricity crisis, unfortunately, are not at all good. They are, in fact, dire. The fundamental source of the electricity shortfall is that big investors are on a capital strike. Thanks to a decade of political games, there is no regulatory clarity to guide investment decisions, other than for solar and wind investors. And, once the policy on renewables expires in 2020, there will be no clarity for them either.

Finkel seeks to fix the problem by introducing a low emissions target, one that still allows Australia to meet its Paris carbon emissions commitments. And it's the definition of a "low emissions" power source that immediately brings us to the theological standoff that already is bedevilling a solution to the problem. Finkel's report says that all the existing power sources  including coal-fired plants  be allowed to continue as they are. But for new investment after 2020, his panel suggests that "low emissions" power plant should be classed as those that produce a maximum of 600kg of carbon emissions for every megawatt hour of electricity they produce. If a power plant pumps out lower levels of emission, it would receive a share in a tradeable certificate  a financial instrument with a dollar value. The lower the emissions, the bigger the share of the certificate. In other words, the bigger the implied subsidy. A plant with zero emissions would be given a full certificate. But here's the rub. At that level, new coal plants would miss out. Even cutting-edge, new, ultra-supercritical coal-fired plants put out 700-750kg of carbon per megawatt hour.

So a critical mass of Coalition MPs want the definition of low emissions to be around this level, say 700-800kg of carbon, not the 600kg as Finkel suggested. This would allow any new coal-fired plant to enjoy at least a partial implicit subsidy. It would only be a tiny fraction of a certificate  one-fifteenth of a certificate if the level is set at 750kg, according to Bloomberg New Energy Finance  but it would still represent an implicit subsidy, no matter how small. Such new ultra-supercritical coal plants are being built in Germany and Japan, for instance, but building one is slow and expensive compared to solar and wind. It's unlikely any will ever be built in Australia as the cost of renewables continues to fall. Finkel proposes that renewables be made more reliable, incidentally, by requiring solar and wind plants to provide substantial battery storage to protect against the vagaries of sun and wind. So you'd think there's room for a sensible compromise here. Set the level around 700 or 750, knowing that it's a partial concession to future coal-fired power, yet understanding that there's unlikely to ever be any new coal-fired plants built in Australia.

But no. Labor says that it's already made a tremendous concession to the government by abandoning its previous commitments to even consider a low emissions target. The Labor position is that it could perhaps agree to a target of 600kg as Finkel suggests, but absolutely nothing above this level. In other words, Labor insists that there must be no concession to coal, even if it's purely token. Whereas the firming Coalition position is that, unless there is at least some token subsidy to coal, there's no deal. Coal in, coal out, in other words. No room for compromise. And, on this trajectory, no electricity in the summer peak season, either this summer coming or the one after. There will be plenty of blame, exactly what the parties love to hand around to each other, but not enough electricity for the Australian people. The only real hope would seem to be overwhelming public pressure on the parties over the weeks ahead to force them to a compromise. On the positions as they are hardening, both sides will be squarely to blame when the lights go out.
Ian Macdonald took every opportunity to challenge Gillian Triggs when she appeared at Senate estimates hearings. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen Many in the latter camp have argued that Triggs' departure is an opportunity to abolish the commission altogether. Chris Kenny, for instance, says Triggs' tenure has exposed the commission as "a self-indulgent joke" that has had more success infringing upon human rights that defending them. Triggs is unbowed. Of Kenny, perhaps the most vociferous of her many critics at The Australian, she says: "He keeps swirling the same facts over and over again and they are not true for a start  and that's all he's got. I've never met him. He's never phoned me or made any attempt to understand anything. It's just been a full-on attack." Senator George Brandis and Gillian Triggs during budget estimates at Parliament House, May 2017. Credit:Andrew Meares Many in the former camp see her as a national hero who refused to yield in the face of extraordinary pressure. "I don't think there has been anyone in such a high position of public office who has been treated so terribly," says Labor senator Lisa Singh.

This wasn't what Triggs expected when she retired as the Dean of the Sydney Law School after a four-decade career as an international lawyer when Nicola Roxon, the country's first female Attorney-General, appointed her president of the commission in July 2012 with a five-year term. President of the Australian Human Rights Commission Gillian Triggs appears before a Senate committee at Parliament House in December 2016. Credit:Andrew Meares It was a disgrace that he (Brandis) sends a public servant along to do it. He didn't even have the personal courage to ring me. "My predecessor had been a former judge, very well regarded, done a great job, hadn't been in the media much at all," Triggs tells Fairfax Media. "She'd had her battles of principle, but been very effective in achieving change, and I thought I'd do exactly the same thing." What put Triggs offside with the newly-elected Coalition government was her decision in March 2012 to conduct a major inquiry into children in immigration detention. "Within a few months of that it was full on and it's been full on, pretty much ever since," she says in an interview ahead of her departure from the role next month.

What rankled the government most was that the inquiry had not been called when Labor was still in power, given that the problem of unauthorised boat arrivals had been solved before John Howard left office and returned under Labor, with the number of children in detention peaking around two months before Labor was defeated. Triggs' response was that the inquiry had been intended to proceed in 2014, 10 years after the commission's first inquiry into children in detention, but it was delayed to ensure that it was not politicised by the 2013 election campaign. "It was very hard to make the point that I, as president, had called the inquiry because of the period the children had been detained, rather than the fact of their detention. When you are doing an inquiry, you're inquiring into the past and that past was predominantly Labor, but that point just got lost," she says. Certainly, it got lost on Coalition senators Ian Macdonald and Barry O'Sullivan, who never accepted this argument and took every opportunity when she appeared at Senate estimates hearings to challenge her. While it was often unpleasant, Triggs is satisfied that she worked out ways to get her message across, no matter how hard the senators went for her. "Whether it was the right strategy or not, I don't know, but it did mean the public would see someone standing up to people I think were bullies."

When the inquiry handed down its report in February 2015, then immigration minister Scott Morrison dismissed the evidence gathered over eight months as "out of date" and meaningless because "the children are pretty much out". Tony Abbott went further, accusing the commission of being blatantly partisan and saying it should be ashamed of itself. The Forgotten Children report spanned 315 pages and devoted a chapter to the plight of 116 children who were still on Nauru, concluding they were suffering from "extreme levels of physical, emotional, psychological and developmental distress" and identifying multiple breaches of the Convention of the Rights of the Child. Many of the conclusions were vindicated when the government was forced to commission its own inquiry, the Moss Review. In the weeks before the release of the report, Triggs came under sustained attack after The Australian revealed that she called for the release of John Basikbasik, an Indonesian refugee who spent seven years in detention after serving a seven-year prison term for the violent manslaughter of his wife. After receiving a complaint lodged by Basikbasik, Triggs not only concluded his detention was "arbitrary" and contrary to international law, she proposed he receive $350,000 in compensation. Abbott responded by accusing Triggs of making a "bizarre" decision that was likely to "shake people's confidence in institutions such as the Human Rights Commission".

Other government figures were even less constrained, with Morrison accusing her of having a "no consequences" view of the world that threatened public safety. At the time, a defiant Triggs replied that it was her job to assess complaints according to international law and that Basikbasik's continued detention after serving his sentence was a clear breach of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, especially given the absence of any plan to rehabilitate him or consider conditions to minimise the risk of him re-offending if released. Asked if this was the first low of his wife's tenure, Brown tells Fairfax Media: "I don't think she's the sort of person who has lows. "She would wish it had not happened, and I think she was expecting a bit more support from government for the commission. But when it didn't come, she had to stand on her own, except that she wasn't on her own. She was getting a lot of support from other people, myself included." What was not revealed until after the government launched its attack on the Forgotten Children report was that Attorney-General George Brandis had sought Triggs' resignation two weeks before the report was tabled and indicated to Triggs that another job offer would be forthcoming if she went.

The message was conveyed to Triggs by a senior official in the Attorney-General's Department, Chris Moraitis, a respected public servant who had studied international law under Triggs at the University of Melbourne and been legal counsellor at the Australian embassy in Paris when Alan Brown was ambassador. Looking back on the approach, Triggs said it was all rather absurd because Brandis should have understood that hers was a statutory five-year appointment and she was never going to resign as a result of pressure from the government she was statute-bound to hold to account. When Labor called in the Australian Federal Police to investigate whether any laws had been broken, Triggs made it plain she saw it as a political matter and did not want the matter to be pursued. "I really saw the thing as farcical, more than anything else, and very quickly overcame it," she says. "It was a disgrace that he [Brandis] sends a public servant along to do it. He didn't even have the personal courage to ring me. He never once in any discussion with me ever challenged my ability and yet would choose to do it publicly."

While Triggs says she now has no personal relationship with the Attorney-General, she insists the pair have worked well together on issues that have required collaboration, including reforming her Act. "But it's nothing like what you'd want in a relationship with an Attorney because you really want to be able to talk to the Attorney about matters which are of great concern, like rising numbers of children in out of home care, or seeing if there is anything we can do in promoting proper constitutional recognition of Indigenous Australians." And what about Malcolm Turnbull, the prime minister who succeeded Abbott, who announced in November that Triggs' appointment would not be renewed when her term expired? "Well, he's always courteous and pleasant, but he was singularly unpleasant when it came to an extraordinary announcement that I would not be reappointed, when I had made it very clear to the Attorney two years earlier that I was not seeking re-appointment. So that was a pure political act that was completely unnecessary and factually misleading." As with Brandis, Triggs rues the opportunity lost to work more closely with the Prime Minister on strategies to strengthen community organisations and civil society and minimise the risk of alienation and radicalisation, strategies she says are in urgent need of attention.

What she says caused her more concern was The Australian's pursuit over the commission's handling of two highly contentious complaints under section 18c of the Racial Discrimination Act, one involving students from the Queensland University of Technology, the other a cartoon by the late Bill Leak. According to News Ltd columnist Andrew Bolt, who was found to have breached 18c in 2011, the commission "touted for complaints about a cartoon by Bill Leak, who was brought in for questioning and put under so much pressure that his children believe that's what led to his fatal heart attack". Triggs has none of it. She insists the cartoon, depicting an Indigenous man with a beer can who could not remember his son's name, did raise an 18c issue and that the commission was advised by Leak's lawyers that they were not going to rely on the defence under 18d of the Act that the cartoon was commentary made in good faith on an issue of national importance. News vigorously disputes this. The controversy prompted a push to change the section to make it lawful to offend, insult and intimidate on the basis of race. When the push was defeated in the Senate, sweeping procedural reforms that were supported by the commission were introduced, including greater powers for the president of the commission to terminate unwarranted complaints. Had she had the enhanced power in the Leak case, Triggs says she would have used it to terminate the Leak complaint on the basis of the 18d defence. Of the decorated cartoonist's death, she says: "It was a horrible tragedy for him and his family, but nothing whatsoever to do with the commission."

Triggs says the antidote for the relentless criticism has always been an engagement with Australians across the country that has left her convinced that there is huge support for more humane treatment of those who came to this country seeking protection, but without an invitation. "The eye opener as an international lawyer has been realising how isolated and exceptionalist Australia is in relation to human rights issues  that we do not see things through the prism of rights and freedoms," she says. "We have a very different approach which we like to sum up as a fair go, and up to a point it works because Australians do have a sense of what is fair and what is not fair, but it doesn't get the depth of the problems facing particular groups in Australia." All of which suggests that, while Triggs plans to write a book about her five years as president (but not a "nasty kind of kiss and tell kind of thing") she will not be walking away from advocacy, or incurring the wrath of the critics, when she steps aside. In brief: Gillian Triggs

Born: October 30, 1945 London Settled in Australia in 1958 Education: LLB (Melb), LLM (SMU), PhD (Melb.) Career: 1988 Joins Mallesons Stephen Jaques as an international law consultant
A security guard who broke a man's jaw with a punch outside a Gold Coast hotel in 2014 will spend the next year behind bars.

Dennis Hecta Tipene Faulkner, 42, was sentenced in the Beenleigh District Court on Friday to 2 years' imprisonment for causing grievous bodily harm to Dominic Beinke outside the Grand Chancellor Hotel in Surfers Paradise in the early hours of February 9, 2014.

Security guard Dennis Hecta Tipene Faulkner has been jailed for 2 years,

Faulkner will serve 12 months of the sentence before the remainder is suspended for a period of three years.

The former Australian Army soldier was found guilty of punching Mr Beinke while the Sydney man was on the Gold Coast to celebrate a friend's engagement.
Not at all because the problem is anywhere near as bad here. We rarely have employees, like in those territories, who fatally collapse at their desks from physical and emotional exhaustion. But an American study has been published in the esteemed Personnel Psychology journal which provides evidence that the type of work we do could be wiping years off our life in a more gradual, more insidious manner.

The Japanese have a word, karoshi, to describe people who work themselves to death. There was a case recently of a 37-year-old doctor who, due to her excessive overtime (251 hours in the space of a month), developed depression and later suicided. In China the word used is guolaosi. Various reports over the past few years put the annual casualty figure at more than 600,000. South Korea, too, has a term for this pervasive condition: gwarosa.

The study involved two surveys of almost 2400 people conducted seven years apart. By the time of the second survey, 8 per cent of the participants had died. When the researchers compared the deceased's responses to the others who had outlived them, the findings were quite revealing. They found there's a 15 per cent greater likelihood of death when two specific job-related factors were present: high job demands and low job control.

Here's what those terms mean.

Job demands are reflected in the pressure many of us face at work. This could include the stress of having to meet tight deadlines, tasks that require intense concentration, and a hectic workload.

Job control reflects the influence you have over your work. If your employer gives you enough autonomy, involves you in decision-making, and provides you with discretion to determine how to do your job, you're said to have control. If you don't, as per many of the participants in the study, and that lack of control is compounded by demanding work, you're 15 per cent more likely to die.



The most common causes of death were cancer and diseases associated with the circulatory system, such as heart failure and strokes, which together accounted for three quarters of the deceased. Those afflictions are perhaps not that surprising when you consider prior studies that found a demanding job with low control leads to higher rates of blood pressure and cortisol.

Especially at risk are those who work in frontline service positions and manufacturing, who in the study accounted for 26 per cent and 32 per cent of the reported deaths, respectively. Those professions are notorious for placing huge demands on their workers while depriving them of the control they need.
On March 12, 1993, the blasts occurred at only 12 places in Mumbai. But, then Maharastra Chief Minister Sharad Pawar lied to the nation about a 13th blast. Here's why he had to do it.

By India Today Web Desk: On March 12, 1993, Mumbai was rocked by 12 explosions in different parts of the city. These series of blasts left 250 dead and nearly 700 injured. According to some news reports, the death toll was over 300, and the number of injured stood at 1,400.

A day before the blasts, then Chief Minister Sharad Pawar had instructed a meeting of police inspectors and senior officers at the Police Club: "I don't want Beirut replicated in Bombay."

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Unfortunately, Bombay --now Mumbai-- suddenly became the midpoint of a terror attack the very next day.

After the attack, CM Pawar announced that the blasts had occurred in 13 places, though in real, there had been 12 blasts in total that day.

So, why did the chief minister lie?

Pawar made a call to tell this lie after he found out that all of the 12 blasts had occurred in Hindu-dominated areas.

In an attempt to keep communal violence at bay, Pawar had hurried to the Doordarshan studios and announced that blasts had occurred at 13 places in the city.

The 13th place, he named, was Musjid Bunde, a Muslim-dominated locality.

Later, when Pawar accepted his lie, he was praised by the Justice Srikrishna Commission.

The 1993 Mumbai attack

Apart from 26/11 Mumbai attack, the 1993 Mumbai attack is regarded as one of the most well-planned terror attacks in India. In this attack, RDX was used as explosives for the first time on Indian soil.

In terms of number of casualties, this attack is regarded as the largest coordinated terror attack ever taken place in India.

Most of the bombs were planted in scooters or cars, whereas in hotels, suitcase bombs were left.

Starting from 1:30 pm to 3:40 pm, a total of 12 bombs exploded throughout Mumbai, including at Fisherman's Colony in Mahim, Plaza Cinema, Zaveri Bazaar, Katha Bazaar, Hotel Sea Rock, Hotel Juhu Centaur, Air India building, Sahar Airpot, Worli, Cntury Bazaar, Worli, Mumbai Stock Exchange Building, Masjid-Mandvi Corporation Bank Branch and Passport office, besides BSE.

Also read:

1993 blasts: What happened on Mumbai's black Friday

1993 Mumbai blasts: How the Narasimha Rao government reacted

Mumbai blasts: Moment of reckoning

The Memons: India's most wanted family

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A fourth Melbourne man has been charged in connection to the fatal Brighton siege that left a man dead and three police officers seriously injured.

Victoria police said the Joint Counter Terrorism Team charged a man, 36, with a string of offences, alleging he helped supply a firearm that was used in the June 5 siege at the Buckingham Serviced Apartments.

Brighton siege gunman Yacqub Khayre. Credit:AAP

The Greenvale man's charges include possessing a firearm as a prohibited person, possessing cartridge ammunition with a licence or permit and being an unlicensed dealer.

Yacqub Khayre killed hotel clerk Kai Hao and took a female escort hostage at the apartments on Bay Street before opening fire at police, injuring three special operations group officers, on June 5. Khayre was shot dead.
It's been three decades since Manny Waks last spoke to the man he alleges abused him as a child back in the late 1980s.

But in a chilling confrontation caught on video and aired on Israeli television this week, the prominent child abuse survivor and activist confronted Velvel (Zev) Serebryanski, a former member of Melbourne's ultra-Orthodox community, to demand the elderly man admit "what you did to me".

In a scene filmed on a cold New York night, Mr Serebryanski said that he "loved" Mr Waks and was "completely infatuated" with him.

"It seems to me that I was seeing what you wanted, and trying to follow along," Mr Serebryanski said.
A man linked to the mysterious disappearance of the Beaumont children at an Adelaide beach in 1966 has died.

Allan "Max" McIntyre has reportedly died in a nursing home on the Yorke Peninsula west of Adelaide on Tuesday.

Arnna, Grant, and Jane Beaumont disappeared on January 26, 1966.

He was aged in his late 80s.

His son, Andrew McIntyre, recently broke his silence to Fairfax Media revealing his father and a family friend, Anthony Alan Munro, were at the Glenelg beach in the days around January 26, when Jane, Arnna and Grant Beaumont disappeared.
A woman has been rushed to hospital in a critical condition after she was struck by a car in Melbourne's east on Friday morning.

Paramedics were called to Doncaster Road, near Burke Road in Balwyn, about 7.20am and treated the woman for head, chest and pelvis injuries.

Police photograph a vehicle believed to have been involved in the accident. Credit:Channel Nine

She is now fighting for her life in Royal Melbourne Hospital.

The incident has closed all eastbound lanes on Doncaster Road between Burke and Bulleen roads, a major arterial route in Melbourne's east.
Two police officers have narrowly escaped injury after their car was repeatedly rammed by a stolen vehicle in the early hours of Friday morning.

The incident has sparked fresh calls for new laws to punish offenders who intentionally ram police vehicles in what the police union has dubbed "an alarming trend".

This police car was rammed in Warrnambool a week ago. Credit:Amy Paton

Officers were conducting a routine patrol in Melton in Melbourne's west about 2.30am on Friday morning when it's alleged they noticed a man standing next to a stolen Nissan Tiida, registration UTG 411.

Police approached the man, who then got into his car and allegedly reversed into the police van "several times" before driving south on Station Road, a police spokesman said.
Miami: US President Donald Trump on Friday ordered tighter restrictions on Americans travelling to Cuba and a clampdown on US business dealings with the island's military, saying "with God's help, a free Cuba is what we will soon achieve."

As Mr Trump laid out his new Cuba policy in a speech in Miami, the White House announced plans to roll back parts of former president Barack Obama's historic opening to the communist-ruled country after a 2014 diplomatic breakthrough between the two former Cold War foes.

But Mr Trump was leaving many of Obama's changes, including the reopened US embassy in Havana, in place even as he sought to show he was making good on a campaign promise to take a tougher line against Cuba.

"We will not be silent in the face of communist oppression any longer," Mr Trump told a cheering crowd in Miami's Cuban-American enclave of Little Havana.
After the third national election in two years (two general elections and the Brexit referendum), the British public are watching the political establishment struggle to make sense of a deeply fractured mandate.

Prime Minister Theresa May called fresh general elections to strengthen her hand in Brexit negotiations. Running a heavily personalised campaign that promised 'strong and stable leadership', she hoped to cash in on her high approval ratings and on the dismally low ratings of her key opponent, Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn.

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The results - a hung parliament, with the Conservatives hanging on as largest party but without a majority, and large gains by Labour - have turned the electoral landscape on its head.

What happened? In part, this is a story of major reversals in party fortunes during the election campaign. The Conservative Party faced controversies over its manifesto (a decision not to cap social care bills for the elderly was labelled a 'dementia tax' that would penalise those with more complex medical conditions), May appeared aloof and arrogant, declining to appear in televised leaders' debates and refused to engage on her intended strategy in upcoming Brexit negotiations.

In the final weeks, terrorist attacks in Manchester and London left the Conservatives under fire from Labour for overseeing a drop in police numbers. Meanwhile, much of the election debate focused not on Brexit, but on the state of public services and austerity. None of this could have been predicted at the outset of the campaign.

Usually voters make up their mind before the campaign and some seats are deemed so safe, parties don't bother to contest them seriously. Brexit upset many of those certainties this time.

The support base of the United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP), the populist anti-immigration and pro-Brexit party, evaporated. The Conservatives picked up most of the UKIP vote in Leave voting seats-a constituency to whom May appealed with her 'hard Brexit' platform. They lost support in Remain voting areas, especially English university towns.

The class basis of voting shifted, with the Conservatives doing better in working class northern English seats, and Labour-the traditional party of the working class-doing well in middle class, urban seats. The elections also confirmed a generational divide in British politics. The major uncertainty going in to the election had been whether young people, who are more pro-European and have been enthused by Corbyn's leadership of the Labour Party, would turn out to vote in force. They appear to have been an important factor in many seats won by Labour.

What next? May's leadership now looks anything but 'strong and stable', and her standing is irreparably damaged within her own party. She is attempting to reach a governing arrangement with the 10 MPs of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) in Northern Ireland. But the main question is how long May will last before there is a leadership challenge within the party, or a vote of no confidence in parliament.

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Government appointments since the election indicate softer Brexit voices may be given greater space. Opposition MPs want parliament to have more say in scrutinising the Brexit strategy. The results may therefore lead to some softening of the approach to Brexit, but a weakened May will also face a more united bloc of EU leaders who will seek concessions from the UK that ensure their own voters do not view life outside the EU as an attractive cause. The chances of the Brexit negotiations collapsing have also increased.

Brexit will overshadow all other foreign policy debates for the next few years. While May's first non-European overseas visit as prime minister was to India, there will be limited bandwidth in this new government for focusing on post-Brexit relationships such as that with India.

The election does open the possibility of rolling back proposals such as including international students in immigration targets. British businesses and universities will support it, and it will be good news for Indian students seeking to study in the UK.

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(Louise Tillin is senior lecturer in Politics, King's India Institute, King's College, London)

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The Environment Ministry notification imposing ban on sale of cattle for slaughter in animal markets may be undesirable but is it unconstitutional? The Supreme Court has already heard similar cases twice in the past.

By Prabhash K Dutta: On June 7, a petition was filed in the Supreme Court, whose vacation bench comprising Justices RK Agrawal and SK Kaul heard the matter yesterday and sought a response from the Centre posting the case for further hearing on July 11.

The petitioner has challenged the new notification by the Centre effectively putting a ban on the sale of cattle for slaughter in animal markets across the country.

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Petitioner Mohammed Abdul Faheem Qureshi of Hyderabad has contended in his plea that the notification is "against the freedom of religious practice to sacrifice the animals" and imposing a ban on slaughter of animals for food violates the right to freedom of religion, conscience, privacy and personal liberty guaranteed to a citizen under the Constitution.

THE NOTIFICATION

On May 26 - just two days ahead of the first day of Ramzan - the Ministry of Environment and Forest issued a notification banning sale and purchase of cattle at animal markets for slaughter.

Titled, Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Regulation of Livestock Markets) Rules, 2017 under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, the Environment Ministry notification has since become controversial.

In his plea, the petitioner has also argued that the cattle need to be fed as it is an offence under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 to starve an animal or failure to maintain it but the notification would make cattle rearing a burdensome occupation.

NOW, THE FACT CHECK

The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 was passed by Parliament when Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru was the Prime Minister of India. This Act was amended in 1982, when Indira Gandhi was the Prime Minister of India. The present Act is the same as amended by the Indira Gandhi government 37 years ago.

Section 38 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act states that only the Centre is empowered to make rules for upkeep of animals. The Environment Ministry's notification issued last month derives power from Section 38 of the Act.

Rule 22 of the notification has turned out to be most controversial as it tries to ensure that sale and purchase of cattle in designated animal markets can only be done for agricultural purposes and not for slaughtering. The official objective of the latest rules is to prevent cruelty to animals - considering slaughter a cruel act.

Further the Prevention to Cruelty to Animals Act was legislated on a subject that is mentioned in the concurrent list of the Constitution as under 'prevention of cruelty to animals'.

If Parliament enacts legislation on a subject mentioned in the concurrent list, the law prevails over any other Acts passed by state assemblies to the extent of contravention.

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NOTIFICATION VIOLATES FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS?

Petitioner in the Supreme Court and many critics outside have objected to the new rules saying that these violate the fundamental right guaranteed to the butchers under Article 19 (1)(g) of the Constitution, that is, to practice their trade and occupation freely in the country.

The question is before the Supreme Court to settle finally. But, rules find their backing in some of the provisions of the Constitution even though they are not 'enforceable' in nature.

Article 48 of the Constitution expects governments to "take steps for preserving and improving the breeds, and prohibiting the slaughter of cows and calves and the other milch and drought cattle."

It is established that the Directive Principles for State Policies cannot be enforced through court of law but the DPSPs were meant to be read with fundamental rights in such a way that the former don't become hollow declarations of the Constitution.

Moreover, Article 48 of the Constitution is considered to be inspired by the philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi.

EXAMPLE OF LIQUOR BAN

Using the same principle of coherence between the Directive Principles of State Policy and Fundamental rights, many states have implemented prohibition.

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Interestingly, Article 47 asks the governments to "bring about prohibition of the consumption except for medicinal purposes of intoxicating drinks and of drugs which are injurious to health."

In 1994, the Supreme Court held liquor prohibition in Karnataka valid on constitutional parameters. The apex court ruled that liquor trade was res extra commercium, that is, a thing outside commerce.

SUPREME COURT ON CATTLE SLAUGHTER

The present case before the Supreme Court is not the first one in which the petitioner has challenged the regulation of cattle slaughter - directly or indirectly - by the government. In 1958, a five-judge bench of the Supreme Court decided a case - Hanif Qureshi vs State of Bihar - on the same question.

The Bihar Preservation and Improvement of Animals Act, 1956 imposed a total ban on the slaughter of all categories of animals belonging to the species of bovine cattle. The petitioner challenged the law on the grounds of violation of right to freedom of religion, right to freedom of trade and occupation and that the total ban was not good for general public.

The Supreme Court bench ruled that a total ban on the slaughter of bovine cattle was reasonable, valid and in consonance with the directive principles laid down in Article 48.

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It further said that a ban on the slaughter of she-buffaloes or breeding bulls or working bullocks as long as they are capable of being used as milch or draught cattle was also reasonable and valid.

However, the apex court held that a blanket ban keeping uneconomic cattle under its purview was unjustified and violated a butcher's right to freedom of trade and occupation.

THE 2005 CASE

In 2005, an even larger bench of the Supreme Court comprising seven judges heard another case dealing with ban on slaughter of cattle.

Revisiting its own 1958 ruling, the Supreme Court, in the case of Mirzapur Moti Kureshi vs State of Gujarat, overruled its nearly 50-year-old reasoning to state that ceasing to yield milk, to breed or to be used as drought animal did not make bovine cattle useless.

The apex court bench upheld the other two ruling in 1958 case.

The two-judge bench of the Supreme Court will be revisiting these previous ruling when it hears the plea, challenging Centre's notification banning sale of cattle for slaughter in animal markets, next month on the ground that it undermines the right to livelihood (life) guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution.

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Supreme Court issues notice to Centre on plea challenging cattle slaughter ban

ALSO WATCH: Supreme Court issues notice to Centre over cattle trade curbs

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According to statistics provided by the law and justice ministry, the central government alone is involved in 1,35,060 lawsuits across the country.

By Harish V Nair: At a time when the country's courts and justice ministry are battling a backlog of more than 3.2 crore cases, it turns out that the government - both Centre and states - is the biggest single litigant, being a party in a whopping 46 per cent of them.

According to statistics provided by the law and justice ministry, the central government alone is involved in 1,35,060 lawsuits across the country. Experts say India has far too few courts, judges and prosecutors for its 1.3 billion people. Bulk of the cases is pending in subordinate courts thronged by poor litigants who bear the brunt of the creeping system.

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RAILWAY HAS MOST PENDING CASES

The ministry of railways is the biggest contributor, being a party in 66,685 pending lawsuits of which 10,464 are more than a decade old. Five other ministries with the most number of cases are finance (15,651), communications (12,642), home affairs (11,668), defence (3,433) and health & family welfare (3,275).

Listing the Narendra Modi government's achievements in the arena of justice delivery in the last three years, law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said a key goal is to reduce government litigation as a result of which the overall case pileup is set to witness a sharp dip. "A draft national litigation policy is under formulation to make the government a responsible and efficient litigant. I wrote to all governmental departments and ministries to take pro-active measures to settle cases were government is a party," said Prasad.

Ministry sources said to give an impetus to the goal, a nodal officer has been appointed in each department to keep a track of disputes in which the department is involved, avoid filing appeals except in cases that involve a substantial policy matter, and withdrawal of vexatious litigation.

SETTLEMENT ON THE CARDS

The ministry is also making efforts to ensure cases involving two government wings or PSUs are settled out of the court using alternate dispute redress mechanisms. Pendency in the Supreme Court is now at 60,750 cases. About 40 lakh cases are stuck in high courts.

The pendency in district and subordinate courts is at 2.74 crore. The department of justice's "Action Plan To Reduce Government Litigation" says, "Government is regarded to be the biggest contributor to litigation in India. Approximately 46 per cent of the total pending cases in courts pertains to the government. This includes cases relating to Public Sector Undertakings and other autonomous bodies. Government litigation includes service matters, disputes with private entities as well as inter-se disputes between two government departments and disputes between two PSUs."

The Legal Information Management and Briefing System (LIMBS) - an endeavour to bring court cases against the government on a single comprehensive online platform - was launched last year. It was an effort to ensure that various ministries do not adopt conflicting stands on the same issue before a court, a growing trend these days, and to make maximum efforts to settle disputes between governments and among public sector units out of the court, which will reduce the backlog to a large extent.

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Prasad said LIMBS has captured details of more than 1,30,231 cases in which the government is involved. "It helps to introduce transparency as well as a sense of ownership among various stakeholders/ministries/departments during the entire cycle of a court case," he said. The progress of each case - what happened on a particular date, stand adopted by the government, etc - will be available at the click of a button for the official who has registered himself with the LIMBS. Several recent chief justices had been asking the Centre to take immediate steps to ensure that only minimal litigation between government departments and PSUs reach the court. They have also been calling for out-of-court-settlement of disputes to reduce the pileup.

Also read: Polices only on paper, zero implementation: High Court slams Maharashtra over police modernisation

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Also read: Justify Sanjay Dutt's early release from jail, asks Bombay High Court

Also watch: Dhanush wins paternity case against couple claiming to be his parents

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Upon investigation, it was discovered that Parthiban was being treated for mental instability and had known a lady called Sathya who was tutoring him earlier.

By Pramod Madhav: The senior citizen who was walking on the sidewalk at Poonnammallee road was taken as hostage by Parthiban and before anyone could react, he placed a knife on his neck and slit it twice. The weird part was that the mentally unstable person started questioning him about someone named Sathya.

"Where is Sathya? I want her address now!," demanded the man pressing the knife to the senior citizen's neck. Bystanders did try to help but anytime they went closer, Parthiban warned of slitting the senior citizen's throat.

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Someone from the crowd tried to help the senior citizen by throwing a stone at the assailant but he ducked and instead the senior citizen got hurt and blood began to ooze out.

Finally the drama came to an end as the crowd overpowered Parthiban and saved the senior citizen from his clutches. Upon investigation, it was discovered that Parthiban was being treated for mental instability and had known a lady called Sathya who was tutoring him earlier.

The senior citizen was taken for treatment and Parthiban was held back for questioning.

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Mingzheng International Trading Limited has facilitated prohibited dollar transactions through the United States on behalf of the Foreign Trade Bank, a North Korean bank, and laundered the proceeds, the US Attorney's Office in the District of Columbia said in a statement.

By Reuters: The United States has accused a China-based company of acting as a front for laundering money on behalf of a sanctioned North Korean bank and has filed a complaint seeking $1.9 million from it, US prosecutors said on Thursday.

Mingzheng International Trading Limited has facilitated prohibited dollar transactions through the United States on behalf of the Foreign Trade Bank, a North Korean bank, and laundered the proceeds, the US Attorney's Office in the District of Columbia said in a statement.

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The $1.9 million forfeiture action "represents one of the largest seizures of North Korean funds by the Department of Justice," it said.

The sum was transacted in 2015 by Mingzheng, based in the Chinese city of Shenyang, via wire transfers, using their Chinese bank accounts, the statement said.

Mingzheng could not be immediately reached for comment

In March 2013, the US Treasury Department placed the Foreign Trade Bank under sanctions linked to proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. It described the bank as a state-owned entity that "acts as North Korea's primary foreign exchange bank," the US prosecutors' statement said.

China's foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said the country opposed, in principle, the use of unilateral sanctions outside the scope of United Nations Security Council resolutions.

"The foreign trade bank mentioned by the United States is not on the list of UN sanctions for North Korea, so we oppose any country using their own so-called domestic laws to implement long arm jurisdiction," he told a regular news briefing.

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Yuchen Lei faces six months of involuntary commitment at the Vernon campus of North Texas State Hospital. Lei was arrested in January 2014 in the stabbing of James Rhinehart, a nurse at The Med. Rhinehart was stabbed while Lei was seeking medical treatment for acute bronchitis. Testimony revealed Lei was suffering from delusions at the time of the stabbing due to an unmedicated mental illness. After posting bond at the end of January, authorities arrested Lei again after appearing on campus -- he had been forbidden from stepping on the grounds without permission -- to see a former student whom he had become obsessed with. Lei, who has not been free since March 2014, has been voluntarily taking medications for about the past year, but the prosecutors argued for a six-month commitment period so Lei could be further medicated and subjected to a Dangerousness Review Board.
As London residents demand answers as to why the Grenfell Tower was consumed by flames in just 15 minutes on Wednesday, fire officials in Bryan-College Station say measures are in place to prevent a similar disaster happening here.

Any building in B-CS that stands taller than two stories must meet several fire code requirements designed to ensure safety.

"Above a certain height and square footage, buildings have to have a sprinkler system in place inside," said Bryan FD fire marshal Marc McFeron. "As firefighters, we depend a lot on those to do their job."

New buildings in the area are also required to be built with features known as standpipes, which run up and down through the building and allow water to be pumped to higher floors from the interior of a structure. Interior stairs must be enclosed and are designed to be less accessible to fire than other parts of the building. Though tall buildings were once built with fire escapes, McFeron noted that interior stairs are seen now as being more practical than exterior steps or ladders.

The taller a building is, the more code requirements it must meet.

"The insulation around supporting members of structures will also be required to have more protection," McFeron said.

Some older buildings in Bryan, the fire marshal explained, are so old that they were never designed with some of these safety features. However, as years have passed, most of them have updated to include standpipes and sprinklers.

"A good example is the La Salle Hotel," McFeron said. "That hotel was built with standpipes but no sprinklers. Now it has been refurbished with sprinklers inside, which serve as primary prevention of fires."

Firefighters say it is essential for civilians inside a tall building to make an exit down the interior stairs once a general fire alarm goes off.

"You should always leave your room and find an exit," McFeron said. "If smoke is on your right, then go down the hall to your left. If you're up high in a tall building, there's always more than one exit."

It's crucial for people on high floors to exit as fast as possible, as fire trucks in Bryan and College Station carry ladders that only reach about 100 feet into the air, equal to the eight or ninth story of a building. To reach floors higher than the ninth floor, most firefighters will need to climb stairs from the inside.

In order to prevent false alarms, tall buildings, especially hotels and apartment complexes, are equipped with both individual smoke alarms and general fire alarms.

"Say you're making toast in your apartment and the toaster starts smoking," McFeron said. "All the smoke alarms in that room will go off. But if the smoke gets out into the hallway outside your apartment, it will hit smoke detectors that tell the whole building there's a fire... Then there's the sprinkler system. In your room where the toast is burning, it might activate a sprinkler head. This will sound the general alarm... We want smoke alarms to be sensitive enough to wake you up out of your sleep, so the [individual] smoke alarm will always go off before a sprinkler will go off."

One advantage firefighters in Aggieland have is that the Bryan and College Station fire departments work together as one team in these types of emergencies. They train together, practicing in tall buildings in the area.

"A lot of the tall buildings here we've been through jointly as part of pre-planning," McFeron said. "We want to know things like: Where are the stairs? How do we operate the elevator if we need to? Where is the alarm panel?"

An alarm panel will show firefighters exactly where smoke was first detected in a building. Each time a new tall building such as a hotel or apartment complex is built in the twin cities, Bryan and College Station fire departments do their best to arrange training sessions in the new buildings before occupants are let inside, McFeron said.

The fire marshal said it's unlikely that the horror of the Grenfell Tower fire, which has killed at least 17, would befall a hotel or campus dormitory in Bryan or College Station.

"I can't think of any building in the area that would be in that type of situation," he said.

It's important that people understand, however, that just because standpipes and sprinklers are in place, that doesn't guarantee safety. Crashes and explosions can disable some of these safeguards, as can construction projects that require sprinklers to be temporarily shut off. The best way to react to a fire in a tall building is not to wait to be rescued or to assume the fire is too many floors away to matter, McFeron said.
A quick survey of the kids munching away on quesadillas and fruit in the Neal Elementary cafeteria this week shows an unanimous excitement for school lunches -- and a nearly unanimous agreement that pizza day is the best.

School officials like to clarify that their pizza, with whole grain crust and reduced fat cheese, is healthier than the pizza served at a chain restaurant. But equally important to the families who take their kids to Bryan and College Station schools for breakfast and lunch over the summer, is that the kids like it -- and it's free.

Both Bryan and College Station will give out thousands of meals to children before the summer is over as part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Summer Food Service Program.

The idea behind the program is that the need of the majority of students who receive free and reduced lunches throughout the school year doesn't stop on the last day of school.

Nearly three-quarters of Bryan students and around 35 percent of College Station students are considered economically disadvantaged by the state. The food insecurity faced by these students is something Randi Boleman has become familiar with in her years as assistant director of nutrition services at Bryan school district.

Boleman said she can remember a time when a second-grader told her that he was happy Christmas break was over, because it meant he got to eat.

"It was just very matter of fact, and it just broke my heart," Boleman said. "It doesn't switch on and off like that. Kids who don't have food during the school year don't have food during the summer. It is a constant problem. If they are food scarce for two weeks -- what's going to happen over three months?"

Bryan serves an average of around 1,230 meals each breakfast and 2,270 meals each lunch. College Station serves around 200 for breakfast and 410 for lunch daily.

While schools and locations across both districts offer free meals to anyone between 1- and 18-years old, many of the kids who use the program are involved in summer school in some capacity.

Ensuring these students have food is also a matter of ensuring they do well in class, said Diane Dahm, child nutrition services director for the College Station school district.

"They are not going to pay attention in classes -- they are not going to be successful -- if their stomachs are empty," Dahm said of the students eating breakfast next to her in the cafeteria of A&M Consolidated Middle School.

For other kids passing through school cafeterias this summer, the meals are fuel for various summer activities. Boleman said this is particularly the case at Neal Elementary, because it is located next to the Neal Recreation Center.

Elizabeth Lopez took her 2-year-old son along with her elementary-aged younger brother and cousins to Neal Elementary for lunch this week for this reason. She said it makes swapping TV screen time for more active summer activities easier.

"Usually we take them to the library or here and the park," Lopez said.

Boleman said she especially likes the program, because it alleviates some of the stress on parents during the summer and provides a safe, climate-controlled space for kids.

"It allows them to stretch their food dollars a little bit further," she said. "They are not having to worry about breakfast or lunch over the summer with their kids, that money can be reallocated to dinner or something else."

Both districts will serve lunches into August. Bryan will also serve breakfast at locations into August. Adults can purchase the meals for $3.50. No proof of income or registration is required.
Mr. Reich was born December 2, 1938 to Lee T. and Louise (Grams) Reich in Falls County, Texas. He was a lifetime resident of Falls County. Mr. Reich married the love of his life, Darlene Zander on June 2, 1962 at Perry United Methodist Church. They recently celebrated 55 wonderful years together. He was a member of Perry United Methodist Church where he previously served as a trustee. Mr. Reich was a career farmer/rancher. He received the following awards over the years; Lone Star Farmer Degree from Texas Association of Future Farmers of America, Falls County Farm Bureau Young Farmer of Texas Award, and Falls County 4-H Adult Leader Clover Award just to name a few. He served in many ways throughout his life including Falls County Farm Bureau Director, Falls County Adult 4-H Leader, and in 1985 was instrumental in bringing the horticulture program to Marlin ISD as he served on the MISD Vocational Advisory Committee. He previously was a salesman for Triple F Feed, which he enjoyed thoroughly. Mr. Reich enjoyed sharing with others all the blessings of his life anywhere from vegetables to his knowledge of farming and farm equipment. He enjoyed collecting antique equipment. Mr. Reich enjoyed the outdoors, spending time with family and friends. He loved to aggravate family, close friends and especially his grandkids.
Amid a chorus of repeated phrasings of "Are we there yet?", more than 160 children walked a 2.2-mile winding path Thursday morning to commemorate the upcoming 152nd anniversary of Juneteenth, journeying from their summer camp at the Lincoln Recreation Center to the George Bush Presidential Library.

Thursday's Juneteenth Freedom Walk commemorated June 19, 1865, when Major Gen. Gordon Granger and his Union soldiers arrived in Galveston and told the enslaved people they were now free. Granger's news came two and a half years after President Lincoln's 1863 Emancipation Proclamation, an executive order that changed the federal legal status of more than 3 million slaves in the South.

Cheletia Johnson, assistant supervisor at the Lincoln Recreation Center, said Thursday's Freedom Walk "honors the contributions people have done to get this far."

Johnson said the walk was a time for reflection on the past, present and future, "to signify the accomplishment of overcoming challenges, moving beyond segregation to integration, but not forgetting the past."

The children, joined by supporters of the fight for civil rights, walked with a police escort through neighborhoods and along George Bush Drive, holding up traffic and joggers, but attracting passers-by along the way who wanted to join the march.

The Rev. Sam Hill, pastor at North Bryan New Birth Baptist Church, came to walk alone on the overcast, muggy morning. He'd hoped his 14-year-old grandson would be finished with his doctor's appointment in time to join him on the hour-long walk, but Hill didn't see him before making it to the Bush Library.

Before becoming a minister, Hill and his family would worship at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church.

"These people inspired me," Hill said of Pleasant Grove's congregation, who taught him that "history is deeply important."

During his walk, Hill said repeatedly that "the only history is the history that is passed down," meaning that if the lessons and history of the African-American struggle for human and civil rights isn't taught to younger generations, it will cease to exist.

"Before you know it, you're not talking about [those events] anymore," he said.

Hill, who is 62, said he used to listen to congregants from older generations at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church talk about their family history, from the years of slavery and Reconstruction to the "struggles coming up after World War II"; those tales taught him that "perspective is important," in a way that reading a history book or watching a documentary never could.

"As wonderful as a book can be," said Hill, "there's nothing like sitting at the feet of people who lived it. No book could have substituted for what I heard."

Walking in the middle of a sea of children, Hill said it was adults' duty to pass along the history of the struggle for freedom, civil rights and equality to younger generations; the march honored Juneteenth, Hill said, but children need to connect the dots between other crucial parts of American history, from Martin Luther King Jr. to Malcolm X, from Birmingham in 1963 to Flint in 2017.

"Everything is connected. Our experience cannot be disconnected because if we do, we lose parts of the story," said Hill.

Teaching younger generations, Hill said, helps them to stand on the shoulders of their elders and "attain heights we could never quite get to."

"When you do that, you're able to transmit to the younger generation that you love them," said Hill, and that inspires them to persevere and instruct their future generations, too.

"The struggle of African-American people always has to be remembered," said Hill. "The past is never as far away as people think it is."

His grandson didn't make it to the walk, but Hill -- sweating in the Texas summer heat -- said he hoped his family still drove to the Bush Library.

"I'm not walking back," he said.

Hill got his wish: his grandson made it to the Bush Library and, along with the other children, volunteers and civil rights crusaders, heard a story about the history of the Buffalo Soldiers. Just like Hill wanted, his grandson heard the history.
By Press Trust of India: By K J M Varma

Beijing, Jun 16 (PTI) For the first time, China has successfully sent pairs of entangled photons from a satellite in orbit to three ground stations in the country each separated by more than 1,200-km, in a major breakthrough that opens up prospects for practical quantum communications.

The photon pairs were demonstrated to be still entangled after travelling long distances.

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This satellite-based technology opens up bright prospects for both practical quantum communications and fundamental quantum optics experiments at distances previously inaccessible on the ground Pan Jianwei, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences said.

The achievement was based on the worlds first quantum satellite, Quantum Experiments at Space Scale (QUESS), also dubbed Micius, launched by China on August 16, 2016, and was published as a cover article in the latest issue of academic journal Science, state-run Xinhua news agency reported today.

This experiment was made through two satellite-to-ground downlinks with a total length varying from 1,600 to 2,400-km.

The obtained link-efficiency is many times higher than that of the direct bi-directional transmission of the two photons through telecommunication fibres, said Pan, who is also the lead scientist of QUESS.

Quantum entanglement is a phenomenon in quantum physics, which is so confounding that Albert Einstein described it as "spooky action at a distance" in 1948.

Scientists found that when two entangled particles are separated, one particle can somehow affect the action of the far-off twin instantly.

Quantum physicists have a fundamental interest in distributing entangled particles over increasingly long distances and studying the behaviour of entanglement under extreme conditions.

Previously, entanglement distribution had only been achieved at a distance up to 100-km due to photon loss in optical fibres or terrestrial free space.

One way to improve the distribution lies in the protocol of quantum repeaters, whose practical usefulness, however, is hindered by the challenges of quantum storage and readout efficiency, Pan said.

Another approach is making use of satellite-based and space-based technologies, as a satellite can conveniently cover two distant locations on Earth. The main advantage of this approach is that most of the photons transmission path is almost in a vacuum, with almost zero absorption and de- coherence, Pan said.

After feasibility studies, Chinese scientists developed and launched QUESS for the mission of entanglement distribution. Cooperating with QUESS are three ground stations: Delingha Observatory in Qinghai, Nanshan Observatory in Xinjiang and Gaomeigu Observatory in Yunan.

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For instance, one photon of an entangled pair was beamed to Delingha and the other to Gaomeigu. The distance between the two ground stations is 1,203-km. The distance between the orbiting satellite and the ground stations varies from 500 to 2,000 kilometers, said Pan.

Due to the fact that the entangled photons cannot be amplified as classical signals, new methods must be developed to reduce the link attenuation in the satellite-to-ground entanglement distribution. To optimise the link-efficiency, Chinese scientists combined a narrow beam divergence with a high-bandwidth and a high-precision acquiring, pointing, and tracking (APT) technique.

By developing an ultra-bright space-borne two-photon entanglement source and the high-precision APT technology, the team established entanglement between two single photons separated by 1,203-km, the Xinhua report said.

Compared with the previous methods of entanglement distribution by direct transmission of the same two-photon source -- using the best performance and most common commercial telecommunication fibres respectively -- the effective link-efficiency of the satellite-based approach is 12 and 17 orders of magnitude higher, Pan said.

He said the distributed entangled photons are readily useful for entanglement-based quantum key distribution, which, so far, is the only way to establish secure keys between two distant locations on Earth without relying on trustful relay, the report said. PTI KJV KJ AKJ KJ

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WACO gets a crack at the first state championship game in school history
By Press Trust of India: Three Chinese naval warships returned home after concluding a four-day "goodwill visit" to Pakistan's southern Karachi Port, officials said on June 14.

The Pakistan Navy Directorate of Public Relations said the warships - Chang Chun, Jing Zhou and Chao Hu - of China's Peoples Liberation Army (Navy) were part of a task group that visited Karachi under the command of mission commander Rear Admiral Shen Hao, Deputy Commander East Sea Fleet.

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During their stay in Karachi, the warships took part in operational activities, joint interactive sessions and table top discussions with their Pakistani counterparts.

The visit is significant given the growing importance of the depp-water Gwadar port in the troubled Balochistan province which is a key element of the USD 46 billion China- Pakistan Economic Corridor projects.

The Gwadar port is being modernized and built up as the main port with the assistance of Chinese aid.

In November, the first Chinese trade convoy from Xinjiang province in China came to Gwadar from where their goods were dispatched for the world market.

The Pakistan navy statement said the officers and men of the visiting warships deliberated on subjects of mutual interests with their Pakistan Navy counterparts.

The two navies also conducted a passage exercise in the north Arabian Sea to enhance interoperability between them.

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After decades working in the healthcare industry, Ilaina Edison identified an opportunity to fill a niche for women. While many clinics offer both infertility and egg-freezing services, Edison recognized that the women going through each of these experiences had very different needs. She decided to not only found a practice, called Extend Fertility, focused solely on fertility preservation options, but also offer something else she noticed was missing from the medical world: hospitality.

She and her founding team enrolled in a course on Enlightened Hospitality, the management concept created by New York City restaurateur Danny Meyer. Among the principles of this approach is the importance of fostering a positive environment for employees in order to yield a quality customer experience.

Setting up a business that adheres to Enlightened Hospitality takes a lot of preparation, Edison learned. Extend Fertilitys hiring process screens for caring, self-awareness, empathy and integrity. To determine whether prospective employees possess these traits, Extend Fertility does behavioral-based interviewing, discussing real-life situations and role playing with candidates for positions in all levels of the company.

Related: This Woman Wants to Run Harlem's First Billion-Dollar Startup

Edison admits it took some heavy lifting, along with trial and error to build this model. While Extend Fertility commits to a strict set of values, it remains adaptable within those values. This comes into play in allowing employees to have flexibility in taking time off -- and allowing patients to take as much time as they need with their fertility decisions.

Heres how Edison upholds her companys values by constantly evaluating them.

This conversation has been edited.

What have you learned about growth while doing good?

Its incredibly important to stay focused. Growth isnt always a straight line. It can be a bit unpredictable, so its important to plan accordingly, especially when youre starting a new company. When youre an ongoing company, your operating can fund your growth, but when youre starting new, you need capital up front -- and you want to make sure that you plan for more than you initially think.

Also, doing good and growth and profit are not mutually exclusive. People tend to put one against the other, and there is a way you can achieve both goals. You just need to set systems in place to make sure youre staying true to your values and delivering on your promises. Never ask yourself, How could this have happened? Its more about, OK, now what do we do?

What have you learned about culture while doing good?

You have to put your employees first. We ask a lot of our team, and when we hire people, we tell them that. We have certain ways of giving back to our employees, so they know that we have their back. Weve structured time off in a flexible way to better reflect what the job requirements are. We want people to be energized, not weary and short tempered. We also want a team who wants to be here. We have this principle called skunking: If youre in a bad mood, go outside and take a walk, so youre not sharing your bad mood with other people. I think the staff really appreciate that.

Related: This Founder Is Broadening Americans' Culinary Horizons While Empowering Refugees

What advice do you have for other businesses looking to do good?

When youre committed to doing good, you need to integrate that into your mission, because everything flows from your mission. The reality is there are many competing priorities when you start a business. One day you could be figuring out office furniture, the next its these major technology solutions, and then theres ensuring that your customers have the best possible experience. So to do good for people and have your company do good, it takes commitment and resolve. And I believe that there are just places where its not an option for us to compromise. Our team knows that. They may change over time, but for us, there are these guardrails we just do not go outside of.

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NORWALK  In recognition of the 31-year sister city relationship between Norwalk and Nagarote, Nicaragua, Mayor Harry Rilling proclaimed June 16 Nagarote Day in the city.

The Norwalk/Nagarote Sister City Project is a partnership that focuses on sustainable community development and breaking the cycle of poverty for the most disadvantaged children in Nagarote.

Through this project we are making ourselves in Norwalk known throughout the world as helping the less fortunate, Rilling said. They (Norwalk/Nagarote Sister City Project) have done wonderful work to held kids and families develop to their fullest potential ... This is an amazing program.

Rillings proclamation states in part: Over these 31 years, the projects focus has expanded to not only friendship, peace and understanding but also education and sustainable community development.

Funded by grants and donations, current Norwalk/Nagarote Sister City Project (N/NSCP) projects include a teen after-school program, tutoring program, model preschool program, scholarship programs, and a community farm.

The Greater Norwalk area has demonstrated in caring support through service to the Nagarote community, and generous donations by individuals and area businesses, Rilling said.

Project executive director Tish Gibbs recalled visiting Latin America on a factfinding tour with her husband, former Mayor Bill Collins.

We asked the tour leader to go to Nagarote, she said. What they found there was extreme poverty, families living in shacks without plumbing, and gang activity.

There were gangs starting up and we started an after-school program there, she said. One of our first projects was a library.

Nagarote has a population of around 35,000, with one health clinic, a library, nine churches and 47 schools.

Rilling noted that since the inception of N/NSCP Nagarote has seen a sharp drop in drug and alcohol abuse, elimination of teen gangs, and a reduced rate of teen pregnancy among young people involved in the program.

The relationship has been by no means one-sided since the project has enriched the lives of children in both communities through cultural interchange, Rilling said.

Members of the N/NSCP greeted the public at the entrance to City Hall Friday, and handed out literature to raise awareness about the project.

The Norwalk/Nagarote Sister City Project has not only had a powerful impact on the lives of hundreds of extremely disadvantaged children living in Nagarote's poorest barrios but, it has also enriched the lives of scores of children here through pen pal letters, visits to Nagarote and Skype," Gibbs said. Children in schools in Westport, Norwalk and as far away as Northampton, Massachusetts, have traveled to Nagarote and met the children in our project, helping with our organic farm, building a preschool playground and tutoring youngsters.
NORWALK  City officials hope to have a consultant on board by this fall to prepare Norwalks updated Plan of Conservation & Development.

POCDs, also known as master plans, serve as blueprints for the future, laying out priorities in areas ranging from retail, residential and commercial development to open space and bicycle and pedestrian paths.

On a unanimous vote, the Common Councils Planning Committee recently recommended hiring Stantec  a planning consultant that has prepared master plans for several Norwalk parks  to develop the state-mandated POCD for the city. The full council will vote next on the recommendation.

State requirement

State law requires municipalities to update their master plans at least once every 10 years. Norwalks current master plan was approved in 2008, making a revision or replacement due in 2018.

How the new master plan will unfold and what it ultimately will recommend remains to be seen.

One of the first steps of the plan is going to be developing a theme, developing a vision  a paragraph or two  and then the plan builds from there, Norwalk Director of Planning and Zoning Steve Kleppin told the committee at City Hall on Monday.

The city has allocated $200,000 for the master plan. Stantec has offered to prepare the plan for $195,000 with an additional $5,000 for incidental costs such as printing and meetings, wrote Kleppin in a memorandum to the committee and council.

Six firms responded to the citys request for qualifications to prepare the new master plan. Stantec was one of two finalists and received the recommendation of an oversight committee formed by Mayor Harry W. Rilling to work with the Planning Commission.

The Planning Commission will adopt the new master plan with input from residents, city departments and the Planning Committee.

18-month process

Kleppin anticipates the plan will be ready for adoption 18 months after the contract is signed; however, much will depend on the scheduling of public hearings as required by state law and city charter.

Under the proposed contract, Stantec would provide monthly progress reports to Kleppin. He would provide the consultant socioeconomic and demographic information, GIS data and maps, tax assessors data, previous planning studies, and stakeholders contact information.

During phase one, Stantec would survey existing conditions by looking at, among other things, U.S. Census Bureau information, city capital budgets, Connecticut Department of Labor data, local Department of Transportation projects, and the Norwalk Harbor Management Plan, according to officials.

During phase two, Stantec would identify a long-term and 10-year vision for the city through Community Visioning Forum.

As part of phase three, Stantec would begin developing the master plan through a series of community workshops. In phase four, the company would draft the new plan. During the last two months, Stantec would present the document to the Planning Commission.

Stantec would invite public input through focus groups with city staff, officials and key stakeholders, workshops and open houses, community events, hearings, a website, social media and surveys.

Details

Planning Committee members asked Kleppin how detailed the new master plan will be and how it will relate to other studies.

Kleppin, in his memorandum, noted that the following studies are under way or about to start: West Avenue, Wall Street and Washington/South Main redevelopment plans; a Manresa Island study; an East Avenue Roadway Improvements study; and a citywide parking study.

Councilman Douglas E. Hempstead, an at-large Republican on the committee, asked if the master plan would address costs.

We expect X amount of students to be in your school system and because of that you will need to build another school, said Hempstead, posing one scenario. Otherwise some of the ancillary stuff doesnt really get examined.

Diane Cece, an East Norwalk resident, questioned whether the new master plan has been adequately funded.

The POCD, were statutorily required to do it, but I dont think it was adequately funded, especially given that the same amount is being expended just to do a parking study, Cece said.

At a cost of $200,000, the Norwalk Parking Authority is undertaking a Parking Capacity Study and Strategic Parking Plan aimed at aimed at addressing current and future parking needs throughout Norwalk.
Darjeeling continued to burn even today with stray incidents of violence and setting of fire in government offices.

By Romita Datta: The West Bengal government today stepped up security in the trouble-torn areas of the hills of Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Kurseong. Seven IPS officers, in addition to the existing three, have been posted in the area.

Besides 14 companies of central forces have also been deployed.

Darjeeling continued to burn even today with stray incidents of violence and setting of fire in government offices. It has been more than a week and the government is finding it difficult to control the violence.

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The Calcutta High Court has dubbed the bandh called by the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha as illegal.

Following the verdict, the GJM was under pressure, but it was in full command of the agitation.

The incidents of targeting government offices set a panic in the area. There was a mad scramble of tourists trying to leave Darjeeling after GJM president Bimal Gurung's warning that staying in the Hills during the period of indefinite strike will amount to taking risk.

Gurung has gone into hiding following ransack of his residence and party office at Patlebas and Singmari. Weapons recovered from GJM office, which includes bows, arrows, kukris, spade, are being described as illegal.

The GJM supporters staged protest march and shut down shops and offices.

Despite exemption being given to schools and emergency services, there was no normalcy.

The additional team of IPS officers is meant for restoring people's confidence and helping life in the Hills to be normal.

Also read:

Nepali vs Bangla in Darjeeling: Demand for Gorkhaland leaves Queen of Hills boiling again

GJM supporters torch police station in Kalimpong after raids at Bimal Gurung's office

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The girls at the Junior Law Academy say they become a family during the week, a fact made clear by the way they supported each other on an obstacle course on Wednesday.

You could hear, Come on, Harmony! and other calls of encouragement as the young women traversed the Boot Camp Challenge in the State Patrol Training Academy gymnasium.

Forty-one young ladies are taking part in this years Junior Law Academy, which began on Monday and will conclude on Friday.

For Jannessa Lorimer of Loup City, the best part of the week has been meeting all these new, wonderful people.

The girls went from complete strangers to become a team, almost like family, Lorimer said on Wednesday afternoon. She likes the way the Junior Law Cadets are encouraging.

I think we all trust each other to get each other through everything, Lorimer said.

Rebecca Fanta of St. Paul also said the group is like a family and a team.

From Day 1, the girls have all been motivated and been able to give each other confidence in whatever we do, Fanta said.

The Junior Law Cadets are all heading into their senior year of high school.

Just before the Boot Camp Challenge, the girls got to inspect an armored security vehicle that would make any obstacle course a snap.

The heavy-duty vehicle, known as an M1117, was provided by the 1057th Military Police Company of the Nebraska National Guard. Vehicles just like it are used to escort convoys in Iraq and Afghanistan, said Sgt. Greg Horner of the National Guard. Soldiers refer to the unit, which can travel up to 55 mph, as a Baby Stryker.

To be on the safe side, Horner kept the keys in his pocket while the girls looked through the Baby Stryker.

The Junior Law Academy has given one of the cadets more respect for her father.

The father of Kristen McCoy of Aurora is Capt. Jeromy McCoy, commander of the Nebraska State Patrols Troop C, based in Grand Island.

Kristen McCoy came to the Junior Law Academy just to know a little bit more about law enforcement and to know more about what my dad does, she said.

Seeing the kind of training her dad went through just made me have a lot more respect for him than I already had, she said.

The Junior Law Academy is sponsored by the Nebraska American Legion. Some of the girls decided to participate after Legion representatives visited their schools.

Madison Eckhoff of Funk, for instance, was intrigued by what they had to say about the week.

In an interview, McCoy went out of her way to express thanks to the Legion for supporting the Junior Law Academy.

The best part of the week, McCoy said, has been driving a police car and shooting a Glock.

It was super fun, she said of the shooting exercise.

Eckhoff also liked driving the cars.

Lorimer, like some of the other girls, is thinking about a career in the military or law enforcement.

Mary Braun of Minden said shes enjoyed getting to know everyone and getting to know what it would be like to come to boot camp.

Eckhoff said the academy gives cadets a feel for many different things. You get to try everything and see if you like this kind of profession, she said.

Fanta appreciates getting a look at real training, how its going to be and what Im going to be up against. She has found the week fun and challenging.

People who attend the Junior Law Academy learn how to make a bed without leaving wrinkles. They also master the art of forming sharp corners.

If you dont leave your bed wrinkle free, it gets tossed, Lorimer said.

The hardest part of the week, McCoy said, is leaving ones room military perfect. A bed corner has to be perfect, she said. So its just really stressful to get it there.

If a room doesnt measure up, cadets get some additional exercise.

Getting up at 5 a.m. each day is also difficult, Eckhoff said.

At 6:15 a.m., the young ladies take part in physical training.

It makes for a long day, but we get it done, Lorimer said.
RAVENNA  In preparation for an influx of visitors to Ravenna for the total solar eclipse on Aug. 21, the Ravenna Chamber of Commerce has mapped out 75 RV campsites and additional tent campsites at the Buffalo County Recreational Area near Ravenna.

Buffalo County Board of Commissioners Chairman Bill McMullen of Kearney said that Gena McPherson, executive director of Ravenna Economic Development, has been working hard to get the lake ready for the eclipse weekend.

She is developing a website where campers can register for the campsites, McMullen said. He said McPherson has already placed 30 people on a list of campers who want a site for the eclipse weekend.

Ravenna has also been working to clean up the campsites around the lake. They purchased seven fire rings and four tractor rings for pits and replaced one picnic bench, McMullen said. The Board of Commissioners has also spent money updating the camp area.

The board is spending $19,500 for Dawson Public Power District to place electrical power feeds and trunk lines to provide electrical power. The Ravenna Vision Foundation will reimburse the board $12,000 for the expense.

The county board has also paid private contractors $3,600 to provide electricity to the covered shelter, which McMullen said is already complete.

Commissioner Joe Brayton of Kearney said the board also is paying $847 to install a water line and hydrant. The county has purchased additional port-a-potties and dumpsters for the eclipse weekend.

Annually, the county spends $30,000 to $35,000 for upkeep, including mowing, fertilizer, herbicides and road maintenance, McMullen said.

Currently, camping at the recreation area is free, McMullen said, but there will be a $25-per-day cost for tents and a $75-per-day cost for RVs over the solar eclipse weekend. The cost for the remainder of the year has not been set.

McMullen said he hopes the income will help the county break even on the expenses it incurs for yearly maintenance.

Maybe someday we wont lose $30,000 on it, McMullen said.

Though the county has spent extra money on the recreational area this year, Commissioner Sherry Morrow of Kearney said it is worth it.

I think it will be used a lot more in between than we ever imagined, she said.

Buffalo County Sheriff Neil Miller addressed patrol issues at the lake during the eclipse weekend. He said he would see if the county could enter an inter-local agreement with the Ravenna police.

In other business, the board approved a Color Run fundraiser for Ravenna High School volleyball team at the Buffalo County Recreational Area.
HASTINGS  Joan Heidemann sits in the bleachers watching the Nebraska High School Finals Rodeo at the Adams County Fairgrounds with a white visor, a white water bottle and a whole lot of knowledge about rodeo.

Heidemann knows how long a goat must stay tied in the tying competition (six seconds), that an electronic sensor records time along with the flag man (because sometimes the sensor doesnt activate accurately), and precisely when a contestant should throw the lasso to capture a calf in breakaway roping (Now! Now! Heidemann says as the riders pass her invisible line in the arena).

Heidemann knows all this because this isnt her first rodeo. Shes been supporting her husband, son and grandchildren as they all competed in rodeo over the years.

Its been a big part of this family, Heidemann says. Horses and rodeo have been in the family for about three generations.

Heidemanns husband rodeoed, and her son competed in high school and professional rodeos, but on Thursday she was in the stands at 9:30 a.m. to support her grandchildren, Josee and Ralph Saults.

There my granddaughter goes, she says. There she goes riding the flag.

Josee has entered the arena with the American flag, ready to wave it around the ring as the national anthem plays. The announcer booms: Were so proud to have Josee Saults out there, 2016s Nebraska high school rodeo queen, riding the flag for us today.

Josee won the Nebraska high school rodeo queen last year, so shes been at every rodeo carrying the flag, Heidemann says. Now shes back to see if she can get it again.

Rodeo queen contestants are judged on multiple standards: they take written tests and are evaluated on appearance, personality, speeches, style and horsemanship.

I mean, if youre going to be a queen you better know how to ride and know your horse, Heidemann says.

Josee was a freshman when she earned the title last summer, and Heidemann says it was unusual for the state to have such a young high school queen. Heidemann says it was even unusual for Josee to compete for queen; Heidemann calls her granddaughter shy and quiet.

When Heidemann heard Josee was competing, she thought, Well, shes only a freshman and if she doesnt get it she can still enjoy herself and try again next year. And when Josee won, Heidemann says the title and responsibilities forced her to open up with confidence.

So with that confidence, Josee is back to compete for the crown. And for the chance to compete at the national high school rodeo in goat tying and barrel racing.

See look, Heidemann says as Josee re-enters the ring. Now shes out of her queen outfit and into the business part of it. Shes got her ponytail in.

When Heidemann watches the competition, she tracks the times of every competitor, and empathizes with the high school students. If the horse is slow she exclaims, Oh, go horse! and when a freshman cowgirl falls from her horse and fails to tie her goat Heidemann says Oh, she needs a hug.

Heidemanns grandchildren started in 4-H as 8-year-olds, and Heidemann remembers Josee competing in reining patterns with a horse from her own farm.

She was on this great big horse and her little legs stuck right out the sides, she was so cute, Heidemann says. And the judge said to her after she won, You know, I really like your horse. Would you be interested in selling it? And she goes, No. And he says to her, Well how long have you had this horse? And she looked at him and said, We raised this horse, all proud-like, Heidemann says, laughing.

Heidemann says rodeo is a full-time job.

Josee and Ralphs father raises their horses, and Heidemann says most mornings Ralph is breaking colts outside with his dad. The Saults horses arent just pretty horses. Heidemann calls them horse horses.

Theyre helping with branding cattle, theyre moving cattle, Heidemann says. When those horses get saddled up they never know what theyll be doing.

The work moves off the farm when rodeo season starts in April, and the family travels until October. Josee and Ralph leave for rodeos as soon as school bells ring on Friday, and they dont return until late Sunday night.

Every weekend, Heidemann says. And when youre traveling with horses you have to let them out, exercise them, water them every four or five hours. But theyve been doing it forever.

Heidemann says shes seen the community among cowboys and cowgirls. Shes seen her grandchildren cheer for their friends, and shes seen their friends reciprocate when they do well.

The thing about cowboys and cowgirls is they very rarely get in trouble, Heidemann says. Theyve got all these good friends, theyve got their parents, their grandparents, she says, gesturing to herself. They have all these people who want them to succeed.

Heidemann says she admires the teenagers for working hard, taking care of their horses and never giving up.

Im proud of my grandchildren, Heidemann says. Oh, look! she says, pointing across the arena. There goes Josee, exercising her horse. I can tell by her ride. I know how my grandchildren ride, I can just tell its them.

Heidemann traveled more than three hours from Big Springs to get to Hastings, and after the awards are given on Sunday shell drive 13 hours to Lebanon, Tenn., to support Josee and Ralphs younger brother Jate, at the National Junior High Final Rodeo competition.

The hot days in the stands, the hard bleacher seats, the competitions that start at 7:30 a.m. are all worth it, she says.

Well, when your kids have done it and your grandkids are doing it, yeah, Heidemann says. You make time.
The attempt of the mass murder of Republican lawmakers on Wednesday is causing much-needed conversations about politics in America these days. A central question: Has the public become so polarized that violence is an acceptable response when confronting opposite opinions?

The answer is overwhelmingly no, of course, but unfortunately this response is not unanimous. For a very few people, lethal violence is what opponents deserve. Others are more restrained, but they dont mind shouting vulgarities at public gatherings, disrupting meetings and events, or prohibiting free speech if they dont like the subject.

Over the years, many public leaders have contributed to todays intolerance of differing opinions. They may not have done so intentionally, but hyperbole and outrage is standard for many politicians as they seek to sway the public to their side. Often, intolerance of others is a side result.

For example, we see many instances in which members of Congress attempt to portray their opposition as uncaring, greedy, immoral and unprincipled. At present, the practice is mostly confined to Democrats as they oppose the Trump/Republican agenda. But when Democrats controlled Congress and the White House, there were plenty of Republicans who resorted to the same deplorable tactics.

Sometimes the media contributes to the problem, as they seek to hold the publics attention through short, catchy stories that highlight an issue. But many of todays problems are complex and deserve great scrutiny, which cant be done in 30-second sound bites. Somehow, more of the public needs to be given information in ways that contribute toward a greater understanding of important issues. An additional benefit would be greater respect for opposition views.

The hopes of an orderly, productive and democratic society rest upon well-informed citizens. Legislators and other officials (including the president), have very high responsibilities in this regard, and we wish more would live up to them. Perhaps this latest shooting incident will cause some to rethink how they conduct themselves.

We recognize that political decisions bring out strong opinions. Major disagreements are inevitable, and emotions can run high. But everyone should treat others with respect, and when possible seek accommodation and consensus when confronting contentious issues.

Patience, tolerance and understanding are essential for free societies. They are especially needed today.
I am not a full-time resident of Grand Island any more, but I am still a home owner and a taxpayer. I reside in Arizona and spend my summers in Grand Island.

I spent eight years on the Grand Island Board of Education and was elected twice to the State Board of Education. I have always believed the citizens of Grand Island have been very supportive of our schools, as they should be.

We have a tremendous school system.

I cannot understand, for the life of me, why we are building two elementary schools two blocks apart. Both Stolley Park and Starr schools needed attention. Why could they not be combined to make one facility?

As I recall when we voted several years ago to build a new Wasmer Elementary School, we were told that would be the style and design for all future elementary schools. It was practical, easy to be added on to in the future, and would save architecture fees for new designs.

Im sure this was all explained during the bond issue campaign and I just missed it.
By Press Trust of India: Peshawar, Jun 16 (PTI) Bollywood legend Dilip Kumars century-old ancestral house, which was already in a dilapidated condition, has collapsed but the authorities say a replica would soon come up at the site.

Only the front portion and the gate of the house, situated in Mohalla Khuda Dad near historic Qissa Khawani bazaar, are intact now, according Shakeel Waheedullah, General Secretary, Cultural Heritage Council.

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Prominent members of the city criticised the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government for neglecting the preservation of the iconic structure even though it was declared a national heritage in 2014 by the archaeology department.

Waheedullah said he submitted six applications to the KP government to draw their attention to the condition of the house but no action was taken.

He said Saira Bano, wife of Dilip Kumar, has been informed about the condition of the house.

"Saira Bano became dejected after she came to know about the collapse of the ancestral house of Dilip Kumar," he said.

Ehtesham Toru, President Cultural Journalist Forum KP, said it was ironic that the ancestral house was not saved from destruction.

Director of Archaeology and Museums, Abdul Samad, however, called the cave in a "blessing in disguise" as it will give them a chance to reconstruct the house.

Samad said the structure was in shambles and according to engineers it could not be conserved.

"The only way to conserve this house was to reconstruct it as the structure was irreparable," Samad added.

He said the archaeology department had to demolish the structure for its reconstruction.

He said the archaeology department would soon construct a replica of the house under the KP Antiquities Act 2016.

The house, Samad said, was owned by someone and conservation efforts were halted due to litigation.

The new law, however, allows the archaeology department to carry on conservation or reconstruction work at any ancient site without ownership.

"We have launched a project to document all historic and ancient places within the Walled City of Peshawar and under the same project, the replica of Dilip Kumars house would be reconstructed soon," Samad said.

Some of the biggest Bollywood stars including Dilip Kumar, the Kapoors, Shah Rukh Khan and late Vinod Khanna belonged to Peshawar and their ancestral houses still exist in the city.

Dilip Kumar was born in 1922 at Mohalla Khuda Dad and in his teens he went to Mumbai to become a cinema star.

The government of Pakistan honoured him by awarding Nisha-e-Imtiaz, the highest civilian award of the country, in 1998. PTI AYZ BK AKJ JCH

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Endgame

By Ahmet Altan. Translated from the Turkish by Alexander Dawe

Europa Editions. 395 pp. Paperback, $18

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In Turkey, recently imprisoned writer Ahmet Altan is a giant cultural figure. His novel "Endgame" sold more than 250,000 copies there when it was published in 2013. To put that in perspective, Jonathan Franzen's most recent book, "Purity," sold less than half that in the United States with a national population that's four times as large. Now, Alexander Dawe's English translation of "Endgame" brings a major international writer to an American audience for the first time.

Guns go off early in this seaside noir. Over lunch, the unnamed narrator - a semi-retired crime-writing Casanova - asks the mayor of the coastal town he's visiting why there have been so many killings. "People here are a little behind the times," the mayor explains. "Revenge is still a powerful emotion."

The narrator casually guides readers through the town's violence, worrying more about his liaisons with various mistresses than the blood and body parts on the streets. "Fear fed more fear," he wryly observes. "It only took one of [the townspeople] to start a new fire and it fanned out in every direction, consuming anyone in its path. ... These people eventually forgot the source of their fears, but continued to relish the emotion."

Much of the destruction of "Endgame" is generated by the corrupt mayor and a local crime boss and their diminishing armies of men. The violence starts with a rumor of Roman gold buried beneath a church, but we venture far from where we started.

As a minor celebrity and an outsider who's on no one's side, the narrator feels protected from and seduced by the anarchy, and there's charm in the eagerness with which the townspeople befriend him. In one scene, he stops at a restaurant for a plate of grilled meatballs and a tomato salad. The waiter tells him he ought to have a cold beer, and the narrator obligingly agrees. In a flash, the waiter is back with two beers, sitting down at the table and complaining about his day.

By the time half the town has been lit on fire, even the mayor thinks the narrator should probably carry a gun. He gives him one, and the narrator tries to refuse it, pointing out that he doesn't have a license. "Who's going to ask you for a license around here?" the mayor laughs. "If anyone does, you can tell them I gave it to you."

Despite the escalating intensity of crime across the book, these rivalries stay local. "No one in the outside world even knew what was going on in this little town," the narrator says. "The country was busy worrying about other issues." This is a pragmatic approach for Altan, who's been persecuted for his journalism for decades. In September 2016, he was imprisoned by the Turkish state. According to his lawyer, he has had 25 court actions brought against him over the years, seven from the Turkish president.

Although it offers an implicit critique of Turkey's corrupt justice system, "Endgame" is also comic and charmingly absurd, largely due to the reckless efforts of its characters to get even. As in many Martin Scorsese or Quentin Tarantino movies, the levity isn't in the bloodshed; it's in the unexpected particulars that decorate each grisly situation. It's in how the narrator will rush away from a murder scene to go chat online with his girlfriends.

"Forgive me, but these boys have no brains," one woman tells him. "They're half-arsed wasters who can't even sit still, just have to fidget, get up and break something."

But the narrator takes joy in the unsavory madness. "Life was insipid and boring for those who didn't know the underground," he says. "That secret world full of sin was where all the fun was."

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McNamara writes for the Atlantic, the Village Voice and the Los Angeles Review of Books.
For the Edge

A new excursion riverboat has docked on the shores of Louisville Waterfront Park in Louisville, Ky. The new boat, formerly known as the Georgia Queen, will be christened the Mary M. Miller and begin her public cruising later this summer. She joins the Belle of Louisville on the Louisville Wharf.

The riverboats new name is in honor of the first woman in the United States to receive a steamboat masters license. Captain Miller, who paved the way for women to become masters and pilots in the steamboat industry, was born in Louisville in 1846. Upon her retirement, Captain Miller and her husband returned to Louisville in 1891 to the house they had maintained in the Portland neighborhood. Mary Miller died in 1894, and is buried in the Portland Cemetery in the city. Louisvilles Portland Museum has a permanent animatronic display on Captain Miller at its facility at 2308 Portland Avenue.
The Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago (MSI) will open Extreme Ice, a new temporary exhibit illustrating the immediacy of climate change and how it is altering our world, on March 23, 2017. American photographer James Balog captured thought-provoking images over a multi-year period that showcase the dramatic extent of melting glaciers around the world. Through stunning photographic documentation and time-lapse videography of these glaciers, Extreme Ice provides guests an emotionally visual representation of climate change. This exhibit encourages and educates guests on how they can make a difference in their daily lives. Extreme Ice will run through early 2019.

Balog is the founder and director of the Earth Vision Institute and Extreme Ice Survey (EIS), the most wide-ranging, ground-based, photographic study of glaciers. Extreme Ice features the EIS teams global documentation of glacier meltalongside other hands-on interactive and informative elementsto illustrate what is happening around the world at a rapid rate.

MSI has a responsibility to our guests, schools and communities to showcase exhibits that present complex scientific concepts in an accessible way, said Dr. Patricia Ward, director of science and technology at MSI. Extreme Ice showcases James Balogs beautifully powerful photography to illustrate the real and alarming speed at which glaciers are melting around the world. The exhibit presents a unique and emotional way to educate guests about climate change.

Nearly 200,000 known glaciers have been mapped and catalogued around the world, according to an international team from the University of Colorado Boulder and Trent University in Ontario, Canada. Since the early 20th century most of them have been retreating due to the warming climate, according to the National Snow & Ice Data Center.

Balog and his team used precisely engineered time-lapse cameras to document 24 glaciers around the world, recording their dramatic changes, which are on display in the exhibit. His teams compelling and high-resolution footage places guests directly into settings such as Glacier National Park, Mount Kilimanjaro and the Alps, giving everyone a chance to see the real and alarming speed at which glaciers are melting around the world.

It is a privilege to showcase the Extreme Ice Survey at the Museum of Science and Industry, as it is vital to engage with new audiences about climate change, Balog said. Photography is one of the most powerful mediums of communication we have; visual evidence illuminates our world in a way that nothing else can.

Large-scale high-resolution photo prints in the exhibit depict scenes around the world, including:

 Mount Kilimanjaro ice field in Tanzania, Africa, expected to melt by 2060

 Trift Glacier in Switzerland, one of the fastest-retreating in the European Alps

 Retreat of the Columbia Glacier in Alaska between 2009 and 2015

 Blue ponds formed by meltwater in Alaskas Columbia Glacier

 Retreat of the Bridge Glacier in Canada between 2009 and 2012

 Icebergs off the coast of the Antarctic Peninsula

 Mont Blanc in the French Alps, where many glaciers are quickly receding

 Greenland moulins, when melting ice drains through the surface and into tunnels that release the water to the ocean

 Jakobshavn Glacier in Greenland

 Grinnell Glacier in Montanas Glacier National Park

 Mount Everest in Nepal

Artifacts on display include equipment and a customized camera that Balog and his team used on their expeditions, helping guests to understand the physical demands that he and his team encountered traveling to these remote destinations. Guests will also learn about the technological advances James and his team created to capture such compelling footage. Other items on display include protective insulated clothing, helmets and climbing equipment.

To further emphasize and illustrate the effects of climate change, guests can also:

 Touch and see a real 7-foot-tall ice wall, providing a physical connection to the footage in the exhibit

 Interact with maps showcasing the potential impact of coastal flooding around the world, from New York City to Shanghai, Copenhagen to London

 See how rising temperatures will affect Chicago

 Explore the work of other ice scientists throughout the world

 Discover how bold individuals are single-handedly making radical impacts

 Understand the part they can play in mitigating the effects of climate change

Extreme Ice opens March 23, 2017 and runs through early 2019. It is included in Museum Entry ($18 for adults and $11 for kids 3-11). Buy tickets online in advance at msichicago.org.

The Extreme Ice MSI exhibition team utilized a wide variety of scientific resources to inform its overall content as well as the specific information and visualizations displayed in the exhibition.

MSI is grateful to the help of these universities, organizations and individuals for their insight. For a full list, please see separate documented list in the press kit.

Extreme Ice is presented by the Aunt Marlene Foundation with additional major support from the Malott Family Foundation. Other funding provided by Paul M. Angell Family Foundation, The Buchanan Family Foundation, Connie and Dennis Keller, and The Wareham/Elfman Family.

About the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago (MSI)

The Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago (MSI), one of the largest science museums in the world, offers world-class and uniquely interactive experiences that inspire inventive genius and foster curiosity. From groundbreaking and award-winning exhibits that cant be found anywhere else, to hands-on opportunities that make you the scientista visit to MSI is where fun and learning mix. Through its Center for the Advancement of Science Education (CASE), the Museum offers a variety of student, teacher and family programs that make a difference in communities and contribute to MSIs larger vision: to inspire and motivate children to achieve their full potential in science, technology, medicine and engineering.

Come visit and find your inspiration! MSI is open 9:304 p.m. every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas day. Extended hours, until 5:30 p.m., are offered during peak periods. The Museum is grateful for the support of its donors and guests, who make its work possible. MSI is also supported in part by the people of Chicago through the Chicago Park District. For more information, visit msichicago.org or call (773) 684-1414.
Right after takeoff, before landing, and many a times in between a flight you get to hear that irritating 'ding' sound. But what does it mean?

By India Today Web Desk: Travelling by air involves a series of seemingly mysterious things--some of them are why the lights inside the aircraft are turned off during landing and takeoff, why is smoking banned even mid-flight, and why, why do we keep hearing those irritating 'ding' sounds throughout the journey.

Today, we're going to try and answer the last one of those mysteries.

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Recently, Qantas Airways wrote on their blog about the mystery of multiple 'dings'. In a nutshell, here's what they mean: most of those 'ding' sounds could be about the seatbelt sign being turned off or on, and the others are a form of non-verbal communication among the crew of the airplane.

"There can be up to 30 crew, both cabin and pilots spread throughout an aircraft on a long haul flight. So, good communications are crucial. That's where all the bells come in," the airline states. "On our Airbus aircraft you'll hear the 'boing' sound shortly after take-off--this sound lets crew know that the landing gear is being retracted...The second boing is usually when the seat belt sign is switched off."

What's more interesting is, the difference between a single and a triple 'ding' depends on the urgency of the situation, and also varies from airline to airline.

For Qantas, three low chimes in a row means there is turbulence ahead and all crew should put away any meal carts and fasten their seatbelts.

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A 57-year-old Arizona man died Thursday morning in an accident involving four vehicles on Illinois Route 4 at Ellis Road in Madison County.

The three other drivers involved in the collision were not injured.

The Illinois State Police reports that Pasqual Rodolpho, of Waddell, Ariz., was pronounced dead at the scene.

Illinois Route 4 was closed for approximately six hours after the accident was reported at 7:32 a.m.

According to the ISP, a Ford Truck being driven by Ryan Krider, 23 from Chillicothe, was southbound on Route 4 at Ellis Road pulling a boat.

Neil Volmar, 46 of Edwardsville, was also traveling southbound on Route 4, in front of Krider.

Rodolpho, meanwhile, was northbound on Route 4 with a tanker truck, driven by Allan Gieseking, 46, of Highland, following.

According to the ISP, traffic slowed, causing Krider's vehicle to strike the back of Vollmar's vehicle, pushing Krider's vehicle into northbound traffic where it was struck by Rodolpho's vehicle.

Krider's vehicle was then struck in the rear by Gieseking's tanker truck, according to the ISP.

The crash remains under investigation by the Illinois State Police.
The Public Works Department is reassessing its city truck fleet.

As proposed at Tuesdays Public Services Committee meeting, Public Works is recommending an approval to purchase two 2017 International 7500, 6x4 Tandem dump trucks through the state of Illinois Department of Central Management Services in a joint purchasing contract from Rush Truck Centers for $245,040.

The two trucks that are being replaced are 1995 models.

Assistant City Engineer David Sirko said the trucks are budgeted items under the General Fund, Sewer and Water Equipment Funds, and the city is getting a good deal on the price.

Both are budgeted; we are approximately $20,000 under budget on each, including the plow purchase, Sirko said.

The new tandem trucks will replace existing single-axle dump trucks received from the county after the Main Street fire. One tandem dump truck will be used primarily by the sewer division. The other will be split among the water, street and sewer divisions.

Director of Public Works Eric Williams said with the upgrades, the city will be able to take on larger projects.

The Tandems work a lot better. Weve been doing a lot larger asphalt painting jobs, doing the concrete patching  we can just hit so much more volume in the Tandems. The single-axles still have a purpose, too, for the smaller streets over in the subdivisions, Williams said.

The two trucks that are being replaced will be retired and auctioned.

Its just replacing them through our fleet, Williams said.

Alderman Jack Burns made the motion for approval, seconded by alderman Craig Louer.

The motion passed unanimously and will be revisited at Tuesdays City Council meeting.

In addition to the two new dump truck purchases, Public Works also proposed a separate single-source resolution to approve the purchase of two Flink snow plows from Woodys Municipal Supply for $20,322.

If approved, the new equipment will allow Public Works to be more efficient in snow removal and clearing city streets and areas. The two new plows will be mounted to the two new Tandem Dump Trucks, following Council approval.

Sirko said the city has utilized Flink plows in the past.

We have Flink plows with the rest of our equipment  all of the other trucks are Flink plows, Sirko said. These will be bigger trucks than what we are replacing. You can put a bigger plow on it.

Woodys has been utilized for city needs before for supplied parts, attachments and similar equipment as needed without issue.

This was also budgeted for in the General Fund.

As discussion closed, Burns made the motion for approval. It was seconded by Louer.

With none opposed, the motion was approved unanimously.

Both agreements will be revisited at Tuesdays City Council meeting next week.

The next Public Services Committee meeting will take place at 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, June 27 in the Governor Edwards Conference Room. All meetings are free and open to the public.
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Linkedin EDITORIAL (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, June 16, 2017 07:56 1974 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a5727e0 4 Editorial #Editorial,Minister-Muhadjir-Effendy,Education,school Free

The spectacle of children carrying heavy backpacks, or dragging fully loaded wheel bags, as they march to school in the morning is ubiquitous in Jakarta. Their peers in the rest of this nation will soon bear the same daily burden if the Culture and Education Ministry insists on enforcing the five-day school policy in the new academic year beginning in July.

As a consequence of the policy, students of primary and secondary education nationwide will spend eight hours a day in school, an hour longer than they do under the current sixday school system. Culture and Education Minister Muhadjir Effendy said the extra hour would enable schools to instill values such as nationalism and tolerance that would shape a truly Indonesian character among all pupils.

Many have expressed their objection to the ministers plan, saying that information about it has not been disseminated adequately. Many others say the one-size-fits-all policy is Jakarta-centric and that the scheme is inappropriate for parts of country where infrastructure is lacking or in poor condition.

Among the plans staunch opponents is Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), the countrys largest Muslim organization, which administers hundreds of madrasah or informal, after-school tutorials focusing on Islam. With students leaving schools late in the afternoon, they may no longer have time to study Islam at a madrasah, depriving tutors of their jobs.

The five-day school policy is in fact a national issue that the minister and his aides cannot decide on alone, given the wide-ranging impacts it would have on the country.

In response to the argument raging over the plans pros and cons, President Joko Jokowi Widodo summoned Muhadjir on Wednesday, apparently for clarification concerning the matter. While refusing to disclose the substance of the meeting with the President, Muhadjir promised to improve the draft ministerial regulation on the five-day school week.

As a result, the minister is now required to renegotiate his plan, which means gathering opinions from a wider range of the public, particularly those who will bear the brunt of the policy. As some of his critics have said, he has not done enough to explain the thinking that led him to propose to the five-day school scheme.

Given the fact that Jakarta has implemented the policy for three years, although not all schools comply with it, the minister should take a serious look at the capital city to avoid a repeat of the same mistakes.

Secretary-general of the Federation of Indonesian Teacher Unions (FSGI) Retno Listyarti said a study conducted by the group had found many cases of digestive problems among students who went to schools five days a week with longer hours in class. Many students reportedly skipped breakfast and delayed their lunch to adapt to the policy.

More importantly, the government should ask the children whether they are happy with the extended school hours in exchange for a longer weekend.
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Linkedin Muhammad Nazil Iqdami (The Jakarta Post) Melbourne  Fri, June 16, 2017

I was enjoying the pre-dawn meal before fasting when I read that the Indonesia Ulema Council (MUI) had just released a fatwa guiding the use of social media in Indonesia.

This fatwa or edict came in response to the increasing amount of hoaxes and hate speech that are mostly distributed through social media. As a Muslim and an educator, I am excited but cannot help questioning, why now? Whats next?

Problems with social media have been escalating since the public became familiar with Facebook, Twitter, etc.

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Linkedin Wahyuddin Halim (The Jakarta Post) Makassar  Fri, June 16, 2017

The Prophet Muhammad always encouraged Muslims to perform ittikaf during Ramadhan, especially on the last ten days. Ittikaf is to dwell exclusively in a mosque to get closer to God.



The prophet also ordered Muslims to fill the nights of Ramadhan with tahajud (night prayer) and tafakkur (contemplation).



That is why Ramadhan is, in essence, a period of contemplation through which one engages in self-introspection and intense spiritual reflection. After 11 months pursuing material gains and worldly achievements, Ramadhan comes to offer itself as a spiritual break.



In all religions, contemplation is among the most important rites, though practiced in diverse ways and for different aims, such as to be in harmony with nature, to realize the temporality of worldly life and its potential as a source of suffering, to engage in an intimate dialogue with God to gain divine inspiration, or even to unite with God through a mystical union.



Contemplation is a spiritual discipline to get a clearer perspective and vision of ones self, of the universe and of God. It is the most important stage for any traveler to take through their terrestrial journey. The history of great personalities shows a balance of action and contemplation in their lives.



Siddharta Gautama, for example, underwent many years of severe meditation before becoming enlightened. Before receiving the apostolic mission, the Prophet Muhammad lived a contemplative life for several years in the Hira Cave near Mecca. In their lives, harmony between contemplation and action was fully manifested.



The Quran, as in the Surah Al Imron (The Family of Imron) verse 191 and Ar Rum (The Romans) verse 8, defines contemplation, or tafakkur in Arabic, as an effort to deeply reflect on the existence of the universe and oneself, and even God.



According to Aristotle, because of this contemplative talent, human beings are likely to resemble angels and can communicate directly with God. The Prophet once said, To meditate for one moment is better than to worship for 70 years.



Contemplative life always requires fasting in varying durations. Fasting is not only abstaining from eating, drinking and sex but also, according to al-Ghazali, speaking, seeing, hearing, touching, kissing and thinking about anything other than God.



According to the psychology of Sufism, only by paralyzing the functions of ones own physical organs is one able to utilize their spiritual faculty to experience the divine presence.



Fasting is the most powerful ritual of curbing or even crippling the wildness of these physical organs.



Having been too deeply plunged into the temporal-material world, humans tend to forget the source and purpose of their creation. Many even end up denying their acknowledgement of their creator.



But human memory and longing for the divine will never completely disappear. For in the human heart is planted a religious seed and a sense of divinity.



Every person who is uprooted far from his source, as Jalaluddin Rumi wrote in his masterpiece the Mathnawi, surely will someday yearn for the moment when he was once united with him. In the Quran, God himself repeatedly refers to His nature as al-mashir, the last destination to which all creations will terminate.



Therefore the many rituals of Ramadhan aim at orienting every Muslim to practice a contemplative life. Not the contrary, in which many Muslims view Ramadhan as first and foremost a special period in the Islamic calendar to accumulate afterlife rewards through celebrated communal rituals, believed to be multiplied during this month.



This will have no effect in transforming their personal and moral condition. In fact, tahajud, dhikr (repeated short prayers), dua (prayers) and ittikaf in the mosque are essentially contemplative-oriented rituals.



Tahajud performed in the third half of the night, for example, can create a profound and sacred inner atmosphere, conducive to establishing an interpersonal dialogue with God.



Meanwhile, dhikr is a repetitive recitation of Gods names in order to experience His intimate presence in the heart and mind of the practitioners.



The munajat or dua, meanwhile, signifies believers spiritual poverty before God; the prayers help the practitioners to undermine their arrogance as a result of worldly supremacy.



As a basic element of al-faqr (a despicable feeling before God), fasting is highly favored by the Prophet who once said, al-faqru fakhri (spiritual poverty is my pride).



This reflects the great humility and permanent dependence on God of one of the greatest and most sacred men in history.



However, before beginning a contemplative life, one should first perform repentance as a sinners prayer will only hit empty space.



After repentance, a person should then control desires and restrain from worldly content, and then practice zuhd (an ascetic life) to finally gain marifah (enlightenment). To pass these stages of spiritual journey requires strong determination to bear the suffering.



But human suffering is actually a gift from God to enable him to see the whole niche of life. Life, says the writer SH Nasr, is only a constant turn of joy and sorrow.



And only the eyes that are often washed by tears can see the bright light of life. To progress anew, wrote Alexis Carrel, a 20th century French philosopher, man must remake himself. And he cannot remake himself wituout suffering.



Living Ramadhan through various contemplative actions will enable a Muslim to undergo rebirth, to gain spiritual certitude and vision, and to find intellectual inspiration and imagination to survive the next 11 months in the light of Gods grace.



Fasting works like a fragrance for the human soul whose aroma can be smelled long after the end of Ramadhan. It is also Gods annual blessing to rejuvenate ones energy.

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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, June 16, 2017 17:02 1973 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a58c9ab 1 Environment mangrove,ecosystem,environment,#environment,#mangrove Free

A Kalimantan-based environmental institution has released findings of an endangered mangrove species discovered within the coastal landscape of Padang Tikar and Dabung in Kubu Raya regency, West Kalimantan.

The finding of this tumuk putih species, or Bruguiera hainesii, is the first in Indonesia. This type of mangrove previously only existed in Malaysia, Singapore and Papua New Guinea, said Denni Nurdwiansyah, the program manager of Friends of Coastal Communities (Sampan) Kalimantan as quoted by Antara news agency on Wednesday.

Denni said the species is listed in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Speciess critically endangered category. The species has a population of around 203 trees, 80 of which are found in Malaysia, three in Singapore and 120 in Papua New Guinea.

Read also: Mangrove tourism abundant in Semarang

The community's mangrove specialist Bekti Saputro said the finding indicated that the mangrove ecosystem in Padang Tikar is still healthy and well-preserved.

The mangroves on Padang Tikars coast represents 33 percent of the total 202 types of mangrove species recorded in Indonesia, or 47 percent of the 150 types of mangrove species in Kalimantan.

The findings also confirm the status of Kubu Raya regency, especially Padang Tikar, as one of the richest and most complete mangrove ecosystems in Southeast Asia, with a total area of 59,847 hectares. (mas/kes)
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Linkedin Juliana Harsianti (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, June 16, 2017 09:08 1974 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a57496b 4 Food dessert,Indonesian-food,Traditional-cake,culinary Free

Salon Culinaire, a program of the Food and Hotel Exhibition 2017, has in the last few years become an arena for chefs and the food industry in Indonesia and neighboring countries to showcase their techniques and skills in preparing, processing and presenting various dishes. The competitive event was held in Jakarta recently.

To increase the sharing of knowledge with contestants, Salon Culinaire also invited international judges qualified by the World Association of Chef Societies (WACS), who will give input and assess the participants to improve their quality.

This years program, intended to bring Indonesian cooking to the world level, presented a culinary class and organized a contest concerning international cuisine. One of the interesting categories in the competition is called dessert plated Indonesian flavor.

The dessert is attractive because the participants reconstructed Indonesian cakes into unique forms, the president of the Association of Culinary Professionals, chef Stefu Santoso, said.

Apel Malang mousse(JP/Juliana Harsianti)

As many as 15 groups comprising chefs from famous hotels and students of hotelier colleges joined the competition. The students looked thrilled and confident despite having to compete against experienced chefs. They regard this arena as a tryout opportunity to enhance their creativity and boost their courage to compete, Stefu said.

Read also: Beyond kebabs: Turkish cuisine seeks place at the table

Such a forum would enable the students to receive feedback to improve their creations from the respected culinary luminaries who performed as the judges. Its this input that the student entrants were expecting, Stefu said.

All of the 15 sets of Indonesian dessert courses turned out to be appealing. During the judging time, the plates only had the names of the dishes and ingredients specified. The contestants names were not included to uphold fairness.

The participants gave new and modern interpretations to various Indonesian desserts. Lapis legit, also called spekkoek, was mostly served by the competitors. First introduced by the Dutch during the colonial period, the multi-layered cake was named one of CNNs favorite national treats. Another signature dessert that got a new look was es campur (fruit served with shaved ice and syrup) and putu mayang (noodle-shaped cake).

Paradise of tofu(JP/Juliana Harsianti)

Diverse types of Indonesian chocolate were attractively adorned and separately served or combined with other cakes. Some entrants also explored Indonesian fruits, with one of them presenting Malangs apple mousse. Others converted kolak pisang (bananas stewed in coconut milk) into a kind of mille-feuille, a typical French dessert with layers of pastry. The layers were filled with coconut mousse and caramel-covered bananas decorated their top, thus retaining the original kolak flavor. Tofu was also among the uniquely processed desserts.

Read also: Kolak recipes for Ramadhan you can easily make at home

Apart from taste, one of the major evaluation criteria was presentation, which pushed the participants to concoct not only appetizing desserts but also the ones pleasing to the eye. Stefu said creativity in plating should still be upgraded by young and senior chefs as well as students.

The judges acknowledged there should be no doubt about the flavor of Indonesian cuisine, he said.

However, the plating of many dishes is yet to be appropriately handled so as to be accepted at hotels or competitions of international standards. Attractive plating can raise the value of the relevant dishes  both as culinary and artistic works.
US President Donald Trump seems to have confirmed a US media report that he is personally being investigated for possible obstruction of justice. Trump's firing of James Comey as FBI director is reported to have sparked the probe.

By Santosh Chaubey: United States President Donald Trump today appeared to confirm a Washington Post report that he is being investigated for firing former FBI director James Comey.

The Post, this week, reported that Robert Mueller, who is overseeing the FBI's probe into Russia's meddling in last year's US presidential election and possible links with the Trump campaign, has expanded his inquiry to probe whether Trump obstructed justice by firing James Comey as FBI chief.

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In his tweet today, Trump seemingly confirmed the report and reiterated his charge linking his presidential campaign with Russia is nothing but a political witch-hunt.

Trump said he was being investigated by the man who, in the first place, told him to fire James Comey. Trump's tweet could be targeting Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, who appointed former FBI director Robert Mueller as special counsel to oversee the probe into Russia's intervention into the last year's presidential polls.

I am being investigated for firing the FBI Director by the man who told me to fire the FBI Director! Witch Hunt- Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 16, 2017

Rosenstein had written to Trump recommending Comey's firing.

In an attempt to sound upbeat and to downplay the new developments in a controversy that has now reached the Oval Office, Trump also said that "despite the phony witch Hunt going on in America, the economic & jobs numbers are great."

Despite the phony Witch Hunt going on in America, the economic & jobs numbers are great. Regulations way down, jobs and enthusiasm way up!- Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 16, 2017

WITCH HUNTS AND FAKE NEWS

Even yesterday, Trump had termed the alleged links between Russia and his campaign as a phony story.

Notably, James Comey, who was fired by Trump last month, publicly testified this month that Trump had told him to ease off on his former national security adviser Michael Flynn, who was under the FBI investigation for his Russian links.

Comey said he believed Trump's advice to be a direction and thus felt uncomfortable by it. Terming Comey's allegations untrue, Trump later said he was willing to testify under oath but Mueller's reported investigation into the president's actions means that Trump will have to live with the ghost of another probe reaching to the White House.

Trump had expressed the same outrage when Mueller, a former FBI director from 2001 to 2013, was appointed last month by the US Department of Justice to probe Russian meddling.

While accusing the Clinton campaign and the Obama administration of indulging in illegal acts, Trump had said that "there was never a special counsel appointed to oversee the acts of his Democrat predecessors".

He had likened the appointment of the special counsel with the "single greatest witch hunt of a politician in American history". "With all of the illegal acts that took place in the Clinton campaign and the Obama administration, there was never a special counsel appointed", Trump had tweeted.

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ALSO READ | Not just James Comey: Preet Bharara tells of 'unusual' calls from Donald Trump

ALSO READ | Donald Trump's White House date with Narendra Modi fixed for June 26

ALSO WATCH | US pulls out of Paris Climate Accord; Trump says deal not tough on India, China

--- ENDS ---
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Linkedin News Desk (Agence France-Presse) Los Angeles, United States  Fri, June 16, 2017 20:01 1973 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a59851e 2 Lifestyle los-angeles,City-Hall,Batman,#superhero,superhero,adam-west,Bat-signal Free

A giant Bat-signal lit up the side of City Hall in Los Angeles Thursday night to honor Batman actor Adam West, who played the superhero role in the 1960s television series.

He died on Friday at age 88 following a battle with leukemia.

The caped crusader helped protect the fictional Gotham City in a franchise that began as a DC Comics strip before also moving to television and film.

When Gotham's authorities needed Batman's help, they projected a light beam with his logo into the sky.

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and police chief Charlie Beck led Thursday's tribute.

Hundreds of fans thronged the ceremony, many dressed up in costumes from the television series and films.

Two replicas of the 1960s-era Batmobile were parked outside the building.

Read also: Adam West to sell Batman-themed paintings he's created

Fans gather around a Batmobile before a tribute to "Batman" star Adam West that includes lighting a Bat-signal at City Hall, June 15, 2017, in Los Angeles, California. West, who portrayed Batman in the classic 1966-68 TV series of the same name, died on June 9 at the age of 88.(AFP/Robyn Beck)

Burt Ward, 71, who played Batman's sidekick Robin on the show, also took part.

"I'm here to tell you that my friend Adam would want every single one of you to be incredibly happy and to be joyous," he told the crowd.

The 1966-68 TV series had a low-brow comedy touch that made it far different from the darker "Batman" moves of today.

West delivered his often corny lines with deadpan earnestness, entertaining children and adding a touch of satirical humor for adults.

The series epitomized the era's kitsch, with exclamations like "POW!" and "BAM!" written in pop-art script flashing across television screens.

The show gave rise to a movie version in 1966, in which West also starred, and fueled a franchise that included merchandise like toy Batmobiles, Batphones, dolls and lunchboxes.
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Linkedin Winny Tang (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, June 16, 2017 09:56 1974 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a5763ca 1 Business OJK,IDX,commissioner,Tito-Sulistio Free

The Financial Services Authority (OJK) released on Wednesday the names of the Indonesia Stock Exchanges (IDX) new commissioners for the 2017-2020 period.

Former Indonesian ambassador to South Korea, John A Prasetio, was appointed as IDXs new president commissioner, replacing Robinson Simbolon.

John has held several prestigious positions in the past, such as president commissioner of global accounting firm Ernst and Young, and vice president of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin).

Other new IDX commissioners to be appointed next week after the company's shareholders meeting are: Inarno Djajadi, Garibaldi Thohir, Hendra H Kustarjo and Lydia Trivelly Azhar.

Three commissioners [of the previous period] are maintaining their positions. Pak John is an accountant specializing in the capital market. It is going to be business as usual, IDX president director Tito Sulistio said on Thursday.

John told The Jakarta Post that the IDXs priority would be to get as many as retail investors into the market as possible, as the country  with its 250-million-plus population  has a huge potential for that. (bbn)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, June 16, 2017 19:04 1973 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a593c49 1 National Siti-Fadilah-Supari,bribery-case,medical-device,state-budget Free

The Jakarta Corruption Court has sentenced former health minister Siti Fadilah Supari to four years in prison after finding her guilty of accepting bribes in the state-funded procurement of medical equipment.

We also ordered the defendant to pay Rp 200 million (US$15,042) in fines or serve an additional two months in prison, presiding judge Ibnu Basuki read out the verdict on Friday.

Siti was proven guilty of abusing her authority in the procurement of medical equipment for the Center for Health Problems (PPMK) in 2005, causing more than Rp 6 billion in state losses.

Siti is also said to have accepted bribes amounting to Rp 1.9 billion and Rp 1.3 billion, respectively, from PT Graha Ismaya finance director Sri Wahyuningsih and the same companys president director, Masrizal Achmad Syarif, in the form of travelers checks.

Apart from the fines, Siti must return an outstanding Rp 550 million to the state after previously returning Rp 1.35 billion, as required in the sentencing of her subordinate, Rustam Pakaya.

Rustam, a former health ministry crisis center chief, was found guilty of abusing his authority in the medical equipment procurement for the crisis center in 2007, causing Rp 21.3 billion in state losses. Rustam was also sentenced to four years in prison.

When reporters asked whether she would appeal the verdict, Siti answered: I dont know. I dont think so. (kuk/dmr)
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Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, June 16 2017

The Jakarta Police have arrested a councillor from Tabanan, Bali, accusing him of drug use.

The councillor, who belongs to the Golkar Party, was identified only as INPW. He was arrested during a police raid on a hotel in Pecenongan, Central Jakarta.

Yes, we have arrested INPW. Our team is still conducting the investigation, said Jakarta Police narcotics unit head Sr. Comr. Nico Afinta as quoted by kompas.com on Thursday.

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Linkedin Haeril Halim (The Jakarta Post) Banyumas, Central Java  Fri, June 16, 2017 13:32 1973 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a5802e1 1 National Jokowi,Indonesia-smart-card-kip,Central-Java Free

President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo started the second day of his Central Java working visit on Friday by distributing 3,317 Indonesia Smart Cards (KIP) to students in Banyumas regency.

Jokowi reminded students to only use funds from the card for school purposes, such as buying books, bags and shoes.

"The card will be withdrawn if it is used to buy things not related to school activities," he warned them.

Each elementary student receives Rp 450,000 (US$33.8) per year through the program, while Rp 750,000 is allocated for junior high school students and Rp 1 million for senior high school students.

Distributing KIPs has been a mandatory part of Jokowi's work trip in a move to step up efforts in achieving the governments target of distributing cards to 17.9 million students across the country.

According to data from the Culture and Education Ministry, some 17 million students have received their KIPs as of late 2016. The remaining 900,000 KIPs will be distributed this year.

On the first day of his three-day Central Java visit, Jokowi distributed more than 3,842 KIPs in Cilacap regency, before proceeding to Banyumas, where he distributed land certificates as part of his ambitious agrarian reform program to issue land certificates for 126 million hectares of land across the country.

On Thursday, Jokowi also gave out some 2,500 land certificates to people of various occupations in Cilacap.

Jokowi will head to Banjarnegara on Friday afternoon, before stopping in Wonosobo regency, where he will spend the night.
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Linkedin Haeril Halim (The Jakarta Post) Cilacap, Central Java  Fri, June 16, 2017 09:06 1974 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a5745c6 1 National Jokowi,Central-Java,Pesantren Free

President Joko Jokowi Widodo filled the first day of his Central Java working tour on Thursday with various religious activities by visiting several Islamic boarding schools in Cilacap regency.

His first stop was the Al Ihya Ulumudin Islamic boarding school in Cilacap to honor late Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) cleric Chasbullah Badawi, who passed away on June 5. The NU is the largest Islamic organizations in the country known for its campaign for tolerant Islam, Islam Nusantara, or Islam of the Archipelago.

The President is known for its close relationship with NU clerics, especially in Central Java and East Java, a majority of whom threw their support behind Jokowi during the 2014 presidential elections against former army general Prabowo Subianto.

I apologize for not being able to come here when [Chasbullah] left us. I am here this afternoon to pay my condolences to his family and the local government, Jokowi told hundreds Al Ihya Ulumudin students as well as residents who came to the school to see the President.

In his speech, Jokowi also encouraged students and residents to respect the value of pluralism and Indonesia as a multicultural nation.

Jokowi then moved on to Miftahul Huda boarding school in Cilacap to greet hundreds of students and NU clerics. He also delivered messages of tolerance to the audience.

Dont blame each other for our differences. We are all brothers as Muslims and we need to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood, he said.

On his way to the third Islamic boarding school, Jokowi asked his driver stop in the middle of the route to break the fast by drinking a bottle of water in the car with his son Kaesang Pangarep. He also ordered a five-minute stop for his motorcade, allowing his entourage to break their fast before moving on with their trip.

After arriving at Darussalam Islamic boarding school in Banyumas regency, Jokowi distributed 10 tons of rice, two tons of sugar and 50 kilograms of meat in aid from state-owned companies to students and residents.

Jokowi also pledged to clerics to build a three-story building to be used by students at the Islamic boarding school.

On Friday, Jokowi will continue his trip to Banjarnegara regency to distribute the Indonesia Smart Card to local students. (dmr)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, June 16, 2017 18:41 1973 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a5936bb 1 Business Luhut-Binsar-Pandjaitan,visit,China,investment,infrastructure Free

Maritime Coordinating Minister Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan has offered investment opportunities in infrastructure projects to China during his visit to the country.

Luhut, who is scheduled to visit the country from June 15 to 17, met with Chinese Political and Legal Affairs Commission Secretary Meng Jianzhu on Thursday.

During his meeting with Meng, Luhut mentioned several projects, including an integrated infrastructure project in North Sumatra, new harbor and nuclear industry construction in North Kalimantan and integrated tourism projects in North Sulawesi and Bali.

Read also: Indonesia offers Bali railway project to China

Luhut also conveyed a message from President Joko Jokowi Widodo to Chinese President Xi Jinping through Meng in the hope that cooperation between both countries could be materialized soon.

Similar issues were also discussed when Luhut met with China Communications Construction Company Ltd. (CCCC) president director Liu Qitao and the Chinese Development Bank (CDB) chairman Hu Huaibang.

Luhut said both companies were interested in investing in Indonesia and they promised to send their teams to Indonesia, to follow up the offers. (dea/bbn)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, June 16, 2017 17:44 1973 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a591aef 1 Business MoU,land-acquisition,toll-road,dam,project Free

The government and 38 companies have signed memorandum of understandings (MOUs) to accelerate the construction of 32 toll roads and 24 dams across the country.

Under the agreements, the companies involved in the projects, can acquire land for the projects, without waiting for the fund disbursement from the government allocated for the land acquisitions.

The land acquisition can be accelerated so the projects can be completed sooner, said Public Works and Housing Minister Basuki Hadimuljono on Wednesday.

The MoUs were signed after Basuki in April agreed to the use of bridging funds for those projects.

The government will allocate Rp 20 trillion (US1.50 billion) for bridging funds related to various major infrastructure projects.

The figure allocated for bridging funds may increase as the government is currently discussing with lawmakers about revisions to the 2017 state budget.

Rahayu Puspasari, the president director of State Asset Management Agency (LMAN)  an agency, which would handle the funds  said LMAN would provide Rp 13.28 trillion for land procurement for the toll road projects and Rp 2.37 trillion for land procurement for the dam projects.

Rahayu added that the disbursement process may take up to ten days, while the LMAN was currently working to speed up the process. (mrc/bbn)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, June 16, 2017 16:49 1973 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a58ba54 1 City Davidson-Tantono,deadly-shooting,West-Jakarta,armed-robbery Free

Jakarta Police announced the arrest of two more men they are accusing of having been involved in an armed robbery that ended with the shooting death of Davidson Tantono on Jl. Raya Daan Mogot in West Jakarta last week. The two men were arrested in Lampung.

The arrest brings to four the total number of suspects apprehended.

We were able to arrest them pretty quickly since there were many eyewitnesses around the scene and we could identify them through CCTV footage, Jakarta Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Argo Yuwono.

Currently, we are still hunting down the captain, Argo said, referring to whoever planned and led the robbery.

According to Argo, the captain had divided the Rp 300 million (US$22,580) in cash they took from Davidson among the group members.

Argo has also alleged the same group was involved in 10 other robberies.

A week ago, Davidson died after two robbers shot him in the head and fled with his bag of cash. Davidson had reportedly withdrawn the money from a bank in Kebon Jeruk, West Jakarta, before driving to the gas station to check on a flat tire.

When he got out of the car, someone grabbed his bag, which he had placed near the steering wheel. The victim fought the two robbers for control of the bag before getting shot.

Davidson, who ran a cooperative, had withdrawn the money to cover the cooperatives general expenses and to provide loans to members ahead of Idul Fitri. (dea/dmr)
By Press Trust of India: (Eds: Updating with fresh inputs)

Moscow, Jun 16 (PTI) Russia today said it was verifying whether the elusive Islamic State terror group chief Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi had been killed in a targeted Russian airstrike in strife-torn Syria last month.

The airstrike on May 28 was carried out on the outskirts of the dreaded militant groups de facto capital Raqqa, on a command post where ISIS leaders were meeting, according to Russian state media reports.

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"According to information, which is being verified via different channels, the meeting was also attended by the (ISIS) leader Ibrahim Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, who was eliminated in the strike," the ministry said, according to the TASS news agency.

The leaders were discussing their exit from the city through the so-called southern corridor, the ministry said.

The airstrike was carried out following drone footage confirmation of the councils meeting location, state-run Sputnik reported.

Other state media reported that more than 300 "terrorists" were killed in the strike.

There have been a number of previous reports of Baghdadis death.

This is the first time, however, that Russia has said it may have killed the IS leader. Other media reports have previously claimed he had been killed or critically injured by US-led coalition air strikes.

Reacting to the report, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told journalists that there is no one-hundred-per cent confirmation yet that leader of the Islamic State terror group outlawed in Russia, al-Baghdadi, has been killed,

"So far, I have no one-hundred-percent confirmation of this information," Lavrov said.

US defense officials said they were unable to confirm the reports. Col. Ryan Dillon, a spokesman for the US-led coalitions operation against ISIS in Syria and Iraq, said the coalition "cannot confirm these reports at this time."

There has been no official comment from Syrias government, the BBC reported.

So far, there has been minimal reaction from online supporters of IS to news of the reported death of the groups leader, it said.

IS sympathisers typically ignore reports from unofficial IS sources or ridicule them, especially given that Baghdadis death has been reported several times in the past.

One high-profile IS supporter on the messaging app Telegram shared a post denying the news and saying that when an IS leadership figure is killed, the group does not hide it. He expected Baghdadi to come out soon with a message to prove he was still alive.

The IS has earned global notoriety for imposing a hardline form of Islam that has included stonings, beheadings and amputations.

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Earlier, the The Russian army, in a statement, said Sukhoi warplanes carried out a 10-minute night-time strike on May 28 at a location near Raqa, where IS leaders had gathered to plan a pullout by militants from the groups stronghold.

"Senior commanders of the military groups of the so- called IS military council, 30 mid-ranking field commanders and up to 300 militants who provided security for them were eliminated," it said.

"According to information which is being checked through various channels, the leader of ISIL Ibrahim Abu-Bakr al- Baghdadi was also present at the meeting and was eliminated by the strike," it said.

ISIL is an acronym for the so-called IS group, also known as ISIS and Daesh.

The US has been informed about the attack, the statement added.

Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, which is a nom de guerre, was born Ibrahim Awwad Ibrahim Ali al-Badri al Samarrai.

Baghdadi has not been seen in public since proclaiming himself "caliph" in the Iraqi city of Mosul three years ago.

In October 2011, the US officially designated Baghdadi as a "terrorist". It has offered a reward of up to USD 25 million for information leading to his capture or death.

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The IS seized Mosul, Iraqs second-biggest city, in June 2014 before claiming swathes of territory and launching deadly attacks on Western cities, including Paris and London. PTI AKJ AKJ

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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, June 16, 2017 16:43 1973 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a58ab33 1 City naked-woman,police,viral,viral-video Free

The police have decided to drop the investigation into VM, a 26-year-old woman who appeared almost naked in a recent video that went viral.

Because she has 44 [mental disorders] we cannot continue the investigation, Taman Sari Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Erick Frendiz said as quoted by kompas.com on Friday.

Recently, a video went viral showing VM wearing nothing but a thong as she made a purchase at a drug store in Taman Sari, West Jakarta. Another photo, which showed her walking along a street almost naked, also went viral over the weekend.

In early June, the police arrested VM at her residence at the Rasuna Said Apartments in Kuningan, South Jakarta.

However, VM has been diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, a mental health issue in which a person experiences a combination of schizophrenia symptoms, such as hallucinations or delusions, as well as depression or mania.

The police, therefore, concluded that VM could not be blamed for her actions.

She lacks understanding of the risks of [her] actions, or how to control her actions, Erick said.

VM was subsequently discharged from the Kramat Jati National Police Hospital in Kramat Jati, East Jakarta, and is currently being treated by her family. (han)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, June 16, 2017 17:18 1973 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a58dd34 1 City police,special-team,crime Free

The South Jakarta Police force is set to detail its special Eagle One Team, a quick-response team that is responsible for combating street crime, to escort bank customers after they do transactions during Ramadhan.

The service was offered following an armed robbery that ended in the shooting death of Davidson Tantono, 30, who had just withdrawn a large sum of money from a bank in Daan Mogot, West Jakarta, last week.

"The team was formed to provide a feeling of security to all residents who need assistance, in this case while they withdraw money from banks," the National Police spokesman Brig. Gen. Rikwanto said on Thursday as quoted by tribunnews.com.

The team would be equipped with long-barreled firearms and bulletproof vests when doing patrols.

The Jakarta Police had arrested two men in Bogor, West Java, and another two in Lampung who were allegedly members of a gang that attacked Davidson.

The police accused the group of specializing in targeting bank customers. The men had reportedly distributed among themselves the Rp 350 million (US$26,309) stolen from Davidson. One of them had reportedly admitted to having received Rp 14 million.

The alleged gang, which is estimated to have more than five members, has been accused of committing similar crimes more than 10 times in Jakarta and other regions, according to the police. (cal)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, June 16, 2017 17:13 1973 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a58d1c8 1 National graft,corruption-case,Corruption-court,corruption Free

Prosecutors at the Jakarta Corruption Court are demanding a panel of judges sentence former Banten governor Atut Chosiyah to eight years imprisonment for her alleged role in graft involving the procurement of medical equipment in Banten.

The prosecutors are also demanding Atut be required to pay a Rp 250 million (US$18,797) fine.

We ask the panel of judges to declare the defendant guilty of committing corruption, prosecutor Budi Nugraha told the court on Friday.

The team of prosecutors argued that Atuts involvement in the case had cost the state Rp 79.7 billion.

Atut was accused of having rigged the budget for the health agency of the province in the 2012 Regional Budget and 2012 Revised Regional Budget. Moreover, the prosecutors also suspected her of having arranged the budget allocation for the procurement of medical equipment.

Atut was alleged to favored certain parties to be partners of the health agency.

In this case, Atut was indicted along with her younger brother Tubagus Chaeri Wardana aka Wawan who was accused of controlling the budget and the procurement process by appointing the companies for the project.

Atut has been sentenced to seven years in prison in 2015 for bribing then Constitutional Court chief justice Akil Mochtar over an election dispute in Banten. (rin)
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Linkedin Haeril Halim (The Jakarta Post) Purwokerto, Central Java  Fri, June 16, 2017 20:09 1973 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a59b1c6 1 National Purwokerto,land-reform,land-certification,Jokowi Free

In a bid to speed up the process of issuing land certificates to people across the country, President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo handed over 2,187 of them in Purwokerto, Banyumas regency, on Friday.

This is the second similar event during the trip. Jokowi passed 2,500 land certificates to people of various occupations on Thursday in Cilacap.

Jokowi said that many conflicts in society were caused by the lack of land certificates. "Citizens conflict with one another in society and between citizens and local governments [also conflict] because of uncertified land. With a certificate in hand, then you are legitimate owner of the land and no one else can claim it as theirs," Jokowi said at the event.

The land certification program is part of Jokowi's ambitious agrarian reform policy that seeks to certify 126 million hectares of land across the country.

The government plans to issue a total of 5 million land certificates nationwide this year. About 500,000 certificates would be for people in Central Java.

Jokowi said that having a certificate did not only prove the ownership of land, but land owners also could use them as guarantees for loans from banks to fund their businesses.

"Don't use the money to buy luxury items," Jokowi said.

In 2018, the government aims to issue a total of 7 million certificates, while the plan for 2019 is 9 million.
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Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, June 16 2017

It was a quiet Thursday afternoon at the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) headquarters in South Jakarta when a group of people came to express their support for the antigraft body, which is now facing a sinister political inquiry by the House of Representatives.

The group, calling itself the Indonesia Waras (Sane Indonesia) movement, consisted of anticorruption activists, entertainers, college students and other citizens who believe that it is time to stand up for the KPK against the thinly-veiled attempt by House members to weaken it.

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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, June 16, 2017 18:23 1973 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a592d96 1 National counterfeit-money,arrest,Lampung Free

Police have announced the arrest of a suspect and former convict of money counterfeiting in possession of fake cash with a nominal value of Rp 50 million (US$ 3,759).

MA was arrested on Wednesday for allegedly producing counterfeit money at his home in Bandar Lampung, Lampung, National Police detective unit for economic and special crimes head Brig. Gen. Agung Setya said on Friday, adding that police were still pursuing another man acting as financier in the crime.

He is an old player in the crime and only left prison three months ago after being jailed for one year and eight months for distributing counterfeit money in West Jakarta.

"The suspect likely learnt to counterfeit money from other convicts in prison, because he previously acted only as a distributor but has now become a producer," Agung said at a press briefing in Jakarta.

The arrest had been based on a tip-off from a resident, which had been followed by an undercover transaction by an informant in collaboration with police, Agung said.

Police seized 1,000 fake Rp 50,000 banknotes as well as three printers, a hair dryer, paper, desks and a car allegedly used for creating and distributing the fake money.

The suspect allegedly planned to distribute the money in Jakarta, with five fake banknotes to be sold for Rp 50,000. He reportedly admitted to receiving around 25 percent of the profit, while passing the remainder on to his boss identified as LK, who remains at large.

MA was charged under Article 36 of Law No.7/2011 on currency, which carries a maximum punishment of 10 years of imprisonment. (yon)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, June 16, 2017 20:23 1973 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a59bd83 1 City drug-abuse,Councilors,arrest Free

A councilor of Tabanan, Bali, who was recently arrested for alleged drug use, consumed the drugs because of a family problem, the Jakarta Police has said.

"The perpetrator had a family problem that made him consume the drugs," Jakarta Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Argo Yuwono said as quoted by kompas.com on Friday.

The councilor, identified only as INPW, and his friend, LOS, 19, were arrested for alleged drug use during a police raid of a hotel in Pecenongan, Central Jakarta, on Tuesday.

Argo alleged the councilor consumed the drugs once.

During the raid, the cops also seized 1.8 grams of crystal methamphetamine, a bong and 2,053 ecstasy pills. (agn)
Local residents will start to see changes in Straus Square during the next several weeks, as the neglected area at East Broadway, Rutgers Street and Canal Street begins to look more like a full-fledged pedestrian plaza. The changes were outlined last night at a meeting of Community Board 3s Parks Committee.

As previously reported, the community board has already approved the closure of a one block section of Canal Street alongside Seward Park. Last nights presentation before the parks panel dealt with design and programming aspects of the plan. Seward Park is about to undergo a $6.4 million renovation as part of the Parks Without Borders Program. The idea behind the Straus Square changes is to make the plaza feel like its an extension of the park.

Tim Laughlin, president of the Lower East Side Partnership, walked community board members through the plan. His organization is teaming up with the Parks Department to operate the plaza. Temporary seating will be installed in the next few weeks. Benches will be created using jersey barricades (see the rendering below). A more permanent and elaborate plaza setup will be in-the-works in the spring of 2018 (funding needs to be locked down for that).

Laughlin said the Citi Bike station currently located alongside Straus Square will be temporarily removed (probably at the end of this month). It hasnt been decided for certain where it will be relocated. One possibility is the wide sidewalk on Rutgers Street adjacent to Wus Wonton King, a Chinese restaurant. In response to concern from committee members, Laughlin offered assurances that the heavily used station would not be eliminated. It will likely be out of commission for 2-4 weeks.

Another feature of the plaza, to be implemented next year, will be a bike repair operation from Recycle-a-Bicycle and Bike New York. It will be established in a shipping container set up in the plaza. Recycle-a-Bicycle gave of a storefront on Avenue C this past spring after 17 years on the LES, so the operation will mean a return to the neighborhood for the not-for-profit organization.

The repair station will be a regular presence in Straus Square during warm weather months. In addition to bike repair, classes for children and adults and other free programs will be offered. Recycle-a-Bicycle and Bike New York already provide similar services in seven city parks. Staff members, said Laughlin, will be eyes on the street, and be able to assist in breaking down plaza elements like bistro chairs and tables at the end of each day.

In a previous meeting, members of the Seward Park Conservancy raised questions about traffic congestion in the area. City officials conducted a survey that indicated the stretch of Canal slated for closure is used by a lot more pedestrians than cars. In the new configuration, vehicles will continue on East Broadway, rather than having the option of veering off onto Canal. Theyll turn onto Rutgers/Essex Street. In response to the concerns, the Department of Transportation is conducting a traffic study to evaluate the impact of the proposed changes.

Last night, Carol Anastasio, one of the leaders of Seward Park Conservancy, reiterated the concerns about traffic. But she was generally optimistic about the plan. We believe something good has come from this design even though theres not much money (to work with right now). The conservancy does not want to see granite blocks used in the plaza (theyre a prominent feature of some other plazas in the neighborhood).

The parks committee approved a resolution in support of the changes. The area will be resurfaced at the end of this month with installation of the interim seating taking place in July.

You can see the full presentation below.

Straus Square Redesign by The Lo-Down on Scribd
By Santosh Chaubey: In an act of self-aggrandisement, an editorial in China's official publication People's Daily has termed western democracy a grand illusion. Comparing situation in China with political chaos prevailing in the US with election of Donald Trump as the president and declaring China's political system unique for lifting millions of Chinese out of poverty, the editorial has slammed western democracy saying it is always just one step away from tragedy.

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The editorial questions the US model of democracy and writes that 'China's official argument is that the US elevates itself as a model of democracy in order to spread its interpretation of democracy to other countries in an attempt to make the world in its own image.'

DEMOCRACY IN THE US AND CHINA

It says the 2016 US presidential election has shown the perils of western democracy 'revealing the dark side of the so-called democracy in the US.' Taking its agenda to show western democracies in poor light further, citing some studies in the way it suits its agenda, the editorial says that "the modern history of western democracy is one of decline and fall and most democracies failed. There is a growing dissatisfaction with western democracy itself, not just in America but around the world."

Whereas the world knows how ruthless is the one-party autocratic rule of China. China is known as a country that massacred its own students in the Tiananmen Square incident for demanding political reforms. China is a county that crushes every voice of dissent including even artists and Nobel laureates. China's human rights record is awfully horrible. Free and fair elections are undisputed hallmark of democracies, something that China has never seen under its communist rule.

CHINA'S REPRESSION

Though the editorial rightly points to the ensuing political chaos in the US with Donald Trump's controversial policy movements like replacing national health insurance policy unveiled by Barack Obama with his controversial health insurance plan that will leave millions of Americans out of its ambit or his controversial travel ban plan targeting Muslims or his decision to withdraw the US from the Paris Climate Deal, it forgets China's own poor track record while painting an established model of democracy in a negative hue.

The editorial doesn't mention Chinese crackdown on Uyghur Muslims of its Xinjiang province for demanding freedom to practice their religion. Ramadan is prohibited for them and so calling their children with religious Muslim names. The editorial doesn't mention how China throws its millions of poor out of its megacities to build a world class Beijing or Shanghai. The editorial doesn't mention that How Hong Kongers are vehemently opposing Chinese efforts to introduce mainland education system in the island city that was a British colony with British law and western education system. Though Hong Kong was transferred to Chinese control in 1997, the British-Chinese agreement says that China cannot interfere to impose its socialist system in Hong Kong for 50 years.

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GROWING DISSATISFACTION WITH MODERN DEMOCRACIES

While talking of growing dissatisfaction with western democracies, the editorial very conveniently forgets to mention that how Donald Trump is seeing lowest approval ratings within few months of his inaugural because of controversies surrounding him, that how France elected an unknown Emmanuel Macron over far-right Marine Le Pen to preserve its democratic spirit, that how Britain rejected PM Theresa May's inward looking policies by taking away her government's majority in the recently held elections. A democratic spirit grows stronger with equal participation of people in its trial and error process that challenges throw, something that was never given to Chinese people.

Democracies are built on these founding principles, political and religious freedom, rule of law and legal equality, building blocks of a democratic society totally unheard of in one-party rule autocratic China. Chinese people have no political and religious freedom. Legal equality and rule of law is on mercy of Chinese power elite. It serves as long as they keep on squeezing their life within the strict norms laid out by the Chinese Communist Party. The editorial's argument, "whether the shoes fit or not, only the wearer knows", quoting Chinese president Xi Jinping, reflects the unilateral world view of Chinese power elite.

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Recently, the Spalding MFA Twitter account tweeted about my small online lit mag:

@slushpilemag is accepting #fiction, #poetry, and #cnf submissions through @submittable & will provide feedback! it cheerfully announced.

The post got a handful of likes and retweets. Then came this: Do you pay your contributors?

I grimaced as I typed my response: Only in mugs and tote bags, Im afraid.

A few minutes later came the inevitable reply: Yeahthats not payment.

Exchanges like this happen from time to time  sometimes over email, sometimes over Twitter. Often they seem undergirded by an assumption that lit mag editors will reap some monetary reward for publishing an authors work while denying them the compensation they deserve. So I thought an explanation was in order.

The following is an overview of the sad but true economic reality of literary magazines, and what writers should know as they stake out the terrain.

Literary Journals Dont Make Money

There is no such thing as a profitable literary journal. To the best of our knowledge, all surviving literary journals are supported by universities and/or by individuals who love short fiction and are willing to put their own time and money into them.  Glimmer Train

In the age of the Internet, people are loath to pay for content  in print or online. The decline of the print publishing industry and the constant near-collapse of the news industry has seen publishers of all stripes frantic to monetize a readership that continues to dodge online advertising and refuses to pay for any form of subscription.

Meanwhile, print periodicals  including, and perhaps especially, literary journals  are extremely costly to produce and continue to lose subscribers as readers increasingly move online. Which is not to say that literary journals have ever been financially viable. Even the illustrious Harvard Review, my literary alma mater, would disappear were it not for generous donors. This is true of all but maybe two or three journals.

As publishing industry veteran Jane Friedman notes:

A literary journals costs are rarely, if ever, covered by subscriptions, but by a combination of grants, institutional funding, and donations. Even extremely well-regarded, award-winning journals have found themselves on the edge of the precipice  and continue in part due to dogged persistence and commitment from their founders and staff, who repeatedly raise the funds needed to continue [] Its a misnomer to talk about a business model for print literary journals; theyre nonprofits and continue mostly due to charity and goodwill.

And in recent history, much of this funding has begun to disappear: After more than a century of founding and subsidizing literary magazines as a vital part of their educational missions, colleges and universities have begun off-loading their publications, citing overburdened budgets and dwindling readership, said Ted Genoways in an article ominously titled The Death of Fiction, which he penned all the way back in 2010.

While the overhead for online literary journals is much smaller, they are also far from free and even further from being profitable since, unlike print publications, they arent in a position to offset any of their costs with subscriptions.

So the first thing to understand is that if a literary magazine is paying you for your work, they are likely doing so out of grant money, not pockets deeply lined by the publishing of literary fiction and poetry.

People Who Work at Literary Journals Dont Make Money

No one has ever been able to make a good living writing or publishing literary fiction. It doesnt matter that there are exceptions. The rule stands.  Stephen Elliott, founder of The Rumpus

In a manner of speaking, submissions cost  not make  lit mags money.

Lit mags receive a lot of submissions  this can range from many hundreds to many thousands each year  which they read and then accept or decline. Those declined are read carefully, often reviewed by several (unpaid) readers each. Those that are accepted go through a minimum of two rounds of editing (often more). Then the work must be formatted and proofed, and, at last, when the issue is completed, it is promoted on social media and by whatever other means possible. This process represents hours and hours of time. And while some lit mags can afford to pay some members of their staff, many are entirely staffed by volunteers. If you consider that, in their non-literary lives, these same people are paid to do things, you could think of every hour they spend working at literary journals as negative money.

They do it because they love it, of course. Editors of small journals are often writers themselves. Almost without exception, people who work at lit mags are burning the midnight oil writing fiction and poetry, just like you. Theyre writing the same cover letters, paying the same submission fees, receiving the same rejections. They, too, are having their work published in literary magazines that cant afford to pay them for their work. This is not an us vs. them  just an us on both sides of the imaginary divide.

So, while on the surface it may be tempting to lump non-paying lit mags in with publications like the Huffington Post that are financially solvent but pay their contributors in exposure, its very different. Nobody in this equation is bringing home the bacon.

If Literary Journals Dont Make Money or Pay Writers, What Good Are They?

Writers sometimes lament the dearth of paying markets, but they should be reassured that often nobody wants to pay writers more than those same editors.  writer Nick Ripatrazone

Duotrope lists about 1,400 online and print publications that publish literary fiction. Of those, 38 pay at the professional level and another 73 pay at the semi-professional level. An additional 74 offer token payment  we wont include these since you cant pay your rent with contributor copies. This means that about eight percent of literary magazines are currently paying.

I suppose it is possible to build your entire writing career submitting only to the eight percent of literary journals that are in a position to pay you, but here are a few reasons why writers submit to the other 92 percent:

1. To build up their writing credentials

The majority of literary journals that pay are also the biggest, oldest, and most prestigious. Consequently, they are also the most competitive. While it is true that many journals do their best to read submissions blind, it is also true that others dont, and the strength of your previous publications may or may not impact the quality of attention your manuscript is given.

Whats more, the response time for top-tier journals is often six months to a year, which means that while you may succeed in placing your piece in a journal that can pay you a few hundred dollars for it, the process could easily take several years.

2. To reach a maximum number of readers

Refusing to submit your work to 92 percent of literary journals limits your readership. If your goal as a writer is to get as many eyes on your work as possible  and arguably, it should be  limiting your submissions to eight percent of available publications does seem a bit like cutting off your nose to spite your face.

3. To work with editorial staffs who have the time to care

Larger publications receive a staggering quantity of incoming submissions. This both limits the amount of attention the staff can give each submission and means the journal is unlikely to accept pieces that are less than perfect because they already have more perfect pieces than they can publish.

Smaller publications run at a less frantic pace. They often do have the time to offer feedback or spend time polishing up a diamond in the rough. This is, I believe, perhaps the greatest value that non-paying journals offer writers. As Deborah Treisman, fiction editor of The New Yorker, said in a recent interview: Its crucial to have readers. Writing is a kind of contract with an audience, so whether that audience is your best friend or an editor or a fellow student, its crucial to have somebody else look at your work.

Evelyn Somers, associate editor of The Missouri Review concurred:

At The Missouri Review, we do pay our writers and have for a long time. Author payments cost us a little over $20,000 a year if you dont count our prize awards. With those, its around $40,000, and its money very hard won. But the most valuable thing writers receive when they are selected for publication is a generous quantity of the editors time and attention  for which the editors are not always paid since a fair amount of it may be off the clock. That includes time preparing work for publication and also time promoting the authors, nominating work for prizes, sometimes reading or reviewing their books on their own time.

Working with editors makes writers better. The more editors you can work with  especially of publications you admire  the more you will learn about your writing and how to make it stronger.

4. The editor who cant pay you today may be able to pay you tomorrow

A few years ago I convinced a local weekly magazine to begin running a monthly fiction series, which I edited. This was a publication that did pay its writers and promised to pay mine. I went back to all of the writers Id worked with at Slush Pile and published their fiction in this new paying market.

This particular story has an unhappy ending  sadly in keeping with the theme of this article  which is that the weekly magazine turned out to be financially insolvent and didnt end up paying anyone. But I think the moral of the story holds. Which is that editors arent stationary. Hopefully we, like you, are constantly moving on up. And as we do, we want to take you on up with us.

5. Editors really, really want you to succeed

Aside from the fact that editors of literary journals truly care about literature and championing it, they are also deeply motivated to see you succeed. Their success is predicated on your success; their reputation is built on the strength of your reputation  its why they do what they do. They want your story to win the Pushcart Prize or end up in Best American Short Stories. They want you to be the next Junot Diaz or Zadie Smith or J.K. Rowling. Because the more writers they nudge and nurture into the limelight, the more likely it is that they will end up with the one paying gig in the world of literary publishing: Deborah Treismans job.

Youre Not Going to Pay Me, but I have to Pay You to Submit? WTF?

Reading fees are another hotly debated topic among writers.

An article ran in The Atlantic a few years ago in which Joy Lanzendorfer explained that she may stop submitting to literary journals all together because she feels that $3 reading fees are bad for the writing community at every level and threaten the inclusivity of literature when it comes to new, diverse voices.

Its fine to charge fees if youre targeting mostly white, male writers who went to elite schools and who have a financial safety net, she says. Its not so great if you want to hear from the single mom working two jobs who writes poetry at night. This is the most compelling reason to interrogate the practices of publishing, at every level. Arguably, we cannot change the vast inequities in publishing, particularly regarding race and class, without addressing its economic structures  along with a host of other problems.

In truth, the entire enterprise of writing and publishing short fiction isnt  and hasnt ever been  welcoming to the financially burdened. This has, again, primarily to do with the terrible economics of small literary journals and is something that publications must work to mitigate. However, it has very little to do with the advent of submission fees.

Submitting to literary journals was never free. In the analog age, there was the cost of the paper, the envelopes, the postage, the infamous SASE (self-addressed stamped envelope), not to mention the typewriter. The current system of electronic submissions is, in some respects, more inclusive, as most (if not all) journals will, to my knowledge, waive the submission fee in response to a simple email stating financial hardship.

Submission fees exist to cover the cost of submission managers (like Submittable). They are not bribes being offered to the editorial staffs of literary journals in exchange for reading submissions. And while it is true that submission fees have become an unexpected boon to some literary journals in this time of dwindling subscribers, the money they bring in is, if anything, making up for a portion of lost revenue, not creating a surplus.

What a lot of people dont realize is that submission fees have helped keep many journals alive in an age of dwindling bookstore sales, reduced ad revenue, and perennially reluctant subscribers, said Christina Thompson, editor of Harvard Review. Its a cost to the writer, to be sure, but its a small and broadly shared cost which goes a long way toward supporting the entire ecosystem.

And speaking of said ecosystem: The proliferation of outlets and editorial sensibilities since the 1970s has supported the rise of literary pluralism, but undercut the way journals previously leveraged cultural hegemony and scarcity to generate revenue, said Daniel Pritchard, poet, critic, and editor of The Critical Flame. It used to be that only these kinds of writing by these sets of writers was literary, and only certain journals published those writers. People paid for access to a relatively narrow concept of literary merit. So were not just talking about revenue models and payment here. Were talking about which aesthetics and whose voices  literally  have value.

Its also worth noting that many publications waive submission fees for subscribers. This is, in my opinion, the most equitable system. Any publication good enough for your work ought to be good enough to financially support in some way  whether through subscription or submission fee. Does this reduce literary mags to an exercise in vanity publishing? Perhaps. On the other hand, writers are readers. As such, they have always been primary patrons of literary enterprises.

Where Does This Leave Us?

Treat writing like your lifeblood instead of your livelihood.  Ted Genoways

Perhaps Ive succeeded in convincing you of the value of submitting to non-paying literary journals. Or perhaps Ive succeeded only in convincing you that the whole enterprise of writing literary fiction is a complete waste of your time.

The upshot, I suppose, is this: Your work does have value. You do deserve to be paid for it. But if you started writing short fiction thinking it was going to be your bread and butter, you should brace yourself for the reality that youre going to need a side-job for many years; possibly for your entire life. As I recently told a despairing writer friend who was thinking of giving up writing: you didnt get into this for the money; if you could be doing anything else, you would be.

And so would I. Were all working two jobs and writing our poetry at night. Or, in my case, this very article. Which, I think it bears mentioning, I was not paid to write.

Image Credit: Flickr/Andrew Magill.
By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, Jun 16 (PTI) Special envoy to the South Korean president today called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi here.

Dongchea Chung, special envoy to President Moon Jae-In met Modi, days after a new government was sworn in in South Korea.

The prime minister appreciated President Moons gesture of sending his special envoyand said he looks forward to meeting the new South Korean leader.

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A statement from the Prime Ministers Office said Modi recalled his visit to the Republic of Korea in May 2015, during which the bilateral relationship was upgraded to a special strategic partnership.

The prime minister welcomed the deepening of bilateral partnership not only in trade and economic spheres, but also in new areas such as defence cooperation.

Chung also met External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. "His discussions covered a broad range of bilateral relations. There is a very strong economic partnership between Republic of Korea and India and convergence of views on terrorism, right to navigation," MEA spokesperson Gopal Baglay said here.

He said both the sides will strive to hold the meeting of the joint commission within this year. PTI NAB IKA

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By Shashank Shekhar: With security becoming stricter by the day at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), international criminals are adopting innovative ways to smuggle gold into the country.

Custom officials recently busted separate gangs of smugglers who were illegally transporting gold concealed in microwave ovens, toys, wafers and confectionery boxes.

This week, officials seized five kilograms of gold in different forms in separate cases worth approximately Rs 1.4 crore. Officials claim two of the smugglers were arrested for illegal transport at the airport. They added that they also seized around a kilogram of gold (996 gm), which was being smuggled as gold foils concealed inside a carton and packing boxes of wafers, confectionery items and toys.

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GOLD HIDDEN IN METAL BAR OF TROLLEY

"The gold foil was so thin and was concealed in such a way that it was difficult to detect it in the X-ray scanning machines," said a senior custom officer, adding that a 50-year-old passenger from Dubai was arrested. In another case, smugglers had concealed 1.4 kg gold inside the coil of a microwave oven. "It is hard to check electronic items as they contain main metal objects," the officer said.

Over 465 grams of gold was also seized from a passenger coming from Muscat. The gold was hidden in the metal bar of a luggage trolley. According to officials, gold smuggling at the airport has taken a major hit due to demonetisation. Customs officials seized about 240 kg of the yellow metal in 2016-17 fiscal, 190 kg less than the seizure effected in 2015-16. Nearly 355 cases of gold smuggling were reported at the IGIA during the financial year 2015-2016.

In these cases, the customs authorities seized 450 kg of gold, valued at a whopping Rs 132 crore (as per prevailing market rates), a senior customs official had said. As a result, about 240 cases of gold smuggling were reported in 2016-17 fiscal. About 260 kg of gold (as against 450 kg seizure in the previous financial year), valued at `76.31 crore (as per the current market rate), was seized by customs officials at the Delhi airport, he said.

Also read: Delhi hospital fined Rs 30 lakh for leaving needle in womb

Also read: Elderly Delhi couple foils robbery bid by grandson in Rohini

Also read: Mumbai: ATM technicians caught for robbing Rs 28 lakh from machine

--- ENDS ---
Skittles has ditched its famous rainbow for Pride Month and brought out limited edition packs of white sweets.

The idea behind the special rainbowless packs  which are white with a black S and come in black and white packaging  is to support the annual event by giving up their colours so the focus falls on the rainbow flag associated with the LGBT community.

(Wrigley)

The reaction to the campaign has been varied, to say the least.

Some people have been sharing their support for the message.

Really impressed with the white skittles for pride, well done bring on Saturday pic.twitter.com/UVNdoK1Do6  Shawnie Harper (@Shawnieharper) June 15, 2017

There are others, though, who have taken issue with the products being white and have accused the company of racism.

It is "that serious". The normalization of whiteness is a problem because we live in a society where whiteness is considered the standard.  phillip (@TrillestPhil) May 3, 2017

"All the lentils are white in celebration of Pride." Sooooooo to celebrate equality they make white skittles. how is that not racist?  Chloe Cowan (@cowan_chloe) April 2, 2017

Others have since jumped to the companys defence.

Once ppl see 'white' Skittles merely as 'absent of color' skittles (in honor of #LGBTPrideMonth) there's no drama to be had. #PrideMonth pic.twitter.com/MGUWoP7n7r  manuel christoffel (@manuel_c) June 15, 2017

Honestly I really like the idea of the white skittles. Everyone is making it about race and it's not pic.twitter.com/rMyYkgZlhZ  Nick (@Luvnick5ever) June 15, 2017

In a statement, Wrigley said: The rainbow flag is the symbol of Pride but the rainbow is also synonymous with Skittles.

So, to show our support Skittles has again given up its rainbow colours in order for Prides rainbow to take centre stage.

Happiness, fun and inclusion are at the heart of who we are. Were inspired by the positive response from our Associates and our consumers.

Any suggestion that this support for Pride is in any way racist is clearly wrong.
Laura-Jayne Cannell, who works for a student accommodation service, tweeted on Wednesday morning that she had 21 studio flats available for those left homeless by the fire in Grenfell tower.

The flats are all furnished with bathrooms and kitchens.

Cannell has contacted the local council, but is also appealing for people to contact her on Twitter if in need.

The offer has received an enormous amount of support and interest on Twitter, with over 5,000 people retweeting it.

Over 100 people have replied, many with suggestions of getting in contact with the local borough council, or of charities accepting donations.

I have 21 studio flats with bathrooms and kitchens available to those that need them. PM me #GrenfellTower PLEASE SHARE  Laura-Jayne Cannell (@ThisIs_LJ) June 14, 2017

One would-be keyboard warrior ended up with his foot in his mouth after sending a reply which read: Your post raises the question of how you come to have 21 studio flats standing unoccupied during an acute housing crisis.

Cannell replied, We're a student housing provider and it's the end of term.

The blaze at Grenfell Tower in North Kensington is thought to have been started by a faulty fridge in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

So far the death toll has risen to 30 but is expected to surge significantly in the coming days. Over 70 people have been reported missing, with another 70 admitted to hospitals across London.
The Liberal Democrats face its second leadership competition in two years after Tim Farrons resignation. The question on everyones lips is: who will throw their hat in the ring?

Contenders are not due to formally put their name forwards until the start of Parliaments summer break, when Farron will officially stand down  but obviously Westminster is already rife with speculation.

On September 16, the new leader will be announced at the Lib Dem annual conference.

Norman Lamb  MP for North Norfolk

(Peter Byrne/PA)

Health spokesman Lamb is the first MP to confirm hes considering entering the leadership race.

Thanks to all those who have contacted me urging me to stand. I'm talking to Mary, family, friends & colleagues. Will then make decision  Norman Lamb (@normanlamb) June 15, 2017

It wouldnt be his first bid for the party leadership: Lamb stood in the 2015 contest to replace Nick Clegg as leader but lost out to Farron. Could he be gunning for round two?

Lamb, 59, has been MP for North Norfolk since 2001 and was a minister in the business and health departments during the Tory-Lib Dem coalition from 2012-15.

Seen as belonging to the centre-right wing of the party, Lamb was a close ally of Clegg, serving as his parliamentary aide when he was appointed deputy prime minister.

Sir Vince Cable  MP for Twickenham

(John Stillwell/PA)

Cable is a potential candidate who has experience in the leadership position, as he was acting leader of the party when Menzies Campbell resigned in 2007. He also served as deputy leader from 2006-10.

As long ago as 2007 Cable said he was too old to stand for the leadership, and at 74, he would face questions over whether he is the right person to take the party through an election which may not come until 2022.

His record, as business secretary, of presiding over increases in tuition fees and the privatisation of the Royal Mail may alienate some members.

Sir Edward Davey  MP for Kingston and Surbiton

(Danny Lawson/PA)

Former energy and climate change secretary Davey is back in Parliament after losing his seat in the 2015 election, so maybe he has his sights set even higher: potentially the leadership.

He served as a minister in the Department for Business during the coalition, before being promoted to the Cabinet as Energy Secretary following the resignation of Chris Huhne over a driving offence. He took a lead in Government in promoting measures to tackle the threat of climate change.

Jo Swinson  MP for East Dunbartonshire

(Andrew Milligan/PA)

Swinson regained her seat from the SNP in the general election, and has immediately become the bookies favourite to succeed Farron. If shes successful, this would make her the partys first female leader.

At 31 shes also the youngest of the possible contenders  she was the youngest member of the commons when first elected in 2005.

She served as a junior minister in the Department for Business from 2012-15 during the coalition, following a brief stint as parliamentary private secretary to Clegg.
The University of Reading has been forced by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) to remove claims from its advertising that say it is in the top 1% of the worlds universities.

It comes after a complaint was made to the ASA in April which said the universitys claim was misleading and could not be substantiated.

Reading say they based their claim of being in the top 1% of universities worldwide on the fact they had been placed in the top 200 universities in the world out of around 20,000 other institutions. The university is listed in both the top 200 of the Times Higher Education and QS World University Rankings.

As league tables don't assess every single university in the world however, it has been suggested that it's in a way false advertising for an institution to claim they are in the top 1% when not every single university has been assessed and ranked.

The ASA have since said they've informally resolved the complaint issue directly with the university who have agreed to remove the 1% claim from its website and advertising. The regulating body say that due to this response there will be no investigation needed.

Charles Heymann, the University of Reading's head of corporate communications, has welcomed the ASAs clarification of how universities should accurately present global rankings. However he said other universities who make similar claims should also be examined by the regulating body:

"The ASA now needs to investigate every single other UK university which claims it is in the top 1 per cent in the world, rather than waiting for individual complaints to be made, he said, adding:

It will be odd if the ASA now turns a blind eye to possible breaches of its own Code.

"We have some of the best universities in the world but potentially breaching the advertising code risks damaging the whole sectors reputation.

Many other UK universities also make the claim that they're in the top 1% of universities worldwide in their advertising, including the University of Southampton, Queens University Belfast and the University of Liverpool.
With its natural habitat - spread across Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, parts of Pakistan and China - constantly shrinking and its wild population almost gone, the Indian government has declared it a threatened plant variety.

By Baishali Adak: It's a jungle out there. Authorities in Mumbai have seized a whopping 33,000 kg of a "protected" Himalayan herb that was being smuggled into the country via sea route from China. Officials of the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB), western region, identified the plant as the rare "Saussurea costus", or "kuth", which grows only at high altitudes of 8,000-12,000 feet in very cold climate.

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It is used variously as an aphrodisiac, in perfumes, incense sticks, ayurvedic oils and for curing asthma, arthritis, inflammation, etc. Authorities estimated the three seized consignments to be worth a few crores at least. M Maranko, regional deputy director of WCCB in Navi Mumbai, said, "The first such parcel was received at the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) in Raigarh in March. The second came in April and the third in June. Together, they weighed 33 metric tonnes."

They were allegedly imported from China by shopkeepers in Delhi's Khari Baoli spice market and a drug house in Amritsar in the name of Pushkarmoola, a non-protected herb. "When the Customs alerted us, we went and checked it and found it to smell and feel like Saussurea costus instead. We sent it to the Central National Herbarium in Howrah, West Bengal, and later National Botanical Research Institute in Lucknow, for testing and they confirmed our suspicions that it is kuth," Maranko said.

NOW WHAT?

With its natural habitat - spread across Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, parts of Pakistan and China - constantly shrinking and its wild population almost gone, the Indian government has declared it a threatened plant variety.

Kuth is now included in the Wildlife Protection Act (WPA) 1972, Schedule VI, which covers only six plants in all, such as the pitcher plant and lady's slipper orchid found in the Northeast. It means these plants can be cultivated, harvested or sold only under a licence from the chief wildlife warden (CWW) of the respective State.

Also, the global Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) has declared it a "critically endangered" plant. So, any import or export in the plant around the world will take place only with a CITES certificate.

Tilottama Verma, chief of the WCCB, which functions under the ministry of environment, forest and climate change, said, "As kuth is now cultivated in a very small area in Himachal, but its demand in ayurveda, the Chinese and Tibetan systems of medicine, is increasing, it is being trafficked across countries. We definitely need more experts in this field to give optimum protection to such vanishing variety of flora."

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Also read: Lapse of reason: Dog sentenced to death in Pakistan for biting a child

Also read: Vacationing with your family is a great idea, even if you're an adult; here's why

Also read: 8 breathtaking destinations where you can explore India's heritage

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A special TADA court today convicted six people, including Abu Salem, in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts case. Here is what the special TADA court observed about the role the criminals played in plotting and carrying out the deadly bombings.

Five men were today convicted of conspiring to carry out the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts (File photo)

By Vidya : A special Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA) court in Mumbai today convicted Abu Salem, Mustafa Dossa, Firoz Abdul Rashid Khan, Tahir Merchant and Karimullah Khan for conspiring to commit the dastardly Mumbai serial blasts, which killed over 250 people.

The five were found to have attended several meetings in Dubai where the plan to bomb Mumbai in 1993 was hatched. Fugitive gangster Dawood Ibrahim was present at several of these meetings.

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The court accepted that the bombings were in direct retaliation to the post-Babri Masjid demolition riots that took place in Mumbai and elsewhere.

Another accused - Riaz Siddiqui - too was found guilty in the case but was not found to have conspired to launch the '93 serial blasts. Abdul Qayyum, on the other hand, was let off all charges.

Notably, all accused were found to be not guilty of waging war against India. The court will pronounce punishment for Abu Salem, Mustafa Dossa, Firoz Abdul Rashid Khan, Tahir Merchant, Karimullah Khan and Riyaz Siddiqui on Monday, June 19.

Here is what the court observed about each accused and the role that they played in organising and carrying out the Mumbai serial blasts.

ABU SALEM

Salem was close to Anees Ibrahim and Mustafa Dossa. He went to Bharuch to get arms and ammunition, and brought to Mumbai, where the haul was stored in the suburb of Bandra. On Anees' instruction gave it to actor Sanjay Dutt (he served time in jail for possession of arms) and others.

Salem then went back to Dutt and recovered the arms. The arms and ammunition were part of the goods that were sent from outside of India and had landed in Mumbai via the sea route.

The use of these weapons was to terrorise. He wilfully, consciously, deliberately gave it to Sanjay Dutt, Baba Chauhan and others to spread terror in keeping with the conspiratorial design. After the blasts these arms were kept at Bandra resident Zaibunnissas's house.

Click here to Enlarge Abu Salem (PTI photo)

FIROZ ABDUL RASHID KHAN

Prosecution has proved that Firoz was part of the Dossa gang and was one of their most trusted members. He was among the group of people responsible for the arms landing and negotiated bribes for police officials.

Prosecution has proved that he took part in conspiratorial meetings with Dawood Ibrahim and others after travelling to Dubai and that he tried destroy evidence by throwing guns and ammunition in a creek.

MUSTAFA DOSSA

Prosecution has been able to prove that after the demolition of Babri Masjid, a meeting was called by Mustafa in Dubai. It was attended by Yunus, Dawood, Tiger Memon, Anees, Ejaz Pathan. Mustafa was responsible for sending all the arms and ammunitions to Mumbai and he bribed police and custom officers.

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A part of the arms consignment arranged by Mustafa was sent to Bharuch. Mustafa made arrangements for people to be brought from India and to meet Dawood and there they planned the revenge (to the post-Babri demolition riots). He also arranged for people to be sent to Pakistan for training.

The arms and ammunition sent by Dossa were distributed to be used for opening fire at the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corportion building in Fort and other locations on police officers and politicians.

Click here to Enlarge Mustafa Dossa (PTI photo)

TAHIR MERCHANT (TAKLYA)

He was amongst the main conspirators. He worked close with Tiger Memon. It is proved that he was upset with the (post-Babri demolition) riots in Mumbai. He made arrangements, financed and arranged for arms training for other accused.

He also attended many meetings organised by Tiger Memon in Dubai. It was in these meetings, that the men decided to take revenge for the Mumbai and Surat riots that took place in the wake of the Babri demolition.

Merchant made travel arrangements, financed and arranged for arms training for the other accused and looked after their stay. He intentionally, willfully, deliberately and consciously recruited people for the purpose.

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Prosecution has proved that knowing well the disastrous effects of RDX, he facilitated the explosive's landings in Mumbai. He was one of the intiators of the conspiracy and worked vigorously with Tiger Memon during the initial days.

1993 Mumbai serial blasts timeline

KARIMULLAH KHAN

Prosecution has proved he was the main member of the Ejaz Pathan gang and was so close to him that he was considered next in line for sucession after Pathan himself.

He attended the January 6, 1993 meeting in Dubai called by Mustafa and Mohammed Dossa. The post-Babri riots were discussed and it was decided that they should do something in retaliation. Khan also led the discussions at times.

Karimulla Khan was also part of several meetings organised by Ejaz Pathan and Tiger Memon.During the meetings, Tiger spoke about the sufferings of Muslims and asked Pathan to arrange for man power to help during the arms landings. Karimullah went with the men arranged for the landing, motivating them about the work they were doing.

On way to Shekhadi (the landing site) all of them stayed in a hotel in Alibaug here Tiger was also present. Tiger spoke about Babri and atrocities suffered by Muslim.

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Prosecution has proved that Karimullah Khan knew about the purpose of the landings at Shekhadi. Khan had also arranged for tickets for other accused to be sent to Dubai and onward to Pakistan for arms training.

RIAZ SIDDIQUI

Prosecution failed to prove charge of conspiracy against Riyaz but he is found to be guilty under section 3 (3) of TADA.

ABDUL QAYYUM

Prosecution failed to prove the conspiracy allegation against him. Other evidence against him also not accepted. He is to be let off on a personal bond of Rs 1 lakh rupees. But to be present during the day of sentencing (Monday, June 19) and is not to leave city limits.

ALSO READ:

1993 blasts: What happened on Mumbai's black Friday

Mumbai serial blasts: Moment of reckoning

Mumbai blasts verdict: How Rakesh Maria cracked 1993 serial bombing case with help of approver

Death rumours scotched, Mumbai blasts mastermind Dawood Ibrahim is alive in Pakistan

ALSO WATCH | 1993 Mumbai: When India Today's Newstrack captured moments after blasts

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On the occasion of the 50th convocation of Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, the students of the top-notch institution decided to ditch the traditional ceremonial robes and go 'Indian' this time.

By India Today Web Desk: On the occasion of the 50th convocation of Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, the students of the top-notch institution decided to ditch the traditional ceremonial robes and go 'Indian' this time.

The students decided to not wear the 'colonial' black robes and headgears and opted for kurta-pajama and kurta-salwar combo instead of the usual during their convocation ceremony.

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"For the first time, students received their degrees in the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) not in the British-time gowns and headgears, but in kurta pyjamas (for boys) and kurta-salwar (for girls) along with stoles in different colours to mark their specific courses," IIT-K Director, Professor Indranil Manna told PTI.

Also read: IIT-Roorkee students grooving to Ed Sheeran's 'Shape of you' is better than the original

He said the students will wear Indian clothes in all future convocations.

"There will also be no need to wear black leather shoes. Students will be free to go in for Indian footwear in leather," Manna said.

The degree was awarded to the students by Tata Sons chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran. The institute also completed its golden jubilee.

Also read: IIT-Delhi asks women to wear 'full covered decent dresses', withdraws diktat after outrage

673 students of B Tech and 136 students of BS (Bachelor of Science) were awarded the degrees on June 15,2017. The ceremony for the post-graduate students will be held today.

Here's where you can see the ceremony live:

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By Press Trust of India: Govt

New Delhi, Jun 16 (PTI) India is in touch with all the countries which can help in locating 39 Indians, believed to have been abducted by terrorist outfit ISIS in Iraq in 2014, the government said today.

Responding to a question on the issue, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay said Sushma Swaraj had met representatives and families of these 39 Indians early this month.

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"We are in touch with all nations who are helping us or who can help us. All possible steps are being taken. As of now we have the information that the people are alive. We have no such information to suggest that they are not alive," Baglay said.

The families said they had last heard from the men on June 14, 2014, when they all called home to say they were being taken away by ISIS fighters. PTI PR SMN

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Kashmir-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba today released a statement calling India a cancer to humanity and proclaiming that its end is near.

By India Today Web Desk: In a venomous new statement, the Lashkar-e-Taiba has denigrated India, calling it a 'cancer' to humanity and a 'human-right violator'.

The LeT statement, released by spokesperson Dr. Abdullah Ghaznavi, also pillories "Indian media", saying it is responsible for spreading 'baseless propaganda' and 'misguiding' the country.

In the statement, the terror group seems to confirm the death of Lashkar commander Junai Mattoo, who was reported to have been killed in an encounter with security forces today.

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The statement says Mahmood Shah, the chief of Lashkar-e-Taiba, paid respects to Mattoo, and other militants who were killed in gunfights with security forces. According to the statement, Shah said that their sacrifices will not be in vain and that the "pure and honorable blood of Martyrs shall prove to be the death for India".

The statement goes on to claim that Indian forces are responsible for 'relentlessly' firing on innocents and says that is proof of India 'barbarism'.

The terror group, which was today involved in ambushing and killing six policemen in Anantnag, then goes on to proclaim that India's end is near. "Beware that the fire started by themselves shall soon reach the bricks and stones of India. We shall soon witness India burning to ashes," the statement reads.

Here is the full statement:

"Mahmood Shah, Chief Lashkar-e-Taiba, has paid their tribute to Lashkar Commander, Junaid Mattoo, Azad Malick, Muhammad Ashraf, and Naseer Ahmed Sheikh, Ihsan dar in Kulgam's village Arwani and said that these sacrifices will not go in vain.

The pure and honorable blood of Martyrs shall prove to be the death for India. Mahmood Shah appreciated the mothers, sisters, old and young who came up against Indian forces and in solidarity with their Mujahideen brothers. No power on earth can be proven as fatal to the Mujahideen, the support of our brothers and sisters and the divine help of Allah SWT is what keeps us standing firm in our ranks against a brutal enemy.

The relentless firing of Indian forces on innocent is enough for the world to witness the barbarism of India. India is a cancer to the humanity, love, peace and harmony in the region. Imposing such inhumane acts on innocents is evident to the reality that India is a strict human-rights violator.

Meanwhile, Indian Media continues its relentless baseless propaganda, misguiding its nation and depriving them of the rights to see through the reality of their ruthless army.

Beware that the fire started by themselves shall soon reach the bricks and stones of India. We shall soon witness India burning to ashes.

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Ramadan, the month of blessings, has entered into its final stages, the last Ashra. I request everyone to avail from these days and do their best in their Ibadah, their prayers and their Duas to win the mercy from Allah SWT.

Be cautious of the odd numbers of the nights, sit in Etikaf and seek Allah's forgiveness. Allah's beloved Angel, Jibreel, said a dua, in a Hadith, for the forgiveness of the one who avails from Ramadan while our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessings of Allah SWT be upon him) said 'Amen' to his prayers.

Love each other, set aside the differences whatsoever, help, take care of, and feed the families of Martyrs. Keep the youth in your prayers who left everything to join the ranks of Mujahideen to win our freedom.

May Allah, The Savior, be with us!"

- Dr. Abdullah Ghaznavi

ALSO READ | Rift in Lashkar-e-Taiba as top commanders Hafiz Saeed, Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi fall apart

ALSO READ | Lashkar-e-Taiba, Hizb-ul Mujahideen operating together in Jammu and Kashmir

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ALSO WATCH | Lashkar-e-Taiba's terror mapping caught on camera

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By Press Trust of India: By Yoshita Singh

New York, Jun 16 (PTI) The CBI has responded strongly to a New York Times editorial on the NDTV raids, calling it "one-sided" and asserting India does not require "any lesson" on freedom of the press from the US daily.

In response to the June 7 editorial Indias Battered Press, the CBI?s press information officer and spokesman R K Gaur said the editorial "gives the impression" that action is not being taken against other big loan defaulters and that the raids on NDTVs founders were a part of a "vendetta" against the broadcaster.

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"The editorial is one-sided and doesnt consider the investigation history of the case" against RRPR Holdings, NDTV?s holding company, by different tax and law enforcement agencies in India since 2011, he said.

Gaur said in the entire case against the NDTV "due process of law" is being followed.

"India has a robust and independent judiciary that strongly protects democratic freedom and that an aggrieved person can always approach. India does not require any lesson on freedom of the press from The Times," he said in his letter to the Editor, adding "our institutions and traditions are nurtured by our rich and diverse cultural heritage and democratic ethos."

The editorial had said that even as Indias state-owned banks are holding bad debt of about USD 186 billion, the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has "hesitated to go after big defaulters".

"But suddenly we have dramatic raids against the founders of an influential media company ? years after a loan was settled to a private bank?s satisfaction," the editorial said.

In his letter to NYT, Gaur said the Central Bureau of Investigation is currently investigating over 100 criminal cases worth a total loan default of over USD 5 billion.

?Many of the leading loan defaulters are behind bars, their assets attached, and prosecutions are being pursued vigorously in the courts,? he said.

Gaur noted that ICICI bank?s loss is merely tip of the iceberg and that RRPR Holdings is also being investigated for irregularities in the mobilisation of funds used for loan repayment. He alleged there have also been serious defaults in tax payment.

To the NYT editorials assertion that NDTV Hindi was taken off the air for a day for reporting on a sensitive attack on an air base, Gaur said the decision was arrived at after a proper inquiry in which NDTV also participated.

?No democracy can allow the country?s security and public safety to be compromised by irresponsible reporting of terrorist incidents,? he said.

The New York Times editorial board had said that press freedom in India ?suffered a fresh blow? when the CBI raided homes and offices connected to founders of NDTV.

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"The raids mark an alarming new level of intimidation of India?s news media under Prime Minister Narendra Modi," the editorial had said. PTI YAS PMS

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The NIA has told the government that slush funds generated from the cross-border barter trade between 2010-2011 and 2015-16 amount to at least Rs 500 crore.

By Mail Today Bureau: An Amritsar-based million dollar business, a thriving trading house in downtown Srinagar and another in Old Delhi are among many now being probed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for 'bankrolling' separatists and stone throwers in the Valley using slush funds generated through the border-barter trade.

The NIA has told the government that slush funds generated from the cross-border barter trade between 2010-2011 and 2015-16 amount to at least Rs 500 crore.

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Estimates of slush funds, however, differ. "It is about Rs 800 crore a year," says Apresh Garg, the whistle-blower who also runs a thriving pan-India business.

In 2009-10, when under-invoiced goods from Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK) flooded markets in India - a violation of the border-barter trade since goods should be traded locally - Apesh Grag, a Delhi based businessman, raised an alarm.

It wasn't taken seriously. Goods are bartered between India and Pakistan. Money doesn't change hands. But an equal value of goods is traded to balance-out the books.

HOW THE ILLEGAL TRADE IS CARRIED OUT

"Much of the consignments coming from Pakistan are under-declared in terms of value. These are sold in the open market in India. A truck carrying nine tonnes of goods declares only eight tonnes. The money generated by selling the excess one tonne finds its way to separatist leaders," a senior police officer said.

"The description of goods is also concealed - high value items are declared as local produce. We suspect Pakistani agencies are paying traders across the border to make up for the shortfall or are directly involved in the trade," he added. Investigations have revealed gross irregularities.

'END BARTER TRADE'

For instance, trucks carrying goods from Pakistan are not weighed. "Over-declaration of quantity of goods being exported from Pakistan becomes easy. There are no scanners on either side, as a result of which, it is impossible to say what goods are being transported," the officer said. Goods are bartered between India and Pakistan through two designated routes - Uri-Muzaffarabad and Poonch-Rawalakot.

These routes were opened for trade in October 2008 after a gap of 61 years. A select list of 21 items - mainly local produce such as carpets, handloom, fruits - can be traded through these points.

There are no customs checks as setting up a check point validates the Line of Control (LoC) as the border between India and Pakistan and legitimises Pakistan's claims over PoK. Top sources said security agencies have suggested doing away with the barter trade. "We have advised that barter trade should be discontinued. Instead, it should be a normal trade with proper customs barriers. And in 2016, after separatists and stone throwers locked Jammu & Kashmir down, chief minister Mehbooba Mufti also recommended the same. The government is seriously considering this," said Rakesh Gupta, president of Jammu Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

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"It, however, has a problem. Putting up customs and emigration barriers would mean accepting Pakistan's claims over PoK. Trade bodies too are uncomfortable. Trade must go on, but it should be trade and not barter trade," he added. NIA has begun questioning some traders suspected of being involved. The FIR names government officials and unknown traders.

"Initial findings pointed to a cartel involving traders, hawala dealers and a strong link to separatists," a top source said. About 300 traders are involved in border-barter trade. "Our investigations indicate that at least 60 traders could be involved in over and under-invoicing of goods," special director, NIA, Anil Shukla said.

Also read: India rejects Pakistan's claim of Russia offering to mediate on Kashmir

Also read: Russia to supply S-400 missile system to India: Why Pakistan, China should worry

Also read: Time has come to take Pakistan-occupied Kashmir back, says Baba Ramdev

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Also watch: Illegal LoC trade that fuels terror: How Pakistan's terrorist organisations are funding proxies

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It's our annual Labour Weekend tradition ...The Sound 'Hall Of Fame' Countdown... Where we honor the greatest 500 songs of all time as voted by you.
By Press Trust of India: By Shirish B Pradhan

Kathmandu, Jun 16 (PTI) Indias envoy Manjeev Singh Puri today called on Nepals new Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and held talks on strengthening and further expanding bilateral relations.

This was the first meeting between Deuba and Ambassador of India to Nepal Puri after the veteran Nepalese politician sworn in as the new prime minister of Nepal on June 7.

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During the meeting at the Prime Ministers Office at Singhdurbar secretariat, matters relating to further consolidating the mutual interests and expanding bilateral cooperation mainly figured, according to sources.

Deuba also met with Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Yu Hong to discuss bilateral relations and mutual cooperation, the sources added. PTI SBP CPS

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GoAir, Vistara and AirAsia India, Jet Lite join other airlines in imposing flying ban on TDP MP J C Diwakar Reddy.

By Anindya Banerjee: A day after TDP MP J C Diwakar Reddy created ruckus and pushed an airline staffer after he was denied boarding by IndiGo for being late, GoAir, Vistara and AirAsia India, Jet Lite joined other airlines in imposing flying ban on Reddy.

Yesterday, Reddy's behaviour at Vizag airport had prompted a flying ban by state-run Air India as well as budget carrier SpiceJet and full-service Jet Airways.

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Reddy was scheduled to fly on IndiGo flight 6E-608, which departs from Visakhapatnam at 8.10 am, to Hyderabad. But he reached just 28 minutes before the scheduled departure, according to the airline. As per norms laid out by the aviation regulator, airlines close check-in counters for all domestic fights 45 minutes prior to departure.

While IndiGo had finally accommodated Reddy of Telugu Desam Party, to which Union Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju also belongs, on the same flight on Thursday morning, later it decided to ban him from taking its flights.

IndiGo has maintained that the MP was late for the flight. A video obtained by India Today shows Reddy throwing a printer at the airport. In a separate video he is seen pushing an airline staff.

Following this, the Centre released its draft rules for a national no-fly list for unruly passengers and proposed a ban on flying from three months up to an indefinite period. The government is expected to finalise these rules shortly.

Reddy, who had allegedly vandalised the Air India office at Gannavaram airport in Vijaywada last year after he missed his flight, got into a verbal spat with the ground staff and threw a printer kept at the airline's counter after he was informed that boarding for his flight had closed.

"The staff politely informed him that boarding for flight 6E-608 is closed and offered to accommodate Mr Reddy in the subsequent flight. Mr Reddy expressed his annoyance and soon raged against the staff using aggressive and abusive behaviour," IndiGo said in a statement.

In a statement, IndiGo said, "Any untoward conduct which compromises the safety and security of our passengers and staff is a serious concern for us. Safety and security of passengers, crew and the aircraft is the top priority and it cannot be compromised."

Earlier this year, Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad was temporarily banned by airlines from flying after he assaulted an Air India staffer, triggering a major controversy.

Also read:

Denied boarding pass for being late, TDP MP Diwakar Reddy creates ruckus at Visakhapatnam airport

Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad boards first Air India flight after ban

Also watch:

Privatisation of Air India: How does it impact you?

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TDP MP Diwakar Reddy banned by 7 airlines from flying

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Kidambi Srikanth thrashed Wei Wang 21-15, 21-14 while HS Prannoy beat Chen Long 21-18, 16-21, 21-19 to reach the semis of the Indonesia Open.

By Asian News International: Ace Indian shuttler Kidambi Srikanth produced a rich vein of form as he swept aside Tzu Wei Wang of Chinese Taipei in straight games to book his place in the semi-finals of the Indonesia Super Series Premier here on Friday.

The 24-year-old remained dominant throughout the match as he registered an easy 21-15, 21-14 win over Wei Wang in a one-sided quarterfinal clash that lasted just 37 minutes.

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Srikanth has now set up a clash against second-seed Son Wan Ho of Korea for a place in the summit showdown.

In another men's singles clash, HS Prannoy also made it to the last-four after surviving scare against eight-seed Chen Long of China.

After comfortably winning the first game, Prannoy went down in the second before he rebounded strongly to post a 21-18, 16-21, 21-19 win over his Chinese opponent in a thrilling encounter that lasted one hour and 15 minutes.

Prannoy will now lock horns with either Japan's Kazumasa Sakai or England's Rajiv Ouseph in the semi-finals.

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To highlight the miserable condition of peasants across the country, a large body of farmers from various associations on Friday came under a single banner here and announced a countrywide agitation, which will start from Mandsaur in Madhya Pradesh and culminate in Champaran in Bihar.

The farmers, coming under the banner of All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee, will start their nationwide struggle on July 6 from Mandsaur in the form of a march to arrive in Champaran on October 2.

"This is a historic day for farmers. It is after a very long time that so many farmer unions have come under one roof to become part of a unified movement.

"A total of 130 associations have already consented to become part of the committee we are expecting more to join soon," Yogendra Yadav, National President of Swaraj Abhiyan and also a member of the Kisan Committee, said addressing the media.

The committee decided to raise with the central government two issues  assurance of Minimum Support Price (MSP), as recommended by the MS Swaminathan panel in its report, and waiver of all farm debts.

Yadav said the march would be the first leg of a bigger movement, and this time they would take "the farmer struggle to its logical conclusion".

VM Singh, the National President of Rashtriya Kisan-Mazdoor Party and also the Convenor of the working committee of newly formed body, pointed out that the two things on agenda were promised by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi also.

"It has been three years now since he made those promises He had said that he will ensure 50 per cent profit above the cost of crop (as recommended by Swaminathan in the report) and will waive off farmers' debts. We want to remind him to make good on his promises," Singh said.

P Ayyakannu, who had led Tamil Nadu farmers during the 40-day agitation at Jantar Mantar recently; Raju Shetty, Member of Parliament from Maharashtra; and Hannan Mollah, General secretary of All India Kisan Sabha, the peasant wing of Communist Party of India-Marxist, are also part of committee.

This is the 100th anniversary of the Champaran agitation with which Mahatma Gandhi started his protest in India against the British rule by championing the rights of Indigo farmers against the oppressive policies of the British.
CPI-M General Secretary Sitaram Yechury on Friday expressed dismay over the government not suggesting a name for presidential candidate and said the question of cooperation will arise only when the ruling dispensation comes out with a name.

Yechury's remarks came after senior Union Ministers Rajnath Singh and M. Venkaiah Naidu, who are part of the three-member committee constituted by Bharatiya Janataa Party President Amit Shah, met him at the CPI-M headquarters here.

"We had expected that they would suggest some name on which we could have seriously considered. Unfortunately, they did not come forward with any name," Yechury told reporters.

Stressing that support can be given to a particular individual who can uphold the Constitution, Yechury said, "We would have certainly thought about such a person, but they did not suggest any name. So, there is nothing to think about when they did not suggest any name."

The senior communist leader said the government side has assured they would come up with a name after three-four days and "sought our support".

"They (BJP leaders) said the government wants our cooperation. There should be a base for that cooperation. We will think about it when they suggest a name. The two ministers had come on behalf of the government without any name," Yechury said.

On speculation doing the round that the Left parties want former West Bengal Governor Gopal Krishna Gandhi as the opposition nominee, he said, "They (government) know. The names that we are discussing are in public domain."

In a dig at Naidu, Yechury said that in the last general elections, the opposition had got the highest vote share and therefore the mandate of the people is with the opposition.

"In the last Lok Sabha polls, the BJP got 31 per cent vote share and with all the NDA parties it was 39 per cent, while the opposition got 61 per cent vote share. So the country's mandate is with opposition's candidate," Yechury said.

On Tuesday, Naidu had said that the presidential candidate will be decided in the true spirit of democracy  "going by the mandate of the people  and the mandate of people is for the government".
A gunfight began on Friday between the security forces and militants in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam district, officials said.

Police said that security forces closed in on Arwani village in Kulgam district following specific information about the presence of militants there.

"As the security forces closed on the hiding militants, they fired at the security forces triggering an encounter which is now going on".

According to reports, a group of 3-4 Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) militants are trapped inside the cordon laid by the security forces.

Meanwhile, civilian protests have started in the village to disrupt the operation against the hiding militants.


The long-awaited India-Afghanistan air freight corridor will take off in the next few days, government said on Friday.

"The freight corridor between India and Afghanistan is on the verge of becoming a reality," External Affairs Ministry spokesman Gopal Baglay told the weekly media briefing here.

The first Indian flight, which will fly over the Pakistani airspace like civilian planes do, will take off either this weekend or early next week, he said, adding that to start with it could be a monthly flight or fortnightly.

The idea is not to start a daily flight at the moment, Baglay said, adding there are difficulties in reaching Kabul by road.

Standard Operating Procedures will be in force, he said.

It will carry Indian products to Afghanistan and vice versa, Baglay added.

The air corridor plan has long been in the making since there are difficulties in reaching Kabul by road.
Pakistan on Friday claimed that the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has rejected India's request to delay proceedings of Kulbhushan Jadhav's case until December.

Pakistan through its consulate in Netherlands came to know that the ICJ ordered India to submit a response by September 13, Dawn newspaper quoted Attorney General (AG) Ashtar Ausaf Ali as saying.

Jadhav, 45, was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court in April.

"The ICJ has written a letter to Pakistan informing us of their decision," the attorney general said.

"India had asked the ICJ to offer it time till December to file pleadings in the Jadhav case, however, "the court has dismissed their request," Ali said.

"India had adopted the stance that the matter was one of life and death, but Pakistan had stated that the ICJ is not a court of appeals."

"The ICJ is supposed to conclude whether or not Jadhav can receive consular access, for which a time period of two to three months is more than enough to file a response, he said.

Dawn reported that sources privy to the information noted that Pakistan will submit its response to the ICJ in December, while the court proceedings will begin in January 2018.

In a hearing of the case on May 18, a 10-member bench at the The Hague-based ICJ restrained Pakistan from executing Jadhav.

India moved the ICJ against the death penalty on May 8.

The next day, the global court stayed the sentence as a provisional measure.

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.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Portugal and the Netherlands later this month, besides his scheduled tour of the United States where he will meet President Donald Trump, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Friday.

The prime minister will be in Portugal on June 24, the US on June 25 and 26, and in the Netherlands on June 27, the MEA said.

On June 26, he is scheduled to hold talks with President Donald Trump on a wide range of issues.
By Press Trust of India: Karachi, Jun 15 (PTI) Two high-profile militants of the banned Lashkar-i-Jhangvi (LJ) have escaped from the heavily guarded Central Jail here, following which 12 policemen were arrested, a senior official said today.

Under trial prisoners, Shaikh Mohammad Mumtaz alias Firoon alias Sher Khan and Mohammad Ahmed Khan alias Muna escaped from the judicial complex, which is adjacent to the prison.

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However, authorities are yet to confirm the exact time of their escape.

"What is mysterious, is that the prison officials informed the police department about the escape after much delay," SSP Rana Umar Khatab said.

"We still dont know about the timing of the escape. But already 12 police officials, including the central prisons Superintendent Ghulam Murtaza Shaikh, Deputy Superintendent Faheem Memon and Assistant Superintendent Abdul Rehman Shaikh, have been arrested and FIRs registered against them," he said.

The two "hardcore" militants were arrested by the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) in 2013, the SSP said.

"Their arrest helped us destroy the Naeem Bukhari group LJ cell in Karachi," he said, adding "we just hope they dont regroup now".

According to a senior official of the Sindh polices counter-terrorism cell, Mumtaz and Ahmad Khan had "confessed" to dozens of target killings and terrorist acts.

Mumtaz of Orangi town is said to be involved in the targeted killing of 57 people, including members of the Shia community and police. He was charged in 32 cases.

Ahmed Khan of Korangi was involved in seven targeted killings.

The officer admitted that the police considered the escape as a "worrying development".

In October 2014, a timely operation by the Rangers had led to the discovery of a 45-metre tunnel that was being built just a few meters from the Central Jail, apparently to aid the escape of 100 "dangerous militants". PTI CORR ANB

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President Pranab Mukherjee will embark on a two-day visit to Maharashtra and Karnataka on Saturday.

According to Rashtrapati Bhavan, Mukherjee will address a convocation ceremony at the College of Military Engineering, Pune, on Saturday before leaving for Karnataka where he will attend the inauguration of the phase-I metro in Bengaluru.

On Sunday, the President will lay the foundation stone of a Super Specialty Hospital of BRS Health and Research Institute at Udupi.


Disclosing the name of the candidate in the Presidential election before consultations with political parties may not be appropriate, the government feels.

Sources said the government and the BJP are of the view that approaching different parties with one or a panel of names for approval without knowing their views and suggestions may not be appropriate.

They said the two-member BJP team of senior leaders Rajnath Singh and M. Venkaiah Naidu, which met Congress President Sonia Gandhi and other political leaders, explained to them that the twin objectives of the consultation process was to have the benefit of views and suggestions of various parties in the matter and to seek their support in the President's election.

Accordingly the support of Congress and other parties was sought, they said, adding that some political parties have already indicated their views in the matter of selection of a candidate for the President's election.

The two senior leaders in their meeting with CPI-M leaders suggested to them to consider if putting up a candidate for the sake of it was necessary.

Naidu held detailed discussions with NCP Chief Sharad Pawar over telephone.

The opposition leaders were told that the government and the BJP would like to finalise the candidate for presidential poll before Prime Minister Narendra Modi leaves on a three-nation trip on June 24.


Six more persons filed nominations for the July 17 presidential election on Friday, but the Election Commission rejected papers of all on technical grounds.

Vijay Narayan Pal and Saraswati Sharma from Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh, Sanjay Kumar from Shamli in Uttar Pradesh, Lala Ram from Alwar in Rajasthan, Ashok Kumar Singh Chauhan from Mainpuri in Uttar Pradesh, and Birpal Singh Malik from Delhi filed their nominations during the day, which were rejected under Section 5B(4) of the Presidential and Vice Presidential Elections Act, 1952.

So far, 13 candidates have filed nominations, which too are likely to be rejected by the Election Commission on various technical grounds.

Under the rules, a presidential candidate's name has to be proposed by at least 50 elected representatives and seconded by 50 more.

The candidates also need to furnish security deposits of Rs.15,000 each and verified copies of their names in the electoral rolls.
Five policemen were killed near Achhabal in South Kashmir on Friday when a group of heavily armed terrorists ambushed the vehicle in which they were travelling and shot them at point blank. A constable injured in yesterdays terror attack also succumbed to his wounds and as such the number of policemen killed has increased to six.

Police confirmed that among the killed was SHO of the Achhabal Feroze Ahmad, driver of the police vehicle and three constables who were deployed for protection of the minority Sikh clusters in the area.

Reports said that a group of terrorists travelling in two to three vehicles came from the opposite direction and indiscriminately fired at the police vehicle killing all five occupants including the SHO of the rank of inspector of police.

The attack came when the police vehicle reached Thajiwara and the terrorists surrounded it and fired with assault rifles killing all five policemen. The police did not get any opportunity to retaliate as they were taken by surprise.

The terrorists decamped with the rifles and ammunition that the police party was carrying.

Reinforcements have been rushed to the area that has been cordoned and a combing operation has been launched.

Terrorists had yesterday killed a policeman and seriously wounded another cop in separate attack. The wounded policeman succumbed to injuries this morning.

In their fresh strategy, terrorists have started targeting men of the state police. In the past, the ultras had been snatching rifles from state police personnel.
Virtually snubbed by the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) over its candidate Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat for the post of President, the Shiv Sena on Friday threw up the name of agro-scientist M.S. Swaminathan for the top job.

In the same breath, Sena President Uddhav Thackeray also said that if the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President has a good candidate, his party (Sena) would give it a thought.

He expressed the party's desire to have a "consensus candidate", who would be elected without a contest.

"If we want to make India a 'Hindu Rashtra', then Bhagwat is our first choice, first preference. But if anybody has objections to him, then Swaminathan should be made the President," Thackeray told media persons.

However, he added that "we are also known as a 'Krishi pradhan desh' and hence it is appropriate that we have a person like Swaminathan" as President.

Earlier, party MP Sanjay Raut demanded that Swaminathan's name be considered for President if the BJP was not ready for nominating Bhagwat.

The Sena statements came barely 48 hours before a Shah-Thackeray "summit" scheduled for Sunday morning to solicit and secure its support for an NDA candidate for the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

In fact, on at least two previous occasions, the Sena had jolted the NDA by supporting Congress nominees  former President Pratibha Patil in 2009 and later current President Pranab Mukherjee in 2012.

Swaminathan, 91, decorated with Padma Shree (1967), Padma Bhushan (1972) and Padma Vibhushan (1989), is acknowledged globally as "The Father of Green Revolution" of the 1960s, which catapulted the world's second-most populated country to self-sufficiency in food.

Currently, he is Emeritus Chairman of the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation, based in Chennai, which he founded in 1987.

Swaminathan was ranked by Time magazine among 20 Most Influential Asians of the 20th century, along with Mahatma Gandhi and Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore.

In 2014, he was made Chairman of the National Commission on Farmers, which submitted its report with recommendations on the agrarian crises in the farmlands across the country.
Looking good is an endless effort. Styling the hair, applying makeup, caring for your skin, buying and wearing the right accessories, clothes that suits your body shape, shoes that match with your clothes and bags and doing all the things to look good take a lot of time and energy. And, there are endless beauty tips and ways to make you look good.

Some may not care how good or bad they look, but look good anyway. They are blessed with the perfect prettiness and loveliness. Some make all the efforts to look real good and spend hefty amount of money in the effort to look their best, yet struggle.

Some splurge on branded and designer clothes, accessories and beauty products and spend hours in beauty salons. Some go for complete makeover with different hairdos, make-up, styles and even go under the knife to look prettier or more beautiful.

The world of beauty and fashion is growing rapidly with the ever-expanding beauty business. Should you care or not. Stars and celebrities set the trends, and some remain beauty inspirations. Here's what some of the celebrated stars have to say on beauty and fashion and what they do as quoted by sources.

In a move that would inspire many, model-turned-actress Cara Delevingne, recently, sent out a message to women that they can feel beautiful even without their hair. The 24-year-old underwent a bold makeover and shaved off her hair.

"So many people are cutting their hair off. I love that; the more the merrier. I wanted to highlight the fact you don't need hair to be feminine or beautiful," Delevingne was quoted by Stylist magazine

And, what legendary actress and fashion icon Audrey Hepburn said remains a great beauty inspiration for many: "The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides."

Close to it, actress and beauty icon Sophia Loren too believes beauty "is not something physical."

"Beauty is how you feel inside, and it reflects in your eyes. It is not something physical," the Italian actress was once quoted as saying.

While the world is still obsessed with perfect beauty tips and beautiful looks, beauty icon Marilyn Monroe, whose perfect gorgeous looks is being tried upon by many still, once said, "Imperfection is beauty..".

Actress Reese Witherspoon has something different to say. Fashion is all about storytelling, she said.

"I'm a storyteller, and fashion is storytelling, too. This has put me in a new sphere of influence. I'm very motivated to tell stories which haven't been told," the actress was quoted as saying in Glamour magazine.

Then, a year ago, Star Trek beyond actor Chris Pine said people should spend some time to look good.

"In California, fashion tends to be very casual  probably because everybody is stuck in their cars and no one cares. It'd be nice if people spent some time trying to look good. I do the same"

Keeping Up With The Kardashians star Khloe Kardashian reveals she refuses to go anywhere without sunscreen.

"For me, anti-aging is really all about hydration. Drinking lots of water is a must. I also wear sunscreen every day, especially on my hands. Hands are always out in the sun, so they age the most. I keep extra sunscreen in the glove boxes of all of my cars in case I forget. When the sun hits my hands while I'm driving, it reminds me to slather more on! (sic)" she wrote on her website.
Against the illegal drugs trade in his country, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has let slip the dogs of warand the havoc includes thousands of dead Filipinos, most of them poor. As he prepares to mark a year in office at the end of this month, those who are anguished about the killings ask: Can the community of nations play a role in holding Duterte to account?

The answer is complicated. The case can be made that constitutional remedies have been all but exhausted. Impeachment is no longer an option. The controversial practice, copied from American political tradition, has played a role in unseating a president, a chief justice of the Supreme Court, and an Ombudsman (the governments chief graft-buster) in the space of only a dozen years. It is a potent tool, especially given the constitutional provision allowing a mere third of the membership of the House of Representatives to directly send the impeachable official to trial in the Senate.

But the House is firmly in the grip of Dutertes so-called super-majority, and a potentially strong impeachment complaint against him was dismissed last month. A constitutional provision prevents the House from considering more than one impeachment complaint against an official every 12 months; last months dismissal effectively inoculates Duterte from another impeachment filing until May 2018.

On the issue of the anti-drugs campaigns extrajudicial killings, both chambers have essentially resolved to look away. The evidence presented by two confessed assassins who testified, against their self-interest, that they took orders to kill from Duterte when he was still mayor of Davao City was ridiculed or trivialized in the Senate, except as a basis to file charges against the two. And the House played a shameful role in laundering so-called evidence against Senator Leila de Lima, Dutertes staunchest critic. De Lima has since been arrested and is now in detention.

Proclamation No. 216, which imposed martial law on the whole of Mindanao after the educational center of Marawi City was overrun by terrorists seeking to align with the Daesh network, is a wish come true for Duterte. He has frequently discussed what he describes as the necessity of invoking the so-called commanderin-chief powers; in August 2015, while exploring a presidential candidacy, he was open enough about his plans to establish a constitutional dictatorship or a revolutionary government.

But Dutertes assertion of the martial law prerogative has been received timidly by both the Senate and the House of Representatives. Instead of convening a joint session to deliberate on the proclamation, the super-majorities in each chamber insisted that a joint session was necessary only if Congress wanted to revoke, rather than affirm, the imposition of martial law. Then each chamber promptly passed resolutions affirming Proclamation 216. (Apparently, self-awareness and institutional dignity are not high on the list of values held by Dutertes Congress.)

But the case can also be made  for the moment, at least  that other institutions are helping keep Duterte in check. The Supreme Court continues to hear cases that have the potential to unsettle the Duterte administration. The Armed Forces of the Philippines has by and large acted with hardwon professionalism. Media organisations, despite orchestrated social media attacks against journalists, have continued to report the hard and necessary news. The Catholic Church, whose nationwide network is the countrys most extensive, is helping both the survivors of the anti-drugs campaign and repentant ex-members of the Davao Death Squad.

It cannot be denied, though. The arithmetic of appellate-court collegiality actually favors Duterte; in another two months he would have appointed four justices to the 15-person Supreme Court. The military enjoys an advantage it can easily lose; professional officers are replaceable. Journalists labour under a much more hostile environment. And the institutional Church is slowed by internal conflict between those who support and those who resist Duterte.

There is also the matter of the Presidents popularity. A year into his single term, he continues to enjoy majority support. (In 2009, President Gloria Arroyo imposed martial law in the province of Maguindanao. Her unpopularity helped lead the chambers of Congress to promptly convene a joint session. Some of the same lawmakers who voted to convene then voted against it now  scratch the surface of their statements, and one finds presidential popularity as a deciding factor.)

But beneath the survey headlines lies a much more complicated reality. While a great majority of voting-age Filipinos say, consistently, that they support Dutertes anti-drugs campaign, about three-fourths of survey respondents also say they do not want suspects in the campaign to be killed. About the same proportion of Filipinos say  and this is where grim reality rears its head  that they fear they will be the next victims of Dutertes war.

What can be done, then, if the usual correctives against presidential excesses (a staunch Senate in Arroyos time, a stubborn Supreme Court during the presidency of Benigno Aquino III) will no longer be available?

It is not the Asean way to get involved in domestic politics; as exasperating as Dutertes about-face on China is to many of Manilas Asean partners, it is difficult to imagine Duterte receiving even a friendly word of advice from a fellow head of state. Dutertes closeness to both China and Russia is based in part on a no-criticism arrangement. On the other hand, and from the start of his presidency, he has taken the United Nations, the United States, and the European Union to task  essentially daring them to take their business, their interests, elsewhere.

The United Nations special rapporteur for extrajudicial killings, the lawyer Agnes Callamard, has been actively monitoring reports of human rights abuses committed in the antidrugs campaign, but the government says she is not welcome to come back to the Philippines. To be sure, it is difficult to imagine the UN or the EU dropping its human rights advocacy merely because Duterte refuses to listen, but the question of influence is a legitimate one.

That leaves the International Criminal Court. A communication and a supplemental communication have been filed with the office of the ICC Prosecutor, calling for an investigation into alleged crimes against humanity perpetrated or masterminded by Duterte. The filing may have momentarily spooked the President; on at least two occasions, he publicly and categorically denied killing anyone. But the moment passed; he is back to making outrageous statements about personally killing criminals. Will ICC Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda take notice? The writer is Associate Editor, Philippine Daily Inquirer. This is a series of columns on global affairs written by top editors and columnists from members of the Asia News Network and published in newspapers and websites across the region.
As the people have started questioning social media sites about their role in countering terrorism, Facebook said that it uses artificial intelligence (AI) to remove the terror-related content.

The social media giant is currently focusing their techniques to combat terrorist content about Islamic State (IS), Al-Qaeda and their affiliates.

"Although our use of AI against terrorism is fairly recent, it's already changing the ways we keep potential terrorist propaganda and accounts off Facebook," the company said in a blog post on Thursday.

Facebook uses image matching technique to identify and remove a terror-related content.

"When a user tries to upload a terrorist's photo or video, our systems look for whether the image matches a known terrorism photo or video."

"This means that if we previously removed a propaganda video from IS, we can work to prevent other accounts from uploading the same video to our site. In many cases, this means that terrorist content intended for upload to Facebook simply never reaches the platform," Facebook explained.

Facebook also understands the language where it uses AI to interpret text that might be advocating for terrorism. It also identities pages, groups, posts or profiles as supporting terrorism by using algorithms.

"We've also gotten much faster at detecting new fake accounts created by repeat offenders. Through this work, we've been able to dramatically reduce the time period that terrorist recidivist accounts are on Facebook," the company said.

Ensuring that terrorists have no place anywhere in the Facebook apps, the company has begun to work on systems to take action against terrorist accounts across all its platforms, including WhatsApp and Instagram.

"We want Facebook to be a hostile place for terrorists. The challenge for online communities is the same as it is for real world communities  to get better at spotting the early signals before it's too late," Facebook noted.

Apart from using AI, Facebook also uses human expertise to figure out what supports terrorism.

"A photo of an armed man waving an IS flag might be propaganda or recruiting material, but could be an image in a news story. Some of the most effective criticisms of brutal groups like ISIS utilize the group's own propaganda against it. To understand more nuanced cases, we need human expertise," Facebook stated.
Finding signs of life on the earth-sized planets of the TRAPPIST-1 system and on Saturn's moon Enceladus are among the science targets that NASA's James Webb space telescope has following its launch and commissioning, mission officials have announced.

These specific observations are part of a programme of Guaranteed Time Observations (GTO), which provides dedicated time to the scientists that helped design and build the telescope's four instruments.

"From the very first galaxies after the Big Bang, to searching for chemical fingerprints of life on Enceladus, Europa, and exoplanets like TRAPPIST-1e, Webb will be looking at some incredible things in our universe," said Eric Smith, James Webb Space Telescope Director at NASA Headquarters in Washington.

"With over 2,100 initial observations planned, there is no limit to what we might discover with this incredible telescope," Smith said.

NASA recently announced the discovery of the first known system of seven Earth-sized exoplanets around a single star. All of these seven planets around the TRAPPIST-1 star could have liquid water  key to life as we know it  under the right atmospheric conditions.

Launching in 2018, the James Webb space telescope is the scientific successor to NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. It will be the most powerful space telescope ever built.

The broad spectrum of initial GTO observations will address all of the science areas Webb is designed to explore, from first light and the assembly of galaxies to the birth of stars and planets. Targets will range from the solar system's outer planets (Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune) and icy Kuiper Belt to exoplanets to distant galaxies in the young universe.

"These observations by the teams of people who designed and built the Webb instruments will yield not only amazing science, but will be crucial in putting the observatory through its paces and understanding its many capabilities," Ken Sembach, Director of the Space Telescope Science Institute, which will lead science and mission operations for Webb, said.

Webb is an international project led by NASA with its partners, ESA (European Space Agency) and CSA (Canadian Space Agency).
"I found my thrill On Blueberry Hill The moon stood still On Blueberry Hill And lingered until My dream came true."

Care for some sweet scoops of blueberry delight and wine?

It's raining. It's blueberry season. The white, pink and violet bell-shaped blueberry flowers are in full bloom now. Some of the green berries are beginning to ripen and it's a fine time to go picking blueberries. The harvest season is here. Come away to a place where wild blueberries grow in abundance. Here in Asia, some of the best blueberries are found in Turkey. The Turkish call it yaban mersini.

While the country is known for high-quality fruit production, its northern part is known for some of the best blueberries in the world. Caucasian whortleberry, bog whortleberry, bog blueberry, bilberry and bog bilberry grow naturally in this region. This well forested region, including Istanbul, is blessed with rainy weather and naturally acidic soils suitable for blueberry clutivation. The country's blueberry production is estimated at 5000 tonnes.

The fruit is processed into jelly and jam by the Turkish farmers in small-scale for local consumption. Despite its humble production compared to other berries like strawberry and mulberry, in view of its unique and rich variety that is found in this region alone, the country started Its commercial production in the year 2000.

Today, blueberry from Turkey is gaining popularity worldwide. The exotic variety of blueberry grown here are a must have while you are in this splendid city of the old charm and rich culture. Go feasting blueberry. Try the different cuisines prepared with a dash of blueberry, the sauce and the beautifully crushed wine.

Visit the fruit farms and berry orchards in vast acres of wild land. Osman Nuri Yildiz is said to have set up the first commercial blueberry orchard under the supervision of Dr Huseyn Celik, the founder of Turkish blueberry cultivation.

Try your hand at picking and crushing the berries to make jam or wine. Spoil yourself to the delight of eating fresh berries. And, you can bring home some.
A joint team of Army, J-K police and CRPF cordoned off Arwani village in Anantnag on specific input about presence of top Lashkar militants in the area today morning.

By Ashwini Kumar, Ashraf Wani: Top Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander Junaid Mattoo and his accomplice Muzamil are said to have been killed in an encounter with security forces in in Arwani village of Bijbihara in Anantnag District of south Kashmir.

Today morning, Mattoo was trapped for more than eight hours with two other local Lashkar militants in a joint operation conducted by Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police and CRPF to nab the terrorists. One militant has been apprehended by the security forces.

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A joint team of Army, J-K police and CRPF cordoned off Arwani village on specific input about presence of Lashkar militants in the area today morning. As the cordon was being laid some youth assembled near the area and started pelting stones on security forces which resulted in clashes.

Junaid Mattoo was involved in a day light attack on a police van in which three policemen including an officer was killed last year. Mattoo's involvement is also suspected in the killing of a policeman in Kulgam area of South Kashmir on Thursday afternoon.

RS 10 LAKH BOUNTY

Mattoo was believed to be active for the past two years and carried a bounty of Rs 10 lakh on his head.

Intelligence sources said that search operation is still ongoing but have been hampered by stone-pelters who are targeting the security forces from different sides.

Police said that Junaid Mattoo is the third top militant who has been killed after Burhan Wani since last year. Buran Wani's close aid Sabzar Ahmad Bhat was the second militant who was killed in an encounter on May 27 last month.

According to intelligence information, Mattoo had joined militancy at the age of 18. He was put in the list of 12 most wanted militants in the Valley right now by the Army.

Earlier on Thursday, two policemen were killed in two separate attacks by militants in the Kashmir Valley. Militants attacked a police party in the Hyderpora area of the city, at around 9.30 pm, by firing indiscriminately at a patrol party.

Two cops were injured in the attack and were rushed to 92 Base Hospital of the Army. One of them, constable Shehzad, succumbed to his injuries. In another incident, militants shot dead a policeman in south Kashmir's Kulgam district.

Constable Shabir Ahmad was shot outside his residence at Bogund in Kulgam. The cop was rushed to a local hospital but he did not survive.

Also read:

Kashmir: Youth killed as security forces opened fire during stone pelting

Kashmir: Policeman shot dead by militants in Kulgam

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How Pakistan funds stone-pelters in Kashmir through illegal barter trade at LoC

Illegal LoC trade that fuels terror: How Pakistan's terrorist organisations are funding proxies

Watch Video: Top LeT commander Junaid Mattoo believed trapped in Anantnag of Kashmir

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Australia will allow gun owners to hand in illegal firearms without penalty next month as concerns grow over crimes involving such weapons.

The three-month amnesty will be the first such nationwide amnesty on surrendered firearms since 1996 when a lone gunman killed 35 people and galvanised support for tough gun controls.

Justice Minister Michael Keenan said on Friday the new amnesty is needed to reduce the number of guns in the community because of new security threats including Islamic extremism.

There have been five violent incidents in Australia that the government describes as terrorist attacks since the national terror threat level was raised in September 2014.

Three involved illegal guns and two involved knives.

Keenan told reporters: "We're living in a time when our national security environment has deteriorated."
China on Friday said the issue of terrorism will be "candidly" discussed during the two-day BRICS Foreign Ministers Meet beginning here on Sunday.

Beijing also said the member countries are expected not to have differences on the issue in the meeting.

"We oppose any double standards adopted by the countries in counter-terrorism efforts. The BRICS foreign ministers will conduct a candid exchange of views on this issue," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said.

"On the counter-terrorism we have a clear-cut position that terrorism is the common enemy of mankind," he added.

"The five countries are not expected to have any essential divergences and differences on this issue because the counter-terrorism efforts call on the international community to form consensus and forge joint forces in this regard."

India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party's General Secretary Ram Madhav said last week it was time to end double standards in combating terrorism and BRICS member states must unite for the cause.

Minister of State for External Affairs V.K. Singh will represent India at the Foreign Ministers meet of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa bloc.

India is likely to raise the issue of China blocking the ban on Pakistani militant Masood Azhar at the UN.

Azhar, the head of Jaish-e-Mohammed terror group, is wanted in India for the January 2016 Pathankot terror attack.

Besides, China has blocked India's bid to enter the Nuclear Supplier Group(NSG).

"On the issue of NSG I can tell you China's stance on the accession of new members in NSG has not changed," Lu said.

The factor of Pakistan, China's "all-weather ally", comes into play in both the issues.

China argues if India can be let in the NSG without being a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, why not Pakistan.

On the issue of Azhar, China says evidence against the terrorist is not enough.

At last year's BRICS summit in India, China was non-committal on including the names of terror groups like JeM and LeT in the BRICS' Goa Declaration.


China said on Friday that there is no change in its stance on admission of non-NPT states into the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), marring India's chances of entering the 48-member elite club at its crucial meeting next week.

"On the issue of Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), I can tell you China's stance on the accession of new members into NSG has not changed," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told reporters.

Lu made the remarks while responding to questions about reports that Russian President Vladimir Putin had taken up India's accession to the NSG with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping during their recent meeting at Astana on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit.

According to reports, the NSG plenary meeting is due to be held next week in the Swiss capital of Bern.

The issue has become a major sticking point in bilateral relations between India and China.

After India's application for entry into the elite group which controls the nuclear trade, Pakistan, the all-weather ally of China, too had applied with the tacit backing of Beijing.

While India, which is backed by the US and a number of western countries has garnered the support of a majority of the group's members, China has stuck to its stand that new members should sign the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), making India's entry difficult as the group is guided by the consensus principle. India is not a signatory to the NPT.

After a series of meetings, China has backed 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.
Putting aside a rift over a US anti- missile system, top officials from China and South Korea are attending a meeting of a China-backed Asian lending bank on the South Korean island of Jeju.

Chinese finance minister Xiao Jie and his Indian counterpart Arun Jaitley are among those attending the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank's annual meeting, which started Friday in Jeju.

South Korea was picked as the meeting's host before Beijing began protesting Seoul's agreement to allow its ally the United States to deploy on its territory key components of the so-called Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense system.

The China-led AIIB has 77 member countries.

It was unclear if the meeting would pave a way for a thaw or if finance ministers from China and South Korea would meet on its sidelines.
Donald Trump resorted to Twitter to slam a report that special counsel Robert Mueller is investigating the President for possible obstruction of justice.

In a series of tweets, Trump on Thursday said: "They made up a phony collusion with the Russians story, found zero proof, so now they go for obstruction of justice on the phony story. Nice," reports Efe news.

Shortly thereafter, he followed that up with another tweet, in which he returned to one of his main themes regarding the ongoing probe: "You are witnessing the single greatest witch hunt in American political history  led by some very bad and conflicted people."

The tweets were clear signs of the president's frustration and anger over the revelation, published on Wednesday evening in The Washington Post, about the investigation by Mueller, who is heading an independent probe into alleged Russian interference in the 2016 election.

A few hours later, Trump again tweeted, this time attempting to divert attention toward his former rival, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, first saying: "Why is that Hillary Clinton's family and Democrats dealings with Russia are not looked at, but my non-dealings are?"

In a second tweet, he continued with "Crooked Hillary destroyed phones with hammer, 'bleached' emails, and had husband meet with (Attorney General Loretta Lynch) days before she was cleared and they talk about obstruction?"

The Washington Post, citing anonymous sources, had reported some hours earlier that Mueller, who is probing Russia's election interference and the possible links between Moscow and Trump's campaign, had added a key element to that probe, namely that the President would now be under investigation for obstruction of justice.

If the report is true and if it is confirmed that Trump obstructed justice by trying to get former Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director James Comey, and perhaps others, to end the Russia probe, that could lead to the President's impeachment by Congress, something that many Democratic lawmakers say they would pursue if circumstances warrant.

Meanwhile, the White House said on Thursday that it would have no comment about the revelation, with deputy Press Secretary Sarah Sanders simply referring all questions to the President's personal lawyer, Marc Kasowitz.

Kasowitz said on Wednesday that leaking FBI information about the president was "outrageous, inexcusable and illegal", although he did not question the content of the article.
The European Union (EU) and the European Commission (EC) said in a joint statement that they have set a date to begin Brexit talks with the UK.

According to the statement issued on Thursday, the EU and the UK are set to begin negotiations on Article 50, which was triggered on March 29 and sets out the procedure for withdrawing from the 27-member bloc, reports Efe news.

"Michel Barnier, the European Commission's Chief Negotiator, and David Davis, Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, agreed today to launch Article 50 negotiations on Monday, June 19," the statement said.

The negotiations are scheduled to last approximately 18 months, from June to November 2018, a short period of time given the number of subjects that will need to be covered as the UK breaks free of the EU.

UK Prime Minister Theresa May had hoped to enter negotiations with a strong bargaining hand, but the recent snap general elections have left her without a majority in Parliament and mired in talks between her Conservative Party and the minor Democratic Unionist Party of Northern Ireland in a bid to achieve a ruling pact.

May gambled that a strong election win, as forecast by some pollsters, would boost her majority in the House of Commons in time for the Brexit talks, but instead, her party surrendered 13 seats in the lower chamber.

Among topics that need to be agreed upon is the status of UK citizens living and working in the EU, as well as that of European nationals doing the same in Britain.

Also, the size and scope of the "divorce" settlement must be decided, the statement added.
Four Afghan civilians were killed after their vehicle hit an improvised explosive device (IED) in Laghman province on Friday morning.

"The incident occurred in Alingar district. The victims were local labourers travelling to a construction site," Xinhua news agency quoted an official statement as saying.

Earlier on Friday, the Interior Ministry revised the death toll to four from a terrorist attack at a Shia mosque in Kabul.

One policeman and three civilians were killed when two suicide bombers struck Al-Zahra Mosque on Thursday night.
The alleged abduction and conversion of a minor Hindu girl in Pakistan's Thar district has triggered a wave of anger among members of the area's Hindu community.

Ravita Meghwar, 16, had allegedly been abducted by men from the Syed community of Wanharo village near Nagarparkar area of the district, on June 6th.

On Thursday, the girl, along with "husband" Nawaz Ali Shah, had met local journalists in Umerkot to "inform" them of her consent in both embracing Islam and her marriage.

She claimed to have embraced Islam in the presence of an Islamic preacher, near the Samarro town of Umerkot district.

On Friday, the girl once again claimed to journalists in Islamkot that she had not been kidnapped but had eloped with Shah. She also demanded protection for both herself and her husband.

However, the Hindu community, along with the girl's family, has insisted that she was kidnapped and forced to convert. Satram Das Meghwar, Ravita's father, has alleged that influential members of the Syed community had kidnapped his daughter after giving sleeping pills to the family.

He alleged that despite frequent appeals, the Thar police avoided tracing the girl till she was forced to convert.

According to the marriage certificate issued by the preacher, "The girl is eighteen years old, can marry the person of her choice and her Islamic name is Gulnar".

The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz lawmaker from Thar and the chief of the Pakistan Hindu Council, Ramesh Kumar Vankwani, has expressed his concern over the alleged abduction and the subsequent conversion of Ravita.

"A Hindu girl below 18 years of age cannot be converted according to the Hindu Marriage Act," he said.
The London police on Friday said they may never be able to identify all those who died in the devastating fire that ravaged a 24-storey apartment block here.

Authorities have so far confirmed 17 deaths in the blaze that erupted early on Wednesday at the Grenfell Tower, but warned that the toll could go up as many residents were reported missing  feared still trapped inside.

More than 70 people were believed to be unaccounted for since the blaze, according to the Press Association. Emergency services were spending a third day searching for bodies in the tower in North Kensington, BBC reported.

Six victims had been provisionally identified. Metropolitan Police Commander Stuart Cundy said there was a "risk" that investigators would "not be able to identify everybody".

Anger was mounting over a litany of failings that led to the disaster, as fears grew that the toll could soar to over 100, The Telegraph reported.

Responding to speculation about the tower toll, Cundy said: "For those of us that have been down there, it's pretty emotional, so I hope it is not triple figures, but I can't be drawn on the numbers."

Fire chiefs said they do not expect to find more survivors, while Prime Minister Theresa May has ordered a full public inquiry.

Police on Thursday said they launched a criminal investigation into the fire.

A political row erupted, after May made a private visit to the scene, where she spoke to London Fire Commissioner Dany Cotton and members of the emergency services, BBC reported.

However, unlike Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and London Mayor Sadiq Khan, May was not seen talking to the families and residents of the tower.

A former deputy leader of the Conservatives accused May of failing to show "humanity" for not meeting the victims.

Michael Portillo claimed that the Prime Minister should have been ready to be "shouted at", but instead wanted an "entirely controlled situation". Labour MP Harriet Harman also criticised May for not meeting residents.

Meanwhile, on Thursday, the first victim of the fire was named as Syrian refugee Mohammed Alhajali, 23.

In a statement, the Syria Solidarity Campaign said Alhajali, a civil engineering student, had been in a flat on the 14th floor when the fire broke out, and had spent two hours on the phone talking to a friend in Syria.

He had been trying to get through to his family while he was waiting to be rescued.

"Mohammed came to this country for safety and the UK failed to protect him," the group said. His older brother, Omar, told the BBC he had lost Mohammed on the way out of the building.

The cause of the fire remained undetermined.
The deaths in the horrific Grenfell Tower blaze here has risen to 30 and is expected to soar significantly as dozens of people remain missing, the Metropolitan Police said on Friday.

At least 24 people remain in hospital, including 12 in critical care, said Metropolitan Police commander Stuart Cundy, the Telegraph reported.

Speaking to reporters on Friday, Cundy said: "I'm able to say at this point in time at least 30 people have died as a result of this fire."

He said more bodies remain in the building following the fire. "Sadly, we do not expect there to be any survivors."

Cundy also said there was nothing to suggest that the fire was started deliberately.

Dozens of people remain missing after the fire rapidly engulfed the 24-storey building in North Kensington in the early hours of Wednesday.

Anger and frustration mounted in the London neighbourhood stunned by the tragedy as relatives and friends of the missing made increasingly desperate appeals for information.

More than 70 people remain unaccounted for since the blaze, which police fear was so devastating that some victims might never be identified.

Cundy said the building was in a "very hazardous state" and that it would take a period of time for "specialists to fully search that building to make sure we locate and recover everybody that has sadly perished in that fire".

Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Cambridge visited the area to meet residents and community representatives and signed a book of condolence in front of a wall plastered with "missing persons" posters describing those feared lost in the fire.
The security personnel opened fire to chase away the protestors in which a 22-year-old man was killed.

By Press Trust of India: A 22-year-old man died as security forces opened fire on a stone-pelting mob in Rangreth area on the outskirts of the city, police said today.

A group of youth pelted the security forces' vehicles with stones at Rangreth, a police official said.

The security personnel opened fire to chase away the protestors in which one person was injured.

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Nazir Ahmad was rushed to SKIMS hospital at Soura in a critical condition where he succumbed on the intervening night of June 15 and 16, the official said.

COP KILLED IN MILITANT ATTACK

A policeman injured in a militant attack in Srinagar succumbed to his injuries on Friday.

Two policemen including the victim Constable Sajad Ahmad were injured on Thursday evening evening when the militants fired at a checkpost in the city's Hyderpora area.

The injured policemen were hospitalised. Ahmad died in the early hours of Friday.

Also read: India rejects Pakistan's claim of Russia offering to mediate on Kashmir

Also read: Russia to supply S-400 missile system to India: Why Pakistan, China should worry

Also read: Time has come to take Pakistan-occupied Kashmir back, says Baba Ramdev

Also watch: Illegal LoC trade that fuels terror: How Pakistan's terrorist organisations are funding proxies

--- ENDS ---
A man was detained by armed police outside the Palace of Westminster on Friday.

The man, in his 30s, was arrested on suspicion of possessing a knife, the Metropolitan Police said. There were no reports of any injuries, BBC reported.

The bearded man, wearing black trousers and a grey sweatshirt, was seen being held against the fence with his arms behind his back by a police officer.

The incident is not thought to be terror related and the Carriage Gates entrance to Parliament was closed, the report said.
US Vice President Mike Pence hired a personal attorney to deal with inquiries related to the ongoing probe into Russia's alleged meddling in the 2016 election and possible collusion between President Donald Trump's campaign and Moscow.

Pence on Thursday selected Richmond, Virginia-based attorney Richard Cullen, a chairman at McGuire Woods who previously served as a US attorney, reports Efe news.

The office of the Vice President said Pence's decision to hire outside legal counsel was in keeping with his aim to "fully cooperate with any inquiries related to the Russia probe".

"The Vice President is focused entirely on his duties and promoting the president's agenda and looks forward to a swift conclusion of this matter," said Pence spokesman Jarrod Agen in a statement.

Pence's move comes a day after The Washington Post reported that special counsel Robert Mueller had extended his probe into determining whether the President tried to obstruct justice by suggesting to top intelligence and law enforcement officials that they end the Russia investigation.

Mueller was named special counsel after Trump abruptly sacked former Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) chief James Comey, who afterwards said that the President, before firing him, in effect asked him to "let go" of the probe into the links between fired National Security Adviser Michael Flynn and the Kremlin.

Mueller's investigation of the President's conduct is a major watershed in the FBI probe, which over almost the past year has focused on uncovering Moscow's attempts to meddle in, or influence, the 2016 presidential campaign and whether any of Trump's campaign personnel colluded with Russian officials.

Trump had been assured several times privately by Comey starting in January that he was not  at the time  personally under investigation, but officials said "that changed shortly after Comey's firing", reports The Washington Post.

If the report is true and if it is confirmed that Trump obstructed justice by trying to get Comey, and perhaps others, to end the Russia probe, that could lead to the President's impeachment by Congress, something that many Democratic lawmakers say they would pursue if circumstances warrant.


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The last days of the Newfie Pride

There were many nights he didnt sleep. The numbers and scenarios turned over and over in his mind, making rest impossible. Id get up two, three oclock in the morning, night after night, come out to the kitchen table and work the numbers every ...
By India Today Web Desk: If Salman Khan indulged in some daredevil stunts in the 2012 film Ek Tha Tiger, Katrina Kaif is set to give him some serious competition in the sequel. With the next schedule of Tiger Zinda Hai to begin soon, Katrina is busy training hard for high-octane action sequences.

And these latest pictures are proof of it. From sword fight to gun shots, the 33-year-old actor will be doing almost everything in Ali Abbas Zafar's directorial venture.

That's Katrina Kaif performing daredevil action/stunts in #TigerZindaHai... Stars Salman Khan... 22 Dec 2017 release. pic.twitter.com/6CiN4rlGSB- taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) June 16, 2017

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If a report in Indian Express is to be believed, Katrina is being trained by the action and stunt director of Hollywood film Dark Knight Rises.

A source was quoted as telling the daily, "Director Ali Abbas Zafar has committed to deliver action, stunts and fight sequences that will compete with global standards with Tiger Zinda Hai. To shoot for Katrina's action scenes, Tom Struthers, the action and stunts director of the film worked with her. Buster Reeves, the fight coordinator of many Hollywood films, also worked with Katrina on this portion. Given Struthers shot for certain action sequences for Christopher Nolan's Batman films including the Dark Knight Rises, expect the absolute best from these scenes. There are also stuntmen from France, UK and Spain involved in this portion, which is quite elaborate."

The film is set to hit the screens on December 22.

ALSO READ: Salman Khan-Katrina Kaif's Tiger Zinda Hai goes to Morocco

ALSO READ: Katrina Kaif photobombs Salman Khan on Tiger Zinda Hai's sets

ALSO WATCH: Katrina Kaif talks about working with Salman Khan in Tiger Zinda Hai

--- ENDS ---
The Kisan Samagam lunch organised by the Bihar government in Patna on Friday evoked a mixed response with some farmers hailing the move while others calling it merely symbolic.

By Rohit Kumar Singh: The Nitish Kumar led-Bihar government organised a Kisan Samagam lunch (a lunch for gathering of farmers) in Patna on Friday.

The Nitish government invited farmers from across the state for the event. The lunch for 2,000 farmers was organised at Gyan Bhawan in Patna on the occasion of Kisan Samagam.

While some farmers were happy to have lunch with Nitish, many others were not excited, calling the event just symbolic. The aggrieved group of farmers alleged that the government was not doing enough for them.

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Farmers across the country have been agitating for loan waiver and MSP for their produce, among other demands.

NITISH HEARD FARMERS' SUGGESTIONS

During the Kisan Samagam lunch, Nitish heard suggestions from farmers to better their productivity and asked them what assistance his government could provide them.

Nitish had lunch with approximately 2,000 farmers. This lunch session was called "Kisan Shabhoj".

Along with Nitish, his Council of Ministers including Agriculture Minister Ram Vichar Rai, Cooperative Minister Alok Mehta, Awdhesh Kumar Singh, Khurshid Alam, and senior bureaucrats including Chief Secretary Anjani Kumar Singh and Secretaries to CM were also present.

COPS FEAST ON FOOD MEANT FOR FARMERS

Soon after Nitish left the Gyan Bhawan, policemen present on duty feasted on the food meant for farmers.

On the other hand, there were many farmers who were denied entry at the Gyan Bhawan, maintaining that they did not have passes.

These farmers had brought their own food chapati and sabzi because they were told that food had to be purchased for Rs 2,000 per plate.

Also read | AAP to meet farmers' leaders from 20 states on Saturday, slated to plan nationwide stir

Also read | Delhi: Farmers mahapanchayat to hold yoga on highway protest on 21st June

Also read | Waive all farmer loans: Mamata Banerjee to PM Modi

--- ENDS ---
Organization: Marie Stopes

International

Duty Station: Kampala,

Uganda

Reports to: Managing

Director

About MSI:

Marie Stopes International exists to bring quality family planning and

reproductive healthcare to the worlds poorest and most vulnerable people.

Weve been delivering family planning, safe abortion, and maternal health

services for over 35 years. Millions of women worldwide turn to us for help

each year, whether in limiting the size of their families, or avoiding

dangerous complications in pregnancy or unsafe abortion.

Job Summary: The Internal

Auditor will be tasked with the examination and evaluation of the adequacy and

effectiveness of the organizations governance, risk management process, system

of internal control structure, review of compliance and the quality of

performance in carrying out assigned responsibilities to achieve the

organizations stated goals and objectives. The Internal Auditor is part of the

Senior Management Team (SMT). SMT

members are expected to demonstrate MS Ugandas values in their behaviour. The

SMT members work together and are mutually accountable to one another in their

responsibility to develop and deliver a strategic and sustainable country

programme using the Marie Stopes social enterprise model. As part of the SMT, this role will use data

to review compliance and evaluate the effectiveness of the internal and

external control systems of the quality of organisational performance to ensure

delivery of measurable results and demonstrate strong fiscal management of

resources.



Responsibilities: Key Duties andResponsibilities:

Financial Statements and Operations Review:

Coverage

For review or vouching of fund

disbursements and receipts: Coverage would be the last twelve months or

starting from the month following the last period covered by the previous

assessment up to the date of the latest financial reports submitted. Sampling, through random selection,

based on materiality of amount or using professional judgment may be done.

General Review Procedures

Reviewing the reliability, integrity and

timeliness of financial and operating information and the means used to

identify, measure, classify, and report such information.

Tasked with the review of latest financial

statements and determine accounts with abnormal or negative balances.

Obtain latest country office budget vs.

expense report and determine if there is any material overspending on any

budget line item. Discuss concerns

with Management.

Carry out an analysis of accounts with

abnormal balances and discuss with Finance Manager/Director. Prepare adjusting journal entries if

necessary.

Review Sun System set up  accounts,

class, names.

Determine if appropriate access levels are

established for each Sun System user.

Also, to determine if month end closing and proper back-up

procedures for Sun System data files are performed by the country office.

Review the means of safeguarding assets

and, as appropriate, verifying the existence of such assets.

Specific Accounts/Transactions Review

Cash in Bank Accounts

Bank Cheques

Cash on Hand, Petty Cash Funds and/or Un

deposited Funds

Prepayments

Travel/Project Advances

Miscellaneous Receivables (Employees

personal accounts for telephone bills, customers bounced checks,

Security/Refundable Deposits for Office & Housing Rents, etc.)

Accounts Payable

Severance Accrual

Payroll and Payroll Related Liabilities

Accounts

Fund Disbursement and Procurements

Taxes payable

Local Receipts and Interest revenue.

Latest Balance Sheet and Income &

Expense by Class Report submitted to management and Headquarters (MSI) in

a timely manner.



Policies: Overall Evaluation of Internal Control System and Compliance withPolicies:

The Internal Auditor will determine

weaknesses of the affiliates/field office existing internal control systems

and procedures over fund disbursements and receipts.

Test effectiveness of systems and carry

out spot checks

Note any deviation from financial policies

and/or accounting procedures and verify with concerned staff reason for

non-compliance.

Measure compliance by the entity and its

employees with the Companys policies, procedures, donor requirements /

agreements, relevant laws, regulations, standards, MSI directives as well

as operating instructions.

Review the systems established to ensure

compliance with the policies, plans, procedures, laws and regulations

stated above which could have a significant impact on operations and

reports and whether the organization is in compliance.

If there was external audit done for

previous fiscal year or previous internal reviews/assessments, determine

if audit findings or assessment results and recommendations as per

external auditors management letter have been corrected or implemented by

management. Obtain reason/s for non-implementation

and track the outstanding recommendations and agreed actions arising from

audits, and report progress to the Board of Directors.

Monitor and evaluate in liaison with the

Senior Management Team, the adequacy of the actions taken by management to

correct identified weaknesses and report any significant

non-implementation to management and the Board of Directors.

Report on the value for money that the

organisation obtains in all its activities with special regard to economy,

efficiency and effectiveness and identify opportunities to improve

operating performance.

Tasked with reviewing operations or

programs to assess whether they are being carried out as planned and

whether results are consistent with established objectives.

Assess the entitys IT Systems including

the design and operating effectiveness of the automated, IT dependant

manual controls and the effectiveness of the IT General Controls

Periodic evaluation reports on Internal control systems presented with

recommendations to Management: Regular checks and reporting on effectiveness

of the recommendation. Regular checks and reporting on effectivenessof the recommendation.

Risk Register Management:

Work closely with the Board of Directors,

finance and management to ensure a system is in place which ensures that

all major risks of the organisation are identified and analysed on an

annual basis

Identify Key Risk Indicators to be

monitored by the Senior Management Team monthly and reported to Board

quarterly.

Evaluate the adequacy and the

effectiveness of the organizations risk management system.

Update the risk register quarterly, revise

risk assessments and introduce new risks to the risk register as they

arise.

Bring to the attention of the Board of

Directors and management any matters that could potentially lead to legal

or reputation risk.



Management and the Board: An accurate Risk register maintained and reported on regularly toManagement and the Board:

Investigation of Key Issues Arising:

Provide Investigative services to

management as appropriate

Review specific operations at the request

of the Board of Directors or management, as appropriate.

Work closely with the Managing Director to

respond to whistle blowing

Investigate occurrences of fraud,

embezzlement, theft, waste and recommend controls to prevent or detect

such occurrences

Offer technical advice to management

Timely investigation reports with recommendations presented to Management:

Handling of Board Matters, Governance and Company Secretarial Work

Prepare for and take minutes of meetings

of the Board of Directors

Coordinate between Marie Stopes Uganda and

the board

Regularly report to the Board on internal

audit and investigation findings and make recommendations and suggest

revisions to risk mitigation

Report to the Board of Directors on

whether:

Risk management processes and internal

controls in the business areas are adequate & effective.

Appropriate action has been taken on

significant audit findings.

There is any unwarranted restriction on

the staffing and authority of the internal audit department or on access

by internal auditors to all organization activities, records, property

& personnel.

Fraud incidents and management action to

mitigate fraud risk.

Ensure full compliance with all Board

documentation for Marie Stopes Uganda

Perform Marie Stopes Uganda company

secretarial duties

Working with the Managing Director and

Human Resources department, keep track of all MSU legal matters arising.



Experience: Qualifications, Skills andExperience:

The ideal candidate for the Internal

Auditor job placement must hold a Bachelors degree in a Business related

course e.g. Economics, Statistics, Business Administration or its

equivalent

A member of a professional body. (ACCA,

CPA)

Certification in CIA, CISA will be an

added advantage

At least two to three years of internal

and external Audit experience

Previous experience in using and

implementing audit procedures including planning techniques, test and

sampling methods.

Accurate audit findings reporting to

Senior Management.

Significant Audit management experience at

a similar level (donor funded and private sector preferred)

Excellent knowledge of financial

management systems, auditing and reporting

Knowledge of donor contract requirements

for budgeting and reporting

Ability to perform under pressure, handle

heavy workloads, and meet stringent reporting deadlines

Keen attention to detail

Hands-on experience in auditing electronic

accounting systems.

Able to communicate effectively at all

levels

Cross-functional team player

Personal Competencies:

Attitude / Motivation: Successful

performance at MSU is not simply defined in terms of what people

achieve, but equally is about how people go about their jobs and the

impact that they have on others. We encourage and expect all team members

will demonstrate the following behaviours:

Initiative: Thinking ahead and taking action

to make the most of opportunities by finding the optimum solution Thinking ahead and taking actionto make the most of opportunities by finding the optimum solution

Innovative: Thinking creatively and outside

of the box so that ideas generated create a positive outcome Thinking creatively and outsideof the box so that ideas generated create a positive outcome

Effective Communication: Communicating through active

listening and good questioning techniques, using appropriate body language,

ensuring information is clear and concise. Communicating through activelistening and good questioning techniques, using appropriate body language,ensuring information is clear and concise.

Responsive: Being responsive to changing

priorities and demands

Working Efficiently: Planning,

prioritising and organising work to ensure work is accurate and deadlines

are met Planning,prioritising and organising work to ensure work is accurate and deadlinesare met

Sharing Information: Sharing information and knowledge

whilst maintaining confidentiality Sharing information and knowledgewhilst maintaining confidentiality

Focus on Learning: Taking

responsibility for keeping knowledge and skills updated and for seeking

opportunities to develop further

Commitment: Awareness and

understanding of goals, vision and values and how your role impacts on

this and going the extra mile to meet role requirements

Driven: Drive and determination

to deliver results

Accountable: Taking

responsibility for appropriate decisions that you make, and the actions

and behaviour you demonstrate

Embracing Change: Openness to embracing change

within the organisation and being able to adjust plans/activities

accordingly Openness to embracing changewithin the organisation and being able to adjust plans/activitiesaccordingly

Motivated: Motivation towards

achieving quality results to maximise potential

Team Player: Working as part of

a team by being supportive, flexible and showing respect for each other

The Internal Auditor is required to demonstrate MSUs core values of:

Client Centred: dedicated to

our clients and work tirelessly to deliver high quality, high impact

services that meet clients individual requirements.

Courageous: Have the courage to

push boundaries, make tough decisions and challenge others in line with

our mission.

Mission Driven: With unwavering

commitment, we exist to empower women and men to have children by choice,

not chance.

Accountable: Ownership of our actions and focus on

results, ensuring long term sustainability and increasing the impact of

the Partnership.

How to Apply:

All suitably qualified and interested candidates who wish to join Marie

Stopes are strongly encouraged on apply online at the link below.

Click Here (Select

Internal Auditor) -> Apply Online (SelectInternal Auditor) -> Apply Online

rd June 2017

Deadline: 23June 2017
But the tribe has a long way to go
Judges do not have an easy job. They repeatedly do what the rest of us seek to avoid: make decisions, said David Pannick in his celebrated book Judges (Oxford University Press, 2013). History judges a judge by his or her judgments. Justice P.N. Bhagwati (1921 -2017) has been a champion of social action litigation in India, along with late Justice Krishna Iyer. He treated the Constitution as a living document. For him, the public interest litigation was a device to ensure access to justice for the poor and the disadvantaged. Even a letter with constitutional concerns could be entertained as a writ petition in the courts epistolary jurisdiction so as to grant relief to the poor and the needy who could not take direct legal recourse by themselves. It was this activism of Justice Bhagwati that rescued the Bihar undertrials in the Hussainara Khatoon case (1979).

He delivered several landmark judgments. E.P. Royappa (1973) exposed the areas of arbitrariness in the realm of administration. The limits of the Parliament in amending the Constitution was sketched in Minerva Mills (1980), which, in turn, underlined the unalterable basic structure of the countrys Constitution. His seminal dissent in Bachan Singh (1980) distanced himself from the majority view. He said that death penalty was 'per se' unconstitutional. He spoke for the bonded labourers in Bandhua Mukti Morcha (1984) and demonstrated that humanity on the Bench was a constitutional possibility The labourers in Madurai, in a gesture of gratitude, named their village 'Justice Bhagwati Nagar'.

The fairness in state action was held as an imperative in R.D. Shetty vs the International Airport Authority of India (1979), where the need for transparency in allotment of state largesse was underlined. His judgments on freedom of movement that includes the right to hold a passport and to travel abroad (Maneka Gandhi, 1978) was emblematic. He was an ardent believer and practitioner of judicial law-making.

Human rights are universal. So was Justice Bhagwatis contribution to the global praxis of human rights, by being the chairman and vice chairman of the United Nations Human Rights Committee. He also acted as chairman of the South Asian Task Force on Judiciary. He acted as an advisor for drafting the constitutions of South Africa, Mongolia, Cambodia, Ethiopia and the neighbouring Nepal.

Bhagwati was a freedom fighter. In 1942, he had to go underground so as to elude arrest by the British. However, the question as to whether he was a freedom fighter on the Bench gets an embarrassing answer in a habeas corpus case, also known as A.D.M. Jabalpur case (1976). In A.D.M. Jabalpur, he stood along with the majority on the Bench. He ruled that the fundamental rights of citizens could be suspended when national Emergency was proclaimed under Article 352 of the Constitution. He, along with Justices A.N. Ray, M.H. Beg, and Y.V. Chandrachud ruled that even the constitutional courts could not issue writs to safeguard the persons liberty during the Emergency, as liberty then was no longer a fundamental right. Only Justice H. R. Khanna dissented, quite historically, by holding that fundamental rights are inalienable. For his dissent, he had to sacrifice his due elevation as the chief justice of India. Justice Bhagwati, however, travelled a road that was not as saintly and dangerous as the one chosen by Justice Khanna. During the difficult times of Emergency, Bhagwati stood along with the government rather than the citizens. After about 30 years of the judgment, Justice Bhagwati lamented that the judgment was written against his conscience and it was a mistake.

No doubt, great men commit mistakes. Even Aristotle quite foolishly said that human brain was a cooling organ and men had more number of teeth than women. For these and other innocent mistakes, instead of accusing Aristotle, Will Durant only respectfully acclaimed that (he) makes as many mistakes as possible for a man who is founding the science of Biology (The Story of Philosophy, Pocket Books, 1953).

Bhagwatis mistakes were grave and terribly disappointing. Still, following the moderation of Will Durant, one feels like respecting Bhagwati who, along with others, laid the foundation for judicial activism in Indian courts.

(Kaleeswaram Raj is a lawyer in the Supreme Court and the High Court of Kerala. He is the author of Rethinking Judicial Reforms: Reflections on Indian Legal System, published by Universal-LexisNexis, 2017)
In a major snub to Pakistan, which has choked the transit of goods between India and Afghanistan, the two countries have finally created an air freight corridor. The first flight, laden with Afghan merchandise (mainly agro products, specially dry fruits) is likely to fly into New Delhi from Kabul this weekend. The exact day of the flight is yet to be announced.

Foreign ministry officials said that the corridor was still being developed. The two countries would have to decide upon the frequency of these flights, which would obviously depend on the quantum of trade.

The move is symbolic and pointed towards Pakistan. During his visit to India last year, Afghan president Ashraf Ghani had noted how trade between the two countries via the Wagah border was consistently being blocked by Pakistan and he had said that land was not the only connector. The two countries were breaking their heads over coming up with a fitting reply to the Pakistani blocade and this flight could mark the beginning of new trade routes between them.
Mumbai police recently found a packet of white powder, which could be methamphetamine, near the body of the actress.

By India Today Web Desk: Actress Kritika Chaudhary was found dead under mysterious circumstances at her apartment in Andheri on Monday. Police suspect it to be a case of murder.

The incident came into view when Kritika's neighbours complained of foul smell coming from her flat and informed police.

New investigations in the case have revealed that the actress may have been involved in a drug deal that didn't pan out the way people involved in it might have expected.

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Mumbai police recently found a packet of white powder, which could be methamphetamine, MD, or Meow Meow, near the body of the actress, according to a recent report in The Times of India.

Police are suspecting a watchman of the building who has been missing for some time.

"A man who used to work in the building was missing and was not even at his new job. We have sent a team to his Lucknow residence in Uttar Pradesh," The Times of India quoted a source as saying.

The samples of white powder have been sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory for a thorough analysis.

As per the reports, initially, police registered an Accidental Death Report (ADR), but during the investigation it came out that Kritika was murdered by an unidentified person.

Kritika hailed from Haridwar and was seen in Ekta Kapoor's Parichay that starred Sameer Soni and Keerti Nagpure in the lead. She was also a part of Kangana Ranaut starrer Rajjo.

Also read: Exclusive on Kritika Chaudhary: Police say former husband was a conman claiming ties to a Congress leader

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Senior BJP leaders and Union ministers Rajnath Singh and Venkaiah Naidu reached out to Congress chief Sonia Gandhi and CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury to build a consensus for the presidential elections. However, as the BJP emissaries did not reveal the name of their nominee, the opposition leaders did not pledge any support.

Yechury even went to the extent of terming it as a PR exercise, hinting that not much would come out of these meetings.

Both Rajnath and Venkaiah first met Sonia Gandhi at her residence, in the presence of senior Congress leaders Ghulam Nabi Azad and Mallikarjun Kharge. After the 30 minute meeting, Azad said, The BJP leaders did not give any name, but wanted us to reveal the name of our candidate. We were expecting them to disclose their name. As no names were given by them, there is no scope of any discussion.

Kharge said as the BJP leaders gave no names, there was no question of consensus.



Congress spokesperson Ajay Maken repeated the official line of the party saying the government should give out the name first.

Kharge added that the Congress has not suggested any names to the government.

Now, the next step for the opposition parties would be to wait for a few more days so that government reveals the name of its candidate before they take a united stand on the issue. The BJP panel may call for a meeting again with all parties after coming out with a name.

The opposition parties are pushing for the ideological contest as they will not agree to any name with an RSS background.

Yechury said that only a candidate with impeccable secular credentials should be the next president.
The last time a British general election conjured a hung parliament and consequent political uncertainty (in 2010), it was circumvented by a coalition between the Conservative party and the Liberal Democrats and an Act mandating a five-year fixed term for the House of Commons. In effect, the instability in British politics since June 8, and the resultant question mark over Brexit, is the first without an immediate solution since 1974. At that juncture, the Labour prime minister Harold Wilson, after failing to win an outright majority in February, called an election in October, which got him past the halfway line, albeit marginally.

Prime Minister Theresa Mays bid to increase the Conservative majority since David Cameron won the 2015 elections spectacularly backfired when they emerged as only the largest single party. Her objective of obtaining greater flexibility in negotiations with the European Union, including being unencumbered by europhobes in her own party, is in tatters. The first meeting to discuss a cataclysmic withdrawal takes place on Monday.

Her broad position was: Britain would exit the single market and customs union of the EU, as well as quit the European judicial system. This would terminate free movement of job-seekers into the UK from the rest of Europe and restore the partial sovereignty ceded to the EU in lieu of membership.

Former Conservative prime minister, John Major, advised against a confidence and supply arrangement or issue-based parliamentary support with the Protestant Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) of northern Irelandwho won 10 seats. Cameron advocated reaching out to mainstream opposition parties in the Commons to arrive at a consensus. The DUPs Catholic rivals Sinn Fein claimed such a deal would scuttle the even-handedness incumbent on Whitehall to maintain peace in Northern Ireland. The two religious communities fought a violent civil war for 70 years until the Good Friday Agreement was signed in 1998.

But even the DUPwhich was goaded into entering a coalition government with Sinn Fein in Northern Ireland (which has now fallen apart)want an open border with the Catholic Republic of Ireland. This would be at loggerheads with Mays commitment to quit the single market and customs union. The matter gets further complicated given the EUs non-negotiable position of free movement being linked to access to the single market. Norways membership of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) is, for instance, based on unrestricted exchange of people with the EU. So, how will the UK refuse employment and residence to Europeans, which was effectively the message of the British referendum?

Where any Brexit formula requires parliamentary approval, it would be sensible of May to explore a common national position with opposition parties such as Labour, Lib Dems and the Scottish National Party. Only a minority of Britons who voted to leave the EU espouse a hard Brexit; the bulk of the Conservative party do not desire this at all.

But the knives are out for May. Her leadership could well be challenged at the Conservative party conference in early October. A new prime minister will almost certainly mean another election in the not-too-distant future. Tempted by a 20 per cent point lead in an opinion survey, May gambled and came a cropper.

Her campaign was lacklustre and robotic, she ducked television debates and her popularity plummeted the moment she released an uncaring manifesto. According to the latest YouGov poll, the hitherto unelectable Jeremy Corbyn  historically ambivalent on the Irish Republic Army - the militant wing of Sinn Fein - extremists in the Middle East, Pakistani-sponsored separatists in Kashmir and Khalistanis  is now more popular than May.

A confidence and supply pact with the DUP will mean support for whats called the Queens speech at the opening of parliament on 21 June, budgets and defence matters. But May could, as her party colleague George Osbornechancellor of the exchequer under Cameronput it, be a dead woman walking.

At the same time, Corbyns ascent, gifted by Mays incompetence and insensitivity, could be short-lived. His attractive alternatives would entail enhanced direct and indirect taxation and greater borrowing. While the British people favour an end to austerity, the last thing they want is an encore of the 2008 economic meltdown.
Suicide bombers struck a crowded Shiite mosque in Kabul late today, killing four people in the latest in a series of militant attacks to rattle the Afghan capital during the holy month of Ramadan.

At least eight others were wounded when the bombers blew themselves up in the kitchen of Al Zahra mosque after police prevented them from entering the prayer hall packed with worshippers.

The carnage comes at a time Kabul is already on edge following a wave of deadly bombings, which triggered angry public protests calling for the resignation of President Ashraf Ghani's government over spiralling insecurity.

"Terrorist attack on Al Zahra mosque in west of Kabul," ministry spokesman Najib Danish said. "Three civilians and one policeman was killed and eight others were wounded."

No group has so far claimed responsibility for the assault, but minority Shiite areas in Kabul have been frequently targeted in the past by Islamic State militants.

The rise of the Islamic State group has raised the spectre of sectarian discord in Afghanistan, something that the Sunni-majority country has largely been spared despite decades of war.

Last year Afghanistan witnessed a wave of attacks on Shiites claimed by IS, which considers Shiite Muslims apostates.

The attack occurred as worshippers were preparing for an all-night congregation on a night of Ramadan that holds special significance for Shiites.

The Taliban, Afghanistan's biggest militant group locked in a fierce rivalry with IS, denied it was behind Thursday's attack, with a spokesman saying they do not attack places of worship.

General John Nicholson, the top US commander in Afghanistan, has pledged to defeat the local IS affiliate this year.

In April the US military dropped its largest non-nuclear bomb ever used on an IS stronghold in eastern Afghanistan, killing dozens of jihadists, but the group still appears to be resilient.

Islamic State fighters this week captured Tora Bora, a mountain cave complex in eastern Afghanistan that was once the hideout of Osama bin Laden, despite pressure on the jihadists from US-led forces.

Kabul has been on edge since a massive truck bomb on May 31 killed more than 150 people and wounded hundreds in the city's fortified diplomatic quarter, the deadliest attack in the Afghan capital since 2001.

Just days later protesters incensed by the bombing clashed with police, prompting authorities to respond with live rounds, which left at least four people dead.

Separately, suicide bombers tore through a row of mourners at the funeral for one of the protesters, killing at least seven more people.

The carnage during the holy fasting month of Ramadan has left the Afghan capital shaken, with anti-government protesters incensed by the violence setting up a sit-in camp close to the May 31 bombing site.
Iraqi forces said they were about to complete the encirclement of Islamic State's stronghold in the Old City of Mosul, after taking control of a neighbouring district on Thursday.

Iraq's military said it had captured Bab Sinjar, north of the historic, densely-populated district where the militants launched their cross-border "caliphate" in 2014.

Government forces and their allies still have to take full control of Medical City, a complex of hospitals further north along the bank of the Tigris, to enclose the militant enclave.

The offensive to retake the northern city started in October with air and ground support from a US-led international coalition.

Iraqi government forces retook eastern Mosul in January then a month later began the offensive on the western side where bout 200,000 civilians remain trapped behind Islamic State lines.

The fall of Mosul would, in effect, mark the end of the Iraqi half of the "caliphate" that Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi declared in a speech from a historic mosque in the Old City.

About 800,000 people, more than a third of the pre-war population of Mosul, have already fled, seeking refuge with friends and relatives or in camps.

Kurdish forces backed by US-air strikes are also besieging Islamic State forces in the city of Raqqa, the militants' de facto capital in neighbouring Syria.
By Press Trust of India: New York, Jun 16 (PTI) Last month was the second-warmest May in 137 years of modern record-keeping of average global temperatures, according to NASA.

The two top May temperature anomalies have occurred during the past two years. 2016 was the hottest on record, at 0.93 degrees Celsius warmer than the May mean temperature.

Last month was 0.88 degrees Celsius warmer than the mean May temperature from 1951-1980.

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This years May temperature was 0.05 degrees Celsius cooler than last year. It was just 0.01 degrees Celsius warmer than the third warmest May, which occurred in 2014.

The monthly analysis by scientists at NASAs Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS) is assembled from publicly available data acquired by about 6,300 meteorological stations around the world, ship- and buoy-based instruments measuring sea surface temperature, and Antarctic research stations.

The modern global temperature record begins around 1880 because previous observations didnt cover enough of the planet. PTI MHN SAR MHN

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By Rabbi Yair Hoffman for the Five Towns Jewish Times

El Als motto is El-Al achi babayit baolam  El Al  the most at-home airlines in the world. El Al is the first airline in the world to have a Chareidi mother of four serving as its pilot. Nechama Spiegel-Novack, a Bais Yaakov graduate, is also the first frum female pilot to fly in the ranks of El Al. She made headlines recently for flying Bibi Netanyahu to a two-day summit in Greece.

Our question, however, deals with the laws of Yichud. Is there a prohibition of Yichud to pilot an airplane with a co-pilot in a locked cockpit?

The question deals with some fundamental aspects of the nature of the prohibition.

THE PROHIBITION

Generally speaking it is forbidden for any male above the age of 13 years and a day to seclude or be alone with a female who is at least 3 years old and a day. This is true even if the female is single, and even if she has not reached physical maturity. It is also forbidden to seclude or be alone with two females (there are, however, some exceptions to this.)

Similarly, it is forbidden for a female who is above the age of 12 years old and a day, or for two females to seclude or be alone with a male who is above 9 years and a day.

But what lies behind the prohibition? Did the Torah and the Rabbis forbid Yichud  seclusion out of concern for any form of physical intimacy or out of concern for more than this. If it is solely the latter, then perhaps in a cockpit there would not be any violation of the halacha.

Rav Asher Weiss Shlita (Minchas Asher Vol. I #87) cites Rav Elyashiv ztl as holding that Yichud is out of concern for any form. He himself disagrees with this position and writes that it was out of concern for full-fledged intimacy. Since it is necessary for the pilots to fly the plane, he thus rules that a woman may fly alone with a male pilot.

He cites as proof a responsum from Rav Moshe Feinstein (IM EH Vol. IV 65:10). Rav Weiss also notes that Rav Scheinbergs position was similar to that of Rav Elyashiv.

In the 5753 edition of oraisah #17, Rabbi Mordechai Gross a Moreh Horaah in Bnei Brak permits a pilot to fly women alone based on similar grounds. It is prudent to understand some of the background to this important area of halacha.

TORAH LAW AND RABBINIC LAW

Some types of Yichud are forbidden by Torah law, while others types of Yichud are forbidden by Rabbinic law. Sometimes, of course, there is a debate as to whether it is forbidden by Torah law or by Rabbinic law. Regardless, the prohibition of Yichud is its own separate halacha, no matter what may or may not happen.

It should also be known that the prohibition of Yichud does not depend upon a locked door or a closed room. It applies in any situation where there are no others around. This can be out in an open area, in a field or any other place where others are not passing regularly .

By Torah law, the prohibition of Yichud is only when there is a prohibition in the two marrying. Thus, a man may not be alone with his wifes sister, or his wifes mother.

There is a debate in regard to whether a Kohain is forbidden by Torah law or by Rabbinic law to be alone with a divorcee. This prohibition is of a type known as Chayavei Lavin violations of a lav in the Torah. The Prisha (22:1) holds that it is a Torah prohibition. The Minchas Chinuch (186:2) cites opinions that it is only forbidden by Rabbinic decree.

SINGLE JEWISH GIRLS

The Talmud (Sanhedrin 21a) tells us that King David and his Bais Din enacted the prohibition against being alone with unmarried Jewish girls. Thus, the prohibition of seclusion with unmarried women would be Rabbinic. However, since in our days unmarried women do not immerse to remove spiritual impurity, the prohibition of Yichud with an unmarried woman is Biblical.

SINGLE NON-JEWISH GIRLS

The Talmud (Avodah Zarah 36b) also tells us the House of Shammai and the House of Hillel enacted that one may not be alone with a non-Jewish single woman. The issue of seclusion with a married non-Jewish woman is a debate as to whether it is a biblical prohibition or a Rabbinic prohibition .

JEWISH WOMAN WITH A GENTILE

It is also forbidden for a Jewish woman to seclude or be alone with a gentile . If it is a married woman the prohibition is clearly biblical . If it is a single woman, then it is generally viewed as a Rabbinic prohibition.

All of this is in terms of the actual prohibition of Yichud. There may also exist an issue of Chinuch, education of the Mitzvah for children, where Yichud is forbidden even for a boy who is less than 13 and even for a girl who is less than 12. Finally, there is also an opinion that the sages forbade cases of seclusion between a minor and a gentile .

THE LENIENCIES OR HETERIM

There are, however, nine categories of heterim, leniencies or exceptions to the prohibition. They are:

1. Immediate Family  With ones immediate family, there is no problem or prohibition of Yichud. Therefore, a] a daughter may seclude with her father; b] a mother may seclude with her son; c] a sister may seclude with her brother (but not for a period of more than 30 straight days) and d] a woman who is in a state of halachic impurity may seclude with her husband. These heterim were extended to include a granddaughter, grandson and grandmother .

2. Ones Wife Guards a Person  When a mans wife is with him, it is permitted for another female other than his wife to be alone with them . Indeed, it is not just the wife that guards a person  even if the man was with his mother, sister or daughter, the heter or leniency still applies. The reason is that their presence, generally speaking, ensures that he will act properly.

3. Two Kosher Men  An Ashkenazic woman may seclude herself or be alone with two upright, kosher men. The definition of upright or kosher is that they scrupulously observe Jewish law  especially the prohibition against touching women. A Sefardic woman, however, may only seclude herself with three men  not two men.

4. One Man and Three Women  A woman may be alone with or seclude herself with another man if there are two other women who are also present.

5. Many Men and Many Women  If there are many men and many women present, then there is no prohibition of Yichud.

6. Husband in Town  If the womans husband is in town, then there is also no prohibition of Yichud . The reason is that the fear of her husband is upon her . There is a debate in the Poskim if the wife is in a friends home, and the husband does not know where she is. The Dovaiv Mesharim permits it, while the Chochmas Adam forbids it.

7. Open Doorway to Public  if there is an open doorway to the public area, there is no prohibition of Yichud . There is a debate among the Poskim, however, as to what the term Open Doorway or pesach pasuach in Hebrew actually means. Some hold that the door merely needs to be unlocked . This was also the position of the Chazon Ish . Others, however, are more stringent and actually require the door to physically be open . Another issue is whether people generally would enter  even if it is unlocked. The Poskim have written that if it is the social norm for a person not to enter even if the door is unlocked, then this does not prevent Yichud . Others have ruled that it depends upon whether the Yichud is Biblical Yichud or Rabbinically forbidden Yichud. When it is a Yichud forbidden by the Torah one should not rely upon the leniency of an unlocked door.

The Poskim have also ruled that the leniency of the open doorway is not effective at nighttime .

8. Five Pairs of Women Who Will Not Cover Up for Each Other  Halacha discusses five types of relationships, wherein the general nature of that relationship will generally ensure that one will not cover up for the other. Consequently, there would be no prohibition of Yichud with two women in such a case. Thus, it is permitted for Yichud to take place when one of the two women is the mother-in-law or daughter-in-law of the other, the sister-in-law of the other (even through marriage), the step-daughter of the other, or the co-wife (no longer applicable) of the other.

9. A Chaperone  A woman may seclude with a man or the other way around if there is a child that is present as well. The child must be between the ages of five and nine years old . It can be a boy or a girl . There is also no need for the child to be related to any of the people involved .

EXCEPTIONS TO THE LENIENCIES

To these leniencies or heterim  there are eight possible exceptions found in the Talmud and in the Rishonim, the early commentaries. These exceptions, however, were only said in the context of one specific leniency. Do they apply to all of the nine leniencies mentioned above? Some do, and some dont. And some are the subject of Halachic debate. In fact, there are some exceptions to the prohibition, where it is not clear at all as to which of the nine leniencies the exception actually references.

1. Akum  The leniency of Ones Wife Guards a Person is understood by the Gemorah in tractate Avodah Zarah (25b) as applying only to Jewish people . Therefore,Yichud would not be permitted if there if only a gentile man and his wife are present.

2. Prutzim  Loose People  The Gemorah (Kiddushin 80b) tells us that when dealing with loose people, the leniency of Two upright kosher men does not apply. In fact, a woman may not be alone with ten or one hundred loose men.

3. Traveling  The Gemorah (Kiddushin 81a) further tells us that when traveling, the leniency of two upright kosher men also does not apply. The reason is that one of the men may need to use the facilities and the other man and woman will be left alone.

4. Night Time  The Raavad, a Rishon of Posquirres Italy, extends the Gemorahs exception regarding travelling to also include night time. At night, he writes, the leniency of two upright kosher men does not apply because one of them may fall asleep. The view of the Raavad has been accepted as a halachic norm.

5. Fond of Her  The Gemorah (Kiddushin 81a) tells us that the leniency of Husband is in town does not apply when the man that would be alone with her is particularly fond of her. What does fond of her mean? If he grew up with her or has developed some other type of relationship with her, then there is still a prohibition even if the husband is in town.

6. Business is With Women  The Mishna (Kiddushin 82a) indicates that if a mans occupation or business is with women, this too constitutes an exception to the leniency or heter. There is a debate, however, as to which leniency is being referenced .

7. Warned Her Not to Seclude  The Trumas HaDeshen writes that when a woman was warned by her husband not to be alone or seclude with a certain man, the leniencies or heterim of Husband in Town and Open Doorway to Public do not apply.

8. Regularly  The Gemorah explains that the allowance for a woman to seclude with her brother is only on a temporary basis. If it occurs more regularly or on a more permanent basis, it is forbidden. How much is more regularly? The highly revered Rav Meir Arik ztl ruled that it is for more than 30 days . Rav Elyashiv ztl agreed to the position of Rav Meir Arik. The general custom is to rely upon this view. There are two other views, that of Rav Moshe Feinstein ztl who rukled that it is equivalent to the average stay of a regular guest (about one week). Finally, there is a third view that it is for no more than three days.

As mentioned earlier, however, some of these eight exceptions may be extended to some of the other nine leniencies discussed in Part II.

SOURCES FOR THE PROHIBITION

Most authorities hold that Yichud is a Torah prohibition . However, the parameters of the Torah prohibition are only when there is one man and one woman (according to most Poskim). The Gemorah in Kiddushin (80b) demonstrates that the Torah alluded to the prohibition in Sefer Dvarim (13:7). There are, of course, women of whom Yichud is only forbidden by Rabbinic decree.

TIME FRAME

There is a wide range of halachic opinion as to the minimum time frame of the prohibition. Dayan Weiss writes (Minchas Yitzchok Vol. IV #94) that it is five minutes. Other Poskim write that it is two minutes. Rav Moshe Feinstein (Igros Moshe EH Vol. IV 65:22) distinguishes between the case of Fond of Her and other cases, where he rules that the other cases may be longer. He therefore rules that there is no halachic problem of Yichud in an elevator. There is a view that the minimum time frame is 37 seconds. This view, however, has not been treated as normative halacha.

CONCLUSION

Although there is some debate among contemporary Poskim, the majority of them rule that there is no violation when a pilot is alone with another. Although it is generally not listed as a heter, Rav Yisroel Belsky ztl once added that being in constant contact with someone else via a cell phone is a mitigating factor. This may also help in regard to our case here. There is no doubt that the pilot in question consulted with Poskim regarding her situation and obtained a lenient ruling.

The author can be reached at [email protected]
By Rabbi Yair Hoffman for the Five Towns Jewish Times

The Yeshiva was started by Rav Yonasan Steif ztl, It was called Tiferes Bochurim and it catered to young men in the war years in Budapest  young men who had no other opportunity to learn. Rav Yonasan Steif ztl was one of the last appointed Dayanim in Budapest and he created and guided this remarkable institution.

Many of the young men who attended were refugees from other cities in Hungary. The anti-Semitic laws created a great scarcity of food all over the land, and many young men made their way to Budapest.

The Rebbeim who taught at Tiferes Bochurim were Chasidish and they lovingly taught their talmidim Gemorah. They met in the Jewish communal building in Budapest  above the school. Two floors down was a large hall. Those that attended this Yeshiva recall that at times there were over one hundred Talmidim.

What is sad is that this Yeshiva has been all but forgotten. Only a handful of people remember it. Those that do remember it have very warm feelings for it. They describe it as a second home, a second father and a second family for those that had lost their own. Yet they were so young and now they have aged to the extent that even names are no longer remembered.

The Belzer Rebbe and his brother once spoke at the Yeshiva  when the Yeshiva made a siyum after finishing Meseches Sukkah. It still remains an unexplored area of contemporary Torah history.

If anyone has any more information about this Yeshiva please contact the author at [email protected]
President Donald Trump confirmed Friday he was under investigation and appeared to take aim at a senior Justice Department official, in a tweet that seemed to encapsulate his frustration with the ongoing focus on Russias involvement in the 2016 election.

I am being investigated for firing the FBI Director by the man who told me to fire the FBI Director! Witch Hunt, the president wrote in his tweet.

In another tweet earlier Friday, Trump writes, After 7 months of investigations & committee hearings about my collusion with the Russians, nobody has been able to show any proof. Sad!

The Trump tweets come after the top lawyer for his transition team warned organization officials to preserve all records and other materials related to the Russia probe. An official of Trumps transition confirmed the laywers internal order sent Thursday.

The White House has directed questions to outside legal counsel, which has not responded.

Trumps tweet that hes being investigated by the man who told me to fire the FBI Director may refer to Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein. Rosenstein in a memo to Trump raised concerns over FBI Director James Comey. Trump cited the memo in firing Comey.

I am being investigated for firing the FBI Director by the man who told me to fire the FBI Director! Witch Hunt  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 16, 2017

And it was Rosenstein who appointed Robert Mueller as special counsel to investigate Russian involvement in the 2016 presidential election and possible collusion with the Trump campaign.

It wasnt clear whether the presidents comment confirming he was under investigation was based on direct knowledge or media reports this week that Mueller is examining whether the president obstructed justice by firing Comey last month.

Trump is under increasing pressure on the Russia probe. The order by the general counsel for his transition team casts a wide net on documents that could shed light on ties between Trumps presidential campaign and representatives of Russias government. The order also covers separate inquiries into several key Trump associates including former national security adviser Michael Flynn, campaign adviser Paul Manafort, foreign policy aide Carter Page and outside adviser Roger Stone.

The transition order came the same day that Vice President Mike Pences confirmed that he had hired a private lawyer to represent his interests in the expanding probe. Pence headed the Trump transition until inauguration day.

The transition official said the organization has also separately asked the General Services Administration to preserve records from the Trump transition that were transferred to its facilities after Trumps inauguration. The transition, a nonprofit structurally separate from the Trump campaign, continues to operate with a small staff.

The memo sent Thursday asks for records related to foreign travel, contacts with Russian officials, agents or nationals and background investigations into the top Trump associates now targeted by Muellers probe. The memo asks for preservation of electronic communications and data, telephone logs, audio recordings, videos, calendars and other items.

Fridays tweets are the latest in a week of angry social media responses by the president over a report by The Washington Post that Mueller was looking into whether Trump obstructed justice.

Why is that Hillary Clintons family and Dems dealings with Russia are not looked at, but my non-dealings are? he asked at one point.

They made up a phony collusion with the Russians story, found zero proof, so now they go for obstruction of justice on the phony story. Nice, Trump wrote in his first tweet. You are witnessing the single greatest WITCH HUNT in American political history  led by some very bad and conflicted people! #MAGA.

(AP)
Two coordinated simultaneous terror attacks near Shaar Shechem in Yerushalayim have left a female police officer in critical condition late Friday afternoon.

At one scene, two terrorists pulled out a gun and attempted to shoot people while the other was armed with a gun  a homemade sub-machine gun, Carl Gustav. Police say the gun jammed before anyone was shot.

Both of those two terrorists were shot dead.

The second incident also near Shaar Shechem involved a terrorist armed with a knife. He managed to stab a female police officer before being eliminated.

The police officer has been rushed to Hadassah Hospital in Mt. Scopus.

An additional person suffered light injuries.

In the attached photos, you can see the weapons laying next to two dead terrorists.
The Border Police officer critically injured earlier today in a coordinated stabbing and shooting attack, has died of her wounds.

She was identified as Hadas Malka, 23.

As YWN reported, three Palestinian terrorists carried out a simultaneous stabbing and shooting attack at two areas in the vicinity of Shaar Shechem. Malka HYD was part of a group of officers responding to sounds of gunfire, when another terrorist suddenly emerged and began stabbing her.

She was transferred to Hadassah Hospital Mount Scopus in Jerusalem where she underwent emergency surgery, but later succumbed to her injuries.

Police shot and killed Malkas attacker, as well as two other terrorist who had opened fire on a group of officers.

Four others sustained light to moderate injuries in the attacks.

The Shin Bet identified the terrorists as Mohamad Salah, Adel Hassan Ahmed Ankush and Osama Ahmed Mustafa Ata, all between the ages of 19-18 and from Ramallah. They had all been previously arrested on terror-related suspicions.

The attack took place as Muslims were marking the end of the third Friday of the holy month of Ramadan, and after tens of thousands of Palestinians attended prayers at the nearby Al-Aqsa mosque.

Baruch Daayan HaEmes

(YWN Headquarters  NYC)
The building freeze throughout Yehuda and Shomron continues. No less than 14,000 housing units for Palestinian residents of areas C have been approved. As per the Oslo Agreements, area C designation is an area of Yehuda and Shomron under total Israeli control  security and civil matters. The construction will take place in Kalkilye, doubling the number of housing units in the city. The actual city is designated area A, under total PA control, but surrounded by an area C. alternatively, for the 450,000 Jewish residents of Yehuda and Shomron the government is building 2,000 units.

While leaders of the Jewish communities in Yehuda and Shomron are calling for construction, they are being told by the Prime Ministers Office this is simply the implementation of a plan approved by the Defense Minister last year as well as by the cabinet. Since then, 10,000 housing units were planned and approved for the Jewish sector so there is no validity to the allegations, which are absurd.

The head of the Shomron Regional Council, Yossi Dagan states, This is a disgrace. While only 66 housing units have been approved in the Shomron Regional Council by the planning committee, the political echelon decides to grant the city of terror Kalkilye the ultimate terror award: doubling the area and doubling the population. And I ask if this government has lost its brakes. Have you gone completely mad? Is there no limit to the lack of credibility? It is impossible to continue speaking in two voices. To claim in the morning that we are doing everything for the settlement and in the evening to stop construction in the settlements and to promote Arab construction. We will not be able to allow the government to continue with this deception.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
The Maharashtra government's announcement on May 23, revoking the special planning authority (SPA) status for Lavasa, could have been passed off as just another policy diktat, but for the protagonists involved.

Lavasa, an under-construction hill city near Pune, was originally visualised by Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) strongman Sharad Pawar. His son-in-law, Sadanand Sule, even owned a 12.7 per cent stake in the project until 2007. The history of the project, though, goes back to the early 2000s. As the story goes, while being flown from Mumbai to Pune in a helicopter, Pawar spotted a large tract of vacant land in the Mulshi valley area of the Sahyadri mountain range in Maharashtra. Thinking of it as an ideal spot to plant a new, model city (as conceived by his friend, Aniruddha Deshpande), Pawar took the proposal to realty baron Ajit Gulabchand and his company, HCC. Gulabchand is an old friend of Pawar's, and Lavasa City Corporation (LCC), the firm responsible for the city's construction, is part of HCC's real estate wing.

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In 2001, the Maharashtra government sanctioned 10,000 acres of land for the construction of this modern city, which would be spread over 20 villages and hamlets. The first phase of construction, Dasve, on 1,700 acres, began in 2005 and has been completed. Work on the second phase, Mugaon, is stalled because of regulatory issues.

After the May 23 announcement, political observers were quick to suggest that the fate of Lavasa is yet another stick that chief minister Devendra Fadnavis could wield against the NCP and Pawar, whose nephew, Ajit, is currently facing an Enforcement Directorate probe in connection with alleged benami companies bagging irrigation contracts. The significance of the move was not lost on Pawar, who called on Fadnavis that very evening "to discuss issues pertaining to farmers". While what they discussed remains a secret, Pawar's continuing interest in Lavasa is well known. Lavasa was the first private project to receive the SPA tag, granting it the power to draw up land use plans, develop land in its jurisdiction and sanction construction. The late Vilasrao Deshmukh, then chief minister, had granted the project SPA status at a special cabinet meeting held at a Lavasa hotel in June 2007.

In 2010, construction came to a halt because of restrictions imposed by the Union ministry for environment, Lavasa had become a pawn in a power struggle between the Congress and Pawar. That year, then Union minister Jairam Ramesh had dispatched an official to Pune to serve LCC a stop-work notice, citing destruction of the environment. It was a big blow to Pawar, then Union agriculture minister. Though the company soon overcame the shock, undertaking a plantation drive and taking measures to stop soil erosion, the allegation that it was destroying the local environment stuck.

As a result, HCC had to postpone its initial public offering (IPO) for Lavasa. The company has tried to launch the IPO thrice since then, but the market let them down. HCC holds a 68 per cent stake in LCC, with the remaining held by the Avantha Group (17 per cent), Venkateshwara Hatcheries (8.8 per cent) and the Maniar family (6.2 per cent). So far, several apartments and bungalows have been constructed, as well as hotels and conference halls. A one BHK apartment in Lavasa today costs about Rs 30 lakh, while the bungalows go for about Rs 4 crore. Among the prominent buyers is former Union minister Arun Shourie. "There was no issue when I bought the property there," Shourie says. "I have no comments to offer on what will happen (to Lavasa after the latest decision)."

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Fadnavis's decision to cancel Lavasa's SPA status was based on a report by the state public accounts committee (PAC) last year. The panel, headed by Congress MLA Gopaldas Agrawal, had noted that between October 2002 and February 2009, Lavasa purchased 214 hectares of land without taking the necessary permissions. The land was regulated under the Urban Land Ceiling Act, which mandates that the permission of the concerned district collector must be taken before purchasing it. The collector's office has recovered penalties of Rs 11.9 crore from Lavasa for flouting the norms. A 2012 report by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India had also recommended the cancellation of Lavasa's SPA status. "The PAC recommended revoking Lavasa's SPA status," says Fadnavis. "Now, the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) will be the planning authority for it."

The project has met with criticism from environmental activists as well. Vishwambhar Choudhary, who had filed a petition in the Bombay High Court, alleges that Lavasa violated floor space index (FSI) norms while constructing residential and commercial buildings. "Lavasa already has [constructed] buildings in two of the 20 villages. I hope the remaining 18 will be saved now," Choudhary says.

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State BJP spokesperson Madhav Bhandari, Choudhary's co-petitioner, also alleges that Lavasa's construction of a barrage at Varasgaon dam, which supplies water to Pune, went against the provisions of the Irrigation Act. "Water was made available to Lavasa because influential politicians are associated with it," Bhandari alleges. An LCC official denies allegations of FSI violation and water diversion. "All construction was as per rules. The Krishna Valley Corporation had allowed us to construct the barrage. Moreover, the government representative was at all the SPA meetings. Let them do a scrutiny of our decisions," he says.

Meanwhile, Fadnavis himself downplayed the May 23 announcement, saying "Lavasa will now have to approach the PMRDA for permissions. If there are violations, an inquiry will be conducted... but that does not mean there will be one for every decision." An official with Fadnavis's office, though, says the CM's statement was only for show. "The PMRDA will go through each and every paper pertaining to Lavasa," he says, pointing out that the authority reports to the CM's office.

Lavasa City Corporation, while denying the allegations of irregularities, tried to put a positive face to the May 23 announcement. "This brings Lavasa into the Pune metropolitan area, and the company will benefit from the broader urban development plan of the region," it said via a press release. An official with LCC, who does not wish to be identified, also dismisses allegations of FSI violations and water diversion. "We have [undertaken construction] as per the rules. The Krishna Valley Corporation allowed us to construct the barrage. Moreover, the government always sent its representative to the SPA meetings. They can conduct a scrutiny of our decisions now."

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A panoramic view of the budding hill city.

Gulabchand himself says he can't comment on the matter as he has not yet received a formal order from the government. "I was travelling abroad when the government announced its decision. I was expecting them to send us a formal order in a day or two, but even after a week we have not received any communication," he says. "We don't know what the exact order is yet." HCC itself is cagey on whether it sees a concerted effort by the government to create problems for it. A company official says that decision-making by the government slowed down a few years ago, and is still languishing. He refers to another decision by the government to delay a payment of Rs 640 crore, due to HCC for the construction of the Bandra-Worli sea link in Mumbai.

For her part, Supriya Sule, Sharad Pawar's daughter, has washed her hands of the project, saying that her husband Sadanand had "very very nominal" shares in Lavasa which he sold "ages ago". "I don't have a view on the Lavasa development," she says. "We sold [our] shares ages ago, before the project became large. We personally have zero financial association with it." She refuses to comment on Lavasa's future either. "It doesn't concern me. It is a decision taken by the government of Maharashtra. I haven't thought about whether Lavasa has a future or not."

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Over forty MKs from the coalition and opposition signed a petition initiated by Chairman of the Knesset Committee, MK (Likud) Yoav Kisch calling to halt all family visits from Gaza to prisoners incarcerated in Israel until such time Hamas releases the bodies of Hadar Goldin HYD and Oren Shaul HYD for kvura.

This is part of efforts by the Knesset lobby to return the soldiers bodies, headed by MK (Bayit Yehudi) Shuli Muallem. Mrs. Leah Goldin, mother of Lt. Hadar said We call on the government to implement the cabinet decision that every humanitarian gesture towards Gaza should be examined in terms of promoting the return of Hadar and Oren. The government and Prime Minister have a diverse tool box to use to pressure Hamas. Ministers in the cabinet cannot consider humanitarian considerations for Gazans for as long as Hadar and Oron are held hostage by enemies of the State of Israel.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
(PHOTOS IN EXTENDED ARTICLE)

Zaka volunteers participated in an extreme earthquake simulation drill earlier this week in a drill entitled Earthquake 2017 that brought together all the security and emergency forces, including the National Emergency Authority, the Israel Police, the IDF Home Front Command, MDA and others.

A very powerful earthquake took place this morning, causing a tsunami at Poleg Beach in Netanya, explains Roi Solomon, head of the Zaka simulation team in the Sharon area. During a search for casualties, we located dozens of bodies on or near the beach. After evacuating the bodies and all human remains from the tsunami area with the help of 44 vehicles, the Zaka volunteers began the process of identification.

At the same time, a second large-scale exercise was taking place at Moshav Beit HaZayit on the outskirts of Jerusalem, with the participation of hundreds of security and emergency personnel. The drill simulated earthquake damage in the Kiryat Yovel neighborhood in the capital, where many where many residential buildings collapsed. The source of the earthquake, which measured 7.1 on the Richter scale, was in the Dead Sea area.

The volunteers worked on the exercise that simulated hundreds of people injured and dozens of civilians killed. The security personnel arrived first at the scene, explains Zaka Jerusalem Commander Bentzi Oering. We arrived at the scene together with the IDF Home Front Command and rescued people and bodies from the rubble. Zaka volunteers also helped in forensic identification of the bodies.

During the day, dozens of residential buildings collapsed, electricity supplies were cut off and the main water pipes were destroyed. There are thousands of people homeless in Jerusalem, Maale Adumim, Mevasseret Zion and Ariel, continued Oering.

ZAKA commander of special operations Haim Weingarten praised the cooperation of all the different emergency and security services in the drill: Everyone spoke the same language  it was really remarkable and it would appear that, should an earthquake happen has vsholom, we will be prepared for the goals we have set ourselves in Zaka, to save those who can be saved and honor those who cannot.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem/Photo Credit: Zaka)
A meeting took place on Thursday afternoon 21 Sivan between Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan, Police Chief Roni Alsheich and other senior officials, who met with the mayors of Bnei Brak (Chanoch Zeibert), Beit Shemesh (Moshe Abutbul), Modiin Illit (Yaakov Gutterman), Betar Illit (Meir Rubinstein), Elad (Yisrael Porush) and their respective deputy mayors.

The purpose of Erdans request for the meeting with chareidi municipal leaders is to increase the working relationship with police, a confidence-building measure and to prevent violence as was seen in the past. The meeting is at the behest of Minister Erdans office.

Discussion involved matters including police action against members of the Vaad for Purity in the Camp as well as the many arrests made in recent stormy Peleg riots around Israel. The attacks against frum soldiers and police walking into Meah Shearim dressed as soldiers, an act of provocation according to some, was also high on the agenda.

It is pointed out that with the labeling of soldiers Chardakim and the stepped-up protests and violent riots from the Peleg faction; from the perspective of police and the Public Security Ministry, violence originating in the chareidi camp has reached worrisome proportions.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
Baruch Hashem, the matter of recalcitrant husbands is not widespread, however, one cannot deny its existence and the severity of the situation resulting from such actions. The Rabbanut has given the green light to move ahead with criminal proceedings against two husbands who refuse to give their wives a get as ordered by the beis din.

In the past, the nations batei din only had jurisdiction over the civilian level, which at times led to placing recalcitrant husbands in jail. Unlike prisoners convicted of crimes however, conditions for recalcitrant husbands in jail are quite good, relatively speaking. For one thing, they are released the moment they decide to give a get. Today, the state will ask the courts to move ahead with a criminal indictment in cases the beis din feels have reached this level of refusal by the husband.

Once case in which the beis din has used its new authority is that of agunah Tzviya Gorodetzky, who has been waiting for a get for 17 years. Her husband has been in jail for the past 14 years and the beis din feels that all measures permitted by law have been used against him, including imprisonment in isolation.

In the second case, the couple was living in the USA and since their marriage fell apart, the husband has been in jail for 3.5 years.

The Rabbanut will be using these powers in additional cases, turning to the State Prosecutor when applicable, which would also include the extradition of husbands who fled, which today includes some 100 people.

Director of the batei din, Rav Shimon Yaakobi, explains, the policy will send a message that the system is making combating refusal to give a get as a high priority. Rav Yaakobi explains the Rabbinate will continue working, exerting maximum effort, to minimize cases of agunos  working in conjunction with the Justice Ministry and State Prosecutor.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
While it may appear to some elections for an Ashkenazi and Sephardi Chief Rabbi of Rehovot was going to take place, already approved by City Hall, which has to fund the additional salary, these elections now appear will be on hold. Currently, there is one rav in the city, HaGaon HaRav Simcha HaKohen Kook Shlita.

The issues holding back elections are two; internal machlokes among Sephardi candidates and askanim in the city and persons opposing the addition of a second rav, hence doubling the budget on City Hall. Many feel Rav Kook as served the city well, tirelessly in fact, for decades; questioning the need for a second rabbinical position and the expense that accompanies such an appointment.

What was expected, is that Rav Kook was going to retire and his nephew, HaGaon HaRav Bentzion HaKohen Kook with assume his post heading the Beit Horaah for Halacha and elections would be held for Sephardi Chief Rabbi only. However, today Mayor Rachamim Malul is under pressure not to approve a second Chief Rabbi budget, including protests against him.

This being the case, there may be pressure to elect a Sephardi Chief Rabbi only but the citys Ashkenazi kehilla and political parties oppose this.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Tzipi Hotevely is calling on UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to withdraw the new ESCWA report on IDF which is based on lies and it is all calumny and defamation of Israel.

Following a report published by the UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), accusing the IDF of torturing Palestinian children, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Hotevely said: The IDF protects children while Hamas uses children as human shields. We are facing a cruel enemy that systematically violates human rights. Instead of writing reports on Hamas violations, ESCWA strikes at a country that operates according to moral values and protects human rights in the entire region.

As long as the industry of untruthful reports continues at the UN, and elements with political interests prepare this papers under the guise of professional reports, the UN cannot be an honest player and will continue to be severely criticized, she concluded.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
The Islamic State group said its fighters have captured Osama bin Ladens infamous Tora Bora mountain hideout in eastern Afghanistan but the Taliban on Thursday dismissed the claim, saying they were still in control of the cave complex that once housed the former al-Qaida leader.

Earlier, IS released an audio recording, saying its signature black flag was flying over the hulking mountain range. The message was broadcast on the militants Radio Khilafat station in the Pashto language late on Wednesday.

It also said IS has taken over several districts and urged villagers who fled the fighting to return to their homes and stay indoors.

A Taliban spokesman denied IS was in control, claiming instead that the Taliban had pushed IS back from some territory the rival militants had taken in the area.

The Tora Bora mountains hide a warren of caves in which al-Qaeda militants led by bin Laden hid from U.S. coalition forces in 2001, after the Taliban fled Kabul and before he fled to neighboring Pakistan.

According to testimony from al-Qaeda captives in the U.S. prison at Guantamo Bay, Cuba, bin Laden fled from Tora Bora first to Afghanistans northeastern Kunar province, before crossing the border into Pakistan. He was killed in a 2011 raid by U.S. Navy SEALs on his hideout in the Pakistani garrison town of Abbottabad.

Pakistan complained the raid violated its sovereignty while bin Ladens presence  barely a few miles from the Pakistani equivalent of Americas West Point military academy  reinforced allegations by those who accused Pakistan of harboring the Taliban and al-Qaeda militants. Pakistan denies such charges, pointing to senior al-Qaida operatives it has turned over to the United States.

Meanwhile, Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid told The Associated Press in a telephone interview that Taliban fighters pushed back the Islamic State group from areas of Tora Bora that IS had earlier captured.

Mujahid claimed that more than 30 IS fighters were killed in battle. He also added that a U.S. airstrike on Taliban positions on Wednesday that killed 11 of its fighters had benefited the Islamic State group.

The remoteness of the area makes it impossible to independently verify the contradictory claims.

Afghan officials earlier said that fighting between IS and the Taliban, who had controlled Tora Bora, began on Tuesday but couldnt confirm its capture.

Afghan Defense Ministrys spokesman Daulat Waziri would not say whether IS was in complete control of Tora Bora. But he said Afghan forces engaged IS militants in the Chapahar district of eastern Nagarhar province, killing five and pushing them out of the area.

The province, which borders Pakistan, is the main foothold of the Islamic State group in Afghanistan. An affiliate of the IS, which is fighting in Syria and Iraq, emerged over the past two years and seized territory, mainly in Nangarhar.

The Afghan forces offensive will continue toward Tora Bora, Waziri said on Thursday, adding that if the Afghans need air support from NATO, they are ready to help us.

While the United States estimates there are about 800 IS fighters in Afghanistan, mostly restricted to Nangarhar, other estimates say their ranks also include thousands of battle-hardened Uzbek militants.

Last week Russia announced it was reinforcing two of its bases in Central Asia, in Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, with its newest weapons because of fears of a spill-over of terrorist activities from Afghanistan by the Afghan IS affiliate.

The (IS) groups strategy to establish an Islamic caliphate poses a threat not only to Afghanistan but also to the neighboring countries, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said.

(AP)
Forget frequent flier miles, last-minute getaways and even road trips. Nearly half of Americans say they wont be taking a vacation this summer, mostly because they cant afford it, according to a new poll by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.

The new AP-NORC survey, conducted in May, said 43 percent of Americans wont be taking a summer vacation. The top reason for skipping a trip was the cost, cited by 49 percent of non-vacationers. Another 11 percent said they cant take the time off from work, while 3 percent said they dont like to be away from work.

About half of Americans living in households making less than $50,000 a year dont plan to take any summer vacation this year, and theyre especially likely to cite costs as a reason.

And if your employer gives you paid vacation days, consider yourself lucky: Forty-one percent of those surveyed who work full or part time said they do not get any paid time off from their employers to use for vacation. Younger and lower-income workers are especially likely not to get any paid time off.

Danny Aguilar of Lakewood, Colorado, says the cost is what stops him from planning a vacation. He works in information technology, but because hes self-employed, the income is very unknown. You dont know whats going to happen. You never really know whats coming. You cant really budget.

Other findings from the poll:

-Most Americans use at least some of their paid time off if they have the option, but many still leave paid vacation days on the table. Fourteen percent of workers who get paid vacation time from their jobs did not use any of the days they had coming to them. Just half of those with paid vacation time used up all or most of the days they were entitled to in the past year.

-Not everybody wants to go away in the summer. Fifteen percent of those who are passing on a summer getaway say its because they already took a vacation this year or because theyll travel some other time of year.

-Americans seem to value time over luxury when it comes to their vacations. Nearly two-thirds say theyd prefer to take a longer but less luxurious vacation over one thats shorter but more luxurious.

Linda Dube and her sister are among those citing cost as a reason for staying home this summer. The sisters, who are retired, live in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, and usually vacation for a few days at the Foxwoods Resort Casino in Connecticut. We decided this year, instead of doing that, wed save a little money and take a one-week staycation, she said. They plan a day at a local mall, eating out at a wonderful little diner in the next town and perhaps a trip to a nearby art museum. Dubes sister is in a wheelchair, she added, so any destination must accommodate wheelchairs.

David Kisler of Costa Mesa, California, says he cant afford a vacation either. Im working three jobs to make ends meet, said Kisler, who lost his job marketing network security in 2009. His wife works, too, but he said theyve been dipping into savings to tackle projects around the house.

Kisler and his wife did recently drive to Mission Beach in the San Diego area to spend time with family whod driven in from Arizona, but three days with relatives in a shared rental house is not exactly a vacation, he said.

More than 4 in 10 Americans say they dont consider visiting family to be a true vacation, though about three-quarters do consider a long weekend away a vacation.

For Kisler, the weekend in a shared house with family certainly cant compare with the week he and his wife spent a few years ago in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, in a hotel near the beach. That was a real vacation, he lamented.

(AP)
A Tennessee man who was convicted of planning an attack on a New York mosque has been sentenced to nearly 20 years in federal prison.

WTVC-TV in Chattanooga reports that a judge sentenced 65-year-old Robert Doggart of Signal Mountain to 235 months on Wednesday.

He was convicted in February of solicitation to commit a civil rights violation and solicitation to commit arson of a building. A judge threw out two other guilty verdicts for threats in interstate commerce.

Doggart was convicted of recruiting about 10 people to attack a Muslim community called Islamberg. But the judge wrote that Doggart did not make true threats because he did not personally intimidate the communitys residents.

Doggart ran for Congress in 2014 in East Tennessee and finished with 6 percent of the vote.

(AP)
The real estate firm owned by the family of Jared Kushner has withdrawn a request for a big tax break for one its buildings in Jersey City, New Jersey, the latest setback for the company in the area.

The Kushner Cos. sent a letter withdrawing its application for a 30-year break from city taxes for a planned two-tower project in the struggling Journal Square section of the city, Jersey City spokeswoman Jennifer Morrill said Wednesday. Opponents of the tax breaks marched downtown earlier this year and the citys mayor recently came out against the Kushner request.

Jared Kushner was CEO of the family company before stepping down to become a senior adviser to his father-in-law, President Donald Trump.

Kushner Cos. spokesman James Yolles said the company is committed to the much-needed investment in that area of the city.

The loss of the tax break is the latest blow for the company in a city where it is major real estate developer.

The 79-story building  One Journal Square  gained attention last month after Jared Kushners sister, Nicole Kushner Meyer, mentioned her brother in a presentation in Beijing where she had hoped to attract Chinese investors in the building. Marketing material noted the celebrity status of her family.

Government ethics experts blasted the family for what they said was an attempt to profit off Jared Kushners position in Washington, and the Kushner Cos. canceled upcoming investor presentations in the country.

The company said Meyer wasnt trying to use her White House ties to attract investors.

The Kushner family is seeking 300 wealthy Chinese to invest a total of $150 million in One Journal Square. The family was trying to raise money through the EB-5 visa program that grants temporary U.S. residency to wealthy foreigners in exchange for investments of at least $500,000 in certain U.S. projects

The company also is in danger of losing another tax break for the building. The shared office space firm WeWork recently pulled out as anchor tenant. That has put in doubt a state break tied to WeWork.

Another project is off, too. The Kushner Cos. once considered bidding to develop a 95-acre industrial site along the Hackensack River in the city for housing, called Bayfront. Last month, it was revealed the family had withdrawn from those plans last year.

The Kusnher Cos. has said politics had nothing to do with its decision to withdraw from Bayfront, and that economics of the deal drove the move.

As for One Journal Square, company spokesman Yolles said the project will provide 4,000 construction jobs and $180 million in tax revenue for the city over 30 years.

Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, a Democrat, is running for re-election this fall, and tax breaks to developers have become a major issue.

Unlike neighboring Hoboken, Jersey City has granted dozens of tax breaks in recent years. Fulop had campaigned to reform the practice, but critics say he has done little.

Another Kushner property in the city overlooking the Hudson River got a five-year tax break soon after Fulop was elected mayor. That 50-story building has licensed the Trump name and is called Trump Bay Street. The building was also partly financed with EB-5 visa money from abroad.

The Kushner family owns or manages 20,000 apartments, 13 million square feet of office space and industrial properties in several states, including New York, New Jersey, Maryland and Illinois.

(AP)
The resolution sought to curtail the powers of the Lt Governor Kiran Bedi.

By India Today Web Desk: Amid an ongoing tussle with Lt Governor Kiran Bedi, the Puducherry Assembly today passed a resolution against her.

The resolution sought to curtail the powers of the Lt Governor. It said that Kiran Bedi has been non-cooperative with the state government.

Puducherry Lieutenant Government Kiran Bedi and Chief Minister V Narayanasamy have been on a warring mode on various issues of controlling the union territory in the last few months.

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Narayanasamy had last month openly challenged Kiran Bedi at the floor of the House during the Assembly proceedings. He had dared Kiran Bedi to prove her charges of "corruption and malpractices" in admission to post graduate courses in private medical colleges here.

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Canceled and delayed flights rose in April on the nations leading airlines, and so did consumer complaints, according to figures released Wednesday by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

The rate of canceled flights nearly doubled to 1.6 percent in April compared to the same month in 2016. Delta Air Lines accounted for nearly half the cancellations  it was crippled for days by a one-day storm in Atlanta.

About 78.5 percent of flights arrived within 14 minutes of schedule, down from the 84.5 percent on-time rate in April 2016, according to the latest figures available from the government.

Hawaiian Airlines had the best on-time rate, at 88.8 percent, while Virgin America was last at 64.6 percent.

Complaints rose 70 percent, although only a tiny fraction of the millions of travelers lodged a protest.

April was also the month in which a passenger was dragged from a full United Express flight, igniting a debate over poor customer service on U.S. airlines.

Consumers lodged 1,909 complaints with the Transportation Department, with 1,430 filed against U.S. airlines. Most consumers complain directly to the airline, but the carriers dont have to report those figures.

More than one-third of complaints dealt with canceled or delayed flights or missed connections.

Discount carrier Spirit Airlines had the highest rate of complaints, followed by United, which took a public-relations beating after video surfaced of airport officers roughly hauling a 69-year-old man off a United Express plane to make room for crew members flying to their next assignment.

Southwest Airlines had the lowest complaint rate.

(AP)
(VIDEO IN EXTENDED ARTICLE)

Australias prime minister said he was disappointed that excerpts of an off-the-record speech he gave at Parliament House parodying President Donald Trump were broadcast by a television network on Thursday.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull made fun of both Trump and the Australian governments dismal opinion polls during a lighthearted speech on Wednesday night at an annual ball hosted by the Federal Parliamentary Press Gallery.

Donald and I, we are winning and winning in the polls. We are winning so much. We are winning like we have never won before, Turnbull said in a speech apparently recorded on a phone and broadcast by the Nine Network. The crowd laughed.

We are winning in the polls. We are, we are  not the fake polls, not the fake polls  theyre the one were not winning in. Were winning in the real polls, you know, the online polls. They are so easy to win, he added to more laughter.

Did you know that? I know that, did you know that? I kind of know that. I know that. They are so easy to win. I have this Russian guy  Nine broadcast concluded.

Turnbulls first telephone conversation with Trump in January over a refugee resettlement deal was, in Trumps words, testy. But the two leaders made a public show of solidarity and friendship when they met for the first time in New York in May.

While Turnbull is rarely critical of Trump in public, he mocked the president off-the-record.

Turnbulls office and the press gallery reacted angrily to the speech being broadcast. Turnbull said he was disappointed by the leak, telling Melbourne Radio 3AW: its a breach of protocol, its a breach of faith and all those things.

But you know, its light hearted, its affectionate, good natured and the butt of my jokes was myself, Turnbull said.

Federal Parliamentary Press Gallery President Andrew Meares said the ball committee was disappointed that guests at the ball had not complied with the non-publication request for the speeches of the prime minister and opposition leader.

The veteran political journalist who reported the speech, Laurie Oakes, said he did not attend the ball and did not accept reporting should be banned at a function hosted by journalists.

The idea that there be no leak with hundreds of people in the room armed with mobile phones is just ridiculous, Oakes said.

(AP)
The White House lacks a unified plan to increase the governments borrowing cap as a likely September deadline is drawing near, said Mick Mulvaney, director of the Office of Management and Budget.

A failure by Congress to raise the debt ceiling could send dangerous shockwaves through the global economy. The federal government could be at risk of defaulting on obligations such as interest payments on bonds as well as temporarily halting benefit programs.

The White House budget director suggested in an interview Thursday with reporters that neither the Trump administration nor Capitol Hill lawmakers have set their terms for an agreement.

Its fair to say we havent settled on a final way to address the debt ceiling any more than the Hill has, Mulvaney said.

The former South Carolina congressman added that none of this was necessarily unusual.

Under the current borrowing restrictions, the government has already been taking extraordinary measures and will likely be unable to pay its bills at some point in September. But Congress still has a recess scheduled in August that could create time pressures. Private analysts say the debt ceiling deadline could be extended into October.

Mulvaney said he would like to see the debt ceiling raised in July.

But Trump administration officials still have yet to resolve internal differences on the best strategy to increase the legal cap on government debt, which already exceeds $19.8 trillion.

Mulvaney suggested he would like to have any increase in the borrowing authority be attached to other spending changes, a move that could attract Republican support but alienate Senate Democrats. President Donald Trumps budget proposal seeks to beef up spending on the military and border security while cutting many social programs.

Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin has indicated he would like a clean bill to raise the debt ceiling, so it would not have to be tied to any spending changes, but Capitol Hill conservatives are resisting the idea.

Secretary Mnuchin believes it needs to be clean. I think the vast majority of the Republican conferences would not agree, said Rep. Mark Meadows R-N.C., chairman of the Freedom Caucus, a group of strongly conservative House Republicans.

Mulvaney said Mnuchin would ultimately be in charge of handling the debt ceiling push once we do settle on our formal policy, if we do.

A 2011 standoff between Republicans and the Obama administration over the debt ceiling led to tighter controls on spending. That standoff was not resolved until the 11th hour and prompted Standard & Poors to impose the first-ever downgrade to the countrys credit rating.

The administration is also engaged in talks with House and Senate Republican leaders about what kind of increase they could possibly pass. Mulvaney said the issue was not a source of division inside the White House or the Republican Party.

The discussions involve whether the House should increase the debt limit enough to last through the 2018 election or the presidents first term.

It would be foolish of us to come up with a policy devoid of having talked to the Hill, Mulvaney said.

Congress also faces pressure to pass a budget in September for next fiscal year, as well as to address administration priorities that include a tax code rewrite and the proposed repeal of President Barack Obamas 2010 health insurance law.

Failure to pass spending bills could cause a government shutdown and cause non-essential government agencies to close their doors. Trump suggested on Twitter last month that he might welcome a shutdown to help shake up the government.

Mnuchin told the Senate Budget Committee this week that at times there could be a good shutdown, though he cautioned its not the administrations primary objective.

With action on the budget front otherwise stalled, the House Appropriations Committee on Thursday approved the first of 12 spending bills, an $89 billion measure that contains generous increases for veterans programs and Pentagon construction projects.

But the White House and its GOP allies  much less opposition Democrats  havent come up with an overall plan for implementing Trumps promises to increase the Pentagon budget and advance more than $500 billion worth of annual domestic agency spending bills.

(AP)
Special Counsel Robert Mueller is investigating the business and financial dealings of White House aide and U.S. President Donald Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner, the Washington Post reported on Thursday, citing officials familiar with the matter, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly.

The probe into Kushners business dealings is part of the special counsels investigation into Russias interference in the 2016 presidential election.

While the Washington Post previously reported Kushners contacts with Russian ambassador Sergey Kislyak and Sergey Gorkov, the head of a state-owned Russian development bank, were being examined, the report noted it wasnt clear at the time that the FBI was scrutinizing Kushners business deals.

Click here to read the Washington Post article

(Source: CNBC)
Temperley, one of the Duchess of Cambridge's favourite designer lables, has posted annual losses just shy of 4m

Temperley, the boho fashion label owned by the Duchess of Cambridges favourite designer Alice Temperley, posts annual losses just shy of 4million. Oof! Might the so-called Kate effect be on the wane?

Robert F Smith, the former Goldman Sachs banker-turned-billionaire technology tycoon, has chosen to base his global software firm Finastra in Londons Paddington. Hopefully, well now see more of Colorado-born Smith, 54, and his enchanting wife, curvy ex-Playboy bunny, Hope Dworaczyk, 32, on these shores. Theyd certainly match Posh and Beck sequin-for-sequin in the flamboyancy stakes. At the couples 2015 wedding on the Amalfi coast, their seven-month-old son Hendrix floated to the altar on a cloud created by the production team behind Cirque du Soleil.

Willie Walsh, head of British Airways parent company IAG, got an easy ride at the companys annual general meeting in Madrid yesterday, despite the recent IT meltdown costing the carrier 80m. Conveniently, the AGM has been held in Spain, far away from angry shareholders, ever since BA merged with Iberia in 2010. Were it still in Londons Barbican, investors might have been hoisting wee Willie up by his undergarments.

Ex-Goldman Sachs president Gary Cohn, who I mentioned earlier this week is said to be frustrated working in Donald Trumps White House, may have found an escape route. Hes been asked to find a successor to Federal Reserve chair Janet Yellen, and DC observers reckon Cohn, 56, will try to present himself as the best candidate. Dick Cheney deployed the same ruse when entasked by George W Bush to find him a vice-president. Scriptwriters on Netflixs Washington-set series House of Cards arent pushed for inspiration, are they?

DFS shares plummeted 20.6pc yesterday after the sofa company issued a profit warning. Bearded chief executive Ian Filby claimed the shortfall in demand was down to the general election. Eh? During a 1997 slowdown, DFSs billionaire owner Sir Graham Kirkham laughably blamed the slump on the death of Princess Diana.

Have you any gossip for our City diary? Email: mrdeedes@dailymail.co.uk
Aero-engineer Rolls-Royce is expecting a 50million profits boost this year due to the devaluation of the pound.

The company said its revenues will increase by 400million after overseas dollar sales are translated back into pounds.

Shares were up two per cent to 912.75p following the trading update this morning.

Aero-engineer Rolls-Royce is expecting a 50million profits boost this year due to the devaluation of the pound

The pound is down 14 per cent since the day before the EU referendum, from $1.4877 to $1.2772 today, benefiting exporters and hurting importers.

Plane engine maker Rolls said in its update: 'If rates remain unchanged from those seen recently, the impact of the average year-on-year movement on the translation of our overseas subsidiaries results would improve full-year reported revenues by around 400 million and improve reported profit before tax by around 50 million.'

It comes after dire results for 2016, which showed Rolls plunging into the red with pre-tax losses of 4.64 billion after being hit by a 4.4 billion writedown, as well as a 671 million penalty to settle bribery allegations.

But Rolls said 2017 has started well, with all businesses performing in line with expectations.

Its estimates for first-half revenue, profit and free cash flow remain unchanged.

Boss Warren East said: '2017 has started well, although we have a great deal more to do to deliver the full year. As expected, near-term cash flow performance remains challenging as we continue to invest in transforming and growing the business to benefit future years.

'News updates around events such as the Paris Air Show are increasingly expected to reflect our transition from a period of above-trend order book growth to one of operational delivery.

'Our ramp up in large engine production is progressing well, reflecting the significant investments in manufacturing capability in recent years.'

Under Mr East, the group is on track to make annual savings of around 200 million by the end of the year.

Other British exporters benefiting from the weak pound include pest control company Rentokil International and software maker Aveva who make much of their profits overseas.
Mop 'n' Bucket man: Mitie boss Phil Bentley

Barely a year ago, Phil Bentley was roasting his tootsies in the Florida sunshine.

As boss of Caribbean-focused telecoms firm Cable & Wireless, life wasn't half bad.

Head office in Miami. A bit of midweek island-hopping around Barbados, St Lucia and the Bahamas.

Not many out there would willingly swap it for an insalubrious business park just outside Bristol to work for unloved mop-'n'-bucket outsourcers Mitie.

Bentley took the chief executive job at Christmas, succeeding Baroness McGregor-Smith, the redoubtable, though  shall we say  testy, mother of two whose relationship with the City earned her the sobriquet 'The Prickly Peer'.

While yet to acquire such labels, Bentley's manner is no less forthright. Brash and cocksure with a toothy grin, residents of his native Bradford would describe him as a type not to 'soofer' fools.

He certainly doesn't like us hacks much. His tetchiness was forged from a lively stint as managing director of British Gas, a role which cast him as the poster boy for everything that was wrong with our much-loathed energy sector.

Rising energy prices against bumper profits made him an habitue of front-page newspaper splashes, none of them complimentary.

His endless tours of news studios to face down brickbats were legendary, even once agreeing to be mauled by Newsnight rottweiler Jeremy Paxman.

The man has submitted himself to more voluntary beatings than Max Mosley.

But then our Phil is not lacking in the self-confidence department. After taking up the cudgels at Mitie, he backed himself to the tune of 3.6million, acquiring 1.9million shares. The gamble has paid off.

Shares in the company leapt 13 per cent this week, despite announcing losses of 43million last year  and earning him more than 600,000.

Grilling: Bentley gives evidence to the House of Commons Energy Committee in 2009

Mind you, the Bentley finances were already in pretty rude health.

He earned 10.2million when Cable & Wireless was sold to US media tycoon John Malone last May. When he walked away from British Gas, he reportedly pocketed 13m, though he dismisses the figure.

And while his deal at Mitie remains undisclosed, it's hard to imagine it would be any less than the 2.5m a year his predecessor trousered. Quite an improvement on his first job at BP, for which he was paid just 5,000 a year after joining its graduate recruitment scheme in 1982.

Fifteen subsequent years foraging for oil and gas took him around the world, living in China and Egypt and the US, before he departed for Diageo to become group treasurer.

After three years at the drinks giant, he accepted an opportunity to become group finance director of British Gas's parent company Centrica, before being appointed managing director of British Gas in 2006.

His seven years there were not uneventful. Turnover increased by 3.9bn, but even he admits the job could be hellish at times.

As well as anger over price rises, the firm was rocked by customer services issues.

He hankered after the chief executive role at Centrica, but when chairman Sir Mike Rake let it be known he wasn't going to get it, he headed for the Caribbean in 2013.

The idyllic set-up out there at Cable & Wireless wasn't entirely straightforward. Wife Mhairi, whom he met in 1988 on the Brighton to London cycle ride, stayed at home in Teddington.

She has her own successful multinational marketing company, Brand Learning, plus their two children were starting university.

By the time the Mitie job came up he was not only ready for a new challenge but one which would keep him on these shores.

He's an Englishman at heart, anyway. A big rugger fan, he cites former England captain Martin Johnson as one of the people he most admires  and maintains a season ticket to Harlequins.

He appears delighted to be back at the helm of a FTSE 250 firm, predicting this week, with trademark self-assurance, that it will return to a 'modest growth' in profits this year.

That'd give the old grafter an excuse to crack open the premier cru. Just don't expect him to be pouring members of Her Majesty's Press a glass.
Criticism: Nationwide boss Joe Garner, 47

Campaigners have blasted the hypocrisy of Britains biggest building society after it paid new chief executive Joe Garner 3.4 million.

The bonanza is comparable to payouts for FTSE 100 bosses and seriously undermines the mutuals claim that it is different to City banks.

Nationwide has staked its reputation on being an alternative and wants to be seen as a trusted national treasure.

Garner, 47, is himself critical of City short-termism which puts stock prices above the needs of customers.

But critics last night warned his stratospheric pay packet damaged Nationwides cuddly image and suggested it was just like every other lender.

His whopping deal came as profits dived 17 per cent to 1.1 billion.

Liberal Democrat MP and former business secretary Vince Cable said: Nationwide is behaving like a typical aggressive commercial bank rather than a mutual.

'Plenty of very successful companies operate without the extreme levels of remuneration you see at Nationwide and elsewhere.

Stefan Stern of the High Pay Centre said: Nationwide does need to be very careful, considering it positions itself as the alternative to the big banks and high street banking.

'They want to be seen as boring and sensible, not like the others, so its very surprising to see them joining in the drive to ratchet up pay.

Garner, 47, who joined in April last year, pocketed an 840,000 base salary in the year to April 4, plus a 958,000 cash bonus and 336,000 pension allowance.

He also got benefits worth 181,000 of health insurance, a car allowance and use of a driver.

Counting the millions: On top of the hefty pay, the married father-of-one picked up a 1.1 million golden hello

Liberal Democrat MP and former business secretary Vince Cable said: Nationwide is behaving like a typical aggressive commercial bank rather than a mutual'

This is an unusually high figure even by City standards, and more than the benefits paid to Lloyds boss Antonio Horta-Osorio.

On top of this, the married father-of-one picked up a 1.1 million golden hello.

Garner earned just 6,000 less than Bill Winters, the boss of international banking giant Standard Chartered.

Nationwide has 15 million savers and borrowers, has largely avoided the mis-selling and fraud scandals and is seen by customers as a trusted ethical lender.

It made a 1.1 billion profit in its last financial year, down from 1.3 billion.

Nationwide sources acknowledged Garners earnings were high but argued it was important to pay for talent which would otherwise go elsewhere.
With the impasse continuing, Army was deployed outside the GJM party headquarter in Darjeeling today.

By Indrajit Kundu: Army was deployed outside the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) party headquarter in Darjeeling today amidst reports of violence from several remote areas in the hills.

A primary health centre in Lodhama, a forest bungalow and panchayat office in Kalimpong, a primary school and panchayat office in Mirik and the cash office of a hydel power project in Rimbik were set ablaze, allegedly by GJM workers.

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With the impasse continuing, hundreds of stranded tourists, both domestic and foreign lined up outside the Sadar police station today morning to leave the town. However, there were barely any vehicles available to ferry the passengers out. Some tourists also alleged that the hotels had asked them to leave the hill station in light of the indefinite strike called by the Morcha.

Meanwhile, the Calcutta High Court today directed the West Bengal government to submit a report on the prevailing situation in the hills within two weeks. While hearing a petition seeking on the matter, a division bench of the court reiterated its earlier judgement of 2013 which had ruled such shutdowns illegal.

Directing the state government to make an estimate of the loss to public property due to the agitation, the court has also asked representatives of GJM to be present during the next hearing on June 23.

As part of its crackdown on the Morcha agitation, the state government has decided to deploy seven more IPS officers to assist the district administration. In a stern warning to the Morcha leadership, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had said that her government will not tolerate any acts of violence.

"There's a conspiracy to destroy Darjeeling. Some people are indulging in goondaism. One cannot do politics with guns, shells and molotov cocktails. We won't allow politics that destroys people's livelihoods. This is not politics, this is goodnaism and we will crack down on it," Banerjee had announced in Kolkata soon after the police conducted raids at GJM chief Bimal Gurung's residence.

Describing the police crackdown as an "attack on democracy" and calling Banerjee a dictator, Gurung said the police action was directed by the chief minister herself. In a video message from an undisclosed location, the Morcha supremo appealed to his followers to brace up for one final fight for a separate state of Gorkhaland.

Interestingly, the present turmoil has brought all rival political outfits in the Darjeeling hills together. After arch-rivals Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF), former GJM veteran Harka Bahadur Chetri's Jan Andolan Party (JAP) too has joined the current Gorkhaland stir.

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Chetri, an ally of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) during last year's state assembly polls, has written to BJP president Amit Shah requesting the later to "respond to the crisis by taking crucial initial steps" for creation of the Gorkhaland state.

ALSO READ | Nepali vs Bangla in Darjeeling: Demand for Gorkhaland leaves Queen of Hills boiling again

ALSO READ | As Darjeeling continues to burn, West Bengal government increases security

ALSO WATCH | Police lathicharge GJM protesters in Darjeeling as agitation intensifies

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Troubled German lender Deutsche Bank is shaking up its business to boost growth

Troubled German lender Deutsche Bank is shaking up its business to boost growth.

Bosses announced 9,000 job cuts as they battle to survive in the low-interest eurozone.

Chief executive John Cryan has vowed to cut costs and ordered senior staff to forfeit their bonuses and a combined debt, equity and leveraged capital markets business will be created.

Deutsches investment banking and trading arms have been united and joint heads Marcus Schenck and Garth Ritchie are trying to stem a stampede for the exits by clients, and are slashing 583 million of costs.

It follows a 5.9 billion bill from US authorities in December for mis-selling mortgage debt.
Russias top gold producer is planning to return to the London Stock Exchange valued at up to 7bn

Russias top gold producer is planning to return to the London Stock Exchange valued at up to 7 billion.

Polyus, owned by the family of Russian tycoon Suleiman Kerimov, delisted from London in 2015 amid sanctions over Moscows role in the Ukraine crisis.

But it is planning a return, boosted by rising gold prices.

Listed on the Moscow Exchange at about 7.7 billion, it plans to raise about 314 million to repay debt and finance projects.

Yesterday, it set a range at 2608p to 2769p per global share in London.

Polyus has just sold a 10 per cent stake to a consortium led by Chinas Fosun International for 696 million.
Google has launched a 235 million fund to buy stakes in budding drug companies

Google has launched a 235 million fund to buy stakes in budding drug companies across Europe.

In a major boost for Britains healthcare sector and a fresh sign of Silicon Valleys growing interest in healthcare, the tech giants sister company Verily Life Sciences will bankroll companies that need cash for the final and most expensive stage of clinical trials.

Swiss pharma group Novartis and the European Investment Fund are the other key backers of Medicxi Growth 1, which will be managed by venture capital firm Medicxi in London.

Verily, the healthcare arm of Google parent Alphabet, will appoint two members to its scientific advisory board.

Google's move is a major boost for Britains healthcare sector and a fresh sign of Silicon Valleys growing interest in healthcare

It also marks another move towards healthcare by Googles bosses, who believe their data-crunching expertise can bring huge benefits to medicine and create future sources of income.

FUTURE OF MEDICINE Originally a Google X division, Verily Life Sciences was created as part of Alphabet Inc in 2015 Verilys projects include contact lenses that can change focus automatically Its special spoon for Parkinsons sufferers helps them cope with hand tremors It develops robots to carry out complex surgery and has produced electronic implants to correct problems in the nervous system that cause disease A pill containing magnetic particles 10,000 times narrower than a human hair can detect cancer and disease in the blood

Medicxi partner and co-founder Francesco De Rubertis yesterday said the fund would help companies trying to start phase three testing of experimental drugs, a stage at which many firms struggle to secure enough capital.

A significant portion of the money is expected to be spent in Britain, which has the biggest experimental drug pipeline on the continent.

De Rubertis added: Healthcare is very important to Google and they are going big on it.

They want to go into Europe and believe we will be a great conduit into pharmaceuticals, so of course when they gave me the call I said Yes.

The move by Verily marks a departure from its other work, which has mainly focused on how data and technology can be used to tackle problems in healthcare.

The exact split of funding for Medicxi Growth 1 has not been disclosed.
The biggest shareholder at fallen tech star Monitise has hit out at a planned 70 million takeover by US business Fiserv

The biggest shareholder at fallen tech star Monitise has hit out at a planned 70 million takeover by US business Fiserv.

Cavendish Asset Management owns 4.8 per cent of the company  and fund manager Paul Mumford has warned that the suitors offer was too low.

If he can rally enough support it could throw the takeover into doubt.

Monitise pioneered payments using a mobile phone, and was worth 2 billion back in 2014.

But the stock dived after Google and Apple swooped into the market and the share price has crashed 96 per cent.

Bosses at the firm have backed the offer of 2.9p per share from finance tech firm Fiserv, a Wisconsin-based company.

But Mumford said Monitises long decline masked a successful business worth much more than 70 million, saying: Its Finkit offering [a new IT platform it has developed] is solid and has real potential.
Student loan debt in the UK has soared to more than 100billion for the first time, as rising tuition fees take their toll.

Figures from the Student Loans Company show outstanding debt on loans has rocketed by almost 17 per cent in a single year.

Yesterday experts said the total is set to double to 200billion in six years and already dwarfs the nations credit card debt.

It comes after Jeremy Corbyn made a bid to win over young voters by pledging in his election manifesto to scrap tuition fees for new and current students.

Total student debt is set to double to 200billion in six years and already dwarfs the nation's credit and debit card debt

He also told NME magazine he wanted to reduce and ameliorate debt held by those who have already graduated. Any writing off of fees and debt would be funded by the taxpayer.

Nick Hillman, head of the Higher Education Policy Institute, said: Those politicians who promised to abolish past and present fees will be pleased this huge figure was delayed until after the general election, as this is the financial hole they need to fill.

Even without Mr Corbyns plans, much of this sum will end up being paid by the taxpayer anyway, because student debts are written off after 30 years.

This means that while high-earning graduates will make big contributions to paying back the public debt, middle to low-earning graduates will never earn enough to fully repay it.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn (pictured) pledged to scrap tuition fees for new current students in the party's election manifesto

Mr Hillman added: A total debt of 100 billion is massive. This is a significant moment.

The total will keep on growing until those students paying 9,000 fees start making significant repayments much later in their careers.

The figures show outstanding debt on loans rose by 16.6 per cent to 100.5billion at the end of March, up from 86.2billion a year earlier. At the end of March, there were 6.4million borrowers, 3.9million of whom had accounts liable to be paid.

Jake Butler, of money advice website Save the Student, said: Lots of prospective and current university students will see these figures and worry about being part of an increasing pool of graduate debt.

The rise has been driven partly by rules introduced in 2012, which will allow universities in England to charge up to 9,250 a year in tuition fees from the autumn.

In the year to March 31, 2012, student debt was just 45.9billion.

The figures from the Student Loan Company show outstanding debt on loans rose by 16.6 per cent to 100.5billion at the end of March, up from 86.2billion a year earlier

Sebastian Burnside, a senior economist at NatWest, said student debt was rising at a faster pace than any other form of debt, eclipsing credit card debt of 68billion. These latest figures show student debt is becoming a greater priority with every passing year, he told the Guardian.

Student debt is the fastest growing type of borrowing and is rapidly becoming economically significant.

He predicted the debt was likely to hit 200billion in six years.

In England, the average amount of debt for each graduate is 32,220. By comparison, student debt in the US totalled $1.34trillion (1.05trillion) at the end of March. But average debt per student at graduation was only $34,000 (27,000).

The average amount of debt for each graduate in England is 32,220. In the US, student debt totalled$1.34trillion (1.05trillion)

Loan repayments are dependent on graduates income, with those earning more than 21,000 a year required to pay 9 per cent of their salary above that threshold.

A Department for Education spokesman said: Everyone deserves a world-class education  and for many people that involves going to university.

Our student finance system removes upfront financial barriers for anyone hoping to study and students only pay back what they can afford based on their income.

There are now record numbers of young people, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds, benefitting from higher education.
This is only the second year that the Man Booker International Prize has been awarded to a single book, with the 50,000 Euros prize divided equally between the author and the translator.

By India Today Web Desk: Israeli writer David Grossman won the prestigious 2017 Man Booker International prize in London late Wednesday for his latest novel A Horse Walks into a Bar. He beat his fellow Israeli writer Amos Oz and four other contenders for the prize, which is awarded to writers of foreign language fiction.

Credit: themanbookerprize.com

Celebrating the finest global fiction in translation, the Man Booker International Prize awarded both the winning author and translator Jessica Cohen 25,000 Euros. They have also received a further 1,000 Euros each for being shortlisted.

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This is only the second year that the Man Booker International Prize has been awarded to a single book, with the 50,000 Euros prize divided equally between the author and the translator. Last year, the prize was won by South Korean novelist Han Kang and translator Deborah Smith for The Vegetarian.

Chosen from 126 titles, the book tells a story of a stand-up comedian living in a small Israeli town who falls apart on stage in front of an audience. The author, 63, was given the award at a ceremony in London, and said he would "cherish" it.

Let us know more about this first Israeli author to win the coveted prize:

David Grossman was born in Jerusalem in 1954. He studied Philosophy and Theatre at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem

Grossman is a bestselling Israeli writer of fiction, non-fiction and children's literature, whose works have been translated into 36 languages

He has been the recipient of numerous global awards, including the French Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, the Buxtehuder Bulle in Germany, Rome's Premio per la Pace e l'Azione Umanitaria, the Frankfurt Peace Prize, and Israel's Emet Prize

After university, he started working for a radio station

Once, Grossman was also sacked from public radio over his critical coverage of Israel

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

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MBABANE  A maid has reported her boss, a former senator, to the police for allegedly threatening her with a knife following a misunderstanding.



The incident is said to have happened last Friday where the former senator lives with his family in the outskirts of the capital city.

The maid, who is widowed, claims to have been attacked by her boss after he had come home for lunch.



The misunderstanding started after the maid was asked to study the load shedding schedule issued by the Swaziland Electricity Company (SEC).

Her boss is said to have repeatedly asked her if she knew the schedule well and she responded to the affirmative.

However, the two later had a disagreement regarding the schedule to the point that harsh words were exchanged.



According to the maid, her boss then started shouting at her and said unpalatable words and told her to leave the homestead.

Before that, she alleged that he went for a knife in the kitchen and threatened her with it.

She further made other allegations which cannot be printed because they could not be verified.



I normally go to the main house at 7am to prepare his breakfast with the madam. In the four months that I have been working for them, my male boss comes home every day for lunch. I first give him fruits while I warm up the food.

On the Friday, he came and harshly asked me why I was sitting outside when he had said I should come to him. He then took out a newspaper and asked me about the schedule and I told him that I knew it by heart.



At that time he started insulting me before he went for the knife in the dish drying rack. We struggled in the kitchen and I ran to the door, far from him. When he noted that I was overpowering him, he told me to leave his house. I went to get my bag in the garage where I keep it and I left his keys with him. While outside the gate, I called his wife and informed her what had happened, the woman alleged.



The maid said she then went to the police station immediately after the phone call and reported the matter.

The following day on the Saturday, the former senator allegedly called her and told her to return to work but she did not.

When reached for comment, the former senator expressed shock over the allegations and further denied them.



He alleged that the woman was stubborn and he had tried to reason with her on the Friday but she answered back at him in a rude manner which he could not stand since he was in his own house.

This is bad luck for me. Why would I want to hurt that woman? I only pay wages for the helper at the end of the month. Our house is by the road and if indeed I was attacking her, why didnt she scream and attract attention from people outside the yard?



I always have lunch at home then rest before going back to work. She has been working for us for so many months so why would I try such with her now? This is unbelievable. Why would I use a knife when threatening a woman? I have a licensed gun in my house which I would use if I felt the need to defend myself. I did not fire that woman on the day but I told her to go and come back when my wife is home so she could talk to her, he said.

When the wife was called she asked not to comment on the matter and referred all questions to her husband.



Superintendent Khulani Mamba, the Chief Police Information and Communications Officer confirmed that they have opened a case at the Mbabane Police Station of assault common.

She came to the station on Friday and wrote a statement where she alleged that she had been threatened with a knife by her boss, Mamba said. The former senator was called to the police station this week where he stated his side of the story.

He has not been charged, as such, his name has been omitted.
MBABANE  I have not given up on Swazi women. This is the bold statement that the Prime Minister, Sibusiso Dlamini, said in jest when staff members from his office threw him a surprise party yesterday.



In a light hearted mood, with the PM in his jovial self, he got many of his staff members laughing their lungs out when he related how some people had thought he travelled to the Republic of China on Taiwan to look for a new wife.

Speaking in between raptures of laughter, the PM found himself having to explain to his team that he had not, actually, given up on Swazi women.



The whole story started when the PM thanked the team for the surprise party and the kind gesture where he then gave them a glimpse of his love life.

The head of government said he had learnt that many Swazis were concerned about his stance on being in another relationship.



He said that was evident when he impromptu left the country for medical attention at a Taipei hospital in the Republic of China on Taiwan, a couple of days before his 75th birthday.

Dlamini said the majority who were not aware about his whereabouts after Their Majesties had issued a directive that he be taken to the best hospital when he fell sick, were of the view that he had either taken a female companion to celebrate his birthday outside the country or he had gone there to look for a new wife.



Others thought that I had gone there for government duties.

I was flooded by messages on my social networks including emails and WhatsApp, where people were telling different stories. Some thought I was on government duties while some were of the view that I was dating someone somewhere.



Some thought I left the country to look for a woman, probably because (they thought) I had given up on Swazi women, the PM said, much to the laughter of his team.

He said the news were spreading so much that they even reached his relatives who then called and asked him if he was really away to look for someone.



I told the caller that I was at a Taiwan hospital where I was being taken care of by doctors. I informed my relative that there were beautiful and respectful ladies in Taiwan but the problem was the communication barrier, he said.

In jest, the premier informed the staff that there was total misunderstanding between him and the Taiwanese ladies when he directed them to Swaziland.
By Press Trust of India: (EDS: Updating with fresh inputs)

By Aditi Khanna

London, Jun 16 (PTI) A man was arrested today near the gates of the UK Parliament for possession of a knife and tasered by Scotland Yard officers, an incident that comes nearly three months after an Islamist carried out a terror attack in the high-security area.

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The Metropolitan police said the man -- in his 30s -- was arrested after being disabled with a stun-gun for possession of a knife and there were no reports of any injuries.

The police said it will not declare it as a terror incident until the Counter-Terrorism Command has investigated the motive behind the incident.

"At 11:10 AM on Fridayofficers on routine duties near to the Carriage Gates entrance to the Palace of Westminster became aware of a man acting suspiciously. The officers approached the man in order to speak with him. The man reached for a knife, and police discharged a Taser," the Met police statement said, adding that there were "no injuries" during the incident.

The arrested man has been taken to a central London police station, where he remains in custody.

"At this time it is too early to understand the motivation so we have not declared this a terrorist incident. However, given the location, the circumstances and recent tragic events, the Counter Terrorism Command will be investigating this incident. We remain open minded as to whether terrorism was a motive," police said.

Witnesses reported hearing "knife, knife, knife" as armed officers swooped on the suspect.

The bearded man, wearing a grey hooded top, ran towards the St Stephens entrance of the Houses of Parliament, which is the main visitors entrance to the building.

A Parliamentary spokesperson said, "We are aware of an incident outside the Palace of Westminster, which is being dealt with by the Metropolitan Police."

Bradley Allen, a 19-year-old, outside the Parliament at the time, said he saw the man with clenched fists moments before he was detained.

"He stared at me and my mate and we walked past him. Within seconds there was a shout and police ran out of the front gate shouting at him Get on the floor, get on the ground," he told reporters.

It is feared the incident may have been an attempted copy-cat terror attack from March, when Khalid Masood rammed a car into the side of the Palace of Westminster, which houses the UK Parliament, killing four people, and got out to stab to death a police officer on guard at the House of Commons gates.

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A review of security at the perimeter of the parliamentary estate was ordered by Commons Speaker John Bercow following the attack on March 22.

The use of armed officers and physical barriers have become more visible, while a permanent barrier has been erected to protect pedestrians on Westminster Bridge, where Masood murdered five people and injured more than 50 others.

In April, Mohammed Khalid Omar Ali,a 27-year-old foreign-born British national wasarrestedon suspicion of carrying knives in a very public operation near the Parliament Square as part of an intelligence-led operation.

London has been on higher alert since the recent terrorist attack on London Bridge and Borough Market on June 3, which claimed eight lives, and the concert bombing in Manchester in which 22 people were killed. PTI AK ASK AKJ ASK

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By Angelica Acevedo

About 100 students, parents and administrators from Middle Village Preparatory Charter School chanted Drop the lawsuit, and Keep our school open, as they rallied Tuesday outside of the Queens County Court.

Christ the King, a Catholic high school that leases a space to the independent charter school, is in the midst of fighting a lawsuit from the Diocese of Brooklyn and Queens. The lawsuit threatens to shut down Middle Village Prep unless CTK complies with the diocese.

At the hearing, both parties presented their arguments to the judge, who hoped the two could work this out themselves, but is expected to deliver a decision soon.

Middle Village Prep remains open due to a restraining order that prevents the school from being evicted until the final ruling. The school, which serves about 380 sixth- to eighth-graders and has a waiting list of 250 additional kids, has received support from Community Education Council 24 President Nick Comaianni and other community leaders.

For years now, CTK and the diocese have gone to court over alleged violations of agreements between the two entities. The diocese contends one of the violations is that CTK was not allowed to open the charter school in 2013 due to an agreement they signed in 1976.

At issue are rules that prevent charter schools from siphoning off students from neighboring parochial schools.

In an email to the TimesLedger, Carolyn Erstad, a spokeswoman for the Diocese of Brooklyn, said it is willing to work with CTK and Middle Village Prep.

The Diocese of Brooklyn wants MVP to remain open and the students to thrive, she said. The judge today encouraged CTK and the diocese to work out this dispute. We want to do that and are extending an invitation to the CTK board members to sit down and talk.

The Middle Village Prep board of trustees did not reply to a request for comment in time for publication.
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By Mark Hallum

LaGuardia Community College lauded the largest graduating class in the history of the school last week, with speakers making empowered statements on LGBT rights and the black communitys struggle with alleged police brutality.

More than 1,700 students collected their degrees at Barclays Center in Brooklyn on June 8, with over 40 percent being born overseas, according to the school.

Black Lives Matter Co-founder Alicia Garza was the keynote speaker in the packed venue. She spoke out against the Trump administration whose agenda may be viewed as an attempt to turn back the clock.

How completely terrifying is it that this is the state of our world, its the state of our country? Garza said.

How terrifying it is that when I turn on the television and watch our government work, most of what I see is remnants of the past fighting to stay relevant, fighting to move forward an agenda that honestly only moves us backwards?

She added, Some harken back to what they think were the good old days, the days when there were one set of accommodations for whites and one set of accommodations for people of color. The days when women knew their place, when queer and trans people were forced to live without authenticity. But you and I know those were not the good old days. Those days are part of the dark history in this country.

The message resonated with the people in the stands and on the commencement floor as most in attendance applauded.

When I look out into your beautiful faces, at the graduating class of LaGuardia Community College class of 2017, I see and feel the world that we are all waiting for, Garza said. People of color from every corner of the world  immigrants, queer people, people with disabilities, trans people  we represent what this country is and we represent the promise of a real, true democracy.

Garza, a writer from Los Angeles, is credited with coining the phrase black lives matter.

Remy Patrick Lavilla, 19, gave the class speech. Lavilla moved to the United States from the Philippines after Typhoon Haiyan destroyed his hometown. He received his associates degree in accounting and was given various awards and honors from the school for academic achievement.

As a member of the LGBT community, Lavilla spoke about his experiences growing up gay in the Philippines and how his sexual orientation was not always accepted.

When I left the Philippines, I was a scared child hiding from myself. I was constantly watching my back to make sure nobody was watching. But today, LaGuardia and all of you allowed me to stand here as a proud gay man, Lavilla said. Today we affirm the struggles we overcame knowing that more struggles are yet to come and we will never stop over coming. We are not defined by how much we suffer in those struggles, but how we come out at the end.

Lavilla urged graduates to not only continue opposing stigmas against the LGBT community, but stereotypes against people with degrees from community colleges. He will continue his education at Columbia University.
An Income Tax Department probe has revealed that Anand Kumar, the brother of BSP chief Mayawati, may have acquired bename property worth between Rs 2,000 crore and Rs 3,000 crore.

By Atir Khan: In a development that is bound to create trouble for the Bahujan Samaj Party, an Income Tax Department probe has revealed that Mayawati's brother Anand Kumar may have acquired benami property of up to Rs 3,000 crores. Income Tax officials will soon quiz SK Jain, a Delhi based businessman in the matter.

Sources in Income Tax Department told India Today that Jain has played a major role in Anand Kumar acquiring benami properties, which are estimated to be worth between Rs 2000 crore and Rs 3000 crore. The department had carried out at extensive surveys at the properties of Anand Kumar on 6th April.

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Post-search investigations have revealed that Jain, who has already been arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in its crackdown against bogus companies, had provided accommodation entries to Anand Kumar to help the BSP vice-president allegedly acquire benami assets.

At least three valuable properties on the posh Sardar Patel Marg have reportedly been acquired by Kumar through benami channels. Sources said Jain helped Anand obtain accommodation entries through long term capital gains, share capital, share premium and unsecured loans.

Aditya Antibiotics, Aditya Shares, Agroha Pvt. Ltd, Sachi Properties Pvt. Ltd, Vrindavan Investments Pvt. Ltd are a few companies are under the Income Tax Department's scanner in this connection. Naveen Infrastrctures Developers and Engineers is also being probed. These companies are suspected to have been used to provide accommodation entries.

According to the investigations, Anand Kumar had acquired Tamanna Developers Pvt. Ltd, which earlier provided entries to him for facilitating acquisition of benami property. Presently Jain is in judicial custody after the Enforcement Directorate arrested him in another case.

In March this year, the Enforcement Directorate had arrested Jain and his brother in connection with its probe in a Rs 8,000 crore money laundering racket. They were allegedly laundering unaccounted money through the process of placement of funds, layering of transactions and the integration of laundered money into banking channels camouflaged as legitimate share premium transactions. The two received a cut of the unaccounted money for their actions.

Sources said decision to summon Anand Kumar will be taken after the questioning of SK Jain. Mayawati's brother Anand Kumar worked as a clerk in Noida Authority before his sister came to power. Soon after BSP's victory his assets skyrocketed and he floated numerous companies.

ALSO READ | Mayawati's brother Anand Kumar is now BSP Number 2

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By Bill Parry

Pressure has been mounting on the eight-member Independent Democratic Conference in recent weeks to return to the mainline Democrats in the state Senate. Democrats would be in control of the Senate if not for the breakaway IDC sharing power with Republicans in a majority coalition which can block legislation it does not want passed.

Last month, the states 18 House Democrats, fired off a letter urging reconciliation. U.S. Reps. Joseph Crowley (D-Jackson Heights), Carolyn Maloney (D-Astoria), Grace Meng (D-Flushing) and Gregory Meeks (D-Jamaica) all signed off.

This reality is devastating, particularly for hardworking New Yorkers, because Republicans are intent on advancing President Donald Trumps agenda, they wrote. The people across New York state have spoken and their wishes should be honored. Now is the time for all Democrats to return to the Democratic Conference to work collaboratively to benefit all New Yorkers, and fight unitedly against President Trumps agenda.

National Progressive figures are now lending their voices following the swearing-in of state Sen. Brian Benjamin (D-Harlem) last week, giving Senate Democrats a one-member majority if not for the breakaway IDC. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-California) urged the IDC to leave the coalition with Republicans in Albany.

Given the high stakes, I join my New York Democratic congressional colleagues in urging all New York state Democrats to join the fight, and caucus and work together for New Yorks working families, Pelosi said in a statement.

U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minnesota), the deputy chairman of the Democratic National Committee, urged reconciliation in the upper chamber so New York could become the seventh state nationwide with a unified Democratic-led government.

I say come home. Youre welcome, Ellison said. But if you wont come, youre going to have to be primaried.

The increased pressure from Progressive leaders was welcomed by Senate Democratic Communications Director Mike Murphy.

In this dangerous age of Donald Trump, Democrats in Queens, across the state and even across the nation are calling for the rogue Democrats like Jose Peralta and Tony Avella to stop empowering Trump Republicans, who are operating in a false majority in the Senate, he said. No amount of perks or privilege is worth the damage the Senate Republicans are doing to New York City. These Trump allies are cutting funding to the MTA, to our schools and standing in the way of so many crucial protections for New York.

Meanwhile, the IDC called for a Board of Elections review of a poll by the Working Families Party released this week that showed support for the IDC to return to the mainline Democrats. The WFP robocall results showed 61 percent of respondents in state Sen. Jose Peraltas district wanted the IDC to reconcile while 59 percent in state Sen. Tony Avellas district wanted the same.

The IDC alleges the WFP did not disclose who funded the survey and that the poll was not released in its entirety.

The Working Families Party will lie, deceive and have no qualms about breaking the law, IDC spokeswoman Candace Giove told the State of Politics website. The Board of Elections must review these serious allegations.

The New York Post reported Tuesday that the robocall used a swear word at the end of the automated, touch-dial response, according to a Peralta constituent. But State of Politics obtained the audio and reported the voice is clearly saying, thank you.
Pa. Dems could flip the House of Reps. Here's what that might mean.
The incident happened in Achbal area after which 5 cops including a station house officer were killed.

By Kamaljit Kaur Sandhu, Ashraf Wani: Six policemen, including an officer, were killed after LeT militants ambushed a police party in south Kashmir's Anantnag district today.

Official sources told India Today that late in the afternoon militants opened indiscriminate firing upon a police jeep near Thajiwara Achabal area resulting in fatal injuries to all occupants.

All the six injured were shifted to hospital where doctors declared them dead.

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A Station House Officer identified as sub-inspector Firoz Dar, a resident of Pulwama, was also among the killed. The other martyred include a driver and four other policemen who were on a routine round in their jeep.

In a brutal act after the killing, the militants disfigured the faces of the bodies before walking away with their weapons. Later on, Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) sent a mail to India Today office and took responsibility of the terror attack.

The attack comes in the wake of an encounter with security forces in Anantnag district in which LeT commander Junaid Mattoo and his accomplice Muzamil were killed. Sources said today's attack was a revenge attack to retaliate against security forces.

Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir Police in its condolence message vowed to punish the perpetrators of the six policemen killed.

It read, "The officer whom everybody loved and who could get the support and respect of everybody around will always be in our heart. This inhuman act will be punished and punished suitably. Condolences for all the men that we lost today."

In Delhi, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval briefed Home Minister Rajnath Singh over the developments in Kashmir. Defence Minister Arun Jaitley also reviewed security situation in the Valley.

Meanwhile, a heavy contingent of army, SOG, CRPF and police have launched a hunt to nab the assailants.

INCREASE IN ATTACKS

Of late there has been an escalation of militant attacks on Jammu and Kashmir police personnel.

Even yesterday, two policemen were martyred in the state. One policeman was killed when terrorists attacked a police party near Hyderpora while another cop was shot dead in Kulgam.

Earlier in the day, Director General of Police S P Vaid said it is because of the frustration of the ultras.

"We will take necessary measures. This is the frustration of the militants. Whether a militant is killed or a civilian or a cop, it is the Kashmiri who dies. The bloodshed will not take us anywhere, it is only the murder of humanity," the DGP told reporters here.

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He said the militants were targeting the local police as it was fighting them with eagerness.

"The local police works on the anti-militancy front with eagerness, that is why they (militants) are targeting them (police). But I am sure that we will control this soon," the DGP said.

The DGP termed the constable's killing as "murder of humanity and Kashmiriyat".

Also read:

India Today accesses list of Kashmir's 10 most wanted terrorists

Wave of terror hits Valley: Kashmir on high alert after militants carry out multiple back-to-back strikes

Also watch:

Hizbul's new boss Yasin Yatoo releases terror video, warns of more attacks in Kashmir

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A federal lawsuit filed by two former white collar General Electric Co. workers against the company for discontinuing a Medicare supplement program was dismissed Thursday.

U.S. District Court Judge Lynn Adelman dismissed the lawsuit, which was filed back in 2014. One of the two plaintiffs, who were trying to bring a class action suit that would have included all retired white-collar workers, was Evelyn Kauffman, who lives in Niskayuna and retired from GE in Schenectady.
Rulison, Larry

Air Products is planning a $60 million expansion of its Glenmont gas yard that will be part of a joint venture with Linde North America.

New York state is offering the joint venture, known as East Coast Nitrogen, $1.3 million in cash and tax breaks.
The idea of the Next Wave Center, a semiconductor industry incubator envisioned by Saratoga County economic development officials, is getting a good reception across the country.

Marty Vanags, president of the Saratoga County Prosperity Partnership, was in Mountain View, Calif., and Chicago this week for meetings where he pitched the Next Wave Center to potential tenants.

The partnership recently created an advisory council that will work on creating the Next Wave Center, which Vanags envisions as a "landing pad" for companies that want to do business with GlobalFoundries and other local tech companies but aren't ready or able to open a full-scale office. The tenants could range from start-ups to established companies.

The center will also focus on workforce development and training to help local companies prepare to become suppliers to GlobalFoundries and others.

Vanags' trip was not only to pitch the Next Wave Center but also Saratoga County in general.

The Saratoga County Prosperity Partnership is supported by county tax revenue to attract new companies to the region and help existing companies expand and grow. The idea is to creating sustained job growth in the county.

In a phone interview on Thursday from Chicago, Vanags said he hadn't heard from anyone yet who didn't think the Next Wave Center was a great idea, although it's not like people are able to sign up yet for something that doesn't physically exist.

"So far they said, 'This is a great idea, and we want to see what you do with it,'" Vanags said.

Vanags said attracting tenants to the future facility will take multiple discussions before anyone commits.

"It's a sales process like anything else," Vanags said. "We want to be informed by the end users about how this should look like, and then we can design it better."

The first leg of Vanags' lightening trip was to the Global Semiconductor Alliance's one day Silicon Summit at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View, Calif. Vanags also set up one-on-one meetings with semiconductor industry executives, although he declined to reveal their identities.

The second leg was in Chicago at what is known as Consultant Connect, a two-day event that gets people like Vanags in front of dozens of real estate site selection consultants, the kind of people that search the country for potential sites for factories and offices for their clients. Vanags was meeting with 21 site consultants in 24 hours at the event.

"I'm pretty excited," Vanags said.
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Schenectady

With Jeff Immelt's retirement, the future for Schenectady-based GE Power isn't clear.

General Electric Co. announced one week ago that John Flannery, the CEO of its health care division, will replace Immelt as the storied conglomerate's new chief executive.

The Schenectady unit's CEO, Steve Bolze, stepped down last week after he was passed over to succeed Immelt.

At the end of last week, GE officials were telling reporters that while the new GE Power CEO would be based in Atlanta, for now at least the headquarters would remain in Schenectady.

A glance back to the 1980s and 1990s, a dark period for General Electric, shows the rollercoaster ride the company has endured in Schenectady.

Layoffs were frequent, as GE managers cited cut-throat price competition for the push to reduce payroll and other expenses.

Employment at GE in Schenectady fell from 8,000 in 1994 to little more than half that amount nine years later.

Jack Welch, the company's CEO, earned the nickname "Neutron Jack" for eliminating the people but sparing the buildings.

Asked about that period, former Schenectady mayor and Schenectady County Legislator Karen Johnson said "certainly there were days (with) Jack Welch that were challenging for the city."

But shareholders were pleased that earnings and stock prices continued to climb. So what if resources were trimmed at the corporate research and development laboratories in Niskayuna?

Jeff Immelt, officially introduced as Welch's successor on the day before the Sept. 11 attacks, soon made it clear his priorities would be different.

After all, GE's new product pipeline had largely been emptied as the company under Welch focused on making existing products ever cheaper.

Immelt changed that focus.

His first major step locally was to invest $100 million to renovate and expand the labs, which he renamed the GE Global Research Center.

"This is something I've been thinking about for 20 years," Immelt said at the time. "I finally got to do something about it."

Employment and resources expanded, and other centers were opened worldwide.

Today, despite several recent layoffs, the 2,000-strong workforce is up by a third from the 1,500 people who worked there in 1994.

"I have always been a big believer in technology as a differentiator and am a big believer that this has got to be a hub for change," Immelt told the Times Union. "It's one of the first things I wanted to initiate when I became chairman."

There were other changes as well.

When GE Healthcare opened a production plant at the Rensselaer Technology Park in North Greenbush, a major reason to keep it local was so that engineers could continue to work closely with researchers at the Niskayuna labs as they continued to develop the state-of-the-art digital mammography scanners.

Later, GE would renovate a building at the Schenectady campus to become the headquarters for its renewable energy business, a move that created 650 jobs.

And in recent years, GE has had to recruit locally to fill open positions in Schenectady as baby boomer workers have begun to retire.

Not every initiative has succeeded. The company pulled the plug on a massive battery plant in Schenectady after GE decided instead to use a different technology for the utility-scale batteries that would store excess power generated by wind turbines until it was needed.

The state-of-the-art factory is currently being repurposed for another line of business that GE has declined to discuss.

The company also took a large stake in Quirky, a startup that crowd-sourced inventions to bring them to market.

Quirky collapsed, but its smart home technology unit was spun off into a new company called Wink.GE scientists in Niskayuna have spearheaded a move to "Internet of Things" technology, where sensors network machines on a factory floor and allow them to communicate with one another.

While GE's core operations in Schenectady and Niskayuna benefited under Immelt's tenure, other GE units were spun off, relocated or closed.

Among them were GE's plastics division headquartered in nearby Pittsfield, Mass., with a factory in Selkirk, and its massive silicones operation in Waterford.

Plastics went to the Saudi Arabia Basic Industries Corp., which has since moved its headquarters to Houston from Pittsfield, and its research operations to Selkirk.

GE Silicones was acquired by private equity firm Apollo Management LP. GE also closed the last of its upstate capacitor plants, in Fort Edward, and has spent several years and more than a billion dollars dredging carcinogenic PCBs used in their manufacture from the floor of the Hudson River.

Through it all, GE has maintained its support of arts, culture and education. Johnson said.

"They're very generous with the high school, education, Girls Inc., and the museum," she said, referring to MiSci. Proctors also has benefitted from the support.

And GE's efforts to interest students in pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics have included a number of popular events hosted by the Global Research Center.

Unionized workers, who were often at odds with Welch, appeared to have a better relationship with Immelt, although union leadership didn't return calls seeking comment.

The relationship may have become strained late in Immelt's tenure, as layoffs once again occurred at the Global Research Center and at the turbine unit in Schenectady.

In April, IUE Local 301 sent a 24-hour strike notice to GE over a job dispute, although the matter was later settled.

Analysts and shareholders have pushed for a breakup of the company, some blaming its weak stock performance on trying to do too many things.

Its broad reach was something Immelt had touted.

"A big advantage GE has over startups: We don't have to pick," he said when he came to town to open the battery plant. "We can do everything."

And his advice to the Capital Region? "Be a hub for manufacturing, around materials, around cycle times. Don't fear globalization. Own energy. Think about the micro and not the macro."

eanderson@timesunion.com  518-454-5323
Mark Lennihan

Nestle said on Thursday that it was considering a sale of its American candy business, the home of treats that include Gobstoppers, Nerds and Butterfinger and Crunch bars, as demand for sweets has fallen off in the United States.

By declaring that it will "explore strategic options" for its candy business, the Swiss consumer company may help to further consolidate the industry to a few leading players. Giants in the industry have already pursued ways to cut costs through deal-making, including when Mondelez International  once part of Kraft  unsuccessfully bid for Hershey last year.
MALTA  The Saratoga Regional YMCA and Saratoga Hospital broke ground Thursday at Saratoga Medical Park at Exit 12 of the Northway.

The site will be the new home for the Y's Malta branch and medical specialty offices for Saratoga Hospital. The two-story, 55,000-square-foot shared facility will be built on the 140-acre medical park.

The Y will be the first of its kind in the area and will incorporate traditional Y health

and wellness activities and programs, as well as a unique level of design, which will create an integrated facility that collectively serves the needs of individuals in the community, according to the agencies.

"Today marks a very significant milestone in our collective history, where we are partnering to create programs and services that not only complement one another but provide a more complete and continuous model of prevention and care," said Alysa Arnold, Saratoga Regional Y president. "Our partnership with Saratoga Hospital is the exemplification of synergy and we are excited to have the opportunity to create unique programs and services that will make our communities stronger and healthier."

The Y will be able to expand its fitness and childcare programs and almost double their outreach. It will also open up opportunities for both organizations to support one another.

Bill Dake, chairman of Stewart's Shops, who has helped construct multiple Saratoga Regional Y facilities, is working with both the hospital and YMCA on this project.

The YMCA anticipates its facilities to be open the in spring of 2018. Saratoga Hospital is completing its final assessment of which programs and services will be offered at the new location.
Clean energy future

India was the target of some of US president Donald Trump's ire as he announced his country's exit from the Paris Agreement early in June. The US, Trump insisted, was at a disadvantage because developing countries such as India are able to increase coal production. In fact, India has received much international credit for its embrace of renewable energy sources, including most recently in the comprehensive Renewables Global Status Report, released on June 7 and produced by a well-regarded international NGO. Despite impressive progress, India is behind on its ambitious targets though the government insists it is still on course to "lead the world towards clean energy rather than follow".

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Illustration by Tanmoy Chakraborty

Former Congress MP Sandeep Dikshit

"Ours is not a mafia army like the Pakistani army...It looks bad when our army chief gives a statement like a sadak ka goonda"

Former Congress MP Sandeep Dikshit, son of former Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit, found himself in hot water by likening comments made by army chief General Bipin Rawat (in support of an officer who tied a Kashmiri man to the front of a jeep) to those that might be made by a street hooligan. Dikshit quickly apologised and withdrew his remarks but was censured anyway by his party's vice-president Rahul Gandhi, responding to the widespread condemnation. The BJP, meanwhile, has demanded an apology from the Congress president, Sonia Gandhi.

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The late Claude Simard loved art and collected art, especially African art. In a beautiful homage, the Tang Museum's Dayton Director Ian Berry has created an exhibition of over 100 works from Simard's collection.

That's the short of it, and maybe "If I Had Possession over Judgement Day" in the large gallery upstairs should be seen in those simplest terms. This is a mixed bag of art and artifacts that one man, with a special feel and knowledge of the contemporary scene, has made whole. Berry's job might not have been simple, but it was made easier by Simard's own sensibility, which had an inner logic that you can feel in the work here, disparate as it is.

But who was Claude Simard? Indeed. Simard partnered with Jack Shainman in running a gallery in the 1980s that eventually centered in New York City, later adding an upstate presence at the School in Kinderhook. Coming from a remote area of Quebec, he had a feeling for outsider art  or at least art outside the mainstream. A few of the artists he collected have also been commercially represented by the gallery, so there a lot of natural layers of influence and confluence.

Simard was very much inside the art game. This is personal, intimate, honest work, and the show has feeling. If some of the work here is straight from the mainstream, other pieces show compelling eccentricities, like the series of Bura funerary urns, over 1,000 years old, found in the Niger River in West Africa. These urns are striking, both formally as free-standing, decorated terra-cotta forms standing 2 to 4 feet high, and as reminders of tribal cultures and their artifacts, with their often evasive meanings.

More Information If you go "If I Had Possession over Judgement Day: Collections of Claude Simard" Where: Tang Teaching Museum, Skidmore College, 815 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs When: Through Sept. 24 Hours: Tuesday-Saturday noon-5 p.m., Thursdays until 9 Admission: Free (donation suggested) Info: https://tang.skidmore.edu See More Collapse

There are collections within the collections. David Ireland's ''Spanish Corner Cabinet'' housing ordinary objects, keyed off by yellow and orange panels inside, reconsiders the readymade  a found object that becomes an artwork by context. A wall of 25 varied serpent drawings from late 19th-century India, and another wall of 55 late 20th-century photographic portraits from Mali with cardboard and string decorations by Malick Sidibe, are both partly about the act of grouping and comparing, beyond their nominal subjects.

We have moved from California to India to Mali. This is part of Simard's grace. There are spectacular works, like a colorful, playful soundsuit by Nick Cave that explodes in the back of the gallery, and there are intimate whispers like the three recent dark portraits by Nigerian artist Toyin Ojih Odutola. Most of the art is either directly figural or features the direct hand the artist, as in seven Bagh textiles from early 20th-century India.

Contrasts and intrinsic relationships preside. Hanging above a group of African heads and masks are several contemporary artworks, such as Brad Kahlhamer's primal mixed media painting of bodies. Across the room, Radcliffe Bailey's powerful and huge mixed media "Western Currents," an allegory about the slave trade, features African masks and stylized figures.

Sign up for The Knick  Get the latest news and features with our afternoon newsletter.

A student asked me recently what the current "ism" was in art, after post-modernism and neo-expressionism and so on. My first answer was "corporatism," meaning the disheartening big money trends (which are not evident here). My second answer was pluralism. I wish I could have sent people to this show to help make the point. It's not incidental that in contemporary art there is no current "movement." Rather, one of the many movements of our time is to be forcefully global, eclectic and open-minded to the point of casting off entrenched Euro-American biases.

This is, for sure, an exhibition of objects  paintings, prints, photographs and sculptures. But Berry does more than show off an art collection. He reminds us of what much of the contemporary art world has been embracing. Claude Simard, who died of a heart attack in 2014 at the age of 57, deserves this powerful, revealing tribute.

William Jager is a frequent contributor to the Times Union.
[June 15, 2017] Genius Plaza Unveils New Genius Explorers English Language Course At 2017 Virtual Educa In Bogota, Colombia

BOGOTA, Colombia, June 15, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Genius Plaza - an education technology social enterprise working to ignite the genius in every child - launched the Genius Explorer program at Virtual Educa 2017, The International Conference on Education, Professional Training, Innovation, Cooperation and Development taking place in Bogota, Colombia. Genius Explorers is an English language program with courses for students ages seven to sixteen. The blended learning program allows students to become protagonists of their own learning using digital and print resources to learn English, and create their own games, eBooks, videos, and exercises. Earlier this year, Genius Plaza conducted a pilot of the Genius Explorer program in Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, and Guatemala to evaluate how its blended technology method, developed by certified language arts teachers, could improve learning. Third grade classes using Genius Plaza saw a medin percentage impact of 76% increase in performance. Those schools who saw greater impact offered five days of classes, versus two or three. For eighth graders, the median percentage impact was 37%, attributed to similar factors and challenges with reporting. Schools with the smallest increases were higher performing and lower poverty schools. Schools with the greatest increases were lower performing, higher poverty schools.



"The research we conducted during the pilot program indicates the Genius Plaza platform had a significant impact for students who are most in need," said Dr. Madlene Hamilton, a research and policy analyst who has worked with Stanford University, University of Texas at Austin, Rice University, and George Washington University, and who worked with Genius Plaza in conducting the research. "The commitment and passion demonstrated in each of the schools we worked with continue to inspire us to provide the best quality content to communities around the world, especially the most underserved," said Ana Roca Castro, Founder and CEO of Genius Plaza. "We gathered key learnings from the pilot which we incorporated into creating this final program, and we are confident that we are offering a solution that will help students learn English effectively."

About Genius Plaza

Genius Plaza is the first multicultural education company that provides culturally relevant math and language arts resources, combined with a research-based didactic approach, and state-of-the-art parent engagement tools in eight languages. Genius Plaza brands include Plaza Bilingue and Genius Explorers. To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/genius-plaza-unveils-new-genius-explorers-english-language-course-at-2017-virtual-educa-in-bogota-colombia-300475081.html SOURCE Genius Plaza

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[June 15, 2017] Global Pen Needles Market - Drivers and Forecasts by Technavio

Technavio analysts forecast the global pen needles market to grow at a CAGR of more than 10% during the forecast period, according to their latest report. This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170615006345/en/ Technavio has published a new report on the global pen needles market from 2017-2021. (Graphic: Business Wire) The research study covers the present scenario and growth prospects of the global pen needles market for 2017-2021. The market is segmented based on the product (standard pen needles and safety pen needles) and therapy (insulin, growth hormone, and GLP-1). The market is further segmented by end-user (hospitals and clinics and home care). The global pen needles market offers substantial growth opportunities due to the rising incidence of diabetes worldwide. The shift in the preference of patient pool from hospitals to specialty clinics and the high adoption of insulin delivery systems for self-management of diabetes are likely to increase the demand for insulin pens and, in turn, pen needles. The adoption of pen needles is increasing among the insulin-dependent diabetic population as it offers a host of benefits over the traditional vial-and-syringe method of insulin delivery. This report is available at a USD 1,000 discount for a limited time only: View market snapshot before purchasing Buy 1 Technavio report and get the second for 50% off. Buy 2 Technavio reports and get the third for free. Technavio healthcare and life sciences research analysts highlight the following three factors that are contributing to the growth of the global pen needles market: Increasing preference for pen needles over syringes and vials

Rise in diabetic population

Increasing adoption of pen devices for self-care diabetes management Increasing preference for pen needles over syringes and vials Pen neeles are an integral part of diabetes treatment for patients who require injectable therapies. These pen needles are used for delivering specific drugs or collecting samples such as fluids and cells from organs or lumps. They are available with various advanced features, shapes, and sizes. The global market for pen needles is showing a steady growth owing to an increasing older population, and the shift toward less and non-invasive procedures is increasing its popularity worldwide.



Srinivas Sashidhar, a lead orthopedics and medical devices research analyst at Technavio, says, "Pen needles have several advantages over the traditional vial-and-syringe method of insulin delivery including improved patient satisfaction and adherence, greater ease of use, superior accuracy for delivering small doses of insulin, greater social acceptability, and less reported injection pain." Rise in diabetic population

The growing diabetic population is one of the main drivers of the market growth of pen needles as it generates more demand for pen needles in the market. According to the reports published by OECD in 2015, 380 million people had diabetes worldwide while approximately 85 million people had diabetes in OECD countries. "More than 1.4 million people were undiagnosed for diabetes mellitus, and its prevalence is higher in urban than the rural population. People living with diabetes for longer periods are at a high risk of developing complications causing high levels of morbidity. Germany, Portugal, Spain, and Slovenia jointly have the highest diabetes prevalence rate of 6.61%," adds Srinivas. Increasing adoption of pen devices for self-care diabetes management The adoption of pen devices with pen needles for type-1 diabetes management has risen in recent years. Although patients using syringes with standard needles posed an economic barrier, now the scenario is changing globally. The adoption rate is increasing due to various factors like rising awareness, health consciousness, painless injections with pen needles, and improvement in healthcare policies expanding the reimbursement for pen needles. Different types of pen needles including standard pen needles and safety pen needles used in hospitals and specialty clinics are now increasingly used in homecare by patients. With some interest, focus, and expertise, patients can effectively use pen devices for self-care. This change was largely brought about by the need to avoid scheduling the appointments, save hospitals and clinics visiting fees, eliminate waiting time, and increase personal convenience. Top vendors: BD

Novo Nordisk

Ypsomed

B. Braun Browse Related Reports: Global Orthopedic Prosthetics Market 2017-2021

Global Orthopedic Consumables Market 2017-2021

Global Tracheostomy Products Market 2017-2021 Become a Technavio Insights member and access all three of these reports for a fraction of their original cost. As a Technavio Insights member, you will have immediate access to new reports as they're published in addition to all 6,000+ existing reports covering segments like life science research tools, cardiovascular devices, and in-vitro diagnostics. This subscription nets you thousands in savings, while staying connected to Technavio's constant transforming research library, helping you make informed business decisions more efficiently. About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. The company develops over 2000 pieces of research every year, covering more than 500 technologies across 80 countries. Technavio has about 300 analysts globally who specialize in customized consulting and business research assignments across the latest leading-edge technologies. Technavio analysts employ primary as well as secondary research techniques to ascertain the size and vendor landscape in a range of markets. Analysts obtain information using a combination of bottom-up and top-down approaches, besides using in-house market modeling tools and proprietary databases. They corroborate this data with the data obtained from various market participants and stakeholders across the value chain, including vendors, service providers, distributors, re-sellers, and end-users. If you are interested in more information, please contact our media team at [email protected]. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170615006345/en/

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[June 15, 2017] SimplyGiving's Personal Fundraising Product launches in HK

HONG KONG, June 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- SimplyGiving, Asia's leading fundraising website that enables people to donate and support causes they care about, has announced the launch of its Personal Fundraising product in Hong Kong. Hong Kongers, regardless of their background or circumstances, can raise money for themselves or their friends using SimplyGiving's Personal Fundraising option. Nikki Kinloch, CEO of SimplyGiving, is currently visiting the company's key markets in Asia to discuss philanthropy and online platforms. She says, "We want to make crowdfunding even more accessible. We encourage people in Hong Kong to raise their hands and ask for financial help to support them in their endeavours. They may need to raise funds for their family's medical bills, to cover their utilities after a redundancy or for larger scale projects that do not have charitable status but require funding to move forward. It can be for anything, as long as the fundraisers meet our verification criteria." The near closure of Flow Bookshop in Central is a recent high-profile example of how the SimplyGiving Personal Fundraising platform can be used. Kinloch says, "We heard about Surdham Lam's plight through social media and reached out to him. We set up a Personal Fundraising page for himand in a couple of days it raised HKD30,000. Through these last minute efforts, he was able to pay back his landlord and get back onto his feet with many offers of business support as well."



SimplyGiving's new fundraising product allows people to easily connect with their immediate network -- school friends, family, colleagues -- as well as those who are beyond it. Kinloch continues, "Just as we witnessed with Flow Bookshop, complete strangers can be good Samaritans and Hong Kong people are some of the most generous in Asia. They are willing to help people who they might not otherwise come across in their day-to-day lives. Not everyone can be a philanthropist but many of us are keen to help those in need. We rarely hear about the individual plights of those who need support but through SimplyGiving, it is now easier to find and donate to different people with different ambitions."

The SimplyGiving Fundraising Platform also makes it easier for people to pay with credit cards in anyone of thirteen currencies. Kinloch says, "The ease of donating is what is key here. Asking people to transfer money to your bank account is both time-consuming and risky. Using SimplyGiving's platform quickens the process, removes the risk by being clear and transparent, and broadens the audience of potential donors." SimplyGiving Established in 2010, with offices in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong, SimplyGiving's award winning platform works with 34,000 donors and fundraisers and 100,000 Facebook followers across Asia to maximise their fundraising potential. With a focus on combining the power of social media and tech innovation, SimplyGiving is uniquely positioned to help its partners not only fundraise in their local market, but extend their reach globally with a multi-lingual and multi-currency platform, including a choice of 13 currencies that supporters can donate in. Whether it's peer-to-peer fundraising, crowdfunding for individuals, social lending, event ticketing and registration or merchandising, SimplyGiving's ongoing innovation helps its partners optimize their ability to raise money efficiently and securely. SimplyGiving in Hong Kong For the first time in the company's six-year history, Hong Kong has overtaken Singapore to become the number one location for total funds raised and the highest average donation, year to date. The average donation is 25% higher than Singapore, with 32% more donors. Hong Kong has also raised 66% more in total donation funds. www.simplygiving.com SOURCE SimplyGiving

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[June 15, 2017] TUV Rheinland is first TIC company in Thailand and Japan to be designated as Notified Body by GSO

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, June 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- TUV Rheinland is proud to announce that it is the first international third-party testing, inspection and certification (TIC) company to achieve Gulf Standardization Organization (GSO) Notified Body (NB) status in Thailand and Japan. They join TUV Rheinland Hong Kong, which was the first independent technical services company in the Asia Pacific to obtain GSO Notified Body status for electrical products and toys in June 2015, and TUV Rheinland Korea, which is also newly designated as NB by GSO. In conjunction with TUV Rheinland's global network of laboratories, these Notified Bodies are authorized to certify products with the "G Mark" -- a mandatory requirement for a variety of goods entering Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) markets. They can certify low voltage household appliances, plugs, socket outlets and cord extensions. This will help more APAC manufacturers gain access to markets in the six affluent GCC countries of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates. The GSO member states, which also include Yemen, have a total population of around 80 million and an estimated GDP of US$3.2 trillion. The term "Notified Bodies" refers to independent conformity assessment organizations considered competent and impartial by the GSO, which are responsible for the regulatory process and technical assessment of products intended for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) common arket.



"While the GSO standards for these products closely follow EU regulations, there are still enough variations and regulatory hoops to require close attention to every product detail. As an officially recognized Notified Body, TUV Rheinland can guide customers and provide the testing and documentation they need to successfully jump into the Gulf region," said Mr Andreas Leo Hoefer, Executive Vice President, Asia Pacific / India, Middle East & Africa for TUV Rheinland. "As an independent third-party testing, inspection and certification organization, TUV Rheinland prides itself on its in-depth understanding of the regulations across the Gulf region. Our network of offices and labs covers virtually every GCC country and we are accredited as an inspection body for the national import control schemes of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar. In addition, TUV Rheinland is recognized as an approved testing laboratory for national energy efficiency labelling schemes for air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines and lighting products," said Mr Hoefer.

To be eligible for sale in any GCC market, products must meet the essential requirements set out in the GSO Technical Regulations. These are designed to protect consumers from potential hazards, such as physical injury, high temperatures, electric shock, fire or radiation. However, while the regulations define the objectives related to safety and electromagnetic compatibility, the technical solutions generally follow the Gulf (GSO) standards or international IEC standards which benefit from a "presumption of conformity". "Using a third-party laboratory or Notified Body, such as TUV Rheinland, can save manufacturers considerable time and expenses. We have labs close to suppliers, decades of experience and are well-versed in the approval requirements to gain quick access to GCC markets. Moreover, only GSO-authorized Notified Bodies and their affiliated labs are permitted to conduct the necessary tests," said Mr Holger Kunz, Executive Vice President, Products, TUV Rheinland. About TUV Rheinland TUV Rheinland is a global leader in independent inspection services, founded 145 years ago. The group employs 19,700 people around the globe. Annual revenue is more than EUR1.9 billion. The independent experts stand for quality and safety for people, technology and the environment in nearly all industrial sectors and areas of life. TUV Rheinland inspects technical equipment, products and services, and oversees projects, processes and information security for companies. Its experts train people in a wide range of careers and industries. To this end, the company operates a global network of approved labs and testing and education centers. Since 2006, TUV Rheinland has been a member of the United Nations Global Compact to promote sustainability and combat corruption. Website: www.tuv.com SOURCE TUV Rheinland Singapore Pte Ltd

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The Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai actor claims he had not jumped any signal and was being harassed unnecessarily by cops.

By India Today Web Desk: Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai actor Mohsin Khan was recently taken to a police station in Mumbai for jumping a signal, according to reports.

The actor was then fined by the cops, but things took an ugly turn when he started arguing with the officers.

"Mohsin was fined by a traffic police cop for jumping a red light but that did not end there. An argument ensued and the cop took the young actor to Bandra station. Now, Mohsin was not having any of it and decided to go live on Instagram to share the episode."

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"Mohsin held the camera up to the cop's face and said that he was being given trouble even after paying the fine, while the cop accused him of getting aggressive with him. Mohsin then took to Twitter to say that he was asked to pay a bribe of Rs.200 and that is when he decided to take up the matter on social media platforms," SpotboyE quoted a source as saying.

The actor also tweeted about the incident.

His tweet read, "They stop us for jumping the signal and asked for a bribe. That's when I went live guys."

was asked for a bribe for signal jumping.I knew i did not jump but would rather pay d fine.Went live for all to see d guy who was behind it https://t.co/6jrZfUaX5U- Mohsin Khan (@momo_mohsin) June 16, 2017

The issues were later resolved, according to reports.

Also read: Kritika Chaudhary murder case: Drugs found near actress' body

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MedicOne Medical Response Welcomes New Regional Director of Business Development

Larry Dorsey has joined MedicOne Medical Response as its new regional director of business development for the company's Middle Tennessee operations.

This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170616005426/en/

Larry Dorsey, Regional Director of Business Development for MedicOne Medical Response

Dorsey, 32, will play a key role in implementing a new ambulance transportation contract the ompany recently signed in the Middle Tennessee region.







A veteran of the U.S. Army, Dorsey most recently served in a leadership role for another ambulance transportation service provider. He served in the Army from 2003 to 2013. He will receive his Bachelor of Science degree from Trevecca Nazarene University in August 2017, and he received his advanced EMT certification from Fort Sam Houston AMEDD in 2003.

"We're pleased to bring on someone with Larry's experience and leadership qualities," said MedicOne CEO Jim Reeves. "His background in the military and his experience with the creation of high-risk transport teams and health care business development will be key to our growth plans in this region."

About MedicOne Medical Response

MedicOne Medical Response provides emergency medical ambulance and critical care transport services to facilities and communities in Illinois, Mississippi, Tennessee and Texas. The company was founded in 1999 and conducts over 70,000 patient transports annually with a modern fleet of more than 95 vehicles.

For more information, visit www.MedicOneResponse.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170616005426/en/
[June 16, 2017] The Klein Law Firm Announces a Class Action Filed on Behalf of Eco Science Solutions, Inc. Shareholders and a Lead Plaintiff Deadline of July 24, 2017

The Klein Law Firm announces that a class action complaint has been filed on behalf of shareholders of Eco Science Solutions, Inc. (OTCMKTS:ESSI) who purchased shares between May 1, 2017 and May 19, 2017. The action, which was filed in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey, alleges that the Company violated federal securities laws. In particular, the complaint alleges that throughout the Class Period, defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that (i) the Company's plan for strategic acquisitions lacked veracity; and (ii) as a result, Defendants' statements about the Company's business, operations and prospects were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable bases at all relevant times. On May 19, 2017, the U.S. Securities andExchange Commission issued an order of suspension of trading, halting trading of the Company's securities.



Shareholders have until July 24, 2017 to petition the court for lead plaintiff status. Your ability to share in any recovery does not require that you serve as lead plaintiff. You may choose to be an absent class member. If you suffered a loss during the class period and wish to obtain additional information, please contact Joseph Klein, Esq. by telephone at 212-616-4899 or visit http://www.kleinstocklaw.com/pslra-sa/eco-science-solutions-inc-2?wire=2.

Joseph Klein, Esq. is an experienced attorney and has also practiced as a Certified Public Accountant. Mr. Klein represents investors and participates in securities litigations involving financial fraud throughout the nation. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170616005649/en/

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With the intention of helping micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME), IndusInd Bank recently raised USD 225 million loan from OPIC.

By India Today Web Desk: The Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) has given a loan of USD 225 million to IndusInd Bank, to support its micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) lending programs. This financed agreement will open doors for 25 per cent of the proposed services to support women entrepreneurs of India and reach previous populations that were unbanked.

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Induslnd reaches MSMEs over diverse industries of the world. This eight-year loan is part of the agency's commitment to supporting USD 1 billion in loans to under-served small and medium enterprises in India.

"Fostering access to finance opportunities for women entrepreneurs and MSMEs is important for increasing higher economic output throughout India," said acting OPIC President and Chief Executive Officer Dev Jagadesan.

He further added, "OPIC recognizes the positive impact supporting women entrepreneurs can have in a community. We are proud to partner with IndusInd Bank to expand access to critical financial services."

IndusInd Bank reached MSMEs across broad and diverse industries. MSMEs are an important segment of the Indian economy, but are often restrained by a lack of access to capital. This OPIC loan will aid IndusInd Bank in increasing its MSME lending.

Wells Fargo Bank also financed a USD 20 million agreement at the event supporting IndusInd Bank's MSME lending, which will include at least 25 per cent dedicated to women entrepreneurs.

About OPIC

OPIC is a self sustaining agency. This agency was started by the US Government that supports American Business to invest in emerging markets

OPIC provides businesses with the aids to manage the risks associated with FDI, fosters economic development in emerging market countries. It also advances US foreign policy and national security priorities

All OPIC projects have to adhere to best international practices and are not allowed to cause job loss in the United States.

Read: Board Exams 2017: States can detain weak students in classes, says Javadekar

For information on more latest news and updates, click here.

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Maria was DCP traffic when he was picked for the probe. He picked up two leads to follow- an unattended Maruti van near Worli's Seimens factory and a scooter found abandoned at Naigon.

An unattended Maruti van near Worli's Seimens factory and a scooter found abandoned at Naigon were the first two leads in the case.

By Prabhash K Dutta: A TADA (Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act) court today pronounced judgment in the Abu Salem case related to 1993 serial bombings.

The case saw a separate hearing from 2013 after Abu Salem was extradited from Portugal with the rider that he would not be awarded capital punishment.

The TADA court held in its judgment that the Mumbai serial blasts were carried out to avenge the demolition of Babri mosque in Ayodhya in December, 1992. Communal riots have broken out in several parts of the country including Mumbai after the demolition of Babri mosque.

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FIRST WARNING WAS IGNORED

The Mumbai police had arrested on Gul Mohammad in connection with riots in the city. During interrogation in late 1992, Gul Mohammad told the Mumbai police that blasts were being planned to avenge Babri demolition.

Gul Mohammad told the police that he had been sent to Dubai and Pakistan to get training for carrying out the attacks.

The intelligence agencies and the customs department had also got tip-offs about weapon consignment being smuggled into India.

But, Mumbai police did not believe Gul Mohammad. However, many believe that Gul Mohammad's statement to police forced Tiger Memon, Dawood Ibrahim and their team to alter the original date of bomb blasts, which were planned for April.

THE ATTACKS

On March 12, 1993, 12 bombs went off in Mumbai at 12 different places. As many as 257 people were killed and over 700 others injured.

The 12 coordinated bomb blasts rocked Mumbai for over two hours. The blast took place at the Bombay Stock Exchange at 1.30 pm while the last bomb went off at Airport Centaur Hotel at 3.40 pm. Bombs did not explode at a few other places.

Other places where blasts took place included Plaza Cinema, Sea Rock Hotel and Zaveri Bazar.

THE PROBE: FIRST CLUES

The scale of attacks and the explosives used for the blasts presented a big challenge to the Mumbai Police, which was then headed by AS Samra. The then Mumbai police commissioner surprised many with his choice of the officer to lead the probe.

Rakesh Maria was the DCP traffic when he was picked up to lead a team of over 150 officials. At the first meeting, Rakesh Maria asked his team members to report whatever unusual they found in the city that day.

Of all the reported things, Maria picked up two leads to follow. A Maruti van had been found unattended near Worli's Seimens factory. The vehicle was full of automatic weapons and hand grenades.

The other lead was a scooter found abandoned at Naigon.

Mumbai police soon tracked the Maruti van to Al Hussaini building located in Mahim and was owned by the Memons. Incidentally, the Memons had left the building only two days back.

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While inspecting one of the rooms in the building Rakesh Maria found a scooter key on a refrigerator. The key matched with the lock of the scooter found unattended at Naigaon. It belonged to Memons.

The first connection was evident to the Mumbai police.

NATIONWIDE RAIDS, ARRESTS

In an interview to Mumbai Mirror, Rakesh Maria said that the probe team travelled across the country in search of suspects. The team went to 79 cities across 17 states and arrested about 180 suspects.

Of all the arrested persons, two revealed the plot from beginning to end. They turned approvers and were set free in 2007.

One of the approvers was Jan Khan Usman Khan alias Badhshah Khan.

HOW IT WAS PLANNED

Badshah Khan did some small-time real estate business in Santakruz area and was part of Tiger Memon's smuggling syndicate.

Badshah Khan told Mumbai police that he was part of the attack team since beginning. He told them that he had been sent to Pakistan for training in handling explosives and making bombs.

After he and others returned from Pakistan, Tiger Memon held a meeting in a hotel room of Big Splash at Alibaugh in late December, 1992. The first plot of the attack was put forth at this meeting, Badshah Khan told the Mumbai police.

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Another meeting was held, some time later, at residence of Tiger Memon's foster sister Mubina Bhayana at Bandra. The core group including Badshah Khan attended the final conspiracy meet.

Badshah Khan told the police that over a dozen places were surveyed to carry out bomb blasts. Khan was involved in at least half a dozen recces.

EXECUTION OF FIRST SERIAL BLASTS

The bombs were assembled at Tiger Memon's residence in Al Hussaini building. On the fateful day, Badshah Khan was given the responsibility to carry out grenade attack and was in the Maruti van that provided first clue to the Mumbai police to unravel the serial blast case.

Badshah Khan told Mumbai police that after he heard of a small blast at Worli, he lost heart and fled the scene leaving the explosives-ladden van unattended.

Badshah Khan fled first to Uttar Pradesh, then to Rajasthan before taking shelter in a Delhi hotel from where he was arrested by Mumbai police only to help the probe team to give a detailed account of the planning and execution of the first of its kind serial bombings in the world.

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ALSO READ | 1993 Mumbai serial blasts: Abu Salem, five others found guilty by TADA court, Abdul Qayyum acquitted

ALSO READ | 1993 Mumbai blasts case: Abu Salem's confession in 2005 helped prosecution to convict others

ALSO WATCH | Mustafa Dossa, Abu Salem convicted in 1993 Mumbai serial blasts case

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The Samsung Galaxy Note 8 is the best big-screen phone yet, thanks to its versatile dual cameras, S Pen improvements and beautiful 6.3-inch screen.

Why you can trust Tom's Guide Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test .

Samsung's Galaxy Note 8 is a big-screen phone that commands your attention  and not just because it's a sequel to a device the company was forced to recall. It's because the Note 8 ushers in a new class of smartphones that is super-premium.

Priced between $930 and $960 (depending on the carrier), Samsung's new phablet has the loftiest price tag of any mainstream Android handset yet. But the Note 8 tries to justify its high price with the first dual-camera setup ever on a Samsung phone; the biggest screen ever offered by Samsung, at 6.3 inches; and a host of new tricks for the S Pen. The Note 8 also offers more RAM than the Galaxy S8 and S8+, as well as a smart new way to multitask.

Is all of that worth about $80 to $100 more than the already large-and-in-charge Galaxy S8+? After living with the Note 8 for more than a week, I would say "yes."

We've updated our review of the Galaxy Note 8 based on our in-depth smartphone drop tests. See the results below.

Design: The pinnacle of phablets

With its curved Infinity Display that goes from nearly edge to edge, the glass front of the Galaxy Note 8 is simply stunning. In fact, it makes other big-screen phones like the LG V30, Google Pixel XL and iPhone 7 Plus look downright dowdy.

I know what you're wondering: Is 6.3 inches too big? Not really, and I have pretty small hands. That's because this phone has the same narrow 18.5:9 aspect ratio as the Galaxy S8 and S8+. I found I could reach across the screen with my thumb, but because the Note's design is so tall, I sometimes had to reposition the phone in my hand to target items on the top or bottom of the display.

Samsung purposely made the curves on this screen less severe than those on the S8 or S8+, which gives you more usable real estate for the pen. I dig these more slanted edges, as they also help visually differentiate the Note 8 from its siblings. However, I do wish Samsung would offer more color options in the U.S. to make this phone truly pop. U.S. carriers are offering midnight black and orchid gray, but I want to see the gold and blue versions that are available overseas arrive stateside, too.

Around the back, you'll find the dual-lens cameras and a fingerprint reader to the right of the flash. I'm not a fan of this somewhat awkward placement, as it would be easier if the sensor were beneath the camera. It also didnt always work on the first try; fortunately, you can log in via facial recognition or iris scanning.

MORE: Which Carrier Has the Best Note 8 Deal?



Measuring 6.4 x 2.9 x 0.34 inches and weighing 6.9 ounces, the Note 8 is on the heavy side, but it feels pretty balanced in my hand. By comparison, the S8+ is slightly shorter, at 6.3 inches, but significantly lighter, at 6.1 ounces. That's to be expected, though, because the Note 8 carries a stylus.



Durability: It could be tougher

As with the Galaxy S8, the Note 8 is water-resistant. It's also pretty tough; I accidentally stepped on the screen, and it didn't crack.

But to get a better sense of the phone's durability, we tested the toughness of the Galaxy Note 8 by dropping it on its face onto wood from a height of 4 feet and 6 feet; we then dropped it on its edge and face onto concrete from 4 feet; we then dropped it on its edge and face from 6 feet onto concrete.

Samsung's phablet withstood 4- and 6-foot drops on its face onto a wood surface without any difficulty. A 4-foot fall on its edge onto concrete caused some minor scratches on the bottom edge, but a 4-foot drop on its face cracked the screen in a number of places, including in front of its front-facing camera, which gave selfies a very artistic look. A 6-foot face drop onto concrete caused the Note 8's screen to start flashing white, black and green, and the touch screen was completely unresponsive.

As a result, the Note 8 earned a low toughness score of 4.3 out of 10. To see the results of other smartphones, as well as our complete scoring methodology, check out our smartphone drop tests.

Galaxy Note 8 Specs

Swipe to scroll horizontally Price $930 to $960, depending on carrier

Display: A big and beautiful canvas with more purpose

The 6.3-inch Infinity Display on the Note 8 makes your jaw drop even before you put it in your hands, and Samsung devised a clever new way to make the most of the phone's billboard-like real estate.

For starters, the Note 8's screen is deliciously colorful. I was mesmerized by the multifaceted silver armor of Cyborg in the Justice League trailer, as well as his piercing red eye. When playing Mortal Kombat X, I marveled at how grotesquely awesome the gooey brains of my splayed enemy looked when they spilled out of his head.

MORE: The Best Smartphones Available Right Now



In our lab tests, the Note 8's display covered 204.8 percent of the sRGB color gamut. By comparison, the Moto Z2 Force's OLED screen hit 199.7 percent, and the LG G6's LCD displayed 134 percent. The Note 8's display delivers accurate hues, too, as it registered a Delta-E score of 0.5; a score of 0 is perfect. The Z2 Force notched 1.06, and the LG G6 scored 1.1.

Because the Note 8's panel supports HDR (high dynamic range), you should be able to enjoy better contrast and more colors when streaming HDR content.

To maximize this phone's ultrawide screen, Samsung introduced a feature called App Pair with the Note 8. When you swipe in from the right side of the screen, you can launch two apps on the screen at once  side by side or on top of each other, depending on how you hold the phone. It's also pretty easy to create pairs.

I liked being able to have the Email app open on the left and the Calendar app on the right, or the browser on one side and YouTube on the other.

Dual Cameras: Amazing photos, great flexibility

Samsung isn't just playing catch-up with the dual cameras on the Note 8. It has leaped ahead of the iPhone  at least for now. That's because both 12-megapixel cameras on this device offer optical image stabilization; the iPhone 7 Plus' telephoto lens doesn't have that feature.

What can you do with these dual shooters? For starters, you get a 2x optical zoom with a simple tap on the screen. In Union Square, I could easily zoom in on a statue from afar without losing any detail.

You also get a new Live Focus mode, which is similar to the Portrait mode on the iPhone 7 Plus, which blurs the background and makes your subject pop. But only the Note 8 lets you adjust the intensity of this effect both before and after you snap the photo.



I felt like a pro when I snapped an image of purple flowers in front of a fountain. The iPhone 7 Plus did a better job than the Note 8 of blurring the background more consistently through the frame, but I liked that I could control how much of the fountain I could see.



I also really like the Dual Capture feature on the Note 8, which snaps both a close-up and a wide-angle photo at the same time, and then lets you toggle between both views in the gallery. One pic I took of the New York City skyline looked so good that a woman sitting next to me on the bus asked me to text it to her. Even in a moving vehicle, the picture turned out fairly sharp, thanks to the optical image stabilization.

My only complaint is that I sometimes had to tap more than once on the screen to switch between the close-up and wide-angle views.

In terms of image quality, the Note 8 delivered the same type of remarkably sharp and colorful pics that made the Galaxy S8 our top camera phone.

Compared with a shot taken with the iPhone 7 Plus, a Note 8 photo of trees and a statue in Union Square had richer greens and slightly more refined details around the edges when zoomed in. However, as with most iPhone photos, its colors were warmer than the Note 8's, and the Samsung image ran a bit cooler and nearly blew out some of the highlights.



S Pen: Neat new tricks (with some kinks)

Samsung has been broadening the appeal of the S Pen for the past few years, and the Note 8 takes it to the next level.

For starters, you can now take up to 100 pages of notes using the Screen Off memo feature. You just take out the pen and start writing. It's easy to pin notes to the always-on display and to edit notes in place. I found this feature handy when crossing off items on my to-do list and shopping lists.

The coolest new S Pen feature is Live Message, which turns your scribbles into animated GIFs to share with others. For example, I wrote "Love you" on top of a photo with a fun sparkle pen tip and then tried to send it to my wife via text message. I say "tried" because I got an error message that said "Maximum total size of attachments exceeded." Strangely, other times, I didn't get that error, so it might depend on the size of the image captured.

The other noteworthy new S Pen feature is the ability to translate full sentences into different languages just by hovering the pen above the screen. This worked well when I visited the French site Le Monde and highlighted a few rows of text.

For those so inclined, the S Pen remains a viable tool for sketching and drawing. I handed the Note 8 off to a colleague to create a couple of sketches, and he found the pen to be fairly accurate. However, he wished that the pen offered more nuanced control, as the Apple Pencil does on the iPad.

Battery Life: Surprisingly good

We'll have to wait and see whether the Note 8's battery lives up to Samsung's safety claims, but I can say that the phone lasts quite a long time on a charge. Although the battery's 3,300-mAh capacity is a bit lower than that of the battery inside the ill-fated Note 7, as well as the battery in the Galaxy S8+ (both 3,500 mAh), it turned in excellent results.

On the Tom's Guide Battery Test, which involves continuous web surfing over 4G on 150 nits of screen brightness, the Note 8 lasted a very strong 11 hours and 11 minutes on T-Mobile's network. That's even better than the 11:04 that the S8+ turned in and the 10:39 runtime from the S8, both also tested on T-Mobile. It's possible that the Note 8's extra RAM makes it slightly more efficient.

MORE: Smartphones with the Longest Battery Life

By comparison, the iPhone 7 Plus lasted 10:38, and the Moto Z2 Force ran for 10:23. The LG G6 mustered only 8:39.

Performance: More RAM, serious power

The Note 8 has the same Snapdragon 835 processor as other current Android flagships, but it ups the ante with 6GB of RAM. Most other phones make do with 4GB of RAM; exceptions include the OnePlus 5, which comes with up to 8GB of RAM.

In everyday use, the Note 8 was very swift, whether I was jumping right into the camera from the lock screen instantly (just double-press the home button) or playing Injustice 2 with silky-smooth frame rates. However, there were more than a couple of times when I had to tap the screen more than once for the phone to do what I wanted.

On Geekbench, which measures overall performance, the Note 8 scored 6,564 on the multicore portion of the test. That's better than the Galaxy S8 (6,124), a bit better than the Moto Z2 Force (6,489) and just slightly faster than the OnePlus 5 with 8GB of RAM (6,542).

When it comes to graphics performance, the Note 8 more than holds its own. It notched 39,834 on the 3DMark Ice Storm Unlimited test, which beat the Galaxy S8 (35,903) and edged out the Z2 Force (39,807) and the OnePlus 5 (39,576).

Software: Bixby is underrated

Other than the added capabilities of the S Pen and the App Pair feature for split-screen multitasking, Bixby is the highlight software feature on the Note 8, which runs Android 7.1.1. It's best not to think of Bixby as a direct Siri competitor but rather more of a personal assistant that speeds up tasks that typically take multiple taps.

For instance, I said, "Capture a screenshot, and show it to me in the gallery," and the Note 8 did both tasks in succession successfully. I also liked that I could add specific items to my to-do list by saying them aloud, such as "Add 'approve vacation day' to my task list." At first, Bixby thought I said "A prove," but the mistake was easy to correct.

MORE: Galaxy Note 8: Features to Enable and Disable

The other main highlight is the Apps Edge menu, which makes it easy to pull up your favorite apps without having to go back to the home screen. You can also quickly access your favorite contacts from this menu.

Accessories Aplenty

The Galaxy Note 8 has a new design, so you're definitely going to need a new case for this 6.3-inch monster. The good news is that there are plenty of options to choose from already, including a suede-like Alcantara cover that's available in multiple colors. My favorite is green.

MORE: 11 Best Galaxy Note 8 Accessories

The Note 8 also supports a new version of the Gear VR headset ($129) for people who want to get into virtual reality. The headset comes with a motion controller to make the VR experience more immersive.

DeX Station

If you want to leverage the full power of the Note 8 on a bigger screen, check out the DeX Station, which costs about $125. With this dock, you can run Android apps on a full-size HD monitor, and get a desktop-like experience with a mouse and keyboard connected to the peripheral. More developers are starting to support this accessory, including Zoom, which lets you seamlessly continue your conference call after you plug the phone into the dock.

Bottom Line

Spending nearly $1,000 on a smartphone seems a bit nuts when you can get a very good phone, like the OnePlus 5, for less than $500. But the Note 8 isn't just very good  it is awesome. The combination of its glorious 6.3-inch Infinity Display, excellent dual cameras and more versatile S Pen makes it the big-screen phone to beat. Some people may want to wait for the iPhone 8, but if you're an Android fan, you need look no further.

The Note 8 could be better in some ways. The fingerprint sensor is located in an awkward spot, and the Live Message feature (as novel as it is) doesn't always work the way it should. Then, there's the price. If you don't have a need for the S Pen and you just want a big screen, you'll be plenty happy with the $850 Galaxy S8 Plus. But I'd spend the extra dough on the Note 8 simply because of its dual-lens camera and what you can do with it.

Credit: Shaun Lucas/Tom's Guide


If you were to look at its sub-$200 price, the Moto G5 Plus might not seem like one of the best handsets on the market. But it actually is.

(Image credit: Jeremy Lips/Tom's Guide)

The smartphone, which you can buy at Amazon for as low as $185 (opens in new tab), has earned positive reviews from critics around the Web, thanks in no small part to its upscale design, long battery life, and outstanding value. But there have been a few complaints. Here's what the critics are saying about the new Moto G5 Plus:

Tom's Guide

"With a time of 11 hours and 43 minutes on the Tom's Guide Battery Test, the Moto G5 Plus is the latest addition to our list of the longest-lasting phones." -- Sam Rutherford, Tom's Guide

Tom's Guide's Sam Rutherford took the Moto G5 Plus for a spin, and said that its gesture control support was a welcome addition. Rutherford was also impressed by its long-lasting battery life, and said that the Moto G5 Plus "easily" delivers its value at under $300. However, Rutherford noted that the display could stand to be larger.

The Good

"Equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 CPU, 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage on our test model...the G5 Plus boasts some of the best performance we've seen from a sub-$300 phone. Even with upward of 10 apps running the background, I never had issues with lag or stuttering while flipping between home screens."

(Image credit: Jeremy Lips/Tom's Guide)

"With a time of 11 hours and 43 minutes on the Tom's Guide Battery Test (continuous surfing over AT&T 4G LTE), the Moto G5 Plus is the latest addition to our list of the longest-lasting phones."

The Bad

"I have more of an issue with Moto's inclusion of a micro USB port instead of a more modern Type-C port. While 2016 may have been a transition year, USB-C is the future, and Moto has already put USB-C ports on both the Moto Z and Z Play. There's really no excuse for sticking with an aging micro USB port on the G5 Plus."

CNET

"The thing that makes the Motorola Moto G5 Plus the best budget phone on the planet is that, for the most part, it doesn't feel like one at all." -- Patrick Holland, CNET

CNET's Patrick Holland took the Moto G5 Plus for a spin, and called it the "best budget phone" on the market after testing it out. He was pleased to find the device is splash-resistant and its metal finish was a welcome addition. However, he wished the U.S. version came with near-field communication support.

The Good

"The thing that makes the Motorola Moto G5 Plus the best budget phone on the planet is that, for the most part, it doesn't feel like one at all. It looks, feels and operates like a much pricier phone, which means that wallet-watchers are getting a great deal."

(Image credit: Jeremy Lips/Tom's Guide)

"One of my favorite features is the G5 Plus' fingerprint sensor. (Motorola) added a handful of shortcut gestures that turn the fingerprint sensor into a mini touchpad, a feature it calls One Button Nav."

"The camera uses a 12-megapixel sensor similar to the one in the Samsung Galaxy S7 and S8 (it's a dual-pixel sensor if you're following along). In most situations, I got good sharp photos."

The Bad

"The display worked well indoors and in direct sunlight, but the Adaptive Brightness seemed to make the screen too bright inside so I found myself disabling the feature."

"Music and audio over the G5 Plus' built-in speaker sounds thin and tinny."

The Verge

"Best of all, its a phone that you can take to any major carrier, and itll just work." -- Chris Welch, The Verge

The Verge's Chris Welch had a similar evaluation of the Moto G5 Plus in his review. Like the others, he was impressed by the handset's design and performance, and though the long battery life was stellar. But he would've have liked a nicer screen and the cameras, he says, aren't quite as good as they could be.

The Good

"The 'below this price, you get a lackluster device' line that once existed has officially evaporated when you can buy a phone for as little as $229 with a metal build, phenomenal display, great performance, and satisfactory battery life. And best of all, its a phone that you can take to any major carrier, and itll just work. Very few other bargain phones can offer the same convenience."

"Just about everywhere else, the Moto G5 Plus excels at smartphone stuff. Its got Snapdragons 625 processor inside, and as we saw previously on the Moto Z Play, 95 percent of the time it runs just as smooth and reliably as any $800 phone. And itll outlast several of them between charges."



(Image credit: Sam Rutherford/Tom's Guide)

The Bad

"I wish I could say you were getting that phenomenal camera for half the price, but unfortunately, thats not the case. In daylight, the G5 Plus captures impressive dynamic range (particularly in HDR mode) and keeps pace with cameras far above its price range."

"A Micro USB port isnt the most glaring example of cost-cutting with this phone. That would be the total lack of NFC, which gives you a phone that cant do tap-to-pay with Android Pay or anything else youd use NFC for."

Trusted Reviews

"American versions of the phone lack NFC. As someone who uses contactless payment from my phone nearly every day, I would struggle without it." -- Max Parker, Trusted Reviews

Trusted Reviews reviewer Max Parker was overwhelming impressed by the Moto G5 Plus. He especially liked the device's "great software" and thought that its "decent" storage and memory support was a welcome addition. Still, he wished the near-field communication support would find its way to the U.S.

The Good

"The screen is super responsive and accurate; notably more so than Honor phones of a similar price."

"The performance of the Moto G5 Plus makes me question why the majority of people would need anything faster. Its that impressive."

(Image credit: Jeremy Lips/Tom's Guide)

"The Snapdragon 625 CPU is one of my favorite chipsets, as it combines plenty of speed with fantastic efficiency. It can comfortably handle anything I throw at it and even processor hungry games like Asphalt and Modern Combat are smooth and fast."

The Bad

"American versions of the phone seem to lack NFC, but all other variations do include it. As someone who uses contactless payment from my phone nearly every day, I would struggle without it."

"Things fall apart a bit when the light goes down. The larger pixels and the wide f/1.7 aperture dont make it noticeably better than the G4 Plus. Decent bar shots can be achieved, but youll be play around a bit."

Android Authority

"This processing package is certainly not going to set any benchmarking records, but when it comes to real-world use, everything has been speedy and responsive." -- Lanh Nguyen, Android Authority

Lanh Nguyen at Android Authority says the Moto G5 Plus has a "sturdy design" and a nice screen, and was pleasantly surprised by the "vanilla" Android. Still, he found some of the same problems as the other reviewers, including troubling camera quality.

The Good

"The display gets bright enough for comfortable outdoor visibility and provides excellent viewing angles, color reproduction, and contrast. The screen wont compare favorably when pit against AMOLED displays or those with Quad HD resolutions, but again, the display of the Moto G5 Plus is certainly very good when considering its price point."

(Image credit: Jeremy Lips/Tom's Guide)

"Under the hood, the Moto G5 Plus comes with an octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 processor. This processing package is certainly not going to set any benchmarking records, but when it comes to real-world use, everything has been speedy and responsive."

The Bad

"The U.S. version of the Moto G5 Plus does not come with NFC, which means that the ability to use features like Android Pay go out the window."



"Unfortunately, the quality of the photos is just about average. Low-light is the weakest point of this camera. The images really fall apart, with there being very little detail, and a lot of overexposure and blown out highlights."
The Samsung Galaxy S8 is a very good value because of its captivating infinity display, strong performance and long battery life for under $500.

Why you can trust Tom's Guide Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test .

The Galaxy S8 has been around for a couple of years, but it's still a strong choice for those looking for flagship-level design and solid performance for under $500. The Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ boast 5.8- and 6.2-inch infinity displays, which go from edge to edge, and these handsets feature Qualcomms relatively zippy Snapdragon 835 processor for speedy performance.

Were still not fans of the fingerprint sensors location. But when you add in excellent battery life and improvements to a camera that was already very good, you have two winning handsets with the Galaxy S8 and S8+.

See our best phones list for all of our top picks.

Galaxy S8 price and release date

The Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ were released in April of 2017. You can now get the Galaxy S8 starting at $499 with 64GB of storage. The larger Galaxy S8+ isn't as readily available, but it retails for about $589. However, we've seen this phone for as low as $364 on Amazon (opens in new tab).

You may want to keep an eye out for Black Friday deals and Cyber Monday deals to see if these phones get discounted during the holiday season.



Design: It feels like the future

The Galaxy S8 exemplifies a nearly bezel-free phone done right. Samsung didnt just take away the bezels on this phone; it crafted a space-age work of art with a new infinity display that stretches from edge to edge. The Galaxy S8 not only has a slightly bigger screen-to-body ratio than LGs phone but also looks sleeker because of the way the Gorilla Glass curves toward the edges on the front and back. Other Android phones look like blah, flat slabs by comparison. The S8 is also thinner and narrower than the G6.

The screen on the S8 is 5.8 inches, versus 6.2 inches on the S8+. But other than the difference in display size, the S8 and S8+ have the same design. Overall, we prefer the bigger screen on the S8+, but if you have small hands, youll likely find yourself repositioning the phone in your hand to reach certain buttons, including the home button, which is now a virtual button instead of a physical key. The button worked well in our testing, providing solid haptic feedback. Its flanked by the Recent Apps and Back buttons.

Whats remarkable about the Galaxy S8 is how much more screen real estate it gives you compared with the S7, while still offering a compact and lightweight design. The S8s 5.8-inch screen is housed in a 5.5-ounce, 2.7-inch-wide chassis, whereas the 5.1-inch S7 weighed 5.4 ounces and had the same width. The S8 is taller, but its still easy to use with one hand.

With its 6.2-inch screen, the 6.1-ounce S8+ is heftier than the 5.5-ounce, 5.5-inch S7 Edge. But the S8+ makes the iPhone 8 Plus (6.2 x 3.1 x 0.29 inches, 7.13 ounces) look positively bloated. Plus, unlike the latest iPhones, the S8 and S8+ have headphone jacks.

No matter which size you choose, it wont be long before you see fingerprint smudges on the back of the phone. The smudges were especially prominent on the midnight black version of the S8 and S8+, but you can also choose the lighter orchid gray or arctic silver, which dont show smudges as easily.

Swipe to scroll horizontally

Galaxy S8 Galaxy S8+ Price

From $499

From $589

Display (Pixels) 5.8 inches (2960 x 1440) Super AMOLED 6.2 inches (2960 x 1440) Super AMOLED Camera (Back) 12 MP, f /1.7 aperture 12 MP, f /1.7 aperture Camera (Front) 8 MP, f/ 1.7 aperture 8 MP, f/1.7 aperture Biometric Scanning Facial recognition, iris scanner, fingerprint reader Facial recognition, iris scanner, fingerprint reader CPU Snapdragon 835 Snapdragon 835 RAM

4GB 4GB Storage 64GB 64GB microSD

up to 256GB up to 256GB Battery

3,000 mAh 3,500 mAh Battery Life (4G) 10:39 11:04 Size

5.9 x 2.7 x 0.3 inches 6.3 x 2.9 x 0.3 inches Weight

5.5 ounces 6.1 ounces Colors

Midnight Black, Orchid Gray, Arctic Silver Midnight Black, Orchid Gray, Arctic Silver Android Version 7.0 Nougat 7.0 Nougat Charging USB Type-C USB Type-C Wireless Charging WPC and PMA WPC and PMA

About that fingerprint sensor

We were worried that the fingerprint sensors placement right next to the camera on the back of the Galaxy S8 and S8+ might be a problem. And it was, initially. Because the sensor is fairly narrow, its difficult to target it without looking. We got used to it after a couple of days, but we still wish it were below the lens.

If you dont want to reach around the S8 to unlock your phone, you can choose from a couple of other biometric options that Samsung gives you. Theres facial recognition, as well as iris scanning. Iris scanning unlocks your phone faster and even works in the dark, but it doesnt work in direct sunlight; your eyes need to be fully open, so squinting isnt an option. The facial recognition is not only slower but also had trouble in direct sunlight and doesnt work in the dark.

Our advice? Use the iris scanning everywhere except in the sun, and when there is bright light, just use the fingerprint scanner.

Display: The perfect screen is here

Apple is bringing an OLED screen to the iPhone X, but you have to pay a grand for the privilege. Sporting a resolution of 2960 x 1440 pixels, both the Galaxy S8 and the Galaxy S8+ turned in nearly perfect scores on our tests, offering a very bright picture, amazingly vivid colors and near-perfect color accuracy.

The extra-wide 18.5:9 aspect ratio doesnt work well with some apps, but overall, we like how immersive the experience is when watching video and playing games.

When watching the new Star Wars: The Last Jedi trailer, we could make out every wrinkle in Reys hands as she seemed to levitate the rocks around her with the Force, as well as every rising ring of smoke around Kylo Rens smoldering mask. As the camera panned around to the island where Luke was training Rey, it was hard not to be impressed by the golden sunshine that reflected off the water, as well as the lush, green foliage dotting the mountains.

The S8 backed up our experience by reproducing a superb 183 percent of the sRGB color gamut. That blows away the LG G6s 134 percent, but the AMOLED screen on the Google Pixel scored an even higher 191 percent. (However, when you turn on Adaptive Display mode on the Galaxy S8, it can reach as high as 255 percent.)

If youre looking for accurate color, the S8 can deliver that, too. In its AMOLED photo mode, the display notched a Delta-E score of 0.28 (0 is perfect). The LG G6 was closest, at 1.01, but the Pixel XL was way behind, with 5.88. Like the LG G6, the Galaxy S8s screen is HDR certified, which means you can enjoy a wider range of colors and better contrast on videos that support the standard. Amazon, Netflix and YouTube offer a growing variety of HDR-ready movies and shows.

The 18.5:9 aspect ratio doesnt work well with every app. For instance, in Super Mario Run, we noticed unsightly bars above and below the game. But Samsungs own apps are optimized, and you can fill the screen by pushing a button while watching YouTube and Netflix, even if the video looks a bit stretched out.

Since our initial review, some users complained about a red tint appearing on their S8 screens, but Samsung has released a fix.



Audio: Poppin

For a small speaker, the Galaxy S8 pumps out pretty sweet sound. When we listened to Justin Timberlakes Cant Stop the Feeling, on this phone, the lyrics were clearer, and the volume was louder, than the same track on the LG G6.



The latter handset sounded slightly muffled by comparison. However, you dont get stereo sound from the Galaxy S8 as you do from the HTC U Ultra.



The S8's Snapdragon 835 muscle blitzes every other Android phone on the market.

Performance: A handheld powerhouse

The Galaxy S8 goes boldly forward into a new era of speed, thanks to Qualcomm's Snapdragon 835 system on a chip (at least in the U.S.; in other regions, the S8 will have Samsung's Exynos 8895 chip). The S8 also comes with a healthy 4GB of memory, 64GB of storage (twice the amount you get from base models of the LG G6 and the Google Pixel) and microSD card expansion for people who need even more space.

When you put it all together, the S8's muscle blitzes every other Android phone on the market, but it falls short of the iPhone 8's A11 Bionic chip. The S8 almost always feels exceedingly snappy, no matter if you're vaulting over Goombas in Super Mario Run or mowing down aliens in N.O.V.A. Legacy. We didnt experience any lag when using multiwindow mode for chatting with friends while streaming video on YouTube. If you pay close attention, you may notice that some of the transitions when switching between apps aren't 100 percent smooth, but that seems mostly cosmetic.

In terms of benchmark performance, the Galaxy S8s multicore score of 6,295 in the Geekbench 4 overall performance test was more than 50 percent higher than that of its closest Android competitor, the Snapdragon 821-powered Google Pixel XL (4,146). However, the iPhone 8 scored above 10,000 on this test.



The Galaxy S8's graphics power was also quite impressive, as it hit 36,508 on 3DMark's Ice Storm Unlimited test. Other Android adversaries, like the LG G6 (29,611) and the Google Pixel XL (28,182), were farther behind. But the iPhone 8 scored a much higher 64,532.



New for the S8 is Samsung's Device Management tab, which is best accessed by swiping in from the Edge tab. It offers a quick look at the status of your device, including battery status, power mode (optimized, performance, game or entertainment), available storage and your current memory usage. There's even an optimization button that cleans up any lingering apps and clears your cache, which is a handy tool for people who go weeks or months without actually turning off their devices.

Cameras: Better on both the front and back

When we first found out that the S8's 12-megapixel rear camera is ostensibly the same as the one on last year's S7, we were a bit disappointed. But that rush of emotion was a bit premature, because under the hood, Samsung made some important software enhancements. And then you toss in a new, higher-resolution, 8-MP front cam, and you get a phone that produces noticeably better pictures no matter which shooter you're using.

The most important tweak comes in the form of Samsung's new multi-image photo processing, which mimics the operation of the Google Pixel's HDR+ mode by taking multiple pictures when you press the shutter, selecting the best one, and enhancing that image with extra details and info from the remaining two pics.

When we took both the S8+ and a Pixel XL out for some side-by-side testing, it was clear that Samsung's adjustments have had a pretty positive effect. At a nearby farmer's market, the S8 captured a crate full of apples with better contrast, richer colors and better details than the Pixel XL.



And when I continued down the street, the S8+ topped the Pixel XL again when I snapped a pic of some flowers, this time offering better white balance than Google's phone, as evidenced by the greenish hue on the white flower's petals.



But it wasn't a clean sweep for the S8+. When I really tried to push both cameras to the limit by shooting a backlit scene pointing straight at the sun, the Pixel XL stunned us with a shot featuring big, bold colors and sharp details, even though there was some serious lens flare going on.



Inside, in pretty much ideal conditions, the S8+ and the Pixel XL were again neck and neck. The one difference is that the Pixel's cool color tone brought out the green in the pistachio macaroon, while the pic from the S8 sported a more neutral white balance, which led to a more pleasing overall photo.



Finally, at a local bar with even less light to work with, both the Pixel XL and the Galaxy S8 impressed us with photos that were brighter than the scenes in real life. Small differences included less blown-out highlights in the S8's pic, which was countered by more detail in the darker areas of the scene in the Pixel's photo.

When it comes to tweaking your photos or changing modes, Samsung has added new Snapchat-like filters that let you decorate faces with various animal masks, hats and other silly emojis. But if that doesn't strike your fancy, the camera also comes with modes for shooting panoramas, food, slow-mo and more. And as with all good camera apps, there's also a Pro mode that lets you adjust settings manually.

As for selfies, the S8 and S8+ sport new 8-MP cams with a wide-angle lens, which makes it easy to snap you and all your besties at once. However, compared with the Pixel XL's 8-MP camera, the S8's selfies can sometimes be a little lacking.



We compared photos shot by the S8 and the Pixel XL outside on a sunny day. The Pixel XL's photo had an extra level of sharpness and detail we didn't get from the S8+. Our face looked a little too smooth and perfect on the Samsung, to the point where we were wondering whether Beauty Mode was kicking in even when we had it set to 0.

The Galaxy S8s camera can shoot 4K video at 30 frames per second and slow-mo video at up to 240 frames per second at 720p. (In comparison, the LG G6 shoots at just 60 fps in slow-mo.)

To test the Galaxy S8s video quality, we shot some footage of a pond with fish swimming about in 4K. The S8s footage looked crisper and more vibrant than what the iPhone 7 Plus captured, even if the colors looked a bit oversaturated. However, when we put both phones on a mount to test image stabilization, the iPhone 7s video looked smoother; we saw a bit of stuttering in the S8s footage as we walked up a grassy hill.

For a hallmark feature on a flagship phone, Bixby feels pretty half-baked right now.

Bixby: Still a work in progress



The Galaxy S8 introduces a new personal assistant, Bixby, to take on the likes of Apple's Siri and Microsoft's Cortana. And for a hallmark feature on Samsung's flagship phone, Bixby feels pretty half-baked right now, even after Samsung has rolled out voice controls to its virtual assistant.

The main difference between Bixby and other digital assistants is that it lets you use voice commands to control your phone in lieu of tapping the screen, which can save you time and energy. You can also use Bixby to tell you the weather or look up the definition of quixotic, but its real purpose is giving you a whole new way to control your phone. For instance, you can ask Bixby to show you emails from a specific person by name, and it will slickly pull up all your conversations in just a couple seconds. That's way faster than tapping to open the email app, hitting search and then typing in that person's name.

Bixby can also understand complex commands with contextual language, so you can do things like ask Bixby to post the last photo you took to Instagram and add a caption, all with one command. You can also change almost any setting on the S8 using your voice, which is often much faster than trying to dig through a modern phone's increasingly complex array of menus and tabs.

Or at least, that's how things should work. The big problem is that Bixby's voice-command functionality, while now available, was pretty erratic when we tested it.

Sometimes Bixby will fail to understand your language at all, while other times, Bixby will get confused and try to open the wrong app or adjust incorrect settings. But every once in a while Bixby will get everything right and you won't even be able to tell that its voice commands are still a work in progress. Currently, simple commands have the best success rate.

MORE: 11 Coolest Things Bixby Voice Can Do on the Galaxy S8

As of August 22, Samsung announced that the Bixby voice command feature is now available in more than 200 countries and territories, though you'll still need to use either English or Korean to make it work. Support for additional languages, as well as more third party apps, is in the works.



Then there's Bixby Vision, which leverages the S8's camera along with object recognition to identify items in the world. We found this worked pretty well when we pointed the S8 at various household items, such as shampoos, snacks and aluminum foil. It also works for books. After pointing the Galaxy S8's camera at any object, we could check prices online on Amazon.

Say you're at the liquor store and want to know the rating of that wine or what food to pair it with. Bixby has also partnered with Vivino to identify that bottle and spit back information. However, at a wine store in New York, the feature was more miss than hit, as it seemed to have trouble with the bright lights. At home, however, Bixby identified three wines correctly, though we were greeted with a home server error.

Bixby's other talents include the ability to set reminders and a Bixby Home tool with a card-based interface that shows you your schedule, what's trending on Facebook, the weather, news and other info.

All told, Bixby is a frustrating mix of success and failures, though there is a lot of potential should Samsung work out all the kinks. Thankfully, though, you can turn to the Google Assistant, which also comes preloaded on the S8.

Software: Feature-rich but accessible

Running Android 7.0 Nougat, the Galaxy S8 still has a skin on top of Android, but its fairly intuitive, and Samsungs minimalist, line-drawn icons are easy to understand. We like that you dont have to tap a button to see all of your apps from the home screen; just swipe down from the middle of the screen, and then swipe left to see more apps.

If you swipe down from the very top of the screen from wherever you are, youll see your notifications and Samsungs quick-settings shortcuts. Finally, swiping in from the left provides access to Edge screen shortcuts, such as a customizable list of apps, a device maintenance screen (for battery, choosing performance mode, etc.) and a Smart Select tool for selecting an area of the screen and sharing it or pinning it to the top of your display.

Youll also find a ton of advanced features. The ones at the top of our list include a one-handed mode that you can activate by tapping the home button three times to shrink the screen, as well as the ability to quickly launch the camera by pressing the power key twice.

At least on the T-Mobile S8 we tested, there was minimal bloatware. T-Mobile included just five of its own apps: Device Unlock, T-Mobile, T-Mobile Name ID, T-Mobile TV and Visual Voicemail.

Accessories: Way beyond Gear VR

The Galaxy S8 works with the new Gear VR for those who want to experience virtual-reality games and content, but thats not the only interesting accessory. The new DeX ($149) is a dock that lets you use the S8 and S8+ as a mini PC. The dock can connect to a full-size monitor via its HDMI port, as well as a keyboard and mouse via Bluetooth. It also has an Ethernet jack and a USB port.

Out of the box, the Samsung Connect app will let you access and control various Samsung-branded smart home gear. For instance, you can start your Samsung robot vacuum ($549) or peek inside your Samsung Family Hub fridge (about $2,900) to see what you need from the store while youre out. But youll get a lot more possibilities if you buy Samsung's $169 Samsung Connect Home  a combination mesh Wi-Fi router and SmartThings hub that will let you control other items, such as Philips Hue lights and Netgears Arlo security camera.

Samsung offers a slew of other accessories, including an LED View cover for always having the time in view, a wireless charging stand and more. Check out our roundup of the Best Galaxy S8 accessories and Galaxy S8 cases.

Battery Life

One concern about a phone with this much screen is how that extra real estate might impact battery life. The Galaxy S8+ has a slightly smaller battery than last years S7 Edge (3,500 mAh versus 3,600 mAh), and yet the S8+ improved almost 1 hour, to 11 hours and 4 minutes, on the Tom's Guide Battery Test (continuous web surfing on 4G LTE using T-Mobile's network). The standard Galaxy S8s 3,000-mAh battery endured for 10:39 on the same test, improving on the Galaxy S7's (8:47) time by nearly 2 hours.

We obtained these results with the phones resolutions set to their max 2960 x 1440 pixels. They come with the less demanding 2220 x 1080 setting on by default.

MORE: Smartphones with the Longest Battery Life

Compared to the Galaxy S8+, the Pixel XL's battery life was just a bit longer, at 11:11. The iPhone 8 Plus hit 11:16, while the smaller iPhone 8 lasted 9:54. LG G6 finished way behind, with a time of just 8:39.

On top of that, the S8 has battery smarts that let it learn about your usage patterns to help extend its longevity even further. And when you need to juice the phone back up, you can take advantage of the S8s fast-charging capabilities via its included USB Type-C cable or use one of Samsung's slick wireless chargers (available separately).

Bottom Line

Its clear that, with the Galaxy S8 and S8+, Samsung set out to create more than a phone. Its trying to build a more Apple-like ecosystem, with devices ranging from the Gear VR and the DeX dock to the new Samsung Connect app for controlling smart home gear and the Bixby assistant. Its also evident that Samsung hasnt yet reached that goal, as Bixbys voice features can be hit or miss.

But even with that shortcoming, the Galaxy S8 still beats the Android competition while surpassing the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus in terms of design, display quality and features. The iPhones are better, though, when it comes to sheer speed and their cameras.



Some shoppers will prefer a newer Android phone in the same price range, like the $479 Pixel 3a XL, but overall the Galaxy S8 and S8+ remain good values for those who prefer Samsung handsets.

Credit: Jeremy Lips/Tom's Guide; Comparisons: Samuel Rutherford/Tom's Guide.
Sympathetic Vibrations | Picture Him Rolling This Friday, June 16, would have been the 46th birthday for one of hip-hop's biggest and brightest stars, Tupac Shakur. The emcee - best known for his infectious smile, his towering bravado, and his thought-provoking lyrics - died in 1996 during a drive-by shooting in Las Vegas.

Lot of things about this guy people don't know beyond the many faults of this artist who died two decades ago . . . My favorite fun fact is that that he was exceptionally prolific and spent most of his days in the studio recording volumes upon volumes of verses that kept his name alive long after his violent demise . . . Hip-hop is a billion dollar global industry and while most of it is meaningless tripe, the legacy of an urban poet is honored today by Kansas City rap music purists . . .
"Mike Shanin interviews Michael Austin, Economist for the Kansas Department of Revenue, about what the reversal of Brownback's tax cuts will mean for Kansans. Then Jamekia Kendrix, Shawn Saving, Ron Freeman and Steve Mirakian discuss the political implications of increasing income taxes for conservatives in Kansas, the latest developments in the push for a new KCI and Comey's testimony about Trump."

While local TV is helping to scare the elderly across the metro tonight, let's take a brief moment of respite and witness this Kansas City political round-up from theof Kansas City political discourse.Check the description for those. . .You decide . . .
betrayed by his own party

elected officials from the opposing party

pantsuits

Women's Caucus Played Pivotal Role In Restoring Sanity To Kansas Statehouse The Kansas Statehouse is one of the most ornate in the country. For a while, wherever my family traveled - New Hampshire, Tennessee, Massachusetts, New Mexico - we made a point of visiting capitol buildings to see how they compared with ours.

The Internets is teaching me how toas Huff Post reports the behind the scenes journalistic deets on how the Kansas Guv wasdefeated by a group ofwomen by the power of theirideas. Take a look:
GIVEN THAT KANSAS CITY IS THE LARGEST KNOWN INVESTOR IN THIS DEAL WITH $35 MILLION WORTH OF CITY HALL FINANCING ON THE TABLE . . . AT THE VERY LEAST, TAXPAYERS SHOULD DEMAND THAT THE STRUCTURE DOESN'T RUIN THE SKYLINE!!!

At the risk of being far too sentimental, it's not boastful to acknowledge that Kansas City hosts a world-class skyline where skyscrapers stand like mountains in a carefully crafted landscape that is nearly majestic and a point of pride for all residents.Developer Mike Burke plans to build a big box hotel in front of it.Judging solely from the designs we've seen presented to Council, the plans have shifted from something that was a slightly architecturally impressive to a drab and boring exterior that looks like a Trump hotel from the late 80s.And while plans change in much the same way that the hotel has been delayed at least three times and now promises a groundbreaking sometime in the Fall . . .Meanwhile, tax fighters are still working diligently to put this thing back on the ballot as we simply suggest that consideration of the skyline is also a big concern that has been overlooked so far.Developing . . .
By Press Trust of India: Patna, Jun 16 (PTI) Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today emphasised the need for all round development of agriculture and its allied sector to increase the income of farmers.

"The main objective behind formulating agriculture road map is to increase the income of farmers," Kumar said while addressing a Kisan Samagam here.

The state government has organised a Kisan Samagam at Samrat Ashok Convention Centre (Gyan Bhawan) here to seek suggestions from farmers gathered from across the state on the occasion.

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The government, which has prepared a draft proposal of Agriculture Roadmap for 2017-22, would incorporate the suggestions in the road map before finalising it.

Stating that 89 per cent people of Bihar live in rural areas, Kumar said that "76 per cent people are dependent on agriculture sector to eke out their livelihood in the state. In this backdrop, there is a need for development of agriculture sector and its income."

Kumar, in his last Lok Samvad programme held on Monday last, had said that several parts of the country was facing agrarian crisis which cant be dealt alone by loan waiver scheme, rather NDA government should fulfil its poll promise and give production cost plus 50 per cent as minimum support price (MSP) to farmers.

"Major parts of the country are facing agrarian crisis today...It is ironical that both production and productivity of farm sector have increased, but farmers are in distress as they are not getting fair price of their produce as their input cost is increasing. This is the real problem," Kumar had said.

"The Centre should consider announcing production cost plus 50 per cent as MSP in order to resolve the agrarian crisis," he said.

In his address at the Samagam, Kumar said Bihars villages, at present, do not face any starvation situation rather people here have sufficient income to run their families.

"But it was witnessed that people, who consume liquor, are wasting their money on liquor consumption and hence the state government implemented total prohibition in the state that saved Rs 10,000 crore being spent on liquor," the CM said.

Stating that the state government had introduced its first Agriculture Roadmap for four years from 2008 to 2012 to bring rainbow revolution, Kumar said that both production and productivity increased in the state after the successful implementation of the first road map which emphasised on the use of seed, seed replacement, vermicompost, etc.

The state created a world record in paddy productivity, he added.

Later, the second agriculture road map was implemented between 2012-17 which was also successful in achieving its goals and now "the draft proposal of third agriculture road map (2017-22) has been prepared and it would be meaningless until and unless your (farmers) views/suggestions are heard," Kumar said.

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Some of the farmers complained to the Chief Minister that farmers are in distress and Bihar may also become Madhya Pradesh if things are not improved.

Kumar, who admitted the shortcomings in the entire machinery besides problems in implementation of the scheme, sat with the farmers on the floor and had lunch with them along with his ministers during the lunch break.

Prominent ministers who were present on the occasion included - Deputy CM Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, Agriculture Minister Ram Vichar Rai, Industries Minister Jai Kumar Singh, Animal and Fish Resources minister Awadhesh Kumar Singh and other top officials. PTI AR RG

--- ENDS ---
Hey, you. Yeah, you, the dude reading this. Think you know America? Were sure you do. You look like the sort of intelligent, handsome, perceptive person who really grasps the ins and outs of their home country. But what about the rest of the world. Think ya know it? Think again.

Polling shows 50% of Americans have never, ever been abroad. And while thats easily done in a yuuuge country like the United States, it also means half of all Americans are missing out on some important, firsthand experience of the rest of world. That means a lot of stuff about humanity Americans know only comes through TV, books and YouTube. While you might think thats enough to get a clear picture, other countries respectfully disagree. Here are the top 10 things Americans who dont travel probably dont get about the rest of our big, beautiful world.

10. Even the Most Gun-Friendly Nations Have Far Fewer Guns

The American love of guns is like the love between Romeo and Juliet: intense, all-consuming, and involving far more death than your average romantic affair. But even the biggest gun-toting Texan is probably aware not all other countries share the USAs passion. Still, Americans may not know just how much of an outlier their nation is. Go abroad, and even the gun friendliest nations have far fewer guns than the United States.

The US has 112.6 guns per 100 residents, which means there are more guns in America than actual Americans. Literally no other country on Earth has more guns than citizens. The closest is Serbia, which became awash with guns after the disintegration of Yugoslavia, and now has 75.6 guns per 100 residents. To find a rich nation with high ownership levels, you have to go to Switzerland, which has a paltry 45.7.

The culture surrounding guns is different in other pro-gun countries, too. In 2014, Guns and Ammo magazine named the Czech Republic the gun-friendliest non-American nation on Earth. But go the Czech Republic expecting the sort of gun fairs and 2nd Amendment love-ins you find in the US and youll be sorely disappointed. Czechs regard their guns as tools for hunting and nothing more. To them, the idea of treating their guns as Americans do would be utterly bizarre.

9. Freedom of Speech Isnt a Thing in Most Democracies

You gotta love freedom of speech. The First Amendment is what separates us from places like China and Soviet Russia, right? You simply cant have democracy without free speech.

Or so were often told. If that were true, it would mean the USA was the only democracy on Earth. Why? Because the vast majority of other democratic nations dont have free speech in the sense that Americans understand it. By US standards, theyre heavily censored.

In the US, for example, you are free to say anything that does not incite immediate violence. If you want to burn an American flag while drawing a picture of Mohammed, no-one can stop you. Remember that scene in Die Hard With a Vengeance (NSFW) when Bruce Willis walks around a black neighborhood wearing a placard covered in racist slurs? In the US, hed get beaten up. In European democracies, hed be jailed for hate speech.

In France, for example, its against the law to deny the Armenian Genocide. In Germany, you can go to jail for displaying a Nazi flag. In the UK, you can be fined for calling homosexuality a sin. There are still blasphemy laws in some democracies, something your average untraveled American would likely consider lunacy.

8. Trial by Jury Also Isnt a Thing in Most Democracies

Thats right. One of those other things you thought was an essential pillar of democracy isnt. Trial by jury is so rare in the rest of the world as to be effectively non-existent. According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, around 90 percent of the globes jury trials happen in the USA. This isnt because everyone elses criminals are better behaved, but because most democracies ditched trial by jury decades ago.

In France, for example, you will almost certainly just be plonked in front of judges and given a sentence. In the UK, only the highest-profile cases get jury trials. Since these are the ones everyone hears about, it gives a false impression that the British legal system is like the US, but it really isnt. Only about 2 percent of UK criminal cases end in a jury trial, and thats still high compared to most of Europe. In some countries, jury trials are actually seen as a hindrance to justice being done. After Japan reintroduced a hybrid system of lay judges in 2009, there was an outcry about the emotional burden placed on jurors who were compelled to recommend the death penalty.

7. Brits Barely Remember the Revolutionary War

If you went to an American school, a big part of your education likely involved learning about the Revolutionary War. Since it lead directly to the creation of the worlds only current superpower, you might have assumed everyone else learned about it, too.

Well, prepare to have your view of the world flipped on its head. Most education systems in most countries either only teach the Revolutionary War as a footnote, or dont mention it at all. In Britain, they barely remember it happening, and cant figure out why Americans hate King George III as much as they do the Kaiser. The average European, Australian, African, South American and Asian probably cant even tell you what decade it took place in.

Theres a good reason for this. Historically, the Revolutionary War was important, but nowhere near as important as what came next. The French Revolution shook Europe to its core, and the subsequent Napoleonic Wars took those shook-up remains and shook them even further. Europeans (and Russians) mostly see the birth of America as a kind of prelude to that exceptionally turbulent time, and teach it accordingly. Since the French Revolution inspired Latin Americas Bolivarian Revolutions, South American schools do likewise.

6. Literally Everyone Else Thinks in Grams, Celsius and Meters

Youve probably heard of the metric system, with its bizarre insistence on ditching Fahrenheit for Celsius, feet for meters, and pints for liters. Confusing, huh? Like, what does 52 kilometers even mean? (31 miles, if youre interested). Well, heres something any American who has been abroad will already know: 99% of countries use this confusing system. From their point of view, its the USAs instance on imperial measurements thats insane.

There are only three countries that officially use the imperial system: the USA, Liberia, and Myanmar (AKA Burma). The UK uses a confusing mishmash, whereby everyone thinks of height in terms of feet and inches, but heat in terms of Celsius. Oh, and a UK imperial pint is different to a US imperial pint, just to make your London vacation really confusing.

To be fair, this embracing of the metric system is only at a governmental level. Many former countries of the British Empire (and, boy, are there a lot of those) still understand imperial units, even if they officially use metric. But when you talk about cruising at 55 while enjoying the 82 degree heat, most people on Earth are imagining your loser-mobile crawling along while you roast in a heatwave almost hot enough to boil water.

5. Not Everyone Thinks You Saved Their Ass in WWII

Where would Europe be without America, huh? Twice, the US had to go and kick German hintern and save plenty of British arses and French derrieres in the process.

Well, it might come as a surprise to passport-less Americans that not everyone else sees it this way. In fact, a whole lot of the countries America saved see the US Army less as saviors, and more like guys who came to the party late, then tried to claim all the credit.

The British, for example, think they were the heroes of WWII. The entire national myth is built upon one plucky little island holding out alone against the might of Hitler; keeping up a cheerful spirit even as bombs rained on London. Without the Brits, the British version of events goes, Hitler wouldve run rampant across Europe and been unstoppable.

The Russians, too, think they were the real heroes. The Russian legend of WWII is about the supreme sacrifice of 20 million citizens to defend the motherland from German barbarism, with the entire European theatre essentially a backdrop to this painful struggle. Even the French prefer to talk about their near-mythical resistance rather than the painful wait for American liberators to arrive.

4. Other Continents are Bigger and More Varied Than You Think

Mention Africa to a stay-at-home American, and theyll likely have a specific image in their mind involving elephants, savannah, and uplifting songs about the Circle of Life. The well-traveled American would laugh at such an idea. Despite what US media tells you, other continents are way, way more varied and way, way bigger than you think.

Take Africa. Know the distance between, say, Senegal and Somalia? 4,542 miles. Thats almost the distance from New York City to Honolulu. And thats just straight across the middle of Africa. What about the distance from, say, Morocco to Madagascar? Thats over 5,000 miles; equivalent to the distance separating Maine from Nigeria. That one word Africa encompasses unimaginable distances; between 54-57 countries (depending on if you count unrecognized states like Somaliland and Western Sahara); over 1,500 languages; a huge variety of legal and social systems and histories; terrain ranging from jungle to swamp to mountaintop to desert to forest to grassland; hundreds of cities as complex and varied as the one you live in; and 1.2 billion lives.

And then theres Europe. Most Americans who havent been there think of Europe as a place of quaint old buildings that are much the same, but the variety there is staggering. In a tiny space, Europe fits in so many different architectural styles, philosophical outlooks, histories and people that visiting is like opening a variety box of chocolates designed by Willy Wonka. Americans might tend to think of the rest of the world in monolithic blocks. The residents of those blocks know how unique their often-tiny countries are.

3. Its Far More Routine to Visit Other Countries

So, weve established that its not super, super common for Americans to visit other countries. We may not have established quite how unusual that is. Americans who pride themselves on never leaving the country would probably be surprised to hear just how rare such isolation is in many other parts of the world. Elsewhere, people are hopping between countries just as part of their commute to work.

Were not exaggerating. In France alone, nearly half a million commute across the border every single workday. In the whole of the EU, around 4.5 million work as cross-border commuters, while nearly 20 million live in a different EU state to the one they were born in. Look at Britain, and a huge chunk of the population considers vacationing synonymous with going abroad. In 2014 alone, Brits made 13 million visits to Spain and 8.8 million to France. Within the EUs open-borders Schengen Area, the number of cross-border vacations is so high nobody even bothers to count them anymore.

Its not just Europe. You may not have heard of ECOWAS, the West-African version of the EU. A collection of 15 African states (with more joining), residents have the right to work and reside in any other ECOWAS country, and you better believe they use it. Millions of ECOWAS residents hop abroad at the drop of a hat, and we cant say we blame them.

2. Multiculturalism Looks Very Different Abroad

America is a country built on immigrants. There are huge Irish, Scottish, German, French, Italian, English, Russian, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Jewish descended populations in the USA, plus many more we dont have space to list here. Thats not even including the large Hispanic, Native American and African-American populations. While America actually ranks around the middle in terms of countries by diversity, its still a pretty multicultural place.

But theres multicultural, and then theres multicultural. Go abroad, and diversity elsewhere can look interestingly different to US diversity.

For example, the US has the second-highest black population in the world outside of Africa. While Britain and France both also have large black populations, plenty of other Western nations dont. Most of central Europe has almost non-existent black communities, and seeing a dark-skinned person in Japan is so unusual that locals will openly stare.

Jews are hugely underrepresented in other diverse societies, too. Between them, multicultural France and Britain barely have 700,000 Jewish residents, compared to over 6 million in the US. Sweden, long a haven for multiculturalism, has a mere 15,000. There are historic reasons for all of this of course, but it does show that a diverse city looks very different in the USA to a diverse city in other parts of the world.

1. The Rest of the World Has Some Poor Opinion about Americans

Lets pose a quick rhetorical question. What qualities do you think the rest of the world sees in Americans? If you said optimistic and hardworking you win the prize. According to a PEW Research poll, majorities in most major countries consider those traits as American as apple pie and drunken barfights. Thats the good news. The bad news is that there are some other traits people associate with citizens of the USA, and you might not want to hear them.

Majorities in countries across the globe consider Americans arrogant, greedy, and violent, traits so undesirable the Old Testament felt it necessary to warn against them. Those who think this, by the way, are some of Americas staunchest allies. 64% of UK respondents, 69% of Canadians and Australians, 50% of Japanese, and 58% of French thought Americans were smug and self-satisfied, possibly because they were just fed up with being told the US saved their asses in WWII (see entry #5).

Then theres the president. Without taking sides, its fair to say that other nations just dont get President Trump at all. Over 60% of Brits and Germans, and over 50% of French think the current US administration is actively making the world a dangerous place. In Germany, the White House under Trump is as (un)popular as Russia under Putin. Whether its the rest of the world thats weird in this case, or Americans themselves, well leave for you to decide.

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The Greek Meteorological Services (EMY) has issued an extreme weather bulletin warning of heavy rainfalls and storms for Friday and the weekend. According to the forecast, heavy rains and storms are expected to sweep across mainland Greece, the Sporades island complex and Euobea.

The phenomena will fall off during night, but are predicted to pick up again on Saturday and Sunday. The regions of Macedonia, Thessaly, Thrace and possibly the Sporades isalnds will be affected on Saturday, while the weather front will impact the Peloponnese, mainland Greece, Euobea, Chalkidiki and the Cycladic islands temporarily on Sunday.

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 number of disclosed private equity transactions in the Mena region reached 244 in 2016, recording the highest since 2008, said a new report from the Mena Private Equity Association, a non-profit organisation.



However, the value of disclosed investments decreased by 25 per cent to $1.1 billion; a reflection of the more challenging investment environment and notable transactions included Careem, the UAE headquartered regional provider of transportation solutions, raised $350 million in 2016, added the eleventh Mena Private Equity & Venture Capital Annual Report.



The report was launched in partnership with Deloitte and Thomson Reuters and was sponsored by Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), TVM Capital Healthcare Partners and Morgan, Lewis & Bockius.



The report notes that 2016 marked divergence between trends in private equity and venture capital than has been seen in previous years. The overall number of deals increased, as venture capital investment levels continued to grow. The decline in the number of higher value private equity transactions led to a decline in the total value of investments made.



Key highlights:



 Fundraising in the region remained challenging due to economic headwinds and geopolitical factors. Seven funds were raised in 2016. The number of closes declined to nine and funds raised were at a low of $582 million.



 The largest Mena focused fund raised was the Gulf Capitals $250 million Gulf Credit Opportunities Fund II, a mid-market focused debt fund. Other major funds raised included the $110 million NBK Mezzanine Fund, also focused on providing credit solutions for investee companies.



 2016 recorded ten disclosed transactions in the Mena region with an investment value greater than $25 million, compared to 14 identified in 2015.



 The UAE attracted 62 per cent of Mena investment activity by value in 2016, a substantial increase from 2015. This is due to stability and availability of large and quality assets. Uncertain market conditions in the region attracted fund managers towards investing more in the UAE.



 UAE was also the largest market in 2016 In terms of volume of deals (accounting 34 per cent) followed by Lebanon.



 While investments in the oil and gas industry continue to decline, transport was the largest sector in terms of investment value in 2016 (Careem$350million).Global trends in ecommerce, developments in FinTech and other disruptive technologies including the move towards a more cashless economy, are combining to drive entrepreneurship.



 Investment sentiment continues to favour consumer driven sectors such as retail, healthcare and food and beverage. Education related businesses are also popular.



 Divestment volumes decreased to 14 in 2016 from 21 in 2015. Total divestment value stood at $462 million. Lengthy holding periods and the slowdown in recent years have depressed internal rate of return (IRR) on portfolio investments.



 2016 saw the continued development of venture capital as an asset class in the Mena region. There were a number of significant transactions in the year for venture capital backed businesses. An example is Careem (raised $350million in 2016).



 The UAE led venture capital activity, followed by Lebanon, Egypt and Saudi Arabia.



Salmaan Jaffery, chief business development officer at DIFC Authority, said: As the regional economy continues to develop and grow, private equity has an important role to play in helping good companies become great ones.



This years report has shown a particular increase in appetite for investments in technology-related sectors, such as IT, FinTech, and E-commerce. This is a space the Centre will continue to develop via enhancements to our funds platforms and regulations, as well as initiatives such as FinTech Hive at DIFC, the regions first FinTech accelerator. The DIFC, as a global financial centre, is committed to supporting private equity, whether in traditional sectors or more early stage growth segments focusing on innovation, he added.



The promotion of the venture capital industry has become increasingly prominent, with numbers of incubators and accelerators increasing, alongside a developing legislative framework. Significantly, this in part reflects a government led emphasis, notably in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. The aim is to reduce reliance on the oil and gas sector and foster the development of entrepreneurialism and SMEs.



Dr Helmut Schuehsler, CEO of specialist Private Equity firm TVM Capital Healthcare Partners, and member of the Mena Private Equity Associations Steering Committee, said: There seems to be a true grass roots entrepreneurial movement that has not only benefitted from governmental support in some countries, but also attract increasing amounts of venture capital.



I firmly believe that this development will make the investment sector more active and vibrant, provides better diversification for investors and ultimately will create exciting new companies in the region, he added.  TradeArabia News Service
In the first five months of 2017, the cement sales volume in Saudi Arabia fell 18.7 per cent year-on-year (y-o-y) to 22.6 million tonnes, while clinker production declined 11.3 per cent y-o-y, a report said.



Northern and Najran cement witnessed the highest y-o-y decline during the period by 50 per cent and 43 per cent, respectively, said the Saudi Cement Sector Monthly by Al Rajhi Capital, a leading financial services provider in the kingdom.



For the remainder of the year, demand is unlikely to pick up steeply given that construction activities are bound to remain weak.



Thus, we continue with our 2017 estimate of 14 per cent y-o-y decline in sales volumes (~47 million tons), Al Rajhi said.



Saudi, Yamama, Yanbu and Najran cement hold 50 per cent of the total inventory in the sector by 4.9 million, 4 million, 3 million and 2.8 million tons, respectively. Hail and Najran cement hold the highest inventories as compared to last 12 month dispatches by 178 per cent and 129 per cent, respectively, while Arabian cement holds only 10 per cent which is the lowest in the sector.



Saudi Cements board of directors recommended dividend of SR2.25 ($0.61) per share for the first half of 2017 (vs. SR2.75 for the same period last year).



The cement sector witnessed a YTD decline by 21 per cent (vs. -5.2 per cent in TASI). Companies under our coverage are currently trading at an aggregate forward PE of 14.2x above three-year average of 13.1x.  TradeArabia News Service
InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), one of the worlds leading hotel companies, has announced an agreement with Bukhamseen Group Holding Company to build and operate IHG hotels in Kuwait exclusively with the business conglomerate.



Under the terms of the agreement, IHG will expand its brand portfolio and hotel footprint in the market in an exclusive collaboration with the group.



Founded in 1957, Bukhamseen Group Holding Company is a multinational organisation with business interests in tourism and hospitality, food and beverage, banking, education, engineering, finance, insurance, real estate as well as retail. Based in Safat, Kuwait, the group has operations in several markets in the Middle East including Egypt, the UAE, Syria and Lebanon.



IHG currently operates three hotels in Kuwait in partnership with Bukhamseen Group - Crowne Plaza Al Thuraya City, Holiday Inn Al Thuraya City and Holiday Inn Salmiya.



Additionally, the newest venture, located adjacent to the Crowne Plaza Al Thuraya City and Holiday Inn Al Thuraya City, is the InterContinental Al Thurayathat, which is currently under construction and is due to open in 2019.



The agreement grants countrywide exclusivity (Kuwait) to the Bukhamseen Group for a 10-year term and covers six IHG brands, including InterContinental Hotels and Resorts, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Resort, Holiday Inn Express and Staybridge Suites.

Alan Watts, chief operating officer, Asia, Middle East and Africa, IHG said: We are pleased to be signing an exclusive agreement with our long-term business partner - Bukhamseen Group, for further hotel development in Kuwait. With this signing, we look forward to increasing the momentum of our growth in the country and continue our endeavour to deliver great guest experiences to guests visiting Kuwait for business and or leisure."



Pascal Gauvin, chief operating officer, India, Middle East and Africa, IHG said:Our relationship with the Bukhamseen group goes back over three decades, and together we have established a strong presence for IHG in Kuwait, with three operational hotels and one under construction. Each one of these hotels has a successful legacy in the country and we are confident that our future ventures together will follow suit.



Jawad Ahmed Bukhamseen, founder and chairman, Bukhamseen Group Holding Company said: We have had a rewarding relationship with IHG over the last 30 years. It is our pleasure to strengthen this association further through an exclusive agreement which will allow us to continue to deliver hotels of international standard in Kuwait and cater to the guests looking for a truly local, Kuwaiti experience.  TradeArabia News Service
Saudi Arabia's Kingdom Holding, the investment firm owned by billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, has acquired a seven per cent stake in Careem, a leading ride-hailing service in the Middle East region.



It was done through a secondary share purchase as well as participating in the latest Primary Round E-1 Capital Raise amounting to a total transaction value of $62 million.

As part of the deal, Abraaj Group, a leading investor operating in growth markets, divested its shareholding in Careem to Kingdom Holding Company.



Careem announced the second close of its Series E funding round from leading investors KHC and Daimler AG, the German multinational automotive financing and mobility services provider. In addition, global internet investors DCM Ventures and Coatue Management LLC also participated in this round.



The transaction makes KHC one of the largest holders of Preferred Shares in Careem and will grant the Saudi group a seat in Careems board of directors.



This most recent funding is an extension of the $350 million raised in December 2016 that established Careem as a homegrown unicorn, and commits new investors with enormous capital resources and international expertise to Careems success, said a senior official.

Abraaj said it had closely partnered with Careem and its management team through a critical phase of the companys growth.



The group helped drive and increase corporate client outreach through its strong regional networks, accelerated strategic hiring, and supported the company with expansion into new markets.



Ahmed Badreldin, partner and head of Mena at The Abraaj Group, said: We recognized the opportunity for Careem to scale and rapidly grow its offering across the region. We are proud of the rapid advancements the company made based on our investment and partnership."

Mudassir Sheikha, co-founder and CEO of Careem, pointed out that Abraaj Group had been a great partner for over the past two years and the companys unique regional insights and global resources had been a major contributor to its current success."

"We will continue to expand, innovate, lead and serve our mission of simplifying the lives of people in the region, he noted.



Sheikha pointed out that KHC and Daimler AG bring vital knowledge and insight to the organization as it prepares the next big advances in the journey to shape future outcomes in urban transportation in the region.



"The opportunity for further expansion in this region is huge, not just broadening and deepening our presence in the broader Middle East markets, but also in driving innovation that can have a meaningful impact on our communities," he stated.



Operating in more than 80 cities in the broader region, Careems growth trajectory has continued over the past six months: the ride-hailing service launched operations in Turkey, doubled its number of operational cities in Pakistan, is operational in more than 50 cities in Saudi Arabia and has re-entered Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.



He pointed out that KHC and Daimler AG both bring deep-pockets and a long-term perspective on global technology adoption, and "we are excited to welcome them on this journey to improve the lives of people in the Middle East."



On the key stake buy, KHCs CEO Talal Ibrahim Al Maiman: "The investment in Careem is a continuation of our strategy to invest in new technologies as we have done with previous investments in Twitter, JD.com and Lyft."



"As the leading ride hailing company in the region, and positioned with excellent growth prospects, Careem sets an example for regional businesses by providing employment opportunities to locals and developing talent," he noted.



KHC has nominated its current CFO Mohamed Fahmy Soliman to represent the group in Careems board, he added.



With this transaction KHC has become the second major Saudi-based company to invest in the tech unicorn, following STC, the largest telecom operator in the Middle East, who first invested in Careem in 2013, with the aim of helping build a mobility platform across the Mena region.



This round of funding will promote Careems services across the region, deepen its investor base, now among the strongest in the region, and accelerate its technological innovation, including the roll-out of its Driverless Pods.



In addition to expansion, a series of strategic innovations has seen Careem integrate with Google Maps and Digital Barriers  world leading facial recognition software and global surveillance, - and collaborate with Dubai-based regulator RTA to enable Dubai Taxi booking via the App.



Klaus Entenmann, CEO, Daimler Financial Services AG, said: With our investment in Careem, we are now taking the strategic step to becoming the worlds leading provider of mobility services."



"Careem has quickly leapt to the leadership of ridesharing within the MENA regions by delivering rapid innovation and customer growth, and it is spearheading new ways to transport people from point A to point B," he added.-TradeArabia News Service
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Nepal's new Prime Minister 71-year-old Sher Bahadur Deuba has held the office three times before and has made his return when expectations are low and challenges galore.

Nepal's new prime minister, Sher Bahadur Deuba, is a 71-year-old veteran who has held the office three times before. He returns to power at a delicate and challenging time for his country. Expectations are low. Each of his previous stints in power ended badly. Deuba got started as a Nepali Congress politician when the party was underground, opposing the then monarchist regime. In 1990, he and his colleagues restored multi-party democracy to Nepal. Like many leaders of that generation, his reputation plummeted in the years that followed.

His first, short-lived premiership was in 1996, and is best remembered for his decision to go on a foreign trip right after the Maoists declared a 'people's war'. He ignored it, and the revolution flourished. Nepal changes its prime minister roughly once a year, Deuba's latest turn is the 24th premiership in 27 years. By the time he began his second stint, back in 2001, the insurgency had spread to large swathes of the country. He presided over a state of emergency marked by widespread 'disappearances' and torture in state custody.

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Disastrously, Deuba allowed the then King Gyanendra to persuade him to dissolve parliament in 2002, opening the way to a royal coup. He was expelled from the Nepali Congress and formed the NC-Democratic, attracting a faction of leaders widely seen as corrupt and thuggish. The king fired him as PM for 'incompetence', only to briefly reinstate him for a third term, and then humiliatingly fire him again.

Over a decade later, Deuba is now the Nepali Congress president, the largest with just over one-third of the seats. His main coalition partner is the Maoist former rebels, led by Pushpa Kamal Dahal, a.k.a Prachanda. Their partnership has been blessed by India as a means to keep the belligerent K.P. Oli, of the Unified Marxist Leninist (UML) party, out of office.

A contentious new constitution, which particularly alienated Madhesi communities along the Indian border, was promulgated in 2015. According to the power-sharing deal between Congress and the Maoists, their coalition will oversee a difficult sequence of local, federal and national elections under the new charter. Deuba is supposed to oversee federal and national polls by January.

However, even the local elections are incomplete, and there are threats to boycott and disrupt the second stage. Madhesi leaders maintain their demand that the constitution be amended to address discriminatory provisions on electoral representation, provincial boundaries and a woman's right to pass citizenship to her children. Those amendments are opposed by Oli's UML, which has enough votes in parliament to make passing the bill difficult. Political sensitivities and technical complexities abound. If Deuba can't amend the constitution, and also conduct a series of elections in the face of diverse challenges, all in the next few months, then the new constitution will be threatened before it's even fully implemented, and the risks of future serious conflict will increase.

(Bell is the author of Kathmandu, a history of the Nepali capital)

--- ENDS ---
All inclusive deluxe familiarization tour to Myanmar (Burma) for travel agents only



(TRAVPR.COM) USA - June 15th, 2017 -

Myanmar has recently opened its doors to the world after decades of isolation and now is the time to explore this fascinating country. This FAM trip will focus on the culture, people, arts, pagodas and oppertunity of meeting diffrent ethnic tribal groupsand site inspection of new hotel facilities.

Visit Yangon (Rangoon), Bagan, Mandalay, Amarapura, Irrawaddy River, Mingun, Heho, Inle Lake and back to Yangon.

Tour Departure: August 25, 2017 ex Yangon, Myanmar

Tour Ends: September 3, 2017 in Yangon, Myanmar

Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights

Sponsor: Exotic Journeys International, Chicago, USA and Hotels & Tourism Authority, Myanmar

Cost: 995.00 per person, double. Includes accommodations in 4 star deluxe hotels, internal flights, private and escorted airport transfers, guided sightseeing and excursions, private boat cruising, all entrance and zone fees, 8 lunches, 9 dinners.

Meals: Daily Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Note: This an agent only trip. The single supplement is $ 350.00. Space for 16 Agents only. If soldout, specila discounted rate of USD 1670.00 will apply.

Contact: (800) 554- 6342; email: fams@exoticjourneys.com, Web: www.exoticjourneys.com

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TRB conducted a webinar on Monday, July 17, 2017 from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM ET that featured research from the National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP)s Synthesis 501: Pavement Management Systems: Putting Data to Work.

This webinar examined current pavement management practices, focusing primarily on the types of systems, data analysis and performance modeling, and how data is used to influence agency decisions. The presenters provided several case studies to illustrate how pavement management data can be used to improve data quality, conduct a safety analysis, improve agency performance measures, and monitor contractor performance. Contact Reggie Gillum at RGillum@nas.edu for instructions on receiving a copy of the recorded webinar.

The slides are available.





Webinar Presenters

Katie Zimmerman, Applied Pavement Technology, Inc.

Nathan Moore, Maryland Department of Transportation

Magdy Mikhail, Texas Department of Transportation

Moderated by: Edgardo Block, Connecticut Department of Transportation



Webinar Outline

Overview of NCHRP synthesis Case studies Future directions for research Question and answer session

The first 60 minutes of the webinar will be for presentations and the final 30 minutes will be reserved for audience questions. The Registered Continuing Education Program (RCEP) categorizes this webinar activity as relating to health, safety, and welfare including core technical.

Learning Objectives

At the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:

Describe how pavement management systems are being used to support transportation decisions at the state and provincial levels

Identify trends in pavement management practices in the US and Canada

Identify factors that enabled several states to use their pavement management data for innovative applications

List research and development areas that are needed to further improve the use of pavement management data in transportation agencies

Professional Development Hour Information



A certificate for 1.5 Professional Development Hours (PDHs) will be provided to Professional Engineers (PEs) who register and attend the webinar as an individual. For groups, only the person that registers and attends the session will receive a PDH certificate. Certificates of Completion will be issued only to individuals who register for and attend the entire webinar session.



Individuals registered as Florida PEs are no longer required to email TRB with your license number to report your attendance. Instead, please use your certificate that TRB provides through RCEP.net as verification of your attendance to the Florida Board of Professional Engineers.



Please check with your licensing board to ensure that TRB webinar PDHs are approved by your board.



This webinar was developed in October 2016. TRB has met the standards and requirements of the Registered Continuing Education Program (RCEP). Credit earned on completion of this program will be reported to RCEP by TRB. Complaints about registered providers may be sent to RCEP, 1015 15th Street, NW, 8th Floor, Washington, DC 20005. Website: www.RCEP.net.

Registration questions? Contact Reggie Gillum at RGillum@nas.edu.
By Press Trust of India: Panaji, Jun 15 (PTI) Expressing concern over fall in quality of education, Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar today blamed nepotism prevalent in institutions for it.

He said many colleges hire their family members or acquaintance as teachers, which hampers the quality.

"If you see the educational institutes in Goa, there is a tradition to employ a person from our own family as a teacher. The result is , the quality of education is impacted," Parrikar said at an event organised by state-run Economic Development Corporation here.

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He shared one of his experiences and said during his visit to a centre training teachers, he asked some of the participants why they became teachers, only few could give a satisfactory reply.

"...Some could give satisfactory answer, some could not and some did not answer," he said, adding that the image of being in a noble profession like teaching coupled with a good salary may be the reason why people choose to become teachers, even if it is not their core interest. PTI RPS ARS DK DK

--- ENDS ---
By Press Trust of India: (Eds: updating with more details)

From Sajjad Hussain

Islamabad, Jun 15 (PTI) Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif today appeared before a Supreme Court-appointed team probing the Panamagate graft case, becoming Pakistans first sitting premier to depose before such a panel.

A seemingly-relaxed Sharif arrived at the Judicial Academy - which has been temporarily turned into the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) secretariat - amid tight security.

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According to official sources, more than 2,500 security personnel have been deployed.

The 67-year-old PML-N leader, who was accompanied by his eldest son Hussain Nawaz, brother Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif and son-in-law Muhammad Safdar, waved at party workers and responded to their chants before entering the building.

A large number of PML-N supporters had assembled near the JIT secretariat, waiving their party flags and chanting pro- Nawaz slogans.

"The day that creates history & sets a much required & welcome precedent for others to emulate," Sharifs daughter Maryam Nawaz tweeted along with pictures of the PML-N leader and his top aides just before leaving for the JIT.

Dawn reported that the prime minister will face the 6- member JIT panel alone. It was not known for how long the JIT will question him.

The JIT chief Wajid Zia had summoned the prime minister to appear before the probe team on June 15 with all documents relevant to the case.

The summons was issued to Sharif, 67, after he returned last Saturday from Kazakhstan where he had attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit.

In its judgement of April 20 in the Panama Papers case, the Supreme Court had constituted a JIT and empowered it to summon the prime minister, his sons and any other person necessary, to investigate allegations of money-laundering, through which the four apartments in Londons posh Park Lane area were purchased.

Sharif has denied any wrongdoing.

The Joint Investigation Team had questioned Sharifs sons -- Hussain and Hasan -- last month over the familys alleged improper business dealings.

His eldest son Hussain was questioned five times while Hasan, the youngerson, was summoned twice.

The court last year took up the case and issued a split decision over allegations of money laundering when Sharif was prime minister in 1990s.

On May 5, the Supreme Court set up a high-level six- member JIT to probe Sharif and his sons alleged corruption in the Panama Papers case.

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The JIT is bound to complete the probe in 60 days unless it is granted additional time.

It is for the first time that a sitting prime minister is appearing before a high-level probe team traditionally constituted to investigate high-profile criminal cases.

The JIT probing the offshore holdings of Prime Minister Sharif and his children has also summoned his younger brother and Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, to appear before it on June 17. PTI SH ASK ZH AKJ ZH

--- ENDS ---
CP Bhambhri

Political parties in a highly competitive multipolar political system compete against one another by winning over the support of multiple social constituencies on the basis of distinctiveness of their socio-economic policies and programmes. They also mobilise their supporters and extend their catchment area by targeting the ruling arrangement with a better alternative programme.

Any prophecy in politics is foolhardy. However, keeping in mind the overall context of Indian politics, it is quite plausible for the Narendra Modi-led government to remain in office because the popular mood in the country seems to be quite favourable. Prime Minister Modi has not only consolidated his own position, there is no one leader, especially in an opposition party, who can be considered a real all-India competitor with acceptability among large sections of society.

This peculiar situation needs a concrete and specific response from the opposition parties. Political parties are fast learners, especially from their electoral defeats. The only lesson from 2014 is that a disunited, divided and fragmented opposition can hardly offer an effective political challenge.

A few facts may be mentioned to highlight the efforts which divided opposition parties are making to form a non-BJP opposition front. First, when the BJP was celebrating three years of its government at the Centre on May 26, Congress President Sonia Gandhi had invited leaders of 18 non-BJP parties for a preliminary discussion about a common nominee for the next month's Presidential elections. The real purpose was to bring together opposition leaders to offer a united opposition alternative to the BJP.

Second, on June 3, many non-BJP opposition leaders assembled at Chennai and briefly spelt out their important political differences with the central government. Gradually, non- BJP opposition leaders are starting to sit across the table to spell out their main criticisms of the BJP government at the Centre.

Third, an important step forward in this direction will be taken in Patna in August, where Lalu Prasad Yadav proposes to invite many opposition leaders for a mass rally. The most important achievement and special feature of Lalu Prasad's effort is that for the first time Akhilesh Yadav (Samajwadi Party), Mayawati (Bahujan Samaj Party) and the Congress Party have decided to work together on a forum of non-BJP opposition parties. Incidentally, the electoral washout of all the three in UP and the BJP's extraordinary victory has created a favourable political situation in the country for other non-BJP opposition parties like the CPI (M), the CPI, the Rashtriya Lok Dal, the Janata Dal (United), the DMK, the National Conference, National Congress Party, Trinamool Congress to mention a few important ones, to form a coalition for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. MK Stalin (DMK) appropriately observed at the Chennai celebrations that those gathered here .truly represent North to West to South to East.

A few baby steps have been taken but the future tasks are quite formidable. Such an alliance is meant only for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections because many of the partners have political conflicts at the state or sub-regional levels. This is the reason that these parties plan to come together only for the Lok Sabha elections of 2019 and not for every state assembly election. If everyone involved accepts this fact, only then can they form a non-BJP opposition alliance. Further, this group has to identify and agree on minimum issues for which they can work together and effectively oppose Narendra Modi's policies.

The quintessence of alternative politics is that the opposition's programme and policies should be really different. A non-BJP opposition alliance should not fall in the trap of making the 2019 electoral contest revolve around the personality of Narendra Modi. In a personality-based contest, Modi will receive very high support. The non-BJP alternative should instead focus attention on issue -based politics and try to corner Modi on its Himalayan blunders in national security and the disaster wrought on the common man on social and economic issues.

First of all, they should take up the extremely disturbed situation in the Kashmir Valley by not only opposing the strong-arm military approach adopted by Narendra Modi, but also compel him to work for a national consensus to find a political solution. Some opposition parties had visited the Kashmir Valley and met local leaders but the Centre cold shouldered the initiative. A newly formed group, with former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh as the chairman, should mobilise public opinion for providing a healing touch to the Kashmiris. The opposition coalition should frontally attack the Modi government's non-political approach towards the Kashmir problem and work for a solution that offers a real political alternative. They must explain to their constituents how the Modi government is completely at fault on Kashmir. The non-BJP opposition groups have to project themselves as the national alternative and should play a national role on Kashmir. Their politics can be based on the mobilisation of dissatisfied and discontented social constituencies like the Dalits. The opposition political groups can attack, and quite successfully, the Hindutva politics of the BJP and the RSS which has logically led to the alienation of Dalits in the BJP-ruled states like Gujarat, Maharashtra et al. A political-ideological struggle has to be launched on the issue of growing atrocities against Dalits, especially in the BJP-ruled states. The non-BJP opposition parties can offer alternative policy solutions to the crises faced by the farmer communities as witnessed in various states like Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and UP.

The moral of the story is that opposition groups have to offer an alternative package of policies and programmes to those different sections of society that have developed feelings of deep neglect and alienation from the Modi government. Only if the opposition offers an alternative programme to diverse strata of society, can it mount an effective challenge in 2019. The package of alternative politics can emerge only from the grassroots and regional leaders. They are best placed to highlight how the political ideology of Hindutva cannot offer solutions to the felt needs of the deprived strata like Dalits or marginal farmers. This is the road to alternative politics. A secular, democratic political alliance can confront the BJP in 2019 by preparing an agenda of alternative politics and by immediately appointing a coordination committee with a convener to systematically organise protests against the Modi government.





The writer is Professor Emeritus, Centre for Political Studies, JNU.
Tribune News Service

Ambala/Hisar/Panipat, June 16

Haryana is witnessing state-wide blockades on Friday as various farmers unions and political parties have congregated on the highways to protest for farmers issues.

Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU) members assembled in Ambala to block the highway near Mohra. They parked their tractors on the highway to block the roads but later removed their blockade and cleared the highway.

(Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd)

BKU chief Gurnam Singh Charuni addressed the farmers and asked them to remain peaceful and give way to ambulance and fire brigade.

As many as 10 companies have been deployed to handle the situation while traffic would be diverted. MP Dushyant Chautala will also join the farmers protest in Ambala.

Indian National Lok Dal workers burnt the effigy of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan under the elevated flyover near mini secretariat in Panipat.

While in Kurukshetra, Congress workers assembled at the mini secretariat for Kisan Panchayat. Beri legislator Raghbir Kadyan tables 12-point charter of demands to improve the financial condition of farmers at Congress' Kisan Panchayat'.

Former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda demands implementation of Swaminathan Commission report. He called for unity to fight for farmers' cause. He also said he is not a contender for the CM post.

He demanded pension and health insurance for farmers.

In Karnal, INLD workers led by former Agriculture Minister Jaswinder Sandhu took out a protest march towards the mini secretariat. They are demanding loan waiver for the farmers.

The venue for blocking the national highway from Rohtak to Panipat via Gohana at Rukhi village in Sonepat district was shifted to Ghollor village in Rohtak district.

Vehicular traffic towards Rohtak was diverted from Gohana. From Gohana it was diverted to Kharkhoda and Kathura side.

Police also diverted traffic on the road going from Candigarh to Hisar and Hisar-Jind road.

Police detained some youths after a minor clash near Khanda turn in Narnaund town in Hisar. The police foiled the bid to block the road.

As farmer outfits gear up to block highways, the authorities have warned registration of cases against those who indulge in any unlawful activity.

Dhirendra Khadgata, Additional Deputy Commissioner, chaired a joint meeting of the administration and the police yesterday. He urged protesters to organise a peaceful dharna. He said the police would register cases against those who violate law.

He cited the example of the court verdict in Tosham subdivision recently, which handed down a three-year jail term to 10 persons for blocking a road during the Jat agitation last year.

The authorities also urged the commuters not to venture out between 12 noon and 3 pm due to the blockade threat.

The administration, however, had deployed duty magistrates at different places and also put the fire and ambulance services on alert in case of emergency.

Former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda demanded ensured minimum prices for agricultural and horticulture crops for financially empowerment of the farming community.



Kicking off statewide farmer protests from Kurukshetra, Hooda demanded a legislative provision to penalise individuals not adhering to fixed prices for crops and called for a united fight for farmers cause.

He said nothing less than complete implementation of Swaminathan Commissions recommendations would be acceptable.

Congress will hold protests in Sirsa (June 21); Rewari (June 25) and Sonepat (July 1) and a Mahapanchayt in Jind on July 5, before ending them in Nuh on July 7.
Shimla, June 16

The Shimla Municipal Corporation (SMC) elections registered over 60 per cent voter turnout in its 34 seats that went to polls on Friday. The percentage is likely to go up slightly, an official said.

Showers late in the afternoon slowed down the voting process.

"The elections in all the constituencies ended peacefully. The poll percentage was over 60 per cent by 5.30 p.m. and will certainly go up by three to five per cent," an electoral officer told IANS.

Tibetans in exile also exercised their franchise in the elections to the oldest municipal corporation in the country after Chennai and Kolkata.

Voting began on a dull note, with below five per cent polling in the first hour and by 10 a.m. rose to 15 per cent. It picked up gradually as the day progressed and recorded 45 per cent by 2 p.m. However, rain slowed down the polling again around 3 p.m.

Women turned out in strength compared to the men.

A total of 126 candidates, including 50 women, are in the fray but the candidates are not contesting on party symbols.

Unlike the last elections in 2012, when residents elected the mayor and his deputy, this time votes were only polled for councillors. The group with the maximum councillors will have internal polling for mayor and deputy mayor.

The last civic body polls saw 65 per cent polling.

The state Election Commission has set up 153 polling stations to enable over 91,000 voters to exercise their franchise through electronic voting machines.

The BJP has supported 34 candidates, the Congress 27 and the CPI-M 22 candidates. The Communists are supporting six independents.

Votes will be counted on Saturday.

Interestingly, the age-old issues of water shortage and the spread of waterborne diseases continued to be the main poll issues, besides shortage of parking lots and traffic jams.

In 2012, the CPI-M won the Mayor and Deputy Mayor posts as also election for one councillor's seat. It thus ruled the Shimla Municipal Corporation with only three members in the 25-seat house -- the majority of the councillors were from the Congress.

The civic body in this erstwhile summer capital of the Raj had been ruled by the Congress for 26 years in a row till the last elections.

IANS
Srinagar, June 16

A 25-year-old woman was injured when militants fired upon her in south Kashmir's Kulgam district, police said on Friday.

Suraya Jan was injured when unidentified militants fired upon her at her residence in Katrasoo village of Kulgam late last night, a police official said.

He said Suraya received injuries on her right leg.

She was rushed to a district hospital, where from she was referred to SMHS Hospital here for further treatment, the official said.  PTI
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, June 16

A private dental clinic from BRS Nagar organised a free dental check-up camp at city schools. As many as 50 students each of Tiny Newtons Kindergarten and Kidzee Pre-school, Bhai Randhir Singh Nagar, were examined for dental hygiene and care.

In the camp, Dr Simran Sidhu, pedodontist (child dental specialist) said, Dental hygiene is an indispensable element of a good health. So, educating a child right from a young age towards dental care not only aids in creating awareness but also prevents future dental problems.

During the camp the students were checked for general oral hygiene, developing malocclusion, early childhood cavities and oral habits such as thumb sucking which further has detrimental effects on developing jaws. Dr Nikhil Kalra, prosthodontist said, Each student was checked on dental care and suitable treatment advice was mentioned on their respective dental check-up mark sheet.
Mumbai, June 16

Key mastermind of the 1993 Mumbai blasts case Mustafa Dossa and extradited gangster Abu Salem were on Friday convicted by a special TADA court here.

Also read:Mumbai blasts were carried to avenge Babri demolition: CBI

While Dossa was convicted on charges of conspiracy and murder under various Sections of the IPC besides offences under the TADA Act, the Arms Act and the Explosives Act, Salem was found guilty of transporting weapons from Gujarat to Mumbai ahead of the blasts.

(Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd)

He had also handed over to actor Sanjay Duttwho was an accused in the case for illegally possessing weaponsAK 56 rifles, 250 rounds and some hand grenades at his residence on January 16, 1993.

Two days later on January 18, 1993, Salem and two others went to Dutts house and got back two rifles and some rounds.

Earlier, the court had dropped certain charges against Salem in 2013 after the investigating agencyCBImoved a plea, saying those charges were against the extradition treaty between India and Portugal.

Dossa allegedly masterminded the landing of explosives, including RDX, in India and sent some youth to Pakistan to acquire arms training to execute the blasts.

The dastardly attacks had left 257 dead, 713 persons seriously injured and destroyed properties worth Rs 27 crore.

In the first leg of the trial that concluded in 2007, the TADA court had convicted 100 accused in the case, while 23 persons were acquitted.

The trial of the seven accusedAbu Salem, Mustafa Dossa, Karimullah Khan, Firoz Abdul Rashid Khan, Riyaz Siddiqui, Tahir Merchant and Abdul Quayyumwere separated from the main case as they were arrested at the time of conclusion of the main trial.

On March 12, 1993, the countrys commercial capital witnessed an unprecedented terrorist attack when a series 12 bomb explosions took place one after another in about a span of two hours.

The blasts took place at Bombay Stock Exchange, Katha Bazaar, Lucky petrol pump near Sena Bhavan, opposite Passport office near Century Bazaar, Fishermens colony at Mahim Causeway, at basement of Air India Building, Zaveri Bazaar, Hotel Sea Rock, Plaza Theatre, Centaur Hotel (Juhu), Sahar Airport (Bay no.54) and Centaur Hotel (near airport).

This was the first-ever terrorist attack in the world in which RDX (Research Department Explosive i.e cyclotrimethylene trinitramine) was used on such a large-scale after the Second World War.

According to the prosecution, in order to avenge the demolition of Babri Masjid, members of the crime syndicate under the fugitive don Dawood Ibrahim along with other absconding accused Tiger Memon, Mohammed Dossa and Mustafa Dossa hatched a conspiracy to commit terrorist acts in India.

The prosecution said that the object of the crime was to commit terrorist acts with an intent to overawe the Government of India, to strike terror on the people, alienate section of the people and to harm the communal harmony.

It said that the conspirators smuggled fire-arms, ammunitions, detonators, hand grenades and highly explosive substances like RDX into India and stored it.

According to the prosecution, Mustafa Dossa, Tiger Memon and Chhota Shakeel organised training camps in Pakistan and in India to impart and undergo weapon and arms training and handling of explosives. They also sent men from India to Pakistan via Dubai for arms training.  PTI
Mumbai, June 16

BJP president Amit Shah arrived on a much-anticipated three-day visit to the city on Friday, the highlight of which will be a meeting with ally Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray.

He was received at the Mumbai airport by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and his cabinet colleagues, BJP state President Raosaheb Danve, BJP city chief Ashish Shelar, party MPs and MLAs, and enthusiastic party activists.

Though his agenda is being kept under wraps, speculation is rife on whether he would discuss the prospects of a snap mid-term poll in the state.

The political atmosphere in the state is highly charged with the recent farmers agitation, an increasingly confrontationist ally, a belligerent opposition and even pressure from within party ranks.

According to sources, the party may consider the idea of jumping into a mid-term poll coinciding with the crucial assembly elections due in neighbouring Gujarat by the year-end.

On record, the party has declared it is ready for a snap poll on Saturday and is supremely confident of romping back to power independently.

Shah is currently on a three-month nationwide tour covering all states to take stock and strengthen the party organisation across India, as part of the three-year celebrations of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in power under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In Mumbai, he is expected to hold a series of meetings starting with Fadnavis and his cabinet ministers at Varsha, the Chief Ministers official residence, with state legislators and MPs at Sahyadri Guest House, and party leaders and activists at the Garware Club involving top and lower rung cadres.

Besides, he will meet leaders of the allies, including Thackeray, with whom he is expected to discuss and solicit Shiv Sena support for the upcoming Presidential elections.

He will also meet top leaders of (allies) Republican Party of India (A), Rashtriya Samaj Party, Shivsangram Party and Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana to ascertain their views on various political issues. IANS
New Delhi, June 16

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Portugal on June 24 and The Netherlands on June 27 to take bilateral economic, trade and other relations with these two countries forward.

MEA official spokesperson Gopal Baglay said, "My first announcement is about the forthcoming visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to The Netherlands on June 27. This will be a working visit. Prime Minister Modi will hold official talks with the Prime Minister of Portugal- Antonio Costa and is also expected to call on the King of The Netherlands. We are working on several documents to strengthen India-Portugal economic, scientific and cultural engagements and we expect to finalise and sign these documents essentially which are in the nature of memoranda of understanding."

Asserting that India and Portugal enjoy good relations, Baglay said New Delhi has given a new momentum to the relationship when Prime Minister Costa visited India in January.

"As you know, India and Portugal enjoy an environmental relation, the two countries share historic and common-cultural ties with a strong people to people connect. The visit of the Prime Minister Costa to India in January 2017, had imparted a new momentum to the relationship. During the forthcoming visit of the Prime Minister Modi to Portugal, we look forward to continue that momentum. We look forward to a useful, productive and successful visit of the Prime Minister Modi to Portugal on June 24," he added.

Sharing more about Prime Minister Modi's visit to The Netherlands, Baglay said that the visit assumes significance as India and The Netherlands are celebrating 70 years of establishment of diplomatic relations this year.

"Prime Minister Modi will be visiting The Netherlands on June 27. The visit assumes significance as India and The Netherlands are celebrating 70 years of establishment of diplomatic relation this year- This will also be a working visit. During his visit, he will also meet the Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte and will hold official talks there too. Relations between India and The Netherlands are warm and friendly, while economic relations form the core of these relations. The Netherlands is the leading foreign investor in India as a large number of Dutch companies are active in India. Summarily, a significant number of Indian companies are based in The Netherlands, so we look forward to boosting economic corporation and relations, bilateral trade and relations, and also cooperation in other areas too....," Baglay added.

Bagley also spoke about Prime Minister Modi's visit to Washington D C, where he might have an interaction with the Indian community there.

"You already know about the Prime minister's visit to the United States, which we had announced a few days earlier. From Portugal, the Prime minister will travel to the United States, and from there, he would travel to The Netherlands," Baglay said.

It will be Prime Minister Modi's first meeting with President Donald Trump, whose presidency began on January 20 this year.

Describing India as a true friend of the US, Trump had invited Prime Minister Modi to visit the country after both leaders had a telephonic conversation in January this year. The two leaders have spoken over phone at least thrice since the latter assumed office. ANI
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, June 16

Australian High Commission and Australian Department of Immigration and Border Protection on Friday announced that all Indian nationals would be able to apply Visitor visa applications for Australia online from July 1.

The Acting Australian High Commissioner to India, Chris Elstoft, said eligible Indian nationals could now apply online for a Visitor visa through the Departments Immigration Account portal.

The online application option will make applying for Visitor visas easier and more convenient for Indian visitors to Australia, Elstoft said.

Online application offers benefits such as round-the-clock accessibility, electronic payment of the visa application charge and the ability to check the status of applications.

With the applicants permission, the online form can be completed by a third party such as a family member in India or in Australia, a travel agent, or VFS, the Australian contracted visa application centre.

Processing times for these visas will now be faster, as both applications and supporting documentation are immediately available to the processing office, the acting High Commissioner said.

This is good news for every Indian visitor to Australia, whether they are travelling for business or pleasure.

Being able to check the status of an application online as soon as it is finalised will allow Indian applicants to finalise their travel arrangements as soon as possible, confident that they have first obtained the necessary visa for their visit.

With the rising popularity of Australia as a holiday destination, there has been a significant rise in demand for Australian visas in India, Elstoft said, adding, There were more than 2,65,000 Indian visitor arrivals from July-March 2017, an increase of 15.4 per cent compared to the same period last year.
Mumbai, June 16

TDP MP JC Diwakar Reddy has been banned by all domestic airlines following his alleged unruly behaviour at the Visakhapatnam airport as he was denied boarding for an IndiGo flight.

Full-service carrier Vistara and budget airlinesGoAir and AirAsia Indiaon Friday barred Reddy from their flights.

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Air India, SpiceJet and Jet Airways followed IndiGo yesterday, which imposed the flying ban on him.

In a show of unity, all major domestic airlines have barred Reddy from taking their flightssimilar to action taken by the carriers after the incident involving Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad earlier this year.

After careful consideration of the various issues and ramifications of the actions of Reddy, GoAir has also taken a decision of not accepting any further bookings for the said passenger, the airline said in a statement.

An AirAsia India spokesperson said it has also barred Reddy from flying.

In support of the fellow carriers, Vistara has also taken a decision to impose flying ban on J C Diwakar Reddy, a Vistara spokesperson said.

On Thursday, Reddy was scheduled to fly IndiGos flight 6E-608, which departs from Visakhapatnam at 8.10 am, to Hyderabad.

But he reached just 28 minutes before the scheduled departure, according to the airline.

As per norms laid out by the aviation regulator, airlines close check-in counters for all domestic fights 45 minutes prior to departure.

Reddywho had allegedly vandalised the Air India office at Gannavaram airport in Vijaywada last year after he missed his flightgot into a verbal spat with the ground staff and threw a printer kept at the airlines counter after he was informed that boarding for his flight had closed.

Aviation Minister Raju orders probe

Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju said he will get the entire incident involving TDP MP JC Diwakar Reddy at Vizag airport enquired into and will ensure that lawful outcomes follow.

Reddy, who is from the same party as that of the minister, allegedly created a ruckus at Vizag airport yesterday after being denied boarding by IndiGo as he was late.

While the MP was finally accommodated on the same flight, all the major domestic carriers, including IndiGo, later banned him from their flights.

A day after the incident, Raju today said the entire matter would be looked into.

I will get the entire incident at Vizag Airport enquired into to find out the exact details and ensure that lawful outcomes follow, he said in a tweet.

The minister also denied a media report that he had intervened to ensure that Reddy was allowed to board the IndiGo flight and said there was no such intervention. PTI
CM Tejaswi Yadav has slammed the media and said that RJD chief and his father Lalu Prasad was a source of employment for them.

By Rohit Kumar Singh: Angry over his family members coming under the scanner of the Enforcement Directorate and the income tax department on charges of corruption and the media's continuously reporting about them, Bihar Deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav has slammed the press, saying that RJD chief and his father Lalu Yadav was a source of employment for them.

"There are many journalists whose jobs are secured because of Lalu. My father has been a national leader for the last four decades. Whether in power or not, he remains significant", deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav posted in his latest series of"Dil Ki Baat".

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Tejashwi in his post said that media had remained biased against Lalu for several decades and never showed anything positive about him. Tejashwi claimed that his father was a true "gau palak" and "gau sevak", but the media never reported about that. He also took a jibe at Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and said that he had become the poster boy for the media, which reported whatever he did.

"The media by now have on their finger tips how many cows Yogi Adityanath has and how much dung they give and what is the colour of the dung", wrote Tejashwi Yadav.

MEDIA REPORTS NOTHING POSITIVE ABOUT LALU: TEJASHWI

He also defended his brother and Health Minister Tej Pratap Yadav's frequent visit to religious places recently. Tejashwi said, "When PM Narendra Modi and UP CM Yogi Adityanath visit a religious place, media reports about them in a positive manner. But whenever my brother does the same, it is presented as a pleasure trip."

"When PM Modi and Adityanath go on a pilgrimage, media reports as if demigods have come themselves to worship the God", said Tejashwi.

The deputy chief minister also defended Lalu over a recent controversy where a team of three doctors and two nurses were deputed at his residence when he was unwell.

"If Lalu goes to a private hospital, media will report that leaving patients in distress in govt hospitals, he goes to private hospital for treatment and if government doctors treat him, media says he was misusing government resources. This is hypocrisy", said the deputy CM.

ALSO READ:

Rabri Devi backs demand for Tejaswi to be Bihar CM, calls it 'janta ki maang'

Bihar: Clamour grows within RJD for Tejaswi as CM, Lalu says he is the future

ALSO WATCH VIDEO

--- ENDS ---
Yash Goyal

Jaipur, June 16

A 45-year-old farmer allegedly committed suicide by hanging himself from a tree at Medak-Kala village in Jalore district of Rajasthan on Wednesday.

The victim, Gulabaram, was suffering from economic problems, an investigating cop of Raniwara police station told The Tribune on Friday.

The deceaseds son, Manglaram, filed a case with the Raniwara police that his father committed suicide due to aarthik tangi.

The autopsy was done and the body was cremated by family members.

Villagers who spotted the body in the agricultural land said Gulabaram was facing a farm loan burden and irrigation problem.

Meanwhile, PCC chief Sachin Pilot said the BJP government is living in denial and not paying a paisa as compensation to the victim farmers.

So far 61 farmers have committed suicide due to a number of farm-related problems in the state, Pilot said.

The Raje government was sitting idle on such serious issues and not even giving them ex-gratia. The farmer was having a cash loan burden of Rs. one lakh and his crop failed as there was water scarcity in Jalore district, Pilot said.
New York, June 16

The CBI has responded strongly to a New York Times editorial on the NDTV raids, calling it one-sided and asserting India does not require any lesson on freedom of the press from the US daily.

In response to the June 7 editorial Indias Battered Press, the CBIs press information officer and spokesman R K Gaur said the editorial gives the impression that action is not being taken against other big loan defaulters and that the raids on NDTVs founders were a part of a vendetta against the broadcaster.

Read: Prannoy Roy booked, NDTV calls it 'witch-hunt'

Due process of law followed: CBI on action against NDTV



NDTV raids condemned by politicians, media groups



Journalists decry 'Emergency-like' raids on NDTV

Residents protest CBI raids on NDTV

The editorial is one-sided and doesnt consider the investigation history of the case against RRPR Holdings, NDTVs holding company, by different tax and law enforcement agencies in India since 2011, he said.

Gaur said in the entire case against the NDTV due process of law is being followed.

India has a robust and independent judiciary that strongly protects democratic freedom and that an aggrieved person can always approach. India does not require any lesson on freedom of the press from The Times, he said in his letter to the Editor, adding that our institutions and traditions are nurtured by our rich and diverse cultural heritage and democratic ethos.

The editorial had said that even as Indias state-owned banks are holding bad debt of about $186 billion, the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has hesitated to go after big defaulters.

But suddenly we have dramatic raids against the founders of an influential media company  years after a loan was settled to a private banks satisfaction, the editorial said.

In his letter to NYT, Gaur said the Central Bureau of Investigation is currently investigating over 100 criminal cases worth a total loan default of over $5 billion.

Many of the leading loan defaulters are behind bars, their assets attached, and prosecutions are being pursued vigorously in the courts, he said.

Gaur noted that ICICI banks loss is merely tip of the iceberg and that RRPR Holdings is also being investigated for irregularities in the mobilisation of funds used for loan repayment. He alleged there have also been serious defaults in tax payment.

To the NYT editorials assertion that NDTV Hindi was taken off the air for a day for reporting on a sensitive attack on an air base, Gaur said the decision was arrived at after a proper inquiry in which NDTV also participated.

No democracy can allow the countrys security and public safety to be compromised by irresponsible reporting of terrorist incidents, he said.

The New York Times editorial board had said that press freedom in India suffered a fresh blow when the CBI raided homes and offices connected to founders of NDTV.

The raids mark an alarming new level of intimidation of Indias news media under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the editorial had said. PTI
KV Prasad

Tribune New Service

New Delhi, June 16

The Ministry of External Affairs said on Friday that 39 people from Punjab currently trapped in Iraqs war-torn Mosul were alive.

MEA spokesman Gopal Baglay said India had no information that stated otherwise.

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"We are in touch with all countries that can help us, he said, although he was unwilling to say more, saying only that it was sensitive.

A US-backed offensive to recapture the city that fell to the hands of the Islamic State two years ago entered its ninth month on Friday.

The United Nations refugee agency UNHCR said over 100,000 civilians remain trapped behind Islamic State lines in Mosul. With agencies
Sanjeev Singh Bariana

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, June 16

Abuses flew thick and fast in the Punjab Assembly on Friday as SAD and Congress MLAs exchanged words over the alleged use of unparliamentary language against Tourism and Culture Minister Navjot Sidhu after he blamed SAD chief Sukhbir Badal for the failed tourism project at Harike.

As Sidhu struggled to match the shouting by SAD MLAs during Question Hour, Congress MLAs Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, Kuljit Singh Nagra, Parminder Singh Pinky, Rana Sodhi and others stormed into the Well of the House and exchanged words with SAD legislators.

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SAD MLA Rozy Barkandi was even pushed by Ghanaur MLA Thekedar Madan Lal Jalalpura.

Following this, Speaker Rana KP adjourned the House for a third time.

Earlier, as soon as the Speaker announced the name of Ajaib Singh Bhatti as the Deputy Speaker, SAD-BJP MLAs came to the Well of the House and started raising slogans over the governments failure to waive farmers loans as promised. The protesters included Pawan Kumar Teenu, Ajit Singh Kohar, NK Sharma, Harinder Pal Singh Chandumajra and Arun Narang.

The protests became louder as Sidhu got up to reply. Sidhu lost his temper while replying to a question on the Harike project after comments were passed against him. An enraged Sidhu spoke about the alleged illegal activities of the Badals. He said the Harike project was doomed, adding that the Badals had gifted the PRTC a loss of Rs 350 crore just to profit their own transport venture.

Speaking after the third adjournment, an exasperated Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh said, Frustrated by the loss in the recent elections the SAD is trying to impress the farmers. I am not scared of anyone. Where were they for 10 years? We are coming up with a debt waiver in the budget next week. Give us some time.

In a separate development, the Speaker ordered the security to seize the mobile phone of Bholath MLA Sukhpal Khaira following a complaint by Congress legislators. Khaira was seen filming the proceedings of the House and posting them on Facebook.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Brahm Mohindra said recording the proceedings of the House and making them public is unlawful. AAP MLAs stood up in protest saying a majority of Congress MLAs had mobile phones with them. Khaira walked out of the House while the ruckus continued and the Speaker once again adjourned the House.

In reply to the questions concerning the shortage of staff in the health sector raised by Gurkirat Singh, Kulbir Singh Zira and Rajnish Kumar, Health Minister Brahm Mohindra said the Chief Minister had already spoken about the shortage of funds needed to appoint staff and they were coming up with a solution soon.
Amir Tantray

Tribune News Service

Jammu, June 16

An Army soldier from Punjab was on Friday killed in cross-border firing along the Line of Control (LoC) in Nowshera sector of Rajouri district.

The soldier has been identified as Naik Bakhtawar Singh (34), of Hajipur village in Mukerian, Hoshiarpur district.

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He is survived by his wife Jasbir Kaur and three children, son aged 11, daughter aged 9 and another son aged 10 months.

Giving details, PRO Defence said the Pakistan Army initiated unprovoked firing on Indian Army posts in Nowshera sector at around 5.15 am today. Indian Army retaliated strongly and effectively but in the exchange of fire, Naik Bakhtawar Singh was grievously injured and succumbed to his injuries while being evacuated to the Military Hospital.

The wreath laying ceremony will held tomorrow at Rajouri. The mortal remains of the soldier will then be transported to his native village where he will be laid to rest with full military honours.

Naik Bakhtawar Singh was a brave and sincere soldier. He loved his job to the core. The nation will always remain indebted to him for the supreme sacrifice and devotion to duty, PRO Defence added.
London, June 16

British armed police fired a stun gun at a man who reached for a knife as he ran towards officers guarding one of the gates to the Westminster parliament in central London on Friday, witnesses said.

Police said the man was acting suspiciously at around 11:00 am (1000 GMT) near one of the gates where a militant killed a policeman less than three months ago.

After firing a Taser stun gun, police detained the man.

Armed police had guns trained on the man as he was restrained and bundled into a police van, witnesses at the scene told Reuters.

"The man reached for a knife," police said. "Nobody was injured."

A witness at the scene told Reuters the man, who police said was in his 30s, had run towards one of the gates.

"You could tell he was suspicious, he was stood there fists clenched. He looked quite an angry geezer," Bradley Allen, 19, told Reuters. "We got seconds down the road and they had him on the floor, pinned. Police around him, telling everyone to move back."

The incident occurred less than three months since a man drove a car into pedestrians on Westminster Bridge, and then stabbed a policeman to death in the grounds of parliament, the first of three deadly attacks in Britain which has put the security services on high alert.

"There were about three or four policeman, one of them shouting at the crowd to get back," another witness, who asked not to be identified, told Reuters. "The guy was on the ground on his front on the pavement alongside Parliament Square. They had him on the ground and were warning they would taze (stun) him again." P

arliament said it was aware of the incident.

"There is no reason for alarm but please continue to remain vigilant," the House of Commons, the lower house of the British parliament, said.

The gates to parliament were closed and armed police were patrolling as usual inside the perimeter, a Reuters reporter inside the building said.

On March 22, Khalid Masood drove a car into pedestrians on Westminster Bridge, killing four people, before he ran into the grounds of parliament and stabbed a police officer to death. He was shot dead at the scene and his attack prompted a review of security around Westminster.

That attack was followed by a suicide bombing in Manchester and a similar deadly attack on London Bridge, thrusting security and policing to the fore of campaigning before last Thursday's election.

The spate of recent attacks were the deadliest in Britain since four British Islamist suicide bombers killed 52 people on the London transport system in July 2005.  Reuters
United Nations, June 16

The UN General Assembly has approved the establishment of a new office to coordinate counter-terrorism efforts, a move welcomed by India as a much awaited first step that will align the world body with needs of the global community in the fight against the menace.

The 193-member General Assembly adopted a consensus resolution yesterday creating the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism that will be headed by an Under-Secretary-General.

India welcomed the creation of the new UN counter- terrorism office, saying it demonstrates the importance member states place on collective and coordinated action on terrorism, which remains the most complex threat faced by the international community.

India believes that the creation of the Office of Counter Terrorism Coordinator is a much awaited first step in our efforts to enhance coordination of the UNs CT (counter- terrorism) efforts, Indias Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin said in the General Assembly after the resolutions adoption.

He said the offices creation will align the UN with the changed global reality and needs of the international community as was articulated by Secretary General Antonio Guterres himself in Kabul where he said support to terrorism entails a high price.

Addressing reporters in Kabul, Guterres had warned that any country that supports terrorism anywhere in the world in relation to other countries, sooner or later the price paid will be high in relations to terrorism within the country itself.

Welcoming the creation of the counter-terrorism office, Guterres expressed hope that this reform of the UN counter- terrorism architecture will contribute to the world bodys broader efforts to promote conflict prevention, sustainable peace and development.

Akbaruddin noted that an all of UN approach and a certain convening power on counter-terrorism issues will be crucial for the new office to fulfil its functions effectively. He said terrorist organisations are not bound by the borders, norms, legal frameworks and bureaucratic inertia that bind nations as member states and the UN at all levels.  PTI
By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, Jun 16 (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Portugal and the Netherlands later this month, besides his scheduled tour of the United States where he will meet President Donald Trump, the Ministry of External Affairs said today.

The prime minister will be in Portugal on June 24, the US on June 25 and 26, and in the Netherlands on June 27, the MEA said.

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On June 26, he is scheduled to hold talks with President Donald Trump on a wide range of issues. PTI PYK NAB SMN

--- ENDS ---
Stevadores unload containers from the Northern Magnum, a Panamax container ship, at Charleston. Photo: Tom Berg

If you want to see a busy place, visit the Port of Charleston, South Carolina. Container operations there are busier after the facility upgraded its automated gate identification to a faster system. Also, the port is seeing more container shipments to the U.S. East Coast since the enlarging of the Panama Canal.

Of course, containers move over highways on special chassis pulled by normal road tractors, which use that gate. Port authorities call each movement in or out a "truck mission." Within the port, the steel boxes are hauled by purpose-built tractors and trailers.

A group of us truck writers saw a lot of them on a recent visit to the port that was sponsored by Mack Trucks and arranged by one of its customers, Pat Barber, founder, president and CEO of Superior Transportation. He set up the tour with port officials, and Mack hired a bus to carry us through the sprawling facility.

The port also has break-bulk and RO-RO (roll-on, roll-off) operations. Barbers Macks and Kenworths haul machinery and other large, heavy cargoes to and from the break-bulk section using lowboy trailers, some of them with multiple axles.

Huge gantry cranes were unloading the Northern Magnum as our bus rolled up and we got off to watch. About once every minute or two, a steel box dropped onto a trailer and a rig moved briskly away, heading toward a stack where it would be temporarily stored. Such operations proceed until a ship is relieved of its many loaded containers and then reloaded with a mix of loaded and empty boxes for export. Like other busy ports, Charleston operates 24 hours a day.

Each Panamax-size ship like the one we saw carries 5,000 to 12,000 containers measured by 20-foot-equivalent units, or TEUs. (Thus a 40-foot-long container is counted as two TEUs.) Larger New Panamax ships, each capable of carrying 13,000 to 14,000 TEUs, have just begun calling, said Cliff Eisenhauer, a port spokesman.

I took note of scores of hustler tractors and special trailers, but until this tour, had never heard of their builder: the manufacturing arm of Terminal Investment Corp., or TICO, down near Savanah, Ga. It leases these vehicles to fleets at ports on the East and Gulf coasts, and built about 1,200 Pro-Spotter tractors before it sold its first one, according to its website. It also designed the Pro-Shuttle container-carrying chassis. The company decided to build its own vehicles when it wasnt satisfied with what was available on the market.

A chassis is euphemistically called a bomb cart, Eisenhauer said. That terms origin might be because it uses no tie-downs and instead cradles its cargo, like military munitions conveyances used to resupply fighter and bomber aircraft at air bases. Or, its because theyre bomb-proof, meaning very rugged, explained Andrew Cannon, TICOs representative for the Carolinas and Florida.

(This has nothing to do with the bomb scare at Charleston earlier this week. Port operations were halted for about seven hours as authorities ran containers from a ship through a radiation scanner, because the phoned-in "tip" said the device was a "dirty bomb" that would've scattered radioactive material. Nothing was found.)

TICO terminal tractor and shuttle chassis carry off a pair of 20-foot ocean-going containers. The trailer can also carry a single 20- and a single 40-foot "box." Photo: Tom Berg

A Pro-Shuttle chassis has a floor of stout steel beams with short, slanted sides that guide a container into place as the gantry crane lowers it. Large, bollard-like pins locate a single 20-foot container about midway on the chassis or, being spring-loaded, are pushed down and out of the way as two 20s or a single 40-footer comes aboard. They are not tied down. Trailers are about 45 feet long and 96 inches wide, Cannon said.

These rigs never leave the port, so are not registered and dont have lights. Tires are Continental solid rubber, which require virtually no maintenance, and the tandem rear axles are cushioned by steel leaf springs, he said. Tractors and therefore trailers are limited to 25 mph, but both have air brakes so they can stop well.

Pro-Spotters use components familiar to the terminal tractor business, including Cummins QSB Tier 4 Final diesels, Allison 3000 automatic transmissions, and Meritor axles. Fronts are rated at 12,000 pounds and rears at 30,000 pounds.

Cabs are fiberglass composite with high-visibility windows and a wide rear passage with air-operated doors through which drivers can move to hook and unhook lines when theyre working with standard container chassis. Customers can change many specifications to suit individual ops, Cannon said.

TICO also makes a road-going Pro-Spotter whose components are EPA-, NHTSA- and DOT-legal. It can run up to 45 mph pulling container chassis among a customers factories and warehouses that are separated but linked by city streets.

The fact that more loaded containers come into the Port of Charleston than leave is due to the import-export situation, any economist will tell you. The same is true of other ports in the U.S. Cheap but generally decent-quality products swarm onshore, the result of free trade, the global market, and consumers who almost always buy on price.

While on the bus we passed large stacks of boxes that were empty because exports from America arent as numerous as imports. Eisenhauer, the port spokesman, remarked, There you see a graphic illustration of our balance of trade deficit.

On the other hand, every week thousands of BMW cars and SUVs are exported from Charleston via RO-RO ships. Bavarian Motor Works builds them at Greer, South Carolina, about 220 miles away. Each night, 800 to 900 come in by train -- an unusally short rail move but efficient in this case. Greer is the German auto maker's largest factory anywhere. So, hurray for "Made in the USA."
Cumberland's C10 LT Series Tractor was developed in close cooperation with International and a host of aftermarket suppliers. Photo: Cumberland International

In the 1960s, when performance was king, it wasnt unusual for dealerships to take stock muscle cars and customize them to create highly desirable street machines that are avidly sought after by collectors today.

Today, a Cumberland, Tennessee, International dealership is using the same concept to provide high-performance trucks to its customers. But the emphasis today isnt on horsepower: Its on fuel economy.

We first featured Cumberland International's C10 project in a June 2016 cover story on breaking the 10-mpg barrier. That truck was based on an International ProStar.

The second phase of Cumberland Internationals C10 truck project is a specially tweaked International LT tractor optimized to consistently deliver fleets 10 mpg in real-world trucking operations. The truck is the brainchild of Matt Smart, fleet sales director, and fleet sales account manager Patrick Mendenhall, who wanted to think outside the box to show customers that International was making a great product again while also demonstrating that a 10-plus-mpg truck is achievable to operate in day-to-day fleet operations.

Instead of waiting for a truck manufacturer's Super Truck or Truck of the Future to roll around, Mendenhall explained, the folks at Cumberland took the project into their own hands and spent most of 2013 building what the dealership calls the RX-C10, with a downsped Cummins ISX powertrain, advanced safety systems and aerodynamics.

Mendenhall said he and Smart were designated Cumberlands Fleet Team by Cumberland dealer principle Terry Minor and began gathering information from resources and vendors to conceptualize the most aerodynamic truck possible.

With ever-changing technology, this was no easy task," Mendenhall said. Thankfully, many vendors were excited to help in any way possible to get this project started. However, improvements the dealership established on for the final version of their fuel efficient tractor are proprietary to protect the customers who have purchased a version of the C10, he explained.

The first demonstration truck was delivered to Cumberland in January 2014, with South East Carriers located in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, having the honor of taking it out on its inaugural run. A key concept of the C10 initiative, Mendenhall says, is to let Cumberland fleet customers test the truck for themselves in their own, real-world, every day, working conditions, to see for themselves how it performs.

The initial South East Carriers run, in January 2014, turned a promising 8.2 mpg  although Mendenhall says the route and application were particularly challenging. Since then, the C10 demonstrator model has transitioned from the original ProStar base model to an updated version based on the LT Series powered by the new Cummins X15 engine.

All told, both trucks have completed almost 20 different customer demonstration runs, with overall fuel economy of 8.11 mpg on the original demo truck (RX C10) and averaging over 9.2 mpg on the second demo truck (NextGen C10) through four test runs. The highest number so far was an impressive 9.9 mpg overall achieved by a local Tennessee fleet. Mendenhall said no two test runs are identical and the truck experiences extreme variations in driver habits, traffic, loads, wind conditions and weather each time it goes out. Customers tend to dictate the length of the runs, he added, with some keeping the truck for only a week at a time, and others keeping it for up to three months.

The C10 routinely breaks the 10 mpg mark in top gear highway cruising, Mendenhall noted. And he says the truck has proven to be invaluable to the dealership as it works to provide the most-fuel efficient truck possible to its customers.

And its an approach that is working, too. Mendenhall says that to date, Cumberland has sold more than 1,000 C10-specd International ProStar and LT tractors, and he expects orders to continue to ramp up as word about the trucks performance spreads.

You can follow the progress of the C10 truck on www.cumberlandc10.com.

Updated 1:00 EDT June 19 to clarify differences between the first- and second-generation C10.
By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, Jun 16 (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Portugal, the Netherlands and the US beginning June 24, during which he will hold talks on key bilateral issues including boosting of trade and security ties.

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay said Modi would visit Portugal on June 24, the US on June 25 and 26, and the Netherlands on June 27.

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The prime minister, who will be going to only Washington DC during his US trip, will hold talks with President Donald Trump on regional security situation as also ways to enhance cooperation in bilateral areas of strategic importance.

In the US, he will have a community event as well as a meeting with the business leaders.

Ahead of the US tour, Modi will visit Portugal, where he will hold talks with his Portuguese counterpart Antonio Costa.

"We are working on several documents to strengthen India-Portugal economic, scientific and cultural engagements and we expect to finalise and sign these documents essentially which are in the nature of memorandum of understanding," Baglay said.

He said the ties with Portugal were given a new momentum when Prime Minister Costa visited India in January this year and the two sides look forward to continue that momentum.

"We look forward to a very action-filled, useful, productive and successful visit of the Prime Minister," he added.

On Modis visit to the Netherlands, the spokesperson has said India and he Netherlands are celebrating 70 years of establishment of diplomatic relations this year and therefore, the trip is more significant.

During his visit, the prime minister will meet Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte.

Describing economic relations as the core of the bilateral ties, Baglay has said the Netherlands is a leading foreign investor in India and strengthening economic corporation and boosting bilateral trade will be among the focus areas of the prime ministerial visit. PTI PYK SMN

--- ENDS ---
Terence Crutchers estate filed a federal civil rights lawsuit Thursday that alleges excessive use of force against the officer who fatally shot him and racially biased policing against the city of Tulsa.

The 15-page lawsuit was filed in Tulsa in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma. The lawsuit names Officer Betty Shelby in her official capacity.

Shelby was acquitted on May 17 of first-degree manslaughter in Crutchers death. She has since returned to duty but not as a patrol officer.

The lawsuit declares Crutchers shooting to be unnecessary but also acknowledges that officers risk their lives every day to uphold the law and provide public safety.

However, the realities of police work in Tulsa, Oklahoma did not constitute cause for Officer Shelby to become Terences judge, jury, and executioner,  the lawsuit states. The dangers police officers generally face also do not provide a license to police officers to shoot first and ask questions later, without properly evaluating the need for such force.

The lawsuit was filed by attorneys Damario Solomon-Simmons and Melvin Hall on behalf of Crutchers estate. The suit seeks in excess of $75,000 in actual damages, as well as punitive damages.

Police video of the encounter between Crutcher and Shelby shows Crutcher walking slowly toward his SUV with his hands raised as Shelby points her firearm at him. Shelby has contended she fired a single shot when she saw him reach his left hand toward the half-open drivers-side window.

The suit contends Shelby had ample opportunity to take ballistic cover to await backup, which she knew was seconds away from her location. The suit alleges the video shows Crutcher made no furtive, sudden, rapid, or aggressive movements and in no way forced Shelby to make a split-second decision on whether to use her firearm.

If Officer Shelby truly thought that he [Terence] was going to kill me while he was walking away with his hands up, she should have and could have executed a tactical retreat and taken ballistic cover, which is exactly what she did after she shot Terence! the lawsuit states.

The encounter became deadly because of Shelbys deliberate conduct, which she testified during her criminal trial was the result of training she received from the Tulsa Police Department.

... (T)he training she received from the City and TPDs culture taught Officer Shelby, If I wait to find out if he [Terence] had a gun or not, I could very well be dead [because as] we always say Id rather be tried by 12 than carried by six ... according to the lawsuit.

The lawsuit alleges the police departments training, customs, patterns and practices in particular are deliberately indifferent to respecting and protecting the constitutional rights of Tulsas African-American population.

The city through a spokeswoman declined comment because of pending litigation.

Scott Wood, an attorney for Shelby, said he expects the city to defend his client and the allegations made against her, despite its posture just after the shooting.

After the criminal trial, no one could genuinely claim Mr. Crutcher had his hands up when he was shot, Wood said.

The suit also requests injunctive relief, including independent investigations conducted by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation and independent prosecutions of Tulsa police shootings by the Oklahoma attorney general.
A Tulsa federal judge has declined to dismiss the Tulsa Jails former medical provider from a civil rights lawsuit involving a former inmate who alleges she suffered permanent injuries from seizures brought on by medical negligence.

Catherine Lee Freeman was sentenced on Sept. 15, 2014, and taken to the Tulsa Jail to serve a three-year term for a conviction of driving under the influence.

The lawsuit alleges jail and medical personnel denied Freeman, 38, anxiety, depression and pain medication she had been prescribed prior to her incarceration. Seizures she experienced in jail sparked a cascade of serious injuries, resulting in her being placed on mechanical ventilation and a feeding tube, the suit states.

Defendants in the lawsuit are former Sheriff Stanley Glanz, in his individual capacity; the Tulsa County Sheriffs Office; Armor Correctional Health Service, the jail medical provider at the time; and American Medical Response Ambulance Service. No longer named in the suit are the Tulsa County Board of Commissioners or Emergency Medical Services Authority.

U.S. District Judge James Payne ruled on Tuesday against a dismissal motion by Armor filed last September. Oklahoma City-based Turn Key Health Clinics replaced Armor as the Tulsa Jails medical provider effective Dec. 1, 2016.

Freeman told jail and medical personnel that she needed to take her medications, with sudden withdrawal potentially leading to seizures and suicidal thoughts, according to the lawsuit. Toward the end of September and beginning of October 2014, she started having seizures, which began to last longer, it says.

On Oct. 4, 2014, a seizure lasting longer than 10 minutes resulted in medical personnel taking her to a hospital. The suit contends medical personnel negligently installed a ventilation tube that tore Freemans esophagus before she went into cardiac arrest.

Freeman eventually was diagnosed with a torn esophagus, two collapsed lungs, air in her abdominal and chest cavities, respiratory failure and rapid muscle breakdown, according to the lawsuit.

She also suffered an anoxic brain injury as a result of lack of oxygen. She was on mechanical ventilation for three days and a feeding tube for 14 days before being transferred back to the jail, the lawsuit states.

The lawsuit lays out several negligence claims and alleged constitutional violations. Glanz is accused of supervisor liability.

There are longstanding, systemic deficiencies in the medical and mental health care provided to inmates at the Tulsa County Jail, the lawsuit states. Glanz long knew of these systemic deficiencies and the substantial risks to inmates like Plaintiff, but failed to take reasonable steps to alleviate those deficiencies and risks.

The lawsuit was filed July 1, 2016, in Tulsa County District Court by attorney Tom Sawyer. The suit seeks more than $200,000 in actual and punitive damages.
Though the tour is part of Amit Shah's 95-day nationwide tour to strengthen the party, the Presidential polls will be high on his agenda.

By Kamlesh Damodar Sutar: As the action for Presidential polls bet a momentum in Delhi, BJP National President Amit Shah began his three-day Mumbai tour. Just as Shah entered the financial capital, ally Shiv Sena bowled yet another googly by proposing MS Swaminathan's name for the President's post.

Though the tour is part of Shah's 95-day nationwide tour to strengthen the party, the Presidential polls will be high on his agenda. It will include a tete-a-tete with Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray.

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With its 18 MPs and 63 MLAs, the Shiv Sena has 25,893 votes in its kitty and that has made the BJP President block on the Shiv Sena president's door. Apart from paying tributes to Dr Ambedkar, Shivaji Maharaj and Vinayak Damodar Sawarkar, Amit Shah will also proceed to Bal Thackeray Memorial to make ground for the proposed talks.

After proposing RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat's name, Shiv Sena has now proposed MS Swaminathan's name for the President's post.

"My father always said that we are a Hindu rashtra, so Mohan Bhagwat remains our first choice. But if there are issues with his candidature, then we would suggest MS Swaminathan's name. Apart from a Hindu rashtra we are also known as an agro-based economy. Since he has solutions for farmers' issues, so why not Swaminathan himself?," said Uddhav Thackeray.

Meanwhile, Shah had a series of meetings with party office bearers, MLAs, MPs and also tried to reach out to other smaller talkies who are rather happy to help the BJP for the Presidential polls.

According to sources, Amit Shah also reviewed the situation of the farmers' agitation. The Shiv Sena had openly participated in the process demanding loan waiver, a stand that did not go down well with the BJP.

Amit Shah will meet Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday.

ALSO READ | Presidential election: Amit Shah to meet Uddhav Thackeray whose Shiv Sena has been backing Mohan Bhagwat for President

ALSO WATCH | BJP constitutes three-member panel to decide Presidential candidate

--- ENDS ---
Editor's Note: The Tulsa World spent a year producing a six-part narrative on what remains perhaps the state's most infamous cold case: the unsolved murders of three girls  Lori Farmer, Denise Milner and Michele Guse  at a Girl Scout camp near Locust Grove 40 years ago. Arrested after an intense manhunt, Gene Leroy Hart, who was charged with the crimes, was ultimately acquitted after a sensational trial. The series examines the details of what happened and the lingering effects on those who survived.

CHAPTER SIX: STILL FEELING THE IMPACT

Everywhere Carla Wilhite turned, something familiar seemed to jump out at her.

Nature's Trail.

The Wishing Well.

Even the old ceremonial fire ring at Inspiration Point.

They were all still there.

But it's what was missing from the whole scene that affected Wilhite most.

Visiting the former Camp Scott with a group of fellow alumnae in 2015  nearly 40 years since they were last there  she looked hard for the Kiowa unit where she had been a counselor.

"There was no foundation, no anything," Wilhite said. "(It was) pretty much filled in with trees ... as if it were never there.

"As if the murders had never happened.

"I wasn't prepared for that."

Wilhite knew that they had happened, of course  better than just about anyone. The one who'd found the bodies of Denise Milner, Lori Farmer and Michele Guse on June 13, 1977, she'd carried that horrific image in her mind ever since.

Turning from where the Kiowa unit had once been, she was able to point out the general area where the dead girls had lain.

And there, Wilhite said, she and her companions paused.

"We prayed together and had a moment of silence," she said. "It was a hard thing to do and also felt like the right thing to do. Pray for the children, the parents, for Camp Scott and for ourselves."

No one had been quite sure what to expect of going back to Camp Scott, Wilhite said.

There was some apprehensiveness up front, she said. And for days afterward she would feel a "sense of loss" about the Kiowa unit.

But in the end, one feeling about the return  a good one  prevailed over all others.

"I felt like I was home," Wilhite said.

Camp Scott, which was shut down after the murders, is now privately owned and used for a hunting lease.

But in the past couple of years, with permission, a number of people with ties to the case have made trips back.

Wilhite was part of a group organized by former camper and camp aide Michelle Hoffman.

For her group, Hoffman said, it was part of a healing process that had been too long delayed.

"What's amazing is the amount of guilt that many of us felt. Because these girls died on our watch," Hoffman said.

Those feelings were never shared, she added. In that era, they weren't supposed to talk about it, just move on. Which, as the medical world now knows better, can lead to emotional problems later.

Hoffman lived with anxiety attacks for years, with no idea it might be related to the murders. She was finally diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.

"I had thought I was losing my mind," she said.

Taking a therapist's advice to find a creative outlet, Hoffman started interviewing fellow Camp Scott alumnae from the summer of 1977 for a documentary.

She was initially met with anger about "stirring it up," she said.

"I had to convince them to talk."

Now they are talking.

Now they are healing.

Playing a role in that healing, for several of them, has been a new friend.

Born and raised in Locust Grove, Dean Majors was 6 years old at the time of the murders. His boyhood home was just a mile from Camp Scott, in fact.

Now a Tulsa accountant, Majors says the case remains a sensitive subject for some in his hometown.

But whichever side they come down on, Majors said, "They are all good people just trying to live with the aftermath."

It wasn't planned, Majors said, but a few years ago through social media he began talking to the Milners, and from there he met the Farmers.

Relationships were sparked. Now they are valued parts of each others' lives.

Majors has even taken the Farmers for a couple of visits to Locust Grove.

"I'd kind of like for the families to know that the people there do care," he said. "That there were way more people out there that were more sympathetic than what they ran into. Not everyone was against them. ... You always hear the loud minority. And that doesn't necessarily represent everybody."

Majors, who also facilitated Hoffman's group's return to Camp Scott, is hopeful about the future.

"I'm sure the families still have their feelings about what happened back then, but maybe their feelings about the town aren't quite as negative as they were before."

For many of this story's survivors, it's been a season of returns.

Bettye Milner had one of her own to make, and Majors was involved in it, too.

For almost 40 years, since the burial, Milner had not been back to her daughter Denise's grave at Green Acres Cemetery.

She had been to the cemetery itself, she said, but could not bring herself to view the grave site, which is next to the grave of Walter Milner, Denise's late father.

But in January 2016, at the encouragement of family  and with Majors, her friend, at her side  she finally did it.

"I was glad to finally be able to," Milner said.

What had held her back for so long, she can't say.

As the granddaughter of a Baptist minister, she attended a lot of funerals and burials growing up. She's always been uneasy about "the idea of putting somebody in the ground."

It had never been so real, though, until it was her own daughter.

Encouraging Milner to visit the grave was her youngest daughter, Kristal. She was also going for the first time, along with her own daughter (Milner's grandaughter) Denise  named in honor of the big sister Kristal never had a chance to know.

Milner said she doesn't know when or if she will go to the grave again.

"But at least now I know that I can," she said.

The outcome for families who are hit by tragedy is often not good. The stress is intense, and it can wreck lives and homes.

But that's where the families in the Oklahoma Girl Scout murders are exceptional.

Forty years later, they are still standing.

For the Farmers, married now for 52 years, they are more committed to each other than ever.

"When you lose a child to murder, it's a tremendous grief. It just seems to be perpetuated," Bo Farmer said, adding that through any legal proceedings to follow, and even beyond that, the loss is relived over and over.

After attending every day of the preliminary hearing and trial with his wife, Bo has remained a supportive presence at her side, as well as a partner in her advocacy work.

"You don't mess with Sheri," he says with a chuckle  a reference to his wife's strong will and reputation for getting things done. Over the years, he's found himself saying that phrase a lot, and while he laughs, the admiration in his voice is obvious.

For all her outward toughness, though, Sheri admits it's been a different story on the inside.

Ever since her daughter's death, she has battled depression and feelings of guilt.

"That's something I have not talked about," she said. "I think now maybe it's time. I hope it will help someone."

She hopes, too, that the families' examples will be helpful.

"I'm proud of all of the families," Farmer said. "We were three very different families bound together through horrible circumstances."

Farmer said her daughter Joli is writing a book to give their family's side and make the focus on the girls and the survivors.

"We are a family. We cared about Lori. We still care about Lori. And yet we have moved on," Sheri said, adding that despite what perceptions might be, the family is not "stuck in tragedy ... or in a place of blaming."

They would like answers, yes.

"But that's not the 'end all' that will suddenly make our lives perfect," she added. "There is no 'closure.' I don't know who made up that word. It's a journey."

Accompanying Sheri and Bo on that journey have been their four surviving children.

The oldest, Misti Shannon, who was 7 when her sister died, said she admires her parents for how they raised her and her siblings "from that moment on."

In their early 30s at the time, "they didn't have an owner's manual or playbook on how to handle the murder of your 8-year-old daughter. They did the best they could. And they've done very well."

Shannon said she and her siblings always felt "loved and fully supported." And while there were "ups and downs," she said, "having a strong family at home" made all the difference.

The foundation of that, Sheri Farmer said, was, and remains, faith: "My children are all faithful to God. I think they saw that 'If my mom and dad can go through something like that and still believe in God, then I guess there's something to it.'

"I believe we are only here today as a family because God is good."

Staying faithful to God was also key for Bettye Milner.

A longtime member of Antioch Baptist Church, her faith helped her deal with all the "whys" that plagued her for years.

Add to it the events of the past couple of years  with the visit to the grave, and meeting and talking to camp counselors and others who were there  and Milner feels as whole as she has in 40 years.

Of course, she added, no healing will be complete without answers.

And those continue to be elusive.

"I thought one day we would finally know what happened," Milner said. "But now I don't think we ever will."

Some people remain determined that won't be the case, though.

One of them, Susan Kelly, who operates the website campscottmurders.com, says keeping the search for answers going is what motivates her.

"To me that's the most frustrating part. That the families have no conclusion. ... An open wound is still there," said Kelly, a Siloam Springs, Arkansas, resident and self-described "armchair investigator-researcher."

It's a mission that feels personal to her. At the time a 7-year-old Girl Scout whose mother was a troop leader, she remembers how the murders shook everyone, adults and children alike.

"We were 30 miles away (in Siloam Springs), but it felt pretty much next door," she said. "At 7, it was like the boogie man was right outside  like the boogie man was going after Girl Scouts."

The story gnawed at Kelly for years. Then, about 10 years ago, finding little information available, she decided to research it herself.

The result was the website and a self-published book.

The goal behind both, she said, is to "get more and more information out there to people."

The website is an ongoing project and includes transcripts of the complete pre-trial hearings. Kelly raised money herself to make copies of the courthouse originals, then scanned them in.

Keeping the story alive, she said, "gives us a little hold on it." In a sense, it also keeps the murderer "from getting away with it."

Kelly's message to the families?

"We haven't forgotten. And we won't forget. People still care."

Unlike some of the others with ties to Camp Scott, Mike Wheat won't be going back anytime soon.

"I've been there," he said.

Having seen it at the time of the murders, the former journalist has no desire to return.

Even so, he can't help going back in his mind sometimes.

"We will never know the absolute truth" about the case, Wheat said, as he reflected on it recently. And consequently, people will never stop debating it.

"It's one of those things that generates its own conspiracy theories," he said.

This 40th anniversary project, he added, will spark "another flurry of 'I told you so's' and 'I know who did it' and 'they're hiding stuff' and 'corrupt law' and whatnot."

In the end "it's going to be one of those unfortunate legends of Oklahoma history."

Even if a future DNA test brings more clarity, ex-journalist Doug Hicks agrees some things will never be known.

"Early in my career I'd always want to 'logic' things out," Hicks said. "In other words, I'd want to know why. 'Why did this occur?' You finally came to realize you're not going to get the answer to that in a number of cases. There's no 'why.'"

Just like the Girl Scout murders, he said.

"For years I (asked) 'How could this happen?' And it would be bouncing around in your mind, but you never come up with the answer. No one knows why those girls were killed. And never will. Because it doesn't follow the way we think. We can't think 'there.'"

Rather than dwell on that part, Hicks over the years has thought more about the families.

"I was always impressed with them," he said. "The parents of these children always acted with grace. They had immense grace."

He added, "There were times over the years I wanted to contact them. Just see how they were doing.

"I hoped they were OK."

On what was to be her last night at home, Lori Farmer had some unfinished business to attend to.

Before leaving for camp, the avid reader wanted to finish her latest book, Wilson Rawls' "Where the Red Fern Grows."

Sheri Farmer remembers how, as she packed her daughter's things, Lori walked around with the book in hand, reading the last few pages aloud to her.

The story, set in northeast Oklahoma, ends sadly, of course. Billy Colman's beloved hunting dogs, Old Dan and Little Ann, die.

But it's not death without hope. The red fern that sprouts up over the dogs' graves serves not only as a memorial, but also a sign. A sign that, ultimately, life and love triumph over sorrow.

As she listened to Lori read the last few pages, Sheri Farmer had no way of knowing the sorrow that, just a few hours later, was going to engulf her family.

Or that, many years later, their story would have a "red fern" moment of its own.

It came a couple of years ago during a return visit to Camp Scott with her husband and other family members.

"It was a lot harder than I imagined it would be," Farmer said of visiting the place where her daughter was killed, adding that two conflicting feelings  "of needing to be there and not wanting to be there"  were tearing her apart inside.

The hardest part, she added, was standing at the spot where the bodies were found.

Putting her hand on a tree to brace herself, she was almost overwhelmed, she said, by the feelings of "heaviness (and) darkness."

But then, out of the corner of her eye, she saw something  a flash of bright color.

A beautiful Monarch butterfly with orange-and-black wings had alighted on the tree just above Farmers resting hand.

"And it just stayed there," she said. "Stayed for a long time."

Farmer doesn't insist you assign the butterfly a meaning. But she admits several possibilities floated through her mind.

Was it a sign from God? Or from Lori, maybe?

And if so, what did it mean?

Was her late daughter trying to tell her that she was OK  that everything was going to be all right?

"I thought of all of those things," Farmer said.

Finally, after what seemed like minutes, the butterfly's wings stirred to life. It flitted away.

For a story that began in darkness  a darkness that, for three families, seemed ready to extinguish all the light in the world  the butterfly, like the red fern, is a good image to close with.

A sign, if you will, that the end is not really the end. That ultimately, the light prevails.

Farmer is convinced of that.

And after everything the past 40 years have brought  the crushing sorrow and grief, the lack of answers  she can still say confidently:

"I wouldn't have missed being Lori's mother for anything in the world."

Related content

The complete Girl Scout Murders series

Chapter 1: Tulsans react to the stunning news that three area girls have been murdered at a Girl Scout camp near Locust Grove.

Chapter 2: The largest manhunt in Oklahoma history kicks off in pursuit of two-time prison escapee Gene Leroy Hart, who, despite being charged with the murders, has a growing number of supporters.

Chapter 3: One of the state's most-anticipated and sensational trials pits a seasoned, successful district attorney from Tulsa County against a scrappy, young Oklahoma City defense attorney in a battle over evidence and accusations that Hart is being framed.

Chapter 4: Officials stop pursuing the case despite a not-guilty verdict, and Hart dies unexpectedly while in prison for unrelated crimes.

Chapter 5: In the years following the murders, the survivors and others affected continue trying to make sense of it all, while maintaining hope that advancements in DNA testing may ultimately bring answers.

Chapter 6: After 40 years, the victims' families show their resilience, undeterred by the mystery that still surrounds the case.
Heston Blumenthal returns to MasterChef Australia next week, for a Victorian road trip from Mildura to Mornington.

The first stop is the mighty Murray River in Swan Hill, where the judges reveal that every challenge across the week will be based on one of the four elements: earth, air, fire and water. The mystery box has been set by Heston  a selection of ingredients from the Murray catchment  and the invention test sees the contestants creating a delicious dish inspired by water.

On Monday, the judges welcome the contestants to the heart of the Victorian wheat belt and to the iconic Brim silos that celebrate the farmers who have settled in this part of the state. Cooking in pairs, the contestants have 75 minutes to create a two-course meal: one main and one dessert inspired by earth.

Hestons road trip continues on Tuesday when the contestants cook a three-course meal for local chefs, producers and providores in the incredible Mildura salt pans.

Wednesday sees the contestants closer to Melbourne at Jacks Magazine on the Maribyrnong River. Built in 1878 to provide safe storage for bonded gunpowder and explosives, the contestants will be taking inspiration from the classical element fire.

After a massive elimination challenge back in the MasterChef Australia kitchen on Thursday, Heston and the judges treat the contestants to very special MasterClass at the picturesque Polperro Winery on the Mornington Peninsula.

7:30pm Sunday  Thursday on TEN.
The Community Television sector has today received the news it anticipated: Minister for Communication Mitch Fifield has told them there will be no more extensions to spectrum access.

The bad news comes after a last minute extension in December to the end of June.

Despite broad media reforms for the big guns before the parliament, Community TV will lose spectrum access after June 30th 2017, forced to exist online.

It brings to an end 23 years of free-to-air access for the sector.

Organisations such as C31 Melbourne had been arguing that the deadlines imposed were insufficient time to build alternative revenue streams.

C31 General Manager Matthew Field said It is unfortunate that the Minister is so eager to kick us off air, given the fact that there is no planned use for the spectrum we currently occupy, and also given our genuine efforts to find a solution that would not stand in the way of more efficient spectrum use in the future. The losers are communities underrepresented in mainstream media, young aspiring screen practitioners and audiences who value a free to air channel committed to airing 100% original Australian content. It is an extraordinary decision in the context of the explosion of shopping and racing channels since the advent of digital TV.

Some Channels such as C44 Adelaide have already moved online, while Sydneys TVS shut down in 2015 as a result of govt taking back spectrum.

C31 Melbourne has argued that its spectrum access should be aligned with its broadcasting licence, awarded by ACMA through to 2019, but it will now continue through apps and digital after June 30th.
The search panel set up by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for presidential election has approached the Opposition parties for putting up a consensus candidate. This is in sharp contrast with the UPA's practice of announcing the candidate first and then approaching the Opposition.

By Prabhash K Dutta: Countdown for presidential election has begun. The 14th President of India will assume office on July 24. With the ruling NDA standing short of majority in the vote pool for the presidential poll by over 20,000 votes, hectic parleys are going on in the Opposition camp to put up a joint candidate.

On the other hand, the Narendra Modi government seems to be treading the path what previous NDA government under Atal Bihari Vajpayee did: reaching out to the Opposition for a consensus candidate.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi has formed a three-member search panel to find out a consensus, if possible, candidate for the presidential poll. Senior cabinet ministers Rajnath Singh, Arun Jaitley and Venkaiah Naidu are on the panel. The panel has approached the Congress and other Opposition parties for evolving consensus.

The Modi government's approach is in sharp contrast from what the two previous UPA governments led by Congress did during the last two presidential elections.

2002: HOW VAJPAYEE SELECTED KALAM

Fondly remembered as the Missile Man, APJ Abdul Kalam earned another sobriquet of People's President while in office. His selection as the presidential candidate of the NDA in 2002 had surprised many observers.

Who should be the next President of India?

It was in early June, 2002 when the then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee held a consultation with his senior cabinet colleagues. Present member of the search panel, Venkaiah Naidu was among those who had attended the meeting. Naidu was the Rural Development Minister in the Vajpayee government.

Former Maharashtra Governor PC Alexander was the top choice of the consultative group. The process set out to reach out to allies and Opposition leaders. Congress president Sonia Gandhi is believed to have told Vajpayee: "Anyone but PC Alexander."

Chandrababu Naidu of TDP - a key alliance partner at the time - was also dead against Alexander. His candidature was dropped in spite of the fact that both Vajpayee and his deputy LK Advani had spoken to Alexander separately and congratulated him.

Next choice was the then Vice-President Krishna Kant. But, most of the NDA allies were against his candidature. Shiv Sena under Bal Thackeray threatened to withdraw support on the question.

Finally, APJ Abdul Kalam's name was proposed and discussed. NDA allies agreed. Kalam was approached next.

WHAT KALAM SAID ABOUT HIS CANDIDATURE

In his book, Turning Points: A Journey through Challenges, Kalam wrote that he was happy with his lectures at Anna University when on June 10, he was informed that the Prime Minister's Office was frantically trying to get in touch with him.

When Kalam finally reached home, his phone was ringing. Kalam quote Vajpayee, on the other side of the telephone, as saying, "I am coming from a special meeting attended by leaders of all the coalition parties. We have decided unanimously that the nation needs you as its Rashtrapati. I have to announce this tonight. I would like to have your concurrence. I need only a "Yes", not a "No"."

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"Vajpayeeji (as I normally addressed him), can you give me two hours' time to decide? It is also necessary that there be a consensus among all political parties on my nomination as presidential candidate," Kalam recalled himself telling the then Prime Minister, "Vajpayee said, after you agree, we will work for a consensus," Kalam added.

The same day, Vajpayee consulted Sonia Gandhi before making the announcement. Vajpayee invited Sonia Gandhi and other senior Congress leaders to his residence in his bid to put up a consensus candidate.

Sonia Gandhi was apparently skeptical about the NDA's choice of Kalam - an apolitical, Muslim scientist. But, when Vajpayee told her that Kalam is the final candidate from the ruling coalition, Sonia held consultation within her party and announced Congress' support for him.

2007: WHEN SONIA PICKED THE OTHER PATIL

The NDA's approach to consult the Opposition parties before announcing the name of the candidate was not followed by the Congress-led UPA.

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In 2007, when time came to choose his successor, Kalam made it clear that he could only be a consensus candidate. The Congress went into consultations within the party and with the Left, which was supporting the UPA-I government from outside.

Congress was in favour of former Home Minister Shivraj Patil. But, the Left vetoed his candidature even after much persuasion from the Congress leaders. Finally, the Congress selected Pratibha Patil. Left played key role in finalising the name. Congress announced Pratibha Patil as UPA candidate for presidential poll.

After making the formal announcement, Sonia Gandhi telephoned Atal Bihari Vajpayee seeking support for Pratibha Patil. The BJP opposed the move and put up Bhairon Singh Shekhawat as its candidate. However, Shiv Sena voted for Pratibha Patil, who became the first woman President of India.

2012: PRANAB MUKHERJEE

While the Left Front played a key role in 2007 presidential election, five years later consultations seemed to have had narrowed down even further.

The Congress held talks with TMC chief Mamata Banerjee and SP president Mulayam Singh and (then) his close associate Amar Singh. They finalised Pranab Mukherjee's name for elevation from the Union Finance Minister to the President of India.

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Pranab Mukherjee's name was announced and then the Opposition leaders were approached. The then Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj had responded to Congress' way of evolving consensus by saying, "We will not give Congress a walkover."

Sushma's the then counterpart in the Rajya Sabha Arun Jaitley had said the government the Opposition was only "informed" about Pranab Mukherjee's candidature and asked "to fall in line." "We decided not to fall in line," Jaitley said.

Pranab Mukherjee beat NDA candidate PA Sangma securing 69 per cent votes. Five years down the line, the 15-year-old practice of consultation before announcement is back in business for presidential election 2017.

ALSO READ |

Presidential election 2017: Rajnath, Venkaiah to meet Sonia Gandhi to push for consensus candidate

Presidential election 2017: PM Modi may have bigger plans for Metro Man Sreedharan

Presidential election 2017: How AIADMK, BJD and TRS may play kingmakers

How PM Narendra Modi can now have a president of his choice

WATCH: BJP sets up three-member panel to search for presidential election candidate

--- ENDS ---
The latest science says that as the climate warms, more precipitation is falling as rain rather than snow, snow is melting earlier, and evaporation and transpiration increase. All of these, combined with rising temperatures, can reduce water availability and increase water demands.

Changes in precipitation, rising temperatures, groundwater depletion, and human decisions are exacerbating drought conditions in many regions of the US. Much of the US Mountain West has experienced a decline in spring snowpack since the middle of the 20th century (2, 3). These declines are related to climate change because warming temperatures have reduced the amount of precipitation falling as snow (as opposed to rain) and shifted the timing of snowmelt. Earlier snowmelt, associated with these warmer temperatures, can lead to water supplies being out of sync with water demands. Increasingly, water is becoming available before it is needed and when it is hard to store, because reservoir water levels should be low during the rainy season to reduce flood risk.

When considering the relationship of drought to climate change, it is important to distinguish between weather and climate. Weather is a description of atmospheric conditions over a short time (i.e., days or weeks), while climate is how the atmosphere behaves over relatively long periods (i.e., years, decades, or longer). Climate change occurs over extended periods of time and manifest as changes in the patterns of weather events one would generally expect based on historical averages. While any one particular dry period in the past could have been dryer than a particular dry period now, dry periods in the western United States are increasing in prevalence, severity, and duration as our overall climate changes (4, 5).

In most of the country, rising temperatures associated with future climate change are expected to decrease surface soil moisture. Even without future changes in precipitation, this drying of soils is likely to cause future droughts across most of the United States to be stronger and longer lasting than those of the past (1).

While there is some variability in climate projections for western North America, most climate models project increased drought risk in the Southwest (6). The Southwest is considered one of the most sensitive regions globally to increased drought risk caused by climate change.

Within the last decade, droughts have affected many regions of the US, including the Southeast, the West, and the Midwest. In 2011, for example, Texas had the driest year on record since 1895. And in California, the most impactful recent drought--from 2012 to 2016-- affected agriculture, drinking water availability, and the ability to generate hydroelectric power, among many other aspects of life (7, 8).

Droughts are costly and affect people inside and outside the areas directly experiencing dry conditions, especially when a drought affects agricultural regions. Agriculture is the industry most affected by drought at the sector level; in California, the agriculture sector reported estimated losses of more than $3.8 billion from the 2012-2016 drought (7). Considering that California produces more than a third of the vegetables and two-thirds of the fruits and nuts sold in the United States, Californias drought had major national and international implications (9). Beyond direct economic impacts to a number of industries, drought can threaten drinking water supplies and ecosystems, increase wildfire risk, and contribute to increased food prices.
Iraqi families displaced from Mosul arrive at UNHCR's Hasansham camp in Iraqi Kurdistan in January 2017.  UNHCR/Ivor Prickett

GENEVA  An estimated 100,000 civilians are effectively being held as human shields by ISIS fighters in West Mosul, where they are living in conditions of penury and panic without food, water or fuel, UNHCRs representative in Iraq said on Friday.

The battle to capture Mosul, Iraqs second city, began nine months ago, and has since displaced 862,000 men, women and children from their homes.

As Iraqi and coalition forces battle for the last neighbourhoods under militant control in West Mosul, they are meeting fierce resistance from ISIS fighters, Bruno Geddo told a news briefing in Geneva.

The civilian population is being moved by fighters with them to be used as human shields, and  ISIS snipers continue to aim at people trying to flee, Geddo told reporters at the Palais des Nations. They are risking their lives if they stay and if they flee.

Civilians trapped in the city have hardly any food, water, electricity or fuel left, and are living in a growing state of penury and panic  because they are surrounded by fighting on every side, he added.

The civilian population is being moved by fighters with them to be used as human shields."

Geddo said those who attempted to leave the city were being shot by snipers deliberately aiming at people trying to flee.

With the bloody battle entering its endgame in the labyrinthine streets of the old city, there was a greater risk of civilian casualties because of the nature of the urban environment and the fierce resistance put up by ISIS, he said.

Fighting will have to be done on foot, hand by hand, house to house, so  the risk for civilians and their property will be even higher.

Giving a sense of the dangers faced by fleeing residents, Geddo said he had spoken to families who reported coming under sniper fire as they tried to slip out of the city at night, through the streets or by boat on the Tigris River.

Another displaced resident complained of sickness after being reduced to drinking contaminated water for 10 days.

Geddo said about 667,000 people had been displaced from Mosul, of whom 635,000 were from West Mosul.

To meet the immediate needs of the displaced, the UN Refugee Agency has built 13 camps so far in the area in northern Iraq, and has assisted more than half a million people.

People coming out of west Mosul are deeply traumatized. They have seen unspeakable things.

Of these, 371,000 are being aided in camps, where they receive tents, mattresses, blankets, buckets and kitchen utensils. About 144,000 were assisted out of camps, living either with friends or families in east Mosul, or in abandoned buildings.

About 195,000 had returned mostly to East Mosul. Many are living in precarious conditions, particularly those in unfinished or abandoned buildings, Geddo said. UNHCR gives them wood and other materials to seal off unfinished buildings.

The UN Refugee Agency is working to reunite families separated in flight and is helping displaced people to replace identity documents they have lost. A mobile unit working with Iraqi authorities has so far replaced 2,000 missing documents.

In addition, Geddo said UNHCR is providing psychological aid to help the displaced. People coming out of west Mosul are deeply traumatized, he said They have seen unspeakable things.

To meet the critical needs of vulnerable children, women and men displaced by fighting in Mosul, and of those returning to their war-damaged homes, UNHCR said this month it urgently needed US$126 million in funding up to the end of the year.
UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi closes UNHCR's annual NGO Consultations in Geneva, June 16 2017.  UNHCR/Susan Hopper

GENEVA  For Iranian refugee Arash Bordbar and his family, the chance to start over in Australia means participating and giving back.

My mum is opening a beauty salon and shes going to hire others. My brother studies engineering, he told a forum in Geneva.

We are going to help grow the economy  we are creating jobs, we are bringing new ideas, new initiatives, and this is going to help the whole country. We are going to be part of the solution, he added.

Bordbar is one of a record 574 participants from around the world attending the three-day gathering, which is held each year to discuss ways of collaborating on pressing issues of refugee and asylum-seeker protection.

"We are creating jobs, we are bringing new ideas, new initiatives, and this is going to help the whole country."

This year the talks, which wrapped up on Friday, took as their theme a whole of society approach that seeks to bring together UNHCR, governments, NGOs and the private sector and, crucially, the refugees themselves, to help them become self-reliant and contribute to their host communities.

We must ensure that refugees are included not just as beneficiaries but as real actors, UN High Commissioner Filippo Grandi told the gathering, at which he praised NGOs for their cooperation and called on them to ensure that refugee voices are heard.

The approach, called the Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework, or CRRF, emerged out of the New York Declaration (NYD) last September.

It seeks to strengthen partnerships between UNHCR, governments, NGOs, the private sector and international financial institutions, among others, with the aim of giving refugees themselves control over their lives.

Participants at the meeting concluded that giving refugees opportunities to use their talents and skills to make positive contributions to their host communities is key to its success.

We have many examples from these three days of how to include refugees in shaping this response, said Daniel Endres, UNHCRs Director of Comprehensive Responses.

We have many examples from these three days of how to include refugees in shaping this response.

Aside from Bordbar and his family, success stories include the employment of refugee teachers and nurses in Uganda, which was one of the first of nine countries to adopt and roll out the CRRF so far.

Other themes raised at the talks included the role of hazards and climate in the success of durable solutions and how private sector engagement is a key component of a multi-stakeholder approach.

We also need to reach out to the private sector, said Grandi. They bring not only resources, but also approaches from which we can learn, in terms of innovation and creation of employment, things that the private sector are expert on and we can adopt in our own work with refugees.

Continued and enhanced collaboration with partners is crucial to UNHCRs ability to protect and support refugees. Strengthening this will be even more critical as we deliver on comprehensive responses together. The organization funds 955 partners, including 605 national NGOs, 166 international NGOs, 158 governmental partners and 26 UN agencies.

In 2016, the agency channeled a total USD$1.44 billion to partners, representing 36 per cent of its annual expenditure.
Sreedharan said that there was no reality in the news that his name is under BJP-led NDA's consideration for the post of president.

E Sreedharan has denied that any discussions has taken place regarding his candidature for the presidential election.

By India Today Web Desk: Former Delhi Metro chief E Sreedharan has denied that any discussions has taken place regarding his candidature for the presidential election. He has also said there was no reality in the news that his name is under BJP-led NDA's consideration for the post of president.

India Today, in a report yesterday (June 15), had said there was a strong probability of the ruling BJP-led NDA nominating the 'Metro Man' as its candidate for the president's post in the July 17 election. The origin of the controversy was his exclusion, initially, from the list of dignitaries who would share the dais with Prime Minister Narendra Modi when the latter would inaugurate the Kochi Metro train on Saturday (June 17).

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However, his name was added to the list after an outrage over his name's omission. The Pinari Vijayan government of Kerala wrote to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) asking it to revise the seating plan.

Later in the day, the PMO said Sreedharan has been included in the list of dignitaries, putting an end to the controversy over the non-inclusion of DMRC principal adviser Sreedharan.

Sources had said that PMO had deliberately omitted Sreedharan's name even though he has played a pivotal role in the building of Kochi Metro. The Centre did not want Sreedharan to be seen sitting with PM Modi and Union Urban Development Minister M Venkaiah Naidu on the dais just days before the name of the NDA candidate is announced, they had said.

Speaking to the media today, Sreedharan sought to scotch reports that any discussions have taken place. He also said he does not long for the post.

However, it is a fact that no discussions have yet taken place between the Modi government and Sreedharan as yet. The issue is at a discussion stage among senior BJP leaders. 'Metro Man' has not yet been either tipped off on the matter.

This does not mean that there is no reality in the report. While it may be a fact that Sreedharan has not been contacted, it may also be true that he may not long for the coveted post.

ALSO READ | Presidential election 2017: PM Modi may have bigger plans for Metro Man Sreedharan

ALSO READ | PM Narendra Modi to take Kochi Metro on Saturday, Metro Man Sreedharan excluded from dais

ALSO WATCH | BJP constitutes three-member panel to decide Presidential candidate

--- ENDS ---
Shiv Sena today tweaked its stand a little on its choice for president's post proposing eminent agriculture scientist MS Swaminathan if someone had objection to Mohan Bhagwat's candidature.

By Kumar Shakti Shekhar: Ruling BJP's NDA ally Shiv Sena today reiterated that RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat was its first choice for the president's post. However, it tweaked its stand a little proposing eminent agriculture scientist MS Swaminathan if someone had objection to Bhagwat's candidature.

When Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray spelt out the priorities, he apparently indicated that his party would play truant again as in the last two presidential elections. The regional party has twice broken ranks with BJP and voted against the NDA's presidential candidate.

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The chances of the same scenario repeating this time have become brighter with Thackeray's latest remark. Shiv Sena seems to be trying to find an excuse to go against the NDA's official candidate, which is likely to be announced on June 23.

PRATIBHA PATIL IN 2007

Shiv Sena had broken away from NDA in the 2007 presidential election. Though NDA did not officially field the then vice president Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, it had fully backed his candidature. Shekhawat was contesting as an independent candidate. On the other hand, Congress-led UPA had fielded Pratibha Patil.

NDA received a jolt when its oldest ally Shiv Sena decided to back Patil on two grounds - that she would be the first woman president and that she was from Maharashtra.

Shiv Sena falling out of line was embarrassing for NDA and BJP. The then party supremo late Bal Thackeray said it was Maharashtra's fortune that a Marathi woman was for the first time becoming the President. Those opposing it should be termed as wretched, he had said.

Shiv Sena also took the alibi that Shekhawat was an independent candidate and not the official NDA choice.

The Maratha party finally voted alongside UPA and against NDA, ensuring Pratibha Patil's victory. She was elected as the 12th President.

PRANAB MUKHERJEE IN 2012

In the last presidential election, Shiv Sena again went against BJP-backed candidate PA Sangma. Though Sangma was neither a Maratha nor a woman, Shiv Sena chose to oppose his candidature.

In fact, even before NDA could decide on its candidate, Shiv Sena had declared its support to Mukherjee. It gave the excuse that BJP had failed to finalise a candidate.

Uddhav Thackeray gave a word to Mukherjee of his party's support when the latter called him.

WHO IN 2017?

Neither NDA nor the Opposition has finalised its presidential candidate. BJP has formed a three-member committee to hold negotiations with alliance partners and opposition parties in a bid to arrive at a consensus candidate.

The committee comprising Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and Urban Development Minister M Venkaiah Naidu has already spoken with a number of Opposition leaders and even met Congress president Sonia Gandhi and CPI (M) leader Sitaram Yechury.

IndiaToday.in readers prefer a non-political person such as E Sreedharan in Rashtrapati Bhavan. IndiaToday.in readers prefer a non-political person such as E Sreedharan in Rashtrapati Bhavan.

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However, even before BJP has announced a name, Shiv Sena has started throwing tantrums. It first proposed the name of Bhagwat who clearly ruled himself out. Now, it has asked BJP to field Swaminathan.

BJP president Amit Shah is in Mumbai and is likely to hold talks with the Shiv Sena leaders over the presidential election.

But Shiv Sena's public posturing and its moves in the last two elections may force BJP to think that the former may again go its own way and vote against the NDA candidate.

ALSO READ | Presidential election 2017: Rajnath, Venkaiah meet Sonia; Congress says can't support without any name

ALSO READ | Presidential election 2017: How BJP, Congress have picked candidates in last 15 years

ALSO WATCH | BJP constitutes three-member panel to decide Presidential candidate

--- ENDS ---
The timing of the meeting, which comes just ahead of the presidential election, triggered speculation in political quarters.

By India Today Web Desk: On a day when Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray made it clear that Mohan Bhagwat is their first choice for India's next President, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) head met President Pranab Mukherjee.

Had Bhagwat kept himself in the race for the Rashtrapati Bhavan then he should have stayed away from meeting the incumbent.

By meeting Pranab Mukherjee, Mohan Bhagwat might have tried to send a signal to Shiv Sena, Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) oldest ally, that despite their insistence he is not keen on becoming the 14th President of India.

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The RSS head met the President for about one and a half hour for lunch. The timing of the meeting, which comes just ahead of the presidential election, triggered speculation in some political quarters.

The RSS said it was a pre-decided courtesy meet and there was nothing to read into it.

"We are a 'Hindu Rashtra' so Mohan Bhagwat remains our first choice," Thackeray said.

After his name was doing the rounds in political circles, Bhagwat had rejected speculations. "My name will not be proposed and if it is I will not accept," the RSS chief had said.

BJP president Amit Shah is on a three-day visit to Mumbai from today during which he will also meet Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray and try to take him into confidence over the choice of President.

MS SWAMINATHAN

Listing out its choices for India's next President, Shiv Sena said their second choice will be eminent agriculture scientist MS Swaminathan.

"If someone has objection to the RSS chief, then we propose name of MS Swaminathan," Thackeray said. He tried to justify his choice of candidate saying that India is also known as an agro-based economy and someone like Swaminathan who has solutions for farmers is a good choice.

Swaminathan is widely regarded as the 'Father of India's Green Revolution'.

President Pranab Mukherjee's term ends on July 24. Voting for choosing India's next president will be held on July 17 while counting will be on July 20 if needed.

Also read:

Presidential election 2017: How BJP, Congress have picked candidates in last 15 years

Kaun Banega President? List of probable NDA and Opposition candidates

Presidential election 2017: PM Modi may have bigger plans for Metro Man Sreedharan

Race for Rashtrapati Bhavan: This is how India's next president will be elected

Also watch:

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat fit for president's post, reiterates Shiv Sena

--- ENDS ---
The famous Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen, Denmark has been painted bloody red. Sea Shepherd, a non-profit organization led by Captain Paul Watson, made the protest.

According to Law Street Media, the vandalism condemns the brutal killing of pilot whales in the Faroe Islands. Otherwise known as The Grind, this barbaric activity is believed to be supported by the Denmark government.

For thousands of years, the tribe living in the Faroe Islands has been slaughtering pilot whales on an annual basis. In it, the people use machetes, hammers, and swords to kill the whales. Captain Paul Watson and the Sea Shepherd have intensely worked on stopping The Grind since the 1980s.

Unfortunately, the locals have pushed them away, arguing that the killing of pilot whales is critical for both food and tradition. On the contrary, Captain Paul Watson already noted that he will never respect any tradition that commits murder. Now, he defends the act of vandalism, saying that it is not a criminal act compared to the butchering of innocent and intelligent marine creatures.

While the painting of the Little Mermaid may look like a petty offense, it has served its purpose indeed. Sea Shepherd only wants the world to shift its attention back to the Faroe Islands. The conservation group also requested the European Commission to hold Denmark accountable for The Grind.

Visitors at Copenhagen played a vital role in spreading the information through photos and posts on social media sites. Nevertheless, the paint will have been removed from the statue after a week. However, at the moment, the beautiful sculpture has turned into a powerful statement.

Per Trill Mag, the Little Mermaid statue has been a canvas for activism in Denmark. The first vandalism occurred in 1964 when the statues head was sawn off and stolen by protesters. It was even amputated with explosives. In 2004, it was seen covered in Burqa as an objection to Turkeys application to join the European Union. Four years after, it was again seen wearing a hijab.
BJP's Rajnath Singh and Venkaiah Naidu met Congress president Sonia Gandhi to persuade her to support the presidential candidate the ruling NDA picks.

Hectic parleys are on as both the NDA and Opposition work out their respective plans for presidential election (File Photo)

By India Today Web Desk: The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is trying its best to pick a consensus presidential candidate. Senior party leaders Rajnath Singh and Venkaiah Naidu, who have been assigned the work of ironing out differences with the Opposition parties concerning presidential candidate, met Congress president Sonia Gandhi in New Delhi today. The meeting to decide on a name of a candidate who would replace President Pranab Mukherjee lasted 30 minutes.

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The top BJP leaders are also likely to hold talks with CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury later in the day.

Who should be the next President of India?

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW:

Veteran Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said that the two BJP leaders asked Sonia Gandhi to suggest a name for presidential candidate. How can we ensure support even before they have picked a candidate, Azad told reporters "When they have not given any names, there is no question of consensus," Mallikarjun Kharge, who was also present in the meeting said. Sources said Sonia Gandhi is likely to meet leaders from Opposition parties on June 20-21 to discuss over the UPA's strategy. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena insiders said that the party is likely to suggest eminent scientist MS Swaminathan's name for president's post when party chief Uddhav Thackeray meets BJP president Amit Shan in Mumbai on Sunday. The Shiv Sena was earlier rooting for RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat. The Presidential election will be held on July 17 if need be. The counting of votes will be done on July 20. President Mukherjee will demit office on July 25 and Vice President Hamid Ansari will complete his second tenure in August.

(With inputs from Sahil Joshi)

ALSO READ:

Presidential election 2017: PM Modi may have bigger plans for Metro Man Sreedharan

Why BJP may surprise again with its pick for President of India's post

Presidential election 2017: How AIADMK, BJD and TRS may play kingmakers

WATCH: BJP sets up three-member panel to search for presidential election candidate

--- ENDS ---
Wyoming Business Tips for June 25-July 1

A weekly look at Wyoming business questions from the Wyoming Small Business Development Center (WSBDC), part of WyomingEntrepreneur.Biz, a collection of business assistance programs at the University of Wyoming.

By Sarah Hamlin, WSBDC Riverton regional director

What opportunities are there for my business during the Great American Eclipse? Brian, Lander

We are about two months away from the big day. Aug. 21 will be here before we know it. What are you doing to help prepare your business for this once-in-a-lifetime event?

All over the state, communities, business owners and individuals are planning. The topics being discussed range from community safety to business opportunities. As you prepare for the big day, here are a few things to remember:

-- With so many visitors coming, it is important to get your business on the map. Google, through its Get Our Cities on the Map program, makes it easy and free for business owners to create their online directory listings. Contact WSBDC regional Director Sarah Hamlin to help get started in this process by emailing sarah.hamlin@uwyo.edu.

-- The Wyoming Department of Revenue is offering temporary sales tax and lodging tax licenses for individuals who are interested in selling products or renting lodging during the eclipse week. For more information about the free application, visit http://revenue.wyo.gov/.

-- Places such as Airbnb and VRBO are blowing up with Wyoming residents offering up their rooms and homes to guests. These platforms do not automatically collect lodging tax for you; we suggest that you apply for a temporary lodging tax license (see above).

-- If you are renting lodging or parking to visitors, make sure to check with an insurance agent to see if your policy covers guests.

-- Think about extras, such as bottled water/snacks, that you could stock in your store for a hot August day.

-- Check for other events your communities are hosting that week. All over the state, we are seeing community street parties, rodeos and music popping up during eclipse day. These types of events could be a great place to promote your business to a new audience.

Regardless of where you are in your planning, remember that the WSBDC Network is here to help. Connect with your local adviser by visiting www.wyomingsbdc.org/contact-us/.

A blog version of this article and an opportunity to post comments are available at www.wyomingsbdc.org/blog1/.

For more information, call the WSBDC Network Procurement Technical Assistance Center at (307) 772-7372 or email amlewis@uwyo.edu.

The WSBDC is a partnership of the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Wyoming Business Council and the University of Wyoming. To ask a question, call 1-800-348-5194, email wsbdc@uwyo.edu, or write 1000 E. University Ave., Dept. 3922, Laramie, WY, 82071-3922.
By Press Trust of India: powers

Puducherry, Jun 16 (PTI) The Puducherry Assembly today passed a resolution for absolute powers to the elected government led by Chief Minister V Narayanasamy to check the style of functioning of Lt Governor Kiran Bedi.

The passage of the resolution, which in effect seeks to curb the powers of the Lt Governor, was preceded by noisy protests by two opposition AINRC members who came to the defence of Bedi and were later suspended for disrupting the proceedings.

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Narayanaswamy took strong exception to Bedi making field visits, calling meetings of officials at the Raj Nivas, holding meetings through video conferencing and sending communications through the social media.

Claiming that the Lt Governor had no powers to take any decision arbitrarily, the chief minister said she should act in "consultation and concurrence" of the elected ministry.

Bedi, who assumed office in May last year, has been involved in tussles with the Congress government on a host of issues. She has been asserting that being the administrator of the UT, she had the powers over administrative matters.

Last year, the former IPS officer had even threatened to quit her post and leave the Union Territory over non- cooperation by officials.

The resolution urged the Centre to bring amendments to the Government of Union Territories Act 1963 so that only the elected government in the UT was vested with full powers on administrative matters so that it could look after the welfare of the people.

Initially moved as a Private Member resolution by AIADMK AMMA MLA A Anbalagan, it was later converted as government sponsored one and declared passed unanimously by Speaker V Vaithilingam.

Pressing for absolute powers to the UT government, Narayanasamy referred to the provisions in the Constitution and also the various legislations relating to administration and conduct of business in Puducherry.

He said Puducherry was different from other Union Territories like Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep as it has an elected legislature.

Earlier, tabling the resolution, Anbalagan said the tug of war between the Lt Governor and the government was affecting implementation of various welfare schemes.

Ruling Congress member R K R Anandaraman accused Bedi of making "unnecessary and objectionable intervention" in the daily administration.

"Bedi seems to be functioning more autocratically than Hitler had done," he said and charged her with functioning with an "ulterior motive to tarnish the image of the Congress government."

At this stage, AINRC members Ashok Anand and N S J Jayabal, who literally barged into the House, rebutted the criticism against Bedi.

Raising the issue of post-graduate medical admission, in which Bedi had recently intervened, they pointed to todays Madras High Court order which was favourable to students.

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Anand attacked the the government for "letting down" the students in the admission issue, a charge denied by the chief minister later.

As the Speaker ordered his mike to be switched off, Anand rushed out, returned with a megaphone and continued his criticism of the government.

The assembly marshals, on a directive from the Speaker, snatched the mega phone from Anand.

As the Speaker ordered their suspension for the day, Anand threw all papers he had with him in the well of the House and walked out accompanied by his party colleague.

The Speaker ordered that the two AINRC members should not hold any meeting with mediapersons on the assembly premises.

Narayanaswamy disputed the criticisms of the AINRC MLAs, saying it was his government which had secured 50 per cent PG seats in private medical colleges for the government quota.

The Speaker adjourned the House sine die, bringing to a close the 23-day budget session during which Bedis style of functioning came under criticism on many occasions. PTI Cor VS ZMN

--- ENDS ---
By Press Trust of India: powers

(Eds: Updating with reax of Lt Governor)

Puducherry, Jun 16 (PTI) The Puducherry Assembly today passed a resolution for absolute powers to the V Narayanasamy government to check the style of functioning of Lt Governor Kiran Bedi, who said she was bound by law. The passage of the resolution, which in effect seeks to curb the powers of the Lt Governor, was preceded by noisy protests by two opposition AINRC members who came to the defence of Bedi and were later suspended for disrupting the proceedings.

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Narayanaswamy took strong exception to Bedi making field visits, calling meetings of officials at the Raj Nivas, holding meetings through video conferencing and sending communications through the social media.

Claiming that the Lt Governor had no powers to take any decision arbitrarily, the chief minister said she should act in "consultation and concurrence" of the elected ministry.

In a cryptic reaction to the resolution, Bedi said she was bound by the law.

"I have not written the law. I am bound by the law," she told reporters here tonight apparently referring to the powers vested in the Lt Governor in the administration of UTs.

The Lt Governor also denied allegations made against her in the past few days by the chief minister and others that she was blocking files.

"Whoever says that I am blocking the files, let them first tell which files or which schemes have been suffering hurdles at my end," she added.

Bedi, who assumed office in May last year, has been involved in tussles with the Congress government on a host of issues. She has been asserting that being the administrator of the UT, she had the powers over administrative matters.

Last year, the former IPS officer had even threatened to quit her post and leave the Union Territory over non- cooperation by officials.

The assembly resolution urged the Centre to bring amendments to the Government of Union Territories Act 1963 so that only the elected government in the UT was vested with full powers on administrative matters so that it could look after the welfare of the people.

Initially moved as a private member resolution by AIADMK AMMA MLA A Anbalagan, it was later converted as government sponsored one and declared passed unanimously by Speaker V Vaithilingam.

Pressing for absolute powers to the UT government, Narayanasamy referred to the provisions in the Constitution and also the various legislations relating to administration and conduct of business in Puducherry.

He said Puducherry was different from other Union Territories like Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep as it has an elected legislature.

advertisement

Earlier, tabling the resolution, Anbalagan said the tug of war between the Lt Governor and the government was affecting implementation of various welfare schemes.

Ruling Congress member R K R Anandaraman accused Bedi of making "unnecessary and objectionable intervention" in the daily administration.

"Bedi seems to be functioning more autocratically than Hitler had done," he said and charged her with functioning with an "ulterior motive to tarnish the image of the Congress government."

At this stage, AINRC members Ashok Anand and N S J Jayabal, who literally barged into the House, rebutted the criticism against Bedi.

Raising the issue of post-graduate medical admission, in which Bedi had recently intervened, they pointed to todays Madras High Court order which was favourable to students.

Anand attacked the the government for "letting down" the students in the admission issue, a charge denied by the chief minister later.

As the Speaker ordered his mike to be switched off, Anand rushed out, returned with a megaphone and continued his criticism of the government.

The assembly marshals, on a directive from the Speaker, snatched the mega phone from Anand.

advertisement

As the Speaker ordered their suspension for the day, Anand threw all papers he had with him in the well of the House and walked out accompanied by his party colleague.

The Speaker ordered that the two AINRC members should not hold any meeting with mediapersons on the assembly premises.

Narayanaswamy disputed the criticisms of the AINRC MLAs, saying it was his government which had secured 50 per cent PG seats in private medical colleges for the government quota.

The Speaker adjourned the House sine die, bringing to a close the 23-day budget session during which Bedis style of functioning came under criticism on many occasions. PTI CorVS ZMN

--- ENDS ---
By: Dezan Shira & Associates

Editor: Trang Le

On 8 May 2017, a new Pharmacy Decree detailing articles and measures to implement the Law on Pharmacy was promulgated by the Government and is scheduled to take effect from 01 July 2017. Published under the title Decree 54, this is the first of many decrees and circulars that will be issued to guide the implementation of the 2016 Pharmaceutical Law, which came into force on 01 January 2017. The Decree has 9 Chapters and 145 Articles and will replace the following former decrees: Decree 79 issued in 2006, Decree 102 issued in 2016 and the regulations on pharmaceutical advertising set out in Decree 181 issued in 2013.

Key changes under decree 54

Decree 54 revises some crucial issues in pharmaceutical practice such as:

Issuance of the certificate on the pharmaceutical practice and the certificate of eligibility for pharmacy business for manufacturers/importers/exporters/wholesalers/retailers (including pharmacies) / drug storage service providers/ clinical testing service providers, etc.

Regulations on licensing of import and export of drugs/ingredients in and outside the Vietnamese market

Conditions for trading of controlled drug

Procedures for registration of drug information content and notices

Cases of recovery of raw materials for medicines and treatment measures

Drug advertisement

Drug price control measures

Impending price controls

The prices of drugs in Vietnam have soared in recent years, with many calling on the government to intervene. As a result, the Government is taking more measures to regulate pricing. Chapter 8 of the Pharmacy Decree outlines measures for the management of drug prices, which include drug price declarations and re-declaration; posting of drug prices; regulations of the retail surplus of retailers in health clinics; bidding and price negotiation; and measures for stabilization of prices of drugs.

Accordingly, drug-dealing establishments will be required to fully comply with these and take responsibility for all reporting carried out on their behalf. Drug-dealing establishments will generally be prohibited from selling drugs, wholesale or retail, at higher prices than those declared on the website of the Ministry of Health (MoH) which are established by manufacturers, facilities processing drugs, or importers.

Distribution rights

Under its WTO commitments, Vietnam agreed to allow foreign-invested entities (FIEs) to conduct distribution services (i.e., commission agent, wholesale, and retail services) for most types of products, but it specifically excluded pharmaceutical products and drugs.

Pursuant to the soon to be implemented Pharmacy Decree, a FIE pharmaceutical importer is allowed to sell its imported pharmaceuticals to pharmaceutical wholesalers who have been certified by the MOH as qualified to buy pharmaceuticals from a FIE pharmaceutical importer.FIE pharmaceutical importers are prohibited from conducting any of the following activities:

Selling drugs/ingredients, or delivering to pharmacies, hospitals and clinics, retailer, individuals or other organizations that are not wholesalers.

Accepting purchase orders or accepting payments under purchase orders of drugs from pharmacies, hospitals, and clinics, retailer, individuals or other organizations that are not wholesalers.

Transportation and provision of drug storage services

Determining or fixing the sale prices of drugs distributed by other pharmacy establishments;

Participating in developing and/or making decisions on the distribution strategy and/or business policy for drugs distributed by other enterprises

Making drugs supply plans for health clinics in Vietnam

Providing financial support to its purchasers for the purpose of manipulating the distribution activities

Performing other activities related to drug distribution in accordance with the provisions of law

Clause 12 of Article 91 stipulates that FIEs with import rights shall have to register their wholesalers with the MoH before selling drugs or stop selling drugs to the wholesalers. Within 3 working days from the date of receiving the notice of FIEs, the MoH will publish on its website the list of wholesalers that have the right to purchase imported products from the relevant FIEs with import rights.

RELATED: Industry Spotlight: Emerging Opportunities in Vietnamese Healthcare

Implications for foreign invested enterprises

At present, there are no set conditions imposed by the MoH on pharmaceutical wholesalers seeking to purchase pharmaceuticals from FIE pharmaceutical importers. There is a lack of technical conditions, such as testing laboratory standards, storage/preservation conditions imposed. Wholesalers instead that have the right to purchase imported products so long as they have the capability to directly perform the distribution of the products purchased from FIEs without this ability being manipulated or controlled by the sellers.

In an effort to update some aspects of the Vietnams regulations to fulfill its WTO Commitments, the new decree is expected to set forth a legal framework for foreign invested enterprises (FIEs) to trade in drugs and drug ingredients in a very near future. Set to take effect in July of 2017, this guidance would have far-reaching implications for the structuring and operations of pharmaceutical companies and their partners in Vietnam.

Dezan Shira & Associates Brochure

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 Vietnam 2017

An Introduction to Doing Business in Vietnam 2017 will provide readers with an overview of the fundamentals of investing and conducting business in Vietnam. Compiled by Dezan Shira & Associates, a specialist foreign direct investment practice, this guide explains the basics of company establishment, annual compliance, taxation, human resources, payroll, and social insurance in this dynamic country.

Managing Contracts and Severance in Vietnam

In this issue of Vietnam Briefing, we discuss the prevailing state of labor pools in Vietnam and outline key considerations for those seeking to staff and retain workers in the country. We highlight the increasing demand for skilled labor, provide in depth coverage of existing contract options, and showcase severance liabilities that may arise if workers or employers choose to terminate their contracts.
By: Dezan Shira & Associates

Editor: Koushan Das

Vietnams General Department of Taxation has asked local tax authorities to inspect foreign-owned retailers for tax avoidance through transfer pricing or profit shifting. The authorities will be auditing corporate tax, VAT, personal income tax, and foreign contractor tax for the period 2012-2016. Along with the direct and indirect taxes, the department is also planning to monitor franchising or ownership transfer of foreign retailers for unpaid taxes.

To ensure tax compliance, Vietnamese government released the Decree 20 earlier this year, which is in effect since May 1, 2017. It included changes in transfer pricing regulations, new documentation and declaration requirements, and guidance on the deductibility of related-party expenses and interest. Multinationals must assess the effects of the Decree on their operations in order to comply with tax regulations in near future, especially for companies conducting related party transactions.

Inspections in the past

Last year the hypermarket Big C Vietnam, was asked to pay VND 2 trillion (US$88 million) in taxes based on its capital gains tax obligations, after it was sold to Thailands Central Group by Frances Casino Group for 1 billion euros (US$ 1.14 billion).

Similarly Metro Cash & Carry, the German retailer was asked to pay VND 507 billion ($23.63 million) in tax arrears, after tax officials found that the multinational had engaged in transfer pricing. Metro Cash & Carry was also asked to pay VND 1.9 trillion ($85.25 million) in taxes, after its sale to Thai company Thailands Central Group in 2015.

Going forward

Vietnam will continue to attract foreign-owned retailers, driven by growing middle class, increased spending, and a relatively young population. As per A.T. Kearneys 2017 Global Retail Development Index, Vietnam ranked the sixth most attractive market for retailers. With the increasing dominance of foreign enterprises, tax officials will continue to ensure greater tax compliance.

As per government estimates, almost half of foreign-invested enterprises evade taxes by exploiting regulation loopholes. With the new Decree 20 in effect, the government has taken a significant step forward to plug existing loopholes and provide further clarity for multinationals. In addition to this, tax administration should also develop a global price database to assist in discovering transfer pricing manipulations.

Multinationals over the years in Vietnam, have declared successive losses even after expanding their business activities. Such firms will attract increased scrutiny from tax officials, like in the case of Metro Cash & Carry, who was accused of falsely reporting losses for 12 years in Vietnam, to avoid paying taxes.

Going forward, the frequency of audits and inspections are predicted to rise as part of the governments initiative to bring down the government debt. Foreign corporations should continue to evaluate their operations and ensure compliance, to avoid tax arrears and penalties.

Dezan Shira & Associates Brochure

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 Vietnam 2017

An Introduction to Doing Business in Vietnam 2017 will provide readers with an overview of the fundamentals of investing and conducting business in Vietnam. Compiled by Dezan Shira & Associates, a specialist foreign direct investment practice, this guide explains the basics of company establishment, annual compliance, taxation, human resources, payroll, and social insurance in this dynamic country.

Managing Contracts and Severance in Vietnam

In this issue of Vietnam Briefing, we discuss the prevailing state of labor pools in Vietnam and outline key considerations for those seeking to staff and retain workers in the country. We highlight the increasing demand for skilled labor, provide in depth coverage of existing contract options, and showcase severance liabilities that may arise if workers or employers choose to terminate their contracts.
One of two cars that a local business gifts to Ca Mau Province.- Photo thanhnien.vn

The ministry has been asked to submit a report before June 30.

As regulations, blue plates are supposed to be granted only to State-owned cars of particular organisations and agencies at the central level. Those cars receive traffic priority in certain circumstances.

In March, Phuc had ordered the ministry to reclaim the privileged blue plates but the ministry has not yet completed the process.

The PM has also asked all ministries and local administrations of provinces and cities to stop accepting cars as gifts from local businesses.

He has instructed the Ministry of Finance to supervise how ministries and local administrations are dealing with the cars they have received as gifts and to come up with a solution this month to address the issue.

The PMs direction came after reports came out that Ca Mau and a Nang had received cars worth billions of ong as gifts from local businesses. Authorities responded saying that the cars were being used for common departmental purposes. However, the government asked all administrations to return cars gifted to them.
Britain voted by 52 per cent in favour of leaving the European Union in a 2016 referendum. (AFP/THIERRY CHARLIER)

Brexit talks had been expected to begin in Brussels next week but May's loss of her parliamentary majority in a snap general election one week ago raised doubts about the date.

"The first round of talks that will see the United Kingdom leave the European Union will start on Monday June 19," the Department for Exiting the European Union ministry said on Thursday (Jun 15).

The announcement was agreed on Thursday between Brexit minister David Davis and the European Commission's chief negotiator Michel Barnier. "We are starting," Barnier said on Twitter.

Since the general election, there has been growing pressure on May to moderate the government's approach and favour maintaining close ties with the European single market at the expense of controlling immigration.

The loss of her majority meant May has been reaching out to the ultra-conservative Democratic Unionist Party to prop up her Conservative party.

The Conservatives have reached a "broad agreement" with the DUP, a source told AFP on Thursday.

The source said talks with the small Northern Irish party were progressing well as meetings in Downing Street with all of the British province's main political leaders were taking place.

Conservatives and the DUP are committed to strengthening British unity, delivering Brexit, combating terrorism and delivering prosperity but "at the moment there isn't a deal," the source said.

The government meanwhile said the state opening of the parliament - when May's government presents its legislation programme - will take place on Jun 21, two days later than planned.

The Conservative source said this meant the party was "confident" it had enough votes for the programme to be approved, after May suffered a disastrous setback in snap elections a week ago that saw her lose her majority in the 650-seat House of Commons, just ahead of crucial Brexit negotiations with Brussels.

The Conservatives have 317 MPs while the DUP have 10.

The state opening will be followed by days of parliamentary debate and a confidence vote that will be the first major challenge for the new government.

TALKS WITH NORTHERN IRELAND PARTIES

Though on the surface, Thursday's meetings with Northern Irish parties were aimed at breaking the logjam in forming a new cross-party regional government in the province, May needs broader acceptance in the province of a Conservative-DUP deal.

Some fear the viability of Northern Ireland's fragile peace - which has held since 1998 after decades of inter-community violence known as The Troubles - could rest on the arrangement, with doubts around the UK government's impartiality.

"The risk is that Northern Ireland continues to fail to find solutions, and potentially the peace process unwinds," Simon Usherwood, senior politics lecturer at Surrey University, told AFP.

The 1998 peace accords in Northern Ireland set up a power-sharing executive in the British province, but this collapsed in January when Irish republicans Sinn Fein pulled out, citing a breakdown in trust.

An election in March saw the Protestant, pro-British DUP finish narrowly ahead of Catholic socialists Sinn Fein.

If the parties still cannot agree a deal by Jun 29, then the Northern Irish assembly's powers returned to the UK government.

DEAL OR NO DEAL?

Brexit is a complicating factor in the mix.

A majority in Northern Ireland wanted the UK to remain in the European Union, though the DUP backed a divorce from the bloc.

Northern Ireland's frontier with the Republic of Ireland will be the UK's only land border with the EU after Brexit.

London, Belfast, Dublin and Brussels all want to keep the border open, but no agreement has been reached.

The DUP and Sinn Fein are taking part in Thursday's talks at Downing Street, along with smaller parties.

Following the talks, Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams said the party would not stand for any Conservative-DUP arrangement which compromised British government impartiality in Northern Ireland.

"A little side bargain to keep Theresa May in power ... won't have any integrity and certainly isn't as important as the needs of people" in Northern Ireland, said Adams. "The prime minister has totally ignored the will of those people in terms of Brexit."
Britain's Prime Minster Theresa May greets Qatar's Prime Minister Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani on the steps of 10 Downing Street. AFP/Justin TALLIS

"The Prime Minister raised the ongoing isolation of Qatar in the Gulf region, calling on all sides to urgently de-escalate the situation, engage meaningfully in dialogue, and restore Gulf Cooperation Council unity at the earliest possible opportunity," a spokesperson for May said in a statement.

Qatar should "continue to build on the progress it has already made to address the scourge of radicalisation and terrorism in the region, in partnership with its Gulf allies," the spokesperson added.

May's office said she spoke with the kings of Saudi Arabia and Bahrain and the emir of Qatar on Thursday evening.

British foreign secretary Boris Johnson urged Gulf states including Saudi Arabia to ease their blockade of Qatar on Monday.
The turf war between L-G Kiran Bedi and Chief Minister V Narayanasamy has become a no-holds-barred constitutional confrontation. In an interview with India Today, both leaders present their side of story.

The turf war between Puducherry L-G Kiran Bedi and Chief Minister V. Narayanasamy has become a no-holds-barred constitutional confrontation. The two leaders spoke to Kaushik Deka to present their side of the story. Excerpts:

Kiran Bedi, Lieutenant-Governor

Q. CM Narayanasamy says you have made it difficult for him to run the government.

A. Before the Nellithope byelection (November 2016), the CM was all praise for me. Even the assembly passed an appreciative resolution. Once he won the byelection, I saw a steady opposition building up against my working style.

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Q. The latest bone of contention is your "interference" in the allotment of medical seats in private colleges.

A. The medical seats distribution issue is a big fiasco committed by them. We detected it just in time. I have asked central agencies to investigate the sabotage from all angles. The L-G's office is the final clearing office for financial approvals, cabinet decisions, service issues, postings and transfers, disciplinary cases, planning and policy approvals, contracts and several other matters. So doing due diligence is my duty. Why do you send the files to the L-G? Get an ornamental rubber stamp made then, and do it yourself.

Q. Narayanasamy has also accused you of trying to garner publicity by posting confidential information on social media.

A. Good, comprehensive communication is the basis of all good governance. I know what and when to share, and what not to.

Q. There is an allegation that the Narendra Modi government has sent you to Puducherry to harass the elected Congress administration.

A. The Centre has far more important issues to address.

Q. You announced that you will quit when you complete two years in the state. Why?

A. Puducherry does not need me for too long. So why hang on?

V. Narayanasamy, Chief Minister

Q. Why do you say the L-G has made it difficult for you to run the government?

A. In India, as per the Constitution, only the elected government has the supreme power to govern. If the L-G assumes superpowers and continues to act with impunity, then what is the difference between a dictatorship and democracy? Nowhere in the rules is it stipulated that the L-G has powers to run day-to-day administration.

Q. You objected to the L-G reaching out to bureaucrats directly through social media. Why are you scared of her? She says she is trying to create a transparent system for redressal of public grievances.

A. Government secrets cannot be divulged on social media. You are saying that she is bringing transparency. When we asked for a copy of letters written by her to the green tribunal and the Union ministry for home affairs, she refused to divulge the same. Is this a transparent system of administration?

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Q. Bedi claims she is has the financial authority to run the state and overrule any law the state legislature passes.

A. The Constitution gives power only to an elected government... not to representatives of the honourable president.

Q. On medical college admissions, don't you think she had the right to intervene if there were malpractices?

A. I openly challenged the L-G to prove her allegations that government quota seats had been surrendered to private medical colleges. Till date, there is no reply from her.

Q. You say she is seeking publicity and is working at the behest of political masters in Delhi. What makes you say that?

A. She has created a separate media team for her publicity. Team Raj Bhawan is used for her self-propaganda.

--- ENDS ---
Civil Aviation Authority of Viet Nam (CAAV), Lai Xuan Thanh. - Photo baogiaohthong.vn

Thanh said media reports on the matter were incorrect and the licence request by the company, a newly established subsidiary of the FLC Group, is under consideration.

Earlier this month, Dang Tat Thang, FLC Groups deputy general director cum general director of the Viet Bamboo Airways Company, submitted the application with charter capital of VND700 billion (US$31.2 million). The application included plans for human resources, labour contracts, operation regulations and agreements on aircraft leasing.

Viet Bamboo Airways said it signed agreements to lease seven Airbus A320 for the launch of the airways scheduled by the end of 2018. It also submitted information on business plans, development strategies, market demand and trends, competitive level.

According to the current regulations, companies granted aviation licences must have at least three owned or leased aircraft in their first five years of operation.

The CAAV will report to the Ministry of Transport (MoT) on the assessment results within 30 working days. The ministry would submit the report to the Prime Minister for approval within the next 15 days. The final decision on the licence will be issued within 10 days of receiving the report by the Prime Minister Office and the MoT will act according to this decision in a maximum of five days since its issuance.

Bamboo Airways representative said 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.

The local market has three airlines waiting for licences or adjustment of their licences to expand operations, including Hai Au, Viet Bamboo Airlines and Vietstar Air.
Three international expos to be held in September will promote localisation in Vietnam

This trio of exhibitions will triple business opportunities and increase the localisation index for the electronic industry in Vietnam by featuring over 200 leading brands from 20 countries and seven international pavilions from leading technology countries such as Japan, Korea, China, Singapore, and Taiwan.

At the press conference, Suttisak Wilanan, deputy managing director of Reed Tradex, the organiser of NEPCON Vietnam (NEV) 2017, shared his belief in Vietnams capability and potential, pointing out, At the beginning of 2015, Vietnam was the 12th largest electronics exporter in the world and the third largest in the ASEAN, but at this rate, it is expected to climb the list very quickly. In fact, Vietnam has already surpassed the goal of $40 billion in electronic exports it set for by 2017.

Chairman of the Vietnam Electronic Industries Association (VEIA) Luu Hoang Long also held positive views, but also mentioned the challenges in front of the electronic industry. With its geographic advantage as the centre of the ASEAN and the bridge between Indochina and the world, Vietnam is becoming a fascinating new manufacturing centre with educated labour force and lower wages than in most countries in Indonesia and only one half of Thailand.

He added In recent years, the export of mobile phones and phone components always held the highest ratio among all export products of Vietnam and made significant contribution to Vietnams trade balance and reduced trade deficit. Nonetheless, despite the fact that the total export value of mobile phones and components was $34.3 billion in 2016, foreign invested enterprises controlled 99.8 per cent, worth $34.2 billion.

Suttisak Wilanan underlined the need of enhancing localisation in the integration process. As a member of the World Trade Organisation, Vietnam is also a participant in the Information Technology Agreement (ITA) and has a potential to better take advantage of its expansion. For this, the country needs to raise productivity, move up the value chain, and increase localisation. Currently, foreign enterprises represent one-third of the Vietnamese electronics industry, but they accounted for 90 per cent of the nations total electronic export turnover and hold 80 per cent of the local market.

As the co-organiser of the 7th Vietnam-Japan Supporting Industries Exhibition, Hironobu Kitagawa, chief representative of JETRO in Hanoi, also talked about how the low localisation rate of raw materials, materials, and components production is inhibiting Vietnams growth.

The localisation rate of raw materials, components of Japanese enterprises in Vietnam is very low, only 34 per cent, while it is 68 per cent in China and 57 per cent in Thailand. Therefore, businesses are forced to import from neighbouring countries, such as Thailand and China. This is causes increased costs and risks for businesses, he said.

Moreover, Vietnam is in the competitive world, where it needs to raise capabilities and complete a full supporting industry chain, Long added. India has been Vietnams biggest competitor in attracting foreign investment, since it applies two-level incentives from both the government and the municipal states. With the advantage of low wages and a high-tech industry, India still holds the position of the Silicon Valley of Asia.

At the event, Bui Huy Son, general director of the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency, pointed out, In the process of industrialisation and modernisation, supporting industries play a very important role, creating the basis for development and growth of a highly competitive and sustainable industry.

Wilanan also proudly shared that the government has strongly fortified supporting industries in the production chain. The government has a 10-year plan to assist firms in the supply sector in their research and development, technology transfer and renewal, as well as in human resources training to enable them to better participate in the global production chain and promote foreign direct investment in the industry.

At NEV17, Reed Tradex has entered into a collaboration with JETRO in Hanoi to boost the development of supporting industries in Vietnam in order to complete the full production chain for the electronics manufacturing industry, as well as create a commercial connection framework between Vietnamese suppliers and Japanese buyers.

Together, all parties strongly promote the concept of localisation fortifying supporting industries during the exhibitions. Therefore, visitors this year will get to visit three exhibitions under one roof and access the benefits to develop complete production lines as well as receive more business in the electronics manufacturing and supporting industries.

In addition to technology, organiser Reed Tradex are partnering up with VEIA to prepare the content, activities, and education programme that will inspire and enhance knowledge and industry networks.

Reed Tradex: A manufacturing liaison The Vietnam Manufacturing Expo 2017  an international exhibition catering to mould and die making and injection technologies for plastics manufacturing  is slated to take place from April 26-28 in Hanoi.

NEPCON to power up new technology Vietnam-based electronics firms will have the opportunity to seek foreign partners from around the world at the NEPCON Thailand 2016, a high-profile exhibition showcasing the worlds latest electronics technology in Thailand. Suttisak Wilanan, deputy managing director of ASEANs leading exhibition organiser, Reed Tradex, spoke with VIRs Thanh Tung on this topic.
Deputy Prime Minister Vuong inh Hue (standing) responds to queries regarding public investment in the National Assembly hearing this morning. - VNA/VNS Photo Phuong Hoa

The National Assembly hearing of the Minister of Planning and Investment, Nguyen Chi Dung, resumed today morning, as the deputies grilled him with questions concerning the ineffective public investment since last year. Deputy Prime Minister Hue later decided to intervene to assist the minister in answering the deputies queries.

The budget disbursed for investment by the end of December last year reached VN201.9 trillion (US$8.97 billion), accounting for only about 81 per cent of the annual plan, according to the General Statistics Office of Viet Nam. In the first five months of 2017, some VN76.2 trillion were already spent, a report by the GSO said. However, up to 13 out of the 44 Governmental units failed to do any disbursement, while 22, together with four local authorities, had a disbursement rate under 10 per cent.

The slow disbursement was one of the reasons leading to an economic growth rate lower than expectation, Hue said. The national gross domestic product (GDP) in the first quarter this year only reached 5.1 per cent, continuing the downward trend from 6.1 per cent and 5.4 per cent in the same period in 2015 and 2016, respectively.

The deputy PM said that the introduction of the Law on Public Investment which came into effect since early last year also caused confusion in the implementation.

Though the purpose of the law was to avoid potential losses in the investment spending of the taxpayers money, Hue said, some administrative regulations unintentionally blocked the disbursement flow.

Another reason for the ineffective disbursement came from an adjustment in the national mid-term public investment plan.

The plan approved by the NA indicated that some VN2 quadrillion ($88.8 billion) would be spent up to 2020. It was, however, cut by VN200 trillion from the amount mentioned in the original plan, prepared and submitted by the Government to the previous 13th NA.

The ministries and the local authorities had to spend time adjusting their projects, thus prolonging the disbursement process, Hue said.

The Government has upped its efforts to accelerate the disbursement speed, which resulted in a faster rate, he told the NA deputies.

The disbursement amount in the last five months of 2016 was nearly as much as the first seven months. The first five months of the year have disbursed 24.7 per cent (of the plan), while it was 24 per cent last year, the deputy PM said. It is, however, still slow.
MNC ET Solar expects to invest a solar plant in southern Can Tho Province. - Photo VNA

Speaking at the event, Liming Wang, ET Solar chief representative for Southeast Asia, said ET Solar wanted to build a system of solar power plants which were capable of generating nearly 200MW of electricity in Viet Nam, especially in localities with great potential, such as Binh Thuan and Can Tho.

ET Solar has been successful in 15 countries and has become a prestigious share on the US securities exchange. In Viet Nam, ET Solar expects to build a plant, sell products to market and transfer technology to localities.

Tran Ngoc Nguyen, director of the municipal Department of Science and Technology, said Can Tho was calling for investment in biology, automation, new materials and energy. In particular, renewable energies such as solar batteries and power have been included in the citys planning until 2020 with a vision up to 2030 to increase power supply, especially in remote areas.

Can Tho also reduces land use fees for foreign enterprises, and offers land tax waiver for projects in the list of priority investment. Investors can enjoy corporate tax exemption in the first four years of operation, 5 per cent tax in the next nine years and 20 per cent tax in the 16th year and later.

Foreign firms operating in high technology are entitled to import and value-added tax exemption, access to preferential loans, equipment and human resources from research and development centres in hi-tech areas.

The same day, the ET Solar working delegation took a fact-finding trip to Hung Phu industrial zone and expressed belief in a bilateral partnership in the future.
Remains of furniture are seen through windows of the burnt down Grenfell Tower in London on Jun 15, 2017. (Photo source: AP/Frank Augstein)

"We owe that to the families, to the people who have lost loved ones and the homes in which they lived," said May, as firefighters said parts of the council-owned building in west London had become structurally unsafe.

The prime minister said the inquiry, an official review of action by public institutions, was needed to ensure "this terrible tragedy is properly investigated".

Seventeen people have been confirmed dead and the number is expected to rise, with Fire Commissioner Dany Cotton telling Sky News there were still "unknown numbers" of people inside.

"Tragically now we are not expecting to find anyone else alive," she said.

The 24-storey Grenfell Tower was home to around 600 people when the fire ripped through the building before dawn on Wednesday.

Whole families remain missing after the fire which forced residents to flee through black smoke down the single stairwell, jump out of windows or even drop their children to safety.

Around 35 appeals to find missing loved ones have been made in the press and on social media so far.

'VERY HAD QUESTIONS'

Questions are growing about how the flames spread so quickly, engulfing the tower's 120 apartments in what fire chiefs said was an unprecedented blaze.

Opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn, who visited the tower on Thursday after the prime minister, said "some very hard questions must be answered" about how the fire took hold.

"We have to get to the bottom of this - the truth has got to come out and it will," he told volunteers at a local church.

The focus of criticism centres on the cladding fitted to external walls on the 1970s concrete block as part of a 8.7 million refit (US$11 million, 9.9 million) completed last year.

According to the BBC, the cladding had a plastic core and was similar to that used by high-rise buildings in France, the United Arab Emirates and Australia, which had also suffered fires that spread.

Rydon, the firm responsible for the refit, said the project "met all required building regulations".

Harley Facades, which fitted the panels, told the BBC: "At this time, we are not aware of any link between the fire and the exterior cladding to the tower."

'WE SAW THEM DYING'

Grenfell Tower is part of a social housing estate in north Kensington, just streets away from some of the most expensive homes in the world in Notting Hill.

The area has a large immigrant population, but many families have lived in the area for years, passing on their low-rent homes to their children.

Witnesses told how residents in the upper floors used their mobile phone torches to attract attention, before they disappeared from view, their screams of help falling silent.

"We saw them dying," said Adi Estu, 32, who was evacuated from her home nearby.

Some people reportedly jumped from the windows, and one witness, Samira Lamrani, said she saw a woman drop a baby from the ninth or 10th floor, for the child to be caught by a man below.

The fire triggered a fresh wave of mourning in a country already battered by a string of terror attacks.

More than 480,000 had been raised online for the victims by early Thursday, while local community centres were inundated by donations of clothes and food.

Volunteers in Glasgow - 550 kilometres (350 miles) away - sent a truck laden with nappies and other supplies.

Queen Elizabeth II sent her condolences, paying tribute to the bravery of the emergency services.

"It is also heartening to see the incredible generosity of community volunteers rallying to help those affected by this terrible event," she in a statement.

QUESTIONS OVER SAFETY MEASURES

Cladding has been added to a number of buildings across London in recent years, intended to provide insulation as well as improve the appearance of older buildings.

But Kostas Tsavdaridis, associate professor of structural engineering at the University of Leeds, warned: "Some materials used in facades act as significant fire loads."

"Although theoretically they are fire resistant, in most cases they are high-temperature resistant instead of fire resistant. But even if they are, smoke and fire will spread through the joints and connections," he said.

There were questions about why there was no sprinkler system in the Grenfell Tower which could have helped stop the fire spreading, or any central smoke alarm system that would have woken sleeping residents.

Official fire service advice for residents to stay in their homes and use towels to block out smoke, while awaiting help, has also come under scrutiny.

Firefighters were able to reach only the 12th floor of the block during the height of the blaze.

Abdelaziz El-Wahabi, his wife Faouzia and their three children were among those who followed protocol by staying in their flat on the 21st floor.

"Last time I spoke to his wife, he was on the phone to the fire brigade. I've not heard from them since," his sister Hanan Wahabi told AFP on Wednesday morning.

David Collins, former chairman of the Grenfell Tower Residents' Association, said the building's management had failed to listen to residents' calls for improvements on fire safety.

"If the same concerns were had in a wealthy part of Kensington and Chelsea they would have got resolved, but here they didn't get resolved," Collins told AFP.
The State management agencies and local authorities must be cautious with the real estate market performances and wary of a market bubble, Deputy Prime Minister Trinh Dinh Dung reiterated recently.- Photo cafef.vn

Although the property market is on a stable trend and contributed significantly to the countrys economic development after a protracted period, close watch must be placed on the market development, Dung said.

At the meeting late in May, Dung said that the Ministry of Construction and local authorities must enhance market watch to ensure the market develops on the right track, prevent crisis and ensure a sustainable growth.

Several days after, at a meeting on June 1, Dung requested those present to implement measures to ensure the stability and healthy development of the real estate market, adding that this was critical to ensure macro-economic stability.

Dung said that the property market development must be in line with the countrys housing development strategy, especially social housing development, urban, industrial zone and tourism development and balance of supply and demand.

Dung reiterated this during a Government meeting on June 3.

The Deputy Prime Ministers request was raised at a time when the land prices in HCM City soared in the recent months on rumours of new infrastructure projects that would benefit land prices.

Actions have been taken to calm down the land fever in the southern city. The construction ministry asked the HCM Citys public planning information and property agency to ensure transparency in its infrastructure projects.

On June 3, Directive 24/CT-TTg was issued about the solutions to promote growth to reach the economic targets in 2017, in which Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc asked the Ministry of Construction to closely watch the real estate market performances, actively raise measures to promote its healthy development, prevent speculation and unreasonable increases in prices and ensure the market transparency.

The State Bank of Viet Nam recently said that the credit growth for the real estate sector slowed down in the first five months of this year.

The Ministry of Housing and Real Estate Management Department under the construction ministry said that housing prices did not see significant increases in the period.
Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi held a massive rally in Sangareddy, Telangana on June 2. Something interesting happened when Rahul was about to leave the rally venue.

By Ashish Pandey: On June 2, Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi held a mega rally in Sangareddy district of Telangana.

Upbeat over the massive gathering that the rally witnessed, Telangana Congress leaders are already planning another rally of Rahul Gandhi later this year which they believe would further strengthen the Congress in the newly formed state.

A couple of weeks after the 'successful' rally, Telangana Congress leaders are still in celebration mode.

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RAHUL AND THE GOLD BRACELET

When Rahul Gandhi was about to leave Sangareddy after the rally, former Congress MP V Hanumanth Rao made him meet ex-MLA T Jayaprakash Reddy. The Congress veteran has been a devoted worker of the party since long and also worked for Rahul's father late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.

When Rahul was told about Jayaprakash Reddy, who is popularly known as Jagga Reddy in the region, he was so impressed by the leader's loyalty that he asked Hanumanth Rao to gift him the gold bracelet that he was wearing as 'token of thanks'.

"He asked me to gift my bracelet to Jagga Reddy immediately. Since it was Rahul Gandhi's order, I could not say no. However, I could not remove it on the stage. So, I gave it to him later," V Hanumanth Rao told India Today.

Jagga Reddy later auctioned the bracelet. He plans to distribute Rs 20 lakh that he received by auctioning the bracelet among farmers of the region.

"I will give money to the farmers who were arrested and handcuffed by the government in Warangal and Khammam," Jagga Reddy said.

'JUST A PUBLICITY STUNT'

The ruling Telangana Rasthtra Samithi took a dig on the 'auction' and termed it a publicity stunt. Reacting on twitter party senior leader and minister K Tarak ramarao described Congress as a party of comedians.

"Indian Congress is a funny party. Full of comedians to enthral all of us," Ramarao said.

Indian congress is a funny party. Full of comedians to enthral all of us ?? https://t.co/4sSE7bP1pf

ALSO READ:

Rahul Gandhi emulates Indira in Sangareddy. Can he repeat 1980 for Congress in 2019?

Congress leader praises 'pappu' Rahul Gandhi in WhatsApp chat, removed from all party posts

Rahul Gandhi to visit grandmother in Italy, BJP calls it a 'summer vacation picnic'

How can you stop me? Rahul Gandhi pushes cop as he tries to enter violence-hit Mandsaur on a bike

WATCH: Out on bail, Rahul Gandhi meets farmers, assures them of full support

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MSc in Leadership and Management for Healthcare Practice

The School of Health Studies, working in partnership with the University of Salford, will be running a three-year part time MSc in Leadership and Management for Healthcare Practice. This Masters level programme will be run in Gibraltar, commencing September 2017, with staff from across the Gibraltar Health Authority (GHA) enrolling on the programme.

This is a practice-related course that is aimed at health care professionals who wish to develop the knowledge, skills and qualities to be an effective health care leader. This leadership and management course will build upon and develop the confidence of staff to try new and creative approaches to the workplace, deal with complex leadership situations and provide effective patient and service outcomes.

Dr Ron Coram, Principal of the School of Health Studies commented: Implementing quality improvements that are locally led, patient-centered and clinically driven, is how contemporary health and social care has to be delivered. Responding to local needs, this Masters course will help GHA staff to transform patient and service outcomes at a local level.

Dr Lesley Lappin, a 'Q' Fellow of The Health Foundation working in Multi Professional Post Graduate Studies at the University of Salford, is the Programme Leader. Dr. Lappin said I am delighted to be working with staff from across the GHA. The calibre of applications received has been excellent. Staff from the University of Salford will be facilitating development and encouraging participants to become effective leaders and supporting them to explore the challenges and opportunities required to influence local policy that impacts on patient and service outcomes.

This is the second Masters level programme that the GHA have provided. Minister for Health, Care and Justice, the Honourable Neil F. Costa MP noted that he was pleased to be working in partnership with University of Salford who are ranked as one of the worlds international universities with a proven track record of providing programmes of study for a range of health and social organisations, locally, nationally and internationally. Minister Costa said: We acknowledge that effective leadership and management does not happen by chance and helping our staff to develop and hone their leadership and management skills will have palpable outcomes for the delivery of safe and effective patient care. This Masters is a bespoke programme that will recognise the unique needs of staff and the people of Gibraltar, that will develop project management skills, as well as developing the skills required to manage change in dynamic and ever changing health care settings.
A video that showed two men brutally thrashing a woman who seemed to be mentally-challenged is doing round on social media and making headlines.

By India Today Web Desk: Attacks on mentally-challenged people is nothing new. There have been many incidents in our country where mentally ill people were beaten up mercilessly, tortured beyond limits, sexually harassed and even killed.

As an addition to the number of incidents of violence against mentally ill people, a mentally-challenged woman was thrashed by two men on June 13 in Rajasthan's Nagaur district.

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A video of the brutal incident is going viral on social media. In the video, two men thrashing a woman using a green-coloured pipe could be seen. The two men, identified as Prakash Meghwal and Shrawan Meghwal, possibly sibglings, have been arrested by the Rajasthan Police.

The woman, wearing a salwar-kameez, was forced to say 'Allah', 'Jai Shri Ram', and 'Jai Hanuman'.

Balaji police station SHO Puranmal Meena said that they are looking for the man who uploaded the video on social media platforms and the victim, said reports. He said suitable action would be taken post that.

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE:

DISCLAIMER: CONTENT COULD BE DISTURBING FOR SOME. VIEWER'S DISCRETION ADVISED.

Woman mercilessly thrashed in Rajasthan's Nagaur district, forced to say Jai Shree Ram. Police have arrested two people @htTweets pic.twitter.com/IRC4IVTWT1- Deep Mukherjee (@thinkdeep4ever) June 15, 2017

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AshLee Frazier on Bachelor in Paradise. Photo: Francisco Roman/ABC via Getty Images

AshLee Frazier unsuccessfully looked for love on the 17th season of The Bachelor only to give the reality love machine another try in the first season of the shows spinoff series, Bachelor in Paradise. (Frazier, 36, didnt have luck in Mexico in 2014 either, but she recently married.) The lifestyle blogger and founder of Love It Organized agreed to speak to Vulture about what production was like on the spinoff during her season in light of the shows recent shutdown because of allegations of misconduct on the first day of filming the fourth season in Mexico. Warner Bros., which produces the show, is investigating a claim by a producer that one contestant allegedly committed sexual assault against another, on film, while she was too drunk to give consent.

Most people are savvy about how reality shows are run and how theres a lot of direction that is given by producers behind the scenes. Im interested in hearing how it worked on Bachelor in Paradise. Was it up to you whom you picked for dates and eliminations? Or did the producers make your choices for you?

With me, that didnt happen. But I will say that on my season there was money offered for people to give certain people roses. I know that they would heavily sway you to do a certain thing, and thats a lot of pressure because you know what youre into, and you know that its a show thats being filmed, but producers have pressures by the bigger guys to perform for the show. So that does trickle down to cause reactions and get reactions from cast members. But did they tell you that you have to? No, theres never any of that. Its just a lot of heavy persuasion.

How much money?

It was $5,000 for one contestant to give another one a rose, and I dont want to hurt anyones feelings, so I dont want to say whom. But I know for a fact that that was done.

Does that even extend to whom you pick for a date or is it mostly for the eliminations?

Well, I think in this case they wanted this particular character to stay on the show, and no one was going to give this person a rose, and so in order to keep this person on, they were like, Okay, well, what will it take? And this person liked money, but they didnt do it.

So what happened?

They ended up getting someone else to do it. So the money didnt end up getting forked out, which Im sure they loved.

What about in terms of how far things went between contestants? Did you feel like that was totally up to you?

I can tell you what Ive seen happen in my season, and it goes like this: Hey! Someones at the bar, hes sitting by himself! Why dont you go over there and, you know, give him a little peck or something? You know! Give him a little love and attention! And I can see that being  when someones drinking, and theyre really young and easily swayed  the sort of thing that someone would want to do to make the producer happy.

Was drinking encouraged?

Oh yes.

Like, verbally? Or just because its everywhere.

No, no, no  verbally. They dont force you, but theyll even let handlers and producers drink. For example, if someone isnt really a big drinker, or they dont want to drink that day, theyll say, Okay, well, Ill take a shot with you. And it kind of puts you in a safe zone, and its like, Okay, well, this person is working and if theyre drinking then, all right, sure. And then you feel they bond with you, these producers and these handlers, so you think that theyre your friends.

It can be hard for outsiders to understand the pressure contestants are in when they are living 24/7 in that bubble.

Youre right. With Bachelor in Paradise, I feel like youve done it once so you kind of get it. You have a little bit more freedom and its a little bit more fun and laid back and relaxed. You still have all your interviews and your activities that you have to do so that you cant be totally bored. [Editors note: Contestants are told not to bring cell phones, books, or music devices to Mexico.] But theyll set fun things up for you to do  games and pool time. But you are working, essentially, and they do want you to be mingling and talking and going over and over and over every single little detail thats happened 500 times. How was the rose ceremony last night? How was the rose ceremony last night? Lets talk about the rose ceremony last night!

And how different is that experience from The Bachelor? In terms of what youve been saying, that they sort of persuade you to go in certain directions.

Heres the thing with my season of The Bachelor: The girls were really calm; we didnt have a bunch of drinking girls. We didnt have a wild group. So, yeah, they tried to get us to drink way more, but we were really strong girls. We were just like, No, were good. If we didnt want to, we just didnt. And they told us all the time how boring we were. I think the difference between my season and now is they know they need to be a character. The whole Im here for love thing has really drifted a little, I think, in my personal opinion.



What were some of the wildest things that happened in Paradise? Was there ever something that happened that surprised you?

I didnt have any idea what to expect, so I dont really think that anything surprised me, but maybe just the idea that these producers are really good at their jobs. They know how to get you in as their friend, use you, and then drop you off at the end of the day. That was really surprising to me. I honestly  and Im a good judge of character  believed these people were my friends. I can text them now and get a short, quick response, but theyre not engaging anymore. If anything, I was really interested with the whole idea of how production works. I was just fascinated by it all.

What about in terms of sex? Are they encouraging people to go that far?

I dont think so. I mean, Im not someone whos going to do that, and I dont think they would ever test that theory on me, but you know, for example, Clare and Juan Pablo  I hate to bring that up because I know that she hates it when I do  but I dont think that they were like, Clare, go to the ocean and do this, or Hey, you guys can go to the ocean. I dont think that is how it works. I think it is two people consenting to something. These people are grown-ups. Theyre old enough to know, and for heavens sake, the cameras are rolling. Theyre not completely absent-minded. I think that they allow it, for sure. And if I have a producer shadowing me, and Im really close to them and I feel close enough to say, Hey, I want to go have sex with this guy; can you schedule an overnight date with me? I think that theyd make it happen. I really think theyd allow it to happen.

Im not a big fan of manipulation, and I think there are better ways to go about it. For example, if you want me to play a role, just tell me. If you want me to, Ill do it. But dont manipulate me to do it and then make me look bad. If you want me to play a sassy little girl, then tell me and I can do it. Dont manipulate me and try to fake me doing something. For example, when I was on Bachelor in Paradise they had me walking away calling Clare a bitch. Never said that. Its not even my voice. Why do that? I could have come up with something a little sassier or more like me to say something like, Not really feeling that girl. I would have owned it. Now you have America mad at me because I called her a bitch. I didnt say that. Now its the show against me, and whos going to win in that? I could have made jokes and played around with them wanting me to not like her and her not like me. Thats why Im coming out on them.

Does Chris Harrison ever get involved in directing cast members to do certain things?

No, no, hes not even told until seconds before he goes out what to say. As hes standing out there, hes told what to say. I feel sorry for him. I feel like hes going to get such a rap for this, because hes the face of it. Im like, poor guy.

How did you feel when you heard the show had shutdown and why it was? Were you surprised?

I definitely wasnt surprised that it could happen but its kind of disappointing that its happening. With alcohol involved, and you have other people watching over the cast members, it just seems they need to be watched a little more carefully, particularly in this situation. I dont know if the crew was drinking, but I do know that people on the production side do drink. From what Im understanding, there wasnt anyone there  a handler or a producer  it was only camera guys. Theyre not allowed to step in no matter what, unless its life-threatening. They call producers to step in. I dont think it was a malicious act by DeMario Jackson, and thats why I dont think anyone stepped in. Its just every day in Paradise. It wasnt anything unusual that one could possibly see happening there.

In your season, nobody had sex out in the open like that, right? What would you have expected as a cast member if two other contestants were doing it out in the open?

I dont feel like the show would really stop that, and heres why: Wouldnt they want reaction from all the other cast members, what they saw? That would make such a big story line. So I dont feel like even if, at that point, if two people were having consensual sex, I dont know that they would stop it. I think they might hold them back and as humans nobodys gonna be like, Hey guys, what are yall up to? I dont see them stopping it. I think they would run with the story line.

If what happened was consensual and you think producers would run with that kind of story, why would production shut down, especially if theres a video to back that up?

I think theres more to the story than just the cast members. Morally and ethically, the show had a responsibility if a producer is complaining about something theyve seen or heard. The show has an obligation to protect this cast member. Whether it happened or not, its more about ethical obligation to stop filming and to do an investigation. If a producer is complaining, thats a big deal, and if theyre threatening to file a misconduct claim, theres something else going on there. If one or two people on the producing side of things sees or hears something they dont think is right, the show has to step in and make sure the cast members are okay, which they did.

This interview has been edited and condensed.
The IT Crowd. Photo: NBC

Last spring, Anglophiles got word of TV news that likely elicited eye rolls and a bit of head-scratching: Freeform announced its adaptation of the popular British sci-fi dramedy Misfits. Despite a swift pilot order and subsequent casting announcements, nothing has been uttered about the project in about a year, and its unclear how the family-friendly network plans to adapt Misfits delightfully signature lewdness to its new audience. But the big question is already obvious: Will the show eventually join the graveyard of British comedies and dramedies that couldnt thrive stateside?

Over the past decade or so, American TV has made numerous attempts to adapt uniquely British source material, but the vast majority have met cancellation almost immediately  if they even managed to go beyond the pilot stage. (Dramas have been a bit more successful, as evidenced by the longevity of House of Cards and Shameless.) Read up about 13 of these instances below, and remember: Not everything can be The Office.

Absolutely Fabulous

The U.S. has tried to adapt AbFab twice since the early 90s, both times with excellent pairings for the leading roles of Edina and Patsy: Carrie Fisher and Roseanne Barrs ABC iteration never actually made it to the pilot stage, while Fox ended up shooting a pilot in 2009 with Kathryn Hahn and Kristen Johnston, with Zosia Mamet as Saffron. Set in Los Angeles, writers from Arrested Development and Saturday Night Live were onboard to write that version. I think [the pilot was] at a time where maybe this country was not quite ready to talk about conspicuous consumption in a light way, Hahn later revealed. But it was a ball, it was crazy.

The IT Crowd

Joel McHale and Jessica St. Clair joined The IT Crowds original cast member Richard Ayoade to film this NBC adaptation, with several scripts written and a pilot filmed. It never got a series order, though, with NBCs chairman at the time admitting it didnt quite spark as much as the network had hoped. (The pilot, which can be viewed in full here, has a palpably odd energy to it.) I was the only one dumb enough to do it. It was deeply weird, Ayoade later confessed. It was a bit like a play where everyone else had left. It was very odd. In 2014, NBC was trying to adapt it once again  and not to be outdone, as of late 2017 the network was still hard at work at re-imagining  the show for more modern times.

Skins

Despite actually lasting for ten episodes on MTV with the same showrunners as the U.K. version, Skins was doomed from the start. It immediately angered American advertisers and parenting groups with its rampant sexual content and drug use, with companies pulling their ads after the first episode and outraged parents petitioning to get the show off the air. (MTV executives even worried the series might violate child pornography and exploitation laws, as most of the actors were under the age of 18.) Despite canceling Skins, MTV stood by the series until the final episode aired, saying that it addressed real-world issues confronting teens in a frank way.

The Inbetweeners

Just like Skins, MTV adapted The Inbetweeners for one season before it was canceled, and it also brought in the original showrunners to lead the U.S. version. (ABC tried and failed to adapt the series years prior.) The adaptation proved to be a failure in both ratings and acclaim: less because of teenage lewdness a la Skins, but rather because of an incredibly poor reception of the general narrative, the tone of which MTV dumbed down from the U.K. weirdo-lads-in-suburbia version. (How would they translate bus wankers, anyway?) A critical essay in the Independent sums this dissonance up perfectly: The failure of the U.S. remake is nothing to do with Yanks not getting irony. Its just British teenage life is much dirtier than the American imagination can bear.

Peep Show

You gotta respect resiliency, even if that resiliency ultimately lead to the David Mitchell and Robert Webb-fronted Peep Show being rejected from American television an astounding three times. The shows journey began when it failed to be picked up after filming a pilot for Fox in 2005, when Johnny Galecki, who later found astronomical success as one of the leads in The Big Bang Theory, played one of the lead roles alongside Josh Meyers. (Seths brother!) Spike TV came calling in 2007, but that didnt even make it to the pilot stage. As a last hoorah, Starz placed an order for yet another remake in 2016, which prompted the shows creators Sam Bain and Jesse Armstrong to talk about why the network turned it down in the end. I think adaptations to America are really hard, Bain explained. The exceptions  the ones that work, like The Office  are much more rare, because youre trying to change a show and keep it the same at the same time, which is quite weird. They vowed to never try to get it adapted again.

Spaced

Spaced  the truly inimitable sitcom created by Simon Pegg and Jessica Hynes, and directed in full by Edgar Wright  was brought overseas by Charlies Angels director McG, where it landed a pilot order for Fox in 2008. The original trio was never consulted about the across-the-pond move, with Pegg going so far to condemn the sheer lack of respect that the network and production company have displayed in respectively selling out and appropriating our ideas without even letting us know. Due to the vast backlash from fans of the original series after Peggs statement, as well as vicious statements from Hynes and Wright, Fox pulled the plug on the adaptation and hasnt pursued it since.

Us & Them

Foxs adaptation of the cute rom-com situational comedy Gavin & Stacey  which featured a solid cast of Alexis Bledel, Jason Ritter, Michael Ian Black, and Jane Kaczmarek  originally got a 13-episode order for the 20132014 television season, but the tally was unexpectedly cut to seven and then eventually didnt air at all. (The show followed the long-distance relationship of a young-and-in-love couple.) The network never gave an official statement as to why it was canceled, despite this particular adaptation not getting terrible reviews.

The Thick of It

Consider this a blessing in disguise, as Armando Iannucci ended up wowing American audiences with Veep a few years after this failed The Thick of It adaptation. Arrested Development creator Mitch Hurwitz spearheaded the ABC project alongside Iannucci, trading in a U.K. government minister for a low-level U.S. congressman and his staff. A pilot was shot and directed by Christopher Guest with a cast including John Michael Higgins, Oliver Platt, and Alex Borstein, but ABC chose to not pursue future episodes. Years later, Iannucci blasted the failed attempt, saying, It was terrible  conventionally shot and there was no improvisation or swearing  there were just scores of people working on it, all called vice president this and that, and a lot of them were buffoons.

Coupling

Looking for a group-dynamic sitcom to fill the impending void of Friends, NBC decided to pick up an adaptation of Steven Moffats provocative Coupling for a season order in 2003. It lasted only four episodes before being pulled by the network, after receiving an onslaught of complaints that the near-identical scripts from the U.K version were far too sexually explicit for U.S. television. NBC chief Jeff Zucker later admitted that the adaptation just sucked, while Moffat said that the network fucked it up because they intervened endlessly. If you really want a job to work, dont get Jeff Zuckers team to come help you because theyre not funny. The cast was criticized for their stilted performances as well.

Free Agents

Kathryn Hahn and Hank Azaria only got four episodes into this pitch-black romantic-comedy adaptation for NBC, which follows two colleagues as they navigate their feelings for each other following a drunken one-night stand and their respective romantic heartbreaks. (Catastrophes Sharon Horgan stars in the original.) The series fizzled out because people didnt tune in, although it received decent critical response.

Viva Laughlin

With a solid cast including Hugh Jackman and Melanie Griffith, plus a hefty budget, the CBS musical-dramedy casino extravaganza Viva Laughlin had all of the fundamental tenets for success. But as always, thats no guarantee: The Blackpool adaptation was mercilessly criticized for its acting, narrative, and duds of songs. Canceled after a mere two episodes, it was too ambitious and misguided for its own good  and dubbed by the New York Times as potentially the worst show in the history of television.

Outnumbered

On paper, the family-friendly premise of Outnumbered  suburban parents being outnumbered by their three rambunctious children on a daily basis  is universally translatable. But for whatever reason, Fox wasnt able to get its adaptation up and running on two separate occasions, for reasons were not privy to. In fact, neither attempt made it to the pilot stage.

The Minister of Divine

Dawn Frenchs beloved religious sitcom The Vicar of Dibley tried to find a second life in America with Kirstie Alley fronting the adaptation for Fox. The premise changed slightly, though, with the log line teasing a series that centers on a woman, known for her rebellious younger days, who returns to her small hometown to be a minister. A pilot was shot in 2007, but Fox never picked it up for a season order.
Judges Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood, with hosts Sue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc. Photo: Courtesy of Mark Bourdillon,  Love Productions

In the Divided States of America, where a volatile reality-show president is in the White House and even tragic events like mass shootings manage to ignite nasty arguments on social media, there is something particularly restorative about watching The Great British Baking Show. About ten minutes into the first episode of the fourth season to air in America, which debuts Friday night on PBS, I could feel the anxiety brought on by the days news start to slide away like lemony liquid running down the side of a drizzle cake.

This is technically a competition series designed to capture all the stress of attempting to assemble gingerbread houses and make Viennese whirls under tight deadlines. And it does capture that. But unlike a lot of American cooking shows  and, as evidenced by the current controversy swirling around Bachelor in Paradise, reality shows in general  it takes place within such a supportive and mature atmosphere that watching it induces an immediate sense of calm. Im not saying that if more people watched The Great British Baking Show, world peace could be achieved. But Im not not saying that either.

The judges  culinary experts Mary Berry, who, sadly, wont return after this season, and Paul Hollywood, the closest thing this show has to a Simon Cowell  are certainly not unfailingly polite. Both often offer harsh assessments of their charges work. But they are rarely nasty, and the contestants themselves, all amateur bakers who take the experience seriously, tend to buoy each other up more often than tear each other down.

When one wins a challenge or gets high marks from Hollywood and Berry, its not uncommon for him or her to get a thumbs-up or a Well done from a rival baker. And in the second episode of this season, when one baker, Louise, drops an entire sheet of freshly baked biscuits while pulling them out of the oven, fellow competitor Candice  who could pass, in a certain light, for Victoria Beckham  rushes over to ask if shes okay, then cleans the mess. Isnt this what we all should aspire to be: the kind of person whos there to help pick up the biscuits?

Of course, this emphasis on communal spirit over interpersonal drama has always been core to The Great British Baking Show. At the moment, it just happens to feel more valuable than ever. So does the sense that, whether its true or not, the events that transpire are organic and not being heightened for the sake of the camera.

During this season, which aired last year in the U.K., regular viewers can expect to encounter all the usual Baking Show elements: a weekly series of challenges focused on different types of baked goods, from cakes to breads to botanically inspired concoctions; competitors who come across, without exception, as likable, decent humans; dashes of humor and encouraging pep talks from hosts Sue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc, for whom this is also the last season; and that huge wedding tent of a set that appears to have been set up in Lady Mary Crawleys sprawling backyard.

PBS is wise to schedule The Great British Baking Show on Friday nights. At the end of a long, difficult week  and is any week not at least semi-trying these days?  the best possible therapy is to put up ones feet, snap on the television, and watch a bunch of Brits demonstrate what it means to live up to that most British of slogans: Keep Calm and Carry On With Your Jaffa Cakes.
Ilana Glazer and Zoe Kravitz in Rough Night. Photo: Macall Polay/CTMG

In 2015, GLAAD made a supercut of homophobic and transphobic jokes from recent studio films. Most were from mainstream comedies  like Horrible Bosses, Pain & Gain, and The Other Woman  attempts at humor that arent so much offensive at this point as they are boring cliches.

If lesbian characters show up in mainstream films, its often in small parts, either as butch stereotypes (Sisters, Pitch Perfect) or creepy predators (Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates). Sometimes, theyre a phantom presence, reflected in insults made about two straight women (Bridesmaids). Perhaps thats what makes the new comedy Rough Night so refreshing: Its the rare studio film to have not one but two queer characters in leading roles  and even better, they feel like real people.



Directed by Broad Citys Lucia Aniello (who wrote the script with Paul Downs), Rough Night follows four college friends who reunite for a bachelorette party. Scarlett Johansson is Jess, an aspiring politician who is taking a weekend off from campaigning to celebrate her upcoming nuptials alongside her overbearing BFF Alice (Jillian Bell), free-spirited activist Frankie (Ilana Glazer), and the bougie Blair (Zoe Kravitz). The beginning of the film is a flashback to a college frat party, where Frankie and Blair turn down a leering lothario by cluing him in: Were together. In most movies, this would be a trick  a move pulled to get rid of unwanted male attention or, as in Hot Pursuit, distract a horny guy. But here, the two women are clearly into one another, as friends and strangers alike point out throughout the film.

When Blair and Frankie reunite for the main action, its the first time theyre seeing each other in years, and they flirt a bit before sharing an embrace that is neither melodramatic nor played for awkward laughs. Their chemistry is built on history and mutual attraction, and it shows. They share an affinity thats common for real-life queer women who break up but maintain a bond. Sometimes its completely platonic; at other times, its an indication that maybe the timing just wasnt right the first time around. (Aniello says she based the characters on women she knew in real life, and she gets these little things so right I suspect she has some queer women in her crew.)

As Frankie, Glazer is playing a similar character as she does on Broad City. Like TVs Ilana, Frankie is an outspoken progressive, though shes a bit more dedicated to the cause. (Shes been arrested several times.) She uses phrases like heteronormative and cis male in regular conversation, and while thats funny, it doesnt make her the butt of the jokes. Shes enlightened, but not annoying.

Kravitzs Blair recently split up from her husband and is going through a custody battle, but her bisexuality is never a point of contention, not from her ex nor anyone else. When a neighbor couple (Ty Burell and Demi Moore) share an interest in her, she takes one for the team and has a threesome with them so she can destroy some evidence on their security camera. Some viewers might roll their eyes at yet another bisexual character having a threesome, but at least here Blair isnt shamed by her friends, and she seems to quite enjoy her time with Moores tongue talents. (She was inside of me, and then she was outside of me, and then she was me, she recalls.)

Without getting too spoilery, Blair and Frankies friendship takes a turn toward the end of Rough Night, as the women acknowledge how much they care for each other. Their love story is one of the movies central romances, second only to Jess and her groom-to-be, a development thats all the more exciting because of how matter-of-fact it is. The film comes with a neatly wrapped-up ending that offers the message that close friends can inspire you to be yourself, without having to keep up expectations or appearances. For queer women, that lesson is essential to self-acceptance. Surrounding yourself with friends that support and love you is survival  thats the kind of friends Jess, Alice, and Pip are to Blair and Frankie, and vice versa.

In a world where the typical studio comedy at best might include one LGBTQ sidekick, or a token same-sex couple on the margins, Blair and Frankie are an incredible anomaly. The most recent GLAAD Studio Responsibility Index gave Sony, the studio that released Rough Night, a failing grade for 2016, noting only two of the studios 21 films that year included LGBTQ characters. (Oddly, both were animated: Angry Birds: The Movie and Sausage Party.) GLAAD made a special note about not counting Sonys Ghostbusters: Despite McKinnons Jillian Holtzmann pinging a lot of fans gaydar, the movies refusal to confirm Holtzmann as a canonically lesbian or bisexual character deterred them.

Sony is hardly the only studio thats dropping the ball when it comes to LGBTQ inclusion. In 125 films released by the six major studios and their subsidiaries last year, GLAAD identified only 70 LGBTQ characters, but noted even that number was likely a little too forgiving, as 14 characters came in a single musical number in Popstar. The mere fact that Rough Night has two out characters who are in almost every scene of a film and are highly visible in posters, trailers, and billboards is very exciting for queer women, who for so long have had to wade through subtext to see themselves onscreen at the local multiplex.

Rough Night is only one movie, but Im hopeful it leads to Sony and other major studios bringing more queer characters to the front of their films, to the point where their sexual identities are a nonissue. Every comedy works better when the characters are well-rounded people, not just types.
Colin Trevorrow. Photo: Gregg DeGuire/WireImage

Considering how quickly Colin Trevorrows star has risen, its always a little bracing to remember that The Book of Henry, which comes out this week, is just his third film. His first was Safety Not Guaranteed, a movie thats since become one of the more quietly influential releases of the last decade; his second, of course, was Jurassic World, the record-setting reboot of, well, you know. The Book of Henry marks his return to the style of his debut: Both films are quirky, character-focused indies that play with genre and narrative, and theyre both comically less expensive than Trevorrows studio efforts. Unfortunately, at least according to Vultures Emily Yoshida and many other critics, The Book of Henry has one little problem: Its very, very bad.

The critical drubbing of Henry creates a fascinating situation. Trevorrow has already won the kingly honor of helming the forthcoming Star Wars: Episode IX. But because hes made so few films, the reception of The Book of Henry has a different tenor than that of your average misfire by a big-budget filmmaker moonlighting in the indie world. This is a guy whos already attracted a great deal of skepticism for his lack of experience, and for those people, Henrys reception is only going to reinforce the idea that Trevorrow is the luckiest man in Hollywood, a director who made one pretty-good movie, then successfully managed the well-oiled Jurassic machine. But considering how many would-be franchises have crashed and burned recently, Trevorrows feat isnt necessarily so small. Thats the question at the heart of a debate thats followed The Book of Henrys release, one that The Hollywood Reporters John DeFore raised in his review: Could Henry call into question Trevorrows role as the director of Episode IX?

The short answer is no; the long answer is also no, but with one caveat. Trevorrow is far from the first successful director to make an unsuccessful film, and if The Book of Henrys box-office gross reflects the critical pile on, theres a good chance that the people already in business with Trevorrow will write it off as a failed experiment and move on. While it might make other executives think twice before hiring him to do Fast 18, the international success of Jurassic World  worldwide, its the fourth-highest-grossing movie ever  provides a powerful counterargument to any criticism. And as the appointment of Simon Kinberg to direct the new X-Men reminds us, the guys who make it into the blockbuster club tend to hang around, provided they remain somewhat professional and dont embarrass their collaborators in the press.

That brings us to the case of Josh Trank, who has to be mentioned in any conversation about a director being removed from a Star Wars movie. Trank, as you may remember, was supposed to direct one of the spinoffs, until the disastrous release of Fantastic Four and the myriad stories that came with it brought an end to his relationship with Lucasfilm. But Tranks situation is drastically different than Trevorrows. No such tales of indiscretion exist around the latter, and the money that Fox lost on Fantastic Four will greatly outweigh any disappointment The Book of Henry could possibly find in the marketplace. For Trank, Fantastic Four was the main event, whereas for Trevorrow, The Book of Henry is basically a gap year.

Meanwhile, Frank Marshall, Trevorrows producer on Jurassic World, is the husband of Kathleen Kennedy, the head of Lucasfilm; just last year, both of them, along with Spielberg himself, heaped praise on Trevorrow during an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. And most of the Star Wars audience wont ever even know that The Book of Henry existed, a fact that wouldve remained true even if it had turned out to be great. Most likely, the movie will come and go from theaters, and everyone will forget about it by the end of the summer. If worst comes to worst, Lucasfilm could bring in the kind of help that Gareth Edwards reportedly received with Rogue One, and that turned out just fine for everyone involved, Edwards included.

But heres the caveat. Before Trevorrows ninth Star Wars film comes the eighth, Decembers The Last Jedi, which is being written and directed by Rian Johnson. Johnson, a fan favorite thanks to indies like Brick and Looper, is one of the more exciting directors to get a crack at a movie of this size recently, and the fact that hes both writing and directing it means that, if its a hit, he stands to become a nerd hero. As weve recently seen with the DC cinematic universe, vocal fans do have some sway with studios, and if The Last Jedi delivers, particularly considering the response to The Book of Henry, it isnt hard to imagine a movement for him to have some involvement with Episode IX.

Even if that would be neither logistically possible nor something the powers that be would want, it would still create a tricky PR situation for Disney and Lucasfilm, which would hate to go into what should be one of the biggest movie events of all time with any notes of pessimism in the air. Could that touch Trevorrow? Again, it seems unlikely; Lucasfilms already replaced one more Star Wars director than they wouldve liked to. But with the amount of money at stake here, nothings out of the question.
The Russian defence ministry said on Facebook that it is checking information that one of its air raids killed Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the head of the Islamic State. The US has said it is not able to corroborate the Russian claim.

By Reuters: Moscow said on Friday its forces may have killed Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in an air strike in Syria last month, but Washington said it could not corroborate the death and Western and Iraqi officials were sceptical.

The secretive Islamic State leader has frequently been reported killed or wounded since he declared a caliphate to rule over all Muslims from a mosque in Mosul in 2014, after leading his fighters on a sweep through northern Iraq.

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If the report does prove true, it would be one of the biggest blows yet to Islamic State, which is trying to defend its shrinking territory against an array of forces backed by regional and global powers in both Syria and Iraq.

But in the absence of independent confirmation, two US officials said US agencies were sceptical of the report. Several Iraqi security officials said Iraq was doubtful as well.

"His death has been reported so often that you have to be cautious till a formal Daesh statement comes," a European security official said, using an Arabic acronym for the group.

US Navy Captain Jeff Davis, a Pentagon spokesman, said: "We have no information to corroborate those reports."

The Russian Defence Ministry said on its Facebook page that it was checking information that Baghdadi was killed in the strike on the outskirts of Raqqa in Syria, launched after Russia received intelligence about a meeting of Islamic State leaders.

"On May 28, after drones were used to confirm the information on the place and time of the meeting of IS leaders, between 00:35 and 00:45, Russian air forces launched a strike on the command point where the leaders were located," the statement said.

"According to the information which is now being checked via various channels, also present at the meeting was Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, who was eliminated as a result of the strike," the ministry said.

OPERATING CAUTIOUSLY

However, a colonel with the Iraqi national security service told Reuters Baghdadi was not believed to have been in Raqqa at the time of the strike in late May. One of Baghdadi's aides may have been killed rather than Baghdadi himself, the colonel said.

He said that Baghdadi was believed to be operating cautiously in the border area between Iraq and Syria with just a handful of close aides, and avoiding using telecommunications equipment to evade surveillance.

Another Iraqi intelligence official said the Russians had not shared any information with Iraqi authorities to indicate Baghdadi was killed. Iraq was checking the report and would announce his death if it received "solid confirmation".

Hoshiyar Zebari, a long-serving former Iraqi foreign minister and now a senior adviser to the government of the Kurdish autonomous region, also told Reuters there was no confirmation of Baghdadi's death.

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The Russian defence ministry statement said the strike was believed to have killed several other senior leaders of the group in addition to Baghdadi, as well as around 30 field commanders and up to 300 of their personal guards.

The IS leaders had gathered at the command centre, in a southern suburb of Raqqa, to discuss possible routes for the militants' retreat from the city, the statement said.

The United States was informed in advance about the place and time of the strike, the Russian military said.

CLOSE TO DEFEAT

Islamic State fighters are close to defeat in the twin capitals of the group's territory, Mosul in Iraq and Raqqa in Syria, after nearly three years ruling over millions of people in a wide swathe of territory in both countries.

Russia supports the Syrian government of President Bashar al-Assad, which is fighting against Islamic State fighters, one front in a multi-sided civil war. The United States supports Kurdish and Arab fighters in Syria who are separately planning an assault on Raqqa.

In Iraq, the US-backed government has been battling to recapture Mosul since October last year after driving the group out of most of the rest of the territory it had seized.

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The last public video footage of Baghdadi shows him dressed in black clerical robes declaring his caliphate from the pulpit of Mosul's mediaeval Grand al-Nuri mosque back in 2014.

Born Ibrahim al-Samarrai, Baghdadi is an Iraqi in his mid-forties, who broke away from al Qaeda in 2013 after years participating in the insurgency against US forces in Iraq and the Iraqi government. The US State Department has offered a $25 million reward for information leading to his arrest.

A number of senior IS figures have been killed in air strikes or special forces raids since the United States launched its campaign against the group in 2014, including Baghdadi's deputy Abu Ali al-Anbari, the group's "minister of war" Abu Omar al-Shishani, and its media director Abu Muhammad al-Furqan.

Rami Abdulrahman, director of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, cast doubt on the report Baghdadi may have been killed. He said that according to his information, Baghdadi was located in another part of Syria at the end of May.

"The information is that as of the end of last month Baghdadi was in Deir al-Zor, in the area between Deir al-Zor and Iraq, in Syrian territory," he said by phone.

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ALSO READ | ISIS chief Baghdadi acknowledges defeat in Iraq, orders non-Arab fighters to detonate themselves

ALSO READ | Terrorist or a cat? 5 times ISIS chief Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was reported dead

ALSO WATCH | ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi's wife speaks out for the first time

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Nicki Stone has a passion for helping people. Thats why she became a Waco police officer.

She knows what its like to feel bullets whizzing past her head as she rushes toward a crime scene.

She has held the head of a shooting victim while coaxing him to hang on while medical help was on the way.

She knows the satisfaction of finding the home of a child predator after a three-hour search based on the sketchy description of the location from a traumatized young sexual- assault victim.

Now that Stone is fighting breast cancer, the 34-year-old single mother of two said she knows what it feels like for the city she risks her life for to turn its back on her and her fellow officers trying to help in her darkest time of need.

City employees are allowed to accrue sick time over the years, and officers have offered to donate some of their sick time to Stone while she is missing work after a double mastectomy and chemotherapy sessions.

But the city said no, citing a longstanding policy against such practices.

Some of the same officers also have offered to donate their sick time to a Waco police detective who has missed work because his 7-year-old daughter has cancer. The city also said no in that case.

But, Waco City Manager Dale Fisseler disagrees. The city did offer to grant the officers additional sick time, but only after they use up all other time off they earned, Fisseler said.

He met with Waco Police Chief Ryan Holt on the topic of the officers donating their sick time to the two officers.

Holt would not discuss the meeting and instructed the departments public information officer, Sgt. W. Patrick Swanton, to retract a statement he gave the Tribune-Herald on the subject and to decline comment.

If I had been in that meeting, my question would have been, Why not?  Stone said. We are risking our lives to save others on the street. I am literally fighting for my life now, and if someone wants to bless my life and theirs as well, because I believe helping others blesses your life, also, if someone wants to help save my life, what is there to question? But the city wont allow other officers to help me. That makes no sense. Its the city saying, Dont do the right thing. It blows my mind.

Officers volunteered for more than a month to work Stones 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. shift, pulling double shifts and allowing her to continue drawing a salary from the shifts they worked for her. But its different in the detectives case because its not feasible for other officers to pick up a detectives caseload and work it.

Waco Police Association President Ken Reeves said a lot of officers came forward to donate their sick time to Stone and the detective, who declined to be interviewed for this story.

Reeves said officers can bank thousands of hours in sick time, but when an officer retires, the city pays only for 720 of those hours. If the city allows officers to give 40 hours to another officer, for example, the city views that as an expenditure that it otherwise wouldnt have to pay, he said.

More than just money

We would just like to see the city look at their employees in terms other than just dollars and cents and more than just money, Reeves said. We would like to see them take care of our brothers and sisters. We arent even talking about that much money.

The officers have already earned that money in terms of benefits. It is their money, and they should be able to use that money in any way they want to, especially if it is to help someone sick or dying. The citys best commodity is its employees, and taking care of them ought to be paramount.

Fisseler said donating sick leave to a fellow employee is contrary to longstanding city policy and we dont think it is a good idea for a lot of reasons.

We dont have a policy that allows that because you earn your own sick leave. If you donate yours to everyone and then you need it, then you can have a problem, Fisseler said. Right off the bat, if you get the city to pay for more by donating it to others, it is going to have a negative impact on the citys costs.

Fisseler did, however, approve a plan for employees to earn extra sick leave, but employees must first have used up all their leave time before they can have access to it.

They asked for additional sick leave, and we granted it, Fisseler said. We have existing policies to do what they need. They are trying to create new policies, and its been working like this for a long, long time.

Reeves said the problem with what the city is proposing is that officers cannot earn additional sick time until they use all their earned time off, including sick days, comp time, vacation and holidays.

The sad thing about that is after you zero out all your time off, you could work two years and not get a vacation, and who wants to work as a police officer, which as you know is very stressful, for two years without a vacation? Reeves said. The things police see on a day-to-day basis, they have got to get away. It is not something you can do every day and not have some time off.

The officers are trying to create a new policy when one is not needed, Fisseler said.

They are speculating, because they havent asked for it, Fisseler said, referring to future time off. So the question would be, What is it in the future they are afraid of us not doing, because I have never turned one down. Why is that a problem? If you use it all up, we still granted it when they have needed it. So it sounds like they are concerned about trying to get some in the future when they may not need it.

Short-term disability

Stone, who has been a patrol officer for three years, used up the 480 hours granted under the Family and Medical Leave Act and is now on short-term disability. That allows her to draw 75 percent of her pay while raising a 12-year-old son and a 4-year-old daughter.

Stone, who has no history of breast cancer in her family, found a quarter-size lump in November 2016 and was diagnosed with breast cancer in February. She underwent a double mastectomy Feb. 24 and started chemotherapy in April.

She has had three chemo treatments so far and undergoes one every three weeks. She likely will start radiation treatments after that and hopes to be back at work in mid-August.

She knows it could be some time before she is back on patrol, but the department is working with her to find other jobs, perhaps in the area of training, she said.
By India Today Web Desk: No matter what he does, Salman Khan's 'bad boy' tag refuses to leave him. From black buck poaching to the infamous hit-and-run case, Salman has been accused (and later acquitted) of breaking the law. The actor talked about being controversy's child in an interview with Huffington Post.

"Everybody has a past. Does that make you a bad person for life? In my case, there is deliberate malice. When people go after you for something you have not done, it's bad. Next thing you know you are running around courts and people are judging you. For 20 years. 20 years is a long time, man. It's a lot of years. It takes a toll on you and your family. The financial toll on our family because of the cases has been huge," Salman said.

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The Sultan actor rued the fact that the media keeps dredging up the past. He said, "Whenever there's a hit-and-run that happens anywhere, they drag me into it all over again. I mean, what the hell, come on, man. How much will you go on and on..."

There is a perception that Salman had it easy because of his superstardom, but the actor begged to differ. "The High Court looked into it and they came up with a verdict which says that nothing of that sort ever happened. Ye sab galat hi hai. The courts said it. But what about the 20 years? What about it? Mere toh wo gaye na? And there's nothing to compensate for that. Nothing at all," he said.

Salman added, "And during all this, when I am seen doing a comedy show, or romancing beautiful women, or just laughing, they go like, 'Look at this brat. He doesn't care. He is indifferent to what happened.' And I am like, dude. It's my bloody job. I have to do it no matter what. I have to do it to sustain myself and pay my lawyers. If I don't do it, where is the money going to come from?"

Salman founded the Being Human charitable trust, which works to provide education and healthcare to the underprivileged in 2007, when the court cases against him were still going on. Many believe that Being Human was a clever PR stunt to make him look like a good guy. The actor angrily replied before walking away, "Do you have any idea of the amount of work we do at Being Human? We do s***loads of work on a daily basis. I haven't even put my name there, man. It's Being Human. I am not even on the Board or any of the trustees. The idea is that years from now, people should forget who even started the foundation. You have no idea, man. Do one thing: Come and live my life for one day."

ALSO READ: LOL! Salman says blackbuck died of natural causes, Twitter loses it

ALSO READ: Salman Khan advises youth on road safety, gets trolled on Twitter

ALSO WATCH: A look at Salman Khan's controversial life

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Members of the Altrusa Club of Waco celebrated the centennial birthday of the international organization earlier this year.

Altrusa International began in April 1917 in Nashville, Tennessee, and will be celebrating the 100th birthday of this organization at the biannual convention in July in Nashville. Combining the words altruism and USA, the organization came to be during World War I as a record number of women entered the workforce and a need for womens civic organizations became apparent.

The motto for Altrusa is Patriotism, Efficiency, Service.

Literacy has been the overall focus of Altrusa International, expanding through the years to include many other worthy causes.

Waco became the first city in the world to become home to two Altrusa clubs: Altrusa International of Waco, chartered in 1929, and Altrusa International of the Brazos, chartered in 1981.
Federal regulations on chemical facilities scheduled to take effect June 13 were delayed this week by the Environmental Protection Agency, Texas Monthly noted in a report this week.

EPA chief Scott Pruitt's press release on the matter pushes back the effective date of the regulations to February 2019, saying the agency needs more time to evaluate the rules.

The West explosion in April 2013 prompted an investigation by the U.S. Chemical Safety Board, which in 2016 recommended in a 265-page report that the EPA regulate the fertilizer responsible for the blast, ammonium nitrate, as an extremely hazardous substance.

Had the EPA adopted that policy when the CSB originally urged it in 2002, West Fertilizer Co. would have had to submit a risk management plan to the EPA on its ammonium nitrate storage. That might have resulted in fireproof storage or other safeguards that could have prevented the loss of 15 lives, many more injuries and $246 million in property damage.

Texas Monthly noted that, as Oklahoma Attorney General in 2016, Pruitt wrote that safety of these manufacturing, processing, and storage facilities should be a priority for us all, but concluded that terrorism concerns argued against making information about the types and locations of chemicals "easily accessible" to the public because it could aid "those who might seek to cause an intentional release for nefarious purposes."
Since the editorial board of the Waco Tribune-Herald has seen fit to invoke my name and interpret my words in the matter concerning Precinct 2 County Commissioner Lester Gibson, I find it necessary to respond.

The editorial board and at least one letter to the editor suggest my call for support of Commissioner Gibson is based solely on his race and not on his work on behalf of the African-American community (and his other constituents as well). On the contrary, the show of support  not a protest but an impassioned display of appreciation for Commissioner Gibsons long-standing, productive service  was prompted by individuals understanding that his work has always extended beyond the commissioners court to education, equitable employment, civil rights and more and led to his repeated election. So his supporters did not need to rehearse all the commissioners accomplishments before they could stand up for his rights as an elected official.

That said, Commissioner Gibsons presence on the court as the only African American matters. To pretend otherwise is to be disingenuous. To suggest that support of him because he is African American is wrongheaded also misses the mark. It is not merely the fact of his race that garners support; rather, it is the fact that as an African American he has brought his experiences, cultural perspective and sensitivity to bear on the court in ways that might otherwise have been absent.

At no point in my call for support of the commissioner did I characterize the comments of the Mart mayor pro tem, the county judge or other commissioners as racist. What I noted was the significance of Commissioner Gibson as one of the leading elected African Americans in the county. To recognize that distinction is not to level a charge of racism. Rather, I called attention to the fact that Commissioner Gibson represents one of the voices for African Americans in McLennan County and, as such, should be supported. The mission of the NAACP, which the editorial board notes that I lead in McLennan County, is to stand up and speak for diversity and inclusion for all people in all processes.

The editorial board takes issue with my call for the African-American community to stand together. The board cites my comment as something of an indictment: No less than NAACP President Peaches Henry . . . claimed that it was important that the African-American community stand together in these perilous times.  While the board may see my statement as some sort of imputation against me, I see nothing wrong with encouraging African Americans to unite and to speak publicly on an issue of concern to them.

From the perspective of African Americans (and other minorities), we are living in dangerous times  socially, politically and literally. Often, calls for African Americans to come together to speak out on issues that concern them are dismissed as unfounded conspiracy, meaning they are not to be taken seriously. The fact that African Americans are united does not mean that they are united against anyone nor does that unity mean others are racist. It must also be noted that my call went out to all supporters of Commissioner Gibson no matter their race as confirmed by the presence and words of Jo Welter of the Community Race Relations Coalition among others.

When I asked folks to attend the commissioners court meeting, I did not provide talking points. Folks read the article about the mayor pro tems letter [raising concerns about Commissioner Gibsons memory and ability to perform his duties] and came to their own judgments. (I did not attend the meeting because I had to teach summer school.) Sadly, what should have been a private conversation all along became public, giving the appearance of opportunism. And because it involved elected officials, it was of course political. It concerns me that this matter could not have been dealt with privately as an initial step. Could not the first step have been to approach all involved parties privately without stepping on the publics right to know? Instead, Judge Scott Felton publicly discussed Commissioner Gibsons alleged mental status minus any formal evidence and metaphorically threw up his arms, declaring: I dont know what the county can do about it.

Yet that did not prevent the judge from declaring that Commissioner Gibson must reassure fellow commissioners about his mental acuity and if he does not, then at that point I guess the commissioners court can discuss it . . . and see what the options are. And that discussion, according to Judge Felton, would be held in executive session out of the public eye. If that discussion could be held in executive council, why then could not the discussion of the mayors letter have been handled that way as well? It is this comment by Judge Felton that was troubling to many who read it and may have led many to believe that some effort was underway to oust Commissioner Gibson. If there is not, we are glad to hear it. If during his term of office, Commissioner Gibson becomes unable to perform his duties, that situation would be handled by statute.

Commissioner Gibson is subject to his constituents, not to his fellow officials. He is an elected official of the people and should be granted the opportunity to fulfill the duties of his term. Therefore, my appeal was a call for the democratic principles and processes of our nation to be respected and observed. That has no color. We would all do well to remember that.
YUTAN  Vehicles of all makes and models will be on display in downtown Yutan this Sunday.

The eighth annual Yutan Fathers Day Car Show will take place June 18 and is again sponsored by the Stardusters Car Club.

Over 200 vehicles will fill the downtown with cars and there will also be other activities, said Starduster Secretary Chuck Policky.

Proceeds of the event will again go toward veteran charities. Past proceeds have gone to the Wounded Warrior Project, Wounded Warrior Family Services, Eastern Nebraska Veterans Home and the Veterans Patriot Flight.

The day begins with a breakfast sponsored by the Yutan Fire Department from 7:30 a.m. until 11 a.m.

In addition to judging cars, tractors and trucks, there will be a blow-up-the-car contest, silent auction and child screaming contest.

Policky said members of the U.S. Army and Air Force will present trophies to the winners.

Policky also said this years car show will be a memorial tribute to Stardusters Car Club Member and Nebraska Racing Hall of Fame Member Mert Dunker.

Dunker had served as the shows head judge in past years.

Registration is from 9 a.m. until noon and each car registration is $15.
By India Today Web Desk: Salman Khan's upcoming release, Tubelight, is one of the most awaited films this year. And equally awaited is the Bollywood debut of the film's leading lady, Chinese actor Zhu Zhu. But even before her launch, she is making waves. A photo of Zhu Zhu chilling in a pink bikini is doing the rounds on the internet, and fans cannot handle how gorgeous she looks.

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The actor can be seen reading against a picturesque background, and her caption reads, "#Needaholiday #chilloutzhuzhu."

#Needaholiday #chilloutzhuzhu A post shared by Zhu Zhu (@zhuzhuclubheaven) on Jun 12, 2017 at 12:00pm PDT

It looks like the makers do not want to reveal much about Zhu Zhu's role at this stage. She only had a fleeting appearance in the film's trailer, and has been missing from the promotions too.

Directed by Kabir Khan, Tubelight is an official Hindi remake of the 2015 Hollywood film Little Boy. Set against the backdrop of the 1962 India-China war, the film is scheduled to hit theatres this Eid.

ALSO READ: Tubelight hopes flickering in Pakistan, will it or won't it?

ALSO SEE: Before Tubelight, 7 hot photos of Chinese actor Zhu Zhu that you cannot afford to miss

ALSO WATCH: Before Tubelight, taking a look at Salman Khan's life

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As most WarbirdsNews readers are well aware, the Douglas DC-3, along with its more prolific military variants, is an extraordinarily capable aircraft. Adapted from the Douglas Sleeper Transport, or DST, Donald Douglas could never have imagined how important his design would eventually be. It was the very first airliner to allow passenger service which didnt depend upon air mail contracts to be profitable. And so many remained in service in the decades following its introduction, that it wasnt until the 1970s when another airliner, the Boeing 727, became more numerous in global airline use.

The type is inexpensive, to operate, and offers a remarkably robust airframe capable of adapting to many uses, whether it be serving remote landing strips in the Antarctic on skis, flying freight and passengers in the Andes Mountains of South America, or dispersing oil spills in the North Sea with air-dropped detergent. This article features one particular example, now employed by the USAF Research Laboratory. AFRL is a global technical enterprise, leading the discovery, development, and integration of affordable warfighting technologies for our air, space, and cyberspace force. With a workforce of more than 10,000 across nine technical directorates and 40 other operations across the globe, the Air Force Research Laboratory provides a diverse portfolio of science and technology that range from fundamentally to advanced research and technology development.

A year of cutting-edge technology development and prototyping by Air Force Research Laboratory teams has culminated in a series of flight demonstrations as part of the Sensors Directorate Blue Guardian Project Harvest Reaper. AFRLs AgilePod has embarked on a series of flight tests aboard a Douglas DC-3 aircraft in preparation for integration on the Air Force MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial vehicle later this year. The Lego-like pod is flying in multiple configurations with a mixture of sensor systems and technologies on board, with the goal to optimize the pod for operational activity and longevity.AgilePod is a game-changer, said Capt. Russell Shirey, Blue Guardian Program Manager at the AFRL Sensors Directorate. This is a unique opportunity to highlight the benefits of modular open system architectures for airborne platforms.

AgilePod, the first fully government-owned, multi-intelligence, reconfigurable pod, was developed using agile manufacturing technology and a modular open mission system approach to software design, resulting in a system capable of supporting rapid integration and mission agility to address emerging threats in new environments.The Blue Guardian team, in collaboration with the Manufacturing Technology Division of the Materials and Manufacturing Directorate and the Air Force Sensors Program Office, integrated Blue Guardian Open Adaptable Architecture into the AgilePod, culminating in a cross-directorate technology push to the warfighter. Open Adaptable Architecture is constructed on the Air Forces Open Mission System (OMS) common set of software standards, and takes advantage of Sensor Open System Architectures, which are industry electrical and mechanical standards, to enable mission system interoperability. Common connections and standards allows a greater suite of sensors to be rapidly integrated on the pod, enabling new capabilities. Having standards helps ensure an operator can successfully command a sensor to turn on or off, left or right, similar to turning a key in the ignition in a car, without having the change the other aspects of the system, said Luke Borntrager, Blue Guardian Lead Engineer.

Unique to the AgilePod is that it is flight line reconfigurable, enabling operators to meet a variety of mission demands with multiple sensors on a single platform. A mixture of different pod configurations, ranging from 28 to 60 inches in length, are being tested on the DC-3, enabling simultaneous testing of multiple sensors including high-definition video, radar, infrared sensors and more.Current sensor capabilities on aircraft are built for specific mission tasks, such as close air support or targeting, using proprietary software and hardware. Open system architecture standards combined with a single AgilePod having plug-and-play capabilities and configurations enables one pod to perform hundreds of different mission sets. This is key for cost savings and increased sustainability, said Shirey.

A standard data link and command and control system enables multiple sensor data analysis and command and control, enhancing warfighter capability and situational awareness. Additionally, a simulated MQ-9 Ground Control Station inside of the DC-3 enables operators to test data links and fine tune them prior to operational deployment on the Reaper.The ability to rapidly test multiple configurations on the DC-3 aircraft gives us a Lab-In-The-Sky concept and allows our team to wring out any issues before we move forward to the unmanned MQ-9, where we will not have the luxury of engineers in the cockpit, said Shirey. Though the pod is currently in flight demonstration and testing, engineers are already looking towards future capabilities when it transitions to the MQ-9 platform. Once transitioned, it will support operations by the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Air Combat Command, Air Force Special Operations Command and others.

The fact that the AgilePod is a government-owned systemmeaning that the government fully owns the digital data underlying the manufacturing of the platformalso plays into OMS design as it will enable industry to invest money into improving Air Force capabilities by creating new sensors, with the knowledge that they will be compatible with current and future platforms. This bends the cost curve for sensor capabilities, processing and integration, said Shirey. It also opens up greater opportunities to partner with industry developers to enable the best capabilities for Air Force operational platforms.

Government-owned data rights also allow for requirements and technology transitions to be competed across vendors. In other words, if a new sensor capability is required, a wider range of vendors will have the data required to compete for the contract. Industry will play a major role in the future success of AgilePod, said Shirey. Response has been great, as they like the idea that they have the opportunity to put their sensors on the MQ-9 and other platforms through the AgilePod in the future.

In a memo earlier this year, the Secretary of Defense challenged the acquisition community to rapidly innovate and leverage industry advancements to defeat the adversary. AgilePod allows us to team with industry to develop the best solutions, said Mark DiPadua, the AgilePod team lead in AFRLs Manufacturing and Industrial Technologies Division, Materials and Manufacturing Directorate.Our goal is to ensure intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities can be more affordable and operationally flexible for the warfighter, said Shirey. Thats what these demonstration flights will help us achieve as we head towards the future of ISR.



The AFRL Blue Guardian program aims to research, develop and demonstrate advanced sensor and rapid integration technologies using open system architectures to bridge the gap between the laboratory and the warfighter. For the Harvest Reaper project, Blue Guardian is working with the AFRL Materials and Manufacturing Directorates AgilePod team to demonstrate the cost saving benefits of an open architecture, reconfigurable C4ISR pod system.
India has taken a calculated risk by joining the six-nation Eurasian security and economic grouping, the China and Russia-led Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with Pakistan premier Nawaz Sharif, was welcomed in Astana, Kazakhstan, on June 9 as the SCO formalised the entry of its two newest members.

On the surface, India's long-held quest to join an essentially anti-western grouping, featuring several authoritarian and energy-rich Central Asian nations, is somewhat puzzling. India's relations with Washington are growing ever closer, while China casts a long shadow over the group.

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In Delhi's calculus, India's presence in Eurasia's premier security grouping will both enhance its strategic presence in a region where it has largely failed to pull its weight, and also mobilise global support against terror.

On the last, membership could certainly yield benefits, says P. Stobdan, a former envoy to Kyrgyzstan who recently visited the SCO's peculiarly named Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) headquarters in Tashkent. "RATS has people collecting information on the movement of terrorists, from Al Qaeda to other groups, and on drug trafficking. Real-time intelligence-sharing will definitely benefit us," he says.

Yet, he cautions, India might find little help in its bigger battle of tackling Pakistan-supported cross-border terrorism. "Our definition of terror and theirs is quite different," he says. "They are more worried about internal threats, whether in Chechnya for Russia or Xinjiang for China, so they talk more about separatism. They are more concerned about protecting their regimes. How much we can go along with this view as a democracy, and whether we can convince them of our concerns, remains to be seen."

Beijing has long shielded Pakistan on terror, especially at the UN Security Council. But the recent abduction from Balochistan and reported killing of two young Chinese has underlined its growing concerns about instability in Pakistan. The party-run Global Times said the killing had "triggered off a new wave of anger against Islamic terrorism among the public". Curiously, President Xi Jinping, who met with Modi in Astana, did not hold a bilateral with Sharif.

Rashid Alimov, the SCO's Beijing-based secretary-general, says the group's goals on terror are in sync with India's. "The SCO convention on counter-terrorism is aimed at improving the mechanism for countering extremism in the SCO area. This includes field interactions for preventive action."

For India, dealing with China's considerable weight in the group will be one looming challenge. Here, Delhi isn't alone. Russia has been particularly welcoming of India's entry to the group to dilute Chinese dominance, especially as the grouping mulls greater emphasis on economic projects. Russian diplomats say they were the main drivers in pushing for India's membership, which China initially opposed but finally conceded to, on the condition that Pakistan too was included.

One long-held concern for Delhi is that China will bat for Pakistani interests in the group. So far, China has sought to assure India it had no desire to bring issues like Kashmir onto the group's agenda. Li Wei, a leading security expert at a state-security affiliated think-tank in Beijing, told the media before the summit that the SCO will not "internationalise disputes within the organisation". If that is indeed the case, Delhi's bet on the SCO may well pay off.

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Vocal BHP critic Elliott Management has welcomed the appointment of former Amcor chief Ken MacKenzie as the mining giant's next chairman, saying it was "a constructive step in bringing much needed change to the direction of BHP".

The activist investor, which has been aggressively calling for an overhaul of the company's board, praised the 53-year-old executive's performance while at packaging company Amcor.

Mr MacKenzie displayed "strong leadership qualities" while navigating the company through the GFC and "making difficult decisions to significantly improve shareholder returns over his decade at the helm", Elliott said.

BHP announced on Friday morning that Mr MacKenzie will succeed outgoing chairman Jac Nasser on September 1.
The Turnbull government has proposed sweeping concessions to its multi-billion-dollar Gonski 2.0 schools plan including fast-tracked spending and a significant funding boost in an all-out bid to secure Greens support for the reform package.

The extraordinary offer would deliver all of the minor party's key negotiating demands, raising the chances of a major political win for the Coalition before Parliament rises for an extended winter break.

It would also be a strategic blow to Labor, which hopes to keep schools funding as a hot-button issue right through to the next election.

The deal would take the quantum of the government's extra schools spending to as much as $24 billion over the next decade, up from the $18.6 billion already announced.
The first national gun amnesty since the Port Arthur massacre will aim to keep some of Australia's 260,000 illegal guns out of terrorists' hands.

The three-month amnesty will allow people to hand in unregistered guns from July 1.

"This is an opportunity for people to present the guns to authorities, no questions asked and with no penalty," Justice Minister Michael Keenan said on Friday.

"If people don't take that opportunity, the penalties for owning an unregistered or illegal gun in Australia are very severe."
The AEU - which says it represents 185,000 educators - presents itself as the champion of public education and the Gonski report.

Daring to agree to vote for a $19 billion increase in school funding over the next decade, including a 5 per cent increase for public schools.

On Friday, a group of activists from the Australian Education Union staged a protest outside Derryn Hinch's Melbourne office.

Yet the group behind the prominent "I Give a Gonski" campaign has emerged as one of the biggest roadblocks to sensible education policy in this country.

While it may not have the profile of other unions such as the militant CFMEU, the AEU is hugely influential on the progressive side of politics.

It is cashed up, skilled at lobbying and has a big base of passionate members it can mobilise quickly.

The Greens are terrified of the backlash the union could incite against them if they do a deal with the government on schools. That's even if, as Fairfax Media reveals today, they win extra money for public schools and a new independent resourcing body.

It didn't have to be this way.
There are really only two ways to tour the Yukon. One is by motorbike. Big, shiny, expensive cruisers buzz the long, lonesome highways  steel-and-chrome versions of the mosquitos that descend on this region in summer. The other is to pick up a recreational vehicle, also known as an RV.

That's how my friend and I come to be standing before an RV in Whitehorse that will be our home away from home, getting a briefing on how to work its stove and fridge and shower, how to transform the furniture into a bed, and how to deal with the slightly icky issue of dispatching waste into dump stations. It's astonishing that I'm allowed to drive this vehicle, which seems as big as a bus  but then, as I'm about to discover, everything about the Yukon is larger than life.

Beaver huts in Tombstone Territorial Park. Credit:Getty Images

First things first: we head to the supermarket to stock up for the week-long circular road trip. Round and round the carpark we go, looking for three empty spots so that we can slide in without scraping anyone's paintwork. The highlight of our grocery shop, as far as I'm concerned, is a selection of Yukon Brewing beers, a range with evocative names such as Grizzly (unfiltered wheat ale) and Midnight Sun (espresso stout).

The latter resonates, as we're touring the Yukon at a time when darkness never really falls. It's an eye-opener to realise we can throw away our watches as the days are no longer governed by when the sun rises and sets. Instead, other rhythms  such as hunger and fatigue  define how we carve up our time.
When I first visited a fertility doctor because of pregnancy problems, I had no idea that the in vitro fertilisation, or IVF, he was suggesting to help me was actually the "test-tube baby" technique that I'd heard about, an approach that had sounded scary, like something out of science fiction.

After I educated myself and started treatment, the concerns continued: Would the hormone-stimulating drugs have adverse effects on me? What would the drugs do to the foetus? Would conceiving a child outside the womb (not actually in a test tube but in an embryology lab) have any long-term effects? Most important, would my child - if I would be lucky enough to give birth to one - be as physically and mentally healthy as naturally conceived children?

Articles and blogs fed into my worries - not to mention the online "mummy boards" at pregnancy and fertility websites. Credit:Stocksy

Articles and blogs fed into my worries - not to mention the online "mummy boards" at pregnancy and fertility websites where women trade rumours, innuendoes and fears, often based on nothing more than a friend's experience.

Since the first test-tube baby, Louise Brown, was born in England in 1978, about 6.5 million children have been born worldwide with the help of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) such as IVF. So there is now enough information to address my concerns. Overall, those findings leave me pretty confident that the risks are pretty small and well worth taking if, like me, you want to have a baby but can't.
Rain, hail or shine, Melbourne loves its markets. And this week, there's a brand new one kicking off in Footscray. Plus there's still plenty of great mid-season sales to splurge on.

Calling all vintage lovers. Footscray Finds, a brand new market, will host stalls selling everything from secondhand fashion to vegan produce.

The monthly market will also host music acts, with DJ Emma Peel (PBS radio) lined up for the opening day.

Footscray Library Car Park, 56 Paisley Street, Footscray. Sunday 8am-1pm.
Australian democracy may yet owe a serious debt of gratitude to Sam Dastyari, the mercurial Labor Senator from NSW.

It was last year's political storm over Dastyari's decision to allow a Chinese-Australian businessman pay a private debt that sparked the intense focus on foreign donations culminating in last week's Four Corners/Fairfax Media investigation.

The revelations have prompted a renewed push for the parliament to seriously consider a ban on foreign donations in order to safeguard Australian politics from external influence.

Given the millions of dollars that have flowed into major party coffers from key donors like businessmen Huang Xiangmo  and the ASIO warnings about this delivered to the major parties uncovered by the media investigation  it would be a welcome step.
A map showing the ground stations that received quantum entangled photons from the Micius satellite orbiting 500 kilometres above Earth. Credit:Science/Pan Professor Tommaso Calarco from Ulm University in Germany, who was not connected to the study, said: "This is not only a major step forward scientifically but an important aspect of strategic intention by the Chinese government." Distribution of entangled particles will provide a quantum key distribution mechanism that allows for provably secure communications, beyond which is possible now. Such a network is still years away, however.

"It is informally known the intention is to use this for secure key distribution starting with Chinese embassies worldwide," Professor Calarco said. He said the European Union had fallen behind China in this race. "It is an open secret in our community that the US is investing in this area, too," Professor Calarco said. Professor Lu said the next step in developing a global network would be to test quantum key distribution and to establish a quantum connection between China and a ground station in Vienna. Professor Anton Zeilinger from the University of Vienna has had a long, friendly competition with the Chinese group led by his former PhD student, Jan-Wei Pan. However, they are collaborating on this project.

"This is the first distribution of [quantum] entanglement from a satellite, setting a new distance record," Professor Zeilinger told Fairfax Media. In response to concerns about working with China on quantum cryptography, Professor Zeilinger said: "In our collaboration we have agreed in writing that everything will be published. And this works. The Chinese colleagues follow the agreement." Professor Lu said his team publishes all its result in public and "wants to share our results with the world". Last August the Chinese Academy of Sciences put an experimental satellite into orbit named Micius after a 5th-century BC philosopher.

On board that satellite is a quantum-enabled transmitter that can split photons  a single packet of light  into two entangled photons. In quantum mechanics, when particles such as photons are entangled, one particle instantaneously reacts to an interaction with its pair, theoretically over an infinite distance. Einstein dismissively called this "spooky action at a distance". In this experiment led by Professor Pan two beams of entangled photons were fired at separate ground stations. Using what is known as a Bell test, the Chinese physicists successfully established that the photons had retained quantum entanglement. Professor Lu said that six million entangled photon pairs were produced every second on the satellite. Almost all of these were lost in transmission, with just 1.1 photon pairs arriving on the ground every second.

Professor White from EQUS said: "One pair a second sounds bad, but if you compared optical fibres over same distance it would take 100,000 years for one photon pair to arrive." Dr Ben Buchler at the Australian National University, who was not connected with the study, said the result was amazing. "It's so quick; they only launched last August and they've already got results," he said. "The immediate implication of the experiment is that these two ground stations have random chains of information that no one else has." Professor Lu said the Pan group at Hefei University would now look to distribute quantum keys across China and then to Vienna before hopefully launching a new satellite.
The teaser of Haseena Parkar, starring Shraddha Kapoor and brother Siddhanth Kapoor as Haseena and Dawood Ibrahim, was released today.

By India Today Web Desk: Shraddha Kapoor's gangster biopic Haseena Parkar's teaser hit the web today. Shraddha's look as the godmother of Mumbai's underworld had created a lot of buzz on social media. However, the trailer, as a whole, has failed to live up to the hype.

The Baaghi actor took to Twitter to share the teaser.

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This is the first time Shraddha Kapoor has collaborated with her brother Siddhanth Kapoor.

In the Apoorva Lakhia film, the real life brother-sister duo will play the most notorious siblings of the underworld, Haseena Parkar and Dawood Ibrahim. Haseena looks riveting, whereas, Siddhanth could have done a better job as the underworld don, Dawood Ibrahim.

The first look and trailer make Shraddha look convincing and forceful as the deadly Haseena. However, the trailer of the film, tracing the journey of Haseena's life does not live up to the expectations.

Hopefully, the film will be able to effectively capture the challenging life of Haseena.

Haseena Parkar, earlier titled Haseena: The Queen Of Mumbai, also stars Ankur Bhatia as Haseena's husband, Ismail Parkar.

The film is set to hit theatres on August 18 this year.

Watch the teaser of Haseena Parkar here:

ALSO READ | Shraddha Kapoor: I have been a possessive girlfriend

ALSO READ | Are things getting serious between Shraddha Kapoor and Farhan Akhtar?

ALSO WATCH | Aditya Roy Kapur spills OK Jaanu co-star Shraddha Kapoor's secrets

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Attention, denizens of Tinder: Tom Griffiths has a name for your dating life. He calls it "the optimal stopping problem", defined as having a sequence of opportunities to make a decision and trying to work out when you should make that decision.

If that sounds less than romantic, you will forgive him, perhaps, when you learn he is a cognitive scientist, whose life work is figuring out how to apply computer algorithms to everyday human problems.

Cognitive scientist Tom Griffiths suggests using computational logic to decide when to get off the dating treadmill. Credit:Wolter Peeters

Griffiths wants us to use computational logic and mathematics to decide when to get off the dating treadmill and marry (the golden formula: look over 37 per cent of the pool and then commit to the next person you meet who is better than anyone you've already met), to decide which restaurant to go to, to decide when to make an offer on a house, to better organise our wardrobes and to schedule our time.

In Sydney to give a TEDx talk called "Everyday algorithms", based on his book with fellow cognitive scientist Brian Christian, Griffiths says humans, unlike computers, "are very good at generalising from small amounts of data".
A river "burp" is being blamed for the death of approximately 300 black bream on the Murray River near Ravenswood last week.

An investigation into the catchment was sparked after a number of local anglers reported hundreds of dead fish floating in the water from Murray Bend to Rodoreda Crescent on June 9.

Approximately 300 black bream were found dead in the river on June 9. Credit:Recfishwest

Department of Water scientists determined the dead fish found at the site were not suitable for autopsy, which restricted their investigation to the water quality in the area.

A department spokesperson a "burp" was determined to be the cause of death.
Kabul: A militant attack on a Kabul mosque killed at least four people and wounded eight more on Thursday, an official said, as Muslims crowded the city's prayer halls for religious observances in the holy month of Ramadan.

Two gunmen and a suicide bomber tried to enter the Al Zahra mosque used by Kabul's Shiite minority, but were blocked by police, setting off a gun battle, interior ministry spokesman Najib Danish said.

They then took refuge in the mosque's kitchen, where one detonated a bomb while the other two were killed by security forces, he added.

Among the dead were at least three civilians and one police officer, while four civilians and four police were wounded.
The first victim of the Grenfell Tower fire in London has been named as Mohammad al-Haj Ali, a 23-year-old Syrian refugee.

Mr Haj Ali's friend and co-founder of the Syria Solidarity Campaign Abdulaziz al-Mashi confirmed the news, saying he had met Mr Haj Ali while working for the organisation, which promotes freedom, peace and democracy in Syria.

Mr Haj Ali lived on the 14th floor of Grenfell Tower and tried to escape the deadly blaze with his brother Omar, who was with him in the flat.

But Omar "lost Mohammad on the way out", the Syria Solidarity Campaign said in a statement.
By Press Trust of India: awareness about dengue

New Delhi, Jun 16 (PTI) Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia has again sought action against the director of the Directorate of Information and Publicity (DIP) for "not following" his direction to launch awareness campaign about chikungunya and dengue in the city.

This is the second time when Sisodia has sought the removal of DIP Director Jayadev Sarangi after he denied his nod to hold the Deputy CMs Facebook Live even on GST with traders.

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In his letter to Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal, the deputy chief minister said that Sarangi was directed on May 25 to place hoardings and run a campaign for creating awareness about dengue and chikungunya, but he has not done anything till now.

"I do not understand what are the compulsions for not replacing such an incompetent officer. I again urge the Lt Governor to either replace him with a more sincere officer or get the campaign on dengue/chikungunya done from him," Sisodia said in the letter.

He also said that at a time, LG himself is proactively involved in preventive operations and taking regular meetings and all the agencies are trying their best to coordinate with each other and do the needful, the DIP is having no interest in creating awareness as required.

Earlier this month, Sisodia had directed Chief Secretary M M Kutty to take action against Sarangi for denying permission to his Facebook Live event, saying an open tender was required to organise such an event.

However, DIP cleared that it had refused to organise Sisodias Facebook Live event on GST as the social media campaign for its publicity required an open tender.

Government sources said the DIP had not asked for an open tender to hold the deputy chief ministers Facebook Live event but for carrying out a Facebook campaign for publicising it. It required a tender as there were no prescribed rates for such advertisements.

However, Sisodias Facebook Live event was held later. PTI BUN PPS IKA

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After three days of invigorating discussions on the latest trends and the emerging developments in the world of border and IT supply chain management, the 2017 WTO IT Conference & Exhibition was concluded on 9 June. The announcement by Secretary General Mikuriya that the WCO has decided to make the source code of the WCO Customs Targeting System (CTS) publicly available and that it will be placed on an open source before the end of 2017 was very well received by the participants of the conference and extensively relayed through social media.

Over 550 delegates from more than 80 countries gathered in Tbilisi, Georgia, to attend one of WCOs prime events, co-hosted by Georgia Revenue Service and the Ministry of Finance of Georgia. The Conference was supported by more than 40 sponsors and exhibitors, including Smiths Detection as the corporate sponsor, while the agenda included 73 speakers who spoke under 8 keynotes, 14 round tables and various panels. In the year when Women in Customs is being celebrated, gender equality has stayed high on WCOs list of priorities, with half of the 16 moderators being female!

The first session was dedicated to E-Commerce as governments are devising strategies to support its tremendous growth. The session looked into the scope of E-Commerce, the benefits as well as the challenges which especially the border authorities are being confronted with. How Customs and IT can better support customer service while addressing all potential risks, was one of the points of focus.

The WCO Secretary General Mr. Kunio Mikuriya underlined that E-Commerce is a game changer for both the private sector and Customs. It is allowing MSMEs to join Global Value Chains, but also bringing many unknown players moving goods across borders. Other issues raised include IPR infringements, security issues and revenue leakage.

The speakers recognized that traditional trade is slowing down and the E-Commerce is rising all the time and will impact logistics and many other areas. It will also contribute to reducing gaps between countries and economies, allowing for more fairness and inclusiveness in foreign trade, as well as more fair taxation. But the key issues raised were lack of data and poor data quality which does not allow for proper risk management.

The Vice Minister of Foreign Trade of Costa Rica, Mr. Jhon Fonseca stressed that developing countries still have gaps in digital infrastructure and e-payment solutions, which means that there are expectations that E-Commerce will continue to grow significantly. The Head of Customs Legislation at DG TAXUD (EU), Ms. Susanne Aigner, noted that only in the EU, E-Commerce grows 20% on a yearly basis.

In terms of data exchange mechanisms, the Secretary General of TIACA Mr. Vladimir Zubkov said that the question of trust is always being brought up as not all parties implement the same data privacy and data protection rules and regulations. Some good examples of data sharing projects were mentioned such as the one between the Slovenian Customs and Post. It was highlighted that a possible way forward could be to have Posts perform some of the duties of Customs on their behalf. It was also mentioned by Vice-President of EMEA Operations at Integration Point Ms. Michiko Lloyd that using standardized data requirements by all Customs administrations could provide for much better data quality and data analytics capabilities.

The speakers in this high-level round table further mentioned that E-Commerce will potentially completely change the way imports and exports look like today and that the cloud capabilities will be used much more. Furthermore, the potential impact of 3D printing was raised, as it could completely change the face of logistics.

Another session that raised particular attention was the one on Blockchain technology. The session brought together speakers from Customs (Singapore), National Agency for Public Registry (Georgia), the private sector (IBM and Humaniq), as well academia (Wageningen University of Research, the Netherlands). Blockchain was recognized as an excellent tool for enhancing cyber security by establishing a trusted network. The Blockchain can support authenticity of import/export data across the value chain and, according to the speakers, has the potential to transform the supply chain completely. Mr. Georges Al Medawar from Humaniq stated that we are now in what the 90s were for development of Internet. The speakers talked about the use of Blockchain technology in banking, agrifood, supply chain management, as well as for property registration. The advantage of Blockchain technology is that stored data is impossible to delete, alter, rewrite or illegally manipulate. It allows for improved efficiency and transparency of global supply chains by providing permissioned access to key shipping events and secure, digitized document workflows to all supply chain participants, with 10% efficiency savings, as suggested by IBM.

The Single Window session also attracted a lot of attention, bearing in mind that Single Window represents another commitment under the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement which entered into force in February 2017. The panel discussed governance issues and how to ensure that a Single Window system actually brings facilitation to the trade. Data has a critical role and data standards such as the Data Model can help. However, speakers pointed out to the multiple standards and multiple single windows as an obstacle to trade facilitation. Namely, the private sector has its own data standards and regulatory data has its own standards and the challenge is how to bring those two together so that the systems understand the same data in the same way. The more data and reliable data provided by traders, the faster the clearance, said one of the speakers. Another noted that creating a data pipeline and having the right data, from the right people, at the right time was critical.

Under discussions on big data, data mining and predictive analytics, it was mentioned that data is not necessarily the magic bullet, but what we do with it, as well as providing accurate and timely information. Global company data can help in risk assessment, but needs to be blended with internal Customs data and information.

The session shared some examples of building a data-driven smart Customs. This included for example mapping data from various sources, machine learning for developing the classification prediction model etc.

Other topics that were discussed include data governance, data security, data privacy, Integrated Supply Chain Management and others.

The ITC delegates also had a chance to hear from a number of high level speakers on some of the latest trends and IT solutions available for improving border and supply chain management. More on these and all other sessions including the presentations can be found on the WCO event page at the following link: https://www.eiseverywhere.com/ehome/itc2017/574209/ as well as on the Conference web app (search for 2017WCOITC).

A 2017 WCO ITC video event overview, including interviews by a number of speakers can be found at the following link: https://www.eiseverywhere.com/ehome/itc2017/482334/

More on the opening of the Conference can be found at the following link: http://www.wcoomd.org/en/media/newsroom/2017/june/the-power-of-data-2017-wco-itc-launches-discussions-on-latest-it-trends.aspx

Find related Tweets @2017WCOitc and #2017WCOitc on Twitter.
On 15 June 2017, Secretary General Kunio Mikuriya addressed the ASEAN Brussels Committee (ABC), which comprises the Brussels-based Ambassadors and senior officials of the ten Members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The Committee is currently chaired by the Ambassador of Brunei Darussalam, His Excellency Mr. Abu Sufian Haji Ali.

After providing a general overview of the WCO, its structure and activities, Secretary General Mikuriya highlighted the current priorities of the Organization, including trade facilitation, security, e-commerce, and revenue collection. He referred, in particular to the recently launched Security Initiative for Southeast Asia which focuses on border-security-related challenges in that region. Regional integration was also a topic of discussion, with particular reference to the ASEAN experience and challenges.

At the end of the meeting, the Ambassadors expressed their gratitude to the Secretary General for having invited them to WCO Headquarters and for the opportunity to learn more about the WCO and its work. They hoped that similar meetings could also be arranged in the future.
As part of the West African Customs Administrations Modernization (WACAM) Project, funded by Sweden, a Capacity Building Workshop on the planning of inter-agency enforcement operations was held in Conakry, Guinea, from 15 to 19 May 2017.

The thirty-three participants in this workshop were drawn from Customs, the Gendarmerie, Air and Border Police, the Central Drug Enforcement Bureau and the Ministry of Environment (responsible for CITES). They were introduced to modern enforcement techniques relating, in particular, to intelligence, targeting, and risk-based selection of passengers, goods and means of transport. In addition, they were all introduced to the use of the WCO CENcomm  the tool which will provide secure communication between all the border agencies during the operational phase. Pending the start of the operational phase, all the workshop participants have been registered on CENcomm for the test phase, enabling them to familiarize themselves with the tool and sign up other field operatives who will take part in the operation.

This inter-agency workshop to prepare for the pilot enforcement operation WACAM 1 provided an opportunity, in particular, to strengthen the ties between all of Guineas law enforcement services; this heralds the start of a new era of enhanced cooperation and pooling of efforts, and will undoubtedly contribute to the success of the forthcoming operation.

During the workshop General SANGARE, Director General of Customs of the Republic of Guinea, speaking in the presence of the national media (television, radio and print), highlighted the importance of WCO support for the development of his Administration, in particular through the WACAM Project, and urged participants to do everything they could to ensure the success of Operation WACAM 1 in Guinea.

For more information about this activity and about the WACAM Project in general, please contact WCO-Sweden Programme Director Richard Chopra (richard.chopra@wcoomd.org).
Within a day of his re-entry straight out of Delhi jail, Dinakaran managed to rope in 32 MLAs, hinting at more trouble for EPS.

By Pramod Madhav: Just days after Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edapaddi Palaniswamy and his loyal ministers thanked the people for completing 150 days, a new challenge has emerged as TTV Dinakaran has managed to rope in 32 MLAs.

Nothing seemed to have stopped Sasikala to lose her grip within the party. Her hands are rooted in the party in the form of Natarajan, Dinakaran, Divakaran, Bhaskaran, estranged Sudhakaran and the new lineage of Vivek Jayaram and Jai Anand.

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Even after being aware of these 'line of leaders' for the party, O Panneerselvam went ahead with his 'talking to Amma's soul' gig and his attempt to break the party. Strangely, even after being the chief minister thrice and also carrying the 'chosen by Amma' tag, OPS could not capture more than 11 MLAs and 12 MPs. After waiting for two months, the centralised power lost hope and decided to go with EPS.

Within a day of his re-entry straight out of Delhi jail, Dinakaran managed to rope in 32 MLAs, hinting at more trouble for EPS.

According to sources from the party, TTV is playing the caste card by which the Kallars and other backward communities including SC/ST are ready to rally behind him. Coincidentally, OPS announced in a public rally that the merger committee has been dismantled, hinting at a possible merger between TTV and OPS.

"Never forget that TTV mentored OPS and them being from the same caste, a re-union is not a big deal," said a leader from the OPS camp.

Presumptively, Senthil Balaji, Thanga Thamizchelvan and Vetrivel - the three MLAs who stood steadfast behind TTV and met Palaniswamy in his chamber on June 15- had an hour-long meeting. Though no-one spoke on the terms of the meeting officially, it was found out that they have given an ultimatum to EPS that unless he accepts TTV's upper hand in the party, their MLAs will not go by the party whip's decisions of supporting the Presidential candidate. EPS held a ministerial meeting at the party headquarter the same evening.

Palaniswamy has put all his weight over Sengottaiyan, Thambidurai and Finance Minister Jaykumar and has entrusted them with holding the MLAs together in case another Kuvathur-like situation appears. With the situation turning fluid within the party once again, EPS had approached the centralised party for help.

ALSO READ | Tamil Nadu CM Palaniswami on Kamal Haasan's allegations: AIADMK worker since beginning, not unknown face

ALSO WATCH | Team OPS criticises E Palaniswamy for links with Dinakaran: An end to merger talks?

--- ENDS ---

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The Telegu Desam Party MP from Anantapur JC Diwakar Reddy left for France on Friday amid row over his brawl with Indigo staffers at the Visakhapatnam Airport.

By Ashish Pandey: Days after Telegu Desam Party (TDP) MP Diwakar Reddy created a ruckus at the Visakhapatnam airport, the Anantapur MP flew out of the country on Friday.

The Anantapur MP has left for France, amid the acrimonious attack and criticism that soon followed his ugly brawl with the Indigo staff.

However, sources close to him say that he is on a planned vacation. Reddy is expected to stay in France for six days.

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JC Diwakar Reddy on Thursday wrecked a havoc at the airport after he was denied a boarding pass on late arrival. He not only assaulted Indigo employees but also vandalised the airport in rage.

The sources also says that the MP wrote to his party colleagues before leaving the country, explaining in detail his side of the story.

NOT HIS FIRST TIME

The political leader had earlier too created a ruckus in October 2016 in a similar incident where he arrived late at Vijayawada Airport.

This March, Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad had assaulted an Air India staffer after which he was punished with a two week-long flying ban by private airlines. The flying restriction on the Lok Sabha MP was lifted only after he gave an undertaking that such an incident would not reoccur.

Reddy was scheduled to fly IndiGo's flight 6E-608, which departs from the Viskahpatnam airport at 8.10 am, to Hyderabad.

"On being informed by the airline staff that he was late and cannot be issued a boarding pass, an enraged Reddy went to the IndiGo office next to the check-in counter and created a ruckus," an airline source told PTI.

Reddy was not available for comments.In May, the Centre released draft rules for a national no-fly list of unruly passengers for all domestic carriers, proposing a ban on flying from three months up to an indefinite period.The government is likely to release the no-fly list rules by June 20.

Also read: Denied boarding pass for being late, TDP MP Diwakar Reddy creates ruckus at Visakhapatnam airport

Also read: After IndiGo, 6 more airlines impose flying ban on TDP MP Diwakar Reddy

Also read: Vizag airport row: Aviation minister Raju orders probe day after TDP MP Diwakar Reddy creates ruckus

Also watch: Privatisation of Air India: How does it impact you?

--- ENDS ---
The Telangana ACB on Thursday recovered disproportionate assets worth over Rs 10 crore from T.V. Ramesh Chandar Reddy, a suspended revenue department sub-registrar of Medchal area.

By Ashish Pandey: As part of its ongoing crackdown against revenue department officers allegedly involved in the multi-crore land scam, the Telangana Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Thursday recovered disproportionate assets worth over Rs 10 crore from T.V. Ramesh Chandar Reddy, a suspended sub-registrar of Medchal area.

Acting on credible information, a disproportionate assets case was registered against Reddy. Simultaneous searches were conducted at his residence and at those of his relatives in Hyderabad city and at other places early morning on Thursday.

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During the daylong searches, it has been revealed that the government revenue officer acquired properties in his name and in the names of his family members and Benamis.

LIST OF SEIZURES

The ACB found a flat at Kothapet in Hyderabad worth Rs 6.6 lakh, a flat at Nagole in Hyderabad worth Rs 60 lakh, 2 acres of land at Raiger worth Rs 24.25 lakh, land in Kesaram worth around Rs 30 lakh (all the above lands in Bhongir), and a house plot in Karmanghat area of the city worth Rs 46 lakh.

T.V. Ramesh Chandar Reddy

Gold jewellery weighing three-and-a-half kg and worth Rs 65 lakh was also recovered from the said officer.

During raids, the ACB also recovered bank balance to the tune of Rs 1.07 crore, fixed deposits worth Rs 30 lakh and household articles worth Rs 3.5 lakh.

According to documents, the worth of all the above properties is about Rs 3.65 crore. The market value will be around Rs 10 crore.

Earlier this week, property worth crores was recovered in separate ACB raids on RACHAKONDA sub registrars, and Balanagar sub registrars.

It is alleged that government revenue officials, in collusion with political leaders and businessman, duped the government of several lakhs of crores by illegally transferring valuable government lands to private individuals.

Also read | Telangana hit by biggest land scam, Opposition demands CBI inquiry

Also read | Telangana ACB raids premises of revenue department sub registrar, seizes properties over 14 crore

ALSO WATCH VIDEO

--- ENDS ---
By Press Trust of India: From K J M Varma

Beijing, Jun 16 (PTI) Tibetans can adapt to high altitude living due to genetic variations that allow them to maintain low red blood cell levels in environments with thin air, researchers have found in a new study.

The study conducted by Chinese researchers, however, suggested that there might be a limit to the altitude at which Tibetans can live without incurring grave health complications - 4,500 meters.

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According to the study led by Tibet University Professor Cui Chaoying and two research teams, the gene variants discovered seem to cease to be effective in maintaining low red blood cell levels at altitudes higher than 4,500 meters.

Scientists discovered that ethnic Tibetans living on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau can adapt to high altitude living due to genetic variations that allow them to maintain low red blood cell levels in environments with thin air, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

In general, the human body reacts to low oxygen levels in the air by producing more red blood cells which transport oxygen between the lungs and body tissue.

But maintaining high red blood cell levels over a long time can result in conditions such as heart failure.

Researchers collected blood samples from ethnic Tibetans in 20 locations at altitudes ranging from 1,900 meters to 5,018 meters.

The study was published in the American Journal of Hematology. PTI KJV MRJ

--- ENDS ---
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By Gov. Matt Bevin

Jun. 15, 2017 | FRANKFORT, KY

By Gov. Matt Bevin Jun. 15, 2017 | 01:48 PM | FRANKFORT, KY

From the beginning of our administration, we have set the goal of making Kentucky the engineering and manufacturing hub of excellence in the world. We are off to a good start. We recently shattered our annual record for new economic development projects and we did so in only the first five months of 2017. Many factors weigh into the decisions of businesses to expand or locate their facilities in our state. However, every business leader I meet with emphasizes the quality of our workforce as one of their most critical considerations. That is why our state has made workforce development a top priority.



Early in our administration, we launched the Work Ready Skills Initiative. This statewide bond program was set up to build a highly trained, modernized workforce to meet the needs of employers and to result in sustainable incomes for our citizens. The program has focused on the construction, equipping, or renovation of, facilities dedicated to workforce skills training. It also provides funds for these facilities to purchase or upgrade equipment. In May of this year, we awarded our second round of funding and we are seeing excitement spread across the commonwealth about upgrading our workforce training capabilities.



Along with facility upgrades, we are focused on empowering individuals to obtain post-secondary degrees and certificates. Kentucky offers students a dual credit scholarship program. This program funds scholarships for high school seniors to take courses that offer high school and post-secondary credit concurrently. When students are incentivized to pursue these high-quality college and technical courses, they are more likely to continue their education after graduation, giving them greater career and technical readiness.



In the commonwealth we also recognize the value of apprenticeships. These training programs provide career pathways for those just entering the workforce as well as increased opportunities for those looking to broaden their career opportunities. Thats why Kentuckys Labor Cabinet launched the Kentucky Trained, Kentucky Built campaign last fall. Via their newly created Division of Apprenticeships, the cabinet is working closely with private businesses to expand apprenticeships tailored to meet employer needs. Currently 150 employers and labor management organizations have registered programs and we want that number to grow. The Labor Cabinet has also teamed up with the Cabinet for Justice and Public Safety to create the Justice to Journeyman program. This initiative provides inmates and youth a path to earn nationally recognized journeyman credentials in a skilled trade. Giving these individuals a productive path back into society reduces recidivism and enriches our communities.



Recently our Education and Workforce Development Cabinet launched the Help Wanted Kentucky Initiative. Through their website, www.helpwantedky.com, they have created a central location for Kentuckians seeking education and job opportunities in Kentuckys five high-demand industries. The website includes information about the Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship, which provides tuition for job certifications at 21 Kentucky colleges and universities. Information is also provided about what training is required for the high-demand jobs and where that training is being offered. Many of the certification programs can be completed in less than six months.



Along with these initiatives, we have just announced the creation of a Work Matters Task Force. This 23 member task force will bring together every department of state government that has a hand in workforce development with members of the private sector. Their mission will be to address barriers to employment and promote workforce inclusion among people with disabilities, foster children, disabled veterans, and those burdened by past substance abuse or criminal records. These populations have valuable and unique contributions to lend to our society and our labor force, yet in many cases are underutilized. Providing a path to employment allows them to gain independence and self-sufficiency while improving Kentuckys economy.



These are just a few of the programs and initiatives we are implementing for workforce development in Kentucky. Updated facilities, scholarship assistance, highly-focused training programs and a clear path to employment, all bring financial opportunity and dignity to individuals while providing the skilled labor that growing businesses require. The employees in Kentucky and across America deserve no less. Our futures depend on it.
By Press Trust of India: By Lalit K Jha

Washington, Jun 16 (PTI) US President Donald Trump today vowed to roll back his predecessor Barack Obamas signature Cuba policy, saying it was "one-sided" and his administration will seek a "much better" deal for the Cuban people and America.

"Effective immediately, I am canceling the last administrations completely one-sided deal with Cuba. I am announcing today a new policy just as I promised during the campaign. And I will be signing that contract right at that table in just a moment," Trump told a cheering crowd of Cuban Americans in Miami, Florida.

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"Our policy will seek a much better deal for the Cuban people and for the United States of America. We do not want US dollars to prop up a military monopoly that exploits and abuses the citizens of Cuba. Our new policy begins with strictly enforcing US law," he said.

Trump said he will not lift sanctions on Cuba unless it releases all political prisoners and respects freedoms.

"We will not lift sanctions on the Cuban regime until all political prisoners are freed, freedoms of assembly and expression are respected, all political parties are legalised and free and internationally supervised elections are scheduled elections," Trump said.

"We will very strongly restrict American dollars flowing to the military, security, and intelligence services that are the core of the Castro regime. They will be restricted. We will enforce the ban on tourism. We will enforce the embargo," he said.

"We will take concrete steps to ensure that investments flow directly to the people so they can open private businesses and begin to build their countrys great, great future, a country of great potential," he said amidst a loud applause from the audience.

Trump said his actions bypassed the military and the government to help the Cuban people form businesses and pursue much better lives.

"We will keep in place the safeguards to prevent Cubans from risking their lives to unlawful travel to the United States. They are in such danger the way they have to come to this country. And we are going to be safeguarding those people," he said.

Trump said his administration will expose the crimes of the Castro regime and stand with the Cuban people in their struggle for freedom.

"Because we know it is best for America to have freedom in our hemisphere, whether in Cuba or Venezuela, and to have a future where the people of each country can live out their own dreams," he said.

He alleged that for nearly six decades, the Cuban people had suffered under the Communist domination.

To this day, Cuba is ruled by the same people who killed tens of thousands of their own citizens, who sought to spread their repressive and failed ideology throughout our hemisphere and who once tried to host enemy nuclear weapons 90 miles from our shores, he charged.

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"The Castro regime has shipped arms to North Korea and fueled chaos in Venezuela. While imprisoning innocents, it has harbored cop killers, hijackers and terrorists. It has supported human trafficking, forced labor and exploitation all around the globe," he said.

"This is the simple truth of the Castro regime. My administration will not hide from it, excuse it or glamorise it. And we will never, ever be blind to it. We know whats going on and we remember what happened," he said. PTI LKJ MRJ

--- ENDS ---
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) -- Today Alpine Bank, Rockford Area Realtors, and the City of Rockford launch a $1 million program they say will help make the dreams of many Rockford citizens come true.

As a Community Outreach Officer for Alpine Bank, Martesha Brown knows the hardships many families face.

Imagine a family with roots and pride in Rockford's west side. They never thought home ownership was ever an option," says Brown, while presenting the program to the community Thursday afternoon.

Browns concern for the community is why she's bringing Alpine Bank together, along with Rockford area Realtors to launch a program that hopes to help more Rockford citizens afford homes.

It's called the Alpine Bank Neighborhood Proud Mortgage Program. It will help potential homeowners buy a home with a 580 minimum credit score, and a 3% minimum down payment.

"Home ownership creates a sense of pride: pride that can become contagious, not only for a neighborhood, but also for a community," says Brown.

The program will target 6 areas within Rockford that they're calling census tracts. Most of those homes that qualify for the program will be on the city's west and south side.

Brown believes there are about 50-60 homes available in those areas at this time in those areas that would qualify for the program.

"It helps reduce barriers to home ownership, and to me, homeownership is really the starting block for strong neighborhoods," says Rockford City Mayor, Tom McNamara.

Along with the Mortgage Program, Alpine Bank is also offering Neighborhood Proud Home Improvement Program to help potential homeowners within certain areas afford remodels.

"We're hoping that individuals who are interested in being homeowners are able to reach that dream," emphasizes Brown.
Months after being accused of sexual harassment at workplace, the Founder and CEO of content creation company The Viral Fever (TVF) has quit.

By India Today Web Desk: The Founder and CEO of Mumbai-based content creation company The Viral Fever Arunabh Kumar, who was accused of sexual harassment months ago by an anonymous blogger by the name of Indian Fowler, has decided to step down from the post of Chief Executive Officer of the company.

Arunabh Kumar posted an open letter from his verified Twitter handle saying, "I have decided to step down as #TVFCEO".

I have decided to step down as #TVFCEO pic.twitter.com/JKY5X7NL54- Arunabh Kumar (@TheQtiyapaGuy) June 16, 2017

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In the letter, Arunabh Kumar said that he took the decision to step down in the wake of the personal attacks that followed the news of him being accused of sexual harassment and what that did to TVF's brand image.

He said he will be available as a mentor for the content team and announced that Dhawal Gusain will replace him as the CEO of The Viral Fever.

ARUNABH KUMAR'S LETTER

"Hello Everyone,

The last few months have been the most challenging ones of my life and I would like to thank my friends and family for their unwavering support.

Lot of people wanted me to say something or tell my side of the story, but I did not because I learnt the hard way what happens when you say anything in haste.

We made a grave mistake, by reacting instinctively, in our first official response. While no amount of apologies can undo the mistake, I would like to again apologize from the bottom of our hearts for letting you all down and thus humbly accept the brickbats we received from all of you for that insensitive response.

A lot has happened in the last three months which has mentally and emotionally drained me. However, I have faith and confidence that eventually truth will prevail.

Through this all it has become clearer to me that, what was and will always continue to be most important is- TVF.

I started my entrepreneurial journey with a passion to entertain people with great stories and my dream was to make an Indian content company to match up to the likes of Disney and HBO.

It was and remains my dream to make content creation, which is always seen as an individual driven business, into a more organized profession, one that Indian youth can aspire for and where hundreds of storytellers could be successful. And that's the core of TVF, a culture rooted in democratic and equal opportunities for everyone irrespective of gender, caste and background. We grew from a bunch of passionate, talented and inexperienced novices to a team of over 200 professionals, on the foundation of this very culture.

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TVF was, is, and always will be larger than any one individual and I believe we have only just started on our path breaking journey to be a young global organization.

In the wake of the recent personal attacks, what really breaks me is the blemish on the brand's true promise. I have therefore taken the decision to step down as the CEO of TVF.

I will be available as a mentor for the content team as they continue to deliver the stories you love us for.

I transition from this role knowing that TVF is in safe hands, handling over the reins to Dhawal Gusai, who will take on the mantle as the CEO of TVF. Dhawal has a sharp business acumen and, together with our leadership team, will keep working tirelessly to scale TVF to greater heights and bring a renewed ambition and zeal to make TVF the best place to work at, for both women and men.

Last but not the least, the biggest stakeholders of any company are its users, and we can't thank you enough for standing by us throughout. We are indebted and grateful to you for giving us so much love and inspiration to do better. No matter what you say, for us, it only means one thing-that you care.

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TVF is nothing without you!

Thank you,Arunabh Kumar"

WHAT HAPPENED MONTHS AGO?

It all started with a Delhi University graduate, who claimed she is originally from Bihar, wrote an anonymous blog spot on the Medium accusing Kumar of molesting her multiple times over two years after she was hired at TVF. The woman, who chose to go by the name of 'Indian Fowler', had said that Arunabh Kumar -- on the 21st day into her job -- told her that he feels lonely being a Bihari in Mumbai and the conversation quickly escalated to him telling her that they should engage in role plays. The post was taken down after Arunabh Kumar made national headlines.

TVF initially responded to the viral Medium blog post saying they would "leave no stone unturned" to track down the anonymous writer and "bring them to severe justice", terming the accusations "ludicrous, defamatory and unverified". In internal inquiry was said to have been initiated, but the company stood by their stance and Arunabh Kumar's colleagues vouched for his innocence by making social media posts from their personal handles.

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#FYI All you need to know about the TVF molestation row

--- ENDS ---
The UK police detained a man in his 30s on suspicion of having a knife in an incident that caused several police vehicle to arrive at the location.

British police detained a man on suspicion of having a knife in an incident that caused several police vehicle to arrive at the location.

By Reuters: British armed police detained a man on suspicion of having a knife after he ran, shouting, towards one of the gates of the Westminster parliament in central London on Friday.

"The man - aged in his 30s - was arrested," police said.

A witness at the scene told Reuters the man ran towards one of the gates to parliament where a militant killed a policeman less than three months ago.

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Another witness told Reuters he saw police threatening to use a stun gun on the man. Pictures from the scene showed the man on the ground with an officer pointing a gun at him.

Officers later put the man in the back of a police van, a Reuters reporter said. Parliament said it was aware of the incident.

The gates to parliament were closed and armed police were patrolling as usual inside the perimeter, a Reuters reporter inside the building said.

On March 22, Khalid Masood drove a car into pedestrians on Westminster Bridge, and then stabbed a policeman to death in the grounds of parliament.

A suicide bombing in Manchester and a deadly attack on London Bridge thrust security and policing to the fore of the campaign before last Thursday's election.

The spate of recent attacks were the deadliest in Britain since four British Islamist suicide bombers killed 52 people on the London transport system in July 2005.

ALSO READ | Manchester blast: Worst terror attack in Britain since 2005 London bombings

ALSO WATCH | UK Parliament attack: Assailant shot dead, several injured after police terms it a terror incident

--- ENDS ---
Otto Warmbier, 22, who was returned to the United States this week after being held in North Korea for 17 months, has a severe brain injury and is in a state of 'unresponsive wakefulness'.

Otto Frederick Warmbier (C), a University of Virginia student who was detained in North Korea since early January, is taken to North Korea's top court in Pyongyang, North Korea. (Photo: Reuters)

By Reuters: An American university student, who was returned to the United States this week after being held in North Korea for 17 months, has a severe brain injury and is in a state of "unresponsive wakefulness," doctors said on Thursday.

Otto Warmbier, 22, who arrived in the United States on Tuesday, is stable but "shows no sign of understanding language, responding to verbal commands or awareness of his surrounding," said Dr. Daniel Kanter, medical director of the neuroscience intensive care unit at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center.

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"He has not spoken," Kanter said at a news conference. "He has not engaged in any purposeful movements or behaviours." He said Warmbier was breathing on his own.

Warmbier, who hails from Wyoming, Ohio, has been in coma since March 2016, shortly after he was sentenced to 15 years of hard labour in North Korea, his family said on Tuesday.

He was arrested for trying to steal an item bearing a propaganda slogan, North Korean media reported. He was visiting North Korea with a tour group.

On Thursday, North Korea said that it had released Warmbier "on humanitarian grounds.''

HIS FAMILY'S STATEMENT

The University of Virginia student's father Fred Warmbier said at an earlier news conference that his son had been "brutalised and terrorised" by the North Korean government.

Fred Warmbier said the family did not believe North Korea's story that his son had fallen into coma after contracting botulism and being given a sleeping pill.

Doctors said on Thursday that there was no sign of botulism in Otto Warmbier's system.

Kanter said that Warmbier had suffered "extensive loss of brain tissue in all regions of the brain," but he declined to discuss Warmbier's prognosis at the request of his family.

While doctors are uncertain as to what exactly caused the condition, cardiac arrest that stops the flow of blood to the brain is generally seen as resulting in the death of brain tissue.

Cardiac arrest in young, healthy people is rare and generally caused by either intoxication or traumatic injury, Dr. Jordan Bonomo, a specialist in neurosurgery and neurocritical care at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, said at the news conference.

Although doctors had no information about the type of medical treatment Warmbier received while in North Korea, they did receive MRI images from North Korea dated April 2016, Kanter said. Based on those images, doctors estimate the brain injury may have occurred in the preceding weeks, he said.

Doctors said there was no evidence that Warmbier suffered any broken bones.

TENSIONS BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND NORTH KOREA

On Thursday, the State Department said that its special envoy on North Korea, Joseph Yun, who negotiated Warmbier's release during a visit to the country this week, had also met with three other U.S. citizens being held in North Korea.

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Tensions between the United States and North Korea have been heightened by North Korean missile launches and two nuclear bomb tests. Pyongyang has vowed to develop a nuclear-tipped intercontinental ballistic missile capable of hitting the U.S. mainland.

Fred Warmbier said he was stunned when told of his son's condition one week ago.

"I don't know what being in shock is, but I'm pretty sure I was," he said.

"There is no excuse for any civilized nation to have kept his condition secret and denied him top-notch medical care for so long."

He said his wife Cindy had not left their son's side since his return to the United States and that he had spoken with U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday night.

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson told reporters on Thursday, "We're glad he's home." He said officials would not comment on Warmbier's health or how he came to be in his current condition.

Tillerson said on Wednesday that US officials were considering some type of travel visa restriction to North Korea.

US lawmakers introduced a bill last month that would ban American citizens from traveling to North Korea as tourists and require them to obtain special permission for other types of visits, following the detention of at least 17 Americans there in the past decade.

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In Wyoming, a northern Cincinnati suburb of about 8,000 people, Warmbier's return to the United States was marked by blue and white ribbons, representing the colours of the local high school, tied around trees and telephone polls.

Also Read:

North Korea frees American student who went into coma while serving 15-year prison term

US pushing Korean peninsula to the brink of nuclear war: North Korea North Korean media threatens Pyongyang will 'wipe out' US from Earth's surface

Also Watch:

Mother of All Bombs dropped to deny operative space to ISIS: US

--- ENDS ---
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 16/06/2017 (1973 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A Manitoba murder case came perilously close to being dismissed due to judicial delay after a judge found it breached tough new timelines established by the Supreme Court.

But in a written decision released recently, Court of Queens Bench Justice Chris Martin refused to throw out what he called a transitional case  that occurred before the high court ruling  on the grounds it fell just short of meeting the required criteria due to a series of extenuating circumstances.

However, the judgment serves as a warning shot across the bow of justice officials in the province, who are scrambling to deal with nearly 60 criminal case delay motions. There have been a handful of examples in other provinces in which defence lawyers successfully argued for judicial stays in homicide cases.

John Woods / Winnipeg Free Press files A judge has ruled that the manslaughter trials of two youth accused will proceed in spite of a 43-month wait.

The details of this case are somewhat unusual. Martin made his decision just before the trial was to begin, but just released his reasons for doing so. Between his decision and the release, the trial began and the Crown ended up staying charges against the two teen accused on the third day, after the co-accused testified and claimed to have little memory of the deadly attack.

So, while the result is that both went free, that doesnt change the principle of the issue involved or what it means for the future.

Wayne Bradford Wood, 28, was swarmed and beaten in St. Theresa Point on Sept. 25, 2013. Police arrested and charged five youths with second-degree murder. None can be identified under the Youth Criminal Justice Act. Three of the accused pleaded guilty to manslaughter and were sentenced. The remaining pair were set to begin their trial April 24  43 months after their arrest.

Thats well beyond the 30-month limit set out last year by the countrys highest court for how long a case should take from arrest to completion. Similar guidelines of 18 months were established for cases in provincial court.

Cases that take longer are presumed to have violated the accuseds right to a trial in a reasonable amount of time, unless the Crown can prove exceptional circumstances.

Lawyers for the two accused youth filed a delay motion just before the trial was set to begin. In his written decision, Martin has now concluded the true delay in this case is somewhere between 37 and 39 months, once time is removed for delay that can be attributed to defence lawyers and the accused.

In terms of balancing all the factors that I must, with due respect to contrary opinion, I cannot fathom a circumstance where a murder charge should be judicially stayed or dropped for a delay of 37 to 40 months  even for a youth, in a transitional case without some demonstrated prejudice respecting legal or evidentiary issues potentially impacting the trial, Martin wrote in his decision.

To stay a case such as this, with its unique background, would trivialize the underlying basis of the right to a trial within a reasonable time itself, reducing it to a point-in-time math exercise. It would tend to emphasize form over function.

Defence lawyers argued the 30-month timeline is intended for adult cases and there should be an expectation that youth cases move more quickly, with a maximum of perhaps 24 months.

Martin didnt disagree, but said this wasnt the case to move the proverbial goalposts even closer together.

I decline to set a specific presumptive ceiling for youth matters. That should await another day and another case with a more fulsome record. Having said that, I recognize that generally youth matters should not be vetted against the same presumptive ceiling as adult matters, he said.

Martin cited several factors here in reaching his decision, including the fact both accused didnt demonstrate they were the victim of any prejudice as a result of delay.

They were both out on bail. As well, the large number of co-accused added to the complexity, along with the youths decision to have a preliminary hearing prior to originally choosing what was going to be a jury trial in Court of Queens Bench. They later re-elected to a judge-only trial.

Moving on to systemic issues in Manitoba, this case is of moderate complexity because of the initial number of co-accused and the nature of the evidence and witnesses. And, while I would not categorize Manitobas past typical delay in these types of transitional cases as notorious, such delay nonetheless clearly demonstrated systemic strain. This resulted in the type of expectations and conduct demonstrated by all players here, he said.

Winnipeg Free Press files Murder victim Wayne Bradford Wood.

Martin said this was an important matter for the justice system to consider and applauded defence lawyers for bringing it forward, even if it didnt succeed.

I would be remiss if I did not make it clear that defence counsel acted in the best interests of their clients by advancing these applications. Their conduct was appropriate and responsible, particularly considering judicial stays granted in various transitional cases across Canada based on (the Supreme Court) principles, including in several murder cases, he said.

Manitoba justice officials have been scrambling for ways to try and improve efficiency in the system in the wake of the Supreme Court ruling.

The provinces top judges have proposed a four-year pilot project which would see preliminary hearings eliminated. A pitch is currently being considered by federal Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould, with the blessing of Manitoba Justice Minister Heather Stefanson.

Their idea has come under fire, particularly from members of the defence bar who werent consulted. As well, an anonymous ethics complaint was filed against the top judges of the Canadian Judicial Council, accusing them of improper conduct and backroom political lobbying.

As the Free Press reported exclusively last week, that complaint has now been dismissed.

In his decision, Martin made note of several improvements that have been made in recent months, including revamping the case management conference system, streamlining the transfer of a case from provincial court to Court of Queens Bench and setting trial dates more quickly, which was not done in this specific case.

The culture of complacency, such as it was, has been challenged and is being stripped away, Martin concluded.

mike.mcintyre@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @mikeoncrime
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 15/06/2017 (1974 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

About 50 senior real estate professionals from across the United States and Canada spent the week in Winnipeg. But they werent scouting potential properties, they were hunkered down in the classroom.

They were here to take the prestigious Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) course, which typically is conducted every two years in Chicago. It was the first time it was held outside the U.S.

The Manitoba Real Estate Association (MREA), with the support of the provincial department of Growth Enterprise and Trade, spent about a year putting the program together. David Salvatore, CEO of the MREA, said the idea was to support economic development and trade efforts in the province.

We felt that through the state and provincial real estate associations, we can help show why business should choose Manitoba when they invest, he said. That is the essence of what we are doing.

We want to support economic development and trade in the province, he said. This will help create jobs and that strengthens our economy and the housing market and provides resources to better our communities.

It was a by-invitation-only event with delegates from Arizona, California, Florida, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, Texas, Virginia, Alberta, B.C., Saskatchewan, Ontario, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island.

The CIPS designation is available in 35 countries and administered by the National Association of Realtors, the American organization that has about 1.2 million members.

Chris Pennycook, a veteran Winnipeg realtor and the president of the MREA, said efforts were made to invite real estate professionals from states where Manitoba does the most trade.

Were already talking about doing a two-way trade mission to Minnesota next year, and not just with real estate professionals but with the larger business community as well, he said.

The participants, many of whom are senior members of their state and provincial associations with large practices, met local business leaders and were shown the sites during the week.

Andrew Barbar, the operating principal of Keller Williams, a 300-agent firm in Boca Raton, Fla., said his first-ever exposure to the Winnipeg market was a good one.

It has been thoroughly entertaining and a great learning experience, he said. Ive learned about the cultural and business community here. But like with every city, the great treasure is the people. They have been wonderful and welcoming.

Carmela Ma, a realtor from Beverly Hills, Calif., and former dean for the National Association of Realtors for the CIPS program, provided the instruction for the course. It was also her first trip to Winnipeg but shes had plenty of contact in the past with the citys realtors such as Sandy Shindleman and Harry Deleeuw. She said the designation is prestigious enough that there are only 3,000 members worldwide.

We educate about cross-border transactions, about how to transact international deals and about the various transactional tools used to figure out how a property performs when youre doing business in Europe or Asia or the Americas, she said.

Barbar said his firm is engaged in international business whether it wants to be or not.

Our area attracts folks from all over the world  from Canada, all over Europe and there is a large influx of Brazilians and Colombians, he said. This course enables us to be more effective as we communicate and relate and to be able to service their needs effectively.

He said the experience in Winnipeg has opened up a whole new area of possibilities for him.

We have many Canadian customers who own homes and properties in Florida, he said. And on the commercial side, many of them operate manufacturing facilities. Florida is not always the best place for manufacturing and they have operations across the country. So rather than just think of the east coast of Canada, this has now opened my eyes to the opportunities in the Winnipeg market.

martin.cash@freepress.mb.ca
Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath talks to India Today about what his government has achievement within 100 days of power.

Life in Uttar Pradesh under a Yogi Adityanath government might not have improved much, but 5, Kalidas Marg, the chief minister's residence, has been transformed. Gone are the queues of SUVs and the bustling of leaders and self-consciously 'important' men. Serene and entirely without hangers-on, the CM's house seems almost modest. Visitors are welcomed with buttermilk and jaggery. Adityanath leaves early for his office and works long hours, so he brings no work home, no stray files or anxious babus.

Adityanath himself, unlike the public firebrand, is tranquil in person. He sits on a plain, saffron armchair. The most noticeable objects in the room are statues of Lord Hanuman and 'gau mata' and a set of thick rudraksha prayer beads. On June 26, his government will have been in power for 100 days. It's an arbitrary point at which to assess progress, but Adityanath is taking it seriously, preparing to release a white paper on his government's achievements and a roadmap for future progress.

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Ask him for concrete examples of his government's achievements, though, and Adityanath appears uncertain. He talks about loan waivers to farmers and dynasty-free politics, but the questions, particularly about law and order, are mounting.

Speaking to Anshuman Tiwari, editor, India Today Hindi, and Assistant Editor Ashish Misra, Adityanath mounts a robust defence of his record.

Q. Do you consider yourself a saint or a politician?

A. You don't ask this question if you know the meaning of religion. Religion is a comprehensive concept. According to our learned people, our scholars, to pave the path for public welfare in worldly life and to provide spiritual uplift is part of religion. I think a yogi can do both things quite easily. And I manage to balance both worldly and spiritual concerns.

Q. So how then would you assess the first 100 days of the BJP government in UP, as the chief minister and a yogi?

A. I have been a yogi for the last 23 or 24 years. When, as UP chief minister, my government completes its first 100 days, I believe we will look back with satisfaction at having been successful in contributing to the dream of development as envisioned for the state by the prime minister and the BJP's national president [Amit Shah]. Of course, if a person is too 'satisfied', then he might become complacent, not work so hard to get ahead. But, yes, I am satisfied that we have begun work that the previous government was unable to even think of, let alone begin.

Q. What are these flagship schemes you are satisfied with?

A. After the completion of 100 days, my government will bring out a white paper that will spell out what condition the state was in when we took power and the roadmap that will lead us to the future.

Q. But can you give a specific example of your government's achievements in the first 100 days?

A. Protecting the interests of farmers. Connecting them to sustainable development. Marginalising caste and dynasty politics. Presenting a model for development in UP.

Q. Your critics say Delhi runs Lucknow. Is the Centre interfering with your government?

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A. It is not interference but cooperation. In a federal structure, the state and Centre work together. A state has fewer resources and, sometimes, to effectively redress people's grievances, a state needs to ask for central help. I am happy, for instance, that UP is the first state in the country that has invited the NITI Aayog to help us plan for the future.

Q. But I'm sure you've heard people say things like, "upar Modi, neeche Yogi". How does that make you feel?

A. We don't pay attention to that sort of thing. We are working hard to achieve the dreams of the prime minister and the BJP national president.

Q. On the other hand, your followers speak of you as a potential prime ministerial candidate after Modi...

A. That is foolish. My responsibility is to UP. I now have the opportunity to work for its development. My sole focus is to sort out problems for which we would take to the streets, problems we can do something about.

Q. Okay, on the subject of UP then: since the formation of your government, there has been a rise in crime. Why?

A. Criminal incidents didn't arise suddenly. This state, which has seen some 450 riots in the past five years, has not suffered a single communal riot in the first 100 days of the BJP government. All the conspirators involved in the incidents in Saharanpur [violence between Dalits and Thakurs in May in which three people were killed] are in jail. We controlled the violence in 24 hours without having to call the military or paramilitary. Our police force handled it efficiently and quickly. Soon such incidents will diminish in number too.

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Q. But, would you agree the public feels insecure in UP?

A. There is no feeling of insecurity in the public. On the contrary, they believe this government is hard on criminals and that anyone who commits a crime will be punished.

Q. The challenges your government faces are huge. Take encephalitis...

A. Since we formed the government, we have begun a huge immunisation campaign. Till now, nearly 50 lakh children between 1 and 15 have been immunised. We have brought Japanese encephalitis under control but our concern is Acute Encephalitis Syndrome. This disease doesn't have any vaccine. The main cause of this disease is poor hygiene, so we have started a campaign to improve cleanliness and access to clean water. It's surprising, then, that if we distribute soap to people before our visit to a Musahar colony, the media takes it as an opportunity to criticise, to claim we are insulting Dalits.

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Q. Your ministers often speak about conspiracies against your government. Who are these conspirators?

A. I think that in the Saharanpur incident there were some conspiracies against our government. In many other places, too, such people have raised their heads, tried to create trouble but have been stopped thanks to our police force.

Q. You said all the roads of UP would be pothole-free by June 15. This is not going to happen...

A. There are two reasons for this. First our government's budget is yet to be passed. Second, the high court has prohibited mining in the state, creating a shortage of materials. Despite these problems, I can claim that when our government came to power there were over 1 lakh potholed roads and now there are fewer than half that number.

Q. You haven't fulfilled your promise on power supply either.

A. It'll take time to ensure power supply throughout the state. But we will provide power to everyone. Previous governments were concerned about only five districts, we care about all 75. And those districts that were once receiving only two to three hours of power a day now get 22 to 23 hours of power daily. Rural areas now have sufficient supply and we'll further improve the power infrastructure under the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana.

Q. Your government is also taking heat from those farmers who feel left out of the loan waivers...

A. We have waived outstanding loans till March 31, 2016, of up to Rs 1 lakh for small and marginal farmers. Instructions have already been issued to banks to not recover loans from them. The scheme will cost the state nearly Rs 36,000 crore, but we are relying on our own resources and will tighten the belt elsewhere if necessary.

Q. Encouraging industry, investment, improving education, you have an ambitious agenda...

A. Since the formation of the government, Samsung has decided to invest Rs 5,000 crore in Noida. Two large ethanol factories, worth Rs 1,600 crore, will also be set up. In education, the government is working hard to regularise sessions, hire teachers, invest in basic infrastructure. Students in government schools will get new uniforms. In rural areas, the government will give students shoes.

Q. You have accommodated many prominent figures from other parties in the state BJP. Some are even ministers in your government. Is that a challenge?

A. All our leaders know our government has a zero-tolerance approach to corruption, crime and mafia raj. All those who have looted public money will not escape.

Q. But the BJP, too, has complained about the functioning of bureaucrats and officers who still occupy prime posts...

A. Go ahead then, give me good officers. Officers are not fruit. I can't pick them off a tree. If we remove an officer, we need to ensure we have a good replacement.

Q. Do Dalits and Muslims need to fear your government?

A. We show no favour to any religion, region or caste. Our government believes in 'sabka saath, sabka vikas'.

Q. But take the shutting down of slaughterhouses...

We were following the directives of the Supreme Court and the National Green Tribunal. No action was taken against lawful slaughterhouses.

Q. Under the previous government, there was a 20 per cent reservation for minorities. What is your government's view on reservations?

A. We're not making schemes for any particular caste or religion. Our schemes are for the betterment of all 22 crore people in the state.

Q. As CM, you have already been to Ayodhya. What is your position on the Ram temple?

A. I went to visit Ram Lalla and Hanuman Garhi. There is no change in my stand on Ayodhya. The case is pending in the Supreme Court. If the issue can be solved by mutual dialogue, then we will provide all necessary help.

Q. Your identity has been that of a hardcore Hindutva leader. Has this changed since you became CM?

A. My name has not changed. I have not changed my clothes. My ideology is the same.

Q. There are two deputy CMs. Is this a way to rein you in?

A. UP is a big state. I don't have enough leadership experience for such a big state. I requested the party for two experienced associates to help me and work with me.

Q. The Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party are ready to ally to oppose you. Does that concern you?

A. The alliance between the SP and BSP is itself a defeat. The BJP will increase its majority in the next general election. The days of appeasement and caste politics are over.

--- ENDS ---
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 16/06/2017 (1973 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

With shifting refugee crises around the world, the Manitoba Interfaith Immigration Council has had to rely on faith more than ever this year.

So far, its not been forsaken by Manitobans, Canadians and donors from around the world, board members heard at its annual general meeting Thursday.

The council, which runs Manitobas largest refugee resettlement agency, Welcome Place, has had its faith and its mettle tested several times in the past fiscal year. When hundreds of Syrian refugees arrived on short notice last year, the agency was put on the spot.

Mike Deal / Winnipeg Free Press Files Rita Chahal, executive director of Welcome Place, says the only public funding the organization has gotten was $110,000 and 14 units from the provincial government.

We had to mobilize quickly, chairwoman Ruth Magnuson said.

Staff stepped up. They received increased funding from both levels of government and an outpouring of donations from Manitobans.

After a year of resettling the Syrian newcomers, in addition to all the regular government-assisted refugees arriving, the organization faced a new situation with asylum-seekers crossing the U.S. border on foot and no one to help them, Magnuson said.

Board members of the non-profit group that is already operating close to the bone wondered how they could help refugee claimants when governments wont fund services provided to them. They decided to dig into their lines of credit if they had to, Magnuson said.

How can you say no to someone who is cold, hungry, hurting and desperate?

Welcome Place sent staff to transport refugee claimants whod been picked up by RCMP and processed and screened by Canada Border Services Agency.

They provide temporary housing to claimants with help from the provincial government. The United Way and the Winnipeg Foundation supported Welcome Places in-Canada protection services that help refugee claimants fill out paperwork and navigate the bureaucracy.

The perilous journey of asylum seekers crossing the Canada-U.S. border in winter made international news, and prompted donors around the world to open their hearts to the refugee claimants and their wallets to Welcome Place. In fiscal 2016, its donations more than doubled to $215,560, compared with $105,625 in 2015, its annual report shows.

There was a global response, Magnuson said. The charity that once relied almost entirely on government funding by providing services to government-assisted refugees no longer feels bound by it.

We learned from the Syrian response that we can act quickly, Magnuson said.

We have staff willing to go above and beyond and fundraising taught us we have the ability to raise additional funds. We can go out into our community and ask for money, she said before accepting a donation cheque from Qualico real estate company.

The recent surge in refugee claimants is slowing and Welcome Place faces a dramatic decrease in the number of government-assisted refugees arriving this year  and the council is left feeling confident it can respond to provide whatever help is needed.

Our role is we deal with what happens, board member Bruce Waite said. We need to have our ear to the ground.

carol.sanders@freepress.mb.ca
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 16/06/2017 (1973 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The mother of a Winnipeg man who vanished 11 days ago addressed the media Friday in an emotional plea for help, saying she is heartbroken and needs the publics assistance to bring her son home.

Scott Hadath, 39, was last seen leaving his job at Canadian Tire on Fermor Avenue about 3 p.m. on June 5.

We need to have him come back, said Valerie Hadath. We love him dearly and need him to come home. We want to know that he is safe. Its the thing that is most important to us all.

BORIS MINKEVICH / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Rob Hadath and Valerie Hadath, brother and mother of Scott Hadath, make a public plea Friday for information about Scott, who vanished June 5.

In the 11 days since his disappearance, his family and friends have searched everywhere they think he could be.

City police and RCMP have also been searching for him, and news of his disappearance has been circulating on social media.

His family grew concerned on June 6 after Scott did not return to his Windsor Park home where he lives with his mother and two dogs. He also did not show up to work that day.

His family immediately attempted to get in touch with him, but his cellphone was found at home.

His family said this is completely out of character for Scott, who they describe as extremely reliable and with no history of disappearing.

After 11 days, you start storytelling and trying to build an understanding, said Rob Hadath, Scotts brother. You tell yourself all kinds of stories, and thats what has been really exhausting for us as a family. Its the not knowing. There is a real story. Were just at a loss for what it might be.

His co-workers at Canadian Tire, where he has worked for over a decade, are also concerned as Scott only misses work if he is ill and always calls in sick to let his employers know.

Scott is described as a Caucasian male, five-foot-ten with a heavy build, thick beard and hazel eyes.

SUPPLIED Scott Hadath was last seen in Southdale on June 5. He's believed to be driving a 2015 black Mini Cooper, licence plate No. HJB 662.

He is believed to be driving a 2015 black Mini Cooper with the Manitoba licence plate HJB 662.

His mother said she was not aware of any extra stress or anything unusual going on in Scotts life prior to his disappearance.

He had a strong peer group, said Rob. He had hobbies. He had a job that he liked. So were just at a loss right now.

Rob described his brother as a trustworthy, introverted man.

Hes quiet and not often outspoken with people he doesnt know. Hes a good person and a gentle soul, he said.

His family hopes with the publics help they may be able to track down Scott, who normally at this time of year would be enjoying kayaking and fishing with his family at their cabin in the Whiteshell area.

Its a time we cherish because we like to go to the lake, said Valerie. Those were the things we were really looking forward to, and right now its just breaking our hearts because theyre not there.

SUPPLIED Scott Hadath was last seen leaving his job at Canadian Tire on Fermor Avenue June 5.

In the days since his disappearance, his dogs have been at home staring at the door, waiting for him to walk through the entrance, his mom said.

The more eyes we have out there that can bring my son back home the better, said Valerie. We love him very much. From our very hearts we love him. We want him to come back home. Were hopeful that all of you will be helpful in getting the dots together so that we can get him back.

ryan.thorpe@freepress.mb.ca
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 15/06/2017 (1974 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Manitoba government and lawyers representing more than 2,000 First Nations residents affected by flooding in 2011 have reached a $90-million settlement in a unique class-action suit.

The preliminary terms of a settlement resolves the claims of members of Lake St. Martin, Dauphin River, Little Saskatchewan and Pinaymootang First Nations. The 2011 flood resulted in thousands being evacuated, many still to this day, London, Ont.,-based law firm McKenzie Lake said in a statement released Thursday.

The settlement between the evacuees, the province and the federal government must be approved by Manitobas Court of Queens Bench. It will be up to the court (likely at a hearing to occur this fall) to OK the formula for compensation, set up an independent administrator to pay out the settlements and cover legal and administration costs.

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES Residents of several First Nations, including Lake St. Martin, have settled a class-action lawsuit in relation to flooding that forced them to evacuate from their communities in 2011.

After that, cheques to individual members of the lawsuit will likely be mailed out as early as next year. The settlement provides for next of kin to file claims for people who died before going home and for babies whove been born since the evacuation.

Its extremely good news, McKenzie Lake lead counsel Michael Peerless said. The main terms have been drafted It involves $90 million.

Claimants filed with Winnipegs Troniak Law Office, which brought in the London firm because it is one of Canadas class-action legal specialists.

This was a flood that took place in 2011, and many of the members of this class action are still displaced This case is about a resolution for these people and their disruption, Peerless said.

The hard-fought lawsuit is believed to be the first of its kind to involve such a large number of claimants. Its also unique in that it represented First Nations individuals who lost their homes as a byproduct of actions by government to divert 2011 flood waters from major centres.

However, the settlement does not cover the loss of homes or infrastructure. First Nations own their homes, roads and infrastructure collectively  and governments are dealing with those issues separately.

The settlement is designed to compensate people for the disruption to their lives and give them a fresh start, McKenzie Lake said.

The Court of Queens Bench initially rejected the class-action suit. In a 2015 ruling, it said the individuals involved would be better served by hiring lawyers and pursuing suits one by one, a prospect few could afford to pursue.

In January, the Manitoba Court of Appeal overturned the lower courts ruling, allowing the suit to go ahead.

The province initially responded by seeking leave to take the case to the Supreme Court of Canada, a motion now on hold given the settlement theyve reached.

The province of Manitoba and the government of Canada had valid legal defences, but, ultimately, we were more successful and that encouraged them to sit down and negotiate with us, Peerless said. Theyre to be commended for doing the right thing.

Clifford Anderson of Pinaymootang First Nation said nothing can replace the heartache he and others suffered. Suicide, death by illness, addiction and disease followed in the wake of the displacements.

No amount of money would ever cover that, that we went through, the 58-year-old said this week. He and his wife were displaced for 10 months before returning to a new home on their First Nation, some 240 kilometres northwest of Winnipeg.

Even so, he said, the settlement represents a second chance for people who had no control over the flood waters that destroyed their lives.

We started this action on behalf of the people who were evacuated, Anderson said. It has nothing to do with First Nations governments. This is not a chief and council issue. This is about the individuals who were displaced.

As their own level of government, the four First Nations have pursued negotiations with federal and provincial governments for compensation and the rebuilding of homes and infrastructure.

None of the people displaced will return to their original homes. Much of the flooded-out land has been transformed into marshland.

Bulrushes now grow on the plots of land where Anderson and his wife raised their two sons.

Anderson said he is aware public response in the rest of the province has been divided over the drawn-out plight of the flood evacuees and the class-action lawsuit they filed.

I know theres going to be comments when this comes out. When we started this, people were jumping all over us, putting us down. But people started to come around. People have started to defend us, Anderson said.

Probably the worse hit among the four First Nations was Lake St. Martin, where almost every member of the community was forced to leave. The first new homes are just now being set up on land the province purchased as compensation for the flooding.

As far as the settlement goes, nothing is ever perfect, but I thank our legal team and the province and the lawyers from Canada. Its been pretty expedient in reaching a settlement. Its been six years now, so Im thankful its not going to drag out, Anderson said. People will get some closure from this.

alexandra.paul@freepress.mb.ca
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 16/06/2017 (1973 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Manitoba Public Insurance is asking the Public Utilities Board for a 2.7 per cent overall rate increase for the 2018-19 insurance year.

The average passenger vehicle owner would pay about $29 more in premiums per year should the application be approved, MPI said in its general rate application filed Friday.

About 35.5 per cent of all Manitoba vehicle owners will see no change or a decrease in premiums over 2017-18 rates, it said. The average premium for the private passenger vehicle class will be $1,086.

JOHN WOODS / FREE PRESS FILES MPI said the average passenger vehicle owner would pay about $29 more in premiums per year if the application gets approved.

In addition, commercial rates would increase 1.3 per cent, public rates 1.1 per cent, motorcycles 2.7 per cent and trailers 11.4 per cent, but off-road vehicle rates would drop 16.7 per cent, MPI said.

The rates would take effect March 1, but because of staggered renewal dates, some vehicle owners would not pay higher rates until February 2019.

The rate request could have been as high as 7.7 per cent had the Crown corporation not been so prudent, MPI president and CEO Dan Guimond said.

The overall premium revenue requirement for the basic insurance program in 2018-19 results from an ongoing focus on fiscal prudence and cost containment, which results in a direct financial benefit for Manitoba ratepayers, Guimond said Friday in a prepared statement. Without these efforts, the indicated rate requirement would have been significantly higher.

None of that sits well with the watchdog Consumers Association of Canada, which will oppose the application with vigour, said lawyer Byron Williams.

He said MPIs request will bring in $17 million more than inflation and argued its request to alleviate undercapitalization of the agencys reserve fund isnt evidence-based.

The MPI rate application cannot be considered in isolation, Williams said, adding the application coincides with its sister Crown corporation, Manitoba Hydro, seeking rate-shock level of rate increases of 7.9 per cent for the next five years.

In recent years, the independent review of the Public Utilities Board has identified challenges of Manitoba Public Insurance related to the rigorous management of its information technology expenditures. Last year, the independent review identified concerns with an investment portfolio that offered modest returns for undue risk, Williams said.

New Democrat MLA Andrew Swan accused the Conservative government of ignoring higher costs for Manitobans after a 3.7 per cent MPI increase as of March 1.

Once again, the premier and his cabinet are sitting on their hands while their Crown corporation seeks to impose rate hikes, Swan said. The government has a duty to keep vehicle insurance rates affordable for families and businesses and its failing to uphold that duty.

That reserve fund is already higher than the PUB says is necessary to shield MPI from fluctuations in costs or changes in its investments. Motorists should not have to shoulder the burden of paying for an unnecessary increase in the reserve fund.

MPI is blaming climate change  notably shifting weather patterns  for more than half of its $85.2-million net operating loss last year, almost $54 million more than the Crown corporation lost the year before. However, that was offset by cost reductions and an increase in investment income of $101.4 million.

The public insurers 2016 annual report says hail damage accounts for $45.1 million of last years operating losses, and notes Manitoba did not receive any significant hailstorm damage prior to 1996.

The proposed rate increase would also help boost its reserve funds against major weather damage or market fluctuation, MPI said.

It is also not clear how the legalization of marijuana  expected by July 1, 2018  could affect MPIs rates.

Justice Minister Heather Stefanson has warned of the dangers of driving under the influence, and championed the Cannabis Harm Prevention Act, which recently passed in the legislature.

It would allow for 24-hour licence suspensions if a police officer believes a driver is under the influence of the drug and unable to operate a vehicle safely. Drivers in the graduated licence program could face further consequences if they receive a 24-hour suspension.

The bill also makes it illegal to consume marijuana inside a moving vehicle.

nick.martin@freepress.mb.ca
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 15/06/2017 (1974 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

As Canadian newsrooms shrink at an unprecedented rate, a major report released Thursday has MPs asking the Trudeau government to fund more news organizations so they can combat the rise of so-called fake news.

We recognize the challenges the media face, reads a report by the Commons heritage committee. We believe that steps must be taken to help them navigate this tumultuous period.

The MPs note Canada has the highest rate of media consolidation in the democratic world, meaning large companies such as Postmedia are merging newsrooms and sending fewer reporters to city hall and school board meetings.

The committee also said Manitoba isnt as hard hit by that phenomenon as Alberta towns or Ontario suburbs.

I actually think Manitoba is doing quite well in media, said Winnipeg Liberal Dan Vandal, echoing his committee colleagues. We have to continue that, and make sure everybody else can do that well.

His colleagues pointed to Ryerson Universitys Local News Research Project, which has mapped new, closed and stable newsrooms across Canada.

It shows far less change in Manitoba than surrounding provinces.

Bob Cox, publisher of the Free Press, said Manitoba has seen occasional cuts to journalism, as when Brandons only television station was shuttered in 2009.

We havent gotten to that stage yet, where youre seeing a lot of newspapers disappear. But newspapers are struggling harder and harder, just to keep the doors open and keep reporting on their communities, Cox said

As chairman of News Media Canada, Cox has spent a decade advocating for print organizations.

He praised the committees idea to make platform agnostic a fund for magazines and small newspapers and to include city dailies and online upstarts.

This is a big call, because they feel a pillar of our democracy is threatened, he said.

The committee also proposed a five-year fund that would help legacy media such as newspapers adapt to digital media, possibly funded by charging five per cent on streaming services, to make them fall in line with TV broadcasters.

The report asks bureaucrats to have experts in media test any proposed media mergers for whether they threaten a diversity of voices. Vandal said he was proud of a recommendation to have the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network in Winnipeg train more indigenous journalists with government funding.

The committees Conservative MPs wrote a dissenting report, saying the solution was to lessen existing policies to allow for more innovation.

People are not stupid, their report said, largely dismissing concerns about fake news. The new media era cannot be stopped or blocked or regulated in Canada.

Christopher Waddell, a Carleton University journalism professor, has seen newsrooms shrink dramatically since he started teaching in 2001.

He agreed that outdated policies can stifle competition, but said it depends on the community.

Sometimes, existing news organizations can take up a lot of the space in some communities so that new agencies cant try new things unless they see a vacuum they can fill, Waddell said.

He noted that upstart SteinbachOnline filled a niche for daily news, while the community maintains a weekly newspaper, the Carillon, which is owned by the parent company of the Winnipeg Free Press.

Yet Conservative MP Peter Van Loan said that on some blogs, you get better news than cash-strapped newsrooms, especially close-knit Prairie communities.

That lends itself well to developing the kind of local, citizen-driven, news-dissemination websites and Facebook groups, Van Loan said.

His colleague, MP Kevin Waugh, recalled that when he was a Saskatoon school trustee, parents were better served by the boards own tweets and parent bloggers than the big-city paper, which rarely sent a reporter to meetings.

Its the way things are going now, he said.

Cox stressed that journalists fill a vital role by digging for information others want hidden, and said he was baffled by the idea of social media replacing reporters.

Lets just have the wild west, and lets have chaos. Boy, I dont want to see how that works.

dylan.robertson@freepress.mb.ca
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 16/06/2017 (1973 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The University of Winnipeg Foundation has created a responsible investing policy to guide its endowments, the schools revenue development arm announced Friday.

Sparked by a divest from fossil fuels student movement which began in 2014, the foundation has also committed to establishing a renewable energy (green) investment fund as an option for investors, it said.

The adoption of our responsible investing policy and the related initiatives are a welcome evolution, foundation president and chief executive officer Brian Daly said in a news release. While adhering to our mandate, we are keen to continue demonstrating alignment with, and sensitivity to, the values and concerns of our stakeholders and fellow members of the UWinnipeg community.

The foundation said its responsible investing policy ensures environmental, social and governance factors are properly taken into account on investment decisions, including the issue of climate change. It will include updates on the application of the policy in its quarterly investment reports.

Additionally, the greenhouse gas emissions footprint currently measured by the University of Winnipeg will expand to include tracking the carbon footprint of the foundations endowment investment portfolio. The goal is to reduce this investment carbon footprint each year, the foundation said.

According to its website, as of March 31, 2016, the University of Winnipeg Foundations endowment fund had a market value of $56.7 million.
Opinion

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 16/06/2017 (1973 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A chart published last month by the European Union as part of a survey about attitudes towards tobacco in Europe lists the percentage of daily smokers in 28 countries. At the top is Bulgaria, where 36 per cent of the population smokes daily. Greece and France are close behind, with 35 and 33 per cent, respectively.

Farther down the list are Spain (26 per cent), Italy (24 per cent) and Germany (23 per cent). Near the bottom are Britain, the Netherlands and Denmark, all at 16 per cent. (As of 2015, 15 per cent of Americans and Canadians were smokers, according to surveys in each country.)

Finally, represented by a conspicuously short red line at the bottom, is Sweden, where only five per cent smoke daily.

Let me repeat that: the smoking rate in Sweden is five per cent.

Do you know how astonishing that is? A few years ago, the medical journal the Lancet launched a campaign for a tobacco-free world by 2040. Its definition of tobacco-free was a smoking rate of less than five per cent. Sweden is basically there.

Why have Swedes stopped smoking? Because Sweden has adopted a harm-reduction strategy: it has largely replaced deadly cigarettes with a product that supplies users with both nicotine and tobacco yet doesnt increase the odds of dying the way smoking does. That product is called snus (rhymes with goose).

A modern iteration of snuff, snus are little pouches of moist tobacco placed under the upper lip. Scandinavians have been ingesting nicotine via smokeless tobacco since the early 18th century, a habit that changed only during the Second World War, when cigarettes became popular. Smoking peaked in 1980 in Sweden at 34 per cent of the population. Since then, the growing awareness of the dangers of smoking has brought about a steady, year-over-year reduction in the smoking rate, just as it has in much of the western world.

Unlike most of the world, however, Swedish smokers already had a traditional way to stop smoking without having to overcome an addiction to nicotine, which of course is what makes quitting so difficult.

And thats what they did. In the 1990s, cigarette sales declined while sales of snus rocketed. By around 1996, more snus cans were being sold than cigarette packs, a gap that has widened in the ensuing years. Today, 15 per cent of Swedes use snus.

You might assume it took a major government marketing campaign to persuade people to move from cigarettes to snus, but thats not what happened. Although snus makers such as Swedish Match are not allowed to claim that their product is less harmful than cigarettes, the Swedes figured that out for themselves. The government did eventually create tax incentives for people to choose snus over cigarettes.

The health consequences of Swedens move to snus are nothing short of amazing. As Kenneth E. Warner and Harold A. Pollack pointed out in a 2014 article in the Atlantic, Sweden boasts Europes lowest male lung-cancer death rate  as well as the lowest male death rate from smoking-related cardiovascular diseases and the lowest male death rate from other cancers that are attributable to tobacco. Even the risk youd most likely suspect, oral cancer, is only slightly higher than for non-users.

In effect, Sweden has been conducting an important experiment for 30-plus years, one that tobacco-control advocates have long claimed they wanted to see. What happens when, instead of relying solely on societal persuasion to get people to quit smoking, you offer them a nicotine fix without the carcinogens that come with smoking?

The answer is that smokers will embrace that solution. And as they do, smoking-related deaths will drop dramatically. No doubt there will be non-smokers who decide to use snus (or e-cigarettes) and become hooked on nicotine, an addictive but non-lethal substance. But that seems a small price to pay to get Swedens results. In any case, thats why they call it a reduced harm approach rather than a harm-free approach.

What is truly maddening is that, despite the powerful evidence provided by Sweden, most countries refuse to acknowledge it. The EU wont allow snus to be sold in most of its countries. In the United States, the FDA last year turned down Swedish Matchs application to be allowed to advertise snus as less harmful than cigarettes.

Most tobacco-control advocates in the West continue to push the idea that quitting all forms of tobacco and nicotine is the safest policy  true, but a classic example of the perfect being the enemy of the good. They continue to harbour a deep suspicion of alternative nicotine products. Their understandable animus toward Big Tobacco has clouded their ability to see that replacing one kind of tobacco product (combustible cigarettes) with another (snus) can save lives.

The difference between the Swedish smoking rate and that of the next-lowest countries is enormous. If the West really hopes to achieve a tobacco-free world by 2040, Sweden has pointed the way. Like it or not, harm reduction is the only answer.

Joe Nocera has written business columns for Esquire, GQ and the New York Times, and is the former editorial director of Fortune.
The ED will move the request any time this month as it filed its first charge sheet against Mallya and eight others in connection with its money laundering probe.

By Shashank Shekhar: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is going to file a request to extradite fugitive liquor baron Vijay Mallya from the United Kingdom to tighten the noose around him. The agency will move the request any time this month as it filed its first charge sheet against Mallya and eight others in connection with its money laundering probe in the Rs 900-cr IDBI Bank-KFA bank loan case.

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ED will be the second central agency to apply for his extradition as the CBI has already made a similar request to UK authorities and filed a charge sheet in the case. ED will try to push for Mallya's extradition through its diplomatic channels. Mallya has been living in London since he left India on March 2, 2016.

"Now that the chargesheet has been filed against Mallya, we will soon file an affidavit in court and then apply for his extradition through diplomatic channels," said a senior ED officer to Mail Today.

WHAT NEXT FOR MALLYA?

He explained that a separate extradition request is needed if another agency has to grill him. "We have collected enough evidence against him and if the money laundering charge is not included in the extradition case, then Mallya cannot be tried for it once he is back in India. At present, only the CBI has applied for extradition and only they can grill him once he is back making us non-entitled to examine him," he added. CBI's extradition case involves criminal conspiracy, fraud and cheating. A total of nine accused have been named in the charge sheet by ED, including Mallya, Kingfisher Airlines, United Breweries and senior executives of the now-defunct airline and IDBI.

The agency, in the charge sheet, termed Mallya the "prime mover of the entire plot" and described how funds obtained as bank loan were routed illegally including "substantial payments" being diverted by the beleaguered businessman to the Formula-1 car racing event abroad. ED had registered a criminal case in this deal last year under PMLA and attached assets worth more than Rs 9,600 crore.

Meanwhile, CBI on Thursday clarified that the documents related to Mallya's extradition were sent to the UK in February, and supporting documents were also handed over to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) much before the June 13 hearing in the case. The agency was reacting to reports that there was a delay from India in sharing the Mallya case documents with the UK. CBI also asserted that there was no delay from its end and made it clear that the UK court had not criticised India's extradition request during the hearing. The agency clarified that the June 13 hearing in the UK was not related to Mallya's extradition. Agency spokesperson R K Gaur said the hearing was "for case management review".

--- ENDS ---
Opinion

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 16/06/2017 (1973 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Its time to save news.

You may well ask: What on earth is he talking about? Isnt there an endless supply of information flooding us daily, hitting us every time we look at a phone, turn on a computer, get lost in the 1,000-channel TV universe or, as many still do, pick up a newspaper?

This is true, but increasingly it is like being in a lifeboat on an ocean  water, water, everywhere, but not a drop to drink.

Newspapers are not the first news media to seek help. In fact, we may well be the last. (Jeff de Booy / Winnipeg Free Press files)

You can read Donald Trumps latest tweet, or see what one of your Facebook friends did at the gym.

But there is less and less information about the things that matter most to the lives of people in communities across Canada  coverage of what local governments are doing, what crimes have occurred in our midst or what subjects are being taught in our schools.

Newspapers have provided this news throughout the 150-year history of Canada, fuelling our great and stable democracy with real facts, carefully gathered and responsibly presented.

We have told the story of Canada faithfully, and want to continue doing so. But it is not easy.

Canadians still depend on newspapers on the many platforms where we publish. Nine out of 10 adults read our content weekly, according to the most recent survey by Vividata, which collects information on media use in the country.

But the digital age has decimated the business models that supported newspapers  and the journalism we do. We are adapting. We are developing new ways to deliver news, using many different digital channels. But that is not paying the bills to support our newsrooms. Most of the billions of dollars pouring into digital ads are going to Google and Facebook, which are not creating local news content.

We have cut costs. There have been layoffs and closures. Newsrooms have shrunk, been combined and, in some cases, have disappeared.

Committee recommends fund to support reporting

This situation was highlighted this week by the federal Committee on Canadian Heritage, which recommends the federal government implement measures to support the existence of free and independent media and local news reporting.

This mirrors a proposal by newspaper operators. This traditionally stubbornly independent bunch who rarely agree on anything have come together to ask the federal government for a support program for news organizations. We represent virtually every general-interest, mass-circulation newspaper in Canada  big and small, French and English, dailies and weeklies, from Victoria to St. Johns.

The Heritage Committee recommends that an existing fund, which currently helps mostly magazines and some paid-subscription community newspapers, be expanded to support all general-interest newspapers  dailies and free papers, in print and digital form.

Newspaper operators are proposing that this fund could pay some editorial costs for non-regulated news organizations in print and/or digital that regularly and significantly provide original Canadian civic reporting on a range of topics. Civic reporting is defined as reporting on elected officials and public institutions, courts, city halls, school boards and current events that help communities know about themselves.

This is not a public bailout of poorly run big newspaper companies. Money would not go to pay executive bonuses or dividends to owners.

Help would be tied to the number of journalists employed  keeping feet on the street to tell Canadians about themselves. We have recommended a subsidy of 35 per cent of the total of all journalists salaries, with a cap on the maximum subsidy per journalist of about $30,000. Money would go to support reporting on digital platforms as well, so a wide variety of news organizations would qualify.

The fund would also increase the amount the federal government makes available to fund innovation in the rapidly changing news media world.

Overall, the program would not be cheap. Its cost would go to about $350 million a year from $75 million today.

Something worth saving

But a bit of perspective is needed on this. Newspapers are not the first news media to seek help. In fact, we may well be the last.

Much of the non-newspaper Canadian news business is propped up by subsidies and direct and indirect taxes on consumers.

It is a little-known fact that there would be virtually no Canadian magazines without federal subsidies.

TV stations lose money on local news every year  so much so that the CRTC will introduce a $90-million fund to support local news programming as of Sept. 1. The money comes from cable subscribers.

Canadian taxpayers pay $1.2 billion to underwrite the CBC each year, and the public broadcaster gets an additional $135 million in cable subscriber fees.

The Canada Media Fund, funded in part by $134 million from Ottawa, doles out $317 million to Canadian television and digital projects.

Much of the Canadian film and video industry is supported by tax credits and other breaks, to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars a year.

It has long been recognized that news media in Canada need help to continue being, as the Heritage Committee put it, a pillar of our democracy.

We have a proven ability to inform Canada and Canadians about themselves and keep them connected and engaged. That is something worth saving.

Bob Cox is publisher of the Winnipeg Free Press and chair of News Media Canada.
Opinion

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 16/06/2017 (1973 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Manitobas top judges have recently been criticized for their proposal to eliminate preliminary inquiries for a four-year trial period, but its a sure bet this criticism is not coming from victims whose attackers have gone free because cases were delayed too long.

One such victim is a young woman who found the courage to report she had been sexually assaulted by her mothers common-law partner from 1996 to 2003, when she was between six and 12 years old. The man was criminally charged, but his case was tossed out because of the lengthy amount of time  44 months  between when charges were laid and when the trial was to conclude. How can the young woman trust the justice system?

In another case, a former Winnipeg chiropractor was sentenced to 31/2 years in prison for beating and raping his former girlfriend. He appealed, and the Manitoba Court of Appeal threw out the conviction because there was a 36-month delay from the time he was charged to when he was tried. Again, how can the victim believe the justice system works properly when her rapist got off without punishment?

WAYNE GLOWACKI / WINNIPEG FREE PRESs fileS Manitoba Court of Appeal Chief Justice Richard Chartier

As of June 9, there have been 56 delay motions filed in Manitoba by defence lawyers since a Supreme Court ruling last year limited the amount of time prosecutors can take to bring accused people to trial. Provincial court matters must be completed within 18 months after charges are laid and Manitoba Court of Queens Bench matters have a 30-month limit.

Manitobas justice system cant always meet these deadlines, which increases the risk of alleged criminals getting off and victims finding the justice system is anything but just.

This is the troubling situation into which, commendably, the chief justices of Manitobas three levels of court decided to try a fix. They have proposed a four-year pilot project in Manitoba to eliminate preliminary hearings, the time-consuming courtroom procedures that decide whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed to trial.

The justices proposal is controversial, and so is the way they introduced it. Even though there had long been discussions with stakeholders in the judicial system, including defence lawyers and prosecutors, the judges acted alone when they collaborated with Manitoba Justice Minister Heather Stefanson and then approached federal politicians with the concept.

This unusual path of judges dealing directly with politicians resulted in a months-long investigation by the Canadian Judicial Council, which governs federal judges and can impose sanctions as serious as removal from the bench. The council was acting on an anonymous complaint which said, in part, the judges appear to have become involved in backroom political lobbying. Ultimately, the council found the judges had done nothing wrong.

Judges never allow cheering in court, of course, but these three judges deserve applause and gratitude for their initiative and willingness to pioneer a route directly to the politicians who have the power to change the system.

However, appreciation for the judges bold proposal does not extend to an automatic standing ovation for the elimination of preliminary hearings, which have offered long-standing protection for people accused of serious crimes. Its reassuring the judges are only asking for a four-year pilot project  during which, it is presumed, they will experiment with alternative methods for determining whether there is enough evidence to inflict the ordeal of a trial on accused people.

Its a made-in-Manitoba experiment, and it will be closely watched. The law is built upon precedents and the Manitoba pilot project could pioneer an approach that will also benefit the many other jurisdictions hamstrung by systemic delays that let criminals walk free.
Minnesota City Community Readers will meet at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 22, at City Hall, 149 Mill St. in Minnesota City.

The book being discussed is "Purple Hibiscus" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. All readers are invited whether or not they have read the book.

The community readers' summer book selection is "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot, which will be discussed Aug. 31.
An array of unique, fine-crafted pieces of furniture have made their way to Winona.

For the fifth year, the Winona County History Center will host a bevy of anomalous furniture for the annual Art of Fine Furniture Exhibit from June 17 to August 11, with the opening reception on Saturday, June 17 from 1 to 3 p.m.

Local fine furniture maker Jamie Schell founded the exhibit five years ago to introduce an engaging form of art to the Winona community. He said when people visit art exhibits, they oftentimes cant interact with the pieces on display.

Furniture has a purpose, a utilization, people feel like they can approach it and interact with it, Schell said.

Jennifer Weaver, assistant director at the History Center, said the exhibit bridges historic craft skills with art.

People create new things with old crafting skills, she said. People can appreciate the craftsmanship side and the artistic side (of furniture making).

In years past the exhibit has included at least one artist from outside the Midwest, however, this years exhibit features 15 artists drawn solely from Minnesota and Wisconsin. Being a regional event thats drawn more than 1000 viewers the past two years, keeping it this local says a lot about the number of furniture makers in the region, Schell said.

He thinks the popularity of the event has inspired people in the area to take the hobby of furniture making seriously.

Theres a recognition factor around this event now, Schell said. Its inspired hobbyists to step up their quality and think outside the box.

Along with the exhibit, Schell also organizes educational workshops, and hosts a panel discussion centered on the years theme  this year it is inspiration. Last year he introduced a skateboard-making workshop to draw interest from a younger generation, and it was a huge hit.

Schell said this year registration for the workshop filled up three hours after it opened.

Theres a waiting list for it this year, he said.

The second workshop during the exhibit is a series focused on discovering wood and learning to look at it in different ways. Schell said theres more than one way to look at a log split down the middle, and when it comes to furniture making, experimentation can lead to new ideas and inspiration.

When you split a piece of wood with an ax, its like opening a book, he said. Theres different connections you can make.

During the final leg of the exhibit Schell will host a panel with past and current artists and talk about their inspiration, where they get it, and what their creative process is like.

Weaver said people in Winona appreciate the arts, and this is something they look forward to every year.

Its by far the most popular exhibit here, she said.
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP)  A new report shows the teenage pregnancy rate has plummeted in Minnesota over the last three decades, but that the number of sexually transmitted infections is increasing.

The report, authored by University of Minnesota adolescent sexual health director Jill Farris, found that the pregnancy rate among 15 to 19 year olds has dropped 70 percent since 1990. Farris said Minnesota is ranked one of the best states in the country at preventing teen pregnancy.

However, teen rates of gonorrhea have increased 40 percent and chlamydia is up 15 percent. Fewer teens are using condoms, especially when one partner begins using a long-term method of birth control, Farris said.

Farris found that teenagers living in metro areas are more at risk of getting a sexually transmitted infection, while those living in greater Minnesota are more likely to get pregnant.

The study also found that the teen pregnancy rate is slightly increasing among Native Americans.

(Teen pregnancy) rates among all the other racial and ethnic groups declined, some of them by a lot. To not see the same change in the American Indian community is disheartening, said Farris. We want to figure out whats going on.

Farris gathered data from the state Department of Health and an annual student survey conducted by the Department of Education.

She said she hopes community leaders will refer to the report when shaping education and local health programs.
A year ago, Democratic members of the U.S. House of Representatives staged a sit-in demanding a vote on federal gun-safety bills following the shootings at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando. The National Rifle Associations lobbying was largely blamed for no vote happening. But looking deeper, the Second Amendment, with the unique American individualism wrapped around it, underlies all. It is Americas fundamental gun problem.

As Michael Waldman at the Brennan Center for Justice suggests in Politico Magazine, the NRAs construing of the Second Amendment as an unconditional right to own and carry guns (a right beyond actual constitutional law in Supreme Court rulings) is why it thrives and has clout.

Without clout derived from Second Amendment hyperbole, we might not have, for instance, stand your ground laws in more than 20 states starting with Florida in 2005, laws that professors Cheng Cheng and Mark Hoekstra report in the Journal of Human Resources do not deter crime and are associated with more killing.

Pockets of America were waiting for the NRAs Second Amendment fertilizer.

For many gun advocates, the gun is an important aspect of ones identity and self-worth, a symbol of power and prowess in their cultural groups. Dan Kahan at Yale University with co-investigators studied gun-safety perceptions and wrote in the Journal of Empirical Legal Studies how those most likely to see guns as safest of all were the persons who need guns the most in order to occupy social roles and display individual virtues within their cultural communities.

Or, as the essayist Alec Wilkinson writes more starkly on The New Yorkers website, although the (gun) issue is treated as a right and a matter of democracy underlying all is that a gun is the most powerful device there is to accessorize the ego.

A gun owner carrying his semiautomatic long rifle into a family department store, like Target, in a state permitting such if asked why will likely say because it is his right. He is unlikely to reveal the self-gratification gained from demonstrating the prowess and power of his identity, gained from using the gun to accessorize the ego. The Second Amendment here is convenient clothing to cover deeper unspoken needs, needs that go beyond the understandable pleasures and functions of typical hunting, for instance.

Australia is often mentioned as an example of nationwide gun-safety legislation reducing gun violence. Following the 1996 massacre of 35 people in Port Arthur, Australia, the government swiftly passed substantial gun-safety legislation. And as Professors Simon Chapman, Philip Alpers and Michael Jones wrote in JAMAs June 2016 issue, (F)rom 1979-1996 (before gun law reforms), 13 fatal mass shootings occurred in Australia, whereas from 1997 through May 2016 (after gun-law reforms), no fatal mass shootings occurred.

But Australia also has nothing akin to the Second Amendment.

Anthropologist Abigail Kohn studied gun owners in the U.S. and Australia who were engaged in sport shooting. She describes in the Journal of Firearms and Public Policy (2004) how it is immediately apparent when speaking to American shooters that they find it impossible to separate their gun ownership, even their interest in sport shooting, from a particular moral discourse around self, home, family, and national identity.

And thus, American shooters are hostile to gun control because just as guns represent freedom, independence  the best of American core values  gun control represents trampling on those core values.

In contrast, the Australians view guns as inseparable from shooting sports. And perhaps most importantly, Australian shooters believe that attending to gun laws, respecting the concept of gun laws, is a crucial part of being a good shooter; this is the essence of civic duty that Australian shooters conflate with being a good Australian. While the Australian shooters thought some gun-safety policies were useless and stupid, they thought that overall gun-safety measures were a legitimate means by which the government can control the potential violence that guns can do.

Unlike Australia (itself an individualist-oriented country), America has the Second Amendment. And that amendment has fostered a unique individualism around the gun, an individualism perpetrating more harm than safety.

Maybe someday the Second Amendment will no longer reign as a prop serving other purposes and, thus, substantive federal gun-safety legislation happens. But as Professor Charles Collier wrote in Dissent Magazine: Unlimited gun violence is, for the foreseeable future, our (Americas) fate and our doom (and, in a sense, our punishment for (Second Amendment) rights-based hubris).

The Second Amendment, today, is a song of many distorted verses. A song of a uniquely American tragedy.
Many of us know last fall, the Winona City Council pledged to support Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and the Water Protectors in their resistance to protect Mni Wiconi (Water of Life). The resolution relied upon the Covenant of Friendship. Half a year ago, the Winona City Council chose to stand with their friends and keep their promise with this resolution.

However, when it came to putting action behind promises last May, the Winona City Council voted against divesting from Wells Fargo & Co. This decision was made despite the recommendation provided to them by the Winona Human Rights Commission.

There were council members who said they needed more knowledge regarding what deciding this would mean when it came to issues like pensions, etc. However, instead of tabling the recommendation to allow for research to be done, council chose to vote it down unanimously -- irresponsible leadership.

Would you support a company who committed fraud with two million accounts, settled on one out of the 12 class action law suites they are currently facing, has been fined $185 million by the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, or had their rating downgraded by the Office of the Controller of Currency?

What about a company whose investments financially support the destruction of indigenous burial grounds, sacred sites, Mni Wiconi, contributed to the violation of treaty rights, human rights, and indigenous rights?

No you say? Than why allow your city to continue to partner with Wells Fargo? This is what they have done since 2009 and continue to do today.

The types of issues relied on for divestment are prevalent within the pattern of behavior of Wells Fargo. This is based on common knowledge of their actions. Because of that, they are not worthy of the city of Winonas business at this point in time.

As an indigenous human of Turtle Island, I implore the city of Winona to divest itself from Wells Fargo & Co. It is not to late to choose another path. It is not to late to stand again with your friends and relatives, the People of the Oceti Sakowin (Seven Council Fires). Resist.
Ed Janairo has been named campus administrator of the University of Wisconsin-Baraboo/Sauk County and Wisconsin Colleges Southwest Region associate dean of administration and finance.

The former dean of business and technology at Lakeshore Technical College on Monday took over the multifaceted position from Jim Eagon, who served as interim campus administrator and associate dean of administration and finance since Dundee McNair left the position in February.

As campus administrator for UW-Baraboo, Janairo will be responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations on campus. As regional associate dean of administration and finance, hell work to balance the budgets of three campuses that comprise UW Colleges Southwest region: UW-Richland, UW-Baraboo and UW-Rock County.

Janainro said hes pleased to return to UW Colleges and take on his new responsibilities.

Im very excited to be back at UW Colleges and excited to be back with old friends and colleagues, he said. A lot of these folks that I work with now are old friends, but Im excited also because of the mission of the college.

Before accepting the position, Janairo served as dean of business and technology at Lakeshore Technical College, located north of Sheboygan, since 2013. Prior to entering the technical college system, he worked as an information technology manager from 2005 to 2007 and dean of administrative services from 2007 to 2013 at the UW-Sheboygan.

Janairo said he oversaw the universitys budget, facilities, foodservices and a wide range of other administrative duties as dean of administrative services at UW-Sheboygan. At Lakeshore Technical College, he said he was responsible for overseeing the business programs curriculum, faculty and student outreach initiatives.

I oversaw the curriculum and the faculty, and a large part of my job was to come up with new ideas and innovate how we deliver the program to try and reach more students, he said. It was very different than this current role, where I focus less on academics and more on administration and finance.

Janairo said he believes his experience with both UW Colleges and the technical college system will bring a unique perspective to his leadership role at UW-Baraboo.

I think each system has a lot to learn from each other, and certainly coming into this position from the tech college system, theres a lot that can help inform what we do here and improve what we do here as well, he said.

Janairo said hes not concerned with changes to UW Colleges that have occurred since he left in 2013. While the regionalization of administrative positions at UW Colleges following state budget cuts led to an increased workload for campus administrators, Janairo said hes excited and ready to take on the challenge.

UW Colleges is one of the most efficient institutions in Wisconsin, he said. Were efficient because we continually find ways to do things with fewer resources, but we continue to provide very high quality education.

UW Colleges Regional Executive Officer and Dean Charles Clark said Janairos administrative experience is a welcome addition to UW-Baraboo and UW Colleges.

We are very excited to welcome Edward Janairo to UW-Baraboo and to the UW Colleges Southwest Region, he said. Ed comes to us with a wealth of administrative and instructional experience. His years with UW-Sheboygan as assistant campus dean for administration and finance, as well as his leadership experience with Lakeshore Technical College will serve him and the Colleges very well at UW-Baraboo and across the institution.
Many residents are not aware that there are certain restrictions regarding the placement of signs along streets and highways throughout the state of Wisconsin.

Most often we see these violations occurring prior to elections of public officials, but we also see violations when signs are erected for community events, job postings and other informational signs. Those putting up signs should be aware of the laws prior to placing these signs, but property owners also should be aware of the laws as they ultimately are responsible for placement on or near their property.

First, it is very important to remember that prior to placing any sign that you must obtain permission from the landowner prior to the placement. Second, prior to placing a sign along streets or highways, you must know where the right-of-way is to ensure that you never illegally place a sign within the right-of-way.

There are different rules governing placement of signs but generally the right-of-way consists of two basic areas. If you are erecting a sign in a city or village where there is a sidewalk present, you must place the sign on the side of the sidewalk closest to the home. The terrace or section of grass between the street and the sidewalk is considered right-of-way and is prohibited. If you are erecting a sign outside of a city, village or area without a sidewalk, it is important to keep the sign at a distance from the road that is beyond the ditch or where utility poles or markers generally are placed.

An area many people forget about is at rural county or state highway intersections. At these intersections, the right-of-way extends typically at a 45-degree angle from one highway to the other and is set back significantly from the intersection to create an area for clear visibility at those intersections. These right-of-ways often are marked with yellow posts.

Wisconsin State Statute 346.41 makes it illegal to display red or amber reflectors within the right-of-way or at the entrance to a private road or driveway. Under Wisconsin statute, it is required that reflectors at these locations be blue in color.

So what happens if a sign is displayed within the right-of-way? Under Wisconsin statute or by ordinance, the highway department or public works department has the authority to order the removal of illegal signs. The reason for the removal is simple  it is important to maintain clear visibility along our streets and highways for the safe passage of the motoring public.

I ask that all community members closely examine the location in which you may be placing signs or banners. Landowners, if someone asks you for permission to place a sign on your property, please give them proper direction about where to legally place those signs.

With many view obstructions such as trees, utility poles, buildings and the designs of our own vehicles already making visibility challenging at times, it is important to all do our part in minimizing additional view obstructions along our roadways.

I ask for your assistance so that we can continue to keep our streets and highways safe and keep Dodge County as a safe place to live, work and visit.
Virat Kohli struck 96 not out off 78 balls and was involved in a 178-run stand with Rohit Sharma as India eased past Bangladesh in the ICC Champions Trophy semi-finals to set up a summit clash against Pakistan.

By India Today Web Desk: Virat Kohli once again proved his class with a fluent 96 not out to help India to a comfortable nine-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the semi-finals of the ICC Champions Trophy on Thursday.

Kohli now averages 130.00 in successful chases in ICC tournaments. He also became the first player to aggregate 1000 runs in successful chases in the ICC events

Virat Kohli becomes the first player to aggregate 1000 runs in successful chases in the ICC events (WC+WT20+CT).#INDvBAN #CT17- Rajneesh Gupta (@rgcricket) 15 June 2017

Highest batting average in successful chases in ODIs (1000+ runs):97.36 MS Dhoni95.20 VIRAT KOHLI?????#INDvBAN #CT17- Rajneesh Gupta (@rgcricket) 15 June 2017

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The India skipper has so far scored 253 runs and has been dismissed only once in the ongoing tournament.

The 28-year-old has 27 hundreds in One Day Internationals out of which a record 15 have come in successful chases. He also shares a record 17 centuries with Sachin Tendulkar in chases.

Has to be the best chasing ODI Batsmen of all time @imVkohli !!!! #JustSaying #INDvBAN- Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) 15 June 2017

Set a victory target of 265 by a Bangladesh who were playing their first semi-final at an ICC event, India never looked in danger as Rohit Sharma hit an unbeaten 123 for his 11th ODI hundred and was accompanied at the finish by Kohli.

Rohit shared an 87-run stand with Shikhar Dhawan before the left-hander sliced Mashrafe Mortaza to point for 46, his second-lowest score in nine Champions Trophy innings, including the 2013 tournament.

Kohli came to the middle and was also a joy to watch, hitting 13 fours in his 78-ball knock as Bangladesh's bowling became increasingly untidy.

Rohit and Kohli had an unbroken 178-run partnership of 153 balls for the second wicket as Bangladesh's bowlers were smashed around Edgbaston, with Kohli passing 8,000 runs in ODIs and becoming the quickest to reach that milestone.

Few innings to 8000 ODI runs175 Virat Kohli 182 AB de Villiers 200 Sourav Ganguly 210 Sachin Tendulkar211 Brian Lara#IndvBan#CT17- Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) 15 June 2017

Virat Kohli in ODIsChasing: 99 inns, ave 66.44, S/r 93.57, 100s: 17Chasing (wins): 62 inns, ave 95.20, S/r 97.71, 100s: 15#IndvBan#CT17- Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) June 15, 2017

The defending champions reached their target with 9.5 overs remaining, setting up a final to savour and one that is sure to be watched by hundreds of millions of fans on TV.

India and Pakistan have only met in one ICC final - the 2007 World Twenty20 showpiece, which was won by India. Pakistan have never won the Champions Trophy while India are a two-time winners.

(With inputs from AP)

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A lunatic liberal attempts to assassinate a couple dozen Republican politicians. Does this surprise anyone? The only thing that surprises me is that it took so long.

You have the Black Lives Matter movement chanting to kill cops. You have Madonna saying that she wants to blow up the White House. You have Snoop Dogg depicting to shoot President Donald Trump in the head in a video. You have a so-called comedian, Kathy Griffin, holding up a mock severed head of Trump. Even worse is that not one so-called leader of the Democratic Party has condemned these statements from radical left-wingers.

All this coming from a party that refuses to accept the fact that Trump has been duly elected president of these United States. All this coming from a party that claimed it would be near criminal to not accept the results of a presidential election. They disrupt, agitate and intimidate. Many of them cowardly cover their faces at protests.

Then again, by the time people read this, the left will be back to spending the majority of their time talking about their favorite country, Russia. Maybe it's about time that Republicans stop watching from the sidelines.

Richard Kinderman, Beaver Dam
By Poulomi Saha: Telugu Desam Party (TDP) MP Diwakar Reddy created ruckus at Vishakapatnam airport on Thursday morning after he was denied a boarding pass upon late arrival. The episode has haunted Union Civil Aviation Minister and party colleague Ashok Gajapathi Raju.

Raju, who was at Vishakapatnam airport on Thursday morning when Reddy was throwing tantrums demanding that he be allowed to board IndiGo flight 6E 608 despite arriving late for check-in, is alleged to have facilitated the arrogant MP's entry on the flight finally.

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Ashok Gajapathi Raju vehemently denied the same when contacted by India Today. He also confirmed he has sought an incident report in the matter. "I will get the entire incident at Vizag Airport enquired into to find out the exact details and ensure that lawful outcomes follow," the minister tweeted today morning.

CCTV footage of the episode shows TDP MP Diwakar Reddy yelling at the airline staff, manhandling them and also threatening to damage equipment.

Sources told India Today that Reddy, who was to fly at 8.10 am to Hyderabad arrived at the airport 28 minutes before take-off. He hadn't informed the IndiGo staff about his arrival as per protocol. When he wasn't allowed to check-in, he gathered some of the other passengers who were also late and created a ruckus at the check-in counter. He also forcefully entered the ticketing area that is off-limits for passengers.

It was suspected that some influential people at the airport, either from the Ministry of Civil Aviation or the airport authorities, who witnessed the entire incident, pressurised the airline to accommodate Reddy on the same flight 6E 608.

While Gajapathi Raju strictly denies any involvement, it remains to be seen if he will take stern action against the arrogant VVIP behaviour, which is another instance strengthening the case for a comprehensive no-fly list.

ALSO READ | After IndiGo, 6 more airlines impose flying ban on TDP MP Diwakar Reddy

ALSO READ | Denied boarding pass for being late, TDP MP Diwakar Reddy creates ruckus at Visakhapatnam airport

ALSO WATCH | TDP MP Diwakar Reddy banned by 7 airlines from flying

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The ISIS attacks that took place in Iran and the diplomatic and economic isolation of Qatar by Saudi Arabia and its allies highlights what has gone wrong in West Asia over the past few years.

The sense of crisis in West Asia, already experiencing conflict in Syria, Iraq and Yemen, has deepened over the last week. Saudi Arabia and its Arab allies,the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt, have isolated Qatar diplomatically, economically and in terms of transport and communications. Regime change in Doha is also being threatened through disgruntled royal family members.

And, then there was the terrorist attack on Iran's iconic symbols-the national assembly and the mausoleum of Ayatollah Khomeini-in which 17 people were killed and about 50 injured, the first assault on Tehran by the Islamic State (IS), its sworn sectarian enemy.

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The IS attacks took place in Iran even as the 'capitals' of the self-styled caliphate, Mosul and Raqqa, are under siege, portending the likely dispersal of its cadres to buttress the ranks of 'lone-wolf' terrorists across West Asia and Europe.

West Asia in Conflict

These two developments highlight much that has gone wrong in West Asia over the past few years. To compensate for its strategic vulnerability after the fall of Hosni Mubarak and demands for reform in neighbouring Bahrain in the wake of the Arab Spring, Saudi Arabia has accused Iran of hegemonic aspirations in the Arab domain, and is confronting Iran in the two principal theatres of its regional influence, Syria and Yemen, on the basis of sectarian mobilisation.

President Barack Obama had signally failed to back the kingdom in both war zones, so that the two conflicts have ground into stalemate. Trump has now dramatically changed the scenario by firmly allying the US with the Saudi-led 'Sunni' military alliance directed at Iran.

But, Saudi joy at its diplomatic achievement was short-lived as its neighbour and partner in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Qatar, broke ranks. Two days after Trump's departure from Riyadh, its emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, allegedly referred to Iran as a major Islamic country and regional power, and stressed the need for engagement and dialogue. He then telephonically congratulated president-elect Hassan Rouhani and referred to Qatar's "historic and firm" ties with the Islamic Republic.

A new regional alliance

With Trump firmly on its side, Saudi Arabia has put in place a comprehensive boycott of Qatar, accusing it of backing regional terrorist groups and demanding that it reverse its position and rejoin the Saudi-led anti-Iran alliance.

But, the attempted isolation of Qatar and the IS attack on Iran have had the effect of bringing Qatar, Iran and Turkey into a new regional alliance, undermining the Saudi initiative to shape a cohesive Sunni coalition against Iran.

Turkey, with concerns about Kurdish territorial gains in Syria, is anxious to work with Iran to promote the Russia-led peace process which will rebuff Saudi attempts to dislodge the Assad regime that enjoys full Iranian support. The two will also cooperate to back Qatar, with military backing from Turkey and use of Iranian ports for supplies. Again, Qatar is in dialogue with Russia for political and military support.

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Diplomatic challenge for India

The latest developments relating to Qatar and Iran mark a further deterioration in the regional security situation, setting up the possibility of a direct military confrontation between Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic. There is an urgent need to promote engagement and dialogue between them.

India is well-placed to meet this challenge. It has abiding energy, trade and investment interests in the region; it is pursuing logistical connectivity projects through Iran, and has an eight million-strong community that remits $35 billion home annually.

Through his visits to the principal Gulf countries, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has established firm, mutually beneficial 'strategic partnerships' that have a substantial political, security, intelligence, defence and economic content.

Again, India, with its millennia-old civilisational links, political, economic and technological achievements, diplomatic prowess and tradition as a non-intrusive and non-prescriptive partner, has all the attributes of a worthy interlocutor and peacemaker. The political leadership has created a path that diplomacy must now shape and pursue. n

(The author holds the Ram Sathe Chair for International Studies, Symbiosis International University, Pune)

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FaceTime vs. face time: Diplomacy in the age of technology

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Between Twitter and FaceTime, Facebook and Vine, its easier than ever for world leaders to communicate virtually. But Marcus Holmes, assistant professor of government at William & Mary, believes that might not always be the best option.

People have been traveling the globe to meet with one another for centuries, said Holmes. You can go back to the 14th century and see leaders traveling great distances at great costs  sometimes putting their own lives at risk  in order to do this. The question is why, now, when we have all this technology? Why get in a high-emissions aircraft to go negotiate a climate change deal when you can just get online and talk over FaceTime?

The simple answer is science. Psychological evidence indicates that face-to-face interactions elicit deeper relationships and deeper understandings of both friends and adversaries, said Holmes. Hes been researching the topic as it relates to international diplomacy for years, the findings of which are compiled into a forthcoming book called Face-to-Face Diplomacy: Social Neuroscience and International Relations .

Face-to-face diplomacy is really useful when it comes to understanding your counterpart, said Holmes. Theres a lot of evidence in psychology and neuroscience that suggests that when youre in a face-to-face encounter with somebody youre better able to understand their intentions, to build empathy and to build trust  Its really hard to replicate that through other means.

As travel records prove, politicians, diplomats and world leaders agree. The past five secretaries of state have been the most traveled of any of their predecessors; John Kerry leads the pack with an estimated 1.06 million travel miles. Barack Obama was also the most well traveled president in U.S. history, embarking on 31 foreign trips since assuming office in 2009.

The trips are costly, but as history suggests, immensely successful, resulting in numerous treaties, agreements and the endings of wars. One of the most notable examples of meaningful face-to-face interactions among leaders, said Holmes, is the series of summits between Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, which eased Soviet suspicions of an impending American attack and ultimately resulted in the end of the Cold War.

This was a moment where the world was in crisis  we almost got into a nuclear war with the Soviet Union, said Holmes. In that moment, I think thats the sort of intuition that leaders have  that theres no better way to communicate with your counterpart than in a face-to-face setting.

How two leaders on the verge of war might come to understand and empathize with each other could be the work of specific architecture in the brain, the mirroring system, which is used to facilitate social interaction, said Holmes. According to some neuroscientists, the mirroring system helps us to develop speech and recognize facial expressions as babies  by mimicking our parents  but they might also be used for more sophisticated levels of understanding one another later on.

Microexpressions are facial expressions that happen very quickly  within milliseconds, said Holmes. And theyre hard to pick up on at a conscious level  but the brain is able to process them. These can give you clues as to whether someone is being sincere or if theyre kind of shielding something or being a little bit deceptive. Thats valuable information if youre a leader or a diplomat.

The role of social media

As important as face-to-face diplomacy is, theres growing evidence that also suggests politicians shouldnt delete their Twitter accounts just yet. Holmes and his team in the Political Psychology and International Relations lab also research the usefulness of digital diplomacy, what he defines as using any type of digital tool to effectively manage change in the international system.

Digital diplomacy includes projection  getting on social media and tweeting things out for the world to see  but its also listening, said Holmes. Its using social media and other tools to get a handle on whats going on internationally. That might mean listening in on what other leaders are projecting or using data from Twitter to figure out whats trending or what emotions are being expressed.

Some of the most successful forms of projection include heads of state using social media to communicate quickly and effectively following an emergency. Great examples of this, said Holmes, are seen following natural disasters, such as the earthquakes in Nepal, Haiti and Myanmar.

What India did was very interesting, said Holmes. They had a Twitter account set up almost immediately that was devoted to earthquake-related communication  everything from emergency information to different contacts to designated points to meet up with loved ones. This was an example of a big shock to the system where digital diplomacy was used to communicate with domestic and international audiences effectively.

Among foreign ministries, digital diplomacy is being more and more encouraged on a day-to-day basis, too. Many leaders around the world make use of things like Twitter to share information, analysis and personal thoughts regularly  a reality the U.S. has come to know well under the current administration. One thing Holmes points out that politicians will have to remember is the ambiguity of messages delivered through social media.

Sometimes when President Trump tweets about North Korea theres a lot of confusion about whats going on, said Holmes. Is he signaling his resolve, or does he really intend to take some type of military strike? The truth of the matter is we just dont know. My argument in how to proceed with the Asia situation is that face-to-face diplomacy needs to be a part of it.

The Future of Diplomacy

Moving forward in the age of technology, Holmes views face-to-face and digital diplomacy as a support system for each other, with digital diplomacy paving the way for more intimate discussions.

As a continuation of his research on face-to-face diplomacy, hell also be looking deeper into what makes relationships such as that between Reagan and Gorbachev so successful, and how future leaders can deduce in advance who they should and shouldnt engage with in matters of diplomacy.

I think theres something more profound and subtle to personal relationships and diplomacy, similar to dating or other types of relationships, said Holmes. People do hit it off and they do find chemistry with one another, and this chemistry is important for predicting how the relationship with other states are going to be moving forward. So in my next book what were trying to do is predict when political leaders will hit it off. Can we come up with a model of whos going to have chemistry and who wont before they get in a room together to negotiate? Basically its about figuring out what the essence of personal chemistry is in diplomacy.
Haskins joins Dickter to lead WMSURE

Natoya Haskins will join Cheryl Dickter in leading the William & Mary Undergraduate Research Experience program. Photo by Stephen Salpukas Photo - of - Hide Caption

Since her time as a middle-school counselor, Natoya Haskins has been working to support students of color and other underserved populations in their educational pursuits.

Haskins will continue those efforts at William & Mary when she becomes the new co-director of the W&M Undergraduate Research Experience program this July.

WMSURE provides students interested in research and graduate studies with workshops, faculty mentorship and other opportunities. Although it was started in 2010 to support William & Mary Scholars  students from underrepresented groups who receive full scholarships based on academic merit  the program is open to all undergraduates at the university.

Haskins, an assistant professor of counselor education at W&M, will lead the program with Cheryl Dickter, an associate professor of psychology who founded WMSURE along with former W&M professor Anne Charity Hudley.

I am very excited to welcome Natoya to the WMSURE team, said Dickter. Natoyas research and teaching expertise on providing supportive experiences that embrace cultural diversity fit in well with the goal of WMSURE  to support underrepresented scholars.

We are extremely fortunate to have such an accomplished researcher and dedicated teacher to provide leadership to the scholars in our program. I am confident that our scholars will benefit from Natoyas leadership as the new faculty co-director of WMSURE.

A native of Williamsburg, Haskins began her career as a school counselor for one of the lowest-achieving middle schools in Virginia, where she worked primarily with African-American students. In that role, she was struck by the gaps in the learning process for students of color and the need for more support of those students.

As a school counselor, I often felt like I was the one person trying to advocate; and they needed more people like me, she said.

However, the counselors and teachers in training who would come into Haskins school on internships were rarely interested in applying for jobs there because they felt overwhelmed and unprepared. That was one of the factors that motivated Haskins to pursue a doctorate and a career in higher education.

I felt more school counselors need to be confident and competent in working with these populations of students that are typically underserved and underresourced, she said.

Haskins received her doctorate from William & Mary in 2011 and went on to work as a professor at the University of Georgia. Her doctoral dissertation work focused on taking a critical look at the preparation of students of color in counselor education and gaps in their curricular experiences, and her current research continues to be centered on deficits in programming for students of color and culturally responsive practices and pedagogical strategies and programming that improves the academic success of underrepresented graduate students.

That really came from my interactions with African-American students in higher education and seeing that they were feeling like their needs werent being met, she said.

I left the K-12 setting where I saw some of the same things  students were feeling that emotionally and educationally they werent getting what they needed  and then to come to graduate programs and still hear the same narrative was really striking but resonated with me in terms of my own kind of identity as a social justice advocate and someone who wants to not only address the issues but illuminate them.

While at UGA, Haskins started affinity groups to support African-American students in counselor education and counseling psychology graduate programs. The purpose of the groups was not only to address some of the social and emotional aspects of what the students were experiencing themselves but to support the students in developing their research skills.

When Haskins started at W&M last fall, she wanted to continue supporting underrepresented student as well as students doing research related to diversity and social justice issues. As such she developed the new Social Justice and Diversity Graduate Research Fellows program, which provides graduate students at the university opportunities for networking, interdisciplinary collaboration and research experiences on diversity and social justice issues.

It was also in the fall that Haskins was first introduced to WMSURE when she was invited to present at one of its weekly workshops.

When I was approached to potentially work with WMSURE, I was like, this could be perfect. This is exactly the work that Ive done and the type of students Ive had interactions with for the last 12 years of my career, Haskins said.

Although she doesnt officially begin as co-director until July, Haskins has already been involved in the work of WMSURE, presenting with Dickter during the Day for Admitted Students and connecting with students with whom she will work this summer on research.

Being able to help students develop their research identities is just one of the things that Haskins looks forward to as one of the leaders of WMSURE. She is also excited about supporting students from marginalized populations  who may not get the same kind of opportunities that others do  see their research published and get into graduate programs.

Being able to be a part of that and extend the work Ive been doing in other areas is almost a full-circle experience in some ways, she said. Its allowing me to continue the journey.




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Canadian government called on to reaffirm nuclear support

16 June 2017

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A cross-party committee has called on the Canadian government to reaffirm its long-standing support for the nuclear sector, including the commercialisation of small modular reactors (SMRs). The House of Commons Standing Committee on Natural Resources made its recommendations in a report, The nuclear sector at a crossroads: Fostering innovation and energy security for Canada and the world, which it tabled before the government on 9 June.

Inside the turbine hall at Canada's Bruce B nuclear power plant (Image: Bruce Power)

The report, which concludes a broader study on innovation, sustainable solutions and economic opportunities in the country's oil, gas, mining and nuclear sectors, is based on evidence from experts from industry, government, academia and civil society.

The 44-page document looks into: nuclear materials and facilities governance, safety and waste management; the state of the nuclear energy industry in Canada and abroad; and the future of Canadian nuclear R&D. Its seven recommendations focus on: nuclear regulatory and safety practices; R&D and innovation; the development and commercialisation of next-generation nuclear technologies; and leveraging non-power nuclear applications for national benefit, calling for the establishment of a nuclear innovation council to achieve this.

Local support for Bruce extension



Some 85% of local residents support Bruce Power's program to extend the operating periods of the Bruce nuclear units, a 6% increase from 2014, according to the latest poll carried out by the company. Residents of Bruce, Grey and Huron counties said their support was based on: jobs creation (20%), because it was "necessary" (10%), because they "like nuclear power" (8%) and because of nuclear's environmental benefits (7%). The extension program will take until 2053 to complete and will enable the eight Bruce units, which provide 30% of Ontario's electricity, to operate until 2064.

Committee chairman James Maloney said Canada had been a "bold trailblazer" in nuclear technology and research for over 70 years, and had a "proud history" of providing the "safest technology" and "unsurpassed" expertise.

Based on our study, it is clear that the federal government, working with partners in industry and other levels of government, can and must ensure that the future of the Canadian nuclear sector remain supported," he said. "The government should also make certain that researchers continue to have access to the tools needed to excel in their innovation activities."

Canada's 19 operating nuclear power reactors - 18 of them in Ontario - provide about 16% of the country's electricity. Ontario's nuclear fleet has enabled the province to completely phase out coal-fired generation, the report notes, "nearly eliminating" greenhouse gas emissions from its electricity sector.

Support for SMRs

The committee discussed three types of advanced reactors - SMRs, fusion reactors, and the integrated molten salt reactor. It recommended the country's government continues to support the development of SMRs, "recognising the potential for SMRs to provide clean and reliable power to remote and northern communities and open new areas to economically valuable resource development".

Canada's nuclear science and technology organisation, Canadian Nuclear Laboratories, recently launched a request for expressions of interest in SMRs, with the aim of demonstrating the commercial viability of such technology. The request is open until 31 July. CNL has set itself the goal of hosting a prototype SMR within the next ten years.

The standing committee comprises members of parliament from all three of Canada's major federal parties. Maloney is MP for Etobicoke-Lakeshore in Ontario.

Researched and written

by World Nuclear News

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Belgian reactor vessels show no new inclusions

16 June 2017

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No new so-called hydrogen 'flakes' have been found in the reactor vessels of Belgium's Tihange 2 and Doel 3, a comparison of inspections carried out recently with those conducted in 2014 has shown. The country's nuclear regulator said there has also been no growth of previously detected flakes.

Tihange 2 and Doel 3 were taken offline in 2012 when ultrasound testing suggested the possible presence of cracks in their reactor vessels. Further investigations indicated the defects were hydrogen flakes and had been introduced during the manufacturing process. The Federal Agency for Nuclear Control (FANC) allowed Electrabel to restart the units in May 2013, requesting further tests be conducted to evaluate the effect over time of these flakes.

In March 2014, Electrabel brought forward planned outages for the two units after additional tests on hydrogen flakes suggested these may affect the mechanical properties of their reactor vessels. These outages were originally expected to last about six weeks, but the reactors remained offline.

In mid-November 2015, FANC approved the restart of the two units after concluding it was safe to bring the reactors back into operation. It concurred with Electrabel's finding that the flakes "have no negative impact on the reactor vessel's structural integrity".

Both units were restarted in December 2015, but FANC requested Electrabel carry out further inspections of reactors vessels during their next refuelling outages and at least every three years thereafter. New inspections were performed during refuelling outages last November at Doel 3 and in April this year at Tihange 2. The units were restarted in December and May, respectively.

FANC has now said an analysis of those inspection results "allows us to conclude that no new hydrogen flakes have appeared and that there has been no change in the size of the hydrogen flakes already detected".

The regulator added, "Given the time required to analyse and interpret the results in full, FANC has agreed that Electrabel is entitled to request that the reactors be started up again after a partial analysis of the results." However, FANC has stipulated a full analysis should be completed within three months of restarting.

In the case of Doel 3, FANC said the results of the full analysis confirmed those of the provisional analysis "across the board". Electrabel must submit its full analysis results for Tihange 2 by September.

Researched and written

by World Nuclear News

Related topics
Spanish is one of the Iberian Romance languages that originated on the Iberian Peninsula. It evolved from the Vulgar Latin brought to the Peninsula by the Romans around 210 BCE. The Spanish language is one of the United Nations six languages and an official language of the European Union, Union of South American Nations, Organization of American States, the African Union, and several other international organizations. Globally, it is the native language of close to 500 million people, making it the worlds fourth-most spoken native language after Mandarin Chinese. Despite its popularity as a spoken language, the Spanish language is rarely used in technology and scientific writing. However, it is the third most used language online.

Geographic Distribution

Map of Spanish-speaking countries.

Besides the 500 million native speakers, 75 million people speak Spanish as their foreign or second language, while millions of other people can communicate in it with limited capacity. It is used as the official language in 20 sovereign states and one dependency. Apart from Equatorial Guinea and Spain, the majority of Spanish speakers live in the Americas.

About 420 million are in the Americas. The region of the Americas with the majority of Spanish-speakers is known as Hispanic America, to differentiate from Latin America which includes countries with another dominant Romance language besides Spanish. In these countries, Spanish is the main language and may share the official status with other Indigenous or foreign languages. Although the United States, Canada, and Brazil are not part of Hispanic America, they too have significant Spanish speakers.

In Africa, Spanish is one of the African Unions official languages. However, it is the official language of only one Africa state, Equatorial Guinea. Spanish is also widely spoken in some North African cities like Melilla and Ceuta and the Canary Islands. Morocco has about 20,000 Spanish speakers, some of which live in the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic. In Oceania, Spanish is the most popular and official language on Easter Island, a Chilean territory.

Countries Where Spanish Is The Official Language

A Spanish sign for Tijuana, Mexico. Mexico is the country with the most Spanish speakers.

Spanish is the official and the most-used language in 20 countries. It is a de facto official language in five of the 20 countries and by law in the 15 others. Apart from Equatorial Guinea and Spain, the rest of the countries that use Spanish as the official language are part of Hispanic America. Mexico is the largest Hispanophone country, with over 120 million Spanish speakers. Although it uses Spanish as an official language, its official status is not recognized by law. Mexico has no official language at the federal level.

Colombia is the second-largest Spanish-speaking country, with 99% of its population speaking Spanish. It is recognized by law as the countrys official language (Castellano, another term for the language) and is spoken alongside 68 other languages. Spain is Europes largest and the worlds third-largest Hispanic country, with about 47 million Spanish speakers. It is the only official language at the national level and co-official in some regions. The language originated from and was named after Spain.

Besides Mexico, Spanish is a de facto official language in four other countries: Argentina, Chile, Nicaragua, and Uruguay. In Argentina, Spanish is the main language spoken by almost everyone, sometimes alongside other foreign and native languages including English, Italian, and Yiddish. In Chile, Nicaragua, and Uruguay, Spanish is spoken throughout but not recognized by law as the official language.

Equatorial Guinea is the only African country where Spanish is an official language recognized by law. Spanish holds official status alongside Portuguese and French at the national level. About 67% of the countrys population speaks or understands the language. Other countries where Spanish is, by law, an official language include Panama, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Paraguay, Honduras, the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Bolivia, Ecuador, Guatemala, Venezuela, and Peru. In Paraguay, Spanish is one of the two recognized official languages (the other is Guarani). Bolivia uses Spanish and several other indigenous languages as official languages at the national level.

Other Countries With Significant Population Of Spanish Speakers

A Spanish sign in Arizona, US. Though the US does not use Spanish as an official language, it is spoken by a significant minority of the population.

Although Spanish is the official language of Spain, Equatorial Guinea, and Hispanic American countries, it is spoken regularly by a significant proportion of the populations in other countries.

United States

The US has the worlds fifth-largest native Spanish population after Mexico, Colombia, Spain, and Argentina. Spanish is a native language to about 41 million people, and at least 14 million more use it as a second language, making it the country's second-most spoken language after English. With over 50 million speakers, the US is home to the worlds second-largest Spanish speakers after Mexico. It is the countrys second-most studied language after English, with over five million students.

Spanish was brought into the country by Spanish colonizers in the 15th century. Currently, it is a popular language in California, Florida, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. In California, government documents and forms are often bilingual in Spanish and English, though English is the states official language. Apart from these states, Spanish is also widely spoken in Puerto Rico, where it is one of the two official languages (the other official language being English). The American territory was under Spanish rule for about 400 years before becoming a US possession in 1898.

Belize

Spanish has no official status in Belize, yet it is surrounded by other countries where the majority overwhelmingly speak the language. Although English is the countrys official language, Spanish, alongside Kriol, is spoken by a sizeable number of people, either as a first or second language. According to the 2010 census, 30% of the population consider Spanish as their native language, while another 50% can understand the language. All told, about 56.6% of Belizeans speak Spanish. It is the most popular language in Orange Walk, Cayo, and Corozal districts.

Andorra

Andorra is located on the Iberian Peninsula and neighbors Spain, one of the worlds largest Spanish-speaking countries. As such, there is a significant portion of Spanish speakers in the country. Although Catalan, also derived from Vulgar Latin, is Andorras official language, Spanish is the second most spoken language. Spanish is spoken by about 43% of the population, most of which are Spanish immigrants. The languages popularity in the country and its use as a Lingua franca forced the government to promote Catalans universal and general use.

Gibraltar

Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory located on the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula. It is bordered by Spain and hosts some Spanish immigrants. English is Gibraltars official language because of its status as a British territory. However, Spanish is also widely spoken and used on some official documents. It is one of the languages used by the media and has also been included in the education system.

Spanish-Speaking Countries

Country Argentina Bolivia Chile Colombia Costa Rica Cuba Dominican Republic Ecuador El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Guatemala Honduras Mexico Nicaragua Panama Paraguay Peru Puerto Rico* Spain Uruguay Venezuela

*: Puerto Rico is a dependency of the US and therefore is not a country.
10. Lumbini

The "little Buddha statue" at Lumbini, Nepal.

Lumbini in Nepals Rupandehi District is regarded as the birthplace of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. It is said that it is here that Queen Mayadevi gave birth to Gautama in 563 BCE. Today, Lumbini attracts a large number of tourists including Buddhist pilgrims and hosts many temples, monasteries, and museums as tourist or pilgrim attractions. The Puskarini or Holy Pond of Lumbini is claimed to be the place where Queen Mayadevi took a dip before Gautama was born and it was also the place where Gautama had his first bath. Recognizing the cultural and historical importance of Lumbini, UNESCO inscribed it as a World Heritage Site in 1997.

9. Chitwan National Park

The Chitwan National Park, Nepals first national park, established in 1973, hosts a rich diversity of wildlife including charismatic megafauna like the Bengal tiger, Asian elephant, one-horned rhinoceros, the Indian leopard, and a number of other species of flora and fauna. Recognizing the importance of the national park in wildlife conservation, UNESCO recognized it as a World Heritage Site in 1984. Tourists visiting the Chitwan National Park enjoy the wildlife safaris and birdwatching tours offered here. It is thus one of the best places to visit in Nepal.

8. Pashupatinath Temple

A visit to Nepal is never complete without a visit to the sacred Hindu temple of Lord Pashupatinath, the national deity of Nepal. The temple complex is centuries old and features a collection of temples, sculptures, inscriptions, ashrams, and other aspects related to a Hindu holy site. The temple is located on the banks of the Bagmati River. The entire temple complex offers tourists an insight into the religious life of the Hindus, their rituals, and culture. Hindu pilgrims from Nepal and neighboring India flock to the temple throughout the year.

7. Boudhanath Stupa

The Boudhanath Stupa is a sacred Buddhist site located about 11 km away from the Kathmandu city. It is claimed that the remains of Kassapa Buddha are entombed within the stupa. The stupa dominates the skyline of the region and is surrounded by several monasteries hosting Buddhist monks of Nepal and Tibet. Boudhanath is located on the ancient trade route that connected Tibet to Nepal and for centuries it was visited by Tibetan merchants who stopped here to offer prayers and relax after their long and tiring journey through the mountains. Today, a tour of the Boudhanath Stupa offers tourists a spiritual, historical, and cultural experience. The site has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979.

6. Pokhara

Pokhara is a picturesque city, the largest by area in Nepal. It is at a distance of about 200 km to the west of Kathmandu. Since three of the worlds ten highest mountains (the Manaslu, Annapurna I, and Dhaulagiri) are located near this city, Pokhara serves as the base of many mountaineers and adventurers who begin their journeys to these mountains from Pokhara. The city also houses several medieval era temples, museums, and viewpoints from where spectacular scenery of the surrounding mountains, valleys, rivers, and lakes can be photographed. The Phewa Lake is also another tourist attraction near the city.

5. Changu Narayan Temple

Changu Narayan Temple, the oldest of its kind in Nepal.

The Changu Narayan Temple is an ancient Hindu temple located atop a hill in the Bhaktapur District of Nepal. A forest of champak trees surrounds the temple which is considered to be the countrys oldest temple. The Changu Narayan Temple, dedicated to the Hindu God Lord Vishnu, is famous for its beautiful architecture. It is built in the traditional Nepali style and is rich in sculptures and arts. The walls, pillars, entrance gates, and other parts of the temple bear elaborate carvings. The entrances feature life-size sculptures of animal pairs like lions, elephants, etc. Stone pillars bear Sanskrit inscriptions that are ages old. The Changu Narayan Temple is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Nepal.

4. The Durbar Squares Of Nepal

Nepal hosts three durbar squares, all of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The Bhaktapur Durbar Square is located in the Bhaktapur town of Nepal that is located about 13 km to the east of Kathmandu. The major attractions here include the 55 Window Palace, the Batsala Temple, Bhupatindra Mallas Statue, Nyatapola Temple, the Lions Gate, the Golden Gate, and the Mini Pashupati Temple.

Many buildings of the Kathmandu Durbar Square suffered damage caused by the 2015 earthquake in Nepal. The square was famous for hosting a number of buildings of historical importance, many of which collapsed during the earthquake. Several temples, courtyards, palaces, and other architecture built over the centuries are present in this Durbar Square.

The Patan Durbar Square in Lalitpur is an excellent representation of Newar architecture. The ancient royal palace of the Durbar Square is a special attraction here. The palace served as the residence of the regions Malla Kings. Other historical and architectural attractions here include old Newari houses, temples, and idols.

3. Swayambhunath

The Swayambhunath is one of Nepals oldest religious sites. According to ancient texts, the site was established in about the 5th century CE by the ruler of the region. Over the years, the religious site grew in size and importance and attracted not only ordinary pilgrims but also monarchs of the ancient kingdoms. The Swayambhunath is revered by both Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims. The main feature of the site is the Swayambhunath stupa. It is a large white dome topped with a cubical structure with pentagonal torans at each side beyond which are thirteen tiers arranged in a conical structure with the Gajur at the top. The eyes and eyebrows of the Buddha are painted on the cubical structure in all directions. The torans feature engraved statues. The entire structure symbolizes the journey of a person from the worldly life to enlightenment. Several shrines, monasteries, shops, restaurants, and hotels surround the Swayambhunath stupa.

2. Kathmandu

Sadhus in Kathmandu

Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, has lots to offer to all types of tourists. Several natural, cultural, and historical attractions are located in and around Kathmandu. The city hosts a number of hotels restaurants, and shopping centers. Seven casinos are also present here. Kathmandu was ranked as one of the top seven upcoming travel destinations in the world by Tripadvisor.

1. Trek To The Everest Base Camp

Mount Everest as seen from Nepal.

The worlds tallest mountain, Mount Everest, is located in Nepal. Although only a very few can make the arduous and difficult trek to the top of the Mount Everest, many more can make the less challenging but adventurous trek to the Everest Base Camp. There are two base camps located at the opposite sides of the Mount Everest. The South Base Camp is located in Nepal while the North Base Camp is in Tibet. The base camps allow Everest climbers to acclimatize themselves to the high altitude air.
According to the 2011 census of Nepal, 123 languages are spoken in the country as a first language. Nepali is the official language of the nation. Nepali and Maithili rank as the first and second most spoken languages in the country.

The Official Language Of Nepal

Nepali, formerly known as the Parbate Bhasa or Gorkhali, is the official language of Nepal. This language is also spoken in parts of northern India. It is the official language of the Indian state of Sikkim. It is also an official language of Darjeeling, a district in West Bengal, India. The Nepali language thus acts as the lingua franca of India and Nepal. The Nepali language belongs to the Indo-Aryan language family but is influenced significantly by the Sino-Tibetan languages.

The Regional Languages Of Nepal

Indo-Aryan Languages Spoken In Nepal

Nepali: Although the number of Indo-Aryan languages spoken in Nepal is far lower than that of the Sino-Tibetan languages spoken in the country, a much larger population (79%) of Nepal speak languages belonging to the former group than those belonging to the latter group (18%). The fact that the Nepali language, the most spoken language of Nepal, belongs to the Indo-Aryan language family, is responsible for the higher percentage of Indo-Aryan language group speakers in Nepal.

Maithili: Other than Nepali, Maithili is another popular language of the Indo-Aryan family spoken in Nepal. It is the second most spoken language in Nepal. According to the 2011 census, 11.57% of the Nepalese population speak Maithili. The language is spoken in some districts located in the Terai region of Nepal.

Sino-Tibetan Languages Spoken In Nepal

As mentioned earlier, 123 languages are native to Nepal. Three- quarters of these languages belong to the Sino-Tibetan family of languages. Some examples are:

Nepal Bhasa: Also known as Newari, this language is spoken by the Newar people of Nepal Mandala. Although some tend to think it is the same as Nepali, the language of the majority in Nepal, the Nepal Bhasa is, in fact, greatly different from Nepali. The language once served as the administrative language of the country but since the 20th century, the importance of the language decreased and today UNESCO considers it as a "definitely endangered language.

Limbu: The Limbu language is spoken by tribes and clans living in East Nepal. These people belong to the Kirati group and have a Tibetan origin. 487,300 people in Nepal speak this language.

Other Sino-Tibetan languages spoken in Nepal include Magar, Tamang, Rai languages, and Sunuwar languages.

Dravidian Languages Spoken In Nepal

Kurukh: The Kurukh language is spoken in parts of India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan. In Nepal, the language is spoken by about 28,600 people where a dialect called Dhangar is spoken. The language is classified as Vulnerable by the UNESCO.

Austroasiatic Languages Spoken In Nepal

Santali: This Austroasiatic language of the Munda Subfamily is spoken in parts of India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh by about 6.2 million people.

Mundari: It is also a Munda language spoken in India, Nepal, and Bangladesh.
The government of Belize is a constitutional monarchy under a parliamentary democracy. Belize is a former British colony, formally known as British Honduras. The colony achieved self-governance in 1964 and gained the name Belize in 1973. However, it was not until 1981 that it gained full independence. A British garrison remained in Belize at the government's request. The Constitution used in Belize was adopted in 1981 as the nation's supreme law.

Executive Branch Of The Government Of Belize

Belize's head of state is recognized as Queen Elizabeth II. A Governor General represents the monarchy and is advised by the Prime Minister in conjunction with the cabinet. The Governor General receives the appointment from the Queen and serves at her pleasure. The Governor General chooses from among the representatives of Parliament the Prime Minister who chairs the largest party in the Assembly. The Prime Minister chooses the Cabinet members from the representatives in the biggest party who continue to also serve in their elected seats. Cabinet members can also be selected from the Senate. The cabinet is the primary policy-making institution in Belize.

Legislative Branch Of The Government Of Belize

Belize's National Assembly is made up of the House of Representatives as well as a Senate. 31 members sit in the House of Representatives after garnering the majority of the popular vote in their constituencies. In the 2015 election, the United Democratic Party garnered 19 seats, and the People's United Party got 12 seats and formed the opposition. The Senate has 13 seats. The Governor General chooses six senators as advised by the Prime Minister and three according to the Leader of Opposition's advice. Another four senators are recommended by various organizations. The 12 senators choose the President of the Senate, either from outside the institution or among themselves. The President is required to preside over the Senate and can only vote when a bill is being passed. If an appointed Senator is elected as President, both the powers of the President of Senate and the Senator are vested in him/her.

Judicial Branch Of The Government Of Belize

Belize's judicial structure features the Magistrates' Courts which decides on less serious cases and the Supreme Court in addition to the Court of Appeal. The Supreme Court is chaired by the Chief Justice who is currently Kenneth Benjamin. The Supreme Court operates all year, and it begins in Belize City before heading out to the districts. Special cases can be appealed to the Privy Council which sits in London. A special Family Court also operates in Belize City, and it gives audience to cases related to spousal abuse and domestic violence, and child abuse among others. A Quick Trial Court processes particular cases faster. In 2001, Belize was among the CARICOM members pushing for the establishment of the Caribbean Court of Justice.

Local Government

The local government of Belize is made up of community, village, town, and city councils. City and town councils have a mayor and several councilors who serve for three-year terms. The mayor, in his capacity as the chief executive of the city or town (except in Belize), allocates portfolios to the councilors. Village councils comprise of a chairperson in addition to six councilors.
Benin has a presidential representative democratic republic with the president who serves as the head of both the state and the government of the nation. Benin has a multi-party system, and the executive power is exercised by the government. The country's legislative power is bestowed on both the legislature and government. Benin's judicial branch is independent of both the legislative and executive branches of the country's government. The 1991 subsequent transition to democracy together with the 1990 Constitution of Benin are the platforms on which the current political system is based.

The Executive Branch

In Benin, the president is only elected to serve a term of five years, and can only serve for two terms. One is only declared a winner by getting majority vote even after a second round if necessary. For one to qualify as a presidential candidate they must be between 40 and 70 years, should be a Beninese resident during elections, should be a citizen of Benin by birth or must have had Beninese nationality for at least ten years, and lastly, a presidential candidate in Benin should be declared both physically and mentally fit by three doctors. Mathieu Kerekou a presidential hopeful in 2006 was not able to run for re-election as he was over 70 years old and had already served two terms. The Cabinet is also responsible for liaising with other areas of the government and ministries.

The Legislature

The primary legislative body is the Beninese Parliament which is the National Assembly. In contrast to the President of Benin serving a five-year term, deputies are elected to serve for only four years to the 83 seats that are available. The National Assembly has a large degree of authority over Government action and exercises the legislative power. In Benin, army members are not allowed to contest for parliamentary seats unless they step down from their military post.

The Judicature

In Benin, private citizens are allowed to challenge the government through the Constitutional Court. Most citizens have used this to particularly in cases of discrimination at the workplace. The highest court in the country is the Supreme Court which was designed to check the on the powers of the executive, and also acts in a consultative role. The Beninese High Court of Justice is the only judicial body that can judge the President. The High Court comprises of the President of the Supreme Court, members of the Constitutional Court and Parliament except for the president. The country has an "Audiovisual and Communication Authority" which is an institution responsible for guaranteeing access to the media and the freedom of the press. Additionally, the institution is also responsible for ensuring that everyone in the country can access important official information.

Successes and Weaknesses of the Beninese Government

The current President of Benin is Patrice Talon who was sworn in on April 6, 2016. Benin was the first country in Africa to successfully transition to a pluralistic political system of governance from dictatorship. In 1990, Benin adopted a new constitution for the sole purpose of liberating the country's economy together with its political system. In the picture, this Constitution features revolutionary laws which if practiced will elevate the country to greater heights. However, issues such as high levels of illiteracy, corruption, and bribery due to low income, the lack transparency and accountability, and failure to separate the judiciary from the political system act as stumbling blocks.
The medieval history of Kazakhstan features occupation by various peoples such as the Yueban, Turks, Mongols, and Arabs. The Kazakh Khanate reigned in the area from 1465 to 1731 until the Russian Empire invaded the Kazakh territory. The short-lived Alash Autonomy (1917-1920) was succeeded by the Soviet Union until 1991 when the Republic of Kazakhstan was ushered in. Nursultan Nazarbayev led the country as the first President-elect and has retained the position ever since. The World Economic Forum ranked Kazakhstan the 50th in regards to Government Efficiency index in 2015.

Executive Branch Of The Government Of Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan's President is elected by popular vote every five years. The president makes the appointment of the Prime Minister as well as that of the first deputy Prime Minister. The Council of Ministers also receives their appointment from the President. The President is recognized as Kazakhstan's commander-in-chief of the armed forces. He retains the right to veto legislation that has been approved by Kazakhstan's parliament. President Nazarbayev has further added to himself more powers through presidential decree. He can now dissolve Parliament, appoint administrative heads of cities and regions, appoint and dismiss the government, call referendums, and initiate constitutional amendments. The country's Prime Minister presides over the Council of Ministers. Kazakhstan has three deputy Prime Ministers in addition to 17 ministers. The Prime Minister executes his mandate at the instruction of President Nazarbayev.

Legislative Branch Of The Government Of Kazakhstan

Two chambers execute legislative responsibilities in Kazakhstan. 77 seats exist in the Assembly or Mazhilis, where ten seats are by proportional representation, and the rest 67 are single seat constituencies. The assembly members are elected in for four years. The Senate is composed of 47 members, seven of whom receive their appointments from the President, and the other 40 are elected by local assemblies in double-seat constituencies for six-year terms. Former Presidents are also ex-officio senators for life. Most of the legislation tabled in Parliament is proposed by the government.

Judicial Branch Of The Government Of Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan judicial structure features local and regional courts. At the national level is the Supreme Court which has 44 judges. Local courts are Kazakhstan's courts of the first instance, and they give audience to less serious crimes including vandalism. Regional courts try serious cases, and appeals from these courts are heard at the Supreme Court. Regional courts also give audience to cases in rural areas with no local courts and also receive appeals from local courts. The Ministry of Justice recommends a list of lower-level judges to the President for approval. Regional judges are appointed by Kazakhstan's President upon nomination by the Supreme Judicial Council. The Supreme Judicial Council of Kazakhstan is mandated to nominate judges of the Supreme Court and the Senate approves their names. The country's Constitution provides for the establishment of a seven-member Constitutional Council. The Council is mandated to decide on the constitutionality of the legislation passed by Kazakhstan's parliament. The Council further determines on challenges to referendums and elections and is also authorized to interpret the constitution.

Administration Of Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan has 14 provinces in addition to the two municipal districts of Astana and Almaty. Each province is governed by a provincial governor or Akim who is appointed by the President. Provincial Akims appoint municipal Akims. The government of Kazakhstan has Astana as its current capital.
Saudi Arabia is one of the few countries in the world which has an absolute monarchy system of government. The monarch is the highest executive, legislative, and judicial office and the King is the head of government and the head of state. Saudi Arabia uses the Holy Quran as its constitution.

Basic Law Of Saudi Arabia

The Basic Law is the primary written source of laws in Saudi Arabia which stipulates the instructions on how to run the government as well as outlining the rights and freedoms of citizens. The Basic Law is comprised of 83 articles and nine chapters. However, this document is subordinate to the Shariah laws and Islamic laws. In Article 1, the law states that the Holy Quran and the Sunna (teachings) of Muhammad are Saudi Arabias constitution. The Basic Law outlines among other provisions, Arabic being the official language and Riyadh being the kingdoms capital.

The Monarch Of Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is a monarchy with the kingdoms leadership being vested in the House of Saud. The House of Saud has produced all Saudi kings since the establishment of the kingdom by Muhammad bin Saud in 1744. The King of Saudi Arabia is the leader of the House of Saud and wields supreme political authority in the kingdom. The King is also the head of state and head of government and has executive, legislative, and judicial powers. Upon ascension to the throne, the king identifies his heir apparent who then becomes the Crown Prince. The Crown Prince is next-in-line to the crown in the event of the kings death. As leader of the government, the King chairs the Council of Ministers all of whom are appointed by the King, and most crucial appointments are reserved to members of his immediate family. The Council of Ministers is mandated to conduct and implement government policies such as education, health, defense and foreign policy.

Consultative Assembly Of Saudi Arabia

The Consultative Assembly is the official government advisory body which was established through a decree by King Abdul Aziz in 1926. The Consultative Assembly is mandated to draft and propose laws to the King. Also known as the Majlis al-Shura, The Consultative Assembly is composed of 150 members who are influential and experienced individuals drawn from all over Saudi Arabia and are appointed by the King. The Majlis al-Shura has established 13 committees specializing in specific areas of the economy including judicial affairs, youth affairs, security affairs, and financial affairs among others. The Consultative Council can be viewed as the legislature-equivalent of the kingdom with the council being granted membership in the International Parliamentary Union in 2003.

Judiciary Of Saudi Arabia

The legal system of Saudi Arabia is strictly based on the Islamic Shariah Laws. Shariah Courts spread all across the kingdom dispense justice by the Shariah Law which has severe punishments for crimes including amputations, public stoning, and public beheadings. However, with the rapidly-changing technological landscape, other laws have been formulated through royal decrees and are not encompassed by Shariah law including traffic violations. These laws make up the administrative law. The monarch is the highest judicial office and also has the authority on pardoning of law-offenders.
The League of Nations was the institution which preceded the United Nations. It operated between 1920 and 1946, and it brought together about 58 member states at its greatest height. The League of Nations is identified as the first international body to be formed with a specific aim to maintain world peace.

Historical Background

The need for a peaceful community of nations had been outlined as far back as 1795 in Perpetual Peace: A Philosophical Sketch' by Immanuel Kant. Kant had proposed the establishment of a league of nations whose aim would be to manage conflicts between states and facilitate peace. After the Napoleonic wars of the 19th century, the Concert of Europe was created by the continent's primary conservative powers as a mechanism for dispute resolution. The International law was subsequently established. President Theodore Roosevelt is recognized as the first American President to campaign for the creation of an international league. The Inter-Parliamentary Union was created in 1889 by the peace activists Frederic Passy and William Randal Cremer to encourage governments to resolve international conflicts by peaceful methods. At the start of World War one, advocates for an international league began to gain public support. In the UK, Goldsworthy Lowes Dickinson and Lord Bryce founded the Bryce Group, later renamed the League of Nations Union. The League to Enforce Peace began operating in the US in 1915. It was not until 1920 however that the League of Nations was established after much deliberation during the Paris Peace Conference. The body held its initial council meeting on January 16, 1920, in Paris.

Principal Organs Of The League Of Nations

The primary constitutional organs of the body were the Assembly, the Council, as well as the Permanent Secretariat. Additional two important wings were established namely the International Labor Organization and the Permanent Court of International Justice. The Assembly was made up of representatives of all members of the body, where each member was entitled for up to three representatives in addition to one vote. The Assembly met annually in September in Geneva. The Assembly was empowered to admit new states and control the budget among other functions. The Council initially had four permanent members namely Great Britain, Japan, France, and Italy, and four-non-permanent members. The Council's composition however changed several times. The Council served as a type of executive institution directing the activities of the League. The Permanent Secretariat was a body of experts in certain spheres overseen by the general secretary. The body's primary sections included Health, Legal, Political, Information, Social, Transit, Disarmament, and Financial and Economics. The League of Nations also had auxiliary agencies and commissions.

Resolving Territorial Disputes

The League of Nations was formed at a critical point that is in the aftermath of World War I. It assumed a central role in resolving such disputes as the Aland crisis. The Aland islands, which are a cluster of an estimated 6,500 islands in the Baltic Sea, were a cause of dispute between Finland and Sweden. The League intervened and assigned the islands to Finland. Other disputes which the League intervened on include Upper Silesia, Memel, Mosul, Hatay, Vilnius, Saar, and Albania.

General Weaknesses Of The Organization

The League of Nations had been primarily established to prevent another world war but the onset of the Second World War diminished this hope. The institution faced several hurdles in its quest to facilitate world peace. First, many nations did not join while others were members only for a short time. The United States was perhaps the most conspicuous of the absentees. The League was slow in coming to resolutions as they required the consent of multiple members. There was also a contradiction between the concept of collective security and international relations between member states. The League of Nations further depended on the Great Powers to implement its resolutions since it did not have an armed force. The powers were however hesitant to use military actions and enforce sanctions on behalf of the League.
B&M Bargains to Move Into Two Long Standing Vacant Units on Retail Park

This article is old - Published: Friday, Jun 16th, 2017

Two long-term vacant units in Wrexham town centre are to be taken over by a national brand.

The two units, located on Central Retail Park, will become the home to a large B&M Bargains later this year.

Described as one of the UKs fastest growing variety retailers, this year the company revealed an increase in its sales and profits.

The retailer will take over both the former PC World and Au Naturale stores on Central Retail Park  with the new B&M Bargains store spanning across 23,000 sq ft.

Work on the new store has been ongoing for some time, with Wrexham.com reporting in December 2016 that a planning application had been submitted to Wrexham Council to merge units five and six of the Central Retail Park.

The application included the removal of the block work diving wall between the two properties and the installation of new fire exits.

Locally there have been rumours than B&M Bargains were to take over the store for some time, however when we contacted the store in March 2017 we were unable to get this confirmed.

Earlier this week we contacted the store again, with a spokesperson for B&M stating: We can confirm that we are taking over the units on Wrexham Central Retail Park.

A refurbishment is currently taking place and we hope to be open in a couple of months to welcome customers through the door.
Wrexham Council: All Cladding Used Subject To In Depth Testing + Complies With Standards

This article is old - Published: Friday, Jun 16th, 2017

Wrexham Council have said all cladding they use has been subjected to in depth testing, including fire testing, and complies with building regulations and British standards.

Following the horrific fire in London we asked Wrexham Council if they had started any reviews into cladding or similar works in the Wrexham area, and if cladding on Council or sub contracted work is fire retardant.

Wrexham.com observed the work that took place in Hightown with terraced house upgrades, part of which included cladding placed over the existing brickwork of houses to improve insulation and improve the look of the two story buildings.

This morning Wrexham Council have issued a wider statement, with it noted that wider media queries have been lodged, likely placed with every Local Authority in the UK.

Wrexham Council said: In light of the recent tragic events at Grenfell Tower in London, Wrexham County Borough Council has received a number of enquiries regarding the installation of External Wall Insulation (EWI) to properties across the County Borough.

The cladding used to refurbish Grenfell Tower was a ventilated rainscreen system and not an insulated render/brick slip system used by the Council.

All EWI systems used by the Council have been subjected to in depth testing, including fire testing, through the BBA (British Board of Agrement) and the BRE (British Research Establishment) and comply with British Standards and current Building Regulations.

It is for these reasons that the Council has used these materials.
The German government is working systematically to expand its global political and economic relations ahead of the G20 summit in Hamburg in July. Following the visits earlier this month by Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Chancellor Angela Merkels visit to South and Central America last week, the focus has now shifted to Africa.

The German government organised a high-level conference in Berlin on June 12 and 13 attended by dozens of African heads of government within the framework of the G20 Africa Partnership  Investing in a Joint Future. Organisers included the federal Finance Ministry, Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, and the Bundesbank.

In her opening address, Merkel raised the question of whether industrial states had adopted the correct approach with the classical development aid model. From the German governments point of view, it was necessary in the future to focus more on each states own economic development, i.e. private investment. As a result, the idea emergedparticularly from our Finance Minister and Development Ministerto say: We need an initiative where we are not speaking about Africa, but with Africa.

The official propaganda about a new form of cooperation, from which both sides will allegedly profit equally, cannot conceal the fact that Germany is pursuing definite imperialist interests on the heavily populated and resource-rich continent.

Aid projects are to be replaced by capital exports, the exploitation of raw materials and cheap labour, the securing of new sales markets and other forms of profit maximisationmethods which characterised the scramble for Africa between the 1880s and the beginning of the First World War. To this end, the domestic ruling elites are being bribed, blackmailed, supported militarily and if necessary made to see sense by violent measures. For this reason, the German government is propagating the need to increase development aid in conjunction with its military budget.

Tuesdays edition of Die Welt enthused, Merkel wants to make Africa the new China. On the sidelines of the conference, German companies Bosch, Karcher, Siemens and Volkswagen announced new investments in Africa. Die Welt reported that the discount textile retailer Kik is opening new locations in Ethiopia, Rwanda, Kenya and Egypt, and the German government is initiating reform partnerships with Ghana, Tunisia and the Ivory Coast.

In the lead article of the same edition, entitled Continent with potential, the newspaper could not resist having a dig at the United States. While in this country the 0.7 percent of GDP on development aid proposed by the UN was spent, the US, which under President Donald Trump is vehemently demanding the fulfillment of military spending [achieves]  just 0.2 percent.

The German governments declared goal is to develop new initiatives at the expense of the United States. We must now use the spaces being vacated by America, declared Social Democrat Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel shortly after Trump came to office.

Nonetheless, the Africa conference is not merely a reaction to growing transatlantic tensions, but has been politically prepared over a long period of time. The time for strategy papers is over, now the concrete projects must come, stated Stefan Liebing, head of the German Business Association for Africa.

An examination of the strategy papers authored in Berlin over recent years makes clear what concrete projects he means. The Association for Africas position paper entitled Energy and Raw Materials states, for example, Germany requires a long-term and reliable supply of raw materials. Africa, as a resource-rich continent, offers this. Along with the securing of supplies with long-term contracts, for example within the framework of resource partnerships, German business must engage much more strongly in the processes of exploration, extraction and processing of raw materials.

It continues, To bring this vision to life, close cooperationbetween business and politicians in Germany on the one hand and with African partner countries on the otheris required. In the highly-competitive international energy and resource market, German business requires political backing to create favourable conditions for German corporations to operate.

As German business implements this vision, the Chancellor has increased her focus on Africa. Prior to her Africa trip last autumn, Merkel declared in typical German colonial style in an interview with Die Zeit, Now we certainly cannot improve the whole world from one day to the next. But if we want to pursue German interests, we have to also realistically say that Africas welfare is in Germanys interest.

Merkels speech on Monday in Berlin made clear what other interests apart from economic ambitions she is talking about. She demanded the curbing of illegal immigration, because if there is too much hopelessness in Africa, young people will say: We have to look for a new life somewhere else in the world. According to the German governments plans, ruthless African rulers like Egyptian dictator Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who once again enjoyed the red carpet treatment in Berlin, will receive billions in European Union funds to strengthen their security forces and detain refugees in Africa before they reach Europe.

Nothing is more terrifying to the imperialists than an uprising of the rapidly growing and young African population, as occurred in Egypt and Tunisia six years ago. Merkel cautioned, Substantially more than half of the population is younger than 25. I always say this in Germany: Our average age in Germany is 43. The average age in Niger, Mali and in other countries is little more than 15. [] If we dont give the youth a perspective, if we dont invest in education and qualifications, if we dont strengthen the role of girls and young women in particular, the development agenda wont be successful.

Merkels development agenda includes the brutal suppression of the population in the name of security and the fight against terrorism. Development aid policymakers had for many years [] failed to pay enough attention to questions of security, the Chancellor complained. For many years, we felt good if we avoided thinking about military armaments.

But this would now change: We have to be honest and say: only where security is guaranteed can development actually take place. I think it is very courageous that some countries are ready to assume responsibility in the struggle against terrorism in Mali and throughout the neighbourhood. In this context, France is seeking a mandate in the UN Security Council. I would only add: We will support you from the German side in this.

The German government is clearly planning to extend its military engagement in Africa. German imperialism has resorted increasingly to military means over recent years to pursue its economic and geopolitical interests under the cover of combatting terrorism or dealing with causes of flight.

Parliament decided in early 2013 to support Frances military intervention in Mali by stationing German soldiers in the country. The deployment has since been expanded on several occasions. It is now the German armys largest foreign deployment. Further German operations are currently under way in Senegal, the Central African Republic, the Horn of Africa, Western Sahara, Sudan, South Sudan and Somalia, all of which have either been extended or expanded.

The grim traditions upon which the armys interventions rest are becoming ever more obvious in Africa. Der Spiegel reported recently that on a wooden wall in the watchtower of Camp Castor in Mali, the slogan God with us had been written in runes. This was last used as a battlecry by the Wehrmacht, and appeared on the soldiers belt buckles directly above the swastika, according to the magazine. The use of the slogan remains popular in right-wing circles.
Two tension-filled events in Canberra this week underscored the fragility of the Australian government. It is caught in a perfect storm of global and domestic crises.

Deepening social discontent toward the entire political establishment is being compounded by the international uncertainty produced by the ferocious infighting in Washington over Donald Trumps presidency.

First, on Tuesday, there was what the media termed a mini revolt by Liberal-National Coalition members of parliament against the Turnbull governments support for the introduction of a Clean Energy Target, supposedly to reduce carbon emissions in coming decades.

After two stormy party room meetings, which lasted for hours, it became clear that Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbulls leadership would again be in doubt if his government pushed ahead with such a scheme, which would threaten the interests of the coal mining industry. The second meeting generated foul-mouthed shouting matches featuring Turnbulls ousted predecessor Tony Abbott, a trenchant opponent of any emissions-reduction proposal.

Abbotts aggressive interjections in the meeting were meant to send a message that he could exploit the conflict to topple Turnbull. In 2009, Abbott won sufficient support to oust Turnbull as Liberal Party leader after he supported the then Labor governments plan for a carbon trading scheme.

Over the past year, Turnbull sought to break the decade-long impasse over energy policy by commissioning a report by the countrys Chief Scientist Dr Alan Finkel. The outcome was a recommendation that the government legislate a target that might eventually phase out coal-fired electricity generation. For years, the financial elite has been demanding bipartisan support for some kind of carbon trading scheme to provide certainty for giant energy investors by boosting profit prospects for power generation, including so-called clean or green projects.

Much to the frustration and alarm of the corporate ruling class, the rifts in the Coalition indicate a continuation of the seemingly intractable paralysis. Yesterdays Australian Financial Review editorial denounced a decade of zero-sum stop-start climate change policies. It declared: Business is rightly desperate for the political class to settle on a stable policy framework on which to support billions of dollars of investment commitments needed to fix the energy crisis the politicians have created.

These demands for further corporate enrichment via a market-based energy system were quickly exposed, however, by announcements by the main retail electricity and gas companies of crippling rises of up to 20 percent in prices for households and small businesses from July 1.

Average households will pay up to $400 a year extra for electricity and $50 for gas, exacerbating a worsening social crisis. Household debt levels are already the highest in the world because of falling real wages and soaring property prices. By some estimates, small businesses will pay up to $2,000 a year more for electricity and gas.

According to the Finkel report, retail power prices have risen by nearly 140 percent since 2004years in which electricity networks have been privatised by Liberal-National and Labor governments alike. This has created a lucrative national market in which operators perversely reap super-profits from price hikes produced by power shortages.

The sky-rocketing prices demonstrate the incapacity of the private profit-driven order to provide affordable power, let alone tackle the grave dangers of global warming and climate change.

The other chaotic event was yesterdays near-defeat of the government in the House of Representatives on a Labor Party and Greens-backed Senate bill to establish a commission of inquiry into the banking sector. A defeat on the bill would not have brought the government downit was not a formal vote of no-confidencebut it would have illustrated the governments tenuous existence, as it holds just a one-seat majority.

The bill has been pushed by Labor, the Greens and right-wing populists in the Senate as a means of containing intense public hostility to the predatory and rapacious operations of the banks. Turnbull, a former merchant banker, has sought to block the bill and instead proposed cosmetic steps to supposedly monitor bank practices.

After several hours of nervous manoeuvring, a right-wing government backbencher, George Christensen, baulked on his threat to cross the floor to support the opposition bill. This resulted in a tied vote, allowing the House Speaker to exercise a casting vote to adjourn the debate. But if Christensen had followed through on his threat, the government would have been defeated because Foreign Minister Julie Bishop missed the vote.

These events are symbolic of the wider disarray engulfing the government. Commenting on the energy policy debacle, the Australians political correspondent David Crowe wrote: The federal Coalition has put its dysfunction on display again. Always up for a brawl on climate change, Liberals and Nationals MPs have thrown themselves into an internal row that tells Australians to look elsewhere for leadership.

Having barely survived last Julys election and holding only 29 out of 76 Senate seats, the Coalition faces parliamentary blockages on many fronts, including on widely-hated austerity measuresslashing education, health care and welfarein last months federal budget.

Fearing popular discontent, Labor, the Greens and other senators have felt compelled to oppose these cuts. But they have no opposition to the extra billions of dollars allocated in the budget to the military and the police-intelligence apparatus. These funding splurges not only mean deeper cuts to essential social spending; they are preparations for war and domestic repression.

While the besieged Turnbull this week mocked Trump, in line with those elements in Washington moving against him, he has stepped-up his efforts to demonstrate his commitment to the US military alliance, including by condemning China. This increasingly places Australia on the frontline of US war plans against China, which Washington regards as a rival for hegemony over the Asia Pacific.

Despite the worsening political crisis, the working class remains sidelined in the face of the danger of war and the ongoing corporate offensive on jobs, working conditions and social programs. All the posturing by Labor, the Greens and the Senate populists are attempts to confine the disaffection of youth and working people within the discredited parliamentary framework.

The same purpose is served by the trade unions and pseudo-left organisations, which promote illusions that Labor and/or the Greens can be pressured into transforming themselves into progressive or even anti-capitalist parties.

While seeking to exploit the governments turmoil, the Labor Party is positioning itself to return to office to continue the pro-business offensive that it mounted under Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard, with the help of the Greens, from 2007 to 2013. In parliament this week, Labor leader Bill Shorten presented himself as the champion of the national interestthat is the interests of the Australian capitalist class. He appealed to Turnbull to now commit to work with Labor in the national interest to end the policy paralysis which led to instability in the energy market.

At the same time, Labor has attacked the government from the right, condemning it for failing to curb the budget deficit and mounting public debt. Shorten and his shadow ministers used parliamentary question time yesterday to lambast the government for allowing gross debt to reach $500 billion.
From the right-wing Conservatives to Canadas social democratic New Democrats (NDP), the ruling elite has united with enthusiasm around the Liberal governments new defence policy, which was introduced June 7 by Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan.

The defence policy included an additional $62 billion for the military over the coming two decades. Spending will rise from the current level of $18.9 billion to $32.7 billion by 2026-27, enabling the purchase of a new fleet of fighter jets, the expansion of the armed forces by 5,000, the construction of new warships and the buying of armed drones.

A crucial part of the policy is a commitment to modernize NORAD, the defence cooperation agreement Canada has maintained with the US for decades which is aimed at targeting Russia and other potential adversaries to the global imperialist ambitions of Washington and Ottawa.

Conservative defence critic James Bezan fully endorsed the spending increase, but urged the Liberals to implement it even more rapidly. Conservatives believe that our men and women in uniform deserve the best equipment, training and support available. That requires substantial investments to be made todaynot in 20 years, he declared.

Right-wing commentator and newspaper owner Conrad Black, a fervent supporter of the Harper government who was one of the first to endorse Donald Trumps presidential election bid, expressed his delight with the plan, suggesting it could be the most serious foreign policy in decades. Black described Sajjans plan and the speech delivered a day earlier by Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland on Canadas foreign policy as an interesting and commendable strategic effort.

In her foreign policy address, Freeland made clear that with tensions deepening among the globes great powers, war would be a part of Canadas future. She outlined a dramatic escalation of the Liberals aggressive assertion of Canadas military ambitions, stating that if Ottawa wanted to uphold its interests around the globe it would have to resort to hard power.

Freeland explicitly praised US imperialisms role in the post-war era as the global hegemonic power and vowed to maintain Canadas strategic partnership with its southern neighbour. She offered Canada as a bridge to overcome the deepening tensions between Washington and Europe, arguing that Ottawa had to work towards retaining the multilateral institutions set up in the wake of World War II.

The only criticism advanced by Black was that the Liberal government underestimates Canadas power. He claimed that Ottawa should be considered among the top 10 or 12 major global powers, ominously adding, Canadians dont generally realize that were not a middle power, but we must grow into the place we have earned.

John Ivison, a columnist for the neo-conservative National Post, described the Liberals plan as one that would be expected from a conservative government, while the papers editorial mocked the Liberals for having allegedly accepted a view of the world formerly espoused only by the Tories. The real story here is that the government is finally abandoning Liberal delusions that Canadas role in the world was given power merely by symbolic internationalist rhetoric, unsupported by meaningful strength, the Post wrote.

The meaningful strength called for by the Post will be funded by the Liberals through the imposition of devastating attacks on the working class. In a comment on the policy, the MacDonald Laurier Institute pointed out that it did not spell out where the funding would come from to purchase new equipment and increase the size of the army.

The Trudeau government clearly preferred to avoid laying out all of this in detail for fear of provoking popular outrage. However, the Liberals have long made clear that they plan to find $6 billion in public spending cuts prior to the next election, a figure which will now increase to cover the military spending hikes.

The Liberals are attempting to sell their aggressive defence policy by concealing its content behind rhetoric about human rights and diversity. Drawing on identity politics, Sajjan vowed that 25 percent of the armed forces will be made up of women within a decade, and the defence policy includes a section pledging the military to adopt recruitment practices to encourage First Nations people and other visible minorities to join the army. This, according to the Liberals, will help the army reflect the diversity of the countrys population.

A great deal was made about the Trudeau governments commitment to using an approach known as Gender-Based Analysis Plus, in order to ensure that an equal number of men and women can participate in Canadian imperialist wars of aggression around the world.

Freeland wrote in the preface to the defence policy that the government was preparing a progressive, feminist foreign policy, which according to her speech will include development aid coupled with military deployments.

The effusive praise for the defence policy from the most right-wing sections of the Canadian bourgeoisie thoroughly exposes the bogus character of the Liberals progressive credentials, which have been boosted by the trade unions, the NDP and a host of campaign organizations prior to and since their election victory in 2015.

Since coming to power, the Trudeau government has expanded Canadas involvement in the US-led Mideast war, and agreed to send 450 troops to Latvia as part of NATOs military build-up in Eastern Europe against Russia. It was revealed this week that when the Liberals decided to extend the armed forces training mission in Ukraine for another three years in March, the government gave commanders on the ground the authority to send Canadian troops anywhere within the country, apart from the frontline of battle between Kiev and pro-Russian separatists and the Russian border areas.

In keeping with their long-standing support for Canadian military aggression stretching back to the NATO-led bombardment of Yugoslavia in the 1990s, the NDP has not raised any criticism of the defence policy. None of its MPs saw fit to raise a single question during Question Period in the House of Commons in the days following the announcement.

Charlie Angus, a contender in the partys ongoing leadership race, tweeted that it was necessary to develop a defence policy based on Canadian values and criticized Trudeau for being too closely aligned with Trump. But he had nothing to say about the 70 percent defence spending hike.

Nikki Ashton, who is being touted by various pseudo-left groups as the NDPs Jeremy Corbyn, included a throwaway line during her introductory remarks at the latest leadership debate on Sunday, stating that it would be better to invest in social services than the military.

Ashtons true attitude to questions of war and the militarization of Canadian foreign policy was illustrated earlier this year, when she admitted to radical journalist Yves Engler that she could not remember how she had voted in parliament in 2011 on the bombardment of Libya, an intervention which the NDP fully endorsed with fraudulent claims about defending human rights.

The lack of even rhetorical opposition to the Liberals defence policy from within the NDP has prompted expressions of concern from its pseudo-left advisers, who fear that its failure to criticize the military build-up will damage its already tattered left credentials and prevent the NDP from smothering growing popular opposition to the political establishment.

Barry Weisleder of the Socialist Caucus, which advocates the absurd position that the right-wing, big business NDP can be pressured to stand up for the interests of working people, told the Huffington Post, The fact that the NDP is silent on this and the fact that there is a leadership race is no excuse! ... They should have something to say about this Stephen-Harper-like policythis exceeds Harper.

Weisleders feigned outrage is a deliberate fraud. The NDP has had more than enough to say on Canadian wars of aggression over the past two decades for workers to conclude that it is a pro-war and pro-imperialist party, from its abandonment of any semblance of opposition to NATO, to its endorsement of Canadas role in the brutal neocolonial occupation of Afghanistan and its support for Canadas functioning as a key player in the US-led military build-up against Russia in the Middle East and Eastern Europe.

Throughout this entire period, Weisleder and his Socialist Caucus have remained loyal NDP members, providing a left cover for every shift to the right the party has made.
After the first round of the French legislative elections Sunday, where the National Front (FN) had less than 14 percent of the vote, the internal tensions that emerged after FN candidate Marine Le Pens defeat, in the second round of the presidential elections on May 7, have exploded. This week in particular, there were bitter exchanges between FN General Secretary Nicolas Bay and the partys vice president, Florian Philippot.

Philippot, who came from the nationalist movement of ex-Socialist Party (PS) leader Jean-Pierre Chevenement, is the architect of the de-demonization strategy of the FN, which aims to convince the electorate that the FN has broken with its fascist origins. Bay was responsible of the FNs campaign in the legislative elections, while Philippot led the presidential campaign.

Speaking to Le Parisien, Bay attacked Philippot on Monday, saying he regrets that some in the party have made contradictory noises instead of concentrating on the legislative campaign. Philippot replied with a reply aimed at Bay, who was eliminated in the first round of the legislative elections in his district: I arrived in first place in my electoral district, I do not feel targeted by this at all. But everyone has an element of responsibility in this, including those who organized the legislative campaign.

Public disputes among the FN leaders since the elections have erupted on various grounds, like the presidential election alliance the FN made with right-wing nationalist Nicolas Dupont-Aignan, or Marine Le Pens performance in TV debates. But it is the FNs position on the European Union (EU) and the euro that has emerged as the main point of conflict.

Under pressure from the banks, the FN shifted its position on these critical issues in the middle of the presidential election campaign, going from a French exit from the euro and the EU to a pro-EU and pro-euro position. This triggered bitter battles inside the FN leadership. In mid-May, the FNs principal economist, Bernard Monot, finally declared in an interview with the British Telegraph newspaper that there will be no Frexit with the FN.

Just after the presidential run-off on May 7, Philippot threatened to leave the FN if it abandoned its policy of leaving the EU and the euro. A week later, he decided to create his own movement inside the FN, The Patriots.

Robert Menard, the mayor of Beziers who has substantial influence in the FN, criticized Philippot on Tuesday, saying his support for an exit from the euro was responsible for the defeat in the presidential elections and the results, in the first round of the legislative elections. He called for definitively deciding the debate on an exit from the euro and on economic policy.

If a majority of the FN has decided to adopt a more pro-EU policy after the banks intervened to indicate to them their opposition to a Frexit, this policy shift is also due to the pro-German turn in the orientation of French imperialism promoted, above all, by Macron. The loudest criticisms of Philippot in recent days came from defenders of this line. They are seeking to integrate French neo-fascism into the drive to promote European militarism, above all the rearmament of Germany, aspiring to dominate Europe and entering ever more openly into conflict with the United States.

Philippots policy speaks for a section of the FN that believes that returning to the French franc currency would better re-establish the competitiveness of French industry by doping its exports, principally against Germany, thanks to a weak currency. This also means slashing the real value of workers wages in France. In November 2016, Marine Le Pen had still defended this policy, as she hailed Trump immediately after his election, applauding intelligent protectionism and economic patriotism.

One of Philippots most prominent critics during the presidential election campaign was Marion Marechal Le Pen, the FN legislator and granddaughter of FN founder Jean-Marie Le Pen. She declared after the presidential election that she would temporarily retire from politics, give up her elected position, and abandon the legislative election. Press reports suggested at the time that behind the official reasons was a desire not to appear to enter into conflict with her aunt, Marine Le Pen.

Despite its electoral setbacks and the crisis that it is passing, the FN has not ceased to pose an enormous danger to the working class. This party has gone through various phases, according to whether the ruling class needs its services or not. It is ever more deeply integrated into the political system and the state. It has constantly developed its influence over the last 25 years, above all by exploiting anger at the reactionary policies of the Socialist Party (PS) and its pseudo-left allies.

Its leaders know that the imperialist bourgeoisie will turn to it, for one or another reason, once the situation changes. The political bubble represented by Macron and his The Republic On the March, which the media and the ruling elite are inflating to hide the collapse of the entire political system, threatens to burst at the first serious political conflict with the working class.

As long as figures like Melenchon continue to block a politically independent struggle of the workers against the bourgeoisie through the promotion of populism and nationalism, parties like the FN will be able to pose as nationalist defenders of the little man and develop their influence.

The internal conflicts inside the Le Pen family reported by the media are largely exaggerated. Marine Le Pen has never formally rejected her fathers statements denying or trivializing the Holocaust, but only observed that it was not politically opportune to make them. The FN leadership did not attack Marion Marechal Le Pen over her visit to the royalist Action francaise that The FN is the most monarchist of Frances political parties, or over her cultivation of the Catholic anti-abortion movement.

The FN remains a far-right, anti-parliamentary party that descends from the collaboration with the Nazi Occupation of France and is violently hostile to the working class. Its Republican declarations of faith were all the easier to make as the PS government was at the time imposing a state of emergency, abolishing basic democratic rights and integrating the FN into official politics by inviting Marine Le Pen to the Elysee presidential palace.

If the FN currently is having some difficulty devising a strategy amid the rapid political shifts taking place in France and internationally, its priority remains an ultra-reactionary agenda whose two pillars are the defense of French imperialism abroad and repression at home. These basic policies are absolutely compatible with remaining within the EU and the euro currency.
Europe

Spanish dockers strike continues

Spanish dockers at the ports of Algeciras, Valencia, Bilbao, Seville and Santander continued their strikes this week over deregulation.

They held a 48-hour strike beginning 8am on Wednesday, working alternate hours and stopping work one hour out of every two.

The CETM union called the series of strikes after talks with the port employers body, Enesco, broke down. The Popular Party government at the behest of the European Union is forcing through the abolition of the SAGEPS dock labour scheme, which afforded dockers a degree of job security and relatively better wages.

Further strikes are planned for June 19, 21 and 23 next week.

The union called off previous planned strikes and the current strikes were only called over disagreements over the number of jobs to be cut and the amount in wage reductions to be implemented.

UK car workers reject union agreed deal on pensions

UK car workers employed by German car manufacturer BMW at its four UK sites have rejected a deal negotiated by the Unite union.

The workers are opposing the companys plans to move all employees onto an inferior defined contribution pension scheme. Unite had already agreed new starters from 2014 would be on this inferior scheme.

The union suspended strike action after the company came up with another offer, which the workforce has now rejected. Under the new offer, described by BMW as its final offer, the move to the inferior pension scheme would go ahead but with a 22,000 one-off payment to staff paid over three years or a 25,000 payment into the defined contribution pension scheme.

Speaking to the Oxford Times, a worker at the Cowley plant said some workers had felt intimidated by BMWs insistence that the deal offered was final and had voted in favour. The same worker told the paper: BMW has always, in the last 16 to 17 years, had what they wanted and they have done very well with the Mini [car model].

In response to the rejection of their sellout terms, Unite has threatened further strikes in an effort to diffuse workers anger.

Strike threat by Hungarian public service workers

Public service workers in Hungary are threatening to strike over low pay. According to the Hungarian Public Servants and Public Service, around a third of approximately 600,000 public service workers have not received a pay rise for the last 8-10 years.

The union said they would call a strike for July 17 if current talks with the government are not successful.

Latvian family doctors announce strike date

Latvian GPs have announced they will begin an indefinite strike on July 3, offering only emergency cover. They are aggrieved over the Health Ministrys failure to set up a panel to discuss the GPs concerns over pay and the reorganization of the service, which would include them performing extra duties.

Around 60 percent of the nearly 1,200 medics that belong to the Latvian Association of Family Physicians voted in favour of the action. The head of the association described the Latvian health care system as being on the point of collapse.

Strike and protest by Italian fashion retail staff

Staff working for Swedish fashion chain H&M struck on June 10 and protested outside its flagship store in Milan. It was organised by the UILTuCS Lombaria trade union to protest H&Ms plans to close four stores in Italy with the loss of 89 jobs.

Health staff in Luxembourg set to strike

Health sector workers in Luxembourg are set to strike June 19 to push for a pay increase and in opposition to proposed changes to working conditions.

The members of the OGBL trade union are seeking a pay increase and better career prospects in line with other public sector staff. They are opposed to any pay and career improvement that would be paid for by attacks on working conditions, such as shorter breaks, no carrying over of leave entitlement and restrictions on overtime terms.

Strike of Norwegian oil workers averted

A proposed strike that would have hit five Norwegian oil fields has been scotched. Ledeme, the trade union covering oil and gas workers reached a deal with the Norwegian Oil and Gas Association on June 10 over pay. The five targeted fields are operated by Statoil, Shell and Eni.

London underground rail staff ballot

London underground staff on the Piccadilly Line and Tube Lines workshop staff are being balloted over a casualization threat.

Tube Lines plans to hire 35 staff to carry out necessary maintenance work on the Piccadilly Line rolling stock on a fixed term basis. The workers fear it could lead to a wider casualization of the workforce.

The result of the ballot by the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union will be announced July 4.

UK job centre staff strike

Around 50 staff at the Eastern Avenue Jobcentre in the city of Sheffield, South Yorkshire have been on strike all week against plans to close the facility. The members of the Public and Commercial Services union (PCS) have mounted a picket line each day.

The closure is part of plans to close 78 out of the 714 jobcentres nationwide along with other back office facilities.

Strike by UK airline crew suspended

The Unite union called off a four-day strike by 2,900 British Airways (BA) cabin crew that was due to begin today.

They work for BAs mixed fleetas part of a two-tiered workforceand are employed on a contract agreed with the Unite union that offers inferior pay and conditions compared to other BA staff.

The strike was called after BA refused to restore concessionary flights to staff who had taken part in the previous 26 days of strike action, called to protest their poverty pay rates.

Unite has agreed to attend talks under the auspices of the Acas government reconciliation service.

Middle East

Israeli oil refinery workers end strike

Israeli oil refinery workers at Paz Oil returned to work Monday after a one-day walkout. They returned to work after the company and workers representatives agreed a new collective work contract covering the next five years.

Libyan oil workers end strike

Oil workers at the Sharara oil field in southwest Libya returned to work after a short strike last week.

They struck following the death of a work colleague in a swimming pool accident. The workers protested the lack of medical emergency facilities that might have saved him. They returned to work after the company promised to upgrade its emergency medical equipment and procedures.

Africa

South African municipal workers strike enters third week

Services provided by 4,000 South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU) members in the Mangaung municipality continue to be withdrawn, as the strike enters its fourth week.

Workers are demanding that salary increases, in line with Metro status established in 2011, be paid to them in line with managerial staff. They also demand back pay for the shortfall of six years of arrears.

They are demanding that 120 workers reduced to casual status earlier this year be brought back into direct employment and that moves to further privatization be halted.

On June 9, the ruling African National Congress council was awarded a court interdict ruling the strike illegal. A SAMWU spokesman said he was not sure whether workers would return to work in line with the court order.

Until Monday, striking workers, surrounded by armed police, had camped outside the Free State parliament.

As reports of the stench and sewage spillage on the streets pervade the news, the main concern of the Mangaung council is providing facilities for individuals and businesses to pay their bills. They expressed concern that payment centres, like the Bram Fischer building and other municipal buildings, around the Metro area, with striking workers protesting outside them, were inaccessible.

Call centre operatives strike for parity in South Africa

Emergency call operators in South Africa are involved in a dispute over pay. Members of the newly formed South African Federation of Trade Unions who work the national emergency 10111 hotline are demanding parity of pay with government call operators.

In 2016, a wage evaluation exercise recommended that 10111 operators pay be raised to level 7, but this was not implemented.

Members of the South African Policing Union are being mobilised in an attempt to break the strike.

South African mortuary staff strike over pay, and protective clothing

Mortuary staff at Pinetown Mortuary in Durban, South Africa are demanding their manager be removed. Around 20 workers have been sacked after refusing to return to work when an interdict was issued designating their jobs as essential services.

Workers claim the manager is serving as a block to raising grievances at a higher level.

The complaints consist of overtime not being signed off, having to buy their own safety equipment such as boots, staff having to put in requests for gloves, and face masks being reused because no replacements are available. They are also protesting reduced staffing levels and an increased workload.

Kenyan nurses union continues strike

Nurses are continuing their long running on-off strike demanding the implementation of the 2016 collective bargaining agreement (CBA). This follows previous strikes over its unimplemented 2013 predecessor. Union members resumed their strike last week.

Angry nurses marched on the Council of Governors offices in Nairobi this week, but there was no one to receive their petition. They also petitioned the Ministry of Health and the Salaries and Remunerations Committee.

Kenyas Council of Governors has ignored arranged meetings with the nurses union, the Kenyan National Union of Nurses (KNUN).

The government is reneging on the 2016 contract just as they did on the 2013 contract. The Salaries and Remunerations Committee underlined this position by throwing out the CBA, saying the cost involved is unreasonable.

Nigerian state illegally imposes no-work no-pay dictum

A strike by municipal workers in Nasarawa State Nigeria is continuing with several unions involved. A central issue in the strike is the backlog of unpaid wages.

Members of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees and Judicial Staff Union of Nigeria are involved in the walkout.

Nasarawa State government is claiming the right to impose a no-work no-pay rule on the striking workers. The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) secretary says the state governor has no legal right to stop the payment of wages while workers are on strike.

Workers have to be away from their jobs without permission to have their wages stopped, the NLC insists. Pay is not affected while carrying out a legal strike. The Nigerian Labour Congress bureaucracy is split over the strike.
At its spring meeting in Dresden the conference of German state interior ministers (IMK) decided on a massive tightening up of security laws. The implementation of such measures, which are primarily aimed at increasing co-operation between the various security authorities while significantly expanding their powers, represent de facto moves towards the establishment of a police state. All of the proposals are justified with reference to the struggle against international terrorism, but in fact the ruling class is preparing for fierce class struggles.

At the centre of the three-day conference were plans to harmonise and coordinate the various security services of Germanys 16 states with the federal intelligence agencies. This was announced in advance by federal Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere (CDU).

The separation of the activities of the police and the secret services anchored in the German constitution was agreed after WWII to avoid repetition of the crimes of the Nazi era and the terror of the Gestapo. This separation has now been completely undermined by the establishment of the Joint Counter-Terrorism Centre (GTAZ) in Berlin, where representatives of more than 40 German security authorities work under the same roof.

Now, additional new laws are planned for the digital sector aimed at networking databases, enabling the security authorities to spy on all persons and groups alleged to be suspect. The latest security laws makes it possible to set up entire so-called shadow databases beyond any democratic control.

In the run-up to the IMK, de Maiziere even raised the prospect of complete centralisation of the security authorities. In an interview with the Tagesspiegel, he said: And it is certainly the case that we will continue to discuss whether, in view of the challenges, further changes are needed to our federal security architecture.

The networking of databases establishes uniform guidelines for all state authorities. The interior minister of the state of Lower Saxony, Boris Pistorius (SPD), went further and also proposed joint disaster relief exercises. Joint exercises by the German army (Bundeswehr) and the police already take place at the level of individual states, something which also clearly violates the German constitution.

In addition to networking capacities the powers of the security agencies are being massively expanded. A look at the future powers adopted at the IMK makes clear that there is to be strict monitoring of the population. This concerns both digital communication and the monitoring of the public sphere.

For some time, leading interior ministers have complained that the security authorities are not able to access message services such as WhatsApp or Telegram because they are equipped with an end-to-end encryption, unlike an ordinary SMS. This encryption is now to be circumvented by permitting police and the countrys foreign intelligence agency BND to carry out so-called source telecommunication monitoring (TKU) of suspect persons. This enables the security agencies to tap and observe the communications of a suspect prior to the message being encrypted.

Another planned measure is the so-called online search. It is intended to enable the use of Trojans to read hard disks without the need for physical access. In contrast to a house search, which has regularly been used to confiscate a suspects hard disks, the victim of an online search does not know this measure is being carried out and therefore has no possibility of legal redress.

According to de Maiziere, both the TKU measures and the online search are to be integrated into the countrys criminal code before parliament breaks for summer.

Measures for facial recognition by video surveillance in public areas were also adopted. The existing large-scale video monitoring of railway stations and other public places is evidently not enough for the authorities.

De Maiziere formulated the plans for the targeted prosecution of suspects in Tagesspiegel: We currently have video surveillance at railway stations. However, we have not been able to capture the image, for example, of a fleeing terrorist into the software, so that an alarm sounds when he appears at a station. This had to function under difficult conditions, for example, when it is dark or someone is wearing a hood.

The contempt with which de Maiziere regards the fundamental rights of every citizen is clear from his legal justification for the measure: The restriction of basic rights is low-level, since uninvolved persons are not covered.

In future, refugees and their children will be regarded en masse as suspect. Already, every asylum seeker over the age of 14 has to give his fingerprints at the time of his application for asylum. Now this degrading procedure is to be extended to children from six years upwards, announced IMK chairman Markus Ulbig (CDU).

Before the start of the IMK, Bavarias interior minister, Joachim Herrmann (CSU), called for an extension of the surveillance of under 14-year-olds. De Maiziere then referred to an incident in Hanover, where a 14-year-old girl had stabbed a policeman after being radicalised by Salafists at the age of 11.

Spying on the population does not stop with communications and the video surveillance. In future, the authorities will be able to determine the age, skin colour, eye colour and the origin of suspects by DNA analysis.

The ministers of the interior could not agree on a unified position regarding stop and search operations. So far, this massive, systematic control by the police is already possible in 13 out of 16 states, the only exceptions being Berlin, North Rhine-Westphalia and Bremen.

Objections raised against uniform introduction of the measure are not based on democratic considerations. As a spokesman for Berlins interior minister Andreas Geisel (SPD) explained, stop and search was not the right way to track down suspects: The results do not justify the effort involved.

In fact, all parties agree about the need to expand the powers of the security authorities. Tactical differences, when they come up, centre around how best to construct a police state.

Claims made in the media in the past few days that the Left Party rejects the new police powers appear to be groundless on closer examination. The Left Party participates in a number of state administrations, whose interior ministers have agreed on the new measures.

Thuringia, where the state premier is a member of the Left Party, is one of the states where blanket stop and search is allowed and in Berlin, where the party is part of the ruling coalition, its representatives have been active in expanding the security apparatus.

At the start of this year the Berlin coalition of the SPD, the Greens and the Left Party adopted a Security and Prevention package, which provides an additional 45 million for internal security for the year 2017.

Klaus Lederer, Berlin culture minister and a right-wing spokesman for the Left Party group in the Berlin parliament, stated that such proposals were discussed on a pragmatic basis. The question of video surveillance in public spaces did not depend on the actual number of cameras, but rather, where they could provide the most security.

The erection of a police state is justified on the basis of fighting terrorism and Islamist threats. The attack on the Christmas market in Berlin and similar terror attacks in Paris, Brussels and Manchester are invariably cited. But this is obviously an excuse. All these attacks were not the result of any lack of surveillance. On the contrary, the assailants were well known to the security authorities, with some so well known that the involvement of state forces is highly likely.

Last week the WSWS wrote: In the aftermath of terrorist actions, governments respond with stepped-up measures of repression and surveillance. Troops are deployed in the streets, democratic rights are suspended, and, as in France, a state of emergency is made the overriding law of the land. All of these measures are useless in terms of preventing future attacks, but serve very well to control the domestic population and suppress social unrest.

This has been confirmed by the conference of interior ministers. Against a background of massive social inequality and growing political opposition the ruling elite is developing police state measures in order to deal with an impending social explosion.
A World Socialist Web Site reporting team travelled to Delhi, Indias capital, and the nearby Gurgaon-Manesar industrial belt last month to speak with those fighting to overturn the frame-up convictions and brutal sentences imposed on militant workers at the Maruti Suzuki car assembly plant in Manesar.

On March 18, a Gurgaon district court judge condemned 13 autoworkers to life in prison on trumped-up murder charges , arising from a July 18, 2012 company-provoked, factory floor altercation and fire in which a company manager died from smoke inhalation. Another 18 workers were given three- to five-year prison terms on lesser charges.

The 13 workers jailed for life include the entire 12-member executive committee of the Maruti Suzuki Workers Union (MSWU), which was formed in 2011-12 in a rank-and-file rebellion against the plants pro-company, state-supported union.

The Indian ruling elite is determined to make an example of the Maruti Suzuki workers to intimidate the working class and demonstrate to foreign investors that they can be counted on to ruthlessly suppress all worker resistance to brutal exploitation.

In explaining why he had urged the 13 workers be sentenced to death by hanging at their March 17 sentencing hearing, Anurag Hooda , the special prosecutor appointed by the Haryana state government, declared,  Our industrial growth has dipped, FDI [Foreign Direct Investment] has dried up. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is calling for Make in India, but such incidents are a stain on our image.

The corporate-controlled media in India and the major trade union federations have maintained a virtual blackout about the fate of the imprisoned workers. For weeks, Peoples Democracy, the English-language newspaper of the principal Stalinist party, the Communist Party of India (Marxist), failed to print a single word about the conviction and brutal sentences meted out to the Maruti Suzuki workers.

To break this conspiracy of silence, our reporters interviewed members of the MSWU Provisional Committeewhich took the helm of the union after the mass arrests of union leaders and rank-and-file workers and the purging of the factorys workforce by the Japanese-owned company. The WSWS also spoke to autoworkers who were arrested, kept in jail for years without bail and finally released when prosecutors could not provide a shred of evidence against them.

The WSWS has conducted a detailed examination of how the company, the police, prosecutors and judges, backed by Indian Union and Haryana state authorities led by the Bharatiya Janata (BJP) and Congress parties, railroaded the workers for the death of human resource manager, A wanish Dev .

Our reporters in India spoke with defence attorneys active in the case about this travesty of justice and further legal efforts on behalf of the condemned men.

The International Committee of the Fourth International (ICFI) and the World Socialist Web Site are engaged in an international campaign to mobilize the working class and all those who defend democratic rights against this monstrous frame-up and to demand the immediate freedom of these courageous workers.

The Maruti Suzuki workers are representative of the hundreds of millions of new workers that capitalist globalization has created in India, China and across Asia, Africa and Latin America. These workers are not just objects of exploitation, but a mighty social force and a powerful ally of workers in the advanced capitalist countries. Workers in North America, Europe and Japan must reject the economic nationalism and chauvinism promoted by Trump, Le Pen and the trade unions, and join forces with the workers of Asia, Latin America and Africa in the struggle for decent, secure jobs and social rights, and against imperialist war, one of whose principal aims is the re-enslavement of the masses in the historically oppressed countries.

In challenging sweatshop exploitation, the Maruti Suzuki workers were striking a blow not only for workers in India, but for workers around the world. Their defence is a vital first step in forging the international unity of the working class that is needed to fight global capitalthat is, in making the objective unity of the international working class a conscious political strategy.

* * *

Jitendra Kumar, a MSWU Provisional Committee member, spoke with WSWS reporters at the unions office in Manesar. Kumar, who originates from the Rewari district in Haryana, was hired as an apprentice at Maruti Suzukis plant in Gurgaon in 2005 after he completed welding courses at an Indian Technical Institute (ITI). He was recruited to the Manesar plant, 10 miles away, as a trainee in 2009 and became a permanent worker in 2010.

Kumar reviewed the workers struggle to form an independent union and fight the hated contract labour system and slave-like conditions at the factory. Learning that workers at the Honda auto plant in Gurgaon managed to get some benefits after forming a union, we thought at the Manesar plant if we formed a union we could also get our conditions improved. The management tried to impose MUKU [the company-controlled Maruti Udyog Kamgar Union] on us, but the workers rejected it. We formed MSEU [Maruti Suzuki Employees Union] and organised a series of struggles, strikes and occupations and faced a lockout too.

The formation of the MSWU and the fight against contract labour

Kumar described how the Manesar workers went ahead to form the MSWU following managements drive to break the MSEU and demoralize workers by threatening its principal leaders with dismissal, then bribing them to quit their jobs.

The principal demand raised by the MSWU concerned the thousands of temporary contract workers at the Manesar plant who are paid a fraction of the wages of permanent workers, although they do the same work. The MSWU demanded that these workers be regularised, i.e., turned into full-time employees with the same job security, pay and benefits as the veteran permanent workers.

Our union raised the regularisation of contract workers as our first demand from management. They insisted we drop this demand and move onto others. But the union pressed on and said before raising any other demands, the management must first settle the issue of contract workers.

Kumar said the demand for regularising the contract workers came from rank-and-file workers who were permanent and full-time. We, permanent workers, worked alongside the contract workers and became very friendly with them. Permanent workers thought if they had certain protections and benefits their contract colleagues should have the same. That is why they asked the union to raise the demand for the regularisation of contract workers.

After management was forced to recognise the MSWU in April 2012, Kumar said, company officials sought to manufacture a pretext to witch-hunt workers and smash the new union. This is what occurred on July 18, 2012, when a manager used a casteist slur against a worker and then suspended him. When workers came to his defence, they were accosted by company thugs, known as bouncers in India. Awanish Dev, a human resource manager who was sympathetic to the workers, was later found dead, having been overcome by smoke from a fire of still unexplained origins.

This provocation was used by police to round up and jail 148 workers based on lists provided by management. The company then sacked 546 permanent workers and about 1,800 contract workers at the plant in August 2012.

The management thought it could control MSWU like it did MUKU. They tried, but when that failed, they decided to destroy the MSWU. If they couldnt smash the MSWU, management knew, they would be unable to keep the contract workforce, which was a huge source of profits.

Commenting on the conviction and brutal sentences for the Maruti Suzuki workers, Kumar said, Well before the judge announced the verdict, the outcome had been predetermined. The trial proceedings were just a show. In delivering the verdict the message of the judge to the industrialists was that the government is with them.

The role of the Stalinist parties and their affiliated unions

The WSWS reporters asked Kumar about the role played by the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) and the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC)the trade union federations affiliated respectively to the two Stalinist parliamentary parties, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) or CPM and the Communist Party of India (CPI). The Stalinist unions systematically isolated the Manesar workers struggle against Maruti Suzukis cheap-labour regime and the joint company-government witch-hunt of militant workers. This paved the way for the frame-up of the Manesar workers.

Those central unions are not eager to fight for workers, Kumar said. They are only keen on expanding their membership. These unions are dividing workers. When independent unions like MSWU emerged [in the Gurgaon-Manesar belt] and we requested help from the central unions they did not support us. Instead they asked us to affiliate with them. We approached AITUC for assistance to organize a rally in support [of the victimised Maruti Suzuki workers] and they told us to organise it ourselves. Outsiders cant help, they said. Do not demand outside help. Basically, they tried to sabotage our movement.

Most of my friends and fellow workers know the central unions are not working for workers rights. Instead they are working to control workers anger towards the government. They claim they are for workersbut they are really with the management to control workers. They know if the workers are not controlled, they will rebel. So, they pretend they are for workers when they are against us.

Our reporters explained that the treachery of the CITU and AITUC has its roots in the reactionary nationalist politics of their affiliated parties, the CPM and CPI. The Stalinist parties are committed to the Indian elites policy of transforming India into a cheap labour platform for global capital. At the national level, the CPM and CPI have backed pro-capitalist governments, mainly led by the Congress Party, that have pursued this pro-investor agenda. At the same time, the Stalinist parties have implemented like policies whenever they have formed the state government in West Bengal and Kerala. The CPM and CPI share the same fear as the Congress and the Hindu supremacist BJP: that the Maruti Suzuki workers struggle can become a catalyst for a far broader movement of Indian workers against sweatshop conditions and state repression.

Of the 546 permanent workers sacked by management in August 2012, 362 were never charged with, let alone convicted of, any wrongdoing in regards to the July 18 altercation. Kumar is among this group. After sacking us, he said, management asked a labour court to approve the action. After two and a half years, the management withdrew the application, claiming it did not need permission from a labour court to sack workers.

When the MSWU filed the case against the sackings it was taken to the Gurgaon Labour Courts in September 2012. We argued that there were not any grounds for sacking us since none of us were charged in relation to the July 2012 incident. Management claimed we had not been taken back because of their loss of confidence in us. They cited a company order that if management feels any worker is going to harm the company or its properties it can remove that worker. The case is still going on in the Gurgaon Labour Courts.

However, on March 2, 2015, the labour court fined the company 100,000 rupees (US$1,544) for each sacked worker. Management went to High Court in May 2015 and got a stay against that fine. Now this case is in the High Court.

Kumar said the MSWU received support from other independent unions in the Gurgaon-Manesar industrial belt and formed a Trade Union Council (TUC) to carry out a joint campaign against the witch-hunt of the Maruti Suzuki workers and to improve conditions of workers in the area.

While the greatest unity of workers is needed, the WSWS reporters explained, trade union militancy is not enough to fight the joint attacks of the employers and the government. Workers are confronting global corporations and an entire political establishment, from the government at the centre and state levels to the police and the courts, that defend the wealth and power of the capitalist class and the extraction of profit from the working class through brutal exploitation.

To break the economic and political domination of the corporate and financial elite, the working class had to be organized politically, based on the program of internationalism and socialism. The international defence campaign to free the Maruti Suzuki workers, our reporters said, was aimed at forging the international unity of the working class.

Kumar responded, What you are doing internationally is right. We appreciate it.
A Milwaukee County Sheriffs Office deputy fatally shot a young African American man and one other person after they allegedly fled a traffic stop in their vehicle last Sunday.

The driver, identified as 19-year-old Terry Williams, was shot in the head and died two days later at the hospital after being taken off life support. Twenty-three-year-old Paula McEwen, who was a passenger in the vehicle, was shot twice by the sheriffs deputy and is still hospitalized.

The shooting occurred during a vehicular pursuit around 7:40 p.m. near Milwaukees popular lakefront which began when Williams failed to obey a traffic sign. A sheriffs deputy driving a sheriffs vehicle began pursuit of Williams car when he failed to pull over after the traffic infraction.

Video posted to Facebook taken by bystanders depicts Williams vehicle being pursued by Milwaukee County Sheriffs Office deputies and then driving onto the median in an attempt to drive around another vehicle.

As Williams attempted to drive the car on the median, Sheriffs Deputy Michael Truax, who was on foot patrol in the area, fired multiple times into the drivers side of the vehicle from the median, shooting Williams in the head and McEwen twice in the shoulder.

Truax, a Milwaukee County sheriffs deputy since August 2016, has been placed on administrative leave as the neighboring Waukesha County Sheriffs Department has been assigned to investigate the shooting.

The eyewitness videos of the shooting do not provide any immediate evidence that the sheriffs deputies and bystanders were in immediate or serious risk of harm as Williams attempted to evade police pursuit. Bystanders on foot and in cars can be heard screaming in terror however as Truax unloads multiple bullets into the vehicle.

Police investigators sought to justify the shooting on Monday, declaring that they had recovered a 9mm handgun from Williams vehicle following the shooting, though there was no evidence that the gun had been used in the course of the brief pursuit.

Subsequently on Wednesday police released another statement claiming that Williams had been under investigation for threatening another person with a rifle and shooting at their vehicle earlier that weekend, though this is a detail that Truax and the other deputies involved could not have known.

At a news conference held on Monday, Milwaukee Countys far-right Sheriff David Clarke, Jr. had already confirmed that prior to being shot by Truax, Williams was being pursued solely for failing to obey a traffic sign.

The Milwaukee County Sheriffs Office has so far declined media requests to provide documentation of its policies on use of force during vehicular pursuits.

The brutal killing of Williams at the hands of Milwaukee County sheriffs deputies is one of numerous acts of police terror and repression that have occurred under the direction of Sheriff Clarke.

An African American Democrat and one of the earliest and most ardent supporters of Donald Trumps presidential campaign, Clarke has established himself in his 15 years as sheriff of Milwaukee County as a fascistic figure who, more brazenly and crudely than most of his bourgeois contemporaries, advocates for the most authoritarian police-state measures.

Clarke has tweeted his support for a martial law response to popular anger over police shootings and called for the deployment of the National Guard to crack down on anti-Trump protests calling for a state of emergency and the use of all non-lethal force to quell nationwide protests.

Milwaukee County Jail, which is overseen by Clarke, saw the deaths of four people over a six-month period in 2016, including a mentally ill man who was denied access to water for seven days and a baby which was born to a mentally ill woman in her jail cell after she was laughed at by corrections officers after going into labor and pleading for help.

Earlier in January, it came to light that Clarke had intimidated the Milwaukee County chief medical examiner with blustering threats after the examiner made public information on two of the four inmates who had died.

Also in January Clarke enrolled Milwaukee County law enforcement in Section 287(g), a program that deputizes local police officers to carry out raids on immigrants on behalf of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as an extension of the Trump administrations executive order to deport millions of immigrants and refugees. Clarke has also advocated for mayors of so-called sanctuary cities to be arrested for contempt of the Trump administrations executive orders attacking immigrants and refugees.

Clarke has since accepted a high ranking position for the Trump administration in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), set to become assistant secretary in the DHS Office of Partnerships and Programs, an agency which coordinates the departments partnerships and coordination with local law enforcement and establishes contacts and working relationships among private businesses and academia for advancing the far right law-and-order agenda of the Trump administration.

The fatal shooting of Williams only adds to heightened social tensions in Milwaukee, coming less than one year after the August 2016 police killing of 23-year-old African American Sylville Smith in Sherman Park, one of Milwaukees most impoverished neighborhoods.

Popular outrage over Smiths killing sparked protests lasting three days which were met with dozens of arrests, the imposition of a strict curfew, and the activation the National Guard by Republican Governor Scott Walker for possible deployment to suppress the protests against police violence.

The criminal trial for Dominique Heaggan-Brown, the Milwaukee police officer who fatally shot Smith, who is also African American, began on Monday. On Thursday jurors in the trial viewed footage of the killing from Heaggan-Brown and another officers bodycam, the first time the footage has been made available to the public.

The slowed down footage shows Smith, after slipping and falling while being held at gunpoint by Heaggan-Brown, grasping a nearby fence with his left hand and his right hand holding his gun by the barrel as he appears to be about to throw it over the fence while facing away from the officers, moments before being fatally shot.
More than 200 members of persecuted Iraqi religious and ethnic national minority groups were swept up by Trump administration deportation squads last weekend, as United States authorities conducted raids throughout the country.

The plan to deport hundreds of Kurds and Chaldeans to Iraq, a country which is an active war zone, expresses the brutality, hypocrisy and criminality of the Trump administration. The administration has seized hundreds of persecuted Iraqis on the pretext of minor scrapes with the law, in some instances dating back decades. According to the Guardian, over half of the total number of Iraqis arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) were Chaldean Christians from the metro Detroit area.

Elsewhere in the country, ICE sweeps in Nashville, Tennessee took as many as 40 ethnic Kurds to detention centers in preparation for deportation back to Iraq, their country of origin.

This is a deliberate attack on the Chaldean Catholic Assyrian community of Detroit by the administration, Detroit lawyer Wisam Naoum said of the raids in an angry post on social media. They waited until Sunday when our community would be going to church and gathering with their families and have rounded up to 4060 community members,

Drost Kokoye, the Kurdish founder of the American Muslim Advisory Council, stated that a hotline set up by the agency to field calls from terrified Muslim families in Nashville had been buzzing every morning from 69 a.m., the times when ICE agents are most active. Nashville hosts the largest Kurdish population in the United States.

In an official statement, ICE officials declared the agency recently arrested a number of Iraqi nationals, all of whom had criminal convictions for crimes including homicide, rape, aggravated assault, kidnapping, burglary, drug trafficking, robbery, sex assault, weapons violations and other offenses. It further claimed, Each of these individuals received full and fair immigration proceedings, after which a federal immigration judge found them ineligible for any form of relief under U.S. law and ordered them removed.

The raids conducted against these persecuted religious and ethnic minorities are of a piece with the Trump administrations larger crackdown on immigrants and undocumented workers in the United States. Presenting such attacks on minorities and democratic rights as a plan to protect and place America first, the Trump administration has seized more than 40,000 immigrants during his first months in office.

Previously, the government of Iraq did not accept deportations from the United States due to Trumps enacting a travel ban on seven majority-Muslim countries, including Iraq, earlier this year. That order was struck down as unconstitutional in a federal court after thousands of legal immigrants were detained at airports and mass protests threatened to destabilize the Trump presidency. In March, Trump re-imposed the ban, but removed Iraq from the list of countries subject to the order.

That decree was struck down on in a US appeals court on Monday, and Trump has announced that it will be appealed in the Supreme Court for final judgment. While the travel ban awaits a final decision, the deportations will no doubt continue.

Demonstrating the Trump administrations endless hypocrisy, no more than five months ago Trump, defending his executive decree banning travel from Muslim nations, tweeted Christians in the Middle-East have been executed in large numbers. We cannot allow this horror to continue!

Those representing the Iraqis seized by ICE have warned that they face a death sentence if they are returned to the country. The Islamic State insurgency that has ravaged parts of Iraq has declared Christian groups to be their favorite prey.

You committed a crime 30 years ago, when you were 19, 20now you have to pay again for that mistake, Shoki Steve Konja told the Guardian, after his brother, Najah, was arrested due to having a drug-related crime on his record from nearly 30 years ago. The government of Iraq cannot protect and defend its own citizenslet alone a bunch of Christians coming from the US. Konja stated.

Detroit holds the largest concentration of Chaldean Christians outside of Iraq. The persecuted religious minority once numbered as many as 1.5 million in its native country before the 1991 US-instigated Gulf War, when many were forced to emigrate. After the constant imperialist bombardment of the country and 2003 US invasion and occupation, with their stoking up of ethnic and sectarian conflicts, the current number of Christians living in Iraq is less than 200,000. Christians and other ethnic and religious minorities have been targeted by the Islamic State and other sectarian militias operating in the region.

Trumps immigration policies, while more aggressive and unrestrained than those of the Obama administration, build upon the methods of his predecessor. Obama, the deporter-in-chief, deported 2.7 million undocumented immigrants during his time in office, accelerating the assault on immigrants which has now been qualitatively increased by Trump.

In 2011, Obama drastically reduced the number of Iraqi refugees allowed to enter the United States, supposedly in the name of keeping terrorists out of the country. In 2014, after nearly half of Iraq was overrun by the Islamic State, the US removed officials in charge of resettling Iraqis in the US, leaving many of them in limbo as their communities were overrun by ISIS militants.
On Tuesday, the Sri Lankan cabinet issued a statement denouncing anti-Muslim assaults and calling on police to take the strictest action against the perpetrators.

For the past two months Muslim-owned shops, houses and places of worship have been targeted across Sri Lanka, including in Colombo, Galle, Badulla, Ratnapura, Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapura and Trincomalee.

The Bodu Bala Sena (Buddhist Power Force or BBS) has been accused of perpetrating the violence, but was not named in the statement. The BBS, which emerged about six years ago with the blessing of former President Mahinda Rajapakse, has also been courted by the administration of President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.

The hypocritical cabinet statement was issued only after widespread criticism of the governments tolerance of the BBS. Muslim ministers and MPs, as well as foreign diplomats, have spoken out about the communal violence.

The statement condemned in the strongest terms, these acts of violence and hatred and reaffirmed its commitment to reconciliation, peace building, peaceful co-existence, and the rule of law. It directed law enforcement authorities to immediately take all necessary steps, in accordance with the law of the land, against instigators and perpetrators of violence and hate speech targeting any religious and ethnic groups in the country.

Wickremesinghe later said the government would enact new laws if necessary to curb violence.

The cabinet statement is an attempt to avert a deepening crisis within the unstable government. It will also see the introduction of even more repressive laws to be used against workers, youth and the poor.

Contrary to the cabinet statement, the BBS has free rein across Sri Lanka. The police have done nothing to prevent most of the attacks but simply watched as the communalists carried out their assaults. This stands in stark contrast to the ruthless and violent response when workers, farmers and students protest against government policies.

BBS leader and monk Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara is currently wanted on contempt of court charges for his behaviour during a hearing against arrested army intelligence personnel over the disappearance of a journalist. Rather than face the court, Gnanasara disappeared. There are rumours he is being sheltered by senior government ministers.

Last week, five people were arrested over the communal attacks. Police allege that one had been a member of the BBS since 2014 and was involved in four arson attacks on Muslim businesses. One was a Tamil national who allegedly attacked a mosque. Another was a Muslim who made a Facebook post against Buddhism.

The BBS claims it has no links with the recent attacks and that those arrested are not members. BBS chief executive officer Dilantha Withanage provocatively declared: We have the ability to unleash terrorism, extremism and violence, but are not behind the [anti-Muslim] attacks.

While former President Rajapakse, who faced deepening opposition among workers and the poor, backed the emergence of the BBS, the groups targeting of Muslims and Christians contributed to the discontent with his administration.

In June 2014, the BBS and several other extreme-right Sinhala groups held a well-planned meeting in Aluthgama, about 50 kilometres from Colombo. Led by Gnanasara, its purpose was to whip up anti-Muslim sentiment. Straight after the meeting, Sinhala Buddhist mobs attacked shops and houses and assaulted people. Three Muslims were killed.

In the lead-up to the January 2015 presidential election, Sirisena was promoted as a common candidate against Rajapakse by a disparate political coalition, which included Wickremesinghes United National Party (UNP), the chauvinist Jathika Hela Urumaya, pseudo-left groups and various academics. This formation claimed that a Sirisena government would establish reconciliation, good governance and improved living conditions. Within months of taking office, the pro-US Sirisena-Wickremesinghe government began imposing social austerity measures.

As opposition to these retrogressive measures has increased among working people, Rajapakse and a group of supporting MPs are attempting to make a political comeback. The BBS and similar organisations, including Sihala Ravaya (Echo of Sinhalese) and Ravana Balakaya, which supported Rajapakse, have reacted by whipping up anti-Muslim tensions.

Sirisena and Wickremesinghe have tried to appease the fascistic BBS and other Sinhala chauvinists, hoping to undercut the communalists relations with Rajapakse, while using their divisive campaigns to distract growing opposition among working people.

In January last year, for example, Sirisena met with BBS secretary Gnanasara and other members of the organisation. Gnanasara said they briefed the president about threats to Sri Lankan Buddhists from global Islamic extremists. He said Sirisena would heed his complaints about Muslim ministers and Tamil separatists who opposed the settlement of Sinhalese in Tamil majority areas. Gnanasara said Sirisena promised to inform the army chief to take speedy action in this regard.

Sirisena and Wickremesinghe are no opponents of chauvinism. They backed the war against the separatist Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam and boast that, with the help of the US, the European powers and India, they stopped an international war crimes probe and saved the military war heroes who won the communal war.

The government is mired in deep political and economic crisis. Battered by the global downturn, declining exports, debt repayment problems and falling economic growth, it is implementing International Monetary Fund austerity measures. These social attacks have fuelled struggles by workers, rural poor and students.

The administration, which increasingly relies on the military, is preparing for dictatorial forms of rule. After meeting with several MPs last week about the BBS attacks, Sirisena declared that if the police could not control the situation he would mobilise the military to curb the violence. The government is also preparing to pass new anti-democratic counter-terrorism laws.

In their efforts to bring down the Sirisena-Wickremesinghe administration, Rajapakse and his faction are continuing to whip up anti-Tamil chauvinism. They accused the government of betraying the military victory and the country to the separatist LTTE. Like the government, Rajapakses real concern is the developing unrest among workers and poor.

These developments are a warning to workers, youth and the poor. Pseudo-left forces, such as the Nava Sama Samaja Party, United Socialist Party and Front Line Socialist Party, and the trade unions, which directly or indirectly helped install Sirisena and Wickremesinghe, are politically responsible for the situation now facing working people.

The working class can combat the dangers that lie ahead only by breaking from every faction of the bourgeoisie, establishing its political independence and leading the rural poor and youth in the struggle for a socialist and internationalist program.
ATLANTA (AP) - The Latest on the manhunt for two Georgia inmates accused in the slaying of two prison guards (all times local):

10 p.m.

Georgia's governor expressed thanks and praise for law enforcement after the capture of two escaped inmates sought in the killings of two prison guards.

Authorities said Donnie Rowe and Ricky Dubose were captured Thursday in Tennessee after leading police on a chase by car and by foot.

Deal said the public is safe from these two men because of the tireless efforts of law enforcement. But he also turned his thoughts to the families of Sgt. Christopher Monica and Sgt. Curtis Billue, who were gunned down Tuesday morning.

The governor said, "We will do everything in our power to support their loved ones, and we will not forget their sacrifice and service."

Authorities have said Rowe and Dubose overpowered and disarmed the two guards as they were transporting 33 inmates between prisons.

9:45 p.m.

Georgia's top corrections official said he's relieved the escaped inmates sought in the killings of two prison guards have been caught.

Authorities said Donnie Rowe and Ricky Dubose were captured Thursday in Tennessee after leading police on a chase by car and by foot.

Georgia Department of Corrections Commissioner Greg Dozier said in a news release that the pair "will be brought to justice swiftly for their heinous crime against our Officers."

Dozier also expressed gratitude to all of the law enforcement officers who provided support and assistance in the search for the two men, who had been on the run since early Tuesday.

Authorities have said Rowe and Dubose overpowered and disarmed Sgt. Christopher Monica and Sgt. Curtis Billue as the officers were transporting 33 inmates between prisons.

CHRISTIANA, Tenn. (AP) - The Latest on the manhunt for two Georgia inmates accused in the slaying of two prison guards (all times local):

9:10 p.m.

Authorities say the two escaped inmates wanted in the slayings of two Georgia prison guards were captured after a car crash and foot chase in Tennessee.

Georgia Bureau of Investigation spokeswoman Nelly Miles says police in Shelbyville, Tennessee, got a call about a home invasion Thursday. She says Donnie Russell Rowe and Ricky Dubose held an elderly couple captive and then fled in the couple's vehicle.

Police responded and started chasing the pair. Miles says the inmates got in a wreck, left the vehicle and then led police on a foot chase.

She says both men were taken into custody in Christiana, Tennessee.

CHRISTIANA, Tenn. (AP) - The Latest on the manhunt for two Georgia inmates accused in the slaying of two prison guards (all times local):

8:30 p.m.

Authorities say they have captured two escaped inmates wanted in the slayings of two Georgia prison guards.

GBI spokeswoman Nelly Miles says 43-year-old Donnie Russell Rowe and 24-year-old Ricky Dubose were apprehended Thursday in Christiana, Tennessee.

The inmates were being hunted in the killings Tuesday morning of two prison guards who were overpowered, disarmed and shot to death on a prison bus southeast of Atlanta.

Baldwin State Prison transfer sergeants Christopher Monica and Curtis Billue were slain. Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills called the fugitive inmates "dangerous beyond description."

Authorities had offered a $130,000 reward for information leading to their arrests.

SHELBYVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Two escaped inmates captured in Tennessee after manhunt in slayings of two Georgia prison guards.

This is a developing story. Stay with WTXL as more information becomes available.
MIDWAY, Fla. (WTXL) - The Midway Police Department is back to having a chief in charge.

Thomas Murray was reinstated last week after getting fired just a few months ago. Earlier today, he stopped by our station to share his plans for the department now that he's back.

Murray told WTXL that he's not the type of guy to sit around and do nothing. In fact, he came out of retirement to lead the Midway Police.

"To the citizens of Midway, don't hesitate in calling the chief's office," said Murray. "I'm 24-7. You can reach me at any time, and I'm willing to come out and to serve."

The city council voted to terminate his contract in March. But after he threatened to sue the city for what he says was a Sunshine Law violation, he returned to work last week.

"I'm going to be visiting the churches," said Murray. "I will be out in the community, and I will also be visiting the businesses, letting them know that I am back, and -- if you have any concerns -- to please give me a call."

Murray said the Gadsden County Sheriff has offered to provide reinforcements if needed. He said he'd like to add a few more officers to the force.

As we've reported before, Auburn Ford was let go as city manager last month.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - A long standing dorm at Florida State University was demolished Friday.

According to university officials, they have big plans for the plot of land where "Smith Hall" used to stand.

They say that long range plans for the space is to create temporary parking and ultimately a few new sites for future science buildings, a realignment of chieftain way and utility improvements.

According to officials, the hall's features and design were outdated and no longer appealing to contemporary college students. WTXL was on campus today and spoke with a few students to get their perspective on the demolition:

"I'm glad they're going to. It was a pretty old building and its going to be cool to have new dorms or new classrooms what ever they decide to build there so I'm excited," said one student.

Florida State has been replacing its old dorm buildings to accommodate the needs of students, last year the school tore down Kellum Hall.
HARRIS COUNTY, TX (CNN/KTRK) - Designed in kid-friendly shapes, even featuring popular Star Wars characters, the items seized from a home look like tasty treats. But investigators say they are made of meth. The so-called candy is dangerous and highly addictive.

It affects the entire community when somebodys harming children like this, said Lt. Ruben Diaz.of the Harris County Sheriff's Office.

Harris County detectives arrested Evonne Mick and David Salinas Monday after they allegedly tried to take the drugs from the home.

They put so many narcotics inside the vehicle they were trying to flee in, they couldnt even close the back hatch to their vehicle, Diaz said of Mick and Salinas..

Detectives seized about $1 million in meth. They said each lollipop can go from $20 to $40.

Investigators believe the meth was being manufactured in the home, but theres no telling how far it was supposed to be distributed.

If they were not sold directly to a child, what if these lollipops were dropped anywhere in the neighborhood? A child picking them up is going to see them and think its regular candy, Diaz said.

Copyright 2017 KTRK via CNN. All rights reserved.
ATLANTA, Ga. (WTXL) - Georgia authorities are investigating after several residents, Georgia congressional candidate Karen Handel, and two news stations were sent threatening letters with suspicious white powder inside.

The FBI Atlanta Field Office says that on Thursday, a series of letters were sent to U.S. Congressional 6th District Candidate Karen Handel's home and some Roswell, Ga. residents.

They said that a WAGA Fox 5 Dekalb County news station also received a similar letter with the same suspicious white powder. Later that evening, WXIA 11Alive also received a similar letter.

Authorities say that all the letters were threatening in nature. They are now reviewing over a dozen letters.

Initial field testing for all of the letters have come up negative for any known hazards. However, they say that they will continue to run tests out of caution.

Anyone with information should contact FBI Atlanta at tel. (404) 679-9000.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - A man wanted in Leon County has been arrested after leading police on a chase that resulted in the hospitalization of two pedestrians and another driver.

The Tallahassee Police Department says that Kenneth D. Chambers was arrested and charged for the crash that injured four as well as for the possession of drugs.

They said that on Wednesday night, an officer tried to make a traffic stop on Chamber's car but he sped off, hitting another car and causing it to hit three pedestrians waiting at the red light at the intersection of Virginia and Bronough streets.

Officers say that Chambers then got out the now disabled car and tried to run away, but thanks to a Good Samaritan who "took pursuit", TPD was able to arrest him.

When searched, police found a bag with a white powdery substance in it that came back negative for cocaine. They also found another bag on him with a hard, opaque substance that had brownish-yellow tint to it.

TPD also discovered that Chambers had 5 warrants out for his arrest in Leon County.

Two of the pedestrians that were hit were taken to a local hospital, one of which was in serious condition, while the third walked away without speaking to officers.

Chambers is facing the following charges:

o Possession of Cocaine

o Possession of a Controlled Substance without a Prescription

o Resist an Officer Without Violence

o False Information Given to LEO

o Driving While License Suspended or Revoked-3rd or subsequent offense

o 3 counts - Hit and Run-Fail to Stop at Crash with Injuries

o Hit and Run-Fail to Stop at Crash with Serious Bodily Injury

o Fleeing and Eluding a Police Officer
TALLAHASSEE, FL (WTXL) -- There are still only two areas of interest in the Atlantic waters for tropical weather.

The first of which is in the western Caribbean Sea, southeast of the Yucatan Peninsula. As of now, this is just an area of disturbed weather, but conditions are favorable for gradual development. This area of interest will continue to move northwestward over the Yucatan Peninsula into the first part of the next week. The National Hurricane center has given this area a 60% chance of formation in the next 5 days.

The second area of interest is several hundred miles southwest of Cape Verde with a movement of 15 to 20 mph to the west. This area has a 60% chance of formation in the next 5 days.

Both areas will be continued to be watched and updates given.
When Yakima Police Chief Dominc Rizzi Jr. was hired in 2012, he was expected to cultivate a department that could promote officers from within.
A caricature of a giant foot belonging to an IDF soldier, boorishly stomping on the body of a Palestinian, has been making the rounds on social media over the past month, gaining popularity and traction. This is just one example of the raging incitement against Israel courtesy of the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions Movement (BDS).

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In March 2016, Yedioth Ahronoth and Ynet held a conference on combating BDS at the International Convention Center in Jerusalem. The conference sparked a public debate about the false accusations made against Israel in the international media.

US Ambassador to the US Nikki Haley speaks against BDS

X

It appears, however, that in the year that has passed, the boycott movement's main base of operations in their campaign to delegitimize Israel has moved to social media, and new tools are required.





Fighting BDS: A pro-Israel rally in Stockholm.

Caricatures inciting against Israel on Facebook

After the premiere of Wonder Woman, starring Israeli actress Gal Gadot , social media was flooded with calls to boycott the movie, because Gadot is "a former soldier of Zionist terrorism."

A BDS protest against Israel

To combat this, the Strategic Affairs Ministry, Yedioth Ahronoth and Ynet are joining forces to raise awareness of the global fight against the BDS movement and the ways in which everyone could take part.

A bus ad in California calling to boycott Israel.

In the coming weeks, we will publish a series of articles featuring different organizations in Israel and abroad who are fighting back against the boycott movement, among them students and high-school kids who spend their free time working to improve Israel's image on social media and organizations that fight against the wild incitement against Israel in academic institutions around the world.

Do you want to be a part of the fight for Israel's image? Go to

4IL

, where you will find videos, caricatures and articles exposing the lies of BDS. You can also download the

Act.il app

(

Apple Store

/

Google Play

), where you will find daily tasks to help Israel on social media.
My son was killed, its not that someone spilled a glass of water! Ilan Sagi shouted at the Channel 2 News studio. It happened several minutes after the state comptrollers report on Operation Protective Edge, in which Ilan lost his son Erez, was released. His monologue, which accused the government of playing with our soldiers blood, rendered the chatter around the report meaningless. Get up! Scream! he urged the viewers.

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But it was already clear that day that his outcry would fade away along with State Comptroller Yosef Shapiras conclusions. Israel didnt have to wait for February 2017 to make the summer of 2014 disappear. It happened much earlier, as the last election campaign proved. The parties engaged in countless issues during the campaign. The warwhich left 73 people dead on the Israeli side and 2,125 people dead on the Palestinian side (including 761 civilians and 428 uncategorized males), according to a Foreign Ministry reportwasnt the main issue.

Its hard to say that the public is going berserk over the possibility of another round of war in the near future. The increasing reports about the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza and about the cabinets decision to cut the electricity supply to the strip even more are being received with a collective shrug. Knesset Member Bezalel Smotrich tweeted that the solution to the situation was occupying the strip and restoring Israeli controlout of concern for the residents, of course. The earth didnt move.

IDF forces during Operation Protective Edge. Just another unharmful event that may or may not happen (Photo: Ido Erez)

A perfect stranger might think that, as far as were concerned, the question of will there be a war? falls into the same category as where will we vacation this year? or is Britney Spears worth the money? Sort of salon talks about unharmful events that may or may not happen, and well manage either way. The actual existence of more potential death and destruction isnt sending paralyzing chills of fear through our bodies. The clocks arent being stopped and the phones arent being disconnected.

Perhaps there really is no reason to panic. The prime minister says we have no interest in an escalation, and commentators believe that even Hamas is not necessarily interested in a conflict. But this tune sounds so familiar. Like a pop star who wont stop basing his hits on the same accords. After all, even in 2014, neither side was trigger-happy, allegedly, yet the battle arrived and we emerged from it almost two months later. Even this not-so-distant history is failing to put a spoke in our celebrations of the beautiful sun, the tourists flooding Tel Aviv and the busy concert schedule.

There is nothing new in the statement that repression is the most effective Israeli system. I wish public transportation were as efficient as our ability to minimize the anxiety that dominated us in July and August of 2014. The outburst of nationalism and the attacks on critical voices have also been forgotten in favor of holding onto emotionally moving displays of unity.

According to the state comptrollers report, the cabinet failed to look into diplomatic alternatives to war. The civilian indifference today, after all the warnings, proves that the shareholdersweare under the impression that there is no such an option. It may be the governments most tremendous success: Causing the mainstream to perceive the war as a predestination, after which only the dead and their families pay the bill.

As soon as this theoretical discussion turns into reality, we will gather once again under the wings of pretend solidarity. The anger will be let out, followed by the tears. And there will be, of course, a state comptrollers report, and then a shocking television appearance by a bereaved parent. As if someone barely spilled a glass of water here.
Turkey's foreign ministry has "invited" the US ambassador in Ankara to condemn arrest warrants issued for a dozen Turkish security agents accused of attacking protesters during President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's visit to Washington last month.

A ministry statement calls the decision "wrong, biased and lacking legal basis." The Turkish undersecretary has told US ambassador John Bass that police in Washington did not take security precautions against the protesters, who Turkey says were associated with outlawed Kurdish militants.

The ministry says, "Our citizens cannot be held responsible," and argues the conflict would not have occurred if customary precautions for high-level meetings had been taken.

The ministry statement adds, "It has been emphasized to the US ambassador that this decision, which is clearly the result of an investigation that was not objective and independent, is unacceptable."
The Palestinian Authority (PA) is requesting from the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, whose annual meeting will take place on July 1 in Krakow, Poland, to register the Old City of Hebronincluding its Cave of the Patriarchsas a Palestinian World Heritage Site.

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There are 1,052 UNESCO-listed World Heritage Sites in the world, nine of them Israeli, two of them Palestinian. The registration process and declaration of each site usually takes a number of years, but the PA want to take advantage of a clause in the regulations that allows to fast-track this procedure by claiming the sites are endangered.

Cave of the Patriarchs (Photo: Gil Yohanan)

The PA claims that the site is in danger of destruction by the "occupying force." Among other things, they claim that Israel carried out an exceptionally large concrete casting at the site, while Israel claims that it is only a small addition to the site, and that it was coordinated with the Jerusalem Islamic Waqf.

The Heritage Committee has 21 member countries, and its composition is very problematic for Israel: Finland, Poland, Portugal, Croatia, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Indonesia, Philippines, Korea, Vietnam, Kazakhstan, Tunisia, Kuwait, Lebanon, Burkina Faso, Zimbabwe, Angola and Tanzanianone of which is among the ten countries that voted for Israel on the UNESCO Executive Committee concerning Israeli conduct in Jerusalem and Gaza.

Each request is accompanied by the opinion of a professional assessment body that makes a recommendation. In the two previous sites inscribed by the PA in 2012 and 2014the Church of the Nativity and the Battir terracesthe professional body's recommendation was negative, but the committee voted for its approval following pressure from the Arab-Muslim lobby.

The Israeli delegation to UNESCO, headed by Ambassador Carmel Shama-Hacohen, has already begun making efforts to stop the PA's plans about a month ago.

Carmel Shama-Hacohen

Israeli ambassadors in the member states joined, and given the sensitivity of the issue, it appears that the prime minister will be required to address the matter personally. In order to prevent the inscription, Israel must mobilize at least one-third of the voting countries in its favoran almost impossible task. If the decision is made, the Palestinians will be able to claim that the control over the site should be transferred to them, which will bring international pressure on Israel.

"This is a clear continuation of the attacks and hallucinatory outrageous votes in UNESCO regarding Jerusalem, the Temple Mount and the Western Wall," said Shama-Hacohen. "Israel respects Muslim sensibilities and ensures freedom of worship, order, security, routine maintenance, and the development of infrastructure supporting the holy sites.

"Not only is the very essence of their claim outrageous, but also the way in which the Palestinians accuse the Israel with blood libel that never occurred."

(Translated & edited by Lior Mor)
Russia's Defense Ministry said on Friday it was checking information that a Russian air strike near the Syrian city of Raqqa may have killed Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in late May.

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The air strike was launched after the Russian forces in Syria received intelligence that a meeting of Islamic State leaders was being planned, the ministry said in a statement posted on its Facebook page.

Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi

"On May 28, after drones were used to confirm the information on the place and time of the meeting of IS leaders, between 00:35 and 00:45, Russian air forces launched a strike on the command point where the leaders were located," the statement said.

"According to the information which is now being checked via various channels, also present at the meeting was Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, who was eliminated as a result of the strike," the ministry said.

The US-led coalition fighting Islamic State said it could not confirm the Russian report that Baghdadi may have been killed.

The strike is believed to have killed several other senior leaders of the group, as well as around 30 field commanders and up to 300 of their personal guards, the Russian defense ministry statement said.

The IS leaders had gathered at the command center, in a southern suburb of Raqqa, to discuss possible routes for the militants' retreat from the city, the statement said.

The United States was informed in advance about the place and time of the strike, the Russian military said.

Photo: Al-Furqan Media

Islamic State fighters are close to defeat in the twin capitals of the group's territory, Mosul in Iraq and Raqqa in Syria.

Russian forces support the Syrian government which is fighting against Islamic State mainly from the west, while a US-led coalition supports Iraqi government forces fighting against Islamic State from the east.

The last public video footage of Baghdadi shows him dressed in black clerical robes declaring his caliphate from the pulpit of Mosul's medieval Grand al-Nuri mosque back in 2014.

Born Ibrahim al-Samarrai, Baghdadi is a 46-year-old Iraqi who broke away from al Qaeda in 2013, two years after the capture and killing of the group's leader Osama bin Laden.

Rami Abdulrahman, director of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, cast doubt on the report Baghdadi may have been killed. He said that according to his information, Baghdadi was located in another part of Syria at the end of May.

The information is that as of the end of last month Baghdadi was in Deir al-Zor, in the area between Deir al-Zor and Iraq, in Syrian territory, he said by phone.

Questioning what Baghdadi would have been doing in that location, he said: Is it reasonable that Baghdadi would put himself between a rock and a hard place of the (US-led) coalition and Russia?
Turkey's justice minister has slammed the leader of the main opposition party for statements protesting the imprisonment of a lawmaker.

In a statement Friday, Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag said Kemal Kilicdaroglu, head of the secular Republican People's Party, was committing a crime by "targeting, defaming and threatening" members of the judiciary.

Kilicdaroglu has said Wednesday's 25-year sentence for parliamentarian Enis Berberoglu on espionage charges was "unjust" and alleged the judiciary was influenced by the government.

Kilicdaroglu and supporters launched a 265-mile "march for justice" Thursday from the capital to the prison where Berberoglu is being held.

Bozdag emphasized the independence of the Turkish judiciary and legal mechanisms available to appeal. He said, "Justice is sought, not on the Ankara-Istanbul highway.but in independent and impartial courts."
The US Senate's decision to impose new sanctions on Iran is an "unquestionable" violation of a nuclear deal reached in 2015 between Tehran and six major powers including the United States, Iranian media quoted a senior Iranian official as saying.

The Senate approved on Thursday the sanctions on Iran over its ballistic missile program and other activities not related to the international nuclear agreement.

"The US Senateas move is unquestionably in breach of both the spirit and the letter of the nuclear deal," Ali Akbar Velayati, a senior adviser to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was reported by media as saying on Friday.

"The Iranian committee tasked with monitoring the accord will certainly examine the congressional move and come up with a decent response."
PARIS -- The United States should coordinate with European countries and G7 partners before imposing new sanctions on Russia, France's foreign ministry said on Friday, a day after senators approved new measures on Moscow that could impact European Union firms.

U.S. lawmakers on Wednesday backed sanctions against Russia over the country's alleged meddling in the 2016 U.S. election, including some on certain Russian energy projects. The move was not coordinated with European Union allies.

"For several years, we have underlined to the United States the difficulties that extraterritorial legislation spark," a French foreign ministry spokesman told reporters in a daily online briefing.

"On subjects linked to security and European industrial policy, we would like the United States to respect the required coordination, notably within the G7 framework," he said.

He was referring to the group of seven major industrialised nations that also includes Britain, Canada, Germany, Italy and Japan.